The story so far:
Romiko has rescued Ranger Rom from his life of pet slavery in a dusty office terrarium. Together they’ve escaped the city to go on safari, to the wilds of deepest Africa. It’s their first night around the campfire, but they’ve just heard some terrifying roars - very close …
Romiko jumps up and brandishes the marshmallow toasting stick. Great protection - not!
It’s definitely a lion or a leopard … I do not want to become big cat supper on our first night in Africa!
(another roar)
Hmm, yes that was rather loud! Oh well, think I just might retire into my shell! Nighty night!
As if you’re safe in there! A big cat can chomp a tortoise shell in one bite!
Oh … Well how about you tuck me in your backpack and we’ll scoot up that there tree?
If it’s a leopard it’ll come straight up after us!
And if it’s a lion it might prowl round the bottom for days and starve us out!
HELP!
(Massive roar. A big cat pads into the firelight - a huge, spotted cat)
AHH!!!
Purrr … You guys look pret-ty tassty! A very welcome addition to the menu
…
I-I c-can assure you, Ms Leopard, that I’m actually very stringy and gristly -
And turtle soup is h-highly overrated!
The leopard smiles and strolls closer
OK, which one of you is entrée?
Pouncing on Romiko!
(pointing at one another) Him!!
The leopard stops
Say, Tortoise. Before I eat you - haven’t I seen you somewhere before?
Ah … p-possibly! Was it on … sa - fur - i?
Ha - don’t make me roar with laughter! But seriously, that’s a beautiful pattern you’ve got on your shell. It does seem a pity to crunch into it …
Oh, d-definitely! Actually, I’m not just your everyday, average tortoise! I’m an extremely rare, geometric tortoise! There are only two or three hundred of us left in the wild! S-so if you eat me, there’ll be one less!
Oh - that’s where I remember you from! The gang of poachers that kidnapped you tried to capture me as well! But when I tasted one of their legs - hmm, delicious! - they decided I was going to be just too much trouble and released me, out of their net. They simply had to settle for a less glamorous creature - boring old helpless you!
Anything you say, oh sleek and beautiful Leopard!
Yes, I am pretty purrrfect …
I-I couldn’t agree more!
OK guys, flattery will get you everwhere! I’ll let you be my buddies, rather than dinner.
Gasp!! Thank you!!
I’m Lisha, by the way, Lisha Leopard.
Pleased (gulp!) to meet you! I’m Romiko, and this is Ranger Rom.
Since you seemed like a couple of tasty morsels, I’ve been stalking you guys for a while. You look like you’re all set for some adventures!
Yep, in a couple of weeks we’re going to learn how to become professional field guides. In the meantime we’re just having fun -
Beating about the bush!
So, here’s the deal. Seeing you two are such poor, defenceless creatures, I’m going to stick around. Believe you me, it’s just not safe out here, in the wild on your own! You need someone powerful and beautiful and clever -
- and modest
What was that?
(digging Ranger Rom in the shell) Nothing!!
You two need my protection. So - I’m coming with you!
Hey, thanks Lisha!
It’ll be great to have you round when there’s a spot of bother …
There’s only one problem.
What’s that?
What am I going to eat for supper now?
(Holding up stick) Erm … marshmallows?
