Something tells me, I can trust in you.

There’s no pretense, in the things you do.

So much water, under this bridge.

And I’m standing here at the water’s edge.

--Crossing the River (The Devlins)

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Episode 1: All the king's men

Foxglove sighed in relief as she spotted her friend Chip Maplewood sitting in the high upper branches of the Rescue Rangers’ oak tree. This wasn't the first time she had found him up here. One more than one occasion he had come up here during the storm. Siting in a hidden room looking out a window, staring at nothing. But today, he was outside watching the sun begin its lonely trek through the morning sky.

Naturally, she knew about the place. Dale had showed it to her long ago, and it had quickly became a spot they could go to and be alone together. A place where they could be comfortable with each other, to cuddle, and stuff. A guilty lascivious smile flashed across Foxglove’s features. *Heh hee. If they only knew! * She also knew that this place was special to Chip and Dale because it was their own private province. An area that was their own. Not shared with anybody else. Their, "Fortress of Solitude", as Dale once put it. None of the other Rangers knew about the place. Not even Gadget! She felt extremely honored to have this personal, private, abode exposed to her. It was a sign of exceptional trust that Dale had for her. This was especially true because they had not told Chip that she knew about the place. So she felt doubly honored when Chip had showed her the place a few days ago. This was the place he would often go to when he disappeared for hours on end throughout the last days of the storm. When he had first did this it had frightened her so much that she nearly panicked! But, Chip was so casual, and nonchalant about his actions that she nearly strangled him for being so insensitive about the worry he had put her through! A few days later, in an uncharacteristic move of compassion and thoughtfulness, Chip had shown her where he went. And she promised, solemnly, to keep it a secrete.

Foxglove, lightly, landed near the chipmunk and walked towards him. His back was to her as he looked at the horizon and sighed.

"Chip?" She patted his shoulder as she sat down.

"Yes?"

"I’m going to sleep now. Are you going to be all right?" Foxglove waited, with utmost patience, for Chip to answer her. He usually took his time to reply to

such questions which required him to express his feelings. She didn’t mind that

he took so long to answer. Thanks to their week of being alone together at

Ranger Headquarters, she had gotten used to his behavior. It was understandable,

and natural, considering all that he had went through lately. Not to mention his

preexisting problems with Gadget and Caprice.

There was a long thoughtful pause. "Yeah, sure... Foxglove?"

"Yes?"

"I know I may have said this before. But, I just wanted to say, "Thank you", for saving me." The chipmunk turned towards her. "I know I haven’t been all that

talkative, or helpful during the last week or so... I, just..." Chip searched for some type of words to express his gratitude. But found his vocabulary to be strangely limited somehow.

The female bat, sympathetically gazed at her friend, as he tried to express his feelings about her rescuing him. While she was sure that his complements were, of a friend to a friend, she couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed and self conscious by it. Not that she had any romantic feelings towards him. But after spending so much alone time together watching TV (when the power came back on). And him reading some of his detective books to her (when they got bored of TV and doing nothing). She couldn’t help but feel closer to him. "That’s, OK, Chip. I, understand." She smiled at him.

Chip looked sheepishly at her as he stammered an, "Uh, yeah.." After a few moments, he, once again, returned to his "sun watching" vigil.

Foxglove continued to, discreetly, watch her friend as he took a deep breath and sighed once more. She could tell from his body language, and the rhythm of his breathing, that he had more things on his mind. And he needed to tell her about it. She turned, and watched the sunrise, as she ruminated about, the incident, that happened between Gadget and he. She remembered how surprised she was when Dale first told her about it. Naturally she was very confused about the turn of events. After all, they were dating for nearly a whole season!

Although, now that she thought about it, there were times she had seen Gadget look at Chip with a strange longing in her eyes. And not all of her kisses seemed to be as passionate as the could have been. Foxglove had always wondered if Chip had noticed these things, then again, he was too "in love" with Gadget to notice much of anything. On more than on occasion, she debated whether she should say something, or even ask a question. Bats, being communal animals, would have talked to their friends about this to help them out. But she fought her natural instincts and said nothing in hopes that maybe Chip would notice these things for himself. After all, he is a very level headed Chipmunk...

Foxglove looked at Chip once more. She saw that her friend was concentrating deeply on some supposition. He would tell her soon what was on his mind. She could tell by the way he fiddled with his fingers (he often did that when they talked about stuff during their storm sequester). Finally Foxglove could stand the waiting no longer, and softly, spoke up. "Chip, is there something you want to ask me?"

The Chipmunk slowly blinked his eyes and looked down. " I, I was, Just thinking..." There was a short pause. Then he turned and face the bat. His face was cloaked with a look of wistful sadness. "Foxglove?"

She looked at him in trepidation. In all the time she had with Chip she had never seen him like this. So, vulnerable. "Yes, Chip?"

"If, if it’s, OK, with you. I, would like to talk to you, about stuff."

"Stuff??" Foxglove was perplexed by Chip’s request.

The chipmunk sighed and looked down. "There, there’s a lot of things that has been happening lately..." Chip blinked his eyes and looked towards the horizon. "Things that I have to make some decisions on..." He turned to Foxglove. "And, I, I was wondering if I could. Uh, talk to you about it. From time to time. If it’s, OK, with you. "

Foxglove stared at Chip blankly. "Is it about Gadget??"

"Yes."

"And Caprice??"

There was a short pause. He then looked away from her to hide his shame and embarrassment. "Yes..."

Foxglove stared blankly at Chip as her mind and heart argued back with each other over what to do. She knew that she shouldn’t interfere with Chip’s problem. That the best thing to do, was to offer an ear to listen to his uncertainties, and no more. But, she remembered seeing him for the first time after the incident. The vaguely haunted look on his face. The lack of his usual extreme self confidence that often bordered on arrogance... In the week that she spent alone with him, here in the tree without the others to hide behind, she had gotten to know him. Saw his deep contemplative moods. Heard his baleful sighs in the dead of night when he though she was not around. Even his choice of movies. *How many times can a person watch Casablanca.* Chip, may have fooled the others, but she saw. Probably more than anyone. He had always been like a rock to her. A constant that you could always depend on. And now, to see him like this... Of course, anyone would be like that, after what happened.

Foxglove slowly closed her eyes. She could easily see her self in Chip’s place. For she loves Dale as much as Chip loves Gadget. And, if she was in Chip’s position... Foxglove shuddered at the nightmarish thought. *How could anyone go on after that? I, know I couldn’t...* Foxglove let out a small sigh. Chip was hurting. Deep inside. In ways that nobody could even begin to imagine. *Except for me.* her heart reminded her.

She was surprised that Gadget or Dale had not helped him out of this emotional mire. Well, Dale she could understand. She had been monopolizing so much of his time with their own problems that they couldn’t have been any help. Foxglove looked at her friend as he patiently awaited her answer. And, Gadget... Her face turned stern. Regardless of their rivalry, Foxglove always thought that Gadget had treated her relationship with Chip a little too cavalierly. She guessed that’s what always irked her about Gadget’s treatment of him. Sometimes, Gadget could be so thoughtless about her actions. Never thinking too clearly about the repercussions of the things she did or say. She was sure that Gadget liked Chip a lot and never meant to be mean. And her helping him through his misfortune is just her way of getting through the "bad stuff" so that everything would return to normal.

She looked at Chip once more and sighed morosely. But, she guessed, that was part of the problem. There was no normal to return too! Whether Gadget wanted to admit it or not, Caprice and she has changed the nature of her relationship with the others. Once again Foxglove wondered if getting involved in this, this, mess was something she should do. After all, who was Caprice to her??? Not that she didn’t like her. Caprice was a nice enough person and actually fun to be with. Foxglove looked at Chip his head was hung low as he still patiently waited on her.

Foxglove clutched her chest, silently argued with herself, and finally spoke. "Chip."

The chipmunk looked up and gazed at her with hesitant eyes. "Yes?"

"I... I, mean..." sigh. "Yes. Sure. We can talk." She gave him a weak smile.

"Thanks Foxglove." Chip smiled sheepishly and offered her his hand. Instead she gave him a chaste but friendly hug.

"Anytime, friend. Anytime..."

* * * *

Gadget walked aimlessly through the soggy, storm blasted grasslands, that was once a neatly tended city park. Her mind was awash with mixed emotions as she tried to follow the trail that Monty had described to her when he went to search for Chip and found only his hat.

She stared at the unfamiliar landscape for several seconds then reached into her jumpsuit’s pocket and took out the notes that Monty had made for her. Gadget had mixed feelings when she finally got the information from Monty. For she first tried to talk to him. He was so sick with fever that he barely knew who she was! Obviously questioning was not an option at that time. So, she waited. For a week and a half she waited. As, Caprice and herself, lovingly took care of him and the rest, until they were well enough to take care of themselves. And, when Monty finally seemed well enough, she bombarded him with questions, recollections, as well as admonishments for getting himself sick by acting foolish. And, finally tears of relief that he was safe sound and healthy.

Gadget read the paper, looked for the landmarks, and once again tried to reoriented herself. But, try as she might, it just wasn’t working. At first she thought that she had not taken into account that the landmarks that Monty had used were places that could only be seen in the dark at during the storm. After all, the information Monty had given her was not a totally accurate one. The fact was, thanks to his illness, he couldn’t remember much of what he did to find Chip’s hat in the first place. After a few moments Gadget found one of the only makers that she and Monty were sure of. The old lamppost that had stayed lit and guided them through that fateful night. But, now it was bowed low, broken, by the power of the storm. Still, in its poor state, she could use it to find her way to the right path and maybe Chip. With herself now realigned, she began to follow the, nearly invisible, trail that led to the spot where Monty said he found Chip’s hat.

Monty’s trail, if one could call it that, was little more than a, near invisable, depresion in the muddy grass. Which led to a huge, strom created, "lake" that emptied noisiely through a large storm drain. *Golly! This water must be almost two feet deep!* Gadget mused to herself as looked in awe, and fear, at the dark colored water. As she carefully walked along the bank of the lake looking for any sign of her friend. A lump of dread began to form in the pit of her stomach. This place, dispite its looks, was dangerous and unstable. There further she went on, the more obvious it was. The grass along the banks were icredibly slipery, and it would have been quite easy for one to slip and fall. Places where the ground seemed solid, were in fact, muddy traps, that were just coverd over by the grass. So brown was the water that in someplaces she didn’t know where the muddy land ended and the lake began!

After about three hours of searching. Gadget, gave up in dismay and found a, relatively, dry place to sit down and think. Her eyes roamed across the appalling vista as she began to ruminate. *What a desolate place! how could anyone have survived here? Monty did. And he found Chip’s hat! So Chip could have survived too!* For the briefest of moments, the hope of finding Chip someplace near where Monty had found his hat, fired her imagination. But, Gadget was a pratical girl. And one look at that repulsive lake brought her back to reality. Her heart sank as she begun to realize that it had been nearly a week and half since Monty last went outside. a week and a half of howling winds, driving rain, thunder, lighting, cold temperture, and Goddess knows what else! An image of her friend sprung, unbidden, into her mind. An image that was to horrible for her to contemplate.

A look of uncompromising determination etched its lines on Gadget’s face as she once again dedicated herself to the search for Chip. And search she did. In every nook and grassy crevice. She looked over every ledge. She even went so far as to take a stick and poked into every grass covered muddy hole she could find. All in a vain attempt to find something! Anything! She even wadded through the muddy banks of the lake where the shoreline and waterline were ambiguous at best. More than once she found herself an unexpected swimmer in places where there was supposed to be land! But, as the sun began its somber trek through the late afternoon sky, Gadget’s diligent search was rewarded with failure. With a heavy heart, she wearily hauled her body back to a clearing she found earlier in the day. As her doleful eyes beheld the lonely landscape before her all she could think of was *What am I going to tell Dale!?* Her mouth went dry as she thought about the implications of her coming home alone. "It’s all my fault, Gadget whispered to herself as she stood up and looked at the lake. "He shouldn't have been here." She clenched her fist in rage. "I should have kept him home. Tied him down if necessary!" With a sigh of resignation she cast her eyes downward and turned away from the lake. *There was a time when I would have...*

* * * *

Caprice sighed in relief when she found Dale pacing off his frustration in the hanger room of her home. Ever since he had gotten over his fever, and, had recovered enough of his strength to stand up without help. Dale had been extremely passionate about getting outside and finding Chip. It was only the storm and Gadget’s, near constant, persuasive, and sometimes vehemence, arguments that kept him from going outside regardless of the weather. Or his current health! But, now that the weather has finally become reasonable, and Dale felt reasonably healthy. So he had gathered up some stuff and was ready, once more, to resume his, Chip rescue, crusade. But, Gadget had beaten him to it and left with his equipment early in the morning while the rest slept.

Naturally, she knew that Gadget was going to do this. And had even helped her adjust the equipment as Gadget put it on. But, she couldn’t do so without expressing her grave concerns about what Gadget was doing. But, her love, candidly explained to her that this was "for Dale’s own good". Even though his fever had broken and he was feeling, OK. Dale, was still too weak to go outside. And it would be very easy for him to catch his pneumonia again. And this time it could be fatal!! And she was not about to lose another one of her family! She also told her that Dale would not be to happy about leaving him behind. But, Gadget asserted softly, that she didn’t care if Dale hated her. As long as he was still, alive and safe, she could live with it. And with that said she left the tree.

"I can’t believe she would do this to me," yelled Dale to himself as he paced some more. "Of all the nerve!!" The chipmunk fumed.

Caprice watched him from a respectful distance and said nothing as he loudly rambled on about Gadget’s short comings and other things that made her wince.

Dale suddenly noticed the petite mouse and walked towards her. Caprice suddenly felt the need to be elsewhere. But found herself unable to move as Dale spewed his anger towards her.

"How come she always has to do stuff like this!?" Dale raised his hands in frustration. "Chip’s my friend too you know!!" he said slapping his hands against his sides.

Caprice felt flustered and more than a little guilty. After all Chip was her guest. And she lost him! "Well, Dale. Gadget was just looking out for your safety. After all your still recovering form your pneumonia."

"Awww, I could handle it. I got coats and stuff. Or, I did.. BUT SHE TOOK IT!"

Caprice wasn’t to startled by the intensity of Dale’s words. This wasn’t the first time that she had experienced his fervor since he had been here. The first time was when he came to the tree to find that, not only was his friend missing, but the people who were supposed to looking after him, had no idea where he went! This time, though, his fervor was mixed with not just worry, but frustration and violation. Caprice furrowed her brow in distress. "Why don’t we just go into the kitchen and find some snacks and wait till Gadget comes back."

For the briefest of moments, Dale considered her offer. But, the idea of Chip being out there and him just sitting around was something that he couldn’t ignore. And Gadget.... "Hey! I’m not a baby! I can take care of my self!" Dale then turned on his heel, and with a slight wheeze, stormed out of the hanger.

Caprice was stunned by the chipmunk’s sudden decision to leave, as well as the rapidity of his departure from the room. "Dale?" there was no response save for the slamming of a door. Lord and Lady, he is going to do it!* Caprice rushed out the door as fast as she could to try and catch up with Dale. No sooner did she enter the hallway than she found the chipmunk slumped against the wall trying to catch his breath. "Oh, Dale," she sighed quietly. *This is why Gadget didn’t want you to go out. Your body is still to weak for that kind of exertion.* Caprice slowly walked over to the chipmunk and put her arms around him. "Dale, you must get some rest," she said softly as she walked him to his room. "Your still to weak to..." No sooner did the words leave her mouth than she was sorry she said them.

"Weak," Dale exlaimed when he got his breath. "Whoyoucallingweak!"

"Dale, I didn’t mean to..."

The chipmunk stoped in his tracks and shruged off the older mouse’s helping hands. "I’m not going to leave my friend out there by himself!!"

"Gadget is out there looking for him! Everything is going to be, OK. I promise." said Caprice as she tugged him towards the room.

Dale feebly tried to resist the smaller mouse’s determined pulling. But, in his weakened condition, he was no match for the resolute hostess. His attempts to protest his treatment, as well as make some unkind comments on Gadget’s searching abilities, was cut off by a dismissive wave of Caprice’s hand. "Now Dale, now you know that Gadget is going to do all she can to find Chip and bring him back!"

"But...."

"But nothing!" Caprice pushed him into his sleeping room.

Dale stamered a bit as he tried to think of something to say to her. Caprice took advatage of his uncertainties and quickly tucked him into bed. The chipmunk eventualy gave in and began to make himself comfortable. "Well, alright," he said sleepily. "But, I’m just taking a little rest." He let out a yawn. "Just. Just, a nap.." He yawned again. No sooner did he say this than he driffted off to sleep.

*He must have been totally exhuasted!* Caprice thought with a sigh. *Just to stubborn to admit it!* She supposed that this was not entirely unexpected. After all, his best closest friend is lost. Hurt, or in trouble, or even... Caprice desperately pushed that thought out of her mind. She didn’t even want to think about what would happen if Chip was.. Was...

Caprice somberly pushed away the negative thoughts and went to check on her other guest. Seeing that they were safe, sound, and asleep she walked to the front room. Put on her cloak. And stepped outside. *I suppose it’s my own fault.* She mused to herself bitterly. She remembered that day two weeks ago when she had wished Chip didn’t have to stay at her home. That she felt somehow, infringed upon, by his presence there. As if he was trespassing in someplace special, meant only for Gadget and her. Caprice let out a rueful sigh as she settled back in her resting place. "A special place where Gadget and I could be ourselves, by ourselves." Caprice, looked dejectedly at the gray subdued landscape before her. "Well, I guess I got my wish..." Her mind wandered through various modes of thought as she waited calmly for her beloved’s return.

Late that afternoon, as the sun began it’s somber trek to the distant horizon, a lone grime encrusted figure solemnly approached Caprice’s sprawling oak. It took less than a heartbeat for the petite mouse to recognize the figure. And two more for her to realize the implications of her solitary walk. "lord and lady!" Gasped Caprice softly as the figure made her way up the tree. "Oh, Gadget," Caprice sighed as she walked over to the blond mouse’s disheveled side and embraced her.

Gadget stood there numbly as she accepted Caprice’s impassioned hug, and drew strength from her affections and love. Gadget, looked through tearful eyes at the smaller mouse and sobbed. "I. I, couldn’t.. Couldn’t... I, looked everywhere! Even..." The taller mouse collapsed and cried into Caprice’s shoulder.

Caprice hugged her beloved more fiercely than before letting Gadget’s grief wash over her. Sympathetic tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to comfort Gadget. "Shhhh.... I know Trieanne. I, know..."

* * * *

With energy born of surety of purpose, Chip Maplewood tramped through the rain soaked grass, muddy fields, and treacherous trails of the rain damaged city park to get to his destination. Which was the, human forgotten field, that he last saw captain Smith and the military rodents. He had not planned on coming back so soon. But, the obstinate voice of his conscience harassed him all morning after Foxglove went to sleep.

Oh, he knew that his conscience was well within its rights to prod him into action. After all, he knew the answer to captain Smith’s question. He knew, that his current relationship with Gadget and Caprice was not only untenable, but hurtful and ultimately poisonous! To them, and the rest of the Rangers. And, he knew that a decision had to be made about his future! As a matter of fact, he knew exactly what had to be done! But, the implications of such an action was so profound, that he knew once it was undertaken he could never go back.

What he needed was time. Time to consider all the sides of this, conclusion. Time, to consider the ramifications of what he was about to do. But, as the sun began its somber trek through the late morning sky, Chip knew that the time for thinking had long since past. Decisions had been made. Now, he had to act on them.

It was noon when Chip finally made his way to the clearing where he had met the captain. Despite the storm induced devastation that ravaged the rest of the park. The area where the captain and her group lived looked untouched and busier than ever. In addition to the usual compliment of soldiers, there was a sizable number of civilian animals camped in and around the clearing being attended to by several of the uniformed animals.

Chip, causally walked into the diverse crowd and watched in wonder at the seemingly chaotic activity going on around him. From the snatches of conversations he overheard. and by watching the actions of the soldiers, Chip realized that these people were refuges from the various communities in the park. No doubt they came here to seek shelter from the storm and were being taken care of by the soldiers. The chipmunk watched in fascination as the various animals went about there duties. And, the more he watched, the less chaotic the place became. there was a sense of purpose to their activity, a sense of confidence that seemed to guide them. The sight captivated Chip, stirred up something deep inside him. Old emotions, long since forgotten, stirred with in him.

"Excuse me sir." A soft feminine voice cut through Chip’s self induced fog of thought.

"Yes?" Said Chip politely, not taking his eyes off of the spectacle before him.

"She is over there," the voice said softly.

Chip blinked. *Something about that voice...* He wrinkled his face in thought as he tried to remember where he heard it before. "Huh??"

"The one you seek. She is over there."

Chip turned towards the author of the utterance. There before him stood a brown furred, uniformed field mouse, with black hair. The girl gave Chip a broad knowing smile as he stared at her in confusion.

"Do I know you??" said Chip as he tried to remember where he had seen this person before.

The girl’s smile never wavered as the chipmunk scrutinized her form in a vain attempt to recall where he seen her before. After a few moments she slowly blinked her eyes, looked towards the crowd of people before them, and pointed into the throng. Chip followed her movements and looked towards the direction she was pointing to. There, in the mass of people stood Captain Smith with a group of other solider rodents, giving orders and directing the refuges towards various destinations.

Chip blinked in surprise. *I wonder why I didn’t see them before?* Chip turned around to thank the solider girl. But, when he did so she was nowhere to be seen.

To say that Captain Rachel H, Smith was not overly surprised to see Chip Maplewood among the flotsam and jetsam of the refuge crowd that had gravitated to her camp due to the storm was an understatement. She knew that he was coming even after a month had passed by. She had seen people like him before, dynamic, wonderful individuals who have been cut adrift from that which made them what they were. So it was only natural from him to be among these, storm tossed refugees. After all, in a sea of troubles The Service had always striven to be a stable boat of hope. the captain smiled as a seemingly bewildered chipmunk walked towards her. *welcome aboard Mr. Maplewood.*

* * * *

Foxglove yawned and stretched her wings as she shook off the last vestiges of sleep from her body. After stretching her muscles and testing her wings, she took off into the late afternoon sky and hunted for bugs for her breakfast. The day’s sleep had not been kind to her. The nagging doubt about her relationship with Dale had followed her into her dreams. The image of Dale leaving her, the things that he said... Foxglove cringed as wisp of her dream dance before her minds eye. *What if....* The female bat shuddered as an unpleasant image flashed through her mind. *No! Dale loves me. I know it!! then again,* she mused uncomfortably, *Chip thought the same thing about Gadget.*

Despite her best efforts Foxglove couldn’t dislodge those last thoughts from her mind as she caught her breakfast and returned to Rescue Ranger Headquarters. As she began to make her landing she noticed Chip solemnly walking through the front door of the Ranger’s tree, too absorbed in this own thoughts to notice her landing near him and following him inside. "Chip? I thought you were going to stay inside today." said Foxglove when it became obvious to her that he wasn't paying the slightest attention to her presence.

Chip sat on the couch and stared at a blank TV screen for several moments before he answered her. "I, had to go out. There were things that needed to be done."

Foxglove walked towards Chip and used her bat senses to asses her friend’s physical condition. She immediately become aware of his quick heart rate and fast and shallow breathing. "Chip!? Your exhausted! what’s the matter?"

There was a short pause. "Nothing.. I’m OK.."

Foxglove glared at him. And even though he wasn't looking at her, she sensed that he was aware of her annoyance at his response.

"I guess I did overextended myself a bit," Chip sighed. "But, it was something I had to do."

There was a long pause before Foxglove spoke up. "So, are you going to tell me about it?"

Chip turned towards her with an austere look on his face. "I will. I just need some time to think that’s all."

"But, you will tell me."

"Of course Foxglove." He smiled at her. "I just need some time to think, that’s all." After a few moments, Chip returned to his TV vigil

Foxglove gave her friend a concerned glance before walking towards the door. "Well, tell me about it when I get back. I am flying over to Caprice’s house to tell the others that we are safe and sound."

"Sure you know the way?" Chip said in a concerned voice (though he never turned away from the TV screen).

"yes I been there with you guys a few times. I know the way."

"I'll be here," Chip said in a detached manner as he watched the blank TV screen.

Foxglove watched her friend for a few moments longer before leaving the tree and taking to the sky. All attempts to understand why Chip would risk his health to go outside (presumably for the while day) was pushed into a small corner of her mind. Right now she had to concentrate on getting to Caprice’s tree, and Dale.

* * * *

Gadget sat numbly in a tub of hot water as Caprice faithfully scrubbed her back and hair free of dirt and grime that she had accumulated in her search for Chip. "I. I, couldn’t.. I, looked everywhere. I, really did. What am I going to tell Dale?" Gadget said in a monotone voice.

Caprice sighed softly as Gadget began her dirge like litany of things that she did, tried to do, and could have done, to find, and presumably save, Chip from, whatever. This wasn't the first time she had done so since she had returned from her search. Gadget would begin with a slow explanation of why she left without telling anybody (save Caprice) and what she did as she searched for her friend. Then, as the realization of the enormity of what had happened hit her, she would begin sobbing and crying as Caprice desperately tired to convince Gadget that the rest of the Rangers wouldn't hate her for not saving Chip. Once Caprice had gotten off her dirty clothes, and got her into the tub to get cleaned the smaller mouse was able to ease her anxiety with hot water and sudsy soap. Though, the coldness she now showed as she said her doleful litany was beginning to concern her. "Now Gadg," said Caprice as she once more lathered up the other mouse’s fur. "You did all the you could. Dale, will understand." *I hope.* Caprice had not bothered to tell Gadget about what happened between her and Dale. considering the way the other chipmunk had acted, Caprice was certain that Gadget’s news would not be well received.

Gadget looked at her beloved in askance. "Are you sure?"

"Of course I am." Caprice turned her around and started to rinse the soap off of her back and hair.

"But what about."

"Later."

"But, they deserve to know. Especially Dale..." Caprice felt Gadget tremble a bit. "What am I going to tell him?"

"Tell him later," Caprice said forcefully, cutting off the mournful ballad that was sure to follow.

The blond mouse slumped forward and sighed.

Caprice hugged her from behind and lightly kissed her cheek. "Gage, you can't continue to beat on yourself up over this. It’s not your fault that Chip disappeared."

"Yeah. I guess so..."

"Besides the boys are still asleep. so it woun't do them any good for you to wake them. if you have to tell them, at least wait until they are stronger. OK?"

Gadget slowly nodded her head. "OK."

"Good!" Caprice kissed her cheek again and stood up. "Now you go ahead and wash, while I do the dirty clothes and get dinner ready."

Gadget’s only response was to nod in agreement. Caprice watched her for several moments. And, when she was sure everything was OK, she left the room.

Dale awoke, and grabbed his stomach as it churned in extreme hunger. "Mmmm, hungry." He murmured as he left his bed and walked out of the bedroom. At first he was confused by the unfamiliar appearance of his surroundings. But, as his mind began to shrug off the haze of sleep, he began to remember where he was, as well as other things. Dale turned, and started to walk towards the living room when he came upon Gadget, who was fixing her bathrobe in the middle of the hall. Dale looked at the startled mouse before him in confusion. "Gadget, what are you doing here? Is Chip with you?"

Gadget, panicked at the sight of Dale, and stammered as she tried to answer his question.

"Gadget, where is Chip," Dale asked slowly. His voice faltered a bit as the female mouse turned pale as she tried to answer him.

"Uh, Dale..." Gadget looked down contritely. She tried hard not to tremble as she said his name.

The chipmunk felt a lump of dread form in the pit of his stomach. "Gadget?"

Bracing herself, she continued in a melancholic voice. "There is something. I, I have to. To, tell you."

Caprice barely had time to complete her prayers, and blow out her white candle, when an insistent knock on her front door demand her full attention. Hurrying from her kitchen (where she had finished making the night’s meal) she briskly walked to the front door and flung it open in annoyance! There, to her astonishment, stood a large (at least compared to her) brown female bat. "Yes? May I help you?" Caprice studied the person before her. She looked familiar, but with all of the things that had happened lately her mind was slow in recognizing her.

"Hi, I’m Foxglove."

Caprice scrunched her face in concentration as she tried to remember who this person was.

The bat looked at her in annoyance. "One of the Rescue Rangers."

The light of recognition finally blinked on in Caprice’s brain. "Oh yes! of course, you’re...." before she could complete her sentence, and anguished wail roared through the home.

"What do ya mean, you lost him!!!"

"Dale!!!" Exclaimed Caprice and Foxglove at the same time. Before Caprice could do another thing, Foxglove rushed into the home. And, dashed to where the cry had came from.

When Foxglove finally got there, she saw Gadget in tears as the mouse beseeched Dale to listen to what she had to say.

The chipmunk turned towards her and cried, "You said we were going to find him. But, it was all a lie, wasn't it!!"

"Dale, you must understand." Gadget pleaded as she took the chipmunk’s hand.

"You left without me! You had no right to do that, Gadget!! He is my friend too," exclaimed Dale as he tried to take his hands away from Gadget’s desperate grip.

"Dale, you’re not well enough yet to go outside by yourself! I couldn’t let you go!"

"Why do ya always treat me like this!? I’m not a baby ya know. I can take care of myself!" The chipmunk tried to pull away. But, Gadget held him tightly. Dale was about to say several ‘not so nice’ things about Gadget’s concerns. But, a sudden wave of fatigue overtook him and caused Dale to slump against the hallway wall as he gasped for a breath of air.

"Dale," exclaimed Foxglove in dismay as she bolted to his side.

"Foxglove!?" Gadget gasped as the bat disentangled her from Dale and worriedly embraced him in her wings. "I, didn’t mean to.. He just..."

The bat paid Gadget no heed as she caressed, calmed, and reassured Dale that everything was all right in the world now that she was by his side.

"Fox. Foxy??" said Dale in between puffs.

"Right here cute stuff."

"What, what are you doing here?"

She stroked his head fur and smiled. "Making sure you don’t hurt yourself."

He gave her a puzzled look.

Foxglove kissed him on the cheek. "And, to bring you good news."

"But I thought..."

The bat gently shushed him, helped him off of the floor, and into the living room. "Think later. Just listen to what I have to say."

Gadget felt the overwhelming urge to say or do something to explain herself. But, a loving and restraining arms of Caprice encircled her and held her fast. "I should.."

"No Gadget." said the smaller mouse softly.

"But..."

Caprice slowly turned Gadget around and tenderly held the taller mouse’s face with her hands. "Gadget, it’s going to be OK. Let them go and be alone for a while. Then later, we will go an talk to them. Now then, we are going to check on Monty and Zipper. Then, we are going to eat in the kitchen, OK?"

Gadget nodded soberly as Caprice turned her towards the opposite end of the hallway.

Later that evening, Foxglove sat down before Gadget, took a long breath, and calmed herself as she prepared to tell her story, again. Foxglove had hoped that when she told Gadget about what had happened to her and Chip, and how they survived the whole ordeal, Gadget's anxiety over what had transpired would melt away. But it didn't. In fact, Gadget asked a whole slew of questions. All of which concerning Chip, some of which she thought, was extremely personal (considering that Gadget wasn't even intimate with Chip anymore). Naturally Foxglove didn’t tell her about all of the things that had transpired between her and Chip. After all, those things were for her ears alone, and she needed time to fully comprehend the implications of the things said to her. When it became obvious that Gadget wasn't getting all the answers she needed. Gadget asked Foxglove to repeat her story one more time as she harried the poor bat with more probing questions, and clarification on things that, for some reason, she didn’t understand.

An hour and several frayed nerves later. Foxglove decided that she had said all that she was going to say about the trails that Chip and she went through. And informed Gadget of that fact. Not that she wanted to be brusque or anything. But, they had gone over the same things more than once, and it was tiring (emotionally as well as physically) for her to tell the same story over and over again. Despite some reservations, Gadget agreed, and both apologized to each other for their unkind words or any hurt feelings. No sooner did Foxglove leave Gadget, than Caprice came in and hugged her as they talked in hushed tones. Foxglove glanced back at the two as they conversed, a feeling of sympathy for the two washed over, then with a slight sigh, she turned and left the room to find Dale.

* * * *

Foxglove sighed contentedly as Dale snuggled closer to her for warmth and comfort. After her talk with Gadget, the two felt they should get reacquainted with each other under the stars. Once out there, all alone, under the tranquil blanket of the night, Foxglove felt relaxed and she could tell, by the rhythm of Dale’s heartbeat, that he felt the same. Foxglove looked at her love with a doleful fondness, and thought about all of the things she had, and had not, said to him. She didn't like keeping secretes, especially from Dale. *Besides, I’m not really keeping secrets from him. I’m just helping a friend out with his troubles.* Foxglove frowned, she knew that it was a flawed reasoning. But, was it one that she could live with, for now. Foxglove fidgeted nervously when she thought about the things she would have to tell her beloved about his best friend. Things that she was sure he wouldn't want to hear.

Sensing her discomfort, Dale looked up at his sweetheart with concern. "Foxy? Is there something wrong?"

Foxglove stared blankly at the chipmunk for several moments before speaking. "Dale.."

"Yes?"

"There is something important I need to tell you..."

Dale looked at her with a curiously.

After a long pause, she leaned forward, gave him a passionate kiss, and hugged him tightly.

Dale was surprised by the mixed signals Foxglove was sending him. But, was quickly swept up in the warmth of the kiss, and the eagerness of her embrace. it was only after several hours of smooching, and cuddling did Dale’s love addled brain clear up enough for him to remember, and ask a question.

Dale looked at his girlfriend. "Foxy?"

"Hmmmm?"

"What was..."

Foxglove ‘shushed’ him as she put her wing tip to his mouth to keep him from speaking further. "Later Dale." She kissed him lightly on the lips. "I promise. Right now, lets just enjoy the night." Dale looked at her apprehensively, but, Foxglove saw the trust and faith in his eyes and felt comforted by it. She smiled and gave him another passionate kiss. Hours later, as Dale’s sleeping form snuggled closely to Foxglove for warmth and affection. the female bat looked down upon her love and smiled dolefully. *Sweet dreams cutey.* She let out a slight sigh. *The daylight seems to always bring with it many problems. But, I know we can handle them, as long as the nights are ours.* Foxglove bent down and lightly kissed Dale’s forehead. *And I promise the night will always be ours.* As if in response, Dale sighed contentedly as he snuggled closer to Foxglove. She smiled warmly at this, and almost enveloped him with her wings as she hugged him. And so they sat, for the rest of the night, and most of the morning as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 2: Reversal of Fortune

High above, in the stratospheric canopy of the tallest oak tree in the park, Foxglove watched her beloved’s best friend, Chip Maplewood, in shock and dismay. "Chip, how could you!? I thought we were going to talk about stuff before you did anything like this!"

The chipmunk looked at the female bat simply, and shrugged. "It was something that had to be done. besides, I didn’t know I needed your permission to do this."

Foxglove glared at him angrily. "Chip Maplewood! You, are the one that asked me to help you, not the other way around. Your the one who wanted to ‘talk things out’, before you did anything. Remember!"

Chip looked down sheepishly, and let out a remorseful sigh. Feeling the weight of Foxglove’s vexation at his behavior, Chip looked into her eyes and sincerely apologized to her. "Sorry Foxglove. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. and, yes, I did ask you to help me... But, this was the kind of decision I had to make on my own."

Foxglove looked at the chipmunk in askance. *Not good. definitely not good!* Then she lightly stepped forward and sat next to him. "How long?"

Five years for the first tour. After that..... well, I'll worry about that when the time comes."

A long pause reigned between them as the two peered listlessly at the late morning panorama before them. "Is there any chance that I can change your mind on this," asked Foxglove halfheartedly.

"Not unless you can find me a better way to live this life. Because, I know I can’t."

Foxglove let out a small sigh, then looked at her friend. All the things she wanted to say, all the things she wanted to do to help him, flitted through her mind. But, it all came back to the same conclusion. Slowly she placed her wing on her friend and patted him sympathetically on the back. "When?"

Chip looked down at his feet. "December second."

"Three weeks from now? Well, at least we will have Thanksgiving together."

"Yeah. One last holiday as a team..."

Foxglove looked ahead of her once more. "So when are you going to tell them?

"I was thinking I would tell them after thanksgiving. Let them enjoy the holiday before I go."

The bat pondered Chip’s words for a long while before speaking again. "Uh, Chip? What about the others? Who will lead the Rescue Rangers?"

The chipmunk reached into his jacket and pulled out a large envelope. and handed it to Foxglove.

The bat took the envelope with some trepidation, and slowly opened it.

"It was only to opened in case of an extreme emergency. " Said Chip as he watched his bat friend.

Foxglove’s eyes went wide as she read it.

"But, I guess this comes as close as any."

"Chip, When did you..."

"We had a case at a carnival, and ran into a gypsy moth who was a friend of Monterey’s. She was able to tell the future (as best she could), and came true (sort of). After that case, I started to think about the future. About what would happen if I... Well, anyway, I wrote that stuff. And, over the years I added more to it till it became as big as it is now. I never meant for it to be used. But, one never knows what the future may bring. Besides, I found that having something like that around for, uh, emergencies, gave me piece of mind when we are on a dangerous case. It’s good to know that your friends will be taken care of if something should happen to me."

Foxglove stared at the papers, unsure what to say.

"As you can see," Chip droned on. "Everything has been taken care of."

"Certainly looks like it." Foxglove muttered to herself. She slowly leafed through the papers, then reverently put them back in the envelope and handed them back to Chip.

Chip looked at her curiously. "Foxglove? is something wrong??"

The bat looked down at her feet as she spoke. "Chip I, I don’t want to accuse you of anything. And, I know that by you showing me the secrets Dale and you share," she waved a wing towards the hidden room. "That you trust me a whole lot. And I’ll. treasure that, always...." there was a long pause.

"But...."

She sighed and looked at him. "Chip, I don’t like keeping secrets from Dale. Especially about things like this."

Chip began to protest, but Foxglove quieted him. "Chip, I know that you and I have done nothing wrong. But, this is to important a thing to leave till later. Chip, Dale is the closest person you have to a brother. And, he knows you much better than I, or Gadget, ever could. He should be the one that you’r telling this to, not me. "

Chip looked down shamefully. "I’m sorry Foxglove. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that." He chuckled slightly. "Heh. I guess we have been hanging around each other a lot lately."

The bat patted his back in a friendly manner and smiled. "That’s OK Chip, I did save your life. And, you did save me from terminal boredom. So it’s only natural that we, uh." She searched for the appropriate words. "Became more friendly."

Chip let a out a small laugh at Foxglove’s choice of words. "Yeah, I guess so."

Foxglove smiled as well. "Talk to Dale, Chip. You two can work through this far better than you and I can."

Chip slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Your right, sooner is better than later." He turned towards her. " I was going to talk to him before the others, honest!"

Foxglove gave him a friendly hug. "I believe you." She then got up and walked towards the hidden room behind them. "Time for me to go to sleep." She looked up at the sky. "It’s nearly three hours past sunrise!" She let out a yawn. "Way past my bedtime!" And without another thought she went inside. leaving Chip alone with his thoughts.

* * * *

Despite popular opinion, Dale always considered himself a smart person. Of course he was nowhere nearly as intelligent as Gadget (then again rare few people were), or even Chip. But, Dale knew stuff. Knew how to put different things together and get a result. Sure he realized that he was, at times, a bit dense. But, that didn’t mean he was dumb or ignorant of the things that happened around him. He was just, slow. And sometimes slow was a good thing. It forced him to take a closer look at things, notice stuff that others usually missed in the course of there lives. And today was no exception.

Despite popular opinion, Dale always considered himself a smart person. Of course he was nowhere nearly as intelligent as Gadget (then again rare few people were), or even Chip. But, Dale knew stuff. Knew how to put different things together and get a result. Sure he realized that he was, at times, a bit dense. But, that did mean he was dumb or ignorant of the things that happened around him. He was just, slow. And sometimes slow was a good thing. It forced him to take a closer look at things, notice stuff that others usually missed in the course of there lives. And today was no exception.

It had been nearly three days since Foxglove had flown to Caprice’s home and announced that Chip was safe with her and not lost in the storm. To celebrate, Gadget had decided to have a party at Ranger Headquarters (with the understanding that they would hold Thanksgiving at Caprice’s place). So, after taking everybody home, and helping Caprice restock her house with food and other things (for winter was coming and they had used a lot of her supplies during their stay), the Rangers began to celebrate.

Dale stood near Gadget and Foxglove as he watched, in detached fascination, as Chip made his way to Caprice. The two began to make ‘polite conversation’ with each other. Dale let out a slight yawn. He had heard their conversation so many times that he could recite it line by line. Even if he couldn’t hear it, he knew what they were saying to each other.

* Caprice nervously acknowldges his presence

Chip returns acknowldgement.

Chip slightly pauses. ‘How are you?’

Caprice slightly pauses. ‘Fine. And you?’

Slight pause. ‘OK.’ *

From then on they would steer their conversation to some safe topic of discussion. And , knowing Chip, and the things that had happened lately, it would probably be an apology. *It’s not his fault. It’s not as if he wanted to be caught out in the storm.* Dale let out a sigh. Chip was always the responsible one. Even before he got so serious after starting the Rescue Rangers.

Gadget looked at Caprice and Chip, then smiled happily as she walked up to Dale. She stopped, watched the two talk to each other, the turned to Dale. "Dale, isn't it great! They’re finally starting to speak casually with each other."

Dale shrugged his shoulders. "Well, they are standing closer to each other." He smirked a bit and muttered, "Maybe in a few years they might actually have a real conversation." Foxglove’s sensitive ears heard Dale’s remark, and she shot him a ‘Don’t be mean’ look. Dale Merely smiled back with his ‘Who me?’ innocent face. Foxglove returned with a look that told him she wasn't in a playful mood tonight. Dale sighed, and looked at his friend once more. He didn’t care what Gadget or the others said, he knew Chip. Knew him better than any of them, better than even Gadget. Sure it took a while to understand what was happening. And maybe the solution Monty used to bring them together and talk things out last year was better than anything he could have thought up. But, that was a year ago. As the months went by he began to understand a great many things. Dale picked up a beverage from somewhere and started to mindlessly drink it. * They think they know all about him. * Dale thought darkly as his friend ended his conversation with Caprice and started to mingle with the rest of the Rangers. He knew. knew why Chip disappears for hours at a time before breakfast. knew why his friend had nightmares of such intensity that he often couldn’t sleep afterwards. And, he knew that despite the well intentions and accommodating deeds of the others, that his friend, Chip Maplewood, felt absolutely, and utterly alone.

Dale put away his now empty cup and walked towards Foxglove who was finishing up her conversation with Caprice. Alone, that was an emotion he could definitely understand. Having had such low self esteem for such a long time in his life he knew how it feels to be in a room full of people and still be alone at the same time. Especially if the room is full of couples! Fortunately, he had Foxglove... Dale quietly watched his friend slip away and go outside unnoticed by the others. He looked at the other Rangers (watching Gadget specifically), and wondered how long it would be before they noticed he was gone.

As Dale pondered the question, Foxglove took Dale’s disconcerted look as an invitation to pounce on him from behind and give him a hug. "Hi ya cute stuff!!" she said loudly causing the chipmunk to jump slightly in surprise.

Dale looked at her and smiled. "Foxy! Is everything OK?"

The female bat frowned, then took him by the paw and led him away from the others. Once she was sure that they were alone, she turned to him and spoke. "Dale, I think you should talk to Chip."

The chipmunk gave her a puzzled look. "About what?"

Foxglove glared at her boyfriend. "Dale! you know ‘about what’!"

The chipmunk smirk sadly, and looked away. "I know, I know. But, what can I do!?" He looked somberly at her. "Foxy, I’m his best friend! The closest thing he has to a brother in the whole world!! And, and I can’t help him..."

Foxglove felt her heartache as she looked into his eyes. "Oh, Dale." she whispered tearfully. Without a second thought she hugged her boyfriend tightly saying nothing as she shared her strength with him.

When the moment passed, Foxglove held Dale at wings length and looked directly into his eyes. "Dale, I think... No. I know, that you really need to talk to Chip." Dale started to make a comment, but she shushed him with her wing tip. "Dale, do you trust me?"

He nodded.

Foxglove took Dale by the paw and led him to the front door. "Then go."

Dale looked at her in bewilderment, then turned and went outside to find his friend.

* * *

Dale sat back with a blank look on his face as he thought about what Chip had told him. When Foxglove had urged him to talk to Chip, he thought it would be a simple discussion about Gadget, and Caprice. Dale rolled the concept of Chip leaving the Rangers and joining the military in his mind. And, strangely enough, he found himself not overly surprised by Chip’s decision.

Dale thought again. No, he was surprised that Chip was going to join the military. He was not surprised that Chip was going to leave. Dale knew that his friend is a logical person who thought things out, and kept his life orderly (even during their wildest times together). Unfortunately thanks to the incident everything in his friend’s life has been thrown into disarray. So, (he supposed) it was only natural that Chip would need some time to sort things out.

Dale rolled the concept of Chip joining the military around in his mind once more, and thought deeply. This time he didn’t find the idea of Chip joining to be surprising. After all the military was a place of discipline, orderliness, and control. Things that his friend was in desperate need of. Dale’s causal, carefree, demeanor faded into a rarely seen serious countenance. *So, Chip is leaving the Rescue Rangers, and joining the military...* Dale filed that idea away as a fact of life, a right and logical decision on Chip’s part. Dale finally blinked a few times. the focused on his friend and nodded towards him and Chip solemnly returned the gesture. "How long?"

"About five years, maybe more."

Dale looked down, and rubbed his chin as he let the notion of his friend being gone for so long settle into his heart and mind. He knew that Chip was not an overly rash person, and he wouldn't do this on a whim. *He must have thought this out for a long time before telling me.* He looked up at Chip. "Why?" It was a stupid question. He knew why. Knew it deep down inside his heart. But, he needed to hear it from Chip! He had to be sure.

Chip looked at his friend and took note of his demeanor. Serious, unflinching. Dale was giving him his full attention and focus, all joking aside, no goofing around. It meant that he knew the full gravity of the situation. Chip need not try to make himself understood. All he had to do was get to the point, and for that he was great full. Chip looked dead into Dale’s eyes. "I’m in love with her."

Dale looked at Chip for a moment, then slowly blinked his eyes and nodded his head. A long silence passed between them before Dale spoke again. "Ya know Gadget isn't going to take this well."

There was a long pause. "It, can’t be helped. Besides, it’s just better for the both of us if I just go. And Dale, before you ask, no you can’t come."

Dale glared at him. "Whata ya mean I can’t come!? you and mean are pals!! And if you think I’m gonna..."

"Forget it Dale! You can’t come," yelled Chip regretfully. He felt a welling sense of pride at Dale’s expression of their friendship by offering to come.

"And why not?"

Chip looked at his friend ruefully. "What about Foxglove?"

Dale’s train of thought came to a screeching halt. He looked at Chip blankly. "Well, what, what, about her?"

Chip let out a sigh. "You do know that she is in love with you."

Dale shifted around uncomfortably.

"Do you love her?"

There was s short pause. "Yeah, I, I guess I do."

Chip smiled. "Then you know why you can’t come with me."

Dale started to protest weakly

"I know, I know. But, Foxglove and you belong together. And I don’t want to break what you and she have because of my problems."

Dale looked down, not sure what to say.

"Besides, I need somebody to take care of the Rescue Rangers while I’m gone."

"Rangers!? Zowie, I forgot all about them!"

Before Dale could say another word Chip reached into his coat pocket and took out tow large envelopes. "Here, these are for you and Foxglove." He handed them to Dale. "Open them after I go." Dale looked at the envelopes reverently. "The papers pretty much self explanatory. But, I trust your judgment on how you want to use them."

"So, now what?"

Chip stood up and walked towards the front door of their home. "Now, we go back inside before everybody starts to worry."

Dale got up and followed his friend, and for the rest of the night was unusually quiet.

* * *

Captain Smith smiled to herself as she looked over her personal reports, and reviewed her quartermaster’s tallies. While the storm of three days ago was devastating, there was a silver lining in those dark clouds. namely, refuges, and the disposed. While she didn’t wish any bad things towards the people who she was helping. The fact of the matter was more than a few of them had lost so much that joining THE SERVICE was there only way to survive, or at the very least find some meaning to their now meaningless lives. And if the rumor she had heard were true, the Service would need all the people they could get! She looked over the numbers again. * Six hundred people ready to be turned into soldiers. And so close to thanksgiving no less! *

The captain’s revelry was interrupted by a knock at her door. "Yes? Come in."

A short mouse in a sergeant’s uniform walked in and handed her a piece of paper and a large envelope. "This just came in from regional command."

The captain scowled as she took the paper. * Regional command? What in the world do they want?? It’s too late in the season for their frivolous directives. I swear, if this is Major Joanna's idea of... * She read the paper and blinked her eyes in shock;

=====

CONFIDENTIAL/NOFORN

United Sates Forest Service,

Animal division #6

From: Office of Strategic Operations, western division.

To: All outpost, Trading posts, and Base commands.

SUBJECT: Troop Operations

Observations from the U.S. Naval Observatory in Annapolis, MD. In addition to the weather predictions of our own observers has determined that the meteorological event known as ‘El Nino’ will hit the western coast of the North American continent with usually high ferocity this year. These predictions have been partially confirmed by the recent storm which hit the cost.

Because of this, all posts, forts, and bases are hereby ordered to prepare for a Level 2 emergency event. In addition, all posts/forts which have recruits are ordered to send recruits to your nearest RTC immediately.

Northern Commands: RTC Tsongas, Alaska

Mid state Commands: RTC Lake Tahoe. Nevada

Southern Commands: RTC San Diego

The schedule for embarkation as well as other information, is provided for in your specific orders.

Good luck

Robert Knaus

Robert Knaus

Major General, USFS , AD #6

Commanding Officer, Office of

Strategic Operations: Western division.

==========

The captain read the paper again, then set it down as she sat back in deep thought. After a while she picked up the envelope and read it carefully. "Sergeant?

"Yes Mam?"

"When did this get here?" She continued to read the papers.

"A bat courier brought this in five minuets ago."

The captain cursed under her breath. "They sure don’t leave us much time..." She then looked up "Sergeant, I want you to assemble the entire staff in ten minuets!"

"Yes mam!!" said the sergeant as he gave her a quick salute and rushed out the door.

The captain sat back and wondered if she was going to be able to collect all of her six hundred recruits in two days.

* * *

Caprice sat demurely as she ate her morning meal at Rescue Rangers headquarters. It had been a long party last night and it soon became very late for a mouse to be traveling home. Of course having a girlfriend in the Rescue Rangers has many advantages, one of which is the fact that you can be flown home. And, she had every intention of using that advantage so she could get home safely. But, after much persuasion on Gadget’s part (and some heavy kissing action as well), Caprice was convinced to stay over night. And, maybe spend the day as well.

Caprice looked up from her bowl of oatmeal and honey, and gazed about in a deliberately indifferent manner. Everyone was there, Monty, Gadget, Dale, Zipper, Foxglove, even Chip. Caprice eyed Chip warily, least he (or the others) notice the subject of her observation. Caprice always knew that Chip was in love with Gadget. Suspected it the first time she was introduced to him. Confirmed when he made that outburst after Gadget’s nearly fatal poisoning by AL. And became sure of it in talks that she had with Gadget over the months. Even after Gadget had came out to her and declared her love, after all the things that had happened, and said between those two. She still suspected. No, knew, that Chip was still in love with her Gadget. It explained so much of his behavior. Explained so much hardship.

She looked sympathetically at him and inwardly sighed. *Maybe Gadget was wrong. Maybe I should have left. What is the point of me staying? It’s just going to cause trouble, I know it.* Caprice slowly returned to her eating. It wasn't that she didn’t want to stay. She loved it here! Gadget’s life and that of the other Rangers were so fascinating, so new, so close. They were like a family to Gadget (and to her as well). So, she always loved it when Gadget would share her life, and her family’s with her. She had hoped that one day she would be a part of something like that, and was delighted beyond measure that she would be a part of something like that when her love for Gadget was returned many fold!

Caprice sighed into her bowl. But, since the incident (despite what Gadget or Monty had told her) Caprice knew that her presence was nothing more than a disruptive influence on the normal pattern of Ranger life. She tried as hard as she could to integrate herself in to the normal pattern of things. To be accepted as part of the family, as well as a person whom Gadget shares her life with. For the most part, it worked. Caprice cast a discreet eye once more at Chip. *For the most part....* She watched him slowly eat his food, a strange look that she had not seen before graced his features and it troubled her. She turned back to her own food and sighed ruefully. Something had to be done to smooth things over between Chip and herself, especially since Gadget and her had began to think about making their relationship a bit more permanent. Several ideas flowed through her head. But, Caprice’s thoughts were interrupted by a loud incessant knock at the front door.

"Crikey," exclaimed Monterey. "Who would be calling at this hour??"

"I'll get it!" Buzzed Zipper as he quickly flew away from the table to answer the door.

As the other Rangers talked among themselves about why somebody would come at this early hour of the day. Caprice felt a cold lump of uneasiness form in the pit of her stomach. As she listlessly watched the others, her gaze settled upon Chip. She looked at him curiously, for some reason he, unlike the others, seemed to have no interest whatsoever in the mystery that was surely brewing around them. Shouldn't he be excited at the prospect of another case?? It’s what he lives for, what he does... Something is rotten in the sate of Denmark. * The words whispered ominously through her mind.

Zipper returned shortly carrying an envelope in his hands as well as puzzled look on his face.

"What ya got there Zippah?" Asked Monty.

The fly buzzed something incomprehensible and handed the envelope to Chip, who accepted it with wonder. The first of any kind of emotion that Caprice had seen from Chip all morning. "I wonder who could be..." His voice quickly drifted away as he read the letter. His face paled, as a look of shock and surprise slowly crawled over his features.

The chipmunk’s reaction startled and frightened the others. Caprice felt her unease blossomed into dread, especially when she saw Gadget’s reaction to Chip’s emotional change. "Chip! What’s wrong!?" Asked Gadget frantically. Caprice could tell that she had never seen Chip act like this before. And, Chip’s non response was not helping her anxiety either.

"Chipper, what it say ?? What’s wrong??" Said Monterey. Caprice saw the tension in his body as he readied himself for whatever orders, or explanations Chip would give. Caprice had seen this happen once before. Something unexpected would happen, there would be some chaos and confusion. Then Chip would come up with a plan and direct the Rangers into a course of action. It was exciting thing to watch, she never knew what was going to happen, or how they were going to solve the problem that needed them to move so swiftly without knowing what exactly was going on. In all those cases Chip acted like a calm center in a storm. Now, Caprice felt a storm coming, and there was no calm center in sight.

"Too soon. Too soon," Chip whispered loudly.

Gadget got up from her seat and walked towards him. "Chip?"

The Chipmunk got up without looking at Gadget and backed away from the table.

"Chip? What’s wrong??" Gadget tried to get close and see what it was that had upset Chip so much. But, he stepped away from her and put the letter back in the envelope. "Chip?" Apprehension began to flavor Gadget’s voice which was already full of extreme concern. "Golly Chip, what is it? What’s wrong?? you can tell us." Then she whispered in a small voice. "You can tell me. Were friends. Right??"

Chip looked at her in confusion. "Gadget? What are you talking about??"

Gadget motioned towards the envelope. Chip looked down at it, and after a long pause spoke. "Uh, Gadget. I, uh, have to go."

Before Gadget could say anything else Chip quickly fled the room. Gadget looked at his retreating form in confusion for about a minute then walked after him. "Chip? Chip, wait up!"

The other Rangers looked at each other, then decided to follow Gadget’s lead. As the others left the room, Caprice sat in silence not sure if she was included in what was going on. But, a loud slam of the front door and Gadget’s outcry asking Chip where he was going changed her mind. * Something is rotten in the sate of Denmark. * She sighed. "Yes, something indeed."

* * *

Captain Smith sat back in her chair and calmly sipped her tea as Chip Maplewood paced about her office. The chipmunk had appeared at her camp this morning with letter in hand and was desperate to see her. She had seen him come into camp, but had decided not to see him right away. She had work to do, and he needed time to calm down. She sipped her tea and continued to watch him as he ranted about the letter, about how he wasn't ready, about a whole host of things that she really couldn’t care less about.

"Mr. Maplewood, would you please sit down."

"But, what about...."

"Mr. Maplewood! Please, sit down."

The chipmunk stammered an apology and sat.

The captain put down he tea, sat forward with her hands clasped before her, and looked directly into his eyes. "I understand your plight Mr. Maplewood. I honestly do. But, this is something that is beyond my control."

"But, why..."

"Why now?" The captain sat back, and adjusted her clothes without breaking eye contact. "Blame it on the rain Mr. Maplewood. Or, should I say weather."

Chip looked at her confused.

"Do you know what an ‘El Nino’ is," asked the captain with a sigh.

A thoughtful expression came upon Chip’s face. And after a long pause he spoke. "It’s a change in the weather patterns caused by the reversal of the pacific ocean’s currents."

The captain smiled at Chip’s demonstration of knowledge. "Very good Mr. Maplewood. But, like everything in life, it’s just not that simple." Of course what you said about currents and such, is true. But, There is more to than that. Were are talking extremely stormy weather, tornadoes, hot brutal summers, forest fires, drought...." She leaned forward, put her arms on the table, and steepled her paws. "In short, there will be a lot of work for us, and few people to work with. Now, normally H.Q. Would have waited a bit longer before committing our forces. But, time is of the essence. And, this rapid change in the weather has dictated this course of action."

Chip slowly blinked his eyes as the facts the captain had told him seeped into his brain. As realization of what was happening griped his soul, he let out a slight gasp. He looked down at his feet and thought for several seconds. "OK. So, now what??"

The captain sat back, picked up her tea, and took several long relaxing sips before speaking again. "Well, because of the wording of your contract, you can stay behind and go later to train instead of shipping out with the rest..."

Chip jumped up heartily relived that events had turned out in his favor after all. "Well then, I guess that’s settled." He smiled. "I'll just go later as I planed."

The captain looked at Chip with a wry grin. "One moment Mr. Maplewood. I do believe that you are forgetting about ‘life’s lessons’!"

Chip looked at her warily. "There is more to it than this?"

She leaned forward and grinned. "Oh, most definitely." She gestured at Chip to take his seat. "You see Mr. Maplewood, if you’re going to be here. Then you’re going to be here all the way."

"You mean, till winter," he asked nervously.

"I mean, till spring! At the very least."

Chip’s eyes shot up in surprise. "But..."

"Mr. Maplewood," she sighed as she sat back in her chair. "You do not seem to fully appreciate the nature of the choice before you. You see, my superiors have grate need of people, and I intend on supplying them with as much as I can get my paws on. Now I know I can give them six hundred recruits, whether or not your are one of them makes no difference. There are more than a few people who would LOVE to take your place." She looked thoughtful. "People, who have waited a very long time for an opportunity like this..."

The captain casually swiveled her chair so that she showed her profile to Chip. "Now, the way I see it, you have two choices. The first, and most obvious choice , is to stay here. It’s a good choice, your contract says that your are supposed to stay here and go at a later date. And, there is somebody who can take your place on the transport... It’s a good choice , actually." She gestured with her paw. "You get to stay here (nice and safe), and help me out, nice leisurely training, plenty of paperwork to be done. take care of the older veterans, and the youngsters eager for a crack at some adventure, or some such thing... train with the local militias, not that they go anywhere, mind you I don’t think any of them has ever been beyond the park! Much less the city limits. To ‘provincial’ don’t you know... Of course, by spring the others would have finished their training, and deployed to somewhere, interesting." She smirked at the word ‘interesting’. "Naturally you would have been trained by my people here. So, all you'll have to do is wait a few months or so till they need you for, something. Hopefully. All in all, it would be a nice quiet posting, plenty of time for contemplation, keeping to yourself. Nice, quiet, peaceful..."

The mouse slowly swiveled her chair in the opposite direction until her profile showed. "On the other hand, you can take your place among the six hundred. Adventure, excitement, helping and meeting new people. Seeing exhilarating localities! Testing the limits of your courage and your body in ways you have never dreamed of before!!" She sighed happily. "What a rush! I remember my days out in the field... The danger, the camaraderie..." She sighed again. "Yes, definitely a character building experience. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I have if it weren’t for my field work..."

She folded her paws, and was silent for a moment. "Of course it wasn't always ‘fun and games’." Her countenance became grim. "The field is a hard and dangerous place Mr. Maplewood. Make no doubt about that! Predators, ruthless adversaries , harsh climates, and even harsher weather..." She looked at him. "Out there you must give it your ‘all’ to survive. A two hundred percent effort! You must be smarter than the predators., stronger than your enemies, tougher than the weather!" She looked down sadly. "More than a few of my friends didn’t make their way home......" There was a long pause before she spoke again. "of course I will understand if you don’t want to choose that option. As I said before’ The field is a hard and dangerous place’. It demands things of people who work out there. Blood, sweat, tears, sometimes even a life..." She sat back in her chair without looking a Chip. "That is the price, I guess, for those who are searching for something beyond these walls we live in."

She swiveled her chair and faced Chip. Leaning over the desk with her paws folded she looked into his eyes and smirked. "Now, Mr. Maplewood. I don’t know what your true reasons are for coming here. Well, actually I have an idea why. But, your reasons are your own, and who am I to judge you for them. What I DO know, is that you are searching for a second chance. Now, I can give you that. But, you must choose what kind of ‘second chance’ you want." she sat back in her seat. "Now the transport that is taking the others to training boards tomorrow night, and leaves with the morning tide. If your not here by then..." her smiled softened. "Well, I'll understand."

Chip looked at her in a dazed manner and slowly nodded his head. The captain smiled at him. "Now, if you will excuse me. I am the commanding officer here. And I have a lot of work to do." With that said, she reached into her desk, pulled out some papers, and started to write on them. Paying no heed to the person sitting in the chair before her desk. Chip humbly got out of the chair and softly thanked the captain for her time as he left the room. As the chipmunk walked out of the camp, his mind was full of plans, ideas, and conflicting emotions. More than once did Chip stop and look back at the place he had come from, Looked thoughtful, sighed a bit, and continued his long walk home.

* * *

It was nearly noon when Chip finally got back from the camp. As he approached his home Dale and Foxglove saw him and came down to great him. Before they could say anything Chip informed them of the contents of the letter, and the choice that he had to make. Foxglove decided that Dale and Chip needed to talk things over between themselves. So, she excused herself and flew to a nearby park bench then sat and watched silently as the two chipmunks talked. Despite her distance she could hear some of what they were talking about. And after some though, she came to a discussion of her own. Seeing that they had come to an awkward moment, she decided to seize the moment and speak up. She flew up to them and said. "Chip, I have to talk to Dale for a bit. Is it OK, for him to talk to you later?"

"Sure," said the chipmunk listlessly. "I’ll just tell everyone that I am OK."

"Are you going to tell the rest of them about..."

"No, not yet. I. I need to think about some stuff first. things have to be done, arrangements made... you know, stuff."

"You know Gadget isn't going to accept that for an answer," Dale cautioned.

Chip looked thoughtful for several seconds, then turned and shrugged his shoulders. "It, can’t be helped," he said in a melancholy voice.

With that said, Chip silently left them. Foxglove stared blankly at Chip’s retreating form for several seconds before she turned to Dale, put her wings on his shoulders, and looked into his troubled eyes. "Dale," she sighed. "You do realize that Chip has to go."

"I know Foxy, but...."

"Now, Dale... It’s the only way you know."

Dale said nothing and just nodded.

"So, now what?"

There was a long pause. "Chip said he'll tell us later. There are some things he wanted to think over first."

Foxglove gave him a reassuring hug. "So cutie, you want to go eat?"

"No... I, uh, don’t feel hungry, right now..."

"Why don’t we go someplace."

"Sure Foxy."

* * *

Caprice shielded her eyes from the bright afternoon sun as she searched the upper reaches of the Rescue Ranger tree for any sign of Chip Maplewood. She needed to talk to him. A talk that she and he should have had several months ago. She had resisted because she didn’t want to make Gadget and Chip’s already shaky relationship any worse because of her actions. But, today’s events was the last straw! Chip’s nonchalant return from ‘parts unknown’ as well as his sparse explanation of why he left had not only frustrated and confused the others. But, forced Gadget to make a plaintive plea for Chip to ‘talk to her’ and tell her what’s wrong. Unfortunately, this had failed to get any meaningful response (much to her beloved’s extreme dismay). Seeing Gadget like that angered her. She was going to have a serious talk with Chip, whether he liked it or not. But, Chip had somehow mysteriously disappeared. After a through search of the inside of the Ranger’s home. Caprice began to search the outside and finally the upper reaches of the tree.

There high up in the upper branches of the oak tree, a lone nearly invisible chipmunk sat on a branch staring out into nothingness. As she started to make her climb up the tree Caprice felt the unease that formed this morning grow once again inside her. Whether she wanted to admit it or not. Caprice knew that there was more to Chip’s insensitivity than Chip, being, well, Chip. Regardless of what Gadget or Monty may have told her. Caprice knew that her relationship with Gadget had done major harm to the connection between Chip and Gadget. And because of the bad karma caused by that, the others have been hurt as well.

Caprice sighed as she stopped to rest before beginning to climb again. *But, our union has brought so much happiness to Gadget and the others. How can that bring so much grief?* Caprice looked around her. Though the view was spectacular there was a feeling of isolation that she was not sure she liked. * I bet this place is totally cut off from the world during the spring and summer. * She looked up towards her destination. * But, knowing Chip, I guess that’s the point of being up here. * One swift climb later and Caprice found herself standing on the same branch that Chip sitting on.

Chip sat with his back towards her as he looked out to the western horizon. Behind him was a small rough, Paw made platform of popsicle sticks and tree resin. The platform lead to a door in the hollow of the tree where the branch joined to the trunk. Caprice took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she tried in vain to relive some of the tension that was welling up inside of her. in all the time she had known Chip, she had never really talked to him. At least, not in a ‘personal way’. It wasn't as if she was snobbish towards him or anything. It was just that Gadget and she spent so much time together she just never did. Sure she got to know the Rangers and become friendly with them. but personally? she let out a sigh. No, not really. Because of Chip and her feelings for Gadget she just felt that maybe it was best not to get too involved with the others. * Another wish granted. * she smiled grimly.

Caprice gingerly stepped down from the branch on to the platform, and slowly walked towards the chipmunk. She tried in vain to calm her nerves, but it was no use. She never was all that conformable around Chip after the incident, and as she spent more time around the Ranger’s home, around him, the unease had not gone away. Caprice felt her mouth go dry as she walked up to him. "Uh, Chip," she asked reverently. "I, I know that I’m intruding. But, we have to talk."

"This is a private place," Chip said flatly as he glanced over his shoulder to look at her. It was obvious that her presence irked, and alarmed him.

"I know, but...."

He turned away from her. "You’re not supposed to be here."

Caprice let out a small sigh. "This is important. we have to talk about this."

The chipmunk slowly turned his head and peeked at her anguished face. "What about?"

"About us. Gadget, You, me..."

Chip looked at her blankly. And after a long pause he returned to looking at the sky. "There is no ‘us’. "

The petite mouse looked at him uneasily. While not as overly emotional as Dale. Caprice had been around Chip long enough to know that there was a certain passionate enthusiasm that flowed through him. A fervor that seemed to pushed him to do all the fantastic things that she admired him for. So, to hear him speak to her in such a listless manner was more than a bit unnerving. Caprice timidly walked up to Chip and sat next to him facing the eastern sky. She looked at him for a moment then spoke. "Do you still love Gadget?"

There was a short pause. "Yes," he said in a small voice. "I’m still /in love/ with her."

"Even if she can’t return that kind of love?"

Chip looked into her eyes. "Yes," he said in a contrite yet certain voice. "Even ‘if’..."

Caprice let out a soft sigh and looked down. "Even if..." she looked at him again. "I didn’t mean to come between you two." she looked into the late afternoon sky. "It’s not as if we planed this... I mean it just happened..." She suddenly became aware that Chip was staring at her intently.

"You loved her from the first time you saw her, didn’t you."

Caprice looked at Chip perplexed. Not sure what to say, or how to phrase her response. She glanced downward, not wanting to look at him, not wanting to see the response in his face. "Yes. Yes I did."

Chip looked at her in somber thoughtful manner for a moment. Then looked towards the western horizon. "I understand. It, it, was the same for me..."

"Gadget loves us all like family, Chip. You, especially. But, I see that you may have seen things differently. But, you do know that she still cares for you." She looked up at him apprehensively.

"Yeah. So I've been told..."

"It’s true!" She said as she placed a paw on his shoulder. "And, she would still like your friendship as well! I wouldn't stand in the way of that," she said desperately.

"Yeah..."

"She wants us all to be a family." There was a short pause as she looked towards the eastern sky wistfully. "Me included. And, and I want that as well." Caprice paused slightly to see if Chip wanted to say anything. When he didn’t respond she shouldered on with a heavy heart. "Chip, that can’t happen until we find a way to come to terms with each other. This ‘persona non grata’ thing we have going isn't healthy. It’s hurting Gadget, and it’s been going on for far to long."

"Well, what do you expect." Chip said curtly. "How many people do you know that have their ex-girlfriend and her girl working with you and living in your house." There was a short pause as he sat back still looking at the western horizon. "What, am I supposed to say," he asked softly.

Caprice looked at Chip. His words, so filled with sarcasm, apathy. It left her speechless. For several long seconds she desperately searched for words of comfort and assurance. To make him understand ‘the rightness’ of Gadget’s relationship with her. To make him understand how that relationship had helped her to finally be able to be at peace with the tragedies of her old life. How contented she has become, the bright promise of the future that lay before her. And even though she didn’t love him in that way, Gadget and he could still be... She looked thoughtful. * And what? friends? * The words that she wanted to say came to her mind. But, with a heavyhearted sigh, she dismissed it. Those words, the ones she wanted, needed to say. Words that would soothe some of the hurt, and pain, maybe give some comfort about the future. Those words somehow seemed trite and condescending

Chip let a sigh that broke Caprice out of her ruminations. "I, I’m sorry Caprice. I didn’t mean to...."

It took a moment for her to find her voice. "Uh, Chip. I, I know that we'll never be close friends with each other." She let out a sigh looked at the slowly darkening eastern sky. "Maybe we can never be more than acquaintances. But, there must be some middle ground that we can agree on."

I’m not sure if there is a ‘middle ground’."

"A truce then?"

"For there to be a truce, we would have to be fighting. And, I’m done with that..."

Caprice looked at him suspiciously. She wasn't sure she liked the tone of his voice when he answered her. "I, see... Acquaintance then?"

There was a short pause. "Yeah, I, guess so."

the smaller mouse blinked and looked thoughtful. She knew that she shouldn't ask. But, Gadget is important to her, and she had to know. "Chip, I, uh..."

"Gadget is going to stay with you. Isn't she," he said in a distant impassive voice.

Caprice looked at him stunned. Unsure what to say. And, for some reason, scared.

"It’s a logical conclusion," he droned on. "She already has most of her personal stuff at your place already. And, she has started to make alterations to your home." Chip shrugged his shoulders. "It’s not as if she spends huge amounts of time here anymore." Chip laid back and watched the sun start to set in the western sky. "I guess it was only a matter of time," he said softly.

Caprice stammered a bit. Gadget and she had been talking about this very subject several months ago. They had decided to gradually ease the concept of them being together (in a more personal way) slowly on to the others so as to cause as little problems as possible. "You, you knew? Since when??"

"I... Well, it doesn't matter now..."

"Chip, I, we, had hoped that you would've accepted things by now, and maybe..." she sighed. "Look, this will be an important time in her life, Chip. And, I, we, had hoped that you would've..." Her words trailed away.

Chip turned and gave her an imperturbable look. And, after a long pause he spoke. "Why ask me? Why not ask Monterey?" There was a short pause. "I, I think he is a better person to ask..."

"I, I know," she said meekly. "And, we have. But you’re in her heart as well."

Chip looked down and fidgeted as a host of conflicting emotions played across his face. "I don’t know..."

"Chip please," She softly pleaded.

He turned away from her and looked at he horizon. "It’s not as if what I say, or don’t say is going to change anything. or, even matter..."

Caprice reached out and touched his shoulder. "Yes it does! it means a lot to Gadget! And, me."

"I, I don’t know if I can do that... Not now anyway," he said shamefully.

"Why not?" Caprice kept her voice soft.

Chip looked up and peered thoughtfully at Caprice. After for what seemed like an eternity, he blinked slowly, looked away and watched the western sky. "I’m not staying," he said unemotionally.

Caprice looked at him in shock. It was several seconds before she could find her voice. "Chip? Chip, I told you that I’m not...."

Chip shook his head and stopped her from speaking further. "That’s not it."

"Why," Caprice asked angrily.

"I’m in love with her."

"But, Chip..."

"Caprice, my emotions isn't some kind of light switch that you can turn off and on for other people’s convince!"

Caprice glared at him angrily. "That’s not how it is and you know it!"

"All I know, is I don’t want to end up like Al!"

Caprice blinked. "Al!?" She looked at him in alarm. "But Chip, your nothing like him!

"Yes I am! We’re both in love with some one that doesn't love us back! only, he couldn’t handle it. So, it broke him..." Chip looked down, Caprice could almost swear she saw tears. "I don’t want to be that kind of person... I don’t want to hurt Gadget like that. or, my friends." Chip closed his eyes, took a shuddering breath. "But, but I can’t be the person she wants, needs, me to be." He opened his eyes and looked at her dolefully. "That’s not who I am..."

Caprice gaped ruefully at Chip for several long seconds. Her heart raced and her mouth went dry as the weight of the chipmunk’s words settled heavily upon her.

"Chip," she said nervously as her voice slowly came back to her. "You, you can’t just leave. You’re the leader of the Rescue Rangers. You help people."

Chip bowed his head and looked away.

Caprice reached out and touched his shoulder. "You can’t give up!" For a briefest of moment it looked as if Chip was going to agree with her. That he would come to his senses and see the rightness of things. But, her longing for a happy ending faded as he shook his head and sighed.

"Several months ago I may have agreed with you. But, now..."

Caprice let her had drop from his shoulder. Then she slowly backed away from him. "Is that why you have been so distant to Gadget for the last few months?"

"Yes."

Caprice held herself tightly as Chip returned to watching the sun sink into the horizon. "And when did you decide this?"

"I have been thinking about it for a long time. But, I just decided a few days ago."

"I, see..." She slowly turned her back to him and wiped a tear from her eyes. "And you were just going to up and leave without telling anybody," she said bitterly.

"No. I wanted to wait till after Thanksgiving. I wanted us to have one last good time together.. But, this morning..."

"The letter has something to do with this?"

"Yes."

Caprice glanced dispiritedly over her shoulder towards Chip. "I guess there is nothing I can say, or do, to change your mind."

There was a short pause. "No. Nothing..."

The petite mouse somberly turned her head from him. Then slowly walked away with a heavy heart. When she got to place where she had climbed up, she turned and looked at the silent figure as he watched the sun slip under the horizon. "You know Chip," She said almost to herself. "Gadget, and I. We, we never wanted to hurt you." She looked down. "I just wish..." she bit her lip. * No! No more wishing! This time I think I will leave things alone. * Caprice looked at Chip once more. Let out a grievous sigh, wiped fresh tears from her face. Then dolefully climbed down.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 3: All Out of Lies

Gadget looked around the dinning room table and let out a silent sigh. Everybody was there. Monty, Dale, Foxglove, Zipper, even Caprice. Well, almost everybody. Once again Chip was absent from the table. It seemed to her that this kind of thing was happening more often. She sighed to herself and ate her dinner absentmindedly. Gadget new that something was wrong with Chip. Something major, but she wasn't sure what. While Chip had always been distant since the incident (and it was something she had come to accept), this new attitude sacred her. She had tried on several occasions to connect with him and help him through whatever trouble he was obviously in. But, he had spurned her help. Gadget looked down at her food and pouted. After a moments of thought, she realized that his not wanting her help was what hurt the most. The were friends, weren't they??

Gadget picked at her food for a while, and then ate slowly as the others talked amongst themselves in a subdued manner. Long ago, when she had finally accepted that she was in love with Caprice, Gadget knew that she had to reevaluate her relationship with Chip. She knew that she cared about him a great deal. But, it was not in the way that Chip had cared for her. And, she had explained that logically to him (with a little help from Monty). Gadget looked thoughtful and picked at her food. She knew Chip, knew his moods, likes, dislikes. That deeper part of him that always fascinated her for so long. She had hoped that he would still confide in her and tell her things. After all they were still friends, weren't they??

Gadget frowned and looked thoughtful. Long ago she had promised herself that she would find out what it was that was bothering Chip, and do all that she could to keep, whatever it was, from hurting him. She picked at her food tearfully. That was almost four months ago, and despite her best efforts, she had failed. She griped her fork tightly. * I did all I could to help him. Tried everything to make him feel that he was still part of the family. But, nooo! He has to be so stubborn!! Well, he is going to have to accept the fact that Caprice and I are in love with each other PERIOD! * Gadget tried to sill the conflicting emotions within her. * Chip can do it. I know he can! He practically told me so when he was at Caprice’s tree!! But, why is he fighting against it. Against me... Grrrrr!! It’s not fair! I shouldn't have to choose between them!! Why is he making me choose!? *

Gadget glance at Caprice and Dale as the two talked. Since Dale and Chip resembled each other closely, she imagined for a moment that it was Chip and not Dale talking to Caprice in an easy going manner. That it was he that was totally comfortable with the smaller mouse’s presence. And understood ‘the rightness’ of Caprice and her being together. But, the fantasy didn’t last, it never did. Gadget became doleful as she ate her food once more. * Sometimes I don’t know which is more painful. The fantasy, or reality...*

Gadget watched her friends for several moments and suddenly noticed that all conversation had stopped. A strange oppressive silence had descended upon the room. * Golly, why has everybody stopped talking?? * Her confusion deepened. * And why are they looking at me like that?? * It took her several moments to realize that the others weren't looking at her, but at somebody behind her. And, since all the other Rangers where here, that could only mean... She turned around in her chair, and sure enough, there he was.

Chip timidly walked into the dining room, hat in hand, dolefully looked at everybody, and let a slight sigh. Gadget looked at him with mixed emotions. On the one hand she was very glad that Chip had decided to finally come to dinner and eat with everybody. He had become very reclusive and withdrawn lately. And, his refusal to confide in her sometimes made her worry. On the other hand, she was very annoyed at his behavior. Not just because he had been avoiding her ever since he got that letter yesterday morning. Not just because he had been disappearing for hours at a time and told nobody where he was (and making her worry ). No, it was his attitude that irked her the most. No ‘Hellos’ or ‘Good mornings’ or any kind of ‘kind word’ had Chip uttered in two days! Not to mention the fact that he was still tight mouthed about what made him leave so suddenly yesterday at breakfast. * Well, let’s see what lame excuses he has this time! *

The chipmunk fidgeted with his hat for a few moments then walked to the table and set it down. "I know that all of you have realized that I have been acting kinda strange lately."

"No. Really??" Said Dale in a sarcastic manner. Foxglove glared at Dale and sharply kicked him. "Oops! Sorry," he said in a sheepish manner.

Gadget paid the two no mind as she continued to look at Chip. "Chip? is there something wrong," she asked nervously. A feeling of dread formed in the pit of her stomach and began to spread.

"Yeah, Chipper m’lad. Just spit it out!" Said Monterey.

Chip fidgeted once more, then let out a slow sigh. "Like I said. I know that I have been acting strange, and all... But, considering all that has happened... I, I guess that’s understandable considering the situation and all."

Caprice winced at Chip’s statement. But said nothing.

Well, I have been thinking about this for a longtime now. And I decided that maybe it would be better for me to... To, uh, leave. At least for a little while..." Chip almost whispered the last words to himself.

The room became deathly silent As all eyes looked at the chipmunk. even the normal sounds of the late fall day stilled at the sound of Chip’s announcement.

"How, how long," said Monterey Jack in a small voice.

"A few years at least," he replied in a softly.

Gadget stared at Chip in stunned disbelief. "Years," she whispered to herself.

Chip reached into his pocket and took out an envelope. "You see I joined the military and..."

"YEARS??" Gadget felt herself being swamped by a wave of conflicting emotions as she tried to grasp the reasoning behind Chip’s decision.

"I wanted to tell you all after Thanksgiving. give us a chance to have a holiday together. But I got this letter and..."

"YEARS!?" Gadget half shrieked the words as she fixed a baleful glare upon Chip and abruptly stood up. "How, how could you Chip! Why!?"

The chipmunk looked at her in a confused manner. "What are you..."

"LEAVING!" Your just going to walk out on us??"

"I’m not ‘walking out’ on anybody." Chip said raising his voice.

"Then why," she pleaded, pouring all of her heart and soul into the question. * Why are you doing this!? I know you care Chip. I see it in your eyes! Just tell me!! *

"I, I tried..."

* Why is he looking at me like that? *

"But." He looked down. "There is no place for me..."

* No, he’s looking behind me? * Gadget turned around and saw Caprice behind her. The brunette mouse looked at her downheartedly but said nothing. Gadget looked at Chip, then Caprice, then Chip again. She stared at Chip blankly for a moment. Then her eyes narrowed dangerously. With slow deliberate steps, she turned and walked towards him. "Oh no you don’t Chip!" She poked him harshly in the chest. "You’re are not going to bring her into this. You-hear-me," she emphasized each word with a jab of her paw.

Chip looked at her blankly and said nothing.

Gadget sighed in frustration. Closed her eyes, and said in a acrimonious manner, "Just tell me that this is not some cheap trick to make me chooses between the two of you." She opened her eyes and glared perilously at the chipmunk. "Cause if it is Chip, you'll lose every time!"

Chip looked hurt and stunned at her statement. "How could you accuse me of..." He stopped, bit his lip, lowered his eyes, and slowly turned away. There was a long pause before he spoke. "I’m going," he said in a stoic manner.

Gadget crossed her arms. "No, you’re not."

The chipmunk stopped and glanced at her over his shoulder.

"Chip, I’m not going to let you just abandon us." she walked over to him and put her paw on his shoulder. "Chip. We can work this out." Then in a softer voice. "It’s not over between us. Just, different."

Chip looked into her eyes. "Different..." He looked away from her and stared to slowly walk out of the room leaving his hat and envelope behind.

"Chip??"

He stopped at the doorway. "yes?"

"We will talk about this tomorrow."

"Sure Gadget." He glanced over his shoulder and looked at her with impassive eyes. "Whatever you say," Chip replied stoically. He then silently walked out the room.

Gadget turned back to the table and was startled that the others were starring at her. "Well," she flustered. "Someone had to set him straight."

"But, Gadget," stammered Monterey.

"I don’t wanna hear it!" she sat down and made herself ready to eat dinner. "Were going to talk about this in the morning and straighten everything out. It will be OK. No problems." She glared at everyone. "End of story!"

One by one the Rangers looked away from Gadget’s withering glower and hastily resumed their meal. She looked at Caprice apologetically. And Caprice silently mouthed ‘it’s, OK.’ Gadget looked at the empty chair where usually sat, sighed dolefully, and slowly started to eat.

* * *

Monterey let out a sigh as he walked in to the main room of Rescue Ranger Headquarters and walked up the stairs to the second floor. Mindlessly toying with a Chip’s envelope he tried to come up with something he could do to heal the damage done by Chip’s announcement that he was joining the military and Gadget’s subsequent reaction to his declaration. Actually he wasn't too surprised by Gadget’s reaction. After all she was as close to Chip as Dale is. And in certain ways, maybe even more. It was because of this closeness that often pushed Gadget to do things like this. He often wondered how Caprice felt about things like this, but he guessed that Gadget’s statement said all that was needed to be said on the subject.

Monterey let out a deep sigh as he approached the door to Gadget’s room. The big mouse knocked respectfully on her door. It took only a few moments for it to be answered. Caprice opened the door, took one glimpse at Monty, and gave him a sympathetic look as she stepped outside closing the door behind her.

"How is she doing?"

"A little stressed out. But, she is OK."

Monterey sighed in relief.

"Monty, why are you up here? I know you are concerned and all. But, I can take care of Gadget."

Monterey looked down and shuffled his feet. "Well, uh... Gadget said some pretty strong words at dinner. And I was just concerned about her."

Monterey gave Caprice a distressed fatherly look that deeply touched her. She smiled , gingerly took his arm, and led him down the stairs. "I know Monty. And Gadget is very blessed to have you looking after her." She gave him a hug. "But, I’m taking care of her now. And she couldn’t be in better hands." She smiled at Monterey, and he smiled back.

When they got to the bottom of the stairs, Caprice turned to the big mouse. "Monterey?"

"Yes?"

"What are you going to do now?"

"Well, I guess I’ll talk to Chip..."

Caprice stepped in front of the bigger mouse and looked directly into his eyes. "Monty, you don’t truly believe what Gadget said about Chip. Do you?"

Monterey fidgeted a bit. Over the months Chip and Himself had more than a few intense discussions. And while that particular subject had never come up, in the back of his mind it was always a possibility. An ugly possibility that wouldn’t be too out of character for a person in a situation like this. Especially if he was stubborn.

Caprice watched Monty for several seconds as if she could read the thoughts in his mind. "I see..." she said softly as she looked down and turned away. She heard the big mouse try to say something comforting to her, but she cut him off. "You’re wrong Monty. Chip wouldn’t do something like that." She turned and looked at him fiercely "Not now, not ever!" then softly. "He’s not that kind of person." Caprice walked to the front room couch and sat down.

Monterey sighed and nodded his head in agreement. "I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m getting a bit too sensitive when it comes to Gadget. But, sometimes..."

"I know Monty," she chuckled mirthlessly. "I know. But, Chip does love Gadget." She looked at him somberly.

Monterey looked down at Caprice. "I know luv. I just wish he would express it, differently."

* * *

A soft creak, the sound of wood moving against wood. These were the only noises that Gadget made as she looked into Chip and Dale’s room. For the fourth time that night she had taken it upon herself to look in on her friend Chip Maplewood. For some reason she needed to know that he was there. That he was safe, and maybe, just maybe, find the words she needed to explain herself. She would have talked to Dale, or Foxglove first. But, Caprice said they had not been seen since dinner. She frowned, Dale and she already had strained relations due to her loosing Chip to the storm. Though Dale had told her otherwise , she still was not sure he totally forgave her for her lapse in judgment. And Foxglove’s strange behavior towards her was not helping matters either.

She cast her eyes on the lower bunk bed and saw a bundled form. He was asleep, his back turned towards her, and the light sounds of snoring drifted through the stillness of the room. Gadget looked at him remorsefully, sighed, then softly closed the door. Leaning her head against the portal she wondered what she was going to tell him in the morning. The words, those awful words that she had said to him haunted her. Deep down she knew in her heart that Chip would never do something like that. But her head told her different. She knew Chip, his moods, his likes and dislikes. So it was in the realm of possibility (no matter how unlikely) that Chip could do something like that. * Maybe telling Chip off was for the best. After all he has to get over what happened and start to live. He has to realize that what we have might not be what he wanted. But we can still build a friendship, one that could be just as beautiful and strong as what we had before. * Gadget sighed dolefully as she walked away from the door. * In the morning. Chip, Caprice, and I will have a long talk. The one we should have had a longtime ago...*

* * *

The movement of wood against wood. The click of a knob turning. The shuffling of foot paws. Chip opened one eye, and after a long pause turned to see if he was alone. This was the second time that Gadget had walked into his room. And he was quite certain that she had visited him more times than that during the night. Under other circumstances he would feel comforted by her concern and sleep snugly knowing that he was loved. Chip sat up, let out a lamenting sigh, and got out of bed. After a yawn and stretch, he sat down at the desk and chair that stood next near his bed, got a piece of paper from a box on his desk, and began to write. An hour later the chipmunk sat back in his chair and looked at his handy work. It took longer to write than he had expected, but it couldn't be helped. He wanted to say something meaningful, something profound. Something that would make them understand why he was doing this. Chip looked at the letter and sighed. * If I had better imagination, like Dale, I might be able to write something better... Well, this will have to do. * He set the letter down on Dale’s bed.

Chip got up and began to clean up his room. Making sure that everything was put in its proper place, books, laundry, and furniture (what little he had). He even made up his bed, nice and neat. Chip steeped back, looked at his handy work and smiled. He thought this was the neatest his side of the ever looked! The chipmunk’s smiled disappeared when he spied his hat and jacket. He walked over to the two articles of clothing and gingerly touched them. A flood of memories flowed through him the good times, and the bad. All of the fun and adventures that he and the Rangers had over the years... Chip looked at his clothes tearfully, and with a heavy hearted sigh, walked over to his closet and hung them up. Carefully looking about to make sure no one would seem him, Chip Maplewood, leader of the Rescue Rangers, silently sneaked out of Ranger headquarters and met up with Foxglove and Dale.

* * *

Gadget woke up with a start and frantically looked around. She could have sworn she heard... She listened carefully, the tree was as quiet as it ever was, but still... Somewhere, deep inside the recesses of her mind, an old fear reared it’s ugly head. Gadget quickly got up from her bed (taking care not disturb Caprice who was sleeping next to her), and walked downstairs. Everything looked normal, but for some reason, and unnatural stillness seemed to permeate throughout the Ranger home. She remembered a time like this. A time long ago, when a room was quiet in this manner. A time when her farther died.

Gadget pulled her sleeping clothes tightly to her body as a chill of dread seeped through her. She needed to see them, needed to know that her friends were alive and well. Using all of her will to hold her panic down Gadget dashed to Monterey Jack’s room. Slowly opening his door just enough so she could peek in, she saw the big mouse laying in his bed on his back, mouth wide open, and arms akimbo. Gadget was about to rush in and shake him awake to see if he was alive or not. But, before she could act, the big mouse yawned, and with a grunt and a small groan turned to his side and snuggled into his covers. Gadget breathed a sigh of relief, and watched him for several minuets before closing the door and leaving him to his dreams. Quickly walking over to Zipper’s room (actualy a small space big enough for the fly to live comfortably), Gadget peeked in (as well as a mouse of her size could) and saw that he to was sleeping sound and well.

Gadget even checked Foxglove’s room. And even though she was nocturnal and would be out during the night, she still wanted to look in anyway. Like all bats, Foxglove kept her room very clean and neat. And though she was not there, the room still had a feeling of being "lived in" that somehow comforted her. That only left Chip and Dale’s room to be checked.

Before she even opened the door, she knew he was not there. Something in the back of her mind told her so. Gadget solemnly stepped into the tomb like silence of the room and looked at Chip’s bed. It was neatly made up as well as everything else in the room. It looked to her as if he would walk in at any moment and be surprised that she was there. But she could tell it was not going to happen. There was no warmth of life in there, not like foxglove’s or Monty’s room. The place was empty, silent, cold. No one had been here for a very long time.

Gadget stood in front of the boy’s bunk beds as she tried to logically figure out why Chip would leave the Rangers, why he would break his promise to her, why he would abandon them, abandon her... * Why... * Just then, a glint of white caught her eye. Looking up at Dale’s bed, she saw a piece of paper and without a second thought she picked it up and read it.

Before she even opened the door, she knew he was not there. Something in the back of her mind told her so. Gadget solemnly stepped into the tomb like silence of the room and looked at Chip’s bed. It was neatly made up as well as everything else in the room. It looked to her as if he would walk in at any moment and be surprised that she was there. But she could tell it was not going to happen. there was no warmth of life in there, not like foxglove’s or Monty’s room. The place was empty, silent. No one had been there for a very long time.

Gadget stood in front of the boy’s bunk beds as she tried to logically figure out why Chip would leave the Rangers, why he would break his promise to her, why he would runaway. * Why... * Just then, a glint of white caught her eye. Looking up at Dale’s bed, she saw a piece of paper and without a second thought she picked it up and read it.

Before she even opened the door, she knew he was not there. Something in the back of her mind told her so. Gadget solemnly stepped into the tomb like silence of the room and looked at Chip’s bed. It was neatly made up as well as everything else in the room. It looked to her as if he would walk in at any moment and be surprised that she was there. But she could tell it was not going to happen. there was no warmth of life in there, not like foxglove’s or Monty’s room. The place was empty, silent. No one had been there for a very long time.

Gadget stood in front of the boy’s bunk beds as she tried to logically figure out why Chip would leave the Rangers, why he would break his promise to her, why he would runaway. * Why... * Just then, a glint of white caught her eye. Looking up at Dale’s bed, she saw a piece of paper and without a second thought she picked it up and read it.

~~

Dear Gadget:

If your reading this

I didn’t want too

There comes a time

I’m sorry.

Chip

~~

Gadget looked at the letter dumbfounded. Surely there was more to it. And what did he mean by 'sorry’?? She looked at Dale’s bed. * Dale would know. But where is he? probably with Foxglove... * she thought darkly. To many times had she lost family because she wasn't there. Now that she was on the verge of something wonderful, a family and house full of friends, something she hasn't had in such a long time. She wasn't about to lose it all!

The blonde mouse savagely crumpled the letter in her hand. * How could he!! If he thinks I’m just going to let him go... Grrr!! * Gadget stormed out of the room, but stopped in her tracks when she got to the front door. Two things had come to mind. First off, she realized that she wasn't dressed to go anywhere. Secondly, she had no idea where Chip might have went to! Gadget sat down on the steps and thought hard. After a long while she remembered the letter that Chip had with him yesterday. Surely there would be an address of some kind in it. Gadget ran back into Chip and Dale’s room and searched Chip’s area. After a long search she was about to give up in frustration, but somebody called her name.

"Gadget? what are you doing in here??"

She looked around and saw Monterey Jack standing in the doorway with a cup of water in his hand. Gadget ran up to the big mouse and told him what had happened, even showed him the letter Chip had wrote to her.

Monterey looked at the letter long and hard, then handed it back to Gadget. "So, what are you gonna do now?"

Gadget looked at Monterey in surprise. Surely he would be more concerned about Chip running away than this! "I’m going after him. But I don’t know where he went. Monty? Do you still have Chip’s letter?"

The big mouse nodded his head. "I'll go get it." With that said he walked to his room to find the letter. When he finally found her, she was already in her coveralls and was getting the RANGER WING ready for take off.

Gadget barely glanced at Monterey as she took the letter from his hand and started up the Ranger Wing. "Monty, get the others and follow me as soon as you can!" And without a second look she took off into the night leaving a frowning mouse behind.

* * *

* Mmmm, taste like cotton candy, but satisfying. * thought Foxglove to herself as she swallowed twenty more mosquitoes before heading back to the docks. While she and Dale had no real problems getting Chip to the docks where he was supposed to meet with the rest of the military rodents, it had been tiring work. Especially for her, as she had to carry Chip all the way from Ranger Headquarters to the sea side. As for Dale, a long time ago he had learned the art of hang gliding so it was no problem for him to fly with her (actually she had introduced Dale to the art early in there relationship so she could be closer to him).

The place that Chip and the rest of the military was supposed to meet was nothing more than a very large warehouse. Almost all of the offices where in the highest part of the structure with space at the bottom of the building, and under the pier, for doing other things. And tonight, one of those ‘things’ was the gathering of nearly a thousand or so rodents and getting them ready to board a human ship that was docked alongside the pier. Foxglove flew over the cargo ship and past several light posts scooping up bugs that hung around them before flying up to the top of the building where she had left Chip and Dale before she went out to hunt up some food for herself. As she did so, she pondered the future problems that Dale and she would have after Chip had left. After the way Gadget reacted to Chip’s announcement she shuddered at the thought of what would happen when they returned in the morning. * Maybe I should reconsider staying, and move into that room Dale and Chip made at the top part of the tree. Something tells me that I might not be all that welcomed after this. * Foxglove frowned sternly. * Well, it doesn't matter. This is the right thing to do... If, Gadget can’t see that, then, well, tough sprouts for her! * Foxglove’s ruminations were disturbed by two familiar voices.

"Awww, come on Dale! Just take it."

"No, I don’t wanna!"

"Why can’t you just be reasonable about this!"

"I don’t care!"

Foxglove landed next to the boys and looked at them in bewilderment. "What’s going on here?"

Dale turned towards Foxglove and pointed at Chip. " He wants me to take his stuff."

"It’s a will, Dale. A, ‘Will’!" He looked at Foxglove. "it’s standard procedure. everybody has to make one."

Dale turned towards Chip. "So, why don’t you give it to your parents."

"I did, but the other stuff, I want you and Foxglove to have."

"Dale, maybe we should take it."

"But Foxy."

Foxglove hugged her chipmunk love from behind and calmed him down. "It’s OK, Dale. Everybody has to do it. Besides it not as if Chip is going to die or anything."

"Well, he certainly acts like it sometimes," he said softly.

Foxglove gave Dale a big warm hug, kissed his cheek, then walked over to Chip and took the paper. "Don’t worry cutie. Just think of it as watching Chip’s stuff until he comes back." Dale attempted to protest, but when Foxglove turned to him, smiled, and said ‘please’. The red nosed chipmunk’s will crumbled.

"Thanks Dale." Said Chip as he walked up to him, and patted him on the back. "I really appreciate this."

"Yeah, well," he looked up at Chip and poked him harshly. "You better come back."

Chip smirked at his friend. "Just don’t trash my stuff, OK."

Foxglove happily watched the two roughhouse with each other for a few minuets. Then the two broke off and walked towards her laughing and joking. All three of them sat down talked, and laughed a bit, and finally said nothing as they enjoyed each others company.

It was several hours later when Chip and company made their way down to the bottom of the pier where the rodents were the various sergeants and officers were gathering the recruits. While the vast majority of them were going to go on the ship. There were more than a few that were going back to the camp in the park. Chip looked at both groups carefully, he knew that taking this second chance’ meant that he had to leave. But, even now he had yet to decide what kind of ‘second chance’ he wanted to take. Both were appealing to him, especially after what Gadget had said to him earlier in the evening. * What if she is right. What if I am just ‘running away’ . Maybe I should go back to camp with the others. * He eyed both groups thoughtfully.

A uniformed female mouse walked up to the chipmunk. "Time and tide wait for no man. Mr. Maplewood. Have you made your decision yet?"

Chip continued to look at the two groups as he replied. "Yes captain smith. I, I think I have."

The captain patted Chip on the shoulder lightly, as she looked the two groups that formed in front of them. "I, understand Mr. Maplewood. Decisions like these are never to be taken lightly." She turned and looked at him. "Whatever you decide. I hope it will be something that you can live with."

Chip let out a sigh. "So do I."

* * *

Gadget tightly griped the wheel of the Ranger Plane as she flew with reckless abandon through the streets of the city. It took her several hours of searching to finally track down the precise location of the military post that Chip had run off to. And it was not easy. The Ranger Wing (the vehicle she wanted to use), for some reason didn't’t want to operate correctly and after about 30 minuets of air time, refused to work at all. Gadget thought she had lost nearly two years of her life when she frantically crash landed the plane into some unknown night shrouded tree somewhere in the park. After nearly two hours for frantic searching, she got her bearings and ran back to the Ranger’s tree as fast as her lags could carry her, and made ready the Ranger Plane for take off.

The blonde mouse berated herself for being so complacent about maintaining Ranger gear as she pushed the limits of her vehicle. The Ranger Plane was agonizingly slow compared to the Ranger Wing, even with just the pilot in the seat. But, after cutting a few close turns, and pushing the Plane to the very limits of its flight envelope, Gadget finally made it to the docks as the pre dawn sun began to light the sky.

With a whoosh and a thump Gadget landed the Ranger Plane on top of a huge building that was described in the letter. Without so much as a second thought, she vaulted out of the plane, and began to look around the deserted roof for Chip. There, in the distance, she spied a lone couple huddled together facing the partially darken western sky.

"Excuse me, I’m looking for a friend." She said as she approached the couple. When she got within a few steps of the two, she was able to make out their features. Gadget gasped as recognition swept over her. "Foxglove? Dale!? What are you two doing here?"

Dale seemed to take no notice of Gadget’s presence. But, Foxglove looked sadly at the blonde mouse. "He is gone."

There was a long pause "Where..."

Foxglove resumed the vigil, as the two of them pointed out to sea.

Gadget nervously looked where they pointed and saw a small ship begin to sail beyond the horizon. "Chip," she asked in a small voice. But, a soft mournful blast from the ship’s horn was her only answer as it slipped out of sight.

===========================================================

The End

of

PART ONE

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