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TINY TERRORS

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The Hampshire countryside unfolded in all its splendour, a sprawling tapestry of untamed beauty and tranquillity. The grand estate, an emblem of Britain's imperial legacy, commanded the landscape. Amidst rolling hills adorned with majestic oaks, their mighty boughs swaying in harmony with the gentle spring breeze. Fields of golden wheat and faded barley stretched painting a vivid patchwork of colours beneath the expansive pale blue sky, cut short by the treeline, while tendrils of smoke curled lazily from the chimneys, carrying whispers of stories from the past. This stately Georgian marvel, adorned with tall windows that whispered stories of opulence, boasted pristine white stone columns and gabled roofs that reached for the heavens. Its very presence exuded an air of grace and refinement, a testament to an era long gone. Within the estate's walls, secrets whispered through centuries-old corridors and opulent ballrooms, as portraits of long-departed ancestors gazed down with enigmatic expressions. This timeless beauty stood entwined with the present, where the echoes of grandeur mingled with the whispers of untold stories. The furniture, with its well-worn cushions and inviting embrace, bears the marks of cherished memories and comforting moments. A half-consumed cup of tea, its warmth fading, rests on a side table, accompanied by a neatly arranged newspaper, capturing the essence of peaceful mornings and leisurely routines. Here, amidst the quietude and opulence, tradition reigns supreme, evoking a quiet wealth and the timeless affluence of the English country gentry.

In the hushed embrace of the morning, a gentle glow bathes the study. Sunlight filters through the intricate patterns of the mullioned windows. Within the refined ambiance, subtle traces of the exotic weave their way into the tapestry of the room. Feathers from far-off lands grace the intricate artefacts, their vibrant hues adding a touch of intrigue and mystery. Colourful hides of creatures draped gracefully over the floors and furniture, hinting at untold tales and uncharted territories. A curated collection of fossils and meticulously drawn maps adorns the richly panelled walls, testaments to the adventures and discoveries of a seasoned explorer.

In the midst of this harmonious blend of the familiar and the unknown, Randall Thompson himself stands as a living embodiment of tradition and exploration. He gazes out over his vast estate, his eyes filled with a contemplative spark that captures the essence of a man who navigates the realms of the old and the new.

Of course, the serene stillness of the room was often abruptly shattered.

Gabrielle burst into the study, her vibrant presence filling the room as her pair of Coelophysis pets trailed behind her, their sleek, black forms adorned with colourful ribbons that fluttered with each nimble step. The playful energy that usually radiated from her was replaced by frown imbued with irritation. "Randall!"

Randall turned from the window with a patient sigh. "Good morning, Gabrielle. What seems to be the trouble now?"

"The Compies! Those tiny terrors are causing havoc again in the kitchen! Chewing through the boards, digging up the pantry, making a right mess of things. Mercy me, these vermin are evolving smartly!"

"Compsognathus, my dear, wherever do you hear that slang? However, they are just doing what comes naturally. They're only-"

"Rats with fangs! Disease-carrying rats that need to be exterminated before they eat my darlings' food!" Gabrielle gestured dramatically to her lizard pets as the pair nipped affectionately at her fingers.

"You do have a way with words. But I'd rather not resort to extermination. Perhaps some diversionary tactics instead..."

But his words fell on deaf ears. Gabrielle was already engrossed in animated conversation with her pets, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she planned their adventurous pursuit of the "rascally Compies." Her voice carried through the study, a whirlwind of determination and playfulness, as she outlined her strategy for teaching them a lesson.

Randall sighed once more, resigning himself to the fact that his well-intentioned lecture on temperance and mercy would have to wait for a more receptive audience. With a gentle puff on his pipe, he observed the scene before him, the intertwining threads of youthful exuberance and his own world-weary wisdom.

Gabrielle unclipped the leashes from her prized companions, the elegant Coelophysis pets, and discarded them with a nonchalant flick of her wrist. The creatures, sleek and black with a rare melanistic colouring, scampered with agile grace around her feet, their lithe bodies resembling greyhounds. Despite their size, their reptilian scales shimmered in an iridescent blue hue under the gentle touch of sunlight that streamed through the study window. Each step was accompanied by the distinctive scrabble of their clawed feet against the polished wooden floors. Their sharp teeth and beady eyes missed nothing, their keen senses honed for hunting common pests with remarkable precision. Then Gabrielle had already swept out of the study, her Coelophysis scurrying after her, chirping excitedly.

Among the genteel classes, Coelophysis had become highly sought-after pets, their popularity driven by their compact size, vibrant scales, and remarkable proficiency in ridding households of vermin.

To most, Coelophysis were pragmatic creatures, valued primarily for their efficiency in pest control. Farmers entrusted these nimble dinosaurs with the task of hunting down pests such as Compsognathus or Scutellosaurus that infested grain stores and snatching chicks from coops, safeguarding their livelihoods. Within the bustling kitchens of manor houses, these creatures played a crucial role in maintaining a pest-free environment, earning the gratitude of the servants who relied on their swift predatory skills. Even researchers at zoological institutes recognised the practicality of Coelophysis. Their utility was undeniable, and their presence in various facets of everyday life made them an invaluable asset to those who sought to protect their homes, crops, and research endeavours.

However, they were regarded more as valuable tools rather than cherished companions. They received just enough food to sustain their slim, hungry figures and were housed in simple coops or tethered on short leashes. While a few handlers may have developed a fondness for specific specimens, there persisted a collective understanding of the Coelophysis' predatory nature and their status as working creatures. Scratches and bites resulting from their excitement or aggression were accepted as expected hazards of ownership, and poorly-behaved ones were swiftly replaced. The practicality of these creatures outweighed sentimental attachments, as their primary purpose was to serve as effective pest controllers.

While many households deemed it necessary to keep at least one or two of these agile creatures for their pest control capabilities, Gabrielle's affection for her pair went beyond practicality.

To Gabrielle, her Coelophysis were treasures beyond compare, rivalling the most prized hounds or pedigreed cats. She spared no expense in pampering them, their delicate palates indulged with the choicest cuts of meat, while their necks were adorned with intricately hand-stitched collars or the finest silken ribbons. In the cosy embrace of the parlour, a sunlit nook near the crackling fireplace was reserved exclusively for their comfort. The warmth and flickering flames offered a haven where they could bask and play to their hearts' content. Gabrielle's unwavering dedication to their well-being knew no bounds such as the many creatures she cared for. Some may have found her devotion amusing or eccentric, but Randall, with his patient disposition, accepted her unique bond with understanding and respect.

Gabrielle's pets were in a frenzy, snapping at each other's heels and nipping at the furniture in their eagerness. She paid them no heed, too absorbed in the thrill of the hunt. The din of their hunting cries filled the estate, a chilling counterpoint to Gabrielle's peals of delighted laughter.

Randall tried once more to reason with her. "Gabrielle, I implore you, call off your pets before they cause any damage."

Once again, his words were ignored. Gabrielle was in her element, cheerfully encouraging her dinosaurs as they tore through the manor, seeking prey that only they could see.

"Just try not to destroy anything valuable," Randall sighed resignedly.

Randall watched helplessly, caught between the desire to protect his business partner from potential harm and the knowledge that no amount of lecturing would sway her. With a shake of his head, he withdrew to his study once more, leaving Gabrielle to her fanciful chase.

Suddenly, one of the Coelos pounced, catching its quarry in a flurry of snapping teeth. Gabrielle raced forward, scooping up the struggling Compsognathus in triumph.

"I've got one!" She hurried to Randall's study, her cheeks flushed with excitement and announced proudly, holding up the panicked Compy. "Look what my Coelos caught!"

Randall glanced up from his newspaper. "Gabrielle-"

"Aren't they the best pest catchers? One down, who knows how many to go!"

"Best of luck to us all," he murmured.

After an hour of exhilarating pursuit, the hunt finally ceased. Gasping for breath, Gabrielle sank to the study floor, her energy spent. The Coelophysis pets, though equally exhausted, continued to scurry around her with chirps of excitement.

Randall looked up, raising an eyebrow at Gabrielle sprawled ungracefully on the floor. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, but do try and act like a lady."

Gabrielle waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, bother being ladylike. That was far too much fun! How many Compies did we catch anyway?"

"Compsognathus. As I warned earlier, the more prudent action would have been to... Gabrielle?" He realised then that Gabrielle's attention had wandered, distracted by her pets now chasing dust motes around the study.

Randall closed his book with a fond smile. Pushing himself up from his chair, he crossed over to where Gabrielle lay. "You're hopeless. Here, let's get you up off that floor. I would like to have a word with you about those documents for the American sanctuary."

"Documents?"

Randall suppressed a sigh. "The contracts, permits, shipment forms. All the paperwork required to expand our dinosaur breeding efforts."

"Oh yes, of course! How can I help?"

He pulled out several official-looking documents and a pen. "I just need you to sign off on a few things so we can finalise the plans."

"Sign things?"

"I know it's not the most exciting part of the venture. However, try to keep a bit of humour regarding this."

"Oh, alright then." Relenting, Gabrielle took the pen and scrawled her name on the indicated lines, barely glancing at the forms.

"Close enough. Now, there's something I wish to discuss about the American sanctuary. While the prospect of expanding is exciting, I want to be sure we're doing this for the right reasons."

"Was that not what we were striving for?"

"Our work with breeding and raising dinosaurs should aim to further human knowledge and understanding, not simply to acquire wealth or status. For all our precautions, there's risks involved—both to us and the creatures in our care."

Gabrielle considered his words. Admittedly, she had been so focused on the thrill of discovering new species and raising them, she hadn't thought much about the bigger picture.

"My dear, I don't mean to lecture. I only want us to move forward with a clear purpose and conscience. We make a good team—your passion and my practicalities. However, I wish for you to learn the ethics of these specialised reptilian denizens. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir." Gabrielle murmured.

Randall reached out and gave Gabrielle's hand a gentle squeeze. "Don't be so glum. Now then, we'll need a good variety of creatures for the sanctuary. A good bargain for your happiness?"

Randall retrieved a crisp, blank sheet of paper from the depths of his desk drawer. With a gentle push, he slid the leaf towards Gabrielle. Atop the paper, he placed the fountain pen.

With a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, Gabrielle's hand eagerly grasped the fountain pen, its nib poised to scribble loopy ink onto the sheet, listing out her desired residents of her menagerie.

- Gallimimus herd (for the plains)

- Iguanodon herd (for the forests and meadows)

- Stegosaurus (so the visitors can ooh and aah)

- More ankylosaurs! (my favourite)

From his comfortable armchair, Randall observed Gabrielle's fervent scribbling with a soft smile playing on his lips. As the list grew longer, he couldn't help but admire her boundless enthusiasm and free-spirited nature. While her approach may differ from his own meticulous nature, he recognized the invaluable role she played in their shared mission to establish a sanctuary for their beloved creatures.

Gabrielle looked up from her list and caught Randall's eye. "What do you think?"

"An admirable start. Although, I believe we've surely left out the most important creature of all."

Gabrielle frowned, racking her brains. Then she laughed as realisation dawned, adding to the bottom of the list with a flourish:

- Parasaurolophus (for Bessie)

Randall smiled in approval. "Now then. Let's get to work."

"Hold on, what do you think about maybe adding another large carnivore to our menagerie?"

Randall raised an eyebrow. "Beyond the Utahraptors you mean?"

Gabrielle nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, I have recently received a letter that a Deinonychus clutch will soon land in our hands. Surely the addition would suffice?"

"They're not any bigger than the Utahraptors."

"While many collectors desire fierce and exotic creatures, we must consider if we can truly provide for their needs in an ethical manner. Large carnivores require vast territories to roam and abundant sources of prey."

"What if we expanded the sanctuaries even more? Give them lots of space and fresh animals for hunting?"

Randall sighed. "Gabrielle, my dear, our efforts must be driven by the animals' welfare, not simply by what would excite ignorant minds. The raptors already demand much of our attention and resources. Perhaps we should focus our energies on the creatures already in our care before taking on more."

Gabrielle's eager smile had faded into a contemplative frown as she considered Randall's wise counsel. After a moment, she nodded reluctantly. Then, she conceded, yet ventured hesitantly, "Randall, what would you think about accompanying an expedition to South America? To discover a new breed of dinosaur for the sanctuary."

"Quite the turn of topic. Gabrielle, you know I prefer to leave the more... perilous aspects of our work to others."

"But wouldn't it be a grand adventure? Think of what we could learn, what we could discover together!"

"While exploring new frontiers holds a certain appeal, I am content managing our affairs from home. Ensuring facilities are ready, finances are stable..."

"Then... How about I could prepare the paddocks while you retrieve the dinosaurs firsthand! I will handle everything in your stead. Then when you return victorious, we'll be ready to introduce the newest residents of our sanctuary!"

Despite himself, Randall was caught up in Gabrielle's infectious enthusiasm. Yet again, the prospect of such a pioneering discovery was tempting.

"Very well. An expedition to South America, in search of unknown creatures." He fixed Gabrielle with a stern look. "But you must promise to have everything in order for when I return. No excuses."

"You won't regret this!" Gabrielle whooped in joy, dancing out of the study.

A wistful smile graced Randall's face as he shook his head, acknowledging the mix of excitement and trepidation that filled his heart. In agreeing to Gabrielle's ambitious plans, he knew that a world of fresh adventures and unexpected troubles awaited them. The path they had chosen was not without its challenges, but Randall was no stranger to the twists and turns of life.