Chapter 22
The project
"Okay, gather around, everyone!" Cam stood at the head of the table in the trainer's lab, his hands resting on the edge as he surveyed the team. The buzz of excitement in the air was palpable; today marked the start of their first official data collection session.
Gray sat at the table, his notebook open and pen ready.
His nervousness was clear in his tight grip on the pen, but his eager smile showed he was ready to dive in.
The past few days had been a whirlwind of acclimating to the island and observing the trainers and dolphins in action.
He was determined to integrate seamlessly into their routine without being disruptive.
"Right, let's get this research party started!" Cam grinned, motioning for Gray to take over.
Gray stood, his notebook trembling slightly in his hand. "First, have I mentioned how excited I am to be here?" He looked around at the team, his gratitude clear.
Declan, leaning back in his chair, smirked. "Mate, you're like a broken record. 'Oh, Daniel, oh, Declan, you're my favourite trainers!' We know that."
Laughter rippled around the room, and Gray chuckled, shaking his head.
"Fair enough. But seriously, thank you. This is such a rare opportunity.
Most of the time, I'm stuck working with samples from deceased animals.
Being able to study live dolphins in such a dynamic setting, it's incredible. And okay, I'll stop gushing now."
"Don't worry," Riley chimed in, grinning. "We'll remind you if you forget."
Gray laughed and continued, "I also want to acknowledge the amazing work you've all done training the younger dolphins. It's going to save me so much time. Instead of starting from scratch, we can jump right in collecting data." He shot a grateful smile at Riley.
Riley nodded. "Big thanks to Cici and Daniel for getting our big dolphins Shiloh, Abaco, and Anejo ready to go too."
Cici and Daniel exchanged modest nods as Gray turned to the whiteboard, where he'd outlined the plan.
"The focus of this project is straightforward: body measurements, photographic documentation, and recording breath rates and dive durations.
The last part will be on me, but if anyone has time to help, I'd appreciate it.
I'm still working on recognizing who's who. "
"I'm sure you will have everyone helping you out with that, Gray, especially in the afternoons when the tourists are gone and everyone is getting ready to settle in for the evening." Cam looked at the team and knew they were all game to help.
"I'm happy to help with that," Marta offered.
"Me too," Daniel added.
"Thanks, everyone," Gray said, visibly relieved. "This team is amazing!"
He'd been able to spend more time with Daniel the last few days as he was born and raised on the island and was helping Gray figure out grocery shopping.
Plus, taking him to a fish fry. Gray didn't know he needed this in his life until he went and got a taste.
Fresh fish, conch salad, conch fritters and the best lemonade on the island according to Daniel and appropriately so since it was his sister Birdie that made it.
When Daniel first told him to try the conch salad and fritters, it took him a minute to adjust his stomach.
"So you mean to tell me the snail-like creature hidden inside that giant shell with the white outside and the pink inside is delicious?
" Gray was shaking his head no, but Daniel did not steer him wrong.
Gray was hooked; he needed not to think about what it looked like before it became a steaming hot and doughy fritter.
Daniel was quiet and thoughtful, and Gray knew the team appreciated the way he was always there to lend a helping hand.
Island life. Gray had been warned; it was not for everyone, but having Daniel take him under his wing was making it seem easier to navigate.
Looking at his new friend, Gray noticed out of the corner of his eye that Marta had fixed her gaze on Daniel.
Were they going out? Gray didn't know, but he also didn't want to pry as he was learning all the team dynamics.
He also had to shake his head. Why was he always thinking something was going on with the trainers?
Declan raised a hand, his trademark grin in place. "Question for you, Gray."
"Go for it."
"I was reading your proposal—brilliant stuff, by the way—and it got me thinking.
Since we can take the dolphins out into the ocean or the canal, why not film the sessions with our underwater video cameras?
The water is so clear even on cloudy days.
We could timestamp when they surface for a breath and calculate dive durations while they're wearing the time-depth recorders and heart rate monitors.
Collate all the data into something super awesome.
" Declan leaned back, his arms crossed, pleased with himself.
The room went silent for a moment as everyone processed what he'd said.
Gray blinked. "Um... yes?" His voice was tentative, but his eyes lit up as the idea took root. He'd never even considered having the dolphins wearing the monitors out in the ocean and filming them!
"That's brilliant, Declan!" Riley beamed at him. "Why didn't we think of that?"
Declan sat up straighter, emboldened. "I finished that underwater videography course in Florida, and Cici and I have been messing around with marking spots on the surface of the ocean where the dolphins’ surface so I can get some awesome photos.
I'm sure she can come up with something for underwater, and we'll measure the distance, and use the dive team's video gear.
If it works, Gray, maybe we can pitch another project down the line and get more funding. "
Everyone stared at Declan, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. Declan shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny. "Or... not?" he added sheepishly.
The silence broke with Riley's laugh. "Declan, I take it back. You're super brilliant!"
The room erupted in laughter as Declan turned bright red, mumbling something about trying to help.
Gray looked thoughtful. "You know, that's a fantastic idea. I hadn't even considered it, but it could be a game-changer. And who knows? If things go well, maybe I could keep coming back here. So far, island life suits me just fine."
Cam clapped Gray on the back. "Then it's settled. Let's make it happen."