The Tsunami

by Marshall Miller

  Emily then put her two cents in. “That goes for us older women also, Commissioner. I love dogs, being a vet is what I always wanted to do, but never having started a family….”

  Miller looked at her. A very attractive forty-something, if he didn’t miss his guess. “So, if I may be so bold, Doctor, you had no husband or kids…”

  “No, Sir. Too damned busy with my career, my business. My parents and younger sister survived, after the Squids came. I’m one of the lucky ones—my immediate family survived.”

  Miller grunted. “Yes, most of us have few family left. I had an ex-wife, a boy and a girl in El Paso. I have no idea if they made it or not.”

  “Well, in your position now, can’t you get someone to help look for them?”

  “Now that wouldn’t be very fair to everyone else missing family, Doctor, would it?” With that remark, Miller expressed just how dedicated he was to doing things the right, the fair way. It meant that he would not abuse his immense law enforcement power. It was hard enough keeping the military in line, without civilian officials going off on a tangent.

  “I guess not, Commissioner.”

  “And with that,” Torbin interjected. “I bid you adieu. Don’t mind if I take the M-1 with me, do you?”

  “Keep it, Major. You earned it. Besides, if you see something that got away from here, do me a favor and take care of it. We need new species of predators like we need holes in our heads.”

  “Will do, Sir. Emily, stop by my home first chance you get. My wife will want to thank you for saving the family jewels” That prompted a laugh from Emily.

  “Doctor, I’ll have some of my agents get you home, just as soon as we can.”

  “No hurry. And call me Emily, please. I think we are to first name basis after tonight.”

  Miller smiled. “Okay, call me Paul then, please.” He turned and stuck his hand out to Torbin.

  “Thank you, Major, for helping me stay in one piece. It’s been real.”

  The two men shook hands. “Stop by sometime, Commissioner. My wife will want to pick your brains about tonight.”

  “I will definitely do that. Be careful getting to your vehicle.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Torbin turned and began to retrace his steps to his original entry point at the hole in the fence. Emily watched him leave.

  “Definitely a hero for the times, don’t you agree…Paul?”

  “In spades, Emily. Now, if I can pick your brains about animal physiology one last time before I get you home…”

  Torbin made good time to his hidden vehicle, then back to the Base. He knew he would catch some hell from Aleks because once again, he had put himself in danger. Since she had become pregnant, she had worried about being a widow, and having to raise two sons by herself. Torbin knew some of that was the hormonal effect of being pregnant, as she was a trained spy and soldier, and knew the chances of death in this war. They had discussed it when they had first committed to each other. Carrying two children in your body changed your attitudes about almost everything.

  But there were times when a man just had to do what he had to do, something women had a hard time understanding.

  He parked his SUV and grabbed the M-1 from the back. Locking the vehicle, he headed to the door. It was near the witching hour, but of course the house lights were still on. He heard Fuzz’s warning “woof”, which told him that Abigail was keeping Aleks company. He reached for the doorknob, but it opened from inside before he could unlock it. Aleks stood in the doorway, with the “What in the hell do you think you are doing?’ look he had come to know so well.

  “Aleks…” he started to say, but never got past her name.

  “Well. I see you have a new man toy. And is that blood on your shirt? And of course you expect me to wash it out.” Then she broke into a litany of Russian and Ukrainian that Torbin knew by experience was cursing and chewing out his ass, while at the same time questioning his family heritage.

  In a flash it hit him what he had seen, done tonight. Stuff that normal people never had to experience or see. Nor should they. With that, he exploded. “No, goddamnit, not tonight! I just had to do things, see things no one should have to see or do. I did it for you and our kids—so no one would ever try and screw with them again!”

  Abigail stood behind Aleks with Fuzz, a look of concern on her face. Torbin was good about holding his personal emotions in check, so this explosion was out of character.

  Aleks’ eyes widened and she began to stutter, stammer.

  “No. No more, Aleks. I am now going to grab the bottle of scotch and go out back for a series of well-deserved drinks. I will come back in when I am good and ready. Abigail. Nice to see you, thanks for keeping Aleks company.” With that he brushed by the two women, went to the kitchen, grabbed the bottle of scotch and headed out the back sliding door. The same door Fuzz had trashed saving Aleks. Torbin was so incensed, he did not even notice that Fuzz slid outside with him.

  Aleks stood, frozen. Then she began to shake, then sob. “What have I done, little sister? I have never seen him so angry. So…hurt. What have I done? He will hate me…”

  Abigail hugged her. “It will be okay, Aleks. He loves you more than you can imagine. I’ll go out and talk to him. Just let him cool down a bit. Something…very bad happened tonight. I will find out what it is. Okay?”

  Aleks stopped crying long enough to nod, croak out “Yes, thank you.” She then sat down on the sofa, tried to gain control of her emotions.

  Torbin stood out in the fenced in backyard, taking a big swig of scotch when he heard a “woof” and felt a dog muzzle pushing his non bottle holding left hand. He looked down at Fuzz. “Well, are you going to chew my ass, literally now, for pissing off the pregnant lady? I know you are very protective of her. By the way…”

  Torbin knelt down in front of the war dog.

  “Mr. Fuzz, I have not really officially thanked you for saving the love of my life and my unborn children. Yeah, I bought you a couple of steaks, but we have not had a man to man talk…or at least male to male talk.” He gently began to scratch Fuzz’s ears, kissed him on his nose.

  “Without you, my wife would be dead. My two unborn sons would be dead. Thus, I would be dead, at least inside.” Tears began to run down his face. Fuzz licked them away, and Torbin buried his face into the big dog’s fur, gently sobbing.

  Abigail had quietly slipped outside, was standing in the shadows. To see Torbin, a best friend, like an older brother, in this much emotional pain cut her inside like a knife. But she knew that to barge in now would just embarrass him. So, she stood back, watching her dog do what dogs do best… provide unconditional love to humans who were hurting.

  Torbin finally stopped crying, wiping his eyes as Fuzz kept nuzzling him. “I thought you didn’t like, trust men. I guess I’m an exception. I’ll take that as a compliment.” He sat cross legged on the ground in front of Fuzz, ignoring the snow and the cold.

  “I wish you could have been with me tonight, Fuzz. We could have used you. Some young girls we rescued could have used you also. Nothing like a big, furry, warm dog to make a person feel safe, loved. As it was, I had to kill some…things that were probably were once your cousins. But some asshole humans fucked them up, made them monsters. Therefore, we had to shoot them. I am very sorry. I’ve come to understand that dogs are better than most people I know at being ‘human’—moral, nice, loving. So, accept my thanks for everything you have done for us nasty monkeys and my apologies for anything I may have done to you and your kind.”

  Fuzz, war dog, barked and extended the paw of friendship. Torbin sat his bottle down, and shook it. Fuzz gave him a large doggy grin, with the huffing laughter unique to dogs but often not noticed. Just then, Torbin noticed Abigail in the shadows.

  “Hello. Have you been their long?”

  “No, not long.”

  Torbin slowly rose. “Just having some male talk with your best bud here. I can see why you like him so much.”

  Abigail walked up t
o Torbin, and embraced him. “You are a ‘best bud’ to me, Torbin Bender. A big brother. You’ve always been there for me.” She gently stepped back from the embrace. “Always know that I’m always there for you, and your family.”

  “Aw, hell, I know that.”

  “Well, know that Aleks loves and needs you more than anybody. Which is why she gets so upset sometimes. She is so very scared she will lose you to something stupid. Especially since she cannot go and soldier along with you right now. So, she’s very frustrated.”

  Torbin let out a big sigh. “I’m just getting used to this…everlasting love thing. I’ve never felt it before either, never thought I would start a family. So, I know I screw things up all the time. But I do so love that crazy Russian-Ukrainian inside there. So, everything that looks like a threat I take very personally, and want to take it head on. Which is what I did tonight.”

  “It was bad….”

  “Abigail, it was the worst. The story will no doubt hit the news, as Krakens were also involved. But, well, some young girls were used, abused…” Torbin began to shake.

  Abigail hugged him again. “You did good, big brother. Like you always do. Just go inside and let Aleks know how much you love her, tell her what happened. She will understand.”

  She stepped back from Torbin, his shaking stopped. He pushed the scotch bottle at her.

  “Here, hate to drink alone.”

  “Torbin, you know I have no experience with drinking strong spirits.”

  “Here, just a sip. Puts hair on your chest.”

  At that, Abigail giggled, a sound that always made Torbin feel nice, that all was right with the world.

  “I don’t think I need hair on my chest, Torbin Bender. But I will take a drink for you. Okay?”

  With that she took the scotch bottle, taking a drink. And she began to sputter. “Oh! How do you get used to this? Or enjoy this? It tastes…bitter, hard.”

  “It just takes years of practice. We Marines have become quite good at it.” He retrieved the bottle and took another pull from it. “Well, time to face the music. Once again, thanks for being you, Abigail. You really help Aleks. You and Fuzz here, the hairy human.”

  Abigail smiled. “It’s my pleasure. You are family to me.” With that she kissed Torbin’s cheek.

  Torbin opened the sliding glass door, went in. Aleks was sitting at the dining table, a look of pain on her face. As Torbin entered, she started to stand. “Hey, pregnant lady. Just relax. Rest. Everything is okay.” He kissed his wife where she sat, and she clung to him.

  “Torbin, my husband, I do so love you. That is why I get so…upset when you’re in danger. Please, do not be angry with me. I cannot stand your disapproval…” She began to sob, cry.

  Torbin knelt next to her, holding her tight. “Aleks, I love you more than life itself. Anger is temporary. My love for you is forever. Remember that.”

  Abigail and Fuzz quietly snuck out as Torbin and Aleks loved each other. Love like they had was rare in the crazy world. Best not to distract them.

  As Abigail walked out and shut the front door, an unfamiliar Jeep pulled up in front. Fuzz immediately began to growl his nose working. Then, he stopped, his tail wagged once. It was someone he knew.

  Ichiro exited the vehicle, saw Abigail and smiled. She immediately walked up to him, smiling.

  “Hello. Ichiro. And thank you for helping get Torbin back in one piece.” With that she walked up and hugged him. He smiled, hugged back. Abigail looked into his eyes.

  They had started to train together just this week, Ichiro teaching her the finer parts of the use of the katana, as well as traditional Japanese bowmanship. She had taken to it like a fish to water. After the first lesson, Ichiro had introduced naked bladed swords.

  “You must have been a Samurai in a previous life, Abigail. You act as if you have done the techniques before, many times.” Ichiro had soon found out her speed and skill was second only to his. And he thought that may be temporary.

  Everything clicked, with the hour soon turning to two or more, Fuzz had sat patiently, watched. He seemed to sense his human mistress really enjoyed this. If she was happy, he was happy.

  Now, this night, they looked into each other’s eyes, and something really clicked. They began to kiss, deeply. After a few moments, Abigail gently pushed away.

  “Ichiro, this is new to me. I ask you for your patience. Aleks would say I am a bit stunted when it comes to relations with…men.” Then she looked deep into his eyes. “I must be certain of what I am feeling. I am a babe in the woods with this. Fighting, violence I know. Love…” She stopped, suddenly realized the word she had just used. She blushed, completely unsure of herself.

  “Abigail, know this. You tell me what you want. There is no reason to be embarrassed. You are who you are. Which to me, is someone very special, desirable, lovable…” Now he stopped. Lust he understood. Now, he felt this unfamiliar warm feeling in his stomach, his heart. Two confident warriors in all senses of the word, now stymied and unsure because they were entering the field of true love.

  For a few moments there was silence, neither person spoke. Then Ichiro began anew. “Abigail Young, you may have as much time as you want to consider what your heart says. I will do likewise. But please do not feel a need to distance yourself. I still want you to train with me.”

  Abigail paused, then answered. “I’ll still train. I enjoy it too much to quit. I…enjoy your company. I just ask we go slowly with anything more personal…or serious.” She smiled at Ichiro, wanting to do more, but terrified that she was not thinking, would be hurt, and would hurt Ichiro. These unfamiliar feelings were too confusing right now.

  Ichiro took her hand and kissed it. “I must go now, Abby. General Reed wants me in his office in the morning, probably for what you Americans call an ass chewing. No matter. I did what I had to.”

  “Thank you again, Ichi. Blame me if you must. Tell the General that I asked you officially as the formal representative of Deseret.”

  “No. Abby, it was my decision, made because Torbin is my blood brother. A Samurai does not make excuses for doing the right thing, no matter if it is against orders. I will weather the storm. It will be alright. The General is a fair man.” He kissed her hand one more time, smiling. “I will call you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be waiting for it, Ichi.” With that, Ichiro went to his vehicle and left. Abigail released the breath she had been holding.

  She turned around and almost stepped on Fuzz. He had been sitting quietly, patiently, invisible to the two humans. He gave an open mouth canine grin. Abigail smiled, scratched his ears. “Eavesdropping, are we? But tonight, my beautiful beastie, you may think what you want. I think you like Torbin and Ichiro, and are learning to trust males. Good. Because they are not going anywhere.” She patted him. “Come, bedtime and nice dreams. All's right with the world. The men in my life are safe, including you.” She and her friend went to her home, for a blissful sleep.

  CHAPTER 13

  BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA

  Madam President Sandra Paul opened the large bay windows of the now Office of the President, U.S.A. It was well below freezing outside, normal for North Dakota this time of year. But she craved—no, needed—the fresh, cold and crisp air in her face right this moment. She needed to feel the wintery air to help wash away the effects of the images of horror she had just viewed in her email. She stood there, feeling the icy cold on her face. There were times like these that she felt very, very, old.

  “Madam President, you risk frostbite. Please close the windows.” It was George Williams, her Special Assistant and man of many hats—Chief of Staff, chief cook and bottle washer. And most importantly, her dear friend.

  She took a deep breath of cold air, then started to close the windows. As she did, she heard the former State House clock tower begin to chime twelve noon. She turned and saw George standing respectfully in front of her large desk, the Presidential seal affixed to its front.

  Bismarck, the capita
l of North Dakota, had been lightly damaged during the rock strikes/Invasion. A nearby U.S. Air Force radar targeting site used by bomber crews on practice bomb uns had been attacked, and a single Delta had fired a couple of cannon shells in the tallest business building in the downtown. That was it. No harvester arks, no flying squads, no robocops snooping around. Just the even more horrible than normal Long Winter. The birth of the oil industry in North Dakota years prior had provided the populace of both North Dakota and the surrounding states a sustainable source of fuel and power to survive the extreme conditions. The fact that people were used to extreme cold and snow kept a large portion of the population alive. The tradition of tough farmers, a lot of them of Norse heritage, rounded out the survival characteristics of the now Unoccupied States of America citizens. They also provided help to almost all who fled from coastal states and overrun military installations during the retreat.

  When it came time to pick a New Capital, the location of Bismarck on major highways and rail lines, its distance from both coasts and the Gulf, along with its undamaged legislative buildings made it the ideal choice. It also had an operational and decent-sized airport, now the home of a small air force and transport service. Over the last couple of months, both former military and civilian assets were being repaired and moved into the Bismarck area. In addition, ground to air anti-aircraft weapons and a small unit of Free Japan F-15 Silent Eagle interceptors were now in place. The Japanese kept their small number at F-35s at home. The President could not blame them. The Japanese had been working overtime to help rebuild the USA air assets, which until now had been primarily helicopters and a contingent of former private aircraft. Some former USAF Aircraft were coming online (a few Interceptors and some A-10s found stashed in various locations, along with some transports) to supplement the craft the Japanese had salvaged from American Naval assets in and around the Japanese islands. The small contingent of Canadians had brought down a serviceable F-18 along with some ceremonial but still operational twenty-five pounder artillery pieces. They also stated they knew where some more F-18 assets were stored, as well as some weapons and ammo, including some Canadian Leopard tanks. They would just need help recovering them.