by Buzz Harcus
"Although the university has existed for a number of years, the emphasis on education has only come about under our new chairman of the Communist Party. Emphasis is being placed on a broader understanding of world cultures, economics and languages. Agriculture is also one of our major programs. With almost a billion Chinese mouths to feed daily, it is important to manage our soils properly." He paused for a moment to let his words sink in, to impress his guests that China, although struggling at the moment, was indeed moving forward.
"We are also stressing birth control and family planning. Many of these students will return to their own villages and will be responsible for reducing the number of unnecessary births through educating the masses. We love our children, but we must be a responsible nation. Getting back to our other classes, you will be pleased to learn that all of our government officials, police officers and other government employees are now required to learn English. As a matter of fact, most of our Qingdao police officers now speak English fluently."
"Interesting," Harry offered.
The limousine continued along the narrow drive adjacent to the large field. "As you can see some of the students are flying kites, an old Chinese tradition," said Mr. Ma. "Soon, as in the United States, we will be playing baseball again. It is becoming very popular here. The field is also used for soccer and other activities."
As the car turned left at the first corner, Mr. Ma said, "This is the engineering trades school." Harry knew it as the old Third Marine barracks. "And ahead of us you will see our literature and fine arts school-"
Harry felt a tightness in his chest. It was the old 12th Service Battalion barracks. Without trying to be obvious, he studied the building. It stood as they had left it, except it was cleaner now under a new coating of paint and landscaping. Along the far side wall leading to the fourth floor he could see the steps the Marines had built, shelves for potted plants to add a dash of color to the drabness of the barracks they had told the administrative brass. In actuality, the steps had been built as an accommodation to sneak Chinese whores up to the fourth floor storage room where they held frequent "parties."
Glancing up along the line of steps, Harry could faintly discern the outer hinges of the secret door, almost invisible to the naked eye because of the way they had constructed it. Now, several additional coats of paint all but obliterated the location of the door. A slight grin broke across his lips as he savored the memory of those crazy nights; horny Marines and wanton whores; what a crazy combination.
"You probably recall this building, Harry," beamed Mr. Ma. "I believe it was your old barracks building. Would you like to see how we have remodeled it into functional classrooms?"
"Wha-what?" Harry replied, startled from his reverie, realizing Mr. Ma was speaking to him. "What did you say?"
"Would you like to get out and take a tour of your old barracks in order to see what we have done in converting the space into functional classrooms?"
"Yes. Of course I would," Harry answered quickly.
The limousine came to a stop in front of the gleaming white building. The group got out and stood before the building. To Harry it was like stepping back in time. Staring at the entrance, it seemed as though 1949 was only seconds ago.
The basic structure of the entrance was the same, only now it was adorned with a bold sign proclaiming it to be the School of Literature and Fine Arts. The grounds surrounding the building were landscaped with an abundance of ferns, cedar, and other shrubbery. Early crocus were already breaking through the cold mantle of black soil and dirty snow.
Students were all around, talking, sitting on benches, soaking up the warmth of a spring day, or moving on to their next classes.
The delegation followed Mr. Ma as he led them into the building. On entering, their attention was immediately drawn to a giant picture of Chairman Mao. A scholarly looking older man approached them from the administrative office. Mr. Ma bowed slightly, and then introduced them to Dr. Wei, school administrator.
Harry nodded and shook hands. His attention was drawn to the office, the old guard shack. Inside sat a pretty young secretary pecking away at a typewriter. She must have sensed she was being stared at for she turned, her dark almond eyes meeting his. She smiled. It was a warm, inviting smile. Harry smiled and waved. She laughed.
Dr. Wei had taken command of the tour. Waving once again, as the blushing secretary returned to her typewriter, Harry joined the group as it moved along the corridor. Dr. Wei stopped at the juncture where the corridor met the stairwell. He explained the alignment of the rooms and the arrangement of the classes on this floor and the upper floors.
While Harry listened, an eerie feeling came over him. The resonant sound of voices along the corridor was so reminiscent of the past. He half expected to see Novak coming back from working out, a towel wrapped around his neck, or the Indian arguing with the Sergeant for a pass, the always smiling Mexican kid from El Paso. A flood of names and faces suddenly overwhelmed him: Netzinger and Ertel from Wisconsin, Bailey and Johnson, Olson, Griffith, Sapp, Winterhalter, Pope, Byrd, Kellerman, even Johnnie Baker and Parks from California and Virgil Leeson from West Virginia. Faces from a hundred different towns and states.
A bell rang startling the group, and suddenly the corridor was flooded with students moving to their next classes. Their sing-song voices sounded strangely pleasant to Harry's ears. They smiled and nodded in passing.
Dr. Wei continued the tour leading the contingent down the length of the corridor, stopping periodically to show them a classroom, a moment to observe. It was obvious he was very proud of his building and his students and instructors.
As he peered into the old central lecture hall, Harry could almost feel the presence of his old comrades, could almost smell the pungent tobacco smoke wafting from Shorty Donelson's old corncob pipe, could recall the look of rage that crossed the faces of Joe and Stan when they were dragged away that day.
On climbing to the second floor, Harry popped his head inside the first doorway, his old barracks room, and his bunk being just inside on the left. A desk now occupied the space. A slightly built, but very attractive girl, was seated at the desk. She looked up at him, smiling. He smiled back. Everyone was friendly. She was not only friendly, but also damned cute. He always wondered what mysterious thoughts lurked behind those dark eyes, whether deep in conversation or making love.
He saw the others were ahead of him, waved, and hurried to catch up. The room-by-room tour continued up to the third floor. At one point, Harry glanced inside one of the classrooms noting the students were intently looking at something behind a screen as they sketched, making quick strokes in charcoal. His curiosity aroused, he stepped forward and peeked around the screen. A naked girl striking a pose glanced up at him. Harry flushed. Just as quickly he stepped away, but not before he noted the girl's body had taken on a distinct pinkish hue.
At midpoint of the third floor, Harry stopped at the base of the steps leading to the fourth floor. He looked up the steps. At the top was a thick metal door.
"As I recall, these steps led up to the fourth floor supply room where we kept all our clothing supplies, winter parkas, boots, carbines and MI rifles and other items," he said not directing the statement to anyone in particular.
"Yes, storage. It is still used for storage," said Dr. Wei picking up on his comment. "It is too small for a classroom so we keep old records up there. It is too cold for any practical purpose. I don't think the room has been touched in many years."
"Probably not since you were here thirty years ago," said Mr. Ma. "Would you like to see it?"
"No," Harry said with a shake of his head. "Just old memories."
"Ahh, memories. Yes, memories are like beautiful pieces of treasure, to be recalled and enjoyed again and again," Mr. Ma said with a warm smile.
"I'm sure Mr. Martin has many fond memories of this structure," said Dr. Wei. "Fine memories."
"Yes, and I do treasure them, each and everyone," Harry said. And, he tho
ught, by a stroke of luck, the money might still be in the storage areas right where Joe hid it if the place hasn't been used over the years.
The tour ended back at the main entrance with a brief exchange of cordialities. Dr. Wei wished them a pleasant day and safe voyage back to America. The secretary had stood up beyond him, stretching, long black hair trailing to the middle of her back. She was thin, yet nicely proportioned, small breasts pushing against her cotton blouse. Her eyes met Harry's and he saw a mischievous, subtle smile. Harry grinned letting the subtle invitation pass.
Sigmund, too, had caught her stretching, had stared at her. He was surprised when her eyes shifted to him, the invitation still in her eyes; was he interested? His face reddened as he caught the meaning of her look. Turning, he beat a hasty retreat out the door.
Having seen the interplay, Harry chuckled. All Sigmund had to do was nod yes and love was his for the taking. He'd have to talk to the boy. He was definitely missing out on life. Still grinning, he sauntered out of the building. Where there was a will there was a way. The old town hadn't changed that much. Sex was still available.
"She probably gets off at five," he whispered to Sigmund. "You ought to come back this afternoon and check it out. I think she likes you. Maybe it's the uniform."
Sigmund gave him a dour look, then turned away.
By then, the others had joined them and all settled back in the limousine with the tour of the university continuing. "I'm just amazed at what they did with our old barracks," Harry said. "They took those old beat up rooms and remodeled them into such attractive classrooms. Just amazing."
"You must remember, Harry, that before the Japanese and Americans came, this was a university. Now, it is one again."
The car moved on past the Administration building and up past
the Agricultural Science School, which Harry recognized as the old First Marine Battalion barracks. Students milled about outside the front of the building. Love was in the air, boys and girls walking hand in hand. The world never changes that much, Harry thought. He was surprised to see a new, modern field house on the spot where the old Tarver gymnasium had collapsed back in 1948.
Captain Andress and Sigmund were exchanging small talk with Mr. Ma about the landscaping, the attractive look of buildings and the neatness of the campus. "Do you haf evening classes?" the Captain asked.
"No. We have not advanced that far yet. The university actually stops operation at 6 p.m. and the gates are locked for the night," replied Mr. Ma.
Thank you Captain Andress, Harry thought. You couldn't have asked your question at a more appropriate time. No night classes. Things were falling into place better than he had hoped for. With luck he could get on campus after dark, get into the building and get the money, and be back to the ship with no problems. With the warm weather today, he had noted many of the building windows were open. There'd probably be a window or door unlocked in the building, or he could jimmy a window to get inside. At this point, all systems were go!
Mr. Ma ordered the driver to leave the campus by the back gate. Circling around the hill, Harry recalled the road came out by the old racetrack. He was surprised to see the track and grounds had been converted into a huge People's Park. At the far end of the grounds were a series of apartment houses. Do the white Russians still live in the area, he wondered, recalling the slim blonde with the blue eyes the officers all dated.
Before long, the limousine was moving along the dock toward the S.S. Otto J. Nurad, slowing to a stop in the shadow of the giant ship.
"Tank you for a most enjoyable luncheon und tour of your beautiful city," Captain Andress said alighting from the car. "It is very kind of you, Mr. Ma. Ve sincerely appreciate it."
"Yes. Very enlightening," added Sigmund. "Tank you."
"I agree, and thank you, too, for stopping by the University of Shantung. Meeting you again, being here in this beautiful city, seeing the old Marine compound and the way you have so successfully changed it into a university. Well, all I can say is you've done a marvelous job, and I thank you again for rekindling some very fond memories," Harry said. "It was very thoughtful of you."
An enigmatic smile crossed Mr. Ma's face. "It was my pleasure, gentlemen." He slid across the seat close to the door. "On behalf of the people of China, I want to thank you, Captain Andress, and your noble crew, for bringing this cargo of badly needed grain to our people. In case I don't see you before you depart tomorrow, have a safe journey and we look forward to your return trip."
He reached forward, shaking each one's hand, holding onto Harry's a moment longer. "Till we meet again, Harry. It's been too long since we last met; I trust it won't be as long next time."
With that, he closed the door and the black limousine sped off.
"An interesting man," said the Captain as he turned heading for the gangway. "A likeable fellow, yet —"
"I feel dat vay, too," Sigmund chimed in. "Dere is someting about him dat bodders me."
Harry shrugged it off. Mr. Ma was always subject to discussion, even in the old days. He slapped Sigmund on his shoulders. "You going back into town to check out that cute secretary?"
"No," came his curt reply.
"She was cute, built nice. She gave you an invitation —"
"She vas nice," Sigmund interrupted. "Maybe der next trip. I haf been assigned deck officer tonight."
"Bummer."
Harry followed him up the gangway. "You got to strike while the iron's hot," he said to Sigmund's back. "Prime stuff there. Someone else could serve your watch. She might not be around when you get back."
Sigmund chose to ignore the remark, instead walking quickly away as they stepped onto the deck of the Nurad. At the hatchway, he turned, "Don't forget, you are taking Osa into town, und behafe yourself. Also, be back early. You haf der midnight vatch," and then he disappeared into the bowels of the ship.
Harry stopped short. It was obvious Sigmund didn't like to be teased, especially about female relationships. And, yes, he was well aware of the need to take Osa into town. But, at the moment, he had more important things to think about, last minute preparations to be made, and, yes, he'd be back in time for the midnight watch.
Chapter 59
LOVE: THE TRUTH WILL OUT
The galley was deserted when Harry entered a couple of hours later. Satisfied, from his point of view that he was ready to go ashore tonight to retrieve the cache, he had to have a serious talk with Osa. It was imperative that she not go ashore tonight.
Stopping by the huge coffee urns, he poured a cup of coffee then pushed through the galley doors into the kitchen area. Osa was at the stove checking several simmering pots. As she opened the oven door to check on a roast, Harry slipped in close to her lifting a lid off one of the pots.
"Ummm, smells good," he said sniffing loudly.
"Oh!" Osa gasped, turning quickly, surprised at seeing Harry. "You startled me."
"Sorry," he grinned. "Just came down to see what's cooking."
"You tease me." She slapped his hand causing him to drop the lid. "I am not in der mood for teasing."
Jerking his hand back, Harry asked, "What's the matter?"
"Sigmund. He came down here a vhile ago telling me most of der men ver going ashore tonight, even my kitchen help! I planned for a special meal for our last night in China und now it vill all be vasted."
"If it helps any, I'll try to eat as much as I can to make you happy," he said trying to appease her.
"No," she laughed, then her face changed to a frown. "Besides, I'm upset vis you, too."
"Me? Why me?"
"Vat you told me about all dat money und dat odders ver looking for it. I don't like dat. I tink ve should stay aboard ship tonight."
"Whoa! Hold on!" Harry snapped. "I came half way around the world to find that money and I intend to leave with it. I was up at Shantung University this afternoon and, after having seen the place, I'm sure the moneys still there. All I have to do is get in, get it and get out. Simple as A.B.C.
"
"But if dose odder men know about it, know you are here, dey might kill you for der money." She turned away, afraid she was going to cry. "I couldn't stand losing you," she whispered in a choking voice.
"Hey, no one's going to hurt me," he said moving to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, his face close by her ear.
"I've lived all these years and I plan to live many more years. Don't go writing off Harry Martin, yet. Besides, he's got plans and those plans include you."
Osa whirled about, beaming through her tears. "Me?"
"Yes. You."
"How?" Her eyes glistened through the wetness and a warmth replaced the melancholy look of only moments before. "How?" she asked again.
"You'll find out when I get back to the ship and not a moment sooner," he replied with a wink.
"Harry!" She gave an exasperated sigh. "You get me so angry, so confused." She turned back to the stove. "I don't haf time for your babbling nonsense. I must finish my dinner und put it out for dose men who vant to eat." She yanked the oven door open, took a towel for the hot pan and eased the steaming pot roast out placing it on the counter. "It must cool," she said as she wadded the juice-stained towel and threw it across the kitchen where it landed in the sink.
"Hey, take it easy. Don't get so uptight," he said moving to her, rubbing her shoulders, his strong fingers gently massaging tense muscles. His rubbing motions traced downward to the small of her back, then up, then back until he was gently massaging her buttocks. Osa leaned against the counter not offering any argument. That tingling feeling was moving through her and she knew where it would lead. She had to stop him, but for the moment - and she loosed a long sigh, closing her eyes, enjoying his touch.
"I've been thinking about tonight," he said in a soothing voice. "You’re too keyed up. Why don't you stay on board ship? I'll make a dash for the cash and be back -"
"No you don't!" Osa snapped breaking free of his hands, whirling about. "You don't try to sweet talk me out of it. I go vis you. Back rub, hah! I got your number. I know vat you had in mind und it von't vork. Ve go togedder!"