Leviathan. Joaquin De Torres

of use. It was unmistakable. The thick-lipped, sea bass-like mouth and the hinged chin. It was all there, almost identical, rendered in horrifying detail and color. “Look here at this one. The mouth is open.”

      “Hideous!” spat Sakura.

      “What’s that inside the mouth?” asked Stone.

      “That’s the main bore drill. It comes out when the jaw is dropped.” More images of the drill fully extended impressed and frightened the group. “You can see the engines and propulsion system in this cutaway drawing.”

      “It’s different from the photos,” noticed Aurelia. “There aren’t the arched, dorsal fin blades. They must have been added later.”

      “So, what happened then, Jody?” asked Duenas.

      “After another night of thinking, I told Steven the next day that I still didn’t think his brilliant designs would work for what HELIOS would demand. And I wasn’t going to turn over the rights of my research to those corporate liars for any price. It seemed that he knew I would not relent, because he didn’t bother arguing with me. He took his stuff and just left.”

      “To HELIOS?”

      “There’s nowhere else he could have gone. And I haven’t heard from him since.”

      “Shit,” uttered Aurelia. “So, they built it and it’s out of there now.”

      “Would Haynes be the one actually driving that sub?” asked Stone.

      “I don’t think so. He always described it as being a directly-remoted or satellite-controlled vehicle.”

      “But is there a satellite that could send a signal that deep into the water?” asked Kira.

      “No,” answered Camacho. “There would have to be relay buoys or transmitters pre-placed in the water. They would act as relays.”

      “Okay, Dr. Salas,” said Aurelia as he stood up. “You and your team find out about those relay stations and take your vehicles to find the Texas. You will have Commander McLaren to help you.” He turned to the naval officers. “Admirals and Captains, this is now a criminal investigation. I need you to call the FBI to pick up Dr. Haynes, and contact the U.S. Attorney General to prepare to open a case against HELIOS for their role in this. Details will come once we get Haynes.” The officers were nodding as they stood up.

      “Jody, we will brief NOAA and the crew of the Argonautica,” added Duenas. “You will use of the research vessel as usual.”

      “Thank you, Admiral.”

      Aurelia looked at the entire group as they began collecting their things.

      “This mission will be called “Operation Leviathan.” Admiral Duenas, if you don’t mind, we will base our operations out of here. You and the PRAS team will be linked 24-7 for video conferencing or cell conference calling. Duenas nodded vigorously. Aurelia looked at Kelly Genero.

      “Honey, you’re with me. We have to make a lot of calls and give a lot of interviews very soon. We have to get ready. But we first have to call the Secretary of Defense and tell him of the loss of the Texas and all 140 sailors.” He addressed the group once more. “I don’t need to say that all the information we’ve shared is classified for now. Say nothing to the press; Ms. Genero and I will take care of that. The world will find out very soon. We all have our essential phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Share none of this on Facebook or Twitter. Contact me whenever you need to, whatever time. Thank you ladies and gentlemen.”

      As the groups began to leave the room, Salas felt someone grab his arm. He turned around and saw Captain Brewer staring at him. His face was slack and his eyes somewhat softer.

      “Dr. Salas, I just want to say that I no longer hold any animosity towards you. We both had our jobs to do.”

      “That’s good to hear, Captain. We need to work together now.”

      “Yes. But in light of this situation, I need to officially ask your permission to use the LFAS so I can hunt that bastard down.” It only took a moment for Salas to nod his head in compliance.

      “Go ahead, Captain.”

      “Thank you. You can call me Stu.” He held out his hand.

      Salas took it.

      “Call me Joe.”

      “Just promise me one thing, Joe. If and when you find it, that monster sub, you let me know so I can go and rip that bitch apart like it did to the Texas.” Salas nodded again.

      “I will, Stu. I promise.”