Richard McKenna

"Croskley:Jake For Gods sake..."

"Hello, ship," Jake Holman said under his breath. The ship was asleep and did not hear him."

"Holman: "I was home. What happened. What the hell happened?" {Second bullet kills him."

"Civilians are only morally bound to salute our flag. We are legally bound. All Americans are morally bound to die for our flag, if called upon. Only we are legally bound. Only we live our lives in a day to day readiness for that sacrifice. We have sworn our oaths and cut our ties. We have given up wealth and home life, except as San Pablo is our home. It marks us. It sets us apart. We are uncomfortable reminders, in time of peace. Those of you who served in the last war know what I mean."

"Jake Holman knew he was a strange bird and he was used to going aboard new ships. By the time they realized they were in a struggle Jake Holman would already have made for himself the place he wanted on their ship and they could never dislodge him. Or wish to."

"He had a light in his gaunt face and his voice and manner were strangely solemn. The were all a bit afraid of him. … "Were mixing our lives together, Maily, and well never be able to unmix them again, and well never want to." His voice was strong but tender, and he was smiling down at here. "I take you for what you are, and all that you are, and mix you with all of me, and I dont hold back nothing. Nothing! When youre cold, and hungry, and afraid, so am I. When youre happy, so am I. Im going to stay with you all that I can, take the very best care of you that I can, and love you every minute until I die." He took a deep, slow breath. "Now you say it" "I will always love you and honor you and serve you, Frenchy, and stay as near to you as I can, and do everything for you, and live for you, and I wont have any life except our life together…" Tears welled out of her eyes but she smiled steadily up without blinking. "I will just love you, Frenchy, all of me there is just loving you forever."