05: The Stuff Legends Are Made Of
"Yes, I'm sure the lock is a fake one."
H. Hoodenie
Jen hated flying in the cargo hold. It was loud, cold, and cramped, even for a mouse. No one said they were taking a cargo transport. She had grand thoughts of a passinger craft, but this... she had never considered. The group was finally on its way. It consisted of Tammy, Magnolia, Zipper, Geegaw, and of course, her self.
Every one was cold, but it affected Magnolia and Zipper the most. Zipper found comfort by snuggling up next to Jennifer in her jacket. Magnolia on the other hand, had a problem. Her wings were just large air conditioners, releasing all of her body heat through their thin tissue. To counter this, her jacket was specially designed for bats. It was more like a vest with large gloves for sleeves. It did her little good.
They had brought little with them. A few changes of clothing, some tools, and the MkII. The plane had been specially fitted for cold weather. Jen didn't want to lose the plane while searching for her mothers lost plane. She would never live it down
Jen looked down at the sleeping fly. Zipper started snoring, his wings buzzing ever so often, tickling her. Soon she fell asleep, her snoring not audible above the C-130 as it flew on to their destination.
Magnolia was cold. She was shivering uncontrollably. Geegaw was sitting next to her. He wrapped his arm around his cousin, rubbing her wings to help her keep warm.
"Arrrrre wee almmmost therrrre?" She barley said through her chattering teeth.
"Were three fourths of the way there. Would you like a blanket?"
She could only shake her head in conformation. Geegaw quickly returned with a large comforter and a cup of tea that was taken from a thermos that one of the researchers had brought on board.
Geegaw wrapped the blanket around her, as she cupped her wings around the tea.
"Rrreminddd me, why arrrrre we dooinggg thisss?"
"Were doing this as a present for mom."
"Aunt Gadggget betttter appreciate thththisssss."
* * * *
"Are you sure this is the right address?"
The house before them looked like every other house on the street.
"Yes, I'm sure." Jennifer snapped. She really wasn't sure, but Geegaw had been getting on her nerves, and she was starting to loose her patience.
The group walked up to the small door just left of the main door the human occupants used. Geegaw knocked, then waited for an answer. Nothing, he knocked again. Finally after a fourth knock, and almost leaving, the door opened slowly.
On the other side was an old, withered, widow mouse. Her brown fur now grayed with age, and her face was wrinkled by time, but the group could tell that she was a real number in her time. "How can I help you, young folks?" She squeaked out.
Jennifer cleared her throat. "Were looking for the Hospice, would you know were it is?"
"Oh, so you're the young ones we were expecting, come in, come in." She made an elegant sweep, with her free arm, with a precision reserved for royalty. Then she called up a flight of stairs, summoning a voice the rag-tag group of rodents outside didn't think she had in her. "Brook, the guests are here."
There was a loud clatter of footsteps, and a young mouse, barely eighteen. Her fur and eyes were a chocolate brown. She was wearing a red 'v' neck shirt and jeans. Jennifer could see that Geegaw was standing there with his mouth open.
"This is my granddaughter, Brook, and I'm Agnes. Nice to meet you all." She turned to the young mouselet. "Brook, why don't you help them with their bags, while I show them to their rooms.
Brook left to help Jennifer and Geegaw retrieve the luggage while Zipper, Tammy, and Magnolia entered the house.
Brook was the first one to speak as they trotted to the plane that had bore them here. "I don't mean to pry, but are you two boyfriend, girlfriend?"
"No, he's my brother," Jennifer said indifferently.
"Actually were twins." Geegaw volunteered.
Brook first perked up at the knowledge that Geegaw was available, then blushed when she found out that they were, not just siblings, but twins. 'Strike one.' She thought to her self.
Jennifer could sense that Brook had an unspoken attraction for Geegaw, and he was no help. He was trying to show off, not in a big way, just small things. She could tell if any information was going to be had here, she was going to be doing the asking.
"Say, Brook," the embarrassed mouse gave her a sheepish look, "were looking for an old plane out side of town. Have you seen any around?"
Brook brightened, as her mind was released from the self imposed barrier. "Come to think of it, there have been reports around town of a small plane, mostly from the old fishermen who go out to do some ice fishing." She paused. Jen could sense that she was holding something back. "People say its haunted. The rumor is that a young pilot died in an accident looking for a lost love, and her spirit haunts the wreck, calling to any one that comes to close."
Jennifer's curiosity got the best of her. "Do you believe the stories?"
"I don't know. Good mice have gone out to look for the wreck, never to return. My father went out there..." She looked out distantly over the southern sky, and then came back to earth. "I'm sorry, were was I?"
"People looking for the plane." Geegaw reminded her.
"Oh, yah. Listen, between you and me, if you're looking for the plane, don't bother, to many good mice have died looking for this phantom."
"Do you believe the plane exists?" Jennifer asked.
"Yes, I've seen it. My father and I were out on a fishing expedition. On our way back, we were hit by a freak snowstorm and were forced to take refuge inside it. After we got back, a man approach my father, and asked if he could take the stranger to the wreck. My Father, being a lonely fisherman, was enticed by the stranger's offer, and his money. They never returned." She looked off into the sky again, "Why do you ask?"
Jennifer looked right into Brook's bright eyes. 'What to say?' She thought to her self. 'If in doubt, try the truth.' She took a long breath, and then started.
"The plane in question is named 'The Screaming Eagle'. It had belonged to my grandfather. My mother had been that 'young pilot'."
Brook registered shock. She starred at her feet. "I'm sorry I didn't know."
"There's nothing to be sorry about." Brook now wore a bewildered look. Jen continued, "Were planning to surprise her with it on her birthday."
"But, the stories of a lost love... the calling...?"
"No, if she was here, she would have a good laugh at the thought."
"So, she did make it out alive?" Brook asked, treading in eggshells.
"Yah, she did, along with our dad and a few others. They were chasing a thief, and she simply forgot to use the skies instead of the normal landing gear. She now runs a collage, and in her spare time does some flying." Jennifer explained.
"Sorry to break up your conversation," Geegaw started, "but were here."
The three were standing in front of the plane. Brook was so engrossed in the conversation, that she didn't notice the craft until she was upon it. She looked up, taking in its full highth slacked jaw. "Is this your plane?"
Now it was Jennifer's turn to show off. "Yes, I built it my self, based off of my mothers design."
"So you're a pilot?" Brook said, directed to Geegaw.
"Yes, both my sister and I can fly." He gave a pose in his bomber jacket. Jen thought that he looked silly, but Brook ate it up. "We'll talk more inside, right now, we have some luggage to move." Brook gave a disappointed sigh then helped the others with their suitcases.
* * * *
Tammy, Zipper, and Magnolia were sitting in the living room, sipping at some tea. Tammy was casually sipping her tea, admiring the décor, and commenting to Zipper about this or that. How the fire in the fireplace was burning nicely. How this reminded her of her grandmothers house in Utah, and in general, how cozy it was.
Magnolia, on the other hand, was curled up next to the fire, holding her cup close to her in a vain effort to keep warm.
Agnes walked in ready refill any cup that had been emptied. Her gaze fell upon the helpless bat. The sight of the small bat, cupping her mug, shivering slightly jogger her memory. "Are you cold dear?" she asked.
Maggie shook her head in confirmation.
"I had some fruit bats stay here last year. A nice couple, they were constantly cold, though. It seems to me, dreary, that you don't have much fat." Magnolia beamed at the comment. "Your only muscle." Maggie's smile widened, in spite of her shivering. Why don't you flap your wings a bit, use them muscles, maybe fly around the block. Get some movement before you stiffen too much. Use your muscles to make some heat." The smile was gone.
"Maybe later." Magnolia said flatly. The idea of exiting the warm house in favor of going around the block, in the snow, out in the cold, did not appeal to her.
* * * *
Every one was stuffed. Dinner had consisted of Alfredo in a cheese and pecan sauce. It was good, and there was plenty of it. Every one had at least seconds, if not thirds. Now they sat around the table making small talk. After awhile, Agnes got up to do the dishes. Zipper offered his assistance, and Tammy followed suit. This left Brook, Jennifer, Magnolia, and Geegaw talking.
"So Brook, what else can you tell us about the plane?"
"Not much, nothing that I haven't told you before. Only that it's rumored to be haunted, and it's some were south of town."
Magnolia almost choked on her drink, causing the tea she was drinking to be sprayed across the table. "Haunted?!" she choked.
Brook quickly brought her up to speed, telling her what she had told Jennifer and Geegaw. "What I want to know is, what is the real story behind the plane. I want every last detail. That quick over view left me hanging and I need conclusion." she concluded
The three looked at each other.
"Don't look at me, YOUR parents were the ones there." Magnolia started.
"So was your dad, remember?" Geegaw shot back.
"Oh, yes, I forgot." She recalled sheepishly.
"I'll start" Jennifer volunteered, breaking the ice. "Gewgaw's and my mom and dad, Maggie's dad, Zipper, and Monterey Jack (a friend of grandpa's), were chasing a Criminal under the name of Aldrin Klordaine. He had framed a police officer for the theft of a priceless gem.
Magnolia stepped in at this point to continue the adventure that was being unfolded before them. "Chip and Dad's, case brought them to Monty and Zipper. They were globetrotters, and were moored in port at the time. One of Klordaine's associates, a picky pussy by the name of Fat Cat, had emptied the hold of the ship to fill it with fish. In the process filling the hold, the ship sank, along with Monty's and Zippers trunk, (that they called home,) with all their belongings, leaving them homeless and broke. Fat Cat had fled the area; leaving Monterey with a vendetta to resolve. He ganged up with Chip and Dad to hunt down Klordaine and reap his revenge on the cat that destroyed his home.
Geegaw pick the story up. "Grandpa, who I owe my name to, was a pilot, and a friend of Monty's. Dad and Dale needed a plane to pursue Klordaine, his feline, and his mad scientist, Professor Nimnal, and Grandpa was the only pilot Monterey could recommend.
Mom had been living alone after Grandpa died. She had fallen into a deep depression, and had not wanted to be disturbed. She didn't have any friends at the time, and the only sign of life that darkened her doorstep was the occasional salesmen. Monterey had not known of grandpa's death, but after being caught in a net, which was intended of the unwary Tupper-when sales person, was given the news. Mom had fallowed in grandpas footsteps, becoming a pilot, and after hearing their tale of a wrongly accused police officer, decided to help.
Now for the crash... Mom had forgotten to rig Grandpas plane with skies. As simple as that. No lost love. No freak storm, or snow bank, just a mistake.
Now for the haunting, well, if so, it's a different mouse. Our mom", he motioned to Jennifer and himself, "is still very much alive."
There was a polite cough over heard. The four rodents, turned their heads toward the direction of the kitchen, were the sound emanated. Tammy was leaning on the doorframe, wiping her hands off on a dishtowel. Agnes was, sitting in a rocking chair, knitting, while Zipper slept by the fire, snoring quietly.
After a long moment, Agnes broke the silence that hung in the air.
"That's a nice story. I don't want to come off rude but why did you come out here in the first place?"
Tammy had conveniently left the room and Zipper was sleeping. That left Magnolia, Jennifer, and Geegaw to answer her question. After a moment of the girls eyeing Geegaw he spoke up.
'He was the one who thought of this trek, he should be the one to explain it,' they reasoned.
Geegaw cleared his throat, and then started. "We plan to reclaim the plane that we were talking about... as a gift... for mom's birthday. Hopefully we can rebuild it by that time."
More silence fallowed, then the old mouse asked another question. "How are all of you related to this and each other? "
Jennifer spoke up this time. "Geegaw and I are siblings, twins in fact." She motioned to her brother who was sitting across from her. "Maggie" she continued, pointing to the bat sitting at the head of the table., "is our cousin, once removed, although she's more like a sister to us."
Magnolia smiled showing off her teeth, her Canines reviling her chipmunk influences. "Tammy is an instructor at the school that mom runs. She has also been a friend of the families for a long time. Zipper is the only one here that was there on that day. Zipper, along with mom, dad, Dale, and Monterey were part of a group called the 'Rescue Rangers'. A small but devoted group of do-gooders. All of us have ties to the Rangers in some way or another, but his is the most direct."
"I remember seeing a newspaper clipping some time ago while I did some traveling. The paper was from one of the special rodent papers. It had a picture of you dreary, along with you're brother, Zipper, another Chipmunk, and a large mouse. But that was years ago, before you were born."
"That's probably our parents." Jennifer said. "Were told that we are the spitting images for them. The other Chipmunk would be Dale, Maggie's dad. That big mouse would have been Monterey Jack."
"Were is this Monterey fellow anyways?" Agnes asked.
Jennifer answered. Her head hung low. "Monterey is no longer with us."
An uncomfortable silence fell like a fog on the room again. Jennifer had tried to avoid thinking about "Uncle Monty". He had left just over a year ago, but his memory was still fresh.
* * *
She thought back to last year's spring break. Geegaw, Magnolia, and her self were kicking back at the old tree house. Monterey and Zipper still kept residence there, along with Magnolias parents, Dale and Foxglove, and tensions were starting to rise. Every one had been around each other with no distractions to help ease the tension for to long. All the little things that no one noticed were now becoming an issue. At last it boiled over in a big fight. It ended when Zipper let something slip that hit home with Monty, and he stormed out mumbling something about going to see some relatives in Seattle. After Zipper cooled down a bit, he decided to find Monterey to apologize. Zipper had said that he knew were Monty was going, and that he had been their once before. About a week later, the Oakmont's received a letter addressed to the Rescue Rangers. Zipper had caught up with Monterey, but the mouse was in the hospital after being wounded in a fight defending his Niece from a pack of dogs. Every one rushed to the hospital, but they had gotten there to late, he had left earlier. They had taken his loss hard, but Zipper had taken it hardest. He wouldn't talk about the incident and probably never will. Monterey's life was one long adventure, but like all adventures, they are never tied down for long.
* * *
Geegaw broke the unnatural silence with a question of his own. "Agnes, were would be a good place to get some information, or any news that might be needed?"
"That's simple, O'Malley's, the local pub. Patrick, the owner and bar tender, could fill you in on anything you would like, or need to know, but be careful; he'll fill your ear full. Now is not the best time to go though. Half the town is drunk, or close to it. You should try in the morning, when things are slower."
The group was asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows. Brook shared her room with Tammy and Jennifer. Zipper and Geegaw were sawing logs in the living room, using the couches as beds. Magnolias found a nice warm spot next to the fireplace on the ceiling were all the heat had collected though out the night.
"Yes, I'm sure the lock is a fake one."
H. Hoodenie
Jen hated flying in the cargo hold. It was loud, cold, and cramped, even for a mouse. No one said they were taking a cargo transport. She had grand thoughts of a passinger craft, but this... she had never considered. The group was finally on its way. It consisted of Tammy, Magnolia, Zipper, Geegaw, and of course, her self.
Every one was cold, but it affected Magnolia and Zipper the most. Zipper found comfort by snuggling up next to Jennifer in her jacket. Magnolia on the other hand, had a problem. Her wings were just large air conditioners, releasing all of her body heat through their thin tissue. To counter this, her jacket was specially designed for bats. It was more like a vest with large gloves for sleeves. It did her little good.
They had brought little with them. A few changes of clothing, some tools, and the MkII. The plane had been specially fitted for cold weather. Jen didn't want to lose the plane while searching for her mothers lost plane. She would never live it down
Jen looked down at the sleeping fly. Zipper started snoring, his wings buzzing ever so often, tickling her. Soon she fell asleep, her snoring not audible above the C-130 as it flew on to their destination.
Magnolia was cold. She was shivering uncontrollably. Geegaw was sitting next to her. He wrapped his arm around his cousin, rubbing her wings to help her keep warm.
"Arrrrre wee almmmost therrrre?" She barley said through her chattering teeth.
"Were three fourths of the way there. Would you like a blanket?"
She could only shake her head in conformation. Geegaw quickly returned with a large comforter and a cup of tea that was taken from a thermos that one of the researchers had brought on board.
Geegaw wrapped the blanket around her, as she cupped her wings around the tea.
"Rrreminddd me, why arrrrre we dooinggg thisss?"
"Were doing this as a present for mom."
"Aunt Gadggget betttter appreciate thththisssss."
* * * *
"Are you sure this is the right address?"
The house before them looked like every other house on the street.
"Yes, I'm sure." Jennifer snapped. She really wasn't sure, but Geegaw had been getting on her nerves, and she was starting to loose her patience.
The group walked up to the small door just left of the main door the human occupants used. Geegaw knocked, then waited for an answer. Nothing, he knocked again. Finally after a fourth knock, and almost leaving, the door opened slowly.
On the other side was an old, withered, widow mouse. Her brown fur now grayed with age, and her face was wrinkled by time, but the group could tell that she was a real number in her time. "How can I help you, young folks?" She squeaked out.
Jennifer cleared her throat. "Were looking for the Hospice, would you know were it is?"
"Oh, so you're the young ones we were expecting, come in, come in." She made an elegant sweep, with her free arm, with a precision reserved for royalty. Then she called up a flight of stairs, summoning a voice the rag-tag group of rodents outside didn't think she had in her. "Brook, the guests are here."
There was a loud clatter of footsteps, and a young mouse, barely eighteen. Her fur and eyes were a chocolate brown. She was wearing a red 'v' neck shirt and jeans. Jennifer could see that Geegaw was standing there with his mouth open.
"This is my granddaughter, Brook, and I'm Agnes. Nice to meet you all." She turned to the young mouselet. "Brook, why don't you help them with their bags, while I show them to their rooms.
Brook left to help Jennifer and Geegaw retrieve the luggage while Zipper, Tammy, and Magnolia entered the house.
Brook was the first one to speak as they trotted to the plane that had bore them here. "I don't mean to pry, but are you two boyfriend, girlfriend?"
"No, he's my brother," Jennifer said indifferently.
"Actually were twins." Geegaw volunteered.
Brook first perked up at the knowledge that Geegaw was available, then blushed when she found out that they were, not just siblings, but twins. 'Strike one.' She thought to her self.
Jennifer could sense that Brook had an unspoken attraction for Geegaw, and he was no help. He was trying to show off, not in a big way, just small things. She could tell if any information was going to be had here, she was going to be doing the asking.
"Say, Brook," the embarrassed mouse gave her a sheepish look, "were looking for an old plane out side of town. Have you seen any around?"
Brook brightened, as her mind was released from the self imposed barrier. "Come to think of it, there have been reports around town of a small plane, mostly from the old fishermen who go out to do some ice fishing." She paused. Jen could sense that she was holding something back. "People say its haunted. The rumor is that a young pilot died in an accident looking for a lost love, and her spirit haunts the wreck, calling to any one that comes to close."
Jennifer's curiosity got the best of her. "Do you believe the stories?"
"I don't know. Good mice have gone out to look for the wreck, never to return. My father went out there..." She looked out distantly over the southern sky, and then came back to earth. "I'm sorry, were was I?"
"People looking for the plane." Geegaw reminded her.
"Oh, yah. Listen, between you and me, if you're looking for the plane, don't bother, to many good mice have died looking for this phantom."
"Do you believe the plane exists?" Jennifer asked.
"Yes, I've seen it. My father and I were out on a fishing expedition. On our way back, we were hit by a freak snowstorm and were forced to take refuge inside it. After we got back, a man approach my father, and asked if he could take the stranger to the wreck. My Father, being a lonely fisherman, was enticed by the stranger's offer, and his money. They never returned." She looked off into the sky again, "Why do you ask?"
Jennifer looked right into Brook's bright eyes. 'What to say?' She thought to her self. 'If in doubt, try the truth.' She took a long breath, and then started.
"The plane in question is named 'The Screaming Eagle'. It had belonged to my grandfather. My mother had been that 'young pilot'."
Brook registered shock. She starred at her feet. "I'm sorry I didn't know."
"There's nothing to be sorry about." Brook now wore a bewildered look. Jen continued, "Were planning to surprise her with it on her birthday."
"But, the stories of a lost love... the calling...?"
"No, if she was here, she would have a good laugh at the thought."
"So, she did make it out alive?" Brook asked, treading in eggshells.
"Yah, she did, along with our dad and a few others. They were chasing a thief, and she simply forgot to use the skies instead of the normal landing gear. She now runs a collage, and in her spare time does some flying." Jennifer explained.
"Sorry to break up your conversation," Geegaw started, "but were here."
The three were standing in front of the plane. Brook was so engrossed in the conversation, that she didn't notice the craft until she was upon it. She looked up, taking in its full highth slacked jaw. "Is this your plane?"
Now it was Jennifer's turn to show off. "Yes, I built it my self, based off of my mothers design."
"So you're a pilot?" Brook said, directed to Geegaw.
"Yes, both my sister and I can fly." He gave a pose in his bomber jacket. Jen thought that he looked silly, but Brook ate it up. "We'll talk more inside, right now, we have some luggage to move." Brook gave a disappointed sigh then helped the others with their suitcases.
* * * *
Tammy, Zipper, and Magnolia were sitting in the living room, sipping at some tea. Tammy was casually sipping her tea, admiring the décor, and commenting to Zipper about this or that. How the fire in the fireplace was burning nicely. How this reminded her of her grandmothers house in Utah, and in general, how cozy it was.
Magnolia, on the other hand, was curled up next to the fire, holding her cup close to her in a vain effort to keep warm.
Agnes walked in ready refill any cup that had been emptied. Her gaze fell upon the helpless bat. The sight of the small bat, cupping her mug, shivering slightly jogger her memory. "Are you cold dear?" she asked.
Maggie shook her head in confirmation.
"I had some fruit bats stay here last year. A nice couple, they were constantly cold, though. It seems to me, dreary, that you don't have much fat." Magnolia beamed at the comment. "Your only muscle." Maggie's smile widened, in spite of her shivering. Why don't you flap your wings a bit, use them muscles, maybe fly around the block. Get some movement before you stiffen too much. Use your muscles to make some heat." The smile was gone.
"Maybe later." Magnolia said flatly. The idea of exiting the warm house in favor of going around the block, in the snow, out in the cold, did not appeal to her.
* * * *
Every one was stuffed. Dinner had consisted of Alfredo in a cheese and pecan sauce. It was good, and there was plenty of it. Every one had at least seconds, if not thirds. Now they sat around the table making small talk. After awhile, Agnes got up to do the dishes. Zipper offered his assistance, and Tammy followed suit. This left Brook, Jennifer, Magnolia, and Geegaw talking.
"So Brook, what else can you tell us about the plane?"
"Not much, nothing that I haven't told you before. Only that it's rumored to be haunted, and it's some were south of town."
Magnolia almost choked on her drink, causing the tea she was drinking to be sprayed across the table. "Haunted?!" she choked.
Brook quickly brought her up to speed, telling her what she had told Jennifer and Geegaw. "What I want to know is, what is the real story behind the plane. I want every last detail. That quick over view left me hanging and I need conclusion." she concluded
The three looked at each other.
"Don't look at me, YOUR parents were the ones there." Magnolia started.
"So was your dad, remember?" Geegaw shot back.
"Oh, yes, I forgot." She recalled sheepishly.
"I'll start" Jennifer volunteered, breaking the ice. "Gewgaw's and my mom and dad, Maggie's dad, Zipper, and Monterey Jack (a friend of grandpa's), were chasing a Criminal under the name of Aldrin Klordaine. He had framed a police officer for the theft of a priceless gem.
Magnolia stepped in at this point to continue the adventure that was being unfolded before them. "Chip and Dad's, case brought them to Monty and Zipper. They were globetrotters, and were moored in port at the time. One of Klordaine's associates, a picky pussy by the name of Fat Cat, had emptied the hold of the ship to fill it with fish. In the process filling the hold, the ship sank, along with Monty's and Zippers trunk, (that they called home,) with all their belongings, leaving them homeless and broke. Fat Cat had fled the area; leaving Monterey with a vendetta to resolve. He ganged up with Chip and Dad to hunt down Klordaine and reap his revenge on the cat that destroyed his home.
Geegaw pick the story up. "Grandpa, who I owe my name to, was a pilot, and a friend of Monty's. Dad and Dale needed a plane to pursue Klordaine, his feline, and his mad scientist, Professor Nimnal, and Grandpa was the only pilot Monterey could recommend.
Mom had been living alone after Grandpa died. She had fallen into a deep depression, and had not wanted to be disturbed. She didn't have any friends at the time, and the only sign of life that darkened her doorstep was the occasional salesmen. Monterey had not known of grandpa's death, but after being caught in a net, which was intended of the unwary Tupper-when sales person, was given the news. Mom had fallowed in grandpas footsteps, becoming a pilot, and after hearing their tale of a wrongly accused police officer, decided to help.
Now for the crash... Mom had forgotten to rig Grandpas plane with skies. As simple as that. No lost love. No freak storm, or snow bank, just a mistake.
Now for the haunting, well, if so, it's a different mouse. Our mom", he motioned to Jennifer and himself, "is still very much alive."
There was a polite cough over heard. The four rodents, turned their heads toward the direction of the kitchen, were the sound emanated. Tammy was leaning on the doorframe, wiping her hands off on a dishtowel. Agnes was, sitting in a rocking chair, knitting, while Zipper slept by the fire, snoring quietly.
After a long moment, Agnes broke the silence that hung in the air.
"That's a nice story. I don't want to come off rude but why did you come out here in the first place?"
Tammy had conveniently left the room and Zipper was sleeping. That left Magnolia, Jennifer, and Geegaw to answer her question. After a moment of the girls eyeing Geegaw he spoke up.
'He was the one who thought of this trek, he should be the one to explain it,' they reasoned.
Geegaw cleared his throat, and then started. "We plan to reclaim the plane that we were talking about... as a gift... for mom's birthday. Hopefully we can rebuild it by that time."
More silence fallowed, then the old mouse asked another question. "How are all of you related to this and each other? "
Jennifer spoke up this time. "Geegaw and I are siblings, twins in fact." She motioned to her brother who was sitting across from her. "Maggie" she continued, pointing to the bat sitting at the head of the table., "is our cousin, once removed, although she's more like a sister to us."
Magnolia smiled showing off her teeth, her Canines reviling her chipmunk influences. "Tammy is an instructor at the school that mom runs. She has also been a friend of the families for a long time. Zipper is the only one here that was there on that day. Zipper, along with mom, dad, Dale, and Monterey were part of a group called the 'Rescue Rangers'. A small but devoted group of do-gooders. All of us have ties to the Rangers in some way or another, but his is the most direct."
"I remember seeing a newspaper clipping some time ago while I did some traveling. The paper was from one of the special rodent papers. It had a picture of you dreary, along with you're brother, Zipper, another Chipmunk, and a large mouse. But that was years ago, before you were born."
"That's probably our parents." Jennifer said. "Were told that we are the spitting images for them. The other Chipmunk would be Dale, Maggie's dad. That big mouse would have been Monterey Jack."
"Were is this Monterey fellow anyways?" Agnes asked.
Jennifer answered. Her head hung low. "Monterey is no longer with us."
An uncomfortable silence fell like a fog on the room again. Jennifer had tried to avoid thinking about "Uncle Monty". He had left just over a year ago, but his memory was still fresh.
* * *
She thought back to last year's spring break. Geegaw, Magnolia, and her self were kicking back at the old tree house. Monterey and Zipper still kept residence there, along with Magnolias parents, Dale and Foxglove, and tensions were starting to rise. Every one had been around each other with no distractions to help ease the tension for to long. All the little things that no one noticed were now becoming an issue. At last it boiled over in a big fight. It ended when Zipper let something slip that hit home with Monty, and he stormed out mumbling something about going to see some relatives in Seattle. After Zipper cooled down a bit, he decided to find Monterey to apologize. Zipper had said that he knew were Monty was going, and that he had been their once before. About a week later, the Oakmont's received a letter addressed to the Rescue Rangers. Zipper had caught up with Monterey, but the mouse was in the hospital after being wounded in a fight defending his Niece from a pack of dogs. Every one rushed to the hospital, but they had gotten there to late, he had left earlier. They had taken his loss hard, but Zipper had taken it hardest. He wouldn't talk about the incident and probably never will. Monterey's life was one long adventure, but like all adventures, they are never tied down for long.
* * *
Geegaw broke the unnatural silence with a question of his own. "Agnes, were would be a good place to get some information, or any news that might be needed?"
"That's simple, O'Malley's, the local pub. Patrick, the owner and bar tender, could fill you in on anything you would like, or need to know, but be careful; he'll fill your ear full. Now is not the best time to go though. Half the town is drunk, or close to it. You should try in the morning, when things are slower."
The group was asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows. Brook shared her room with Tammy and Jennifer. Zipper and Geegaw were sawing logs in the living room, using the couches as beds. Magnolias found a nice warm spot next to the fireplace on the ceiling were all the heat had collected though out the night.