Four more fighters had been accquired, though it would be several months before the pups were old enough to join the pack. In the meantime, Ben needed to keep his pack in top form. And if at all possible, bring in more stock from the wild. And maybe, if he were lucky enough, catch a glimpse at the other animals he was hearing about.

Fierce blue eyes swept over the rocky terrain as Ben looked for 'prey'. Wolves were top on his list right now, although a big cat or horse would be just as welcome. "Lynn! Up front." The man ordered, sparing a glance to a pale tan King Hound.

Lynn drifted in front of the group, past the leader Dip, and past Ben's mare, Hydra. Carried on long, graceful limbs, she picked up her pace further until she was out of sight of the others.

Exuro had no idea that his curiosity would bring him danger. He galloped across the rocky terrain, snorting and shaking his head. But he suddenly halted and stared at the human with unmoving eyes. The Gemsbok could only guess what the man was doing here. He seemed to be a statue, never making a move besides the occasional flick of the ear.

Cave Canem was far from friendly. He was the bad dog; the dog he hoped humans would fear. Both his name and the look on his face said "Beware of dog." His white teeth were bared as he watched the group from the bushes. It was plain to see that he was angry.

He stayed in his low position as he slowly walked forward, keeping an eye on Ben. He growled a warning: "Leave now, or die."

The Saluki had only recently escaped from his owner, and there was much more to see. He walked past the Gemsbok, wagging his tail. He, too, watched Ben and his group. His eyes were locked on the man. He barked out to the horse. "Hey! What are you doing here?"

"Found something!" Lynn barked out, scenting Exuro, and then Cave. "Two... no, three!" She corrected, her voice high and excited.

Hearing the tone of howling, Ben knew that his sentry hound had found something, but it wasn't a wolf. "Bay!" He called out, scanning the scrubby terrain as his pack splintered up on command.

Dip, the monsterous leader of Ben's hunting pack, dished out further orders, "He wants them surrounded and held. Try not to damage them, if you can." Having been trained dozens of different commands, the dogs knew exactly what Ben wanted. The six canines split up into groups of two, each one going to circle about the three creatures that they had happened across.

Dip and Cabras began to circle around Exuro. They did not bite or snap at the oryx, but their tails were raised and their fangs bared, "Make this simple, and don't run." Dip threatened, eyes narrowed at the other creature.

Honder and Lynn, two female King Hounds, began to circle about Cave.

Jackman and Meservea circled about Mouse.

Hydra cantered forward under Ben's guidance, but caught sight of Mouse as he spoke, and as the hounds began to circle him. "Capturing you." She replied in a simple statement, as casual as if he had asked her what time it was.

It didn't take long for Benjamin to decide what to do with these three creatures. The oryx was something very unique here, Cave looked like an excellent fighter, and he also needed more canines like Mouse around. Whether he could break them or not was to be decided, but he would try. Raising his small tranquilizer gun, he aimed his first shot at Exuro's shoulder...

Exuro snorted and stomped his hoof. "You are dirt. You cannot hold me here forever." He said calmly. He shook his head, then lowered it and attempted to jab his horns into Dip's flesh. It was then that he felt the sting of the dart in his shoulder. He fought for as long as he could, but he soon fell to the ground.

Cave Canem growled. "You are fools to take me on. You and your master!" He snapped, keeping a dominant position. He then opened his jaws and lashed out at Lynn.

Mouse barked at Hydra. "You can't capture me!" He exclaimed, but did not dare take on all of the hounds.

Dip would have attacked, but he must obey the orders of Ben. 'Bay' meant to keep the prey in one spot without attacking them, if at all possible. Snarling viciously, the big dog dodged to the side to avoid the oryx's jab. "Oh yes we can!" He snapped back, staying close to Exuro, while still out of his horn's range.

As soon as Exuro was hit, Ben turned his weapon upon the canines. With two quick shots, he aimed darts for their shoulders as well.

Lynn snapped back when Cave lashed at her. She met him fang-to-fang before springing back, bristling and growling like a mad thing. She wanted to tear into this mongrel, but didn't want punishment for breaking the rules.

The mare snorted and shook her head slightly, "Oh, you'll see." Calm and collected, just like her master, she didn't let herself get overly excited about Mouse's comments.

Cave growled when the dart hit, and, like Exuro, he was soon down.

Mouse yelped and looked at Cave. "Hey! Dog! You okay?" He exclaimed, tail between his legs. He heard another shot. "Hey! Don't...Ow!" He tried to stand, but was overcome by the tranquilizer and fell asleep.

Remaining on Hydra until all of the animals had fallen, Ben eased off the mare and headed towards Exuro first. Dip and the others lowered their ears, tails wagging as they whimpered appeasingly to their master. "Good work." There was little enthusiasm or praise to be heard in his voice, but it was enough to let the pack know they did a good job.

After inspecting the oryx, Ben took out his walkie-talkie and radioed for Tom. "I've got an oryx and two canines up at the Canyon. Bring Ethan and come out here to load them up... then send Danny. You have my coordinates? Yes. Good." Hooking the walkie on his belt, Ben began to tie up the legs of the creatures, just incase they should begin to wake up before they were transported. For the canines, he tied up their muzzles as well, just in case.

Hydra lifted her head a little, nostrils flaring as she picked up the scent of Exuro. She was imensely curious in this other creature. She had never seen something quite like him before, although those horns made her nervous.

It was nearly twenty minutes before a large ATV came rumbling towards the scene. Leaving Ethan to finish up with Aleu, Tom and brought Dan along with him to help Ben. The other two men went quickly to work loading the three animals up on their vehicle. Then they drove for Ben's.