Ruby Mermaid

Days after the fight in the cavern, Navy divers confirmed reports that pirates had obtained a vintage submarine. They couldn't explain holes ripped in its lower hull, only to say it wasn't caused by explosives. An overflight of Kratos Island didn't spot anything unusual. Lois wired their text and photos to the Daily Planet. Jim, of course, couldn't capture a vampire on film; nor could he enter the submerged cavern. But he did get some candid pics of the manor. One—courtesy of Kara—showed Lois and Jimmy slogging along a flooded passage. More domestic scenes had them at ease aboard the cruiser, or rowing the lifeboat. All in all, Perry was happy with his investment. He called Lois about a follow-up.

Jimmy took orange juice out on the patio that overlooked the marina, where Six Forks was flying the other two mermaids for a performance. Kara and Sirtis were in their room fussing over costumes. It seemed Kara would do a temporary stint as the ruby mermaid. What else? She sure liked red.

Lois had just tapped coffee from the urn on the service cart when the phone rang. "I'll get it!" She hooked a cherry danish and carried the continental breakfast into the living room, where she picked up. "Yes, this is Lois. Put him on." Seconds later, Perry's gruff voice was in her ear. He sounded upbeat for a change.

"Great photos, Lois. We ran the story as 'Intrepid Reporters Break Up Pirate Ring', though I'm sure all the credit goes to Supergirl and Sirtis."

Lois decided to ease into some things Perry wouldn't like, such as staying over to cover the mermaid show—in a pricey hotel. "You've got that right, Chief. It's why they want their involvement kept secret. Otherwise the pirates will know the island isn't really haunted."

"Except we know it is—by a vampire!" A pause, during which Lois knew Perry was rubbing his temple. "Don't let that get bandied about. I'll be drummed out of business!"

"I'm sure Sylea wouldn't want it known." More was the pity; what a tale Sylea could tell about her long life. "By the way—the boat rental place likes the mention you gave them. They're already getting charter requests for the adjacent island. You know something?-I think Mr Big is that man who told us the story, trying to scare us off. But we can't prove it."

"That's a problem for east coast authorities. When are you and Olsen coming back?"

Lois had nibbled on the danish during this time. "About that—Kara is taking part in the mermaid show this afternoon. I thought we could stay over to cover it. You know how well the last article played out with the public."

"Great Caesar's ghost. You aren't the one who has to face the board of directors about these expenses. I'm meeting one of them in half an hour."

"Interesting." The Kryptonians came out of their room, Kara in a dress, and Sirtis in her Krypton garb. "Chief, you've never met Sirtis. She can be there in time to make an impression. It's worth a try."

"Great—oh, very well. I must admit to some curiosity."

They said goodbyes, and Lois was about to spring the idea.

"I will go," Sirtis said. She went out onto the balcony, made sure no one was looking, and leapt skyward.

"Kara," Lois said. "I'm just dying to see your mermaid costume." The two went back into their room.

"Women," Jim muttered, now that they were out of hearing range.

Daily Planet

Perry greeted Arthur Decco from the board of directors. Graying and distinguished, he wore black-rimmed glasses with a trim mustache. "Mr Decco, I'm expecting a visitor who I hope will make an impression. She's no less than one of the special agents who made it possible for my reporters to crack that pirate ring."

"Agent. As in FBI?"

"Well, that's hard to explain. My people in L A want to stay over and cover the mermaid show this afternoon. I know hotels aren't cheap, but the girls had positive press last time. And this time there are four of them!"

Decco took the recliner beside the door. "I don't know, Perry. Mermaids are fluffy content for a serious newspaper."

Perry hit the intercom. "Kent, get in here." He looked up. "Kent has never met her either." When Clark came in, Decco rose to shake hands.

"Mr Kent, I wish your colleagues were more like you. I don't recall seeing a single travel voucher with your name on it."

Clark pushed up his glasses. "Well, I do have a way of getting around." Just then Sirtis floated in and alighted next to the desk.

Decco was agape. "What on earth . . ."

"This is Sirtis," Perry said. "You can see why she was such an asset on the pirate story."

"I can't believe it. There are three Kryptonians here? Where did she come from?"

"It's quite a story." Clark nodded to her in secret greeting. "The world isn't ready for it yet, which gives her a certain latitude in undercover work."

Sirtis seemed impatient to get going. "Our show will be impressive. We will send the article and photos here before anyone else in Metropolis gets them." That made the case for Decco, who stayed to confer with Perry as she and Clark went out. Clark led the way to his secret storeroom, where he did a quick-change act into Superman.

"I'll be coming back with you, Sirtis."

"As Superman?"

"Only until we get there, where I'll be Clark Kent. This is one scoop he's going to get."

Sirtis had to smile. "I suppose Kara and I have given Lois and Jimmy an advantage."

"True. Now I know what it feels like." He jumped out the window, followed by Sirtis. They flew high enough to prevent their sonic boom from being heard.

Marina Park

Clark did his usual fast talking to explain how he got there so fast. The three reporters set out for the marina's gigantic enclosure, which normally wouldn't have swimmers present with a whale. This one came to understand that the red one and the sapphire one weren't to be trifled with. The four mermaids ran the gamut of their routines, aided by the Kryptonians being super fast learners.

The highlight took place underwater outside the viewing window below. Jimmy had to find a high perch to shoot from owing for the crowds. The mermaids sat at a table having an unlikely social. Binia and Ellie occasionally drew breath from conch shells, which were actually military-grade rebreathers. Sirtis pretended to pour from a pitcher into a glass, then calmly take a drink, to the delight of viewers. Kara read a newspaper made tissue-delicate in its sodden state. A curious dolphin kept venturing in for a pat on the head. Binia took a pretend phone call while Ellie played solitaire. It was capped off by Kara and Sirtis hitching a ride on the whale's fins.

All seven, mermaids and reporters, went out for dinner after Clark wired in his article. Since they were in a secluded corner, Kara presented Lois with a small crystal globe.

"A crystal ball?" Lois asked.

Kara traded a look with Sirtis. "Sylea has a bigger one in her castle. She says it might be possible to contact us if need be. Who knows? The pirates may come back."

"Not if they know what's good for 'em," Jimmy averred.

Lois looked heavenward. "Don't volunteer me for anything." She looked mischievous. "Next time we'll take Clark along."

"To a haunted castle? Count me out. I'm terrified of vampires."

Sirtis started to object to the ludicrous statement, but caught Kara's wink. "Yes, I suppose Clark is the cautious type. He will never know what it is like to soar above the clouds or brave the depths."

"I'll leave that to you Kryptonians," he said, offering a toast.