Chapter 4
They had been scrubbing doors for 10 minutes when Jack tossed his rag into the bucket and sighed.
-JQ, this is even more boring than I remembered.
Jonas smiled.
-I don't know, Colonel. I find it rather rewarding.
-Come again?
-We've been at this only a short while and look what we've accomplished. Those doors down there…
He pointed to the doors on the right that they had already done.
-…those doors are the cleanest they've been in years. Look what a difference we're making. We get to see the fruit of our labor as soon as we're done working. It's not often that happens in life. We go off on a mission, meet new cultures, establish relations. But, it will be years before we see any kind of significant return for our time and investment, if at all. You talk to people, you try and help them, you try and make a difference. But in the end, you never know if you do or not. Here, you can see you are.
Jack looked with admiration at his young team member.
-Wow, you're right. I guess I never thought of it that way.
Jonas nodded, glad that he had convinced the colonel of the validity of their actions. Jack sighed.
-But…it's still boring.
Jonas groaned.
-Point. But, I've got just the thing to make this more fun. I'll be right back.
Jack nodded and picked up his rag again as Jonas headed down the hallway.
A moment later Jonas came back carrying a boom box. Jack looked up in surprise.
-That's a great idea.
-Thanks, Colonel.
-Your welc…wait a second. What kind of music do you have in there?
Jonas smiled.
-I know you're not into classical, so I brought the next best thing.
He held up a CD case. Jack grinned as he stared in wonder at 'The Beach Boys Greatest Hits'.