Early 1966
I thought about it most of the night and chose not to return to the hospital that morning as I knew it would be far too difficult to leave at all. Â
I trusted Alok was safe and I hugged and kissed my children before leaving for the few days I assumed Iâd be away. Â My previous job at Santa Ynez I had left on good terms and with positive reference, as was my habit of doing.
I knew in my mind that if I was going to get to Fiji it was now or never. Â Diana drove me to the station so I would catch the 10a Greyhound into San Francisco. Â After dropping me off she went back to the hospital to bring Alok home.
For the most part it was a straight through drive up north with only a few key stops along the way. Â I arrived some time that evening just after the dinner hour. Â Upon arrival in San Francisco I took a taxi to a friendâs apartment. Â Iâd known Morris since Fiji. Â This is where Iâd stay for nearly a week. Â
It just so happened the Seafarersâ International Union of North America was across the street from his apartment building. Â What were the odds?
Next morning I took that fateful walk across the street and made myself known to them, stating my intentions and then fell into their process. Â One of these things was to take their form to a doctor (choose one from a list f I didnât have one up there, which of course I didnât) for shots, check-up, etc., Â whew! Â What a lot of technical to-dos. Â
I returned to Morrisâ apartment late that afternoon with the certificate of completion of the unionâs medical requirements.
I also had the need to go to bed. Â My arms were loaded with shots, painful, swollen and these caused me to feel quite ill. Â Well I was forewarned by the doctor this most likely would be the side effect.
I did manage to call home and check with Diana about Alokâs health, how Amar and Asha were doing, how she was getting on, things at home and you know, stuff. Â
She comforted me, telling me that all is well and how wonderful it was having Susan and Lisa with her young son just next door. Â I told her about the not-so-fun time at the doctorâs office.
Fortunate for me, Morrisâ wife nursed me a bit, fed me good Indian food and I was able to rest the remainder of the day and the night through. Â The next two days I was really a mess. Â I felt much better the third day.
In that next morning I returned to the Seafarersâ Union office to submit the doctorâs completed form and certification showing I had all the proper vaccinations. Â
After what appeared to be a thorough review the staff behind the counter gave back to me all of my papers, the ID clearance card which I had previously obtained in Long Beach and my identification to include my British passport and my Green Card.
I was instructed to sit with the other fellows over in the reception area. Â We would wait. Little conversations took place, something to pass the time. Â I noted I was the only Indian, there was a small handful of African origin gents, a couple of Irish men and the rest were American or something. Â Iâm guessing. Â Itâs not really important, is it?
My name was called and I went back up to the counter. Â I was told, Â âWe need a waiter.â Â The one agent asked if I was experienced. Â I replied, âYes and I have worked on a ship before.â Â I was then instructed to throw in my ID card, like literally. Â
It felt like a gamble; itâs the way they do it. Â Other people reviewed my papers and near immediately I was accepted for the position.
Next thing is Iâm being told where the ship is docked. Â It was at my own expense to get to this ship. Â The location is on Suisan Bay at Concord, California. Â Iâve been given everything I need to report to that ship. Â Grateful for the job I returned to Morrisâ apartment and shared my exciting news. Â
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Suisan Bay  a part of Contra Costa County which is located in north-Âcentral California.  This is where you’ll find the Concord Naval Weapons Station.  That’s about 70 miles southwest of the capital of Sacramento. Â