Divided We Stand (The Fighting Tomcats Book 2)

by M. L. Maki

  Sam smiles, “Yes, Shawn and I were on the brain trust. This is Commander Shawn Hughes. Shawn, this is Captain Holtz.”

  Holtz nods, “A pleasure to meet you. The three of us will go over the briefing materials you have for Churchill later. I’ll go disappoint the brigadier. You two stay here while I sort it out. Spike, the brigadier has his panties in a twist over the girl thing. Let me deal with him, okay?”

  “Yes, sir,” and watches Holtz leave. She turns to Shawn, “How much longer do you have to be in here?”

  He asks MMC Chatman, a thin black man with intelligent eyes, “Have you performed the post transport checks of the device?”

  “In progress, sir. About 10 minutes.”

  He turns to Sam with a little smile, “10 minutes.”

  “I sure didn’t expect this situation.”

  “I know. This thing is a colossal burden. The President told Churchill that we do have a few nuclear devices and Churchill begged for one. I got sucked in because there are no nuclear weapon types as part of the brain trust crew. I understood how it has to stored and secured, so here I am.”

  “It’s good to see you.”

  “Yeah, it’s good to see you, too. I see you have the scarf on.”

  “Always. You probably didn’t get my last letter.”

  “If you sent it recently, no. You probably haven’t gotten any mail since Australia.”

  “Not one. It will be nice to catch up,” and grins.

  Smiling, “How are you doing, Samantha?”

  “Good. We’ve been fighting since we got here. Halsey’s been pissed at me since Wake. I got into a little trouble in Australia. The Governor was a misogynist ass, and I, well, I’m me. It didn’t go well.”

  He chuckles, “Samantha, don’t stop being you. You’re the you I… Don’t let anyone change you. Okay?”

  “Yeah, working on it.”

  “What happened up there? You were in a fight?”

  “Yes, they’re patching up my bird as we speak.”

  “How many kills?”

  “No, Shawn, I can’t.”

  “Okay, I think I get it.”

  MMC Chatman says, “We’re finished, sir. The device checks out and our inventory is complete.”

  Hughes looks it over and signs the paperwork. “I’ll be back at random times to inspect the storage and condition of the device. Do see it’s always in order.”

  “Yes, sir. Sir, we understand what is at stake.”

  Hughes nods, “Carry on.” He and Sam leave the bunker and they see Altman and Holtz talking. They slip away from them, walking toward her hardstand, “It’s good to see you, Shawn, but I have to go debrief.”

  “I understand, but you know, Samantha, you can talk to me. You can’t talk to your subordinates and Holtz. Well, Holtz isn’t the type to have a listening ear.”

  “Yeah. You know, my friends call me Sam,” smiles and looks up at the sky.

  “Sorry, Sam it is. I’m also sorry I kinda slipped back there when you came in.”

  “It’s fine, we’re friends. It wasn’t a slip. Is it lonely in Bremerton? Are you missing your family?”

  “Yeah, it can be, but I have so much to do, so many hats to wear, mostly, I’m just too tired to notice. I have spent some time with my grandpa and grandma out in Idaho. I even met my dad. He’s two years old.”

  Laughing, she touches his arm, “Oh my.”

  “My family has always been close, Sam. They just folded me in. Have you heard from your family yet? The Navy sent out letters.”

  “Yes, from my grandmother. She let me know there is plenty of work on the farm and no shortage of young men. God, it was so her…so southern woman. You know, they can be almost as bad as Jewish mothers are supposed to be. I wrote her. I will be interesting when I get a chance to visit, whenever that will be. God knows.”

  “Got that. Anyway, I’m doing fine. Our hovercraft venture is paying off, too. The prototype passed trials with the Navy and Marine Corps last week.”

  “You got that going that fast? Wow.”

  “Yep, there’s a war on. Anyway, the Navy ordered 5000 at $20,000 each. They cost about $16,000 to make. We’re already building the manufacturing and slipway infrastructure. We made the first one by hand at his yard. Now, it’s getting the people to make the things. Luckily, we’ve been able to hire enough people for the time being. We’re advertising for women to work in the yard. They’re showing up. It’s great.” He stops, takes her arm, and turns her toward him, “Sam, that’s twenty million dollars. Split three ways it’s, well, it’s a butt load.”

  “Who’s the third guy?”

  “His name is Joe Meacham. He owns a boat yard in Port Orchard. We’d partnered 50/50, but we didn’t have the capital to get the prototype built and then build the infrastructure until you came in.”

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  “You’re not tracking the money, are you?”

  “Not, really. That’s not a priority in my life, right now.”

  “Look, I’m hoping that by building these boats we’ll save some Marine and soldier’s lives.”

  “Right, good. My dad is a Marine right now. He fought at Guadalcanal. Maybe that won’t happen, but he’ll be fighting in the Pacific somewhere.”

  “I know, you said when we were in the brain trust. It seems like a million years ago. Are you okay, Sam?”

  She lowers her head, then looks up, “Shawn, I, I don’t know what okay is.”

  “You have to talk to someone. Talk to me. I’ll never betray your trust. I can feel you carrying this huge weight. Let me carry some of it for you.”

  “I don’t think it works that way, Shawn. You just can’t take someone else’s…someone else’s guilt.”

  “The killing. Is that it?”

  “Yeah, that’s it. I…Shawn, what kind of terrible person am I? It doesn’t hit me up there. It’s get it done or die. And, I have to take care of my guys. I know it has to be done. I know the stakes of this war. Especially this war. But, it’s still hard. I probably just took the lives of ten people, maybe more.”

  He takes her hands, and gazes into her eyes, “Sam, you’re not a terrible person. You’re an amazing person called on to do a terrible duty. You know, I could spout some rah-rah crap, but it would all be bullshit. I’ve never done what you do. I can’t say I really understand it, viscerally. But, I promise I will do my very best to understand and I will never judge you for what you share.”

  “Shawn, how can you not judge me? Everybody seems to be measuring me. Halsey is pissed of at me for something I said to the CAG. Something he was never supposed to hear. I’ve so screwed up as a leader, I didn’t even get a fucking Navy Achievement Medal. Nobody wants me in the sky, except for Lee. For him, I’m some kind of bragging rights.” She takes a deep breath and pulls her hands away, “Shawn, I’m a mess and you are better off not even knowing me.”

  He takes a deep breath, fighting the anger rising in him, “Sam, I do know you. I just said, I’m here for you. I don’t give a flying fuck what anyone else thinks. Admiral Halsey is an idiot if he is mad at you. I’d wager whatever you said, it was the truth.”

  Sam starts laughing, “Damn it, Shawn, you always go straight to the jugular. It was right after we lost Wake. I stomped into Holtz’s office mad, oh, I was mad. I asked what idiot focused on the Japanese carriers instead of the invasion beaches. All I could think of was those Marines down there so desperately needing our help. Instead of helping them, we blew up some carriers, that in the greater scheme of things, don’t really matter anymore. Especially, now that the Vinson is here. Admiral Halsey was standing behind me in the door.”

  “Damn, and double damn. He shouldn’t have done that,” gently touching her hand. “You were right. But, you know, people hate hearing they’ve done wrong, especially when, deep down, they know they screwed up. And when some subordinate points it out, well, oh boy, that’s a problem. Anyway, you are right. The loss of Wake was a disaster. You haven’t got any
medals? Anything?”

  “I got the unit medals, the Air Medal, and Gloria and I got the lifesaving medal for SAR swimming during the sinking of the Stoddert. I was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for over ten kills, like everyone else. Any other unit commander in my position would have received at least a Meritorious Service Medal for what I’ve done. And that is what is getting to me. It’s so hard. I know I’m not supposed to care, but I do. It’s like I don’t matter. Now, we’re being cast away from the carrier. Why us? The Tomcatters have as many functional birds and their commander is more experienced.”

  “I can actually answer that last one. Churchill specifically requested our most effective squadron. That’s yours. Your squadron shot down 178 Japanese aircraft. The next closest is the Tomcatters at 102. I talked to Admiral Lee about it on our way out here. He was in the phone conference with Churchill and Roosevelt. You are not being punished. And, Sam, I don’t think you’re just bragging rights with Lee. He’s really proud of you, yes. But, he thinks the world of you. The medal thing, that is something else. I’ll talk to Lee about it.”

  “No, Shawn, no. Please, don’t. If anyone knew I was whining about not getting medals, I would look…Shawn, it isn’t the point. I don’t care about the medals. It’s just what the lack of medals means. They do not trust me in command.”

  “I’m sorry. I said I would listen, and there I go trying to fix it. Sorry. Sam, Lee trusts you. Klindt trusts you.” Then pauses as an F-14 accelerates down the runway.

  Holtz walk out of one of the hard shelters, spots her and points to the end of the runway where a C-2 Greyhound is on final.

  “Shawn, I got to go. When do you leave?”

  “When I’m convinced that the item is secured and Churchill is briefed.”

  “Okay, maybe dinner. I’ll see you later,” touches his hand and walks toward Papa and a group of people waiting for the plane to stop. She realizes she feels better. Just talking with Shawn helped, a lot. She smiles as she joins Papa, Swede, the other officers of the squadron, and Fluffy.

  Papa turns to her, “Spike, Halsey is coming in for a debrief. Do we have a place?”

  She turns to Swede and he says, “Yes, sir, ma’am. One half of the command building is a ready room.”

  CHAPTER 23

  US NAVY READY ROOM, RAF, ALCONBURY

  1820, 13 MARCH, 1942

  The debrief takes place in a long narrow room, furnished as a classroom, at the north end of the command building, behind the hard shelters. Halsey, Holtz, Maugham and Swede are in the first row. Sam finishes up the debrief, “So, we broke the attack on the Vinson and she is back at sea. We’ve lost one, maybe two aircraft, depending on the damage to Hoolihan’s bird. We’ve also gained an F/A-18 and a bird from the Tomcatters. Lieutenant Cash, if we can patch you up in time, we’ll send you back to the Vinson.

  “The Knights shot down about forty aircraft in two engagements. Once gun camera footage is available, we’ll have better numbers. We know they have about one hundred and twenty, so we’re still facing at least eighty aircraft. We have a helo on site with a repair crew for Hoolihan’s bird. That’s about it. Captain, do you have anything to add?”

  Holtz walks to the front, “All of you did very well. Lieutenant Klint, Lieutenant Moscowitz, and Lieutenant Cash, we’ve shipped all your sea bags here. All of you are now assigned to the Black Knights. I just got word on your plane, Lieutenant Cash. Given the condition of your F-18, it isn’t going to catch the boat. Our ability to fix it is also limited. Lieutenant, can you transition to the ’14?”

  Cash smiles, “Yes, sir.”

  “Good, we’ll sort out the flight rotations later. Admiral Halsey, the floor is yours.”

  Halsey walks to the front and surveys the room. The aircrew in front of him look like hell. They’re tired and dirty, but as he meets their eyes, he sees a difference from when he first met them only a few months ago. “I know last December you left on a peace time cruise. You are now veterans of six air battles. In the beginning you wondered how well you would handle combat. Now, there is no doubt. Each of you is a hardened warrior.

  “Today, you faced the Germans twice. In the first engagement, you slapped them good and sent them packing. In the second, you wiped out a third of their force.” He pauses, “I know you lost friends today, and it is right to mourn them. But, today, the odds were 25 to one. I have never heard of a more lop-sided victory since the Battle of Salamis. And you were handicapped going into it, because you were blind.

  “You’re commanding officer, Commander Hunt, devised a brilliant plan to use every available asset. Her plan to hit them as they retreated, forcing them to expend more fuel, was outstanding. As the Gold Eagle leaves you, I know Britain is in good hands. I am proud of you all. Get some rest. Captain Holtz, Commander Hunt, could I have a word?”

  Sam stands, stunned at Halsey’s words, and as the aircrew file out, follows him and Holtz to a conference room. As they walk, YN1 Cooper, her yeoman intercepts them and hands Sam a paper bag and a thermos. He just says, “Eat, ma’am,” and walks away.

  In Holtz’s conference room Halsey says, “Your yeoman is right. You have to be starving. Eat.” She pulls out a sandwich and starts in as Halsey continues, “Commander Hunt, you did very well. Now, we are estimating that they have at least eighty aircraft left of the those that came back. They’ll want to conserve them until they can get their production of new planes up and running. They will not fall for the same trick twice. The goal, of course, is to protect Britain, but to do that you’ll need to preserve your force.

  “I am told that new replacement jets are still six to nine months away. You must survive. Even if you lose a battle or two, you must survive. Admiral Nimitz once famously said he was the only man who could lose the war in a day. Really, that applies to you two, as well. You must survive. I can’t give you more planes than you already have, and we split the parts down the line. Can you think of anything else you need?”

  Sam asks, “Sir, do we have operating funds?”

  Holtz answers, “They gave us one and half million dollars. We’re fine for now.”

  Halsey asks Holtz, “You understand your role?”

  “Yes, but why did they pick ‘Commander United States Naval Forces Britain’?”

  “I’m told an American submarine, the USS San Francisco, will be arriving in Scotland in the next month or so. You are in charge of that, as well.”

  “Oh, that explains the Mark-48 torpedoes we got. Thank you, sir.”

  “Thank you, Captain, Commander.” Looking them in the eyes, “Proceed. You know what to do.”

  Halsey rises, turns and leaves. Holtz turns his head and looks at Sam, eyebrows raised, then nods his head. “Right.” Then he goes, following Halsey.

  She sits, thinking, and absentmindedly finishes two roast beef sandwiches, an apple, an orange, and the thermos of coffee. Then she walks out of the building, heading for her hard shelter. She desperately needs a shower and some sleep.

  The sun is setting, turning the sky shades of red, orange, and gold. She watches the Greyhound carrying Halsey back to the carrier, escorted by the last two Tomcatters, take off. They fly into the setting sun, soon lost to sight in the glowing rays. The realization hits her, they are now alone.

  Lowering her eyes, she sees Shawn walking toward her. Their eyes meet and Sam smiles.

  THE END

  GLOSSARY

  16: VHF channel 16 is the international emergency channel.

  1MC: General announcing system. Ship wide loud speaker system.

  (Number)K: Fuel state. K for thousand pounds.

  AB1: Navy enlisted rate and rank. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate First Class (E-6).

  AD: Naval aviation rating. Aviation Machinist.

  ADC(AW): Naval enlisted rank and rate, with warfare badge. Aviation Machinist Chief, Air Warfare specialist (E-7).

  ADM: Admiral. Naval Officer rank (O-10). Also used colloquially for Rear Admirals, and Vice Admirals (O-8 through 9). O-7
did not exist in the Navy in 1942.

  AGL: Above Ground Level.

  Ahead (Bell): The standard bells, or speeds of a ship are ahead 1/3, ahead 2/3, ahead Standard, Ahead full, and Ahead Flank. The number is the amount of revolutions per minute of the shaft.

  Ahead Flank Emergency: Order to come to the fastest ahead speed as fast as possible. See Bell.

  Air Boss: The ship’s force air department head. The air boss commands all operations on the flight deck and hanger deck.

  Amphenol: Multi-prong electronic or electrical connection.

  AN: Naval Enlisted non-designated aviation rank. Airman (E-3).

  AOCS: Enlisted rate and rank. Aviation Ordinanceman Senior Chief (E-8).

  Arco: When an aircraft flies as a refueler they are given a special call sign. Usually the name of a gas station chain.

  ASROC: Anti-submarine rocket. A torpedo delivered by a rocket.

  ASW: Anti-submarine warfare.

  Auto-gyro: An emergency landing technique that uses the wind blowing through the helicopter rotors to keep them spinning, then uses the collective to slow the bird’s descent at the last moment.

  (AW): Naval specialist Badge. Air Warfare Specialist.

  Back (Bell): Astern bells are Back 1/3, Back 2/3, and Back Full.

  Back Full Emergency: The fastest astern bell to be answered as fast as possible.

  BDU: Battle Dress, Utility. The basic Army and Marine uniform.

  Bell: The speed a ship is traveling at: Ahead they are Ahead 1/3, Ahead 2/3, Ahead Standard, and Ahead Flank. Astern they are Back 1/3, Back 2/3, and Back full. In an emergency the order given is ahead flank emergency, or back full emergency which is a command to go as fast as possible.

  Bearing: Compass or relative bearing in degrees from 0 to 360.

  Bingo Fuel: Near the minimum to safely return to base.

  Binnacle List: List of people sick or injured. Every unit and division maintain the list and turns it in daily.