I flushed at his taunt. “What would you know of Eriana Kwai? You left us to die.”
“The struggles of one small island aren’t—”
“I am offering to end this war,” I said, not wanting to hear his pitiful excuses. “Given that I have the serpent under my control, I recommend you accept.”
Officer Miller sighed. “That’s exactly the problem. You’re on one of my most valuable ships with twenty American soldiers aboard, and you have the power to destroy it in seconds. You’ll understand why this conversation feels like a hostage situation.”
I closed my eyes, summoning calmness. “I do not intend to harm your crew, Officer Miller. If you agree to meet, you can discuss your terms with the new queen of the Pacific.”
He paused. I wished I could see his face, read his aura.
“I see,” he finally said. “And then what happens with the serpent?”
“I will destroy it.”
“Destroy?” His tone was harsh, clipped.
“Yes. Once we come to an agreement, the serpent will cease to exist.”
“But it’s the only one of its kind!”
I didn’t respond.
“Metlaa Gaela,” he said, a note of false warmth in his voice, “it would be a shame to lose something as incredible as the leviathan. What can we offer you in exchange for it?”
“I will not let her become a weapon.”
“We’re prepared to offer you anything. Any amount of money.”
“The serpent is not my bargain.”
“Consider—”
“No. I have seen what she is capable of.”
So have they—and that is why they want me,said Eriana.
“A peace treaty. That is my request,” I said.
“And if we don’t agree?” said Officer Miller.
I hesitated. “Then I suppose you will keep dropping iron bombs in the water, and issuing these sonic attacks, and doing everything you can to destroy all life in the Pacific Ocean. But you should know that I have spent my life training for war and fighting in battles more terrible than you know. And if you keep fighting, I will fight back.”
There was a long silence.
“All right,” said Officer Miller. “I need to contact the right people. Can you meet me in Anchorage?”
“No. I want you to come to Eriana Kwai.” I looked towards the setting sun, weighing how long it would take me to get there. “Tomorrow. Sundown.”
Another pause. “I can make that work.”
“You won’t drop anything into the ocean? You won’t issue any more assaults, noise or otherwise?”
“Not between now and then.”
I chewed my lip. If he was being honest, at least I’d be able to get to Eriana Kwai without helicopters or ships waiting.
“I’m passing you back to your crew,” I said. “See you tomorrow.”
