Callie's Education

Smudge Awakens

Smudge Departs

Callie's Education originally posted 5-11 December, 1997 on alt.devilbunnies in collaboration with Bryan Hall. Callie undergoes her Education at Volo Bog Warren.

Smudge Awakens originally posted 12-13 December, 1997 in alt.devilbunnies and Smudge Departs originally posted 17 December, 1997 in collaboration with Randy Carnahan. Smudge wakes-up in the Volo Bog infirmary and then heads home.

© 1997 by Bryan Hall, Randy Carnahan, and Scott Bernier
First HTML-ized 16 December, 1997 by Scott Bernier. Updated 28 December, 1997

[Fall 1997]

"Callie! Brightspot!" (STOMP!) Both buns snapped to attention and looked forward in Auntie SugarPaw's classroom. SugarPaw hopped-up in between their sitting spots and held a paw forth to Callie. Callie deposited a folded note into her paw.

Brightspot winced, and sighed. Seems he'd lost the knack he used to have of passing notes in class without being detected.. and now he'd gotten them both in trouble again.

"This is the third time this week! Callie, you'll take a 20 minute time-out in the corner right now."

(dewyeyes) "But..." SugarPaw's stare cut her short. (droopears) "I'm sorry.." Callie hopped dejectedly to one corner and flopped-down staring at the corner.

"As for you, Brightspot," SugarPaw glared, ears twitching with agitation. "You're going to read this note out-loud to the class."

Brightspot looked rather ill for a moment."Em.. Auntie SugarPaw? Are you sure about that? It might not..."

For the third time since he started taking classes with SugarPaw, she thumped him with her paws hard enough to make his ears ring. "What did I tell you about back-talking me, Brightspot?" she said, tapping her left hind paw against the ground.

Brightspot sighed, and murmured, "You'll be sorry.." He opened the note-up and read: "Callie, I know you miss your family. I wish the bad buns hadn't taken you away from them and done what they did.. I know it feels like you'll never see them again.. I feel that way too with mine. But I promise you that I'll do my best to help you find them.. we just need to get things fixed up here at the warren..."

He never got the chance to finish the rest. The kits picked up on the letter and started whimpering.. which soon led to a roomful of unhappy, crying kits. Brightspot helped SugarPaw console the kits, as did Callie. SugarPaw didn't mind.. but motioned Callie back to her corner with a (ThanksFluff) once the kits were snoozing.

SugarPaw's only emotion to show was the slight movement of her eartips. "Now, you will join Callie in a time-out, but in the other corner."

School ended five minutes before their punishment ended. Orchid, who had become Callie's unofficial guardian, was waiting. SugarPaw detained Orchid and Brightspot but sent Callie on her way.

"Something has to be done about that kit," she said tiredly to Orchid. "I'm getting to old to handle disruptive kits like she has become. Nothing seems to work. She's very bright," (sighpoof) "I just wish I could find a way to get her to pay attention." She turned to Brightspot. "As for you, I'd expect the warren leader to set a better example for our kits." (STOMP!)

Brightspot sighed, shaking his head. "Look, SugarPaw. There's a lot going on here that you just don't know about. Let me tell you something. Have you seen the look in the other adult's eyes? That's because they are all going to bed hungry, SugarPaw. All the adults, except for the elders like yourself, are on half rations, to preserve enough food for the kits. I myself have two thirds of a single meal once a day.. so forgive me if I'm not the model student. I've got bigger concerns on my mind. For instance.. this warren is precisely six weeks away from starvation. Due to a construction accident at the new warren, our hydroponics supplies were wiped out, and will take three months to reseed and get them to the point where we can expect even a meager harvest. So it all boils down to this, SugarPaw. Unless I swallow my pride and beg aid from the Maine Fudds, we have to abandon the warren and scatter. And forgive me for taking a few moments to paw a note to a little doe who needed some comfort.. I was only trying to help." Brightspot then shuffled off down the hallway, head down in dejection.

Callie had waited for Orchid a little way down the warren hallway, and had heard every word Brightspot had said. Orchid remained silent for their journey back to his and her burrows. Callie knew she would be in for it when they got home, but now she was afraid.. afraid for the future of Volo Bog Warren, and the inhabitants.

It was less then a five minute hop from the classroom to Orchid's burrow. Callie had her own room next to Orchid's. Once inside, Orchid broke his silence.

(sighpoof) "I'm disappointed in you, Callie. Why do you have to make things so difficult for everybun else?"

(defensivefluff) "But it's so boring! Maybe in another week, SugarPaw will be teaching stuff I haven't already learned..."

"Already learned?"

(exactlypoof) "Most of what she's taught so far I learned as a girl before the bad buns converted me. It's like I was forced to stay back in 2nd-5th grades condensed into a few months!" (dismayfluff)

"We don't have the resources to set-up a special tutor for you..."

"I'm not asking for that, Orchid. I just want to be able to learn *new* stuff, not repetition of old stuff. And..." (scuffpawsighfluff) "I miss Mom and Dad real bad."

"I know, I know, we're doing the best we can..."

"Oh? I've been here now for about four months, and no bun or squirrel has lifted a paw to help me try and find my parents!" (STOMP!) Callie panted a moment and calmed-down a little, almost sobbing. "I'm sorry, Orchid, it's not your fault. It's just...well, the bad buns took me away in the fall, and here it is the following fall. Mom and Dad must be worried sick. I miss them so much."

Orchid comforted her, hugging her close. "It's alright, Callie. It's just that everybun is busy trying to repair the warren. That Fudd/Bun attack did a lot of damage around here."

"I know. That's why we got in trouble today. Brightspot was trying to pass me a note to reassure me that he'd help as soon as he could." She added quietly, "And I heard how bad things are..."

Orchid perked an ear at the last comment, but let it slide. "I know... (thenagainfluff) "We wouldn't know where to start looking, since you don't remember your human name."

"Then let me do the searching. I'm as close to grown-up as I can get without going through that Education thing everybun talks about without describing."

(perkears) Orchid tried to steer her clear about any topic dealing with the Education. "And how do you think you'll go about doing that?"

"I'll use the bunnet and Internet of course."

"But you don't have an account. And Brightspot has stated that nobun is to contact the outside world."

"Why?"

"Because then the bad buns can find our warren."

"They already know where we are. How else could they have attacked us in the first place? Besides, couldn't I use your account?"

Callie was showing a level of growth he hadn't noticed before and it both impressed and shocked Orchid. He was impressed as a guardian, but shocked at how quickly Callie had matured. "Let's say we did this. How would you go about finding your parents?"

(wellfluff) "First I'd hit the bunnet archives for converts from last fall. As I said, most of SugarPaw's class is boring, but she did mention the other day that whenever someone is converted, there is a record of it made in publicly accessible archives on the bunnet. I'll just download the list of names for all converts from last fall who were girls about 10 years of age before conversion.

"Then I'll go onto the Internet and look into missing children websites and once again, download the names of all missing girls from last fall who are about 10 years of age. Then if I match the two lists up, I can narrow-down my search, and," (hopefullyfluff) "recognize my name. From there it would be easy to find my parents." (enthusiasticfluff)

Orchid thought about this for a few moments in silence. It just might work and it was so simple. "I'll tell you what. I'll let you use my account to search for your parents in the evenings..."

Callie hugged Orchid, interrupting his statement. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" (bunnihugs)

"IF.." (thump)

Callie paused. "If?" (buttonnosetwitch)

"If you work harder in Auntie SugarPaw's class and stop causing disruptions. If it's something you've already had, offer to help the other kits to understand it better. Then you won't get so bored."

Callie (bunnihugged) Orchid again. "Agreed. And Orchid?"

"Yes?"

"When can I go through my Education? I've been a bunny for almost a year now, and according to SugarPaw, kits grow-up in about a year and then the others would have a little more to eat..."

"I'll have to talk to the others about that, Callie." Orchid seemed slightly concerned about this. He covered it up by hugging her one more time. "Go get yourself cleaned-up for dinner." After she ducked-out of the room, Orchid mumbled to himself, "wasn't she a scared little kit only yesterday?"

*****TIGHTBEAM SQUIRT*****
To: Lt McMalley, Army of Fudd Intelligence, NoCO
From: Agent Callie

I'm so sorry, I haven't been able to get anything out to you. The warren is under 'radio silence' since the attack by the combined rogue Fudd and bun forces in early summer.

I'll try to pass on what I can as I can through this account, which I convinced my guardian to allow me to use, despite the radio silence.

DO NOT SEND REPLIES OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO THIS ACCOUNT! (STOMP!)

Enclosures...

Callie
*****END TIGHTBEAM SQUIRT*****

McMalley read through the reports enclosed with the tightbeam and raised an eyebrow a few times. The first portion of the report was, devoted to an unknown (until now) conversion center in the Finger Lakes region of New York that Callie got to visit on her round-about trip to Volo Bog. McMalley nearly dropped the print-out as he read about Steekman. Not something to make public yet, for it would blow Callie's cover for sure, but this was something the brass must know about.

Then he got to the intelligence on Volo Bog itself. There was a slight break-down on the inhabitants. Then he read on about the actual structure of the warren:

Lt McMalley sat-back and thought through all this information. He then made a calculated risk, one he hoped wouldn't upset the top brass. He activated his computerlink.

*****BUNNYSTUMPER DELUXE™ ACTIVATED*****
*****TIGHTBEAM TO MAJOR BLAKE*****

Major, it is imperitive that if you receive any communcations from Volo Bog Warren, that you immediately contact me.

Elmer be with you
LT McMalley, Intelligence Division, NoCO
*****END TIGHTBEAM AND ENCRYPTION*****

The following day, Treerunner chased-down Orchid in a warren tunnel. "We need to talk." (importantflick)

Orchid signalled for Treerunner to follow him. He spoke to VoloBog's head of security without slowing his pace. "About what?"

"Why did you contact the outside world via Internet last night? You know the rules."

Orchid turned a corner and tapped on Brightspot's door. "I didn't do it, Treerunner. Give me a moment and I'll explain to both you and Brightspot at the same time." (betteryetfluff) "Get Pearl over to the council room, I might as well explain to everybun at once."

Treerunner nodded and scampered-off as Brightspot opened his door. He looked terrible.. dangerously gaunt with a haunted look about his eyes.. understandable since he was starving himself so that there would be enough food for the others. He looked at who was at his door and (sighfluff)ed.

"Here to scold me and my eating habits, Orchid?"

"Yes. I've had about enough of this Martyr syndrome of yours, Brightspot. You know what you need to do and you damn well better do it. But I've got something I need to discuss with you and the others ASAP. It concerns Callie."

Brightspot's ears perked-up slightly. "I'll be down to the council center in 10 minutes."

Once assembled, Orchid explained the deal he had made with Callie. Treerunner stared at Orchid as if seeing him for the first time.

"What in the name of Frith's left ear were you /THINKING/?? (FuriousChatterFlick) No.. scratch that. You /WEREN'T/ thinking! Orchid, how COULD you?"

Orchid sighed and drooped his ears. He'd expected this, but had still hoped to avoid it.

Treerunner continued his rant. "Do you realize that if that transmission had gone out even one minute later, it would have been routed through the emitter arrays at the new Warren? You IDIOT! You could have given the whole thing away!" Treerunner's tail flicked about so much it looked as if it were about to come flying off any moment.

Orchid sighed. "I'm sorry, Treerunner. But.. she was hurting so much. All she wanted was to find her parents."

Treerunner wasn't about to give up yet. "And all /I/ want to do is to keep this Warren, and /ALL/ it's occupants safe! (FLICKFLICK) DAMN it, Orchid, but you nearly made that impossible!"

Brightspot chose that moment to intervene. "Enough, Treerunner. There are four problems here. First, Orchid broke the rules. Second, he did so without consulting us. Third, he did so on a whim, which is patently dangerous. Fourth, some idiot ran the routing through the new Warren without consulting me. We can do nothing now about the first three, so out of necessity we needs must let it slide for now. Orchid, I am deeply, terribly disappointed in you. You know better than that, especially since you are on the Council. Perhaps you should consider retiring from the Council if you cannot keep to the tenets we set down."

Orchid flinched back as if slapped. Brightspot's words were true.. but it still hurt terribly to see just how badly he had fallen from grace over this. Brightspot saw Orchids reaction and nodded slightly. "I will think upon that and give you my decision later. But for now, I see I will have to go talk to Sparks and find out why he decided to run transmissions over to the new Warren. THAT is even more idiotic than what Orchid has done." Brightspot sighed and continued. "Is there anything else I need to know about, my friends?"

"One other thing, Brightspot," Orchid said.

"And this is in regards to...?"

"Callie overheard you yesterday, Brightspot. She wants to" (sighfluff) "go through her Education so that there will be a little more food for the other kits."

Brightspot nodded. "A bun after my own heart. Orchid, how is her weight? Can she safely handle going on half rations?"

Orchid felt an odd twinge when he answered. He /knew/ Callie could handle it... but...he found himself wanting to say she couldn't. Callie would fillet him for it, but...

"Orchid? Still with us?" Perl asked.

"Hm? Oh, sorry... Yes, yes she can handle going on half rations."

Brightspot nodded. "Very well. This coincides nicely with what I wish to accomplish. It is my intention, gentlefolk, to call the Maine Fudds on our special comm line and beg for bunnitarain aid. What I am about to tell you is considered Classified Pink Three. We are precisely one and a half weeks away from running out of supplies. The Quartermaster has informed me that his attempts to recover some of the partially contaminated food supplies has failed. We are in trouble.. serious trouble. I can only offer my apologies for waiting this long...and pray that I haven't waited too long. If there is nothing else, then, I shall swallow my pride and place that call. Be advised that should the request for aid be denied, I shall sign orders disbanding the Warren and orders to scatter to surrounding areas. We have a partial list of Warrens in the nearby vicinity that you may wish to consider. I advise against going to McHenry Warren for obvious reasons. Begin preparations for closing the Warren down, just in case."

Everybun was so stunned by the direness of the situation that nobun uttered a word. Brighspot nodded again. "Dismissed. Treerunner? If you could stay a moment, I'd appreciate it."

Treerunner and Brightspot sat in an uncomfortable silence until the others left.

Brightspot (BristlePoofed) snarled, then said, "I don't think you know how much this pisses me off that I feel compelled to order this, Treerunner. This is utterly not like Orchid. He /KNOWS/ better than that! I'm ordering you to put him under light surveillance. Keep an eye on him, see what he does. If nothing else is odd, then let it slide. Oh, and just as a precaution.. talk to Sparks and see if he can tap Orchid's outgoing mail. I want to see just what Callie is really searching for. The timing on the emitter switchover is just too damn close for my liking. Also.. have a good talk with Sparks about the nature of a secret compound. Broadcasting signals from a dark zone is an excellent way to attract attention. Dismissed."

After Treerunner had left, Brightspot struggled to stand. Truth be told, he was doing rather poorly himself, and was starting to get too weak to do his normal duties. He summoned what flagging reserves he had, and hopped over to the special transmitter, and turned it on.

"Best 'twere done quickly," Brightspot murmured as he settled himself in front of the camera pickup.

Major Blake was digging his way out from a pile of paperwork that seemed to multiply faster than he could get rid of it. It was a never ending battle.. and one that he always felt like he was losing. He was so intent on at least beating back this one implacable enemy, that he flinched when the buzzer sounded. He (STOMPED!) in irritation then realized he had never heard that buzzer before. Then he remembered, it was linked to the line of that warren, Volo Bog, that Sgt Pomerleau had dealt with while he was away on medical leave. The private channel was melodramatically nicknamed the "Hot-Line".

Blake depressed a switch, "Gene, I need you in here immediately." Eugene entered, and saluted. Blake indicated the "Hot-Line".

Sgt. Pomerleau nodded, adjusted his uniform, and sat in front of the video camera. He tapped a command on the console, and the incoming transmission was accepted and decrypted. What greeted his eyes was something that would haunt him for months to come.

"Sweet El'Mahr! Brightspot, what the hell happened???" Brightspot was onscreen, looking like a wraith. His fluff was dull and lifeless, and his eyes... his eyes were haunting..set in a gaunt muzzle, and quite obviously weak with hunger."

"Hello, Eugene. If you don't mind, I'd like to remain without titles right now..It's easier to beg from a friend. Gene, I'll come straight to the point. We're dying over here. Our supplies were contaminated during the Fudd attack, and we have precisely one and a half weeks of supplies remaining. If I had a hat, it would be in my paws. Help us, Gene.. please. Without you, we'll die or scatter."

Eugene hesitated a moment, glancing to the side of the camera where Blake stood out of range. Blake motioned for him to continue talking as he tapped-away on a text-line to LT McMalley at NoCO.

"Attack? What attack?"

As sickly as he was Brightspot bristled visibly. (STOMP!) "You know what attack. It occurred just after my arrival back here at Volo Bog..." Brightspot gave a brief overview of what happened.

Eugene looked distressed. "Brightspot, I, personally, know Captain Stickney, but I'm just a peon in this army. He isn't about to tell me everything that has happened at Volo Bog since he started his investigation. I haven't even spoken to him since he was assigned to do the investigation. Honestly, Brightspot, I knew nothing about this attack." Brightspot seemed to bristle further. Eugene concluded, "How could I know? I don't suppose everybun at your warren currently knows you're making this call do they?"

Brightspot thought about the analogy for a moment. "You're right.."

Eugene steered things back on course. "I've got one problem at the moment, Brightspot. Let me lay it out before you before you react. Put yourself in my situation. I can't just say to you, 'We'll have a food shipment sent-out right away.' As I said, I'm just a peon. I'm not even in charge of this base. I have to first submit this to my immediate superior, who in turn must contact NoCO." (sigh) "And you know how slow they can be..."

"You'd let us starve..." (bristle)

Eugene sighed again. "As I said, this isn't that simple. We can't just hand-over aid. Very few Fudds believe there is such a thing as a truly neutral warren. If they caught word of this it would create turmoil within the group. The infighting would create a heyday for the enemy. At the same time if the enemy caught word, it would be a heyday for them in banter. So if we are to pull this off, we have to do it on tiptoes."

He glanced at Blake again who just shut-down the link to NoCO. Blake nodded once.

"But as I said, I can't help you by myself. I have to ask my superior. Fortunately, he happens to be listening in next to me.... Mentat Brightspot, Major Steve Blake, commander, Maine Fudds..."

Eugene got-up out of the seat and the camera angle changed for a moment. Brightspot stared at a rather large brown buck in a mini-AoF uniform. The buck stared back as if trying to judge him through the connection.

"We've never met, but I've heard a lot about your stay here, Mentat.."

"Brightspot, please."

"Brightspot, then. I've been told a little about the situation at Volo Bog thanks to what NoCO has forwarded to me on Stickney's reports. I've also been in contact with NoCO while you and Sgt Pomerleau were talking. They have told me to provide you with some food and medical aid. They've agreed so quickly partially because you didn't retaliate for that attack. Stickney has apparently been very thorough with his reports. Unfortunately, it may take as long as a week for us to get those supplies to you.

"In the meantime, I will contact the Captain and see what he can pick-up at the local supermarket for you to hopefully tie things over..." during the entire conversation, Blake showed no bunny emotions, no eartwitching, nor any fluffing.

Brightspot relaxed as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. "Thank you, Major. I do have one more favor to ask, to ask of Eugene that is."

Eugene leaned into view of the camera. "And that is?"

"We have a kit by the name of Callie who's ready to go through her Education..." Brightspot gave a brief overview of Callie's history.

"I'm sorry, Brightspot, I can't do it."

"Why?"

Blake answered for Eugene, "Because I need Pomerleau right here," (STOMP!) "That's why. However, I'll forward your request to Captain Stickney. He is in your neighborhood, after all."

"Then that will have to suffice."

"One last thing, Brightspot," Eugene quipped-in. "Eat. You aren't doing your warren any good by committing a slow suicide."

Brightspot paused a moment. "Very well. Thank you for your help." Brightspot cut the communication.

Orchid was pleased to learn from SugarPaw that afternoon that Callie behaved like a model student. She had even helped some of the others to learn the multiplication table. It helped ease the pain he felt for what had happened at the council meeting. When they got home, Orchid praised her on this and then asked how things were coming along on her search.

(excitedpoof) "I scanned through three of several sites last night." (amazedfluff) "I didn't realize how many humans were turned into bunnies last year." (scuffpawdroopeyes) "I hope most of them didn't go through what I went through. So far from those sites, I've found over 20 names of people who matched my search criteria. I hope to hit the rest of those sites tonight, and then start looking through the missing children sites tomorrow."

"Sounds like your one busy bunny, Callie. Brightspot has also decided to contact the Maine Fudds for help..."

Callie raised one eartip which Orchid didn't notice. But his voice trailed-off for a moment. Callie sensed something wasn't right. (concernedfluff) "What's wrong, Orchid?" Orchid kept quiet. Callie nuzzled and (bunnihugged) him. "I know there's something wrong, Orchid, I can read it in your bodylanguage."

Orchid (sighfluffed). "I told the council about the deal you and I made yesterday. They were upset...."

"What? Didn't you explain to..."

"Yes, yes, I explained everything to them."

"So, they don't want me to find my parents?" Callie didn't know if she should show signs of distress or anger. "They don't want me to ever leave the warren, is that it? Maybe they aren't any better then the bad buns!" (STOMP!)

"It's not like that at all, Callie. They're concerned for the safety of the warren."

"But the bad buns already know where we are..."

"But nobun outside the warren knows we're going to relocate. And due to some programming error your search went through the new warren's computers last night."

(droopears) "How bad..."

(sighpoof) Orchid pulled-away from Callie. "Bad enough that Brightspot suggested I should..." (dejectedpoof) "resign from the council."

"No!" (STOMP!) "It's not fair. This is all my fault. Let me go talk to Brightspot." She hopped towards the door. Orchid stopped her.

"No, don't. He's not feeling good at the moment and is under a lot of stress. Once we're through this crisis, hopefully, he'll forgive me."

"Then I guess, I have to hold-off on my search..."

"The council never said you had to stop looking. But you have to be more careful. You'll have be on the net for shorter periods of time."

"But I don't want you to get in trouble because of me again." (concernedpoof)

"I can't get into much more trouble, Callie." (besidesfluff) "Finding your parents is as important to me as it is to you...." Orchid trailed-off a moment before continuing. "...I also talked to the others about your Education. If the Fudds help-us, you can put it off, you know."

(confusedpoof) "Why would I want to do that?"

Orchid was at a loss for words for a moment. "Because, I'm concerned as your guardian. I'm afraid..."

Callie snuggled up next to Orchid. "What's to be afraid about other then the fact nobun will talk about this Education thingy? You went through it, right?" Orchid nodded. "So didn't Brightspot along with everybunny else, right?" Again Orchid nodded. "And you're all still alright, so what do I have to worry about?"

She (bunnihugged) him and he returned the embrace. A single tear fell down his cheek. *I worry that you might not be able to resist the urge for a toe or two,* Orchid thought to himself, recalling what had happened during the Fudd attack and the consequences the one time a bun in The Education paid for biting-off a toe. Whether or not he wanted to admit it, Orchid had grown rather fond of Callie and didn't want to loose her over that one rule of The Education.

Brightspot stared at the plate of food that Orchid brought in, the odor of the steamed vegetables rather unsettling to his starved stomach. He eyed the plate, then Orchid... "I've got to eat /all/ of that?"

Orchid (GrinFluffed). "Better believe it, Mentat. And don't let the sauce put you off.. it smells terrible, but tastes pretty darned good. It's a derivative of what we give newborn kits as a supplement. And take it slowly.. I don't want to have to treat you for a nasty case of indigestion. Why the Frith I let you go so long eating so poorly... (SighFluff) I can't change that.. but I WILL make sure you eat now.

Brightspot twitched an ear in petulance, but Orchid merely crossed his paws and tap-tapped his hind paw on the floor. Shaking his head and chuckling, Brightspot picked up his fork and stabbed at a lettuce-leaf. He munched on it, chewing slowly.. trying to savor the taste. Orchid was right.. the sauce wasn't half bad.. pretty good, as a matter of fact. He dug into the salad with a little more gusto, which suited Orchid just fine.

Orchid (ChuckleRuffled) and hopped out, satisfied that Brightspot would eat the whole thing.. especially since he laced the sauce with a drug that was well known to do nothing but stimulate the appetite.

Brightspot was stuffing a cucumber slice into his muzzle when Treerunner came in, leather backpack stuffed with printouts. "MMph... jhst a mnnt.." Brightspot chewed quickly, and swallowed, much to the amusement of Treerunner, who's tail did many an (AmusedFlick). "MM..Okay, what'cha got for me, Treerunner?"

Treerunner opened his briefcase and set out a stack of printouts. "Well, Brightspot, first off I want to assure you that our security woes are over. Sparks was more than a little chagrined at his error..turns out he was using the relay towers at the new warren for a test. He was redirecting our signals from here, through the new warren as a trial run for his new programming effort. In the near future, all of our outgoing Internet and Bunnet transmissions will be routed through several dead-falls, and out from at least a half-dozen ISP's. Sparks is a computer geek... he was out getting a doubleshot Mocha-Carrot latte while Callie was on the net."

Brightspot made a face, and slid his salad plate back a bit. Sauce or no sauce, the mere thought of a Mocha-Carrot latte was repulsive enough to kill his appetite stone-cold dead.

Treerunner (GrinFlicked) and continued.. "On the whole, Callie did rather well to keep her time on the net short. She was in and out of the public access FBI archives after doing a search on missing children. She knew what she was after, and went right for it.. even cross-indexing the FBI archives with the conversion logs. If I'm not mistaken, she's pulled a list of maybe 20 or so names that could be appropriate. Her one and only slip was to post a bit of banter on the newsgroup, but even I'm not concerned about that as we scrambled the outgoing addresses, so there's virtually no chance of it being backtracked."

Brightspot (ReliefFluffled), (GrinFluffed), and nodded. "Then in your estimation, is Callie and Orchid a security problem?"

Treerunner (NegativeFlicked). "Nope.. not in the slightest. Actually, if you didn't mind, if/when she passes her Education, I'd like to offer her a posting with the Security details. She seems to do this kind of thing instinctively.. it'd be a treat to have someone like her on staff. And she easily could become my replacement someday.. train her in Security, and she'll be even more impressive than she already is."

Brightspot (SmileFluffed) and nodded, truly relieved. "Well then. Lift the observation on Orchid."

Treerunner nodded, (GiggleFlicked) and eyed the salad. "Missing the cashews... no good without cashews!" He scampered out, as Brightspot laughed, the sound gratifying to the squirrel. He'd been under the impression that Brightspot was just too damn serious ever since his mate died, and needed to laugh and to get out more. Halfway down the hall, Treerunner paused.. and (GIGGLEFLICKED) madly. And wasn't it true that there was this available doe on Security Team four? Treerunner went to Perl's office to plot strategy...

Captain George Stickney arrived at VoloBog after receiving word of the request from the Maine Fudds. He met Brightspot in the same room they had first met in the aftermath of the attack on the warren. Brightspot explained 'The Education' to him and showed him the video of the first one. In the meantime others unloaded the food and medical supplies from his jeep.

"Major Blake briefed me somewhat on this, Brightspot."

"You can back-out if you like, we could ask someone else. I wish Eugene could have come-out here, since he already knows what to expect. Callie is special to us..."

"Callie?"

"Yes, she's the bun going through The Education. She arrived here just before the battle and was credited with saving several buns, mostly does and kits. She's the one the others sometimes refer to as The Angel of Frith. She defeated 9 Fudds and several attacking buns on her own..."

Brightspot continued to give a history of Callie's background and what she had done in the warren since then. All along, Stickney had a slightly uneasy feeling in his stomach as his mind started to race. It was just then that Stickney realized Brightspot had asked him a question.

"I'm sorry, I must have been distracted."

Brightspot sighed in stretched patience. "I said, do you still want to take the risk, knowing what she can do? These other buns trained her well and I'm concerned how she might react to her Education."

"Couldn't you tell her a little about it?"

Brightspot shook his head, sighing. "I'm afraid that's against the rules set-out by our founders."

Stickeny remained silent for a moment weighing the risks. "I'll do it. I was trained in hand-to-paw by Major Blake. How soon do you want to put her through it?"

"Tomorrow morning if possible."

"Agreed." Stickney got-up and shook hand/paw with Brightspot. An escort of squirrel guards led him out of the warren.

The following morning Orchid led Callie to a large room. Almost all the adult buns and squirrels of the warren were present in the room. Callie was overwhelmed.

Pearl addressed the crowd. "Today is a special day. Callie has decided to go through her 'Education' today. Right now she is a kit. But after her 'Education' she'll be an adult." Those in the crowd wished her good luck and Frith to watch over her.

Orchid led her to a door on the farside of the room. The room beyond was dark. "You're Education awaits you in there, Callie." (concernedfluffle) "I can't go with you." He hugged her and whispered, "Goodluck."

Callie cautiously hopped through the door that shut and locked behind her. The lights snapped on. Standing over her was a Fudd with axe ready. Callie looked-up and gasped.

George Stickney lost his composure for a moment. He knew this doe. But if she was Callie, that meant she was on a spy mission...his mind started racing overtime.

Callie nearly paniced. "Unca Stinky?" she whispered before realizing she may have blown her cover. To cover-up her fear and mistake she (STOMP!)ed a hind foot.

"I told you bad Fudds not to come back!" She unsheathed her claws (SNICK!).

"You don't understand Jul..Callie. This is your Education. Brightspot asked me to come here to put you through it." Stickney quickly kicked-off his boots baring his toes. He waved one foot under her nose and quickly ran to the otherside of the room and took-up a ready stance.

Callie's eyes glazed over. The scent of clean, fresh human toes was overpowering. She forgot all her training, including how to resist the temptation. All she wanted was one little yummy toe. She bunched-up and leaped.

WACK! Stickney slammed her against the floor using the flat of his axe. Callie sat there a moment shaking her head trying to eliminate the dizzy spell. Her claws sheathed and unsheathed several times. She looked-up at Stickney who had backed-off again, taking-up another ready stance.

Callie's eyes glazed-over red with anger. She forgot who she was. All she saw was a Fudd who had invaded the warren she vowed to protect. She bunched-up and leaped at him again.

Stickney deflected the attack, barely. She was no longer going for his toes, but his throat.

"Callie, get ahold of yourself!" He knocked her aside again, she got up and came at him anew. Again, and again, he defended himself, using the flat of the blade. "BRIGHTSPOT!!!!" he yelled between leaps.

Outside, the others held-back both Brightspot and Orchid. They pleaded to be allowed to stop the Education. There were tears in Pearl's eyes as she said, "You know the rules. We can't interfere until it's over."

Five minutes went by. Callie had several minor cuts. Stickney had gone from using the flat of the axe to using its deadly blade, and still he couldn't slow-down Callie. He had a jagged cut on his left shoulder that burned like crazy, and still Callie didn't let-up. On her next leap, she caught the axe handle in her teeth and pulled it along with her momentum. The effect caused Stickney's left arm to twist around, wrenching it in its socket. Stickney cried-out in pain.

Callie rebounded, and knocked Stickney off his feet. The two of them tumbled to the floor, Callie on top, knocking the breath out of Stickney. His right leg snapped below the knee cap. She leaped for his left foot. Outside Orchid and Brightspot threw-off the restraining paws and rushed the door.

Stickney tried to fight-off the pain and unconsciousness. He raised his head slightly trying to eye Callie. "Julie," he whispered, "don't..." he fell unconscious.

Callie bared her fangs and brought her mouth down around Stickney's largest toe. She stopped herself as she had begun to pierce the skin as Stickney's words sank in. She pulled the toe still attached to the foot out of her mouth as the other buns rushed into the room. She curled-up into a tiny ball and began weeping.

Callie lost track of time. She heard Orchid calling a medical team in. At some point another bun tapped her on the shoulder, who she embraced and into who's dewlap she cried into. She would only later realize it was Pearl.

Brightspot looked at the carnage and decided right then and there that as long as he was Mentat of this warren, that The Education would not be conducted again ever. He would spell that out in no uncertain terms to the others once this new crisis was over. They would have to find some other way to train future generations. He partially wanted to blame himself for what happened, but knew that now was not the time for self-pity. As soon as Orchid could let him know the extent of Stickney's injuries, Brightspot had to contact the Fudds. He prayed to Frith that this incident wouldn't jeopardize the aid they so desperately needed.

Brightspot hopped into the Council Chamber where all department heads were assembled. Treerunner. Perl. Sparks. Orchid. Himself. And the guards.. couldn't forget the guards. Everyone was armed. To the teeth. The lights were down low, and looming shadows draped the Chamber like dark velvet cloth.

It was fitting, the grim and bleak display. Once before, this had been done..once before the verdict was Death. And all present were afraid that it would mean Death again, for she who was known as the Angel of Frith. For she had come so agonizingly close to failing her Education as to sink her teeth into Captain Stickney's toes..

Brightspot's chair on the Council was empty.. for he had other plans. He hopped to the podium that was set before the Council and spoke clearly, with great purpose, into the microphone. "I speak to the Council on the behalf of Callie. I will be her representative this day."

Perl leaned forward and spoke words that conflicted deeply with what she felt. "You are a Council Member, and the Mentat of this Warren. Your place is with us." Perl's eyes were dewy, for she knew that Brightspot wanted to defend Callie as much as she did. But Callie's only hope was to make absolutely sure that this went off by the numbers, and according to the rules. She wanted Callie completely exonerated, but she still had to do her job.

Brightspot nodded, and replied, "That is as may be. But does it not state that a bun is entitled to the best defense possible? I tell you, I am the best defense Callie has as of this moment."

Perl nodded, and Orchid let out an audible sigh of relief. Perl looked at Brightspot and said, "You must yield Mentat authority to the council for the duration of these proceedings if you are to defend Callie."

"I hereby do so."

A bun came in and stood at the Prosecutor's bench, looking really unhappy. He slammed his briefcase on the bench and flopped back into the seat that had been provided.

Perl turned her head to that bun and with a sympathetic look in her eyes, she said, "You will comport yourself with dignity and honor here, sir."

The bun looked back at Perl and (PlaintiveFluffled) "I do not want to be here. These proceedings are a travesty, and I tell you this. Should I succeed in having Callie found guilty, I and my mate will exercise our rights to leave the Warren. Callie saved my mate and my kits that day in the Nursery. And I don't mind mentioning that I resent the fact that I've been forced to work against her."

"I understand. But the Law must be absolute, else it fails to bind us together."

"Then FUDD the Law! What good is it to be bound together, if we suffocate??"

Brightspot gestured to the bun.. and nodded his agreement. He turned to address Perl. "And I agree that these proceedings are a travesty. For the Law states that the toe must be bitten off. Callie bit INTO the toe, but restrained enough to leave it attached. By the letter of the Law, Callie passed."

"Yep! She passed. Time to go home.." the prosecutor bun said as he reached for his briefcase again.

Perl merely skewered him to the chair with a glare.

The bun sighed. "The letter of the Law is that she bites the toe. She bit the toe. If she hadn't bit the toe, then we wouldn't have had to send off for a dose of anti-bunnies."

Brightspot nodded.. he'd planned for this. "There is also the precedent of the toe being consumed, and Death being the result. Sinking fangs into the toe does not constitute it being removed, and therefore is not covered by the said same precedent. It is a new one, one that demands a new action."

"That's awfully hard on the Fudds, don't you think? If they lose a toe, the bun dies. If they merely get nibbled on, the bun has something else happen."

Brightspot (GrinFluffed). "I agree, and I will address that after these proceedings are complete. But for now, I submit a document from Captain George Stickney, whom now is in our infirmary resting comfortably." He submitted the memo to the Council and to the prosecutor.

In short, the memo was detailing how Callie, as she was held in very high regards within the warren, would be sent to Maine to be trained by Major Steven Blake, Devilbunny. He had somehow maintained his humanity, and it was this that Callie was in danger of losing. The Major had also worked out some toe-aversion techniques that he felt would translate over quite well... and would be an excellent addition to the Education.

Orchid, however, damn near flew off the bench and leapt at Brightspot. Anger flared brightly in his eyes, and a blind fury seemed to consume his very being. Quite startling, to see primal Devilbunny behavior in such an otherwise placid and peaceful bun...

Brightspot sighed deeply to himself, as what he feared to be true, was true. But he'd deal with that part later. "Orchid, in your reports you have stated that the worst of the casualties from our battles have either passed on (may Frith bless their souls), or have recovered enough to be out of danger. They also have stated that from here on out, your aides can take over. This is good, as I want you to escort Callie to Maine. But we WILL talk before you go. (BrutalStare)"

The prosecutor was quiet as a church-mouse, evidently more than content to remain silent. PERL, on the other paw, seemed too wrapped up in legal-ese.

"I remind the Council of the Defense that he is presuming that Callie will be found innocent," Perl stated.

Brightspot (KnowingFluffed). "Oh, I think that she'll be found innocent all right.."

"Care to tell the Council why?"

"Because if the Council finds her guilty, Perl, YOU will be the one to kill Callie. And, since you appear so hide-bound to the rules, I dug up the worst possible punishment on our books.. De-fluffing. Perl, YOU will be ordered to skin Callie alive."

The Council sat in stunned silence for ten minutes. Then, collectively they all screeched "WHAT?!?!?!?"

Brightspot (NodFluffed). "Sentencing is left to the discretion of the Mentat, and is decided outside of these legal proceedings. I am the Mentat for this Warren, and that is my sentence. If Callie has done something that is so dreadfully appalling as to warrant death, especially in light of saving so many lives during the attack, then obviously it demands the worst sentence available." Brightspot mentally crossed fingers he no longer possessed.. hopefully Perl, Treerunner, and Orchid would see what he was really saying.. that the mere IDEA of executing Callie was so preposterous.. but just in case, he'd thrown in naming Perl as the executioner. She couldn't do that, so she'd be forced to...

Brightspot sighed in relief when he saw that everybun and every squirrel were smiling at him. They'd caught it.. in fact, they seemed to be HOPING he'd do something similar.

"Then Callie is found innocent, and these proceedings are closed?"

The vote was never taken, as the room was swamped with cheering.

Brightspot nodded, then girded himself for another possible battle. "Okay.. since we are all here, we can address my next item of business. Under all the requisite statutes, blah-blah-BLAH-blah-blah, I am hereby abolishing the practice of the Education from this point on. Personally, I doubt those rules were ever really necessary.. even when our Warren was just established. I cannot undo the tragedy of the one bun so many years ago.. but I CAN prevent another loss. Next time, whomever was being tested would have the toe off and then where would we be? No.. instead we will replace the Education with whatever training Callie can bring back with her, and pray that that is enough. There is no argument. There is no discussion. There is only Law, now."

The Council grinned even wider. Seems they'd been anticipating this as well.

"Very well, then. My business is complete, and I will speak to Orchid alone, and in my quarters."

Brightspot accepted gratefully the salad with more of the sauce from Orchid. He gestured to him, and munched as he stared at Orchid closely.. watching him intently.

Orchid had no idea what was going on.. he'd thought Brightspot would have come 'round after all was said and done. Perhaps he was still angry with him for Callie's security breach..

Brightspot sighed, and rested his chin on the table, so suddenly, looking so brutally dejected, that Orchid leapt from his chair and bolted to his side.

"I'm so tired, Orchid.. so very, very tired.." Brightspot whispered, closing his eyes tightly as he was (BunniHugged) closely.

"Get some rest, Brightspot.. you need it.." Orchid said tremulously. Emotion weighed heavily on them both, and the medbun was becoming seriously concerned for Brightspot's well-being.

Brightspot sighed, and sat up a little straighter. When Orchid let him go again, the Mentat looked at him, eyes half lidded and downcast. "Wrong kind of tired, Orchid. Wrong kind of tired. But that's besides the point. I would speak to you of Callie. It's obvious to me that that you love her. I want you to accompany her to Maine, because I know that you'd be a wreck worrying about her should she leave your sight."

Orchid (BlushFluffed) and nodded.. "I thank you, Brightspot.. I do love her. I love her a lot, and.."

Brightspot interrupted by raising a paw, and closing his eyes, this time unable to hold back a tear. "Orchid, I tell you this as another bun.. not your friend.. not the Mentat.. just one bun to another. I was coming to love Callie too, and should you ever hurt her, I'll hang you with your own intestines."

Orchid noddled. "And were our positions reversed, I'd do the same to you. I can't fault you for how you feel. Callie is wonderful..she's.."

Orchid couldn't go on. Brightspot had laid his head back on the table.. both eyes shut.. and tears in both. Orchid reached a paw out to set it on Brightspot's shoulder, but hesitated.. and withdrew it, electing instead to leave quietly.

Treerunner (GiggleFlicked) as he bounded off to the room Orchid and Callie shared. Brightspot had seemed perfectly amenable to him offering Callie a spot on a security team, and he wanted to offer said before somebun/squirrel from another department tried to snag her.

Callie was just coming around the corner when Treerunner skittered up.. "Hi, Treerunner... I heard the good news.. well, SORTA good news. I'm not going to be punished, at least not badly." (sighpoof) "I lost control. If you had only known what the bad buns had put me through..." she trailed-off for a moment. "Now, I've got to go visit that.. bun.." (shiverfluff) "in Maine."

Treerunner (AffirmativeFlicked) "True, Callie.. but trust me. It's a LOT better than the alternative! But I wanted to see what your plans were once you came back from Maine.. What you might want to do in the warren."

"I.. haven't given it much thought..." (obviousfluff) "I'd have to teach what I learn in Maine..." Callie trailed-off in thought. *If Dad even LETS me come back, after nearly scarfing a toe from 'Unca Stinky'.*

Treerunner caught the hesitation, and misinterpreted it. His tail drooped, and he looked so forlorn.. "So.. someone else has already offered you a position?"

Callie (SurprisedFluffed) "Position? No.. I really haven't thought about it."

Treerunner perked right back up. "GREAT!! (FLICK-FLICK) I'd like to offer you a post on my Security team.. the one I supervise directly. I was monitoring your search on the Internet after that little fiasco with the signal routing.. and was really impressed by how you comported yourself. I think you'd make a fine addition to our security team.. and I'm not going to be around forever, y'know.. I think you'd make an excellent replacement as Security Chief once I retire. I'd like to start training you for that, if I could..."

(ShockedPoofle) Callie hesitated a moment. She KNEW beyond all shadows of doubt that this would be a dream come true for the Fudds.. a highly-placed infiltrator in a Warren. But it would also be more risky, and the punishment if caught would be more creative rather then a quick death.

(drooptail)

"I'm sorry, Treerunner. I had to think for a moment. I wasn't expecting this," Callie replied honestly. "Thinking about it now, it's not what I'd really want to do first. I lack the self-control needed for the position."

(DisbeliefFlick) "What?!"

"If I had proper control of myself, I might have been able to incapacitate rather then kill all those Fudds during the attack."

"You did what needed to be done."

"And what of Captain Stickney? He didn't attack this warren, he came to help us to administer my Education. Yet, I still lashed-out and nearly killed him before I could control myself. What will happen next time a Fudd who's been invited here shows-up...one I'm not warned about? Or a sympathizer? We got lucky that Captain Stickney forgave me, but what happens next time? By joining security I'd be more of a security risk to the warren then anyplace else I could serve in the warren."

"You're being too hard on yourself, Callie, you'll do fine." (BesidesFlick) "If this Major Blake's techniques are as effective as Captain Stickney claims, you won't have to worry about loosing control again."

*If that's the case, how come it hasn't worked yet?* she thought to herself while contemplating Treerunner's offer. "Then I'll give it a try," She (gringluffed), "but only because you asked me, Treerunner." *Maybe Dad won't be so angry with this little bonus..maybe..*

Treerunner (HappyFlicked) and smiled at Callie. "GREAT!! Then here are your rank pips... wear them with pride.. Private Callie! I'll expect you to report for duty to me when you get back. But I want you to wear them now.. and keep wearing them even when in Maine. They might provide some modicum of protection at the Fudd base..they'll not want to cause harm to a bun in our Security Divisions...they'd not want the trouble that'd cause."

Treerunner then scampered off, leaving Callie to her thoughts.

"Wait!" But Treerunner was already out of hearing range. "Where am I suppose to wear these?" Callie completed and moved towards the burrow she shared with Orchid. *It's not like I wear clothes.*

[Written mostly by Smudge TippyTails]

[A few days before Callie's Education]

"<queryfluff>"

"Huh?" came a mumble.

"Hello...are you awake?"

It was a soothing female voice. Calm, gentle, and with a mark of maternal instinct. It sounded just fine to his ears, which he wiggled experimentally. "Um...yes. I think so."

"<giggle>: Good to hear that, Smudge." A soft paw felt his forehead and then his neck. "You do feel better. How do you feel?"

Smudge. Yeah, that was his name. He did not remember for a moment. Smudge. Smudge TippyTails. "[wince] Um...I feel...feel. Not sure." He decided to open his eyes, feeling a bit foolish talking with his eyes closed. The sudden light to his eyes hurt, causing the back of his head to throb. "[double wince] Um...hurt. That hurt."

"<comfortfluff> Well, at least you are finally awake. I'll go get the doctor."

The next few days passed without much to do. Smudge had finally awaken and had been allowed to watch the Disney Channel, even though the signal was not very strong, nor was he very interested in it. For the time being, all he kept himself busy with was remembering.

He could remember waking up once before, and kind of even remembered how he got here in the first place. He surely remembered Callie, and the journey to help her, but after they left with Steekman to...to... here.

"[irritated fluff]" Oh, burrs in the fluff! Why can I not remember?!?" He saw a buck pass by his door and he called out to him, "Hey, you!"

"<surprised wiggle> Yes?" answered the bun.

"Where am I?"

"<grin poof> Volo Bog....or what's left of it."

Smudge nodded and laid back to think as the other buck hopped away to go about his business elsewhere. Volo Bog, yes, yes...now he remembered the name, but not *why* he was here in this bed with a bandage around his head. He was not sure *how* he was injured, only that he saw images of Callie and blood when he tried to remember.

His thoughts were disrupted by a commotion as a large gurney and several buns rushed in. Was that a human on the gurney? <querypoof> From his bed he couldn't see where they had taken the human to. And he couldn't flag anybun down to answer his questions. A few hours passed and he finally flagged-down a rather exhausted looking nurse. But her answers only confused him more. They were helping an injured Fudd? He must have misheard the nurse. Before he could ask further questions, he felt a needle in his arm and the welcome relief of sleep.

Smudge's nose wiggled of its own accord as he slowly came awake. Was that the scent of toes he smelled? And somebun was holding his paw. He opened his eyes and turned to whoever was holding his paw.

"Callie?"

She (noddled). "Nurse, get Orchid, Smudge is awake again." A passing nurse nodded and hopped off. Callie turned back to Smudge. "Yes, it's me. You've had everybun worried."

"Then you're safe..."

"Yes, we're all safe. You saved my life and was nearly killed in the process..."

"Don't be so modest," a nurse cut-in. "You in turn saved us all..."

"What?" Smudge couldn't believe his ears.

(sighpoof) "It's a long story."

"And you might as well tell him," the nurse cut-in again. "Orchid is a little busy with the other patient at the moment."

"Other patient?"

"Captain Stickney of the Army of Fudd."

<panicfluff> "What? A live Fudd here?!" Smudge tried to get-up and Callie put a restraining paw on him.

"No, you don't understand, Smudge. He's not one of the ones who attacked. It would be best if I start from the beginning..." Callie spent the next hour telling Smudge of her adventures at Volo Bog since their arrival. "....so by agreement, I meet with this Fuddbun and learn from him, in return, nothing bad happens to the warren because of this incident with Captain Stickney."

Smudge couldn't believe his ears. The Fudds had tried to make amends to the attack by providing medicine and food. What was the catch? It all had to be a trick.

"Don't go," <concernedpoof> "the Fudds can't be trusted."

"No more so then bad buns. I know. I'm an adult now, Smudge. I think I've proven I can take care of myself."

That brought visions to Smudge's mind. He had a hard time picturing one kit taking-on 9 Fudds and 7 milbuns single-pawed, killing all but two of the buns. Before he could say more, Orchid came into view.

"I see you two have been catching-up on warren news. I've got good and bad news for you, Smudge. You're going home as soon as we find-out where that is, but you'll spend several more weeks there recovering."

Smudge perked-up a bit. "Mentat Thunderpaw will be happy to hear that."

"Who?"

"The mentat I work under at..." he looked about and motioned Orchid to move closer as he whispered, "Blue Bush Warren in Michigan."

(curiousfluff) "Why the secrecy?"

"You have a Fudd recovering somewhere in here. I don't care what he may have done for you or this warren in the past, he's still a Fudd. I don't trust Fudds and you are taking a big risk in trusting one. I'm not about to reveal the location of my warren where one of *them* may hear it. Just send a message to Mentat Thunderpaw, and he should be able to give you directions on how to get me home from here."

"Alright, you'll be leaving in two days, hopefully, depending on what kind of arrangements we can arrange."

Smudge left it at that as a nurse came in with a huge salad and a bottle of Snapple for him. Both Orchid and Callie excused themselves to let him eat his meal.

It took a week to arrange with Blue Bush Warren to send Smudge home. Most of that time was spent convincing the council to allow Orchid to communicate with Blue Bush Warren. The Council only agreed-upon the communication when Callie offered to assist with her abilities on the net and Sparks' close supervision. Blue Bush arranged the transfer to take place in two days, with a small party from Volo Bog present to meet a medical team from Blue Bush at a nearby bunmover terminal, but not the one at McHenry Warren. That team would then escort Smudge home.

By this time, Smudge was able to hop for short times on his own before getting dizzy, and he often pushed himself as if trying to prove that he would be alright, most noticeably in front of Callie. So, he was standing on his own when the medical team arrived at the terminal. With him was Orchid, Callie, Brightspot, a nursebun, and a couple of guard buns. Treerunner wanted to be present, but Brightspot thought it would be best if there were no squirrels in the party, considering how discriminatory some buns were.

A bunmover pulled-up silently, the doors parted and 6 buns hopped-out. One of them bearing a collar bearing three blue berries against a green background hopped in front of the others towards Smudge.

"Smudge! It's good to see you again. We'll have you home and healed in no time."

"Same here, Surepaw!" smiled Smudge. "I was a bit worried they would send ThistleTail down..."

Surepaw and tilted his head as he said, "Why?"

Smudge whispered lightly, almost in a conspiratorial tone, "Because, I got the grant money and that old bristle fur has not said a decent word to me since."

Surepaw nodded with a and then turned to the rest of the Volo Bog crew. "I am Dr. Surepaw and these are my assistants..." he introduced each in turn as the Volo Bog crew did likewise. "On behalf of Blue Bush Warren, I want to thank you for taking good care of Smudge. If I could talk to you...Orchid is it?" (queryfluff) The two medbuns hopped-aside to discuss Smudge's condition.

(sniffle) "I guess this is goodbye, Smudge.." Callie leaped at Smudge and embraced him in a (bunnyhug) "Thanks for helping me find a home." she whispered in his ear.

Smudge was moved to tears himself, but somehow kept it out of his voice as he whispered back, "You take care, Callie. I wish I could convince you not to see those Fudds. "

(bravefluff) "I'll be alright, as you will be soon," she replied as she pulled away from him, Smudge reluctant to let the kit go, though she was hardly a kit now.

By this time Orchid and Surepaw completed their discussion. Surepaw's crew boarded the mover with Surepaw and Smudge being the last on. As quietly as the mover pulled-in, it slipped-out of the terminal and into the dark tunnel destined for Blue Bush Warren.