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The radio operator shouted from across the bridge. “Sir! I’ve got asatellite call.” He turned and lifted a handset. “They’re asking for you, Dr. Kokkalis.”
Monk hurried over. The ship had been trying to reach someone for the past two hours, but they’d had no luck. The heavy ash, the constant static energy, and the EM interference from the raging volcanos had continued to stifle communication.
How did anyone get through to us?
He took the receiver. “Dr. Kokkalis here,” he said.
“Monk, that’s quite formal. I think we’re better friends than that.”
“Gray!”
Kowalski shoved forward in a cloud of smoke. “Of course, he calls after all the heavy lifting is done.”
“I don’t have much time,” Gray said. “I can’t count on this connection holding. We found some clean air, even a bit of sunshine.”
Monk wished for the same. He stared at the midnight gloom smothering the ship. To the east, a line of volcanos cast up fountains of fire. It looked as if those islands were being blasted apart.
“I need you to do something,” Gray said. “Right away.”
“What is it?”
During the next twenty minutes, Gray shared a digital recording and a wild tale. Monk did his best to fill in his side. He put the conversation on speakerphone so everyone could hear. It seemed they all had pieces to a two-century-old puzzle.
But it came down to one urgency.
“Get to Raoul Island,” Gray finished. “As swiftly as you can. Broadcast that recording as loudly as possible. Keep it playing.”
Even with Gray’s explanation and assurances, Monk found his claim hard to believe. But if Gray and the others had managed to quiet Mount Tambora, it was worth a shot.
Raoul Island was only eight miles from their current location.
Monk squinted and picked out the fieriest of those peaks.
That’s gotta be it.
Gray had a final warning. “Major Xue still hasn’t been able to reach his father. If the Chinese send out another ELF signal—”
Monk didn’t need Gray to finish his statement.
It’s game over.
Monk signed off and faced the bridge crew. They all knew what they needed to do.
“What about Dr. Reed and the others?” Byrd asked.
Monk turned to the sonar operator. “Keep trying to reach theCormorant.For as long as we’re in the area. Share that recording. Broadcast it down to them.” He pointed at the man. “From my pre-dive training, I was told the acoustic modem can send text messages. Is that right?”
The other nodded. “Texts can reach even farther through water than voice calls. And they have a lower probability of interception.”
“Perfect. Then you’re going to send a message along with that audio recording.”
“What do you want me to say?”
Monk told him and stared down at his toes. He prayed his message reached theCormorant.
And no one else.
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