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"I'm Morton Who are you and why are you here?"

A glove was removed and a hand extended "My name is Dirk Pitt I'm special projects director for the National Underwater and Marine Agency" He turned to a short man with dark curly hair and heavy eyebroho looked to be descended froladiator "This is my assistant director, Al Giordino We came to effect a tow for the hotel"

"I was told the cos could not leave port"

"Not Odyssey tugs, but a NUMA research ship capable of towing a vessel the size of your hotel"

Willing to snatch at any straw, Morton motioned Pitt and Giordino into his private elevator and escorted them down to his office

"Forgive the cold reception," he said, offering the of your arrival"

"We haven't had much time to prepare," Pitt answered indifferently "What is your current status?"

Morton shook his head bleakly "Not good Our pu, the structure is in danger of collapsing, and once we run onto the rocks surrounding the Doed--"then a thousand people, including yourselves, are going to die"

Pitt's face beca on any rocks"

"We'll need the services of yourup with our ship," said Giordino

"Where is this ship?" Morton questioned, his voice suggesting doubt

"Our helicopter's radar put her less than thirty miles away"

Morton looked out theat the o the hurricane's eye "Your ship will never get here before the storain"

"Our NUMA Hurricane Center measured the eye at sixty miles in diameter and her speed at twenty et here in time"

"Two hours to reach us and one toat his watch