"The Sea," Part 1, Chapters 7, 8, and 9 Summary

Smilla is interrogated by Captain Lukas, Tork, and Verlaine and warned to stick to her duties. Later that night, Jakkelsen reveals to Smilla that he has investigated the front cargo hold of the ship and discovered that it is specially built to allow for control of air, temperature, and humidity, which leads him to believe that the expedition is headed to pick up cargo that is alive.

Jakkelsen helps Smilla hide in a dumbwaiter so that she can rise to the upper deck and attempt to glean information without being seen by other workers on the ship. Smilla discovers a laboratory complete with both aquatic and chemical materials but returns to her quarters quickly to avoid discovery. Smilla intends to sleep to allow her body to recover from her harrowing experience but an...