The naga ruler whose possible escape is the one outcome Carl fears from Operation: Snake Pit.
As the chapter closes, Carl swallows against the thought that hangs over Operation: Snake Pit: if this next action fails, and the naga queen got away...
The sentence goes unfinished. It is the reason he insists the Nagas must not merely be defeated but wiped out down to the last snake, and the reason the raid must fall when the enemy least expects it. Katia's message that she is almost back to base interrupts the thought, and Carl answers only "See you soon."
Not seen in this chapter; present only as the threat Carl imagines escaping.
The naga ruler whose survival would undo the entire coming operation.