Deep Dark Blues

Chapter 7 - Infested Waters

Oh God...

Reed sat in the dimmed chamber, eyes wide as she listened to the water bubbling all around them. She'd never been in a submarine before... Hell, she didn't think she knew anybody who had been on a submarine before, even Bell having always said the UUVs were much more practical. The unease or perhaps excitement was palpable on the faces of the rest, all sitting in eerie silence while the pilots brought them closer and closer towards the bottom of the Atlantic. The GOI research crew was joined by Cannan and two other men, Reed had assumed to be the engineers behind the facility. The three men seemed more at ease, looking around and exchanging hushed whispers between them, while the chosen five remained quiet. The dry air carried an air of importance with a hint of sombreness, most of them realising that once the submarine reaches its destination, they will be condemned to living in the steel cage until the research proves fruitful.

A sudden nudge broke the spell over her, prompting her to look to her left. A shudder went down her back at the sight of her companion, Aksel's towering frame paired with the shadows obscuring his features proved to look rather uncanny.

"No need to fret Doctor Reed. I believe this submarine to be rather secure..." He attempted, yet his seemingly reassuring comment sounded cold and artificial. In truth, Reed had noticed Aksel lingering in her peripheral, ever since the day before. He would glance at her, sit next to her or prompt conversation, despite his complete indifference on the day they had met. She didn't know whether Aksel wanted to come across as friendly or intimidate her, but he was closer to creeping her out than making a friend.

She smiled palely, trying not to focus too much on the dark thoughts regarding Aksel's intentions. However, it seemed like Aksel's reassurance didn't go unnoticed as another female voice rang through the small chamber.

"Doctor Reed, It's rather unusual for a marine biologist to be scared of a little water..." She quipped, dark eyes shining in the dark, making her look like a predator readying to lunge. Isabella sat conveniently nestled against Cannan, their knees touching gingerly.

Her comment seemed to spark interest among the rest of the participants, a couple of heads turning towards her.

"Doctor Reed, are you alright?" Cannan asked, pausing his conversation with the engineers. Isabella was smiling innocently in her seat, but it didn't escape Reed's notice of how she glanced at Cannan while he spoke. Now, it wasn't hard to guess that Reed didn't like being put on a spot, the way she carried herself communicating 'spectator' not a 'participant'. And yet, there seemed to be something about Reed's existence that bothered Isabella enough to resort to childish squabbling.

Reed could say something... Something about Cannan and her... But she didn't. Reed was a grown woman and she wouldn't go down without a fight, but answering Isabella's taunts felt like bringing a gun to a fistfight. Yes, Isabella would be most likely embarrassed, but in the end, it would cost Reed much more than just embarrassment.

Instead, she smiled awkwardly at Cannan.

Don't give her the satisfaction...

"Yes, I am alright Doctor Cannan... It's not the water but rather what's in it with us that bothers me..." she admitted. The conversation quieted down, even the engineers going quiet.

"There is nothing to worry about-" Before Cannan could finish the sentence, yet another jab left Isabella's mouth.

"Trust me, Doctor Reed, we are safe. I am sure you have seen in the GOI files that Noctis is not carnivorous*."

If you have read them of course...

Reed snorted, unable to keep all the venom in.

"Yes, I have read the documents. The Shadow hasn't been proven to be carnivorous... That doesn't mean it isn't. If anything, we haven't seen it feed yet..." She remarked, earning a subtle glare from the other woman.