Chapter 1

“I’m not in the mood, Honey.”
“I’m not in it for the money, Baby, you know I’m not.”
“But Trent, how many more years?”
“Not long now, Angel. Not long now.”
The SUV was already running in the garage, warming the engine. They kissed and he languorously drew a hand across her swollen belly. “Don’t forget, we’re making the history now. I’ll be back within a month.” They glanced at each others’ eyes and she turned away, keeping a half look of contact over her shoulder. “You know I love you? Be safe. I love you.”
Gunning the V8 down Fifth he ran a red light and opened her up onto the freeway. Another day at the office, yeah right. His mobile rang in the dock. The stereo cut out. Angel’s voice reminded him, “Don’t forget my Turkish Delight! Baby, I’ve been thinking, about the pool house…” His eyes scanned the horizon. It was twilight on a warm summer evening. The air was hazy and the tail lights ahead were sparkling. “The tiling is all wrong. James doesn’t pay any attention! We went through the plans a dozen times…” The engine overhaul had gone well. She was singing sweet music right now, cruising at 60mph, air conditioning off and the window half down.
“Angel I need to call Base, can we talk when I’m on station?” They said their goodbyes, extending the farewell from home a little more and rung off. The stereo faded back in. Hendrix wailed into the night air. He faded the stereo and said, “Base” in a clear voice. The tones ended and the speaker clicked. A voice requested, “ID.” “555-1824 Alpha Alpha Milwaukee, Terrence Jones III, ETA 9 minutes, East.” “You’re cleared, Trent. How’s Angel?” “She’s good. I’ll need to call in.” “Affirmative.”
Fort North was ahead, the tailplanes of B52s visible from miles away. All three lanes were empty. The road was good for a runway. The speedometer showed 120mph. The gatehouse loomed and he eased off, coasting before hitting the brakes. Dust welled up behind him. The sun had set. It was 10pm, Pacific. The guard waved him in. He saw the gates close in the rear view mirror and eased off the revs to let the engine oil cool. Something wasn’t right.
He parked and went to the com wing and took a private room, kicking back in an office chair. Angel’s phone rang. They didn’t talk long. The Base alarm sounded. “Think about what I said.” Soon after Trent was in a pressure suit being briefed by the Nav. “Middle East. One way. Jordan. It aint much, manoeuvres, there’ll be a load of gear out there. Logistics are a mess. Buddy, you better take your own beer.” “You know I don’t drink, Jack.” “Well maybe you should start.” “Always the joker, Jack. They fix the casino? Man, I can’t believe the way it is out there. Those Arabs are shittin gold.” “Everybody’s happy, Trent. Its our job to keep it that way. Enjoy the flight.”
Touchdown twelve hours later and they headed for breakfast. Prime beef and cold orange juice in the middle of the desert. The canteen was rammed, air conditioned.
“Yo Trent! When are you gonna let me get hold of your girl?” “Mick, you fat fuck. Let me know as soon as you can get it up and I’ll give you her number. Then I’ll kill you.” “Her mother was just the same…” “Wait a minute, Mick. I’ve got a message from your mom, its in the journal this month.” “You’re dead meat, Trent! If you weren’t one of us I’d queue to kill you twice!” “Suck me!”
There was the rap of a gavel. “Ok gentlemen. Gather round. We’ve got 2500 square mile quadrants. Conditions are all desert. Weather is expected to be clear. You know what to do. Nobody is to do anything fucking clever unless I told them to do it, clear? God Bless America.”
A cheer rose up through the mess.