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 45:
45 – FLYING TO THE FLYING CITY
It was a few days later that Fresko left on his trip to Metramegopolis. He traveled in a small yet top speed flying fighter ship, capable of traveling thousands of kilometers per hour when necessary although he did not travel nearly that fast on this trip. His vehicle was designed to carry four riders including the pilot and he needed the space as he was carrying the teleport equipment that would be used to create the receiver station for the prisoner transfer. He was accompanied on the trip by an aide who had been sent by the Mole to take charge of setting up the receiver station. The aide was a rabbit who went by the name of Cuddles. He and Fresko were old acquaintances from college, although they had not worked closely together since then because Cuddles was a civilian.
The trip west to Metramegopolis took about two hours at the speed Fresko chose to fly at. After his recent battle experiences Fresko was very much looking forward to a (comparatively) restful time at the flying city where he intended to look up some old friends. Cuddles had never been away from the Animal City before so this trip was a real adventure for him. He eagerly scanned the western skies for his first glimpse of the city.
"Don't worry" said Fresko, noting Cuddles' enthusiasm with some amusement, "you can't miss seeing Metramegopolis from a distance. It's a little hard to overlook."
"Is it really flying?" asked Cuddles with a note of awe in his voice.
"So they say" said Fresko, "though I've never seen it do that. I wonder how it was managed."
"It sounds impossible" said Cuddles.
"We'll know soon enough" said Fresko, "I'm starting to get a reading on the long range sensors. Keep your eyes open."
Cuddles didn't have to be told twice and, sure enough, they both soon saw the massive shape of Metramegopolis coming up over the western horizon. Although it was still many kilometers away they could see its outlines quite clearly. There was no doubt that it was absolutely enormous.
"Wow!" was all Cuddles could say as he looked at the still far-off city. Even Fresko was impressed. He had seen Metramegopolis from the air during his previous visits there, but he had never seen Metramegopolis in the air before and the sight almost took his breath away. Even from their current distance he could see many of the levels marked out on the city's outline. The base level was floating high above the ground. The whole city shone lazily in the morning sun.
"Incredible" said Cuddles, "how do they get it to float like that?"
"I don't know" said Fresko, "maybe when we get there someone can tell us."
"Which will be soon" said Cuddles with enthusiasm.
"Not as soon as you think" said Fresko, "it's a big city."
It took another 20 minutes or so before they were in range of the local communication system. During that time both animals watched the city get bigger and bigger as they approached it until it towered above them for thousands of meters and stretched out below them for even more meters. Their vehicle might have been no bigger than an ant crawling along a wall.
The communication system came to life.
"Metramegopolis air control to incoming vessel, please identify yourself" said an impersonal voice from the system.
"This is Captain Fresko of the Animal City Special Forces, accompanied by first technician Cuddles" said Fresko, "we request permission to land. I believe we are expected."
"Verified" came the reply, "I'm sending you a radio frequency. Please follow the beam to the appropriate landing bay."
"Acknowledged" said Fresko checking his control panel. There was now a frequency listed and Fresko aligned the navigation system of his ship to it, put it on auto-pilot, and let the ship guide itself to its designated landing site. In short order a large gate opened ahead of them; the ship glided gently through it and came to rest on a landing pad for a perfect touchdown.
"We're here" said Fresko to Cuddles, "I hope you enjoy your stay. Just take it slow at first. Metramegopolis can be very overwhelming if you've never been here before."
"Right" said Cuddles, "I'll be out as soon as I've made sure all of the equipment survived the trip."
Fresko exited his craft and found Toothy waiting for him in the landing bay. The two animals embraced.
"Well Fresko" said Toothy warmly, "I'm glad to see you again. Welcome back."
"Thanks" said Fresko, "it's nice to be back. How have things been going?"
"Oh" said Toothy, "you know how it is; some good, some not so good."
"Isn't that always the way?" said Fresko grinning.
"Yes" said Toothy, "although I'd rather things would be a little more peaceful – but I'm not complaining."
"Is something going on that I should know about?" asked Fresko. Toothy looked at him sidelong.
"Mmm" he said in a noncommittal voice, "I'd rather not talk about things here. Where's Cuddles?"
"He's coming" said Fresko, and indeed at that moment Cuddles came out of the ship with the first of the transport equipment. Toothy greeted him.
"Is this the stuff?" Toothy asked. Cuddles nodded.
"I was told Sniffles would be helping me" Cuddles said.
"He will be" said Toothy, "he had to deal with some personal business this morning but he should be available soon. Do you want to see him now, or would you rather go to your quarters first?"
"I'd like to get started setting this stuff up as soon as possible" said Cuddles, "my quarters can wait."
"All right" said Toothy, "I'll let him know you're here."
In short order Sniffles was contacted and came to the landing bay where he and Cuddles began their work. They had to move the equipment to the spot that had been chosen for receiving the prisoners and then they had to set the station up. Fresko, meanwhile, went with Toothy to his quarters. On the way the two animals swapped news. Toothy groaned when Fresko told him that Lifty and Shifty would soon be coming west.
"Not those two!" said Toothy, "I was hoping I wouldn't have to deal with them ever again. How long will they be here?"
"I don't know" said Fresko, "Loco said you might want to hand them over to the Buddhist Monkey to look after during their stay."
"That's a good idea" said Toothy, brightening noticeably, "he doesn't take any guff. If anyone can keep them in line he can."
The two animals reached Toothy's private apartment. As soon as they entered Toothy turned to Fresko with a grave look on his face.
"I'm very glad you're here" he said, "I've been wanting to vent to somebody for several days now."
"I thought something might be wrong" said Fresko.
"Well it's not actually wrong yet" said Toothy, "but there's a crisis brewing on the Council and it may come to a head while you're here."
(To Be Continued)