Fatal Depths by Kevin McLaughlin & Michael Anderle

Author:Kevin McLaughlin & Michael Anderle [Mclaughlin, Kevin & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Published: 2023-02-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“So that’s what we’re thinking, anyway. The increased seismic activity causing the earthquakes has also split these deep-sea vents. It’s disrupting ecosystems down there, so the megs are coming up here for food. I only wish I knew what to do about it.”

Adams nodded. “You did well, Dane. We’ll turn over your report to our science team and see what they can come up with. It was a good idea to take the images and readings, too. You never know what someone will find.”

“My team would like to work on this problem as well,” Petrov chimed in. He had been in the command center when Dane arrived, and Adams had not hesitated to have Dane share his report. Dane had balked for half a second before remembering that Lev had literally been down there with him. No point in being nervous about Petrov finding anything out. He really did need to move past his hang-ups with the Russians. It wasn’t productive, and it was rooted in a history from another world. Now was a time for new beginnings.

“Of course. Talk to Alvarez and tell him I want half the team to be Russian.”

“With respect, Governor, it might be a better approach to have two teams work on this in parallel. One may explore an idea that the other does not.”

Adams stifled her grimace and nodded. “Makes sense, Petrov. I’ll leave it to you to brief your team. Though I’d like to know any ideas you have so we can look at implementation.”

“Of course.” Petrov nodded and excused himself.

“Anything else, Dane?” Adams asked when Petrov was gone.

“We think the megs are visual or tactile hunters.”

“As opposed to?”

“As opposed to a sense we’re less familiar with, like sonar or that things sharks do when they smell blood.”

“I’ll give Alvarez the message. Though maybe you and your security team could work something up. Could we blind or deafen them? That kind of thing.” Adams sank into a chair and rubbed her temples. “This isn’t getting any easier, Dane.”

“I understand, ma’am. I want you to know I’m ready to start helping. I went out in that sub with Lev, and…and I think you’re right. We’re going to be stronger together. Everyone who came here feels that way. I need to get over the past.”

“It’s good to hear you talk that way, Dane. Let’s hope the Russians feel the same. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make sure Alvarez gets on this as soon as possible.”

“Of course, ma’am. Thank you for your time.”

Dane headed to the cafeteria for a quick bite to eat.

While in line, he discovered the first samples of the Russian kelp had been harvested. It had been dried, shredded, then rehydrated before being mixed with beans to form burger patties. He looked around the room, wondering how the Russians felt about their contribution being used to make American burgers.

Apparently, the Russians liked burgers as much as everyone else. Dane saw as many cosmonaut plates as Cosmos plates with burgers. Better yet, the simple fare seemed to bring everyone together.

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