Tempered Steel

Chapter 21

USS North Carolina arrived off Yuktae-dong at 8:30 in the evening, launching her RPV while still thirty miles out. Flying over the old base the pilots noticed something strange on the screen. Light seemingly was shining through the roof of a large building. Switching to an infrared mode, they could make out the outline of a ship very dimly detailed under whatever it was trying to hide it. Some activity was going on aboard. Captain Hustvedt called away general quarters.

Under the painted tarp being used to camouflage the ship, the technicians were busy dismantling the warhead of one of the missiles. Several new components were being installed and the safety features temporarily disengaged so that new guidance for a much lower air burst would be achieved. A radar altimeter was also installed to make sure the weapon went off exactly as needed to achieve maximum effect. It was tedious work and the men were sweating profusely under the tarps and within the false containers. The first missile had been completed an hour before and the second was in pieces before them. The ignition wires were laid bare as they began installing the altimeter and resetting the barometric pressure sensors. The batteries had also been changed out so there would be plenty of power to run the system.

Kim was standing nearby watching the work. Although totally beyond his comprehension, it had to look like he understood it. Choi was standing not far away questioning one of the guards while the Defense Minister nervously watched the men along with Kim.

“Where will this one go,” Kim asked one of the technicians.

The man looked up from his work and wiped the sweat from his eyes with his dirty sleeve. “This one goes to Pusan, Comrade Chairman.”

“Good, very good,” Kim said. The first missile had been targeted for Daejeon. None would be wasted on countries outside Korea this time.

“We are within range, Captain,” said the Weapons Officer.

“Very well, batteries released.”

The 16-inch turrets were already locked onto the target hidden behind several hills on the island base. By standing far away, the shells would be fired high into the air and be able to hit the target instead of the hills in between them and the ship.

Down in Main Battery Plot among the walls of butterfly switches sat a lone operator in front of a PC. Bunches of wires were coming up out of the decks and attached to connectors that were then attached to some electronics boxes. These, in turn, had small cables that were plugged into the USB ports of the PC. On the screen was a colorful display that looked like the top of the old Ford Rangekeeper with additional drop down screens to add offsets and other inputs. The operator watched as the turret syncros lined up to what the PC generated for a gunfire solution. The 50 pound unit was taking the place of what used to weigh about a ton. He saw the trigger light flash on the upper right hand side of the screen. Topside, light once again brightened the night sky far out to sea.

“What is that sound?” asked Kim when he heard something getting louder.

He got his answer when the projectiles struck along the pier beside the ship. The blast rocked the big container ship back and forth against the pier. The technicians abandoned their work and began scrambling to get out from under the fake containers and out of the path of the falling projectiles.

Kim threw caution to the winds and began running toward the ship’s bridge for shelter. The rest of the ministers and party officials began looking for any place that would shield them.

The second salvo had been corrected from the first. Three of the 16-inch shells struck the ship. Two passed completely through before exploding underneath. The third struck the engine room and detonated inside. The ship shuddered and the containers were jerked back and forth. Inside the open missile, the bare leads shorted out against the main battery buss. Since the safety devices had been removed, there was nothing to prevent the ignition circuit from triggering.

Night became day as the nuclear warhead detonated. Its powerful EMP set off all eleven of the other bombs in one cataclysmic nuclear blast that vaporized every building and ship, flattening the hills on the island. Until they ceased to be, the hills briefly acted as a reflector, sending the massive blast wave both up into the sky and back toward the mainland, just two miles away. The blast rolled over Yuktae-dong like a steamroller, crushing every building and killing nearly 20,000 people as they prepared for bed. The massive pressure wave extended to Hongwan just twelve miles away. Flimsy buildings were blown apart and every pane of glass was shattered. Although the loss of life was not as bad as Yuktae-dong, the destruction was abhorrent.

Aboard the North Carolina Captain Hustvedt looked in horror as the bright light emerged behind the hills. He ran back to the bridge and grabbed the 1MC. “This is the Captain. We’ve had a nuclear explosion at the target. All hands set Circle William. All hands stay off the weather decks!” he yelled into the microphone.

“Right full rudder, all engines ahead flank. Take us directly away from that island as fast as we can,” he ordered. The men responded at once and the ship began to button up. Unfortunately the North Carolina had not been designed for a nuclear attack and the Circle William status was not really much more than Zebra. But it was all they could do.

Hustvedt peered out the bridge wing window as the ship’s wake was illuminated by the growing mushroom cloud. The ship was moving away quickly when he saw the shockwave approach the ship. “Brace for impact,” he called out.

The shockwave struck the ship from the stern, giving off a dull boom and shaking the ship as it passed them at the speed of sound. Immediately the damage control teams went out with the Geiger counters. After a ten minute search they found that no radiation reached the ship. At a range of twenty miles, the ship escaped the blast and heat. Already there were no traces of the naval base or the island that once contained it.

It took a few minutes before the ionization allowed the transmission of radio waves. Fortunately, the hardening of the electronics against EMP had been effective. Hustvedt grabbed the encrypted radio. “All stations Sierra Whisky, this is Sierra Alpha. There has been a nuclear detonation at Yuktae-dong. I say again, there has been a nuclear detonation at Yuktae-dong. Ship struck by shockwave but undamaged. Ship was approximately twenty miles from detonation. Damage Control teams report no radiation. I say again, no radiation on the ship. Ship partially shielded by low hills on island. Ship proceeding away from the island at flank speed. Recommend you notify local authorities and governments down range.”

“Once again, this is Sierra Alpha. There has been a nuclear detonation at Yuktae-dong. Ship struck by shockwave but undamaged. Damage Control teams report no radiation. Ship proceeding away from the island at flank speed. Recommend you notify local authorities and governments down range. Sierra Whiskey, do you copy, over.”

“This is Sierra Whisky actual, we copy. Chris, do you know the cause of the detonation? Over,” asked Hammond on the radio.

“This is Sierra Alpha, boss we were shelling a ship with lights on at the naval base when the things just went off. I have saved the RPV pictures and they might be able to tell us something. My RPV is long gone, over.”

“This is Sierra Whiskey. OK, Chris. Break off and head straight to Pusan. I want some teams to get aboard and make sure things are okay. Don’t wash down your decks unless your teams pick up residual radiation. Then clean it up as best you can. I will meet you there. Is that understood, over?”

“This is Sierra Alpha, understood. My DCA just came up and gave me another high sign. No problems on our end. But we’ll play it safe and see you in Pusan. I should be there sometime tomorrow morning, over.”

“Good enough Chris. We’ll see you there. Sierra Whisky out. Break, Alpha Whiskey, this is Sierra Whisky did you copy, over?”

“This is Alpha Whisky, roger, we copied. The Admiral is on his way. I’ll tell him your plan and we will get nuke teams down to the Navy piers by tomorrow morning. I agree this is one case to be more cautious than normal. I have put a call in to the local government and will contact the embassy, over.” Hammond could tell it was Thacke’s Chief of Staff speaking. “This is Sierra Whiskey, roger; recommend the Admiral meet us at the pier when we get in, over.”

“This is Sierra Whiskey actual, I copy and will be there. Concur with your decision. Will save questions for later. Have Sierra Alpha send out the Navy Blue ASAP. This needs to get out fast, over,” it was the Admiral this time.

“This is Sierra Whiskey, roger out.”

“This is Sierra Alpha, I also copied and the message is already being drafted, out.”

Then a new voice came across the net. “Sierra Whiskey, this is National Military Command Center. We have copied your transmissions and are taking steps on this end. Will send representative to Japanese and Chinese governments within the hour. Will also notify command authority. Will relay any questions regarding the detonation when provided. Notify this command if there is any need for further assistance regarding this incident, over.”

Hammond pressed the transmit key again. “This is Sierra Whiskey, roger, we will be standing by. Thank you for your assistance, over.”

“This is NMCC, roger out.”

“Damn,” said the XO. “Nice to know the big boys are listening in.”

Hammond chuckled. “Probably have been all along. OK, let’s turn the ship around again and head to Pusan.”

“Aye, sir. I’ll try and get us there by 0800 if that’s okay.”

“Perfect. Let’s get churning.”

The North Carolina moved into Pusan Harbor and was eased to the pier behind the Iowa. Teams of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical engineers were waiting on the pier to inspect the ship and find any traces of the weapon that detonated near them. Contrary to what the ship’s team found, traces of the weapon were on parts of the superstructure. It was all gathered and cataloged as evidence of North Korean war crimes. After a day of being tested and swabbed, the North Carolina’s crew was finally allowed to have liberty in Pusan.

Early the next day Rear Admiral Hammond walked up the gangway of the North Carolina to six bells and “Iowa, Arriving.” He didn’t mind that they had forgotten he also commanded a task group. Captain Hustvedt was there to greet him.

“Good to have you aboard again, Admiral,” he said shaking hands.

“Thanks, Chris. I’m glad they finally decided to let you and your guys out of purgatory.”

“We were getting a little punchy. What brings you aboard?”

“Wanted to invite you to dinner. I thought you and your XO and a group I’m entertaining would go to a little restaurant in town. There’s some visitor coming in today from Washington and since I have to play host, I might as well have somebody there I know.”

“That’s damn nice of you, Roger. I think my XO might like to talk with yours anyway. Who are these people coming in?”

“Beats me. I got this cryptic message that said three people would show up. It didn’t say who or why, but I would venture to guess it will be some staffers of some kind. Let’s regale them with war stories,” Hammond said.

“Sounds fine to me. What time do we leave?”

“About 6:30 I think. They’re supposed to arrive around lunchtime.”

“No problem. Any new word on the North Koreans?”

“Not much from what I am getting. That Marine General has Pyongyang surrounded and the South Koreans will enter the city day after tomorrow. From what we are hearing the government is scattered to hell and back. That explosion you caused may have killed most of them. You know, you may have fixed it so there’s nobody to offer a surrender,” Hammond joked.

“Breaks my heart. I just hope I never have to go through something like that again. When I saw that thing go off, I thought I’d wet myself. Next time you have a gut feeling, you go see about it.”

Both men laughed amid the bustle of men doing their jobs around the quarterdeck.

“Okay, Chris. I’ll stop by in a vehicle about 6:30.”

“See you then, sir.”

The men shook hands again and Hammond was bonged off. He shivered a little as he left the ship. Clouds had filled the sky the day before and a cold wind was blowing. But that wouldn’t keep them from having a good time.

The 747 landed at the airport and disgorged its passengers. Hufham stood at the baggage area and waited holding up a sign that said “Ricks.” In a few minutes he saw a couple in their fifties walk through the doors. The look on the woman’s face told him it was the Ricks family. She looked like an older version of his friend.

Hufham walked up to the couple. “Mr. and Mrs. Ricks?”

Mr. Ricks brightened slightly. “You must be Paul Hufham. Good to finally meet you,” he said as they shook hands.

Mrs. Ricks reached up and gave the big man a hug. “Thank you for looking after our son,” she said.

Hufham blushed. “Glad to help, Ma’am. I have a vehicle over here for you,” he said taking their meager bags and leading them to a waiting Humvee outside. They all crawled in and Hufham started the vehicle and pulled out.

“I thought you might want to go see Dale before we go to the hotel. They moved him down to the hospital here yesterday,” he said.

“Is he awake yet?” his mother asked.

“Not yet. The doctor is concerned but not too much. He says it’s giving his body time to heal. Su Lynn is with him.”

“So we get to meet that Chink girl he decided to marry,” the father said disgustedly.

“David!” Mrs. Ricks called out in astonishment.

Hufham hit the brakes and pulled the Humvee to the side of the road. He turned to Mr. Ricks and gave him a look that would melt a glacier. He spoke calmly but forcefully. “Mr. Ricks, let me warn you. If I ever hear of you saying an unkind remark about Su Lynn or Dale’s choice for a wife, I will personally hunt you down, wherever you may be and make you wish you had never seen the light of day. Su Lynn is a wonderful girl. We rescued her as she fought desperately to keep from being raped by North Korean soldiers. She was beside us as we fought our way through enemy lines. When she could have left for the safety of the country, she chose to remain in Pusan and feed refugees like herself. And when Dale was hurt, she did everything she could to be by his side. She is still there, talking to him every day. Now I don’t know what you’re used to but in my book the woman is a prize, and Dale is the luckiest guy on earth to get her. So you put your racial bigotry in the deepest, darkest closet you can and keep it there,” he said before turning back around and pulling back into traffic.

After a few minutes, Mr. Ricks said, “Sorry.”

“You should be, David,” said Mrs. Ricks. “You say something like that again and Sergeant Hufham won’t be the only one you have to watch out for.” She angrily turned and began looking out the window at the countryside as they drove by.

Thirty minutes later Hufham pulled up to a large military style building six stories tall. It was painted white with a tiled roof, snuggled into the side of a mountain. It was surrounded by several well manicured courtyards with trees and plants. People in hospital robes were walking around. They got out of the Humvee and made their way inside.

Ricks had been moved to a step down unit. It offered enhanced care but not the same as intensive care. He had only a couple of tubes now, although wires were still leading to the heart and breathing monitor. The cuts on his face were healing well and the nurses had shaved him that morning to look good for his parents. They walked in the door to see Su Lynn sitting beside his bed, holding his hand.

Su Lynn almost didn’t know what to do. There before her were Dale’s parents. His mother looked very much like him. Her eyes danced just like Dale’s. She wondered what they were thinking. They didn’t know her and she didn’t know them, yet they were linked through Dale. Su Lynn stood and bowed slightly.

Upon seeing Su Lynn, Mrs. Ricks immediately saw what her son saw in her. She was lovely to behold and there was something about her eyes that told her of Su Lynn’s strength. Hufham was right. She was by her son’s side. That alone meant everything. Mrs. Ricks walked slowly up to Su Lynn and wrapped her arms around her daughter. “Welcome to my family,” she said kissing her on the cheek.

Su Lynn hugged her new mom hard. “I am so happy to meet you,” she said very relieved.

“And there is so much we need to talk about. But first how is our boy?”

Looking at the bed, you almost couldn’t tell there was anything wrong. But Su Lynn’s eyes became moist. “I so sorry. Dale lose legs.” She began to cry again. Mrs. Ricks pulled her back into a hug.

“I know sweetie, I know. But he’s still with us. We’ll figure things out okay.”

All this time Mr. Ricks was looking at his son. The boy who left home had changed. He wasn’t the little kid who got in trouble at school or stayed out too late anymore. His face had become more chiseled and lean. His chest was broader and more muscular. This wasn’t his little boy. He was a grown man.

Mr. Ricks looked over at his wife and Su Lynn. He had grown up in the ways of rural Georgia. Anything from outside the country was suspect and ridiculed. This was the very first time he had even been outside the state. He had seen Asians before. There was a growing Asian community in Atlanta. He’d heard the stereotypes — smart and industrious; lived frugally. But now it was all staring him in the face. She spoke English. She was a good looker. She obviously cared for his son. Maybe Hufham was right.

He turned to Hufham and extended his hand. “I take back everything I ever said or felt,” he said. They shook hands. Then he walked up to Su Lynn and hugged her as well. “I’m David and this is Amanda. We’re glad to finally meet you,” he said.

The doctor came in and gave them a brief on Ricks’ condition. Then David Ricks and Hufham went to check them into a hotel while the two women stayed with Dale. They sat beside the bed as Amanda and Su Lynn got to know each other. Then they started to talk about Dale. Amanda told Su Lynn stories of his growing up — his love of anything outdoors, hunting, and of course NASCAR.

During a lull in their conversation, Amanda pulled back the side of the sheets and looked at Dale’s leg. It was bare down to the knee and then heavily bandaged around the stump that was left. She felt it to see if it was warm to the touch and was surprised when Dale let out a small moan. The two women looked at his face and saw the eyelashes flutter and open slightly. At first he focused on Su Lynn, closer to him and holding his hand. His lips widened into a smile.

“Hi there,” he croaked while looking into Su Lynn’s eyes. Then someone else came into view and he refocused. “Mom? What are you doing here?” he said a little clearer. He lifted his head and looked around the room. “Where am I?”

Su Lynn placed her fingers on his mouth. “Shhh. You are in hospital. You not remember you get hurt?” She reached over and pressed the little call button.

“Honey, from what we heard you’ve been asleep for almost a week. You are pretty banged up, but doing okay,” Amanda said. “The Army gave us a ride over here to see you.”

Ricks smiled. “So I guess you guys have met,” he said laying his head back. That simple effort exhausted him.

“Oh yes. We’re already sharing stories.”

“She tell me about when you young baby,” Su Lynn said with a broad smile.

“Oh no. Mom, you don’t have to tell her everything,” he joked.

A nurse came in the room. “Well, look who’s back to the world of the living. Let me go get the doctor,” he said as he turned and left the room.

“How bad am I hurt?” Ricks asked.

“You feel pain?” Su Lynn asked.

“Legs sore. They itch a little…” He looked down the bed and noticed that the blanket did not come up where his feet should be. He tried to lift his leg and saw where they ended. Tears formed in his eyes as Su Lynn hugged him close and his mother placed her hand on his chest. The memory flooded back. The shooting, the explosion, him getting knocked down and seeing the ceiling start to fall. “Dang it,” he said in exasperation. “Both of ‘em?”

His mom nodded.

Ricks felt like his life had just about ended. Anxiety and a fear of the future seemed to fill him. What was in store and what would he be able to do? He had seen some homeless amputees hobbling around in Atlanta; no job and no hope. Suddenly he saw himself begging on the street. What would happen now? What about Su Lynn? The emotions began to wash over him. “Well, I guess that’s that,” he said with a sigh.

Su Lynn sat up. She had a beautiful determined look on her face. “No it not. I talk to doctor. They give new legs. You must walk again,” she said.

He held her hand. “It’s not that easy,” he stammered.

“Yes is that easy. You must do it. Must do for me,” she said, then after a pause, “and for our baby.”

Ricks looked up at her. “Baby?”

She smiled at him and placed his hand on her stomach. “Yes. Doctor say baby. I hope it boy.”

The doctor entered the room. “Hello. I’m Dr. Kelsey,” he said entering the room and extending his hand. “We’re very glad you’ve finally come around.”

Ricks took his hand but wasn’t listening. Su Lynn had given him the reason to live. His anxieties and fears went away as quickly as they had appeared. Suddenly life was full again and he was going to live it. He had to for Su Lynn and his child.

“Doc, when can I learn to walk again?”

Kelsey got an astonished look. It wasn’t often that a guy with these injuries came back like this. “Well, it will take a little time. Give these stumps of yours some time to heal, then we will fit you out. You are in pretty good health by the way. Now that you are awake, we can start getting you back in shape.”

“Good, Doc. ‘Cause in about eight months I want to be able to stand and hold my child.”

The SH-60 landed on the pier and three people exited — two men and a woman. The Captain was called and walked out of his cabin onto the O-2 level and peered down to see the XO run from the side and speak to the OOD. Bongs were heard and the Bo’sn announced “Mayor of Vallejo, arriving.”

Hammond looked back at the small group making its way down the pier. There she was. He could see her hair blowing in the breeze. He almost couldn’t move. Beside her was his old friend Jim Butler. They looked up and waved at him.

Hammond nearly jumped down the ladder and onto the quarterdeck as they climbed the stairs and crossed the brow. He extended his hand and welcomed his friend aboard, then looked at Patricia Crowell. He took both of her hands and stared into her eyes. “You don’t know how glad I am to see you,” he said. Then he noticed the tears in her eyes.

“You don’t know how much I have looked forward to seeing you again,” she said. They stood staring for a few seconds.

“Do politicians always affect you that way?” Butler said. They heard whistles and applause around them. It seemed like half the ship turned out when they heard the Mayor was coming aboard. The decks were crowded with sailors and Marines.

Both the Mayor and Hammond blushed a deep red and she waved as he led them to his cabin. Refreshments were served and they sat down to get reacquainted.

“Roger, you’ve done a lot to make this woman proud. It seems like every other day I am hearing something about Iowa and her crew. We even brought you a present,” Butler said. The young man who came with them produced a box and gave it to Hammond. “That box has every article, recording, and video news article about you or this ship since you left Vallejo. As you can see, it’s rather thick. We thought you might want your print shop to duplicate it for the crew to read and see.”

Hammond rifled through the myriad of articles and DVDs. “Thanks, Jim. We don’t get to hear a lot around here. I know the guys will appreciate this.”

“Don’t thank us. My boss thinks you are a living saint. He says he can’t wait to get you back to DC.”

That brought a laugh. “That’s okay, I think I like it right here. You guys didn’t have to throw in the star.”

“Perry Johnson’s idea. You made the Navy almost a household word and he has plans for you. Not the least of which is what you will do right after this is over.”

“OK, I’ll bite. What does he have in mind?

Butler chuckled. “That can wait. You know the Boss, he gets some wild ideas sometimes.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Not bad, Roger. The war seems to be going just right and the public got the biggest kick out of him not giving the media a free hand. His popularity is about 72 % which is something that really gets in the opposition’s craw. He’s not too pushy, but not a pushover either. Even I’m enjoying it,” Butler said.

“More than the sea?”

Butler rolled his eyes. “Ahhh, much more civilized than what I’m used to.” They all laughed before Hammond turned to Mayor Crowell. “And how have things been going at home? Your letters have kept me going, but it’s nice to hear things first hand.”

“Well, Jack Latham says hello. His shipyard has been buzzing since he finished with you. The city throws a party with every news article they see. We are revamping the visitor center at the museum as a stand alone facility until your return. There’s even a petition to change the name of the city to Hammond when you get back,” she said with a grin.

“Oh no,” Hammond groaned.

Crowell laughed again. “Well, everyone is so proud of you and what the ship has done. It sure has brought the city to life. There are other things, but we can talk about those later. Tell us about the ship. How is everyone doing?”

“Why don’t we walk around and let you guys see for yourself?” Hammond said.

They stood and followed him out the door and down into the ship. From the moment she stepped out the door, crewmen wanted to greet her and say hello. They had grown quite attached to her before the commissioning and she of them. Everywhere they went crewmen stopped to show the Mayor around. For Butler, it was the first time he had seen a crew so attached to a city official. More than that, it was the first time he had seen a crew so proud of their ship. He couldn’t wait for Steve O’Bannon to step foot aboard.

The North Korean military command center was in chaos. There were no communications with anything south of the former border. Word had come that Seoul had fallen to the enemy and there were troops moving into North Korea, but they didn’t know where. Some areas of the border reported in and reported no activity. They were told to observe and report. But the worst news was the nuclear detonation in Yuktae-dong. No one knew if it was from a North Korean weapon or one from the United States. The propaganda ministry had already accused the United States of using nuclear weapons against Korea. They figured that would generate support from other communist and non-aligned nations.

Yuktae-dong had been the last of the naval facilities still operational. They knew about a few boats still there. Two days ago, the ministers boarded a train to take them somewhere secret to launch their own nuclear weapons. The place had been kept secret from all except a very few people. The ministers had not been heard from since. Surely they were not involved in that explosion. Even Chairman Kim was gone. With the war going badly, someone needed to make decisions, but no one there was willing to do so. The decisions were never made.

A call went out for all commands to report available troops. Slowly they were coming in. The Air Force had 18,000 troops, but they were aircraft maintenance technicians for the most part. The Navy reported having another 20,000 sailors, mostly station personnel to handle ships and boats. The Army units were very slow to respond. There were 12,000 border guards along the Chinese border, 8,000 troops in various provinces, 3,000 still around Pyongyang and another 4,000 along the former border at the control points. There was no telling how many were still in South Korea. With the losses in transportation and fuel, none could be moved easily.

One senior officer walked to the People’s Palace and tried to speak to a party official to get guidance. Office workers were plying back and forth as usual, shuffling papers between departments and offices. When he tried to speak to one of the deputies, however, they were not in. A second was ‘in a meeting,’ and a third was on a fact finding trip to the People’s Republic of China. For three hours he roamed the halls only to find no one was actually there. The bureaucracy was operating solely on its own.

Dejected and tired, the officer went back to the ministry, told the people there not to worry about any decisions that day and went home.

It was a no-win situation. His supplies had been cut off and he could not communicate with his superiors. A week before, the army lost over 160,000 people in one battle alone. The reports from his units indicated they were surrounded and the enemy was using far superior weapons. Already the food was beginning to run short. He could make one last daring attack, but he doubted it would make any difference at all.

North Korean General Moa felt helpless. He knew he could surrender and save his men, but he would be marked as a traitor and shot by some assassin in the future. North Korean leadership had long arms. They expected everyone to die in a blaze of glory. Just to be thinking those thoughts would brand him a traitor. He sat in his tent and looked at the maps before him, trying to find a way out.

A soldier appeared at his tent door. “Comrade, there is a voice message coming in asking for the Commanding General.”

“Finally. Our communications are back. Is it the Defense Ministry?”

The soldier looked very afraid. “No Comrade General, it is from a South Korean General.”

Moa felt the twang of fear run through him. So the time had finally come. Something terrible must have happened and all hope lost. The South Korean was going to demand his surrender. Nothing in his training had prepared him for this. Politically, he must refuse. But as a soldier he knew things were hopeless. He nodded his head and stood. Straightening his uniform, he placed his hat on his head and moved outside toward the communications truck.

When he arrived inside the mood was somber. Everyone knew what was happening. He sat down beside the microphone. “This is the Commanding General of the Forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. You wish to speak?”

“General Moa, this is General Yao of the South Korean Forces. I am sure you are aware of the current situation so I will not bring such things up. If I may, I would propose a cease fire for both our forces beginning one hour from now. At that time, with your permission, I propose the two of us have direct talks so this conflict between us may end. To facilitate those talks, I propose we meet in your camp at your headquarters. I will come with my aircraft and two staff members. Would this be acceptable to you, sir?”

That was different. He would be speaking to a South Korean and not an American? Meet in his camp? Was this a trick? He tested the waters. “General, would any of these staff members be American or from another nation?”

“General, it would be me, my chief of staff, and a Korean stenographer to take notes. Only Koreans should make these decisions.”

“Then it is agreed. You say you will come by aircraft?”

“That is correct, General. It will necessarily be an American aircraft, but there will only be one and they will depart once I get off. I hope you can guarantee my safety.”

“My forces will not fire unless we see treachery, then I make no guarantees.”

“Then I will approach from the Northeast in one hour.”

General Moa was curious. The call was courteous and respectful. There was no mention of an immediate surrender. Perhaps the countries would return to their former positions and maintain a cease fire as they had done before? Too many things were going on here with no help at all from his government. He rose from his seat and walked back to his tent, calling in his staff.

As the staff entered the tent, Moa sat in his camp chair deep in thought. After a few minutes, when all were assembled, he laid out the plan.

“Comrades, I have been contacted by the South Korean Army to begin talks on a cease fire.” There were gasps in the room and several men began to feel uneasy in their seats.

“There will be no such talks!” demanded the political officer. “That is against the will of the people and the will of the party!” he screamed.

Calmly Moa addressed the man. “Comrade political officer, I fully realize you and some others do not wish this to be so; however, there are other factors we must consider. We have been cut off from our government for more than two days. Our supplies are cut off. Our food is starting to run down. Our fuel and munitions are low. I could press forward with one massive attack and achieve some ground, but in the end we would sacrifice every soldier out here and really gain nothing. Does the State wish us to all commit suicide?” he asked

“The State demands loyalty and results! We must achieve those results by any means!”

“And Comrade, I am saying no matter what we do, those results cannot be achieved. You saw the results of the attacks on our forces last week. Over 160,000 troops are gone. They vanished as if they were never there due to the enemy force’s strength. That is a fact despite your politics!” he said raising his voice.

“You do not know the politics! We may just be a small wheel in an ever growing movement that will ultimately achieve victory!” the political officer shouted feeling the political fervor he was raised with. “Everyone here must do their duty to the end!”

“So it is suicide that the Party wants,” Moa said quietly, his point made. “Comrade, I believe you have no idea what the Party wants. I suggest you continue to try and make contact with our headquarters and get instructions. Until then, I will run this army as I see fit,” he said firmly.

“You will not!” the political officer said reaching for his pistol. He had pulled it partially out of its holster when a shot rang out in the tent. The political officer’s eyes rolled upward and blood began to pour from a hole in his forehead. He fell face first to the ground.

Moa stared at the lifeless body and looked up. There was a young officer standing there with a smoking pistol in his hand. He handed it to another officer. “I place myself in custody, Comrade General, for shooting our political officer,” he said nervously.

Moa stood, took the pistol and handed it back to the young man. “Thank you,” he said. He turned to the others. Do you all agree on this course of action?”

The men nodded.

“Good. Relay to our troops there will be some kind of aircraft coming into our area from the northeast. It is not to be disturbed. As a matter of fact, until further notice, we will not shoot down any further aircraft. Pass the word that in forty-five minutes there will be a cease fire. It will remain in effect until I say so. I want a tent set up with lights and refreshments in the center of the camp. Clear out a wide space for this aircraft to land. I assume it will be some sort of helicopter. I am told it will be American. I want this meeting purely professional so that, no matter what, the Army of the Democratic People’s Republic will be respected. Make the arrangements!” he demanded.

The men scattered and things began to happen. A 200 yard wide area was cleared and a tent set up nearby for the meeting. It was wired for electricity and heat. Tables and chairs were rounded up and placed inside. Two officers were assigned to make sure things went well.

They were putting the finishing touches on the area when a strange sound was heard getting closer. From the northeast came one of the strangest aircraft the men had ever seen. It had the wings and body of an airplane, but at the ends of the wings were two huge propellers. The plane flew over and banked around the valley before the rotating propellers began to tilt upward. The Osprey slowed and eased in toward the landing area. Gracefully it moved to the center of the field and sat down. Three men exited the aircraft from the rear and, when clear, the Osprey lifted off again departing the area.

General Yao saluted General Moa along with the others and the men went inside the tent.

“Please be seated, General. Would you like some tea?” Moa asked.

“Thank you, I would welcome some,” Yao said graciously. The tea was poured and the men got down to business.

“General, I thank you for meeting with me. As soldiers, neither of us like losing our men to no purpose. It is my hope and the hope of my government that we can prevent that.”

“I am glad we agree.”

Yao reached into his briefcase and pulled out what looked like a laptop computer and a small antenna. “I wish to show you something.” He placed them on the table and turned it on. The screen came up showing the satellite feed of every unit on the Korean Peninsula. He turned it for Moa to see.

Moa took one look and knew everything was done. He clearly saw the outline of Korea, his forces and all the others. With technology such as this, there was no chance and had been no chance.

Yao began pointing things out. “As you can see, General, here are your forces and here are ours. Off shore, here are four battleships, three aircraft carriers, and a number of smaller ships. Here are our aircraft flying along the borders. I also show you where our forces are in your country. As you can see, we are at Pyongyang. As of tomorrow morning my forces will enter the city. We have reason to believe it has been abandoned and your political leadership has either fled or been killed. Your forces are totally surrounded and we cut off your communications with the outside world two days ago, as you know.” Yao sat back. “I tell you this simply because I wanted you to see the complete situation. You are an honorable man and have led your army with great skill. We do not wish to see the slaughter continue.”

“What do you propose?”

“General, I propose you go home. We will not ask for a surrender and you will not actually give one. You and your men will be allowed to mount your trucks and take enough supplies to return home. You will leave your heavy weapons, but your rifles and side arms you may keep. Our forces will provide escort to Pyongyang. From there, you may go as you wish. We simply want your assurance that the fighting will cease. I anticipate that there will be a new government in Pyongyang when you arrive. I anticipate they will need a security force to help in the transition. In this way, you will not be betraying your people. You will be helping them adjust to a new situation. If you desire, I can meet you in Pyongyang and we can discuss the situation. Would this be acceptable?”

Moa had never heard terms like this. Could it be that simple? “What are the alternatives?” he asked.

Yao shrugged his shoulders. “If you persist, tomorrow morning this valley and all in it will be reduced to cinders by air power, artillery, and finally tanks. Please, General, let us not resort to suicide for your men.”

Moa thought a moment. “I have a request.”

“Please name it.”

“Allow my men one night of peace before we must leave. This will allow us the chance to rest, gather our things, and leave by noon tomorrow. Also, I am not sure if we would have enough transport.”

Yao held up his hand. “General, I can provide unmarked transportation for your men. You came as soldiers and you will leave as soldiers. I am happy to wait until all is ready before you leave. The time can be at your discretion. May I be of further assistance?”

“I thank you for your courtesy and your understanding. Do we need to sign any agreements?”

“No, General. I will simply offer my hand in pledge that all we have said here today will happen. None of your men will be harmed as long as none of ours are. I give you my word,” he said extending his hand.

General Moa grasped it firmly. “Then we are agreed. Thank you.”

The two men left the tent, followed by the others. There were smiles all around. One of the staff members made a call over a radio. In just a few minutes, the Osprey came into view. As it made its approach, Moa pulled Yao in closer. “One more request.”

Yao looked at him questioningly.

“Some day, can I get a ride in that thing?”

Both men laughed as Yao nodded. After formal salutes, Yao and his staff members entered the back of the Osprey and it lifted back off.

Hammond was busy getting last minute things done to get underway. For two days he escorted Butler and Crowell around when he could. The night at the restaurant was spectacular. Hustvedt and his XO joined them and the six of them had a great time telling stories and sharing experiences. Butler even asked Hustvedt to tell them about the battle he had won two months before. Everyone could see the respect and admiration he had in his eyes. Even Patricia Crowell was impressed. It was nearing curfew when they drove back to the ship. Hammond insisted that they both stay aboard while there, but now the ship was getting back to her station and Butler, Crowell, and their handler were firmly ensconced in a local hotel.

As Hammond was finishing up a package to go out in the mail, there was a knock at the door.

“Come!”

The door opened and Patricia Crowell entered the cabin.

Hammond came to his feet. “Patricia, what are you doing here? I didn’t hear you announced.”

She was smiling and looked a little ill at ease. “I don’t know. I just felt like seeing you one more time,” she said. “I asked the OOD not to announce me because every time I do I get swamped by the crew. I really just wanted to see you.”

He smiled back at her and took her hands in his. “I’m glad. I’m sorry we haven’t had much time to just sit and talk,” he said.

“Oh, I know. You’re busy and I understand that. But, well, I just feel like….”

Hammond put his arms around her and pulled her to him. “I wish it wouldn’t end either. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve grown very fond of you. I’m hoping you feel the same.”

She squeezed him tightly and simply nodded her head. She stepped back slightly and wiped her eyes. “It just seems like I get to see you and you have to leave,” she said trying to smile.

“One of these days, I may not,” he said looking her directly in the eyes. “You need to know I’ve always been a little shy around women. So just remember that even though I don’t say a lot, the feelings are there.” He pulled her close and kissed her gently. “That’s just a small hint,” he said.

She kissed him again. “That’s a hint I can take.” She stepped back and wiped her eyes again.

“Just keep sending me the occasional letter. One day, in my own way, I’ll tell you how I really feel. But I think you know already.”

“The same way I do,” she said as she kissed him deeply. They heard the sound of the small door to the pantry closing and a box of Kleenex had magically appeared on the counter. They both laughed.

“Seems there are no secrets,” she said taking two and drying her eyes. “Thank you,” she called out. “Well, care to walk me back out?”

“My pleasure.” They walked out of the cabin door onto the O-2 level where the band was preparing to play as they left. The guys all greeted the Mayor. The drummer, an older sailor named Elvin, asked if there was something she’d like them to play.

“I love the way you play “Blackwater,” she said. Elvin nodded. As they went down the ladder to the quarterdeck the band began to play. It was not one of those fast songs, but seemed to fit the mood as she left.

At the brow she turned once more. “Just get home safe,” she said.

He held both her hands in his. “I promise. Enjoy the rest of your stay.”

She smiled and pulled herself away. “I’ll be waiting.” She left the ship and walked to the taxi waiting on the pier.

The band got to the part she particularly liked and she stopped a moment.

Crowell waited through the music and waved as she got in the taxi. It turned around and left as the band continued to play. Hammond watched until he could see it no longer.

It began at 9 am. The leading elements of the South Korean Army marched into the city. They didn’t move in like invaders. The troops were in their best uniforms, marching twelve abreast down the main thoroughfares leading to the heart of the city. Bands played as they marched and the companies were separated by lines of tanks and other vehicles.

Many people came out of their doors and shops to see the parade. Thinking it was the North Korean Army, they lined up to watch the spectacle. Only when they began to see flags and equipment that was far different from what they had seen in the past did they realize this was not their army. Now they didn’t know what to think or do. For so long they had been told exactly that — what to think and do. It was very confusing.

Overhead soared flight after flight of all types of aircraft. They flew in echelons of five planes. All were armed and ready in case someone started to shoot. They continued to fly over the entire way to the center of the city and Kim Il Sung Square.

The parade passed through the city, crossing the Island of May Day on the Taedong River and then turning right along the main boulevard up to Namsan Hill. Upon reaching Kim Il Sung Square, the men and formations began to line up. The parade itself had been four miles long. That meant the first of the troops were beginning to fill the square as the last of the troops had just begun the march. It took almost every man in the South Korean Army, but it was impressive as hell.

After two hours, the square was full and the last of the troops filled in the areas surrounding the square. Tanks were positioned so they looked both impressive and menacing in case someone didn’t agree with what was going on.

Suddenly the square got very quiet. A microphone was set up on the reviewing stand in front of the Grand People’s Study House. Several men came out of the Study House and approached the microphone including General Yao and two former ministers. The ministers were in their best gray communist attire, but looked old beyond their years. They clearly were uneasy doing what they were about to do.

The Minister of the Treasury was chosen to make the announcement. He walked straight to the microphone and looked out over the thousands of troops there. He also saw the men on the rooftops with their weapons ready. He had been clearly warned what would happen if he screwed this up.

“Citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea! For many years your government has deceived you into thinking it was all powerful and its leaders deities. As a representative of that government, I am here to tell you that is wrong. Your government has been guilty of depriving you of your resources, your freedoms, and in some cases your lives so the leadership could do as they wished. Most recently, leaders in your government used nuclear weapons against not only other nations, but other Koreans as well. They caused us to be in a new conflict resulting in the deaths of many thousands of our soldiers — the best of our youth. Just a few days ago, most of the government leadership was killed in an explosion of their own nuclear weapons.

Because of this, as one of the last representatives of that government, I am ordering all fighting to cease in place. I am ordering all people responsible for the use of these nuclear weapons be brought to justice along with anyone guilty of war crimes. I am also ordering that all nuclear weapons plants cease operations and, except for producing electrical power, be dismantled. I am also ordering all munitions and weapons facilities to cease operation. The fighting and the threat of this country shall end now.”

“As our last official act, we are also ordering that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea cease to be and all governmental functions transfer. From this moment on, we shall all serve under the flag of the Republic of Korea. We are turning the reins of government over to General Yao, the representative for the government in Seoul.

The cheer went up from the crowd on hand. The people in the government buildings were too stunned to move. Eventually, they abandoned their buildings and joined the rest.

General Yao walked to the microphone. “People of Korea,” he started in a softer, calm voice. “On behalf of my government, I welcome you to a unified Korea. Beginning today, all political prisoners wherever they are, will be released. We are working with the people in your former government to make sure there will be plenty to eat and that no one will suffer through this transition.”

“We ask that all government employees remain at their jobs so the trains and other transportation will continue to run, the electricity remains on, and people can get assistance when they need it. Government representatives will be here beginning tomorrow to help each department understand its new responsibilities and new guidelines. All basic freedoms shall be observed, including freedom to travel, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and all other freedoms shared in the Republic of Korea.”

“To the former citizens of North Korea, you have suffered for a long time. But you should not be ashamed of the people who served in your armed forces. They fought bravely and valiantly for what they were told was right and good. It is a shame that so many lost their lives, but as of today no more of those lives will be lost. General Moa shall enter the city in a few days with his troops and will be treated with honor and respect. His actions saved the lives of over 100,000 of your soldiers.”

“Let us all now turn towards rebuilding our nation. What once was divided is now whole. What once was oppressive is now gentle. What once was despised is now welcomed. Let us rebuild Korea into what it should be; a land of free people building a better world for all,” he said closing out his short speech. There was much he hadn’t said, but long speeches were not his way. Through the applause, the men shook hands and headed back into the Study House.

After they were dismissed, the soldiers spread out around the city, meeting people, shaking hands, and spreading goodwill. Although many were concerned about radical elements that might fight, not a single shot was fired. What had started with a loud bang ended in a whimper.

Although the event in Pyongyang occurred at noon, it was only 11 pm in Washington. Despite that, the government interrupted the broadcasts for a special announcement. Once again the President would speak to the nation. There had been some earlier announcements that the President would speak, and many stayed up to hear and, in many cases, see the President, now that most of the transmitters and many receivers were operating.

The announcer came on and introduced the President. The images were not like the ones before. He didn’t look so tired or so serious. People immediately knew something special had happened.

“My fellow Americans, I come to you tonight to share some news. Just one minute ago government ministers in Pyongyang announced the end of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The war is over. After a cease fire with North Korean forces remaining in the south, Allied forces surrounded the capital. This morning South Korean forces entered the city and the government collapsed. All of Korea is now the Republic of Korea, a unified nation for the first time in over 75 years.”

“As a part of this event, comes a pledge to bring to justice anyone who had a part in the nuclear attack upon the United States and other nations. All people involved in war crimes will also be brought to justice. Political prisoners and POWs will be released and all weapons plants dismantled. In addition, all remaining weapons of mass destruction of any kind will be turned over to us for dismantling.”

“I ask you to join me in prayer tonight for our soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have fought so bravely and so gallantly during this conflict. You have seen in the news some of their daring and their heroism. Although we will remain in Korea for about another month to help get things stabilized, we will be bringing all of our forces home.”

“Let us also say a little prayer for the Republic of Korea. This small nation is going to be busy rebuilding after so much destruction and after decades of oppressive rule in the North. We will do everything we can to help.”

“So tonight let us celebrate. I am declaring tomorrow a holiday. Let us all celebrate the end of a conflict and hopefully a long and prosperous period of peace. Good night.”

It was reminiscent of photographs taken upon the announcement of the end of the Second World War. People came out of buildings all across the nation to celebrate in the streets. Lights burned brightly and confetti poured down on Times Square just as before and people hugged, kissed, and danced. In California it was only 7 pm and traffic stopped on all the streets for the celebration. On some streets, local bar owners brought their stock outside and served free drinks adding to the festivities. News crews happily shot footage of the people having a blast for use in later news stories. Still photographers all vied for the one photograph that might catch the essence of the moment much as Alfred Eisenstaedt did for LIFE magazine on VJ Day in 1945.

In Vallejo, Jack Latham walked out of his office in the shipyard and into one of the main shops. It had no radio, only canned music so that men could concentrate on their jobs. He picked up the microphone on the overhead announcing system.

“Can I have your attention, please. Stop all work for a moment if you can. I have an announcement.”

The shop slowly fell silent as the men completed tasks and turned to look toward the front of the shop. They all recognized his voice.

“Thanks, guys,” he said once it got quiet. “I just wanted to share the news. It’s a good thing we finished all those Navy jobs, because they just announced the war is over,” he said.

A great whoop emerged from the voices in the shop. Work was abandoned and the men began slapping each other on the back and cheering. Latham walked from shop to shop to spread the news. After a couple of hours he walked onto the pier in front of the shipyard where one of the newer Navy ships was receiving an overhaul. Several of the sailors on the ship were celebrating too and he waved up at them.

Latham continued to walk down the pier, eventually looking out along the river to the museum down the quay. It had all started there. This was where he had gotten the inspiration that had resulted in so much for the city and his shipyard. Mayor Pat was over in Korea even now probably on their ship celebrating with them. He wished he could have gone.

They would be coming home soon. The brief time again as a warship would be over and the great ship would be relegated to being a museum again. At least she would be kept up. He would see to that. Who knew? Maybe she would be needed again in another twenty years or so. After tomorrow’s holiday he would concentrate on her homecoming. He already knew it would not be something to miss.

The word of the end of the war came as no surprise to the Iowa crew. They already received a message to cease all aggressive activities. Instead they and the other ships were assigned the task of patrolling off the coasts once more. There was one exception. The North Carolina was to return to Yuktae-dong with a number of scientists and environmentalists to act as a base of operations as the effects of the nuclear blast were studied. Hustvedt sailed first to Sasebo to pick up the teams and then anchored off Yuktae-dong the next day. The ship would remain until another research ship, more properly equipped, could be sent from the United States.

Hammond made the announcement to the crew and sat back in his seat on the bridge. It was actually over. A part of him was saddened because soon this ship and this crew would disband. The ship would return to Vallejo and the crew to their homes. He would miss these men. They had worked very hard to do his bidding. They faced the danger and hadn’t even flinched. It would be hard to say goodbye.