The Origins of Incest Island

And because Heather had family on the school board, these instances were usually brushed over by the principal, who basically allowed her free reign to insult, belittle, and degrade any educator who happened to interfere with her bad mood. When it came to her boyfriend, nobody had to ask why William was interested in such a shrieking, shrill, and altogether banal girlfriend. She had the body of a cheerleader that every guy wants to be with: large chested, blonde hair, and legs that led to the place any man with a fully-functional libido desired. As valedictorian, William was certainly a catch for Heather. The kid was a shoo-in for the University of Oklahoma, and Heather planned to come with him, attending the nearby community college.

It all led to Martin telling an errant joke. A joke that would've been fine in a teachers lounge. A joke that no teacher would ever dare repeat to Heather Rochester. Maybe the breakdown in Martin's thinking came from too often debasing Heather in his private fantasies, where she lived on her knees, waiting for him to grab her by the head and force her to swallow every inch as penance.

Martin couldn't remember exactly what Heather said to earn his overly-harsh, sarcastic rebuke. He also couldn't figure out why this had been the breaking point, the moment he threw away an entire teaching career over one insolent student. Whatever her comment had been, it didn't deserve to be met with such a publicly-brutal, cold, strike in front of her peers. But Heather started their altercation, and Mr. Bloom ended it with a few choice words.

"The smartest thing ever to come out of your mouth, Heather Rochester, is your boyfriend's semen. At least one of those swimmers might have developed some shred of intelligence, provided that you spit fast enough so that it wasn't brain damaged by the sound of your voice"

A few blurry moments later and Martin Bloom was unemployed.

In the next few months, the arguments between Martin and Mary escalated. Mary was mortified at having to explain Martin's behavior to her friends, who soon ostracized the family. Plus, the bills kept coming, weighed down with ominous instructions, such as "final warning" and "foreclosure." As time passed and Martin's employment options began to look more and more scarce, they found themselves moving towards the inevitable - the offer from Martin's late brother.

Chapter Three: Liam's Cove

Eventually, Mary played her trump card. Though she deferred to Martin in front of the twins, Mary had already decided there was no future in which she didn't relocate to the infamous Liam's Cove. Initially, she didn't need to do more than simply keep advancing the suggestion, only to retreat when her position was unfavorable. But as the days and weeks advanced the inevitable slowly became clear to her husband. There really wasn't any other option.

Their quickening financial crisis moved her ultimatum forward. The solution was natural, Mary had every legal right and the ability to simply visit Liam's Cove on her own. Unspoken was the threat that she might simply leave her husband to sulk in his own solitude, strolling around his house while she checked out Liam's nude beach. Mary knew this presented two untenable options for Martin; either he stay behind alone or they go together.

Martin was jealous by nature and hated the thought of any scenario that placed his wife in a position where she might be picked up by a sensual island man, 10 years or more her junior. So, as much as he didn't want to attend the repugnant island, he couldn't stop Mary from making her own travel plans. Ultimately for the sake of his marriage, he conceded. Their visit would be brief. They'd stay a few days, no more than a weekend.

After landing in Tokyo, Martin and Mary took a boat ride to the Cove, nestled away in the North Pacific Ocean. Even from the water, they could see the isolated mansion built into the side of the rock. It bore ostentatious amenities that seemed to contradict the placid lifestyle Liam espoused in his last few years.

Walking up the private beach, they noticed that the house seem to have everything. It had been built on stilts to withstand tropical storms and the four-floor palace seemed to float above the sand. It was easy for Mary to imagine her children enjoying themselves. Here, each would have a wing of the house to call their own. She wondered what kind of colleges or academic achievements would be available with such wealth, and what kind of life they could live free from the responsibilities of the daily grind.

For the first time in her life, Mary looked at the future as something hopeful. Finally, she might not have to chase after a classroom full of spoiled brats. It was a future free from wiping runny noses, changing dirty diapers, and trying to match random shoes to hyperactive little feet. Free most of all from the agitated parents who thought they were the only ones who worked that day.

Per the late Liam's arrangements, a lone man stood outside the marvelous mansion, holding the keys to their future. Before Mary realized what was happening, he'd swung open the front doors and launched into the grand tour.

"Hello, and welcome," The man said formally. "I'm Aiko Proctor, Secretary for the Director of Public Relations for the Institute... and... an old friend of Liam's. It is my goal to help acclimate you to the special culture provided at the cove. As you are the last remaining relatives of our founder, there's special importance on providing a welcoming atmosphere for the two of you. Please let me know if there is anything you need."

"Thank you," Mary said, almost beaming at the man.

Akio Proctor looked mostly Japanese, though a hint of his American ancestry shone through his bright and energetic futures. Proctor was youthful, energetic, and most of all, excited at meeting the family of his mentor.

To say that Mary was taken aback by the grandeur of the sprawling estate would've been a tremendous understatement. But she felt instantly at home. Everywhere she looked, there was postmodern architecture, massive open windows and high glass ceilings. Her mouth gaped at the swimming pool and Jacuzzi, the pristine yet contrasting white painted stairs that felt at once rustic and edgy. It was all extravagantly exorbitant, prohibitively expensive and absolutely perfect. .

"The master bedroom," Aiko said as they crested the steps, "takes up the entire top floor."

"So Liam could invite the entire island into bed with him," Martin sneered.

If he heard the remark, Proctor certainly didn't acknowledge it.

"The library is the only part of the residence that's regularly open to the public. You'll find an entrance from both the outside the residence and within," Proctor said matter-of-factly. "I declined to include it on this tour as I feared the contents might be... objectionable."

"Don't you mean obscene?" Martin asked.

"A matter of opinion," Proctor shrugged. "But you are correct in assuming a large portion of Liam's collection is devoted to the erotic."

"I think we can simply bar up our entrance then," Martin said.

"As you wish," Proctor said. "I may add though that as an author, Mr. Bloom thought it prudent to keep a robust and varied collection of the classics, and of course his own works."

"I've never read anything of his," Mary said. "I would love to..."

Martin interrupted. "See the lewd, perverted world Liam created?"

"I would be happy to retrieve any title you might be interested in, madam." Proctor continued the tour as though nothing out of the ordinary had been said.

It took them the better part of an hour to see the entire house. Martin and Mary explored each of the floors; every level had the potential to exist as its own unique structure, able to operate independently from the others. Once they'd covered the entire house, Proctor sat them down at one of the tables in the main room. He stared at his intertwined fingers, as though deep in thought.

"As long as you're staying here, I have been instructed to provide you with a weekly stipend for the maintenance of the estate as well as any personal needs. You may be aware, supplies from the mainland tend to become more expensive if not purchased in bulk. Mr. Bloom intended for whoever lived here to be completely comfortable, free from the worry of money. Please note, the allowance comes with one condition: to receive these funds, you must reside within the residence. Now, do either of you have any questions?"

Mary spoke first.

"I guess... Well, honestly, this wasn't at all what I was expecting."

Mary couldn't help but let her excitement color her response. She paused and tried to think rationally.

"The lawyer said something about hundreds of families living out here. Is that true?"

Proctor cleared his throat.

"There are indeed hundreds of people who live here. This estate, minus the library and the parlor, which sometimes hosts events and foreign dignitaries, is your private property. But this place is only a small part of the island. Rest assured though, there's a considerable distance between here and the other houses. However..."

"However, what?" Martin said, his voice rising in anger again.

"Mr. Bloom was very liberal. Some of our common practices might be considered... indecent in the United States.

"Jesus Christ," Martin muttered with disdain.

Proctor ignored the remark and continued unabated.

"Liam sought to make sure his island remained an open place for experimentation and spiritual fulfillment, pursuits typically not possible unless conducted outside of the norms of society. His was a hyper-progressive view, one which the members of the Institute, your new neighbors, are determined to protect and advance. From your tone, Mr. Bloom, I surmise you have no interest in seeking the same experience that your brother so greatly enjoyed during his time here."

Proctor continued quickly, disallowing any opportunity for dissent.

"This is no cause for alarm on your behalf. This particular residence was only periodically inhabited, largely by guests sharing your particular sensitivities, such as state officials with whom Liam conducted business. Should you wish, it is entirely possible to avoid the other residents of the island without any difficulty. As I mentioned your house is entirely self-sufficient."

The grand setting made it easy to imagine heads of states all seated around the table. Mary pictured a collection of stuffy men in suits trying to hammer out contracts and land use agreements with Liam - an aging and probably disinterested hippie. A man she easily imagined wanting only to return to his simple hut by the ocean.

"Mr. Bloom, this is delicate, but I feel I must be forthcoming," Proctor said. "On this island, acceptance is a two-way street. The people who live here may engage in various sexual activities that strike you as inappropriate, lewd or distasteful. However, they absolutely do not engage in this behavior with anyone without consent. They live here with the understanding that they will not be molested nor shamed by anyone who does not share their perspective. If you're worried you may see a nude sunbather, I would recommend spending as much time in your residence as possible, as the beaches are open to anyone. Though if you are conducting yourself as a tourist, you will find Japanese customs are much more permissive than those in America when it comes to certain taboos. That being said, I see no reason why a live and let live policy could not suit both of your needs and the needs of the larger community. Your neighbors, if you wish to call them that, are largely normal people, and I would encourage you to acquaint yourself with the people who called your brother a dear friend."

"I'm afraid that's entirely out of the question," Martin said, the scowl never quite disappearing from his disapproving face.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Proctor said. "However, you would not be the first resident who later changed their mind. I would encourage you to keep an open mind. This house, though marvelous in his own right, was never the home of your brother.

"All the better," Martin Bloom said coldly.

If Aiko Proctor had been even the slightest bit perturbed by this remark, he didn't let it show. He remained stoic and surprisingly patient as he listened to the indignantly ignorant man sitting across from him run down the work of his former employer and most coveted idol. Mary took stock of Proctor's extraordinary forbearance as he tactfully shrugged off Martin's repeated insults. She feared Proctor would have no interest in staying on in his position, even as his poise made her eager to hear more.

In Proctor, Liam had found a dedicated acolyte. The diminutive but disciplined disciple believed fully in Liam's vision and felt a duty to promote their way of life. He endeavored to further Liam's teachings in a practiced, understanding manner that would help closed-off individuals see the light.

Unlike her seething husband, Mary wanted to know more. Her mind filled with questions; scandalous, sinful wonderings that, despite her attempts to remain professional, infected her with desire..

The jet lag made Martin more irritable than usual, and without murmuring so much as an excuse, he stood and announced he was going to bed. Though she knew he was exhausted, Mary was embarrassed by her husband's behavior. He'd done nothing but insult Proctor. Still, Proctor seemed none the worse for wear. He'd weathered the storm with tremendous grace, unbowed as the island's inheritor talked down to him and insulted the memory of his late brother, a man who'd possessed unceasing ambition and altruism. Had Proctor acted superior or spoken to them with disdain, Mary would've understood her husband's reaction. But as Martin walked out of the room, she couldn't help but feel admiration for Proctor, a man she found charming, charismatic, and exceedingly polite. Though an awkward tension remained as Martin left, Mary's intrigue never wavered. She wanted to know much, much more.

She also wanted to apologize for Martin. They'd been married for 20 years and their union was a testament to how two people could overcome their differences, even as they changed and grew as individuals. They'd learned to forget and forgive, a crucial skill for two people who'd wed as naive teenagers.

When they hitched their wagons together, the future seemed simple. Back then, Martin, a high school brainiac who showed more potential than most in their small town of Cherokee, Oklahoma, would talk for hours with Mary about how great their lives would be. Mary, enamored by his intellect and ability, once believed every word.

Martin had been the first of his family to graduate with a high school diploma. Not even Liam Bloom, for all his accomplishments and earthly successes, could claim something as simple and transformative. Liam had dropped out of high school in 1946. He'd left home and served in the Korean War. By the time Martin came of age, his literary success eclipsed his younger brother. Their parent's admiration should have been held in reserve for Martin, but they heaped all their praise on Liam, a pulp science fiction author living the high life on the coast.

Proctor spoke up, cutting through Mary's thoughts.

"Did you have any more questions, Mrs. Bloom?"

"Many," Mary laughed. "I find myself unable, or at least unsure of where to start. I don't want to bother you; I feel my husband has done enough of that. And please accept my apology for his behavior. He's tired and just... Honestly, I don't even know if that's it. He hasn't been himself lately."

"Please, pay it no mind," Proctor said in a manner that made obvious his continued reverence and obligation to his late employer and friend.

"No, he made an ass of himself. I'm sorry for how rudely he spoke to you."

"Mrs. Bloom, if I may be permitted to speak bluntly..."

"Please, do. Your candor is greatly appreciated."

"Of course," Proctor stated almost enthusiastically.

Even those who lobbied for the Japanese Government to outlaw the Institute found Proctor's skillful, unassuming rhetoric impossible to overcome.

"Liam Bloom never found acceptance in his native country. Though his literature shares many themes prevalent in Japan, particularly his attention to robotics, he found himself creating a different culture - one entirely unique but largely rejected by the 'civilized world.'". His goal was to create a community where people, displaced for sexual practices between consenting adults, were allowed to thrive...."

Mary interrupted. "You mean like, homosexuals?"

"In part, yes. The residents of this island would never judge you and your husband's sexual preferences, no matter how unique they might be. We feel strongly that our role is not to judge, but rather to encourage. We consider it tremendously impolite and distasteful to ask about anyone's particular sexual practices, and should you care to share them, I can assure you we would accept you without judgment. I encourage you to adopt the same mindset when interacting with any of the other residents. For many, the aspects of their relationship are public. Though you will find some who are more cautious or private with strangers. It's important to remember that many suffered before they came to this sanctuary."

"Sanctuary?" Mary asked genuinely.

Proctor nodded. "Liam Bloom considered the persecution of sexual minorities the greatest shame of many otherwise great countries. He used his fortune to ensure the legal protection of anyone who came here seeking legal or social sanctuary and created an accord with the Japanese Government that extended temporary citizenship to all who live here.."

Mary considered Proctor's statement, then said, "It sounds like Liam was really important."

The corners of Proctor's small, black eyes turned up as though he might laugh.

"Yes, indeed. In many ways and to many people. Every investment, every cent he made, he poured back into providing for his people." Proctor paused. "Please know, I understand how your husband may feel. Family can be difficult and it's obvious he and his brother had a tenuous relationship. But you should know that most people on the island revere Liam. He was a great friend and ally."

He paused to consider the gravity of his next statement.

"I consider myself truly fortunate to have been his friend and confident. Even in Japan, things have not been easy for those who are... different."

Aiko knew he was likely sharing too much, but something about Mary's demeanor, her genuine, inquisitive nature, prompted him to provide her more than the basic explanation. Despite her age, her religious upbringing and the unruly temperament of her husband, Mary Bloom had an honest curiosity that endeared her to strangers.

"Whatever happened with Martin and his brother?" she continued.

There was no extended pause. There would be no dramatic revelation. Proctor simply met her question with his own.

"I had hoped you would be able to tell me that."

Chapter Four: Riley

Proctor and Mary walked the estate's grounds. As they did, the small Japanese man told her more of the island's history.
"During those first days, all we had were a few random prefabricated homes running off of antiquated generators."

As Mary listened, she couldn't help but wonder about the marvels her brother-in-law had created with his money and ingenuity. He'd crafted his own society; carved out the ideas that once existed only in his fictional novels until they were real - a monument to his name that endured beyond his passing.

"If you continue to follow this road for half-a-mile, you'll find yourself in the center of the village," Proctor said.

Though the road was neither yellow nor made of brick, she was reminded of Dorothy's OZ. Before her, the concrete path, which was wide enough for two, maybe three people, disappeared into the jungle that seemed entirely untamed. The foliage was unruly and wild with long bladed grass. Above them, sprawling palm trees bowed over their heads to create a dense canopy. All around them, the blend of wind rustling in the long, exotic leaves and the cries of unseen animals in the distance created a tropical blanket of sound. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Had she simply awoken to this beautiful wilderness, she might have thought it another world.