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

“First—get mirror,” he said urgently. “Use mirror. Learn—to use.”


I nodded. “Okay.” I went to the pack and extracted the signal mirror. Then, taking this, I went back to him.


“Okay,” I said, speaking slowly. “I’ll figure this out, but again—is there anything I can do for you? Water?”


I got my shirt where it lay, ran down to the lagoon, and soaked the garment. Then, running back, I laid this gently over his forehead and around his neck.


“I’ve got to get you some water to drink,” I said, remembering that we had basically drunk all the water-and-sap mixture. And there was no stockpile of coconuts. It was the Marine’s enjoyment each day to knock down a couple for us, fresh from the tree.


“Signal,” he repeated. “Train! Learn!”


“Okay,” I said and, standing up, thought rapidly.


Chapter 29