Tsybenko would translate, but Petliura is apparently already on the case, snapping orders at various terrified-looking Russians. Eventually he turns around and says something to Tsybenko. "Captain Pisarev is unconscious, fourteen of the men are injured, but beyond that all are accounted for," Tsybenko says tersely. "Except Captain-Lieutenant Apalkov and the two who were left with him."

Several of the Russians have found the lateral display. The rapidly changing fields give the impression of the pearlship heading for the surface at maximum safe velocity- and of something not so far from the size of a whale following hot on its heels.