Dead As A Dodo

Book excerpt: MISSION DEAD AS A DODO Mission Brief: Somebody is on an extinction operation, stealing all the last specimens of highly endangered species. This mysterious crook has somehow managed to discover the impossible ? a living specimen of Raphus cucullatus, aka, the dodo. Yes, the same flightless bird that was hunted to oblivion in Mauritius more than 300 years ago! This dodo has become the single most priceless creature on the planet and it must be rescued immediately. Without delay, Animal Intelligence Agency agents are assigned to this urgent mission. NOTE: The Animal Intelligence Agency is a multi-species nongovernmental agency. Specially trained Animal and Human agents work undercover to save animals and save the world. Some of them have a licence to kill. Agent no. 002 Species: Panthera tigris tigris Name: Bagcha Currently the only agent with a licence to kill. He is the most dangerous and experienced operative, with the scars to prove it. Agent no. 015 Species: Semnopithecus entellus Name: Kela This operative was formerly a disgraced agent, stripped of his number. However, after his sterling performance in Mission Tiger by the Tail, his number and privileges have been restored. Agent no. 11.5 Species: Homo sapiens sapiens Name: Rana One of only two people in the world who use JungleSpeak to communicate across species. Extremely good with computers and all things tech. Far from dangerous or lethal. However, his intelligence is a real contribution to a mission. His allergies are a real problem. Indications are that the mission will take the agents to Mauritius, America, and as far off as the Arctic Circle and the North Pole. They must not fail, come what may. This dodo must not die.