Mike and Nick walked down to the Institute's library. Mike was hoping to run into Whistle and practice sign language some more. Nick on the other hand just wanted to check out the satellite feeds.
"Hi Whistle." Mike said scooting a chair next to the one Whistle was sitting in, reading a PADD.
When Whistle looked up he signed, "Hi Mike".
Mike signed back "Hi, what's up?"
"Just trying' to learn about human culture."
"Sounds kinda boring."
"Not really. I need to know 'cause I'm gonna be here for awhile."
"At the Institute?"
"Yes, but also with other humans."
"You've been up here since dad was found, don't you miss your family?"
"I do and I will go back home but not for a little while."
"Hmp. Wanna go for a walk?"
"Yes I would like that." Whistle signed dropping the PADD into the chair as he stood up.
Andrea passed Mike and Whistle in the hall, trying to track down Nick.
"Nick?" she called out not immediately seeing Nick in the library.
"Yes, mommy?" he replied looking around the monitor he was sitting behind so that Andrea could see him.
"Mouse, have you been feeling okay lately?"
"No headaches or anything."
"No dizzy spells or anything like that?"
"No why?"
"I was just reading some stuff your dad wrote the last time you passed out. Can you remember anything about that?"
"It's been a pretty long time, mom"
"You're right. How about any dreams that were weird?"
"I did have a strange one last night."
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Sure. I went for a swim and was playing with Whistle."
"That Whistle?" Andrea asked motion towards the door.
"No mommy the first Whistle."
"Who is the first Whistle?"
"The dolphin Mike and I used to talk to."
"He doesn't come around anymore?"
"No. Instead we have this Whistle." Nick replied motioning to the door.
"Is that all you remember?"
No, there's more. Whistle said he had to go help someone and that he wouldn't be able to go swimming for awhile, and that was the end of the dream."
"Did you feel scared or sad or anything?"
"When I woke up this morning I felt really sad because I wouldn't see Whistle."
"Have you talked to any of the other dolphins today?"
"Yeah they miss Whistle too. Mata lee said Whistle lost his light, that's why he can't swim anymore."
"Who's Mata lee?"
"He's Whistle's friend. He said Whistle helped dad."
"This Whistle?"
"No, the dolphin one."
"How?"
"He says Whistle gave daddy his light so he would be ok."
"Can you see my light?"
"No, only the dolphins can."
"Yeah I remember your dad talking about the dolphins and the lights."
"Are we done?"
"What, sweetheart?"
"Can I go back to the computer now?"
"Sure, mouse, if that's what you want."
Andrea sat back and tried to correlate the various pieces of the puzzle that had been forming since Brenton's accident.
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