Vincent switched on the undercarriage camera, loading two types of film to capture standard images, and also some hydrological film to give them some depth in the water for an almost 3D image of the mutilated creature.

Regina first hovered at fifty feet, and Vincent swiveled the undercarriage camera from tail to snout. He spoke while keeping his eyes on the small view screen. “Take her lower, so I can get a shot of the wound.”

“You got it.” Regina dropped them to within a dozen feet of the water, and then skillfully hovered just over the floating island of blubber and flesh.

Vincent magnified the image and then frowned. He stopped shooting, and lifted his head from the viewfinder to stare down at the massive creature. His brows came together and he squinted, before reaching up to swivel the spot light. “Okay, Ginny, keep her tight, I’m going to step out.”

“Seriously?” Regina stared hard at him.

“Sure am; the thing will be like a floating island. I just want to check something out, so take me in as close as you can get.” He grinned at her scowling face. “Don’t sweat it, Mommy, I’ll harness up first.”

Vincent threw off his seatbelt, climbed into the back, pulled a harness from a compartment, and then threw it over his shoulders to begin buckling it from under and between his legs. He then grabbed a tool belt, wrapping it around his waist and finally attached himself to the cable, taking a control pad and hooking it to his chest.

The Coast Guard officer eased himself towards the door, grabbed the solid handle and yanked the door back. Immediately the sound and fury of the churned spray and wind from the rotors rushed in at him. He held an arm up over his face, and waited as Regina maneuvered them down another dozen feet to hover directly over the carcass.

He leapt out, swung in space for a moment and then used the controls to lower himself onto the huge body. It was like setting foot on slippery rubber, as the surface had both give and rigidity in its texture. It was still a fresh kill, he guessed, as there was no smell of rot, or the sensation of either slimy putrefaction, or stiffness.

“Take it easy down there.” Regina’s voice came in over his helmet’s headset and he turned briefly to give her the thumbs up.

“Just keep her steady, Gin; I’ll be done in a minute.”