Diffident Frederic never wanted to be drafted into the military, but seeing as he has no choice, he does his job with the same lack of caring that he offers to all his family and friends. One day he visits a local pub and meets barmaid Saliha, the Arab daughter of the bar owner. Now, she is everywhere he turns. Eventually, he takes off from his barracks and they have a luxurious tryst on the Isle des Oiseaux.