Song: Parov Stelar's "Red Cat" –

watch?v=Oe8JMh9T6SI&list=PLD4ZwDeQz9JARiJWqZtrcInSi-HicI-F4&index=15

Focusing on the approaching fishing trawler through the binoculars, the Admiral in charge of the entire HMS blockade fleet could finally make out the two occupants onboard. He stared aghast when he caught sight that one of them was fighting a giant aquatic creature that clung to the rear of the vessel. Shocked, he watched as the two longer and deadlier tentacles darted at the person who blocked or ducked the onslaught.

The Admiral breathed out, amazed, "No, it cannot be." His voice rose in excitement and awe, "It's not possible."

Clearly seeing who was on that trawler through his field glasses, Smith chewed on his unlit cigar. At the wheel was the lanky butler. He then nearly swallowed the cigar whole when he saw that Carter was fighting some sort of massive squid. The creature was immense, almost the size of the fishing boat itself.

"It's her," the Admiral said in reverence.

Smith scowled at the high-ranking officer, wondering how he knew about Carter.

The battleship's Captain asked his superior, "What is it, sir?"

Wistful, Admiral Marcus Addington explained, "What is clinging to that fishing boat has been a myth for centuries. My brother served on the HMS Maori before the Germans sank it. He said the island locals claimed that a giant sea creature guarded the Grand Harbour's docks. He even admitted to having seen something when that Italian Regia Marina had dared attacked Malta that day, but he would never elaborate."

Flustered, Smith demanded, "What are you talking about?"

The Admiral spoke as if everyone knew, "She had been dubbed the Kraken after the Greek myth. So far, this creature has mostly eluded detection, only rising to the surface sporadically." He added as an aside, "A much smaller one was found off the coast of Spain a few years back."

"I don't care what—" Smith tried to cut in.

The Admiral, though, was too excited and quickly spoke over him, "Those mythological creatures on old map legends? Supposedly she comes from that era and has been feared throughout the entirety of nautical history. Imagine that amazing beast's head mounted over my mantle."

Exasperated, Smith growled, "We don't have time for your seafaring ambitions right now, Admiral. I need you to—"

The Admiral ordered the Captain, "That thing crawling on that fishing boat. I need you to fire at it. Try not to blow all of it up. I want at least its head."

"Aye, aye, Admiral," and the Captain began to order his men to position the big guns. Though curious, he knew never to question his commander's orders.

Smith grinned when he heard the Admiral order, "Fire!"

All watched excitedly as the projectile sailed toward the massive creature. When the deadly ordnance just missed taking out the squid and the boat, the Captain ordered the gunnery to reposition the turret cannons.

Confident they would hit it, the Admiral lowered the binoculars and ordered, "Again, fire!"

Once more, Smith stared through the binoculars and watched as Carter ducked when the missiles splashed around her. The projectiles were getting closer, and the next barrage would not miss.

Grinning, Smith figured that Carter must have already procured the latest clue and was now racing back to the safety of her friends. According to Professor Spencer, her team used a scanner to send visual information back to Stark. Assuming that the transmission distance was only so strong, Smith surmised that the millionaire's yacht was moored not far away.

A new plan formed, and he figured that once Carter was killed, he would hunt down Stark's boat and deal with them as well. And, of course, nab the clue and the yacht at the same time. Pleased at the thought, he decided to relax and enjoy witnessing his adversary getting blown to smithereens. He just wished he had some popcorn so he could enjoy the show.

Hearing the scream of incoming artillery, Peggy stopped fighting the squid and grabbed Jarvis. She flung them both onto the slippery deck of the trawler just before impact.

Jarvis squeaked when the first missile strike came close to taking them out. The following concussive explosions threw water onto the small trawler, and more leaked into the engine compartment. The boat's old motor groaned and sputtered from the deluge.

In moments there was another barrage of missile fire, and each blast kept getting closer to their trawler. Finally, the bombardment ceased. Peggy realized the naval vessel was once more fixing its sights on them. It would not be long until they fired again.

Soaked, Peggy and Jarvis helped each other to their feet. At least the deafening explosions had caused the squid to hunker most of its bulk back under the sea to protect itself. Peggy figured it was wise enough to seek self-preservation than try to kill them now.

"We have to give them a difficult target to hit," Peggy yelled, her ears still ringing.

Retaking the wheel, Jarvis began to zigzag the trawler, hoping to confuse the naval fleet's targeting system.

Suddenly, they heard a boat horn echoing behind them. Then more high-pitched blares sounded as multiple vessels joined in until it was a cacophony of pursuing noises.

Turning, Peggy was surprised to see that a small armada of various boats had formed.

They were just close enough to hear the occupant's garbled screams and yells. Peggy couldn't tell what they were saying, but they all sounded furious.

Peggy groaned. Now to top everything off, they were being chased down for stealing a boat. Frankly, there were times she wished she never got out of bed.

Suddenly, the giant squid lunged itself back onto the trawler. It was more aggressive, and Peggy expected its flinging deadly tentacles to stab her and Jarvis repeatedly at any moment.

"Best confront the most dangerous obstacle first," she muttered.

Readying the net hooking pole again, she charged toward the squid and swung repeatedly. The few times she got past the flailing appendages and chomping beak, she struck its triangular mantle. But each time her blows bounced off as if its head was made of rubber.

In frustration, Jarvis yelled over his shoulder to her, "Nothing can stop it!"

Desperate, Peggy tried to recall how Captain Nemo had won against such a deadly creature but was drawing a blank.

She could only think of one vulnerable spot left, its eyes. She would have no choice but to get as close as possible to try to blind it. She hoped that if she stuck deep enough that she could possibly reach its brain.

Dodging another swung tentacle, she got nearer to the creature. Grimacing, she noted multiple scars on its mantle from individuals who had tried to stop it in the past and had failed.

As if anticipating her tactics, the squid stabbed the two deadly tentacles at her once more. Peggy ducked one but not the other and was knocked hard onto the floor, her knit cap flying off. The creature loomed over her.

That was when Peggy saw that one of its eight tentacles was missing. An old stump from where the last one should be was prominent. Fleetingly she thought of the number 7 and how it was linked to the test. But that was an insane notion. This leviathan was trying to kill them, not help them.

Suddenly, another barrage of artillery shells whistled toward them. Surprisingly, it missed the boat but not the massive squid. One of the ordnances struck the creature's triangular part of its head, grazing it. The creature squealed in agony. When it reeled backward, Peggy rolled away from its thrashing limbs and was on her feet, weapon poised at the ready.

Stunned, the squid almost let go of the boat. Still, it hung on, but barely. Coppery-colored blood seeped from its head wound.

Peggy was floored. The naval warship wasn't trying to blow up the trawler, but the creature itself!

Three of the squid's enormous tentacles let go of the boat, and it floundered. The leviathan looked as if it could not hang on for much longer. Its eyes rolled, and the translucent orb focused on Peggy's defensive form.

Jarvis cheered, "God bless her majesty's service!"

Knowing this would be the only chance she would get, Peggy raised the pole in a throwing stance, preparing to lance its unprotected eye. Grinning, she felt like Captain Nemo about to harpoon his nemesis.

Aiming, she looked it dead in the eye. And then she froze.

Peggy stood there mesmerized, trapped in the creature's hypnotic gaze. Suddenly, it was as if the wisdom of the ages was crashing on top of her. Images instantly assailed her mind, and she staggered under the creature's angry onslaught.

Before her was a being who had survived countless millennia. Humanity's existence was only a blink of an eye compared to what this magnificent creature had witnessed. We were nothing of worth, while what was before her was an ideal entity.

"This is wrong," Peggy murmured distantly.

Jarvis snapped at her, "What are you talking about? That thing is trying to kill us."

Mutely, she shook her head. "Long ago, it had been tasked to guard the sacred knowledge. It is the last of its kind, and had wanted to be left alone in peace. Now we disturb its long slumber by our trivial pursuits."

"What is wrong with you, Miss Carter? Kill it while you have a chance."

Still in a trance, she whispered, "What right do we have to destroy something that understands more than any of us could ever hope to comprehend?"

Suddenly, the searing agony from its severe head wound broke the creature's mental link with her.

Peggy stumbled backward. As the squid panted in pain, the SSR Agent realized she had a choice. Did she let this sentient being live or kill the monster when it was vulnerable?

Vaguely she remembered the clue. Regardless, the choice was clear. Peggy dropped the hooked pole to the floor.

With blood coursing from the ancient creature's mantle, Peggy feared it might bleed to death. She had to help it, but how. Recalling her basic medical training, she knew to put pressure on the wound.

As Peggy slowly approached the creature, she shook off her peacoat. Then, spying the fishing net hanging loosely nearby, she grabbed that in her other hand.

Weakened from blood loss, the creature's massive head thudded onto the deck of the boat. More coppery blood oozed out to mix with the puddling seawater.

Hands raised in what she hoped was the universal sign for surrender, Peggy cautiously approached it. Surprisingly, the massive aquatic beast let her get close enough to touch it. It must have somehow sensed her good intentions.

Jarvis did a double-take and yelled, "Miss Carter, what are you doing? Get away from it before it eats you!"

"None of this is this creature's fault. It was just doing its job, just as Max was," Peggy answered over her shoulder, but her gaze never left the giant squid's. Suddenly, its eyes glazed over, and the ancient cephalopod nearly slipped off the deck. Now the creature only weakly held on.

Jarvis sputtered behind her in worry, but when he saw that the squid was not attacking her, he grumbled and shook his head, leaving Peggy to it.

Cautiously, Peggy pressed her thick jacket against the weeping wound. The squid jerked and hissed in pain, but it did not attack her. Luckily the injury only appeared grazed. Being this close, it surprisingly did not look that bad at all. She then remembered that head wounds always bled more, even superficial ones.

Frowning, Peggy wondered why the squid reacted so melodramatically.

Nevertheless, she needed to bind the wound. So with care, Peggy coiled the long net around its massive head to prevent the peacoat from slipping free.

She exhaled when the makeshift bandage stopped any more blood flow.

All pretense of being injured was gone when the creature suddenly reared up and eyed Peggy appraisingly. After what seemed like a grudging form of acceptance, the squid silently slipped into the water. In moments it had sunk under the waves to swim away. It would sleep once more until it was called upon to guard the secrets of the treasure.

A surprised Peggy turned her attention back to Jarvis when he barked, "What in the world was that all about?"

Peggy muttered, "If what Zdenka says is true, perhaps we had to show compassion instead of violence to survive this test. In the past, humanity's dominant instincts were to kill first. But by our actions today, we proved that we have changed for the better."

"So feigning wounded was part of the test? Well, it's a good thing that the navy's missile struck it then."

"If not for them doing so, the squid would have pretended to be mortally wounded from one of my blows." Peggy smiled wryly, "It certainly had the battle scars from other past attempts."

Grinning, Jarvis quipped, "So this all came to you by staring into the squid's baby blues?"

Peggy shrugged, "It only had seven tentacles. That number is usually the key to escape or part of the puzzle to figure out. And when added with the clue, my solution makes sense."

Jarvis snorted, "Ah, yes, support in ancient arms." He grinned, "So we don't owe our Navy friends a bottle of old whiskey?"

Smirking, she replied, "Oh, we owe them alright, but they wouldn't drink it."

With one deadly problem sorted out, Peggy glanced behind and saw that the pursuing vessels were gaining on their damaged trawler. Their fishing boat continued to slow down as more smoke billowed from the engine. Peggy did not know how they could outrun those chasing them nor dodge another round of shelling from the naval fleet.

Squinting into the low-hanging sun, she gazed apprehensively at the naval blockade in front of them. Not surprisingly, the artillery guns were still primed in their direction.

Watching through his binoculars, Admiral Addington pursed his lips. Somehow the woman on board the trawler had been able to approach and tie a makeshift bandage around the massive squid's head wound. Even more surprising, it did not kill her. Instead, a still very much alive Kraken simply let go of the boat and disappeared under the waves, still very much alive.

Discouraged at the loss of such a grand prize, he turned his attention to the approaching fishing trawler. He would love to know what had gone on between that courageous woman and the amazing sea creature.

"Enough games, Admiral. I want that boat sunk," Smith hissed in his ear.

Sadly, Addington nodded his head. He had hoped that the fishing boat would have turned around after the squid had released them. Unfortunately, if he wanted to keep his position in the military, the creature's secrets would have to follow the trawler's occupants' to a watery grave.

As the sunlight continued to lessen, the forming flotilla behind their boat grew in size. Peggy stared at those chasing them worriedly. Now sailboats, dinghies, and even expensive boats that rivaled Howard's had joined in the pursuit. Bullets shot up into the air as they fired off their guns. God, was everyone against them now?

Their damaged trawler continued to slow down as the motor coughed and sputtered. Jarvis muttered worriedly, "Those naval missiles won't miss us now."

With a sudden drastic plan, Peggy rushed to stand next to him. Eyeing the switches on the side of the console, she quickly began to toggle them on and off.

Jarvis glanced at her and frowned, "What are you doing?"

Peggy said hurriedly, "Does one of these work the exterior lights?"

"Try that one," Jarvis pointed to a switch on the nearby post. Sliding over to it, Peggy flipped it up, and the lights that decorated parts of the boat suddenly turned on. Letting out a cry of triumph, she began to flick the lights on and off in a specific sequence.

She called over, "Mr. Jarvis, I need you to steer us in a lazy 'S' pattern."

He scowled a moment at the thought of how dangerous those actions would be. But knowing that it was best to do as Peggy said, Jarvis spun the wheel and began to follow her instructions. Unfortunately, in doing so, they were slowed down even more, thus making them an easier target from behind and in front.

The Admiral pursed his lips as the British Naval Gunnery Sergeant readjusted the turret cannons to aim at the nearing vessel. They would not miss now. Even though this action would save his career, he still believed killing innocent civilians was wrong.

But his past would always be the albatross around his neck for all eternity. When he had gotten the orders from Smith to sink the trawler, he had thought that the additional weight of doing so would help numb the guilt that continued to gnaw on his soul. But it felt even worse now, and he clamped his eyes shut from regret.

Reluctantly, he raised his hand to give the order to sink the trawler. Forcing his eyes open, he saw Smith leaning forward in anticipation. God, he hated that man.

When he began to lower his arm, he heard the Captain gasp in surprise. Frowning, the Admiral stilled his movement, "Yes, Captain, what is it?"

The Captain's voice became excited, "Admiral, it's a friendly."

Quickly looking through his binoculars, the Admiral studied the odd pattern of flickering lights and the boat's deliberate meandering maneuvers.

Anticipating Carter's death, an impatient Smith yelled, "Fire already!"

The Admiral spat, "Belay that order."

Smith rounded on the Admiral, "What, I told you—"

The Admiral stated coolly, "And that boat is using a specialized British nautical code from World War II. It is a military ally, and I will not knowingly fire on a friendly."

Smith hissed in his ear, "Firing on a friendly had not stopped you before, Admiral. Perhaps you need a bottle of booze to help with your decision?"

Ashamed, Admiral Marcus Addington glanced down with remorse.

Sneering, Smith added, "Besides, what is one more innocent life on that grand tally of yours anyway?"

Still not getting any response from the infernal man, Smith's voice took on a pleading tone, and he hated himself for it, "Admiral, the war has been over for more than three years. Don't you think the enemy would have learned that special nautical code since then?"

Not surprisingly, the stubborn British Admiral would not budge. Typical, Smith thought. Fine, he'd just have to get what he wanted the old fashion way. He said under his breath, "Remember your own issues, Admiral. Do you really want to throw away such an otherwise impressive naval career over this? All it takes is just one well-placed call from me to derail everything you have worked so hard for."

Apprehensive, the Admiral pondered this for a moment and finally relented. He was about to order his Captain to fire but halted when he saw that the trawler had gained quite a following behind it.

It seemed that the fishing boat's time-consuming actions had afforded a rather large convoy of pursuing ships to gain on the slower vessel. An armada of nearly thirty watercraft of various shapes and sizes bracketed the sluggish trawler. There were indeed too many to risk hitting if they fired now.

With fate taking that horrid decision out of his hands, the Admiral seemed to deflate somewhat in relief. He ordered, "Hold off on any more artillery fire, Captain."

Peeved Smith was about to demand satisfaction when he noticed the chasing boat owners yelling at the trawler's occupants rather heatedly.

Smirking once more at the turn of events, Smith was no longer worried. For every one of Agent Carter's silver linings, there was always tarnish underneath. He wondered if the pursuing boats would use maritime piracy laws and string her up from the jib.

Peggy was relieved that the battleship had stopped firing on them and exchanged a grin with Jarvis. Frankly, she was amazed that the old nautical code still worked. Their reprieve lasted until she heard a loud ship horn sounding right behind them.

Turning, she grimaced as every able-bodied Malta ship, sailor, and tourist vessel boxed them in.

Peggy and Jarvis raised their hands in surrender, and she worried about what the punishment for theft was. Hopefully, they could still get out of this alive and not get keelhauled. However, her wishes dimmed because the boaters looked exceptionally outraged.

Both winced as more angry words were thrown their way. But soon, Peggy realized that all these derisive condemnations were not aimed at them after all.

Instead of jeers and threats of violence, shouts of defiance against the blockade rang out. It became a loud chorus of solidarity as these vessel's occupants began to cheer on Peggy and Jarvis. They urged them to continue challenging the British Navy's abuse of power.

Peggy and Jarvis shared a chuckle. Well, this wasn't the first time she had led a small rebellion, Peggy thought wryly.

Soon she was outright laughing over the irony that their auspicious convoy was only due to a misunderstanding! What probably added to this misconception was the belief that the Navy had been firing on their trawler and not at the sea creature.

Even the usual austere Jarvis smiled and waved back as the faster boats lined up just behind them, creating a triangle formation. There was no way the Navy would risk firing on so many now, Peggy thought happily.

Bolstered by the camaraderie, Peggy found the trawler's loud horn and pressed the button until she thought her ears would pop. The resounding blast of answering horns around them made her feel more empowered than she had in ages.

On the lead HMS battleship, Admiral Addington and Smith were in the middle of a heated argument. After witnessing Carter once more escaping sure death, Smith insisted that the Admiral still follow through with his orders.

From his periphery, Smith saw that the slower trawler was about to cross in front of them and into the safety of the Mediterranean Sea.

The CIA Agent spat, "Hurry, fire on them before it is too late!"

The high-ranking naval officer refused such a command. Adamant, the Admiral stated, "I will not fire on so many, Smith. Maybe I could have gotten away with sinking that one trawler and claimed it was an accident, but not this amount. And I certainly am not about to declare war on Malta or its wealthy tourists."

"I assure you, Admiral—" Smith sounded very patronizing, and the high-ranking military officer bristled at his tone.

Interrupting him, the Admiral's voice rumbled low, "I am not going to ruin whatever goodwill we have generated with the Maltese for your own personal vendetta, Smith."

An outraged Smith suddenly screamed shrilly at the Admiral, "Kill them all if you have to. Just stop that damn woman!"

The Admiral shook his head, "I don't know why you hate her so much, but I would seek a different means of release if I were you."

Angry, Smith bit out, "Expect your retirement papers tomorrow, Admiral."

"At least I will be able to sleep tonight with a somewhat clear conscience," he snapped back. Suddenly, it felt as if some of the weight hanging around his neck had lessened. Sighing, the Admiral wondered if his wife would mind him puttering about the house. She often said she missed him when he was away on these extended maritime missions.

The threat oozed off Smith, breaking the Admiral out of his musings, "Trust me, Admiral. By the time I am through with you, all you will have is a clear conscience to sleep upon."

"Perhaps it is time that I face my past actions." Then, very tired, the Admiral ordered, "Midshipman, please escort Mr. Smith off my ship. And have him motored back to Malta."

The officer saluted smartly and then grabbed Smith's arm in a painful grip, "Aye, aye, Admiral, my pleasure."

Just before he was bum-rushed from the bridge, Smith overheard numerous chuckles from the crew. Pivoting, he caught the tail end of the trawler's lights flickered message.

Smith frowned. Curious, he had to know, "What did she say?"

The Admiral grinned, "Propriety dictates that I should not repeat it. But I will say this. She must not like you."

Smith began to retort angrily. But before he could utter a word, he was bodily picked up by another naval officer and was physically removed.

The Admiral looked through his binoculars at the lead trawler and sighed, "Whoever you are, Miss, hats off to you. And good luck."

Those on the bridge muttered, "Amen."

After cruising past the naval blockade, Peggy and Jarvis watched as the ships following them dispersed. As they spread outwards and beyond, there was a loud cacophony of horns as all celebrated their freedom.

Peggy grinned. She wondered if she had just led a coup against British Imperialism. Her mother would be so proud, she sarcastically thought with a bemused chuckle.

Jarvis joined her laugh of victory, and they looked on as more boats voyaged past them.

Turning the trawler in the direction of the slowly sinking sun, they puttered toward the rendezvous spot where they were to meet Howard's yacht.

As Peggy enjoyed the beginning of a beautiful sunset, Jarvis side-eyed her and asked, "I say, Miss Carter, you are certainly full of surprises. Where did you learn that specific naval code?"

She smiled, "You'd be amazed at what a woman can pick up during the war."

Jarvis smirked.

"Oh, it's really not like that," there was a slight uptick of her lips as she paused dramatically, "Well, not much."

He mocked back, "Miss Carter, I am scandalized."

Her smile disappeared as she explained, "Actually, being part of the Benchley Circle, I made it my job to learn as many codes as possible. During the war, many top-secret codes used by the Allies had crossed my desk. Luckily I remembered that particular one."

Jarvis nodded and pointed ahead when he spied Howard's yacht in the distance. Thankfully, the luxury boat was headed toward them because their trawler suddenly stalled.

In moments, the yacht pulled up alongside them. The relieved duo loudly sighed in thanks that this part of the adventure was over.

Tiredly trudging up the yacht's embankment steps, they met Howard, who handed each of them a restorative.

After taking a hearty gulp of whiskey, Peggy breathed, "You are a godsend, Howard."

Quirking a grin, he informed them, "When you are ready, Zdenka deciphered the entire clue and wants to tell us about it."

Rubbing her sore shoulders, Peggy nodded and began to follow Howard. "Yes, we might as well take care of that now."

Jarvis dipped his head, indicating the fishing trawler they had borrowed and promptly destroyed, "What about the boat?"

Peggy frowned, "Oh, yes, I nearly forgot about that." Though it had been in such bad shape that it nearly killed them, they had stolen someone's livelihood. "I guess I best somehow get it back home and repaired."

Howard interjected, "I will have the Captain radio the island and telegram the owner some money so they can buy a new vessel."

"Thank you, Howard," Peggy said gratefully, and Jarvis sniffed his acceptance.

Gingerly following him, Peggy asked the millionaire, "So, where to next?"

Almost as an afterthought, Howard supplied, "We're still on to visit the Temple ruins of Artemis. Oh, and the Cuneiform clue said 'Cold.'"

Peggy snorted, "Well, that's rather ambiguous."

As they began to make their way up the second set of stairs, she asked, "Now, I don't suppose we could discuss the latest clues over dinner instead. I'm famished."

Howard's arms extended outwards in benevolence, "For you, pal, always."

Chuckling, they headed to the dining room.

After having received word, Zdenka and Dmitri met them there.

As they all sat down to dine and discuss, Peggy sneered at what food was revealed under the dome cover. She had to say that the Chef had a nasty sense of humor to serve them calamari for supper.

She ate a salad instead.