Beneath The Waves (bxb)

22. We Make Our Own Waves

The ride back to the lab in the metal truck hadn't exactly been the most comfortable, but Mellac kept me from slamming into any of the walls during the rough parts, which was definitely appreciated. We stopped a few times, probably for lights, but pretty soon I could hear the backup beeping from the truck, meaning we were pulling into the docking area at the research facility. A minute later, I heard all the clasps for the unloading tunnel getting locked into place and carefully stood, stretching out my tight muscles.

"Mmm, they're gonna open the door soon. You guys ready?"

Callem gave a quiet whine where he sat near Parker, and I heard Mellac slowly getting to his feet right behind me.

Guess those are good enough answers.

Several rays of light slipped into our container as workers unlatched the doors and let them swing open inside of the walkway. There was an opening between the top and the retractable hallway chute because this truck wasn't as big as a normal transfer one, but we weren't going to cause any problems by trying to climb out. I glanced to the side, noticing Callem already beginning to wheel Parker's gurney toward the opening. Turning a bit, I took in Mellac's expression and posture, noting that he obviously saw the hole between the transfer chute and the truck.

"Mellac?"

His cold green gaze lowered to mine slowly. Calculating. He was thinking about leaving, but if he did, it would likely spell the end of Callem's chances at freedom. Running my tongue uneasily along my lower lip, I slowly reached out and unfurled my fingers, offering him my hand.

"...Jayson."

Hurt. His voice was still harsh and deep, but just beneath the surface, when he had said my name...

"Let's go, Mellac. Just a few days left, then I'll take you guys back to the ocean where you belong."

An expression crossed his face that I couldn't quite read as I spoke, but before I was able to figure it out, my attention was refocused as Mellac stepped forward and took my hand gently in his. My lips curved into a smile, and I turned, walking next to him down the full length of the tunnel. Heavy doors were pushed into place as we passed key points, but neither of us bothered looking back.

Once in the small isolation room, I noticed that they had at least made a few changes to the tiny space. No, unfortunately it wasn't bigger, but there were two cots with blankets, one in the far left corner and the other in the right. The shift door was also secured open fully so we would only have to duck a little to get inside, though I doubt any of us would want to go into that cramped dark cage of a room.

Dinner was conveniently waiting for us, or at least for them. Several large, freshly caught mackerel were swimming around in the shallow pool. Callem was already in the water, splashing around with Parker squatting at the edge. The board my friend had previously been strapped to had been tossed in the corner, the leather restraints having been easily shredded by Callem's claws. Parker was smiling widely, eyes shining every time Callem splashed him on purpose. The mer was obviously only half-interested in actually catching any fish.

"Are you feeling okay, Park?"

He looked up, his damp black bangs swishing in front of his eyes.

"Hurt a lot but I'll be fine."

I wanted to sit down and talk about what had happened with him, and more importantly, apologize, but when I took a step closer, there was a sliding sound of metal against concrete, drawing everyone's attention to the small opening to the other room.

Oh, food for us.

"I'll get it."

Ducking beneath the door, I slid the first tray into the pool area, then took the second as it was pushed beneath the door, likely by Dr. Warren or a tech. Parker grabbed the first tray and sat down against the wall while I ducked back into the room with my own meal.