February 14th 1982
"Oh Ben, this is wonderful!"
"Only the best for my Duchess," Ben replied with a grin. "Especially on Valentine's Day."
Polly Jackson grinned too. There had been a time when she had hated the nickname he had given her shortly after their first meeting. But years of marriage had turned it more and more into a term of endearment.
She contemplated the heart shaped pendant once more, holding it up to the light so the winter sun could glint off the gold. She peered closer, reading the inscription she hadn't noticed at first.
" 'With all my love, from the depths of Time & Space', " she read. Her smile broadened. "What a beautiful sentiment."
"True too," he said. "All that time we spent travelling with the Doctor, both of them, really brought us together. Shame we never got the chance to thank him for that."
"Yes, it is," she commented wistfully, her gaze suddenly far away.
Alien worlds, alien beings and alien concepts. They had certainly shared many adventures with the strange man known only as the Doctor. She wondered if he and Jamie were still travelling together, battling the Cybermen and the Daleks at almost every landing site.
"You miss those days, don't you?"
Polly nodded. "More so than I admit sometimes. It was frightening a lot of the time, but it was also fun while it lasted. And you were always there beside me, being the hero and vanquishing the monsters!"
Ben blushed slightly. "Well, I did have a little help from the Doc."
Polly laughed and Ben joined her. The door of the living room opening noisily interrupted them.
"James Robert Jackson!" Polly exclaimed. "Don't you ever knock?"
The lanky dark haired teenager glanced over at them and shrugged. "Sorry Mum," he said grudgingly. "Have you seen my Haircut One Hundred album?"
She shook her head. "No, but then you never clear up after yourself so I'm hardly surprised you can't find it. Have you tried under your bed?"
Her son smiled suddenly. "Hadn't thought of that! Thanks Mum." He started to leave the room again.
"Hold on, young Jamie," Ben said. "I've something I want to tell you and your Mum."
Jamie Jackson stopped in the doorway, making his eagerness to be away evident. "Will it take long, Dad?"
"Not really," Ben replied. "I won't take up too much of your valuable time." He got to his feet. "Today, I officially began the process of resigning from the Navy."
Polly gasped. "Oh Ben, that's fantastic news." She jumped up and hugged him tightly.
"Yuk!" Jamie muttered. He glanced over at his Dad. "Congrats Dad. Now, can I be off?"
Ben nodded, disentangling himself from Polly. "Yeah, you go on son."
Nodding, Jamie scooted from the room and clumped noisily up the stairs.
Ben sighed, watching him go. "Were we ever that young?"
"Of course we were," Polly told him, her arm around his waist. "But we were a lot more sensible in our day."
"Yeah, right," he replied
***
April 2nd 1982 - News Broadcast
"Reports are coming in that Argentinean forces have raised their flag over the Falkland Islands. The Prime Minster has been in contact with the military rulers of Argentina and told them to withdraw their troops, or Britain will be forced to take military action. We have this report just in..."
***
"What does it all mean Ben?" Polly asked over the telephone.
She could almost hear the shrug in his voice over the line. "I'm not sure yet. Depends on the politicians. But I suppose at the worst we might be sailing down to the Antarctic soon."
Polly frowned. "I wish they would hurry up with your discharge," she commented.
"That might get put on hold," he told her honestly. "If things heat up, they'll need all the able sailors around."
"I don't want you going off to war, Ben Jackson!" she exclaimed. "I've put up with the life of a Navy wife for fifteen years. Now, just when I think I'm getting you to myself at last, this happens. It's not fair!"
"I know Duchess," Ben said soothingly. "But it probably won't come to anything. We'll just have to wait and see."
***
April 5th 1982 - News Broadcast
"HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes today set sail for the Falkland Islands as the possibilities of conflict escalated. Our reporter was there..."
***
Polly snatched the phone up when it rang. "Ben?"
"It's me," he confirmed.
"I thought you told me it wouldn't come to anything!" she said forcefully. "Ben, what's happening?"
He sighed. "Sorry Pol, but we're shipping out and joining the Taskforce. We'll be sailing on the morning tide."
"So your discharge has been put on hold?"
"Afraid so. But I'm sure this will all be sorted out soon. We'll probably be turning around by the end of the week and heading for home."
"I hope so Ben, I really do. Oh, why couldn't this have happened after you had left the Navy?"
"Bad luck on my part, I guess," Ben replied.
"Is it?" she asked. "I hope you're not looking forward to all this!"
"Of course not," he exclaimed. "I would much rather be at home with you and Jamie."
She frowned. "I miss you Ben."
"I miss you too Pol. But I've got to go, some of the other lads want to ring home too."
"Will you write to me?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course I will. I love you Duchess. Kiss Jamie from his Dad, won't you?"
"I will," she promised, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I love you too Ben. Be careful."
"Always Pol. Bye love."
"Bye."
***
12th April 1982
My Dearest Pol,
I'm writing this now, as it will probably be the last chance I get to send you anything before we reach the Falklands. I can't say where we are exactly, Official Secrets Act and all that, but we'll soon be starting the last leg of our journey. Anyway, by the time you get this it will probably be all over the news anyway.
There isn't really a lot I can tell you, at least that will be of any interest to you. Some of the lads aboard (not much older than Jamie) are looking forward to getting there, thinking it will all be a great laugh. I've tried to tell them that there is no humour in conflict, but they just think I'm a killjoy. I hope they don't learn the hard way.
If I'm to make the post back to England, I had better sign off now. Sorry the letter wasn't longer, but what can I say? You know how much I love and miss you, both of you. Keep safe and try not to worry about me. If I can survive some of the things we saw during the sixties, this might just be the doddle the youngsters are predicting.
With all my love
Ben
xxx
***
April 13th 1982 - News Broadcast
"It has been confirmed this evening that the British Naval Taskforce, heading for the Falkland Islands, has left its temporary stop off point at Ascension Island. We have received this report from our man on board the flagship..."
***
The back door banged open and closed, making Polly jump. She dashed out of the living room, where she had been listening to the radio, to see Jamie opening the fridge door. There was a trail of muddy footprints from the backdoor to the fridge and the boy's school bag lay discarded, along with his coat, over a kitchen chair.
"Can't you open and close doors quietly?" Polly demanded. She was angry with the boy for ruining her clean floor, startling her and being generally sloppy.
Jamie looked up, a can of coke in his hand. "Sorry Mum. Any news of Dad?"
At once Polly's anger dissipated. She could see the concern in his young eyes, a mirror for her own fears. If only Ben had decided to leave last year, they wouldn't have this worry hanging over them.
"No, not directly," she said sadly. "The ships have left Ascension Island, heading South."
Jamie frowned. "Including Dad's?"
"I should think so. Look, why don't you go upstairs and get changed while I put some hamburgers under the grill."
The boy nodded. "Okay Mum."
"And Jamie?"
"Yeah?"
"Take your shoes off, you're getting mud everywhere."
***
May 1st 1982 - News Broadcast
"Reports are coming in that the Royal Air Force has engaged the Argentinean Air Force over the Falkland Islands. While little is currently known, it is believed that Vulcan Bombers and Harrier Jets are attacking Port Stanley and Goose Green airfields. We go over now to Downing Street, where Defence Secretary John Knott is briefing the press..."
***
"Whoa! Look at them boys go!" exclaimed Tom Carter.
Ben nodded. "They certainly are a magnificent sight," he replied as the two sailors watched the Harrier Jump Jets streak past, on their way back to their base carrier.
"Do you think we'll see action soon?" Carter asked. He was young, barely out of his teens, and eager for a scrap.
Ben shook his head. "What is it with you kids today?" he wondered aloud. "Keen to get yourself shot at, are you?"
"What's up with you, Jacks? Getting too old for it?" the lad replied with a cheeky grin.
"Probably," Ben told him. He glanced skyward again, though the planes had long gone. "I've seen more action, much further away than this, than I care to think about sometimes. And it never gets any easier." He came out of his reverie and turned to his companion. "And you'll learn that soon enough, if you survive long enough."
Carter was on the verge of making a smart remark, but he saw the serious look in Ben's eyes and thought better of it.
***
May 3rd 1982 - News Broadcast
"The BBC has learnt that British Naval forces have torpedoed an Argentine Cruiser, the General Belgrano. It is believed that the vessel has sunk. No reports of survivors as yet..."
***
"What's that you're reading Mum?"
Polly looked up, smiling. "It's a letter from your Dad. Posted nearly three weeks ago. Says they're about to leave the Ascension Islands."
"But that happened ages ago."
"I know, but the mail takes a long time to get here from that far away. Just like the telly pictures take a couple of days. That's because the tapes have to be flown back."
"I suppose we'll be able to watch the next war live," Jamie said, grinning.
Polly frowned. "There's nothing entertaining about war, young man. Don't forget your Father is out there, risking life and limb for Queen and Country."
Jamie went red and looked down at his shoes. Polly sighed. She couldn't remain annoyed at her son for very long, she thought. In that respect, he was much like his Father.
"Come here," she said, hugging the boy. "Your Dad will be just fine. He'd better be, or he'll have me to answer to!"
***
May 21st 1982 - News Broadcast
"British troops have today established a bridgehead at Port San Carlos, on the Falkland Islands themselves. The cost, however, has been high. Twenty-one men were lost when a helicopter had to ditch into the sea. Two more helicopters are missing, along with a Harrier Jet. And Argentinean forces have sunk HMS Ardent. We have these reports..."
***
Ben found Tom Carter sitting alone on his bunk. One look told him that the young man had been crying.
When he saw Ben he quickly wiped his hand across his eyes and stood, making as if to leave the room. But Ben put a firm hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down onto the bed. Carter didn't resist.
"You heard the news then?" Ben said quietly.
Carter nodded miserably. "I had a mate on the Ardent. Bobby Kent. We joined up together ... trained together. We were even posted to the same ship once. I've known him years." Another tear escaped, rolling down his cheek. He angrily brushed it off.
"It's understandable to be upset," Ben told him gently. "I've lost mates too, through the years. Not usually in action, mostly through accidents and stuff. But it doesn't make it any easier to bear."
"I shouldn't be crying!"
"Why not? Nobody can see."
"You can," Carter said, sniffing.
Ben smiled. "Yeah, but I'm not going to tell, am I?" He winked, then left Carter to his private grief.
***
May 28th 1982 - News Broadcast
"We interrupt this programme with the following breaking news. British troops have recaptured the towns of Darwin and Goose Green. Early reports say that 1200 Argentine prisoners have been taken. There will be more during the scheduled news at nine. Now back to Doctor..."
***
Polly didn't even notice when Jamie clattered down the stairs. She was lost, lost in a world of her own.
"What's wrong Mum?"
She started, looking up at her son in puzzlement. "Wrong? Why should anything be wrong?"
Instead of answering directly, he nodded towards the object in her hands.
She followed his eyes. Tears had splashed onto the framed photograph. It showed a bride and groom, many years ago. Did I ever really look that young, she wondered absently.
Polly looked up again at her son. "It's our wedding anniversary. Fifteen years. I had thought we would be spending it together." She sighed.
"It will all be over soon Mum. We're winning."
She shook her head. "There are no winners or losers. I just want Ben home safely."
***
June 8th 1982 - News Broadcast
"British forces have today recaptured Fitzroy and Bluff Cove. There have been an unconfirmed number of casualties so far. Eleven Argentinean fighter aircraft have been shot down. This report just in..."
***
Tom Carter ducked as two enemy aircraft flashed past overhead, strafing the ship. "They're shooting at us," he exclaimed.
Ben looked grim. "Technically, they are allowed. This is a war after all."
Carter nodded but said nothing as the two of them hurried out onto the deck, heading for their battle positions.
"Are you scared?" Ben asked his colleague.
Carter opened his mouth to say no, changed his mind, then nodded. "Yes, I'm bloody terrified!"
"Good, that makes two of us."
"You don't look scared," the young man commented.
Ben smiled slightly. "Comes with experience. I'm quaking in my boots, but there's no time to show that now. Now is the time for action."
Another two fighters sped towards the ship, firing as they came. But this time the ship's gunners were ready. As the planes passed over the deck they were riddled with heavy bullets.
One of the jets began to belch smoke from a rear engine. Moments later, as it wheeled away across the sky, it exploded.
Tom Carter cheered, along with many of the crew. Ben just looked on grimly.
"We got one!" Carter exclaimed. Then he saw his friend's sombre expression. "What's wrong?"
"Do you have family back home?" Ben asked quietly.
"Yeah, Mum and Dad. And my little sister Alice. Why?"
Ben looked out over the water, to where the wreckage of the downed aircraft had plunged into the sea. "What about that lad's Mum and Dad? What about his little sister?"
Carter followed Ben's eyes. He hung his head. "I hadn't thought of that." He turned to his friend. "How come you can see both sides, yet support one so diligently?"
Ben smiled slightly, remembering a distinguished old gentleman and a scruffy little fellow, who were actually the same person. "I had a good teacher," he said.
***
June 15th 1982 - News Broadcast
"Good evening. The main news tonight. All over the country people are celebrating the surrender in the Falkland Islands. Over 11,000 Argentinean troops gave themselves up to British forces earlier today. We're going live to Downing Street, where the Prime Minister is expected to meet the press shortly..."
***
"Mum! Mum, have you heard the news?"
Jamie was answered by his mother scooping him into a huge bear hug and dancing around the kitchen with him. After a couple of giddy minutes she let go and they both sank to the floor, crying and laughing with relief.
"I'll take it you have then?" the teenager grinned.
Polly fought to get her breath back. "It was just on the news." She looked out of the window, at the summer sunshine warming the garden outside. "It's over. It's finally over."
***
Ben was sure the cheering could be heard right across the islands. It was certainly loud enough on their ship. And this time he was doing his best to lead it.
Tom Carter grasped him by the shoulder. "We made it Jacks!" he shouted above the din.
"Did you ever think we wouldn't?" Ben replied, grinning from ear to ear.
"We've seen some things," the young man said loudly.
"We sure have."
"And I've learnt some lessons. Especially from you."
Ben looked seriously at his friend for a moment. "I'm glad I was able to help," he said, grasping the boy's arm.
"So am I."
The moment passed and the two of them grinned at each other.
"Think the Captain will pass round the drink?" Carter asked.
"I think he already has!"
***
August 20th 1982 - News Broadcast
"More British ships arrived home today from the Falkland Islands Taskforce. They were greeted by friends and family on the dockside. Our man Colin Baker was there to see the celebrations..."
***
"Can you see him yet Mum?"
"Not yet Jamie. But he won't be long I'm sure."
"I thought he would be first off."
"Patience, young one!"
"Look! There he is!"
Polly followed Jamie's pointing finger. The boy was right. Ben was pushing through the crowd towards them, faster now that he had spotted his family.
It seemed to take an age but was probably less than a minute. Then they were together, swept up into a family sized hug.
When the laughing and crying had died down Ben took a step backwards, regarding the two of them. "Have you missed me, Duchess?"
"What do you think, Ben Jackson?" she replied with mock severity, punching him lightly on the arm.
He grinned, turning to his son. "Have you grown?"
"Probably," the boy laughed. "You have been away a long time."
"Yeah, but this time I'm home to stay!"
***
November 29th 1982 - Newspaper Report
Local Hero Honoured
Veteran Naval Officer Gets Falklands Medal
Local man Ben Jackson was yesterday honoured by the Queen when he collected his Falklands Service Medal at Buckingham Palace. With him were his wife Polly and his son, James Robert.
Ben had served for almost twenty years in the Royal Navy and was due to be discharged early this year. But when the conflict in the Falklands blew up, Ben's discharge was put on hold.
His discharge finally came through in September, a month after he returned from the South Atlantic. His ship came under fire on numerous occasions. He said yesterday that he was relieved to be home with his family.
