The Lonely War Read Online Free PDF Page B

all fell apart and I ended up a regular seaman.”
    “If you don’t consider yourself an American, what are you, Chinese?”
    “No, sir. I consider myself a human being—nothing more and nothing less.”
    Startled by the sincerity in Andrew’s voice, Mitchell sat speechless, having no idea how to respond to such a comment. Finally he said, “We don’t need another medic. Says here you worked in the ship’s laundry on the Indy .”
    “Yes, sir. I hated it. They assumed an Asian would be good at laundry. Goes to show there’s no shortage of bigotry in the Navy. Please don’t put me doing laundry.”
    “What other skills do you have?”
    “I’m fluent in French and Chinese, as well as English. I also speak a little Japanese.”
    “We don’t need an interpreter either.”  
    “I’m an excellent cook. During school breaks my master took me to his monastery, where everyone took turns working in the kitchen. My master was an impeccable chef, a true artist. He taught me many secrets.” Andrew leaned against his seatback. “Is there something wrong, sir? Let me assure you I can cook French, Chinese, and Japanese dishes.”
    “You’re willing to strike for cook?”
    “Yes, sir. I only ask that I be allowed to cook, rather than be only a coolie pot-scrubber.”
    “I’ll be damned!” Mitchell said, followed by a bark of laughter. “Waters, you’ve answered my prayers.” Mitchell realized that he was showing too much emotion and checked himself.
    In the silence that followed, both men smiled warmly at each other. Again, Mitchell felt caught up in Andrew’s gravitational pull. A satisfying connection formed in his chest, as if a puzzle piece had fallen into place that bridged other pieces.
    “I won’t touch a weapon, sir,” Andrew said. “What a man takes into his hands, he takes into his heart, and I will not allow killing to enter my heart. Same for lying, drinking spirits, and whoring. I refuse to corrupt myself. Don’t misunderstand, sir. I’m not a religious fanatic, simply a human being raised by men who value spiritual awakening above all else.”
    “Simply? I doubt there is anything simple about you. I’ll respect your pacifist feelings for now, but I’m confused. Your record from the Indianapolis shows that you were put on report nine times in the last month alone, each time for fighting.”
    “Sir, I’m a pacifist but I’m not a coward, and I’m not so enlightened that I always turn the other cheek. You saw what happened with Hudson. Men find me an easy mark. I was continually harassed on the Indy .”
    “Looks like you’re a rather intriguing problem.”
    “With all due respect, sir, I know exactly who I am and what I am, and I’m quite comfortable with that. If the crew doesn’t accept me, that is their problem, and ultimately your problem.”
    Mitchell had never commanded anyone this young with so much poise and confidence. This kid was a fresh surprise, but Mitchell sniffed a whiff of trouble in the air. Perhaps working in the galley, separated from the others, is a great idea.
    “Have Chief Ogden introduce you to Cocoa, our cook. You’ll work under his supervision.”
    They sat in silence, and Mitchell watched a line of red rise from Andrew’s collar. Something was happening, and Mitchell puzzled at what it could be. He felt as if there was more to discuss, but didn’t know what. There was a kind of hidden movement in Andrew’s eyes, a rising and falling intensity.
    He offered Andrew a reserved grin, which Andrew returned. Then came the moment when Mitchell could no longer stare, so he dismissed Andrew. As thrilled as Mitchell was to finally have another cook, he felt a slight disappointment as Andrew left the cabin.
    The interview with Grady was quick and routine. Raised in Joplin, Missouri, he was soft-spoken and his movements were as studied as a Broadway actor’s. His high cheeks and curved eyelashes made his face rather handsome. His skin was the color of creamed