Read Online Catastrophe by Deirdre O'Dare - Free Book Online
Authors: Deirdre O'Dare
Tags: Gay & Lesbian
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::Sorry, girls. This is my lifetime for guys.. You can look, but no touching.::
When Carl opened his mouth to speak, he found the words poured out smoothly. He sensed that Max and Brun, as well as Zyl, were telepathically feeding him the basic points, but he had no trouble framing them into strong, positive, emphatic and unequivocal words.
Yes, Were-kind had been living beside and among humans for some time. Yes, they were aware of the protest and attempted raid in advance and did not support it. Although they sought fair and ethical treatment for animals, they did not advocate a sudden release of every creature under human control and protection. That would be tantamount to genocide because the captive animals were not able to survive without the care they were now used to.
Still, the leaders of Were-kind, including their supreme ruler, were ready and open to working with any of the human leaders who would accept them as equals and partners in many issues related to animals and the environment. A delegation would be ready to meet as soon as tomorrow. Carl asked the reporters to share this message with their audience on television, radio and various print or electronic media.
After he and Zyl fielded a few more questions, they firmly ended the interview and suggested the media representatives go back to their normal business. The day's excitement was over. Before they got to that point, though, the zoo manager and his senior staff had all gathered there, too. They spoke briefly to the media, but avoided most direct questions by issuing a short statement.
They declared the zoo closed for the rest of the day and barred the gates as soon as the last reporter departed. Then, almost as one, they turned to the assembled Were-kind, obvious uncertainty in their posture and expressions. They all tried to appear strong and expressed determination to retain control of the facility. At least they began with diplomacy rather than a misguided show of force.
Carl exhaled a sigh of relief. He felt sure the Weres would not take kindly to any arrogance or overbearing attitude on the zoo staff's part. He prepared himself to try to intervene if that began to appear, but he didn't need to. Max and several of the other Weres said they'd be glad to meet with the zoo officials soon, but that there had been enough uproar for one day.
Everyone agreed and both groups began to move away, most of the Were-kind leaving, while the zoo staff went back to their normal duties. Carl made the rounds to check on all of his feline charges. None of them even seemed to be upset or stressed. Although conflict had raged around the area, no fences or walls were damaged and none of the animals had been so much as threatened. While he visited all the cats, Zyl tagged along beside him, saying very little, but observing with keen attention.
Evening came with feeding time and the normal closing time, which today only involved checking the gates to be sure everything was secure. Though no one expected the protestors to return, they were taking no chances. All the security devices were active, as were the surveillance cameras and scanners. At least two people would be observing their input in the security office all night long while the old, trusted guards would roam the grounds in pairs.
With that reassurance, Carl felt he could safely head for his cottage and rest from the stressful day. He turned to Zyl, who paced along beside him. "I'm surprised you're still here. I thought you'd be heading off with Max and the others, or are you going to continue to stay with the cheetahs?"
The shifter lifted one mobile eyebrow, answering the question with one of his own. "What are your plans for the night?"
"Nothing that can't include you, if you're so inclined."
* * * *
"I wasn't going to invite myself, but since you seem willing, I think I can take the night off. We could join some of the Were-kind at the bar, but I'd just as soon hang out with you. Any Were business can
When Carl opened his mouth to speak, he found the words poured out smoothly. He sensed that Max and Brun, as well as Zyl, were telepathically feeding him the basic points, but he had no trouble framing them into strong, positive, emphatic and unequivocal words.
Yes, Were-kind had been living beside and among humans for some time. Yes, they were aware of the protest and attempted raid in advance and did not support it. Although they sought fair and ethical treatment for animals, they did not advocate a sudden release of every creature under human control and protection. That would be tantamount to genocide because the captive animals were not able to survive without the care they were now used to.
Still, the leaders of Were-kind, including their supreme ruler, were ready and open to working with any of the human leaders who would accept them as equals and partners in many issues related to animals and the environment. A delegation would be ready to meet as soon as tomorrow. Carl asked the reporters to share this message with their audience on television, radio and various print or electronic media.
After he and Zyl fielded a few more questions, they firmly ended the interview and suggested the media representatives go back to their normal business. The day's excitement was over. Before they got to that point, though, the zoo manager and his senior staff had all gathered there, too. They spoke briefly to the media, but avoided most direct questions by issuing a short statement.
They declared the zoo closed for the rest of the day and barred the gates as soon as the last reporter departed. Then, almost as one, they turned to the assembled Were-kind, obvious uncertainty in their posture and expressions. They all tried to appear strong and expressed determination to retain control of the facility. At least they began with diplomacy rather than a misguided show of force.
Carl exhaled a sigh of relief. He felt sure the Weres would not take kindly to any arrogance or overbearing attitude on the zoo staff's part. He prepared himself to try to intervene if that began to appear, but he didn't need to. Max and several of the other Weres said they'd be glad to meet with the zoo officials soon, but that there had been enough uproar for one day.
Everyone agreed and both groups began to move away, most of the Were-kind leaving, while the zoo staff went back to their normal duties. Carl made the rounds to check on all of his feline charges. None of them even seemed to be upset or stressed. Although conflict had raged around the area, no fences or walls were damaged and none of the animals had been so much as threatened. While he visited all the cats, Zyl tagged along beside him, saying very little, but observing with keen attention.
Evening came with feeding time and the normal closing time, which today only involved checking the gates to be sure everything was secure. Though no one expected the protestors to return, they were taking no chances. All the security devices were active, as were the surveillance cameras and scanners. At least two people would be observing their input in the security office all night long while the old, trusted guards would roam the grounds in pairs.
With that reassurance, Carl felt he could safely head for his cottage and rest from the stressful day. He turned to Zyl, who paced along beside him. "I'm surprised you're still here. I thought you'd be heading off with Max and the others, or are you going to continue to stay with the cheetahs?"
The shifter lifted one mobile eyebrow, answering the question with one of his own. "What are your plans for the night?"
"Nothing that can't include you, if you're so inclined."
* * * *
"I wasn't going to invite myself, but since you seem willing, I think I can take the night off. We could join some of the Were-kind at the bar, but I'd just as soon hang out with you. Any Were business can
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