Nemo and Electra appoint Jean, Nadia, and the others to new positions on the Nautilus. Jean is permitted access to Electra's library of books so that he can learn how to use the knowledge for mankind's benefit; simultaneously, he, Sanson, and Hanson are given a tour of the Nautilus. Marie and King, meanwhile, are reduced to schooling from Electra, much to their dismay. Grandis and Nadia are assigned to cook in the kitchen. An intense rivalry is ignited between Electra and Grandis as they compete over Nemo's love. Finally, Jean discovers the source of the Nautilus's power, and is quite disturbed when Nemo tells him that the vessel is a killing machine....

Captain Nemo's vessel falls into yet another deadly trap set by Gargoyle--one which involves the Garfish and a surprise attack from American battleships. The subsequent damage costs the lives of several sailors--including a friendly young engineer named Ensign Fait. Jean, who had become friends with Fait, is horrified and devastated to witness someone being killed by the technology he had so strongly idealized with.