Bab 40: Chapter 40: Steam Cannon Part 1

"You're going to do what?" Pentam tried to hold his words in, but the fear bubbling in his chest forced its way out.

"Build a steam cannon and use it to kill the sea serpent. Then we'll bring the rudder back to the Peregrine and make the repair." Cal looked at him as if what she described was as simple as going to the market. The bandage on her cheek made her look frail until he met her eyes and saw the indomitable spirit burning there.

"Do you know how dangerous steam cannons are?" Damn, that wasn't what I want to say, traitorous mouth.

"Floating with no rudder isn't safe either." Captain Cully frowned at Pentam.

"But going to the derelicts...." Pentam snapped his mouth shut and left before he said any more. He caught a glimpse of the hurt on Cal's face. Then she dismissed him and turned to the task at hand. Pentam went to the stern rail and looked out over the ocean away from the weeds. He didn't want to see how close they'd drifted.