Yup. The biggest delay yet. The story inspirations are glacially slow, but, as anyone who's watched the BBC's Frozen Planet series knows, don't underestimate glaciers. I still hope warmer weather will speed up the flow however...

Some more shout-outs in Jules' Library. Don't read too much into them however. As well as being references to some of my favorite stories, they also give an idea of the level of pseudo-fantastical science that Jules operates on, something that should become clearer when we see under that dustsheet.

Hasn't been much movement on the animated Bird front as far as i'm aware...no further news on more adventures for our favorite Blue Macaw family, & the only other movie i've heard of is "Duck Duck Goose" which looks like it relies on heavy slapstick. Still, I live in hope that Avians will get their due in fiction someday, instead of so frequently being relegated to side-characters.

As always, comments & criticism are welcome.

Don't forget: Rob the Ara Macao's story 'The Fantasy Begins in Rio.' as well as Strykeruk's story 'Who we are'. Both are great stories in their own right, but have characters & events crossing over with this one & each other.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rio, but it's OK as the people who do don't seem to be doing much with it. So everyone go nuts!

Chapter 30

As the group of Macaws & Human-turned Macaws flew away from the forested areas & back towards the city of Rio, it didn't take them long to get to the district in which Jules' apartment was located, & Tulio took the opportunity, from his literal Birds-eye view, to observe the area more closely.

Of the group, he knew the most about the city & just how easy (or hard) it was for Humans to afford homes & accommodation in the various parts of it, & now that he could get a closer look, he could see that Jules' home district was one of the nicer ones. This reminded him of how he & Jules had touched upon the subject of Jules' financial situation while they'd been discussing how to fund further research of his project. Bearing in mind the low wages that Jules had agreed to when he'd come to work in the Centre, Tulio wondered how he could afford a home in such an area?...

As Jules led the group towards his apartment block however, Tulio put the question aside for now, & along with the rest of the group, concentrated on landing on Jules' balcony.

It was quite a wide balcony, but all that was on it was the same basic set of furniture that was on most of the others, 2 chairs set either side of a table & a sun umbrella in the middle. Whatever personal touches Jules had added to his home, his balcony didn't appear to be a part of it. Most of the group came in for a landing on the balcony rail, but Andre, Paulo & Gia opted to land on the bare table, so they could then crowd upon one edge as they eagerly tried to peer inside the sliding glass doors at the Human home beyond. Unfortunately for them however, the blinds inside the doors were closed.

Tulio noted their enthusiasm with interest. As far as he knew, other than the Centre, this was the first Human structure that the young Blue Macaws had seen up close or would be going inside, & with the greater understanding he now had about their situation, he could understand how they would find the prospect exciting. As he glanced up from the youngsters to the adults however, he also caught glimpses of a similar kind of excitement on Ana's & Blu's faces, though as adults, they were better able to control & mask their feelings. The only exceptions to the excited looks were Jules, Linda & himself (for the obvious reason that a Human home wouldn't be a big deal to a Human) & Jewel, who while she didn't seem overly opposed to the structure, was nonetheless eying it warily.

"Well, here we are." Jules spoke up. "Welcome to my home everyone…or the outside of it, at any rate."

"It looks lovely Jules." Blu commented as he took in the building & it's surroundings. "I've only seen a few Human homes, like back when I was living with Linda, but this one definitely looks like one of the nicer ones."

An odd expression, one Tulio couldn't quite place, flickered across Jules' face for an instant, & he sounded a little hesitant as he said: "Yes…well, thanks Blu, but…like with Ana's strategy back with the Brazil nuts, I'm afraid I can't take credit. I had help with getting this place…& I agreed to some conditions for that help."

To Tulio, it sounded like Jules was describing a mortgage, but that didn't quite seem to fit with his manner. The others in the group gave him curious looks, & noting them, Jules continued: "You'll see what I mean when we get inside." He got a few nods at that, & he turned his attention to the glass sliding door that separated the balcony from the apartment. He frowned at it as he began to muse out loud: "Now, like I said, the door is unlocked, but it still needs a certain amount of force applied in the right way to be opened. As a Macaw, my much lower body weight makes that trickier, but I'm sure I can figure out a way to..." He began, but was interrupted.

"Ah, Jules, sorry to interrupt, but I think this is mine & Jewel's department." Blu spoke up, & there was a knowing smile on his beak as he looked over at his partner. "Right Jewel? You remember, don't you?" He prompted.

Jewel returned his smile. "I sure do." She eyed the door. "It's just like the other one…so, same strategy?" She asked.

"Yes." Blu confirmed. He then took note of the curious looks that the rest of the group were giving them. "Long story guys." He said with a dismissive wave of his wing. "We'll tell you all about it some other time, Okay?"

Still curious, the group gave affirming nods, & then watched with interest as the Blue Macaw couple spread their wings & flew up to the door, & then arranged themselves in a 'braced' position between the door's handle & the doorframe, their backs against each other.

"On 3!" Blu said, & Jewel gave a short nod in response. "One, Two…Three!" He called.

The 2 Blue Macaws then combined their strength to push open the door, & it yielded with only slight resistance. Blu & Jewel then quickly changed their position to the inside of the gap, & with another combined shove pushed it further open, creating an opening that was wide enough for the group to enter.

Jumping out of the gap, Blu & Jewel flew back down to & landed on the table, looking pleased with themselves.

"That…was…AWESOME!" Andre said, bouncing on his claws with excitement. "Way to go, Mom & Dad!" He cheered.

"That was a very impressive coordinated effort." Paulo spoke up in agreement. "I could see that being a very useful skill for Macaws to learn."

"I have to agree Blu." Linda said, & there was the same impressed/admiring look on her face as the rest of the group. "That looks like an extremely useful technique…that you learned somewhere?" She finished with a questioning tone.

"Like I said guys, long story." Blu said. "Let's just say, that we needed to learn how to do that some time ago…& I hope it was instructive?" He finished, looking over at Jules.

"Very." Jules replied. "I will be sure to keep that technique in mind…especially as I'll be using it…or an adaption of it, almost immediately." He added.

He got a few raised eye-ridges at that, but he went on: "Well, now that the door is open, I just need to make the place ready. One moment, if you would?" He asked, & without waiting for a response, he spread his wings, jumped off the rail, & glided the short distance down to the door. He then used his primary feathers to carefully part the blinds, & stepped through the gap into the dark interior.

"Just a moment guys." He called back through the gap, & then he let go of the blinds, letting them close once more & cutting him off from their sight.

The group then fluttered down from their perches on the table & rail & arranged themselves just outside the door. Tulio noted with amusement that Jewel had to hold a cautionary wing out in front of Andre & Paulo, who looked like they could hardly wait to see what mysteries might be behind those blinds, like an audience at the theatre waiting for the curtain to go up. Although looking just as interested as her siblings, Gia remained close by her parent's side.

They heard some muffled fluttering from inside, something that sounded like Jules grumbling about not being able to get a proper grip, & then there was a click. A low humming sound came from the room, & the blinds inside the doors & windows began to slowly retract, all by themselves.

Automatic Blinds. Tulio thought. Either they had come with the apartment or Jules had installed them himself, either way meaning that Tulio's mental evaluation of the value of Jules' apartment went up another notch, & once again leading him to wonder what Jules' financial situation actually was.

As the 'Curtains' drew back, the group leaned forward a little, interested either in seeing a Human home in general or Jules' home specifically, & as the blinds retracted fully & the sunlight steamed into & illuminated the space, the group could see the sight of…

A perfectly ordinary apartment.

As Tulio's eyes roamed over the space, he could see a Living Area & Kitchenette blended into one room, rather cramped, but tidy, & although there was a corridor at the back leading to what looked like a front door that had some other doors leading off it (presumably to the apartment's other rooms) there was nothing in the main living space to indicate that this was the home of any kind of scientific genius…

And, Tulio suddenly realized, that was really what he'd been unconsciously expecting. Something like Lab, with Computers, Lab Equipment, maybe even a bubbling beaker or 2… such a setup seemed much more fitting for Jules, or at least, what he knew of him. But then he remembered that Jules had needed the Centre's resources for his research, so it would make sense that Jules wouldn't have his own…

But still…something didn't seem quite right. The home he could see was neat & tidy, but as Tulio looked at it, he couldn't escape the feeling that it didn't seem…real…somehow. Like he was looking at a home in a showroom, rather than one someone actually lived in.

Jules was standing just inside the balcony door & he gestured with one wing to the apartment. "Welcome to my home guys." He said. "Please, come in."

Thus encouraged, the group stepped up to the door, & with only a little bit of hesitance & awe from the 'natural' Birds who weren't used to such environments, they stepped over the doorframe, & continued looking around the Human home with interest & curiosity.

"Nice place." Tulio said with a smile.

"Yeah...nice." Paulo said, with a slightly disappointed tone in his voice. Jewel put a comforting wing around his shoulders & smiled, which appeared to raise his spirits a little.

It looks like I wasn't the only one who was expecting some kind of science playground. Tulio mused to himself, & he noted that Jewel looked a little relieved too. Paulo certainly seemed to have a liking for scientific & technical things, so if Jules' home had been such a place, Paulo probably would have been happy to dive in.

If Jules caught Paulo's tone too, he didn't let on. "Thanks guys." He said. "This is just the living area though. The stuff we need is in my room." He stated as he began walking between the table & couch at one side of the room, heading towards the passageway leading out of it.

The others followed, & Tulio couldn't help but notice how dismissive Jules had sounded of the apartment…& there was also his phrasing of 'my room'. Wasn't the whole apartment his room? Curious, & it fed into that feeling that Tulio had been having that this space, nice as it was, wasn't really 'Jules'.

Devoid as it was of Science equipment, there was however one piece of Human technology that dominated one wall of the room, as it did in most Human homes. And as they walked by, Jules' guests found their gazes drawn up to the big black rectangle looming over them, the couple of other rectangular boxes it was connected to, as well as the shelves below that that displayed the titles of his entertainment collection. Unlike the rather sterile showroom look of the rest of the Living Area, this at least looked like it was a real insight into Jules' tastes, & Tulio read the titles with interest. He'd never really had the chance to discuss the subject with Jules at the Centre, as Jules was usually all business, either talking about his work or his research. The titles appeared to be mostly Science-Fiction, but Tulio noted some big-name titles in other Genres as well. Jules apparently enjoyed the greats of popular culture as much as anyone.

Ana was observing the titles too, but as she saw something on the shelf she suddenly stopped in her tracks. "Hey Jules?" She called, & he stopped too, looking back at her with a curious expression. "What's that?" Ana added, pointing with her primary feather. "Aren't these a little thin for books?" She added.

"They're not books Ana." Jules stated as he turned back & came up alongside her, gazing up at the shelf curiously as he tried to see what had caught Ana's attention. "All of these are films." He clarified.

Ana's eyes widened. "They've made films about these stories?" She said with a note of wonder in her voice.

"Well...yes." Jules said. He put his head a little one side as he looked at her curiously. "You're familiar with them?"

"Yes." Ana said. "I have some books back at my hollow, & they have the same names…" She hesitated for a moment. "May I?" She asked, half-reaching out with one wing to a specific title on the shelf. "Just a quick look?" She added.

"Certainly Ana." Jules replied, looking with interest at the title she was reaching for.

Ana gently slid her primary feathers around one of the cases, snagged it & pulled it out. Holding it carefully, she then brought it down to her eye level & the rest of the group peered curiously around & over her shoulders as she turned the case around & gazed at the front of it.

Tulio of course, recognised the film immediately, with the main characters in action poses on the front as well as the figure in the background with the black helmet & facemask, but he was far more interested in the fact that Ana appeared to recognise it too, & he looked at her face as she looked down at the image, apparently absorbed in observing the actors' likenesses.

"Ah, classic one that." Jules commented as he looked over her shoulder. "One of my favourites, & very highly regarded in general." Ana nodded slowly, still looking at the cover, & Jules went on: "Perhaps you'd like to watch it someday Ana, for comparisons sake at the very least. Many say the film version is superior to the book, but perhaps you would like to judge for yourself?"

Ana looked pleased. "I'd like that." She said. She gave the case in her wings one last look before turning it back around & reaching up, returned it to its place in the shelf. "But, as you say, that can wait for another day. Shall we continue on to get those things you wanted?"

"Yes, of course." Jules said. He looked up at the others, who were watching their exchange with various expressions of interest & curiosity & said. "C'mon guys, let's get..." At this moment however, he met Jewel's gaze, & something in her expression made him pause. "…are you alright Jewel?" He asked, with a concerned frown.

Jewel apparently realized that Jules had noticed her expression at the same moment that he did. She rapidly composed her face into a smile however & said: "Oh yes, certainly. Everything's fine."

"OK then." Jules said. He didn't look convinced, but he let the matter drop as he turned back towards the corridor leading out of the living area, & resumed walking, the rest of the group following along behind him.

As they followed Jules deeper into his home, Blu had noticed Jewel's discomfort too, & as they were bringing up the rear of the group he was able to lean over to Jewel & talk to her in a voice that was too low for the others to hear. "Jewel, what..."

"Not right now Blu." She cut him off gently but firmly in the same low tone. At his hurt look however, she softened & clarified: "I think our friend here may have just caused us a bit of trouble with the kids." She added with a slight nod down at their offspring as they kept walking.

Blu looked down, not understanding at first, until he saw the interested gleam in the eyes of his kids as they eyed the entertainment shelf they were passing...

Oh...right. He mused to himself as it hit him. Along with living in the jungle, one of the things Jewel had been adamant about was limiting their kid's access to Television. Even before she had learned the meaning of the term "Couch Potato" she hadn't held the glowing rectangle in very high regard & didn't want her kids to get too caught up with it. This was one of the few things about Human culture that Blu agreed with her with. Books were much better in his regard, food for the mind & all that, but even he thought that maybe a movie night or 2 couldn't hurt, perhaps when they were older, & Jules had just offered that exact thing to Ana. While it wasn't on their beaks (yet) Blu could practically see the 'Can we come too?' in their eyes as they looked up at Jules' Film Library.

Seeing that Blu had gotten her point, Jewel continued in that low tone: "We'll talk about it later." & receiving Blu's confirming nod, they continued to follow the group deeper into Jules' apartment.

As the group left the living area, they found themselves in the passage that lead to Jules' front door. There were 3 doors on one side, & passing the first, the group looked through the open door into a Human bedroom. It was small, but neat & tidy & much barer than the rooms in Linda's apartment had been, which led to the Humans to speculate it was a spare room. Moving on down the corridor, the second door led into a compact bathroom with all the usual accompaniments. The third door simply led into a tiny alcove where a vacuum cleaner as well as other odds & ends were stored. As they had never seen such things in person before, the young Blue Macaws gazed at all these rooms with undisguised curiosity.

Jules only gave them a short time at each door to take it all in however. His objective was the single door on the opposite side of the corridor of the small alcove, which unlike the other doors was closed, & as the group reached it, Jules stopped in front of & frowned up at.

"Here we are guys." He said. "Now, a certain amount of force will need to be applied to the handle to depress it, & it opens inwards…" He paused, & Blu spoke up.

"Well Jules, if you want me or Jewel to demonstrate…" He began, but Jules quickly shook his head.

"No, it's Okay Blu." He said. "Thanks for the offer, but I need to learn how to do this." He frowned up at the handle once more, & began to muse out loud. "Now, with my reduced bodyweight & the resistance of the mechanism, I calculate…" He suddenly stopped however, as an odd look passed across his face.

"Jules?" Tulio asked, looking at him questioningly.

"…Actually…you know what?" Jules said slowly. "I won't overthink it, I'll just…feel it out." He said, with a glance over at Blu.

Blu looked a little surprised, but then, as he realized what Jules was referring to, he smiled, & gave him an encouraging nod.

"A little room please?" Jules asked as he half-opened his wings, & the group backed up the corridor a little, giving him space to spread them fully.

With his wings spread, Jules gazed up at the door handle for a moment longer, & then he took off, flapping up the door, & after hovering for only a moment in midair, he dropped himself onto the handle, gripping it with his claws.

Looking up at him from the floor, the others watched his efforts with mild concern. He could easily slip off the handle, or it wouldn't yield, giving him a nasty jolt of resistance, either way meaning that he could be thrown off his balance & come crashing down to the floor again…

But, that didn't happen. The door handle depressed under Jules' weight, but he kept his grip & balance & bracing his head against the door, he flapped his wings, propelling himself into the door & imparting just enough force to push it open. When the gap widened to a few inches, he then jumped backwards off the handle, flapping his wings to stabilize himself in the air & then bring him down to a safe landing on the floor.

"Well done Jules!" Blu congratulated him. "You see? You can do it!"

Jules looked pleased. "Yes. With some things, I guess you do just have feel…not think." He said, with a significant look at Blu, who looked pleased in turn.

"Well!" Jules said briskly. "With the door now open, please guys, come in." He said as he walked over to the door & pushing it with his wing, opened it further & walked in, with the others following.

As they rounded the door the room came into full view, lit from the light of the only windows (apart from the balcony) that the apartment had, & the group paused just behind Jules as they took it all in.

It was the 2nd largest room of the apartment, as big as the main living area & kitchenette combined, & although it contained a bed, a wardrobe & a dressing table, much like you would expect in someone's bedroom, they almost seemed to be afterthoughts, tiny & shoved up together in one corner. What took up a majority of the room were tables & shelves, laden with books, research journals, a computer & a tablet, technical equipment & tools, & a mass of electronic & machine components that looked like someone had raided a hardware/electronics store & then stuffed the items onto every available flat surface. There was also a long table on one side covered by a dust cloth, with irregularly shaped objects under it, & much bigger & taller object (also covered by a cloth) standing by itself in a corner.

Ah. Now this was more like what I expected, Tulio thought, & he also noted how the rest of the group appeared to feel the same, with everyone except Jewel (whose earlier relief looked like it had been wiped out, replaced by a weary acceptance) looking both fascinated & excited by the mashup of Study/Workshop/Lab/Storeroom that was before them. Paulo in particular, looked thrilled, leading Tulio to suspect that he'd been right on the money with the 'science playground' idea, & he noted that Jewel, once again, had to use a cautionary wing & a stern look to stop her enthusiastic son from rushing ahead.

As for Tulio himself, he was struck by the contrast to the rest of Jules' apartment. This setup seemed to say 'Jules' in a way that the rest of the rooms didn't, & he found himself wondering why that was. Did Jules himself divide his home in that way on purpose?

Having let them soak in the view for a few moments, Jules spoke up.

"Well…here we are guys. My inner sanctum, if you will." He then looked a little self-conscious. "Sorry it's such a mess. I just tend to get carried away with whatever I'm doing & lose track of time…well, until I'm reminded of course."

With that remark, he then turned & pointed to a strange device on the wall. It was a digital clock, but curiously there were 2 displays, one above the other. Both displays were currently showing "2.00" in glowing neon red. As they looked up at it however, the top display changed to "2.01", but the 2nd display did not. A wire trailed down the wall from the clock to a button just above a desk.

Even as the group gazed curiously up at this device, Jules walked over the desk, & spread his wings. "This may be a unique circumstance, but I promised." He said over his shoulder. "And a promise is a promise. Besides, you get to see how this part of the arrangement works." He added, as he jumped/flew up onto the desk, & folding his wings & walking across it, he pressed the button with his claw.

Up on the wall above him, the lower display changed from "2.00" to "1.59".

Looking up at it, Jules gave a satisfied nod. He then turned, walked to the edge of the desk & spreading his wings, glided back down to floor level & rejoined the group.

"Jules?" Tulio questioned once again, as he gestured up the time displays.

Jules nodded. "Right. Explanation time. Okay, um...well, I guess I'd better start at the beginning." He paused, gathering his thoughts, & then continued. "Okay. Well...Tulio, you know, don't you, that I tend to get a bit...wrapped up, in my work?"

Tulio raised an eye ridge. "I would say 'a bit' is putting it lightly Jules."

Jules had the grace to look a little sheepish. "Yes...well, it's a habit I've had for a long time. Ever since I was young, working on both my own & school projects, & my parents took note. They kept having to intervene to get me to take breaks & do other things... & they realized, when the time came for me to move out to a place of my own, that that place would likely end up as little more than a study, lab & workshop I could live in."

Just like here. Tulio thought as he glanced once again at the setup of Jules room.

Jules went on: "...And so, they decided to make me a deal. They said that they would help me get a reasonably-sized place, better than I could get by myself, as long as I promised to divide it between home & work, & limit the time I spent on work, so I could maintain the home." He turned & gestured with his wing up to the dual clocks. "And that's where that timer comes in. Whenever I come in here to study or work, I promised to start that timer. When it runs out & the alarm sounds, I must stop whatever work I'm doing. No matter how far along I am on any project, I must put it aside & do something else. I clean the apartment, make dinner, watch a movie, go grocery shopping, or for a walk, anything, so long as it's not work. If I'm not doing any of that though, I can be in this room if I want, but I made a solemn promise…No Work. I read, listen to music, play games, & I don't resume my projects until that timer counts back up." He explained.

As the group absorbed the news of this... odd arrangement, Tulio felt that it went some way to explaining the strange duality of Jules' home. Tulio suspected that Jules maintained the living area of his home in a way that Jules thought of as the showroom ideal of a living space, & Tulio further suspected that when Jules used that space, he did so like a guest in someone else's home, wary about disturbing things too much & cleaning up after himself all the time.

"An…interesting arrangement Jules." Linda commented. "But, why did you start that Timer now?" She gave him a questioning look. "You're not studying or working now…are you?"

Jules shook his head. "Well…no…not really." He said. "I just think it can be of use to us during this visit. I want to show you around, & correct me if I'm wrong…" Here his gaze swept over Ana, Andre, Paulo & Gia as they alternated between listening to him & looking at all the many items his room contained. "…but I think, Ana, Andre, Paulo & Gia might want to take a closer look at some things, like my library…" Here he gestured at the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf/filing system that took up almost the entirety of one wall. "…and, my iPad & computer." He continued, gesturing over to the desk, where the mentioned items sat, their screens currently dark.

All the group could see Ana as well as Blu & Jewel's kids perk up at Jules' suggestion, & Paulo, once again, looked like all his Christmases had come early.

Jules went on. "And so, that's what the timer is counting down. We have that much time to look around, & try things out, but when the time expires, we need to get going…so we can keep our appointment at The Branch."

Tulio nodded. "Sounds like a plan Jules." He said, but then he gave Jules a slightly suspicious look. "But what did you mean by 'not really' when you answered Linda's question?"

Jules gaze flicked across to the big, tall, dust-sheet covered object. "Well…it occurred to me that I could make a start on those tests Tulio. You know, the ones regarding the safety of this whole process? I just need a feather to analyze…" Here he lifted & turned his head around, looking down upon his own feathery back. "…and when I was preening earlier, I could feel that at least one of mine was loose enough to come out without too much trouble."

That sounded reasonable to Tulio, but Jules then looked back at the group, & he looked a little apologetic. "…Of course, it would be more helpful to have more than one sample, especially one that had not been exposed to the process…"

Ana raised an eye-ridge. "You want a feather from each of us Jules? Myself, Linda & Tulio?"

"Well…yes." Jules looked uncertain. I hope I'm not crossing some Macaw Social Boundary by asking for something like that…" He trailed off.

Ana looked slightly amused. "Well Jules, feathers are sometimes given as gifts, or as rewards for helping each other out." She clarified. "But I'd be willing to donate one to the cause of science, & to ensuring that you guys are in good health." She glanced over at Blu & Jewel. "That's acceptable, isn't it guys? She asked.

"Sounds fine to me." Blu said. He glanced over at Jewel. "Jewel?" He asked her.

"It's fine." She said. She then glanced down at her kids, where Andre looked like he was about to explode from impatience. "But I think we'd better get on with the tour, right Jules?"

Jules hadn't missed her son's impatience either, & he nodded. "Right. Let's go around the room in order. The Bookshelves first." He stated.

He proceeded to lead the group across the floor, & coming to the base of the bookshelf, he gestured up at it as it towered over them.

"My reading & study materials, published both by bookstores & ones I've put together myself from research papers." He explained.

Looking up, the group saw that he was right. There were dozens of Hardbacks & Paperbacks, of various ages & arranged by subject matter, but there was also a section of published research papers in neat file folders.

Tulio squinted as he read some of the titles & names on the folders. Just like the good Doctor Tennyson that Jules had mentioned when this all started, most of these appeared to be Science Mavericks with rather out-there theories. The titles included:

The Potential of Gamma Radiation for Physical Enhancement. By Doctor B. Banner.

Using Directed Energy to Effect State Changes in Matter. By Professor W. Szalinski.

Molecular Synthesis: Creating your own Research Materials. By Professor P. Brainard.

Bioenergy & Biotechnology: Humanity's Future? By Doctor C. Hozo.

Intriguing stuff, but Ana had spotted something else, & she leaned forward, looking interested.

"Jules, is that?..." She trailed off as she pointed up with a primary feather to a rather odd sight. There appeared to be a much smaller bookshelf…within the bookshelf. It was made from ornate wood, & squinting up at it, the group could see that it contained dozens of tiny books.

Jules nodded. "That's it Ana. And, as promised, you're welcome to borrow any of them. Just take care of them please, as they're extremely difficult to replace."

Ana gave a serious nod. "Absolutely. I treat the ones I have very carefully, & I promise to do no less for yours."

Jules looked pleased, & as he gazed up at the miniature bookshelf, Blu looked intrigued.

"Jules…so these are miniature versions of classic books? As in, they are the full books, just smaller?" He inquired, & upon receiving Jules' confirming nod, Blu then looked thrilled. "Hey…that's a great idea!" He exclaimed. "I mean, I know it probably wasn't the intention, but these are the perfect size for Birds!" He exclaimed, sounding excited, but then he caught himself, & gave Ana an interested look. "And Ana, you have some of these?"

"Yes." Ana replied quietly: "They're how my…parents…taught me to read." She added with her gaze still on the bookshelf, not meeting anyone else's.

Her manner as well as the slight hitch in her voice quickly brought Blu's rising excitement back down to earth.

"…Oh. I…I see." He said a little awkwardly, looking abashed. "I…I'm sorry to bring that up Ana…" He began, but she shook her head.

"It's fine." She said.

There was a short pause as no-one seemed to know quite what to say, which was broken as Jules cleared his throat. "Yes, well, you're welcome to borrow any of them too Blu, just please, as I said, take care of them, because they're very difficult to replace." He said.

Blu nodded vigorously. "Oh, of course! Absolutely Jules, I'll take very good care of them, have no fear on that score." Upon receiving Jules' smile & nod, he then looked down at his kids. "You hear that guys? New reading material! I can finally read you some of the classic stories! And maybe, so long as you promise to be careful with them, you can read them yourself! Doesn't that sound good?" He encouraged.

Despite their differing opinions on some things, all 3 of Blu & Jewel's kids appeared to have picked up his love of reading, & they all looked intrigued at the prospect of being able to dive into some classic works of literature in a form that wasn't as unwieldy to a Macaw as a standard book, & they looked excited too, & as he observed their reactions, Jules didn't fail to notice it.

"Well…this would seem to fit nicely with that…project I mentioned." He said as he glanced over at the covered table. The others followed his gaze, now even more curious about what he was talking about, but he then went on: "But we'll get to that, & besides, you still need to tell me if its something you'd even want to use. Let's move on for now."

He suited the action to the words, walking along the floor alongside the bookshelf & heading for his desk. The others followed, still casting curious glances over at the covered table.

As he got to the base of his desk, just in front of the swivel chair in front of it, Jules looked up at the cluttered desk surface & hesitated briefly.

"Guys, you'll have to give me a minute. I left my desk in rather a sorry state, so there's not much room for us to stand. If you'll just wait down here for a moment, please?" He requested.

Linda, Tulio & Ana exchanged looks briefly, but then gave Jules affirming nods, & looking grateful, Jules then turned, spread his wings, & jumped/flew up onto his desk. He then busied himself with using his claws, wings & beak to fold up, push aside, stack, & otherwise clear away the masses of paperwork & devices his desk was covered with, creating a clear space on the desk in front of his computer.

However, it quickly became clear to the watching group that Jules had somewhat…underestimated, how difficult this activity would be to a Macaw. Items such as technical manuals & small pieces of equipment, that Jules could have moved easily when he was Human, now required him to use most of the leverage his Macaw body could bring to bear, & he was clearly struggling.

"…uh, Jules?" Tulio called up to him, a note of concern in his voice. "Do you need some help?"

But Jules shook his head. "No…no thanks Tulio, I've…I've got this, I assure you." He called back, sounding a little out of breath.

Tulio wasn't so sure. It appeared that Jules wanted to 'prove' how well he could manage as a Macaw, even though cleaning up a desk wasn't a typical Macaw activity…he suddenly noticed however, that Linda was giving him a knowing look.

"What?" He asked her, but she just shook her head slightly & rolled her eyes, that knowing look still on her face.

Tulio had no idea what was going on, but he let the matter drop, returning his attention to Jules as he continued clearing up his desk.

A few moments later, Jules was done, & after taking a further moment to catch his breath, he looked down at the group from the edge of the desk, he gestured for them to come up. "Come on up guys, there's plenty of room here now. Just perch on the edge of the desk, & I can show you my computer, & what I do with it."

Ana, Andre, Paulo & Gia needed no further encouragement, & they spread their wings & flew up onto the desk before Jules had even finished speaking. The Adults followed, & the group was then perched on the edge of the desk, taking in his computer setup.

It wasn't much different from the computers at the Centre, just a slightly older model. The Tower was positioned near the back of the desk, with the monitor & keyboard to the left of it, & there were some lights illuminated on the device, which Linda, Tulio & Blu recognized as meaning that the device was in Sleep Mode. To the left of the computer, was a combination Printer/Scanner/Copier & to the left of that, & collection of cubbyholes (like the ones in Linda's apartment) that contained various documents & other papers.

To the right of the Computer, there was a device that immediately caught the attention of Ana, Andre, Paulo & Gia. An iPad was sitting on the desk, it's cover folded to allow it to stand horizontally, but it's screen was currently dark. On one side, a cable connected it to a port on the Computer Tower.

Jules was standing next to the keyboard & seeing that the rest of the group was assembled, he reached out with one claw & tapped a key on the keyboard. The monitor came to life, showing a password login screen, as did the iPad, it's screen showing a picture of a mountainous coast with the time, date & the 'slide to unlock' function. Once again, the young Blue Macaws looked much more interested in the touchscreen device than the Computer, leaning forward to inspect it, even while still conscious of the 'patience' look they kept getting from their mother whenever they met her gaze.

But Jules attention was on the computer. He frowned at the keyboard. "Hmm… I need to enter the password, so I'll have to do it carefully…" He mused.

Blu spoke up. "Well Jules, just like yesterday, I could do it..." He paused fractionally as his gaze flicked over to the iPad. "…or again like yesterday, that may be more convenient." He finished, pointing at it with a primary feather.

Jules looked up at the iPad, but then he gave a quick shake of his head. "It would be Blu, you're right, but unfortunately, the function I'm thinking of isn't on the iPad. It's computer-specific." He explained.

Blu accepted that with an inclination of his head, & after regarding the keyboard for a moment longer, Jules spoke again. "Well Blu, I think I am going to take you up on that offer. I'd like to learn how to enter data like you can…but I think it would take me a while, & the password does need to be entered correctly, no mistakes." He admitted.

Blu nodded. "It took me a while to learn. Fortunately, Linda didn't mind me using her computer for practice, did you?" He addressed her, & she shook her head with a little smile. Blu smiled back & then he addressed Jules once more. "So, I'll just need to know your password Jules?" He enquired.

"Oh, of course." Jules replied. "It's…" He suddenly stopped however, as he realized he would have to say it out loud.

Tulio arched an eye ridge at him. "What's wrong Jules? Don't you trust us?"

Jules shook his head. "Oh, no, no, it's not that. It's just…" He paused, looking awkward. "It's a little…embarrassing." He admitted.

The group stared at him in surprise. However, Tulio's look quickly shifted towards sympathetic.

"Oh…well, I'm sure Blu will be…discrete, if you tell it just to him." He suggested, & Blu nodded in assent.

Jules still didn't look entirely happy, but he said: "Yes…Alright." He then beckoned with his wing for Blu to follow him, & the 2 moved a little bit further down the desk. Jules then leaned over to put his beak close to Blu's head, & told him the password in low tones that the others couldn't overhear.

They could still see Blu's face though. And as Jules told him the password, they couldn't help but notice how he momentarily looked surprised, but then he looked like he was holding himself back from bursting out laughing. As he leaned back however, Jules gave him a stern look, & Blu restrained himself.

"Ah…well, that's a very…secure…phrase Jules." Blu said, his expression one of careful controlled seriousness. "And, don't worry, it's safe with me." He reassured.

"Thanks Blu." Jules said gratefully.

Blu then walked over to the computer, but then he paused, looking at the rest of the group.

"Guys, you mind…not looking? You'd probably be able to see the keys as I press them, so do you mind…looking away?" He asked sheepishly.

Linda, Tulio & Ana exchanged glances. "Sure Blu, no problem." Tulio said. They turned about, facing away from the computer, Jewel even spreading her wing out behind her kids, preventing them from peeking. Andre looked rather put out by that, but Jewel knew her son too well to give him the temptation.

Blu proceeded to use the keyboard, tap-typing the password into the login box, while the others resolutely kept their gazes focussed the other way & most carefully did not think about what keys he was using.

"Done!" Blu announced.

The group turned back around, just in time to see Jules give Blu a nod & smile of thanks. Jules had already positioned himself next to the computer's mouse, & he then used one of his claws to operate it, just as he had done with Linda's computer yesterday.

As he was doing so, Tulio took the opportunity to look at the desktop of Jules' computer. The wallpaper of the desktop was an image of a huge metal tunnel, lined with devices, cables & pipes & with a much bigger metal pipe running through the center. Tulio recognized this as the LHC (Large Hadron Collider), one of the current darlings of the technical & scientific world, & it didn't surprise him at all that Jules had an image of it on his virtual workspace. He then focussed on the desktop icons, & as well as the usual suspects (word processer, spreadsheet, internet, etc,) he also saw 2 icons that aroused his curiosity, one that said: 'Laboratory Link' & another that said 'A.M.L.S. Interface.'

Jules was moving the mouse pointer to the first icon. Before clicking however, he said: "Now, this should be both interesting & useful." He then double-clicked the icon.

As his audience watched, a black window filled the screen, & the words 'connecting…' flashed up in the center. A few moments after that, the black was suddenly replaced by an image, which Tulio recognized immediately, & he leaned forward, studying it intently.

"Jules, that's…the Laboratory at the Conservation Centre…right?" He asked, looking over at Jules, who nodded in assent. "And it's a live feed?" He further asked, & Jules nodded again.

Hearing that, the rest of the group crowded in a bit closer to get a better look at the screen, fascinated not only by this 'remote viewing' of a distant place, but also in the place itself. The image showed most of the Laboratory, with the device Jules had built plainly visible in the background.

"Jules, is that it?" Ana asked, pointing at the image of the device with her primary feather. "The machine you told me about? That you were going to do the…uh…" She paused for a moment, searching her memory. "…'synthesis' with?" She finished as she recalled the term.

"That's it Ana." Jules confirmed. "And I did, & it produced the formula, which because of an…accident…we were exposed to, & it resulted in…this." he used one of his wings in a wavy gesture to indicate himself.

Hearing this, the whole group stared at the image of the device on the screen. Linda & Tulio, had, of course, seen it before, but that was before they knew of the amazing things it was capable of. Subsequently, the expressions of awe & wonder on their faces matched the rest of the group at they drank in the sight of this assemblage of Human Technology, which had somehow allowed passage across a barrier that they had all thought immutable, that of between species.

While giving them time to get a good look at the device, Jules' gaze was wandering over the edges of the image, searching for something else in the Laboratory.

"Aha!" He suddenly said, snapping the group out of their fascinated inspection. "There it is Tulio, Linda, our ticket back to our Human forms." He added as he unfolded his wing & pointed with a primary feather at a certain point on the displayed image.

Following the tip of Jules' feather, Tulio saw that Jules was indicating the small 'in' tray on a desk just inside the Lab door. This was where mail & packages addressed to the Lab or Jules specifically were left. There was a package in that tray, which although it was tiny on the camera image, it was clear enough for Tulio to recognize from the secure wrapping & the logo in the corner of the address label that it came from the Rio Scientific Materials Supply Website.

"That's the prototype material you told us about Jules?" He asked. "The crucial ingredient for your formula?"

Jules nodded. "That's it. With that, a few other ingredients from the Lab & Linda's hair serving as the DNA Template to calibrate the devices' Compilation Matrix, the formula it produces will change us back into Humans." He explained.

Once more, the group stared at the device. Awed at the almost…casual way Jules was talking about such an amazing thing…

It was Jewel who broke the spell. "And then what?" She asked, & snapping out of their fascinated inspection of the device, the group turned their gazes upon her, as she continued: "What will you do with that…concoction…after that, Jules?" She asked.

Jewel's tone was light, but there was nonetheless a faint edge in her voice, which only 2 individuals in the group picked up on. Blu, because he knew her the best & made a faint frown of concern appear on his brow, & Jules, who she was locking gazes with & caused a look of realization to appear on his face.

Jules raised his wings in a placating gesture & said: "Don't worry Jewel. I'll certainly be a lot more careful with it than I was with the previous sample. Once we use it to return to our Human forms, it will be kept safely locked away & only brought out for tests on it's stability, which is what I wanted the original formula for. Most of the formula will be used up with these tests, & the small part that remains will be used to measure how long it remains stable until it's active ingredient naturally denaturates…which means that ingredient becomes inert & the formula becomes ineffective. It's then just a harmless cocktail of neutral chemicals." He explained.

Jewel looked faintly reassured by this, & seeing that, Blu looked reassured too.

Ana then cleared her throat. "So…is it really that simple Jules? You put the right ingredients in the machine, set it going, & it will...uh...'compile' I think was the term you used, …your new formula?" She asked.

Jules nodded. "Absolutely. Just so long as the process is uninterrupted…" He began, but then he stopped as he remembered something. "…ah, yes. & we do need to make sure of that don't we?" He asked rhetorically. He then turned his gaze upon Tulio. "Have you thought of a better way we can deal with…Silvio?"

Suddenly recalled to the subject of the potential stumbling block in their plans & Jules' proposed way of dealing with it, Tulio hesitated. "…well…no. I'm still not happy about it Jules, but…I can't think of anything better." He admitted. "I suppose…we'll have to sedate him." He concluded grudgingly.

Jules gave a slow nod. "Don't worry Tulio. It's safe & effective. He won't experience any ill-effects. He'll just have a nice nap, safely out of our way." He reassured.

Tulio gave a short nod in turn, but then he frowned as another potential issue occurred to him. "How will you get him to take it?"

"Well, like I said, it's water-soluble, & I've seen that Silvio keeps a water bottle on his desk when he's on shift. All we need to do is: hide nearby & wait for him to do one of his circuits of the corridors. It then shouldn't be too hard for us to slip the substance into the bottle, & it shouldn't be long after that he'll take a drink. A few minutes after that…he'll be out like a light, & we can make all the noise we want." Jules explained.

Tulio considered this for a moment, while the rest of the group observed this little planning session in silence. For the natural-born Macaws in the group, it was a thrilling & also a little surreal experience to watch 2 Macaws plotting how to 'take out' a Human, even though they knew that they weren't actually Macaws.

Tulio gave another short nod. "Sounds like a solid plan Jules."

"Thanks Tulio. I'm sure we can pull it off." Jules commented, & he then turned, looking over at the other side of the room where the desk with his meagre assortment of Lab equipment was located. "The sedative is in one of those drawers." He added, before looking back at the computer. "Let me just close this link…" He commented, as he manipulated the mouse to press a small 'X' in the corner of the image, closing the window & making the image of the Lab disappear, before he turned & began to move across the desk in that direction.

The others began to follow, but Andre suddenly spoke up. "Aww, mom! I wanted to see the big touch computer!" He said, looking up at his mother while pointing at the iPad with his small wing.

Jewel seemed momentarily at a loss to respond to her son's outburst, but as the group looked at them, it was clear that although Andre had been most vocal, Paulo & Gia shared his sentiment, & seeing this, Jules spoke up: "Oh, hey, it's Okay." He said quickly. "Andre's right. I got a little carried away, thinking about my work & rushing on to it. We should proceed methodically…& that's the next item on the tour." He asserted.

Jules then turned & walked across the desk to the iPad. The rest of the group followed & stood around the device. The screen had gone dark from inactivity, so Jules raised his claw & tapped the single button with his talon. The screen lit up with mountain image again, & Jules unfolded his wing & placed his primary feather on the locking slider, just as Linda had done the day before.

While the young Blue Macaws watched in fascination, Jules used his feather tip to slide the slider across the screen, & the device unlocked, displaying the home screen filled with icons. Tulio noted that it was almost identical to the layout of Linda's machine.

"I use the computer for work & a little bit of gaming, & the iPad primarily for Email & music." Jules explained.

At the mention of the word 'music' a ripple of interest went through the group. The subject had deep connections to both the Birds & Humans of Rio, & bearing in mind how Jules had reacted at the party the previous day, everyone was curious to see just what did speak to him on that level, as well as how much (or little) his change of form may have influenced that taste.

But Jules' attention was currently on something else. The Email icon on the screen had a red number '1' displayed over it, & he said: "Hmm. It looks like I have an email, so that's convenient for demonstration purposes." He then tapped the icon with his primary feather.

As the screen smoothly changed, displaying the list of email messages, Jules focussed his gaze on the top of the list, & he perked up, looking faintly pleased. "Ah! It's from one of my Internet Associates. I hadn't heard from him for a while. Last I heard he was ready to start building his invention, so perhaps this is him telling me how he got on…" He mused as he tapped the message.

The message came up on screen, & Jules scanned it, reading rapidly. Of course, the rest of the group couldn't help seeing it too, but Tulio, Linda, Blu & Ana couldn't help but feel that they shouldn't pry into Jules' private messages, so they averted their gazes. While both Jewel & her kids didn't share that sentiment (The kids didn't know about the taboo & Jewel didn't care) they were all rather slow readers as Blu was still teaching them simple reading exercises. So, although both Jewel & her kids gazed curiously at the dense paragraphs of text displayed on the screen, they didn't bother trying to wade through them.

Instead, the group gave sidelong looks at Jules as he read & observed his face change. He at first looked keenly interested, but as he read through the message his face changed to pleased, then excited, but then a frown started to creep into his expression, dulling his excited look down to a more…troubled one.

Jules finished reading, & simply said: "Huh…well…good for him." He commented, nodding slightly, but still with that troubled expression on his brow as he looked like he had something on his mind.

"Jules?" Tulio enquired. "Is something wrong?"

Snapping out of his abstracted state, Jules looked at Tulio & said: "Oh…no, no, not at all. It's just…" He hesitated for a moment. "Well…I was right. He's updating me on his progress…&…it's going well. His machine works. Really well. So well in fact, that he's started working with the Mayor of his hometown to bring its benefits to all the citizens."

"That sounds like good news Jules." Linda commented.

Jules nodded, but he still had that faintly troubled expression. "Yes, yes…of course it is. I'm very happy that his invention is working out…making so many people so happy…" He trailed off.

The group blinked at him, unsure why his friend's success appeared to have got him down, but as Tulio took in Jules' manner & what he'd said, the pieces fell into place. "But you have to keep your invention secret." He concluded.

At Tulio's astute observation, an expression of realization went around the faces of the group, & Jules' expression changed from faintly troubled to faintly guilty.

"Yes. And I know that I must, & I reiterate my promise that I will." He stressed as he met the gazes of Blu, Jewel & Ana. "But it does…hurt…just a little, to know that my invention has to be kept away from the world. In the right hands, it could do so much good…" He paused for a moment, looking wistful, but then his expression dropped. "…as well as, in the wrong ones, so much harm. Greedy, disrespectful people could cause so much chaos & damage with my invention. I wanted to enhance understanding, but far too many would just want to joyride with wings, or…or worse…" He trailed off again, now looking quite depressed.

Tulio looked sympathetic, & moving up next to Jules, he used his wing to gently pat him on his feathery back.

"I know Jules. I know." He said. "I understand how you feel…but don't forget, what our Job is." He stressed. "We work at the Centre to mitigate, undo, & flat-out prevent such things, & in keeping your invention under wraps while you work on safety procedures & making sure that it's used responsibly…that's exactly what you're doing...with our help." He finished as he looked up at the rest of the group.

As his gaze passed over Blu, Linda & Ana, they all nodded in affirmation to Tulio's statement, & as his gaze came to Jewel, she paused only fractionally before giving a short nod of her own.

Seeing these gestures of support, Jules perked up again, & smiled. "Thanks guys." He said gratefully. "That really helps. And, I'm sure we can manage it...together."

Tulio gave Jules another affirming nod, & after a moment went by when no-one seemed to have anything more to say, Jules then cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, I'm glad we sorted that out. And, I err…I'm sorry for bringing the mood down a little." He said, a little awkwardly. His gaze then went back to the iPad however, & once again, he perked up. "…but, hey, I think I have the perfect antidote for that. Whenever I get a little down, there's some music on here that always lifts my spirits." He added as he pointed at the iPad.

As when he'd first mentioned the subject of Music, a ripple of interest went through the group. Music that moved him? Everyone in the group was now even more curious to see (and hear) exactly what that was, & looking at the group, Jules saw the curious & interested looks that everyone was giving the tablet.

Tulio saw it too, & smiled. "Well, if you wouldn't mind then Jules, I think a little listening session is called for."

"Agreed." Jules said. He glanced up at the timer on the wall, which was now displaying "1.40". "Still plenty of time." He related. "I can show you my music collection, we can listen to some of my favorites, & then move on to my workshop." He added as he gestured over to the other side of the room, with its workbenches covered with technical & scientific equipment as well as the other items still covered by cloths.

Tulio gave a short nod of agreement, & Jules then moved in front of the iPad, unlocking it in the same manner as before. The rest of the group leaned forward in interest as he tapped the 'Music' icon on the main screen, eager to see what Jules valued in that area…though Tulio couldn't help but cast one last glance back at the cloth-covered items, wondering what other surprises Jules' home still had lying in wait.