Mustard's Journal Entries--February, 1998

Entries through the end of February, 1998, of Mustard SnowPaw, Aldin's henchbunny. Posted to alt.devilbunnies on or as close to the dates in the entries as possible.

© 1998 by Scott Bernier
First HTML-ized 10 March, 1998

My first day here has been...(wellfluff) interesting to say the least. I was up part of the night last night reading about the history of this former bun warren in...dare I admit it? Fascination. This Rabbit Mentat may have been brilliant in his field, but he (definatelyfluff) was off his rocker. Some of his ideas would still be considered radical today. Treating tree rats as equals??? (thenagainfluff) Without his work, we wouldn't have tree rat slaves in many warrens today.

I had been locked-in after 9pm and didn't go to sleep until after 2 not realizing how quickly the time had flown by. After my awakening this morning at 5:30, I better understand the term 'bright-eyed and bushytailed'. (shudderfluff) Why do tree rats get-up so early? Can't they let a prisoner get some descent shut-eye? Aldin peaked-in and told me that the students would be here by 6. That didn't give me much time to wake-up, eat a quick breakfast...at least there was marshmallow fluff in the kitchen. I then put on my lab smock Aldin had given me before the other squirrels arrived...

(chitter) "Good morning..." Chittergreetings and tailflicking was returned to Aldin as each of the apprentices entered the lab and took-up their places.

"As you may have heard, we have a new helper in the lab. This is Mustard SnowPaw, my new henchbun-in-training..."

Mustard came-out of his room on cue and chaos erupted from the squirrel trainees. Four bolted for the door, knocking-down lab equipment in their attempt to flee. Another three slammed into each other as they ran about chittering in panic at the site of a bun in the lab. One hit the ceiling and stayed there. Others just stared, frozen in terror. Mustard stared for a moment at the site, before loosing control of himself, laughing. Aldin (miffflick).

"STUDENTS!" (chitterscree)

Silence enveloped the room. All stared at Aldin.

"That's better. Mustard is no threat to you. Show them your claws, Mustard."

Mustard smiled mischievously and leapt at one group of squirrels, scattering them. Laughing his head off, flexing his paws to show little stubble of new claws forming. Aldin glared at him a moment. Their eyes met and Mustard felt very uncomfortable under the stare.

"You will restrain from leaping at the trainees, Mustard." Aldin paused and then added quietly in bun, "Or claws won't be the only thing you lack..."

Mustard (appologeticpoofed) as he turned pale and held still to the mortification of being pawed-over by the other, younger squirrels.

The final one to look him over, then looked-up to Aldin. "What kind of experiments are we going to do on him?" (enthusiasticflick)

Mustard paled further and looked dejectedly at Aldin. He contemplated throwing in the (bigBambieeyes) routine, but doubted it would help his case any.

"Nothing for now, Tamarack. Since you asked, you are going to assist him in familiarizing himself with the lab."

Tamarack drooped his tail and complied.

--
Mustard SnowPaw, techbun, prisoner of Namakata Squirrels (droopears)

....and so I spent the day learning where all the lab equipment was within the lab. For tree rats, they were good organizers. If it weren't for the fear I could smell in this tree rat, Tamarack, I'd have thought he wasn't too swift to begin with. The biggest surprise of the day for me had been in the late afternoon after Aldin had dismissed his pupils and sat with me in private...

"About this morning, Mustard..."

(droopears) "I know, I should have behaved better..."

"No, you did wonderful. You showed them that they must keep on their tails when around a devilbunny, no matter the setting. The last thing I want is for them to drop their guard in the presence of a bun, no matter who's side said bun is on."

(perk-upfluff) "Thank you...I think..."

"Just don't do it again." (warningflick) "Now let's see what you learned today..."

Aldin led Mustard around the room and quizzed him on what equipment was where. Mustard got the majority of it right, or fairly close. They then headed for the kitchen.

"As I told you yesterday, Spam™ is not something we keep much of on paw for obvious reasons, but one of the tech squirrels found a stockroom full of these..." Aldin pulled a bright pink BMRE (BunnyMeals-Ready-to-Eat) from under the counter. "I know you'll probably get sick of them, but if you really crave something other then salad, it's the best I'll be able to do for you for a while." (gigglechitter) "Unless you develop a craving for acorns and other nuts."

Again Mustard stared at Aldin. Why was this squirrel being so kind to him...Aldin chuckled as he again could read the bun's body language.

"As I told you yesterday, depending on your behavior you'd earn more privileges. Well, I know this isn't much, but you did have a few chances to escape today as Tamarack led you around the lab and past the open door to the hallway several times and not once did you glance-up or even show in your body language that you were even contemplating an escape..."

(dumbfoundedfluff) "I did??? I mean..."

(gigglechitter) "Intentional or not, you're still here. It could be that you were too engrossed in learning to notice. No matter. You won't be dealing with the trainees for the next couple of days. I need you to access the following files and familiarize yourself with them...

...so after a dinner of salad and Spam-ala-King (smacklipsfluff), which was a nice change from just greens, I'm now preparing to sign-off and start reading-up on these files Aldin wants me to read. So for the next few days I'll be reading the Operation Unlimited Toes file and running the Nanite Basic Training program and going over both in intimate detail. Maybe I'll learn something I can someday report to my superiors. I am convinced that this Aldin is naive enough to actually consider these journal entries as truelly private and will never actually pry into them. (smirkfluff) So this will make a good place to keep notes on what I should uncover.

Until then...

Mustard SnowPaw, techbun and Namakata prisoner/henchbun-in-training

I can't believe this stuff! If this is factual, why in the (fluff) would LonGears have shut the program down? We could have won the war against the humans years ago with this...wait, get a grip of yourself, Mustard, you're beginning to sound like these tree rats. This Operation Unlimited Toes bit sounds so simple, but no, I doubt it could have been done. That has to be why it was stopped...

But what is the connection I'm missing here? Why did Aldin want me to study this and learn about nanites.... (droopears) I need more information....

Mustard pawed away at his terminal to try and get the information he was seeking. The now familiar gray muzzle visage of Rabbit Mentat appeared on his screen.

"Ah, yes, young Mustard, is it? If only some of the young squirrels were as curious as you. It is refreshing to be teaching a devilbunny for a change..."

Mustard had grown use to the computer program interface quickly. He actually felt comfortable talking to this program. It wasn't true AI, but the late Rabbit Mentat seemed to try his best to program it as close as possible to one. Picking-up the microphone and clipping it on to the collar of his lab smock, Mustard started his inquiry.

"Why did General LonGears shut-down this facility?"

There was a momentary pause and then Rabbit (sighpoofed) on the terminal. "The question you ask is not easy to answer. If you have time, I shall try to explain, provided you have..." another pause, "yes, you do have clearance. Aldin seems to have been a couple hops ahead of us and granted you clearance to this information before your actual arrival. Sit back and get comfortable, this is a long story..."

The computer talked about the early days of the warren and how about a year after its first being built (December '73), a bun by the name of Lorilop had come to the warren seeking refuge....

"..and so, fearing that when, then, Colonel LonGears takes over the militia, Rabbit started writing these files and tutorial programs in a frenzy to protect his work. According to information programmed into this system since then, Rabbit was charged with Treason by General LonGears, found guilty and *POP*ped (shudderpoof) by a symp. Aldin has told you the more recent history of this warren, I'm sure, and if not, all you need to do is ask..."

Mustard sat back a moment as the computer paused. "Are you saying that LonGears attempted to shut-down this warren, not because of any particular research, but to cover-up his own black past?"

(affirmativefluff)

...and that is what the computer files revealed. So if I believe this, I have now learned information that if certain other buns learn I know, I'm doomed for sure. (droopears/sighfluff) I still find it hard to swallow that the great General LonGears would murder his own sister and her unborn kits. The computer won't tell me where this Lil'Beth is today, but she's most likely working for the Fudds.

If what I've learned today is true, our greatest leader isn't so great as he is a fool. He threw-away gaining knowlege from a Fudd in the position of 2nd-in-Command of a Fudd base. This vital information at that time could have won the war, or tipped things heavily in our favor in the least. Then to attempt to shut this facility down and its research which appeared to have promising results that could have sped-up our victory all to cover-up his murder of his sister, is stupid, plain and utter stupidity. I'm finding this all too hard to swallow. If it is true, it would explain why Aldin hates LonGears so much.

Unless....(ponderfluff) unless this is some big fabrication written-up by Aldin to try and (angryfluffSTOMP!) turn me away from my fellow buns! No matter, I'll have to continue playing along for now, and simply gain information as time goes on...and learn the real truth.

But this still leaves my original question unanswered. Why is Aldin having me learn about this obsolete 'Operation Unlimted Toes' and Nanites at the same time? (ponderfluff) No...(shudderfluff) he wouldn't...he couldn't be contemplating finishing the work, but for the Fudds?

Mustard SnowPaw, Techbun

----
[alt.dbs OFF] Information on LonGears' past is repeated from information previously posted in
banter and stories by him, Amy Roth (aka Lil'Beth) and myself. [alt.dbs ON]

The shower felt good last evening. The squirrelly engineers finally finished installing the bathroom late yesterday afternoon after nearly 4 solid days of tunneling, piping and finishing. From its size, larger then any private bath I've seen in any other warren, you'd think I was some honored guest rather then a prisoner of this squirrel warren. Full shower/bath, bun-level sink with a floor to ceiling mirror next to it that I've removed from the wall then reinstalled, noting there are no cameras behind it. And an honest-to-Frith bunnycommode. Thank Frith, no more kitty litter.

I continue to kiss-up to Mentat Aldin and have been delegated to teaching lab basics to his slower pupils so he can give more one-on-one attention to the faster students. Last night for the first time, my door wasn't locked, but the outer lab door was. In the process of having to interact with the squirrels so closely to keep on Aldin's good side, I've begun to pick-up on the squirrel language, both vocal and body. (howeverfluff) It's not something I want to start doing myself anytime soon.

Class was cut short today when a doe-squirrel came to visit. She happened to be the leader of these squirrels and (apparentlyfluff) Aldin's mate...

"...and it is real important that you...Why have you stopped listening?" Mustard waved a paw infront of the eyes of Tamarack and a couple of the other squirrels he was training, who were staring past him. Tamarack pointed behind Mustard with his tail tip. He turned around and stood at attention himself as a female squirrel stood in the doorway. One who the others seemed to grant respect to.

Her tail moved about in a lazy fashion (amuseflick). "So you're Aldin's new henchbunny..."

"Mustard SnowPaw.."

The female squirrel gave him a quizzical look, examining his snow white pelt, waved it off and replied. "Aldin has faith in you, Mustard, I'm sure you'll do well."

(nervousflick) "We are honored by your presence, Councilor Ash," Tamarack stammered.

Aldin and his group turned at the mention of Ash's name. Aldin's pupils also stood at respectful attention while Aldin bounded forward.

(sighchitter) "What do I look like?" Ash said to the squirrels. "A military general?" (exasperatedflick) "You don't need to give me this sort of attention." The others relaxed as Aldin got to her. "I just came by to see the new henchbun...and.."

Aldin intertwined his tail with that of his mate and hugged her. "And?"

Ash whispered something in his ear while patting her abdominal area lightly. He stared at her for a moment. "No..."

(affirmativeflick) "Just left the medical ward. Sometime the first week of March." There was a big grin on her muzzle.

There was whispering among some of the older students, but the rest were clueless. Mustard had caught-on already and took a gamble.

"Class is dismissed early today," he stated. Aldin and Ash stared at him. Mustard scuffed a rear paw a moment. "Well, with your approval, sir. I assume you and your mate will want the rest of the day to celebrate. First litter?" (curiousfluff)

They hugged each other again and Mustard relaxed a little. "Yes," Aldin answered for them. The others cheered and rushed forward to congratulate the future parents. Aldin glanced at Mustard through the crowd, nodding and said, "Class dismissed for the weekend."

The other squirrels shot-out of the lab rapidly to spread the news. Aldin and Ash remained behind a moment.

"The others will probably put-on some sort of dinner party for us, Mustard," Aldin stated. "It will probably be outside. I have full intentions of inviting you to join. You've been cooped-up in here since your arrival. The fresh air will do you good."

Ash chittered something at Aldin in a scolding tone. Mustard only caught a couple of words in squirrel, but could tell by the tone that Ash wasn't too thrilled with the idea. Aldin hushed her replying in a calmer voice, also in squirrel. He caught enough of what Aldin was saying to know that escape wouldn't be a smart thing to do.

Mustard bowed his head humbly. "I am honored, but is that wise, Aldin? Your mate doesn't seem to approve of it."

(sighchitter) "I explained it to her." (besidesflick) "You won't attempt to escape." Mustard moved an eartip. "It's 20 miles to the nearest human or bun settlement. Twenty miles of ice-encrusted wilderness."

(sighpoof) "I'd be lying to you if I said the thought didn't cross my mind, even for a split moment. But I'm no fool either. I know I wouldn't survive that sort of journey this time of year. You've been kinder to me then I had expected to be treated. I'm not about to throw that away."

Ash seem to nod approvingly. She chittered softly in Aldin's ear and then nuzzled his cheek gently, edging him towards the door.

"Just one more moment, dear." He turned back to Mustard. "In the meantime, over the weekend, I want you to read through my notes from the LonGears Operation located in the computer system. I'm sure it won't take you long to see why."

"As you wish."

Aldin and Ash left the lab with the door locking behind them. Mustard put the lab equipment away on his own.

So Aldin is a father-to-be. It'll be good to get outside and (perhapsfluff) get a better idea of where I am. In the least, I'll know how to escape out of the warren when the time comes.

I have since received word that Aldin and his mate will be honored with some sort of dinner/party throughout the afternoon Sunday as that appears to be the next day topside that will have good weather. It will be held down by the lakeshore. So I'm near a lake. In the meantime, I shall talk to Rabbit, the computer interface, and learn more about this facility in addition to the files Aldin wants me to study.

Mustard SnowPaw, henchbunny-in-training/prisoner of Namakata

Sunday's outdoor dinner party for Aldin and his mate was a big hit for these squirrels, with many of them chasing-off in pairs out into the surrounding woods. I suspect they were aiming to be as successful as their Head Councilor had been with the mentat. (admittingscuffpaw) I didn't catch-on to this until later in the day. And, (alasfluff) I was led through so many turns and hurried along so quickly on the way out of the warren, that I have no clue how to get to an entrance from the lab other then it is (obviousfluff) an upward climb.

I shall not go into great detail as to what the squirrels did at this party or what they had for food, most of which consisted of nuts prepared in more ways then I could imagine, most of which didn't appeal to me. But someone, most likely Aldin, had warned the cooking crew who did have a rather large chief's salad for me. Like most bun warrens, Namakata (apparentlyfluff) has a good size underground hydroponics garden.

Most of the squirrels kept their distance from me. This suited me just fine. To be honest, it was good to just get some fresh air and a good look at my surroundings. Once in a while a curious one would venture nearer to me to look at me, but never to strike-up a conversation. At least not at first. Two doe-squirrels finally worked-up the nerve, bounced...hopped...no that's not the word since they don't hop like rabbits, but they don't walk either, sort of a movement in between...anyway they approached me. One introduced herself as Mapletip (with a bit of brown streaking her flanks) and the other as her sister, Tasslefur. The other wrinkled her nose almost bunlike at the mention of her name. Before I could finish exchanging pleasantries they were already cuddling-up to me. One began to give me a backrub, while the other stroked my whiskers and muzzle, all to my embarrassment. Why couldn't I attract does like this of my own species? (sighfluff)

I looked towards Aldin with my eyes pleading him for help. His mate seemed to be keeping him busy, feeding him honeyed acorns, and he didn't seem to notice my plight. So I did what anybun (or least Nobunny) I know would do in this situation, I rode it out and pretended to enjoy their company. Without realizing it, I actually relaxed under their ministrations. Where in the (fluff) did these squirrels learn how to properly massage a bun? It was my understanding that the only one left among them who served as a bunny slave at one time was Aldin.

As I surrendered totally to the attention they gave me, I watched some of the younger squirrels out on the lake. At least I assumed they were younger. They could have been mixed aged for all I know. (ponderfluff) Come to think of it, I didn't see any squirrel kits the entire day! Could that be one of the reasons for the celebration, could these squirrels be dying-out? At least that was the thought I had at the time. But I digress. Those I observed on the ice skated rather nimbly for a lower lifeform without proper claws. Perhaps their shorter, less sharp claws provide them better traction on the ice. They appeared to be playing some sort of game that looked similar to the human's game of hockey, using an acorn cap for a puck and their tails like hockey sticks. (amusefluff) It was funny watching what happens when one of them lost its grip and bowled-over a half-dozen others, all who slid into the snowbank on the shoreline So in this atmosphere, despite being surrounded by squirrels rather then fellow bunnies, I started to relax, closing my eyes, almost forgetting it was a couple of squirrels and not does who were pandering me and cooing in my ears. Thinking back on it now embarrasses me. But it didn't last. I didn't know which one of them stopped first at the time, but she moved from my back to lightly brushing my chin with her tail and then nothing more. I snapped my eyes open and looked about as the other stopped caressing my ears and started chitter-giggling uncontrollably nearby.

Tasselfur rolled about in the snow, grasping her tail, belly aching from laughter as she looked-up at Mustard with an apologetic look in her eyes. She finally gasped enough breath between giggle fits.

"I told her." (giggle) "I told her it isn't the same for rabbits." (pant) "She didn't pay attention to that lesson in school. She's probably several hundred yards into the woods and just now realizing you aren't chasing after her."

(confusedfluff) "Chasing?"

Tassle gave one last tiny giggle before replying. "Yes, she just attempted to choose you. I warned her it wouldn't work, but oh, no, ignore me just because she was born first, so she has to be the smarter of us..."

(sighpoof) "I don't understand."

Tassle looked at Mustard amusingly. "Don't they have squirrels at your old warren?"

"Not many, and I didn't have anything to do with them. Why?"

There was a big smile on her face. "That explains things. Sis' just tried to choose you as in attempted to make you her mate."

(indignantfluff) "Why would I want to mate with a squirrel???"

"That's what I tried to ask her. Why would she want to attempt it with a bunny. Then again, sis' was always a bit strange. Keeps talking about possibly moving down to Massachusetts and try to sign-up with the Four." (shudderflick) "Here she comes back now..."

Mapletip scampered down a nearby tree, pretended to ignore the two of them, turned her back, and then looked coyly at Mustard down her back, grasping the tip of her tail and caressing it daintily, winking at him. Tasselfur broke down into another fit of giggle-chittering.

I didn't know where to put myself at this point. The more I tried to ignore her, the more she attempted to catch my eye. I finally pleaded with her sister for advice. She explained to me that Mapletip would probably continue to attempt to attract me until either it got dark or I chase after her and catch her. Tasselfur gave me more of an education on squirrel mating practices than I really want to know about at the time. Then she provided me a paws-on demonstration by approaching young Tamarack, caressing him on the underside of his muzzle with her tail tip and shooting-off towards the edge of the woods. She then posed in a similar stance as her sister, looking back over her shoulder at Tamarack, who took off after her chasing her around the tree tops before vanishing from sight. Perhaps this explains many of those dead tree rats one finds on the sides of the human highway system. (sniggerfluff)

This, however, didn't solve my current problem. I had no desire to (shudderfluff) mate with a damn squirrel. But this Mapletip wouldn't give-up. And I couldn't just chase after her into the woods. Not only would I risk getting lost, but I'm sure there were some squirrels up there in the treetops with their mini-crossbows ready to do me in if I attempted to leave the immediate area. So I turned to Aldin for his advice on the situation. Being a mentat, surely he'd have a solution...

Aldin seeing that Mustard wanted his attention chittered into Ash's ear a moment and she gave them a little privacy.

"Enjoying yourself, Mustard?"

(sighfluff) "What do you think, Aldin. See that squirrel over there?" Mustard pointed towards Mapletip with an eartip, without looking towards her.

Aldin suppressed a giggle. "Yes, Mapletip may become our first member to ship down to Dunwich. She'd probably fit right in with that bunch. I'm hesitant to advice the Council to accept her request for I wouldn't want to torment Sgt McGregor with her strange behavior...."

"Yes, so I've noticed..."

"There's only one thing you can do, Mustard, give in.."

(exasperatedfluff) "What?!" (STOMP!)

"Hold on, hold on. I don't mean fully give in." (shudderflick) "Who in their right mind would want to mate outside of their species. Pretend to give in. Give her some of what she wants, chase her and catch her. But give her a good scare." He winked and his tail moved about in a way Mustard hadn't observed before. (amusedflick)

"What about the guards?"

"There aren't any posted, despite Ash's insistence." (snickerchitter) "Your new squirrel friend is calling to you again." (gigglechitter)

Mustard threw-up his paws in dismay, turned to see that Mapletip had moved to within 10 feet trying to get his attention. *What the hell,* he thought. He bunched-up his muscles ever so slightly, and leaped a couple feet short of where Mapletip had been. Mustard eyed the squirrel who was now another 10 feet away, waving her tailtip to him from a low tree branch. Mustard stuck his nose in the air, turned slightly, and hopped away from her.

Mapletip (poutflicked) and crept down the trunk to try and get within eyeview of the bun. Before she could react, Mustard leaped powerfully sideways towards her and caught her off guard, the two of them tumbling into the underbrush with Mustard landing on top.

(Snick!) "Happy?" he whispered in an icy tone. He drew his half-regrown claws lightly through her fur across her cheeks, careful not to scratch her. Mapletip actually shuddered for a moment and attempted to squirm out from under Mustard.

"What's wrong, isn't this what you wanted, Mapletip?" he continued to whisper. "A doe can be very demanding of her buck, and that buck can be likewise. I know of some couples who mate several times each day. If we are to make this work, I'll expect nothing less from you." He nibbled lightly on one of her eartips and she started to shake. "What's wrong, love?" (concernedfluff) "I thought you wanted me to be your mate."

"Please, I was just fooling around." Her tail flicked about. (pleadflick) "Let me go." She struggled weakly under his weight. He simply sat on her to hold her in place without crushing her and switched to a ky00ter sugary voice.

(poutfluff) "But I'm sure Aldin could demonstrate his genetic abilities for me by turning you into a beautiful doe for me." Maple's eyes bugged-out. "After all, nothing but the best for his henchbun." (noddle) "And it does get so lonely in the lab..." he let-up his weight on Maple who shot-off into the trees rapidly and was out of sight before Mustard could blink or spread a grin across his muzzle.

It wasn't until then that I noticed I had attracted a small crowd. Aldin and Ash were among them. She stepped forward and whispered briefly in my ear that Aldin had been right about me, whatever that meant. The crowd broke-up soon after that and no one saw Mapletip for the rest of the afternoon. About an hour after the incident, Tasselfur and a rather happy looking Tamarack came back to the shoreline and made small talk for a while. At one point I bent-over and whispered into young Tamarack's ear congratulations at which the squirrel curled-up hiding his face in his tail in embarrassment. I also learned that these squirrels only mate once a year and that the squirrel-kits grow-up in about 3 months. That would explain the lack of young about. Why did I suddenly have a facination with squirrel life cycles? Anyway, before I could delve further into the subject, all hell broke loose.

I later learned that the weather since the day after my arrival had been rather mild. It had rained a couple days previous. Because of this warm weather, there was open water near the southeast end of the lake where the outlet poured into a rather rapid flowing river. The rest of it was very solid with 12 inches or more of ice, or so everyone thought. To be safe, the party was held a half-mile up from the open water. Yet, I guess it wasn't safe enough as about a half-hour after Tassel and Tamarack's return, the ice broke-up twenty feet from shore and those out on the ice were cut-off as the patch they were on now was drifting towards the outlet.

I've learned since then, that 20 feet is to far a distance for a squirrel to leap across on the ground, without much of a running start, and ice doesn't provide enough traction for that running start. And the water was too cold for them to swim for it in the strong current. So these squirrels were doomed, or so it appeared the way the others around me chittered in warning and several gathered on the shoreline. Aldin simply looked at me calmly and for some reason I knew what I had to do. I don't know why I acted at that moment as I had and probably never will.

I moved down lake about 100 feet ahead of the flow, backed into the edge of the woods from the shoreline, ran with all my might and leaped out into the lake. I landed on the edge of the ice flow and quickly scrambled towards the center as the edge crumbled away. The movement was rapidly shrinking the ice sheet the 10 or so stranded squirrels and I were on from underneath and on the leading edge.

Wasting no time and ignoring their protests, I grabbed one-up by the tail and twirled it around in a circle and let it fly towards shore. Thinking about it, that was fun. At another time, I bet it would have been more entertaining to do that with the squirrel slamming into a tree trunk. Anyway, one by one, I flung them towards shore. The last one gave me trouble though, eluding me around on our rapidly shrinking ice sheet. He kept chittering about not wanting his tail ripped-off. With no rear claws I had a hard time keeping my balance while chasing the nutcruncher, finally grabbing onto him and flinging him towards shore as the ice underneath me gave-out and I went tumbling over rapids into icy darkness.

That was Sunday. I came around yesterday evening, Monday, in the warren medical facility. I had washed-up on the banks of the river about 4 miles downstream from the lake. Guess the Black Rabbit still doesn't want me. But why did I risk my life for a bunch of grey squirrels? (shakeshead)

I was released this afternoon and allowed to go back to my quarters. I'm still rather tired from the whole ordeal and should have gotten to bed sometime ago, but for some reason I felt compelled to write this first. I still have the next few days off to recover, but fear that I won't remember as much of this by tomorrow.

Mustard SnowPaw, henchbun-in-training.

Aldin visited me mid-morning and stated the Council of Elders wanted to see me. He didn't look to pleased over the issue, but wouldn't say more. He led me out into the corridor and after a time, we climbed a couple stairwells, where he had to wait for me. There were partial tree trunks mounted to the walls of these stairwells that the squirrels used to quickly ascend or descend from one level to the next. Actually, he took his time the entire way giving me the chance to actually learn my way through the maze this time around. He led me outside and towards a clearing shaded by an ancient white pine. On several of the lower branches sat several squirrels, the Council.

Ash was easy to pick-out of the group, as she was beginning to really show that she was with young. She raised her tail and the rest fell silent. Aldin scampered-up next to her, leaving me alone to face them. I never expected what happened next. As Head Councilor, Ash spoke for all...

"Do you have any idea why we summoned you here, Mustard SnowPaw?"

Mustard shook his head in the negative, not knowing how to respond.

"You have left us in an awkward position. You are a devilbunny. Few of us have had to deal with your race directly, but the stories passed down by our parents and our parents' parents was enough for us to know what to expect from rabbits. Rabbit Mentat may have given our ancestors intelligence, but those who came after him made them slaves. Many of our comrades around the world still serve your race as unwilling slaves. Others, most notably the black squirrels, have been so brainwashed as to think they aren't slaves though they are."

Another of the squirrels took over. "We allowed you to come here to work under Aldin, despite our combined better judgement, for Aldin agreed to accept responsibility for your actions. Though he has spent most of his life away from home, he has proven his uncanny ability to judge the characters of others. In some cases, even before meeting them muzzle-to-muzzle."

Ash took over again. "As I said, Mustard, you've left us in an awkward position. You are a devilbunny, but now you are also a hero to many of the squirrels here after saving those ten stranded on the ice at great risk to your own life." Ash stared hard at Mustard. "Why? Why did you risk your life for us?"

Mustard felt very uncomfortable under the gaze of those beady rodent eyes trying to think of an answer. (scuffrearpaw) "I...I don't know. It happened so quick..I did it on impulse, I guess...."

"You didn't do it to win favor? Or to die a hero's death..." Ash and the others berated Mustard with reason upon reason, each time, Mustard shook his head negatively.

"Nor did you do it because you felt it was the right thing to do..."

Mustard hesitated a moment under that stare. "No. Like I said, it was an impulse. There wasn't enough time to think terms of what I could gain..."

"But if you had had the time to think..." one of the others started to ask.

Mustard threw-up his paws. "As you've pointed out, I'm a devilbunny." (fangygrin) "Pick any or all the excuses you like. Point is, it's done and over with."

(enoughflick) Ash signaled to the others. "My apologies, Mustard, as we stated earlier, we need to be very careful as you've left us in a difficult situation. At the same time you've been totally honest with your answers.

"We have decided that in reward for your unselfish bravery, that if you wish to return to your own kind, we won't stop you, other then you won't be allowed to take any documents from here, nor will you be allowed to learn how you get from here to your final destination. However, we won't be able to do this for a couple more months."

Mustard was silent in disbelief. They were offering to set him free???

Aldin stared at his mate. Apparently, he hadn't been told this either. Before he could say anything, Ash continued.

"If on the otherpaw, you wish to stay, you will continue to train as Aldin's henchbun. You will be granted more freedom immediately and allowed semi-free movement throughout the warren. There will be some restrictions of course. If at some future date you should choose to return to your own kind, we'll help you then, provided you don't betray our trust in the meantime." (hopefullyflick) "You won't betray the trust you've earned. You'll be allowed a few days to make your decision if you wish. In the meantime..."

Aldin scampered back down the tree and escorted a semi-dazed Mustard back into Namakata.

I still don't believe what happened. All because I saved that bunch of squirrels on Sunday. I already know what I will do, no longer needing to worry about planning an escape. I shall stay here for now and learn as much as I can about this warren of 'free squirrels'. Hopefully, someday when I do report back, I'm not written-off as a quack. I'll tell Aldin my intentions to stay in the morning.

Mustard SnowPaw, Henchbun to Aldin Busheytail
(gigglefluff) Might as well start using the title.

What an exhausting day. Aldin seemed pleased with my choice and immediately increased my security clearance level on the computer system. I can now post on the net if I should choose, but only by widebeam, and (sighfluff) only after Aldin has reviewed them. Aldin briefly explained that even widebeams get sent through at least a half dozen transmitters to make it difficult to pinpoint the warren's exact location in the Maine Wilderness. Nor did I have clearance to any of the BunnyStumper encrypted files. Just proves these squirrels aren't half as stupid as I had first perceived them to be.

My clearance does allows me to access common files on the computer system including maps of the warren layout. The maps are marked with the areas that are off-limits to me. Those areas, though not marked as such, probably includes the computer core, engineering, environmental, etc. But it also includes an area of the residential section, also unmarked as to what it is. This one Aldin pointed-out to me as off-limits for my own safety. The area in question was occupied by the dojo of Squirrel Ronin, martial art master of the 'Bushy-do'. (sniggerfluff) A ninja-squirrel?! Aldin mentioned that if I wanted to 'volunteer' as Ronin's sparing partner for his class, I could ignore the 'off-limits' order and pass on by. I think I'll pass for now.

Deep down, though, I feel almost honored with the trust they've granted me and can understand their precautions. Many here are still fearful, (STOMP!) and rightly so, of me. I instilled silence without a single tailflick when I hopped into the warren cafeteria for lunch today. (fangygrin) I sat down next to Tamarack and his new mate, Tasselfur, with a slice of pizza...(sighfluff) why can't they eat something other then nuts! At least there were no nuts on the pizza...and learned that she, too, was now with kits. From the gossip I picked-up, this place would be swarming with squirrel kits by mid-March. (shudderfluff) No wonder they only mate once a year!

After lunch, Aldin was waiting for me in the lab. There was another squirrel present, who's name I didn't catch. The squirrel was missing almost half his tail, which he had lost in that ice storm a month back. Aldin seemed excited to see me back. Said he was waiting for me...couldn't begin an operation without his henchbun. For some reason, I actually felt a slight swelling of pride over the way he said that.

Aldin quizzed me on what I had read on the various files he had assigned to me over the last few weeks. I replied honestly that I found some of the material far fetched. He (amusedflick) his tail, sort of a semi-lazy, slow movement of his tail and had a big grin on his muzzle. He then said that during the week he had been designing a retrovirus similar to the one he had used on General LonGears. He explained that this one would trick the DNA in the other squirrel's stubbed tail into regrowing the severed portion. He chuckled at me as I refused to believe him.

For the next half-hour I fulfilled my position scrambling about the lab getting the equipment he needed to complete the task. When all was ready, he gave the injured squirrel two injections in the rump near the base of his tail. Then had him go sit and watch satellite tv for an hour. I spent that time cleaning-up the equipment used. After the hour, we examined the 'patient' to find new growth beginning to show on the tip of his tail.

Aldin smiled broadly at this and pointed it out to me. The 'patient' seemed excited also. Aldin advised him to take it easy over the weekend, and that he'd probably experience a head cold as a side effect. He was to report back to the lab on Monday for a final examination and a couple tests. Aldin then said to me to think real hard over the weekend on what I saw today and then he bid me farewell.

I guess Monday he's going to ask me if I'd be willing to undergo similar treatment for my injuries. (nervousfluff) We shall see.

Mustard SnowPaw, Henchbun to Aldin Busheytail

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when that squirrel came back for an exam with a full bushy tail. You could easily see the new growth, the fur didn't quite match yet, and screamed new growth, much like when one sheds its winter fur in place of the lighter summer pelt. As Aldin had told the other on Friday, he'd probably experience a head cold, which turned-out to be the case.

I must admit I was rather skeptical at first until this squirrel answered certain questions only the one who had been present on Friday could have answered. This finally convinced me. As crazy as it appeared, and who knows, maybe I'm loosing my mind hanging around these nut crunchers, but this retrovirus thingy works.

Then Aldin popped the question I was expecting, but not quite how I expected it...

"Well, Mustard, as you can see, it can be done. As you've read, what I did to LonGears was to correct a faulty gene in his DNA. Here, I convinced the DNA that it wasn't done constructing its blueprint. Unfortunately, this has to be tailored each time to a specific task. A squirrel's tail with all the cartilage, skin, fur, and muscle tissue with a little bit of bone thrown in, never mind nerves and blood vessels is about the limits of what I can do so far with a retrovirus cure. So, I could easily tailor one to regrow your tail, and probably your ears..with a little work, but your paws would be beyond anything I've done. However..."

"However?" Mustard (nervousfluff).

"Nanites might, just might be able to do the trick, and without the side effects." (enthusiasticflick)

(wiltears) "So I am going to be a guinea pig."

"Only if you wish to be one, Mustard. You've read our history. We have done experiments among our own in the past. But only if said experiments are perfectly safe and only after explaining to the volunteer what they can expect and giving them final say as to whether or not we proceed.

"You could provide me with a perfect opportunity to combine Rabbit's old nanite research and my genetics research to provide a scientific break-through that could benefit countless others."

Aldin went into his sales pitch. His intentions are to eventually create 'nanodocs' as he calls them. Medical nanites similar to some of those I've heard about in morpharmor that heal the suits wearer, but without the armor. Nanites that are injected into the patient and then controlled by computer to heal a specific injury. Sounds rather farfetched, but if it works...and if I could get that tech into bunny paws....(fangygrin)

Aldin ended his sales pitch by explaining that if the nanites failed, he could always fall back on the retrovirus technique to at least heal my tail and ears. At that point I expressed my fears quite loudly, for I didn't like the idea, and still don't to a point. What if these little machines got out of control? To answer, he led me to what looked like a metal detector set-up in another room, explaining that the magnetic field put-off within the doorway would freeze the nanites. If things started to go wrong all I'd have to do is head for it and stand within for a few seconds giving him time to retake control of the machines. He went on to explain that once they were done their job they could be programmed to dissolve harmlessly within the blood-stream. When he was done, he told me to think about it for a few days. Either way, he said it would be a few weeks before he could attempt one or the other technique on me, if I want to go through with either--nanites or retrovirus.

He then added that he had been working on developing nanites since soon after his return the previous fall after he found some very extensive notes and a tutorial program on the subject left by Rabbit Mentat. I have brushed through these files and can see that Rabbit makes it look so simple and that frightens me the most. (pause)

Aldin believes he'd have the first batch of nanites that could be used in such a procedure as he described ready in another 7-10 days.

So what do I do? If I accept, something serious could go wrong. If I refuse, I'll upset him and may still wind-up going through with it. (sighfluff)

(scratch, scratch, tap, tap)

Now there's someone at the door. Rabbit cease dictation....

"Now there's someone at the door. Rabbit cease dictation...."

"As you wish, Mustard..." the computer terminal went dark.

Mustard turned to the door. "Enter." The door opened, and his ears drooped further as Mapletip scampered in and then closed the door behind herself.

She clutched her tail in her paws. "I hope I'm not disturbing you..." she paused as he shook his head negatively. "I wanted to stop by and apologize to you and...to also thank you."

She let go of her tail and moved a little closer to him. "I shouldn't have teased you at the party. I've had to think seriously about that, especially with what you did afterwards..."

Mapletip gave a little gigglechitter. "Not that, silly. I'm referring to your saving of those squirrels on the ice." She paused. "Two of them were my brothers."

There was silence for a moment. Mapletip continued. "And I have thought seriously about the whole situation." She crept a little closer to Mustard who moved a small hop backwards. She continued in a (to a squirrel) huskier voice, "If you'd consider it a good reward, I'll do as you requested. Even see Aldin about it in the morning." She tried to snuggle-up to Mustard a moment, who pulled-back fearfully. She paused a moment and flicked out her tail and tickled Mustard on the chin briefly. (sighchitter) "No sacrifice is too big for the lives of my brothers. You don't suppose I could keep the tail?" (pleading-eyes) "There are just so many more things one can do with a long, bushy tail." As she stated this last part, she backed Mustard into a corner, wrapping her tail around him and caressed his ears with her tailtip.

Mustard was speechless for a moment fighting down the urge to start thumping a back paw. *Frith! She's a tree rat! Damn it, Mustard! Get apaw of yourself!* Mapletip then moved towards his back and started to massage him. He started to melt under the attention a moment before regaining himself.

(thump) "Stop that!" He whipped around and grasped her paws in his gently. Tears welled-up in her eyes. "No, don't cry either." (exasperatedfluff) "I don't want you to become a bunny for me..."

A minor hint of relief appeared in Mapletips eyes. "Then I'll do the best I can for you as I am..."

"No...no, you won't." She lowered her head in dejection at his words and wept. He started to feel moved by her reaction. "Frith! Sometimes I wonder if your ancestors were bunnies turned into squirrels!" He let her go and hopped towards the door throwing his front paws into the air. "You can play with a buck's heart as well as any doe!"

Mustard turned back to face her. "Look, Mapletip, I'm not interested in that kind of relationship right now. I don't want a mate at the moment, no matter the species. It's not you. I'm sure there are plenty of squirrels here you can... get along with. I'm sorry."

(sniffle) She looked up at him with teary, Bambi eyes. "Isn't there anything I can do to repay you for saving their lives?" (dejectedflick)

This squirrel was good, she could ky00t almost as good as a doe and Mustard started to sway under her spell as she cried an ocean's worth of tears. Maybe he could have resisted more easily if he hadn't been deprived of true ky00t for so long.

(sighpoof) He hopped to her and hugged her close, shushing her like a kit, allowing her to bury her head in his fluff and cry herself out. When she was done, she looked up into his eyes, thanks spelled across her muzzle for the brief companionship. Mustard was moved to pity by the look in her eyes.

(scuffpaw) "Well, I suppose you can come over a couple times a week to give me one of those back rubs. A day in Aldin's lab can be real stressful." Her eyes brightened-up considerably. "But that's all," he added, thumping a rear paw.

"Really?" (excitedflick) "Thank you!" She embraced him in a hug, wrapping her tail around him before he could react. She then led him over to his sleeping hollow, made him lay down and gave him a back rub that surpassed what he got the day of the party. She tippawed-out 30 minutes later, quietly closing the door behind herself, so as to not wake the sleeping bun.

Out in the hallway, she gigglechittered to herself, "I'll win him over yet!" (pause) "And I really need to thank Ash for the backrub lessons." (squirrelybounce)

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Personal Journal 24 Feb, morning

Mapletip's visit last night had been a total surprise after the way I had tried to scare her off. How in Frith's name could a squirrel fall in love with a rabbit? (shudderfluff). And to the point that she willing offered to become a devilbunny if necessary to win my love back. Or is she still playing a game? The way she cried and the look in her eyes couldn't have been just an act. (sighpoof) I've probably made things worse by giving into her plea and allowing her to give me that backrub last night. Yet, I have not slept so well as I did last night in a long, long time. How could I have relaxed so easily under the paws of a squirrel? It frightens me. Thank Frith, she didn't spend the night in here. I'd never be able to live that one down.

So now I've got two problems. Aldin's request and now Mapletip. What is a bun to do? It's not like there's anybun I can consult. I (supposefluff) I could attempt to get advice from Aldin about Mapletip, but I doubt that will help. Especially the way Aldin's mate seems to have him wrapped in her tail all the time...Maybe that's what I need to do, go to the source....talk to the squirrels who seem to really be in charge here.

Rabbit, cease dictation.

---

Personal Journal 24 Feb, evening

I went to see Aldin's mate, Council Elder Ash, mid-morning. She's swelled-up quite a bit in the past week. Seems she's expecting her litter over the weekend, or the first of the coming week. Ash was kind enough to give me some time and listen to my dilemma. She suppressed a gigglechitter when I described my situation with Mapletip. She admitted there was little she could do about that squirrel. Head of the council or not, she has no power to order any squirrel about in such a situation. Now if she were interfering with my work, that would be an entirely differant situation all together. (sighfluff) She went so far as to say that maybe I should explore this potential relationship!

(pause) (ponderfluff) Maybe...maybe that wouldn't be half as bad an idea as it sounds. Of course pondering this idea might prove I've gone over the edge and have lost my sanity, hanging around these squirrel's too long. However, if Mapletip isn't playing around but is really trying to 'win my heart', maybe I can gain useful information about the warren and its habitants through her. If she is truly in love with me, who knows what she'd give me to try and win my affection in return. (fangygrin) I sure hope my fellow buns don't vivisect me someday when all this is made known to them. I may be in enemy territory, but I'm still trying to do my share for the Fluffy Cause™. How big a sacrifice would be too big for the Cause? Well, one thing is definate. There's no way in Inle's Wrath I'd mate with a squirrel. (shudderfluff)

(shakeshead) Get ahold of yourself, Mustard. There's no need to think that far in advance. Hopefully, it won't have to go that far. Perhaps all I'll need to do is allow her to come over more then twice a week...maybe compliment her skillful paws....perhaps sit next to her in the cafeteria and provide her company. There is much I need to plan on this still.

As for my problem with Aldin, Ash suggested that I take-up his offer through the first stage. As she put it, if his experiment couldn't heal my tail, I'd be justified to refuse to allow him near my ears or paws. Thus, I don't disappoint him by outright refusing, but at the same time, protecting my well-being, if something should go wrong. Then Aldin might use the tried and true method he used on that other squirrel and LonGears to heal my other injuries. She made sense, but could have been biased since she is Aldin's mate.

I'm no biologist or geneticist, though with all the reading Aldin is giving me may change that, but her advice seems rather sound for this situation. Especially, since a rabbit's tail is much less complex then a squirrel's tail. And I know, I can't afford to just pass this up, just in case it actually works. I still have a few more days to ponder the proposal before I have to make a final decision, but for the moment, I'm beginning to lean towards 'volunteering'. Frith help me, I must be loosing my mind.

Mustard SnowPaw, henchbunny to Aldin Busheytail

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