Captain DD's voice cut through the salty air like a warning bell.
"Now we are in the controlled waters of Iceland," he announced. "From this point onward, everything is under surveillance."
Almost on cue, the ship's horn blared—long and heavy. The sound echoed across the calm sea, rolling outward like a declaration of authority.
Captain DD tightened his grip on the wheel. "This place is guarded by naval commandos. Not patrolmen. Not soldiers. Commandos. Dangerous ones. They can take every single one of us down if they choose."
The mood on deck shifted instantly.
The free looseness of the open sea vanished. Even the wind felt restrained.
Ahead, a small armed vessel floated with a signal light raised high. Captain DD steered toward it without hesitation. The ship slowed, then stopped.
Five armed commandos boarded swiftly, boots striking the deck in perfect rhythm.
"Do you have weapons?" one of them barked. "Any weapons at all?"
Before Captain DD could answer, a voice came from the back.
"Leave it," another commando said casually. "That's Captain DD. He's our friend."
The tension broke slightly—but not fully.
The lead commando still narrowed his eyes. "Routine inspection?"
"Yes," the second replied. "Do it fast. And prepare them."
"Prepare them?" Vale whispered.
The commando smirked. "For the king. They're our most precious guests."
The words sent a faint chill down Vale's spine.
The inspection ended quickly. No resistance. No arguments.
Captain DD gave quiet orders. "Papaya. Banana. Take the apples."
There were many of them.
At least a ton, stacked carefully below deck.
Vale noticed how the guards watched the apples—not casually, but with intent.
The city revealed itself as they approached the palace.
It was breathtaking.
White stone structures reflected sunlight like mirrors. Streets without dust. Air without smoke. Beautiful women moved freely, laughing, dressed in fine fabric. The place felt unreal—too perfect.
But Vale barely noticed any of it.
His eyes were drawn upward.
The palace.
Its top floor glimmered like the crown of a mosque, except it wasn't marble.
It was gold.
Pure gold.
The sunlight bounced off it, flooding the city with a warm, blinding glow. Vale's breath caught in his throat.
They walked along a red carpet rolled out by the king himself.
"Heaven," someone whispered.
Vale didn't disagree.
"Hey! Captain DD!" the king shouted as they entered. "My boy!"
The king descended the steps personally, smiling wide. "I got your letter. I've been waiting for you."
Captain DD bowed slightly. "Thank you for the welcome, Your Highness."
The king threw an arm around DD's shoulders. "Come, come. Let's start with a drink."
He glanced at the others. "Who are they?"
Vale waved instinctively. "Hello, King."
Captain DD answered smoothly, "My friends. And crew."
A lie.
But a necessary one.
Alfred leaned toward Vale, whispering his name, but Vale didn't hear him. His attention was devoured by the gold-plated walls, the ceiling, the floor—everything screamed wealth beyond imagination.
They escorted Captain DD aside. A drink was served. Laughter echoed.
Then the king returned, eyes gleaming.
"What have you brought me this time?" he asked eagerly. "Gold?"
Captain DD smiled. "Something more precious."
He took an apple basket from Papaya and threw it to the ground.
The sound echoed sharply.
Guards rushed in with guns raised.
"No," the king ordered calmly. "Leave us."
The guards obeyed instantly.
The king knelt, dipping his fingers into the black liquid spilling from the crushed apple. He inhaled deeply.
His face changed.
"This…" he whispered. "This is exactly what I've been searching for."
Crude oil.
He laughed and slapped Captain DD's shoulder before rushing to his throne. Two massive gold bars were brought forth.
"Bring this to me," the king said eagerly. "As much as you can. I'll pay you whatever you want."
He pressed the gold into DD's hands.
"And tonight," he added, smiling thinly, "you stay. Full moon. The sea is unpredictable. I'm hosting a party."
His eyes glinted. "Ask for anything."
The smile that followed felt… wrong.
They were given rooms in the heart of the city.
Clean streets. Perfect order. Everything polished.
Women carried their luggage, smiling. One brushed her fingers along Captain DD's tie before leaving. Another placed drinks on the table and vanished.
Captain DD poured himself a drink. Then another. Then another.
Vale sighed contentedly. "The king is kind. A great ruler."
Captain DD laughed bitterly.
"Best?" he scoffed. "He's the worst."
Anna stiffened. "Go on."
Captain DD stood by the window, staring at the glowing city. He lit a cigar, smoke curling upward.
"They use their army to capture pirates," he said. "Tell the world it's for peace. Then they offer those pirates money, women, comfort."
Alfred's eyes narrowed.
"The king owns them," DD continued. "Unofficially."
Vale felt cold.
"They send those pirates to villages," DD said quietly. "Kidnap the men."
He pulled a gold bar from his pocket and held it up. "This? It smells like men who died in mines."
Silence.
"Strong men go to mining. Weak men clean sewage."
Anna's voice trembled. "The women?"
DD's jaw tightened. "They're shown mercy. Or so the world believes. In truth, they're turned into prostitutes. Rewards. Tools to bind loyalty."
Anna gagged.
Vale stood up slowly.
"Time is a boomerang," he said quietly. "It always comes back."
Captain DD laughed harshly. "You're going to fight them? Do you know how much power they have?"
Alfred spoke from behind, calm and certain.
"You don't know what Vale has."
The room fell silent.
The gold gleamed brighter than ever.
To be continued