They discussed the events of that summer and what they had learned to date. Kira slipped back into the sea two more times to explore near the shore, though she never saw another seal. While underwater, she tested her mermaid skills and reported her findings to Cody. He wrote down all the observations and facts they had collected so far and summarized them like the final results of a science experiment. He referred to Kira as the “subject”: When subject’s hands are immersed in saltwater, she develops webbing between her fingers and thumbs. When subject’s body is completely underwater, a large, fish-like tail replaces her legs. It is covered with golden-coloured scales, except for a pinkish stripe on each side. The V-shaped tail fin is a pale pink and turns to purple at the tips. Underwater, subject feels warm and comfortable, even when it is cold. Temperature varied from 8 to 9 degrees centigrade from September 17 to 21. Normally only comfortable for humans in wet suits.
