“Wait a minute. Michael, look,” Sam said as Ton swam around the ship, whistling. He surfaced then plunged back down before rolling over to dislodge his passengers. The pack was cruising slowly around the ship. Ton pushed Michael.
“I think he wants you to direct them, Mike! Oh my God.”
“I wish we had this on film. No one will believe it. Ok, here goes….”
Michael pointed to different parts of the ship and to individual whales. Working together, half the pack stabilized the vessel while the rest pushed the tilting end onto stable flooring. With a collaborative effort, the entire ship was pushed far away from the shelf edge and embedded in the rocks.
Ton was immensely satisfied with himself and shot out of the water in the highest breach he could manage. The pack followed his example. The orca activity was so pronounced that it was spotted by the approaching research vessel.
“Major, come see this! Hurry!” The crewmen called out as they gathered at the rail to watch the magnificent animals rejoice over their success. Jim kept quiet. He knew that, somehow, Sam was involved.
When the ship arrived on location, the siblings were being gently tasted by every whale in order to glean information about them and their new pack member. Ton mouthed his calf, imaging a question of sadness. He was confused about her despondency. Didn’t he just help? Sam communicated her observation of his pleasure with being reconnected with his own kind, and the thought he would choose to stay. Ton nudged her, biting her arm gently with a shake. He sent an image of a very young calf and the need to protect it from leopard seals. She hugged his big snout. He wanted to stay with her.
Once all formal introductions were done, the pack left to feed. Ton went with them, leaving the two lieutenants to get back to the ship and dry off. Jim met them at the loading platform. “What happened? Are you okay? Your Dad is going to kill you if he finds out you did this behind his back.”
“Actually, we didn’t,” Michael explained. “Ton made that decision. He brought them in and solved our problem. Let’s call my father and get the go ahead to proceed.”
Sam was smiling to herself, thinking about the recent occurrence. She was so happy her brother had been there to share it with her. She wrapped her hand around Michael’s arm as they walked. “Are you as happy as I am?” she asked.
He nodded. “It was magical. I feel so peaceful too.”
“They integrated us into their pack. Every one of them connected with us. Those swirls, they made me feel so alive, almost euphoric.”
“Me too. I’m still floating.”
“Adrenaline, perhaps,” Jim suggested.
“No, more like—”
“Endorphins,” Sam interrupted. “Quick, get a blood sample from us!” Sam ordered. “Do a full chem panel, including hormone, narcotic, adrenal, corticoid, and any opioid-like activity. I want to know the endorphin level and by products. I feel almost stoned right now.” Sam said the smile still on her face as the ship’s physician procured the samples from both.
Michael nodded. “Me too, like a nice buzz. This could easily be addicting.”
“What did you guys take?” the doctor asked, “Your pupils are dilated and vitals slow.”
“You wouldn’t believe us if we told you,” Michael said, putting his head on the desk.
Jim touched his shoulder. “Are you going to be okay?”
“We’ll be fine. We just had the closest thing to a cetacean orgasm. It makes dolphin sex boring. Give us a few minutes to enjoy the afterglow.” Sam giggled as she dropped her head on the desk.
“I wish you two would stop playing games,” the doctor said, checking their pulses again.
“Please go run those panels and let me know what you find, okay? I’m going to need copies for my records,” the girl murmured.
It took them almost an hour to recover from the CNS stimulant and feel normal again. “All good things must end. Time to call Dad,” Michael sighed, picking up the line and putting it on speaker. “Hey, Dad.”
“What now?” he sounded annoyed.
“Well, we—”
“Daddy, you aren’t going to believe this! It is so cool and I wish we had pictures to show you, but Ton integrated us! It was awesome. I had blood samples taken for you to study when we get home. Oh My God! You should have seen it!” the girl interrupted in loud, erratic spurts.
“Whoa, slow down, baby. Are you okay? You sound like you’ve have too much coffee.”
“Beyond okay! Thank you SO much for letting us come up here. Michael took me swimming ‘cuz the water’s really warm and Ton independently brought us into residence.”
“What are you talking about, honey? I need you to slow down. Start in the beginning.”
“Michael probably hasn’t told you that I’ve been real bitchy the last few days because I wasn’t getting my way. He’s been real patient but was concerned something was going on. You know I had wanted to join the dive team.”
“And I said no.”
“So anyway, I took a dive this morning just outside the ship and Ton communicated that he had been in contact with a residential pod, you know, the whales that only eat fish.”
“A pack?”
“No, Sir, that’s the transients. We don’t go anywhere near those!” She then relayed the rest of the story, emphasizing the community effort to assist them and the gentle, affectionate interaction and genuine interest in Ton’s two-legged family. She excitedly finished the story with the endorphin response and how happy and relaxed she felt, and how much she loved him for letting her be there.
Michael grinned at Jim. The weasel at work. Their father didn’t have a chance of getting a word in edgewise, just as she planned!
“Well, I don’t know where to begin to comment, but I’m glad you’re so happy and excited. And everything seems to be okay?”
“Yes, Sir. I love my big brother!”
“I know you do. You need to help him out. He’s in a mess of trouble. Do you think that ship is safe to enter?”
“Totally. We can send you pictures if you like us to show you. Don’t you think it’s cool how they came to us like that?”
“So you truthfully had nothing to do with summoning them?”
“No Sir, not at all, on my honor. They potentially saved our divers from being harmed between the ship and those nasty seals. I wish you were here, you would love to experience this. So, is it okay if I help now? Please?’
“Yes, you may. Please send me pictures too. Do you think you can get some more time to study that pod?”
“Would it be okay? I need Michael with me. They like him.”
“Absolutely. Michael?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Consider yourself lucky this time, young man. We will still have that talk when you get home. Nobody likes a know it all.”
“No, Sir,” Michael flushed, reprimanded.
“Samantha? No more attitude with your brother, okay? He’s got a lot on his plate.”
“Yes, Daddy. I love you!”
“I love you too, baby. Be good. Call me when you guys are done.”
After hanging up the phone, Michael caught the smirk on his sister’s face. “You conniving little brat, talk about twisting the truth.”
“I didn’t twist anything. It was simply a matter of semantics. Plus, it looks like I rescued your butt for once.”
“Very true, and I thank you. Jim? Do you want to suit up when we go down?”
“No, thank you. I’d rather not be mistaken for a sardine.”
“Jim, be real. You’re way too big for a sardine. Maybe a nice, juicy rock cod or something, Orcas like those,” she teased, patting his stomach.
Jim pointed to the floor in front of him. “Front and center, lieutenant.”
She obeyed, not quite taking a position of attention, rather like a teenager challenging her elder. He looked into her eyes that were filled with mischief. “Yes, Major?”
“Have you decided to forgive me now? This is the first thing you’v
e said to be in three days and it was an insult.”
“I’m sorry, Sir. I try to speak the truth,” Sam said with an impish smile.
Jim couldn’t resist. He held her arm and smacked her three times on the rump over her wetsuit.
She yelped, but laughed. “Let go! Stop it! Hey! What was that for?” she demanded, escaping and rubbing her stinging posterior.
“For being such a brat. Now go assemble your dive team and see if we can proceed in an hour. Run!” he ordered, dismissing her with another smack. He laughed, plopping in the chair next to Michael. “She’s funny. How are you doing?”
“Good. Dreading getting home, but things should cool off by then. I need to try to fix that rover.”
“You have a week. Don’t forget, it was experimental. This could have happened while it was operating, too.”
“Unlikely, but thanks for the idea. I might be able to find enough of a glitch to save my neck.”
“You’re as bad as she is. Let’s go.”
Ton announced his return and kept the pack on guard while the recon divers explored the ship, took photographs and measured the wreckage sites. As suspected, it had been subject to a planted detonation device. The black box was easily retrieved along with personal belongings of some of the lost crew to return to their family. Sam additionally found weapon fragments which would help in the identification of the attackers.
Recon, led by Higgins, had to be reminded frequently to return to work as they were easily distracted by the girl’s ability to stay submerged. With Sam’s help, Higgins introduction to the pack reduced the husky man to tears. The animals were playful and gentle and, once again, integrated themselves with the land walkers. Higgins wore Sam’s band and was bombarded with images and swirls that were beyond his capacity to endure. She quickly removed it and helped the large man onto the platform as he trembled with overstimulation.
Ton grabbed her leg to pull her back in the water.
“What’s going on now?” Michael asked as he was pressed between two large cows.
“We’ll see soon enough. I have a camera with me this time, too,” his sister answered, holding the pectoral fin of an older bull. The squeals and whistles grew louder as they were pressed into the center of the pack. “Oh, look! She’s calving,” Sam said, approaching the laboring cow. The flipper of the calf was visible as the big whale undulated with her contractions. She was tired and need help to surface for air by her pod.
“It looks like she’s having some trouble. It should be out by now,” Sam said, gently stroking the cow’s side before inserting her hand into the birth canal. She pressed against the tissue to dislodge a little pectoral fin which freed the newborn calf to slide out. The two land walkers pushed the 7 foot baby to surface for its first breath as the bulls chased off sharks. The cows took over and directed the baby down to nurse.
“Wow.” Michael whispered.
“Ditto. I have lots of pictures too. He’s beautiful. Hey, Ton, Whatcha doing boy?”
Ton whistled, catching them on his back. It was time to leave.
Chapter 12
“So, I hear that you had quite an adventure,” Scott said, sitting with his family and Jim at the quiet corner table of their favorite restaurant.
“Yes, Sir, it was unbelievable. I would be honored to take any assignments with them any time.”
“Even with big mouth here,” Dr. Quimby asked, glancing at his daughter.
Jim’s eyes twinkled. “I think we’ve reached an understanding, Doc. She learned that my bite is worse than my bark.”
“I hope so. If not, we’ll take care of things from this end. I’m gathering there was no need for any, uh, private discussions between you two during this time?” he asked his son.
“Nothing of import, everything went well, except for my stupid stunt,” Michael said quickly. “I did find that there was a short in the board. I brought it for you to look at, Scott. I might have sped up the problem, but it would have happened eventually.”
“Bring it to work on Wednesday when you two come in. I’ll look at it then. We’re really proud of you guys,” Scott said, “You proved you didn’t need our constant supervision or direction.”
“It helped knowing you were there if we did, though. To be honest, I’m not in any hurry to take another coastal trip,” Michael admitted.
“You’re awfully quiet, little one,” Scott noticed.
His niece nodded, sitting up straight. “I feel a little rotten for being such a brat to Mike and Jim. Sorry you guys.”
“You weren’t that bad.” Jim smiled affectionately.
Michael nodded. “She had her moments, but it worked out. You did good, sis, especially when I needed your help. You could have really been a bitch about that, but you weren’t. There is nothing to feel badly about, okay?”
“Did you tell Daddy about my spa day?”
“The $300 you spent? He did.”
“Not that, the discovery. Feel my skin,” she lifted her arm to him.
Taking her hand, he gently rubbed her forearm. It was soft, smooth and silky to the touch. “Feels wonderful, I’m surprised you aren’t dried out.”
“Men,” she muttered. “No, Daddy, be a doctor. Feel my skin.”
Frowning, his fingers again passed over her arm. He paused, turning it from front to back, and then took her other hand and ran his fingers along the forearm. He peered closely. “It’s completely smooth. Your follicles are dead?”
“Yep. Everywhere the gas had direct contact. It’s going to save from having to pay for waxing or razors. I also must have full cold salt water contact without the wetsuit. It filters too much and that imbalance starts within one week, even if I’m swimming suited.”
“Her ability to withstand cold temperatures at that time is significantly increased as well. She’s in balance again when she can feel the water temperature. We have maybe 15 minutes before she becomes hypothermic,” Michael added, watching his father carefully.
“We’ll do a PET scan next week and a tissue biopsy.”
“No, I’m not a lab rat. I’ll do the scan so you can have peace of mind, but you need to trust me when I tell you I’m okay. The cetaceans would sense if something bad was happening. They seem to know these things. If they thought I was sick, they wouldn’t have brought me in to birth that calf.”
“I have to agree with her, Dad. I would also know if something was wrong. I always do.”
“Twin powers,” Scott snorted.
Jim smiled. “In all the years I’ve known you it still amazes me when I see you in action. You gentlemen did a great job with these two.”
“Nothing a lot of love, and a little discipline, couldn’t do,” Dr. Quimby smiled at his children proudly. They were right, he needed to stop being so afraid for them.
“So how long are you in town for, Jim?” Scott asked, pouring the man another glass of wine.
“Just through the weekend.”
“Good, then I hope you would like to join us for golf at Torrey Pines country club tomorrow?”
“It would be my pleasure. Thank you,” Jim said happily.
Sam wrinkled her nose. “I hate golf.”
“You weren’t invited, munchkin. It’s men only.”
“But I just got home and you’re deserting me?”
“No whining,” Scott ordered,” You need a break from them for a few hours. Be good and I will take you bowling.”
“I hate bowling.”
“Alright, if you behave and not whine, we’ll take a plane out on Sunday, okay?”
“Cool! Thanks, Uncle Scott!”
“And you wonder why she’s spoiled?” Michael whispered to Jim.
***
Two weeks after the return from their assignment, the new unit was opened. Dr. Quimby deliberately waited until the crew was settled in before he and Scott brought over the unit commanders. It was beautiful. The essence of working underwater permeated the entire lab. Michael and Sam had their own tastefully decorated offices�
�Sam’s in lush greens with a tropical forest flair and Michael’s in warm browns with an English study feel. A photo of the newborn calf and the cow had been blown up, framed and hung over Ton’s tank along with other pictures of his new pack. Scott pouted, demanding that Dr. Quimby do something with his office next.
It didn’t take long for the team to return to their routine of brainstorming and shouting. Although the new offices were soundproofed, the activity was easily seen by the crew through the windows. Smiles passed around the room as Sam stormed out of Michael’s office and slammed the door as she stomped to the tank. Splasher started to follow her out, but was stopped by Ton. Mine.
Michael came out a few minutes later and paused in front of Nick’s counsel. “She is so infuriating,” he grumbled.
Nick grinned. “How did you manage to go three weeks without a blowup? I know you guys were working on stuff.”
“It was different and we were exhausted. She passed out as soon as we got onto dry land. It was actually kind of nice.”
“What are you fighting about this time?”
“She wants to try to emulate the endorphin response we received from the orca. I don’t think it’s a good idea. It’s too much like a drug. She thinks it’s how they formally incorporate members to the pack.”
“What do you think?”
“I think it’s better than any human orgasm could be. It’s beyond incredible. The pleasure centers are completely activated and fully stimulated.”
“I would think anyone would want to experience that.”
“That’s the problem. It’s too addictive. No, not wise. I would like to know how the whales experience it, though. Where do we draw the line and how do we get there?”
Ton followed his calf out into the ocean, nudging her to make contact with him with snout and tongue rubs. She sensed the swirling pattern as she stroked him, trying to understand if that was just the image for pleasure or intimacy. The fact he permitted her access to his mouth and throat was a show of complete trust on both ends, and the most intimate physical contact that could be managed with both species.
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