The Last Israelis - an Apocalyptic, Military Thriller about an Israeli Submarine and a Nuclear Iran by Noah Beck

Just on principle.”
    “You might be right, on principle. But I think it would create problems.”
    “Problems? Bao, if there was the slightest discrimination against you, the national media would back you up in a heartbeat. You know how liberal and gay-friendly they are.”
    “Yeah, and they could turn the incident into an embarrassing scandal for the IDF, which I don’t want.”
    “Why not, if it brings about change for the better? You could sue the IDF in court and you’d probably make civil rights history in the process. So you should feel empowered to be true to yourself.”
    “Yoni, I know all of that. But you’re missing the point. These guys are like my brothers – I have no better word to describe them. And I don’t feel any pressing need to come out right now. So I’m not about to start some unprovoked, high-profile campaign against them or the Navy in general. If I did that, do you think things would ever be the same for me on the sub, even if I win in court and in the media?”
    Yoni stood quietly for a moment. “Maybe I’m really just trying to get you out of the submarine force,” he said, playfully.
    “Don’t think I haven’t struggled with the issue before. But I’m at peace with the status quo.”
    “The guys you just introduced me to seem really nice, so for all you know they might tolerate it well.”
    “Those guys probably would. But you haven’t met everyone.”
    “The funny thing is, some of your sub-mates may suspect that you’re gay anyway.”
    “Just because I’m still single at thirty-three?”
    “Yeah.”
    “I’ve developed some good stories about failed relationships, thanks to what I’ve heard from my straight friends over the years.”
    “And it doesn’t bother you that you have to lie?”
    “It does a little. But it’s a small price to pay. At least for now. Please try to understand my position.”
    “OK…I’m sorry if I pushed you too hard on the issue. I just –”
    “I know. I’m not saying I won’t come out at some point. I’m just not sure when I should do it. And in the meantime, things are fine the way they are.”
    “Does this mean that I can’t make out with you here?” Yoni had a twinkle in his eye as he smiled.
    “Not here, while we’re eating!” Bao replied in amusement. “But afterwards, there’s a spot on the base that I can take us to…We should be able to find some privacy there.”

Chapter 10: Final Goodbyes
    Ambesah and his visitors arrived at the fence that marked the physical transition from family visit to military duty. His daughter rode on his shoulders and his wife held their Pekingese puppy.
    Ambesah pulled Tikva off from his shoulders and into his arms so that he could hug her properly. “I’m going to miss you, little one,” he said, lowering her to the ground. “Promise me you’ll be a good girl and listen to Mommy?” Tikva nodded timidly.
    “Watch yourself out there,” his brother Sanbeto said, as he embraced his older brother.
    “You too. And good luck with those non-Ethiopian girls,” Ambesah replied with a grin, as they ended their hug.
    He turned to his wife, taking her in his arms. “Please take care of my dad for me. And don’t forget to speak Amharic to Adi.”
    “I’ll try…Be safe and come back soon.”
    “I will…I love you.”
    “I love you too.” They kissed.
    Ambesah crouched down to give Tikva one last hug and kiss. He turned around and passed the fence beyond which no visitors were allowed. After a few more steps, he turned around to reciprocate the goodbye-waves that he knew were waiting for him.
    ****
    Bao looked at his watch. There were ten minutes until 1800 hours, at which time he was due aboard the submarine. He figured it would take about three minutes to walk across the lawn, another three minutes to walk up to the submarine, and another two minutes to climb the ladder to the apex of the mast.
    Yoni observed all of this and could hear the calculations as if Bao had spoken