Difference between revisions of "Girl With the Sea-Green Eyes"

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(Chapter Five: Saltwater Exodus)
(Chapter Five: Saltwater Exodus)
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''I wonder if my family will get to see this,'' I thought.
 
''I wonder if my family will get to see this,'' I thought.
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Others did the same, or smiled, waved and posed.  The camera and its lights attracted us like moths.
  
 
Soon, it was time to leave.  I was ambivelant about leaving.  There was a lot to like about the ''Sutherland'' and its environs, and there's nothing that can beat getting to swim free.  But I kinda wanted to breathe air again, see the sky, but mostly I just wanted to be able to talk again.  I'm certain most of the others felt that way too, only more so, since they didn't have the outlet of being telepathic.  As soon as we broke surface, the chattering started, and didn't let up for quite some time.  Everyone had something they wanted to say.
 
Soon, it was time to leave.  I was ambivelant about leaving.  There was a lot to like about the ''Sutherland'' and its environs, and there's nothing that can beat getting to swim free.  But I kinda wanted to breathe air again, see the sky, but mostly I just wanted to be able to talk again.  I'm certain most of the others felt that way too, only more so, since they didn't have the outlet of being telepathic.  As soon as we broke surface, the chattering started, and didn't let up for quite some time.  Everyone had something they wanted to say.

Revision as of 13:22, 6 February 2012

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Xanadu story universe

Chapter One: Between the Vader and the Deep Blue Sea

The unusual demise of the Secretary of Defense did put a damper on the evening, but only for a while. Because, for the first time since my unwilling transformation into a Mervulcan almost two weeks before, I was looking at the possibility of actually getting to live life in what was now my natural environment, the sea! Better yet, my own true love and husband would be able to live there with me! Add to that, we have a child on the way! Just try to keep me down!

We spent much of the evening before Thanksgiving watching the unfolding drama on the news networks and debating what to do. Well before bed-time, we decided to just tell Master Harding/Windu what Vader told us and then leave the rest to the new Jedi Council. We ordered a pizza (extra anchovies) then retired for some serious cuddling.

On Thanksgiving day, I fixed pancakes for breakfast. Alex watched the news and took in a football game. I spent part of the day sorting through my clothes for things I couldn't wear anymore, like slacks, jeans, shoes, panties, hose, socks and soforth. I was thinking a big yard-sale or maybe just a big donation to the Salvation Army. I was also sorting with an eye to what I should wear to what probably will be the most important meeting of our lives. The rest of the afternoon I spent on the computer, looking up everything I could find on the Bahamas, Bimini, the Gulf Stream, artificial reefs, the R.B.O.S., Eric Winters, etc.

"No!" Alex groaned, "You're two scores down with less than five minutes! You can't punt! What are you thinking!"

"What's wrong sweetie?" I asked. "Tampa Bay coaching staff gone stupid again?"

He just growled and flipped his fin. "I don't think I can watch anymore of this." He changed the channel to where we were treated to yet another angle of the Secretary of Defense being Force-choked to death.

"Yuck! I don't think I can watch anymore of that."

"I agree." He sighed and started channel surfing. "You know they're only one Star Wars fan away from figuring out what killed him. That will put suspicion on all Force users."

"Perhaps, as more of his misdeeds come to light, they'll be less motivated to find out who dunnit."

"Perhaps, but I wouldn't count on it." Alex finally turned the TV off. "Find out anything interesting on the 'puter?"

"A few things. We won't be the first research station on or near Bimini. There's the Shark Lab or Bimini Biological Field Station. Also, according to legend, the Fountain of Youth is there."

"You're kidding. We're not gonna have folks hunting us down for our tears are we?" Alex chuckled.

"Seriously, we might want to keep tabs on any Jack Sparrows, Black Beards or other POTC4 Strangers that show up in our neighborhood."

Alex shook his head, "Sweet Mother Mary! You are serious!"

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That evening, we ate out at a restaurant that served turkey with all the trimmings. I wore the little black dress we bought in Orlando last week. Alex looked especially handsome in some more formal Jedi stuff. We invited Edna to come with us, which made it a family occasion as far as we were concerned. She found something nice that she hadn't worn in ages and was still at least somewhat in style. We attracted a lot of attention rolling in, but everyone was nice.

I really like turkey and I'm afraid I ate a lot of it. Even Alex noticed. You're gonna get gravy in your cleavage, he thought.

Oh dear! I thought back. If I keep eating like this, and don't get to burn it off in the water, I'm gonna start putting on weight.

You are eating for two now.

True, but one of us is only about the size of a peanut!

I konked out from the tryptophan on the way home. I kinda missed Alex being able to carry me, since I had to wake up and roll myself into the house. Next morning, I actually out-slept Alex. This made me consider the possibility that turkey has an even bigger effect on Vulcans than humans.

Friday and Saturday we did very little. During the day, we kept to ourselves, sort of the honeymoon we never got to have. Friday evening we were invited over to Edna's for dinner. We found that cooking is a major challenge when everybody in the house has a tail. We had to use Alex to 'Jedi' stuff off of the upper shelves. Even so, three Mers rolling around a kitchen is the very definition of chaos. We all had a good time, none-the-less, and dinner turned out better than expected. We invited Edna over Saturday night. I wimped out, however, and ordered Chinese.

Late Saturday evening, we got a long email from the R.B.O.S. They were going to meet us at the lake. We felt good about this. It would allow all of the Mers to take part in the discussion. A select group was going to be sent to Bimini and the Sutherland Express a week later, to inspect the site and determine what would be needed to make it habitable for Merfolk. I was so eager to get started that I could almost taste the sea!

Sunday, the two of us and Edna packed to leave. We also started deciding on what would go with us to Bimini. Everything else, except non-waterproof memorabilia, would be sold with the house. It would be put on the market as soon as we had a confirmed place to move to. This could not be too soon. One of us not walking was an inconvenience, both of us is a bitch.

Our plan was to stay in the lake Monday and Tuesday, then head for Ashville Wednesday. We considered leaving the van in Orlando and flying, but we felt we needed a means of escaping my folks house from time to time, or even leaving early, if the drama got too thick. We were rather curious, however, about how the airlines would go about accomodating us, and how the TSA would react to Alex's lightsaber.

By noon we were packed and ready to go. Just before leaving, we recieved a short email from Skye, asking us to come visit as soon as we could. It's hard to gauge emotion in an email, or any letter for that matter, but there was something so forlorn in that short little note that it made me want to weep. I convinced Alex that we should go there that very afternoon and Edna agreed to come too. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were very glad to hear from us when we called for directions, they were a bit worried about their younger daughter.

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It was a little past one when we arrived at the Walkers' farm. It had been a small orange growing operation at one time. There were still a lot of orange trees on the property, which gave it a very green and pleasant atmosphere. Alex and Edna wheeled down the path to the pond. I hung back a bit to talk with Gina Walker. Skye was not happy with with the swimming part of her world being confined to a small farm pond.

"At the Xanadu Center lake, she was surrounded by people like her," said Gina. "Here, she's constantly reminded of how different she is."

"Isn't it the same with Jamie?" I asked.

"Jamie's different, but at least he can run and play with the other kids. Also younger kids tend to be more accepting. Skye can only really play here in her pond. At the public pool, the chlorine hurts her gills."

"I know what that's like. What about school?"

"The district keeps dragging its feet about accommodating her. She's very mobile, even without a chair, but the way she has to move attracts a lot of attention. Also, she still needs to soak in water every few hours. We're trying to get her back into her old school, at least she has friends there. And, being in Orlando, there are a couple of Xanadu survivors among the students."

"Any of them Mers?"

"Unfortunately, no."

All this was worrysome. I told Gina about the research facility being set up near Bimini. She thought it would be a very good idea to let her spend time there, especially if we could arrange to get her some schooling while there. I asked permission to take her with us to the meeting Monday, since the decisions would concern her. It would also give her a chance to spend some more time with Merfolk.

I wheeled on down to the pond and leapt in. Though she didn't let on, it was plain that Skye was not her usual self. Even Edna, who hardly knew her, noticed. Only after Alex climbed up on the bank grabbed onto a rope suspended from an overhanging tree, swung out over the water and splashed in, did she cheer up.

"I'm next!" She slid up the bank and, with a boost from her dad, swung out and did a flip into the water.

I had to do it too, then Edna. Not to be out done, Alex climbed up to the diving board and, hopping on his tail, bounced out onto it and dove in.

"Hey! No fair!" I complained. "You know we can't do that."

"I bet I can!" said Skye. She crawled out, pulled herself up the short ladder and managed to balance long enough for a couple of bounces before jumping in. "See!"

"Yeah, see!" said Alex.

"Well, I'll try it sometime, but not today," I said.

Soon, Gina and Jim both joined us. Eventually, even Jaimie did, though he was reluctant to get his fur wet (I'm glad to say, he was not creepy at all, despite his size, but cute like Stewart Little in the movies). Only Erica abstained from swimming. She sat grooming herself, just beyond splash range. After, perhaps an hour, all except Skye, climbed out onto the grass to dry under the sun.

We told Skye about what was going on. She was more than happy to come with us. Both parents agreed, so her mom went inside to pack some overnight things for her.

Late that afternoon, we piled into the van and set out for the Xanadu Center. Things there were stabilized into a sort of new normal, Normal 2.0 you could call it. Most of the visible wreckage had been cleaned up (We still needed to do something about our cars!). There was talk about the Center hosting an event early next year, though it was hard for me to imagine who would come. All the physical damage would be fixed by then, no doubt. However, I can't imagine this place being able to live down all the lingering wierdness anytime soon.

We parked, then made our way down to the lake; Skye eagerly bouncing on my lap the whole way. Alex, with the help of Aurora, Julia and Angeline, gathered the Merfolk and explained to them what was going to happen tomorrow and what was at stake. It didn't take long to reach a favorable consensus. For one thing, there was a rumour circulating that the EPA was going to force the Center to close the lake. This would take away our original 'homeland'. Even those of us who didn't live there, and that was the majority now, come to the lake to keep up with what is happening in Merdom. A new, permanent home was all the more vital.

After that, it was time to talk to the Jedi Council. I could tell that Alex was worried. I offered to go with him, but he turned me down.

"If there's any fault, it's with me for not trying to dissuade him. Not that I could have, but still, I didn't try," he said, just before climbing out of the water. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Keep the water wet for me."

It was dusk and I was beginning to feel a bit hungry, so I began foraging about for some fishies. They were getting to be a little scarce I noticed, one of the reasons, I'm sure, that the EPA wants us out. I was just about to surface and sing for my supper, when I spotted Skye coming my way.

I surfaced and said to her, "Want to sing a duet with me for some sashimi?"

"Maybe later. Jackie's really sick!" Skye looked worried.

"What's wrong with her?" I remembered that I didn't see her at our gathering.

"I don't know. Can you talk to her? I think she might need a doctor."

I followed Skye. We found Jackie under an old cypress tree. She was wrapped around a root, pressing it against her abdomen. I swam up carefully and touched her arm so I could talk to her underwater.

You OK? I thought.

No! she groaned inwardly, My belly hurts!

Did you eat something bad? How does it hurt?

I don't think I did. It's an ache that kinda comes and goes. And...I think I'm bleeding from somewhere!

You think...Somewhere... I motioned for her to surface. I raised an eyebrow and stared at her.

"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Jackie! I know you used to be a guy, but really? Talk about denial!"

"What do you mean?" suddenly, her eyes widened in horror. "You don't mean? Oh no! Why...?"

"Because you've got two ovaries and a womb! That's why!"

"I meant, why now? Why do I have to be first?"

"Somebody has to be." A little more gently, I added, "Welcome to womanhood."

"What do I do? What will I do when we're in the sea?"

I sighed, "I don't really know." She had a point. What will we do when this happens out in the open sea? "I'll mention it to the others."

"Don't tell 'em it's me. I'm afraid they'll laugh."

"Nobody'll laugh sweetie, believe me." I swam back to where Skye was waiting.

"It's the moody monthly ain't it," said Skye solemnly.

I looked at her and nodded. "You and I won't have to worry about it for quite a while yet dear. You're too young and I'm preggers. I hope we'll get it figured out before we do have to face it ourselves. Now, how about that duet. I'm hungry!"

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It was getting near midnight when Alex came back and slid softly into the water. I was floating on my back, looking at the stars and thinking.

I'm over here. How did it go? I asked.

He swam up to me and gave me a hug, Not too bad. It was just me, Harding and Yoda. We decided that there was really nothing we could have done, and the bastard didn't deserve any warning. I still don't feel very good about it. I just didn't think Vader'd actually kill him.

Don't fret yourself over the likes of him. I held him close.

Oh, I won't, at least not much. Should such a thing ever happen again, I won't be so naive about the Sith; even when they're on our side.

you hungry? Want me to sing up some fish? Skye showed me how she does it.

Nah. I just want to sleep.

This was the first time either of us slept underwater. The other Mers do it all the time. I have to say it's quite relaxing and comfortable, kinda like being weightless. We hung on to each other and floated just above the bottom. If there'd been a current we would've needed an anchor to keep from drifting. I woke up early and refreshed. Alex was still asleep. I was starting to get used to nearly always being the first one awake. I gently disengaged myself from my sleeping merman and flicked my tail for the surface.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning with a crisp breeze from the north. A non-Mer might actually have found a chill in it. It was also quiet, there didn't seem to be anyone about. Then I spotted a figure sitting in a wheelchair on shore, about a hundred yards off. Curious, I submerged and swam toward it. I popped to the surface a few feet away. It was a man in late middle-age, long gray hair and beard, dressed as a pirate with an eye-patch. Ben Musgrave! He sat with his legs sprawled out, chin on chest, snoring loudly.

"Ben! Oh Ben! Captain!" I called to him. The snoring continued. He was only ten feet away, so I finally just filled my mouth with water and squirted him on the cheek.

"Huah! The devil and damnation!" He spluttered. I couldn't help but giggle.

"Missy! 'Tis you! I knew 'twere some fishy-tailed wench!"

"Where's Maddie? Since you're neither handicapped nor lazy, that can't be your chair."

"Huntin' fer you, I'd wager."

"Found you, I'd wager!" Came a voice from behind me, followed by a fin full of lake. A lot of splashing, giggling and chasing ensued.

Alex popped to the surface. "Hey! Can't a fellow get some sleep around here?"

"Evidently 'tis forbidden in these parts," said Ben.

"Ooo!" exclaimed Maddie. "So it is true! Alex is one of us now." She ducked under, swam all around him and resurfaced. "I approve of the new MerJedi version of Alex. Ben! You need a tail!"

"You'll have to drown him first," I said ruefully.

"A Merpirate she wants! Now I'll be afear'd to so much as take a bath in Milady's presence, lest she push me head under!" Ben shook his gray locks.

"I'm delighted to see you, but I thought you-all were sorta in exile," I said, changing the subject.

"We were assured that there were no charges against us and that none would be filed, if we attended this meeting," said Maddie.

"We got a special invitation too," I said. "Ours came with no implied threats."

We crawled out of the water and sat near Ben. He left Maddie's chair and sat cross-legged with us.

"When does the meeting start?" I asked.

Ben fished a watch out of his waistcoat and squinted at it. "We have almost an hour and a half."

"Who else has gotten an invitation?" said Alex.

"Tara Hayes," said Maddie.

"Never heard of her," said Alex.

"Oh, I have. I think. Would that be Dr. Tara Hayes-Williams, PhD. marine biologist and Director of the Gulfport Aquarium?" I turned to Alex. "I ran across her name when I was surfing the web last week.

Maddie nodded, "Yeah, and her husband is Samuel Williams, another PhD. He's a marine paleontologist. She's going to head our little venture."

"She is?" Alex looked disappointed. "No offense Ben, but I was hoping they would choose a Mer, not a biped. How is she going to keep in touch with what's going on? Wear scuba gear all the time or live under a dome?"

"How about an office and bungelow on Bimini," said Maddie. "Actually, it might be best for us not to be too closely supervised. More freedom."

Alex smiled and nodded, "You have a point there."

At about that time, some workmen emerged from the woods carrying a large table.

"Looks like they're getting ready to set up," I said. "We should go to the van and get ourselves ready."

"Not before we get some breakfast," said Alex. "Didn't you say something last night about singing up some fish?"

"Yum!" said Maddie. "Sounds good! Can I join you?"

"Sure!" I grinned at the captain. "How about you, Ben?"

He shuddered and shook his head, "Thankee, but no. I'll be headin' for yon inn and see what they might be servin'."

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After a breakfast of fish (so juicy sweet!), Alex and I made our way to the van. I climbed into the back and pulled out the dress I had chosen to wear. I began to have second thoughts. Should I dress up, knowing that many of my friends didn't have access to their wardrobes? Anything Maddie puts on, for example, turns into a black bustier. A few can wear no clothing at all. I can look good without being too fancy, I decided, and picked out a lacy, white top. I rummaged for a skirt. Do I really need one? Nothing inappropriate shows anyway. Am I not being silly for insisting on one? I glanced up from my revery to see Alex grinning and shaking his head.

"You realize you're fulfilling a stereotype of women don't you? Spending that much time and thought on what you're going to wear?"

"Oh hush! I am not. In fact, I'm done. This is what I'm wearing. Just be glad I don't have to think about shoes anymore!"

Alex's only choices are naked or Jedi. He went with Jedi. Of course, being a Merman, he can go nekkid without causing a stir. Sometimes I envy him for that.

We wheeled back down to the lake to find the table already set up and a few Mers already starting to gather. We deposited ourselves near the table, next to Ben and Maddie. The table was rather low, only about eighteen inches high. There were no chairs.

"They must think we have a problem getting into and out of chairs," speculated Alex.

"At least they're making an effort to accomodate us," said Maddie.

"And they're willing to set on the ground with us. Both good signs," I said.

"Looks like there's room for two more Mers on our side of the table," said Alex, "three, if we curl our tails tightly. Who should we invite?" He said it loud enough for the Mers in the water to hear, so a general discussion began. Julia, Aurora and Angeline were chosen.

"Skye!" I said. "She should be up here too! She rescued me and helped save Alex. She can sit on my lap." This was quickly agreed to. Excited, Skye climbed out of the lake and I sat her on my lap, where she tried not to bounce. "Well, guess we're ready now." Just then, I was distracted by an odd feeling, a sort of fluttering in my lower abdomen. What's that? I thought.

What's what? Thought Alex.

Whoa! I think I just felt the baby!

Really? Sure it ain't gas?

I searched with my mind. There came another flutter. Yep, it's Baby!

Cool!

"Ooo!" Skye brought me out of myself. "She's the prettiest Mermaid I've ever seen!" I looked up. Emerging from the path to the Xanadu Center was a mermaid carried by a large Black man. Her tail was long, the scales alternating from gold to silver, depending on how the sunlight hit them. Her fin was crescent-shaped. She also had large, pelvic fins, almost like wings. Her hair was long, straight and colored like her tail. I recognized her by her face and her husband who was carrying her.

Alex! I thought. That's Tara Hayes and Dr. Williams. I've seen their pictures on line. Only she wasn't a Mer then!

"I've seen them before!" Aurora whispered in my ear. "She was mermaiding with the rest of us when the Change happened. Her man came and took her away shortly after. Wonder who they are?"

I told her what I'd just told Alex. She was suitably impressed. "She was having fun. A good hobby for a marine biologist in my opinion. And an appropriate transformation. I bet she's thrilled!" Word was starting to spread, causing a stir among the assembled Merfolk. Angeline and Julia started to make room for the new comers to sit.

"That's OK," said Tara, "I'll just sit at the end here." She gave Williams a brief peck on the lips as he gently sat her down and took his place at her side.

A group of respectable looking people with some media then appeared on the path along with a man who looked like he'd just stepped out of a Broadway production of 'Cats'. A closer look revealed that he wasn't wearing a costume, the fur actually grew from his skin.

"That must be Winters' aide, Felix," said Julia, "Actually, he's kinda hot."

"Careful," said Aurora, "He looks more likely to see you as lunch than dating material."

"Where's Winters?" wondered Maddie. Her words were almost immediately followed by the sound of feathers slicing the air. A large raven flew over the trees and settled on the table near Felix.

Hmn...a clear stirring in the Force from this guy, mused Alex. As big as, if not bigger than Yoda's. I wonder if he knows his potential?

I stared, fascinated. Magic or no magic, he was a magnificent bird. So he's somehow the source of all this! I glanced down at my tail. Wow!

Chapter Two: Dead Bird Roasting or Thanksgiving With the Mendenhalls

Eric Winters lost little of his business and negotiating skills when he became a bird. He gave a brief presentation of the proposal then allowed the invited parties to introduce themselves. I let Alex do the talking for us. Then the Royal Bahamian Oceanographic Society told us what they wanted. Finally, it was time for questions and answers. It was Nina, one of the younger Mers that asked the most important question.

"How will we govern ourselves?" she asked. "Will we be allowed to choose our own leaders? Or, will they be chosen for us?"

Tara rightly guessed that the question was really intended for her. "I'm not really anybody's leader," she said. "I'm the liaison, the go-between for the scientific community, the R.B.O.S. and us Merfolk. How we govern ourselves is entirely up to us."

Though she was sincere, I doubted that that was entirely true. I was sure we wouldn't be allowed to set up a pirate republic, for example, without somebody intervening. I have little patience for politics. I'm embarrassed to say that I leave all that for Alex. Just then, as one might suspect, all that was on my mind was raising kids. I only wanted us to be left to live our own lives as best we could.

Everyone seemed satisfied with Tara's remarks. All that was left now was to choose who would go inspect our future home. The ten of us who sat at the table would go. They had room to fly fifteen. Jackie, Nina and Elena immediately volunteered. After some discussion and persuasion, Edna and Chrissie consented to come. We would meet again one week to the day, at noon at Orlando's airport.

At the word fly, Ben blanched and seemed inclined to decline, but Maddie took him by the arm and managed to settle him down.

"Tisn't natural, this flying business," he grumbled.

Upon the meeting breaking up, someone suggested lunch. I mentioned the Japanese sushi house Alex and I had patronised before. This proved overwhelmingly popular among the Merfolk and Felix and tolerable for the other bipeds, including the lone winged biped. Some planning and logistics were required to get us non-walking types there, but it proved a good opportunity to get to know the people we would be working with. Tara had a gentle, lilting laugh that seemed to come easily to her. She was also expert with her chopsticks, even with fully webbed fingers. Sam, her husband, was the quiet, studious sort; only holding forth when the subject of trilobites somehow came up. He looked more like a football player than a professor and had actually played for the Gators as an undergrad. A Professor Blake was the head of the R.B.O.S. delegation. He was a tall, thin Black man who smiled much, talked little and possessed the easy graciousness of the Oxford Don that he was. Felix looked a bit frightening when he smiled, but seemed harmless enough. He ate like a cat, somewhere between fiercely predatory and dainty. Eric alternated from pecking at his food to hopping about the table, taking part in the conversations.

I briefly became the center of attention when my maternal condition was mentioned. It was well past time for it to become common knowledge anyway. I blushed a bright green as toasts and congratulations were offered. Our little one fluttered as though aware of all the well wishes she was getting.

I consumed a hefty amount of sashimi and seaweed, but abstained from the saki this time. By midafternoon, we were back at the lake.

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We decided to leave for Ashville the next day, instead of waiting for Wednesday. Alex, it seemed, was a bit concerned that driving the whole trip in one day would tire me out.

"Tire me out?" I said. "I can bench press you over my head without straining! I'm sure I can carry a finger-tip sized Mer-person about inside me. Save it 'til about May or June, sweetie, I'll need your concern then, I'm certain." I have to confess that I was underestimating what growing a baby can take out of even a Vulcan woman.

Edna had already told us she would stay at the lake while we were in North Carolina. "Making up for lost time," she called it. We brought Skye back to her parents Tuesday morning. Then we were off.

Driving from Orlando to Ashville is a long ordeal, but not complicated; I-4 to I-95 across Georgia, switch to I-26 in South Carolina, then just keep driving. Altogether, about nine or ten hours, depending on how often you get gas, eat or use the restroom. We traded off driving every two hours. I cranked up the radio and sang along. Eating at drive throughs and paying for gas at the pump would give but minimal exposure of our Merness to the world. A little past Jacksonville we got gas and I had to pee.

I dreaded this. Using standard biped facilities as a Mermaid is a peculiarly undignified process at best. Crawling hands and tail in a public ladies room was out of the questian. That meant wrestling the wheelchair out of the back of the van (the lift was just too slow). I wheeled in to get the key from the stupified clerk, got in, did the necessary gymnastics on the porcelin and wheeled out. A mom and her little girl were waiting just out side. The little girl was cute. Her eyes lit up and she oo'd and ah'd. As for the mom's reaction, she must have thought I was the Loch Ness Monster. I smiled and tried to hand her the key. She turned and walked off, dragging her little one behind her. Guess she didn't have to pee all that bad afterall. That sobered me up. I didn't sing for another fifty miles. On the other hand, how would I have reacted in her position? One doesn't see a Mermaid emerging from a ladies' room every day. I would like to think, however, that I would recognize friendliness on all but the most alien of features.

We stopped at a motel near Hardeeville, South Carolina. After my gas stop experience, I was envisioning pitchforks and torches, so I was all for driving on through to my folks. Alex insisted, despite my argument that anxiety from being chased through the piney-woods would be more fatiguing for me and Baby than driving. I waited in the van, chewing my nails, while Alex crawled into the lobby. He crawled out a few minutes later, with the key in his mouth, trying not to laugh. The clerk was a male vulpine anthro who had just gotten back from Orlando a few days ago.

We both had a bath and a good night's sleep, followed by breakfast at the Hardees in Hardeeville. It was my turn to drive. I found a Bluegrass station and tried to get Alex to sing along with me. He's always been shy about singing in public, but never had problems belting out a good Irish ballad alone with me, 'til now.

"What's wrong, sweetie? You could croak in time to your farts and it wouldn't bother me none."

"I don't know. I just feel more constrained about singing since becomming a Mer." He looked thoughtful as he watched the passing countryside. "I have my own way of using the Force, I don't know if I could control it when I sing."

"Nonsense! I'm talking about doing it for fun."

"Even so, I worry about unleashing something."

"You might not even have that power. I've never heard of a male siren, have you?"

"Hmn...no. How 'bout I sing the same day you hop on your tail?"

"Deal! But I might need help. Maybe you should make me your padawan?"

"Only if you promise not to get pissy when I go all Yoda on you."

"That might be worth it. But that's a hard promise for a cranky, hormonal, pregnant Mermaid to keep."

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I wanted to drive the final leg, so we switched again at the last rest area before Ashville. We both lapsed into silence. It's usually a good idea to spend a little time psyching oneself up for getting together with my parents. Add my sisters and their families and anti-psychotic drugs are indicated as well. My oldest sister, Sarah, is five years my senior. She has two kids; a girl Taylor, eight and boy Eric, four. She had married a Durham lawyer Named Matthew Davis, who made a tidy sum defending tobacco companies. He's not a bad sort, just ambitious and very competative. Debbie is only two years older than me. She married Allen McAfee a physics professor who teaches at Duke. She has a one-year-old boy, named Isaac. Allen mumbles a lot and is always fused to his Ipad. Isaac is as cute as a button and is the one person there I most looked forward to seeing again.

Neither of my sisters are particularly responsible people. It's a wonder to me that one or both didn't end up either prematurely pregnant or buried in a shallow grave. Instead, both are raising kids for two rather ordinary, boring men. I'm the careful and cautious one, the one who ended up with a tail. Of course, so long as I can have Alex Harris, I'll be content with whatever Fate throws my way.

I pulled up in front of my old home and shut off the van. "Wee're heear," I said with a spooky voice.

"For what we're about to recieve, may we be eternally grateful." Alex crossed himself and then smiled sweetly at me. "You go first."

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We weren't really dissappointed to find that the front entrance didn't have a ramp, it was probably too soon to expect that. Alex hoped no one was watching as he levitated first me, then himself with the luggage onto the porch. I took a deep breath then rang the door bell.

"I'll get it!" That was Debbie's voice. I was sure Momma would have told everyone what to expect, probably in graphic, if not gruesome, detail. Nevertheless, when the door opened, I could almost see Debbie's brain do a double back flip. "Whoa, dang! You folks really are mermaids!" Sarah shoved Debbie aside to take a look. Eric peeked around his momma's legs and ran shrieking, "Auntie Han's a mermaid, she's got a fishtail!" Then there was an awkward pause.

"You girls gonna let your sister and hubby in?" I heard my poppa say, "or are you-all content to just stand there trappin' flies all day."

"Oh, uh OK," They bumped into each other a couple of times trying to get out of the way. Sarah has Momma's brilliant red hair. Debbie is a dark brunett like Poppa. They are both still quite good looking. I rolled in where they each hugged me.

Sarah began to cry, "Oh dear Lord! You're both all crippled up. What're you gonna do?"

Dear Lord indeed, I thought Is this the theme for this holiday? "I 'spect we'll do a lot of swimming and living in the sea." I smiled cheerfully.

"What about your poor baby?" sniffed Debbie, who was also about to open the sluices.

"'Spect she'll do a lot of swimming, since she's a Mermaid too." I was already starting to plot our escape.

"And Alex," said Sarah, "He's a mermaid..."

"Merman," interjected Alex.

Sarah really began to boohoo.

Have they been drinking? thought Alex.

Dear God, I hope not. Help me or I'll start too. Crying is contagious among women!

Of all people, it was my mother that rescued me. "What are you silly girls bawling about?!" She stood at the kitchen door, her fists on her hips.

"We're just worried about Han," Sarah wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Debbie nodded in agreement and sniffed.

"Well, you're getting her all upset, not to mention the children." She walked over and hugged me, "How you getting along sweetie?"

"I can feel the baby Momma! She started moving Monday!" Both sisters squealed and the mood changed instantly. The three mothers present began comparing experiences with each other and the mother-to-be.

After a few minutes of this, my Dad cleared his throat, "I'll just take you-all's bag and put it in your room. You might want to freshen up. Supper will be ready in just a few minutes."

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I closed my old bedroom door behind me and exhaled, "Well, that wasn't too bad, was it?"

"Not hardly so bad as a barium enema," Alex smiled agreeably.

I rolled to our bed, unzipped the bag and started rummaging through it, "I brought a long skirt. Maybe if they don't see so much of my tail..."

"We can hide our tails, but we can't hide the fact that we can't walk. That's what got them all worked up. They think of us as being handicapped."

"What can we do about that?" I asked, "It took me a while to get past that way of thinking myself."

Alex shrugged, "I have no idea. Perhaps it will just take time."

I nodded, slid off the chair, then looked under the bed and sniffed. I crawled over to the closet, opened it, then sniffed and poked around.

"What?...Oh." said Alex.

"You know, just something I gotta do sweetie. Have to see if the place is safe for me and Baby." I checked behind the dresser and desk. "Just be glad I don't feel the need to examine the whole house."

"That would start an interesting conversation."

"Oh hush!"

There was a quiet knock at the door. "Can we come in?" It was Taylor.

"Sure honey, come on in." I glanced at Alex, then smiled and shrugged.

The door opened slowly and Taylor peeked shyly in.

"Hi there, Tay-Tay, come on in." I was sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed, my tail stretched out, still in the mint-green blouse I put on in Hardeeville.

Taylor walked in and sat cross-legged on the carpet next to me. Eric sat opposite her. I grabbed them both and hugged them tight.

"You really are a mermaid now, Auntie Han," said Taylor.

"Yes."

"Forever and ever?" said Eric.

"So far as I know, sweetie."

"Can you swim and breathe underwater like Ariel and Spongebob?" asked Taylor.

"Yep!"

"Wish I could be a mermaid."

"Me too!" said Eric. "Mommie said I have a cousin in there," he poked my belly, "Can I listen?"

"You can try. She's real small," I showed them the end of my little finger.

"Can I touch your fishy part?" asked Taylor.

I nodded. She ran her hand up and down my scales while Eric listened intently to my navel. "That tickles!" I flipped my fin.

"Taylor! Eric!" Sarah shouted down the hallway, "Time to wash for supper!"

Taylor jumped up, then whispered in my ear, "Take me swimming, Auntie Han!" She turned to her brother, "C'mon Eric!"

As they left, I looked teary-eyed at Alex, who smiled at me, "I love my family. I'll always come back to visit them, no matter how long we've lived in the sea."

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Alex and I each bathed, changed clothing, then rolled into the diningroom. I briefly thought about hop/crawling, since it was more natural, but we decided it would be more jarring than wheeling would be. Matt and Allen were back, they had gone golfing earlier. They did a good job pretending that everything was completely normal.

By tradition, supper before the big feast was light; home-made vegetable soup and peanut butter sandwiches, this year. Conversation rolled around from topic to topic then settled on golf.

"Allen and I are going out to the course again tomorrow," said Matt. "I'd invite you too Alex, but it looks like your handicap has increased a lot since we last played."

Alex smiled politely, "You might be surprised."

"Does that mean you'll come?" asked Allen.

"Sure, if you-all don't mind driving me around in a golf-cart."

Or waiting patiently while you swim around in the water hazards.

"You can play golf like that?" Debbie looked amazed.

"Yeah, why not?" Alex sipped some milk.

Are you up to something Hon?

Who me?

"You sound confident," a predatory look briefly crossed Matt's face.

Alex nodded and took another PB sandwich off the platter. I could almost smell the testosterone.

"Confident enough to play skins?"

"Uh-huh," Alex nodded while munching.

"Same stakes as always?"

"Of course."

OK dear. Just promise me you won't fleece your brothers-in-law too badly. And no cheating!

I'm shocked! You know I would never use telekinesis in a game!

After supper, the guys retired to the TV room to play with the X-Box, the rest of us to the kitchen to start the holiday baking. Debbie plopped Isaac on my lap.

"Ooo, hello cuteness," I coo'ed. He was a lot bigger than he was four months ago.

"You can watch him while we're baking." said Debbie.

"Sure, but I wanna bake too," Isaac smiled at me, I smiled back, "Later."

I went into the livingroom, which was doubling as a playroom, slid off the chair and played with my nephews and niece. We played 'pirates versus mermaids' which involved me and Isaac growling and hissing while chasing the other two around on the floor. They 'captured' Isaac and hauled him up on the couch to collect his tears, but I managed to rescue him and drag him away before they could make him cry. Finally, I collapsed, exhausted on the middle of the floor. It had been a long day. Taylor and Eric ran off to see what was on the X-Box. Isaac crawled up to my head and sat down. I began to smell something bad.

He looked down at me, grinned and said, "poo!"

"Whew! No sh... er kidding! Guess Auntie Han will take care of it. Wonder where your mommie keeps the diaper bag." I sat up. "Taylor!"

A couple minutes later, "Yeah?"

"Bring me Isaac's diaper bag. He just poo'ed." I'm gonna have to get used to doing this...Actually, there won't be any diapering under water. Will that make things more icky or less?

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After I got Isaac all cleaned up, I noticed a much nicer smell wafting in from the kitchen, pumpkin and pecan pies baking. I wanted to go in there. I hauled myself up into the chair and reached down for Isaac. He giggled and crawled off. I rolled up to him and reached again. He crawled off again. "Come back here, varmint!" This time he placed himself between the couch and a chair where I couldn't reach him. I slid back off the wheelchair and grabbed him. "Gotcha! Now!...What?" There was no way I was getting back up there with one arm, not even with help from my tail. Isaac was a laughing, kicking, squealing bundle. One arm might not be enough to hold him. I couldn't run off and leave him by himself. Crap! This is embarrassing! Finally, I gave up and hollered for Taylor again. This time Debbie appeared.

"Everything alright, Han?"

Even more embarrassing. Poor Han needs help with the baby! No avoiding it now. "Yeah, just need an extra hand here."

"Sure!" She scooped her little one up in her arms.

He squealed again then began pawing at her blouse, "Mu-muh!"

Debbie blushed, "Must be feedin' time."

"I shouldn't wonder," I plopped myself into my chair, "considerin' how much he unloaded a few minutes ago." I laughed.

"Did you make a nasty for Auntie Han?"

"Poo!"

I followed Debbie into the kitchen. "Didn't you-all leave me any baking to do?"

"Uh, 'fraid not," said Sarah sheepishly. She and Momma were sitting at the table, sipping some hot cider.

"Sorry, Sweetie, we got carried away." Momma poured a cup for Debbie and me from a steaming pitcher. "We'll let you do the turkey tomorrow. You've always been best at that anyway."

"OK." I was just somewhat mollified. My fin still twitched with annoyance.

"Han changed Isaac all by herself!" Debbie was trying to be positive, but she said it like it was a major accomplishment.

"It's not like I haven't done it before!" (twitch-twitch)

"Well, uh...It's the first time since...since."

I was tempted to say, "Since I got all crippled up?" but I refrained.

Debbie stumbled into silence and went back to feeding Isaac.

"I think it's time everyone settled down and went to bed," said Momma.

"Yeah, I agree. Cleaning all that poo really tuckered me out." I couldn't help jabbing just a little.

Isaac started making rude fart noises on his mommie's breast. We all giggled.

"I think you've had quite enough mu-muh!" Debbie turned beet-red and the tension melted away.

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I was quite spent by the time we turned in. I don't remember anything after we turned out the light. When I awoke, just before daylight, I was lying in the same position with a drool-soaked patch on the pillow. Despite the long nap, I felt out-of-sorts, a little light-headed. I crawled to the bathroom in my nightgown, I didn't care if anyone saw me, pee'd, then bathed in the tub. That's my dirty little secret. I do both in the tub; being sure to rinse everything out real well in between. I know, it's not very tasteful, but better than wetting the floor while trying to use a human toilet. I dried off, brushed my teeth then crawled back across the hall.

I was sitting on the corner of the bed, brushing my hair when my mom softly knocked on the door. She poked her head in and motioned for me to follow her. I rolled into the kitchen to find her sitting at the table. She handed me a sheet of paper.

"Please don't be offended," she said. "We just want to help."

It was an advertisement put out by a Dr. Nehemiah, claiming to be able to treat the Xanadu effect. There were before and after pictures of a faun. I sighed, "They just clipped his horns and bobbed his ears. They don't even show his lower body. This man's a fraud. Anyway, Momma, there's not a plastic surgeon alive that can give me working legs, I'll keep my tail." I flipped my fin a bit. "I've grown rather fond of it, in fact."

"I'm not talking about surgery. Read on down."

I continued to read. "Magic? He claims to use magic? Only Xanadu survivors have magic and none of them are powerful enough to undo the Effect, and only a few can modify it. The baby and I have been through three transformations, can't we count our blessings and just leave well enough alone?"

"It's not about this," she tapped the wheelchair. "Or how you look. We just don't want to lose you."

"Lose us?"

"To the sea. We're afraid you'll go off to the sea and never come back," she put her face in her hands. "I just couldn't bear it!"

"Oh Momma," I put my arms around her. "Nothing could keep me away forever, certainly not having to use a chair to get around while here."

"Promise?" she took off her glasses and dried her eyes.

"Cross my heart."

"Well," she began tearing up the ad. "We'll speak no more of this. And, sweet Hannah, you do have a very pretty tail."

"Why thank you, Momma." My eyes filled and we hugged again.

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I crawled back into bed about when Alex crawled out. "Have fun at your golf game." I was back asleep before he left.

I dreamed that I was deep, deep underwater. It was very cold; there was some kind of wet suit covering my body and tail. I was inside of an old wreck, searching for something. Suddenly there was a knocking sound. I turned my flashlight to a half-rotted wooden door. Bits of it flaked off as the knock was repeated. Then it opened to reveal a zombie sailor which reached for me and said, "Get up sleepy-head! I've been knocking and knocking!" It was Sarah.

I yelped and rolled out of bed onto the floor.

"Careful now! You've got a baby on board. Hop up in your chair and follow me. The turkey's waiting."

I quickly changed into a sweater-top, there was no hopping, and followed Sarah to the kitchen.

Debbie was sitting at the table feeding Isaac.

Momma was standing by the sink spraying tepid water over the bird. "It's just about thawed sweetie."

"Great!" I smiled and wheeled toward the sink. Then it hit me, the scent of raw turkey. My stomach did a triple back flip. I just had time to exclaim, "Auugh! Bahfroom!" and clapped both hands over my mouth, effectively immobilizing myself.

As a general rule, my mother is terrible in a crisis. Under threat of having her nice kitchen sprayed with stomach contents, however, she knew exactly what to do. She sprang forward, grabbed the back of my chair, spun me about and charged down tha hallway to the bathroom. I slid off, stuck my head in the toilet and unloaded. I barfed everything in me but the baby. I barfed stuff I'd only thought about eating. I lost ideas down that toilet.

"Here sweetie, let me get your hair outta the way!"

"Don't care 'bout my haarrgh!"

Finally, after what seemed like years, I was able to lean back against the tub and relax. "Help...me...get this sweater...off, Mommie." It was filthy. While she was taking it and my bra to the laundry room, I looped my tail over the side of the tub, pulled myself in and turned on the shower. As the cold water soothed and washed me, I rubbed my belly and thought, Hope you won't mind being an only child, dearest.

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Matt stopped at the first tee. "This is the men's tee, they don't have mermen's tees, is this OK?"

Alex nodded, "No problem." He turned and pulled the driver out of his rented bag. His clubs were left, unthought about, in Florida. They would have been too long for his new 'stance' anyway.

"Who goes first?"

"Age before beauty, that means you Matthew," said Allen.

"Yeah, sure," said Matt. He seemed distracted. Perhaps Alex's unnatural calm before an impending thrashing disturbed him. Surely to God, he thought, He can't golf like that. He's practically on his knees, or would be if he had knees. Matt teed up and drove. The ball flew straight and true and stopped a respectable distance down the fairway. Allen was next, his ball hit the rough, but bounced back into the fairway and rolled to a halt, just a little short of Matt's.

Alex slid out of the cart and crawled up to the tee area. He fished about in his pockets for a moment, produced the ball and tee and stuck them in the ground. Next he raised himself on his tail, hopped a couple of times, until he was satisfied, closed his eyes and swung. The ball landed on the fairway about ten yards past Matt's.

Oh...shit, he's gonna beat us with his freaking eyes closed.

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A few minutes later my mom came back with a bathrobe. "Here you go sweetie...Oh my goodness! That water's frigid! How can you stand it?"

"I tolerate cold a lot better nowadays." I reached up and turned off the shower. "Can you hand me a towel please, Momma?"

All dried off, in the warm robe and back in my chair, I felt better, but dared not go back into the kitchen and told Momma so.

"Don't you worry, we'll take care of the turkey. You go lie down. Should we call Alex?"

"No sense spoiling his fun. It's not like it's something he could help me with." On the other hand, I thought wickedly, He did knock me up. Maybe I should spoil his day.

I laid myself down on the bed and closed my eyes. I wasn't sleepy, so I just lay there, trying not to think about food, especially turkey. There was a light knock at the bedroom door.

"Come in." It was Taylor.

"Can I lie down next to you?"

"Sure."

She jumped onto the bed and cuddled up to me. "Are you OK, Han? We could hear you barf all over the house.

"I'm OK so long as nobody talks about barfing."

"You shoulda heard Debbie summer before last, she cussed at Allen and said the baby was turning her inside out!"

"Taylor."

"OK, I'll shut up." She made a motion as though zipping her lips together. She was quiet for a few moments, her head resting on my shoulder. Then she whispered into my ear, "Han, make me a mermaid."

"I can't do that sweetie. What would your mother say?"

"What about Alex, you turned him into a mermaid."

"Merman."

"Merman, sorry."

"It was to save him from drowning. It's way too dangerous and there's no going back. What if you find out you don't like it? It ain't all frolicking in the sea. There are fun things you can't do like run or ride a bike."

"Still, it's what I want!"

"Tell you what, when you're all grown up, if you still want to, and it can be done safely, we'll talk about it again."

"Well, I guess so. That's an awful long time, Han."

"Important things need to be thought about a lot and while you're grown up, especially when there are no do-overs." That seemed to pacify her, but our conversation set me thinking, How did we change Edna? Was it her desire or our power? Could we do it again? Dare we ever try? It wasn't even our intent.

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After seventeen holes, Alex and Matt stood at four apiece, Allen had three. Alex's Jedi abilities allowed him to shoot straight, but there was no getting around the fact that, when it comes to distance, a tail just doesn't have the leverage of a pair of legs. He lead through much of the match, but could not put Matt or Allen away. On the last hole Matt hit into the water hazard (Alex offered to retreive his ball). That left Alex and Allen in contention. Allen got on the green first and managed to drain the put. The final score was four all. After that the three brothers-in-law sat on a bench and argued for a bit. Alex ended up slightly ahead in cash, due to winning some side bets (including one wager on how fast he could swim across the duck pond). Matt conceded that Alex suffered no net loss in his golf game.

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I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, Taylor was gone and Alex was sitting next to the bed with my hand in his.

"Hi there! I didn't hear you come in."

"They told me you had a rough time earlier. Dinner's ready, do you think you're up to eating?"

"I'm ravenous, but kinda aprehensive, if you know what I mean."

"I think so. Want to give it a try?"

I didn't even make it all the way to the kitchen. Even the smell of cooked turkey, something I usually really like, was too much. I ended up in the rec room eating mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole and cranberry sauce. The cranberry sauce made me feel better, must have been the tartness. I also ate a piece of pecan pie with no ill effects. Altogether not too bad, considering. Alex sat next to me and sweetly refrained from eating turkey in front of me. I've decided to let him live.

Chapter Three: Water Dancing and the Silent Sisters

After dinner we watched Christmas specials for a while, then listened and sang along with some Carols and classic Christmas songs on the stereo. Altogether, not a bad evening at all.

I awoke before dawn with a strong urge to swim. The bathtub wasn't going to cut it this time. Fortunately, I knew what to do, but I wasn't going to do it alone.

I whispered in Alex's ear, "Sweetie. Honey. Wake up."

He grunted, turned toward me and opened one eye.

"Time for some splashies! Sound good?"

"Uh huh."

"Not talking about the tub neither. There's an old swinnin' hole couple hundred yards back in the woods behind the house."

He opened both eyes. "OK, Darlin', you have my attention."

I had never mentioned the swimming hole to Alex before. I hadn't thought about it in years. Sarah discovered it the Spring after we moved here, ten years ago. We thought it was our own little secret. Later, during the Summer, we used to sneak out there to cool off. Sarah and Debbie would skinny-dip, but I wasn't comfortable doing that. I was the cautious one, remember. I would wear a swimsuit under my clothes. Well, as one might imagine, it wasn't just our little secret. There soon arose an intelligence network that would have done the resistence in Nazi-occupied Europe proud. Within minutes, of us sneaking through the back fence, every adolescent boy in the neighborhood knew that the Mendenhall girls were on their way to the swimming hole again. How we managed to not know we were being observed can only be attributed to our utter cluelessness. This might have gone on indefinitely, but one day some young lad got too ambitious and stole our clothes. Since I was the only one with a stitch on, I had to walk the gauntlet in my pink pinstriped two-piece to fetch something for my elder siblings to wear. How Mom and Dad managed to not find out can only be attributed to their utter cluelessness. I'm only thankful that no one thought to make a video of us and put it online. Sarah never went back there again. It took a couple of years and an especially hot Summer for Debbie and I to work up the nerve to return; and we only did so after finding the most unappealing swimwear we could imagine.

Today, being a land-locked Mermaid, nothing could keep me away. In any case, I figured that it being the first of December and forty-five degrees, our privacy was safe. We dressed quietly, mounted our chairs and slipped out the back door. It was foggy, with the eastern sky just barely beginning to brighten. Alex levitated us off the porch. The yard was almost too wet and soft for wheeling. The back gate was overgrown and hard to open as well. The path to the creek was narrow and bumpy but firm. When we got to it, the misty stream was so beautiful, we had to just sit there and contemplate it for a while. Finally, we stripped and slipped in.

The water was gloriously brisk, but not at all chilling for a couple of Mers. The hole was a fair size for humans to swim in, but we hadn't room enough really to build up any speed. It was also so shallow that I could do a hand stand with half my tail in the air. We gave no thought to complaining, however, and just enjoyed it.

A few feet out from where we entered the water was a large, flat rock. My sisters and I had actually named it Mermaid Rock. We would climb up on it to sun ourselves and talk and giggle. Right then, I was circling it underwater, when I surprised a bluegill. I whapped it on the noggin and stuck it in my teeth.

Alex Dear, I found a snack. Meet me on the rock and we'll share.

I had just pulled myself up onto the rock when I heard a gasp. It was my dad and Sarah. They had apparently been there just long enough to find the wheelchairs and clothing but not long enough to absorb the implications; when I emerged, naked with a fish wriggling in my mouth.

Oh shit! Major faux pa. I thought to Alex, while covering my boobs with one arm and grabbing the fish with my other hand. I had tied my hair up, so I couldn't use it for cover. Why does this always have to happen to me! "Hi Poppa, hi sis!" I began to lose my balance. I had to either let loose the boobs or the fish. The bluegill got away. "Just enjoying a refreshing swim!" I giggled nervously.

"But...it's...freezing out," said Sarah.

My dad did a marvelous imitation of the bluegill's face, then averted his gaze. Alex stayed under the surface.

Help me! Do something! I slipped back into the water and loosed my hair. "Has to be pretty darn cold to keep Merfolk from swimming!" I said aloud.

Like what?

I don't care! Just stop hiding!

I am not hiding! I'm being modest.

Modest! You don't have boobs and they can't see your...your. Just get up here!

Alex breeched like a dolphin and splashed back in. Sarah couldn't help but applaud. I could sense what Alex was intending and quickly joined him. Soon we were frolicking and leaping as much as we could in the little shallow pool (I had to keep stopping and rearranging to make certain no nipples were exposed). After a bit, even my dad was getting in to it. Finally, we stopped to catch our breath and slowly swam up to our audience.

"Wow! That's fantastic! I didn't realize you-all could do stuff like that!" said Sarah.

"That's why we sneaked out here," I replied, "After several days cooped up on land, we really needed to stretch our tails."

"You didn't really have to sneak," said my dad. "We would have understood."

"Sorry about snooping up on you. We were a bit concerned when we saw you were gone." said Sarah. "I even forgot this was out here." Suddenly her eyes lit up, "Hey! Everyone, especially the kids, would have loved to have seen that. Could you do it again?"

I looked at Alex, who winked at me, "Sure! We ought to be rested up by the time you herd them all out here. Only," I added quietly, "Could you hand me my bra first."

About a half-hour later, we did a repeat performance. The children were thrilled. It was all her mom could do to keep Taylor from jumping into the (what was for her) freezing water.

"That was wonderful!" said my mom, "But you all need to come out of there. You may not be cold, but just seeing you in there is chilling me to death!"

"How do you stand it?" asked Debbie.

"I don't know," I said. "I guess it's just the way we are now."

We hauled ourselves out and started getting dressed. Our lack of legs didn't seem to bother anyone anymore.

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Saturday morning, we packed to leave. We said our good-byes, made promises to return and extracted promises to come visit us at our new home. I felt better leaving than arriving, but not because we were leaving.

The day's journey was quiet and uneventful. I was a little concerned about motion-sickness, but it didn't happen. So far, Thursday was my only attack of morning sickness. Once again, we stopped to spend the night in Hardeeville. There, at the motel run by the fox-guy, we knew we would always be welcome.

I had been skeptical about tales of pregnant women being subject to strange food cravings. This is despite observing both of my sisters. I just thought it was their imaginations at work. That evening, however, while soaking in the tub, Alex asked me what I wanted for supper.

"Hmn...How about pizza?"

"Sounds good. There's a place that delivers."

"Deluxe with extra anchovies."

"Yum!"

"And...sauerkraut!"

Alex crawled into the bathroom and sat next to the tub. "Did you say, sauerkraut?"

I smiled sweetly and nodded.

"I don't think they make them like that."

"Please? We passed a super-market on the way here. It's just a couple of blocks away. You can get a jar of kraut and be back before the delivery guy." I bounced and flipped my fin; sloushing water onto the floor. "Pretty please?"

"Sure, OK." He looked doubtful, but got dressed, hopped into his wheelchair and left. I drained the tub, dried off, put on a robe, crawled to the phone and called in the pizza. I ordered some hot-wings and garlic-bread as well. I was hungry and, after all, eating for two.

Alex did get back before the pizza with a big jar of kraut. I couldn't wait. I popped it open and stuck in my fingers.

"Want some?" I slurped-down a handfull. It was the most wonderful-tasting stuff ever! I giggled as the juice ran down my cleavage.

"Uh...No thanks."

Then there was a knock at the door. The delivery guy got through the transaction OK, despite the Merman in the wheelchair who answered his knock and the obviously deranged, cackling Mermaid in the background sitting on the bed and noisily munching sauerkraut out of a jar. Alex separated out his half of the pizza while I dumped most of the rest of the jar on my half. It was wonderful!

Finally sated, I belched, rolled myself into the covers and slept the sleep of the blameless.

I didn't feel so well when I woke up later that night. While pregnant, it's always wise to keep in mind that you might be seeing again what you've just eaten and plan your meals accordingly. I was very queazy with terrible heartburn. Fortunately, Alex, a prescient Jedi and considerate mate, had picked up some antacids with the sauerkraut. I managed to keep supper down and felt better in the morning.

We started off after breakfast (rather bland in my case). I decided to drive the first leg. I'm less prone to motion sickness when I drive. We listened to music and speculated about what it would be like living underwater. We quickly ran out of stuff to say, simply because we had no clue what it would be like.

Early that evening, we pulled into the Convention Center parking lot, found a spot, then made our way down to the lake. We were greeted by a large orange sign. The EPA wants us out in ten days.

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We slipped into the water together. The first mer we met was Jackie. She was so happy to see us, she did a little twisting dance then motioned for us to surface.

"I'm so relieved! You saw the signs?"

"Yes, bummer!" said Alex.

"That doesn't give us much time," I said. "We don't even know what we need to do to make the Sutherland Express livable!"

"No need to get upset just yet," said Alex. "They're not going to net us all and toss us onto the grass. As long as we're making progress, I doubt they'll do anything at all, if the deadline expires on us."

"I hope so," I sounded doubtful.

"Hannah, we need you to talk to the Silent Sisters," said Jackie. "They know something's up, but we haven't been able to explain it to them yet."

The Silent Sisters are Mers who are exclusively water-breathers. Originally there were six. Two died before they were able to reach water. Without vocal-chords, lungs or even tongues, they cannot speak at all, while we can only speak above the surface, where they cannot breath. My contact telepathy has been our only means to communicate with them, though they've been developing a form of signing among themselves.

The three of us swam toward the corner of the lake where they usually kept to themselves. I took Jackie's hand. We should all learn the Sisters' sign language. We're all silent under water and the Sutherland is under dozens of fathoms. We can't just pop up to the surface every time we need to talk, and Alex and I can't be everywhere.

Jackie nodded, I'm not going to like that very much, I enjoy talking.

And I enjoy singing, I thought back. There's gonna be a lot of things to get used to.

Don't fret, the surface won't be that far above us, thought Alex to us.

I spotted Elise first. Even in the evening's fading light, she was easy to see. With long, wavy golden hair, a violet tail and lacy, flowing, blood-red caudal, pelvic and dorsal fins, she seemed almost to glow. When she saw us, she smiled and extended her arms toward me. I swam a little ahead of the others and embraced her.

How are you?

Good. Who's the Merman?

That's Alex, my husband.

Hello, thought Alex.

Elise raised her eyebrows, He's a telepath too? Without needing physical contact?

Yes, he only needs physical contact to 'hear' non-telepaths.

Interesting. She waved at Alex. We saw Jackie and a Black Mermaid with a striped tail...

That would be Aurora.

They were trying to tell us something. They could only talk in the air, that distorted the sound too much, we couldn't understand.

Yeah. What they were trying to say...Well, it's like one of those good news/bad news jokes.

OK. Let's have the bad news first. Elise smiled, revealing her long, pointed teeth.

The EPA wants all the Mers out of this lake in ten days.

Her smile faded, Well, we all knew we probably couldn't stay here forever. What's the good news?

We already have a new home lined up. It's in the Atlantic near Bimini.

That is good news! She swam a little dance around me, then took my hands again. How are they going to transport us?

I don't know, but this all seems well planned. They'll have something thought out. I saw Sallie and Annie, two of the other three Silent Sisters, swimming toward us. The remaining Sister, Honey, was further away, slowly circling. Honey was the shyest one. She's never let me close enough to 'talk' to her. I don't even know if Honey is her real name.

I hope so. They can't just load us on a plane or bus like the others.

Sallie and Annie came up and we linked hands. I motioned for Jackie join us. They were a little skittish about Alex, so he kept his distance. Honey continued to circle at the edge of sight. I repeated what I had told Elise.

Who are 'they'? asked Annie.

I told them about the Royal Bahamian Oceanographic Society, Eric Winters and Tara. They were happy to hear that Tara was a Mermaid and would be our contact with the surface world. Finally, I asked them how they were progressing with sign language.

It's not easy making up something like that from scratch, thought Elise, Especially when we have no other way of communicating.

Would it help if we found someone who knows American Sign Language? I asked.

Maybe, but, she held up a hand and wiggled fully webbed fingers, I don't know if that will work with these.

We'll see what can be done, I thought, We'll all need it in our new home.

It was fully dark by the time we left the Sisters. Alex and I found a likely spot and turned in.

Chapter Four: The Pilgrim Mers

It should be no surprise that, with all the anticipation, I was unable to sleep. At some point, I gave up and allowed myself to float to the surface. Someone had built a small fire where the Walkers had had their camp. I submerged and swam closer. A few feet from shore, I went up to take a peek. There was Captain Ben and Maddie sitting near the fire. Closer, with her back to me was another Mermaid, who I recognized as Jackie. I didn't want to sneak, so I made a noisy little splash.

"Who's there?" asked Maddie. Jackie also turned to look.

"It's me. I couldn't sleep."

"Oh, hi Hannah. Want to join us then?"

"Sure, if you don't mind." I crawled out of the lake and flopped down between Jackie and Maddie. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Just enjoying the fire," said Jackie. "I've always liked fires. I'm gonna miss 'em."

"I know what you mean," I sighed and stared at the crackling flames.

"We won't be able to cook will we?"

"Nope. If we didn't already like sashimi, we'd have to learn."

"Now, now, it's not as though ye'll be leavin' the world entirely. T'will be but a few fathoms up." Ben took out an old clay pipe and began filling it.

"Ben, Maddie, what will you two be doing?" I asked.

"I fear I won't be livin' in any sunken freighters." said Ben.

"I go where he goes," said Maddie, who then leaned her head on Ben's shoulder.

"That shall always be on or near the sea. Ye can be sure of that lassie." He leaned forward, took a twig from the fire, lit his pipe, then put his arm around Maddie.

"I wonder why they were so insistant that we come?"

None of us had an answer for her.

We all drifted off into our own thoughts and eventually, I grew sleepy. I bade everyone a good night and slipped back into the water. I found Alex, curled myself around him and finally fell asleep.

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Alex kissed me awake. The sun streamed down on to us, the beams going here and there according to how the ripples on the surface moved.

What time is it? I yawned and stretched.

Alex shrugged. Time we got up and got moving. Want to come to the surface and sing-up some breakfast?

I yawned again. I thought I'd never get to sleep last night. I'll come up and get some air in just a minute. I tried to rub the sleep out of my eyes. Alex circled and jumped, making a huge splash. Then he charged out of the cloud of bubbles, grabbed my tail and drug me along behind him.

Don't mess with me! I ain't in the mood! I twisted around and bit his tail fin (not hard). Soon, we were thrashing, wrestling and tickling. We became flushed and excited, especially when his frills brushed against my tail. I just can't resist that. Ooo, OK. You have my permission to mess with me now. Our tails entwined and we spiraled slowly to the bottom of the lake.

A few minutes later, we were swimming hand-in-hand toward the shore. Ben had built the fire back up and was toasting some fish Maddie had caught. She broke surface a few yards ahead of us, a fish in each hand and a third in her teeth. She motioned for us to follow her. Near shore, she tossed them one by one to Ben, who deftly caught each one and began cleaning them with his knife.

"Want some?" asked Maddie. "I caught more than enough."

"Sure," I said, "but ask him not to cook mine."

"Don't worry!" she laughed. "He's only roasting his own."

"Cool," said Alex. "We're used to just ripping into them. Filets will be just like eating in a sushi house!"

We were soon enjoying a pleasant breakfast. Not long after we were joined by other residents of the lake, who playfully tossed fish to Ben, who equally playfully tossed filets back to the hungry mermaids. Eventually all twelve who were to go to Bimini were sitting, laughing, talking and eating around the fire.

"You're marvelous fast at that Ben!" I said.

He chuckled as he finished the last filet and handed it to Angeline. "Not such a marvel. I started out as an assistant to a ship's cook. A lad has to work right smartly to keep up with so many hungry bellies. You should see how fast I can peel a hogshead o' taters!"

About that time, I saw Professor Williams carrying Tara down the path from the parking lot. We waved and made room for them. They sat themselves near Ben.

"We just came down to say hi, and I wanted to swim the lake. Believe it or not, I've never been in it!" said Tara.

"We just finished up breakfast, would you like us to catch more. It's really not a bother." said Maddie.

"That's OK we already...ooo! You left the best parts!" Tara picked up a fish head and popped it into her mouth (CRUNCH, Crunch crunch). Ben blanched. Sam turned away; he couldn't look at what his wife was eating. I got a little queasy, but most of the Mers agreed with Tara. Soon the fish heads were passed around and consumed.

"I was a little surprised to see you all out on land." continued Tara.

"This is a bit unusual for us," said Alex. "We usually eat separately in the lake."

"Away from the eyes of more civilized folk...ow!" Ben rubbed his arm where Maddie punched it.

"Would you like for us to give you the grand tour?" I asked.

"Sure, let's go," said Tara. In an instant the Mers swarmed into the water, like seals being chased by a polar bear.

Ben sat puffing his pipe and shaking his head. Professor Williams turned to him. "I see you like tobacco, may I offer you a cigar?"

"You most certainly may." Ben tapped out his pipe and accepted the gift.

"Don't tell anyone," Williams smiled conspiratorially, "They're Cuban." He pulled a second out for himself.

"I see that yer a gentleman as well as a scholar, perfesser."

"Call me Sam."

"Sam, let's go fer a walk and compare the winsome ways of fishy-tailed wenches."

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I had never seen Tara swim before; I was quite impressed. Her large pelvic fins probably slowed her a bit, but the grace and manuverability they gave her more than compensated. I felt like a cowboy-booted line dancer next to a ballerina.

It didn't take long to show Tara the lake, It was less than ten acres, and to introduce her to the remainder of the inhabitants, including the Silent Sisters (I served as go-between). I was a little dismayed to learn that she didn't know about the sisters. She promissed, however to oversee the special arrangements that would be needed to transport them across land to the sea.

Soon, it was time to leave. Winters had a van sent to the lakeshore for us. At the airport, we were driven to a spot on the tarmac where a small turboprop charter was waiting. Also waiting were the Walkers, Jim, Gina, Skye and Jamie, who was carrying Erica. Jim cradled Skye in his arms. There were chairs enough for all of us, even those who didn't have one of their own, but I've always been glad to carry Skye on my lap. We hugged her and all the Walkers, and stroked Erica, who purred and swished her tail, then we were carried one by one onto the plane. I made sure Skye got a window seat, she had never flown before (except on her sister's back). Alex sat just behind me.

Despite having legs, Ben was one of the last to board. Maddie had to coax and embarass him onto the plane. When he finally boarded, he had the look of a condemned man mounting a scaffold. "Flying is fer birds, bats and bugs not daysent folk," he muttered under his breath.

The flight to the airstrip on South Bimini was less than an hour, but since it was lunch time they decided to feed us. I was still feeling a bit queasy but figured eating something was the best way to settle my stomach. Shortly after take-off, the plastic trays were passed out and I opened mine. It was...TURKEY! My morning sickness nemesis! "Oh Gawd, mmmfh!" I passed the tray to Skye, grabbed a barf-bag and flopped out into the aisle. I tried to crawl to the restroom using one arm while holding the bag over my mouth with the other hand. I shoulda known that wouldn't work. Alex can't carry me anymore, so he was helpless. The flight attendant knelt next to me about the time I gave up and started heaving.

"Morning sickness, she's preggers." said Skye solemnly.

I didn't see the attendant's reaction, she just rubbed my back, handed me another bag and cooed, "That's all right hon, I've been through it twice, second time with twins!"

Only a lunatic would do this more than once! I thought. Alex! This is all your fault!

Sorry! He sounded genuinely miserable, which gave me some solace.

Eventually, I started feeling a little better, especially after the offending tray was taken away. Pretty much everyone else was finished as well. Nothing like listening to someone retch to cure one's hunger. They ought to record me and sell it as a weight-loss aid. The flight attendant (bless her!) helped me back into my seat and gave me a cold Coke (The South's sovereign remedy for stomach troubles).

You OK sweetie? Alex reached his hand around, I took it and pressed it against my cheek.

Yeah, I feel really embarassed now. I made quite a scene.

It helped the trip pass. We're getting ready to land.

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Upon landing, we were transfered to a van and within an hour were on board the Gulfstream Explorer a small research vessel belonging to the Gulfport Aquarium. The Sutherland lay about ninety minutes away.

Our chairs were available but, somehow, a Mer using a wheelchair on board a vessel just seemed wrong to us. Flopping and crawling on the deck of a ship at sea is simply more natural, or maybe it's just all the ladders. So long as one can hold tight and use the rails, ladders are not a challenge to a Mer.

Not long after getting underway, I made my way forward, pulled myself up and looked down. I liked watching and listening to the hiss of the bow slicing through the water. I was also eagerly watching for dolphins. I wondered how they'd react to us. Would they be friendly? Or, would they see us as interlopers, even more annoying than surface-dwellers.

Want to recreate that scene from Titanic? It was Alex.

No! I tried not to giggle. I think I've made enough of a spectacle for one day.

Oh well, It's been so long since I've seen it, I can't remember the lines anyway.

"You all going to recreate that scene from Titanic?" It was Maddie. She pulled herself up and looked out over the water.

This time, I did giggle. "Nope. We're leaving that to you and Ben. Where is Ben anyway?"

"He's up on the bridge," she turned and waved. "He's getting the grand tour from his fellow sea captain."

"Cool," said Alex. "Didn't you want the tour?"

"I was afraid I'd slow them down. Maybe some other time. It's that other ship I really want to see anyway." she motioned towards the horizon. "Think we'll get to go down and see it today?"

"Probably," said Alex. "We should have a good two hours of daylight left when we get there."

"Like to see them try and stop me." said I. "They'd get Mermaid-bit and tail-slapped."

"I'd help you," Maddie giggled.

"Me too!" It was Tara, crawling up between the anchor-cables. She sat on the capstan. "I'm hoping we'll actually be able to spend the night!"

That brought a squeal of delight out of Maddie and myself. Alex laughed.

"I depends on whether the advance team of divers were able to rig up a secure place for us to sleep." said Tara. "Sharks hunt at night."

I felt a slight chill. "We're gonna really need your knowledge to survive, Tara. For all our gills and scales, we don't have a clue about what's waiting for us out there. I hope you don't think it rude, but I'm very, very glad you were caught in the Xanadu Event with the rest of us."

Tara looked down at her tail, then out over the water. She had a wistful look. "I don't think it rude at all. I wished for it...if only..." She smiled at me, "We'll talk about it later."

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After a few minutes, they cleared us off of the foc'sle so they could drop anchor. We gathered on the well deck, where we were given a safety talk and headlamps. All of the Mers were welcome to go over the side. There were also four non-Mer divers, three from the Aquarium and Professor Williams. Ben, since he was not scuba-qualified, would have to stay behind. When the bipeds were ready, we all went in.

The S.S. Sutherland Express was sitting upright in about forty fathoms of water. Much of the superstructure, anything that could come loose, had been cut away before she was scuttled. The vessel herself should be perfectly safe for even surface dwellers to dive in. Also, having been on the bottom for less than a year, she was remarkably, even eerily clean. She looked like she was riding a sea of sand while we flew down to her. The amount and variety of sea life we could see on the way down was stunning. There were corals and sponges, rays and fishes of all sizes and colors. I could identify only a very few of them; which were good to eat, which to leave alone. In some cases, which were animal and which plant.

Tara stopped just above the gaping hole where the freighter's funnel had been and motioned for us to wait with her there. The biped divers were so slow. I took her hand.

Tara! This is so beautiful! I thought to her, But so strange. I'm totally bewildered!

She nodded, It'll never grow old, no matter how many times you see it! And we're looking at it with our own eyes, not through a porthole or mask! Worth a tail, don't you think?

Tail! My God, it's worth a life!

Isn't that what we all lost, Hannah, our old lives?

I had to agree with her.

When the divers, with their silly tanks and bubbles caught up, we went down inside. We switched on our headlamps. Two of the Aquarium divers carried powerful lamps. The third held a camera as well. We swam down the funnel-shaft into the boiler room. It was empty, the huge oil-fired boilers had been salvaged. A shoal of bright yellow fish, no larger than the palm of my hand flitted past me in a panic. Skye picked up a spiny lobster, grinned and rubbed her belly. She's always been partial to crustaceans. I wagged a finger at her and shook my head. I wanted to wait for Tara to say it was OK. The young Mermaid shrugged and released the lobster.

We swam back to the engine-room, it was also empty. The trough where the huge propeller-shaft spun was partly full of sand. Tara placed a hand on my shoulder and pointed upward. There was a catwalk and a large hatch.

That leads to the crew's quarters and offices, where most of the scientific instruments and such will go. We're gonna try to put in a dry-room too; a place where we can talk.

Tara next led us forward to the cargo hold, the largest space on board. It was impressive, larger than a highschool gym. Nets had been stretched over the open hatches far above our heads. More nets blocked off the rest of the ship. Tara made a biting motion and pointed at them. I swam up to her.

That's to keep large predators out. This is where we'll be sleeping tonight!

Tara looked at her watch then held up a small school bell and rang it. This was the signal for everyone to gather around Alex and me, so we could communicate. The divers were told to head for the surface, the rest of us had about an hour before dark to explore and forage for food. When the bell rang again, we were supposed to enter the hold and close the nets. Meanwhile, we were all to move about in groups of three or more, no one should swim alone. They also warned us to watch carefully while eating, the remnants are likely to attract sharks. All these precautions were kinda taking the bloom off the rose for me, but I knew they were necessary. We were in the wild ocean now, not a suburban lake. There was more to worry about than the occasional fat, lazy gator.

We all stuck rather close to Tara, she knew what was safe to eat. We spotted only a few small sharks who seemed respectful of the large school or pod of big predators that we were. If worse came to worse, of course, there was always Alex and his lightsaber, which he wore hooked to a belt around his waist. I swam next to him.

Will that thing work down here? I asked him.

I don't see why not. It's been in deep water before without ruining it.

Have you ever turned it on in water before?

No. You want me to test it?

We stopped. I grabbed Jackie as she went by, to keep the three swimmer rule. We waited for the others to go round the hull, out of sight, then Alex switched on the saber. It was incredibly bright in the dimness. It was also rather loud, making a bacon frying sound as little steam bubbles popped and crackled around it.

Jackie nodded and gave us thumbs up. Alex switched off and we started after the others, only to see them ahead, staring at us. The noise must have brought them back. Tara grinned and held her hand in front of her mouth as though she were giggling.

Just seeing if it worked. thought Alex sheepishly as we rejoined them.

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As the sun went down, the bell was rung again. We swam into the hold where we counted tails. all present. There was a camp-out feel to the whole thing, only there was no fire and no singing of Kumbaya (or anything else). The inability to talk proved rather annoying. In the lake one could simply make a hand-motion and surface right away, here it took several minutes to get up-top. Alex and I were kept busy, flitting about as Mers waved their arms to get our attention. Altogether, however, it was a fun evening. One by one, the headlamps were switched off as people settled down.

Skye shyly told me that she wanted a night light. It was so much darker here than the bottom of the lake. We took Alex's lamp and set it in a corner and left it on. This gave the whole hold a faint glow. Edna volunteered to curl-up with her. Soon the young Mermaid was sound asleep. Mers floated here and there about the hold, singly, by couples or small groups; tails and fins moving gently or not at all. It looked alien and peaceful at the same time. Finally, I settled against Alex and drifted into pleasant dreams.

...

I opened my eyes. What was that?

...?

I was fully awake now. That had to be a telepathic communication! Very faint and nearby. I looked at Alex. His chest was gently rising and falling as his diaphram slowly pumped water through his gills. It wasn't him.

...

There it was again! Where is it coming from? I thought about waking Alex up, but I worried that he may be too powerful. The tiny signaler may get frightened off. I allowed myself to drift away from him, then swam slowly and gently to the middle of the hold.

swim, swim, it thought.

Who's there?

...? It seemed confused.

Don't be afraid.

fraid?

Then, like a bolt of lightning, I understood. It's coming from...

Mama?

Me!

Chapter Five: Saltwater Exodus

I felt like singing, but that wasn't happening. I twirled and shimmied, did loops, forward and backwards.

Hi, baby, It's Mama!

Mama.

Wanna talk to Dada?

Dada? Warm. Sleepy, sleepy.

I descended on Alex like a pregnant divebomber and tackled him about the waist.

Aargh, what the f**k!

Stop that! I thought. You'll teach her bad words!

F**k?

See!

Teach who, what? Alex was still groggy.

Say hello to your daughter! I pushed his face against my belly.

Have you gone...

Dada?

...crazy? Whoa...did that come from...

My womb, yes.

Oh my...Oh my! Hello sweetie!

Sleepy.

I could feel her move, as though snuggling into a more comfortable position. I think she's fading fast.

Well we mustn't keep baby up all night. Alex hugged me and gave me a nice, long kiss. I settled into his arms, ready to try and go back to sleep, but we were both too excited.

Since we're communicating with her now, thought Alex, she needs a name. We can't just keep calling her baby.

I hadn't really thought about it yet, but you're right. Have you thought of any good names?

Oceana.

That's pretty cool, I thought, I like it.

Alex looked confused, That wasn't me.

Whoa! Did she just name herself? We both stared at my belly.

Oceana sleepy...sleepy, sleepy now.

Alex looked up, his eyes wide, Guess that means we should shut up.

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Somehow we managed to get to sleep. When I awoke, the pale sun was streaming in through the open hatches above. Oceana was quiet. That'll probably change after she's born. I thought. Except while we're down here, of course. Will we have to take her to the surface to teach her to talk? I shook my head. Wheelchairs or silence, there's no perfect place for us it seems.

I noticed other Mers awake and starting to move about. One of them was Tara. She made eye contact with me and looked relieved. She swam up and touched my arm.

I'm so glad you're up, she thought. I didn't want to wake you, but we're stuck with hand gestures and making faces at each other without you.

I smiled, It's nice being needed.

There was no need to organize for breakfast. Mers wandered about, foraging both inside and outside the ship. A reminder to stay in groups was only occasionally needed. Alex and I, with Skye this time, floated about some coral. Skye was on her back, finally getting to munch contentedly on a spiny lobster. I played with a sea cucumber, only mildly curious about its edibility. Alex was hanging upside down, finishing his portion of a small flounder we'd flushed out of the sandy bottom.

One would think, since we couldn't make any noise ourselves, that it was silent down there. It wasn't. There were grunts and pops, which we figured must have come from fish or crustaceans. Sound carries very well under water. We could even hear far off groans from whales and squeals, clicks and titters from dolphins. Also, every now and again, there was a clank or thud from the ship above as some crewman dropped a tool or slamed a hatch.

Later that morning, divers came down again and made their leisurely way to the Sutherland. A bunch of us rose to meet them. We cavorted about, running rings around them as they filmed us. Tara got too playful and grabbed her husband about the legs and tried to tickle him. Sam shook her off and wagged his finger at her. It's easy for us, even one as experienced as Tara, to forget that this environment is hostile to surface dwellers. There was no harm, so the mood remained light. I mugged for the camera, making faces and flipping my tail fin at it.

I wonder if my family will get to see this, I thought.

Others did the same, or smiled, waved and posed. The camera and its lights attracted us like moths.

Soon, it was time to leave. I was ambivelant about leaving. There was a lot to like about the Sutherland and its environs, and there's nothing that can beat getting to swim free. But I kinda wanted to breathe air again, see the sky, but mostly I just wanted to be able to talk again. I'm certain most of the others felt that way too, only more so, since they didn't have the outlet of being telepathic. As soon as we broke surface, the chattering started, and didn't let up for quite some time. Everyone had something they wanted to say.