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Explorer
972 Posts |
 Posted - September 06 2006 : 2:51:30 PM
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Back at the palace, the injured men were taken to a room where their wounds were better dressed and proper stitches taken. In addition to the Maharajah's doctor, the flight surgeon from Ancestor base was there, and assured that all possible was done.
At Caroline's entreaty, the doctor cleansed the wounds with red wine, although he was rather dubious that it would make a great deal of difference. Still, she was a noted adventurer into wild places, and her brother was his commander...
That evening, with the tiger skins cleaned and defleshed and being prepared for taxidermy, Howard, the Challengers, and Phillip Smyth took a break, washing up for dinner and congratulating one another tbat the events of that fateful hunt had gone as well as they had. Diana Hamilton stayed by Wilson's side, until the doctor bade her leave to eat. Kirstin Mulder joined the others, standing close to Smyth, whom she seemed to know well, thought Tom.
Dinner was delicious, but the mood was somber, and the Air Vice-Marshal gave a special prayer that the injured men would recover.
Caroline sat on Tom's right, and he felt her take his hand during the prayer. She squeezed it as the prayer ended and looked at him with troubled eyes.
"Tom, we did all that we could. Tell me that. I have to know that what happened to John Wilson and that Indian chap was Fate, beyond our ability to intervene."
"Caroline, you just said all that I can. You seem to understand perfectly. If I was at fault, it is for unloading my rifle, thinking that danger was past. I learned a lesson: I'm never going to be without a loaded rifle in similar circumstances. Your shooting helped a lot, I'm sure. Even Diana knows that; she thanked you for your coolness and good aim. F/Lt. Marais really saved the day, what could be saved. Say, Piet: where did you come by that Luger? I have one that I left at home when I was on leave." Maybe he could change the painful subject.
Marais explained that he'd bought the gun from an infantryman who'd found it on a dead German lying near a ruined tank during the Battle of El Alamein. "I like the penetration of its bullet over that of the service .38, and it's a nice souvenir," he explained. "It fits the hand so well, and shoots as well as I can. You know the legend of Boer marksmanship, I hope." His eyes twinkled before he grimaced as he bumped his bandaged arm against the table. His wound, too, had been washed out with wine, and packed with honey under the dressing.
Diana came in and was seated, and no more banter ensued as the group asked her how Wilson was faring.
"He has a fever that worries the doctor but the wounds aren't puffing up and looking as ghastly as expected. The doc grudgingly conceded that Caroline was right about the wine. Thank you, Miss Challenger. Major, the doctor asked that you get that penicillin that you mentioned. He said that it can make all the difference in the world."
Howard nodded, telling her that he'd already talked to his colonel, and that a small aircraft should arrive soon after dawn. "Alas, it will also take me back to my own base, and I want to thank Your Highness and all here for a wonderful time, apart from the damage that second tiger did. Caroline, I asked my boss if you could sell those books at our base, too, and he was enthusiastic. The men will love them, and it would be a serious boost to morale if they got to see a beautiful woman. I don't suppose that you can sing, too? We haven't had a USO troupe in there yet."
Caroline laughed. "I sing badly even by bathtub standards, but if transport can be provided, I'm in no rush to go home. Astrid, Kirstin, Diana? Will you girls join me in selling books and entertaining the Yanks? They are mostly nice chaps, and they tend to have ice cream and chocolate bars. Not that we'd be going for tangible rewards, of course. Strictly to bolster Allied spirits..."
All enjoyed that, and Arthur pointed out that Oxford University Press was his mother's publisher. They had Indian offices, so more books could be sent out on short notice. He also had three jungle movies that he could loan, for viewing by the Americans.
So it was arranged, and it was with a joyful heart that Tom kissed Caroline good-bye as he headed out to the Stinson L-5 the next morning, the pilot having enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast with the others. During the night, they had again met in the garden, this time with Arthur contenting himself to take Astrid out on the other side of the palace and forcing himself not to wonder what his sister and her new male companion were doing. He mostly succeeded, Astrid taking his mind off much else other than the two of them and the lovely weather and the full moon.
During the night, the Indian retainer died, but John Wilson hung on, the Maharajah having had a couch for Diana moved into the room. Someone commented that this was, "highly irregular, as this couple isn't even married", but the Air Vice-Marshal pointed out that irregular measures would be condoned in this case, if it would help to save his trusted, if crabby, aide-de-camp. Privately, Sir John even hoped that Wilson's personality might also improve if he and Diana Hamilton continued to see one another.
The best part of leaving, Tom thought, was that the Mahrajah had insisted on presenting him with the Winchester .375 Magnum that he had used on the hunt. If the girl was lost for the moment, a fine rifle was gained. And he had memories to last and thrill him for a lifetime!
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 07 2006 : 5:10:28 PM
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The next two weeks were routine at his base, after Tom had reported to Col. Townsend and briefed him on his experiences after being shot down. An official report was made, and Townsend congratulated Howard on his achievements, telling him that enough first hand accounts had been received about his air escapades that he was being nominated for the Medal of Honor. Tom was astounded, and made humble, but didn't expect to see much come of this. Perhaps, he might receive a lesser award, and he rather hoped for that. It would be something to show his grandchildren someday, many years hence...if he managed to survive the war!
He went to see Frank Stevens in the infirmary, and found Stevens in good spirits. He had been nominated for the Distinguished Flying Cross, himself, and was chipper. He and other injured officers clustered around as Howard told of the fierce battle in the sky and of the Maharajah's wonderful, almost mythical, palace, the beautiful women whom he'd met, and of the fateful tiger hunt.
"If you guys don't believe me," he cautioned, "I have that .375 rifle and the hide of one tiger is being flown in to me when it's treated."
On the flight line, his crew chief and the men who maintained his aircraft showed him a new P-47D-30 with the bubble canopy and told him that he could choose either it or one of the several new Mustangs that had been flown in as soon as the runways were operable again after the Jap attack.
Howard thought carefully, even taking one of the Mustangs up and enjoying its manueverability and fuel efficiency. But he distrusted the ammo feed arrangement on the four .50 caliber machineguns and was worried about how easily the exposed radiator could be hit, knocking the plane down. The liquid cooled engine, like the Rolls-Royce Merlin on the Spitfire, was another vulnerable area. The radial engine on the Thunderbolt was tougher, and the whole plane was stronger, even in a thunderstorm. He chose the Thunderbolt.
Over the next two weeks, he led fighter sweeps that hit a few ground targets, and escorted five bomber missions, the B-25's now joined by a squadron of big B-24 heavy bombers. Only once did they see enemy fighters, out to attack a formation of B-24's. Howard and his companions made short work of the Tonys they intercepted, using their higher speed and the sophisticated rolls that Tom had taught his pilots to offset the higher manueverability of the Japanese planes. They shot down six Tonys for the loss of one P-47.
When he had spare time, Tom Howard foumd his thoughts often turning to Caroline Challenger and to his new friends at RAF Base Ancestor and the palace. Especially, to Caroline...He found himself daydreaming about her, even in flight, and shook his head to rid himself of the lusty thoughts that intruded, lest they impede his concentration while flying. But, at night, in his bed, Caroline came to him, creeping in at the edge of fading conciousness, rousing his passion, making him tumescent with the memory of her lips, her perfume, and the feel of her swollen nipples. He was surprised to find himself also missing her as much in other regards as he did sexually, and that alone was a powerful reminder of her. That chick has really gotten her hooks into me, he reflected, and he seriously began thinking of what it would be like to marry her. Would her distinguished family object? He got along well enough with Arthur, once that fellow had seemingly shelved his sense of brotherly duty to shield his little sister from the advances of men who sought her substantial charms.
Finally, the day came when his crew chief rapped on the door of his hut and exclaimed, "Major, you better get out here! A C-47 just landed with some really hot babes, and one of them is asking for you. She says her name is Caroline, and that you'd know her. Something about selling some books that her mother wrote. The guys are all over her, so you'd better get to the flight line right away, Sir!"
Tom grabbed his pistol belt and cap, ran out to his Jeep, and drove to the flight line. Sure enough, there was an RAF Dakota (C-47, in US use) with a group of British officers and several delectable ladies, all of whom he knew!
Col. Townsend and an escort of military police were pulling up, and Howard intevened to sort things out. After warm greetings, Howard introduced Phillip Smythe and Piet Marais and their crew to the Americans and ordered the men to move back a respectable distance from Astrid, Caroline, Kirstin, and Diana, all of whom were being beseiged by offers of candy bars and Coca-Colas, regarded with wide-eyed stares from men who had been too long wihout access to Western women. The girls took it well, Kirstin commenting dryly that she had always wondered what it might feel like to be worshipped. Now, she knew. Caroline snickered, and embraced Tom, right in front of everyone. This brought cheers with applause, and shouts of, "Me next, Major!"
The senior officers eventually got matters under control, with the MP's forming a line between the visitors and their ardent admirers. Arrangements were made for quarters and the ladies and the pilots were invited to the officers' club for refreshment. Caroline's books were taken to the club in a truck with an MP escort.
Tom and Caroline sat together and had eyes only for one another, alhough Tom tried to share his attention with the others. He noticed that Kirstin was seated next to Piet, and that she seemed to like the South African better than he'd realized. Indeed, it turned out that the couple had been seeing one another often since Marais had shot the tiger, and become something of a local hero. He could also communicate with Kirstin and Astrid in Afrikaans, of course, similar to Dutch, which pleased and amused the women.
Tom got Marais to take out his Luger and show it to the officers, explaining that with this 9mm pistol, he had killed a very dangerous tiger. This produced a suitable reaction, and Marais became the center of attention for awhile. They saw a bundle being brought in, and had it opened, and the hide of Tom's tiger was unrolled and displayed for all to see and caress. Tom would remember the looks on his mens' faces for years. He wondered if this was what it felt like to be a movie star.
After a delightful dinner in which the cook proudly showed capabilities beyond what any of the officers suspected that he had, Caroline sold the books in a hanger, with all ranks free to browse them, talk to the ladies, and enjoy Cokes and tea. Astrid and Diana surprised everyone by getting onto an improvised stage and singing popular British and American songs, with the base's band in musical attendance. Then, the hanger was darkened, and Caroline and a technician showed the jungle movies, as Caroline narrated what was onscreen. The films showed her, her brother, and their parents, with various wild tribesmen and wilder animals, some being among the first good filmed footage of giraffes, antelope, lions, etc. in natural settings. She and Arthur appeared with elephants and a big leopard that Caroline had shot, and the men were audibly impressed. Fortunately, most of the comments weren't too ribald, although Tom did hear one soldier exclaim, "Man, Tarzan ain't got nothin' on this babe! And Jane don't look half as good, either!" That drew laughter, including some from Caroline, herself.
Finally, everything settled down for the night, and Tom and Caroline went back to the club, where they found a quiet corner, shooing away admirers as tactfully as they could, until the men realized that the two knew one another, and wanted privacy.
"I've missed you, lady," Tom admitted. "But not too much. I doubt that I've thought of you more than ten times an hour."
Caroline had the grace and modesty to blush, then she took his hand and held it. "Likewise, as you people say," she agreed. "I thought that I should go mad wanting to be with you, Tom. I was hoping that I could control my feelings after you left, and that I would present myself here because I said that I'd come, and to sell the books. It really is for a good cause. But when I tried, I couldn't get you out of my mind. Arthur knows; I KNOW he knows. He's razzed me about it, as have the girls. Oh, Tom: what shall we do? I must return to England next week, and I feel as if I can't be without you. Will you perhaps want to come see me someday? I've felt more in tune with you, more comfortable with you, than with any other man that I've known, ever. I feel incomplete without you. From what I've heard about Texas girls, they're all beautiful and you'll no doubt go home and forget me. I should hate that!" And she did look miserable, thought Tom Howard.
He swallowed a gulp of Scotch, feeling giddy and almost outside himself.
"Caroline, I've been thinking a lot about you ever since we parted. We haven't had all that long to get to know one another, but you knocked me off my feet. I haven't been myself since we met. This war has affected how things have to be done. It tears people apart, who might otherwise want to get much better acquainted before they express deep feelings for one another. But that tiger hunt and talking to you in the Maharajah's garden have let me get a good feel for you."
"Ha!, " she jested, "You mean, you got a good feel OF me!" She blushed again, and Tom thought how the flush of color complimented her pink dress, cut low enough that he could see the bases of her breasts if she leaned well forward.
"Yeah, I liked feeling OF you, too," he admitted. "In fact, I liked that a LOT! But, I have also thought a great deal about other aspects of you. How we talk with such ease, our similar interests, that sort of thing. I like the way that you laugh, and the things that you do that make me laugh. I like the smell of you, and of whatever that citrus scented perfume is. Stop blushing: I love that smell. I love the way that your hand fits in mine. I love the way you talk. Your accent is as memorable as the rest of you."
"I like things about you, too, Tom," she said. "You mentioned smell, which embarrasses me, but I can recall the way you smell after a hard day in the sun on elephantback, and the way you smell in more intimate circumstances. Some of the primitive peoples whom I've met in my travels believe that the way that a man and a woman smell to one another tells how they'll get along. Isn't that hilarious? And I like the way that you stood your ground when those tigers came for us. By the way, John Wilson will live. He's much better, thanks to that penicillin. Diana is supposed to thank you for him. I imagine that she's just been too busy. They're engaged now, by the way. I hope they'll improve one another. They're all right in small doses, already. But I've seen in you a man whom I'll never forget. It is going to be very hard indeed to find another who has the effect on me that you have. Do you think we might see one another again? The Maharajah is giving you and Arthur some 'gong', the Tiger Cross of Rammalapur soon. But after that ceremony, I have to return home. Please let me take pictures of you tomorrow before I leave. I want to remember you forever. Can you possibly think of visiting me after the war? You said that you were well off, financially, that you could travel. We could maybe shoot grouse next August, or something, or fish for salmon on a river to which I have access."
"Yes, I'll try to join you in Britain as soon as the war allows. It will end in a year or so anyway, I think. But, Caroline, may I ask you a rather personal question? It's important to me. You needn't answer right away, but I do want you to think about something." He had decided to make a decision toward which he had felt propelled since he had met this girl, and the time was as good now as ever. There might not be another time, if he didn't ask...
"I can't imagine that you would ask me anything that I wouldn't answer, Tom. But if I need time, certainly, I'll think first. What's so important?" She motioned a steward away, looking back at Howard curiously.
He took a deep breath and asked, "Caroline Marguerite Nicole Challenger, will you marry me? I haven't been able to think of anything else for days. Will you at least consider it? Do you think that your family could tolerate me? We can visit them a few times a year; you know that I've mentioned that. I know that we haven't known one another long, but I think I know who and what you are, and you're what and who I want in a wife. Will you think about this?"
She sat stunned for a moment, then gushed, "Oh, Tom! Are you serious? I know that you love jokes, but I can't tease about this. It's too close to me, too real. Tell me the truth: are you in earnest?"
"Caroline, I have never been more serious in my life. I want you for my wife. I know this came on short notice, but with Fate what it is, our circumstances..."
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 07 2006 : 11:25:30 PM
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She realized how he had phrased the proposal, chuckled, and said, "Well, you did warn me that it would be a rather personal question. That sounds like you, making light of something that's really quite profound. I have to be sure that you mean this. Can we step outside, somewhere more private? I'm done with my drink, and you are, too. This room just got too small for us. I need air; I need to concentrate." She felt as if she was hyperventilating, and Mr. Dewar's amber liquid wasn't helping her to think clearly. Thankfully, she had had only two whiskies.
They left, saying hello to squadron mates who pressed close, trying to meet Caroline, or to tell Tom that they'd heard about his nomination for the Medal of Honor or about his tiger.
They got into his Jeep, and Tom drove off into the soft, humid night, the clicking and clacking of insects serenading them. Finally, he found a dark spot and pulled off the road, hoping that no snakes or other threats were lurking in the shadows.
They got out and stood, holding hands, Caroline's back against the rear of the Jeep, Tom facing her, their fronts touching. Tom felt the soft press of her breasts through the thin gown and she moved close and ground her body against his erection. Their lips met, and they trembled, aware that this was more than lust, each afraid of what was happening, yet dreading that it might be interrupted.
"Oh, baby! I love you so much! And it isn't just physical. I know that; I've thought all about it, about all aspects of you. Caroline, you rouse my heart and my soul as much as you rouse what you're moving against just now, thank you very much, and please don't stop. But we also have like spirits. We think the same, insofar as a man and a woman can. I know that you'd love it where I live, and I already love England. I can't wait to meet your parents. They seem half real to me, just from reading your mom's books and seeing their pictures. I want you beside me when I excavate that dinosaur that I mentioned. Please think of how it can be for us. I know it's too soon to be asking this, but I have to know how you feel. I think we're absolutely right for each other, and I don't want to risk some other fellow meeting you and sweeping you off your feet before I can ask for your hand."
"Don't be concerned, Tom," she told him. "I realize the need for urgency. We can't know what may happen next. Someone said that he'd been to see Gen. Slim, and that he is fighting a new Japanese offensive that looks to get worse. It may be their last try to take India. You and Arthur must do all that you can to stop that. I know that both of you will. But I'm afraid for you. I don't want to lose you, either to some Jap pilot or to some floozy who looks good to you through a whisky glass a couple of months down the road, after I've left."
"So, where does that leave us? Caroline, I think we should marry. I'm pretty sure that the Maharajah can arrange for me to buy a ring worthy of you. He probably owns stones that can be mounted to our wishes. I can afford something nice, something that you can wear with pride. It will at least show your parents that I'm serious. Do you want to marry here, or wait until later, when I can maybe get transferred to Britain? Or, we can marry in Texas. I know that my family would love you. I still have leave time coming, although I may not be able to take it until this new offensive is broken."
"You are getting right along, Fast Worker," she smiled. "I haven't even said that I'll marry you."
"Well, then, hurry up and say it," he pleaded. "I want to introduce you as my fiance when we get back. Not only will that make me feel ten feet tall, it will entitle me to tell other guys to keep their distance." He looked into her eyes, noting the twinkle there, in the blue depths that he found so enchantng.
"Oh, very well," she teased. " I will marry you. I'd probably better, if only to save my reputation after everyone sees us driving back from this dark place that you've taken us. Goodness knows what they'll think. Actually, I know jolly well what tbey'll think! If I'm not engaged by the time that my brother hears about this, I'll get an earful from him. And, you don't have to get a big stone in a golden ring for me if that will take much time. I'll wear your ring even it's just brass, made by some coolie who can turn one out fast. So, your answer is yes, I will definitely marry you. I want to discuss the place and time with my family, but I will not discuss with them or anyone else the committment: I will marry you, come Hell or high water, or the whole damned Imperial Japanese Empire! Oh, Tom! Am I glowing? You've just made me the happiest girl on Earth tonight. I swear that I will be the best wife that anyone can be, and then some, and the mother that you'd want for our children. Now, kiss me, Darling. I want to feel your lips on mine. And feel free to touch anything else that might grab your fancy. Tonight, you may as well really see what my knickers feel like. You looked so frustrated and downcast when I pulled your hand from under my skirt the last time that you tried that." She giggled, and snuggled impossibly closer, reaching for his mouth with hers.
And so, the two passed the next hour and a bit, seen only by an owl or two that flew over, looking for some unlucky rodent that might qualify as a meal if it didn't run down a hole in time.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 10 2006 : 2:52:46 PM
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When Howard returned to the occupied area of the base, a Jeep with two MP's in it flagged him down. The sergeant in the pasenger seat said, "Sir, the colonel is looking for you, and he's unhappy. The lady's friends are afraid that she's missing. You'd better beat feet over to the his office and tell them that you've got her."
Howard thanked them and steered for the command center. He noticed that Caroline was blushing, and suspected that he was, too. This might take some serious explaining.
When he arived, the colonel was perturbed. "Major Howard, where have you been? I have men searching this base for you and this woman. Her friends have been very concerned. I assume that you can explain yourself, as an officer and a gentleman?"
"Yes, Colonel. My fiance and I have just been discussing our wedding plans. We didn't realize that anyone was missing us."
"Howard, that isn't funny. Miss Challenger, please brush your hair. It looks mussed. I don't want a scandal here. I assume that you two were just having a ah, social interaction, and that everything is all right?"
"Colonel," answered Caroline, "Tom wasn't trying to be funny. We really were discussing wedding plans. Among other things, which accounts for my apparently disheveled appearance. Do I look awfully mussed?" She grinned, amused by Col. Townsend's agitation. Clearly, he was afraid that the British would complain to higher authority over improprieties. She knew her friends well enough to know that once she talked to them, nothing official would be said, In fact, they would probably laugh about the incident. Maybe even Arthur would, and he would probably get to hear of it...
The other visitors saw her and ran over, and the couple announced their engagement. Everyone broke out in cheers and applause. Col. Townsend looked mollified, but still reminded Howard that dependents weren't allowed in this war zone, and asked just when this wedding was scheduled. Told that Caroline would have to consult with her parents -the colonel was visibly impressed when he heard that her father was a baron- he grudgingly allowed that perhaps if Howard took leave later to be married and she stayed in England until the war was over, he would extend his own congratulations.
"Anyway, Tom, this came for you", said Townsend and handed the other officer a buff colored envelope with official British lettering, including the O.H.M.S. stamp. Asked what that meant, Smythe explained, "It stands for On His Majesty's Service, Sir. It's from our base, and is an official communication."
Tom opened the envelope, read the enclosed letter, and asked for quiet. "You guys will want to know this. It says here that Arthur and I are to report to the Maharajah's palace in two days to receive the Order of the Tiger Cross from the State of Rammalapur. Following the ceremony, which will require dress uniform, there will be a reception. There's a personal note here, too, from Arthur. Says that if I ask nicely, he may let me fly a Spitfire again, and that maybe this time, we won't have to shoot our way back to base!" He laughed, as did the others.
Things quieted down, and Caroline kissed Tom good night in front of all, to more cheers. Then she went off to the visitors' quarters, beseiged by questions and hugs from the other ladies. Tom talked briefly with his commander and others and went to his room, feeling that this had been quite a day.
He took off his revolver and cap, got out a bottle of Dewar's scotch, and poured some into a glass. He added a jigger of water and happily sipped. Boy, he thought, I have something to drink to, tonight. I'm think I'm scared silly. I was a pretty happy guy as a bachelor, and it certainly allowed me a lot of recreational latitude with the ladies! But I'm also exhilirated, to use the rignt word, over being engaged. I guess I have to "go" someday, and Caroline is a real catch. I just hope that her parents don't get upset. Her old man looked really formidable in those pictures in the books, and the guy is a billionaire, and then some, from what I've heard. I hope he doesn't think I want Caroline for the money. She's priceless, herself, although I am uneasy marrying a woman who probably has more in the bank than I do, not that I'm exactly a pauper, myself. He lifted the glass. Well, here's to marriage. I hope the Japs shoot lousy and I get to experience it...
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 11 2006 : 02:57:02 AM
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Howard enjoyed the return to the palace and to Ancestor base, where he now had several friends, some of whom he thought would be in his life for many years. He did get to fly a Spitfire again, and the grace and manueverability made him rethink whether he wanted to exchange his heavy Thunderbolt for a Mustang. The livlier P-51 waS a dream to fly, and once the "D" models arrived, with their six guns and an improved ammo feed system, not to mention the bubble canopy, he might switch over, except for known ground support missions, where the stronger P-47 would give him added confidence.
He was able to ask the maharajah for suggestions about a ring, and that worthy oriental gentleman insisted on taking him and Caroline into his treasure chambers and showing them stones that plundered one's breath with their beauty. Tom and his betrothed chose an emerald with diamonds surrounding it and arranged to have it mounted in platinum, with a matching wedding ring to be given later. Tom had worried somewhat over the price, and asked the ruler whether he'd take a check drawn on a bank in Texas.
The maharajah laughed, and reminded the couple that his son was alive and on the way to being well again, thanks to Tom Howard and the Supermarine company's fantastic fighter aircraft, and told them that he would neither require or accept payment for the rings. When Tom protested that a man should buy his bride's rings, the maharajah said that the price had already been paid...in Japanese blood, and in courage. Caroline agreed and told Tom to shut up and be gracious. But she kissed him and told the native leader that she was profoundly grateful for his generous offer, and that she would not attach any resentment if Tom accepted the largesse. That deal was done, then, and Tom picked up the newly made rings the next afternoon. He placed the elegant engagement ring on Caroline's finger, kissed her, and then led her in to greet her brother and their friends with the women all crowding around and sighing over how beautiful and valuable the ring was.
"It had to be beautiful and valuable, " Tom told them. "I wanted it to complement Caroline, who is lovely, and a pearl beyond price." He hugged her, and she glowed. Even Arthur beamed, and shook Tom's hand.
"Better you be stuck with Pest now, Tom," he quipped. "I've had her on my hands for years. It's time some other bloke took responsibility for the wench." But he hugged his sister to show her that he was teasing, which she well knew, anyway.
The ceremony for the two aviators to receive the Order of the Tiger Cross went well. Sir John attended, with the Air Commodore, and both the palace guard and a platoon of the RAF Regiment turned out on parade. Speechs were given and the marajah pinned the award on Arthur, then on Tom as the crowd cheered.
Howard returned to his base the next day, following a shoot that produced a bag of peafowl and two pheasant. He also shot a chital, or Axis deer, admiring the white-dappled hide, rather like the spots on very young deer in his home state. This species retained the spotted markings into adulthood.
He had unhappily said good bye to Caroline who had promised to notify her parents of her engegement, then flown back to duty.
The following week was hectic, with many ground support missions. Townsend took him and another pilot aside and told them about a Jap pilot who flew reconnaisance missions. His plane was a twin-engined Nick, and he flew so high and so fast that he was never caught. "I want you men to kill this guy. He's making fools of us," the colonel grated.
They studied the Jap's history, and realized that although his schedule varied, he was always over their zone by early afternoon on Thursdays. They waited above and caught the Nick, which they handily shot down. This feat earned them another half a kill each, and made both Col. Townsend and the troops who were being attacked on the basis of the enemy pilot's reports and aerial photos very glad.
Then, Tom's world was shaken. He was on his way to his Thunderbolt one day when a Jeep rushed up and the driver told him to abort his flight and report to Townsend in Operations, immediately.
Once there, Townsend looked at him oddly, then extended a hand in greeting and congratulated him.
"For what? You called me back before I could take off and shoot down any Japs," Howard noted.
"Read this: I got a copy, as your commander," said the colonel, passing him a set of documents. "Tom, I don't know how you do it, but you seem to lead a charmed life."
Howard read the papers, and was stunned at their content. The top sheet was a set of orders, addressing him.
"To Howard, Thomas A. O61632818. You are promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel, effective 15 October, 1944. (Time in grade requirement is waived.) You are relieved of duty at your present station, and will proceed to a new assignment via best available means. This is a permanent transfer, and you will not return to your present station. Allowance is granted to move all of your personal effects at government expense, and you will accompany your belongings. "
"You will arrive in New Delhi, India on or about 18 October and will report to the American ambassador at the US embassy for temporary duty. This will consist of meeting and interacting with British officials, including the Viceroy of India. You will attend a ceremony at which Group Captain Challenger, Arthur J.G., Royal Air Force, will receive the Distinguished Service Order, and you will receive the same decoration. Authorization to accept this foreign decoration is hereby granted, in the interests of Anglo-American cooperation.
"Presentation will be by Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander, SE Asia, and the Viceroy of India will be present. You will coordinate any needs via the US Ambassador."
"On 19 October, you will attend a ceremony at the US Embassy, at which the Ambassador, on instruction of and on behalf of the President of the United States, will present to you the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is regretted that wartime exigencies and the President's committments at this time preclude your proceeding to the White House for this award, but you will presently receive a letter from the President expressing his regret at the need for haste, due to your reassignment."
"After securing the earliest available transport, for which you will have high priority, you will proceed to London, England and report to the American Ambassador to the Court of St. James. You are assigned as the Assistant Air Attache to the Embassy there, and will normally report to the Air Attache. However, Lt. Gen. Doolittle has heard of your impending arrival, and it is the general's wish that you report to him soon after arrival to discuss certain matters relating to the P-47 fighter aircraft. You and the Air Attache will also interface with Gen. Eisenhower, and will attend his staff meetings unless excused."
"This is a permanent change of station, and you will be assigned there until further notice. Notify your next of kin accordingly."
"Congratulations on your receipt of the nation's highest military honor. Your gallant actions reflect great credit on the United States Army and on its Air Corps, and Gen. Marshall has asked that this communication include his warmest wishes, also. A copy of the Citation For the Medal of Honor is attached, signed by Gen. Marshall and by the President. Godspeed, and good fortune in your new duties.
Signed,
Warren T. Sherman.
Colonel,
Assistant to Gen. George C. Marshall,
Chief of Staff, United States Army,
The Pentagon
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 16 2006 : 2:10:50 PM
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"Colonel, I'm speechless," said Tom. "What is this all about?"
"Read the Citation, Tom," Townsend replied. "That explains the Medal of Honor, although it has been approved rather quickly. Normally, these matters require review by several committees and it can be awhile before approval is granted. This was fast, but I and others sent in the nomination with the highest praise we could muster for your actions, and we included sworn statements by at least ten witnesses. I may wish that you wouldn't sneak off in the dark with visiting daughters of barons, but I have no complaint at all with your courage. I know that you're a hero, Mister, and I am proud to have served with you. Remember me now that you're famous. I guess you were already rich... As for the transfer and the special ceremonies, and your getting the Distinguished Service Order, from Lord Mountbatten, yet...I see the hand of Challenger or the Maharajah in that. Don't you?"
Tom thought, and admitted that this almost had to be the Maharajah of Rammalapur, using his influence with the Indian Government, the Raj. "He may have had me transferred to Britain so that I can marry Caroline and be near her," he reasoned. "He was pretty taken with her, and he admires her mother, whom he met years ago. He's made it clear that he likes me and is grateful that I saved his son. If there's anything more, maybe it will trickle out in time. Bill, I swear that I didn't know about this, and I did nothing to cause it. You've been a good commander, and I will, in fact, keep you in mind if I can ever help. Hey: where am I going to get a set of silver oak leaves? Have you got any left from before you pinned those eagles on your uniform?"
Townsend nodded, opened his desk drawer and took out a box with two sets of the silver leaf rank insignia. "There you, go, Colonel. And congratulations. You going to take me to lunch at the club and buy me a drink?" He grinned.
"Sure thing, Boss. Lets' go; I'm hungry, anyway." And they were off to eat.
That evening, having said goodbye to his men, including his ground crew, Tom finished packing. He left his last remaining bottle of Scotch with Sgt. Miles, with instructions to share it with the men who had maintained his fighter for the three months that he had been at this base, and shook hands with Col. Townsend and the officers who had flown with him. Then, he spent a fitful night.
The following morning, he boarded an RAF Dakota piloted by Piet Marais and went to Ancestor base, where he partied for a day with his new friends. Then he, Arthur, Astrid, and Caroline boarded an express train for New Delhi.
Tom Howard felt as if he was living a life taken from the pages of an adventure novel. He said so, as they settled into the First Class compartment of the train, and Arthur joked, "Oh, it's an adventure all right, Old Boy. You don't know the half of what you've gotten yourself into by letting my sister snag you. And you seem like such a nice fellow..." He laughed, as Caroline looked around to be sure that she was unseen by others. Then, she wadded up a sheet of paper and threw it across the compartment at Arthur. Her aim was good, and he yelped as it struck him in the nose.
"That'll fix you, smart arse," she intoned, and took her fiance by the hand, as they sat side-by-side on the seat across from the Group Captain. She reached up and fingered Tom's collar, rubbing her fingers over the silver leaf announcing his new rank. Then, she leaned over and kissed him. Tom thought, "Life is good. And it's getting better..."
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 17 2006 : 5:10:03 PM
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Two PM, the courtyard of the Viceroy's Palace in New Dehli. Tom and Caroline stood watching as squadron after squadron of Bengal Lancers trotted past, the pennants flying from their spears adding to the colorful panoply of the scene. Already, other troops had paraded, including a company of Ghurkas, reminding Tom of those who had rescued him in Burma.
Then, trumpets blared and the bands played, "God Save the King" and all stood, reverently singing the national anthem, for George VI was not only King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, etc, but Emperor of India.
Then, the time finally came for him to rise from his seat behind the lectern and approach Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, who, in the presence of the Viceroy himself and his family, pinned the Distinguished Service Order on his dress uniform, noting that this was a decoration second only to the Victoria Cross itself, and awarded only for acts of great heroism. Lord Louis, Supreme Allied Commander in Southeast Asia, read the Citation, and Tom registered the words about great sacrifice at the grave risk of his own life, saving the son of one of the most influential rulers in all of India, how no man hath greater love for his brother than he who will lay down his life for another, and how close Tom had come to dying, as he repeatedly attacked Japanese fighters with his own guns empty, etc. He recited how this was the second occasion in close order that Lt. Col. Howard had come to the defense of British forces at much risk, attacking vastly greater numbers of the enemy, with courage that is seldom seen.
Tom saluted, shook Lord Louis's hand, and returned to his seat, remembering to avoid tripping over the microphone cords. His award had followed Challenger's and he remembered Caroline's expression of pride as her brother accepted the DSO. The US ambassador, seated near him, rose and shook his hand. "Congratulations, Colonel. Your feat has made it easier for me to deal with certain of our esteemed allies."
After, there was a reception, at which Caroline loved looking at the other womens' dresses and talking with the wives and daughters of many distinguished soldiers and diplomats, for from this palace,the whole of British India was ruled, the Viceroy being the local representative of the King-Emperor. She stayed near Tom, often taking his hand, noting with satisfaction (and a little glee) the looks that her stunning engagement ring drew.
The following day was more of the same, but at the American Embassy. Caroline heard "Ruffles and Flourishes", then, "The Star Spangled Banner", and realized with a mild shock that this would someday be her own national anthem, if she took U.S. citizenship to match her husband's nationality. Maybe I can maintain two citizenships, she hoped, for she was to the core not only the future Mrs. Tom Howard, but the daughter of Baron and Baroness Challenger...
The Ambassador called Tom forward and read over the microphone the Citation to the Medal of Honor. The Challengers listened attentively as the Ambassador recited the phrases, "For great intrepidy and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", and "repeatdly exposed himself to extreme danger by attacking vastly overwhelming enemy forces first with his guns loaded, then even when they were empty, he drove off attacks by Japanese fighters seeking to kill not only him and Royal Air Force companions, but the Crown Prince of Rammalapur, whose father is a staunch ally of the United States and of the Raj. This was the second occasion that week in which then-Major Howard distinguished himself in attacking against extremely heavy odds, and his conduct reflects great credit on the United States, on its Army, and on its Air Corps. By direction of the President, and by the will of Congress, I present to you, Thomas Howard, the Medal of Honor. I remind you that President Roosevelt has himself noted that he had rather have the Medal of Honor than be President. I can think of no greater honor in this world than the one that you are about to receive. Colonel Howard, the Medal of Honor." Then, he took the Medal from its case, held by an aide, and placed it around Tom's neck, the Medal hanging on its famous pale blue, star-studded ribbon, the only decoration worn on the neck, not being pinned to the uniform.
Tom returned the Ambassador's salute, thanked him, and returned to his seat on the dais, again avoiding tripping over cords. He noticed that Caroline was crying, and Arthur and others, including a Major General, rose and shook his hand. The general saluted him, and Tom felt humble and very grateful. He thought, For all of the rest of my life, I must strive to be worthy of wearing this Medal. I hope that I can set an example worthy of the honor that I have just been accorded...he felt like crying, himself, and envied Caroline womens' ability to express themselves emotionally in public.
He sat, and she leaned over and kissed him, holding his hand. Tom Howard felt about as tall as the Empire State Building, and reminded himself that to whom much honor is given, much is expected.
The reception and state dinner that night went well, and Tom enjoyed talking with dignitaries and glamorous women, although he was careful to avoid showing too much interest in the latter, for his fiancee was with him. He noted the jealous looks he got from some men, and the way that many women looked at Caroline, and how some failed to keep envy from their faces as they admired her ring. I could get used to this, he thought and laughed internally.
Caroline saw his smile and asked the reason. "I'm just thinking that with all the respect these people are showing me, I should be able to get the cook here to make us some really good hamburgers for lunch tomorrow," he drawled.
"Oh, Tom, you are irrepressible!", she teased, and jabbed his ribs lightly with an elbow before she kissed his cheek. Group Captain Arthur Challenger, DSO, DFC and Bar, etc. saw, and smiled. He had seen his mother do just that to his father so many times. He took Astrid van Rijn's arm and led her to the champagne, wondering if perhaps he shouldn't get married, himself. No, he thought, I'm too young to die. Still, the way that some couples support and enliven one another is a wonderful thing to see...I believe that Pest and Tom will be as happy as Mum and Father. It couldn't happen to two nicer people, even if Pest does throw paperwads at her distinguished brother in the First Class compartment on the best train in all of India...
Astrid lifted her glass, and said, "To the handsomest and bravest pilot in all of the Royal Air Force," and she beamed as she looked into his eyes. Arthur made a wry remark about how he'd drink to that fellow if she'd point him out, but he knew full well that she meant him, and he felt warm, stirred by her toast. Maybe there might be something to this marriage thing, after all, he mused, if a beauty like this one will keep paying me compliments like that. I might even lose my boyish modesty. He smiled and slid an arm around her waist, liking the way that her blue gown set off her eyes.
Caroline had been watching, and she murmured to Tom that perhaps they should have a double wedding with her brother. Tom, surprised, asked, "Is Arthur thinking of getting married?"
She smiled impishly. "Yes, but I don't think he knows yet."
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 19 2006 : 7:36:58 PM
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That evening, as they lay in separate quarters at the US Embassy, Tom and Caroline thought of one another and of the future. Each treasured the brief moments that they had stolen away from the crowd, finding seclusion in a closed ballroom not in use. Caroline had gotten her knickers (and everything else on her!) felt of, and very effectively. She moaned now as she recalled Tom's touch, his roving hands exploring every part of her that he could reach, both afraid that the door might open and they would be discovered.
He recalled the aroma of her citrus-based perfume, which she told him had originally been invented by her father for her mother and her best friend, some jungle girl named Veronica, when they were marooned on a vast plateau in the trackless Brazilan wilderness. Baron Challenger had never licensed the manufacture of this particular fragrance, reserving it for his wife and daughter. (He reserved a lavendar scent for Caroline's godmother, "Aunt" Marguerite.) Knowing these bits of Challenger family history was important to Tom, who hoped very much to become part of their family, as Caroline would surely be accepted by his own.
Now, he drifted off to sleep, happy with having managed to enjoy a bottle of Chateau Latour with dinner. The Challengers and he had shared it, with the Ambassador's blessing, the statesman delighted that his guests of honor knew wine so well.
Caroline moved restlessly, wrestling with her pillow, which she had named Tom in a fantasy dimension known only to herself. Finally, she admitted her arousal, tasting his lips, feeling his hands as she recalled the time they had spent in that secluded ballroom...he had gotten his fingers down her top, and what he had done with her nipples probably had much to do with the flushed look on her face as they left to rejoin the party. A middle aged diplomat's wife had noticed her countenance and inquired if the Indian weather had gotten to her.
"Yes, ma'am, the heat did get to me for a bit, but I shall be fine now. I have just rested a bit, and am well, thank you." But she had laughed inside, and Arthur, seeing her, had lifted an eyebrow. He had heard the exchange, and suspected that what was more likely was that she had been in heat in a different sense. He decided to razz her about that if opportunity offered privacy later that night.
Now, Caroline, defeated in her attempt to fall asleep while embracing Tom the pillow, slipped off her white, lacy knickers and replayed the scene that she had previously created in her bed in the Maharajah's palace. Tonight, they were all that she wore, and she reflected that perhaps she shouldn't bother with them at night, as often as she had been removing them before allowing herself to sleep of late. Tom would be deeply amused when she told him, if she dared.
I think I do dare to tell him, she decided, when we're definitely alone. I feel safe in sharing almost anything with this wonderful man to whom I'm giving myself, and I love the idea of sharing secrets that neither of us would consider telling anyone else in this world. I hope: I know how many men brag to their mates about their conquests. I hope that he will consider our confidences above that. Yes, Tom will keep that secret, and it will be delicious to share. But, knowing him, he may want a pair of my knickers as a souvenir of that story! Good. They'll remind him of me, when we can't be together. And now,...
She ran her fingers over her breasts, caressing gently, plucking at the nipples as Tom did when he wasn't just running his fingertips over them, lighting flames in her womb that even a fire brigade couldn't extinguish! She knelt, head low, the pillow now between her legs, grinding her pubes against it. I want him to take me like this, like animals! Oh, that man! What he does to me! I've watched beasts mate like this in nature, and now, I want become one of them, more than I ever realized that I would, and I've had some randy fantasies and some interesting makeout sessions with a few men. But Tom... how he uses his lips and his hands!! If only we get along in all other aspects of our lives as well as in this, I have DEFINITELY chosen the right husband. And, we do get along so very well, in all ways. I can't wait to tell Mum and Aunt Marguerite and my friends. Of course, they are going to get an edited version of this, but I will stll let them know that our union may just top what Mum has teased about her own love, which she has called the romance of the century. If that is true, then mine must be the love of the whole bloody millenium! She clenched her thighs as orgasm came, and rolled onto her stomach, embracing the pillow, still arching her back and moving her loins against the cushioned cloth. Oh, Tom! How I want you tonight, and for every night to come! But I will absolutely not tell you just how much, for men are vain, and you will become insufferably so if you know the full extent of my lust. But I will tell you most of it, so that you can be the cockiest man to walk the Earth, which might just happen. You're pretty bold, as is, you fighter pilots. And you rev my engine even hotter than that on your beloved Thunderbolt.
Finally she slept, being surprised when a knock summoned her hours later. She replied that she would rise and prepare for breakfast, and thanked the servant at the door. As she fumbled her way clear of the covers, she saw her knickers still on the nightstand. I never wore those again after my little session with the pillow, did I?, she mused. She walked over to her purse and put them inside, deciding to wear a different pair today. The ones from last night, Tom can have. He'll value them more than if I was a medieval lady, giving her knight a handkerchief to carry with her favor. She snickered at that thought as she walked toward the bathroom to begin her day.
Tom also rose at a knock, and readied himself. This was an important day, and they would be boarding a C-46 transport plane with their luggage and some dispatches for other air bases.
At breakfast, he conversed politely with the ambassador, his family, and a few staff members and two generals, Caroline seated demurely beside him. When no one seemed to be looking, their hands found their way into one another, even as Tom manipulated his fork amongst the real eggs on his plate. There was no ham, it having been explained to him that the cook this morning was Muslim. But he had a steak, thankful that the cook was not Hindu.
As their group left, Arthur and Astrid, who had spent the night at the Viceregal palace, drove up to take them to the airfield. Then, Arthur and his girlfriend would return to Ancestor base.
As they departed, servants carrying Tom's modest (and Caroline's larger) burden of luggage, the Ambassador's wife turned to her husband and asked whether he had noticed how much in love that young couple was. He concurred, saying that they had seemed much in tune.
"I am actually pretty pleased that an American hero is marrying the daughter of Baron Challenger, " he conceded. "This has helped smooth over some ruffles in my contacts with her people."
He went off to his office, and his daughter walked over to her mother. They discussed the departed engaged couple. "Did you see how they held hands under the table when they thought that we couldn't see, dear?" chuckled the mother.
"Yes, Mom, but I can top that," the daughter countered. "Remember when Mrs. Helmond said that Miss Challenger looked flushed in that hallway yesterday, the one leading to that empty ballroom? I don't think she was bothered by the heat at all. I think they sneaked off in there to be alone, not because of the heat! She was adjusting her dress and smoothing her hair like I've seen girls do when they've been doing things that are very naughty. And the new colonel looked pretty smug. You know how men are..."
"Well, Darling," remarked her mother, "you know what they say about what this climate does to women, and Tom is a handsome man, and a real hero. That old saw about the colonel's lady and Rosie O'Grady being sisters under the skin certainly seems to apply to THIS colonel's lady. But they're sweet, and I wish them the best." Then, both women laughed and returned to the table for another cup of coffee.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 20 2006 : 09:24:34 AM
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The big transport plane droned aloft, and before long, the couple were looking down on the Hindu Kush, the range of mountains that some have called the spine of the Earth.
Takeoff had been uneventful, except that they had "bumped" a couple of distinguished passengers who now had to wait for the next flight. But Tom's orders and a personal letter from the Ambassador, expressing the President's wishes, had done the trick, and he and Caroline had remained together.
They talked quietly now, marveling at the beauty below, until they could no longer distinguish snow from clouds. Then, they called a steward to bring a blanket and dozed as the plane drove on ahead of an incoming storm.
They refueled when and where possible, working their way across the East toward Europe, sometimes with a fighter escort when they were near remaining German bases. The trip took several days, but passed pleasantly, apart fom a scare caused by unidentified aircraft over Italy that turned out to be Mustangs from the South African Air Force.
Eventually, they landed safely in London, and went to the embassy, where Tom checked in and introduced himself and his fiancee. The Air Attache was out, but the Ambassador, alerted by his opposite number in New Delhi, welcomed them, and served tea in his office, with several of his staff present. It was arranged for Caroline to catch a train to Kent, calling ahead for a servant to meet her at the station. Allowed private access to a telephone, she talked to her mother and gushed, "Oh, Mum! Your books sold so very well, and Arthur is fine, thank goodness. I have pictures of him and us on a tiger hunt, and oh, by the way, I am engaged to an American pilot. You must meet him soon. He's just been transferred to London, so we can marry this fall."
Finn Challenger calmed her daughter and made her repeat what she'd said, going into detail about Tom and their whirlwind romance. Her heart raced as she recalled the way that she had fallen for her own husband, but she made the usual queries about was this wise, in view of their short acquaintance, asked about Tom's family, and other questions that mothers invariably have when told out of the blue that their offspring have gotten engaged.
"Shall I tell your father, " asked Finn, "or were you planning to let him know yourself, preferably sometime fairly soon, and when he's sitting down?"
"Lets' both tell him when I get home, Mum. I'm taking the afternoon train. You can meet me with the car. I've already talked to Mr. Cheatum and he knows that I'm coming." Cheatum was their chauffeur of twenty years, and a dependable man.
The Baroness agreed, her mind racing already to decide how best to break this news to her husband. At least, George will live to see his daughter marry, she reflected. That point should assuage his shock when he hears. She went off to be sure that Caroline's room was ready and to plan how best to tell her mate of this sudden betrothal.
At the embassy, the air attache returned from lunch and arranged for Tom Howard to be billeted at a nearby private home. Then, he led the new arrival to his office and gave him a rundown of their duties.
Tom listened, but his mind kept returning to the point where he had seen Caroline off in a taxi. They had had a moment to themselves and she had pulled him into an alcove and pressed something soft and feminine feeling into his hand.
Keep those, " she purred," to remember me by. I figure that you won't forget me if you have this little momento. I just hope it won't be long before we're together again, and you're running your hands over another pair that I'm still wearing. It will give us something to look forward to until after the wedding, when goodness- knows- what will probably happen as soon as we're alone." And she blushed scarlet.
He looked, saw what his gift was, and hastily crammed them into a trousers pocket before someone came by. Five minutes later, she was gone and he was unable to concentrate on anything but her absence. I think I definitely have it bad for this woman, he admitted, as he tried to remember what his boss had just said about the latest reports from the front in Europe.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 21 2006 : 2:14:53 PM
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As the days went by, Tom met with his peers and superiors, gaining a firm idea of where the war stood. The Germans were in retreat, and there was talk of victory before Christmas. The missle offensives begun in June continued, though, and he saw a number of the V-1 flying bombs strike their targets and heard more. The larger V-2 was silent, falling so fast after its engine quit that it hit its target without the characteristic "doodlebug" sound of the slower V-1.
Antiaircraft gun batteries along the coast shot down many of these terror weapons, and the faster fighters sometimes caught them and either shot them down or flew up and tippped them over, placing a wing under the stubby wings of a V-1, then rolling the aircraft.
Howard was curious about this, and obtained permission to attack them from his boss and from Gen. Doolittle, who approved of his desire to understand the V-1 better and to have a little adventure. Conventional enemy aircraft now were being encountered almost exclusively over the Reich, having been withdrawn to protect their homeland as the Allies pressed ever closer to the Rhine, capturing most airfields from which the Luftwaffe had operated in conquered countries.
Howard had cornered Doolittle in Eisenhower's headquarters after a staff briefing one afternoon, and they had found a table in a nearby restaurant, where they talked with the frankness and camaraderie of two men who wore the Medal of Honor. Doolittle had quizzed Howard about his time in India and Burma and about his feelings for the P-47 Thunderbolt.
"We are replacing those as fast as we can in this theater of war with the Mustang, which is a little faster, and which is far more fuel efficient," commented the general. "Hub Zemke is adamant that his 56th Fighter Group retain them, for their ruggedness, and as we fly more ground attack missions, that's important. But the bottom line is that the P-51 costs less to fly, it has ample armamant with just six .50's, and it's more manueverable. You'll appreciate that if you get in a dogfight with a Jerry fighter. You've flown Spitfires; you know what a pleasure it is to be able to turn on a dime. The Thunderbolt is a truck, and the Mustang and the Spit are sports cars. By the way, I don't think the P-38 Lightning will be with us for long after the war ends. It's a good machine. Hell, I flew one over the Normandy beaches, myself, mainly because the twin-boomed fuselage makes it so distinctive that I wasn't too worried about Allied troops shooting at me. But it's too hard for the average pilot to get the best out of it, and it still uses more gas and turns less well than the Mustang, although a really hot pilot using the latest versions can turn like mad. I talked with a guy who knows Maj. Dick Bong, our top ace. You've surely heard of Bong. He had 40 kills, all against Japs, and all from the P-38. He swore that he could turn inside a Zero when using his combat flaps, and the dive brakes cured the compression problem that we used to have in fast dives. But the P-38 is doomed. We'll probably standardize on the P-51 as a first-line fighter, and work like Hell to get the P-80 and other new jets up to perfection. The future lies with jets."
Plied with a drink or two, Doolittle humored Howard with the account of how he had led America's first retaliatory air raid on the Japanese homeland, flying B-25 bombers off of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hornet in April of 1942. This was a remarkable raid, earning Doolittle the Medal of Honor, and making him a legend in his own time.
"The Navy guys were amazed that we could get those bombers on a carrier and operate off it, for that one takeoff," mused Doolittle. "We'd have done far better if the fleet hadn't been sighted by Jap fishing boats. We had to launch much further at sea than intended. Still, we hit our targets, and served notice that even Tokyo was no longer a safe place for those little bastards to be. Of course, now the B-29 fire raids have made our effort look like child's play, but I think that what we did will live forever in aviation history."
Howard agreed, saying that he had read Capt. Ted Lawson's account of the raid, "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo".
Doolittle looked thoughtful, and said, "You know, Lawson was pretty busted up when he had to crash land in China. I hope to hell that he recovers, more than he has. We wouldn't have had those crashes if the Japs hadn't seen us so far at sea. We just used up so much fuel that we meant to have to let us reach China..."
He went on to tell how he had largely saved the B-26 program, proving that the troubled bomber could be flown well even by junior pilots, if they were taught its unique characteristics.
"Now, we're having fewer losses of the B-26 than with any other bomber we have," he concluded. "Well, Colonel Howard, this has been fun, but I'd better get back to my office. Enjoy shooting down those V-1's, but don't request service over a combat area. We don't need to be putting any Medal of Honor winners at risk of falling into enemy hands. That's why Dick Bong was withdrawn from combat after his 40th kill. We couldn't afford the propaganda coup to the Japs if he was eventually shot down." He stood, shook hands, and was off.
Howard went back to his office and cleared up some paperwork, then went home to have dinner with the British family who were hosting him. Their teenaged son loved to hear his tales of fighter combat and the whole family had listened raptly as he described the palace of the Maharajah, the tiger hunt, and the Viceregal palace and the ceremonies there.
Caroline got up to London on weekends, more often than not, and the couple enjoyed their time together, making excited plans for the wedding and hearing about one another's week. Then, the time came for Tom to request a few days off to meet his fiance's family. He looked forward to it, but was anxious to make the best impression that he could.
Caroline told him about her arrival home, with her mother pumping her for details of the prospective groom, and what all they had done in India. Finn Challenger had quipped, "Well, Darling, at least you shot a tiger and sold some books. If this chap backs out of the marriage or your father simply won't have you marrying an American, at least, the trip wasn't in vain." She tried to keep a straight face as her daughter reacted to that comment, then, both women laughed.
Baron Challenger had been less receptive to the union than his wife. The women had pried him from his study, where he had been writing a letter to Churchill about rocket propellant fuels, and the probable progress the Germans might make with their ballistic missle program before the war ended. He had been delighted to welcome Caroline home, but after the ladies told him that her adventures had involved getting engaged to a foreigner, he was aghast.
"Finn, this is serious." He signalled to a passing servant. "Jerome, I shall require a glass of whisky, straightaway. In fact, make it a brandy. I have just had some bad news."
"Oh, Genius, don't be this way," interjected his wife. She had taken to calling him, "Genius" while they had been stranded on the remote Amazonian Plateau, and it had remained her pet name for her man. These days, she usually just called him "George", but in moments of mirth or strong emotion, she reverted to "Genius" or the playful, "Lover" that had been her terms of endearment during the time when their union was young.
Finn told the servant to bring three brandies on a tray and some sandwiches and tea.
"I don't need a bloody sandwich," grumped the distinguished scientist. "I need a daughter who has the sense to marry English. What is the meaning of this, young lady?" And he looked sternly at his distaff offspring, normally the apple of his eye.
As the women spoke further, he was reduced to asking whether this American "flyboy" at least had some postwar prospects, and on learning that his family was well off, and that he owned land, Challenger gradually calmed somewhat. Told that his future son-in-law was also a hero, he grudgingly conceded that perhaps there was some light at the edges of this dark cloud, after all.
"I don't suppose that this damned Texan sounds like a cowboy?", he asked, hopefully. "We shall have to employ a voice coach if his twang is too pronounced. Can he at least shoot straight? He killed his own tiger, I trust, didn't have you or Arthur shoot it for him?"
Assured that Tom had faced both Japanese pilots and the fierce cats well, he grumbled that Japs were not like Germans -a worthy foe- and that even his wife had killed more tigers than he had, himself.
"Well, Mum is a remarkable woman," reminded his daughter. "But it does take nerve to stand one's ground when a tiger charges. It scared the devil out of me, I promise you, and I'm a chip off the old blockette, not that you're really old yet, Mum!"
Her parents sat shocked, then Challenger joined his wife in laughter, and the ice was broken. The Baron consented to at least look at Caroline's photos of the trip, which Arthur had had his photo lab staff process during her visit. Finally, he rumbled, "Hmpf. He is a fine looking fellow. I suppose it may not be all bad. At least, he can pay to have you visit us regularly." This from a man worth some three billion pounds...whose wife was worth millions, in her own right, thanks to her book sales and her share of the treasure of Xochilenque. (See the Fic, "The Crystal Skull" at: www.americanbty12.proboards62.com )
Brandy and a roast beef sandwich calmed the Baron, and the Challengers planned an intimate reception for Tom, as soon as he could find time from his duties.
When they were alone again, the Challenger women sighed in relief that they had won this round of getting a new member of the family accepted. "Thanks so much, Mum," said Caroline, kissing her mother's cheek. Thank God you've always had Daddy wrapped around your little finger. I don't know what I should have done without you."
"I have your father wrapped around my finger?," replied the Baroness. "Caroline, it is you who have always been his favorite human. Well, Arthur, too, for he is the son and heir and they share the man thing. But you have always been able to get from your father things that even Arthur could not. He'd tell his son that a man has to learn to provide for himself, and make him earn whatever items he wanted. You have had only to smile and wiggle your nose, and he has fallen all over himself to please you. Never fear, he will in time accept Tom, if he is all that you say he is."
"Mum, I may have had fine luck with Daddy, but where do you suppose that I learned to wiggle my nose and butter his bread? I had a good teacher in dealing with him. He adores you. I've seen that silly pedestal that he made for you, and when he looks at you, I have never seen such an expression of love elsewhere. But I do so hope that he will come to care for Tom. He seems a wonderful man."
"Umm," conceded the Baroness. "Yes, I suppose that your father is rather fond of me. I wasn't joking when I told you that ours is the romance of the century. Oh, Darling, I'm just the luckiest woman in the world to have married George Challenger, and I hope that you will be as content with Tom. I say, he has got a reasonably long attention span, hasn't he? It wouldn't do for him to forget you before we even have him out here for your father to intimidate."
Caroline laughed. "He won't forget me; I made sure of that." And she told her mother about her little gift of lingerie. Both women howled, prompting the butler to look in and ask if all was well.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - September 25 2006 : 4:52:15 PM
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Then it was Thanksgiving, and such officers as could were allowed to take time off. The war was going well, and everyone half believed that Hitler would indeed capitulate by Christmas. Perhaps a sane man would, given his prospects and those of Germany, but sanity is not a trait which many people associate with Adolf Hitler. A couple of weeks down the road things would be very different, but for now, there was a relative lull in hostilities.
Howard took three days of leave, arrangements having been made for him to visit La Content, the Challenger estate. Caroline came with a limousine, a Rolls-Royce. Tom Howard thought, Of course. Why not a Rolls if you have three billion pounds in the bank? But he was glad to see the inside of one again, which he seldom had, and he was vastly more glad to see his future bride.
Caroline met him at the home where he was staying, with the Barclay family. Charles Barclay was of the banking family, and did very well himself, but was slightly daunted at the prospect of hosting the daughter of a man with more wealth than some countries possess. Caroline had mentioned on the telephone that she would bring two friends, a couple of whom her father approved. "They're sort of chaperones, I expect," she admitted. "Daddy insisted. Mum laughed and said that she trusted me to handle things on my own, but that it's best to humor Daddy when he gets this way. After he meets you, he'll thaw. He's just grumpy about losing his only daughter to a foreigner. And you'll like my escort couple, if that's what they are, functionally, anyway. They're my godparents, by the way."
Now, with the car parked in back of the Barclay residence and the chauffeur shown to the kitchen for warmth and tea, Caroline entered the living room of the home with a distinguished couple with whom the Barclays seemed much impressed. Apparently, they were well known in Britain, although Tom hadn't heard of them, save for limited references in Finn Challenger's books.
Caroline hugged Tom at once, then introduced Lord and Lady Roxton, John and Marguerite by name. "Lord Roxton is the XVIIIth Earl of Avebury," she declared, with some pride, "and the Roxtons are my parents' oldest friends. John, Marguerite, meet Lt. Col. Thomas Howard, my fiance, and Charles and Lillian Barclay, who own this lovely home where Tom lives in indolent luxury through their kindness in wartime. I think he quite likes the way that you feed him, Mrs. Barclay. Perhaps he won't want to leave when I try to marry him."
Everyone laughed politely, and Tom and his hosts shook hands with the Roxtons. Tom decided not to kiss Lady Roxton's hand, not being sure of the etiquette, but she didn't seem to expect it.
Mrs. Barclay had tea served, and Tom felt a trifle smug at seeing the servants bring it in. I almost hate for the war to end, he mused. He liked Rosa, his parents' Mexican maid, but the ceremony and luxury of being waited on by such well trained and deferential servants as he had seen in Britain would be among his fond memories of the nation. Trouble was, he also felt a bit presumptuous at having others wait on him outside of a restaurant...
Tea and conversation done, the party had the Rolls brought around and left for La Content. On the way there, Tom got acquainted with the Roxtons, and soon discovered that they had Caroline's and Arthur's razor minds and sharp wit, Lady Roxton being almost caustic on occasion. But she was also funny, and Howard laughed with glee at some of her retorts. He guessed Roxton to be in his early sixties, his wife some ten years younger. They proved to be good companions, although he soon realized that their polite questions were also skilled probing of his personality and family background.
Caroline had made him wear the Medal, and put it on for him as the Roxtons and the Barclays, the children now present, watched. Lady Roxton announced that her husband had also won some "nice decoration" in the last war. "What is that called, John? The Victoria Cross, I believe." But her smug pride made it evident that she knew exactly what the decoration was called, and Tom, impressed, had told the Earl that he knew about that "little decoration", the British equivalent to what Caroline was hanging on his own neck.
He had had to tell how he had won the Medal of Honor, which made for conversation as they rode, but Roxton, asked about the Cross, grimaced and said, "Perhaps later, when I know you better, Colonel. Some things are still painful to discuss. Sometimes I wish that my wife was more modest about that achievement. It would save me some pain in telling how I came by it. But I must say, you certainly seem to have merited the award that you wear. And I see our own Distinguished Service Order on your uniform?" So, he had had to tell about that, Caroline interrupting at times to increase the drama of the achievement, and mentioning that Tom had saved her brother's life.
"Well," said Lady Roxton dryly, "that's Arthur. Always finding something exciting to get into."
She and Caroline admired one another's dresses, Lady Roxton's being a deep red, probably maroon, thought Tom. She looked well in it, not having put on weight as many women did as they aged. The Earl was also trim, in fit condition for a man of his years, and obviously, both were still very agile mentally. Tom knew that they had gone on hunts and travelled generally until the war came, and they probably looked forward to more adventure when peace made going abroad safe again. They seemed that sort of couple.
"Now, listen, Tom," warned Caroline. "If Daddy is a bit gruff, don't let him get to you. He was just surprised that I'm getting married and that it was without much notice to the family. When he gets to know you, he is a fine man, and he will come to love you, I'm sure. He was grudgingly impressed when I told him about the tigers, and he admitted that a man who wears the Medal of Honor is at least worth meeting."
"Yes, there's that," quipped Marguerite Roxton. "It isn't every father-in-law who can brag to the neighbors that his daughter married a hero. Not to worry, Colonel, once he sees how you and Caroline interact, and realizes that the two of you are so fully in love, dare I say, besotted with one another, George will mellow."
"Oh, really, Marguerite," complained her husband, "besotted?"
"Yes, John, besotted. It's as plain as the mustache under Hitler's nose. Caroline, Tom, forgive me. I have a sharp tongue. But I love seeing how real your love is. It reminds me of Caroline's parents, once they decided to admit that they were meant for one another. They scandalized that Treehouse in which we lived at the time. And all the while, I was racking my mind getting Roxton here to admit that he might possibly care for me. Thankfully, he made the right decision, so he hasn't had to settle for someone less, er, else. "
Roxton groaned and shook his head, but it was plain that he loved his sharp-tongued wife and they got on well. Tom decided that he liked this couple, and he smiled at Lady Roxton's droll wit.
Finally, the Rolls turned down a wooded country road, and soon passed the columns and gatehouse of a large estate. It drew up in front of a Georgian home that looked like a palace to the American guest, and he braced himself to meet the Baron and his wife. At least, I've read her books, he thought with relief. If Finn Challenger was as smart and adventurous as he thought, she would be much like Caroline. He could deal with that. He hoped...Whatever else the Baroness was, she was the mother of a bride, and probably keen to be certain that the union was a suitable one for her beloved child.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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972 Posts |
Posted - September 28 2006 : 11:52:41 PM
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They went up to the door as a foursome, and the chauffeur brought Howard's suitcase and rifle, for Caroline had insisted that he bring the .375 Magnum that he'd been given by the Maharajah. He also wanted to be sure that the Barclay lad didn't try to play with it and nick or ding the handsome wooden stock, let alone load it and accidentally blow a hole in his parents' roof. The boy was 15, but had never been taught to handle firearms safely, whereas Tom at that age had been an experienced gun owner and hunter for several years.
A butler answered the door, and called to a uniformed maid, "Maria, please tell Madam that the guests have arrived. Good evening, Lord and Lady Roxton, Miss Caroline." He looked politely at Howard, and Caroline introduced him as all crowded in, for a gust of wind swirled a flurry of snow past the door, and Tom was pleased to smell the presence of a fireplace within.
The butler took their coats and went off to stash them wherever butlers in upscale English manor houses went to stash genteel visitors' outer garb.
Maria said something to Caroline in a language that Howard was almost able to follow, but it had sounds more like French in places than the Spanish which he spoke fluently. Caroline replied readily, naturally, and told the others that Maria would lead them to the den and her parents.
In that room, a stylish woman whom he recognized from photos in her books rose and steadied an older man as he stood. She wore an attractive, if slightly daring, dark green dress very like Caroline's, and the man was attired in a brown tweed suit that whispered of an excellent tailor. The couple looked briefly at one another. The woman winked, and the man rolled his eyes, then smiled back. She took his arm and they came forward, the woman saying something to the maid in that odd tongue that Howard was trying to place. The man used a blackthorn walking stick, but didn't lean heavily on it, his wife's arm lending any assistance that he needed.
"Good evening, John, Marguerite, " the woman beamed. "Caroline, is this your gentleman?"
"Yes, Mum," Caroline responded. "Mother, Father, may I present Lt. Col. Thomas Alan Howard, MH, my fiance? Tom, my parents, Baron and Baroness Challenger."
All shook hands, and Baroness Challenger showed the guests to chairs arranged near the fireplace, which had an ornate iron grate incorporating a coat of arms that he recognized as the Baron's. Tom noted from the corner of his eye that Baron Challenger pecked his daughter on the cheek, and she took his hand in hers and squeezed it before following Tom to her seat.
The Baroness saw that her husband was seated, then offered sherry or whisky to her guests. Lady Roxton opted for sherry, specifying a Domecq oloroso that the Challengers evidently kept on hand for her visits, and the men all took whisky, with water or soda, according to their tastes. Tom saw that the Baroness also chose whisky. He wasn't surprised, for it went with the image of the adventuress that he knew her to be from his reading from her own hand, as well as all else that he had gleaned of her in a visit to the library. But there was nothing at all masculine about her, except perhaps for the alert, very perceptive green eyes. They were careful, watchful, and he sensed a hint of something totally feral in them. He shivered inwardly, knowing on some level that this woman would be a very dangerous enemy. Yet he also saw much of Caroline's playfulness and forthrightness there. It struck him that some of the same aura emanated from Lady Roxton, and he recalled how and where these couples had met. Clearly, civilization had not dulled their survival instincts, although they were also sophisticated, very female women. In fact, they were rather sensual, and he knew that his fiance's genes were those of an acorn that had fallen close to the parent tree.
Baron Challenger was a large man, still powerful for his age, which Tom knew was 78. But his eyes were clear, if his hair was silver, and there were faint traces of color in a beard that was once reddish blond. He had placed his stick on a small table at his elbow, and one could see a relief crest that Tom knew must be his coat of arms embossed on the silver head.
The Baron saw where Tom's interest lay, and rather gruffly said, "Colonel, I went many years before I needed to occasionally rely on that stick to get around. May you never need one, but if you do, get it before you wish that you had. I had a few bad stumbles before sense won over pride, and I let my wife convince me that I had better have some means of support before I fell and made a fool of myself."
"Genius, you have never made a fool of yourself," said his spouse. "We both know that you got the stick mainly so that I wouldn't worry, and it makes you look distinguished, anyway."
"Ha!" exclaimed Challenger. "You hear that, Colonel? Caroline? That, Sir, is the wisdom of a woman who knows how to make a marriage work! See how she spares my pride, even at my advanced age? That is love, combined with compassion and discretion, and a woman who has that combination and who still looks like Caroline's mother is a rare jewel, I promise you."
"George, really..." blushed the Baroness. "We should ask about Col. Howard and his family, and their time in India. Colonel, I understand that you met our old friend, the Maharajah of Rammalapur?"
And the conversation began, Tom being careful how he phrased things, and mentioning the Challenger's son and his gallantry along with all else from the time that he met his bride to be. He was careful not to mention any visits to a secluded palace garden or a certain nocturnal Jeep ride down a jungle trail...
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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972 Posts |
Posted - October 01 2006 : 3:36:14 PM
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In time, Finn asked if Howard would like to see the gun and trophy room, He was eager, having wondered how to introduce the topic.
Finn unlocked the gun cabinet, set between two huge elephant tusks mounted in golden rings, and showed him the Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine with which she had shot so many animals and a few people. She explained that a good markswoman could kill far larger animals with it than the chamois or deer it had been intended for. Roxton noted that he had once seen her knock a headhunter out of a tree at a distance of over 300 yards with this little rifle.
"Actually, " interjected Lady Roxton, " I saw that, and in my opinion, it wasn't an inch over 299 yards. But you know how a pretty woman affects male judgement, and you were quite the looker then, Finn. You've held up very well, and I must say, you do justice to that gown. Who made it?"
The ladies discussed fashion for a bit as Roxton and Challenger showed the rest of the guns and took Howard on a tour of the mounted animals. Finn saw where they were, and pointed out that her daughter had loved to roll on a black bear rug, and had been very fond of a leopard in full mount. "Remember, Caroline? You were so afraid of it at first, it looks so lifelike, but you overcame that, and used to hug it by the neck."
"Yes, Mum, well, now I have Tom to hug by the neck!" And she set her drink on a table and demonstrated how this was done, to Tom's embarrassment and delight.
"See, John," razzed Lady Roxton. "It's just as I said: these two are besotted with one another." She was grinning like a Cheshire cat as she spoke, though, and all knew that she was teasing.
Tom decided that this would be a good time to deflect the conversation before his future in-laws asked just how "besotted" they were and how far the romance had progressed. He motioned toward a human skull made of crystal, kept in a strong wooden display case, waist high, with thick glass panels permitting viewing the skull.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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972 Posts |
Posted - October 01 2006 : 4:15:55 PM
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"Ah," said Challenger. "Now, that is an item which my wife and I and some quite distinguished scientific peers of mine have examined in great detail. We have never been able to determine how it has internal prisms. Even modern technology cannot do that in a mass of pure quartz crystal, and this item probably dates back to the Toltec, perhaps further. We discovered it in a very remote part of Brazil, and much of what we did on the expedition involving it has never been told. I will say that the rumors that you may have seen in the press about our finding a substantial treasure there are true, but I will not elaborate on that until we have become better acquainted, as we do not discuss that much outside of the family. I hope that you will understand, at least when we know one another well enough for you to hear that tale."
"Brazil?" asked Tom. "Baroness, weren't you born there? Is the language in which you and Caroline speak to Maria Portugeuse?"
"Very perceptive of you," admitted Finn. "Yes, I'm originally Brazilian. Genetically, I'm an Anglo, but not all Brazilians are of Latin or Indian descent. In fact, some of your Southern people settled in Brazil after your Civil War, and remain a distinct community. But my father was a mining engineer from America who married my mother, who was born on a plateau where we lived then. There was a ...war...and I was orphaned at an early age. I'd rather not discuss my life until I met George and he took me in and let me love him and become his woman. Perhaps another time, when we are well acquainted, I will talk of my early life, but it is painful, and this is a happy occasion. In any event, I took British citizenship when I married. Maria was hired on a visit to Brazil just before the war, and she has been an excellent maid. She does have considerable English, but I suppose that we are in the habit of conversing as we did when she spoke only her- and my- native tongue."
She turned his attention to a mounted bongo, a prized African antelope, successfully hunted by only a few sportspersons outside of its home range. At this point, the butler entered and announced that dinner was ready to serve.
"Oh, good," said Marguerite Roxton. "I was beginning to feel the effects of this sherry on an empty stomach. Why, if I wasn't careful, Roxton might ease me off into a dark room and do goodness-knows-what with me."
"Well, if I had, it would at least have ensured that you'd work up an appetite by the time we ate," rejoined her husband.
The Challengers looked at one another and rolled their eyes, smiling at the Roxtons' antics. Howard decided that the couples were very close, and that that each seemed to be accepting him as a future family member. But as funny as he found Lady Roxton to be, he was glad that dinner was at hand.
Caroline took him by the arm and they went off to the dining room, following the aroma of roast beef and what Tom thought smelled like carrots.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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972 Posts |
Posted - October 01 2006 : 10:44:19 PM
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Tom had guessed correctly about the carrots, which pleased him, for he was rather proud of his olfactory skills. He had, as a boy, pretended to be Tarzan or a cave man and not only tried to smell better than most modern people did; he had even picked up objects in his toes, as Tarzan might do, having been raised by apes.
Besides the carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes and beef, there were two brace of pheasants that had fallen to the Baroness's shotgun. Tom saw that the Baron chose fowl, and wondered if the elderly man could still chew red meat well.
Lady Roxton also opted for pheasant, as did Caroline. Hoping that it didn't make him seem a pig, Tom decided to have some of both meats, but Caroline anticipated him, suggesting just that. Gad, he thought, does she know me that well already?
Dinner went well, the wine being Chateau Margaux, which Finn explained was a particular favorite of Lady Roxton. "Thankfully, we laid down some cases of it before the war," she explained, and all agreed that it was a splendid compliment to the game and beef. A bottle of Chateau Latour was also uncorked, that being a favorite of Roxton and the Baron.
The mood was congenial, with Tom feeling better accepted as they told more about themselves, and he coaxed the Challengers and the Roxtons to narrate their travels. Some of their tales were better than most fiction, and he was pleased to have met them.
As Roxton poured himself and Tom a second glass of the Latour, the butler came in and said to the Baron, "Sir, Findley telephoned from his home down the road that two intruders have entered the grounds and were seen walking around in the woods behind this house, looking at it. Shall I call out some of the other staff and demand to know their business? He said that one may be a woman, but couldn't be certain."
The Challengers looked at one another, and the Baroness turned to Roxton. "Johnny, lets' step into the gun room and I'll lend you a Colt and we'll handle this ourselves. Colonel, are you armed? Will you join us?"
Tom slipped a hand under his uniform jacket and produced his Beretta. " I attend some staff meetings between Gen. Eisenhower and his deputy supreme Allied commander in Europe, Air Chief Marshal Tedder. I know too much classified information to be walking around unarmed. But are these people really likely to be German spies? You have a lot of very valuable things here. Have you ever had a problem with burglars?"
"Once, " she said. "We caught two a year ago and they're in gaol. But we are somewhat exposed out here, and so many people know how much wealth is in this home that I am concerned. I don't fancy that these visitors, at this hour, simply ran out of petrol on the highway."
She led the way into the den, passing Roxton a Colt .45 automatic and a spare loaded magazine from the gun cabinet. She took out a Smith & Wesson .38 that looked like the one that Caroline had shot the king cobra with, handling it competently, loading it with precision and familarity. Challenger protested that he should confront the strangers, but Finn said, "Please humor me, Genius, and stay with Caroline. She needs you to protect her. "
"Now see here," demanded Lady Roxton. "Who's going to protect me?"
"Marguerite, stow it," retorted Finn. "It's more likely that someone will need to be protected from YOU! Look, do you have a gun on you?"
Marguerite reached into her purse and produced a small automatic. "I do have this Mauser .32 that for some reason I seem to have forgotten to put on my gun license. If I have to leave it somewhere, it can't be traced to me."
"Well, you and Caroline protect each other and Maria. Jerome, you have your Webley?"
The butler nodded, and Caroline walked in with her own .38. "I looked out a second story window, and saw them. They're back by the tool shed, watching the house. Daddy, lets' stay in here and Jerome can go to the back door and watch Mum and the men to see that all's well."
This was agreed on, Roxton also looking out front to see that no one was there. Then, they donned their coats and went forth to challenge the intruders. No guns showed, but all three had their hands on them in the overcoat pockets. Roxton and Tom also had flashlights, for dusk had come, and it was difficult to see into the shadows.
They walked some hundred yards to the tool shed, saw footprints in the snow, but no one was there. They followed the tracks, saying nothing, each ready to draw their weapons and take cover in the woods if a shot rang out.
After a few moments, Finn held up a hand, and they paused to listen. Sure enough, the breeze carried the sound of approaching feet in the crusted snow.
"Hallo, there!" called Finn. "Who's there? You're on my land!" She tightened her grasp on the Smith & Wesson in her pocket and glanced at Roxton to signal him to shine his light at the approaching couple. They could see now that one person was in fact a woman, or certainly walked like one, and she shrank back toward the man as they heard Finn's demand.
"Well, it's my land, too, or will be one day!" came the fellow's response. "Don't shoot, Mum; we're friendlies!"
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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972 Posts |
Posted - October 03 2006 : 04:02:06 AM
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"Arthur?!", Finn demanded. "What the devil are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in India? Come see who's here; it's Tom Howard, your future brother-in-law! Oh, baby, why and how are you here! Who is the young lady? Just look, Johnny, It's Arthur!" And she took her hand from her pocket and ran to her son, almost tripping on the rough ground in her high heels.
Howard was struck dumb and exchanged a look with Roxton that said, be wary. But Roxton was also impresssed and strode over and took Arthur Challenger by the hand, pumping it in joy at seeing his godson.
Howard walked carefully over until he could see that the voice was just as it seemed, Arthur's. "Astrid?" he asked, "Is that you? What's going on?"
"Yes, Tom it is being I. Or, maybe me. My English still isn't too perfect. But how wonderful to see you! Do you live here now?" She stepped over and hugged him briefly. "How are you, Tiger Slayer!? Where have you got Caroline?"
Finn led the way to the door, the snow blowing harder now, and a chill wind trying to penetrate their clothes and freeze the marrow in their bones. Arthur was in winter RAF uniform, his ears exposed under his cap, and he shivered. Astrid van Rijn had come prepared, wearing a fur cap that hid her blonde tresses and protected her ears. Howard wondered where she had gotten it, and if she had even been in Europe before. Perhaps she had been born in the Dutch East Indies, and lived in tropical climates all of her life. He asked.
"Ja, I was born on Java, but I have been twice to The Netherlands, the last time when I was 16. It is very cold there, like here. I rememberd, and bought the hat in Harrod's this morning. My God, this wind! It is an unholy thing! Perhaps it is in league with the Germans?" But she was laughing as she squeezed his hand. "Oh, Tom, it is so good to see you! I can't wait to greet Caroline! She has not grown tired of you?" And she laughed again.
Finn was asking questions with the rapid fire chatter of a Vickers gun with a full belt of ammunition, and Tom realized that he could keep his mouth shut, and Arthur would answer his mother, and eveyone would hear everything they needed to learn.
They trooped in the door, the butler looking astonished. "Mr. Arthur! My word, Sir! We had no idea that you were coming. Baroness, shall I have Maria set two more places at the table?"
The newcomers hadn't eaten, and eagerly followed Finn into the dining room, she calling out to the rest of the family who were there. As one might suppose, there was a tearful- but -joyful reunion. Caroline ran shrieking into her brother's arms, and Challenger took him by the hand and hugged him as soon as Caroline made room. "My boy! My word! What on Earth?"
As soon as the tumult died and Maria had gone for added plates and silverware, Challenger looked curiously at the blonde woman beside his son. By this time, Astrid and Caroline were hugging and talking a blue streak.
Arthur called for order. "Father, Mother, may I present Astrid van Rijn, my fiancee? We got into London late last night, and tried to call before we drove out here this evening, but one of those Jerry rockets blew up a telephone exchange, and we could't get through. Sorry to startle everyone, but I wanted to show Astrid the land before we came up to the house. Glad you're eating; we're famished."
The baron looked at his son with mixed emotions. He was glad to see him, but what was this fiancee business? Were both his children to marry on short notice? And this girl and her name seemed Dutch! Another foreigner?! He took his seat with strong misgiving.
"So, how are you here, Darling?," asked Finn. "Have you wiped out all of the Imperial Japanese Air Force, and taken time off for Christmas?" She teased, but Howard noted the expression of concern in her eyes.
"I'm on leave," Arthur explained, stroking his mustache. "We have come home to get married, and Pest, I wonder if you and Tom will consider a double wedding. Astrid thinks that would be romantic. I suppose that Tom and I can give one another the moral support to get through the ceremony. Weddings aren't the same for men, you know. They're rather unnerving for the male psyche, and I shall probably get cake all over my sword blade, and have the dickens of a time cleaning it off."
"Well, " quipped Lady Roxton, "just don't lick the blade clean in church. That's so crass, and the vicar might be shocked. We certainly can't have a picture of you doing that on the front page of the 'Times'."
Arthur joined the others in chuckling at Marguerite's barb, then announced, "By the way, there is one other reason why I needed to come home. It seems that the King has been convinced that I have done an extraordinary job of commanding Ancestor base and dealing with the native rulers, and saving India from being ravaged by that horde of Jap aircraft that Tom helped me to flummox. I am to be knighted next month, at Buckingham Palace. How is that for a Christmas gift from the Sovereign?"
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - October 07 2006 : 3:30:59 PM
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All sat stunned for a moment, save for Arthur and his fiancee, who looked rather smug, she also looking at Arthur admiringly.
Then, oral bedlam came as everyone tried to question Arthur at once. When he had achieved silence, he told the story of how he had enlisted the aid of several native rulers, including the Maharajah of Rammalapur, in quashing anti-British activity among Indian independence agitators until the war ended. It had helped that he brought in some Burmese who had suffered under the Japanese occupation, to tell what atrocities thay had endured and witnessed. All sat silent and grim-faced as he detailed some of what those people had related, until Roxton suggested that there might be better subjects for the dinner table.
"Darling, how clever of you to think of that!", exclaimed Finn to her son. "However did the idea occur to you? It must have made some things clear to those nasty agitators!"
"Well, Mum, I have a genius for a father. Why shouldn't some of that rub off on me?, " Arthur responded. "And my mother is probably a genius, too, even if it hasn't been officially acknowledged. You're certainly jolly clever, for a woman, at any rate." He grinned, knowing that every woman at the table, including Astrid, would bridle at that chauvinist thought.
"Christmas is coming," reminded Marguerite Roxton tartly. "If you want any presents from the distaff gentry present, you might want to concede that we ladies aren't totally mentally inept."
"It's all right, Arthur," said Finn, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I'm your mother. I have to give you something under the tree. And Caroline better had, or I'll have a word with her AND with your godmother. My presumed brilliance is probably due to my having been taken in by your father and taught to read, among other things. Right, George?", she asked her spouse.
"Ahem," stammered the Baron. "Well, I think most here know full well that your mother survived on her own in a very hostile environment for 22 years before I was able to get my hands on her and civilize her, for the most part. She must have some considerable gray matter in that lovely head, or she wouldn't have learned from me so rapidly. Mind you, she was a diamond in the rough; I did need to polish her to bring out the full radiance of her capabilities. But you see how smoothly she just deflected your jibe by setting me up to defend her, so that she wouldn't have to? That implies definite mental activity, of a sort with which which the female species is well endowed. Yes, Arthur, my boy, I'd say that your mother is quite clever, by any standard. She did have the brains to marry me, after all, when she might so easily have caught some other man who would probably not tresure her half so highly. Indeed, I cannot conceive of another man who would feel so blessed to have her at his side." Challenger looked pleased with himself, having managed to tease his wife while also complimenting her.
"By your side, yes, but also sitting on your lap, George", retorted Marguerite. "There was a time when I thought that girl had mistaken you for a chair."
"Ah, perhaps it is time for dessert," suggested Roxton, eager to defuse matters before they got too far out of hand, especially with Astrid present. And he knew that Arthur and Caroline, although aware that their parents had been much taken with one another, would be embarrassed to hear their affection joked about, especially with the Dutch girl and Tom Howard not knowing the family yet. Roxton suspected that his wife had had a bit too much wine, loosening her often sardonic tongue more than usual. What was one thing among the Roxtons and the Challengers alone and what it was tonight, with George and Finn's children and guests present, was another.
Dessert summoned, Roxton asked Astrid about her family.
"Father was a coffee exporter," she explained, "and a magistrate when the regular judge was away. When the Japs came, my family were herded into concentration camps, with most other Dutch. I was away at sea with friends when they came and we were fortunate enough to be picked up by a Royal Navy destroyer en route to Calcutta. From there, I made my way with other nurses to help the wounded in India, eventually arriving at Rammalapur, where I met Arthur at a dance at his officers' mess. I'm sure that I don't know why they call their club a 'mess'. It seemed quite neat and clean to me," She looked at Arthur to be sure that she had gotten the pun right in English.
Chuckles from around the table told her that she had.
And so, the evening passed from dessert to brandy or port for the men as the ladies went into the drawing room to discuss things among themselves in that way best known to the fairer sex.
When it was time to retire, Caroline and Tom lingered in the den, taking advantage of her parents and the Roxtons talking to Arthur and Astrid in another room.
"Did your mom really sit on your dad's lap a lot, or was Marguerite just trying to tease them when she said that? Did you ever see your mom do that? Could you show me how they did it? We have a chair right here..." He grinned as she blushed.
She led him to a chair out of sight from the doorway, sat him down and showed him just how interesting it might be for a man to have a woman who loved him on his lap. From just sitting affectionately with her arm draped around his neck, then his waist, she raised her skirt and swiveled around to face him, straddling him, and grinding herself on his lap while kissing him intimately. Tom toyed with a strap on her garter belt, which he knew she'd call a "suspender belt", and ran his hand down her stockinged leg. She took in her breath sharply, then groaned softly into his ear as he lifted her skirt and began tracing his fingertips across her knickered bottom. He saw in a mirror that her panties and garter belt were black, the dress being a dark enough green and just thick enough to keep the underwear from showing through.
He nuzzled her neck and played with her hair, easing her body back enough to reach her breasts, which he tugged at lightly through the fabric of her gown. She wore no brassiere. Caroline made a throaty sound, and planted her lips on his again, writhing on his lap with the reckless abandon that he had roused in her loins.
"Oh, baby, I want you so bad that I'm about to go crazy, " Tom admitted, as he nibbled at her ear. "Don't tell me that this is what Marguerite saw your parents doing?"
She gasped, fumbled for words, and giggled. "No, Silly, Mum usually just perched on Father like I showed you before I started making a hussy of myself. But I've seen them do this a few times, too, when they thought that no one, least of all their children, could see. Father seemed to like it. Do you like it, Tom?" And she moved lasciviously, mischievously, against him.
"No, Honey, I love it!" Tom pulled her to him, and they continued to arouse one another until Arthur and Astrid walked suddenly into the den. Arthur cleared his throat, while Astrid stood, her hand to her mouth, until she began laughing.
Arthur picked up a chair and carried it over to the future Howards, who had sprung apart and stood on hearing the other couple arrive. He set it down meaningfully near the first chair, and said, "Astrid, have you got a tissue with which my lusty sister can wipe that lipstick off Tom's face before she walks to the mirror and tidies up before Mum and Father finish seeing the Roxtons off and walk in here? I think they'd better be in separate chairs while we sit on the couch talking to them when my parents arrive."
And so it was that the Baron and Baroness never knew what their daughter and her American fiance had been up to moments before they came in to say good night.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - October 08 2006 : 5:23:11 PM
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The following day was the American Thanksgiving, and the cook had tried to put together a suitable meal, based on instructions from Caroline, who had pumped Tom and other American friends for details well ahead of the date. The Challengers recalled that their friend Ned Malone had made much of this November day when they'd lived on the Plateau so long ago, and Finn and her best friend Veronica had even begun planting sweet potatoes in their garden for him.
Caroline and her mother had made the rounds of their friends and found one who raised turkeys, and had bought two for the foreign feast. Green beans had been less of a challenge, and they even served iced tea, something that the Baron and Arthur looked at with suspicion. There were also suitable wines, for the Challengers kept a good cellar, having stocked it before the war. Given the circumstances, no German wine was offered, but those who wanted white got a fine Burgundy, Le Montrachet. The red was Chateau Beycheville, from St. Julien in the Medoc, that center of the finest Bordeaux wines. And, they had pumpkin pie, actually the fifth try by the cook before she got it "right" and made the official Thanksgiving pies.
Tom was delighted, and said so. The Challengers all beamed with pleasure, and Astrid asked to be told the story of the first Thanksgiving. When Tom had told it, she asked, "So, these settlers were still actually English at the time?"
"Ha!", exclaimed George Challenger. "Astrid, my girl, we shall make an Englishwoman of you yet. I see that my son has chosen his bride well!"
"Have some more pie, Genius, and quit trying to make Tom feel self-concious about being from another country," admonished Finn. But it was true that Astrid had mentioned that she would take British citizenship on marriage to Arthur, not knowing if any of her own family would survive the war, or if they were even then alive. And she had no close kin still in Holland. Arthur's would be her only family, and Tom's heart went out to the pleasant blonde woman. He was very glad that she had found Arthur, who was her prince in the fairy tale sense as well as in real life.
After dinner, Finn and her children showed Tom and Astrid around the estate while George wrote a letter to an official at the Ministry of Defence about what they needed to do to develop the atomic bomb before the Americans or the Germans did. The visitors liked the grounds, and Astrid fell in love with a horse in the stables. She and Arthur rode as Finn, Caroline, and Tom shot pheasants for dinner. He found his future mother-in-law delightful and full of wry humor, although she probed him skillfully about his nature and feelings for her daughter, too. Caroline was almost beside herself when Finn finally announced that she felt that Caroline was making a wise choice and welcomed Tom to the family. Frankly, Tom was impressed, too, for he found Finn Challenger to be a wonderful, if slightly daunting, personality. He knew that her opinion would weigh heavily in gaining the Baron's acceptance of him. The three walked back to the house laughing, talking, planning the wedding, at ease with one another and with the marriage. This place is beginning to feel almost like home, thought Tom, and he got Finn to take him into the den again after the guns were cleaned, and had her tell the story of how she or her husband or children had collected each animal there. Caroline loved this, often holding both his hand and her mother's, and showing great pride in a very large leopard that she had herself shot, at 15.
Tom had to return to London the next day, and left La Content with regret. Little did he know that his wedding would be postponed by what lurked in Hitler's plans.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - October 09 2006 : 2:07:44 PM
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The wedding was set for Dec. 19, that being a date when the local church would be available, and the majority of the invited guests were free to attend. The couples also wanted to wed before Christmas, so as to spend their first holiday together.
All went well until just before dawn on the morning of Dec. 16, when Hitler began Operation Wacht am Rhein, the mad German chancellor's last desperate offensive, intended to split the American and British lines in the Ardennes Forest, and capture the vital road junction at St. Vith, then seize the port of Antwerp, effectively trapping hundreds of thousands of Allied troops and denying them resupply from the sea. In this Belgian battle, the largest ever fought by the U.S. Army, Hitler hoped to so disable the Allied effort in Belgium and along the relatively short European front that his foes would be forced to negotiate an end to the war.
To this purpose, he assembled the Fifth Panzer Army, the Sixth SS Panzer Army (incorporating the celebrated 1st SS Panzer Division, the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, and the 12th SS Panzer Division, the Hitler Jugend) and the Seventh Army in the south. The Fifth Army hit the American lines hard, striking soldiers who were half expecting that the war would end by Christmas. No one in the West thought that Germany had enough men or supplies left to conduct a major offensive, and the weather was awful. Yet, the tanks and their supporting infantry came, smashing into the U.S lines and targeting the vital town of St. Vith.
The Allies reeled in shock, and the Belgian town of Bastogne, defended by the lightly equipped 101st Airborne Division, the famed Screaming Eagles, was surrounded and beseiged. Near panic ensued as teams of English-speaking Germans led by the notorious and brilliant SS commander Otto Skorzeny, infiltrated enemy lines in Allied uniforms and caused confusion and destruction. Skorzeny would soon be labled the most dangerous man in Europe. He and his paratroopers were already reknowned for rescuing the Italian dictator Mussolini, and now, he was a major thorn in the torn Allied front.
All staff officers were recalled to duty and the situation was so obviously desperate that the Howard-Challenger-van Rijn weddings had to be indefinitely postponed.
Tom was kept busy in both the Embassy and at Supreme Allied Headquarters, but Arthur was now also attached to headquarters, pending his postponed knighthood ceremony. He and Tom often managed to lunch together, getting to know one another better. Acquaintance developed respect and a genuine liking, as the two discovered mutual interests and retold their aerial exploits and other adventures over the years.
The dreadful weather was hampering Allied efforts by grounding their immense air power, and the Germans took full advantage of this. Gen. Patton was rumored to have ordered his chief chaplain to pray for clear weather. The colorful, profane general's reputation was such that most who heard the story at headquarters believed it.
Word came that the Germans had sent emissaries under a flag of truce to demand Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe's surrender in battered Bastogne. The Reich's finest were initially baffled by his terse response, the immortal, "Nuts!", but his answer inspired cheers among Allied troops and became one of his nation's best known wartime quotations. The 101st held, earning a new battle streamer to their flags and enhancing their already formidable reputation as one of the foremost airborne forces in history.
Finally, the morning of Dec. 23 came, and Eisenhower was advised by his chief meterologist that the weather should be clear enough for air operations. Units deprived of air support now got it, and fighters and bombers swarmed over the front, Thunderbolts and Typhoons especially tackling the prickly job of close-in strafing and bombing, sometimes right on the edges of their own troops' front lines. B-26's sought out and destroyed German formations and supply centers, and the tide began to turn in the Allies' favor.
Just after one in the afternoon of Dec. 28, Tom Howard returned from lunch in London to find his sergeant waiting eagerly to tell him that he had had a 'phone call from Eisenhower's aide, and was to return the call immediately. He did, and the aide asked if he knew where his future brother-in-law was. "Yes, " he answered."He's right here. The Group Captain and I have just had lunch, and are about to look at some maps before the boss gets here for a briefing. Why?"
"Well, Colonel, you and the Group Captain need to get over here right away. Ike wants to see you fellows 'toute suite' and the tooter the sweeter. Savvy?"
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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Explorer
972 Posts |
Posted - October 09 2006 : 2:56:38 PM
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A staff car took them directly to headquarters, and the duo were shown to a room where they were startled to find both Gen. Eisenhower and his deputy commander, Air Chief Marshal Tedder, awaiting them. Other officers hastily cleared the room, and Tedder shut the door. Eisenhower shook their hands and waved them to chairs at a table laden with maps and intelligence reports.
"Gentlemen, " the Supreme Allied Commander began, "you know the general situation in the Ardennes and the surrounding area. We all do; much of it is even in the newspapers and on the radio. But we need some detailed aerial reconnaisance by pilots we personally know and trust, and we want one British pilot and one American. Politics! Gen. Patton and Gen. Montgomery are at it again, and I assume that you gentlemen know of their ...personal differences...that have at times impeded our ability to cooperate to the fullest extent."
"Gen. Montgomery has questioned the accuracy of some American aerial photos and some dispatches from the front. So, what we want you men to do is to get aboard some fighters equipped with cameras and retake some photos, getting the latest situation on film. See this area?" And he pointed with his stick to an area on the map showing the northern edge of the Ardennes Forest.
"Now, I know that you have been ordered to avoid combat flying, Howard, but I am temporarily rescinding that order. I know you personally, and you have my full confidence. You're one of the few officers who'll give me straight answers, even when it's likely to upset me. You've been unusually thorough in your work before briefings, and you understand what I need to know. The Air Chief Marshal here assures me that you, Group Captain, are as accomplished a fighter pilot as the RAF can offer. Can you fly a Mustang?"
"Yes, Sir, I've a few hours in Mustangs, although many more in Spits," answered Arthur. "I feel confident in the Mustang, though, and it has much longer range. I see why you'd prefer that aspect for the mission that I think you're describing. Lt. Col. Howard also is adept in Mustangs, although he has more time in the Thunderbolt." He looked at his friend and future relative, and Tom Howard nodded.
"Give us a couple of P-51D's, or Mustang IV's if you want us in RAF planes, and we'll get your photos, Sir. I suggest that one of us take the pictures while the other watches his tail. But the camera plane needs its guns loaded, too. That won't interfere with the mission; the camera ports are back behind the cockpit."
"Very well, gentlemen," Eisenhower said. "This is what we specifically want you two to do." And he laid out his plans, Tedder interjecting a couple of times to clarify something or to point out added needs.
"You men take off tomorrow morning from RAF Biggin Hill. We'll have the Mustangs waiting for you. Wear your own flight gear. If you need anything, tell me now, and we'll get it, highest priority. I want you back as soon as you can reasonably make it. Just get everything we need to see on film. Oh: Howard, Gen. Doolittle asked me to remind you that this is a photo mission, and that you are not to chase any Luftwaffe planes that you may see, and not to strafe any juicy targets like trains. He seems to think that a pilot of your personality might be tempted to get sidetracked. Those trains usually have flak cars on them, and we don't need you getting a plane full of German lead. I gather that the Group Captain also has a tendency to look for trouble. Mr. Challenger?"
"I understand, Sir," said Arthur. "I daresay that Gen. Doolittle knows us rather too well. The general is somewhat of a like mind. He's read our thoughts, and we haven't had a crack at Jerry for some time. But we'll be good lads and not shoot anyone we don't have to."
Eisenhower smiled. " I see your decorations, Challenger, and I know your reputation. I respect your martial ardor, but this is a time to get in and get out without getting any more involved than you have to. I realize, too, that you gentlemen are engaged and that your double wedding has had to be set aside for the moment. Do a good job on this, and I'll see if the Air Chief Marshal and I can spare you for awhile while you get hitched. Don't get killed doing this, by the way. I don't want your fiancees blaming me for it." He smiled. "Now, Howard, there is one other thing. It took a while, but the tale of your exploits this Spring, when you were shot down over France and fought for three weeks until you got back to Britain has reached my ears. I've seen the request that you be awarded a suitable medal. I'm signing off on it, ordering that you receive the Distinguished Service Cross. You are one of the very few men in the history of the U. S. Army to receive both the Medal of Honor and the decoration ranking just beneath it, but I cannot justify not giving you the DSC. That was an impressive achievement. I want to pin the DSC on you before your wedding, so don't get shot down. You've done enough gallant things in this war. Am I understood?"
Tedder interrupted to tell the pilots to skip the afternoon briefing, so that they wouldn't be privy to the latest news at headquarters, on the off chance that either was captured.
"That's it, then, gentlemen. Be at Biggin Hill before dawn, and take off as soon as the light is good enough." Eisenhower rose, shook the future in-laws' hands and showed them to the door.
"There is nothing quite so exhilarating as to be shot at without effect." Sir Winston Churchill |
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"Thunderbolt Over Burma!"
