In the time of Oharu

The Second Volume November 1936 to November 1937

Chapter 7

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Spontoon Island created by Mr. Ken Fletcher. Used with permission.

Songmark and other characters (See Appendix A for complete character listing)

created by Mr. Simon Barber, used with permission.

March 19^th, 1937

“You keep everything such clean” the anteater Carmen Velasquez noted, having examined all the SPQR’s building on Meeting Island had to offer. “And logbooks. So detailed. I have not seen the like before.”

Alexia Humber blushed slightly from the older Songmark girls words. “My dear sister and I have had much experience learning to correctly store items” she answered. “Traveling on the Black Rose we soon learned that to simply leave something in a place. It was to not find it there when dearly needed.”

“So such careful record keeping. You were not selected for Songmark then?”

“Lack of maturity” Alexia admitted. “The two of us. I fear that your instructors were quite correct in refusing us. We had come to depend only upon ourselves, the two of us, for so long that we never matured in a social context.” She closed the logbook, looking wistfully at the DUCK floating in its bay. “So much is still true even now. I am aware of exactly what Tina will do and she I. Thus we make a very good team for this employment. You and your friends, you have taught the both of us so very much. We have become so much more useful to our employers.”

“Too, you work for the cheap” the Mixtecan added. “Shell each a day is not enough to live on.”

“One shell, a fifth of a Pound Sterling. Yes Carmen. You are quite correct. The money is very little. Yet there are other advantages to consider. For example. We have free medical care, our work clothing is cleaned, repaired and replaced when needed at no cost to us. We may eat at the Hospital once a day at no cost to us and most importantly to us. Black Rose has a protected berth that costs us not one farthing.”

Carmen laughed. “Spoken as true Songmark girl. What have is worth more than average salary. You both do well. When enter Songmark you already have one important lesson learned.”

Alexia sat on a box of parts, folding her paws in her lap. “It has been only since November that we first met Carmen, yet I feel I have known you all my life.” She pushed at a wrinkle in her purple overalls. “You must know this now. Should there be but one place open in Songmark next year, I have decided that I shall allow Tina to have it.”

Concern flashed across the anteaters face, for she too had come to a decision of late. “This will be the why” she asked gently.

“Tina has become quite enamored with her Alexander. They are together sometimes three days a week. It seems that she has made a decision, and as such remaining upon Spontoon is the best option for her. Alexander is very intelligent, well educated and though not of some English landed family, I feel that he is very good for her. As her older sister, and being responsible for her I have conversed with my parents about this. Though they both are somewhat disappointed in Tina’s choice, they feel that she has the right to choose.”

“And you” Carmen asked, moving to sit next to the English mink.

“I wish to keep this employment. There is excitement yes. I am doing important work. And my salary will double should Tina be chosen. Still I have another option awaiting me, should I not retain my position. I may return home. I will then locate, with mothers help, an acceptable landed male and marry.” Alexia shrugged, a habit she had picked up since arriving on Spontoon. “Truth be told Carmen, we both understood before leaving England that our chances were very low and that most likely. At best only one would be chosen. Oh I do hope that we are both accepted this time, but I have decided that my sisters dreams are important enough to give them life. Should that be the choice.”

Carmen edged closer, now almost touching the mink. “Tina. Her words on this matter?”

“Not of her business Carmen.”

“Ah. Well, as is your day off. I wish to take you to dinner. You will come?”

“Dinner?” Alexia laughed. “Carmen. You take me to meals, shows and long walks every time you come here. Are you rich or something? Or just trying to get me fat.”

“I am third year with no love” Carmen answered seriously. “I have time, I wish. You much fun to be with as friend. Any way, things much better enjoyed when two share than one. Will come?”

“Of course I will come. A friend like you, why I would be a cad to ignore you. Please though a few minutes. I must change, then inform Tina where we will be. In case of an emergency you understand.” She stood, Carman watching the mink as she walked to the waiting Black Rose. “And I do like being with you” she called back as she stepped upon the Black Rose’s well cared for deck.

Dinner proved most satisfying, as was the conversation Alexia decided when she finally sat her napkin onto her plate. Carmen had spoken about Songmark, her mistakes, her victories. Many of the instructors tricks, such as the patterned double colored sand to keep one from marching without the weight. Alexia had spoken of the voyage from England to Spontoon, her dreams after Songmark. Dreams now of being a pilot for the Air Rescue group. Should she be so lucky as to be selected for classes. It had been an enjoyable, and wonderful time. ‘Almost as though I were on a date’ she decided.

Their walk back was just as pleasant, a near clear sky above allowing an excellent view of the stars above, once they had left the small town and its lights behind them. Now they were on a small beach near the SPQR hanger sitting in the sand, each trying to be the last not to know which star was what. Eventually Carmen had to admit surrender. Alexia’s nautical knowledge and experience having given her the edge.

“How you learn so many stars” Carmen asked as she lay back on the sand, her eyes locked on one of the stars above her. Better that star than Alexia discovering the truth of her growing feelings she had decided.

“At night there isn’t all that much to do” Alexia answered, following the anteaters lead and laying back on the sand. It placed her very close to Carmen, a fact she ignored as she studied the stars above her. Abruptly a shooting star crossed the sky, its short brilliant life leaving a tail in the sky. “Those are always wonderful to see” she added.

“Alexia” Carmen asked softly.

“Yes?”

“If you not selected for Songmark. We are starting exploration company. My friends and I. Could always use a good record keeper, and is always the next year.”

“Another job?” Alexia asked. “As a desk jockey? Thank you Carmen. I really do thank you but I would rather stay with SPQR. At least then I will be working with aircraft, not simply pushing numbers across paper.”

Carmen rolled to face her companion, abruptly noting Alexia’s delightful silhouette against lights beyond her. “You will be with me” she pressed lightly. “I will teach you.”

“Yes, you would. But it would not be Songmark training will it. You will always be looking out for me, I will always be less than you need.” She too rolled to face her companion, only to learn yet another fact about anteaters facial structure as their lips met. For a moment she was stunned, Carmen surprised. Then Carmen’s arms encircled the minks body, pulling them together. Alexia echoed the action a moment later.

Tina Humber woke to the phones incessant ringing. Rolling over she grabbed the receiver between her and her sisters bed. “SPQR. Tina Humber” she glanced at the radium dial next to the phone. “0417. Yes, certainly. Preparing now.” Quickly she replaced the receiver, rolling out of bed and nearly pouring herself into her work clothing. Alexia’s bed she noted was unused. Where was her sister at this hour she wondered. Running up the ladder onto Black Rose’s deck she leapt across the gap between ship and berth. Making her way quickly to the front door the mink slapped at a large switch even as she unlocked the door. A moment later and the SPQR hanger lit up as every light came to life. Although she and her sister had practiced being alone at such a call several times Tina found the extra work daunting. She had just finished opening the double doors that would allow the DUCK to exit when Alexia, followed by the Songmark girl Carmen ran into the building. Without a word Alexia picked up her part of the work while Carmen made a point of staying out of the way.

Abruptly Tina stopped in front of Carmen. “You will pilot again, or must I call Moon Island and beg a pilot?”

“Pilot?” Carmen looked to the DUCK. “Yes. Where?”

“Ironweed Reef. 118 miles due East. A cargo ship has run aground. They radio that they have a fire and injuries. They have explosions. Two ships fishing together are responding, for them it is over a two hour travel time. I will get the chart and your helmet. I will inform Songmark of your situation as soon as you leave.” She pressed something heavy into Carman’s paw. “Model 1911. Fully loaded with two spare magazines in your map case. Since a previous attempted hijacking of the DUCK the Hospital now requires all pilots to carry loaded arms.”

“Thank you” Carmen answered as she headed for the aircraft to start her own pre-flight.

By the time Doctor Annette Riverstone arrived everything was ready. Tina and Alexia carefully guided the aircraft free of its hanger, then watched in silence as Carmen increased power, turning into the rising morning wind.

“Takeoff, 0423" Alexia noted, turning to fill in the waiting logbook.

Tina followed her, brushing sand off her sisters arm while she wrote. “I am again proceeded” she remarked softly. “Yet not by that much I believe. For I had intended to allow my Alexander his way tomorrow.”

Alexia continued writing, pausing only to ask the initial call time. Finally she finished, then setting the fountain pen aside before she turned to face her sister. “It was unexpected. We are very good friends Tina. It simply happened” she admitted. “It will not occur again, my word.”

“Make her an honest woman” the younger mink demanded as she started dialing the number to Songmark.

“TINA” Alexia gasped, only to have to remain silent while her younger sister carefully explained what had happened and where their third year student presently was. They would talk about this later, when cleanup was completed.

Forty some minutes later and now in early daylight Carmen Velasquez looked down at the wreck site five hundred feet below her. Or what should have been a wreck, for nothing was to be seen now but floating debris with perhaps one waving arm in the sea. “Ironwood Reef. Chart says four feet below sea level high tide” she explained to her passenger over the aircrafts intercom. “Here is it high tide now. Sea around as deep as two thousand feet. Maybe much more. Old volcano. We cannot land closer than one hundred feet from survivor. Please check your belts.” She then turned the craft in a right pawed turn, ending up less then thirty feet above the water and facing her destination when she straightened out. A moment later the DUCK’s hull kissed the water.

When the DUCK had ceased its forward momentum Carmen opened her portion of the canopy, standing to look around her. She could see broken boards and other material floating before her, with what looked like a body on a crate within the reef itself. Taking a deep breath she increased her engines power, easing her borrowed aircraft forwards to within a dozen feet of the unmoving fur.

“I will get him” Doctor Riverstone offered. “It’s ah short swim.”

“Walk” Carmen corrected. “We just bump reef, must let current push back away some.”

Annette waved her understanding, grabbing a small leather bag as she exited the aircraft. “Told Sandy this would be ah good idea” she informed her pilot as she slipped out onto the starboard lower wing. Making her way carefully into the water she was surprised to find that it barely reached her breasts. There really wasn’t time to be amazed by this, walking on land, even submerged land more than sixty miles from the nearest habitable island. She had a possible survivor to care for so moving as quickly as she safely could the otter made her way to that single body.

While Doctor Riverstone made her way to the body Carmen kept sentry for any approaching craft. They were alone out here, with the nearest friendly ships still over an hour away. There was something about this scene that bothered her, but she didn’t have time to more than note that worry right now. When the otter reached that body Carmen watched for only a few seconds, then returned to her attempt to watch 360 degrees of sea and 180 degrees of air at the same time. It wasn’t until the DUCK rocked as the otter returned that Carmen relaxed a little.

“Get us out of here, now” Annette ordered softly. “As fast as yah can.” She was already strapping into her seat, still dripping seawater when the DUCK’s single engine roared to life. They were at three angels and climbing hard when the Mixtecan turned on the intercom.

“What is it” Carmen asked, scanning the skies about them even as she fought for altitude.

“That body is at least three days dead.” Annette explained as she pulled out her own glasses, studying the sky behind them. “And there wasn’t a single piece of metal anywhere other than that crate.”

“Ruling out the explosion” Carmen agreed. She leveled out at nine angels. With no oxygen, or any way to use it even if they had it flying higher invited disaster. “Why the call. Unless to determine response time?”

“And why would anyone care. That body was burned, but resolution of rigor was already beginning before we arrived. That cannot occur in these warm waters until at least seventy-two hours after death. I think yah better call Spontoon. Somethins up here an I don’t like to be used.”

Another phone call caught Alexia in the shower and Tina again asleep. Reaching from the tiny ships shower, after shutting of the thin water flow Alexia snagged the receiver from her sisters near exhausted grasp. “Zero six oh three” Tina mumbled, falling back to sleep.”

“SPQR. Alexia Humber. 0603" the older girl spoke into the microphone. She was dripping water onto the Black Rose’s deck but that could be cleaned up. “Yes. Yes I understand. Thank you. We will stand by.” Leaning far over she replaced the phone into its cradle. Then returned to her aborted shower. Only a fool let soap dry into their fur. When she came out of the shower, rubbing her fur with a towel that had been new in England she found her sister watching her. “The DUCK stopped transmitting while reporting what they had found. It is probably nothing more than a radio failure. As they were returning, I think that we should expect to see them shortly.”

“There is the emergency radio” Tina reminded her sister. “It does have sufficient range.”

“They have heard nothing” Alexia explained. “On any channel. Only that there was something strange and they were returning. Also to turn those ships back.”

“My dear. This does sound like trouble. What should we do?”

Alexia looked at the currently closed hanger doors. “I will call Songmark. We will complete today’s cleaning then you will go with your Alexander.” She shrugged. “There is absolutely nothing more we can do.”

“So turning North was such a grand idea” Annette said in a dry voice through the still working intercom.

“Maldición banditos” Carmen answered as she fought to keep the DUCK steady. “Who was to know they would be to the North and also?”

They were currently flying at the J2's maximum cursing speed, some 190 miles per hour. Maybe more since a great deal or weight had vanished with the removal of the aircrafts military armor and specialized gear. Thirty minutes and somewhere behind and below them struggled two black painted Nakajima E8N2 amphibious aircraft. Their original closure had been from the port and several thousand feet above the DUCK. Both women had gotten very good looks at both aircraft and one pilot. Very good looks.

“Any luck with the radio” Carmen asked.

“Emergency smoked when I turned ‘er on” Annette reported. “Main just does nothin but light up. Tha panel I mean, can’t tell about those tube thingies cause I can’t see ‘em.”

“What about visitors?”

Picking up her field glasses Annette searched the sky behind them. “Nothing below, above or beside us in my field of view” she reported after several minutes searching.

A sigh of relief came from Annette’s pilot. “Lost them. We have ninety miles an hour the faster speed. Twice ceiling range. Unless have more ships are safe for the now.” Still she turned the DUCK East again, away from Spontoon and real safety.

Annette noticed the turn. She had also noticed a smell of blood. Having checked herself she knew it wasn’t hers, but facing backwards there was no way she could check on her pilot. “Where are we going now” she asked, afraid that Carmen had lost control.

“If dead reckoning is correct. Chart says several tiny islands twenty-three miles from us now. Land, repair what can. Run for home at night.”

“And our range is over seven hundred miles” Annette reminded her pilot. “One hundred and eighteen miles due East, I think about one hundred miles due North and another twenty or so East North East. Say two hundred and forty miles. If the fuel tank isn’t punctured, about two hundred miles back home. Lets say worst case four hundred miles round trip. Dooable.”

“Yes. You flew from Hawaii in this aircraft yes?” Carmen asked as she searched the waters below them.

“With Sandy. That’s why this craft is named Sandy. She died you know.”

“Yes.” Carmen shut up then. It was only by force of will that she was remaining awake. A bullet had come through the DUCK’s lower fuselage, skimming across the left side of her head before impacting the armored canopy above her. That was where it still was. In its passage it had given the anteater a nasty scalp wound, and a hopefully light concussion. At least she had a Doctor with her. Now if she could only find a safe place to let down for a night. Or two.

“They are late” Tina noted as she wrote in the logbook that information. “Very late. Hours and hours late.”

“That will be enough” Alexia snapped, then apologized almost instantly. “Your date will be here soon, you must make yourself ready.”

“Alexander will not come today” Tina informed her sister. “I made certain to call his uncle while you were in the loo. Once I explained he was very understanding. A weeks delay is not that very important.”

“But you planned” Alexia reminded her sister.

“He has waited, he did not know. Alexander has been the complete gentleman. Better than most of those mother brought home for us. Why the very prim and proper Walter Shiplock tried to open my blouse in the parlor. I shall simply surprise Alexander with my gift the next week.”

Alexia slumped into a chair, something she hadn’t done since she was three. “Thank you Tina.”

“You are welcome. However, should you have pups first I warn you, I will never speak with you again.”

Alexia managed a short laugh. “My word, you will have pups before I. And there is no new word?’

“None. You should sleep now. It has been two very long days sister. I give my word. Should any news arrive I will wake you. Now I must give Songmark their hourly report. Good night Alexia.”

“You have a concussion Carmen, and a bad one. No sleep until morning understand?”

“I do” the Mixtecan born anteater agreed. “Thank you for taking so careful of me.”

Annette leaned back against a palm tree, one of five on the very tiny island Carmen had spotted from five hundred feet. “I am a Doctor Miss Velasquez. It is my duty to care for you.” She kicked at the sand with a bare foot. “Beside, I cannot fly. It is simple self interest. I might survive a bitter hard week here alone, you?”

“Until next big storm” Carmen answered. “Island is only seven feet above sea level. Big wave overtop easily. Is plenty of fish, insects, water. Scrap DUCK for shelter and tools.”

Annette looked across from them where the DUCK was currently aground, even though it was high tide. Carmen had come in faster than needed, knowing she had to get most, if not all of their aircraft out of the water. “No fuel leak, no oil leaks” she reminded her companion.

Carmen reminded herself not to nod in agreement. “Float has many holes as you report. One, two days to repair for safe flight I think. You miss your date I fear.”

“He’ll live.” Closing her eyes Annette brought forth an image of Major Hawkins to her mind. “Poor boy. He doesn’t understand American women. I wonder what he’d think if he knew I was falling in love with him? Having already lost two wives he’ll probably run away like a frightened child. Have you someone special?”

“Alexia” Carmen admitted. “I am I think in love. Not know how she feels. Will when we get back I think.”

“Oh yes, when we get back” Annette agreed, laughing softly. “There is not test of ones true feelings than to believe the other lost forever.”

Near sunrise in the English Consulate things were not at all quiet. “Who are they” the bulldog known as Major Hawkins asked.

A younger border collie also known only as Mr. Dassher shook his head no. “No one knows. They showed up barely more than a month ago. At first simply shadowing that rescue craft. Once an attack but sir. Never close enough to be seen well. All we know is that the ships are amphibians and have a silver marking on their sides. Nothing else.”

“Silver marking. Could be anything. Pig, horse or lion. No help there. No one we know. What about the Japanese, Chinese, Americans or my good God even the Russians?”

“Nothing sir. No one has gotten closer than that DUCK so far. They just turn and run away from any armed aircraft.”

Hawkins jammed his pipe between his teeth, biting so hard it would leave impressions later. “Need to talk to two people. Get young Millicent in here. Now.”

Not to long later the housecat known as Millicent stepped into the office. She looked of sleep, disheveled, her clothing was rumpled and she needed a good brushing. “Sir” she asked. “You sent for me?”

“I’ve two jobs for you little lady” Hawkins answered. “Both require that you return to your quarters, brush up and return here. I’ll have two messages. Verbal messages for you to carry. You are still seeing Two Red Stones yes?”

“Yes sir. We have dinner once a week. Normally on Thursdays sir, as in my reports.”

“Very good. You are going to see him. You have something important you want to tell him. Your with child. Make it look good. Then you will be going to Meeting Island. You know where.”

“Sir. It is three twelve in the morning.”

Hawkins looked up from the papers he was shuffling about. “And?”

“A lady. At this time in the morning. Sir, please.”

Very softly Hawkins made his point very clear. “You young Millicent. Will do exactly as I tell you. Else there will be no wedding, you will return to England today and your life will not be worth the living ever again. A certain church run sanatorium in Ireland comes to mind. Meaning that a certain Russian sable will never feast upon your body again. This is fully understood?”

“Perfectly sir” a very white faced young feline answered. “With your leave.” She turned and nearly ran from the room.

“A bit rough on the girl sir” Mr. Dassher noted when he returned. “She was crying, I have only seen her cry once. When she thought she was going to die. But this. Sir she was absolutely bawling.”

“Won’t make an agent. Dash it all Dassher, she argued with me. Said a Lady would not do such things at this time of night. As if she were a Lady.”

“Now dash away! dash away! dash away all! She’s not ready to be pushed this hard. Not yet. And she does see herself as a Lady.”

Hawkins removed his pipe, pointing the mouthpiece at his companion. “This is not the Night before Christ--mass and, by my soul, I’ve near bitten the poor thing in half.” He studied his pipe, shrugged and tossed it in the trash. “She’s best for the job. Not a professional, not even trying to be. Simply a girl who has made a mistake and finds herself in a disaster of her own making. No one will expect. Now give me time to write man, she changes clothing three times as fast now a-days.”

“Wake up” Annette demanded, throwing a cupped pawful of saltwater into Carmen’s face. Sputtering the anteater fought to open her eyes, failed, then fought again. Finally she won, but not by much.

“Time” she asked in a bleary voice. It had been such a long time since her nice soft bed in the sand, and she wanted so much to remember it again. “Concussion... it is the owies.”

“Three forty five, and if you can make it tah sunrise you can sleep tha day away.”

“I am thrown out of Songmark” Carman groaned. “My pass expired at the midnight. Ruined I am.”

Annette settled down against her palm tree, watching her injured young patient. “I truly think that tha Songmark Iron Maidens will understand” she commented. “Now keep those eyes open or I’ll strip yah clean ahn pour saltwater on you so you itch tah death.”

“Is the good idea” Carmen decided. “Help to undress me, please.”

“Carmen. I was joking” Annette laughed as she watched her pilot struggle with fasteners that normally would have been second nature for her.

“I though am not. The itching, will help me to stay awake. Concussion, to sleep first night is to pass into coma. That means the slow death here.” She finally started opening her flight suit and soon the otters paws were helping. If those pirates found them now they were dead anyway, and Annette had to admit that Carmen was right. Even if she wasn’t a doctor. Moving over she helped the anteater to remove her clothing.

“Mam, its four thirty inna morning. Everyones asleep. If you’ll just come by in four hours it’ll be easy.”

Before him a very desirable English feline stood just inside the pool of light that was cast by his consulates main entry. By her actions, constantly touching her belly with one paw or the other he had a fair idea of the poor girls problem. That Two Red Stones had finally gotten a girl into trouble amused the young corporal. Not that it had happened to him, not yet. But the Amerindian was always so careful.

“I must be to work at that time” Millicent explained. “And please sir, I would much rather no one else know that I have come here. Please sir.”

“Its corporal” the fox terrier explained. “Well, let me see what I can do. Have ah seat over there, I’ll call tha watch officer.”

Millicent looked to the bench the guard had pointed at. It was in very bright light she noted. “Oh no, please. People will see. If it is all right with you corporal, I will remain here?”

“Suit yerself.” He stepped back, opening a tiny door hidden from Millicent’s view and withdrew a standard telephone receiver. “Officer of the Watch” he said into the receiver all the while watching a nervous Millicent. This was going to make a great story.

“And” Carmen asked irritably. She was again dressed, now that her fur had dried the salt in her fur was irritation enough.

“I walked the entire islands beach and center with the electric torch” Annette answered. “There is no evidence that anyone has been here in the last day, or ten. In fact young lady, it is only a fifteen minute walk around the island. This place cannot be larger than half ahn acre.”

“As I much suspected” Carmen admitted. “We must search come the sun for anything useful. Like fresh water. We have but what is left in that tank the girls supplied.”

“Not quite four gallons, I have been careful” Annette agreed. “You wished though ah report. Very well. We are on the West beach, the only sandy beach this strip of nothing has. To the North is ah solid stone cliff, maybe four feet high. It breaks down to the East as large boulders, becomin paw sized pebbles as it turns East. I found a campsite near the islands center, but even the firepit was sand blown. A hump that might be a dump towards that Eastern beach. These five palms, a pawful of smaller waist high ones tryin tah survive and some worked stones that look older than dirt.”

Silence fell as Carmen worked over the limited information her companion had given her. Sand blown, at least one storm since the last visitors. Yet someone came here and there was no way to tell if they were friendly or not. A fishing groups rest area she wondered. Pirates wouldn’t be so careful as to cover their leavings, other than perhaps the organic ones. “I will look into it tomorrow” she decided. “Maybe. Must repair radio first.” She looked to the east where a glow just might be visible, or it might be nothing more that the world aflame in her mind. At the least her double vision had cured itself, as long as she did not move her head very quickly. ‘I may live’ she thought, ‘But I will most assuredly not like it.’

Two Red Stones walked into the American Consulates garden with Millicent. If she were with kit or not he did not know, or honestly care at the moment. That if she were it could not possibly be his he was dead certain, as simply holding paws on occasion could never give a woman a child. So why was she here he wondered. To find out he would play her game, though it would cost him dearly for a while as the butt of many guardhouse jokes. “And the reason for such an early morning visit” he asked, casting his voice low so that the listeners would believe him trying to keep a secret.

Millicent’s paws went to her stomach at his question, as if trying to protect something within. “You will be angry with me.” she answered in a voice not quite as low as the cougars. “Tatiana will be angry. My mother-in-law will be angry. Oh God, we must speak to Oharu, lest her anger...” she left the words unsaid, but what she had said told the American what was needed.

“When” he asked.

“Now. Today. As soon as possible. Oh and I must speak with Tatiana first. You will come with me?”

Two Red Stones shook his head no. “I have duty. Perhaps this evening?”

Millicent nodded in agreement. “I will talk to Tatiana fist. Then meet you at your gates. What time?”

“Eight I think. No sooner.”

Nodding in agreement again Millicent looked towards a guard just in view. “They will laugh at you.”

“Perhaps I will eat them when they do” he answered in a louder voice. “Now off to your Tatiana. I will see you at eight tonight. Not a moment sooner. Then we will go to your future mother in law and speak.”

With a smile on her face Millicent lifted upon her toes as far as she could, kissing the cougar full on his mouth. Then she grabbed him in a hug. All under the watching eyes of the two guards. “And I do want a pup from you, in the future” she whispered into the Amerindian’s ear.

Two Red Stones watched in amusement as Millicent hurried to the main gate, pausing artfully at the entrance to cast a kiss with one paw. Then she was gone. “Given training, she would make a good actress” he whispered as he walked back to his own quarters. “But never an agent. Too transparent. Simply too transparent.”

Doctor Annette Riverstone tapped Carmen on the arm as the first rays of sunlight touched the treetops above them. “Is sunrise, you may sleep now.”

Carmen Velasquez, daughter of one of the richest families in Mixtecan nation, Songmark Third year, savior of both their lives grinned, and fell asleep in the sand.

“She is noh here” the skunk on Songmark’s gate informed Millicent. “Off beachcombin.”

“Not bloody likely” Millicent snapped. “I have not come this far simply to be made the butt of a joke.” She stepped forward, closer to the surprised skunk. “You are more than capable of besting me in force of arms. This I accept. But you will not treat me as a child. I am a grown woman and I am asked for the woman I will very soon now marry. So she is where?”

“Main island” the skunk answered in a much more civilized one. “South hook. Miss, you won’t be allowed close to them. Tis tah rules.”

A feral grin blossomed upon Millicent’s face, one that even a few months ago would never had occurred. “Watch me” she almost whispered, then turned, running back towards her waiting water taxi. She had to speak to Tatiana. She had to. Getting to see the American was one thing, a simple act she had played in boarding school. But to get to Meeting Island without undesirable attention she needed advice. Advice the kind only her Tatiana could give her.

“Sister. Perhaps they have simply encountered mechanical problems. Carmen is a Songmark third year. Should there be anyone who may bring them out of this, it would be a Songmark third year.”

Alexia stopped her work, that of inventorying everything in the Black Rose. “It has been a day and more Tina, with no word. It is very possible that they were attacked, as Doctor Kiwi and Pilot Hendersson were last month. If so, they may be captives. Or as you say, they may have simply encountered mechanical problems that forced them down. In either case there is absolutely nothing we can do. I am simply making certain that, should we find ourselves abruptly unemployed that we will have no difficulty leaving for home immediately.”

Tina opened her mouth, then slowly closed it. Far be it for her to mention that there were tear channels in her sisters fur. “Then I shall help by insuring that all records here are up to date” she finally agreed. Turning her back on her sister she was certain that she had heard a tiny sob. Could it be that her older sister was in love the mink wondered. Without straining Tina could remember the one boy her older sister had pined for. That had been years, and thousands of miles ago. ‘Oh my dear God in Heaven’ she thought suddenly, an image of her older sister and the Songmark girl entering into her mind. ‘What will Father Killiepactric say when he finds out.’

“Lyubovnik, you get me thrown out” Tatiana hissed when Millicent entered Red Dorm’s little camp.

“Dah. If I had not at first spoken with those who watch. It as agreed that this problem I have it is sufficient to consider such an emergency. You will walk with me zhynah ckopo.”

“Dah, and your accent. It still is poor.” Following the English feline Millicent Tatiana shrugged to her dormmates. A few minutes and over a hundred feet later she stood open mouthed in shock. “Carmen is missing? And the Doctor Riverstone? We have not been so informed.”

“Then consider yourself informed my love” Millicent explained. “I need an excuse to go to Meeting Island. I am watched now, I am certain that it is Jarvinia. She has made little attempt to hide herself. Either she believes me an idiot, or wishes me to know. Yo must ask her, later. Now I must find a way to loose for a time, yet to do so is beyond me.” She stepped back two steps when the sable approached her. “Do not Tattie. I was warned that to touch you would be to insure a great many demerits to you, and your dorm.”

Tatiana shrugged again, sitting on a fallen tree trunk, motioning her love to sit on a stone across from her. “Thank you. Your problem. You used the chance of child within you to see American dah? Then do same to see mother, after to see Doctor Riverstone. They tell you she missing is. Confused, troubled you walk around Meeting island. I think perhaps new controller find way to contact you.”

Millicent withdrew a large bag of chocolates from her purse, pausing to select one and eat it, placing the bag beside her upon the stone after doing so. “You are an agent, Jarvinia is an agent. Dear Tattie, I am not now nor shall I ever be an agent. Why do they do this to me?”

Tatiana glanced at the bag, didn’t Millicent yet know what her simple actions did to others who had not? “If you are to be best ambassador. Must understand what agents you send experience. Millie, is training only. Now you must go. I have guard duty soonest.”

“I miss you. I need you” the feline admitted as she stood. “Were it not for the demerits. Now, here. So hurry back to me, please?” She then turned and walked back into the jungle line, leaving Tatiana standing alone, looking after her.

“Is truth. She does love me beyond belief” the sable whispered to no one. Then she too stood, only to note that the bag had been left behind. “Oh my Millie, you so do understand.” Snatching the bag she hurried back to Red Dorm’s encampment.

“Both useless” Carmen declared after half a days fiddling with their shattered radios. “Two rounds through main, one in emergency. We will then fly silent home.” Picking up one of the now useless pieces of equipment she carried it to the ducks open cargo hold, carefully strapping it down before eventually doing the same with the other. “Fixed oil leak in engine. That only simple damage to line. Mink girls pack good spare parts.”

“Why not dump ‘em” Doctor Riverstone asked. “The radios I mean. They nothing but junk.”

Carmen laughed as she closed the cargo door. “That is why I am the Songmark girl. You are the doctor. You see. Return and mink can repair. Emergency she needs new dynamo. Main needs other parts. Problem is two tubes broken on both are same. We have only one tube spare. Could receive maybe, days work. Or fly home before next sunrise.” She raised a paw to her wounded head, wincing. Though the danger of coma was probably past the anteater truly wished that she had first enjoyed the drink that had given her such a hangover.

“And the float” Annette asked, having noted that movement.

“DUCK will sink” Carmen agreed. “Twenty, thirty minute after landing. It not problem. Alexia and sister. They haul DUCK from water before sink. Have very strong lift waiting.” She sat in the shade cast by the DUCK’s Port wing, giving her pounding head some release from the sun. “We pack up now. Be in air half hour.”

A droning noise caused her to look upwards. Her trained eyes easily spotted the single aircraft flying in their direction. “Glasses” she demanded from Annette, who had just entered the DUCK’s cockpit. Quickly the field glasses landed in Carmen’s lap, still in their case. She pulled them out, carefully studying the on-coming craft. “Is Nakajima” Carmen reported a few moments later. “Take position.” Quickly shoving the glasses back into their case she tossed them up to Annette, who barely caught the strap in time. Her own flight suit in the aircraft Carmen had no time to dress, so she pulled the .45 she had been loaned and hurried to their little campsite. For her it was a matter of seconds to flip one blanket over the other, stamping the sand to make it look from the sky as though only one sleep place had ever been there. Then laying so that she could see the beach she waited. One aircraft, two crew. She had three clips but two were in the cockpit. Arming her weapon she took the safety off. She was responsible for the otters safety, so she was darn well going to do her Songmark best. A last quick glance showed the otter hanging half out of the cockpit on her back, naked from the waist up with her arms hanging loosely. Absolutely no sign of life and it was a painful position to hold. Now if only this would work. At least it was only one aircraft.

It came in low and slow, the flat black paint making it look like some evil spirit hunting the living. It passed over twice, then made a strafing run. Carmen heard bullets hit the DUCK’s fuselage, watched as one struck almost next to the otter but Doctor Riverstone made no move. Then they strafed Carmen’s position. 7.7 mm bullets pounded the sand near her, tossing sand in her face. Carmen though held her breath lest she sneezed. Another low run over the ‘crash scene’ and the enemy aircraft made to land.

“That is the last coil of rope sister” Alexia announced. “What of your inspection of the bilges?”

A bit smaller than her older sister Alexia, Tina always seemed to find herself checking the bilges. “Dry sister. I cleared some small debris from the pumps screen. I noted no leaks, still should we remain much longer I would like to pull Rose from the water. I am certain that her copper plating requires attention by now.”

“Very well. Should we be here in seven days then we will attend to our ship. All the records are up to date and correct. With our inventory now complete, it awaits only our dismissal. Then home to England. We will try again next year. With all now complete I will be walking on the beach, I truly need time to myself. Should we be needed. Please use the horn.” Setting down her clipboard Alexia Humber walked away from the Black Rose.

Tina watched her sister leave, certain that she understood the problem. Her sister was in love, and the person that she was in love with was missing. Perhaps even dead. Should her own Alexander vanish Tina knew that it would break her heart. For never had she seen her sister in such a state. Never had either of them given up. On anything.

Jarvinia Schwarzkopf was waiting on the dock when Millicent returned from her visit with a rather reclusive ferret. “So. Doctor she says what” the otter asked as she stood aside for Millicent to enter the waiting water taxi.

Millicent sat first, waiting until the German had joined her before answering. “Doctor Riverstone is missing” she explained. “Casino Island please” she told the waiting taxi pilot. She started to drop her coin into the waiting wooden bowl when Jarvinia stopped her. “I pay. If you will talk to me?”

“No state secrets” Millicent agreed. “As if I knew any.”

“No state, no Songmark. Agreed.” Placing the required payment into the taxis fare bowl she sat back. “You are not with the kitten” she stated.

“I do not know” Millicent countered. “As I told you. Doctor Riverstone is missing. She is my Gynecologist.”

“So two hours you wait at hospital? Millicent, I go look for you. You are friend.”

“I walked. I thought.” Millicent explained. “I needed time. Tatiana is not happy with me. I must speak with her mother tonight. Jarvinia. Sometimes we make wrong choices. I may have. It could cost me my marriage before I am even married. And Jarvinia, I am no spy, yet even I know you have followed me all day. I have nothing to hide today, you may ask me anything about today and I will answer.”

Turning her head towards Casino Island the otter was silent for a good five minutes. Still looking at Casino Island she spoke again. “You are good friend Millicent. So I come to tell you. I may be ordered swim to Sacred Island tomorrow night. If so, we not ever see each other again.”

Millicent grabbed the otters shoulder, turning her by pure physical force. “What idiot is sending anyone there. Even I know that it is a death sentence. For anyone the Priestess’s do not send, and sometimes even then.”

Taking a deep breath Jarvinia shrugged. “From Berlin. The Vril Society. Something called The Second Fragment. Return it to Germany immediately if it is found. I am next on list this week for stupid orders from Berlin.”

“I have heard of them” Millicent admitted. “The fragments. It is a tourist story.”

“So I believe too” the German agreed. “I am a good Roman Catholic my friend. My people do not know this but I am. I do not believe in such occult things. Magic Spears, lost ancient races, fragments.”

“Cranium Island?” Millicent asked softly.

“That I believe in” the otter admitted with a shudder of not quite repressed fear. “Most assuredly I believe in Cranium Island.”

“I must see Honored Mother Oharu tonight. Will you come with me?”

“Tonight?” Jarvinia shook her head no. “If it is decided, then I must be purified tonight. At midnight bell. Tomorrow? Before sundown.”

“I would be delighted to escort my only German friend to my future mother in-law” Millicent agreed. “Come to the Consulates gate and ask for me. I will find a way. My word upon it.”

“Your word I have found, is better than many blood signed oaths. But to your problem. It has been how long since your missed moon.”

“A full week now.”

That answer caused the otter to laugh. “Oh my friend Millicent. Ja, meinen Freund. It is you worry for nothing. It is stress that causes this. Nothing more.”

“You are certain?”

“Ja. Happen to my sister before she married her Klaus. You will see. Morning after wedding everything back to normal. You make big problem for nothing.”

“I am in so very much trouble” the feline admitted.

“Ja. But you very pretty. You get out of it. Thank you for laugh on such for me a dark day.”

Carmen rolled the second body over. The idiots had run their aircraft ashore and leapt out as if at a children’s park. One had walked towards Annette, the other towards Carmen. Neither had even bothered to un-holster their weapons. She gave neither a chance to try. After checking both bodies she turned to Annette. The otter still hadn’t moved and that worried Carmen, until she realized the problem. With all the blood that had rushed to Annette’s head the otter had simply passed out. Or was it fear? Neither was important, Annette had simply been bait. Nothing more. Helping the good doctor down Carmen waited until the otter was awake before turning to the still idling aircraft.

A silver rook was painted upon its side. A rook with the number three in black at its center. Taking no chances Carmen inspected the craft. When she was certain that it was safe she began removing every written bit of material that she could find. Only then, and when it was safely packed into her own craft did she remove the radio. It was of Japanese make. In fact everything about the craft screamed Cipangu with two exceptions. Her crew. Both were no more oriental than she was.

“Krupmark” Annette asked as now fully recovered she pulled her clothing back on.

“They not this stupid” Carmen answered. “Not by half. Even Chicago girl Molly smarter than this when she come to Songmark.” Carrying the radio across to their craft she waited until Annette opened the cargo hold, giving her a place to work. After setting down the radio she climbed in, replacing her nearly empty clip with a full one. “Never forget re-load weapons” she instructed the civilian.

“And the radio.”

“I do not read Japanese” the Mixtecan admitted. “Numbers standard Arabic. Should be able do something with this.”

“And the aircraft?”

“You ask too many question doctor. “We put bodies in cockpit, open drain hole for floats. Set on high idle let sink in deep water.”

Annette looked at the still idling aircraft. “Such a waste of a useful machine.”

“Is the truth” Carmen agrees as she opened the toolbox. “You cannot fly. I cannot fly two aircraft. Cannot chance will be discovered by owners before we return. So dies. A sad loss yes.” Carrying a wrench she walked to the first body, dragging the hound up out of the surf long enough to relieve him of everything in his pockets, on his fingers and other places. Then with Annette’s help the two managed to get him onto the float. But the cockpit would be impossible they discovered. Annette was simply too weak to lift him high enough and Carmen’s head pounded when she tried.

“Tie to struts with belt, best we can do” Carmen decided. Then she went to the second body. He had been the pilot and something about him bothered her. When she turned him over she understood. He was familiar to her. A pilot that she had seen in Mahnaish’s restaurant many times. He was an low ranking American military pilot. A courier for the consulate if she remembered correctly. He was also close friends with a certain second year. Very close. Carmen remembered that the girl had asked Miss Blande about the rules for marriage once after one of his longer visits. Relieving him of everything he carried, one item which was a photo of that very girl she dragged him down to the beach as well.

Not too long after an already sinking floatplane headed out to sea with a light breeze at its back. While Annette watched the ship sink, and kept her eyes and ears open for any other visitors Carmen worked to make the Japanese radio work in an American aircraft.

“Alexia.”

Turning around to the voice Alexia found herself facing a short calico in nothing but a grass skirt. “You are” she asked, not exactly certain herself.

“I am called by some Honored Mother” the calico answered. “I much prefer one of my name. Dia-Kura.”

“I see. What can a simple English country girl do for a Spontoon Priestess” she asked.

“It is I who come to help you” Dia-Kura corrected. “Your pain I feel all the way to my friends home.”

“Oh. It isn’t important Dia-Kura.”

“Dia or Kura, please. Do not lie. Your face. Matted with tears. Come. Sit with me. We shall talk. Please?”

Alexia shrugged. It was said that Spontoon Priestess’s could do strange things. Not that she believed it, but she had to talk to someone and for some reason she didn’t want that person to be her sister. Sitting beside the Priestess she began to talk.

Oharu did not much like such a meeting within the Glen, even though she was only there to act as guide, for she was still on retreat. She had spoken with the Glen’s spirit only to discover that it too was interested, so she had withdrawn with her future daughter-in-law to talk while the three males spun their webs. Millicent had indicated something important anyway.

“Something must be done about these attacks” a certain ferret explained. “These papers Major Hawkins brought. They indicate a European force. Have you any idea sir?”

Two Red Stone’s sat aside the reports Major Hawkins had brought. They were disturbing to him for more than one reason. “Has anyone seen exactly what symbol” he asked.

“No. No one has gotten that close as yet” the ferret admitted.

“Then I will be fully honest with you both. I have a suspicion, yet at this time there is not enough evidence for me to be certain. Therefore I can not speak further.”

“Not our people, certainly not” the English bulldog explained. “I have spoken with those who know. We have nothing of this style of action in this area. Certainly nothing painted black.”

“It could be Kau Hon, I admit” the ferret said. “But I am puzzled. These pirates do not act like the black ships we know. Two Red Stones, I have promised you a running head start. I will not withdraw that promise. But if we find that these two women as dead, I promise I will speak with you again.”

Setting up straight the cougar blinked once, staring into the small campfires flames a long time before speaking. “If they are dead” he abruptly said. “I will break my oath with the white man. If not, then I can not. Not until evidence comes to my paws that makes fact of my thoughts.”

“Accepted” the ferret agreed. He stood, holding his paw out to the larger, taller cougar. “I think that we should retire to our respective beds. At least until some news comes in. It is obvious that the Honored mother is unhappy about this meeting.”

Oharu ignored the three males as they prepared to leave. “You are certain. Sacred Island” she asked.

“She is to search for something called a fragment” Millicent explained. “And she knows that it means her certain death to even try. Yet like myself, like Tatiana she is loyal to her nation. If ordered she will go. I would as well.”

“Then bring your agent friend. We will speak. Nothing more. Now hurry, your excuse for being here is leaving.”

Millicent stood, looked around then with a cast back word of thanks ran after the American native cougar Two Red Stones.

“I have inspected this craft carefully” Carmen reported to her waiting passenger. “No further damage of important was caused by second attack. It is high tide so we go home now.”

Tired, sunbaked and in deep need of a soft bed Doctor Annette Riverstone agreed. She simply was not up to such adventures, unlike the Songmark girl who was her pilot and protector. Nearly exhausted she helped push the J2F back into the water, then waded towards the aircraft. “The radio works” she asked as she dragged herself into her reward facing seat.

“Yes. I think not as powerful as what had. But is only short trip home. I have placed notes for you.”

Buckling in Annette spotted a paper on her clipboard, its carefully pawwriting that of someone who had spent years in the training. “You write beautifully” she announced over the intercom after settling in, then reached up and closed her part of the canopy.

“Many years of Grandmothers strict teaching” the anteater explained. A moment of silence followed, until the DUCK’s engine caught. Within minutes they were airborne, heading home.

Behind them the sunken enemy aircraft glided deeper into the ocean, for to it water was nothing more than a denser medium to fly in. With all its access points open, its fuel tank cap removed and two bodies helping lower its center of gravity the aircraft was gliding deeper and deeper. When it finally touched down, quite gently as it were in the deep ocean muds, it was not quite twelve miles from the little island. And some two and a half miles deep. As it settled into its last position the doomed aircraft leaned to starboard, its wing float doing its designed job by keeping the wingtip from striking mud.

“Tell me please sir” Millicent asked as her shared water taxi neared Casino Island. “Why were you named Two Red Stones?”

Looking down at the feline who artfully snuggled against him, a rather nice view from this angle the cougar decided, Two Red Stones answered that question. “It is the way of my people. When a child is born their father steps from his home, naming his child after the first thing he see’s. In my case it was two large boulders across from our home. The setting sun had painted them blood red. Thus the name.”

“I see” Millicent whispered. “That could in some cases lead to rather unusual names could it not?”

The Cougar laughed. “Well, yes. But we may change our names at adulthood, as I did. I simply felt that my childhood name would amuse the whitefur so I used it. My cousin was named White Fur Running from Snake for example. His mother was not happy. He is now Darkcloud in Summer.”

“May I know your real name” Millicent asked softly. She was the cougar realized, falling asleep.

“Should you bear my kit, then yes. I will tell you” he agreed. Then he relaxed somewhat, enjoying the feel of a soft whitefur who trusted. Who liked him as he was. Millicent’s soft weight, sweet smell and very delightful curves reminded the cougar that it had been a long time since his last leave. A very very long time.

“They return” Tina was yelling as she ran towards her sister and the native woman with her. “They return. Fifty miles out. We must hurry to ready everything, they were attacked. There is float damage.” She came to a stop next to her sister, breathing heavily but not out of breath.

“We have then but less than twenty minutes. We must hurry.” She stood, then looked down to Dia-Kura. “Thank you Honored Mother. You have been more than helpful. I would like to speak with you again, as time allows.”

Dia-Kura too stood, her head lower than even Tina’s. “I am much like Honored Mother Oharu, I am to serve. When you are again ready. Until then child, walk in peace.” She watched as the two girls ran back towards their place of employment. Watched as the darkness of failure, or loss lifted from them as a morning fog lifted from sun warmed land.

“What news Alexia demanded as they ran. “What news.”

“They were attacked. There is much damage to the aircraft” Tina answered. “Carmen is injured.”

“Carmen...” Alexia felt her heart stop, forced it to start again. “Not badly, else they would not be returning” the mink decided. “Doctor Riverstone cannot fly.”

“No. She has no wings” Tina shot back, enjoying the look her sister gave her. Her sister was back and that was more important to her than anything. Perhaps even her life.

Carmen’s headache was now of massive proportions. Upon impact with the water her head had bounced against the seats padded headrest and now she again saw shadows against reality. Still her Songmark training held and the DUCK eased into its nest, the two young minks quickly locking it into place. Arms soon helped Carmen from her seat. Strong arms. Then she was lying on a soft bed, one that abruptly lifted into the air and started moving. Groggy she tried to turn her head too quickly and passed out. Beside her walked the otter that had been with her for the last two days. “Get her to the hospital quickly” Doctor Annette Riverstone ordered. “Observation, an X-Ray of that solid stone head and...” She paused as Alexia abruptly stood before her. “Yes” she asked.

“Carmen” the mink asked, emotion heavy in her voice.

“Will live. A very small bullet bounced off her head. Given that Carmen’s head is solid stone, but a crack occurred. She will heal, but it will take time. I think that she will be back in school within a day or two. Would you like to come to the Hospital?”

“No Doctor Riverstone. I must attend to the DUCK. Perhaps later this evening, when repairs are complete.”

“Later this evening then. Thank you Alexia. You and your sisters foresight made our survival that much easier. There are things in the cargo section. Insure that they are not lost. Certain authorities will need them. And I, no one else but myself will release them.”

“I fully understand.” With that Alexia ran back to her waiting sister. Already their aircraft was beginning to list. It must be lifted from the water quickly before it sank and was ruined.

“Millicent” Major Hawkins said to the young girl standing across from him. “You completed your orders perfectly. Quite perfectly. You quite are certain that you do not wish to return to England, for training as an agent?”

“Quite certain sir. I wish to be an diplomat sir. Not an agent who’s life is forever upon the razors edge.”

“Good choice girl. Very good choice. And this German. Yes, you may take her to the Priestess. Not as an agent, but as a friend. Act as a friend, listen but ask nothing a friend would not. Could she turn do you think?”

“No sir. No more than I could be turned. Her homeland is her heart and we are but beginning friends.”

Hawkins shuffled some papers, making time to think. “You are relieved from all duties until this Schwarzkopf matter is dealt with. Good night.”

Standing Millicent curtsied to her superior. “Goodnight sir.”

Pulling a folder to himself Hawkins waited until the door closed, then opened a folder. It was a report on the German Vril Society. One that now he must read.

Alexia and Tina had just started draining the DUCK’s float when three figures walked in on them. “We were sent to help” Prudence Akroyd announced to the two surprised minks. “Belle, Ada. I see that we have a great deal of work ahead. Shall we get too it?” Then she turned to Alexia. “I think Carmen would like to see you” she continued with a smile. “So get goin, or I’ll spank you.”

Accepting the situation Alexia turned to her sister. “I will not be the long” she explained. “As soon as you brief them, fill in the log. I will be but an hour, no more.”

“Much longer I think” Tina laughed as she pushed her sister away.

At the hospital Alexia found herself guided to the room Carmen was in. “She’s jus fine” a vixen nurse explained. “Be released in tha mornin. Noon latest. Now in yah go.”

Within the room stood a certain yellow furred hound, one Alexia well remembered. “Miss Devinski” she said in greeting, her eyes flickering to the figure lying in bed.

“Miss Humber. I must leave now as I have a meeting very soon.” She turned to leave, stopping at the doorway. “I think that you and your sister should re-apply. I promise nothing, still you have matured.” Then she was gone.

Hurrying to the bed Alexia found Carmen awake, but tired. Very tired. “Carmen” she whispered, knowing from her studies that head wounds often made loud sounds very painful.

“Good to see you” Carmen whispered. “I am to sleep now. They gave me injection little ago.”

“Carmen” Alexia whispered again, taking the anteaters paw into her own. “You remember the day we first met? You asked me to marry you?”

“Yes. Clearly. You complain. We have just to meet.”

“Yes, we had. Carmen. My answer is yes.”

Carmen smiled with those words. “Then surviving was worth pain.” She yawned, her eyes fighting to stay awake. “Still in Songmark” Carmen whispered. “Thought thrown out. We talk. Tomorrow.” Finally the drugs won out and Carmen Velasquez, hero of the day fell asleep with Alexia Humber holding her paw. She would wake with Alexia still beside her. Still holding her paw.

“They returned with proof” a certain ferret asked. Across from him stood one of the local law enforcement officers. A very trusted wolverine.

“Cut ah panel from tha aircraft sir. Dr. Riverstone. She says Carmen recognized tha pilot. American. Symbol is ah rook, number three in tha center.”

“And they have documents?”

“Yesser. Little Miss Humber says she don’t know where her sister hid ‘um, tah ask her.”

“I see. And Alexia is where?”

“In tha pilots hospital room sir. Holdin her paw.”

“Thank you. Best you get back to your duties. And thank you Sergeant.” He waited until the uniformed man had left before picking up his interoffice phone. Normally he would be home, abed and asleep with his wife at this time. But duty called. “Get me a contractor” he ordered. “Female, small, very cute. Kassa should do perfectly if she is available. Thank you.” Then he waited. Composing in his head the message he would send until some hours later a knock came to his door. “Enter.”

Kassa Youngblood entered. Barely four and a half feet high the large eyed Cape Hydrax stepped in, closing behind her that for her heavy door. When the word cute was created, it had this woman’s name under it. That Kassa also had several kills under her thin belt would surprise anyone who met her. “You bellowed” she asked in a voice that would have melted the ice of Saturn’s moons. “I was asleep you know.”

“At this hour? Yes you were. I need a message taken to the American cougar known as Two Red Stones.”

Kassa’s eyes widened, as if they could. “Redstones? Oh yummy. Yes sir immediately sir. I like him. A lot.”

“Not immediately. He hangs out about the Double Lotus every afternoon. Taking in the scenery as it is. Go to him then. And please, try not to exhaust him” the ferret laughed. “Too much. This is important. The message is...”

Sunrise found Alexia still sitting beside Carmen’s bed, her head laying on the covers as she slept. Carmen studied that dark furred girl, the white patch of fur on her upper lip making it look as though she had just had a large glass of milk. That had been what had first attracted her to the younger girl, and in truth the offer of marriage had been but a jest. Now though. A soft sound caused Carmen to look to her left to find Miss Devinski sitting there, quietly reading a book. Noting that her student had finally woken she closed that book, setting it aside.

“Will you be returning to classes” the hound asked.

“If I am welcome” Carmen answered, speaking softly so as not to waken her English visitor.

“Very well, you are now two full days behind. I am certain that your dormmates will be delighted to assist you in making up that work. And your report of course.”

Carmen nodded in agreement. “I have such a great deal to report. It will be most detailed. Miss Devinski, I must ask the question.”

“Not until you finish school. Then you may marry whom you choose” the hound answered.

“Not that question I fear.” Carmen looked again at the mink still holding her paw. “Should I marry her. Would that then affect her chance?”

Miss Devinski uncrossed her legs, preparing to stand. “Four votes for a girl to enter, or be expelled. Not one, not three. Always the four. And we have accepted a married woman before as you are well aware. Remember that. Now it is time that I leave. You will be within the gates by sunset song or never again.” Picking up her book the hound walked to Carmen’s door. Placing a paw upon its latch she spoke again. “Until you have reported to us, speak to no one about this. And Carmen. Excellent work. You are a true Songmark girl.”

For a while Carmen watched that door, expecting someone else to enter. Yet no one did. So lifting up to a sitting position she used her free paw to pet Alexia’s head lightly. “Ah my little one. What to become of us now” she whispered.

When the call came Millicent was ready. Stepping from the room she had been waiting in Millicent found the German otter waiting. “Order rescinded” Jarvinia announced. “Ve do not need to see the Priestess.”

“Perhaps you do not” Millicent agreed, “Yet I do. My wedding is in less than seven days. There is much I need to understand. And I would most like a companion on my journey.”

“I could be playing you” the otter warned Millicent.

“Yes, and I could be getting ready to sell you to Kou Han. You are the agent, I am the child. Let us keep it that way. You will play me one day my friend. Perhaps even today. Still I much value our friendship, so I will allow it.” She looked carefully at the powerful otter before her. “Once.”

“Ja. Then I be happy to travel with you. This day.”

“Ohhh such a handsome cougar” Kassa cooed as she apparently materialized from nowhere, quickly wrapping herself around Two Red Stones left arm.

“Excuse me” the Amerindian began when Kassa whispered a code word. “Blunderbuss?” he repeated in a whisper.

“With nine pennies in it” Kassa added, then continued in a louder voice “Oh you are the muscular type. My favorite.”

“Where can we talk?”

Kassa melted against the American. “You’re going to take me to dinner” she giggled. “Just for you and I hunny bunny.”

“But...”

Kassa pressed herself tighter against the cougar, as if that were possible. “I have wanted this for years. Since the day I first laid eyes on you yummie boy. Now remember hunny bunny. For information there is always payment. Dinner with no one but you is payment. Maybe.”

Two Red Stones groaned in dismay. Those code words had been given him by a certain ferret. They would only be used if it were exceptionally important and then only the once. With almost a whimper he followed the (to him) miniature Cape Hydrax. Someone was going to pay for this. Oh were they going to pay. As Kassa guided him along to a rather expensive outdoor restaurant the cougar had one last thought. They better have very deep pockets for this horrible atrocity, though she was really cute. His wife would like her.

Very late that night the America cougar staggered from a local bar, Kassa now under his well developed arm. She too was three sheets before the wind. Giggling, the Hydrax blatantly invited the cougar to her home. He just as blatantly agreed. Staggering to a waiting rickshaw the two managed, just, to board. Leaning forward, almost falling out of the device the Hydrax gave an address. Tipping his hat a grey furred ratel picked up the rickshaws two bars and begin trotting towards his next destination. Behind him, in full view of anyone who might be looking Kassa pulled herself onto Two Red Stones unresisting body.

All appearance of intoxication vanished though as the small apartments door closed behind them. “Yer man” Kassa reported while trying to straighten her clothing. “I will be in the resting room” she finally decided, “And I want another date Stones. A better date.” She then walked out of the main room where certain others already waited.

Pushing his shirt back into his paints the cougar nodded towards the departed Kassa. “Your people. They are very good” he admitted.

“She is a retired Huntress” a certain ferret corrected. “She is not one of my people. Kassa is Contract.”

Finding a chair and pulling out a fur brush Two Red Stones looked towards the bathroom in amazement. “She is so professional. Such an actress.”

“So expensive” Albert Sapohatan added. “She was what was needed. She was hired.”

Brushing his face Two Red Stones mulled upon those words. “So. One day I may hire her?”

“You may try” the bulldog Hawkins said with a soft laugh. “We have found that she is very selective of what contracts she will take. She has refused us before. Albert?”

“We finally have the evidence we need sir” Albert reported. “That Songmark girl Carmen brought it back, and here is a copy of her verbal report.” He pulled a folder from a leather case next to him, then pointed towards a box next to the cougars chair. “And the evidence they brought back. Neither of us can make much sense of it, other than one pilot was known to Carmen to be an American. Or at least that was the story he gave his girlfriend, another Songmark girl. Miss Devinski should be here within the hour with both girls full reports.”

“Should be nough time to read this then” Two Red Stones decided. “Claims to be America, could be. Could not be. Doesn’t matter. This must end.” He sat back, opening the report.

A few minutes later Kassa returned, walked into the kitchen to return with coffee and scones a little later. These she sat by the men, then made to leave for the bedroom.

“Stay, please Kassa” the ferret said softly. “I want your input as well.” He silently offered the woman another folder. One holding the same report. “An outsiders viewpoint.”

“One not involved in the game?” Kassa asked as she accepted the folder. “I will not join your group Mr. Sapohatan. I prefer to breath.” Still she sat on the floor quite close to Two Red Stones, beginning to read as well.

Forty minutes later a double sliding knock came to the apartments door. Standing Hawkins opened the door, allowing Miss Devinski to enter. “Hello Kassa” the hound said, her voice friendly. “Ready for another game of Cribbage?”

“I still owe you seventy shells” Kassa replied without looking up. “No.”

With a laugh the labrador offered the small case she was carrying to Albert Sapohatan. “Two copies, you must share. We really are short of carbon paper at this time of the year.”

“Acceptable.” Albert took one set of reports, given the carbon copies to Major Hawkins. “You were followed?”

“Of course.” Miss Devinski sat down, stretching. “He will wake up in the morning I think. If ever. I was a bit hurried.”

“Hm...” Albert settled back, reading.

Time passed as reports were read, those once read then turned over to members of the group that had not yet read them. It was early morning when the last page was turned, the last report returned to the ferrets case.

“And this evidence” Two Red Stones asked.

“In the box” Hawkins answered. “Let us hope that you may make more of it than we could.”

“Prob not” the cougar admitted. “Not much I know you two, three don’t.” He leaned over, picking up the box and setting it in his lap. It was a small box, most of its space being taken up by a rolled tube of canvas. This he unrolled, looking carefully at the emblem painted upon it before returning it as he had found it. It was the logbooks and other papers that really interested him. Sunrise song was long finished by the time he sat the last down. “I have your answer” the cougar said, pushing the box off his legs to drop in the floor. “One I am not certain I may give.”

“Sir” Albert said softly. “These people have been attacking an unarmed aircraft. Most exclusively. They threaten not only the Doctors aboard and their pilot, but a very critical resource for our nation, and those islands not aligned with us still close enough for it to be useful. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated, and kept in most confidence.”

Two Red Stones looked to the ferret, shrugging. “I am bound by certain oaths I may not break. Even should that result in my taking a moonlight swim. Sir, I understand yer involvement, but the Major’s?”

“I have decided to ask the fair Doctor Riverstone to marry me” Hawkins announced, causing more than one head to jerk about, and a soft chuckle from the ferret.

“Took you long enough” Albert commented. “But we do need her here. At least the rest of this year.”

“A year, two maybe but not one moment more.” He turned his attention to the cougar. “When can you tell us what you will” he asked. Two Redstones situation was one he and Albert well understood. Had been in themselves several times already.

“You will have an answer by next mornings light” the Amerindian answered. Standing he looked around. “Though not in a way you may expect.” Taking his leave he opened the door and left quietly.

Kassa stood and without a word she began cleaning the room. Miss Devinski looked at the two remaining males. “He knows who” she stated calmly. “And knowing, must deal with it alone. Now I have students who believe themselves ready for anything. I must insure that there beliefs are shattered rather completely.” She too stood, nodded to the two males then followed the cougars exit.

“Tell us” Prudence demanded. “Did she rally say yes?”

Carmen almost blushed. She’d exhausted her tale of the ambush and surviving those pirates, now her friends wanted to know about Alexia. “She did the say yes” the anteater admitted. “Then to sit with paw in mine at Hospital. While I sleep.”

“How romantic” Ada cooed. “Did she kiss you?”

Carmen shrugged. “I honestly not know” she admitted. “I would have liked such. Her agreement to marry. That was great surprise.” The anteaters face broke into a soft, smile of one remembering something wonderful. “Wonderful surprise.” After a few moments her face returned to normal, or as much normal as one suddenly given the keys to love could be. “But you Ada. Word of yours it is good. Please say so.”

Ada’s good humor did not quite vanish, but the hounds face did lose its glow. “I am not to marry a Gentile after all” she answered. “It is not to be. It cannot be allowed. Not...” She almost let slip her great secret, almost but not quite. “It would destroy her. In the long years to come.” Sighing in defeat Ada collapsed upon her own board hard bed, though there was no thump of impact. “I wish. So much I do wish. I will love her, I will not own her as a slave. No matter how willing.”

“Spoken like one truly in love” Prudence announced. “Now on to our tutoring. Carmen is many days behind remember.” With groans of complaint the four girls turned to their books. Life, death or Great Adventure. Even a hero had to make up her Songmark work, or be sent home with nothing.

Late that night Carmen found herself woken from her sleep and marched to Miss Devinski’s office. As soon as she arrived the second year returned to her duties at the gate, snickering at the dress Carmen chose to sleep in. “Carmen Velasquez. She reports as ordered” the anteater announced as she stood at attention in front of the yellow furred Labrador.

Miss Devinski looked up from a rather thick set of reports she had been reading. “Pink elephants” she asked calmly.

“My littlest sister. She sends to me” Carmen answered.

“I see. That though is not why I pulled you from your much needed sleep Carmen. I have two questions for you. Will you answer them for me?”

“Si Miss Devinski.”

Nodding to something she was thinking about Miss Devinski pointed at a chair. “Sit.”

Carman sat, though she was shocked at being told to do so. No student sat in the faculty’s office. None.

“Question one Miss Velasquez. How do you feel. Physically that is.”

“I hurt. Here and here” the anteater admitted, pointing to two places on her body. “Deep pain. It does not go away. Head of course yes. Doctor says will fade. I will have scar. Other than small sunburn am in good shape.”

“See Mrs. Oelabe in the morning” Miss Devinski ordered. “Before breakfast, before any exercise. It may be nothing, it may be important. We do not ruin our students here. We do not cripple them and we do not kill them. Second question. I am going to place you into a position only two other Songmark girls have ever been. You have before you two applications for enrollment into Songmark. They are Miss Tina Humber and Miss Alexia Humber. Both are equally acceptable yet you have but one position open. Whom do you choose?”

Carmen’s jaw dropped open. Only by reaching up with one paw was she able to close it. “You know what you do” she said. It was not a question.

“Yes. You are friends to both. You are in love with, you will marry one. This gives you a unique outlook into both girls personalities. Which is your choice and why.”

Carmen thought. Thought hard. “Both are excellent record keepers” she admitted. “Both work hard. Very hard. Both are so intelligent. They learn quickly. They share what each knows. Though Tina is the younger, that gives Alexia no plus as both are equal.” Then she fell silent for a very very long time. So long that the mantle clock chimed three different times before she spoke again. Finally Carmen stood. “So very equal. May borrow coin please” she asked.

“A coin?” Opening a desk drawer Miss Devinski withdrew a gold coin, the one she had traded with Alpha Rote not too long ago. Tossing it towards her student she was pleased at the off-paw catch. “You will choose by tossing a coin” she asked.

“Heads is Tina. Tails is Alexia” Carmen answered, flicking the coin nearly to the offices roof. It spin rapidly in the air, bouncing three times on Miss Devinski’s desk before spinning to a stop on its edge, then falling over with a sharp click. “Heads. It will be Tina Humber Miss Devinski.”

“No best two out of three. No changing your mind? You have always been honest with your decisions Carmen.” Reaching out Miss Devinski recovered her coin, dropping it back into its drawer. “Please sit. I wish to tell you something. Something only those other girls who were faced with this exact question know. But I will have your word before I speak, that you will never tell anyone else.”

Carmen sat, brushing her sleep smock straight before speaking. “I am Carmen Velasquez” she said softly. “I am third year Songmark student. I give my word.”

“Very good. Carmen” Miss Devinski stood, taking the reports with her. “Over half the girls here were chosen exactly the same way. Do you really like elephants?”

Carmen laughed. “No. Littlest sister does. I do not.”

“Then you are dismissed Carmen. Return to your bed. You will need your sleep in the morning. Do not forget to see Mrs. Oelabe as I ordered.”

Quietly Carmen stood. “Yes Miss Devinski. But may ask question?”

“Did you just give Tina a position now denied to your sweet Alexia? No Carmen. Only we Faculty decided who comes to our school. Remember what I told you in the hospital. It must be four votes of yes, not three. I simply needed your honest opinion of them. You see we are most interested in them. Then, there are thirty or so other girls we are equally most interested in. We always ask third years who have any contact with waiting applicants their opinions. It gives us a different slant. Good night.”

Carmen walked over to the door, turned to look at that desk where a now hated gold coin lay then stepped out. Behind her the door closed quietly.

Morning’s sunrise brought a cry of dismay from the American Consulate. It seemed as reports later noted, that the Ambassador, he who was known as Old Stovepipe, had slipped in his shower and died from a resulting head wound.