New Zoo (Original Series by Wallace111)

New-Zoo-Panda

It was early in the day as Elizabeth was walking around the New Zoo. She had come with Charlotte to do a check-up on the new animals acquired in response to the break-in by a group of Vandals just a few days ago.

They were also expecting someone to be coming to the New Zoo later in the afternoon. Following the break-in by the newfound bears, the Managers had collectively decided...or more accurately, Rebecca had ordered that they should draw the remaining parents out rather than wait for them to come and investigate.

"Good job we had their contact details from the forms that Mr Hardvic filled out" mused Charlotte as she turned to face Elizabeth. "Should I?" wondered Charlotte internally, considering whether it would be worth discussing their current predicament with Elizabeth. "Not yet...I'm not up for the potential argument" concluded Charlotte, fully aware that they still had an animal check-up to do.

"Charlotte, you ok?" asked Elizabeth, snapping Charlotte out of the trance she had put herself in. Charlotte glanced towards Elizabeth, staring at her as Elizabeth decided to continue."We should split up" suggested Elizabeth, earning an odd look from Charlotte.

"Why? Are you hiding something?" asked Charlotte, unable to stop herself. Her accusatory tone caused Elizabeth to have a double-take.

"No," said Elizabeth simply. She noticed Charlotte's expression as she decided to clarify. "I thought we'd be able to get more done quickly...and focus on our preferences" clarified Elizabeth, her small smile sincere as she faced her best friend.

Charlotte stared at Elizabeth for a moment. Many distinct possibilities ran through her head as she tried to work out if Elizabeth might have had a hidden agenda.

"Even with my best friend...I can't risk developing a blind spot" admitted Charlotte internally. After a bit of further scrutiny, she failed to notice any signs that Elizabeth was hiding something.

"Ok, we'll split up" agreed Charlotte, nodding albeit reluctantly. Elizabeth stared at her friend, concerned for Charlotte before nodding in agreement. She turned to leave, departing towards her seals. Charlotte watched her leave, unsure of whether this was the right thing to do.

"Is Rebecca right? Is Elizabeth truly our weakest link?" thought Charlotte, dismissing the thought after a moment.

After all, they had an animal check-up to accomplish.

Within the Outside Section:
Elizabeth approached the Seal enclosure, a smile on her face. She felt the few pleasant memories from her childhood wash over her as her smile widened momentarily.

"Come here my darlings" cooed Elizabeth, motioning as she noticed her seals either approaching her or, in Noah's case, staring up to face her.

With one single exception.

Elizabeth noticed the new Leopard seal who was once Rachel according to the scraps of clothing that Elizabeth had found a few days ago following the Vandals breaking in.

"Stubborn," thought Elizabeth, frowning momentarily. Nevertheless, her frown was short-lived as she stared at her whistle. She picked it up, blowing into it.

Within moments, Rachel became compliant and obedient like the rest of the pod. Elizabeth tested by having her perform a few tricks for her amusement.

"It's lovely to see the pod growing...and no one will take this one from me," thought Elizabeth. She sat back, content as she watched them interact and play with one another. She threw in a ball for their amusement which the seals began to pass back and forth between themselves.