Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kevin had resigned himself to discuss the political implications of nuclear subs in “third
world” countries like New Zealand and other ungrateful, insignificant governments with
Steve. I could tell he was more interested in the local fishing. Harry and his bevy of “mates”
kept a polite indifference to the social proceedings and answered only when spoken to.
They kept a hushed but sociable council and managed to enjoy most of their evening.
I was fascinated to observe how humans tend to behave under these forced social condi-
tions. Forced in a sense, because we were all on this deserted island in the Pacific. Hu-
mans are social animals and will socialize in the most appalling conditions, or in this case,
conditions beyond their control. Harry became quite drunk and loud amongst his group. I
couldn't help noticing the friction developing between Steve and him. They were both al-
pha males in their own rights and in their separate circles. They were both acutely aware
of this and aware of their opposite ends of their sexual beliefs. Or were they? What was
causing this tangible tension? It was subtle in the beginning, but as we all relaxed with our
drinks, feelings and passions surfaced in a most alarming way.
Penny would glance at me from time to time with a secretive smile. It stirred me inside. She
was looking lovely tonight in a white peasant dress with purple flowers and sole-less san-
dals that had large blossoms on their thongs. Her hair had been washed and brushed, and it
sparkled and flowed like a wheaten waterfall. She was quite tanned, and her powerful body
moved leopard-like beneath her cotton dress. She wore no makeup and her provocative but
perky breasts were evident in her every graceful move.
Jesus and his shy wife, Anita, arrived late, bearing gifts of salads and pickled fish, which
they generously contributed to the fare. He was dark and soft-spoken. He had a powerful
manner and most of us hung on his words. His accent was very Swiss, and he would use
Swiss words often for want of an English word. Anita said almost nothing, but made up for
it in her sweet smiles and effervescent good spirits. Her English was almost nonexistent,
but she seemed to understand what was being said. She would nod her handsome, dark-
haired head wisely at times and laughed at appropriate places; perhaps she was just shy of
her English.
Gavin and I had brought a large bottle of plonky wine, and it was from this that we liberally
helped ourselves during the course of the evening. Drinks weren't freely offered and wer-
en't expected either. It was understood that your food and drink were limited under these
circumstances. It created an easy situation. You had what you brought and that was that!
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something that at first I couldn't believe. I
could have sworn that Steve had tossed a harmless, little hermit crab into the hot, wooly
flames of the fire. I wasn't quite sure; perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me. Per-
haps the wine was having an effect on my eyesight. There was a heavy silence. My senses
