Here we go again.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The group is still on the trail of the gaint lizard. For a ponderous beast, it is surprisingly stealthy.
Fortunately, though, it finally comes to a stop, allowing them to get a better look at it.
The reptile has grey skin, with a pink underbelly. Aside from its small head and fat body, these are its only distinguishing features. Ultimately, the make for a rather drab animal.
However, it isn't alone. It has come to stop at a large lake, where several more of its kind have joined it. Some are drinking from the lake, while others browse on nearby ferns. All in all, it is a rather calming sight.
"I think I know what these are," remarks Nigel.
"You do?" asks Vera.
"Yes, these are Cotylorhynchus. They're the most well know member of the caseids. They were the biggest animals of their time and probably didn't have predators. They didn't last long after the early Permian, though, as they now had to face animals that could eat them."
While that is sad news for these reptiles, it also makes them good residents for Prehistoric Park.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
Back at the Park, Bob is dealing with the giant amphibians. Surprisingly, he's not very perturbed by them.
"I'm actually fine working with these creatures. Might seem odd, but they still have a relative around today: the giant salamander. And I've worked with those before. They also act a bit like crocodiles, which just makes them easier to care for."
Right now, Bob is moving the salamanders into their new exhibit: a deep pond connected to a shallow stream. Along the sides are plenty of rocks to bask on and ferns to hide in. The few that have entered the exhibit are already seeking cover.
Smiling, Bob watches as they make themselves at home.
Then, a rumbling noise fills the air. Turning toward the source reveals a crocodile, albeit one with a VERY THIN SNOUT.
Bob can only chuckle at this sight.
"That's one of ours ghavials. These are the most harmless crocodilians of all: all they can eat is fish. They're harmless."
After staring at their modern analogues, the Slaugenhopia return to settling into their new home.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
Back in the past, the team is putting their plan into motion.
Acting fast, the group quickly heads down and starts setting up both the portal and funnel to force the animals through. There is one problem, though: they don't have any bait.
"How do we lure them in?" asks Marcus.
Before he can get a response, Nigel notices something odd. Gesturing toward a nearby hill, the group turns and stares: on it are ten large reptiles. They appear to be almost skin and bones, which highlights the short sails on their backs. They look very hungry, and if their bared, sharp teeth are any indication, they're carnivores.
"Are those Dimetrodon?" asks Violet.
"No, the sail is too short. These must be Tappenosaurus," answers Nigel "And they might have solved our problem."
Eyeing the caseids, the carnivores quickly move around to force them toward the portal. This isn't out of any altruistic feeling, though: the funnel the group made around the portal makes it an easy location to snatch a prey animal.
Once all of the creatures are in positon, they charge, sending the fat herbivores into panic. As they approach the portal, the hunters converge on the caseids, though it is less of a pack and more of a hungry mob. Before they can sink their teeth into one of the beasts, the portal flares to life, sending them all to the present.
As the rest of the team celebrates the victory, Nigel notices something: running away from the portal is a reptile no bigger than a dog. Could this be their quarry?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AN: Read and review.
