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

The sun was just setting when I finished this. I heard the Marine’s steady scraping stop, and looked up.


“How’s the—what is it?—axe blade going?”


He nodded. “Pretty good. But look—” He reached down to where he had left the knife blade, and was surprised to see it missing.


“This what you’re looking for?” I held out to him the just-finished knife.


He took the knife tentatively, and examined it carefully. When he finally looked up at me, I could see that he was puzzled and astonished.


“Well,” I said, a bit uncomfortable. “The handle, yes. And the assembly.” I pointed. “You see where the fishing line goes through? It holds the blade in place—I think pretty well.”


He was silent, still examining the weapon—or tool. I began to feel somehow that he was disappointed or annoyed—perhaps that I had used the fishing line without checking with him. I began to feel defensive.


“Uh,” I began awkwardly. “It’s—okay, isn’t it? I mean—for now.”


Chapter 17