Chapter 4 - Friday March 7, 1941

Two hundred and sixty-nine days before the attack.

Anxious

Elliot's POV

I felt on edge ever since our dinner two days ago. I hadn't intended on sharing my personal life like an open book like that, and I hadn't expected the reaction he had. Whatever reason Colin had for treating me like a friend, I knew it was too good to be true. There was always a catch.  Granted, maybe it was better Colin was my roommate; he was much more accepting than past people I've roomed with before, especially in the states. However, his apparent acceptance would probably change eventually, once he started hearing about people like me. He would see that I was trouble, and that I'd pose a threat to his reputation, and I would secretly say "I told you so" when he would sign the transfer papers for housing.

Although I couldn't read the clock on the wall, it was most likely around six in the morning judging by the sunlight hitting my face through the window. Throwing the blanket on the ground, I made my way to make breakfast. 

I had just finished making the eggs and toast, when Colin walked to the table in a white tank and boxer briefs. He yawned and sat down as I grabbed the plate of food and placed it in front of him. Turning back I grabbed the cups of juice, giving his cup before sitting down before my bowl of cereal. He rubbed his eyes before grabbing his fork, then narrowed his eyes as he compared our breakfast. He shook his head and went to eating his scrambled eggs and toast. I was about finished with my cereal when he said something.

"That's all you're eating?" He didn't look up, rather he took a sip of his orange juice, and continued with his breakfast in a way that made me question if he actually had said anything at all.

Instead of responding, I got up and went to wash my dishes in the sink. After he finished, I took care of his dishes and he went to change in his room, while I, already fully dressed and ready to go, went to put on my stompers to head to work.

I just about opened the door when he stuck his head out from the room with a toothbrush in his mouth. He mumbled with soap dripping from the side of his mouth, "wait for me wouldya?"

Stepping away from the door, I watched as he hopped around trying to pry on his pants with the damned toothbrush still in his mouth. He grabbed a blue shirt from his drawer and went back to the bathroom to finish up. My inability to read that clock on the wall made it difficult to time my day, but I assumed I was early enough. I hated being late, but knowing how anxious I get, I would probably still get there early.

I watched as he was still pacing the floor, looking for something. Maybe I wouldn't arrive early to work after all.

I quietly stepped out and leaned against the wall, hoping he'd hurry up. Seeing him in his briefs and a thin shirt wasn't helping my plan to avoid him. I waited for a few moments, before he finally stepped out, sighing in relief when he knew I was still there. We walked towards the Ford pickup, and he flipped his palm up towards the sky.

"I'll drive," he said matter-of-factly, and I reluctantly handed over the keys.

The short drive was awkward, neither of us said anything. I had leaned my head against the glass, trying to get the image of him in his briefs out of my head. To think he'd be comfortable walking around like that was absurd.  His recklessness drove me insane. I liked my general routine of a day unlike his recklessness and changing attitudes. 

 I stared out at the docks, the endless line of battleships, tugboats, and reapir ships lining up. A sudden warm feeling on my shoulder and I jumped, turning towards the voice of my roommate, "hey, we're here"

We walked over to the dock as Colin rushed to place his cap on his head, one of the civilian guards greeting us. A few other late seamen scrambled to get to the ramp along with us. The guard checked his watch. 

"You've got 5 minutes till the captain gets there," he announced, tapping his foot impatiently. "Cap'n Vandeberg doesn't want ye rookies to be late"

It was difficult not to correct the guard, as this wasn't our first experience with ships before, but it was in our best interest to report to the main deck as soon as possible to greet the captain.  The captain rarely left the ship he was in charge of and for many of us seamen, the captain barely had enough time to greet and address all his fellow shipworkers. It wasn't that long ago that Vandeberg had taken over the last captain's position, maybe a little over a month, but it was rumored that the captain had decades of experience before being assigned to the USS Arizona. Being late to a meeting with a renowned captain wasn't something even a rookie should attempt.

A few strides ahead of Collin, we nearly sprinted up the gangway to get to the deck. Saluting the flag we reached the main deck where everyone was gathered together. We stood shoulder to shoulder, the people around us scoffing at our lateness as we heard the captain and rear admiral stepping out from their quarters to address us. A few other late seamen followed behind us as well.

The captain stood proud and tall in front with his rear admiral and a few other higher ranking officers at his side. It was hard to see above the seamen, but he appeared older, the badges and medals indicating the dedication and effort from years and years of service. 

"Greetings, many of you must be wondering why I've called a meeting today," captain Vanderberg announced. "As some of you are aware, admiral Kelly and I, have taken over as the leading officers of this beauty of a ship. It's an honor to be working with you all, and I hope that whether you're new or returning seamen and officers, that we can achieve many wonderful things. The USS Arizona is truley a remarkable ship, a game changer for the United States, and I'm honored to be a part of her journey and legacy. As much as I'd like to go one about her capabilities, I'll let admiral Kelly announce a few things first"

The rear admiral cleared his throat, "As captain Vanderberg mentioned, it's an honor to be working with you. Although you all have different experiences with the Arizona, keep in mind that regardless of rank, position, etc., we're all here as members of the United States Navy. We're all here working together to protect, defend, and serve our country. I hope that all of you can get along and have the same passion to serve as when you joined the Navy. As someone who has worked on countless ships from small to large, never lose sight of why you joined the Navy. Never forget what you're fighting for"

The two continued discussing advice and wishes for us, when Collin nudged my arm. He whispered while pointing to our left, "that lad has been staring at you for the longest time. Does he know ya?"

The person in front turned to chastisize his whispering, while I slyly looked over, glancing at the person he was referring to. The brunette quickly looked away, but his side profile did look awfully familiar. I didn't want to stare, but we eventually looked at each other at the same time and it finally clicked. My face dropped once it set in who exactly was staring at me from the other side of the deck. My mouth went dry and it felt like the captain, admiral, the seamen, and even Collin had dissapeared. The person staring at me shouldn't be here.

___________

The names of Elliot and Collin's coworkers are purely fictional, although many like Captain Vanderberg are based on real people.

Captain Theodore Vanderberg is based on the last USS Arizona captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh who died heroicly during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rear Admiral Alexander Kelly is based on the USS Arizona rear admiral Isaac C. Kidd who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor as well.