"19 June 1993, World: Nexus, Location: Between the town of Farreach and the  
city Specifica of Furs.

"Today has been as quiet as yesterday.  There was some brief trouble with  
pirates last night, but several well-placed ballista bolts enforced our  
argument.  Swordbeak's appearance simply capped out point.

"It is lunchtime now.  I had morning watch, so most of my afternoon is free.   
Longflyer has brought me several samples of flora and fauna I am not familiar  
with.  Perhaps they will aid in dinner discussion tonight.  The hawk has proven  
himself an able helper.  I cannot speak his language, but our rapport is  
nonetheless uncanny.  Longflyer understands my requests and the need for  
undamaged specimens.  Having his help makes my task infinitely easier; having  
his company makes it decidedly more enjoyable.

"Besides examining nature, I have been scrutinizing my fellow crew.  Besides  
our master Pumice and the ranger Pheu, there are two humans.

"The first is called Ted.  He is short for a human, just over five feet with  
more of an elvish build than the stockiness of the humans I am used to.  He has  
raven black hair and keeps it cut short.  Ted seems a bit shy, but he is quick  
to smile and has yet to pass up the opportunity for a joke or anecdote.  His  
main duties include turns at the wheel and manning the ballista.  In fact, that  
is where he is now.

"My other crewmate calls himself Bill.  He is taller than Ted, almost six feet.   
Bill is arranged more like the humans I know.  But he is still not stocky.   
There is a wiriness to his strength.  The louder of the two, Bill is much  
easier to get an opinion out of; actually, he is quite vocal and outspoken.   
All seems in good meaning though.  He does not hold grudges and provides a  
wonderful debater.  At present, he has the wheel.  Likely, the two will switch  
just before dinner.

"Speaking of which, it is my turn to cook.  I shall have to rouse Pheu soon and  
find where the little fiend hid our rations.  These are strange companions I  
have now.  I like them.  But I cannot help wondering, how would Ellen react?   
Milady has a tendency to be a bit uptight and closed.

"Worry about that later.  Pumice has informed me that dinner comes early today.   
Apparently, we will make Specifica just after dusk.  I eagerly await my first  
encounter the with civilization of Nexus."

-Thaddius Farsinger
"Tranquility is a man's best enemy / worst friend."

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Sometimes, those you love most are the ones you have to leave behind.
Matt Cutter, e-mail to mcutter@nic.gac.edu OR mcutter@vax2.gac.edu
Gustavus couldn't afford my opinions if they wanted them!
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