Ocean: War of Independence Read Online Free Page B

attention—as in Hawaii, there were news helicopters flying overhead. So far, the military had made no apparent attempt to break through the floating barricade, but she had seen submarines pass underneath, going in both directions, and wouldn’t be surprised to see large Navy warships make their appearance, from either side. She hoped another bloodbath didn’t occur like the one at the entrance to Pearl Harbor, and recalled that a Navy submarine had been about to fire a torpedo at the marine animals there, until she spearheaded an attack that beached the vessel. She was ready to do that here, as well, if necessary.
    The federal government was refusing to capitulate and disavow the use of violence to clear the cordons in Hawaii, or the new one that cut off San Francisco Bay. The government also continued to demand the surrender of the hybrid Sea Warriors, and had issued felony arrest warrants against all of them. So far, none had been captured with the exception of Chi’ang and Talbot. In addition, associate members—those who had not gone through the hybrid conversion process—were being questioned.
    She met Monique Gatsby in the water off Baker Beach, near the bridge, where they swam just beneath the surface, communicating underwater. The big demonstration on the bridge was over, and the protesters had dispersed voluntarily after one day. But Gwyneth’s cordon of marine animals remained in place across the waterway, continuing to block it.
    “San Francisco is, politically, quite liberal,” the actress pointed out, “so there are many people here who side with our aggressive environmental actions. I’m coordinating another big demonstration tomorrow in downtown San Francisco.”
    “That’s good,” Gwyneth said, undulating her body to swim slowly. “It sounds like you’re accomplishing a lot.”
    “Both demonstrations would have occurred anyway,” Monique admitted, “but Professor Greco and I are adding to the publicity. Last night we were interviewed at a secret location, and it’s going to be on the national news this evening.”
    “Kimo will be glad to hear that. I want you to report to him directly by molecular communication. He’s just given me a new assignment, and I’ll be leaving soon.”
    “Where are you going?” the blonde woman asked.
    “Somewhere on the coast, but he wants to control the publicity on this one himself.”
    She looked intrigued, but not displeased. Gwyneth liked her. Monique had never shown any revulsion at Gwyneth’s lumpy gray, freakish appearance, with her stunted fins and arms. And despite the actress’s great beauty, and the fact that she did not have any overt changes in her appearance, she had changed her thinking, and seemed unafraid of any changes that might lie in store for her.
    Gwyneth turned toward the center of the channel. “Guess I’d better get going. Good luck here….”

    In bed, Preston Ellsworth blinked his eyes and tried to sit up, until he realized that wires were connected to his arms. His head had been bandaged, and he felt a headache coming on, worsening by the moment. Trying to figure out where he was, he looked around desperately, seeing as much as he could while only lifting his head a little. He decided he was in a hospital room.
    Three native women stood just outside his window, their heads bowed. He heard their low, muffled voices as they spoke in unison. When one of them lifted her head and looked at him through the glass, he realized it was Ealani Pohaku, and scowled at her. She said something to her companions, and hurried out of his view.
    Preston heard a beeping from the wall behind him, and moments later the door to the room opened and a dark-skinned nurse rushed in, a small Hawaiian woman.
    “Mr. Ellsworth! You’ve been in a coma for four days. How are you feeling?”
    “Not good. I just saw that witch Ealani Pohaku outside my window.”
    “Oh, she’s not a witch, Mr. Ellsworth! At least, not in the bad sense. She’s been