THE ISLAND | ISO*

A tribute to Johnny Yuma

APRIL 7...

Well, I'm stranded in the ultimate tropical island paradise. Sounds great, right? Only two problems. I don't have any toilet paper, and I'm not alone.

There are others here. And they aren't friendly.

JUNE 29...

I've managed to chart the surrounding areas. At least the areas I can reach. The mountain tops and beaches provide adequate terrain to establish command posts -- as do the surrounding small islands. If I control any of these, I think I can produce a steady trickle of resources. Which will help, because the wood grubs for dinner thing never really lived up.

AUGUST 17...

The sheltered island lagoons provide easy transport between most of the beaches. But the deep water is treacherous. I've salvaged two life rafts that are up to the task, but they're small. An expeditionary force sent aboard these rafts will be limited.

A far northern jungle territory has a hidden cliff that lets me "jump" the raft just off the coast. I wouldn't even have known it was there if I hadn't tried it. The only problem is that I can't return. It's a daring maneuver that could provide a tactical advantage someday -- either as a last-minute escape or a cleverly concealed sneak attack -- so I'll keep it in mind.

OCTOBER 12...

It's hot here but my full-body tan looks fantastic.

NOVEMBER 1...

I've learned the hard way that there are good places to attack and there are bad places to attack. Attacking beach areas from the jungle? Good. Attacking mountain tops from the jungle? Not so good. At least the rugged terrain on the mountains means not too many troops can occupy any one area at a time. That might help me gain a foothold up there someday.

FEBRUARY 26...

Who knew you could make a hang glider with dry bamboo timber and an old plastic tarp?

But will it fly? The far western cliff face is the best place to find out. The jungle shore of Pedro Diego is just within sight...

MARCH 7...

I've discovered evidence of military operations on the island -- mostly tools and equipment left behind by small bands of soldiers. The few items I've found are old -- probably World War II era. Who knows what equipment can still be found deeper in the jungle? It will take careful inspection of the jungle territories, but if I could just locate and surround more of these, I might gain an edge against the others.

APRIL 8...

Well here we are. One year and one day on the island -- and I'm finished. This is my last journal entry.

I've fashioned a seaworthy raft out of spare scraps and loose timber. It isn't much to look at, but it's my best chance to get off the island.

If you're reading this now, you can rest assured that I'm either sipping a single malt scotch with a small entourage of South Pacific friendlies -- or I'm laughing at you from Hell. Either way, I'm better off than you.

Good luck and good dice.