One Man's War (One Man's Island Book 2)

A PERMUTED PRESS book

Published at Smashwords

ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-1-61868-428-8

ISBN (eBook): 978-1-61868-427-1

One Man’s War copyright © 2014

by Thomas Wolfenden

All Rights Reserved.

Cover art by David Walker

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author and publisher.

Dedication

I’d like to take this time to dedicate this novel to my father, Walter J Wolfenden. Dad, I know that I didn’t turn out exactly the way you had wanted me to, but I hope you’d be proud of me. I try to emulate you in everything I do now, and I know that as hard as I try, I’ll never be able to walk in your shoes. You are sorely missed.

I’d also like to take this time to thank two other men who made me into the man I am today, Drill Sergeants Adams and Gann, A Battery, 4th Training Battalion, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Like my Dad, you two made me into the man I am today, and I will forever be grateful.

There are a lot of people I need to thank, and the list is voluminous. I do want to thank Elizabeth Winegrad, for her permission to use the word ‘Clipazine’ [Clipazine Trade Marked ™ and Copyrighted © 2012 Elizabeth Winegard. All Rights Reserved.] Without that single word, this novel would have never made any sense at all. Also, I’d like to mention my Little League coach, who once told me I threw baseballs like I was lobbing hand grenades. Little did I realize, a few years later, how prophetic and useful that would be.

And lastly, but certainly not least, I want to thank my beautiful partner, Catherine Higgins. Without your continued love and support, I would have never have had the strength to sit down and write this story in the first place. Thank you, baby, I love you!

Other novels by

Thomas J Wolfenden:

One Man’s Island

Foreword

Over a thousand light years ago, a sun, in a far distant part of our Milky Way Galaxy died in a huge Supernova. It took eons for the effects of that stellar blast to reach Earth, in the form of a Gamma Ray burst along with a vast electromagnetic pulse, which killed off almost the entire human population in one fell swoop, along with most of the domesticated animals, leaving only a handful of survivors.

Recently back from what he thought was his last battle, Sergeant Major Timothy Flannery, Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Philadelphia Police Officer, finds himself alone in a decaying necropolis that once was his home.

Struggling to survive and keep his sanity, he first meets a mild-mannered University Professor, Paul. But soon after meeting this other survivor of that terrible night, things go terribly wrong for Paul, who was brutally tortured and murdered. Tim, unable to save Paul, kills his assailants, and makes preparations to leave Philadelphia.

He escapes the city just in time, before a lighting strike in one of the older neighborhoods turns into a huge conflagration, engulfing the historic town in a firestorm.

Traveling westward, he makes it to West Virginia, where he finds a waif of a girl, Robyn. He takes her in, raising her as his own, and after a harrowing winter in the Appalachians, the unlikely pair continue on their trek westward, where they come across more people, hell bent on making life difficult for them.

After Tim rescues Robyn from two kidnappers, they find the wreckage of Air Force One, and sifting through the rubble in an overgrown soybean field, find ‘The Football’, the codes for the United States nuclear arsenal. This they safeguard, knowing their finding it was somehow important.

In Nebraska, they meet a kindly old Native American, Dawn Redeagle, who, through tales of Native Folklore, they gain new perspective and also find a safe haven. In Williams, Arizona, they set up a nice homestead for themselves, and Robyn grows into a fine young woman.

It was then, years afterward, that they come into contact with two more people, Izzy Ginsberg and Flight Lieutenant Holly MacFarland, RAF. Holly and Tim fall deeply in love with each other, and the four people now travel all the way to the South Pacific, to a tiny Atoll named Volivoli, with the help of another survivor, Lance Corporal Juan Jimenez, USMC.

Before they reach the atoll that was supposed to be their final place, their new home in paradise, they’re confronted with a new evil, a rogue US Navy officer, who has been terrorizing the entire Pacific Ocean for several years.

It was on this tiny atoll, with the generous help of another soldier, Sergeant First Class Jerome Williams and his men from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, they have a final confrontation with evil, and find out what they were meant to do with The Football.

This is their continuing story…

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Foreword

Chapter 1: The Big Kahuna

Chapter 2: Hail to the Chief

Chapter 3: Absolute Power

Chapter 4: East Bound and Down

Chapter 5: A Brave New World

Chapter 6: Anchors Aweigh!

Chapter 7: Probable Cause

Chapter 8: Pieces of the Puzzle

Chapter 9: A Long Summer

Chapter 10: Fair Winds and Following Seas

Chapter 11: An Empty Vessel

Chapter 12: Where the Buffalo Roam

Chapter 13: A Rumor of War

Chapter 14: Charlie Mike

Chapter 15: Reinforcements

Chapter 16: Spies like Us

Chapter 17: Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum

Chapter 18: Hammer & Anvil

Chapter 19: Stand To

Chapter 20: Contact

Chapter 21: Follow Me!

Chapter 22: Surrender Terms

Chapter 23: Voyage of the Resolute

Chapter 24: 750 Grains of Diplomacy

Chapter 25: Hit and Run

Chapter 26: The End of the Line

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter 1: The Big Kahuna

Tim was waiting on the porch for the taxi he’d called to take him to the airport. He and Connie had just had another blowout fight and now he was sitting there, chain smoking and fuming. How many times had he tried to explain to her that he didn’t have a choice, he had to go?

He heard the front door open and he turned to see her head pop out.

That’s right. Just sit out there and wait for your ride. Go ahead and run away from your responsibilities again! she spat angrily.

I’m not running away! he shouted, his anger beginning to boil over. Why she always had to drag these arguments out into the public and broadcast it to the entire neighborhood, he had no clue.

Yes you are, mister big Army man! Sergeant Major! You do have a choice!

How many times do I have to go over this? You knew when you married me this might happen.

But not six goddamn times! Do you know what it’s like to sit at home here, watching the goddamn news every night wondering if you’re going to come home in a box?

He had no answer to that and hung his head.

That’s right! You don’t have a clue what it’s like! she finally spat. You had a choice the last time you reenlisted. You didn’t have to do that, did you?

He was about to explode, and he wished the taxi would show up before he did something stupid.

It’s all honkey-dory when I’m going to weekend drills, right? You love my extra pay from the Guard too. How else would you get your fucking nails and hair done all the time? he finally said angrily.

That’s not true!

Yes it is! You love the extra money and you sure know how to fucking spend it, he spat, standing. And speaking of hair, what the fuck did you do this time? It looks like you got your head stuck in a blender!

I like it, she said.

I don’t. I can’t believe you paid good money for that, he said, looking at what once was beautiful long, natural honey-blond hair, that was now cropped severely short and spiky, and was dyed an almost unbelievable purple color that Tim was sure would not be found in nature.

Connie backed up a little in fear, her hand on the doorknob, ready to slam it shut. I take care of this house when you’re away playing soldier, goddamn it! You don’t give a goddamn about anything but your goddamn unit!

Don’t you understand the Brigade needs me? he said in exasperation.

They don’t need you! You’re expendable. Once you’re gone, they’ll find some other knuckle-dragger to take your place! They don’t care about you!

They’re family.

Oh! They’re fucking family, are they? What about your fucking family right here? Connie said, her eyes ablaze.

I have to go! he shouted, tossing his burned out cigarette onto the postage-stamp sized lawn.

Well, you go then! See if I care anymore! she shouted, slamming the door in his face. He looked at the door for a moment and turned to the street, where the bright yellow taxi was pulling up in front of his house. Down Leon Street, peering south, Tim saw a blinding flash of white light, which soon dimmed to reveal an angry black mushroom cloud roiling up into the stratosphere. He stood there next to the taxi, frozen in place, watching the rising cloud, when the shockwave from the blast engulfed him…

Tim woke with a start. He was slightly disoriented, and the dream left him bewildered. He’d not thought about Connie for years, but the nuclear blast was still quite vivid in his mind. An involuntary chill swept over his body, and he was immediately covered in goose bumps.

He wasn’t sure if it was the dream, or the temperature in the room. He saw that the window was open, and the early morning sunlight was streaming in, filtered by the fronds of an immature coconut palm outside. Smelling the air wafting in through the open window, he detected the faintest hint of rain on the cool breeze.

It must have rained overnight, he thought. He sat up a little and winced at the now dwindling pain in his side. He looked down and saw the suture scar was almost completely healed, but it was going to be a nasty one, ugly and red, gashed in his lower abdomen like an angry lightning bolt that went all the way to his groin. He reached over to the other side of the bed and through the messy sheets, he could still feel her warmth, and smiled.

Ah! You’re awake I see, Holly said, entering the bedroom wearing only one of Tim’s T-Shirts and carrying two mugs of coffee. She walked up to the bed and handed him one of the mugs, which he took with a smile. Holly then walked around the bed and climbed in the other side, careful not to spill her cup. He breathed in the aroma.

You have to love this Kona coffee, he said.

Aye, I’ve never had better! So how are you feeling today? she said, taking a sip of her coffee.

Better. Still itches some, but I’m getting my strength back, little by little.

Oh, I think your strength is coming along just fine, judging by last night’s performance, she said with a twinkle in her eye.

He laughed in reply and looked out the window. Babe, do you think I’m expendable? Tim asked in an unnaturally soft voice, looking away from her, not daring to look back.

Where did that come from? she responded, setting down her mug on the bedside table, pulling her hair over her shoulder and leaning into his arm, pulling him close.

Eh, just had a thought is all.

To me you’re priceless, Sweetheart. And I’m sure Robyn would say the same thing.

He reached around and pulled her close, leaned in, and kissed the top of her head. That makes me very happy. You’re pretty damn special to me too.

Another dream? she asked.

Yeah, nothing to worry about. It was something from another lifetime.

Are you sure? she insisted, knowing how bad some of his dreams were. She’d been awakened by his shouts of terror before, but had never told him so, or pressed him about them. She knew he’d tell her if he thought it would help. I’m sure the last month hadn’t been so pleasant, after everything that had happened on Volivoli.

Yeah, babe, I’m sure. So what’s on your agenda today? he said, deftly changing the subject.

Our young Mr. Jimenez thinks he may have found our ride home, so I’m going over to Hickam with him.

Did he find another Hercules?

Aye. It will need some work, but he thinks he should be able to get her flying, she said, sipping her coffee and eyeing Tim over the rim.

How long, do you reckon? Tim asked.

I’m not sure. Depends on what Jimenez thinks.

I don’t think the house back in Arizona is going anywhere. Tim sighed.

Aye, I miss it there. Not that living here in Hawaii is all that bad, Holly said.

Yeah, it is nice here, but there’s something about that place. It’s like home. Funny, it’s the first place I felt at home, even before the Event.

I never felt so at home before I met you and Robyn.

Tim reached over and rubbed Holly’s belly, feeling the now noticeable bump. He smiled. So, how’s the little trooper doing today?

He or she is doing wonderful! Izzy said we’re both in fine health.

That’s good news, Tim said, putting his coffee cup on the night table and sitting up. I think I’ll get dressed and get something to eat.

What would you like for breakfast, Sergeant Major? Holly asked, pulling the T-shirt over her head, exposing her firm, round breasts.

You keep on doing that, I may never leave the bedroom!

You are naughty! I’m getting dressed, so behave yourself! Holly stated, sticking her tongue out and tossing the T-shirt at him. She pulled on a pair of jeans and found another shirt to put on. You get dressed yourself, and come out and I’ll make us some breakfast.

Yes ma’am! Tim said, standing at attention and giving her his best salute.

He watched her walk out of the bedroom silently. As he got dressed, he couldn’t help but wonder about the former residents of this little bungalow. Who were they, and what did they do before the Event? Were they dead and gone, like all the rest?

Jerry had found the place for them, and had purged it completely of the former occupants’ personal affects before they’d moved in, for which Tim was enormously grateful. Even after all this time, it still saddened him that so many were dead.

Billions upon billions dead, all over the world, in the blink of an eye. Had it really been almost seven years? He shuddered involuntarily and finished dressing.

Walking out into a narrow hallway, Tim made his way to an equally tiny kitchen with a breakfast nook. Holly poured him another cup of coffee, and he sat silently, looking out the window that overlooked a small beach. He watched the waves break over the sand, while Holly cooked breakfast, and after a short time she brought him a steaming plate of what Tim was elated to see was fresh waffles.

Now, only if there was real butter and maple syrup, he thought silently.

He resigned himself to fake bottled syrup and margarine, laughing a little to himself at the thought of those items lasting until the next Ice Age.

What’s the smile for? Holly asked, sitting down at the table opposite from Tim.

Oh, I was thinking about how this syrup will probably last until the next Ice Age.

That it probably will, she agreed. It would be nice to have some fresh, she added, pouring a liberal amount on her still steaming waffle. At least this mix is still good.

Tim sliced up his waffle and ate a few bites, wiping the corner of his mouth with a paper towel. So tell me more about the Herc.

Juan has been exploring all over the base, and there’s three Hercules in hangars that he thinks he can cannibalize to make one plane airworthy.

Is Robyn with him? he asked.

Aye, he picked her up earlier this morning. He said he’d be around later to pick me up.

She’s been spending a lot of time with him, Tim said flatly.

Tim, she’s a woman now, and he’s a nice chap. Give him a chance, she countered, pointing her fork at him, a piece of waffle on the end dripping syrup.

Tim laughed, Holly, I do like him. I just like breaking his balls. She’s a big girl.

He’s frightened of you, Sergeant Major.

Good! he stated, forking another piece of waffle into his mouth. He finished chewing, swallowed and then added, I think it’s nice that she likes him. And I know he adores her.

Then stop being so mean to him, Holly laughed.

When pigs fly, he said with a wink.

Speaking of pigs, Jerry said there was a bloke on the other side of the island that had rounded up some wild pigs and is trying to breed them. Hopefully we’ll have some fresh bacon soon!

That would be nice, Tim agreed. Jerry said he’d be stopping over today.

He’s nice too. I think everyone here is fab.

He’s been a lifesaver. He’s got everything well organized, and now that we don’t have to worry about some crazy psychopath terrorizing the whole ocean, I think it won’t be too long before he’s got the whole island back into some shape of a civilized society, Tim said, mopping up the last of the syrup with the last bite of waffle.

Do you want more coffee? Holly asked, finished with her food, and standing with her empty plate.

I’ll get it myself, Babe, he said, standing and taking his plate over to the sink. Holly passed her plate over to him, and he took it from her. I’ll clean up; you go and do what you need to do.

Thanks, she said with a smile, as the sound of a Hum-Vee pulling up outside made them both turn their heads. That’s probably Juan. I’d better go.

Tell Taco I said hi, he said, and I’ll be keeping an eye on him!

I will do no such thing, Timothy! Holly said, kissing him on the cheek. You take care of yourself today, and I’ll be back later.

Is that an order, Flight Leftenant MacFarland?

Aye, it is!

Okay, wilco, Ma’am! he said.

Tim busied himself with the washing up, wishing for running water. Jerry said that they were still working on it, but might have it ready by the end of the week. A hot shower would feel wonderful. At least they had the electricity on, and that was a luxury.

He finished washing up the dishes from breakfast, poured himself another cup of coffee, and retrieved his pipe from a table by the front door. He took both and went out the shade of the lanai and sat in a rocking chair.

He filled the bowl with tobacco, tamping it down, and then lighting it with a wooden match. He puffed a few times to get it going, and sat back, looking out over the yard onto the empty street.

Taking another sip of his coffee, he looked to the north and saw a rising plume of smoke several miles away. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement, and turned to look. The figure of a large black man, walking with military precision, had rounded the corner and was heading in his direction.

When the man saw Tim on the lanai, he smiled and picked up his pace. HE came through the gate and up the path to the porch, and bounded up the three steps effortlessly. It was Staff Sergeant Jerome Williams, or Jerry as he liked to be called, a man Tim now considered to be his best friend, or as much as a friend a sergeant major could have.

I’d have thought there wouldn’t be any more bodies to burn, Tim remarked to him.

Yeah, I thought the same thing, but we keep on finding more here and there. I figure burning them is the easiest thing to do with them, Jerry said, sitting down on a chair next to Tim.

Probably the best way, Tim agreed, and then noticed Jerry had a canvas satchel with him. What’s in the bag?

I keep on forgetting to bring this over to you, Jerry said, handing Tim the bag. Tim took the offered bag, and looked at Jerry skeptically. Beware of 25th Infantry pukes bearing gifts, Tim said with a grin, and opened the bag. He smiled when he saw what was inside. It was his M3 grease gun, and ten new 30 round magazines. He let out an appreciative whistle. I thought that was lost forever!

I found the magazines in one of the bunkers back on Volivoli, but never got around to giving them to you. They were still wrapped in wax paper, covered in Cosmoline, like they had rolled out of the factory yesterday. The gun was well rusted from your swim in the ocean, but I cleaned it up and oiled it for you.

Tim hefted the gun, opening the bolt to inspect the chamber. Nice job, Jerry. Thanks.

That Aussie captain wanted us to toss all of our weapons over the side when he brought us aboard. Damn near had a revolt on his hands. None of my men were going to give up their guns, even though we had no ammo left, Jerry sighed.

No shit? Tim said. Well, thanks for saving this for me, we go way back together.

He was a real stickler, a real old school sailor. And for being an Aussie, he sounded and acted very British.

I’m glad he found us when he did.

Yeah, me too, you were almost dead. I figured another day, well… Jerry trailed off.

So they’ve gone back to Australia? Tim asked.

They sailed yesterday. They hung around for a while, getting the ship provisioned, and then yesterday, without as much as a ‘thank you ma’am’, they were gone.

That’s a shame. I wanted to thank them and the doctor who patched me up, Tim said, puffing at his pipe. He set the satchel on the deck by his chair.

You can still say thanks to that doctor. He decided to stick around, along with several other Aussies, civilians mostly. I don’t think he was all that happy about it, the Aussie skipper that is, but he got some people from here to replace them. I figure it was a fair trade.

Sorry I haven’t been able to get around much except for the last week or so.

Ah, shit Tim. Don’t even worry about that. You needed to heal up.

Tim stood and picked up his now empty coffee mug. Can I get you a cup of coffee?

I’ll get it, Tim, you sit here, Jerry said, taking the cup from Tim, and going into the house. Tim watched the smoke from the pyre for a few minutes until Jerry came back out with two coffee cups. He handed one to Tim, and sat back down.

So what else is going on? Tim asked, taking the offered mug.

We should have the water on here in town by Friday. And the power is on now over almost the entire island.

Any other problems?

Last week a kid tried to break into a house a few blocks away. The guy living there decided to beat the dogshit out of the kid. Other than that, no problems, Jerry said, a little disgusted.

Break in? What the fuck for? I mean, shit. If you want something, you can go and take it from anywhere. Why break into a house where people are living?

I’ll ask the kid when his jaw heals. Got his jaw broken in the process.

He’s lucky he didn’t get shot.

I know. Now that society is coming back, I guess some of the old problems are coming with it.

Do you have a plan? Tim asked.

Yeah, I already got a few guys I sort of ‘deputized’, and one of the guys from 25th was an MP, so he’s putting together a police patrol of sorts.

Good idea, Tim agreed with a nod and gazed out towards the funeral pyre.

Jerry sighed. I wish the end of the world wasn’t so damn hard.

Jerry, the world didn’t end. I still don’t know what happened, but it didn’t end. It will keep on spinning for a few more years, I reckon.

I guess, Jerry said, then changed the subject. I understand you guys have decided to go back to the mainland?

That we did, Jerry. Holly is over at Hickam right now with Taco and Robyn, checking out another Hercules.

I’d hate to see you go, Jerry said after a moment.

We’ll be in touch, and we’ll probably be back at some point.

I know, but I could use your help here.

Jerry, stop selling yourself short. You’re doing a hell of a job. We’ll get back to Arizona and set up shop there. We’ll only be a radio call away.

Oh, and another thing, Jerry said, the ensign, and the other sailor from the, oh I don’t know, pirate ship? They’ve got some hare-brained idea of going to San Francisco, and finding some old Liberty Ship that’s supposed to be there. They figure on being some new-age merchant marines, setting up a trade route between there and Hawaii.

No shit, a Liberty Ship?

Yeah, they floated the idea past me the other day. I thought I’d better let you in on their plans.

Why tell me? Tim asked, perplexed at Jerry’s tone.

Hell, I thought I had to. Everyone here thinks of you as the head of what’s left.

Ah shit, Jerry. I’m just some broke-dick soldier. I’m not the head of anything, Tim said, holding up his hands.

Anyway, that’s their plan. Jerry replied with a shrug, And one of the Aussie civilians, he thinks he can get the railroads back on the mainland up and running again. He plans on some new trade route in the States leading to ‘Frisco, then our fair sailors transporting shit from there to here, Jerry added, sipping on his now tepid coffee.

Well I’ll be dipped in dogshit. Tim let out a sigh and leaned back in the rocker, puffing on the pipe, deep in thought.

To be honest, Tim, it’s not a bad idea at all.

I agree. There are a lot of variables, too, though. Like actually finding something or someone to trade with, finding anyone at all, really.

I agree. To get back to what I said earlier, you are the head of this mob. After what you did on Volivoli, word has spread quickly. Everyone here in Hawaii, sees you as our leader.

I’m no leader. Not anymore. I just want to be left alone, get Holly and Robyn back to our home in Arizona, and bring up my son or daughter in quiet and peace, he said with a little frustration.

Okay, Tim. I’ll leave it be for now, Jerry said with resignation, and finished his coffee.

I’m sorry, Jerry. I didn’t mean to sound like I was jumping down your throat.

Hey, it’s okay. I do understand. I never wanted any of this either. Here I am, though, and people on the island are looking up to me. Looking at me to make things right, to get everything back to the way they were. They’re also looking at you. They know what you did, what you’ve been through.

Then they should know I want to be left alone, Tim sighed, knowing that his wish wouldn’t be granted.

He sat back and puffed on his pipe, looking out at the smoke from the funeral pyre again, his mind wandering back over the last few years; back to that horrible morning, so many years ago. When he found the two bodies in the snow in front of St. Dominic’s that first long, lonely winter in Philadelphia, when the realization finally sunk in that he was the only one left.

And then to the time when he’d met Paul, that poor soul, and his horrible fate that he could’ve prevented… finding Robyn, then Izzy and Holly. Sometimes he’d think it was all a terrible nightmare and he’d soon wake up.

Let me ask you something, Jerry, he said after a moment. You said they want to get everything back to the way it was. Do we really want that, things back to the way it was?

What do you mean?

The wars, the poverty, the crooked politicians? Sure, we all want the power back on. We all want a hot shower and clean clothes, but at what cost? Me, I want to be left alone, Tim said, putting his pipe down and turning to face Jerry.

I understand. I do. But you’ve got to understand that people look up to you now, Tim. Not just soldiers. It’s everyday people, who see you as a guiding light in all this craziness.

I don’t know about all that, Tim replied with a gruff, dismissive laugh.

I do know one thing. I’d rather have you, than some nutcase like that crazy captain.

Tim laughed again at that. Yeah, I see what you mean.

Let’s just hope that there’s no one else like him out there, Jerry said. I know it’s a bit much to contemplate right now, but the people will listen to you, even if it’s just for advice.

With that said, Jerry stood. I should be getting back. You think about what I said, Tim. Even if you go back to Arizona, we’ll still need your advice.

Tim stood also, and shook Jerry’s outstretched hand. I’ll think about it. You’re doing a good job here all by yourself though.

There are little enclaves popping up, all over the place. We talk to them on the Ham radio—Europe, South America, Russia. They’ve all heard what you did, and ask all the time what you think. I haven’t given you all the messages, because I’d need a goddamn dump truck to deliver them.

Tim was dumbstruck. Listen, Tim. Listen hard, and let it sink in. The world needs you.

Needs me? Needs me for what? Tim snapped. He caught himself, and backtracked, calming his voice. I’m sorry, Jerry. It’s a little too much to think about.

I know you’ll be here for a bit longer. Think about what I’ve said. Talk to Holly about it, she’s a smart lady.

I will, Tim promised, wishing he didn’t have to. Thanks for cleaning up my piece.

No problem, Sergeant Major, Jerry said with a toothy grin. I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you soon.

After Jerry left, Tim picked up both coffee mugs and took them into the kitchen, suddenly feeling like the whole world was resting on his shoulders. And wasn’t that exactly what Jerry was talking about?

He decided to take a walk, to think. He walked out the back door and across the yard that led directly to the beach. He sat down under a coconut palm and removed his boots and socks, leaving them by the tree, and set off down the empty beach. He figured that it would have been crowded with tourists in years past; now it was completely empty, and that suited him. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts.

As he made his way down the deserted beach, Tim mulled over what Jerry had told him, and laughed to himself. He thought about that meeting with Dawn Redeagle on the prairies of Nebraska so long ago, and of his Indian prophesies.

It couldn’t be that simple, could it? He didn’t feel special. Not in the slightest. He felt old and frail. Try as he might, he couldn’t imagine himself being anything other than Tim Flannery, formerly of Philadelphia. He’d be hitting the big five-oh this year, he remembered, and he was going to be a dad. He’d brought up Robyn okay, and this child that he and Holly were expecting was going to be the only challenge he wanted.

After an hour of walking, he turned to look back on the way he came. The waves had washed away his footprints. He could barely see the bungalow the three of them shared, and all of a sudden he felt very tired. He sat down on the sand at the high tidemark and looked out towards the empty sea.

The sun was sinking in the west, and he figured he only had a few more hours of sunlight. Where had the day gone? Had he daydreamed the whole afternoon away?

He sat for a long while, looking out at the water, watching the waves tumble over on top of themselves. The weather was pleasant, not too hot, and there was a cool breeze coming off of the ocean that cooled his skin. He leaned back on his elbows and closed his eyes, savoring the feelings, when he was startled by a voice.

Aloha!

Tim turned to see a boy with an unruly mop of dark hair standing a few feet from him. The boy was darkly tanned and wore only a pair of cut-off shorts.

Well aloha to you too, Tim said with a friendly smile. He looked around, but there were no signs of houses anywhere near this part of the beach. Where did you come from?

I came from over there, the boy said with a toothy grin, pointing vaguely in the direction of the trees, then sat down next to Tim in the sand. Are you waiting for the Big Kahuna?

Tim gave the boy a once-over and decided he couldn’t be any more than five years old, born after the Event, he presumed. He then thought of the ensign’s boy, Billy. He was around the same age.

I’m sitting here and thinking. Who’s the Big Kahuna?

He’s our protector! My mom and dad told me all about him, the boy said, giving Tim a look as if saying ‘sheesh, don’t you know anything?’

He’s our protector, huh?

Yeah, he came from the mainland, from far away. He destroyed the bad men who were attacking us. Now he’s here, and is our Great Protector!

That’s amazing, Tim said.

Yeah. My mom and dad told me he watches over us all, and will always protect us now, the boy said, digging absently in the sand.

It was all a little too much for Tim to wrap his head around. Could this kid actually be talking about me? He thought. That was a laugh. Now he’d turned into some legend, like some mythical god from Valhalla.

My mom and dad said the Big Kahuna came from the time before… he must be old.

How old do you reckon he is? Tim asked with a barely hidden smile.

He’s really old! Like maybe a hundred years old even! he exclaimed with wide eyes.

Wow, a hundred years old, eh? He must be ancient.

Yeah! he said, and then his face darkened. Do you know what it was like in the time before?

Yeah, I do. That was a long time ago.

My mom cries sometimes at night about it. It must have been nice. He tossed some sand away, now digging a trench.

What’s your name? Tim asked.

I’m Jimmy. Who are you?

I’m Tim. Nice to meet you, Jimmy, Tim said, offering his hand to shake, and the boy took it. It’s getting late, why don’t we get you home, okay?

Okay, Jimmy said with a grin and stood up, brushing the sand from his hands theatrically.

Which way is home? Tim asked when he stood himself.

That way, c’mon! Jimmy said, and took Tim’s hand, leading him towards his house.

They walked through some bushes onto a narrow path, and soon Tim could see a quaint bungalow not unlike the one he now shared with Robyn and Holly emerge from the tropical flora.

He could see a light in one of the windows, and then he could hear a woman’s voice singing a song he’d never heard. It sounded to Tim like a Hawaiian native song, and the woman who was singing had a beautiful voice. Jimmy let go of his hand and went running up to the back door.

Mom! I found a man on the beach! he yelled, and Tim laughed.

The woman came to the door and opened it, wiping her hands on a hand towel, her face blanching when she saw Tim. Jimmy, go inside and wash up for supper.

Okay, Mom! Jimmy said, rushing by her into the house and out of sight. The woman relaxed a little and came towards him. Like a lot of native born islanders, she was a mix of Polynesian and what looked like Japanese. In her mid-thirties, long, dark hair, she was very attractive.

I’m sorry, I didn’t want to startle you. I met your boy on the beach, and since it was getting late, I thought I’d better make sure he got home alright, Tim said, offering his hand. I’m Tim Flannery.

I know who you are, she said a little abruptly, taking his hand.

Hey, I’m sorry. I’ll go… Tim said sheepishly.

No, please, I’m the one who should apologize. I didn’t mean it to come out like that. I never thought I’d meet you, is all, the woman gushed, and then smiled.

Ma’am, it’s okay, I understand, Tim said with a smile he hoped would ease the situation.

Jimmy, he was a blessing. After everyone, died… I had given up hope. Then I met his father, and we met others. Then the pirate ship came, and well, you know the rest.

I do. What’s this story he told me, about the Big Kahuna?

Oh my! she gasped, turning red.

Tim laughed, I never thought I’d be called the Big Kahuna. A big, well… other things, he said, winking.

It’s just that Jimmy saw we were all worried, and then you came. You took care of the problem… Jimmy kept asking why we were so happy now.

So I’m kind of like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny rolled into one, huh? I’m so embarrassed! she gushed, turning an even brighter shade of red.

No, I understand. Kids need to be kids for as long as possible. I’ve got one on the way myself, Tim said proudly. Holly is four months along now.

Congratulations.

I’m glad I can raise him or her up in a safer world than the one you and I grew up in.

Yes, thanks to you, and for that we owe you everything.

It looked to Tim that the woman actually had tears in her eyes. He had to get out of here, get back to the house. He needed to talk things over with Holly.

His mind was reeling on his way down to the water’s edge, and he started to walk briskly back in the direction he’d come earlier. The whole incident made his skin crawl, the way the woman gushed over him, the story the boy had been told.

He’d been held in awe before, by young soldiers. With them, he’d put the fear of God into them, because to them he was God. A sergeant major staring down a private who’d just monumentally fucked up was God on Earth. This was way different.

Tim peered at the setting sun, wondering where the day had gone. It seemed like only a few minutes ago that Holly had come into the bedroom with a fresh cup of coffee, breakfast, then the conversation with Jerry, his walk on the beach… and then there was this, this bizarre little meeting, first with the boy, then with his mother. It was almost as if…

No! Stop it, Timmy boy! His mind screamed.

He remembered now, after he was well enough to get off the ship, and Jerry had found the little bungalow for them to live in, on the occasions that he’d been out and about, which were few and far between, he’d noticed people would see him, and stop what they were doing, looking at him with… was it awe? He even remembered now that some of the men would take off their hats in his presence.

He finally reached the palm tree where he’d removed his boots earlier. He noticed with some relief that lights were on in the house, and he plodded up to the back door with leaden feet. He could hear the sounds of laughter coming from inside, then he heard Robyn squeal with delight and he smiled.

He left his boots outside next to the door and entered the house, went straight to the kitchen, and retrieved a bottle of beer from the refrigerator. He tossed the cap into the garbage can and followed the sounds of laughter into the living room, where he found Holly, Robyn, and Jimenez. The latter were seated close to one another, holding hands, and when they saw Tim, quickly released their grip and moved apart slightly.

I hope I’m not disturbing anything, he said with a tired grin, taking a pull off the bottle.

Oh, Tim, I wondered where you’d gotten to! I was telling Juan how you and I first met, Holly said, coming over to him and giving him a kiss. You look tired, are you okay?

Yeah, I’m alright. The story about how we first met, huh? The very first time? he said with a sly grin. Damn near got a general Court Martial for that little escapade, Tim added, collapsing into a lounge chair.

Shit, Sar’ Major, I can believe you would have shot her down, Jimenez said.

I would have, Taco, believe me, he replied. I hear you’ve found our ride out of here.

That I have, Sar’ Major. I’ve got to swap engines, but I should have it airworthy in a month or so, with a little help, Jimenez said.

Good, the sooner, the better.

Dad, what’s wrong? Robyn asked, her voice tense with concern.

Holly had taken a seat on the arm of the chair that Tim was sitting in, and put her hand on the back of his neck.

Yes, there’s something wrong. I can hear it in your voice, Holly said, rubbing at the nape of his neck.

It’s nothing, just tired from the long walk I took. I need to get some supper and get to bed early is all, he said with a sigh, closed his eyes, and leaned back. Taco, go out and get my pipe from the front porch, would you?

Sure thing, Jimenez said, jumping up to comply.

Really, I’m okay, Tim assured them. I need to eat something and get to bed, nothing more.