Initiative (The Red Gambit Series Book 6) by Colin Gee Read Free Book Online Page B

time.”
    “Amen to that, Major. Boys, I see we’ve a chance to stop this war here and now… I mean the nip part obviously. I also believe the shrinks and generals when they say it’ll affect the Commies too…has to.”
    Loveless moved upwards, to make sure he could get his point over with his eyes and face as well as his mouth.
    “We put the nips to bed with this bomb and that has to send a message to the Commies… don’t fuck with us, Uncle Joe, we’ve got something that’s badass as hell and we’re not afraid to use it.”
    A number of nods showed his message was hitting home. Again, a message that had been heard before, but not under these circumstances, in this time frame, on this aircraft, nearing the coast of Japan.
    “Think of the lives we’ll save then. Our boys have bled dry over in Europe, and have done well. Just think… we now, the few of us, could save them in their thousands, save European civilians in their millions.”
    He sensed a new resolve amongst his comrades and chucked in a moment of humour to end his ‘presentation’.
    “Anyways… what you bastards worried about? I’m the poor bastard who has to drop it.”
    Not a laughing matter, but tension releases itself in strange ways sometimes, and they all laughed.
    “Navigator, time to point Alpha.”
    “Skipper, point Alpha, twenty-six minutes on this course.”
    “Roger that.”
    He took a deep breath.
    “OK Guys, let’s get this done by the numbers.”
    Crail checked his watch automatically.
    It was 0729.
    ‘Miss Merlene’ flew on to her date with destiny.
    Centerboard One was almost there.
     
     
     

0755 hrs, Wednesday, 29th May 1946, Point Alpha, over Kyūshū Island, Japan.
     
    “Course 018, prepare to execute, on my mark… three…two…one…mark.”
    Crail dropped the right wing and adjusted the B-29s course as the mission moved over point Alpha and turned for the bomb run to Kokura.
    In the nose, Loveless checked and re-checked the aerial photographs of the Kokura Arsenal, specifically the configuration of the northeast corner, his precise target for dropping L-9.
    The rest of the crew applied themselves, making sure that their particular area of responsibility was right up to the mark, ensuring that they did their bit to the absolute best of their ability.
    The last weather report had talked of a slight worsening of conditions, but nothing that would cause an abort.
    Loveless was calling the shots now.
    His calm voice delivered the adjustments required, and the pilots acted, bringing the B-29 into the correct approach.
    The navigator supplied his information in a steady matter of fact tone, suggesting nothing of the inner tension he felt… they all felt…
    The intercom came to life.
    “Navigator, Pilot…two minutes to release point.”
    Crail acknowledged and gave Nelleson the nod.
    The bomb bay doors were opened, illuminating the Little Boy with natural light.
    Jeppson took the opportunity to re-examine L-9 before he made the required report, and saw nothing untoward, other than the wounded tail plane.
    “Pilot, Bomb Bay, doors fully open… weapon is ready.”
    “Roger, Bomb bay.”
    Crail looked Parsons, his eyes seeking a required response.
    “Major, the mission is a go, Release is authorised.”
    He nodded at the naval officer, the final hurdle overcome in a few words.
    “Pilot, Bomb-aimer, release authorised.”
    The process was left until the last moments to ensure that every opportunity for a safe and accurate launch was available.
    Crail had rehearsed this moment.
    “Pilot, crew, stand by for release… we are about to drop our bomb, and show the world that war has no place in our future. Good luck to us all. Pilot out.”
    The thought settled in the collective minds as the final seconds ticked away, and then individual brains made their own minds up concerning what was about to pass.
    Crail… just hold steady, Marlene baby, nice and steady …
    Hanebury… get it done, Lovey, and get it done right