He won't have to be one for long. The pearlship is rising swiftly- not swiftly enough to suit the Russians, who're variously staring, praying, or cursing, but still swiftly. And, yes, increasing the distance between itself and Dagon.

As the surface line approaches, the door to the room full of humans opens, and a visibly trembling Lua'al-rei peers through. "As soon as we breach," he says hoarsely, holding onto the wall as if it were the last real thing in the world, "all of you are to leave the vessel and head westward. The Canadians are sending someone to meet you. But you have to go- we-" He grimaces, gills flaring widely. "-can't hold out much longer. Are you ready?"