Pocket wilderness conflict

The forest for the trees was what his great grand pappy used to say. “Can’t see the forest for the trees”. Dan shakes and dusts himself off. The collision had been a hard one, with the ground. However he would still be flying if not for the net.

So what gives? Where is this net wielding prankster. Dan looks around and waddles a few steps to and fro. There is no one around. Just a strange sign. It’s message is clear though, and explains his current mess. It reads: No Wings Zone

Dan blinks and checks it again. However it is unmistakable, it is a no wings zone sign. First no flippers in the pond, now no wings flapping in the air? Dan feels incredulous as he begins waddling to his destination instead.

Strange and uncommon things are happening in the pocket wilderness. He is glad he and Anna have the hatchlings moved to safety. He waddles past the place he had first seen the dangerous alligators. The memory is etched in his mind. Similarly, he wonders if the council ever looked into it.

However, his musings are cut short. Because a giant set of teeth slash through the air just in front of his bill! Dan is so surprised by the sudden chomp, he flaps his wings. Almost immediately Benny the badger is there to greet Dan.

Pocket wilderness conflict - The forest for the trees

Additionally, the large and somewhat rude alligator moves aside for Benny. Dan finds this odd, because it was common knowledge the alligators eat anything. Indeed, Dan had just narrowly avoided becoming dinner himself! He watches as Benny the badger saunters up and greets him.

“Hello Dan, where are you off to this fine afternoon? Also did you know that you are in a no flapping wings zone?” Benny begins pacing back and forth in front of Dan. The alligator watches menacingly from the ponds edge.

Forest for the trees

Dan blinks and begins to speak. He is cut short by Benny speaking over him. Benny also holds a book of citation forms. Furthermore, he is scribbling in the book eagerly. Dan blinks. He is getting a citation. Additionally, he is getting more than one, as he watches Benny start another page.

Benny writes and addresses Dan at the same time. He appears to be enjoying himself as he starts a third citation, “The council is serious about no flapping wings. It’s been a problem for a long time. The fines will go to help stop future wing flappers.” Benny looks closely at Dan.

Dan blinks and watches Benny start a fourth citation. This was going to rack up quite a bill, so to speak. The thought is more than Dan can hold in. He quacks out laughing, and then quickly pulls himself together. Benny snaps quickly, and stares darkly at Dan, “Do you find something about this amusing Dan?” The alligator rises ever so slightly from the pond.

Tickets

Dan blinks and wipes the smile from his bill. Didn’t need to add anymore to that bad act. He almost busts out laughing again, but holds it in this time. He shakes his head no, and waits for Benny to finish the fifth citation. Then Benny warns Dan to keep the wings put away, and hands Dan the stack of tickets. Then he saunters off again.

Before Dan even takes a step he checks for the alligator. However the area is clear and silent now. The danger has passed for the moment and Dan waddles on. There still might be time but everything was coming down to the wire. Roy the Rowdy was their only chance and Dan wonders how Roy is doing as he waddles further into the pocket wilderness.