Out of Time (Book 1)

War and Worries

1941

December

7th

Betty sat on the couch, her feet resting across Bucky's lap, as she shortened a pair of Steve's trousers. Steve was at the dining table, his makeshift drawing board covered with sketches and illustrations. Bucky lazily rubbed one hand up and down Betty's calf as he read The Library of Babel. The radio was on in the background, the soft melodies of Sammy Kaye and his orchestra filling the room. The three of them looked up in surprise when the music stopped, and a voice spoke:

We interrupt this broadcast to make an urgent announcement. The Japanese have launched an attack on Pearl Harbor. We have reports from the ground. ...This is KTU in Honolulu, Hawaii. I am speaking from the roof of the Advertiser Publishing Company Building. We have witnessed this morning the distant view a brief full battle of Pearl Harbor and the severe bombing of Pearl Harbor by enemy planes, undoubtedly Japanese. The city of Honolulu has also been attacked and considerable damage done. This battle has been going on for nearly three hours. One of the bombs dropped within fifty feet of KTU tower. It is no joke. It is a real war....

Betty's jaw dropped as she shared looks with the two men, but Bucky's eyes skittered away from hers.

"Shit" whispered Bucky. "This'll force Roosevelt's hand now. We're in this war whether we want it or not."

8th

Betty had just returned home from work. It was dark and freezing. She rubbed her hands together before taking off her coat and hanging it up on the pegs near the door. The steam heating system was on full blast, so she held her hands over the radiator for a few moments to bring some feeling back into her fingers before turning on the radio again. It seemed like the entire country had one ear glued to a speaker since the horrors of the previous day. She was sat at the table eating a sandwich when Bucky and Steve walked in, stamping their feet against the cold, and ragging on each other about something.

"Shhhh, the President's about to come on," she admonished. 

Steve slapped his hand over his mouth dramatically silencing himself, whilst Bucky walked up behind her, squeezed her shoulder, and dropped a kiss onto the top of her head.

"Hey Doll," he said warmly, but there was something in his eyes that she couldn't quite place.

She reached up and rested her hand on his as the voice of Franklin D. Roosevelt came on the radio.

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan...the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace...I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost...The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defence...the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory...With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Betty's sandwich remained untouched in front of her, and tears tracked down her face. She knew in her heart of hearts what this would mean. Looking at Steve and Bucky, she saw them share a silent look of determination.