Among the usual flotsam and jetsam of broken bits and pieces that one would expect to find in the aftermath of such an event there were also several largely intact cargo crates that surprisingly had survived the disaster in more or less one piece.
It was curious that a heavy crate full of carpentry tools had been buoyant enough to float here instead of sinking to depths of the see, but the large supply of nails and screws could very well prove fortunate to anyone who might decide to build a shelter on the island in the days to come. Other useful bits included numerous pots, pans and bottles that had made their journey by themselves and a crate that according to its label contained a large variety of medical supplies. The spice cabinet that had been washed ashore together with a generous stock of nonperishables and tinned food would also be greatly appreciated by any castaway that came across it.
One crate that had partially broken open apparently contained some survivalist's personal library. Through the open lid undamaged spines with such titles as "101 Things To Do With Coconuts" and "Weaving Lei Garlands and Grass Skirts For Beginners" and many different survival guides could be seen.
A large container with the name of a well-known fashion label emblazoned on its side lay half submerged in the water. An inventory sheet still attached to its door inside a waterproof plastic envelope promised riches of "beach-wear" and "tropical fashion" in addition to normal necessities such as underwear, footwear, sleapwear, and whatever-else-you-want-wear. Unfortunately upon close inspection it became apparent that at some point during the night the backside of the container had been ripped open and almost all its contents had been washed out into the sea since then.
There was another shipping crate some way down the beach and almost completely under water and covered in driftwood addressed to "Eric's Erotic Emporium" that might conceivable contain clothing of some sort but it was questionable whether anybody stranded on this island would be willing to make use of its contents even if they noticed it.
The absence of a readymade supply of clothing meant that the box labeled "Tanning Solutions" which contained a cornucopia of sun-blocks, sunscreens, tanning-oils and cremes would come in useful for anyone stranded upon these shores with their clothes shredded and torn by the elements. Acquiring a full-body tan seemed inevitable for any such castaway until they figured out how to manufacture primitive coverings from natural resources.
Aside from the clothing issue the scenes on the beach suggested a situation almost perfectly prepared for a castaway. Without looking any further one could be almost certain that the inland jungle would contain an abundant supply of edible and not to dangerous flora and fauna. A source of fresh water somewhere was practically guaranteed most likely it would even include a small waterfall.
On the other hand, it would be surprising if the island did not contain at least some interesting artefacts of human civilization to liven up the otherwise boring lives of any Robinson. There might be the wrecks of vessels stranded here a long time ago. There might be a mysterious temple half-swallowed by the jungle. If someone searched they might even come across a human footprint indicating that the island was not as deserted as it might have seemed at first glance. It was not out of the question that pirates, slavers or natives from the neighboring island just beyond the horizon would come to visit this island at some point.
Yes, it certainly looked like everything was perfectly set up for the beginning of a deserted island adventure as on the beach a mass of seaweed and small debris slowly began to stir. The refuse shifted and a board fell away finally revealing the shape beneath to the tropical sun.
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(Posted Tue, 30 Aug 2005 12:38)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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