They sat around the circular table, the thick blanket of silence only
accenting their frustration and worry. It was dim in the cafeteria,
although that was not unusual seeing as it was 0100 hours and everyone but
the skeletal night shift had gone to bunk for the night. A depressing
atmosphere that supported dampened spirits, and the weary sighs came more
frequently from the people silently sitting there. Lucas suddenly threw
his pen on the pile of papers scattered before him and glared. Miguel
nervously shifted, but it wasn't from the glare the teenager was giving the
table, it was for the reason behind the glare.
Tony, their friend and crewman, was missing, and they were running out of options to find him. They had nothing to go on except the messages he'd sent and the description of a mans tattoo. They'd gone to the local tattoo artist and asked several questions about specific spider web tattoos, Tim had nearly come away with a thumb size black widow on his neck but other than that the enquiry was useless. The artist didn't recognize the marking or the descriptions of the man that wore it. The fact was they had nothing to go on. Wherever Tony was, or who ever had him, had covered their tracks well. Too well, and their lack of progress in finding anything was scaring Miguel more than he cared to admit.
The fact was he considered Tony a friend, a good one. He hadn't had much time to really get to know the ex-con but even in almost a year of working together he felt they'd formed a good bond. There was something different about Tony that Miguel had been drawn to trust, especially after all they'd been through together and with the rest of the crew. Yet despite that there was still something about the man that had always bugged him, the problem was that he couldn't quite pin point what it was, and that was the most annoying part. He'd spent a lot of time thinking about it recently, about what was so different about Tony. Was it the way he carried himself? The way he reacted to certain people? Authority? His taste in music? As far as Miguel was concerned everyone had some quirk or odd way about them. Everyone had something they kept a secret from others, it didn't matter how big or small. So what was it that made Tony different from a place full of individual people?
Miguel took a deep breath and looked once more around the table at the shuttered faces of tired friends worried to death about Tony. He knew that Captain Bridger, as much as he hated the idea, had been given orders to head to the coast of Newfoundland and aid in the clean up of a fuel spill. The spill itself was minor but deadly to the creatures it covered and their aid was appreciated. They had to leave and put a halt to the search for Tony. It was a desperate time and this early morning gathering was the last moment attempt to come up with a plan to find him. Miguel met Henderson's tired eyes and gave a weak smile of support. Even he couldn't muster enough optimism to give encouragement, if only he could.A loud bang echoed in the deadly silent room and every occupant, with the exception of Ford, practically fell out of their seat in shock at the noise.
The unmistakable form of Dagwood raced across the mess, avoiding chairs and tables with surprising grace until he stopped where they all sat, looming over them and making Miguel remember how small he was in comparison to the Dagger.
"Darwin has news! He says he has a friend who knows where Tony is!" They stared at him a moment and Miguel found it difficult for his mind to wrap around what the man was saying.Darwin has news about Tony?
"Where is he?" Ford demanded, shooting out of his seat at the same time Lucas jumped up.
"Ummm, I think you should talk to Darwin. He's in the moonpool. He's waiting for you." The poor Dagger didn't even have time to finish as the entire group surged forward and out of the messhall in one fluid stream. When they arrived at the moon pool they stopped in confusion.
"When did we get another dolphin?" Brody asked off to Miguel's left. It was Darwin who answered.
"Tony not good, Tony not safe! Prince needs help!" He clicked and Lucas grabbed for the communicator.
"Darwin, tells us what's going on, what do you know about Tony?" The two dolphins splashed their heads in agitation and Miguel watched the guest dolphin clicked and whistled animatedly. Darwin waited a moment before speaking.
"He says Prince in large tank. men lock him there. They were together once and Tony not happy. Tony scared. Tony don't like scientists." The room was silent again, but only for a worried moment.
"Where is he?"
"Big place! Big! Other animals, fish and mammals there! All locked up, but not like Prince! They hurt him!"
"Darwin" Lucas spoke evenly and urgently "Can your friend show us where Tony is?" The dolphin shook his head negatively in a very human gesture.
"No. He show you where he was put back in real ocean! Must save Prince! Prince get sick in cage!"
"We'll find him Darwin. Ask your friend to stay a while so we can go do some research." The dolphin splashed his blue-gray nose in agreement but they were already turning away to look at each other.
"A research lab?" Tim suggested as he pushed his glasses higher on his nose.
"Possibly. It sounded like they did aqua research on a lot of animals. Is there anywhere around here that could support that?" Ford asked. Miguel frowned.
"An aquarium?" Lucas suggested. "There are quite a few of them placed in the main tourist areas."
"It's a possibility, and the best one we've had in a while. Lucas."
"Dustin Miner." Miguel spoke up, finally finding his voice and interrupting Ford. They paused and looked at him.
"Who?"
"Dustin Miner, previously owner of the Miner Maker Industries that supplied the UEO with alloy for ships." He licked his lips, thinking of how to give a brief history. "He sold it for one hell of a lot of money and went into aquariums and mini-sub building. He's one of the richest men in the world. You guys haven't heard of him?"
"Sounds familiar, keep going." Ford ordered.
"He's been in trouble with the endangered species act several times, though he appears to fully support their cause. He tends to acquire animals on the black market for his private collections. He's an avid fish lover, basically obsessed with anything under the sea." Lucas snapped his fingers and pointed at Miguel.
"I know who you're talking about! I think I read an article about him two years back when the UEO tried to convict him of possessing three animals stolen from the protection zone.and a giant whale carcass? But that fell through and I haven't read anything on him since."
"For such a rich man he seems extremely capable of staying away from the spotlight." Miguel commented. "If he has Tony than the sooner we get him out the better. My sister met Miner once at a whale activist protest, it was brief but she said he gave her the creeps. Supposedly had an aura of insanity around him." He noticed the raised eyebrows and quickly jumped to his siblings defence. "She's slightly empathic and very good at reading people."
"So are you." Wendy smith commented as she joined the tightly huddled group.
"Dr. Smith. Glad you could join us." Ford said.
"I was in the lab anyway." She answered, looking at each individual and then her eyes rested on Miguel. He felt himself flush slightly under her gaze and remembered her last comment. He should have known she'd pick up on his extremely slight empathic abilities, he had a tendency to advertise them when he was extremely stressed, he just hoped she wouldn't mention it again.
"You all seem anxious," she commented "what's going on?"
"We think we've found Tony." Her eyes shot around to stare at Commander Ford and she a sharp little breath. Miguel felt her intense relief and worry increase ten fold. It was amazing the waves a psychic could give off. Tony did that occasionally when he was excited about something but.but Tony wasn't psychic, was he?
"Lucas, dig into the records and current status of that facility Ortiz mentioned. Tim, Brody and Henderson, I want you to start planning a possible rescue from Lucas's information as well as look into legalities. I'd rather get Tony out of there legally as opposed to breaking in." Miguel noticed the slightly dangerous glint that reached every members eyes in the room and felt sorry for whoever got in their way now. As a team they were all expertly trained and possibly some of the best in the world at what they did. When they were pissed off and out for revenge.it was downright scary. For a moment he was washed up in the feeling of action and purpose. They were going to get their friend back!
"Ortiz, you and Dr. Smith meet me in the briefing room in ten minutes. We need to inform the captain of the situation and help him come up with a way to have our current mission changed. Lets get to it people." They all snapped into a frenzy of controlled movement, speeding to their destinations. When the room emptied Miguel found himself standing next to the doctor and Dagwood. She bent down briefly and scratched at her lower leg, frowning. He cleared his throat.
"Doctor Smith. Could I ask you something?"
"Of course." She smiled kindly.
"My empathic abilities, they're so weak I usually don't pick up any emotions from people who don't possess the abilities themselves."
"That's completely normal, and I apologize for bringing it up in front of the others, I didn't realize that you didn't want them to know."
"That's no problem. I just.I pick up emotions from you when you don't have your shields in place, but the only other person I've ever felt like that has been Tony." He stopped there and looked at her, wondering if he should blurt out the question or if it was his right to even ask. She saved him from his own dilemma.
"You're wondering if our Tony Piccolo has telepathic abilities?" She sighed and they walked over to the moon pool where the two dolphins were casually rolling around. She didn't act surprised at the additional mammal. "I honestly am not sure. I used to get strange readings from him at odd moments but never enough to indicate any ability. Dagwood doesn't agree though." Miguel looked beside her where the large man had joined them, a frown on his lips. His eyes were so young, like the child that he usually appeared to be. He hadn't lived nearly as long as any of them but he'd seen so much for his age. Sometimes, Miguel mused, Dagwood was the most mature out of them all. The big custodian met his gaze head on.
"Tony is telepathic. A good one! The best." He stated and Wendy frowned slightly.
"Dagwood, you can't be sure. There was only one incidence."
"No!" He cut her off. "There is so much more about him. Tony, he hid a memory in my own mind, and you can't even feel his mind. He is too strong, he hides it so you don't know."
"Dagwood." Miguel was so confused by the mans outburst, he didn't really know what to say. "How can you be sure?" Dagwood suddenly stood taller, bouncing back and forth on his large feet, his eyes darting between them both in sudden nervousness. He was contemplating whether or not he should say what he knows.
"If what you know could help us find Tony, you should tell us." Wendy calmly urged and he raised a big hand to twist his eyebrow as he thought.
"I don't know if it will help. Tony will be upset." That was it then, they wouldn't get anymore out of the Dagger. Miguel felt his shoulders slump slightly. "MMMMBut you two can know. Somebody else needs to know." He took a breath. "Tony is a prince! He can talk to Darwin."
"Anybody can speak with Darwin Dagwood." But the man shook his head in immediate denial.
"No, not through the phone. Tony speaks to Darwin" He tapped his head with his index finger "in his head. Tony speaks to all animals in their head. Darwin said Tony is the prince of all the water and everything that lives in it." Miguel and Wendy stood there and gazed at him, completely unsure of how to react. Miguel was suddenly worried that Dagwood was more mentally immature than any of them realized when a quite click drew their attention to the water pool.
"True." Darwin squawked resignedly. "True. Tony Prince. Don't tell. Don't tell." Miguel breathed in sharply and Wendy twisted her gaze to star him in the eyes. For a moment, as they tried to comprehend what they were being told, they were lost in each others gazes, until a new and confused fear crept into Miguel's heart.
"We don't tell anyone about this." He said, hoping that they would all listen to his reasoning. "Nobody. If the UEO found out-"
"They know." Darwin answered.
"What?"
"They know. Tony doesn't like the UEO." Miguel noticed Wendy swallow slowly before turning to look at both him and Dagwood.
"You're right Miguel. This information goes no further than us, for Tony's safety and his right for privacy. Understood?" They both nodded and Darwin splashed in agreement. Now, not knowing what to think and needing to see his friend more than ever Miguel followed Wendy out of the room and to the briefing. A subdued silence set over them.
()()()Q()()()
The current was strong in the tank today, he was forced to try and swim into it to keep from crashing into the glass wall on the opposite side. He'd been moving for three hours now and though he wasn't in the least bit tired he began to act as though he were. His number one motto was never give scientists the correct results. It was his only way of currently having any control over anything, and his control was slipping.
Everyday he felt his body beginning to disobey him, begin to turn. He couldn't stand being in water for so long and not allowing his bodies natural change. It was becoming painful, fighting himself. His body was reacting to the prolonged submersions. He hadn't been out of the tank for two and a half days straight. Surprisingly, at least to him, this was the longest they'd had him remain in it. It appeared they were becoming less fascinated with studying his body on a table, and he was losing the battle to stay as human as possible.
His skin was formulating a ticker layer of mucus, almost unnoticeable to the human eye and just silky to the touch, but necessary for permanent underwater life. As a protection he adapted this layer, which doubled as insulation in colder temperatures. And now it was here he could feel the continuous twinges in his legs. The tissue cells were beginning to replicate at a rate that was impossible for any other creature he'd ever found on earth. His fin was beginning to overpower his human legs.
If he wanted to he could control the rate of replication. In a matter of minutes his legs flesh could form a thick layer that attached his two limbs together. It was an odd sensation, and extremely weird to watch as the flesh would suddenly grow and wrap into a fin. The painful part was the base of his fin, which needed to build a cartilage base to support the flipper. Another odd side effect was the skin pigmentation which turned a silver and tinted with whatever colour surrounded him the most at the time of transformation. And, just as he could increase his transformation speed, he could decrease it; to two and a half days. But now his natural urges were beginning to over come his command. If he didn't get out of this tank within approximately eight hours he would be giving everyone one hell of a show as he ripped his pants of so the change could take place. And when that happened, his life would become even more of a living hell.
He concentrated on slowing down his strokes, beings pushed closer to the wall more frequently, hoping they would stop the water slow soon. Fake currents were the most annoying and unnatural thing about his water prisons. Maybe he should just form his fin and give it a good smack upside the glass. Not meaning to brag but he was more than confident he could shatter the thick glass if he had two, especially with the aide of the water pressure. And then, without any warning, the flow stopped and his tank was tossed into an uncertain swirl as the water tried to decide how to stop moving. Looking up he saw a guard at the tank surface, gesturing at him to emerge. With a strong kick he glided up, his arms reaching until he felt his fingers contact the metal grate. Pulling hard he flew out of the water, the guard standing in front of him waiting, and jumping back as a fountain of water flew from Tony's mouth and all over his private area. Tony plunged back into the water, his head bobbing above its surface as he laughed at the enraged guards red face.
"Get out of there!" He demanded, his stun rifle used as a threatening pointer. Tony immediately sobered, remembering his last weeks submissive act.
"Sorry sir. I don't know what came over me." He pulled himself up and his feet easily landed on the deck, the grate, much like SeaQuest's corridors, bit into his feet. He ignored it.
"Just walk." The man huffed and Tony thumped down the staircase onto the main floor, where Miner was waiting. Oh heavenly joy, the felt the skin at the back of his neck tighten in warning. The man was looking at him strangely, with a knowing glaze to his eyes.
"Tony, it seems you've been hiding something from us." Oh no, what could he have discovered. Tony blinked, waiting. Miner frowned slightly but dind't comment. If Tony was aware of any of this mans feelings he'd have to say that Miner missed his retaliation. Normal fish didn't talk back, it was probably very exciting to him. And the imprisoned man had to his a smirk of disgust. "The rate of tissue cell replication seems to be increasing along your legs and feet. Are you going to tell us anything about it?" The mans eyes were like an interrogation all on their own, and Tony wanted to shudder in fear. He could admit he was afraid of this man. There was nothing wrong in admitting that to himself. It was natural for someone who held so much power over you to be feared, yet while Tony was deadly afraid of him he wouldn't allow himself to become overpowered by the instinctual need for Fight or Flight. Obvously in this situation it wasn't an option, so instead he held his own and feared in silence. After all, he didn't want the evil creature to have the satisfaction of seeing him squirm.
"Sir." A scientist speaking off to their right interrupted. "We're ready for him." Miner nodded and stepped close to Tony, leaning forward and his warm breath was easily felt by Tony's sensitive skin
"After this you're going in the tank for an indefinite amount of time." His voice hissed quietly. Tony felt the nervousness radiating off the still guard to his left. "So long, that I'm sure you'll miss the basic need of human contact." His large hand suddenly landed firmly on Tony's chest and he jumped in surprise and fear. The mans hand moved in slow circles, feeling his chest, traveled down to rub at his gill filaments before coming to rest on his left collar bone. Tony took in a shaky breath and swallowed the bile that threatened to erupt form his throat. The way this man touched him made him so sick he couldn't describe it, and the fingers pressed into his slippery skin. He could feel the nails beginning to bite him, and he wanted nothing more than to reach out and snap this mans neck.
But his instincts wouldn't let him, he was not a killer, he never would be, no matter what. The intimate atmosphere Miner had created came to a crashing end as his nails dug in and suddenly ripped down, taking several layers of skin with them. Tony flinched slightly and looked down at the three red lines beginning to bead with tiny drops of blood, and then back into Miners smirking face. Cautiously Tony reached out and glimpsed into the mad mans mind, and retreated so fast that Miner looked shook his head in confusion. Tony had to get out of here, this was his last chance if he wanted to escape relatively unharmed. This man was insane. Miner nodded to the guard and stepped aside as Tony was finally led away from them, by the one guard.
They paused at the door as the precautionary cuffs where thrown around his wrists and then, with a rifle nudge, they were walking along the corridor. A minute later they were approaching the door Tony had seen the wheelbarrow enter the other day. He took a deep and steadying breath, drawing on his full concentration he looked at the guard and commanded.
"Stop." Instantly the man froze and turned to look at him, and Tony feared that he hadn't been able to control his mind like he thought he could. But when Dewy didn't say anything he held out his wrists. "Unlock these." The man hesitated and Tony concentrated harder, feeling a headache form. He could talk to any creature, see into anyone's mind, but when it came to manipulating them it was the most difficult thing in the world. It wasn't natural to him, it was something he forced his mind to do of necessity and he would pay for it later, with the hangover of all time. The guard reached out and placed his thumbprint on the locking mechanism. The metal rings clicked and slipped off. Tony caught them with one hand and looked at the guard.
"Thanks." He said and then smashed his fist into the guys jaw. He was out like a light before he hit the floor. Releasing his psychic hold on the man Tony sighed in relief, the pressure leaving his mind. He Bent down, grabbed the man by the arms and dragged him easily to the door that had caught his attention one week before. He'd been planning this for a while now, and if he was wrong about what this room was than he was in serious trouble. Picking up the stun weapon he pulled the guards arm up until his thumb could reach the door lock scan, after a moment the metal shield slid open and Tony dragged the man into the room quickly.
Sensing one other person in the room he immediately trained his weapon on the man.
"Don't move." He ordered as he snapped the cuffs around the guards wrist and left him on the floor. The stench in the room was strong but Tony managed to ignore it, looking to the far end of the room he saw a pool like hole as wide as a mattress, and he guessed it was much deeper. The brownish water made him want to gag, this was going to be disgusting.
He grabbed the mans arms and dragged him to the pools edge, he could feel the flesh trembling in fear under his firm grasp. He put the gun to the man's temple and glared.
"This is the tank sewage centre?"
"Y-yes sir." The man stammered. And Tony grinned, he'd been right. When the tanks were cleaned of all their animals feces this is there they went.
"And this tank has a pipe system that leads directly into the ocean for dumping?" The man nodded again, his head bobbing vigorously. "So you've been in these pipe to clean them?" Another nod, more uncertain now. "Is there any sort of machinery in there that is used to grind up the shit?" Tony glanced again at the brown liquid, holding back the urge to gag. His prisoners eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Why."
"Just answer!" Tony demanded, digging the weapon into the flesh a little more, he saw the fear over come the confusion again.
"No! There's no need, the feces just crumble during the flush." Tony nodded.
"How long is the tunnel?"
"About two hundred meters."
"How does the flushing system work?"
"Sir, I don't think-"
"Look kid, I have not had a very good time as a test subject in this facility. IN fact I'm pretty much ready to kill in order to get out of here. So if you don't answer my questions, and believe me when I tell you I know when you're lying, than will not hesitate to kill you. Understand?" Tony demanded harshly. He was running out of time, they were going to notice his failure to arrive at the lab in any minute. Finally the man began to stumble out an answer.
"The water is pulled in through a separate pipe and pushes the contaminated fluid through the pipe into the ocean. The wall on the right of the tank is where the controls are. It takes about three minutes to fully flush." Tony dragged the man to the control panel.
"How?" The boy touched the screen which changed to different instructions. A list of options came up and he pointed with a shaky finger at the disposal icon.
"You just press there and it goes to work immediately." Tony stared at it a moment and then turned to the twenty-five year old.
"Thanks." And pushing the boy near the guard he shot him with the stunner. His body crumpled in on itself but Tony knew from experience that he would wake up just fine in ten minutes or so. Just to be safe he shot the guard as well before tossing the weapon to the ground. Then a red light began flashing in the room.
"Warning, security breach. Warning, security breach." It was time. Not thinking twice about it Tony tapped the button and immediately noticed the murky fluid in the pool begin to swirl. Before he could change his mind he took a deep breath and jumped in. He was instantly tugged deeper into the thick liquid and found himself sucked into a tube about three times his body width. Keeping his eyes and mouth closed as tight as he could he covered his head with his arms and went with the flow. For two minutes he fought the urge to breath the waste, feeling its thickness slurping around him as it gradually thinned out, mixing with natural seawater. And then finally he was ejected into the slightly cooler, slightly fresher body of the ocean.
Not wasting a minute he kicked powerfully away from the filthy water, until he couldn't feel it or taste it through his skin anymore, and he took is first burning breath of saltwater freedom, and cried as loudly as he could into the ocean. He was free.
Tony, their friend and crewman, was missing, and they were running out of options to find him. They had nothing to go on except the messages he'd sent and the description of a mans tattoo. They'd gone to the local tattoo artist and asked several questions about specific spider web tattoos, Tim had nearly come away with a thumb size black widow on his neck but other than that the enquiry was useless. The artist didn't recognize the marking or the descriptions of the man that wore it. The fact was they had nothing to go on. Wherever Tony was, or who ever had him, had covered their tracks well. Too well, and their lack of progress in finding anything was scaring Miguel more than he cared to admit.
The fact was he considered Tony a friend, a good one. He hadn't had much time to really get to know the ex-con but even in almost a year of working together he felt they'd formed a good bond. There was something different about Tony that Miguel had been drawn to trust, especially after all they'd been through together and with the rest of the crew. Yet despite that there was still something about the man that had always bugged him, the problem was that he couldn't quite pin point what it was, and that was the most annoying part. He'd spent a lot of time thinking about it recently, about what was so different about Tony. Was it the way he carried himself? The way he reacted to certain people? Authority? His taste in music? As far as Miguel was concerned everyone had some quirk or odd way about them. Everyone had something they kept a secret from others, it didn't matter how big or small. So what was it that made Tony different from a place full of individual people?
Miguel took a deep breath and looked once more around the table at the shuttered faces of tired friends worried to death about Tony. He knew that Captain Bridger, as much as he hated the idea, had been given orders to head to the coast of Newfoundland and aid in the clean up of a fuel spill. The spill itself was minor but deadly to the creatures it covered and their aid was appreciated. They had to leave and put a halt to the search for Tony. It was a desperate time and this early morning gathering was the last moment attempt to come up with a plan to find him. Miguel met Henderson's tired eyes and gave a weak smile of support. Even he couldn't muster enough optimism to give encouragement, if only he could.A loud bang echoed in the deadly silent room and every occupant, with the exception of Ford, practically fell out of their seat in shock at the noise.
The unmistakable form of Dagwood raced across the mess, avoiding chairs and tables with surprising grace until he stopped where they all sat, looming over them and making Miguel remember how small he was in comparison to the Dagger.
"Darwin has news! He says he has a friend who knows where Tony is!" They stared at him a moment and Miguel found it difficult for his mind to wrap around what the man was saying.Darwin has news about Tony?
"Where is he?" Ford demanded, shooting out of his seat at the same time Lucas jumped up.
"Ummm, I think you should talk to Darwin. He's in the moonpool. He's waiting for you." The poor Dagger didn't even have time to finish as the entire group surged forward and out of the messhall in one fluid stream. When they arrived at the moon pool they stopped in confusion.
"When did we get another dolphin?" Brody asked off to Miguel's left. It was Darwin who answered.
"Tony not good, Tony not safe! Prince needs help!" He clicked and Lucas grabbed for the communicator.
"Darwin, tells us what's going on, what do you know about Tony?" The two dolphins splashed their heads in agitation and Miguel watched the guest dolphin clicked and whistled animatedly. Darwin waited a moment before speaking.
"He says Prince in large tank. men lock him there. They were together once and Tony not happy. Tony scared. Tony don't like scientists." The room was silent again, but only for a worried moment.
"Where is he?"
"Big place! Big! Other animals, fish and mammals there! All locked up, but not like Prince! They hurt him!"
"Darwin" Lucas spoke evenly and urgently "Can your friend show us where Tony is?" The dolphin shook his head negatively in a very human gesture.
"No. He show you where he was put back in real ocean! Must save Prince! Prince get sick in cage!"
"We'll find him Darwin. Ask your friend to stay a while so we can go do some research." The dolphin splashed his blue-gray nose in agreement but they were already turning away to look at each other.
"A research lab?" Tim suggested as he pushed his glasses higher on his nose.
"Possibly. It sounded like they did aqua research on a lot of animals. Is there anywhere around here that could support that?" Ford asked. Miguel frowned.
"An aquarium?" Lucas suggested. "There are quite a few of them placed in the main tourist areas."
"It's a possibility, and the best one we've had in a while. Lucas."
"Dustin Miner." Miguel spoke up, finally finding his voice and interrupting Ford. They paused and looked at him.
"Who?"
"Dustin Miner, previously owner of the Miner Maker Industries that supplied the UEO with alloy for ships." He licked his lips, thinking of how to give a brief history. "He sold it for one hell of a lot of money and went into aquariums and mini-sub building. He's one of the richest men in the world. You guys haven't heard of him?"
"Sounds familiar, keep going." Ford ordered.
"He's been in trouble with the endangered species act several times, though he appears to fully support their cause. He tends to acquire animals on the black market for his private collections. He's an avid fish lover, basically obsessed with anything under the sea." Lucas snapped his fingers and pointed at Miguel.
"I know who you're talking about! I think I read an article about him two years back when the UEO tried to convict him of possessing three animals stolen from the protection zone.and a giant whale carcass? But that fell through and I haven't read anything on him since."
"For such a rich man he seems extremely capable of staying away from the spotlight." Miguel commented. "If he has Tony than the sooner we get him out the better. My sister met Miner once at a whale activist protest, it was brief but she said he gave her the creeps. Supposedly had an aura of insanity around him." He noticed the raised eyebrows and quickly jumped to his siblings defence. "She's slightly empathic and very good at reading people."
"So are you." Wendy smith commented as she joined the tightly huddled group.
"Dr. Smith. Glad you could join us." Ford said.
"I was in the lab anyway." She answered, looking at each individual and then her eyes rested on Miguel. He felt himself flush slightly under her gaze and remembered her last comment. He should have known she'd pick up on his extremely slight empathic abilities, he had a tendency to advertise them when he was extremely stressed, he just hoped she wouldn't mention it again.
"You all seem anxious," she commented "what's going on?"
"We think we've found Tony." Her eyes shot around to stare at Commander Ford and she a sharp little breath. Miguel felt her intense relief and worry increase ten fold. It was amazing the waves a psychic could give off. Tony did that occasionally when he was excited about something but.but Tony wasn't psychic, was he?
"Lucas, dig into the records and current status of that facility Ortiz mentioned. Tim, Brody and Henderson, I want you to start planning a possible rescue from Lucas's information as well as look into legalities. I'd rather get Tony out of there legally as opposed to breaking in." Miguel noticed the slightly dangerous glint that reached every members eyes in the room and felt sorry for whoever got in their way now. As a team they were all expertly trained and possibly some of the best in the world at what they did. When they were pissed off and out for revenge.it was downright scary. For a moment he was washed up in the feeling of action and purpose. They were going to get their friend back!
"Ortiz, you and Dr. Smith meet me in the briefing room in ten minutes. We need to inform the captain of the situation and help him come up with a way to have our current mission changed. Lets get to it people." They all snapped into a frenzy of controlled movement, speeding to their destinations. When the room emptied Miguel found himself standing next to the doctor and Dagwood. She bent down briefly and scratched at her lower leg, frowning. He cleared his throat.
"Doctor Smith. Could I ask you something?"
"Of course." She smiled kindly.
"My empathic abilities, they're so weak I usually don't pick up any emotions from people who don't possess the abilities themselves."
"That's completely normal, and I apologize for bringing it up in front of the others, I didn't realize that you didn't want them to know."
"That's no problem. I just.I pick up emotions from you when you don't have your shields in place, but the only other person I've ever felt like that has been Tony." He stopped there and looked at her, wondering if he should blurt out the question or if it was his right to even ask. She saved him from his own dilemma.
"You're wondering if our Tony Piccolo has telepathic abilities?" She sighed and they walked over to the moon pool where the two dolphins were casually rolling around. She didn't act surprised at the additional mammal. "I honestly am not sure. I used to get strange readings from him at odd moments but never enough to indicate any ability. Dagwood doesn't agree though." Miguel looked beside her where the large man had joined them, a frown on his lips. His eyes were so young, like the child that he usually appeared to be. He hadn't lived nearly as long as any of them but he'd seen so much for his age. Sometimes, Miguel mused, Dagwood was the most mature out of them all. The big custodian met his gaze head on.
"Tony is telepathic. A good one! The best." He stated and Wendy frowned slightly.
"Dagwood, you can't be sure. There was only one incidence."
"No!" He cut her off. "There is so much more about him. Tony, he hid a memory in my own mind, and you can't even feel his mind. He is too strong, he hides it so you don't know."
"Dagwood." Miguel was so confused by the mans outburst, he didn't really know what to say. "How can you be sure?" Dagwood suddenly stood taller, bouncing back and forth on his large feet, his eyes darting between them both in sudden nervousness. He was contemplating whether or not he should say what he knows.
"If what you know could help us find Tony, you should tell us." Wendy calmly urged and he raised a big hand to twist his eyebrow as he thought.
"I don't know if it will help. Tony will be upset." That was it then, they wouldn't get anymore out of the Dagger. Miguel felt his shoulders slump slightly. "MMMMBut you two can know. Somebody else needs to know." He took a breath. "Tony is a prince! He can talk to Darwin."
"Anybody can speak with Darwin Dagwood." But the man shook his head in immediate denial.
"No, not through the phone. Tony speaks to Darwin" He tapped his head with his index finger "in his head. Tony speaks to all animals in their head. Darwin said Tony is the prince of all the water and everything that lives in it." Miguel and Wendy stood there and gazed at him, completely unsure of how to react. Miguel was suddenly worried that Dagwood was more mentally immature than any of them realized when a quite click drew their attention to the water pool.
"True." Darwin squawked resignedly. "True. Tony Prince. Don't tell. Don't tell." Miguel breathed in sharply and Wendy twisted her gaze to star him in the eyes. For a moment, as they tried to comprehend what they were being told, they were lost in each others gazes, until a new and confused fear crept into Miguel's heart.
"We don't tell anyone about this." He said, hoping that they would all listen to his reasoning. "Nobody. If the UEO found out-"
"They know." Darwin answered.
"What?"
"They know. Tony doesn't like the UEO." Miguel noticed Wendy swallow slowly before turning to look at both him and Dagwood.
"You're right Miguel. This information goes no further than us, for Tony's safety and his right for privacy. Understood?" They both nodded and Darwin splashed in agreement. Now, not knowing what to think and needing to see his friend more than ever Miguel followed Wendy out of the room and to the briefing. A subdued silence set over them.
()()()Q()()()
The current was strong in the tank today, he was forced to try and swim into it to keep from crashing into the glass wall on the opposite side. He'd been moving for three hours now and though he wasn't in the least bit tired he began to act as though he were. His number one motto was never give scientists the correct results. It was his only way of currently having any control over anything, and his control was slipping.
Everyday he felt his body beginning to disobey him, begin to turn. He couldn't stand being in water for so long and not allowing his bodies natural change. It was becoming painful, fighting himself. His body was reacting to the prolonged submersions. He hadn't been out of the tank for two and a half days straight. Surprisingly, at least to him, this was the longest they'd had him remain in it. It appeared they were becoming less fascinated with studying his body on a table, and he was losing the battle to stay as human as possible.
His skin was formulating a ticker layer of mucus, almost unnoticeable to the human eye and just silky to the touch, but necessary for permanent underwater life. As a protection he adapted this layer, which doubled as insulation in colder temperatures. And now it was here he could feel the continuous twinges in his legs. The tissue cells were beginning to replicate at a rate that was impossible for any other creature he'd ever found on earth. His fin was beginning to overpower his human legs.
If he wanted to he could control the rate of replication. In a matter of minutes his legs flesh could form a thick layer that attached his two limbs together. It was an odd sensation, and extremely weird to watch as the flesh would suddenly grow and wrap into a fin. The painful part was the base of his fin, which needed to build a cartilage base to support the flipper. Another odd side effect was the skin pigmentation which turned a silver and tinted with whatever colour surrounded him the most at the time of transformation. And, just as he could increase his transformation speed, he could decrease it; to two and a half days. But now his natural urges were beginning to over come his command. If he didn't get out of this tank within approximately eight hours he would be giving everyone one hell of a show as he ripped his pants of so the change could take place. And when that happened, his life would become even more of a living hell.
He concentrated on slowing down his strokes, beings pushed closer to the wall more frequently, hoping they would stop the water slow soon. Fake currents were the most annoying and unnatural thing about his water prisons. Maybe he should just form his fin and give it a good smack upside the glass. Not meaning to brag but he was more than confident he could shatter the thick glass if he had two, especially with the aide of the water pressure. And then, without any warning, the flow stopped and his tank was tossed into an uncertain swirl as the water tried to decide how to stop moving. Looking up he saw a guard at the tank surface, gesturing at him to emerge. With a strong kick he glided up, his arms reaching until he felt his fingers contact the metal grate. Pulling hard he flew out of the water, the guard standing in front of him waiting, and jumping back as a fountain of water flew from Tony's mouth and all over his private area. Tony plunged back into the water, his head bobbing above its surface as he laughed at the enraged guards red face.
"Get out of there!" He demanded, his stun rifle used as a threatening pointer. Tony immediately sobered, remembering his last weeks submissive act.
"Sorry sir. I don't know what came over me." He pulled himself up and his feet easily landed on the deck, the grate, much like SeaQuest's corridors, bit into his feet. He ignored it.
"Just walk." The man huffed and Tony thumped down the staircase onto the main floor, where Miner was waiting. Oh heavenly joy, the felt the skin at the back of his neck tighten in warning. The man was looking at him strangely, with a knowing glaze to his eyes.
"Tony, it seems you've been hiding something from us." Oh no, what could he have discovered. Tony blinked, waiting. Miner frowned slightly but dind't comment. If Tony was aware of any of this mans feelings he'd have to say that Miner missed his retaliation. Normal fish didn't talk back, it was probably very exciting to him. And the imprisoned man had to his a smirk of disgust. "The rate of tissue cell replication seems to be increasing along your legs and feet. Are you going to tell us anything about it?" The mans eyes were like an interrogation all on their own, and Tony wanted to shudder in fear. He could admit he was afraid of this man. There was nothing wrong in admitting that to himself. It was natural for someone who held so much power over you to be feared, yet while Tony was deadly afraid of him he wouldn't allow himself to become overpowered by the instinctual need for Fight or Flight. Obvously in this situation it wasn't an option, so instead he held his own and feared in silence. After all, he didn't want the evil creature to have the satisfaction of seeing him squirm.
"Sir." A scientist speaking off to their right interrupted. "We're ready for him." Miner nodded and stepped close to Tony, leaning forward and his warm breath was easily felt by Tony's sensitive skin
"After this you're going in the tank for an indefinite amount of time." His voice hissed quietly. Tony felt the nervousness radiating off the still guard to his left. "So long, that I'm sure you'll miss the basic need of human contact." His large hand suddenly landed firmly on Tony's chest and he jumped in surprise and fear. The mans hand moved in slow circles, feeling his chest, traveled down to rub at his gill filaments before coming to rest on his left collar bone. Tony took in a shaky breath and swallowed the bile that threatened to erupt form his throat. The way this man touched him made him so sick he couldn't describe it, and the fingers pressed into his slippery skin. He could feel the nails beginning to bite him, and he wanted nothing more than to reach out and snap this mans neck.
But his instincts wouldn't let him, he was not a killer, he never would be, no matter what. The intimate atmosphere Miner had created came to a crashing end as his nails dug in and suddenly ripped down, taking several layers of skin with them. Tony flinched slightly and looked down at the three red lines beginning to bead with tiny drops of blood, and then back into Miners smirking face. Cautiously Tony reached out and glimpsed into the mad mans mind, and retreated so fast that Miner looked shook his head in confusion. Tony had to get out of here, this was his last chance if he wanted to escape relatively unharmed. This man was insane. Miner nodded to the guard and stepped aside as Tony was finally led away from them, by the one guard.
They paused at the door as the precautionary cuffs where thrown around his wrists and then, with a rifle nudge, they were walking along the corridor. A minute later they were approaching the door Tony had seen the wheelbarrow enter the other day. He took a deep and steadying breath, drawing on his full concentration he looked at the guard and commanded.
"Stop." Instantly the man froze and turned to look at him, and Tony feared that he hadn't been able to control his mind like he thought he could. But when Dewy didn't say anything he held out his wrists. "Unlock these." The man hesitated and Tony concentrated harder, feeling a headache form. He could talk to any creature, see into anyone's mind, but when it came to manipulating them it was the most difficult thing in the world. It wasn't natural to him, it was something he forced his mind to do of necessity and he would pay for it later, with the hangover of all time. The guard reached out and placed his thumbprint on the locking mechanism. The metal rings clicked and slipped off. Tony caught them with one hand and looked at the guard.
"Thanks." He said and then smashed his fist into the guys jaw. He was out like a light before he hit the floor. Releasing his psychic hold on the man Tony sighed in relief, the pressure leaving his mind. He Bent down, grabbed the man by the arms and dragged him easily to the door that had caught his attention one week before. He'd been planning this for a while now, and if he was wrong about what this room was than he was in serious trouble. Picking up the stun weapon he pulled the guards arm up until his thumb could reach the door lock scan, after a moment the metal shield slid open and Tony dragged the man into the room quickly.
Sensing one other person in the room he immediately trained his weapon on the man.
"Don't move." He ordered as he snapped the cuffs around the guards wrist and left him on the floor. The stench in the room was strong but Tony managed to ignore it, looking to the far end of the room he saw a pool like hole as wide as a mattress, and he guessed it was much deeper. The brownish water made him want to gag, this was going to be disgusting.
He grabbed the mans arms and dragged him to the pools edge, he could feel the flesh trembling in fear under his firm grasp. He put the gun to the man's temple and glared.
"This is the tank sewage centre?"
"Y-yes sir." The man stammered. And Tony grinned, he'd been right. When the tanks were cleaned of all their animals feces this is there they went.
"And this tank has a pipe system that leads directly into the ocean for dumping?" The man nodded again, his head bobbing vigorously. "So you've been in these pipe to clean them?" Another nod, more uncertain now. "Is there any sort of machinery in there that is used to grind up the shit?" Tony glanced again at the brown liquid, holding back the urge to gag. His prisoners eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Why."
"Just answer!" Tony demanded, digging the weapon into the flesh a little more, he saw the fear over come the confusion again.
"No! There's no need, the feces just crumble during the flush." Tony nodded.
"How long is the tunnel?"
"About two hundred meters."
"How does the flushing system work?"
"Sir, I don't think-"
"Look kid, I have not had a very good time as a test subject in this facility. IN fact I'm pretty much ready to kill in order to get out of here. So if you don't answer my questions, and believe me when I tell you I know when you're lying, than will not hesitate to kill you. Understand?" Tony demanded harshly. He was running out of time, they were going to notice his failure to arrive at the lab in any minute. Finally the man began to stumble out an answer.
"The water is pulled in through a separate pipe and pushes the contaminated fluid through the pipe into the ocean. The wall on the right of the tank is where the controls are. It takes about three minutes to fully flush." Tony dragged the man to the control panel.
"How?" The boy touched the screen which changed to different instructions. A list of options came up and he pointed with a shaky finger at the disposal icon.
"You just press there and it goes to work immediately." Tony stared at it a moment and then turned to the twenty-five year old.
"Thanks." And pushing the boy near the guard he shot him with the stunner. His body crumpled in on itself but Tony knew from experience that he would wake up just fine in ten minutes or so. Just to be safe he shot the guard as well before tossing the weapon to the ground. Then a red light began flashing in the room.
"Warning, security breach. Warning, security breach." It was time. Not thinking twice about it Tony tapped the button and immediately noticed the murky fluid in the pool begin to swirl. Before he could change his mind he took a deep breath and jumped in. He was instantly tugged deeper into the thick liquid and found himself sucked into a tube about three times his body width. Keeping his eyes and mouth closed as tight as he could he covered his head with his arms and went with the flow. For two minutes he fought the urge to breath the waste, feeling its thickness slurping around him as it gradually thinned out, mixing with natural seawater. And then finally he was ejected into the slightly cooler, slightly fresher body of the ocean.
Not wasting a minute he kicked powerfully away from the filthy water, until he couldn't feel it or taste it through his skin anymore, and he took is first burning breath of saltwater freedom, and cried as loudly as he could into the ocean. He was free.