A young scientist was on his way to Rio. He was overlooking the letter again the USEPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, sent him only two days ago. He was frustrated when he got the letter, but then he saw the offer: $100,000. He had to read the letter three times before calling the EPA and saying yes. They were squandering his talents, but this was quick, easy money. All for the sanity to preserve the last of the Spix's Macaws. These hippies, as he referred to them, were adding to the deficit in the United States. Instead of offering jobs, giving more to their employees, they decided to save near-extinct macaws that would probably die in a few years. He folded the letter and tucked it in the pocket of his Levis pants.

A hero, he thought. I'm a hero. I have saved the lives of many people, make superb weapons, and promote high school students to show that a kid like me could do something incredible. I've sacrificed so much, including my entire family. Even my own life is threatened from time to time. I even protect those who hate me, including the EPA. They say I pollute too much. Ha! China pollutes a million times more than me. I have the cleanest lab in the world, yet they critic me. But when they need something, they know I have the technology. Sure, they could've asked Disney. They created that life-like dinosaur called Lucky, but they know I make a better life animatron. And cheaper too. I bet Disney would do it for a million or more. Oh well. I agreed, so I shouldn't complain.

He slouched back in his airplane seat. He closed his eyes and went to sleep. However, he didn't sleep long. A woman tapped his shoulder. He opened his brown eyes and faced the man. This woman was a flight attendant.

"Sir, may I offer some refreshments?"

He ran his hands with long, sharp nails through his brownish black hair. He was the average height for an Hispanic man. He had tanned white skin and brownish eyes. As far as a normal alternative life went, he was just an average college student going to Rio. He smiled at the attendant.

"No thanks."

The attendant nodded and left him to ask other people. He narrowed his eyes, thinking of something. He had forgotten the name of the doctor he was supposed to meet. The EPA informed him there was going to be a scientist in proper uniform with a cardboard box with his name on it. He got out the letter again and read it. The EPA did mention a name on the paper.

Where is it, where is it? Ah. Here it is. Doctor Tulio Monterio. Hm, an ornithologist. He must be very good if he's in charge of the last two Spix's Macaws.

He felt breathing. He slowly turned to his right and met a sleeping lady. Her head was rested on the seat, towards him. It was fine, but her mouth was opened, letting all of the bad breath out. His sensitive noise caught it, and it made the breath smell ten times worse than what humans would smell. He plucked his nose lightly to breathe smoothly as he tried to block out some of the bad breath. He grunted to himself.

Should have asked for a private jet.