Beachworld & The Reaper's Image Summary

In "Beachworld," Rand and Shapiro are the only two survivors after their plane crashes into a desert-like planet. Rand compares the planet to a never ending beach with no sea. While Shapiro sets up the beacon, Rand continues to stare out across the open sands, mesmerized by their beauty. Occasionally, Shapiro gets the sense that the sands have the voice of an old woman and can hear what he is thinking. Shapiro realizes that he can see this world as it had been, and although it should frighten him, it calms him instead. Rand sits silently, watching the never ending sand. He refuses water, and when Rand mentions "treating" him for shock, he threatens the other man. Rand only mentions things about the beach, making an odd comment that he thinks it is alive. Without food or...