As the Sugar Rush approached Demarcus Bubble, reverse power nearly dispensed, a beacon of light pierced through the depths of the ocean, surrounding the hills, revealing the steel and glass structure illuminated within. Nobuko, leaning on the glass of the cockpit, marvelled at the sight. The emergency lighting inside the cockpit was the only source of illumination as the submersible limped toward port, skimming the seabed.

Austin radioed, "This is the Nomad, Sugar Rush; Captain Austin requesting emergency docking." The response came through the static, "Demarcus tower has identified your vessel, welcome back," another burst of static, "sending docking location now, please have payment ready before disembarking." Austin continued guiding the Sugar Rush closer, manoeuvring through the busy sea traffic.

A new messenger crackled through, "no funny business, head to repairs and await escort crews." An audible groan escaped Austin, "Shit! I didn't want him to notice us." as he noticed the voice.

Nobuko, turning to Austin, looked confused. "Who? The governor? I thought you said he was your friend," she inquired.

Austin sighed, "He is, but not when it involves business."

The Sugar Rush navigated carefully through the bustling port, avoiding freighters and fighters streaming overhead. The looming presence of Demarcus Bubble, with its towering structures and bustling activity, grew more prominent as they approached. The emergency docking location was transmitted to Austin, guiding the submersible to its designated pod.

As they settled into the docking bay, the clanking of the pod doors slamming shut, Austin prepared the crew for what lay ahead. 'We need to play it cool. Follow their instructions, and keep the princess's identity out of mind until we're ready to bail. Boyle, make sure you're hidden from their scans. We don't want any surprises.'

Nobuko, though unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Bubble, could sense the tension in the air. The Sugar Rush was returning to a place with its own set of rules, and Austin was navigating the delicate dance of alliances and favours.

The docking automated systems took over, deploying magnetic clamps and sealing connections with a series of muted thuds, swiftly followed by the gusting sound of water draining from the pods. The submersible's hull creaked and groaned in response, prompting Sugar to playfully interject, 'Pardon me.' It was a testament to the toll the recent encounters had taken.

With the docking complete, a crew of technicians and security personnel approached, ready to inspect and repair the battered submersible. Austin braced himself for the interactions to come, aware that this visit to Demarcus wouldn't be a simple refuel and repair stop.

The repair bots swiftly went to work, swarming around the vessel to assess and mend the damages. The refuel team docked seamlessly, replacing the nuclear fuel rod with a resounding thud heard on the hull. Over the intercom, Austin radioed crackled, *static* "Get ready, Boyle, stay in the cockpit". Nobuko and Sugar stood beside Austin, and Milson scampered up his shoulder.

The bay doors opened, revealing a dark-skinned man adorned in a luxurious soft green silk robe with golden trim, standing proudly with elite guards at his side.

"Ah, Austin, Milson," he warmly welcomed them, "brother!" With a gesture inviting a hug, Milson leaped off Austin's back, rushing toward the man.

"Thank you for hosting us, Emir Reyhad," Austin expressed his gratitude.

The Emir dismissed the pleasantries, instructing his guards, "Secure the hold."

The guards briskly moved past the crew, prompting Nobuko to protest, "Hey!"

A guard, irritated, raised his hand to “How dare you speak back to me!”

Austin, pounced on the guard, exclaiming, "Dare you lay a hand on her!" The other guards swiftly intervened, pulling Austin away. Milson valiantly jumped in to help, but outnumbered, he too was subdued and held against the wall.

"Wait, princess?" Emir Reyhad's voice softened, confusion briefly clouding his demeanour. He swiftly regained his composure, his tone changing, "Release him."

The guards, following his command, stepped back.

"Princess Nobuko of Imperial Tokyo," he bowed respectfully to her. "I apologise for my men's rudeness. Please, will you and your crew accompany me to my palace?" He turned to his men, issuing orders, "The repairs are on me. Call the palace, prepare a feast! At once!"

Escorted through the docks bustling with trade, they navigated past scared war subs, fresh from the front lines with the Federation, awaiting repairs, the stench of fresh fish permeating the air. Urged to hurry, Emir Reyhad couldn't stand the smell, and his guards created a safe space as they approached a grand bazaar.

The grand bazaar of Demarcus Bubble sprawled across a vast expanse, a bustling centre of commerce and cultural convergence. The air was filled with the heady aroma of exotic spices and the rich scent of various goods. Stalls adorned with vibrant fabrics and intricate tapestries showcased the diversity of economy represented in the bubble, showcasing treasures from half the globe—Chinese silk, Indian spices, European advanced technology.

"Princess, as you can see, my people are well cared for," Emir Reyhad proudly stated.

Nobuko observed the bustling market in awe as colourful lanterns hung overhead, casting a warm and inviting glow over the stalls. and remarked, "I see. Even with the war with the European Federation, you managed to acquire their goods."

Emir Reyhad turned to Austin with glee, "It's all thanks to my friend, the Smuggler." Milson, having climbed down from Austin, dashed towards a table filled with fruit. Before anyone could notice, Milson already bit into a melon.

The vendor shouts “what is this creature! Kill this vermin!” draw everyone's attention.

Emir Reyhad steps forward “That's my Spider Monkey!”

The Vendor turned pale, realising he had just insulted the Emir. “I beg your pardon sir, Please forgive my ignorance”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"So, my friend, the fruits on me," Emir Reyhad gestured to the vendor, signalling for a display of generosity amid the vibrant market atmosphere. As they were led through the city the palace stood as a magnificent testament, Its towering spires, adorned with intricate gold and silver filigree, reached toward the glass dome above.

Climbing the steps to the palace the entrance, a colossal set of gilded doors, was flanked by statuesque guards clad in ceremonial robes, Austin and Nobuko turned to survey the city. It spanned for miles until it hit the glass dome surrounding the city. The landscape outside was a pitch-black expanse, illuminated only by bubbles of hamlets or industry or by passing submersibles sailing outside the bubble.

Upon entering, they were escorted through the grand hall, where ornate chandeliers, rich tapestries, and intricately designed furniture adorned the expansive space. The grand dining room, awaiting them with anticipation, featured a golden dining table surrounded by plush chairs, a symbol of the Emir's hospitality and prosperity.

Seated at the table was a spread of local Middle Eastern delicacies: Baba Ganoush, Falafel, Tabbouleh, Shawarma, Kebabs, Dolma, Fattoush, Kibbeh, and Labneh, artfully arranged to entice the senses. Nobuko couldn't help but remark, "Such opulence, and yet a waste as it's only for us."

Even Milson had a table set aside for him. Emir Reyhad sat at the head, flanked by Tigers.

Austin dug in, exclaiming, "This is great! Reyhad, why haven't you had me over before ?"

Nobuko thanked Reyhad for hosting them, and he responded, "The pleasure is mine. Please make yourself at home."

Austin couldn't help but notice the Tigers. "Are they the clones I got you?"

"I am thankful, you managed to bring them over the frontline," Emir Reyhad acknowledged. "I still hope you will sell me that monkey." Milson threw an apple at them.

Austin laughed, "He makes his own choices."

Sugar chimed in, "He's our little mascot," and Milson responded with a cheeky grin, with food in his teeth before returning to his fruit.

A waitress entered with cupcakes for them. "Please enjoy," she said, adding a sweet touch to their dining experience.

After a bite, Austin sensed that something was wrong; all of a sudden, he became drowsy. Concerned, he looked over at the princess. "Are you okay?"

"I am a little sleepy," she replied, and with a thud, she slumped over.

Emir Reyhad smirked. "Just relax and sleep a little, it will all be okay."

"Sugar, run!" Austin shouted, but with another thud, he blacked out. Sensing the danger, Sugar turned off her hologram, transforming into her Nano core and flying toward the windows.

Zzzzaaaapppp The guards pointed their spear staff, firing a stun bolt and disabling her.

Emir Reyhad demanded, "Where's that monkey?" Milson, however, had already snuck out during Sugar's escape attempt. "Find it," the Emir ordered.

Boyle hid in the vents as the dock guards scrutinised the vessel. Concerned about Sugar Rush AI being taken offline, Boyle anxiously waited for hours after the guards and engineers left. The only disturbance was a tapping knock on the loading bay door. "Should I open it?" Boyle pondered. "I wish I could use Sugar’s cameras."

Summoning his courage, he cautiously opened the door to find Milson banging on it. "Milson? Why are you here alone?" he questioned.

Milson screeched, attempting to drag Boyle out of the vessel.

“What are you doing, you stupid monkey?" Shaking Milson off, Boyle went back inside, with Milson following closely. "Sugar, Should I reactivate you again?" It felt strange for it to be offline, and it puzzled Boyle more that the dock workers didn't even attempt to steal the AI core.

Heading into the cockpit, Boyle checked over the systems as Milson eagerly waited for the AI restart. The sub's control panel emitted a soft glow, and the air in the cockpit hummed with the low, reassuring hum of reactivated machinery. Boyle meticulously examined the status indicators: "Fuel’s good, core intact, oxygen replenished, hull repaired."

"Okay, do it, Milson," Boyle said, nodding at the monkey. Milson eagerly slammed the button, and with a series of electronic pulses, the submersible came back to life. The soft glow brightened as the holographic form of Sugar Rush reformed in the cockpit.

However, something seemed amiss. Sugar's usually energetic voice was tinged with an unusual fatigue as she spoke, "My head... is this a hangover? My circuits feel dizzy."

Concern etched Boyle's face, "Sugar, what’s wrong? Where’s Austin or the princess?" The atmosphere in the cockpit shifted from relief to a growing sense of unease.

Her tone turned to anger. “They shot me! They took me offline.” Puzzled, she continued, “I can’t reach my nano core; I only located it within the palace, however.”

Boyle's expression hardened, and he grabbed a pulser from the weapons rack. “We need to mount a rescue.”

Sugar overlaid a scan of the palace. “I’ve accessed their systems; they have cells in this area,” highlighting a section of the palace basement. Boyle pointed to the ventilation. “We can get in from here, access from the gardens.”

Milson cheered and roared.

“It won’t be easy,” Sugar warned, pointing to the security. “Guards with robotic sensors patrol the grounds.” Boyle sighed. “We can’t force our way in; this is the best plan we have.”

“Okay, find my core first or I can’t help you,” she said, highlighting a cell. “I don’t know which cell Austin or Nobuko is in without getting into the local system.”

Determination filled Boyle's eyes. “Okay, let’s go,” he said, grabbing their tool belt. The stage was set for a daring rescue mission within the heart of the palace.

The artificial sun was setting over the bubble. Boyle, accompanied by Milson, moved stealthily through the shrubs, skillfully dodging the guards. Another guard blocked their path. Milson tugged on Boyle’s sleeve, giving a thumbs up before darting away.

“Oi, wait, catch it!” Dozens of guards chased after the mischievous monkey.

“Thanks, Milson,” Boyle whispered, advancing across the garden undetected.

Reaching the vent, he took out his screwdriver and swiftly ascended into the ducts. “Shit, this map is crap. Left, think,” he muttered, scrutinising the vent to observe several rooms before finally reaching the designated area, a cold, damp, concrete cell. He unscrewed the vent and descended. The nano core had an EMP shackle on it. “Don’t worry, Sugar, I’ll have it off in minutes,” he assured.

Sugar Rush materialised. “You did it!” she exclaimed, leaning in to hug Boyle.

“It’s okay, now go find Austin,” Boyle insisted, attempting to shove her back. “I’m already in the local network,” she said, as the cell opened, along with another one down the hall.

Austin shouted, “Reyhad!”

Boyle responded, “Austin!”

Sugar cried, “Austin!” She flew straight to him, clinging to him.

“Easy, we have to find the princess,” Boyle urged.

“I haven’t been able to locate her in the system,” Sugar informed.

Boyle replied, “The sub’s ready to go. Let’s just go.”

“We can’t leave her, I’ll find her, even if I have to tear this bubble apart.” Austin sighs “If they find out she was the emissary to the Federation, god knows what they would…”

Guards stormed the cells, weapons drawn.

Emir Reyhad walked in behind them. “We already know, but she’s safe. Believe me,” he assured.

“Where is she?” Austin demanded, shoving himself up against the nearest guard.

“We made a deal with her Uncle, she will be married to Prince Yusuf, securing an alliance between us and….” Reyhad was interrupted.

“She would never agree to that!,” Austin said. “On her father’s orders…”

Reyhad interpreted. “The Emperor is isolated, he’s retired into the lotus palace, he couldn’t cope with the death of his daughter. Nobuko’s uncle, Prince Hiro, is in charge now.”

“But for you, the new regime wanted to reward you for this outcome, Imperial Tokyo has paid off your debt to us,” Reyhad said. “You’re free to go.”

He handed Milson a slave contract before tossing him back to Austin. Milson ran up Boyle’s shoulder, hissing. “Escort them to their sub,” Reyhad gestured to the guards to follow them.

About to enter the dock, the dock master handed Austin a note. “What’s this?” he asked. “It’s from the Emir.”

Austin read it. “She will be in Cairo, private access codes. Don’t get caught, Take care, friend.”

Austin looked to the palace. “This doesn’t make us even!, but thanks, friend,”

Boyle looked over the slave contract, “I’m free, its official, this is my contract” his face was mute, knowing the princess paid for his freedom, he asked in a quiet tone, “What’s that message?”

“Our next move,” Austin said, his voice tinged with determination. “We’re going to Cairo.”