“What is this thing?” Ryan said, glancing above his head.

“Beautiful, isn't it? The Nietzsche was secretly built by the Ger- mans to go to the North Pole. They planned to use it for commercial flight. It was all fitted out to take on passengers who would pay any- thing to fly aboard a real polar explorer. When it crashed, my peo- ple thought it was a gift from heaven. In a way, they were right. I've spent millions in restoration. We made improvements in the engines and their carrying capacity. The gas bags were replaced with new ones that can hold millions of cubic feet of hydrogen.”

'I thought hydrogen went out with the Hindenburg,') Mercer said.

'German airships safely traveled thousands of miles using hydro- gen. I chose it because of the weight of my cargo. Hydrogen has twice the lifting power of helium. By the means of this simplest of atoms, the People of the Aurora Borealis will achieve their rightful destiny."

“You're talking in riddles,” Ryan said.

“Not at all. Legend has it that the Kiolya were born in the aurora, which the Inuit tribes fear as a source of bad luck. Unfortunately, you and your friends will soon learn that this reputation is well-earned.”

“You intend to kill us, don't you?”

“The Kiolya don't keep prisoners beyond their usefulness.”

“What about the villagers?”

“As I said, we don't keep prisoners.”

“Since we're doomed, why not indulge our curiosity and tell us where this aviation antique fits in.”

A cold smile crossed the pale lips. “This is where the hero plays on the villain's vanity, hoping for the cavalry to arrive. Don't waste your time. You and your friends will live only as long as I need you.”

“Aren't you interested in learning what we know about your plans?”

In answer, Barker said something in a strange language, and the leader of the guards stepped forward and handed him one of the C- 4 explosive packets that Mercer had carefully prepared. “Did you in- tend to do some mining?”

Ryan shot back. “Hell no! We planned to sink your operation like you did our ship.”

“Blunt and to the point as usual, Mr. Ryan. But I don't think you'll get the chance to ignite your little July Fourth display,” he said, his words dripping with contempt. He tossed the explosives to his hench- man. “And exactly what do you know about our 'operation'?”

“We know all about your experiments with biologically modified fish.”