Curiosity (almost) killed the cat (MT/CLOSED Attn. Saurisia)

[Saurisia]

OOC: Alright, cleared it!

[Anagonia]

OOC: Alright, cleared it!

OOC: Sure thing. I think it sent this time, said it did. XD

[Anagonia]

Gregory Pain sat down in a chair before a table inside the main tent. He still had on his BDU, cap and all. Around him was the original expedition team excluding, of course, Sergeant Nuth. Last night stumbling in on him turned out to be a real eye opener on the man. It wasn't the fact he felt disgusted by what he saw, on the contrary. It was mainly that he never assumed such a strict individual could have a side to him like that. Sometimes people found love in the oddest places, Gregory thought to himself. He gave a smirk. He had made sure no one bothered the duo, so at least the Sergeant would now get a well deserved leave. Coming back from his thoughts he gazed at each person around the table in turn.

Chief Paleontologist Richard Kobra had been responsible for discovering the genetic modifications to the saurian DNA. This had been a shocking discovery for most of the team involved. To keep the revelation from harming the mission as a whole Gregory put a lid on revealing too much of the information to the public or his team. It was kept strictly confidential, the entirety of the information then forwarded to the highest branches of office for their review. Even the scrawny Australian knew what it meant if this got out to the public. For this, Gregory had a deep respect for the man and was getting along with him rather well.

Professor Mikus Nemus had been one of the first to initiate first contact with the saurians. His observations via his video camera and digital recorder had been outstanding in assisting the team to understand the culture here. From his own personal assessment and that of many who reviewed his gathered information, these people were extremely similar to that of the average Anagonian. Gregory had noted that on many patrols out to the outlaying cities that the Professor had went along in hopes of gathering additional information. The man was, if anything, absolutely committed to getting as much as possible before the formal affairs of state were to commence.

Doctor James Duncan was the leader of the scientific expedition and had, through the course of the investigation, stayed mostly in the background to allow his team to work. Gregory noted that on many occasions so far that the good Doctor would quietly intervene should something be going off track to gently nudge it back on course. While he personally preferred a more direct method to management, Gregory couldn't deny the effectiveness it had with the expedition team. He had also noted how much more anti-social the doctor had become after the first contact with the native species. He had just piled himself with all the information possible to keep himself occupied, it seemed. If it got any worse, Gregory had already decided to intervene on the Doctors behalf.

Finally there was Lieutenant Victor Stimki. The older gentlemen had served dutifully in the Confederate Military Police for several decades now. His service accommodations on both behalf of his duties as a policeman and his duties as a soldier were outstanding. Gregory had noted how Victor would make himself involved in everything possible so as to keep associated with the team. Every possible situation he would either ask to be taught something new or provide some of his ages-worth of wisdom to the situation. The man was, if anything, devoted to making sure he helped in any way possible. For that Gregory respect him deeply.

After his short gazes at each person around the table Gregory concentrated on the map displayed at the side of the tent. A wide screen linked to a computer provided an image of the island and the now known populated locations. Red lines went across the island to where previous patrols had mapped out a road system. Locations were dotted in blue or other colors to signify a town, city or village. Nothing was being left to chance in the hours before the arrival of the Vice President. As the briefing went on further information was being displayed for the benefit of the expedition team involved in researching the people and culture here. Gregory noted how Richard and Mikus were dutifully taking notes. He sat back and took in as much as possible for the next hour.

---

Later that evening Gregory Pain found himself sitting outside a temporary barracks tent talking with Victor Stimki. The two had been discussing recent events and how easily Sergeant Nuth had become involved with the local culture. Victor had previously explained how he wasn't surprised how Patton found himself deeply engaged with someone already. A little back story into the Sergeants life gave Gregory a new understanding into the pains he had endured to get where he was at today.

"Do you think his AWOL is worth mentioning?" Gregory asked Victor as they continued their conversation together.

The Lieutenant shook his head, "Honestly Colonel, from one man to another, I can't blame the guy." He looked directly at Gregory. "He needs this." He looked back towards the tents, "If anything we can also use his knowledge being gained now to help us better understand these people."

Gregory nodded, "Sounds perfect."

A chuckle from the older man, "After all, he is a part of the research team anyway. He's just doing his job, even if it just happens to collaborate with his personal affairs."

They both had a hearty laugh. The conversation would continue for a couple more hours. Eventually the two would part ways, waiting for the morning to come as they fell asleep.

[Saurisia]

Night fell over Tricera island, almost every one of the locals was fast asleep. Almost was a key word, for in Hobston, in a little house little different from the others in the town, a young male Allosaurus sat quietly on a brown leather chair in the living room of the house, where a floorlamp was the only thing that provided light. The male had light green skin with red stripes on his arms, legs, back, tail, and head, the crests above his eyes, which made his species so distinctive in appearance, were bright red. The Allosaurus wore a white T-shirt, blue shorts, and a brown belt, which covered up his lean muscular physique.

The Male stared with his large Reptilian eyes, which were a light green, across the dimly-lit room at a large picture on the wall at the other side of the room, which showed a male Allosaurus wearing an old Army service uniform, with an M1 helmet on his head, and an M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle in his hands, and whom was smiling. The male stared at the picture with a sad look on his face. One would've been able to tell the picture was old because the Allosaurus in it was bearing gear which had long been phased out of Army service and because the picture was black-and-white in color.

The male's name was Matt Damon, a 30 year old Police Officer, and the Therapod in the picture was his grandfather, Henry, whom took him in after his mother died when he was a little boy (he never knew his father, as he disappeared shortly before he was born). Henry had told his grandson all sorts of stories about his service in the Saurisian Army during the War with the UDR now almost 70 years ago. He also taught the boy the values of honor, duty, and courage and how they were more important than people thought they were.

This reflected on Matt, and upon becoming age 18, he joined the Army, mating with his girlfriend before being shipped out for basic training. He served in the Army for five years until he retired early. Shortly after tragedy struck twice: first, his grandpa died at age 88 and then his mate divorced him for various reasons, leaving Damon a heartbroken Therapod.

Then, a friend recommended that he become a cop working for the Hobston Police Department, seeing that his army training would come in handy in such. Matt followed this advice, undergoing training and eventually earning his badge as a police officer, which he remains to this day.

Matt looked at the coffee table to his left, there was an old picture of himself in military dress, his cellphone, and a stuffed Tyrannosaurus, which he'd had since he was a little hatchling. He smiled at the little toy, its mouth aligned with little felt teeth. He gently rubbed the toy on its head, a tear streaking out of one of his eyes.

Once he was done, he went back to staring at the picture of his grandfather, contemplating what to do. Having witnessed Jennifer Wagner, a young female Allosaurus his age and someone he both knew and cared about greatly, and Patton together on that beach earlier in the evening, Matt sank into a massive depression. He struggled with what to do now, until he decided upon a course of action: Call his friends.

He debated whether this was right or not, but felt that it was the best course, so he picked up the cellphone, flipped it open, and dialed the number of his good childhood friend Jerry Pulaski, a 30 year old Baryonyx sailor stationed at the Naval Base on the island, and whose skin was (appropriately) Navy Blue in color. He hoped that he was doing the right thing as he waited for his friend to answer.

---

At the Tricera Naval Base, just 15 miles to the north of Hobston, Jerry was fast asleep in his bunk in one of the barracks. Suddenly, the loud sound of a cellphone's ringtone was heard throughout the room, waking Bulaski and the other sailors up. Grumbling, Jerry got out of bed amidst the moans and groans of the other sailors, annoyed about having being disturbed awake.

Jerry walked over to the trunk next to his bunk and opened the lid up. Sure enough, it was his cellphone that was ringing, so he picked it up, walked back to his bed, sat on the mattress, flipped the phone up and answered it. All the while, the other sailors continuing to complain about the ringtone:

"Make it stop" groaned one sailor

"Go back to bed" moaned another

"For the love of God, turn that off!" grumbled a female sailor

Upon realizing that it was his friend Matt calling, Jerry grumbled "Matt, what the heck's so urgent that you decided to call me at one in the morning?!"

"It's about... Jennifer" Matt replied with a sad tone

An infuriated look took over the Spinosaur's face, and he growled angrily "THAT'S what's so urgent?! Oh my God, man, you're obsessed with her, I've gotta tell ya, it ain't healthy dude!"

"But I think Jennifer's fooling around with another guy!"

"So? Big whoop, get over it! It's not like you're her boyfriend anyhow!"

"Well, I do know that she's fooling around with a Human!"

That caused Jerry's long Crocodile-like jaw to drop in utter surprise "She WHAT?! You've gotta be crappin' me!"

"No, I'm not! Plus, I had the extra unfortunate experience of witnessing the whole thing myself!"

The look of shock on Jerry's face increased and he replied "Oh, my, God! Tell me everything you saw, don't spare a single detail!"

Matt was reluctant to tell his friend the whole event he witnessed, but he explained it in great detail anyhow.

A look of utter disgust took over Jerry's face now "UGH! Damn, what does Jennifer see in that Human?!"

"I have no idea, to be honest"

"Well, great, thanks to your sickening story and my utter stupidity, I now won't be able to sleep at all!"

"Glad to be of help, Jer!" Matt replied with a sneaky look on his face, then saying in a teasing tone "By the way, nighty-night!" snickering from his comment.

Jerry angrily hung up, placed the phone back into the trunk, closed the lid, went back to bed, and curled up into a ball, shivering and unable to sleep from the horrible things Matt told him about.

---

After hanging up with Jerry, Matt then went on to call both his other friends and Jennifer's friends, which he managed to do, telling them what he saw in nauseating detail. After he was done calling everyone he intended to call, he placed the phone back on the coffee table and went back to staring at the picture.

He muttered in a sad tone "I hope I'm doing the right thing, grandpa"

[Anagonia]

OOC:

Going to work! Will respond tomorrow. Excellent post btw!

IC:

As the sun peaked above the horizon Patton woke. For a moment he had no idea where he was or who he was with. He tried to remember, thinking back as he breathed deep, then he felt something beside him. Looking up from his sleeping position he noticed Jennifer beside him. As he stared blankly, everything from the previous night came back to him. He smiled slowly, speaking her name softly and rubbing a hand across her snout. It was indeed a very interesting experience. It was then he remembered, as he contemplated events of last night, that they were rather exposed on a beach. Immediately he stood and dressed himself proper. He made sure her belongings and uniform were beside her proper, placing his belt on and holstering his gun.

"Time to wake up Jennifer," he said while he looked down at her. "The suns coming up and we don't want to be caught here in daylight, now do we?"

[Saurisia]

OOC: Thanks, I'm having a lot of fun with the character development surrounding Matt.

IC:

Jennifer was still sound asleep on that beach, the rising sun not bothering the young Allosaurus at all. Not even the feeling of Patton rubbing her snout disturbed her at all, she was peacefully asleep.

When Patton told her to wake up, though, she slowly opened her eyes, and looked up at the Human standing above her. She smiled as she remembered everything that happened the night before, everything between her and Patton. She managed to get up, staring right into his face, wishing she could hold his hand and kiss him right then.

---

Meanwhile, back at Matt's house, the young male woke up sitting in his chair. Feeling groggy, he tried to remember what had happened the previous night. Then, in a flash, everything that went down came back to him, and his eyes widened with shock as he remembered the unfortunate personal experience of seeing the one living person he cared about the most with a Human. He then looked down at the floor, a sad look on his face, and a tear even streaked from his left eye.

Then, he happened to look at the Land Before Time watch and realize that it was past 6:00. Horrified at the thought being late, he immediately jumped out of the chair and ran upstairs to his room. Upon entering it, he closed the door, and then ran towards his closet. He opened it and took out his policeman's uniform and put it on the bed. It was then that chaos took place.

In a hurry, he took off his belt, then his shirt, and then his shorts, then putting on his uniform. First his pants, and then his shirt, which went over his tanktop, which he then buttoned. Then he grabbed his policeman belt and put it on and then grabbed his police hat, and then opened the door and bolted downstairs. He headed for the living room, where he grabbed his gun, an M1911 pistol that he had put on the coffee table and was the same pistol his beloved grandfather took with him into battle 70 years ago and put it in his holster. With that done, he ran for the kitchen, opening up the fridge and grabbed a huge steak, swallowing it whole and chocking on it a bit. Once this was done, he went to the bathroom just to be sure, and then ran for the front door, unlocking it and then going outside and then hurriedly locking it.

Once this was done, he ran for his truck, unlocking the driver's side, opening it and then getting inside and shutting it. He then injected his car keys into the ignition switch, and then turning it. However, at first it wouldn't start, much to his utter frustration. He angrily shook the steering wheel, screaming obscenities like "You stupid car!". Finally, he managed to start the car and, relieved that he got the truck started up, he fastened his seat belt, shifted the vehicle into gear, and then rolled it off the driveway and down the street, heading for the police station.

While continuing down his street, Matt couldn't help but notice that for some reason, the Benny Hill Show theme was going through his head the whole time he was getting himself ready. He chuckled at the possible comic situation he went through as he continued on his way to the station.

[Anagonia]

(Oh we're doing songs now are we? Lesse here...I'm going to go way over the top here, but what the heck! I always wanted to do this...)

One Day Before

Oscar Vladinchi stared down the President as he cursed his name. He literally pointed a finger at his Vice President and told him bluntly that allowing a fleet of ships to enter their waters was a kin to treason. There was no way around this moment but to endure it. Thirty minutes past of Oscar listening to Jason Paladin's rant. Finally subsiding with the man collapsing in his chair and cursing the gods. Throwing his hands up in disgust at the one man he couldn't stop. After a few minutes he stood again, staring back into the eyes of Oscar. With an angered look, the Vice President started to turn away.

"Do you know what I am demanding of you?!" roared the President.

"No," said Oscar as he started for the door.

"I'm telling you to stay away with that fleet!" Jason said with anger. Then he seethed the words, "By the might of Odin, you shall suffer if your ships enter their waters."

"Betrayal is it?" Asked Oscar as he turned towards Jason. "Bring your gods to stop me, Jason. I will not disobey protocol even for a first encounter."

He left for the harbor as the door slammed behind him. Shouts and curses could be heard as Oscar went down the hallway.

250 Miles from Triceria Island

A storm swelled on the horizon. It was vicious and frightening to the common man. Lightning streaking across the skies as the darkest skies Oscar had ever seen swirled in some kind of twisted super typhoon. He could literally see the waves it was causing. Far in the distance water spouts played demonic dances across the horizon. To him, this was no natural storm. He recalled the words of his President, how he cursed him by the will of his god. He smirked, looking to his fleet he had brought. The lone Iowa-class battleship, CSS Impervious, was his flagship for the time being. Behind her was the Anagonia-class Strike Carrier CSS Lexington. Two Ticonderoga Class Cruisers and a supply ship escorted the carrier with a lone submarine somewhere under the water.

Gazing back to the storm he felt a presence behind him. The Captain of the Impervious expressed concern about the intensity of the storm. He stated that it would take another day to go around it to reach their destination. Oscar would have none of that, especially since he believed this to be a barrier to his goal. This was the epiphany of betrayal. The last straw in the resistance of a President who dared to violate all the normal procedures of a proper Diplomatic First Contact. This entire thing seemed ridiculous to him anyway, as if someone had literally dreamed this damn storm up for some dramatic purpose.

The Metal of the Storm
(Start playing now for your reading enjoyment)

The Vice Presidents fleet neared the edge of the storm, winds blowing well over eighty miles per hour. Oscar went out on the observation deck despite the best efforts of the crew to restrain him. He had grabbed a harness with him, clipping it to the railing as he held on. The gods be damned in trying to stop him. Jason be damned to hell for cursing his fleet. A vicious look on his face as the rain battered in heavy torrents, lightning striking closer and closer to the ships with thunder claps that could shatter houses. The waves started and with that the Battleship rolled heavy to the right, Oscar hanging on as he saw the ocean below. The Mighty Impervious groaning as she was rocked again, this time upward. In the distance a waterspout twirled around another, adding to the scene of the impossible.

He looked behind him to see the Lexington go then degrees upward and crash down on the ocean. Luckily her aircraft had been stowed, but undoubtedly the crew was being rocked around like crazy. The two cruisers weren't faring well either, turning and rocking like toy ships going through the waves in a bathtub. The rainfall increased and Oscar concentrated on the front. The Impervious leading the way through this hell. By the grace of all that was holy, if he were to die today he would in glory. His men, devoted to him till the end, would follow him to that grave as well. He hung on as the battleship rocked again, upward and almost towards the sky.

The waves became more massive as they entered the center of the storm. The winds going crazy. The only thing lighting the way for the fleet was the lights of the Strike Carrier and the Impervious's spotlights. The two cruisers merely had location lights on, preferring to gunhoe it through this trail. It was one hell of a experience for the Vice President. He was determined to suffer more for his men then they did for him right now, being right out in the open hanging for dear life. For if they died, he would too. He heard the battleship groan as she came down upon the ocean, hard, flinging Oscar up and then down hard on the railing. He roared in pain but kept holding on. Lifting a fist to the sky he cursed the day Odin ever saw fit to appease that madman President.

Lightning striking several times on the Impervious as he did so, thundering along the sky and literally buffeting the rain droplets to create a vacuum. He grinned wide like a madman, laughing at this force of nature. He stayed the course through several minutes of this, watching as the storm gradually died down. The night sky waning suddenly as it started to clear. The waves calming suddenly, the rain-soaked Oscar roaring in victory as the sun broke the hellish clouds in half as dawn approached. He unlatching the harness as the Captain and a few crew came to the deck and patted his back.

Around the fleet a dense fog descended. It was so thick that none could see the other. Oscar laughing loudly as it echoed through the highly unnatural weather change. He had been victorious. Now it was to his destination. He knew at this point that nothing could stop him from achieving his goal. The peaceful relations with this new nation would succeed and not even the gods nor the President could stop it!

---

A lone fishing vessel roamed the waters just outside the fog. It had happened so suddenly with the rising sun. They kept to their business, the individuals gathering nets and crates of fish for the local markets to sell. Suddenly every head turned towards the direction of the open ocean. They heard something, something big. Fog horns blew through the dense blinding clouds on the ocean, the occupants on the boat stopping all activities as five shadows started to come through. The first larger than they would undoubtedly ever see. The captain of the vessel pointing in disbelief.

A Dramatic Entrance
(The first part mostly meets this criteria)

Slowly the Impervious came from the fog, victorious with her battle with nature. Her companions ships, the Lexington and her two escorts, followed behind as fog horns blew. Their bows taking time due to their slow speed. First the mighty hull of the Battleship, then the overpowering turrets. The deck and hull of the carrier next with the two cruisers and supply ship. Below the fishing boat they would feel a wake as suddenly a submarine passed underneath them attempting to surface. Just as the end passed the ship the mast came up, followed by the entire half of the vessel. The Seawolf-class coming into formation making sure to avoid the boat.

They sailed on. The island now in view and only a short time till they would reach it.

(Hehe, yea...what do you think? Like? Too much? XD)

---

Patton granted her wish. Holding onto her hand and kissing her as he did before. It was a gentle kiss, one of affection, and he standing back when through to admire her beauty. They had shared something great, something personal. This would never live them down for the days coming. He held her hand firmly as he guided her towards the Land Rover, making sure to pick up anything she left behind. Once there he opened the door for her on the passengers side, getting into the drivers after packing the boxes into the back. He smiled over to her.

"You are an amazing person, you know that?" He said in praise to her. "Do you have anywhere in mind you wish to go?"

[Saurisia]

10,000 feet above the ocean, southwest of Tricera island

A Startling Revelation

Four F-15s streaked through the early morning sky, performing a routine patrol in the skies around the islands of Tricera, Stegos, Wilson, and Horna, which were located in the far northwest corner of Saurisian territorial waters, all having been colonized within the last two and a half decades. Saurisia, having been in isolation for centuries, kept a high guard of its territory to ensure that no Human ships, subs, or aircraft strayed within Saurisian territorial waters.

The 15s, which had come from Stegos island, the largest of the four islands, which housed a sizable Naval, Army, and Air Force base and served as a major defense point of these islands and many others strewn in this region that were under UDS occupation, callsign "Raptor Flight", felt it was routine as usual as they flew high over the water.

Then, suddenly, Lieutenant Mike Howell, a 26 year old Deinonychus, happened to look over to his left side and noticed what appeared to be a group of ships, four of them all the way down on the water surface. He called out over the radio "Uh, Raptor 1, this is Raptor 3, I see a group of four ships to the southwest, over."

Travis Steele, a 38 year old veteran Plateosaurus and whose callsign was "Raptor 1", replied "Raptor 3, are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm positive, and one looks like a carrier judging by its shape, over."

Steele looked over to his left and sure enough, there were four ships down below. He called out "Oh... shit. Um, Raptor Flight, there's a group of ships to our southwest, can you see them, Raptors 2 and 4, over?"

"Yeah, I can see them, Raptor 1, over" Raptor 2, better known as Staff Sergeant Tanya Peterson, a 25 year old Styracosaurus replied.

"Oh yeah, I can see them, over" Raptor 4, whose real name was Roger Locke, a 23 year old Caucasian Human called out.

Steele reported over to the Radio to Big Wing, an E-3 Sentry AWACS airplane to the east of Tricera Island "Uh, Big Wing, this Raptor 1, I am seeing a group of ships to the southwest of the island. I was wondering if it was one of our Naval patrols, over"

Big Wing replied "Uh, I don't think so, Raptor 1, there doesn't seem to be any records of any Navy patrol in that area at this time, over"

"So, they may be outsiders, over?"

"Um, maybe Raptor 1, uh, you may need to return to base, over"

"Roger, Big Wing, we're Bingo for Stegos Island, over!"

"Roger, that Raptor 1!"

---

Stegos Island, 45 minutes later

The F-15s returned to Stegos Air Force Base, sure enough, the Navy had no patrols to the southwest of Tricera Island. Realizing that the ships may be outsiders, the Naval Base was now on high alert. Soon, five ships left harbor, heading for the unknown ships, hoping to identify them and their reason for intruding upon Saurisian territorial waters. This small squadron was led by the Iowa-class Battleship Independence, escorted by the Ticonderoga-class Cruiser Prehistoric, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers Johnson and Stanley A. Roberts, and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class Frigate Tethys.

These five ships were to meet the incoming vessels and try to establish their identity and goals, Naval Command hoped that bloodshed would not happen as a result of this.

---

Isolated beach on Tricera Island

Meanwhile, unaware of the events taking place at the time, Jennifer had her wish granted as Patton leaned over to kiss her on the snout. She could tell that there was a very passionate feeling to his kiss and she did not not want to interrupt it. Patton then stood back to admire her sheer beauty. Again, caught up in the passion of the moment, Jennifer had forgotten the age old taboos of her kind and indeed, her nation as a whole. Patton held her clawed hand as he guided her to the Defender, picking up anything she had left behind on the sand.

Upon reaching the vehicle, he opened the passenger door for the young Allosaurus, allowing her to get in, which she did. Patton then got opened the driver door after putting the crates away and shut it. He then smiled at her, and she smiled back.

He told her that she was an amazing person, to which she giggled quietly with delight, and then asked her where to go now. It was then that her smile faded and she said with sadness in her voice "Work." sighing before continuing "I have to get back to the station."

---

Streets of Downtown Hobston

Rough Morning

It was continuing to not go over well for Matt this morning, the Benny Hill theme again going through his head. He was stuck in traffic as he tried to make his way to the Station as fast as he could without getting a ticket, which he actually got one time when he was very late. In anger to getting it, he had punched out the Traffic cop who gave it to him, the end result of which was that his license was suspended for a month. Thus, Jennifer had to carpool to work, which actually worked in his favor, as he would be able to talk to her. Unfortunately, like all the times he was alone with her, he was unable to reveal his true feelings for her. The painful memories of him not being able to admit to Jennifer how much he cared for her were coming back to him as he remembered what he had witnessed on that beach the previous night.

Along the way, he screamed his head off at all the idiot drivers on the road, swearing like an angry drunken sailor. He even, in a rage of fury, gave the finger to a surprised Triceratops driver he passed. He continued to make his way very slowly through Hobston, trying to get to the station.

Meanwhile, his thoughts continued to come back to the events of last night, and the more he thought of it, the more frustrated and angry he got. Until finally, he decided that upon meeting her again like hopefully at work, he would at last open up to her about his feelings for the female. He was satisfied about this decision, so much so that all the anger he harbored through the morning whisked away, now going through traffic in a happy cheery mood, as he tried to get to the Police Station.

---

Tricera Island Military Base, 15 miles north of Hobston

Chaos at the Base

Jerry Pulaski emerged out of the barracks in the morning, having not been able to sleep due to what his friend Matt had told him over the phone, only to see that people were running around like crazy. Sailors and soldiers in uniform running around, some of them bearing their M16, M4, and SCAR assault rifles in their hands. Humvees, Jeeps, and Land Rovers drove around on the pavement, while in the air, Baryonyxes, Hueys, Archaeopteryxses, and Campylognathoideses (or "Campies" as they're nicknamed) were flying around, and he even was surprised by two F-16s flying over the base.

He ran over to a fellow Sailor, an Anlyosaurus, and asked him "What's going on?"

The Anklyo replied "Didn't ya hear? A flight of F-15s on patrol spotted several unidentified ships to the southwest of Tricera Island. Navy sent several ships from Stegos to meet them and identify their reason for intruding upon Saurisian territorial waters. We're getting ready in case hostilities open up between our ships and the unknown ones."

Wide-eyed, Jerry's Crocodile-like jaw opened wide again with pure shock. The Anlyo sailor looked closely at his face and commented "My God, Jerry, did you get much sleep last night, you look terrible! What happened last night?"

The Spinosaur told him "I- I don't want to talk about it..." unwilling to tell the other sailor about what Matt told him.

The Anlyo happened to look down at his lower torso and notice a large wet spot on his shorts where his privates were, causing him to chuckle "Musta been pretty bad, considering that you wet yourself!"

Jerry commented "Wha-" looking down at his shorts, noticing the wet spot, causing him to whine "Oh God!"

The Anklyo began to laugh harder and harder at his friend's humiliation. He then began to walk away, saying "Oh man, I have GOT to tell the guys about this!"

Then, a purple colored female Parasaurolophus officer, dressed in the naval officer's uniform and wearing a naval officer peaked cap modified to fit on top of her crest, barked at Jerry "Pulaski! Get your tail dressed, that's an order sailor!"

Jerry began to stammer "Yes, sir, er, ma'am, yes ma'am!"

"JUST DO IT!!!"

"Yes, ma'am!" and with that, he bolted for the barracks, his head spinning as he tried to contemplate all the things that have been happening in the past 12 or so hours.

[Anagonia]

(Good god man. It took me a while to even dream of a proper reply. Great job! Also, yes, Oscar Vladinchi is modeled in appearance directly after Joseph Stalin. He also has a heavy russian-english accent)

Oscar Vladinchi awoke from his dream. It had been intense, so much so his body was soaked in sweat. He had dreamed that his fleet had entered some godforsaken storm on behalf of the curses of Jason. He sat up in the bed bunk holding his head. His mind was in temporary disarray as he tried to differentiate reality from fantasy. Did that really happen? It surely couldn't have. He had been on board the CSS Lexington the entire trip to Tricera Island. It had to all of been a dream. He remembered before he left that the President himself had ordered Oscar to take a few ships for supply purposes for the troops and expedition on the island. It was, in Anagonian naval standards, a fleet that had few units and showed very little offensive capability. Any nation that saw it would more than likely think it was harmless.

Hopefully.

He prepared himself then. A shower in his statesman quarters followed by dressing appropriately in his Supreme Commander uniform. He was, after all, both Vice President and Chief General of the Confederate Armed Forces. Such a responsibility demanded him to dress in appropriate attire around the men and women that served under him. After looking himself in the provided mirror he ensured his uniform was clean of imperfections and proceed out into the small hallway up to the bridge. Seamen and Officers saluted him as he returned the sign of recognition and respect. Upon entering the bridge he looked at one of the Lieutenants and quietly asked, "Was there a storm last night?"

"No sir, no storm. Just a perfect night sky." The woman smiled at her Chief General, going back to her duties as he told her thanks. He supposed some dreams just seemed more real than others.

What wasn't missing from the dream however was the island in clear view through the bridge. The Captain was steady at the fore with binoculars gazing out into the horizon. The Lexington's flight deck was bustling with activity as the mid-morning air patrols of F-35C's and F/A-18 E's took off and landed in a rhythmical pace. Gazing to out further he noticed that one of the three E-2D Hawkeye's on board the Strike Carrier was about to take off. He smiled as a Ensign came up to him with a steaming coffee. He gave the Ensign a warm pat on the back, thank him as he left with a wide smile. Life was good being around the people he cared for the most. Those he'd give his life for and those that'd give their life for him in a heartbeat. He sipped his coffee, thinking that administrative tasks were so boring compared to this.

At the fore of the fleet the Battleship Impervious sailed on in front of the Lexington. It was a beautiful sight. The Captain finally noticed the Chief General, Oscar turning his attention to him and raising his coffee in acknowledgment. Captain Dominic returned the gesture with a raise of his own coffee. The average build man in naval officer uniform hiding his age with a well kept appearance. Oscar noted how Dominic's Latin heritage added a level of mystery to his complexion. He sort of looked like the guy who played Zorro in the movies in a funny way. Looking back out the bridge windows he sighed happily. Life was indeed good.

A Surprise for the Fleet

Without warning sirens sounded throughout the Lexington. Oscar didn't jump, but others on the bridge did. He noticed the Impervious swiveling her massive turrets to the right out in the direction of some dot in the distance. Her cannons raising in unison as they acquired a proper distance and track. The sirens continued almost like a constant alarm. More fighters were launched in quick succession. The two Cruisers beside the Strike Carrier took defensive positions to properly fire and destroy any incoming projectiles. He watched as the Impervious then proceeded towards the oncoming threat. Her turrets swiveling to keep the proper target. The Strike Carrier turning opposite.

Two HV-22 Osprey launched from the deck as two F-4 Phantom II's and two KS-3A Viking's took off and headed for the direction of the possible enemy contacts. No chances were taken in defending the Strike Carrier and her precious cargo. The sirens became louder, almost like tornado sirens that alerted everyone to danger. The two Cruisers keeping a good distance as the Impervious started head-on into the fleet. The Supply ship, which Oscar could not see from where he was at, kept close to the two Cruisers as it obviously had no protection of its own. In one instant two F-35C's flew past the bridge of the Lexington, directly towards whatever startled the Anagonian fleet.

"Captain Dominic," Oscar called over the bustling activity on the bridge. "What is the cause for alarm?"

"Unknown fleet approaching, sir." He quickly responded. "Our charts show this island in International domain, so we don't know who they are."

"Let us do diplomacy first, my good Captain. The Battleship shall take care of the rest should they be foolish enough to be pirates."

The Captain saluted, going to his communications officer and informing him to request an identity check. The message was quickly sent. "Unknown fleet, this is the Confederate States Ship CSS Lexington of the Confederate States of Anagonia. We are on a peaceful resupply mission to the islands forty miles to the north of our location. We request an identity check and immediate response, or we shall defend ourselves."

---

Patton nodded, putting the Defender into gear and pulling out of the small parking lot back onto the road. He headed directly for the town as he smiled over to Jennifer. Unbeknown to them the fate of the entire expedition and diplomatic mission was held in the hands of the second-most powerful person in the Confederacy. It wouldn't have mattered at this point anyway. Patton was too deeply involved to this place to give it up over some stupid skirmish. He looked back to the road, "I suppose we'll see each other later on then?"

[Saurisia]

(lol, yeah, I did an lolhuge response, didn't I? Thanks, and yeah, JS sounds an appropriate appearance for Oscar, considering he kinda sounds like a douchebag)

Aboard the Bridge of the Battleship Independence

Intruders Spotted

It had been at least almost an hour since the ships left Stegos Naval Base, and everything was operating smoothly. Admiral Rachel Turner, a tall (for her species) 39 year old lavender skinned Velociraptor continued to stare out the window and across the vast open sea. She looked nothing like the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park, as she was smaller than they were, plus, she had feathers, especially on her head, neck, and arms, like all members of her species, although no other Dromeosaur (that is, Raptor) had feathers at all.

It had been relatively quiet until suddenly, the Captain of the Independence, Richard Smith, a 56 year old Saltasaurus, walked up to Turner and informed her "Admiral, it appears that we have unknown ships approaching on radar."

A smile developed on the snout of the Raptor, confident that this was indeed the very group of ships that Raptor Flight had spotted earlier in the morning. She was about to order for the fleet to get closer to the ships so she could more effectively alert them, however, a sailor reported "Admiral, it appears that the ships have sent us a message!"

Indeed, the message read:

Unknown fleet, this is the Confederate States Ship CSS Lexington of the Confederate States of Anagonia. We are on a peaceful resupply mission to the islands forty miles to the north of our location. We request an identity check and immediate response, or we shall defend ourselves.

Turner ordered "Send them a reply, tell the intruders who we are!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

As the sailor walked away to send a reply, a scowl replaced the smile on the Admiral's face and she angrily thought 'How dare they, intruding on our waters, and they demand US identify ourselves?! Who the hell do these Humans think they are?!'

Nevertheless, the message was sent back to the Anagonians:

Lexington, this is the Saurisian ship UDSS Independence of the United Dinosaur States of Saurisia. We wish to inform you that you are intruding on Saurisian-held territorial waters.

Turner stared at the fleet on the horizon, hoping that the Anagonians would understand the message and hold their fire.

---

Near the beach, Tricera Island

Jennifer sat quietly while the Land Rover pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the road, heading down back towards Hobston. Indeed, Jennifer was unaware how close her country was to open warfare with Patton's homecountry, but even if she did know about the true situation, she wouldn't care, as she was dedicated to Patton only. When Patton asked her if they would see each other later on, she nodded and replied "Yes, I hope so."

---

Streets of Downtown Hobston

In the traffic-clogged streets of the town, Andrea Hayworth's dad was driving her to school in his 2004 Toyota Camry, Andrea's old car having broken down suddenly the other day, forcing her father to drive her to school. Andrea's dad, Peter, was a 36 year old single father raising a single teenage daughter (as Andrea was an only child, exceedingly rare for the Reptilians living in the country) and working as a construction worker.

"Damn, the traffic's brutal today" Peter commented, to which his daughter simply nodded

Suddenly, two planes sped directly over head, one after the other.

"What the-?" Peter commented

Andrea, being a military buff, identified the two planes as F-16 fighter/bombers, and noticed the distinctive round red circles that was the Saurisian Air Force roundel, making her wonder what would SAF fighters be doing flying over the town?

---

Meanwhile, Matt was also struggling his way through traffic, trying to get to the Police Station, already late. He had been chipper ever since deciding he would open up his feelings to Jennifer, the one living person he cared about more than anything else. Suddenly, he also noticed the two F-16's flying over the town, causing him to wonder what was going on.

Indeed, events were unfolding that would make this a very memorable day in Saurisian history.

[Anagonia]

Preventing a War

Bridge of the CSS Lexington

Everyone seemed calm in the chaos. You could tell that the mindset that someone would live or die today was prevalent. Oscar observed the activity, quietly sipping on his morning coffee as if this was business as usual. He gazed out into the ocean towards the island to see several Helicopters including the two HV-22's heading towards the island. They were carrying needed supplies for the expedition and troops that had been requested. He heard the communications officer behind him suddenly yell in a flurry "Neutral targets! We're in their waters!" and he cocked an eyebrow at that. The word spread quickly as the fleet tried to reverse what had begun. Officers and Lieutenants hurried to ensure that no blood would be shed today.

Oscar heard the normal emergency sirens change to the all clear. They were sharp two second bursts of siren sound that could be heard for miles and were used to inform the fleets involved of a status change. Gazing out towards the many fighters that went towards the now-considered neutral fleet turn around in an expertly performed fashion, almost like at an airshow. He noted how the Impervious lowered its cannons and placed them back into position, turning as fast as possible at its high speed, nearly tipping to one side as he waves crashed in an epic attempt to reroute and return to a non-hostile position.

The Lexington started to turn to begin recovery of most of the fighters launched. The Cruisers and Supply ship close to her returning to a more standard position. Oscar gazing out onto the deck of the Strike Carrier to see the men and women clearing fighters that were scheduled to launch in defense of the fleet, instead reassigned to waiting and holding due to the change of situation. Two of the F-35C's launched came home, one after the other, followed by three F/A-18 E's coming back to base. The two KS-3A Viking's came home, one staying in the air just in case any other aircraft needed midair refueling. He noted that at least one F-35C went with the Helicopters and Osprey as they traveled to the island and three others were still in the air along with the Hawkeye. The two F-4 Phatnom II's were the last to land, Oscar smiling as he became extremely proud of how efficient the crew of the Lexington had become at recovering and launching aircraft.

Gazing down at the deck one last time he quickly noted that at least one C-2A Greyhound was being prepared for launch. He knew where it was going considering it was the Strike Carriers dedicated transport aircraft. Taking another long sip of his coffee he smiled and nodded at the Captain. Dominic looked as if he aged five years in these few stressful minutes. Captain Dominic giving a smirk back as he shrugged at the near-catastrophic encounter with the neutral fleet. The Captain then looked towards his Communications Officer, informing him to send a complaint message that they had stood down from defensive mode. As he watched the two converse, Oscar gazed out the bridge again to see the Impervious finish its hard to port turn and return to the front of the small fleet.

"Let them know they are allowed to board for inspection," said Oscar. The Captain nodded, not questioning and trusting his Chief General.

UDSS Independence from the United Dinosaur States of Saurisia. We were not aware these waters belonged to any nation. However we request permission to maintain course for the sake of our diplomatic mission. We will allow you to come alongside and board our ships for inspection as you see fit, per international regulation. You will note forward of our fleet that a group of transport craft are heading for the island. We have already informed them of a possible inspection and escort from you and they will comply. The supplies are necessary for our expedition team on the ground. CSS Lexington out.

---

Patton looked up to see two fighter jets fly past. He had heard something coming a few moments before, but never thought anything of it until now. He was sure they weren't his as the insignia was totally different than the flag insignia used by all Confederate Military forces. He looked to Jennifer and shrugged, "Must be doing maneuvers huh?" Continuing to drive he had entered the town, now starting to turn along its streets to head for the police station.

He smiled as he remembered her response to his earlier question. "If you want me to I'll come back later to pick you up, maybe we can travel to your place." He chuckled, "Mine really isn't set up yet."

[Saurisia]

Bridge of the Battleship Independence

Disaster Averted

Admiral Turner stood in the bridge staring at the distant Anagonian ships, waiting for a response. Finally, a sailor replied "Admiral! They've sent us a message!"

"Oh good!" cheered the Admiral, happy that the Anagonians replied to her own message as she walked over to the sailor's station.

The message went:

UDSS Independence from the United Dinosaur States of Saurisia. We were not aware these waters belonged to any nation. However we request permission to maintain course for the sake of our diplomatic mission. We will allow you to come alongside and board our ships for inspection as you see fit, per international regulation. You will note forward of our fleet that a group of transport craft are heading for the island. We have already informed them of a possible inspection and escort from you and they will comply. The supplies are necessary for our expedition team on the ground. CSS Lexington out.

Turner ordered a message be sent back to the Lexington:

CSS Lexington from the Confederate States of Anagonia, your permission to continue on your way is granted. As our nation has largely been isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, we are not familiar with International Law, and thus we do not adhere ourselves to it.

---

Jennifer was surprised by the sight of two fighter jets flying overhead, though not surprised by the sight of the red roundels of the Saurisian Air Force, as there were planes from Stegos flying over the island all the time. She nodded to Patton's comment and replied "Yeah, must be, happens a lot"

When Patton asked her if he could pick her up and go to her place, she happily nodded "Yes, that sounds nice."

Indeed, young Jennifer was happy about her relationship, unaware of the events unfolding that might change her life for good.

---

Williams A. Evans High School, Downtown Hobston

At last, Peter's car reached the High School and he watched as his daughter unbuckled her seat belt, opened the door, got out of the car, and slam the door shut. "Have a good day, sweetie." Peter told Andrea "Love you"

"Love you too, dad" Andrea replied with a smile on her face, watching as her dad's car drove away down the street.

"Hey, Andrea!" a familiar voice called, causing her to look to her right. There, stood her friends, Bob, James, Kathy, and Neill, and with that Andrea raced over towards them, still remembering the events that had transpired the previous morning. When she got to the others, she asked them "Hey, did you guys see those fighters?"

"Pff, of course!" Bob snapped "I wouldn't be surprised if everyone in the whole damn town saw em!"

Andrea, not flinching from the gruff Triceratops' comment, said "I personally think it's weird that fighters would fly over the town, especially so close to the ground! I swear, I thought I could see the pilot in one of those things when they went by!"

"No kidding!" Kathy giggled

"Do ya think somethin's goin' on?" Neil asked

"Maybe, since we've haven't had an SAF plane fly over the town in months, not since July 4th!"

"Unification Day..." the male Albertosaurus muttered to himself

"Eh, it's probably nothing, you know the military, they're so paranoid about someone intruding onto our territory" James said with complete honesty "I mean, no one's ever gonna show up, we've been living in isolation for the past, what, 6-700 years?"

"Yeah" Andrea nodded "But I can't shake off the feeling that something big's happening... oh well" shrugging "it's probably nothing."

---

Matt was finally near his destination, as he just had to go past the High School to get to the Station. While driving slowly past, however, he noticed a group of teenagers standing a safe distance from the pavement. There was a Triceratops, who looked big and strong (of course, all Triceratopses are big and strong), two Saurolophuses, one male and one female he could easily tell, and two Albertosauruses, again, one male and one female. The male looked skinny and rather ordinary, but the female looked like she had a bit of muscle in her body. Out of all the teens in the group, the one he focused on most was that female Albertosaurus. As he watched her, the tip of his tongue, slowly but surely, stuck out of the tip of his snout, and he grinned slightly at her sheer sight.

He then shrugged it off, what was he doing? A 30 year old single male Allosaurus attracted to a teenage female Albertosaurus? How pathetic and creepy, he thought. He then wondered if that was due to what happened with Jennifer the previous night, maybe he felt lonely so he started checking out a girl... even though she was simply a teen. But, in his mind, that empty void would soon be filled as he was planning to man up and tell Jennifer how he truly felt about her.

He finally reached the police station, and promptly pulled into the parking lot and stopped his car at a spot he judged to be good. He then got out and waited outside the front door, his tail wagging with eagerness, waiting for his beloved Jennifer to arrive.

[Anagonia]

The Arrival of Destiny

Oscar Vladinchi breathed a sigh of relief as did a few other individuals on the bridge. They were fully expecting to be boarded and inspected as any nation would have taken up that offer. Thankfully these people had been in isolation for so long that they seemed to welcome a friendly presence. He started to rub across his chin, feeling his mustache as he went deep in thought. There was a major opportunity here for the Confederacy. A people who had, for centuries, never met an outside nation and had advanced so much. He foresaw a strong alliance being formed and a devoted companion. As he gazed out of the bridge he noticed how everything seemed to be falling into place for a peaceful encounter. This opportunity could not be wasted.

Over the island the two HV-22 Osprey's flew over the town of Hobston with its SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter escort. The Military Insignia displaying proudly on their sides as behind them a F-35C escorted the rear. It was in semi-hover mode as it ensured its engines weren't pointed down so as to cause wind havoc below. It would have been a fantastic sight for anyone looking from below seeing so many military craft suddenly appear and turn to the east heading for the airfield. The thunderous sound they would make from their engines alone would signal that a new chapter in the islands history had truly begun.

To the rear of the Anagonian diplomatic vanguard the fleet had entered the waters of Triceria island. Anyone along the beach would take note of the foreign ships and the Anagonian Military Flag waving proudly in the winds. The fleet would continue to circle the island at a slow pace, avoiding any civilian boating areas so as not to disturb local commerce. The Strike Carrier Lexington would be the most active of the bunch, aircraft taking off and landing at a steady pace. One specific aircraft, a CH-53 Sea Stallion, would take off with the most precious cargo the fleet had to offer. Another F-35C Joint Strike Fighter would take off to escort it as Oscar Vladinchi made his way on board the Helicopter to the island. The Sea Stallion would take a tour of the island with the fighter escort in tow, rounding it to end near the airfield.

Anagonian-occupied Airfield - Renamed temporarily Camp Richards
The Vice President and Troop Land

Almost as one the combined units of two HV-22's, one CH-53 Sea Stallion, two SH-60B Seahawk's and two F-35C's landed on the airfield. Surrounding the new Camp Richards was a number of newly erected tents for the new occupants. The total number of troops on the ground with the additional incoming from the transport craft equaled around eighty marines with a healthy number of five transport Humvee's and another Cargo Truck. All would make way as the last helicopter to land, the Seal Stallion, rested its rotors to allow Chief General Oscar Vladinchi to exit the helicopter with an makeshift honor guard to welcome him. He would return many salutes as he made his way to the main tent, the original expedition tent that was the new Headquarters for the temporary base of operations.

---

Patton heard some more thumping in the sky. As he was about to turn into the police station now in the turning lane, he looked up to see a horde of military aircraft fly by. He noticed two Osprey's and various other craft, in tow was a fighter jet that looked like a JSF. The one thing he did make out quite clearly, as the Military Insignia on all Anagonian Craft was made to be seen clearly, was the Military Flag of the Confederate States. He watched as they turned east, undoubtedly towards the airfield. A feeling of pride swelled in his heart knowing that soon the Vice President would arrive. As if on cue a short time later as he was able to turn into the parking lot of the Police Station, a Sea Stallion with a F-35C escort flew over and he knew then that the diplomatic game had truly begun. He looked at Jennifer, "Looks like the Vice President has arrived." He seemed to have a wicked smile on his face.

Pulling up to the front entrance of the Police Station Patton noticed another Allosaurus that looked like a male. He shrugged it off, not wanting to embarrass Jennifer and held her hand firmly as he smiled at her. "You have a good day now, okay?" As he released her hand, he exited the drivers side and went to the passengers, opening it for her as he looked casually at the other saurian.

[Saurisia]

The fleet heads back to Stegos

Admiral Turner ordered the 5 ships turn around and head back to Stegos Naval Base, seeing that their work here was done. The five giant vessels did as the Admiral ordered, and performed a sharp 360 degree left-hand turn as they rotated around to head in the direction of Stegos Island.

---

Meanwhile, in Hobston, everyone in town looked up to see a small group of aircraft, bearing a strange insignia they hadn't seen before. Many of them, fearing that the island was being invaded, fled back to their homes, whipped out any weapons, modern or not, they had at disposal and waited for the foreigners to arrive.

The Military personnel in the base on the island were in a frenzy as the foreign aircraft continued to fly around the island and the Anagonian ships were circling Tricera.

This day indeed would be memorable in Saurisian history.

---

Jennifer was surprised to see the Ospreys, helicopters, and the one jet fighter fly over, not expecting such a thing to happen. She noticed a strange symbol on the bodies of each of the aircraft, not quite like the Saurisian Air Force roundel. When Patton commented about the aircraft, she turned towards him, a look of confusion on her face.

As the vehicle pulled up to the station, Jennifer noticed Matt standing by the entrance. Of course, she thought nothing of it as she'd seen him hundreds of times before and generally assumed he was simply waiting for her to arrive so he could talk about his grandfather and his military service (both of which fascinated Jennifer, herself a former soldier in the Army). She then looked towards Patton, who held her hand and said to her "You have a good day now, okay?" to which she simply smiled and nodded. As he released her hand, he got out of the car and went to the passenger's side, opening the door for her, while glancing at Matt.

What neither of them would expect was what Matt would do next.

---

Matt's Destiny

Matt waited patiently by the Police Station for Jennifer to arrive, ducking when the panes and helicopters flew over the town, surprised by such a display. He wondered in curiosity what in the world was going on here, when he noticed a Land Rover Defender pull up to the curb nearby. In it, were two individuals: one, an Allosaurus he recognized as his beloved, and the second was the Human he had saw her on the beach the previous night.

Seeing the two together made him remember what he had seen on that beach, and it did not make him happy. He squinted his eyes at the two in sheer anger. He clenched his hands into fists and clenched them so tight, his claws punctured the skin of his palms, causing blood to leak out. He began exhaling and inhaling deeply, while drool began to drip down his sharp dagger-like teeth. His tail began to stiffen and remained high up off the ground, a Saurian sign of anger.

As he stared at the two, many things were going through his head. The memories of his grandfather and himself in military service, he remembered reading all those history books, and learning about John the Triceratops and his compatriots' struggles during the Unification Wars 700 years ago. He remembered the old Saurisian values of Duty, Honor, Courage, Country. In his mind, Jennifer was disgracing her ancestors by engaging in this abomination of a relationship with a Human, the very species that was the foe that John and the early Saurisians fought during those wars so long ago. He realized it was his duty to ensure Jennifer end this forbidden relationship and begin one with someone of his own kind, preferably himself, and restore honor to his and Jennifer's ancestors and indeed, those of the whole country.

As these things went through his head, he realized that the time had now come for him to finally admit his feelings to the one he cares for, and began to walk up to the Defender, slowly but surely. Each step he took seemed to echo loudly as he continued to stare at the direction of Jennifer and the Human.

Finally, when he was close enough to the vehicle, he stopped and, glaring at the female, said in a firm tone "Hello, Jennifer", still angry at the two. His claws and indeed his hand dripping with blood, but he didn't care, for what he was about to do was, in his own opinion, more important than medical needs.

Indeed, Matt was close to finally achieving his destiny.

[Anagonia]

(God I love how unexpected you make this. XD)

Patton stared intensely at the newcomer. He didn't mind seeing him come up and greet, rather it wasn't really any of his business who Jennifer met or thought of as friends. The only thing he thought existed between him and Jennifer was a new found love which he cherished the moment they sealed it on the beach. If anyone was going to come against that they would have serious issues. While gazing over at the male Allosaurus he noticed his palms were bleeding. He honestly couldn't tell saurian emotions to the first thing he said was, "You should get that looked at friend."

He looked over to Jennifer and smiled, seeing that she recognized the male. Nothing unusual registered in his mind yet.

[Saurisia]

After Patton commented about Matt's bleeding hands, he looked closely at them. Sure enough, the palms and claws were covered with blood. However, his attention snapped back to Jennifer before saying "Later, I will, but not now, as..." however, he paused, unsure of what to say.

He continued to stare at her, occasionally looking down at her breasts. Every time he did so, drool would begin leaking out of his snout and drip down his fangs.

Finally, he summoned up the courage, for he felt that this wasn't just a matter of honor, this was a matter of his passion for Jennifer. So, he cleared his voice and said "Jennifer, I have something to say to you..." a look of part passion, part worry was now on his face "I- I-" he gulped, rather loudly, before finally admitting "I love you..."

The moment after he said those three words, he looked down at the pavement, a look of sadness on his face, while his tail drooped onto the ground.

Indeed, young Matt was unsure what would be the couple's reaction to what he said.

[Anagonia]

Patton stared dumbstruck for a moment. This was the last thing he was expecting. He had, honestly, just met her. There was no real reason why she should in all right stay with him. Internally he felt extremely depressed suddenly. He had found the perfect woman for his life, someone who enjoyed his presence and someone he really wanted to try to have a relationship with. Someone who made him move on from his previous life and could be a gentle guiding spirit to his future. Now as he stared at the male and then at Jennifer, he prepared himself. He was not a tyrant, nor was he abusive. The woman would decide her own fate, if she wanted to. It was not his position, as per the culture in Anagonia, to enforce a rule upon a woman that she did not want. Even if this was a different culture, his rules of being a gentleman still applied.

He tried to keep a straight face, not letting his emotions show as he slowly looked to Jennifer. He would let her decide. Whatever she wanted was whatever she wanted. He would not stop her.

[Saurisia]

Jennifer did not expect this to happen, she had been so passionate about Patton, never realizing that Matt was this devoted to her. She had enjoyed being with Patton, she loved him dearly. However, the more she thought about it, the more she felt sympathy towards Matt, after all, it must have been hard for him to admit his feelings towards her like that, and after going through all those horrible things he'd went through, with his mom's dead, his grandmother's death, his grandfather's death, the divorce, the number of relationships he was in falling apart.

Plus, she began to remember the taboos surrounding interspecies relationships, she could only imagine the reaction towards her relationship with Patton. Half the country would want her blood for falling in love with a Human. Worse, what of the Dinoist Party, the party that had held complete control for 200 years? They and their dreaded secret police (the SP) were brutal towards these types of relationships. They would send agents to kidnap the participants in an interspecies relationship, then take them to the nearest SP or Party headquarters. There, the participants would be interrogated, tortured, and then "reeducated" (a fancy term for brainwashing) into rejecting interspecies relationships.

And, indeed, there were also both personal and intimate problems with continuing the relationship, there were the species differences, the fact that she had scaly skin and he had smooth skin that would make things... difficult, and plus, they would have no children, as the species boundary would make reproduction impossible.

She sighed and then turned towards Patton, a look of sadness on her face, instead of passion as with before. She said quietly "I- I'm sorry, Patton... but, I think it's time to end this relationship. I think it's best... for both of us, and perhaps for both of our countries as well."

[Anagonia]

Patton nodded, showing no emotion as he simply smiled. "Of course, it's your choice. I completely understand." He looked down, then back at the two. "I wish you the best of luck, and it was fun while it lasted. I really enjoyed being around you." He patted the male on the shoulder, whispering towards his earhole. "Take care of her, or I'll take care of you. If I find out you hurt her in any way, no nation nor military will stop me from getting to you."

Smiling at Jennifer he closed the passenger door on the Defender and entered the drivers side. He quickly pulled back and, with a final smile and wish of good fortune, left for the road. He didn't speed off, just casually left. He started to drive down the road. When he was gone from sight he sped up, tears swelling in his eyes as he turned a corner. It got so bad he had to pull over in an empty parking lot. He let it all out then, the events and the hopes. His previous wifes death, his hope for a better future now, and how it had all been taken from him in a sudden instant. He cried there for several minutes. Then, making sure no one saw him he grabbed his shirt and cleared his face. He had never cried like this since the death of his previous love. Realizing just how hopeful he had been he breathed deeply, regaining his composure and drove back to the road and to the base.

He should have known it was all too easy. He supposed it was good while it lasted. No need to become less of a man anymore, as it didn't seem like he'd live happily ever after anyway.

[Saurisia]

When Patton whispered what he said to Matt, the male gulped nervously, almost wetting himself. He nodded towards the Human, he wouldn't dare harm his love in any way, for he truly cared for her (besides, she was a pretty strong Therapod, she could kill him if he abused her). And with that, he watched as Patton got back into the Defender and drove away. He thought Poor bastard, if only there was a way to transform him into a Dinosaur, maybe he'll have a chance at a normal Dino-style relationship.

After Patton's Land Rover disappeared, Matt looked over towards Jennifer, who had a saddened look on her face. She then looked up at Matt, who smiled at her, causing Jennifer to smile back. Slowly, but surely, the two both leaned over and then kissed each other on the snout. Jennifer had to admit, it was nice kissing someone of her own genus and species again. Both wrapped their arms around each other's torso. Matt secretly slipped his left hand down Jennifer's body from her shoulder to her right breast, where he left it.

Finally, the couple ended their kiss and stared at each other, smiling for a while. They held each other's hands, well, sort of, for Matt still had his left hand positioned on her left breast, which she didn't mind, for Patton had done a lot more than just hold her breast on that beach.

However, their moment ended as a familiar voice called out their names. The two looked behind them and there, sure enough, Walker and a large tan-skinned female Triceratops walked up towards them.

The Trike snapped "Where the hell have you been?!"

Walker snapped "Yeah! Why were you so late?!" he then took a closer look at both of them before asking "Why are you holding hands? And Matt, why do you have your other hand one of Jennifer's boobs?"

The Triceratops promptly facepalmed and then slapped Walker on the back of his head "OW!" he yelped "What was that for?!"

"Nothing" the Trike replied innocently

This caused Matt, still having his hand on Jennifer's right breast, chuckled nervously, and then commented "Well, it's a long story..." realizing that he hadn't told Walker or the Triceratops, 32 year old Tracie Williams, a big gruff muscular tomboy with a major fetish for male Trikes, hot beaches, and guns (and was Matt's partner), about what he'd saw on that beach the previous night.

Tracie snapped again "Well, you two better start explaining when we get into the cars!"

The two other police officers departed, leaving Jennifer and Matt alone again. The pair kissed one last time, after which, Jennifer said softly "I love you, Matt", causing the male to reply "I love you too, Jennifer"

Then, the female spoke up again "Hey, what say we repeat what I did with Patton last night?" causing Matt's eyes to widen and a big smile to form on his face "Really?! Oh, God, I'd love that!"

Then, Williams' voice was heard again "Hey, love-lizards, get your tails in gear, or else the Chief'll have BOTH of our hides!"

Both Allosaurs' eyes widened, forcing them to depart, but Matt asked "I'll see you at 6, right?"

"Yeah"

"Perfect!"

With that, both Therapods parted, Jennifer heading for Walker and their assigned police car, Matt heading for Williams and their assigned police car. Along the way to his cruiser, Matt's tail was wagging happily and the biggest smile he'd ever made was on his snout. For the first time in the past 12 hours, something went right.

[Anagonia]

Moving Forward

Patton pulled the Land Rover into the airfield, driving past a landed F-35C and straight towards the barracks. He'd sleep in a bunk tonight, spending the rest of his leave getting over his encounter and moving on. Many people noticed his return and subsequent silent departure to the barrack tent. The one person who actually stopped what he was doing when he noticed it was Lt. Colonel Gregory Pain. The Colonel decided it wasn't important to investigate the situation and carried on loading up one of the helicopters with information from the expedition. Patton Nuth continued inside the tent, picking an empty bunk at the far corner and sitting down. He made sure to keep quiet as there were marines still asleep here.

He briefly wondered what he did wrong. What had happened to suddenly make a perfect situation so downright horrible. He rubbed across his temple, sighing heavily. The notion of interspecies differences didn't even register in his mind. Perhaps he treated her wrong, maybe he didn't do enough to please her. Whatever the reason he started to enter a depression. He would eventually recover before going back to duty. He rubbed across his eyes, determined to move on now. Having been dropped so easily showed him that no matter where he was, there would always be one night stands. He lay back in the bunk and, during mid-day, went to sleep.

---

Camp Richards was bustling with activity. Oscar Vladinchi noted how professional his men were doing despite being in a foreign land. He would have expected less to be honest. It seemed like a vacation to him also. He watched several helicopters depart as with the Starlifter that soon followed. The cargo aircraft from the carrier took off shortly after. The only craft that stayed was a lone F-35C for defensive purposes and his personal Sea Stallion transport, all positioned off to the side in proper order to allow any other craft to land. Walking across the dirt-laid runway he made he way towards a Military HMMWV with a few marines already inside waiting on him. The time for waiting was over. Now that he was here things could get rolling.

Before he could enter the passenger seat of the HMMWV he met the Lt. Colonel. They shook hands and he smiled at Gregory. "Good to see you, Colonel Pain!"

Gregory smiled back, "Yes sir, a pleasure to see you to Chief General Vladinchi." He took a step back after the handshake, "So we going to have a base here, you think?"

Vladinchi shrugged, "If all goes our way I plan on suggesting it. I'd like it if we did, it would enable us to study these people better and provide protection from the xenophobes out there."

Gregory Laughed, "Yea we already had a MP Sergeant meet the culture!" He winked, "Though he seems to be asleep, must be all the exercise!"

They both laughed, finally shaking hands again and parting ways. Oscar entered the passenger side and the HMMWV came to life. As it pulled out another HMMWV pulled behind with marines who were assigned to the Vice Presidents guard. They came to the road and headed for Hobston. There Vladinchi planned to meet the Mayor himself. Afterward he planned on meeting with the military chiefs of the island before departing for anywhere else that might have officials. He was determined that before he left here there would be some kind of treaty in his hands.

[Saurisia]

Reminiscence

When Matt got into the passenger's side of the car, Tracie noticed that Matt's hands were leaking blood. She said "Oh my God, you've got blood on your hands! Here, let me help you!" And then she grabbed a roll of bandages and put them over Matt's hands.

"There! Now, just be glad you're not the driver!" the female commented, laughing from her joke

Matt was unamused by her joke, and he replied "Ha-ha, very funny"

After bandaging Matt's arms, Tracie stared long and hard first at Matt's face, than at his torso, before the male asked "Um, why are you staring at me like that?"

Tracie snapped back to her side of the car "Oh! Um, nothing, nothing at all!"

She then turned the vehicle on, cranked it up, and then backed up, commenting "Let's go patrol a town!" and off the car went down the street.

---

Meanwhile, in Jennifer and Walker's cruiser, Walker was eagerly asking his partner how'd it go with the Humans the previous day, forcing her to talk about what happened with her and Patton on the beach, much to the young Iguanodon's horror. She then talked about her plans with Matt later that day.

"So" he asked "You and Matt gonna go down to the beach, eh?"

"That's the plan!"

"Heh, guess you and Matt doing it would be far better-looking than you and Pat doing it"

"Yeah, I guess."

Jennifer, who was the driver of the car, then shifted the cruiser to gear and sped down the road.

[Anagonia]

Oscar sat comfortably in the passenger seat as he noticed a patrol car speed by. He didn't make another thought about it. Following the directions of Professor Nemus, the lead Humvee and escort pulled into the parking lot of the central office of the mayor. After a short debrief between the two vehicles, Oscar came out of the passenger side followed by two Marines in the back of his vehicle. They kept their sidearms and weapons in the vehicle, knowing the general rule for the building from the Professor. As the Chief General approached the building he straightened his uniform, going in and meeting the receptionist. "Is the Mayor in?"

[Saurisia]

The Receptionist, a young female Coelophysis in her early 30's, replied "Yes, she is!"

Meanwhile, Mayor Fredrickson was getting in touch with her old boyfriend over the phone.

"So, Andy" she said "How are things back at the base?"

"Pretty stressful, everyone's going nuts since the Anagonian ships were first spotted!"

"Oh, well, I hope they calm down soon"

"Me too, if it wasn't for the fact that we're dating, I'd might as well shoot myself!"

Margaret giggled in response

"Anyway, I've gotta go, see ya later, Margaret!"

"Bye!" the mayor replied and with that, she hung up.

[Anagonia]

"Ah good," replied Oscar as he smiled back. "Can you inform her the Vice President of the Confederate States and Chief General of the Armed Forces of Anagonia wishes to speak with her?"

He continued to smile despite this possibly shocking revelation.