Are you Listening?
8/29/1936, Pierce Oil Rig, Pacific Ocean
The Three of them had went and swim towards it in a bit of confusion at it all, “Let’s drift, Beemer.” one of his friends had said, “This swill is clogging my gills.” he had said and Beemer agreed with that, kneeling as he picked up a dead fish, “Something’s not right.” he told them, “This needle isn’t draining the black stuff…” he said, dropping it to reveal his stained hand, “…It’s making it worse.” he said, all worried at this.
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8/29/1936, Pierce Mansion, Long Beach
They were all at the mansion, all of them with drinks with Henry and Namor had been in the center, smiling at it all, “Lyle, this is Namor, the boy you should thank for helping pay off my loan.” Henry had said and hearing that, Lyle took his hand, “A pleasure. I must say you don’t look at all like I expected.” he had said towards him, seeming to irritate him, as he had spoken.
“What, you thought he’d have a blasted fin growing out of his head?” Henry had asked, doing the hand motion as Namor’s ears were out in the open, “No, no! I simply…” Lyle started before Henry had laughed, “Ha ha! A joke, Lyle, a JOKE.” he said, patting his shoulder hard, “Now go refill you glass and have a fine old time.” he had told him, making Lyle nervous, “Yes, certainly.” he said before walking away.
That was when a man with a goatee had spoken, “Now tell me, how DID you pay Henry’s debt, son?” the man, Max had said, “Boy’s got a bloodhound’s nose for oil, Max.” he said, wrapping his arm around Namor’s shoulder and tapping his nose, “Not only that, he can snap his fingers and have an undersea workforce on call.” he had told him, “Union connections, then?” Max had asked of him.
“I’m sorry?” Namor asked, not sure why he would need an alliance, “Ha ha! It’s a monarchy down there… and Namor has blue blood!” Henry had said towards him with a laugh as Sandy went to drag him away, “Well, I’m in the rubber business, but I’m looking to invest in…” he had started as Sandy had spoken to Henry, “Daddy, who is Namor courting, you or me?” she had snapped to him.
“You’ll get your turn at the wheel, my dear.” Henry had said, waving her off, “Business before pleasure.” he had said and hearing that, Nammu had went and approached, “Sandy, what is this… champagne that boys have been offering me?” she had asked, having borrowed asea green dress and having her gill scarf fashionably as she had led her away while Henry dragged Namor away.
“That sounds very interesting…” Namor had said towards him, “Sorry, Max, we’re not interested.” Henry had said as Nammu had went and walked to the food, “I hope that you haven’t been taking too many.” Sandra said, “Not at all, I don’t trust their eyes.” Nammu had said towards her as they had went to the food, Nammu keeping an eye on the prince as a pair had approached a nearby Namor and Henry.
“Conrad Heinze and his lovely daughter, Bridget.” Henry had said to him, “A pleasure.” Namor had said towards them, taking Conrad’s hand, “Conrad’s in construction.” he had said, making them bot scowl at that for different reason as they saw Bobo’s beau approaching them, “Liz, are you having fun?” Sandy had asked of her friend who was nervous, “No.” she had said.
“Me neither.” Sandy had snipped, “Namor is best buddies with my father, and making friends with all his boring–” Liz had started to sob and as she did so, Nammu and Sandy looked towards her in confusion, “What’s the matter?” Nammu had asked of her, “You don’t even appreciate what you’ve got. Your father and Namor LIKE each other and you’re whining about it?” Liz had snapped towards them.
“Liz! I’m not whining, I’m–” “You kind of are, now hush.” Nammu had said before they looked to Liz, “I’ve broken up with Bobo because of my mother and father.” She told them, making Nammu tilt her head, “Because Daddy’s investments went in the Crash and we have NOTHING.” she had told them, “It’s why they emptied the piggy bank to spend the summer on the shore.” Liz had told them.
“I’m here to catch a rich husband.” she had told her, crying in worry, “That’s horrible.” Nammu had said as Sandy spoke, “But you’ve caught Bobo. You can’t throw him back.” she had told her, “It’s not about what I want.” Liz had said when they heard a shrill voice, “Elizabeth!” a woman had said, glaring as she had approached them, “Look at you. Clean yourself up at once.” she had ordered of Liz before taking her away.
“When you’re looking beautiful, go talk nicely to the Tranters’ boy, Troy.” she had said, making both of them glare, “I wanna swing, do you wanna swing?” Sandy asked, “I think I’d like that.” she said as they walked off, Namor noticing that, “So what’s your cut of Pierce’s oil venture?” he had asked, Namor being a bit distracted right now, “I’ll… I’ll have to ask Henry.” he said before walking off.
“No, no, you don’t need to do THAT.” he had said as the Prince had went and walked towards the swing where the two of them were, Sandy swinging but Nammu leaning on the tree, “When’d you get back from Lemuria?” he asked her, “My cousin and I needed to see an alchemist, she’s waiting for the results.” Nammu had explained towards him before pointing to Liz.
At that, he had looked to her, “Hey.” he had said towards her, “Don’t you have to talk business with your cronies?” she had questioned of him, “Ah, your dad’s just being friendly.” he had said, making the other girl roll her eyes at that, “Like you and Bridget?” she had asked, obviously jealous, “She’s nice.” Namor had told her, “God I have no idea what any girl sees in you.” Nammu muttered as Sandy continued to swing.
That was when the Prince had grabbed the ropes to it, “But not as nice as you.” he had said towards her, making her started to grin, “You’re LOVING it, aren’t you?” she had asked of him, “The party? Yeah.” he had answered, “Can’t you take one night off from schmoozing?” she had asked, leaping off of the swing set, “Sure.” he had said, the two of them starting to slowly dance around in a small circle.
Right before they had went and started to kiss, making Nammu turn to look at the humans there before seeing that an annoying man was approaching, “Namor. Namor, my boy!” Henry had shouted as he had approached them, “Miss Heinze seeks your company for a dance.” he had said towards him, making Namor walk away while both women had glared, neither one liking him there with the others.
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8/29/1936, Pierce Oil Rig, Pacific Ocean
The two of them had went and started to swim back towards the Oil Rig, both of them seeing the angry expressions on the merchants and Farmers directed towards The Prince as they had seen the mess that was there, the two seeing the patch up crew that was there trying to preserve it all, “Each time we think we’ve patched a leak, another starts up.” Thakorr had muttered as he looked at the damage.
“Like Henry says, it’s just teething trouble. They take time to clear up.” he had said which none of them liked, “But he never said WHEN they would stop!” Namora had said towards him, “I don’t see Henry up to his armpits in THIS.” Korra had added, hating the much floating around them, “And neither are YOU, Namor.” Beemer had said to his cousin, “Seems like you’d rather suck up to the drys.” he had told the Prince.
“WHAT did you say?” Namor had said, ready to rase a fist towards him, “Shut up, both of you!” Korra had snapped, not in the mood for whatever it was they were having right now, “I’ll get Henry back down here. We’ll solve the problem together.” Namor had said, “The PROBLEM is your ‘friend’ hasn’t drained off a single drop of the black ooze!” His aunt had snapped, “He’s making a bad situation worse.”
Hearing that, Namor had looked towards Thakorr, “We just need to think it through!” he had told him, “Our people are worried.” The King had told him, “I won’t let them go hungry for the sake of land ties.” he had explained, “We should tear it down now.” Beemer had said and the others were liking the sound of that, “No…” Korra had said, not knowing if it might make things worse.
“We’ll give Henry a last chance, then the King and I will make a final decision.” Korra had said as the two went to swim away, “But–” “Discussion over.” Korra had told Beemer, “Don’t push your luck, kid.” she had said and hearing that, Namor had went and started to swim away, the two of them having differing thoughts right now on what it was that they were probably going to have to do.
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8/29/1936, Atlantis, Pacific Ocean
As Namor had swam, he had looked towards his two friends, “Why didn’t the two of you back me up, Nammu, Bobo?” he had asked, “I’ve got things on my mind.” Bobo had told him, “And I don't like Henry.” Nammu had said towards him, as Namor focused on Bobo and decided to be playful, “Forget about girls for a moment… this is important.” he said, playfully shoving Bobo.
“If you’d take your head out of your butt for a moment, you’d see the world doesn’t only revolve around you!” Bobo had snapped in anger, both of them surprised by that, “Okay. What’s up?” Namor had asked, “I can see you’re upset.” he had said towards him, “Oh REALLY?” Bobo had snapped towards him, “What tipped you off?” he snarled, starting to irritate Namor, “Quit smart–mouthing me and spill.” he had said, “It’s Liz.” Nammu had said, having gotten the story.
“She’s cute, she likes you. What’s the problem?” The Prince had asked, making Nammu roll her eyes as Bobo moped, “I dunno.” he had admitted, “She called it off.” he said, making Namor stop, “She dropped you?” he had asked, surprised at that, “Yes so–” but before Nammu could say anything, Namor had swam up, “Look… I’ve gotta go see Henry, anyway.” he said, making the Atlanteans get worried.
“I’ll take to her, see what’s up.” he said, “And I’ll make sure that he doesn't do anything stupid, “Just don’t…” Bobo said, looking towards the two of them, “…don’t make it worse.” Bobo had said towards them before he had went and started to head towards the Palace and as he had done so, Bobo had only gotten more worried that something might happen now.
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8/29/1936, The Royal Palace, Atlantis
Bobo had swam into the palace and as he had done so, Bobo had sneaked a peek through one of the windows where he saw Beemer and his mother, at least until he had heard his father, “Your mother only wants what’s best for you, y’know?” he had asked, making Bobo turn towards him, “Dad…” he had started, but he was hearing none of it, “She’s only trying to protect you.” He had explained.
“Now, I know you want this dry girl really bad right now…” “She has a name: Liz Bobo had told him, and he decided not to snap this time, “Bobo, what about long term?” he had asked of him, “What about kids?” The older man had said towards him, confusing Bobo, “What ABOUT ‘em? We’re not spawning.” he had told is father, “You belong with your own people. Don’t ever forget that.” he said, stunning Bobo.
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8/29/1936, Pierce Mansion, Long Beach
The two of them were walking through as the darker skinned humans were all cleaning up the party, seeing them, Nammu had smiled and waved at one, but none of them looked amused as they had continued onward, heading to the window for Sandy’s room, “Namor, Nammu!” Sandy had shouted, seeing the two as they had crawled through it before she crossed her arms and glared.
“You’ve come to apologize?” she had asked of him, “For what?” Namor had asked, making Nammu roll her eyes, “For ignoring me all night.” she had snapped, making him get frustrated, “No, this is SERIOUS.” he had said, making the girls glare towards him, “Henry’s not draining the black liquid, is he?” Namor had asked of her, making Sandy all the more angry, “We’re not serious?” she had snapped.
That was when Nammu spoke, “Sandy, please, this is important.” she had said, resting a hand on her shoulder, making her calm down, at least a little bit towards her, “No, he ISN’T draining it. Daddy’s taking the oil and making big money off it. The reserves could last for years, so it’s NOT just going to dry up tomorrow.” she had snapped, making both get worried now.
“Your dads not exactly been honest, has he?” Namor had asked of her, making Sandy angry, “But you two are BEST pals now, right?” she had asked, pointing to the door, “You’d better hurry and patch things up!” she had said and hearing that, Namor nod, “You’re right.” he had said and at that, the three of them headed to his office so that they could get to the complete bottom of this.
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8/29/1936, Henry’s Office, Pierce Mansion
“I never lied, my boy.” Henry had told him after hearing everything, “Not to you.” he had said and hearing that, the two girls at the threshold, “But you didn’t tell the whole truth, either.” he had told him, hearing that, Henry had turned towards the two girls, “Sandra, this doesn’t concern you and your friend. Go to bed.” he had ordered, making Sandra angry, “I’m not three years old, Daddy. This affects me too.” she had told him.
That was when Namor said something VERY stupid.” Your father’s right.” he had told the two of them, making both surprised at that, “You should go to bed, and Nammu should wait outside.” he had said, making Sandy start to tear up while Nammu glared, both of them going and walking out, making sure that they had slammed the door on the way out as the two of them began their talk.
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“I still believe if leakage is the problem, then additional rigs are the solution.” Henry had said towards him, but Namor would have none of that, “No new construction until the oil leak is plugged.” the Prince had told him, making Henry sigh, “As you wish.” he said, rubbing the bridge of his nose, “I’ll put my engineers on it.” he had promised to him as Namor had started to think again.
“And I need something else… something to prove to Atlantis that land ties are good.” he had said and hearing that, Henry had smiled, “We’ll discuss it in the morning, my boy.” he had promised and hearing that, the Prince had went and started to walk out, looking around, expecting Nammu, so he had went and called for her instead, “Sandy!” he had shouted out to her window.
But there was no response at all, “SANDDYY!” He had shouted out and hearing that, Nammu had walked out from her shadow, “You’re getting stupid Namor.” Nammu had said, making him look at her in surprise, “Numma–?” “I’m going to my cousin to find out about the oil,” she said, “Don’t call me that until you’re thinking like an Atlantean again.” she had advised before leaving him all alone.
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8/30/1936, Claris Point, Long Beach
Namor was walking the beach, heading back to their old spot when things were more fun, when he had seen that there was somebody there, it was Liz with a blanket around herself, looking out into the sea, seeing that, he had approached her, “Liz!” he said, making her look to him, “You’re out early.” he had said towards her, “It’s the only time I can escape my parents.” she said, numbly.
Hearing that, he had went and sat by her side, “Lat night with Sandy?” she had asked with a smile, “No. She hates me.” he had said towards her, surprising Liz, “Why?” she had asked of him, pulling the blanket tighter around herself now, “Are you cold?” he had asked of her, “Freezing.” she had said and hearing that, the two of them had went and started hug, Namor not trying to notice her starting to cry.
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8/30/1936, Pierce Oil Rig, Pacific Ocean
Korra and Thakorr were working on the plugging, but it still wasn’t working, “Where’s Namor?” Beemer had asked, holding the basket where the quickfreeze was, “Why do I have to clean up his mess?” he had asked and that was making the tired queen angry, “If you WORKED as much as you WHINED, we’d be done.” she had said, angering her grandson somewhat.
“Namor’ll do his bit when he returns, don’t you worry.” she had told Beemer, but he wasn’t convinced in the least at that, “This isn’t working and you know it.” he had said, dropping the basket in annoyance, “We should tear this thing down and be done with it.” he had snapped before going and swimming away from them in annoyance, making Thakorr sigh at his grandson’s statement.
“I’m thinking Beemer might be right.” he had said, seeing as how it was still going, making Korra feel a bit defeated at all of it, “We’re in too deep, hon.” she had told him, confusing Thakorr as he had looked to her, “How so?” he had asked, usually he was the pessimist and her the optimist when things like this happened, “Look at the seabed.” she said, motioning towards all of the black gunk there.
“If we can’t plug these little gaps, what can we do with the bog ol’ hole they’ve drilled?” she had asked of him, seeing the problem now so much worse with the Surface Dwellers involvement now, “You’re saying we have no choice but to leave it up?” he had asked of his queen who had no real answer for him, “Maybe we CAN tear the rig down without a spill.” she had said.
“But do you really want to risk destroying Atlantis?” she had asked of her husband and hearing that, the two of them had both shaken their heads, neither one of them knowing if that would be the case or if things would end up so much worse in the future because of everything that was going on right now, hopefully Nammu and her cousin would have some answers soon about it.
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8/30/1936, Alchemists Workshop, Pacific Reef
Nammu had come in to the workshop and as she had done as much, Tali had grinned towards her as they had seen that the Alchemist had went and removed the mask that they had on before he had went and laughed towards them with glee, “[Thank you for showing me such a beautiful poison!]” the man had said and hearing that, the new arrival had looked at the Lemurian Alchemist.
“[Poison? What are you talking about?]” Nammu had said towards him as Tali had spoken instead, “[The muck? It is made from the blood of ancient serpents, it is all of them ground and made into something that blocks our gills, that suffocates us…]” she had said, making the Alchemist speak once more, “[And that is why it is so incredible!]” he had explained towards them.
“[To have found that a weapon like this–]” “[It isn’t a weapon, the surface dwellers use it as… I want to say fuel?]” she had said towards them, making the Alchemist lose their smile, “[Well then, that is all kinds of trouble,]” he had told them, “[Because if they pollute the waters fully with this, then they could kill us all and all ocean life too.]” he had explained and hearing that, the girls had gotten worried at that.
“[I need to warn the Queen about this.]” she had said, going to do as much when Tali spoke, “[Wait.]” she had said, making the cousin look towards her, “Are you sure?” she had asked, switching so the Alchemist couldn’t say anything stupid to someone, “I’m sure,” Nammu had said, “They’re as much my family as you.” she had said and hearing that, Tali had clasped her arm, “Then please be safe, cousin.”
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8/30/1936, The Royal Palace, Atlantis
Nammu had went and swam in and as she had done so, The Atlantean had seen that Namora and the Princess Fen had look at her, worried now, “Nammu, what did yu discover?” Namora had asked and hearing that, Nammu had taken a breath, “First off, what’s wrong?” she had asked, bowing to each before seeing that they were both dirty from the black muck covering them.
“We can’t cover all of the small holes, it’s… it’s too much, Namor is trying to find a solution but–” “He’s Namor, too interested in The Surface, doesn’t see that it’s hurting us.” she had said and hearing that, the two of them had nodded, making Nammu nod before she had started to tell them everything that she could about the whole situation and as she had done so, they got more and more worried as she told the results.