Page 43 of Tiger's Destiny
“But what is it?” I replied.
Nilima explained. “It’s a prototype that Rajaram Industries has been developing.”
Ren climbed on top of the structure. “Kadam said he modeled it after the giant jellyfish.”
“But—” I stammered.
“I know. There wasn’t time,” Ren interrupted. “We haven’t figured out how or when he started developing it. But here it is nonetheless.”
Nilima shooed him away. “It’s part submersible, part luxury cruiser but with the full sustainability of a nuclear submarine. We call it a Skimmer because it doesn’t dive as deep as a sub. It’s meant for exploring reefs and shallow waters in comfort, though it can cross oceans as well.”
“It seems a bit small to cross oceans,” I said nervously.
“You’re only seeing the top deck,” Kishan protested. “Most of it’s underwater. It can stay submerged just as long as most modern submarines. We have the latest technology that creates oxygen from the ocean itself. Just wait until you see the bubble.”
“A bubble? What do you mean? Is it safe?”
“He’s referring to the observation bubble in the nose. That is the part modeled after your giant jellyfish, though this glass version is considerably larger. It provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding ocean,” Nilima added. “The engine runs quietly on a top-secret fuel-cell technology that takes its power from the ocean so as not to disturb under water ecosystems. We also installed a very unusual and not-yet-out-on-the-market type of underwater lighting so passengers can feel more a part of the ocean world. It’s been through numerous trials, Miss Kelsey. We even have a small motorboat on board.”
I put my hands on my hips. “That’s just . . . just amazing,” I marveled.
Ren moved past me, brushing against my shoulder softly without looking. He headed into the Skimmer’s dark interior and disappeared.
“And you’re sure they know how to drive this thing? It’s a pretty expensive underwater bumper car, Nilima.”
“Kelsey, relax. Ren’s been up most of the night practicing with me. We know what we’re doing.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that idea so I said nothing but the memory of Nilima dancing in Ren’s arms at the beach party suddenly flooded my mind and I had a hard time focusing. When all three of us were aboard the craft, Nilima waved and hollered out from the pier. “Be careful at Barren Island.”
“Why?”
“The volcano is active,” she shouted.
“What? What! Why doesn’t anybody tell me these things?”
Kishan laughed as he descended the ladder behind me. “Because we know you’ll react like this. Come on. Let me show you your room.”
As I shuffled through the boat, I mumbled about volcanoes and walking on hot lava, and about why Durga’s prophecies never ended at a day spa. I remembered a movie in which the lava ate away a guy’s legs to his knees, and his body melted into the pool of it.All things considered, fighting Lokesh might be easier.
Soon I forgot all about the volcano and marveled at the incredible invention Mr. Kadam had somehow been able to commission before his death. My room was decked out with a mini-fridge, a small sink, and cabinets on one side and a narrow table with a seating nook on the other. I had a luxurious private bath and a king-sized bed.
“Wait until you see your view,” Kishan said proudly.
He walked over to a long set of panels and pushed a button. With a quiet whir, the panels slid back, revealing floor to ceiling glass and it wasn’t until then that I realized that my room was a curved sort of pod. The glass mimicked the lining of the giant jellyfish, but the glass was crystal clear. The lights automatically dimmed, and I stepped forward on the invisible floor, gazing into the Andaman Sea.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Kishan whispered.
“It’s amazing! Are we moving already?” I asked, not being able to tell if a fish swam by us, or we moved past it.
“Yes. Can you feel it?”
I shook my head, impressed by how silent and still the craft was. Mr. Kishan had outdone himself.
Kishan left me to explore the rest of the ship, and rounding a corner, I found the observation bubble. Couches and soft chairs in silver were bolted somehow to the glass floor, and I sat there in silence for a time, surrounded by the ocean. A bit later, I climbed a set of stairs to find the control center where Ren sat in his own mini bubble above the waterline. Ren showed me some of the dials, and I admired the expansive view of the ocean through the curved glass.
“Too bad we can’t enjoy the breeze,” I mentioned.
Ren smiled softly and pushed a button. A section of the glass dome above us shifted and slid away. Instant sunroof.
