{"sf1_id":188646,"sf2_id":"ynZQKDPm","title":"Chapter 3 - Possible Complications","author":"Radical Gopher","words":2551,"posted_at":"2010-10-24T04:40:00.000Z","tags":["Adventure","Canine","Human","No-Yiff","Plot Development","Rodent"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/188646-chapter-3-possible-complications","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/ynZQKDPm","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=188646\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"#4 of Rescued Rangers","content":"I originally started this as a story jam, but no one submitted other chapters. So, here's chapter three.\u0026nbsp; Enjoy.  \n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_  \nRESCUED RANGERS - Chapter III: Possible Complications\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; From their hiding places, the Rangers watched as the pair of humans moved around the old barge, apparently looking for clues.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I don't know, Kim,\" the boy observed.\u0026nbsp; \"This place looks kind of... I don't know, skanky for one of Drakon's hideouts.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I don't think he was hiding out here, Ron.\u0026nbsp; The tip Wade got was that some of his men were seen here a day or two ago.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Why here?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Good question.\u0026nbsp; Word on the street is that Drakon needed something important to his current scheme.\"\u0026nbsp; She was interrupted by an odd musical page tone.\u0026nbsp; Pulling a video communicator from her pocket she thumbed the answer button.\u0026nbsp; \"What's the sitch Wade?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Got some 411 on that barge for you.\u0026nbsp; It's been abandoned there for about the last six years.\u0026nbsp; Word is some homeless dude named Fagin moved in a couple years ago and turned it into a home for stray dogs.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Any criminal record?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Nothing significant... vagrancy, trespassing, that kind of thing.\u0026nbsp; He apparently makes a living for himself as a scrounger, with some help from his dogs.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So... He's created himself a Kennel of Crime?\" asked Ron.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No, just a Habitat for Hounds.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Good one, Wade!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kim groaned.\u0026nbsp; \"Anything else?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, police thought he might have been involved in a kidnapping last year, but it turned out he was the one who rescued the girl.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kim thought for a moment. \"You said he was a scrounger, huh?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah,\" Wade replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Where exactly was the courier for Advanced Astrophysics mugged?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Three blocks down and six over from where you are now... Am I thinking what you're thinking?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Probably,\" Kim replied.\u0026nbsp; \"We know Drakon's thugs were responsible for the mugging and that they didn't get what they were after...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"...because the courier dropped it down a storm drain.\u0026nbsp; You think this Fagin guy found it?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Can you think of another reason they'd be seen around here?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Off hand... No!\u0026nbsp; Let me run a quick scan for stray energy signatures.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Nodding, the girl held out the small device and turned in a slow circle.\u0026nbsp; A grid pattern of light was projected from one end of the communicator.\u0026nbsp; Finishing her turn, she switched off the beam and looked once more at the image of Wade.\u0026nbsp; \"Find anything?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes,\" the 10-year-old genius replied.\u0026nbsp; \"There is an unusually high concentration of tachyon particles in one corner.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So... what exactly does that mean?\" asked Ron.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It means,\" the girl replied, \"that this Fagin character must have found and collected the temporal circuit breaker then was collected himself by Doctor Drakon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"There's something else here that seems unusual,\" said Wade.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You appear to be surrounded by a rather odd assortment of vermin?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Odd in what way?\" Kim asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well... you've got a chipmunk, a mouse, a rat, a hamster, a bat and a chihuahua.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey man!\u0026nbsp; Who chu callin' a vermin!\" snarled Tito.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; At the sound of the sharp barking both teens looked up.\u0026nbsp; They spotted the small dog standing near one bulkhead.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Aww... look at the cute little doggie,\" Kim said going down on one knee and beckoning to Tito.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Careful KP...\" warned the boy.\u0026nbsp; \"He's wearing a bandana.\u0026nbsp; He could be hardcore.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That's a sweatband Ron, and he's probably one of Fagin's dogs,\" she observed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; She softly whistled to the chihuahua.\u0026nbsp; Tito abruptly stopped barking and slowly began to edge forward towards Kim.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey!\" whispered Dale.\u0026nbsp; \"Where does he think he's going?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It's her whistling,\" Foxglove replied.\u0026nbsp; \"Canines often respond to certain frequencies of sound the way cats do to catnip.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well... I've got ears but I don't hear anything unusual.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It's there sugar, trust me,\" she replied.\u0026nbsp; \"I know my sub-sonics.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Tito padded up to Kim and sniffed tentatively at her hand.\u0026nbsp; She reached between his ears and began skritching the back of his head.\u0026nbsp; In response the chihuahua's tongue lolled out, his legs went rubbery and his tail started to wag.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That's a good doggie... nice doggie,\" she cooed.\u0026nbsp; \"Wade... can you scan the pooch for me, see what kind of readings you get?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"On it!\" The scanning beam painted its way across Tito for about two seconds.\u0026nbsp; \"Seems like the little guy's loaded with residual tachyon energy.\u0026nbsp; Our circuit breaker was definitely here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Gadget peeked out from her hiding place, thoroughly impressed by the technology she saw and a little over-eager to get a closer look.\u0026nbsp; Kim glanced up from the communicator in time to see her as she ducked back behind a dilapidated sofa.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Am I seeing things... or was that a mouse wearing coveralls and goggles?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I didn't see,\" Wade replied.\u0026nbsp; \"Try holding up your communicator and I'll run a full spectrum scan.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kim held the device in front of her.\u0026nbsp; It hummed for about ten seconds then beeped three times.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Whoa!\u0026nbsp; Talk about your sci-fi theatre weirdness!\" Wade muttered.\u0026nbsp; \"Your guests are not only wearing clothes, they're all running around on two legs and they have thumbs!\u0026nbsp; All except the chihuahua that is.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What do thumbs have to do with anything?\" asked Ron.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It means the creatures surrounding you are capable of manipulating their environment.\u0026nbsp; A clear indication of higher order sentient capability.\"\u0026nbsp; Ron stared at the communicator, his face a mask of utter confusion.\u0026nbsp; Wade sighed.\u0026nbsp; \"It means they're smart.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"How smart?\" he asked nervously.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Human level at least,\" the genius geek replied\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I knew it!\" Stoppable screeched, his voice rising a full octave towards 'panic mode.'\u0026nbsp; \"Alien pod mice from Mars... and I bet they all have their own tiny motorcycles of death too!\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Chill Ron!\" Kim responded.\u0026nbsp; \"If they wanted to hurt us they would have done it by now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ya hear that, mate!\" Monty said, nudging Chip with his elbow.\u0026nbsp; \"I think that Sheila knows we're here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Somehow, I'm not all that surprised.\" Chip replied.\u0026nbsp; \"I think we have ourselves a genuine, first contact situation here.\"\u0026nbsp; Adjusting his hat, the chipmunk took a deep breath and walked out into the open.\u0026nbsp; He stopped long enough to make eye contact with the girl, then took off his hat and bowed formally.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Greetings!\"\u0026nbsp; I'm Chip, and my friends and I are called the Rescue Rangers!\"\u0026nbsp; He paused to wait for an answer.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kim...\" Ron whispered nervously,\u0026nbsp; \"he's chittering at us.\u0026nbsp; They always chitter just before they charge.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Would you get a grip?\u0026nbsp; This is not Camp Wannaweep and he's not going to charge.\"\u0026nbsp; Kim looked down at her communicator.\u0026nbsp; \"Wade... I think the little guy is trying to talk to us.\u0026nbsp; Can you help?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Working on it.\"\u0026nbsp; There was a rapid clacking as the geek worked his keyboard.\u0026nbsp; \"Got it!\u0026nbsp; Wow!\u0026nbsp; He's using standard English, but at a much higher frequency range than we can understand.\u0026nbsp; I'll modify your communicator so it can translate.\"\u0026nbsp; Again, the device hummed for a few moments, then beeped.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \\*\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \\*\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \\*\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So let me get this straight,\" Kim reiterated looking at the half-dozen rodents that surrounded her as she sat cross-legged on the floor.\u0026nbsp; \"You guys solve crimes?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Only when we're not saving the world,\" boasted Dale who promptly got a rap on the head from Chip. \"OW!\u0026nbsp; What's the idea?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I just wanna make sure your head isn't going to get too big for your neck, silly!\"\u0026nbsp; Chip looked back up at Kim.\u0026nbsp; \"Actually, we just try to focus on the small stuff that the police are too busy to deal with.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"This case doesn't exactly fit the description of what you call 'small stuff','\" K.P. responded.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Tell me about it,\" said Gadget.\u0026nbsp; \"It seams like every other case we take on turns out to be bigger than we originally thought.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Sort of like looking for missing pooches and uncovering high tech robbery,\" observed Ron.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Exactly,\" mouse agreed. \"Though I guess when you consider the probability factors and extrapolate pre-ordinance as a theoretical constant, then the random element can be pretty well disregarded.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You sound a lot like our friend Wade, especially after too many mocha java milk-shakes.\"\u0026nbsp; Ron gave Gadget a suspicions sideways look.\u0026nbsp; \"You two aren't related, are you?\"\u0026nbsp; Everyone save Dale and Ron slapped the palm of their hands against their foreheads, groaning.\u0026nbsp; Wade simply dropped his head against his keyboard.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'd say its more likely that you and Dale are related,\" teased Foxglove.\u0026nbsp; The hamster responded by giving her a prolonged raspberry.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So... what now?\" asked Tammy.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Chip thought for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \"We're both essentially working the same case.\u0026nbsp; Maybe it would be to our advantage to join forces.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I was thinking the same thing,\" Kim responded.\u0026nbsp; \"We can focus on the technical end and you can keep working the missing canine side.\u0026nbsp; All we'd really need to do is keep each other appraised of what each group has found.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There was a sharp chittering sound from the front pocket of Ron's pants.\u0026nbsp; Reaching down, he pulled a small, pink shape from it and held the creature up to his ear.\u0026nbsp; \"You say something Rufus?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The naked mole rat began chittering, pointing to both Kim and the Rangers.\u0026nbsp; Ron looked over at K.P.\u0026nbsp; \"Rufus doesn't think it's a good idea to split our forces.\u0026nbsp; Not if Doctor Drakon already has possession of the temporal circuit thingy.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We don't know that he does... just that he was looking for it,\" replied Chip.\u0026nbsp; \"Oh, and by the way, who's your friend?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"This is Rufus,\" Ron smiled, holding out the mole rat for all to see.\u0026nbsp; \"He and I have been best buds since kindergarten.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Rufus waved at the Rangers, chittering briefly and ending his introduction with a squeaky \"HIYA.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What did he just say?\" asked Dale\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Rufus was saying hi,\" Ron supplied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"He did?\" Dale observed.\u0026nbsp; \"Well I could hardly understand him at all.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I did,\" said Foxglove.\u0026nbsp; With that she started chittering herself.\u0026nbsp; Rufus responded by jumping down from Ron's hand and going up to the bat.\u0026nbsp; The two of them conversed for a moment before the mole rat grabbed her paw and begin pumping it vigorously in greeting.\u0026nbsp; Dale merely looked over and scratched his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What's that all about?\" he asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Our new friend Rufus communicates in a sub-sonic range of speech, similar to bat-speakbut at a different frequency,\" Foxglove explained.\u0026nbsp; Though he does have a slight speech impediment because of his teeth.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Interesting,\" said Wade.\u0026nbsp; \"If Ron can understand Rufus, and Rufus can understand the bat...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Foxglove,\" she corrected him.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Uh... Right... Foxglove,\" he replied.\u0026nbsp; \"I wonder if she can talk to Ron?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, there's one way to find out,\" Foxglove replied.\u0026nbsp; She immediately turned toward Ron and chattered at him.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Really... Well I don't know if you'd call us a couple... More like a team,\" the boy responded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What's she saying?\" Kim asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Please KP.\u0026nbsp; This is a private conversation,\" he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"UH BOY!\" muttered Rufus\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It looks like your friend Ron is genetically wired for certain, sub-sonic tones,\" Gadget observed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, it would explain why dog-whistles give him a headache.\" Kim replied with a quirky smile.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright then... If we're going to follow Rufus' suggestion, we need to map out our next moves.\"\u0026nbsp; Chip looked up at the two humans.\u0026nbsp; \"You were talking earlier about some kind of tachyons and a temporal circuit breaker?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes,\" the red-haired girl replied.\u0026nbsp; \"It was a circuit card stolen from a company called Advanced Astrophysics.\u0026nbsp; It's supposed to be a critical component in some top secret government project.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"And you think it was here?\" asked Gadget.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We know it was here.\u0026nbsp; There's a tachyon trail and residual particles all over the place, including some on your canine friend \"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Man... I knew I shudda taken a bath last month,\" muttered the chihuahua.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So what did this circuit card look like?\" asked Monty.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kim reached into a pocket of her parachute pants and pulled out a photo.\u0026nbsp; \"This is what we're looking for.\"\u0026nbsp; Everyone gathered around and took a look.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey... Is that wha' chu lookin' for?? Tito asked\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kim nodded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, why didn' chu ask?\u0026nbsp; Frankie found sometin like it a couple a days ago over by the storm drain.\u0026nbsp; It was in his stash until Fagan saw it and put it in the lockbox.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What did Frankie want with it?\" asked Ron.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Thought he could use it ta fix his radio.\u0026nbsp; He ain't happy unless he can get his weekly dose of culture,\" Tito explained.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"When Fagan saw it he noticed there was some gold and platinum in it.\u0026nbsp; Thought we could pawn it and get enough to buy a couple weeks worth o' groceries and a Moe Zart album fer Francis.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Do you know where Fagan kept this lockbox?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah,\" the chihuahua replied carefully, \"But I don' know... That's our big stash, man.\u0026nbsp; Dodger and the others might not like it if I showed chu.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, you're homies were kidnapped,\" Chip pointed out, \"and if you want us to find them and whoever took them, then we need your help.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Tito pursed his lips slightly and closed one eye, twisting his head in thought.\u0026nbsp; After a moment or two he snorted slightly.\u0026nbsp; \"HOKAY! I'll show chu.\"\u0026nbsp; He padded up the steps and out onto the deck, followed by Kim, Ron and a small squad of rodents.\u0026nbsp; The sun had set and the river reflected city lights up toward the boat, providing a modest amount of illumination.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Here chu go!\" Tito said, stopping next to a cleat.\u0026nbsp; From it a half-inch rope hung over the side and disappeared into the water.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Where is it?\" Dale asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Down there!\" replied the chihuahua.\u0026nbsp; \"Pretty smart.\u0026nbsp; Fagan called it our Left Bank Bank.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I don't get it,\" muttered Ron\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ever been to Paris, mate?\" asked Monty.\u0026nbsp; Ron shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"Then you wouldn't.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Golly!\" Gadget exclaimed.\u0026nbsp; \"I think your circuit card might still be here!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What do you mean?\" asked Kim\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"She means that if that lockbox is watertight...\" Wade interjected.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It is,\" Tito confirmed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"And it's deep enough under water, then Drakon's goons wouldn't have been able to detect the circuit card.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Why not?\" asked Ron.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"The water would have disbursed the tachyons.\u0026nbsp; That's why they couldn't track it through the sewers.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah... That was kind of a bitch,\" said a distinctive female voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Everyone turned.\u0026nbsp; There, standing on the dilapidated pier were half a dozen ninja goons accompanied by a shapely, raven-haired woman with a pale green complexion.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"SHEGO!\" exclaimed Ron and Kim in one voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hi Kimmy!\" she taunted.\u0026nbsp; \"Planning on opening your own pet store?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n...TO BE CONTINUED\n\n\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Rescued Rangers","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/33244-chapter-2-enter-the-chihuahua.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/251501-chapter-4-of-mice-and-ninjas.json"}}