Seabee Diver - Michael Patrick Tryon

The divers moved around to the other side of the boat and entered the main cabin. Jack began searching the interior storage compartments and found what he was looking for-a Mark 79 pencil flare. He glanced outside and saw the creature hovering near the stern. Igniting one of the flares, he flashed it at the creature. The eel lunged at the flare, and Kimo ducked down into the bottom of the boat. Jack released the flare as the creature charged forward. The eel engulfed the spattering red light, and Jack quickly checked his hand. It was still intact.

Both men clung to the deck of the cabin, too shaken to check on the intruder's status. They looked at each other and took deep breaths.

"O'Shaughnessy, are you missing any fingers, arms, legs, or anything else?" Kimo asked, hoping a little humor might ease the tension.

Jack held up his hands. "Huh?" he spat.

The eel disappeared, leaving the two Seabees shaken and weak-kneed. Kimo spun around and gave Jack a dirty look. Jack shrugged and said, "It likes sparkles. Hell, I didn't know."

Kimo turned to the radio and ordered, "Get us out of here, Beaudette. Over." He knew the command would be followed-and quickly.