29 Wallabout

"I don't like this ship," declared Pierre as they entered the Brooklyn harbor.

Ned said, "Neither does your father."

Maria said, "We won't have much need for it. There is a reason why the title was put in the professor's name."

Ned said, "You intend that he should have it."

Maria said, "We need something faster. Oh, it's fast enough for a pleasure yacht but not to suit our purposes."

The yacht carefully navigated through the piers, unable to dock in the military apportionment. It was a busy harbor but they soon found a dock. There was the usual fanfare of acknowledging a woman of wealth and the allure of easy gold. They had to take a taxi to find Water Witch, still in port.

There was activity aboard the vessel. It was preparing to voyage as evidenced by the lading of cargo. A sentry denied them entry.

Maria said, "It is imperative that I see Admiral Saunders."

The sentry said, "He won't see anyone now."

Maria said, "Not even his daughter?"

The sentry said, "His daughter is long dead."

A passing officer overheard the conversation and said, "Ever since news spread that his daughter might be alive, the admiral has been plagued with imposters seeking inheritance."

Maria said, "I seek no inheritance."

Aronnax said, "If you please, sir. I am Professor Pierre Aronnax. I met with the admiral over a month ago. If he would be so kind to entertain a brief visit, I would be much obliged. This is Mister Ned Land, master harpooner. He too met with the admiral. We bring truly good news."

"Wait here," said the officer. The party had no choice but to wait at the bottom of the gangway.

Iravan said, "We must be cautious. There are a great number of men here that would gladly do your father's bidding."

Maria said, "I understand."

It seemed as if the group would not receive permission to see the admiral. They waited over an hour without word. Iravan said, "We should go."

Maria said, "You're right."

The group started walking. They did not walk far before encountering one of the officers originally dispatched to invite Aronnax to meet with the admiral. Whatever duties preoccupied him; he took notice of the professor and said, "Professor Aronnax. I thought you returned to Paris."

Aronnax said, "I came to see the admiral but he seems disinclined. We were not allowed to board."

The officer said, "We are getting ready to set sail."

Aronnax said, "Pity. This is his daughter."

The officer's eyes widened. He finally said, "The captain turned you away?"

Maria said, "After waiting over an hour at the bottom of the gangway, his intentions were quite clear."

The officer said, "The admiral isn't aboard."

Aronnax said, "I don't understand."

The officer said, "He won't be sailing with us this time. Many women have plagued him with attempting to impersonate his daughter once it became known she might have survived the maelstrom. It broke his heart. He put in his papers of retirement."

Maria said, "Then he has returned to our home in Wallabout."

The officer said, "I cannot guide you. We will soon be off and I dare not miss the voyage."

Aronnax asked, "Why the haste?"

The officer said, "The Albacore took port this morning and reported an encounter with Norwegian pirates. Captain Tufnell said it sunk a yacht in the vicinity."

Maria said, "Curious. We won't keep you. I know the way."

"Godspeed to you," said the officer, turning to make haste to his ship.

Ned said, "If Captain Tufnell is here, I can make my ship and be done with this voyage."

Maria said, "As you wish. What of your payment?"

Ned said, "Keep it. Now go."

"Good bye," Maria said.

It was a strange departure. Did Ned see a chance to sink Nautilus while Maria was ashore? On the other hand, did he simply not trust Nemo to deliver him safely to Quebec?

The group took a taxi to 129 5th Street. Maria felt extremely anxious. She had been born in this house. There were so many memories. There were signs of habitation. She knocked on the door and a woman answered.

The woman asked, "May I help you?"

Maria said, "I am here to visit with my father."

The woman scoffed, "Another imposter!" She slammed the door.

Maria said, "This is getting tiresome!"

Aronnax knocked on the door insistently and called, "This is Professor Pierre Aronnax. Please open the door."

It took a few moments of knocking on the door before it opened to reveal the admiral. Saunders stood in shock at the sight and Maria thought he might faint. He cried, "Maria!"

The two hugged and shared brief tears. Saunders invited all into his home. Little had changed during Maria's absence.

Saunders said, "I thought you were lost when George Washington met its fate."

Maria said, "I very nearly was, father. We were worried about icebergs."

Saunders said, "Professor Aronnax, how did you ever find her?"

Aronnax said, "She sought me out when she heard I was in New York."

Maria said, "Father, this is your grandson Pierre."

"Ah, let me get a look at you," said Saunders. "What a fine looking young lad. Do you know the sea?"

Pierre said, "In the sea, we are free."

Saunders bore a strange look upon his face, part hatred and part disgust. He sneered, "You sound like that monster Nemo!"

Pierre said, "He is my father and not a monster!"

In astonishment Saunders turned to his daughter and said, "You married him. How could you?"

Maria did her best to explain the events and the things she had witnessed. All the while, her father became angrier by the minute. He finally said, "I thought you dead and I see that I am correct. What do you want?"

Maria said, "I wanted my son to meet his grandfather."

"You want nothing else?"

Maria said, "I've no need for inheritance nor do I wish to claim anything that was once mine from childhood."

Aronnax said, "We traveled many leagues to see you sir."

Saunders quietly said, "It would have been better if you hadn't made the trip. Be gone with you."

Maria said, "As you wish, father. I'm sorry you can't understand."

Saunders asked, "Where will you go?"

Maria said, "Wherever the wind takes us."

Her father used that sailor's expression on several occasions. Saunders asked, "Does he live?"

Maria said, "Yes."

"He sinks ships," said Saunders.

"Warships," said Maria.

Aronnax said, "He also pursues scientific interests. We've just returned from an amazing voyage!"

"GO!"

Maria said, "As you wish. Good bye father."

The group took its leave. Maria felt extremely let down by the homecoming. She hoped for reconciliation. Her heart was heavy. They returned to the Celeste and made way.

Aronnax said, "I am sorry."

Maria said, "At least I know. It'll be good to get underway."

Shortly ahead was the Water Witch making its voyage out of the bay. It was building up a strong head of steam. It made little difference to the Celeste, knowing that they were not the target of the aggression.

The Celeste made its way to the rendezvous point and lit the three lanterns. The sun was setting. Nautilus finally appeared. Nemo was extremely anxious and cried, "Hurry aboard."

Aronnax asked, "What of the yacht?"

Nemo replied, "We'll leave it. Hurry."

The boarding hastened with the onset of shellfire. Who discovered their presence? Did Ned betray them? Once aboard, Nautilus submerged and took straight aim at the encroaching warship. There was no cat and mouse game. Nemo made a direct kill. Aronnax felt terror. The old Nemo had returned. Nothing could change that.

Nemo and Maria spoke of events on the land. Ned's departure did not surprise Nemo but the rally of the warship was too hasty for it to be Ned's doing. He came to one conclusion. While he had forever silenced Cyrus Smith, the captain had already confessed the truth of the mysterious island to someone. The world once thought him dead but knew otherwise.

The Nautilus no longer took a straight course. Aronnax asked, "Will you honor your promise?"

Nemo said, "Yes. The world has gone mad. Are you certain you wish to return?"

Aronnax said, "Yes. Professor Liedenbrock is intent on chronicling our adventures in the subterranean world."

Nemo said, "That is to be expected. He opens it up to exploitation by those who see fit to do so. Why not let them be at peace?"

Aronnax said, "It is an adventure for savants."

Nemo said, "One day we shall return. Oh, this madness has returned! Why does it torment me so?"

Aronnax said, "I cannot say. As for your intentions, do not tell me. I am sure that officials will make inquiries of me."

Nemo said, "You are kind. We will not see enlightenment in our time but we can build the way for future generations."

"There is always hope," said Aronnax.

"Indeed," said Nemo.

It took Nautilus a month to reach Le Havre. The professors boarded the skiff. Two sailors loaded a small chest of gold and silver, payment for services rendered. Aronnax asked, "Will no one accompany us?"

Nemo said, "It is better this way."

"But your skiff," said Aronnax.

Nemo said, "We will make another. Remember what you have learned, professors. There are many wonders to rediscover."

Liedenbrock asked, "Rediscover?"

Nemo said, "It was discovered once before; it is simply a matter of rediscovering that which was lost."

Maria said, "Take care."

"You too, Madame," said Aronnax.

Nemo assembled all in the mess hall and spoke very frankly. He said, "Once again, the nations of the world are intent on continued war. Our existence was once secret. When we were revealed ten years ago, the world thought us dead from the maelstrom. Only our allies on land knew the truth. Today, the world knows we live and seeks to destroy us. Any man that wishes to return home may do so."

Not a single man accepted the invitation. Nemo continued, "We shall replenish our stocks and crew. Let every man reconcile his thoughts. The battle intensifies. We will return to the days of fighting on both land and sea. Dismissed."

Maria said, "I do hope the professors make it back alright."

Nemo said, "Not to worry. These are safe waters for them. They'll be questioned. I think Professor Liedenbrock will be allowed to return to his home on Königstrasse and teaching at the Johannaeum. It's Professor Aronnax that I have concern for."

Maria said, "He knows how to find you."

Nemo said, "He think he does. Much has changed these past ten years."

Maria said, "If I didn't know any better, I think you already miss him."

"We shall meet again," said Nemo. "Once we take on new crew, we'll seek him out and ask him to join us. We must never forget that there is much to learn. Oh, it's more than ridding the world of oppressive evils! If we forget knowledge and learning, we too shall lapse."

As the skiff pulled away, Aronnax watched as Nautilus submerged. Would he see her again? The world was descending into madness and the avenger returned.

Liedenbrock said, "Let's get to shore."

Aronnax said, "Of course."

Aronnax discussed the ideas for a book with Liedenbrock. His fellow savant said, "I've been thinking. Maybe we shouldn't write the book."

Aronnax asked, "What do you mean?"

Liedenbrock said, "There are things down there that are not meant to be plundered."

Aronnax asked, "What do you propose?"

"Let us do a presentation among our peers but safeguard the particulars," said Liedenbrock. "Countless savants embarked on journeys to the interior of the Earth after I published my book. The few who made it to Scartaris failed to return. Did we encounter any in the chamber? No."

Aronnax asked, "Do you think they encountered the gigantosteologic creatures? They were extremely aggressive."

Liedenbrock said, "Perhaps. I made it sound too safe despite the dangers. If we talk of a subterranean paradise, what do you think would happen?"

Aronnax replied, "Others would try to make the journey. Nemo mentioned many passages leading to the underground chambers."

Liedenbrock said, "We will document these things but should not publish them."

"Agreed," said Aronnax.

Liedenbrock asked, "Do you think we'll ever see them again?"

Aronnax, "I believe we just might."

Indeed, the professor believed he was correct. Nemo hinted that someday Aronnax should have the continuing journals of the Nautilus.