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

I had to blink. “No,” I said. “I get you. And—well, from one of those you do protect—thanks.”


He raised his eyebrows at this and gave a slight snort, as if both gratified at the thanks, and slightly surprised as well.


Curiously, this was one of the points where we both became somewhat more appreciative, and respectful, of the other—though for a time I certainly felt more inhibited, and expressed myself with more formality as a result.


“Is there anything we can—salvage?”


“Okay.” He began to lift off burnt timbers from the contents of the station or house or whatever it was. We found a lot of useless, broken bits of “civilization.”


What we took in the end were four metal plates and some cutlery, as well as some plastic sheeting. There was a rifle, but after it had lifted his spirits, they were dashed again when he could not find any ammunition.


Chapter 21