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Post by thundertail on Jan 21, 2009 20:45:30 GMT -5
TWENTY-NINE:
The full night's sleep in the original featherbed in the room that Will Dennison once slept in did not brighten Richard Dennison's mood since the outrage in the Waterfall City courthouse yesterday. In fact, it only made matters worse for him as he contemplated his fate sitting in the padded wingback chair in the drawing room of the Arthur Dennison house at the peak of Steep Street in Waterfall City; for it set in stone the fact of his house arrest, evident in the saurian guard marching by the unshuttered window in the wall beside the book case by this rooms' fireplace. The creature saw him looking his way, and posed menacingly with his spear for a second before continuing his court-appointed duties, just to make Richard know who was in control!
He sighed and went back to thumbing through the book he had pulled off the shelf. Arthur Dennison had amassed a fairly extensive library in his day, and there was a small handful of Archaeology related text that he had to hunt for as he was trying to pass the time; and he figured he should familiarise himself with the subject in case his worst fears came to pass in the trial that was certainly coming his way. This one focused on the changes in dialect over the millennia with the many Hadrosaurian tongues, and the differences in text they used during the span of thier eventual enlightenment. Try as he might he could not concentrate on what was written there; and sighed once more, remembering the trial and humiliating aftermath.
The guards had led him out of the courthouse, shoving him forward if he lagged even by the slightest bit. He was led to a low caged cart and told to crawl in, then the Ankylosaur puller took him through the streets of waterfall City, a humiliating trip as many of the citizens saw him in there splayed on his belly, staring at his demise. When the cart arrived at the Arthur Dennison house, the guards escorted him up the steps and into the house; and no less than eight of them were to guard outside the premisis, one to guard each door and the rest to patrol around all four quadrants of the exterior. The house would be closed to the public until the trial was over, and the curator Adelade the Pachycephalosaur would be his 'host' once again. She groused the whole time as she prepared everything for his visit, scolding him repeatedly that he should have never run off - and what he was going to get served him right!
The meals she served were delicious and her hospitality was unsurpassed never the less, but this still did nothing to brighten his spirits. Maybe he shouldn't have run off, like she said; but he knew that being an Archaeologist was not a profession he would have liked, and knew at the time he had to go and try to make it on his own. So far he had had no other visits besides the guards, who checked in every hour or so - even in the middle of the night - to see if he was still there; but thier routine was already growing old, and Richard wished they would stop already! That was why he looked toward the door with disgust as there was a knock there, and Adelade rushed from the kitchen to get it as he was not allowed to answer it; but nearly rushed out of his chair when he saw who was there, not knowing whether his visitor was good news for him or bad.
"Mister Dennison...!", said Elizabeth Reynolds, matriarch of Dinotopia. "And how are we feeling today?..."
"Been better...", said he. "What are you doing here?... Or should I guess?"
"As soon as I found out where they took you, I came as soon as I could.", she told him. "I must say, you sure keep up with your family name!..."
"Yeah,... it runs in the family...", Richard slumped.
"Your Partner was really upset about what happened to you.", elizabeth said. "He tried everything he could to get help for you."
"Tell him I appreciate it...", Richard said.
"Why don't you tell him yourself?...", Elizabeth stepped aside so Richard could look out the door - right into the frilled face of Flatbottom!
"Buddy!... You came through for me!...", Richard stepped forward, but a guard stepped into the doorway and blocked the way. "Um,... I can't leave..."
"Guard, could he come see his Partner?", Elizabeth requested meekly.
"I'm too big to go in there.", Flatbottom explained. "Maybe as a hatchling..."
"I just want to see him.", Richard told the crested guard. "I promise I won't run away."
After a moment, amid all thier innocent looks, the guard bellowed to his comrades; and they all formed a perimeter around the front of the house, leaving plenty of room for the reunion. Then the guard nodded a bit and smiled in a saurian way, and this was the signal for Richard to step outside. Flatbottom took in Richard's nosehorn hug greedily, and they were like that for many long moments; before Richard finally let go to reguard his friend and partner.
"So buddy.", he coughed. "What did you come up with to spring me?"
"Well, when I left the courthouse, I didn't have a clue.", Flatbottom told him. "Then I got the idea to send a Postal Bird to Baz and get help that way. I got lost in the city, and then by sheer luck I met up with miss Elana."
"She thought that I would be of some help, so they went looking for me.", Elizabeth added. "I helped them by making up a list of things they would need to provide evidence for you. Then I had Skybax pilot Dennison go to Baz to help co-ordinate the effort."
"And I've been her guest ever since!", Flatbottom told him. "She went and hired me a guide...", he saw the little Compsagnathus clinging to the back of his frill. "I got the best food I ever ate!... I even slept in a real comfy saurian nestbed just my size!"
"Have you been spoiling my partner?...", Richard jokingly accused the matriarch. "I'll never live that down!"
"It's good to see you've kept your sense of humor...", Elizabeth smiled. "I just hope it sees you through to the trial."
"It's hanging by a thread as it is...", Richard told her. "But seeing that you guys are on my side, it should do nicely!..."
As Richard finished reuniting with Flatbottom, Elizabeth Reynolds informed Richard that she knew his whereabouts all along, and bade Francine Rivers to keep track of him for her. When he asked why, she told him that everyone has the right to choose what they wish to do, even ones new to these shores; and from what she saw of all his efforts, he was fitting in here nicely, and she was very proud of him.
He asked why the mayor was so adamant about holding him there, and she told him that it was a promise he had made to Hphestus the chief Archaeologist many years ago; where he vowed to provide a person worthy to take his place as the old Pachycephalosaur was very ancient, and with Richard's grasp of saurian dialects as well as his quickness to learn, would be more than a mere mediocre replacement. As thier time together started to wear down, Elizabeth had Flatbottom and his guide take thier leave to his new quarters; and the beast promised to return tomorrow with the rest of thier things, and Elizabeth entered the Arthur Dennison house with Richard.
"So, all you have to do for now is stay here and not cause too much trouble.", she said to him as they sat. "Is there anything else you migfht need to make your stay more comfortable?
"No, I don't think so.", he picked up the tome he had been going through. "There's plenty of things to do here..."
"An Archaeology book?...", Elizabeth observed.
"I wanted to see how it's like.", Richard explained. "What a boring subject!"
"I had a feeling that Archaeology wasn't to your liking.", she told him as she got up. "But it's good you sample it to see if you liked it.", she began to walk to the door. "Depending on the outcome of the trial, you may very well be forced to learn it; but it's best for all to hope for the best.", he followed her to the door. "Good night, Richard Dennison... And good luck..."
The front door of the Arthur Dennison house opened to reveal the greenish eyes of a guard looming by the door, and Elizabeth Reynolds skirted her way around him. Almost as soon as she passed, the guard rushed to close the door rather abruptly, and Richard sighed as he went to slump back into the overstuffed chair... _
There was a lot of work involved for the trio at Baz to obtain enough evidence to help with Richard Dennison's trial, and it took more than a twoday to get it all. The hardest part was to go about and interview every citizen there, for Baz'a population swelled in the hundreds; and they had to spend at least several moments with each of them. They would ask them how they felt about Richard, and inquire if the man has done anything useful for them either recently or in the past. Most of the responses were extremely positive as Richard made it a point to be friendly with everyone, and at least try to do something for everyone he met.
Anna went about and interviewed Beatrice Crocker, and got great reviews on him as he roomed there for a few days and made no trouble, he often lit the ovens for her mornings and even cleaned out her chimney for her once. Francine Rivers interviewed everyone that owned shops down one street, and the fruit vendor, Randall Sommers, said that he helped fix some of his fruitstands when he noticed they were about to collapse. Sidney Mallone interviewed all the bosses and employees of the other shipping companies around town; and proved he was well known and well liked. Francine's hatchery records for him showed his eagerness to be on night shifts, his love for the hatchlings and caring for the unhatched ones, his entertaining of the hatchlings through music, song and story. His record proved that he was becoming an adept healer, and could handle any real emergency when they came up; and he would take charge of the situation if no others had a better plan. The record showed the kindness of he and others rescued that Strutheomimus when they were on a picknick, and because of that act of kindness the family of Struts were eternally in his debt.
With all these things duely noted, many a testimony was penned by the interviewee his or herself, they all met to figure out how they were going to get this evidence to waterfall city. They knew they would have to get there quickly, but saurian land travel was fairly slow at best; and only one species could prove fast enough to serve thier needs. Mister Mallone called in a favor, and summoned a livery company in Doondawdle; where the main office where the Overlanders were housed in the region, the fastest saurian for transportation known. After the Postal Bird relayed the reply from them, thier saurian charges arrived a day later.
In the mean time, Elana Dennison had flown to Azonthas, and got an appointment to see the Northern Plains Transportation Guild quickly once they found out that one of thier 'appointed own' was being held captive; and when they heard what was going on, they immediately held a meeting to figure out what they were going to do. They didn't divulge thier intentions to her, nor did they let her stay for the bulk of thier meeting; but when the meeting got out, thier speaker said he was going to attend Richard's trial. He said they had devised a plan that would certainly make the high council relinquish Richard back to thier custody - or else! Other than that, he wouldn't divulge the particulars of thier plan, but he summoned an Overlander and left Azonthas for Baz before Elana could get to the Skybax areie across town and retrieve Cirrus!
By the time another day or so went by, and everyone converged in Baz, both by land and by air; and once all apropriate introductions were made by all, they prepared to leave for Waterfall City. Christopher Forsythe was to run the hatchery until they returned, and his mother, Anna, was so proud of the young adult. Randall Sommers was asked to take over as leader of Baz for a few days; and he thought it was for his experience, not his long tenure at baz. Mallone had quite a surprise for Costello his Dromeosaur driver when he told him he could be the boss of the shipping company until he returned, and began allowing all sorts of lassitude to take place right away! About this time thier Overlanders arrived, fresh and young and guaranteeing swift transport to Waterfall City. Soon the whole quartet and thier steeds trotted down the road on thier way at long last, and Skybax pilot Elana Dennison shadowed them from the air.
During this time Richard Dennison's incarceration was beginning to get the better of him. He would grow increasingly restless, and soon even visitations from his partner would only hold back the feeling of cabin fever for only a little while. Flatbottom would visit from outside, either meeting in the small courtyard on the leeward side of the near by waterfalls or in the plaza beside the falls proper; and even though these visits were heavilly guarded, Flatbottom never forgot to tell his Partner everything that went on that day while he was in the city. The news Richard really wanted to hear was the progress his other friends were experiencing in getting evidence for his case; but this was information that Flatbottom could not give him, for anything concerning the trial came in rumors and exaggerations. Elizabeth stopped by often to tell him what was going on, but most of this concerned updates about what was going on in court; and very few of the delegates she talked to had any idea of what was to become of Richard. The only thing she could discern was that her husband the mayor was adamant to have Richard Dennison put on trial, and there was no way she could sway his decision.
Then the day came when a quartet of Overlanders trotted over the great stone bridge that connected Waterfall City with the rest of Dinotopia, and thier riders looked this way and that, all but one of them hadn't seen such splendor in all thier lives. The Skybax that was trailing them from above took a detour and swooped over Aqua Stadium to circle and land, and the pilot rushed to locate them, meeting up with them nearly an hour later at the central paddocks. With Elana Dennison as thier guide, Anna Forsythe, Francine Rivers, Sidney Mallone and Sulimon Bajabas found thier way to the mayor's summer home; where they found an elated Flatbottom, who greeted all the familiar faces like an excited puppy! After his joy died down, he showed them in and asked if he could send for refreshments; and then the matriarch came into thier midst and gave them all a few moments of introduction. Then matriarch Elizabeth Reynolds, Flatbottom and Elana Dennison led them all directly to the Arthur Dennison house. Elana Dennison Knocked on the door, and Adelade the Pachycephalosaur curator answered it a few moments later.
"Yes, who is it?", Adelade barked, then recognition hit. "Oh!... My matriarch!... And miss Dennison!... And Flatbottom, you toad!", she squinted beyond them. "I don't belive I recognise the rest..."
"May I introduce Francine Rivers, leader of Baz...", Flatbottom introduced smugly. " This is Anna Forsythe, who works out of the hatchery at Baz; and this is my boss, Sidney Mallone. This is Sulimon Bajabas, speaker for the Northern Plains Transportation Guild..."
"These are the people that are going to help Richard.", Elizabeth told her. "Can we come in?"
"By all means!", Adelade scrambled aside to allow room. "I'll go get Richard...", she scurried off.
All six humans slowly filed inside and made themselves at home, marveling at all the antique furnishings and artifacts of the famous Arthur Dennison of over a century ago. Outside the ever present guards relaxed thier stances somewhat and went back to thier rounds, two of which hovered around flatbottom, peering inside to make sure everything was all right. Thier close proximity to him made the Triceratops a little antsey, for he was to stay outside with them as his size was too large to squeeze through the doorway. He looked at them both in turn and spoke.
"Don't worry, guys...", he said. "Nobody's going to break him out or anything!... You can be about your business...", the pair huffed and continued thier guarding around opposite corners of the building.
Adelade returned to the group in the drawing room many moments later, and Richard was a few paces behind her; but quickly sprung into the room when he saw who his visitors were. Adelade simply shrugged and returned to her work in the kitchen, suddenly realising that she might have to prepare refreshments for them all. Before anybody could speak, Richard leapt over and grasped Anna Forsythe in a kissing embrace, rushing to shake Sidney Mallone's hand a few moments later. At each greeting, Richard babbled that he was glad to see them in many custom ways; tears welling in most cases. A heartfelt hand grasp was for Francine Rivers, and a polite handshake nearly rattled the frame of Sulimon Bajabas; then a polite kiss for Elana Dennison and Elizabeth Reynolds ended the slightly emotional reunion. Once done, Richard ended up at Anna's side; waiting for the news they had no doubt come all this way to give him.
"There's no doubt you know why we're here.", began Francine. "We have amassed what we think will be enough evidence to expunge you of the charges the court has set against you."
"Yeah, mister Dennison.", Mallone said. "Nobody arrests MY employees and gets away with it!... Besides, when I heard you were part of the Dennison clan, I felt honor bound to help..."
"Well, I'm just a regular guy, like before...", Richard turned to Anna. "And what are you doing here? Who's taking care of your children?"
"Dear, what makes you think I would turn my back on a man like you in your hour of need?...", she squeezed his hand. "One mistake I made with my first husband was I wasn't there when he needed me the most. I won't make that mistake again!... And don't worry about my little ones. They are well taken care of!", she gave him a peck on the cheek.
"And don't worry about anything those beaurocrats have charged you, either.", Sulimon told him. "You are part of the Northern Plains Transportation Guild now, and we take care of our own."
"Well, thank you all for coming and helping out.", Richard said, humbled. "I never thought I'd have friends like you in a place like this!"
"And now, I think it's time you show mister Dennison the evidence you have gathered.", matriarch Elizabeth Reynolds cut in. "Knowing the court and thier procedures, I'm afraid that time is short..."
"Yes, and for me, I have brought copies of all the correspondence I had sent to the matriarch since the day you arrived.", said Francine. "They should coincide nicely with the matriarch's records of the incident.", she flipped through sheets in her satchel. "I have also brought the hatchery records of everything you have done there, and accounts of the persons you have helped there."
"I brung all the books you helped organized.", Mallone contributed, showing his valise that was full too. "Also accounts of the other guys in the company, and they all gave you great praise! I also went to the other shipping companies in town, and got the testimonies of all the bosses and thier workers."
"We went all through town, and got testimonies from as many of the townspeople we could.", Anna said. "You are sure well liked there!", she showed him reams of pages. "Not a bad opinion in the lot!"
"With these testimonies as well as our own - including Flatbottom, we think we can safely sketch out your character for them.", Francine told him. "Your official record is also one of great merit, and that would further establish your character."
"And with all your company related activities catalogued and notorized, we will all but assuredly show that you truely belong with us.", Sulimon Bajabas told him. "Besides, we have come up with a plan that will certainly guarantee your release."
"What is it?", asked Richard.
"It is best not to tell anyone until the trial.", Sulimon smiled, fastening his valise quickly. "But once revealed, it will certainly change thier minds about keeping you!"
"Well, I guess that what ever it is, it will be known when it is known.", the matriarch said. "And now I think it's best to go over the details and particulars of the trial. We must co-ordinate any defense, and coroborate all stories into a cohesive whole..."
They all got to work organizing the things they were going to say, and the order in which thier evidence would be presented. A few minutes into this Adelade returned carrying a tray with mugs of Jinka tea, and passed these out before leaving the room once again; and this time she returned with another tray of pasteries and other hors-derves suitable for them all, and she even went outside to tend to Flatbottom and as many of the guards that wished refreshment. For many hours they discussed the perameters of Richard's case, working out all the details and trying to anticipate what questions the council might want to ask.
Not long after that conversation turned to the everyday subjects all people usually turn to sooner or later, and it was suggested by the matriarch that she help them all find quarters for thier stay there. As one the whole group soon decided to take the matriarch up on her offer of rooms, and all but Richard, Adelade and the guards reluctantly walked down the street and was lost to the night... _____
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Post by thundertail on Feb 12, 2009 20:41:49 GMT -5
THIRTY:
The crisp morning air was laced with the moisture from the falls next to the Arthur Dennison house as Richard was escorted to the caged cart by the guards, he being as complacent as possible as he knew his trial was nigh. Nothing much happened in the few days it took to schedule the trial, save for his many visits with his friends; and word wasn't received of it until last evening, almost at the time he decided to turn in for the night. Being a prisoner like he was, he had no idea that the court had sent word far and wide to as many people that knew him and that could come; and many persons he hadn't seen since landing on Dinotopia were now in Waterfall City, ready to give thier testimony on his behalf - whether it be good or bad! Either way, both the court and those ascociated with the trial to come gave no indication what was going to be revealed, nor who was going to do the revealing. Richard grunted in bored supplication as he was forcefully helped into the cramped cage, and rolled to a more comfortable position as the Chasmosaur driven cart began the humiliating journey through the streets of Waterfall City to the courthouse.
Since Richard's departure from Irenic, Annmarie Groigan, the town's leader, had heard very little from the two Dolphinbacks that stayed with them while they recovered from thier shipwreck injuries; and she hoped they fared well all this time, but when she had gotten word summoning her to waterfall City for a trial of one of them, she had wondered what terrible trouble they had gotten themselves into! Her trip to town was uneventful, and her quarters for the night was luxurious and too extravegant for her tastes, but Waterfall City was kn own for its' unsurpassed hospitality. The day of the trial came, and she was sent for by a Postal Bird; thusly she arrived in her best garments and waited in a lower gallery in her town's booth for the trial to commence.
Stacy Taylor had been busy at Turtletail Point, learning from her master all the ways of beachcombing and shore management; Learning the ways of the sea and the dolphin with her partner Lucky, a smiling and affectionate dolphin whose pod she was studying. The last thing she would have guessed was her invitation to waterfall City to be witness to a trial for a criminal, and to have that criminal being Richard Dennison, whom she had been shipwrecked with! Who would have guessed that someone meek and mild like him would go so far as to offend these wonderful people; but she guessed that where newcomers were concerned, anything could happen. She was already fully acclimated to Dinotopia, and fit in well with her friends back 'home'; but she wondered what had gotten into Richard for him to do such a thing. Stacy Taylor shrugged and finished getting ready foir the trial, sitting to put on her newly bought sharkskin boots.
Irwin Hanson and Shelly Iguanodon, leaders of Bent Root, kept thier ears to the ground when it came to the goings-about of Richard Dennison; and they followed his progress as well as the occasional scuttlebut they gathered allowed; so they knew about Richard Dennison's progress, and everything he did in Baz. They knew he intended no ill will to folks, and wanted to testify on his behalf; and jumped at the chance when the invitation came thier way, and traveled the less than halfday trip to waterfall City. Though they didn't voice it among themselves, both Irwin and Shelly worried over Richard's fate; for as far as both of them are concerned, Richard Dennison was innocent of any offense. They met outside Irwin's hotel and made thier way to the courthouse side by side.
When Elizabeth Reynolds secretly sent the Postal Bird to Rasputain the Dromeosaur, who was clear down in Asperlane near the Blackfish Tavern; he had to wait a full hour for the poor bird to recover from his day-long flight in order to get the information! So, they had captured Richard Dennison, hey! The poor Dolphinback must be beside himself! Rasputain lost no time in venturing back toward Waterfall City, where he would no doubt be held; and if he knew that jackal the mayor correctly, he would no doubt trump up the charges! Rasputain slunk into Waterfall City by night, made his way to the Bross residence, a distant cousin whom didn't like him very much, and waited for the day of the trial. He would surely give the court a piece of his mind concerning Richard - of that there was a certainty!
Many of the people that Richard had encountered had shown up for his trial, but he never knew this until the trial commenced. Marion holmes the Brach bus driver heard of it during a layover at Waterfall City, and was personally invited to attend by the matriarch herself. Adelade the curator of the Arthur Dennison house, hurriedly got ready, donning her silver dome-hat; and made her way out the door as soon as the prison cart rolled away. Of course, all the teachers that had a hand in Richard's education were bidden toi attend, and the head of education would be in attendance too; sothe Protoceratops Poota and Toopie, Adam the Microraptor, Amy Tucker and Rivers the Triceratops headmaster prepared in thier own ways and congregated together as soon as they converged at the courthouse. Even Finn the human sewer worker was bidden to attend, for it was his information that allowed Richard to escape.
When Paul Grimes was bidden leave to go to Waterfall City for the trial of Richard Dennison, he couldn't fathom why; but his newly acquired sense of Dinotopian ethics made him feel it was his duty to give his account. He felt he owed it to the man to give a good account, for after all he was the one who nearly knifed Richard! When word arrived at Volcaneum that that nice cart driver who helped them when they were disposessed was being put on trial, Addy and Elmo Meredic wasted no time in replying and getting transportation to Waterfall City; for a kind word might just be enough to turn the trick, poor darling! Even Selma and Dulock, the family of Strutheomimus that Richaerd had helped by taking her to the hatchery to recover from laying eggs were contacted; and they literally dropped what they were doing, had some relatives look after thier children ansd rushed to Waterfall City to help thier friend. The most unlikely pair of witnesses that were summoned was Commander J.B. and Mouth, two of the former pirates Richard had offewred the treaty to; and even though thier former reputation was still stronger than thier latter, they still swaggered through Waterfall City like they owned the place!
Still, many more citizens were bidden to attend, and many more were showing up just to witness the event; and by the time the trial was to commence, the courtyard out front was nearly mobbed with every type of person and looker-on; and many saurian guards was at wits end trying to control the crowd. When Richard's prison cart finally entered the area, he was met with a fine mixture of cheering and booing from all around; which only intensifyed as he was let out and forcibly escorted up the steps and into the courthouse, and immediately brought forth to the defendant's box near the front of the currently empty courtroom.
Many moments went by, Richard waiting as nervous tension filled his body despite his efforts to stay calm; and the whole courtroom began to fill with people of all species, saurian delegates and officials first filing into thier booths along the upper tier followed by throngs of lesser officials and guests taking thier seats on the main floor. At first the nearly silent people just sat or murmured quietly to themselves as they found thier seats, but soon the sea of noise rose to that of waves crashing on the shore; culminating to that of nearly shouting decibels, the higher ranking delegates vainly trying to hush the rest. Richard saw the familiar faces of all his friends enter and take thier seperate spots mingled throughout the seating: Elana was there, and so was Flatbottom and his friends from Baz. Others he either recognized flat out or some he vaguely recognized, whose faces stood out in the crowd, and Richard thought they must of summoned everyone he had met since coming here! At long last the matriarch came in; and instead of sitting in a place of importance, came and sat at his side; for she was to defend Richard in the trial, and he simply thought he was to defend himself!
"No worries, Richard.", Elizabeth Reynolds said in a whisper. "I think we have everything 'All sewn up'!... If my terminology is correct..."
Richard merely nodded as the whole courtroom was suddenly swept to silence; and the reason became clear as the personage of Edward Reynolds, speaker of the Dinotopian council and mayor of waterfall City, stepped up to the ship's bow podium above them and rapped the gavel. Richard's attention, along with everyone else in the room, swung thier attentions to the man up there; and the mayor cleared his throat with a flourish before speaking.
"Ladies and gentilebeings of the court of Dinotopia...!", the mayor began. "We are brought here together today to decide the fate of one Richard Dennison, brought to our shores by chance and disreguarded our laws by choice.", he paused while the gasps from the crowd subsided. "Richard Dennison, you are charged with disobedience to court decree, escaping from said decree and breaking many laws set down by the high council since the beginning of civilization here. The list includes insighting an uprising of the pirates, introducing ways foriegn to Dinotopia, fighting and too many others to list here.", he leaned over to glare at him. "How do you plead?..."
"Not guilty!...", Elizabeth rose and said for him.
"I was not asking you!", the mayor snapped. "I'm sure mister Dennison has a voice oif his own...", chuckles from the court, and his silencing eye. "Your plea...?"
"Not guilty, like she said...", Richard did not rise. "If seeking ones' own destiny is a crime, then I am; but it is not, so I'm innocent."
"Well said!", whispered Elizabeth.
"We shall see...", said the mayor. "But still, you have broken nearly every law in Dinotopia. Ones that has kept the peace for millennia. This will not stand, and you must make attonement for them!", the mayor consulted some papers before continuing, and the crowd spoke among themselves in hushed whispers until he was finished. "The court will now produce its' evidence..."
Manford scurried around the podium above, many scrolls and other papers he prepared and handed to the mayor; and each of which the mayor read before placing them before them to be read in a certain order. After he read each one, the mayor glared at Richard; and Richard cringed at every glare, or at least pretended to. The people in the courtroom began to murmur quietly among themselves, each had the question of what was to happen next; and once the mayor was finished, he glared at them as well, and they quickly were silenced to attention.
"We have several accounts of the mayhem caused by the pirates as a result of Richard Dennison's resistence.", began mayor Edward Reynolds. "Many deaths and injuries occured during that time, and countless accounts of destruction and pillaging were repoorted.", he looked down on Richard. "Mister Dennison. Weren't you aware that, if you encounter a pirate, you should do anything they say, and give them anything they want?", he took on a pitying look.
"I remember being informed as such.", replied Richard. "But I did not realise my actions would be reacted to in such a way."
"And what did you do?", the mayor continued.
"I took all the Drachs I had saved up to that point and bought a whole cart load of supplies and provisions.", Richard told the court. "I had hoped that this gesture would appease the pirates, and perhaps they would relent in thier raids."
"Yes, we have the invoice for those supplies.", the mayor presented the paper. "And did they?", the mayor asked.
"Not really, but because of this they let my Partner and I go.", Richard told all. "The thing that eventually dissuaded them from attacking was the treaty I proposed."
"A treaty?", the mayor sounded incredulous. "No pirate would ever do such a thing!"
"It is true!", Elizabeth spoke up. "Here is a copy of the proposal.", she held the paper high. "Let me see...", the mayor said and had Manford hurry down and retrieve the document, quickly bringing it up to him. "This is a very well-penned document. And you wrote it?... But I still can't believe the pirates accepted it!..."
"We did, your honor.", said a man who stood, and Richard could see it was J.B. the leader of the pirates who attacked him, and sitting next to him was Mouth! "See, at first we thought it wouldn't work; but we were getting sick o' being pirates like that."
"Excuse me sir, but you are out of place!...", Edward rapped the gavel. "Who are you, sir?"
"J.B., sir....", J.B. smiled. "Commodore J.B., if you please. I am currently a ferry boat captain, formerly a pirate."
"A what?...", the mayor balked.
"It is true, your honor.", Richard spoke. "He and his band ambushed us, and we got away."
"Yes, sir.", J.B. agreed. "The scalliwag threw fruit at us, an' it got so bad we just gave up."
"But why did you do the other things you did?", the mayor asked.
"We was mad, your honor. We had to take it out some how!...", J.B. thumbed his chin. "But it was mostly to draw the scalliwag out. We wanted to take him on personally."
"And when he gave you that cart, you had second thoughts.", guessed the mayor.
"No! We were going to take him prisoner. Hold him for ransom, you know!", J.B. said. "But that treaty got us ta' thinkin', and we were getting tired of that life and all...", he smiled as Mouth rose to take his hand. "An' well, changes happen in life!"
"So, this was only for your band of pirates?", asked the mayor.
"N-n-no sir.", Mouth said. "W-we told m-many of the others. They eventually t-t-tried it too." "Most of the other pirate gangs now share the treaty.", J.B. said. "I heard the only ones not interested in it is the band run by Torres LaSage, and mebbe a few more down south."
Amid the cheering in the courtroom at this news, Elizabeth Reynolds spoke up. "So you see, ladies and gentilebeings. The bad actions of Richard Dennison made an important impact on the integrity of Dinotopia.", she raised her voice. "He has brought peace between the caravans and the pirates!"
Defeated on that point, mayor Edward Reynolds looked at the paperwork before him for as long as the cheering continued, then looked up and spoke. "There is also the matter of the fight you have gotten into at the Trilobite Shipping company with mister Paul Grimes...", another glare. "How do you plead?"
"Your honor, the fight was not instigated by me.", Richard stood and said. "I was merely up in my quarters, and mister Grimes attacked me."
"How?", the mayor asked.
"Well, first he started deriding me for all the hard work I was doing and all the changes I was making around the shipping company.", said Richard. "Then he began saying that I was trying to upstage him, and blamed me for nearly everything bad that happened in his life.", he winced at the memory. "And then he suddenly sprung at me, broke my Zither I was playing and attacked me with a knife!"
"And you defended yourself?", the mayor stated. "Fighting is against civilized society!"
"I wanted to live.", Richard said simply. "The only thing I could find to defend myself was a pillow.", this brought chuckles. "I fended off his blows just long enough for the others to intervene."
"And what did they do?", Edward asked.
"I was told to leave the loft, so I can't say exactly.", Richard told everyone. "But he was forcfully led down and a guard arrested him. I heard he was immediately fired, and I had to testify against him in the town court."
"Your honor. I am Francine Rivers. Leader of Baz.", said she, and was allowed to continue. "Paul Grimes had been causing a lot of trouble in Baz and other neighboring towns of late. His temper and proclavity toward violence made him very dangerous and unwanted there. This incodent with Richard was simply the last chance we were willing to give him.", she looked at Richard supportively. "We found him guilty, and sentanced him to attend the Rehabilitation Enclave at Sauropolis for councilling and instruction."
"Mister paul Grimes has since been rehabilitated, and is in this court right now.", the mayor said. "Mister Grimes. Would you please rise and give your account of ther incident?"
"Yes, your honor.", Paul did so, his new appearance was nothing like what Richard remembered! "Well, basically everything that mister Dennison and miss Rivers said was true. I had a tough life up to that point, and thought everyone was out to get me, or make me look bad. What I failed to consider that everything that happened was actually MY fault, and not the fault of everyone around me...", he paused to clear an emotional throat. "Back then the only way I knew on how to solve my problems was of violence; but now I know that it's reason, not violence, that can solve my problems...", he turned to Richard. "Oh please, mister Dennison! Can you ever forgive me?"
"Well, since you learned your lesson, and so did I, I guess I can forgive you...", Richard told him. "Maybe in time we can even be friends!"
"I would like that.", said Paul Grimes. "By the way. What lesson did YOU learn?"
"I learned that I am lousey at knife fights!", Richard said innocently, but the whole room erupted in polite chuckles anyway, led by Paul.
"Well, so long as everyone learned thier lesson,", the matriarch said after the laughter died down. "I would say that this matter is closed as well!"
"Very well...", the mayor said, barely audible, then louder after the gavel fell once more. "The defense may produce thier evidence at this time."
The courtroom, seeing a change in tactics from the mayor, thought he would call a recess; but since this was not the case, murmured among themselves for many moments. Elizabeth Reynolds took this time to arrange her papers on the defense desk, and looked up at everyone in the courtroom when she was finished. As soon as she completely thought of what she was going to say, the matriarch of Dinotopia began her speech.
"Ladies and gentilebeings of the court of Waterfall City.", Elizabeth began. "This man stands accused of escaping court's decision and setting out for a life of his own. This, in itself is not a crime; as many of you have made preparations and made for yourselves a home here on Dinotopia, all without any interference by the court. What sets this man apart from us all is the fact that he is a newcomer here; and it was felt by the court to guide him in making his stand on Dinotopia. This man is not a little child, nor does he need to be led throughout life; for he is an adult, and adults have the right to choose any profession they seek, and to do the things that best suit them throughout life."
"Though this man is a Dolphinback, a term that is little used today, he is a man of dynamic stature and one of reputable name on these shores.", Elizabeth went on. "His namesakes have done a lot for us here on Dinotopia, and this man shows potential do do similar feats. His forte' does not seem to be one of exploration or discovery; but one of business and the smaller things so vital to life and a healthy society.", she looked over the crowd, who was listening intently. "I move that Richard Dennison should NOT be assigned as an apprentice Archaeologist; but be assigned to the life he has discovered on his own!", she waited for the crowds' voiced opinions to quell, muted cheers with a slight miuxture of negative gestures, before continuing. "I call a miss Francine Rivers to give her testimony..."
Francine Rivers stood, was recognised by the court and began. "When Richard came to us at Baz, he seemed like just any other person, new in town and looking for work. He had seemed to be quite handy fixing things, and rescourceful enough to be a help to the Trilobite Shipping company, even though all of them were out of town on delivery runs. His conduct at the hatchery proved he would be a promising hatchery worker as well.", she looked at the matriarch, who nodded. "Being the leader of Baz, I was privy to information about Richard, courtesy of Elizabeth Reynolds. I knew all about Richard Dennison, and had been told to keep an eye on him; and was assigned to help him adjust to living there if necesary. In my opinion, the matriarch needed not worry about Richard making the adjustment, for he has turned out to be a fine Dinotopian indeed!"
"You actually knew about him?", the mayor asked.
"I knew that, when Richard escaped from Waterfall City, his destiny did not lie along the edicts of the court.", Elizabeth said. "Thusly, I had employed many persons to help him adjust on his own."
"Who else?", the mayor asked. "How many persons were in on this conspiracy?"
"To start, I had contacted an old friend of mine.", Elizabeth said. "His name is Rasputain, a Troodont of dubious reputation, but with a noble heart... Are you here by any chance, Rasputain?"
"That I am, my matriarch!", stood the Troodont in question, his appearance was just like Richard remembered! "And it seemed to me that mister Dennison needed a lot of help, for he could not even start a decent campfire!... In my time with him, though, I taught him all he would need to make it on his own; and related to him many Dinotopian legends, of which I trusted he would use the wisdom they imparted.", he looked toward Richard and winked. "I would say that, in the fortnight of time I had been with him, he showed tremendous potential!"
"Thank you for your account, mister Rasputain.", the mayor said. "Are there any more?"
"Elana Dennison knew of Richard's identity since the very beginning, but I chose not to employ her thysly until near the end." Elizabeth said. "She wanted to help her cousin."
"And how did you help, pilot Dennison?", asked the mayor, and the Skybax pilot stood and saluted before speaking.
"Your honor. I have known about Richard Dennison's identity since he was first found near Irenic, a fact discovered by the uncanny resemblance he has with my father.", began Elana. "Since then I have been doing what I could to help, as my duty allowed, of course!... I had no idea of the matriarch's plan for Richard, and only knew about it several months ago; of which I was instructed to make it look like I had been working on my own to help him, and not divulge to him that he was being monitored."
"To what end?", the mayor asked.
"I did not want his whereabouts found, and I didn't want his actions to give his whereabouts away.", said the matriarch. "I suppose the reason why he was finally apprehended was his actions were getting to big to escape notice. Is that so, Richard?"
"It was not my intention to be caught, it is true.", Richard said. "But I have been living here all this time with the threat of capture always looming there in the distance.", he scratched his chin. "I guess that, subcinciousely, I was growing tired of always looking over my shoulder; and now that I am finally caught, it's kind of a relief..."
"And what of now?", the mayor asked him.
"I guess what ever happens will happen...", Richard shrugged.
"Now, may I direct the court to miss Rivers once again?", Elizabeth requested. "Would you please continue your report?", Francine nodded.
"Now, his records at the hatchery are as follows:", Francine went on to list all the times he had shifts in the hatchery, any medical and hatching experiences he either witnessed or played a part in; and the many emergency cases he had been involved in. This list included the time when he had found the young Strutheomimus in the meadow while on a picknick who had just given birth, and the way he, Anna Forsythe and her children helped get her and her eggs back to the hatchery; and included the follow up of his getting word to the father and taking care of the family in the mean time, a fact confirmed by Selma and Dulock standing and telling the court they were eternally grateful. The report went on to tell of the many times he had entertained the hatchlings with song, story and playing his Zither for them; including observations of his unconditional love for them all. The report even included his participation in one Triceratops hatching, and the fact that he was bestowed with the honor of naming the tyke Nellie. "And to conclude the report with my own comment, Richard Dennison has adjusted to one of the best citizens I have ever seen; and it would be a crime to seperate him from the life he has worked so hard to achieve."
"Thank you, miss Rivers.", said the matriarch. "Now Richard's interests was not confined to just the hatchery. His expertise in the outside world consisted mainly in the business world, and this talent he has translated into an expertise in the shipping industry of Dinotopia.", she turned to Sidney Mallone. "His boss at the Trilobite Shipping company would have a better insight in this matter than any one of us; so, if you would give your account, mister Mallone?..."
"Yes, ma'am...", Sidney got up and was recognised by the court. "You see your honor, when I first met Richard, he angered me at first for messing up my records! In truth he merely attempted to organise them, and make them easier to find things I needed once I learned his system. I am not a very smart man, your honor; and he tutored me in math and other business skills so I can run my business a lot smoother.", he squinted down at his notes. "He made other improvements in other areas of my business, too. One thing was he had my crew dress better and treat the customers better. Another thing was he had refurbished all our carts so they were painted the same, my symbol on each one of them so everyone would know it was the Trilobite Shipping company.", he looked up. "He helped all my workers in problems they had, especially Flatbottom; and made many other iomprovements that the other shipping companies all over the Northern Plains soon copied. He was never late for work, did all the work he was assigned to and made great efforts in all aspects of his job; and if the rest of my crew put in half the effort he did, I would be a very happy man!"
"Mister Mallone. What was your take on the incident between him and Paul Grimes?", asked the mayor.
"Well, one of my workers, Costello, rushed into my office and told me there was a fight going on in the loft.", Mallone said. "I rushed over, gathered the rest of the drivers and grabbed Grimes by the neck. I restrained him and told Richard to get out of there, then I gave Grimes the tongue-lashing he deserved. Pinney ran to get a saurian guard, and we helped him gather his things; then we took him down and gave him to the guard."
"You look like a strong man.", Edward said. "Would you say that you used an inordinate amount of force to restrain mister Grimes?"
"I admit I was mad at him. He had been causing lots of trouble, you see.", Mallone said. "I would say that I used no less force than was needed to make him stop."
"Edward!...", Elizabeth scolded. "We are here to decide the fate of Richard Dennison, not to convict another for an act of intervention!..."
"You're right. Mister Malloone was only trying to maintain peace...", stated the mayor. "You may continue."
"Would miss Anna Forsythe please stand and give her account?", Elizabeth requested and Anna rose. "She also posesses accounts of many of the citizens of Baz, whom wished to make thier opinions known to the court."
"Please proceed, miss...", Edward allowed.
"Thank you.", Anna Forsythe said after she was recognised by the court. "I will first begin by reciting the accounts of the citizens of Baz...", Anna spent nearly a half hour telling the court all the words of praise the citizens of Baz had for Richard, not leaving out the good things he had done for Mrs. Crockers bakery and Randall Sommer's fruitstand. She also mentioned the good wishes the remainder of the hundreds of people there had for him, and thier hope that he would soon return to them; then she looked up from her papers, eyes bleary.
"Richard Dennison is the sweetest and funniest man I ever knew.", Anna continued. "His way with the hatchlings are most endearing, and I admire him for all the skills he has shown at the hatchery.", she became somber. "Let me tell you a story about my life. My first husband was a Skybax pilot, brave and strong; and posessing many of the traits that Richard has. He was brave to the point of recklessness, but I found my calling at the hatchery; and we were never near each other while on duty. One day he got a dangerous mission in the Rainy Basin, and was killed guarding a caravan; but I never knew this for a whole fortnight!... I know that if I was with him more often, I could have convinced him not to be so reckless; and he would have been alive today."
"How terrible!", Edward commented.
"He left me with three children to take care of.", Anna continued near to tears. "I have been so busy with them and my duties that I almost blame him for it all!... I almost hate him!", she sniffed. "Richard Dennison is the best man I've found in all this time, and it is my intention to marry him some day.", this was news to Richard! "My big mistake with my first husband was I was never there when he needed me... I WILL NOT make the same mistake twice!", she looked directly at Richard as she made her way toward him, standing right in front of him. "Therefore, where ever the court decides to send you, I will go too...", she bent and kissed him.
"But Anna!... Your kids!... Your commission at the hatchery!...", stammered Richard as they pulled away from the kiss.
"I would gladly give up my commission to be by your side.", Anna smiled defiantly. "I will relocate my children, and give up everything I have for you."
"Are you sure?", Francine Rivers asked. "You are my best hatchery worker...", she was stifled by Anna's defiant stare.
"Well!... It seems you have met an inseperable friend!", commented the mayor. "This might change things... Are there any more witnesses?"
"I now call Flatbottom Triceratops to give his account.", Elizabeth said, nodding at her husband's consent.
"Hello your honor, esteemed delegates...", Flatbottom said after being recognized, stepping into the center aisle. "Um,... when I first met Richard, I was a real grump - not like I am now!", this brought chuckles. "I blamed my former Partner for all the woes I had suffered in life, and Richard seemed easy to talk to about it. We talked and got to know each other; and after Paul Grimes was kicked out, I was without a driver. Richard was soon assigned to me, and we worked well as a team. He would bring his Zithar and sing songs all along the roads!... He discovered that us dinos pull faster when we hear music, and save a lot of time to make more deliveries. When mister Mallone heard, he had all the drivers take up an instrument; and now every company in the Northern Plains does it!..."
When little remark was made to that, Flatbottom continued. "As I said, I had a tough life; and one thing I got from it was a bad back, lumbago I think. Richard knew just what to do, and gives me back rubs that take the pain and stiffness away.", he thought. "We became such good friends that we became Partners, even though I was leary after my last Partner; but he proved to me that he is the best friend an old, crusty threehorn like me could ever have - or deserves!...", he looked fondly at Richard. "And another thing. Like what miss Anna said, where ever the court decides to send Richard, I will go too!..."
"You can't do that, buddy!", Richard told him. "They were planning to send me to Carnask. That's deep in the Great Desert!..."
"So what!?", Flatbottom said. "You have been through a lot for me, so the least I can do is brave the searing heat for you!...", Richard was humbled to silence.
"And now you have two inseperable friends!", mayor Edawrd Reynolds said. "This is all well and good, but it still doesn't clarify judgement in your favor. I now call a recess for an hour as it is getting close to Midmeal", he tapped the gavel and continued. "There has been a buffet prepared in the foyer for those who hasn't made other arrangements."
Slowly the delegates, defendants and spectators filed out of the courtroom, murmuring about what they had heard so far; and none of them would openly voice thier opinions of the outcome of the trial of Richard Dennison. Finally, the last one that was allowed to leave was escorted by guards to the foyer; and they barely left Richard Dennison's side the whole time the recess was held...
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Post by thundertail on Feb 14, 2009 15:17:32 GMT -5
THIRTY-ONE: The buffet tables in the reception area of the courthouse of Waterfall City was a lavish sight indeed for Richard Dennison and everyone not naturally residents of the city, for folks of the outlying towns rarely had fare of this kind. Richard mingled with the people there, his guard rarely getting two paces away from him the whole time; taking this or that delecacy as he passed the golden plattered tables, and offering his guard to help himself as well. Elana Dennison was waiting for him near the rest of his group, and all of them were discussing the success of the trial so far; and each had thier opinions of how it was going, which was highly hopeful for the most part. Anna grabbed him in an embarassing hug when it was her turn to be with him, and squelched any comment about her announcement to marry him with a kiss and a hushing gesture. Nearly as soon as the people finished sampling the buffet fare and light conversation wafted through the chamber, Manford made the announcement at the court chamber doors that the trial was about to recommence in a few moments; and that was everyones' cue to begin to head back to thier spots in the court chamber. Within moments everybody was back inside, and moments after that the whispered conversations of all the people settling back in was silenced by the mayor's gavel rapping.
"Now, let us continue.", the mayor said at last. "Elizabeth, do you have any other persons that wish to make thier comments?"
"I have one more witness to Richard's demeanor and talents. His name is Sulimon Bajabas, speaker for the Northern Plains Transportation guild... If you would, sir?"
"Thank you, one and all.", Sulimon said after he was recognised by the court. "Richard Dennison's achievements with transportation had reached our council's ears ever since he made the business changes for the Trilobite Shipping company, for such monumental changes in business practices that spread throughout the other shipping companies in our realm were just what was needed; and the perpetrator of those changes had been deemed well worth keeping an eye on.", Sulimon consulted his notes. "Whan we heard he had defied the pirates, we were quite upset; for that was a direct violation of the procedures we had set up to insure safety when dealing with them. We almost knew what would happen next, for pirates by nature are very vindictive. What we hadn't forseen was the way he had made ammends with them, and the resulting treaty he had proposed; and never dreamed that the pirates would accept the treaty."
"A man like that had to be recruited for the Transportation Guild, for one that could negotiate a thing that we had been striving for without luck for so long was a great asset indeed." speaker Bajabas looked at the mayor. "So we made arrangements with mister Mallone and had him schedule a trip to Azonthas presumably for cargo; then we summoned him to be interviewed by our council. He was summarilly recruited as an agent of ours, as the medallions around the necks of his Partner and he proclaim.", Richard displayed his, and Flatbottom had Anna hold his up to show. "After they studied the pertainent clauses in the Transportation Guild charter, we sent them on some missions to investigate certain - shall we say shady? - business operations. In both cases they went under cover and rooted out the sources of the problems, and made arrangements to see those offenses were put to justice under Transportation Guild jurisdiction.", Sulimon looked directly at the mayor. "These two are too valuable to us to let go without protest, so the Northern Plains Transportation Guild has written a pettition to all the other Guild sectors as well as the Dinotopian Transportation guild, proposing steps of retaliation if Richard Dennison is not returned to the Northern Plains."
"And what are those, if I may ask?", mayor Reynolds didn't like the look in the speaker's eye!
"If Richard Dennison is not returned to us, we have pettitioned a boycot of any and all transportation Guild services to Waterfall City.", mister Bajabas consulted his notes. "This includes any and all shipments of supplies, provisions and other cargo. Also included any livery services we may provide: no taxi service and no bus services in or out.", he looked at the mayor. "If we do not get him back, Waterfall City will soon be paralyzed!"
"You can't do that!...", the mayor wailed. "Think of all the people!... Thousands will suffer!..."
"Are you sure you have the right?", Elizabeth asked.
"It is stated so in the Transportation Guild charter...", commented Sulimon.
"Now wait!...", Richard stood. "Isn't there some other kind of way?...", he thought a minute. "Oh, yes there is!... Flatbottom. Remember in the charter an agent's power when encountering hostile takeovers?"
"Yes I do!", said the beast. "It gives the agent power equal or higher than a council speaker when judging things."
"Yes, and the speaker's proposal would be null and void if the agent in question were not an agent, am I not right?...", Richard said, reguarding his amulet. "Therefore I, Richard Dennison, agent for the Northern Plains Transportation Guild, hereby resign from the office of agent for the Northern Plains Transportation Guild...", he took the medallion off and it clattered onto the table before him. Anna helped Flatbottom take off his and she laid it on the floor. "Now you can not put that into effect because we are not officially agents any more!..."
"Richard!... This could have gotten you freed!", Sulimon said.
"It is best that I be freed with justice.", Richard told him. "It is not right to use those 'strong arm' tactics, and you know it.", with that the court erupted in appreciative applause.
"So you see, distinguished members of the court?", the matriarch said triumphantly. "Richard Dennison's only wish is to do what is best for everyone. If not he could have allowed the speakers tactics to happen, but his heart is for the people, not himself."
"That may be all well and good...", mayor Reynolds stated after silencing the cheering with his gavel. "But the records still stand that Richard Dennison broke the rules and ran away from a direct court order."
Edward, my husband.", Elizabeth replied. "Why, by the Council of Reason, is it so important that Richard become an Archaeologist?... Please! We would all appreciate the truth."
"Oh, very well...", the mayor flustered. "The truth be known, about ten years ago the carnivores rose up and spread terror to the towns surrounding the Rainy Basin. Villagers were being killed and thier posessions were destroyed. It was decreed that every able-bodied person that passed Skybax training be employed to quell this uprising.", he looked pleadingly. "I was so concerned with this that I forgot those who wished ackedemic training. I neglected apprenticeships to the Archaeological Guild, the Teaching Guild and the Entertainment Guild; and had them all enlist in the Skybax.", he shook his head. "All this time I have been trying to make up for this oversight by reccommending certain people by court order to join these institutions. The promise I made to professor Hphestus of the Archaeological Guild was the hardest to fill, for special skills had to be sought after. I thought that, in Richard Dennison's case, my promise had been fulfilled!..."
"Then don't you think you should have consulted ME first?...", said a crackly voice from down in back.
"Excuse me, sir...", Edward said. "Who are you?..."
"Come on, Edward, old friend!...", the creature got up painfully and with great effort, ancient features betraying great age. "I'm your friend, old Hphestus...!"
"You came?...", the mayor stated.
"Of course!...", the old Pachycephalosaur slowly hobbled out into the aisle, heavily dependant on a twisted and gnarly cane. "You sent me the invite, didn't you?...", he grunted as he slowly but with purpose began to stagger to the podium. He grunted many times in his age.
"Goodness!... They're making walking tougher and tougher!...", Hphestus cackled as he went. "You know, Edward. I been watching you through this trial, and you're running it like a carnival! (Grunt.) You let these people bolster the defendant, (gasp.) and yet you disreguard all the good that they prove he has done!"
"I'm doing it so you can have a good apprentice.", Edward said. "And don't you think it's time I interview him myself?", Hphestus finally arrived, and he adjusted his embriodered felt shawl back onto his shoulders. His black enameled dome had a crown of horns surrounding it, and each one had alternating sapphire and ruby implants on thier tips. "You think a withered old toad like me can't judge his own apprentice candidates myself, eh?...", he looked at Richard with a scowl.
"Stand up, boy. And come here!", the ancient Pachy barked sharply, and Richard scrambled over to comply. "Let me look at you...", he peered to the left and right of Richard, then motioned that he spin slowly in place, stopping him at the second revolution. "Ok, stop and sit back down!... You're making me dizzy!...", no one dared laugh at Hphestus' demeanor!
"See? A perfect specimen!", Edward displayed.
"I'll be the judge of that!", said Hphestus. "Now, boy...", the Pachy shambled to the table slowly as he talked. "What is your education? What have you learned, besides what has already been revealed at this trial?..."
"Your honor...", Elizabeth cut in. "He has done admirably in all aspects of Dinotopian teaching. He has mastered the Footprint language, and can speak standard Saurian perfectly. He has also been known to speak many of the other saurian dialects, and can read a few of the other Footprint forms. He has gained wisdom since being here, and follows the Codes of Dinotopia closely..."
"Not that!... Any buffoon can learn that!", Hphestus retorted. "I mean special skills."
"Maybe I can help.", Richard said. "I can learn to speak any language very quickly."
"That so?", Hphestus eyed him with rhumey eyes.
"Yes.", said Richard. "One time, in the outside world, I was required to make a business presentation in Japan. I had to learn to speak and read thier language well enough to make the presentation to our Japaneese counterparts. In less than two weeks I had learned enough to pull it off, and that made a most profitable business deal.", Richard spied an oriental looking lady in the audience, and got her attention with a wave. "Kannichi-wa, Okasan...", he said what he hoped was 'hello, ma'am.' from the little Japaneese he could remember. The lady bowed but did not reply, for she had obviousely been on Dinotopia for too many generations to know her native language.
"Impressive...", Hphestus considered. "Have you, by any chance, read anything on the subject of Archaeology?"
"No, not in my formal Dinotopian training.", Richard told him. "But during my interrment at the Arthur Dennison house pending my trial, I had a chance to thumb through some of his books. A few of them involved Archaeology... I think one involved the deciphering of some type of runes, and the other had to to with the development of the Hadrosaurian language over the eons."
"I see...", Hphestus said. "And how did you like them? What was your impression of them?"
"Well sir,...", Richard began, not sure of what was expected of him. "I'm sure they were both very useful to the study of Archaeology, but I found them rather boring!"
"Ah, ha!... You see?... He found them boring!", Hphestus swung to look at Edward Reynolds. "He doesn't like Archaeology!"
"He can be trained, sir.", Edward replied. "He can be placed in the finest scientific schools on Dinotopia..."
"That's not what I mean!", Hphestus shot back. "He has no interest in Archaeology. He would make a mediocre apprentice at best because his heart and soul would is not in it.", he struggled to turn to the delegates above. "See, to be great at anything one does, one must love what one does. Mister Dennison does not love Archaeology, so he would be a poor Archaeologist."
"The reason why I was a great Archaeologist in my day was I loved the work.", Hphestus continued. "I was willing to give my life for the pursuit of ancient knowledge, and spent many decades out in the field; braving the searing deserts, the deepest caves and the frigid cold to discover things of long ago.", he turned to Richard. "I don't think mister Dennison would want to go through all that. Am I right?..."
"I could think of better things to do.", Richard agreed.
"You bet you would!", Hphestus winked. "And later on, when I grew too old to be out in the field, I worked co-ordinating digs and organizing what had already been found.", he turned to face the crowd. "Yes, I admit that nothing groundshaking had been discovered in my tenure, but there is one thing about lost artifacts... Know what that is, mister Dennison?", he turned suddenly to him, and Richard shook his head no.
"Those artifacts aren't going ANYWHERE!", Hphestus said triumphantly. "They will always be hidden where they are, waiting for someone to find them; perhaps by explorers and Archaeologists of future generations... The apprentices I have now are able enough, but some are blithering idiots!"
"That was why I made great effort to find you someone worthy...", said the mayor.
"Well you did your best...", Hphestus looked at Richard. "But I'm sorry. I really can't use Richard Dennison.", then saw the mayor's dismay. "I appreciate the effort, my friend. Don't get me wrong!... And you did such a good job that I forgive you for your actions of decades past, and I humbly expunge you of your pledge to find me candidates. If it is all well and good with you, I have plenty of apprentices to last the rest of my life, thank you very much..."
Hphestus turned slowly and plyed his gnarled cane on the polished marble floor, slowly and with great effort shambling back to his seat. Everyone watched his progress in silence, mulling over everything he had just said. The mayor stood there at the podium above it all woodenly, weighing the fact of his forgiven obligation; and Richard sat at the defense desk with Elizabeth, still waiting for his judgement to be passed. Hphestus was half way to his seat when his thoughts returned from concentrating on mobility to the event at hand, then turned and addressed the mayor once more.
"Oh, by the way...", said he. "I think you better let poor Richard get back to the life he loves the most, if I were you!..."
By the time Hphestus got back to his seat, the saurian delegates had finished with thier quiet consultation between themselves; and the Hadrosaurian delegate there honked to get the mayor's attention. "Yes, I know!", the mayor replied.
"By the power vested in me by the high council and as mayor of Waterfall City...", mayor Edward Reynolds announced. "I proclaim all charges against mister Richard Dennison dropped!...", he tapped the gavel. "Case dismissed!"... _
For the next few seconds, Richard Dennison could not believe the mayor's decision that he was free; but as the people in the court room began to cheer and rise to leave, the noise and confusion around him broke him out of his reverie. More so, the fact that Elizabeth Reynolds grabbing his hand and leaning to kiss him on the cheek animated him to reciprocate and rise himself; seeming to prepare himself for all the rest of his friends storming to the defense table to congratulate him as well! Thier jabbering in unison was indecipherable to him, voicing thier pleasure that he was free was heard as he rounded the table to receive them properly; he shook each ones' hand or clasped them in turn, finally finding his voice sufficient enough to speak.
"I never thought I'd get out of THAT one!", Richard commented as he first took Sulimon's hand, Mallone's hand; and was nearly bowled over by Anna's springing embrace. "All this I have Flatbottom to thank for!... Where are you...?"
"Hey...! You're free!...", Flatbottom nosed his way through as Anna got down. "Now we can go home!"
"Wait a sec, buddy...", he grabbed the beast by the horn and wouldn't let his embrace go. "It's all thanks to you that I'm out of this!... Without you going for help, I'd be out in some desert right now sweating bullets!", still he hung on.
"When my Partner's in trouble, I'd do what ever it takes...", Flatbottom rumbled, trying to return the hug. "Besides, I hate the desert!... Let's get you home..."
Richard Dennison shook the hands of the rest of his group, and accepted congratulary hugs from Francine and Elana; and they as one began to file out of the courtroom behind the thinning crowd of attendees of his trial. Many turned to congratulate him by word or other gesture, slowing thier progress to the exit even more; and then Richard turned to see the mayor of Waterfall City behind them, following them sheepishly. Richard stopped and waited for him.
"Well mayor, I'm glad everything turned out all right with this in the end...", Richard began. "Oh, mister Dennison!...", Edward began. "Can you ever forgive me for putting you through all this?", he grasped both his hands.
"I think so...", Richard smiled impishly. "It seems to me you were reacting to a noble gesture. You were fulfilling a promise as best you could, and I'm glad I could have been a part of it... Too bad Hphestus gave me the 'boot', as we outsiders say!"
"Yes, a shame...", the mayor said. "Who could have guessed that Archaeology didn't interest you ...?", he turned to his other duties.
His arm was grasped, and he turned to see the matriarch staring at him. "Well Richard. How did you like your final lesson?"
"Well, it seemed the hardest to learn, but I think I got it.", Richard Dennison said sullenly as they finally exited the courtroom and crossed the foyer beyond. "Having authority is one thing, for the responsability involved keeps you busy body and soul. That is why it hurts so much when someone breaks that authority.", he looked around and located his comrades. "When I was on duty as an agent for the Guild and saw all the business laws being breached, it hurt me and made me outraged; making me want to do something to stop them. I guess that was what your husband was thinking when I ran away.", he shrugged smilingly. "I don't think you'll be catching me doing THAT again!"
"Well done!", Elizabeth Reynolds, matriarch of Dinotopia said. "You have passed your last lesson, and are a true Dinotopian!", she kissed his cheek. "This is all we have to teach you, my errant Dolphinback. The wisdom it contains will guide you in life... May you find peace and happiness all the days of your life."
She released his hand as he returned to his group, who had congregated across the street waiting for thier Overlanders to arrive. One thing that Richard noticed was that Flatbottom was not with them, and rushed across the cobbles to be among them. After another brief greeting from all, Richard asked them where he could be.
"Oh, Flatbottom went back to the hall of Hadrosaurs and Ceratopsians.", Anna said.
"Had to get his saddle put on.", commented Mallone. "He also left most of his stuff there."
"Where could our Overlanders be?...", Francine looked about.
"So, my ex-star pupil is still here!...", cackled a voice behind the group, and all turned to stare at the withered Pachycephalosaur leaning on a cane. Hphestus chuckled and shuffled among them. "Going home?... What are your plans?"
"Well, I guess it's business as usual for me...", Richard told him. "What about you?"
"The usual... Browse the library, see if there's a decent doctor in town.", Hphestus rubbed a hip. "Take it from me: Never get old enough to get Rhumatism...", he groaned.
"You know, I'm really sorry things didn't work out...", Richard told him. "If things were different, I think we'd make a good team as teacher and pupil..."
Unseen by any in the group, another pachy was weaving her way through the crowd. Adelade had left early from the trial once her part in it was through, and rushed back to the Arthur dennison house; her fears that Richard had left some of his things there proved to be true, and she hurriedly collected them in a small bag and rushed back. Finally locating richard in the crowd, she rushed across the street and made her way to the group; oblivious on who they were talking to, and thinking it was merely another stranger wishing them well.
"Mister Dennison!... Hello!", Adelade called and went to him. "You had left some things..."
"And who is this lovely creature?", Hphestus asked sweetly.
"Oh, thank you, Adelade!...", Richard said, taking the offered bag; then addressed Hphestus's question. "Um, she is Adelade, curator of the Arthur Dennison house. She was my hostess during my time here..." "Do tell!", Hphestus said. "And she performed well?"
"Oh yes!", Adelade said. "I keep house, and run tours when they are scheduled..."
"The Arthur Dennison house is in the historical record.", Hphestus considered. "Yes, it's a historical landmark!...", then remembered his manners. "Um,... I am professor Hphestus, speaker for the Dinotopian Archaeological Guild."
"Not THE professor Hphestus!", Adelade nearly gushed. "I am a member of the Guild, but I am a mere curator..."
"A young lass like you?", chortled Hphestus. "Curators are generally much older."
"You flatter me!", Adelade would have blushed if she could. "I must be off soon... I must prepare for the Summer Opening, beginning in a twoday..."
"Care for a hand?", Hphestus offered sweetly. "It has been a number of generations since I visited the place... Why, I was barely out of the egg when old Arthur was alive!..."
"It would be an honor, sir!...", Adelade said and began leading the way.
"Ooh, child!...", Hphestus struggled. "Please give an old dinosaur a hand!...", the hand not grasping the cane was clutched by Adelade, and they both carefully walked down the street. Hphestus turned to the group once more and noticed thier sheepish looks. "What?... I may be old, but I'm not dead!...", they continued down the street, eventually being lost in the crowd.
Only then was it apropriate to laugh, and laugh they did for many minutes! By this time the excitement of the trial began to wear off for the citizens of the neighborhood reluctantly got down to thier every day business. The crowd thinned and foot traffic bacame more ordered and sedate, and it was at this time that Mallone noticed a Ceratopsian form come lumbering up the street; but he didn't recognise Flatbottom for all his fancy acoutriments, and everyone turned at the sound of his booming voice.
"Hey everyone!... What did I miss?...", asked Flatbottom. "Hi, buddy!...", Richard greeted him with a nosehorn hug. "Not much...", he then related to him what happened with Adelade and Hphestus, and Flatbottom got the humor too!
"OH, buddy!... Know what I'm going to do?...", Richard continued as he absently rubbed a spot behind the great creature's frill, making him writhe slightly in pleasure. "For all you done for me, I'm going to give you a first-class rubdown when I get home..."
"You know,...", Flatbottom said casually. "I really like this town... All the comforts of home, the best food I ever ate, great people... And they got spas all over the place!... There's a shop down the street from where I was staying that gives great back rubs!..."
"What?!...", Richard pulled his hand away. "See that?... I KNEW you'd get spoiled!...", everyine laughed, and Anna gave Richard a hugging kiss.
While this was going on four Overlanders came into the area, and trotted up to the group they were told were waiting for them. The group noticed the quartet, and prepared to get ready to mount them. All of a sudden Flatbottom saw, and got Anna's attention.
"Miss Anna?", he said. "Since you and Richard are going to be married soon, would you like a ride home with me?...", this he said meelky.
"I would be delighted, my strong friend!", Anna replied.
"What about your lumbago?", Richard asked.
"Hauling loads is one thing.", the Triceratops said. "But riders weigh next to nothing to me. So two next to nothings is still next to nothing!"
"Very well...", Said Richard as he offered Anna a boost.
The Overlanders watched this exchange and found that one of them would be riderless since they were commissioned to carry four, and no changes were possible. They reasoned among themselves in a burbling manner that the one assigned to Anna would instead carry most of the trip supplies for the rest to make thier loads lighter. Once thier packs were arranged, the lead Overlander signaled the humans they they could mount up, and within a few moments more four Overlanders and one Triceratops began to make thier way through Waterfall City.
The reason why the streets around them as they waited became clear as they turned a corner and found the streets lined with people and saurians; cheering and throwing flowers and confetti and all! These citizens seemed to never pass up an opportunity to celebrate! All of them waved back and smiled, and even the Overlanders got into the act; which was probably the only times in thier lives they were included in the honor. No speeches were required or requested as they came near the main gates, but the cheering got all the louder as they went beyond the main gate, over the bridge that connected the city with the rest of the island and out into the wilderness beyond...
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Post by thundertail on Feb 16, 2009 5:40:24 GMT -5
THIRTY-TWO:
The trip from Waterfall City to Baz, usually fairly quick by Overlander, was made slower by the lumbering gait of Flatbottom; who kept up his best pace, even though it was slower than the Overlanders of his group. Richard Dennison and Anna Forsythe swayed with the Triceratops's footsteps, admiring the horticultural scenery as they passed; and behind them Francine Rivers, Sidney Mallone and Sulimon Bajabas on thier Overlanders bounced with thier trotting gait, the pack Overlander taking up the rear. It seemed like clockwork, but miles before and after any town they went through the traffic seemed to increase tenfold; but the miles between the towns, there was scant traffic at best. The group soon fell into purposeful silence as the miles passed under thier feet, and after a while Richard had an idea to pass the time.
"You know, guys.", he called out after the first day on the road. "The only thing I forgot to bring was my Zithar.", he ducked the low branch that Anna had ducked. "That way we could have a sing-along or something..."
"Well... You know, Richard...", Flatbottom called back. "I didn't spend ALL my dough at the spas!... Check in that saddle bag to your left."
"Would you look at this!...", Richard said after pulling it out. It was a tiny gourd-shaped Zithar, just slightly bigger than a Eukalale; deep walnut wood festooned in ivory, brass and pewter, and the label on the neck said it was a child's practice Zithar. "This is wonderful, Flatbottom!... Thanks, buddy!"
"I bought it for you as a joke!...", the beast replied.
"I think it's cute!", Anna said, looking back at it.
"I think I can play it...", Richard began picking the miniature strings, producing chords in mouselike tones. "Yeah, this'll do!... Any requests?"
"How about 'One step, two step'?", Mallone called.
Nodding, Richard picked out the familiar tune; and before long the forest all along the path they were on resounded in thier inexpert singing, occasional passer by looking on in shock at that group's silliness! The miles wore on, and by the end of a twoday they were entering territory familiar to Richard; for these roads were part of some of his regular routes as a shipper. Pretty soon the outskirt towns just before Baz passed thier steeds' feet, and it was about this time that Sulimon Bajabas decided to talk.
"So Richard.", began he. "Are you two going to still be my agents?"
"Well, since all I want is for things to return to normal, I suppose we could still be agents of the Guild.", Richard replied. "Right, buddy?..."
"You bet!", Flatbottom agreed.
"Only I hope there's no assignments for us for a while...", Richard added. "I have a feeling I'll be very busy when I get home!", he tightened his hold on Anna's waist.
"That is my wish, too.", said Sulimon. "But you never know... I will consult my cohorts and find out when I get back to Azonthas."
Less than a day later the group finally saw the familiar farmsteads and recognizable people and saurians that lived in the outskirts of Baz, and Flatbottom and the Overlanders involuntarilly quickened thier pace the nearer they got. Pretty soon the buildings of Baz proper came into view in the distance, and very soon after that they were among them; group stopping right in the center of the commercial center of town. At first none of the townspeople didn't recognise them, figuring that they were just another group of drifters, seeking work or other such purpose; but first a child and then his parents noticed Francine Rivers there, and gave a shout alerting the rest. Within moments everyone browsing the shops, delivering goods on foot or running thier businesses began to shout and cheer, coming out in the street as a crowd; for they had finally recognized thier leader, as well as the person she had been sent to bring back, Richard Dennison!
Being pressed in by the crowd nearly spooked the Overlanders, who crowded so close together that thier riders could not disnount; but Flatbottom's resounding bellows brought some form of trepidation in the crowd, and they curbed thier excitement long enough for everyone to get off and stand on the cobbles. Francine Rivers tried to shout above the crowd's cheering and carrying on, but could not get thier attention; so she climbed aboard Flatbottom to gain height, and the Triceratops added more bellows to quell the throng. Once relative silence reigned in the street, Francine Rivers made the speech that was pertainent to this situation.
"Citizens of Baz.", she began. "As you all know, mister Mallone, miss Forsythe and I were summoned to urgently travel to Waterfall City to speak for an honored member of our community. His charges were dire, but our defense was not the thing that turned the trick... But it should not be I who tells the complete tale; for Richard, the formerly accused, has the accurate account!... Go ahead, Richard..."
"Thank you, my leader.", Richard said. "Friends, I feel I must begin my tale with an apology; for I am not who I had claimed to be. A little over a year ago, a pair of castaways found thier way to your shores. We recovered from our injuries and learned your ways, then we went our seperate ways; and I found myself a part of your community...", he waited for the crowd to digest this before continuing. "You see, my real name is Richard Dennison; a name of noble reputation here, I am told...", the crowd gasped!
"I am not like my namesakes here, for I crave the ways of the simple and hard working; and in a place as peaceful as this place.", Richard continued. "At my education at Waterfall City, I was to become an apprentice at a profession I did not like; and not knowing it was forbidden to avoid my destiny, decided to leave the city discreetly, traveling incognito until I discovered your fair town. I chose not to divulge my full name to any of you to avoid being detected and sent back to undergo the hated profession chosen for me. Instead I worked to make a name for myself here, all under the pretense of my false identity.", he looked about. "For this I am sorry, for I deceived you all for the lack of my true name; a thing I never meant to do to all you kind and noble people... And I hope that all of you would see it in your hearts to forgive me.", he stood down.
After hearing his speech, the crowd began voicing thier sentiments all at once; in every gender tone and in every kind of tongue. 'We understand.', 'You had your reasons.', If that was my situation, I'd do the same thing.', 'Don't take it so hard.', 'We forgive you'; among many other consoling words were spoken. Once thier support began to wind down enough for him to speak, Richard continued.
"Really!... I feel so bad about this, I feel that I owe each and every one of you at least one service as payment...", said he. "Though it might take a while since there's so many of you!", he got chuckles.
"Aw... We're just glad to get you back.", Mallone shouted, and many agreeed.
"The things you do here anyway is payment enough.", said Costello from the crowd.
"We can't wait for you to get back to things...", Emily Freedom said as the Dromeosaur's side.
"I think that's a good idea.", Francine Rivers agreed, getting the crowd's attention once more. "I think it's best if we all get back to what we were doing. That way mister Dennison can get settled back in and continue with his life..."
"You heard the lady... Break it up!...", Flatbottom said as everyone chucklingly dispersed and resumed thier daily lives.
"I must be off now.", Sulimon Bajabas finally said as they were finally left alone. "I will find some fresh Overlanders and leave for Azonthas by tomorrow morning. Good luck, agent Dennison; and have a fine life...", he turned his Overlander to the nearest hotel after shaking his hand.
"Well buddy, Let's go home...", Richard said to Flatbottom.
All at once Francine and Anna kissed him, the latter giving him a more romantic one than the former before parting ways for now. Mallone walked abrest of the pair as they made it down the street and eventually to the Trilobite Shipping company. After escorting his friend into his stable and tending to his food and things, he lingered at his side giving him a cursorary rubdown; but this was more a gesture of love and friendship than one of medicinal service. After this he climbed the ladder to the loft, found his bed and effects untouched; then he laid down and took a surprisingly long nap... _
It took almost a full fortnight for Richard Dennison, now beginning to feel comfortable with people using his full name, to get back to a semblance of his normal routine. During his travels through the streets of Baz, he would continually be stopped by friends and acquaintences either greeting him in a friendly way, asking him about what it's like to be a Dennison or asking him what it was like on the outside world; and he really didn't blame them for asking such things, for those would be the questions he would ask if he were from presumably common stock. However, just as he feared, having his full identity known here was giving him a degree of fame he was trying to avoid in the first place; and waited with a patience that was trying on him for his notoriety to wear down enough, or for the townspeople to get used to him in this new light.
He couldn't wait to get back to his usual routines, doing the thing he loved the most; like traveling around the countryside on shipping runs and visiting those charming hatchlings at the hatchery. This he began to do as his newly discovered fame allowed, entertaining the young ones with stories of the outside world, or of the glitter and glitz of Waterfall City; and of course singing them many songs accompanied by music from one of his growing collection of Zithars. His newly discovered fame didn't escape him as he performed his duties around the Trilobite Shipping company, for word had gotten around about him in the towns surrounding Baz; causing delays in business for the people who wished to talk with him, and making mister Mallone think he was shirking his duties for these delays!
During all this time little was said between Anna and he about thier up and coming wedding, and no real plans were being made. Both were becoming too busy at thier tasks to have any serious talks about it, thier conversations when there was time generally involved the task at hand; though the few times alone involved more and more romantic interludes, and her children were beginning to treat him more and more like thier father. Overall, the events leading up to the trial and the trial itself was slowly fading into his distant memory; and by the time several months had passed, it was like the fact of his hidden identity and the resultant fame never really happened. Thus far there was no word from the Transportation Guild telling of any missions he and Flatbottom would have to go on, and this was a fortunate thing as there was so much for them to do; and there was so many things Richard had to get used to all over again.
One day Sidney Mallone pulled Richard out of his work and told him to meet him in his office, saying that Flatbottom should know about this too. Bothj had thought they had done something wrong, and were in ddep trouble for mallone to call them like this; so they both followed him to the office, heads hung low, and waited for what thier boss had to say. Since Flatbottom was too wide to make it through the human size doors, he had to look on from the doorway. Mallone sat down and began to take out papers from a satchel on his desk, then looked at both Richard and Flatbottom before he began to speak.
"Now boys, I didn't call you in here because you're in trouble or anything.", Mallone began. "It's actually good news for you, but rather bad news for me."
"What happened?", asked Flatbottom.
"You know the Thunder Falls shipping company has been in arrears this past year or so...", he said. "The owners could not pay the fees, ans was closed down. The Transportation Guild, with contributions from every shipping company in the Northern Plains, has purchased the buildings and the rest of thier property outright from the holders of the deed.", he looked at the paperwork on his desk. "They have made me the steward of the deed..."
"Do you want me to coalate the paperwork?", Offered Richard.
"No, not really.", Mallone rose. "But I would like you two to come with me; and maybe you might be interested in a little business proposal..."
As Mallone gathered the paperwork and scooped it back into the satchel, Richard rose as well and paced to the door, where Flatbottom backed up to let them out. Richard shrugged as he passed by his friend, and followed Mallone across the street; where he produced a skeleton key that unlocked many lengths of chain across both the office entrance as well as the barn and warehouse doors. Cobwebs were visible through the dusty office windows, and doors creaked for lack of oil all these months; but the Thunder Falls shipping company was just as the assayers had left it, the only thing present was the musty smells of disuse. While waiting for the dust to settle in the barn, Mallone led Richard into the office and set the satchel on the front counter just inside the weatherworn doorway; in this office the double doors allowed plenty of room for Flatbottom to begin to enter, but the cramped space inside told him he had better simply stay at the doorway.
"Now, I really didn't know what to do with the place, me having my own company and all.", Mallone said. "The place needs cleaning and fixing up before someone can take over."
"Want us to clean the place, boss?", Flatbottom asked. "It'll take days, I bet!"
"No, not really.", he turned to the satchel and took out the papers. "What's really needed is someone to take it over.", he found the title application for the deed. "What the Transportation Guild reccommends is to have someone in town with unsurpassed business skills and talents for negotiation.", he smiled. "There's only one man here thast fits that bill...!", then Richard got it!
"So, you're giving ME this shipping company?...", Richard's eyes lit up. "Oh, mister Mallone...!", he chuckled. "I didn't know you had a sense of humor!", but he noticed his serious face and shut up. "You're not kidding, are you?..."
"In fact, the Guild reccommended YOU personallly.", Mallone told him. "And as a personal favor from me, you'll need a puller and a cart to start you off.", he looked at Flatbottom. "So that means you are with him, and you can keep the cart."
"But sir!...", Richard said. "I don't know what to say!..."
"This means we're fired, right?...", Flatbottom concluded.
"Well, the choice is all yours if you want the place, Richerd.", Mallone said, then turned to the Triceratops. "And if you don't want to go with him, providing he wants the place, that's your choice too, Flatbottom..."
Mouths agape, both human and dinosaur stared at each other, then Richard said what they both silently were thinking. "Um,... can Flatbottom and I talk in private?...", Mallone nodded.
Flatbottom led the way back out into the street, Richard looking this way and that; trying to find a suitable spot to discuss this, and leading his friend into the musty barn connected to the Thunder Falls shipping company. Once there, they both stared at each other and smiled; then both let out a whoop as Richard taking the lead in the discussion.
"Well kid, what do you think?", he asked his friend. "Kind of a big step, don't you think?"
"This is just wonderful!...", Flatbottom said. "I always dreamed of setting out on my own!... Great thing with a buddy like you to help!"
"So, the answer's yes?", Richard could barely hold his excitement.
"YES!..." Flatbottom nodded.
"Yeah!...", Richard yelled as he tackled Flatbottom's nosehorn in a bear hug, dinosaur whooping all the while. Regaining composure, Richard got down and said. "Let's go tell him!..."
"Well, that's just great!", mallone said once they got there and told him. "There's just a small formality of signing a few things and the place is yours...", he started getting the paperwork ready. "Think you might want a tour of the place first, to see what you're getting?"
"Why not...", Richard shrugged after glancing at Flatbottom.
Mallone nodded and went around behind the counter, beckoning Richard to follow; and flatbottom simply waited at the front doorway for them. There was a door there, and through that there was a small office with a closet through one door and the way out to the barn through the other. The third door led to a stairway. Upstairs above the office was a small room, perhaps a bedroom; and a larger space, possibly a dormroom. All the walls within were simple, and could allow an easy remodeling if needed, and many moments later both of them were back down in the main office and out front where Flatbottom waited.
"How was it back there?", asked the beast.
"There's lots of space up there.", he told him. "Probably used as a dorm for the drivers. it can be redone into a nice comfy house!"
"Out here is the nuts and bolts of the operation...", Mallone said. "Actually, this is my first time in here too... This way!..."
The barn was smaller than in the Trilobite, and sported only four paddocks down one side; the rest of the space could hold one large cart with a rickety loft high above, and an upper main door indicated it could have accomodated sauropods. With a little work in the paddocks and a lot of work up in the loft, it looked like the place could service a few decent sized pullers and thier drivers could sleep up in the loft. The only usable items in there is an old wheelbarrow and variopus parts and hardware for carts in a small store room; and the barn was bare and dusty save for these. Exploring the building on the opposite side of the office/resident area proved it to be a warehouse of sorts; equal in size to the barn and bare of items to the rafters. Richard imagined it full of cargo ready to be delivered, and flatbottom imagined it full of fodder!
"So, what do you think?", Mallone asked after they returned to the office.
"It's a bit smaller than the Trilobite, but it has more storage...", Richard winked at his partner. "I think well take it!"
"Ok, here's the forms you two have to sign and it's yours...", Mallone got them ready. "... Um, by the way. Are you going to rename it?"
"Does the Dennison Shipping Company sound OK?", Richard suggested.
"Hey!... What about me?", Flatbottom asked.
"Well, I figure a fair deal would be to name it after me while designing the sign to look like you.", said Richard. "Imagine you pulling a golden cart!..."
"That I can!... That I can!", Flatbottom said. "I agree!"
"Well, mister Mallone.", Richard Dennison said. "It looks like the Dennison Shipping company is born!", Richard signed.
"Just one thing, boy...", Mallone told him. "Don't put me out of business, okay?"... _____
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Post by thundertail on Feb 18, 2009 18:35:10 GMT -5
THIRTY-THREE:
With thier work cut out for them with thier new place, Flatbottom and Richard Dennison got to work cleaning and planning out thier new place; which would be called the Dennison Shipping company, thier first true joint venture together. After a thourough cleaning, salvaging all they could; it was deemed necesary that nearly every major area of the place would need major renovation. Though Richard's carpentry skills were scant at best, he bore the brunt of all major construction; taking on the barest minimum of help around town, and Anna's two boys pitching in after school. Anna, after receiving a tour of the shipping company and all the rooms upstairs, gave Rchard a squeeze and told him there was plenty of room for them all; and therefore requested that seperate rooms be built up there for Anna and all thier children, which was the first indication in a long time of her intentions of marrying him! After many months of construction and other preparations, thier joint funding had all but run out; being forced to rely on the generosity of those in the town for staples like food and such, a situation thier pride nagged at them day and night against if the situation did not demand it. What was needed right away was transportation work to raise profit, and the only way to do this was to drum up some business around town; so they asked around and found leads in places where extra supply runs needed to be taken, and these got the funds flowing in an extremely slow rate. Both Richard and Flatbottom grew more and more exhausted as the weeks wore on, gaining them notoriety throughout the surrounding towns; and this only served to increase thier work load! The months of this passed, and soon the sign-carver they hired came and hung thier sign; and the whole town came to marvel at this new spectacle; for the opening of the Dennison Shipping company was now official, and nobody scarcely wished to miss it. However, they still needed workers to help fill the orders he was increasingly receiving; and they only had the one cart, if you didn't count the store room of cart hardware and other various parts earmarked to repair the cart they were already using. A program of advertisement and employee recruitment was devised and put into action, for they were desperately needed; and if they could provide thier own carts, that would be a big help! He hired a few of the children and hatchlings in the area, carrying signs and pulling thier toy wagons with ads along thier sides through town; a task they were generousely rewarded for, even though they never asked for anything as the kids thought was grand fun! Unfortunately, thier efforts did not pan out like either of them expected; for the prospects interviewed were few, and not many of those fulfilled thier requirements. "I just don't know, buddy...", Richard gasped as he scooped fodder in Flatbottom's trough. "I'm telling everyone we need help, but nobody's taking..."
"I know what you mean...", Flatbottom agreed. "I been running around so much, my tootsies are going the way of my lumbago!"
"I ache all over myself...", Richard pointed the pitchfork toward the office. "And those books!... We haven't gotten out of the red since we started!..."
"Dad... I mean mister Dennison...?", Anna's oldest stepped to the entrance to the barn. "Mom wants to know if you're coming to dinner." "Yeah, I'll be right over.", Richard said. Since they weren't officially married, Anna was still quartered at the hatchery. "Um, sir...", Christopher stammered. "I have been thinking of what I want to do... I mean for work the rest of my life..."
"What do you want to do?", was the question. "I want to drive a delivery cart...", then misunderstood Richard's surprised reaction. "I mean just for a while!... I havn't been too many places, and this will give me a chance to see the rest of the island..."
"So, you were about to ask me if you can have a job...", Richard guessed.
"Um...", Christopher stammered.
"What you think, Flatbottom?", asked Richard.
"I dunno,...", drawled the beast. "He looks kind of scrawny..."
"Maybe if I teach him that back rub you like?...", suggested the human.
"Maybe...", Flatbottom sounded dejected.
"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!...", Richard couldn't hold it for Christopher's discouraged look. "We're just joking, son!... Right Flatbottom?... Of course you can work here!"
"Really?", the boy said.
"Of course!", Flatbottom said.
"Just make sure it's after your schooling and chores; and it's ok by your mom. You can start tomorrow, if you wish.", Richard said. "Oh yeah, when you're on the job it's 'mister Dennison', and I'll call you 'mister Forsythe'.", he winked. "Don't want anybody to think I'm playing favorites!"
"Gee! Thanks, dad!...", Christopher blanched. "I mean mister Dennison!...", the boy backed up and ran off.
"Heh, heh!... What a kid!", Flatbottom chuckled. "Seems like an enterprising one..."
"He'll go far in life.", Richard finished loading the fodder and put the pitchfork away. "Reminds me of me at that age."
Richard patted his friend on the neck in farewell for the night, cleaning up the spare things he was using in the barn. He was looking forward to the meal Anna was preparing, for she made the best eggplant lasagna he had ever tasted! His mind was more on this than his job, for when he went to close the barn door a strange face met his and he jumped back slightly.
"Yeow!...", exclaimed the smallish Triceratops before him. "Ooh! Sorry to scare you, mister."
"It's all right.", Richard stepped forward once again. "Can I help you?"
"Well, maybe...", the yearling said, he was about half the size of Flatbottom. "I saw some signs a while ago. Ones that said you were hiring pullers...", he looked into the nearly empty barn. "Are there any positions still open?..."
"Yes but...", he looked at Flatbottom helplessly. "You seem a bit young!... What's your name?"
"Nells, sir...", the boy told him. "My friends call me Nellie..."
"Nellie?... NELLIE!...", Richard exclaimed. "It's you!... Remember me? I'm Richard.", he turned to flatbottom. "It's Nellie, Flatbottom! Remember him?"
"I sure do!...", the beast rumbled. "I was there when he hatched. he's my cousin's kid!"
"Well, don't forget that I named him!", Richard said proudly. "And now he's looking for a job, of all things!..."
"You mean your last name is Dennison?!...", Nellie asked in disbelief. "Wow!... I'm among royalty!..."
"Yeah, I had to do that.", Richard said lamely. "But everything's all right now!..."
"Um,... about that job...", Flatbottom said. "Richard's right: you may be too young and small to pull a really big cart..."
"My mom says I'm ready!", Nellie protested. "I'm real strong!"
"Ok, ok!...", Richard said laughingly. "We'll give you a chance!", he looked to his partner. "But you need to be an apprentie first... Flatbottom?... Would you?"
"Ok,... but just because you're family.", droned the beast. "You can start tomorrow, if you like."
"Oh, thank you mister!", Nellie gushed. "You won't regret this!... I'll do my best!...", he happily skipped away from the door and was lost to the darkening day.
"Another entepreneur!...", Richard said. "He'll go far too!"
"Yeah, I figure to start them both off together.", Flatbottom concluded. "Maybe they might decide to be partners, like we did..."
"A brilliant strategy, my friend!", Richard went to close the barn door at last. "Good night, buddy... Tomorrow's going to be a long day!", he doused the lanterns except the one near Flatbottom's paddock.
Richard went the hatchery and was greeted with open arms by everyone there, especially Anna and her family; and they all ate in the hatchery's dining room, staff and all. As thier meal concluded, Richard mentioned the fact that Christopher might be working for the Dennison Shipping company; a fact that the boy didn't yet divulge for some reason, and Anna looked at her son with both anger of his silence and wonder that he had finally made his decision. They spent the rest of the evening discussing the details of the arrangement while the other workers cleared away the dishes and went back to thier duties around the hatchery; and after that Richard could not get away from there without singing the hatchlings there a few songs before thier bedtime! After all was quiet at the hatchery, Anna walked Richard out to the doorway, hand in hand and head on his shoulder; thanking him for helping her oldest make his life decision, and an ardent kiss goodbye to seal the deal.
The next morning both apprentices made thier way to the shipping company and began thier work, which started with cleaning the barn for the boy and a little weight training for the yearling Triceratops. Christopher complained at all the strenuous work while Nellie wanted to know when they would be pulling carts and making deliveries, but Richard explained to Christopher that to have a smooth running company it had to be a clean company while Flatbottom explained to Nellie that one had to be strong to pull a cart. Near the end of the day they were both called tobe told that, frankly, Richard and Flatbottom only had the one cart; and that would make it difficult at best to have them make deliveries. They were instructed to go out and find a suitable cart, whether it be in good running order or not; and what ever it ended up costing would be paid for by the company, and bring it back for use. The two apprentices eagerly went out and did that the very next day, but it ended up taking many days to actually complete the task!
In a sprawling junkshop in Volcaneum there was a man of indiscriminate age, lonely and forlorn as his shop was at the edge of town and not many people visited the place; and this place looked like it might have something they were looking for. Amid the well worn things in the place they spied a cart not unlike uncle Flatbottom's cart, paint worn to the bare wood and the faded logo of the Copro Guild flaking away on both sides. It was in one piece as they examined it from all sides; and then the owner of the place snuck up on them, giving them a speech on how well made the cart was, his best piece, he boasted. As the owner did this Christopher began testing the cart for strength, and the rear wheel nearly fell off while he shook it; and the boy scrambled to set it right while Nellie steadied it, then the owner stood back and reconsidered. Christopher looked at the man, pulled him aside and asked if they would both be honest; saying that the cart was falling apart and was not his best piece as well as telling him the fact that they both knew it was not worth the thousand Drachs that the owner said, as well as the fact that he was supposed to acquire a cart as cheaply as possible and only allotted so much to spend. Continuing, Christopher told him that the cart couldn't even survive the trip home, and would have to be broken down and shipped there instead! At last a deal was struck, and the owner settled for two hundred Drachs; and this was just about all that Richard had left from his business, he said as the boy explained what happened.
So Richard and Flatbottom went to Volcaneum with thier apprentices, broke the cart they purchased down so it could be put in Flatbottom's cart and brought it home after paying the man; whom thought he got a bad deal never the less. It was fortunate that all the hardware was in good condition, but a bad thing as most of the wood was dry rotted and needed to be replaced. Nellie and Christopher's next project was to restore the cart to an at least usable state, thier ignorance in cart building and wheelrighting would be bolstered by books; and it was fortunate that the people of the town helped by donating spare lumber and proper tools to do the job, Richard balking at any actual help as his apprentices were to learn these skills on thier own. After nearly a month the pair rolled thier cart out to be shown, and they ended up doing a pretty good job of it; for the thing was sturdy and sound, and sported the Dennison Shipping company loigo on the sides and painted company colors and everything. Nellie looked real professional as his ornate harnesses flapped in a breeze, and Christopher's tophat and lapels showed his professionalism as well!
While christopher and Nellie had been working on thier cart, Richard and Flatbottom got to work establishing accounts to the shops around town; sealing a deal to deliver the things they needed from the other shipping companies, delivering them when they arrive in town. Richard, at this time, told their apprentices this; and the fact that their new jobs were to make those deliveries, which overjoyed the pair to no end! Within a twoday Christopher and Nellie had co-ordinated all the runs with all the shipping companies, and scheduled all the runs with all the shops in town; and this organizational skill thay displayed surely impressed Richard and Flatbottom! Within a fortnight they felt confident enough in thier new apprentices to trust them to go out on deliveries to the other towns, leaving the youngsters to handle business there. And thusly the Dennison Shipping company was born... _
Between runs to the other towns, Anna and Richard make the barest beginnings of the discussions that would lead to thier marrage, she at least mentioning the possibility on several occasions. Another thing that prompted the possibility that it was near was the fact that Anna had been sending over some of her family's things, but only one or two items at a time; and this consisted mostly of unused furniture, spare clothing belonging to them all and other things like old toys and other things. They were just bringing a load of said items back from the hatchery one day when he and Flatbottom noticed a commotion going on at the loading area of the Dinothunder shipping company, and went over to see what was going on. Several men and saurians were laughing and poking at this skinny man with a tophat, little Triceratops trying to get them to stop; but they would continue to shove him around while he was loading his baskets of fruit, all the other workers in the area congregated to watch the show. As he passed by the fruit vendor's shop, the man told him that his fruit shipment was late; and now richard could see the reason why!
"Excuse me, people!...", Richard shouted, pulling out his Transportation Guild medallion to hang from his neck outside hid clothing. "Do you mind telling me what's going on here?!..."
"HEY!!!... KNOCK IT OFF!!!...", Flatbottom bellowed when Richard's inquiry didn't produce order.
"Who're you?", asked the nearest one after shoving Christopher to the ground. "We're busy!..."
"What in the name of the Council Of Reason is going on here!", Richard repeated sternly, hands on hips.
"We're just havin' fun...", a Dromeosaur in back said.
"He was holdin' up the line!...", said an unseen human.
"We were helping him along...", said another. All during this, the others were chuckling and whooping.
"Are you people performing your jobs?", Richard asked.
"Of course.", said the one who shoved Christopher, who scurried next to Nellie for protection. "Why wouldn't we?"
"That was not the way I saw it...", Richard steamed.
"Who are you?...", asked the pusher amid renewed catcalls from the others. "Comin' here and spoiling our fun..."
"I am Richard Dennison, and this is my Partner Flatbottom. We are agents of the Northern Plains Transportation Guild.", Richard said as he displayed his medallion, Flatbottom lifting his chin toi display his. "I must warn you that you are all on the verge of violating several conduct regulations, and run the risk of repremand..."
"What regulations cover having fun?", someone backing away asked.
"Pushing someone around is NOT work... It's not even DINOTOPIAN!...", Richard scolded. "When a person works, he should perform his job as professionally as he can. Fooling around is not professional behavior. It wastes time and cuts down on productivity, and everyone ends up losing money in the end.", he went to Christopher. "Are you all right, mister Forsythe?"
"I'm ok.", Christopher said.
"The fruit vendor is waiting for his shipment.", stated Richard.
"I'm late!...", Christopher wailed.
"Excuse me, fellas!...", Richard called to the rest still standing around. "Since you made mister Forsythe late for his runs, I think all of you should help him load his cart..."
"I would do what mister Dennison says, if I were you!...", Flatbottom rumbled menacingly.
Fearing repremand and the angered triceratops' wrath, several hands came over and started lifting baskets of fruit into the cart. Richard and Christopher pitched in too; and within minutes Christopher checked in his full load of fruit. Sweaty and panting, many of them came up and grudgingly shook Christopher's hand; then one of them looked at Richard and askjed a question.
"Sir, are you going to report us?", the Dromeosaur asked.
"Well,... it was such a small offense, and no real harm camee to pass.", he winked at Flatbottom. "I don't think a report would be necesary... But if this behavior continues, I may be forced to!..."
"Oh no! We will never do that again!", the dinosaur assured.
"We'll be good from now on!", said a human.
"Good!... And thank you...", Richard said as he turned to Christopher as the lad was just mounting the cart. "Oh!... mister Forsythe...", he got near and spoke softer. "Your mom invited us to Eveningmeal again. I hear she's making eggplant lasagna again!"
"My favorite!", Christopher said, smiling.
"So hurry and finish your runs...!", Richard smiled back.
"Let's go, Nellie!", Christopher flicked the reigns and soon the cart was fading in the disrtance.
"Agents' work is never done...", Richard commented as he mounted his own cart.
"Think those slugs will learn?", Flatbottom asked as he pulled the cart down the street.
"Maybe.", Richard said. "But what good is authority if you can't sling it around once in a while?..."
"Speaking of that,", Flatbottom said. "We haven't seen any official business since we got back... Things are too quiet!"
"Don't look a gift Dromeosaur in the mouth, you mean?", stated Richard.
"Exactly!", Flatbottom soon arrived back to thier home. "Watch the skies for postal birds!"
"I will, buddy!", Richard chuckled as he escorted his friend into his paddock and fed him.
So far Richard and Flatbottom were the only ones working at the Dennison Shipping company, and the other shipping companies in the town had all the profitable shipping accounts in the Northern Plains; so they needed more personnel to increase business, Christopher and Nellie aside. They talked for an hour and decided to advertise in other towns for new workers; and it turned out that over the weeks to comne, they would interview many more candidates. However, it turned out that many months were to pass before any real shipping candidates were hired, and it would only be then that the company would be adequately well staffed and with enough carts to become profitable for them. This still in the future for them, Richard finally got around to getting changed for Eveningmeal, and walked out into the night to the hatchery.
The meal, like all the others Anna had made before and since, was delicious and enjoyable; and so was the company as she had requested the other hatchery workers to eat elsewhere, leaving only herself, Richard, Samantha, Christopher and James the dining area for the evening. This was a special occasion for them all, for they all knew what was to be discussed next; and Anna Forsythe started out the talk when she set her cup of jinka down with finality.
"Richard, my dear man.", she began. "Never had I dreamed to meet someone as sweet and noble as you, and never had I thought I would wish to be with another such as you.", she looked lovingly at her children. "I have spent too long trying to nurture my children the way I have, and long ago you offered your help in thier raising.", she smiled. "I now wish to take you up on your offer!...", she leaned to kiss him.
"My darling!", Richard said. "It would be an honor to take your hand in marrage...", he thought a moment. "Or what passes for formality of the instititution around here!...", the children laughed. "Actually, you had been giving me hints to this day when you asked to have your furniture moved to my place!", more chuckles.
"I can't get anything past you!...", she beamed. "Your place has everything we need to raise a family. More room, and we needn't share the space with the other hatchery workers. You did a fine job renovating the place."
"Thank you.", Richard accepted another kiss. "WE should think of making plans, then?"
"Oh, absolutely, dear!", Anna said. "But first your family may like to welcome you to it... Who's first?"
Samantha wasted no time in scampering from her chair, accepting a boost onto Richard's lap. "My new papa!...", she hugged him, ending in a little kiss. "I could not wait for you and mama to be together!... But I knew it all along!"
"Well sweetie, I kind of knew it too!", Richard told her. "I always seemed to know that me and your mama were meant for each other. I think I knew the first day I met her!..."
"There is only one thing...", Samantha said. "Why did it take so long?... But now that you're here, everything is going to be all right!...", another kiss and hug and she slid off his lap.
James was shy to come over, and he just stood at his side. "Papa, it seem so strange, this thing. I never really knew my first one, but you showed me you can love me as much as my first one did."
"I will try to be the best father I can, son.", said Richard.
"I know you will...", James hugged him. "You already are...", and left.
"I appreciate all you have done for me, mister Dennison...", began Christopher as he stood woodenly before him.
"Please, you can call me dad or anything you like!", Richard smiled at the lad. "You're not working right now, aren't you, son!..."
"Oh, yeah!", he chuckled and shuffled. "Dad, I really appreciate what you did. Giving me a chance at the shipping company, getting me out of trouble today at the loading bays and all...", he shuffled. "Only the best father and person would do a thing like that for his son...", he shook Richard's hand, and Richard turned it into a fatherly hug.
"You're very welcome...", he turned to the rest after the hug was over. "All of you!... And especially you, my love; for putting up with an ignorant Dolphinback like me!"
"Oh silly!", Anna chuckled. "Didn't you hear what matriarch Elizabeth said at your trial? You are a TRUE Dinotopian now!... And now you are going to be my husband!", with that she kissed him, long and with unending passion... _____
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Post by thundertail on Feb 19, 2009 18:23:34 GMT -5
THIRTY-FOUR:
It still took many weeks to plan thier wedding before the big day commenced, for weddings both in the outside world and Dinotopia are extremely hard to organise. Gowns for both bride and groom had to be designed, people had to be told of the grand event, the spot where the wedding was to take place had to be sought out and all of the thousands oflittle details had to be arranged. In the mean time the rest of Anna and her childrens' things were shipped to Richard's place above the office of the Dennison Shipping company, thier beds being the last to arrive so they slept there a few days before the wedding. Flatbottom and the rest were curious the traditions of weddings in the outside world, and Richard related a few of them to him. The invitations were sent by courier and Postal Bird far and wide, and literally thousands of replies saying that most of them would be honored to attend soon came back.
As the days drew nearer, Sidney Mallone offered to have the wedding take place in front of his shipping company, and for old times sake the reception could be in his barn; of which the reception concept was foriegn to Dinotopians until Richard told of the logic of having a place to entertain the wedding guests. Flatbottom got to work with his secret preparations, his old buddys at the Trilobite Shipping company as accomplices; which had to do with the other traditions Richard had mentioned, and they prepared thier little pranks with glee! The wedding gowns arrived by delivery cart soon afterwards, made by the finest tailors in Sauropolis; groom being a long black robe with golden frilling all around with an equally balck wizard-style hat, and the bride costume was identical except being white with golden frills and a hat resembling a Parasolophus headfrill. A day before the ceremony was to begin, Richard and Anna were seperated; and the rest of the town finished preparing for this gala event, one they were certain would remain in thier memories for a long time to come. Soon the district magistrate arrived in town from Bonnaba, who would officiate the event; and Francine Rivers had Beatrice Crocker make all the baked goodies for the reception afterward, and many other traditionsfrom the outside world were made to pass for Richard. Flatbottom had his friends at the Trilobite Shipping company tie empty barrels and crastes to the back of his cart, which was decorated in gala ribbons and bunting for thier 'Marrage Coach'; and many other positions were requested from the other townspeople for members of the wedding precession. Costello was going to be best man and Randall Sommers, who ran the fruitstand, would give Anna away. Samantha would be flower girl and James would posess the wedding rings; which was yet some other outside world traditions. The rest of the town wanted to attend, and many familiar faces from elsewhere on the island showed up as well; and once all these preparations were made, the ceremony commenced the very next day.
The street filled with human and saurian alike, right in front of a white wicker bower laced with flowers and podium dressed with contrasting colored flowers; magistrate waiting in meditation before it waiting for the guests of honor to arrive, and paused in thought as the growing crowd stilled to silence. Richard Dennison, donned in his wedding robes, nervousely sauntered out of the front door of the Dennison Shipping company; and he was practically pushed out the door by Costello, who looked like he'd twist his arm if he didn't hurry up! They marched across the street and took thier spots before the podium, both looking around at the crowd nervousely and scanning down the street for a first glimpse of the bride; and the crowd was equally focused on them, a thing that creeped Richard out all the more! After more than ten minutes, which seemed to be five times longer, Anna Forsythe with her arm wrapped in Randall Sommers's arm came regally strolling up the street toward the back of the crowd; and they just as regally walked up to the podium for Randall to release Anna and step back, but the look on the older man's face was not regality but dread! Once everyone was in position, the magistrate raised his arms and lowered them in front of the bride and groom, part of the Dinotopian silent ceremony; and did this three times befor grasping the right hand of both and joining them in a grasp, raising and lowering the group of hands three times in turn. He bowed in a praying gesture and backed up, and this was the time for James to step forward with the rings; of which both bride and groom took the one meant for the other, and both placed thier rings on the right fingers of the other. Smiling, the magistrate backed up, smiled and brought his hands together above his head; and this was a signal that they may now kiss; and a few seconds after they did so, the whole street erupted in cheering, and did not stop until Anna and Richard stopped kissing many moments later.
Somewhere near the back of the crowd a small band had begun to play a beautiful tune during thier kiss, and continued to do so as Samantha in her little gown came out and began to scatter flower petals down the center aisle for them to walk upon. By this time Flatbottom had arrived also decked out in all the finery he owned, and was waiting to pick them up at the rear of that aisle. Anna and Richard, hand in hand, slowly walked down that aisle; and bowed and waved at all thier friends as they made thier 'escape', him helping her up into the cart and he climbing aboard in quick order. They both began to laugh uncontrollably as Flatbottom set out, barrels and crates clattering on the cobbles as they went; and everyone there cheering thier departure until the cart was down the street and out of sight.
"Friends!", Sidney Mallone shouted from within the crowd as thier noises began to ebb. "Refreshments will be served inside...!", he led the way to the barn.
As Flatbottom's cart reached the edge of town, where the cobblestones turned to dirt road, the flosam attatched to his cart took on a more muted clatter; and about the same time Anna and Richard slowed and stopped thier laughing and kissing. All three looked around as the cart continued down the road between fields of nearly empty crop, and soon they found themselves near the spot they had that picknick at so long ago. At the edge of that meadow Richard had Flatnbottom stop, and both he and Anna got out to stretch thier legs.
"I don't think we'll need these things any more...", Richard said as he began to take the crates and things, tossing them in the back of the cart, Anna coming to help. "Well dear... We finally did it!", he commented as they worked.
"Together forever!...", she agreed. "At long last!..."
"You know. I don't think we'll need these things, either...", Richard indicated his gown.
"We're only getting them dirty...", Anna agreed and winked.
"They're only rentals, after all!", Richard hopped up and got out some of thier luggage.
With an impish look, both began to disrobe, giggling like fools the whole time! Flatbottom looked at them in shock, dismay and surprise all at the same time as they quickly stripped to thier underthings; then gave a sigh of relief as they began to put on thier regular clothes. Once they were done they remounted the cart and looked at Flatbottom, who was staring at them in a strange way; and both laughed out loud at the beast!
"What's the matter with you?...", Richard asked the beast.
"Well, I thought you were going to mate right here, in the middle of the road...", said he.
"Why did you think that?", Richard asked, chuckling.
"There's plenty of time for that later.", added Anna.
"We'll be too busy for that when we get back.", Richard told him. "No worries, my friend! I'll make you an uncle one of these days!"
"We should be getting back...", Anna reminded.
"Don't want to be late for our own reception!", Richard agreed. "Let's go home, my friend!"
"Gotcha, boss!", Flatbottom said, still shaking his head at these humans' silliness as he turned the cart around. He began to pull the cart at a more sedate pace.
"So,... when DO you think it's ok to have kids?", Richard asked Anna after a while.
"Well, we still should wait for James and Samantha to grow up some more...", she told him, enjoying the scenery. "You've done wonders for Christopher...", she looked at him. "How about we talk about it in a few months?"
"That long...?", said he, looking like a forlorn puppy. "Darn!"
Anna laughed as she embraced him right there on the cart seat, kissing that look right off his face. She and he began a long session of passion, laughing and giggling like fools the whole trip home. Thier life, though frought with ups and downs, was never bad for them; for they always had friends that would help when things were down, and never forgot to help others when things were up. Richard and Flatbottom's business turned out to be one of the most successful ones Baz had ever known, and near the end he eventually became leader of the town. Richard ended up living a long, happy life right there; not a care in the world, and no worries to speak of.
No worries at all!...
_____
THE END...
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