The Fifth Profession

The Fifth Profession by David Morrell Page A

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Authors: David Morrell
difference between the Orient and the West. Even the Communist Chinese, to give one example, think more like Westerners than the Japanese do.”
    “I thought you said you didn't know anything about the Japanese.”
    “I said I didn't know
enough
about them. That doesn't mean I haven't studied them. I knew one day I'd be asked to protect a Japanese. I wanted to be prepared.”
    “And
are
you prepared?”
    “I'll have to think about it.”
    “You're afraid?”
    Savage's pride made him tense. “Of what?”
    “That you can be a
comitatus
but not a samurai?”
    “Amae.”
    Graham cocked his head. “I'm not familiar with the word.”
    “It's Japanese. It means the compulsion to conform to a group.”
    “Yes? And so? I'm puzzled.”
    “Omote
and
ura.
Public thoughts and private thoughts. A traditional Japanese
never
reveals what he truly believes. He always says what he thinks the group will accept.”
    “I still don't—”
    “The Japanese caste system, the absolute command of masters over retainers. In premodern times, the order was
shogun
to
daimyo
to samurai to farmer to merchant to untouchables, those who butchered animals or tanned hides. Apart from that hierarchy, the emperor existed with little power but great authority, the descendant of the Japanese gods. That rigid system was supposedly erased by the democratic reforms of the U.S. occupation. But it still persists.”
    “My compliments.”
    “What?”
    “As usual, you've done your research.”
    “Keep listening,” Savage said. “How am I supposed to protect a man who wants to conform to a group but won't tell me what he's thinking and who secretly believes he's better than his inferiors, which in this case is me? Add to that, the Japanese habit of avoiding favors because they impose an obligation to repay those favors in
greater degree.
And add to
that,
the Japanese habit of feeling mortally insulted whenever an underling assumes authority.”
    “I
still
don't—”
    “Everything you've taught me comes down to this—a protector
must
be both servant and master. A servant because I'm employed to defend. A master because I'm obligated to insist that my employer obey my instructions. A balance, you said. An artistry of give-and-take. Then tell me how I'm supposed to fulfill my obligation to a principal who won't reveal what he's thinking, who can't stand being obligated to an underling, and who won't take orders.”
    “It's a dilemma. No doubt. I agree.”
    “But you still recommend I accept this assignment?”
    “For purposes of education.”
    Savage glared at Graham and abruptly laughed. “You
are
a bastard.”
    “Consider it a challenge. A broadening of your skills. You've succeeded so far—commendably. Nonetheless you haven't achieved your full potential. Ignorance is death. To become the best you must learn the most. And the samurai tradition offers the greatest opportunities. I suggest you immerse yourself much further in the culture of your principal.”
    “Does the fee he offers make the effort—”
    “The challenge?”
    “—worthwhile?”
    “You won't be disappointed. It more than compensates.”
    “For?”
    “Giri,”
Graham said, surprising Savage by his mentor's knowledge of that essential Japanese word. “The burden of obligation to your master and to anyone who does you a favor. Even if the assignment's uneventful, my friend, you won't be bored.”
    4
    A dingy drizzle fell from a soot-colored sky. It sprayed off the greasy tarmac, forming a dirty mist that beaded against the dusty windows of LaGuardia Airport.
    Savage sat in a crowded American Airlines concourse and watched a DC-10 approach an arrival dock. He periodically scanned the confusion of activity around him, on guard for potential danger, sensing none. Of course, an enemy skilled in surveillance would not allow himself to attract attention, so Savage remained alert.
    “What's the principal's name?” he'd asked Graham.
    “Muto Kamichi.”
    The Japanese put their

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