Homemade: Connor

Connor smiled as he handed a small gift to Abby at the ARC Christmas party. Abby opened the box and took out a tube.

"It looks like a pen light," said Abby, holding the small, thick tube.

"It's not," said Connor. "Hang on a sec, and I'll give you a demonstration."

He took the tube from Abby and waited.

"What are we waiting for?" asked Abby.

"I can't tell you. It'll ruin the surprise."

As Connor stared toward the ceiling, Rex flew into the canteen.

"Abby! I thought I made myself clear. The ARC is not his private air strip."

"Sorry, Lester. I was sure he was secure."

"He was," said Connor. "I let him out."

"What? Why?" asked Abby and Lester in unison.

"You'll see."

Rex flew higher.

"Watch," said Connor, "now you see a wayward green dinosaur, and," he pushed a button on the tube, and a thin, yellow light shot out, hitting Rex, "now you dont."

"Connor! What did you do?" she cried.

"It's OK, Abs. Trust me."

Rex fell, but didn't hit the ground. A net shot out of the tube, unfolded, and caught Rex in the air. Then the net fell, like a parachute, gently to the ground. A long thin cord attached the net to the tube. When Connor pushed the second button, the cord retracted, slowly pulling the net back toward the tube.

The net stopped when it touched the tube. Connor stood, holding one sleeping reptile at the end of it.

"He's fine, just asleep. It will wear off in five minutes or so. I promise, Abby there's no damage to Rex, the taser beam was very, very small."

He moved the net contraption toward Abby. "You ordered one tiny, green, sometimes annoying, dinosaur?'

She pulled Rex out of the net, and examined him. Rex woke up as she did so.

"Hi, naughty boy," she said. "Nice work Connor."

"Thank you. See, he didn't even feel the effects of the tazer. And the parachute net keeps him from crushing against the ground."

"Pretty cool idea, Connor."

"Well, I know how it bothers you when our little Houdini is loose, plus with Lester whining..."

"I do not whine."

Connor smiled. "The cord and the net are strong, so Rex will be safe the entire time. Happy Christmas, Abs."

Abby kissed him, then Rex. "Happy Christmas, Connor. Let's go Rexy, back to the menagerie."

"Don't forget your Rex Catcher," he said, handing her the tube. The net had retreated inside once Rex was taken from it.

"Brilliant," she said, holding the tube. "You just made my life easier."

"Well Lester?" he said, grinning proudly. "Are you as impressed?"

"Yes, very nice, now if we just had one for the bigger creatures."

"I'll work on it" said Connor, with a grin.

The End