Nearly Three Weeks in South Africa

[itsananomaly]

"Oh wow," Cutter said as he looked around where the portal had let them out near their hotel, "I can't believe we're actually here," They had been planning this trip for so long and now they were in Johannesburg, it didn't seem real that they were here. [the adventures of Cutter, Connor and Becker fossil hunting in South Africa. Preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd .NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Ok you might have to pinch me" Connor said still gawking as he took it all in. "I think I might be dreaming! This is it, we are actually here.... It's amazing" he breathed as he reached out and took hold of Cutter's hand, just appreciating the moment.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as Connor's reaction, it had been many years since he was here and he was excited to be able to experience this with Connor, "it's wonderful isn't it?" he said as he took Connor's hand, "and this is just the first stop," his eyes were wide as he looked around.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Absolutely amazing! And THIS is our hotel?" he said eyes going even wider as he looked around at where they were. It was by far the fanciest-looking hotel he had been at before. "I wonder if Becker is here yet?" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I know and this is just the first stop," Cutter couldn't wait to get started, "I'll check my phone, see if Becker's called in," Cutter checked his phone and saw that Becker had sent a message, "okay he's arrived at the airport and has cleared customs," he told Connor, "it shouldn't be too much longer before he's here,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh good, good! Shall we head up to the room then and get set up while we wait for Becker?" Was Connor excited to see what the room looked like? Yes. Yes he was!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I think that's a good idea, we can get checked in and then go up to our rooms," Cutter smiled, "and then we can meet Becker when he arrives,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grabbed the bulk of the bags and followed Cutter into the hotel as his eyes got even wider. He stood by the counter while Cutter checked in and then followed him to the lift. "Oh we are going to be able to see quite a ways" he said when saw the floor they were on.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It's going to be a wonderful view of the city, I'll have to make sure I take heaps of photos from our hotel room, they'll be perfect for the scrapbook," Cutter said as they made it to the lift and he pressed the button to go up.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he wheeled the cart in that had all their bags piled on it into the lift. "First two pages are going to be nothing but shots of the hotel room and the view!" he said with a grin. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that as they went into the lift, "I think we might need to have multiple scrapbooks for our trip," he considered, "I don't think one's going to be enough with all the photos we're going to take,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh I think you are right. There are going to be so many photos to go through when we get back!" Connor agreed. When the lift opened he let Cutter lead the way to their room.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "it's going to be amazing to go through them all," he said as he led to the way to our room, "well here it is," he said as got to their room number and he opened the door, "oh wow," he said as he peered inside.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stared as he walked in, trying to take it all in. "Ok this is like up there with the places the school puts us up in for the school trips!" he said as he walked in, taking in the room, the two huge beds, the desk and chairs and the kitchen set up. "And this is just where we are staying for the first two nights? I cant wait to see what the other places look like" he said, knowing some of the coming nights would be spent in tents and such so he was definitely appreciating all the luxury!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Aye," Cutter smiled as he walked into the room and got a good look everything, "the first two nights we'll be here, it will definitely be exciting to see what the other hotels will be like based on this hotel," he put down his bags and took out his polaroid and took a picture of the room, "it definitely is like some of those places that they send us to on the school trips, even though we're now in the hotel, this still doesn't feel real," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well maybe this will help it seem a little more real for us both" Connor said as he walked over and wrapped his arms around Cutter and held him close and kissed him softly. It seemed like a good way to kick off their stay and wait for Becker to text that he had arrived. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh I like the way you think," Cutter said as he wrapped his arms around Connor and kissed him, even though he was very much enjoying the kiss, he was also trying to keep an ear out for that text message from Becker but in the meantime he was going to enjoy kissing his fiancé and celebrate that they were there at the start of their amazing trip.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It was a very very nice way to start off the trip and Connor was gladly keeping that kiss going for as long as possible. Sadly, it was not going to last as the phone started to chime that there was a text message coming in. Connor whimpered and gave Connor one last kiss then pulled away with a small grin. "I bet that's Becker now" he said shaking his head- the man really had bad timing sometimes!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he returned that last kiss, not quite ready to completely step away as he did get out his phone to check, "its Becker," he nodded, "he's downstairs now,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Give him the room number and tell him to come on up" Connor said with a grin. He was excited to see Becker again and especially excited to see what he thought of their accommodations fro the next few nights.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned and texted the number of their room to Becker, after a couple of minutes of conversation he looked back up at Connor, “he’s on his way up,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	It didn’t take long before there was a knock on the door which Connor ran to open. "Nick! Connor!"Becker said as he walked in. "It's so good to see you guys again. Especially after that flight!" he added with a laugh as he set his bags down and then reached out to give them both a hug. "Glad you two made it with no issues. I always worry a little when you guys take the portals and no one's there to keep an eye on things." .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Becker it's so good to see you again," Cutter said as he hugged him, "I'm sorry you weren't able to come with us through the portals, how was your flight otherwise was it nice in first class?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Other than long it was actually one of the nicer flights I have been on Becker said with a grin. "And First Class is an amazing upgrade, definitely owe Lester one for that perk!" Becker smiled and gave Connor a hug. "And I spoke with Abby when I landed and she said to tell you that Rex is having a great time at the apartment and to not worry about him at all." "Oh that's good, I know he loves being there with them" Connor said as he returned the hug. "But it is nice to know he's already settling in!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "I'm glad the flight was good aside from it being long, it was nice of James to pay for first class," he said, "and the way its going I don't think Rex will want to go home after all the fun he's being having with Abby, Connor and the other Rex,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Will have to start setting up ARC vacations for him" Connor said with a laugh. "We go on vacations and Rexy get to go on vacations too." "Sounds fair to me" Becker said with a nod as he finally walked farther into the room and looked around. "Wow... " he said as he let out a whistle. "Starting the trip off in style aren’t we?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It's great isn't it?" Cutter smiled, "and this is just the first of our hotels, I can't believe we're so close to going on our dig, I can't wait for you guys to experience it as well, you'll love it," he said confidently.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he fell back on the bed with a contented sigh. "The beds are amazing," he said as he gave a little bounce and laid down with a grin. "Well this is my bed then" Becker said with a smirk as he set his bags down at the foot of the other bed. "And I am looking forward to spending tomorrow around here. Ive never been here before so definitely want to take in a few sights before we head out. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he watched Connor fall back on the bed, "its really an incredible place to visit, I haven't been here for a good number of years so I'm looking forward to seeing everything again and see what's changed as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Sounds amazing. But maybe we should all get a little rest first?" Connor suggested. "I know we had an easy trip with the portal and all but Im sure Becker could use some recoup time" he said with a small grin over at Becker who was, despite his best effort to hide the yawn, looking a little tired. "I think I might need to take ya up on that Connor," Becker said with a small apologetic grin. "Sitting on a plane all that time is exhausting, even in First Class. Maybe we can take a couple hours to rest then we can check out the nightlight and then make a full da of seeing everything else tomorrow?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "that sounds like a wonderful idea and then we can find somewhere to eat as well, maybe check out one of the local restaurants?" he considered as he sat down on the bed next to Connor.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Now that sounds perfect" Becker said, not trying to hide the yawn this time as he stretched and started to kick off his shoes. He bent down to tuck them under the foot of the bed then in no time at all was crawling under the covers, still dressed because he was already feeling that jet lagged. "Just shake me or something when you guys are ready to head out."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We will," Cutter promised him as he pushed himself further up the bed so he was laying next to Connor, "I think a few hours rest and we should be good to go and make an evening of it,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached out and wrapped his arms around Cutter as he laid down, a happy contented smile on his face. "Sleep well Becker" Connor called out and gave a small chuckle as he heard Becker snoring softly already. "Sleep well Nick" he said as he snuggled up closer, resting his head against Cutter's shoulder as he closed his eyes and was soon drifting off to sleep as well. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Sleep well Becker, Sleep well Connor," Cutter said as he snuggled in closer to Connor's chest, he yawned several times as he got comfortable and then he was soon fast asleep as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	After a nice refreshing nap, Cutter, Connor and Becker had done some local sightseeing before it was time for dinner and they had come across a place called News Cafe menu and had been seated at a table and given menus, “what do you think you’re going to try?” Cutter asked as he looked over the menu.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Everything sounds so amazing," Connor said as he looked over the menu. "This is going to be a hard choice! You got any ideas Becker?" he asked as he glanced over at their friend. "Yeah I'm gonna need a few more minutes to figure this out" Becker said with a small laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter considered the menu, "I was thinking of the pasta," he said, "maybe the seafood or the calamari & chorizo?" he was having a hard time between the two. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I was also thinking of the seafood pasta and thought we could get one of the tapas to share as well?" Connor asked as he looked up from the menu. "I'll be getting the zucchini and mushroom pasta I think" Becker said at last. "And sharing something to start sounds good.... maybe the Jalapeno poppers and the loaded fries to share?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"And the sharing something sounds good, the jalapeño poppers and loaded fries would be good choices as well," Cutter nodded, "and I was thinking of getting the blueberry citrus for a drink,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"The BullFrog sounds really interesting? Becker said with a nod. "And my choice is the Coco Mambo" Connor said. "Guess it's a good thing we are heading back to the hotel afterwards" he said with a smirk.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Then I think we've got our choices," Cutter said with a smile as he put the menu down, "everything looks so good, I can't wait to try everything,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned as the waiter came and took their orders. He reached out and took Cutter's hand and gave it a squeeze and smiled across the table at Becker. "I cant think of any better way to start off this amazing trip together, an amazing night, a fabulous dinner to be had, and time with amazing company. Doesn't get any better than this!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that as he held Connor's hand, giving it a squeeze in response, "it's going to be an amazing evening and an amazing trip," he said happily, "I'm looking forward to everything," he said. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as their drinks arrived and he picked his up and lifted it in a toast. "To a great adventure to come" he said with a grin. "So... what can we expect from this first dig site Nick? Supposed to be some Permiam Extention Event site or something" he said giving Connor a small wink, knowing full well what a flood gate that was possibly opening with asking Cutter about that specific topic.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter raised his drink in toast, "hear, hear," he said and then his eyes lit up at the first question. "We'll be focusing on the Permianian - Triassic Extinction Event and the site that we're going to be going is going to be full of fossils," he said excitedly, "and its also the only known site where you can see the impact that this event had on terrestrial animals," Yes Cutter was very excited about all of this, in case it wasn't obvious.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's also one if the best spots on the trip for us to possibly find trilobites" Connor said with a knowing grin as he gave Cutter's hand a squeeze.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's smile widened at that as he returned the hand squeeze, "can you imagine finding so many trilobites?" he said happily, "I think if they did the whole trip based on that site alone it would be amazing,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Sounds like a great start for the trip. And isn't this like the biggest fossil site for this extinction event so there's a lot of different things that can be found there" Becker asked."Will be a lot different than our little river fossil hunt huh" he asked with a fond smile at Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It is," Cutter told Becker, "there'll be so many fossils represented there, the Karoo was home to a well preserved ecosystem millions of years ago so we should have a good variety when we go fossil hunting,".
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And thats not even all of it. Theres stones and other rock formations and things to find as well. And the dig site also has a nice skeleton they’ve been working on uncovering and we get to help with that too!" Connor said excitedly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "it's going to be a wonderful experience and our work on the dig will also help contribute to an overall understanding of palaeontology, if we make a significant find, they'll even set it aside and work on it in a lab," he added excitedly as he imagined the possibility.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Could you imagine, we could discover a new dinosaur species!!!" Connor said excitedly. He knew the odds were miniscule but his mind was already running with that possibility.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "that would be an incredible experience," he smiled, "the two of you finding a new species of dinosaur on your very first dig, that would definitely be something that doesn't happen very often," he knew it likely wouldn't happen now but it was fun to think about.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Will have to take plenty of pictures since Im sure anything that does get found goes to the dig to be studied, as it should. But.. it would still be really cool if we could take something back with us ya know?" Becker said as he thought about the small collection he had in his flat from the hunt he and Cutter had done before.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We might be able to take back some of the smaller fossils if they're not some of the bigger specimens?" Cutter considered with a smile, "it would be nice to have a memento like that from our trip, in addition to all the photos we're going to be taking,".
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Will have to see, but it would make sense we could take a small something back, a fossil they already have a lot of or something so small it's not much use to them" Becker said hopefully. "We can talk to the guide when we get tot he site and find out for sure" Connor said with a smile. And just then the food arrived and his attention was drawn to the amazing spread that was now laid out in front of them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'm sure we can definitely make some kind of arrangements," Cutter smiled, "maybe James can put in a word for us as well?" he considered and then his focus was on all that food. "Oh wow, this looks and smells amazing," he said as he breathed in the delicious smell.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Ok this almost looks too good even eat! Almost...." Connor said with a small laugh as his stomach rumbled greedily. He would definitely be eating and enjoying every bit of the meal by the look and smell of things. Becker too was enjoying the first few bites of the meal and just taking it all in for a few minutes before a thought came to him. "Ya know, if you tell the dig supervisor that you just got your degree and are working on getting some experience under your belt for your first class they might be able to work something out for ya?" Becker considered. "They could get you some extra materials you could use for the class to feature the dig for them? Or they might even let you take a few of the fossils we find back home for you to highlight the work they do with the classes you teach?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter began to eat his meal, savouring how good everything was, "actually that's a good point," Cutter nodded, "I know the dig supervisor, he'll be understanding about that, he definitely wants to encourage future palaeontologists and teachers of evolutionary science, so if you mention it to him he'll make accommodations for you to bring back extra materials," he smiled.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Really? Oh that would be awesome thank you Nick! I will definitely try an make sure I talk to him when we get there then" Connor said, feeling even more excited now about getting to the dig site. "Having some actual fossils and rocks and such to use for class would really help make things more interesting I think!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, pleased to see how excited Connor was about the dig, "they definitely make a difference," he said, "I'm hoping if I find enough trilobites I can even take a couple back myself," he added, because he clearly didn't have enough trilobites in his collection already..
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Clearly not! "We will have to dedicate a whole shelf on that memories bookshelf int he living room for your trilobites at this rate" Connor teased. "What about you Becker? Looking forward to finding more fossils to test?" Connor asked with a playful smirk. "I am... though I am not sure I am going to be licking any more rocks and fossils this trip" he said with a mock glare at Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at the idea of there being a whole bookshelf just for his trilobites, "can you imagine how amazing that shelf would though?" And then he gave a mock pout at Becker, "it wasn't that bad Becker," he protested, "you proved that it wasn't a fossil," and then he started giggling as he remembered that photo, "are you sure you don't want another photo of you licking a rock?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Becker did a very convincing 'no' with the deadpan expression before he broke into a grin and laughed. "I a sure there will be plenty of other ‘unfortunate’ photos convincing trip. Just be worried that it might be YOU two who get some photos taken this trip!" he teased. "OH! I could make a slide show of the trip highlights to use in one of the lessons if I talk about digs and what they are like!" Connor said with a grin. That was what you guys wanted right? Embarrassing photos forever memorialized in a university class lecture?
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It was totally what they wanted from the dig. Cutter grinned, "we'll make sure to take some photos just for your class slide show," he promised as he ate a few more mouthfuls of his delicious meal, "but its going to be an amazing trip, the places we're going to see, the field experience, I can't believe we leave tomorrow,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I still can’t believe how I lucked out on getting Lester to give me time off for this trip!" Becker said with a small smirk as he ate some more of the amazing dinner. "He's stuck with Danny while we are gone. I am not sure who I pity more- Lester or Danny" he admitted with a laugh. "And I cant wait to be at the dig- it's my first time doing something like this!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It was nice of James to give you that time off, when we first suggested the dig I wasn't sure if he was going to give you the time off," Cutter admitted, "but I'm glad you're here with us and you can experience this," he paused, "knowing Danny he's probably running some of his more inventive security drills," he added with a grin. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"All the more reason I am glad to be here... not getting roped into Danny's ridiculously complicated security drills..." Becker WAS a little disappointed he wasn't getting to see the security team scrambling to keep up with Danny though. "I will have to make sure to send him some photos and videos from the dig sites!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "Danny will probably send you the footage later, he does like to record those drills," he shook his head as a thought struck him, "can you imagine what Danny would be like on a dig?" It was something that was almost to horrifying to imagine.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Oh good lord he would get kicked off the site the first day for sure" Becker said with a laugh and a head shake of his own. "If not for misuse of the tools then for trying to flirt with every female archeologist and scientist on the site!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter winced at that, "oh Danny wouldn't last one day on the dig site," he shook his head, "even though I'm sure he'll be happier running his insane security drills at the ARC," he added with a grin.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Yes Danny is better off and the world is safer with him secure at the ARC" Becker acknowledged with a grin. "It WOULD still be hilarious to see what he would get up to though," Connor said with a laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter laughed at that as well, "it would be hilarious even though James is probably glad that we didn't take Danny, he's probably glad that he doesn't have to deal with the international incident that Danny likely would have caused," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yes that might have been just the thing that would push Lester over the edge with Danny" Connor agreed around bites of the dinner. "And as annoying as he can be at times, it just wouldn't be the same at the ARC without him around!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "Danny does grow on you doesn't he? I mean yeah we got off on the wrong foot with that arrest and all but I can't imagine him not being on our team now,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It is nice to have someone else around that draws Lester's anger for a change. It's once to not be the sole target of Lester's glares... Sorry Danny" Connor agreed with a laugh. "He's a good man and has a good heart, just has the attention span of a gnat and the mind of a ten-year-old at times" Becker said with a smirk. "But Danny has done good by all of us and I know we are lucky to have him around. We'll have to figure something we can do for him when we are back."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That's true," Cutter grinned, "Danny is particularly good at drawing James' ire but he is a good man and I know without Danny the team could be in the hands of Christine," he shuddered at the thought, "we should also try and get him a really good souvenir while we're here," he considered, "I bet he'd love something from South Africa,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He'd probably love a new hunting knife or something" Becker said as he took a few more bites of his dinner. "Though that might just lead to him finding more and more reasons to whip it out and show off." "Im sure we can find something very fitting for Danny" Connor said thoughtfully. "We really should make a list and make sure we get something for the team."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that as he ate a few mouthfuls of his food, "that's true Danny would probably get in trouble with a hunting knife even if he would love it," he nodded, "but making a list for the team sounds like a good idea, that way we can keep an eye out for things that we can buy for the team," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded around the mouthful of food and gave a quick thumbs up. Becker also nodded in agreement, too busy enjoying the food at that moment to really answer fully. It was such an amazing meal- it was easy to see how they could get distrusted by it all!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at Becker and Connor as he also began to finish his meal, it was already shaping up to be a great start to the trip and he couldn't wait to experience it with his fiancé and his close friend.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	When they had finished, Connor leaned back in the chair with a satisfied sigh. "Ok, that seriously was one of the best meals I have ever had I think. We'll have to make sure we let Lester know what his money was going to."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "that was an amazing meal, I think that will be a hard one to top in terms of other places we eat at it and we definitely have to let James know about this place, that his funds were put to good use,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Good thing we did this last thing together cuz I think I won't be good for much other than crawling back to the hotel and falling into a food comma" Becker laughed as he patted his stomach a little. "That was absolutely delicious. And the drinks are pretty darn good too" he added with a smirk as he finished off the last of his drink.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "aye, I think we can all enjoy a nice sleep at the hotel now and then we'll be all set for the start of our big adventure tomorrow," he said happily as he also finished the last of his drink, "this is going to be an amazing trip," .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The day of the dig had finally come and their first stop was going to be Evolutionary Studies Institute, which Cutter was extremely excited about visiting again. They had just finished up breakfast and were with the group on the way to the Institute, “you’re going to love it here,” Cutter promised, “It’s famous for a reason in evolutionary science circles,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I remember seeing this place listed on reviews of the top places to study evolutionary science around the world" Connor said as they followed the group inside to start their tour. "I don't know a lot about what all is here though." "You know more than me: Becker said with a small laugh as he looked around eyes already wide at what all was just in the lobby area of the institute. "This place is pretty big though, wow!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I nearly took up a position to study here when I came on a dig here," Cutter revealed, "before the university gave me the job offer that I ended up taking, if you want to know anything and everything about dinosaur history, this is the place to visit," he added with a grin as he took everything in. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"This is supposed to be a major hot spot for human evolution right?" Becker asked as they waited for the tour to start. "I mean Africa as a whole yes, but South Africa especially so?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "the cradle of humankind is located in South Africa," he explained, "its where the first modern humans lived over 100,000 years ago,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aside from a few other places, like site AL 333 where the "First Family" of hominids were found, South Africa has some of the biggest fossil finds that have shaped our understanding of the ancient world, and how life evolved," Connor said with a smile, slipping into teacher mode a little already.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It's what eventually led to the Bantu Expansion some hundreds of thousands years later," Cutter explained as he also slipped into geeky teacher mode, "without the birth of the cradle of civilisation we never would have had the migrations through Africa between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It really is amazing anyone is here at all" Becker said as he looked at a map of the world that was on the wall nearby. "Mankind started down here at the tip of the world. One direction led them to the rest of the world, and they so easily could have gone another way and just stopped and died out!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "it really is fascinating to think about how different humanity would be if we didn't have those elements in place that let the cradle of humankind thrive, just how different the Earth would have turned out if we never had site 333," he said, "its what makes evolution such a wonderful thing to study, knowing our place in all of this," .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"This is supposed to be a major hot spot for human evolution right?" Becker asked as they waited for the tour to start. "I mean Africa as a whole yes, but South Africa especially so?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "the cradle of humankind is located in South Africa," he explained, "its where the first modern humans lived over 100,000 years ago,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Makes ya remember how small we actually are in the grand scheme of things" Becker said with a somewhat dry laugh. "And we haven't even seen the big fossils or anything yet" he added with a laugh. "Speaking of which, I have to say I am intrigued by these therapsids," he said looking at the pamphlet for the tour. "Mammal-like reptiles... now that is a bit of a head-scratcher I must admit!"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's so cool what we have learned about them already, " Connor said excitedly. "I mean, they are like missing links between reptiles and mammals! The first real example we have in the fossil record of creatures that had characteristics and likely behaviours of both!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "and mammals are the only surviving living therapsids," he added, "and they evolved during the early Jurassic period when they split from the reptile lineage," Sorry Becker hopefully you were keeping up with all of this.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Small creature grows. Evolves into new creature. New creature grows bigger. Evolves into newer bigger creature.... he had a general idea at least. "Probably a good thing for us these things didn't end up the dominant species... But between the therapsids,the dinosaurs, and the dozen or so other critters that could have eaten us.... how the hell did humans manage to survive long enough to become the dominant species?" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I think that's one of life's greatest mysteries isn't it?" Cutter grinned, "even though I imagine it was probably a case of trial and error when the early humans figured out that the massive giant creatures could actually eat them so they figured out a way to turn the tables on the creatures," he tilted his head thoughtfully, "kind of ironic in a way,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded, still trying to wrap his 'not overly sciency' brain around all of that. But he grinned, it was good to see Cutter and Connor so excited and happy. "I have to say if I had either of you as my science teachers back in high school I might have actually cared a bit more about science and all that."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "we'll make a scientist of you yet Becker," he promised, "consider this a crash course in evolutionary science, especially once we finish our tour of the Institute, this place has just about everything you need to know about evolutionary science,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"So long as there's no test at the end of the tour" Becker said making a face as he laughed. "Don't worry, no test. But there will be a bit here that will likely come up later during the dig and all. So feel free to ask us anything that doesn't make sense or if you have any questions or anything" Connor said as he put a hand on Becker's shoulder. "We want this to be a fun trip for you as well." "I will but believe me" Becker said with a grin. "It is already an amazing trip!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "you're going to love this trip between the digs and the different tours that we can do, there's lots of information out there but like Connor said, feel free to ask us if anything does seem confusing, we'll be happy to answer any questions you have,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Will do. I am sure there's quite a learning curve but I am really looking forward to the digs" Becker said. "I always thought fossils and all were really cool. Never thought I would be able to actually work on finding some!" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh you'll love the digs, its nothing like the fossil hunting you and I did," Cutter smiled, "this will be done with advanced tools and technology, its going to be amazing,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Good. No licking rocks then" Becker smirked. But it will be amazing to do it all... and getting to camp out a couple of nights too? I can't remember the last time I camped out that wasn't part of a mission or training exercise! I'm actually really looking forward to that as well."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh no you can still lick the rocks," Cutter grinned, "after all its one sure way to find out if what you have is a fossil or not," his smile widened at that, "camping out is going to amazing, seeing the night sky, I'm looking forward to being able to take some amazing photos,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Same. I actually brought my camera with me for the trip" Becker said, which showed just how much he was looking forward to everything cuz he really didn't take a lot of photos usually. "Sarah made me promise to take a lot of photos to show her when we get back" he said with a small grin as a small flush spread over his face at the mention of Sarah. They had been spending a lot of time together outside their work at the RAC lately, Sarah even going to most of his therapy sessions and helping him get back on his feet, literally. So it was nice to think about being able to share some of the trip with her once they got back.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "you'll be able to take some amazing photos to show her," he said, "things with Sarah are going well then?" he asked, happy that Becker had found someone like Sarah.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker couldn’t help but smile as he thought about Sarah and what all they had been doing together. "They really are" he said with a smile. "We've been able to spend some time together, even outside the ARC and therapy sessions if you can believe it" he said with a laugh. "It's been really nice spending time together. She.... she's an amazing woman" he said as that flush deepened a little but he didn't really care at all just then. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, looking over at Connor and then back at Becker, especially considering how much Becker had not seemed to like Sarah when they first met at the British museum all those months ago, "I'm glad you're happy Becker, Sarah's wonderful and I'm glad that you too are able to spend so much time together,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, happy for ya mate" Connor said giving Becker's shoulder a pat. "After all, Nick and I cant be the only ones having a good time in the relationship department now can we?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"You know, once we're back from the trip we should all go on a double date," Cutter said with a smile, "before we're officially due back at the ARC, I think that would be a wonderful evening for us,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh that sounds like a brilliant plan Nick!" Connor said with a nod. "We totally have to do a double date sometime soon!" Becker grinned and nodded, in agreement. "That does sound like a great way to spend an afternoon and evening. Could hit the market and have lunch or make a day trip of it and head to the coast and spend a day at the beach or something."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "we can definitely do that," he said, he feeling a lot more comfortable about the idea of being around water and he did want to go to the beach again, "a day trip with the four of us sounds like a wonderful idea, maybe even do a spot of fossil hunting?" Yes Cutter was always going to keep a look out for fossils even on a date.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh that sounds like a perfect double date" Connor nodded excitedly. "You think Sarah would enjoy something like that?" "Oh I know she would" Becker grinned in reply. "She’s been on several digs in Egypt and even did some work along the Nile once so I'm sure she would love doing some casual beach combing fossil hunting with us!" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "we can definitely do that," he said, he feeling a lot more comfortable about the idea of being around water and he did want to go to the beach again, "a day trip with the four of us sounds like a wonderful idea, maybe even do a spot of fossil hunting?" Yes Cutter was always going to keep a look out for fossils even on a date.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh that sounds like a perfect double date" Connor nodded excitedly. "You think Sarah would enjoy something like that?" "Oh I know she would" Becker grinned in reply. "Shes been on several digs in Egypt and even did some work along the Nile once so I'm sure she would love doing some casual beach combing fossil hunting with us!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "then I think we need to make arrangements for a double date to the beach for some fossil hunting," he said, "it sounds like an amazing date,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Amazing plans for the future and an amazing way to start this one" Connor said as he looked at one of the displays in the room they were stopping in. "Amazing fossils, so much to see, and great people to share it all with- cant think of much better," he said as he gave Becker and Cutter a huge grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled happily as they began to walk around the room, "its the perfect way to start the trip and something to look forward to when we're back," he said as his took in the displays of different fossils, "I'm glad we can all do this trip, its been an incredible start so far and I'm looking forward to sharing the experience with the two of you,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It is definitely not something I had ever thought I would be doing" Becker said with a smile as he studied the bones in one of the display cases. " But I have to say this is all absolutely amazing. I still cant believe you guys chose me to come on this trip with you. I really really appreciate it. Getting to spend more time with you both, outside the ARC and all the Christine nonsense... it's really nice." .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“We were happy to take you with us,” Cutter smiled, knowing that Connor would feel the same way, “you mean so much to us Becker, we wanted to be able to do something nice for you after everything you’ve done for us,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"And you both mean the world to me... I never expected things to go as they did when Lester approached me about that initial mission. I had honestly thought it was going to be a one and done mission" he admitted with a small lopsided smile. "Definitely didn't think we would be here now like his. But I am glad we are- wouldn't change the friendship we have at all."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I wouldn't change it either," Cutter smiled at Becker, "to think our first introduction happened when I kicked you," he looked a little sheepish, "I am sorry about that by the way," yes he had apologised countless times to Becker but he felt it worth mentioning again.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Given the situation and all the surrounding circumstances, I am surprised that was all you did to be honest" Becker said though he did give his lips a little rub as he grinned at Cutter. "And look at us now" Connor said with a broad smile. "Who would have thought we would end up here?" "Definitely would have told you you were crazy back then" Becker confessed."Though, it is wonderful getting to be here on an amazing trip, celebrating such amazing milestones for the two of you. Graduation and an engagement! Definitely something worth celebrating to the max!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "and we're glad that we can celebrate these wonderful milestones with you," he said, "thank you for coming with us on this trip and being here with us,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled and nodded as his attention was drawn to one of the nearly displays. He glanced at Cutter then to Connor and gave a knowing smirk. "Hey Cutter What are tri...lo... bites?" he asked, deliberately taking time to say the name as he watched for Cutter's reaction. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was just going to stare at Becker for a few moments as he drawled out the word, “trilobites are wonderful, they’re one of the oldest arthropods and survived for millions of years,” he gushed, “they survived 3 mass extinction events and there are over 22,000 different species and they’re so diversified that they’ve left an extensive fossil record,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned at Cutter's almost immediate reaction and gave Becker a small wink. "And we can tell a god bit about the progression of other species and the environment by looking at the way the trilobites survived for so long. Comparing them to other fossils and seeing how unchanged they have been over millions of years gives us a unique side of evolution- one that looks at a situation where an organism is basically perfectly adapted and needs little changes and adaptation even as the world around them changes drastically."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Exactly," Cutter nodded enthusiastically, "trilobites gave us early examples ecological examples such as being predators, scavengers, filter feeders and some swam feeding on plankton and this was all on the seabed, some even evolved further and crawled onto land,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Always thought it was interesting that despite how amazing evolution is and the changes it can bring that sometimes things just simply don't change. It's like when a design works there's no need for it to change" Connor added with a grin. "I know humans have been around for a blink of an eye compared to the dinos but I have to wonder how much we might end up changing. Will we be like any other creature in history or will we be the rare trilobite and adapt and endure without a lot of changes?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It's definitely an interesting concept," Cutter couldn't help but think back to when Abby had been taken by the Mer and her asking if that was what was going to happen to humanity, "we may evolve especially as our climate continues to change, after all we evolved from the apes and that was a significant change over millennia, its possible we will continue to advance and evolve, I do think its unlikely that this is it for humanity in regards to evolution," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Good, because I want an upgrade to this old body" Connor said with a laugh. "Speak for yourself there" Becker grinned as he slapped Connor on the back playfully. "I am quite happy with the one I got. But still... it is interesting to think about what things might be like, in another ten thousand years or so." .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Well based on that one future anomaly its possible that we could evolve and live underwater," Cutter said with a grin, tilting his head a little, "it really is such a fascinating study, to see what path evolution will take us on in the next several millennia, it would be rather fascinating to experience it, even though none of us will be around when those changes take place unfortunately," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And if you believe the multiple universes and parallel worlds idea" Connor said with a grin, "Then they all could be actual futures. There really could be no end to the possible futures and the eventual state of humankind!" Which was both amazing and terrifying at the same time really.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It really is quite remarkable to think of that, especially since we know the past exists based on the anomalies so its reasonable to assume so does the future but which future it is, its hard to say, any decision we make now could be changing our future for good," Cutter said thoughtfully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded thoughtfully at that as he considered the various possibilities. Becker noticed they had started to get a little group of people around them too, almost like they thought Cutter was one of the staff giving a talk. He smiled at Connor then looked over at Cutter. "It is interesting that we might very well end up staying on earth then. So much talk is about going to the stars and all, it's kinda nice to think that we might still have a chance here on our home planet."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That's true," Cutter said, blinking a little as he realised he now had an audience, "the Earth is a wonderful place and evolution still holds many mysteries that we're still unlocking, humanity has a way of adapting and surviving, I think we've got a wonderful chance of making it here on Earth,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned at seeing the crowd gather and he gave a warm smile to Cutter. "It is kinda fun to think about what the world might be like in the future and what we might be like as a species. I be everyone has some different ideas and many of them could actually be possible!" Connor was so going to use this thought exercise with his class when he finally got one of his own to teach. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Aye, there's so many things could be different with not just humanity but the whole future ecosystem," Cutter returned that warm smile, "its always nice to imagine that a species that went extinct could find a way to come back again, science has been making incredible advances in technology in that regard," he paused and tilted his head, "just don't do it like they did in the meta for Jurassic Park movies, it would have to be a lot more regulated and controlled, even though I know I wouldn't mind trilobites making a comeback," Was anyone surprised by that revelation?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"At least trilobites stayed small" Connor said with a laugh. "Better those than those 30 ft centipedes and giant scorpions!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "hey now some of the trilobites could get big," he protested, "some of them got to 28 inches," he paused, "I mean it was rare but they could get that big,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well, lets keep them rare alright?" Connor said with a laugh. Of course Cutter would be the one thrilled at the idea of giant trilobites! "I'm with Connor in this one!" Becker said as he leaned in to take a close look at one of the trilobites on display.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Can you imagine how amazing that would be though," Cutter smiled, "trilobites in this day and age, the closest we've got to that is the horseshoe crab, which have been around as long as the trilobites,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I've always wondered... Are there any theories about why the trilobites died off but the horseshoe crabs survived to today?" Connor asked genuinely. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"The current theory is that the horseshoe crab survived because of their ability to adapt to low level oxygen," Cutter explained, "when the ocean temperatures dropped in the Permian mass extinction, the horseshoe crabs were able to survive, they were one of the very few species who survived the extinction event, especially since 90 percent of all life on Earth was wiped out,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Kinda sad that they lived so long ti finally end because of something like changes to the oxygen levels" Connor said as he studied another one of the larger trilobite specimens, waiting for cutter to catch sight of it. "But it's cool the horseshoe crabs survived one more extinction event than the trilobites and are still around today" Becker said. "I always thought they were cool looking but now I like them even more" Becker added with a grin as he looked at Cutter as well once he saw what Connor was looking at.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's eyes were wide once he followed Connor's gaze and saw the large trilobite specimen, "they're pretty cool species, not as amazing as trilobites but I do like to think of them as being related to the horseshoe crab," he leaned in close to the look at the trilobite, "Connor," he said in awe, "look how large this one is," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a knowing grin to Becker who nodded and started wandering around the rest of the exhibit room. He would come help drag Cutter away when it was time. "It really is amazing isn't it?" Connor said as he kept his arm around Cutter and he leaned in with him to study the fossil trilobite. "It's so cool to see one like this close up. I know these sized ones are really rare, I'm glad we get to see something like this." Connor barely noticed when Becker held up the camera Connor had given him and snapped a photo of them together gawking over the trilobite.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was also blissfully unaware of said photo being taken as he looked closely at the trilobite, he leaned in close to Connor as he pointed out specific features of the trilobite, "did you know that they think trilobites grew to these large sizes because of a colder aquatic climate?" he said, "it really depended on the location of the trilobite,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And the area of the oceana and the specific ocean area they were in also likely contributed right? More oxygen in the water meant more food and more growth so the larger trilobites would have been the first to die off during changes to the climate" Connor mused out loud as he studied the specimen closely. "Less suitable environment, less food, more drastic changes... I image the larger varieties of trilobites would have had a harder time adapting and surviving the changes. Probably why there are so few of them that got preserved?" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "that's right," he said, "the small trilobites had more of a chance to survive for as long as they did and why there's a lot more of them that are well preserved, it was only when the oceans started to change at the end of the Permian Extinction that the trilobites died along with most of all life on Earth at that time,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned broadly as he watched his fiance geek out over the trilobites. No matter how many times he saw it, Connor would never get tired of seeing Cutter so happy and excited. "And who knows, maybe we will find some on the dig site?" he said as he looked at Becker and gave a small grin. "We can find all sorts of cool things I am sure" he said as he took Cutter by the arm and tried to gently lead him away from the trilobites and back over to Becker and the rest of the group as they were getting ready to leave for the dig site.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was still absorbed in the trilobites display that at first he didn't feel Becker try to lead him away, and then he noticed he was being pulled away from the display, "can't we stay longer?" he whined whined.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You don't want to miss the actual dig do you Nick?" Connor asked gently. "The group is finishing up the tour and we're going to be heading out to the first dig site and getting set up for the night" Becker said as he started leading Cutter away. "There's a whole dig site we get to explore..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"But ..." Cutter was staring back at the trilobites, even as he was being led away from the displays, "the trilobites ... " he was excited about the dig but he still loved trilobite displays.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know Nick... I know..." Connor said as he put an arm around Cutter's shoulder and gave him a squeeze as he continued to lead him away. "But think about all the other amazing fossils we could find at the dig. We might even find something rare!" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave one last look back at those displays before reluctantly following the group out of the building, "it would be pretty amazing if we did find a rare fossil," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave Cutter a quick hug while Becker gave him back a gentle pat. "We got so much more to look forward to doing Nick" Connor said. "We can always try and find some other trilobite exhibits at the other stops. And who knows, we might even find a trilobite of your own to take back home!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's eyes lit up at that, "can you imagine another trilobite for the house?" he said excitedly, "and maybe some of the other museums we stop at will have an extensive trilobite display as well?" he considered, feeling a bit better about that prospect and leaving the amazing display behind.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Exactly!" Connor said as he flashed Becker a quick thumbs up behind Cutter's back. "So much more to look forward to on this amazing trip!" "Hard to believe that tonight we will be sleeping under the stars at the dig site isn't it?" Becker said, both to keep Cutter focused on something other than trilobites and also because he was getting very excited about that part of the trip himself.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Eventually they had managed to get Cutter to leave the trilobite display with the rest of the tour group and from there they headed to their first stop for their Permian Fossil Exploration to get set up for the camp. They were going to be spending the next few nights camping out and as much as he did love the trilobites Cutter was looking forward to spending the nights outside under the stars. They had an early start for the dig tomorrow so they had finished up dinner and were back in their sleeping bags, Cutter looked up at the sky, taking a few shots with his camera as he did and one with his disposable camera, “it looks so beautiful,” he sighed as he took in the view.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had of course out his sleeping bag right next to Cutters and he was laying there as well gazing up at the stars. "I don't think I have ever seen stars this bright before" he said in awe as he gazed up at the sky overhead. "I have" Becker said softly from where he was laying on the other side of Connor. "But it was during boot camp training exercises so we didn't exactly have a lot of time to star gaze. It's really nice to be able to just enjoy it finally."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "we did a lot of camping under the stars with various digs I was on but I was always so busy that I never was able to appreciate it fully, I'm glad that I can this time and I can experience it with you two," he said as he looked up at the sky. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	”Same" Connor grinned as he looked at Cutter then over at Becker before turning his gaze back skyward. "I can't believe we can actually see part of the Milky Way out here! It is incredible!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I know," Cutter grinned back, "its so beautiful, being able to see so much here and we should be able to at least some of the planets here as well, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus," he began to scan the sky to see if he could spot them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's no wonder so many cultures have stories about the skies and the stars and the universe. Looking up at a scene like this every night really gets the mind thinking about what is out there!" Connor said with a small sigh as he stared at the clusters of stars. "You really can imagine gods, monsters, aliens, and anything else out there being real when you realize just how massive it all is out there!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I mean after everything we’ve experienced, it honestly wouldn’t surprise if there was something else out there,” Cutter admitted as he looked up, still in awe at how incredible it all was.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"There has to be something out there" Becker said as he stared at the stars. "It's just too big, too expansive, too beautiful to be empty, ya know? Not a particularly religious man myself but I've always thought it was kinda narrow-minded to think we are the only ones here in this entire amazing universe."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, “I grew up religious but I always did think that there’s something out there, the universe is so infinite, and compared to the rest of the universe humanity is just a minuscule part of it,” he considered. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Really makes it all the more amazing to think that whatever might he out there, that created this and keeps it running, that we can marvel at it and enjoy it... it really is something" Becker said as he smiled. "And even more amazing that fates have it where I get to spend this time and do this all with two guys who have become a couple of my closest friends"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Aye, I’m glad that I can share this experience with two people who mean the most to me,” Cutter smiled fondly, “I’m glad we can do this trip together,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's going to be bloody impossible to sleep tonight" Connor said with a small laugh. "Between the excited about tomorrow and a view like this to enjoy all night long... I'm not sure how I am going to manage to sleep!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I know what you mean,” Cutter grinned, “it’s just so beautiful, even though we will need our rest for tomorrow, it’s a big few days - lots of hiking involved,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Becker nodded and closed his eyes to try and get to sleep. "Cutter's right, we gotta at least try and sleep so we don't miss out on anything tomorrow." Connor knew Becker was right. He shifted a little closer to Cutter and out his arm out, reaching for his hand. Though they were outside and with a group of people they didn't know, the three of them were kinda off on their own a little with the sleeping arrangement. But still full cuddling was out of the question unfortunately. "Love you Nick" he whispered softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter reached out and took Connor's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, he was going to miss the cuddling but they just had to wait til they were back in the hotel in a few days, "I love you too Connor," he whispered back. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"See you in the morning Nick" Connor smiled as he got comfortable in the sleeping bag and slowly drifted to sleep, still holding Cutter's hand as he did.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Eventually Cutter was able to sleep and several hours later it was time for the official dig to begin. After a quick breakfast, they were getting their assignments and it wasn't long before they were following their group leader along the hiking path they were going to follow. "I can't believe we're actually doing this," he said excitedly as they walked.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know! It still feels like a dream in a lot of ways!" Connor said excitedly as they made their way into the valley where their dig site was set up. He reached out and took Cutter's hand in his as they went. It was hard enough keeping the PDAs to a minimum, he wasn't going to give up the hand-holding though unless Cutter decided to. "This is going to be absolutely amazing! And I cant wait to do it all with you Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he took Connor's hand as they walked, "I know, its amazing," he said excitedly, "I can't wait to do this with you Connor," he looked back at Becker, "what do you think of all this Becker?" he asked.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Much better than the forced marches back in Spec Ops" Becker said with a playful grin. "Lot better company too" he added with a laugh as the group stopped for a moment before continuing on. He took a moment to appreciate the view of the valley. It was barren and rugged but very beautiful in its own way. And as a testament to that Becker pulled out his camera to snap a few photos before taking a drink from one of his water bottles.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "it definitely makes all the difference," he said as he gave Connor's hand a gentle squeeze, "this area is so beautiful, it will be incredible getting to look for fossils here," .
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled and as they group started back on the trek to the dig site he nodded at Cutter and Connor and snapped a quick picture of them with the mountains and all behind them. "One more photo for that album of yours Nick" he said with a grin as he slipped the camera back into his bag and headed off down the trail.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "thanks Becker," he said as they headed down the trail, he was definitely looking forward to starting looking for fossils. "I can't believe we're actually about to do this," he said as the group began to disperse to start their fossil hunt.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well you better believe it Nick," Connor said with a broad grin as he let go of his hand and pulled out a small map from his pocket. "Because I think that plot right there is ours" he said nodding ahead to a roped-off area marked "Plot 24". Connor grinned as he watched Cutter nearly run over to their designated area of the dig site.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"This is definitely our designated area," Cutter announced once he had come to a stop, "look at all of this equipment we have to work with," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Like a kid in a candy shop" Becker said with a grin as he watched Cutter gush over the equipment. "Makes two of us" Connor smirked in reply as he hurried over and helped Cutter start organizing the equipment and getting their tool kits set out for each of them. Becker watched them both happily, glad to see their excitement already.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Can you imagine finding trilobites with this equipment?" Cutter said with a grin as he made sure that everything was set up and ready for them to use for their dig, "I bet we can find all kinds of fossils with this," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned as he watched his fiance happily. He walked over and wrapped an arm around him as he looked that the particular piece of equipment Cutter was gawking over. "It is going to be amazing using this stuff. You will have to show us all about how to use them" he said and then, not caring who all saw, he leaned over and gave Cutter a soft, quick kiss. "I am so glad i get to do this with you Cutter."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I can definitely show you how to use this equipment," Cutter smiled at that kiss as he leaned against Connor, "it seems pretty standard equipment, chisels, gps, walkie talkies, hammers, they've even got Vinac," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Everything we need!" Connor said excitedly. "Now it is time for some real fossil hunting!" "So how do we do this then?" Becker asked as he picked up one of the hammers and chisels. "I know we don't just start whacking away at the stone... aren't we supposed to like work in a grid or something?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Close," Cutter told him with a smile, "So when it comes to working with fossils, there are a number of techniques that we can use," he explained, "with the hammers and chisels, we'll be working on excavation and that's when the grid work will come in, when we have enough of the fossil to excavate the grid will get put over it to mark its position,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And there's also the sieve board we can use to search through the loose sand and smaller bits of rubble. It will let us find the pieces that could be fossils and then we can take them and wash them off, inspect them closer, and so any more cleanup that might be needed to remove bits of rock and such stuck to them." Connor smiled as he picked up the sieve. "I think I will start working on this for now, see what we might be able to find in all the loose bits. Do either of you want to join me or are you two going to check the rock faces and see if there is anything worth going after?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Actually I might join you in using the sieve board and then check the rock faces after," Cutter considered, "what about you Becker? What do you think you would like to try?" .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'll stick with you guys. Knowing my luck... I try to start whacking away at some rocks I will likely find a fossil and end up breaking it in the process" Becker said with a small laugh as he followed them over to the dirt and loose rubble piles. "Looks like there's a water trough here. You guys can sieve and search for things and I can give them a wash to see what we end up with?" he considered.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That would definitely be a big help thank you Becker," Cutter smiled as he got his sieve board and started the process, "its definitely going to be interesting to see what we manage to find today,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was all smiles as he started scooping some of the dirt into the sieve for Cutter. "Im sure we'll find some really cool stuff!" He got to work picking through some of the larger obvious puces and set them aside for Becker to wash once they had a few to look at.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I really hope we find a trilobite today," Cutter said happily as he began to sift through his sieve after Connor filled it with dirt, "that would be amazing, I mean the other fossils would be amazing too but I'm really hoping we find a trilobite," he said, to the absolute surprise of no one.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Absolutely no one was surprised by that. "Do you think it's likely to find something like shark teeth or coral and such out here?" Becker asked as he watched them work. "I know everything was really different millions of years ago, but was it possible there were oceans and seas out here at some point?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It's possible," Cutter considered as he pulled out some larger objects of his board, "I mean it is believed that the Earth was one covered in a giant ocean billions of years ago, so there's no telling what we'll find out here," he added with a grin. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"That would be really neat," Becker said as he reached into he sieve to pick up one of the larger pieces to wash off. "I've always really loved anything related to the oceans. I... I had wanted to be a marine biologist when I was a kid" he admitted with a lopsided smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Now that I would never have guessed," Cutter looked at Becker in surprise at that revelation, "well its possible you might find a shark tooth out here, after all megalodon fossils have been found all over the world, including Africa so you might be in luck Captain,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"My father put an end to that dream pretty quickly once I got out of elementary school" Becker said somewhat wistfully. But he perked up at the idea that they could actually find something cool like a Megladon tooth. "You got your trilobites and I got my shark teeth... what about you Connor? You got a special fossil you would love to find?" "Oh I think it would be really neat to find a well-preserved trace fossil. Like a leaf imprint or a shell or even a footprint of some kind!" Connor said as he looked up from where he was searching the sieve box with Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was pleased to see Becker perk up at the mention of the Megladon, "well hopefully if we work at it, over the next few days we'll each be able to find a fossil that we're really after, that would be pretty epic,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Sounds good to me" Connor agreed. "But first I think I am going to take a few minutes and get some photos of the dig site and all so we can see what it was like when we were first setting up and getting started" he said as he walked over to his duffle bag and took out his digital camera and the polaroid camera as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that's a great idea," Cutter said with a smile, "actually I might take a few photos as well for my scrapbook," he said as he took out his polaroid camera and took a few shots as well. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"If you guys get me in the shot, be sure you get my good side" Becker said as he struck a mock pose by the water buckets. Connor couldn't hold back the giggle as he snapped off a quick photo before Becker could get out of the pose.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And there was another photo being taken as Cutter quickly made sure he got that pose captured for all eternity, "now that is one nice photo, almost better than the rock licking photo," Cutter said with a grin because nothing was going to beat that rock licking photo sorry Becker.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned then quickly ran away, stopping a few yards away as he took some photos of the site and the group and their camp set-up. He gave Becker a wide grin. There were definitely going to be copies of that photo popping up around the ARC at some point, just as there had been for the rock-licking photo.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn't help but laugh as Connor ran away to take photos, as Connor took some snaps of the site, he also took the opportunity to take some extra photos with his cameras as well. "We should definitely get a photo of the three of us while we're out here on the dig," he smiled.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Becker nodded and once Connor came back over he managed to wave down one of their fellow dig companions and had her take some photos of them. When they were done Connor took back the cameras with a nod of thanks and then grinned broadly as he watched the Polaroid shots start to develop. "Oh these turned out really good!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked over Connor's shoulders as the photos developed, "oh the are really nice photos," he smiled, "we should definitely get a couple of them framed for our house in London and flat in Fandom," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh for sure" Connor said as he handed one copy over to Becker. "One for each of us so we can definitely get one for the house and one for the apartment." Becker tried to look unimpressed but he was grinning broadly as he looked at the photo. "Now that is a good looking group of guys!" he said.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "its definitely the perfect photo to commemorate the trip," he said as he looked at the photo Connor gave him, "we'll have to find a nice frame for it, maybe if we have a bit of time after the trip before we go back to London we can get some frames here?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well we should have a day somewhere in the middle of the trip and the last day before flying back that are set as sightseeing days. So we should be able to find something for the photos pretty easily I would think" Connor grinned as he carefully put the photos between he pages of one of his books and slipped it back into his bag for safe keeping.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he also did the same with his photo, he tried very hard to not think about that photo with Helen and Stephen as he put the photo of him, Connor and Becker in the South Africa guide book that he had with him, "aye, that sounds like a plan than and we can get souvenirs for everyone as well when we do,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched Cutter and gave him a small smile as he reached over and put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him into a hug. He had a pretty good idea where Cutter's mind was going and he gave a soft reassuring smile as he hugged him. "Aye, it will be a great way to wrap up this amazing trip on the last day" he said confidently.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gratefully returned that hug and gave a small smile as he nodded, "I think that will definitely help," he said, "also it will be less things for us to carry around as well," he considered. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Good point there" Becker said as he glanced over at them. He didn't know exactly what was going on but he sensed it was something personal so he didn't pry. "Think we got enough things picked out to head over to wash them and see what we have here?" "That sounds like a great idea Becker" Connor said as he gave Cutter another quick squeeze before letting go. "Let's see if we found anything good in this first load."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile at that and nodded, "aye, maybe we'll have something amazing like a trilobite or a shark tooth for Becker," he said, perking up a little at what they might find.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned and put his arm around Cutter as they followed Becker and helped him start cleaning up what they had found. "I think i see something" he said a little while later. "Is that a bone fragment?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that as he stayed close to Connor, looking at what they'd found, "you know I think it is a bone fragment," he said and picked it up, trying to get a good look at it, "I actually think it might be a trace fossil," he told Connor excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor definitely perked up at that. "Oh really!?!" he leaned over to look as Becker also leaned in closer. "Oh would you look at that... I think... is that a fern?" he asked excitedly as he looked at the imprint on the stone.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“You know I think it might be a fern,” Cutter said excitedly, “I think it might actually be a Glossopteris, based on these trace elements, these were quite common in the permian period,” he added. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"So, really old fern then" Becker said as Connor held the stone with the imprint and held it so Becker could get a better look. "Yes a several million-year-old fern" Connor said, the grin on his face growing. "Look at this.... even the thin stem imprints were preserved on some of these," he said in awe as he ran his fingers over the fossil in his hand.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Its also proof that Gondwana was once a supercontinent before it broke away and became the continents that we now know as a Africa, Antarctica, Australia, India and South America," Cutter said excitedly, "these were common in Gondwana and we're holding the remains of millions of years old plants," he said slightly in awe.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's amazing how something like this, a fern, hasn't changed all that much" Connor said still looking at the fossil. "I mean, all the other plants that came since, but ferns and such... they look basically the same now as they did back then." "Are those little imprints there" Becker said pointing to a few tiny dot-like imprints "are those the spores? That's how most ferns reproduce right? With spores?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That's right," Cutter said with a smile, "these are millions of years old spores," he said as he looked at the fossil, "it really is remarkable how something from so long ago can be preserved for us to discover now,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor turned the fossil over a few more times before reluctantly putting it down. "Let's see what else we can find? We got some promising-looking pieces from the first load, so who knows what we might find still..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Do you think we might find some trilobites in this first load?” Cutter asked hopefully as he looked over the remaining pieces they had to sort through. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We might" Connor said with a smile. "The smaller ones are pretty common and so are shark teeth fossils of one kind or another" he said looking at Becker. "We might all find our special fossils right off the bat! Would mean everything else we find is just that much more amazing!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "that would be truly amazing, if we all found our fossils wouldn't it?" he said happily as he imagined it, "and ...." he added, "maybe Becker can do a repeat of the rock licking?" he looked at Becker hopefully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Becker narrowed his eyes slightly. "And why would I do that if it is obviously a sharks tooth?" he asked thguht there as playful gleam in his eyes. "We'll keep the cameras in the bag. Promise" Connor said. They already had one shot of Becker licking a rock. No need to get another one... especially when there were other embarrassing photos to get during the trip! "We'll see" Becker said as he gave a small laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter laughed, "we'll hold you to that and there'll be no rock licking photos this trip," he promised, "even though surely you'd be interested to know what a shark tooth tastes like?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor laughed as he gave Becker a pat on the back. He was glad to see Becker chuckle as well. It felt good to be laughing and having a good time... they all three had really earned this! He looked at one of the pieces Becker had washed off and turned it over a few times before handing it over to Cutter. "Looks like it might just be a rock but I don't know...feels a little heavy for the size? Do you think there might be something inside, Nick? Should we try and crack it open?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter felt the rock in his hands, "its possible," he considered, "its limestone and it does feel like something could be inside," he said as he handed it back to Becker, "would you like to do the honours?" .
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker stared for a moment then nodded slowly as he took the stone and turned it over a few times. He then got the hammer and chisel as he placed it down on the work table. "Just give it a whack and see where it cracks?" he asked as he looked at Cutter and then Connor.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "just give it a nice whack," he encouraged, "once the initial layer is gone you'll be able to tell what fossil is inside it," he explained.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he positioned the chisel and nervously raised the hammer back. He did as Cutter instructed and gave the stone a solid whack. There was a satisfying cracking sound as the rock fell into two pieces. "Oh wow... I... I don't believe it" Becker said in awe as he picked up the pieces. There embedded on one side were several small and one decent sized shark tooth.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh wow..." Cutter's eyes were wide as he realised what Becker was holding, "you found a shark tooth," he said, "that is seriously amazing Becker,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Congrats mate" Connor said as he leaned over Becker's shoulder for a closer look. "That is a brilliant find!" Becker grinned as he looked at the fossil, fingers running over the shinny black teeth in the stone. "It is amazing!" After a few moments he looked back up at Cutter. "Do we try and get them out of the stone? I... I kinda like how they look together like this honestly."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I mean you can try and remove them but I would recommend waiting til we're in a lab to do that, it might break the tooth as well but I do prefer how it looks in the stone as well," Cutter said with a smile. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Then I will keep it as it is... If... if I am allowed to keep it that is" he said, now really hoping the supervisor would let them keep at least one thing from the dig.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Hopefully they will, it may turn out that they don't need this particular fossil and since its your first time on a dig, they'll let you keep it but I'll talk to the supervisor and see what they say," Cutter told him with a smile.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Could also see if they would let me have it for the classes and all" Connor suggested. "I could then give it to you on a study loan- would just mean I'd need it back now and then for class" he said with a smile at Becker, glad to see him so excited. "Thanks guys, that would be great either way" Becker said as he went back to admiring the shark teeth, trying to imagine what the shark they came from might have looked like.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "we'll make sure you get to have your fossil," he said, pleased that Becker had been able to find what fossil he was after, "this fossil hunting expedition is turning out to be quite successful so far," he said.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It has" Becker agreed with a smile. "All that's left is finding you a trilobite or two! And this is just day one. If we cant find one today I'm sure we can over the next few days!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "it would be amazing if we found a trilobite to go with the other two amazing fossils we've found today," he said as he stared at what was left in that first haul, "and we do have plenty of time to try and find a trilobite and plenty of areas to search to try and find one," he said hopefully. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'm sure we will find several by the time we are done" Becker said with a nod as he reluctantly put down his shark teeth fossil and picked up one of the other pieces they had washed off that was now mostly dry. "I think it's just a regular stone..." he said as he looked at it then with a flash if a grin at Cutter and Connor he gave it a quick lick. "Yeah, just a stone this time" he laughed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, that was definitely worth it even if they didn't find any trilobites today, "okay that was great," he said with a laugh, "see Becker, you're becoming a scientist, soon you'll be licking the rocks all the time,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah, yeah hanging around you two nerds is starting to rub off on me" Becker said with a chuckle as he tossed to stone to the side. "Hey now! Don't say that like it is a bad thing!" Connor said with a mock frown as he gave Becker a one-armed hug and picked up one of the pieces from the table they still had to look at. "This is a very prestigious sciency nerd group you are now a part of!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter giggled at that, “that’s right, not many people make it to this group,” he said as he began to look through the few pieces they had left to look through, still hopeful he could find a trilobite, “most people don’t want to lick the rocks, you’ve passed that test with flying colours,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Welcome to the rock-licking club, Becker" Connor laughed. He looked at the last few pieces from their first load and picked one up. "Hey Nick.... I don't think it's a trilobite, but... it looked like there's something in this one maybe? Some coral or a shell of some kind?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter definitely looked interested as he looked over at the piece Connor was holding, "it could be an ammonite," he considered with a tilt of his head. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Here, you do the honours with this one" Connor said as he handed Cutter the chisel and hammer, knowing this would be a big deal for him. Not just the whole fossil hunting bit but also using the tools and such like he used to.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he took the chisel and hammer and then very carefully, he began to chip away at the object, being careful to not hit anything inside as he worked. It had definitely been a long time since he had used his hands in this manner and while he was feeling a bit self conscious he also wanted to see what new object they had found. "Well would you like at that," he smiled when he had finished, "you found an ammonite Connor," he said as he held it up so they could all see.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled proudly as he watched Cutter work. He wasn't going to make things awkward by calling attention to it but he was proud of Cutter for trying that after everything. "Oh so that's what those spiral shells are called" Becker said as he looked at the ammonite. "I couldn't remember what they were for the life of me." "Do you think it is something they would need to keep to study?" Connor asked as he gave Cutter a smile. "I think this is one that deserves to go on your collection shelf Nick. Your first fossil after getting back into it!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter felt his cheeks flush at that and he tried to discreetly wipe away his tears, "that would be amazing to keep," he said, "I mean ammonites are pretty common, I don't think there would be anything about this one they would need to study and I'm sure we could find more ammonites for them to take back to the lab," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor pulled Cutter close and gave him a hug and smiled. "Exactly. We can keep this one and get plenty of other amazing ammonites and other fossils for them to study and use. I'll ask for it to be included in my research collection for class" he said as he gave Cutter a quick kiss on the cheek then gave him a squeeze before letting go.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that as he leaned into that hug, "I think we can put this on the shelf at the flat," he said softly, "and that way if you need to access it, you can take it from there for classes," he considered. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Now that sounds like a plan" Connor said with a nod. "And it will have a place of honor on our shelf and be one of the first fossils I show my class... ya know, when I actually start teaching" he added with a small laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, his cheeks going even redder, "you'll be a great teacher," he assured him, "you're already amazing in our joint classes, maybe I could even take one of your solo classes, if you would be okay with that," he added, not wanting Connor to feel pressured.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That would be really cool if you wanted to Nick. Of course I'd love to have you in the class" he said with a shy grin. "Would be good to get some feedback and all with some Fandom classes before I start doing anything at a university and all."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Then I would be honoured to take your first class at Fandom," Cutter said with his own shy smile, "and at least this time you'll actually turn up to teach the classes, so you'll definitely be better than me," he added fondly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Cant really deny that" Connor chuckled. "And we will have to figure out what that class will be when the time comes. Im looking forward to it." "You will have to tell me how it goes. Kinda makes me wish I could take one of those fandom classes you guys talk about" Becker said with a smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"And I'm looking forward to as well," Cutter smiled fondly and then he looked over at Becker, "Maybe one day you could get a job in Fandom and then you can take the classes as well?" he suggested, "if you ever want a change of scenery?" .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Well if Lester ever gets tired of me that might be a good fall back option" Becker said with a considering nod.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "I don't think James would ever tire of you but it would be great to have you around in Fandom, the three of us hanging out," he told him.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"At the very least I will come around more for those special days and all- Parents Week and whatnot" Becker grinned.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "you're always welcome to visit during those weekends," he told Becker, "hopefully it won't be one of the more unusual weekends," he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Oh now where is the fun in that? I miss having you two break into spontaneous singing when I call" Becker teased. "Oh please don't remind us about that day" Connor said with a groan remembering how embarrassing it was to be signing to Becker. The singing with Cutter wasn't too bad though to be honest...
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter went a little red as he thought back to day and what happened after Becker's call, "at least that only happened the one time," he said, "it made for an interesting call," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor saw that flush and couldn’t help but poke a little at Cutter as he too recalled what else all had happened that day. "There have been a few songs since but yes… nice to be able to have control over when that happens."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Yes that flush was definitely getting redder now, "aye, the singing has been nice when we've been able to choose the songs ourselves," he said softly, "but it was nice playing the piano again," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And there will be plenty of time for more once we are back" Connor said with a wink before turning back to the task at hand- finding as many fossils as they could.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It should not be possible for that flush to go even redder, "I'm looking forward to it," Cutter smiled shyly as he began to start sifting through the pieces, hoping that he could find that elusive trilobite.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he watched Cutter sift through the stones and rubble. The smile got even bigger as he watched Becker get back to the hunt, the grin on his face showing just how much he was also enjoying their first day on the dig site. Connor watched them both for a bit before rejoining them. It really was a great way to start off their adventure!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It was a few days later in their trip and their initial fossil hunting had proved very successful even if Cutter hadn't found that trilobite yet, he was still hopeful they would find one, they were now in the Valley of Desolation and after a morning of hiking, the group were sitting down for a picnic. "Oh I'm definitely looking forward to this picnic," Cutter smiled as he looked at the spread that was laid out for them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It is an impressive spread for sure considering we are out in the middle of nowhere" Connor said as he looked at the larger white tents set up with the food and drinks laid out for them to enjoy. "And the blankets and all spread out on the tabletop stones around... it's a really nice touch!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he took out his camera and took a few photos of the spread and the scenery and yes there was a couple of photos of Connor and Becker there as well, "it really is, after that hike I'm definitely looking forward to this," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had his own camera in hand as well and got some nice photos for his scrapbook, including one of a cool looking lizard that was checking out the picnic from a nearby rock. "Yeah that was some hike... you doing alright after all that Nick?" Connor asked somewhat concerned.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he took a deep breath and had a drink of water, "yeah, I'm just not used to doing so much physical activity yet," he admitted, staring down at the ground, "it took a lot more out of me than I was expecting,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave Cutter a gentle hug. "Well we are here now and have a relaxing picnic lunch to look forward to. Then tomorrow we start exploring the new dig site! It's going to be amazing." "It's an impressive place for sure" Becker said as he looked around, though he too was not expecting that trek to be that taxing. "Not too sure about the name though," he said with a small laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gratefully returned the hug, "we made it and I'm also looking forward to the new dig site, hopefully we can find that trilobite," he added and then he smiled at Becker's comment, "it is quite the name isn't it, Valley of Desolation?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"So... aside fro the usual, what kind of fossils can we expect to find around here?" Becker asked as he took a swig from his water bottle.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled and he reached over to grab some grapes to eat, "therapsid fossils are particularly common out here," Cutter told him, "and there are also fossilised fish scales and we'll also be able to see the impact of the Permian-Triassic extinction here as well," .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Sounds like there's a good bit to poke around at and see" Becker said as he took some of the grapes and cheese. "Guess it is a good thing we have several days here then isn't it?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "it will definitely help having those extra days here," he said as he also took some cheese and salami, "even with the extra time, I don't think we'll be able to see everything here," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well that just means we will have to come back here again sometime for round two!" Connor said between bites of the crackers, cheese, and salami. "I definitely don't think I could get tired of working in a place like this for some time."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he grabbed some grapes and then got some cheese and chips, "I don't think I could tire working here either, there's just so much history here and so much that hasn't been discovered yet," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well there's always the honeymoon... if we don't make it out here again before that" Connor said somewhat shyly, a flush spreading over his face, which only deepened when Becker gave a small 'whoop' at that.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And look at that Cutter's own cheeks were red as well, "now I think that would be the perfect honeymoon," he said happily, "I think we can definitely make arrangements to come back out here on a dig, especially if takes us a bit to come back here," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and couldnt help himself as he leaned over and gave Cutter a soft kiss. It was really nice thinking about their future, what they were here celebrating right then, a proposal and a promise of a future together... "That sounds perfect Nick" he said softly, not caring just then that Becker was there and that there were others mulling around either.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned and happily kissed Connor back, not particularly caring that they could have an audience, "I can't wait to share all of this with you," he said happily.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor kept the kiss going for a moment as he heard Becker moving around liky trying not to be too obvious about what was happening. Finally he broke the kiss with a smile as he listened to Cutter. "It is going to amazing and absolutely perfect and I cant wait either" Connor said softly as he reluctantly let go and put his attention back to the food.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled fondly at Connor as they went back to their food, "I'm looking forward to everything," he said shyly as they sat down and he grabbed some cheese and salami, "I'm glad that I do all of this with you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat down beside Cutter with his plate of food and smiled, his cheeks still a bit flushed. "I love everything we are doing and making plans for the future. Doing all this now and everything that's still to come. It's like a great adventure and I'm so lucky to be able to do it all with you by my side Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Yes Cutter's cheeks were very red by that point, "and I'm lucky to have you by my side," he said shyly, "I'm looking forward to all the adventures we're going to have," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And this is a pretty good one to add to the list too isn't it?" he said as he looked around at where they were and the expansive valley they were currently set up in. "I cant think of anyone I would rather be spending this time with than my fiance, and one of my best friends" he said with a smile over in Becker's direction.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at Connor and Becker, "same, this is the perfect trip to experience with my fiancé and one of my best friends," he said happily, "the valley of desolation is so beautiful, its definitely an incredible place to share the experience,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It is beautiful and peaceful, despite the name" Becker agreed as he paused in the snacking to look at his two companions with a playful smirk. "And I guess the company is alright.... Just kidding, you two have made this an amazing trip so far. Glad I got to tag along for all of this!" "Glad to have you," Connor said with a playful wink. "Its good to have someone around or else we might have spent the entire time kissing and missed out on the great scenery and fossils."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It really should not be possible for Cutter's cheeks to be that red, "aye, we might have missed out on finding some very amazing fossils," he agreed, "and maybe in this next dig we will manage to find a trilobite," he added hopefully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat down beside Cutter with his plate of food and smiled, his cheeks still a bit flushed. "I love everything we are doing and making plans for the future. Doing all this now and everything that's still to come. It's like a great adventure and I'm so lucky to be able to do it all with you by my side Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "I think I'll have the same please Becker," he said, "especially after that hike, some refreshing juice sounds really good," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Three juices coming right up" Becker said as he headed off. While he was getting the drinks Connor pulled out the Polaroid to get a few shots again because there was just so much great scenery and landscape to take it, and they weren't even officially on the dig site yet! "Smile Nick" he said as he leaned in close and held up the camera, snapping a quick photo of the two of them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he leaned in close for the photo, "how did that one turn out?" he asked curiously once Connor had taken the photo, "I'll definitely have to get some photos of us as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor took the photo and held it, examining it for a moment then nodded. "Turned out good I think" he said as he handed the photo over for Cutter to look. "And we definitely need to get some shots of us with your camera. And we can take copies for each other of anything on the digital cameras as well!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that is a good photo," Cutter smiled, "and yes, I think some shots will be good for the scrapbook and I do like the idea of swapping copies on our digital cameras," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I mean we will technically both have the scrapbooks and its not like I won't be able to look at yours or you at mine..." Connor said tilting his head slightly. "But it will be nice to compare them and see what photos we choose and how we layout the pages and all. We'll have two scrap books to share around with the others too when they ask about how the trip went!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That's true," Cutter said with a smile, "we'll have nice scrapbooks that will be a good reflection of our trip and being able to show with others," he paused, "and we could even have them on our memory shelf, that will be a nice place to display them," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh I like that idea" Connor agreed. "And if we get a little book stand or something we can keep one of them on it and opened! We can change the page that is displayed so we can have something new to look at now and then and get to enjoy the photos and memories even when they are still sitting on the shelf!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that's a brilliant idea," Cutter said happily, "we should definitely do that when we're back, maybe we can have one scrapbook at each place, so we can always have a page open and we can look back on this trip,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Perfect- that way no matter where we are we can remember this amazing trip, our engagement, and all these wonderful memories" Connor said with a nod. Just then Becker returned with the drinks and handed Connor his then did the same for Cutter. "This really is a nice spread they got here for us" he said as he took a drink of his juice. "Another couple nights camping out. We start the dig work bright an early tomorrow right?" he said, the excitement evident in his voice and eyes.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled gratefully when Becker handed him his juice and took a sip, "it really is lovely out here, having a picnic in the valley of desolation," he said and then nodded, "we'll be up at dawn to get started on the work," he told Becker, "we'll have another couple of busy days ahead of us,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I really hope we find something from a theraspid!" Connor said excitedly. "Finding actual bones or a full skeleton would be amazing! Other than finding some trilobites of course!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That would be amazing," Cutter said with a grin, "finding trilobites and a full skeleton, that would be an amazing way to finish the trip," he said, equally excited about the prospect. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I vote for the full skeleton personally" Becker said with a laugh. "Sounds like a good way to wrap up the epic trip for sure!" "It would be the great way to finish off the celebration and all, wouldn't it?" Connor agreed. "Would really impress the classes back at Fandom and at the University when I start there!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "can you imagine the three of us being on a dig that discovered a brand new skeleton," he paused, "well old skeleton technically," he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Would be cool!" Becker said as he thought about it. "A genuine living-dead fossil! That would be bloody amazing really."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Well I guess we'll have to see what the dig entails tomorrow," Cutter smiled as he took a sip of his juice, "it would be amazing to be part of something like this with the two of you,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled as he enjoyed the food and drink for a bit. He thought back to the small collection of fossils he had in his duffle bag back in their tent. "It was really swell of Dr. Dan to let us keep some of the fossils we have found so far" he said at least with a grin. "I think I am going to keep at least one at the ARC somewhere... the others I will have to find a nice place to display them at the flat."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "it was really cool of him to do that, even though after we found all those ammonites for them, I don't think they were going to refuse us taking some fossils home with us," .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It actually was kinda like an ammonite graveyard there that we found wasn't it?" Becker said with a chuckle. "I've seen pictures and all of the mass burials of things like ammonite before" Connor said thinking about that find. "But never seen one like that in real life." "It was quite impressive," Becker said with a nod. "I think we counted what at least nine or ten in that slab we uncovered?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he thought back to that day with all those ammonites, "I know I've never seen anything like that, even with the digs I've been on," he admitted, "it was at least ten that we found that day, that was pretty amazing to see all those ammonites laid out like that,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And so many different sizes too! That was what I thought was so awesome about that fund!" Connor smiled remembering getting those ammonites ready to be shipped back to the lab.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It definitely was a unique and successful haul and it will be something you can tell your students as well," Cutter grinned, glad that Connor got to experience all of this on their trip, "and all those photos we took will definitely look amazing in our scrapbooks,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I still can't believe he let me keep that first one" Becker said with a smirk. "It ended up being the biggest one from that batch!" "It was a really impressive one!" Connor agreed. "They have lists of ammonites and ones bugger than that, but it is still super cool of them to do that for ya!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at Becker "see you're a natural fossil hunter," he said, "you've already helped unearth the biggest ammonite find of the trip, now all we need is to unearth that skeleton and we'll be set," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And find you an ammonite or two" Connor said with a grin. " But that sounds like a good goal for these last few days!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "that would be nice, hopefully finding a good size trilobite as well," he knew there had to be one somewhere, "and we've definitely got a busy few days ahead of us, its a good thing we're taking it easy after that hike and this amazing picnic spread for lunch,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It's also good that they got tents for us here too" Becker nodded. "The valley is pretty barren and open, probably gets a little chilly at nights out there so the tents will help with the wind and all. Glad they got the 3-4 person tents, though I'm sure you two would survive if we had to cram into 2-sleeper" Becker added with a wink and a grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Oh look at that Cutter's cheeks were turning red again, "I think we also could survive," he smiled shyly at Connor, "even though its nice that we've got the tents here this time, though it was fun sleeping out under the stars, it will be a nice change for the camping experience,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker grinned at the flush he saw on Cutter's face, and on Connor's as well. "And it's not like we can't just step out of the tent for a bit if we want to do some star gazing or something" he pointed out. "And the tents will be nice if we stay up later or anything. we can tell ghost stories or just talk without worrying about bothering the others as much."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "that's true, we can still keep stargazing, get some more amazing photos," he considered, "and I do like the sound of us staying up and talking, I'm not sure how much sleep I'm going to get with all the possibilities that we could find out here on the dig," he admitted. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It really is a lot like waiting for Christmas morning isn't it?" Connor chuckled. "Three overgrown kids waiting to see what the presents are... only this time it's fossils in rocks instead of toys in boxes!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It really is," Cutter smiled at that, "I know I'm definitely waiting to see if there are any trilobites fossils, that would be an amazing present," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well I already got a good collection started so other than finding like a decently preserved bone or a full skeleton or something my wish list is pretty well satisfied," Connor said. "Though I definitely won't say no to digging up some more goodies while we are here!" "And I got my shark teeth and even a cool ammonite so I am sitting pretty good too," Becker said with a nod. "But I'm sure we will find plenty of other cool things these next few days. Even your elusive trilobite, Cutter!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It does seem to be quite elusive doesn't it," Cutter sighed a little, "but we've made great finds elsewhere with the different fossils and a full Skelton would be amazing to find," he added with a grin.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye we got two full days ahead of us so I am sure we will get one! I spoke to the supervisor a little during the hike and he said they have found trilobites, and some decent sized ones too, here in the valley so... I think we will get one for you before we are done" Connor said confidently before he turned his attention back to the plate of food in his hands.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "oh that would be amazing if we could find some here," he said hopefully, "a nice sized trilobite that we could keep on our shelf," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll get you the biggest trilobite we can. It will have the place of honor on our shelves " Connor grinned. "We might have to get a whole set if shelves to be our memory shelves at this rate!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "even though getting a whole set of shelves to be a memory shelve doesn't sound like a bad idea," he paused, "even though we won't get it from IKEA this time," he added as the memory of their last attempt at building IKEA furniture came to mind.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had to laugh out loud at that as he remembered that epic struggle. He saw Becker groan and rub his face too at the memory of those IKEA shelves. "Definitely getting ones already put together!" Connor agreed with a nod. "Once I start teaching we can use some of that money to get other things we need for the flats in Fandom too!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "getting them put together already will definitely be a help," he agreed with a nod, "and if you're sure you don't mind using the money to buy things for the flats, it is money that your earning," he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We can share it- figured you have the house and I can manage the flats... I mean share and share all that.." Connor said with a grin. "But that also means sharing the expenses and upkeep...and it's time I start being a responsible adult with things." "You've been that for a while now Connor" Becker said with a smile as he put a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "You have done so much and come so far since I first met you. You are one of the strongest and greatest people I know." Connor blushed at little at the praise and nodded, dropping his head a little not quite knowing what to say to that.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "he's right," he reassured Connor, "you're one of the best and strongest people I know and I'm glad that I'm going to get to spend the rest of my life with you," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"As are you Nick" Connor said softly. "You are so brave and strong and I am the luckiest man alive to have you by my side now and for the rest of my life." And Connor couldn't help himself and he leaned over and gave Cutter another kiss.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled shyly at that as he happily leaned into the kiss, completely forgetting that they had an audience, this was absolutely perfect and he wanted to savour this moment with Connor for as long as possible.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The next day came and even though Cutter was looking forward to the group dig that they were going to be doing later, he was still looking forward to a chance to get one more chance at finding that elusive trilobite he had been trying to find the whole trip . They would be spending the morning doing individual fossil hunting and then start the group project. "So do you think we'll finally find that trilobite?" Cutter asked hopefully as they were setting up their search.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I got a good feeling in my bones!" Connor said as he set his backpack that had their water bottles and snacks in on the ground near the small canopy that was set up near the site where they would be digging that morning. "We've had luck with everything else. I am sure we are going to find that trilobite!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That would definitely be an amazing start to the day, finding that trilobite after so long," Cutter grinned as they got ready to start digging for the day, "especially if we manage to find more than one," he added. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Well then let's get started" Becker said with a smile as he gave a stretch and put the, admittedly, silly-looking floppy hat on with a grin. "I'm ready to find us a mess of trilobites!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he saw Becker put on his hat and why yes he was taking a photo of that, "good thing we've got all morning to find some before the group dig in the afternoon,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor could not hide the laugh as he looked at Becker. He tried to hide it behind a cough as he looked for his tool kit to start off their morning digging.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he put his camera away, "so should we cover different areas or should we stay together again for the digging?" he asked as he got his equipment ready.
Becker(thearcfaily)	"Maybe a little of both?" Becker said looking over their dig area. "Kinda spread out but not too far? Cover more ground that way but still close enough to easily talk and see what everyone finds?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "I was thinking the same thing, especially since we've only got the morning to do some digging on our own, and if we spread out a bit we might have more of a chance of finding some trilobites," he added hopefully. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll find them! I got a good feeling in my bones" Connor said with a nod as he handed Cutter his tool kit. "Let's grab our waters and then we can stake our claim on where we want to work!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he got his tool kit from Connor, "that sounds like a plan," he said happily, "and we've got a good selection of area to choose from today as well," he noted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'll start over here I think" Connor said as he nodded towards and outcropping nearby where there was some stone and a good bit of sand to work through as well. "I call dibs over here" Becker said as he stood in one of the lower areas of their plot. "Maybe some good fossils had collected down here" he said with a nod.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I think I'll start in the middle here," Cutter said as he walked over towards the section of the plot and put down his tools, he surveyed the area, looking at what he had to work with and then he knelt down and began to start working.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor soon fell into a rhythm as he started searching through the sand and stones. He’d look over to see how Cutter was doing now and then and he also checked a few times to see is Becker was licking any more rocks
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he saw Connor look over at him and yes there was also another discreet look at Becker to see if he was licking more rocks, 'anything yet?" he called as he looked over at Connor and then Becker. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nothing major, few bone fragments it looks like and some shells bt nothing complete or overly impressive over here just yet. What about you Nick?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Nothing so far," Cutter said, a little disappointed as he sorted through what he had collected so far, "I'm starting to think those trilobites don't want to be found," he sighed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Don't give up Nick!" Becker called out from where he was working. "Becker's right, we still got a couple more hours till the group dig. We got time still" Connor said trying to sound encouraging.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, trying to stay encouraged as he started digging through the next pile of dirt, he really hoped that they would find a trilobite, "nothing yet," he sighed as he moved onto the next pile, surely something was going to turn up?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor kept at it, getting a small pile of odd and ends pieces set aside but nothing major. "Hey Nick, maybe shift over a little and try over there?" he said pointing towards a bit of limestone that was sticking out of the sand.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked over where Connor was pointing and saw that piece of limestone, he moved over to where it was sticking out and gave it a tug and then looked at the limestone. "Connor, Becker look!" he said excitedly, "its a trilobite!" .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Really? Oh that is awesome Nick, let me see!" Connor said as he dropped his tools and hurred over to look. Becker followed suit and soon they were both peering over Cutter's shoulder to look at his find.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter turned the piece of limestone around so that Connor and Becker could have a look at it, "look at it,' he said in awe, 'isn't it beautiful?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's amazing Nick, you did it. You found a trilobite...and a pretty good sized one too!" Connor said as he admired it. "Good job there " Becker said as he leaned down to get a better look.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he held the trilobite in his hand, "it is a good size, isn't it?" he marvelled as he held it up so they could a better look at it, "I wonder if there's any more in this section?" he wondered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I bet there are!" Connor said looking around. " Now that we found one, want me and Becker to help you with the search around here?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "that would actually be great if you could," he said, "there's a bit of ground still to cover here, maybe it will be like the day we found all those ammonites and there's a whole bunch of trilobites here?" .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I betcha it is!" Becker said excitedly as he picked an area st start searching. "Bet we find more!" Connor smiled and watched Becker for a moment, glad he was having as good a time as they were. He leaned over and gave Cutter's shoulder a squeeze. " You did good Nick, that is an amazing find!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled shyly at that, "I wouldn't have found it without your help, you pointed me in the right direction, thank you Connor," he smiled as he leaned over to give his fiancé a kiss.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Oh that was a very nice kiss and Connor smiled as he returned it softly. "You know I do take kisses and back rubs as a form of payment for my trilobite finding services" he said playfully as he smiled at his fiance.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned and went rather red at that, as he wrapped his arms around Connor and happily returned the kiss, "I think that can be arranged," he said shyly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well then a little tonight to finish off the day... and then a lot more when we have a little more... privacy" he said with a shy grin as he kissed Cutter lovingly and held him close.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, happily keeping that kiss going and then leaning against Connor, "that sounds like a wonderful idea," he said happily, "I'm looking forward to it," he added shyly. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he held Cutter close, wrapping his arms around him and holding him close. "Makes two of us" he whispered softly as he nuzzled against Cutter for a moment, just enjoying the moment and who he was getting to share it all with. "Think we should go and get some more of that excavation done" he said softly, still not really wanting to stop, his arms still wrapped around Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was rather reluctant to let go of Connor as well, "I suppose we should," he said reluctantly, "I guess those trilobites aren't going to find themselves," he admitted with a grin but he made no move to step away from Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and rubbed Cutter's back gently and then slowly started to pull his hands away. "No... no they arent...." Connor smiled softly. He could have stayed there all day like that but he was curious to see if they could find any more trilobites before the group dig at the end of the day.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter would have quite happily stayed there all day as well but he knew they should make a move and see what other fossils they could find that morning, preferably finding a lot more trilobites. "I'll make it up to you as soon as we have a bit more privacy," Cutter promised, his cheeks going red at that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Hmmmm sounds good. I will hold you to that though" Connor said as he gave Cutter one last soft kiss then pulled away and with a soft cough, trying to pretend they have just spent the last however many minutes kissing and picked up his tool kit. "Now, let's go hunt some more trilobites!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that last kiss and then picked up his tool kit, "where do you think's a good place to start searching?" he asked, making sure his prized trilobite that he had already found was safe and secured. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well Becker's checking the rockface near where you found your trilobite" Connor said looking over at Becker. "Maybe we should check along that ridge there in the strata? Looks like it could be an ancient mud deposit. Maybe a mudslide or something so it could have buried quite a few things way back when?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that could be a good place to start," Cutter nodded with a smile, "I think we should start there and see what we're able to find,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and reached out and took Cutter's hand in his and gave him a gentle tug as they headed to their spot to start looking. Connor carefully started to dig out around where he thought the mudslide might have deposited some fossils. It took a bit but he finally paused and looked at Cutter with a grin. "I think we just found another one Nick!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he followed Connor to the spot and then he turned around from where he had started digging, he looked up excitedly, "you did?" he exclaimed as he walked back to Connor to see, "you know I think you did just find another trilobite,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Kinda hard to tell... there's a lot of stone and sand still on it but I think it might be one too!" Connor said as he tried to brush off some of the sand. "Here' I got the water bucket!" Becker said as he brought their bucket of water over so they could wash off their latest find.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Becker," Cutter smiled as he bent down so he could have a look at the fossil, "lets get this cleaned up and see what it is, it would be amazing if it is another trilobite, it does look like it would be good for it," he considered the shape and the stone and sand left there. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well only one way to find out... go ahead and give it a rinse and let's see what it is!" Connor said excitedly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he carefully began to rinse it and then once he got as much stone and sand off it as he could, he held it up so everyone could see it, "it is a trilobite, Connor you found a trilobite," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Awesome! One more great fossil for our shelf back home" Connor said with a grin. "That is a beauty isn't it?" he said as he leaned in closer. "Oh wow, you can even see the legs and everything!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Its' incredibly well preserved," Cutter with a smile as he admired the trilobite, "that's two well preserved trilobites we've found, I thought for a while we weren't going to find any and we found two,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"They were hiding on us but we fond them!" Connor laughed as he turned the trilobite over and examined it a few times when Cutter handed it over. "And this one is a good size too" Becker noted as he took a look again. "Smaller than the other but still nothing to sneeze at."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "aye, I've definitely seen smaller trilobites, so the fact that we found two pretty decent sized trilobites so close together is pretty remarkable," he said, "do you think we should keep digging, see if we can find another one?" he was pretty content with two but you could never have enough trilobites. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Maybe a little longer? We still have a little time till we have to meet up fro the check-in for the group dig" Connor said. "Maybe Becker can find one before we have to head back?" "Heck yeah let's find another trilobite" Becker said with an excited grin as he headed back to his spot to keep searching.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at seeing Becker look so happy, "that would be pretty awesome if each of us found a trilobite, especially since we've each now found a fossil we were hoping to find," he said.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and let out a laugh as he watched Becker get so excited. It was good to see him so happy "Aye, we each can have our main fossil we were looking for and a trilobite to take home! Would be perfect really." Connor watched Becker for a little longer, seeing where he was searching. Then suddenly Becker stopped and called out. "Cutter? How do you get at a fossil that's stuck in the rockface? Cuz.... I think I might have found something!!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter perked up at that as he went over to where Becker was searching, "ah.... this will be a little more challenging," he admitted as he got out some chisels and hammer and he also got some vinac out to help stabilise the fossil, "this might take a while," he warned Becker, "did you want to try and get the fossil out or would you like me and Connor to do it?" he saw how happy Becker was fossil hunting and he wanted him to have the chance to get it out himself.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'd like to take a stab at it" Becker said as he studied the fossil closely for a moment. "Just tell me what to do and where to hit it and I will see if I can crack it out of there without breaking it...."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Ok," Cutter said as he began to show Becker what he needed to do, "so you need to aim the chisel around the area the fossil is in and then slowly work around It with the hammer," he explained. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and started gently tapping the chisel with the hammer and moved around the fossil carefully, his tongue sticking out as he concentrated hard at not messing up the fossil embedded in the stone. "Do we need to put any more of the glue stuff on it?" he asked as he paused to see what progress he had made. "That will help keep he fossil from breaking right?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he watched Becker work with the chisel and hammer and yes he had absolutely taken a couple of photos as well, "we can put a bit more vinac on it," he nodded as he got out his container, "its to also help it keep it stable if its needs to be transported to a lab, sometimes it will be in pieces regardless of how careful we are though but it doesn't hurt to be prepared,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and watched as Cutter applied the vinac. "Even if it does end up breaking it would still look cool, sitting on my shelf in two pieces. However it ends up looking it is going to be a nice conversation piece!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "aye, you're going to have a very impressive shelf to show off," he told Becker, "you'll be able to tell everyone all about your adventures on this dig,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker grinned and nodded then got back to work, working around and around the fossil with the chisel and hammer. Finally, he got it out and held it in his hands and looked at it. "It's a nice-looking one. Not as big as the others but it looks good. Think it might have a crack in it though so it will probably break as it's cleaned..." he said as he turned it over in his hands and handed it to Cutter so he could look at it.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It's still very impressive though," Cutter smiled as he held it up to the sunlight to get a proper look at it, "you dug out your first rock face fossil," he said as he handed the fossil to Connor so that Connor could get a look at it as well. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, good work here Becker!" Connor said as he took the fossil and carefully examined it. "You did it! I've only ever done actual rockface digging twice on a small scale. So you are nearly caught up to me!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"See you’re a natural at this Becker," Cutter grinned, "we need to do these digs more often,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Will get no complaints from me!" Connor said with a grin as he looked around the dig site. "I could get used to doing digs like this more often that's for sure." "I wouldn't say no to another one now and then either," Becker said as he took back the fossil and looked at it with a broad, proud grin. "Gotta build up my collection right?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Exactly," Cutter grinned, "that's going to be one impressive shelf of fossils you'll build up, you'll be able to show them off to Sarah," he added, rather teasingly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Oh look, that blushing problem Cutter and Connor often had seemed to now be contagious! A small flush crept over Becker's cheeks but there was a happy smile on his face all the same. "Oh she's already made a date night for us right after I get back" he admitted, still grinning. "She said she wants me to show her everything and tell her all about the trip. I bet she'll be surprised to see the actual fossils though!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at seeing that familiar flush that was normally on his and Connor's cheeks, "well you're going to have plenty of exciting adventures to tell Sarah on your date night," he said, pleased with how well everything was going for Becker and Sarah. .
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker still had the grin on his face as he looked back over the fossil in his hands and thought about how that date night could go... especially since it had been so long since they had been able to have a decent date.... and there was an even deeper flush creeping up his neck now. "Well" he said clearing his throat a little as he looked around the dig site. "Looks like we got this little guy out just in time" he said nodding to the trilobite fossil in his hands. "Looks like they are gathering everyone together to get the group dig started!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he looked over at the dig site, "well that was a very productive morning before our group dig, we finally found our elusive trilobites to add to our collections," he said happily.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Aye, let's go show off our finds and see how everyone else did" Becker said as he hurried off towards the group. He was excited to show off the trilobite he had found and he also wanted to give Cutter and Connor a few minutes alone before the group project started for the rest of the day.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as Becker hurried off towards the group, "I think Becker quite enjoyed himself this morning," he remarked to Connor as they picked up their tools so they could start heading back to the group.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh really? What gave you that idea?" Connor said with a laugh as he watched Becker hurry off. He smiled and grabbed his kit and his trilobite and then slipped an arm around Cutter's waist gently as they followed Becker slowly. "It really was a great morning though- glad you found your trilobite Nick!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he wrapped his arm around Connor, "I was starting to think they didn't want to be found and we ended up finding three, one for the each of us," he said, "and now I have a trilobite from South Africa to add to the collection," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm not sure how the trip can get any better" Connor said as he walked with Cutter towards the group. "We each found some amazing fossils to take home, Becker got to do his first dig-out, you found your trilobite, and I got some good fossils to use for class. I think that all counts as a very successful trip!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "it does feel like we've accomplished just about every thing we can on this trip and we still have a few days left," he said excitedly, "the only thing that would be better if we found something rare or even a new species," he added as he imagined what that would be like.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That would be quite the cherry on top of it all wouldn't it?" Connor said as he too imagined for a moment what that might be like. "Guess we will find out what the last day at the dig holds for us soon enough" he said as he slipped his arm from around Cutter's waste and held his hand as they joined their group finally.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that as he held Connor's hand and walked over to the group where they were talking about the fossils they had managed to find, he saw Becker and knew that Becker was going to be eager to share his experience of getting the fossil out of the rock face.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He's like a kid showing off his prized toy" Connor said with a grin as he stood with Cutter and watched as Becker showed off his trilobite and told the group about how he and Cutter and gotten it out of the rocks.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"He is isn't he?" Cutter agreed as they watched Becker, "I think that's going to be something he'll talk about for quite a while now, I'm glad we managed to get him to come on this trip with us," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, we definitely have to thank Lester for letting him come with us!" Connor grinned and leaned against Cutter's shoulder as he watched the group leader walk forward and start to talk about the types of fossils that they might find in the new area.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	After a few minutes of explaining what they were going to be working on for the afternoon, the group leader said they were would work on the project for a few hours and then break for dinner. Cutter smiled at Connor and Becker, "I can't wait to see what we're able to find," he said once the group got ready to start working on the dig site.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know, the guy said they have found some bones and partial skeletons in this area" Becker said with a grin as they got set up. "We might actually find some genuine fossilized bones!" Connor said excitedly as he took a drink from his water bottle before putting it away.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Can you imagine how amazing that would be if we finished the trip off with a find like that," Cutter grinned as he started getting out all of his tools for the dig.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It would be really cool!" Connor agreed. "They've found some unique things out here right? So we might really find something spectacular!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"And its such a vast area with plenty of exploring potential," Cutter added with a grin, "so I like our odds of finding something really spectacular," .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Looks like Becker has already gotten a head start on us" Connor said with a nod towards where Becker was already kneeling examining the limestone, floppy hat back in place and everything.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned when he saw Becker and yes there was definitely another couple of photos being taken as well, "find anything interesting yet Becker?" he asked as they approached.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Rocks and sand so far" Becker said with a shake of his head. "But there's gotta be something good here... I can feel it!" "Know what? I feel it too" Connor said as he joined Becker. "I think this is a perfect place to start looking Becker!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That makes three of us," Cutter grinned as he sat down and began to work on his area, "there's still plenty of time to find something," he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he reached for the fine bristle brush to brush away some of the sand and debris from the rock he was examining. "So, if we were to find something big, like a skeleton or some bones... they've be sticking out of the rocks right? We'd be able to see at least some of it without doing a lot of checking and all?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We would notice them," Cutter reassured him, "normally within the first couple of layers we should be able to tell if there's going to be any kind of massive find, even though sometimes they might be buried quite deep in the ground so in those cases there'd be a lot more searching," he explained. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Becker nodded and got back to work clearing away the sand from his area so he could see things better. Connor watched and smiled as he worked on his area with Cutter. "Can you hand me the chisel Nick? I wanna try and get some of this looser rock cleared away... see if there is anything under it."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Of course," Cutter said as he handed Connor the chisel as they worked, "I'm hoping there is something underneath here, that would be an amazing group project to work on," he smiled, "if we find something, we could be asked to come back and help with the excavation work," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That would be brilliant!"Connor said with a great big grin. "Id love to come back and work on things more..." Connor got to work carefully removing some of the stone. As he worked he started to feel excited. "Nick... I definitely think theres something here." He stopped and brushed away some of the rock dust. "See?" he said as he pointed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked where Connor was pointing, "that definitely looks like bone, in fact ... it looks like it could be intact, let me dig around some of the outside a little, see what there," he said and he carefully worked on removing some more rock dust from the next area.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor moved to the side and crouched down close to Cutter as he worked. It sure did look like a bone or something.It was different than the rocks and looked more bone than wood or coral or anything. "Want some of the water to wash some of that off?" he asked as he watched Cutter brush the area as clean as he could.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "some water wold be great thank you Connor, we should then be able to confirm that we are dealing with bone" he looked up at the rest of the group to see if they'd found anything and maybe he could get an idea if they were working with an intact skeleton. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and went to get a bottle of water and brought it over. As he did he glanced around at the rest of the group. "Nick... I think there might be something going on" he said when he realized several of the others in the group were also seemingly working on trying to decide what exactly they were looking at.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he realised what the rest of the group was up to and he used the water bottle to clear away his area, "we're definitely looking at bones," he said, "in fact I think it might be a skeleton," he added excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh really? wow that is... that is awesome!" Connor said as he stooped down to look at what Cutter was washing and cleaning up. "Ok that is definitely bone! Hey Becker, come here we got something!" Connor called out but he had to chuckle when he saw Becker was already on his way over to see for himself.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter carefully began to work at cleaning the bones, "look at how well preserved it is," he said as he admired what they'd been able to excavate so far. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That is one of the best looking fossils I've seen" Connor said as he reached out and gently brushed his fingers along the surface of the bone. "It's a good size too!" he said excitedly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"It looks like its part of a much larger skeleton," Cutter smiled as he looked along the group and the excitement that was building over their find, "I wonder what specimen it is?" he said in awe at the idea of being part of this discovery.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm going to go see what the others have found, see if we can get an idea of what we might be looking at here" Becker said as he hurried off to go talk to the closest couple of people. Connor smiled and studied the bone more closely. "It's a big enough bone, do you think it's a leg or arm bone? It's too bulky for ribs and if it's as long as it looks like it might be I don't think it's vertebrae..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter carefully studied the bone from what he could see, "I think it might be a leg, based on our position and the size, depending on the creature we could be sitting near more bone legs," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Do you think it could actually be a Therocephalian?" Connor asked getting even more exited. "I mean they are known to be in the area, they have found fossils of them nearby here too!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"You know there's a chance it could be, based on the structure and what's been unearthed by the team," Cutter said, his own excitement matching Connor's, "I mean it will be a long while before we're able to confirm for sure but based on initial hypothesis' I'd say we might just have a Therocephalian," he grinned. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned as he reached out and gave Cutter's shoulder a pat then pulled him into a hug. "We did it. We actually found something major Nick! Therocephalian or not this is big.... and we got to do it together!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"This is definitely big Connor," Cutter agreed as he happily wrapped his arms around Connor, "I'm glad that I was able to make this discovery with you and Becker,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor took a moment to just enjoy the moment and how happy Cutter was. He smiled as he hugged him tightly. Their celebration was interrupted though as Becker called out as he approached them finally. "Ok so definitely looks like it's something big!" he called to them. "Guys down here think they might have a skull even!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh this is incredible," Cutter breathed as he looked over the group, "its so rare to find such a massive skeleton and it seems to be in tact based on what we've unearthed so far," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Do you think they will let us help name it if it's a new species?" Becker asked excitedly. Connor laughed and smiled. "I doubt it's a totally new species, but it could be one of the few full Therocephalian skeletons found! Or it could be some other species. But it definitely looks like is an intact or nearly intact specimen!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I don't think we'll get a say in the name unfortunately," Cutter said apologetically to Becker, "but it is an impressive find all the same, as Connor said there are so few Therocephalian skeletons, if that's what we've found, its remarkable that we were able to be part of this dig and discovery," he added excitedly with a grin. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's a shame it takes so long to dig out fossils and get them prepared and assembled," Connor said. "I'd love to see what this thing looks like once its out!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'd say they'll ask us to come back out and work on the dig from time to time, they'll get a team in to work here full time but it would be nice if we came back to see the progress and be here for when everything is dug up," Cutter said with a smile, still in awe at what they had found.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Maybe they will be close to having it all out and we can help finalize that by the time our honeymoon comes around?" Connor said with a small flush spreading over his cheeks again as he thought about that.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that would be perfect," Cutter grinned, "that would definitely a full circle moment for us, we were here when we were engaged and then we'd come back and be married," he said happily and his own cheeks starting to redden.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Sounds perfect to me" Connor agreed with a smile as he leaned over and kissed Cutter's cheek, the blush deepening a little as he did. "Two great moments in my life, shared with the person who means the most to me in the world. I can't think of anything better to celebrate both our engagement and getting married!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's own blush was deepening as well, especially at that kiss, "aye, it will be the best celebrations ever and I can't wait to share in our success together," he said happily..
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"So... let's see what else we can get uncovered here..." he said as he joined Becker who was still examining their find. "I know we don't have much longer here at the dig but we might be able to get a little more of this exposed before we have to head off for our final dinner?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he joined them, "I think they might have a hard time dragging us all away from the dig," he admitted as he heard the excited buzz coming up and down the group, "but let's see what else we can dig up before we do have to officially hand this over,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Going to have a lot to talk about at that dinner that's for sure" Connor said as they worked. Ya know, provided they could actually get them away from the dig site at all. "I still cant believe we are going to actually be a part of this...." Becker said as he watched Cutter and Connor work, taking turns with them as they all worked on the bits they had uncovered and took turns visiting the other groups and taking photos of everything that was going on.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I know its amazing to think that we helped discover this,” Cutter grinned as he looked down at the skeleton they had started to unearth, “and it’s going to be a memorable last dinner definitely,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and focused on the last few hours they had. It had been an amazing trip and finishing it off like this was more than he could have ever hoped for or dreamt of. He didn't want to ever leave the dig site, even though he knew they had to. At least they had some time to look forward to when they got back to the ARC and could share their adventure with the rest of the team!