Dancing with the Stars

Chapter 5

Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

Albert Einstein

Kendall lived in a society that was paranoid about everyone. The word communist was on everyone's mind. During the war, everyone was paranoid and did things that weren't normal. Like rounding up all the Japs and sending them to the camps.

It was the end of training. Kendall just got back from Virginia and was meeting with Mr. Anderson in downtown Los Angles. The meeting was behind the tailor shop on Main St. He like it better here in Los Angeles. Virginia was just too cold for him. Not everyone graduated from training. When it was all done. There were only four of us left. That afternoon they met with Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was dressed in a suit. A crisp white shirt and tie. There was nothing out of place. Not even a speck of dust on his shoes. He stood before them and told them what he would expect of them. How they were to act. He stressed the rules that they were to live by.

Rule number 1 "never reveal your true self. "

Rule number 2 "always be two steps ahead "

Rule number 3 "don't believe what you're told always double check"

Rule number 4 "Always be specific when you lie"

Rule number 5 "Never take anything for granted"

Rule number 6 "When the job is done, walk away"

Rule number 7 "Never put your trust in another person"

Rule number 8 "Never get personally involved"

Rule number 9 "Never let anyone suspect what you're doing"

Rule number 10 "Always trust your gut"

Mr. Anderson looks at the men that stood before him. These are rules that must not be broken, or you might just forfeit your life. Now, here are your assignments. He hands each one a piece of paper. Memorize it and then destroy it said, Mr. Anderson.

Later, Kendall drove his Chevy Chevelle through the gates at Manz' camp. The camp was in the valley surrounded by mountains. A far cry from downtown Los Angles. When Kendall arrived at the camp, it wasn't the best living condition. They tore most of the families from their homes just because they were Japanese. There were arm guards patrolling the gates. No one besides them was outside. It was dry and muggy, only in California. He park his car and got out. The wind was blowing; he straighten his suit jacket and made sure his tie was tight. It was important to look impeccable. They taught him that in the marines. Kendall was clean shaven, not a speck of dust on his suit or shoes. Which was difficult to maintain with all this dust blowing around here. It was important to look nondescript.

Kendall walk to the biggest building and open the door. Hey Kendal, the station duty officer Mike said, here's a list for today's questioning. Kendall glance at the list and read a name he hadn't heard since his father died.

He walks down the hallway and enter a room with just two chairs. In one sat a man with his hand tie behind him, his eyes cover. Kendall didn't need him to see where he ended up. He didn't need to see the betrayal in his friend's eyes. It's better if he be remember as a friend not and enemy. He showed no sign of acknowledgment. No one must know that he knows this man. That the man in front of him was his friend from the neighborhood where he grew up in.