D. M. Ulmer 01 - Silent Battleground by D. M. Ulmer

Author:D. M. Ulmer [Ulmer, D. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9780979164224
Google: y_FongEACAAJ
Amazon: B00B03FVPK
Publisher: Patriot Media, Inc.
Published: 2008-08-31T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Naval Aviator Commander Gerry Carter performed well as a front man for the submarine squadron. Given an assignment, he regarded success to be routine. He looked beyond specific instructions and carried out intent, as well as the letter of each order.

A qualified and motivated cadre had been assembled to establish Eric Danis’s submarine repair facility. It included the Bremerton yard personnel squirreled away by the resourceful Dutch Meyer on the eve of the Soviet attack. The men now needed expressions of reassurance and resolve from a strong leader to guide them through a dilemma that exceeded any other in the history of their country. Their morale hinged on this and Commander Carter ensured the need would be filled.

Thus, Carter conducted the commodore’s arrival in the manner of military shows during World War II that did much to restore the morale of the country after a stream of successes by the Japanese. A tough talking military leader was just the ticket and Carter made the pomp of Commodore Danis’s arrival at the repair facility second only to General Douglas MacArthur returning to the Philippines.

The day typified a Pacific Northwest prelude to summer, sun shining brightly while a gentle northwest breeze swept over the cluster of unkempt barges. Carter arranged the officers, twenty including the hapless Newport wardroom, into a single rank. Behind them stood the civilians mustered to man the base along with Newport’s enlisted crew on either side.

The small tug that carried Eric Danis northward from Grays Harbor now made its way alongside.

Carter commanded, “Attention on deck!”

Military personnel snapped to the traditional position.

Danis stepped onto the new base, his military bearing impeccable and wearing an expression that both reassured and warned the men assembled.

Rendering a smart textbook salute, Commander Carter said, “Good afternoon, Commodore. Welcome to SUBRON 3 Repair Facility.”

Commodore Danis returned the courtesy with equal precision and said, “Thank you, Commander Carter. My first perceptions are equal to the excellent reports that precede my visit,” then he turned and approached his old friend Dave Zane, took his offered right hand and held it for a moment as he continued, “Let me set the record straight. From this date forward, the correct nomenclature for this operation is Zane’s Pitstop.”

Dave replied, “Hi, Eric. I hope that title doesn’t scare away any customers.”

The two exchanged warm expressions that grow only from many years of mutual respect and admiration.

Commander Carter led the commodore among the ranks of officers and introduced each one then the designated leaders among the civilian workforce. Next, the commodore gave the shortest and most important speech of his life. The words would be crucial to the success of his operation so he chose them well. He often thought of what he would say then went with his instinct, which always worked best for him. He directed Carter to have everyone stand at ease and when the order was executed, he assumed an uncharacteristic pose; cap pushed to the back of his head, hands on hips, he straddled to a comfortable position.

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