A week after the police arrived to investigate the incident, they were no further ahead than when they began. The frustrations mounted, as the team prepared to return to working on the site. They not only had to contend with the damage caused by the criminals, but also any damage caused during the investigation. Grid lines had been moved, the site had been walked over by numerous paws, and it was enough to keep any one of them up all night with worry.
Before any of them could return to the site, there was still one more matter to see too. Jennifer Balid was in town, it would seem, she was as interested as meeting with the team as they were in seeing her. She arranged a lunch meeting in the restaurant of the hotel she was staying at. Bulfie had been somewhat reluctant to accept, but with some none to gentle encouragement from Wally, agreed.
Dan had left Beth with Wally's eldest daughter. The young squirrel and otter planned to spend the day shopping. Dan was worried about his daughter feeling lonely or out of place. Once he gave her spending money for the day, he quickly realized she was going to be just fine.
Wally, Bulfie, and Dan arrived together. They met with Septimus in the main lobby then proceeded to the restaurant. The squirrel hostess led them to the table, where an attractive weasel waited. She couldn't be any older than thirty-five seasons, although she appeared younger. She wore a formfitting black pantsuit, with a bright blue scarf loosely tied about her neck. Rising from where she sat she greeted the others. The otter moved forward hugging her warmly and planting a chaste kiss on her cheek.
"Jennifer, y' looking well. How's the Western Shores treating ye?"
Shaking paws with every beast the weasel smiled. "Very well, thank you Wally. Please, sit, we have much to discuss."
Bulfie sat down, a little displeased that he ended up having to take the seat to Jennifer's right. The weasel seemed not to notice, or did a good job of ignoring the ferret's coldness about her. A waiter came by, and graciously she took the menu and began skimming though it.
"I am sorry to hear about the unfortunate events of last week." She began, not looking up from the menu.
"Well, the blighters won't get away with it. The police are continuing t'look into the wretched affair. We're back on site tomorrow. Should be able to take bally stock of the situation then wot." The hare replied, trying to downplay any concerns.
The waiter returned and took their orders, filling their glasses with ice water. While waiting they exchanged polite small talk. Dan spoke of taking Beth to the Abbey, and of recent events in Toronto. Septimus shared his latest technology introduction. After several minutes of this Wally got right down to business.
"Jenny we were hoping y'might be able to assist our project. We've been able to uncover several interesting identifying markings on remains. What we would like to do is get our paws on the Salamandastron records and try to put names to a few." He produced print outs of several photos Beth had taken.
The weasel looked over the print outs. Her face lighting up as she skimmed through them. "Goodness, the preservation is most impressive. " She continued looking through the photos a moment longer before returning them to the otter. "I can certainly try to get you access to the required records. However, I'm also here to ask things of you."
Bulfie huffed a little. "No surprise there."
Rather than look insulted Jennifer just smiled and shrugged. "St. Ninian's University has taken charge of the project. It seems a logical choice, as you have a brilliant team, and are located in the area. However, Salamandastron's Lord Urthbriar has some concerns about this dig. Primarily the lack of consultation Salamandastron has been given regarding this dig. Lord Urthbriar, fears that the dig may not be culturally sensitive."
"Culturally sensitive? What's that supposed to mean exactly?" Bulfie spoke up once the weasel had paused.
Taking a slow sip of her ice water Jennifer continued. "It means that Lord Urthbriar wants to be kept informed. Bulfie, if you think I'm favouring Salamandastron's politics over the work you're doing, think again. Lord Urthbriar wanted to send his own team to continue the work. I managed to convince him that the four of you were more than competent enough to lead the work. However, last week's incident has made him question this some. In short, he wants to be informed of everything regarding the remains of any Long Patrol warriors. He is willing to finance most of the expenses associated with the dig and any research that goes with it. He also wishes to meet and discuss these concerns further. Owing to the Badgerlords busy schedule I think I can arrange a meeting during: The Regimental Annual Summer Garden Party. Dr. Lockben perhaps you would like to come along. When I mentioned your involvement Lord Urthbriar recalled you and your wife quite fondly from a previous visit. "
The hare twirled the ice around in his glass. He was the obvious choice, being a hare he fit in quite well with Salamandastron. He had met the Badgerlord several times at other functions, so that would help as well. "I 'suppose it ought t'be me. What's the date? Must be coming up rather soon."
Jennifer nodded. "Yes, July seventh actually."
Septimus shook his head."Sorry old gel can't do it then. One of you other chaps will have t'make the trip. The seventh of July is Claria's an' my wedding anniversary. I'm not about to do business on such a day, value m'life far too much dontcha know."
When eyes fell upon Wally he shook his head. "Don't look at me mates; I'm needed at t dig site. Ain't much for formal gatherings anyhow."
Bulfie shook his head as well, although no beast expected him to offer to go."I ain't going that much is sure."
It seemed it was up to Dan. "Well, don't want to leave Beth behind. I suppose I'll go, but only if you can arrange for my daughter to travel with me."
Their food arrived; Jennifer carefully picked every bone out of her fish before eating. "That shouldn't be a problem Dan." She spoke before taking her first mouthful.
Silence fell over the table; each creature was momentarily caught up in the meal before them. Septimus wiped his lips with a napkin. " 'fraid I have more news to add. Redwall Abbey has also voiced interest in the site. The office of the Abbot, contacted my office this morning. Seems Father Alfred wishes to make an official visit of the site. Redwall would like to offer up some words on behalf of the discovery, honouring the lives lost, or some such business. Media will be involved. They're preparing a press release to be sent out by the end of this week. "
Bulfie set down his sandwich rolling his eyes towards the ceiling. "Why can't these creatures just let us work."
"Because, it is historically significant, creatures care about this." Jennifer explained.
"Funny, I don't recall all this fuss about that find four seasons back. You recall the one Jennifer? A shipwreck north of Salamandastron. The remains of a few weasels, ferrets and stoats were found. Artifacts suggested Long Patrol involvement, but did 'is lordship wish to continue study. No, funding was cut on that project. Before the entire site could be excavated work had to cease an' flats were built over the site. "
Jennifer sighed. " I remember the incident Bulfie, very unfortunate. "
Wally leaned forward and kicked Bulfie under the table. Giving his ferret friend a look, Bulfie made no further comment.
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Once lunch was over the creatures parted ways. Dr. Lockben and Jennifer excused themselves to further discuss gaining access to Salamandastron's records. Wally left with the others to drive them home.
"What was that about Bulfie?" the otter questioned once they were well away.
"What was what about?"
"If looks could kill, you would 'ave done in Jenny three times over. What's going on between the two of ye?"
The ferret looked up innocently. "Nothing. " When it seemed that response wouldn't satisfy Wally he shrugged. "Just don't like that attitude o'hers. She spends far too much time rubbing elbows with that crowd at Salamandastron."
"Humph, wouldn't 'ave taken y'to be speciest." Wally shook his head.
This enraged Bulfie."Me! Of all creatures y'think I am. "
"Well, you don't seem very happy about a weasel gaining the respect of the Lord of Salamandastron."
"Isn't that. " Bulfie sighed. "It is just when she carried on about cultural sensitivities, oh that riles me fur right up. Remember that guest lecture she did at the university, the one of Field Marshal Frumworthy and his actions in The First World War? The whole presentation focused around the hare's heroism, the same story we've heard for untold seasons. Lots o'historical papers have come up questioning some of Frumworthy's tactics. She had the chance to read though not only, his reports, but his private letters. I've had the chance t'see a few o'those, an'let me tell ye, they don't look very highly on my sort, or her's. But did Jennifer speak on, how that beast thought we were good for nothing more than cannon fodder? No. She didn't even make mention, that of the three hundred and sixteen creatures he ordered executed under court marshal, three hundred and seven were: ferrets, stoats, weasels, rats or foxes. I just find it hard to stomach her sometimes, that's all."
Getting in the car the ferret said nothing more about the weasel. Wally decided not to make mention of it either. His ferret friend could easily get caught up in such debates. Bulfie knew they needed Jennifer, there was no doubt about that. He would be able to set aside and disagreements in viewpoints for the betterment of the dig. He just hoped she wouldn't be frequently visiting, although he suspected they wouldn't be able to pry the weasel away.