“Senator, we’re simply talking about bringing our armed forces to a basic state of combat readiness. Not about gearing up for war.”
Fitzgerald theatrically removed a paper from his colleague’s folder and began reading it. “Eight hundred seventy-nine million dollars for combat helmets, boots, and silk underwear. One hundred thirty-two million dollars for bolt-on armor. Two billion dollars for new equipment. Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t we actually have all the equipment this bill is asking for, right here in the United States?”
“Most of it, yes. But it’s too expensive to transport overseas.”
“Will it cost six point two billion dollars?” Fitzgerald shook his head, and smiled his unctuous smile. “Lordy me, what’s going to happen when somebody decides to fight back?”
Jacklin knew better than to respond. He concentrated on his posture. His back was killing him, that damned piece of Gook shrapnel exacting its revenge thirty years after the fact. If he’d known the hearing would drone on so long, he’d have brought his Princeton chair. He blinked and kept his eyes focused straight ahead. An old warhorse, bent but not broken.
“Now then, Mr. Jacklin, there is one item in this bill I wanted to discuss personally with you. I see here in the bill a request for seven hundred Hawkeye Air Defense vehicles. The Hawkeyes are manufactured by Triton Aerospace Company of Huntington Beach, California, which your very own Jefferson Partners saw fit to purchase a few years back.”
“Seven hundred is the initial order,” responded Jacklin.
“But the Avenger-the system it is to replace-is only ten years old itself. I see here the Avenger shoots eight Stinger ground-to-air missiles. Can be reloaded in six minutes, and possesses a mighty machine gun. Doesn’t break down very often. Easy to use. And very effective. I like this Avenger more and more. Can you remind me why we need to replace one of the few weapons systems that actually does what the manufacturer promises?”
“It’s not a question of replacing the Avenger at this stage,” Jacklin explained. “But of augmenting our air defense capabilities. The country’s recent hostilities have required us to move over seventy percent of the Avengers into the battle zone.”
“Forgive me if I’ve missed the news of the enemy air force’s latest sorties. I thought it’s those roadside bombs that are doing our boys in.”
“The Avenger is outdated, outmoded, and obsolete,” Jacklin continued. “The Hawkeye shoots sixteen Stinger Two missiles-a newer and much more accurate weapon. It can be reloaded in only four minutes and possesses a heavier, American-made side armament. The Avenger’s machine gun is manufactured in Belgium.”
“And I thought that the Belgians only made lace,” said Fitzgerald. A laugh rippled through the gallery and Jacklin forced himself to go with it. Americans hated a poor sport. “The Avenger can shoot Stinger Twos, too, can it not?” Fitzgerald asked.
“Yes, it can.”
“Now refresh my memory. Did you not sit before me in that very chair some ten years ago and swear to me that the Avenger would last a minimum of twenty-five years?”
“I think we’re all astonished at the tremendous advances made in technology these past years.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“The army views the Hawkeye as a priority.”
“Speaking of the army, I’d like to ask you if the name Lamar King means something to you.”
“General King is a counselor working on Jefferson’s behalf.”
“A counselor?” said Fitzgerald with ceremony. “Is that what the rest of us mortals call an ’employee’?”
“He is employed by Jefferson.”
“And wasn’t it General King who placed the army’s original order for five hundred Avengers all those years ago?”
Jacklin nodded. “It was through our work together that I came to know and respect General King. In fact, General King is consulting on the Hawkeye program. All of us at Jefferson are proud of his association with our organization.”
Fitzgerald stretched his neck and directed his view to the highly decorated military officer sitting directly behind Jacklin. “General Hartung, I see by the three stars on your shoulders that you’re due to retire soon. May I ask if you have any intention of joining your predecessor, General King, in working for Jefferson at that time?” Fitzgerald was quick to wave away the question. “You do not have to answer that, sir.
“I do not doubt that the Hawkeye is marginally superior,” Fitzgerald went on. “Or that our armed forces deserve the very best we have to offer. I also have no doubt that we can put the two hundred and seventy million dollars earmarked for the Hawkeye program to better use.”
Jacklin stared hard at Fitzgerald. The fact was that Triton Aerospace desperately needed the contract. Its communications division was lagging. Its consumer electronics area was all but dead. The company was in the shithouse. Without the army’s purchase of the Hawkeye, no other allied nation would come aboard. Australia, Indonesia, Poland-they all wanted what the United States Army had. Scrap the army’s order, and he’d have to cancel the entire Hawkeye program. He might as well shutter the company. Jefferson’s investment in Triton would be a write-off. Five hundred million dollars down the drain. An embarrassing and costly defeat at the very worst moment.
“It’s our duty to be prepared for any eventuality, Senator,” he said. “Two hundred seventy million dollars is a small price to keep our fighting men and women out of harm’s way.”
“May I ask how many other companies Jefferson holds in its portfolio that will benefit from the swift passage of the Emergency War Powers Appropriations Bill?”
“Senator, I find your suggestions unseemly.”
“Not as much as I. Thank you, Mr. Jacklin, you are excused.”
36
The moment the hearing recessed, Jacklin got to his feet and signaled Hugh Fitzgerald that he’d like a minute of his time. The senator from Vermont lumbered to the stairs at the end of the dais and extended a hand for Jacklin to help him down.
“Well, well, J. J., to what do I owe this honor? A personal word with an honest-to-God billionaire. Should I swoon or just ask for an autograph?”
“Cut the crap, Hugh,” Jacklin said, managing to keep his smile in place and even sound the slightest bit respectful. “What’s all this resistance to the pre-pos?”
“Do you mean to the pre-pos or to the Hawkeye?”
“Both! We did a damn good job building and delivering the Avenger and we’ll do a better job with the Hawkeye. Give it a chance. Cut the initial order to six hundred units and I’ll knock ten percent off the unit cost and throw in some free spare parts.”
“Horse-trading, are we?” Fitzgerald picked up a scuffed briefcase and began a laborious walk toward the exit. “J. J., my old friend, this is just one program we don’t need. The Avenger’s got a good ten years left in it. Longer with upgrades. Look at the F-14. We’re still using that warplane after thirty-five years. Signing this emergency funding bill is like handing a drunk a loaded gun.”
“President McCoy will never steer us into a war. Be serious.”
“Things change. That’s the one thing that I’ve learned. Put a pacifist in the White House and before a month’s gone, they’re just as likely as… as… well, as you, to have us at war. I won’t have the blood of any more American boys on my hands.”
“For Godsakes, stop your moralizing. I’ll say this for you. You’re a cool customer, Hugh. It takes a stiff spine to turn down the army these days.”
“Nonsense. Just a sharp pen.”
Jacklin roared, clapping the man on the back. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked almost sincerely. “It’s nearly one. Bar opens at noon on the Hill, doesn’t it?”