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<div> <font size="2">Here is part 2 which didnt seem to go thru</font><br>
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<div style="font-family:arial,helvetica;font-size:10pt;color:black">-----Original Message-----<br>
From: cokane8116@aol.com<br>
To: tsa-talk@lists.integral.org <tsa-talk@lists.integral.org>; mkguild-owner@lists.integral.org <mkguild-owner@lists.integral.org>; furry-lit@lists.integral.org <furry-lit@lists.integral.org>; pgeusz@icloud.com <pgeusz@icloud.com><br>
Sent: Tue, Jan 12, 2021 10:18 pm<br>
Subject: Hunting For The Ice Age Part 2<br>
<br>
<div id="yiv0318670060">
<div style="color:black;font:10pt arial;">
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The forest was quiet as they trudged through
the snow. The path had been cleared recently so the going was easy.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>He looked around and all he saw was a
primeval forest that stretched off in all directions. “Where are we? We still
on earth?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">The lioness paused
for a moment. “Sort of. This is the earth of 10,000 years ago. It is actually a
pocket dimension.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“So we’re in another dimension?” Jonathan
asked. “Amazing. What exactly IS a pocket dimension? How big is it?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“A pocket dimension is a small reality,” she
explained. “A complete universe with all it’s own laws of physics.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“No one is quite sure how large it is,” The
lion responded.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“It can’t be smaller than my first
apartment,” Jonathan quipped.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“How?” the man asked and paused. “I mean.
How does someone create their own personal reality?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The lioness gave an almost human shrug. “We
have no clue. We have several physicists here studying just that question.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>After what had only be a few minutes but in
this cold and with all the gear it felt like hours; a building loomed up in
front of them.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The building that came into view looked to
be an old hunting lodge with walls of worked stone and thick timber beams and
columns. The roof was of large wooden shingles. It looked to be capable of
withstanding the worst blizzard. They quickly went inside and the sudden warmth
was a great relief.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Electric lights lit the interior showing an
odd mix of old and new technology. Wood furniture was arraigned in front of a large
stone fireplace. On a wall next to it was a large TV screen showing the world
news. It hung over a stone fireplace in which burned a good-sized log fire.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>A wooden desk held a top-of-the-line
computer. Seated in front of it was a large Dire wolf who was working the mouse
with her right, front paw.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Two leopards lay stretched out on one couch
and a smilodon occupied another. All were watching the news on TV. Another
smilodon was curled up in a chair that was far too small for her. Yet she
seemed comfortable and sound asleep. With all four legs sticking up in the air.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>A wolf and a cave lion were sitting at a
card table and playing some sort of board game.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Another leopard lay on her back in front of
the fire reading a book. The book itself was floating in the air at eye level.
Held there by powers unseen.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“People!” The lion announced loudly. “Our
guests have arrived.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Be nice as they are recording this all for
their TV show,” the lioness added.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The group stirred and a half ton of fur
covered predators came at them.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>She pointed to one of the leopards. This
feline had several mystical symbols dyed into her fur. “This is Dr. Helle
Livandi our resident expert on the mystical arts. She has come to us from
Estonia.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Tere tulemast. Meeldiv tutvuda,” the
leopardess bowed. “Greetings. I’m pleased to meet you,” she said in a voice
with just a hint of an accent.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Mystical arts means you are a mage?”
Jonathan asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The leopard nodded. “A bit of a crude title.
I prefer faunalogist as I specialize is animal magic.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“She didn’t need to change when she
arrived,” another leopard added in a male voice. “She arrived already a
feline.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“This is my natural form,” Helle explained.
“I was born a leopard in a previous life.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The lioness pointed to the male leopard. “This
is Robert Hawkins.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="text-decoration:none;"> </span></span></u></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Samantha pointed to two smilodons that were
coming into the room. “The two long tooths are Dr Justine Lebas, one of our
veterinarians. And Dr Aseem Hadad is here to see what the animals whose bones
he’s been excavating for twenty years looks like in the flesh.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Jonathan extended his hand in an almost
reflex motion. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The sabertooth looked at the hand for a
moment.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m sorry. How do felines greet each other.
I know wolves and dogs sniff each other’s tails,” Jonathan commented. “And that
is out.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>That got a round of laughter and growls he
hoped was laughter.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Aseem extended his right front leg and
Jonathan shook it carefully. He got a good look at the paw and found that it
was actually a hand; complete with fingers and a thumb.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Sabā il kẖayr,” the sabertooth said.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Sabā in noor,” Jonathan answered, giving
the appropriate response.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Aseem’s ears perked up. “You know Arabic?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I was on the dig at Gebel el-Silsila for 3
seasons.” The man explained.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s great,” the smilodon responded
cheerfully. “I was there for seven seasons.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I noticed that you don’t have a paw. You
have a hand down to an opposable thumb.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Aseem held up his left leg and waved his
fingers and thumb about. “A complete set on both.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“A compromise Geimhreadh agreed to,” Justine
explained. “For somethings you really need a thumb.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“This is Dr Julio Rodriguez from NOAA,” the
lion explained and pointed to a man standing nearby.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the man said
and shook Jacks hand. “I hope it’s not too cold for you here.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I’ll admit it was shock just how cold it is
here,” Jonathan responded.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s why I am here. To study the extremes
of the weather,” the scientist explained. “My specialty is cold weather.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>"Is it fun being a meteorologist
here?"</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>"The study of the weather is
fascinating. The forecasting, not so much." The Doctor admitted.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>"Oh?" The TV show host asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>"There's only so many ways I can say
that we're gonna have snow,” Julio laughed.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Have you discovered anything exciting so
far?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Well. So far I’ve discovered fifteen new
types of snow,” the meteorologist answered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We’ve got you all a room on the first
floor,” the lioness added.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“So what do you think of our little lair?” A
wolf asked. “This used to be the HQ for the old lab but we reworked it to
something more comfortable.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Jonathan laughed. “Looks like the Ponderosa
from Bonanza. All we need is Lorne Greene and Michael Landon.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The lion and lioness gave a cough that was
hopefully a laugh.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Did you think we’re living in caves?” The
leopard joked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Well,” Jonathan said slowly.<span style=""> </span>“The reports does make it sound like that.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We haven’t given up all of civilization,”
she said. “Just certain parts.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We have all the essentials; food, water,
shelter and high speed wifi,” the wolf joked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>A dozen humans joined the group.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“And here is the two-legged portion of our
group.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Introductions were quickly made and Jonathan
was soon overwhelmed with names and affiliations.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“This is Professor Debra Andrews from
Hostra.”<br style="">
<br style="">
</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“This is Amanda Berkstein from the
University of Stuttgart.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Francois Utrand.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“From <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://bdeb.academia.edu/">Collége
Bois-de-Boulogne</a>.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“From Brookhaven National Labs. She’s trying
to figure out where we are.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Carnegie Mellon University, dept of
physics.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Also trying to figure out where we truly
are.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>He quickly lost track of who was who.
Thankfully Fred was there dutifully taking notes. Later he would fill Jonathan
in.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Do you really run tours?” Jonathan asked.
“You’re website mentioned day tours and hotel accommodations.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes,” the leopard responded. “We have the
day trippers who come over just for the day. They get a tour and then time for
petting and feeding some of the animals.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“And of course, the obligatory picture
taking,” the leopardess answered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“The school trips are really popular,” the
leopard commented. “The kids love all of this.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“They are always fun. Teach them when
they’re young to appreciate nature and help preserve it,” Amanda said.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We also have guests who stay from a week to
a month,” the lioness explained.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“What type of people come and stay?” The
host asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Mostly scientists coming to study and
tourists who want a really different vacation. We do have a sociologist who is studying
the tourists. But we also have hunters who come to experience an old-fashioned
hunt,” the lion said. “Like a real hunter.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Jonathan shook his head. “Sounds a little
too hard core for me.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The leopard nodded her head. “It’s only for
a few people.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><br>
</span></div>
<div class="yiv0318670060MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><br>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>