Deep Water Dreams - Part 6 (777 hits)
Category: Science & EnvironmentalRating: 2 on 10 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by SilvrWolf (View user info) at 2004-09-01 16:21:58 EDT
<The dialogue-heavy parts are nearly over and the next chapter should provide some intense action. It still needs some heavy revision. However, there will be drama, terror, suspense and even a little gore is the next installment. Thank you, everyone, for your support and advice.>
Part 1 - http://www.ubersite.com/m/41854
Part 2 - http://www.ubersite.com/m/41987
Part 3 - http://www.ubersite.com/m/42645
Part 4 - http://www.ubersite.com/m/43424
Part 5 - http://www.ubersite.com/m/43593
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As per marine biologist Reese Sutherlin's request, James had taken pictures of the scene on the beach and moved the remains of the shark to an indoor location. She arrived at Clifton's Animal Clinic at around 10:30 and hurried inside.
After a very brief introduction, Dr. Clifton ushered her into the morgue at the back of the clinic. The tattered remnants of the shark on the slab lay much as they had where they came to rest on the beach. The doctor shut the door behind him as he left without saying a word. Reese stared at the shark wide-eyed and incredulous.
"This has to be a joke," she murmured to herself as she approached the table. She switched on the small tape recorder in her pocket and placed it on a small accessory table next to the slab.
"Subject appears to be the incomplete carcass of a bull shark; male. It was originally measured at 9' 3 and ½". Its current length is 9'1" due to desiccation. No weight has been recorded. Right side of head including skull, jaws and tissue has been severed and was not collected with the specimen. Cut begins 3" from the left nostril and continues bilaterally to gill number 3 of 5. The laceration is clean, with no tearing of the wound at the edges. At its widest point, the wound is 18 and ¾".
Specimen has been severed laterally from 6" above the caudal fins continuing completely through the posterior. Wound exhibits same clean laceration as head wound, completely through both sides of the shark. The tissues on both sides of laceration are still attached to the carcass. My first guess would be damage was caused by the propeller of a large ship, but I've never seen this type of damage befo--"
A toilet flushed in the adjoining bathroom. Reese shut off the recorder. James stepped out as he switched off the light, still dry-heaving from his adventure in moving the shark. He stopped in his tracks when his eyes met hers.
"I'm Reese Sutherlin," she introduced herself first, "Director of Marine Biology from the Oceanographic Institute."
"J-James Reston, Beach Patrol. We've talked before; a few years back during the shark attacks, but we've never met. Regretfully, I must say," he smiled his most flirtatious smile, "I m-moved the shark here as you asked. I tried to place it in the same position as on the beach. The photographs will be ready by 9:00AM."
She was incredibly beautiful. A tall, athletic brunette, the years by the sea had given her a permanent sun-kissed glow. She was enough to take any man's breath away. At 28 years old and nearly six feet tall, Reese had always taken care of her body. Her obsession with her body and its fitness were to such a fault that kept her from keeping a steady boyfriend. She just paid too much attention to herself and her career.
James was fighting the urge to retch again as the smell of the decaying fish wafted to him from the table, but his attention was still focused on the stunningly beautiful woman in front of him. He cursed himself in his mind for stuttering when he introduced himself. It was a problem he had conquered early in his youth, but still it reared its ugly head in nervous situations. Speech problems aside, heaven had sent an angel on this dark night.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, James. I'm going to stay in town for a few days. There are some things about this that disturb me."
James goofy, too-often produced smile was fading quickly, "What do mean 'disturb you'?"
"Well, normally, I'd just say he had a run-in with a cruise ship or the like. Sometimes, they toss garbage overboard. This attracts the sharks, and occasionally they get sucked into the props, but... well, it'd be easier to show you what I mean," Reese started walking towards the slab.
James, trying to be as macho as his weak stomach would allow, followed reluctantly. He could hardly take his eyes off of Reese. She captivated him, and it was embarrassing for him to be so struck with her.
"A propeller makes a clean cut at the start of the wound, but most of the remaining damage comes from the tearing of tissues. These cuts are clean, through and through; from start to finish. Even if this fish was tied to the stern of a speedboat, there's no way it could've received this kind of damage," Reese was obviously more excited by the moment, "I don't really have a clue what could've caused this. It could be predatory but nothing of the carcass appears to be consumed. If we're dealing with a new species of predator, this could be (and I may sound cliché here) the biggest biological discovery of the century. I'm just speculating, of course, but it still gets me going."
Her excitement turned to slight embarrassment when she noticed James unbroken gaze upon her. She smiled a sheepish grin, "But look, I just drove three hours to get here and I'll be up all night. Is Burton's Seafood Shack still open up the beach? I could use something to eat. I can finish this whole affair later tonight."
James jumped on the opportunity, "Burton's will never close. If it does, I'm leaving this town. I was going that way when I leave here. Would you like some company for dinner?"
"I was hoping you'd ask. I'm going back to my hotel room to clean up a little. Meet me here in 45 minutes?"
James heart rate quickened, "I'll be here."
He decided to go home and change clothes before they met back at Dr. Chilton's office. James felt like the stench of the dead shark was pasted to his skin, not just his clothes. He had an opportunity here and he wasn't about to miss it. It was unusual for him to get two dates in a week, but this was no ordinary week.
User Reviews
Submitted by mbstateside (user info) at 2005-12-12 14:32:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2005-02-17 16:04:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by 1Point21Gigawatts (user info) at 2004-09-03 15:53:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This one is the best so far in terms of clarity and structure. An easy and quick read. I like the fact that I get to read a few of these at a time...
Submitted by NetProphet (user info) at 2004-09-02 21:12:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've had some ideas since the beginning of this series as to where it's headed, but I refuse to speculate on the grounds that part of my original ideas seem to have been accurate... =D
As far as this installment goes, it is by far the best of the six. Looks like you put a lot into it, especially the details associated with the medical jargon.
Absolutely excellent work, Wolf. I have no criticism for this chapter, and I eagerly anticipate the next.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2004-09-02 11:04:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Still very good plot development here. Pretty much in keeping with what I've suspected about the mutilated shark, however, I do have one complaint...
This is very small and picky, but an classically trained scientist/oceanographer/biologist would look at the described wound and conclude that it could have only been man-made. The leap to the "new sort of predator" hypothesis seemed to come on a little too early, and would be little more than a remote possibility in the mind of an expert. (At least it would seem that way to me.)
I do understand why you did it, because without it, this installment would have little in the form of revelation for the reader and would have lacked some of the dynamic that would hold the reader's attention. But I can speak for myself when I say: "you already have my full attention."
Now, I've gotten caught up...email me or rate my latest post letting me know as soon as you post the next one.
Thanks.
Submitted by Impassive-Digressive (user info) at 2004-09-01 21:32:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Mysterious aquatic goings-on and a love interest.... this just keeps getting better!
Submitted by engine13 (user info) at 2004-09-01 20:50:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yay! Keep 'em coming.
Submitted by SullyThePirate (user info) at 2004-09-01 18:36:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by PWNstar (user info) at 2004-09-01 17:43:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i'm speculating that the shark is a casualty of the warrior in the last one
of course, i could be wrong
Submitted by jack11058 (user info) at 2004-09-01 16:28:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I discovered this series yesterday, and was anxiously awaiting this installment. Good stuff, mon.