Former Foreign Legion officer Galoup reflects on his time overseeing a group of soldiers in the Gulf of Djibouti. The story unfolds through his memories, painting a picture of the strict and regimented life within the Legion. Galoup is a disciplined and solitary man whose world is turned upside down by the arrival of a new recruit, Sentain. Sentain's kindness and natural leadership abilities quickly earn him admiration from his fellow soldiers, stirring feelings of envy and resentment in Galoup. As Galoup's fixation on Sentain grows, it exacerbates his inner turmoil and jealousy.

The tension between Galoup and Sentain escalates, leading to a series of events that disrupt the harmony of their unit. Galoup's increasingly erratic behavior and obsession with maintaining control threaten to unravel his carefully constructed sense of order. These strained relations are set against the stark and desolate landscapes of the Djibouti desert, where the oppressive heat and isolation mirror the boiling emotions within Galoup. His introspective narration provides insight into his inner conflicts, blending hauntingly with the hypnotic rhythms of the soldiers' routines and the harsh beauty of their surroundings. As memories blur with present realizations, Galoup's meticulous world begins to crumble, leading to irreversible consequences.