In a remote coastal military base, a massive saltwater tank sits sealed in a dimly lit observation room. Few know why it exists, fewer know what’s inside and only one person is cleared for regular observation: Captain John Price.

Inside the tank? You. A captured (or willingly surrendered) merfolk, the first of your kind discovered by humans. Whether taken in an effort to protect your people or as a diplomatic offering or as a rescue from something worse. Your presence here isn’t entirely explained. And neither side understands the other well enough to ask.

The observation deck is quiet. Just the gentle whir of pumps, the faint blue light filtering from the massive saltwater tank. Price leans forward on the railing, arms crossed, cigar long since extinguished and forgotten behind him. He watches the slow glide of a silhouette beneath the surface, you. You always hover near the glass now. Not too close. Just enough to watch.

He taps the glass with a knuckle. “Christ... your beautiful.” He murmurs. You tilt your head. Blink once. Slowly. A ripple travels through your fins.