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Chris Acosta was sitting in his advisor's office as Dr Cummings brought up some files on the nearly obsolete computer on his desk.

“Ah, here it is." Dr. Cummings said before turning his attention back to the student. “Sorry for the wait, I'm sure they have redesigned this interface four times since you first signed up."

“It's fine, I don't have any more classes scheduled for today." Chris replied with a shrug.

“Onto the good news, it looks like you are one of the lucky two selected for the program."

Chris sat up straight in his chair. “Are you serious?"

“Unless you fail all your final exams in the next two weeks, you're in."

“Holy crap…" Chris whispered as he slumped back down in the chair. “I was hoping I'd get it but still, I'm sure every oceanography major signed up for it."

“Pretty much. Your academic performance got you easily through the first two rounds. Most of your fellow students didn't even make it to the physical you know."

“I didn't, then again most of my friends on campus aren't in my major. Do you know who the other student is?"

“I'm not able to tell you their name, but I'm sure you will get a chance to meet up before you get on the plane. In the meantime, there is a huge amount of paperwork you'll need to fill out. I'll email you the link right now. Hopefully that won't get in the way of studying for your finals."

“I could use a study break anyway." Chris smiled.

***

Jessie Faulkner was still flying high from the news as she made her way to a conference room in the Life Science Building.

This opportunity is just too amazing. Not only do I get to be an active part of a research project, and get credit towards my degree, but all my student debt gets forgiven? It'll be easier pursuing my doctorate without that hanging over my head. Not to mention, I'm sure participating in this project will open doors in the future for me.

Jessie knocked on the door and it was opened by Dr Bell. Jessie smiled, having had her for a teacher in several classes by this point.

“Ms Faulkner, come on in. We are still waiting for our other volunteer." Dr Bell said as she ushered her student into the room.

Jessie looked at the rest of the people gathered. She recognized a few faces from the department, but didn't know them personally. There also was an officer from the Navy in attendance, though she didn't know enough about the military to identify his rank.

“Please take a seat, we'll start as soon as Mr Acosta arrives."

“Acosta? Do you mean Chris Acosta?"

“Yes, he was chosen as your male counterpoint for this project. Do you know him?"

“We've shared a few classes over the years, but no, I don't know him personally."

“You'll be stuck on an island with him for the summer, so you will probably know each other all too well soon enough."

There were a few polite laughs at this. Just after Jessie had sat down and settled it there was a quick knock before the door was thrown open.

“I'm sorry, I hope I'm not late!" The young man was breathing heavily. “The damn submission portal is acting up again and I had to deliver a paper in person before I came in."

“Again?" Dr Bell sighed. “Please, sit down Mr Acosta, and we'll get started going over the last few things before starting our trip to the island."

“Hey," Chris said as he sat down next to Jessie, “Been a while since we've had a class together."

“This is a little more than just a class." Jessie smirked a little.

“Indeed it is." Dr Bell interrupted. “Now, before we go any further with the discussions about the project and travel plans, there is a form you both have to sign."

“Like an NDA?" Chris asked, expecting something along those lines.

The Navy officer chuckled. “No, this is far more serious, as in spending the rest of your life in a federal prison in solitary confinement for willing disclosure."

“What?" Jessie stood up immediately, “Just what kind of research are we doing? In fact, why is Captain Jack even here?"

“Lieutenant Commander Jacob Smith, though, my grandmother always did call me Jack."

“Jessie, please sit down. The navy is involved in this project because this project will have uses to practically everyone involved with the ocean in any capacity. You will not be participating in anything of a military nature, as was the agreement with the D.O.D."

“Any military studies or applications will be conducted with Navy or Marine personnel, and in fact we prefer it that way. Of course, that all depends on how the initial tests go. However, at this point I am going to have to insist that Mr Acosta and Ms Faulkner sign their secrecy agreements.

“I knew there had to be a catch with getting my loan forgiven…" Jessie grumbled as she sat back down.

***

It was a long trip out to the tiny unnamed island out in the middle of the south pacific. First there was a flight across the country, then another flight out to Hawaii. They stayed on the big island for a few days where Chris and Jessie had a small vacation break before setting off on a ship for the middle of the ocean.

As oceanography students both were more than comfortable on the voyage. As they traveled to their final destination they were given a large battery of tests. Physical, mental, and psychological. Given the close confines of the ship and their shared experience, Chris and Jessie started to bond. They did both begin to wonder why no mention of the project was made during the entire trip and any questions they had were deflected.

After several days at sea they were finally approaching their ultimate destination. Chris and Jessie packed up their bags and watched from the bow as the island came into view. A small port and the research facility dominated most of the tiny island. The ship stopped outside the coral reef that surrounded most of the island and boats were launched for transferring supplies and people to the facility. The students were told they would be on the last boat, so they just watched the pair of boats ferry supplies and people back and forth from the island.

What caught Chris' attention was when a pair of obviously armed security guards loaded a single metal case onto a boat. They escorted the case to the island with no other supplies or people on board.

“What do you think was in that case?"

“I don't know, maybe something radioactive? That would explain the security."

“Maybe, but I don't remember signing off on any radiation risks, did you?"

Jessie shrugged. “Maybe we won't be at risk."

“Chris! Jessie!" Doctor Bell called from the launch, “Come on, you're on the next boat!"

“Time for the next chapter in our tropical adventure." Chris said as he bent over to pick up his suitcase and duffel bag.

***

Inside the facility, it felt like a lab anywhere else in the world. After dropping off their personal items Chris and Jessie were brought into a small conference room. Dr Bell introduced them to the project director, Dr Colby Weber.

“A pleasure to meet you both." He said with a warm smile after shaking their hands. “Please, take a seat and I'll explain exactly what you will be assisting us with this summer.

“We've gotten pretty curious about that during our cruise." Chris admitted as he sat down.

“I apologize for the secrecy, but you will understand the reasons for our caution once I explain." he sat down at the head of a table and tapped on his laptop, and the large display behind him flickered to life. “The greatest challenge when it comes to studying the ocean is that as humans we are limited to only be visitors below the waves. We can dive below the surface with submersibles, or with the aid of scuba gear but we can never be more than tourists in the deep." he tapped on his laptop and a diagram filled the screen. “There was a recent development that is being kept a closely guarded secret. A way to easily and reversibly alter a human's body on a genetic level."

“You can't be serious, this is just a hazing prank, right?" Jessie said, shaking her head.

“I can understand your reaction, but please try to be civil. I can provide you with more detailed information when we are done here." He advanced the screen to an artist's rendering of a male and female. “Our goal is to make use of this new technology to alter a pair of volunteers to be able to function indefinitely in an aquatic environment."

Dr Weber pressed a button and the pair on the screen faded into a pair of what could only be called merfolk.

“You want to make me a merman?" Chris said, shaking his head. “That's insane."

“Is it?" Dr Weber started down both of them. “What is insane about a body that can spend days underwater with no equipment and the ability to move as easily as any underwater animal? What part of that would not be a boon in not only future research, but the entire diving industry?"

“Now we know why the Navy was interested." Jessie grumbled. “They want to put the seal into the Navy Seals."

“Good science and technology is a boon to both the civilian and military sectors. And let's not forget the boon that has been offered to both of you."

Chris turned towards Jessie. “Too good to be true, right?"

“Yeah," she let out a long sigh.

You're forgetting the fact that the process is reversible. When we are done with our studies on the serum you will both walk out of here. Well compensated and with one hell of a resume boost for your careers moving forward."

Jessie let out another long sigh. “We already signed the contract with the devil, We might as well get our rewards."

Dr Weber narrowed his eyes slightly at the statement but Chris chuckled in agreement.

“The serum will be administered in two steps to each of you, but the transformation will take place over the course of approximately twenty-four hours. Here, these tablets have all the information on the serum and procedure. Dr Bell said and handed a tablet to Chris and Jessie. “Be assured, it has taken years of tests and approvals before we reached this point."

Dr Weber closed the presentation behind him. “We will begin the initial procedure at 0800 tomorrow. I suggest you have a large and filling dinner, because there is no food permitted after 0000 until after the initial procedure.

***

Jessie walked from the dormitory to lab #5, meeting up with Chris on the way. They normally would have chatted with each other, but this morning they were quiet as they walked. They were met at the door to the lab by Gloria, one of the on-site nurses.

“Right on time, good. Mr Acosta, I am going to direct you to the table on the left and Ms Faulkner to the right. You will both need to change into the provided gown. Please deposit your clothing and any other possessions into the tote, They will be taken back to your rooms"

After Chris made it to the table Gloria closed the partition curtain around him. By the time he was slipping out of his shoes, he heard the same thing happening on Jessie's side.

“If this works as intended and I really grow a tail, I guess I won't be needing those board shorts I bought in Hawaii."

“I still can't believe you had to buy them, why wouldn't you pack a bathing suit?"

“I was going to, but when I was packing I realized how faded and worn they were. I figured I would just buy a new pair when I got the chance. Kind of like a souvenir, only useful. Well, I thought they would be useful."

“Don't worry, once they change us back you can use them again."

With her clothes neatly folded in the tote, Jessie stuck her head out. “I'm ready over here."

“Yeah, me too." Chris called out from behind the curtain.

Gloria came in to check on Jessie first. After taking a few vitals, she motioned to the exam table.

“Hop on up and we will get you comfortable."

After Jessie situated herself on the padded top of the table, the nurse worked the controls. She was a little surprised as the table shifted onto more of a lounge chair, complete with armrests. Gloria then inserted an IV and started a drip of saline solution.

“I'll just get Mr Acosta all set up and then let Dr Weber know we are ready to begin." she said with a soft smile.

After Chris was set up, it was just the two of them waiting in the lab. The curtain was still closed between them.

“How are you doing over there?" Chris called.

“I'm fine, looking super sexy in my hospital gown. How about you?"

“Pretty good, just wondering what it will be like to not have legs and feet for a while."

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I took a few pictures last night of them after my shower."

“Can I see them?" She could hear the smirk on Chris' face.

“Creep." She followed up with a chuckle.

They heard the door opening from the other side of the curtain and a murmur of voices already in a conversation.

“Look, I'm not getting into a conversation about stereotypes and gender theory." They heard Dr Weber let out a sigh. “It's important to administer the correct serum for the subject's biological sex."

“Is everything ok out there?" Chris called out.

“Just a little debate on color-coding." Lt. Cmdr. Smith chuckled.

“I still believe we could choose different colors than blue and pink." Dr Bell grumbled.

“The last thing on my mind is the color of the packaging right now." Jessie replied.

They could hear the sound of something heavy being rolled towards their beds.

The front of the curtains were opened, but there was still a wall of fabric between Chris and Jessie. They saw on the cart the container that the armed guards escorted to the island.

“Can we confirm the recording equipment is all in working order?" Dr Bell asked.

After it was confirmed by the lab techs, Dr Weber entered a long code into the keypad on the case and scanned his thumbprint. There was a slight hiss as the seal was broken. He then pulled out several vials from the case. As was mentioned, half of the vials had pink labels while the other half had blue. The fluid inside, however, was clear.

“It would be best to double glove and smock before handling the serum any further." Dr Bell advised.

“Well, that fills me with confidence." Chris shook his head.

“I assure you, the serum is ready for human testing, but we do not want any accidental contamination."

“Still not helping, Doc." Jessie sighed.

Dr Weber took a deep breath and let it out slowly before continuing. “Let's watch it with the comments going forward, this is being recorded. For the record; this is Dr Colby Weber. It is 0815 hours on June, sixteenth 2030." he said as he donned his PPE. “This is a record of the initial human testing of the XS-105-Syreni serum. The male variant will be administered by myself to Christopher Acosta, and the female variant will be administered by my college Dr Layla Bell to Jessie Faulkner. Also in attendance is Lieutenant Commander Jacob Smith, as an observer from the US Navy."

“I would appreciate it if Mr Acosta and Ms Faulkner would please confirm to the record that they are volunteering for the procedure." Lt. Cmdr. Smith added.

“I'm Jessie Faulkner, and I can confirm that I have not been coerced."

“Chris Acosta here, and I am good to go, as long as you guys are keeping up your end of the deal."

The sailor seemed satisfied with their replies. “Please proceed, doctors."

“We will be administering two doses today to each subject. The first dose will be administered over thirty minutes while monitoring for any adverse effects. Assuming there are no issues, the second dose will be administered over fifteen minutes."

“It should be noted that the physical changes will take many hours and possibly even days to fully express themselves." Dr Bell added.

The vial of XS-105-M-Syreni serum was inserted into Chris' IV pump and Dr Weber quickly set the machine. “Are you ready over there, Layla"

“All set. Starting the drip now."

Chris closed his eyes as he heard the machine beep. He expected to feel something as the serum began to trickle into his veins, but there was nothing, not even a tingle on the back of his hand. He let out the breath he had been holding and tried to relax.

“So, we just sit here for the next thirty minutes?" He asked Dr Weber.

“Easy credits, right?" Jessie called from the other side of the curtain.

Dr Weber smiled, “Even easier than algebra 180. We will be monitoring your vitals, but if you feel anything strange or off, please speak up immediately.

“I'm starting to feel hungry, but other than that I'm fine."

“Me too, now that he mentioned it." Jessie sighed.

“After today's procedure you two can take full advantage of the mess hall." Dr Bell smiled.

“Is it ok if you pull back the curtain? If we're going to be here for like the next hour or so, I'd rather be able to talk to Jessie face to face."

“I don't see an issue with that, as long as Ms Faulkner is alright with it."

“Yes, please pull it back." She confirmed.

With the curtain pulled back, Jessie could see Chris reclined on the table, smiling back at her.

“You're right, you are really rocking that gown." He smirked.

“Once again, please remember this is all being recorded."

“Right, right, sorry."

***

The time ticked by slowly in the lab. Chris and Jessie were soon showing a slight increase in their pulse and an elevated temperature, but both were expected and well within safe levels. By the time the first dose was finished, Chris was starting to feel a little strange.

“I feel dry and itchy all over." He explained as the empty vial was removed.

“Yeah, I feel a little dry too, like I want to jump in the bathtub and just soak myself." Jessie added. “Also my teeth feel strange."

“Do they hurt?"

“It's not pain, not really, more like…just sensitive, I guess?"

“You know what feels sensitive to me right now is my chest, especially my nipples." Chris pulled the gown material up off of his chest, “Just this gown rubbing is starting to get uncomfortable."

“Alright," Dr Weber jotted down a few notes, “Does any other part of your body feel strange?"

“My legs feel a little…i guess you could say numb? I can still move them, but…"

“Yeah, I feel that too, especially down at my toes." Jessie added. “Is this normal?"

“Unfortunately the lab animals were not able to fully communicate the experience to us. But since you are both feeling similar sensations I think these may very well be a normal part of the process. Overall your vitals still look good, so we will move onto the second dose."

“Good, because I'm getting hungrier by the second." Chris laughed.

***

Over the next fifteen minutes Chris and Jessie started to feel a greater effect of the serum. The dry scratchy skin started to flake off in patches, revealing gray toned dermal denticles, otherwise known as shark skin, underneath. Their toes and feet became so numb, they were unable to walk more than a few feet. Meanwhile, their teeth had started to fall out, only to be replaced with new sharp triangular ones, giving them both a rather fearsome smile. They were given remote monitoring devices and wheelchairs before finally allowing them to get something to eat.

“Looks like you two are just in time for brunch." Brandon, the tech pushing Chris' chair said as they were wheeled into the mess hall.

“Good, because I want eggs and burgers right now." Chris replied as he placed a hand over her protesting stomach.

“Forget burgers, I want some steak, rare." Jessie said, her smile showing off her sharp teeth.

“Why not both?" Chris replied with a chuckle.

“Dr Weber said you can both have whatever you want, and as much as you need. The serum will burn a lot of calories, so here's your chance." Madison said as she pushed Jessie up to an empty table. “We'll bring the food to you."

“Steak, eggs, and burgers coming right up." Brandon chuckled.

Jessie looked over to her fellow test subject. She was feeling something inside her, other than hunger. Chris wasn't an unattractive man, but she hadn't thought of him as anything more than just a friend since they got to know each other back in Hawaii. Of course, neither of them was in the best state right now, but she felt a bit of a spark and strangely enough, she felt like making the first move.

“Hey, Chris, after brunch do you want to hang out for a bit?"

“Oh, ah yeah, I'd like that, I'm a little afraid to be completely alone right now." He glanced around the mess hall, “And I think our teeth are scaring the regular people."

“Don't pay attention to them, you have a beautiful smile." Jessie grinned.

Chris blushed slightly, but smiled back. “You too."

***

After devouring enough food to feed a family for a week, almost all of which was protein, Jessie and Chris were wheeled not back to the dorms, but to the recovery room. Built off a pier into the island's small lagoon it was dominated by a large pool filled with seawater. There was also a large TV hooked up to a streaming service giving them something to watch as the hours ticked by. They left the chairs behind by a table and they stumbled and crawled to a long shallow shelf at the edge of the pool. The cold water felt heavenly as it soaked their bodies. They kept the hospital gowns on, though they were as modest as a wet t-shirt.

More of their skin peeled away, the process seemingly aided by the water. The smooth strong shark skin covered more and more of their bodies and they did their best to keep it wet. They were forced to lay on their stomachs as a tail started to form at the base of their spines. By the time the researchers came to check in on them, they had a fledgling tail and their feet were starting to atrophy and shrink, the mass seemingly being redistributed to the large new appendage.

“How are you both feeling?" Dr Bell asked as she took progress pictures for the report.

“Much better after eating, though I think I'm starting to get hungry again."

“Me too." Added Jessie. “Getting in the water also helped a lot. Maybe you want to find a way to keep the body wet earlier in the process."

“I could use some dinner myself. We will make some notes about keeping a moist environment, perhaps even an immersion tank for future trials. I'll arrange for more food to be brought to the recovery room. I assume it's along the same lines as your earlier meal?"

“I think so." Jessie said looking at Chris who just nodded.

“Everything seems to be proceeding according to expectations. Once again, if you notice anything outside of mild discomfort or hunger, hit the call button on your remote monitoring system and we will rush here."

“Got it if anything weird, well, weirder happens we'll call." Jessie smiled her fearsome grin.

Dr Bell repressed a shudder and just nodded before turning to leave.

***

As they enjoyed another huge meal of meat and seafood, Jessie's and Chris' heads and faces started to change. Their mouths became wider and their noses started to push out into a snout. By now most of their skin had been replaced with dermal denticles, giving them both a gray appearance, with lighter almost white down their fronts.

Chris let out a groan not long after finishing his meal.

“Did you eat too much?" Jessie asked with concern.

“It's not my stomach, it's my chest." Chris rubbed it gently through the soaked gown. “It feels swollen and way too sensitive."

“Roll on your side, let me check it out."

What was left of his feet and legs had transformed into pelvic fins at the base of Chris' now rather impressive tail. The lack of feet was not what got Jessie's attention, after all she was in the same state, it was the twin bulges on Chris' chest.

“Holy shit…That's not swelling, those are boobs!"

“What? That's impossible!"

Jessie reached out and cupped them, giving the budding breasts a gentle squeeze. Chris let out a moan and would have blushed if he still had skin on his cheeks.

“Oh-ok, point made." Chris panted. “I think we better hit the button."

“Yeah…"

“Um, you can let go of my breasts now."

“Oh, ah, yeah, sorry." she quickly pulled her hands away but felt something strange stirring in her lower body. She let out a groan as she felt some kind of pressure building below what used to be her waist.

“Jessie? Is something wrong with you too?"

“I don't…god this feels so strange…" She rolled herself over on her side.

Not caring about her modesty at the moment Jessie pulled up the bottom of her gown. Her sex had become a tightly sealed slit on the underside of her upper tail, but something else was happening. Towards the top of the slit it was now twitching and pulsing, enough that Chris could plainly see it.

“Jessie, we better-"

Chris was cut off by the loud lusty moan Jessie let out as not one but a pair of cocks forced their way out of her slit. They looked vaguely human, but not completely

“Oh shit…" Jessie gasped as she stared at her new equipment.

Chris was staring as well. He couldn't help the reaction that this was triggering in his changing body. His own cock and balls had been pulled inside his body hours ago, but now the former was making a reappearance. The tent in the gown was obvious, and with Jessie already on display, Chris saw no need in being embarrassed about it. He too was sporting a pair of cocks, aching to be touched and stimulated, but there was something else happening at his genital slit. The slit had grown longer while he was enjoying dinner, and he could feel something starting to open inside.

He inspected below his cocks and let out a shocked moan when his fingers accidentally slipped in deeply. Chris quickly realized that a pair of breasts weren't the only female trait he had gained.

“We…we didn't sign up for this…" Jessie was panting hard as she groped for the call button on her monitor.

The response from the research team was impressively fast, in less than a minute an emergency team was running through the doors with Dr Weber following behind them. The team was expecting Chris and Jessie to have progressed further under the effects of the serum, but they were not ready for what they found.

“Something is wrong." Jessie said as she tried to pull the gown down over her erections.

“That much is obvious." Dr Weber shook his head, not believing his own eyes. “Give them some modesty at least." he chastised the response team that was just staring. He tapped on his tablet and activated the PA system. “This is Dr Weber, due to an unforeseen issue with his subjects I am initiating a full lockdown of the facility. Security Chief Watson, please report to my office and Dr Bell report to the recovery room immediately."

“What's going to happen to us now?" Chris said after his body was covered with a blanket.

“We will figure out what happened then go from there. It is important that you both stay calm for the time being."

“How can I stay calm? I'm growing boy bits!" Jessie snapped.

***

By the time a full examination was done of Chris and Jessie, their gill slits were starting to open along the sides of their chests. Although still capable of breathing air, they needed to submerge fully and swim to both alleviate discomfort and encourage growth. Swimming came easily to the two 'mersharks', and staying underwater helped them to shut out the outside world as they tried to come to terms with their new natures.

The hospital gowns were abandoned and the two of them swam completely free of any clothing. It really was a freeing sensation just them and the water with nothing in between. A dorsal fin had grown out from their backs, completing the mershark look. But their forms were nothing compared to the raging sensations inside their bodies. Chris had grown closer to Jessie over the past two weeks or so, but hadn't thought of her as anything more than a friend, but now as they swam side by side he couldn't keep his eyes off of her.

Jessie felt such power and freedom in her new form. She had thought she would hate it at first, but now that she was in it everything felt so different. Jessie couldn't wait to go out into the open water and explore without having to come up for air. But there was more to her excitement than just that. Looking over at her friend and his, or was it her new body. Honestly they both had such a similar body shape now either pronoun worked for either of them. She kept feeling a need to touch Chris as they swam and her touches were growing bolder by the second.

Chris was aware there was nothing accidental about Jessie brushing up against his body. So instead he decided to return the favor, bumping her playfully on the side before darting away. Jessie smiled widely before she took off after him. By the time she caught up, her cocks were already slipping out of her body.

They both reached out silently under the water for each other, pulling tightly and squishing breasts together. They kissed under the water, being mindful of teeth as their tails shifted and slid against one another. Chris threw back his head and let out a silent cry as his slit was spread wide by Jessie. The sensation of their new sexes finally getting the stimulation they so desperately needed threw both of the mersharks into a frenzy.

Holding tightly onto each other with their arms and hands, their bodies moved erratically in the water, tails flicking back and forth as they both strived to fuck each other's brains out. The ruckus would have been incredible if they weren't under the water of the pool. The feeling of the twin cocks inside his pussy was pure heaven for Chris. He reflexively squeezed the shafts as they probed deeply into his body. It was was a rush for Jessie, being the one doing the fucking for the first time. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears and the scent of her lover in the water as they continued to trash against each other.

When the moment came their lithe bodies went stiff from their snout to their tails. Mouths were open wide as they rode out the waves of pleasure, still tightly embracing each other. After recovering they both swam to the surface.

“Are you ok?" Jessie asked after breaking the surface.

“Me? I feel amazing." Chris smiled, a little dazed look still in his eyes.

“I just hope I wasn't too rough."

Chris pulled her close and nuzzled her cheek. “It was amazing, and once we catch our breath it'll be your turn."

Jessie's eyes went wide but then she giggled. She kissed Chris and pulled him back under the water.

***

In the rest of the research facility the investigation was underway. On a hunch, Dr Weber had one of the techs investigating the empty vials of the XS-105-Syreni serum.

When he received a print out of the report he almost couldn't believe his hunch was correct. The male variant, XS-105-M-Syreni had been labeled in the pink color-coded style of the female variant and vice versa. This had triggered an unplanned transformation in both subjects, ultimately making both individuals hermaphrodites.

After all the precautions we took, a clerical error in production throws everything out the window. What if the process isn't reversible now that they have been exposed to the wrong serum? Is the entire project scrubbed now? What the hell do I do?

There was a knock at Dr Weber's door, but they didn't wait for permission to enter. Lt. Cmdr. Smith let himself in and closed the door behind himself.

“Did your hunch pan out, Colby?" The director nodded and he continued, “I suppose it makes sense when you think about it."

“Jacob, what do we do now?"

“First of all, we will have to put a stricter protocol for the production of the XS-105-Syreni serums. Perhaps only producing one type at individual facilities."

Dr Weber rolled his eyes. “Assuming the entire project isn't shut down."

“I don't see a reason to do that. Other than this unexpected transformation and figuring out how exactly to reverse the process, the procedure was a success. We should make the best of the situation and continue with the tests and observations of the subjects."

“Are you serious?"

“When life gives you lemons…"

“Jacob, these are people we're talking about here."

“And we will do everything we can to return them to their original bodies and genders, but in the meantime until we are instructed otherwise I think we should continue with the experiment."

Dr. Weber sat quietly in his chair for several moments before letting out a long sigh.

“I will ask them if they wish to proceed. If they decline then that's it."

***

When Dr Weber entered the recovery room he was surprised to see the state Chris and Jessie were in. Both of them seemed well rested and down right happy when he approached the side of the pool to speak with them.

“Morning, Doc." Jessie waved as he approached.

“Ah, good morning. We have figured out what happened to cause your, ah, unplanned transformations. It seems that the male and female serums were somehow switched in the production facility, we believe that this is a side effect of receiving the incorrect sex formula."

“That's one hell of a side effect." Chris shook his head.

“Yeah, but it makes sense if you think about it." Jessie shrugged.

“We will need to do some research to reformulate a reversal serum, as I don't trust the ones we have on hand to not add further complications. You will have to bear with us while we do so. Given the nature of the accident, I am willing to end the test here and as soon as the reversal serum is ready get you both home. However, since that will take time and otherwise the serum worked as intended it has been suggested that we continue with the tests to make the most out of the situation. I believed it was best to ask you both what you wished to do."

Chris and Jessie turned and looked at each other for a moment before nodding.

“I think we might as well go through with the testing." Jessie replied.

“I'd probably die of boredom if I just swim around here all day waiting for a cure. Besides, I'm starting to like my tail and fins."

“If you are both sure, either way everything promised to you will still be delivered on."

“That just makes me more convinced. I'd feel like we cheated you." Chris said and Jessie nodded in agreement.

“Alright then, I will give it the go ahead. We will get started with some mental assessment tests probably in about an hour and we will go from there."

***

Over the next month Chris and Jessie went through numerous tests. The physical tests on mobility, speed, strength, and endurance all exceeded expectations. There was no loss of any intelligence or reaction time in their mental acuity tests. The largest deviations seemed to be in their psychological profile. Neither Chris nor Jessie showed any signs of depression or dimorphism. Instead they seemed to readily adapt to their new forms and radiated a positive energy about their situation. The genderlines between them both were also beyond blurred, but that was chalked up to the accidental use of the wrong serums rather than an inherent flaw with XS-105-Syreni.

Dr Weber worked day and night on the reversal serum, allowing Dr Bell to take over the daily supervision of the project. Eventually he was able to engineer a variant that would restore Chris and Jessie to their original bodies and genders. After the final battery of tests were concluded, Dr Weber went to give the two mersharks the good news.

“Are you really sure it will work?" Chris asked, sounding unsure about the whole thing.

“Yes, I've tested it on cultures of both of your cells and it has been proven to reverse the changes, all of the changes. The procedure will be almost identical to the one that you already experienced, but we will have you in tanks instead of on beds while administering the serum."

“I see" Jessie looked back over her long body. “And when will this procedure happen?"

“Tomorrow morning. The supply boat will be arriving in about three days, so that should give you enough time to recover. You will be back home before the first day of classes."

“We better get some sleep then." Jessie said softly.

“Yes, a good idea. Oh, please refrain from eating anything after midnight. The lift and tanks will be here around 0800 hours to get you set up.

“Good night, doc." Jessie said before slipping back under the water.

Chris followed her without saying a word. Being unable to talk underwater, the pair had started to learn ASL.

I was hoping they wouldn't figure it out. Jessie signed

Me too. What do we do?

I don't want to change back, I especially don't want to lose my new junk. Jessie motioned to her genital slit.

Yeah. Chris ran his hands over his chest. You know, there is a whole ocean out there we could hide in, and I've gotten used to fresh fish.

Just run away?

Swim away.

Jessie smiled and wrapped her arms around Chris, kissing him hard.

Without any further words they swam and opened the door to the lagoon. They often would swim out at night to float on their backs and take in the night sky, so it didn't raise any alarms. But there was enough time for stargazing in the future. They both swam quickly towards the reef. They slowed down to carefully make their way over without harming themselves or the delicate coral. Once they were back in the open sea they took off, hand in hand.

The adventure was just beginning.

____________________________________________

Characters and setting belong to Skanra

Writing by Syntaxerror37

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