In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 94):

"This isn't a residence.  The people who worked here probably lived nearby and commuted.  Our Vet probably lives nearby."

"Or commuted a half hour or more, or is dead.  We plan on checking the town, but that might not happen today."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 96):

"OK, I've got the tools, and some lido.  Let's see if I get stomped to death by an angry elephant or not."

As they're walking back to the hummer, Hawke says "If he goes berserk, or she goes after me, don't stop them.  They may be the last two elephants, and they only breed once every 10 years.  I've always been replaceable."

"The American PJ's had a saying 'This we do, so that others may live.'  I always liked it."

"Honestly Hawke, elephants aren't native to Canada anyway.  I think I'd rather keep you."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 98):

Hawke grins.  "These two are, now."

"Sorry bud, probably have to go against your wishes there."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 100):

"I'll try not to piss them off."

"Good plan."  She grinned at him.

"They're sweet... it would be a shame to lose either of them. But humans come first," said Mac.

What did he find regarding elephants?

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 103):

The computer was dead, but there was still at least a half-dozen books on elephants available, and the files for "Woozle" and "Heffalumph" were still there.

This part of the valley was heavily agricultural. Between the farms and wooded areas were bedroom communities where people who lived in the city commuted out to daily using the Trans-Canada. Nearest would be Aldergrove (5km) to the south. Equidistant would be Langley (12km west) and Abbotsford. (14km east) Of those, Langley was the larger community and more developed of the two.

Commuting from either would be a 10 minute or so drive down the more southern (and older) Fraser Highway, which connected Langley, Aldergrove and Abbotsford. Land would be cheap here in the valley, so it was unlikely a full-time vet would want or need to commute farther than that unless they had a residence elsewhere. (For example, if they also worked at UBC then they might live in New West or some other place in between.)

Mac loads up with all elephant-related information (books and files), and heads back out, trusting Hawke to find the necessary surgical instruments.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 105):

Hawke follows with the surgical instruments.

"If nothing else, our team could find these useful."

"Check correspondance, hanging diplomas, desks and so on and see if you can hang a name on the vets that worked here.  Maybe we can find them by name in a surrounding community."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 107):

"I have names of who worked on the elephants in their charts."

"Perfect!  Go ahead and make a quick list, and we will get going.  Take a last look around and let's get to going."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 109):

Hawke found a piece of paper and made a quick list of the last few names that worked on the elephants.  He also looked around for a business card or letterhead that had a collection of names on it.

"Here you go," he said, handing the paper to Champlaign

"Thanks Hawke, ok take a last look about and then go ahead and let's mount up, unless there is something else you want to see."

Tom covered the door to the office as the others turned the place over. Keeping his rifle low he scanned the surrounding area for any signs of life or recent occupation.

He wondered if some one had let the animals go or just let them starve in their enclosures. Once they started to leave he kept an eye out for any signs that told visitors what type of animals they would be seeing.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 112):

Those waiting out front heard little but the rustle of the wind in the trees, and birds. The sun was just starting to sink into the western sky.

Belanger radioed to report they were about to get into position to their west, about 3 klicks east at the intersection of 56 Ave and 248 st.

Kelsey got on the radio

"This is Rook one, we have obtained the supplies and records, no contact with personnel.  Where is our next hop, over?

With the sun setting, she was not sure if they wanted to check on the radio emplacement, head to the targeted town, dig in, or head back to the river fort.  She'd make a decision if need, but she knew Taras has often bold strategies that were proven to work, so she would trust in them.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 114):

Belanger came on the net. "I need you to have a look at CFS Aldergrove. It was a key communications facility before the war. Just drive by the buildings, see if any masts are still standing."

Mac, burdened with books and files, made his way back to his vehicle.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 116):

Hawke, bearing surgical equipment for large animals, followed.

"Next stop Aldergrove?"

He placed the stash carefully in the back of the vehicle, and slid into the driver's seat.

"That's right Hawke, and we want everyone on the same routine... Bishop, care to give us some bunny ups?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 118):

"Roger that," Andy replied, "you want us to lead?"

He looked at his team as it reassembled, "Mount up. It's time to go."