The photos showed the two Chinese Luda-class destroyers mired almost to their main decks in the mud and slime at dockside. The missile warehouse on the bay had been blown into kindling, and all the buildings for a block around it were flattened or burned to the ground.
"Our shots of the missile-assembly plant show a lot of repair trucks and other rigs around it and not much missile work getting done. What did you do inside that one?"
Murdock told him about disabling the elevator that led to the basement and flooding it with the fire hoses.
"Oh, your old man called about an hour ago. Wants to talk to you when you get here. Said he'd call back."
"How the hell does he know where I am?"
"He's a congressman. He can pull a lot of switches that I can't even touch."
Somebody handed Murdock a phone. "For you, sir," the sailor said. Murdock took the handset.
"Yes, sir, Murdock reporting sir."
A chuckle came from the other end. "Well, Blake? Aren't these newfangled phones and satellites just the best? How are you? Hear your mission is over and you're back on the U.S. shipping. Good. How did it go?"
"You should know that by now too, Dad."
"I'll get it tomorrow. Nice little picnic, but now it's time you have a leave. I'll talk with your CO out in Coronado. Why not come to D.C. and let that arm heal and you recuperate? You must have at least two months leave time by now.
"Fact is, your mother has a girl she wants you to meet. Now, don't say no right away. I sent a picture of her to Don Stroh. He should have it for you. Her name is Ardith. Take a look and then we'll see what you have to say."
"Dad, you know how I feel about Mom trying to pair me off."
"Yep, but she still does it. You'll be home in a couple of days. I'll call you in Coronado. Still hoping to get you into the legislative branch of government. You'll be invaluable on the Hill."
"I'm already in government service, Dad."
"Sure, sure. My job will be open in ten years or so. Want to groom you for it and then move you up to senator. Yes, sir, that would be fine."
Don Stroh came up with another envelope. He gave it to Murdock. He opened it automatically and out fell a picture of the most gorgeous girl Murdock had seen in years.
"Dad, I have Ardith's picture. Pretty."
"Yeah, she is. She's Ardith Manchester, the daughter of Senator Manchester of Oregon. And she's a lawyer, so sharp it makes my head spin. She's his chief of staff but will get snapped up by one of the bureaus or one of the secretaries' offices soon."
Murdock grinned. "Never can tell, Dad. I might be able to get free for a couple of weeks. Not going to do much with this arm for a while."
Jaybird came into the sick bay and looked at the picture. He growled. Murdock told his father good-bye and turned the picture around so Jaybird couldn't see it. "Get your own girl, swabby," Murdock said.
Jaybird laughed. "Just as soon as we get to San Diego, L-T. You can bet on that."
They all laughed and Murdock could feel the tension of the mission start to fade away. He smiled. It was good to be alive, to be back in friendly hands. He watched Jaybird and saw the dedication there. It stirred him. To hell with D.C. He was a SEAL. That got him to wondering about the next mission. Murdock was looking forward to it. As he lay there, he began to wonder just what their next assignment would be and where it would take him and SEAL Team Seven Platoon Three.