Clean Slate

[o8jedi]

Hazen shook his head at the joke that the boy had made while chuckling. He held his finger up and shook it. "That was clever," he said, "I'll give you that one."

Once the dishes had been cleared, Emily looked back at the three guests. "Well, thank you for helping little Tebo get back to safety. And we hope that you enjoy the rest of your stay here."

Hazen bowed his head. "Thank you, ma'am. Your hospitality is very welcome."

Emily smiled at the compliment. "You may be a new Dolphinback," she commented, "but you are exceptionally polite." Hazen smiled in return. That's when Irwin came in and made his report. Emily got up first and went as fast as she could to the hatchery.

Hazen's eyes went wide. He knew he wasn't seeing things when he saw an egg move a while ago. The eggs were hatching. He got up and quickly followed Emily, being careful in his footing. When he arrived, he stood a good yard away from Emily as she examined the eggs. All three of them were shaking slightly. The one in the center was already starting to crack.

When the footfalls stopped, Emily, without turning, said, "Somolla, tell Sasha that the time has come." Somolla nodded and went to the stables as quickly as she could. Emily continued, "Leopold, we're going to need feed for the hatchlings." Emily looked over her apron and sighed. "Oh, dear!" she said. She started to the storeroom. "I left some of my implements. Let me know what's happening."

Hazen felt an incredible sense of thrill going through his body. Not only had he seen dinosaur eggs for the first time, he was going to witness their hatching. He felt like he was a modern-day Lou Gehrig; the Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth. The center egg's cracks grew longer and longer and a hole appeared in the face. Hazen found himself taking a step closer. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of an eye. A smile went across his face. "It's alright," he whispered. "You can do it. Push!" He forgot Miss Liberty's request, but he was too caught up in the moment to care.

The front of the egg began to crack as well. Tiny feet began to appear. "Almost there!" Hazen said encouragingly. A small, mouth took hold of part of the shell and began to tear at it. "You're getting close!" The front opened wider and wider and, after a few tense moments, the infant dinosaur toppled out the front. A large piece of shell was on its head. Hazen reached over and plucked it off. "There," he said. The baby Triceratops looked up at him. A wide smile came over his face. "Hi, there. Welcome." Hazen thought himself crazy, but he could sense this profound feeling of bonding between the two.

Emily came back. As soon as the Dolphinback heard her footsteps, he snapped out of his gaze and stepped back. The baby began to cry, which was answered by a low moan in return. Emily stepped in and said, "Hello, little one," she said quietly. She grabbed a few measuring instruments and began to examine the newborn.

[Thundertail]

~ The hatchery... ~

Irwin knew what to do next, so he rushed to the stables and told Sasha that her eggs were hatching. She nearly broke the gate down getting out, and beat the boy out to the incubation room! Once there she saw that one had already nearly hatched, and nosed her way as close as miss Freedom would let her. She cooed in a Triceratops way, encouraging her little joy and beaming in wonder at the rest of her clutch that were in various stages of doing the same.

She saw the skinny human man encouraging her youngstars, showing the same wonder that she herself showed; and wondered of his origins. A man doing that for her deserved special consideration, and vowed to reward him somehow. Soon most of the shell was away from the first one, and all the rest were becoming as fully hatched as the first; and then when all this was over, the next part of the little ceremony would soon take place. Somalla took the shell fragments away and placed bowls containing water and food beside each egg; and Sasha was to feed them thier first meal, naming them as she did so.

The first one, a girl, accepted the food from her mother's horned snout; and this one she named "River". The second one, also a girl, she named "Gare"; but the third one was a boy, and she made a special request.

"To this human, whose caring shows even through his inexperience...", said Sasha in Ceratopsian. "I give honor of naming this, my son..."

"She wants you to name him, Hazan.", Patel whispered to him, translating.

"What an honor!...", Leopold breathed.

Hazan was allowed to step up to the hatchling, still squatting in the remainder of the shell; and Hazan looked around, looking afraid at being put on the spot like this. All the others in the room either silently or whisperingly encouraging him or coaxing him to speak a name. Oxidia stood behind the rest, witnessing the whole thing, chuckling inwardly at Hazan's situation, but silently cheering him on as well. Finally Hazan's looks indicated he had reached a conclusion, and he began to speak the Triceratops hatchling's name...

_____

[o8jedi]

As Emily examined the babies, Hazen turned to see the mother. It caught him slightly off-guard, having never seen an adult Triceratops in the flesh, however he offered her a wide berth so she could see her hatchlings. The mother fed her children and he was happy to see them accept the food from her. Then, she turned to address the others and grunted something he didn't understand.

When Patel informed Hazen about the mother's request, his eyes went wide. "Wait, me?" He shook his head. "Oh, no," he protested, "it's her clutch. I'm just an innocent bystander." Before he could say more, he got an encouraging nudge in the back from the mother, pushing him closer to the hatchlings. He nervously sighed and looked at the third baby. It looked back at the human with as much awe as Hazen looked at him. Hazen smiled and sighed, thinking hard about what name he should give it.

Let's see, he thought, he deserves a unique name; one that carries a lot of significance. George? No, he doesn't look like one, let alone like a John, Paul, or Ringo. He doesn't seem like a Dylan, either. Francis? No. Luke? No. He shook his head, knowing that wasn't getting him anywhere. He took a deep breath and looked at the dinosaur again. The baby boy patted the straw before it and looked up at Hazen again. To Hazen, its expression seemed to be exceptionally bright for a child of only 15 minutes of age and it contrasted so much with the dark eyes he had. Then it hit Hazen as he started nodding. Shine on, you crazy diamond, he thought silently to the baby.

He turned to everyone else. "Syd," he said simply before looking back at the Ceratopsian child. "His name is Syd." With a proud little sigh, he turned to the mother and bowed his head deeply. "Thank you for this honor," he said.

[Thundertail]

~ The hatching. The Irenic hatchery. ~

Patel Lewis smiled when he heard the name Hazan gave the hatchling, more for the hatchling's response than the name. Sid was a common name, and usually a nickname for the name Sidney; and he knew of many Sidneys in the towns he traveled through. Sasha heard the name and approved as well, giving a chortling bellow and nuzzling Hazan with a horn. Somalla placed a bowl of easy-to-digest greens near the hatchling, and Sasha prodded the human to administer food to Syd like she was doing.

"Hatchlings are amazing, aren't they?...", Leopold commented.

"It's the cumulation of life.", Patel agreed.

"Now we got more work to do...", Irwin whispered, getting a nudge by Leopold.

"Isn't it true that the one who names a hatchling becomes that hatchling's life-Partner?", inquired Patel.

"That rule only applies to orphan hatchlings.", Leopold told him. "It is up to the mother whether Hazan will be this ones' Partner."

"I see. Orphans have nobody to take care of them, and would need a caregiver.", said Patel. "Syd has a mother, and she will take care of him.", he turned to the Triceratops and spoke in Ceratopsian. "Kind saurian, would it be possible for Hazan to be Syd's life-Partner?"

"It is still too early to tell.", said Sasha in kind. "Syd and the rest would need a lot of care before they will be ready to leave the nest.", she looked at Hazan. "Of course, I would appreciate the help if he cares to stay on..."

"Hazan is a Dolphinback, and knows very little about our life here.", Patel told her. "He would need education and experience before taking on such a responsability. I am taking him to a place where he will learn such things."

"I see...", Sasha rumbled. "Then I think he may be Syd's life-Partner when both are ready, if all agree..."

Hazan knew that Patel and Sasha were talking about him, and Patel related to him what they were talking about at his inquisitive look. The look after the explanation was strange indeed, but Patel understood the look, as well as his response. All during this time Emily Freedom and Somalla were busy examining the other two, swiftly deeming them fit before swaddling them and placing them into a large nestbox on the ground akin to a child's playpen. Saurians usually learn to stand and walk moments after hatching, and the little females began shakilly rising to thier feet and taking thier first faltering steps. Syd was placed there next, and he looked at his siblings before trying to mimick thier movements...

~~~~~~~~~~

Oxidia stood in the back of the little group, witnessing this joyous event and burbling her coments as sweetly and politely as she was able. The birth of hatchlings always charmed her, and this event was no exception. The only real thing preventing her from having the best of times was the slight indigestion, which was slowly growing bigger; and the food she ate didn't seem all that spicy to her! Her stomach rumbled as she cooed at the hatchlings on the floor, and she gulped and regained her composure in a moment; thinking that maybe going to bed early might just do the trick after all!

"Yes, miss?...", Irwin Hanson asked as Oxidia whispered in his ear. "You want to be shown your stable?... Sure!", he turned to Leopold. "S'cuse me, but miss Oxidia wants to go to bed..."

"Of course!", Leopold turned to her. "Right this way, ma'am..."

Leopold and irwin led Oxidia out of the incubation room and through a corridor to the stable area, she looking this way and that trying to remember her way around the place. Once there they led her to her stable, Irwin making sure there was plenty of water present, and Leopold closing the gate behind her.

"Well miss. Sweet dreams...", was all Leopold had a chance to say.

Suddenly Oxidia brayed and doubled over, waves of pain making her eyes and nose water. The wave passed and she tried to wipe her face, but didn't get the chance because of the next wave!

"Oh, no!...", Irwin shrieked. "She's sick!...", moaning passed Oxidia's lips.

"Go get miss Emily!... QUICK!", Leopold ordered, but irwin was already on his way.

"Take it easy, Ma'am...", leopold opened the gate and held her head. "Miss Freedom will fix you right up..."

_____

[o8jedi]

When Hazen returned from the bow, he was surprised to see the mother moving closer and bringing her nose horn into close proximity. Were it not for the comforting noises she made all this time, he might have been afraid that he would be gored rhino-style. Besides, the angle was all wrong for a goring. She rubbed the horn against him and Hazen, understanding the gesture, put his arms around it, giving a hug.

After the moment, he looked down at little Syd, who was still getting used to the idea of mobility. He felt a gentle nudge from behind him. He looked at the mother, who took some of the greens from a nearby bowl and resumed feeding her children. She grunted and nodded her head slightly. He looked at the bowl of greens and picked it up. She nodded again, encouraging him to mimic her. He looked at Syd and back at his mother. "If you're sure about this," he said. He took a small handful of the greenish material and held it closer to Syd. After pensively sniffing it, Syd began taking a few nibbles. "There you go," Hazen said.

A few minutes later, Somolla made her way to Syd, making sure he was strong enough to join his sisters in the playpen. Once that was safely determined, he was placed next to his siblings. Hazen stood from afar, watching them taking their first steps. He wasn't surprised that they would be learning how to walk at this stage. Thank goodness human children didn't learn how to walk this soon. Imagine how much trouble they'd cause if they did!

He looked over at Patel, who was discussing something to the Leopold and then moved over to Sasha. Again, he was talking in their language. He looked at the floor, again annoyed at how he didn't understand any of the goings on in the area. Feeling that wave of alienation pass, he glanced back at Patel, who approached him and explained something to him. Needless to say, what he described was unorthodox.

"'Life-Partners'?" he said, "that's . . . wow." He looked back at Syd, who was beginning to take his first steps. "I guess I can see what you're getting at," he said, "but he's just a hatchling, you know?" He turned back to Patel. "Don't get me wrong, he's extraordinarily cute and all it's just . . . I like to think I choose my close friends by getting to know them first." He looked back down at the babies as they honed their mobility skills.

Suddenly, the boy Irwin came in. "Miss Liberty!" he said, "The Parasaurolophus has taken ill. She needs medicine."

Hearing this, Hazen turned to the boy. Emily had already left to tend to the sick dinosaur. Hazen glanced at Patel before following them himself.

Emily arrived at the stable and saw Oxidia groaning in pain. "Shh!" she called to the Parasaurolophus. "It's alright," she said, trying to soothe her. She began preliminary examinations. She knew that it couldn't have been the food, otherwise there would be more people suffering. That left several options open. She looked at Leopold. "Brew some teas. I need a pain reliever at the very least." She moved closer to Oxidia's midsection and said, "I'm going to need to press in a few areas. It may be uncomfortable, but do try to relax." She reached up around the dinosaur's belly and began to apply pressure to areas corresponding to vital organs.

Hazen slowed down and looked into the stable, which was lit by a few lanterns. He saw Oxidia's head as she laid down on her side and moaned in pain. Suddenly, she bleated incredibly loud, as if there was an intense wave of pain. Hazen ran closer, wanting to see what was going on.

Emily finished her tests and smiled. She whispered something into Oxidia's ear slit. Then, people began to arrive again. "She may need some room for now, but the tea we're brewing will help." She sighed and said, "I'm happy to announce that she is with eggs."

Hazen's eyes went wider a bit, surprised. He looked at Oxidia and smiled. "Congratulations," he said simply.

[Thundertail]

~ The hatchery stables. ~

Patel Lewis rushed to the stable along with everybody else, worry on his long face showing even before he even reached it. Oxidia was sick? What would his business partner Ephram Crane think, him letting his Partner come to harm? He nudged everyone aside to gain entry and rushed to Oxidia's lowered head, grasping it like one would a lover. He cooed words in Sorolophan, trying to ease her pain and discomfort.

"There girl, it will be all right..", was what he mostly said.

Emily Freedom scooted him aside as she started her examination up in front of her, hands working in trained gestures; then began all down her body. Ancient stethoscope being utilized, she listened for any abnormalities in heart and lungs, then moved further aft. At some prodding in the lower abdomen, Oxidia let out a gasp, and this made Emily tisk a bit; and further examination down there, discovering several hardened lumps inches beneath the wrinkled skin, she stood and gave her prognosis. Oxidia was pregnant!

"Well, my friend!", Patel stated as soon as he gained his composure, flooded with relief and joy at the happy news. "My Partner has been busy of late!...", he hugged her muzzle when allowed. "I'm happy for you both!..."

Soimalla returned with the medicines requested, and from Emily telling her what she found, mixed out the proper dosages. She too was gladdened at the news; and relieved it wasn't something more serious. A moment later and miss Freedom asked her when this had happened, and Oxidia burbled that it occurred a twoday before they left on thier delivery run; and Patel added that it was about eight or nine days ago; of which miss Freedom said that it would be another two or three fortnights before she lays her eggs.

"Do you think you can make it home, dear?", Patel inquired. "I don't want you to if you don't think so...", she rumbled that she will be all right, and she could make it. Saurians were so stoic at times!

"I am no expert,", Leopold cut in. "But what she probably needs now is rest..."

Emily agreed to this as Somalla fed her the medication, standing back and watching as it slowly took effect. They were all escorted out of the room as Irwin led Sasha into her own stable at last, for she had insisted to stay with her hatchlings until they fell asleep. Her saurian face wore a look of concern as well, especially when she heard about what was wrong with Oxidia; and once she was situated and everyone left the stable area, Irwin blew out all the hurricane lamps and trodded up to his own bunk for the night...

_____

[o8jedi]

Before being led out with the others, Hazen made sure he gave Oxidia a congratulatory pat on the snout for her happy news. He smiled and followed Leopold back to the living area. Along the way, he caught a glimpse of the warm glow from the incubation room. He thought about the three Triceratops hatchlings and the smile faded. He wanted to go see them again, especially Syd, but he recognized that now was not that time. With a sigh, he continued to walk.

When they arrived at the guest barracks, Hazen was pleased to see proper beds. He examined the bedposts and headboards, seeing intricately carved figures of various dinosaurs and eggs. "Wow," he remarked to himself "it must have taken months to carve these." He kicked off his shoes and flopped down on top of the mattress. "It's not that bad, either." He noticed the odd-sounding rustling the bed made and concluded that they must have been stuffed with straw. "I think this will do nicely." He grabbed two feather pillows and placed them one on top of the other, desiring more support than one pillow could offer.

As Hazen got ready for bed, he said, "Say, Patel, I never really got a chance to thank you for all you've done for me so far. I know that you had your own affairs to attend to before finding me on that beach and I'm glad you did." He laid back down on the bed. "It's unreal, actually." He smiled a bit. "All my life, all I had seen regarding dinosaurs were what could be found in museums or artist renderings. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought I'd see actual eggs, let alone them hatching, let alone actual dinosaurs." He put his arms behind his head. "And those hatchlings are cute, too. I hope your Partner's children are like that when they hatch."

[Thundertail]

~ Overnight at the Irenic hatchery. ~

Everyone was ushered out of the stable area except the ones who were assigned there, leaving Sasha the Triceratops, who was now a new mother and Oxidia, recently informed that she too was pregnant; to thier own devices. Sasha, after gurgling congratulations to the new mother-to-be before turning to find a good spot in the hay to lie down and get some well needed sleep; and Oxidia did the same as she returned the gesture with a troubled look in her eye.

That trouble turned out to be guilt, evident to her when sleep did not come after more then an hour. This guilt was due to her not telling anyone about her and Barnabas's mating, but she figured it could wait as getting the figurehead here was more important than that fact; or so she thought! The last time they did that, thier clutch was not evident to them until almost two fortnights before they were lain; and this was what she was hoping for, and her reasoning of not telling anyone. She did not know why her mild illness would spur such a reaction so early, but the medication that Somalla had given her was working to ease the pain and relax her sufficiently for sleep - if only her mind would stop racing so she could obey the instructions the drugs were giving her body! Grunting, Oxidia rolled over and stared at the strands of hay that were now right in front of her eyes...

~~~~~~~~~~

Irwin Hanson was the last to leave the stable area, and Leopold was waiting for him in the hallway. Oh, why doesn't he leave me alone?... As the Stenoychosaur grasped his hand, Irwin knew what he had in mind. It would not be long before everyone was back in town, and everything would soon be back to normal - including schoolwork! He led the lad to a utility area in the back of the hatchery, which doubled as laundry, supply storage area and small lounge. It was also where Leopold frequently attempted to keep Irwin up to date on his lessons, a thing that one just had to do; for his teacher, miss Samantha was indeed a Dromeosaur, and she certainly would put the bite on you!

"Sit down please...", Leopold instructed, and Irwin grudgingly complied. "Since it is so late, I think you should study for only a little while. You and I have to take the morning shift, and we have to be up early."

"When do you think they'll be back?", irwin asked. "I miss my friends!..."

"The tsunamis hit the whole northern part of the island. It should be many days still before the townspeople returns.", Leopold told him hautilly. "Now, please turn to page forty six of your 'Saurian Fables' book..."

Irwin studied the book for many minutes, reciting the tale of how a Bracheosaur won a long-jump competition; then went on to simple fifth grade equivelent mathematics and on to a brief Chasmosaurian language lesson. Finally, as the hour or so swept by, Leopold told the youngster to close his books and escorted him to thier quarters...

~~~~~~~~~~

Patel Lewis saw Hazan as he congratulated Oxidia one last time, then they were both led by Somalla to the guest quarters; the newcomer taking in both the comfortable looking surroundings and the decour, which was meant to keep expectant parents in thier happy mood. Each chose a bunk in the room meant for ten or twenty humans, disrobed slightly and situated thier beds the way they liked them; though Patel preferred sleeping on hard ground, being born to the open road. Finally the lights were dimmed and both prepared to close thier eyes.

After a moment Hazan turned and told Patel what was on his mind, and how he felt about all of this. He couldn't really balme the lad for voicing his concerns and his revelations to him; for he knew that if he were washed up on shore in his world, Patel would feel similar wonder! As Hazan finished telling him, Patel rolled to him and spoke.

"It is merely natural for you to feel such wonders. Had my fate been as yours, I would feel it too.", Patel told him. "Though you feel this wonder, you should do one thing; and that is to leave all you knew behind. This is a new beginning for you, and what has passed is in the past. You must make a clean slate, and forget the ideals you have brought with you from the outside world; for nothing save the skills you have and the skills you are able to attain here will benefit you in this, your new life."

As Hazan's face changed in absorbsion of this advice, Patel smiled and continued. "But tomorrow is another day, my friend!... Rest now, for your life as a true Dinotopian will soon begin!...", he rolled over and tried to fall asleep, succeeding many moments later...

_____

[o8jedi]

Emily Freedom returned to her quarters, which were directly adjacent to the incubation room should any situation arise with the hatchlings or the eggs. She took one last peek at River, Gare, and Syd, who were sleeping soundly in their nestbox and, content that their needs had been met, began to prepare for the night. As she donned her nightgown, she reflected on the hectic day she had. Not only had company unexpectedly arrived, but Sasha's eggs had finally hatched and a new clutch was discovered, albiet not ready to be laid.

She blew out her lantern and climbed into bed. The dim glow from the incubation room painted a streak across the threshold. She smiled and, like she always did, uttered, "Good night, little ones. May your life always be one hatching to the next." She closed her eyes and then went to sleep.

~~~~~

Hazen nodded at Patel's words, getting the gist of what he meant. "Alright," he replied, "Good night." He rolled back over with a small sigh and began to ponder the merchant's words. He conceded that he must make his life a clean slate, now that he was here for good, but he couldn't help but feel that he would be losing a part of himself in the process. Like it or not, he was a filmmaker, an American, and a product of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. If those three things could be considered "damage," he didn't want them corrected. Adapt, he was willing to do. Forget, he was not.

He rolled over and tried to think of something else. The only other thing he could think of were the little hatchlings. He knew he couldn't have been so fascinated by them by the fact that they were Triceratops alone, so he pondered it, hoping he'd get to sleep sooner. Quickly, the fact that he liked babies came to mind, but that wasn't it either. It took a great deal of soul-searching before he hit it: He related to them. Both were new to this world, wide-eyed and full of innate curiosity. Furthermore, he envied their innocence. Whereas they had everything laid out before them, he had a view of the world already established. His lids grew heavy and he thought about Syd. Although he started feeling something after his oldest sister hatched, the fact that he fed Syd and named him made the connection Hazen felt with him a lot more meaningful. It was with that thought that he finally fell to sleep.

[Thundertail]

~ The next morning. The Irenic hatchery. ~

Slowly rising from his boyhood dreams, Irwin Hanson plugged off his eyes with his pillow and moaned at the just rising sun streaming into his eyes from the window that faced the bluffs in the east. He wanted his dreams to continue, the ones where he was playing hide-and-seek with his friends around town; but not the part where a storm out to sea came up and swept all his friends away! No, not that! He rolled out of bed, taking all his bedclothes to the floor with him and reached under the bed; retrieving the ball that was about the size of a grapefruit that had rolled under there yesterday in his private play. Tossing it up and down, he did not hear the door to his quarters crack open; but he did hear the ghastly noise of Leopold clearing his throat before speaking, and he winced as he missed his catch!

"You slugabed!", Leopold scolded. "Why aren't you up yet!... you know we have to take morningshift today!..."

"I just got up, leave me alone!", Irwin sort of snapped, making Leopold's saurian eyes to rise.

"Don't take that sass with me!", the Stenoychosaur huffed. "Now get ready and get downstairs!... We'll be late...", he stormed out.

Adults!... Irwin fumed as he was left alone to dress. After all, he knew he had to work early today, and did not need an adult to tell him so! Ready in four minutes, he scrambled downstairs and immediately prepared the food the patients and guests would require. He gathered hay and other fodder for the guests in the stables and infant food for the patients in the hatchling room. When all this was done he met up with Leopold in the incubation room. He was busy checking out the eggs, marking thier progress in a clipboard he was carrying; so the dinosaur didn't notice his presence, or so he thought.

"Everything all set?", Leopold asked, not taking his eyes off his work. Irwin nodded. "Then go light the stove so the humans can eat Morningmeal too.", Irwin huffed off...

~~~~~~~~~~

Oxidia ended up not really getting any sleep at all that night, for all she did was lumber this way and that; disturbing Sasha nearly every time, receiving grunts of displeasure from the Triceratops at nearly every turn. Oxidia didn't mean to disturb her stablemate so, but her racing mind would not calm down! That was the reason why her bleary eyes slowly opened and saw that human hatchling scurry about, preparing thier breakfast and doing the chores all good apprentice hatchery workers should do; and moaned a little at the slight disturbance. Irwin nodded in passing, but was as quiet as his pre-teen body would allow; and moments later he was off to other parts of the hatchery.

In another part of the hatchery, patel Lewis was having a wonderful dream. One about a recent picknick he had been on. Oxidia and Barnabas and thier thee sons and daughters from a previous mating were there, along with Ephram Crane and his two daughters; but the strangest guest was his girlfriend of twenty years ago, Jane Graves was there too. It must have been a mixture dream - he had heard of those before - for Jane had passed on from a strange disease many years ago. They were all laughing and carrying on, playing games and making conversation; but all of a sudden a ship's figurehead fell from the sky, and a lonely lad that smelled of the sea was riding it!

He talked of places far away and customs strange to all of thier ears, telling his tale in songs never before heard; and just as the lad stopped singiung, Oxidia brayed and began to lay more eggs! With that Patel woke with a start, looking about with eyes wild with the nightmare. But the surroundings soothed him to calmness within momnents, for hatchery decor was designed to do such things. He looked over and spied the lad of his dreams, and finally figured out what that dream meant as he slid out of bed quietly and began to get ready...

_____

[o8jedi]

Emily woke up shortly before sunrise out of habit. She freshened herself up with the washbasin she kept on her vanity and got dressed. She was pleased to see that Irwin was already doing his chores with Leopold. Somolla was in the kitchen preparing morningmeal for the guests. "Good morning," she said to the Struthiomimus as she got some feed for the hatchlings.

The three hatchlings were already awake and squeaking, wanting to be fed. Emily placed three bowls of food before them and they immediately began to eat. To help keep the atmosphere relaxed, she began to hum a quiet tune for them. The hatchlings didn't mind one bit. There was food and they were hungry. Needs met.

~~~~~

Fortunately for Hazen, his dreams seemed to be much better than the one he had at that cave. He dreamt that he was in a large, Baroque house where everyone was dressed like French noblemen, including the dinosaurs. While it was odd for him to see Velociraptors and Stegosaurs in powdered wigs and hoop skirts (appropriately altered to cater to the species), he thought nothing of it. The only problem he encountered, unfortunately, was that everyone was speaking a different language. "Good day, my good gentleman!" Hazen would greet someone, only to get the reply, "Здравствулте! к вам, слишком!" Yet another person would reply, "你好对您，也是!" As much as Hazen wanted to have a meaningful conversation with his fellow dukes and lords, he couldn't get past the first sentences. This continued for quite some time until 1970's Elton John showed up and started to sing "Benny and the Jets," which caused Hazen to think, "Okay, I've had enough of this."

He awoke to find that Patel had already left the room. The smell of breakfast wafted through the air and he got up to get ready for the day. Once dressed he worked his way back to the dining room, just as scarcely populated as it was when they had dinner last night. He stretched and took a seat. As leaned back in the chair and waited for the meal to be served, he heard some soft music wafting in from the incubation room. He glanced back at that doorway, contemplating whether or not he should greet the hatchlings.

[Thundertail]

~ Morningmeal. The Irenic hatchery. ~

Leopold went about his duties like normal, nearly bumping into Somalla in passing; and making him wonder if his suspicions that she never slept were true, then he turned and continued his present mission. he scurried to where the linens were kept and cleaned, lugging a load of dirty bedclothes while he was at it; and picked up what he came there for, leaving with a bustle only Stenoychosaurs were famous for. Irwin scampered by his tail unnoticed by him, his chore for the moment being disposing all the waste to the copro area out back, to be picked up later by the Copro Guild and sent to farms all over Dinotopia.

While all this was going on Oxidia was oblivious to it; sleep seeming more important at the moment; and even Sasha's gentile bellowing would not rouse her. The only thing that eventually did was the gentile stroking on her chin many moments later by Patel Lewis. He could sleep little either, and was there seeing if his now pregnant puller was all right.

"Easy girl,...", Patel cooed as her head jerked up. "It's only me!... Are you all right?...", she burbled affirmative.

"Your breakfast is ready, if you want... Look! Sasha's already eating...", Patel showed her, then replied to her inquiry. "Yes, I'm sure morningmeal for me is ready too; but don't worry about me. Worry about eating yourself. You're eating for more than one, you know!...", she chortled ashamedly.

"Mister Patel?...", came the childlike voice of Irwin Hanson directly behind them. "Morningmeal is served... They wanted me to tell you...", he scurried off...

~~~~~~~~~~

Patel finally made it down to the table in the dining room, where he found Hazan already seated and waiting for everybody; and detecting the food they all were about to eat, just like he was. He saw it as odd that hazan wasn't helping out with the preparation of thier morningmeal, but he knew the lad hadn't been here long enough to think of something as concientious as that. Instead, Patel merely smiled at him as he sat opposite him, nodding good morning.

Emily Freedom walked into the room, and sat regally as she reguarded her guests; and Somalla was helped by Leopold in bringing in the breakfast fare. Patel was glad to see that seaweed pancakes were the staple for this meal, which would bring them plenty of energy for the return trip home. He had come to the conclusion overnight that, in consideration of Oxidia's condition, they would return home with all due haste; perhaps stop at a few towns along the way to replenish thier supplies. Just as he thought of this, Irwin skidded into the room and whisked himself into his seat before he thought Emily noticed - of which she definitely did, but simply looked the other way. As both saurians finally sat, Emily rose and greeted everyone at the table; and wishing them all good fortune in thier endeavors ahead.

All imbibed in the meal with little talking, the new human still having the look at the strangeness of each dish. Smalltalk ensued quietly around the table, ranging from general gossip to thier daily itinerary; and then some of the talk turned into the more prudent variety.

"So, what is your next destination, kind sir?", asked Leopold well into the meal.

"Considering my puller's condition, I think it prudent we return home as soon as possible.", stated Patel after swallowing.

"Too bad.", smiled Irwin as the baby bracheosaur nosed his way up onto the table, the boy gently pushing him back. "Tebo's going to really miss you!", the boy grinned at the hatchling as hazan expressed his feelings on that as well.

"I have been wondering, Hazan.", Leopold said all of a sudden. "Now that you are here, have you considered what your expertise might be?"

"He has musical talent. Perhaps he could be a musician...", Patel told them. "Once he is properly educated, there is no limit on what he can do."

"I know!", Irwin piped up. "He can borrow my school books!... He could learn more than I can!..."

"Your school books are for YOU to learn, little man!", scolded Leopold, but instantly smiled. "However, perhaps there might be spare learning materials in town. Maybe you should visit the schoolhouse and borrow a few volumes.", he looked at everyone. "This lad is smarter than he looks!"

"Oh, yeah!... Miss samantha would not mind if it helps you adjust.", said Irwin. "I'll do it right away!...", he rose to leave, but Leopold pulled him back into his seat, indicating he should continue eating.

"You see, friend?", said Patel. "Everyone wants to help you to adjust.", everyone at the table nodded.

Presently, by ones and twos, everybody completed thier meals; and all were preparing to rise so they could be off to thier seperate duties; but sat idle waiting for thier meals to settle...

_____

[o8jedi]

Hazen smiled at everyone as they filed in for breakfast. The greenish pancakes were initially surprising, however he noted John Heywood's statement that beggars can't be choosers and grabbed a few. Noting the absence of butter, which he attributed to their vegetarianism, he grabbed some of the jam and spread them over the cakes. He took his first bite and smiled. "Just like back home," he remarked with a smile. Only the addition of maple syrup would ahve made it better, however he didn't see any flasks on the table.

Hazen continued to eat his pancakes in silence. At one point, Tebo nosed his way up beside Irwin, which caused Hazen to smile. "I'll miss him, too. He's really good at tag. I haven't worked that hard since, well, I was his size!"

Conversation changed to Hazen's potential future on the island, as well as him getting a head-start on his education. It was a bit surprising to think that the school would allow textbooks to be handed willy-nilly to anyone with no guarantee that they'll get returned. After Patel said his peace, Hazen turned to him and smiled. "I'm grateful that they want to help. Americans, as a society, pride themselves in their openness and willingness to help newcomers to their shores ingratiate themselves in their new culture, but you guys blow them out of the water." The others gave him a puzzled look, wondering why such an expression would be used. "I can't thank you all enough," he elaborated.

"You are most certainly welcome," said Emily. "Perhaps you would like to aid us in some of the chores until Irwin retrieves the books."

Hazen nodded, "I'd be happy to," he replied.

"Splendid," said Emily. "You may start with helping Somolla with the dishes." Hazen nodded in acknowledgment.

After letting their meals digest a bit, Hazen got up to do as he promised. Emily, after seeing if the hatchlings needed anything, stood outside, scanning the horizon for any sign of the returning citizens. Tebo trotted out a few minutes after, bored with how everybody wasn't playing with him. In the distance, two tall specks inched ever so slowly across the horizon. Tebo's eyes lit up. He bleated excitedly at Emily. ". . . Mommy!"

Emily smiled. "I see them, too." Tebo planted his feet and opened his mouth. Only the sound of escaping air from his mouth and of birds leaving their roosts clued Emily into what was going on. Tebo was calling them at subsonic frequencies. A deep vibration in her chest several moments later heralded the reply. Tebo span around, excited that Mommy and Daddy were returning. When Tebo started to calm down, Emily rubbed his neck. "I'm happy, too."

[Thundertail]

~ Morning preparation. The town of Irenic. ~

Leopold watched Irwin Hanson eat, just like he was his father; even though it was known by all but thier guests that he was merely his caretaker until his mother returns. The boy ate greedilly and way too fast foir decorum's sake, and the Stenoychosaur would have to scold him for it later; but he knew the boy wanted to be off on his voluntary errand as soon as possible. Leopold ate the rest of his morningmeal much more discreetly, smiling occasionally around it as the others' eyes met his. Only a few moments later Irwin pushed his plate aside and rushed out of the dining area like he was going to a fire!

"The eagerness of youth...!", Leopold commented for lack of anything else to say and cleared his throat. "You know, he is quite brilliant at times; but he lacks discipline."

"All boys that age are so.", Patel said. "One shouldn't tout the freedom and innocence of youth."

Both got up and began to stretch, Hazan doing likewise inn his own way; then they split up and talked with others. Leopold went to help Somalla with her duties, Hazan went to see Tebo near the door and hazan went to the stables and tended to Oxidia for the time being. He opened her gate, not opening sasha's gate at her kind refusal; and went in to greet his business partner's partner, and to lead her out of there and through the hatchery proper...

~~~~~~~~~~

Irwin Hanson quickly left the dining area, leaving strange stares in his wake if he cared to turn and see; but he had a lot on his mind right now, and the errand he was about to do for Hazan Baker was too important to worry about stuff like that! He left the hatchery by the side door in the kitchen and descended the long stairs there, where the copro pile was and where the egg carts and utility carts were stored outside. The path beyond them led directly to the head of the town proper, and out onto the first level of the main street; and he took that street at a run, for there was no telling when mister Patel would decide to leave and take hazan with him!

He skidded to a stop at an alleyway that flanked the bakery and a tackle shop, angling down to the next level of the street; and from there took a left past some upturned boats being readied for repainting. Irwin knew every way and building in irenic like the back of his hand; for he and the other kids often played hide-and-seek around town, and all the possible hiding spots were known by heart! Turning his memories away from that fun, he made a beeline for a building that slanted around the far switchback in front of him and took a garden path along side this, the Irenic town hall. Behind this stone building - the only one in town - there was a much smaller wooden building, apex of the terra cotta roof sloping sharp like an arrowhead; and climbed the short set of steps to the front door.

Unlocked for there were few locked doors in Irenic, Irwin went inside miss Samantha's home; which also doubled as the town's schoolhouse and library, for she lived on the upper levels and the entrance to those levels were locked. To the right lay a room where a parlor and dining room would be in a normal house, but the wall that would seperate them was missing; and this acomodated the thirty or so desks and blackboard of the school - he had spent many a day sitting in there! To the left where a living room and a study would be was a space lined floor to ceiling with shelves; and they contained all manner of tome and scroll, save for a small space where another desk and file drawers were placed for reference. The center space had a large study table and many seats for all sorts of creatures; and Irwin remembered the many hours there deep in study or the visual entertainment of reading.

Locating the books he had in mind to let Hazan use was a problem in itself, for those were hidden away on shelves somewhere here; and the chore at hand was to find them quickly! He searched every shelf at his eye level to the floor, and could find nothing of use to the newcomer; but then he remembered where miss Samantha kept all the school books they had used in the years before, and all the schoolwork they had completed in those years.

They were in a small storage closet at the rear of the library, and he took a lamp in with him to look. His luck bore fruit when he found his old first year spelling and grammer book, 'The saurian Alphabet for beginners'; and then another of his old books, 'Common saurian Words for beginners'. In a small wooden crate he found his old homework, and one essay he thought would be helpful was the one entitled: 'The Code of Dinotopia and Thier meanings'; and he grabbed that folder as well. In another area of the closet he found his old 'Saurian Language and Translation for Beginners'; and took that as well.

Irwin went to the large oaken desk and looked into the side drawers, and found a small satchel to put what he found in; and in an upper drawer found dozens of sheafs of blank parchment, a featherless stylus and a spare bottle of ink. Figuring hazan might want to take notes in his study, he placed those in the satchel as well. Irwin didn't like it when miss Samantha got angry, and figured to tell her what he did; and hoped the Fates that she would understand, and not take it out on him! He sat on the chair behind the desk and took the quill pen in the holder; and wrote a small note saying what he did before quickly packing up and hurriedly leaving the library/schoolhouse, rattling the walls as he slammed the door.

Irwin hanson was about to bolt down the street when he saw out to sea a flagged mast jutting up past the escarpments that protected the bay where irenic was situated. it sported the teal and yellow diamond pattern of thier fleet, and from the twin masts now apparent; Irwin knew the ship was the Moasasaur, the flagship of the whole fleet! The lad leapt ans was tempted to rush to the dockside to welcome them back home; but his previous committment crept to the front of his mind, and he groaned as he ran a bit slower back to the irenic hatchery...

~~~~~~~~~~

Nearly twenty minutes passed before Irwin Hanson returned, and it was at about the same time that everyone converged at the front of the Irenic hatchery. They were all looking up the road, where the way leading out of town by land was; and Irwin saw the pair of Brach heads above the smaller buldings there, ornate head dresses and reigns leading down to covered saddles that looked like royal coaches. He felt Tebo's subsonic callings, and also felt the second Brach's return calls. He screeched to a stop right in everybody's midst at the bottom of the stairs of the hatchery, panting.

"They have returned...", Leopold commented. "Glorious!..."

"The ships are coming in, too.", Irwin added. "I saw the sails of the 'Mosasaur' just beyond the breakwater."

Oxidia commented that now they can get thier load of fish and be on thier way, but Patel smiled as he said. "Nay, my friend!... You are with hatchlings, and must take it easy.", she grunted.

"And have you completed your task, little man?", Leopold asked him.

"Yes, I have.", Irwin slowly handed over the satchel to him.

"Hmm... 'The saurian Alphabet for beginners'... 'Common saurian Words for beginners'... 'Saurian Language and Translation for Beginners'... All fine choices! They should help you out immensely, Hazan!...", Leopold said, inspecting further. "And what's this?: 'The Code of Dinotopia and Thier meanings', by Irwin Hanson...?"
He knows nothing of what we stand for.", Irwin said. "I figured that he should know that too; and spoken from a child's point of view might be easier to understand."

"Well, a great sentiment. But this grade?", Leopold pointed "A B+?"

"I did the best I could...", Irwin said weakly.

"Well, if you studied harder, you would have gotten an A...!", the Stenoychosaur scolded.

"Leave the boy be, Leopold!", Patel laughed. "He did a fine job. Don't you think, Hazan?..."

"I see you also raided the teacher's supplies...", Leopold showed the scroll of blank parchment and writing implements.

"He might want to take notes...", was all Irwin said.

"Again, thoughtful...", Leopold smiled. "Well Hazan, this should give you a great leg up in your adjustment.", he handed the satchel to him. "When you are finished with these books, all you have to do is to return them to any library on Dinotopia and they will get back to us sooner or later."

Just then the hulking forms of the Brach busses lumbered down the street toward them, dwarfing all who stood in awe of thier size. Tebo rushed under the legs of his mother, hugging them until she reciprocated by reaching down for a nuzzle. Everyone there felt the arrival of a creature so large a common occurance; but hazan nearly tripped on his feet retreating slightly at the size of the great beast before them - bottom of the belly nearly twenty feet above his head!

All of the hatchery staff grew amused at this, and bid all of the travelers a fond adeau; and presently Patel, Oxidia and hazan slowly made thier way down to the dockside warehouses and thier cart...

_____

[o8jedi]

After helping Somolla clean up the dishes, Hazen went to the threshold of the nursery. He leaned against it, looking in at the three infant Triceratops. Tebo happened
to standing there when he arrived. "Sleep well last night?" Hazen asked the Brachiosaur. Tebo gave a short little hoot, which Hazen took to mean as a "yes." "Good to hear," Hazen said. He gazed back inside and took a few steps inside, figuring that if he was quiet and stayed out of anybody's way, he could see the hatchlings. Tebo followed him in before getting bored and going off to find someone else to play with.

The three hatchlings were lying in their pen and Hazen leaned against the railings with a smile. Despite never really having held one before yesterday, he had always been a bit of a sucker for babies. Perhaps it was their sheer innocence or their cuteness, but he was inexplicably drawn to them. Still, he'd never felt a pull like the ones he felt from these hatchlings, particularly Syd. Were it not for the fact that he was still a stranger to these shores and inexperienced as a parental figure, he would have gladly stayed to help take care of Syd and his sisters.

No sooner had Hazen thought that than little Syd began to stir. Syd looked up at the human and his mouth opened slightly out of recognition. Hazen smiled back at the infant. "I guess you remember me, don't you?" He put his hand in and scratched Syd behind the frill. Apparently, he hit a prime spot since Syd's eyes became half-lidded and he began to lean into it. This made Hazen's smile go into a grin. "Like that, eh?" Syd yipped. Hazen sighed and looked down at Syd. "I do hope I get a chance to hang out with you a bit longer," he said. "I know that I'm gonna miss you and your sisters when I eventually leave." Syd stood up and put his front feet against the side of the pen, standing up on his hind legs.

Hazen was about to reach in when he felt something weird going through his chest. Evidently, it was enough to wake the other two and all three babies began to cry. "The hell was that?" he mused quietly to himself. He decided it would be best to inform Miss Freedom that they were upset by something. When he came out, it dawned on him what the source of that was. In the distance, two Brachiosaurs were slowly walking to the city. He was glad that life was returning to this ghost town and, evidently, so was everyone else. He walked up to Emily and informed her of the situation in the nursery. "Thank you," she said simply before rushing back to the hatchery.

In the distance, Hazen saw Irwin rushing toward the others. Hazen walked closer to investigate. He was surprised at the books he was being given. He began to leaf through them and saw that it was written in both English and Saurian. "Yes," he mused, "this will do nicely." Then Leopold began to scold Irwin for his B+ grade. When he was given the opportunity to speak, Hazen said, "It's alright, B+ is still above average. Well, back home it is."

Then the shadows of the Brachiosaurs fell upon him. He knew they were tall, but it was still surprising to see exactly how tall a sauropod in the flesh could be. Trying to get a good view of the dinosaurs, he stumbled over his feet and fell with a thump. Once he stood back up and after everyone had a laugh, goodbyes were being said. Hazen begrudgingly went through his goodbyes before saying, "Could you excuse me?" He dashed back to the stables.

After a little bit of searching, he found Sasha's stable. She snorted when he arrived and Hazen stopped, sensing that it was an annoyed snort. "I don't mean to be a bother," he said, "but I'm going to be leaving now with my companions and I wanted to say goodbye. And thank you for letting me be a part of your children's hatching." He smiled at her and gave a deep bow. "It meant a lot to me. Take care of those three. And I hope to see you again." He realized he was starting to ramble a bit. "I'm sorry," he said with another bow. "Breathe deep," he said, remembering what the other Dinotopians had said during greetings and goodbyes. Sasha lifted her head and grumbled a reply. He then turned around and met up with Patel and Oxidia. He looked at the two of them and said, "Ready?" They began to head back and Hazen followed, periodically glancing back at the hatchery.

[Thundertail]

~ Going to the docks of irenic. Patel Lewis and Oxidia, meeting the newly arrived citizens. ~

Patel smiled up at the giant creature currently greeting her son, laughing on the inside both at the child's playful capering as well as Hazan's shocked reaction to the great beast. The beast, in her own way, was too preoccupied to hear her Partner's call to move along; Ellen Taft flicking the reigns and trying to yell in her earslit twenty feet away. Beulla refused to move, hearing the tiny adventures her little Tebo was telling her. Presently she reminded herself that they had to drop off thier passengers at the Brach bus terminal down the road, and nudged her son gently with a foot to usher him down the road with her.

At an unheard signal, first Oxidia then the rest of the trio slowly made thier way downslope through the town to the docks and warehouses after a lingering farewell to those residing at the hatchery. The way was easy to decipher with the red painted sails of the Mosasaur bobbing at the harbor in the distance; and the awful paintings of shark jaws on those painted sails as they caqme close enough to see detail! Hazan absently browsed through one of his books that Irwin had given him, and simply used periferial vision to follow along. Patel was the first to notice activity aboard the ship as they were just tying the lanyard ropes to the dock pilons, and many a passenger wouldn't even wait for the ship to come to a complete stop before making a jumping debarkation.

Many a hand went about securing things on deck and stowing sail as the human captain pointed and barked orders to the well trained sailors; and set out the gangplank for the less adventuous passengers. The organiozed chaos made all of them unable to even shout a hello, let alone ask where the warehouse boss was so they could be reimbursed; so they turned and made thier way to thier cart. One of the first to come ashore was evidently the warehouse boss, who must have swum from the ship to get there ahead of them; for they found him cautiousely inspecting both the exterior of his warehouse and Patel's cart, cursing and intermittently shouting for an unseen person.

"Fah!... What's all this?!...", the skinny man with an eyepatch exclaimed, then squinted with his good eye at the trio approaching. "This here your cart?... It's in the way!..."

"Greetings kind sir!...", called Patel. "Aye, this be our cart.", they all got closer. "We came from Spicer bearing a figurehead for the Liopleuroidon issued by Softclaw the gifted. We survived the tsunamis to bring it here."

"Another daft fool, eh?", the man scratched. "Could've waited."

"Our schedule forbade bringing it later.", Patel said lamely. "It is in yonder warehouse."

"I hope ye didn't scratch it...", mumbled the man. "Prob'ly waterlogged...", he led the way to the warehouse Patel pointed at, looking like a spider stalking a fly.

He opened the sliding door and looked around suspiciousely before his one-eyed gaze uponthe figurehead atop the sawhorses, then went to inspect it like one would inspect a jewel; and if he had a magnifying glass, he would have used that too! The man walked around the piece before him, fingering it where he'd expect travel wear; and looked up at the trio at the door, squinting at them accusingly.

"So, you think you get the usual fee.", he stated. "Worth it, I guess...", nobody noticed the Stenoychosaur sneak in from the office door until his clawed hand on his Partner's shoulder! "...What th...?" the man turned with a start. "DaVinci...! Don't go sneaking up like that!... You nearly escared the life outa me!"

"Sorry, Sulimon...", said VaVinci, chuckling a little. "Just came to tell you I found this note..."

"This yours?", Sulimon said after reading the note. All three nodded. "You sure made yerself at home in MY office..."

"Take it easy on 'em, will ya'?", DaVinci groused. "Caint you see they're greenhorns?..."

"Guess yer right...", Sulimon said after a brief self-debate and a sneering smile. "Name's Sulimon Bajabas, and this mongrel is DaVinci... Put 'er there...", he offered an arthritic hand to each, Stenoychosaur doing the same afterwards.

"Pleased to know you both...", Patel said in turn to them both. "I am Patel lewis, this is the Partner of my business partner, Oxidia and this is Hazan Baker, a Dolphinback."

"You don't say...", Sulimon considered. "Do tell!..."

"I'd love to hear about the outside world...", DaVinci commented.

"Naw!... It'd just make you want to jump ship on me...!", Sulimon scoffed.

"Now why would I want to do that?", DaVinci said. "Besides, no one else would hire me!"

"Stow it!...", Sulimon told his Partner. "Now about that fee?...", he led both humans into his office.

"Our assignment was to deliver the figurehead and procure a load of fish bound for Volcaneum.", said Patel. "Seeing as how you had to evacuate from the storm, I assume there is no fresh fish in town."

"Aye, you're right. We won't be going to sea for another twoday at least, with getting resettled an' all.", Sulimon said. "But yer efforts do need recompensing...", he rasped at the stubble on his face. "I'd say the usual fee would do..."

"Oh yes, it would!", Patel spoke up. "Would that be by goods, Drachs or a Value Writ?..."

Sulimon and Patel haggled over the fee and the method of payment as Hazan watched, fidjiting a little while he waited. Oxidia watched the procedure from the door, poking her head in as far as the human size opening would allow. She noticed Hazan giving DaVinci a once over with his eyes, and the Stenoychosaur looking back like he was being challenged to a fight! Oxidia rumbled softly to break thier eye contact, and Hazan looked at her questioningly; of which she gave a shushing gesture, pointing at the creature clearly twice the strength as he - who didn't seem to have trepidations about using that strength!

Within moments an agreeable deal was struck between Sulimon and Patel, and both shook hands on the deal. The rest overheard that the fee would be split between Drachs and Value Writ, which was like a check to be transacted at thier counting houses or trading posts; and Sulimon reached into a locked drawer of his desk to get the money and to write the writ. As all of this was going on, nobody noticed another surly character as he came up and pounded on the office door behind them...

_

[o8jedi]

Hazen hung back behind the other two. After all, they were the merchants. No sense interfering with affairs that he knew almost nothing about. Especially in a strange land. As Patel went to negotiate a deal, Hazen turned to look at the large, old Saurian. It was difficult for Hazen to identify correctly which species he was. He seemed to be a Troodon but his stature suggested some sort of Ornithomimid. As he pondered the being, he failed to notice the aggressive motions DaVinci made toward him. It was only when Oxidia caught his attention and cooed at him did he realize what he was doing. He held up his hands defensively and said, "Whoa, take it easy."

As he backed up, he was just as startled by a large pounding. He turned and saw the silhouette of another grizzled man. He tried the door and stepped inside. "Fergive my intrudin'," said the man with a distinct accent, "but I was told to speak to a Mr. Patel Lewis. Would 'e 'appen te be around by any chance?"

Hazen pointed Patel out. "He's over there."

The man tipped his hat "Thankee." He walked over to Patel and, when he was offered the moment to speak, doffed his hat and said, "Breathe deep, kind sir. M'name is Bligh, Gerard Bligh, Cap'n of the good ship Mosasaur. I be 'ere on business that concerns you. I was supposed to supply you with a load of fish fer the Rainy Basin, unfortunately there be bad fishin' as of late, what with the tsunamis and all. Even in our safe haven. And I be unable to make due on my part of the arrangement." He bowed deeply. Hazen raised his eyebrows, having never seen such a display of manners in his life.

[Thundertail]

~ Patel Lewis amd Oxidia. The shipyard and warehouses. ~

Many different things were happening at the warehouses this day, and many things were indeed going on all over Irenic; for the town was quickly being repopulated from thier exodus in the wake of the tsunamis. With this increased population came the noises ascociated with a town presently coming back to life. Carts were taken out and began thier clattering journeys all along the streets, knots of people began to stroll by onward to continue thier daily lives, children squawking and laughing as they began to play and cavort like they were forbidden from during the exodus. In this growing din Patel and the others were having a hard time conducting thier business! Onward Patel perked his ears and listened to the old sailor as he apologised for his lack of fish.

"Aye, I suspected there would be no fish.", Patel replied to captain Bligh. "Bad weather always comes ahead of pre-arranged plans."

"Yer' too late, mate!", Sulimon cut in. "The deal fer the figurehead is almost sealed!"

"I'm sure I could speak with my contacts in Volcaneum, sir.", Patel countered. "I'm sure they would not mind a delay in thier shipment under the circumstances.", he looked at Oxidia. "What is a little delay in thier expedition to the Basin?..."

"I think ye' should shake a leg gettin' the fish...", suggested Sulimon Bajabas to captain Bligh.

Patel, finally noticing the growing tension at the doorway, spoke to try to quell the scene. "Um,... Oxidia!... Why don't you tell mister DaVinci who we discovered in the warehouse?..."

Nodding, Oxidia burbled a great string of sounds, DaVinci nodding at every comment made about Tebo's discovery. She went on about how they took him to the hatchery, where they stayed the night; and all the things they did, especially the things that Hazan experienced. Hazan related those experiences too, and after all that; DaVinci thumbed his chin and nodded.

"Aye!... The scamp's always getting into things!", said he. "It escapes me why the hatchlings don't play someplace safe!..."

Oxidia burbled. "Yes. Children will be children...", DaVinci nodded.

A moment later Patel, Sulimion and Bligh were finished in the office; and filed out into the warehouse proper among the rest. They all looked around, Patel's moneybag all the heavier, and presently went out near the cart.

"I suppose our business is done in Irenic, Hazan.", Patel announced as everyone began to bid each other farewells. "Time to get hitched up, Oxidia...",

Oxidia groaned...

_____

[o8jedi]

Hazen could only watch Oxidia as she spoke in her Saurian language. After she finished speaking, he turned to look at DaVinci. "I'm sorry, but I have no idea where she left off." He sighed and said, "I guess what's most important is seeing your sense of family around here. Tebo may be a little mischievous, but it all went away when he saw his mother returning. And the atmosphere at the Hatchery was welcoming, comfortable." Hazen smiled, "And after that naming ceremony with that Triceratops," he said, trailing off. The smile he had on his face said more than mere words could.

Bligh bowed his head. "The Mosasaur be preparin' fer a voyage as we speak. Double-check our nets 'n' all." He turned to Patel. "If you could speak to yer clients in Volcaneum, I'd be much abliged. And I apologize fer any inconvenience I and me crew may have caused." With that he turned around and walked out, not before saying "Good day," to Hazen, Oxidia, and DaVinci.

Once Patel's business was concluded, Hazen respectfully said, "Farewell," to Sulimon and DaVinci. The groan from Oxidia made Hazen look up at her. "Well, I can't say that I blame you," he said, "but at least the cart's empty." A few moments later he realized that that could be the reason she's groaning. "Oh," he said. He chuckled uneasily and went to make sure their personal effects and gear were secure.

Afterwards, he boarded the cart and looked out across the harbor. Masts now littered the area with many different, colorful sails. He caught a glimpse of a familiar blue jacket and hat boarding one of the ships. "I think that may be the Mosasaur," he remarked.

[Thundertail]

~ Patel Lewis and Oxidia. On leaving Irenic. ~

Patel Lewis looked at Oxidia as she groaned, not knowing if it was connected with her pregnancy or the fact she had more work ahead of her; and figuring the latter, he went to the back of the rig to gather her harnesses. Once the jumbled mess of leather was straightened out and placed before her on the cobbles, Oxidia bowed to accept the uppermost straps. With the inexpert help of Hazan, Patel and he got the lower strapping around her secure enough to mount the small yoke attatchment; and then he slowly backed her into the cart and secured the yoke to the strapping.

"Well Patel. I see yer ready to be off!", Sulimon shook thier hands in turn. "May you and your apprentice find the road smooth and free of the Tyranosaur!"

"Oh! He is not my apprentice!", Patel told him. "As I've said, he is a Dolphinback... I must take him to where he will be educated."

"Then you have a long road ahead!", Sulimon said, chuckling. "Waterfall City is a many fortnights' journey!"

Once all the farewells were said in that area, Oxidia turned the cart around and headed out of the dockside warehouse area; nodding pleasantly at the now normal goings on in Irenic, for the emptiness of it a few days before made her think the place was a ghost town! Some had heard that they had braved the tsunamis, and thier appreciation of thier bravery was rewarded by waves and calls. Patel and Hazan waved back at the townsfolk that cheered and waved to them as the cart made its' way uphill to the lowest set of switchbacks that led out of the rather tiny fishing village. Even though many in the town of Irenic did not know them, the cheering increased as they made it to the central road tier; where the majority of town buildings were built and included Brach bus depot and hatchery. Though neither knew why they were cheering, they both took it all in just the same; Patel thinking it might have something to do with Hazan being a newcomer here as the cart passed the bus depot.

"You are somewhat of a celebrity here!", Patel yelled above the cheering, and at Hazan's curious remark, continued. "Having a newcomer to these shores is a rare event indeed!", Oxidia brayed in joy. "Wave back...!"

As they did so, one of the Brachs not being hitched up for a journey paced into the road; causing miniature earthquakes in her wake, workers of the hatchery coming up from behind. At her feet a tiny Brach emerged from between her legs, braying and calling that they should stop. Oxidia only stopped when the towering shape paused on the road in front of her, Brach peering down into the cart. She boomed and honked in a voice that bore volume easily; but her words were ones that could be understood easily.

"Safe trails to you and your own...", she said.

"And may your journeys be swift and smooth as well.", Patel returned.

"My thanks for the safe preservation of my son...", the towering creature said.

Tebo bawled thank you as well.

"It was our pleasure, I'm sure...", Patel told her.

"May you learn the wonderful ways of Dinotopia, Hazan Baker!...", called Francine Rivers. "May you see many wonderful days indeed!..."

As all goodbyes were said, Oxidia presently got the cart going once again as the road was cleared for her to do so. Little did Oxidia, patel or Hazan know; but as they rounded the last switchback leading out of the town of Irenic, many in the town began following them. They only knew this when they heard that the cheering was not abating, which was confirmed when they rounded the last turn and stared down over the town.

They all took one last look at the people below, in thier town surrounded by the cliffs and the sea; and as they all took a sigh at the sight, they continued thier journey south, and into the deeper wilds of Dinotopia...

_____