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.