Tempered Steel

Chapter 16

It had been a month since the task force had arrived in Korea. The ground forces made their way up the peninsula and were in heavy action for the last few days. At sea, Admiral Thacke kept busy hitting any target that came within twenty miles of the coast. It meant the ship’s crews had to remain alert and at increased readiness for long periods of time. It had also meant the ships remained on station longer than Thacke had planned. Underway replenishments were starting to get old. As the ground forces moved toward the original DMZ, fewer and fewer targets came within gun range.

“I’m sending you and the North Carolina in to Sasebo for three days,” said Admiral Thacke. “I need you to get refueled and rearmed and back here as soon as you can. I’ll be changing ships while we’re there. Not that you’ll miss me,” he joked to Hammond.

Hammond chuckled. “I’m not complaining. My guys have been pushing it for months now, not like the others haven’t. But I do need some bullets,” he said.

Thacke shrugged. “Well, except for the North Carolina, you guys shot more than the rest. Your idea of keeping ships on station was right on. I’m making sure we have some ships on station all the time, but that means some of you guys need some down time. I’m looking at ships that can make a dash up or down the coast as needed. Since you guys can make thirty knots that makes it a little easier. The older ships are a little slower and that kind of limits their patrol area. So you guys are first, then the New Jersey and Wisconsin, then I’ll rifle through the rest,” Thacke said.

“Makes sense. I take it you saw the intelligence report this morning?”

Thacke broke into a big grin. “I thought I would have small kittens. It confirms what we’ve thought. They’ve moved almost everything inland twenty-five miles. That concentrates their efforts where we can’t get at them. But it also means the Army and Air Force types have them a little more boxed in. From here on, we might not have as many targets, but they’ll still get hit,” he said. “That Marine general, Richardson, has been sending people up the coast roads for the last week. That should give us a little break. So take Iowa to Sasebo for a couple of days to refuel and rearm. We got a job to do.”

“Aye, sir,” said Hammond as he turned and left Flag Plot, heading for the bridge. Climbing the starboard ladder he walked into the pilot house and headed to the navigator’s chart table. He noticed the ship’s position had been updated just a few minutes ago. He grabbed some dividers and pulled down the compass. The Chief came over. “Can I help you, Captain?”

Hammond grinned without taking his eyes off the chart. “How about a beer?” he asked.

“I wish, Captain.”

“Your wish is granted Chief. Firm up a plot to Sasebo. I want to be in mid-afternoon. I’m going to turn us around to 190 and increase speed to twenty-five. Work me out a smooth and give it to the OOD,” he said as he straightened up.

The chief nodded. “About damn time,” he said. “Been a long time since I’ve been to Sasebo. I wonder if she’s still there,” he said with a sly look.

Hammond wondered if he was really serious but turned and walked up to the front of the pilot house. “OOD, come about to 190 and increase speed to twenty five knots. That will take us away from land. When we get fifteen miles out, set Condition 3. The navigator will be giving you an updated course and speed shortly,” he said grabbing the 1MC mike. He pressed the button.

“This is the Captain. I want you guys to know you have done a fantastic job over the past few days. Aside from one other ship we have shot more sixteen-inch rounds than any other. But that means we are starting to run a little low and will have to replenish. Normally I would call in a replenishment ship, but instead I guess we’ll have to pull into Sasebo for a few days.”

A cheer rang out across the ship and Hammond could hear it in the distance. “I hope you don’t mind if we have liberty tonight. But it means we’ll have to bust our hump tomorrow. We will refuel and rearm. So don’t go out and get so wasted you drop one somewhere. I’ll let you know more as we get in,” he said. As he looked around the bridge, everyone had a smile on his face.

The XO walked onto the bridge. “That was good news,” he said.

“Not too shabby. Do we have any masts to do this afternoon before we get in?”

The XO shook his head. “Not really. I have a couple guys with some minor infractions. They’re getting some extra attention from their division chiefs. The only thing I’m worried about is what will happen when these guys get ashore. Some of these old guys can party hearty,” the XO grinned.

“Then maybe I should say something before we get going this evening. If I put a little concern out there we might be okay. What are your plans?”

The XO gave a sigh. “Besides a mountain of paperwork and getting ready for tomorrow I should be done by about 0300.”

Hammond laughed. He remembered when he had his XO tour. It was all the same. “Good. Let’s get out and go to dinner. Maybe invite Ops and Danner to join us. You can go to bed tomorrow,” Hammond said.

“What about we take the PAO and Westin too. He’s a pretty good guy.”

Hammond gave a sideways glance. “I know the PAO is. But Westin? Just because you liked his story.”

The XO laughed. “Yeah, I did. But he really is OK.”

Hammond shrugged. “Okay, you, me, Danner, the PAO and Westin. I even know the place to go.”

“I’d like that. I’ll meet with Suppo, Deck, and Weaps and get the plans for tomorrow. I’d like to fuel and onload food day after tomorrow and then spend tomorrow just with ammo. That will give them a little time to get the food and supplies lined up. If anyone has anything they need, they’ll have to get it to Emmett before we get in. We’ll have the arrival conference in the Wardroom right after we arrive. Do you have any requests for your mess?” the XO asked.

“Chicken and fish. But if you really want to make me happy, throw in some real meat. I’m too busy to watch cholesterol,” Hammond said.

“I’ll pass it along. I need to get with Cheng. The aft emergency generator is running hot and he would like to get someone onboard to take a look at it. Did he brief you yet?”

“This morning. Talk to the Navy rep during the arrival conference and make it a priority. I don’t like the idea of going dark at the wrong time. Have them also look at the number two fire and flushing pump. Kimberlain told me it’s not meeting specs. I know we probably can’t change it out, but have them look at it for the future. Then it looks like we need to get the RPV repaired. I know the guys like showing it off, but we need both at 100 percent,” Hammond said.

“On top of it,” the XO said. He glanced at his watch. “I’m meeting with Weaps in a minute to get things settled on his end. I’ll check back before we head in,” he said.

“Good enough. I’ll get the party ready for tonight,” Hammond said. “I’ll be down in my import cabin if you need me,” he said to the OOD as he left the bridge.

Claire Richardson was really pleased. Once word came in saying the North was pulling its units away from the coast, she sent two brigades of the First Marine straight up the coast roads. She was able to contact Vice Admiral Thacke. He had USS Alabama moving up the coast along with the lead elements. Already the combination pushed the North back to Sokcho, near the old border.

“They captured the port and have secured it for our forces. I told Colonel Thomas to secure the port and the surrounding hills. If we can keep it, that would be a good base for bringing in supplies,” said Colonel Davis, the operations officer for the division.

“Good. Get the word to our supply ships to start making their way up here. I want these guys resupplied and ready in 48 hours. So far we have progressed to Guangyang in the middle of the country and Sokcho on the east coast. Here’s what I want to do,” she said leaning over the map. “Get as many pieces of men and equipment as you can along the coast. Then in 48 hours I want them all to start swinging west in a line toward our objective — Seoul. The guys in Guangyang need to move north. I’ll get hold of the Army types to coordinate. They are the ones who want to take Seoul, but if I can get there first, the Marines will win the cup,” said Richardson.

“General, the Army units are still meeting some stiff opposition. It will mean we will trap a lot of the enemy in the pocket we form,” said another officer.

“You bet. I want to trap them. Cut off their supplies and let them wither. Have units secure the main escape routes and bottle them in. I don’t mind taking prisoners,” she said.

“General, do you think we are moving a little too fast?” asked another officer.

Richardson looked at the man. “John, right now I’m counting it as a blessing that these guys are off balance and performing poorly. I know we’ve only been at it for a few weeks, but I’m not going to give anything up just yet. What we take is ours and will not go back. Our supplies are getting through and we aren’t losing many men so far. We need to keep a good eye out and keep going. The other side has a million-man army out there somewhere. I won’t forget that. Now let’s get the facts and figures up and ready. I want the word to go out in the next six hours,” she said before leaving the tent.

Richardson walked out along the row of tents and ran into a young man rounding a corner. Lieutenant Dickson was knocked over and started brushing himself off. He was smudged and dirty from hard fighting and had a tired look reserved for someone who had been on the move for days.

“Damnit, can’t you ever…” he caught himself as he saw the stars on the uniform. He sprang up and helped the general to her feet. “I’m sorry about that, General. I didn’t see you coming,” he stammered out.

At first Richardson was pissed. But when she recognized the young lieutenant who spent the evening talking with her on the ship, her mood changed. “Lieutenant Dickson! It’s good to see you again.” She slapped him on the arm. “How’s it been going?”

Dickson smiled broadly. He was surprised a general would even remember his name. “Really good, ma’am. My unit just pulled in. I got them squared away and I was going to the mess tent. It’ll be the first hot meal I’ve had since we got here,” he said.

“Good. I need someone to talk to over lunch. Why don’t you join me?”

Dickson looked at his uniform. “Ma’am, I look a little beat up to be eating with a general,” he said modestly.

She laughed. “You probably smell better than half the guys around here. Come on, let’s eat,” she said taking him in tow.

The officer’s mess was only a few yards away and she led Dickson to her table and sat him down. Immediately a hot meal was placed before them on white linens and with real silver and plates. Dickson couldn’t believe what was happening. He had just come from combat and eating semi-warm MREs. Now this! He waited as the General started eating before diving in. Dickson’s appetite was ravenous and he found himself finished long before Richardson. When he realized what he had done he started looking embarrassed.

“Don’t worry,” she said between bites. “I know a hungry guy when I see one. Now tell me what you’ve run into.”

Dickson began relaying all the events up to the day. His patrols ran into some North Korean infantry just outside of Ulsan. They pushed them until helicopter units came in and finished the job. Dickson was surprised at how fanatical the enemy was. It seemed as if troops were being sacrificed to defend the ground they lost instead of using tactical maneuvering and select force where it would do the most good. After it was over, they found there had been nearly 500 troops thrown against their platoon. At first Dickson thought it might be just a one time thing, but he saw it again and again as his men moved inland. They encountered tanks on two occasions, but they were sacrificed much as their infantry. They were thrown against the American units almost haphazardly. Close coordination between American tanks, infantry, and tank-busting helicopters left a brigade of DPR tanks in smoldering pieces along the roadsides.

Dickson and his men had been fighting since they landed. They were the ones to liberate Sokcho airfield and hold it until more units arrived. He and his men had been ordered to Andong to debrief and rest for a day. Dickson hadn’t known this was where the headquarters had been temporarily set up.

All along Richardson asked a few questions but mainly listened. The information he was giving was helping her understand her enemy. By the time Dickson finished, he was near collapse. The food and the conversation helped him relax and slough off the tension of battle. His eyes were heavy and his head occasionally dipped, but he maintained his conversation.

They were interrupted by a major who walked up behind the general while looking at Dickson. “There you are, Dickson. We’ve got a debrief in ten. Let’s…” he stopped himself when he recognized the General. “Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know he was talking with you.”

“Ma’am, this is my CO, Major Garrison.”

Richardson shook the major’s hand. “Have a seat, Major. Have you had lunch?”

“Yes, ma’am. I have,” he said sitting down.

“Lieutenant Dickson has been briefing me in on all you guys have been through. Sounds like it’s been non-stop all the way.”

“Yes, General, it’s been a little more intense than I expected. Our group led the way up the coast. It’s been fast and we’ve lost a bunch of guys doing it. Thank God for that battleship out there. She kept the worst off our backs,” he said. Garrison had the same worn out look as Dickson.

“That was what Dickson here said,” she gestured to the Lieutenant. “Tell me, did they seem to be just throwing things at you without reason?”

“Yes, ma’am. They do it a lot. It’s almost as if they never had any real training in combat tactics. Their discipline is okay, but pretty harsh. I saw one of their officers shoot an enlisted man during one engagement,” the major said. He gave a slight grin, “I took the bastard out myself. I noticed once he was gone, several of the men surrendered.”

Richardson nodded. That was something important. “So maybe the enlisted are more afraid of their officers than of us?”

“Could be. Since they’re conscripted, I doubt any of them really want to be here.”

Richardson looked over at Dickson who was barely hanging on. “Dickson, why don’t you go ahead and grab some sack time. We’ll reschedule the debriefing for tomorrow morning. Now I want to talk to the Major a bit,” she said smiling.

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said sleepily. Dickson stood up from his seat and headed out of the tent. Richardson watched as he left. “How’s he doing?”

The Major grinned. “One of my best junior officers. He led his men up against a whole company in one engagement and came out on top. I guess that training at Quantico made a real Marine out of him. I usually don’t have to repeat myself or explain much to him. His troops are good and tight. Couldn’t ask for more, especially out here.”

“Good. I had a feeling that was so when we met on the ship.” She related how they met one evening on deck and talked a while. “A lot of JOs would have gone quiet and not said a thing to a general, but he held up his end. Sounds like he’s got a set of brass ones. How about keeping me informed how he does,” she said.

“General, you aren’t planning on taking him away to be some kind of staff puke are you?”

She gave the Major a sly look. “Hell no. He’s better off where he is. Only the kiss asses do real staff time. At least until they get a little more senior,” she kidded. Both had a small laugh. “Major, I had already heard about you and your guys. You’ve been the tip of the spear and fighting hard. Take some time to rest, we’ll do this debrief a little later on. I need the information, but not when you’re falling over.”

“Aye, aye, General.” Garrison said as they stood.

Both shook hands and left the tent. Richardson had learned more from the two than from her own intelligence staff. Now it was time to put what she had learned to good use.

Kim Sung Nua had been forced to take full control. The missiles, bombs, and fires took a toll on his capital and government. It had taken time to get people together and back in some order. Kim was down to third level officials. The Defense Ministry building was totally demolished, the sub-basement became blocked and, being below the water level of the river, flooded. The new military commanders were rounded up and brought in, but the information had been kept in the Defense Ministry. Communications lines and information had to be restored and re-gathered. The news was not good. He and his new cabinet were sitting in the locker room of the stadium.

“Comrade Chairman, it is obvious our predecessors underestimated the abilities of our enemies and their ability to respond to our forces. As a result our military has lost over half of its assets. With the exception of the underground bunkers, we have lost almost all our inventories. Our air force has lost 87 percent of its planes and helicopters. All of the airfields have been damaged severely. The Navy has a few missile patrol boats. Fortunately the enemy has not hit the underground pens for our submarines. We have been able to protect the remaining units there. We still have ten submarines available. The rest have never returned from their missions. The Army lost two-thirds of our tanks during the initial invasion and during current operations. From the information we have from our force commanders, there have been over 400,000 casualties among the services. Our antiaircraft missile systems have been nearly totally demolished. Our gun systems are reduced by 40 percent, but they are nearly useless against high flying jet aircraft. Artillery systems are faring better. We have lost only half of our artillery pieces; however, we have to transfer many of these pieces across the former dividing line to replace what we have lost in combat,” the new Defense Minister reported. The man was shaking as he spoke. He knew full well what had happened to people reporting bad news before.

Kim watched the man and held his emotions tightly. Kim was seething with rage that his military had failed him, but this was not the time for reprisals. The men in front of him had not had a hand in any of the things leading up to this. The new Defense Minister was his cousin, and more used to business than a military organization. He would not show his wrath here. “Please continue, Comrade,” he said calmly.

“One area that is still fully capable is our defense cruise missile systems. Although the radars have been destroyed, the missiles and their replacements have been relocated and are fully operational. One of the things I have directed is to set up listening posts near the coasts so that we can use our direction finders to locate enemy ships using radars and radios. We will be able to triangulate the positions of these vessels and when in range, launch our missiles for greatest effect,” he reported.

Kim nodded. “Very good, Comrade. Are there any other ways to strike at the enemy far at sea?”

“Yes, Comrade Chairman. Our tactical ballistic missiles are still intact. As you know, we reserved twelve of our nuclear missiles for possible use if things turned against us. I am happy to report the missiles are still operational and well protected. We do not have the capability to launch from shore, but the ship they are on is still safely in port. However, the technicians for the missiles were killed when their shelter was struck by bombs. We have more technicians and I have ordered them to the area so that we can have them ready. I am told there is one problem. These missiles are all programmed to go off at high altitude. Each warhead would have to be individually reworked for them to be used to strike a fleet or a shore target. I have ordered that the procedures be drawn up to do just that. I do not yet have a timeframe when they might be ready, but we are getting things in place to be able to respond to your orders,” he said.

“What about the army in the field?”

“Our current positions are all still in the former South Korea.” He used a pointer to outline the different positions. “Our units are fighting along a line from here, to here. With the loss of our tunnels, our supplies are being driven across the former dividing line at the old crossing points. I have ordered that crews begin removing the mines from the line so that we may have better access. Our largest problem is trucks to move the supplies. Because the enemy has air superiority, we cannot move things on the open road during daylight. Our supply trucks must move only at night. This severely curtails our abilities to resupply our troops. The transportation Minister can address this better than I can,” he said.

“The Defense Minister is correct. We have lost many of our trucks in the conflict and the rest can only travel at night for fear of being targeted. Our train systems were hit on the first day, then repeatedly each day since. The trains have been cut off from our neighbors to the north and disrupted all along all the main corridors. As we make repairs, they are hit again the next day. I have ordered camouflage nets above the main line from China to Pyongyang and between Pyongyang and Wonsan. I am hoping this will prevent the enemy from accurately locating the lines and knowing when repairs are made. This will take time. I have people working around the clock. As far as the trucks are concerned, until we can travel in daylight, we will be restricted in our supply efforts,” said the Transportation Minister.

“I want those trucks moving twenty-four hours a day. Can we place antiaircraft units on some of the trucks or some machine guns?” asked the Chairman.

“We could, Comrade Chairman,” replied the Transportation Minister. “However, against the fast moving aircraft they would have little chance of getting a hit. We are procuring some larger guns to do just that; however, they have not yet arrived from China. Our trucking capacity is greatly reduced already. Any more and I could not guarantee our resupply efforts. I have made arrangement for a transfer of some military trucks from our Communist neighbors to increase capacity so that when we do run, we can deliver more.

Kim felt the frustration of the men around him. They wanted to do more, but if they did, it could get much worse. He plowed ahead. “What about ammunition?”

The Defense Minister answered again. “We lost our above-ground production facilities and four of our underground facilities. We are now getting our ammunition from our underground stockpiles and from the Chinese government. They have been very supportive in supplying munitions from their own stockpiles. Replacement antiaircraft missiles are being sent along with some radar units. However, we have been notified that because of the proximity of the Americans they are not able to provide everything from their own supplies because of the need to possibly counteract any American incursion. It is quite understandable. I have instructed our commanders to make sure we are not wasting what supplies we have. We have also placed our supplies in underground bunkers prior to dispersal so that they are impervious to bombing.”

“Very good. Agriculture, how about food deliveries?”

“Our food imports have increased by fifty percent. This is ten percent above our estimates. Much of this is due to the losses in the field. Most of our farm workers are now in the military. The older farmers are working, but cannot produce as much as the younger farmers. Since we allowed people to plant smaller gardens in parks and around apartment buildings, there has been a reduction in some needs in the cities. This has helped. As with my comrades, the transportation issues are of concern, but there are also problems obtaining fuel for farming. If we can solve these problems, the crops will be harvested on time.”

“What about the fuel situation for the military?”

“We are down to 40 percent of our normal stockpiles. We still have fourteen million gallons in our strategic stockpile. China is providing more fuel, but we have had to repair the pipelines twice. We currently have enough for operations, but not much for anything else unless we start using the reserves,” said another Minister. We are burying what pipeline is exposed. This should ensure continued flow. Most of our normal stockpile was lost on the first night. The supplies we get should increase what is available for both agriculture and the military.”

“I take it we cannot get ships in,” the Chairman said.

“No, Comrade Chairman. Enemy naval activity has effectively closed our harbors. I have initiated a plan to send out submarines to try and relieve this problem. The loss of a carrier, battleship, or other supply ships would greatly relieve the pressure we are experiencing from the sea. Because of the battleships cruising the shores we must keep our men and supplies inland. We don’t know how they find the units and equipment, but they have been very effective. We believe there are some hidden transmitters and spies who provide that information to them.”

“Can’t you intercept those radio transmissions?”

“We have not been able to do so as yet, Comrade Chairman. As a matter of fact, the enemy is not using much in radio transmissions. We have intercepted some static-like transmissions and occasionally some voice. But when we try and interfere, the frequency changes. We are doing our best.”

“It seems our intelligence arm was wrong when they told us the enemy’s technology would be devastated,” the Chairman said softly. “Comrades, we must regroup and counter this invasion immediately. We cannot let anyone stop us from reuniting this country and taking our place on the world stage. The first priority is the military; the second is transportation and then agriculture. All other efforts must be curtailed until victory is complete. From this moment on, everything must be geared to that victory,” he demanded.

“I want to make plans to have a massive thrust against our enemies right here!” he said pointing to a position on the map. “I want everything thrown at them no later than one week. The movement will be preceded by a massive missile attack by our rocket forces, heavy saturation by our artillery and then as many troops as possible all massed for attack. We will drive back down the peninsula and end this once and for all,” he demanded.

Then Kim seemed to gather his thoughts. He must appear enlightened even if he was angry and disgusted with the people around him. He said softly, “Comrades, I know you did not have a hand in getting our nation in this position. But I tell you now that I hold each of you responsible for what happens from here onwards. You all know that I will not tolerate any man who betrays his country either through purpose or through ineptitude. The people expect a victory and it is up to the Party to deliver that victory,” he said. Although his voice was calm, there was fire in his eyes as he spoke. Everyone knew exactly what would happen if they failed. “Now let us discuss other matters,” Kim said. The meeting lasted another two hours.

At the end of the meeting, Kim motioned for one man to stay. Jung Il Choi was the head of the country’s National Security Bureau or secret police. He was working very hard to ensure calm and support for the war. As a result, hundreds of people expressing the least opposition to the conflict were hastily carted off to prison. He also tightened the reins on the three government-recognized classes in the supposed “classless” society. His “Citizen Registration Groups” segregated the population into three classes — Basic, Chaotic, and Enemy. Only the Basic class could be politically trusted and, as a result, could have a few liberties.

Choi was thin and hard. His choker collared grey uniform was starched and pressed. Some even joked that he was not actually strong enough to cause a crease in them. He wore black glasses and his thin graying hair was short and brushed backward from his forehead. It was the eyes that had the biggest impact. They were black as coal and so cold it was like looking at death itself.

Choi discreetly remained behind as the others left. The doors closed and Kim asked him to sit down with him. Choi waited respectfully until Kim was seated, then eased carefully into his seat.

“How my I help you, Comrade Chairman?” he asked.

“I want an investigation into the upper levels of the military. I need to know who is politically trustworthy and who is not. I have been getting the feeling that some of the military leaders have been more interested in their own hides than in making sure the plan was followed,” Kim said.

“Comrade Chairman, we have files on each of the officers in your command. When we started seeing things go wrong I began a much more in-depth investigation into each of the senior officials. I have selected four to receive some special attention. Three of the ones killed were found to have used the computer facilities for their own personal gain. They also had been having liaisons with women who could be described at best as chaotic. They have sons in the military. I sent you a report recommending we arrest these officers and detail their families as an example for others. I also recommended we relieve one other officer. I found a witness saying that the man made several trips to the People’s Republic and established relationships with people there. Clearly this is contrary to the needs of the People and the State.”

“I agree. Make an example of them all. What about Lu Chen?”

“Nothing on him personally; however, as you recall I made a report that his wife had come from an untrustworthy family. His son was reported missing just three days ago. Since there is no witness that he was killed I suspect he deserted to the enemy. His wife has not been found as yet. Therefore he is very suspect.”

“All around me are traitors and conspirators. It is good that you are adding to the investigations. Your reports have been enlightening and explain many of the problems we face.”

“Comrade Chairman, my reports will always look out for the best interests of the State. As you recall, these men were allowed to retain their ranks for expediency under your predecessor. They performed well under normal circumstances. However, they may have become compromised through other influences and held in wait until just the right time. My office has taken the steps to make sure this does not happen.”

“Very good. I must make sure our leadership is entirely trustworthy. I even had you checked out,” Kim said with a slight smile.

“Yes, Comrade Chairman, as I expected. No one should be above investigation, especially a senior security officer. I invite the State to know everything I do and everything I know at all times. Then you will know whom you can truly turn to,” Choi said calmly, although the thought of being investigated upset him.

“I do, Comrade. That is why I have you here now. I want you to personally step in whenever you find someone who betrays the State. As soon as you know, take action and report to me. You have full authority.”

“I will, Comrade Chairman.”

“Good. I will not detain you further,” Kim said.

Choi quietly stood up and left the room. He would order the arrest of several men within the hour, including several who were a threat to his position and authority. He would make sure order was carried out in a manner he saw fit.

Ricks opened the door of the small studio apartment and reached down to picked up Su Lynn. She looked at him questioningly.

“Why you do this?”

“It’s an old American custom for the husband to carry his new bride across the threshold of their first home,” he said. “Now that you’re with me, you’ll need to learn some of these things.”

She clung to his neck as he eased the door open and stepped inside. Setting her down again, he reached back and closed the door before bringing her into an embrace. “Welcome home, Mrs. Ricks,” he said after breaking away from their kiss.

She pulled him in and gave him a tight squeeze, hugging his strong chest. “This is wonderful, Dale,” she said.

After a mile of red tape, medical exams, licenses, and counseling, the chaplain pronounced them man and wife just four hours before. Kuan Jeu gave his sister away in the presence of Colonel Peterson, Master Sergeant Hufham, and nearly half the company. Almost everyone from the public shelter had been there as well. The old woman who befriended her cried like a baby during the whole ceremony. Afterwards everyone went to the shelter where the residents used up some of their meager rations to throw a big celebration.

Now they were alone. Colonel Peterson pulled some strings to get them access to a VIP suite at the BEQ for a few days. After that, Ricks and the rest would probably be returning to duty. Su Lynn decided she would go back to the shelter and run the kitchen.

Ricks turned on a light and led Su Lynn to one of the easy chairs. He sat down and pulled her into his lap. After snuggling a few minutes he looked at her. “Tired?” he asked.

She nodded. “Just let me sit here with you,” she said placing her head on his shoulder.

Ricks held her gently. When he had come to Korea he had been just a snot-nosed kid, barely able to hold the rifle he was issued. Now he betrothed himself to a woman he met only a little over two months before. He recalled seeing her for the first time, being held frightened and naked by the North Korean soldiers and fighting back as best she could. He actually enjoyed squeezing the trigger that brought it to an end. He remembered the look on her face as they came out of the bushes and pulled the dead men off her. He remembered the mixture of fear, defiance, and shame on her face as he helped her into the Jeep and took her away from her home and a dead family. He remembered the charge he got when she placed her hand on his shoulder when he was so tired. There were so many little things. The first time she smiled at him, her first words, the touch of her fingers in his and finally her kiss. Since then there had been no turning back.

“I’m going to have to get you a passport,” he said suddenly.

She looked at him like he was crazy. “Why I need passport?”

“To take you home to America. I need to let you meet my family,” he said.

She smiled at that. “Okay. Where they live?”

“A little place near Macon, Georgia. Mom is a teacher and Dad runs the farm. My brother is finishing up his degree from the University and Sis is with her husband in Savannah. I was the runt of the family,” he joked. Su Lynn didn’t understand what a runt was, but when he smiled it told her it was okay.

“Is Georgia nice place?”

Ricks eyes glossed over as he remembered home. “I think you’d like it. It’s a little like Korea. We have hills and mountains. But the weather’s nice and we have about 250 acres we farm. I guess that’s a little like your Mom and Dad,” he said.

“Yes. We grow things,” she sighed.

Ricks pulled her around. “Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up a bad memory.”

“It okay,” she said, the smile returning to her face. “Not your fault. I miss just a little.” She lay her head back on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry for all the terrible things you’ve gone through. I’m just glad I was there for you,” he said. “But in a way I’m glad all those things happened. If they hadn’t I wouldn’t have met you, and I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you,” he said slowly and gently. “And now I just want to make you happy.”

She squeezed him once more and held on tight. After a moment she looked at him through moist eyes. “You want make me happy?”

He smiled and nodded.

“Then let me give you baby.”

Ricks smiled and pulled her into a kiss. No other words were spoken that night.