Because of the sudden (depressing) turn of events in the seaQuest fandom, I have been going through a lot of stories. I found this one I wrote in 2003 for an Elf list challenge.
In memory of Chance and AT - it's just not the same without you.
By The Book
Jonathan Ford, first in command on the UEO flagship, was a by the book, all
military man. Growing up, all he could think about was the day he went into
the military and had always been on the fast track to his own command. His
life had, for years, been governed by the military, an orderly life of rules
and regulations.
So it was probably an understatement to say that he was not pleased. A
dolphin on a military vessel! It would bad enough that he had a whole gaggle
of scientist running loose. But this.fish, too? Was Noyce finally going
senile?
Dr. Westphalen cleared her throat politely but she could not restrain the
ghost of a smile playing on her lips as she stroked the dolphin's melon. The
Commander had done nothing but give her a hard time since she came aboard
and so it was nice to see him standing speechless. "Dolphins have worked
with the Navy for years", she reminded him gently.
"But none of them could issue orders for a certain fish for their dinner!"
Ford worked his jaw hard, his mouth a thin tight line trying to keep his
anger on a low simmer.
"Even you would have to admit that this could be an exciting breakthrough in
interspecies communication. If this Wolenczak fellow can deliver even half
of what his paper claims, we're in for some excitement with this dolphin,"
Westphalen gushed excitedly.
"Oh, c'mon Doctor, half the boat knows the reason for this dolphin being
here. Noyce wants his golden boy, Bridger, here and the dolphin is part of
the bait," Ford pointed out, a touch of bitterness in his voice.
"Jealous, are we, Commander?" Westphalen observed quietly. Getting up, she
dried her hands on her pants. "Mr. Wolenczak and Admiral Noyce are due in a
few hours. I need to make sure the kitchen is ready for dinner and Krieg has
all the supplies that Wolenczak requested. Try to.", she stopped, and
rethought that statement. "Oh, never mind." She shook her head, smiled to
herself and left.
Ford let his eyes roam around the sea deck, examining the newly installed
moon pool and finally rested on the dolphin. Taking out weapons to make way
for animals. What next, children on seaQuest too? He noticed the dolphin
staring at him, with what looked like a smile on his face. Taking a few
steps closer to the pool, he tried to relax and appear non-threatening,
wishing he had done a bit of research on dolphins. Did they bite, he
wondered? He had never had a pet growing up and had limited exposure to
animals. "Um. Hi Darwin. Welcome aboard," he stammered calmly, feeling
silly. The dolphin gave a soft squeal. Looking quickly around to make sure
he was alone, he approached the moon pool cautiously. Tentatively, he
reached a hand out but jumped a little when the dolphin came closer to the
side. "Whoa, ok, boy, take it easy there." Suddenly, a warm,wet surface
brushed against his palm. "Oh!" Another touch but this time, the dolphin
stayed under his hand so he patted carefully with his fingertips. A feeling
of calm swept over him and he was no longer nervous. The dolphin's skin was
soft, velvety soft. Growing bolder, Ford started stroking the head of the
dolphin with his whole hand while the dolphin let out several joyful
squeals.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.