the bait

[instar]

Now that Trouble is back, the limiting factor on bear and elephant acquisition is just the availability of those of the Animorphs who experience nonzero parental supervision. There is a coincidence of Renée being out well past zoo closing time and Robin's mother being occupied the day after Trouble's return.

Everybody morphs pigeons and they fly to the zoo. The three of them that are going to get bears head for the bear enclosure, and Trouble, of course, is the bait.

Comments

[instar]

"Yeah, that sounds messy. Thank you for your restraint. I'm sure you'll have the chance when we're up rescuing Charlie. Speaking of which, Ethan, Trouble, do you have carry-on bug morphs yet?"

[aeskhyne]

"Yeah, I'm good to go."

[palmofyourhand]

<Likewise. And now, much to my regret, I suppose I'll demorph.>

[instar]

"What are we going to be smuggling onto the plane, pray tell?"

[palmofyourhand]

<A couple of very handsome houseflies.>

[instar]

"I might get you pillboxes or something to hide in."

[aeskhyne]

"Yeah, just as long as we can get out of them in an emergency. 'Trapped as a bug in a little plastic box' is not high on my list of ways I want to die."

[instar]

"Pillboxes with fly-sized holes," agrees Bella. "Maybe those travel toothbrush caps. Just so if you're tucked in my pocket and someone bumps into me that's not the end of you and you aren't sitting on my arm waiting for someone to well-meaningly slap me."

[aeskhyne]

"Yeah, sounds good."

[instar]

"Unfortunately we won't be able to talk you while you're in there, unless me and Andi decide to risk traveling as each other and increase the number of precariously timed bathroom visits we have to undertake. But you'll have each other's charming conversation. And I suppose you'll be able to talk to us, although I'd rather not start giggling or rolling my eyes without obvious prompting so it might not be wise."

[aeskhyne]

"Pretend you're reading a book or something. People laugh at books."

[instar]

"All right. Have you guys tried out your fly morphs? We have a while before Renée's due home."

[aeskhyne]

"I have!"

[palmofyourhand]

"Me too," says Ethan. "It's surprisingly fun."

[instar]

"Fun? How?"

[palmofyourhand]

"Flies," says Ethan, stepping in from the garage, "can fly."

[instar]

"So can pigeons."

[palmofyourhand]

"Pigeons, as far as I know, can't fly upside-down, sideways, or backwards. Flies can do all three. And in comparison to their body size, they are much, much faster. Flying as a fly is a much more exciting experience."

[instar]

"Fair enough. Perhaps at some point I will collect one."

[aeskhyne]

"You should, they're fun," says Trouble. He hugs Ethan.

[instar]

"Okay. Is this it for tonight?"

[hold_infinity]

"Pretty sure it is, yeah," says Robin, joining in the hug.

[instar]

"Okay. We'll see you guys later, then."

[hold_infinity]

"All right."

In that case, Robin and Ethan will go and grab the rest of their clothes out of the basement.

[aeskhyne]

And Trouble will follow them. To help. Yes.