Copyright 1998 -- Robert Baer Jr. D J Entry - "Jurrasic Advice" W A R N I N G ---------------- D I S C L A I M E R The following story is PURE FICTION, it NEVER REALLY HAPPENED, only in my mind. This work is for ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY and NOT MEANT TO BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY. It represents a struggle of the mind. The Dinosaur Chronicles: PROLOGUE Cyberspace.....the final frontier. And in that frontier roams a dinosaur, but not just any dinosaur, a Computer Dinosaur! One who still thinks vacuum tubes are a standard part of any computer! How does this living relic deal with the problems of everyday life? By simply being at the right place at the right time....... Entry # 734 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had a great idea for this bright, sunshiny Summer day! I decided to invite all my friends to a barbeque at my cave! I know that this would be a splendid time for a "get together," and I tried to get everyone to come! Although Ben Maddog and his four older daughters couldn't come because of a big case their law office was working on, Samantha Maddog came with Otto, who came with the Computer Renegade. Prairie Mason and his entire family came, including his four delightful "kids." Wanna Talk came with them, and of course she was helping the Renegade with the barbeque grill "duties." Xeren Zzoom and the Computer Gila Monster came too! During the afternoon I stayed inside the cave working in the kitchen with the Computer Counsellor making lots of salad and cutting up fruit and watermelons for my guests. Others came also, including Earl and Burl, my garbage men, and Lady Smithers with her two grandkids, also Judge Blanche Vito! I also invited Uncle Buford, but he declined, said it wasn't "time" yet. "Counsellor, how are things going outside?" I asked. "This barbeque was a wonderful idea!" the Counsellor replied,"Xeren Zzoom and all the children are playing in the backyard, Wanna and Nathan are still working the grill, Samantha, Otto, and Mr and Mrs Mason are sitting at the picnic table talking about court cases, even the Gila Monster is socializing with Earl and Burl! I think they're talking about the best ways to catch ants! Blanche Vito and Lady Smithers were talking about their past experiences with you!" "Would you please take these bowls of fruit salad out to the picnic table?" I asked. "Sure, big guy!" the Counsellor said as she took two very large bowls outside. A few minutes later, Wanna Talk walked into the kitchen. "We need more barbeque sauce and some more aluminum foil," she said. "Ok," I said as I pointed to the pantry,"Sauce is on the second lowest shelf, foil over near the ketchup." "Thanks," Wanna said as she retrieved the things she needed,"may I ask you a personal question, CD?" "Sure, go right ahead," I replied. "Well, it's about Nathan. We've been seeing a lot of each other lately. I've never loved anyone quite like I love that Renegade! I love him and I know he loves me also, but sometimes he seems a little distant. It's like he's holding himself back for some reason, big guy, do you know why?" "Wanna, you have to remember he, like me, has been through a painful divorce. Even under the best circumstances, divorce is never easy to deal with. I know Nathan well enough to know that he has no feelings for his former wife, she has met someone else and he understands this. He's a little afraid of the relationship you two are in now. Please try to understand, it has nothing to do with you, that's just the way a divorce can make one feel. Look at me, I'm still not dating anyone, at least the Renegade has someone to hold hands with and to care for and about, isn't that right?" "Yes, that's right! I love him and would like to marry him! But how long do you think he'll still feel 'burned?"' "Everyone is different, Wanna, just be patient with him. That's what he needs now more than anything is time." "OK, I will, thanks big guy!" Wanna said as she went back outside. One minute later a loud BOOM! sounded right behind me and nearly scared me to death! It was Otto! "My friend," Otto began,"can I ask you for some advice?" "Sure," I replied,"ask me anything!" "Well, you've been divorced, and Samantha is just getting over a very rough one. I couldn't help but be in love with her, I've never met any canine as warm, charming and witty as she. But I'm afraid that our relationship may be moving a bit too fast. She and I have been together a while, and we really enjoy each other's company. I want to spend the rest of my life with her! Do you think we're moving too fast?" "Otto, I can't answer that question for you. Sometimes one can heal quicker than others can emotionally. The one you really need to ask is Samantha. She's the only one that can tell you how she's feeling inside. I know you haven't been 'self aware' that long, Otto, but you and Sam seem to be meant for each other." "Thanks, dinosaur!" Otto said,"now I better get back out there. Prairie Mason and Blanche Vito keep asking me about prior court cases and I'm the only one with an on-board computer interface so I can answer all their questions! Oh well, at least I'm socializing! Bye!" BOOM! he left the kitchen. As I was preparing another large bowl of salad, Samantha Maddog walked quietly into the living room. "Otto!" she called out. "He's not here, Samantha!" I called out from the kitchen. Samantha came in to where I was and said,"Mr Dinosaur, sir, may I ask you something?" "Certainly!" I replied,"and you don't have to be so formal, just call me Dinosaur or CD or 'big guy' if you want to." "Well, dinosaur, I was wondering about....well.... how have you been able to cope with your divorce? I know from what my dad told me that it was really rough for you, being betrayed and dumped on like that. I haven't been divorced that long, but I feel so much better since Otto came into my life!" "Samantha, my own experience has been very different from yours. I had a lot of help and support from my friends, especially the Counsellor, who showed me that their was life after separation. There are days when I am very happy and there are days when it all "hits me" all over again, but I just keep going. I'm so happy that you have someone like Otto, I think you two are really meant for each other." "My ex-husband was cruel to me, it's hard to remember any of the good times we once had. But Otto is so wonderful, he seems a little 'lost' sometimes but I know it's because 'life' is so new to him. I don't really understand him, but I know he has a kind heart and a good soul. Do you think I'm rushing into things with him?" "I don't know the answer to that question, Samantha. Only you and Otto know that. I must say you sure are handling things a lot better since you met him. Follow your heart, Samantha, that's all I can tell you." "Thanks, Dinosaur, I appreciate your advice!" Samantha said as she went back outside. I was getting hungry, and I finally finished preparing all the other food when the Renegade ran into the kitchen, laughing outloud! "What's so funny!" I said with a slight giggle. "You have to see it to believe it!" the Renegade chuckled,"the Gila Monster, Earl and Burl decided to go 'dumpster diving' before dinner, and the Gila is still stuck in your dumpster! I don't know how he did it, but can you come out here and help me get him out?" "Sure, I'm done perparing the food, let me see if I can find my crowbar." "Crowbar? Isn't that a bit drastic?" "No, I had to use it to get him out of there last month." "OK, Big guy? Can I ask you something personal?" "Of course you can, Nathan, you know you can always talk to me." "Well, it's about Wanna. She's such a vibrant, outgoing person and I really care about her a lot, but I'm afraid. It's seems so hard to trust someone again, I know you know what I mean. I gave all I had into my first marriage, and lost it all in the end. I know Wanna is different from my ex-wife, but I'm still hesitant. What to you think I should do?" "I know how you feel, I would be a little 'gunshy' myself, but the bottom line is, Wanna loves you! She has always kinda had a crush on you all along, and she knows your 'story,' and you two seem to be so good for each other. Give her a chance, my friend, have faith in yourself, have faith in Wanna." "Is this what you would do if you were me, CD?" "Yes, I would. Trust me on this one, follow your heart." "OK, it won't be easy but I'll do it, thanks dinosaur! Now, lets get old leatherhead out of the dumpster!" I thought to myself as I followed Nathan outside,"Gee... I have so much great advice for everyone else, why don't I have any answers for my own problems?" Oh well..... I suppose it's just a dinosaur's fate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ End of Entry.