The Twilight Zone IV: The Invasion Of McHale's Island (Part 1) (1/1)
Due to LJ not allowing large posts, you get two parts
Title: The Twilight Zone IV: The Invasion Of McHale's Island (Part 1) (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: Christy/Virgil, Lester Gruber, Willy Moss, Ukala, Joseph 'Happy' Haines, Fuji Kobiaji, Chuck Parker, Harrison 'Tinker' Bell, Chief Urulu, Molly Turner
Fandom: McHale's Navy
Genres: AU, Angst, Drama, Historical, Holiday, Horror
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: On Halloween, the crew of the PT-73 experience a bizarre encounter on McHale's Island.
Date Of Completion: October 13, 2023
Date Of Posting: October 15, 2023
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, Universal does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 8,687
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Notes: Inspired by the episode The Vampire Of Taratupa (3x33). The entire series can be found here.
"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; a journey into a wondrous land while boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead--your next stop, The Twilight Zone."
& & & & & &
October 30, 1943
& & & & & &
"The night before Halloween, 1943, in the South Pacific theater of the the biggest conflict the world has ever known.
On this night, it's surprisingly serene in a little backwater of the war: the Tarantula Naval Base, and across the bay, McHale's Island, where the crew of the PT-73 enjoy a relaxing evening. A shooting star is observed, a sparkling harbinger of the terror to come."
& & & & & &
*cue Twilight Zone music*
& & & & & &
Virgil sat outside the recreation hut in a comfortable lounge chair, a copy of Amazing Stories next to him, listening to the joking chatter as the rest of the crew played poker inside. He probably would have joined them, but his recent tropical illness left him easily tired. He preferred to save his energy for combat.
The moon was shining over the water, limning the sleek outline of the PT-73 as she bobbed gently at her mooring. The Skipper and Mr. Parker had gone over to the Officers' Club on the main base, leaving the crew to their own devices. Poker was inevitable.
"Ha, read 'em and weep." Gruber's triumphant voice rang as clear as a bell through the open window. This pronouncement was met with much grumbling. Virgil smiled. Leave it to Lester to snag the pot.
Willy came out of the hut. "Hey, nice out here."
"Better spray yourself with anti-mosquito stuff."
"Oh, I will." Willy did a quick dousing and sat in the lounge chair next to Virgil's. "Lotsa stars out tonight."
"Yeah "
"Can see lotsa 'em back home in Frog Holler."
"I hear the country is best for viewing."
"You heard right "
"Did you get bored or cleaned out?"
Willy laughed. "Cleaned out." He noticed Virgil's magazine. "Good issue?"
"Very good." Virgil smiled. "Just a few more stories left, then you can have it."
"No hurry. I'm still readin' Astounding Stories "
Virgil and Willy swapped Astounding Stories and Amazing Stories. Their mutual love of science fiction made this a satisfactory arrangement.
A shooting star suddenly appeared, its tail creating an arc as it streaked across the sky.
"Hey, nice one," said Willy.
"Sure is pretty," Virgil agreed. "Make a wish."
Willy grinned. "Okay."
The two men silently made their wishes. They continued to sit in companionable silence until Willy said, "How ya feelin'?"
"Tired " Virgil shifted his legs. "The Skip was right when he said tropical diseases are the worst."
Willy nodded sympathetically. "That star curved right over the jungle."
"It was probably a meteor."
"Or a spaceship."
Virgil laughed. "Lester would say you're reading too much Astounding Stories."
Willy grinned and both men were gratified they weren't on night patrol. War in daytime was bad enough, but infinitely creepier and more dangerous at night
"How're sleepin'?" asked Willy.
"Okay. Weird dreams, though."
"Aren't all dreams?"
"True."
Virgil closed his eyes and was half-asleep when Christy came out of the hut.
"Did you get cleaned out?" Willy asked
"Yeah."
"Gruber cheatin'?"
"We're watching him."
Willy laughed. "I'm gonna hit the hay. Take my chair."
"Thanks."
Once Willy was gone, Christy brushed his lips over Virgil's. "Still tired?"
"Yeah "
Christy squeezed his friend's hand and quietly sat in the vacated lounge chair. Virgil drifted off to sleep
& & & & & &
Ukala stealthily moved through the jungle. Most of the tribe were asleep by now, but he had been on guard duty and had seen the shooting star. He could have sworn it had landed in the swamp. He had left his post to investigate. Guard duty was a joke, anyway. The only other tribe on the island was peaceful, and the Americans stationed here were pushovers. They were no threat at all, too busy with their war.
Ukala wanted to prove to Chief Urulu that he had initiative. You could get ahead if you proved yourself trustworthy, or even better, if you could find a way of putting money in Urulu's pocket.
Ukala was stout but muscular, his feet gliding soundlessly on the jungle floor. He listened, frowning as he realized there were no sounds from the nocturnal animals.
He decided to head for the swamp since that was the direction of the shooting star. He wasn't crazy about going to the swamp especially at night, but whatever he was seeking must be there.
The distance to the swamp was short. Ukala was mindful of where he stepped. Snakes and scorpions were not uncommon. He silently crept to the water's edge.
The water was murky but that was normal. What was unusual was the bubbling in the center of the swamp, concentric ripples spreading out from that chaotic center. Could it be an alligator?
As Ukala pondered the source of the disturbance, the bubbling grew more frenetic. As Ukala watched while clutching his spear with white knuckles, the water sluiced off something rising from the depths. Before he had a chance to throw his spear, he was gone. The water bubbled in the moonlight.
& & & & & &
October 31, 1943
& & & & & &
The day dawned hot and sultry, typical for the tropics. There would be morning patrol, and the men were looking forward to a Halloween party on the base tonight.
The patrol was uneventful and the PT-73 was expertly docked by Christy back at the Island. One of Urulu's tribesmen was waiting on the dock, spear in hand. McHale greeted him and they spoke in the visitor's native language, then the warrior left.
"What's up, Skip?" asked Willy.
"Kona says that Ukala is missing and asks us to look for him when we get a chance."
"After lunch okay?" asked Gruber, patting his stomach.
McHale laughed. "Sure. The villagers are all out now, so was can search in a bit."
Lunch conversation consisted of talking about costumes for the party.
"You still going as Frankenstein's Monster?" Happy asked Gruber as he cut a piece of Spam.
"Oh, yeah. He's the king of the monsters."
"Dracula's pretty up there."
"Yeah, but for sheer terror, Frankie's better." Gruber stabbed a piece of his own Spam.
"I think they're both up there," said Willy.
"Dracula or the Monster?" McHale shook his head. "You guys are island-happy."
The men grinned, recognizing their commander's snarking as affectionate.
"C'mon, now, finish up. I promised Kona we'd look for Ukala."
"Wonder what happened to him?" Happy took a bite of greens that Fuji grew in his kitchen garden. "Hope he's not hurt."
"You never know what the jungle will serve up, so you guys be careful while searching. The natives know this jungle better than you do." McHale took a swig of his mango juice. "And keep an eye out for Japs. They might have infiltrated and that would solve Ukala's disappearance."
"We'll be careful, Skip," Christy assured him.
After lunch the men went off in pairs to search. Christy and Virgil were together, both carrying binoculars, machetes and sidearms. They tramped through the jungle, mindful of snakes and scorpions. After an hour they paused, wiping the sweat off their faces.
"No sign of anything but mosquitoes and griffel birds," Christy complained.
"No kidding." Virgil replaced his cap.
Christy moved close to him. "We should take advantage of our solitude." He nuzzled Virgil's ear.
Virgil smiled. "I'd like some nookie, too, but remember what the Skip said: Japs could be around."
Christy scoffed, "We haven't seen a Jap in days."
"Doesn't mean they aren't around." Virgil scanned the encroaching vegetation. "I don't fancy them catching us in the act."
Christy shuddered. "You're right about that."
They continued the search.
Virgil felt uneasy, as if the very air was fraught with...something? He shrugged it off, but the feeling lingered.
& & & & & &
By late afternoon the crew of the PT-73 were back in camp.
"Nothing, Skip," said Gruber.
"Damn."
Willy approached from the radio shack. "Bad news and good news, guys."
"Spill it," said McHale.
"The Halloween party for tonight is canceled."
"What?"
"Why?"
"Damnit!"
McHale held up his hand for quiet. "Any reason, Willy?"
"Some brass hat arrived this mornin' and isn't a fan of Halloween, so Binghamton nixed the party."
More exclamations. McHale held his hand up again.
"What's the good news?"
Willy grinned. "Party's on for tomorrow night. Brass hat'll be gone."
The crew groaned. "We've got night patrol tomorrow night!" Gruber complained.
"Don't worry," said McHale. "We're not scheduled for an all-nighter unless we encounter Japs. We'll be back just when the party's heating up."
The men grumbled but dispersed without incident.
Willy shook his head. "Shame."
"Huh?" asked Virgil.
"The party bein' canceled. We had a woman in Frog Holler who some thought was a witch. Anyways, she said what was called a veil was the thinnest between worlds, so spirits roamed around easy the night of Halloween."
"So you want spirits at the party?"
"Buddy, the only spirits I'm lookin' for is from my own still!"
Willy and Virgil laughed.
& & & & & &
As dusk fell most of the men lingered in the cook shack. Virgil left and went to the recreation hut. He turned the radio on and at low volume and stretched out on the bamboo couch to rest. The recent tropical disease he'd suffered had really knocked him for a loop, he thought ruefully. Today's patrol and cleaning his machine gun and the one on land had worn him out.
He listened to a Tommy Dorsey tune, Satan Takes A Holiday, while a slight breeze rustled the leaves of the palm trees and crickets chirped their evening sounds. The effect was relaxing, and he felt himself drifting off to sleep.
Or maybe not. He heard someone enter the hut but they remained quiet. When he heard the ripple of cards being shuffled, Virgil smiled.
"Hi, Lester."
"Oh, hi, Virg. I thought you were asleep."
"I cat-napped." Virgil kept his eyes closed as he listened to Gruber working the cards, envisioning the sleight-of-hand as he cut the cards.
"Good, good."
The Tommy Dorsey tune changed to Glenn Miller. Little Brown Jug bounced onto the airwaves.
"So you expecting a poker game?"
"I always expect a poker game. The guys are lazy and are still at the dinner table."
"Lazy, that's our crew."
Gruber chuckled.
New footsteps sounded outside. "Hey, guys," said Christy. "Oops, didn't know Virgil was sleeping."
"I'm not "
"Oh, playing possum, huh?"
"Just like I was in Frog Holler."
Christy snickered. "Better watch out. Willy says possum is considered a delicacy on Frog Hollow tables."
"I'll watch my tail."
"I'll watch your tail."
"Oh, you're sharp tonight," Gruber said.
Dusk was turning to darkness. Night birds were cawing in the jungle and tree branches brushed against the hut. Virgil shivered. He was getting that strange feeling again that had made his insides bounce around during the jungle search.
Why are you so jittery? Just relax. No Washing Machine Charlies attacking you. Stay cool.
He realized that his fingers were knotted on top of his stomach. Loosening them, he opened his eyes and sat up, glancing out the window.
His hazel eyes were huge and his jaw dropped open. He scrambled off the couch and backed away, pointing a trembling finger at the window. "Monster!"
"What?" Christy looked over from the table where Gruber was performing fancy card shuffles.
"Christy, there's a m...monster out there!"
Christy got up and went over to Virgil, putting his hands on his friend's broad shoulders. "Hey, buddy, calm down. You were just having a nightmare."
"I wasn't asleep."
"You might've dozed off for a few minutes without realizing it."
Virgil looked confused. He was shaking and grasped Christy's arm. "But, Christy, it's Frankenstein's Monster! It's by the edge of the jungle!"
Christy covered Virgil's hand with his own. "It's okay, Virg. You're shaky because you're still in recovery. Here, sit down." Christy sat Virgil in a chair he grabbed from the table. "Listen, buddy, you had a nightmare. There's no such thing as a Frankenstein's Monster, right?"
"R...right." Virgil's teeth were chattering.
Christy could feel Virgil trembling as he held Virgil's shoulders in a firm grip. He was also cold.
Must have been some nightmare!
"S...sorry," Virgil said.
He knew Virgil had a tendency toward anxiety, and the aftereffects of the disease were not helping. Luckily his anxiety was non-existent during battle.
"No need. The Skip told us that this particular disease you had messes with your head, especially when you're tired." He stroked Virgil's face.
"Go on, kiss him," said Gruber. At Christy and Virgil's startled looks Gruber shuffled the cards noisily. "C'mon, we all know you two are knockin' boots."
Christy shot Gruber a dirty look but Virgil managed a shaky smile.
"Gruber, why don't you make yourself useful and go look out the window and confirm there's no monster," said Christy, wanting to calm Virgil down.
"Okay," Gruber said affably, setting down the cards and standing up. He ambled over to the window and looked out.
"Yikes!" Gruber stumbled backwards, his face white. "It's Frankenstein's Monster!"
"Damnit, Gruber, quit clowning around," Christy snapped.
"I'm... I'm not." Gruber pointed a shaking finger at the window. "Look for yourself."
Christy clomped over to the window and looked out
At first he only saw darkness, but gradually his eyes adjusted. Moonlight freed from passing clouds helped. He searched the edge of the jungle and did see a shadow but could not make it out as the clouds blocked the moonlight again. Just as he was about to say something, the clouds passed and the shadow became fully illuminated.
Christy felt his hair stand on end. He blinked and felt his blood run cold. He could smell the smell of the grave.
It can't be! It can't be!
He staggered back. Gruber demanded, "Well?"
"It's... It's..."
"...a monster!" Gruber finished.
Christy turned around. Virgil's eyes were huge and Gruber held his friend's shoulders.
"Aww, it's gotta be a trick. Somebody's playing a joke on us because it's Halloween," Christy protested.
"Are you kiddin'?" Gruber demanded. "Not even Kelly of Special Services could pull off this make-up job."
"But this can't be real!"
"But it is."
Christy looked at Virgil, who nodded. Christy wasn't sure which one he was arguing with, but he suspected he knew. He hurried over to Virgil.
"It's real, Christy," he said in a raspy voice.
Christy felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. Virgil was extremely vulnerable right now. He put a hand on his arm and felt the trembling.
"We've got to warn the others," Gruber said.
"They all still in the cook shack?"
"As far as I know."
Christy helped Virgil to his feet. "Okay, let's go."
Gruber headed to the doorway on the other side of the hut. "Hopefully they'll still be there...yikes!"
"What is it?" Christy asked.
"The Wolfman!"
"What?"
Christy and Virgil ran to the window. Sure enough, a creature half-man, half-wolf was slinking out of the jungle.
"We're trapped," Virgil rasped.
Unfortunately, he was right. No one had any ideas. They backed away from the window and doorway.
"Now what?" Gruber said.
"Beats me," said Christy. "Breathe slowly," he advised Virgil, whose anxiety was off the charts.
Virgil nodded. "T...too bad the monsters aren't Japs. I'd be cool as a cucumber then."
It was true. Once under fire, Virgil was the coolest cat Christy had ever seen.
"All right, let's think about this," Christy said. "Maybe we can distract them."
Gruber paced. "Tall order."
"Yeah, but we can't stay here. We're sitting ducks."
"More like sitting pigs. Three Little Pigs in a straw Hut but while the Big Bad Wolf is outside."
Christy and Virgil couldn't help but grin. "The Three Little Pigs won in the end," Virgil said.
"Yeah, but the Big Bad Wolf huffed and puffed and blew two of their houses down." Gruber scratched his head. "How can we distract these creatures?"
They all looked around the hut. Nothing appeared distraction-worthy. Frustrated, Gruber looked out the window again.
"Hey, the Wolfman's gone!"
"What? You're kidding!" said Christy.
"Nope."
Christy and Virgil rushed to the window. Virgil said, "This is our chance!"
"You're right." Christy grabbed Virgil's arm. "C'mon, we can make it to the cook shack."
"Supply hut. We can grab weapons there," said Gruber.
"Good idea."
The three of them cautiously left the recreation hut with their heads on swivels. Darkness was swiftly falling as dusk disappeared. The tropical air was warm, with just the occasional breeze off the ocean. Voices drifted out from the cook shack.
The trio crept toward the supply hut. The monsters were on the other side of the rec hut so were unseen, which suited the crewmen just fine. They tried to be as noiseless as possible, grabbing rifles and quietly cursing that their sidearms were in their barracks.
"Ammo," Christy whispered. Part of him still thought all of this was a practical joke, but part of him was scared stiff.
"Right," Virgil said. They loaded up their rifles and jammed boxes of ammunition into their pockets. Christy checked outside. "The coast is clear."
They scuttled out of the supply hut. "If this turns out to be a joke, I'll throttle somebody," Christy said.
"I'll be right behind you," Gruber assured him
They all sprinted toward the cook shack and burst through the doorway. Surprised faces looked at them.
"What's up with you guys? You look like you've seen a ghost," said McHale.
"That might be next," said Gruber.
"Huh?"
"Frankenstein's Monster and the Wolfman are out there," Virgil blurted out.
"Happy Halloween to you, too." McHale took a sip of his beer.
"We're not jokin' around," said Gruber, putting the rifles down on the cleared table.
"C'mon, Grube," said Happy. "What's with all the hardware?"
"Because there are monsters out there! Unless you mopes set this all up." Gruber looked around. "Who is missing?"
"Tinker's in Crew Quarters," said Chuck
Gruber swore. "I'll go get him." He left the cook shack.
"What's up with you guys?" McHale scrutinized his pair of very agitated men.
"Skip, we're not kidding,' Christy insisted.
Concern appeared in McHale's eyes. "Just sit down and relax."
"Skip, we can't! They're out there!"
"How do we know you're not pulling a prank?" Happy asked.
Christy waved his hand impatiently. "It's no joke. Frankenstein's Monster and the Wolfman are running around out there."
"All right, I'd like to see these monsters," McHale said.
"Good, take the rifle." Christy and Virgil emptied their pockets. "Plenty of ammo."
The crew loaded up their rifles but were still skeptical. They followed Christy and Virgil out of the cook shack.
"So where are they?" Chuck asked.
"Around the other side of the rec hut," Virgil answered.
"Huh, okay, let's look," McHale said, starting for the rec hut.
"Be careful, Skip." Virgil grabbed McHale's arm. "Don't let them see you."
McHale patted Virgil's arm. "Sure, Virg."
The Skipper led the men over to the rec hut. Gruber and a protesting Tinker were exiting the barracks.
"Quiet," Gruber snapped as he dragged Tinker over to the group.
"But what is all this? Monsters and Wolfman? Jeez!"
"Pipe down, Tink," said McHale. He didn't believe in monsters but something has was fishy. Best to be cautious until he found out just what was going on. Maybe it was a trick from the Japs. "Okay, rifles at ready."
He glanced at Virgil. It wasn't too farfetched for the Gunner's Mate to imagine such things. He was still recovering from a tropical disease that caused hallucinations. He would probably have to remove Virgil from the duty roster until the recovery was complete.
But Christy and Gruber? What was their deal? Maybe Christy was trying to humor Virgil? Was Gruber, con artist extraordinaire, putting one over on them? He shook his head.
"What, Skip?" asked Chuck.
"Huh? Oh, just thinking. C'mon, let's go see the monsters."
McHale led the crew to the rec hut and the crept down the side. McHale looked around the corner, then drew back sharply.
"So?" Gruber asked.
"Monsters."
"What?" Tinker looked around the corner. "Yikes!"
"See?" Virgil said. "We're not crazy."
McHale frowned. "Monsters, but why?"
"Could they be Japs in disguise trying to scare us?" asked Happy.
"Tallest Jap I ever saw," McHale said.
"They're the real deal, Skip," Virgil insisted.
"I think you're right. I..."
"Hey, it's Dracula!" Chuck exclaimed, pointing to their left and behind them.
There indeed was a pale figure wearing a long, black cape, standing at the edge of the jungle.
"Let's get inside," McHale ordered, and they all dashed into the recreation hut.
Willy ran over to the east window. "The monsters are still out there." His eyes were wide as it was his first sighting of the Monster and the Wolfman.
McHale was busy plotting. Whoever was behind this, he needed to find out the answer and protect his men. The whole thing was as fishy as the catch of the day.
"Hey, what about Fuji?" asked Happy.
"Damnit," said McHale. "Okay, someone's gotta go get him."
"He does have a rifle and ammo, Skip. We left plenty of both behind in the cook shack," said Willy.
"Okay, that's good."
"I'll go," said Tinker.
"All right. Keep your head on a swivel."
"Right." Tinker checked, saw nothing, and slipped out.
"Still out there?" McHale asked Willy at the window.
"Yep."
"We need to get to the 73 and get off the Island once Tink and Fuji get here "
"But how?" Happy asked. "Frankie and the Wolfman are in our way."
"We need a distraction," Chuck said.
"Yeah." McHale paced.
"Here comes Tinker and Fuji," said Happy at the opposite window from Willy. "Wow, they're really making tracks."
Tinker and Fuji pounded up the steps, trying to catch their breath.
"Was Dracula on your tails?" asked Happy.
"N...no," Fuji gasped. "The Mummy!"
"What?" McHale went to the window.
"We're trapped," Willy said.
"Diversion is what we need, like Chuck said," declared McHale, his fingers tapping his chin.
"Yeah, but who's gonna volunteer to be the diversion?" queried Happy.
"Maybe we should draw straws," Gruber quipped.
"Not a bad idea, but first we gotta come up with the diversion," said McHale.
Tension was thick inside the hut. The men automatically looked toward their Skipper. He accepted the responsibility, though at times like this it could be heavy. Still, he welcomed the challenge.
"Okay, Willy, you and Tinker are our fastest guys. You two willing to serve as a distraction?"
Reluctantly the duo nodded their heads. Nobody could blame their lack of enthusiasm. The enemy as one thing, supernatural creatures another.
"Why'd you buy in so quickly, Skip?" Happy sighted down his rifle.
"The smell."
"Huh?"
"I can smell something from here."
"Like the grave?" Virgil rasped.
"Yeah "
This statement made the hut quiet. Virgil gripped his rifle a little tighter.
"Damn," Gruber said.
"What?" McHale barked.
"When I went over to get Tinker I forgot our sidearms."
McHale waved it off. "We've got our rifles. That should be enough. Okay, here's the plan..."
& & & & & &
It was quiet on McHale's Island. If you listened very carefully, you would hear the lapping of the water against the dock's wooden pilings and the PT-73's metal hull. The occasional breeze would whistle through the palm trees, fronds whispering as they undulated gracefully.
On this night, however, there were no sounds of nocturnal birds or other animals in the jungle, just an eerie quiet. If you listened closely, you might hear the shuffling of bandage-clad feet or enormous boots, or see shedded fur tumbling in the wind or hear the snap of a cape.
Willy and Tinker crept out of the rec hut. The monsters were standing in one area, which made it easy. Or so they hoped.
Willy picked up a rock while Tinker melted into the shadows. Willy was hidden behind a thick banyan tree and let the rock fly, landing at the Monster's feet. The Monster growled, a low, guttural sound. His heart pounded as the other monsters turned in Willy's direction and they all began to shuffle his way.
Another rock flew from his left several yards away. The monsters turned in that direction. Willy raced several yards to his right and threw another rock. The monsters stopped and turned in his direction again. Before they could start his way, another rock sailed from behind the cook shack and struck the Wolfman in the shoulder and he promptly howled. They all started toward the cook shack. Willy just hoped they didn't get the bright idea of splitting up to go after the rock-throwers.
& & & & & &
McHale and the rest of the crew were heading for the dock. So far the diversion was working. They were close to the 73 when suddenly a shadow by the hull moved.
"It's the Creature from the Black Lagoon!" yelped Chuck.
"Fire!" McHale barked.
The rifles let loose but the bullets bounced off the Creature like he was Superman, McHale thought with a touch of panic. He gave a stop signal with his hand. Why waste ammunition?
The Creature shuffled toward the crew with its scaly arms outstretched. It was silent except for the sound of its shuffling feet.
"Try and get around it," McHale ordered.
Unfortunately, the Creature was amazingly fast, blocking each crewman's way to the boat. Feints did not work, and the men were wary of getting into the range of those webbed hands.
The skirmish with the Creature from the Black Lagoon was attracting the other monsters' attention.The Wolfman broke off and headed their way.
"To the rec hut," McHale ordered. Their paths to the jungle were blocked by the Monster and the Mummy. Dracula hovered in the clearing close to the cook shack.
McHale was aware they could be trapped but they had no choice. The men clambered into the rec hut, followed closely by Tinker and Willy.
"You guys did good," McHale said to them. "We just couldn't get to the boat."
"We saw," Tinker said. "Guess the Creature from the Black Lagoon threw a monkey wrench into things."
"Yeah." McHale rubbed his chin. He had been wary of shooting at the Creature, a small part of him still wondering if this was an elaborate practical joke from some of the guys mainside, but the bullets bouncing off the Creature's chest chased away the last vestiges of doubt.
"What are we gonna do, Skip?" asked Happy nervously.
"I'm thinkin'." Meaning he had no idea...yet.
The monsters were out there but seemed to be aimlessly milling around, luckily for them. The whole situation was so bizarre that the men were silent, probably still a little shell-shocked. How could this be happening?
"The communications shack," said Willy.
"Huh?"
"The comm shack, Skip. We could call for help."
"Hey, yeah!" said Chuck. "That's a great idea."
"I dunno," said Happy from his post by the window. "Drac seems to be hanging around there."
"Damn," Willy said.
"Wait a minute, now, we might be able to figure something out," said McHale.
"Sure, Skip! I'll volunteer," said Chuck.
McHale looked at his executive officer dubiously. Chuck was a great guy but also a bumbler. The rest of the crew looked uncertain, too.
"C'mon, Skip, I can be a great distraction," Chuck insisted.
"Are you sure about that, Mr. Parker?" asked Willy.
"Sure I'm sure. They used to call me Sure-Footed Parker."
"Who did?" asked Gruber.
"The kids at Camp Kinipoochie."
"Oh, not Camp Kinipoochie again."
The crew remembered when their executive officer had suffered temporary amnesia, thinking he was a kid again in his old summer camp. Not an experience they wanted to repeat.
"Look, Skip, give me a plan and I'll carry it out." Chuck's expression was pleading.
McHale sighed. He couldn't embarrass Chuck in front of the crew. As Executive Officer, he had to retain the respect of the men.
"Um, anyone got any suggestions?" he asked.
"How about the rock-throwing? Worked last time," said Willy.
"Yeah, bullets are useless," Gruber grumbled.
"Too bad we didn't have a silver bullet. We could at least get the Wolfman," said Willy
"Easy, Tonto," said McHale as the men grinned. "Okay, rocks it is."
"Just pitch 'em in a volley," Christy suggested. "All from different directions."
"Okay, sounds good. Who's going with Chuck?"
"I'll go," said Christy.
"Me, too," said Willy. "I'm the one who should go to the comm shack.""
"I'll go, too," said Virgil.
"Okay, come over to the table and we'll map this out," said McHale.
A gust of wind sprang up and blew through the open windows, bringing with it the smell of death. McHale shuddered inwardly. The eerie quiet was getting to him, too.
Never thought I'd miss the sound of the griffel bird.
"Everyone got the plan?"
"Yep, Skip," said Christy.
The other men nodded.
"All right, get to it."
"Hi-ho, Silver," muttered Willy.
They slipped out of the hut, sticking to the shadows but McHale still didn't like it. He gripped his rifle a little harder. He never be liked sending his men into danger. Against the Japanese was one thing, but this spooky stuff was a whole other deal in his opinion.
Willy headed toward the communications shack while Chuck, Christy and Virgil took their places. All used the shadows as cover.
The crew crowded around the window and doorway. The Dracula figure stood only a few feet away from the communications shack, his cape fluttering in the breeze.
The men outside were ready. The first rock was thrown by Christy, the second by Virgil, the third by Chuck. The exec's rock hit Dracula in the head and he hissed, exposing his fangs. As Christy had suggested, they let loose with a volley of rocks. Dracula let out a bloodcurdling screech, making everyone shiver inside the hut.
Dracula moved away from the comm shack. Willy was just about to slip inside when he staggered back. The Mummy moaned and started down the stairs with outstretched arms, its bandages flapping. Willy ran all the way back to the rec hut, followed by Chuck, Christy and Virgil.
"You okay, Willy?" McHale asked in a voice full of concern. Willy nodded breathlessly. "I sure would've had my hair standing on end if I didn't have a crew cut." He patted his chest. "My heart's triphammerin'."
"You're the one who's been the closest to one of these creatures. Any observations?"
Willy sat down in one of the chairs around the table. "The bandages are moldy and ragged. I could smell rotting flesh."
Faces were made at this statement. Happy returned to the east window. "Uh, oh, Skip, the Gruesomes are heading this way. Frankie and Wolfie on this side."
"Drac and the Mummy over here," said Tinker as he looked out the west window.
McHale knew time was running out. Clouds passed over the moon, shadowing the clearing. The silence was as bad as night patrol with boat engines running on low to keep noise down.
"We gotta take a chance, Skip," said Virgil.
"Like how?""
"I go out to the .50-caliber and let 'er rip " He was talking about the machine gun here on the Island.
"Hell, no!" Christy snapped.
"Christy, it'd make a great distraction and give you guys a second try to get by the Creature from the Black Lagoon."
"No." Christy folded his arms and set his face in a disapproving expression.
"Christy, I'm volunteering," Virgil said gently.
Christy shot up an arm and waved his hand wildly. "And what happens to you while we get on the boat if we even can? If those monsters get you..."
"We can't stay here," Virgil said. "We're hemmed in."
"Then let's wait for sun-up. Dracula will turn to dust at the first ray of sunshine."
"We can't wait," McHale said. "It's only ten o'clock."
Christy looked frustrated. "Skip, Virgil's still shaky..."
"Not when it comes to firing a gun," Virgil said firmly.
McHale reluctantly agreed. "If even one of us reaches the 73, he can let depth charges fly. Maybe these creatures aren't stopped by bullets, but depth charges may be a different story."
"You're going to send Virgil out there all alone?" demanded Christy.
"He can take a buddy." McHale knew who that would be. He regarded Virgil carefully. He suspected one of the reasons he let Christy put his foot down in front of everybody was his recent illness (he was shaky, though not when it came to guns) and another reason might be a sense of pride that Christy cared about him enough to lay down the law. Of course, Virgil would accept that only so far.
"Is the .50 loaded with ammo?" McHale asked.
"Yeah, Skip, I checked it this morning."
"Okay, blast 'em. Everybody load up. While Virg and Christy distract the monsters, we take the Creature from the Black Lagoon head-on."
"Right, Skip!"
"Hear, hear!"
Virgil and Christy slipped out and the rest of the crew waited.
Virgil hoped this idea of his worked. As he stuck to the shadows, closely followed by Christy, he most definitely wanted to survive this bizarre situation. He also didn't want Christy to suffer if his idea didn't work.
Well, no time now for regrets. I gotta stay focused.
Despite not wanting Christy in danger, he did appreciate his lover and crewmate having his back. His physical presence helped him to stay focused.
He sidestepped a twig and kept his eyes on the Monster, who was shuffling in their general direction.
He reached the sandbagged area with the machine gun and quickly got into firing position while Christy stayed in the shadows but got ready to fire.
Virgil cocked the .50 and the Wolfman immediately turned his head in Virgil's direction. With a howl he started forward while the Monster roared. Virgil's insides quivered but he was deadly calm as if he was aiming at a Japanese Zero or PT boat. He let loose with a barrage of bullets while Christy did the same with his rifle.
The Wolfman staggered and the Monster stopped in its tracks. They shrugged off the bullets and started walking again.
"Uh, oh," Christy said out of the shadows.
Virgil yelled and let loose another volley as the monsters kept coming.
& & & & & &
Willy gave the Rebel yell while Gruber uttered the Brooklyn equivalent as they charged the roaring Creature from the Black Lagoon. They hit it with their rifle butts and managed to stagger it back.
McHale urged his men to get to the boat. Tinker and Happy scrambled aboard and Fuji created a distraction by shooting at the Creature. It roared and grabbed for Willy and Gruber, who danced away as the bullets bounced off the shell-like skin. The Creature grabbed Willy and threw him to the other end of the dock. He landed with a whuff!
Gruber ducked as the Creature took a swipe at him with a webbed hand. The eyes of the Creature were baleful as it tried to grab his antagonist. Gruber wasn't about to let it catch him.
"C'mon, Grube!" McHale called from the boat. Willy was already following Fuji aboard. Gruber happily obeyed the order.
"How do we help Virgil and Christy, Skip?" he asked as he huffed aboard. They could hear the chattering of Virgil's machine gun and yelling.
"That's where you come in. Ready depth charges! Happy, Willy, man the guns! Fuji, rifle ready!"
The men signaled their readiness as McHale raised his arm, then brought it down with a sharp slashing motion.
The fusillade of bullets was ear-splitting and the depth charge sprang up into the air and landed next to the Creature, who disappeared in a puff of smoke. Encouraged, McHale ordered another charge and Gruber complied. This charge descended upon Dracula, whose tattered cape was the only thing left as it smoked on the ground.
The Mummy roared and headed for the dock. The bullets disappeared into its bandages while he ducked the next depth charge. The creature started to climb aboard and Gruber grabbed a pole with attached net and started beating it while Fuji used his rifle butt to join in. The Mummy grabbed Gruber and threw him into the water, shrugging off the machine gun bullets Willy and Happy fired at it while McHale emptied his rifle clip.
The Mummy was relentless. With no depth charges to bother it, the creature moaned and stumbled with terrifying menace. It grabbed Willy by the collar and threw him into the water and reached for Fuji next.
& & & & & &
The Wolfman was quicker than his Monster buddy. He was on top of Virgil and growled maniacally while Virgil yelled as he fought him off, gasping as a clawed hand scratched his arm.
Christy has his own troubles. The Monster was lunging for him with stiff arms. That awkwardness gave Christy the chance to evade him. He knew Virgil was in trouble. Somehow he had to neutralize the Monster and help his friend.
Virgil kicked the Wolfman off and scrambled to get away. The Wolfman leaped at him but Christy fired off a quick bullet, delaying the creature enough so that Virgil could avoid him.
"C'mon, head for the boat!" Christy yelled.
Virgil raced after Christy as they hoped the depth charges had cleared their way. When they reached the dock they were horrified to see the Mummy rampaging aboard the 73. They were just in time to see Fuji get tossed into the water.
"Let's get behind him," Christy said.
Virgil nodded and they hopped aboard the 73, well aware of the Wolfman gaining ground on them. The Monster was slower but just as relentless in pursuit.
The duo came up behind the Mummy and pushed hard, sending it headfirst into the water. Gruber and Fuji were fished out of the ocean and pulled aboard. Christy grabbed the wheel and they began to pull away from the dock after Virgil and Willy untied the lines.
"Hey, wait for me!" yelled Chuck as he burst out of the jungle. He was grabbed and dragged aboard. The PT-73 chugged away from the dock just as the Wolfman reached the edge and yowled in frustration.
"Ready depth charges, Grube," said McHale.
"Right, Skip." Squishing as he watched, Gruber readied the remaining weapons.
McHale gave the distance and degree and ordered, "Fire One!"
Gruber obeyed and it was a direct hit, the Wolfman disappearing in an explosion of outraged howls and flying fur.
"Brilliant!" Gruber pumped his fist.
"The Monster's next." McHale barked out the coordinates and Gruber quickly set the calculations.
"Fire Two!"
The second depth charge hit directly in front of the Monster. It rocked back on its heels and Gruber let fly a third charge.
"Direct hit!" yelled Chuck as the Monster disappeared in a puff of smoke, sewn body parts flying in every direction.
"Whew," said McHale, wiping his brow.
"What now, Skip?" asked Happy.
"We stay on the boat tonight and take turns on watch. Remember, the Mummy wasn't blown to kingdom come."
The men looked nervously over their shoulders.
"Should we put more distance between us and the Island?" Christy asked.
"You bet."
Christy nodded and the 73's engines thrummed powerfully as they pulled away. Relief was palpable among the crew.
"What were you doing in the jungle, Chuck?" asked McHale.
"Oh, I thought I saw a glow and wanted to investigate. Maybe it had something to do with the monsters."
"Hmm. Let's hope it doesn't mean one of the villagers is on fire."
The PT-73 drifted far enough away from the Island to give the men a measure of relief but they were still on alert for the Mummy.
The night passed slowly as the crew took turns standing watch. Every breeze, every noise, set them on edge. They kept their rifles at the ready.
Most of the crew slept the sleep of the exhausted when they went off-watch, but some woke up at every sound. Virgil was one of the latter and gave up trying to sleep. He grabbed his rifle and went topside.
He joined Christy at the con. Gruber and Tinker were aft.
"Quiet?" asked Virgil.
"Yeah." Christy had draped his arms over the wheel. "How's your arm?"
Virgil looked at his bandaged forearm. "Okay." It burned a little but would probably be fine in a few days. "Do you think I'll turn into a werewolf?" he joked, though a tiny part of him was worried.
"Nah, it's the bite that does it, not a scratch. Keep an eye on it, though."
"I will." Virgil swept his gaze over the Island. "Doesn't seem to be any activity."
"Thank Neptune for that."
Virgil grinned. "You know, I'd rather be a vampire than a werewolf."
"Yeah?*
"Yeah, because then I could bite you on the neck." Virgil nuzzled Christy's neck
Christy laughed and squirmed. "You're tickling me."
"All the better."
"Relief got you frisky?" Christy asked with a smile
"Mmm, yeah." Virgil kept nuzzling.
"Hey, you two! Get a room!* yelled Gruber.
Virgil waved his hand dismissively as he began to nibble on Christy's neck.
"Cut it out." Christy laughed but his protest was weak.
Virgil drew back. "Okay, okay, I'll be good."
"You don't have to go that far."
Virgil smirked but centered his attention on McHale's Island. "Let's hope it stays quiet."
"I'd feel better if the Mummy had been blown to bits, too."
"Maybe it can't swim with wet bandages."
Christy rolled his eyes. "C'mere, you." He pulled Virgil into a passionate kiss.
At the other end of the boat Gruber clucked his tongue. "Young love."
He and Tinker laughed.
& & & & & &
End Part 1
Part 2
If you liked this spooky story you might also like the haunting McHale's Navy tale,The Revenge Of The PT-73.
Yeah, I know I'm shamelessly pimping, but over the years I've realized sometimes you just gotta blow your own horn! :)
This story can also be read on AO3.
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)