FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

To Discovery

By Dustin Breazeale

The endless sea stretched out before him, a calming shelter from the crowded and busy cities that covered the land. Orion, like many otters, preferred being out on the water. It was biological, or so he had been told. Something about the rocking of the ship and the smell of salt air put his species at ease. Even if Orion was a river otter, rivers were just one more legend of the past; the ocean would be the closest thing he'd ever find to his natural environment.

It made since when he thought about it: most of his kind ended up pursuing careers in ocean study or exploration. There was always competitive swimming or fishing, but neither of those ever appealed to Orion. Regardless of the standard cliche, Orion still knew many otters that were satisfied with a life being landlocked in claustrophobic workplaces. His father had been one of them.

Orion's heart had led him on the path of the adventurer! Adventurer wasn't actually a job description and certainly didn't come with a degree, but it sounded much more exciting than marine biologist or aquatic translator.

"Any signs of trouble?" The voice startled Orion, he had been so caught up in the view from the ship's bow that he hadn't even heard the steps coming up behind him.

He gave a half-hearted laugh when he saw it was the Captain that had joined him. "No and I doubt there will be. Last reports I read was that the treaties have been holding strong. We have permission from the ruling pod leaders anyway."

"Treaties," the Captain growled with disgust. "The farther you get from land, the more you learn how little the treaties matter. And regardless of what they like us to believe, there are plenty of species out here that don't give a damn about what the pod leaders say."

Orion looked up with surprise at the Captain, he had never heard such sentiment from his professors or fellow adventurers before. Maybe it was because the Captain was a Lion?

As soon as Orion had the thought, he regretted it. Lions, male lions anyway, were occasionally known to be speciesist. But Captain Zion had been nothing but welcoming to Orion and his team aboard the ship.

"Are you referring to the shark species?" Orion asked, but did not pause for an answer. "All my studies have shown their reputations are far worse than their actual nature. They have an established ecosystem below the surface and it's simply not advantageous for one to go to the trouble of boarding a ship and slaughtering the crew for a meal that could have been obtained much easier and not being forced on the uncomfortableness of being out of the water. Also the few shark encounters I've read about...umm," Orion cut himself off quickly before he could start rambling like he was known to do.

For the first time in their discussion, Captain Zion looked down at Orion. In that moment the smaller mammal worried he had annoyed the Captain. Thankfully, there seemed to be a hint of amusement in the older sea cat's eye.

"How far have you been from land? Three miles? Five maybe?"

"Ten miles actually!" Orion answered with excitement, his chest swelling with pride. "It was my second summer after graduation and my former professor had invited me to be a part of a sanctioned meeting with a pod of orcas that..."

"Ten miles," Captain Zion interrupted. The tone in his voice made it sound like such a small accomplishment. "You know the types that come that close to land? It's the older, calmer lot. Sometimes it's the more meek young just getting curious about the land species. Our voyage will take us about a week out from any land."

Orion thought on that a moment. He knew this was a big deal, traveling so far into the endless sea but that's why it was so exciting to him. It was clear Captain Zion did not share that sentiment.

"But that's a good thing," Orion replied, sounding less confident now than he would have only minutes ago. "This study is all about finding new species, meeting with those that may have never heard about us land life. I believe that's something to be excited about, not scared of...don't-don't you?"

Orion found himself shifting on his paws a bit, unsure what to think when the Captain didn't reply right away. Thankfully, a small smile appeared on the lion's face.

"It's my job to worry, but it's your job to make sure you and your team act smart. I understand this is exciting for you all, but with or without treaties and permission there are still many dangers out here."

The view seemed a bit overly cautious for someone as optimistic as Orion. Not to say he didn't understand the sentiment and appreciated it.

"I hear you, Captain." Orion nodded as he took care to make sure he didn't fall into another ramble. "We can be an excitable and eager bunch, but we know the importance of safety first."

Whatever had prompted this discussion in the Captain's mind seemed to be alleviated with Orion's words.

"Good. Now, best you get back inside with the others. Storm will be on us soon." Without another word, Captain Zion turned and left Orion alone once more on the bow.

A part of the otter really wanted to have saluted and said aye-aye, but that would have been too childish even for him. With a sigh he looked back out at the sea, content to simply enjoy the sea breaze a bit longer.

Suddenly, the Captain's words fully hit Orion; his eyes grew wide. "Wait, what storm!?" Even squinting, all he could see was clear skies.

***

The Captain's prediction had come true: a storm had met them seemingly out of nowhere. Orion found it odd that such a clear day could turn so quickly. Stranger still was that no storms had been forecasted -- Orion and his crew had double checked.

Regardless of the strange beginnings to their journey, most of the exploration team was in high spirits as they gathered in the ships interior.

The team had been given their own common room to gather in; it was a bit cozy but everyone managed to relax comfortably. Aside from Orion, there were two other otters on his team. Shoolie, a smooth-coated otter Orion met in university and Bryce, a large sea otter who ironically wasn't a big fan of the ocean.

Unlike Orion, Shoolie's passion was Oceanography. Being his long time friend and graduating at the top of her class made her a perfect addition to the team. Since Orion knew he could trust her and she had a talent for getting along with just about anyone, Shoolie had a sort of joint leader role in the team.

Bryce was a different story. Nicknamed the 'tech guy', Bryce was a newer acquaintance that had come highly recommended. His passion may not have been in the unknown of the world's waters, but he knew how to run all their fancy, on loan equipment.

Finally there was Harper. No one was sure if that was his first or last name, but Orion supposed it didn't really matter. Harper was a black and gray wolf. His role was simple yet vital: he was in charge of all their equipment and gear, specifically making sure everything was stored properly and in good working order.

"Come on, work!" Bryce complained a bit louder than needed, giving the small television a few good hits.

Orion noticed no improvement from the action, only static coming through. He shook his head, ignoring Bryce. "I just think it's weird we haven't seen any crew on board."

"We met the whole crew before boarding," Shoolie laughed. "You just weren't paying attention.

"I wasn't?" Orion frowned at this information. "Are you sure? Because I am usually very aware."

Shoolie tapped her chin as if giving his statement some thought. "Not really. Sure you're a good listener and can definitely pay attention in a lecture way better than I can, but as far as your surroundings, you can be bad at picking up on details."

"What details? I never met anyone but Captain Zion and that old otter."

"D-Do you mean Professor Lambert?" Shoolie asked her friend in disbelief.

He nearly flinched at the name. He thought back to that morning when they first got on the ship. "...oooooh, that's why he kept acting like he knew me."

Orion could feel his cheeks heating up at the realization that he had not recognized their former professor.

"You're hopeless," Shoolie deadpanned.

"It's not my fault he's gone all gray furred since the last time I saw him. Now what were we talking about?"

"The crew."

"Right, the crew! Why didn't we meet them?"

"I can make out the game!" Bryce suddenly announced as he had his face near the tv screen. "I just wanna see the score, that's all. Come on baby, just clear up enough so I can..." he hit the tv again.

Orion and Shoolie had been staring at him since his latest outburst, both wearing blank expressions.

"Umm, Bryce. If you keep hitting it, you're going to break it." Orion informed the sea otter.

Shoolie was quick to add, "Also, this far out we're not going to pick up any television signals, so you know, there's that."

With a defeated sigh Bryce finally gave up, turning off the television and dramatically falling back to sit. "I hate the sea."

No one had a good reply to that as Orion and Shoolie certainly didn't agree with his sentiment.

"Hey I know!" Orion sat up a little straighter, wanting to cheer up his grumpy team mate. "Why don't we all share what we hope to find or get out of this expedition. I'll go first. I would like to meet a pod of dolphins and ask them about what it's like being a mammal that doesn't live land. Also it would be amazing if we could prove the existence of blue whales! I know all of our research says something that huge cannot exist but I'm a strong believer that they do! Orcas themselves have admitted to not being the biggest thing out here, isn't that amazing!?" Orion paused to clear his throat, realizing he may have been talking a bit too loud. "What about you Shoolie?"

"Well," she hesitated a moment. "It's not as amazing as what you want but I'd love to get some solid evidence on the true movements of underwater currents. I know the accepted theory is that it's all just random but..." she started to grin, clearly getting into her topic. "Okay! So you know how all of our information on underwater currents comes from the aquatic species? Why would they tell us the truth? I don't mean they're lying but when diplomats meet the two sides aren't going to tell the other party about how their infrastructure works, it'd be foolish."

"Wait," Bryce interrupted. "Infrastructure? You do know they just swim around wherever they want right?"

"Technically yes. But answer me this, if you want to go to a local restaurant nearby what would you do?"

Bryce was hesitant to answer but was starting to get drawn in. "Walk probably."

"Okay. Now say you're going to meet a friend or family member two cities over, what do you do?"

This was starting to seem like a riddle to Bryce. "Well I guess I'd have more options. I could drive, take the bullet train...wait that's a trick question! If it was one of the high cities I'd need to take a gondola."

"Haha, no it's not a trick. My point is that you would have option. When traveling far there is a lot faster ways to get there other than walking."

Orion smiled as he watched Bryce puzzle this over. Shoolie always had a clever way to make her point.

"So you're saying what exactly? The aquatics have water cars?" Bryce asked unsure.

Orion had to stifle back a laugh, the image being too ridiculous to fully picture.

Shoolie was amused at the idea aswell. "Sort of. A lot of it is theory but imagine deep under the surface there's controlled currents. It could be possible to propel an aquatic in these currents at greater speeds than they can swim to reach a fixed destination. I would like to be able to find evidence of that."

"Huh," Bryce nodded. "Okay, that is pretty interesting."

"And you Bryce?" Orion asked. "What are you hoping for?"

"Other than getting back to land alive?" He shrugged. "Would be nice if we earn our bonus."

Orion and Shoolie were clearly shocked. It was true that their contracts stated each team member would receive a bonus with their pay if a significant discovery was made and that the expedition did not go more than two days over schedule. But to hope for nothing else seemed so indifferent.

"Seriously? That's it?" Shoolie asked.

Bryce shrugged, "It's not like I want to be out here, just the job I got."

"Yeah, hey about that. Why are you so against anything to do with the ocean? You're a sea otter." Orion pointed out.

"That's why I know better," Bryce quibed back. "Not sure if it's instincts or what but we sea otters know what's out here. Sharks, barracudas, eels, all aquatic who could eat you or ignore you depending on their mood. The aquatics don't have the same laws we do, anything is a meal, sentient or feral they really don't care."

"But the pod leaders-"

Bryce cut Shoolie off quickly. "The pod leaders are just that, in charge of the pod species. there are countless things out here other than whales."

"Huh," Orion frowned to himself. "Captain Zion said something similar."

Shoolie was not convinced. "Bryce, have you ever even talked to a shark?"

"Don't be silly, sharks can't talk and this is only my second time away from land. Hopefully it'll be my last," he muttered that final bit under his breath.

Wanting to keep things more upbeat, Orion looked over to the yet to speak Harper. "You haven't said much Harper, you wanna weigh in here?"

Harper had his arms crossed, sitting in the back with his eyes closed.

"Is he sleeping?" Bryce asked unsure.

"Hey Harper!" Shoolie hollowered.

A sigh escaped the wolf as he removed a pair of earbuds, eyes finally opening as he looked to the group of otters.

"Yes?" Harper asked in a flat tone.

"Were you ignoring us?" Orion asked in a tone mixing shock and hurt.

"You otters talk a lot," Harper replied after a moment of thought. "And are very loud."

"We're not loud!" Bryce spoke up indignantly.

In a deadpan tone Harper looked at the sea otter. "You were banging on that tv for almost an hour."

"He's got you there!" Shoolie laughed.

A breath of air was huffed out through Harper's nose. "What did you all need?"

Orion perked up, glad the wolf didn't seem annoyed. "We were just sharing what we hope to gain or discover on this trip!"

Leaning back in his chair, Harper's eyes closed again. For a moment it seemed he wouldn't answer "As long as I keep everyone here safe and we make it back with no casualties, I'll consider that a success. Can't ask for anything more really."

A rare silence fell over the otters as they looked at Harper in confusion.

"Harper," Orion wasn't sure how to say this without offending the wolf. "You're just here to carry the equipment right?"

Harper's lips showed the faintest trace of a smile. "Sure, that's what I'm here for."

None of the others felt they had the courage to ask what he meant by that.

***

The storm had been the most exciting thing for the first three days of the journey. Orion had expected to have seen curious squids or maybe a traveling manta ray, but the aquatic had made no attempt at contact. Not even a young whale had approached them in their journey.

According to the Captain, it was to be expected. With the agreement made with the pod leaders, their research vessel would be viewed as a diplomatic envoy. Something any aquatic in the know would be staying away from. It was a disappointing revelation for Orion, but he made the best of it.

He had finally met with Professor Lambert again and had apologized profusely for having not recognized the senor otter. The old Professor had been more amused than offended,

When it had been made clear that television would not be a part of this journey, Bryce had occupied his time with setting up the equipment. After several tests he proclaimed everything was in working order.

Orion and Shoolie spent most for their time theorizing with the Professor, playing various card games or admiring the endless water from the ship's bow.

Harper went mostly unseen. Unless he was specifically needed for something, the wolf seemed more content to not interact with the rest of the team. He was never unfriendly about it, only kept to himself in that lonewolf kind of way.

It was on the fourth day that something interesting finally happened.

Orion had once again been sitting on the bow of the ship, reading his book on aquatic linguistics. It was a language he rarely had an opportunity to speak in and he didn't want to get rusty.

According to Captain Zion, they were ahead of schedule and would reach the agreed upon exploration area in a day or two. Because of this he had agreed to slow down their course so Shoolie could get better readings on the water currents in the area.

A high pitched clicking sound reached Orion's ears and he looked up in surprise. At first he thought he was hearing things or maybe Bryce's equipment was emitting some kind of sonar. When the same sound came again, Orion realized it had been aquatic for 'hello'.

Excitement welled up in Orion as he put his book down, moving carefully as if he were worried of scaring away whatever was speaking to him.

"Hello?" He replied in the same clicking sound, though with a noticeable accent. "Where are you?"

A series of amused laughter and clicks reached Orion's ears before his visiter answered. "Look down."

Orion felt a bit foolish as he looked over the ship's railing. Immediately he spotted a creature in the water. They unsurprisingly didn't have any cloths, the creature laying on it's back and using its long and powerful finned tail to match pase with Zion's ship. Its skin had a rubbery appearance and they're face was elongated, having almost a beak like appearance.

There was no doubt in Orion's mind that this was a dolphin! Though what kind he couldn't be sure.

"What are you doing so far from land?" The dolphin squealed and clicked at him.

Having to fight his stunned sense of wonderment, Orion gathered his words together. "Oh, well we're sort of out here to speak with creatures like you and learn more about what it's like in the ocean."

"You're here to talk to me!?" The dolphin let out a very loud eeeee sounding sonar, clearly both shocked and excited at such an idea.

Orion had to laugh, a huge smile on his furry face.

"Can you wait right there? Just wait right there I'll be right back!" Orion was pretty sure he had botched some of his words but he didn't care in that moment.

Running to the control room of the ship, Orion found both Zion and Lambert. He proceeded to beg profusely for them to stop so proper contact could be made with their dolphin visitor. It took some support from Professor Lambert but in the end the lion captain agreed.

Next Orion gathered up his team, promising them a huge surprise as they all stood on the deck.

"Everyone meet...well I forgot to get the name but meet my new friend!"

Along with Shoolie and Harper, Bryce staying a healthy distance away from the side and just trying to stand on his toes to see, Orion looked down into the water. Aside from the waves there was nothing.

Orion frowned as he felt his team change their view to him with questioning expressions.

"No, I said for them to wait here I-" before Orion could begin to explain what had happened, the sounds of clicking laughter came from the other side of the ship.

Giving his team a huge grin, Orion hurried to the other side of the ship and spotted the dolphin again, still on their back, only now lazily floating about, webbed hands behind their head.

"There you are!" Orion exclaimed excitedly in aquatic. The sudden use of the language startled Bryce, the sea otter nearly falling over in alarm.

"Oh wow," Shoolie whispered as she looked down at the rubbery skinned creature. "That's-"

"Spotted Dolphin," Harper murmured to himself, his eyes quickly scanning the surrounding waters. Orion was too excited to notice the wolf had gone on high alert.

The dolphin waved up at them, its sonar like sounds and clicks remaining friendly. "I know you said to wait on the other side but it got boring real fast over there so I came over here...turns out it's about the same as over there."

Orion couldn't hold back a laugh. "Guess you're right, sorry about that I just had to get my friends so they could meet you too."

"What are you saying to it?" Harper growled quietly.

"Just introducing you all. The dolphin seems pretty funny and good natured," Orion was clearly not picking up on the wolf's displeasure.

"Tell them I think all the spots they have are very pretty," Shoolie requested, waving back at the dolphin.

Orion did just that, putting his arm over Shoolie to indicate who had complimented the dolphin. Names were not something that could be easily translated from the standard land languages to aquatic, or vice versa. So Orion had to find creative terms and phrasing to indicate who was who to the dolphin.

"They don't speak aquatic?" the dolphin asked, tilting his head confused.

"No, just me," Orion answered. "It's not an easy language to learn on land, but I'm an overachiever!"

"This better?" the dolphin surprisingly asked in their own tongue. It was a bit broken sounding, mixed with the normal clicking and sonar like sounds it made, but still understandable. "Not good but can some. Am...overachiever?" the dolphin began to click with laughter at its own joke.

"It can talk!?" Bryce nearly yelled as even he came closer to the edge, looking down with wonder. "I didn't know they could do that."

Orion and Shoolie both shared the same amazed smiles. Aside from sea turtles, nether otter had ever heard of an aquatic being able to speak more than their watery language. It was this sense of discovery why they both wanted to be here.

Over the next few hours, Shoolie and Orion talked with the dolphin, the landers and aquatic switching back and forth from questions and answers the two separate parties had.

The dolphin, who turned out to be male, couldn't figure out how to translate his name to where it made since, so Orion had dubbed him Spotty, which Spotty seemed to like.

"Fascinating," Professor Lambert had exclaimed. The older otter had joined his former students and was just as enthralled by Spotty as they were. "How did you learn to speak our language?"

Spotty had managed to stay afloat, switching between laying on his back or simply treading water. Occasionally he'd even start swimming in circles, yet all the while staying engaged in the conversation. Orion found it rather impressive.

"Land fisher, friend, see sometime," Spotty explained slowly, having to concentrate on the words he wanted to use. "He alone so he talk and talk and talk and talk. One day I talk back!"

"You know it was always theorized that the whales could understand us, but it was always assumed their biology wouldn't allow them to speak in a lander language," Shoolie said to the Professor.

He nodded his agreement. "Yes, if I recall correctly that assumption came from one of the pod leaders themselves. Now I must wonder if that bit of information was a lie to keep their learning abilities a secret."

Spotty laughed at Lambert's comment. "Whales, very bossy, know everything," his tone was clearly sarcastic.

"So the dolphins don't listen to the whales?" Orion inquired with interest.

An exasperated breath left Spotty's blowhole as he splashed some water up at Orion. "No! Haha, dumb, dumb dumb. Dolphin no listen whale. Whale want dolphin to but we just nod and say okay and then don't."

Shoolie laughed while Professor Lambert looked aghast.

"That's terrible," Shoolie managed to say between laughter.

Spotty laughed along with her. "Is funny!"

With the ongoing good natured atmosphere, Bryce had decided to be a bit braver and speak up with his own questions.

"Hey, dolphin. You wouldn't happen to know anything about sea otters would you?"

Spotty's head tilted to indicate confusion, not understanding the question.

Orion switched to aquatic to help. "He means sea otters. See how he looks different from me and her?" He indicated to Shoolie. "He's bigger, different fur colors. Have you seen any of his species before?"

With a slow nod of his head, Spotty began to understand what was being asked. "Yes. Orion and Shoolie not seen. Bryce yes." He began to click with amusement, splashing water up at the sea otter, making Bryce jump back in irritation. "Very fun to scare."

"Wait, scare!? Scare how," Bryce demanded to know.

"Lots ways. Pretend am shark or jump over small boat. Sometimes pull under water. Funny." His clicking laughter rang out but with a bit more tension in the air now.

Bryce looked like he was going to be sick.

"That seems pretty mean," Orion commented with a frown.

Spotty quickly shook his head in defence. "No just funny, fun. Say sorry but am nice too, help fish and fight real shark"

"You mean for your fisherman friend?" Shoolie inquired further, finding more and more layers to Spotty. While playful on the surface, he was clearly mischievous if he liked to play such mean pranks, but to fight a shark definitely spoke to a level of bravery.

"Yes. And others, is...job?"

"You have a job?" Bryce challenged unbelieving.

The dolphins face seemed very conflicted, fighting to find the words he needed. Finally he had to look at Orion for help and the two began a private conversation in aquatic. The Professor could pick up on a few words here and there but not enough to follow the exchange.

As the back and forth of the clicks and squeaks and sonar sounds went on, Orion became more confused by the minute.

"Okay," He spoke in a shockingly subdued tone for him. "Spotty says his job is to help fisherman by chasing schools of fish to them as well as protecting them from aquatic predators. Since he's usually in the water, he gets paid on tab so he can just get whatever he wants when on land."

The faces of his fellow otters and a wolf all looked back at him blankly, clearly not believing a word. Orion scarcely believed it himself when he was relaying the information.

"Hey I know how it sounds," Orion nervously laughed. "That's what he said, he was talking about all sorts of species he interacts with. Otters, jaguars, bears, tigers and some others I'm not sure how to translate."

"Ha, impossible!" Professor Lambert dismissed the claims. He looked back down at Spotty, his expression that of an adult having caught a pup with their paw in the cookie jar. "I know enough about you dolphins to know you have quite the appetite for trickery and mischief!" A good natured chuckle came from the older otter. "But a clever prank I'll give you that. I'm even impressed you knew so many types of land species to name."

Spotty shrugged at the Professor's statement. "Funny joke?"

"Yes it was," Lambert agreed.

"Professor I don't think Spotty is jo-" he was cute off before he could defend the new information.

"Now Orion, I admit it's quite a find, running into a lone dolphin who can speak our language but you mustn't believe everything he says. We've had our fun, but there is a schedule to keep to and I've grown tired of standing out in this sun. Say your farewells and I'll inform Captain Zion to get us going again."

Patting Orion on the shoulder, Professor Lambert walked off, leaving no room for argument or protest.

Orion was stunned by the abrupt end to this encounter, but Shoolie had been staying focused on topic, not wasting the little time they had left.

"Spotty, you said you go on land. Where we're from that doesn't happen, any interaction with landers or aquatic happens from afar. Up close interaction is heavily overseen by our government and your pod leaders. Do you understand?"

Spotty gave a slow nod to give an affirmative to Shoolie's question. "Understand, but did not know. Sorry?"

Shoolie motioned for Orion to focus and forget about their forum professor's dismissal. It took a moment to get past his sudden disappointment to pay attention to the questions and logic Shoolie was going through.

"Don't be sorry," Shoolie smiled. "We're all learning here. Can you point to where you work? What direction the land you go on is?"

It was obvious that Spotty could since the sudden seriousness of his new friends. He didn't understand why but he did his best to help. He pointed in a direction to the east. It was not where the research team was going and it was not from where they came.

"But how..." Orion furrowed his brow at the impossible information.

"Spotty," Shoolie continued. "As far as we know, there is no land that way. The water is endless. The only land there is, where we come from, is that way," she pointed best she could in the general direction they had been traveling from."

Another tilt of his head, Spotty looked the way she had pointed and nodded. "Sorry. Did not know that either.

The realization struck both the young adventurers at heart, their eyes meeting with excitement and disbelief like a pup learning there's more than one flavor of ice-cream.

"There's another body of land," Orion barley believed what he was saying.

"An undiscovered shore," Shoolie echoed him, nearly breaking out to excited laughter.

"Wait, you two don't believe him do you? He's already admitted to trying to drown otters!" Bryce protested, wanting desperately to squash whatever craziness was forming in their minds. Being an otter himself he was well aware of the flighty whimes his species could come up with.

Before either of them could respond the engines had started back up.

Orion and Shoolie quickly said their goodbyes to Spotty, all three waving to one another, Spotty calling out in aquatic, hoping to see them again. Diving back under the water, the dolphin's legs and fin were seen for a moment and then he had vanished below the surface.

***

The encounter with Spotty had caused quite the stir for the rest of the evening and all the next day. Orion was convinced that the dolphin had been honest with them and that they're course should be changed to discover this potential new continent.

Shoolie, while agreeing in most of Orion's theories, felt it best to finish their current research voyage. Afterwards, upon returning home they could pitch the idea for an exploration voyage. It was the safer option, but Orion didn't like it because he knew how slim the chances were he'd get anyone to listen let alone an okay from the pod leaders.

Bryce took the stance that they were both crazy and that for the safety of everyone should just let the subject go.

Harper was in rare form, not staying silent on the matter.

"You're too trusting," he bluntly informed Orion.

"I most certainly am not," Orion countered with a nod of his head. "Spotty would have no reason to lie to us. He's our friend and was genuinely surprised we didn't know about the other land."

Harper gave a frustrated sigh. "Are we friends?" He asked.

Without hesitation Orion answered. "Of course."

"And there little otter, you just proved my point that you are too trusting."

"I don't get it," Orion muttered, really thinking on how them being friends proved anything. Shoolie was quick enough to be offended for the both of them.

"Look, I agree we shouldn't just change the whole voyage here," she spoke calmly, not wanting anyone to have a reason to escalate. "We have our contracts and made agreements for this research voyage. Orion, I know you're excited about what Spotty said, I am too, but we have responsibilities first."

"I know but-"

"Plus that dolphin could have been lying," Bryce added, not allowing Orion his rebelde. "He admitted to some pretty mean pranks. Pointing us off on some foolish chase for land and making us run out of perversions sounds like the thing he'd get a splash out of. Not to mention how pissed the pod leaders would be if they learned we diverged from the agreed upon course."

"The pod leaders would definitely find out and would be very unhappy," Harper nodded, the first time he'd agreed with Bryce on the voyage.

Waiting to make sure no one else would interrupt him, Orion took a breath and spoke up. "I know all of that and I'm not saying we change the whole mission here. We have what, two or three days planned for study? Captain Zion says we're ahead of schedule so I say we do our jobs and I catalog the species in the area, Shoolie records the currents and gets the water samples, then with what allotted time we have left we can go and look!" It was a rallying speech Orion felt. Too bad the others didn't feel the same way.

Orion could feel the shadow of Harper fall over him, it made the smaller otter nervous. An ancient and primal instinct in the depths of Orion's mind caused him to feel a bit of fear as the larger predator loomed over him. The wolf had at least two, two and a half feet on Orion and far more muscle.

"Understand this, the only reason I don't take your little idea to the Captain right now is because he would confine you to courters and you still have a job to do. Now I understand your desire for exploration, believe me I do." There was nothing in his words that were truly threatening, only sternness and a hint that perhaps he really did understand Orion's desire. "But we are far from land and hold no dominion over the things out here. You think that dolphin you met was friendly? I've seen those creatures kill landers by accident and then shrug it off like a broken toy. There are whales whose size would sink us and not for any malice but just because we were in the way. This is the course agreed upon. To change that course is to invite disaster."

Orion was truly at a loss for words. It had been the most Harper had said this entire trip and it chilled him.

"Disaster like sharks?" Orion dared to ask. "All my studies have shown that..."

The growl coming from the wolf told Orion he needed to shut his mouth. Even Shoolie and Bryce both took a step back. "Don't talk to me about studies, don't base your life on theories you've made in a classroom. Until you wake up to find a shark, more massive than any nightmare standing over your bed, you get no say in this. Unless you've looked into their dead eyes and heard how they are silent as the grave, you get no say in this. And if you've never been unable to sleep cause you keep wondering why that shark took the guy in the bunk next to you, instead of you, then I'm sorry but you just have no say in this."

Orion was nearly shaking, looking at Harper in a whole new light. "I-I thought you were just a glorified bag man," he managed to speak out if only to not be crushed by silence.

A solemn smile actually appeared on the wolf's face. "That's right. And I want to make sure it stays that way. We stay on course, no unauthorized explorations."

With a gulp, Orion nodded his understand. "Right, stick to the approved voyage, got it."

When Harper left, Orion let out his breath he didn't even realize he was holding, falling back into a nearby chair.

***

The topic of going to discover a new continent did not come back up, that did not mean it left Orion's mind. Shoolie had been the only one he trusted with his ideas, she proved to be a good anchor to talk him out of any action.

In two days time they reached the agreed upon location with the pod leaders to conduct their research. Orion felt it was the perfect opportunity to fully put Spotty's words out of mind and get focus on his work. For most of the trip Orion had great hopes of meeting new species and being able to ask them all about their underwater world.

To his dismay that is not what happened.

On Orion's first dive into the water he found it breathtaking. In every direction was endless dark blue and even with him swimming down as far as he could there was no chance he'd ever see let alone reach the bottom. It was truly an alien world compared to the cities on land.

As new and inspiring as it was, it did not take Orion long to realize something was very off, there was no life. The water was too deep for any samples to be gathered of plants and no species of fish or anything came swimming by. It was as if all life in the ocean knew where they were and made sure to stay away.

When the second day of research ended with the same empty results, Orion began to feel disheartened. Had the reason for the pod leaders agreeing to their research voyage only been because they had always intended for Orion and his team to find nothing? Orion was an adventurer, not a politician so he couldn't see any benefit in such action.

Professor Lambert seemed unbothered by this lack of discovery. He was more interested in theorizing on the water's depth, acting like that alone was enough discovery for the voyage.

Bryce was just happy as long as he didn't have to get in the water.

Shoolie had been excited to get more readings on the water currents, but that was only a half victory for her. Most of her theories and the readings she gathered had hinged on being confirmed and questioned with any one they met out here. With no neighbors swimming by all her potential findings could not be confirmed.

The night before the last day of their research voyage, Orion had made up his mind. They weren't discovering anything out here and he refused to return to land without feeling like this voyage was worth something.

He had told his team he was going to bed early, but instead of going to his own bunk, Orion snuck out onto the deck.

The research ship had two smaller boats that Orion knew of. They were motorized and he was eighty percent sure he'd heard Captain Zion say they were equipped with a radio and kept ready to go in case of emergencies. The most difficult part would be to figure out how to get it in the water without being caught.

"I knew it!" a voice exclaimed, causing Orion to jump in alarm. He hadn't even started yet and was already found out.

Turning he saw Shoolie, eyeing him knowingly. "You always talk slower when you lie and you were talking real slow when you said you were turning in."

"I, was...tired," Orion tried to explain.

"Uh-huh," Shoolie clearly didn't believe him. Peering around Orion she took note of the boat. "You're going to try and find the land Spotty mentioned aren't you," her tone made it clear that had been a statement, not a question.

Orion laughed nervously. "What? No...okay yes I'm sorry but I have it all planned out! See I did the calculations where we were when we met Spotty and the direction he pointed in in correlation to where we are now. If all goes right I should be able to find out if there's anything where he indicated even if it's at least seeing land from afar and then come back. We have all of tomorrow and tomorrow night before heading back so worce case is I come back late tomorrow and get in trouble. But if I find something it'll totally be worth it!" Orion felt a bit out of breath from his very fast and desperate explanation. "Please don't tell?"

Shoolie's expression was difficult to read. She seemed to think everything over before answering. "Do you even know how to drive a boat?"

Orion was at a loss for words, he hadn't been expecting that as her response. "Well no, but I figured how hard could it be? It's like a car except you don't have to worry about hitting other cars I guess."

"That's what I thought," Shoolie said, walking past Orion and to the boat. "Come on, let's figure out how to get this thing in the water."

Orion grinned, excited to have the help. "You're going with?"

"Sure, this voyage has been stupid and I don't like being used as a puppet in a publicity stunt."

"A what?" Orion felt he had missed something again.

Shoolie went on to explain. "Think about it. They make a huge big deal about this voyage. The first time a research team has had full permission to do so from the pod leaders, garnishing better will and understanding between our two worlds blablabla," she seemed actually irritated by this. "Then we get here and what is here? Nothing! We're not supposed to find anything, the pod leaders don't want us to make new discoveries and I guarantee our employers don't want us to either because then they'd have to share stuff with the aquatics in return! It's all a big front show. But dammit, we're adventures and contracts or no we're going to go discover something!"

If Orion hadn't already been set on his actions, he sure would have been now. "I couldn't have rambled it off better myself," he laughed.

Getting the boat into the water was easier said than done. It also wasn't a quiet process. Over the next half hour the two otters fought and struggled with the straps and pulleys and levers. There were many times the two were certain they'd be caught, yet the tide seemed to be in their favor.

With the boat finally in the water and detached from the larger vessel, Orion and Shoolie sped away into the night waters. Shoolie had taken the wheel and Orion did his best to navigate their course. He was no expert in the subject but knew enough to put together this outing.

Sleep did not become a problem for the adventurers, the excitement of their unauthorized voyage alone kept the adrenalin up and their senses on alert. All through the night they watched and hoped for any lights in the distance, some sign of a yet to be found civilization.

Morning came and the excitement had begun to wane. Their adrenaline spent and no land on the horizon, a heavy choice loomed before the otters.

"How much gas do we have left?" Orion inquired once Shoolie had slowed the boat down to merely drift.

"Honestly, enough to get us back to Zion's ship. Going any further risks us not being able to make it back. These boats should have trackers on them, so it's likely they'll come after us once they realize we're gone. Still, it's a big risk to keep going."

Orion sighed, he knew Shoolie was right but he also didn't want to give up. It really had been a foolish plan, if one could even call it that. He had been so certain they'd fine signs of something. Instead all there was was more nothing.

"This really is a disaster," Orion commented with defeat.

Shoolie tried to be optimistic. "Well we stole a boat. That's a fun story we can tell for years and don't forget we did at least talk with Spotty so it wasn't all a total loss."

Orion gave a halfhearted nod. "I suppose. It's just this voyage was supposed to be a grand adventure, meeting all sorts of aquatics and discovering new species! Guess reality can't live up to the dream huh?"

Before Shoolie could answer, another voice cut through the sounds of the water around them.

"My, what a strange looking vessel," a slow, methodical voice spoke.

Turning with alarm, Orion and Shoolie saw the head and shoulders of a sea turtle, lazily treading the water by the stern of the boat. It gently poked and pushed on the boat with curiosity.

"This isn't made of wood," the turtle thoughtfully spoke. "Why I've never seen a landers vessel like this before."

The two otters could only stare in wondered silence. They had both heard about wise and illusive sea turtles, a long lived species that had rarely been seen by landers. For fear of scaring the rare creature away, the two adventurers found themselves unable to speak.

After finishing it's inspection of the boat's hull it finally looked at the otters on board and smiled. "You two are awfully far from land. It's not safe to fish out here, you should really stay in the shallows with the rest of your kind."

Orion and Shoolie looked to one another, not sure how to handle this. Taking a moment to resolve himself, Orion took a step towards the edge of the boat, smiling back at the turtle.

"We're actually exploring but we would like to make it to land soon. Do you know if any is nearby?"

The turtle looked at Orion as if it didn't know what to make of him. It was a bit uncomfortable and it made Orion unconsciously shift on his feet.

"Yes," the turtle finally answered. "Your land villages are not far, I was just on my way there now to lay my eggs. Much safer for my children to be born on your land than my sea you know."

Orion actually didn't know that and it took all of his self control to not ask a million question right then. He had an idea and he looked to Shoolie to make sure she was okay with it too. She had to have known what he was thinking because her excited expression matched his as she nodded to him.

"Could you show us the way? We'd be more than happy to give you a ride if you'd like," Orion hoped he managed not to sound too eager about the idea.

"Hmm," the turtle thought the offer over and for a moment, the otters worried she'd decline them. "That sounds nice actually. I've been swimming for several day straight and could use the rest."

With grinning faces, Orion and Shoolie helped their new friend abroad. Orion had to try and not stare at the turtle's shell, finding the strange body part new and fascinating.

"I'm Orion by the way," He introduced himself as they all took their seats. "And this is my friend Shoolie."

"I am Marin, it is nice to meet you both."

"Well it's an honor for us to meet you!" Shoolie exclaimed.

With Marin pointing them the way, Shoolie started the boat back up and Orion let out a whoop of excitement! Now they were beginning a real adventure.