Page 95 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘I demand to see Captain Seki.’

‘No, no! You can’t see the captain.’

‘Oh, Ah Fat, step aside, I’m going to see the captain and you’re not going to stop me.’

Ah Fat backs off, allowing the women to enter the office. Seki is sitting at his desk but jumps to his feet when he sees them advancing, Ah Fat reluctantly on their heels, knowing he will be required to translate.

‘Captain Seki, I must protest. We have been told none of the vegetables the women have planted and grown under the most horrendous of circumstances are for their use. If not for their use, why have they damn near killed themselves?’

Ah Fat struggles to translate, obviously trying to find the most diplomatic way of communicating their message. When Mrs Hinch thinks Ah Fat has finished speaking, she continues before Seki has a chance to respond.

‘It is unforgivable to lead these women up the garden path so to speak, to let them believe their efforts would be rewarded with some decent food for once. We’re starving. What have you got to say, man?’

Seki is initially stunned at being spoken to in such a manner by Mrs Hinch. Although he can’t understand her, it is clear she is demanding something of him, and he is highly offended.

When Ah Fat has finished translating, it is time for Seki to speak.

‘The captain wants to know where you are from?’ Ah Fat asks Mrs Hinch.

‘I am a proud citizen of the United States of America.’

It becomes clear Ah Fat has not appreciated Mrs Hinch is not English or Australian.

‘American?’ he whispers at the same time Seki roars, ‘American!’

‘Yes, American. What’s wrong with you? Now, are you going to let the women eat the vegetables they have grown?’

‘No! No! No!’ is his response.

Ah Fat hurries the women from the room, as Seki continues to rant.

‘Americans are very bad,’ he tells Mrs Hinch. ‘They are causing much damage to Japan.’

‘Well, that’s very good news!’ she says. ‘Maybe we’ll finally get out of this blessed place.’

‘Do not try to steal food, Inchi,’ Ah Fat calls after them as the women are leaving the compound. ‘There will be slaps if you do.’

As Norah and Mrs Hinch walk back to the clearing, Mrs Hinch loses some of her bluster.

‘Oh, dear, while I’m glad to hear the US is winning this war for us, I’m worried the fact that I’m American has made the situation worse.’

‘Maybe,’ agrees Norah. ‘But I don’t think he was ever going to let us have the food.’

Not needing to be asked, Norah offers her hand to help Mrs Hinch back on the box.

‘I am so sorry; I have failed in my attempt to get the captain to let us eat what you have grown. It seems it was never meant for us.’

The women react angrily, shouting about the unfairness. Mrs Hinch holds up her hand for quiet.

‘Ladies, I’m afraid I also have a warning for you. Please do not attempt to take any of the vegetables; the captain has made it clear that anyone caught “stealing” their food will be severely punished. I have no doubt he will carry out that threat. I am so sorry.’

Norah’s hand is already raised to help her off the box.

Norah has struggled to regain the energy she had prior to her punishment in the sun. Her orchestra had been the perfect tonic. It’s been several weeks since their last concert, the one that went so terribly wrong for her. Ena and Audrey kidnap her one evening and take her back to the Dutch hut, where her singers await. After a rehearsal which is more fun than serious practice, Norah returns to her hut invigorated. Finding Margaret, she tells her it is time for another concert. She is surprised by Margaret’s subdued reaction.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I’m sorry, my dear, Ah Fat has made it clear; from now on, concerts are to be approved by Captain Seki. I will ask Mrs Hinch to speak to him tomorrow, but I don’t know what he will say.’