Joan of the Dark Depths, Admiral of the Armed Forces of Atlantis, had arrayed her forces prudently, in position to launch a strong assault on the Domdaniel cavern. The largest whales (sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales), under the protection of Our Lady of Lourdes, were assembled among the islands of the Azores archipelago. Admiral Joan also had her headquarters there; she frequently took her relaxation at the Piscina Natural do Varadouro hot springs on Faial Island.

Three additional fleets were stationed in the region known as Macronesia, one at Madeira and two more, one each at the Canary Islands and at the Cape Verde Islands. These fleets consisted of dolphins, medium-sized whales, and giant cetaceans. Each of the four fleets included an Air squadron of sea birds which performed reconnaissance. Giant manta rays would be assigned to the ‘point’ position in any fleet movement. Flotillas of orcas were farther south, at Gorée and at Îles de la Madelene.

Joan of the Dark Depths is a commanding figure. She is the size of a Steller sea lion, about nine feet long, and especially comely, resembling her doppelgänger shapeshifting cousin, Kópakonan, of the Faroe Islands. Her hair is long, a mixture of light brown and blonde, with streaks of kelp green. Her eyes are large, brown, and round. Her ears are small and usually hidden by her hair. Her commanding voice brought rambunctious dolphins to order and giant cetaceans to quell their own singing.

Oberon, Exalted Wizard-king of Domdaniel, summoned his advisors to a Council of War. “The evil creatures of Atlantis are about to make war against our peaceful realm. I have decided that the best way for us to protect ourselves is to take the war to them, to strike first before they treacherously attack us. Prospero, call forth a mighty tempest to devastate their city and to disrupt their military forces.” “Oh, Exalted One, I only have such powers above the surface. Daily, I beseech Poseidon to bestow such knowledge and power upon me. Each day I dedicate prayers, libations, and sacrifices to him. I have sacrificed tuna and token tridents in tribute. Yet he has not seen fit to grant such a blessing upon me.” Cerimon interjected, “We should implore the great earth-shaking sea-god to ruin their homeland with mighty earthquakes.”

Scarlet, a Lady-in-Waiting to Amphritite, jokingly suggested, “Let’s infect them with crabs! The Oceanids and Nereids are always ready.” Everyone in the room laughed heartedly, some hollowly. A few men scratched unselfconsciously. Oberon spoke, “Let us not rush into such an action. We may need these 3000 nymphs, especially the 50 beautiful Nereids, for other tasks.”

Archimedes reported, “Our Gnomengineering Department has developed two attack submarines. Because they are designed to be crewed by gnomes, less space is required for the crew and therefore more space is available for armaments. We have three more such vessels under construction, and over 50 gnomes in training.”

Oberon asked, “What progress have you made in building an underwater cannon?”

“Unfortunately, we have not been successful. Our prototype resembles a giant trumpet; we just call it a ‘trump’. It is loud and blows a lot of smoke, but it really doesn’t accomplish anything. Oh, and it makes a great stench.”

A messenger burst into the Council Chamber. “Atlantis has attacked! Flotillas of killer orcas have stormed our southern approaches! These Grampus have killed and eaten the great white sharks stationed there! Some cowardly sharks have fled in terror, deserting their posts!” Oberon commanded, “Set loose the sea-dragons, the cetea, to battle the blackfish that attack us! And position the seahorses, the hippocampi, to strengthen our eastern frontier!”

Admiral Joan of the Dark Depths was pleased with the first phase of the war on Domdaniel. Now it was time for the great assault. Each of her four fleets would attack a separate portion of the Domdaniel lines. The seabird scouts flew ahead to identify targets. The manta rays, with their attendant remoras, swam at ‘point’ to detect ambuscades or other obstacles. Then came the leviathan great whales who would overcome and disrupt the enemy defenses. All of Atlantis expected a prompt, easy victory.

Oberon was determined to defend Domdaniel, his homeland. “Release the Kraken!”, he ordered. The great sea monster rose from the depths, eager to do battle with its sworn enemies, the sperm whales. It would make no difference if a sperm whale used its alias, Cachalot. Other giant squid swam with Kraken. Monstrous pelagic eels would deliver electric shocks to disable or kill dolphins of the attacking fleets.

Like the human warrior, George A. Custer, the attacking forces underestimated their enemy. Neither side could defeat its foe. The war settled into a stalemate, a struggle that seemed to be endless. How can we bring an end to this turmoil? Do we have new weapons that will bring us victory? Who is the leader who will vanquish our foe? Who do we blame for our present situation?