Deep Sea

Chapter 22: Treachery

Chapter 22: Treachery

“Wait, that's it?” Ilia looked shocked. “We're just going home?”

Joe nodded. They were in her room, the small, stereotypical circular window open and letting the breeze come in. Joe was brushing her hair, the ugly green warmth suit set out on her bed, ready to be put on. Underneath it, she was only going to wear a swim suit.

Ilia sighed and shook her head. “I just can't believe that that's it! It's so sudden.”

“Not really.” Joe shook her head. “It's just about time. Our orders were just to identify. We've done that. It's done. Time to move on.”

“But, we were having so much fun.” Ilia pouted on Joe's bed. “And if we're leaving, why are you going back down in the mini-sub?”

“I have to.” Joe pulled her hair back and started braiding it in long plait down her back. “We need to get the tap back. That's an expensive piece of equipment. Besides, we weren't out here to have fun. This isn't a pleasure cruise, Ilia.”

“Of course not.” Ilia grumbled. “I would never go on a cruise, I'm not a big fan of water. But what if we don't see each other again?”

“I'm transferring to oceanic you know.” Joe laughed as she turned to her friend.

“Yeah, but I don't work oceanic.” Ilia complained. “I was only brought in to fix a computer problem Josh couldn't. Then I was kept on to make sure you two had no issues with the electronics. After this I'm probably going right back to base.”

“You know they invented cell phones a while back, right?” Joe laughed. “It's not like we wont ever see each other again. Perk up.”

“I'm trying to.” She sighed. “But my favorite method for doing that is being denied me.”

“Stop thinking about it.” Joe said as she walked forward and grabbed her green suit.

Ilia smiled as she approached. “You know, I do damn good work.”

“What do you mean?” Joe asked.

“That tat.” Ilia looked at her work. “It's gorgeous. My best work, I must say.”

Joe laughed. “Yeah, it healed really well. It's not sore anymore either.”

“So, are you going to show Kai?” Ilia asked, grinning like a fool.

“I was thinking about it.” Joe giggled as she blushed hotly. “There is a rather long trip down to the ocean floor ahead of us.”

“Ooh, in the mini-sub? Naughty, naughty.” Ilia tisked but she was smiling.

“But those are all the details you get.” Joe said as she pulled the green warmth suit on.

“Aw. Why?” Ilia frowned.

“You're going through withdrawals.” Joe patted her shoulder comfortingly. “The last thing you need to to try and live vicariously. You wanna be me and Kai's sub room controller for the dive?”

Ilia looked confused. “What about Josh?”

“He's oversleeping this morning.” Joe laughed. “He works so hard, he deserves a break. Besides, I can count on you not to interrupt Kai and I with anything useless while we're...occupied. And that's all the details you get.”

Ilia jumped up and hugged her. “Oh, thanks, sweetie! I promise, you won't here a peep from us and I'll get you to the bottom without a word from the control room. You got high hopes for this dive, huh?”