Through the baleen, Nathaniel saw shapes moving beside them. Other whales. They were swimming close to the animal that carried him. He heard their calls again, one after another. For the first time, the dark space around him felt less like a prison and more like a moving shelter.
On deck, arguments started again. “We can’t just follow forever,” one rescue officer said. “His tank has limited air.” Elena knew he was right. “Then find a way to bring the whale up without hurting it.” The officer looked at the captain. “Fish. Maybe we use bait.”