Conservation

It was a bi-annual conference to determine conservation policy, share research findings, network, debate ideology and experience the environment directly.

While well aware of the weight of responsibility, being part of a delegation meant a wave of anticipatory excitement was currently Lee’s predominant emotion.

The latest camouflage, force-field and stealth technology would doubtlessly be on display, and available for testing. Most of the tech was aimed at minimising impact on indigenous populations, maintaining and improving border barriers as well as current research papers.

“It’s such a rare opportunity to get closer than most could only dream of,” Lee told friends who were concerned about the inherent dangers involved in the trip.

“It’s not just the creepy crawlies that I’m worried about,” Jayden insisted. “Although, I do believe modern science and ethics dictate minimal intervention.”

“You know the research is…” Lee started, only to be interrupted by a visibly exasperated Jay.

“Research is crucial, I know,” Jayden said: “My problem is with the pro-hunting lobby. Why are they still even around? And they’re sending delegates to the conference!”

“Not crazy about that either,” Lee acknowledged: “But conferences serve an ongoing opportunity for dialogue. Minds can be changed.”

Lee wished Jayden wouldn’t always act so superior.

******

Jo had once killed a poacher.

This had inevitably led to a widespread outcry. Current policy was for border patrols to take poachers into custody.

Jo was not a member of the border patrol. Jo was, in fact, hunting legally; an “ethical hunter”, who adhered to strict restrictions on seasonal hunting, quotas and methodology.

Low on the ground, quietly stalking the prey Jo could smell the rich, dark soil, the iron whiff of a blood trail. Scanning for the source Jo spotted the poacher through the myriad of stems that constituted the cane field.

No identifying red vest, signifying that this was a legal hunter.

It was hot and humid. The air was alive with the buzzing of insects, the cries of predatory birds ringing out.

Suddenly a flock of black birds erupted into flight, and a scream of pain rang out. Jo, covered in sweat, tried to blink past the stinging salty tears. There was a massive scuffle happening up ahead.

“Now, is the moment!” he whispered into the soil, shaking in anticipation.

A cotton kerchief took care of the burning eye, a deep breath to calm Jo’s thumping heart.

“Steady, aim …hold…” the voice of discipline insisted.

The cacophony that had resulted from the poacher trying to interfere with the prey was Jo’s only saving grace. Clearly the poacher had been accidentally killed during Jo’s attempt to save their life! Or so insisted Jo to the authorities.

A huge profile boost, and an invite to the conference, had resulted.

“It was not my intention to kill the poacher at all, but arguably it was deserved!” Jo would later vehemently insist while caught in a heated debate with Lee.

Jo hated the politically correct types.

******

Final Seminar:

Topic Lessening intervention in ecologically sensitive areas.

Lee couldn’t suppress the anticipation. This seminar included a consultation with the representatives of the humans. One had to consult those most affected after all. It would be a first real life encounter.

Lee wasn’t naïve though, had been forewarned by colleagues, friends and family.

The human negotiators swaggered in. As expected they were oozing self-importance in a vain attempt to hide the angst. There were about thirty of them. Not really democratically elected, but in Lee’s opinion close enough. The rest of the planet didn’t know about the Teal, so this had sufficed for a very long time.

There would be a negotiation, numbers, conditions and so on would be decided. They’d be rewarded and sent on their way.

Then suddenly one of the creatures to the front broke away from the others. This had sadly been expected. Every few decades one of them would break ranks and try to sell out the rest (the entire unsuspecting planet) for — immortality, ever-lasting glory, sex, Mars, Venus, Alpha Centauri…

“Fortunately for them this is not the Teal’s way,” Lee thought.

AN END