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Earth Prince looks at the sun through the trees, then frowns and pulls out his hand-held communication terminal to check the time. "Now I've only got a half an hour before I have to head in to the shop to open up. Let's start copying."
As the four get their notepads out of their packs, Water Princess's father says, "Speaking of your shop, I need a secure connection today. Can I drop by later?"
"Sure."
Water Princess's mother suggests, "Can we just make a map, kind of get an idea of what's here today in the remaining time, then come back again when Ceri and Morris and maybe some of the other members of the ward can come with us?"
"Good idea." Earth Prince laughs. "We need to try to dispel the rumors about the odd things that happen here."
By unspoken agreement, the four of them spread out, checking stones here and there and taking quick notes.
"Shouldn't we just all go to your shop?" Water Princess asks as she takes notes.
"I'm not sure I can work with your dad immediately. I need to open up the shop, and there may be customers. But if you're willing to wait, why not?"
"While we're waiting, we can do some shopping at nearby stores."
"Good idea, Mom. I saw a divers' supply shop nearby that looks interesting."
"Divers' supply?" Her father doesn't look up.
"Have to use the ordinary means when they're available, right, Dad? My swimming goggles are getting old. But it'll be fun to look at the diving equipment."
A snuffling sound is heard, and they all look around. At the sight of a tusked, furry head poking into the clearing, Water Princess squats down and holds out her hand and snuffles in return, saying her thanks. The members of the sounder wander into the clearing and join them, and the four Xhilrans exchange snuffles, grunts and squeals with the members of the sounder.
One older sow brings a litter with her to introduce them, and then urges Water Princess over to a specific monument.
"Dad, look at this name. Ilar. It looks familiar."
Her father stands up and goes over to take a look, followed by her mom and Earth Prince. "Cheerful. That looks like the missing youngest son of your great-grandfather."
"Agnes and I are cousins."
"Probably so."
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[JMR2019: Backed up here:
https://joel-rees-economics.blogspot.com/2019/05/bk-we-0-13-80-ancestors.html
Expanded from here:
https://joel-rees-economics.blogspot.com/2019/04/bk-we-0-13-70-debriefing.html
Original back up here:
https://joel-rees-economics.blogspot.com/2019/03/bk-we-0-13-5-wild-boars.html
]
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