When two worlds met

"Wow! take a whif of the air, someone announced from behind as the captain Maguire and the research team emerged through the open door of shuttle on to the planet's surface. It felt good just to walk into the light of day for the first time in a long while. The natural warmth of the sun on their skins felt heavenly. It was a pure bliss coming after a lengthy period of confinement to the starship's artificially controlled climate.

They all took deep breaths enjoying the crispy fresh air.

"Yes it feels different, fresher as though there is some special quality to it", captain Maguire commented in agreement with the observation without turning around to see where the remark had come from.

"Of course it will be different. Imagine the world billions of years ago before the advent of modern man and industrialisation with the setting up of factories that belch toxins into the atmosphere. The quality of the air on this Earth will be cleaner than what we are used to back on our world", explained captain Lucinda walking beside captain Maguire.

"Plus look all around you, we are surrounded by forest in a every direction", added captain Lucinda. "It's a natural ecosystem producing breathable fresh atmosphere in perfect quantities".

"Ok", said captain Maguire, "Before we split up to engage in our various research assignments remember to observe laid down safety protocols. That includes keeping a safe distance from the distance from the dinosaurs", advised captain Maguire as the research team prepared to disperse into the forest. "We don't want to spook them or they will break into a stampede". In

"Keep in sight of each other and make sure you are within communicator range", that's all", he concluded and the researcher went of to their various assignments. Testing air quality, taking soil samples while others took samples of the vegetation.

"There is nothing to worry about." captain Lucinda assured him, Dinosaurs, just like other animals will be at their most peaceful at watering holes. Their brains are too small to allow them to multi-task. They are not capable of being aggressive while focussing on drinking water. You can safely walk right up to them", 

"I hope you are right "said captain Maguire. "Still it's better to be safe than sorry".

"Which brings me to another issue", said captain Lucinda uncomfortably.

"What is it?", asked captain Maguire.

"I will need your assistance with something".

"What will you spit it out already?", said captain Maguire.

"I need you to help me acquire a water sample".

"What you want me to go down there with you?", captain Maguire asked in disbelief pointing at the river bank, where the dinosaurs were ranged around it drinking peacefully.

"If we can sneak in between the two dinosaurs with the long necks, those are herbivores by the way. They eat leaves from trees, we should be able to draw the water sample we need without any trouble. As long as we don't make any sudden movements that might scare off", said captain Lucinda.

"So the worst that happen is they 'll run away?", asked captain Maguire just to reassure himself.

"Yes", captain Lucinda confirmed.

"I believe I can handle that", said captain Maguire.

Kitt bag strapped over one shoulder, captain Lucinda led the way. 

Coming upon the dinosaurs drinking peacefully, the most they got in the way of any attention were a couple of furtive glances. Otherwise the dinosaurs seemed uninterested.

Opening the Kitt bag, she took out a test tube."Captain if you can draw of sample of water for me, it will make the work faster ", she requested holding out the test, "I need to get another sample", she explained.

Taking the proffered test tube, captain Maguire walked over to the edge of the river and lowered the test tube into water. He was straightening up to go back to captain Lucinda with the water sample, when pandemonium broke out. There was wild flailing and stampeding with animals charging. 

"Everyone to the shuttle now!!", captain Maguire shouted into his hand held communicator as he was racing away from the river.

"Captain, this is the shuttle pilot I have been forced to take off to get out the way of a herd of charging dinosaurs".

The column of young men, ran through the forest in the fading light of the setting sun, nimbly leaping over undergrowth and thick protruding roots. They hardly made a sound, save for the bristling of the grass marking their passage.

As they passed close to the river something grabbed Pando's attention. They were many dinosaur spoor, indicating movement of many animals as though they had been spooked by something. Pando raised a hand bringing the entire column to a stop and crouched low. 

The other warriors taking their cue from his stance also crouched low, keeping a sharp look out in all directions. The commander of the warriors came up to Pando as he engaged in discussion with Vasri and Blad. "Tracker why have we stopped", the commander demanded directing the question at all Pando .

"Something very strange took place during the day. Something disturbed and they fled into the forest. Normally they come to the river during the day to drink, then go return to their herds preferred habitats for the night. Leaving the forest safe to pass through", said Pando.

"Maybe they just went home early, what has that to do with us?", asked the commander failing to get the sense in what Pando was saying.

"You don't understand commander, we have only seen signs of animals entering the forest", Pando stressed speaking with a sense of urgency. There are no signs indicating that those same animals left this part of the forest. I 'm trying to tell you commander that some of those animals which happen to be dangerous carnivores are out there waiting in this portion of the forest", explained Pando.

"So are you suggesting, that we return to fire mountain without completing the mission?", asked the commander.

"If we do that, we are all dead men. Carnivores can sense fear. If we try to run from them now, they will smell the fear in the and attack", said Pando.

"What do we do then", the commander asked.

We'charge, hopefully the dinosaurs will take it as a show of dominance and run away", boldly declared Pando.