Fish House

Streamers and balloons signaled the 170th anniversary of the modern aquarium. The convention center inside the location was awash with reporters, students, professors, and the top executives. From London Zoo’s relatively primitive Fish House to the state of the art attraction Possibilities Aquarium in Wilmington’s Waterfront in Delaware, the excitement seemed palpable throughout the latter site.

Tyrena Musgrove pulled her award-winning essay up on her tablet. She breathed.

“In the nearly two hundred year history of aquatic displays in the Western world and beyond, we have witnessed a deluge of inspirational stories, breathtaking feats, and soul-stirring beauty from our sea life in captivity. From the horseshoe crabs to the butterfly fish, we have been fortunate enough to engage in and witness these wondrous creatures.”

“It has not—” Just then, men and women in black jackets and white letters stormed the area. Handcuffs glistened like precious metals and locked around the wrists of the aquarium CEO Heckland Dane and COO Holly Valdez.

“This is abrupt, we know, but we have to place you under arrest. You have the right to remain silent….” Agent Arilia Cy told Dane. Velez got the same treatment.

Amongst gasps and murmurs, there was still Tyrena who stood at the lectern.

“May I have your attention?” Her voice came through like amethyst.

The agents stopped. They sensed they had authority over her but allowed her to speak anyway.

“I have come to this aquarium since I was three-years-old. I have witnessed the success and trials of this place on the subsequent occasions I have visited here. I know Mr. Dane and Mrs. Valdez. They provided much needed material for my essay and I thank them for that. If you could, please let them at least stay for a while so they can hear my speech.”

The crowd applauded. The reporters were in a frenzy like piranhas detecting flesh in the water. The television newscasters swam like swordfish to the nearest video cameras to capture the bizarre moment.

Lead agent Arilia looked down and up again and gave the signal for Tyrena to get on with it.

“I’m not even going to read what I had prepared. What I won an award for. I’m going to speak on government overreach. While you accuse these folks of evading taxes, what is a tax, anyway? It is to pay the government for the services it provides. If the State taxes in any way taxes forcibly, then that is a mark against the government. We ought to be able to enjoy our freedoms within the economy without literally being rounded up and fettered at a place of business for seeking to keep our wages.”

“But this is more than business. This is a wonderful setting to understand and explore the aquatic world. Mr. Dane and and Mrs. Valdez have only committed the crime of keeping this aquarium running for close to two decades. If you want to arrest them, then arrest me, too. I have committed the crime of honoring both of them and their endeavors.” She held out her wrists. The agents unlocked the cuffs. Applause arose from the crowd with hoots and hollers. The other agents took the signal to leave the convention room.

“This is not over,” Agent Agilia said into the microphone. “We will allow this function to end without any further interference, but please note, tax evasion is a serious crime. Mr. Dane and Mrs. Valdez have run afoul of the law and will be prosecuted for their violations. So, keep in mind this is not over.” Agent Arilia stepped down and exited.

Tyrena returned to the microphone. “I won $100,000 for this contest. I’m willing to match that and build a crowdfunding campaign to cover the bail and legal costs for Mr. Dane and Mrs. Valdez. I’m starting the page right now. I’m calling it the Fish House Fund.”

Entrepreneurs, scientists, and laymen alike reached for their phones and donated.

“We’re already past a quarter of a million dollars that fast. Let’s see how far we can go.”

Tyrena stepped down from the platform with flashes and applause from around her.