A/N - Okay, here's a second short chapter for you. As always the standard disclaimer applies: I do not own the Happy Tree Friends; they are the property of Mondo Media. In addition the character of Fresko the Feline belongs to Deviant Art user Yoshi Lord. I own only my own characters and this story.

Now here's chapter 39:

39 – FRESKO AND LOCO HAVE A CHAT

Later that day Fresko went to the command tent to see Loco and told him what had happened. The old bear listened in silence and drummed his paw on his knee.

"Hmm..." he said softly, "not good. What do we do about this?"

"I'm not sure sir" said Fresko, "normally someone doing what they did would be summarily shot. That, I believe, is the traditional penalty for desertion in war. And they tried to kill me."

"Summary execution" murmured Loco, "Well, I daresay they deserve it. Is that what you want?" Fresko was silent for a minute.

"I've thought about it" he said, "I won't deny that it would be a relief to me to get rid of those two, especially after today. They're the worst trouble-makers I've ever met."

"I know" said Loco, "but – "

"But that's also why we need them" said Fresko, "I recommended them to you for this – "

"And I agreed. They're exactly what the Mole wants. But even so, this incident can't be ignored."

"If they had come back quietly with me" muttered Fresko, "I never would have said anything about their leaving. It's only because they attacked me – "

"Yes Captain I understand perfectly" said Loco, "in the heat of the moment you did what you had to do. But now – ?" Loco cocked an eye at Fresko inquiringly.

"I don't really want them killed sir" said Fresko slowly, "I've had run-ins with them before; this wasn't much different than other times and not as bad as some. When I first met them they tried to get me and Flaky to kill each other, and when that didn't turn out the way they planned Shifty and Lifty kidnapped Petunia and tried to take me out in a two on one fight." Fresko smiled slightly at the remembrance. "They almost got me too. But I was younger then."

"I remember" said Loco, "the faculty of ACU still talk about what happened on your first day there. Flaky helped you out of that one, didn't he?"

"Yes and we've been friends ever since."

"Those raccoon brothers wouldn't be able to do that now though, would they?"

"No sir" said Fresko, "I'm a much better fighter now – and I was already pretty good back then, if I may say so myself."

"You may" said Loco, "especially since I trained you." They both laughed.

"So" said Loco, "what shall we do with Lifty and Shifty?"

"Sir" said Fresko, "why don't we turn this incident to the Mole's advantage?"

"I've thought of that" said Loco, "are you okay with it?"

"I'm fine with it" said Fresko, "it'll get them out from between my claws, and they might even do something useful for a change."

"All right" said Loco, "I'll have them transported back to the city and placed in close confinement until the Mole is ready for them. He can explain things to them. If they agree to do what he wants we'll pretend this incident never happened."

"I think they'll agree" said Fresko, "especially if you make them understand the consequences of refusing."

"I think I can do that pretty well" said Loco, nodding his head with a sort of grim satisfaction, "now let's talk of more important things. How are the preparations coming?"

"Very well sir" said Fresko, "we should be ready to go on schedule."

"I'm glad to hear it. How do you intend to deploy your troops?"

"Like this" began Fresko, and he explained to Loco what he was preparing. Loco nodded his head with satisfaction.

"I thought you might do something like that" he said, "It's a good plan. I'll have the regular troops waiting for your signal. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Then dismissed Captain." Loco and Fresko saluted each other and Fresko left.

(To Be Continued)