The first explosion was deafening. It rocked the ship, violently knocking the crew sideways and into one another. It also knocked the power of the ship off, stalling their fish and sending them into a free fall toward the ocean bed. The second threw Marina off her feet completely. With a wordless cry she hit the deck, taking the fellas down with her.

"Direct hit!" Troy cried. No… Cheered. Troy cheered. Even as the ship sank.

"Good shooting!" Phones Whooped and scrambled up to get a hold of the controls.

Direct hit? But they didn't die? Aren't we sinking?

Power surged through panels and lights, as Phones fired the ship back up, still on his knees. Troy just as quickly leapt to levers and yawned them out the dive.

"Yeah! Nice shot, commander!" He shouted into the mic. "But by golly. You sure left it late!"

"Talk about cutting it close, father." Lieutenant Shore agreed.

Atlanta? Oh. Of course, the radio. She is radioing from the tower. But what did Troy mean, The commander?

Had she heard that right? Marina lay there Winded and Sprawled out on the floor looking up at the curved panels and dim dim lights. Was she dreaming? A dream in a dream? Was she dead?

But judging by the ache in her shoulder Marina was sure she was alive and awake. With a bit more effort Marina sat up. Just as the most marvellous Stingray swung about past the fish eyed portholes. And Commander Shore's voice indeed crackled over the radio in response.

"You weren't worried I wouldn't show up were you, Troy?"

"Well sir I must confess I was beginning to wonder-!" Troy laughed. Marina laughed too despite herself. Despite everything.

"Great craft Stingray. Up-!" The commander started. But something interrupted his musing. "Oh no you don't!"

That 'Something' being a Titan Terror fish. Marina watched stunned from her place on the floor. And got a front row seat as, just as it opened its mouth to fire on them, a second terror fish took a sting missile to the face instead.

"Another down. Anyway, it's good to be back at the controls!"

"Stingray- I mean, Mechanical fish, you've another coming up underneath you from your starboard side!" Atlanta warned. Troy steered their fish one way as Stingray went the other. "Looks as though it's trying to get between you and- Oh."

Said terror fish was suddenly rammed off course. Up and up between them it went before spiralling out of control. It didn't explode, but it was sure struck with one squid of a hit.

"Never mind. Cancel report." Atlanta radioed in.

"That's one to Swordfish, I guess." Troy said with an impressed whistle, trying to level the controls. "Not that it's a competition. Or anyone's keeping scores."

"Looks like both are going back for a second hit." Phones warned.

"Green ten," Troy agreed, and together they steered out of range as the enemy fish swung back toward them again. But it was taken out by-

"Another stingray?" Marina frowned. She tried to clamber up on wobbling legs to see better. Troy noticed and helped her to her feet, hauling her up one handed.

No. It wasn't another Stingray. But a second very similar look craft certainly. One that rolled over and like a dolphin in the water. The not-Stingray struck the enemy fish again, glancing blows off its middle, just like it had before.

And a third ship appeared. It out manoeuvred the first to join in chasing off the terror fish. Then dove down turning along the seabed.

Both bore the sleek silhouettes the WASP vehicles favoured. But they were odd shaped. Sort of but not quite Stingray shaped. The first, (the one that had just taken out the terror fish), was too small but bulky at the front. The spinning propulsion on its back was split into two smaller units and it was missing the bright yellow along the hull, sporting a pale green instead.

The other was thin, with no cabin or aqua-sprites Marina could see. It was also painted with zig zag markings rather than clean smooth lines. What she could see were strange wires and ariel on its prow. And how it was nipping around the other submarines with ease.

The fourth ship that came out of the darkness was huge. What it lacked in speed and agility it made up for with sheer size and force. Even at this distance, Marina couldn't see both ends of the submarine. As tall as Stingray was long, it punched its way through Titan's shoal, scattering them like a whale through sardines. The slogan DILL1GAF19-64 sailed past their windows in stark white against the grey hull, with No portholes or windows of its own. One terror fish, unable to swerve in time, went crashing into the side of it. The fish crumpled, concertinaed on itself. But barely making a scratch on the 19-64. The sub didn't even alter course. It carried on, straight and solid. Even blockading them, the stingray crew, off from being in direct view of Titan's forces, bullying the Terror fish into splitting up.

Some advanced. Only to end in one (or two) on one fights with the terranean craft. Some scattered with Stingray chasing them off.

It was so chaotic. Terror fish swam left and right, some aquaphibians swimming free from their struck vessels on the seabed. Silt rose up like smoke debris and creatures scattered.

Marina could imagine the King bellowing orders and insults at his craft. And the bubbling of the aquaphibians.

"The commander's taken the point." Troy said. The diving mask was still hanging bout his neck. "Let's beat it out of here?"

"Don't need to tell me twice." Phones agreed.

One terror fish tried to disagree. And took a blow to the side just as Troy radioed Stingray. And the commander Ordered to sail towards a set position.

"And then from there head for base." He spoke. "Guess Titan won't try that again."

Marina flinched.

"P w or. All the same he nearly pulled it off huh?" Troy agreed. Then said again to Marina. "Hey, ease up on the grip there."

Marina blinked. She hadn't realised she'd taken his arm again. His and Phones'. Only Phones didn't comment.

"We're okay. Look, see? We've got help. The commander's come to our aid." Troy said and pointed out the port hole trying to be reassuring. Their own better ship was circling the Wasp's fish. Keeping them safe as they plodded on. "Stingray! You know she got the drop on titan every time, Marina."

(She flinched again. At his name. She couldn't help it.)

"And look, she brought some friends along."

Troy was right though. They were protected. The four Alien human vessels Surrounded them on all sides. Marina watched them swim round and around, as if their little broken terror fish were the centre of some sort of whirlpool phenomenon.

"Told you we'd bring her home." Troy said over her head.

"Didn't doubt you for a minute." Phones replied warmly. Then added, with a chuckle, " …a few seconds sure, especially back there."

Marina hesitated then nodded slowly in agreement. And a smile small, scared as it felt cracked her lips.

"That there's one of the Swordfish, from pen five. With the green and blue. Can only a little deeper I reckon? She'll be at her max gauge about now." Phones told her. "Heck of a speed on her though. Third fastest in the fleet."

What about that one? Marina asked, pointing.

"That one? That's an E seven two. But it's nicknamed Catfish 'cos them barbs. She's like an early version of Stingray, but you know, not as pretty as our ship." Phones explained.

As he spoke, E Severn Two demonstrated its prowess: hunting and chasing down a Terror Fish that had ducked trying to get in front of them. It's manoeuvre in the yawning was almost eel-like. Marina wondered if like a catfish, those bards helped navigate its surroundings.

"See? She's more nimble than us sure." Troy agreed.

"Well, more nimble the Stingray. I think even my old toaster moves better than us right now!" Phones put in.

"True. But the Catfish isn't great in open water much. Good for seabed patrols." Troy continued. "It's not normally used to seeing this type of action either. The science guys tend to use her for getting samples and monitoring sea life. But the WASP must be equipped for anything. And get these dang over headlights working would yeh Phones? I can barely see anything in here."

"That ugly big thing's not one of ours though. It's automatic." Phones said.

"Not even remote controlled." Troy made a face. "Half ambulance, half warship. Based on a hundred-year-old design of a U-boat that the British base of the world navy had in archives. Rehauled then filled with computers and missiles."

Perhaps hearing itself being insulted, the 19-64 fired two loud blooming warning shots. One terror fish was flipped and sent spinning with the force. Troy remained unimpressed.
"Blasts its way in, blasts its way out. The old man pulled some strings. You know, seeing as the navy STILL owed us one!"

Marina nodded, not really taking it in as interesting as it was. Another Terror fish had slid behind them, sharklike and ready to attack; Only to be cut down by Stingray before she could even let Phones and Troy know about the danger. How did the commander and their new friends know which fish was which? Was there something in place to make sure they were not struck by friendly fire or by accident? Or was the commander relying solely on Troy's handling of a machine to steer them clear of such things?

Marina still didn't feel safe yet. Rescued, yes but not safe. Not while Troy and Phones were still in danger. In danger of being crushed by the mighty ocean. Of drowning. Of being hit. They still could be. If one terror fish broke from the pack the odds. Or a stray missile hit them.

They almost died.

They could have died in the shoot-out. Caught in crossfire.

Troy and Phones could have Been caught breaking into the city to find her. And then died at Titan's hands.

Still Could. Could have. But didn't. And not yet. Right?

Despite her anxiety, their fish Thundered on regardless, mostly unaffected. Every so often, a new or different voice on the radio punctuating things like:

"Three blew, one crushed, one smoking."

Or,

"Going in for a second strike."

And,

"Fish number seven sunk. But I've the aquaphibians swimming out the airlock. What are your orders, commander?"

"Leave them, unless they're armed." Shore radioed back. "Nothing much they can do bar throw rocks at you without their ship."

Worrying, there was one cry of:

"They're trying the drag net routine!"

"Keep away from going in between the mechanical fishes."

Marina had dreaded they'd pull something like that. But when the Navy vessel ignored the orders and went between them any way, it dragged the two Titan ships to a halt with its sheer weight, (rather than the other way around) until the net ripped.

"...okay I admit the navy did good on that one." Troy complained.

The radio beeped.

"Two unaccounted for- oh found one."

In a very freighting moment The Swordfish took a hit from a missile to the side. but despite the bang and the smoke kept up the fight. Albeit with no more ramming it's victims into a stupor. It didn't stop them firing.

"That's another for Wasps."

"Gee I wish we were part of the action rather than the target." Troy sighed, always itching for adventure.

"I feel like a hare on a robotic-greyhound track." Phones agreed. Soon they were leaving the main Battle behind them thankfully.

"We're running low on missiles, sir?"

"Keep going! We've got them on the rocks. Continue until you're down two or three in reserve then evasive manoeuvres and retreat. We need to give our 'fish as good a getaway as possible."

This continued until the very last Terror fish retreated the direction they'd come, Stingray at its tail. the two fellas cheered, struggling out the tanks and breathing apparatus. The silt started settling, leaving the murky waters around them for still and calmer seas. And Marina watching it go finally, finally, felt able to Draw breath.

"Eh, Marina?" Troy asked and clapped her on her shoulder with affection. But left her more delicate than she felt. She'd missed what he'd said to her too. Having no words, less so than normal Marina nodded, blinked up at him and bumped her forehead to his shoulder. She hadn't done that to anyone for a long, long time. But it felt necessary. Even if the gesture was completely lost on a terranean.

"Hey hey. You're okay. We're going to make it. Told you, didn't I?" He assured her. He Patted her hand where she still held his arm. Then jostling her with a One-armed hug terrain 'brothers' give one another. Phones joined them on Marina's other side.

"You Didn't think we'd leave you stuck there?"

Marina Shrugged

"Started to feel like it, I bet?" Troy asked.

Yes, Marina Nodded. It did a little.

"Poor thing. Don't worry Maria, we'll get home soon."

"We made it." Troy Chuckled.

"We made it." Phones echoed. "Hey skipper, we made it!"

"And no casualties on our part!"

Marina held them both tight as an octopus might, squeaking back. Three of them hugged together with Marina Squished in the middle. Laughing together, just the three of them.

"We'll slow going, but we're safe now that back-ups here." Phones smiled as they broke the embrace and the boys returned to the controls. "Safe and sound."

Safe and sound Sounds very good, Marina smiled back. But her hands stayed still.

She Kept thinking she was dreaming. If she was, and still in her cell, well she didn't want to wake up.

"We're just sorry we couldn't get here sooner. This heap of junk-" Phones laughed, the over light blinked full wattage on again. And they were finally out of the very dim near darkness. Then Phones stopped laughing. Then started Squinting at her Dim light of the cabin. And put his face very close to hers. Marina drew back a little surprised. For a shallow moment she thought he might kiss her. Then felt silly for thinking so.

"Oh. Oh no that ain't right." Phones murmured softly.

"Huh? What up?" Troy asked.

Is something wrong?

Phones didn't respond straight away. Marina shifted, uncomfortable under his gaze. A gaze that had gone sharp again.

"Say Troy?" Phones said, not taking his eyes off her. "... You seeing this? What I'm seeing here?"

"What's that?" Troy Snapped to attention, scanning the waters outside. "Position?"

"Inside, to your left. Marina, look at the captain for me? Like up up at Troy." Phones asked. "In the light, properly where he can see you, while I take over a second?"

Both confused, Marina did as she was told with Troy following, stepping away from the console and into the main body of the fish Under the Best light they could. Marina turned to Troy and looked up at him. At his Big blue eyes and pretty face.

"Hm?"

Once upon another time Marina's heart might have fluttered like a fin at such attention. Oh, sure he was now just a friend, and she knew now he was Atlanta's. She'd witnessed it at the hospital, her dear dear friend's raw Devotion as Atlanta had Wept at his side. Atlanta had been Terrified to leave Troy, defying her father's orders even, just to stay with him…

But even still Troy was very handsome? And then for a moment Marina imagined she Could still see the staining of the purple liquid that had poisoned him. And she Shivered for different reasons entirely. But now as Phones took over the controls, Troy looked to her. Really looked. His blue eyes so close. He Brought his hand up to cup her cheek and oh-

Oh! OW!

Ouch.

Marina pulled back sharply hissing. Oh no that didn't feel nice at all.

"What the-?!"

Oh no.

Honestly, in all the excitement she'd forgotten about. Marina Winced. And flinched away when Troy reached Tried to wave him off and bring her own hand up to hide it.

"Marina, you're hurt." Troy said, Stating the obvious.

"That one there's fresh on her cheek. Must have happened in the run to the escape pod. I don't remember seeing it there before." Phones said. Marina could hear in his voice a funny tone. Not a ha-ha funny one either. "But that other one's not bleeding."

Troy was Scanning her face again.

"Yeah. You've cut your cheek. And look here?" He said softly, gesturing to the rip of her dress she hadn't noticed. Nor the big scratch at her arm. Marina tried to cover that as well. But Troy still took one look at her face and frowned. Or to one side of her face. Then up higher. "But that one other didn't happen tonight did it, honey? Not when we sprung you out?" He asked. His tone had also gone scary. Soft. But scary.

Marina Shook her head, biting her lip. Which stung with the catch of her teeth. So, Marina stopped, remembering the split lip.

She hadn't had a good look at it, her face. Only wobbly distorted reflections, the odd glance into mop buckets, silver platters and out the throne rooms' big windows. But knew there was a mark there. One that started at the temple, and went down her brow to her cheek bone...

And now a Stinging scratch on her cheek to match?

She'd felt gunshots whip past her, the idiot guards not caring about ricochet, crossfire or Wasp tactics. Titan had Held her by her shoulders. Titan had pulled hard at her front, by her hair. Anywhere else to haul her in front of him like a shield. She fought as hard as she could. But she'd been weak, even with the rush of being rescued. And then she'd felt A knife he'd pulled from the table pressed against her belly. It might have been a fish knife, but it still could have gutted her like a fish. She'd froze in Struggling against him, Cold metal making her panicked. Even when the gas canister clouded their vision.

She'd kicked him, Marina realised with pride. She'd kicked the so-called mighty King Titan in the shin and ran away. Ran back to the earth men. Smack into them even. Laughter and bubbling tears pricking her eyes. Marina couldn't help it but laughed in Troy's face.

"What's so funny?"

But now Tempest's face was like thunder. Phones' too. Marina Flinched again, this time at his tone. And shrugged, tried to say it doesn't matter. But she was Unable to get her fingers to work. Even as Troy strode back to the console and commanded his ship,

"Phones? Phones Turn around. We're going back to join the other vessels. And I'm going back to Titanica!"