Hey, all. How is everyone? Thanks for the reviews, guys. They mean a lot. Here's the next chapter.

Ye olde disclaimer: Arrgh Mateys, I own none of this here booty.

"Bet you I can swim all the way out to the buoy under water."

I stared at my brother, but he just grinned cockily at me. "Yeah right," I said, waving a dismissive hand at him. "That's like two hundred feet out there."

"So? I can totally do it," he answered, bouncing lightly where he stood, up to his knees in the ocean.

I shrugged, "Fine, if you want to drown it's not my problem. Just don't expect me to come rescue you when you pass out."

He just laughed and started wading out into the surf. "If I'm right, you have to cook dinner tonight," he shouted over his shoulder.

"Ha! If I'm right you have to clean our bathroom for the next week."

"Not gonna happen!" he singsong-ed, before diving under the water and disappearing from view.

I slogged out of the water and settled on the sand, watching the buoy. I wouldn't rescue him if he got into trouble, but I still had to keep an eye on him, make sure he didn't try to cheat and all.

I didn't realize something was wrong until I heard the distinctive whir of a helicopter. I pivoted in my seat on the sand and stared in horror down the path to the bungalows. In the time we'd been placing our stupid bet, the island had been practically overrun. I dropped to the sand, the sand dunes the only cover between me and the soldiers I could see heading toward the beach.

I glanced up at the helicopters, noting the ropes that were swinging out of the open sides. In two seconds, like so many newborn spiders, men were going to come swarming out of those hulls. I had to act, and I had to act now. I scrambled to my feet and made a break for the water. It was my only chance. If I could get into the ocean, I could swim to the rendezvous point and grab a duffle full of supplies on my way. With any luck, I'd meet up with my bros too.

I was feet from the water's edge, when I saw my brother pull himself out of the water and onto the buoy. He threw his arms up triumphantly, and I could see him open his mouth, presumably to start lording it over me, before I frantically started waving my arms. He paused and suddenly seemed to realize what was going on. He slipped back into the water and disappeared behind the buoy.

I breathed a sigh of relief. At least one of my brothers was safe. I heard shouting and realized I'd been spotted. Cursing under my breath, I made a snap decision. The water was no longer an option. If I went that way, he'd surely be spotted too. One of us had to be able escape; it was our only hope. At this point, I had to assume the worst. I had to assume we were the only two still free. That gave my brother the best chance of getting away.

With a rueful smile, I abandoned my best chance at freedom and instead turned and started running down the beach. "Hey! G.I. Jokes! Over here!" I sprinted down the beach, away from the gunmen, away from escape, and hopefully away from the one family member that actually had a chance.

Dun dun dun! The final prologue. Guesses? Review!