Eventually, the four hamsters all met up again. Unfortunately, however, they were surrounded by obstacles. And the giant hamster. "Dawggie," said Bonk, "lock them up with the wacky one." The next thing the hamsters knew, Dawggie was placing them in what appeared to be a jail cell. With them there was another hamster! "This must be one of the hamsters who came here last month," Ranger Fink told Hammy. "Yes, I am," said the hamster. "My name is OddBall. Perhaps you've met my friend." "Who's your friend?" asked Hammy. "That giant hamster?" "Yes," said OddBall. "Her name is Alicia Lily Aska." "That's a peculiar name," said Peepums. "Where's she from?" "Take her first and middle initals and her last name and you'll find the answer," replied OddBall. "Well, her first initial is A," said Hammy. "And her middle initial is L," added the Fink. "So that makes A. L. Aska..." began Mr. Raptis. "That's it!" shouted Peepums. "She's from Alaska!" "But why does she seem to be working for the obstacles?" Ranger Fink asked. "She underwent a very extensive training that lasted 26 days," explained OddBall. "She's behaved like a dog ever since." "Is there any way to undo the training?" asked Hammy. "Yes, there is one way. Alicia has never heard her favorite song since her training began. I have the music track, if you need it." "We'll need it," said Mr. Raptis. "Maybe I can add it to the 23 tracks already on the SoundBall." "Maybe," said OddBall, "but we'll need to start the plan tomorrow. Alicia won't be close enough today, but she comes by every morning." So they set up their plan and waited for the next morning.
You've just met OddBall and learned why Alicia Lily Aska behaves like a dog. Oh, and Alicia's training lasted 26 days, in case you haven't noticed. A 99 may or may not appear later in the hamsters' first adventure. I haven't figured that out yet. In the next chapter, the hamsters will start their plan.
