A Reading of Book 1 of the SDS

Here is a quick one...a while back, I submitted the first chapter of my book, "Sweet Dreams: Searching for Roy Buchanan" to the Wildsound Festival in Canada.

Here is a reading of Chapter 1:

How about that?

One of the things I've been looking for, for quite some time, are actors or others to "read" the characters as they might see them in their own minds. That presentation has always been of interest to me, and I recently have been talking with theatrical friends about that possibility.

It's down the road, but worth looking at.

Does this make you want to read it? I hope so.

The Sweet Dreams Series is a multi-volume work that I began in 2007. Here is the Wildsound link that tells you about the story, and a bit about me:

https://novelwritingfestival.com/2017/12/16/novel-reading-of-sweet-dreams-searching-for-roy-buchanan-by-tory-gates/

Now I am still pushing and promoting my latest, "Live from the Cafe," on Brown Posey Press. BPP will do the SDS next year, and we'll be working up till then on this.

I got a really nice bit of validation yesterday from someone who knows what's what in theater. I gave the pitch, and explained this idea...

"You have quite a universe going on there," or something like that.

That's kinda cool. I have to really expand it, though. So much more to do.

Anyway, I thought Rachel did a very nice job on the read...I like hearing different voices, and it intrigues me to hear how others interpret the work.

Anyway, I don't know if I'm going to be back before X-day, but either way, have a good one.

Peace, Out.

Music among the Art tonight!

Well, my website's blog is acting better...so...if you like click on the link to my website, and hear about how Saturday night in Mechanicsburg went!

Plus a gratuitous shot of me, along with fellow Sunbury Press Books authors Joe Harvey and former PA Lt. Gov. Mark Singel!

http://torygatesmedia.wixsite.com/home/single-post/2016/08/20/Live-Among-the-Artworks-on-a-Saturday

"If this were the last night of the world..."...and How to Find a Literary Agent!

Well, I am going to to all out here in these final hours before "The End of the World as We Know It," yeah, right and I'm going to give you a long-winded and Pepsi Throwback/Goya Decaf induced frenzy that has become the past several days.

As per the usual, my iTunes will chime in with its offerings...just finished the lovely first movement of Joe Jackson's "Symphony."  Right straight into Nick Moss & the Flip Top's "You Got to Lose."  

So first of all, the initial part of my title for this blog is taken from Bruce Cockburn's wonderful "Last Night of the World."  I suggest you find it and give it a listen.  It's really a beautiful song.

Tomorrow night is the Winter Solstice; Yule for those in my dual tradition.  For many more it is the end of the world, or rather they'll wake up in the morning and go, "Hey, wha'happened?" or whatever it is they'll do.

I could go on forever about these loons, but I won't.  They are not worth my time.

Anyway...December 21st for me shall be spent with good friends, many of whom I've not seen in too long.  So if indeed it is the last night of the world Friday night, I shall be amongst friends.

So what has been going on of late...well, I have been furiously working to finish a long-overdue edit of Volume 3 of the "Sweet Dreams Series," subtitled, "Tougher than the Rest."  The first two of the series are now as ready as they will ever be; the third, I don't know yet.  I need to read over the mad pace I set for myself this week.

Writing is never really finished; I have been advised by friends to not refine anymore, but you know, it's something that is different for each individual.  I am one who feels these stories are my children, and while I can't say how they're going to do in the world, I have to give them my best so they can be their best.

"Little Wing," from Axis: Bold as Love.  Jimi figures in a tiny little way in Book 3, or SDS-3 as I call it.  Kinda nice.

This leads to a question from a new friend.  I have joined this writer's community, through my new Google+ account:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/107534692606148129223

This is on the science of writing, and I think I'll meet some interesting folks who are as passionate about this business as I am.

Anyway, one of the fellows here asked me about my literary agent, and how I acquired her.

"Innocent Moon," Will Ackerman.  From Hendrix to gorgeous new age guitar...hmmm...love iTunes...for shuffle, anyway.

So you know, I am repped by Jeanie Loiacono of the Sullivan-Maxx agency, and have been for the past three years.  Jeanie has been kicking open doors, but no hits as of yet.  Bites, yes...but this is more about acquiring that agent, that person who can open those doors for you.

I am no expert, but I will tell you how I did it.  It was by working it like a job, and having a bit of luck.

How you find an agent is exactly how you find a job, in my experience:  you have to be ready to sell yourself, via the resume, or in the agent's case, a manuscript.

Whatever you have...make sure it's ready NOW.  Make 100% sure that what you have to offer is ready RIGHT FUCKING NOW.  You can go back and edit later, but you need to have it NOW.

"It's Time to Play," Alvin Lee...from a very good CD, "Saguitar."

There are conventional ways to find an agent, and there are books to help:

1.  Writer's Market.  This is one of the holy books of the trade, but there are others.  WM has one specially for literary agents.  So that's 2.

3.  Dustbooks publises a guide to Independent Publishers and Small Presses.  Just as it says.

1 & 3 are necessary!  2 if you want to go in-depth.

Figure out your genre(s), target audience, etc.  Then go hunting.

Read these books...mark them up, dog-ear the pages, highlight them, and keep a list (Word file or whatever) of everything about the presses and agents that are worth going after.  Everything...names, addresses, numbers, faxes, websites, web addresses...all of it.  You will need this, and it stays in your mind.

Do NOT waste the time of publishers (and YOUR TIME) by submitting to those that don't want your stuff.  If they say, "No this" or "No that," they mean it.

You will find plenty of places to send to.

"Into Brooklyn," by Innocence Mission...different.

Okay...next!  We go into Cyberspace.  

Check for websites, but...I will tell you right now:  keep a sharp eye out for sleazy, fly by night publishers and agents who want your money.

DO NOT GIVE ANYONE ANY MONEY, FOR ANYTHING, EVER.  NO reputable agency takes a reader's fee.  NOT ONE OF THEM.  YOU are NOT responsible for their costs.  THEY ARE TO GET PAID ONLY WHEN YOU GET PAID.

"I Kill Children," Dead Kennedys.  Love these segues.

There are several websites out there, in which forums are available to check out publishers and agents that might not list in WM or Dustbooks.  They all don't.  

AbsoluteWrite.com is a site I strongly suggest you join.  Look around, make contacts, and you will learn quite a bit.  I surely did.

"Sunday Papers," live version by Joe Jackson...with all that's in iTunes, they do repeat artists.

Okay...you often hear about "Vanity Presses."  These are companies that charge you money to print your books.  Createspace is one, Xlibris is another.  Avoid them.

If you want to self-publish, be prepared to know that you will be in charge of everything, from the editing (unless you hire an independent one) to your own marketing and promotion.  I have friends who have self-published in various ways, and they can tell you...don't quit your day job.

I don't have the money to invest thousands of dollars into this, only to get a cover that was not what I wanted, pages that fall out, typeface that is unreadable, and nothing anyone would buy just on the aesthetic displeasure you get.  Also, I've seen too many people sitting alone in bookstores with their horribly produced books stacked there, and smiling, hoping someone comes and buys their books.

There's so much more you need.  If you can get the help, then accept it.

Next up...the Internet is a great place to find reputable, decent and professional literary agents.  You can check them out through numerous ways, thanks to the 'net, so these can be vetted pretty fast.

Here's another...Twitter.

I have found not only a ton of bookstores, but publishers this way!  The big and the small, they all Tweet.

"Little by Little," by James House.  Great song; I generally despise nearly all the country music produced since 1991, but this one from '94 was alright.

Now...do you know who you are going to send to?  Have you got your target list, one you will add to as time goes by?  What do they want?  A query letter?  The first chapter?  Do they want email, or snail mail?  

Do it the way they want it!  Or you get nowhere; or at least a fast trip to the slush pile.

The Query Letter is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write, up there with a cover letter for a job.  Yes, this is a job, and I shall remind you now of this.  This really is a job, or your job.

No more than one page; clear, concise, no flowery bullshit.  That's all.  They'll want to know the word length (75-thousand is average for a novel), but few more or less is not a terrible deal.  

Get to the heart of it in just a few words (clearly, less than mine here!).

Keep track of every letter or email you send; date your master list, keep your receipts, all of it.

"Strange Brew," BBC session by Cream.  Nice...

Budget out your time; if you are still writing, good!  Time for writing, time for finding, time for sending, time for updating the lists.

Do what works for you, but keep in mind you're looking for a job here.  

So how long did this take?  I literally spent four months, nearly every day doing these very things I told you about.  I got lucky; damned lucky.

A small agency in Georgia, Sullivan-Maxx took me on.  My agent loves the "Sweet Dreams Series," she gets it.  Sometimes all you need is one believer, beyond your circle of friends.  

Do not quit, and do not get discouraged.  Can't stress it enough; this is a lot of work, it don't happen overnight.  If you wish to go the traditional route this hard work really will be worth it.  You will get somewhere.

Meanwhile, keep writing; keep refining, keep thinking about what you have dreamed of and get it ready.  It will happen...it's not a question of "IF," it is a question of "WHEN."

"I Feel So Good," Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Pinetop Perkins...legends doing great music...

Now, I do not mean to denigrate anyone who chooses the self-publishing way, such as through Amazon.com or however you do it.  Make sure it is what you want; I honestly do not have the tools within me to do every single thing.  I do not know a lot of that, but I also know I have to keep learning as the time goes on.

Do what you feel is right, for you.  I wish you well on the journey...and for those who do, a Joyous Yule.

Peace.

The Finale: Chapter 26, Take Another Road: "Another Road"

This is it!  The final chapter of "Take Another Road!"  I thank everyone who has read through the saga, and I hope to find out your opinions and feelings now that it's done.

###

Chapter 26—Another Road

            Aimi opened her eyes.  At first wasn’t sure where she was, and had awakened to find herself in a rather cramped position.  Then she remembered, and moved carefully so as not to disturb the person whose arms held her. 

            The two armchairs in the living room had again been pushed together to make a small bed.  But for an old, oversized t-shirt, Aimi was naked beneath the wool blanket wrapped about her and Minoru.

            She thought back to the frantic moments of the night before, as the typhoon blew itself out.  Kaldera had been carried inside after his collapse, but to everyone’s relief regained consciousness almost immediately.  He was brought to the couch, where Saki was ready, a cup of coffee in hand.  As she got him to drink it, Kaldera sniffed, and his sense of humor returned.

            “Found my bottle of Jagermeister,” he observed.  “This’ll be the best cup of coffee I’ve had in a while!”

            Despite all that had happened in the past several hours, everyone had to laugh, and all availed themselves of the food and drink Saki and the others had prepared.  “All of you,” Kaldera said as he headed for the bedroom with Saki’s help, “you did damn well out there.  Every one of you showed courage, and you did indeed work as team.”  Raising his cup, he added, “Here’s to every one of you--I am thankful you are my friends.”
            The others eventually trooped to the shower, while Daisuke borrowed a change of clothes and went to the hospital.  As dawn broke, the group began to crash:  Kaz fell asleep on one end of the couch, while Mei took the other, Midori in her arms.  Minoru opted for the chairs again, and as he climbed into it, he noticed Aimi as she stood in the room. 

            Aimi was wrapped in a thin blanket, and wondered where she should sleep.  She had tried not to let Minoru notice her uncertainty; she didn’t want to assume anything.  At the same time, Aimi could not deny that she wanted to be beside Minoru, now.

            Minoru of course had seen through it.  “Aimi,” he whispered, “you can come here.  Don’t worry, I won’t try anything.”

            Aimi chuckled as she wrapped her blanket more tightly about herself.  “I wasn’t think of that, Minoru,” she replied quietly, and sat on the edge of the chairs.  “But how is this going to look?”

            “Does it matter?”  Minoru’s eyes were heavy, and he replied, “I may not be in my right frame of mind, but I know how I feel for you, Aimi.  You saved my life, my family’s lives--we’ll never be able to repay that.  And while this is not the time or place for acting on it, may I at least say that I love you?  As a friend, but also more, I feel?”
            Aimi smiled, and she reached out and ran her hand through Minoru’s hair.  “I feel it too,” she said quietly.  “I didn’t just go out there for my friends--I went out there for people I love.”

            She shed her blanket, then stepped over the chair and climbed into Minoru’s arms.  She curled her body against his, and Minoru wrapped his blanket around both of them.

            “What did you do out there?”  Saki sat on the bed beside Kaldera as she placed a wet cloth on his forehead.  Kaldera was a feverish, but Saki did not detect much more wrong, apart from that and exhaustion.

            “I called on the powers,” Kaldera explained, his eyes closed.  “I asked for help from the Spirit World, to give me the strength to lead us to our friends, and to bring them home.  I can’t really say much more than that, Saki; it would not make sense to you, and I am still not sure of it all myself.  I am a healer, but not a very good one.  I have had to expend so much energy over the years to heal myself, I wondered if I had anything left to give to others.”

            Saki walked around the bed and removed her tank top as she did so.  “You do,” she said, “and you have.  I have watched you do your work; when you play music, when you sing, and when you teach others--that is how you do it.  The way you have brought these kids together, people who are of different circumstances, but have things in common, that’s a gift.  You have given freely of that gift, Kaldera.  Don’t think you haven’t done anything since then.”

            Kaldera smiled as he watched Saki bend over to remove her underwear, and then slide into bed beside him.  “You are very kind, Saki,” he said, “too kind.”

            “I hardly think so.”  She leaned past Kaldera and turned the key to switch off the antique lamp.  As she lay against him and pulled the bed covers over their bodies, she asked, “One more thing, Kaldera?”
            “Yes?”

            “The song that was such a big hit in America,” Saki asked, “what song was it?”

            Kaldera chuckled.  “It was the worst of an eight-track demo I gave to a singer friend of mine,” he said.  “He called me a week later to say this song was the one he was going to cut.  I was honored he would record any of them, but I so wished it would have been one of the others.”

            “It must have been a very good song,” Saki posed, “at least in his mind.”

            Kaldera shook his head as he began to drift off to sleep.  “To borrow an old phrase,” he said, “it was a piece of shit.”

            Kaz set a laundry basket full of wet clothes, blankets and other items on the Kudo’s deck.  He had awakened a few hours after the boat’s arrival; everyone else was still down for the count.  Deciding to find something to do without waking up the house, he went down to the boat.

            The Kudo was going to need some repairs before she could put to sea again.  Kaz found no leaks as he inspected the hull; some of the lines, tackle and lighting rig however would need to be replaced.  He’d leave that to Kaldera, but Kaz could at least do some of the housekeeping.

            He looked across the water.  The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day, apart from the mess the storm had left behind:  two nearby fishing boats were being pumped out, and there was debris of all sorts floating in the water.  Some of the buildings nearby had lost parts of their roofs, and at least one of the dry-docked boats in the yard had been damaged.

            “Kaz!”  He turned and saw Asuka walking up the gangplank.  She was wearing the same clothes she’d had on from the night before, though they were now dry.  Her hair was brushed but frizzy, and she had dark circles under her eyes.

            He found himself rushing to Asuka, and the two embraced.  “Are you all right?”  Kaz asked.  “How are your parents?”

            Asuka clung to Kaz, and said nothing for a long moment.  “They’re fine,” she replied eventually.  “Dad has a separated shoulder, but the doctors told us it is not serious.  Mom is fine, just worn out.  They’re being kept until tomorrow for observation; they released me this morning.  I had Daisuke drop me off here; I wanted to see you, all of you.”

            Kaz looked into Asuka’s face, and down her body.  Her sweatshirt did little to obscure the curves of her body, and her tight, rolled up jean shorts showed all of her lean, toned legs.  She looked so good right now, even in this state, but he quickly averted his eyes to her own. 

            “We’re okay,” he said, “everyone’s still asleep up there.  I came down to get this stuff taken care of.”

            Asuka nodded, but continued to lean on Kaz.  “Is Minoru all right?”

            “Yeah, he’s fine.”

            “That’s good.”  Asuka raised her head and looked up at Kaz.  “You saved us,” she said, “I don’t know how to begin to thank you.”

            “No thanks are necessary, Asuka,” Kaz told her, “don’t even think about it.  We did it because we had to; we’re your friends, and…” 

            Kaz had stopped, and Asuka noticed he had looked away.  She reached up and took his face in her hand.  “What is it?”

            Those fingers, strong yet delicate touched Kaz’s skin.  He again looked to her, then slowly moved one arm around Asuka’s waist, the other about her shoulders.  “You don’t owe me a thing, Asuka,” he stammered.  “I…”  He tried again to turn away, but Asuka held to him, with a strength he hadn’t anticipated.

            “I know,” she replied, “it‘s hard to say what you want, isn‘t it?”

            “Yes.”  Kaz was shaking inside, yet a feeling was rising in him that he could not hold off.  “I have been trying to keep my mouth shut,” he began again, “and my eyes off you Asuka…out of respect for you, and for Minoru.”

            Asuka smiled and nodded approvingly.  “That is very gentlemanly of you, Kaz,” she replied.  “May I ask you a question?”

            “Sure.”  Kaz was only a little taller than Asuka, and he found himself looking down into her face.  It was so close.

            “Minoru told me there is one who loves me that’s very close,” she said.  “Is that one you?  If so, I wish to hear you say it.”

            Kaz blinked.  “Yes,” he said with some difficulty, “it’s me.” 

            He had no chance to say more, as Asuka’s lips met his and the two kissed.  He didn’t know how long they stood there, but the kiss went on for some time.  Both were inexperienced in this, but it didn’t matter.

            Kaz’s eyes opened, the same time as Asuka’s.  He could not speak, only smile.

            Asuka turned to look down the open hatch.  “Come with me,” she said.

            Kaz allowed himself to be led by the hand, down the Kudo’s steps. 

            Dear Journal:  The days that followed the rescue were a whirlwind, almost like the storm itself.  Fortunately none of our friends were badly hurt.  The boat was a total loss, but it was insured.  There were no other serious injuries from that terrible storm either, I’m so relieved.

            Now that the excitement is over, we can move forward again.  Minoru and I are closer now, and everyone seems fine with it.  Asuka and Kaz are dating now, too, and they are a great couple.  Keru seems to approve; he has changed, and it happened even before the storm.  Mei and Midori?  Well, we know about them, and none of us could be happier.

            Mom and Dad were very concerned when they learned what I’d done, but they also knew that I would have laid down my life for my friends.  Kaz’s parents at first thought he’d gone mad, but they were in awe of how brave he was, and are very proud of him.  I am glad for that, because even with their breaking up, Kaz loves them both so much--he’s needed their approval.  Maybe now they see how well he’s turning out.  I can also say that all of us are becoming even better friends; we’re closer than we ever thought possible.

            We got a small write-up in a local newspaper about the rescue, but I don’t consider myself a hero, none of us do.  We did what we had to, and I hope if a situation like that ever arises again, I can act the same way.

 In any case, Keru and his family have been more than grateful; they hosted an event at the club for everyone, and Kaldera performed of course.  This time, it was different:  Marlie joined him onstage, as did Kaz and Minoru!  Kaz sang that new song, and it was wonderful.  We’re all finding ourselves, even me.  I don’t know what I’m going to do after high school, but as my family has said, I should enjoy my youth and my friends.  There will be plenty of time to know what I will become.

            Aimi stood at the bow of the Kudo, in a one-piece black bathing suit.  It was a gift from Minoru; not because he wanted to see her in it (though that might have been an incentive), but he knew that she didn’t like her school suit, either. 

            Today the Other Roads Club would make another trip to the island, but this time it would be even better.  Beside her at the bow was Asuka in her white bikini, and she looked as good as ever.  Arms around one other, Aimi said, “We’re right back where we started, aren’t we?”

            Asuka laughed.  “I suppose so,” she admitted, “but I can’t complain.”

            “Neither can I.”  Kaz and Minoru then joined them at the bow, and Aimi looked behind her.  Mei had overcome her fear of being on a boat, and she made her way forward, wearing a black sarong over a red swimsuit.  Midori followed her in a floral bikini, and they joined the others at the rail. 

            “No seasickness yet, Mei?”  Kaz quipped.

            “Don’t remind me!  No, I’m cool,” Mei replied as she quickly softened her tone.  The day was sunny and wind filled the sails, but the waves were only very slight.  “I’m doing fine.”

            Aimi looked behind them:  Kaldera was at the rail, Keru beside him.  The latter’s arm was still in a sling, but he was in better form, a lit cigar in his teeth as enjoyed the trip.  Nanae sat at the stern alongside Aimi’s parents, and all waved to her.  Saki was also back there, in a black thong standing on the other side of Kaldera.  Daisuke was aboard too, one of Saki’s hostess bar colleagues (similarly attired) as his date for the day.

            Turning to face forward, Aimi said, “We’ve come a long way, and our lives will only get better.”  Pointing ahead, she added, “Look!  Our lives are as open as the horizon.  No matter where we go--I’ll always love you guys, and remember what we’ve been through.”

            Kaz put his hand forward.  “The Other Roads Club--may it live on forever, and may we always take the one less traveled.”

            Everyone put a hand on Kaz’s.  “And that will make all the difference,” Minoru declared.

            “Hear, hear!”  All said, and held to one another as the Kudo took a heavy swell.  Then the music came on again, over the loudspeakers, and Aimi smiled as she looked forward into the sun.

“Take another road to a hiding place

Disappear without a trace

Take another road to another time

On another road in another time

Like a novel from the five-and-dime

Take another road, another time…"

###

(Author's Note:  "Take Another Road" is written by Jimmy Buffett, Jay Oliver and Roger Guth.  It appears on the album, Off to See the Lizard, 1989.)

###

That is it, the first of The Other Roads Club trilogy! 

Take Another Road, Chapter 25--"Rescue"

It's time for Chapter 25 of "Take Another Road."  This is the next to last chapter, we're getting down to the end of it.  Enjoy!


###

Chapter 25-Rescue

            The Kudo rose above the wave, hung as if suspended, then slammed down to meet the next one.  The running lights, as well as those on the masts and rigging were lit, but they did little to illuminate the darkness beyond the rail.  Sails lowered, Kaldera guided her by engine power only, and they were at least making some headway.

            He stood, his shirt off and fully exposed to the lashing rain and wind.  Aimi was below, preparing the space for those that would be brought aboard.  At the bow, in foul weather gear were Kaz and Daisuke; both had attached themselves to the rail with safety lines to keep from being blown overboard.

            Kaldera had been confronted when he announced he was going, and he‘d resisted their joining him.  “I can’t ask you to do that,” he said as he went across the room and began to pull heavy clothing from the closet.  “This will be dangerous enough, but I have to go.”

            “We’re not letting you go alone!”  Aimi cut in front of him.  “Those are our friends, too,” she added with anger that had never been seen from her.

            Aimi didn’t give him time to think about it, either.  “Kaldera, you’ve always talked about us becoming a team, helping each other through things,” Aimi said.  “Now is our time to help you, and them!”

            “You can’t do a rescue alone,” Kaz put in.  “If Keru is hurt, you will need more than just yourself to get him aboard.”

            Kaldera knew from the expressions of those around him that he was not going to be allowed to leave on his own.  “All right,” he finally relented, “take what you need for clothes in here, and let’s get going.”

            “I’m going, too,” Daisuke said.  He was already removing his tie and suit jacket.  Saki volunteered to remain behind to monitor communications and pass them along, and Kaldera told her to keep on the Coast Guard about getting someone out to the location on the chart.

            An hour had passed since then.  Kaldera gripped the wheel in both hands, and leaned his chest into it as the Kudo took another heavy swell.  The radio down in the cabin was on, but there was no time to go to it, nor could he hear it anyway. 

            Wrapped in a yellow slicker, Aimi clambered from below and joined him at the helm.  “We’re set downstairs,” she shouted into his ear.  “Anything yet?”

            Kaldera shook his head.  “Go to the main mast,” he called back.  “Relay anything the guys say!”  Aimi attached a safety line around her waist, then carefully made her way forward, using every handhold she could find so as not to fall on the slippery deck. 

            Closing his eyes, Kaldera allowed himself to ground to the deck, then down into the sea.  He began to send himself down, past the bottom of the sea, into the Earth.  The energy is coming…there is only one way to get there, and bring my friends home…even if it costs me my life, I must do this.  These friends of mine, they are worth more to me than anything…I call on the spirits of the universe to help me, help me now…

            Mei stood at the window, and watched the storm.  It had gotten progressively worse--the rain continued to come in sheets, and the winds shrieked through the closed and latched door. 

            The storm was causing havoc across the region.  The radio was on scan mode, and she could hear nothing but reports of damage along the coast, interspersed with the radio traffic of the Japanese Coast Guard and Self-Defense Forces. 

            The incident involving the collision of that cruise vessel and the other ship had ended; the breach in the ocean liner’s hull turned out not to be as serious as first thought.  Temporary repairs had been made, and the evacuation was cancelled.  Still, tugs were bringing the liner into port, and a number of resources remained on the scene.  From what Mei could understand of the radio communications, units could not be diverted for smaller issues such as the Kiyomi.  

            Saki was in the kitchen, assisted by Midori.  A pot of coffee was brewing, and the latter was overseeing a huge steel pot of soup.  “They’ll need to be warmed up, and they’ll be hungry as well,” Saki commented.  She stacked a set of bowls, utensils and other plateware on the counter; Midori was silent, and her worried look prompted Saki to put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. 

            “Don’t worry,” she said quietly, “Kaldera knows what he’s doing; he would not have let them go with him if he didn’t believe he could bring them all back.  He will.”

            Midori nodded as she stirred the pot with a metal whisk.  “I know,” she replied.  “I’m more worried about Mei, if anything does happen.  After Kira died, she told me she became much closer to Aimi and Kaz.  She’s always feared losing them, too.”

            “I understand.  Go to her,” Saki told her, “I’ll look after this.”  As the girl went into the other room, Saki thought:  Kaldera has some kind of unearthly ability in him, I’ve seen it before.  But is it enough to take on Nature?  Or is it that Earth and Nature somehow become one within him?  I’ll never know…but doing this is the only way to keep our minds off the worst.

            Midori went to the window.  She slid her arms around Mei’s waist, and rested her head on the girl’s shoulder.  “It’s gonna be okay,” she whispered in Mei’s ear, and kissed her as she spoke.  “Like Kaz’s song, we have to believe--believe in Kaldera, and all of them.”

            Mei said nothing, but leaned her head against Midori’s and held to her.

            “Wreck sighted!  One point off the starboard bow!”

            Aimi turned and relayed the message from forward.  Kaldera could barely hear Aimi’s voice over the typhoon’s rage, but he had seen the movement of Daisuke’s body as he pointed.  In the distance, he could see the familiar shape of the Kiyomi. 

            The Bayliner was dead in the water, and listing badly.  She was facing as if to pass them starboard to starboard, but for her upturned side.  An emergency light was burning atop the Kiyomi, though it was down near the water, almost under it.  Leaning against the cabin windows on the higher side were figures; he counted four bright orange lifejackets.  Good, they’re all on deck.  That’ll be easier.

            Kaldera reduced speed and approached the boat.  The rain and wind were slackening, and he noticed that his “crew” was looking around in disbelief.  The storm had let up, and the waves had suddenly reduced to no more than a light chop.

            “Prepare for rescue!”  Kaldera shouted.  He watched as everyone returned to action; Aimi detached her line and ran forward to help Kaz and Daisuke.

            Dropping the throttle to dead slow, Kaldera eased the Kudo closer to the stricken boat.  He was bringing his vessel right alongside; despite the swells, there was only a slight difference in height from the deck of the Kudo to the Kiyomi’s rail.  Daisuke had grabbed a metal emergency ladder and was rigging it to the side, while Kaz had climbed over the rail to take the first to be rescued.

            Their friends were in a bad way; all were drenched to the bone, and clung to one another, as well as any fittings they could find on the boat.  Keru looked the worse for wear; his left arm was in a sling, and there was a bandage of some sort on his forehead.  “Take the women first,” he called, and Minoru edged alongside to help transfer Nanae.

            Kaz jumped down onto the deck of the Kiyomi; he’d seen that Nanae could barely move.  “Put her on me!”  He told Minoru.

            Despite the pitching of the boat and a very narrow space to work in, Minoru was able to lift Nanae onto Kaz’s back.  Taking only the most careful of small steps, Kaz made it to the ladder and struggled up.  Nanae was not heavy, but both boats were still bouncing in the waves.  Finally Kaz was able to grip the wet rungs and make his way up the side of the Kudo. 

            As he reached the deck, Daisuke pulled Nanae off him and carried her down the deck to the cabin.  Kaldera continued to manipulate the wheel, using the engine throttle to keep the Kudo close.  “Make it fast,” he yelled, “we don’t have a lot of time!”

            Kaz went back over the side again, this time for Asuka.  She was at least able to stay on her feet, but she too was exhausted by the ordeal.  She climbed onto Kaz’s back and the operation was repeated.  Once on deck, Aimi pulled Asuka’s arm over her shoulder and led her aft.

            Minoru had turned to Keru.  “Dad,” he said, “can you climb?  You’re gonna be too heavy for us.” 

            His father nodded, and with Minoru’s help he was able to make the ladder.  Despite the pitching of both vessels, Keru slowly and painfully made his way up, one rung at a time and into the arms of Daisuke and Kaz. 

            Minoru looked around one last time.  His feet were now awash in the water; the Kiyomi was going down.  Then for the first time, Minoru realized he’d lost his book.

            There was a sudden, brief pang of losing it, that gift his mother had given; but, Minoru understood that it was time for it to go.  I’m sorry, Mother; but I guess all things have to go in time.  He then climbed the ladder, and pulled himself aboard.

            Aimi had returned forward and put her arm around Minoru.  “We’re clear!”  She called.  Kaldera nodded, then reversed the engine; he slowly backed the Kudo away, then gunned it forward.  He made a wide, slow turn to port; if the winds returned, a sharp turn could be fatal and roll the boat over.

            Down below, the rescued were being taken care of, wrapped up in blankets.  Nearly unconscious, Nanae was placed in the lower bunk; spare pillows and life preservers held her in a comfortable position.  Keru sat at the end of the bench, braced so his injured arm was not jostled any more than necessary. 

            Asuka was at the other end, cushioned in a similar fashion.  Aimi sat beside her and held her as steadily as she could.  Minoru was on her other side; he seemed largely unaffected though wringing wet.  Daisuke made his way through the crowded cabin to the radio and picked up the cabin mic.  He gave the position of the Kiyomi, and added, “Rescue complete, scene is cleared.”

            At that moment, the entire deck pitched downward, and the storm began again, the uneasy quietude pierced by the scream of the winds and the rain that now pounded the deck anew.  Everyone grabbed for some sort of hold; Keru groaned from his injuries, but was able to hold himself in place. 

            “Must have been the eye,” Daisuke said, as he returned up the stairs for the deck, followed by Kaz. 

            Minoru then shed his blanket to join them; before doing so, he stopped before the girls.  He reached out, and caressed Asuka’s damp hair; Minoru then looked into Aimi’s eyes; even in the semi-darkness, Aimi could see the light in them.  He smiled at her, and silently climbed to the deck.

            In spite of the danger they were still in, Aimi smiled and held Asuka tighter.  The head moved; exhausted, her eyes half-closed, Asuka looked to her.  

            “Aimi,” she whispered, “tell me we’re going to make it.”

            “We will,” Aimi replied.  She leaned her body against Asuka and braced herself against the side of the cabin.  All the same, Aimi wondered if they would.  The storm had returned, and seemed even stronger than before.  That lull in the storm, right when we needed it to be calm, it became calm.  I wonder…did Kaldera have something to do with it?

            “Look out!”  A gust of wind had carried away part of the Kudo’s rigging, and all ducked as the lines crashed down.  One of the lights exploded on the deck in a cascade of sparks. 

            Kaldera rose again above the wheel, and held the Kudo on course.  Already they could see the lights of the harbor, though the grey haze and rain obscured any detail.  “I’ve got it,” he called, “easy as anything.”  He steered into the waves, then altered course to make for the slip; the look on his companion’s faces reflected relief.  Kaldera would bring them home, they seemed to think.

            If only they knew…other than the positions he’d plotted on his chart back home, plus his knowledge of the channel, Kaldera had been going on dead reckoning.

            Then there was the other problem, which was becoming more immediate.  While he physically remained upright at the wheel, inside he was falling apart.  Keep it together, Kaldera…we’re almost there.

            The voyage home felt like hours to those down below, any idea of time having vanished, with only the rocking of the boat through the endless waves as an indication.  Aimi thought she might have dozed off, but she still held Asuka in place.  For what felt like the hundredth time, she looked through the fogged windows of the cabin; all of a sudden, there was a light. 

            “We must be home,” she called, “I can see the city!”

            Asuka awakened, and Aimi left her to climb on deck.  It was still dark, but there was enough light from the remaining lamps on the Kudo, plus those along the shore to see.  The storm was clearing out, and Aimi could now see the sky, as the heavy cloud cover moved off to the northeast.  There was debris in the water, and the boat bumped against it as Kaldera slowly guided the Kudo back into that familiar channel.  The storm had been a quick one, but the damage was prodigious:  small boats were sunk at their moorings, and a trawler had run aground. 

            Kaldera made the turn, and they saw activity on his dock:  an ambulance was waiting, its lights flashing.  Saki had obviously heard the transmission about the rescue, and had called for Emergency Services.  The boat edged into its spot and groaned against the fenders; then Kaldera shut down the engine.

            Lines were tossed ashore, and a group of fishermen from the nearby yard had gathered to take them up and help secure the Kudo.  As this went on, Mei and Midori rushed down to the dock to help as well.  The gangway was tossed over, and the rescued were brought off.  Nanae was carried across by Daisuke, and she was immediately placed on a stretcher.  Keru walked under his own power, but he was unsteady and needed help getting into the ambulance. 

            Asuka climbed aboard as well, but Minoru begged off.  “I’m all right,” he told the ES crew, “and there isn’t any more room.”  Reluctant to leave him, the crew finally accepted Minoru’s refusal, and the ambulance turned around and slowly drove up the rise, its lights flashing and sirens blaring.

            Once the lines were tied and the hatches closed, Kaldera thanked the fishermen and released them.  As he walked slowly toward the house, he found himself in the rear of the line of his friends, all joyous at their reunion.  He smiled.  Good…

            There was a thud, and Aimi turned, the last in line before him.  “Kaldera!” 

            The others turned, and raced back down the steps to the pier.  Aimi was on her knees, holding Kaldera’s head in her hands.  He was stretched out on his back, his body still.

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And there you have it; enjoy, and do leave your comments!