As the time for their ultimate act of deception…that which would lead to their defection…neared Vasili Borodon showed more and more signs of stress. He ate less, slept less, and worried more. On more than one occasion Ramius warned him to watch himself. Cayes, too, felt his increasing strain. No longer did she join the men in their wardroom or in the Captain's quarters for games of cards or chess or chance as she had in the first days of her acceptance.
When the alarms rang out their bitter song of warning she was as surprised and fearful as any other member of the crew. Despite sleeping with the man who had helped mastermind the plot she'd had no forewarning of the date nor hour. Thus the klaxons brought her leaping to her feet from a sound and deep sleep. It was a terrifying way to begin her day. And the day drug on in worry and fear. She'd have no reassurance from Vasili that day. He was too busy to slip away for any length of time, so she simply sat and wondered. And second guessed everything she knew. If he loved her he'd come for her. If he cared not he wouldn't. If their true intent became known to the crew and there was mutiny would any seek out this space? If in truth there had been a reactor incident—and wouldn't that have been ironic—would he be able to come for her? No, she thought. If there were men in harm's way the Vasili she loved would instead rush to their side rather than come sit by her and hold her hand. And that was right and good that he was that sort of man…
In the gangway not too distant the Russian officers regarded the newcomers with suspicion borne of a lifetime's guard. Melekhin laughed and commented on Ryan's limited enjoyment of the Soviet cigarette. "Come, we'll put you to work," Ramius told them. He started to lead the group off, then hesitated. "Captain Borodin, would you see if our little elf wants to appear now or later?" he asked the man.
"I will check, Comrade Captain."
"We'll be in the conn if she wants to join us there."
It was short minutes when their elfkin did appear, happy to see an American uniform. She popped to attention, saluting immediately what she saw as a superior officer.
"Commander Austin, these are Commander Ryan of the CIA and Lt. Williams of your navy." Both men were visibly shocked, first at the appearance of a woman, then at the ease with which the Russian captain introduced her as an American. "Lt. Commander Cayes Austin, gentlemen, a pilot for your naval aeroplanes."
"Ma'am," Ryan nodded, extending his own hand at her curious expression. He hadn't returned the salute and she'd dropped hers, glancing sharply at the captain's use of the acronym CIA. "I'm not an officer-" Williams had automatically popped to attention at her introduction as a senior officer and relaxed as she moved.
"He is spy," Borodin provided.
Ryan's smile was strained. "I am an analyst."
"And you salute like a limey," she nodded at the other man. "So what gives?"
Williams's teeth shone out, an amused expression on his face. "Sometimes letting the service know that you speak a bit of a foreign tongue is a dangerous thing, ma'am."
"Are we still in international waters?" she asked.
All of the men nodded. Her face dropped slightly. "Still not home yet..." she sighed. "How close?"
"Getting closer," Ryan reassured her. He shook his head once. "We sure didn't expect to find you aboard."
"That makes you one of many."
"Shall we proceed to get underway?" the second in command asked.
"Of course," Ramius acknowledged. "Commander Austin, we could use your assistence if you're willing," he told the young woman.
"Of course, Captain." She smiled. Then she shrugged, moving toward one of the walls of consoles. "How much different could it be-it's like flying a big, wingless bird underwater, right?" She was already scanning, thinking to equate depth with altitude, looking for charts.
Borodin stepped forward. "Uh...Captain," he said softly. "Are you certain this is a good idea?" Ramius and the others in the room turned toward him. "I have just remembered something about airmen-" At the captain's gesture he continued. "They're all crazy."
Cayes turned, narrowing her eyes at him, and backhanded him in the gut.
"She will do fine, Vasily," Ramius corrected him. "You will make sure of it."
This garnered a laugh from the group of very tense men. Their last for a while.
When they were settled at their new duty stations Cayes turned to Ryan. "You don't have a pack of gum in your pocket, do you?" she asked.
He shook his head sorrowfully. "I'll get you one, first chance I get," he promised. Her response was a resigned arching of one dark brow.