In Training, Part Deux

When we last left our recruits, they were dealing with the fallout of a less than satisfactory drill session.

They must train for the inevitable day when their big brother, tormentor, and yes - even mentor - will make his annual trip to the vet.

There were periods of peace.

"...la la la...happy happy happy...la la la...my Mom rocks...la la la..."

And a quiet, content calm had settled down over the household.

"Your awesomeness is just awesome, Awesome Big Brother."

But, as covert training drills go...

"OK RECRUITS! I WANT TO SEE SOME FUR FLYING! THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE A DRILL!"

"...oh not again..."

"Private Gandalf! Private Malcolm! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? We are not practising our hand to hand combat!"

"Private Mae! THIS IS NO TIME FOR A BELLY RUB!"

"It's not??"

Intermission while Privates Mae, Gandalf and Malcolm clean the latrine with toothbrushes.

*Muzak featuring the Tijuana Brass*

Stand-ins for Private Gandalf and Private Malcolm.

*cheery mariachi band plays in the background*

End of Intermission.

"What's going on? Why are the guys cleaning the bathroom? KEEP IT DOWN WILL YA?!!"

"I'm done for the day! That's it! I'm not training any more, and you can't make me! Well, today anyway...just gonna sit here where no one can find me..."

"OK Recruits! There will be no more training today! You'd better hope that come Atticus' V-Day you are all ready and able to play your roles!"

"Um, excuse me. Yeah, hi. Um, yeah, I uh, read that as part of the training, we would be doing a "dry run" of sorts, that would involve me going to the vet before Atticus does? Is that true? So uh, can I ask how me going for a checkup helps Atticus' plight in any way? You know...because, uh...I'm not seeing it."

"OK, you guys are weird. AND LOUD! And I don't know what you're up to, but you're seriously keeping me and my elephant Stampy here from napping on my box... harshing my mellow, dammit."

*Nice pond, huh?! My neighbours upstairs built it. He just finished it last week, and there are no fish in it yet. But there will be, and lily pads as well. There's even a waterfall!"

...to be continued...!