December 6, 1941

It’s cold in the D.C. Grand Central Station in December. At least it was on that first Saturday of the month in 1941. The benches are hard and the temperature’s frigid and the lights are too bright to sleep; at least at 4:00 AM. I was on my way to LA for a flight to Hawaii; a new assignee as Japanese translator to the OSS, the precursor to today’s CIA. I’d been traveling for 72 hours. Delays, detours and detainments. Exasperated, I sat on the rigid pew, nodding and head jerking, trying to nap sitting up. I woke every few moments and my neck was beginning to cramp.

They sat down next to me. I moved my duffel to accommodate the both of them. Obviously Asians. Possibly Japanese. Obsequious, bowing, smiling. Probably embassy staff. Gray homburgs, black, swallow-tail coats, bumbershoots and of course, their traditional brief cases. Their faces were grim and their foreheads creased with worry. They spoke whisperingly to each other rapidly and with impunity, ignoring me completely. How could these two know I understood every word? Both were oblivious to my listening as I studiously avoided looking in their direction. They were discussing a major upcoming event, apparently with some concern.

“What will they do to us”?

“Who knows? It will not be pleasant, I’m sure.”

“Should we leave?”

“Absolutely not. We mustn’t change our routine.”

“I’m worried.”

“So am I. But our first and only duty is to the Emperor.”

I began to wonder. What were these two up to? A crime? Maybe just an innocent event of some sort? I continued to listen, my curiosity now aroused.

“Do they have any idea?”

“None. It should be a complete surprise to them.

“Wonderful. I anticipate the event with some trepidation, however.”

“When will it happen?

“Soon. Very soon.”

“Train Fourteen to Los Angeles. Track seven. Leaving in ten minutes, all aboard”, the loudspeaker blared.

Standing, I swung my duffel on my shoulder and nodded to the two.

“I hope your surprise turns out well. You both look worried”

Stunned, the taller one replied, “you understand Japanese?”

“Yes.”

Looks of astonishment and then discomfiture swept over their faces as they glanced at each other. It was obvious they were now unnerved.

Cautiously, hesitatingly, the taller one said, “I hope we didn’t concern you with our chatter, did we?”

“No. I figure you two are planning a big surprise for someone.”

“Yes. Yes. That’s what it is. A surprise. A big surprise.”

“Do have a safe trip lieutenant,” said the shorter one.