Jeffers looked down on the waterfront. Along the wall he saw a young couple turn to kiss each other. They stood and embraced despite the fact that hundreds of people were walking nearby. Oh, to not have a care in the world, he thought. The fragrance of roses was in the air again. Jeffers felt his cares lift and his shoulders sag. He silently wished the couple the best of the world as he made his way down to his stateroom. He would sleep well again tonight.
Hammond wasn’t sure what to expect. All his training was in warfighting, not in diplomacy. But here he was about to meet with the leader of Russia. The previous 24 hours had been one phone call after another from different leaders wanting concessions from the Russians. The French were demanding complete disarmament and reparations for the war. The Poles not only wanted reparations but military occupation in several places. “Let them see what it feels like,” said the Polish President.
Interestingly it was the German government that urged Hammond to work more closely with the Russians. “Change them from within,” said the German Prime Minister. They favored a helping hand and more open relations. Every country wanted something different. President O’Bannon finally said just to use his best judgement and get something on paper. With so many demands, there was no way to get it all down and accepted. The Russians might want to continue the war just so they wouldn’t have to try and meet them. At least he knew the President would back him.
They met in a conference room of the beautiful old town hall. Hammond was surprised when he, his stenographer and interpreter entered the room and only Andropov and one other person were there. He stood resplendent in his uniform with a smile and outstretched hand.
“Admiral Hammond, I am so glad we can meet today,” Andropov said in perfect English.
“Yes, indeed, Marshal Andropov. I hope we can end this war,” Hammond said.
“My hopes as well. Shall we be seated?”
The two men sat in two comfortable chairs beside the fireplace at the end of the room. Hammond dismissed the interpreter and the two others opened notebooks and began taking down what was said.
“If I may, I would like to make this a little easier,” said Andropov, opening the conversation. “I have been named the interim President of Russia until new elections are held in three months, so whatever we decide will be binding on our part,” he said. “After some careful thought, we would like to unconditionally surrender to the Allied powers and the United Nations. This war was not of my making and we in Russia have suffered greatly from those who started it. Only peace can allow me to care for my people and to get our country moving again. Toward that goal, I offer to turn over to you any person deemed to have been a part of the start of this war. I also open our records freely so that your people can gather any evidence for atrocities. In some cases, such as former President Borodin, Russia requests we be allowed to try them first. I feel it would be important for Russians to demonstrate they know and understand justice and are willing to carry it out. Once we have conducted our trials, we will be happy to turn over these same people for your own justice.”
“I would also ask that we be allowed to bring all our forces back within the borders of Russia. My intentions are to reduce our armed services to only two divisions of men and equipment. We no longer wish to be considered a superpower, but simply a member of the European nations. I feel that this rush for power has been much of the cause for this war and we cannot afford to do this to our people any longer. The Allies are free to station forces within Russia if you wish. Unfortunately, I feel we cannot pay any substantial reparations at the present time since we must now rebuild our entire infrastructure and take care of our people. I would ask your forbearance on that point,” Andropov said.
“Lastly, because we came within a breath of using nuclear weapons, I ask that the United Nations remove Russia’s nuclear stockpile to a safe place so that it may be dismantled. I never want to come that close again,” he said.
Andropov looked at Hammond almost pleadingly. “You see, we never want this to happen to our people or the world again. My country has lost over three million of its children in this war. We have seen how terrible war can be. It had touched us at our own doors. Please help us make sure it never happens again,” he pleaded.
It was the sincerity in his face that moved Hammond. He had already touched on most of the points many of the European leaders had made. That was when he took the que from what MacArthur had done in Japan after the war. He leaned forward. “President Andropov. No one deplores war more than those who must fight it. That is why it is best that we, as military men, should find the ways to end it in the right way. I accept your terms on behalf of your country. I only ask that you work with me to rebuild your nation so we all can prosper. Yes, we must seek justice for those who have committed these crimes against humanity, and yes, it is fitting that Russia be the first in this process. We can work out the details later. Yes, I agree in a withdrawal of forces. I will bow to your judgement on the post war size of your military, however, I do urge you to maintain a sufficient force to protect your borders and defend your nation. I believe we can work closely with you in that regard. However, I do not believe it would be wise to permanently station troops in Russia. It would be wiser to work with you to restore your services and assist you in setting up a government which meets your needs. What troops we may send in would be there to serve your needs, and not to oversee your efforts. However, I do demand that Russia provide at least one hundred billion dollars a year in reparations. Those reparations will be placed in a fund to be used by your government to restore Russia’s infrastructure and to serve your people. In that way, all of us will be served,” said Hammond.
“President Andropov, all Europe asks is to live in peace and harmony. Instead of the antagonism we have all lived with for decades, wouldn’t it be more beneficial for us to work together in both trade and special projects so that all our people are better off? So let’s try this. I pledge to try and get our European leaders to help bring Russia back to its people. Let’s dedicate ourselves toward rebuilding and then working as partners in the future,” Hammond said.
“One other thing I would ask, can you send some advisors so that we may form a new constitution? It is obvious the last one doesn’t work well, otherwise we would not have so much power in one individual,” Andropov said.
“That should not be a problem. One thing I might suggest is that you personally address the United Nations with this and your plans. It might ease any dissention and calm fears. I think you might be surprised at how much support you might get. As a matter of fact, perhaps you and I should meet with each of the European leaders and talk about what we have said here today. We need them to feel as if they have had a say in our decision and can get onboard. Would that be acceptable?” Hammond asked.