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" . . . How could I have let this happen to you kid?" Shirlene sat at the edge of Jeeve's bed, with her head hung low. Her human companion had fallen gravely ill, leaving her to wonder where it had all gone wrong. . . But the rabbit knew. "She got ya real good huh?" The hero uttered no words, only laid still in his comatose state. Shirlene stood up and moved up next to his face, placing her paw on his neck. She felt the heat radiating off him and sighed, Jeeve had been suffering from this fever for three days and Professor Waterblake had yet to figure what was wrong with him. Shirlene felt her communicator rumble then bolted up from the bed towards the bridge.

"Computer! Patch this signal through!"

"PATCHING SIGNAL THROUGH CAPTAIN!" Shirlene waited impatiently as the computer worked through the foreign incoming signal. Suddenly Professor Waterblake's face came on the screen, filling Shirlene with a bit of hope.

"Please tell me you have good news doc."

"Well it depends on what your definition of 'good news' is."

"I don't like the sound of that." The scientist kangaroo adjusted her glasses and said. "Well after numerous tests on his blood, urine, and bile we were able to identify what's ailing him and I will say it is not good."

"What's the issue doc?"

"His body is practically swimming in W.V. 12. He has a high tolerance, but I imagine he won't last much longer."

"What the hell is W.V. 12!?"

"It's a stark variant of strychnine. It's used as a controlling agent by wolves, but it's also very deadly when consumed in large amounts."

"Well how did my kid get it?"

"This agent is only transferred intravenously . . ."

"So you mean he was bit?"

"Yes it would appear so." Shirlene slammed her paw against the desk spouting foul curses, then buried her face in her paws saying. "What am I supposed to do then?!"

"Well we don't have the necessary materials to engineer an antidote for him, but you can find them in our sister lab in Ferren."

"Well sounds easy enough. Just request an air drop and start mixing materials!" Professor Shelia looked forlornly to the side then replied. "I'm sorry Yara, but it's not that easy. We already put in a request for the materials, but the request was denied by the Sister laboratory."

"What!? Who the hell denied you?!"

"Kira did."

" . . . Oh I see. Well what's our other options?"

"Given the creature's current state, I'd say he has only another day or so before the poison completely destroys his body. So you could spend your last days with him, making him comfortable and such."

"Kid's not gonna die, not on my watch. You got any other bright ideas?"

"Well you could go and physically retrieve the needed materials, but that would be quite the impossibility seeing as the Ferren Kingdom is on Hard Lock Down." Shirlene tilted her head in confusion and asked. "Hard Lock Down? A kingdom hasn't been on H.D in a while. What's going on?"

"Well your little mishaps in Green Lake and Lauren have prompted a revolution of sorts all around Alteria. "

"Wait! You're joking right?"

"I'm afraid not Captain. Only military and resource vehicles are permitted to enter kingdoms." Shirlene began scratching her chin, then smiled craftily saying. "Well . . . What if you had to deliver materials over to that other lab?"

"What are you up to rabbit?"

"What do ya think?! I'm trying to bust in there and get those ingredients!" Professor Waterblake rummaged through her personal drawer then said. "You might be onto something Shirlene. We actually need to deliver some produce to the A.Q. lab, but it's a dangerous job."

"How so Doc?"

"The Ferren kingdom is in the midst of a revolution with insurgents and the Ferren army fighting for control! The possibility of you making it there alive is slim to none."

"I gotta try Doc! If I don't get those meds who will?"

"I suppose you're right, but this will not be like your previous outings. The Ferren Kingdom is an industrial powerhouse! Security will be tight, I honestly don't see you making it past the front gates." Shirlene shrugged then replied. "Don't worry about me Doc, I'll get those ingredients!"

"Well stop by the lab when you're ready to depart. I'll get the transport ready for you and brief you on the last minute details."

"I'll be there in five minutes." Professor Waterblake ended the call, leaving Shirlene to pack for the trip. While stuffing explosives in her bag, she knocked over Jeeve's journal causing a memory from yesterday to resurface.

"They're beautiful huh Shirl?" The pilot rabbit looked up at the sky then replied. "What is? The stars?"

"Yea . . . I remember visiting upstate New York with my family and just lying outside and stargazing."

"Sounds boring."

"Yea it kinda was . . . But what I wouldn't give to do that again with them." Shirlene looked away awkwardly, then feigned a cough saying. "Hey kid I . . . Uh well I found this in Waterblake's office. Guess she appreciates well written literature huh?"

"My grandpa's journal! I thought I lost this! Thank you so much Shirlene!" The hero bent down and hugged the pilot, causing her to squirm and shuffle.

"Yea Yea! I get it! Don't get all mushy and stuff on me! I just . . . Didn't want Waterblake smudging the pages with her greasy digits!"

"Yea . . . Sure Shirlene." A comfortable silence followed as the heroes continued staring up at the night sky. Jeeve sighed contently, then shivered saying. "Hey Shirl. It's uh . . Kinda chilly out tonight. Can we go back inside?"

"Chilly? Kid it's like 80 degrees outside! Grow some fur and be content in my presence!"

"Okay . . " Jeeve tried to focus on the beautiful nightscape, but continued shivering violently. "Hey Shirlene?"

"What's up kid?"

"I was just thinking"

"Sounds dangerous."

"Har har. But I was thinking about . . love I guess."

"Love?! What's that a disease?" Jeeve rolled his eyes, then continued saying. "Of course not! But what if you . . . had a crush on somebody you weren't supposed to? What would you do?"

"That reminds me of the time when I had a crush on that fox who lived down the street from me! Boy were we a riot!"

"What happened?"

"Well Mama wanted me to date 'kind' and 'proper' bucks, but I was a bit of a wild card! So one night me and foxy snuck out to have some fun."

"Aww! What'd you guys do?"

"Oh nothing, just had awkward teen sex. Some of the best years of my life. Why do ya ask kid?"

"I . . . uh no reason!"

"Wow. You don't sound guilty at all. It's alright kid, you can tell me. I used to young once too . . . Well I'm not old, but I'm certainly no spring chicken!"

"I uh . . . May or may not have feelings for a certain Artic Wolfess." Shirlene chuckled then replied. "Oh so you do now? Yea that's no problem at all!"

"Really? Even if we have to like fight her and stuff?"

"Yea kid. You can still like her, you just can't let your hormones get in the way of having to deal the final blow."

"The final blow!? I don't wanna kill her!"

"Ah my poor naive alien. Of course you'll have to kill her! You think she's just gonna let us live? I tell you what though. If I ever get the chance . . . I'll stain her fur red with her own blood. " Jeeve closed his eyes and shivered some more saying. "Shirl . . . I'm really tired."

"What? How!? It's like 7 in the evening!" Jeeve backed away from the railing and began walking unsteadily toward the balcony exit. He took four steps then fainted as he reached for the door handle.

"KID!" Shirlene dashed for the fallen hero and knelt beside his unconscious form. She ran her paw across his forehead, then cringed as she saw the foam leaking from his mouth.

" Hang on kid! I'll get you some help!"

Shirlene shook her head at the memory, the sighed as she made her way back towards Jeeve. She watched with a pained gaze as the hero tossed and turned, mumbling incoherently in his sleep.

"Don't worry kid. Mama's gonna make you all better." Jeeve thrashed around in anguish while reaching out for Shirlene, mumbling. Sh . . . Shi . . . Sh. ."

"Sshh. Don't waste your energy kid." Jeeve continued fumbling and reaching for Shirlene until she bent down and rubbed her forehead against his. The dying hero calmed down at her touch, then relaxed as she withdrew. Jeeve mumbled some more then went quiet and still, worrying the rabbit some more.

"Hang in there Jeeve . . ."

WATERBLAKE ISLAND: ROAD TO FERREN OUTSKIRTS

Shirlene sat excitedly in the hover transport, wishing Professor Waterblake would finish her safety brief faster.

"And after you arrive, make sure you find Dr. Vanessa Vanguard. She will take the supplies into storage and get the necessary materials."

"Yea I get it! Find Dr. Foxy, and get the medicine back! Turn me loose already doc!"

"Calm down Shirlene! Jittery nerves on this operation will lead straight to failure. You must be calm and collected! You are about to enter and unstable kingdom, and once you're in . . . I won't be able to help you."

"What do you mean?"

"Well . . . I found out this morning while talking to Dr. Vanguard. The Ferren government has put a communications block in effect. All incoming and outgoing transmissions will be blocked and traced back to their origins. So you're all alone once you cross the Ferren border." Shirlene seemed taken back by the information, then shook her head saying.

"Doesn't matter Doc_._ A rabbit's gotta do what a rabbit's gotta do."

"Very well Yara. I wish you the best of luck on this little exhibition."

"Doc . . . Please."

"Say no more Shirlene. My team and I will do all we can to keep the specimen alive." Shirlene's smiled dropped into a worried frown before she asked. "Tell me straight Doc. No bullshit . . . How long do I have?"

The Kangaroo professor adjuster her glasses, then replied. "Two days Shirlene. We can keep his heart beating for only two more days."

"Well then . . . What am I doing wasting time here? I gotta hit the road Doc!"

"Good luck Shirlene."

The rabbit pilot waved dismissively at her, then throttled the hover transport, sending the vehicle barreling down the road. Professor Shelia watched forlornly as the vehicle drove off into the horizon. The Kangaroo waited a few more moments, then pulled out her communicator and called someone.

"Is she gone Professor?"

"Yes she just left. I want all available personell working on the patient."

"We've already started the stabilization process Professor. We should be able to control his unruly heart rate any minute now."

"Excellent Doctor. Now I need a favor from you . . . "

"What is it Professor?"

"I want you to switch your focus per say. Allocate all assets and attention on Project Revert to our new patient."

" A-Are you sure Professor? I don't believe Shirlene would approve."

Professor Waterblake looked off into the horizon then replied. " What Choice does she have?"

"Welcome to the Ferren Kingdom." Shirlene read while looking off into the distance. She grimaced as she saw the black smoke billowing from factories into the sky. "Yea sure do feel welcome." The pilot returned her focus back to the road, then grunted as she saw some Ferren soldiers blocking her path. The soldiers motioned for her to stop causing the pilot to roll her eyes. Shirlene contemplated plowing through them, but instead brought her vehicle to a stop. A wolven soldier approached her vehicle with his weapon drawn and pointed at the cockpit.

Shirlene rolled the window down and said. "Hey how's it going officer? You brutalize any minorities today?" The soldier ignored her snide remark and replied. "Identification please." Shirlene smiled dryly and handed the guard her fake ID. He looked it over and begrudgingly handed it back to her, saying. "So . . . Scarlet Spitfire. What's a rabbit like you doing traveling the road this late?"

Shirlene looked at the soldier incredulously and replied. "Traveling late? Excuse me, but last time I checked . . . It was 2 in the afternoon." The soldier gave Shirlene a nasty look then looked at the vehicle's rear. "According to your ID you work for Waterblake industries?"

"Yep that is correct-a-mundo! Good ole' Dr. Waterblake."

"Yes . . . What are you hauling across the Ferren border?"

"Oh you know . . . stuff."

"What kind of stuff?"

"Good stuff." The wolf cocked his assault rifle at her quip, making the rabbit laugh. "Calm down wolfy, tis' only a jest! I'm hauling some fresh food stuffs for the doc, no illegal substances here."

"Is that so? Then why don't you open up the back for inspection?"

"Well normally I would, but . . . I'm running a little late, but you're more than welcome to just take my word for it." The wolf pointed his rifle at Shirlene, then said. "Open the back or be destroyed rabbit."

"Alright! Alright! Sheesh! I thought the academy taught escalation of force!" Shirlene hopped out the driver's seat and led the skeptical wolf to the rear of the vehicle. She put in the passkey and stood back as the door slowly opened.

"See Wolfy? No contraband here!" The soldier pushed her out the way and jumped into the cargo hold.

"EGGS AND SODA!?"

"Yea what'd you think I was hauling? "

"You think I was born yesterday rabbit?! What's in those soda bottles!?"

"Uh . . Soda? Look pal I don't have anything illegal here! Here, in a show of goodwill, have a drink on the house buddy!" The wolf snatched the soda bottle from Shirlene, then carefully sniffed the bottle. He twisted the cap and gingerly took a sip. "WHAT!? THIS IS SODA!"

"Well that's what I told ya! Now If you'd like to inspect all 1,080 eggs or all 90 cartons I'd be happy to oblige. It'd only take an hour or two to give you the full tour."

"You may have that kind of time, but I do not! Get this transport moving and back on schedule rabbit!"

"You're the boss chief." Shirlene watched in amusement as the wolf soldier walked back to the toll booth, sipping happily on his free drink. "What a sap." Shirlene said while hopping back in the driver's seat. She set the transport in high gear and sped through the gate. The rabbit looked over at her G.P.S. and sighed contently once she saw how close she was to the A.Q. lab. "Hang in there kid. Just gotta round this corner and pull into port. Wait what the!?" Shirlene leaned her head out the window and shouted. "HEY FOO! GET OFF THE ROAD!" The figure on the road looked at Shirlene then quickly whistled.

The rabbit watched in disbelief as two more figures emerged and blocked the path. Shirlene pulled the vehicle to a halt and got out saying. "Alright what's going on? Who are you freaks supposed to be?" The three animals blocking the path exchanged confused glances before the coyote in the middle stepped forward, replying. "I'm Don and we are freedom fighters with the Animal's Republic of Alteria!"

"And I care why?"

"Because imperial slave . . . We're here to stop you!"

"Wow. That's probably the nicest insult anyone's ever called me! But in all seriousness, I'm kinda in a hurry so this little pow wow will have to continue some other time."

Don and his two friends pulled out blasters and pointed them at her. Shirlene smiled darkly and said. "Oh? Is this how things are gonna be now?"

"We are a merciful group so we'll give you this chance to surrender your cargo and walk away."

"If you think I'm going to give some punk ass kids my cargo, you're off your rocker!"

"Punk Ass Kids!?"

"Well I suppose that's a little harsh. Don't take it personal kids, but you are definitely reflections of poor house training and a broken education system." The trio exchanged more looks of confusion before Don growled angrily. "Stop stalling rabbit! We won't hesitate to fire!" Shirlene shook her head then said. "Well I know when I've hit rock bottom. I'm no match for three seasoned warriors!"

"That's right! Know your place rabbit! Give us the cargo and we'll be on our way."

"Okay just let me put in the anti-theft passkey. These newer models have very tight security."

"Alright but make it quick." Shirlene gave a lazy salute and walked calmly back to the transport. Once inside she started the engines and sent the vehicle hurtling for the trio. The teens screamed and dove out the way as Shirlene drove by.

"Damn! I was hoping to get on of those fuckers." The crazy rabbit looked back and saw the trio helping each other up. "Ah well! There's always next time."

The rest of Shirlene's trip went off without a hitch, leaving the rabbit to arrive at the A.Q. lab on time. Doctor Vanguard, a genius artic fox, met Shirlene at the loading bay, examining the cargo.

"Hmm. I see you were able to successfully deliver CH 40 unharmed."

"What can I say Doc? Safety is my middle name." Doctor Vanguard examined an egg, then carefully peeled a slick translucent film off the egg. The fox held it up to the light and smiled. "Well I'm impressed really. It usually takes several attempts before the Waterblake facility can deliver us our necessary materials."

"Yea that's nice and all, but I'm on a time crunch and I need this list of stuff right now!" Doctor Vanguard took the list from Shirlene then sighed, handing it back to her. "I'm sorry Ms. Yara, but I can't give you these things."

"Why the fuck not?!"

"We don't have them! These items were moved to the Essex building just this morning." Shirlene face palmed at the news . . . It just had to be the Essex building. The Essex building was the center of Ferren's storage. All important military and industrial materials were constantly moving in and out of the massive tower. It would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack and Shirlene did not have that kind of time.

"You're shitting me Doc! The Essex complex?!"

"I'm sorry Shirlene, but my paws are tied!"

"Can't you at least run a scan of the items and pinpoint where they are?!"

"All long range devices have been disabled. The only way to run a scan would be to run one from inside the Essex complex."

"So in order to find the materials I gotta break into Alteria's largest junk garage?"

"A crass way of putting it, but yes."

"Fuck me in the ass sideways! Alright I guess I'm outta here. If you do manage to contact Waterblake ask her how my friend's doing will ya?"

"Of course Shirlene. Take care on the highways and byways! There's been increased rebel encounters today."

"Tell me about it Doc. I'll catch you on the flip side." Shirlene revved the transport's engine and left the loading bay. The rabbit closed her eyes and let her mind wander to her sick friend. Sometimes she could feel him, if she concentrated hard enough. She could almost see him in his sick and miserable state. Shirlene rounded a corner then cursed as she realized she was lost.

"Damn it Shirlene! You had one job!" The rabbit pilot stopped the transport and looked over at her G.P.S. She grimaced as she saw how far from the Essex complex she was. The complex was the center of Ferren and at her current pace, it would take another five hours to get there. Shirlene looked at the time and sighed, it was already four pushing five o'clock and she knew the roads were closing soon. The rabbit continued to ponder her options until scuffling in the street could be heard.

Shirlene opened her eyes and cringed as she saw the same kids from before, blocking her path yet again. The rabbit revved the engine as a warning, hoping to scare them away, but it had no effect. Don grabbed a speaker and said. "Come out with your paws up! We have you outnumbered!" Shirlene grumbled under breath saying "I don't have time for this!" The rabbit threw the vehicle in drive and accelerated for the trio, this time praying she ran them over. The group didn't budge, making the rabbit a tad nervous. A vixen to Don's left picked up homemade rocket launcher and took aim.

"Don't do it kid . . ." Shirlene gripped the steering wheel anxiously hoping the fox wouldn't fire. The fox pulled the trigger, hoping to catch Shirlene off guard, but alas the rabbit was quicker. Shirlene grabbed her bag and bailed from the vehicle just as the projectile flew into the transport. Shirlene rolled along the ground, coming to a rather painful stop away from the hovercraft. She stood to her feet and covered her eyes as the vehicle exploded, sending vehicle fragments everywhere. Shirlene stood there motionless as the vehicle's remains melted under the heat.

"I-I'm sorry kid . . . I failed you." Shirlene dropped to her knees and covered her face in shame. She had let Jeeve down and because of her, he would die suffering.

"I told you to surrender! And now look what happened! You forced our paws!" Shirlene uttered no words and quickly drew her weapon and fired. Catching Don off guard, the coyote went to dodge the bullet only to have it graze his shoulder. He fell to the ground in pain, causing his friends to draw their weapons. Shirlene kept her dual pistols focused on them and said. "Look Kids . . . You've made this rabbit very angry. Now I suggest you two scram before I paint the town red, if you catch my drift."

The vixen scoffed at Shirlene and replied. "You don't scare us! The Ferren army is no match for the rebellion!"

"Ferren army?! Are you fucking retarded!? Does it look like I'm a soldier?!"

The vixen remained silent and only glared in response. "Look I get it. You're supposed to be . . . Like some fearless rebels or something. That's fine and dandy, have dreams! But I don't got time for this! You three are holding me up and I hate being held up!"

Shirlene dropped her weapons and stood to her feet, dusting herself off in a show of disinterest. "The rabbit strained her ears to listen, then reloaded her weapons. "Alright Kiddies playtime's over. I can hear a Ferren convoy on its way to investigate. You three need to scram before things get ugly."

The wolf who had not once spoken shook his head vigorously and replied. "No way! We have to stay and fight! We can't let them see us as cowards!" The vixen turned to him and said. "Virgil don't be stupid! The rabbit's right, we can't face them now! Not with Don down for the count."

"Hey don't count me out Lila! I'm a pretty good shot with my left paw!"

"As if! You have god awful aim with that left paw of yours." Shirlene rolled her eyes at the playful banter then turned around and pointed her guns at the approaching convoy. The Ferren wolves spotted the group and took aim, but it was already too late. Shirlene had already fired off ten rounds, all of which hit their intended targets. The rest of the wolves hid behind cover, while Shirlene continued firing.

"We gotta get outta here kids!" Lila and Virgil helped Don up, leaving him to say. "No we gotta stay and fight back!"

Listen here you ass clowns! You're the reason we got in this mess and I'll be damned before I let a couple of punk kids get me killed!" The trio exchanged conflicting looks, until Lila said. "Alright! We'll take you to our secret base! Just cover us while we jury rig this sewer cap open!" Shirlene watched in amusement as the the teens worked together, trying to pry the manhole open.

The rabbit tried to keep the Ferren army from approaching, but armored reinforcements kept her at bay. Shirlene looked back and yelled as she saw them still trying to open the manhole.

"WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING YOU SO LONG!?"

Lila brought her paws to her face and cried. "We're trying okay! They must've bolted down all sewer covers this morning!"

"Bolted my ass. Stand back!" Shirlene fired two shots, completely breaking the seal on the sewer cap. The teens quickly opened it and began climbing down, leaving the rabbit to continue covering them. Once they climbed down, Shirlene hopped inside the hole as well, but not before leaving something outside the manhole. The Ferren soldiers quickly surrounded the manhole and went to work trying to open it, but then scattered as they saw the explosive Shirlene for them. They ran, but the bomb's radius caught most of the soldiers, showering them in a fiery rain as it discharged.

Shirlene felt the aftershock and sighed. She reached into her bag and pulled out a picture of Jeeve and her. The rabbit stroked the picture longingly and said. "Damn you kid. Got me all emotional in a sewer and junk . . . Just please hang on for me."