Chapter 126

Finally, the DNA sequences were finished.

Katya examined the data.

Most notably, the DNA sequences for both 'dry' and 'wet' samples were the same. This meant that while there was a complete change in structure at the cell level in contact with water, it did not mean that the DNA changed.

"It will be interesting to find out if the mermaids can hold their breath as long in human form," Katya mused, "If they can't, it means that their entire anatomical structure changes between human and mermaid. Incredible".

Katya found that the mermaid genome included 48 chromosomes. More chromosomes than the expected genome sequences - humans have 46 chromosomes and dolphins have 44.

98% of the mermaid genome matched human DNA. An additional 1% matched DNA found in dolphins and whales. The other 1% Katya had no idea about yet.

Overall, the 2% different (and the 2 extra chromosomes) clearly accounted for the mermaid's ability to change the cell structure in contact with water to have legs or a tail, and have powers… but how? As a scientist, Katya was hesitant to believe in magic, but she was finding it hard to wrap her head around how this was possible. Regardless of the cause, this was a new discovery for science.

Having the genome sequence analysis (and it being completely different to any currently discovered species on earth), as well as the cell evidence, Katya had enough to publish her findings (in order to start more substantial research). Katya had been beavering away at the science for a week, as a distraction from the ethical implications. Now that the basic examination of it was done, she actually had to face the decision of what to do with the evidence.

Ryan had phoned Katya the day after the kidnapping fiasco, and Katya had replied stating that she needed some time to think before moving forward. Ryan had exclaimed with a few choice words, and hung up.

Moving away from her desk, Katya again got out the tub of icecream and flicked on the TV. This was definitely not a great habit.

Katya was unable to focus fully on the movie. She dug her spoon into the icecream as she thought through possible outcomes and scenarios.

Because of the ethical nature of her dilemma, Katya realised that she needed to speak with the victims. She needed to contact the mermaids and discuss it with them.

But how was she to do this?

Should she involve Ryan? Or go straight to the mermaids?

What did she actually want?

Was she going to get fried by a bolt of lightning for trying? Katya remembered how one had landed in front of Ryan from the older blonde mermaid.

First things first, she needed to chat to her lawyers again.

OoOoO

The next morning, Katya met with her lawyer Vera.

"So let me get this straight: You and Ryan succeeded in capturing a mermaid and gained additional samples as evidence, but it turns out that the mermaid is a child who lives among us?"

"Yes, and now I don't know what to do. Ryan tricked me – he had said that there was a chance that mermaids could go on land, but he did not imply that they were actually people like you and me! I would never have helped to kidnap that poor girl if I knew!"

"Hmm," Vera considered. "And you said that you've been analysing the samples from the mermaid this week, and have said to Ryan that you just needed time to think,"

"Yeah," Katya sighed.

"Well, before I give any recommendations, let's lay out the facts," Vera started. "You made a legal agreement with Ryan for complete research confidentiality and exclusivity – as you know, this means that you cannot share information about the research with external parties without his consent, or pursue the research with his evidence if you were to end the contract. If you do not want to work with him any longer, you can leave the agreement, but you would have to surrender any research or items that he provided you access to,"

"That makes sense – I'd have to give any scale and blood samples back to him. Is there a loophole to allow me to keep the genome sequence analysis?"

"Since you did that analysis at home without him and have not involved him in the process, we may be able to argue that it is your property, and not his, however, it is from a sample that he provided to you. I think you would not be able to use that evidence any further without him being able to hold you accountable, but you also will not need to surrender that part to him,"

"What if I exposed the way he obtained the samples?"

"That would embroil you in a legal battle with unknown outcomes – since most people don't believe in mermaids, you would have to prove the kidnapping of a human – and since the child is free, you can't easily call the police on him,"

"So I can stop working with him, but won't be able to keep pursuing mermaids?"

"Yes and no," Vera explained. "If you found another mermaid and conducted your own independent research on new samples, then you could legally pursue it without him – you just can't use what you currently have,"

"Okay, thanks Vera. Can we book in a meeting with Ryan to dissolve the research agreement? I will bring all my samples and research he helped with. I ethically can no longer work with him,"

"Yes, I will contact him to book it in," Vera said.

"Thanks again," Katya said, getting up to leave.

"Katya?"

"Yes?" she turned back towards Vera.

"I admire you my dear," Vera said. "Not everyone could so easily give up their life's research passion for the sake of ethics,"

"I appreciate that," Katya said, "but it is the right thing to do,"

OoOoO

"The houses are starting to take shape, nice!" Bella said as she arrived back at Mako village with the school kids in tow.
Each mer-house had been moved over (the perks of them being made out of water), and crawlspace foundations had been laid where they had been moved from. The small houses were being framed. Ben, as a builder by trade, was enjoying being able to use his powers in the building process – using water to move and place the wooden planks was making it all significantly faster. They were going double the rate of a regular building site. When Don could be there, he drove his boat over to the island to help out his daughter's family. He too was fascinated by the magic involved.

A lot of the adults had taken time off work during the week to help with the build – the first few days were relocating their current houses – they weren't big, but there was a lot of stuff inside them that got shaken around during the move. In the evenings, all the water movers helped with shifting building materials into place. Ben estimated that they were looking at another 3 weeks for the basic construction of all the houses to be finished. Then they could look into painting, plumbing, electricity etc. Everyone was aware that while construction could not be rushed, there was a real threat above their heads, like a dark cloud.

OoOoO

Katya felt her heart racing as she entered Vera's office. Ryan was not going to be happy.

Taking a deep breath, she greeted Vera and Ryan and sat down.

"What is this meeting for?" Ryan bit out, looking at what Katya had placed on the table.

"Thanks for meeting with us today, Ryan," Vera opened. "Katya wanted to meet with you around the terms of her contract,"

"That's lawyer speak for 'she's ditching me' right?" Ryan said angrily.

"Katya would like to withdraw from the research agreement for personal reasons," Vera replied. "For this reason, she has brought all samples and research she completed with you, here today,"

Katya pushed the USB stick and chilled box with blood vials and scales towards him gently.

"I should've known you'd be scared off," Ryan taunted. "Too wimpy to handle the needed methods for this research,"

Katya didn't say anything. His reaction told her more than what she needed to know.

"Can you please sign here that you release Katya from the contract and re-possess your samples, Mr Tate?"

Ryan took the pen and scowled as he signed.

Katya let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Who knows what would've happened if he did not sign that.

"Well then, I didn't need you anyway," Ryan growled. "I'll prove it on my own!"

With that, the man grabbed the USB and the samples, and stormed out of the room.

"That was one of the shortest legal meetings I have ever had," Vera laughed.

"I think he knew it was coming," Katya murmured. Louder, Katya said, "I really hope that he doesn't do anything drastic,"

While Katya hoped that this would be the last time she saw Ryan, she had a bad feeling that they would cross paths again, and it wouldn't be good.

A/N: Hello! I hope everyone has been well! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know what you think :D I love reading your thoughts (reviews are a big highlight for me).

Life has been crazy busy, so I haven't had many chances to write. When I don't update, it's just because I haven't had the chance to write - not for any other reason :)

Thanks especially to Guest, YaleAceBella12, CrazyHayniac,readingqueen01 and RockMintSwirl22 for commenting. I'm really glad you guys enjoy it enough to leave me a message :D

See you all next time!