Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

124. Chapter 124

Chapter 124

It took a while, but Salem eventually received the letter from home letting him know he had another nephew. The news that he was not born on Halloween and was instead born on the 18th of October was quite the tragedy. JJ also wrote to the address he'd been given by the tattoo artist to relay the unfortunate news. By Thanksgiving, JJ received a reply from the artist that stated, "I'll give you an E for effort," and $10 dollars enclosed. It was a far cry from what it cost him to get the tattoo, but JJ chuckled – appreciating the sentiment all the same.

Salem remained on the east coast for several months undergoing his training for his desired field. It was akin to being at college but strict. He was required to go to his classes and get his work done, in the afternoons he was permitted to leave campus if he wanted but he had to be back by a specific time. He'd had the good fortune coupled with hard work to get a later curfew that allowed him to be out until midnight if he wanted, and he certainly took advantage of the privilege. He became fast friends with several that had earned the same reward for their hard work to be out later and they became frequenters of a bar in town. But ultimately, his focus remained on his studies. At the end of his 38 weeks of 'A' School, earning his credentials to be an SOG (sonarman) was one of the proudest moments of his budding career, even if it was only the beginning. After completing 'A' School, he received his first orders and would be going on his first sub for his 'sea tour' that would last 36 months. He was technically only required to serve four years given his chosen specialization, but if things went well, he fully intended to reenlist. He'd be allowed two weeks off before he'd be shipped to the submarine, so he used that time to return home and finally meet his new nephew and be with family. Suerro picked Salem up from the airport once he'd arrived and when they returned to the tribe, he was welcomed home with open arms.

"Can you believe this, Embry?" Kevin joked after welcoming Salem home. "First he's getting 8 hours of sleep, then he's paid to go to college and now? He's getting to come visit home before shipping off!"

"Next you'll tell me he gets to sunbathe on top of the submarines and drink beer," Embry laughed.

"Careful boys. Reds a much more appealing color than green," Hailey poked fun and took his turn to hug Salem and welcome him home. "For the record, if you do get to do that, you send us a picture."

"You can count on it," Salem smiled.

"So where are they sending you?" Natalie asked.

"All over the place," Salem said. "I'm going on 'sea tour' first which quite literally means I'll be on the water in a submarine. I know I get 'land tours', but I don't know where I'll be when I get that. I've requested Washington, but we'll see."

"You specified Washington 'State' right?" Embry said.

"Yes, Uncle Embry, I made it clear I mean 'state'."

"Watch them station you in D.C.," Kevin chuckled. "But then, you've been treated like a prince so far, so maybe they'll let you come home."

"I can assure you I'm not being treated like a prince, Uncle Kevin," Salem said.

"Sure as shit are compared to how we were treated in the army," Embry laughed. "We were in trenches, it was all gross and muddy."

"At least you got to see Paris," Salem said. "Before it was blown up!"

"Yes, we saw Paris before and after," Embry said. "We enjoyed neither visit. Between the two of us, you're the only one that every enjoyed Paris," Embry said to Kevin.

"'Enjoyed' is a strong word," Kevin said.

"You fucked on the roof of Notre Dame, Kevin," Embry said pointedly. "I'd say 'enjoyed' is exactly the right word."

"Can you watch your language in front of Heather and Levi please?" Amber said.

"What does 'fucked' mean?" Heather asked.

"It's an adult word and if you don't want a visit from the wooden spoon, you'll never use that word again," Amber said firmly. Heather made a tiny 'yelp' sound before soundly closing her mouth. She'd been disciplined at the end of the dreaded wooden spoon once and it had been one time too many for her liking.

"I can promise you, Heather, that a wooden spoon could never hurt quite as much as Grandpa Jacob's hand," Kevin teased.

"I'll take neither, thank you," Heather answered.

"I'll take neither, thank you," Salem repeated with a laugh. "Wish I'd known that would work when I was a kid."

"It wouldn't," Jacob said to Salem and then looked at Heather. "That won't work, Heather. The only thing that works is to behave."

"Batting my eyelashes and pouting always worked for me too," Natalie joked.

"Mommy doesn't fall for that," Heather answered and everyone laughed. Salem eventually got to his new nephew and, when he heard Jae Sun's proclamation of the boy looking like a frog, he got a good laugh out of it.

At the end of his two weeks, Salem was sent back to Connecticut where he would board his first submarine. Natalie and Suerro came to the east coast to see him off and Salem reassured that he'd be back soon. The entire time, Suerro was under an umbrella so the sun wouldn't touch his skin. Given that all the families present remained focused entirely on their sons, he was confident he'd been successful. Natalie cried a little when seeing Salem off, both from already missing him and being proud of him.

"He'll come home, Natalie," Suerro promised. "We'll see him again in no time."

"I still miss him," Natalie said.

"I know," Suerro said and kissed the top of her head.

Blu Jae had remained home from the excursion and even got to technically stay home alone even though he was coming and going from JJ's house and his grandparents' house when he wasn't at school. Given that he was growing faster than all the other kids, Renesmee had a special curriculum arranged for him specifically. Great Grandpa Edward spearheaded said curriculum, but Renesmee would usually handle teaching him the written format for the Quileute language seeing as he was fluent already thanks to Suerro. After his schooling for the day, though, he was often left slightly bored. Renesmee and Edward had taken to giving him a detailed education in varied instruments including the piano, the violin and even the saxophone when he'd expressed interest in Jazz music. At the moment, he was practicing the saxophone on his parents' porch since JJ was at the General Store, Eun Mi was busy with rotating her kimchi and making a new batch and Edward and Renesmee were taking a trip to Seattle for more sheet music to have Blu Jae training off. Right now, he was playing 'When the Saints Come Marching In'. It wasn't a song either Edward or Bella had taught him. Rather it was a song he'd overheard playing in a restaurant they'd passed in Chicago that served Louisiana specialty food. Or Creole as he'd heard it called.

While he was playing, Blu flew to his little nest with a winter berry in his mouth and got comfortable. Blu Jae continued playing, but he stared at the bird a moment. He finished the song so he could stop playing and gently put down his saxophone while never taking his eyes off the bird. He stayed seated on the porch swing and when Blu had finished eating his berry, Blu Jae lifted his soul from his body. To anyone looking on, they'd think Blu Jae was just taking a nap on the porch swing. Once he was above his own body, he started to move closer and closer to Blu, but then the bird looks in his direction and even stood in his nest flapping his wings.

It has been so long since your people showed this power, an ancient voice sounded and it took Blu Jae by surprise. He searched until he saw a crow perched on the railings that had not been there before. I had wondered why you all stopped.

Who are you? Blu Jae asked in Quileute seeing as the bird was speaking that language.

Your people call me Bayaq, the crow answered.

The trickster?! Blu Jae asked.

I've been called that, the crow answered. Blu Jae turned his attention to Blu wondering if maybe he could speak, but he didn't.

Are you a trickster? Blu Jae asked.

Only an unfortunate soul, the Crow answered. Blu Jae stared at Blu all the more.

So you're a ghost, Blu Jae mumbled with intrigue.

"Birdie!" Blu Jae heard Jae Sun's voice calling. He saw Jae Sun running up to the house eagerly, likely having been sent over by Eun Mi so she could get work done in peace. Blu and the crow flew away and Blu Jae, though frustrated, returned to his body and lifted his head as if waking from a dream.

"What did you do that you've been forced out of the house?" Blu Jae teased once Jae Sun was on the porch.

"Eomma was mad because I ate some kimchi," Jae Sun pouted and crossed his arms. "If she doesn't want me to eat it, then she needs to stop making it so good."

"You can't argue with that logic," Blu Jae laughed. By now, he appeared 10 or 11 easily despite technically being younger than his nephew. Jae Sun, of course, appeared his age. "How about you and I build a snowman?"

"Okay!" Jae Sun agreed and they went into the front yard to get started. Before joining Jae Sun, Blu Jae looked around the trees near them hoping he might see Blu and the crow, but they seemed to have disappeared, but when he was out front with Jae Sun, Blu returned to his nest and watched.

When it was Christmas day that year, 1956, morning was devoted to Christmas and by the afternoon, the family threw a big birthday party for Jae Sun. He'd gotten presents in the mail from Yon and Tae Woon which he was extremely excited about. They'd sent him a little children's book that was a perfect excuse to start getting Jae Sun practicing his Hangul. Aside from the presents he got, he was also treated to an assortment of his favorite candies and treats including the beet candies Eun Mi made and Chapssal-tteok filled with red bean just the way he liked it. When the new year came, Eun Mi worked on plans to visit Korea. She planned to stay at least three months while JJ would be there for the week and then return home.

"Are you sure you'll be alright without her for three months?" Hailey asked one morning while they worked. "You can barely boil water much less cook for yourself."

"While I appreciate your concern, Uncle Hailey, I'm sure I'll be fine," JJ smiled. "I can always just eat at mom's house."

"You're too old to be eating the poor woman out of house and home," Hailey joked.

"I could always visit you and Leah and eat you out of house and home," JJ offered.

"Feeding you is not my responsibility," Hailey said. "Just don't take too long. I don't pay you to go on vacation."

JJ smiled a little, "Don't worry. I'll put Birdie to work while I'm gone."

"I'd prefer someone that's not supposed to only be two, thank you," Hailey grumbled. "You're all weird the lot of you."

"Do you want me to not go?" JJ asked seriously. "If you need me here-"

"Don't be so mellow dramatic," Hailey said. "I'm an old man, but I'm perfectly capable. I can always hire a kid in town part time. The kids are out of school right now from what I hear."

"I'm sure Gabriel or Ariel can help," JJ suggested. "They both work nights at the bar after the store's already closed. They can always take turns helping with the shop during the day."

"Look into it I suppose," Hailey eventually nodded and waved his hand dismissively.

Since they'd come to an agreement, JJ returned his attention to work, but he kept glancing at Hailey where he sat. He'd fallen asleep in his chair and when customers came in, he asked them to leave him be. He didn't dare move Hailey upstairs to one of the beds for fear of Hailey throwing a fit once he woke up. It was bad enough, as far as Hailey was concerned, that JJ insisted on walking the man home after work every day. Later that night, JJ told Ariel and Gabriel to agree amongst themselves how they would help Hailey while JJ was gone. They grumbled about it briefly but eventually agreed they would take turns working for him during the day before they had to come to the bar for their night work. JJ asked them to come to the shop during the day whenever they could so he could train them in whatever they'd need to know so Hailey didn't have to train them.

When summer finally came Eun Mi decided they would take a boat to Japan, then another boat to Korea, and then a train the village where their little house was. Confident that Gabriel and Ariel would be able to help Hailey while he was gone, JJ joined Eun Mi and their sons for that long journey to Korea and would take a plane back home. By the time they finally arrived at the little house out in the country, they were all exhausted. JJ was carrying Jae Sun and Eun Mi was carrying Mae Sun and both boys were sound asleep. They didn't bother getting the boys tucked into their beds in their room and instead went to Eun Mi's and JJ's room and just fell asleep in their bedroom with the boys in bed with them. When a knock came at their front door, JJ got out of bed telling Eun Mi to stay in bed while he went to the door. Yon was at the door with a big jug of what he could smell was Makgeolli.

"Oh dear," Yon said and smiled, "Is this a bad time?"

"Not at all," JJ said. "We're just drained from the trip. Eun Mi and the boys are sleeping right now but I'm happy to invite you in."

"No, no, I'll come back tomorrow," Yon reassured. "But this is for you. We can enjoy it together over dinner. You all get some sleep. Tae Woon and I will see you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Yon," JJ smiled and accepted the jug before Yon walked away.

Eun Mi didn't wake up until Mae Sun started crying for his milk. She fed the boy while Jae Sun and JJ, who'd returned to bed, stayed asleep. She felt much better by the following morning finally getting a good night's sleep. She woke up to Mae Sun crying again, so she got him cleaned up and then fed him before going to the kitchen to make everyone breakfast only to realize with a sigh that there was no food in the house. Carrying Mae Sun, she made the brief trip to Yon's and Tae Woon's house and waited briefly for Yon to open the door after she knocked. Yon welcomed her jubilantly and hugged her.

"Welcome back, Eun Mi," Yon said.

"Thank you, Yon," Eun Mi smiled. "I'm sorry to bother you so early, but I realized we have no food in the house."

"I suspected as much," Yon said. "Come on in and I'll give you some food to tide you over until we can go shopping."

"Good morning, Eun Mi," Tae Woon greeted her as he was finishing his breakfast. "Is that Mae Sun?"

"Yes, this is Mae Sun," Eun Mi said. "He was born in October."

"Can I hold him?" Yon asked, extending her arms to the baby. Eun Mi released Mae Sun to Yon so she could hold and cuddle the baby while he was sound asleep in her arms. "He's so precious."

"Was he that big when he was born?" Tae Woon asked.

"He was 4.08 kg when he was born," Eun Mi said. "Or 9 lbs. by American standards."

"A hefty little man," Tae Woon teased. "How fairs Jae Sun? Growing giant like his father."

"You haven't the vaguest idea," Eun Mi groaned. "If you saw the boy eat, you might worry he'd get fat, but he just keeps getting taller. I've caught him so many times opening the Oongi in our backyard eating the kimchi right out of it when he's playing outside."

"Be patient, Eun Mi. He's a boy that is proceeding to double in size," Yon giggled.

"Triple in size I would say at the rate he's going," Eun Mi said.

Eun Mi took some necessities and left Yon and Tae Woon's home promising they'd see each other again later that day for dinner. JJ and Jae Sun were still in bed when she returned and she got to work making breakfast for them. The smell of food woke Jae Sun instantly and he wobbled to the kitchen still wearing his clothes from the previous day eager for some breakfast. JJ eventually woke up and reprimanded Jae Sun to get him washed up and in a clean pair of clothes. By the time the two of them had freshened up, breakfast was ready on the table and the three of them sat at the table. Eun Mi held Mae Sun and offered some nurungji for him to suck on but made sure JJ and Jae Sun got their share of the nurungji.

After finishing his breakfast, Jae Sun went outside to play. JJ and Eun Mi went outside with him to keep an eye on him. The heat of the summer was sweltering and in no time, JJ was shirtless with no other means to cool down without going back inside. When Mae Sun was getting fussy and sweaty, Eun Mi got the boy inside where it was cooler and asked JJ to stay outside to look after Jae Sun. Later in the evening, Yon and Tae Woon came to the house and they got a big welcoming dinner together with Makgeolli. Jae Sun tried to have some of the rice wine but Eun Mi would not permit it. JJ stayed in Korea for the week getting caught up with Tae Woon and Yon as well as visit with other people in the village even if he couldn't really converse with them. Yon, Tae Woon, Eun Mi and the boys joined JJ back into Seoul to see him off.

"You remember," JJ said to Eun Mi, "don't concern yourself with long distance or anything. If you need me, you call me okay?"

"Don't worry, I will," Eun Mi promised.

"And you have the money I gave you?"

"It's locked away," Eun Mi reassured. "We'll be back home in August."

"Don't worry about a thing, JJ. We'll take good care of them," Yon reassured with a smile.

"I just don't want this little thing eating you out of house and home," JJ said while looking right at Jae Sun. "I know he's a bit of a porker."

"Nah-huh!" Jae Sun said defensively.

"Jae Sun," Eun Mi scolded, "Don't yell in public like that."

"It's not good to lie either, Jae Sun," JJ teased and kneeled down to hug the boy. Jae Sun hugged him back even while he was still proclaiming JJ was lying.

JJ said goodbye to everyone and promised to write to Eun Mi as soon as he returned home and that he'd see her in August when she came back home. JJ was back in Washington 2 days later and Suerro ended up picking him up from the airport but he asked to be dropped off at the General Store first so he could check on things. When he got to the General Store, Hailey was in what had become his usual chair sleeping while Gabriel was at the register playing a word game in the paper when he looked up.

"Oh, thank God," Gabriel sighed. "Hailey's been unreasonable since you left."

"How so?"

"He kept yelling at me for being late and told me to redo fucking everything no matter what it was," Gabriel said.

"No, no, that sounds like him," JJ smiled. "You can get going if you want. I'm sure he'll perk up if he sees me at the register."

"I was beginning to think the man unable to smile at all," Gabriel grumbled. "Aren't you exhausted though?"

"I'll be fine," JJ said. "Go ahead and get going."

"I appreciate it," Gabriel said and left the shop so JJ could take over. Another hour later, Hailey finally started coming to and looked up to see JJ helping a customer with their purchase and then saying goodbye to them.

"It's about time you got back home," Hailey said. "Those cousins of yours were grossly incompetent. All that training you gave them went in one ear and out the other clearly."

"I missed you too, Uncle Hailey," JJ smiled and went to the man to give him a hug.

"Sure you did," Hailey said but was patting JJ's back affectionately. JJ released the man and patted his shoulder as well. "So Eun Mi and the boys are still in Korea?"

"They'll be there until August barring incident. I told her to call if anything happens, but don't worry. I'll pay for that phone bill if it happens."

"You bet your ass you will," Hailey said. "You ensured those people that'll be looking after your wife and children have plenty of money for food?"

"Yes, Uncle Hailey," JJ smiled.

"Good," Hailey said. "Lord knows those people will need it."

JJ chuckled a little and then said, "So has anything interesting happened while I was gone?"

"The Conner girl and her boyfriend got engaged," Hailey said, referring to the daughter of a frequent patron. "Mrs. Conner came in to get sugar, but she stayed for an hour bragging about how excited she was and how fond of Matt she is."

"Matt Thomas you mean?" JJ asked.

"Yes, that kid," Hailey said. "Ariel and Gabriel were here when she was talking about it. Neither of them uttered so much as a congratulation. When Mrs. Conner left, Ariel blurts out 'Should I tell her that Gabriel saw Matt behind the bar a few nights ago'…..what was the word he used? 'Finger-banging one of the waitresses?'"

"Did he say anything?"

"Matt and Carrie are still engaged as far as I know, so I don't think so," Hailey shrugged. "I certainly don't plan to be the one to bring it up."

"Maybe you're right," JJ said. "Anything else interesting?"

"Your brother finally sent a letter," Hailey said. "I didn't read it but Natalie says he said she'd doing alright and misses everyone. Says he's always kept busy, loves being a sonarman and so on."

"That's good to hear," JJ said. "Glad to know he's enjoying the Navy a lot more than I enjoyed the army. Do you know if he said where he is?"

"I only know he's in a sub in the Atlantic," Hailey said.

"Oh, yeah," JJ said. "I guess if he boarded in Connecticut that makes sense. So we probably aren't going to hear from him again for a while?"

"Not until he disembarks I would think," Hailey said. Then a customer came into the store, so Hailey demanded JJ return to work.

In Korea, after seeing JJ off, Eun Mi and the others returned to the village and from there, Eun Mi and the boys spent nearly every waking moment with Yon and, in the evening when he returned from the fields, Tae Woon. Often times, Jae Sun would go with Tae Woon to the rice paddies and sometimes he'd stay with Yon and Eun Mi to help make food for all the farmers that they'd carry and serve. One afternoon, he was permitted to carry the large tin kettle of Makgeolli that he would serve in a tin cup. When they got to the first farmer, the man smiled pleasantly at Jae Sun.

"My goodness, you're growing tall like your father," the farmer said and he chuckled when Jae Sun's chest puffed up a little and he looked so proud of himself.

"I think that compliment earns him a nice big cup of Makgeolli don't you think?" Yon said to Jae Sun. Jae Sun agreed and did his best to carefully poor the farmer a full cup of Makgeolli until he held up his hand to let Jae Sun know he could stop. Then he used his pinky finger to stir the alcohol so the sediment would mix in properly. He took a big sip and once he was done he rose the cup to Eun Mi and Yon.

"This batch turned out delicious," he said.

"Eun Mi suggested putting cinnamon in the mixture," Yon said.

"A very good idea," the farmer smiled and took another sip until he finished the cup. "I'll stop there. I still have work to do after all." Jae Sun took back the cup and the farmer rubbed his head. "Though perhaps some can be saved just for me after I'm done?"

"We have more at the house if you and your wife are interested in coming over for dinner," Yon offered.

"That would be lovely," the farmer agreed. "I'll trust you to keep plenty of Makgeolli aside for me."

"We look forward to seeing you," Eun Mi said pleasantly to the farmer and then to Jae Sun. "Wish him a good day, Jae Sun."

"Have a good day-" Jae Sun started and was bowing but stopped suddenly when the tin kettle fell open on his back and Makgeolli spilled all over him. Jae Sun yelped and stood back up as quickly as possible, but he was covered in the rice liqueur and the farmer was doing his best not to laugh.

"Jae Sun, are you alright?" Eun Mi asked and kneeled down to check him.

"I'm sorry," Jae Sun started to say and was even tearing up a little.

"Now, now, little man, don't cry," the farmer said and patted Jae Sun's shoulder. "The messenger deserves his share of the liqueur."

"Yon, will you be okay to give everyone their food while I take Jae Sun home to clean him up?" Eun Mi asked.

"I'll be alright," Yon said and got down so she could kiss Jae Sun's cheek. She kissed a spot that had been hit with Makgeolli and smiled. "We'd better get him cleaned up right away before the bees start trying to get their share."

Jae Sun gave Yon the tin kettle and followed Eun Mi back to the house to give him a thorough bath and get him into a pair of fresh clothes. Jae Sun was embarrassed and upset about what happened despite Eun Mi's reassurances but he cheered up when she gave him some beet candy. Later that evening, the farmer came to Yon's and Tae Woon's home as planned for dinner and, having heard of the accident, his wife gave Jae Sun a sip of the Makgeolli – joking to keep it their little secret – but only a sip. Since JJ wasn't there, Jae Sun and Mae Sun most often just slept in the same room with Eun Mi. While it didn't feel as bad as it did when JJ would be at the Parallel and realistically in immediate danger, she still missed him terribly while she was in Korea even with him safe back in Washington.

Most of their time was spent in the countryside, but there would be days when they would go into Seoul for supplies and sometimes food but it would always become an all-day endeavor. There would be a park in town that Jae Sun wanted to play at, one day when they went into the city there was a large festival going on and Jae Sun insisted he wanted to stay and enjoy it and Yon was happy to comply even though Eun Mi wasn't keen on it given she felt they were underdressed for such an occasion being in their normal clothes instead of a hanbok. But when Yon took them to a shop they could actually rent hanboks from for the day, she finally complied to Jae Sun's request. She, Yon rented Hanboks for themselves and for Jae sun. Given his clothes were being rented, Eun Mi kept Jae Sun's play on a VERY tight leash so he wouldn't ruin his clothes. While they were enjoying the festival, Jae Sun found some children to play with but got himself into a little trouble when he started play wrestling with the other children, risking getting dirt on his clothes. Unwittingly, Eun Mi used a ghostly hand to pull him from the other boy, but upon hearing her yell his name, he immediately stepped away from the boy, making her pulling on his coat hard to see.

"Don't be so strict, Eun Mi," Yon said once Eun Mi had reminded Jae Sun to be mindful of his clothes. "He's only a boy. He's bound to get dirty."

"He can get dirty in his own clothes," Eun Mi said.

"If there's a fee, I will pay for it," Yon appeased.

"I can't let you do that," Eun Mi said.

"Nonsense," Yon said. "Anything for my grandson," she continued affectionately. She called Jae Sun over and kneeled down to gently pinch his chin in her hand. "Don't worry so, little man. I've reassured your mother, so feel free to play to your heart's content alright?" Jae Sun looked a little surprised but eager and then looked at Eun Mi. She sighed a little, nodded her head, and Jae Sun's smile was infectious and made her melt.

"Thank you, grandma!" Jae Sun said and hugged her, then went to Eun Mi and hugged her. "Thank you, mommy." Then he ran off back to the other boys to play.

"Still be mindful," Eun Mi said as Jae Sun went to the boys, but immediately was wrestling with them and even got pinned on the ground.

"It's that smile that gets me every time," Yon said.

"Me too," Eun Mi admitted. "It's the smile that won my heart so long ago."

"It always is," Yon giggled. "You do a wonderful job soldiering through it I must say."

"No thanks to you I might add," Eun Mi teased with a smile.

"I've been given title of 'grandmother' so it is part of my responsibilities to ensure the boy is spoiled on the side. You parent, I indulge. It is the way of things."

"I'll have you know my Grandpa Chin Mae did no such thing," Eun Mi said. "I dare say he was more strict than my mother."

"I'm sure that's a cruel lie," Yon said.

"Oh, it was true," Eun Mi said. "Grandpa was the disciplinarian in the household and he did not tolerate bad behavior. He disciplined bad behavior and rewarded good behavior. For me and for my mother actually."

"As any good father would do. Or grandfather in your case. Of course, he needed to be more of a father figure than a grandfather it seems."

"He was the only father figure I ever knew," Eun Mi said. "I will never love any man the way I loved my grandpa."

"That's not strange," Yon said. "My grandfather passed away when I was very young, but my father was like that for me. He was never afraid to correct me when needed, but I could always look to him. Even after a long, hard day of working, he always made time for me. I've seen JJ do as much for Jae Sun. That is how you know you've found a good man. I told you he was worth pursuing didn't I?"

"Yes, Yon, you were right," Eun Mi smiled.

"It feels good to hear such praise," Yon said and they started giggling.

Having been given Yon's blessing to do so, Jae Sun gave virtually no concern towards his hanbok but when the children were ordered to break up by their parents, Jae Sun took a moment to dust off his clothes. They got plenty of food to bring back home and ate dinner together at the festival. Had Eun Mi let him do so, Jae Sun would have eaten every confection for sale, particularly the vendors selling yeot (taffy), fruit candies and chapssal-tteok filled with red bean. Another vendor was selling cornbread and Jae Sun discovered he loved that too. Despite her efforts to prevent him from doing so, Jae Sun ate so much that he was simply unable to stay awake and couldn't bear to walk. So Eun Mi asked Yon to hold Mae Sun while Eun Mi carried Jae Sun the remainder of their time in the city.

"It's no wonder he's growing so tall," Yon teased when Jae Sun was sleeping in Eun Mi's arms while they walked back to the shop to return the hanboks.

"I'm relieved he didn't inherit his father's appetite otherwise the boy would never eat," Eun Mi said and petted Jae Sun's hair.

"Oh, thank goodness for that!" Yon said. "It's a relief his mother is there to keep him eating otherwise I'd have great aversions to you being away for so long. Left to his own devices, I fear JJ might starve to death by the time you got home."

"He…." Eun Mi was about to defend JJ, but then sighed. "I don't think he knows more than how to make coffee now that I think about it."

"You'll need to make him a nice, big dinner when you return home," Yon said. "A man never knows how good he has it until his wife is away for a time."

"I miss him too," Eun Mi said.

"I will come to you next year," Yon promised. "I can't guarantee Tae Woon can come with me, but I will be in Washington next month. I've always wanted to see America."

"You can finally meet the family," Eun Mi smiled. "You like Ox-bone soup don't you?"

"It's been so long," Yon said sadly. "It's too expensive."

"Not in America," Eun Mi said. "Bones are so cheap! You wouldn't believe it. You and I will make it when you visit. I've only ever heard of Ox-bone soup. Even the officials at the Palace hardly ever got it."

"Well of course not," Yon said. "Where would raise cattle up north? It's virtually nothing but mountains."

"Exactly," Eun Mi said. "I know how to make it. I've had to make it a handful of times for my superiors. Specifically they liked ppyeo haejangguk."

"Oh," Yon seemed like she might salivate. "I remember it was my birthday and my mother made that because I'd been exceptionally well behaved that year. Daddy loved this soup too. I remember mother would start boiling those bones first thing in the morning until the cartilage and mean literally fell off. She would let the brother cool to skim off the fat and it would get solid. I used to wiggle the bowl because it would jiggle."

"I remember one or two children that would come into the kitchen to do that," Eun Mi giggled. "We weren't allowed to scold them so it was a delicate balance of letting them get away with it and making sure they didn't accidently spill it everywhere."

"My dear Eun Mi, if you could make that for me when I come to visit, I will forever be in your debt," Yon said. "We shall drink and have plenty for the next day to cure our hangover."

"I'll ensure we have alcohol for you," Eun Mi smiled.

When they arrived at the shop, the woman at the front was very understanding for the state of Jae Sun's hanbok reassuring that boys would inevitably play too rough as was their nature. She didn't even charge for the cost to clean the item despite Eun Mi trying to convince the woman she was being far too generous. Jae Sun was still asleep when they finally arrived back home late that night and didn't wake up until he smelled breakfast cooking. When it was finally August, as much as Eun Mi loved visiting, she was happy to return home. Yon and Tae Woon said goodbye to her and saw her and the boys off on the train to their boat. When they arrived in Japan, they got on a train to the suburbs outside Tokyo where Eun Mi confirmed Yoshiko was still living, though not for much longer. She carried Mae Sun and held Jae Sun's hand as they walked from the train station to Yoshiko's mother's house. She knocked on the door and the Lieutenant had answered the door.

"Lieutenant Holloway," Eun Mi said and bowed. She instructed Jae Sun to do the same. "Is Yoshiko home?"

"Yes, and eager to see you," he said and stepped aside so Eun Mi could come inside. Yoshiko came to the front door as Eun Mi and Jae Sun were removing their shoes.

"Welcome back, Eun Mi," Yoshiko said and approached to give her a big hug. She took off Mae Sun's shoes for Eun Mi and put them down with everyone else's.

"Is Uncle Akihiko home?" Jae Sun asked.

"He's not here right now, but he'll be home from work by dinner time," Yoshiko reassured. "I let him know you would be here and he's made several cartoons for you."

"Really?" Jae Sun smiled.

"Oh, yes," Yoshiko said. "In the meantime, I'll show you to your room and you can relax before dinner."

"That would be wonderful," Eun Mi agreed.

"This must be Mae Sun," Yoshiko smiled at the baby as they were walking down the hall.

"Yes, he's turning 1 in October," Eun Mi smiled.

"He's growing like his big brother," Yoshiko said with a slightly higher pitch praising Mae Sun.

After the three of them had a much needed nap, Eun Mi and the boys joined everyone for dinner that night. Mae Sun enjoyed being passed around to Yoshiko and to Mrs. Iwamoto, Helen stared at the baby and Eun Mi made sure Jae Sun wasn't being messy at dinner. Jae Sun was practically glued to Akihiko the entire time they were in Japan except when Akihiko was at work. And, of course, during the day they would frequently go to the park while Helen was in school.

"Jae Sun," Eun Mi said when she noticed Jae Sun appeared to be looking for something. "Is something wrong?"

"Is Keiko coming to the park today?"

"I haven't seen her in a while I'm afraid," Yoshiko said.

"Why not?" Jae Sun asked.

"Did they move?" Eun Mi asked.

"No, they haven't moved. I just haven't seen Keiko here in a long time. We've tried to look into it within the bounds of good taste and from what I've been told, Keiko has started school. Rumor has it that she's been found to be exceptionally gifted and she's tested far above her grade level. I know there's a tutor that comes to their home every day. A sweet old man and a veteran! He served in the Imperial Army and is a decorated soldier. From what I've heard, Keiko's father is a veteran as well."

"And he's teaching a child?" Eun Mi asked.

"I've heard when the Army was disbanded and the war ended, he decided to become a teacher. A science teacher specifically. He served in China for Unit 731 I heard." She immediately noticed the less than impressed expression Eun Mi gave her. "Is something wrong?"

"Are you familiar with Unit 731?"

"No," Yoshiko said timidly. "I suspect it's not pleasant?"

"To put it mildly," Eun Mi said. "From what I was told when we were pushed back to China, it used to be a Lumber Mill that was converted to a chemical warfare testing facility. I've heard horror stories of the experiments that were performed on these people."

"I can see why you weren't impressed with the man's credentials," Yoshiko said.

"It's not that so much as I know what those credentials cost," Eun Mi said. "I'm sure he's brilliant, but it takes a monster or someone conditioned to be so to do what those doctors did to the Chinese. It's comparable to what the Nazis did to the Jews. To my knowledge, it wasn't quite to the same scale, but the atrocities were of very similar nature. Though the end goal was a little different."

"Eomma," Jae Sun said after he'd come to her and was gently tugging on her skirt for her attention, "Can we ask Keiko to come play? All the other kids won't play with me."

"I'm sorry, Jae Sun, but I don't think we can," Eun Mi said gently and combed her fingers through his hair.

"Please?" Jae Sun pleaded. Eun Mi was about to press and say no, but she didn't have the heart to. She figured worst case scenario, her parents would say no and they'd be asked to leave but at least they'd have tried.

"I suppose there's no harm in asking," Eun Mi finally said and looked at Yoshiko. "You don't mind do you?"

"Not at all," Yoshiko smiled and showed the way to the house. It was a brief walk and the house they came upon was very traditional like most of the other homes in the area. Yoshiko took the lead and went up to the front door and knocked gently. There seemed to be an answer immediately.

"Good afternoon," a woman's voice came as the front door slid open, but the woman was on her knees as she might do when welcoming her husband home and her head was down. It immediately struck Yoshiko as overly formal and it took her by surprise. For a moment, she wasn't sure how to answer her.

"Good afternoon," Yoshiko finally answered and bowed. Eun Mi bowed and made sure Jae Sun did so as well. "I hope we are not intruding. I'm Yoshiko Holloway. My family and I live up the road from you and a good friend of mine is visiting with her son. I believe last they visited, her son became good friends with your daughter and he asked if she would be able to come outside and play."

"Hanako," a man's voice came from inside the house. Eun Mi noticed the woman's freshly red eyes as she turned her head towards the man's voice. "Keiko is still with Mr. Mikamura. She needs to focus on her school work." The woman nodded her head gently and turned back so she was bowing her head before them again.

"I'm very sorry, but as my husband has advised, Keiko is studying and must be allowed to focus. She is not able to come out at this time," Hanako answered. Jae Sun, not understanding them since they were speaking in Japanese, looked up at Eun Mi.

"엄마, 케이코가 놀 수 있니?" (Eomma, keikoga nol su issni? /Mommy, can Keiko play?)

"미안하다, 엄마가 안된다고," (mianhada, eommaga andoendago/I'm sorry, her mother said no) Eun Mi answered and Jae Sun looked so disappointed.

"Do you suppose she could play after she's completed her studies for the day? I'm very sorry to push, but your daughter was kind enough to play with Jae Sun when last he'd visited. He has trouble getting along with the other children due to the language barrier, but Keiko was sweet enough to play with him all the same."

"I'm very sorry, but Keiko will be with her tutor at least until dinner time so by the time she's done, it will be too late to play. I hope you understand," Hanako answered politely.

After a brief pause, Yoshiko bowed her head to her and said, "Yes, I understand. We're very sorry if we disturbed you."

"Not at all. Please have a good day," Hanako said and then gently closed the door.

Returning to speaking English, Yoshiko looked at Jae Sun, "I'm so sorry, Jae Sun. It seems Keiko's with her teacher right now so she can't play."

"Oh," Jae Sun mumbled. Eun Mi asked Yoshiko to hold Mae Sun for her and went down so she could pick up Jae Sun.

"Why don't you and I play in the park? I won't even nag you not to get your clothes dirty," Eun Mi offered.

"Okay, Eomma," Jae Sun answered and received a kiss on the head from Eun Mi before they returned to the park. Though Jae Sun was disappointed, Eun Mi made sure he still had a good time playing at the park and included Mae Sun as much as possible.

They eventually returned to Yoshiko's house after walking to the nearby school to pick up Helen and then return to the house to get dinner started. It was another few hours before Akihiko and Dan returned and it was just in time for dinner to be ready. Akihiko kept Jae Sun occupied most of the time with doodling and helping the boy improve his drawing giving Eun Mi space to feed Mae Sun a little solid food after he'd had his milk earlier. After dinner, Yoshiko and Eun Mi did the dishes while Yoshiko's mother, husband and brother relaxed for the evening and kept the children company. While they were cleaning, a knock came at the door.

"I will answer it," Yoshiko said and quickly dried her hands so she could answer the door. When she reached and opened the front door, Hanako Iwamoto was there, already bowing, and seemed to be holding something wrapped in clothe. "Good afternoon," Yoshiko finally said after the initial surprise that the woman was already bowing wearing her finest kimono as she seemed to always be.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Holloway. I am very sorry about this afternoon. Keiko was very sad she could not come out and play, but my husband insists she puts her schooling first. I hope your friend and her son can forgive our rudeness."

"Oh," Yoshiko said, slightly surprised. "No, that's alright. I understand completely."

"Thank you for your kindness," Hanako said. "I hope you will accept this gift as apology. It's Mochi made fresh today."

"That's so very sweet. Thank you," Yoshiko smiled and accepted the octagonal bamboo container of mocha. "Why don't you bring Keiko over? We've finished dinner and Jae Sun's long from being ready to go to sleep. Or perhaps another day? They're visiting until Friday before they return to America."

"I'm so very sorry, but I really must decline," Hanako said, never elevating from her bowed position. "My husband has Keiko on a very strict learning schedule and I fear he will not budge on time unless it's a Sunday."

"My goodness," Yoshiko said. "She must be a very gifted child."

"She is. We're very proud of her," Hanako said and only then did she notice the woman show just a ghost of a smile. "Please extend my sincerest apologies to your friend and her son. I hope their remaining time in Japan is pleasant."

"Thank you. Are you sure you wouldn't like to come inside and have tea with us? We've been neighbors for so long and yet we've never had a chance to talk."

"You are very kind, but I must return home. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." She kept her eyes closed as she finally stood up from her bow and turned to make the walk back.

"Who was at the door?" Dan asked Yoshiko as she closed their door.

"It was Mrs. Iwamoto."

"Who?" Dan asked.

"Mrs. Hanako Iwamoto. She and her husband live in the neighborhood with their daughter, but they're hardly ever really out and about. At least not from what anyone can see. Last Eun Mi was here, we'd all gone to the park together and Jae Sun was able to play with Keiko a bit. We'd gone over to their house today hoping she might be able to play, but she was with her teacher and had to study."

"How old is this kid?"

"I'm not certain. I think about six or seven I would think. Anyway, Mrs. Iwamoto was at the door and she gave us Mochi to apologize for this afternoon."

"Well, that was nice of her," Dan said.

Yoshiko brought the Mochi to the living room for everyone to enjoy. Jae Sun was excited to find out Keiko's mother had brought the treats but was immediately disappointed Keiko had not accompanied her nor would she be available. Akihiko kept Jae Sun occupied to cheer him up until it was time for Jae Sun to go to bed. When it was time to leave so they could catch their boat, they caught the earliest train possible so Akihiko could be there to say goodbye to Jae Sun and give him the new collection of cartoons they'd made together. He also gave Jae Sun something very special: the first seven books of the ジャングル大帝 (Janguru Taitei) manga. Eun Mi was worried that she'd never be able to read it to Jae Sun and translate it since she couldn't read the kanji, but when Jae Sun opened the books, Eun Mi saw that Akihiko had taken the time to meticulously put the hiragana beside each kanji character so Eun Mi could read it to him.

Through the whole trip back to Washington both on the train and on the boat, Eun Mi got them through all seven manga, but it took a long time since she had to read everything first and translate it in her head before she could read it to Jae Sun. She could tell he was a little frustrated, but he was patient all the same and really liked the story about a lion and his coming of age story and his adventures. Their boat took them to Port Angeles and when it was time to disembark, JJ was there and waiting for them. Once they'd gotten off the boat, Jae Sun went right to JJ so he could lift the boy into his arms for a big hug. He hugged Eun Mi and Mae Sun once they'd reached him and kissed all three of them.

"I missed you all," JJ said to Eun Mi and kissed her cheek.

"We missed you too," Eun Mi said. "How were you while we were away?"

"Lonely," JJ said and then kissed her lips.

"Didn't Popo keep you company?" Eun Mi teased.

"Despite my efforts, yes," JJ muttered.

"Efforts?" Eun Mi asked suspiciously as they were walking to the car.

"I tried not letting him in the house, but he always got back in somehow. I'm convinced someone kept letting him back in the house. I'm certain that 'someone' was Nesia."

"I'm relieved she was kind enough to let him back in," Eun Mi said.

"Daddy, wait until you see all the comics Uncle Akihiko and I made!" Jae Sun said.

"Oh yeah?" JJ smiled. He got Jae Sun in the back seat of the car while Eun Mi got into the back seat with Jae Sun holding Mae Sun in her arms while JJ drove them back to the tribe. They went to Natalie's and Suerro's house so they could all have dinner with the family and Jae Sun eagerly showed off his new manga and comics he'd made with Akihiko. Kai took the most interest in them and even read through the manga a bit.

"Kai?" Jae Sun asked when he realized Kai was reading the Manga, "can you teach me Japanese?"

"You want to learn Japanese?" Kai asked and chuckled a little. "I can teach you to speak. Your mom will be able to help too probably. Fair warning, I won't be able to teach you how to read. At least not past a child's reading level. My knowledge of Kanji is poor at best I'm afraid."

"I can teach you the Kanji," Edward spoke up.

"You speak Japanese?" JJ asked. "Since when?"

"I don't speak it very well, but I know the Kanji and their potential meanings. Years ago, I'd punished Kevin and Embry by forcing them to take a crash course on Japanese history. I'd considered if they ever skipped their lessons again to force them through a crash course on the language and writing system, but while I was learning the language, I was overruled. You had called it cruel as I recall," Edward said the last part to Bella.

"And what you had done wasn't cruel?" Embry blurted out. "You gave us a test thick as a dictionary and we all fell asleep trying to finish it."

"Yes, I know," Edward chuckled. "Consider yourself lucky Bella felt enough pity to rein me in."

"You can teach me Japanese?" Jae Sun asked eagerly.

"Let Kai and your mother teach you to speak first," Edward said. "I need to brush up on the characters and become familiar with the writing system. I'll warn you, Jae Sun: it's nothing like Hangul."

"It's not easy like Hangul?" Jae Sun asked.

"Not even close," Eun Mi said.

"Don't worry, Jae Sun. Speaking will be easy to teach you. Japanese and Korean are extremely similar in structure so it'll just be helping you memorize the words."

"Thank you!" Jae Sun said and hugged Kai.

In the meantime, Salem was out at sea. They'd dock all over the place, but they never stayed for more than a couple of days. If the men had permission to do so, they could disembark and go into town, but always under strict curfews. There were crewmen that he became good friends with and they'd all go to bars and restaurants together when they had the chance to disembark. What had started as a big joke – getting the Welcome Aboard tattoo above his crotch – turned into a little tradition for him where he'd get a tattoo for every new place they went to. They could never be big seeing as they had a curfew and he needed to get back to the boat, so he'd stick to something simple that was representative of where they'd docked.

It started when they disembarked in England. On his back right below his neck, he got the Tudor Rose with the year (1957) tattooed right under it. The next they disembarked was in Spain where there was a new naval base that wasn't even five years old. To the right of the Tudor Rose on his shoulder blade, he got the Spanish Coat of Arms with 1957 right under it. Having a rhythm set, their next place they disembarked was the new base in Greece. Wanting to make sure a circle was forming, to the lower right of the Coat of Arms, he got a Spartan Helmet after asking the artist what made him think of his homeland. He found out the man was originally from Sparta having moved his family to Crete after the end of the Second World War. After they got back on the sub, they went straight to Cuba but there was a long period where the sub was just in Guantanamo Bay waiting for their orders. There was an uprising in Cuba led by a rebel, Fidel Castro, was bringing the country to its knees. In March, University students had led an attack on the Presidential Palace in Havana, but Batista – having been warned previously of the attack – was able to retaliate and most of those students who'd led the attack lost their lives.

When they finally did disembark, it was only for supplies and the men were not able to leave the immediate area of Guantanamo Bay. There was a shop he was still able to go to near the base run by locals that held no involvement with Fidel Castro or his efforts towards a Coup. They were just people trying to live their lives. Most of the artists were less social than the others Salem had encountered previously and it made him nearly reconsider including Cuba in his new found tattoo tradition. But the decision was renewed when an artist walked up to him and greeted him.

"Afternoon, Sailor," the man said in a thick Spanish accent. "What can we do for you?"

"Good afternoon," Salem said. "I want to add a tattoo on my back. I've started putting a tattoo on my back for every new country I've visited with the year that I was there under it."

"And what can we give you to commemorate your landing in Cuba?"

"I'm not certain," Salem said. "Usually when I get these tattoos, I ask the artist what is a simple symbol of their nation or what makes them think of home. I guess I should start with asking you that question. What makes you think of your homeland?"

"Me?" the artist said and then appeared to ponder. "One thing comes to mind, but that may be far too personal for your tattoo."

"No, tell me," Salem encouraged.

"If you want the truth, things that make me think of my homeland aren't pleasant. I cannot recall a day when we've not been in conflict one way or another. I don't think I've ever known a moment's peace. Except when I'm home."

"What's home for you?"

"My wife," the man said. "Like I said: it might be a touch too personal."

"I don't think so," Salem said. "Is there anything in particular that makes you think of her?"

"Rum," the man answered and Salem couldn't help but stare at the man strangely which made him chuckle. "My wife's family has a recipe for rum that's guarded viciously. There was a time when her grandfather sold rum but their operation was shut down. Regardless, the recipe remained in the family."

"That's pretty remarkable," Salem smiled. "What's your country's national flower?"

"The Mariposa," the artist answered.

"In that case, can I have a rum bottle with a Mariposa?"

"I think I can do that," he said. He had Salem show the area where he wanted the tattoo. Since it was a rather simple design, the artist got it drawn, got the outline on the spot Salem wanted it and then started working. "So tell me about yourself, American," the artist said once he'd started.

"What would you like to know?" Salem asked.

"Let's start with where you're from," the artist suggested.

"I'm from Washington State. I belong to a tribe called the Quileute just outside the little town of Forks."

"Like the utensil you mean?"

Salem chuckled, "Yeah, I guess. It's not the most creative name for a town. It's no Tombstone, Arizona. I've heard that town got its name because a man went out west to find his fortune and the naysayers said the only thing he'd find out west was his tombstone."

"I always appreciate a man with a sense of humor. Even a grim one," the artist chuckled.

"By the way, what is your name? We've been talking since I got here and I still haven't asked."

"It's alright," the artist smiled. "Arturo is my name. Arturo Perez. I don't believe I caught your name now that you bring it up."

"Sonarman First Class Salem Black," Salem answered and Arturo whistled.

"Pulling out the title and everything, are we?" Arturo chuckled. "So you're the eyes and ears of the sub."

"In a manner," Salem said. "It's not just me of course, but I'm one of the Sonarman."

"It's my understanding that requires you to serve a minimum of four years in the Navy?"

"It does," Salem said, "but I'm planning to stay much longer than that."

"And what made you decide to join the Navy?"

"It's a long story," Salem said.

"Long stories are good. It keeps you busy while I work."

"Can't argue with that logic," Salem smiled. "I guess it started with my dad."

"He served in the Navy?"

"He served in the Army. He fought in the Second World War and he was killed as they were liberating Paris."

"My condolences," Arturo said and made a cross gesture over his face, "May he be in the loving arms of Jesus."

Salem smiled but didn't comment. Instead, he continued. "After my dad died, it really did a number on our family. My dad was an infectious spirit. I can't remember a time when that man wasn't smiling. When he died, it was like a piece was missing. We didn't feel whole. Particularly my mom and big brother JJ. They were never the same again. Eventually, my mom finally met someone but JJ hated him. They're alright with one another now, but back then, JJ HATED Suerro. That's his name by the way. One night, the two of them got into such a big fight that JJ up and joined the army without a word to anyone. We saw him off, but he was sent to fight in Korea. He met his wife Eun Mi, so it's not all bad in the end. While JJ was gone, I was helping our Uncle Hailey at the General Store, but I wasn't happy. I smiled and did my job, but it wasn't for me. But I was getting used to making my own money; being able to take care of myself. That sort of thing. I decided I would start looking for a new job once JJ was back, but I wasn't qualified for anything. I had no skills outside of being a people person I guess. So I started looking into the armed forces and the Navy seemed like a good fit."

"Would you say you've been right thus far?" Arturo asked.

"I think so," Salem smiled. "I've been trained in a highly technical field that'll translate well once I do leave the Navy and I've gotten to see so much of the world already."

"As proven by your tattoos," Arturo said.

"What about you? Have you always lived near Guantanamo Bay?"

"I was born in Havana. My mother and father worked for a casino there but then my father was enlisted into the war efforts for the Americans and he died overseas. Mother couldn't take care of us alone, so she took us here to be with her sister and brother-in-law. My mother is still alive but she's in ill health."

"I'm sorry," Salem said. "Do you know what's wrong?"

"Dementia is the only ailment we're certain of," Arturo said. "She's quite the devout woman, so every Sunday we're all up bright and early to take her to Church. Esparenza takes on so much with helping me care for her."

"Is Esparenza your wife?"

"Yes," Arturo smiled fondly. "Mi ángel de Luz as my mother calls her. My mother was already beginning to suffer from her illness by the time I met Esparenza. My mother adored her instantly and the feeling was mutual."

"Do you have children?"

"We do not intend to have children, no."

"Why's that?"

"You recall I said our country has not had a moment's peace as far back as I remember? I will not bring another child into that. I've seen children made to be revolutionaries or part of the President's army. Surely you've heard of the massacre at the presidential palace? My sympathies do not lie with the communists but our president is no less a monster."

"I'm curious why you do not sympathies with the communists if you do not like the president. Strictly between you and me."

"Strictly between us?" Arturo asked and Salem nodded.

"Unless anyone else in the shop speaks English."

"No, just me," Arturo said. "I've grown up around Americans so I learned English along with Spanish over the years. My colleagues not so much. Anyway, since it's between us: I considered it briefly. War and conflict made the prospect of something new sound like heaven, but in no time, I realized it was smoke and mirrors. That's all it ever is. Our president is a corrupt politician and the revolutionaries are only eager to replace him and take his power for their own. It's not about making the people's lives better. It never is. It's about those in power blowing smoke out of their ass and those at the bottom wanting to be in that position of power. If there's one thing I know, power only comes with money. You'll only get anywhere if those currently with money and influence want someone else in the government and they 'graciously' help your cause. The one at the top either becomes a puppet or a dictator. That's all we have to look forward to. Either the revolutionaries will put a puppet where the president is and nothing really changing or we get a dictator and everything changes for the worst."

"That sounds so grim," Salem lamented.

"You see why Esparenza and I choose not to have children," Arturo said. "She would love to have a child, but we can't do it in good conscience."

"What happens if she does get pregnant?" Salem asked honestly. Arturo was quiet a moment as he finished a line on the tattoo.

"I don't know," Arturo admitted. "I guess we make it work."

"Have you considered coming to America? I'm not saying we're saints by any stretch but we have our good points. A man can work his way up from nothing. Just ask my Uncle Kevin. When he was a boy, he had nothing to his name really. Just a Chief's son facing a world that considered him an inferior because he's Native American, but he proved them wrong. Now he owns two law firms, on in New York and another in Seattle, and he makes good money with a loving family by his side."

"Yes, I've heard tale of the American Dream," Arturo said. "I fear the dream is merely a fantasy for the unfortunate majority. Hard work be damned."

"I guess some of it involves luck," Salem said. "But even a home away from this turmoil where you and your wife can finally have the life you want is better than nothing. Isn't it?"

"I suppose it is," Arturo smiled gently. "I must sound like a cranky old man. I'm only 22 but I sound hardened beyond my years."

"In your shoes, I might be the same way," Salem defended. Wanting to change the subject, Salem thought of something more cheerful to talk about. "So tell me about Esparenza. You seem to perk up quite a bit when you talk about her."

"You'd understand if you met her," Arturo said. "I'm not unfortunate looking, but I'm no Ramon Novarro."

"Who's that?"

"He's an actor. Point is he's what the ladies consider handsome. Anyway, Esparenza is breathtaking."

"Do you have a picture?" Salem asked.

"Of course," Arturo said and finished one line before putting down the tattoo needle, getting out his wallet and pulling out a picture to show to Salem.

And truly she was a vision. The picture was black and white showing her hair to be ebony as the night sky. According to Arturo, her hair was more brown. Her skin was clearly sun-kissed and she had piercing eyes that Arturo affirmed were also dark brown. Her teeth showed in her large smile and her hair was curled sensually to frame her face with broad features that served to give her face a feminine power that would capture any man's attention.

"She's a vision," Salem complimented and handed the picture back. "How did you two meet?"

"She was my mother's nurse," Arturo said. "She still is really. When my mother's condition began to worsen I took her to the doctor. He'd said there was little that could be done except keep her comfortable. He suggested I enlist a nurse which I was extremely hesitant to do, but I followed the doctor's advice and reached out to the right people. They sent Esparenza and I fell in love the moment I saw her. I could barely speak when she came to my home. She was so sweet and patient with me and she's done wonders for my mother even if only therapeutically. Before she left that first day, she gave me a tiny bottle of rum as a present thanking me for allowing her to be of assistance and that she looked forward to continuing to do so should her services be needed."

"I take it they continued to be needed?" Salem teased.

"I don't want to admit how much money I spent just so she would come to my home to care for my mother. She usually came early in the morning and stayed a few hours to look after her while I was working, but that was the usual rate. I spent so much extra money asking that she stay a few more hours than was needed so I could see her. Even if it was only for ten minutes. She must have thought me crazy at first. I would come home and barely say two words to her before she left for the day. One day when she'd left, my mother told me to come to her bedside. She said to me, 'She's beautiful my son,' and I said I agreed. Then she said to me, 'if you are so in love, you had better do something about it. A flower such as that does not stay un-plucked for long'." Salem made sure he didn't move but he was fighting back a laugh.

"I like your mother already," Salem joked.

"I don't mind telling you I wasn't laughing at the time," Arturo smiled. "It was the kick I needed though. So the next day when I returned home, I asked her if she wanted to stay for dinner with my mother and I. She declined, but she was so kind about it. All the same, it made me extremely upset but mother reminded me that she had her own family that likely expected her back for dinner."

"A reasonable conclusion," Salem teased. "So what did you do next?"

"I left work to enjoy lunch at home," Arturo said. "I only live a brief walk from here. I purposefully left my lunch at home and returned claiming to feel silly about doing so and that I hope they don't mind if I eat there and so on. I finally worked up the courage to speak to Esparenza. I had finished the rum she'd given me by then so I complimented that. We spoke so much, I didn't even touch my food and mother yelled at me, 'Stop your fraternizing; you need to go back to work!'." Arturo chuckled. "I was so embarrassed, I didn't say goodbye to her and left to come back to the shop. After I got back to the shop, I was in a really bad mood. I was convinced I had no hope with her. Another hour later, she came to the shop with my lunch in a paper bag."

"Well that was sweet of her," Salem said.

"Yeah, it was," Arturo smiled. "Then she told me the sandwich I'd made for myself wasn't enough for a man working long days so she suggested I return home for lunch from then on. So I did. I admit I nearly got fired from the shop because I'd gone home from lunch one day and didn't come back because Esparenza and I were so involved in our conversation."

"Your mother didn't tell you to get back to work?"

"She claims she was sleeping, but I think she figured one day wouldn't hurt since I was finally opening up to Esparenza. Turns out it did hurt quite a bit, but it was worth it. By the second month of knowing her, I asked to meet her family with the intent to ask her father's blessing to propose, but I found out her parents had passed away when she was young. All she had left of her mother and father was her father's rum recipe and her mother's rosary before she had to take shelter with a Catholic orphanage. That's how she became a nurse. The orphanage has many different operations meant to help the children in their care start lives of their own so she got into nursing. She started when she was fifteen."

"That's great!" Salem said. "Is she still a nurse?"

"She retired after we married," Arturo said. "She'd wanted to potentially continue nursing or work for a hospital but the nuns instructed that a wife's place was in her husband's home and I wasn't about to argue with them. I don't look forward to this day, but when mother dies, I think she will want to reintegrate herself into a nursing career if she can."

"How long have you two been married?"

"Two years," Arturo said. "What about you? Any wife and kids back home? A girlfriend?"

"No," Salem said. "I dated very little back home and any girls I dated it wasn't really going anywhere. Since leaving Washington, I haven't met anyone worthwhile either."

"You're a wanderer then?" Arturo joked. "A ladies man that won't be tied down?"

Salem smiled, "While I appreciate the praise, I wouldn't say that. I've seen my fair share of pretty faces since leaving home and joining the Navy, but none of them are the one. I like to think one day I'll meet her, but for now, I haven't met her."

"A hopeless romantic I see."

"I guess you could say that," Salem said. "It's not the reason I joined the navy, but a good chunk of my relatives are married to women from far away I guess you could say. My grandparents were worlds apart. My grandma Caevia belonged to a tribe in what's now Southern Arizona and she was sold into slavery. She ended up with the Quileutes and fell in love with my Grandpa Embry. My grandpa Jacob fell in love with a white woman that grew up predominantly in the east and Midwest who came to Washington as a mail-order bride. My grandpa actually kidnapped her but soon the two of them fell in love."

"Your grandmother fell in love with her captors?" Arturo asked with a strange tone.

"I know that must sound strange, but the truth is my grandpa saw her while she was traveling and he was in love with her in an instant," Salem said, abridging the story. "He had no intent of hurting her. I don't really think he had any plan the way I've heard the story. He's just lucky everything worked out for the better."

"I would say so. So who else in your family met an unlikely love?"

"My Uncle Kevin for one," Salem said. "He met the love of his life when he fought in the Great War. He was just a boy then. A fifteen year old that lied about his age to get into the army. He rescued a child in Chateau Thierry when the Germans invaded and the two of them kept in touch. They got married years and years later. Then my Uncle Kyle met his wife when he was serving in the Army during the Second World War. He was a medic and they met when the army had pushed its way into Naples, Italy. They became engaged during the war and when it was over, they got married and she moved to America. For my brother JJ, he met his wife while he was serving in Korea."

"Hoping Cupid's arrow will hit you too while you're on your adventures?"

"Maybe a little," Salem said. "Although given I can't go too far into land, I don't know the likelihood I will. Knowing my luck, the woman of my dreams is probably back at my tribe right under my nose."

"Sometimes that's just how it works," Arturo smiled. "You'll never know unless you put yourself out there, though." Still having more to do to the tattoo, Arturo thought of another topic of conversation. "So which of these are your first tattoo?"

"None of them," Salem said. "My first tattoo is right under my belt."

"I beg pardon?" Arturo asked, taking his needle away a moment.

"When I graduated from basic training, me and two of the guys I'd become friends with got 'Welcome Aboard' tattooed above our crotches." Arturo was silent at first.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I'm serious." Another moment of silence passed before Arturo started snickering and even rubbed his face.

"You're something else," Arturo said and finally returning to tattooing. "If I got something like that, my mother would kill me. Hell, Esparenza would kill me. What happens when you get married someday and you have to explain that to your wife?"

"You know, my brother asked the same thing and I told him 'the woman I marry will think it's funny'," Salem answered.

"You'd better hope so," Arturo laughed. "Either that or just hope she's blind."

"Don't be mean," Salem laughed. "What about you? Do you have tattoos? I don't see any."

"Mine are all hidden under my clothes," Arturo said. "My mother tolerates that I have tattoos but she claims it's something I'll regret when I'm old. She insists I'll look at them when my skin is wrinkled and refer to them as things I got when I was young and stupid."

"Don't most mothers say that?" Salem joked. "What was the first one you got?"

"It was a memorial tattoo for my father. It's on my chest over my heart and it's his name with his date of birth and death."

"Oh," Salem said. "I actually really like that idea. I don't suppose we could sneak that in this session could we?"

"Absolutely," Arturo said. "It won't take long. What is your father's name?"

"Jae Dauer. Actually, do you suppose we could add something to the tattoo to commemorate how he died?"

"How so?"

"Like I said, my dad died during the liberation of Paris. Maybe his rank can be incorporated into his name?"

"Do you happen to have a picture of him in uniform?"

"I do," Salem said and Arturo took the needle away so Salem could get the picture out of his wallet and show it. "The Corporal's badge is yellow outlined in black."

"Once I finish this tattoo, I'll draw something up for you."

As promised, Arturo finished the tattoo on Salem's back and allowed him to see it first. It was a little unconventional compared to his other tattoos but he found he loved this one more. It was far more personal than his other tattoos and it felt like Arturo was the first artist to really embody the request of 'what makes you think of home'. After Salem got to see his new tattoo, Arturo got to work on the second one and it was very simple. It was the Corporal's badge with Corporal Jae Dauer listed under it with the date 1908-1944. Arturo had it done in an hour and it was easily Salem's favorite tattoo he'd gotten thus far. He was tempted to suggest JJ and Nesia should get the same thing. JJ would go for it for sure. Nesia he wasn't sure but he'd make the suggestion.

"Can you take a picture of this tattoo so I can send home? I think my brother and sister might want to get this tattoo for themselves."

"I'd highly recommend it," Arturo said. He took a picture of the tattoo and Salem promised he'd pay the cost for having it developed.

"Thanks for everything, Arturo," Salem smiled after he'd paid for his tattoos and the two shook hands. "I can say with certainty this is the best experience I've ever had when getting a tattoo."

"I'm pleased to hear it," Arturo said. "If any other tattoo ideas come up, you're welcome to come back."

"I'm to understand we're going to be here for a while, so I might just do that," Salem said. "I'll be back to pick up that picture as soon as I can."

"I look forward to it."

Later in the week, Salem returned to the shop to get the picture from Arturo. The two of them wound up talking again and did so while Arturo worked on other clients predominantly from the Navy. Were it not for the fact that Salem didn't need to come back to the sub before a certain time, he'd have taken up Arturo's offer to join him for dinner. They did, however, determine a different day when Salem could obtain a later curfew. When that day came, Salem had duties to perform that day but once he'd been given leave for a few hours, he went on land and met Arturo at the tattoo shop so they could make the walk to his house. When they arrived, Esparenza was hard at work in the kitchen preparing dinner. It was a very small home. Only one bedroom was in the back of the house, a single room for a bathroom and Arturo's mother laid in bed at one side of the room that held the kitchen and a very tiny table that was close to his mother's bed.

"Arturo!" Esparenza smiled when her husband came in. "Un momento. Mi manos estas sucias," (one moment. My hands are dirty) she said before taking her hands out of a bowl and going to their manual pump sink to clean her hands of the red spices coating her hands.

"La cena huele delicioso," (dinner smells delicious) Arturo said after breathing in.

"Solo el arroz está cocinando," (Only the rice is cooking) she answered and came over to Arturo and gave him a kiss. "Voy a cocinar el pollo en un momento. Estoy hacienda arroz con pollo." (I will be cooking the chicken in a moment. I'm making rice with chicken.)

"Mi favorito," Arturo said.

"Oh," Esparenza said as soon as she saw Salem, "Lo siento. ¿Donde estan mis modales? Me llamo Esparenza Perez. Estas bueno finalmente conocerte." (I'm sorry. Where are my manners? My name is Esparenza Perez. It's good to finally meet you).

"It's a pleasure, Mrs. Perez," Salem said. "Lo siento. Mi español no es bueno." Arturo chuckled while Esparenza was less humored and looked at her husband. The two exchanged words for a moment until Arturo finally looked at Salem again.

"My wife knows some English, but not as much. She's happy to practice her English, but just speak slowly for her okay?"

"Sure," Salem said. Arturo said something to Esparenza and she returned to cooking.

"Allow me to introduce you to my mother," Arturo said and they walked over to his mother's bed. Arturo bent down so he and his mother could kiss each other's cheeks. "Buenos tardes, mama," he said. "Estas mi amigo que te dije sobre." (This is my friend I told you about)

"¿El Americano, sí?"

"Sí," Salem was able to answer. "Me llamo Salem. Um…..give me a second…es un…plaisir...no, that's French."

"You speak French?" Arturo asked.

"Very, very little," Salem said. "I know more German than French, but compared to my brother's proficiency with the language, I'm not confident I'd last very long if you plopped me in Germany."

"Well, for reference, I assume you're trying to say 'pleasure' so in Spanish that's placer. So you're close."

"That's better than nothing," Salem said and then continued. "Es un placer a te…shit."

"You were doing alright," Arturo chuckled. "Es un placer conocerte."

"Thanks," Salem said and finally said to Mrs. Perez, "Es un placer conocerte."

"¡Aye bien!" Mrs. Perez cheered and Esparenza clapped from behind them.

"Good job," Arturo patted Salem's shoulder.

"I appreciate it," Salem said. "So…..que es su nombre? Did I say that right?"

"¿Cuál es tu nombre?" Arturo corrected. "You were close though."

"Thank you. ¿Cuál es tu nombre?"

"Me llamo Amelia," his mother answered. Salem shook the woman's hand but her grip was rather meek; completely contrary to what he saw in the woman's eyes.

"Did your mother used to be a dancer?"

"How'd you know that?" Arturo asked.

"Your mother's eyes have a confidence I think I've only seen from my Aunt Ada María. She was a dancer too back in the day." Arturo translated what Salem said and Amelia smiled.

"Oh," she said, "Me estás halagando." (You flatter me).

"She said she appreciates the compliment," Arturo said. Then a spicy smell filled the air as Esparenza got the chicken on the hot pan. Once the chicken was done, dinner was ready and they brought the table closer to Amelia so all four of them could eat dinner together. It was so cramped that Salem could barely move his arms, but they spoke for hours until he finally had to return to the sub.

Along with the picture, Salem sent his collection of letters home and the picture was in his letter to JJ. When he received his letter, the first thing he saw was the picture of the tattoo and on the back written: A memorial tattoo to dad. I thought you'd appreciate it. Maybe even get it yourself? After seeing the tattoo, that's exactly what JJ wanted to do. He showed it to everyone and they agreed that it was a great tattoo.

"You're planning to get that yourself?" Nathan asked.

"Absolutely," JJ said. "Right on my chest where Salem got his."

"I want to get it too," Nesia said.

"You do?" JJ asked.

"Of course I do," Nesia said. "Right here," she put her hand over her heart just above her breast.

"I'll be joining you," Nathan said. "I'll get it on my left shoulder."

"I think I'll join you," Kyle, to everyone's surprise, said.

"If you're doing it, I'm definitely getting it too," Kevin agreed.

"I can't believe I didn't think of this before," Embry Jr. said. "I'm getting it too. But I'll get it on my chest."

"Me too," Embry Sr. said. "Do you want to get it, Caevia?"

"I would love to," she answered with a reminiscent smile.

"Me too," Peta said.

"We should contact Aidetzi and Rae; see if they want to get it too," Sharisa said. "I want to get it." All the others agreed they wanted the tattoo as well: Gaeli, Taraq and Bayaq, Aiya, Zephyr and Grae all agreed they wanted the tattoo as well. Once they'd contacted them, so did Rae and Aidetzi. Especially Rae.

"Suerro?" Natalie looked at Suerro ready to ask if he'd be comfortable with her getting it too. He answered before she could ask, already knowing her question.

"I say get it over your heart," Suerro smiled supportively. Natalie smiled and agreed that she would be getting the tattoo as well.

"If you're all willing to travel, I know exactly who to go to," JJ said.

While Aidetzi couldn't make the trip, before they all left, she went to a local shop and got the tattoo right over her chest, but she adjusted hers. She wanted it not just to be a memorial, but a reminder of the legacy Jae had left behind. So she asked the artist to put the tattoo that Salem had gotten in a circle of the names of everyone in the family. Her parent's names were up top. Then their siblings' names in order of their birth. Then Natalie's name, their children's names, and, finally, the names of his grandchildren, Jae Sun and Mae Sun, finished the circle. It was a big hit among the group and started making everyone consider how they wanted to customize theirs. Those that were going made the flight to Chicago (a big expense, but it was worth it) and went to the shop where Salem, his friends, and JJ had gotten their tattoos and the artist recognized JJ immediately.

"Well, look who it is," the artist, Tanner, said with a smile when JJ walked in. Then he saw the huge crowd behind him. "That's quite a crowd you've got with you."

"We all had a little spark of inspiration," JJ said and pulled out the picture of Salem's tattoo. "You remember my little brother Salem right?"

"The one that got Welcome Aboard tattooed above his dick. Yeah I remember."

"Wait what?!" Natalie screeched and Tanner glanced toward to the back of the group where she was.

"Is that your mother?"

"Yeah, that's my mom," JJ said. "I guess I should have warned you not to say anything about the tattoo."

"Yes, fair warning would have been appreciated," Tanner chuckled. "So what can I do for you besides get your little brother in hot water?"

JJ chuckled, "He recently got a memorial tattoo for our dad. Honestly, I can't believe I didn't think of it before. Now that it's in our heads, we all want to get it. Maybe customize it a little, but ultimately the same design." JJ gave over the picture to Tanner to look.

"That's a great idea actually," Tanner said. "While I can't get everyone done today, I can probably get one or two of you done today, and if you're willing to hang tight until Friday, I can make myself and one more artist available for the day to do the rest of you."

"That would be great," JJ said. "So who's going first?"

"I will," Natalie said to their surprise and came forward. "While you're putting it on, you can tell me what in the hell my son was thinking when he got that stupid tattoo."

"I can promise he wasn't drink if that helps."

"It doesn't truthfully," Natalie muttered.

Over the next few days, they all got the tattoo applied, making very minor changes to make it their own whether it included small flowers, or a tree to represent a family tree and so on. When it was finally JJ's turn, he got the tattoo but with his sons' names, in Hangul no less, written on either side of the tattoo with the year each of his sons were born right below their names, taking Aidetzi's idea of showing the legacy of the man himself. Kyle, Nathan and Kevin got theirs on their shoulders and kept it simple, sticking with the original tattoo. When Natalie had gotten hers, she knew exactly how she needed to customize it. Perched atop the Corporal's crest was a blue bird holding a tiny pink flower in its beak and when it was done, it was perfect.