“We did, sir. The B-2 will have landing rights to drop Ford off. Copilot Pinky will catch up and rendezvous with Robert in Bangalore to receive and park Black Scorpion in one of their Indian Air Force transport jet hangars. Pinky is short for Tiffany ‘Pinky’ Pinkerton, who has been cleared as the copilot.”
Right away, Calvin was thinking of diplomatic issues and who in the Indian government and air force knew. “So, do I want to know how you coordinated all this with Bengaluru — you know, Bangalore?”
“That was me, sir,” Emily answered. “I phoned my college roommate, whose father is the current Indian deputy defence minister, Charan Pranav Ahuja,” Emily said with a grin. “I talked with the deputy personally and arranged the specifics. He only awaits our timeline.”
The Indian armed forces were busy these days, with their navy leading the way at 135 warships and submarines, and nearly 230 air platforms, all supporting the gigantic Indian Ocean Region. Of concern to them was recent info right out of the newspapers. Chinese naval assets deploying along Pakistan’s naval assets — to include a port in Whadar, Pakistan, financed and constructed by China — took up some of their time. To this day, India keeps an eye on Chinese military operations.
The secretary of defense’s relationship had grown with the Indian defence minister, discussing regional issues, US defense partnerships, and Asia-Pacific topics important to both of them. Calvin was a fan of India and knew the strengthening of the defense cooperation between the two countries. Both the secretary and the defence minister had been discussing India’s commitment to a healthy, strategic partnership with America, so this latest decision by his team was aligned.
“Very impressive. Very good. I think the secretary will be impressed with this, considering his multitude of visits there. You know, their deepening of the security and political ties. I would expect Ford and, what is her name, Pinky? They would need some rest and take off the next night, right?” Calvin asked, making a note on his pad.
“Yes, that is correct,” Robert answered. “Ford, Pinky Pinkerton, Emily, and I will be over at the Ritz-Carlton Bangalore to sleep, then they take off next evening. Risky having the jet there for any more than twenty-four hours, as we may not keep it a secret after that. Jeanie will conduct the cyber ops from here in DC.”
The Ritz-Carlton in Bangalore would be perfect for them to rest. Beautiful in every aspect, safe, high end with good food, the impressive luxury hotel would be the perfect spot to recover and work from. Not to mention the impressive and attentive staff on hand to serve hotel guests.
Mark flipped over his sheet. “Last step is for Ford and Pinky to fly north from Bangalore, cross the Middle East, Europe, and the North Atlantic, and stop in New Hampshire for fuel. One plan we have is to cut her up in New Hampshire and transport via tractor-trailer truck. Energy will help with that again perhaps. Another idea was Robert’s, to cut her up, truck to the Maine shipyard, and transport via US Navy to the West Coast. Still working on that idea.”
“Let’s wrap this up then. Let me know on the trip out to Vegas what the plan is once you get Black Scorpion stateside. I would consider keeping her flyable, as you never know what the future will hold. I’ll leave it up to you to decide. So, we’re done here today. Any questions of me before we leave?” Calvin paused, and no questions were asked. “OK, none. Andrews VIP Terminal, 11:00 p.m. tomorrow then.”
Emily’s face turned red. “Sir, Ford is out in Vegas getting his RPA training. Staying at the Paris Hotel. Perhaps we can have him meet the SecDef, too? When we fly there tomorrow night? He’s out at Creech, but it’s not far from Nellis.”
“That’s a great idea, Emily. The secretary would be impressed by meeting Ford and Pinky. Yes, let’s arrange a meeting with them, as I know the secretary would want to shake hands.”
“Thank you,” Emily replied. That’s interesting; Ford hasn’t called in a while. What’s he up to out there? she thought.
“Pinky, I was out on a morning run. It’s OK. And I wasn’t that drunk, was I? You sound like Emily. I don’t drink excessively or whatever you’re thinking. Anyway, I’ll jump in the shower and meet you in the lobby?”
Pinky lefty his room, and immediately thought he was in denial, because he was pretty bombed. Ford could barely walk, and she had to help him to his room. How could he not remember? she thought, taking the elevator down to the lobby. She also left her purse behind in his room by mistake, but figured Ford would bring it down.
Ford picked up his smartphone and dialed Emily to say hello, verifying he was in the green on the Peanut.
“Hey, girl, how you doing?”
“Hello, love. What time is it?” Emily said, glancing at the clock, then her Peanut light. “Ford, it’s 7:00 a.m. here.”
“I know, Emily. Good morning. I can’t take my phone with me out there, so I have to talk now. You doing good? Miss you.”
“Yes, miss you, too. Things coming along at work. I’m coming to see you. We’re coming to see you. Flying out with the team and the big boss.”
Ford made a face. “That’s awesome. What big boss?”
“The secretary.”
“The secretary? Of defense?”
“Yes, Ford.”
“Cool! On his jet? Into Nellis? That’s going to be great, Emily. I’m out here and waiting for you.” Ford’s eyes were wide open in excitement. His type-A personality and commitment were in full force.
“Yes, will be in your lobby tomorrow morning. He wants to meet you after we land. Be in your Paris lobby to say hello tomorrow at 6:00 a.m., love.”
“Me? The secretary wants to meet me?” Ford asked, surprised.
“Yes, why not?”
Ford figured this was also as good a time as any, so here he went.
“OK, I’ll be there. Emily, I want to talk about us when you get here. You and me. I want us to be more serious. Just planting the seed for us to talk when you get here,” Ford told her.
Bullocks. He wants to get married. Emily rapidly sat straight up in bed.
“Me, too, Ford. I want to be more serious, too. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Can’t wait to see you. The view of the Las Vegas strip and the mountains in the desert are striking. It’s breathtaking.”
Since Calvin was potentially moving to another position in government, Jason Cohen figured he would apply for and take another job at DIA in order to compete for a promotion. He was ready for another directorate with different hours than the one he worked now, and he looked forward to the change.
“Michelle, thanks for coming back up here. You may not know, but Jason is no longer with me,” Calvin explained.
“Yes, I noticed he isn’t up front,” Michelle Boyd said. “What’s up with that?”
Calvin smiled at her tactless way of asking where Jason was. “He received an opportunity in another office and took it. I encouraged him. That’s what we do for good people. Groom them to take more responsibility. Good for him,”
“Guess so,” Michelle replied, rather monotone.
Calvin wasn’t happy with her enthusiasm level but knew she could be groomed a bit. “The reason I asked you up here, besides an update, is to ask if you would be my new executive assistant. Stay with me here at DIA, and then over to the Pentagon as undersecretary of the air force, if I get the confirmation.”
Michelle was taken aback. “I would be honored. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity,” Michelle said, smiling.
“Phenomenal. Thank you for working with me. Now tell me, what’s the Hill up to with my confirmation date? What are you hearing?”