I was was about to return home after completing my daily patrol, when my boss, Commander Triston mind links me to come over immediately.

We use sign language or mind link because it is impossible to talk under water.

Mind link works like the communication between dolphins with difference being, it's inaudibility. It is an exchange of words which is taking place in the mind. The mind link can be directed to one person, a group or to the public.

The Commander wants to talk about a mermaid who is requesting a personal guard assigned to her daughter.

I have to go to my Commander's office for a meeting with her. With this talk she gets to know me better and deliberates if my qualifications meet her need. Just if so, I will stay at their side until the contract ends.

Contrary to the commanders order to come immediately, I swim in my house straight to me room.

I am exhausted from my recent patrol and so, I take a small break before leaving. It is pretty exhausting to keep an eye on everything in "Angelite", which is one of the ocean's cities.

I check the state of my appearance in the mirror, looking for deviations from regulations.

Although I am a merman I prefer using my legs to swim instead of the fish tail. It can get pretty uncomfortable sometimes.

It's quite a funny thing that earthlings believe we have gills on our neck. 

Well, we don't need them, our lungs handle water and air, so it looks like we can "breath" water.

Water creatures swim much faster with the tail, although my speed is no less formidable thanks to my webbed fingers and feet.

I am wearing a rather plain uniform with black trousers and long sleeve shirt. A hoodie masks my optical and respiratory equipment, which keeps my face concealed.

A light silver star on my right shoulder designates that I am a Lieutenant.

The well fitting clothes made to measure fit like a second skin, a fabric akin to the humans diving suits.

Humanoid creatures in the ocean, like me, cover their faces.

We have two kinds of "creatures" here, mermaids/mermen and Nymphs. While mermaids and mermen are kindhearted and fearless, the nymphs are mischievous and malevolent.

There are primary female nymphs due to their tendencies to kill the males.

All males can't live on land without fatal dehydration nor are they able to speak or walk. So the men have to stay in the water although we can still breath the air. After finding a partner the circumstances will change by biting each other in the neck. Through this process, which is necessary for the mating bond, the merman archives the ability to talk and not to dehydrate, when walking on the surface. Usually the mermaid teaches the male how to walk.

Therefore, mermaids have a higher position and are the most respected under us because they have the ability to live, walk and talk on the surface.

I take off my hoodie and face mask to reveal my face and azure eyes which have a violet hint in it.

My deep chestnut brown, a constant reminder of my late father shimmers in crimson hues in the light of the numerous glowing stones set about. He was attacked by nymphs when I was ten and died right in front of me. 

Now, I live alone in my parents house since my mother left me last year.

She didn't want me from the very beginning, but my father made her love me and the family. Since he is gone she saw nothing but failure in me. I even made her dream of me becoming a guard, which is a highly ranked position, coming true.

I tilt my head to the right.

Reminding myself to go to my Commander, I place my face mask on my light caramel coloured skin. With putting on my hoodie I swim out of the house to my destination.

........................................................................

"Ms. Tander, this is Lieutenant Kaikane. Lieutenant, this is Ms. Tander. She asked for a personal guard for her daughter." Commander Triston mind links us.

"I would like to get to know about this young man you recommended to guard my daughter. I'd like to see his files if that is all possible" She asks per mind link.

I stay silent while they both mind link each other.

"Ms. I am afraid to say that it's forbidden to hand anyone any of these files. It harms the employee's privacy. But I could, with his permission of course, mind link some information." 

As soon the Commander looks at me I give him a nod as a response to his request.

"That would do it then" the woman sitting next to me answers while the Commander brings out one of many black files. In white capital letters my name "Kaikane Alika" is written on it.

"All right then. 

Alika, Kaikane. 

Born on the 4th July, is now 24 years old, is since 5 years in service and earned the title Lieutenant last year."

"Commander. I want to know more about him, if it's not a problem. Mind if I get to know some more about him in general?"

"You mean like his personality?"

The lady besides me nods in respond.

"OK. How shall I start. I will make it short because of the limited time we have.

He is calm, sober, does only "talk" when he needs to. And is one of our most respected mermen because of his knowledge, experience and abilities which distinguishes him as a really good fighter under water.

He doesn't like it when people touch his stuff without asking or disorder but likes things neat.

He has the ability to heal. Not the normal healing process where they use water. His hands start to glow a blueish white. This ability tends to a healing of high quality but can also be used in a fight. That's it so far.

I hope I could satisfy your request."

"Yes, you did Commander. So if you don't mind I would agree to the contract you suggested me. It seems plausible to me so far."

"Good. He will arrive in one hour at your place."

With that the Commander turns to me and gives me a sign to leave.

After handing me a paper with the woman's address I turn around and swim home to pack my stuff.