The Fourth of July was considered a major holiday by Americans, especially after they've had to suppress themselves with the pandemic going on. Unfortunately, too many of them had decided to flout public health concerns and go out to celebrate. Now there was a major spike in coranavirus cases in several states. All that plus the fact that one Animalian had managed to get infected with Covid-19 resulted in a lockdown on Animalia Air. There was to be no air travel for at least a week while coranavirus cases leveled out. It wasn't as bad as the first time that flight travels were locked down as a lot of people have already returned home. But there were a few people who currently stuck where they were.
For instance, Ulysses and Blueberry had found out their honeymoon was going to be a little longer than they thought. Mieni Atoll was hardly a bad place to be stuck in, but they were expected back home. So Ulysses was going to have to call and tell them they would be later in returning. He felt a little dread in doing this as he wasn't sure if his son was still human. He had given his permission, but he didn't know if Nate and Shuixing had went through with it or not.
"You know he's going to be the same inside, no matter how he looks," said Blueberry, "And you already knew it was inevitable. You gave them explicit permission to do it before we left."
"I know," said Ulysses, "But I think it'll still be a shock."
Deciding to get the shock over with now instead of later, Ulysses decided to call Nate via webchat. It was near noon at Mieni Atoll, which would mean it would be around suppertime in Wisconsin. "Let's get this over with," said Ulysses before starting the connection.
Ulysses didn't quite recognize the water buffalo bull waiting for him at first. Though he had Nate's hair and eyes and Shuixing was hugging one of his arms. "Hey, Dad," said the bull with Nate's voice, if slightly deeper, "How's Mieni Atoll."
"It's good so far," said Ulysses, "And I see you were busy with your girlfriend."
Nate shrugged his wider shoulders and said, "Yeah, are you disappointed we didn't wait?"
"No, not really. But I suppose no one's ever really prepared for this kind of change," said Ulysses.
Nate thought of the shock he felt when he first saw his dad as a bull. "I guess that's true," said Nate.
"I suppose you'll have to wear my clothes for a while until we order you some more," said Ulysses.
"Well, actually, you're just a little small for me," said Nate, "I mostly have to wear Uncle Olly's clothes." It did make sense. Unlike the Swiss Brown cow which is mainly bred for milking, the domestic water buffalo was more well-rounded, being bred for both plowing and meat. Nate seemed to be more well-built than Ulysses was.
"Well, considering the way your dad's been working out lately, he might need a wardrobe update too," said Blueberry.
"I guess you've been enjoying the muscle beach," said Shuixing.
"Well, if we're going to be here for longer, we may as well use the facilities," said Blueberry.
"Right. It may be another week before we can come back," said Ulysses.
"I heard about that," said Nate, "You'd think Animalia Air would be safer."
"Well, there are just too many reckless people who aren't careful about their health or other people's," said Ulysses, "But we're not just going to leave you on that farm."
"That would be pretty ironic," said Shuixing.
"We'll definitely be home in time for breeding season at the very most," said Blueberry.
Nate winced a little and asked, "Could you not say it like that, Blueberry?"
"You know you can call me 'Mom' now," said Blueberry.
"Uh...I think I'd have to get more used to you and Dad being together like this before I'm comfortable with that," said Nate.
"Cut him some slack," said Ulysses, "He's been without a mom for a long time."
"I hope you're not expecting me to call you 'Mom' and 'Dad'," said Shuixing.
"Well, eventually," said Ulysses, "But we've got some adjusting to do as a family."
"Well, we'll be taking care of the farm until you get back," said Nate, "But enjoy your time in paradise."
"You know, next year, we should all come here," said Blueberry, "Or one of the other colonies. It should be a big family vacation."
"That sounds nice," said Shuixing, "You and Ulysses should see Heiya Island."
"I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing plenty of that," said Ulysses.