Okay…

Have you ever watched a television show where they never finish an important plotline, leaving questions unanswered? Unfortunately, my story is going to have to take that route, as well.

I made the very stupid mistake of starting work on my story without knowing where it was going; I've written myself into a corner. Therefore, this and future chapters will take place significantly after Chapter Thirteen.

I am sincerely sorry,

Warhammerlover70

March 14, 1993

FBI Headquarters, LA

"You really have no business being involved with this." the tall, intimidating agent stated coldly.

Dave was not one to lose his temper easily, but this was too much.

"What do you mean, it's not my business?" his face paled with anger, "They're my kids!"

"Yes, I know, and I sympathize. I promise we will do everything we can to ensure their safety. You, however, must realize that this extends far beyond your children-this is a situation that may have serious international repercussions."

"I don't care, darn it!" Dave pounded his fist on the table, then placed his head in his hands and slumped over, sobbing.

The agent studied Dave carefully, his head cocked slightly to the side. Then he spoke, more softly than before.

"I'm not a monster, Mr. Seville. I care about people, no matter what you may believe-in fact, I have a personal interest in this case. My daughter loves your boys; if I didn't bring them back safely, she'd never speak to me again."

Dave looked up.

"I know…I'm sorry. I…I just haven't seen them in so long."

Zambia, Africa

Simon on the floor of a hut, deep in thought. How did I get into this? If had simply forgiven Alvin, I might be home right now!

He looked up as a young African woman stepped into the structure, carrying a small bowl of porridge. She smiled and handed it to Simon, then stepped back. She stared at the chipmunk, waiting for him to taste it. The woman, named Nili, liked Simon-he was kind and had already learned several words in her language.

"Good?" she used an English word her friend had taught her.

Simon took a small bite, then nodded.

"Yes! Thank you."

She smiled, then ran out of hut, embarrassed by his praise.

Alvin, who was lying in the corner, looked up and smiled.

"She totally digs you, bro. She never brings me extra chow."

Simon shook his head.

"I know-it's making me nervous."

In a nearby hut, Brittany was complaining, which had become the norm over the past several months. Initially, Jeanette and Eleanor tried to comfort her, but it never helped; now they just tried to tune her out.

"I found a scorpion in my bedroll this morning! A scorpion!"

Jeanette turned to look at her sister.

"A scorpion? Really?" the bespectacled Chipette asked excitedly. "What did you do with it?"

Brittany stared at her sister in amazement for a moment, then rolled her eyes.

"I ate it! Come on, Netta, what do you think I did with it? I had one of the tribesmen kill it!"

"Oh." Jeanette bowed her head sadly.

"You seem to be more concerned about the damned bug than you are about me!"

"Sorry, Brittany, I wasn't thinking."

"It's okay," Brittany sighed. "I'm not sure I can take much more of this, though. Scorpions…lions…no makeup-"

"-no toilet paper." Alvin stepped into the hut.

"Alvin!" the Chipettes yelled, almost in unison.

"You can't just barge in here unannounced!" Brittany threw a handful of dirt at the eldest chipmunk.

"Why not? It's not like you shower in here or anything." Alvin sat down on the floor, brushing dust off his chest.

"I could have been…sleeping…or something."

Alvin grinned mischievously.

"Or something? What sort of naughty things do you girls do in here?'"

"Alvin!" the girls yelled again.

Note: I considered using a real Zambian name for "Nili," but eventually decided not to risk making a mistake (Zambians speak 73 different languages, according to Wikipedia!), so I used a made-up name.