Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter one opens with Major Dirk Pitt and his friend and copilot, Al Giordino, on the last leg of their trip to the Island of Thasos. As the Senior Security Officer for NUMA, troubleshooting is part of his job. Pitt is flying a PBY Catalina twin engine aircraft when he hears the Mayday distress call from Brady Field. At first he disbelieves that the air field is being attacked by a biplane but agrees to come in and render assistance. Because the distress caller has been injured in the attack, Pitt's sense of duty and righteousness comes to the fore, and he prepares for a sneak approach just over the water. Neither of the men really wants to engage in an air battle, but they are willing to do the right thing. Pitt flies the Catalina with great skill, surprising the pilot of...