Planet Zar: Nexus

As a young adult, Pennatu had grown too large to fit in the neat corrals of the fishery, something that made his heart ache because nothing was quite so fascinating as watching the fries hatch and test the waters for the first time. But being big had other advantages, and he hadn't quite gotten to massive yet. Even at 9' tall, ribbons and pronged, he attracted plenty of wild fish around him, hiding the comforting shadow of his bulk as he waded through the shores of Sunfall.

"It's hard to believe we're almost through our second year on the island." Iqaluk paused, elbow deep in the ocean, and raised her face to the sun.

:: Only my first! :: Pennatu replied, tossing his head back to grin at her.

She smiled back. "The first of many more! You're a good study."

Pennatu beamed under the praise.

Pennatu liked her. She was always kind and encouraging toward him. She knew so much about the local fish species and how the fishery was meant to operate. Pennatu wished she was some sort of mer creature, like Icar. They'd make a good pair, he thought.

They weren't properly on the job, but Iqaluk had brought along a pair of sample tubes and scooped water and sand off the ocean floor.

"Gotta keep an eye on the algae blooms," she said, raising the test tube up to the light.

:: Will there be fishing next year, do you think? ::

"As long as the populations keep steady, I'd hope so."

Pennatu thought it was bittersweet. He knew the purpose of the fishery was twofold; documenting native species and raising populations where fishing at Sunfall would be sustainable. Honestly, Pennatu loved the occasional fried fish (or raw, he was a dragon, after all!), but it was odd - thinking of hunting and eating all the little fries he'd helped raise. He supposed it was the same for the ranchers raising sheep and cows. Not all of it was just for milk and wool!

"Looking good, my dudes! Checking up on the little fishies?" A deep, reverberating voice crowed from nearer the shore.

Pennatu and Iqaluk turned to see Litus, the resident lifeguard, wade lazily toward them, his long blond hair trailing behind him like sea froth.

:: Always! :: Pennatu replied.

"Hard at work," Iqaluk added.

"Don't forget to be hard at play," Litus laughed. He reached them quickly and butted Pennatu's head with playful affection. "Too bad the waves aren't in."

"Good for us, though," said Iqaluk. "Getting samples isn't as easy when the tide keeps pulling you down."

Litus laughed, bright and deep. "Just gotta teach you how to surf, yo!"

:: What about me? :: asked Pennatu.

"If they can make surf boards big enough for me, they can make 'em for you too, little dude," said Litus. He flapped a hand out of the water and mimed surfing over the soft waves.

:: You really think I could surf? ::

"Absolutely, dude! Any time you wanna learn, you know where to find me. Or... uh... usually."

"Usually?" Iqaluk cocked her head. "What are you up to, Litus?"

Litus' gaze wavered between Iqaluk and Pennatu in an uncharacteristic show of worry. Then he grinned, sheepish, and tossed his head, flicking water all over them. "I was thinking about making a trip to Lantessama. Pennatu, you're such a cool dude, and I figured if I wanted a bond as awesome as you, Lantessama is the place to go, right?"

Pennatu colored, his already rosy complexion darkening. He ducked his head under the water, bashful and uncertain how to handle the compliment. :: That sounds really fun. I was only there for a little while, but I really loved Lantessama. ::

"You know, that's a really amazing idea," said Iqaluk. "I've thought the very same about Pennatu and... and the fishery could use another set of hands. Or fins."

:: Wait... what? :: Pennatu snapped his gaze to Iqaluk. :: You want to bond too? ::

"Who wouldn't after meeting an awesome lil' guy like you!" said Litus. He turned to Iqaluk and raised his wings. "Think your boss would let you go? I can give you a lift?"

"I'll ask him when we head back to the fishery! Let me know when you're headed out."