First posted to alt.devilbunnies on 23 June, 1998. A quick post to help tie-up loose ends as to what's happening at Namakata Labs.
©1998 by Scott Bernier
First HTML-ized by Scott Bernier 14 July, 1998
Aldin accepted the towel (gratefulflick) and dried-off. He had been drenched by the downpour outdoors which marked the eighth day in a row with rain. First the ice storm, then unseasonably warm weather, and now monsoon-like weather...1998 was turning into one strange weather year. The ducky weather had put a delay on the plans of those at Namakata to move back out into the forest. The damage from the January ice storm had been extensive, but with the help of the local legion of Lumberjack Fudds, the worst of the mess had been cleaned-up.
Unfortunately, due to that damage, not every squirrel at Namakata would be able to move back outdoors and build nests. Many volunteered to be part of the group that would remain within the warren and wait their turn, enough so that there wouldn't be a need to draw lots to see who would have to stay behind. Ash and Aldin were a couple of the first to do so believing that others comfort should come before their own. This didn't last long for those others insisted that their head councilor and her mate be outdoors with them and a scouting party found an appropriate place for them to build a new nest.
That was just over a week ago. This was also why Aldin was now soaking wet, attempting to dry off within the warren. He had been spending time during the few brief breaks in the rain furnishing the new nest within the hollow of a large white cedar that somehow survived the ice storm.
Scampering into the mess hall, he sighed with relief as his mate provided him a cup of herb tea with almond extract. She snuggled down next to him with a cup of her own and two squirrel-sized slices of McGregor apple pie. (dreamysighchitter) Tinseltown didn't know what he was missing!
"If the weather ever lets-up, I'll have our nest finished in two days." Aldin said between mouthfuls. "I've done all I can until it stops raining." (expectantflick) "Any word from the kits?"
Their three kits were now on their own and were doing their share for the warren, but rarely had time to visit them. Except for Cloud(chitter), who had decided he wanted to be like his father and become a scientist. Cloud(chitter) was a voracious reader, reading everything he could get his paws on and retaining all that he read. Already, he was training in the lab under the guidance of Mustard and Tamarack, who Aldin left in charge of the labs for the week. Yesterday, they had reported that the new nanites would be ready to test in about a week. (finally)
"Dr. Firbrush stopped by and praised Hazel as a fast learner. She's already interning as an assistant nurse. He thinks she'll make a good doctor in 12-18 months. She's suppose to come visit tomorrow evening." (sighflick) "Puffcheeks, on the other paw hasn't been by all week. I've received word, though, that he's already getting good with the new crossbows. He may go out on his first scouting patrol as soon as next week. He'll be forced to give us a quick visit before he goes."
(sighchitter) "Ash, I wish they grew-up just a little slower... maybe six months instead of 12 weeks..."
(mockglare) "Are you kidding???" Ash paused for a moment. (contemplateflick) "Yeah...it would be nice if it were 6 months. They do grow-up too fast." (nod) "But I'll never understand how humans don't kill their young at some point during the 18 or so years they have to put-up with them." (gigglechitter)
Aldin leaned close to Ash. "Well, the nest doesn't need to stay empty for long, you know," he whispered into her ear.
He was tickled under the chin by her tailtip and caressed both cheeks. "I know." She took off out of the mess hall through warren hallways and out into the rain with Aldin chasing close behind her.
End
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