The plan has been gamed, and is about to go in place. The rats are jumping ship because they think it is sinking, but the skipper is employing controlled flooding to get the vermin to leave. Those who introduced the vermin are gloating because they think they will soon be back in charge when the ship is abandon, how little they really know. The skippers little secret is the quiet man whom everyone is comfortable with. He speaks rarely, but with authority when he does. Little do most of denizens of the swamp realize how ruthless he is. When called upon he will perform his duties as ordered under the constitution.