My world is slowing coming back into focus...aah what hit me? Everything is still fuzzy and in a haze. I start making out the shapes of human figures...their standing around me. I start focusing and I see them smiling at me for some or other reason, a few pats me on the back. What in the hell? Then I realize that I've been tied up and that I can't move my arms or legs! I struggle violently against the ropes but to no avail! Something feels wrong here but my mind is still struggling to wake up...then I look down to my clothes. It takes me a moment to figure out exactly what it is...it's a...wedding gown?!! WHAT THE HELL!!
I look up and I see a massive man standing in front of me, dressed in bright tribal clothing. He has a huge goofy grin on his face and has a flower in his hand! My jaw drops open....
Monday, January 23, 2012
Man on an island, day 377
A massive fight breaks out between us and the pirates! Nikita is dishing out a beating to two rather portly pirates, she has one in a headlock while slapping the other repeatedly through the face! John Henry is chasing one with a full bottle of rum (where he got it from is a mystery to me), stopping periodically to take a swig of the rum before chasing after the pirate again. Belatrix has flattened a few pirates by jumping on them and is happily chewing on a leg in the corner. I grab my cutlass and I lock swords with the pirate captain! We fight throughout the hull and up some steps. He is just starting to get the upper hand on me as I trip on a broken step! He puts his cutlass at my throat, ready to impale me...just then a flying bottle comes out of nowhere andstuns him for a brief second!
"Sorry lad, waste of good rum that!"
I lunge at him and I wrestle the captain to the ground, I knock him out cold with a elbow strike!
"We have to get out of here!" I shout.
We start running back to the deck of the ship when I spot the powder room...
"Hold on!"
I grab a nearby torch and I throw it into the room!
"RUN!!"
We reach the deck and dive into the dark water of the cove. We swim like mad to get away from the ship. Seconds later the ship explodes in a orange fireball! Scattering debris all over the cove!
We let out a triumphant cheer! YEAAAAAAAAAH!
"Lets head home, it's been a long day" I say as we make our way back to the beach
"Sorry lad, waste of good rum that!"
I lunge at him and I wrestle the captain to the ground, I knock him out cold with a elbow strike!
"We have to get out of here!" I shout.
We start running back to the deck of the ship when I spot the powder room...
"Hold on!"
I grab a nearby torch and I throw it into the room!
"RUN!!"
We reach the deck and dive into the dark water of the cove. We swim like mad to get away from the ship. Seconds later the ship explodes in a orange fireball! Scattering debris all over the cove!
We let out a triumphant cheer! YEAAAAAAAAAH!
"Lets head home, it's been a long day" I say as we make our way back to the beach
Woman on an island, day 37
I run up to the torn down chain link fence and skip over it joyfully. I can't believe I found this place! There must be someone here who can take me home! I dash around an old hangar...There's something going on there! I rush closer but then something makes me stop...those people are not dressed in military uniforms and they seem to carrying torches! I sneak closer to them...they are not U.S military by any stretch of the imagination. Half of me wants to run away but the other half knows I can't pass up this opportunity, maybe they know of a way home! I'm still undecided and so deep in thought that I don't see the huge shadow appearing behind me! I swing around at the last second...too late! A massive club hits me on the side of the head and I am instantly knocked out cold! My world goes black....
Man on an island, day 377
I slowly to turn around to see who is standing behind me...its a elegantly dressed man in flowing red robes wielding a cutlass. He stands upright with his shoulders arched back and with a glimmer of a smile on his shaven face. I can immediately see that he is a class above the pirate rabble.
"So you think you can just waltz onto my ship and take my prison away from me? Granted she is damaging my employees and their moral but she is such good entertainment and oh I think I would want to keep her, even if it is just to mess with that thieving thug Moore you had stationed up in the cliffs. Bring him in boys!"
They drag a bloody and battered Henry into the hold.
"How you holding up?"
"Fine laddie but I told them to go easy on the massage! hehe" he replies.
"Who are you?" I ask, turning my attention to the elegantly dressed man.
"James Fonteinroy esquire the first, once a commander in Her majesties royal navy but now a oh how shall I say it...an entrepreneur of own employment ha ha! And these are my employees in our floating company. I will now have the pleasure to run you through and toss what's left of you three to my employees so they can at least claim some company benefits haha!"
I smile grimly. "Three? Oh you haven't met my pet yet have you? I told her to wait outside" I let out a shrill whistle and the hull door explodes as Belatrix crashes through!
All chaos erupts in the hull!
"So you think you can just waltz onto my ship and take my prison away from me? Granted she is damaging my employees and their moral but she is such good entertainment and oh I think I would want to keep her, even if it is just to mess with that thieving thug Moore you had stationed up in the cliffs. Bring him in boys!"
They drag a bloody and battered Henry into the hold.
"How you holding up?"
"Fine laddie but I told them to go easy on the massage! hehe" he replies.
"Who are you?" I ask, turning my attention to the elegantly dressed man.
"James Fonteinroy esquire the first, once a commander in Her majesties royal navy but now a oh how shall I say it...an entrepreneur of own employment ha ha! And these are my employees in our floating company. I will now have the pleasure to run you through and toss what's left of you three to my employees so they can at least claim some company benefits haha!"
I smile grimly. "Three? Oh you haven't met my pet yet have you? I told her to wait outside" I let out a shrill whistle and the hull door explodes as Belatrix crashes through!
All chaos erupts in the hull!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Man on an island, day 376
I see the ship's crew all gathered in the hall and their all staring at a fight going on in the middle. It's a rather haggard looking and beaten pirate against a... woman? She has long, deep brown hair and her skin is the color of light mocha. She is moving with an effortless grace as she is delivering the beating of a lifetime to the hapless pirate. He is trying to stab her with a cruel looking knife but she dances around him, skilfully avoiding him before delivering a ball shattering kick to his nether regions! Me and the other pirates wince in horrified unison.
"Which one of you purse wearing pansies is next?!" She asks while smiling. A silence falls on the room.
I clear my throat and push my way through the obviously terrified group of pirates.
"And who be you buttercup?"
"I be the rescue party ma'am" I say in wonder.
"Do I look like I need to be rescued?"
"Well the accommodation and company around here leaves much to be desired, would milady care to join me in my glorious rescue attempt?"
"And how in the name of the queen of England's balls do you think you're going to do that?" She asks with a face that has smelled sour milk
"Right through the front door" I reply
My words are scarcely cold when I feel the very sharp point of a cutlass press into my neck...
"My front door?" A raspy voice says behind me...
"Which one of you purse wearing pansies is next?!" She asks while smiling. A silence falls on the room.
I clear my throat and push my way through the obviously terrified group of pirates.
"And who be you buttercup?"
"I be the rescue party ma'am" I say in wonder.
"Do I look like I need to be rescued?"
"Well the accommodation and company around here leaves much to be desired, would milady care to join me in my glorious rescue attempt?"
"And how in the name of the queen of England's balls do you think you're going to do that?" She asks with a face that has smelled sour milk
"Right through the front door" I reply
My words are scarcely cold when I feel the very sharp point of a cutlass press into my neck...
"My front door?" A raspy voice says behind me...
Woman on an island, day 36
I'm heading down the beach in the direction of the smoke. It's not the colour of wood burning...it's much too dark for that. I hear a loud banging noise coming from the distance but I can't make out what it is yet. I slow my pace down and I start moving from rock to rock, looking around me the whole time for any sign of danger. There is something going on ahead of me... I crawl across the sand and on to a rock to see what's happening. That sound...so familiar...I close my eyes and the memories of Iraq come streaming back to me...it's gunfire!! There could be civilization just around the corner! I could be saved...I could be heading home soon!
I start running closer and closer but something primal inside me makes me stop and duck down...why are they shooting? and what are they doing here? I have to know!
I move closer and as I come around the corner I see it!
An army base!!
I start running closer and closer but something primal inside me makes me stop and duck down...why are they shooting? and what are they doing here? I have to know!
I move closer and as I come around the corner I see it!
An army base!!
Woman on an island, day 36
After a less than peaceful night's sleep, I awake to a new day in my new home. Time to make this place liveable. I set out back to the old camp site to gather the things I left there. I pass a group of bush pigs on my way there...hmm fresh meat is always good but perhaps cured meat would also help me. Something to think about later on. I start packing my belongings when I look down the beach...hmm that smoke I saw earlier is still there...a fire would have died out much earlier. I grab my weapon and bag and I set off to investigate.
Man on an island, day 376
We creep closer to the moored pirate ship. All seems quiet, a few dull lights are shining on deck. The full moon shimmering on the inky black water is a bit of a problem but it can't be helped now.
"I want you on those rocks over there, you are overwatch. Be on the lookout for any pirates that might be returning to the ship, I don't want to be taken by surprise."
"Right lad."
The first bit of luck hits me as I see the ship is tied to a walkway and there is only one guard on duty. I sneak up behind him and I strike him on the neck! I catch him on his collar just as he is about to fall into the water. I hide his body in some old nearby crates.
"Come along but quietly now"
We sneak aboard the ship...no one has spotted us yet. Ah- That should be the door that leads down into the ship. We slip in but strangely we find no one in their quarters. I hear a large amount of noise common down the passage. This is must be the main gathering place for the crew.
"Wait here." and I inch the door slowly open...I am met by a sight that leaves me speechless...
"I want you on those rocks over there, you are overwatch. Be on the lookout for any pirates that might be returning to the ship, I don't want to be taken by surprise."
"Right lad."
The first bit of luck hits me as I see the ship is tied to a walkway and there is only one guard on duty. I sneak up behind him and I strike him on the neck! I catch him on his collar just as he is about to fall into the water. I hide his body in some old nearby crates.
"Come along but quietly now"
We sneak aboard the ship...no one has spotted us yet. Ah- That should be the door that leads down into the ship. We slip in but strangely we find no one in their quarters. I hear a large amount of noise common down the passage. This is must be the main gathering place for the crew.
"Wait here." and I inch the door slowly open...I am met by a sight that leaves me speechless...
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Woman on an island, day 35
I am finally done building my house, it might not be a palace but it's my castle. I'll build a proper deck a bit later on. I fall asleep that night to the sounds of the island...then the nightmares starts again. I remember the shouting and screaming and Mark's fists as it crashed into my bruised and battered face and body. I could almost feel the kicks again of cruel steel toed boots into my stomach. I flash back to the feel of the gunmetal grey pistol in my hands, the sickening smell of gunpowder and black blood and seeing him crumble into a pathetic heap and dying in front of me. The look of horror on his face when I walked up to him and shot him between the eyes. I wake with a start and I walk outside for some fresh air. It's starting to rain softly. Never again will I be the victim, never again will I be that pathetic, drug addicted little girl again! You hear me world!! NEVER AGAIN!
I hope you're roasting well in hell tonight, you bastard!
I hope you're roasting well in hell tonight, you bastard!
Man on an island, day 375
We head back to the cave to plan out what we are going to do. John Henry starts up a fire and he puts two chickens on the spit.
"How did you get a daughter and how was she kidnapped?" I ask.
"When I realized I would not be able to get back to my wife in Scotland, due to my arse being stranded here; I married one of the local village ladies and Nikita was our first child. My wife passed away due to complications from the childbirth and I raised little Nikita all by myself these years. She was out picking wild mushrooms when those bastards grabbed her, oh she put up a hella of a fight- I found the blood and teeth of many a pirate there.I just want her back but I cannot do it alone."
"And that's where I come in right?" I say
"Aye. For the sakes of those poor bugger's health. My little Niki is a born fighter hehe!"
I look deep into the man's eyes..."I'll do it but we do this my way right?"
"You got a deal laddie!"
"Lets go now, I want to catch them off guard and asleep" I say.
We head out into the deep, black jungle... I look around...and I smile.
"What are you doing here? Oh alright but no chewing or maiming unless I say so!"
"How did you get a daughter and how was she kidnapped?" I ask.
"When I realized I would not be able to get back to my wife in Scotland, due to my arse being stranded here; I married one of the local village ladies and Nikita was our first child. My wife passed away due to complications from the childbirth and I raised little Nikita all by myself these years. She was out picking wild mushrooms when those bastards grabbed her, oh she put up a hella of a fight- I found the blood and teeth of many a pirate there.I just want her back but I cannot do it alone."
"And that's where I come in right?" I say
"Aye. For the sakes of those poor bugger's health. My little Niki is a born fighter hehe!"
I look deep into the man's eyes..."I'll do it but we do this my way right?"
"You got a deal laddie!"
"Lets go now, I want to catch them off guard and asleep" I say.
We head out into the deep, black jungle... I look around...and I smile.
"What are you doing here? Oh alright but no chewing or maiming unless I say so!"
Friday, January 20, 2012
Woman on an island, day 35
It's a beautiful morning on the island! The sun is shining brightly and the sea is pale blue! I look out over the island, from the volcano all the way to the coast of the opposite side. It's a perfect day to get work done as I bounce down to fetch logs for my roof. I quickly check and fix my perimeter alarm, better safe than sorry. Soon the sounds of me fetching, chopping, lifting and tying rings through the forest. It's hard work but I should be done by this afternoon. The leg seems to have healed well, the herbs they put on worked wonders! I can nearly start running again soon. I look off into the distance and I notice some smoke rising...must be a fire somewhere. I ignore it, there is work to be done!
Man on an island, day 375
We move back down the rocks and out of sight of the pirate ship. I grab John Henry by the collar. "Okay talk, what did you do? Apart from them being pirates, what's your issue with them?' I need answers now and quickly!" "I smoke a pipe, my world starts spinning, I end up in 1702 wearing this costume, talking to someone who should be dead by now!"
"Well lad, I might have raided their ship for supplies, once or twice. They didn't take kindly to me taking some of their furniture (that was a hell of a operation let me tell you!) and rum.
"There's something you're not telling me! What is it?"
He lowers his head and whispers softly: " They have my Nikita, they took my daughter!"
"Well lad, I might have raided their ship for supplies, once or twice. They didn't take kindly to me taking some of their furniture (that was a hell of a operation let me tell you!) and rum.
"There's something you're not telling me! What is it?"
He lowers his head and whispers softly: " They have my Nikita, they took my daughter!"
Woman on an island, day 34
I string together cans with plant vines all around the tree house site. I test it out and it makes a noise that would wake up the devil! Try sneaking up on me now! I get right back to work on finishing the walls, it's not an easy job for a woman alone but I'm making progress and just before sunset the last log goes into place! All done! Just got to cut out some windows and the second phase of my house building project is done! I fall asleep that night feeling like I can take on the world and in some ways I am! I hear a rattle of cans later that night and an indignant grunt before all goes quiet again. I smile before turning over and sleeping quietly further...
Man on an island,day 374
I grab the cutlass and put it in my belt before following John Henry out of the cave and into the jungle. We travel for an hour through the thick foliage till we get to the coast.
"This way lad" and he starts scaling up some nearby rocks. I follow him quickly. "We best be keeping our heads down, we don't want to make ourselves popular now"
He ducks behind a rock and motions to me "Have a look down there, in the cove"
I peer over the rock cautiously, expecting a small camp...my mouth drops open. It's a sight is beyond my every belief and I have to blink twice to make sure that my mind isn't playing tricks on me. I see the huge wooden hull and sails and the black crossbones of the Jolly roger It's a ...
Pirate ship!
"This way lad" and he starts scaling up some nearby rocks. I follow him quickly. "We best be keeping our heads down, we don't want to make ourselves popular now"
He ducks behind a rock and motions to me "Have a look down there, in the cove"
I peer over the rock cautiously, expecting a small camp...my mouth drops open. It's a sight is beyond my every belief and I have to blink twice to make sure that my mind isn't playing tricks on me. I see the huge wooden hull and sails and the black crossbones of the Jolly roger It's a ...
Pirate ship!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Woman on an island, day 34
I spend a miserable and hungry night up top of the tree. I look down to the ground...it seems like the beast left sometime before dawn, I will just have to be very careful when I'm working down there. I go down the lift and I start working with all haste to finish my house. The walls need to be up today so I can get the roof sorted by Sunday at the latest. I'm going to need some sort of early warning system but what....ah! Cans! I am going to make a perimeter alarm! That should give me enough time to get up the tree before the monster gets me! I grab my spear and I head off with all haste back to the old camp to fetch as many cans as I can! And my food situation will also improve in doing so! You messed with the wrong chick!
Man on an island, day 374
After a few short hours walk, we reach camp. It's a cave tucked away deep in the jungle. To my surprise it's not sparse at all, he has found furniture somewhere. They look really stylish but old. I'll have to ask him about that sometime. We sit down in wing backed chairs while Belatrix has found a old bone outside and is happily chewing on it, he pours us each a dram of rum. "This will calm the nerves lad"
"Why am I here? I would love some answers" I say while swirling the rum in the glass (seriously, where did he get the glasses?!)
"Well laddie, How am I going to say this? I have a rodent problem and I need your help."
"Rodents?"
"Rodents: large, thieving, murderous, stinking, rum stealing rodents"
"And you need these pests removed?"
He smiles wickedly. "Aye laddie". He reaches behind him and hands me a cutlass, I feel the jewel inlaid hilt in my hand and the razor sharp edge shimmers in the sunlight. "I hope you can handle that thing."
I down the rum in one shot. " Show me these rodents"
"Why am I here? I would love some answers" I say while swirling the rum in the glass (seriously, where did he get the glasses?!)
"Well laddie, How am I going to say this? I have a rodent problem and I need your help."
"Rodents?"
"Rodents: large, thieving, murderous, stinking, rum stealing rodents"
"And you need these pests removed?"
He smiles wickedly. "Aye laddie". He reaches behind him and hands me a cutlass, I feel the jewel inlaid hilt in my hand and the razor sharp edge shimmers in the sunlight. "I hope you can handle that thing."
I down the rum in one shot. " Show me these rodents"
Woman on an island, day 33
Working diligently on the walls of my tree house, bit of a hassle without nails but the rubber vines serve their purpose well. Just as I'm loading up a last load for the day, something tells me look around! I hear a low rumble and then I see a beast charging out of the jungle cover! It's the same creature who destroyed my supplies back at the crash site! I dive for the lift and pull myself up just as the wicked jaws come flashing by! Bastard! I wave my fist at him from atop of the tree. What is he doing?...no! Don't you dare! He settles down under the tree and promptly falls asleep. No way I'm going down there now and work will have to wait till he gets bored and decides to move on. What is your problem? Do I look like lunch?! And to top it off, my food supply is nearly done! I am not impressed!
Man on an island, day 373
"Well what are you waiting for lad? Come back with me to the camp and we'll get some rum into you- that should clear any cobwebs out or put some cobwebs in haha!"
"Why am I here?" I ask the strange man
"They didn't tell you? I'll explain everything in due course but we are going to have to move our fannies laddie!" "But don't you want to wait for your pet?"
"What pet?" I hear a rumble behind me and I swing around! It's...It's Thing! No place to run to! I brace for impact and certain death! The beast hits me and knocks me over and then starts licking me! You're not Thing...Belatrix? Is that you?! She smiles at me as I'm laying on the ground and I embrace her with a big hug!
"If your done with the soppy stuff, follow me!"
I get up and run after the man...where is he leading me?
"Why am I here?" I ask the strange man
"They didn't tell you? I'll explain everything in due course but we are going to have to move our fannies laddie!" "But don't you want to wait for your pet?"
"What pet?" I hear a rumble behind me and I swing around! It's...It's Thing! No place to run to! I brace for impact and certain death! The beast hits me and knocks me over and then starts licking me! You're not Thing...Belatrix? Is that you?! She smiles at me as I'm laying on the ground and I embrace her with a big hug!
"If your done with the soppy stuff, follow me!"
I get up and run after the man...where is he leading me?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Woman on an island, day 33
I nurse my wounds from yesterday's failed hunting expedition, a few scrapes but my ego took the most damage. I finish off my "feast" of roast sparrow. Let's get to work! I head on down and I start looking for suitable logs for my walls. I want to build it like an old time American log cabin. I start dragging a log back to camp when I look around....what do you want? It's the little black pig! and he's pushing the log I'm carrying! "Shoo! Get lost pig!" I say with a slight smile. He bounds off into the jungle quickly. I reach camp and I start lifting the logs skywards. I want to be done by the weekend and hopefully it doesn't rain before the time! Hard day's work ahead of me...
Man on an island, day 373
I get to my feet, still in a bit of a daze. I stare at the man, what a strange creature he makes. He is about five feet 6, slightly overweight with a massive bushy black beard. But it's the clothing that hits me a short while after...he looks like he has just come out of a pirate movie! My head feels like a keg of firewood...what in the hell am I wearing....why am I in this costume?!
"Are you alright laddie? You took one hellava knock when you landed here! Take some rum, I managed to stow away a few cases when those bastards abandoned me here...aah see? it clears up any headache! Nothing like a wee little nip with breakfast! On your feet! We have a lot of work to do! I hope you can handle a cutlass, the last muppet they sent me, got turned into a holder for toothpicks! hahaha! There we go, on your feet Princess."
"Where am I?' I ask. "On the island of course ya daft bugger haha!" he answers. "And the date?" He smiles a massively wicked smile.
"It's January 19 1702 Lad"
"Are you alright laddie? You took one hellava knock when you landed here! Take some rum, I managed to stow away a few cases when those bastards abandoned me here...aah see? it clears up any headache! Nothing like a wee little nip with breakfast! On your feet! We have a lot of work to do! I hope you can handle a cutlass, the last muppet they sent me, got turned into a holder for toothpicks! hahaha! There we go, on your feet Princess."
"Where am I?' I ask. "On the island of course ya daft bugger haha!" he answers. "And the date?" He smiles a massively wicked smile.
"It's January 19 1702 Lad"
Woman on an island, day 32
I slowly sneak up on the boar with my lasso in hand. I softly rise from behind a bush and I start swinging the rope above my head...I let go! Got it!!! The lasso falls perfectly over the boar's head and this is about the moment when the story took a turn for the worse. Instead of me wrestling the boar to the ground in a haze of triumphant Amazonian power, it decides to make a run for it! And I'm attached to the rope! It flies through the jungle with me in tow! I narrowly miss incoming trees and rocks! Sheer pride does not allow me to let go! I'm a New York girl dammit! The boar crashes through bushes and water ponds! He dives down a hill and I just see a thorn bush in front of me and I have to let go! I crash land hard against a tree which knocks the wind out of me. I stagger home, bruised and battered. I find a small bird later on which I manage to stun with a rock. This will have to do for dinner tonight....
Man on an island, day 372
I return safely from my strange trip across the water, I try to ask the chief for answers but he does not seem to know anything of their mysterious disappearance. I spend the rest of the afternoon rebuilding some of the huts that can be fixed. It's hard work but we seem to be making progress. The chief invites me to supper that evening around the fire. We sit and discuss in sign language, the events that took place. I notice an old man sitting to the side, where have I seen him before? I rack my brains for an answer but it's to no avail. He stands up and hands me a curved pipe. It's inlaid with strange markings and bright jewels. I do not wish to offend my hosts and I take a strong pull on the pipe. My world starts spinning suddenly and I feel like I'm falling! Everything becomes a blur! and then darkness takes over me.
I wake up some time later on the ground...I look around me in bewilderment...where am I?...It's daylight and the village and all the people are gone! I feel a strong hand pulling me up...."who are you?" I ask the person.
"Pleased to meet you sir, The name is John Henry Moore"
I wake up some time later on the ground...I look around me in bewilderment...where am I?...It's daylight and the village and all the people are gone! I feel a strong hand pulling me up...."who are you?" I ask the person.
"Pleased to meet you sir, The name is John Henry Moore"
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Woman on an island, day 32
I wake up cold, miserable and wet. It started raining last night and I got soaked! Oh I am not a happy camper at present! I ring out the water of my clothes and hang them out to dry on a nearby branch (yeah like anyone will see me!). Won't be able to work much in this mud, I might as well go hunting. I eat a very soggy and very miserable breakfast of leftover fruit before grabbing my spear and the vines that I haven't used yet. I use my new lift to get down and I set off into the jungle. I nothing in the first hour and then I stumble upon a small herd of Bush pigs! I spot the brute of an Alpha Male and my mouth starts drooling. I think of using my spear but I don't want a wounded Bush pig charging me with those flame sharp tusks. I reach for the vines and I start making a lasso. There is nothing that could go wrong here right?...right?!
Man on an island, day 372
I Safely reach the other side and beach my raft. I expect a horde of villagers armed to the teeth to storm me but I am greeted with nothing but silence. I walk through the eerily quiet village...no voices, no shouting and no bodies! The huts have taken some damage but much less so than the village across the water. I open a hut door and I enter...everything has been left as it is. There is even food on the table and children's toys laying around. My senses are on razor's edge for any sound but nothing. I head over to the chief's hut and I remember the hit to the head I took there. I find nothing but a smear of blood in the main hall! Their all gone! just like that! I walk back to my raft while deep in thought and I make my way back across. Something big happened over there but what?
Woman on an island, day 31
I'm finally finished with the floor! I jump up and down on the logs a few times to make sure they will hold (in hindsight not the best thing to do granted). The vines seems to be holding them well it seems. Tomorrow I'll get busy with the walls and the roof if there is time. But for now I am going to enjoy my humble supper of fruit salad and the last of the pork, (I will have to go hunting in the morning) in my new home, high in the trees overlooking the dense green jungle and the vast blue sea. I fall asleep looking up at the starry heavens- This could not be more perfect....
Man on an island, day 371
It's been a hard and soul draining day of work. I helped put out fires that engulfed a few huts with seawater, tended to the many wounded and buried the dead. It looks like the the scale of the destruction is much larger than I could have ever imagined. I look across the water and I realize I will have to go help the neighbouring village. The chief tries to stop me and looks me in the eyes but then lets me go. I find a upturned raft a few meters down the coast and I head out across the water. I expect the usual barrage of cannonballs from the island but nothing...nothing happens
Monday, January 16, 2012
Woman on an island, day 31
I'm up at sunrise to look for more logs, it's amazing how serene this place is, like you can hear the earth speaking to you. I found some fruit trees earlier, some sort of apple tree. I wonder if it's poisonous? I'll take some and feed it to that little black bush pig that seems to hang around the camp site. I find some logs and I start dragging them back to camp...Why do I have this feeling I'm being watched? I spin around but only the ever swaying jungle stares back at me. I must be losing my mind, suddenly that coconut man I want to build doesn't seem so crazy any more. I get back to work, diligently moving the logs up and tying them down. I should be done by midday at this rate....
Man on an island, day 371
The ferry trip across the water takes much longer than I expected, I row for hours past scattered debris and I swear a shark (The shark?) has been following us for the past hour or so. Most likely waiting for the raft to sink and make an easy meal out of us. Belatrix lets out a little growl and I know the predator is close by, I keep the weapon close by for any eventualities. After a few hours, I don't see the fin any more, he must have backed off. We reach the island and I run up the hill to the village! I am met by a sight of utter destruction...Fires everywhere, villagers running around and children crying. I see the chief giving orders, he calls me over and we shake hands. Time to get to work...
Woman on an island, day 30
I start building a lift system with counterweights to get the logs and equipment up the tree. The first prototype fails spectacularly and the logs narrowly misses the little black bush pig at the bottom of the tree, he disappears into the undergrowth while grunting unrepeatable pig obscenities loudly. I add extra vines and I play around with the balance of the lift and before long I have it down perfectly! I load the first log and I host it up towards the heavens. I tie the vine on a nearby tree and I ascend the ramp. This is the most dangerous part: I make my way to the fork of the tree with a few semi acrobatics, this would be so much easier if it was not for that bastard son of weasel shark! I pull the log off the lift and I move it till it's where I want it, I tie it down with a spare vine. That's the first step done! I admire my handiwork, tomorrow I want to finish the floor!
Man on an island, day 370
I sit down on the beach and I stare at the wreckage of the once proud ferry. It's too far to swim to the island and I do not know if a certain shark is still around. I get up in earnest, this is just a problem looking for a solution! I will build my own ferry! I can still use some of the debris and getting plant vines should be easy from their nearby jungle. I start gathering planks, even little Belatrix is pulling wood closer to where I am building! I salvage any vines that were previously used and I cut the rest off nearby trees. I will have to use paddle power, now just to make a rudder at the back of the raft. A few hours later I have a very very crude boat at the ready. I lift Belatrix gently on board and I climb on after her. It seems to be holding! Off we go! To the village! With all haste!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Woman on an island, day 30
It's been a month since the plane crash, I can scarcely believe it. I've lived more in one month out here than I did in 20 odd years out there, just incredible. Time to get to work! I want to finish the last part of the ramp and then figure out how I'm going to build a lift. I start hauling branches closer and tying them down with vines. How the hell is this going to hold my weight?! I build my ramp all around the main tree and finally I'm done! I gingerly walk up the ramp, if this thing gives way- then the only thing stopping me is the ground! A bit wobbly....but it seems to be holding! Great! Now let's have a look at that lift! I saw some nice rocks a distance away and if I can use some vines and some logs hmm.... (I need help readers- will this lift work?!)
Man on an island, day 370
I know the way by heart now and we reach the entrance to the bunker in no time. It doesn't look like anyone used this entrance lately. We head into the inky black darkness....nobody here! A horrible thought strikes me: What if the villagers didn't make it to the shelter? I dismiss the thought quickly. I light a fire with some spare material and we increase the pace. I Don't want to waste any time down here. We reach the end of the bunker and exit out into the bright sunlight. Now where is that ferry? I look up and I see debris scattered all over the water...oh damn....
Woman on an island, day 29
Its late afternoon at the tree house site, It's been a hard days work. I have nearly finished work on the ramp, tomorrow I test whether it can hold my weight. Afterwards I will start building a lift to get the branches and equipment up there. I feel really good about everything I've done so far, I just hope my fragile engineering skills hold up! I start a fire to keep the jungle shadows back and I notice the little black pig is back again. I hurl my spear at him, narrowly missing him...Oh you are Bacon one of these days Pig boy! That reminds me, I will have to go hunting sometime again, I cannot live off fruit only for much longer. Watch out! Michelle is on the hunt! I let out a mad scream that echoes through the forest!
Man on an island, day 369
I dig furiously under the rubble of my home to find my bag, some food and water and my medical supplies. I lift Belatrix up and I put her on top of my bag, she is still too small to run long distances- So into the bag we go. I grab my weapons (I know there is a highly upset and displaced Thing out there and I do not want any drama's on my journey). I set off with all haste, maybe the villagers got across the ferry and took shelter in the bunker under the volcano- I can only hope. As far as I run I see the damage the hurricane caused: whole sections of trees uprooted and tossed around, dead animals (I hope Harold is okay!) and debris everywhere. I reach the volcano entrance in record time and without hesitation I plunge into the darkness...
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Woman on an island, day 29
I could barely sleep last night due to excitement, I awake before the sun can makes its way through the jungle leaves. Now let's see how I am going to get the logs up there...Pyramids! That is the answer! Going to do it just like they did thousands of years ago! I start fetching logs and I start building walkways out of them- I tie them to the main tree and the surrounding ones with the rubber vines. The one log rests on another and this forms a very crude ramp! Once I get my ramp up then I can start building a gantry. It's all about levers and cranes! If you cannot be strong, then you have to be smart! The small black bush pig has come closer again, watching intently as this mad woman tries to do something beyond anything she though she could do!
Man on an island, day 369
I pull the trigger but nothing happens! The powder has gotten wet! I slam the musket to pieces on a nearby rock, shattering it into a thousand pieces and I sink down with my head in my hands. Why was I placed here on this island? What is my purpose? Am I meant to go this alone? Then I feel a soft hand on my shoulder...I look up through the tears and they're standing there. The Lady in White has come back to me again and she has Elizabeth standing by her! She points off into the distance...it's in the direction of the village I helped awhile back! Then I understand, I might have failed Elizabeth but I can still help her village! She nods and they fade back into soft light like they were never there. I have work to do! Get up man! I rush back to gather some supplies before setting out with all haste to the village!
Woman on an island, day 28
I spent the afternoon looking for the right pieces of timber for my tree-house. I'm starting with the floor first. I reject a couple types of trees for being too flimsy or having insects inside them. I finally find a type of black wood that will work perfectly for me. I won't be able to cut down the whole tree but the branches seems sturdy enough to bring down with a little bit of planning. On my walk back I find some plant vines that have a almost rubber like feel to it, really strong too. I sit under the big tree, by a fire that evening and I start weaving the plant vines together. Now the question is: How do I get up into the tree? With a damaged leg and all? I look at the tool box and a small plan starts forming in my head...
Man on an island, day 368
I bury Elizabeth in a small grave a little distance away from camp. I stand over the small mound of dirt in the pouring rain with my head bowed low. I'm sorry kid, I failed you and Haley. I should have never left you alone. This is all my fault! I walk away and it feels like there is no light in the world any more. I keep walking till I find my old camp, Thing and Missy are missing and the camp has been left in ruins. I search for a small metal box I hid away. I find the old musket I stowed inside. I remember why there was only one shot left. I look at the gun and I lift it and I fire...
Friday, January 13, 2012
Woman on an island, day 28
I'm up just before sunrise, everything is so quiet here this morning. I sit and listen to the sounds of the island- the waves crashing on the rocks, some wild boars rooting in the distance and the eternal din of the jungle. I eat a quick breakfast of leftover pork and bananas before grabbing my bag and tool kit and heading out. I look at some trees near the coast but the trees are too bendable and unsteady and the wind is too much, I move deeper into the jungle. I find a small clearing and contemplate building a house but again I don't want to live on the ground any more. After a few hours searching I find it! A nice open spot, surrounded by the jungle and in the centre a huge tree with beautiful open branches. I look around and see some bush pigs running around and I notice one little black one staring at me intently...weird. I start planning for my new tree top home!
Woman on an island, day 27
I reach camp safely just before dusk. no time to go hunting now, so it's fruit salad and coconut milk for dinner tonight. I start planning and thinking of my new housing project. I'm going to need wood which there are plenty of trees which I can cut down. I can use vines for rope and to pull planks and equipment up. I can use the material I took from the smugglers and the house to insulate my roof and use for bedding and I have the tools. Just going to have to find a large,sturdy tree with a good look out point. Tomorrow I start with my tree house! (Have a missed anything here readers? Please let me know!)
Man on an island, day 367
I wake a few hours later in the middle of the storm! My head feels like a split piece of wood. It takes me a moment for me to regain my senses and then I remember: The kids! I was on my way to get them! I get up and I start running like a man possessed! Breaking through branches and leaping over fallen trees. Fighting my way through the storm! Almost there, just around this corner and I'll be home! I see the camp...it's been left in pieces! I climb over the damaged wall as quick as I can. Elizabeth! Belatrix! Where are you? I can barely see anything...then I hear a soft howl...it's belatrix! I rush over to where I heard the sound! I find my cub, dragging on something under a pile of wood....It's a arm! Nooooooooooooo! I start digging and throwing the pieces of wood away with all my might. I lift out a small, bloodied body....Kid...Hold on kid...Please...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Woman on an island, day 27
I desperately try to find where the woman disappeared to, she is definitely not here any more! Did I see a ghost...no it was human! I know it was! I winch a bit, that running did not do my leg any good at all. Oh this is a waste of time I decide and I go to fetch my loot. Time for me to leave this creepy place. I head up to the light again...it's starting to rain softly, that's all I need! As I'm walking back home, I look at the tool case and a idea starts forming in my head. While my camp is nice, I just feel like it it's too exposed on the ground. There are too many things on this island that want me either dead or on a menu. And If I can get some height then maybe, just be maybe I can send out a better distress signal. It's time this girl took to the skies!
Man on an island, day 367
I stare at the monster that's rushing towards the island at full speed, there is almost a sort of morbid beauty to it. Then it feels like the world speeds up again and I turn and start running! I have to find shelter and quickly! I fly through the forest, jumping over logs and breaking through the foliage, looking for a hiding place. Then a thought hits me like a hammer blow to the face- Elizabeth! She's still at the camp! And the Hurricane is heading straight for it! I change course and I start running like a madman! Hold on Kid! I'm coming! just hold on! I can barely see in front of me now....the Hurricane must have landed! The wind is like demonic claws thrashing at me! The next moment I hear the crack of a branch and I look up at the very last moment to see a big branch hurtling towards me...I try to dodge it but it strikes me on the side of the head and I pass out! The last thing I remember is laying in the cold mud and hearing the unholy sound of the storm around me....
Woman on an island, day 26
Back in the shelter again, it feels weird being down here- like the ghost of John Henry Moore is still here and looking over my shoulder. Oh stop being such a superstitious tart! You have work to do! I take the leftover cans in the pantry, I don't know if their still edible but it's worth a shot! I take some bedding but leave the death bed alone, it just doesn't feel right somehow. I grab the Life magazine, this will make good kindling for fire. I see a door tucked away in the corner and I easily pick the old lock and I open the door- it's a maintenance closet! And somebody left a few old rusty tools behind! Yes! I start putting my stash in a neat pile when I hear something...what is that?...It's footsteps! I peek around the corner just to see a person disappearing around a corner! Stop! Come back! I chase after the person down the corridors, It looks like a woman! I dash around the corner in pursuit of this person when....gone. She's gone! She could not have escaped out of the fountain entrance, I had it covered...She's vanished into thin air!
Man on an island, day 366
Making my way to the crash site, the wind has really picked up and it's starting to bucket down with rain! Something is wrong here...I see animals running for cover! Harold even passed me in the jungle earlier, I haven't seen him in months and I stop to greet him but he just flew past me. I swear I even saw Thing, Missy and her cubs running in the distance, looking for shelter. Must be a weird coincidence and I shake off the nagging feeling and carry on. The storm is getting worse and worse! Something tells me to head towards the coast. I reach the coast a half hour later, I'm already soaking wet and miserable. I haven't experienced such a storm in my life! The last time was when I was in New Orleans.. I really hope Elizabeth and Belatrix are okay, I should not have left them back at the camp. I just hope she had the good sense to bolt the door and windows. The wind is nearly pushing me back off my feet! It's incredible! I scan the horizon and when I see it my blood goes as cold as the grave...HURRICANE!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Woman on an island, day 26
I try to imaging the last few moments of this man's life- hearing the screams of his friend's as they started dying outside, the pounding of desperate fists on the metal door, the realization that this shelter would become his tomb. Part of me feels sympathy for him, another part disgust at what he did but then I realize he had no choice and had to do what he did. I start gathering the faded bones and carrying them outside. You deserve a proper burial at least. As I'm digging the shallow grave to put his bones in, I keep thinking that there was signs that someone recently used the house and shelter, but who and why would they need a shelter? I cover the bones and plant a small cross on it. I am not one for prayers so I finish it up and head down to the shelter to see if I can maybe scavenge some items....
Man on an island, day 366
Made an early breakfast of fruit salad and milk for me and Elizabeth before setting off. I want to reach the downed cargo plane as soon as possible before scavengers carry off the cargo and I don't like the look of this storm that's brewing. What I am planning on doing is moving the cargo piece by piece closer to camp, that way I minimize contact with any less than friendly inhabitants of that village. After a short walk with Elizabeth riding on my shoulders and Belatrix in a carrying bag on my back, we reach the plane. Let's see what has to go first-I want the big metal parts to build my wall up bigger so I grab a piece and I start dragging it back to camp. It's so cute- Elizabeth is trying to push from the back. I give her my cub to hold instead. We make surprisingly good progress and before long we're back at camp. I leave the metal part,Elizabeth and Belatrix safely in camp, work will go much quicker if I don't have to keep an eye on you two the whole time. I head back to the jungle. Wind has picked up and it's starting to rain...
Woman on an island, day 25
I slowly move closer to the skeleton on the bed...it seems to be holding a book of some sorts. I wrench the book free, the fingers have actually dug into the covers and I image the last moments of this poor person. To my despair the book crumbles in my hands! I try to keep the book together but only one page survives. I sit down on a nearby chair and I start reading the faded page, struggling to read the cursive writing:
"Forgive me, there are no words to express my sorrow at what I had to do. I had to close the doors, you were already lost. They never warned us...the gas...the sickening gas...it came from nowhere! Just my ironic luck I was closest to the shelter. The door closed too quickly when you rushed to get inside and my leg was caught and severed, I cannot stop the bleeding, the artery is severed and I know I will die here today. If anybody finds this journal, you must stop it, so many more will die if you don't. If you find me in heaven, please forgive me."
11 January 1962
John Henry Moore Jnr.
"Forgive me, there are no words to express my sorrow at what I had to do. I had to close the doors, you were already lost. They never warned us...the gas...the sickening gas...it came from nowhere! Just my ironic luck I was closest to the shelter. The door closed too quickly when you rushed to get inside and my leg was caught and severed, I cannot stop the bleeding, the artery is severed and I know I will die here today. If anybody finds this journal, you must stop it, so many more will die if you don't. If you find me in heaven, please forgive me."
11 January 1962
John Henry Moore Jnr.
Man on an island, day 365
It's late afternoon at the camp and the sun is going down, I have started a fire and roasting a bush-piglet I caught earlier in a trap. I really wish I had some pepper and spices to put on the meat but that's life on the island I guess. Elizabeth is playing with Belatrix a short distance away, it's amazing how quickly the cub has grown, she's already starting to walk. I think this is how it could be have been with me and Haley back on our farm in Texas. I dismiss the thought, one day for sure. Tomorrow I'm heading off to the plane to fetch the last few items, and I'm bringing Elizabeth with me. Hmm...storms coming and it looks like a big one!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Woman on an island, day 25:
I make my way deeper down the corridors, passing room after room...their all empty. Was this shelter never used and just forgotten? judging by the amount of rooms here, there had to be close to a hundred people that could fit in here but there's no sign of anyone. I find the pantry and start looking for supplies...strange- there is hardly anything left here at all. I eventually reach the end of the corridor and push open the last door but it's blocked...there's something in here! I heave with all my might and the barricade gives way! I enter a dust filled room and on the bed, sitting and laughing at me morbidly is a skeleton with one leg missing!
Woman on an island, day 24
I bend down to have a look at the leg, it's become very brittle and yellow with age...this is strange, what happened to the rest of the bones? I blow the dust away and I see scratch marks in the ground where the body would have been, somebody died in a horrible way here. I put the bone to one side and I head further down the corridor. It looks like someone lived here...and not too recently. I push open a wooden door to find a sleeping quarter, someone left a magazine on the bed.."Life magazine 1962" and it has a smiling John F Kennedy on the front page. Then it dawns on me- This could have been a Fallout shelter! But why here on a remote island? I have to explore further and perhaps find more clues to what happened here!
Man on an island, day 364
Sitting on my rocking chair while the child is playing with Belatrix, thinking of names. Now this doesn't mean I'm keeping you, I just need something to call you while I'm thinking of what to do with you. I think back to what me and Haley wanted to call our first born in case she was a girl. I pick the child up and put her on my lap. I shall call you Elizabeth Wednesday (If I have the day right) Devereaux. Don't get used to it alight? This is only temporary. She looks up at me and smiles like she understands. Kinda cute aren't you? I look up to the heavens and let out a small smile
Monday, January 9, 2012
Woman on an island, day 24
I grab my bag and I make a torch with a stick, some leftover material and lighter fluid. I head to the gaping hole, hesitate for a second and then I start climbing the ladder down. I have a bad feeling about this. The darkness swallows me as I leave the sunlight behind. The ladder extends much further than I expect and after 10 minutes my feet finally hit the ground. I look around, the flame dancing against earth walls. This looks like a...tunnel of sorts. Without hesitation I head down the tunnel, it takes a winding a route deeper into the earth. I reach a dead end. I hold the torch up to see better...it's a huge metal door! How am going to get past this? I push hard against the door and it swings open! Then I see what kept it open... A bone! A human leg!
Man on an island, day 364
Got everything packed and ready to go, I am seriously not in a happy mood this morning, I just haven't got time to deal with this childish nonsense. I should be tending my fields and fetching items from the wreckage. I lock the door and I take her by the hand, we make it to the gate when she breaks free. What now? Come on Kid! She stares at me with big blue eyes and a tear forms... I just can't do this. Then I think back to Haley and how we discussed having children when I got back from my tour in Iraq. I remember the look on the faces of the children in that hospital in Falujah, the day I got shot. We stare at each other for what seems like ages, a battle of wills: United states Army Ranger vs a small child. Oh I am going to hate myself for this...So what do we call you? I can't very well be calling you "Kid" while you stay here....
Woman on an island, day 23
I examine the keypad for a short while, it seems in remarkably good condition. I start thinking what the code could be, I type in "Tornado" but nothing happens. I sit down on a nearby rock while chewing on a piece of fruit...what could the code be? Then a thought hits me- the paper! I quickly take it out of my pocket! If the eye of the fountain is the key then the code must be...the numbers! it's not a date...it's the code! I punch in the numbers: 14011962...nothing! damn! As I'm about to walk way in frustration, I hear something...it's coming from the fountain! The water is draining away! Five Minutes later I'm staring at a empty hole, as I get closer I notice a ladder is attached to it! I hesitate...Should I go down there? What is waiting for me in the blackness? And was I meant to find this secret?
Man on an island, day 363:
I hold the person upside down by her leg...it's the child! How did you get in here again?! She points to the window and I notice that the latch is broken. I take her outside and she shows me were she got through my seemingly well built wall, she dug a hole and went underneath! I look at her, I just don't have the energy or the willpower to take you back all the way home again, well not for tonight at least. You might as well settle in kid. I give her some of my stew and a place to rest the night. I am really at my wits end with this one, how am I going to stop her from coming back here time and again? I stare at her as she's eating and feeding Belatrix scraps. I wish you were here Haley, you would know what to do. I will just have to give her back to the chief and make sure she stays there. Guess I'm off on a trip again tomorrow...
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Woman on an island, day 23
After a glorious feast last night of roasted chicken (I'm calling the flightless bird that for the meantime) and scrambled eggs, I tried to catch some rest on the bed in the house but it felt wrong in some ways. I spent the night sleeping on the floor eventually. I pack up to head home, this has been a very successful and interesting trip to say the least. What a strange place to build a house, it's in the middle of nowhere. I see a little fountain just a short distance away, At least they have running water, Something starts to nag at the back of my mind...fountain...eye...of the fountain...the note! I hastily pull out the tattered piece of paper- "The eye is the key". Can it be? surely not. I walk over to the fountain to have a look...seems normal...I lean on a small rock to think and suddenly it starts to move! It's hollow inside! There's a keypad here! Now what could the code be? (help me here readers!)
Man on an island, day 363
We reach home just before dawn, it's pouring with rain and me and Belatrix are soaked to the bone! I hastily open the gate to get us inside, while keeping an eye open for any suspicious activity. I bundle us inside before fetching some firewood I stored away. I am dying for some good stew! After the last couple of days, it feels so good to be back home and to be sitting in my rocking chair at the fire. I will have to go back later to fetch the bigger items and I want to have a look inside that military base, maybe send out an SOS or something. I slumber away with Belatrix on my lap, the sounds of the fire soothing me when I hear something...a scratching sound...could it be rats? then I hear a sneeze! It's coming from under the bed! I rush over and grab the person by the leg and I pull! You!!
Woman on an island, day 22
I unfold the yellow crumbling paper, it must have fallen out of the back of the painting when I moved it. The handwriting is in very neat black cursive and it states:
"The eye is the key, down into black shadow you must go to save yourself. Do not wait for salvation for none is coming. The end of the world is here, the light so bright. 14-01-1962." signed John Henry Moore.
This makes no sense whatsoever to me, perhaps just the deluded ramblings of a man in the last stages of dementia. I wonder who this man really is? I absent-mindedly stick the note into my pocket and forget about it. It's getting dark quickly outside and it's too far on a damaged leg to hike back home, I might as well over night here. I start a small fire just outside the house and I start plucking the bird that I caught. Eggs and chicken, a meal fit for a queen!
"The eye is the key, down into black shadow you must go to save yourself. Do not wait for salvation for none is coming. The end of the world is here, the light so bright. 14-01-1962." signed John Henry Moore.
This makes no sense whatsoever to me, perhaps just the deluded ramblings of a man in the last stages of dementia. I wonder who this man really is? I absent-mindedly stick the note into my pocket and forget about it. It's getting dark quickly outside and it's too far on a damaged leg to hike back home, I might as well over night here. I start a small fire just outside the house and I start plucking the bird that I caught. Eggs and chicken, a meal fit for a queen!
Man on an island, day 362
I pull the skeleton out from under the wreckage. He was an army pilot judging by his clothing. I find his dog tags, Colonel Ryan Sanders from Fort Benning Georgia. I put them around my neck- I will return these to your family one day, this I promise you. I start digging a shallow grave for the pilot a short distance away and I mark the grave with a small wooden cross. This seems so unfair, he will never see his wife or daughter ever again if he has any. He died alone here in the middle of nowhere and I wonder what his last thoughts were. I head back to the plane to pick up Belatrix and a few items that I'll be able to carry. Well young lady, I think we have had enough adventure for some time, lets head on home. I just hope my home is still standing and intruder free! We head off and the jungle embraces us again...
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Woman on an island, day 22
I slowly walk closer to the house, looking for any signs of life. "Is anyone there?" I shout but receive no response. I try to look through the window but it's too dark too see anything. I slowly open the door...hmm this lock looks new. I fumble for my lighter and soon the little flame chases away some of the shadows. This looks like it was some sort of storage space,it's full of now empty boxes and crates. I move cautiously through the rooms, my spear at the ready. I pass a kitchen which seems in remarkably good use, nothing in the cupboards though. I eventually reach a closed and locked door, this should not stop me as I pull out a small piece of wire from my bag. I manage to pick the lock (who knew Juvenile detention would be good for something?) and push the door open. It's a bedroom and someone has recently slept in this bed! but who? I look around for any clues then I notice a painting on the wall. It's a man with tattered clothes and a wild bushy beard, I look closer to see the signature: John Henry Moore. Who are you and where did you come from? I straighten the picture when something falls out from behind it....it's a piece of paper!
Man on an island, day 362
I start work just after sunrise, I put the small items that have been flung away from the plane into a pile first: wire, scrap metal, bits of material and wood. I find a first aid kit but it's empty...that's weird, I can't imagine that the pilots would forget to pack the case. I push that thought to the back of my mind for now. I head to the inside of the plane, it seems to have taken some fire damage. There is not much to salvage here unless... I have a look at the jumpseat, this is can still be used. I start removing the bolts and I carry it out to the pile. Afterwards I make my way to the cockpit...here I find the charred remains of the pilot. I say a small prayer for him. Then I look at the radio...totally wrecked! I make my way out of the plane, it doesn't look like there's anything left in there. I have a quick once over again of the site...I didn't notice that before, It's a big piece of metal laying way to the side. I walk over and I look underneath...I am met my the sad grimace of a skeleton!
Woman on an island, day 21
I gather a few eggs and gently fold them in material before putting them in my bag....Mama's eating omelette tonight! Now what happened to that delicious looking bird? I head off in the direction I saw it fleeing, I find scrape marks on the ground and bloody feathers as it left them behind in its haste. I just hope I can catch it! I'm sure as hell not running after some bird, not matter how delicious it looks! There it is! just past that little clearing. I inch closer and I aim carefully with my spear... I let it go! Got you! I hobble closer and as I pick up the dead bird I see something...what is that...Oh my word! It's a house!
Man on an island, day 361
I reach the crash site just before sunset and I start gathering firewood, I do not want to be out here without some sort of protection; I have a angry bunch of villagers and who knows what out there tonight. I make roasted fruit salad for dinner. As I'm eating my food, I start to plan for tomorrow- I have to do this search in some order; I can't just run around like a madman. I give Belatrix some leftover sour milk and I tuck her away warmly under some material. Now to find shelter for us...I see a large piece of metal lying a short distance away. I start dragging it closer the fire, this will do perfectly as I crawl under the bent metal. It ain't the holiday inn but it will do nicely for tonight. I fall asleep to the sounds of the island, I hear the villagers beating drums and Thing howling in the distance. What an amazing story this will make one day...
Friday, January 6, 2012
Woman on an island, day 21
It's a beautiful sunny morning and I wake up to the sound of birds singing. My mood is immediately lifted and I forget for a short while of my injuries. I grab my spear and I head out into the jungle, I want to see if I can find some fruit and some herbs. I won't be able to catch anything moving at the moment. After a short while I spot some strange birds nesting on the ground...I've never seen the like. White, short and fat...I start drooling as I reach for my slingshot...just stand still..it will be over soon. I load my slingshot and I step out from behind a tree and I let the stone go! It hits the bird barely and it flees into the jungle, the rest of the birds hop away quickly. I walk closer...what's this laying here on the ground...eggs!!
Man on an island, day 361
I sat the whole night through with the giant, he developed a fever during the night but it broke just before dawn. I hear him stirring and I instinctively reach for my knife. He opens his eyes and looks at me with bloodshot eyes then looks at the bandages on his leg and ankle. He nods then gets to his feet slowly. He takes his massive knife and hands it to me then he points off into the distance. I understand...He's heading home, wherever that may be. We shake hands, now brothers. Then without saying a word, he turns and starts walking. I stare at him till he disappears below a ridge, I wonder if we will ever meet again. Godspeed brave warrior...Now I have to get back to the crash site before those villagers decide to have another go at it!
Woman on an island, day 20
I start walking gingerly on the leg, a little bit further after each rest break I take. I find a few banana trees late in the afternoon and with a little bit of luck and some effort, I manage to bring down a whole bunch! I sit under the banana tree, eating happily. I stare at the ocean...it seems to be... bubbling! I reach for my spear to get up and head back to camp with all haste when something tells me to sit down and wait. It's not long when I see something coming out of the water on to the beach...turtles! Hundreds of them! Their coming to lay eggs! I sit and look at this amazing spectacle of nature for what seems like hours. A though crosses my mind of taking a egg or two but my concious quickly stops me. I thought I knew everything about life and experienced everything it could throw at me but after twenty three years I've just seen something totally new. I sit on the beach till the very last turtle disappears under the moonlit waves. I walk back home slowly along the beach, deep in thought. Maybe I had to come to this island and nearly die, to start living...
Man on an island, day 360:
I go as quickly as I can through the thick jungle, As I'm going along I try to work out which way I have to go. I use the distant volcano as I guideline and measuring stick, working out exactly where the crash site is. It's not long before the downed cargo plane comes into view. Haven't got time to go through the wreckage now, I have other concerns. I dash past the fallen log into the jungle...where are you? Then I hear a little whimper coming from the side...I run over and I see the tree hollow. Little Belatrix is safely inside there. I scoop her and my bag up, I quickly doctor my wound- not as deep as I initially thought. We set off back to where I left the giant. After about a hour's walk I reach him again, he seems to have lost a lot of blood and has passed out. I set to work on cleaning his wound, putting in stitches and dressing the wound with leftover material I have. Come on, just pull through, don't make me break my promise to Haley!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Woman on an island, day 20
I get up early morning and I make my way around camp, very slowly and gingerly but I'm getting there. I have to take off the bandages and clean them later...I hate to think what I'm going to see when I do. I hobble over to my cooking pot and I start up some rabbit stew, luckily for me they left me some food and firewood...I still wonder who they are and where they came from. I resolve to find out. I sit down and I start unwrapping the bandages on my leg... aargh that hurts! I look at the damage the shark caused...he tore out a piece of flesh just below the knee but they did a fantastic job of stitching it up, further the damage was not too bad- a few scars down the leg but it could have been worse. I take some water and I clean the bandages....I have so much to do! I want to see what happened to the drug smugglers, find out who exactly saved me and very importantly go after the bastard who did all this!
Man on an island, day 360
I walk out of the village while supporting the giant on my shoulder...I need to get both our wounds cleaned before infection sets in. Something keeps bugging me about the camp, it's layout and architecture just looked so familiar...then I see something hidden away by vines...what is that? We hobble closer and I push the foliage away...it's a bronze plaque! Camp Broadsword...It's a military base! I knew it looked familiar! I have to get back in there sometime. But for now I have to help this poor man leaning on my shoulder and I have to get back to Belatrix! We make it to the tree line when I realize he won't be able to walk much further, I sit him down under a big tree and I mention to him that I'll be right back. I head off into the jungle...hold on...just hold on!
Woman on an island, day 19:
I spent the afternoon shaping my spear, sanding the wood with a fine stone and making sure the point is razor sharp. I can also use it for a crutch to lean on. I brace myself and I try to get up...my leg buckles on me and I fall down hard! Get up Michelle, get up! I will myself through pain and I try again...I only last for a few seconds before I fall down again. I pound my fist into the sand in frustration! I'm glad no one can see me now...I must look like the most pathetic human being on the planet right about now. I look at my spear and memories come flooding back to me.... of the dead drug dealer, of the police and my once supposed friends, of the judge and my lieutenant in the army press corps screaming at us...No! I won't go back! I won't go back to being that silly little girl! I grit my teeth and I get to my feet... the pain is murderous but I hold on...I'm standing! I open my eyes and I look the world in the eyes again. I did it....
Man on an island, day 359
I feel the knife's rough leather handle in my hands, I smell the blood soaked crimson sand of the arena and I see the crowd screaming but I don't hear a word their saying. I am suddenly alone in my world, just me and my thoughts. I'm sorry Haley, I'm breaking my promise to you again today. I look up with steel bound eyes as I see the giant charge at me, he stabs at me as I twirl away and strike him with the knife handle behind the head! He lets out a demonic scream and starts slashing at me! I jump back...too late! His knife nicks my shoulder, the teeth cutting cruelty into naked flesh, blood streams from the gaping wound down my arm. He goes for the killing blow but I duck as he passes by, I catch his Achilles tendon and cut it clean off! He screams like a wounded animal and collapses into a heap. I walk closer to the now pathetic pile in front of me...this man is not just a warrior, he is a slave! then I look up to the baying crowd and I see the chief sitting up top. He motions for a throat cut... I look at my stained knife, I twirl it in my hand and then I throw it....Right into the Chief's chair, missing his head by millimetres! He looks on in horror as I walk over to the fallen man and I offer him my hand...Up you get big fella. There wll be no more bloodshed today! A silence falls on the village as I mention for them to open the gate and we start walking out...
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Woman on an island, day 19
Still stuck in camp, it's starting to rain. I tried getting up and walking around earlier but my leg was not strong enough and I collapsed in a heap. I have to keep pushing myself, it's the only way I can survive here. I start shaping the piece of metal I pilfered from the guard's shoe over a small fire I built, shaping it into a spear point around a large stick. I sharpen it over a stone, the metal on stone sound calming me down. I test the sharpness on my finger and a small drop of blood forms...good. I cut the leather to make a slingshot, I test it out on a small rodent that I see running past the camp; I flick a stone at it and it barely misses. The rodent gives me an indecent snort before scampering off. Then I spot a coconut in a nearby tree...I take aim and I let the stone go...Bingo! Down comes the coconut and I crawl over to it. That made me feel better.
Man on an island, day 359
I look around me, trying to take in as much as I can; any information is good when I make my escape attempt. It seems like a rather large village with a big wall made out of scrap metal and wooden poles, plenty of women and children around. Something about the architecture and the lay out of the village seems so familiar but I can't place my finger on it yet. They carry me to a centre arena of sorts and plant me upright; still tied to the stake. I see the chief walk closer, he sends a stream of profanities and insults my way, pointing at his two bruised warriors but he's too short and he can only reach my stomach. I burst out in laughter, tears streaming down my face! The chief turns beetroot red and waves his arms furiously, a warrior runs closer and brings a little stepping stool for him. I try to understand what he's saying and then I see something that makes my blood like ice...It's the behemoth! He's standing on the opposite end of the arena, brandishing a cruel looking machete. They cut my bonds loose and hand me a small knife...I understand...It's me versus the Goliath...to the death...
Woman on an island, day 18
I stare at my right hand, the thumb nail is missing and half of the index finger is gone. It looks like the wounds have been cleaned and cauterized. So they must have been real surely. This is going to make life very interesting indeed I think sarcastically. I get up to fetch some food...No good! I fall down with a thud. I can't stand on the leg yet. Get up you stupid bitch I say to myself but I can't rush this I realize. I see a half eaten coconut laying close to me and I start digging out the flesh and I eat hungrily. Dark thoughts cross my mind and I start plotting my revenge on the shark...I'm in the mood for sushi and I am getting my fingers back, one way or another!
Man on an island, day 358
I wake up a short while later, my ears are ringing and my face feels it's gone 12 rounds with Mikey Tyson and lost. Something is very wrong here... my world is upside down and I can only see out of one eye, then I come to my senses and I see that I've been strapped upside down and been carried on a pole by the warriors. I don't know where their taking me and what their intentions are with me. I look around and I see dopey and fatboy walking next to me, They're nursing their wounds and staring at me with murderous eyes. I smile at them through bloody and missing teeth. They grip their weapons tightly but I ignore them. I try to figure out the direction their taking me but it is to no avail. After a few hours I hear loud voices and I turn my head around...it's a village! They carry me through the big gates. Oh how am I going to get out of this one?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Woman on an island, day 18
I finally awake from my deep sleep with a start, I look around me- expecting to see the men and the lady in white standing around me but they are long gone. Where they really there or was it just a fever dream? I'm not really sure. It's too crazy to be real. I feel a sharp pain and I look down to my legs, my left leg is heavily bandaged- the shark got me the worst there. Son of a bitch that hurts! Then I reach for some water and then I realize something is terribly wrong here....for the first time since I arrived on this island I break down and cry like a child, I stare at bloody ugly stumps...the monster...the monster has taken two of my fingers!
Man on an island, day 358
I move from tree to tree like a wraith, always keeping my eyes on my prey. I have to split them up up somehow...I pick up a few nearby rocks and hurl them in different directions...It worked! They scatter, each one going after a noise! I pick a slightly dopey looking one first... I stalk him for a while then I pounce from behind a tree...got you. I choke him out till he stops moving. I drag him away and hide him under some leaves. Now for the next one...I find him very quickly, a fat and wheezing man. I scale up a tree and I wait for him to waddle by...I leap down and strike him just behind the neck...out cold! I pick him up on my shoulder and as I turn around a massive fist connects my face, it feels like my world has suddenly exploded! It's the giant! I get hurled back and my head strikes a tree trunk and I'm instantly knocked out cold!
Woman on an island, day 17
I see a white light and it feels like I'm floating, I am at total peace as I feel my heart slow down and stop. I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder...she's beautiful...she's pulling me back! My heart... It's starting to beat again! I can almost feel the blood flowing through my veins again. I awake with a scream and i see the men standing around me, I have to be held down with all their might! The pain takes over me again and I start to black out again... just before the darkness engulfs me I see the lady again and she's nodding..."Vy sobiraetesʹ bytʹ v poryadke" she says. I don't understand a word but I feel an amazing sense of calm coming over me. I fall into a deep and peaceful sleep...
Man on an island, day 357
I crash through the thick jungle foliage with Belatrix safely in my arms, thorns rip my arms and hidden roots threaten to trip me up at any moment. For a second I thought I lost my pursuers but then I hear the cracking of branches and the angry shouting just behind me. Got to lose them... But where... I look for a tree to climb but their all too tall and there is no time! I can't even set a trap to thin the herd a bit! Then I see something.... A hollow hiding space in the bottom of a massive tree! I hope we fit as I dive for shelter, seconds later six pairs of furious feet come stomping by! I notice the massive feet of the giant...I can hear his ragged breath gasping for air. They move off further into the jungle. I tuck my cub safely away.... now let's see how I do with the element of surprise as I crawl out of the hiding space, ready to strike!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Woman on an island, day 17
I drift in and out of conciousness for the next few hours... I see images of strangely dressed men standing around me...I cannot understand their language, a strange mixture of high pitched sounds and vocalised grunts...Then I see the lady in white again...She seems to be giving orders to the men...I start convulsing and I throw up blood and my vision turns crimson again... So much blood. The memories come streaming back to me of that night, of the gunshot and my blood soaked hands, of the people screaming and the look of horror on their faces. I can't hold on any more as the darkness takes over me.I'm going home... I'm sorry... 03/01/201... †
Man on an island, day 357
I first don't want to believe my eyes, my mind refusing to register it but then then the Behemoth walks into view. He must be 7 feet at least! I see scars all over his granite like body and a chain of skulls around his neck and his...his one eye is missing! He looks like he his the chief's bodyguard of something. I'm still thinking how I'm going to take on this group when I hear something coming from my backpack...It's Belatrix! I had to bring her with me, I could not leave her back at the camp. She starts crying louder and louder...Perhaps they didn't hear it but to no avail... The warriors lets out a blood-curdling scream and starts running right to me! I scoop up the cub in my arms and I start running back into the jungle! What have you done little one? Now we have to fly....
Woman on an island, day 16
The moment I hit the water, I realize that I have made the biggest mistake of my life! This is no fish.... And then the monster breaks above the water...I just see rows of death dealing teeth.... Shark! I immediately turn and start swimming for the coast! I barely get a few yards when beast is on me! I kick and hit with all my strength! I aim for it's nose through the thrashing water, back! back! He backs off for a second and then he comes around for another attack! I'm losing this fight and then I feel teeth shredding my flesh and the water is suddenly crimson black with blood! Too much blood loss...passing out! This is my end. Then I feel something tugging me in the opposite direction of the shark...Is it another animal?...It's a hand! I look up through the quickly gathering haze and I see a person...It's a lady in white.... Who are... *Black out*
Man on an island, day 356
I pear out above the fallen log and it's not long when I spot movement.... It's human! At first I think it's villagers from the rival village but then I start noticing that their clothing is more ragged and tribal, They also seem to be wearing dark make-up around their eyes. Judging by the spears and spiked clubs they are carrying I doubt they are friendly. I see their chief directing traffic, a ridiculously small and fat man...What are they doing? Then it dawns on me- their raiding the plane! Most likely taking their prize away to their camp or village and who knows how many are there! I have to stop them, I have to see what is on the plane and maybe there is a working radio in there! I Contemplate charging them, I only counted 5 plus the chief then something walks into view that takes my breath away and leaves me in awe.Holy damn....
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Woman on an island, day 16:
I look at the oversized steel work boots and I start pulling the laces loose- these will make excellent ties and fishing line when I need them. After some effort and a few cut fingers I manage to cut the front end off the boot, I pull the metal piece loose- I can smelt these and make spear points or fix it to a club. The rest of the remaining leather I cut into strips, I will always have use for rope down the line. I feel quite proud of myself for thinking of all this. I suddenly develop a craving for fish and I head out to an outlying group of rocks, I start searching for some bait...ah that crab over there will do nicely. I break open the shell and I tie the meat to one of the shoelaces. I lay on my stomach and I start waiting for a bite. The last few days catch up to me and I fall asleep on the rock. I wake with a start...A bite and it's a big one! I fight with the fish furiously! Then I decide to dive in after it!
Man on an island, day 356
I could barely sleep last night and I'm up at the crack of dawn, I put out the fire and head out in the direction I saw the reflection come from. It cannot be anything else than a piece of metal the sun reflected on unless I have made a huge mistake. After an hour's walk, I climb a tree to get my barrings- I see the hill from this morning and I know I'm still on course. It's not long before I start finding signs of a plane crash- Scorched trees and pieces of plant covered wreckage. I can't be far off now. I start running, breaking through the foliage but then something makes me stop, perhaps my Ranger training. I see a clearing coming up and there it is! The cargo plane! The wreckage has been strewn over a large area but the nose of the plane seems intact. I want to rush over but then I see something at the last second...Somebody else is here! I duck behind a log and I wait....
Woman on an island, day 15
I start working on the material, I pull the thread loose from an old pair of pants that are about 4 sizes to big for me. Now I need a needle hmm. I Walk over to the rabbit carcass and start examining it, I find a small rib bone and I gently work it over with a small rock. It's not long before I have in my hand one very crude but usable needle. I need scissors- ah! a sharp rock will do nicely. I attack the pants, I cut the legs off to make shorts for me and then I tighten it with the thread- it ain't Armani but it looks pretty damn good! The cut off legs I am going to use for sleeves to keep my arms warm and I can use it for water filtration! The jacket I keep as it is, it makes a wonderful blanket. What's left? ah the underpants... hmm um wow no. That is going to be used as a trap though I can't imagine any animal getting near it. I look over at the shoes... what do I do with you? (readers choice)
Man on an island: day 355
After a few hours walking I reach a large hill near the centre of the island. I leave my bag hidden from view behind some rotting logs at the base, I don't want anything or anybody getting their hands on it. I scale up the hill, using the vegetation to pull myself upwards. This is harder than it seems. My mind goes back to basic training and the seal instructors screaming profanities at the recruits. I smile and with renewed energy I carry on upwards. I eventually reach the summit and I sit down to catch my breath. Now let's see where I am, I work out where my home is in relation to the volcano... the village must just be on the other side of the volcano. Now if I were a pilot and had to do a crash landing, where would I put down a cargo plane? I scan the vista and then something catches my eye for a split second.... there it is again! It's a reflection! It's a few kilometres North West of me! I hurry down the hill to start a fire, I want to head out at dawn!
Man on an island. Introduction
Good day readers! This is Man on an island. This is a daily story of two people trying to survive a remote island and eventually make it back home. Comments and suggestions are always welcome and if you want to catch up on the backstory, read the weekly Island talk catchup show or have a discussion with other Island readers then please head on over to http://www.facebook.com/groups/153416998085245/. Hope to see you there.
Peace v (The writer)
Peace v (The writer)
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