Chapter 17 Summary

Chapter seventeen opens with Ellen Feller lying next to John Moore, after they have had sex. Ellen had decided to seduce John because she is concerned about the jade she smuggled out of China. Ellen's protection before was Pickering, but now that Pickering is going to the battle, she needs someone else to protect her.

Back in Washington DC, Captain Pickering's message regarding his elevation to Intelligence Division Officer for the Marines on Guadalcanal is received by Frank Knox. Knox decides to tell Admiral Nimitz to get Pickering off Guadalcanal immediately. There is a discussion in Rickabee's office regarding the replacement of Goettge, Cory and Ringer, all men killed in Goettge's patrol debacle. Dailey is suggested as a replacement, along with John Moore.

On Guadalcanal, Pickering and Vandergrift are watching four Naval destroyers meet the Marine landing craft and offload vital supplies. One...