February 29th, 1832

     As I pace about on deck with a trumpet lent me by Matikhara (how he got it, I don't know), I consider what to do. The captain said that I could go ashore if I wanted to, but I considered the benefits. I knew that several venomous snakes and other animals and plants could be found in Brazil, and I knew I needed to refill my poison bottle. Also, maybe I could explore and collect insects and other creatures as pets... I hear there's supposed to be a magnificent waterfall around here with both harmless insects and deadly creatures.
     Altogether, the package—and the risk—seem to be worth it. I think...
    "All hands on deck!" I hear Matt shouting. The ship is pulling into port! I rush up the stairs to the deck and am confronted with what most would call a magnificent sight: ships lie at anchor all along the tremendous bay, some more than twice the size of the Beagle. Along the bay is the city of Salvador, from which comes the bustle, shouting, grunting, smashing, shattering, and parleying noises of a crowded filthy town. But the smell gets to me more: rotten eggs, excrement, burnt fish, smoke, grime, disease, and—invariably—money.
     With a telescope left up here by a crewmember, I can see one of the other captains—the captain of the biggest ship in port, the Laguna, staring in awe at our tiny Beagle. The ship suddenly shakes slightly as Matt heaves the new polished anchor into the shallow bay. Now that we are docked, I think I should request a launch to go to shore from FitzRoy.

     "Alright, alright—but bring Matt with you. He knows about this part of Brazil," FitzRoy was telling me.
     "Actually...I live in Venezuela...I do not know much about this part of Brazil. Let her explore and experience things for herself!" Matt, now standing in the doorway, said.
     "Well, well, well. If you really wish to let her go alone, she may. But will she be able to fend for herself?" asked FitzRoy.
     "I can fend for myself, Uncle. Do you have to be so sure of yourself and unsure of me? Are you going insane?" I replied.
     "I think I am! Well, you can still go alone," replied the paranoid FitzRoy.
     "Heck, he's paranoid," I muttered under my breath.
     "I heard that! Paranoid or not...I don't know what to say," replied the stunned FitzRoy.
     "Goodbye. And I knew of your plan to get Matt to support me so I would succumb to you more easily. Reverse psychology sucks..."