Dinosaur Blackout (8 page)

Daniel eyed her carefully. The idea wasn’t that crazy, but maybe she was scared to go. Even more than he was.

“All I’m suggesting is a quick look,” Pederson said.

“But I don’t have my good hiking boots on or my backpack with all my stuff,” she objected.

Mr. Pederson guffawed. “Well, then how about Daniel and I just drop in for a minute? I want to see how this all works.”

When he felt Ole Pederson’s eyes on him, Daniel felt his pulse increase along with his breathing. “I g-g-guess we could go right away,” he spluttered out.

“All right, do you have that leaf we need or not?” Pederson demanded.

“How did you know that’s what I had?” asked Daniel.

“I didn’t for sure, but you’ve just confirmed it,” smiled Pederson. “I knew it had to be something flat to fit in your notebook. So did you bring it?”

Daniel gulped. “Yeah, I did, but I didn’t really expect to be going today.”

“Don’t tell me I have
two
chicken-hearted partners,” he said.

“You won’t be calling us that when you’ve seen what we have!” Dr. Roost said indignantly.

“So show me,” Pederson goaded them.

“We’re not falling for that trick, Mr. Pederson,” said Daniel. “I’ve used that one on Cheryl to get her to do something I want her to do, so give me
some credit.”

Pederson laughed sheepishly. “Okay then, why don’t you explain to me again how the time travel thing works.”

“First off, we all have to stick together,” Daniel said. “I mean that very seriously.”

Pederson nodded.

“We have to be in contact so that we can all travel through time at once,” Daniel continued. “When I touch the leaf, you’ll be connected to me and we’ll instantly go. If I drop it or we lose it and we’re not touching each other, you’ll be stuck there and there’s no coming back for whoever is left behind.”

“Do you have to hold the leaf the whole time we’re away?” asked Pederson.

“No, I usually put it in my pocket. But as soon as I drop it – when it’s no longer touching me – I come back with whoever is connected to me.”

“Okay, I’ve got that all straight. I have no intention of straying from either of you,” said Pederson. “So shall we give it a whirl?”

“We haven’t even discussed where we’ll leave from,” Dr. Roost protested.

“Details. Let’s just pick a spot and go for a few moments.”

“We can’t do that, Mr. Pederson,” Daniel said. “We don’t want to end up in the middle of the sea!”

“That’s for sure,” agreed Dr. Roost. “It’s slimy and the bottom sucks at your feet like quicksand, not to mention the hungry creatures lurking about.”

Daniel added, “We have to be prepared in case we have to hide somewhere right away.”

“You sure don’t want to be standing right in front of a
T. rex
with his mouth hanging open.” Dr. Roost looked at Pederson crossly.

Meekly, Mr. Pederson sat back. “Yes, you’re right. I’ve waited this long. Guess I can wait a few more hours.”

“Hours?” Dr. Roost stood up. “We can’t go today!”

“Why not?” Pederson looked at her in surprise. “We can gather everything we need over the next couple of hours, surely.” He looked at Daniel. “How much time do you need?”

“I suppose I could be ready in an hour or so. Maybe we could go after lunch.”

Pederson turned to Dr. Roost, “Mildred?”

“I suppose we could go then, but I still don’t understand what the hurry is.”

“And I don’t see the need to wait,” said Pederson.

Daniel had never seen the old man quite so determined. He seemed to have stopped worrying about the implications of what they were about to do.

“All right, then, you two are the experts. Where shall we leave from?” Pederson bent to study the maps.

“I’d say about halfway between here and my hideout,” Daniel estimated.

“Near where you and Mildred returned this last time?” asked Pederson.

“No, a little closer to my hideout and a little bit more to the east – more towards the quarry.” He pointed to a spot on the map.

Dr. Roost used the pencil to mark the spot. “I’d say that’s about right, Daniel. We saw the
Stygimolochs
when we were nearly across that meadow, which I think is about here.”

“All right, that’s where we’ll leave from after lunch,” Pederson said confidently.

But at lunchtime Daniel could hardly eat a thing, even though Mom had prepared lemon meringue pie for dessert.

“Are you feeling okay?” Mom asked.

“I’m fine,” he said. “Just a little disappointed that there’s been no news from Corporal Fraser, I guess.”

“That’s enough to put us all off our feed,” said Dr. Roost, swilling back the last of her tea.

“I’m not leaving any crumbs,” said Pederson, wiping off the last of the meringue from his chin.

“I’m glad to see you’re a little more chipper,” said Mom. “What do you attribute that to?”

Pederson and Dr. Roost sat there with stony faces, not knowing what to say and not wanting to tell a lie. Daniel finally found his tongue.

“We’re working out some strategies that might help find more information about the
Stygimoloch
. We’ve been studying maps of the area,” Daniel answered truthfully.

“Yes, and we’d better get back to it,” suggested Dr. Roost, kicking at Mr. Pederson under the table.

“Indeed! Thanks for another fabulous meal, Libby. I especially enjoyed the pie!” said Ole Pederson.

“You’re quite welcome. There’s enough left over for a coffee break this afternoon, if you’re interested,” she added with a pleased smile.

“I may just take you up on it,” Mr. Pederson said. “A fellow can get awfully hungry when he’s doing research.” He began chatting about the merits of flavourful and enticing food.

“Come
on
, Ole,” begged Dr. Roost.

Daniel laughed. Was Mr. Pederson having second thoughts about going to prehistoric time? Was he stalling by talking to Mom?

“All right, Mildred, I’m coming,” he insisted. “Can’t a fellow even give the cook a few compliments?”

“You’re acting like this might be your last meal,” snorted Mildred Roost.

Ole Pederson scoffed. “If it was, this is exactly what I’d like to have.”

“Are you going too, Daniel?” Mom asked.

“Yes, if that’s okay with you.” Daniel never considered he might have to stay and do something. That would spoil all their plans. Although he wouldn’t mind a little more time to prepare before they leaped into the past.

“Sure, just as long as you don’t go far and you’re back to do evening chores.”

“No problem,” he answered, not daring to look at either Dr. Roost or Mr. Pederson for fear of giving himself away.

Dr. Roost finally shepherded Pederson outside.

“What was that all about?” she demanded as they climbed into Pederson’s truck. “You suddenly get cold feet or something?”

Ole Pederson looked abashed. “I guess subconsciously I had a few moments of concern, but I’m okay now. Let’s go.”

He put the truck into gear and they pulled out of the yard and across the pasture. Within minutes, they were at the spot they‘d decided was the perfect place to depart from. They all got out of the truck and gathered their belongings without saying a word.

Dr. Roost strapped a whistle around her neck, along with her digital camera, then slung on a backpack and adjusted her Tilley hat. She also wore a waist pack with a small notebook and pencils. Ole Pederson carried the binoculars around his neck, put his sunglasses onto his head and pulled his hat down tight overtop. For people who’d prepared in a hurry, they had an impressive amount of gear between them. Daniel’s own backpack, which he always had prepared for fossil searching expeditions, held extra water, matches, a regular camera, lots of pencils and, of course, his notebook, which contained the precious leaf and tiny branch.

When they were all assembled, Daniel took out his notebook and gently let the prehistoric leaf flutter onto a large rock. Keeping his eye on it, he returned his notebook and adjusted his backpack and clothing. Then he looked at his companions.

“Ready?” he asked, trembling slightly.

“Ready,” they said in unison, stepping close to him. Their faces were stoic, but their eyes glowed with anticipation.

“Okay, hang on to me.”

Daniel felt each of them grab onto an arm. Mr. Pederson raised an eyebrow and nodded. Dr. Roost, her lips tightly closed, squeezed Daniel’s arm.

Without any further hesitation, he stooped down and picked up the leaf. In an instant, everything went black and a surge of energy went through them.

~

D
aniel heard Pederson gasp beside him.
Dr. Roost gave a little yelp on his other side. They were staring at an exquisite view of towering trees, huge draping leaves, moss-covered ground and lush ferns. The moist air hit them instantly, and Daniel quickly scanned their environment from the ground up and from side to side. Dr. Roost kept watch behind them. Mr. Pederson seemed stunned by the new world of colour, sights and sounds, and said nothing. Nor did he move.

He simply absorbed their surroundings, taking in the screeches of the huge birdlike creatures circling in the vibrant blue sky, high above the immenseness of the redwood and pine trees. As Dr. Roost took the opportunity to snap a few shots in every direction, Mr. Pederson began to study the vegetation at their feet.

He bent down for a closer look at vines and tiny flowers intermingled on the forest floor. He examined them gently and slowly, as if memorizing every detail, then wrote information in a little notebook that he drew from his pocket. Next he looked at cycads and large-leafed plants, then at the trees.

As Daniel continued to check for possible dangers, he held the leaf tightly in his hand. There was no need to tuck it away. They would be returning almost immediately.

A sudden rustling in the bushes alerted him, and he touched both of his companions to warn them. Mr. Pederson rose and they reached out and grabbed Daniel’s arms once again, watching with pounding hearts for what was about to emerge.

Daniel grinned when he saw a rat-sized
Purgatorius
scuttle through the undergrowth. It squeaked with surprise when it ran over the unfamiliar terrain of Pederson’s shoes.

“Whew!” Dr. Roost breathed a sigh of relief, but she kept checking in all directions.

Ole Pederson brought his binoculars to his eyes and scanned the horizon to his right. He pointed to a narrow path that led to a small, open meadow. Nodding his head, he motioned that he’d like to go in that direction. Without saying a word, Daniel and Dr. Roost considered the option and, peering about once more, silently nodded agreement.

The three moved as quietly as they could to the path. Clinging to one another, they progressed single file through the dense foliage. Dr. Roost led the way, with Daniel in the middle. Mr. Pederson followed, wide-eyed.

At the edge of the clearing, Dr. Roost stopped short and held her finger to her lips. They all listened intently. Something that made a w
hoosh
,
whoosh
sound was coming their way. A dark shadow loomed overhead. They all ducked. Daniel pulled Dr. Roost and Mr. Pederson off the trail and tight against a huge tree trunk. As they stared upwards, a baby
Pteranadon
landed on a branch overhead.

“Are they dangerous?” Pederson whispered.

Daniel nodded and whispered back, “I was attacked by one.”

Dr. Roost motioned behind them to the opening in the trees. Daniel turned and found himself staring at a small group of
Stegoceras
in a clearing, as they grazed on leaves, twigs and other low plants. Shorter than Daniel, they had domed heads with a fringe of horny knobs along the back of their thick skulls. Pederson seemed fascinated by the way they used their short forelimbs to grasp their food while they kept their balance using their large stiff tails and powerful rear legs.

All of a sudden, two meat-eating
Troodon
-like creatures bounded out of the trees. Mr. Pederson gasped and raised his binoculars. The lead
Stegoceras
sounded a bugle-like alarm and the herd raced away, trying to keep their young in the middle for safety. Dr. Roost captured a couple of photographs, nearly dropping her camera in the process.

“
Zapsalis
,” she whispered.

Unfortunately, one young
Stegoceras
seemed to become confused and strayed slightly away from the others. The
Zapsalis
pursued it and isolated it from the herd. Within minutes, the juvenile
Stegoceras
was down and ripped apart.

“Just like a lion pursuing a herd of wildebeest!” Mr. Pederson seemed amazed. “Obviously an ancient hunting technique in the animal kingdom.”

Dr. Roost continued to click away with her camera, though she made small gagging noises in the back of her throat. “Never did like violence,” she admitted.