Page 150 of Clive Cussler Ghost Soldier

Callie maneuvered the drone’s camera to examine the work. It was well done, considering the circumstances, but it was hardly complete.

She checked her speed gauge. TheSpookwasn’t traveling under herown power, but she was racing along at nearly twenty knots pinned to the deck of theGhost Sword. She glanced back down to the drone’s camera screen. The weld was already giving way. It wouldn’t last long.

She grabbed her mic. “Oregon,Oregon. This isSpook Fish. Mayday. Mayday.”

“Callie, this is Linda. You’re on speakerphone. What’s your status?”

“The Vendor vessel has accelerated to twenty knots and has descended to eighty feet. Are you still tracking me?”

“We are tracking you,” Eric said. “Twenty knots at eighty-two feet and falling.”

“How are you keeping pace with the sub?” Linda asked.

“Long story. Are you tracking the sub, too?”

“Still can’t see or hear her.”

“But you see me?”

“Aye. Your machine is noisy.”

“Linda, listen to me carefully.”

“Go ahead.”

“Use my sonar position for your torpedo fix.”

“Why?”

“I’ve attached myself to the sub’s hull.”

“Negative. You’ll be destroyed.”

“Then aim it a hundred feet beyond my position.”

“The torpedo isn’t that accurate. Even if it was, the destruction of the sub itself will take you out.”

“This vessel is heading for Guam. Ten thousand Americans will die.”

“We’ll find another way—”

“There is no other way! Do it!”

“Callie—”

“I don’t know how much longerSpookwill stay with her. If she gets away from me, we can’t stop her. Do it!”

77

Aboard theOregon

Op Center

“Do it!”

Callie’s voice boomed in the overhead speakers.

Linda turned in her chair and faced Max, her face ashen. Huxley had released her into temporary service as weapons officer while Murphy was on mission.