He didn’t know that Mark Murphy and Eric Stone had hacked the insurance giant’s computer system and planted that information. They’d done the same at the International Maritime Safety Board as well, in case anyone became really nosy.

In the end, it all came down to what their Chinese allies would do. If they continued to support Argentina, then they had the protection to rebuild the base. If, however, they withdrew their support, then Espinoza would have no choice but to order a full evacuation, despite his earlier bluster.

Two hours later, Espinoza was in Luis Laretta’s office, listening to the director’s plans for reconstruction, when a radio report came in from the survey boat. Lee Fong and his team had left when the storm abated with plans to dive on the wreck of the Silent Sea and return with conclusive evidence, enough to convince the world that Beijing had a legitimate stake in the peninsula.

The marine transceiver was on a side table closest to the General, so he fielded the call.

“No, this isn’t Mr. Laretta,” he explained. “My name is General Philippe Espinoza. I am in his office with him.”

“General, it is an honor to speak with you,” Lee replied. “And let me extend the condolences from my government on the loss of your son. I knew him only briefly, but he seemed an excellent officer and a fine man.”

“Thank you,” Espinoza choked out, his voice a mix of shame and grief.

“General, it is not my wish to add to your burden, however, I have to report that the Silent Sea is no longer here.”

“What?!”

“There is a glacier overlooking the bay where she sank, and a large part of it broke off during the storm. One of my men believes the concussion of the explosion might have done it, but the reasons are not important. What is important is that the wave it created when it hit the water swept the wreck away from her resting spot. We have searched her most likely track and have found no evidence of the ship.”

“You will keep looking.” It was more question than statement.

There was an apologetic pause before the Chinese surveyor replied. “I am sorry, but no. I have contacted my superiors and apprised them of the situation. They have ordered me to call off the search and evacuate my team as soon as possible. With the loss of our submarine, the base so heavily damaged, and no solid evidence that my nation was the first to explore this region, they are unwilling to risk further international condemnation.”

“Surely you can find the Silent Sea in a day or two. You know she’s out there.”