 Why are many of the main characters so suspicious of each other?
SILENCE IS—DEADLY By Bertrand L. Shurtleff Radio is an absolute necessity in modern organization—and particularly in modern naval organization. Nevertheless, his taut face, restless, searching eyes, and eternally nervous manner got Curtis' goat. "But this storm, sir!" Nelson avoided Curtis' friendly eyes and slipped out from under his arm. Nelson's estimate, I'm checking back," he declared, frowning at the two papers and hastily rechecking his own figures. With all these rocks and islets—" "Radio?" repeated the little Czech, thrusting his face between the other two, in his independent fashion that ignored ship's discipline.
 Because many of characters are of different nationalities in the midst of a World War.
 Because many of the characters are making ignorant mistakes.  Because many of the characters have reason from prior experiences to not trust each other.  Because many of characters are of different nationalities in the midst of a World War.  Because many of the characters are in a state of confusion and fear after the gas incident.