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

And, on the issue of our rescue, the Marine was quite sanguine.


“But what if,” I began, but he shook his head.


“No. We’re—well, I am, and you’re an embedded civilian with us—Marines. The Marines don’t leave behind their own, dead or alive.”


When we bedded down, perhaps it was the sharing of industrious work, but I felt more of a sense of ease lying back-to-back with him. I even allowed myself to enjoy the pleasurable sensations, some of which were physical, others more emotional—arising from a sense of gratitude at simply being with this rather remarkable man, being able to share with him this experience.


It was with such thoughts that I fell asleep. And slept well too. 5: Discoveries


Chapter 18