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 59:
59 – EMERGENCY RECALL
"Almost there, almost there," muttered Sniffles to himself as he put the finishing touches to his prototype. He was alone in the Mole's private lab, where he had been almost constantly since his arrival in the Animal City, working on learning the secrets of the teleport technology. Now he was preparing to test his first machine. He had attached the machine to a chair in the lab and was preparing to make it move from one side of the room to the other.
"Okay" said Sniffles, "countdown – five, four, three, two, one, go!"
He activated his machine. Instantly the chair disappeared from its location and reappeared on the other side of the room.
"Yes!" Sniffles shouted, "yes. Now let's try that again."
Sniffles went through the test a second time. Again it was successful. On the third try he took the machine off of the chair and held onto it. Sure enough, when he ran the test he went from one side of the room to the other without moving a muscle.
For the fourth test Sniffles decided to transport himself from inside the lab to the hall outside the lab and back. Making sure the lab door was firmly shut he activated his machine, and immediately found himself in the hallway outside. He then reversed the coordinates and sent himself back into the lab.
Pleased with his success Sniffles left the lab (this time under the power of his feet), and went to find the Mole. He found him in his office where he was meeting with Handy. However it was a routine meeting and the Mole didn't mind the interruption.
"So you've figured it out." said the Mole. It was statement, not a question.
"Yes" said Sniffles, "I've got the basics down. Watch." And with that he transported himself from one side of the room to the other. Handy and the Mole both applauded.
"Good" said the Mole, "then your work here is done. You should think about getting home and using what you've learned."
"I've had plenty of time to think about that" said Sniffles "I think we're going to have to be very careful about who we give these to."
"Agreed" said the Mole, "try and keep it a secret as much as you can. Only let those who really need to have a teleporter have one. The more you make, the greater the risk the enemy might hear about it and target you."
"They already know we have the technology" said Handy, "but since no animal has ever joined their side it's prohibitively difficult for them to get it from us."
"Not so at the Flying City" said the Mole, "which is why you'll have to keep it a secret that you have it for as long as you can."
There was a sudden knock at the office door. Without waiting for an answer Loco entered, with Barry just behind him.
"Loco, what is it?" said Handy, "your face says there's trouble."
"There is trouble" said Loco, "but not for us here."
"Sniffles where have you been?" asked Barry, "I've been trying to contact you for some time."
"In the lab" said Sniffles, "I had my communicator off so I could work undisturbed."
"I see" said Barry, "so you haven't heard."
"Heard what?" asked Sniffles, becoming concerned.
"We have to go home immediately" said Barry, "there was riot at the POW prison, and an attempted mass breakout. That's been contained but Durago's two henchmen have escaped. They attacked Tony Ride and abducted his wife in the process. They have yet to be found."
The Mole exchanged looks with Handy and Loco.
"Cuddles is still at Metramegopolis" said the Mole, "Barry you told me Durago's henchmen were impressed by being teleported."
"They were" said Barry, "I know what you're thinking. Fresko is thinking the same thing. He's keeping a close watch on Cuddles right now. Flippy and Splendid are helping him."
"Good" said Handy, "but for his own safety – and ours – we need to get him back here at once."
"He won't come" growled Loco, "I just spoke to Fresko; he says Cuddles wants to finish his studying of the flying technology first."
"Then make him come back" said Handy firmly, "force him if necessary. He's in a sensitive position. What he wants or doesn't want is overridden by our city's safety. With him in danger, we're in danger. We can let him go back to Metramegopolis to finish his work after they contain this crisis, but right now he needs to be out of harm's way."
"Has a Council meeting been called?" asked Sniffles.
"For as soon as we return, or this evening, whichever happens first" said Barry.
"We'd better get back" said Sniffles.
"No" said the Mole suddenly, "I think it might be a good idea, Sniffles, if you stay here for the moment. If Cuddles is in danger, then so are you." Barry caught the implication of this statement at once.
"You succeeded in figuring out the teleport technology?" he asked, Sniffles nodded, "that's wonderful! But the Mole is right, you should stay here for now. I'll explain when I get back." Sniffles thought this over.
"All right" he said finally, "but don't take too long."
(To Be Continued)