Mr. Young laughed and clapped Michael on the shoulder. "I should have known that such a strapping young man would be a defender of our country. Up from the air base are you? Good for you lad. You show those Americans that our local boys are just as good.

"Adam never seemed terribly inclined to the regimented lifestyle of a soldier. Well, I guess it's not for everyone, right, son? You grew up just fine anyway."