“Do a lot of running around Sherwood Forest?” the vet asked, grinning.

“Sir, with respect, I’m not allowed to discuss any details of my missions,” Eric replied.

“But you know where Sherwood Forest is, right?” Mr. Pierson said, smiling.

“Yes, sir,” Eric replied. “It’s where the missiles are on a normal sub, sir. But I’m not allowed to confirm or deny that there are missiles on the boat I’m on, sir.”

“Gotcha.”

“He’s so mysterious,” Mrs. Bergstresser said. “He won’t even tell us why he got his medal.”

“Don’t push, Amanda,” Steve Bergstresser said quietly. “He can’t talk about it and it’s uncomfortable when you’re in that position.”

“But we’re not even at war,” Amanda said. “And if he got a medal that means he was in danger. As his mother I’d like to know why.”

“You will, Mom,” Eric said, somberly. “Someday. Trust me. But right now it’s all classified and I really can’t talk about it.”

“Do you enjoy what you do?” Brooke asked, frowning.

“That’s… a good question,” Eric admitted. “There are parts of it I like a lot. And there are parts that scare me spitless. Sometimes they’re the same parts, but not usually.”

“He told me that the reason he got that medal was because he was one of only five survivors of his last mission,” Josh said.

“Oh thank you very much for saying that in public, Brother!” Eric snapped.

“What?” Mrs. Bergstresser said. “You’re joking!”

“We need to change the subject,” Mr. Bergstresser said. “Right now. And, Josh, when we get home we’re going to have a little talk.”

“When I was in boats the guys were real practical jokers,” Mr. Pierson said, smiling in fond remembrance. “Is it still that way? Or have they cut the heart and soul out of the whole service?”