CHANGE IN THE AIR

A UFO Short Novel, Copyright 2016

By A. Berglund

UFO and its’ characters created by Gerry & Sylvia Anderson with Reg Hill, properties of ITV Studios Global Entertainment. See further disclaimers at end.

 

CHAPTER 1

 

It had been six months since the incident at Scarborough and three months since SHADO Moon Base had successfully repelled the vanguard of an alien invasion force. Attempted alien incursions had dropped off to only two or three of the smaller scout ships per month.

Some of the officials at I.A.C. were insistent that this indicated that the alien threat was coming to an end. They were pushing to cut the funding for SHADO. Cuts had already taken place after SHADO’s cover industry in nuclear waste processing and storage had brought about a windfall of funding.

Many nations had jumped at the opportunity to rid themselves of stored radioactive waste that bypassed the tangle of regulations within their own borders. The operation had been unofficially dubbed “Transformation Enterprises”.

All financial transactions were processed through multiple Swiss banks and laundered again through accounts in the Cayman Islands. Plausible denial was essential and their customer base insisted upon it.

It was necessity that SHADO and this operation be officially unconnected to preserve the security of both. The only time that SHADO operations connected with the remote island facility was to take on containers of depleted uranium ingots for casting into projectiles. This was done at night with no customs controls and air-tight security measures. The container ships were generic and non-descript.

Markers Transport trucks handled the containers once they made port in England. The site of the former Sea Side Holiday Camp near Scarborough had proven perfect to build a dock and warehouse facility. It had all simply been built over the ruins left by the SHADO operation there. The facility solved two problems at once.

 

SHADO Commander Ed Straker was in his office at the underground headquarters, some 80 feet beneath Harlington-Straker Studios. He was well aware of the push at I.A.C. to cut funding to his organization. The drop off in UFO incursions was just a convenient excuse. They had seen the numbers of attacks increase and decrease multiple times during the thirteen years since SHADO had become operational. Straker knew from harsh experience that these drop off periods meant the aliens were working on something new. The last time it resulted in the large troop ships that utilized new membrane technology.

Straker expected the call from General Henderson for the last two weeks and it hadn’t come yet. In fact, Straker’s monthly report to him hadn’t brought about so much as an irate phone call to complain about the additional 23 seconds it took to deploy five or six Interceptors instead of three…

Something was happening at I.A.C. and Straker felt it over his head like a dangling anvil. Uncertainty with the alien agenda was one thing, but he didn’t appreciate having the foundation of his organization shaken when it was already weakened by the decisions of disinterested committee officials.

His mood had been soured and his temper shortened long enough. He had snapped at too many staffers just doing their jobs and was eating antacid tablets like candy. His lack of sleep had begun to affect his ability to concentrate and make decisions. He expected Dr. Jackson to send him home with a tranquilizer any time now…

Straker had decided to call Henderson and get to the bottom of this situation. His right hand was inches from the orange phone handset when it rang…

“Yes, Ms. Ealand?”

“General Henderson on the A.V. link from I.A.C. Commander.”

“Thank you Ms. Ealand – put it right through.”

The A.V. link chirped announcing the incoming call. Straker pressed the connect button.

Straker leaned forward toward the monitor camera. “Hello General Henderson, what can I do for you today?” He said with some acidity to his voice.

Henderson was slow to respond. Straker noted that he looked haggard and worn and as if he wasn’t sleeping either. The General spoke softly, without his usual bluster. “Straker, this isn’t a business as usual call.” “I know I’m long overdue to respond to your report from last month. Let me clear that up now – I am quite satisfied with the report and status of all SHADO operations.”

“The delay in contact was of a personal nature…” “Look Ed, we’ve known each other for nearly thirty years so I’m going to be frank and cut to the chase.” “My wife Evelyn had a rather severe stroke two weeks ago.” “She’s in a nursing facility in the Cotswolds and will have to go through months of rehabilitation before she can return home – if she can.” “Son, I’m punching out my timecard and retiring, effective at the end of this week…” “No fanfare, no parties, no fuss…” “I don’t know how much longer we have together Ed, and I’m not putting her second in my priorities ever again.” “She stood behind me all these years – now it’s my turn.”

“I’m so sorry that you and your wife are going through this, Sir…” Said Straker with sincerity. Henderson and his wife had been more like parents to him than either of his own. Straker knew all too well how hard this job was on a marriage.

“I wanted you to hear it from me instead of through some official communique from I.A.C. my boy.” “Despite all the times we’ve butted heads over big or small issues, I’ve always been proud as hell of you.” “You have raised SHADO up from a loose assortment of science geeks, military types and bureaucrats into a juggernaut of global defense.” “Nobody else could have done what you have accomplished.”

“I learned most of what I know from you, General.” “You taught me to surround myself with brilliant and talented people, and to rely on and stand behind them.” Said Straker.

“You learned it well and you have a great team to prove it, Ed.” “That brings me to my next topic…”

“The U.N. Security Council insists on me naming my replacement, but they also insist on you remaining in command of SHADO.” “I didn’t buck at that since I know how much you would despise being locked in an office and surrounded by talking heads, bean-counters and bureaucrats.” “This job has probably sucked twenty years of my lifespan away with continual pointless chatter and bullshit…” “If I stuck you in this job, you’d be jabbing a Voodoo doll of me with push pins inside a week.”

“So who will be our new liaison to I.A.C. sir?”

“A Brigadier General named Gunther Prosser.” “He was a career combat pilot from the former West Germany and came up through the NATO command ranks.” “He’s a military minded, defense-oriented no-nonsense type.” “He will be a rock solid ally for you and your crew and he has a way of handling bureaucrats that is just a joy to watch.” “It’s like watching a T-rex in a sheep pen…”

“What is his interest in our organization, General?”

“He doesn’t know about SHADO yet, but he will by the time I walk out the door.” “He’ll want to spend time there with you all and asking lots of questions.” “I suggest your staff expect to spend plenty of time answering them.” “He’s a hands-on command type.” “As for his connection to anything SHADO-related, he has personally shot down three UFO’s during his service as a combat pilot for the Bundesrepublic Deutschland…” “He’s going to love being in on the program.”

“Ed, I’ll be bringing him to your site in person to meet you and your staff.”

“We’ll be pleased to have you both here, General.” “We’ll keep you and Evelyn in our thoughts and prayers, General.” Said Straker.

“Thanks, Ed. We’ll see you on Friday morning, say around ten.”

“See you then, Sir.”

CHAPTER 4

Thorvald had come in to the SHADO cafeteria kitchen near dawn to get started on the luncheon so that everything would be perfect and ready to serve on time. Dr. Jackson had come in early to spend that time talking with Thorvald about what was distressing him. Jackson had also quite naturally began helping process and cut the vegetables and apples for the dishes. Nobody at SHADO knew that Dr. Jackson was a competent chef in his own right. He made a double batch of Polish country-style yeast rolls to go with the meal while Thorvald was making the dumplings. Cooking with an old friend while chatting was always a joy to Thorvald.

The luncheon was a major success. The chicken and dumplings, yeast rolls, vegetable medley and apple pie had been a big hit with both generals and the other command staff.

After the meal, the cafeteria staff cleared the dishes and utensils from the conference table in Straker’s office. The Commander offered cigars from his personal supply to his guests. Prosser graciously accepted one. He had his own clipper and lighter, which made Straker pause and smile.

Prosser slowly released a plume of grey smoke upward toward the lights. He turned the Lonsdale sideways, admiring the construction and the flawless natural wrapper.

“Very nice cigar, Commander Straker.” “I would be honored if you would accept a box of my favorite Toro’s from my own stock.”

“I would be delighted, General.”

General Henderson spoke up. “Before we fully immerse in the pleasantries, there is something we need to discuss of a pressing nature.” “Straker knows, but you others probably don’t as of yet.” “One of the reasons General Prosser is such a good fit for SHADO is because he has personal experience with UFO’s.” “He shot down three of them during his days flying fighters for West Germany.” “Go ahead and tell them what you told me, Gunther…”

“General Henderson showed me the dossiers on the UFO’s and aliens that you have been fighting against for over a decade.” “I engaged UFO’s on two separate occasions over the Bundesrepublic, and neither time were they like the ones you’ve been fighting against.” Everyone in the room was suddenly on the edge of their seat and listening intently…

“In both incidents, I was flying a covertly purchased, state of the art Saab 37 Viggen fighter with full avionics and targeting systems.” “In neither case was a radar image generated, nor missile lock obtainable.” “I was fortunate to have 30mm canons in my underwing pods or I could not have fired on them and would have perished like the others in both flights.” “I have provided General Henderson with footage from my gun cameras and cockpit on both occasions.” “I had to switch the films with others to keep them from being confiscated by West German Air Force Intelligence.”

“On both occasions, I encountered a different type of UFO which fired upon and destroyed my wingmen before I shot them down with conventional weapons.” “In both cases, the delay caused by the lack of target lock allowed the UFO’s time to fire their offensive weapons.”

“In short, there are more hostile alien races coming to Earth than just those green fellows in their spinning pie tins.” “The threat is much larger than SHADO realized…”

The looks around the table ranged from anger to horror at the prospect of what was coming… Each face was focused miles away recalling the horrific events of the last thirteen years…

It was Henderson that finally spoke again. “I picked a hell of a good time to punch out didn’t I?” “Don’t fret people, Prosser and I have some ideas on how to proceed in building up our defenses to accommodate other alien threats.” “This will be my parting shot on your behalf people.” “I have complete confidence in you all.”

CHAPTER 5

Straker and his command staff looked over the proposed ideas with General Prosser while General Henderson wandered around SHADO HQ saying farewell to the staff and thanking them for their service.

Keith Ford had given him a misty-eyed hug which he gladly returned. Keith had been one of the first SHADO operatives recruited by Henderson and Straker.

Henderson entered the medical center. Dr. Jackson rose to meet him with a warm smile. Henderson embraced him and patted him on the back. “You’ve done a great job keeping this odd mix of military and science geeks on track and functioning on an emotional and psychological level, Yannick.”

“General, you’ve never called me by my real name before.”

“I owed it to you - and for good reason.” “I’m the one who chose the name Douglas Jackson for you coming into SHADO…” “It’s my fault.” “I thought a solid American-sounding name might give you an air of credibility to the outside world and help conceal your past more effectively.” “In retrospect, I should have been more respectful of your ethnicity and cultural heritage.” “I gave you a name more fitting of a cattle rancher or some all-pro quarterback…” “I’m so sorry, Yannick.”

Jackson let out a belly laugh that bent him at the waist and made his eyes tear up. “Please don’t feel badly for that General, you actually did me a great service by choosing such a name.” “It has allowed me to be a sort of enigma in my profession.” “People make an incorrect assumption of me based on my name then are brought face to face with my bulging eyes, bushy brows and a voice like Peter Lorre in ‘The Maltese Falcon’…” “It adds to their disorientation and makes their minds more susceptible to probing and manipulation.”

“It is always a useful tool to keep people guessing when they meet me, General.”

“I’m glad there are no hard feelings, Yannick.” “Thank you for all your years of hard work here and at I.A.C.”

“It has been an honor to serve in your command, General.”

 
Straker and his command staff escorted General Henderson to his blue Rolls Royce for the last time. Hands were shaken, hugs were exchanged by those so inclined and Virginia gave him a kiss on the cheek.

He would return to his office for the sole purpose of signing the documents making Prosser the Commanding General at I.A.C. and SHADO liaison to both U.N.S.C. and the world… Henderson’s signature carried much more impact than just sending a professional wolf into a den of self-absorbed sheep – it also released a large monetary fund and made assets available to SHADO for immediate build up.

Henderson knew there was a storm coming and that SHADO would be all that stood between humanity and destruction from beyond our solar system. Prosser would see to it that they were ready when the time came…

He presented the mandates to the governing committee. Those that were paying attention were incensed that there was no vote, appeal or revocation possible. They were bound under an obscure Charter provision to accept the changes and make it happen immediately. He greatly enjoyed his last contact with them all…

Henderson knew these talking heads hadn’t read the Charter carefully beyond the sections that they had authored to secure favors for their own countries. Henderson had made sure the Charter and by-laws had these special provision to be played as his trump card when needed. He had patiently endured the pointless, self-righteous bullshit of the committee for over thirteen years just waiting for this specific day…

Henderson placed a few personal items from his office into a box and walked out with his head held high in defiance. He simply dropped his facility keys and identification pass on the desk in front of the security guard on duty.

He ambled to his blue Rolls Royce. His driver placed the box in the trunk beside his luggage and closed the door behind his employer of over twenty years. The elegant machine slipped quietly out the main gate and accelerated in the direction of the nursing facility in the Cotswolds.

James Henderson would never return to London again. The thought didn’t cause him any discomfort. He had made the world a safer place than he found it and he had established the only independent global defense organization in existence. His farewells had been satisfying and appropriate. He left with no regrets about the way his career had gone or ended – except for one…

He was on his way to make that right now. His beloved Evelyn had suffered so very many lonely nights and days due to his professional life. She had been alone when she had the stroke. The night maid had found her. That broke his heart beyond words.

Now, he would see to it that she was never alone or lonely again.

“Pedal faster up there, would you Hastings?”

“Gladly General…” He was not only Henderson’s personal driver but also his trusted bodyguard. An appointment personally arranged and payed for by Commander Ed Straker in gratitude to his mentor of over 30 years.

CHAPTER 6

“How in the hell are we supposed to get all this done in short order, General?” Asked a frustrated Ed Straker. His hand was cupped across his forehead in an attempt to stall the coming headache.

Prosser clipped a Toro cigar for both of them and expertly toasted the foot of each with his lighter. He handed one to Straker, which he gladly accepted.

“Commander, we do this following the same successful recipe that brought SHADO to its’ current glory.” “We recruit and employ the brightest and best of humanity while our experts expand our infrastructure and scale up the operation.” Said Prosser, releasing a plume of silky grey smoke toward the lights.

He added, “It is exactly what you have done for the last thirteen years, Commander…” “I did not come here to lob a grenade and walk away…” “I am here to help you for as long as you need me to be.”

“You seem to be an unflappable optimist, General.” “You also have a unique leadership style.” Said Straker. The Toro cigar was quite a bit larger in ring gauge than his Lonsdales, but incredibly smooth.

“I am simply a pragmatist, Commander.” “I utilize what works.” “In the same vein, I will also promise to tell you you’re full of shit when it is appropriate.” He smiled…

“As far as leadership style, I learned from letters that were written to me by my father while at sea, Commander.” “He learned his command leadership from watching Admiral Karl Doenitz.”

“Doenitz did not command from some bunker in Berlin or a palace in Paris.” “He lived at Kerneval, within sight of the canal leading to the Keroman submarine bases.” “If at all possible, he was there to see his U-boat crews off on war patrol and also there to welcome them home.” “He knew all of his commanders and many of their crew members as well.” “He took care of them and provided for them, even when Hitler was casting them aside in favor of yet another misguided campaign.”

“Doenitz was loyal to his U-boat crews and saw them as more than push pins on a map.” “They were fiercely loyal in return, even when the allies had developed effective detection methods and anti-submarine weapons.” “U-boat service was entirely voluntary and commanders hand-picked their crews.”

“There was never a shortage of volunteers, even when the attrition rate climbed to over 50 percent.” “They put to sea out of love for country, sense of duty and to protect their loved ones – not to satisfy some Nazi ideal.” “They stood alone…”

“They knew up front there was a less than even chance that they would ever see home again.” “By the end of the war, U-boat losses were over 75% Commander, my father being one of those lost…” “He was no Nazi, he was a patriot for his homeland and an inspiration to his men.” “They share their war grave…”

“A compelling example, General.” Said Straker. He knew as a student of history that the texts covering the events of all wars usually reflected only the viewpoint, rhetoric and propaganda of the victors.

The records and documents of the vanquished usually never saw the light of day after the fact, except in international courts of law to support the prosecution of war criminals. The atrocities and brutalities of war were very real and committed by victor and vanquished alike…

“My leadership style is based on two very different sources, General.” Said Straker slowly building a smile and a sear in his blue eyes. “From antiquity, my inspiration is found in Attila the Hun.”

Prosser grinned, a plume of smoke exiting through his toothy smile. “And the other?”

“General James L. Henderson.” “Both could be described as demanding of personal integrity and duty, but equitable, reasonably open-minded and fiercely loyal to those who serve with honor.”

“Well said, Commander Straker.” “Well said…” Stated Prosser with a gleam of pride in his eyes. “We will work well together...”

Straker said, “I want to assemble my full team here tomorrow morning to get some ideas on paper and develop a path forward General.” “I’ll send word to those off-site to be here well rested at 0700 hours.”

“Excellent, Commander.” “I will go to the cafeteria and arrange for catered breakfast, lunch and possible dinner for all involved.” Said Prosser.

Prosser rose from the chair to his imposing full stature. He arched his back to stretch it and tilted his head to the left and to the right. Sitting had caused him to stiffen. He noted Straker’s concerned look and said, “Commander, I am not a young man.” “Most people my age are worried about stretching their pension checks and why their children and grand-children never seem to visit.’’ Straker smiled…

“Do you have a dormitory here, Commander?”

“Yes General, but I can provide you with a fully furnished apartment for your use as long as you need it.” “The dormitory is primarily for young SHADO operatives, lab people and support personnel.” “Each room has a private bath, but the dining, laundry and recreational facilities are used by all residents.” Said Straker.

Prosser smiled and said, “Perfect. That is exactly what I am looking for, Commander.” “I want to get to know them and I want them to gain a report with me as well.” “We will need the participation of all of them to get this job done.”

“Oh, and I have provided my own transportation as well.” “My motorrad, or perhaps I should call it a motorcycle - is parked out front.” “I followed General Henderson here this morning.”

Straker said, “I have taken the liberty of giving you a viable cover story to explain your presence on the site topside, General.” “There is no doubt that you would be eventually recognized for who you are, so your cover will be to act as technical advisor for military themed films.” “We do a lot of documentaries here, Sir.”

Straker continued, “It will take just a short while to arrange your accommodations and an office here, General.” “In the meantime, please feel free to walk the halls and familiarize yourself with the facility.”

Prosser smiled. “That is a grand idea, Commander…”


Prosser stepped into the cafeteria entrance. He spoke with the staff in the kitchen. He saw Thorvald and Virginia sipping coffee at a corner table and moved toward them. “May I join you?” He asked.

“Please do, General. Can I get you a mug of coffee?” Asked Virginia.

Prosser sat down opposite them. “No thank you, Colonel Lake.” “I felt compelled to greet my old comrade, although the name change will take time.” “Please don’t be offended if I call you Magnus.” Thorvald smiled as did Virginia. Prosser could see they were a couple, but somehow not fully connected. He could see in Thorvald’s eyes that there was some obstacle there. He had seen those eyes filled with purpose and bravado before, but never worry or sadness.

Prosser spoke softly. “I am pleased to see that the report of your demise was untrue, old friend.” “My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear wife and daughter.” “I cannot even imagine the hell you have been through and it breaks my heart for you.” “We insertion-extraction pilots feel a very special bond and sense of responsibility for our op’s friends.” Thorvald’s eyes darkened…

Prosser continued, “You probably didn’t know it, but I knew your Helge before you were a couple.” “She worked at the farm market near the base where you and I were stationed.” “I saw her at least twice a week for fresh vegetables and fruits.” “She was always such a joy to chat with.” “I knew her well enough to know she would be pleased that you are not alone, Thorvald.” “She wouldn’t have wanted that to happen, ever…”

Thorvald’s eyes were tearing up. “Please excuse me, General.” He left the cafeteria quickly leaving Virginia and Prosser behind.

Prosser said softly, “I caused my old friend great pain, Colonel. I am so sorry…”

Virginia smiled through her teary eyes, “No General, you just freed your old friend from a very heavy burden.” “Thank you so very much, Sir…”

CHAPTER 9

The following morning Virginia pulled up in front of Thorvald’s apartment ready to head for Brighton. When he came out she was sitting on the passenger side with a sweet smile. “Really Love, you want me to drive this turbine machine?”

“You might as well get accustomed to it, Thorvald.” “Besides, if you can happily take navigation directions from a woman, it will be proof that our love will last forever…” She said with a giggle.

“May it never be said that I am unwilling to take direction from a woman…” He said with a grin. “You will know someday soon how far that policy goes, Love.” He had a devilish glint to his eyes.

She cut her eyes at him with a sensuous smile and said, “I can hardly wait…”

Thorvald pressed what he assumed to be the appropriate buttons. The car rolled forward into the parking block with a thump. Ginny stifled a giggle and patted him on the shoulder. “This button is forward and this one is reverse, Love.” He looked down again near his feet. No clutch and no gear lever. He made an effort to be smooth with his inputs. The turbine engine spooled up in rpm’s and the car headed out to the motorway smoothly. He got a feel for it quickly…

 
Virginia had navigated for Thorvald right up to her mother’s driveway. It had been an enjoyable trip. They had chatted and relaxed, talking about the future and things they’d like to do together. Virginia’s mother was peeking out from behind the curtains as they walked toward the door hand in hand. She liked what she was seeing already. This brawny bear of a man absolutely adored her daughter.

Thorvald paused, feet from the door. He suddenly felt incredibly nervous and his feet felt like bags of wet clay. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead. Virginia was incredibly amused by all of this.

“Where’s my Viking warrior?” “After years of combat experience and jumping out of airplanes in the dark, this is what scares you?” She laughed and mopped his brow with a handkerchief. “She is going to love you almost as much as I do…” She grabbed his arm with both hands and towed him in through the front door.

“Mom, we’re here…” She said loudly. Her mother appeared from another room she had just scurried to in order to give the right appearance. They embraced and kissed each other on the cheek.

“Lovely to see you, dear.” She said, with all the charm and grace of a princess. Virginia’s mother was stunning, and not a lot older than Thorvald. It was easily imagined that strangers might assume them to be siblings. Virginia was cut from the same bolt of cloth as her mother but didn’t inherit her deep brown eyes.

Virginia spoke sweetly. “Mom, this is Thorvald Magnusson. Her mother had already heard much about this man from her daughter but she played along. She stepped in front of him and held out both hands. Thorvald gently placed his hands around them and gave a warm smile. She looked up into those deep green eyes and then back at Virginia.

She broke from Thorvald’s hands and instead moved in, giving him a heart-felt hug. “This is how we really say hello in this house, Thorvald.” He wrapped his arms around her, perhaps a little too tightly. She stepped over toward Ginny and said, “You were right dear, those eyes are just bottomless…” “They look as though you could swim in them.” Thorvald’s cheeks reddened quickly. “All that formality and manners crap goes out the window as of now, Thorvald…” She smiled up at him.

“Relax darling, she likes you.” Said Ginny. 

They chatted in the kitchen over coffee. Virginia was amused seeing her mother awestruck by Thorvald automatically slipping a towel over his shoulder and preparing to make them a gourmet lunch.

Her mother whispered to her. “Good Lord Ginny, he’s gorgeous, he adores you and he’s sweeter than any dessert you can name.” “Plus, he cooks like a professional chef.” “If you don’t marry him, I will…”

Virginia laughed. “He is actually going to ask you for your permission to do just that.” “He is very big on Old Country tradition Mom.”

“Which one?”

“He’s from Northern Sweden mom, the Lappland region, where people still herd reindeer and stuff.” “He speaks of it like a snow covered paradise.”

“How fascinating darling.” “That short ponytail and the grey highlights in his hair are just sexy as hell.” “Great body as well.”

“You noticed that too…” “He is also a brilliant musician and craftsman.”

Thorvald was in his kitchen groove and began humming a folk song from his childhood on the family farm. Virginia and her mother were smiling and bobbing their heads to the tune behind him, amused at his expense.

Thorvald found the plates, utensils, glassware and napkins without input. Virginia and her mother just gazed, smitten.

Thorvald set their places and plated the savory dish and sides for them. He poured the wine for each and joined them. “Mrs. Lake, I’d like to ask you something very important after our meal.”

She played along. “That would be fine, Thorvald.” She slipped a bite of his offering into her mouth and her brown eyes grew. “My goodness this is delicious, Thorvald.”

They chatted over the meal and when finished, Thorvald cleared the table, rinsed everything and loaded it in the dishwasher. He placed the leftovers in a container and then in the refrigerator. It took only a few minutes to complete.

He asked Mrs. Lake if he could speak to her privately. Ginny just smiled and sipped her coffee. She could see them on the screened-in porch. Thorvald was sitting across from her mother. She was playing the unknowing role to perfection. She placed her hand in Thorvald’s while he spoke, looking very earnest.

Ginny saw Thorvald stop speaking and her mother glanced back at her with a wink. She saw her mother say something and Thorvald responded. He kissed her hand and squeezed it. She could see he was thanking her profusely… They both rose and came back in. Virginia’s mother gave her a covert thumbs-up. Thorvald was beaming…

Virginia rose up to embrace him. “Come with me, Thorvald, I want to show you the gardens.” She said, taking him by the arm. Her mother moved to a seat by the window so she could enjoy the spectacle. They walked slowly hand in hand.

“Thorvald, this is my favorite place in the whole world.” “I spent much of my childhood sitting here among the flowers, dreaming of all the wonderful things that might be before me.” “This was always a place of great hope and joy for me.”

Thorvald said, “That makes it perfect for this then.” He removed a box from his pocket and bent down on one knee taking her hand gently in his. Her eyes and smile grew to a look of surprise. He looked up into her eyes with a glow in his. “Virginia, I don’t want to spend one more single moment of my life without you beside me.” “Please make me a complete and joyful man by being my wife.”

She pulled him up to her face, her eyes tear-filled and gleaming. “There is nothing in this world or any other that I want more Love.” “Absolutely yes…” She kissed him tenderly and glanced back toward the house.

She could see her mother in the window, pumping her arms over her head in celebration. She put them down before Thorvald turned back in that direction. She was teary eyed, so pleased that Ginny had finally found the love of her life. Her mother had prayed for this for so many years…

Virginia and Thorvald walked arm in arm back to the house.

There was a round of hugs and the customary showing of the ring to the mother. A bottle of champagne was opened to toast the engagement.

Virginia and her mother sat on opposite sides of Thorvald on the sofa while they showed him pictures of Virginia’s father, both in uniform and in family photos. He now knew where Ginny’s steel grey eyes came from. Her parents were a handsome couple and Ginny was an adorable child. He never had doubted it.

As evening approached Thorvald offered to make another meal or take them both out to celebrate at a fine dining establishment. Ginny’s mother looked at her daughter and said, “No thank you, Thorvald.” “It’s been a full day and you two have much to do and quite a drive ahead of you…” She turned and winked at Ginny.

Thorvald hugged her again and thanked her graciously once more. She walked them to the door. As she and Ginny embraced she whispered, “I’m so happy for you Love.” “He is everything I ever hoped for to be your partner in life.” “Your father would have loved him too dear.”

The sun was setting as Thorvald opened the door for his fiancé and climbed in on the driver’s side. He found the starter button, then seemed to be searching…

“Where are the lights, Ginny?” She pressed a button on the console and the headlights opened and illuminated. The gauges in the dash lit up as well. They just smiled at each other. One nice feature on a turbine car was that the driver and passenger could hold hands and not have to break them in order to change gears…

A couple hours into the drive, Thorvald asked Virginia, “Are you hungry, Love?”

“Yes Thorvald – hungry and sleepy.” “I’ve made this trip hundreds of times and there is a small village up ahead with a cozy Italian place.” “There is also a place near there on a lake that rents the cutest little furnished cottages.” “We did both bring an overnight bag dear.” Thorvald smiled – he was getting nervous again…

The Italian dinner was authentic and perfectly prepared. After dinner they sat hand in hand sipping their wine and gazing into each other’s eyes illuminated by the glow of the candle. They would remember this day always and would try to come back to this little eatery often to recapture this moment. This night was indeed very special.

They were able to get the last of the little cottages that looked out over the lake. Thorvald paused on the porch looking over the water. “Sjobolet.” He said. “It means ‘cottage on the lake’ in Swedish.” “I hope to have a similar view for our home in the future.” Inside, the décor was like a step back in time. Except for the somewhat modern bathroom and quaint electric lights, there was nothing that would look out of place in the early 1900’s. The center point of the room was a beautifully crafted oak bed with a forest scene carved in the headboard and elegant lines in the posts. It was covered by a hand-sewn quilt and several fluffy pillows. It was inviting.

“You go ahead and get ready, Thorvald.” “I might need a bit longer…” He stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. Virginia was looking at the sparkling glint from her new ring and feeling some fear. It had been so very long since she’d been intimate with anyone. She was well into her 40’s and the years had changed her body much since that last time. She was afraid he wouldn’t like what he saw…

She looked at her ring again and steeled herself. “This man loves me dearly and nothing can change that now.” She would be herself. A loving, grown adult woman.

In the bathroom, Thorvald was having his version of the same talking-to. Would he be able to satisfy such a beautiful woman? Would she be repelled by his bizarre collection of scars, including the newest one for his cardiac implant? It left a pink slash below his left collarbone and felt like a large tin of sardines under the skin. The others were a mix of bullet wounds, blade wounds and evidence of having been scourged for hours in an attempt to extract information when he’d been captured.

His body looked like twenty miles of bad gravel road and he was worried… He looked in the mirror and pulled up his best Viking warrior gaze. “This woman loves you and wants to be with you for life.” “Suck it up soldier, and bring your ‘A-game’ to the field.” He finished getting ready and emerged wearing a simple robe.

Virginia smiled and stepped in with her overnight bag. Thorvald waited, sitting in a hand-made oak armchair with quaint quilted cushions. He was still nervous.

Virginia opened the door and stepped out, looking positively radiant in a flowing silk robe with delicately embroidered flowers. It was a champagne color with pale pink borders and sash. She stepped slowly over to where Thorvald was seated, now on the edge of his chair. He leaned forward and she moved to him, her sash slipping loose and the robe parting to reveal the full glory of the woman he so adored.

Thorvald’s eyes seemed to glow. He reached inside her robe and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her snugly. He closed his eyes and buried his face in the luxuriantly silky skin of her abdomen, her breasts cradling his head. She ran her fingers through his hair gently, kissing the top of his head. She felt him shudder a few times and realized he was softly weeping with his arms wrapped tightly around her. Tears filled her eyes.

“Thank you for not giving up on me, Ginny.” He said, with a soft shaking voice. “I never believed I would ever know anything this beautiful…” “Thank you Love, thank you, thank you…” She pulled him up and kissed him tenderly. She untied his robe and pushed it gently off of his shoulders. She let hers drop behind her.

They embraced and shared their first lingering passionate kiss. There would be no more restraint or fear for either. They made love, tenderly and thoroughly. It left them both physically and emotionally spent and blissfully satisfied. They slept the contented slumber of completed souls finding fulfillment.

CHAPTER 10

After a blissful night of sleep wrapped around each other, Thorvald and Virginia awoke, relaxed and toasty warm under the blankets. They looked at each other, smiling, looking deep into each other’s sleepy eyes. Then the both began to laugh uncontrollably. They each were sporting a crop of hair that was flat in spots and pointed to all directions of the compass in others. Bed head…

They brushed their teeth and enjoyed a leisurely shower together. They gently and thoroughly washed each other and shampooed each other’s hair. Virginia made and effort to shave the appropriate parts of Thorvald’s face. For them it was simply an act of loving kindness – the kind of intimacy that can be shared daily for life, no matter how long that might be.

They took their time getting ready but both were quite hungry. They found a small restaurant nearby that served the traditional English country breakfast. Thorvald wasn’t sure what to think when it arrived but Virginia had said, “Trust me…”

Eggs, toast, sausage… and baked beans? Thorvald was a little hesitant at first but the flavors actually worked together, the smoky flavor of the sausage and beans complimenting the eggs better than he would have expected. He also knew all too well that there were a few traditional Swedish foods that were only palatable to other Scandinavians, and maybe felines. Even he couldn’t force himself to eat lutefisk…

They had the whole day so they made a trip to the Cotswolds to visit the Henderson’s. They wanted to share the good news with them and to ask the General if he would be willing to stand as either Thorvald’s Best Man or to stand with Virginia’s mother to represent her late father.

James Henderson greeted the visitors warmly. His beloved Evelyn was sitting in a wheelchair with an afghan spread over her legs and left arm. She was sharply dressed and her silver hair was pinned up with perfection. She looked up at Thorvald and recognized those deep green eyes. She tried to smile but it was clear her left side was not responding.

She reached up with her right hand. Thorvald kneeled down in front of her and she placed it on his cheek. "You're that lad that brought my James home to me when everyone else said he was missing and presumed dead.”

Her eyes were tearing and her voice was getting weaker sounding. “Thank you, son.” “Now I have him all to myself, for keeps…” Thorvald stood and leaned over, kissing her gently on the cheek. She motioned to her husband to come near and whispered in his ear. He laughed and looked at Thorvald.

“She said you look much better with a full head of hair.” Said Henderson. “Last time she saw you it was a quarter inch long.” He looked at Virginia. “Now what’s all that sparkly jazz on your left hand, Virginia?” She and Thorvald just beamed…

They talked of the engagement and asked the General to be a part of the ceremony. He graciously declined but thanked them. Evelyn could not travel yet and he would not leave her.

He told them he sold that drafty massive house on the estate they had lived in for nearly twenty years. He joked that there were rooms he still hadn’t entered after all those years. He had bought a more reasonably sized traditional home here in the Cotswolds – thatch roof, stone walls and sheep for neighbors. A paradise…

Some of his home staff had moved with him but he would never need a game keeper or gardener again.

Mrs. Henderson had fallen asleep. Her husband whispered his thanks for the visit and wished them well in their new life together with the demand that they come back for regular visits…

The drive back to Harlington was filled with talk of wedding plans and things of the future. They had a game plan although it was clear there would be no nights apart again unless one of them was travelling or on duty. Home would be wherever they could be alone together.

 
They were just a bit delayed getting in to Straker’s office. Their shower had gone a bit longer than expected, so Virginia followed Thorvald’s example and just put her hair in a ponytail. That alone had probably made up at least 10 minutes.

They stepped in together. Prosser, Straker, Freeman, Foster and Jackson were already there. They all noticed the couple had a very different vibe.

Straker smiled. “Virginia, what is that thing on your hand that is sparkling like a disco ball?” She smiled and blushed. Thorvald was standing right behind her and to her right, grinning like a schoolboy.

Virginia turned and swatted him in the gut. “Well… say something!” Everyone else erupted in laughter.

Straker said, “I see you two have made the most of your two days off.” “Thorvald is already at a loss for words…” Now Thorvald was turning red. They talked briefly of the visit with the Henderson’s and the plans for the wedding that they were trying to put together quickly. They wanted to have it during the next week…

Virginia had most of the details worked out and all of the people in Straker’s office had a part in the ceremony. It would have to be nearby and simple. She said, “I just don’t know where to find a clergyman on such short notice.”

Dr. Jackson spoke up. “I can perform the ceremony for you gladly.” They all looked at him. “General Henderson didn’t put it in my personnel file, but I was a young Novice studying for the priesthood when the war broke out.” “I put that on hold to serve in the Polish underground.” “After completing my medical training, I completed my divinity studies and was ordained."

This explained a great deal. Jackson was a brilliant interrogator, swinging from icy detachment to apathetic patron and all points between at will. It also explained his gift in the role of gentle, caring counsellor for those in need.

“Did none of you ever wonder why I never had a woman in my life?” He asked, feigning irritation. He knew that they had all assumed he was either gay or simply asexual. It was an amusement to him.

Virginia said, “Neither of us are Catholic Doctor.” Jackson laughed.

“I can do Catholic, Protestant, Hebrew or whatever you need.” “I would best be described as a chaplain over the term priest.” “And it would be my honor…”

Thorvald spoke up. “That means I need a new best man Yannick, but we would love to have you perform our ceremony.” “There is only one other person that has known me for that many years.” “Would you please stand with me, General Prosser?”

Prosser grinned, “I would be honored to do so, Thorvald.” “I will always stand by my Viking friend…” Thorvald smiled broadly.

Ginny said, “Ed, Alec, I want you to stand with my mother in the place my father would have stood.” “She knows you both and thinks the world of you.”

Straker and Alec both nodded and smiled.

Paul Foster looked at them and simply said, “Well…?”

Virginia laughed, “You’ll be my flower girl, Paul…” He grinned.

Thorvald said, “We know you have a solid baritone singing voice and we’d like to have you sing a duet with Ayshea during the ceremony.” Paul looked shocked.

Virginia added, “Thorvald can hear both of you singing in your respective showers so don’t deny it.” “The wedding will be a sort of old-world, simple Swedish ceremony.” “What we want you to sing is a simple, beautiful Swedish hymn - acapella…” “Oh yes, in English…” She said.

Straker said, “We can do the wedding here if you like.” “We can turn a sound stage into a slice of Old World Sweden in short order.” “That actually is a good segue into our first topic for discussion of SHADO business…”

“We are going to need every square foot of this site to accomplish the herculean tasks we have outlined.” “In order to make that happen will have to close the film studio and dismiss the staff.”

“We will do so under the guise of bankruptcy or an action by the board of directors.” “Since there is no board of directors, we can pretty much do whatever we need to as long as the story is a good one.”

“We’ll give all those near retirement a generous early payout and the rest we’ll give a years’ severance pay.” “We can even provide letters of reference to those deserving.” “We need to tell them the facility has already been leased in case they see activity here when they drive by.”

“The beauty of it is that once things stabilize again for SHADO, we can re-open the studio under new ownership.” “Our cover in the community must remain intact at some level…”

“Alec, would you take care of getting the set crew to create our little slice of Sweden?”

“I’m on it, Ed.” He said, giving Ginny a wink as he passed by and out the door.

He continued, “I need to go upstairs to work out the details of the closure.” “I hope to have an empty upper deck by the end of the business day - tomorrow at the latest.” “You all know your assignments…”

Straker stepped out, leaving Foster to maintain the vigil while the others went their own ways. Prosser stepped out with Virginia. Thorvald was already several steps ahead looking like he was on a mission.

Virginia said, “Thank you for being his Best Man, General.” Prosser smiled and said quietly, “I don’t want Thorvald to ever know this, but I used to watch over him like a mother hen over her baby chick.”

“He was always sort of a lost soul, being an enigma of combat and espionage.” “It was such a lonely way to live…” “I saw the depth of his character and brilliance and felt driven to protect him.” “He drew my profound respect and admiration the first time I worked with him.” “He was an absolute Master of his craft…”

“He doesn’t know that I did two highly-illegal deep cover extractions to recover his nearly lifeless body.” “He never knew how he got home and I don’t want that to change…”

  “You’ve no doubt seen his horrific scars.” “They are a testament to the resilience and determination possible in man.” “He is that rare combination of sage and poet-warrior, and an absolute credit to his Viking ancestry…”

“If I could have ever been a father, I would have wanted a son exactly like him…”

Virginia smiled. “General, I should probably warn you about my mother who will be attending the ceremony.” He looked at her puzzled. “She is going to be absolutely smitten with you the first time you two meet and chat.”

“How could you possibly know that, Virginia?” He said grinning.

“Because she is a brown-eyed, nineteen-year older, carbon-copy of me…”