M'Kress leads a mission in an aquashuttle to investigate the area of ocean directly above the caves, and in particular the upper end of the Duranium filament, and Governor O'Reilley joins them. They run into a shoal of Deepwhales (a large aquatic filter-feeder) fleeing a larger predator. Governor O'Reilley goes into shock, and Dr. Hillback is sufficiently suspicious of her reaction to the Deepwhales to have herself tested for Psi ability (result negative). The shuttle collides with, and injures, a young Deepwhale. The crew treat its injuries and remove a diseased organ, only to find it has lost its sense of direction. They lead it back to its flock and drive off the predator. They then return to the scientific mission, investigating some underwater vents near the upper end of the filaments.

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