The Party Must Go On
Dark Riders of Marblecliff 08 The Party Must Go On By Assilsasta, Cormenthor, & VerbMyNoun ??????????? September 6, 2013 ??????????? ??????????? Where there is Smoke ??????????? Cecily sat on a blanket in front of the stage as the band played Time of Your Life. All the teens had been dancing and chatting for the past ten minutes since the moose and mouse pair had arrived. The entire event had been more than the small mouse had expected and she had spent the time hiding and trying to collect her nerves and suppress the panic that threatened to run her off when they had first surprised her. She glanced up at Daisy as her girlfriend approached with a paper plate stacked high with meat in one paw, obviously prepared by Lilly. "Happy birthday, Sweet Stuff," Daisy said as she sat beside the mouse. "You were in on this the whole time, weren't you?" Cecily asked as she started poking at the plate of meat. "Well... yea, guilty as charged, your honor," the moose said with a broad grin. "Before you even start with me, Trail Mix, I was under orders from your mother to keep my muzzle shut. You have no idea how damn hard it's been to do that, either." "How did you get the invites out?" she asked looking up at her. "The only one you have a class with is Claire. Never mind, I don't really need to know, but thank you. I've never had a party before, not one for me..." Interrupting the mouse and blaring over the band, sirens screamed into the air as several police cars and two fire trucks pulled up into the yard. Pulling the small mouse into her lap as she began to shiver, Daisy wrapped her in a firm embrace as she rolled her eyes and said, "Why do I just know that asshole across the street had something to do with this?"
Colin pulled the large red fire engine to a stop in front of the old mansion. He had heard the place was purchased by a charity group that planned on turning the place into some sort of teen rescue mission. He had not had much time to look into the details of the project, but the thought of the place burning down before it even got started was a little disappointing. As he and his fellow volunteer fire fighters dismounted the truck, he looked at the pillar of smoke that rose high above the apparently vacant house. The fear of the place burning to the ground was quickly lost as the sound of the music filled the air over the dying sirens. He knew the place was often used as a teen party hangout, and those youngsters must still be using the place. Soon a young bobcat in a police uniform walked up beside him with a dejected look on his face. "First time to the Dark Rider house, I'm guessing?" the bobcat said. "This shouldn't take long, I think it's just the Councilman trying to be the good neighbor he always is for the group." He tossed up air quotes to emphasize the inflected words. "Looks like the fire is out back," Colin said as he pointed over the building. "Doesn't look like there are any flames in the windows from here, and it sounds like there is a party you might need to break up, if they haven't already scattered." The bobcat rubbed his temples for a moment as he said, "Yup, first time here. I hope you're ready for these guys, they can be a paw full." With an obviously forced smile he started walking around the house toward the sound of the music. "Let's get this over with." As the pair rounded the corner, they were greeted by the sight of a large bonfire, a stage with a live band, and festive balloons and a large 'Happy Birthday, Cecily' banner hanging over them. "Cecily?" the mouflon questioned aloud as he remembered the moose inviting him to the small kangaroo mouse's birthday. He had told the girl that he would be on duty, and it would not look right if a teacher was seen socializing with students. Colin sighed as he caught sight of the liger and chinchilla walking toward him. The look on Lilliana's face was the same look that greeted him the first time they had met. "How many times have you been called out here?" Colin asked as the two females quickly approached. "Enough to know not to get in a discussion with Miss Hawkins about local ordinance. Five bucks says they have a decibel meter." "What the fuck, Dick?" the liger shouted over the sounds of the party as it continued behind her. "It's Sergeant Goodman, Miss Fargo, and I received a call about excessive noise," the bobcat answered. "I see you brought back up this time," the liger said as she crossed her arms and scowled at the mouflon. "Or are you here to give this honest young feline stalking lessons?" "No ma'am," Colin replied. "Just responding to a residential fire call." "Okay, we all know this is just a big misunderstanding by our proactive neighbor about a possible fire," the chinchilla said as she gave the liger a somewhat stern look. "We'll take care of that part later. If you two want, there is plenty of food over by Hank. And there should be plenty for the entire crew," she said as the remainder of the firefighters started making their way to the back yard. "As you can see, everything is under control..." Just as the words left Susan's lips a loud explosion was heard followed by sparkler fountains, and a small pyrotechnic display drew the group's attention to the stage. "Do you have a permit for that, or a license?" Colin asked. "For what?" Lilliana asked as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. "I didn't see anything." Officer Goodman smiled as he glanced at Colin and patted him on the shoulder. "Ball's in your court on that one. I'm going to grab me something to eat and get out of here while I have a chance." "I'm going to check Boomer," the chinchilla said as she gave Colin a wink before turning to walk away." "Well, goat boy, what were you saying?" Lilliana asked as the two were left nearly alone. "I could stay and help with the pyrotechnics. Just to be sure things stay safe and sane." Colin said with a smile. "That should keep any more calls to the station from wasting may more time on a false alarm" "Fine," Lilliana said, irritation clear in her voice. "Follow me." She turned and started to walk toward the stage, grabbing a fire extinguisher off a small pile of them as they passed near the bonfire. She stopped by a small table with two car batteries sitting on it and several pairs of electrical wires taped to the side. Slapping the extinguisher into his chest she pointing at an eagle walking toward them and said, "Make yourself useful and put her out if she catches on fire." She then turned and walked away. "'Ooo da fuck are jew?" The eagle said , her golden eyes burning holes in the mouflon as she walked up to the table. "Stepaway from dere ya coul' get 'urt er blow sumtin' up." "Ma'am, I'm with the fire department and just want to be sure everything is being handled properly." "An' jus' whadaya know 'bout esplosives?" She asked putting her claws on her hips. "I ain't got not'in' more den spahklashs by da stage. Al da aihborne stuff in da pool. We gots more den enough fire extiguichers spread out t'rough da area. Dere ain't no real splosives in any of it. Not dat you will fin' anyway. " Alex finished muttering the last few words under her breath. "Well, ma'am, it looks like you have a handle on this and there is no need for us to stick around.," the mouflon said with a smile to the eagle as he started to turn to leave. ??????????? Curiosity and the Cat ??????????? Lilliana stood on the patio overlooking the festivities as they continued almost uninterrupted by the arrival of the Fire and Police. The band continued to play as the guests socialized and wished Cecily happy birthday. Overall the event had gone as they had planned, expecting their neighbor to do something in retaliation to the noise, and the general fact that he did not approve of them even being part of his neighborhood. Her attention was brought over to a small group of lawn chairs they had set out for the adults. The only one using them at the time, the old man. Detlev sat enjoying the night air as he often did in his retirement. After so many years in command, he seemed content to just sit back and let everything happen around him. Most days he spent at the VFW playing chess and cards with other older soldiers. He had often spoken of his old friend, referring to him as 'the Colonel' more often than his name. The days seemed to be treating him well, and she was happy to see him come along on the team's new mission, even if he did not do much as far as the physical labor went. Her curiosity was piqued when she saw the firefighter/teacher talking to the old badger from a distance. Colin's presence at the party was not unwelcome; he was even invited, though the others thought that she didn't know. The thing that irritated her about him being there was the reason he had showed up. She gritted her teeth and growled as she thought about how Roman Zaritzky had called the fire department, knowing full well there was no need to do so. She cocked her head as she watched the mouflon and badger talk and even laugh as if they knew each other. She wondered just what the two had in common. She looked away from the scene as she saw the pair glance in her direction, and waited for the man to leave before she ventured over to ease her curiosity. Once he was gone, she walked over and dropped into a chair next to her old commander, sighing in a mock exhaustion. "I am going to have to do something about our neighbor sooner or later. I can't let this one slide." "I vouldn't expect you to," the old German badger said with his thick accent. "I am sure zat zee ozers are already plotink zeir own planz for him." "So ..." she paused for a moment as she looked over the festivities again, giving the small mouse one last look to be sure she was still doing okay in the crowd, "You know Mister Burke?" "Colin?" he asked a little surprised at the question, "He is Colonel Burke's son. He brinks him to the VFW ven he can. He is a goot man." "You know he's Cecily's Driver's instructor." Detlev's eyes went wide for a moment, "Zat is zee asshat you go on about all zee time?" "You really didn't know?" she asked, a little surprised herself. "Ve really don't talk about much," the old badger said. "He moshtly sits arount and lishtens to his fazer and I recount our old service shtories.He has talked about vanting to join zee service ven he vas youker, but so many zinks got in zee vay." "You should invite them over some time," Lilliana said with a mischievous smile. "We can put his ass to work while you old men bark orders. Make him feel like he did get some service time." He looked over at her for a moment, a smile of his own on his face as he asked, "Is zat zee only reazon you vould invite zem over?" "You know," she said as she stood up, "It's about time to get the cake and gifts started so that we are not out here till three A.M." "Your silence inz noted," Detlev responded with a smile. ??????????? Party Games ??????????? "Don't you think I am a little old for this?" Cecily asked as the eagle dumped the bag of fresh apples into the tub of water. She looked around at her gathered friends, some of which were in high school, her eyes coming to rest on the young skunk that had come with the CEO of the Private school. In her mind she might be the only one interested in such a game, even though she was secretly enthused about the simple fact that she had never been to a birthday or other party that catered more to younger kids. "What's next, pin the tail on the donkey? I'm sixteen not six. Why don't we let Charlotte go first," she offered, only receiving an annoyed huff from the young girl. "Ha no," Alex said shaking her head, "Da berfday gijl goes fers'. It's da rules." Cecily shook her head as she leaned over the tub of water and apples. She muttered to herself, "I'm going to be the laughing stock of the class by the end of the weekend." Then took a deep breath before dunking her head into the cold water snapping at what she hoped was an apple. A moment later she sat up gasping for air around the ripe red fruit she managed to snag in her teeth, an obvious smile of triumph in the corner of her mouth. Lilliana looked up with a smile and said, "Okay, who's next?" As the other party guests started to follow her lead, Cecily walked away looking at the apple now in her paw. The thought that the other teens were having fun with the game, Claire even pushing Ethan's head down into the water as he hesitated, eased her worry about getting picked on. Maybe everything was going to be better. She sat in a chair by Detlev as she watched her party continue. Medori, Juno, Elise and Elena all dancing as The Roman Incident continued to play. "How are you doink, Squweker?" The old badger asked as he leaned over toward her. "I'm fine." "Iz zere somezink wronk?" "No, it's all great. All my friends are here having fun. I get a big sweet sixteen birthday. It's all like some big dream." As she spoke she rolled the apple over in her paws. "You all do too much sometimes. The house, the school, even the party. It's all more than I need, more than I asked for." "Ant it is vhat ve vanted to do, " Detlev said as he settled back into his chair. "Every zign here it vhat zey thought ov vhen you descripet vhat you wanted. Zey have alvays been like zis. Zat iz vhy I pickt zem all in zee first place. Zey have a drive zat only need to be given direction, a goal to achieve. Ant you have given zem zat goal. Ant Also given some ov zem soezing they have been missink. Zey vill move zee hevens and earth for you if you ask... All of zem, even Daisy." "I know," the small mouse said, "It's just still hard to believe how much has changed. Only six months ago I was living on the streets thinking things could never change and everyone was only out for themselves. Now I almost have to tell people I don't need help with things." She looked over at him as she continued, "And really... Some time I'm afraid I will wake up and be back in...Virginia." "Zat vill never happen," Detlev assured her with a smile. "Now you better get back over zere before your mozer gets imatiant and desides to blow out zee candels and eat zee cake vithout you." The word mother made a smile brake through the melancholy expression of contemplation she had as she looked over at Lilliana standing over the large cake looking at her. ??????????? Hooked ??????????? Daisy stood with the group gathered around the table as they sang happy Birthday. She looked around at the group that had come together behind the young mouse she had only known since her own birthday a few months ago. The loosely knit group had come together to celebrate Cecily's birthday, even though most of them had only known her for less than a month. Some of them had come because of the Dark Rider House project, while others came to have fun with their new friend. She smiled as the singing stopped and her girlfriend blew out the sixteen small candles. Just as she was ready to help cut the cake and start serving it to the guests she felt a paw on her shoulder. "Come on mouse bait," Susan said softly, "We have a question for you." She sighed when she turned and saw Alex standing next to the chinchilla. "What is it now?" "Oh it's nothing big," Susan said with a mischievous smile on her muzzle, "And it will get you another two weeks of amnesty, at least for Alex and I. Besides, you'll get in less trouble this way." "Get in less trouble... why does that comment suddenly scare the holy living hell outta me?" the moose herm asked as the two women lead her away from the gathered group of teens. "Because you're going to do something anyway," the chinchilla said, "And if we work together on this we can cover for you if anything goes wrong. Here's the issue... Our dear City Council representative was gracious enough to alert the authorities to the possibility of an issue here tonight. And we wanted to thank him for his efforts." As a scowl crossed the moose's face she said, "then hell yes count me in, and yes I was going to do something anyway about that shit. Jerk ass prick pull that crap and try to mess up what I'm pretty sure is the only birthday party that girl has ever had in her life... If I thought I could get away with it his ass would wake up defurred, with his footpaws in cement standing in his yard in the middle of a damn dildo garden." The two older women looked at each other for a moment, and then said, "Nah," in unison as they shook their heads. "Okay, there is one rule here," Susan said looking Daisy in the eyes, "Cecily can't know, and that is even more important than her not knowing about the party. You got it?" With what appeared to be a genuine look of complete surprise the moose herm said, "Know about what? I have no recollection of the events of which you speak." "Good," Alex said in her perfectly understandable 'Lawyer voice' as the others called it. "The plan is twofold. And we need a good throwing arm for both parts. How are you at TP tossing?" "Above average, three story house back home ended up looking like the mummy every year for five years running," Daisy said as straight faced as she possibly could. "Okay, then you and Hank can take care of that part, we will do the rest, "Susan said with a smile. Just be ready to go when we get it all set up." "Count on it, I'll just have to figure out a way to make sure short stack does to sleep early and stays that way, but that's my problem," Daisy said wrinkling her brow in thought a moment. "I'll just have to be sure she tires herself out before bedtime so she'll go to sleep quicker." "Good Mouse Bait," Susana said with a smile patting her on the shoulder. The pair smiled at one another as they turned and started to walk back toward the party. As she walked back towards the party herself after a few moments Daisy grinned to herself. "Not that hard since I'm pretty sure she'll be ready to try out that tub Hank finished installing. Not to mention I wanna see what the hell he's been doing in that bathroom that was so damn important he locked it up last night when he was done for the day. That shit having to walk down the hall in the middle of the night sucked," she muttered as she spotted her girlfriend's mother glancing over her shoulder and giving her a knowing look. ??????????? Loose Family Ties ??????????? Susan walked through the party looking for her niece. Most of the younger guests had gathered around the piñata. Cecily blindfolded and being spun around as the group cheard. She caught sight of Elise in the gathering by the young filly that they met after arriving in Marblecliff. She walked up behind the younger chinchilla and put her paw on her shoulder. "Hey there, Elise. Sorry I haven't gotten to say something sooner, it's been hectic. How are you doing?" "Hey, Aunt Suzy," the younger chinchilla said, wrapping her arms around her aunt's waist in a loving embrace. "It's okay. I completely understand. You and your friends have a lot going on here, plus a new job. That's a lot of shit - err, stuff - to deal with at once." Susan smiled at her niece's slip,. "Yeah, Trying to revise a security plan for several campuses without impacting the student standards of life while increasing safety and efficiency is not an easy task. Then add all the remodeling on top of that, I doubt we will have the place ready for the Thanksgiving dinner that Lilly already started to plan for Daisy's family to visit. So how's school, and that Gaming stuff?" "School's not bad, I guess. Kicking ass in some classes, getting by in others, but not in danger of failing anything," the younger girl shrugged. "If I told you about any of my 'gaming stuff,' would you really understand what I'm talking about?" "Not one bit," She answered with a smile, "But I still like to hear it because of the way you talk about it. That sparkle in your eyes and the fact that you forget you're talking to me and just let loose." "In that case, then," the young girl grinned, "I'm getting ready for a big Ghosts tournament in Columbus on November 22. My team is projected to finish number four in the country, which is kinda insulting, considering we were number three last year, and I've only gotten better. But seriously, four thousand dollars split five ways? That's not even worth my time, especially when I'm the star player. Anything worse than second place, and I'll be pissed." "Don't go putting your money on early estimates. Trust me when I tell you that You will surprise them. I can tell you from experience, the looks of a good team can be deceiving. We have done things people said was impossible, and I know you can do a lot better than they think you can also. Just do your best and kick ass like I've read in those letters of yours." "Yeah, I guess," the younger chinchilla said with a sigh. "I didn't see Darren or Julia. Did they just drop you off for the party?" Susan looked around for the older chinchilla and red squirrel couple. "No, they're out with Julia's folks, but I guess Claire and her boyfriend know the birthday girl somehow? So I rode in with them," Elise explained. Susan rubbed her forehead with her paw as she mumbled, "Claire Summers, volleyball captain, girlfriend to Ethan, friends to... Damn what was her name... Damn, why didn't I put the Summers together? Even meet her father on the way into town." She sighed then looked back at Elise with a smile and added, "Well, how about you introduce us before Lilly tries to strangle her boyfriend again." "Sure," her niece said, taking her by the paw and leading her across the room to where Claire and Ethan stood talking with a sugar glider girl and the bat from the band. Claire saw them as they approached and excused herself from the conversation, looking first at Elise and then Susan, giving them both a warm smile. "Hey, Elise! Is this your Aunt Suzy?" the girl asked. Holding her paw out to the squirrel Susan said, "Nice to officially meet you, Claire." "Hi," the teen girl said, accepting the gesture, "It's nice to meet the legend in the fur." "Legend?" the chinchilla asked quickly, "who's been spreading rumors? If anything I would expect Lilly to be the legendary one." "Yeah, but Miss Fargo isn't family," Claire responded. "Ever since Julia first brought Darren home to meet my parents and me, I've listened to Elise brag about how amazing her aunt is." "Yeah... Amazing," Susan said dryly as she thought over the past ten years she spent avoiding the return home. Looking back at the teen with a smile and more upbeat tone she said, "Now amazing is your Varsity Volleyball team. I've seen a few of the practices. You guy are good." "Yer damn right we ah!" the sugar glider interjected. "We've got tha best coachin', best leadahship, an' tha best talent! We'ah gonna win state this yeeh!" Looking at the older chinchilla, she asked, "An' who's this?" "I'm Susan, Elise's aunt," She replied to the teen. "And you must be Shyara Logan." "Still, that doesn't explain how you've been able to see our practices," Claire said. "I don't remember seeing you in the gym." "So, she must have also have a job working at the school," the raccoon boy said, now paying attention to the new conversation. "Something that would give her access to the surveillance system, and since her legendary status would be put to waste working as a janitor, I'd guess security." Looking at Susan, he said, "Hi, I'm Ethan, Claire's boyfriend. Welcome to the family." "Ethan Black, assumed social degenerate turned football player until an unfortunate accident. Overall nice guy with a defensive streak that almost got him hospitalized over a mouse on the first day of school." Susan looked at the boy as she added, "I'll leave the rest out as it is even more disconnected and untrustworthy than the disciplinary records." "I can only wonder where 'the rest' came from," Ethan smirked as he glanced towards the liger. "But I think I nailed the 'security' guess." "I have no idea what you might be insinuating," The older chinchilla said with a similar smirk. "I do my best to keep my sources confidential. But if you have any more issues with strangle holds, let me know." "I think we've gotten past all that," he chuckled. "But I'll keep that in mind, just in case I'm wrong." "From what you've told me about Miss Fargo, that might not be a bad idea," Claire said, then looked at Susan. "Unless those accounts can also be deemed 'disconnected' and 'untrustworthy?'" Susan smiled at the teens and said, "I think you are all in the clear with our sniper, or you likely wouldn't be here tonight. She was just a little on edge that day. And I think Squeaker's account overruled some of her assumptions." After a moment of awkward silence Susan glanced at her wrist and said, "Well, I should let you kids get back to enjoying the party. " She looked at Claire and added, "I should get with Darren and Julia and find a time to get to know the rest of the family. Knowing an officer of the law might come in handy; she lowered her voice and mumbled, "Especially with this bunch." As she walked was she smiled at the quiet talk among the teens wondering just how far her little slip of the liger's previous profession might go. Sure Lilliana had done a lot for her, but there was more fun to have than just targeting Cecily's girlfriend, and a little rumor about the crazy new teacher might just be enough to keep her entertained at the office. ??????????? Party Favors ??????????? As Cecily sat amongst the pile of torn paper and her pile of gifts Daisy noticed the small mouse looking around as if searching for something. Certain that her girlfriend had noticed the seeming absence of a gift from herself she grinned mischievously as she walked over and knelt down beside her. "What's wrong trail mix, something missing?" "No," Cecily said softly, "I... everyone got me so much stuff... and I never asked for any of it." She held up gifts as she went through the small pile. "Prisma markers and photography books from people that don't even know me. A new tripod from Juno and her sister. Even Adobe Creative Suite from Ethan, Claire and Shy." She looked up at Daisy as she added, "I really don't know what to do. Even you and the others put this party together. I couldn't think of anything else I could want today." "Well that's good, and bad. We're not quite done with you yet short stack. The party wasn't all that your family had planned for you, but part of it didn't work out quite as planned. In the time I've been around this crazy bunch I've learned one very important lesson. That's that this bunch of crackpots loves you girl. They would, and have moved heaven and earth to see that you have everything you need, and want, and to make your dream come true. I'm happy to be a part of your life, and proud as hell to be a part of this mixed up menagerie of fruit cakes. This whole bunch have worked their tails off to get this house in shape and honestly I think we all need a little break from it. Which brings me to something else that we decided to do instead of what was planned and a little something that I decided to do. First off, tomorrow morning you, Lilly and I are heading down to the DMV to get your motorcycle learners permit. You're sixteen, actively enrolled in a driver's training program, and with the permit fully legal to ride as long as there is a licensed rider with you. That'll come in handy since next weekend the ladies of the Dark Rider House have a date with the road. Girls only weekend getaway, camping, hotel, whatever the hell you want to do squeaker," Daisy said as she watched the small mouse's eyes steadily grow wider. "R.. reaily?" Cecily asked, "But what about your job, Don't you work the weekends?" "Already covered with the boss, Thursday night I'll do up extra for the morning donuts and rolls and fill the freezer. She has a niece coming in for a few days that she says is earning her keep this time around and she's making her cover my shifts. So we're all clear and good to go on my end trail mix. But there is one more present you need to open," the moose herm said bounding to her hooves as she looked down at her lover and added, "sit tight a minute." Walking over behind the large couch Daisy returned a few moments later pushing a rather large box in front of her that was wrapped in brightly colored paper and tied up with a huge pink satin bow. "Now there is one thing, this is really for all of the ladies of the house not just you. So we need to gather them around before you tear into it." As the moose sat the box in front of the mouse, Lilliana's voice echoed in the still under furnished great room. "I think that was all of them." Susan entered the room behind her. "I think the band is finishing packing up for the night. How much did you pay them anyway?" She looked over her shoulder at the eagle with the question. "Mo'e den enough," Alex replier as she walked over and sat in one of the few chairs in the room. She looked over at the large box in front of the mouse, "An' wha's dat? A secret presen'?" "Leave the girl be," Hank said from the breakfast bar that separates the great room from the kitchen, "You give her enough hell without her having to explain a gift on someone's birthday." "Not really secret per se," Daisy said with a smirk on her muzzle. "More like a little more private since it's not just for moose snack. This one is from me to my girlfriend, and to the three women that have come to mean a lot to me, even if you are a bunch of conniving witches at times. I know you all were in on everything you've done to me since I got here, and don't even try to deny it. It really doesn't matter, not even the why. Though I think I might be getting a clue as to that part of it but meh who cares," Daisy said rather nonchalantly. "The thing is that all four of the women in this house are something special in their own way. I told Sisy what we have planned for her birthday with getting her bike learners permit and the road trip. The thing is the evenings are getting a bit chilly, and honestly if the women of the Dark Rider House are going out on the road, I think they should look the part. Okay squeaker, have at it," Daisy said as she walked over and sat on one of the stools at the breakfast bar. As Cecily started to pull the bow loose Lilliana looked over at Alex and said, "Hear that, she thinks your special, Boomer." Then she twisted her face in a goofy expression sticking her tongue out and swinging her finger around her ear. Just as the eagle started to cross the room toward the liger, a gasp from the small mouse silenced everyone. The group looked at the birthday girl as she pulled a black leather biker style jacket from the box. As she turned it in her paws something on the back caught her eye. Laying it across her lap she saw a large patch much like those one would see on any motorcycle club or gangs jackets. This one however featured very prominently an enlarged version of the horse and rider logo from the exercise outfits the women all wore for their morning workouts. It was done in black against a lighter red background with the Dark Riders motto written in Latin in a ring around the logo. The small size of the jacket making it clear that it was intended for the small mouse she turned it over to see above the left side breast pocket a red strip with DR74B2 And the word squeaker on it. "Now if that ain't the shit," Lilliana said breaking the silence in the room, "Way to show up the lot of us, Cupcake." "There's more," Cecily said softly before Daisy could respond. She started to pull more jackets from the box, all larger than the one that was on top. Each with their nicknames above the pocket. "If it says Fluffy Muffins I'm going to make sure you stay pink next time," Susan said as she watched the mouse hand out the jackets one at a time. "Then I'm safe for a little while yet," the moose herm said with a slight grin. "Everyone else has a call sign according to what their role was in the unit, thanks to the General I knew what yours was and I think you'll be happy to know it wasn't any kind of muffins." Taking the jacket from Cecily, Susan held it up and looked it over. "I never liked that one either, but I'll let it slide this time," she said smugly as she slipped it on with the rest of the group. "I think it looks good on you, Sue," Hank said as he walked up behind Daisy and whispered in her ear, "She likes its." As the others tried on their jackets and chattered at each other, offering smiles and playful shoves, Cecily sat on the floor with the jacket draped over her cast running her paw over the large Dark Rider patch on the back. She sat apparently oblivious to the antics around her as the room fell silent again. Lilliana knelt down by her, wrapping her arm around the mouse as the girl flinched at the touch. "Is everything Okay, Squeaker?" "It's too much," She said softly, "I didn't ask for all this. It's more than I need." "This is your birthday," Lilliana said waving for the others to get closer. "It's not about what you need, or even what you think you want. It's about your family and friends showing you how much you mean to them. Everyone here today was here for you." Cecily looked up at the liger, then around the group stopping on Daisy, tears forming in her eyes as she squeaked out a weak, "Thank you."