No matter how many mermaids Dr. Xen flayed open, she couldn't put his finger on where fish ended and human began.

The distinction was important; the specimens carried fish and mammal DNA, so how to classify them remained up in the air.

As Dr. Brown slid the sushi slice from the mermaid's belly under the microscope, he asked, "How much propofol did you give her?"

"The usual," she said. "Why?"

"She hasn't made a sound."

Dr. Xen looked over the rim of her glasses. "This is one of the genetically modified specimens," she said. "Lab type C. They don't scream."

♦️

First draft: October 18
Word count: 100 (not including A/N)
Inspired by: Halloween Vault drabble contest, located here:
https://my.w.tt/awzohNOqUQ