Properties of Thirst

Schiff is initially stationed in Honolulu, where he gathers data and writes reports concerning the former commanders of both the Army and Navy on their culpability in the Pearl Harbor attacks. He and Sunny write letters. Schiff is certain that he’ll be sent to Japan when the war ends to draft its new constitution, but he hasn’t revealed this to Sunny.

One evening, Schiff is summoned by the Navy commander. He questions Schiff about a flyer he has put into circulation seeking information on the whereabouts of Stryker’s wife, Suzy, and their children. The commander’s daughter was a friend of Suzy’s in high school. He informs Schiff that Stryker wasn’t stationed on any ship on the day of the bombing. The commander’s wife explains that she herself flew to San Francisco on December 7, 1941, with Suzy and the twins; Suzy had an aunt who lived in the city. When the plane landed in San Francisco, Suzy was immediately taken away, still carrying one of the babies. The commander’s wife explains that she left the other twin with Suzy’s aunt at the airport. The commander states that Stryker indicated he was going aboard the ship The Arizona that day to play cards.