The flight to the island was more turbulent than Selena had ever thought. She kept her composure by gazing through the window, focusing on the cool, tranquil water below them, and occasionally listening to Hannah�s countless inquiries at Crash. Jim, known to sleep anywhere and at any time, fell asleep immediately after they lifted off the ground. During, which, he frequently mumbled incoherently and tossed and turned, all the while content in his deep slumber. From time to time, his tossing and turning caused Selena�s nausea to worsen. She would gently nudge him and settle him back in his seat. And each time, Jim would subconsciously smirk as if he had stirred in
Selena�s direction deliberately.
Hannah carried on her relentless interrogations on everything about the helicopter to Crash: What a red button meant; why it suddenly blinked yellow; had the �chopper� been inspected recently; did the chopper have parachutes in case of an emergency; what the difference was between a helicopter and an airplane; if it had an auto pilot button; how to maneuver the chopper up and down, sideways and under; and so on and so on. Not one question was left unanswered. Crash did not mind the inquisition; in truth, he took the questions as a challenge and liked Hannah�s company. She reminded him of his younger sister, in which he lost to the infection.
�Hannah, how old are you?" Crash curiously asked as he adjusted his headset.
�I�ll be fifteen soon," Hannah cheerfully answered. �Why?� She begins to fiddle with her fastening strap.
Sincerely, Crash responds, �My little sister was the same age as you when I saw her last. You remind me a lot of her. Although, she wasn�t too interested in what I did for a living.� He chuckles, then hesitates, �Yeah, she was a good kid�� Crash clears his throat, completely forgetting his train of thought. He looks ahead as if in a daze.
�Sorry,� Hannah thoughtfully said. �Did she become infected?� She was sympathetic to Crash�s feelings for she lost her father in the same manner. �You don�t need to answer that.� She softly said.
Crash candidly replies, �No, it�s okay, Hannah. It�s a reality we all have to live with.� His tone suddenly becomes more upbeat. �Do you mind if I call you sis? That�s what I used to call her.�
Hannah disillusioned by being thought of as a sister, listlessly responded, �Sure.�
Overhearing their conversation and sensing Hannah�s sudden languid disposition, Serena chimed in. �What was your sister�s name?�
�Her name was Karen,� Crash answered. �Selena, have you met my other sis, Hannah?� He teased as he winks at Hannah.
Hannah could not conceal her embarrassment as her cheeks increasingly turned bright crimson. She quickly reaches for her headset and places it over her ears, purposely positioning it closer to her cheeks in an attempt to mask her redden face.
Selena observes this and is amused by Hannah�s innocence. She quickly lightened up the mood just when Jim unexpectedly shifted towards Selena again, his face landing straight into her lap. �Jim, for the last time, not right now. Cheeky-monkey!� Hannah and Crash uproariously laugh in unison.
�What�huh?� Jim sits up abruptly, still half asleep. He rubs his eyes and lets out an unusual yawn, while stretching out his arms in the tight-fit cabin. Again, everyone except Jim giggles. �What, what�d I miss?� He looks around the cabin then focuses on a view of a jet in the front windshield. �Hey, that looks familiar,� Jim, points at the jet.
�That�s Captain Halstr�m. He�s the man that spotted your SOS.� Crash proudly revealed. �He�s the man you need to thank. I�ll make sure to introduce you to him. Actually, we�re almost there.�
Crash looks over to his left and sees Charlie, through the other helicopter, making a down signal with her hand. Crash nods his head to Charlie and gives her a thumbs-up gesture. Bruno and Charlie�s helicopter speedily change course, while Crash follows the jet ahead of him.
�Where are they going? Shouldn�t we be following them instead?� Jim curiously asked. He watches their helicopter fly away until it was nothing but a blip.
Crash completely avoids answering Jim�s questions, but comments again on Captain Halstr�m. �You�ll like him, he�s a very funny man. I don�t understand him too well, his English ain�t all that great, but I�m sure y�all get on with him.� Crash answers in his Southern drawl, nervously laughing, and hoping that his passengers do not see past his ambiguous answer.
Almost instantly, Selena becomes suspicious of Crash, not so much his evaded response, but his sudden tense reaction to the question. Thoughtlessly forgetting about her nausea, Selena impulsively peered through the window, looking down at the sea and bits of little islands, curious to see where Bruno and Charlie had flown off to. Meanwhile, her queasiness unfortunately came back faster than her attempt to keep it down. Selena immediately covered her mouth with her hand and instantly reached for the paper bag from the side panel of the cabin. She placed her mouth in the bag and vomited.
Concerned, Jim placed his hand on Selena�s back and soothingly massaged her.
�Are you alright?�
Selena slowly gasped for air, afraid to budge from her position. As if she were to reenact her sickly actions again, she quickly placed the bag over her mouth.
Jim continued to comfort her.
�How soon until we land?� Jim demanded at Crash. �Selena, can I get you something�um, some water or something for your stomach? Where�s your bag?�
He frantically searched around the cabin.
�In a couple more minutes we should be there. Can you hang on a few more minutes, Selena?� Crash worriedly asked. �Go ahead and put your head down between your legs and take deep, slow breaths. We should be landing shortly.�
Selena followed Crash�s instructions as Jim tries to ease Selena by tenderly stroking the back of her hand with his. �Selena, hold on, okay?�
Crash begins to talk into his headset, confirming their landing time. ��That�s right, E.T.A. is approximately three minutes, copy?� He listened for the ground control�s response. Jim and Hannah anxiously await the response with him.
�Roger. Okay, kids we�re clear for landing.�
Hannah applauds and beams with excitement.
Soon a vision of a tarmac with an enormous white X comes into view. Crash concentrates on the landing pad at the same time examining the instrument panels, adjusting levers on the console and talking into the headset. In the meantime, Hannah studied his every move with intense zeal, as if taking a mental note.
Crash pulls up on the bar with ease as the helicopter smoothly hovers over their mark. Shortly after, the helicopter made contact with the tarmac, making a smooth landing.
Again, Hannah celebrates by ecstatically howling at the top of her lungs. �Woohoo!� Jim, excited as Hannah, kept his elation to himself as he was still comforting Selena; however, he patted Hannah on the back and praised Crash on his flying skills.
�Good landing, Crash.�
Immediately upon landing, a boy, dressed in the military-issued navy jumpsuit and not much older than Hannah, jogged toward the helicopter. Hannah unbuckled her belt strap and was ready to exit, but Jim grabbed her arm before she can step out. �Hannah, wait.� He then turned to Crash, �Is it safe to come out?�
Crash, who already had climbed out, nodded his head. The boy approaches Crash and saluted him. Crash salutes him back. They embrace momentarily before Crash leads the boy to his weary passengers.
Jim and Hannah step out of the helicopter, leaving Selena on the seat resting. They suspiciously look around their unfamiliar surroundings before taking another step. Finally, Crash and the boy approach them.
�This is Jim and Hannah, and over there, that�s Selena.� Crash then introduces his companion. �This is Michael, our flagman.�
Michael shakes Jim�s hand. �You can call me�� He turns his attention to Hannah then awkwardly completes his sentence. ��Um�err, you can call me�Mike.� He set his gaze on Hannah, in awe of the lovely creature in front of him.
Finally, Hannah coyly smiles at him, �Hi.�
�Okay, we better get your things unloaded before the night fall comes.� Crash butts in, oblivious to Hannah and Mike�s moment.
Jim looks up at the sky and sees numerous rain clouds forming. �Yeah, we better get going.� He heads back to the helicopter to rouse Selena. �Hey, you ready?� Selena exhausted and worn-out shudders. Jim helps her down and clutches her onto him while they walk towards a truck.
* ~ * ~ *
On their ride to their new home, they examined the town as Mike drove. As with the desolate cities that they had previously passed through, this town was not deserted at all. There were several people walking around, going about their business while a few bystanders stared in wonderment at the strangers.
One toddler points at the truck and whispers something to his mother, as if informing her of a secret. A couple, holding two full bags of groceries, yield at the cross walk and glances up at a tower that had a large digital clock counting down the time, �1:09, 1:08, 1:07�� A man closing his deli shop pauses to examine the new visitors; he courteously removes his hat and slightly bows to them then continues with his labour.
Hannah waved to the man. She wanted to inquire about the normal activities that she just witnessed, but didn�t utter a word as she, too, was perplexed by what she saw. In fact, Jim and Selena felt the same as they reached for one another�s hand for reassurance. This comforted them both, feeling like they have finally found a place where they can begin living a normal life. Selena slipped into Jim, resting her head on his chest, he then tightly wraps his arms around her, and whispers, �We�re home.�
* ~ * ~ *
When they arrive at their destination, they were met by a very distinguished-looking man. He opened the door for them as Jim cautiously steps out. �Jim, right?� the gentleman asked. Jim nodded. �I hope your journey here was not too rough.� He glances over Jim and notices Selena asleep in the truck. �Well, I can see that you are all exhausted so I�ll have Michael lead you to your quarters.� He firmly shakes Jim�s hand and walks away.
�Thank you, sir.� Jim yelled. Without turning, the man acknowledges Jim with a wave as he scurried away.
Mike opens the door for Hannah and helps her out. �Watch your step, it�s a bit muddy here.� Hannah takes his hand and hops off the truck. �This is where you�ll be staying.� Hannah looks up at a contemporary-style home, not much bigger than the cottage they briefly resided in. �I know it�s not much and it�s quaint and small, but if you look inside, it has everything you need.� He said encouragingly. �Would you like a tour?� Hannah eagerly shakes her head.
As they scamper off to the house, Jim silently climbs back into the truck to fetch Selena. She appeared content in her sleep so Jim did not wake her. He gently carried her out and carefully brought her into the house. He softly set her down on a sofa and placed a blanket over her. Jim surveyed the interior of the house as he hears Hannah and Mike sprinting from room to room. At last, they end up in the sitting room again.
�Jim, there�s running water in the house and there�s electricity too!� Hannah enthusiastically declares.
�I can see that.� Jim glances over at Selena. �Shh, Selena is sleeping.�
�You can bring her to one of the bedrooms if you like,� Mike thoughtfully replied. He looks at his watch. �There�s only twenty-five minutes left before curfew. We have to unload your belongings from the truck. I�ll start unloading and you can move Selena into a room.�
Hannah leads Jim to the larger room as he carefully carries Selena through the house. Again he gently lays her down on the soft perfect bed, trying not to wake her. Selena slightly stretches her tired body taking a deep breath. Jim swiftly reaches over the end table and turns the lamp off. He quietly shuts the door behind him, peering through the crack for one last look before shutting the door completely.
* ~ * ~ *
While Jim and Mike bring in the bags, Hannah makes fresh tea in the kitchen. Like a child, she played with the faucet knobs, switching the water on and off, on and off, as if it were a new ingenious invention.
From the outside, Jim sees the lights flicker off and on in the house. He brings in the last bag and walks straight to Hannah. �Hannah, stop it. We�re probably on generators and we don�t want to lose our electricity.� He calmly scolds at her. Hannah does what she�s told and returns to making the tea.
�Actually, we�re not on generators, but we do have that for back up.� Mike interjects. �This island has a power station, however, we still have to conserve electricity.� Mike unzips his jumpsuit and removes a folded piece of paper. He hands it to Jim. �Everything you need to know about living here is on that guideline.�
Jim takes it from him and reviews it. Hannah walks in with a tray of tea, sets it down on the table and quietly sits beside Jim. �What�s that?� She asks, peering over Jim�s shoulder.
�It�s the island�s �Rules and Regulations�.� Jim muttered, still reading with trepidation. �We have a curfew and we all have to work.� Jim chuckles as he studies the paper.
�Who came up with this?�
�I did,� a familiar voice from the doorway, answers. It was the gentleman that momentarily greeted them when they arrived. �Sorry, I had to abruptly leave earlier as I was called upon on an urgent matter. We anticipated an earlier arrival for you so I waited to at least greet you.� The man pauses. �Where are my manners? My name is Daniel, Colonel Daniel Salinger and I am the mayor of this town.� He extends his hand to Jim, and they shake hands. �But please, call me Daniel.
There�s no need for formalities.�
Hannah pours tea into a cup and offers it to Daniel. �Thank you.� Hannah timidly sits back down. �Hannah, is it?� Hannah nods. �How do you like your new home?� He waits for a reply but Hannah shyly looks away. �I�m sure you�ll get used to it in no time. I know you probably have missed your schoolmates, but don�t worry, Michael will help you get situated at school and it�ll be back to normal as before�just in a different place.� The colonel smugly laughs and then turns to Michael. �It�s getting dark, and I�m sure your mum is worried sick about you so you better head home.�
Mike sits up from the chair as he hesitantly speaks, �Jim, Hannah, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you�ll enjoy your stay here. Good night.� Mike briefly glimpsed at Hannah then turned to Jim shaking hands with him once more.
�Good night, Mike. Thank you for all your help.� Jim kindly replied. Hannah, abashed yet poised, remained seated slowly sipping her tea, but glanced up at Mike and smiled at him demurely.
Immediately following Mike�s departure, Hannah excused herself to bed. Jim also excused himself as he walked Hannah to her room and checked on Selena. He peered through the door, halfway sticking his head in the room. Selena lay on the bed serenely sleeping. He leaves the door partially open so as to hear her in case she awakens.
Jim casually walked back to the sitting room, where Daniel is pouring himself another cup of tea. He gestures to Jim for a cup, Jim declines with a wave of his hand. Jim sits down and picks up the paper on the coffee table. Again reviewing the guidelines, he keenly asks, �So, what is this place, anyway?�
Daniel doesn�t answer right away. He comfortably sits back into his chair and tastes his hot tea. It wasn�t to his liking so he reaches for the sugar and adds a lump. He sighs and intensely looks at Jim as if he were searching for the right words to say. Finally he spoke. �This island was a holiday resort at one point. Your house and the houses around here were the maids� quarters. This area where we are now and the downtown district where you passed through are all barricaded from the rest of the resort. In the beginning, we really didn�t need to block off the rest of the island because we had no signs of infections but we took precaution nevertheless.�
Jim quickly interjects, �Are there any infected out there, beyond the barricades?�
Again, Daniel deliberated before answering Jim�s question. �I don�t think so, but the way the virus has spread, we�re not sure. As soon as the virus news broke out, the mayor of this town shut down the airport: no one was to leave or enter for fear of any infections spreading here.�
During Daniel�s explanation, Selena, wrapped in a blanket inaudibly strolls in, causing Jim to jump off of the sofa from fright. �Selena, you�re up. I didn�t hear you come in,�
Jim said breathlessly, holding onto his chest.
�I heard voices and wanted to know who it was. Sorry, Jim.� Selena sits alongside Jim on the sofa and snuggly pulls the blanket around her. Jim sat closer to Selena, attempting to warm her up.
Jim introduces Selena to Daniel as he pours a cup of tea for her. He then quickly repeats what Daniel had just told him.
�Daniel, you said earlier, the mayor demanded the end of air travel. You�re not the mayor? You said you were.� Jim astutely pointed out.
�No, I�m not the mayor.� Daniel looks down into his empty cup. �Like you and Selena and mostly everyone here, I am a visitor to this island. I brought my family here about three and a half months ago for a holiday. A few days after we arrived, we became permanently stranded like many other vacationers. The mayor instructed anyone who had a military background to assist in protecting the town. I am retired colonel so he appointed me as head of the militia. After he passed on, I took over.�
�Hence the militant guidelines on here,� Jim brandishes the paper in the air. Selena takes it from him and begins to read it.
�It says here we all have to take part in the survival of man. What do you mean by that?� Selena boldly asks.
Daniel walks over to the window and peers through it. With his back to them, he compellingly answers, �It means exactly what it says. For man to outlive this virus and to progress, we must work together, symbiotically, to survive. Everyone on this island has a job. My wife is a surgeon so she heads the only clinic that this town has. You met my son, Michael, who helps out at the airfield. And of course, you�ve met my daughter, Charlie. We now have farmers who never farmed before in their lives; we have a mid-journeyman who is now our head electrician. We have gardeners, teachers, nurses, plumbers, you name it, and we�ll all learn how to do it. We are mere businessmen and women, who came here for a relaxing vacation, but have had to relearn the most innate thing in this world and that�s to survive, to preserve mankind.�
Exasperated, Daniel takes his seat again. �Please forgive me for my outburst.� He regretfully utters. �I apologize for my fervent remarks.� He then drops his head low in shame.
�I share your frustrations, Daniel,� Selena remarked. �Anything Jim and I, even Hannah, can do to help this town and its people prosper, we�ll do it.� Jim nods his head in agreement. �I was a chemist and once, a medical student so perhaps I could help your wife at the clinic.�
�Yeah, yeah. I was a courier, maybe I can work at the post or deliver mail if that�s what you need.� Jim comically adds.
Daniel chortles at Jim�s comment. �It�s late and I�m sure you would like to get some peace and relaxation. You have come to the right place.� He said soothingly. �We can continue our discussion when you are all well rested. And perhaps, you could come join my family and me for dinner tomorrow evening. For now, get some sleep.�
�Thank you, Daniel. That sounds great. And yeah, thanks for taking us in.� Selena walks over to Daniel and graciously shakes his hand.
�Well, it�s dark out. I have to make a call for a ride, do you mind if I use your telephone?� Daniel kindly asks.
�We have a phone?� Selena exclaimed.
Daniel chuckles yet again. �Yes, you have a phone. Although, it�s quite antiquated; you�ll have to call the main operator and from there, you will be transferred.� He saunters into the kitchen and finds the telephone on the wall.
Meanwhile, Selena begins to inspect the house, running in every room, in the same manner as Hannah earlier on. Delighted to see Selena feeling much better, Jim ecstatically follows right behind her. They enter the bathroom amazed by the functioning plumbing system. �Oh, there�s running water, hot water.� Selena joyfully exclaims. �I think I�ll have a proper hot bath tonight.�
�The loo works!� Jim enthusiastically announced as he presses on the toilet handle.
�Jim, you�ll have to mind us girls. Just remember to put the seat down.� Selena declares, giggling.
They gather to the sitting room again, where Daniel is waiting patiently for his ride. �Crash should here shortly to pick me up,� He informs them. �I hope this house is satisfactory to you.�
�This is more than enough.� Jim says gratefully. �We really do appreciate everything. Thank you.�
At last, a sound of a vehicle stops at the front of the house. �Well, there�s my ride. I�ll let you get some rest and we�ll see you tomorrow then. Good night.� Daniel waves to Jim and Selena as he heads out the door.
* ~ * ~ *
After Selena�s long hot shower, she climbs into bed with Jim, who deep in his slumber is snoring. Selena grins at the peaceful sight of him. She notices the paper on Jim�s side of the bed takes it and begins to read it again.
2. Every household is allotted a certain amount of electricity, water and gas/fuel. Please conserve wisely.
3. There is absolutely no in and out privileges out of the barricades or the island unless otherwise approved by Colonel Salinger.
4. Only approved military personnel and approved volunteers are allowed at the airfield.
5. Everyone is expected to work and earn their keep. An essential and fundamental job pertaining to the preservation of mankind will be designated to you.
6. All Children are required to attend school. Children over fifteen have an option to work in a designated field; however, once eighteen, they are considered an adult and are required to abide by these said guidelines.
7. Attendance at the weekly town meeting on Thursdays is mandatory by at least one member of each household.
8. Treat your fellow man and neighbor with respect. Survival is key!
Compulsorily severe actions will be taken if these rules are not met.
We all must take part in the survival of man.�
Selena then quietly glided throughout the house, curiously opening and surveying all the cabinets in the kitchen; running her fingers along the white pristine walls; feeling the softness of the fabric on the soft; taking pleasure in feeling secure.
Security was the one thing she had hoped for them. And perhaps this island can provide that. She silently climbed into bed; for the first time in a long time,
she felt protected and safe.
TO BE CONTINUED�