Page 83 of Music of the Ocean

“Some of that knowledge came from that ancient ship,” Indigo confirmed. “The planet has been evolving, using what it finds to improve itself and those who live within it.”

“For fuck’s sake. Was this planet sentient before that ship ended up here or did the ship make the planet sentient?”

“I cannot answer that because I do not know.”

Saxby looked back at the ancient ship. “The Federation would kill for this knowledge.”

“Yes,” Indigo said simply.

They hovered in silence for a moment, the weight of what they’d discovered settling around them like the pressure of the deep water.

“This is insane,” Saxby finally said. “The Federation can never know about this, Indigo. The DNA mutating is bad enough, but this? This could lead to world domination.”

Indigo moved closer, his tentacles reaching out to brush against Saxby’s arms. “I know. And with your skill as a starship navigator, you will be on the Bridge of one if we go to war. If you wish.”

“Gods above. Are you kidding me? Of course I’d want that. Being on one of those ships is the ultimate adventure. But if that ever comes to pass, where will you be?”

“On one of the battleships.”

“Then, hell yeah. I’ll be on the Bridge with you. Always. I will always be with you. Every damned time, mate.”

“Thank you. I know it will be hard to stand against your people, but—”

“Now, see?” Saxby pointed a finger at Indigo. “That’s where you’re wrong. You are my people. The people of this planet are my people. I choose you, Indigo. Always.”

Indigo hugged Saxby hard. “Always.”

THEY SPENT several hours there before coming back. After eating the final meal, they retired to their chamber. Indigo watched Saxby compose his report to Fleet Admiral Soulsop.

He was not worried about what was in it.

Saxby’s fingers moved quickly through the spidery underwater interface. The digital signature of the Fleet’s highest-ranking officer floated on the encrypted channel.

Indigo took quiet satisfaction in watching how Saxby moved through the interface as he prepared his report, then hit send. A moment later after confirming receipt, the line winked out.

“Glad that’s done,” Saxby said.

The world Saxby had once called his own had no hold on him now. Indigo was glad of it.

Nearly two standard months had passed since Saxby had touched the water. His reports focused entirely on his own health and general well-being—nothing else.

There had been no further contact from the SC Heathglow since its abrupt departure.

Saxby had settled in and spent his waking hours with Indigo as he worked or helping Callie in the biodome if Indigo was unavailable. Indigo had taken Saxby to the trench often so he could explore the ships. It was one of Saxby’s favorite things to do.

Saxby was making friends. He’d had lunch with Rul, Divi, and Yash, the owners of Happy Tides Clothing Shop, several times, along with Quill, the Chief Security Officer. Saxby had said that they had talked shop for hours. He and Callie were often together, and sometimes, Caymen joined them. Indigo encouraged it.

Saxby had taken to the aquatic environment with surprising ease, and the sight of him moving through the corridors, his hair adrift and gills fluttering rhythmically, pleased Indigo in ways he couldn’t explain.

They spent their nights wrapped around one another, learning each other’s bodies.

Saxby slept deeply here and ate pretty much anything put in front of him. He sang sometimes—low human melodies Indigo now recognized and anticipated.

If his mate was happy, Indigo was happy.

Sometimes, late in the evening, Indigo and Saxby would retire to the observation deck to watch the migration of planktonic colonies past the city’s protective dome.

Which was where Indigo found himself now, waiting for Saxby. Saxby had recently taken on an official role working alongside Callie, which Indigo understood to be good—necessary, even.