After a moment of chaos, Ophelia organizes the students. She, Luca, and the four house prefects discuss how the Aronnax tracked them and how they might defend the base. Ophelia and Luca send Ana with the Nautilus to keep the submarine out of the LI’s hands. Tia and Franklin volunteer to stay behind on the base, leaving Ester and Nelinha as acting prefects. Gem comes on the Nautilus too, telling Ana, “my orders are to keep you safe. Where you go, I go” (219). Although she worries about Lincoln Base, Ana prepares to take command of the Nautilus.

The students quickly pack the submarine with supplies and get ready to leave. When they get on board, Ana is determined to make the Nautilus alive again. Looking at the captain’s chair, she thinks, “this is the central altar in the Dakkar family mausoleum. I have to make it more than that. I have to make this a living, working ship again” (221). When she gives the submarine an order in Bundeli, the ship responds by playing the organ, which is a sign of agreement. After everyone confirms they are ready, they take off, only to quickly hit something.