The Island

The Professor and Mister Howell were discussing the genesis of the adventure, the feasibility meeting.

“I remember how it started” the Professor said. ”That meeting in ‘63”.

It had been conducted with the low volume chatter of the Cuban Missile Crisis coming from an AM radio

“The Greatest Danger” the professor said “ Is that we will be detected by military satellites.  They’ll develop the resolution to see us first.”

“I can take care of our military.” Howell replied, “ A few million spread about the right command.”

The professor had marveled at Howells use of bribery.

It was as certain a tool as calculus was in his own hands.

“It may not happen.” The professor said. “This isn’t a strategic site.”

“That’s our best protection “ Howell said “Once the knowledge of this place spreads even I won’t have the cash to hold them back.”

“I wonder how long there will be any of them to hold back.” The professor commented.

“That business in Cuba was pretty hairy.”

“Yes it was.” Howell said. “But they dodged the bullet.”

“This time” said the professor.

“Say” he changed the subject, “Have you seen Mrs Howell today?”

“Yes” Howell laughed. “She and the skipper are having a little game of  Shagri La.”

The Professor smiled. It was Mrs. Howell’s favorite fantasy. And she had played it out with all four of the island’s men.

She was an innocent native girl.

Her man could be any sort of outsider.

Today the skipper was a German Raider Captain foraging for fresh water.

Howell enjoyed pretending he was Captain Cook.

Whoever it was, it led to some love under the water fall.

The professor looked at his watch” We probably won’t see them until dinner then”.

Howell leaned forward, “What did you have in mind for Luvvy?”

“I thought she might enjoy a round of Professor and Cheerleader.” He said

“But the skipper usually does a pretty thorough job.  She may not have the strength.”

“Wonderful” Howell said. “I can keep her smiling without popping a ventricle or making some ridiculous arrangement with a cabana boy.”

“She gives as much as she gets” the Professor said. “We’re all glad she’s here.”

“Yes we are “added Ginger as she and Mary Anne entered the glade.”

“Pass the jug” Mary Anne said. “We’ve browned and we’re ready to baste.”

“Amen” said ginger, settling into Mr. Howell’s lap.

“I will now apply the sauce.”  Mary Anne said, popping the cork.

Marry Anne filled her and Ginger’s glasses.

It was the professor’s mango wine, chilled to about 40.

Expertly handling her glass she dropped into the professor’s lap.

“Hi baby” she said.

“Mmm” the professor intoned “Hello to you.”