Father stormed out of the room. Mother and the maids followed him, trying to calm him down. He didn’t even bother listening to the whole explanation. However, I didn’t expect him to be that cooperative either. Fortunately, auntie Rae came

‘It’s obvious what father thinks,’ I said.

‘He just doesn’t want to reveal his true feelings,’ Cressa assured.

‘And that is?’

‘Oh, I’m sure he’ll show it sooner or later himself.’

‘Not sure if I want to know,’ I commented, then turned to auntie Rae. ‘So, what do you think?’

‘Judging from what you wrote in the letter,’ she began, ‘you want something to defend against the geyser. Any specifics?’

‘Aquaria is built to withstand high amounts of pressure, so I don’t see that as a problem. Jett says he’s worried about us getting fried by the heat though.’

‘The sub can’t withstand heat?’

‘It should. It’s to make sure and to keep Jett’s mind at peace.’

‘Oh! Oh! I know!’ Cressa called out. ‘If you also need cold resistance, why not use thermacteria?’

‘What?’ I said, confused by the term.

‘We learnt about it in school. The Fets discovered it ten years ago. It’s bacteria that absorbs heat and releases it when cold.’

‘Is this true, auntie Rae?’

Auntie Rae pondered for a moment. She wasn’t sure herself, but the thought was worth investigating.

‘Maybe it could be used as a film,’ she said. ‘However, I can’t be certain. I got a friend who’s an expert in field of bacteria and he’ll probably know more. I’ll contact him now.’

‘I’ll probably leave too,’ Cressa pointed out. ‘Dad’s still throwing a hissy fit most likely.’

‘Perfect. Then I’ll see you two later then,’ I said.

With the two of them gone, I was left in my lonesome. I slumped into my bed, its familiar feeling welcoming me back. The nostalgia was enough for me to lull me into sleep. I’ve had a busy few days ahead of me so, at the very least, I could afford a short nap here. I didn’t even bother getting out of my dress.

***

‘Lyvia, this man is the expert I was talking about, Terry,’ auntie Rae introduced as well all stood outside Aquaria.

‘Good morning,’ he said.

‘Good morning to you too,’ I replied.

The man was tall and muscular. With his greying facial features and dark features, he reminded me a lot like an older version of Jett.

‘Did you make this yourself, young lady?’ Terry asked.

‘Mhm,’ I responded.

‘What splendid work! I’ve always wanted to work on a project on this scale,’ he admired.

‘Why, thank you. It’s been a dream of mine too.’

‘I’ll get right on it then.’

Terry placed a goo-like substance on Aquaria. It began to spread, enveloping her in the process. It continued to grow, until the whole submarine was covered, before it snapped back to its original size in an instant. Terry picked it off and headed back to auntie Rae and me.

‘I got the measurements down,’ he said. ‘I’ll go get my crew tomorrow and we’ll get started on the thermacterial coating.’

‘That’s fine by me,’ I agreed.

Without warning, auntie Rae tugged on my dress. She indicated for me to take a look outside. Confused, I stepped out of the cave, dropping my jaws as I found out what she was going on about. In the distance, walking along the beach, was father. Wearing his swimsuit, a tight-fitting bikini, he beckoned me over with a grin on his face.

With him was an entourage of butlers, all of them begging him to do something. A sinking feeling ran down my chest. It was the first time I had seen the servants act in this way and it could only spell trouble.

‘Why are you here, father?’ I queried when I got to him.

‘Lyvia, I have decided,’ He boomed, ignoring the servants’ pleas.

‘Decided?’ My confusion was at an all-time high.

‘I’m coming with you!’

‘Eh?’