Reesess watched in delight as the latest wave of cogs exploded. This was going much more smoothly than she had anticipated. Most of the invading cogs from the first few waves had been a bit of trouble, but once the Toons had coordinated most of the buildings had been recovered and with few casualties. Overhead small airplanes flew with large megaphones attached to opera singers. Cogs were immediately blasted out of the sky before they had a chance to do any danger. Toons were placed into large groups. Long-distance throwers in the back launched pies and cakes into the diminishing cog units while side units sprayed rows of fire hoses into any stragglers who made made it through. Calling over to a junior officer, she pulled out a pair of binoculars. "Look at that, Criquet. Not another cog in sight. Guess it goes to show that when Toons unite we can do anything." wiping her forehead, she placed the binoculars into her pocket.

A short black and white cat meowed out positively. "It's because of your great leadership. Reports out of Silly World and the Brrrgh are that the small invasions there have failed, with almost no resistance. I think we're in the clear finally."

"Yeah, but it doesn't seem right. I know you're pretty young so you probably don't remember the previous wars, but it still seems too small. There was what, twenty, maybe thirty-thousand cogs here? This pales in comparison the the millions we had to fight before."

Criquet scratched his chin, pondering. "I guess the rest of them were defeated the first time? Sometimes you just have to see things for what they are. It looks like we won. What else is there to worry about?"

"Hmm. Maybe you're right. I just have this nagging feeling. I mean, those Business Angels? I've never seen them before. They're a lot stronger than the rest of them, and much smarter. I've never seen cogs use the level of strategy they have implemented. I mean sure, we have beaten them back. But I'm wondering if this is just a precursor. It all seems too easy.."

"Thank you very much, Reessess for your report. I will inform the council." Cupcake pocketed her whisper device and took her seat at the head of the table. The remainder of the council who were not out fighting had gathered to discuss further steps. Pulling out a lap, she began to draw a red "X" over Animationville. "Okay everybody, we just got a report from Animationville that the last of the cogs have been destroyed. We have snuffed out the invasion in The Brrrgh. It appears our intel was correct, however it does so happen that there were no Anti-Toon attacks recorded in either the Brrrgh or Silly World after the unfortunate incident a few weeks ago."

"Don't you feel that is a bit suspicious? I mean, several playgrounds haven't had a single recorded attack. It just seems.. off. It seems too small. Besides, I'm worried about the In-Sells. We still don't know much about them. Who are they? How many are there?" Sunflower quacked out nervously. "Doesn't it seem a bit too soon to call it clear?"

Cupcake rubbed her forehead in anxiety. "You're right as usual, Sunflower. While I trust Ranger Reessess's report, I do have some concern myself. I feel that maybe it is best if we try to keep things as normal. All stationed units in the playgrounds need to stay on alert and ready for any future attacks."

"Do you think this is the time to fool around, waiting? Why don't we send more resources to Cog Nation? Try to quell any future attacks before they come. Become the attacker and not the defender!" Devin stood up, and pounded his fists on the table. "Mayor Cupcake, we've done a great job protecting our homes but how long are we supposed to hide in fear?" there were murmurs of agreement from the council.

"Unfortunately I have to agree with Devin." Mark interrupted.

Devin scowled. "Unfortunately?"

"As I was saying. I know how cogs think. They are not going to give in this easily. Their hatred is too strong. I think we need to be pro-active. I don't want this being dragged on any longer than needed." Mark replied confidently.

Nodding her head, Cupcake looked to Mark. "I guess I can't argue with that. But what if we are wrong? What if we pull out of the playgrounds too early? It would be a catastrophe!"

Devin crossed his arms. "Is it better than the catastrophe that would happen if we don't act now? What are you going to say to all of the Toons' families that were lost because we decided not to act. We must be swift and decisive!"

"Okay everybody. Let's just take a moment to think about things." Raspberry, the representative from Animationville took charge. "Now, most of you sitting here have not had to worry about attacks on your playgrounds. You have not seen the destruction and loss of life that Animationville has suffered. We've already discovered at least twenty buildings that will not be able to be replaced. Plus hundreds of Toons who have gone permanently sad. These families have lost their loved ones, they're homes, and their ways of life. I don't think it is as simple as just move everyone back and forth." lacing her fingers, she stretched her arms out and gazed around at the group. "I propose we start small, take a portion of our defenders from each playground and leave the remainder to protect our families at home."

Cupcake sat conflicted. The pressure of the situation was pushing down on her like a Toontanic. Any decision she made had the possibility for monumental loss of life. If she act strongly enough, they could soon be overwhelmed, however if she was too aggressive..? She didn't want to think about that. Taking a deep breath and placed her hands down on the table. "Okay everybody, it seems like while we are mostly in agreement, there are a lot of details to be hammered out. I propose we take a short break to clear our heads and come back together and we will finalize our proposals and take a vote. I don't want this stretching out past today, so please be ready to go in thirty minutes." watching as the remainder of the group, aside from Mark, stood up and exited the room, Cupcake laid her face on the polished wooden table. She groaned as her mind swirled with different thoughts. Every time she thought things were going well, she was quickly blindsided by the severity of the situation. Her father had gone through all of this and never seemed to struggle. Yet here she was, hardly able to handle a small attack. Her face was starting to numb, but she didn't care. She just wanted to go home, lie in bed, and pretend none of this was happening. She felt a hand slowly start rubbing her back.

"Cupcake. Your father struggled, too." Mark softly commented.

Looking over at her husband, Cupcake had a face of surprise. "How did you know I was thinking of dad?"

"I've known you for a long time, honey. I can read your mind now. It's a power we cogs get after we are familiar with someone."

Shooting up straight, Cupcake's eyes widened. "No way! Really? Why have you never told me!"

Mark laughed. "Because I just made it up. I mean, I do know you quite well though, that part is true. I also know that Flippy, er, your father had many difficult days. I know from the outside it seemed like he always had things under control, but it wasn't without a lot of stress and anxiety too. What he did best though was communicate. He knew how to make everyone feel heard and to use everybody's ideas mattered to him. He didn't always know what to do, so he made sure he found people who did. You don't need to do everything alone, honey. You're not alone. You have all of us. We're a team. Let us help. Cog knows you have pushed yourself harder than anybody else dealing with this. Give yourself a break, okay?"

"Marky, what would I do without you?" Cupcake wrapped her arms around him and smiled.

"Well fortunately we will never have to find out. Or I hope so." Mark squeezed her tighter to him. "What do you think we should do?"

Nuzzling her head in Mark's chest, Cupcake purred. "I think I'm going to listen to everybody and go from there."

Nightmare held hands with both Benny and Daron as they walked down Punchline Place. The three had taken the longest possible route from Donald's Dreamland to Toontown Central to ensure they had as much time together as possible. Although they had spent most of the night eating, playing games, and enjoying each others' company, none of them could enjoy it as much as they hoped. The looming thought of Daron's fate weighed on their minds and sapped what should have been a night of family and togetherness. Along the way, they had been encountered by several confrontational Toons who recognized Daron, usually older shopkeepers. Daron had made sure to apologize profusely to each and did his best to ignore those who would not listen. Daron stopped, holding up the other two cats with him as he peered up at a sign. "Sundae Funnies Ice Cream. I suppose it wouldn't hurt it we showed up a few minutes late. How about a scoop on me?" Daron gestured the other two in, who happily obliged.

Stepping inside of the air-conditioned building, Nightmare eyeballed the humongous selection. "Bubblegum, Berry-Cherry, Double Fudge Brownie? Are you sure we can't just live here?" Nightmare salivated at all of the delicious flavors. Running up to the glass she pressed her face against the barrier, squishing her cheeks into a blob. "Gosh, how am I supposed to pick just one?"

"Why stop at one?" Benny chuckled. "I think I'm going a double-scoop myself... actually a triple. I haven't had ice cream in months!" licking his lips he joined Nightmare against the glass, waiting for the shop owner to come out and help them.

Daron crossed his arms and laughed at the pair. "Like father, like daughter I guess." he muttered to himself. Walking to the opposite side, he peeked around the counter and quickly jumped back as a florescent green cat popped out of nowhere. "Good morning, everybody! How can I help.. you.." she narrowed her eyes at the trio in front of her. Stepping back she reached for a fire hose. "Listen, I don't want any trouble. How about you just get out of here and I forget I saw you."

"We're just here to buy some ice cream." Nightmare stated bluntly. "We didn't do anything wrong."

Benny placed his hand on Nightmare's shoulder. "Honey, maybe we should just go. We can get ice cream somewhere else."

"No! That's ridiculous. We shouldn't have to leave when we did nothing wrong. I want a double scoop of caramel-fudge, and buttercup. I will pay for it and then I will leave. Just like everyone else gets to." Nightmare glared at the shopkeeper who was tapping her fingers on the hose nozzle.

"I have the right to refuse business to anyone. Especially greeners. Now do you want to walk out into that cold March air soaking wet? If not, I'd recommend you get out of here." the cat hissed out.

Daron walked up and followed suit with Benny. "It's fine sweetie. Let's just go. I've lost my appetite anyways. Sorry to bother you, ma'am." turning around the trio made their out. Nightmare stopped and glared one last time at the cat, vowing that she would remember this day. The three walked dejectedly down the street until they made their way to the Toontown Central entrance. Sighing in unison, the three took their first step into the tunnel.