The four seagulls gathered into a small flock, with the other birds following along a good distance behind. Slade didn't know precisely why it was that they shouldn't all be seen together, but Tobias seemed to know what he was talking about, and so Slade decided that it was best not to question his judgement.

Once the Animorphs were out of sight of the barn and flying off toward the distant city, Slade noticed something.

Why are you guys flying so low? Slade asked of the four seagulls.

Slade didn't get an answer, but he did overhear something else. Something that didn't make any sense at all, as far as he was concerned.

Look, a Butterfinger wrapper! Marco shouted, more excited than Slade thought anyone would be over seeing some garbage. I think there might even be some left!

Huh? Slade asked, looking down at the ground. I don't see any Butterfinger wrappers. What are you guys talking about?

Again, there was no answer to Slade's question. It was Rachel who spoke next.

Look at that Burger King Dumpster! Oh man, it's loaded with french fries and leftover burger!

Slade was getting more confused with every word the four other Animorphs said. What are you guys going on about? What's so exciting about a bunch of garbage?

Again, Slade received no answer. Cassie was the next one to speak, and Slade thought she would at least be a little more rational than the others. Apparently, Slade had thought wrong.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Look, there's some cheese puffs!

Guys? Slade asked. No one paid him any attention.

No way! Marco enthused. Someone threw out a half-eaten chicken leg! Extra crispy!

Wouldn't that almost be cannibalism? Cassie asked.

Uh, guys? Slade tried again. And again he received no answer.

Didn't we have this conversation before? Rachel asked.

Hey, it's extra crispy, Marco reiterated. I love extra crispy!

Guys! Slade shouted, finally getting fed up with subtlety and going for sheer volume. What are you talking about?!

Oh! We're sorry for ignoring you, Slade, Cassie said. These seagull minds can be pretty powerful. The instincts, I mean.

Aren't you having some trouble with that yourself, Slade? Rachel asked. This is only the second time you've morphed that raven, after all.

I really just ignore it, Slade said matter-of-factly.

Ignore it? Marco asked, surprised. How?

I just block it out, Slade said, not getting why this would be so confusing to the other Animorphs.

Okay, so how do you 'just block it out'? Marco demanded, beginning to get annoyed with Slade's seemingly evasive answers.

I don't know, I just do, Slade answered, not knowing why Marco sounded so impatient.