The following day, the contingent gathered at their respective tables for breakfast. William and Jenny grew curious about how they managed to seal the ship's leak despite the violent storm the previous night.
"How did you guys manage to seal off that leak despite the raging storm?!" Jenny asked, intrigued.
"We had to time the peak -sea lulls just right. Then we dove in, swam fast, and by luck, reached the other end. We held each other firmly just as Elizabeth and I reached out horizontally to seal the cracks caused by the bolts popping out. The others held our feet so we wouldn't get swept away by the storm!" Nick explained.
"That was really impressive! The leaks were worsening inside. We honestly thought it was the end for us. Thanks so much for your efforts! I want to show everyone how you closed the doors against such violent storms," Jenny said.
"How are you going to do that? Announce us here?!" Tiffy asked skeptically.
"That's exactly what I'm going to do!" Jenny replied before suddenly standing and moving to the center of the passenger cabin. "May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen?!" she called out politely but firmly. Everyone turned to her. "Thank you! Last night, we almost drowned in a violent storm, but my soldier allies took the initiative to fix the problem before it got worse. I want to introduce my team so you can appreciate their efforts!"
"Please come forward, everyone!" The group obliged.
"There they are! Let's give them a round of applause for their bravery!" A thunderous applause erupted before everyone settled down.
"That was really kind of you," Nick said, grateful.
"My pleasure! When it comes to putting you guys first, I never hesitate to show how important you are," Jenny replied.
"Every effort deserves recognition," William added.
"This feels like a lifeline mission, you know," Nick said thoughtfully.
"What do you mean by that, Nick?" Tiffy asked.
"I mean, anything could happen! We have no guidance from the puzzle book. Predators lurk out there, and we're risking our lives," Nick said gravely.
"Can we use weapons underwater?" Elizabeth asked.
"We can, but sea predators are fast and vicious. Sharks have thick skin and move smoothly to outmaneuver prey. That puts us at a disadvantage," Mikal explained.
"Sea predators, unknown directions, hybrid guards… Whoa, this last mission really is a lifeline mission!" Jasmine marveled.
"Don't you think we should contact the Kabaka villagers or dragons for help? I'm really scared to face these dangers alone," Lama said timidly.
"That's a good idea, but how do we share our location without alerting the government? The airspace is under heavy surveillance. We could put them in danger," Nick said cautiously.
"How about we try our luck and see how they respond?" Tiffy suggested.
"Shall we take a vote?" she added. Everyone nodded.
"How many are in favor of contacting backup to hear their response as soon as possible?" Tiffy asked.
The vote was 5 to 4 in favor.
"Okay, let's make the calls," Tiffy concluded.
Nick contacted the communication director from Kabaka village, who answered quickly.
"Yes? Hello!" a voice said.
"Hi, I'm Nick, one of your recent guests. We're on a mission for relic gems and need to confirm your support," Nick said.
"Ooh, Nick! I'm the entertainment director. I remember you. Where are you now, and how many can we send to assist?" the director asked.
"We're on a ship heading to the Hina sea zones to search for the last relics that fell into the wrong hands. The puzzle book didn't specify the exact location of the underwater basement, so we're worried about getting lost or encountering predators and hybrid guards," Nick explained.
"That's a long way off. When did you start this journey?" the director asked.
"A few days ago. We almost drowned in last night's violent storm, but thankfully, we're still alive. We managed to fix the leak. Now, we don't know what lies ahead. If only you could come rescue us, it would be better. I know the journey takes about seven months," Nick said.
"I see. But the government is on high alert. Airspace and marine routes are monitored. Without licenses, you'd be arrested. I don't think a rescue is possible unless we follow you secretly with hijacked choppers," the director cautioned.
"Okay, do what you can to reach us. I'll send you the ship's unique number and our online zone locations. Maybe in a week, you can catch up," Nick said.
"That's a double hijack—choppers then ship. The government might catch us quickly," the director said.
"Abort that plan! Maybe you can steal motorboats at the port late at night," Nick suggested.
"Stealing motorboats?!" the director exclaimed.
"Yes, but only at night. Or I could connect you to our dragon allies. They can fly faster and secretly drop you off at our ship. Which sounds easier?" Nick offered.
"Connecting to dragons sounds easier and less risky," the director agreed.
"Hold on. I'll connect you to my allied dragons," Nick said, ending the call.
He then contacted Luca via walkie-talkie.
"Hello, Luca? Do you copy?"
"It's a little glitchy, but I can hear you," Luca replied.
"I need you to connect with our Kabaka village allies. Do you know the place?"
"I've heard of it but don't know where it is," Luca said.
Nick gave detailed directions from Luca's den to Kabaka village using landmarks. Luca understood.
"I think I can manage that. But how do I present myself? I'm a different creature," Luca asked.
"Don't worry, I'll arrange everything. You'll get a warm welcome. Your job is to locate us secretly at night. We just left recently. I'll send you a pin location online to make it easier. Try to reconnect before network issues," Nick assured him.
"Got it. How's everything on the ship? Any problems?" Luca asked.
"We passed guards undetected. The storm threatened us, but we fixed the leaks. The engineers are still repairing. No major complaints so far," Nick said.
"Good to hear. Journey mercies to you all! I'll handle my part," Luca said before disconnecting.
"Guys, as you heard, we have hope. Backup is coming. We don't need to worry," Nick said confidently.
"Let's hope for the best," Tiffy added.
"But what about their diving suits? Will they join us underwater?" Jasmine asked.
"I'm not sure. Jenny and I might have to lend suits to two of them if necessary," Tiffy replied.
"That makes sense. Thanks, ladies! I knew you'd come through," Nick said.
"Come through? What do you mean? We've always stuck together!" Tiffy exclaimed.
"I mean, despite pregnancy doubts and tensions — with me at the center — it looks like we've all put differences aside," Nick said.
"You acted like a dad to Billie, which is suspicious, but it's fine. We have a lifeline mission, so let's focus," Tiffy said nonchalantly.
"Tiffy, now's not the time for old arguments. Nick and William are father figures to Billie, nothing more. We're just close friends. Listen to your husband!" Jenny urged.
"Okay, sorry. Let's drop it and play board games," Tiffy suggested. The group burst into laughter and switched to gambling modes.
---
Five days later, past midnight, Nick received a call from Chief Elias.
"Hello Nick! It's Chief Elias, with Dr. Orville at the top of the ship. Please come quickly!" Elias said urgently.
"Hold on, I'm coming!" Nick responded, using his authority to pass guards and ascend.
Upon arrival, he greeted them. "Hey! Why just the two of you? I thought more were coming?"
"We reassessed the situation and reduced the team to avoid suspicion. I'm sure you'll get us aboard with a good excuse," Chief Elias explained.
"I'll get you military attire so you can pass security easily. Did you bring any clues or weapons?" Nick asked.
"Dr. Orville has small fish in his backpack, wrapped in a watery paper bag. He casts spells on them so they can lead us to underwater base locations — if we have extra diving suits. I brought five electric tasers to fend off predators and mutants, but we'll need insulated suits too," Elias said.
"Electric tasers and full insulated coverage. That's smart. Mutants are vulnerable to electricity," Nick thought.
He quickly retrieved military outfits for Elias and Orville, and they were all allowed into the cabin. That night, Elias and Orville shared beds with Nick and William.
The next morning, the two guests enjoyed first-class service discreetly.
At breakfast, the group discussed their visitors.
"So, last night Elias and Orville snuck in! What did they bring?" Tiffy asked.
"We arrived past midnight. Nick helped sneak us inside with military disguises. Dr. Orville brought fingerlings that he would enchant to find underwater bases. I brought five electric tasers. I hear you have some too!" Chief Elias explained.
"So we use electric tasers underwater for defense. Mutants are vulnerable, but we also need protection against shocks," Tiffy reasoned.
"Yes, and Jenny and you will hand your diving suits to Elias and Orville. Now that we have enough tasers, we can rely on martial arts defensively," Nick said to Tiffy.