alt.devilbunnies--Down in Lubbock

Down in Lubbock

The first Lubbock Battle and the "first half" of my first year story. Originally posted to alt.devilbunnies 24 November, 1994 through 9 January, 1995. Remember we were all newbies once. This story did not completely comply with the FAQ's as they stood at that time (or even today), then again, at the time of this story, the Veteran writers were mopping-up the Denverwarren/BunnyStomper Scenerio. Timeline-wise, the majority of this story unwraps itself over the Columbus Day Holiday weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving), 1994, soon after the Battle of Stillwater(loo). It combines the two previous series: Training at Reese and Ghost From the Past.

DOWN IN LUBBOCK CHAPTERS
One	Seven	Thirteen	Nineteen	Twenty-five	Thirty-one
Two	Eight	Fourteen	Twenty	Twenty-six	Epilogue 1
Three	Nine	Fifteen	Twenty-one	Twenty-seven	Epilogue 2
Four	Ten	Sixteen	Twenty-two	Twenty-eight
Five	Eleven	Seventeen	Twenty-three	Twenty-nine
Six	Twelve	Eighteen	Twenty-four	Thirty

Return to Moxie's Stories Page.

Down in Lubbock 1

"Sir, message from ShortEar." The comm techbun handed a printout to his superior.

He read it. (STOMP!) "IMPOSSIBLE! (STOMP!) The Fluffypink Series III™ is suppose to be human tamper-proof! How in Frith did that human remove the tracking device from his vehicle without triggering the self-destruct detonator and then transfer it to a Metro Citibus!" (STOMP!) LT GreyTail was not having a good hare day. "Comm Tech, get me the surveillance team, NOW!" (STOMP!commandfluff)

"Yes, sir! Home Team to outpost BusterBurrow. Please report."

(crackle...) "This is BusterBurrow, Home Team. Do you have foresight? We were about to radio you. Suspect is in sight and he's got company..."

(STOMP!) "To Frith with the codes! This is LT GreyTail, what kind of company, private?" (narroweyesfluff)

"A large grey and brown devilbunny, sir. He doesn't exactly look like he's welcome. The suspect is carrying him by his neck. The way he's holding the bun, it wouldn't be hard for the bun to loose his head, sir. Did you send any other operatives out?"

"No, private, we did not. Keep an eye and ear on the subject. Leave this channel open. LT GreyTail out." GreyTail turned to the comm tech. "Check the records and see if we or any other warren have any independent agents out there that are unaccounted for."

(attentionfluff) "Yes, sir!"

'Da Beast' was cruising Lubbock streets heading towards the Overton neighborhood.

"Gene," SGT Steve Blake said,"The devilbunnies had put a tracking device on this vehicle. They most likely are already monitoring your apartment and have tapped the phone line. We're going to play this safe. I've already radioed LUFI. They'll arrange pick-up at the Mall in 2 1/2 hours. Here's what we do in the meantime....."

15 minutes later they pulled into the parking lot at Gene's apartment complex.

"Here goes..." Gene opened his door with his Supersoaker 100™ drawn. He grabbed Steve (pro-Fudd devilbunny) by the scruff of the neck and proceeded towards his apartment. That was Steve's cue. He snarled. "WHEN I GET LOOSE, I'M NOT GOING TO STOP WITH JUST YOUR TOES FUDD! (angryrufflefluff) When I'm through with you there won't be enough of your body left to identify! You hear me, FUDD!" (attemptstompinmidair)

"You're kind are all the same, rabbit. Quit your yapping or I'll pop you here and now!" Gene fumbled with his key. Steve struggled, and Gene dangerously tightened his grip on the bun's neck. Gene looked at Steve and winked. "Attempt that again and I'll see if I can beat my personal best in devilbunny head distance popping, which currently stands at 15 feet."

Gene unlocked the door, shoved it open and ducked aside. After checking to make sure there wasn't any lurking danger within, he entered and locked the door behind him. He set the bun down on the couch. Gene mouthed without voice, "Now what?"

Steve put one talon claw to his rabbit lips and continued to rant on, "You're not going to get any info out of me, Fudd!"

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 2

Gene caught on. "Oh, I'm sure I'll get the information I need. You forget, I spent some time being tormented by devilbunnies myself. I know of a few effective methods for extracting information...Unless you start talking, I'm going to start on you with a little Moxie™. In case you didn't know, Moxie™ works the same way on your kind as Holly Vanilla Extract™, except it's (in a devious voice) Much More Painful. So are you going to talk.....(silence)...very well, I shall start with your left forepaw."

Gene took aim near Steve's left forepaw, fired and just missed. Stevegave Gene the evileye and let out a cry of agony. Meanwhile, he wrote a note on the coffee table: You're enjoying this aren't you? Gene grinned and nodded.

Gene continued on their little charade. "Now then rabbit, talk or I'll aim for something much more valuable and painful!!!"

Meanwhile across the street...

"Great Frith! That Fudd is torturing that agent! I assume you are hearing everything, Home Team. Request permission to lead a rescue mission."

"Permission denied BusterBurrow, we don't know whom that bun is."

(disappointedfluff) "Yes, sir."

Gene peaked out the corner of the draped window and saw nothing. Steve continued to scream out, he then hushed out-of-breath. Before Gene could continue the charade, the phone rang.

"Great! Who the hell would interrupt me at a time like this! One peep out of you rabbit and I'll show you real pain!" He picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Mr. Pomerleau, please...."

"Speaking"

"This is...." Gene recognized the voice and cut Bob Fisher off.

"Look bunny Symp, I told you NO DEAL. I'm not about to sell-out my Moxie™ stock to LonGears...."

"Wait, at least listen to my offer first, Aldin Busheytail...yes, I know who you really are. Yes, I do work for LonGears...he pays well and the fringe benefits are nice. Here's the new offer. We'll change the contract to allow for a limited expansion of the current Moxie market. In return...we'll give you copies of all the files we've got from...(he continued softly)...Namakata Labs. Mr. Busheytail, are you still there?"

Gene paused in shock...*Damn, that offer is almost worth it.* "The name's Pomerleau, not Busheytail. Let me think about this. Of course, I'll need to briefly examine the files in question to verify their authenticity."

"Of course, Mr. Pomerleau. I'll give you an hour to thinks things over. You can get directions for the exchange point from the office we dealt through earlier." (click)

Gene signaled Steve over to his computer and quickly typed what had just transpired on the screen. He then got up and let the rabbit at the keyboard. As the rabbit typed-away, Gene walked towards his fridge.

"Well, rabbit, to bad you didn't cooperate. It seems you're cohorts on the phone there were willing to cooperate. I should have known LonGears was behind this. If you had cooperated, I might have let you live, but no chance of that now."

Gene pulled a tightly corked bottle of home-made rootbeer out of his fridge. Steve caught on, "No! (cringefluff) You wouldn't (tremble), you promised!...I'll be avenged!!!"

POP!!!!

They continued to plan using the computer.

"Sir, he just popped the bun. (Angryfluff) thanks to that wire tap, we know that poor bun may have been one of LonGears' agents."

"I know BusterBurrow outpost. I hear everything. According to our record banks, LonGears does have a couple of bunny symps in the area trying to secure some sort of business deal for the General. I have also attempted access on this 'Namakata Labs', but my access was denied. All I got was that the files in question were sealed by the General himself. When the suspect leaves, tail him, but don't approach him. LT GreyTail out."

(Attentionfluff) "Yes, sir!"

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 3

Gene placed Steve in a duffle bag and left his apartment. He pulled 'Da Beast' out of the parking lot and headed towards downtown. A Ford Fiesta pulled out about a quarter-block behind him.

"Why are they so obvious?" He thought aloud. "Sorry, Steve, you'll be riding fourth class for a while, we've got a shadow."

Gene didn't bother trying to loose his tail on the short trip to downtown. He pulled into a parking spot near the Micro-Communications Building. The Fiesta pulled over half-a-block back. Gene almost felt sorry for the fluffers...kind of hard to not be obvious when there wasn't any traffic. He entered the building and proceeded up to Al McCahn's Brokerage Firm. Al didn't say anything, just handed Gene an envelope and Gene left. He got back in the car and noted his shadow was still there.

"Well, Steve, before I even open this up, let's see if we can't loose our 'friends' back there."

Gene unzipped the duffle, placed the envelope in the duffle and then started the car up. He pulled back out into the non-existent traffic and turned onto the entrance ramp of I-27 north. The Fiesta followed. Gene floored it and 'Da Beast' seemed to roar into life.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 4

"Thank Frith! We are finally in the hole called Lubbock." Doublewiskers said to himself.

"So where do you start looking for Tailless?" Cottontail inquired.

"We'll start with the source his net-access, Texas Tech University. Keep an eye out for a beat-up Chevy wagon with plates 'MOX-1'."

Cottontail pointed to a vehicle up ahead of them that was pulling onto the interstate. "You mean like that one there."

Doublewiskers looked, blinked, and couldn't believe his eyes. Their prey had been delivered into their lap. "Thank Frith! This is going to be easier than I thought. Hold on!" Doublewiskers floored the pedal in the Ford Probe.

By now, Steve had had it with laying low in the gym bag. He looked behind him. "Gene, that Fiesta is somehow gaining on us."

Gene was just beginning to merge with traffic, he was already 10 over the limit, but that was ok, since no one in Lubbock drove slower than 10 over the limit. Yes, he saw the Fiesta, he also saw the Probe on the Interstate that seemed determined to cut him off. He gave the pedal an extra stomp and 'Da Beast' roared forward. He cut in just in front of the Probe, but the Fiesta didn't have time to brake and slammed into the Probe and both rolled several times behind Gene's car. Gene kept going.

"Scratch two tails! Pass me another Moxie....thanks, Steve. (pop) Now then, where do we need to go to deal with Mr. Bob Fisher?"

Doublewiskers got out of the Probe. He was furious. So close only to have some idiot ram his vehicle. He pulled one of the prototype weapons he and Cottontail brought with them from Namakata Labs, took aim at the Fiesta and fired. The blast blew him backwards. There was nothing left of the Fiesta. The blast also fused the weapon into a useless heap of plastic and metal.

(STOMP!STOMP!STOMP!) "I don't care what FlopEar wants anymore! I'm going to extract my revenge on you, blasted, Busheytail! To Frith with you squirrel." (STOMP!STOMP!STOMP!) "You have been an embarrassment on my record to long!" Doublewiskers continued to rant and rave until he heard the sirens.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 5

Private Buckey had been thrown clear of the Fiesta during the collision. He was none too pleased to have his vehicle wrecked, but he didn't expect what occurred next to happen.


>  Doublewiskers got out of the Probe.  He was furious.  So close only to have
>some idiot ram his vehicle.  He pulled one of the prototype weapons he and
>Cottontail brought with them from Namakata Labs, took aim at the Fiesta
>and fired.  The blast blew him backwards.  There was nothing left of the
>Fiesta.  The blast also fused the weapon into a useless heap of plastic and
>metal.

The blast triggered Doublewisker's armor to morph back into bunnyform. (shiverfluff) *Where in Frith did this bun in morpharmor come from and where did he get such a powerful weapon from? I must report back to command.* Private Buckey, who had already morphed back into bunnyform himself, snuck away from the accident scene and ducked down an access tunnel to the city's bunnymover system. Behind him as he closed the door, he could still hear the newcomer rant:

(STOMP!STOMP!STOMP!) "I don't care what FlopEar wants anymore! I'm going to extract my revenge on you, blasted, Busheytail! To Frith with you squirrel. (STOMP!STOMP!STOMP!) You have been an embarrassment on my record to long!"

Doublewiskers heard the sirens then and came to his senses. He went to the wreckage to pull-out Cottontail, only to find him dead--broken neck. This angered Doublewiskers further. "You shall be avenged old friend." He grabbed what he could for weapons and the laptop, which seemed to have somehow survive the crash and made a run for it.

(STOMP!) "What do you mean you LOST him!!!???" LT GreyTail was furious.

"Sir, another devilbunny in morpharmor cut me off as the suspect was making a run for it on the interstate. I collided with the otherbun's vehicle, wrecking both. I was thrown clear of the accident. If it weren't for my morpharmor, I'd be dead. This other bun then pulled some sort of gun from his wrecked vehicle and vaporized my vehicle." (honestfluff)

"You expect me to believe that story, Private? What do you think I am? (narroweyes) A Fudd recruit?" (indignantfluff)

"Sir, look at the film yourself. My armor's camera caught everything on video."

Private Buckey handed him a microcassette. The LT viewed the event several times, each time, he couldn't believe what he saw. After the eighth viewing he opened his mouth.

"Great Frith! I don't recognize that bun, but I have seen a similar weapon in use before...It looks and fires much like the Fudds'' Bunnyblaster™, but this seems more powerful. Who in the Frith sent this bun? All right, Private, you're off the hook. I want you to computer enhance an image of this bun, and scan the central Bunix data banks. I want that bun identified."

(attentionreliefluff) "Yes, sir..thank you sir!"

"So where does Bob Fisher want to meet me, Steve."

The grey and brown Devilbunny next to Gene replied, "At the Coca-Cola warehouse down on Slaton."

"I should have know. OK, we'll stick to the plan for now." There wasn't anything more to say as Gene change directions and headed back south towards US 84 East and the Coca-Cola warehouse.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 6

Marcus paced back and forth outside of the warehouse. "I don't like this, Bob. We don't have authorization to hand-over a copy of those files. Christ, when the rabbit finds-out, he'll have more than our toes."

"Pipe-down, Marcus. What I'm offering him, won't do him much good. I don't understand this stuff much, and I wouldn't want to. However, my impression is that without an advanced devilbunny laboratory, these files are useless."

"What about the encryption? You can't just give him a copy of BUNIX™."

"All set. The disk contains a read-only watered-down copy that will only decode the files on the disk and nothing more. I've been assured that the BUNIX™ program itself can not be accessed or copied."

Marcus looked at Bob with a dead-pan expression. "Then how did they get it onto the disk?"

"Sir, something's wrong." (confusionfluff) Private Buckey couldn't believe his terminal.

"What do you mean something's wrong," LT GreyTail approached the Private and gazed into the screen. (astonishedfluff)"Great Frith! I want you to double check this. If this is correct, we will have to notify LT CMDR BlackPaw and CMDR Iago immediately for further instructions. Keep me posted."

"Yes, sir." Buckey didn't question his orders, however it puzzled him as to why one bun considered dead for 6 years who apparently wasn't so could cause so much concern.

'Da Beast' pulled into the parking lot at the Coca-Cola warehouse.

"I suggest you stay low, Steve, I may need back-up before this is over."

"You realize this plan is a little crazy?" (concernedfluff)

"Yea, but when will we next get a chance to get a hold of devilbunny documents like this?"

Gene stopped the vehicle. Bob Fisher and his partner, what was his name....oh yea, Marcus Stanton, were waiting for him, leaning against another vehicle. Both parties were out in the open...perfect place for an ambush. Gene got out of the car, leaving the engine running and brought forth his laptop.

"Glad, you decided to come, Mr. Pomerleau. As promised, the disk. Go ahead and examine it."

Bob walked forward and handed Gene the disk. Gene booted-up the laptop and inserted the disk. He skimmed and didn't like what he saw--they were truly (at least on the surface) authentic. These were his log-entries before FlopEar took-over. He continued scanning and found that the file dates stretch until late 1987.

"We agreed on all information on Namakata Labs. Where's 1988?"

"I see you are very thorough, Mr. Pomerleau. You will get 1988, when you sign over the stock."

Gene saw a single pixel in the lower left corner of his screen go from red to green. He removed the disk from the laptop and shut it down. He handed the disk back to Bob Fisher.

"No deal. Some of the entries I skimmed of my own logs have been altered. These are not authentic. Besides, I know how secret operations were there. If these were real, I wouldn't make it out of the parking lot with them."

Gene turned to return to his vehicle. Bob drew a handgun.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You are correct, you can't leave the area now that you have seen those files, at least not without a signature."

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 7

"It's mid-afternoon, this is a busy highway and we're out in the open. You shoot me here and now with witnesses present, you think your rabbit buddies are going to protect you?"

In the car, Steve watched what was happening. *Guess that's my cue.* Steve hopped-up on the seat. He grabbed the steering wheel with his left paw. With his right, he shifted the car into drive, grabbed Gene's snow-brush (dust-brush in Texas), and used it to floor the gas pedal. Gene heard the engine and rolled aside as 'Da Beast' lurched forward. Bob fired putting a hole in the windshield, but didn't even get close to hitting the bun. He didn't have time to get out of the way as the full-size Impala slammed into him and he rolled-over the hood, losing the gun. Meanwhile Marcus was running towards the warehouse. Gene got up first and approached Bob. Bob didn't struggle.

"If I were you, I'd find a new line of work."

(cough...sputter)"You know the General, he'll have my toes for this or worse."

"Well symp, that's what you get for betraying your own race. If I were you, I'd invest in some Moxie™. The General wants my stock to shut me down. Moxie™ harms them the same way as Holy Vanilla Extract."

Bob's eyes widened.

"Oh, I suppose the General didn't tell you? You think this company is profitable? Look at what I'm driving. I already said it, symp, if you value your life, get a new line of work and quickly."

Gene got into his car and pulled out of the parking lot. As he drove down the road, Steve checked-out the computer-files.

"Gene, you hit the jack-pot. That little program of yours worked. You got copies of all those files."

"Yes, but something really worries me. Access my journal entry from August 1, 1984."

Steve did so. (astonishedfluff) "Damn, you really had found a way to alter the bunnyvirus?"

"It wasn't that hard to attempt, but it was extremely unstable. What worries me though, was that I had my own personal encryption on that journal entry, yet here it is completely decoded. What proof do we have that buns didn't try to continue the work I wrote-off as insane and too dangerous to attempt? We've got to report to the Colonel as soon as is possibly feasible."

"Well, our rendevous is in 15 minutes."

"One final thing, Steve."

"Yea?"

"Please try to curve-back on the fluffiness around me. It's making me...." Gene grabs a small bag and hurls. "...excuse me (blah). It's making me sick."

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 8

They had returned to LUFI without incident thanks to the aid of a few special agents sent from LUFI to help them. Gene didn't like the idea though of someone else driving his vehicle through the city to keep the buns occupied for a while. It would be a while before he would be able to find time to look at the files he lifted from Bob Fisher. Right now was time to prepare for another evening of fireaxe training.

(later) SGT Groundim had given Eugene quite the workout. No sooner than he was given a breather, then SGT Blake jumped in. Human and bun battled each other for about 20 minutes non-stop. Eugene had just batted Blake aside with the face of his axe. Blake was back on him before he could bring the axe around to defend himself, but Eugene blocked the attack using the belly of his scout axe. (alt.db off--for those who don't know where an axe's belly is, for shame on you Fudd-wanna-be's, its the lower portion of the handle. alt.db on) Blake was coming back around again when the base-wide alert sirens came to life. Startled, Blake lost concentration in midleap. Eugene seeing what was happening and also surprised by the sirens, pulled his axe back a moment to late. SGT Blake's chest was ripped open like an overripe tomato and blood splattered everywhere.

Groundim immediately called for medical crews while Aldin took-over his body from Eugene and went into action applying bunnyfirst-aid he had learned at Namakata. Actually there wasn't much he could do, except hold the wound together to slow the bleeding. Blake struggled and Aldin was forced to knock him out to keep Blake from killing himself by moving around too much. Medical arrived in less than a minute and rushed Blake to the infirmary with Aldin still holding Blake's open chest shut. It took thirty minutes to stitch the wound closed. Then it was only a matter of time. Blake had lost a lot of blood and the medical staff did not believe he would survive. If he got a transfusion, it would greatly increase his chances, but the Fudds at LUFI couldn't just hunt down a devilbunny in the field and beg him to provide a transfusion. Upon leaving the infirmary, Aldin encountered SGT Groundim.

"It wasn't your fault. It was purely accidental."

"I know, but there may still be something I can do."

Aldin rushed off to find his laptop and the stolen computer files.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 9

He didn't get far as he collided with a messenger.

"Watch were you're going, private! No matter, the colonel wants to see you, " (The messenger looks up and sees Sergeant Groundim.) "and the Sgt immediately."

"I figured we'd have time to fill-out a full report before we'd have to see him." Eugene/Aldin grumbled as he proceeded to the Col.'s office on the heals of Sgt. Groundim. After knocking, they entered and saluted.

"At ease and have a seat. I've seen the preliminary report on the accident." Colonel Oullette wasn't wasting time. "You can give me a more detailed report later. I have also seen the medical report and realize how critical Steve Blake's condition is. However, we may have a bigger problem. We got these (pushes some printouts across the table) over the Internet earlier. They are the reason why I sounded the base-wide alert."

Eugene and Sgt. Groundim glance over the printouts.

Eugene spoke first. "I thought that Stillwarren was a devilbunny base, or at least that was my impression through he banter sessions I had against Iago the Patient."

"This call for help from Stillwarren is several weeks old. Any word on how J Ryan's troops fair?" Mac Groundim piped in.

"Gene, Stillwarren had been a devilbunny military base until it was captured this past spring by the Fudd, J Ryan and his forces in Oklahoma. The latest transmissions from Stillwarren, however are scrambled and we assume in BUNIX, so it is again, a devilbunny base, Mac."

"But there are about 1000 Fudds at that base...."

"Correction, Mac, were. I've sent out units to try and find any possible survivors, but none have been found yet, and judging by the age of this plea for help, I doubt we will find any."

"...good Lord...." Mac stammered and fell silent. He had known a few of those who had been posted at Stillwarren.

"Iago had hinted at something big to happen 'soon' about three weeks ago in our banter sessions. I didn't realize he meant this big. He hinted something similar would happen 'soon' to Lubbock also." Eugene was also shocked. Aldin had almost trusted that bun. He had almost gone back to the other side of this war. Fortunately for Eugene, he had not.

"Stillwarren and Iago maybe the least of our worries. Security has been breached at NoCo...."

In Eugene's mind, the words from the Spirit of the Wilderness to Aldin echoed through his head, *You must leave NoCo as soon as possible, there is a great evil arising that may try to stop you if you stay....*

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 10

"...it seems that the devilbunny, second in command of High Mountain Warren, DemHareIs, has somehow taken control of NoCo and claims that the BHX is her husband. Bill has denied it, but does not seem to be presently able to stop her. She is the true present threat to this base. She has access to all our files there, including the location of every Fudd base on the planet, not to mention access to BunnyStumper Deluxe™. I've got the boys over in communications working-up a new code to try and quench this breech in security. Because of her presence at NoCo, I have ordered this base on Stan-By Alert."

Col. Oullette let that sink in. He took in another deep breath. "That means no one leaves or enters the base without prior permission for any reason what so ever. Now then, getting back to Steve Blake....his prognosis is bad. They don't even think he'll make it through the night."

"Well, we can't just go out in the field and round-up a bunch of devilbunnies, bring them on base and ask them to donate blood. So there isn't much of anything we can do." Sgt Groundim said.

"Unless...nah, it's crazy." Eugene dismissed Aldin's earlier idea.

"Unless what?" Col. Oullette asked.

"I'll let Aldin explain....(rodent eyes took over).

Before Steve and I/Eugene reported on base today, we were able to obtain some devilbunny files which happen to contain a portion of my journal entries from Namakata Labs. Back in 1982, I had conducted some experiments to speed-up the body's healing process. If those portions of the files we obtained are complete, I may be able to duplicate the experiment on Steve."

"Are you crazy! Steve is not a guinea pig!" Sgt Groundim barked. "How long did your original test subject live?!"

"He's talking to you now. I took an oath back then never to intentionally harm a devilbunny or squirrel in my laboratory. They could only be test subjects if they volunteered and the full experimental process was explained to them before hand. It is because I adhered to my oath that I had fallen into disfavor there under FlopEar. Suffice it to say, test subjects were few and far in between, so I became my own 'guinea pig'. My results were never complete. However, I know that I would not have survived the torture I had undergone during my last two months at Namakata if my experiment had not been at least partially successful."

"What kind of facilities will you need and how much time?" The Col. asked.

"If my journal entries are intact, I'll need a fully equipped laboratory complete with a source of low-alpha particle emissions and about 36 hours to set-up the experiment."

"We've got contacts at Texas Tech. You'll have your lab. However, Steve may not have 36 hours."

"Then with your permission, Col., I had best leave and get started."

Aldin got up and with a quick nod from the Colonel, left.

Sgt. Mac Groundim couldn't hold back any longer. "Jean-Paul, you can't just do this to Steve!" He pounded the table with a closed fist.

"Mac, I've read the reports, including an update just before you and Eugene/Aldin came in. Steve is dying. It is now only a matter of time. If Aldin's experiment works, Steve may live. If it fails, it won't matter."

The two of them then talked about the "good-times" they previously had with Steve Blake until the late hours of the night.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 11

LT GreyTail had his orders from the General and he intended to carry them out to the letter. It didn't take long to locate the traitor, Bob Fisher and his associate, Marcus Stanton. Stanton was a wimp, he confessed to his share after only losing one toe. He was a typical human, he tried to put the whole blame on Bob at first until, GreyTail convinced him to accept the blame that was his for failing to stop his partner. He begged to be converted rather than be killed. Who knows, he might make a good bun after conversion.

Bob was another matter. GreyTail had to give him credit, he had nerves of steel. He must have been a star pupil in those symp training courses. GreyTail had already removed half his toes, taking his time on each to let the human experience some pain, however, the human showed no signs of pain, not even a grimace. He was through with the "elementary education" consisting of a 6 hour marathon of Barney, followed by 3 hours of Care Bears. None of it seemed to affect this human. After the second marathon, GreyTail approached the human again.

"Again, why did you attempt to sell secret information to the enemy?" (demandfluff) GreyTail pointed one talon at the human and considered removing another toe.

Bob Fisher replied with no emotions, "I told you, the General said to me, that it didn't matter what it cost him, he wanted the Moxie™ stock the Fudd in question had. When the initial deal fell-through, I had no choice but to try this route. By blowing the original deal, I had already lost my toes, so I had nothing to loose. Besides, the Fudd still didn't sell and handed back the disk after looking at the contents for 25-30 seconds. It only contained a few journal entries and a file listing of what would be made available if he signed over the stock. Once he signed, it would not have mattered whether he got the documents or not. He could have been easily terminated. I've worked for the General for 10 years and I made a good profit at it. Some of the more recent companies I have attained for you include Quaker Oats, Hallmark, and Exxon. The Fudds haven't anywhere near the funds to attempt to buy me out. And if they knew about half the companies you devilbunnies owned, which at present is between a third and a half of the Fortune™ 500, they'd throw themselves on their axes in dismay over losing the war."

Same as before, GreyTail (sighfluff)ed. *Why do they always have to go through it the hard way.* "If you just confess to being a spy for the enemy, I'll make your execution quick and painless." (no reply) (sighfluff) *Frith, I've got to find a weakness in this human, or 'graduate level education' wouldn't work.* An idea hit GreyTail.

"I suppose you're thirsty. (no reply) Well, we're out of Snapple™, you'll have to (deviousfluff) settle for Pepsi™."

Bob's expression immediately changed. "You wouldn't! I could never drink that crap! You know I've worked under your Coca-Cola™ division."

(deviousfluff) "I know. I also know you're not originally from Georgia, but you're a yankee, so while you are contemplating whether or not to drink what we offer you, you can also enjoy some Billy Ray Cirus (or is it Sirus or...)."

GreyTail turned and left. He could hear the human scream in terror all the way down the hallway as the music started. (skipfluffturnspinhop) *I am beginning to thoroughly enjoy this assingment,* GreyTail thought to himself as he proceeded back to his office and prepare a preliminary report to his superiors..

Somewhere in Northern Maine....

There was a knock at the door.

(Sighfluff) *Frith, like I haven't got enough problems at present!* "Enter!" commanded the elder grey devilbunny with the bent right ear.

A soldierbun entered. (salutefluff) "Sir, we have captured trespassing human wielding a fireaxe on level B. I lost two buns before we subdued the human. We did not kill him immediately, for I assumed you would like to question him."

(commendfluff) "Very good, LT. Bring him in."

Two soldierbuns rough-handled a human male into the office.

(astonishedfluff) "Why Joe Pleau, why have you come here. Didn't I pay you well enough to keep working for me in Brownville Jct?"

"Damn you FlopEar! No amount of money can bring back my son, and you know it! You didn't tell me you were going to have that jet sabotaged! I could have found a way to keep my son off that mission if you had."

"Now you know I couldn't risk that. (tsktskfluff) Well now that you have betrayed me, you leave me no recourse. Guards!" (two soldierbuns entered) "Take this human to the holding cell. Joe, you'll live a little longer, (deviousfluff) I'm expecting another guest shortly, so you won't die in the laboratory alone. Take him away." (commandfluff)

"Comm tech, send a message to the kitchen. Tell them I want three human toes with dinner."

(over intercom) "Yes sir!" (attentionfluff)

FlopEar thought aloud to himself. "45 years I have staged attacks against the humans that appeared as natural disasters. With the unwilling help of Joe Pleau and soon Tailless, I will complete the testing on what will become my last and greatest attack on the humans. An attack so swift that their 'Omega Treaty' (indignantfluff) won't be able to protect them... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH....So where in the Frith are Cottontail and Doublewiskers!? (STOMP!) Most likely Joe screwed things-up on them on purpose, but its still been almost three weeks. How long does it take to make a little trip to Texas, round-up Tailless and return?"

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 12

Aldin had been reviewing his old journal entries for 6 hours, but was at a dead end. The entry he needed was missing. No, it had been deleted. Somebun had not only decoded his encryption, but saw that this particular experiment was not only useful, but needed to be kept secret from P.A.W.

"MOOSE DROPPINGS! (stomps foot on ground) Blast you FlopEar!"

*Calm-down, Aldin. You're reactions are very un-squirrel-like. That foot-stomping was too rabbit like.*

"Stay out of it, Gene! How would you feel if somebun had deleted your work?"

*About as P.O.'d as you right now, but that's not going to help Steve. Let's reread what portions of the journal we do have carefully. With the two of us working at it, we may be able to jog your memory enough to remember the missing entry.*

"Yea, you're right, Gene."

Now, then....August 11, 1982.....and they reread what they had to go on.

"What!!!!????" (STOMP!!!!) GreyTail was furious.

(nervousfluff) "Sir, I've double checked the computer scan findings. The first of the two disks the traitor had has been tampered with, possible copied."

(STOMP!!!!) "Send-out to all outposts: Be on the look-out for the Fudd, Eugene Pomerleau, description to follow. He has secret devilbunny documents that must be recovered at all costs. Do not approach him alone. If you spot him, radio for back-up before approaching him. LT GreyTail out."

He turned to the comm tech. "Keep me posted."

"And where can I contact you, sir, when the Fudd is found?"

(deviousfluffandsmackslips) "I'll be spamming our traitor. BWAHA HA HA HA!!!!!" GreyTail hopped off to the kitchen and ordered the traitor, Bob Fisher, to be brought there.

*Thank Frith I found Tailless' dump.* Doublewiskers thought to himself as he picked the locks and disarmed the security alarm and entered Eugene's apartment cautiously. Little did he know he was being watched from across the street.

*Now all I have to do is sit and wait for Tailless,* he thought to himself. He proceeded over to the fridge and made himself at home.

*Tailless, you're not much of a host....no Spam™, no Snapple™, but plenty of Moxie™ (shiverfluff). Ah, this will do....* Doublewiskers grabbed a 2 liter bottle of OJ and salad fixin's out of the fridge, sat down in the living room and turned-on Baywatch™. *At least he's got cable.*

"That's it! Gene, I remember now! Now if we can find those materials on campus, we might just be able to help Steve after all."

*Then let's get to it, Aldin. We've got a life to try and save.*

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 13

Author's Note 1 March, 1998: The following segment also appears as The Lubbock Spamming Video. The violent, graphically gory content may not be suitable for all readers.

LT GreyTail was in the kitchen prep-room of the Lubbock Outpost Warren. The traitor former bunny-symp, Bob Fisher was strapped into a slide-chute before him. The bottom of the slide-chute led to the new patented Spam-o-Matic™ Spam maker that had been installed at the warren only a few months previous. Mr. Fisher would get the honor of being the first Spammed™ by it. Also in the room were a two guardbuns, a techbun operating a camcorder and Marcus Stanton in handcuffs. GreyTail unfolded a piece of paper and read:

"Mr. Bob Fisher. You have been accused of and found guilty of committing treason and espionage. Under General LonGears' orders you are to be spammed to serve as an example to others as to why no bun or one betrays the General."

Bob snapped at him. "Be done with it already. You're not going to get much more entertainment out of me."

(deviousfluff) "That's what you think. Medic! Give him that serum that Mentat Bovet up to Stillwarren asked us to test." A med-bun comes up, and injects a needle full of pinkish-green ooze into Bob Fisher. Bob doesn't even flinch. "If what Mentat Bovet explained to me is correct, that stuff now diffusing into your system, will keep you conscious long after you should have passed-out from this form of execution. Furthermore, it enhances the nervous system. The pain you shall feel shall be increased thanks to this." He turns to Marcus Stanton. "Watch closely. You could be next if you fail to cooperate more with us."

"Now then. Start rolling the film. and.....ACTION!"

GreyTail turns on the Spam-o-Matic™. It buzzes much like a food processor. The slide-chute actually has a small conveyor belt on it. This moves very slowly--after all, the human must be well pureed to make proper Spam™. Bob Fisher grinds his teeth as his few remaining toes and his feet get ground-up. He finally loses control and screams at the top of his lungs in agony as his legs are grounded. He continues to scream though at a different pitch of voice as the grinding approaches his waist. He screams and screams and let's curses at devilbunnies in general and curses General LonGears as his torso is shredded and screams no more. Yet, his mouth continues to move and his eyes show pain almost until his neck gets sliced-and-diced. All in all, the whole incident takes 10 minutes. Bob Fisher was rather skinny and his body only produced 12 cans of Spam™. Through all of this, GreyTail cackled and fluffed with delight. Marcus loses his lunch.

GreyTail turned to the bun behind the camera. "I want three copies of this made. Send one to Stillwarren, one to P.A.W. and the third to my office. The original should go to the archives. Oh and send a message to Mentat Bovet that his serum is a success." (commandfluff)

(salutefluff) "Yes sir!"

GreyTail turns to Marcus. "Now, that you have had sometime to consider your options, do you have anything to add to your previous statements?" (glareseyes)

Marcus, rather greenfaced, replied, "The Fudd had help. Before I ducked into the warehouse and radioed you for help, I saw the Fudd's car leap forward by itself or so it seemed. A second glance showed that there was a devilbunny driving the thing."

(STOMP!) "WHAT!!!! Are you saying that there is a traitorbun out there helping that Fudd???!!!"

(shakesandshivers) "Yyyyeeesss. I only got a quick glance at his head and ears. The bun was rather large and had grayish-brown fur."

GreyTail calms down a little. "Hhhhmmmm.....We don't have any buns here that could fit that description. Perhaps this is a rouge devilbunny. Well, when we catch-up with them, he'll wish he had chosen the right side. Speaking of sides. Medic! (the medicbun hops up to him and GreyTail takes him aside) Get our new recruit here (points to Stanton) down to the infirmary and get the conversion process started. If you have any of BunnyMentat's specials kicking around, administer one to him. We need every paw we can get right now thanks to this situation."

(Salutefluff) "Yes, sir! If you will follow me, Mr. Stanton, we get you down to the infirmary. Marcus isn't a half-bad name, but that Stanton has got to go. While we're doing this, you'll have to come-up with a better, more cute...." The conversation trailed off down the tunnel.

(smacklipsanddeviousfluffle) "I hope Bob is as tasty as he was entertaining." GreyTail says to nobun in particular.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 14

Aldin/Eugene had gathered the chemicals that he/they needed. It had taken them about three hours to get the stuff together. It took another 2 hours to combine them into the paste that Aldin was going to apply to Steve. All that was left was getting the patient to the lab.

*******Tightbeam to Joe's Cafe**********
Encryption Mox.1 enabled

This is kitchen. The oven is ready for the bird. Over.
*******Tightbeam reply to Kitchen*******
Encryption Mox.1 enabled

The bird is stuffed and on it's way. Good luck!

end encryption
*******end two-way Tightbeam**********

All that was left was to wait for his patient to arrive.

Back at Lubbock Outpost Warren (LOW)....

"Sir! Scout group 11 reports picking-up a scrambled tightbeam somewhere on the north side of the Texas Tech Campus."

GrayTail had just returned from spamming Bob Fisher. (anxiousfluff) "Have you got a copy of the message?"

"It's printing-out now, sir."

He rips the paper out of the printer and glances over it. "This doesn't look like BunnyStumper™. See if you can get this decoded ASAP."

(attentionfluff) "Yes, sir!"

GrayTail sat down and started preparing reports for both Stillwarren and P.A.W.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 15

They had their orders to pull-out. Yes, after a month of recuperation, they were being put back into action. 2nd LT Fuzzy, temporary commander of the TX Panhandle Advance Brigade had received orders from Cmdr Iago to move his forces as quickly as possible to Lubbock. The brigade which was originally 50 buns strong was now only 28 with 4 of those still recovering from their last battle with a Fudd recruit wielding a new (then) secret weapon. When Fuzzy informed his troops (he was the only surviving officer) that they were moving out to Lubbock to help apprehend the very Fudd who made fools of them only a month before, they cheered him and remembered their late commander: "On to Lubbock! Death to the Fudds! Bucktooth shall be avenged!"

2nd LT Fuzzy gave the order to load-up the Lone Star Beer truck and they were on their way. He sent off a message to Lubbock.

***********Tightbeam to LT GreyTail******************
**********BUNIX Encryption activated*****************

Sir (salutefluff), this is 2nd LT Fuzzy, commander of the TX Panhandle Advance Brigade. We are en route to Lubbock to aid in the apprehension of the Fudd, Eugene Pomerleau under orders from Cmdr Iago. Our ETA is 2 hours.

2nd LT Fuzzy
************end tightbeam and encryption***************

He got a reply within less then five minutes.

**********Tightbeam to 2nd LT Fuzzy******************
**********BUNIX Encryption activated*****************

Acknowledged. Will keep you informed of the situation down here as things change.

LT GreyTail, Lubbock Outpost Warren
************end tightbeam and encryption****************

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 16

Two Fudd orderlies rushed Steve Blake into the commandeered Physics Lab on the third floor of the Geosciences building at Texas Tech were Aldin/Eugene was waiting for them. They carefully transferred the pro-Fudd devilbunny onto a small table borrowed from the Animal Sciences Lab.

"Anything else we can do?"

"Get a couple of guards on that door, other than that stay out of the way." Aldin replied curtly.

The orderlies left and closed the door behind them. Aldin heard the movement of feet near the door and then all was quiet. He began to prepare his patient/subject. To his surprise, Steve was awake. Steve tried to speak. Aldin hushed him.

"Save your energy. This is what I'm going to do to you. If you do not want this, but would rather die, tell me so...." He explained the procedure. When he finished, Steve gave a weak nod of his head indicating to Aldin to proceed with the experiment.

Aldin took a small blood sample (very small, Steve had little left to spare as it was) and then gave Steve an injection followed by a second injection in his chest wound. (alt.db off--this author is weak in this area and shall leave it to the reader's imagination as to what was in the two needles.--alt.db on) Aldin then set-up the lab's low-power laser and test fired it. It seemed to work alright (it was only the tenth time he tested it since signaling LUFI to send him his patient). He then placed a half-gram sample of radium (courtesy of a student of his from the chemistry department) on the wound were he had made the injections, aimed the laser at the sample on the wound and gave a thirty second burst. Steve shivered slightly but remained quiet. A little crude, but easier to pull-off then trying to explain to technicians at the hospital why he needed to x-ray his injured rabbit with their machinery.

"Well Steve, if this works, you'll be up and about within a day. But you'll need a lot of protein in the meantime. Anything special you want."

"How about your toes? (weakgigglefluff) Hey, it was a joke. A New York Strip would be nice." The last part came-out almost as a rasp.

"I'll see what I can do. Rest now."

Steve didn't need any prompting as he fell asleep as Aldin finished his sentence.

Aldin sent a message off to Colonel Oullette.

********Tightbeam to Joe's Cafe*********
Encryption Mox.1 enabled
This is the kitchen. The bird is in the oven. All that is left is waiting. Bird should be done in six hours. Kitchen is in need of New York Strip steaks and Kiwi-Strawberry Snapple™.
*******Tightbeam reply***************

Customers are anxious for their bird. The manager shall have you your order within the hour. Keep me informed. Joe's Cafe out.

******end tightbeam and encryption*****

Aldin began examining the blood sample he took from Steve and began some tests on it and a sample of his own blood.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 17

"Sir, Scout group 11 reports another transmission. With it they've been able to narrow their search to the Engineering and Science Keys at the university. Also, Scout group 7 reports they have found the suspect's car in the west commuter lot."

(praisefluff) "Good, tech. Tell group 11 to keep monitoring for transmissions, but don't make a move at this time. Wait for reinforcements. Tell group 7 to leave the vehicle alone, it may be trapped, you never know with Fudds. Tell them to leave one guard behind to keep an eye on the vehicle and the rest of them are to rendezvous with group 11. Inform all other groups to do the same. (narrowseyes) Nobun is to make a move until I arrive."

(salutefluff) "Orders are being relayed and acknowledged sir."

"One last group to take care of....."

*****Tightbeam to 2nd LT Fuzzy**********
*****BUNIX Encryption activated**********

Suspect possible found. When you arrive in Lubbock, proceed to Dan Law Field behind Texas Tech's Engineering Key. One of my buns will meet and brief you their.

LT GreyTail
*********end tightbeam and encryption*****

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 18

Doublewiskers was sick of watching television. There wasn't anything good on. Yes, Tailless had cable, but none of the good stations like Disney, FX2 or the Family Channel. Frith, PBS was blocked-out. Nothing worth listening to in his CD collection. What in the Frith was he to do. Doesn't this Fudd ever come home? That's when he heard a computer beep.

He searched around and found the mini-tower hidden within the left-side of a beat-up military surplus metal desk in the bedroom. It was on and running! Furthermore, it was already logged-on. He began to read.....

"Great Frith! (STOMP!) Were did Tailless get this information on Namakata?!" This had to be destroyed. He checked around the computer, under the chair, throughout the desk....no traps. He listed the files and then entered the command to erase them. He found a six foot scout hiking staff, and standing back from the computer, he used it to hit the enter key that would then cause the files to erase. The screen read:

ENTER PASSWORD:

Doublewiskers jumped back. Nothing happened. (curiosityfluff) He cautiously approached the desk and rummaged through it and found an index card with several passwords on it:

DELETE: DIEFLOPEAR
LOGON:  POPTHE'GEARS
SELFDESTRUCT: MOXIERULES

He doubted they were in the correct order. He threw-out the second one, an obvious trap, not to mention the system was already up and running. That left two. He doubted the Fudd would list the passwords with the correct function. He risked the third password. He typed it in and then got back and hit enter key with the scout staff. Nothing happened at first. Then the screen went blank and then came back on in blue. A message printed across the screen:

NEXT TIME LOOK UNDER THE KEYBOARD.
AU REVOIR, FLUFFER!!!!

Doublewiskers looked up.

Across the street, Private Buckey was monitoring the rouge devilbunny in the Fudd, Eugene's, apartment as ordered when the apartment exploded. The force of the explosion blew-out the windows in the apartment Buckey was using as a monitoring outpost. He ducked and covered. And then cautiously looked out across the street. Eugene's apartment was engulfed in flames. A piece of window debris lay on the balcony of the outpost. It had on it a decal that read:

WARNING: This home is protected by the SHIITE™ anti-burglary system. You won't live to see your trial if you tamper with a SHIITE™ protected home.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 19

Aldin was still examining the blood samples when his lap-top beeped and a message scrolled across the screen. He already knew what it meant.

"D@#n!" He sent a message of to LUFI.

****Tightlink to Joe's Cafe*******
Encryption Mox.1 activated

We have intruders in the storeroom. Please send the bouncer to investigate.
****end tightlink and encryption***

At LUFI, Col. Oullette received the message and relayed orders. "Mac, check it out, but only drive by. Only stop if necessary." Mac Groundim left.

*****Tightlink to Kitchen********
Encryption Mox.1 activated

Bouncer is on his way. How's the bird?

****reply tightlink*****

Still quite moist, will keep it basted. Out.
*****end two-way tightlink and encryption*****

Outside the science key.....

(Overjoyedfluffhopjump) "I've got you now, Fudd!" Lt GreyTail had just arrived as Scout group 11 had picked-up the third transmission and pinpointed the source as the third-floor Physics wing of the Geosciences Building.

(commandfluff) "I want that building surrounded. We shall attack in half-an-hour. No one goes in or out of that building alive without my clearance. The Fudd, Eugene Pomerleau, is to be taken alive if possible. CMDR Iago (deviousfluff) has plans for him. Private Fluffduff, the Panahndle Brigade should be pulling into Dan Law Field shortly. Get over there, brief them and get back here with them pronto."

(salutefluff) "Yes sir!" Fluffduff bounded off.

"Now then (GreyTail pulled-out building plans for the Geosciences building) this is what we are going to do."

TBC (in January--sorry)

Author's note: At this point I stepped away for the Christmas break and then started posting again (stuff below) upon my return in January, 1995.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 20

Private Biledeau was on lookout atop Texas Tech's Business Administration (BA) Building.

"Great Elmer..." He sent a message in on what he saw.

***Tightbeam to Joe's Diner and the Kitchen***
Encryption Mox.1 enabled

This is the Belfry Bat. We have over a thousand rowdy customers awaiting service outside the diner.

***End tightbeam and encryption***

Aldin got the message and gave Steve a Snapple™ and a steak. Steve tore into the steak voraciously. Aldin told the two guards outside the lab to move down the hall and remain alert. He then proceeded to his laptop and tapped into the university's surveillance system (password curtesy of another of Eugene's students). He panned a camera aimed towards TTU's Memorial Circle and parade ground outside the Physics lab and saw a sea of rabbits.

"Moose droppings..." *We're in it deep!*

***Tightbeam and encryption to Joe's Dinner***

The Kitchen can not serve this many customers.

***End tightbeam and encryption***

"What's up?" Steve enquired between mouthfuls of steak and Snapple™.

"We've been found-out. I'm awaiting the Colonel's reaction. (beep) There it is now."

***Tightbeam and Encryption to the Kitchen***

Will attempt to disperse crowd. Prepare to serve the bird early. If situation turns sour, flush the menu. ETA 10 minutes.

***end tightbeam and encryption***

"The Colonel is going to attack in about 10 minutes. If the buns attack early, we are to attempt to escape via the steam tunnels."

Steve (palefluff) paused in his meal and said, "Knowing the Colonel, the tunnels will be waist-deep in sewage blessed by the base chaplin."

"If it comes to that, you'll be carried out. Now eat. (Aldin placed the second steak in front of Steve.) You are going to need your energy."

Aldin turned back to the monitor and panned the security cameras again and focused on the center ground of Memorial Circle where there seemed to be the most activity.

"Let's not make this 'secret war' too obvious now....Good thing its a long weekend and there are few students around." Aldin muttered out loud. He zoomed in the best he could on a bun who seemed to be giving orders. His armor markings indicated he was a Lieutenant. Aldin paled.

*Impossible, he's dead.* The bun in question turned his brown and white body revealing an all grey tail. "Spirit," Aldin muttered. "No, it isn't him. This bun is too young...perhaps a descendant?"

Steve was finishing-off steak #2. In between mouthfuls he asked, "What are you mumbling about?" (quizicalfluff)

Aldin handed him the third steak and checked his wounds, which were near completely healed while replying, "You're clearing out of here with the two guards. I've got a ghost from my past to deal with."

"Mhat mou mean mghost?" Steve, mouth full of steak, inquired.

"It all has to do with a promise I make long ago...(Aldin eyes went unfocused for a few seconds) If we both live through this, I'll tell you, but no time right now." He went to the door. "Guards!" The two guards came in. "Evacuate the patient via the steam tunnel."

"Now wait one damn minute, Private Pomerleau!" Steve snapped. "I'm not going to let you play hero alone."

"Aldin smiled. "You forget, Sgt, I'm not Private Eugene Pomerleau. I am Mentat Aldin Busheytail. Currently, you are my patient and unfit for duty. You know, I never realized how uncute that title could be if pronounced just right. Perhaps its time to put it to use again. From the expression on your face, I see that you didn't know that. I take it, that it wasn't in the files you recovered from Namakata, was it? (looking at the two guards) Get the sergeant out of here, I've got some work to do."

The guards left with one frozen shock-expression Sgt Blake as Aldin turned to his laptop.

***Tightbeam and encryption to Joe's Diner***

Change in menu. Bird is being flushed as we speak. The cook recognizes one of the customers. Request 30 minutes to attempt to settle account before sending in the bouncers.

***reply***

The cook has lost his marbles. You have got your 30 minutes, good luck.

***end tightbeam and encryption***

Colonel Oullette sat back in his makeshift field HQ within Jones Stadium on the northeast corner of TTU's campus. He sighed and ordered a hold on the attack.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 21


>     Private Buckey then cautiously looked out across the street.  Eugene's
>apartment was engulfed in flames.  A piece of window debris lay on the
>balcony of the outpost.  It had on it a decal that read:
>
>WARNING:  This home is protected by the SHIITE (tm) anti-burglary
>system.

(puzzlefluff) *There wasn't any security system in there last week.* (WHAM!!!) Private Buckey swung around, a small pistol drawn in his paw, and saw that a short-circuited, burned-out suit of morpharmor had crashed through the roof of the outpost. There was movement within it for a moment and then it lay still.

***BUNIX TIGHTBEAM, Namkata edition activated***

Brigadier General FlopEar, commander, Namakata Labs:

If you are reading this automated message, then I have failed in my mission and am or soon will be dead. Frith be with you.

Agent Doublewiskers.
***end tightbeam and encryption***

(STOMP!STOMP!STOMP!) FlopEar was furious. "When I finally catch-up with you, Eugene, you're going to wish I had killed you before." He calmed down a little. "But for now (deviousfluff) I can get some revenge on that traitor, Joe . Looks like Eugene won't be the first victim...I mean, subject of my latest and grandest experiment. after all." He paged his commtech via the intercom. "Commtech, have the human moved to the laboratory isolation chamber. (deviousluff) I'll be there shortly."

"Yes sir!" came the reply over the intercom.

FlopEar cackled to himself. This would be fun. If this experiment were successful, he could launch his greatest staged 'disaster' ever within a few months. It would top the feat he pulled-off at Big Thompson Canyon, CO in July of '76. It would make his grandfather's work with the Hindenburg in 1937 minor in comparison. It would even top what his great grandfather did with the Titanic in 1912 or that flood by his great-great grandfather at Johnstown, PA back in 1889. If all worked-out, there would no longer be a need for an 'Omega Treaty' within a matter of months.

The tale from FlopEar's end is continued in The Maine Plan

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 22

*That should do it,* Aldin thought.

*This is insane. If you get us killed, don't say I didn't warn you,* was Eugene's reply. *I'm glad you thought of those precautions ahead of time.*

*Well it pays to collect on 'favors' students think they owe us,* Aldin reply-thought. *Let's hope its enough.*

Aldin accessed the security cameras again. He focused on the greytailed bun who seemed in charge and turned-on the PA system and spoke.

"LT, you have done a thorough job of attracting my attention. Why don't you come-in alone and we'll talk."

LT GreyTail looked about catching himself from almost surprise-fluffing. Aldin panned the camera about to make it easier to spot and continued.

"Of course you could just leave and save much bloodshed and the war will remain out of the 'innocent' public's eyes. But then again, that would require that you have a brain under those ears."

This had the desired effect on GreyTail. He orders 2 unarmored platoons to charge the Geosciences Building. Aldin quickly types a series of commands into his laptop and the sprinklers directly in front of the building come to life. Aldin had installed a can of Moxie™ into the system earlier. The contents were quickly emptied, diluted, and sprayed onto the charging force. The sprinklers shut down as quickly as they had come on. Two dozen buns writhed in agony. Aldin spoke through the PA again.

As you can see, the sprinkler system has been rigged. It's nice to know the arch-bishop of Lubbock is a fellow Yankee/Mainah. (Aldin half-fibbed) I see that holy water is nearly as painful as HVE to your kind. LT, why don't you just come-up and talk."

LT GreyTail was furious. (STOMP!) "I'll show that Fudd!" He orders the building to be stormed in 15 minutes if he doesn't return. "Level the place! Frith be damned, take no prisoners!" He proceeds to the building, a door unlocks and he enters.

90 seconds later he's on the third floor cautiously approaching an open lab door. He hears the same voice he heard over the PA, "Come in..."

GreyTail leaps through the door, rolls and comes up with his gun in paw, snarling. His expression quickly changes when he sees the large laboratory laser aimed at him, with a lone human holding his finger on the control. The human has a wood axe in his free hand. The human smiled.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 23

"Welcome, LT...GreyTail perhaps? Weren't you taught in military school that it's dangerous to underestimate an unknown enemy? Put your weapon away and I'll relax my hold on this thing."

GreyTail lowered and holstered his weapon. *How in Frith does this Fudd know me?* he thought.

As if reading his reactions and unspoken question Aldin continued. "I don't suppose your superiors gave you much about me to go on. I am Aldin Busheytail/Eugene Pomerleau. You are here because of some files from P.A.W. I obtained. It is dangerous to fight an unknown adversary. The laptop in front of you has the info you need about me straight from PAW...go ahead (dismissive wave) read them. It will answer some of your questions.

(doubtfulfluff) *Must be a Fudd trick, but what choice do I have.* He read:

PAW FILES CLASSIFIED
Level Omega (GreyTail's eyes widened)
Dossier, Namakata Labs

Name: Aldin Busheytail Species: Eastern Grey Squirrel
Birth: March 1979, Maine Wilderness
Length: 26 inches including tail Weight: 1lb 3 ounces
Death: August 11, 1984
Rank and or title at time of Death: Lieutenant Commander and Mentat
(GreyTail's eyes widened even more)

Notes:

Ast scientist, Genetics Lab, Apr 1981. Head of Genetics, Oct 1981. Ast Head all labs, Mar 1983. Head all labs, Oct 1983. Second in command of Namakata overall with rank LT CMDR, Oct 1983. Achieved title of Mentat Dec 1983.

Removed from 2nd in Command May, 1984. Led revolt June, 1984. Died in laboratory experiment as part of his sentence August 11, 1984.

File closed by PAW investigation April 1989. Reopened August 1994 by General LonGears.

END OF FILE

GreyTail looked up in disbelief and notices the human's rodent eyes for the first time. (dismissivefluff) "This is all an elaborate fabrication."

"If it were, then how did I fabricate the General's paw and retina scans on the file? Now read the other one." GreyTail accessed the other file and read:

PAW FILES CLASSIFIED
Level Omega
Dossier, Namakata Labs

Name: Buckey "Butch" GreyTail Species: Deviljack
Date of Birth: April 14, 1976, Stillwater, Texas.
Death: June, 1984
Rank at time of Death: Lieutenant Commander

Notes:

Graduated 3rd in class of 350 from Plainview Military Academy, April, 1978. Graduated PAW Officer Academy, 2nd in class of 100, Dec, 1978, rank 2nd LT. Assigned to Namakata Labs Jan, 1979. Promoted to 1st LT Dec, 1979. Second in command of Namakata Militia May, 1980. Promoted to LT Nov 1980. Commander of Namakata Militia and 3rd in command overall July, 1982. Promoted to LT CMDR Dec, 1983. Promoted to 2nd in command overall May, 1984. Killed in attempt to stop squirrel rebellion June, 1984.

GreyTail looked-up as he finished reading the file and Aldin spoke: "I don't suppose you and he were related?"

(astonishedfluff) "He was my father. I never was told how he died. But how..."

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 24

"He and I were best friends back then," Aldin interrupted. "We had taught each other much. However our friendship was strained when I had a falling-out with our superior, FlopEar. I was sent to the mines with many other squirrels. We had two options: stay in the mines and die or fight and possible live. I didn't expect to have to fight my best friend in battle.

"I had just killed my second bun in the fight when Butch took me on. Teacher and pupil faced each other. He tried to talk me into surrendering while I tried to sway him to fight against FlopEar. Time seemed to stand still as we struck at each other. I could tell he was pulling his blows. I was also pulling mine. I really didn't want to fight him. Then either I pulled-back to late or he thrust himself into my strike or...well anyway...I scored a deep gash into his chest and he bled to death in my arms before medical help could arrive. In grief I surrendered.

"Before he died, Butch asked me one favor, which I promised to try and keep. He told me that his doe back in Texas was pregnant and that if I ever met his kits, not to harm them on the first encounter and to tell them how brave their father was."

"LT, don't make me break my word to your father. Clear your troops out of here now. If you don't head my words, death shall rain from the skies and several hundred of your buns shall perish before the first battle cries are heard from the northeast and south. You came for the files, there they are. Delete them from the hard drive and take the floppy. Once you leave this room, my word to your father shall be fulfilled and I can no longer guarantee your safety.

(furiousfluff) "You expect me to believe you! (STOMP!) A squirrel killed my father! Death raining from the sky! You're crazy! This is all a Fudd trick!" (disbelieffluff)

(chatterspit)"Chitter, chatter, chirp, CHATTERSPIT!" Aldin regained his composer and continued. "If this were a Fudd trick, why would I be wasting my time with you rather than just kill you with a flick of this switch? If this were a Fudd trick, 'my' forces would have engaged your forces an hour ago. LonGears doesn't believe me and these files are right under his nose! Many Fudds doubt me." Aldin paused. GreyTail just stared at him.

"Lt GreyTail, there is a substantial Fudd Army nearby. They are holding back their attack because I requested this meeting. If you don't withdraw, hundreds will die on both sides. It'll be hard to hide that in the middle of the campus of one of the largest universities in the nation. I suppose I could try to pull rank on you, but I doubt you would listen."

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA...snigger..Pull rank on me! Great Frith, you're funny for a Fudd! It's a pity my superiors already have plans for you. I could use a good jester." GreyTail sniggered some more. GreyTail removed the disk and deleted the files on the hard drive. He doubted he had the only copy of the files, but no matter, the former squirrel would be his prisoner soon enough. He left the lab and the door closed and locked behind him.

Aldin quickly sent a message off.

***Tightbeam to Joe's Diner***
Negotiations have failed. Give'em hell! Kitchen out.
***end tightbeam***

Aldin then prepared for his own hasty departure via the steam tunnels.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 25

Private Buckey approached the morpharmor heap cautiously. An emergency escape hatch opens and a bun with singed fur flops out. He looks at Private Buckey and collapses.

30 minutes later, Private Buckey is driving a non-direct route back towards Lubbock Outpost Warren, steering with one paw and attempting to send a message with the other.

***TIGHTBEAM TO LT GREYTAIL***
Bunix encryption activated

I have been forced to abandon monitor outpost Buster One. The Fudd, Eugene Pomerleau's, apartment has exploded. Cause: possible explosive security system. I am evacuating the bun suspected as being the late Agent Doublewiskers to L.O.W. for medical treatment. He is unconscious, has 2nd degree burns over half of his body and has a broken leg.

Private Buckey out.
***end tightbeam and Bunix***

As he sent the message off, he spied 6 crop-duster type planes diving towards the Texas Tech campus.

LT GreyTail was barking orders when he heard the plane engines and looked up. Before anybun could react, six crop-duster planes roared down upon the Engineering and Science keys and dumped their (environment-friendly) chemical bunnycide load upon the bun army below. They pulled-up and away before anybun could train his gun to fire back. In their wake, nearly 300 unarmored buns lay twitching, writhing in pain dieing or are already dead. Another 200 partial armored buns were doing the same.

GreyTail stared dumbfounded for the briefest of moments before the LT in him kicked in. "Death shall rain from the sky...." He began giving orders anew as he heard the cry from the northeast towards Jones Stadium and echoing from the south behind the University Center:

"FOR ELMER AND LUBBOCK!!!!!!!"

GreyTail prepared for the two frontal assault. *Frith, could that crazy, former squirrel been telling the truth?* He thought to himself.

(Author's Note: 3 March, 1998: The Engineering and Science keys at TTU, are two groups of buildings that lay to the east and north of TTU's memorial circle. The Engineering key also contains a huge lawn.)

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Down in Lubbock 26

Eugene was in control of his/Aldin's body again as he emerged from the steam tunnels inside the BA Building. He sheaded the plastic coveralls he used to wade through the waist-deep muck in the tunnel and accepted a hosing-down from a fellow Fudd.

"Gene, the Colonel sent SGT Groundim by your place. Sorry, man, what little left was burning. Whatever caused it to blow took-out the building across the way also."

(alt.db off--sad thing is the place across the way did burn-down over the break! I didn't know as I wrote these segments at home and only discovered the news upon my return to Lubbock. alt.db on)

"Damn...thanks Biledeau. Shall we go pop a few buns?" Gene rubbed the filth off his scout axe until it gleamed.

"Well, soldiers! (STOMP! commandfluff) Time to join the rest of the regiment and prepare to attack!"

Eugene jumped. "I thought Aldin ordered you to rest..." He reacted, but a moment too late as SGT Steve Blake pinned him to the ground.

"There's a battle out there, private! (STOMP!) The Colonel needs every hand he can get. Besides, Aldin did a better job than he may be willing to admit."

Rodent eyes took over. "Then you better have plenty of food on hand, SGT. What I did to you will speed-up your metabolism whenever you are injured, speeding the repair. But if you don't eat enough, you could starve to death as your body tries to heal itself. Head my warning as you take to the field." Aldin relinquished control back to Eugene. "Sorry, Sir! The squirrel had a little more to say, Sir!"

"Never mind that. You get out there and get ready to fight!" (STOMP!)

Eugene scrambled to his feet and headed out to the BA parking lot where about 20 other Fudds were assembled. SGT Blake was right behind him. He had on a black headband and a fireaxe pattern was shaved into the fur on the top portion of his back. The battle could be heard from their location. A private ran out of the BA with a small knapsack, within which he was stuffing MRE's and handed to SGT Blake. Blake took the pack, put it on and addressed the regiment of Fudds in front of him.

"Men, we maybe a little late for the battle, but they save the best for last! We're going to go through the gap between the Geosciences Building and Chemistry. REMEMBER STILLWARREN! FOR EHL'MAR AND LUBBOCK!!!!"

The regiment echoed his words. "CHARGE!!!!" (commandfluff)

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Down in Lubbock 27

The battle was not going well for GreyTail's army. Yes, his forces were making a dent in the Fudd army, but at a high cost to his own. While he continued to bark orders, he chewed himself out for not seeing the trap. It was perfect. The buildings along the engineering and science keys provided an almost perfect 30 plus foot wall with small gaps in between, too small to get his army through swiftly. His forces were pinned against this wall as the Fudds assaulted him on two sides with a gap (another possible trap?) in the middle. Before he could think more, he heard that uncute Fudd cry for a third time. He hated that 'For Ehl'mar and Lubbock!' almost as much as he now hated Aldin/Eugene. But this cry was different. It didn't come from the current Fudd positions. It came from behind his forces.

*Great Frith, the Fudds were going to attack from the rear through the gaps in the 'wall'.* "2nd LT Fuzzy! I want your forces to hold that gap between Geo and Chem!"

(salutefluff) "Yes, sir!" Fuzzy turned to his buns, the Panhandle Advance Brigade and started barking orders. The first Fudds were already coming through the gap. He recognized one of them. (elationfluff) "There he is, buns! The Fudd who brought death upon our comrades! CHARGE!!!!"

"FOR BUCKTOOTH!!!" The buns snarled as they engaged the enemy.

Eugene and the rest of the regiment yelled anew as they broke through the gap and engaged buns. Two of the Fudds towards the back of the group grabbed each others fireaxe to form a platform between them. Using this as a step, SGT Blake catapulted out into the bun force. Eugene caught this in the corner of his eye.

"Don't worry," one of the two Fudds said. "It's the SGT's way of wreaking havoc."

Eugene didn't have time to worry as 2 armored buns charged him. He batted the first bun aside with the face of his scout axe, but couldn't parry the second one quick enough as it gashed his left arm. Eugene didn't scream in pain. Instead, he laughed uncutely and stared at the two buns with rodent eyes and pointing at the wound cried out, "Observe fluffers!" The wound began to slowly heal and he laughed anew.

The two buns stared (dumbfoundedfluff). Eugene axed one down while it was still in shock. The other snapped out of its daze and escaped back into the bun crowd crying as he ran-hopped, "He's a frith-damned lycanthrope! The Fudds have a lycanthrope!...."

Eugene didn't have time to watch the bun run as three more jumped at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that the Fudd group to the south was working a line over towards his group's position to help reinforce them.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 28

SGT Blake was making his way towards LT GreyTail's make-shift HQ on Memorial Circle. Up to this point, no bun had blacked his way. Before him stood a guardbun. Beyond him was GreyTail passing-out orders. *Here goes,* he thought to himself.

(urgentfluff) "I must see the LT!"

(dismissivefluff) "He's busy. Can't you see there's a battle going on!"

(pointoffactfluff) "That's just it! This isn't the entire Fudd force! There's another 500 to 600 Fudds west of here near the Student Rec Center!"

GreyTail heard the last part and came over. "What was that?! Who are you?!" (commandfluff)

(Attentionfluff)"Corporal Brown Paw, Sir!" (salutefluff) "From Scout Group 7, Sir!" (Steve put to use the info he had been quickly briefed on after leaving the physics building.) "We were watching the Fudd's car as ordered when we were ambushed, sir. The battle was over before we could radio for help. It was terrible, sir! (distressfluff) three Fudds had me pinned down and one of them said they were going to let me live to report what they did. They bound me, shaved my back and dragged me to the gap over there (points to fighting in the gap between chem and geo). They then loosened my bindings and booted me into the crowd. I made my way over here to report what happened and what I saw. There are between five and six hundred more Fudds waiting just west of here. They only sent a small group over with me. The rest seemed to be waiting in reserve."

GreyTail pondered this a moment then spoke, "So, 1st LT Shortail and the rest of Scout Group 7 are dead?"

Steve caught on to the trap. (quizicalfluff) "Who's Shortail, sir? 1st LT Blackeye 'Jack' was in charge of our group before the ambush. All the others are dead."

(STOMP!) "Then they shall be avenged! (SNARL!) Corporal, I'm giving you a field promotion to 2nd LT. Survive this battle, and I'll send you off for officer training. Take 100 buns and plug the other gaps between the buildings. Y'all be the only thing standing between that Fudd reserve and our backside. Don't let those Fudds through. (commandfluff) Private!" The bun who first stopped Steve came up.

"I want you to go with 2nd LT Brown Paw here and help him carry out his orders."

(salutefluff) "Thank you sir! I won't let you down!" Steve said. *At least not until I isolate those buns you've assigned me.* he added to himself.

After they moved off, Steve disposed of the guard quickly while they were behind some shrubbery. He then contemplated how to dispose of the 100 buns he would gather-up to take care of the fictitious Fudd reserve unit in the west.

Return to the
Down in Lubbock 29

The slaughter around Eugene continued. Private Biledeau to his left went down gripping his throat, gurgling blood while Eugene beheaded another bun with his axe. The blood on his axe was making the handle slick and harder to grip.

*If this don't slow down soon, we're in deep trouble. Your little experiment back at Namakata alone will not save us,* he thought to himself and (hopefully) to Aldin. *How long have we been hacking these buns, anyway?*

*Only 25 minutes,* Aldin replied-thought. *To our left!*

Eugene hacked down a bun leaping from the left only to get knocked down from the right.

"You killed my brother with some of that Moxie of yours a few weeks back right outside this building. (snarl) What an appropriate place for revenge. How's it feel to about to die, Fudd!?" The bun on his chest snarled again and brought his claws home for the kill.

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Down in Lubbock 30

The claws never made it as an axe flew in front of Eugene's face cleaving the bun on him in half. At the other end of the axe was SGT Groundim.

"Hope I didn't miss much action, private."

"Miss the action, sir? We've been saving some for you!"

The Fudds continued to hack at the devilbunnies who were slowly giving ground to the Fudd force.

GreyTail was furious. He was going to have to retreat from battle for the first time in his career. He had already lost two-thirds of his forces, nearly a third of that from that infernal air attack.

"Tech, pass on to all commanders: Prepare to retreat, standard operation beta-carotene."

(salutefluff) "Yes, sir!" The messenger hurried off to pass on the orders.

(deviousfluff) "Let's see how overconfident these Fudds are..."

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Down in Lubbock 31

SGT Blake in the past 20 minutes had disposed of some 30 odd buns, two at a time away from the main battle, "carrying-out" his orders from GreyTail. Somewhere along the way, he had lost the knapsack of MRE's. The last two he disposed of had given him a little trouble, one had slashed into his side deeply before Blake could finish him off. Aldin wasn't kidding about the hunger, he was famished as his body healed itself and the only thing around were the corpses of the last two buns he killed. He could feel his limited energy reserves dwindle quickly. He had little choice in what to do next.

(shiverfluff) *Almost like cannibalism.* Steve dragged one of the bodies behind some bushes. *Blah, this is terrible. I can't imagine how much worse it would be with human taste buds.* 5 minutes later, covered in blood and gore, he could feel his energy coming back. *Time for stage two.* He turned on a transmitter/receiver hidden within his headband.

"Crank-up that PA system in 60 seconds, mark!" He heard an "Yes sir!" from the receiver.

He counted down to thirty seconds and then stumbled back towards the battle and approached a regiment of buns who noticed him and began to head towards him.

"Another army of Fudds!" Steve Blake yelped weakly and collapsed. Several buns began to rush forward. On que, from the west came a very loud, "FOR EHL'MAR and LUBBOCK!!!!"

The buns in question changed direction and fled.

GreyTail heard the forth cry and saw some of his units to the north sway, turn and run.

(STOMP!!!!) "I didn't order a retreat yet! (furiousfluff) Come back here!"

A guard bun near him tried to calm him. "It's no use, sir. Look at their eyes...pure terror, nothing is going to stop those panicked buns." As he said this several of the buns in question stormed through the Fudd group to the northeast, who in turn hacked at the panicked rabbits as they tried to run the Fudds down.

(STOMP!STOMP!STOMP!) "PELLETS! Sound retreat! There's no way we can win with cowards like that! (He radioed the beer truck convoys up to Dan Law Field) Coors, we need a delivery to the Broadway TTU entrance immediately."

(three very uncute irritating tones: duh, deh, DAH!) "Sorry wabbit, This is Private Hardy of the Fudd Repossession Company. We have taken over your vehicles due to lack of payments. Have a *pop*py day!" static

GreyTail threw the radio on the ground and STOMPed it into tiny pieces. He then retreated with his forces towards the Broadway Ave entrance of the campus. Well perhaps not everything was going wrong. There across the street from the entrance were five beer trucks making deliveries to the bars just off campus.

"Commandeer those vehicles and get the troops out of here. I want 2 squadrons to stall the Fudds as long as possible!"

"Yes sir!" Things were done as ordered. GreyTail and his forces (what was left of them anyway) made their escape.

A loud cheer went-up from the Fudd army as the last bun standing was hacked down and they saw the Beer trucks squeal away. However, they didn't cheer for long as they now had the monumental task of cleaning things-up before the students return the following day.

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Down in Lubbock 32--Epilogue

Two days later, GreyTail and company had pulled into Plainview. He had been forced to abandon not just Lubbock Outpost Warren, but Shallowwater and Abernathy also as the Fudds somehow found him out. He lost Brown Paw in Abernathy. Frith, he was just beginning to like that bun too. He had lost another 300 buns since the battle in Lubbock.

At Plainview Warren he assigned most of his remaining troops to the local commander and then with a small attachment, headed for Stillwarren to file his reports and await Iago's and Black Paw's punishment for his failure.

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Down in Lubbock 33--Epilogue pt.2

*****Tightbeam to Bill Keyes, Commander of NoCo*****
*****Bunnystumper Deluxe activated*****
Date 1/9/95

Subject: End of Year report

My apologies for the lateness of this report, Commander, but as your read through this, I believe you will understand the reasons behind its lateness. I also apologize for announcing this battle victory three months late:

On the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend, LUFI forces numbering about 2000 strong engaged a devilbunny force of about equal strength on the campus of Texas Tech University. We used the recruit, Eugene Pomerleau/Aldin Busheytail and some files apparently from P.A.W. (see copy enclosed) as bait to draw the buns out in the open. After approximately 45 minutes of fighting, the buns broke off the attack and ran. In the clean-up we removed 1500 devilbunny bodies from the battle site. I lost 700 good men. We were able to clean the campus up within 24 hours, before most students returned from the holiday weekend. There were a few on campus during the battle though, and we spent the rest of the fall and are now still busy training 500 new recruits from those who had witnessed the battle. No reports on the battle appeared in local news, so the secret is safe.

With the help of SGT Steve Blake's infiltration after the battle, we were able to destroy db outposts in central Lubbock, Abernathy and Stillwater within days of the battle. No rabbit has been spotted within the city limits of Lubbock in the past two months and I think it may be safe to say that Lubbock is bunny-free for now.

Also enclosed is a report on a new bunnycide, engineered at Texas Tech, which proved invaluable in the Columbus Day battle.

As for Private Eugene Pomerleau/Aldin 'Mentat' Busheytail, the former squirrel's science background and past action here has proven to me that he is too valuable for the battlefield. We have set-up a laboratory for him on base were he is currently attempting to find a cure for SGT Blake's ailment. A full report of his progress is enclosed. Because of his background with the devilbunnies, I have not trusted him up to this point with high level security clearance, not even a copy of Bunnystumper Deluxe™. This will change in the future if he keeps proving his trust.

We obviously can no longer remain secret after that last battle so close to the base and the three quick victories that followed it. Do not be afraid to call upon us, commander if you need help up to NoCo. As the enclosed report shows, we have 2000 seasoned soldiers and 500 new recruits, and six crop-dusters with one more load of Tech's bunnycide ready for action. By air transport (it's nice to have a Fudd base within an Air Force Base), we can be at NoCo in a mere 150 minutes.

That concludes this report. Elmer be with you.

Col. Jean-Paul Oullette, commander of Lubbock Fudd Intelligence (LuFI)
****end tightbeam and encoding***

End

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