Chapter 48 Summary

Dirk Pitt, Sr. and Al Giordino land at LAX and drive to a smaller airport, where a blimp is moored. The blimp is equipped with the latest in high-tech surveillance imagery, and Pitt and Giordino are going to provide air support for the patrol ships in the water. They take off and quickly learn how the blimp responds to their controls. The blimp travels out to sea and begins its surveillance over the large area. Meanwhile, the Odyssey has reached its new position, the recalculated position to adjust for the new weather pattern. The pontoons are flooded to lower the platform farther into the water to increase stability during the rocket launch. Once ready, they continue preparations by erecting the rocket into place and the chapter closes with the command to begin the countdown.

Chapter 48 Analysis

Cussler fans are always exposed to unusual...