Summer Vacation and Surprises

First posted to alt.devilbunnies 24-31 July, 1998 in collaboration with MJ Howard.

© 1998 by Scott Bernier and MJ Howard for Jerry Bunny and Fuzzy Bunny.
(STOMP) Copyright violators will be SPAMMED!!!!
First HTML-ized by Scott Bernier 3 August, 1998.

Return to Scott's Stories page.

Summer Vacation and Surprises 1

Jerry, dripping wet, hobble-hopped as fast as his three paws could carry him back up the hill, behind Mariel. At the top, they took a running leap together over the 20 foot cliff and plunged into the deep, cold pond below. The last few days had been very hot and they were enjoying the first day of summer vacation. They had been swimming for a couple of hours when Mariel's father pulled over by the pond. The two of them charged-up to the car with cries of "Daddy!". Her father, Robert, had a rather downcast look on his face when he got out of the car, but perked-up quickly upon seeing his daughter who he scooped-up and hugged, getting wet in the process.

"And how's my little girl?"

She pouted at him. "I'm not little anymore," she giggled slightly, pulling on his hat. "I'm going to be nine in a couple more weeks."

"You'll always be my little girl." He touched her nose lightly and set her down. "Come home soon, ok?" Mariel nodded and Robert got back in the car and headed home.

(concernfluff) "Isn't he home a little early?" Jerry asked.

"Yeah, I hope nothings wrong..."

"Then maybe we should go home."

(mischievoussmile) "One more jump in the pond!"

She quickly threw Jerry into the air out over the pond and jumped in after him.

Jerry forgave Mariel for her little joke on the way home. His ears perked-up as they ascended the stairs on to the front porch.

"...layed me off..."

(startledwimpercry) "...no..."

"...layed-off three-quarters of the workforce..."

Jerry had a hard time to keep a straight muzzle at the news. Mariel didn't hear a thing as she openned the door, the sound of which ended the conversation between her folks. It didn't come-up during dinner either. Later that night, after Mariel was asleep, Jerry hopped over to and listened through the door of Mariel's parents' room. They were distressed and didn't know what they were going to do. There was a little money saved, especially after the expenses from the ice storm in January. There definately wasn't enough to last them until the blueberry season in late August. And Kristina would have to give up crab picking soon for they couldn't afford the expenses involved with the new regulations dealing with crab meat handling. There wouldn't be anything for Mariel's birthday. Tears came to Jerry's eyes. He bolted out of the house and into the night in his grief.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 2

Jerry didn't just run blindly away. He headed straight for the nearest entrance to Whitney Warren, where he would report to on occasion on how things were coming along with the Haynes (Mariel's family). However, Jerry didn't know that these buns also watched and reported on him to Browny CrimsonPaw either.

The bun on nightwatch was surprised to see him, since Jerry was three days early for his next report. The bun expected the worse from the looks of Jerry's distress, but only nodded once Jerry explained the problem. He was let in and led to a bunnet terminal.

The bun placed a reassuring paw on Jerry's shoulder. "Don't know if it will help at all, but it's worth a shot..." The bun left Jerry on his own.

Jerry searched through the bunnet trying to find someway to help Mariel's family. Then he saw the Kingdom Warren's summer Disney World promotional. The deadline was midnight that night. He had an hour to compose and send-off the application. It was a longshot, but maybe, just maybe...Jerry started typing one-pawed as quickly as he could.

Twenty minutes after midnight, a very weary bunny, snuggled onto the pillow next to a little nearly nine-year-old girl's head.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 3

*****BUNIX™ ENCRYPTION*****
*****TO KINGDOM WARREN PROMOTION BUNFICIALS*****

To whom it may concern:

(sighfluff) I'm rather new to both the bunnet and working with humans. I'm writing this in application to the Disney World vacation you are offering to ten lucky bunnies and their 'host' families from coast-to-coast. (sighpoof) I don't know what kind of chance I have, but my human family can really use the help.

The economy here in Down East, Maine doesn't exist. The Haynes (the family I'm with) were struggling to make ends meet. But that was before today. Today, Mr. Robert Haynes was layed-off from the local canning factory along with most of the rest of the work force. He and his wife, Kristinia, have a little money set-aside, for these things happen, but it will not get them through to the blueberry season that starts in late summer.

But they aren't the real reason I'm writing. I'm writing for Mariel, their daughter and my bestest friend. (sniffle) Her birthday is coming-up in 10 days and...(snifflefluff)..now...now there won't be anything for her birthday. And she's shouldn't have to suffer like that. She's already in enough pain.

You see, she suffered an accident nearly two years ago, before I moved in with her family. Her foot was torn to shreds by a haying machine and she's had to wear a prosth...protesis... (sighfluff) I can't spell it....a fake foot, ever since. And it doesn't quite fit her right and it hurts for her to walk on it. And as I stated above her parents can't afford to help her at the moment. (tearfilleddewyeyes)

(pleadfluff) Even if I'm not one of the lucky bunnies, isn't there something you can do or somebun you know who can help Mariel?

Jerry Bunny,
Whitney Warren, Maine

[gif enclosure of Jerry Bunny and Mariel's family, Mariel snuggling Jerry in her arms--the two of them look very adorable together]
*****END APPLICATION AND ENCRYPTION*****

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 4

Fuzzy sat at his desk, looking bleakly at the stacks of paper. This was not the way he'd planned his life to go. Another reversal of fortune, of which he'd had many, had taken place. Before he'd been on the fast track to mentatship and now he had a desk job. Desk job that offered scant opportunities for fame, glory and hot running does. To make his life easier, Colonel Sandspur had restored him to service as liason officer to public relations. She was well aware of the way regbuns felt about Information Retrieval. One day he'd get the whole story out and be vindicated, but not today. Major Gypsum had been at a bit of a loss for what to do with a liason officer and had put him to work selecting candidates for the symp sponsorship program. Fuzzy read through the endless hard luck stories about how some symp couldn't afford to make the required pilgrimage. Suddenly, one caught his eye. It was from Maine, there had been very few from there, only this one as a matter of fact. It was from a Jerry Bunny. Fuzzy thought about the application for a moment.

"Maybe he'll have something I can use to get Pomerleau." Not that Moxie had ever actually done anything to him. But he was a Fudd and his namesake beverage had done plenty of damage. The fur had finaly started growing back on the scars he recieved in a follow-up to the warehouse raid. It was worth a try and anyway, Jerry was a deserving as any other bun.

     To: Jerry Bunny 
     From:Fuzzy Bunny 
     Subject:Your application

     This is just a quick note to inform you that your
     application for the symp sponsorship program has
     made the final cut.  I have passed your application
     on to the selection committee with my recommendation.

     I have every confidence that you and your companion
     will be chosen to participate in our program. Your 
     region has been underrepresented in recent years and 
     story has personally moved me.

     Lt. Fuzzy Bunny Information Retreival/Public Relations
     liason -- KingdomWarren.

He'd still need to check Jerry's devotion to the Fluffy Cause and the value of his symp as an intelligence asset, but it was all over but the paperwork. He flipped through his rolodex to find out who was the primary symp controller at Down East Warrens.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 5

Jerry read through the message from LT Fuzzy with great joy. He knew he would have to keep this secret for now. Besides it would be a greater surprise for Mariel and her parents that way, when it was publicly announced.

To: Fuzzy Bunny
From: Jerry Bunny
Subject: Re: Your application

(excitedthankfulfluff) Thank you, thank you, thank you, sir! Mariel will be so surprised when it's publicly announced...(hesitantfluff) if we get to go.

Thank you so very much, Mr Fuzzy, you'll help make one little nine year old so very, very happy. I hope if and when we get to Disney World, that we'll get to meet muzzle-to-muzzle.

Jerry Bunny

To: Fuzzy Bunny
From: Cherryblossom
Re: Jerry Bunny

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL (STOMP!)

As chief symp overseer at Down East Warren command, your request has come to my attention. Unfortunately, LT Fuzzy, I am not allowed to provide you full disclosure on Jerry Bunny. But I can tell you the following.

Jerry Bunny is a convert, but does not know that he use to be human. He underwent heavy reeducation after conversion. His left forepaw was severed and grafted onto the left forepaw stump of Browny CrimsonPaw, former commander of Down East Operations, currently overseer of Maine wild blueberry cultivation in Eastern Maine. Jerry believes his paw was mauled by a dog.

After rehabilitation to teach him how to get about on three paws, Jerry was assigned to a small hole-in-the-wall warren in Down East Maine, Whitney Warren, home to about 20 devilbunnies, located near the tiny human settlement of Whitneyville, whose name is larger then the town population. Jerry has been closely monitored since then, and was immediately assigned to the Haynes family and their young daughter, Mariel.

Mariel is a tragic subject in herself. If you were a bun at any other warren, other then Kingdom Warren, I couldn't disclose the following information to you. Jerry doesn't even know this information. A couple years ago, her father, Robert, had been suspected of Fudd activity. CrimsonPaw ordered an "accident" to be staged as a warning to Mr. Haynes. There is such a small human labor pool in Eastern Maine that we avoid killing if at all possible. As a result of the 'tractor-haying incident', Mariel's right foot was shredded. I say tragic, despite it just being a human kit, for our intelligence learned a few days later that not only was Mr. Haynes not a Fudd, he knew nothing about us. Of course, at that point there was no way we could come forward and apologize to the human over our mistake. Doing such would most likely have pushed him towards the Fudds.

However, Jerry Bunny was assigned as Mariel's "pet DB bunny" at just the right moment. Mariel was suffering pain still from the severed foot and had no friends. When assigned we didn't think things would work-out the way they have. We knew Jerry would successfully turn Mariel towards the Fluffy Cause™ , by becoming her best, and closest friend, since they both had suffered a similar 'accident'. But we didn't expect him to turn her parents also. Working on a human kit is easy, but two human adults is something else. Jerry's success wasn't brought to our attention until the severe ice storm this past January when we lost contact with all our small warrens and outposts in Down East Maine.

Once back on-line, we received incredulous news, and have confirmed it since then. Nearly one-quarter of Whitneyville's human population has been swayed towards the Fluffy Cause™. We're talking about 100 new symps. And who's idea was it? Jerry Bunny's. The warren like the human settlements lost all power and communications. Many of the human families doubled and tripled-up to help each other in this crisis. Jerry convinced the other warren buns to do likewise with their "adopted" human families during the crisis. A few came to the Haynes, a few to some other homes, etc. By the end of the ice storm, all the humans in these occupied homes were swayed to the Fluffy Cause™.

Then your inquiry came in. Despite his former human background, Jerry has more then proved his loyalty to Devilbunny society. We here at Down East Warren back his application and nomination to take his human symp family to Kingdom Warren and Disney World. The publicity alone will enable us to make bigger strides in the ky00tification of Eastern Maine.

If you have further questions about Jerry Bunny or any other bun or symp Down East, feel free to drop me another line.

Cherryblossom, Symp Overseer, Down East Warren

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 6

[A few days later...]

"This is Don Colson, and you're watching WABI Channel 5 news. Tonight, we're going Down East to interview little Mariel Haynes and her family who have just won a trip to Disney World..."

"...Coming-up tonight on the WLBZ, Channel 2 six o'clock report. A little girl Down East gets a special birthday gift...she's going to Disney World curtesy of Delta Airlines, and the Magic Kingdom's..."

"....Good evening and welcome to WVII, Channel 7, Eastern Maine's most watched news. Tonight, a Whitneyville girl was asked what she's going to do for her birthday and she replied, [cue in videofeed of Mariel: 'I'm going to Disney World!' (excitedsqueal, waving to the camera)] Mariel Haynes won Delta Airlines and Disney World's Spring Promotion Sweepstakes. She's one of 10 lucky children nationwide who will spend 10 days with their families in the Magic Kingdom for free. We will talk more on Mariel and her family later in the broadcast, but first..."

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 7

Fuzzy hopped into his office and was surprised to find it had been completely redecorated. There was more pink than he usually liked but other than that, acceptable. He looked at the desk trying to figure out which of the buttons was the intercom. Choosing a likely looking one, he pressed it.

"Oleander? Can I see you in here for a moment?"

Fuzzy had apparently chosen correctly since his secretary hopped in a few seconds later. She would have been a very attractive doe except for one flaw. She was Sandspur's niece. Not that it meant anything to other bucks, but his off and on relationship with the colonel meant that flirting would result in his being sent, postage due, to Dunwich or some other unpleasant place.

"What in Frith's name happened in here?"

"I'm not sure I understand you sir. "

"My furniture, my papers .... my painting."

"I filed your papers, your furniture was way too austere for the interviews this week and your painting was just plain gloomy."

" It was quiet and contemplative. I can't believe you traded my Rothko for a Neiman. Get it back or get me something less garish."

"But Lt. Fuzzy sir..."

"No buts, kyoot is kyoot but that thing is without charm."

The sleek white doe sniffled a little but said nothing. She adjusted her earbows.

"OK then. Everything is set up for the interviews?"

"Yes, of course sir."

"You'll be leaving to pick up the *winners* at the airport soon then?"

"In about an hour."

"I want them brought in the front route. I've had reports of Fudd activity on the 192 corridor. I've ordered a sweep of course but I suspect that the apes are trying to misdirect us. "

"Ummm, sir? Could you try not to use that word around our guests?"

"Which word Oleander?"

"Ape. It might be taken the wrong way."

" All right. Anyway, even though the rumors are obviously false, I'd like you to encourage the buns to take the Bunmover from the airport."

"Have you spoken with Major Gypsum about that?"

"No need. I'm sure he'll understand how it would look in the media reports if, by sheer coincidence, every contest winner just happens to have a pet rabbit with them. That reminds me, schedule some loyalty tests for our media assets. I'm not hapy with the coverage we've been getting."

"I'll put it on the agenda."

"If anybun asks, there are no Fudds, we control the state. Straight party line, understand?"

"Naturally. "

"Don't be that way, you know how important this is for me. Your aunt will kill me if there's a screw-up. The Tour Guide, she's pneumatic without being threatening about it?"

"A pageant runner-up."

"Good. Keep them relaxed and happy but don't go overboard with the euphorics in the ventilation system. I don't want any senseless acts of bricolage."

"Yes sir. Is that all?"

"Yes, thank you."

Fuzzy watched as Oleander shimmywiggled out the door. His eartips reddened slightly.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 8

[Button-click] "Yes.."

"You're 10am appointment is here, LT Fuzzy."

"Send them in."

Fuzzy twitched his ears expectantly. He has been waiting three days for this particular interview. The one with that Maine bun, the only one from Maine to apply for the symp-sponsorship program. He contemplated exactly what he'd ask as a peppery-grey buck hobble-hopped in on three paws. He (respectfulfluff)ed to Fuzzy who pawjestured the bun towards a couple of comfy Laz-E-Bun™ chairs, taking one himself. Fuzzy pawed through a notepad for moment.

"Your name is Jerry Bunny, correct?"

(nervousnoddle) "Yes. Just call me Jerry." (pleadfluff)

Fuzzy pawed through his notes some more. "Ah, here we are..." Fuzzy makes like he's reading through some notes. "Assigned to the Haynes family, Whitneyville, Maine." Looks up at Jerry. "You've been one busy bunny spreading the word of ky00t up there." (approvingpoof)

Jerry appeared to physically relax at Fuzzy's friendly tone. Perhaps Fuzzy's mechanical paw had made him nervous at first. He seemed to debate inwardly for a moment before gathering his courage.

"I want to thank you for allowing Mariel's family to come here. It's really brought-up her spirits." Fuzzy nodded in response to Jerry's statement, which encouraged the peppered bun to continue. "Now that we're here, is there somebun who can help Mariel get fitted with a better prost...prost.." (sighfluff) "artificial foot?"

"That depends, Jerry. It all depends on you. I've given you and Mariel's family a free vacation, one you've admitted she's enjoying very much. I don't want much in return, just some questions I'd like answered. You see we don't see many rabbits from Maine. Now I know the Fudds are a problem up there, but they can't control the whole state."

Jerry shook his head negatively. "By treaty with Admiral Marlin after the Battle of Portland, 1995, the Fudds control everything south and west of Bangor. All buns were forced to move out of that part of the state."

Fuzzy nodded. He already knew that answer, for it was common knowledge. He simply wanted to reduce the nervousness of the bun he was interviewing. He then asked, "How well do the buns and symps get along at your warren."

Jerry spoke excitedly for the next 10 minutes describing the relationship between the few buns of Whitneywarren and the humans of Whitneyville. Everything he said matched-up with the information Fuzzy had received from Cherryblossom, including the fact that conversions were near nil Down East, since the human population was so small to begin with. Fuzzy nodded in satisfaction again and tried to steer the conversation in another direction.

"Have you ever had a face-to-muzzle encounter with the Fudds?"

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 9

>     "Have you ever had a face-to-muzzle encounter with the Fudds?"

Jerry looked about for a moment, his ears twitching nervously. He leaned close to Fuzzy and whispered in his ear. "Is this room bugged?"

Fuzzy didn't expect this sort of response from Jerry and was taken aback for a moment. "Of course not!" Fuzzy would have (STOMP!) a hindpaw if he wasn't sitting, "I'd never allow my office to be bugged!"

Jerry hopped out of the other chair and hop-paced back and forth nervously for a moment. He seemed to come to a decision. "I've got a lot to say, Mr. Fuzzy, and I ask you to be patient with me and hear me out before you do anything else. No matter what I say," (pleadfluff) "make sure Mariel and her parents get back home safely."

Fuzzy hadn't expected this and didn't notice that Jerry had paused awaiting some reply from him. (reassurefluff) "I'm not accusing you of anything, Jerry. We simply have very little information on Maine other then the obvious. You're the first bun we've had from up there in a long time..." he trailed-off for a moment remembering the other tidbit Cherryblossom has given him in his inquiry. *Impossible,* he thought to himself.

(nervousgigglefluff) "It seems I'm not the only one holding back," Jerry replied. "What did they tell you about me?" (inquirefluff) "Let me guess...my left paw was mauled by a dog, right?" (negativedejectedfluff) Jerry let-out a long sigh. "I know that's just a story, I know what really happened to me...."

Alarms started going off in Fuzzy's head and he started slowly moving his paw towards the intercom to call for some assistance in the form of guardbuns. Jerry spotted the action.

(pleadfluff) "Here me out first, before calling anybun else in here. I know they were trying to help me. But I don't deserve it. I was so sick and evil in that previous life. I can understand why they tried to destroy those memories, remembering makes it so hard to live now. I live in guilt, knowing I'll never be able to make-up for all my past sins, though helping Mariel and her family has helped somewhat, but even that will never allow me to atone for all my sins against bunnies.

"You, see, Fuzzy, I'm not just a convert. No dog bit-off my paw. I'm sure Browny CrimsonPaw took it. If he had asked, I'd have probably given it to him freely for giving me this wonderful second chance at life. You see, I have battled with Fudds face-to-muzzle, but not like you asked. I severed Browny's paw in my last battle...as a Fudd.

"The buns Down East have helped me come-out of the evil Fudd darkness and into Frith's light. I know I'll never make-up for everything bad I've done in the past, but," (STOMP!) "I'm trying to make-up for it!"

Jerry panted in physical and mental exhaustion for a moment as Fuzzy finally completed the reach to the intercom.

"Oleander?"

"Yes?"

"Cancel the rest of my appointments for the day."

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 10

For the rest of that day, Fuzzy took notes as Jerry gave full details on how he, as the "sick Fudd", Gerard Tondreau, had led that last battle to try and save a suspected symp from conversion, destroying the warren's Spam-O-Matic™, and the final battle against Browny CrimsonPaw. Jerry spoke about how he had fought against undergoing conversion and his remorse in that fact. He even mentioned that the good buns were so determined to save his soul that they brought in the use of nanites for the final conversion when his system's antibunnies partially fought-off the Bunnyvirus™ infection.

Jerry then cried when he recounted all the buns he killed or injured when he escaped from the conversion lab. Several times he broke-down completely, rolling-up into a cute, miserable ball of fluff, sobbing too hard to continue, all the while commenting on how he didn't deserve the second chance he'd been given after all the killing he's done.

At first Fuzzy didn't know how to react to Jerry's story. He had never heard of a case of a forced Fudd conversion where the convert remembered their former life, and completely regretted that life while embracing the bunny way, except maybe, Dr. Snug Fuzz, but that was a unique case and there was no record of a convert having this sort of breakdown over what they had done as a human. He could tell by Jerry's actions that no matter what his background was, he was now solidly loyal to the Fluffy Cause™. Jerry's current condition also left him at a loss. He was no counselorbun, but he could easily see that this bun needed to see one and soon. Jerry had curled-up into a ball again in another sobbing attack.

Then Fuzzy got an idea. One that would help insure this bun would remain loyal to the Fluffy Cause™ and provide him with the information on the Maine Fudds he wanted. A very simply plan that relied only on playing on Jerry's emotions a while. Use him to get the information Fuzzy wanted so desperately.

"Jerry?" (soothingfluff)

(snifflefluff) "I understand. I'll be killed and never see Mariel or her family again. That's what happens to all the failed conversions..." (sob)

(gentlepawonshoulder) "No...no, nothing like that at all. You need to get apaw of yourself. I'm sure Mariel is waiting for you, it's nearly dinner time. We can't keep her waiting."

Jerry uncurled and looked-up with a brief glimmer of hope in his eyes. "But..."

(hushfluff) "You need to pull yourself together. We wouldn't want to upset Mariel or the other ap..symps." (pause) "You know how easy they can get distressed." Jerry nodded briefly. "We'll continue talking tomorrow, but there will be a counselorbun present to help you with your pain."

"But what I've done..."

"Is all in the past. You're no traitorbun, so you have nothing to fear. You've already admitted you were sick when you committed your crimes. The Fudd you use to be lost his toes, did he not?"

Jerry nodded through teary eyes. "But I should have died..."

"No." (reassurefluff) "The buns in Maine saw some good in you, why else would they give you a second chance? Aren't you ashamed of yourself right now? Here it is you've been given a happy new life, but all you want to do is feel miserable about the past. Forget about it. Tomorrow with the help of a counselor, I'll bet we can help you 'atone' for some if not most of your 'sins'. Perhaps if you provided us with what you know of the Maine Fudds, we can help some of them see the error in their ways."

Jerry hesitated a moment, and then pounced on Fuzzy, giving him a bunnyhug. Fuzzy under the unexpected pounce, tenses for a moment and unsheathes his claws, preparing to defend himself, before relaxing once he realizes Jerry isn't attacking him.

"Thank you for understanding Fuzzy," Jerry states as he release Fuzzy from the embrace. "I'll help you as much as I can."

"Good. We'll start tomorrow, but for now, come on, I have a washroom down the hall, you should freshen-up before rejoining your human family."

*And I have preparations to look to,* Fuzzy thought to himself.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 11

Over the next three days, Jerry spent his mornings and evenings with Mariel and family. He spent his afternoons with Fuzzy and the counselor bun, a doe called Downyfluff. The depth and width of information he provided was incredible. Fuzzy ran cross-checks with what was already known about the Maine Fudds and it matched perfectly, but Jerry's accounts were much, much more detailed.

Jerry provided a detailed lay-out of the Maine Fudd base, guard rotation schedules, location of cuteness geometers, etc. Through it all, though, Jerry insisted that anything could have changed in the year since he served there as a Fudd. This point was proved when some of Fuzzy's computerbuns confirmed that Jerry's (Gerard's) old BunnyStumper™ Deluxe password was no longer valid. He made note that the other pass codes for access through certain doors and lockers at the Fudd base Jerry provided may also be invalid.

Fuzzy also learned some information he wasn't expecting. Nitty-gritty details. Things not in the file, but would come in useful. Steve Blake is addicted to Kiwi-Strawberry Snapple™. Blake has a human wife and son, and two devilbunny daughters, one via adoption. Both daughters had been rescued from bunnies in New Brunswick, but not before they had been infected with Bunnyvirus™. This information really interested Fuzzy and he noted it for later reference. Both Eugene and his brother, Chris, are avid cross-country skiers. Eugene is a marksman with rifle and shotgun, while Chris is deadly with a bow. Chris is also quite the electronics technician and could give any techbun a run for their money. The Fudds cover Maine's extensive wilderness with the help of Lumberjack Fudds (part of the corps Jerry had been in) and the squirrels of Namakata, who supply scouts to the Fudd base on a two week rotation. Despite the strong Fluffy presence in Bangor, the Fudds maintain a stronghold at the Dysart's Truck Stop on the SW edge of town, a very uncute greasy spoon establishment.

All the while, Councilor Downyfluff, helped Jerry get over his guilt. She more then proved why she was one of the best does in her field. By the end of the third day, Fuzzy had more on the Maine Fudds then the bun militia had combined on several other Fudd bases. In other words, he had a gold mine and he had a few ideas on just how he could put that information to his personal benefit.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 12

(poof) "Though I've been working with you these past several days, Jerry," Downyfluff spoke, "I haven't met your human family yet. They must be real special to have a buck like you teach them about the Devilbunny way." Fuzzy sat unobtrusively in the background and let Downyfluff do her job.

(noddle) "I've been doing the best that I can. Mariel and her mother, Kristy, have learned more then her father, Robert."

(encouragefluff) "And why's that, Jerry?"

"Because her father worked all day long," (droopears) "until recently."

Downyfluff snuggled Jerry briefly to cheer him up. "Can you briefly tell me what you've taught them so far?"

For the next 20 minutes Jerry did just that. What he had done so far was on par for standard symp training except for a couple of things, one of which made Fuzzy tense-up while Downyfluff asked for more details.

(controlledvoice) "You told them about toe eating?"

(noddle) "I explained how bunnies sometimes eat the toes of bad Fudds that are killed in battle and how it's not much different then when a human eats a rabbit..."

At this point Fuzzy interrupted, "And how did they react to this?"

(gigglefluff) "They didn't take me seriously, but promised never to eat rabbit as long as I didn't eat their toes. We shook hand/paw on the deal after I reassured them that I wouldn't do such since they aren't bad Fudds."

Downyfluff seemed satisfied with the answer whether or not Fuzzy was and changed the subject. "Jerry, have you ever talked to Mariel and her parents about conversion?"

(negativefluff) "As I told Fuzzy the day I met him, I'm not allowed to do so. There are very few humans living Down East and we can't afford to loose any." (sighfluff) "We don't talk about it, because it wouldn't be fair to tell them about something they'd never be allowed to enjoy. They and everyone else in that region would probably do better as bunnies, but to have any humans vanish in that area would raise suspicion with the authorities...and the Fudds. Mariel and her parents don't know I use to be human, let alone a" (droopears) "Fudd."

"Who set this policy?" (curiousfluff)

"Browny CrimsonPaw. He's in charge of the warrens of Down East and reports to whoever replaced him in Bangor." (shakeheadearsflop) "I don't know who that is, I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Jerry. So, if it were allowed, would you talk about it? And would the Haynes make good candidates?"

(noddle) "You bet I would! I have found a much happier life as a bunny, and I bet they would too. Maybe with the help of nanites if the conversion didn't do it, Mariel could grow a replacement foot. Her parents would never have to worry again about how to pay the next bill. As for how long before they'd be ready, six months, if I was allowed to tell them about it."

Fuzzy nodded and decided it was time to cut-in on the conversation. "Believe me, Jerry, they won't have to worry about how to pay the bills soon. I've given some thought to the predicament Down East. I think I can help..."

(perkupfluff) "Really?"

(nod) "In fact I want to meet you family this evening. For dinner. I've already sent them the invitation and a limo will deliver you to the restaurant and my private dining room for 7pm. Downyfluff will be joining us. Don't be late."

"We won't be." (reassurefluff)

Fuzzy left the room. Downyfluff got real close to Jerry now that they were alone. She let him inhale her scent for a moment, drawing in his full attention.

"You've done well and you've come a long way these past few days. From what I've heard, you've done a lot of good since your arrival in Mariel's family. In my professional opinion that and the help you have given us this past week more then makes-up for what you had done in your past life. I know those memories hurt, but you need to push them aside. They are in the past. Quit living in the past and live for the present while looking forward to the future." (bunnyhug) "Good luck with your family, Jerry."

Downyfluff held the embrace a little longer and whispered in his ear. "And if you can get away from your human family" (nibbleJerry'sleftear) for a few hours tonight..." (wink) Jerry (boinked) as she left.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 13

When Jerry arrived at the hotel suite that the Haynes had been assigned to, Mariel swept him off his feet, squealing with excitement.

"I missed you all day, Jerry! I wish you could come around with us everywhere." She hugged him close and he snuggled back peering over her shoulder, noting she was wearing a fancy dinner dress. "What do you think, Jerry? We've been invited to a private dinner party! When we got here, we found two dresses for Mom and me and a suit for Dad laid-out on the bed and an invitation. And you know what? You're on the invitation too!" She giggled, showing him the invitation from 'Mr. Fuzzy'. "This is the bestest time I've ever had!"

"We're glad you're happy, dear," Robert stated as he entered the front room, tuxedo on. Kristy was right behind him wearing a dress similar to Mariel's. "The invitation is from a Mr. Fuzzy..."

Jerry nodded once. "I suppose I had best get cleaned-up?" (huhfluff)

Mariel carried Jerry into the bathroom, stripped-off the dress so it wouldn't get wet and gave him a quick bath in the oversized sink, blow-drying and brushing his fur afterwards into a spledid sheen. Finally, she tied a light blue silk bow around his neck before putting her dress back on.

"Yes, the bow had your name on it, Jerry," Mariel stated as she carried him back into the other room. They came out just in time for a page to let them know a limo was waiting for them outside of the lobby.

The ride to the restaurant took 20 minutes during which Mariel amused herself with all the power buttons for the windows, moonroof, not to mention the color tv. Jerry briefly told them about Mr. Fuzzy and that he was on the committee that had chosen the sweepstakes winners. But in the excitement he forgot to mention that Mr. Fuzzy was a bunny.

Upon arrival at Le Chez Lapin, the maitre d' showed them to a private, nicely decorated room. After he left, the Haynes made small talk and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres offered by a waiter while awaiting the arrival of their host. They were offered glasses of champagne (champagne cola for Mariel) to sip. Mariel pointed-out the three human-sized chairs with their names on the place settings. There were also three child-size high chairs around the table. One of them had Jerry's name on the place setting. Jerry quivered slightly with delight when he saw that the next place setting over was for Downyfluff.

They only had to wait about ten minutes before their host and his guest arrived. Robert and Kristinia were only slightly surprised that their host, Mr. Fuzzy, was a bunny. He introduced the bun with him as Downyfluff. They were seated and the first course of the meal was served.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 14

Fuzzy hated conversing with the apes, but Downyfluff had insisted it was important to make the humans feel relaxed, so he made small talk with his guests throughout the meal. How they were enjoying themselves in Orlando so far? What is it like in Maine? Etc. What he learned confirmed everything Jerry had told him. He also explained about his mechanical paw which had startled Mariel at first. At one point she worked-up the courage to ask if Jerry could get one, but before Fuzzy could reply, Jerry stated he was use to three paws and didn't need one... (besidesfluff) "How would we explain it to your classmates, Mariel?" After she thought this through and realized it made sense, the subject was dropped. Fuzzy made a mental note of thanks that Jerry was well trained in educating symps. Jerry had confessed in the meetings during the week with Fuzzy that he didn't want an artificial limb. It was Jerry's belief that someday bun medical science would find a way to regenerate lost limbs and he'd be willing to wait for that. If he were to get a prosthesis, it would have to be the bunny equivalent of what Mariel used.

The waitstaff clean-up the table after dessert and brought in some extra-strong coffee in the cute little demitasse cups. Mariel squealed with delight as Mickey and Minnie Mouse entered the room.

"I made arrangement for them to come visit Mariel and keep her company in another room while we adults talk."

The Haynes agreed and Jerry went with Mariel. Downyfluff followed.

Now that they were alone, Fuzzy got down to business. He gave them a brief (very brief) overview about his job at Kingdomwarren.

"...and so for the past few days, Jerry has kept me company while you have enjoyed our hospitality. What he's told me over that time and what you've touched upon briefly tonight paints a grim picture for your part of Maine..." He looked Robert in the eyes as he stated this.

"To be honest with you Mr. Fuzzy..."

Remembering he had to humor these apes to win them over, Fuzzy interrupted, "Just Fuzzy, please."

Robert paused. "Alright, Fuzzy. If we had the money to start with, I'd relocate my family down here. There are plenty of jobs here, while there aren't any back home."

"Yes, we have a workforce shortage down here as you have noticed. If we team-up, we could help solve a part of that problem without anyone back home having to relocate."

Robert leaned forward slightly. "How?"

*I've got him nibbling.* Fuzzy explained his plans in detail. How there were many, many souvenir stands in Orlando, and the trinkets sold had to come from somewhere. How Disney wanted to pullout of the Asian slave labor market partially due to bad PR and have more American made products on their shelves.

"...Due to the labor shortage here, we have to look elsewhere for labor. That's where the labor force Down East comes into the picture. Assemble-at-home products to start with, maybe eventually a factory or more. From my understanding those in your area are willing, hard-working, self-reliant people. Disney is suppose to stand for quality and it will with the help of you and your neighbors..."

Fuzzy went on to the costs involved and the pay rate by the piece. Robert nodded politely throughout. When he finished, Robert stated. "I assume you're telling me this for you want me to be involved in some way. How?"

Fuzzy smiled and did his best not to show his fangs. *Setting the hook...* "I need a foreman. Someone to hire and train those who would do the assembling. Someone to keep track of who has assembled how many each week. Someone to find me a central warehouse for temp storage of the items, or if none are available, to arrange for one to be built. Someone who can arrange shipment out of the assembled products and receive the materials needed to make the products. And especially, someone local who knows the area and its people. After talking with Jerry and with you this evening, I'm hoping that person will be you." He could see by Robert's reaction he had him hooked, all he needed was to reel him in. *A little play action before landing him...*

"Unfortunately, I'm not head bun here, just one of the many underlings. As such my start-up budget for this project isn't that much. I could offer you not much more then....oh...$27,000 to start with benefits."

"$27,000!" Robert exclaimed. Kristinia gasped. It was more then twice what they had been making combined before Robert had been laid-off. They had never had medical insurance before either. Fuzzy knew this from the thorough researching he had his secretary do on the Down East Economy. It was one of the few regions in the USA were such an idea as assemble-at-home mass-production not only could work, but would thrive.

*Got to grab the net to land this one...* Before Robert could say more, Fuzzy pretended to interpret Robert's shock wasn't excitement but insult to the offer. (sighfluff) "Fine, you drive a hard bargain, Mr. Haynes. $30,000 plus benefits, but not a penny more!" (poof) He smiled inwardly as Robert looked to Kristinia. Fuzzy knew Robert was his.

They hugged. "We'll take it."

Fuzzy smiled again. *He's mine!* "I've got a contract here you can read through, along with a list of lawyers in case you want legal advice. Have it signed by the first of the week when you start training. Your return to Maine will be delayed a few weeks. In the meantime, I'll see what our medical staff can do to provide Mariel with a better prosthesis."

The two of them simply cried tears of joy. Robert didn't bother waiting on the contract. He glanced through it briefly and then signed it. In very, very fine print on the fourth page was the standard symp clause that stated in no uncertain terms that the symp's life (and possibly members of the symp's immediate family) was forfeit if said symp betrayed the Fluffy Cause™. Method of termination would be left up to the discrimination of the bun who owned the symp. Fuzzy's secretary would make sure this clause would remain hidden in the photocopy that would later be provided to Robert Haynes.

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Summer Vacation and Surprises 15

Three weeks later on the evening television news across the State of Maine...

"Disney announced today that they would be hiring up to 400 people Down East to assemble toys and other gifts that are sold in Orlando. The announcement came soon after the Haynes family returned from an extended stay after their daughter, Mariel, had won a trip to Disney World. Mariel apparently stumbled into the Disney exec. in charge of merchandise and learned about the employment plight Down East. He was moved by her story and has hired her father, Robert Haynes, to oversee the start-up of operations in Machias in the former Down East Sardines cannery.

"The good news couldn't come at a better time for the Machias region as their last sardine cannery closed 5 weeks ago..."

Fuzzy depressed his remote shutting-off the satellite feed. It was a gamble to spend that kind of money on this project, but he believed it was worth the risk considering the information he now had on the Maine Fudds. Soon he would cash in on that information and maybe, just maybe those buns above him would realize his true value. He worried briefly about this Browny CrimsonPaw, but brushed it off. If the bun was a real threat, he'd still be in command in Bangor, and he would never have thrown away the information source that was Jerry Bunny. If Browny became a threat, an 'accident' could be arranged and Jerry put in his place. (ponderfluff) Maybe have Browny wind-up in the wrong place with some Fudds present...and use the incident to launch an offensive against the Fudds....yes...that would be the ticket when the time comes. His intercom buzzed.

"Lt. Fuzzy?"

"Yes, Oleander."

"Your afternoon appointment is here."

"Send her in and be sure I'm not interrupted for the rest of the afternoon."

Fuzzy cut the intercom off as Sandspur hopped in. Thanks to a proper paper trail, it would all look as if it had been Downyfluff's idea if it fails, while he would profit at its success. In the meantime, the doe believed she was an equal partner in this endeavor. He continued to wonder if it was worth the gamble as Sandspur hopped over to him, (shimmywiggled) against his flank and nibbled lightly on his right ear in affection.

(BOINK!) Yes, yes it is a worthwhile gamble.

End

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