Psychologist Neil is a civilian embedded with a division of Marines sent out as part of a peacekeeping mission overseas in the Pacific. When the local political situation erupts into open civil war, the American troops are ordered to evacuate. Neil escapes in a small plane, along with several military personnel. The plane crashes into the sea, with only Neil and a Marine surviving. They're swept over a reef and deposited in the lagoon of a deserted island. As they work together to survive in the hopes of being rescued, mutual respect warms into friendship. But Neil's feelings grow deeper, and he keeps them hidden from his companion. How would the Marine react if he knew the feelings Neil harbors for him? Can what they share in isolation carry over if -- or when -- they're rescued?

Marooned with a Marine

Fair enough, I thought. Thirst pre-empts hunger.


So, I ate the sandwich as I watched the rainwater accumulate in the wrap.


It was a slow business. When I had finished, I got out the other sandwich and, unwrapping it, repeated the business of making a catch basin, doubling the intake.


Then I considered the sandwich. It was the last food we had but, after looking at the Marine, I reminded myself what I knew about living without food for days, and decided that the best place for the sandwich was inside my stomach. After all, I was going to do the caregiving here, and I would need energy.


After I finished, I looked and saw that there were several ounces of water in the hollow of the first plastic wrap. Carefully lifting each of the four corners of the wrap, I slowly raised all the edges, until I had effectively a small, water-filled, plastic sack.


Going back to the Marine, I knelt over him.


He opened his eyes and stared, puzzled.


Chapter 6