The Territory of the Nations

Ah-quaz:
"Good morning, milady" I hear a voice say.
Oh, it's M-34 with my breakfast. I bite the petals off a pink flower and get out of bed. A young male peacock and my sister are waiting for me.
"Ah-quaz, meet de-ome. He is an apprentice of a council member, just like you. Since mother and father are gone and I'm going on a mission to the pronghorn nation, I need to keep you with somebody. You're only 14 after all." Zoozoo-um explains.
M-34 returns to clean up my plate from breakfast. M-34 is Zoozoo-um's slave, but she is serving me since Zoozoo-um is leaving.
"M-34, do you know what Zoozoo-um has to do?" I ask
"...Not at all, Master is a very busy woman." M-34 replies with her antennae twitching.
I step into my room, there are carved walls with pictures of my parents. I change into my formal dress. There is a meeting with another noble family, the Snaye family. My dress is very important to me, it has the feathers of my whole family up to 10 generations in the past. I see a pure, white feather on the floor next to my bed. This is mine, I am an albino. My feathers are even more expensive.
I am ready for the meeting, I start flying to the tree house with "Snaye" carved on the front. I am immediately greeted by Eye-quaz.
"Ah-quaz! You're here! I see you are wearing your ancestor dress, all nobles have one. Hee hee!"
Eye-quaz is really fun, she's is my best friend! I've visited this house many times before. There is a large egg sitting in an incubator.
"This is going to be my brother! He will probably hatch in about a month." eye-quaz explains.
The egg reminds me of my necklace. Every peacock has one, it's a necklace holding a piece of your eggshell. Mine is in the shape of a lightning bolt!
"So eye-quaz, your older brother is part of the army like my big sister. Is he leaving for the mission in pronghorn territory soon?" I wonder.
"No. I didn't know there was a mission in pronghorn territory!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zoozoo-um:
I pack a few thousand coins, I can trade these in for pronghorn currency later. Ah-quaz already left for the Snaye residency.
"Goodbye M-34, do you feel okay?" I inquire.
"Yes, Master."
"Just call me Zoozoo-um, when you leave for Zhucran I will give you a real name. M-34 is just horrible."
"It's okay for now... Before you leave, Sunfoot has notified me about a Rhinoceros beetle by the name of T-15 that is going to be delivered the the Pronghorns soon. T-15 is in bad shape, you need to find her."
I nod my head and head out. I fly off the mesa and begin walking towards pronghorn territory, this will take at least a day. I go to the market and purchase many flowers and herbs. I notice a young herring entering peacock territory. She begins climbing the mesa, she falls many times. I can tell she isn't very good at spying yet. The army at the border begins speaking to her and she angrily responds. They reply completely unfazed and let her in.
I continue walking the long journey, I grab hold of my spear and make sure my sword is ready if there is trouble. It is nearly midnight and I pray to my mother and father quickly. Noticing the pronghorns at the border, I try to sneak past. Quickfeet notices me and looks in my direction. He winks and me and i quickly look away and continue to cross the border. Quickfeet is strange, I met him on my mission to get M-34. He noticed me at the border escaping with the rhinoceros beetle.

"What are you doing with that slave?! That's punishable by death!" The pronghorn exclaimed.
"I dare you to try and kill me, you don't stand a chance. Neither does your fool of a leader!" I responded.
He calmed down quickly.
"You're very beautiful, how could I report this to my leader and get you killed?"
"You idiot! How dare you flirt with somebody from a different clan! We are of a different species, that is just disgusting. Obviously, you are disloyal to your own pronghorn blood."
"Forgive me, my name is Quickfeet. I do not like slavery, so I would like to assist you in crossing the border. Please allow me to do that."
"That's fine"


After remembering the strange story, I realized that I'm currently in pronghorn territory. The place is filled with at least 7 slaves per pronghorn. Doing everything for them. Bathing them, feeding them, carrying them, it was a disgusting sight.

Vyjallen:
I don't think I have what it takes to be a member of the Dynastinae. Yesterday I was wandering around the Dynastinae camp and I found the place where new slaves were held. It was a disgusting sight. They were all in cages just a little bigger than they were. They all looked weak and miserable. I couldn't help but imagine myself in their position. "I am a Dynastinae," I had told myself then. "I do not care. They are simply something to be traded." But I didn't believe myself. I continued walking until I got to the end of the passage. There was a free beetle crouched in the corner. At first I was afraid but I remembered how weak the slaves were. I forced myself to walk up and greet them. "What are you doing?" I asked. The beetle looked up. "P-please don't hurt me, master," she stammered. "I was simply-" I stopped her. "Don't worry, I'm not here to punish you. How did you get out?" "M'my master didn't lock the cage," she replied. It broke my heart looking at her. She was very weak and looked sick. She was only about my age, too! "What is your name?" I asked. "T-15," she replied. "If you aren't here to punish me, what's going on?" I told her the whole story, beginning with how I had to join the Dynastinae or become a slave myself. "You know what," I said, after I had finished. "I think I may be able to help you. I can hide you down here and sneak you more food. You look like as thin as a stick right now!" "Oh, would you!" she exclaimed. "Thank you!"
That was yesterday. True to my word, I snuck her a bottle of sap and some bread. A true member of the Dynastinae would never have done this. But do I want to be a Dynastinae?

Stripedneck:
Quickfeet sent me the news today. I will be receiving my first slave soon! I plan to keep this "T-15" in prime condition, so one day she can breed with a fine male slave (I already have one in mind, QW-2.) and give birth to babies I can sell. I am already on my way to becoming the pronghorn that I am destined to be: rich and powerful.
I hear stomping outside my dug-out. "Will you shut up!" I holler. "It's the middle of the night!" "Hey, it's only me," comes the reply. Instantly my heart beats faster. I know that voice. It's Smallhoof! My ears glow with embarrassment. I quickly throw on a robe and am out the entrance in a matter of seconds. "Hi Smallhoof," I pant. I knead the ground. Why is she here? Quickly my mind wanders. What if.....? What other reason would she visit me this late? Her voice snaps me back to the present. "Something has gone wrong with the shipment of T-15," she states. I try to hide my disappointment. "What?" I say. "We don't know," she goes on. "We haven't had any contact with the Dynas yet. We think it's Beetlestealer at work." Beetlestealer is an unknown poacher who sometimes messes up slave trade. We don't know who it is, but we suspect it's a Herring. Those "balanced" freaks, always butting their nose in where they don't belong. How dare Beetlestealer mess up my destiny? "I'll get them," I vowed.

Vyjallen:
I am meeting with T-15 again. She seems happier, and the news that I have created a diversion, a fake "Wanderer attack" to slow communications brightens her, but we both realize it's a matter of time until she is found.

Zoozoo-um:
I witness a male pronghorn speaking to a female. She speaks of T-15 not getting shipped. I notice a red herring sneak into pronghorn territory. He shows up in front of me quickly. Oh, It's Brightnight. I hired him to find any rhinoceros beetles that are able to be saved. Why is he so good at finding me anywhere?
"I found you! Anyways, I've received news that T-15 is not being shipped. She isn't going to be delivered to Stripedneck, the receiving pronghorn."
"I know that, but can you find her? When you find her tell whoever is keeping her from being shipped, the Dynastinae or whoever, that the beetlestealer is here to save T-15. I don't care what they think!"
"I will, milady."
"Oh, and tell my sister not to worry. She trusts you"

Ah-quaz:
"I think that since your sister always arrives from her missions with a new slave because she steals slaves from people! The beetlestealer!!!!!!!"
"Eye-quaz, remember you don't know what the beetlestealer even is! That's just an old fox tale!"
I soon leave the Snaye household so that I can start my training as a council member. I am greeted by mow-de, my mentor. He has been chosen to be the leader. I watch all the council members and apprentices talk about the beetlestealer, a herring that is probably a loner.

((fox tale? really?))

I sit in my tent, watching the assorted shoppers go by, when I hear a commotion from down the "street". As its followed by cheers and whistles, I automatically think that it can't possibly be good, and walk outside. As usual, I'm right.
A well dressed pronghorn is beating one of her slaves in the middle of the street, and nobody is trying to do anything about it. That's just not right. Knowing for a fact i'm going to regret this later, I walk over, regardless of the laughs I'm hearing, and grab the woman's arm. I hear assorted gasps as other people begin to come out of their tents, but I keep a firm grip on her arm.
"Ma'am, If you persist in beating this girl, you will most likely regret it." The woman looks completely startled, as generally slaves are not treated as people. I continue. "I make jewelry, and if you come with me to my shop, i'm sure I can come up with something suitable to trade for your slave." Both she and the slave are now extremely confused, so I lead them to my tent, where the pronghorn sees something immediately. It is a delicate golden bracelet that is the perfect size for one of her horns. There are several more, so I trade these for the slave, who is completely dumbstruck. The pronghorn, feeling she has gotten the better end of the deal, leaves. I look at the slave, a young girl of about thirteen, and say "You have two options. You can either leave, or you can be apprenticed to me as a free person." She thinks about this for about a minute, and says "I'd like to be apprenticed. My name is X-47" I shake my head. "Not anymore, it isn't. Were you sold in, or born?" she immediately answers "Born." I sigh. "Do you want to come up with a name, or should I?" She doesn't want to, so I go to the back of my tent and find a book of assorted myths. I lay the book on its spine, and let it open to a random page, and then look at what is on it. One of the names just jumps out at me. "Sina?" I ask, and she nods. So now i'm trying to figure out how i'm going to deal with this mess I've just gotten myself into.

((I've had this tab open since last night, so if there are any more post more recent than about fifteen hours ago, oops.))

Vyjallen:
The Dynastinae is furious! They can't find T-15 obviously, and suddenly they have reported finding "Beetlestealer" scales all around camp! It's throwing them through a loop, they think T-15 was taken by Beetlestealer. I found some scales where T-15 is hiding as well! The Dynastinae was visited by a very angry pronghorn today, demanding T-15. He is named Stripedneck, and T-15 was going to be his slave. I have to do something! I go to visit T-15.
"No!" she gasps. "You can't! I wouldn't wish that on anyone!"
"I must," I say. "You are in no condition to work! I have to do it for you. If no one goes then Stripedneck will come back. You could get discovered! The Dynastinae won't care who goes. Let me do this for you!"
"Wait! What if the Beetlestealer gets me? I saw scales..."
"Yes," I say slowly. "I did too, but I have a theory." My voice drops. "Beetlestealer always steals the weakest slaves. What would someone working them want with that?" I pause. I don't want her to think I've gone crazy. "I think Beetlestealer is trying to SAVE the slaves!"
T-15 gasps. "Why would he do that?" "The same thing that drives me to help you," I reply. "We don't like seeing suffering."
I leave later that night. I walk slowly so my steps aren't heard. I pass a sleeping older Dynastinae member and I jump as he twitches. But he lies still and I continue on. I make it to Pronghorn territory by sun-up. I don't know where Stripedneck is so I decide to wait here. After a while a pronghorn comes by on his way to the Dynastinae. I didn't realized I had dozed off, but I must have because the next thing I remember is waking up to see a pronghorn standing over me. "This girl was found in the woods," I hear a voice say. "Yes," a deeper voice replies. "We should take this to the holding pen." I try to keep myself from boiling. "This!"
They speak of me as if I'm trash! I know this is the way slaves are treated, but I've never experienced it for myself.
I struggle to stand. "I am a slave. I am T-15," I recite clearly. "I belong to Stripedneck. The Dynastinae apologizes for the delay." The bigger pronghorn chuckles. "Stripedneck? Sorry you got stuck with him, kid." "Don't worry," the smaller one says. "I'm sure he'll be to busy bragging to work you too hard." I blink. I thought Stripedneck was rich and respected...huh. "Well, come on then," the older one says. "He reaches for my arm and pulls me up. "It's not far."
I get to the den in short time with the pronghorns helping me. I think I could like them, they aren't terrible like the ones who drag their slaves away spitting and screaming. "Ah," says Stripedneck. "Finally. I was thinking the Beetlestealer had gotten you." I stifle a grin. If my theory is correct, I hope the Beetlestealer really has gotten T-15.

Zoozoo-um:
I camp out near Stripedneck. After sunhigh I notice Stripedneck entering his home with a rhino beetle. T-15! Refusing to give in to the urge to grab my sword and fight him for T-15, I wait for Brightnight to return.
I see Brightnight arrive into Pronghorn territory and go up to me.
"Zoozoo-um, I have extra-good news!"
"Yes?"
"I found T-15 AND I found another rhino beetle who has been rescued here in pronghorn territory!"
"Tell me more about T-15, then this other rhino beetle."
"T-15 is not the rhino beetle with Stripedneck right now, that is a member of the Dyastinae who went in place of T-15. T-15 is still in Dynastinae territory, sooo I brought her!"
"What?! You brought her here?!"
"She's safer here than there, she'd be discovered by sunhigh!"
Brightnight shows me the rhinoceros beetle that he'd been hiding from the Pronghorns. She looked very weak and scared.
"Hello, T-15."
"H-Hi..."
"Let me introduce myself, I am Beetlestealer." I say with a smile on my face to seem less frightening.
The expression on T-15's face goes from scared to horrified. She begins kicking and screaming.
"Please, we are in Pronghorn territory. I need to get that brand off of her."
T-15 is shocked. She seems shocked when i say her.
"T-15, I don't like that name. How about we change that? You will be living in Zhucran after you are nursed back to health, Zhu will be your surname. What given name would you like?"
M-34 never could think of a given name, she said she wasn't used to having even a surname.
"Llen. I refuse to say why."
"That's okay. So, Zhullen?"
"Yes"
"Okay, so Brightnight take Zhullen to my sister. Tell her to give Zhullen these herbs every day and feed her enough to get back to a normal weight." I say while handing Brightnight herbs.
"I'll tell you about the other rhino beetle before I go. Her name is X-47. She is living with a loner, a fox loner. She is here in the pronghorn nation." Brightnight says before going across the border again into the peacock nation.

Starheart:

Today i am going to spy on a pronghorn named Stripeneck. He is being followed by a rhino beetle slave. The slave looks uncomfortable with Stripedneck. That's strange. Usually slaves are comfortable with being ordered around, but this one isn't. When the slave lags behind, I slip up to talk to her.
"You're not trained to be a slave, are you?"
The slave looked shocked for a moment then said,
"What are you speaking of, Madam. I am a slave and I need to get back to Master. Goodbye."
"That's just what i'm talking about. Slaves don't say goodbye."
"They don't? Please dont tell anyone!"
"Don't worry, I won't. Bye!"

Ah-Quaz:
After the council meeting, I go home and Brightnight is already there. He's my sister's hired red herring. He has a rhino beetle holding his hand. New slave?
"Ah-quaz, please take good care of this rhino beetle. She is underweight and sick. Feed her these herbs and she needs to regain some weight. Her name is Zhullen."
"Zhullen? Why is she here?"
"We rescued her from slavery, please take good care of her. Zoozoo-um wanted me to tell you eventually. M-34 was rescued and so is this rhino beetle."

Starheart:

I can't belive that that "slave" of Stripedneck isn't really a slave!! I could think of a million things to ask her, but Stripedneck came and took her away. I need to find more about that slave of his. I'll ask one of the scuttle-horn Red Herrings.

Later that day
There is a Dynastinae rhino beetle that went missing a day ago. I have a feeling that that rhino beetle that went missing is the "slave" that Stripedneck has. I also found out that the rhino beetle, T-15, that Stripedneck supposedly has, there was a delay in the processes. I think that the Beetlestealer has given herself up for T-15! We'll just have to see if any more rhino beetles get stolen to test my theory.

Arrianonna:

This seems to be less of a mess than I thought it would be. Sina learns very, very quickly, and has an amazing eye for color, since she worked as a house slave. She has totally rearranged the shop (which does make it a lot better), and is badgering me about teaching her how to actually craft the jewelry. But the odd looks I've gotten from people about rescuing her are mounting. Presently she is sleeping on my bed, and I have a pile of squished up pillows and blankets, which originally she had been setting up for herself. That one went into the category of "not on your life", and she knows that. Several people have come in, partially because the rich pronghorn woman spread word of my place around to her friends, and partly to goggle at the apprentice I've acquired. But there is one thing that is becoming worrying. I've heard an uncommonly large amount of fresh rumors about the beetlestealer, and how she might be coming to get Sina, or X-47, next. I don't know much about the beetlestealer, but I do know that I don't want Sina taken to somewhere I don't know about. I know it seems overprotective, but I feel like I'm the only one she has. I will NOT let her get hurt.

((Gwenlover24942, is the thing in your last post about me? because I totally didn't see that. I'll deal with that in my next post, but I have a rhino beetle to keep from getting stolen or kidnapped, so I might not be wandering around. And I would have a bag, I wouldn't be holding a naked spear in my hands. Not that I have a problem with it, I'm just saying.))

((I understand that, but I just didn't understand how your character's selling things works so I just guessed a bit. Its very unaccurate.))

((sorry. Basically, Its a big marketplace sort of thing, but they are all tents. I could make house calls, but it would be unlikely. What would be more likely to happen is that the people would come and buy what they wanted there, in person. If you have ever been to the renaissance festival, its like that.))

Starheart:

I'm fairly certain that that "slave" of Stripeneck's is the missing Dynastinae rhino beetle. Then that would mean that her name is Vyjallen. Then what about the real T-15? I think that i'll ask Vyjallen about T-15 and where it is right now. I head over to the pronghorn nation to spy on Stipeneck and Vyjallen. I spot Stripeneck's dug-out and it looks like he is there. I peer in without Stipeneck spotting me and see Vyjallen cooking. Stripeneck doesn't appear to be around. I slip in and Vyjallen turnes around and says,
"W-What are you doing here!"
"I'm here to ask you a few questions. Where is T-15? What have you done with her?"
"I-I don't know where she is."
"How can you not know where she is! If you don't know where she is, how are you here instead of her?!?"
"Well, I saved her, but then I left. I don't know where she is now..."
"I have another question for you. Are you the Beetlestealer?"
"No. T-15's the first slave I've helped. I have no idea whose been stealing those other slaves."
Suddenly I hear a loud voice say,
"Who are you!?! Leave T-15 alone!"
I turn around. It's Stripedneck!!! I dash out and run as far as I can. I hide in the bushes and look for Stripeneck. I don't see him. I'm safe. I climb out of the bushes and start on my way home. Suddenly, someone grabs me! I try to get away, but he was too strong.
"Why were you speaking with my slave! Leave her alone you slimy herring!"
He threw me down on the ground and started jogging back to the pronghorn nation. I HAVE to find out more about this Beetlestealer.

I am working for Stripeneck, or "Master" now. He isn't working me so hard yet, I am only cooking. Yesterday a Herring came by. She knew about T-15 and that I wasn't her. She asked me all kinds of questions. I didn't know what to do so I just told the truth.
The Herring seems to be harmless, though she asked me all kinds of weird questions about the "Beetlestealer".
"T-15!" I hear a voice call. It's Stripedneck. "Yes?" I answer back. "Master?" It's hard getting used to the slave life. "I need you to run a message for me to the grand palace. Tell them it's from Stripedneck if they say they're to busy." He hands me a sealed envelope. "Don't read it," he warns. "I won't," I promise. "well, hurry up then!" he shouts. I scurry out the door. It's really tempting to red it, but I don't want to get into trouble. It's a long way to the grand palace on my legs. Rhino beetles aren't made for long distance travel. I'm sure the Pronghorns have no trouble. Knowing them, it's probably designed this way so slaves can't talk to each other easily. When I finally reach what is probably the grand palace, there is a large crowd around it. Wanting to see what is going on, I slowly weave through the crowd. I accidentally brush one of my wings against a pronghorn woman. She looks like one of the richest, due to her horn jewelry. "Ah!" she screams. "Watch where you're going, filth!" Oh boy. Slowly the crowd backs up around me until I am the center of the crowd. I can here murmurs starting. Oh boy, again. I hate being stared at. Slowly a large looking male pushes his way through the crowd. "Well well well," he drawls. "What do we have here?" I stammer,"I-I'm Stripedneck's slave! I have a message for the grand leader." I hold up the piece of paper. "Sorry to disappiont you, filth." He says sarcastically. "But I'm busy. So are the rest of the council." Remembering Stripedneck's instructions, I interject: "It's from STRIPEDNECK!" The council bursts out laughing. "Oh yes," the leader says, chuckling. "The great and powerful! Rrrrrrriiiight. Haha! You must be T-15!" Hmm. Obviously I have much to learn about Stripedneck's position in society.
It is afternoon when I find Stripedneck's dug-out again. Remembering how picky he is, I remove my shoes and enter through the slave entrance. "Oh T-15!" he calls. "What did the leader say?" I watch my words, trying to come across as respectful. "He says he is very busy right now with a last minute decision." I made up that last part. Obviously. No pronghorn would tell any slave that much information. "Did you tell them it was from Stripedneck?" "Yes," I respond in a very neutral voice. "He said it was crucial to decide on this now, he will take your message later." He didn't tell me that, either. "Well, ok," Stripedneck responds. "Go to your quarters. You will try again in the morning.
I have a long day of walking ahead of me tomorrow. Exhausted from today's trek, I am asleep before I hit the floor.

((gwenlover24942, can you please post? I sort of backed myself into a corner with the storyline and i can't do anything until you do something.))

Zoozoo-um
I am ready to go see this X-47. She seems to be in good condition, so I won't be needing to take her to Zhucran unless the fox loner willingly gives her to me to take care of. It's part of my code, I need permission from slave holder to take the slave unless they are abusive and unwilling to give away the slave. I walk over to a stall with various weapons and jewelry. Might as well go get some things from the stall. I visit the stall to but some new weapons and jewelry for my sister. I see the fox loner. Well, I knew she was the owner of this stall, but is the slave here? I'll ask her.

Arianonna

I hear footsteps coming into my tent, and I tell Sina to stay put. I walk into the store, and see a rich-looking peacock wandering around looking at the weapons. I go over to her, and say "can I help you?" she looks startled, and then smiles. "Yes, actually. I was looking for a present for my sister. Do you have any necklaces?" I nod, and go into the back room, where Sina has just finished twisting several wires of gold, silver, and a special, rainbow metal called niobium* into a braid, and bring it out. The peacock gasps, then says "who made this?" I yell "Sina!" into the back room, and she comes running out. The peacock looks at me, then at the necklace, then at Sina, then at me again, and says, "That's the other thing I wanted to ask you about. I had heard that you had recently acquired a rhinoceros beetle, and I was wondering if you were interested in letting me take her to a safe place, where she could not be taken back into slavery." I bristle, and say "No. Please leave. If you would like to buy the necklace, feel free, but I will NOT entertain the idea of putting my apprentice in any danger. Goodbye." The peacock looks startled, as those last few words came out as a bark, but she pays and leaves. she also leaves a card with her name, that says "Chom-ah-um-ome-zoozoo-do-tu, Grand Commander of the Peacock Army".

*actually a real metal, used in jewelry.

It's ok. I'm not mad about her not allowing me to have the rhino beetle. She seems to be in good hands. I am ready to go to Stripedneck and get the beetle. I put a hand on a sword in case there is an issue. I am prepared to meet Stripedneck, with necklaces on my neck. I look overly fancy and concerned with my appearance. How can my sister be like this all the time? I am fighting tiredness (is that a word??) I may not be fit to fight, but I am going to try.

Stripedneck:
((This is in real time with Gwen's post.))

"No," he said, standing his ground. "My slave is nothing but. If you want a slave, you'll have to buy one of your own. And T-15 is not for sale." He crossed his arms. "Now I suggest you get out." Stripedneck expects her to look taken aback, but instead, in one smooth motion, drew a sword and held it to his neck. Stripedneck's mind raced. If he gave in, he'll never be able to live it down. Losing to a peacock! He coul'd imagine anything worse. "Do we have an issue?" the peacock asked, confidence audible in her voice. Stripedneck has no more time for thought. Almost as a reflex, he twisted and backfliped away from the knife. He felt a sharp pain where the knife grazed his neck. "Yes," he growled, reaching for a knife. Blood mingled with the matted fur on his neck. "We do."

Vyjallen:

Vyjallen's mind raced. She heard Stripedneck fighting on the porch and knew that this was an opportunity to escape, the only one that would come in a long time, probably. She didn't know where she'd go. Not back to the Dynastinae. Would she have to be a loner? She shuddered at the thought. She knew that hybrids who wad no control over themselves often lurked there, waiting to attack and eat unfortunate loners. "No," she decided. "My only hope lies with that Peacock." Quick as a Herring, she slipped into the empty tunnel she had made while waiting for Stripedneck to give her orders.

This pronghorn is proving to be difficult. A rhino beetle is motioning towards me and she is definitely trying to tell me something. As I turn back around, Stripedneck lunges towards me with a cooking knife. It seems he doesn't own an actual fighting knife. I try hovering over Stripedneck to throw a spear, I hit the side of his face, leaving a scar that definitely will stay with him for a long time. He won't be affected by that. I can't fly any longer, peacocks aren't meant for too much flying. I'm so tired, too much travelling is taking a toll on my ability to fight this battle. I may have to retreat. I will formulate a plan as soon as I can.

I awake with a start. The sun is just rising, it is time for me to get up. The Jenetzu are meeting soon. If I'm late I will be punished. I stretch out and stand up. I feel hot and dusty, I'll swim to the meeting. I quickly put on a white tank-top made of peacock feathers (ridiculously expensive) and cotton pants that are easy to move in. The white shirt looks good with my complexion and bronze-colored scales. I'm ready to go. I hop into the water and swim to our usual meeting place which was once a herring shrine before the Jenetzu under command of the LEADER took it from them. I climb out of the water and get to the shrine just as the meeting starts. Janala smiles and nods at me. I nod back and head over to her. Janala is my best friend. She and I are as close as crocodiles get. We've known each other for years. I see a few more late-comers come in just before the meeting starts. I sigh in relief. Technically, none of us are late. Marqun, the gang's leader stands up. "You may be wondering why I have called you here today" he says in a commanding voice. The great thing about Marqun is he always sounds confident. With him around it's hard to question anything. "The truth is that we are being watched by the Herrings and Peacocks. The Beetlestealer has been seen in Pronghorn territory. For those of you who have slaves keep them close and keep them safe. Moving on. The LEADER has seen fit to have all the leaders of the gangs and a few of their most trusted warriors to meet together to devise a strategy to catch spies and thieves." He spoke the word LEADER with a slight sneer. I personally don't see the point of the LEADER. We hardly pay attention to him. My drifting mind goes back to Marqun. "I will tell you my officers at HIGH NOON tomorrow." he says. Instantly we begin murmuring. Crocodiles aren't spiritual, but the closest things to religious times are DAWN, HIGH NOON, and TWIGHLIGHT. Marqun dismisses us and Janala and I leave. I already hear some of the other gators wondering who he'll choose, and some of the girls are giggling and pushing each other around. I am confused by this behavior. What could cause them to act in such a silly way? It does not take long for me to find out. Janala and I are passing the group when they catch our arms and pull us in. I immediately feel awkward because I do not generally associate with these girls. However, I am not rude and I stay. The girls are talking about who is going to be picked like everyone else, but they are also looking for signs in who he picks. For some odd reason they are talking about lhovios, or boyfriends. One of them, Malana says "Whoever he picks will not only be a trusted officer, but may reveal who he likes!!!" I suppress a groan. Not this talk again! Sure Marqun is good looking with longish-dark hair, coal-black eyes, and a muscular body, but why did so many girls sigh over him? It just didn't make sense. Janala and I look at each other and slip away. We dive into the water, and swim home, laughing our heads of the whole way.

It's almost HIGH NOON. Deep down inside I hope I am picked. For the honor of course. If I'm picked then I will be respected. Currently, though I'm good, I'm not as good as Marqun. I'm also nothing compared to Calionna or Lianne. Besides, who's to say he'll even pick a girl? What about Diaason or Michael. They are both REALLY good. I sigh. There is no way I'm getting picked. It hurts to think that I can't and won't be picked, more than I expected it to, but who cares? Just then Janala shows up, and we both head over together. When we reach the shrine we still have 1/2 hour before HIGH NOON. Janala and I are sitting around and talking when I feel eyes on the back of my neck. I turn around, but nobody's looking at me except absently. It must have been my imagination. Soon Marqun stands up and says "Now I will announce my officers." He speaks quietly, but that doesn't matter. It is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. "My first officer is Michael, my second is Rashonn." There is a moment of confusion. Someone says "But Rashonn is ill and can't leave bed." Marqun starts.
"Yes, I believe you're right." he says absentmindedly, trying to figure out who else he should take. After about a minute of silence, Marqun says, "well then, I will take Acaralea." He then nods and leaves. Everyone's eyes are on me. I am so shocked I can't think straight. Finally a grab Janala and she and I hop I the river and swim away in complete silence.