Yikes... it's been 3 years since I last updated. I recall people saying that my original ending was a cop-out and there was no resolution between humans and mermaids, and I agree. So without further ado, here is a new chapter of Humans Vs. Merpeople.
Three months had gone by since Elizabeth and Joshua married. Charlotte, Cleo, Emma and Ricki were all there to celebrate with their own significant others, while Veridia and the mermaid council had come to the surface to go over negotiations with the United Nations. It was a much needed discussion, and thanks to their own resources within the government, Elizabeth and Joshua made it possible for the merpeople to attend such meetings.
Those three months were the most challenging times of all their lives. While the merpeople of Mako Island worked with the humans to find unity and peace, Elizabeth was on her own journey to lose the mermaid powers she gained over time. Living with them in cohabitation with her feline powers took a huge toll on her well-being. Thankfully, her genius brother George was able to help find a way for her to remove them with help from Lewis, who was excited to meet George Striker, known as the most brilliant mind of the century. Lewis, armed with his knowledge in magic, collaborated with the scientific genius to remove Elizabeth's mermaid powers.
Around the globe, mermaids and mermen connected and set aside their own past history to form a stronger community. Zac, Evie, and their friends felt like a huge tension had been lifted, freeing them from the fear of living in secrecy for the rest of their own young lives. Now that the world knew everything, there was no sense in hiding.
Of course, aside from negotiations with the United Nations, Merpeople found themselves facing challenges that were far beyond their control. It required Elizabeth to step in once again, and what she learned were dark secrets hidden in the chambers of an unknown community.
Arriving at the new cafe Ricki's, which now replaced the Juicenet Cafe, Elizabeth's bright green eyes scanned the area until they landed upon Ricki who was behind the counter at a juicer which whirred loudly, grinding down a concoction of green fruits and vegetables to create a delicious drink. Walking over while she was working, Elizabeth flashed her a smile as she leaned up against the counter.
"Ricki, working hard or hardly working?" Elizabeth quipped teasingly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Stealing a quick glance before she powered down the blender, Ricki snickered as she began pouring the green liquid into a serving glass. "Working hard all day every day. What's up, Liz? Haven't seen you in a while."
"Yeah, been doing some work, you know how it is. Listen, is the rest of the gang around? I need to speak to everyone about something important," Elizabeth asked as she walked along with Ricki over to a table where a couple of teenagers waited for their drinks.
"Yeah, they're about. I can send a text. Where do you want us all to meet?" Ricki asked, handed over the drinks, then returned to the counter with money in hand to put in the cash register.
"Here's fine. After dark would be best when all the customers are gone," Elizabeth answered.
Nodding, Ricki got back to work while Elizabeth thanked her then left. Watching the older girl walk away, a sense of curiosity in the back of her mind, Ricki furrowed her brows together, wondering what was so important that the feline Super needed to see the whole gang.
That evening when the sun had gone down and customers had gone home, the doors to Ricki's were locked up, and everyone gathered around while Elizabeth stood in the center of the room. Each of them looked at her with a mix of curiosity and worry on their faces as they waited for her to speak up and explain what was going on. A stoic expression was written all over her face as she looked from Ricki, Emma and Cleo, to Zach, Evie, Mimmi and Ondina. The rest of the mermaids, hybrid and natural borns, were there along with the mermaid and mermen council members.
"Okay, so... I did some digging during negotiations, and I learned some pretty upsetting things," Elizabeth began, fiddled with her wedding ring for a moment, then pinched her eyebrows together with concern. She shifted her gaze over to Charlotte next, who stood off to the side. Charlotte had come to accompany her partner to ensure that the truth was spoken. Elizabeth was no stranger to speaking hard truths, but this one in particular was deeply troubling.
Elizabeth looked over to the others again. "There's a scientist who's been going on about how she always knew that mermaids existed but never said anything because she had no evidence. Now that it's out there for the world, she wants to do experiments... and she's enlisted Stephan Charmichael to be her benefactor."
Tension immediatly arose in the air from the sound of that name. Stephan Charmichael, a world reknowned scientist and CEO of Charmichael Industries, was the leading scientist in weapons and technology, but his intelligence extended beyond such simplicities, as he often put it. Lewis was a big fan of his work, as was Elizabeth's brother, George. A big name like that was sure to draw attention, and the female scientist who reached out to him was either incredibly brave for such actions, or insane.
Lewis, filled with disdain, raised his hand in the air, and Elizabeth allowed him to speak up. "Let me guess. This scientist... she's blonde, has a pretty face and big brain?"
"Yeah, how'd you-?" Elizabeth asked, but was quickly interrupted by Lewis, along with Cleo, Emma and Ricki.
"Doctor Denman," they all said in unison.
The four of them bounced off each other's words as they explained their history with Doctor Linda Denman, how she stole a cell sample from Lewis, how she captured the girls and wanted to experiment on them, and how in the end, they defeated her before supposedly giving up their powers which was only for twelve hours. Listening intently, Elizabeth nodded with understanding before they allowed her to speak up again.
"Interesting. Because now that merpeople have proven to be part of this world, Doctor Denman wants to pick up on that research again, and Stephan agreed. It seems that all of you aren't out of the woods just yet. But the reason I came here isn't to just warn you about them."
Elizabeth took a moment to pace back and forth while gathering her thoughts, then she spoke up again. "During my investigation into these matters, I realized how dangerous it would be for all of merkind to be experimented on. I know Stephan Charmichael personally as my family has grown up around his, and he's a very machiavellian person. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, despite the image he's cultivated over the past thirty-six years."
Zac and Evie exchanged a look of worry then held hands, while Veridia and Nerissa appeared to be puzzled. Unlike the hybrid merpeople, they had very little knowledge on Stephan Charmichael due to their out of touch ways living at sea. Veridia raised her hand and asked who Stephan Charmichael was, so Elizabeth explained who he was, as well as his influence in the world.
"Stephan Charmichael is a man with unlimited resources. It means that he can give Doctor Denman all the equipment that she needs, and he can and will take whatever merperson he can find to experiment on," Elizabeth explained.
"But why? What for?" Rita asked, shifting uncomfortably on the bench nearby.
"That I don't know, which is why Charlotte will be going undercover. They don't know her, so she's our best shot at learning the truth. I'd go, but my face is too recognizable," Elizabeth replied. "My brother George will be there to guide her through the ins and outs of Charmichael Industries."
"While she's undercover, I want the rest of you to keep a low profile. Stay out of the water, adopt civilian identities." Reaching into her bag, Elizabeth pulled out multiple cases thin as paper, with untraceable identity cards. She handed half a stack to Charlotte and the two began passing them out.
As the group took the untraceable identity cards, a heavy silence filled the room. The weight of the situation hung in the air, each person understanding the gravity of what they were being asked to do. Elizabeth watched their faces, seeing a mix of determination and fear. She knew the stakes were high, and the dangers were real, but they had no other choice if they wanted to protect their kind from the impending threat.
Charlotte, holding the last of the identity cards, looked around the room, her gaze lingering on each person before speaking. "We've all faced challenges before, but this... this is different. We're not just fighting to protect ourselves; we're fighting for the future of all merpeople. We can't let Charmichael and Denman get what they want."
Zac, his arm still around Evie, nodded in agreement. "We've stayed hidden for so long, and now that the world knows about us, we're more vulnerable than ever. But we're not alone in this. We have each other."
Elizabeth gave Zac a small, appreciative smile. "Exactly. We're stronger together. But for now, strength comes from staying hidden and blending in. These cards will help you establish new identities—normal, everyday humans. Use them to create lives that Charmichael can't trace."
Emma, always the voice of reason, stepped forward. "What about the others? The merpeople who don't know what's happening? How do we protect them?"
Elizabeth's expression grew somber. "We're working on it. The mermaid council is doing their best to spread the word and prepare those who are still in hiding. But we can only do so much. That's why it's crucial we stay ahead of Charmichael and Denman. If Charlotte can gather enough information, we might be able to take them down before they even start."
Lewis, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, his voice filled with concern. "And if she's caught? What then?"
"She won't be," George said confidently, entering the room with his laptop in hand. "I've been monitoring their systems, and with the security measures I've put in place, Charlotte will be practically invisible. Besides, I'll be guiding her every step of the way. If anything goes wrong, we'll pull her out before anyone notices."
Elizabeth gave her brother a nod of approval. "George is right. We've taken every precaution. But we need to be prepared for the worst. That's why I'm asking you all to stay low and avoid drawing attention to yourselves. If anything happens, you need to be ready to move at a moment's notice."
Ondina, always the skeptic, crossed her arms. "And what about you, Elizabeth? You're not exactly laying low either."
Elizabeth looked down for a moment, considering her next words carefully. "My priorities lie in the political sphere of all this. I'm working on a solution to protect all merpeople, hyrbid and natural born."
"How?" Lewis asked, greatly curious.
"That I can't tell you since it's still in the works." Elizabeth smirked a little with confidence. "But it'll work out eventually."
Concluding the meeting, Elizabeth left the cafe on her own to allow the others to process the weight of reality. Emerging onto the deck outside, feeling the cool air on her face, she let out a heavy sigh, leaned up against the wall then pulled out her cell phone to quickly call her husband and let him know that the meeting was over.
Time to get to work.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
October 10, 2011
Charlotte arrived into the heart of Toronto with George Striker and came to Charmichael Industries, a towering skyscraper of glass and steel. Inside was overwhelming, with the lobby stretching up several stories, adorned with polished marble floors and gleaming metal accents. The air was crisp and cool, punctuated by the soft hum of the high-tech air conditioning system.
As Charlotte and George entered, they were greeted by the sight of an impressive lobby. The high ceilings were lined with elegant light fixtures that cast a warm, golden glow across the space. Modern art sculptures, sleek and abstract, stood strategically around the room, adding an air of sophistication and exclusivity.
A massive reception desk dominated the center of the lobby, behind which a team of impeccably dressed receptionists handled a steady flow of visitors. Charlotte noted the efficiency with which they worked, their interactions with clients and staff alike smooth and professional. The walls were lined with large digital screens displaying the latest news, stock market trends, and various updates related to Charmichael Industries' ventures.
George led Charlotte through the lobby, guiding her with a mix of familiarity and purpose. They took an elevator up to the fortieth floor, where Stephan Charmichael's office was located. The elevator ride was smooth and silent, with the subtle scent of polished metal and fresh linen wafting through the air. As the elevator doors slid open, Charlotte stepped into a corridor that exuded both opulence and power.
The hallway was decorated with dark wood paneling and adorned with tasteful artwork—landscape paintings and abstract pieces that hinted at the wealth and taste of its owner. The carpet underfoot was plush, muffling their footsteps as they made their way toward Charmichael's office. George's face was set in a determined expression, and Charlotte's heart raced with anticipation and anxiety.
When they reached the office, George tapped in a code on the security panel beside the door. The door slid open with a whisper, revealing a vast, open-plan office that seemed to go on forever. The space was filled with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline, stretching out in a panoramic display of the city's lights and architecture.
Stephan Charmichael's office was a testament to modern luxury. The room was furnished with sleek, contemporary furniture: a large, glass-topped desk at the center, surrounded by high-backed leather chairs. Behind the desk was an impressive bookshelf, filled with a mix of academic tomes, leather-bound classics, and a few personal mementos. The walls were decorated with a few carefully chosen pieces of art, enhancing the office's sophisticated ambiance.
Charlotte's eyes were drawn to a large conference table at one end of the room, where a team of people was already gathered. They were deep in discussion, their voices a murmur of low tones that Charlotte strained to hear. A large screen on one wall displayed complex data and graphs, the kind of information that hinted at high-level research and development.
Stephan Charmichael himself was a commanding presence in the room, standing at seven feet tall. He stood by the conference table, engaged in conversation with a few colleagues. His sharp suit and confident demeanor marked him as a man who was both respected and feared. His bald head gleamed under the light, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to take in every detail of his surroundings.
George led Charlotte forward, his approach purposeful. As they neared the conference table, Stephan's gaze shifted toward them, and he offered a polite but curious smile. The room seemed to hold its breath as Stephan's eyes settled on Charlotte.
"Mr. Charmichael," George began, "I'd like to introduce you to Charlotte Watsford. She's here to assist us with our project and bring her own expertise to the table."
Stephan's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Charlotte. "Watsford?" He arched one of his dark thick brows, then carefully studied her young features, taking in her auburn hair and brown eyes. "Ah, yes, I remember reading your application. A pleasure to meet you. We've been looking forward to your arrival."
Charlotte met his gaze steadily, her nerves steeled by the professionalism she had learned to maintain in her role at The International Abilities Agency. "Thank you, Mr. Charmichael. I'm eager to contribute and see how I can assist in our mutual goals."
As the meeting continued, Charlotte observed the interactions and dynamics within the room. She noted the way Stephan commanded attention and the subtle undercurrents of tension and ambition that seemed to flow through the discussions. Her training as an agent had prepared her for many things, but the sheer scale and influence of Charmichael Industries were awe-inspiring.
George subtly guided her to a seat, where she took her place, ready to absorb as much information as possible. She knew that every detail counted, and understanding the intricacies of Charmichael's operations was crucial to her mission. With a deep breath, Charlotte focused on the meeting, determined to uncover the truth and protect those who were at risk.
As the meeting progressed, Charlotte carefully observed the interactions between Stephan Charmichael and his team. She noted the way he dominated the conversation, his authoritative tone leaving little room for dissent. His colleagues, while respectful, seemed wary of crossing him, a dynamic that only heightened Charlotte's sense of the man's formidable presence.
After the meeting, George took Charlotte on a tour of the facilities, offering her a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of Charmichael Industries. The tour was thorough, showcasing cutting-edge technology and research labs, but Charlotte's focus remained on gathering information about the company's interest in merpeople. She knew that the real answers lay in understanding the motives behind the experiments.
Over the next few weeks, Charlotte made herself an indispensable part of the team. She used her position to blend in seamlessly, attending meetings, working on projects, and engaging with various departments. Despite her best efforts, she found it challenging to get close to Stephan or Linda Denman. Stephan's presence was often aloof and unapproachable, while Linda was elusive, rarely seen outside her lab.
Charlotte's frustration grew as she tried to find a way to access areas of the facility that might hold crucial information. Stephan's security measures were stringent, and his office was off-limits except for pre-approved meetings. Linda Denman, on the other hand, seemed to operate in isolation, emerging only for brief periods before retreating back into her lab.
Determined to overcome these obstacles, Charlotte began to use her cover more strategically. She volunteered for projects that had the potential to intersect with Stephan's interests, hoping that by proving her value, she might gain more access. Her persistence paid off when she was assigned to work directly with Linda Denman on a new initiative that involved advanced research techniques.
Linda's lab was a high-security area, requiring special clearance. Charlotte's new role gave her the access she needed, but it also meant that she had to navigate Linda's cautious and sometimes hostile demeanor. The scientist was meticulous and guarded, her interactions marked by an air of superiority and distrust.
One day, as Charlotte worked alongside Linda in the lab, she tried to initiate casual conversation, hoping to glean some insight into Linda's motives. Linda's responses were curt and non-revealing, but Charlotte's patience and perseverance began to break through the scientist's defenses.
"Have you been working on this project long?" Charlotte asked, carefully selecting her words to appear genuinely interested.
Linda glanced up, her expression briefly softening. "Yes, quite some time. It's a complex field with many challenges. Not everyone has the patience for it."
Charlotte seized the opportunity. "What exactly are you hoping to achieve with this research?"
Linda's eyes narrowed, but she did not dismiss the question outright. "We're pushing the boundaries of genetic science. The potential applications are vast, but it's a sensitive subject. Not everyone is ready to understand the full scope of it."
Charlotte sensed that Linda's guarded response hinted at something more. "It sounds groundbreaking. What sort of challenges are you facing?"
Linda hesitated, her gaze flickering with a mix of irritation and contemplation. "The challenges are... multifaceted. We're dealing with subjects that are not entirely understood by current science. And then there's the issue of public perception."
Charlotte nodded, maintaining her composure. "I can imagine. It must be difficult to balance innovation with ethical considerations."
Linda's demeanor relaxed slightly at Charlotte's empathetic response. "Indeed. The ethical implications are significant. That's why we have to be very careful about how we proceed."
Charlotte made a mental note of Linda's words, recognizing that the scientist's reluctance to discuss specifics might be due to the sensitive nature of the research. She needed more concrete information, but Linda's guarded attitude meant that gaining deeper insights would require more time and patience.
In her efforts to get closer to Stephan, Charlotte took a different approach. She arranged for meetings with various departments that worked closely with Stephan's office, hoping to gather information indirectly. She attended high-profile events and presentations where Stephan was known to make appearances, positioning herself to observe him in different contexts.
Despite her best efforts, Stephan remained elusive. His interactions with staff were brief and businesslike, and his office remained an impenetrable fortress. Charlotte began to suspect that Stephan was aware of her investigation, or at least had reasons to ensure she did not uncover too much. His increased scrutiny of her activities only heightened her determination to find out why merpeople were being targeted.
One evening, as Charlotte was leaving the office, she overheard a conversation between two employees discussing a secretive meeting between Stephan and Linda. The conversation was vague, but it mentioned something about "finalizing the protocols" and "ensuring the subjects are ready."
Charlotte's heart raced as she realized that this meeting might provide the crucial information she needed. Using her access, she managed to discreetly track the locations and times of such meetings. She knew that attending or intercepting one of these discussions might be her best chance to uncover the truth.
The following week, Charlotte discovered that Stephan and Linda would be meeting late one night in a restricted area of the building. She used her insider knowledge to find a way into the meeting room, hoping that this would be the breakthrough she needed.
As she positioned herself to overhear the conversation, Charlotte's heart pounded with anticipation. She knew that discovering the true nature of Stephan and Linda's experiments was crucial not only to her mission but to the safety of the merpeople at risk. The information she gathered in this moment could be the key to stopping their plans and protecting her kind from harm.
Charlotte moved silently through the dimly lit corridor, her heart beating rapidly with anticipation. She reached the door to the restricted area where Stephan and Linda were scheduled to meet. The door was slightly ajar, and Charlotte peered through the gap, carefully positioning herself to catch any snippets of their conversation.
Inside, Stephan and Linda were deep in discussion, their voices low but intense. The room was filled with various pieces of high-tech equipment—machines and monitors in various stages of assembly. It was clear that they were finalizing the finishing touches on their project, but Charlotte needed to understand the specific details of what they were planning.
Stephan was standing near a large, complex device that seemed to be the centerpiece of the room. It was a sleek, metallic contraption with numerous wires and tubes attached, and it emitted a soft, pulsing glow. Linda was hunched over a control panel, making final adjustments.
"We're almost there, Linda," Stephan said, his voice carrying a note of excitement. "This device will give us the capability we need to push our research to new limits. The preliminary tests have been promising."
Linda nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, but we need to be absolutely sure it's ready before we proceed. The integrity of our subjects is crucial. We've seen how the technology can affect them in unexpected ways."
Charlotte strained to hear every word, trying to piece together the significance of the device and its intended use. She took out a small recorder, quietly capturing the conversation for later analysis.
Stephan's eyes gleamed with ambition. "I understand the need for caution, but the potential applications of this technology are too valuable to ignore. We're on the brink of a major breakthrough. The experimental phase is just around the corner."
Linda's brow furrowed as she worked on the control panel. "But the ethical considerations are still a concern. If we don't handle this carefully, it could have severe consequences. We're not just dealing with advanced technology; we're dealing with lives."
Stephan's voice took on a more persuasive tone. "I'm aware of the risks, but we're in a position to make history. Once we have the data, we can address the ethical issues more effectively. Besides, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks."
Linda sighed, her resistance evident. "You're pushing for this too quickly. We need to ensure that everything is perfect before we start. If something goes wrong, it could jeopardize everything we've worked for."
Stephan's expression hardened. "I've made it clear that this project is a top priority. The board is expecting results, and we can't afford to delay. We need to move forward now."
Charlotte's mind raced as she absorbed the conversation. It was becoming clearer that the project involved advanced technology with significant implications, but the specifics of how it related to merpeople were still uncertain. She could sense the tension between Stephan's drive for progress and Linda's cautious approach, which might be key to understanding their motivations.
As Stephan and Linda continued their discussion, Charlotte noticed a large folder on a nearby table. It was labeled "Project Meridian – Confidential" in bold letters. The folder seemed to be filled with documents and data related to their project. Charlotte knew that accessing this folder could provide the answers she needed.
With a swift and quiet movement, Charlotte managed to slip into the room under the guise of checking equipment. She approached the table and quickly scanned through the documents in the folder. Most of it was technical jargon, but a few key phrases caught her eye:
- "Genetic manipulation of aquatic species"
- "Enhancement of biological functions"
- "Testing Phase 1 – Merpeople as primary subjects"
Her heart pounded as she read these phrases. It was evident that the project involved genetic manipulation and that merpeople were intended as primary subjects for testing. The final stages of their research were set to involve merpeople directly, with the technology they were developing aimed at altering or enhancing their biological functions in ways that could have unknown consequences.
As she read further, Charlotte's mind raced with the implications of this information. The technology was not just a tool but a means to experiment on merpeople in ways that could fundamentally alter their abilities and, potentially, their lives. Stephan's eagerness to move forward, despite Linda's concerns, suggested that he was driven by the promise of revolutionary results and was willing to overlook the risks.
Charlotte carefully returned the folder to its place and made her exit from the room, her mind reeling with the gravity of what she had uncovered. She knew that this information was critical not only for her mission but for the safety of all merpeople who were at risk of becoming unwitting subjects in this dangerous experiment.
Once outside, Charlotte took a deep breath, her resolve strengthened. She needed to report back to Elizabeth and the team with the information she had gathered and devise a plan to thwart Stephan and Linda's project. The stakes were higher than ever, and the safety of her people depended on their ability to act swiftly and decisively against the looming threat.