Chapter 101: Chapter 98: Journey to Asia

Onboard the USS Charleston, Off the Coast of Africa
April 30th, 1790

First Lieutenant Andrew Jackson glanced nervously at the person next to him. The legendary American general and the first American president was standing next to him, completely at peace while scribbling something into his thin notebook. The North Carolinian had stood next to General (or was it President now?) Kim before. In fact, he stood next to the Asian man plenty of times when he was young. They had fought together in numerous battles and he had the honor of being personally led by the general himself (the then-general never allowed the children in his army out of his sight and practically raised them as his own children). Yet he felt awe-struck to be standing next to the man "who built America." Some were even calling the former president "America's Father," and Jackson thought that the title was fitting. It was through General Kim's willpower, tactical genius, and benevolence that the United States was now a shining beacon in the Americas. Even if the nation was still unstable and loose, he had no doubts that things were improving day by day and the nation was rapidly growing in size and power.

It also didn't help that he desperately wanted to speak to the older man. Although he would always deny it, Jackson wanted to show his former commander that he had grown from the brash brat that created more than a few problems for the man during the American Revolutionary War (a term coined by General Kim himself). Sure, he was still blunt and a bit brash at times. But he graduated at the top of his class at Tybee Marine Academy (his mother always bragged about that to all her friends and neighbors), studied Asian culture intently for the expedition (despite forgetting to bring his pamphlet along, he spent weeks studying the material closely to gain an edge over the others), and fixed his attitude so he was more "mature and disciplined." He wasn't the young nine-year-old kid that barely knew the difference between the barrel and the butt of a musket. He was a trained officer of the United States Marine Corps (just thinking about that made him proud and patriotic) and a veteran to boot.

So why was it difficult to talk to General Kim?

"Are you anxious about something, Lieutenant Jackson?"

The young officer stiffened instantly. General Kim gave him a grin and beckoned him to come closer. Lieutenant Jackson obliged and moved close enough to see the things that the general was writing in his notebook. He saw several drawings accompanied by lengthy paragraphs under them. When he looked closely, he was able to discern that the drawings were various military tactics and inventions.

"I do this in my free time," The general muttered softly, "I think of new battle plans that could help the military, or think about potential solutions to any emergency situations back in America. I also brainstorm ideas about inventions as well."

"You're an inventor, sir?"

"No, I'm more of a free thinker. Also, there's no need to call me "sir." Just call me Samuel."

"I'm inclined to refuse, sir. It just doesn't feel right calling you "Samuel." Jackson answered seriously.

General Kim laughed and handed him the notebook, "Would you like to see it?"

Jackson grabbed the notebook a bit too eagerly for his own liking, but gracefully accepted the item and flipped through it. There were various sketches of all different sorts of ideas and thoughts inscribed into the pages. It was as if he was flipping through the mind of the general himself. And just by looking at it, he was able to discern why the man was a genius. His battle tactics were completely new and revolutionary. It was as if he took the lessons he learned during the Revolutionary War and refined them three steps further. His inventions sounded implausible (flying through the sky using hot gas and a basket, using the wind to fly a metal glider, communicating across hundreds of miles instantly using electricity), yet he reasoned how each invention was possible and the necessary parts/discoveries in order to make them possible. He also jotted down thoughts about his life and his expectations, along with his "battleplan" on how to approach each and every Asian nation they were visiting. Additionally, he wrote down potential problems that America possibly faced in the future (everything from slave revolts to war with a European power) and recommended a pragmatic solution for all of them.

In short, the man was always innovating, always looking to better himself and the country, and always had a plan for everything. It was no wonder why the British were whipped so easily during the war, General Kim was always several steps ahead of them.

"It helps me relax." The former president mentioned in passing.

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"Relax?" Jackson asked.

The man nodded, "It helps me remain occupied, knowing everything I do will help America grow into a better nation. This journal is my legacy, and also my place of refuge. It also helps writing things down on paper, as I won't forget any important thoughts."

"Maybe I should also write in a journal."

As if the former Marine Commandant predicted this, the Korean-American pulled out a journal from his suit jacket (which was one of a kind) and handed it to his former subordinate. "Then by all means."

Once again, Jackson graciously accepted the book and stored it off to the side for the time being. Then he blurted out his true thoughts, "Can you take me in as your student?"

General Kim raised an eyebrow and the man flushed, "I mean, it's just that I still have much to learn and you are one of the best officers out there. Additionally, you seem to know so many things, and I am very inexperienced. It would be an honor to learn from you, sir."

"Well, I don't mind, but do you have something that you want to learn in mind?"

"Battle tactics outside of the ones I learned at the Academy, as I know you basically wrote all the books there singlehandedly. Additionally, history and languages. Specifically, Asian history and the Korean language."

"The Korean language and Asian history?" General Kim asked with a surprised expression.

"I would like to be able to communicate with the Koreans once we reach Korea, and knowing history always helps understand the cultures of the nations we're visiting. I learned a bit of American Indian history through my time with the Indians, and I felt like I understood them better after hearing their stories. I believe the same thing can be applied here, and it would help me gain a fresh perspective. Additionally, I've heard that you wish to bring some Korean and Chinese immigrants back to America. By learning Korean, I believe I can help Korean immigrants integrate into our nation more smoothly."

"Well certainly. I'm not doing much these days except taking care of my son, brainstorming, and entertaining the British representative on our ship," The well-dressed man replied, "However, I will warn you this. If you really desire to be a student of mine, I will work you to the bone."

Jackson grinned, "Trust me, sir. I know. I was, and still am, a Marine."

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