Acorn Barnacles Facts

Acorn barnacles are crustaceans in the Balanidae family and Balanus genus that all share the same common name and can include any stalkless barnacle in the order Sessilia. They are part of class Maxillopoda, and their genus name comes from the Greek word balanos, meaning acorn. Acorn barnacles live along rocky shores and are filter feeders. They begin life as free swimmers like other crustaceans but attach themselves to rocks or bottoms of boats and spend the rest of their lives in this position. Fast Facts Scientific Name: BalanusCommon Names: Acorn barnacleOrder: SessiliaBasic Animal Group: InvertebrateSize: from 0.7 inch (balanus glandula) to above 4 inches (balanus nubilus)Life Span: 1 to 7 yearsDiet: Plankton and edible detritusHabitat: Rocky shoresPopulation: Not evaluatedFun Fact: In just 2 years, as much as 10 tons of acorn barnacles can be attached to ships, causing enough drag to increase fuel consumption by 40% Description Acorn Barnacle Shells. Â  medveh / Getty Images Plus Acorn barnacles are crustaceans and not mollusks. They are joint-legged animals that live inside cone-shaped shells, standing on their heads and grabbing food with their legs. Acorn barnacles are also sessile, or fixed in place, and remain in the place they attach themselves to as larvae. Due to their stationary lives, there is no discernible separation between the head and thorax. Because their legs absorb oxygen, acorn barnacles’ legs are feathery and gill-like. They produce a shell as they reach adulthood, which is made of six fused plates with a hole in the top to allow them to feed and a valve to seal the shell against predators. They also have cement glands that produce brown glue that attaches them to surfaces, an adhesive so strong that not even acids can remove the shell even after they have died. Common predators of acorn barnacles include starfish and snails. Both have the ability to penetrate their hard shells. Starfish can pull the shells apart while the snails are able to penetrate via the fused plates. Habitat and Distribution These creatures live on rocky shores along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in temperate and tropical regions across the world. They primarily live in tropical, tidal zone, marine environments but can survive in cooler regions. They attach themselves to ship hulls, whales, turtles, and rocks depending on the surface contour, water movement, and light. Diet and Behavior Their diet consists of plankton and edible detritus that they filter from the water with their feathery legs. Once attached to a surface, the barnacle’s valve opens, and its legs search the water for plankton. The valve tightly closes when it is threatened by a predator or when the tide becomes low. The door allows them to trap water in their shells and conserve moisture so that they do not dry out. Acorn barnacles prefer to settle in large groups, which comes in handy during breeding season. Some species, like balanus glandula, can reach population densities of up to 750,000 per square foot. They compete for space with other rock dwellers such as anemones and mussels. Each species adapts to different tidal zones, so different acorn barnacle species can be zoned above or below each other. Reproduction and Offspring These barnacles are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both female and male sex organs. Since they can’t fertilize themselves, they rely on fertilizing neighboring individuals. Because acorn barnacles are stationary, they grow long penises, which can be up to 6 times the length of their own bodies at 3 inches. They pass and receive sperm within a 3 inch range, and any barnacles more than this range from any neighbor can not reproduce. At the end of mating season, the penis dissolves only to be grown again the next year. Each barnacle broods fertilized eggs within their shells. Once hatched, acorn barnacles begin life as free swimming larvae. When they decide to settle, the larvae glue their heads to a hard surface and build their cone-shaped shells of limestone, becoming miniature adults. Species Closeup of Balanus balanoides on a stone. HHelene / iStock / Getty Images Plus Acorn barnacles are any stalkless barnacle species in the genus Balanus, and any barnacle in the order Sessilia can have the same common name. There are approximately 30 different species in the genus Balanus, from the smallest in size, Balanus glandula, to the largest, Balanus nubilus. All Balanus species are hermaphrodites. Some additional examples of acorn barnacle species are: Balanus crenatus, Balanus eburneus, Balanus perforatus, and Balanus trigonus. Conservation Status Most Balanus species have not been evaluated by the the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Balanus aquila has been designated as data deficient. However, their range and prevalence continue to increase as barnacles attach themselves to boats and animals that displace them large distances. Sources Acorn Barnacle. Monterey Bay Aquarium, https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-and-exhibits/animal-guide/invertebrates/acorn-barnacle.Acorn Barnacle. Oceana, https://oceana.org/marine-life/cephalopods-crustaceans-other-shellfish/acorn-barnacle.Acorn Barnacle. Slater Museum Of Natural History, https://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/slater-museum/exhibits/marine-panel/acorn-barnacle/.Balanus Aquila. IUCN Red List Of Threatened Species, 1996, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/2534/9450643.Lott, L. Semibalanus Balanoides. Animal Diversity Web, 2001, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Semibalanus_balanoides/.

The American Epidemic of Obesity - 901 Words

As Americans we have made food not only a way to live but all help us with life events, whether emotional times or celebratory events we turn to food. However our society has been consumed with unhealthy food options readily available. This has in turn caused a huge medical epidemic in America. Obesity has and will put people at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. More than one-third of American adults are obese (Ogden et al., 2012). By looking in depth at the obesity epidemic in America through the three major sociological perspectives (structural functionalist, social conflict, and symbolic interactionist) we are able to better discern this medical issue impacting the health of American people. Structural Functionalist Perspective The structural functionalist perspective would argue obesity in America is a necessary epidemic to our society. After all, structural functionalist believe that all mechanisms that exist a definite meaning and are useful to society as a whole. Structural functionalist could say that having overweight and obese people in the world causes us to put attention on the true problems of health care. Obesity for a structural functionalist is crucial for the continuous learning of human health and also for our love and hate relationship with food. Structural functional would also argue that having an obese population might inspire others to avoid the path of unhealthy habits. It would help people to makeShow MoreRelatedChildhood Obesity : An American Epidemic1263 Words   |  6 PagesChildhood Obesity: An American Epidemic America is facing a serious challenge! Children’s health is becoming a critical concern. Childhood obesity has become an â€Å"epidemic disease† that has rapidly grown over the years in the United States. 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Consumer buying behavior free essay sample

Through the interview of my friend Jamie Q’s experience of purchasing a luxury handbag, I realize how the consumer buying behavior operates in our real life. According to the experience of Jamie, she wants to buy a luxury bag, because she needs a bag, which can use at different situation. Also, she wants a luxury bag to improve the level of her taste. Then from the external searching she saw the a Prada bag at the Mission Impossible movie, and the leading lady was using this bag. After that, she starts searching more information about this bag on Google and Prada official web site. After the searching, she got the information that she needs. Through the evaluation of the criteria she got, she made her decision. When Jamie used the Prada bag, she was really satisfied about the product. Through explain Jamie’s buying behavior, people will clearly know the process of the consumer buying behavior and understanding it better. Background: Purchaser’s information: The purchaser is my friend and her name is Jamie Q. Product’s description: She bought a luxury tote, which is from Prada. It is a black Saffiano leather tote has double handle and detachable shoulder strap. There are two outside pockets on each side and two inside pockets. The price of this product on the Prada official website is 1,995 dollars. Date and location of purchase: She bought this bag at Italy at this summer. Approximate price paid: She bought this Prada tote for about 1,676 dollars, and there is 10% tax refund for tourist, so the final price of the bag is 1,508 dollar, which is much cheaper than the American web site. 1. Problem recognition Problem recognition describe: The initial step in the consumer buying behavior is problem recognition. Jamie realizes at her age, she does not really have a bag that can represent her taste, and can use it at any kind of situation. Therefore she really needs a bag that can use at different situation, which means the design should be is simple but chic. Jamie told me she has so many handbags, but there is no such a perfect handbag that she can use it at different situation. She told me she has so many bags to choose to fit the place she’s going to, she has to find a handbag that she can take to the engaging party, to the family’s party, and also to a date. Jamie said she is so tired of choosing a bag to fit the party she’s going to, so she really need a handbag that she can use at different situation, and she wants a luxury bag which can represent her taste. Role of psychological, social, situational influence She told me she has enough money to buy a luxury handbag. Depending on the psychological forces, she thought at her age owns a luxury handbag could improve her level of taste. It will be a turning point of her life, from a girl to a woman. After purchasing this Prada tote, she thinks people will trade her more seriously, and think she has a good taste. Role of marketing forces: Jamie knows there are so many luxury brand of handbags, and she knew that there will be a new collection for every year. 2. Search for Alternatives After the problem recognition, she starts to search the information about the bag, which is the second step of the consumer buying behavior. It has two parts, which is internal search and external search. When Jamie decided to buy a luxury handbag. She saw a movie star, Paula Patton was using a very fashionable Prada bag at the movie of Mission Impossible. The two ways of using the handbag was really attracted her attention. She told me she knew a little bit about Prada bags. This brand handbag is from Italy, and it is so popular at all ages female, because the design of the bag is so simple but fashion. And there are so many stars using this brand’s handbags before. Then from the external search, she searched some information that she does not know before on the Prada official website. She found there are some different colors and different size for this handbag. She also asks her friends who have already purchased this bag for more information. She found this bag has more sp ace to put her personal staff. And there are more pockets for her to organize her handbag. Also, the detachable shoulder strap is so convenient and special. So, she decided to purchase this Prada tote. Role of psychological, social, situational forces: From the psychological influences, Jamie has an ideal self-concept, she would like to see herself as a fashionable person. And she always follow the news of t every brand’s new collection. Depending on the social influences, that Jamie knows there is lots of famous people are using this Prada tote, and if she owns this Prada tote, people will think she has same taste with the famous people. Role of marketing forces: The Prada tote’s advertising is everywhere when it appears at the market, the fashion magazines, the movies, the famous people’s street style snaps. Jamie also saw the leading lady was using this new Prada tote at the Mission Impossible movie. Also, she has enough money to purchase this bag. 3. Alternative evaluation The third step of the consumer buying behavior is alternative evaluation. Jamie list and compare some criteria of purchasing this bag. Jamie has already decided that she was going to purchase a Prada handbag. First of all, there are several colors for her to choose, such as, yellow, blue, pink, navy, and red. At her first comparison she gave up the yellow, blue, red and navy, because they are not her favorite colors. Then from choose the best color between the pink and black she made a list, which showing below: Prada handbag Which color can use more often? Which color is always in style? Which color is more summer and special? Which color can use for a long time? Pink Fail Fail Win Fail Black Win Win Fail Win From the list she made she decision to buy a black Prada Tote. She told me, pink is really a summer color and attract people’s attention. However, consider she needs a bag she can use at different situation, and then the pink would not be the best choice. Also, while she is growing the color of the bag will become too over for her age. Black color seems more useful to Jamie, she thought black is more classic and will never out of style. She can use the black until she growing up and it still looks not to over. Then she compared to the size. There are three size, mini size, medium size, and large size. She told me that even thought the mini size is so cute but it is too small for her, because there is not enough space to let her put all her personal staff in it. The large size is too big, it makes her looks too adultness, which she does not want that happen. So, she decided to buy a black medium size Prada bag. Role of psychological, social, situational forces: From the psychological influences, Jamie thought these two bags are both fashionable, one can using at summer, the other one can use it at formal situation. From the situational influences, even two handbags are both beautiful, but the most important criteria is she need a bag that she can use at different situation. Role of marketing forces: She said there is no marketing influences at this stage, because both bags are from same brand, and has same price. 4. Purchase Decision The fourth step is purchase. After all the information search and evaluation of the alternative. She compared the price at different place she can purchase the tote. Even though she has enough money to purchase the bag that she wants, but she still would like to purchase this Prada tote at a cheaper price. There are three places she can purchase this handbag, which are official website, America, and Italy. Because, this Prada handbag is so popular of its design, it sold out immediately when it appears online. So, there are only two choices left for her. And then because, Jamie was going to travel to Europe after she made a decision of buying a Prada tote. And because this brand is from Italy, so it will be cheaper if her buy the Prada tote at the place of origin. So, she decided to buy the black medium size Prada bag at Italy when she travels to there at the summer break. Role of psychological, social, situational influence: From the psychological influences, there were lots of people were asking this bag at the store, she was so happy that they still have it available. From the situation influence, Jamie knows that she has enough money to purchase. What she need is to make a decision of the color. From the social influence, she tried both color at the store. Some consumer told her the black one is more classic and chic. Role of marketing forces: That all the brand of product are always cheaper if you buy it at the place of origin. 5. Postpurchase behavior After Jamie came back America with her Prada tote. She uses her new bag everyday. She is satisfied about what she bought. She told me that is the best choice she made. She found that the two ways of using this bag is really convenient. She can use it as a shoulder bag when she wearing some casual clothing. She also can use it, as a tote when she wants looks more elegant. She said she would strongly recommend this Prada tote to those people who need same handbags as her need. Role of psychological, social, situational forces: From the psychological forces, Jamie was very satisfied about what she purchased, it gave her the result that she wants. From situational influences, the bag she purchased was sold quickly at any Prada stores also the website, which makes her think she made a good decision. From social influences, there are some people told Jamie that she has a good taste, which made her really happy and satisfied her psychology needs. Conclusion All in all, we can know the process of consumer buying behavior from Jamie’s experience of purchasing the luxury bag. From understanding of consumer’s need, to search the information about the product and to make decision of purchasing, every step is connect with each other. The most important thing in this process is to figure out what consumer’s needs and wants, then you will need to satisfied their needs. Form the process you will find how consumer were struggling with the information search, evaluate options and make purchasing decision, and how they made their final choice to buy the product. Also, after the product purchased, how they evaluate the product if they satisfied about it. These are the exactly five stages of consumer buying behavior that I explained by Jamie’s experience, rely on her experience people may understand the consumer buying behavior and its five stages better.

The Assassin Essay Example

The Assassin Essay It was a cold winters night in Chicago, with temperatures well below freezing. The streets were concealed by a thick white blanket of snow, and patches of glistening ice were covering the dark alleys where the earlier blizzards had been unable to dump the snow. In the centre of the city was a small park. The park played host to an arboretum of oak and evergreen trees that cast dark, evil shadows, which would have sent cold, creepy shivers up the spine of the average person. If one looked very carefully, one would have spotted a man standing in these shadows, holding a mobile phone. The man was wrapped up warm like any sensible person would in this weather.He gave his origins away when he spoke, using mainly Australian slang he had learnt while growing up with the aborigines he considered family. He had been given a nickname that had stuck, in English, his name was The Assassin. This was because in his childhood, he was the best, but most savage hunter in the tribe. Now he was contrac ted to kill humans.He was in his mid thirties, but many would have mistaken him for a younger man. He measured about six foot six, and under his thermals he hid a bronze, and muscular body. He had thick brown hair, hidden by his woolly hat. His eyes were blue, and stood out under his thin eyebrows. His face was well shaved, and at this moment in time looked relentless. He waited for the call to come on the mobile phone that had been earlier switched to the silent mode. Finally he felt a vibration in his hand. He answered the call but didnt speak. The voice at the other end of the line gave him clear instructions.The club opens at 21.00 hours. I want you to be there at this time. The weapon has been hidden in the restroom, in the second cubicle from the left. After the kill, come straight to the airport where I will meet you, and we will catch the first plane back to Australia. Be at the airport by 23.00 hours. The key I gave you is for the red lotus car, registration H8R 2. The line went dead. The Assassin came slowly out of the shadows, into the bright light of a nearby park lamp. He cautiously scanned the park and surrounding street for a nearby person that could have heard him. Nobody. He began to make his way to the club. When he got out of the park, he dropped the phone down the drain, and carried on.At 22.00 hours, people making their way home past the club heard a series of loud gunshots, followed by the sound of petrified women screaming, from inside the club. The Assassin had killed the second most important man in the Red Fire gang, one of the leading gangs in Chicago. For him, that was the easy part, now he would have to get out of the club, and to the airport, without being spotted by the gang. He knew this would be impossible, but had prepared himself. He knew how to get out.He ran into the toilets and locked the entrance to give him more time. Yes, the fire exit was straight ahead. Everything had gone to plan, so far. He held his gun tightly. It was a single action semi automatic pistol with a Stainless Steel Slide ; Black Armory Kote Frame finish. In weight it was thirty ounces, and its length was eight and a half inches. It was his favourite gun.His finger was resting calmly on the trigger, ready to press it at the slightest hint of danger. He heard voices coming towards the toilet, so opened the fire exit and slipped into the dark alley. BANG! The shot narrowly missed his leg. He dived behind the bins that were opposite the exit. He quickly peered over the bins. BANG! The shot hit the metal bins. Again, the Assassin glanced over the side, this time taking aim with his gun. He fired once, twice and a third time. The body was lifeless even before it hit the ground. Making a soft thudding noise, like someone kicking a football. The Assassin ran out of the alley and sprinted across the now desolate streets, to the car that had been waiting patiently outside for the best part of the day. It was a red lotus, the perfect car fo r the job. It had been built for speed, and had been fitted with all the necessary gadgets for the job. He held the key in his hand and opened the car. He leaped inside and fumbled with the key to get the engine started. An ear-piercing screech, of a car skidding suddenly came from the alley. The gang was pursuing him. His engine begun to roar like a pride of hungry lions. A hail of bullets shattered the back window. By this time the Assassin had squeezed his foot on the accelerator and was racing off. The gang chased the Assassin as though the two cars were racing for the formula 1 title, the only difference being, that the gangsters would attempt to shoot at the lotus when given a clear shot.As agreed the lotus had been fitted with the gadgets that were needed to help the Assassin get rid of the pursuing car. Where the radio should have been, there was a row of ten buttons, each clearly labelled. The Assassin checked in the mirror to see how far away the chasing car was. It was ju st far enough. He pressed the button labelled nails. At the rear of the car, the number plate lifted up, and hundreds of small metal balls with spikes dropped all over the road. His pursuers were given no time. The nails effortlessly burst the tyres of their car, and the car was in no condition to chase.Back at the club, the raging boss had received identification of the killer of his successor, who was also a good friend. CCTV showed it was an Australian contract killer, known as the Assassin, From the report of the failed pursuers, it looked as though he was heading home, with his employer. The boss ordered one of his men to book him and his number three, Goldie, to Australia, where he would take care of the fools who had killed his number two.The weather in Cairns was scorching, the air was humid and felt tense as if it was holding its breath. The skies were clear, apart from a patch of clouds in the distance.In the arrivals lounge two locals were waiting, and seemed to focus one very person as they entered the lounge. After about ten minutes, one of the locals nudged the other and discreetly pointed at two men that were hurrying through the lounge with just a bag each. They fitted the description that had been given to them by The Boss a few hours earlier. One of them followed the two men as they walked outside, while the other stayed and waited for the boss and his accomplice to arrive. They were due to land in ten minutes.The Assassin and his boss got into the car. They knew that the gang would try to follow them and take their revenge, but also knew of the hundreds of squares kilometres of uninhabited rainforest just outside of Cairns. They needed to get outside of town and into the rainforest as quickly as possible to have the best chance of survival against the raging Red Fire gang.About three hundred yards behind, a car was trailing the Assassin. Inside the car, the man was speaking on his mobile phone,Yes boss, Im still following them, I am on the we st side. They seem to be heading to the rainforest. Do you still want me to follow?Yes. I will ring you in thirty minutes. I hope you know the rainforest well, for your sake. The boss hung up.The Assassin looked in his mirror. He saw that a car that had been waiting at the airport was following him, but he carried on driving as normal.I tell you what mate, I will kill all of them if you pay me double.Why?Because the Red Fire are coming after us, they have come into my territory. The rainforest is my home, if they come in after us, you can be sure that none of them will come back out.The Assassin turned into a narrow dirt track. A kilometre up the road, thedirt rack reached the brink of the rainforest, onwards it ran parallel to therainforest. It was from this point that the Assassin and his boss would enter the rainforest.As the winds breathed harder and more briskly, the patch of dark, dense clouds decided to wonder towards the rainforests. Many of the tropical birds had stopped si nging their blissful tunes, and were flying into the trees. The Assassin stopped the car at the opposite end of the road to the rainforest, and took the spare fuel out from the boot. He opened the back door of the car took out the bags and handed them to his boss who went and waited at the edge of the rainforest. The Assassin poured the dark liquid onto the seat of the car, and let it slowly treacle all over the seats. Then he took a lighter from his pocket, light it, and threw it into the car. He fearlessly watched the fire grow, from a small foetus, to the size of an adult human being in the space of a few seconds; he then walked calmly over to his boss, while the fire crackled behind him.Come on mate, we will wait for them in here. Weve got them now.The rainforest was a whole new world. As they stepped inside the forest, the scenery of vast fields of tall sugar cane changed to dense foliage. There were tall thin trees that stretched tens of metres into the sky. There were bigger trees, with tree trunks as wide as a car, and there were small plants, only a couple of metres in height. Little light was let into the forest. The light that the trees allowed through was focused on the ground like a torch being shone on a particular object at night.All the leaves and shrubs were a different shade of green, from nearly yellow in colour, to greens that were so dark they could have been black. The plants left little room for people to walk. Trees were packed so close together in some places that not even the thinnest person could fit through the gaps. Finding a path through the rainforest would be long, and tiring. One would have to have lived in the forest for a number of years to be able to visit the same place twice, by remembering how to getthere.As the Assassin led his boss through the rainforest, sounds indicated that they were not alone. A python the length of two adult humans was coiled around a branch of a nearby tree like a rope, the difference being this p ython had so much bulk it was as wide a rugby ball. Large insects were crawling along the ground, and trees, being eaten by small rodents scurrying along the ground.Look, drive over there. Doesnt that look like a burnt out car?Yes boss. I think its the Assassins car. Look Steve is there. It must be the Assassins. The local, who had been following the Assassin, had appeared next to the burnt out car, which still had smoke rising into the air. The local was signalling for the approaching four by four vehicle to stop. As the boss stepped out of the car, he began to explain what he saw.Gday boss. I saw then go into the rainforest about an hour ago, they cant have got far though, its like trying to find your way through fog in there.Ok. Good work. All three of us are going to go after them. I want them both dead. Steve, get the rucksack from the back, and Goldie, get three pistols from the car.The dismal clouds were now towering above the canopy of the rainforest, they looked angry. The wind had picked up speed and was howling through the rainforest, like a wolf, rustling the leaves of the trees as it passed. The air was holding its breath and was dry, waiting for a drink.The boss of the Red Fire and his companions, were making their way through the forest. The gigantic python was slithering through the forest towards the gang.Stop! cried the local, Steve. He put his hand to block the bosss way.There, see that python. Dont move.I havent got time for this, The boss said, in a tone of anger that would have frightened anybody. He took out his pistol aimed at the snake, and fired.Hear that mate? Asked the Assassin.That is them. I have a plan. We need to catch one of them first. You will wait here. And I will go and track them. Hold this pistol and fire two shots if you are in trouble. He handed his boss a revolver from his bag, swung it onto his back, and begun to jog, making his way around the trees, in the direction he heard the gunshot.As he neared the gang, he stop ped jogging, and regained his breath. He could hear them talking now, although he couldnt see them through the dense foliage. He had to think of a way to catch one of the leaders companions, at a time when they wouldnt notice, for his main plan to work. He knew how to hunt an animal in the rainforest, from his childhood. He climbed up a tree with such speed, he could have beaten a monkey, had it been a race. He began to make his way through the branches. He was getting closer to the gang every second. He was treating this as a hunt. He had to make himself blend in the background. He breathed, and moved every time the strengthening wind brushed the leaves.Boss. Ill catch up, I just need to relieve myself.Hurry up, I can sense us getting nearer to that fool from the NB. Just because he hired one of the best killers in the business, it doesnt mean he will get away from me!The local stopped and waited for his boss and Goldie to get out of sight. Unaware of what he was doing with his han ds, he pricked his finger on a thorn bush. At first droplets appeared, blood the blood then began to ooze out. Still, he unzipped his trousers. Ten metres above him, the Assassin was as silent as an owl flying through the night. He had picked up a small rock, the size of his hand and was holding it. He was going to pounce like a tiger. He was waiting for the right moment. He would knock this idiot out cold and take him back to where his employer was waiting. He knew that this local had no idea where he was leading the two members of his gang. He crouched down. Ready to pounce. The local finished. He was turning away. He jumped.The local looked up. The Assassin was coming towards him holding a rock. He had no time to think. He didnt feel anything. He just saw black.Above the canopy of the forest, the clouds gave a small rumble of thunder. It sounded like the drum roll that was played before someone is hanged, only quieter. The clouds released a few droplets of rain.The Assassin had p ut the local over his shoulders, and headed back to his boss. It would take longer, having to weave through the trees with the weight of an adult on his shoulders. He couldnt rest, he would rest when it was over. He still had a long way to go, if he was to succeed and get the money he needed.Boss, Steves been gone for at least a half hour, dont you think we should find him?Look Goldie, he has obviously lost himself, we dont have time to get him, thats a rule youll have to learn. Any man who gets behind is left behind.The two members of the Red Fire, who were pursuing the Assassin, were oblivious to the fact that they were getting closer to him and his boss, who were sitting down, in the trees. The boss was talking in a quiet voice, and pointing to his bag and then laughing at the Assassin, who wasnt saying anything.The clouds were now groaning at regular intervals. They were black in colour. The air was tense. The wind had ceased to blow. The temperature was cooler.The boss of the R ed Fire stamped on his finished cigarette; through the trees he had spotted the man who was responsible for the murder of his second. The Assassins back was turned away from him as he was facing his boss. Slowly and quietly the two members of the red fire began to unpack their sniper rifles, and pieced them together. They both knew whom they were going to shoot. Goldie was going to shoot the Assassin. The boss was going to shoot the bastard that paid the Assassin to kill his second. He signalled to Goldie. They were both now perfectly positioned to take their shots.Suddenly several bolts of lightening slashed the sky into pieces. The lightening bolts looked like a branch of a dead oak tree being draw across the sky by and invisible hand, stretching out to the ground. The sky darkened by the clouds, light up to be a purple colour. A noise sounding like two high voltage wires being touched together was heard across the sky. The sky went black. A tremendous crash of thunder scared the life of the boss of the Red Fire. They had to kill the boss and the Assassin, who were also frightened by the thunder, and the darkness of the rainforest. They fired a single shot at their targets simultaneously. The boss had been shot in the forehead. His body was resting on a tree. Blood began to dribble down his forehead. The Assassin had fallen forwards onto the ground. He had been shot in the back.Wait. The boss whispered. He squinted. As the body fell forward, he saw that the Assassin had his hands tied behind his back.The clouds could hold the rain no more. The rain fell from the sky with the force of a building collapsing. It thrashed the canopy of the rainforest, tens of metres above the two members of the Red Fire gang, trying to find a way to get through, to the ground. The lightening threatened once again, followed by the boom of the thunder, boasting its authority.The boss and Goldie were soaking wet, and were about to stand up.Before they moved, they each felt a pistol on the back of their head.Gday boys. You Americans are a gullible lot. Remember, Chicago was your land, Australia is mine. Do you think for one minute that I didnt know you were after me? You come into my territory, you die mate. The thunder erased the sound of the two bullets being shot. The Assassin bagged the two guns, then walked over to where his old boss, and the gagged Steve, who he had swapped clothes with lay. He took the bosses bag and opened it, shielding it from the rain with his body, yes, that was the money he had wanted, one hundred thousand pounds worth of cash. He emptied the cash into his bag and began to make his through the rainforest, he laughed as he thought how simple the operation had been. The American were stupider then he thought.Towards midnight the rain ceased, and the clouds drifted away, so that the sky was scattered with the incredible lamp of stars. Then the breeze died too and there was no noise save the drip and trickle of water that ran out of cl efts and spilled down leaf by leaf to the brown earth of the rainforest. The air was cool moist and clear, and the four bodies lay, waiting to be found, or to stay there forever.