Chapter 1
It was the beginning of summer vacation for Madeline, and with Cruella De Vil as her chaperon, she was on her flight, just touching down in Corvallis, Oregon. Madeline was really looking forward to a summer in America but was still calling one small thing into question. "Cruella, how exactly did you get Ms. Clavel to choose you to accompany me on this trip?"
"Remember Thomas O'Malley?" asked Cruella. "I posed as him on Facebook when I offered to escort you on this trip and suited right up as him to come get you."
"Oh, yeah! I forgot," Madeline remarked. "Clavel still has some dirt on you."
Cruella then turned her attention to you, the audience. "Just you wait, everyone. Corvallis will have anything but dirt on me."
Over on the Willamette River, Don Karnage (Kar-naj) was vacationing, on his private yacht, with his best friend, Megavolt. And the two of them were just stepping outside when they got an invitation from Mayor Jeff. "Megavolt, Don Karnage, how would you like to take part in a construction contest?"
"Who exactly will be judging it?" asked Don Karnage.
"It's more about work speed," Mayor Jeff answered. "I'll tell you more at 1:30 when the rest of the contestants show up."
"I'll bet Phineas & Ferb will be competing," confided Karnage.
Megavolt had a remark of his own. "If Darkwing Duck comes to compete, I'll be giving him a huge, electric shock."
"That's just what he deserves," Don Karnage agreed with a smile. "Baloo and Louie deserve it just as much."
Earnest Otter walked in on the snickering. "Megavolt, Karnage, why do you both hate Darkwing Duck so much?"
"Take this into account," Karnage answered. "What do Nick Wilde, Megavolt, and Launchpad McQuack all wear that Darkwing Duck doesn't?"
Cruella and Madeline disembarked and grabbed their luggage in no time before making their way out front, where they were both greeted by Shirley Duck. "Welcome to Oregon. The limousine awaits."
"A limousine?" asked Madeline.
"That sounds awesome," remarked Cruella.
"Well, step on in," said Shirley, opening the limo's back door.
In stepped Cruella and Madeline, and Shirley got right in the cockpit to whisk them away. But Madeline was a little emotional and used the limo's intercom. "Shirley, Cruella and I are very sorry to have seen what happened to Flick."
Shirley replied quickly. "I know just how both of you feel about that tragedy, but sacrifices must be made." (Flick had given his life to defeat Colonel Ivanod Spigot and save the lives of his mother and all his friends.)
Shirley carried on to the next stop to pick up more passengers. Next on board came Launchpad McQuack with Mallard. And with Rodrick Heffley as their chaperon, on stepped Phineas and Ferb with Perry the Platypus, who Madeline recognized immediately. "Phineas & Ferb, I've seen you on TV, haven't I?"
"You sure have," Phineas answered. "And Ferb and I can't wait to find out what we're gonna do today."
"And we also know Perry's secret," added Cruella.
"I don't know how a Platypus could ever be keeping secrets," replied Ferb.
"He can't even talk," added .
"Maybe he just doesn't talk in front of humans like us," hinted Rodrick.
"And I'm more focused on the challenge that Mayor Jeff has in store for us," said Launchpad.
Chapter 2
The limo arrived on the Willamette river, and everyone gathered around for Mayor Jeff's announcement. "Okay everyone, let me explain this year's major event. Now that we can no longer return to Lake Hoohaw, we all need a new source of income, not only for our shared patch of the Willamette River, but also individually. To make that happen, twelve of you will be divided into teams of four for a race to construct triplet lodges on the riverfront. One lodge constructed by each team. And by 'triplets,' I do mean identical floor plans to even it out. You can use any tools and equipment at your disposal, but you're still restricted to teams of four. And all four members of the winning team get a ten percent share of the business, not ten percent between the four of them, but individually. We'll start with a log carrying air race through seven gates, and the three of you who set the fastest times will be the team captains. Don Karnage, you go first to show us just how it's done. I've already attached the log. Your time starts as soon as you lift off the ground."
"You got it, Mr. Mayor," said Karnage with a smile and got his chopper fired up promptly. He yanked on his collective. And just as promised, Mayor Jeff started his stopwatch app the instant Don Karnage was airborne. He quickly snatched up the log and flew harmlessly through the first gate.
As Don Karnage air lifted the log through the second gate with ease, Phineas, Ferb, Madeline, Munchy, the Otter Kids, and even Rodrick watched in amazement. "He's an amazing pilot," remarked Rodrick.
"I can barely watch," remarked Munchy, covering his eyes.
"Don't worry, Munchy," said Jelly. "I'm sure you can do something to impress Mayor Jeff."
"That's right," added Peanut. "You've definitely impressed Mayor Jeff before."
"It's better flying than I've seen in any of Europe," remarked Madeline.
The log continued to swing back and fourth, but Karnage stayed right on point through gates four and five. He remained completely focused as if he was taking a test to become a six figure test pilot and refused to lose control of the chopper. As he flew through gate seven, Mayor Jeff announced the elapsed time through a megaphone. "Don Karnage has set an elapsed time of 1:08.4! Cruella, you're next."
Don Karnage landed the chopper smoothly, back at the starting line and left it running. Out he hopped. In got Cruella. And she gave the collective a good yank. Mayor Jeff started his stopwatch, right on the dot of takeoff, just as before. And Cruella flew the log rapidly through the first gate. But she was aggressive on the stick, just as she had always been behind the wheel and missed the second gate. She took another swing and a miss, and that was when the remarks began, first from Pinch. "Cruella seems to be having trouble with her flying."
"She could still be good with a chainsaw," Don Karnage pointed out.
"Or for installing a lodge's utilities," added Madeline.
"I just hope she's not intoxicated," Munchy said nervously.
"Maybe she's not intoxicated," suggested Peanut. "Maybe she never learned how to fly."
"That's a fair point," said Don Karnage. "but I've been flying longer than I've been driving."
Chapter 3
Meanwhile, in the air, Cruella was barely able to keep it together while she flew the log through gates three through five, so it was a little slow going. She finally made it through gate seven, and Mayor Jeff made his announcement. "Cruella De Vil's elapsed time was 1:55.8! Pinch, you're next."
Cruella landed the chopper back at the starting point, with the engines still running, and Pinch had a nervous request. "Mayor Jeff, can I sit this part out?"
"You can," answered the mayor. "but you may not be chosen for any of the teams. Bootsie, it's now your turn."
Bootsie reluctantly got in the chopper and nervously tugged on the collective. She flew smoothly through the first gate but had a nervous breakdown and missed the second one on her first swing. She yanked back on the stick, and the chopper tilted back as if it was falling off a cliff. Bootsie had a panic attack and pushed slant ways on the stick to get the log through the second gate. She got it through but was still sweating bullets. Slowly but surely, she got it through the next four gates, hoping to, at least, be chosen by the best of three team captains. She got the log through the last gate. Everyone cheered for her. And turned to address you, the audience. "If Bootsie makes my team, I hope she's assigned the manual labor."
Bootsie landed the chopper, and Mayor Jeff announced her time. "Bootsie's elapsed time was 1:48 flat. Launchpad, you go next and give everyone another good demonstration."
"Yes, Mr. Mayor," replied Launchpad with a smile and took right to the air in the chopper. He had a valid pilot's license, just like Don Karnage, so he knew all the rules of the air. The question was, could he fly every bit as well? He got right on point and steadily flew the big, heavy log through one gate at a time. As he approached the seventh and last gate, he turned to you, the audience. "This is it, everyone. I clearly have 1:08.4 to beat. I hope I can get a good time."
As Launchpad got the log through the last gate, Mayor Jeff used his megaphone, yet again. "Our elapsed time for Launchpad McQuack is precisely 1:12.3!"
Launchpad landed the chopper, stepped right out, and addressed the Otters. "PB&J, how do you think I did?"
"It looks like you'll be one of the captains," answered Peanut.
Mayor Jeff made his further declaration. "Peanut, you've had flying lessons from Don Karnage, so you go next."
Peanut got right in the chopper and was confident of setting a good enough time to be one of the first team picks. He had not only flown that particular chopper before, but he had used it haul that heavy of a log before. Perhaps, even bigger. He took off and ran his tongue tightly through the end of his lips for maximum finesse. He airlifted the log steadily through the first gate and moments later, steadily through the second gate, just as he had seen Karnage and McQuack do. He remained gentile with the chopper's major controls just as Don Karnage had taught him. His control of the chopper was almost precise as he made his way through the remaining five gates.
At the very moment Peanut got the log through the last gate, Mayor Jeff stopped the clock right on the dot yet again, and announced the ranking. "Peanut's elapsed time was precisely 1:12.1!"
"1:12.1?" cried Launchpad. "Dang."
Peanut stepped proudly out of the chopper and left it running for the very next contestant, and Mayor Jeff raised a question. "Okay everyone, now that we've seen some good aerial demonstrations, who wants to go next?"
and Madeline both raised their hands.
"Madeline," said the Mayor. "you've been applauded for your creativity and bravery, so you go next."
"Yes, Mr. Mayor," said Madeline and stepped into the chopper. She gave the collective a tug and airborne went the chopper. She felt the sheer, downward tug from the log and gingerly picked it up. It took her about 26 seconds to get the log lined up, but she steadily got it through the first gate. She was still nervous about being in control of a 24 ton chopper, but she kept reminding herself to be gentile as she had been with animals. She slowly but surely hauled the log through one gate at a time and soon made her way through it all.
Chapter 4
As soon as Madeline got the log through the seventh and last gate, Mayor Jeff stopped the clock and made his announcement. "Madeline's elapsed time was precisely 1:35.4! , you still want to go next, right?"
"You bet I do," answered with enthusiasm, and the minute Madeline landed, took off. She snatched up the log in a hurry, but she had trouble getting it in a straight line for the first gate. Because it was still swinging, she decided to just drag it on the ground for the aim, but that only made the ride badly rough. She picked it up in the air again and cautiously made her way through the first gate, then, the second, then, the third. And she finally made it through.
Just as got the big, heavy log through the last gate, Mayor Jeff announced her time. "'s elapsed time was precisely 1:37.6! Who wants to go next?"
Everyone shook their heads no.
"Is that your final decision?" asked the Mayor.
"Yes, Mr. Mayor," answered Opal.
"It is our final decision," agreed Ootsie.
Everyone who had not had a swing at an elapsed time shook their heads, yes.
"And we have our team captains," said Mayor Jeff. "Mr. Karnage, you set the very fastest time, so the first pick is yours."
Don Karnage made his declaration. "My first pick is a guy who has reportedly lost his high school memoriy, but he knows his enemies are less than modest, just as I do. He's just as good of a mastermind. He's also good for installing and testing all the utilities in our lodge. And he never fails to cheer me up. That pick is Megavolt."
Megavolt was ecstatic and got in line immediately.
"Peanut," said Mayor Jeff. "the second pick is yours."
Peanut wasted no time, making his declaration. "My first pick is a guy who has done more than 75 amazing things in his own backyard. Many of which, I'd much rather enjoy with him than bust him for, and he holds his stepbrother dear. That pick is Phineas."
Phineas wasted no time, getting in line. "Launchpad, I believe the next pick is yours."
"That's right, Phineas," said Mayor Jeff.
Launchpad McQuack made his declaration. "My first pick is a guy who is often nonverbal, but has assisted his stepbrother in the funnest and most amazing DIY projects. Yet, he rarely fails is make his stepsister want him in trouble. That pick is Ferb."
Ferb got in line, and Don Karnage declared his second pick. "My second pick is a guy who can do DIY projects just about as well as Phineas & Ferb can. He never fails to cheer us up with it. And he's been loyal to us all. That pick is Munchy."
Munchy proudly got in line, and Peanut made the next pick. "My second pick is a girl who will clearly do anything to win this contest. She has an absolutely marvelous wardrobe. She designs exceptional fashion. And she knows just how to bust who she knows is wicked. That pick is Cruella."
Cruella got in line next to Phineas with mixed emotions about an eight-year-old team captain. And Launchpad took the next pick. "My second pick is a girl who has just a much of a sense of style. She's a profound advocate for female superheroes. And she has no problem acknowledging her shortcomings. That pick is Pinch."
Pinch got in line next to Ferb, and Mayor Jeff touched base. "Don Karnage, Peanut, Launchpad, make your last picks count."
Chapter 5
"My third pick is Madeline," Don Karnage declared.
"My third pick is Jelly," declared Peanut.
"My third pick is Rodrick," declared Launchpad.
"And there, we have our teams," added Mayor Jeff. "You all have until 8:00, tomorrow morning, to get all of your tools and equipment serviced, fueled up, and in position before we begin our most productive competition, yet."
Just as all three teams were about to share some bonding time, Gosalyn went crazy. "Hey! What about me?! What about me?!"
"Sorry, Gosalyn," answered Launchpad. "We have to focus on getting our teams just right."
Don Karnage and Rodrick whipped out their smartphones and started filming while the hissy fit from Gosalyn continued. "Launchpad, you had three clear chances to choose me! What went wrong with that?!"
Launchpad resorted to a steeper tactic. "Do you want me to call your dad about all this?"
"You wouldn't dare!" shouted Gosalyn.
"I can go get him to bust you," Launchpad urged.
"Now, hold on there," Rodrick cut in. "We need to focus on putting together our game plan."
"Rodrick's right," said Pinch. "We still have to get ready."
"Alright then," said Launchpad, pulling up a photo on his phone. "Which of you thinks you can operate one of these?"
Rodrick, Ferb, and Pinch laid their eyes on a crawler crane. "I'll operate it," volunteered Rodrick.
"That's the spirit, Rodrick," Launchpad encouraged. "Ferb, you'll be doing all the logging, utilizing our backhoe with a logging attachment and delivering all the logs. Pinch, I need you to align the logs as Rodrick lifts them into place, operate the chainsaw to cut the necessary grooves into them, and Gorilla Glue them in place. That means delivering all the fuel and other supplies falls to me."
While Team McQuack was putting together their game plan, Team Karnage was unfailingly doing the same. "Megavolt," said Don Karnage. "I need you as my co-pilot, because you and I will be airlifting every log into place. Munchy, I need you to gnaw the necessary grooves into all logs, guide them into position, and Gorilla Glue them in place. And Madeline, I need you to cook and serve us high energy meals. Megavolt, go get 120 gallons of fuel for the chopper. Here's the gift card for it."
"Yes, your maliciousness," said Megavolt and took the card. He immediately hopped in the team's fuel truck and drove off while Karnage got started on his pre flight maintenance check. He properly checked over the chopper's major controls, and all was well in order. Next morning, at 7:00 he and his team got up and indulged in a high energy breakfast. But everyone was still feeling the shortage of sleep.
To perk up her team, Madeline made them some green tea. "Here, everyone. Drink it before it gets cold."
Megavolt tasted it and was immediately in better spirits. "Good thinking, Madeline. I like your motivation."
"And we might also need your help with the lodge's plumbing," added Don Karnage. "Megavolt can handle the electrical system, but water is his weakness."
Over at Team Otter's table, Peanut was conducting a final meeting of his own. "Phineas, how exactly do you and Ferb build things so quickly?"
"We do it by working together," Phineas explained. "but this is more of an emotional situation."
"I thought this was just your kind of challenge," remarked Cruella. "Why in the world do you call it emotional?"
"It's not that building with wood is hard," explained Phineas. "It's just that I miss working with Ferb."
"You still have plenty of friends over here?" Jelly pointed out. "And if Team McQuack wins, Ferb might be willing to share his part of the prize with you."
25 minutes later, everyone was finished with their breakfast, and Mayor Jeff made his further announcements through his megaphone. "Team Otter, Team McQuack, Team Karnage, take your positions." And he handed the megaphone over to Earnest.
Earnest took over the announcements. "Okay everyone, time to get on point to build us a profitable business. On your mark… Get set… Go!"
Chapter 6
"Munchy," ordered Don Karnage, handing him a Caterpillar Key. "Go get the bulldozer and level a 150 foot by 90 foot area for our lodge. Megavolt, get in the chopper with me and hold on tight to this blueprint. Madeline, get started on making us a hardy lunch." And with that, he took off in the chopper with Megavolt by his side and his logging attachment dangling down. Once he found a good tree, he explained the attachment controls to Megavolt. "Megavolt, this is the clicker to operate our logging attachment. Holding the red button opens the clamp, and releasing it closes the clamp. Once you have hold of the tree trunk, holding the orange button operates the rotary saw. Take the controls and give it a whirl."
"Yes, Captain," said Megavolt with a smile and took the co-pilot controls with finesse. He looked down to see the attachment was just where he needed it and held down the red button, opening the clamp wide. He successfully clamped down hard on a tree trunk and held the orange button to cut it down. "First place, here we come!" he exclaimed.
"Excellent job, Megavolt," Karnage encouraged. "Now, fly it back to our job site."
"Yes, your maliciousness," said Megavolt and turned back immediately.
Back at Team Karnage's construction site, Madeline was getting a hefty lunch ready for herself and her team, and Munchy was just wrapping up the clearing task when he and Madeline saw their captain flying back toward them, in his large chopper, hauling in the first log. Up, in the chopper, Karnage carried out his next order. "Megavolt, time for your break. Your first flying shift starts in 20 minutes." And he immediately used his loudspeaker. "Here, Munchy. I have the first log." And he set it down gently. "Cut it down to 80 feet long. Cut it in half lengthwise and lay half, precisely parallel, at each end of our foundation."
Munchy used his specialized teeth to slice the log lengthwise, in precise half and used the bulldozer to shove the halves to opposite ends of the empty lot. Once they were at opposite ends, curved side up, he used a procedure his mother had taught him when she had built their log cabin yacht. He used his tape measure to make sure the tips on one side were exactly the same distance apart as the tips on the other side. "Madeline, it looks like we're making good progress."
"At the rate we're going," said Madeline with a smile. "We'll be winning this one."
Meanwhile, Don Karnage was on his way to get the next log. "Megavolt, I believe we're gonna have it made."
"We do have to keep up the pace, though," Megavolt confided.
"Right, you are, my best friend," replied Karnage and wasted no time, cutting and airlifting the second tree. He quickly turned back and turned his attention to you, the audience. "Mark my words, everyone. If we lose this, and it's on Munchy, he gets four hours in the tickle machine."
While Team Karnage was hard at work, making sure their lodge was built well, Team Otter was just as motivated. "Phineas," said Peanut. "just make sure you're cutting every groove in the right place. Cruella, I'd recommend towing a number of logs over here, with our tractor, at once, to save time and fuel. Jelly, how's that winch working?"
"It's pretty hard to operate," answered Jelly.
"We just have to put in some teamwork," urged Peanut. "You lift the log six inches, I lift it six inches. And we repeat the process until it's high enough."
"Right, you are, big brother," replied Jelly with a smile. "Let's get it popping."
While Peanut and Jelly were using a simple winch, Rodrick was using a crawler crane and additionally using his two way radio. "Pinch, how am I doing on this log lifting?"
"You're doing okay," Pinch answered. "Just reach a little more outward."
Rodrick used the major controls, hauling the log closer to the crawler, but Pinch yanked it more towards the lodge base to signal him to do the opposite. It didn't work, and she got dragged through the mud. Launchpad arrived on scene with the first round of supplies and saw the commotion, so he quickly got on his two ray radio. "Rodrick, we're supposed to be working together, not tormenting each other."
Rodrick came in promptly. "Pinch told me to carry the log outward."
Pinch lifted her face from the mud quite annoyed. "I meant haul the log outward away from the crane, not away from the lodge base, you dork!"
"We need to come together as a team," Launchpad reminded Pinch and Rodrick. "Otherwise, we'll badly lose."
Ferb arrived on scene with the next log. "Launchpad, what's the matter?"
Chapter 7
"We just had a miscommunication," answered Launchpad. "I'm pretty sure we can still make up time."
Team McQuack was just regaining communication. And Team Karnage's lodge was just starting to take shape when in came a lightning bolt, accompanied by thunder. That was when Mayor Jeff used the storm sirens to signal everyone to take cover and used his megaphone once more. "Thunder alert! Thunder alert! Everyone, take cover!"
Rodrick stayed in Team McQuack's crawler crane. Ferb parked the backhoe and stayed in the cab, too. Launchpad, Gosalyn, and Pinch all took cover on Pinch's yacht, with her family. Munchy and Madeline both took cover in Munchy's log cabin, with his mother. And Team Otter all took cover at the Otter residence. But Don Karnage and Megavolt had other ideas. "This is it, Megavolt," said Karnage. "Now is our chance to pull ahead."
"Just who will guide the rest of the logs into position?" asked Megavolt.
"We'll just be stacking them on our site," answered Don Karnage. "That just puts us at a real advantage when the storm is over. And your flying shift starts in ten minutes."
That was when Madeline came in on the two way radio. "Mr. Karnage, we need you and Megavolt to land until the storm passes."
Megavolt picked up the radio to respond. "You have bad information, Madeline. Airline jets can well withstand lightning strikes, and my best friend's chopper is no weaker."
Madeline got worried further. "I still don't think it's safe to fly in a storm like this!"
Don Karnage got back on the radio. "All the more time to set up an advantage. We'll rendezvous with you and Munchy at the next checkpoint." And with that, he hung up and moved right on to cutting and hauling the very next tree.
While Karnage was still busy in the air, Gosalyn still had reprimanding to do at the Raccoon Residence. "Launchpad, you made the stupidest choice by leaving me out of the competition and insulting me about it! How in the world could you?"
"You're not the only one left out," Pinch reminded her. "Scootch wasn't chosen, either."
"And neither was Shirley Duck," Launchpad pointed out. "For up to twelve playing positions, only four out of twelve available adults were chosen."
"And Ootsie and Bootsie weren't chosen this time, either," added Pinch.
"I still say you're worse than my lousy dad," Gosalyn insisted. "Although a well known superhero, he's often no fun at all."
"Your dad is a superhero?" asked Wanda Raccoon.
"Not so loud, Gosalyn," insisted Launchpad. "His identity must remain a secret."
Over, at the Otter Residence, Cruella was getting anxious. "Peanut, I still hear Don Karnage's chopper out there. How are we gonna make up that huge deficit against them?"
"It's not safe to go out in a thunderstorm," urged Peanut.
"That's right, Peanut," said Earnest. "If you don't take cover from thunder, you could get severely electrocuted."
"But there is still one thing we can do," declared Phineas.
"And what would that be?" asked Jelly.
"I can build you an electric winch," Phineas answered. "It'll make it much easier for us to lift those very heavy logs. I just need some basic tools and supplies."
"I think we have plenty in the basement," encouraged Peanut.
Phineas wasted no time, digging through the odds and ends and was soon hard at work, putting together his team's high capacity winch.
While Phineas was putting his known signature hobby to excellent use, Megavolt was continuing on his relatively new one under his best friend's orders. "Megavolt," said Don Karnage. "Time for your first flying shift."
Karnage reclined on the cockpit's left hand for a nap, and Megavolt took the controls to carry on with his assigned helicopter logging. While the storm blew on, he continued cutting trees and hauling them to his team's construction site. Even as a known supervillain, he didn't dare forget he had friends. And not a chance was he about to let them down. "Launchpad, I'm out to beat you badly."
Don Karnage remained by Megavolt's side and picked up his two way radio again. "Don Karnage to Madeline. Don Karnage to Madeline."
Madeline came in. "Report, Captain."
Karnage promptly checked in. "Are you and Munchy doing okay down there?"
Chapter 8
Madeline responded promptly. "We lost power just a minute ago, and Munchy's still nervous."
"The storm should be over in about 55 minutes," said Don Karnage. "Once you can come out again, I need you to help Munchy with the log fittings. Do you think you can handle that?"
"I'll give it a shot," answered Madeline. "I just hope I can do it safely."
"And we have more crucial material on site," said Karnage. "Over and out," and he hung up the radio for a much needed nap.
Megavolt went right on to cut and deliver the next tree, but the noise from the rotary saw didn't disturb Karnage one bit. He wasted no time, at all, hauling it to his team's construction site and letting it down safely.
Over at the Beaver residence, Madeline had an idea. "Munchy, I think we still need to convince the adults on our team to land until the storm passes."
"And maybe a noodle dance would help," added Munchy. So he and Madeline got right up and started dancing.
Noodle. Use your Noodle. Noodle. Do the Noodle Dance. Noodle. Use your Noodle. Noodle. Do the Noodle Dance.
Moments later, the light bulb lit up. "I got it," said Munchy.
"Okay," agreed Madeline. "Let's hear it."
Munchy had enthusiasm at this point. "We use my dad's old fishing net, as our helicopter attachment, to lift a multitude of logs and put them in place from there."
"You mean your dad died in a fishing accident?" asked Madeline.
"He did," answered Munchy. "And not a day goes by that I don't miss him. Effectively, I often get lonely. Oh, and I left his net behind when we had to evacuate Lake Hoohaw."
"Don't cry, Munchy," comforted Madeline. "You still have me on your team. And we have two adults to ourselves, which reminds me. I still have to make lunch for you, Megavolt, and Don Karnage. So how about some BLC sandwiches?"
"That sounds like something tasty for Karnage and Megavolt," Munchy said with a smile. "But I'll just have some wood."
"Some is okay," Madeline agreed. "But we need most for our all important project." And she got right back to the cooking that she had originally started.
35 minutes later, there had been no more thunder, and the sun was out. So Mayor Jeff made his next announcement. "Team Otter, Team McQuack, Team Karnage, you're all cleared to continue the contest."
Munchy, Madeline, Launchpad, Pinch, and Team Otter all rushed out to carry on in the contest. Ferb fired up the backhoe again. Rodrick fired up the crane. And Madeline got back on the two way radio. "Megavolt, Don Karnage, I have your lunch ready."
Don Karnage let down the next log and landed the chopper. He and Megavolt stepped out. And the whole team sat down for a speedy lunch, but Munchy had another bright idea. He chewed grooves in two logs and screwed corresponding, wooden hooks in place. Then, he carved a third log into a spreader beam and turned to Don Karnage for the final piece of the puzzle. "Captain, do you have any extra rope or cable on hand?"
Karnage swallowed his bite of his sandwich to talk. "You mean you have a brilliant idea?"
"Exactly," said Munchy. "It's a new helicopter attachment, but it still requires some rope."
Chapter 9
Don Karnage immediately had enthusiasm. "We do have a cargo net in the back of the chopper."
"Now, hold on there," said Megavolt with a full mouth. "Are you sure you want to ruin a perfectly good cargo net?"
"Don't worry, my friend," answered Karnage. "I can replace it just as easily. Besides, I have plenty of confidence in Munchy."
"That's right," added Madeline. "especially considering this is a log cabin project."
"Furthermore," added Karnage. "he's capable of fixing just about anything he breaks. I've seen it."
Munchy was already full. The rest of his team all finished their lunches. And with the new log rack in place, Don Karnage took off in the chopper again, this time, with Megavolt riding on the attachment, shoving log after log into the hooks. He also had to help Munchy and Madeline unload them right where the team needed them on the very structure. Sometimes, though, Munchy also had to cut them to fit them well in place.
While a hefty lead was on Team Karnage, profound pressure was on Phineas. "I can't believe I'm doing this to beat my own stepbrother."
"I don't know how we'll manage to fill that obvious deficit," added Jelly.
"We'll have to try anyway," declared Peanut.
Cruella got on the radio and was feeling the pressure just as much. "Our only hope is for something real to go wrong for Team Karnage."
"We, at least, have a well working electric winch on our side," Phineas pointed out. "And here comes Cruella with the next load of logs."
While Team Otter was fighting to work through discouragement, things were not much better for Team McQuack. "Rodrick, Ferb, Pinch," said Launchpad. "I don't know what we're gonna do to catch all the way up."
"I say we set Team Karnage's lodge on fire," urged Rodrick.
"No! Please don't!" whaled Pinch. "We'll be disqualified for that!"
"We can't afford to panic," Launchpad reminded his team. "If Team Karnage has to finish our lodge, we don't even get to work here."
"And it'll be the only employer available to most of us for at least a year," added Ferb.
"I've been lucky to find any work, back home, in Westmore," added Rodrick, lifting the next log into place.
Ferb was on his way to get more logs. "It's still an odd feeling, knowing Candice isn't here to bust any of us."
"Who, out there, is Candice?" questioned Rodrick.
"Candice is my stepsister," answered Ferb. "She's about your age, and Phineas and I have known her to want to take us down."
Candice was way back home, on the couch, watching and recording the live coverage on her Nexus tablet and so encouraged she called her boyfriend, Jeremy, on the phone. "Boy, oh boy. When Mom sees all this, Phineas and Ferb will be headed straight to a torture circus."
"Now, hold on there, Candice," Jeremy urged. "Why in the world do you want Phineas and Ferb tortured?"
"I don't literally want them tortured," Candice hyperventilated. "I just want to see the hysterical look on Mom's face when she sees what they're up to."
While Candice was up to her usual scheming, Don Karnage was giving further orders via the chopper's loudspeaker. "We're on the exterior's home stretch, everyone. Megavolt, reattach our logging attachment and come up here for your next flying shift. Madeline, go ahead and get started on dinner."
Megavolt quickly unhooked his team's DIY log rack, hooked the logging attachment right back up, climbed up the chopper's rope ladder, and took the controls on the chopper's right hand side. "I just hope I can stay well alert." And he flew on to grab the next log his team needed while Don Karnage reclined for his overdue nap.
Chapter 10
Munchy surveyed a copy of the blueprint, and so far, the lodge checked out completely. Madeline got the grill ready, and in minutes, the boneless chicken was cooking well. Megavolt was soon back with the next log, and Don Karnage made the next announcement. "Munchy, ten inches of this log is your dinner."
Munchy was already starving and chomped through ten inches of the log in only about 90 seconds. "Boy, oh, boy. That log tasted forest fresh." And he got right back on the carving task with Madeline.
Two log runs later, Madeline got on her two way radio with a vital update. "Megavolt, Don Karnage, dinner's ready."
Megavolt set the log down safely and landed the chopper. "That grilling smells better than roast Darkwing."
Don Karnage shut down the chopper, secured the keys in his pocket, went right to the table with Megavolt, sank his razor sharp teeth right in with his best friend's, and took the time to swallow. "Madeline, you sure are a good chef."
"I agree," added Megavolt.
"And I'm very glad you chose me for your team," replied Madeline. "because at this rate, we're thriving."
While Team Karnage was enjoying their dining, Team Otter was mixing theirs with their work. "These honey buns should keep us energized enough to catch up in the Utility Stage," encourages Peanut, using a glue gun with his right hand at the same time.
Jelly, on the other hand, was experiencing disgust. "Peanut, that's the ninth honey bun you've eaten tonight."
Peanut swallowed his bite. "We don't have time to cook right now."
"Besides," added Cruella. "this is clearly a one time thing."
"Peanut," urged Jelly. "You're gonna get sick, eating that much honey."
Even Phineas was at a loss. "Team Karnage is the only team utilizing an aircraft. So if we carry on with this much blood and sweat, well land in the hospital."
"We have to keep at it, anyway!" urged Peanut, but just as he said that, he puked on the tight logs, got badly dizzy, and fell from his working position, on his back, seeing blurs in the late afternoon sky.
"Quick," said Phineas, rushing over. "We'd better check him out." So he pulled out his digital thermometer, switched it on, and held it tightly under Peanut's armpit.
Jelly relayed the urgent news to Cruella. "Cruella, come in. Cruella, come in."
"Jelly," asked Cruella. "what's the matter all of the sudden?"
Jelly told the story immediately. "I don't want to cause panic, but Phineas and I are worried that Peanut is sick to his stomach." Just as she said that, the thermometer went off. "Hold on one second, Cruella. Phineas, what's on the thermometer?"
Chapter 11
"This might come as a shock," Phineas answered. "but Peanut has a fever of 104 degrees."
"There goes our faithful team captain," Jelly remarked with a tear in her eye and got back on the radio. "Cruella, leave the logs and come take Peanut to the hospital. Quick."
"Peanut's giving the orders," argued Cruella. "not you."
"Peanut just fell violently ill!" cried Jelly. "So we urgently need your help to get him to the emergency room."
That was when Cruella caved. "Okay, I admit it. He was the one who chose me for this team. Jelly, you and Phineas get Peanut into my rental car. I'm on my way." So she left the tractor and logs right where they were and took just six minutes to return to her team's construction site. By which time, Peanut was in the back seat of the rental, gasping for air. She hastily punched the nearest emergency room into her GPS, started the car right up, and peeled away.
Cruella got Peanut to the ER, and the nurses and doctors checked him out promptly. One doctor got emotional, himself. "It seems as though he's faced tremendous over simulation."
Peanut was deep in dream, coming face to face with his deceased friend, Flick. "Flick, we've missed you. I chose a team for a competition to build a predetermined lodge, but we've been having a tough time, keeping up with Team Karnage. And Team McQuack is struggling, too. We need your prayers tonight."
"Right, you are," said Flick. "You also need prayers from St. Mother Teresa, St. Chuck Feeney, my mother, and 15 others. Not to mention your own parents."
Peanut's parents, Earnest and Opal rushed into the premises in panic, and both could barely manage their anxiety. "Peanut," cried Opal. "Please be okay! Please be okay!"
One of the doctors had a further concern. "Has he been eating and exercising okay?"
"He mostly has," answered Earnest. "but last Halloween, he overindulged and got a bellyache with both of his younger sisters."
Deep in dream, Peanut was still talking to Flick. "Am I dead, yet?"
"As of now," answered Flick. "you're not. You just got a fever of 104 degrees."
"104 degrees?" cried Peanut.
"I'm afraid so," said Flick. "Much to Phineas' emotion, much to Cruella's emotion, and much to your family's emotion, you're in a coma. And they're worried sick about you."
"That's what I was afraid of," replied Peanut with dread.
Team Karnage was now in the middle of their furnishing stage, but even they were having trouble, continuing on in the contest. "Even though we're tasked with beating Team Otter," remarked Megavolt, finishing up the lodge's electrical system. "I just can't help but feel bad for Peanut."
"I know just how you feel," replied Don Karnage. "but we still need to continue in this contest as long as we can."
Munchy was also buckling under emotion. "This happening to a loyal friend of mine is a terrible reminder of what happened to my dad."
Madeline reminded Munchy of something else important. "Don't forget. We're all in this together. I might be your most vulnerable teammate, but I'm 110% with you." And she placed her hand, in front on him, on the brand new floor boards.
"I'm in it with you too," replied Munchy, placing his hand upon Madeline's.
"I'm in all this with both of you," said Don Karnage, placing his hand upon Munchy's.
"I am, too," said Megavolt, placing his hand upon Karnage's.
"Let's do this," Karnage encouraged, and he and his team got right back on task. Megavolt finished up and tested the lodge's entire electrical system, and it checked out completely. Munchy chewed every floor board into shape, and every last one of them fit precisely. Don Karnage and Madeline worked together on figuring out the plumbing. It took about six or seven hours, but they eventually got it working. "All that's left is to install the doors and windows."
"And I can do that in a flash," Munchy encouraged, so he used his razor sharp teeth to drill the holes and the provided anchors to hold the screws in, fastening the frames in place. Just as promised, he had the windows and single door installed in no time and fell asleep with his team.
Team Karnage, Team McQuack, and Team Otter were all fast asleep at 8:00 the next morning when they heard an announcement from Mayor Jeff. "Rise and shine, everyone."
Phineas, Ferb, Pinch, Jelly, Munchy, and Madeline all rushed outside, but Rodrick and the adults were still sluggish and groggy. "I just hope Mayor Jeff has some good news," remarked Megavolt.
"This is it, everyone," announced the mayor. "I have some good news, and I have some bad news."
"I have a bad feeling about this," Jelly confided to Cruella.
Mayor Jeff continued. "The bad news is Peanut won't be out of the hospital for, at least, two weeks. The good news is we have a winning team."
Chapter 12
Mayor Jeff carried on. "And the winning team is Team Karnage!"
Don Karnage, Megavolt, Madeline, and Munchy all cheered for each other simultaneously, and Karnage mad ean announcement of his own. "Megavolt, Munchy, Madeline, I'm gonna divide my part of the prize between the three of you."
"Honest?" asked Munchy.
"You mean it?" asked Madeline.
"I actually do mean it," Don Karnage declared. "Madeline, that's just how brave you've been. Munchy, that's just how good you are with wood sculptures. And Megavolt, that's just how awesome you are for facing off against the Muddlefoots and Darkwing Doof."
"I agree," said Megavolt with a smile. "That's just what he deserves to be called."
From there, Don Karnage, Megavolt, Phineas, Ferb, Rodrick, Cruella, Launchpad, Madeline, and even Gosalyn all enjoyed the rest of their vacation without a worry in the world.
Two months later, it was Don Karnage's birthday, and he was wrapping up his performance by flying side by side, with Dumptruck, maintaining two smoke loops for Hacksaw to fly right through. Hacksaw's wing walker was Jock, and Karnage's wing walker was Mad Dog. As soon as he got clearance, from air traffic control, to land, he and his lackeys all landed in a straight line. They all took their places, back on the grass, and each took a drink of half a gallon of ice water. "Excellent job, boys," Don Karnage encouraged.
"That's just what I like to hear," replied Mad Dog with a smile.
"Happy 29th birthday, Captain," added Hacksaw.
"You got that right," replied Karnage.
That was when Munchy came up to the captain. "Mr Karnage, you may remember me from Oregon."
"Munchy!" exclaimed Don Karnage. "Long time, no see. Have you been following me on all my travels these past couple months?"
"Not following," answered Munchy. "Only rendezvousing with you. I came out here with Megavolt, and he has a special surprise for you." And he reached into his pocket.
"You mean it?" asked Karnage. "I was hoping I'd get a good birthday present this year."
"And Megavolt has one for you," said Munchy. "But he says you have to wear this blindfold while I take you there."
Don Karnage put on the blindfold. Munchy took him by the hand, leading him out to the parking lot where Megavolt pulled out in his Tesla. Munchy opened the back door, guided Karnage carefully into the back seat, and took the front seat for himself. "Are you comfortable back there?" asked Megavolt.
"It is you," remarked Don Karnage. "Yes, I am comfortable back here."
"Glad to hear it," said Megavolt and took right off out of the lot.
"And are you looking forward to it?" asked Munchy.
"Megavolt got it just right last time," Karnage answered. "so yes." And he could tell that Megavolt was on smooth pavement, driving around just a few steady curves. But he couldn't tell how fast Megavolt was driving or how high up in the hills they were. He only knew that as his BFF, Megavolt was really looking forward to giving him a real surprise. Yet, as Megavolt drove him further and further up the road, he got more and more nervous.
Ten minutes later, Megavolt drove onto a patch of gravel and came to a stop, and Munchy got out to open the door for Don Karnage. Megavolt took him by the hand, guiding him to a wide open field.
Chapter 13
Finally, Megavolt and Munchy tore off the blindfold. "Happy birthday from The Ultimate Circus!"
Fireworks shot up, almost petrifying Don Karnage. Next, out came Honker Muddlefoot, in a full clown suit, behind the wheel of a colorful, open Volkswagen, with Gosalyn in a full clown suit, by his side. Next, out came Madeline, in a clown suit, behind the wheel of an open Volvo, and the clown in the car with her was a French classmate of hers. The next clown was Drake Mallard, behind the wheel of an under size Toyota. Sixteen more clowns followed, in the parade, in the funniest of vehicles, amusing Don Karnage a considerable amount. After the parade, Megavolt came on the intercom. "Our next performer of the week is a marvelous entertainer who has a special way of being fearsome and funny at the same time. The duck tamer, Steelbeak!"
Hewey, Dewey, and Louie were released into a reinforced cage with Steelbeak, and Don Karnage had a bad feeling that Steelbeak was gonna whip them. But instead, Steelbeak pulled out a ten foot feather. He first made them hop, in formation, on one foot. From there, he made the triplets dance on their hands, in formation. After that, he went on to light a horizontal hoop on fire at the very touch of a button and make the triplets jump right through it from the very floor of the ring.
Megavolt made a further announcement. "Now for an even steeper act of bravery. I give you the stars of The Ultimate Circus, Bushroot and Quackerjack!"
Bushroot and Quackerjack emerged not only on Japanese motorcycles, but they were both balanced atop giant bowling balls, each about 14 feet in diameter. Bushroot rolled his ball all around the outdoor arena, and Quackerjack followed. The duo not only remained balanced atop their giant balls, but also also took their tricks further. They balanced on only their rear wheels atop the balls. They changed direction, just by lifting their bikes way up. And they even balanced on top with their right foot on the handlebars and their felt foot on the seat. Even then, they still refused to fall. They got back on their motorbikes and landed on the floor of the arena without falling off.
That was when Megavolt made a further announcement. "Attention Don Karnage, time for the grand finale! A photo shoot with all performers in full costume."
Gosalyn, her dad, and Honker were totally humiliated while Bushroot, Quackerjack, Steelbeak, and Don Karnage's past construction team were all thrilled. "Now, we really get to make memories," agreed Munchy.
"I just wish it was good memories," moaned Drake.
"But you know what happens if you don't cooperate," Megavolt reminded him.
"I know. I know," replied Gosalyn. "The tickle machine."
"Precisely," said Megavolt. "so do a silly pose in front of the green screen with my BFF, Don Karnage." The clowns, still disgruntled, posed in front of the green screen with Karnage, who was the only one smiling, and Megavolt carried out his next big instruction. "Say 'cheese.'" And as soon as Karnage did, he snapped the photo. "Not for our next big shot. Steelbeak, Bushroot, Quackerjack, This one's yours to pose in."
"You got it, boss," said Steelbeak with a smile and stood right in front of the screen with Don Karnage and the other two known villains.
"Say 'cheese,'" declared Megavolt and hit the shutter button a second time.
Throughout the evening, up to 120 photos were snapped. Munchy gave the news that Peanut had gotten better. And Don Karnage got the album download link from Megavolt. "Megavolt, you've been one wonderful, wonderful friend."
"And so have you, Don Karnage," replied Megavolt with a smile.
"I indent to keep it that way," answered Karnage. "and this georgous album hits Facebook first thing tomorrow."