Private Bedros Sahakian

Journal Entry 27

July 6, 1932, Wednesday

I'm worried about Allen. Until Independence Day he was the most jovial and talkative guy I knew in our squad. After that night we tried to let him sort it all out by himself but he's gotten worse instead. Instead of talking our ears off like before, Al is more silent, more brooding. He avoids speaking with just anyone beyond necessary and in fact keeps finding things to do to stay away from people. The rest of the team and Mr. Guo noticed as well. Corporal Felton arranged for him and me to do guard duty together today, believing I'll find out somehow.

That was a tall order but someone had to try.

We were posted by a bridge on the Soochow Creek. Not too much action like my previous posts but enough people came by to keep us occupied at times. Al still didn't say anything, leaving me to do the talking when we had to inspect someone or something. What really got my attention was how his eyes narrowed every time he saw someone in fine clothings, especially if they're foreigners like us. Don't get me wrong Allen needed to take his duties seriously but the way he was doing it wasn't good.

Not good at all.

Then there was a moment, an American gal in her early thirties in a very nice green dress with a purse and everything came by. She seemed to be having a pretty good day. I was busy checking with an old farmer and his wagon which left Al to deal with her much to his annoyance. The lady claimed to be new in the city and was asking directions for the American consulate. Al told her where to find it but while his tone was professional enough but his body language was screaming annoyance. The tourist seemed confused but still grateful and she tried to thank him but he interrupted her, coldly telling the newcomer to get going.

Shocked and a bit frightened, she made a quick exit off the bridge and some local folks noticed that. The last straw for me was when Al spat to the side after that. With enough people were out of earshot that I marched over to my squad mate and got into his face. Told him that he was way out of line there. Al then snapped, raising his voice as he bluntly told me to mind my own business.

I stuck to my guns, telling him it is my business since his behavior is now affecting his performance, reminding him that we're professionals, not little boys still pouting over a schoolyard taunt. He gritted his teeth and probably would've taken a swig at me there if it wasn't for potential witnesses. Instead Al commented that night opened his eyes to the truth, further saying.

"Our lives mean nothing to them, Bedros. I'm just returning the favor."

It was at that moment I realized he had become bitter toward rich people, seeing all of them like enemies sorta. As much as I detest those selfish elitists from the other night, what he is doing isn't the answer. I told Al not only is he risking his own career but mine as well, especially since that dame he scared off is going to the consulate and may raise hell about his behavior. That what he does reflects on all of us. Then raising my voice I told him to suck it up from now on or get out.

That made him pause with realization punching in the gut so to speak. Shamed, Al nodded, letting me know he understands. I believe he'll behave on that front. Whatever he feels about other people Allen does care about our unit. Hated that it came to that but Al left me no choice.

The rest of our time at the bridge went more smoothly and we returned to base. Kinda worried that the dame is going to raise hell to the consulate about Al's earlier behavior but that's for another day. When off duty finally I decided to explore more of the city. This time I brought a camera and took a number of pictures of the sector we guard and some nice shots of the Bund. Cousin Arsine will certainly appreciate it.

Then while on my way back I took a wrong turn and got lost in a part of town I had never been to.

It was a labyrinth of alleyways called a lane. Here in Shanghai, a lane pretty much translates to neighborhood. In this case the lanes are packed with people like sardines in a can. Like all the public spaces, from courtyards to kitchens are shared by multiple families and individuals. Not to mention the apartments being stacked directly with shops and other establishments.

Tight as you can get.

The only means of transportation through the lane was either by foot, or the rare bicycle. I was stuck with the former. Needless to say from my features, my uniform and cover(cap) made me stand out since just about everyone there was local. Earned plenty of usual stares and glares from them that's sure. I was welcomed there as much as the bubonic plague would be.

Days ago Shang had warned that many of his fellow Chinese only saw marines like me and all other troops of the international legation as 'foreign devil bandits'. Definitely got a reminder when a prostitute with the most bitter expression spat in my direction as I walked by.

Just tried to keep moving and not start any trouble if it can be helped. While on the way I noticed on the walls a few scattered posters. Most were ripped partially or defaced. Some had the Blue Sky and White Sun symbol that is common among the outlawed Kuomintang party. A few more had Syndicalist brands and one even with red hands breaking chains with bold words on top I couldn't read but suspected it was the phrase "break the chains" that Syndies back home preach about.

Just as I was passing another apartment when hearing some laughter and excited talking out of a window to the right. Looked over and saw a bunch of people gathering. There was an elderly man and a woman who were seated in the place of honor at a table. Don't know if it was someone's birthday or an anniversary or something but they were happy. Actually brought a smile to my face seeing how they cherish life in spite of the terrible conditions.

But then my smile faded, remembering I never got to know any of my grandparents. Nayat said that they were massacred along with the others within our village as it was burned to the ground... Getting uncomfortable and not wanting to disturb that family lest see me I resume my efforts to find a way out of the lane somehow. Still couldn't find my way out, going from one alley to another. Couldn't turn back to the way I came because unlike in the myth of Theseus and the Minoeur I don't have a ball of thread to lead me out of this maze.

To confess, it was getting dark out there, meaning if I didn't find my way back to base at the scheduled time I would've been AWOL. That urgency made me more desperate to get out. Even so I was getting nowhere before a couple of guys, numbering five blocked my path. They didn't look mad but their grins weren't friendly either. Just as I was about to turn around when there were four more behind me.

One of them, a thin man with greedy eyes and stanched of opium, stepped forward demanding in broken English for me to pay a 'special tax' for passing through their turf. Well to put it bluntly I had no intention of paying but this was a problem. Outnumbered and outmaneuvered with no gun on me I had only a trench knife. Sure I could take out some but not all and most were armed themselves. Like from cleavers, clubs and even one short sword.

I said nothing as the standoff got more intense when suddenly someone else intervened.

To my surprise it was an American, the most scruffy looking fellow I ever saw in a trench coat. We all turned to him to the left side out of another alley. He swaggered over raising both hands and telling us all to settle down. That's no need for trouble. These street toughs seemed to know this guy as their leader called him Duncan while vulgarly telling him to stay out of this.

Duncan wasn't intimidated in fact he was sorta amused.

He just shrugged his shoulders, calling the thin man, Ho, and said that it is his business before claiming I owe him money from a card game two nights ago. The gang all laughed all the while I'm stuck there confused and annoyed at what this wise guy was doing. His expression pretty much hinted that I should play along. Duncan told Ho to let this slide as a favor and he'll put in a good word to "Big Eared Du".

That name made all of those thugs paused before murmuring among themselves. It rendered Ho before Duncan drew closer and paid the man. Satisfied Ho and his bunch walked away laughing some more. I finally relaxed as soon as they were out of sight and Duncan remarked with an arrogant smile.

"You're welcome. Let me guess, new around these parts and got lost?"

That latter statement embarrassed me but it was the truth and I nodded, before introducing myself and thanking him. Duncan just shrugged his shoulders and gestured for me to follow. As we walked together the man asked how long I had been in Shanghai and I told him the truth. He didn't seem to care about home, unlike what some of my fellow marines who have been longer here tend to ask.

No Duncan was more focused on his plans though he didn't say what they were exactly. Given how those crooks back there acted around him I got a few guesses. We talked about the city and he provided a rather insightful perspective on the matter to put it mildly. Have a feeling he's been here for a long time.

Well just as we exited the lane Duncan gave me a bit of advice about not going around this neighborhood again alone. Nodding, I asked him why he helped me in the first place. Pulling out a cigarette from a little pack in one of his pockets Duncan lit it before puffing a smoke. He offered me one and I obliged as he revealed that he didn't intervene for my sake.

A dead marine or dead locals by said marine raises too much of a fuss in these parts.

"It would've been bad for business. Consider it a favor."

Then he took a right turn and into the midst of another alleyway, disappearing into the night. Afterwards I found a trolley and returned to base with time to spare.

While still grateful for what Duncan did but now I'm not so sure about owing him such a favor. Whatever his line of work is I'm betting it is a whole world of trouble. But the fact is I do owe him like it or not. Have to find a way I can repay this debt without compromising my duties.