Hang Ten

[Kimiko 0]

(This log takes place the day before we ship out for our new assignment.)

 

It was a beautiful day on the Californian shore. The sun was bright, barely a cloud in the sky. A cool breeze filled the air. But most of all, the waves were perfect. They were tall with wonderful curls, perfect for surfing. That's just how Kimiko liked it.

 

The Californian native was already out in the water, waiting for the take off. It didn't take long for the perfect wave to appear. Kimi dropped into the wave, quickly standing up. She briefly stalled, allowing the curl to come over her. Kimiko stayed firm, riding through the tunnel. As she cleared it, she cut up and performed an aerial before slicing back into the wave.

 

Johnson stayed out in the water, riding a few more waves before finally returning to the beach. She took her board and set it down by a towel she had laid out. The slender Asian-American then slipped out of her wet suit, revealing her dark blue bikini. A tattoo of a wildcat adorned her right shoulder blade.

 

After ringing her hair of water, Kimi knelt down and began to wipe down her board. She was oblivious to an approaching figure. Stopping behind her the figure spoke up. "It's not everyday you see a shark out of water." The voice had an older male tone to it.

 

Kimiko simply smiled as she continued to wipe her board. The voice was very familiar, almost as familiar to her as her parents. "And I didn't think they let dogs roam free on the beach."

 

"Hey, give this old Devil Dog a break will ya?" He chuckled in reply. "Now are you gonna greet this old man properly, or are you gonna wipe a hole in your board?"

 

Kimi put her rag down and quickly stood to face the man. He was an older man, wearing a bright, buttoned up beach shirt, khaki shorts, and sandals. His hair was long and grey, tired up into a ponytail. He was also clean shaven with the exception of a long, grey goatee. Smiling, she walked up and gave him a big hug. "It's good to see you Hank."

 

Henry Rodgers is the owner of Hank's Surf Shop and Beach Café. He is a long time friend and mentor to Kimiko. To her, he is more like a second father. It was Hank that first taught Kimi how to surf. He simply grinned as he returned her hug. "Hi kiddo, how's marine life treating you?"

 

"It's going great. Did you hear where they have me stationed?" replied the young MACO.

 

Hank nodded, "I heard they got you on some ship, flying around. What's this world coming to, sending marines out into space? They should leave that stuff up to those fleeters."

 

"Well someone has to keep those fleeters out of trouble," Kimiko laughed. "Besides, the marines have changed since you were in the service old man."

 

Henry simply grinned as he shifted Kimi a little to get a good look at her right shoulder. "A new tat huh? I suppose your old man hasn't seen it. Maybe I should tell him."

 

"You better not," Johnson said, poking Hank in the chest with her finger. "You know he thinks you're a bad influence on me anyways. He'll probably think you talked me into it."

 

"I'm a bad influence? Why that stiffed necked, old…" he stopped there, quickly changing the subject. "So are you going to Hawaii for the competition this year?"

 

Kimi frowned at the question. "I can't make it. We ship out tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure I got some surfing in before then."

 

"That's a shame. People are going to be sad when they find out The Great Mynx isn't going to be able to defend her championship."

 

"Well times are a little rough lately. We're on the brink of war…"

 

"Whoa stop there," Hank interrupted. "I don't need an explanation. I know it's your duty. You have to be there." He bent down, picking up Kimiko's surf board. "By the way, I heard you were running that shark outfit on your ship. You better take care of my nephew, Ted. My sister would kill me if she found out anything happened to him."

 

Kimi was a little shocked. "Teddy? He's your nephew? I had no idea."

 

Hank nodded, "Yeah for some reason he wanted to be a marine like me. I tried to tell him surfing was better, but wouldn't ya know it, the boy is afraid of water."

 

Kimiko laughed at the idea. Teddy Rodgers, codenamed Kodiak, was a strong and muscular man. It was hard to believe a guy like him was afraid of water.

 

"Well…Come on. Let's go get you some food. Hard telling what they feed you now days."

 

"Pretty well actually. Chef is good at what he does. But I've been dreaming about having one of your world famous coladas. I better get one now. I have no idea when we'll be back." Kimi collected her wetsuit and beach towel. She quietly walked with Hank down the beach, to his café. As the duo walked, they watched as the sun began to set over the Pacific.

Edited June 14, 2007 by Kimiko