Walking into Ben's cubicle, Danny slumped down onto the chair in front of the Samoan detective's desk. "So, you're really doing this?" he asked softly as he watched Ben remove the framed certificates from his cubicle wall. "You're really going to move to the mainland with Sue and the kids?"
Turning back towards Danny, Ben nodded as he placed the certificates into the cardboard box that was sitting on his desk. "It's a terrific opportunity, Danny. One that I just can't turn down."
"I did." Dany said softly, watching Ben as his friend opened the top drawer of his desk and began to empty some of its contents into the box and leaving the rest on his desk.
"I know you did," Ben looked up at his closest friend, pausing for a moment from packing his belongings as he frowned and added, "and I won't lie, Danny, I still don't fully understand why. I mean this was your chance to lead your own brand-new task force in California. We both know that an opportunity like this doesn't come up that often. Hell Danny, I mean this is the first specialized State police taskforce that I have heard about even being set-up on the mainland and you were their first choice, I am just blown away that they even considered me after you turned them down."
Danny shrugged, "Steve needs me here! Anyway, one day when Steve retires, we both know that I will probably lead Five-O."
Ben nodded his head and bit his tongue as he returned to packing up the last remnants of contents in his desk, aware of the strong sense of loyalty that Danny held for their boss and the close friendship, a closeness that reminded Ben of more akin of big and younger brothers, that the two of them shared. A friendship and loyalty that Danny had placed ahead of moving on to a much more prestigious position of setting up and leading his own mainland taskforce that the younger man greatly deserved. He also knew that the chances of Danny taking over the elite State police unit, Hawaii Five-O, anytime in the next ten to fifteen years were slim.
"You're going to be missed. You're a damn good detective!" Danny sighed softly. "And one of my closest friends."
"Los Angeles is not that far away, Danny." Ben reminded the younger man as he picked up the box and headed towards the door as Danny reluctantly rose to his feet and followed. Ben turned as they reached the cubicle door and smiled at his friend, "And besides, Bruddah, we both know that Aloha does not mean goodbye for ever, it also means hello! You will see me again!"
H5O H5O H5O
Aloha Al (Ben Kokua) Harrington.
December 12, 1935 – September 21, 2021
Aloha does not mean goodbye for ever; it also means hello!
You will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace.