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VJ Day

Turning the dial Brad found the big band music, there was some static on the AM frequency but the sound was clear enough. Soon enough the music faded.

“Your listening to the Clear-View Band, playing live from the Palisades Club in the ground floor Ball Room of the Three Palms Hotel. Sponsored by Clear View household cleaning products, two wipes and the view is clear. Now we return you to the live music with Sentimental Journey...”

He listened with the car window down, he was standing next to it looking out at the waves crashing into the beach. It was an overcast day, a bit windy. It didn’t dampen the spirits of the people as they celebrated the likely end of the war. Brad though, felt like being alone instead of throwing a party.

“We interrupt this program with breaking news, please stand by.” a voice said as the music disappeared, Brand steeled himself. The official end of the war might be confirmed any moment. “This news from Washington. Minutes ago the assemble press was informed that the enemy has capitulated to all demands, the war is over. Repeat, the war is over.....”

Brad walked away from the car, down the incline and onto the beach. The wind blew his hat off, he didn’t care. His tie whipped around and his suit-coat jiggled as the wind picked up. There were probably loud and wild celebrations all over the country, the whole world. This moment meant victory was complete, but Brad could only think of his brother James.

James had signed up the day the enemy had attacked. It was nearly three years ago to the day that he watched James climb aboard the USS Broadsword with hundreds of other sailors and personnel. It was sixteen months ago that the ship had been lost with all hands, by enemy action. The war was over now, but Brad wondered if he would ever be able to forgive.

Retrieving his hat brad walked up to his car.

“From London, full confirmation from 10 Downing Street. Reports of celebrations across London as the fireworks light up Trafalgar Square. Also, out of Washington, news that all war-time rationing is to be ended as soon as practicable...”

He climbed in and started up the car. Brad listened to the humming of the engine and then put it into gear, it rose a few feet off the ground. “Victory over Jupiter will ensure the safety of all humans in the solar system, not just here on Earth. May the Jovian Empire never again make war on fellow humans...”