| game. The fishermen were organized under Herb "Rocky" Yamaguchi and Kalani Ho'omanawanui. Rocky was responsible for the pole fishermen and Kalani would rule the net throwers. Because the coast lacked a beach or a boat ramp, a suggestion was made to rebuild the still-legged derrick at the Haina Landing which would allow boats to be lifted into and out of the ocean. All store and restaurant freezers would be used to preserve food that wasn't smoked or dried. A record of all food produced would be kept by Reverend Kunichika. "Well," thought Eric, "If they keep to this we ought to make it." The plan to have almost nightly meeting as long as diesel supplies for the generator held out would help communications and get the community to know itself. Fortunately there had been no evidence of bickering, no power plays. Politics had been put aside. The townspeople seemed to have confidence in those who had taken up the reigns of leadership and in the course which they now steered the survivors. The moderator, Reverend Watson, asked for questions once the presentations were completed. "Yes?" "My name is Augustino Patayon," the greying Filipino was saying as he rose from his seat in the bleahers. "I want to know what happen Ignacio Battalona?" "Who? asked the reverend as he tried to understand Augustino's heavy accent. "Ignacio Battalona. My friend. Today he die>" "Oh yes, Mr. Battalona. For those of you who are unaware of what happened today, Mt. Battalona of Paauilo was shot and killed by what the committee calls renegades as he was returning with the convoy this afternoon. We can only offer a condolences Mr. Patayon. Today's even ts only serve to illustrate how dangerous it can be to drive on the Belt Highway beyound out road blocks. Mr. Patayon, please see me after the meeting. Thank you. Yes?" "I'm Eric Payne from Paauilo. Does the committee forsee another convoy in the near future?" "Captain Yamada, will you take that?" "No, Mr. Payne. Not unless there;s an overwhelming request for one. As far as we're concerned, we've rounded up everyone there. It's obvious we can't guarentee anyone's safety. Can we have a show of hands of anyone wanting to go back to Paauilo?" Eric raised his hand. No one else did. "I think you have your answer Mr. Payne." "I do. Thank you." "Daddy," Kawena whispered holding his arm. "What honey?" "How are we going to get the rest of..." "We'll discuss that at home," Eric cut her off in a whisper. "But..." "At home, Kawena...in private." After a few moments in which another question was asked from the bleachers, Kawena whispered again "I'm sorry daddy. i wasn't thinking." Eric put his arm around her and drew her close. "No harm done honey. We just don't want the whole world to know everything about us. Gotta be careful." "I know. I will be." Down on the floor Reverend Watson was wrapping up the meeting. "On your way out please take a handout courtesy of the Department of Education. One page has codes for the fire siren and should be self-explanatory. The backside is a list of who's in charge of what. Page two has locations for food production workers to report to and the last pages lists upcoming events. As you will see, there's an upcoming boys basketball game a week from Friday, preceded by a girls volleyball match. I guess that's it. See you all tomorrow." "Let me give the video tape to Sargeant Costa before we head home," Eric said as they walked down from the bleachers." The sargeant thanked him for the evidence and told Eric he would keep him informed if the identities of the men could be determined. With that Eric and Kawena headed out of the armory past the pool. "I think I'll sign up for pole fishing Dad," Kawenna announced as they crossed Mamane Street. "What made you decide that?" "Well, I don't think I'll be a good hunter. I'll be working in our garden and I don't have a net." "You don't have a pole either." "Jason has several. I think it would be good to have another skill." "I think so too and the ocean is so bountiful. You seem to have adjusted pretty well to our new life. probably as well as anyone in the family." "I get scared, like today when you and Jason went back. Before I'd never think twice when one of us went somewhere. And how come you guys never told us about the shooting? "Didn't want to ruin your pride in your hard work today." "Thanks. At least now I know we have enough supplies until we can harvest a crop, so I've just put my trust in you and Mom." "Well, we try our best." "I know. I love you both." "They stopped then. Eric hugged his daughter long and firmly as the night wind rustled the paper bark trees lining the road. He wondered how those who were alone survived. His family was all he lived for and felt a deep sense of being blessed. "Daddy." "What honey?" I'm glad Maile has Jason." "She's perked up a lot, hasn't she." "She sure has. Do you think there will still be a boy for me out there somewhere?" "Sure honey. If not in Honoka'a, then somewhere else." "I hope so. I want to feel like Maile does." You will. Hey, it feels like rain. Let's get back." That night brought a howling wind and a driving rain. The family retired early. Once again Maile found herself holding Jason in his warm bed. Once again she felt a special love, hope and mental peace in their deepening relationship. Long after they had enjoyed sex they simply held each other kissing gently. neither spoke neither had to. For the following three weeks, life for the group and the surviving community began to take an air of normalcy with exception for the community's spirit, which was several notches above normal. The hunters and fishermen brought in a satisfying supply of fish and game, the surplus of which was smoked, dried or frozen. Yhe children became adapt at gathering prawns from the irrigation ditches. Gatherers brough in guavas, macadamia nuts, lilikoi, papayas. mountain apples and star fruit. Taro came in from Waipio Valley. Many private tards had mango trees and although the trees didn't have fruit yet, the plentiful buds were a portent of a promising season for the local favorite. |
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