Being Prepared

Writers: Eimi, Emma
Date Posted: 17th December 2005

Characters: J'an, M'galec
Description: J'an and M'galec discuss the preperations for the upcoming Hatching
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 1 of Turn 3

"Yes, of course." M'galec set aside his hidework and offered the Weyrlingmaster a chair. "What can I do for you?"

J'an sat down greatfully, rubbiung his shoulder as hie did so. "As you know, there is a hatching approaching soon, and we need to get preaparations made. Sonner rather than later as there will be the usual amount of warning."

"Is there any indication that we can be expecting more candidates?" M'galec knew as well as the rest of the staff that there were fewer than they had hoped for after all the rumors of plague in the Weyr.

"Possibly," replied J'an. The searchriders had been out as usual before a hatching, and there was a sllight increase in the trickle of candidates into the weyrbowl, but not as big as normal.

"There are a lot of eggs on the sand," his Second reflected seriously. "Do you think we will have the numbers to give the dragonets enough choice?"

"Faranth alone knows, I'd hate to see the dragonets die for lack of choice." The expression on his face was as grim as his words, in truth it was his worst fear. "We could always send word to the other weyrs, if they have candidates who don't want to wait."

"True," M'galec nodded. "Or perhaps ask if we could borrow a few of their Searchriders to cover a greater area."

"I'll speak to the Weyrleader about that," J'an almost nodded. It was a good idea, given that both Dragonsfall and Rising Moons were close enough.

"So what else do we need to do to be ready?" It was M'galec's first Hatching as a Weyrlingmaster's Second. He wasn't exactly sure what all needed to be done to prepare for a Hatching.

"One of us need to liase with the beastcrafters, to make sure that there is a supply of beasts available to be slaughtered at short notice. I'll have a word with our assistants so that they can help organise a group to chop the carcasses."

M'galec nodded and took a note. "I can do that. Did you find the list of riders who volunteered to pick up families? I believe I left it on your desk."

"I did," replied J'an. "Thank you for that. I'll make sure they are kept on standby now."

"Have they finished scrubbing the weyrling barracks?"

"Just about. I believe that the Headwoman will be carrying out an inspection tomorrow morning." Nothing would get past the reboutable headwoman, and J'an was sure that M'galec would realize that. "I'm going to check afterwards, it's something I like to do before a hatching."

His second nodded. "What else can I do to help?"

"Be ready, we know roughlly when the hatching will be, but there may be little time."

"And when the Hatching starts, where do you want me?"

"Once we've got the candiates in, I'll need you waiting to help those that Impress."

M'galec nodded. "On the Sands or by the buckets?"

"On the sands, I'll be by the buckets."

"I will be there, sir."

"And hopefully we will have fourty three new weyrlings."

Last updated on the December 17th 2005

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Being Prepared