Calystia's face lost all color as she heard his words. She turned away, but he had already seen her ghostly pale face.
~
Andromeda nodded, although she didn't understand. "Oh, ok."
Raymer met them in the hallway. "I'll take it from here private." The man snapped to attention and said,"Yes, Master Chief!" Raymer looked at him a moment then said, "Dismissed." As the other man left, Raymer looked at Calystia's face critically, then her bandaged feet. "Don't tell me, she's unable to walk on her own. The General's not going to be happy with damaged goods." He cautioned indifferently.
Grimes snorted and said, "Well, you tell me the odds of a mermaid being caught on fishing lines and hooks on dry land. But that is what happened."
Raymer looked back at Calystia and sneered. "Dumb fish should have stayed in the water. Land is for smart mammals. Follow me, he's expecting you." He turned and lead the way.
~~~
"What may I call you?" Aurelius tried again.

