The line broke up into a disorganized jumble, leaving large open spaces between the boats, like gaps in a row of teeth. Ryan spun the wheel again and brought the Sea Sentinel around in another sharp turn that placed the ship broadside to the advancing whales. The whales fleeing the advancing whalers sensed the presence of the ves- sel, turned back in the opposite direction and began to break through the openings in the hunt line.

Now it was the turn of the Sea Sentinel's crew to cheer-but their jubilation was short-lived. The faster-moving cruiser had caught up with the SOS ship and was alongside no more than a hundred yards away, matching the Sea Sentinel's speed knot for knot. A voice speak- ing in English crackled over the radio.

"This is Captain Petersen of the LeifErilsson calling the SOS ves- sel Sea Sentinel.)

Ryan snatched up the microphone. “This is Captain Ryan. What can I do for you, Captain Petersen?”

“You are requested to move your ship to open water.” “We are acting in accordance with international law.” He gave Therri a crooked grin. “My legal advisor is standing here by my side.”

“I don't intend to debate the finer points of the law with you or your advisors, Captain Ryan. You are endangering Danish fishermen. I have the authority to use force. If you don't move immediately, I will blow your ship out of the water.”

The gun turret on the frigate's fore deck turned so that the barrel was pointed directly at the Sea Sentinel.

“That's a dangerous game you're playing,” Ryan said with delib- erate calmness. “A bad shot could miss us and sink some of those fish- ermen you're trying to protect.”

Petersen said, “I don't think we would miss at this range, but I want to avoid bloodshed. You've given the TV cameras plenty of footage. Many pilot whales have escaped, and the hunt has been dis- rupted. You've made your point and are no longer welcome.”

Ryan chuckled. “Nice to deal with a reasonable man. Unlike your gun-happy predecessor. Okay, I will pull out of the way, but we're not leaving Faroe waters. We've got other business.”

“You are free to do as you please, as long as it doesn't break our laws or endanger our people.”

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief, his outward serenity only an act- he was aware of the danger to his crew and the press people. He turned the helm back to his first mate and gave the order to move off slowly. Once beyond the hunt area, the Sea Sentinel headed out to sea. Ryan's plan was to anchor the ship a few miles offshore while he pre- pared for the protest against the fish farm.

Chastened by the Sea Sentinel's earlier move, Petersen made sure the cruiser stayed slightly behind, ready to dart in and cut off the ship if it tried to break away.