|
Post by blaird on Jul 3, 2016 5:09:24 GMT
|
|
|
Post by crushedhat on Jul 7, 2016 1:29:42 GMT
7 December 1941, early morning (continued from Palm Frond Club) “Oh my God!” Though spoken in a whisper, the emotion behind the words make them sound like a shout. The woman repeats, “Oh my God!”
LCdr Kyle Robinson recognizes the curly orange-red hair, curvy figure and voice, though the latter lacks the playful tone it had last night. He opens his eyes as she says the words yet again.
He can see her, standing naked by the window looking out over the harbor. The sight brings back pleasant memories of the night just passed. Then the scene beyond the window captures Kyle’s attention. No longer sleepy, he is up in a flash and standing beside…Kelly, the name comes unbidden into his head. It is quickly followed by other names, “Kate, Val, Zero;” the labels given the torpedo bomber, dive bomber, and fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy by the aircraft recognition trainers.
Kyle watches as one after another the Japanese planes make their attacks on the unprepared US Pacific Fleet. He can see and hear multiple explosions coming from Battleship Row where the Navy’s mightiest ships lie at anchor, unable to maneuver out of harm’s way. His eyes quickly search the harbor. With a guilty sense of relief Kyle sees that the attacking bombers are ignoring that part of Pearl Harbor where the submarines are tied up.
Leaving Kelly to fret at the hotel window, Kyle goes for the phone. It takes eight tries before he succeeds in getting a line.
“Hello?” an obviously shaken woman’s voice responds to his call.
“Beth,” recognizing the wife of his XO, Lt Bryce Worthington II, Kyle asks for her husband. When Bryce gets on the line Kyle speaks in clipped sentences. “Contact Chief Groton. All leaves are cancelled. Get everyone to the boat, now. I’ll meet you there.”
“Aye aye, Sir.” Bryce’s voice betrays no emotion, Bristlemouth’s XO being as steady and imperturbable as ever.
Kyle hangs up and begins to gather his scattered clothes from around the room. Only now seemingly aware that she is not alone, Kelly asks, “What…what’re you doing?”
“There’s a war on, honey,” Kyle tells her as he quickly dresses. Standing, he steps over to Kelly. Kissing her he says, “Don’t wait up for me.” Then he is out the door.
|
|