"NO!" Madeline cried as the Apache helicopter carrying her last hope out of this mess was shot down by the sub she knew was out there somewhere but she couldn't see it. Swallowing hard, the personification took out the improvised SAT phone and made the call.
"There's a sub out there somewhere. Likely the same one that the CIA "claims" was sunk. She's the one that shot down that helicopter." She reported into Command.
Admiral Bates sighed. "That's the last news I wanted to hear, Lt. Franklin because that leaves me with one option." He said.
"I understand that sir. M-may I speak with my sisters please?" She asked.
Norma Jean leaned over the table. "We're here Maddie." She said, her voice tight.
"I'm gonna have to cancel that drink." Maddie said.
"Q-quite alright, kiddo." Norma Jean sniffled, trying very hard not to cry.
"Norma... God damn it take me off the goddamn speaker phone so I don't sound like a pussy in front of everybody!" Madeline cried. Admiral Bates wordlessly complied with her request.
Irene picked up the phone. "You come home. You withstand that strike and you come home." The fact that she didn't use any curse words at all stunned everyone.
"Irene, are you crying?"
"My little bitch of a sister is about to get herself blown to hell by an air raid. What's there to fucking cry about?!" Irene raged.
"And she's back." The sadness was hidden behind the humor but heard all the same.
"Maddie..." Wilma's voice broke.
"Hey kiddo." Madeline was quiet now.
"L-love you Maddie." Both Irene and Wilma echoed Norma Jean's sentiment.
"Love you too, girls."
"And Maddie?" Norma Jean asked. "Give Davy Jones hell."
A half-sobbed laugh and the line was cut.
Sighing, Madeline dialed a new number, one she had memorized but hadn't used until now. "Get me Nyrota Nimitz." She ordered.
"This is Nimitz." came the reply.
Madeline smiled as she heard the carriers familiar voice. It brought back good memories.
"This is Lt. Commander Madeline Franklin. Commit Strike Package Alpha." She ordered.
"But ma'am!" Nimitz protested.
"That was an order Lt." Madeline growled. "And I know I have seniority on you. Even if you are a fat ass."
"What'd ya call me?!" The indignation faded away quickly before a quiet "Aye ma'am." was heard and then the line ended.