Nerves Exposed Summary and Analysis

Alone and sailing once more, Callahan is content. He spends his time leisurely aboard the Napoleon Solo reading, writing, and exercising. Callahan hopes to reach his destination before February 25th, but the fourth brings poor weather, with choppy waves often spraying the deck. Callahan nevertheless remains in high spirits. The waves worsen with nightfall, setting Callahan's mind to thoughts of storm maneuvers. He is confident that the Napoleon Solo will be equal to the challenge. A week into the storm, Callahan worries about the possibility of a "rogue wave" tossing his small ship down a liquid avalanche. The sea, Callahan recalls, is dangerously capricious.

Worried by the worsening storm, Callahan does a quick inspection of Napoleon Solo. Convinced that there is nothing more he can do to prepare, he lies down to sleep. Suddenly he is awoken by a...