Free The Siren, the General's Daughter Book One by Breanna Hayse Page B

we anticipated. You do realize you could write a thesis of what you discovered today and be awarded your doctorates. No one could challenge your findings.”
    “It’s a little embarrassing, don’t you think? Hi, I’m Samantha Quimby. I’m 18 and got a really severe spanking from my uncle after cussing. Because of that, a killer whale wanted to eat my brother before I realized that pods don’t believe in punishing their young. Yeah, that would go over well. Ooo, maybe I could bring it to the Nobel committee too.”
    “You don’t have to be sarcastic. It was just a suggestion. I know you want that Ph.D. Michael is getting his in a couple of weeks.”
    “I don’t compete with him academically. He’s brilliant. He is also in a field where hard science can be measured. Mine cannot. I’ll pursue it when I have enough colleagues who can gain acceptance. Right now, they think I’m nothing more than a gifted kid who is good with ocean mammals. Until we can reveal the Beta project and our equipment, it is all nothing more than words anyway.” She sounded frustrated, but she was correct.
    Dr. Quimby quietly held her, stroking her back until Scott returned with the ice packs. Together they tucked her into bed and kissed her good night. Despite the pain, Sam realized she was truly happy, content and felt safe. Those thoughts allowed her to fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.
     

Chapter Five
    One week later, due to a sudden onset of bad weather, Scott ordered hatches down and vessel on alert. Sam paced the floor restlessly, forbidden to go out. It had been four days since she had been in the water and she was beside herself. Something was dreadfully wrong. Even Michael sensed it.
    “Are you alright, sis?” he asked, stopping her pacing.
    She flashed her eyes at him, her agitation visible. “No! I need to get out of here!” she yelled, pushing passed him. This was not normal behavior from her, even when cooped up.
    He rested his hand on her arm. “Hey, stop a minute. I want to check your waves.” Reluctantly, the girl complied. Michael frowned, studying the results. “That’s odd, are you feeling ok physically?”
    “Nothing hurts, if that’s what you’re asking. What do you see?”
    “Everything is elevated to nearly the same levels as after your session with Scott. Your delta waves are off the chart! Let me call Dad.”
    Dr. Quimby quickly arrived with Scott in tow. He looked at his daughter, running an assessment. Although her vitals were elevated, she appeared to have normal CNS responses. Her membranes were a little pale and turgor sluggish. “You seem to be a little dehydrated. Have you been drinking?”
    “Constantly,” Michael intervened, “In fact, more than usual.”
    “I can answer for myself, if you don’t mind!” she hissed. “I feel fine.  I just need to get out of here. I need to swim.”
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea, sweetheart. Something is going on here,” Dr. Quimby said gently.
    She launched quickly from her chair, sending it crashing behind her. “ I need out !” she yelled at the top of her lungs, pushing his hands away.
    Scott was blocked by Michael’s arm. “Something is very wrong here,” he said firmly, pushing himself in front of his sister. “Sam, why don’t you jump into the tank? Come on, you might feel better.”
    “NOOOOOOOOO! I need to swim!” she roared, lunging at him. He grabbed her arms, although not before he was punched solidly in the jaw, cutting his lip.
    “That’s enough!” Both Dr. Quimby and Scott belted out. The men around them made a quick exit smart enough not to be present with both their commanding officers were pissed. The girl continued to struggle, bite, kick and swing. Her actions were frenzied and without direction as she battled against her brother. She fought with pure instinct to escape and completely lacked the control of an experienced fighter. With a grunt, Michael finally restrained her before lifting and tossing her over