Chippendales, Nuts!

By Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Snowaters dropped the tiny outfit, shaking her head. 'Whatever did she do to the poor thing' the snow leopard thought, 'It was only designed to shrink six sizes, not into a Skipper outfit.' Glancing at the strange bug she frowned, it hadn't been part of her design, the tracer was the actual fibers not some outside electronic device.

"'Lith, what is this thing" she asked, seemingly to no one.

<Scanning. Device appears to be made of the same material as Inter-Predator's collar. Function and use unknown.>

Slapping the offending bug thing away she half fell from her seat as she scrambled away. 'Treps collar scared her, it could affect Harry. Anything that could change Harry was too dangerous to be near and here was something created along the same lines.

A muffled giggle caught her attention, reminding her of the two male dancers still waiting. Brushing her dress back in place she turned to inspect her 'gift.' Typical male dancers, in excellent condition they stood calmly waiting her decision. Snowaters was hard pressed, it was doubtful they knew dances she liked and she had

no other use.... 'Ah-Ha!' she thought. Picking up a styles and paper she quickly jotted down directions. Handing the paper to one of the men she smiled.

"You two go to this room and dance your dance for the lady there. I'm sure she will enjoy your performance much more than I ever could and I'm sure she needs a break in her work schedule." As the men started to leave she added. "If she asked, you can honestly tell her Demon sent you, just don't bother mentioning me."

She giggled a moment as the door slid shut. Hollie was nice people. Not interested in her, still during her time on the Klipper Snowaters had learned to respect the others knowledge and abilities. Sending the dancers to such a reclusive woman might even break her out of the shell she had lately drawn about her. As for the bug.

"'Lith, what's the chances this bug is Demon's idea?" she asked.

"Agreed. I wanted to be her friend, but she seems unable to understand the concept" the leopard mummered. "She's probably still aboard, so I'll just take it back to her, its way to dangerous to leave lying about." Carefully picking up the small object Snowaters headed towards the Common room in search for the Toon woman.

"Still you have to agree it was an honest mistake" IP answered as he walked with Diamond. "I mean, your almost her double."

Diamond sighed, "Yes, and I really wish I looked enough different too..." Diamond staggered as Snowaters turned the corner, accidently slamming full force into the younger woman. Both fell in a heap on the deck, Diamond slightly stunned.

Snowaters shook her head, dazedly seeing the other. "Queel" she uttered as she pulled the other up. "Look, your dancers were ok, but this thing is way to dangerous to send around as a joke" she yelled, "Here, take it and put it back where you found it." Tossing the bug at Diamond Snowaters staggered erect, "And next time...."

A brilliant flash stunned both the feline and IP as the small bug landed on Diamonds neck. Momentarily blinded both staggered away as the Squirrel screamed in fright.

"What in the name of Athena, your not....." Snowaters managed. IP looked at the frightened Diamond, the strange bug half hidden in her neck fur. Turning towards Snowaters he opened his mouth.

Snowaters (c) Lord Rees

Demon (c) Scott Alston

Hollie (c) Lynn Witten

Inter-Predator (c) Tracy Kazaleh

Diamond (c) Ben Cartwheel (c) Johnny Amburn