“Sounds like it might be just the thing,” Ricks said.
“He walk by time baby born?” asked Su Lynn.
“Well, possibly. It is possible if you work hard enough. These things take getting used to. But it’s the only thing that gives you a chance.”
“Then he do it,” she said defiantly.
Ricks looked at her with admiration. “You heard the woman, Doc,” Ricks said.
“Good. I’ll make the arrangements and you will be shipped out in a few days,” the surgeon said.
“What about my wife?”
“I’ll get some people on it. I’ll try and get someone to see you this afternoon. In the mean time, I may move you to some other quarters. You’re doing well enough to get around in the chair on your own. How’s that sound?”
“Sounds good.”
“Then I’ll check in on you tomorrow. Have a good evening.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Ricks said. He looked over at Su Lynn and squeezed her hand. “Looks like we’re going home,” he said.
They were just beginning to talk about the prospects when there was another knock on the door and Lt. Colonel Peterson stuck his head in. “Everybody decent?” he asked.
“Come in, Colonel!” said Ricks.
Peterson entered the room and shook hands all around. He even got a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Su Lynn. “I just saw your Doc out in the hall. He says you’re going home. Congratulations!” he said.
“Yes, we just got the word. The Doc says he’s going to try and fix it so Su Lynn can come with me.”
“Well, don’t worry about that. Su Lynn is coming with me for her photograph and she’ll have a passport this afternoon,” he said seriously.
“That quick?” asked Amanda.
Peterson looked a little hurt. “Are you doubting my word, Ma’am?”
“Well, no, but I know how long it took for some neighbors of ours. We only got ours so quick when the Army stepped in,” she said.
“Let’s just say I can pull strings. There’s one more piece of news though,” Peterson said. “Your presence is required at some kind of ceremony in Tokyo in four days. All four of you will be going and the Army is getting the transportation laid on. You will be going in two days. So I suggest you polish up your wheelchair and get yourself shaved. They want you in uniform.”
“You have got to be kidding me. What do they want me for?” asked Ricks.
“Beats me, Sergeant. Just be getting ready. Su Lynn and I may stop and pick you up some new uniforms. I took a look at what you have and wouldn’t wipe my… kitchen table with them,” he said catching himself.
“Yes sir,” said Ricks. “But if you hear what it’s about, I’d like to know.”
“I’ll keep my ears open. OK, Su Lynn, let’s go get you a passport,” Peterson said.
A little unsure of what to do, Su Lynn stood up and went with Peterson. Fortunately, Peterson knew exactly what he was doing and, in addition to getting uniform items, he stopped at a shopping center and bought her some western style clothes. She would have to look nice for the person she would be meeting.
Air Force One landed at Narita Airport with all the pomp and circumstance befitting a visiting head of state. The 747 had been repaired and hardened against EMP so there was no longer any fear from that threat. The big airplane in its two toned blue and white paint shimmered in the sunlight as it taxied along the ramp to the VIP reception area. The airplane stopped and the airstair was lowered. A red carpet was extended from the end of the stairs out to a waiting platform for arrival remarks.
The doors opened and President O’Bannon stepped from the plane, waved, and walked down the steps. He was greeted by several dignitaries including the Japanese Prime Minister and members of the diplomatic community. The men walked to the platform and gave the perfunctory remarks regarding how happy they were to be here and how much they were looking forward to their meetings. After more handshakes the two men entered their limousines and took off toward an official reception while other staff members made their way to their rooms at the embassy. In some cases, they were taken to the Iowa.
USS Iowa and the rest of the battleships were moored alongside the municipal cargo loading piers running along the Shuto Expressway across from Shinonome Station. The sailors enjoyed the location for two reasons. It had easy access to downtown and it was less than four miles from Disneyland Tokyo. For men who had spent the last few months in a war zone, it was like stepping into a different world. In many cases, it was nice just being around regular people again.
By 8 pm, the activities for the first day had ended and the motorcade made its way through the city to the pier. Normally Tokyo was still jammed with cars at that time of the evening, but the efficient Tokyo police blocked off several streets allowing the motorcade to pass quickly and without interruption.
Entering the gates to the pier, O’Bannon came upon an impressive sight. Each of the huge ships was dressed with lights along the main deck and up and over the masts from bow to stern. They seemed to shimmer as he made his way down the pier to Iowa. Along the way, sailors in their dress blues were standing evenly spaced along the ship’s rails saluting as the limousine passed. The last in line was Iowa. Lights were shining up along the various levels making the ship look even more impressive in the evening as the sides rose into the night sky.
The President exited his limousine and looked at the ship. As with the other ships, sailors were lined up evenly along the entire side of the ship on each level. Even more men stood atop the massive guns — all at attention and all saluting. He heard a bell sound eight times and someone announce “United States, arriving.”
As he approached the quarterdeck he saw eight sideboys and a line of officers waiting at attention. Upon the President’s arrival at the side, the Bos’n began blowing his pipe and all the people on the quarterdeck saluted. Hammond was there, first in line, to greet him.
O’Bannon got to the end of the line in time to hear a small band begin giving the four ruffles and flourishes and then play their version of “Hail to the Chief.” At the end everyone dropped their salute and the President stepped forward followed by Butler and a few other staff members.
“Welcome aboard, Mister President,” Hammond said. The look on his face told O’Bannon how glad he was to see him.
“Roger, it’s good to see you again. I keep hearing things about you,” the President quipped.
“Nothing good, I know. Let me introduce you to my officers,” Hammond said as he began the introductions.
When he got to the end of the line the President stopped him. “Is that the band?”
“Yes, sir. They wanted to be a part of this.”
“Good. Then let’s go see them.”
The two walked up the ladder to the horror of the men standing by their instruments.
“Hi, guys. I really want to meet you,” he said extending his hand. He made his way to each of the men. “You men have no idea what your playing has done for so many of us, both here and back home,” he said as he made his way. “I really appreciate what you’ve put into this. More than you’ll ever know. I hope I get the chance to hear some more of your music soon,” he told them.
The men beamed. They were playing because it was fun, even though they were being asked to play more and more. To have the President come and meet them was icing on the cake.
Hammond led the President into his cabin and O’Bannon flopped into the easy chair. “Oh man, I am so glad this day’s over,” he said. “At least I get to spend it here and not some sterile hotel room.”
“Welcome to the Roosevelt Suite,” Hammond said gesturing with one arm, “straight from its last engagement in 1943.”
“Oh man. I like this. I wish I could walk all over this thing tonight,” the President said.