Disclaimer/Author Notes: Anything, or anyone, that you recognize obviously does not belong to me. I am not an expert on World War II, so please be kind when reviewing, if you have anything to say about historical accuracy. If you have any ideas for this story, I'll gladly listen and adjust it to please you, the readers, as I see fit. Some of you might view this as a Pearl Harbor/Newsies crossover, although I am not intentionally trying to incorporate other films into this fic. Okay, that being said, please enjoy! (And leave lots of reviews- they're very much appreciated!)

When the Second World War broke out, hundreds of thousands of men enlisted in the military forces. 22 year old, Jack Kelly was no exception, along with a few of his best friends from adolescence, and many more men he would soon call his brothers. Stationed out of New York City, the young men immediately went into training to become part of the United States Air Force. Of course, men were not the only ones to offer their services to their country. Women, 18 years and older served as army and navy nurses, volunteered endless amounts of time to machinery construction, and eventually become part of the army, in later years. Together, the men and women serving for the United States showed much enthusiasm in fulfilling their patriotic duties.

However, before Jack left for training, there were many problems he still had to resolve, such as telling his girl, Sarah, "goodbye." Heading towards her house, around 5 o'clock, that evening, Jack had dreaded seeing Sarah unlike any other time he visited her. He had run the conversation through his head several times that day, but he still knew that it would not go according to plan. She would still slam the door in his face, and he would have a shattered heart, by the end of the night. Luckily, his best friend, David, was also Sarah's older brother. He knew that David would be able to comfort her, until the boys left for training. Then again, there was always the possibility that she wouldn't be hurt by him, and would learn to cope with the distance between them. It was a 50/50 chance, that he was just moments away from knowing.

"What do you mean you're going away! I thought you were through with your traveling days, Jack. I thought we were going to finally settle down, and start a family together. What happened to those plans? Jack, how can you leave me like this? We were doing so well until now. What did I do wrong?" Sarah rambled on, not letting Jack explain himself. Now, more than ever, he hated himself for joining the air force. Next thing he knew, he was drying her eyes with a hanky, and stroking her hair to calm her nerves.

"Sweetie, I'm just going into training for a few months. That's all. We're not even in the war, so there probably won't be any need for me to be fighting anyway. And David's coming with me. We'll look out for each other."

"I don't believe you. Who is she?" Sarah yelled, pushing herself away from Jack's comforting embrace.

Jack blinked once, in astonishment that she would even think that he would replace her with another girl. "Sarah, what are you talking about? Who's who? There is no other girl."

"Sure there isn't, Jack. You're just running off with some floozy to Santa Fe. I know you haven't given up those dreams. I mean, why would you want to stay here with a boring girl like me, who has no sense of adventure? Right?"

"How can you even suggest that I would leave you for a 'floozy,' Sarah? You know that you're the only girl for me!" But he wasn't heard out. Sarah continued yelling and accusing Jack of cheating on her. It was too much for Jack to handle, so he picked up his hat, and left her house, saying he would write to her the first chance that he got. After everything had quieted down, Les, Sarah's younger brother entered the room. Without words, he knew how badly his sister was hurt. But he also knew that Jack wasn't lying to her. Caught in the middle, all he could do was give her a hug and say goodnight.

Before anyone is allowed to go into training for the military, they have to pass a physical examination, distributed by military doctors and nurses. There are certain immunization and physical requirements in order to enter the United States service. One particular morning, the heroes of our story met each other at a clinic, where it was just the beginning of their many adventures to come.

"Honestly nurse! I'm 5'6." I swear on it! You're just giving me a hard time!" said Anthony Higgins, standing as tall as he possibly could. The petite, blonde nurse with his chart giggled at his desperation. "You can't fail me because I barely meet the height requirements. You wouldn't. You're too sweet to do that, aren't you?"

"Well, I don't know about being 'too sweet.' What do I get out of this, if I pass you?" she smiled, demurely. After an awkward pause, she broke the silence again. "My name's Maggie Anderson, I like Italian food, and I'm free Friday night."

"Friday night? I have tickets to the racetracks… sort of a going away present to myself"

"Well, Mister…" she quickly looked at his chart" Anthony Higgins, I don't think it would hurt a girl's character if she was found there with you. Meet me here at 5, we'll grab a bite to eat, and bet the night away. How's that sound?" And without waiting for a response, she marked "pass" on his chart and was already examining the next pilot.

"Heya Race!" Jack called from behind him. "How's you're exam so far? Didja convince the nurse to add on a foot to your height?"

"Funny Jack, real funny," Racetrack replied to his best friend from childhood. "No, actually, she passed me no problem, and even asked me on a date." Jack couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's smugness.

"She asked you? That's classic, Race. Next thing you know, she'll be lining up with the other pilots, and you'll be the one giving her the examination." He paused for a brief moment, thinking. "Actually, that might not be a bad idea…"

Racetrack had heard all he wanted to, and walked away to get his eyes inspected.

As lucky as he felt, Racetrack Higgins was not the only one finding romance in the clinic today. While waiting in line to get their pulses taken, Charlie Branch and Michael Marcello became very bored. Spotting a crutch near by, Michael decided to play a small joke on the nurses.

"Here, use this. It'll get you through the line faster," Michael told his friend. Charlie stared at the crutch for a moment, wondering whether to believe his friend or not. He held it under his arm for a moment, and looked around the room, to make sure no one was watching him.

"I don't want to get in trouble, Mike"

"You're not going to get in trouble. I mean, come on, what's the worst that could happen? You drop the crutch and do a little tap dance and say 'it's a miracle!' and then you'll be passed, no problem." He grinned, assuring Charlie that nothing could go wrong, and that it was just a little fun. Charlie mustered up the courage to gimp to the front of the line; Michael following close by.

"Excuse me, miss, but is this going to take much longer? You see, my friend here sprained his ankle just yesterday and isn't able stand very well on his own," Michael said to the nurse taking the pulse of another pilot. Without looking up she indicated for them to wait a moment while she finished. When she finally looked up at them, her eyes locked on Charlie's, not noticing him fumbling with a crutch. With a shy smile, she told him that he could go next.

Sitting down in front of the tall brunette nurse, he made it a point to ditch the crutch right away. She smiled, whispering in his ear, "You didn't need a handicap to get my attention, Crutchy." She then proceeded to listen to his heart and take the time of his pulse. When the minute was over, she obviously passed him, and made him promise that he would come visit her again sometime.

As Michael began to sit down, he heard the nurse say "I'm sorry. You'll have to get in the back of the line, just like the rest of the men, sir." Scowling, he stood up and began to walk to the back of the line, when he heard another nurse calling to him.

"Sir, I can take you over here!" Michael looked up to see an adorable pair of emerald eyes shining at him. He sat down at her station, trying to remain calm, but failing miserably. "Sir, you're heart is beating rather quickly. Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong. It's just that my heart is trying to make some beautiful music for your beautiful ears." She giggled while instructing him to relax for her. He was her first patient ever, and already she had marvelous memories of her nursing career.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Iris Wilson was twirling her diamond bracelet, while Audrey Connolly was giving out vaccinations. Iris was not necessarily a lazy girl. She just was accustomed a leisurely life of old southern money. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined working for a living. Nursing was simply a hobby she took up as a way to pass the time, and meet new and interesting friends. Audrey, on the other hand, was a simple city girl. And at this time, she was also the girl doing the work for two nurses, instead of just one.

"Iris, could you at least put gloves on and look like you're doing something? You're going to get us in trouble," she said, while preparing the needle.

"I don't want to cover up my bracelet. It's too pretty to hide." Audrey rolled her eyes, and went on with her job. The next pilot in line handed his chart to Iris, who looked strangely at the "foreign object."

"That's quite some glitter you have on your wrist there," he commented with an irresistible smirk.

"My daddy got it for me before I left to come here," Iris replied, flirtatiously.

"Don't you mean your 'sugar daddy'" he chuckled, as he walked over to Audrey. Iris stood up with murder in her eyes as she grabbed a glove and vaccine. Knowing exactly what was about to occur, Audrey told the pilot to drop his shorts quickly, so that she could finish the vaccination before Iris could hurt someone.

"Umm… Brian Conlon? Is that your name?" Audrey asked, uncertain if she had the right chart in front of her.

"Yes ma'am. Is there a problem?"

"No, no problem it's just… You have bit of a spot, I mean a birthmark down there, and I don't know if you ever thought of getting it checked out. I'm just saying, for medical purposes, you understand."

"Well, with all do respect ma'am, I think that it's getting checked out right now." He smirked, looking back at her. Audrey couldn't believe her ears. She began sterilizing the area, glaring at the back of his head.

"Okay, Mister Spot Conlon, you better be ready for this," Audrey hissed, through gritted teeth. She aimed at her target, and then jammed it right into the spot.

"Bulls eye!" screamed Iris as Brian began to shake from pain. Audrey grinned, and after a moment asked, "It's not that painful, right?" He just replied with a nodding his head and gripping the table in front of him, until his knuckles turned white. Audrey removed the needle carefully, and whispered in his ear "Well, sweetie, that's life."