A conversation about flowers. And an exchange of history

"Hola Jefe," the gardener greets you as you approach, "The senorita was asking about the flowers."

"They're so pretty," Alejandra says with a smile. "But Pedro says he's not really a gardener and he doesn't know."

You give the Latino a curious look and he shrugs deprecatingly. "I'm maintenance and custodial, but a couple guys called in sick and they put me out here for today. I guess they figure I can pull weeds. Maybe they figure I'll think it's lettuce." He grins sardonically.

You notice that the young Latino, while showing deference has no hint of servility about him, and as he speaks to you he has fallen into a military at ease position.

"Where did you serve Pedro," you ask and see him stiffen slightly in surprise.

"3rd Infantry Jefe, discharged three years ago."

"Good unit. For an Army unit that is."

"Si Jefe. A good unit. I was proud to serve. You were a Marine, Jefe. I understand that stands for 'Muscles are Required, Intelligence Not Essential.'"

You look at him and laugh. "Yeah, we're just a department of the Navy. The Men's department."

Pedro laughs and nods appreciation while Alejandra watches, bemused by the interchange.

"Sergeant Kyle Hawkfeather, pleased to meet you Pedro."

"Corporal Pedro Calveras, the pleasure is mine Jefe."

"You guys are cool," Alejandra says with a pretty laugh. "I like the flowers and I wanted to speak Spanish, but it's fun to see you guys bond. I thought you were going to get mad at me Dean."

"For what Miss Contreras?"

"Oh some girls say that teachers get mad if we talk to the maintenance and gardeners. Some of these girls here aren't very nice. An' Pedro, he helped fix my window when it didn't open, he's a sweetheart, and my roommate she was a..." she rattles something in Spanish to Pedro and he mutters back. "She was a bitch to him."

"That's too bad. Some people need to learn better manners."

"Si. This is very true. I like what you said in the meeting today Dean Hawkfeather. It reminded me of my father. He is very strict, but very fair. When I am in trouble with him I know that I have deserved it. I think that is how you are."

"I do my best, Miss Contreras. I've got to be going. Good afternoon to you. And to you too Corporal."

"Good afternoon Sergeant," Pedro answers with a smile as you turn away.