Greg blew air between his lips, and then shrugged. “I don’t care. Not even if there’s another two thousand feet of climbing to do. If we’re off the water, and can maybe get out of here, then I’ll be happy.”

“That’s the spirit,” Cate said. She felt her stomach growl and gurgle. “Anyone else hungry?”

“Oh god yes, I thought no one would ask. I’m famished.” Abby grinned tiredly.

“Oh yeah; time to refuel – we need it.” Jack looked up. “Break it out.”

“There’s somewhere we can land over there…” Cate pointed out to the side.

“Not yet,” Jack said, giving her an apologetic smile. “We’re making good time. Best to keep on – we’ll snack as we go.”

“I’m good with that.” Like a conjuror, Greg was already laying out the tins. “Caviar, duck pate, dry cheddar, Camembert – yech – and crackers.”

“I’ll have one with the lot.” Jack grinned, and leant back against the inflated gunwale.

There were small plastic spoons and knives in the pack, and Cate set about using them to spread the fragrant ingredients on the crackers until the small tins were all empty.

“So much for portion control.” She rested them carefully on the top of the pack. They each looked fit for a dinner party, rather than something to be hastily consumed by the remains of a submarine crew who’d been abandoned on an underground sea.

Each of them took turns lifting them to the mouths. They nibbled at them, chewing slowly, and savouring each bite.

Greg licked each of his fingers. “Bit rich for my liking, but… delicious.” He lifted one of the empty tins to his face and stuck his tongue in. He then spun it over the side where it flew for a good twenty feet, before landing upright, and then bobbing like a small round boat.

Cate sipped at her water, still famished. The small amount of food had only just knocked the edge off her hunger. She sighed. “When we get out, I think I’m going to pretend it’s thanksgiving and have turkey and stuffing.”

“And potatoes, fried and covered in salt and pepper.” Greg closed his eyes. “And a pitcher of beer big enough to bathe in.” He turned to Abby. “Join me?”

“Only if you’re also having pie – pecan, with cream.” She smiled dreamily, but then her face screwed into a grimace. “God, I’m still starving.”

Jack snorted. “That makes two of us. I think Valery should have packed some fishing rods.”

Cate looked out over the water. “I wonder where they are now.” She turned back to Jack. “Do you think he’s still alive… Valery?”

Jack shrugged, looking away. “You saw what happened to Yegor.”

Cate nodded slowly.