Dimensional Dismay

-Chapter 14-

It was the night of the third day, Thursday night. Sandra had informed those she contacted to meet her at the Small World ride entrance. One problem was- Wesley wasn't aware of Sandra's intentions to use his hideout. She tried calling his cell but to no avail-, he'd probably forgotten to pay the bill. She could've asked Honest John to tell him, but she wasn't exactly thrilled at the thought of seeing that guy's face again.

As for the toons, she could've gotten more to join her, but every time she checked they either didn't pick up or just weren't home - It was the ones who didn't have caller ID that she caught and convinced.

Doctor Delbert Doppler was first on her list. He sounded half-asleep on the phone, but when she brought up the 'r' word, he began a long discussion on why she shouldn't hope for that nonsense. When she offered him to join her and explained that she was gathering toons to revolt, he couldn't help but agree. She knew he'd listen, since his kids, though they were copyrighted, were still and handful and they often ran astray from their parents on Toon night. Rensie knew that any toon's weakness would be that of their offspring.

Next was Audrey Ramirez. She didn't think twice. She was in.

Vitani the lioness was third. Vitani hated Rensie with all her soul- in fact, she was jailed twice for threatening him- she never actually laid a claw on the guy. She was more than happy to take part in Sandra's plan, but just as she hung up, Sandra forgot to ask her to ask Wesley if they could use the hideout. She went to call back, but it was getting late, and there was still one more toon she had to try and call.

Scroop.

-----

"You know, Tess, if you wanna get through to your father, you need to try talking to him,"

"I did," she replied, her voice muffled since her head was in her arms, leaning onto the wooden side rail, looking down at the city streets below.

Scroop's eyes glowed in the setting sunlight as he glanced concernedly at her. He sighed, resting his eyes for a moment before he pushed his body off the main mast pole, his spider-like legs rap-tapping across the deck.

"So … Vivi says you love Panic."

She shot up, furious, "Vivi's only repeating what Max's been saying. We're just friends!" she insisted.

Scroop couldn't help but grin slyly, "I'm sure."

Tessa pulled back a fist to punch his shoulder, but resisted, straightening her overcoat, replying coolly, "Besides … you know as well as I do 'bout the laws of toon marriage."

Scroop chuckled, "Yeah … how many of us follow those anymore? I can name at least ten crossover couples right off the bat."

The two jumped in surprise as the captains quarters' door slammed open, and light poured onto the deck. The thud-clang sound on the floorboards indicated that it was Silver, and sure enough, he came limping down the steps. He looked up, his cyborg eye scanning the area briefly, "Scroop?" he called.

"Cap'n?" he asked. Silver grinned, "Ye got's a call for ye, lad. Best use t'eh phone in t'eh galley- Hookie's not in t'eh greatest mood, if ye catch me drift." Tessa looked up with curiosity in her eyes at the word of a phone call, and she went to follow Scroop as he headed below deck, "As fer you, little missy …" Tessa groaned angrily, folding her arms and throwing herself back against the rail. "I needs to talk ta yeh."

Scroop pushed open the galley door, and several empty imitation alcohol bottles went rolling across the floor. All the other pirates were partying in what was their mess hall, right by the door, but Scroop didn't have to push past to get to the phone in the neighboring hallway. Pirates closest to him, some Hook's, several of Silver's, saw him enter and they were wise enough to make room as not to anger the mantavor. His eyes glimmered as he felt pride in the respect he was given, even if it was amongst some of the most pitiful fools to ever inhabit the world, in Scroop's opinion.

It was a tone quieter in the hall, but not enough to be able to hear who was on the other end, as he soon figured out when he picked the phone up and put it to his ear.

"'Ello?" his voice croaked, and he held a claw to cover his other ear in an attempt to drown out the drunken yelling.

"Scroop?" the voice asked, "It's me- Sandra."

He raised a brow, "Sandra? Why are you calling me in the middle of the night?"

"Are you kidding? It's not even eight! Listen …"

Scroop winced as someone, possibly Birdbrain Mary, let out a hideous piercing shriek, "You're gonna have to talk louder- I've got a bunch of Neanderthals battling their own brain capacity in the next room," he growled.

"I just want to know," she said, raising her tone a bit, "if you hate Rensie."

He laughed evilly, "You of all toons should know that, lass."

"Right. Sorry." She apologized, clearing her throat, "I just wanted to know if you'd be interested in joining what might be a possible revolution against him."

Scroop's eyes grew intense, "Sandra, what're you --"

"Don't mention it to anyone- I just want to know if you'll join me."

"And if Rensie finds out? I'll not be interested in spendin' time in jail any time soon."

"He won't find out, and if he does, I'm all to blame," she said seriously, "Now are you coming or not?"

Scroop grinned mischievously at the sound of confidence and courage in her voice that he hadn't heard from her before. He pulled his hat off his head and covered his ear with it, listening intently, "When and where?"

(A/N)- I know it's short- bear with me; the next one's soon to come and it's much more interesting and longer :-) Thanks again to all my reviewers- you truly make my day and inspire me to continue this story ;-)