"Welcome to the bridge, Mr. Hoenig," said Vandal as he motioned them to move. The bridge was pretty cramped. Three men were sitting at computer stations, pushing buttons and watching the radar. The far wall was one large window, showcasing the ocean life swimming past them. In the middle of the room was a chair above which hung the periscope. Vandal had them move to where Jack and Billy were standing, behind one of the stations. "You must introduce me to your friends."

"I thought you were listening in on my grandfather's conversation at Kailoa's," said Robby. He nodded at Harry. "If you did, you would know who he is."

"But it would be proper if you introduced us formally," said Vandal. He pointed the gun at Irene. "Besides, I only know her as the younger sister of one of the scientists at ICS." He smiled. "Which makes sense, though, have a mermaid working as a cetacean scientist. I'm sure your sister's professors must have thought they had a prodigy with how much she knows about sea life." Irene crossed her arms and glared at Vandal. Vandal turned to Robby. "Come on, introduce us."

"But I thought Dr. Finski would have told you about everybody," said Robby. "You know, as part of his job as a spy for you."

"Besides, why are you so insistent on having Robby introduce us?" asked Harry. "I know you had to have heard Dr. Von Hoffer introduce me as well because he introduced Robby right before me." He pointed at Irene. "And if Finski told you she was the sister of one of the scientists, he should have told you her name too. Isn't that typical spy protocol, after all?"

"It would also explain how you already knew that she was a mermaid," said Robby. "Even before you saw her shimmering legs. You told Dr. Finski the clue to finding the difference between humans and mermaids, and he noticed right away when he saw their legs. He also told you that Harry and I had been hanging out with her a lot, so you knew she would save him."

Vandal smiled. "And that's what I like about you, Mr. Hoenig, you are a very bright young man." He turned to Harry. "And I apologise for underestimating you, Mr. Smith. I can see that Mr. Hoenig only becomes friends with the intelligent kind." He turned to Irene. "And if he is friends with you, Miss Marshall, then you will no doubt become as renowned as your sister."

Irene scoffed. "Well that's good to know."

"See, you already knew our names. Why the emphasis on having Robby introduce us?" asked Harry.

"To see which one he cares for the most, but he did show me, in a roundabout way. He seems to care for you both equally, even though it is obvious you are his best friend, Mr. Smith." Robby paled. "Oh, by the way, speaking of Mr. Smith," said Vandal as he held out his hand. He aimed the gun at Irene. "I would like my key back, please."

Harry reached into his pocket. "You didn't have to aim the gun at her. I don't need it anymore," he mumbled as he dropped the key into Vandal's hand.

"How confident of you," said Vandal as he pocketed the key. "Is there something you know that I don't?"

Harry shrugged. "You figured out we were listening by the door. What don't you know?"

Vandal tilted his head. "Hmm." He turned and walked towards the seat in the center of the room. "Matthews, what's our location?"

"We're almost at the south-eastern side of Devil's Hat, sir," said Matthew from the center station.

Vandal turned to the five but looked specifically at Irene. "The gates are hidden there?"

Irene sighed. "Yes, they are."

"How do I know you're not lying?"

"Because we wanted everyone to know in a few days," said Irene, her eyes flashing.

"Ah yes, this plan of yours to spread such egregious lies about your kind."

Irene clenched her teeth and her hands curled into fists. "We ae're telling the truth! There are just as many bad mermaids as there are bad humans." She looked pointedly at him when she said 'bad humans'.

Vandal tsked. "Hear her men? She's trying to sing a siren song to us, we must ignore her."

"What? Seriously? Sounds like you're the one going around singing a siren song of your own," snapped Irene.

Vandal was taken back by that accusation, but he quickly recovered. He tsked. "You have no idea how the world works."

"And you think you know everything," returned Irene, "yet you refuse to accept the notion that maybe, just maybe, you could be wrong."

"Captain! We're being hailed!"

Vandal stood up and glanced at the man to his right. "How is that possible? But maybe . . . put them through, Anderson."

"Aye sir." Anderson pressed a button. Some static came through before it cleared up and they could hear a voice quite clearly.

"Submarine, this is Mike Lam, Chief of the Nai'a Bay police. You are trespassing on government property and have kidnapped several people."

"And this is Iolana, Queen of Naiale. I demand my husband's safe return."

Vandal and his men slowly turned towards Billy, their mouths dropping in shock. Billy tried to keep a straight face, but couldn't help it. He began to grin. "I love that woman."

"D-does that mean you're the king of Naiale?" stammered Anderson.

"I'm not a merman, so unfortunately, no. But I am one of her Majesty's top advisors." His grin broadened and he wriggled his eyebrows. "And her closest one."

"I would have thought a queen would have wanted heirs," said Vandal.

"And I gave them to her."

"What?" they all exclaimed.

"How can you have kids with a mermaid?" asked Anderson.

"Oh, it's quite simple, really. You see . . ."

Irene gasped. "Uncle Billy!"

Harry cleared his throat. "Um, aren't you going to reply to them?"

Vandal turned to the communications station. "Open a channel, Anderson."

"Aye sir."

Vandal stepped towards the console. "This is Captain Julian Vandal of the Bearded Parrot . . ." The five blinked in shock. They glanced at each other, and began snorting. Vandal turned and glared at them. They clamped their hands over their mouths and calmed down their giggles, but they were still grinning. Vandal turned back to the console. "I do have your husband, Mrs. Silver. I will escort him personally to your city. All I want is the treasure, the jewels from the Hawaiian Heist."

"And your other prisoners?" asked Mike Lam.

"Will be released upon my safe arrival, with the treasure, to my ship. And that we are promised safe passage back out to sea." Vandal glanced at his prisoners, and smirked. That sobered them up real quick.

"Will you give me a moment to discuss this with my council?" asked Iolana.

"Of course, Mrs. Silver."

"Thank you."

"Well well, this is an interesting turn of events," said Vandal as he returned to his seat. He looked at Billy. "I never would have thought you had married the queen and had half-human babies."

"There's obviously a lot of things you don't think about," said Billy softly "nor even consider. Really makes you wonder if you really are as smart as you claim you are."

Vandal's eyes flashed, his nostrils flared, and his jaw clenched. "I have traveled the world, Mr. Silver, I have learned many things."

"Having a lot of knowledge is not a sure sign of intelligence, Mr. Vandal," said Billy icily.

"You really have been listening to the siren song for far too long," whispered Vandal. Robby, Harry, Irene and Jack glanced at each while Billy and Vandal locked eyes in a staring contest. A contest that was interrupted by an explosion that shook the sub. "Hookins, what was that?"

"Something blew up in the engine room, sir!" said Hookins. Vandal shot Harry and Irene a seething glare.

Harry threw up his hands. "We didn't do anything besides take the key and bust these three out of the brig. Honest!" He lowered his hands. "But I do find it weird that you haven't checked on the rest of your crew this entire time."

Vandal blinked before his eyes widened in realization. "Someone else came on board with you." He quickly stood up. "Matthews, bring the submarine to a stop."

"Aye sir!" The submarine came to a stop.

"Matthews, Hookins, you're with me. Anderson, have your gun aimed at them until we've returned. Should Mrs. Silver contact us before we return, have her wait for our return. We shouldn't be long."

"Aye sir!" said Anderson, saluting his Captain. He quickly pulled out his gun and aimed it at the five. Another explosion rocked the sub.

"I will not have someone blow up my ship!" shouted Vandal as he stomped out the door. Matthews and Hookins quickly followed. Several minutes of silence followed in the wake of their departure.

"The Captain will have your friend here in a few minutes," said Anderson.

Harry glanced at Robby. "Should we have mentioned Mr. Lillibulero is a policeman, particularly working for the International Bureau of Police?"

Robby shrugged. "I don't think it would have made much of a difference. It would still be three of them against one of him."

Anderson slowly smiled. "That's absolutely right. They should be here soon." He took a quick look at his console. "I guess it's taking her Majesty and her council longer than we thought to come to an agreement." He turned back to them. "I don't mind, I kinda hope they don't contact us until the Captain gets back."

Harry smirked. "Uh, yeah, but, we didn't mention, this guy is the best at what he does. He's the one who took out the rest of your crew."

Anderson's eyes widened. "Wh-what?"

"But we only saw him beating up two guys at a time?" said Irene.

Anderson smiled. "Oh, then since the Captain has Hookins and Matthew, they'll be fine."

"Irene, that was the only demonstration you had," began Harry. He was interrupted by a loud banging at the door.

Anderson partially rose. "Captain, that you?"

"Yes, open the door! But don't take your eye off the prisoners!"

"Aye sir!" Anderson walked towards the door quickly and unlocked it, keeping his gun trained at the prisoners. He turned and faced them while the door opened. "These guys told me you were looking for a policeman, particularly one who works for the International Bureau of Police. Did he give you much trouble capturing."

"Oh yes, a lot of trouble," came the answer. "As a matter of fact . . ." An arm came down on Anderson's arm, knocking the gun out of his hands. Lillublero stepped onto the bridge and spoke in his own voice. "They didn't capture me at all."

Anderson gaped at him. "You're, you're . . ."

"Lillibulero of the IBP, and I'm rescuing your prisoners," said Lillibulero.

"You're a dwarf!" Lillibulero groaned and rolled his eyes.

Harry turned to Irene. "Told you."

Irene swatted his arm. "Shut up."

Lillibulero picked up the gun. "Open the channel to the ship."

"O-Ok," said Anderson as he went to the console. "Bearded Parrot calling police ship. Police ship, your Majesty, are you there?"

"We're here, Bearded Parrot. We thought we saw an explosion. Is everything alright?" asked Lam.

"All pirates are neutralized, Chief Lam," said Lillibulero, "and the prisoners are alright. I'll send them out if you want to send your men and round up this gang."

"Sounds excellent, Mr. Lillibulero, great job."

"Well, thank you. It is what I do."

"What about you, Mr. Lillibulero?" asked Iolana. "Will you not be escorting the prisoners out of the boat?"

"No, I shall stay here and make sure no one escapes."

"Very well. Over and out."

Lillibulero turned to the five. "Well, let's get you out of here." He turned to Anderson. "You're coming with us."

"Fine," mumbled Anderson as he rose from his chair. Lillibulero got him to lead them to where the diving suits were and had him help the guys get suited up. Irene helped as well, making sure he didn't leave any spaces or damaged any equipment. In a few minutes, they were ready to go. Irene turned into a mermaid. Even though Anderson knew she was a mermaid, the transformation mystified him. She led the group out of the submarine. They passed several officers, both humans in diving equipment and mermaids, on their way to the surface.

"Billy!" A stately woman dressed in a regal dress of yellow and gold hues rushed towards them with open arms.

"Iola!" exclaimed Billy as she rushed into his arms. The two hugged tightly.

"Robby! Harry!"

"Mom! Dad!" All the families were reunited, Maggie was there for Jack. They shared a passionate kiss.

"Are you alright, son?" asked James.

"Mr. Lillibulero was there, Dad, of course I am," said Robby with a smile.

"Thank God you're both alright," said Miriam as she hugged each boy tightly and kissed their cheeks.

"Me too, Mrs. Hoenig," said Harry with a huff.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hoenig?" The family looked at the speaker, it was Queen Iolana.

They bowed. "Your majesty."

"We must make a report to the council about this whole incident. Would you like to be the first people in thirty years to see Naiale?"

Robby and Harry gasped, eyes wide and smiling despite their open mouths. They turned to Miriam and James with pleading eyes. James chuckled nervously. "Um, well, I, uh, guess so. I mean, we just found out you exist and all . . ."

"And you are a scientist with lots of questions. We will answer them," said Iolana with a knowing smile.

"Uh, Ok, I guess."

"Yes!" cheered Harry and Robby. They quickly put back on their helmets and joined the Marshalls, Jack, and Billy on the pier. They donned their helmets and went in. Queen Iolana went to a tiny piece of coral and twisted it, the base of Devil's Hat opening to reveal a large pair of gates that also opened. Harry and Robby glanced at each other, grinned, and followed the merfolk and their royal family in. They gasped when they entered. It looked like an enormous coral reef with houses, apartments, and shops built within the coral structures.

Queen Iolana turned to face them and smiled, opening her arms wide. "Welcome to Naiale!"

(Author's Note: One chapter left! Yes! Kinda can't wait, kinda can too, lol. Like I mentioned in chapter 18, chapter 20 might be up later tonight. If not, definitely tomorrow. I was determined to have this one done before September. And I'm almost there! Yay! Valley of Diamonds and Clue of the Broken Blade will have some updates on the progress on the two original stories and the two new fanfiction. I really am thinking that Valley of the Diamonds will be finished next, chapter 16 is coming along quite nicely and is almost done. 1001 Nights of Red might be a little harder simply because I only have a few scenes that I have to stitch together over a span of three books, lol. I already know the ending and have a few scenes for the third book, as well as I have a few scenes for the second, so, yeah, it's just a matter of connecting them right now. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I hope you're looking forward to the final chapter of this book! Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day! God bless!)