R A P T O R

F O R E W O R D

Just as a note, the naming format of the raptors is borrowed from the Halo® book series. I don't think Bungie copyrighted how to name an Elite. Also, many of the elements from those books show up here. Terms such as "point" and the militaristic style of the raptor pack. And that some moderate language appears, not super-frequently but it's there.

Also, please email me ideas for what should happen next, and this can be a much longer running story (think sequels) than if I invent all the concepts. Email to: include "Raptor" in the subject line.

O N E

Dena 'Fulsamee was not the average raptor. He stood 7' tall, one above normal, and was stronger and could run faster than his brothers. 'Fulsamee's front 2 teeth overhung his bottom lip and made him look exactly like what he was, a fierce and capable warrior.

'Fulsamee lived with the other members of his pack deep within the Yagen Forest. It was a network of huge trees, overarching vines, and fearsome inhabitants. Their nesting grounds were carefully congealed in a dug-out area between several massive trees. It would take more than the average thief to find the eggs, and more importantly, escape the wrath of the Dena pack, which patrolled all the land for 25 miles in every direction. To steal an egg from the Dena, and live, was, to the right person, an incredible feat and proof of ability.

The alpha male of the pack was 'Rolamee, and he had led his pack with honor and distinction for many years. 'Rolamee was elderly by raptor standards, but he still managed to hunt alongside the younger and more sprightly raptors. His mate, 'Poromir, was in no less high standing, and held a reputation for dealing out punishment to those who disobeyed the laws of the pack.

This, and other things, were on 'Fulsamee's mind as he paced along the fringe of Dena territory, on surveillance duty. "Almost done", he thought, "just five more miles and I can get some rest." Actually, from where he was it would be more than a short run home, for the edge he was patrolling ended in five miles, and then it was almost 25 back in. But a raptor can move when there is the thought of food and rest before him.

It had been a quiet day so far, except for that bird. That damn bird. The thing had followed 'Fulsamee for half a mile, twittering insanities at him. He would have killed it without a second thought, but the retarded little pecker flew just out of his reach. "Oh well", 'Fulsamee sighed. He devoutly hoped that nothing else came to his attention, as this part of the forest was particularly thick, and there was a good chance that the other patrols wouldn't hear him. There could be any number of things in this final stretch, he thought, not the least of which could be a larger dinosaur that 'Fulsamee wouldn't have a chance against.

"Oh hell..."

About 50 feet away, trampling through the underbrush, was a small group of humans. 'Fulsamee had never actually seen humans before, but he'd heard stories about them... and that death always seemed to follow close behind them. He decided to observe them rather than remove their presence. If they went in the direction of the nests, it would be easy for 'Fulsamee to get there before they did and alert the pack.

The humans moved as if they were seeking a safe haven, constantly looking back and to the sides, like they expected an attack. Not necessarily a bad idea, considering where they were, this part of the forest was not known for being terribly quiet. Still, the fate of a small group of humans was not 'Fulsamee's to watch over, but one that continued in the direction this group had chosen was a concern for the safety of the eggs, which took priority over everything up to and including food. So 'Fulsamee dashed back in to warn his pack of the impending threat.

As 'Fulsamee entered the nesting grounds, he found 'Rolamee quietly examining a newly made nest.

"Leader, while on patrol I encountered a small group of humans wandering through the forest, and headed in the general direction of this site.", reported 'Fulsamee.

"Okay. We can't allow them any closer, as they might attract something big, if they haven't already. Get ready, we'll have to either destroy them or change their direction."

'Rolamee then gave a series of loud barks to gather the rest of the pack. They came quickly, and he spoke.

"A group of humans is inbound on this site. We will either have to destroy them or reroute them. I want 'Fulsamee, 'Lonamee, 'Uramee, and 'Firnomee. The rest of you, prepare for possible assault."

The other 12 raptors stepped back and began various tasks to make ready.

'Rolamee said, "Okay, 'Fulsamee, take point and bring us to where you last found the humans."