thegarbageincident

<div.portraits> <img.mark><img.rummy><img.raven><img.andreas#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <div.entry> It's a warm autumn afternoon in New York, but a chilly mood overtakes the furry and feathered inhabitants of Union Square Park. </div> <div.entry> A scurry of a dozen squirrels stands across from a flock of around twenty pigeons. Next to them, a small gang of rats is huddled. </div> <div.entry> The animals are gathered around a menacing hawk, who stands tall with his wings crossed. Behind him is the base of a towering trash can.</div> <div.entry> A leader from each animal tribe takes a step toward the hawk. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "You all know me as Representative of the Hawks, your great overlords. I am Andreas the Menacing." </p></span></div> <div.entry> He glares at the tribal leaders. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "We have gathered here today at the behest of the pigeons. They claim that they came to collect their due from the garbage, but found it <em>emptied</em> by someone else." </p></span></div> <div.georgie.entry><p> Andreas points a talon at you. </p><img#georgie></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Georgie, renowned diplomat of the rat clan, shall aid us in deciding the culprit. </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Clans -- state your grievances, and bring forth any evidence you have that you were not the ones to commit this heinous act!" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Mark, the Squirrel King, is giving Raven the side-eye. >>|mark]] [[Raven, the Pigeon Queen, is staring daggers at Rummy. >>|raven]] [[Rummy, the Rat King, is scowling at Mark. >>|rummy]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.rummy><img.raven><img.mark#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Mark stands across from Georgie, twisting his paws together. </div> <div.entry> He stares at Raven, who is lounging against the garbage can. </div> <div.entry> Rummy stands to Mark's left, his arms crossed and foot tapping. </div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "The Pigeons are <i>saying</i> that someone stole their food, but <i>I</i> think it's a setup to get us to fight each other! I mean, we found <i>this</i> in the garbage can! </p></span></div> <div.entry> Mark reaches into a pocket of his belly folds, and pulls out a tuft of gray fur. </div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> Clearly the Pigeons are framing one of us furred clans, especially since they use fur in their nests!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Oh puh-lease, what would we want with <i>your</i> matted, ugly fur? It's hardly good enough for our nests!" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Well, you're not... <i>denying</i> that you <i>could</i> have framed one of us." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "And <i>you're</i> way too quick to throw the blame around. Your argument doesn't even make sense!" </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "I'm still bettin' you Squirrely lot are the ones who did it, but... </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> Raven over here, she's got a point. Why would the Pigeons frame someone on <i>their</i> food week?" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "I said that's 'cuz they want to make us all fight each other! Everyone knows how much Raven loves drama..." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Excuuuse me, I'm right here, you know! And I do <i>not</i> love drama, not when it's such a waste of time!" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Sure thing. I'm still positive it was you guys, and I know I'll be proven right!" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Raven, the Pigeon Queen, is staring daggers at Rummy. >>|raven]] [[Rummy, the Rat King, is scowling at Mark. >>|rummy]] [[I've heard enough... >>|ratsdecide]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.rummy><img.mark><img.raven#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Raven finishes preening her feathers. She stands up tall, head held high. </div> <div.entry> Rummy is barely controlling a sneer as she comes in closer. </div> <div.entry> Mark stands between them, nervously shifting his feet. </div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "It clearly <i>must</i> have been the Rats, with their grubby nails! </p></span></div> <div.entry> Raven gestures to the garbage can behind Andreas. Through the mesh of the can, a torn and tattered garbage bag is visible. </div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> Do you not <i>see</i> the claw marks all over the garbage bag? It honestly could have been either of you, I suppose, but... </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> Who am I to trust the words of a rat above anyone else's?!" </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "<i>Whaaat?</i> Forgeddit, there's no way it was us. See the size of those claw marks? They're <i>waaay</i> bigger than our tiny Rat claws. </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> We may look menacing, but we're really not <i>that</i> strong. Yeah, our teeth are much stronger than our claws." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Weak excuses as usual! I wouldn't expect anything more from <i>you</i>." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "And I wouldn't expect anything more than <i>weak accusations</i> from <i>you!</i> </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> Everyone knows how much you hate my boys. I wouldn't be surprised if you framed us!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Psh, as if I have that kind of time! Us Pigeons actually have worthwhile things to do, unlike <i>you</i>, I'll have you know!" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Okay okay. Look, we've never been a fan of the Rats either, Raven. </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> But you gotta admit, their claws are kind of a little bit small compared to the big cuts in the bag." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "And what are <i>you</i> suggesting, Mark? That you Squirrels are the ones responsible instead?!" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Wha-- N-no, of course not! You've got it all wrong! I-- " </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Hmph, reeeeally now. Because I remember a time when you Squirrels stole that whole bag of bread from--" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Hey, that was a long time ago! We apologized and made up for it and everything. </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> Apologies fix everything! You're not angry about it anymore!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "I never said I was, but that certainly means you're a top candidate for this <i>heinous theft</i> in my mind!" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Uuugh, how did this go from blaming the Rats to blaming us?!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Oh, don't worry, I still think the Rats had some part to play!" </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "...Thanks a lot, <i>Marky</i>." </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "*Sigh.* Look, can we just move on? We aren't getting anywhere. I think." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Pfft, fine. But I just <i>know</i> it was one of you two, if not both of you working together! I'll swear on it!!" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Mark, the Squirrel King, is giving Raven the side-eye. >>|mark]] [[Rummy, the Rat King, is scowling at Mark. >>|rummy]] [[I've heard enough... >>|ratsdecide]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.mark><img.raven><img.rummy#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Rummy stands with his arms akimbo, his eyes moving back and forth between Mark and Raven. </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "You birds are saying someone stole your food, huh? My boys had nothin' to do with it, I'll tell ya that. I think you should really take a look at the squirrels." </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Uh-- Hey! What? What's going on?" </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "You think we don't see what's goin' on? We see this whole cold-war thing you alls have. It's been <i>weeks!</i>" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "If anything, the... the <i>Pigeons</i> set us up!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "<i>Ugh!</i> Give me a break! Like we'd waste time trying to frame you." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Yeah, yeah, yeah, Marky. That's what you want us to believe. My bets are on your Squirrels. </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> You lot think you can steal from the garbage on the Pigeons' week, then pretend the birds are makin' it all up when we accuse yous." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "I can't trust any rat, but... This <i>does</i> sound like something your kind would do, Mark." </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Yeah, alright. Maybe I <i>would</i> have, but I didn't think of it. That idea is... beyond my <i>great wisdom</i>." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "I can't tell if you're playin' dumb, or if you're just dumb." </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "I-- well... Yeah." *Shrugs* </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Like I said, my bet's on the Squirrels. Seems to me they're trying to frame the Pigeons for a little, uh... <i>false accusation.</i>" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Mark, the Squirrel King, is giving Raven the side-eye. >>|mark]] [[Raven, the Pigeon Queen, is staring daggers at Rummy. >>|raven]] [[I've heard enough... >>|ratsdecide]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.chad><img.georgie><img.rummy#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Georgie's heard what all the clan leaders have to say. Each group retreats into their own corner. </div> <div.entry> Raven puffs her chest and struts into the grass She beckons for her finch assistant, Jessie, to follow suit. Peety, a rough, cockeyed pigeon, gallops after them. </div> <div.entry> Mark trudges towards the curb. His assistant, Dack Janiels, politely follows him, carrying his cap in his mouth. Sasha, a sleek, black squirrel, stealthily flanks them. </div> <div.entry> Georgie follows Rummy and Chad to a spot under the park bench. </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Alright, fellas... Looks like we're in quite the situation." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Mark really seems full of it. We're always the first to be blamed, but just lookit 'em squirrels! </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> I don't trust any of them." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Tell me 'bout it. I don't even know <i>what</i> to think. Georgie, where should we start?" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Well, let's hear more from the pigeons. They brought this up after all! Peety looks like he's seen things. >>|peety]] [[Sasha seems to be brooding over something... I wonder what they have to say? >>|sasha]] [[Alright, Chad. Go on and tell them. Why are you so suspicious of the squirrels? >>|chad]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.chad><img.sasha><img.peety#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Peety is standing by Sasha. He quickly raises his wings, and takes a step back as Georgie and Chad approach. </div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "A-ah, well, okay, I'll talk! I'll talk. I will!" </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Woah, woah. Cool it. We're not gonna hurt you or anythin'--" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "No? Okay, okay. Very good. <i>Very</i> good. I will speak now! Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.entry> An uncomfortable silence ensues. </div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "...So?" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "I was thinking! I was. So I have seen many, many things in my life, many mammals, and many many big mammals, and many many <i>many--</i>" </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "We get it." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> " --of those BIG skin-covered hairless ones, but also I have seen big black-and-white mammals which I think did this bad thing! Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "You're saying that... none of us did it...?" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "Yes! Yes, yes yes yes yes. Mhm! Mhm. Look at the fur, the tracks and the claws! </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> They are too big, too wide, too broad to be anything or anyone here. </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> But they are <i>mammal</i> tracks and <i>mammal</i> furs and <i>mammal</i> claws--" </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "I don't buy it. It really could've been one of the paler squirrels..." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "We <i>have</i> no pale squirrels. All you rats have grey fur! It only makes sense." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "Y-Y-You have not ever seen what I have seen! </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> I- I know what I have seen and it is big and gray and angry! One of the sacred beasts of myth! Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "My friend, I've seen a lot. But the biggest, grayest, angriest thing I know about is Rummy when he's not had his daily dose." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "But the sacred lands of Noo Jarsee are beyond your scope! I have seen many many many things. Raccoon! It must be!" </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "I'm not buying your 'rack coon' argument again. We all know that was a dog back then, old man." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Aw, cut him some slack. He's trying his best." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Hey, I know these streets better than most. I can cut whatever slack I want. </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "...Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[The animals continue bickering. >>|bickering]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.chad><img.peety><img.sasha#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Sasha stands up tall, holding their arms behind their back. They heave a weary sigh as Georgie and Chad move in closer. </div> <div.entry> Peety mumbles to himself, glaring at Sasha out of the corner of his eye. </div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "There's too much fighting going on, and nothing is getting done. Can everyone calm down and <i>try</i> to listen to reason? </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> For two minutes at least, if you can't handle any longer." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Two minutes still seems like an awful lot of time to have to deal with your squirrel bullshit." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Charming. Anyways. I have nothing against any of you personally, and I'm sure, despite this quarrel you are all fine folk who care a lot. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> If not for the other groups, then at least your own. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> <i>However</i>, if I had to place my bets, it would be on the pigeons." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "I swear, it's not us! You've got to, must, <i>must have gotten to</i> believe me! I have seen it with my own eyes, cannot be any of us birds, not at all! </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> The thing was big, it was awful... but it did not fly, it did not fly! Coo... I am very very very glad it did not fly." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "I'm sure that it wasn't you, personally, Peety. Doubt you could do much. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> But... no offense, I can't say the same for the rest of you pigeons. You've never liked us land-dwelling critters before. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> The peace has been fragile for ages now, and you always think you're superior to us. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> Logically speaking, it would make sense that you would try to frame us, simply because of your own biases. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> Doesn't matter who takes the blame - squirrel, rat... it's all the same to you, in the end, isn't it?" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "We would never! Never, ever, ever. We couldn't do it, <i>couldn't</i>, because how could we ever make marks that big? </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> And why would we have done it now, not earlier? </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> There's something else here, something... someone... it's in the, the... the walls! Something is not right! There is wrongness here!" </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Calm down, man! Your screaming isn't going to help us anymore than the squirrels are! None of you are doing anything useful!" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "I feel like what I said was plenty useful, actually. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> Just because you're both blind to the pigeon's former antics and are <i>apparently</i> willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for hating us for no good reason doesn't mean what I said isn't valid. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> I won't argue with you. I've said my part." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "The pigeons ain't saints, yeah, but stop pretending like you're taking some kind of moral high ground here with your neutrality! </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> Only a guilty crook would be so damn slippery!" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "And only someone as ignorant as you would jump to such conclusions." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[The animals continue bickering. >>|bickering]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.sasha><img.peety><img.chad#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Chad smiles as Georgie turns towards him. </div> <div.entry> To his left, Sasha looms over him. To his right stands Peety, arms crossed and head downcast. </div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "My turn, huh? Well, I know <i>exactly</i> who did it! It was the Squirrels! It had to be! And I've got the facts to prove it!" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Well, go on then. <i>Prove it</i>." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Don't interrupt me and <i>maybe</i> I will." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "..." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Good. Now then. It's the squirrels, almost one-hundred percent. The damn alcohol in the bin was gone, and the only non squirrel creature who cares about alcohol is Dack Janiels!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> Chad gestures to an empty whiskey bottle, which can be seen at the bottom of the trash can. </div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "The damn alcohol in the bin was gone, and the only non squirrel creature who cares about alcohol is Dack Janiels!" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Oh come on now. You're really going to blame the entirety of our group for the disappearance of a single bottle's worth of alcohol? </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> One that <i>Rummy</i> could have equally as well drank?" </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Couldn't have been Rummy. There's plenty of alcohol underground for the rats, and the birds can't drink alcohol. </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> That only leaves you!" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "Drink... drink drink, we pigeons cannot drink, yes..." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Peety, do you think that the rats could have framed us, knowing that only the birds would be left out of a conversation regarding alcohol?" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "No, no no no... the drink... we are not the only ones who drink... <i>you</i> are not the only ones that drink... </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> I've seen many, <i>many</i> a mammal digest that sharp, foul smelling liquid... </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> it could be you, it could be him, it could be things beyond our wildest imagination..." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "... Right. So... we've gotten nowhere. I say it's the rats trying to frame us with the only piece of evidence they have." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "And I think you squirrels think you're far too clever for your own good! Always up to no good in those trees! </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> Could have hidden anything up there, bottles and all, like you always do! You could have dumped it from up there!" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "We hide <i>important</i> things up there. Things like <i>food</i>, not dangerous pieces of glass that can hurt someone just because we're being petty. That is far more of a rat move. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> You're always sneaky down there, underground. Who knows what you've been planning." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[The animals continue bickering. >>|bickering]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.jessie><img.dack><img.georgie#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> The animals continue to bicker tirelessly. Their voices drown each other out, until Georgie can't parse a single thing. </div> <div.entry> Then, he perks his head up, and waves his arms to get everyone's attention. </div> <div.entry.choices> [["Let's make sure we hear everyone's perspective. What about Raven's little finch assistant, Jessie? She seems eager." >>|jessie]] [["Let's all take a step back and breathe. I wanna hear from Dack Janiels, that mellow looking squirrel assistant! He seems fair and friendly." >>|dack]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.chad><img.dack><img.jessie#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Jessie, the smallest creature of the bunch, looks up at Georgie and Chad with a kind smile. </div> <div.entry> Dack Janiels stands next to her, eyebrow raised and head tilted sideways. </div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Thanks for hearing me out. I've spent a lot of time, ehh, thinking this over. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> But I really think it could really have been the squirrels..." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Hey, now! What's yer groundin' on that horse-hockey?" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Well, you see, I've been watching your meetings, Georgie, and I've noticed a cool fact that you might've missed. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> Everyone's denying it and moving the blame somewhere else. So why would they do that?" </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Are you not gonna answer--" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "The only reason someone would try to deflect blame would be if they're guilty in some way. So it could have equally been the squirrels, or the pigeons, or the rats! </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> It could've even been me; you know, I can really lead those cats on..." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "...Not the cats..." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "So it could've been a really cool, slick twist of fate. Like a really cool dramatic twist, you know? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> Like those funny moving worlds that the skinthings have been tapping and poking at on their hand-slabs. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> I've seen a new one recently, you know!" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "It has these little bean-shaped things that walk around, and usually the skinthing gets very very mad when their hand-slab flashes red along the middle and the bean things dance. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> Ooh, hang on..." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Maybe it was one of the skinthings! Maybe it was them! </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> They can easily put things into the garbage, some of them have weird claws, some of them have weird gray hairs, and hell, some of them even put things into the garbage." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "Wrong! Wrong! They don't take things out!" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Oh, I've seen some take the trash out. All of them do eventually. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> So what if one of them stashed some trash in there and came back for it later? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> But that doesn't account for why us pigeons brought it up in the first place... Hm." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "If we brought it up, then we would've implicitly never seen the culprit or reaped the rewards from it. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> If we saw it, I'm about... Eh, seventy percent sure that Raven would've flipped out and attacked them. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> Which brings me back to my first point." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "What if it was the squirrels? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> But what if they were right about the pigeons having framed the rats, and what if the rats were never responsible and us pigeons did do it? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> Oho, what a twist!" </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Now, where are you goin' with this?" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Simple logic. Why? Wouldn't it be so cool if the person who ravaged the garbage was talking right now? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> I think it'd be kinda cool if that were the case. It isn't, by the way." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Lord, you've put your audience to sleep. You 'bout done yet?" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "W-- Well, uh, no. I wasn't." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "You've already talked yourself in a circle... I ain't gonna let you do it again. We don't wanna hear that." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "...Alright. For the sake of time I'll just wrap this up and we can go on..." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Some of <i>us</i> are wantin' to get a word in too. </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> I, for one, just wanna say... It wasn't me! Yeah, there may be an empty bottle of whiskey, but... Swear to the Lord, I didn't drink it." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Alright. Moving on!" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Enough of this! >>|suspicion]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.chad><img.raven><img.rummy><img.peety><img.dack#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Dack Janiels smirks at Georgie, standing with legs wide and arm crossed. </div> <div.entry> Chad, Raven, Rummy, and Peety stand nearby, listening in. </div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Well, I'm honored that y'all wanna hear what I have to say." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Out with it, man. Look at this!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> Chad gestures to an empty whiskey bottle, which can be seen at the bottom of the trash can. </div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> Why was the whiskey bottle empty if you weren't the one who tore up the garbage?" </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "I'll tell y'all, sounds like someone else has got some good taste! I'm not the only one who drinks the finest whiskey. </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> Seems like your own king is a bit of a connoisseur himself." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "<i>Mammals</i> mammals, the finest- ALCOHOL consumers! Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Heh heh, yeah. You got me there. Alright, fella. Tell us where you keep all your stolen whiskey. We'll talk this out over a drink." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Well, sure thang! But..." *hic* "Oh, you know it wasn't us. I'm tellin' ya, I don't know any more than you." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "It could have been any of us. Just <i>think</i> about it. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> All of us are deflecting the blame onto other people... What if there's something each of us is hiding? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> What aren't you letting on, Squirrels? What are the Rats hiding? </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> Raven, what about all our little secrets?" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Oh, you <i>little-</i> Hush! You're done!" </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "You sweet thing, you." *chuckles* "Now, she's got a point. <i>Wellll...</i> I'll let y'all settle this amongst yourselves." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[Enough of this! >>|suspicion]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.georgie><img.andreas#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry><p> For a moment, the bickering subsides. All the animals turn to face Georgie, who has been <i>pretty</i> passive, considering. </p></div> <div.entry> Mark crosses his arms, scowling. Raven proudly puffs her chest. </div> <div.entry> Rummy, seeing that everyone's looking in the rats' direction, takes a defensive stance. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "Well, Georgie, <i>you've</i> been awfully silent. What do you think? Want to hear more from someone?" </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[I think the squirrels seem suspicious. >>|squirrels]] [[The pigeons seem suspicious to me. >>|pigeons]] [[Hmm, seems like it could be anyone. Unless... It was an outsider! >>|outsider]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.mark><img.dack><img.sasha><img.georgie#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.georgie.entry><p> "I think the squirrels seem suspicious. You guys are awfully eager to point fingers at everyone else." </p><img#georgie></div> <div.entry> The three representatives of the squirrels look around at each other, shifting and murmuring amongst themselves. </div> <div.entry> Then, they look over at Georgie. They seem to be on guard, but stay silent as Mark steps forward. </div> <div.entry> A thinly veiled threat is hidden in his beady eyes. </div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "You're making a <i>grave</i> mistake pressing us on this matter. </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> We said what we needed to say, and your confrontation isn't going to change any of it." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "Think they're tryin'a throw the scent off their own trails, comin' all up on <i>us</i>. What happened to the moderation? </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> Y'all think you've got somethin' to prove?" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "I trust your judgment, Dack, and if it's any true..." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Calm down, you two. There's no reason to start a fight over this. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> It's just one rat. Maybe he's getting too curious for his own taste." </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "You know what they say... Curiosity killed the cat." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "A good thing that's a <i>rat</i>, then... </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> The two rhyme, yes, but I'm assuming you're sober enough right now to spot the difference, right?" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Look, Georgie. We didn't do it, and if you don't believe us after what we've already told you, then there's nothing else for us to talk about here. </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> Go back to your own, and watch your words carefully." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[I've gotta consult with Mark and Chad... >>|meeting]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.peety><img.jessie><img.raven><img.georgie#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.georgie.entry><p> "The pigeons seem suspicious to me. You guys are awfully quick to make accusations..." </p><img#georgie></div> <div.entry> A wave of disgust, embarrassment, shock, and horror sweeps through the pigeons' flock. </div> <div.entry> Raven stutters, rage flashing across her jet-black feathers in shivering waves of deflected light. </div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "I'm utterly-- Shocked! I'm appalled you'd even <i>consider</i> doing this. </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> Approaching <i>us</i>, when <i>we</i> were the ones who presented the issue!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> Scowling, Raven turns her face from Georgie. She leaves her entourage to address him. Jessie follows, while Peety is busy mumbling something indecipherable. </div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Well... I'm not entirely sure what you hope to accomplish with this, to be honest. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> It's not like we can say any truth you'd believe at this point, considering that you've approached us in such a confrontative manner." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "So, all I can <i>confidently</i> say --" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Don't say it." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "-- is that <i>we</i> didn't do it, but we don't know who did." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Jessie. You are not helping." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Madame, believe me -- if I could, I would've helped out a lot more a lot sooner but you know just as well as I do that we're sort of crammed into a corner and all I can do is just say that <i>we</i> didn't do it. </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> No idea if another pigeon did, or if Raven commanded anyone, or if we framed anyone on purpose or simply to look less guilty --" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "JESSIE. <i>PLEASE.</i>" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "... Okay." </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "...Coo..." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[I've gotta consult with Mark and Chad... >>|meeting]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.peety><img.sasha><img.raven><img.georgie#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.georgie.entry><p> "I think... It's possible that none of us did it. What if... It was an outsider?" </p><img#georgie></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> <i>"Whaaat?</i> Are you suggesting that someone dared to go into <i>our</i> trash can? Who would do such a thing?" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Calm down, Raven. It's... actually not that much of a stretch. </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> I mean, think about it: the gray fur, the large claw marks, all of the clans insisting it wasn't them..." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "All of the other animals in this area know that this is the trash can that us three clans share, <i>and</i> that Andreas would punish them if they tried to take anything. </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> Which meeeaans, no other animal would come here!" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "B-but, you agree! It had to be the big and gray and angry black-and-white mammal!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "That doesn't even make sense! You can't be black, white, <i>and</i> gray at the same time!" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "S-says who! I have seen many many more things than you have, you do not, do not know what I've seen!" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "<i>Anyways.</i> We certainly don't know what animal it was specifically, Peety. But you... might be onto something." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "And <i>what</i> might that be, pray tell?" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Well, if it was an animal that isn't from around here, they wouldn't know that this is our territory. So--" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "So that would explain why no one has any real information on whodunit!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "<i>Hush,</i> Jessie!" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Oh come now, Raven. Even <i>you</i> have to admit that it's a pretty convincing theory. And, hey -- it certainly takes the heat off the rest of us." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[I've gotta consult with Mark and Chad... >>|meeting]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.chad><img.georgie><img.raven><img.rummy#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.entry> Rummy grabs Georgie's arm, and takes him aside. He gestures for Chad to follow. </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Pal, that was a bold stance you took there. You sure about this? Take a second to think." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "They've all got a screw loose. Who <i>knows</i> what Raven or Mark would do if you accused one of them? </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> I mean, come <i>on</i>, they're both crazy enough to do it, which means they're crazy enough to ruin our lives if we turn against 'em." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Yeah, that's for sure. They alls seem like they're up to <i>something</i>. </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> But... if we accuse an outside source, who's to say that doesn't implicate <i>us</i>?" </p></span></div> <div.entry> Chad nudges Georgie. </div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "Your call, man." </p></span></div> <div.entry.choices> [[It had to be the Squirrels. >>|accsquirrels]] [[It had to be the Pigeons. >>|accpigeons]] [[It had to be an outsider. >>|accoutsider]] </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.mark><img.dack><img.sasha><img.rummy#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.georgie.entry><p> "I think... it was the squirrels! They thought they could blame it on the pigeons for stirring up drama! </p><img#georgie></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "So ya really think it was the Squirrels, eh, Georgie? Bit of an odd angle, but I get your point." </p></span></div> <div.entry> The rats return to the disgruntled animals. </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Mark? We'd like to have a word. No more playin' around, my boy has spoken." </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Well I never... of all the creatures I would have expected to start blaming us, it would have been the <i>pigeons</i>, not you! </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> Guess I should have known from the start. You wanted these lands all to yourselves!" </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Says the one who framed us! Gimme a break! It's <i>you</i> who wanted to get rid of <i>us</i> no doubt!" </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Why you little-" </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Stop it, you two! Don't let this get out of hand!" </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "It's been outta hand since the second we all got here! All because of these no good, lyin' ass furballs! </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> I say we gettem! Give 'em what they deserve for takin' trash, thinking they own the whole damn place!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> The rest of the squirrels, from behind their representatives, become more and more restless. </div> <div.entry> Hushed murmurs quickly turn into uproar. The three leading squirrels continue yelling, along with Rummy. </div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Dack's right, Sasha! I know you always love being the mediator here, but this has gone on long enough, and we won't stand by this malarkey! " </p></span></div> <div.entry> Sasha tries to get a word in, but before they can, Dack yells over them as well. </div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> "This trashcan ain't big enough for all of us! </p></span></div> <div.dack.entry><img> <span><p.name>DACK</p><p> We catch y'all 'round these parts again, and it'll be <i>death</i> to all of ya!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> The squirrels really meant it. For the rest of that week, they kept guard at the trash can, screeching viciously at any living being that dared to get close. How horrible! </div> <div.entry> END. </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.peety><img.jessie><img.raven><img.rummy#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.georgie.entry><p> "I think... it was the pigeons! They took their own garbage, as per usual. But this time, they decided to stir up drama!" </p><img#georgie></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "So ya really think it was the Pigeons, eh, Georgie? Bit of an odd angle, but I get your point." </p></span></div> <div.entry> The rats return to the disgruntled animals. </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Raven? We'd like to have a word. No more playin' around, my boy has spoken." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Us? You really think it was <i>us‽</i> Why you--" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Raven, Raven --" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Jessie, <i>puh-lease</i> shut your beak. I am <i>trying</i> to come up with an extremely witty, holier-than-thou insult!" </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "But you know what always happens! When you lose your cool, that makes you look especially suspicious, right? Right." </p></span></div> <div.entry> Raven nods grimly, taking a long breath. </div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "There you go. Now, what were the Rats saying?" </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "We were in the middle of accusing you lot of framin' us." </p></span></div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Well, that's pretty rude." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "S'the truth, according to the one rat who listened to everyone. Georgie usually ain't one to be incorrect." </p></span></div> <div.entry> Jessie grumbles, nodding with a grave look as Raven seethes with a burning, embarrassed hatred. </div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "WRONG! WRONG! You are all making mistakes! Stop making mistakes! This is a frame of a frame to a framed frame!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> Peety continues on, yelling nonsense. </div> <div.jessie.entry><img> <span><p.name>JESSIE</p><p> "Peety. Please. We're trying to come to terms with the fact that <i>apparently</i> we did it." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Why, you little... matted fur-balls. Imagine the people who did it framing the people who saw justice! Gosh, and I thought today couldn't get <i>any</i> worse." </p></span></div> <div.entry> Raven looks around at all the animals. She rolls her eyes. </div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "You will live to <i>regret this</i>! You know what birds do to the heads of ground-dwellers? Peety, go on." </p></span></div> <div.entry> Andreas smirks to himself. </div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "WE LEAVE OUR DROPPINGS! On your <i>heads!</i> You will see what a mistake you have made!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> And they did. The birds sought vengeance for the remainder of the week, until it was someone else's turn with the garbage. What a mess! </div> <div.entry> END. </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>

<div.portraits> <img.andreas><img.mark><img.raven><img.rummy#speaker> </div> <div.dialogue> <% window.story.slideindex = 1; %> <div.georgie.entry> "I think... it was an outsider! The evidence doesn't point to any of us." </p><img#georgie></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "So ya really think it was someone else, eh, Georgie? Bit of an odd angle, but I get your point." </p></span></div> <div.entry> The rats return to the disgruntled animals. </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "Everyone, We'd like to have a word. No more playin' around, my boy has spoken. It wasn't <i>any</i> of us. It had to be an outsider." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Hey, who do you think you're-- Wait. You... <i>really</i> think it was someone else?!" </p></span></div> <div.peety.entry><img> <span><p.name>PEETY</p><p> "See, <i>see!</i> I knew, I knew you would all see that I was right!" </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "Yeah yeah, calm down, feather brain. We get it." </p></span></div> <div.sasha.entry><img> <span><p.name>SASHA</p><p> "Well, we have all the evidence, but we still need to find the perpetrator. If we can't, we'll be right back at square one." </p></span></div> <div.chad.entry><img> <span><p.name>CHAD</p><p> "In that case... looks like it's time to organize a search party... Andreas?" </p></span></div> <div.entry> Everyone looks at Andreas, expectantly. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "Well well well, looks like we're finally going to bring this to a close. </p></span></div> <div.entry> Andreas smirks. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Now, to business. </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Raven, bring all your pigeons and take to the skies. Try to see if there are any raccoons or other unfamiliar creatures with gray fur hanging around the park and the streets nearby. </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Come back once you've found something." </p></span></div> <div.raven.entry><img> <span><p.name>RAVEN</p><p> "<i>Fine,</i> fine." </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "Mark, take your clan and spread out as far as you can. </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Talk to every squirrel you can find, and see if anyone has seen a stranger hanging around the park." </p></span></div> <div.mark.entry><img> <span><p.name>MARK</p><p> "Roger that." </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "Last but not least, Rummy. Take the rest of the rats and search the subway tracks and the sewers. </p></span></div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> Whoever it was could be hiding somewhere down there.” </p></span></div> <div.entry> Andreas glares at you. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> “Georgie, stay with me here until everyone returns." </p></span></div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "You got it, boss!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> The animals scatter. Raven gathers the rest of her pigeons to begin their search from the skies. </div> <div.entry> Mark leads his squirrels to the far corners of the park and into the streets, asking every squirrel - and even some rats - to see if they've seen anything suspicious. </div> <div.entry> Rummy and the rats run through the subway station and onto the tracks, searching for any sign of a gray, furred creature. </div> <div.entry> Hours pass, and still no word. Then, all of a sudden... </div> <div.rummy.entry><img> <span><p.name>RUMMY</p><p> "GET 'EM, BOYS!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> A dark shape barrels out of the subway station and through the nearby park entrance. </div> <div.entry> The rats are giving chase, but aren't fast enough. </div> <div.entry> With a few flaps of his powerful wings, Andreas quickly darts towards the shape and pins it to the ground with his sharp claws. </div> <div.entry> Georgie scurries over. He lets out a gasp as he looks into the face of... </div> <div.entry> A raccoon! </div> <div.entry> Wide eyed and frantic, the raccoon tries to escape the hawk's grasp, but to no avail. </div> <div.entry> Everybody gathers around, forming a ring of pigeons, rats, and squirrels, all mingling together. </div> <div.entry> Some are frozen in shock, while others are dancing with happiness. </div> <div.entry> There's complete silence as Andreas leans down and asks the raccoon a few questions, to which he responds reluctantly. </div> <div.entry> After a minute or so, the hawk leans back up and looks at Georgie, smirking. </div> <div.andreas.entry><img> <span><p.name>ANDREAS</p><p> "Well everyone, you can rest easy. The garbage thief has been apprehended!" </p></span></div> <div.entry> END. </div> </div> <div#buttons> <a.prev onclick="minusSlides(3)">❮</a> <a.next onclick="plusSlides(1)">❯</a> </div>