Swamped

Speaking with authority seemed to work before, so maybe it's time to try it again. With an order she might even take an interest in.

"There's no need for this! I don't know what your superiors want, but we're willing to hear them out on it. There's no need to sink us, at least not before talking."

She seems to pause at this.

"All we want is an end to your miserable lives."

You had a hunch that was it. But you did get the delay you wanted, so you may as well keep going.

"Can't give you that, admittedly. But if you just want us out of your waters, well, we'd rather not do that. Perhaps we'd be swayed if you shared your reasons with us, though. Or we could compensate you for safe passage."

"There will be no bargaining with humans," comes the reply.

Figures. Luckily, you've closed the gap as much as you need. You leap upwards and grab her. She shrieks loudly as you pull her off the wall, and you struggle to hold your ground. Too bad this mask doesn't come with earplugs.

At least someone's bound to notice the screaming. But your ears won't forgive you if you don't do something about it fast.