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

My trip to the north end of the island was not eventful, other than the occasional bad moments when I thought I might slip—and I fell only twice. I developed a kind of determined lope, a half-run that, while fairly rapid, was slow enough to allow me to recall and use what I remembered about that part of the shoreline. I discovered that I have a good memory for that sort of thing—and it wasn’t more than two hours before I reached the burnt-out station.


Then I was at the creek, drinking and washing myself with the deliciously cold water. I filled the water bag, slung its strap over my shoulder, and headed back. I was getting tired by this point, but strengthened my resolve with images of the Marine, and the feel of the water at my hip.


I was also alert for any signs of a rescue, wondering what form it would take. When I was climbing the rock promontory that marked the east end of the lagoon, for some reason I began to doubt. It was at least four hours since I had signaled the plane.


Chapter 31