Island Shore Leave Part Four

Mouser Tails

Cap'n Pine Cone took a deep breath. He took in the sea air and then
the odor of delicious food.
"That smells wonderful Persia." he said, "What are you making?"

Persia stopped stirring the immense kettle. She took out the spoon and
gingerly took a taste. "It's a surprise, Sir." She wrapped her tail
around a spice jar and added a little to the kettle and then continued
stirring. "You'll just love it.'

"I plan to. Do you need anything?"

"Actually if you could send someone to get a lot more coconuts, we
could have the milk with dinner."

"I'll see what I can do." said Cap'n Pine Cone, and left Persia to her
cooking. He spied Lacey crouched among the ferns about to pounce on
Mistletoe. "Lacey?" He called. Mistletoe and Lacey both perked up,
and Mistletoe ran off with a little laugh. Lacey grimaced but then
turned her attention to Cap'n Pine Cone. "Yes, Cap'n?" she asked.

"Persia would like enough coconuts for everyone tonight. Think you
could grab a few kits and get some?" Lacey smiled.

"Of course, Cap'n." she said. "It'll be a pleasure."

"Good. Just remember to make sure that everyone is clear so they don't
get hit by falling coconuts."

"Yes, sir."

Cap'n Pine Cone returned to the heart of the camp, where he met Sgt.
Huey. Huey was intently watching Captain, Stanley and Dante who were
conversing beneath a tree.

"Problems, Sgt?" Cap'n Pine Cone asked. "No, sir, just keeping an eye
on those kits. I wouldn't be surprised if they were planning some
mischief." said Huey.

"At ease, Sgt. Let the kits have a little fun. I'm sure whatever
happens, we can handle it." Suddenly Pine Cone's ears perked. He
heard the sound of a high pitched wail, but he couldn't place it.

"Sgt, do you hear that?" he asked. "Yes, sir, I do." replied Huey.
They both rotated their ears in an attempt to locate the sound, which
was growing louder. In fact the other cats in the camp also stopped,
and listened.

Suddenly a colored streak flew into camp. It was wailing loudly, and
for a moment no one could clearly see what it was. It ran in a full
circle around the camp and then buried itself into the sand. Cap'n
Pine Cone and Huey slowly approached it when it burst out of the sand.
Cap'n Pine jumped back and this time he could see what it was.

It was Qui Gon Kit. All his fur was poofed out and his eyes were like
saucers. And on the tip of his tail was clamped a small sand crab.

"OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" screamed Qui Gon, who kept
running at top speed.

"Grab him!!" shouted Pine Cone. Mischief made a flying leap but at the
last moment Qui Gon swerved and Mischief landed face first in the sand.
Sammy and HRFL Tiger also pounced but Qui Gon evaded both of them.
Finally Huey lept onto a box and jumped off as Qui Gon sped by.

WHOMP!!!! Huey landed on top of Qui Gon and sand sprayed everywhere.
"HOLD HIM DOWN!!!" cried Pine Cone. Within seconds, Mischief and HRFL
Tiger were on top of Qui Gon, who was still screaming and struggling.

"GETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF!!!" yelled Qui Gon. His eyes were full of
tears.

"Stop struggling so we can take a look!!" shouted Tiger. Qui Gon
finally stopped struggling and buried his face into Mischief's fur,
sobbing.

Cap'n Pine Cone pinned down Qui Gon's tail with one paw and held down
the crab with the other. "Someone get Tanada!" After a moment Tanada
trotted up with a medical bag..

"The crab looks like he's clamped on pretty tight." she said. "I
don't think we can get him to let go."

"Then there's only one way." said Cap'n Pine Cone. Tanada nodded.
She picked up a long stick and suddenly thrust it down, impaling the
crab. "Qui Gon, brace yourself."

Qui Gon tearfully lifted his head. "Just g...g...get it off." he
said.

"Tanada, hold his tail. I'd better do it." Pine Cone grabbed the
stick. He saw Qui Gon tense. "Hey, Lily Whiskers, come over here."

Qui Gon perked up. "Lily? Where.........YEEEEOOOOWW!!!!!!!!" Using
the momentary distraction, Cap'n Pine Cone yanked hard on the stick and
the crab was pulled off Qui Gon's poor tail.

"Nasty little bugger." said Huey, watching the crab twitch on the
stick. In one of its claws was a small tuft of fur.. Tanada quickly
bandaged Qui Gon's and they let him up. His eyes were full of tears
and he looked mournfully at his bandaged tail.

"Will it be okay?" he asked in a small voice.

"Give it a few days and you'll be right as rain." said Tanada, patting
it gently. Lily then walked up and began washing Qui Gon's tear
streaked face.

"Oh, my poor Qui Gon." She said. "You were so brave."

"Well......of course I was." said Qui Gon, sitting up a little
straighter. "I wasn't about to let a little crab get the better of me.
I had him from the start." "Of course you did, sweetie." said Lily,
as she kept licking his face.

Cap'n Pine Cone and Huey looked at each other, smiled, and left the two
kits to each other. Pine Cone carried the crab on a stick up to
Persia.

"Persia?" he said, setting down the stick. "Got something a little
special for you."

Persia stopped stirring and came over. "Ahh, Roast Crab." she said.
"Very delicious. Where did you get this?"

"Off of Qui Gon's tail." said Cap'n Pine Cone with a snicker. "Think
you could roast it up special for Qui Gon? I'm sure he would enjoy it
in more ways than one."

"Of course, I'll see what I can do." Said Persia, picking up the
stick. "Dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes."

Persia went back to stirring her kettle. She took out the spoon and
tasted it, and then looked behind her at the jars of spice.
"Paprika.......Seasoned Salt......Oregano......where's the Basil?" she
said.

"Allow me?" said a voice. Persia turned and saw a face opposite her.

"Sir Weebly Wobblebottom." she said. "How kind of you. Just two
dashes please." Using his tail, Weebs added the Basil. As he went
to return the jar. "Watching you cook, you don't know what that does
to me."

"Not now, Weebs I need to finish this." Weebs came up beside her and
headbutted her gently. He wrapped his tail around her and rubbed his
face against hers.

"Oh, Weebs." Persia stopped stirring. She turn and looked into his
eyes. Then she closed her and moved forward for a nose kiss.

"Ewwwwwwwwww!!!!!!" Persia and Weebs both started. They jumped back a
little and turned to see Lacey, Bam Bam, Barney and Tessie surrounded
by coconuts. Lacey was smiling and the kittens were snickering.

"Um, sorry to interrupt." said Lacey. "But did someone order some
coconuts."

"Oh!" said Persia. "Uh, yes. Erm...Just leave them there, I'll get
Waffles to help me."

"No problem." said Lacey, turning away. The kittens were still
snickering, but Lacey hissed at them and ran off.

"I guess I'd better let you finish." said Weebs.

"Well if you want to help. You can start cracking coconuts and pouring
out the milk."

"I would be honored." said Weebs, who turned and headed off to the
pile of coconuts

End Part IV

Island Shore Leave Part Three

Mouser Tails
Part Three

*****************

"Cap'n, I'm pleased to report that camp is fully set up."

"Excellent, Sgt." said Cap'n Pine Cone. "Shall we ready the scouting parties?"

"Teams are ready, sir" "Good then lets get going."

"EVERYONE FALL IN!!!!" shouted Huey, and cats and kittens scampered to get into formation.

"Uh, Sgt?" said Cap'n Pine Cone "Yes, sir?" asked Huey.

"Next time wait until I'm a few steps away before shouting orders." "Oh!!" started Huey. "Sorry about that, sir."

Cap'n Pine Cone approached his crew. "Okay, folks, now is the what few of you have been axiously waiting for; exploring the island."

"YAY!!!!!! shouted Caliban and Dante. Cap'n Pine Cone turned and put the eye on them, and both kittens suddenly cringed and were silent. Cap'n Pine Cone continued.

"There will be four teams. Team One will go with me, Team Two will go with Sgt. Huey, and Team Three with go with Corporal Sammy and Private Mischief. Team Four, made up of veterans that have already seen the island, will remain here. Now I know that some of you are very anxious to explore the island and see the sights. But everything has its dark side and the jungle can play tricks on you if you're not careful. Make sure you stick to your groups and stick to the buddy system. You will return back here in exactly ONE hour. And above all, have fun. Dismissed."

"FALL IN...." Huey stopped and waited for the Cap'n to walk away. "FALL INTO TEAMS!!!" he cried.

"Team One.....Captain, Miranda, Dante, Bam Bam, HRFL Tiger, Samwise, Otis, Chester, Mistletoe, Lacey, Scout and Vino. Team Two..... Qui Gon, Lily Whiskers, Weebs, Persia, Mimi and Boyfriend...."

"The LOVE team!" said Caliban. "Eewwwwwwwwww!!!" said a few kittens.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!!!" shouted Huey, and kittens became quiet. "Sugar, Pearl, Oscar, Tabitha, and Silver. And Team Three... Claudius, Tessie, Nina, Pan, Mayhem, Imp, Barney, Harri Roadcat, Ranger, Stanley and Caliban. Stick to your groups and do NOT, under any circumstances, get separated. Your team leaders will be in charge and will report to me after we we return. Anyone who misbehaves or gets a poor report will have their shore leave revoked and will have to sleep on the ship. Do I make myself clear?"

"SIR YES SIR!!!!!" shouted everyone.

"Dismissed!" said Huey. He then turned to Mischief and Sammy, "Stick to the areas I showed you on the map and you'll be fine. Keep an extra eye on Stanley and Caliban. Barney and Tessie too, since they're the youngest. Keep everyone together and if there's any trouble get everyone back here no matter what. Understand?"

Sammy and Mischief saluted. "Yes sir!!!" they said.

And so the exploration commenced. The three teams each went in different directions and deep into the jungle. Cap'n Pine Cone's team headed for the high mountain. Sgt. Huey's team headed for the quarry, and Sammy and Mischief's team headed into the trees along the coast. There were lots of things to see. The kittens ooooo'd and ahh'd and they're eyes were wide as they took in everything.

"Look at those TREES!!! They are so TALL!" "I wouldn't want to climb THAT, how would I get down?" "Bet i could climb all the way to the top before you can say Jiminey Kitty." "No you couldn't." "Yes I could, just watch...." "CLAUDIUS, GET OUT OF THAT TREE!!" "Aw c'mon Mischief," "No tree climbing yet. Wait until we get back to camp." "Hmph"

"Ooooo!! Bird!!!!" "Stay in formation, no bird chasing, until we get back to camp." "Awwww..." "BIRD!!!" "I said no bird chasing!" "Ooo!! Ooo!!! I'll get it!!" "Tessie get back here NOW!!" "What? You didn't say anything about butterflies."

"Hey! What is that?" "I think it's called a dragonfly." "Wow! I wonder how it tastes?" "Eww, that's GROSS!"

"Miss Lily? Are you still mad at me?" "No, I guess I'm not mad." "That's Great!" "But i'm still not happy." "Oh...."

"HEY! I'M STUCK!! HELP!!!" "Tiger, can you help Dante get his head out of that hollow log?" "Yes, sir:"

"I GOT THE GREEN SNAKE!!!" "That's a vine, doofus, they're all over the island." "You mean it's not a snake?" "No, vines are harmless." "Hey I can swing on it!!" "I once saw a hoomin swinging through the trees on vines." "That's silly, how can a hoomin hold onto a vine? They have no claws." "Uh... Opposable thumbs?" "Ahhh, right."

"WHOA!!! Look at that mountain!" "It must be a million feet tall!" "Actully it's only 3,500." "Have you climbed it, Cap'n?" "Yes I did, and it's not easy. If there's time maybe we can plan a climbing expedition."

"Wow, what's that over that ridge?" "That's the deserted hoomin colony I told you about, Qui Gon." "Oooooo!! Can we go investigate?" "Sorry Weebs, no one is allowed to go there. Captain's orders." "Awwww..."

"Uh, has anyone seen Mimi and Boyfriend?" "MIMI!! BOYFRIEND!!! Don't wander off like that. Wait until we get back and then you can find a spot to nose kiss all you want." "Hey, Weebs, why don't we...." "That goes for you too, Persia and Weebs." "Darn."

"Hey, what are those round, orange things?" "Oranges, you dummy." "Hey, don't call me a dummy!" "But you are one." "Are not!!" "Are too!!" "ARE NOT!!!" "ARE TOO!!!" "Knock it off back there!"

"Uh where's the litter box?" "There isn't one, Dante." "But I gotta go." "Then go behind the tree." "We're allowed to do that?" "Of course we are." "YOU MEAN WE CAN GO TO THE BATHROOM WHEREVER WE WANT?" "Don't shout, and yes we can." "OH BOY!!!!"

"Unka Pan?" "Yes, Nina?" "What that green stuff on the tree?" "Oh, that's called Moss. It's a type of plant that grows on the side of trees." "It looks so soft, I wonder how it feels." "Uh I wouldn't do that because....." "ACK!!! EWW!!!!" "....because they tend to be quick damp with water." "ICK ICK!!"

"Hey Sammy, are there any snakes here?" "Yes, Barney, but some of them can grow so big that to them a kitten is a meal." "*GAASP* REALLY? EEEK!!" "Barney, unpoof yourself and get out of that tree. We're perfectly safe as long as we stay together." "Whew!" "Yeah, and they wouldn't attack you on the ground..." "Caliban, cut it out," "They prefer to hide in trees and snack on kittens that climb them." "AHHHHHH!!" "CALIBAN, STOP LAUGHING! THAT WASN'T NICE!" "HAHAHA.... I know, but wasn't that funny to see him jump out of that tree and walk on air?" "*sigh* Imp, go find Barney, calm him down and bring him back to the group. I think he flew underneath that bush."

"Hey Mayhem, where are the roads?" "There are no roads, Harri." "Weird. I'm so used to traveling on roads in my Pa's truck." "I don't think there's even one truck on the whole island." "Then how do people ship things from place to place?" "Huh?" "Never mind."

"Hey, what are those round things at the top of that tree?" "Those are coconuts, Lacey. They're full of milk." "Wow!! MILK!! I want one!!" "Hey, get out of that tree, you're shaking it and....."
"LOOK OUT!!!!" *THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP* "You idiot, one almost hit me!!" "I'm sorry! I didn't know they would fall." "Lacey, this is why shaking Palm trees is dangerous." "Yes, Cap'n. I'm really sorry." "Apology accepted. Now get down out of that tree and someone pick up my hat. And bring some of those coconuts, we can have them at dinner."

An hour later, all three groups returned to camp. The kittens were chattering back an forth sharing their adventures. Once everyone had returned and Sgt. Huey did a head count, Cap'n Pine Cone released them for their own shore leave.

"Stay within site of the camp and do NOT wander off. Huey, get the kitchen crew started on preparing dinner."

Kittens and cats scampered off in all directions. Scout chased Silver up a nearby tree with Tessie close behind. Miranda and Caliban started romping in the sand. Weebs, Persia, Mimi and Boyfriend went off on their own, probably to CENSORED CENSORED. Qui Gon romped among the plants when suddenly he spied a bush with pink flowers He sniffed and took in the delightful aroma,

"Miss Lily would just love one of these," she said to himself. "Maybe then she'll forgive me." He grasped a stem in his mouth and pulled and trotted back to the beach. He found Lily bapping at a sand crab that was crossing the beach.

"Miss Lily?"

Lily didn't even turn around. "What do YOU want?" she asked. "Um, I brought you a little present." Qui Gon set the flower down on the sand next to her. Lily glanced at it and for a moment Qui Gon thought he saw the edge of a smile in the corner of her mouth. Lily turned away and went back to bapping the crab.

"Um....do you like it?" asked Qui Gon. "Oh it's nice. It's very.....touching..." Qui Gon's head drooped. "You don't like it." "No I didn't say that, I said it was touching." Qui Gon started feeling angry.

"Well then if you don't like it, I'll just take it back." He bent down to pick up the flower.
"No, DON'T....." said Lily, quickly bending down. Their noses touched as they both bent over the flower. They both started a little, and suddenly found themselve looking into each others eyes. Qui Gun stood back up the flower in his mouth, his eyes wide. Lily's heart started racing and she felt a little light headed.

"Oh, Qui Gon....." she said. "I....I'm sorry I was cross with you. I was angry and... Please don't be upset. I still like you very much." Qui Gon gulped.

"An I wike youf fery muss too. Wilt youf sill beh mye binkbink fend?" Lily giggled and Qui Gon realized he still had the flower in his mouth. He quickly spat it out. "I mean, will you still be my *winkwink* friend?" Lily moved in closer and his heart began to speed up.

"Of course I will," said Lily softly. Qui Gon smiled back and let out a long sigh. He leaned in and gave Lily a nice nose kiss.

Lily giggled. "That was very nice, Qui Gon. I've always liked.... Qui Gon? Whats the matter? You look like your in pain..." Qui Gon was gritting his teeth and his eyes were wide.. Suddenly he could hold back no longer.

"YYYEEEEEEOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!" He defied gravity a full three feet into the air and when he came back down, Lily saw it. The sand crab she had been taunting was clamped firmly onto the tip of Qui Gon's tail.

"OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!" screamed Qui Gon and he started running in circles and finally off into the direction of the camp. Lily stifled a grin and laughed to herself and then trotted after him.



End Part Three


I had fun writing these, MUHAHAHAHAHA!!!


Kristi

Island Shore Leave Part Two

Mouser Tails

Part Two

**************

The Mouser had run ashore the island at high tide. "LOWER THE
GANGPLANK!!!" shout Sgt. Huey. There still was a bit of water
underneath but the gangplank stretched over it onto the dry part of the
beach. "ALL ASHO........!"

Sgt Huey didn't even finish as Captain and Stanley raced past him,
heading for the gangplank. Suddenly Stanley tripped and fell flat on
his face. Captain crashed into him and Huey stifled a laugh as this
rolling ball of wrestling kittens rolled past him.

"See ya on the beach, kits!" yelling Qui Gon Kit, jumping over them.
He ran full speed at the gangplank. He was deterimined to be the FIRST
kitten on the island. He picked up a little more speed when he caught
someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Miss Lily Whiskers, also
running at full speed for the gangplank. OH NO!!!!

In a split second, several thoughts flashed into Qui Gon's mind.
"Shall I let her win? I wanted to be the FIRST kitten on the island!
But Lily is my *winkwink* friend, and if i don't let her win, she might
want to break up with me! But if I'm not the first kitten on the
island, I'll lose respect amongst my fellow hoolikittens! But I LOVE
MISS LILY WHISKERS!!!"

Qui Gon immediately put on the brakes. But he was going so fast that
he was having trouble stopping. As a speeding Lily reached the top of
the gangplank, she turned to see Qui Gon skidding towards her at full
speed.

Everyone on deck winced as the kittens crashed, then ran to the side of
the ship. Qui Gon may have wanted to stop, but he was no match for the
laws of physics. The force of him running into Lily sent her flying
with equal amount of force. Now, had he been running head on, she
would have tumbled down the gangplank. Unfortunately he had hit her at
and angle.

All the cats ran to the side in time to see Miss Lily, limbs flailing,
fly through the air and into the water with a soft "Plop!"

"MAN THE NET!!!!" Shouted Huey. Paws scrambled on the deck as cats
ran to the ropes. Soon a large basket net was lowered into the water,
where a sopping wet Lily climbed into it. Other cats stood by ready
with towels as Lily was hoisted up out of the water and lowered gently
onto the deck.

Cap'n Pine Cone walked up as she was rubbed briskly with the towels.
"Are you alright?" he asked. He flinched a bit as Lily shook herself,
sending water droplets in all directions.

"Yes, sir, I'm okay." said Lily in a small voice. "Just a little
shaken."

"Well at least you don't mind water." said Cap'n Pine Cone. "A good
washing and a nap in the sun will fix you up right. Consider yourself
excused from landing duties." He turned to Sgt. Huey. "Sgt, commence
unloading and begin to set up camp."

"Yes, sir!" said Huey. He turned to the rest of the crew. "You heard
the Cap'n. Get into your teams and begin unloading."

The small crowd dissapated as the cats ran to begin unloading. Lily
shook again and began washing herself. Qui Gon, who had been watching
from afar, now apporached her gingerly.

"Um..... Miss Lily?" He said meekly. "I'm.....I'm sorry for running
into you...."

Lily didn't answer or look at him and continued with her washing.

"It was an accident. I tried to stop, REALLY, I tried, but I couldn't
and......I'm sorry that you fell into the water..... You still do look
pretty even though your fur is all wet....I mean...."

Lily finally looked up at him. "It's ok, Qui Gon, I'm not mad." There
was a gleam in her eye, but Qui Gon, in his attempts to console her,
missed it.

"Really? You're not mad at me?"

"No I'm not." said Lily sweetly. "Now close your eyes. I want to give
you something."

She's not mad at me, though Qui Gon. OH JOY!!! He closed his eyes and
leaned forward expecting a nose kiss. Cap'n Pine Cone turned in time
to see Lily stand up on her hind legs.

With amazing speed and force, Lily boxed both of Qui Gon's ears twice,
and finished with a right hook that send him flying backwards. Qui Gon
landed on the deck with a thump. His head was spinning. "I
thought....I thought you said......you weren't.......mad at me....."

"I'm not MAD, I'M FURIOUS!!!!!!" shouted Lily. "How DARE you push me
into the water?!! I had JUST taken a bath and now you've RUINED my
beautiful fur!!"

Qui Gon shook his head to clear it. "It was an accident, Lily, I was
trying to stop but I didn't think......"

"Well that's just IT, isn't? You toms don't THINK!"

He bowed his head. "Please don't be mad at me. I said I was sorry.
Can we still be *winkwink* friends? I'll make it up to you." He
rolled on his back and looked up at her with the most sorrowful kitty
look he could muster.

"You better make it up, you stupid tom, or we're THROUGH!!!" Lily
turned up her nose and walked away, her tail held high.

Qui Gon was beside himself. He had been trying to let her win, and now
she was mad at him. He was so involved in his depression that he
didn't see the shadow come upon him. Suddenly he noticed who it was
and jumped to his feet and saluted.

"Sir!! I wasn't laying about sir, I was just....."

"Relax, kit," said Cap'n Pine Cone. "I saw the whole thing." Qui
Gon dropped his head again.

"What am I going to do? I really didn't mean to knock her into the
water. Now she's mad at me. What if she doesn't want to be my
*winkwink* friend anymore? What'll I do?"

"Now, now, calm down, don't get your fur all ruffled." said Cap'n Pine
Cone. "Queens can be a little tempermental sometimes. She'll cool
down in a bit and all will be forgiven."

"Really?" Qui Gon sniffed.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine. In the meantime though, I'd work on a
suitable present for her."

"But what do girls want?"

"Oh the usual, toys, a nip flower bouquet, maybe even a chocolate
covered mousie. You'll figure something out, ok?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, now go join your team and help with the unloading." Qui Gon
saluted and trotted off.

Island Shore Leave

"LAAAAAAAANNNNNNNDDDDDDD HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" Bellowed Imp from the crow's nest. Cats and kittens scattered to the side to peer into the distance.

"I see it!! I see it!!" said Qui Gun Kit "I see the island!"

"YAY!!!!" All the kittens started cheering and running around and dancing.

"CAP'N ON DECK!!!" bellowed Sergeant Huey, and all cats and kittens snapped to attention. Cap'n Pine Cone strolled out onto the deck.

"In a few hours, we will be arriving at the island." he announced. "I know how anxious you all are to get ashore for some much needed shore leave, but there still is work to be done. Once we arrive we need to set up a perimiter, unload supplies and set up camp. Only, and ONLY when all the work has been completed, will we release you in groups for shore leave. Understand?"

"YES SIR!!!!"

"Okay you kits!" said Huey. "Listen up! Caliban, Miranda and Samwise; you help Mischief shake out and repair the tents. Captain, Lily and Claudius you go report below deck to help Mimi and Boyfriend sort out the food stores for the island. Dante and Stanley, you help Smokey with the rigging."

"What about me?" piped up Qui Gun Kit. "You and I will go below to check the map gear. The island might have changed since we last arrived and we might need to make a new map of the area" said Huey "Everyone, DISMISSED!!!"

As cats dashed to and fro to complete their duties, Imp watched at the island grew larger on the horizon.

Mischief led the kits as the tents were unpacked from bags and the dust shaken out. They started sewing up the holes, when Caliban suddenly jumped and pounced and began clawing at the tent.

"Caliban, WHAT are you doing?" asked Mischief. "There was a GREEBLING under the tent. I swear it was there! I almost had it too."

Mischief sighed, "Well your little greebling hunt tore two more holes in the tent. Why don't you get started repairing them?"

Caliban gulped sheepishly and sat down to start sewing. Miranda who was next to him, smacked him on the ear. "Nice going, dummy" she whispered angrily.

Mimi and Boyfriend sorted out a number of food stores for the island and the kittens brought the boxes up on deck.

Dante stopped coiling the rope he was holding. "Whoa....." he poked Stanley. "Look!" he said.

Stanley turned to see Captain and Lily shoving a large box of something. "Oh my......" he said, and both he and Dante dropped the ropes they were holding to run over to the box to read the scrawled letters painted on the side.

"T-U-N-A," read Dante. "TUNA??"

Captain grunted. "Yep, There are four boxes below that are going ashore." he stopped pushing, and lowered his voice. "And from what i hear, it's the GOOD stuff!"

Danta licked his lips and looked over at Stanley, who was grinning. "Um, hey Captain?" said Stanley, "You really sure that there's tuna in there?"

"Of course he is, silly." Said Lily, "Mimi and Boyfriend told us to move this box, and it's painted on the box."

"Well....but maybe it's a misprint...." said Stanley with a smile. "And.....shouldn't we open the box? You know, to just make sure what it is?" Captain grinned at Stanley, and they turned to see Dante with an equally large grin on his face.

"Oh NO you don't!" said Lily, "You're gonna get us in trouble!"

"Aw come on, Lily," said Dante, "Just a little peek?"

"And a little sniff...." said Stanley

"And maybe a little taste....." said Captain.

"A little taste of WHAT?" All four kitten suddenly cringed, and then slowly turned to see Corporal Sammy standing behind them.

"Don't even THINK of opening any of the food stores," said Sammy, "They are for dinner tonight and NO one will do any prior sampling. Now get back to work!"

"But...." stammered Stanley.

"Do you want me to get Sgt. Huey?" asked Sammy. "NO SIR!!" said the kittens. "Then MOVE!!"

The kittens scrambled back to work and Sammy shook her head.

Meanwhile, below deck, Huey and Qui Gun Kit were in a room with a large map stretched out on the floor in front of them. Huey pointed to a spot on the map.

"Right here is where we will dock," he said "And here, nearby, is the grassy spot where we will set up camp. There's a fair amount of trees around so a perimiter shouldn't be too hard to set up."

"What's that dark spot on the other side of the mountain?" asked Qui Gun Kit. "THAT is a spot that is forbidden to all crew members," said Huey "It's a spot supposedly that was at one time occupied by Hoomins."

"Hoomins? What's so bad about that?"

"These were NOT nice hoomins. They kept and raised lots of BIG DOGS, and there are tales that the hoomins ate cats."

Qui Gun Kit gasped "They ATE cats?"

"That's the rumor, but in all likelihood, its just talk to keep curious cats away. There's even talk of treasure being buried there; guarded by giant ghost dogs but it's all a bunch of hooey. However, its very dangerous territory, so Cap'n Pine Cone doesn't want anyone to go there."

"Wow......" said Qui Gun, staring at the dark spot. Huey looked at him for a moment then said sternly, "That means NO ONE is supposed to go there, UNDERSTAND, kit?"

"Sir, YES SIR!"


Cap'n Pine Cone stood by the bow, and watched at the island grew bigger as they neared it. He took a deep breath and reveled in the sea air. He was looking forward to the island. Hunting pheasent, sunbathing on the sand, lounging in the shade on the branch of a tree, drinking fresh water from the stream and enjoying the peace and quiet......

CRASH!!!! "WATCH IT!!!!" Cap'n Pine Cone turned. A box containing small cans of milk had broken open after getting tangled in some ropes. Some of the cans had broken open and spilled onto the tent that had been laid out for repair. The rest of the milk was all over the deck and the kittens were furiously lapping it up.

"What's going on here?" demanded Corporal Sammy.

The kittens all started talking at once.

"Dante purposely strung the rope so we would trip!"
"Did NOT!! You weren't watching where you were going!"
"I was trying to catch a greebling and it ran under the box!"
"It's all Captain's fault, he deliberately dropped the box!"
"I didn't do anything! I was trying to avoid the rope on the ground."
"You've got milk all over the tents, you dummy!"
"Stop calling him names! It was Stanley's fault!"
"Was NOT!"

The arguing continued with paws being pointed at each other and each kitten declaring that they weren't at fault. Mischief and Sammy looked at each other, shook their heads and then turned and looked up at Cap'n Pine Cone. Cap'n Pine Cone let out a sigh and turned back to the island.

Peace and quiet? he thought.

Tales of the Mouser: Qui Gun's Toy Adventure

It was terrible. Everytime Qui Gun Kit got even close to Cap'n Pine Cone's cabin, someone was there. Either Huey was sitting there cleaning his paw, or Sammy was laying on his back and talking to the fat wench. One time, Cap'n Pine Cone himself was standing there talking to Smokey. Qui Gun felt strange when the Cap'n turned from Smokey and asked if he needed anything. You don't just tell the Cap'n that you want to steal one of his favorite toys. Qui Gun Kit wished that Claudius hadn't chosed this as the Hoolikitten adventure of the week.

He thought it wasn't fair, but consoled himself with knowing that none of the other kittens had been able to steal a toy from the Cap'n either. Still, he really wanted to show Miss Lily Whiskers that he was not only a talented hollikitten but an able one as well. Oh no, Qui Gun suddenly thought. wa What if someone else were talking to Miss Lily Whiskers and charming her off her feet. Unable to stop himself, he ran up to the top deck to find the young girl hoolikitten of his dreams. He really wanted Miss Lily Whiskers to be his wink wink friend.

On the deck, Miss Lily Whiskers was watching the hatch to the lower decks hoping that Qui Gun Kit would make an appearance. Already several young Tims had been around to chat with her. They were cute, but she really wanted to get to know Qui Gun Kit. She hoped that he'd want to become her wink wink friend. She raised her tail high and walked in his direction as he emerged from the hold. His Royal Feline Lordship, Tiger, watched the two of them touch noses with a smile on his face. He knew that the two were sweet on each other, and was waiting to see what would happen with them.

Cap'n Pine Cone looked over at the kits from where he was watching the hoomins taking in the sails. That new crew member, Jason, seemed to be working well. The Cap'n remembered Jason from when the two of them were younger and appreciated Jason's sense of humor. The man had talent. He was almost cat-like in his thinking. Jason was more experienced with boats and was helping mold the crew into a well coordinated team. Things were going well today and Pine Cone could spend some time thinking about his young protege and what he could do to help the young kit in his quest for the fair paw of Miss Lily Whiskers.

After watching the two kits for a while, Pine Cone smiled to himself and walked over to where Demi was resting on the deck. The two of them talked for a couple of minutes, sniffed each other appreciatively, and purred at each other. Pine Cone appreciated the lovely white ladycat and knew that she would effectively organize the other cats to follow the Cap'n's plan.

Later that afternoon, Qui Gun Kit found himself hidden behind a crate full of bags of Nutra Max cat food, watching the door to Cap'n Pine Cone's cabin. People and cats were always in front of the door or Cap'n Pine Cone was in his cabin. Qui Gun thought that he'd never find a chance to get one of the Cap'n's toys. He was about to give up when Cap'n Pine Cone left his cabin, and forgot to lock the door behind him.

Quickly Qui Gun dashed across the deck to the door. It opened at his touch and the kit slipped inside, shut the door behind him, and looked around. On the left of the Cap'n's bed was a bushel basket full of toys. On the right side of the bed was a smaller basket with toys in it as well. Qui Gun Kit knew that one of the basket contained the cap'n's private stash and the other the toys that the cap'n gave to those crew members that pleased him. Qui Gun had worked for the Cap'n in here before, but he was so nervous about comng in to steal a toy that his brains were addled and he couldn't remember which was which.

First he went to the big basket. It smelled really good, like primo catnip, but none of the toys had Cap'n Pine Cone embroidered on them. The smaller basket had Qap'n Pine Cone's name embraoidered on the toys within and some of them had that delicious smell that all good nip toys permeated. Qui Gun breathed in deeply. . .

Out in the hold Cap'n Pine Cone and SSG Huey waited as patiently as a cat could wait. "You know, Cap'n, I really hate giving the kit any advantage over the other kits," Huey said.

"Huey," Cap'n Pine Cone told his young sergeant. "I can tell that you've never had to worry about competition over Sonya's paw. The two kits are interested in becoming wink wink friends, like you and Qui Gun's mother. Let's just five them a chance."

"I know Cap'n. But it just gripes me to let him win."

"We're not letting him win, we're easing the course of true like."

"Well, he better hurry up. We can't keep the coast clear forever."

In the cabin, Qui Gun Kit was rolling around, in ecstacy as he sniffed one of the Cap'n's catnip filled cotton tubes. "Oh Baby," he moaned. "This is SO good." Suddenly he remembered where he was and what he was supposed to be doing. He graggec the snake in his mouth and dashed for the door. He was about to paw it open when he heard voices outside.

"Huey, tell Smokey to meet me in the galley to discuss the stores situation," Cap'n Pine Cone's voice said clearly.

"Aye, Cap'n. I'll have him there soonest." Huey's voice shook Qui Gun down to his paws.

"Good. I'm on my way, then."

Qui Gun shivered as he listened for the two to leave the area. As soon as he thought the coast was clear he shot out the door and down to the hidding spot where the Hoolikitten club met. There, he proudly deposited his trophy in front of Claudius and Miss Lily Whiskers. She rubbed up against him and the two of them touched noses and then sniffed each other. Lily and Qui Gun left the room together and marched up to the deck where they waited together for a chance to knock over the bait bucket.

Tales from the Mouser: The Hoolikitten Club (posted for Kristi)

It was another day on the Mouser.  The sun was shining, and the sky was clear and there were many members of the crew napping on deck.

Meanwhile in a corner of the hold, a secret meeting was taking place.

BAMBAMBAM!! "This secret meeting of the Hoolikitten club will come to order!!!" Shouted Qui Gun Kit, banging a small pan.  The kittens quieted down and tried to pay attention but still would occasionally be distracted by a swishing tail.

"Thank you, Master-at-Arms." said Claudius, clearing his throat.  "Now then, as purresident of the Hoolikitten club, is there any unsolved business?  I turn to the club secretary.  Miss Lily?"

Lily paused and looked thoughtful. "Currently the rotation of bait bucket tipping has been postponed due the large number of guards added.  At last count, no one has been able to catch their tail or any greeblings.  I am pleased to report, however, that we have positive reports of the location of Cap'n Pine Cones secret stash of catnip."

"Excellent," said Claudius "Mr. Caliban, treasury report?"

Caliban looked up from cleaning his tail.  "Currently in the treasury, we have 5 stuffed mousies, 2 jingle balls, 3 shoelaces and the fat wench's watch.  After the rattie hunt last week we had an additional 4 rats, but they somehow disappeared."  A few kittens licked their lips and a few other stifled giggles.

"Good, any other unsolved busi.......GREEBLING!!!!"  All kittens suddenly jumped to attention and started running about.  They took turns pouncing here and here and running all over the place trying to catch something.  Finally they all stopped and started washing.

"Anyone catch a greebling?"  Claudius sighed.  "Don't worry, kits, we'll catch one yet.  Now then, any new business?"

Qui Gun Kit raised his paw, "I just want to remind all kitties that the soap water in the sink does NOT taste good."  He stuck out his tongue. "And unless you want to burp a bubble or be the laughing stock of the crew, you'll stay away from it."

"A good suggestion," said Claudius, "Anything else?"

Nina raised a tiny paw, "Has the night raid been planned yet?"

"Not as of yet.  As you might remember, Captain and Stanley's attempt at a night raid last year resulted in them falling through a trick box."  All eyes turned to Captain and Stanley sitting on a high box, who both suddenly became very interested in cleaning their tails.  "But this year we plan on doing extra reconnaisance so we can be the first hoolikittens to have a successful night raid."

"YAY!!!!!" cheered the kittens.

"Anything to report from snooping?  Remember, it's a hoolikitten's job to poke his nose into EVERYONE'S business.  Anything to report?"

Dante raised his paw.  "Oh! Oh!  I saw the Big Dood, that's Stinky, and he was trying to trick the D-thing into falling overboard.  He didn't succeed cause he said i got in the way."

"Very good.  Anyeone else?"

"I was following Mimi, " said Samwise, "And i spied on her as she and Boyfriend had 'secret' meeting.  They were giving each other NOSE KISSES!"

"EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!"  said some of the younger kittens

Claudius chuckled, "Well, maybe later on we can pull a Hoolikitten trick on them.  I myself have something to report.  While Cap'n Pine Cone was inspecting the deck, he lifted up his tail at just the right moment and i was able to SNIFF him."

"Oooooooooooooo...." everyone gaped in amazement then started asking questions.  "You actually SNIFFED him?"  "Was he clean?"  "Did he catch you?"

"Now, now..." said Claudius and the room calmed down.  "Cap'n Pine Cone not only DIDN'T catch me, but he smelled very VERY clean."  The kittens oooooo'd and ahhhhhh'd.

"Now then kits, this week's secret mission is a tough one and will require all your kitty smarts."  Every kitten perked up their ears. "Your mission, is to steal a toy from Cap'n Pine Cone's CABIN."

"Whoaaaaaa............."  said the kitttens.  "That's right, from his CABIN." said Claudius.

"Um, just how are we supposed to get IN the cabin?"  asked Ranger.

"That's why we're hoolikittens, we can get into in most places, ESPECIALLY where we are NOT supposed to be.  Whichever kitten manages to do this task, will get first dibs the next time we tip over the bait bucket, AND be included in this year's night raid."

"YAY!!!!!"  Shouted the kittens.

"Now then, kits, if there's no more pressing business...." No one said anything.  "Then let us end with the club song, O to be a Hoolikitten"

The kittens started prancing about and began to sing:

O to be a Hoolikitten, the greatest of them all;
'cause Hoolikittens are the best, because we are so small;
we'll run amuck and jump about and do our best to cause a fuss;
if you want some mischief done, a hoolikitten you can trust!
We vow to be true hoolikittens, wherever there's trouble to start;
and no matter how old we are, we'll still be hoolikittens at heart!

"And with that, my dear kits" said Claudius, "This meeting of the Hoolikitten club is dis........GREEBLING!!!!"

All the kittens jumped around looking for the elusive greebling.  As the pouncing and laughter continued, no one seemed to notice the knothole in the corner of the wall.  A knothole which led to the other room, where Sergeant Huey and Corporal Sammy were meatloafing AND listening.

"So they've created a hoolikitten club." said Huey, chuckling.

"Man, why didn't I think of that when i was a cabin kit?" said Sammy. "I could have had so much FUN."

"Oh i would have been on you in a heartbeat, silly.  Well, so far they haven't made any official plans on the night raid, but they DO plan to continue to try to tip over the bait bucket.  And now they have this secret mission to steal a toy from Cap'n Pine Cones cabin."

"Well first they have to get INTO the cabin, sir."  said Sammy.  "That will prove interesting."

"Keep your eyes open and your ears perked, Corporal." said Huey who stood up and stretched.  "I doubt the Cap'n will enjoy his toys being stolen.  And when in doubt, think about what you would have done as a cabin kit.  Dismissed."

"Yes, sir" said Sammy, who saluted and left. When she was out of earshot of Sergeant Huey, she began to sing softly to herself,

"O to be a Hoolikitten......."


*******************

Hehehehehehehe,  hope you liked it. I'm trying to post it on the blog
but right now it's not letting me.

Have fun, and i'll write more later :P

Kristi

HRFL Tiger Replies to Qui Gun Kit

Of *course* I'm laughing at you Qui Gun Kit. And I'm lauging even
harder at Lily because she copied you and although she isn't burping
bubbles, she did get very wet!

I have to confess that I am very much enjoying this adventure so far.
As a senior diplo-statescat that is. I have a wondeful cabin with great
sea views and wooden panelling, and although I have to share it with my
human that's fine as it means I finally get some quality time with her
because Lily has to stay with the younger cats below decks.

My beloved Princess Pandora was unable to join us because she damaged
her knee a few weeks ago and the TED said that she had to rest it. Our
human vetoed her coming on the trip so she could get better. We have
been joined by a friend of Lily's, Basil, who we didn't expect. He
lives 3 doors down from us in Cardiff but he's always around our house
for lunch. He's a fluffy big tabby and white maine coon who has always
wanted adventure and figures that he's a good influence. He is in fact
a complete niphead who spends as much of the day as he can stoned out
of his brain, rolling around in the garden, but he's harmless enough
and he loves kittens. Cap'n Pine Cone agreed to have him aboard so that
he could keep an eye on them, but all he's doing is getting them into
more trouble.

Cleo is a bit overwhelmed by things I think. I don't think she's
enjoying it as much as she thought. The albatross we saw yesterday said
some rude things about her weight and called her a landlubber, and
she's very sensitive about these things. She's got permission from the
Cap'n to just take it easy and find her sea legs. So we've agreed that
she stays in the cabin and sunbathes in the window for now.

For some reason Qui Gun Kit keeps calling Lily, Lucy and confusing her
with Lucy who he has a serious crush on. He's also baffled by Lily's
thick Welsh accent - I don't think he understands a word because she
meows so quickly! Still, the gang of kittens seem to get on very well.
Rufous keeps breaking out in Spanish because that's what his paw speaks
sometimes and he's picked up all sorts of words. I'm not so sure
they're what the kittens need to learn so I might have a word with his
paw.

What he doesn't realise is that I know exactly what he's saying because
I've actually been to Mexico and that's why I'm the diplocat, because I
meow 5 languages - Cat, Dog, English, Spanish and German! I also speak
some parrot, but I find the sqwaks difficult - it's like chinese with
about 200 dialects and I'm quite tone deaf.

Right, well I have to go smack Lily upside the head. I can see her up
in the crows nest showing off to the American kitties about how brave
Welsh kitties are. The little minx has been telling everyone she's from
Scotland - I have no idea why as the only cats who have been to
Edinburgh in this family are me and Pandora and we couldn't understand
a bloody word anyone there said. Nice country though. She's be
screaming that she's stuck in a minute and I can't afford to have us
Brits look stupid. There's quite a few os us on board and the
intercational relations are going very well. I don't need Lily to spoil
it.

His Royal Feline Lordship Tiger.

Ssshhh, don't tell the Cap'n

Qui Gun Kit here. Don't tell Cap'n Pine Cone or my mom, Sonya. I sneaked in here and am using the Cap'n's computer to write this. The fat wench doesn't know I can type, and the Cap'n is kinda mad at me. It's like this...

A couple of days ago, Rufous tipped over the bait bucket and I helped hide the evidence. Well, I helped eat the evidence. The hoomins were going to fish for us and couldn't find any bait and ended up having to improvise. I don't know why the Cap'n was so mad. I wasn't the only one eating the bait. The Cap'n yelled at me and Momma Sonya boxed my ears. Grandmeow loved on me, but she was laughing too. So I had to do something to prove that I meant to yowl. So I killed a snake sock. How was I to know it was the Cap'n's private reserve.

So there I was playing with this really neat snake toy and getting all kinds of great catnip smells off of it, and Smokey comes up and slaps me around., telling me that I had the Cap'n's private toy. So I washed myself off and got a drink. Pufht, the water tasted terrible. It was full of soap and the hoomins were doing dishes in it. Then I burped and blew a bubble.

Worse, the soap water made me gassy and have to go to the llitterbox a lot. The other kittens are laughing at me because my butt snake lbit me and I blew a bubble and Mama Sonya cleaned me and the fat wench laughed again. I'm going to hide out in the hammock locker after I write this. Those hoomins are all laughing at me.

The worst one is the new hoomin that joined us. PaMike says that he is my homorary huncle, Jason. This Jason dude is really strange. He hange out with Merlin and plays with Speedy the d-thing. He drinks blue water, which Mama Sonya told me was bad for anyone to drink., and he has everyone in a fuss. He messes with me too. I wish he wouldn't laugh at me and would just play with me instead.

Ms Helen is kind though. She has joined us and is really nice. Her owners speak iwth a different meow, which the fat wench says is Scottish. I like them, especially Lucy. HRFL Tiger is very regal and rules them all. He's almost as important as Cap'n Pine Cone. He even nodded at me yesterday. But he's laughing at me now, I just know it. I didn't mean to blow a bubble. I didn't.

Qui Gun Kit