Mie Catches a Mermaid

The next few days were spent preparing for them to go outside the sphere for the first time. They were surprised when Old Man of the Sea showed up at their front door during this time.

"Mystic, I have to talk to you." He looked at serious as he always has appeared every time Mike had seen him. He was getting used to this face.

"Come in, come in." Mystic did not say his name. Mike is still not allowed to know it.

"I have come with a message from the council. Mike is to appear before them two weeks from today. He is not allowed to leave the sphere until he has seen the council." He stopped.

Mike interrupted, "Is there a problem with me and the council?"

"You are still limited in what you are allowed to do here. You must appear before them so they can interview you about your future role with us. They will determine if you are allowed to leave the sphere, and what you may access here. Your interview is two weeks from today."

Mystic frowned. "We knew this had to happen. They weren't going to just let you have the keys to the kingdom without being careful. Remember, several of them wanted you killed. I am sure they are still of that opinion." She nodded to Old Man of the Sea. "Would you agree with that assessment?"

He nodded. "That is why I have brought you help with this. You will need to be schooled in the correct answers to have a chance here." He opened the door to reveal a man even older than him. He was bent and slow.

Mystic shouted and ran to him to hug him. "Cressy, it is so great to see you. Haven't see you in years."

"Stop, stop. You will knock me over with all that youthful energy." He spoke harsh but his eyes were soft.

"Mike, this man is the sweetest man in this whole city." Mike thought that was nice, but what good was a sweet old man? "Did I forget to say, he knows more about the politics on this council than any merman in this city." Okay, that is something. Mike felt better.

Mystic hugged the Old Man in the Sea. "Thank you. I knew you weren't the heartless old merman you try to make out. The next thing you know you'll be telling Mike your name."

"If he survives this, I will tell him my name." He bowed and left them to talk.

"I thought you weren't supposed to tell me your name?" Mike was confused.

Cressy smiled, "I am old enough not to be intimidated by old traditions. However, you will need to know the traditions in order to not offend these councilmembers. Some of them are prickly old farts with nothing better to do than mess with anyone they can. There are enough fair ones, but we will have to be careful." He told them he would be back in the morning.

After he was gone, Mystic looked at Mike and shrugged. "If anyone can get us through this, it is Cressy. I guess the old man is on your side, or he would never have brought Cressy here. Cressy is very old, and we don't know how long he really has left. He is over 500 years old. He is tired, and he might just give up at any time. He helped me with my studies. That is what got me the job I have now."

Mike perked up with that. He hadn't thought about what job Mystic would have. "Are you allowed to tell me what your job is?"

"I think so. I will tell you, but don't let on to anyone else, okay?" He nodded." I am one of many two people teams that monitor the surface people. That is what I was doing when you caught me. I had been separated from my partner and was searching for him when you hooked me."

"So, your civilization watches our civilization?" Mike didn't like that. "I thought none of you had even seen one of us?"

We aren't near your cities or harbors. We monitor your shipping lanes. If you come close to us, we have a team that watches until you leave."

"That makes sense. I was fishing 20 or 30 miles from Miami's South American shipping lane."

"I wouldn't have been there if I wasn't looking for my partner. I was swimming in ever widening circles. I was about to give up when you hooked me. "She frowned. "We need to pass this test. I don't want to think about what I will do if they reject you."

"Come on, it's bedtime." He picked her up and headed to the bedroom. She was so upset he just held her until she drifted off to sleep. He didn't sleep much that night.

Cressy appeared early the next morning. They offered him breakfast, but he declined. "We have a lot to cover, and we need to begin."

He sat down and looked at mike. "I never thought I would meet a human. I have seen all I care to see in this life. I will get you through this, if you do what I tell you."

Mike nodded, "I swear on my love for Mystic I will do everything you ask of me." Mystic blushed and Cressy smiled.

"We begin. There are six council members. I will number them. #1 is the chief councilman. He has been there the longest. He is still somewhat fair, but he is concerned about our youth losing our traditions. He will be the one you will need to emphasize the need for honoring our traditions. #2 is the opposite, young and wishing to become more aggressive in the oceans of the world. He sees your civilization destroying our oceans, and he wants to make ourselves known to warn humans they must be more respectful of our environment. You will not be able to be on both sides of that argument. We will need to decide which has the most support to decide where to land on those two. #3 is an old mermaid who heads our health care system. She leans toward #1's position but doesn't like that he is condescending towards her. #4 is a younger mermaid that runs our schools. She is concerned about the oceans, but she also wants our children to respect our way of life and their elders. #5 is the last mermaid on the council. She runs our infrastructure. She is very organized and has a logical mind. Facts work on her. #6 heads our military and defense system. Mystic works for them. He clearly sides with #1."

He sat back and waited while Mike soaked all that in. Mike started thinking out loud. "Ok, three mermen and three mermaids. Two are young, two are middle aged, and two are older. You have #2 and #6 aligned, #1 and #3 think alike, and #4 seems to be the tie breaker. Am I reading it correctly?"

"You left out #5, but basically, yes. One thing that complicates this is that #4 agrees with both positions and is easily persuadable. During their discussions about you leading up to this point, #1 and #6 both wanted you killed immediately, and #2 wants you as a spokesman to your people to announce our presence in the world. #5 wants to see what she can learn from you. #4 went back and forth with each argument. Now you see our problem. #2 is in your corner already. If you don't piss him off, he is safe. #6 is hopeless. He doesn't trust humans and is unhappy you are here. There is probably nothing you could say that would win him over. Two down, four to go. You can play up to #5 about what you know about humanity and probably win her over. That gives you two. You need three to maintain the status quo, and to win outright, four. If you can convince #1, #3 and #4 will follow him."

Everyone sat quietly for a while. "Mike spoke up, "So, our best strategy is to play to #1, and easing #3 and #4's concerns?"

"In a nutshell, that is correct. I will bring you my files on each member. I have been here longer than any of them, and I know things."

"Why would you do that for me?" Mike didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it didn't make any sense.

"Didn't Mystic tell you? She is my great, great, great granddaughter. I can never remember how many greats there should be in there. I am old, I don't care about these council members any longer, and I want her to be happy. The rest of them can go choke on seawater."

With that, he departed. Mike sat looking at Mystic. "I didn't know I caught an important mermaid when I caught you."

"Important to my parents and him, and Old Man of the Sea. Someday, when he allows, I will tell you who he is. I am tired."

Mike picked her up. She was really light without her tail. "Let's see how tired you really are." They headed for the bedroom.

He laid her down on the bed. "Please, Michael, remind me of why I can't lose you."

He began kissing her entire body. He started at her mouth and moved to her breasts. After her nipples were hard, he moved down her stomach until she spread her legs as he arrived at the most important spot. He licked the inside of each side of her gill until she was leaking her juices out onto the sheets. She instinctively rolled over and presently her ass to him. He continued working with his tongue until she was moaning and shaking. He then got up and mounted her softly. She shuddered when he entered her, and as he began moving in and out, she kept her gill open so he could fuck her without resistance. When she did come, she clamped down on him and began massaging his dick. He stopped fighting her and came as she came. They both climaxed hard and long. It was delicious and satisfying. She collapsed down onto the bed, and he fell on top of her. They just lay there panting until they fell asleep in that position.

A messenger arrived early the next morning with reams of files from Cressy. He really did have shit on these people. He must really trust the messenger, to allow him to have these documents out of his sight. Mike put the files on the table and ate his seaweed breakfast as he and Mystic began reading.

Mike started with #1. #1 was nearly 350 years old. He was still in good health and could be in this position for many years to come. His family has been the chief counselor to the King for as long as the King has been alive. They were the counselors for the King's father before him. One word from him to the King would probably end this whole thing. The King has allowed the council to run day to day affairs for many years. He signs off on whatever #1 brings him, with rare exceptions. It was what was in the file that gave Mike the idea of how to approach him. Several years ago, he had a secret relationship with the King's daughter. The King never knew of this, and even though the daughter seduced him, and moved on to her present husband when she tired of him, it would still ruin him. He is careful to be respectful of her position, and while she does not want her father to ever know of this, it is still something to keep in mind. Now we know why he wants "traditions" kept. Nothing should be said about our elders.

He moved on to #2. An idealistic merman who thought he could change the world. Nothing worse than a zealot. He didn't spend any time on him. #3. Cressy knows why #3 really doesn't like #1. He knows she has been using the medical system for her own advancement for years. He plays that against her any time she threatens to vote against him. #4 will do whatever the majority wants, so he skipped her. #5 could be hard. She appears to take her job seriously. Cressy didn't have anything to use against her. He would have to appeal to her interest in his world. #6 wasn't worth the time. He had seen enough old, bitter Marines in his day to recognize one when he sees one.

#1 and his affair seemed to be the ace he may have to play to win the day.

Mike and Mystic went to practice his mask and sub nearly every day. By the time it was almost ready for them to go before the council he was proficient with both.

Cressy came the night before for last minute details. "When you go before the council, remember to suggest that you would use numbers identifying them to protect our traditions. Only speak when they ask you a direct question. Do you have any questions?"

"One. Did #1 have a nickname for the King's daughter?"

Cressy looked at him long and hard. "If you use this, you will either be dead soon, or this will be over. I advise you to be very careful before you use this. Sessie." Mike nodded.

The next day. He and Mystic were led into the council room. The members sat in a semi-circle on a raised dais. Mike looked around the room. He saw Cressy and the Man of the Sea sitting in a crowded spectator section.

#1 spoke, "Human, we are here today because you have requested to live amongst us in our world. Is that correct."

"It is sir."

"Would you tell me why you would abandon your own world for a world you had never seen?"

"Sir, it is for the love of Mystic. I caught her by her tail when I was fishing. We fought for hours, and only when we were both at the end of our strength was I able to finally pull her aboard. I didn't believe in mermaids, and I was shocked to discover you exist. After she learned my language, she conveyed the necessity of her being let go. I locked her in my stateroom and headed back to the harbor. However, my conscience was bothering me, so I stopped in an isolated lagoon late that night. I wanted to make sure what I was doing. When I went in to see her, she was pouring water over her head because she was drying out. I could see she would not survive in my world, and I saw no good in letting her die just to prove I had caught a mermaid. I agreed to return her to where I had found her. I put water in the back of my boat so she could revive enough to swim home. When we arrived at the original destination, I helped her over the side. She did not understand the significance of touching my face when she thanked me for letting her go. I assumed that was the end of it. I knew I would never see her again, and I knew I could never tell anyone this story. No one would believe me, and it would do no good for either of us." Mike finished and stood still.

"We know all this, human. Why did you leave everything to come here?"

"When she touched me, she changed my life. I didn't understand it, but I knew nothing in my world would matter again. Since I assumed I would never see her again, I assumed I would live out my life hopeless. When she returned a month later, it was the happiest day of my life. I am willing to do anything you ask, just to be allowed to spend my days with her."

#6 raised his hand. #1 nodded. "We can not have your kind here. It will dilute our bloodlines. It will begin the crossing of our civilizations. We can not allow this. You must be eliminated before the contagion spreads. What if you and Mystic are actually able to procreate? What would that abomination be like?"

#3 spoke up. "Wait a minute. Don't jump off the deep end here. Their DNA won't allow them to create a mixed breed of these two species. I, for one, would like for our scientists to have opportunity to study humans closely. We may need to know more about them in the future."

#6 wasn't to be deterred. "You can study the body all you want after we kill him."

#1 spoke up. "Ok, I know the positions of you two. What about the rest of you?"

#2 smiled. "You know what I want him for. We must confront the humans about their destruction of the oceans. If they continue at the present pace, the oceans could be dead in a hundred years. Whether you ever allow me to use him, if you kill him, I will lose the only chance we have to reverse human's stupidity before it is too late. We can debate whether to use him like that or not, but just don't kill him."

#4 spoke up. "I can see both sides, but it would be nice to have a real live human for our students to learn from."

#5 raised her hand. "I would like time to learn from him before you do whatever it is you decide to do. We need whatever information he has about their infrastructure."

#1 held up his hand. "Human, I sense there is a feeling that the majority of us would like to keep you around for a while. However, I am personally worried about the bloodline aspect of our species. I must consult with the King about his wishes before I make my decision."

This was Mike's chance. "Sir, I understand the need for upholding your traditions. I have no desire to cause any friction among your people. I do believe family is the strongest tradition we have. I am sure you would not do anything to compromise that. I would rather die than hurt Mystic or her family." He waved his hand toward Cressy and the old man. "It is just that we are faced with the fact that even if I die, Mystic would be alone for the rest of her life. I can not harm your bloodline, and there can never be any more of us. In one thousand years, nothing like this has happened before, and we both know it is almost impossible to happen again. I can live an isolated life here without causing any problems. I can assist your people to understand my people better, to be better prepared if you need to have direct contact with them, either diplomatically or militarily."

#1 looked at Mike, then looked at Cressy, then back at Mike. "I will take this under advisement." He dismissed the proceedings.

When they were back together, Cressy said, "You went about as far as you could without actually using it."

"I decided not to use it. I was not going to start my life here with dirty tricks. I will never use anything you gave me. I will let happen what happens."

"I am very glad to hear you say that young man." Just at that moment, a runner came up to Cressy and whispered into his ear. He nodded. "I must go now. #1 has called for me."

Mike and Mystic went back to her home, very concerned about Cressy's safety. He may not care about it, but Mystic would be very unhappy if anything happened to him because of Mike.

Two hours later, Cressy appeared at their door. "Good news, everybody. #1 has decided you may be a full part of our society. He wanted to know if your comments about family and traditions a shot at him were. I told him that I had told you about him, but I wanted to see how you would react. I told him about you deciding to not join our world by playing by the rules of his. I am proud of you, young man. I can see Mystic has made a very wise choice. He also is impressed with you."

With that he left. Mike lifted Mystic off her feet and twirled her around the room, dancing and laughing. "We did it. I get to stay with you for as long as I live. That is all I ask." She was crying. He stopped and just held her. He sat down on a couch with her in his lap and just breathed in her hair, her scent, her softness, and all the rest.

After a while, Mystic looked deep into his eyes, and whispered," I have been saving something for a special occasion. There is nothing more special than this. I have a special place to take you tonight." She took his hand and led him out the door. It was late, and there were not many people on the streets. She had picked up his mask on the way out the door. He knew where she was taking him. The only place that mask was needed was the lake.

When they arrived, she told him to put the mask on and get into the lake. There were a few people around, but she didn't seem to care. She stepped into the water, sat on a rock, and waited. Within a few minutes, her tail appeared. She took his hand, and they went swimming out into the lake. She swam across the lake to a secluded rock ledge. The ledge was just a foot or so above the waterline. She kissed him and bent over the edge of the rock ledge. She took his hand and led him to her opening in her backside. It was very wet. He took the mask off, climbed against her, and entered her. She was very wet. She told him to put the mask back on. When they were connected, she pushed off the ledge and they were floating in the water. "Do what I do." She whispered. She pulled his arms around her, and they began swimming in sync into the lake. Down they went, swimming as one. The movement accentuated his movement in her. The more they swam, the better the feeling was. They were mating like the mermaids of old did. The feeling and understanding of what this meant to her brought him to the end. He exploded into her at the same time she stiffened and clamped down on him. They just drifted in the water, relishing in the completeness of their union. When she finally let him go, he turned her around and held her in his arms as he kissed her.