Andropov smiled. “Well played, my friend. You are right, no business. Let’s see, after I was transferred to armaments I had to find ways to replace all the things you were shooting up,” he continued.
Hammond didn’t hear much. In his mind he was worried about what he had heard. This called for a phone conversation with the President.
Chapter 16
Homecomings
The truck pulled off the road near the entrance to the town and Misha Slovatin grabbed is American duffle bag and got out. Dressed in his original naval uniform, he slung the bag over his shoulder and made his way toward his home. The day was warm. Already spring had settled over the land and the first nubs of a spring crop were in the field. Misha could smell the fragrance of new manure on the fields and in the gardens. Birds had returned and flew through the trees that lined the main street of town. It was just like he left it so many months ago.
The trip from Sevastopol had taken forever. Transportation was at a standstill, but what few truckers on the road were glad to give a ride. Along the way he had seen thousands marching along the side of the roads. They too were going home, but there was not enough transportation to carry them, so they walked.
The truckers were interested in what had happened. Most were very old and had served in the old Soviet army, but they understood the life. Misha related how he lost his ship, how the Americans had saved him from the freezing waters and had befriended him as he waited to be sent ashore. He told them how the Americans had come into Sevastopol like a breath of fresh air and how they had all worked together to help the people in the city. He also related about how he had been aboard the great ship with the big guns and how they took your breath away when they fired. He had told the same stories nearly thirty times with each of the drivers he had been with.
A door opened and a woman came out. “Misha?” she called out.
Misha waved at her. “Hello, Mrs. Devetski,” he said with a smile.
The women rushed over and took Misha into her arms, smothering him with kisses. “You have come back to us!” she cried. “Of all our children, you have come back!” Tears filled her eyes as she walked beside him.
More people came from their houses to greet him. Soon there were nearly fifty people in the streets. Misha felt himself being lifted up onto the shoulders of several men and carried. He was the one — the only one to survive of all his friends. The small town welcomed him home.
The crowd rounded the corner and came to Misha’s home. There was a scream of joy from inside as Maria Slovatin rushed from her home and into his arms. The town followed them to the porch where the two of them sat on the front stoop. All wanted to know what had happened to him. He was happy to tell the stories one more time.
The airliner landed and taxied to its docking station at the airport. As usual, the passengers began filing out of the aircraft into the main terminal. Individuals were greeted and then made their way to the baggage claim area. The usual noises were drown out by a shrill male voice who suddenly called out, “Daddy!”
People turned to see a young four year-old race up to a man in uniform. The boy rushed into his father’s arms, followed by a woman who gave him a kiss and a hug.
“Oh, I am so glad to see you,” said Hammond as he held onto the two.
“We’ve been on the airplane a long time. The pilot let me see inside where he drives,” Little Steve exclaimed.
“Did he? Well that was special,” said Hammond. He turned to his wife. “Tired?”
“I ache all over,” Patricia Hammond said as she stretched. The now pronounced baby bump became even more evident. “Little Suzie isn’t helping. She squirmed almost the whole way,” she said.
Hammond began leading them to the baggage claim. “Then let’s get the three of you to our place and rest. We’ll take a nap then have some dinner. Tomorrow I have all kinds of places we can go see,” he said.
“Cool,” exclaimed Little Steve as he held his father’s hand and walked alongside.
“How’s the campaign going?” Roger asked.
“Not too bad. A lot of people think it’s neat having a pregnant woman running for governor,” Patricia said.
“Just as long as they don’t think we planned it this way,” said Roger with a grin.
“No, we date well before my decision to run. Besides, I originally wanted to keep it a secret until your son decided to spill the beans. But that’s okay,” she said. “Now what’s this about you being posted to Moscow?”
Hammond shrugged. “Our friend in Washington decided that I would be the perfect one to work with Andropov to get things started. He said it was payback for negotiating a surrender without getting his blessing. Now I’ve got to make sure we comply with what he called my liberal thinking,” he said.
“Well, back home they may complain in the media, but everybody thinks you did great. I guess this means a lot of traveling?” Patricia asked.
“Some. We’ve already spoken to all the leadership. We will be in Washington next month and speak to the UN in New York, before going back. I also have a trip to Rome for something special. But I told them I needed at least two weeks to be with you guys. So here I am. There are a lot of people wanting to meet you,” Roger said.
Patricia rolled her eyes. “Please no formal events. I am getting to hate those things.”
“No, everything is private and just between people I’ve been working with.”
They stopped at the baggage claim and picked up the luggage, then got in a waiting car to drive to their suite of rooms in downtown Berlin at the Regent. Little Steve’s mouth flew open as they entered the grand entrance and foyer. The space was three stories high with huge chandeliers and gold accents. They were immediately ushered into an elevator and whisked to their suite. There were three bedrooms and a huge sitting area in the suite along with a grand piano and a dining room. Patricia had never been in anything like it.
After unpacking, Little Steve was already almost falling over he was so tired. So they took a nap to recover a bit from the jet lag. Tonight he would take them to his favorite fish restaurant. This time he had a reservation, and Hammond was eager to show his family how nice the people were in Germany.
The letters came at the same time. Petyr’s mother held them until he and Freda returned from school. Sitting down together, they opened them at the same time. Peter glanced at Freda and she looked up and nodded. They threw their arms around each other. Things were going as planned. Both had been accepted at the university.
Petyr couldn’t wait to let his father know. He was back in town working with the contractors on the new building which would become their home. The old brick building had been demolished. Now a new, modern building was taking its place. After the war had ended, the Polish government provided loans to help people get reestablished. Petyr’s father had enough for half the building, partnering with Mister Polski to get everything set up. The steel was already up. The best part was that the building covered almost the entire block. This would allow more businesses and apartments to occupy the building. One set of offices would be left open until Petyr finished his education. A doctor would need an office.
Hammond and Captain Rhodes were ushered into a set of private meeting rooms and told to wait. In a few minutes the large doors opened and Pope Gregory entered with some of his staff. He made his way to the men and extended his hand. Hammond took it and bowed slightly while Rhodes kneeled and kissed the Pope’s ring. Both were ushered to seats arranged beside a small table.