Kal, Male, 38

	- Narrator, disaster survivor and castaway

	- Husband of Kate, Bailey, Keekah, and Amy, father of Katie

	- 6'1, 190lbs, straight, shoulder-length dark-brown hair

Kate, Female, 37

	- Wife of Kal and Amy

	- 5'8, 150lbs, pale skin, shoulder-length curly red hair

Nina, Female, 26

	- Lover of Kate, Kal, and Hakee

	- 5'4, 120lbs, light-brown tanned skin, straight shoulder-length brown hair

Bailey, Female, 15

	- Wife of Kal, mother of Katie

	- 5'5, 130lbs, golden-brown tanned skin, shoulder-length light yellow-brown sun-streaked hair

Keekah, Female, 16

	- Wife of Kal, pregnant, daughter of Manu, sister of Hakee and Mie, cousin of Poln

	- 5'6, 150lbs, mocha-brown skin, waist-length mostly-straight black hair

Gale, Female, 44

	- Wife of Tok

	- 5'5, 130lbs, dark tanned skin, waist-length dark reddish-brown hair

Manu, Female, 33-34

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, mother of Keekah, Hakee, and Mie, aunt of Poln

	- 5'5, 150lbs, mocha-brown skin, butt-length straight black hair

Hakee, Female, 18
 
	- Survivor from Hahonoko, daughter of Manu, sister of Keekah and Mie, cousin of Poln

	- 5'9, 145lbs, mocha-brown skin, butt-length straight black hair

Mie, Female, 13

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, daughter of Manu, sister of Keekah and Hakee, cousin of Poln

	- 5'1, 100lbs, mocha-brown skin, shoulder-length wavy black hair

Poln, Male, 11

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, nephew of Manu, cousin of Keekah, Hakee, and Mie

	- 4'11, 115lbs, mocha-brown skin, short, wavy dark-brown hair

Tok, Male, 35

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, husband of Gale, father of Azure

	- 6'3, 205lbs, brown skin, shoulder-length wavy dark-brown hair

Amy, Female, 16

	- Wife of Kal and Kate, mother of Azure

	- 5'7, 130lbs, pale skin, shoulder-length straight black hair

Amu (Amutoko), Male, 52-53

	- Newcomer to the island, widowed hermit

	- 5'6, 150lbs, medium-brown skin, tight-curly black hair

Kylana, Female, 15

	- Uhonamonan visiting the island, sister of Hunamu, Tika, and Tila

	- 5'8, 140lbs, dark-brown skin, long dark-brown hair in braids

Hunamu, Male, 14

	- Uhonamonan visiting the island, brother of Kylana, Tika, and Tila

	- 5'10, 150lbs, dark-brown skin, cropped curly black hair

Tika, Female, 13

	- Uhonamonan visiting the island, twin sister of Tila, sister of Kylana and Humanu

	- 5'4, 125lbs, dark-brown skin, wavy dark-brown back-length hair

Tila, Female, 13

	- Uhonamonan visiting the island, twin sister of Tika, sister of Kylana and Humanu

	- 5'4, 125lbs, dark-brown skin, wavy dark-brown back-length hair

Popko, Male, 20

	- Uhonomonan native

	- 5'10, 165lbs, dark-brown skin, short curly black hair

Katie, Female, 9 1/2 months

	- Daughter of Kal and Bailey, first child born on Phoenix

	- Infant, beige skin, sandy red hair

Azure, Female, newborn

	- Daughter of Amy and Tok, second child born on Phoenix

	- Infant, rich bronze skin, curly black hair

Kunomo, Male, late-40s

	- Uhonamonan elder, brother of Kahan

	- 5'8, 145lbs, dark-brown skin, short black hair

Sleep had been better for me, though not without difficult dreams. Regardless, I certainly felt more refreshed on October 30th than I had in some time, and it was clear that the rest of those in camp felt the same way. It was Manu's birthday, the woman turning thirty-four, and despite exhaustion and the past week of harrowing moments, her daughter Hakee was up before dawn to make a cake for her mother. I joined her to get porridge started for breakfast, then went down to the surf as light came up to the East.

The boat was in place where it had been anchored the day before, the waters around it unseasonably still and calm. Usually, in the Spring, with the frequent rains and wind-driven storms, the seas around the island were typically choppy, large waves crashing on our shore and anything floating nearby was usually rocked with each passing crest. That morning, though, there was little to disturb the boat or the shore, and, though I didn't particularly believe in signs or fate, I had to wonder if it indicated a smoothing of the bad moments, or, perhaps, the proverbial calm before the storm. Either way, I let the relative warmth of the early day wash over me a moment, then when Hakee was finished with her cake, the two of us took the rowboat out to the vessel and set about repositioning the boat to the East side of the island.

Hakee was quieter than normal, but that seemed to me to be normal. She was exhausted despite a day or so of rest. I think she, like many of us, was still in a bit of shock, trying to calm the 'what-ifs' peppering thoughts and making us doubt ourselves. I tried to engage her in conversation not related to the long trip back from Uhonamona, but she said little and didn't encourage me to continue.

We had the boat tied up within an hour or so, the other vessel still in place where we'd anchored and tied it up after we'd captured it weeks earlier. I double checked the ropes and found them loose in a few spots, so we tightened the restraints and went ashore, pausing a few moments to lay out a blanket so that we could sit and eat a few handfuls of dried fruit and nuts we'd brought with us.

Finished with our snack, I started to rise. Hakee pushed me back down onto the blanket, and, without warning, she straddled me and started to kiss my lips. There were no words exchanged, nothing but the suddenly-intense desire I saw on her face. We were clothed in the moderate morning temperatures, but that was no significant barrier as Hakee pushed down her jeans and unzipped my fly.

She stroked me just long enough to bring me to near-hardness, then she slid her body down over me. Her slippery, tight vagina was sweaty and hot, and her clenching hole soon took me deep inside.

I let Hakee lead our movements. She was insistent, powerful. Despite her slender body, her muscles felt tense and hard as I caressed her arms and her ass. I could feel the desire for something more than sexual fulfillment in the way she fucked me. Perhaps she needed to be in control of something, even if just for a moment. Maybe it was the release of fears, or at least, a momentary restraint of them. Whatever it was, Hakee's hips pounded down on me in a rapid, determined motion. Her eyes were closed, her mouth partially open. I stroked her breasts through her shirt and felt wetness over my genitals.

Hakee came hard, never slowing her movements, rocking her hips up and down on my length. Her tightness only barely yielded to my penetration, only slightly dilating as her orgasm washed away and she continued to slam herself onto me. By the time she built to her second climax, I was nearing my first.

She came before I did, her pussy soaking with her light creamy juices. Even before she completely stopped shuddering from the pleasure, Hakee quickly slid her vagina off my length and took my penis into her mouth. The teen swallowed me whole, her own juices coating her lips and tongue. I strained for release, and within seconds, I groaned in pleasure as I shot a thick, long-held load down her throat. She swallowed quickly, then let my deflating cock fall and slap heavily on my thigh.

Hakee sat down on the blanket, her pants still pushed down to her thighs, breathing heavily. Neither of us spoke a moment. Whatever she had needed from me, whatever had driven those intense moments, it wasn't clear what she was thinking afterwards. She stared off towards the East, past the boats and towards the horizon. I watched her silently for a time.

“Thanks,” she said, finally, turning somewhat in my direction, “don't know what came over me right there.”

I shrugged and put my arm around her shoulder. I paused before replying, “It's been a long week or so...”

“Very long...”

I leaned closer and kissed Hakee's cheek. She turned and pushed her lips to mine, then broke away, a small smile on her face. “Thanks... I guess I just needed to feel strong again. This past week... it's been very hard to feel anything but fear...”

“Tok said you and Nina, especially, were rocks during the trip.”

“Rocks?” she said, cocking her head.

I forgot, sometimes, that common English expressions were often missed by those not native to the language. “Rocks, like, solid. Dependable. Capable. He said you both did everything needed to give the boat the best chance to survive.”

“Oh,” Hakee replied, letting her cheek slide onto to my shoulder. I kissed the top of her head and stroked the long black hair from her face. “It didn't feel that way to me. It was like... Like I had no idea what to do and I was just lost. If I did anything right... it was an accident.”

“It was no accident. Trust me, Hakee. You are very capable of handling yourself, even in difficult situations. You all survived, and it was in no small part due to you keeping your cool.” I drew her head back and kissed her lips again. It was really hard to remember that Hakee was still only eighteen. “You are a smart, caring young woman. You make all of us better just by being you. It's okay to doubt, but don't let that make you feel helpless. Believe me, you are anything but, and I know that when the shit hits the fan the next time, you'll come through.”

She stared oddly at me a moment, “Shit... in a fan?”

I laughed. “Sorry. It means when there are difficulties. Tough moments. Things going badly.”

“Ah,” she replied. “I wondered why anyone would throw shit in a fan.” Then she laughed. “I suppose it could have been worse. We were very lucky, Kal. To make it through. Very lucky.”

“Luck or not... I'm very happy you made it back to us. It was horrible to think you were gone forever. It still hasn't fully sunk in that you all came home,” I said quietly. Hakee turned and wrapped her arms around me. Even as she squeezed me tight, I caught a strong smell of her sweaty, swollen genitals from where her pants still left them exposed. It was quite a lovely scent.

“One more then we head back?” She whispered into my ear.

“One more?” I asked stupidly. When her fingers slid down to my cock, I leaned back and uttered, “Oh... certainly...”

Hakee purred her approval.

- - -

Despite all of the reasons why it would have been easy to excuse light work schedules and long periods of downtime, most of us found ourselves pushing forward to get things done. I suppose I had a hand in that, encouraging everyone to use our good fortune as a reason to redouble efforts and get prepared for the next time we encounter shit in the fan.

And despite everything we had gone through, were still, in some ways, going through, nothing could halt the progression of Keekah's pregnancy. She was in her ninth month, and it really had started showing the last couple of weeks. Her belly bulged prominently out from her body, her breasts now swollen and large, heavy with milk for the infant to come. She walked only short distances and rested often. Keekah was too stubborn and responsible to do nothing, so she generally worked on mending clothing and sheets, and did handiwork which was easiest performed sitting down somewhere.

Her mood was muted only a bit by the whirlwind of emotions from the past week. She, perhaps out of all of us, seemed to put behind her quickly the fears and the joy at our returning friends, and remembered that she was just days from the most exciting moments of her life. Keekah had wanted a child more than anything for a long time, and she was now in the window for deliver according to Manu. It could happen at any time, and Keekah's excitement could not be restrained.

She happily talked with Bailey and Amy about children, what to expect, how to be a good mother. They were already a close-knit group, along with Kate, and it was heartening to see them bond even more around the children. Kate still had moments of sadness that she was barren, but being able to nurse Katie, and now Azure, had driven away most of that and replaced it with enthusiastic pleasure. Kate loved being involved so intimately in the lives of children not her own, and it seemed to be very fulfilling to be invited into the “Mom's Club,” as she had started calling their regular conversations.

By the time we'd finished supper that evening, only a few of us remained around the fire. The others had all drifted to the shelters to sleep. We'd yet to discuss our plans for the government or the newcomers, but that could wait a couple of days so that we could let the raw emotions heal a bit while ensuring our returning friends settled back into their lives on Phoenix.

There was also Kunomo to consider. He'd been fairly quiet, spending time alone with Kylana when he wasn't laboring around camp. He seemed to be in decent spirits, though, like most of us, exhausted. I expected he and his niece were quickly caught up in the flourishing of their new relationship, and with that came both the tremendous joys of new relationship energy and the worrisome concerns of baggage from their lives in Uhonamona. I sympathized with them both, and offered them kind words and support throughout the day.

Regardless, I sipped rum for the first time in weeks, sharing the smooth liquor with Tok, Kunomo, Nina, and Kate. My first wife drank very little since she became a wet nurse to the children, but she did enjoy an occasional sip of rum or island wine. We talked about Uhonamona and the changes there over the months. There seemed to be some division in the community over whether to openly fight in the War.

Nina was certain the pursing boats had been Great Society based on the markings along the sides. Even that aside, GS forces had been seen more often over the last few weeks, though rarely in the waters between the two islands. Generally, they were spotted to the West and Northwest where schools of fatty tuna drew the fishing boats. Uhonamonans did the smart thing and avoided contact, but many in the community believed the War would come to them sooner or later, and it made no sense to stay out of the conflict if that was so. Some believed they could do more good joining now and not waiting for the assault on their island which they thought likely over the Summer months.

Others there cautioned against taking sides. Even though the Uhonamonans had clashed with GS previously, and there was no great GS support in the community, many Elders believed joining Progress United would bring attention from GS and they would force the group to consider them a threat worthy of attention. Uhonamona had stayed off the GS radar for some time, and many of those in the island leadership strongly supported keeping it that way.

“I really don't know what they may do,” Tok said wearily, sipping his own cup of rum. “I don't even really understand what they think it will accomplish to openly war against GS. They have a few hundred capable fighters, maybe enough arms to supply half of those. Sure, that's a sizable force these days, but they are untrained and, based on my own observations of the rudimentary security drills they ran, undisciplined.”

“Can we talk about Phoenix a moment,” Nina broke in. “This is a good segue into our security needs here. Kal, GS is too close for comfort. We know that now. They seem to be actively patrolling to our South and West, and we should anticipate the same North and East. It is only a matter of time before they decide this island is worth investigating. I have no doubt they have spied us from the horizon. They know we are here. How long before resources out there get to a point where they have to wonder if we are worth plundering, or... worse...”

We were all silent a moment. The harsh truth of her words crashed up against the weary joy I'd felt throughout the day. We were practically sitting ducks. “What do you suggest?”

“Immediate drilling. We militarize everyone capable. We train hard. Knowing what to do if we are attacked might not save us, but it gives us a shot. We've slacked off on our training the last few weeks, and that needs to be reversed. And,” she said, pausing to throw back the remainder of her rum, “we need to start keeping watch at night.”

It felt odd to think about that. Would we really decide that we had to have someone awake all night to keep an eye on the seas? It felt wrong at first. Nights on the island were peaceful, full of intimate moments and, usually, gentle slumber. It felt like a violation to acknowledge that what Nina suggested was necessary. And yet, “You're right.” I sipped my rum again. “You're right...”

There was silence again, then I continued. “This falls in line with what we've been discussing here lately. We feel we've reached the point, given our talks about more newcomers, where we need to formalize our community rules and how we make decisions. Amy has already done a great deal of work to get us ready for our own 'Constitutional Convention' of sorts. Along those lines, we need to formalize security and ready plans for our defense. Until we have all that in place, I believe you, Nina, should continue to lead the way. You are the only one here with any real military training, and you've been on point throughout your stay here. I suggest you get started in earnest and do whatever you need to do to get us ready.”

She nodded. “Good. I suggest watches start immediately. Tonight, in fact. We can't risk having our throats slit in the night only because we weren't keeping eyes on the water.”

More silence. Tok spoke after a moment, “Times like this, I wish Karana was a guard dog. She's not much of a barker.”

Kate offered, “True, but if someone is close enough for Karana to bark at them...”

Nina completed her thought, “we're probably already in deep shit.”

I nodded and eyed my empty cup. “I'll take first watch.”

“I'll join you,” Nina suggested. “I slept enough today for two people. We can do a fifty-percent watch through the night.”

- - -

“Thanks for taking care of Hakee earlier,” Nina told me after we'd settled onto a blanket near the surf. We could see the waters near both ends of the island as well as to the South. Nina had suggested we needed night watch in the North as well, but we had yet to formulate a plan for that. “She seemed really down this morning,” Nina continued, smiling, “but you made her feel better.”

I chuckled. “I barely did anything. Mostly just hung on for a couple of wild rides.”

“Well, she needed it.” Nina leaned towards me and kissed my cheek, then stared off into the darkness. “It was really scary, Kal. I don't know how we got so lucky.”

“Nor do I, but it seems you did everything you could to ensure that if you got lucky, you could take advantage,” I replied. “I'm so thankful you are back. I lost you once... losing you again...”

“Not this time,” she broke in. “Not this time.”

I nodded, yawning.

“We haven't even talked about some of what we brought back from Uhonamona.”

“I hadn't asked what was in those crates and sacks. I guess I didn't think much about them in the excitement.”

“Seeds for some new plants to try. We also brokered for things like coffee and peanut butter. The Uhonamonans have been trading with the islanders to their South and East, and doing quite well, it seems. Oh,” she said, turning towards me suddenly, “there were some medical supplies as well. Mostly stuff we already had but still needed more of. The big thing, to me at least... IUDs.”

“IUDs? Birth control?” I replied.

“Yep. Enough for everyone here who wants them, and enough for those who may come over the next few months. Uhonamona got them a few month ago in a trade, and they had more than enough to barter. It means... no more pregnancies except as desired. There's even a manual or two showing how to do it. Doesn't look terribly difficult, really.”

“Great,” I said, yawning again, “that's fantastic. I suppose it is fairly fortunate that there haven't been more pregnancies on the island. I'm especially concerned with Mie. She's so small.”

Nina didn't reply at first, then breathed, “I don't want children, Kal.”

“Oh?”

She shook her head. “Not now, at least. I don't take to them the way Bailey and the others do. I really don't. I mean, I don't hate children, and I love Katie and Azure, sure. I just... I don't want to go through that myself. I don't want to be pregnant. I don't want to be a mother. I want to... I want to be able to give myself fully to this place, whatever that means, and I don't need to have a parasite in me for nine months followed by years of always ensuring I'm looking out for my child first. I'm not ready for that, so... I already got my IUD in place. It took a few minutes during our night in Uhonamona. Hakee did, as well... It's a great relief, Kal.”

“Good. I... I worry about that, of course. Even as I give in to my desires, I worry.”

“I know. I was... I was thinking about it for a long time. I even considered not having sex with men, at least not vaginal sex, to avoid it. It was not easy to think about giving that up. But... I'm serious about my decision. I don't want a child, and... I was probably going to stop taking that risk in order to avoid one.”

“Well, I suppose us men are very fortunate today,” I said, chuckling, then I became serious. “Really, though, I respect that, Nina. Really, I do. You are stronger in that than I am. I seemingly cannot resist that temptation.”

“It's different for a man, Kal,” Nina said evenly. “You cum where you want, and if you get someone pregnant, you get to be the supporting caregiver. For the woman, though, it is a huge impact. It changes everything. Each time you or Tok cum in my pussy, I've had moments of deep reflection about whether it was worth the risk. I'd come to decide it was not, even as I enjoyed it. I know you, Kal. I know you care deeply, but it isn't the same for you. Your life may change, but not the same way a woman's does when she becomes pregnant. A woman... or a girl.”

“I see your point. I honestly do think about it... but you're right. The ways my life would change are minor compared to what happened to Bailey and Amy and Keekah. It has been fortunate that Mie has not become pregnant. Or you. Or Hakee. I'm sorry I didn't give that the full weight of consideration before. I feel rather selfish.”

Nina didn't say a word for long moments, reinforcing the word I'd chosen to describe the way I came in the women and girls with only marginal concerns for what might happen. I had been selfish, there was no doubt about it.

“Look at it this way, I suppose,” Nina replied eventually, “there was always consent, and I've heard you talk about the risk of pregnancy many times with each of us... It isn't quite the same as understanding the actual consequences for the woman or girl, but you did the best you could. I understand giving into desire, Kal. I really do. I let you cum in me many times even though I completely knew what I was risking and what I wanted to avoid. I do understand that, and when there is love involved, deep caring for each other, it is even harder to push yourself from experiencing that bonding. Don't beat yourself up, Kal. You're the least selfish person I've ever known, honestly, and I think you've done your best to be a good man, a good lover, and someone who tries to empathize with all of us.”

Her arm wrapped over my shoulder and she continued, “besides, Keekah really wanted to get pregnant. I don't know that you could have avoided that one short of cutting her off completely, and I think that would have been worse for everyone.” She laughed, then said, “and you and Bailey... you two have a bond that is stronger than any other here, any of your other wives. I see it. You two having a child together... that just feels right, and I know Bailey feels that way. Katie is the best part of her life, and that's saying something considering how deeply, madly, she's in love with you.”

That made me smile and feel a bit better.

“And did you see the way Amy and Tok shared that moment earlier? Azure is a treasure. Sure, Amy expressed doubts about being a mother, and she has been really scared at times, but I watched her watching Tok as he met their daughter for the first time. Kal, I tell you honestly, I don't know that I've seen a happier woman in my life. It brought me to tears.”

“That was wonderful. Amy's going to be a great mother.”

“She is. And Tok a great father, just like you.”

I leaned my head against Nina's shoulder, asking, “Do you really believe that? Am I a great father?”

“Yes. Maybe you don't see it because you notice every small thing you think you do wrong or without enough commitment, but in reality, you've been there every day for you daughter. I see the way you dote on Bailey and give her much needed breaks whenever you can. I see you playing with Katie and the joy on your face, Kal. I tear up sometimes to see that, too. I know you would do anything, anything in the world, to protect your child. No one could ask more than that.

“And it isn't just Katie. You already treat Azure the same way, even though, biologically, she's not yours. And Keekah's child will be the same. I have no doubt.” Nina kissed the top of my head, then said quietly, “You're our leader here, Kal. You're the one we look to for support, for inspiration, for a swift kick in the ass when we need it. You're a father to everyone, a proud parent when things go well, a partner when we need intimacy or encouragement, and a shoulder to cry on when grief sinks in. We all look up to you, you know. Even if you don't see it, we do.”

She shifted and I sat up straighter. Nina said, “When this government thing comes together, there's no doubt in my mind you should sit at the top. There's no one more fair or kind or capable among us. And I am confident the rest feel the same way.”

It was humbling on many levels to listen to Nina sing my praises. At times, I didn't fully agree with her. Perhaps she was right that I could too easily see my own shortcomings and I weighed those much heavier than did others. I really did try to make my life about improving the lives of those I loved, and despite my selfish moments, I gave as best I could to support and encourage those around me. It just felt like the right way to live my life, and if others, like Nina, found that to be vital to their well-being, then I believed I must be doing something right. Still, it was hard to take in all that she said, and as I yawned again, I knew it was going to be difficult to make it through the night.

“Get some sleep,” Nina told me. “I'm up for a while. I said fifty-percent watch. That means one of us can be out while the other keeps eyes up. Go ahead, I'll wake you when I need relieved.”

I leaned over and kissed Nina gently at first, then let our lips part into a wider, wetter joining. Nina had always been an excellent kisser, and this time was no different. “Thank you,” I told her, “for everything. I love you, Nina.”

“I love you too, Kal.” She stroked my cheek a moment, then patted the blanket and handed me a cover. “Get some sleep.”