04: Eyes In The Darkness
"Disney's movies are to happy."
E.A. Poe
The night was unusually cold and the city sky shown in all its glory. Only two small animals could be seen. This fitted Metro perfectly. He was stalking his subjects like a cat after dinner. The rat was sent out to gather information on the where about of the now defunct Rangers. 'What better place' he thought to himself, 'than following the leaders kids around.'
Metro knew something was up, but the details were still sketchy. He doubted that the kids knew all the details ether. He was hoping that all of that would change tonight.
* * * *
Maggie was hitting the books hard, when there was a knock on the door. Her dorm was small, barley enough room for her and Jennifer to coexist. The floor was cluttered with magazines, books, and a pair of coveralls that Jen had forgot to pick up.
Magnolia waded her way through the mess to answer the door.
"Tammy?! What are you doing here?" The bat could not believe her eyes. It wasn't every day that an instructor paid a visit to your room after hours.
"I'm here for the meeting, Bink should be by shortly. She had to cover for the night librarian again."
Magnolia was mentally kicking her self. She had completely forgot about the gathering. She no sooner showed her guest in and closed the door, when Jennifer and Geegaw showed up. Jennifer let both Geegaw and herself in.
"What took you so long?" The bat inquired.
"This may sound funny but..." Geegaw paused. "I think we were being followed."
"He forced us to take a less direct route." Jennifer said with a huff.
"Gee, your starting to sound just like your dad. Stop being so paranoid." Magnolia chirped in. She was about to close the door when Bink darkened the threshold.
"Is this a privet party or can any one join?" Bink said sarcastically. She look around the room, seeing that she was the last to arrive, decided to start the meeting.
"Lets start by going over what we know." Bink stated after every one was seated, then handed the center of attention over to Tammy.
Tammy pulled out a list and started too read from it. "First was know the general area the plane is in, narrowed down to a mile area south of Glacier Bay. Second is the weather. Glacier Bay is in the artic circle, some were in the north of Greenland, and is a permafrost area. In other words the ground doesn't stay frozen year round. Third, We know that Cal State Berkley is sending up a group of researchers over the spring break." Tammy paused.
"Now onto the plan. It should be easy to slip aboard with the luggage on to the airplane. You'll stay at a hospice about a mile away from the search area. The Eagle and any other spare item can be sent to the school by airmail. The town it self is near a US military base. If you need to, a flight out can easily be obtained on one of the military transports. Any questions?"
Geegaw took the opportunity to speak the one question that's been bugging him since he got there. "It looks like we have a plan. I have just one question, Tammy, were do you fit into this all."
Tammy had expected this question sooner or later. With a sigh she started. "Bink has broken her tail. The Vet said it should be better in a month and a half to two months, but spring break is one month away." Geegaw looked at his sister, who was sitting next to him, then at Bink. To his surprise, the center section of her tail had a hard cast covering it. She appeared to be sitting very uncomfortable, constantly readjusting to find a place were she wasn't resting on it..
Tammy proceeded in her explanation. "Also you'll need a person back here that's in on the plan. Bink can cover our tails and take any package that is sent here."
She left the third reason to her self. When she was sixteen, and Bink only five, A Mobster named Fat Cat had tried to turn them into cat food. The Rangers had saved them. Disney couldn't of written it better. After the incident, her sixteen-year-old hormones, and fantasies kicked in. She had a crush on Chip for about a year, but Chip only had eyes for Gadget. When Chip had realized that she had grown up, and would of made a perfect Ranger, it was to late. They had been disbanded for five years.
She had graduated from Yell as a Valor Victorian with a major in criminal law and a minor in constitutional law. Even though she was one of the top students in her class, rodent layers her not in high demand. She was forced to settle for a job at a small law firm, barley making enough to stay alive. Her life had hit rock bottom. All she could afford was a small hole in the wall in a cheep motel, and newspaper to eat. One day, out of the blue, she received a letter, asking if she would come to teach from a small school she had never heard of. Thinking it was a joke; she almost threw it away, until a small logo on the back of the letter caught her eye. It was a lightning bolt streaking through two R's, and a small note, "From Chip and Gadget." She had forgotten about the Rangers, the real reason she entered into law school, and just concentrated on living life one day at a time. The sight of the logo sent chills down her spine. She immediately replied, only to receive another letter five days later, this one personally written by her younger sister and signed by Gadget and Chip accepting her resume. From there, the rest was history. She had an all expenses paid trip to the school, and after a small, customary, interview, was immediately accepted.
"Anything else?" She quarried to the small group.
* * * *
Tom was happy. When he was happy, every one under him was happy. A back rub always relaxed him, especially when an attractive cat was giving it. He was trying to live down his reputation as a gang leader. Now he was a crime boss, not the head of some ragtag group, but the leader of a citywide crime family. As part of this image overhaul, he had decided to move from the burned out building, to an abandoned wear house.
The 'Happy Cat Cat Food' factory had been abandoned for quite some time. He had recently acquired the building from his now deceased uncle. It had been his uncles headquarters and a hot spot for night activity and gambling for years.
The intercom in his office came to life.
"Metro is here to see you sir."
"Candice, I thought you were heading home of the night."
"I was just heading out sir."
"Good, send mister Metro in."
Tom was very Happy, and purred out loud. The door opened and a well-dressed rat walked in. He was wearing an expensive looking suit, and was well groomed.
"Ah, Metro, please have a seat." Tom motioned toward some large leather chairs. "This is some good news I hope."
"Yes sir. I know what those kids are doing. They're planning a trip to a place called Glacier Bay. There is some item of importance at that location. Something sentimental. They're leaving in three weeks." The rat paused. "Boss, may I make a suggestion?"
Tom waved his hand, signaling for the rat to continue.
"Sir, it appears that most of the Rangers will be in one place, at one time. The leader and his wife, along with the other chipmunk and his companion will be at their old headquarters for the up coming Easter vacation. The other mouse is no longer a concern of ours, and the fly is going with the kids. If I could be so bold, three of the Rangers will be in one place at one time. If we kidnap them and use them for bait to lure the children into a trap."
Tom saw were his hired hands train of thought was going. "I could have them all with little effort, but alas, I think we should bide are time. We are dealing with a sly fox, one that has proven intelligence. Lets watch are adversary, and learn their ways. See when their guard is lowered and when they are alert. Once we know their every move before they do, we will strike." Tom turned back to his subordinate. "For you're effort Metro, you'll find a nice bonus in you're check."
The rat bowed his head. "Thank you boss, that is most generous."
"Disney's movies are to happy."
E.A. Poe
The night was unusually cold and the city sky shown in all its glory. Only two small animals could be seen. This fitted Metro perfectly. He was stalking his subjects like a cat after dinner. The rat was sent out to gather information on the where about of the now defunct Rangers. 'What better place' he thought to himself, 'than following the leaders kids around.'
Metro knew something was up, but the details were still sketchy. He doubted that the kids knew all the details ether. He was hoping that all of that would change tonight.
* * * *
Maggie was hitting the books hard, when there was a knock on the door. Her dorm was small, barley enough room for her and Jennifer to coexist. The floor was cluttered with magazines, books, and a pair of coveralls that Jen had forgot to pick up.
Magnolia waded her way through the mess to answer the door.
"Tammy?! What are you doing here?" The bat could not believe her eyes. It wasn't every day that an instructor paid a visit to your room after hours.
"I'm here for the meeting, Bink should be by shortly. She had to cover for the night librarian again."
Magnolia was mentally kicking her self. She had completely forgot about the gathering. She no sooner showed her guest in and closed the door, when Jennifer and Geegaw showed up. Jennifer let both Geegaw and herself in.
"What took you so long?" The bat inquired.
"This may sound funny but..." Geegaw paused. "I think we were being followed."
"He forced us to take a less direct route." Jennifer said with a huff.
"Gee, your starting to sound just like your dad. Stop being so paranoid." Magnolia chirped in. She was about to close the door when Bink darkened the threshold.
"Is this a privet party or can any one join?" Bink said sarcastically. She look around the room, seeing that she was the last to arrive, decided to start the meeting.
"Lets start by going over what we know." Bink stated after every one was seated, then handed the center of attention over to Tammy.
Tammy pulled out a list and started too read from it. "First was know the general area the plane is in, narrowed down to a mile area south of Glacier Bay. Second is the weather. Glacier Bay is in the artic circle, some were in the north of Greenland, and is a permafrost area. In other words the ground doesn't stay frozen year round. Third, We know that Cal State Berkley is sending up a group of researchers over the spring break." Tammy paused.
"Now onto the plan. It should be easy to slip aboard with the luggage on to the airplane. You'll stay at a hospice about a mile away from the search area. The Eagle and any other spare item can be sent to the school by airmail. The town it self is near a US military base. If you need to, a flight out can easily be obtained on one of the military transports. Any questions?"
Geegaw took the opportunity to speak the one question that's been bugging him since he got there. "It looks like we have a plan. I have just one question, Tammy, were do you fit into this all."
Tammy had expected this question sooner or later. With a sigh she started. "Bink has broken her tail. The Vet said it should be better in a month and a half to two months, but spring break is one month away." Geegaw looked at his sister, who was sitting next to him, then at Bink. To his surprise, the center section of her tail had a hard cast covering it. She appeared to be sitting very uncomfortable, constantly readjusting to find a place were she wasn't resting on it..
Tammy proceeded in her explanation. "Also you'll need a person back here that's in on the plan. Bink can cover our tails and take any package that is sent here."
She left the third reason to her self. When she was sixteen, and Bink only five, A Mobster named Fat Cat had tried to turn them into cat food. The Rangers had saved them. Disney couldn't of written it better. After the incident, her sixteen-year-old hormones, and fantasies kicked in. She had a crush on Chip for about a year, but Chip only had eyes for Gadget. When Chip had realized that she had grown up, and would of made a perfect Ranger, it was to late. They had been disbanded for five years.
She had graduated from Yell as a Valor Victorian with a major in criminal law and a minor in constitutional law. Even though she was one of the top students in her class, rodent layers her not in high demand. She was forced to settle for a job at a small law firm, barley making enough to stay alive. Her life had hit rock bottom. All she could afford was a small hole in the wall in a cheep motel, and newspaper to eat. One day, out of the blue, she received a letter, asking if she would come to teach from a small school she had never heard of. Thinking it was a joke; she almost threw it away, until a small logo on the back of the letter caught her eye. It was a lightning bolt streaking through two R's, and a small note, "From Chip and Gadget." She had forgotten about the Rangers, the real reason she entered into law school, and just concentrated on living life one day at a time. The sight of the logo sent chills down her spine. She immediately replied, only to receive another letter five days later, this one personally written by her younger sister and signed by Gadget and Chip accepting her resume. From there, the rest was history. She had an all expenses paid trip to the school, and after a small, customary, interview, was immediately accepted.
"Anything else?" She quarried to the small group.
* * * *
Tom was happy. When he was happy, every one under him was happy. A back rub always relaxed him, especially when an attractive cat was giving it. He was trying to live down his reputation as a gang leader. Now he was a crime boss, not the head of some ragtag group, but the leader of a citywide crime family. As part of this image overhaul, he had decided to move from the burned out building, to an abandoned wear house.
The 'Happy Cat Cat Food' factory had been abandoned for quite some time. He had recently acquired the building from his now deceased uncle. It had been his uncles headquarters and a hot spot for night activity and gambling for years.
The intercom in his office came to life.
"Metro is here to see you sir."
"Candice, I thought you were heading home of the night."
"I was just heading out sir."
"Good, send mister Metro in."
Tom was very Happy, and purred out loud. The door opened and a well-dressed rat walked in. He was wearing an expensive looking suit, and was well groomed.
"Ah, Metro, please have a seat." Tom motioned toward some large leather chairs. "This is some good news I hope."
"Yes sir. I know what those kids are doing. They're planning a trip to a place called Glacier Bay. There is some item of importance at that location. Something sentimental. They're leaving in three weeks." The rat paused. "Boss, may I make a suggestion?"
Tom waved his hand, signaling for the rat to continue.
"Sir, it appears that most of the Rangers will be in one place, at one time. The leader and his wife, along with the other chipmunk and his companion will be at their old headquarters for the up coming Easter vacation. The other mouse is no longer a concern of ours, and the fly is going with the kids. If I could be so bold, three of the Rangers will be in one place at one time. If we kidnap them and use them for bait to lure the children into a trap."
Tom saw were his hired hands train of thought was going. "I could have them all with little effort, but alas, I think we should bide are time. We are dealing with a sly fox, one that has proven intelligence. Lets watch are adversary, and learn their ways. See when their guard is lowered and when they are alert. Once we know their every move before they do, we will strike." Tom turned back to his subordinate. "For you're effort Metro, you'll find a nice bonus in you're check."
The rat bowed his head. "Thank you boss, that is most generous."