Private Bedros Sahakian
Journal Entry 41
July 29, 1932, Friday
Praise be to the Lord, Sachi is alive.
Finally heard her on the radio on the 28th, updating the station's listeners about their situation. She sounded so tired.
Even so Sachi went on with the report professionally as possible. It's good to know she's safe but having the time to go to see her is proving to be easier said than done.
Due to the casualties we took from the fighting our regiment is short handed and so we have longer duty hours. The manservants that were locked up were finally freed but half quit on the spot as a result of their earlier treatment, forcing us to take more of the tasks we originally left them to handle.
Most of the refugees have gone as well so we won't be burdened with too many mouths to feed.
Mr. Guao is staying but he's worse for wear. Then again we all are one way or another.
The old man directed us on the chores like an officer leading out in the field. He must've served in some kind of military, I truly believe it now.
The few civilies we still got at the base feel safer with us than out there. However, the scuttlebutt is that our Colonel intends to get them to leave within a few days.
We were fortunate that one of them is a physician who really knows his stuff. His name is Yordan Todorov and he is from Bulgaria of all places.
Michail is less than pleased about that part, considering his father was killed fighting Bulgarians in the last war. All the same he knew we needed all hands available during the uprising and even now but our Greek brother doesn't like it though he understands.
I would be a hypocrite if I didn't admit that I would be angered if a member of the Ottoman government was in Shanghai. Have to keep myself from thinking about them often or else be consumed with that anger.
But like Michail I hope I will leave well enough alone and focus if a situation like that ever happens.
As for the Doctor himself, he's a character I'll say. A bit quirky if you ask me but he is really experienced and speaks enough English to cooperate with our corpsmen.
Unlike some certain self-promoters would've done, Doctor Todorov never demanded any compensation for his services. The old doc just saw a need and did what he could.
Just wished the doc would lay off with the jokes. Despite his best efforts comedy is not his strong suit.
On a more somber note the our fallen brothers had been temporarily buried after they're all identified. Later when there is an available ship they'll be shipped back home.
Even though much time has passed since their deaths I struggled to hold myself together when we buried John and Robert.
If I'm being perfectly honest the guilt hasn't left, not by a long shot. Don't know if it ever will.
Never got to know my older brothers. Only Nayat and my cousins were my siblings until joining the Corps.
Rob was the brother I was closest with in our whole squad. You would think with us being from different places and having different lives beforehand would make it not likely but we became best friends through that time at boot camp.
He wanted me to come see Montana, his home. He said his 'Ma' as he called his mother makes the best pancakes ever and actually fought someone in Boot who said otherwise.
The man he looked up to most was 'his Pa' who taught him everything from hunting, riding and being a man as he claims.
As for our original squad leader John Felton, the name he whispered with his last breath keeps coming to mind. Joyce.
There is no one in his family who has that name. The way he said it suggests a sweetheart. Unlike a lot of guys Felton kept his love life to himself.
That was his own business but now it complicates our chances of finding Joyce, since there are many in the world who share the same name.
During my sleep the other night I saw Rob's face again and John's too. They stared at me with their lips moving but I couldn't hear even a single word. Then I hear crying from all sides but couldn't see anyone else.
It went on and on and on till I finally cried out. Next thing I know I woke up screaming and falling out of my bunk in a cold sweat.
Modercai and Gad came running over to check on me. They did their best to help until I finally calmed down.
It was so embarrassing like I was a child again but I couldn't help it. Will the nightmare ever stop?
The thing is I'm not the only one. There are others going through this in their own ways.
Like Platoon Sergeant Franklin Webbs. He used to be a bold and confident guy who never passed the chance to show off his strength.
Now he can't stop shaking since the battle and has a hard time responding to anyone. His nerves all shot up.
Contrary to what some desk general may claim, Franklin is no coward. He often was the first to lead in the flight alongside Gunny.
But no denying that Webb is broken, more than we have realized. If it keeps up he'll probably be transferred out of China.
Despite everything I found myself appreciating some things more than I did before. Like seeing the sunrise or being able to walk or just being able to shower.
Most importantly I'm gonna try to do better in not taking the people I care about for granted.
Have to find a way to let my family know I'm alive as soon as possible. They must know of the uprising by now and are worried sick.
Maybe that station Sachi works at could be the solution. Assuming I can convince them and finally get time to do so.
Not likely with the latter. Then again Shang could deliver my message to Sachi who may figure it out.
I'll talk with him tomorrow and see if he is up for it.