Nerdy and wordy…

Back at it on a Tuesday...

Our Woodchuck friends William and Valerie have settled in well to their roles at Yellow Sky... but the road not taken is always beckoning. How do they respond?

Story Teaser: Will and Val are well into their new venture at the Coffee Shop, but will another offer give them pause towards their future plans in Chase Meadows?

Chapter 9:  Decision Time

It had been several months since Will and Val accepted their ‘sabbatical’ terms from Yellow Sky.  The Township Coffee Shop and Restaurant they purchased was doing well, and with Stone’s help they had grown and rebranded the Business into something that encompassed both the rustic charm of the area as well as their high-tech experience and expertise.  Thus, ‘The Chase Comfort Cuisine and Caffeinatory Corner’ had become both a local attraction and destination for coffee and homestyle food enthusiasts alike.

Gary and Pedro shifted their Homestead kitchen expertise to the restaurant and expertly crafted ‘home-cooked’ meals for their patrons, with Deedee coordinating and orchestrating kitchen operations to keep things moving efficiently.  This was yet another attraction of the business, as the newly renovated open kitchen allowed their patrons to observe the automated symphony of their meals being prepared.

Will and Val’s success in the hospitality business prompted them to purchase the plot of land adjacent to the Caffeinatory, and they were making plans to build a matching rustic resort hotel next door, with ‘bed and breakfast’ privileges at the restaurant as well as guided tours of the Chase Meadows and Thickering Forest nature areas.  Bob and his contractor partners signed on for the construction of the Woodchuck Warren Lodge, and had committed to break ground as soon as the design permits were approved by Chase Township.

One sunny Spring morning, Will and Val were going over the Business receipts as the ‘bots cleaned up from the usual breakfast rush.  Will smiled as he reviewed the calculations on his data pad:  “The figures from last month look exceedingly well,” he commented, turning the screen towards Valerie.  She adjusted her glasses and read through the figures, returning Will’s smile and leaning in for a gentle kiss:  “It’s the best of all worlds,” she sighed.  “We have our coffee and dinner place, we’re successful financially, and we have each other close by always.”  They looked out the window at the sun sparkling off the Chase Brook River as it lazily flowed by the Caffeinatory.  “What more could we ask for?”

It was Will’s turn to sigh:  “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but some technical challenges would be nice.”  Val’s head whipped around as she shot her fiancee an incredulous look:  “Did I hear that right?  You miss the Widget business?”  Will shook his head:  “Even with all the time demands, travel, Board meetings, and other stress… yeah, I kinda wish we still could be in the Fab from time to time…”  Valerie tackle-hugged him, holding him tightly:  “You’re absolutely crazy, old man… and it’s why I’m crazy about you…”

Their romantic moment was interrupted by a gentle “Ahem” from the host stand.  Will and Val looked up to see a two-tailed Fox and lovely Robian standing there, smiling back at them. “Is it too late for breakfast?”  queried Tails, walking towards his friends.  Will’s smile was as bright as the reflections off the River outside the window, as the couples exchanged warm hugs in greeting each other.  “For you two, it’s never too late for anything,” replied Valerie.  “I hope that we aren’t interrupting anything,” apologized CC.  “Tails wanted to discuss a few items with y’all and I suggested we both drive up here rather than utilize electronic communication…”

The woodchucks both looked pleasantly surprised at CC’s diction: “Y’ALL?” they said in unison.  CC blushed:  “I’m expanding my use of contractions, so given the country setting I thought it’d be appropriate…” “It’s absolutely appropriate,” confirmed Valerie.  “And very much in-line with your growth as a Mobian.”  CC smiled broadly at Val’s compliment as Will guided his guests to a table freshly cleaned and set for a meal.

“We couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” admitted Tails as they sat down.  “The Device Business is actually a large part of the reason for our visit.”  Will looked concerned:  “Is everything okay?”  The fox nodded appreciatively but tentatively:  “Yes and no.  Receipts are still very good across the board with promising sales projections… but the junior executives currently running the team don’t have the insight, the expertise that you two have.” “And frankly… we miss you,” added CC.

The woodchucks returned a thoughtful but concerned look to their guests: “So what are you saying?”  Tails presented them with formal letters from the Yellow Sky Board:  “The Board of Directors would like to offer you a significant incentive to discontinue your sabbatical and return to your prior positions.  We see your involvement in the Device Business as vital to our success moving forward.”  Will and Val reviewed their respective letters, their eyes widening.  “This is a most… generous package,” admitted Will.  “But what about the future vision, the plan and direction for the Device and Widget businesses?”

“I interceded with the Board on your behalf,” said CC.  “As an immersed and long-time participant in the Business I… felt… I was uniquely qualified to present a perspective they may not have previously considered.”  William smiled knowingly:  “You’ve always been a big part of the Widget business, figuratively and literally.  So what was The Board’s impression?”  Tails returned William’s smile:  “They were absolutely speechless.  They didn’t realize the depth and breadth of your knowledge and what a tremendous loss it would be to let you two walk away permanently.”  He nodded at the offer sheets:  “Thus their gestures to entice your return, to include full control over the creative direction and balance of the Device Division.”

Val looked concerned:  “But we’ve put so much into the Caffeinatory, and it’s doing so well.  And the Lodge should be starting construction soon.  Do we have to give that all up?”  Both Tails and CC smiled warmly at their friends:  “Look at the second page of the offer.”

They read through the verbiage as Tails explained:  “Your titles have been adjusted to a Senior Advisory level.  Much of the day-to-day and on-site operations will be performed by the Junior executives who will now report directly to you.  Yellow Sky will fund a local office in Chase Township for your use to telecommute as needed.  There will be some required meetings and events at the Headquarters Campus, but in general you should be able to perform your job duties remotely.”  Will looked at his friend critically:  “And Yellow Sky has no issue with us running our ‘side business’ as well?”

Tails’ smile broadened further:  “They are further heartened by your flexibility and business acumen, and have expressed significant interest in booking Corporate retreats at the Lodge once it is completed.”  Valerie shook her head in disbelief:  “We’re going to need a bigger boat, so to speak…” “And likely more help here as well,” Will completed Valerie’s thought.  “We were already interviewing local folks for positions at the Caffeinatory and Lodge given our growth, but we definitely need someone to help with guest interactions and event coordination…”

“Perhaps we may be of service then,” spoke another voice from the doorway.  Will and Val turned to see Dennie and the two ‘S’ model Emulators at the host stand, looking around to take in their surroundings.  “Dennie!” exclaimed Will.  “It’s great to see you… and you brought Sammy and Sandy as well!”  Dennie walked over to the table and hugged Valerie, who had risen to greet her.  “We had missed you at the Fabs, so when I heard Tails and CC were driving up to Chase Township for a visit I asked if we could accompany them.”  William nodded in acknowledgement, also rising to greet his IvoRobian friends and addressing the ‘S’ models in particular:  “How are you all acclimating to ‘Fab life?” 

Sandy looked at the Woodchuck couple thoughtfully:  “While we remain grateful for Dr. Prower’s generous offer to allow our AI pathways to grow by working in the Manufacturing Facilities, our core programming still trends towards Mobian assistance roles. “  Sammy nodded:  “Indeed.  We find that we gravitate more towards the company of… Organics… and would like to experience a purpose that is more in-line with this ‘mindset,’ as you may say.”

“We consulted with Mr. Stone during our most recent check-in,” continued Sandy.  “He reviewed our systems and Dr. Robotnik adjusted a few of our algorithms accordingly… to augment our latent hospitality programming.”  Dennie smiled warmly:  “They have already obtained permission from Dr. Ivo to ‘transfer’ their learning experience to this location… if you all  determine they can be… useful… in this environment.”  

Will and Val exchanged surprised glances, Will shaking his head:  “Lately it seems Ivo is the gift who keeps on giving…”  Tails laughed at his observation:  “He certainly has had an apparent change of heart given recent events… but we still keep a wary eye just in case…” (winking at Will and Val).  CC elbowed Tails in the ribs at his insinuation:  “I have thoroughly reviewed Sammy and Sandy’s programming as well as their hardware, to ensure there are no ‘surprises’ as occurred when Dennie was delivered back to us.  I found no subterfuge or malicious nature to their offers.  They genuinely want to be helpful and grow following Dennie’s example:  to be productive members of society… and good Mobians.”

The woodchucks smiled at CC’s thoughts:  “Well we certainly have experience in guiding our Inorganic friends along that pathway,” remarked William.  “And we sure can use the help,” finished Valerie.  The ‘S’ models returned their Woodchuck friends’ warm smiles:  “Thank you so much,” replied Sandy.  “We will make every effort to be… exemplary in our work for you.” “Except that you will be working _with_ us and not _for_ us… ”  chided Will gently.  “So noted,” agreed Sammy.  

“What about you, Dennie?” offered William.  “Care to join your friends in moving up here?”  Dennie blushed:  “I am… flattered you would offer, Mr. William.  Perhaps I can consider this for short durations… as a ‘change of pace?’ Is that the correct vernacular?”  Valerie smiled and nodded.  “But I do enjoy the Fab environment,” Dennie continued. “And with DJ’s career blossoming in Central City… I would prefer a role… where I can stay… closer to him.”  Will and Val embraced at Dennie’s sentiment:  “We can certainly relate to that.  Just know any time you both want to come up here, you are always welcome.”

“So we’re all set, then?”  commented Tails, motioning towards the offer sheets on the table.  “Absolutely,” replied William, as he and Valerie signed their respective paperwork.  Just then, Gary and Pedro arrived at the table with their freshly prepared breakfast.  “Now let’s celebrate!” beamed Valerie, raising a mimosa to their friends.

Author's note: CC the Robian, 'Tall Tails' concept character, and Yellow Sky Industries courtesy of @e-vay

Story Title inspiration: 'Take Another Road,' Jimmy Buffett, Off to See the Lizard, 1988

Author's (additional) note: Now that William and Valerie have the best of both worlds, they are ready to formally combine their lives (finally!)... stay tuned for an epic gathering of old and new friends to celebrate A Woodchuck Wedding... coming soon!

Take Another Road Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7 | Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 (current)

I changed all my online passwords to ‘Kenny’ recently…

A photographer was injured when a large wheel of cheddar fell on him during a photo shoot…

You might think that a snail would move faster without a shell…

Back at it on a Tuesday...

Our Woodchuck friends William and Valerie have settled in well to their roles at Yellow Sky... but the road not taken is always beckoning. How do they respond?

Story Teaser: As the time for a decision grows nigh, Tails has an intriguing alternative for Will and Val. With this work well for all involved? And can they get an informed opinion on their proposed pathway in Chase Township?

Chapter 8:  A Possible Compromise... and Rock Solid Advice

William knocked tentatively on the door jamb leading to Tails’ Executive office, Valerie standing just behind him. The two-tailed fox looked up from his paperwork and smiled: “Hey you two, c’mon in. Have a seat.” He motioned to the comfortable chairs in front of his desk, and the Woodchuck pair entered and sat at his direction.

“Thanks, Tails…” replied William. “You said you had something to discuss with us?” “I checked the Yellow Sky bylaws,” said Tails, adjusting his reading glasses. “There’s a provision for upper management and executives that allows for Sabbatical leave, up to one year.”  Both Will and Val looked intrigued by this possibility.  “What does that entail?”  asked William.  Tails slid a piece of paper towards each woodchuck:  “You both would take an informal leave of absence from Yellow Sky, which would enable you to explore interests outside of the Business… or just take a break, whichever you prefer,” smiled the fox.

“The only restriction would be that you couldn’t engage in any activities that would directly conflict or compete with your roles at Yellow Sky,” he continued.  “Your positions would be temporarily occupied by junior level management whom the Board wants to train for more future responsibilities, but you would be fully reinstated to your current roles upon your decision to return.”  Tails pointed to the respective paragraphs on the paper:  “And you would also receive a stipend to help support you during this ‘time off,’ although it would be less than your full current salaries.”  He removed his reading glasses and sat back in his chair as he gazed across  the desk at his friends:  “Sound interesting?”

“It does,” piped Val, “but of course we’d like to discuss it with each other before we make a decision.”  Will nodded in agreement: “Is the Board still working on the visionary plan you mentioned?”  Tails looked a bit frustrated:  “They were as shocked as I was at the prospect of your resignations.  They said they ‘wanted more time to fully consider the potential impact of your proposed departures and better shape the Business direction such that we could avoid this separation and all move forward together’.” 

The fox rolled his eyes: “A bunch of Executive babble to say ‘we don’t know what to do so we’ll stall for time,’ if you ask me.”  They all laughed at Tails’ frank assessment of the Board’s indecisive response.  “So, yeah… it’s going to take a little more time for them to put something together.  That’s why I researched the ‘sabbatical’ option.”  Will collected the paperwork from Tails, shaking his hand warmly:  “We’ll discuss it tonight and let you know by the end of the week.  Thank you for presenting us with this option.”  Tails smiled at his woodchuck friends:  “Any time.  We’d absolutely hate to lose you… professionally and personally.”

At the Condo that evening, Will and Val pored over the terms of the Yellow Sky Sabbatical conditions:  “It really looks like a good deal to me,” offered Will.  “Yellow Sky holds our current jobs for us while we test the waters outside of the Company.”  “Well, we definitely can’t pursue our device ideas if we sign this,”  observed Val.  Will shook his head:  “I was leaning against doing that anyway.  The Coffee Shop is by far the best idea we’ve had so far.”  He sipped at his after-dinner cup of decaf, appreciating the flavor:  “Just wish I knew more about that business… and how to objectively evaluate whether it’s a good deal.”

Val looked thoughtful, then a knowing smile spread across her face.  “I think I know someone… who may know someone who can help us.  Let me make a call…”

“So what do you think?” asked Valerie.

The dark-haired human surveyed the folksy establishment situated on the outskirts of Chase Township, taking in its rustic decor and views overlooking the Chase Brook River.  He stroked his neatly trimmed beard thoughtfully as he walked around both the barista stand and seating area, perusing the menu as well as the equipment used to craft their particular brand of caffeinated beverages.

He nodded to the older Mobian lady behind the counter:  “Do you make a steamed goat milk latte?”  She smiled warmly: “It’s not our usual but I think I can whip something up right quick… ”  Before long a well-worn house mug was filled with the steaming beverage, which William and Valerie’s guest gently lifted from the counter, enjoying its warmth and aroma.

He sipped the drink carefully, savoring the flavor… then a look of realization crossed his face.  “Does the milk happen to be…”  he started.  The old proprietor smiled:  “Ilse moved here from the Alps a few months back and was able to bring her little flock.  She drops off a pint or two every other week… for special requests.”  Her bearded guest looked very impressed as he turned to the Woodchuck couple:  “I think this place definitely has possibilities.”  Will smiled:  “Thank you Mr. Stone.  Dr. Ivo said you have an eye for these businesses, and we greatly respect your opinion.”

They sat at a table, and the elderly proprietor brought Will and Val their usual drinks as well.  “There are a few rough edges that could be polished,” assessed Stone.  “But the location, views, and established customer base are strong positives.”  Valerie nodded:  “And we’ll admit we have a strong sentimental attachment to the place.”  “It would be a shame to see this quaint little shop lost to time,” Stone agreed.  “I could… offer my assistance in a limited partnership if you like.  To help ease both the financial burden and your transition into a foodservice environment.”

Will’s eyes lit up:  “That would be great!  We’ve been coming here for years but I’ll admit we don’t know much about operating a place like this.”  Stone grinned:  “There’s a certain… finesse to it… but you are both very bright.  I’m sure you’ll pick it up in no time.”  He looked around the shop again, thoughtfully:  “And if you can add your own touches to the Business… maybe even consider a rebrand… it would certainly add to its appeal and draw.”

“We’re all ears,” commented Val, sipping her latte as she leaned forward and reached up to fiddle with William’s lop-ear.

Author's note: CC the Robian, 'Tall Tails' concept character, and Yellow Sky Industries courtesy of @e-vay

I recently scheduled a minor procedure... on the day of the surgery I asked the doctor if I could administer my own anesthesia...

I saw a brand new clock in the trash can today…

Not sure how many pinball and classic arcade fans here... but had to share this link... upcoming game from one of the most famous Pinball designers of all time may be of interest.

What happens when the King of Flow decides he's... gotta go fast?!?

Back at it on a Tuesday...

Our Woodchuck friends William and Valerie have settled in well to their roles at Yellow Sky... but the road not taken is always beckoning. How do they respond?

Story Teaser: Valerie finds herself challenged with a technical issue at TDS... but another 'technical' guest to her office has some inputs regarding her and Will's proposed personal direction...

Chapter 7:  A Robian’s Input:

It was a particularly hectic morning for Technical Device Solutions.  Valerie was working through failure analysis reports on a recent batch of devices which had underperformed to their customers’ specifications.  More troubling, this was a ‘legacy design,’ something TDS had been building for many years (pre-dating the Yellow Sky acquisition), so the deviation from normal operation implied a subtle shift somewhere in the assembly line… something that would take intense engineering effort to diagnose and correct.

Val sighed as she looked between her device schematics and a real estate portfolio for the coffee shop in Chase Township.  It would be so nice to be there with Will right now, she reflected.  To have a change of pace from all this… craziness…

Her momentary daydream was interrupted by a chime at her door.  She looked up to see a familiar figure standing at the threshold, a female Robian with whom she had become particularly close over the past years.  The woodchuck smiled as she looked over the top of her folio and reading glasses, recognizing her friend:  “CC, what a surprise!  It’s been way too long… please come in!”

CC nodded and returned a reserved smile, and the two hugged briefly as Val motioned to a pair of chairs at the work table across from her desk.  As they sat down, CC’s demeanor became decidedly serious, and she looked Val in the eyes as she spoke:  “Tails informed me that you and William were considering… a separation from Yellow Sky.”  Valerie nodded: “Will is concerned with the direction the Board has given for the Device business.  He doesn’t want to conflict with the overall direction of the Company, given all that Tails and you have done for us.”

Val detected a darker shift in CC’s electric blue eyes, and the Robian’s furry tail swished as she responded: “And what inputs have you contributed towards his thought processes?”  The woodchuck was taken a bit by surprise at her friend’s pointed question:  “I… had mentioned to Will about doing something different… spending more time together since we were apart for so many years…” “Which was _your_ decision if I was informed correctly…” interrupted CC.  Val looked more than a bit ashamed:  “It’s not something I’m proud of.  I didn’t realize… how much I missed him until you got us back together…”  She rose from her chair and walked to the window overlooking the TDS production floor, reminiscent of her original office in the Central City location.  “I didn’t know what to do…  to help find you, to save his dream of the Widget Fab… so I ran… so I wouldn’t see him crash and burn.”

CC still looked angry, but also a bit confused:  “Perhaps my logic circuits are still not fully calibrated to Mobian algorithms… however your train of thought appears misaligned.  You want to run again… because things are going… well?”  Valerie turned towards CC with a polite smile and brief laugh:  “Your perception is, as always, spot-on CC,” she sighed. “But this time I want to run WITH Will rather than from him.”  The woodchuck’s explanation did little to resolve the AI’s conflicting thoughts:  “But you are together here.  Shall we move your offices to adjacent locations?”

Val smiled and walked back over to CC, sitting down and taking her hands:  “You truly are a wonderful Mobian, CC.  And I love you dearly for always looking for ways to keep your friends happy.  But for me to be productive in my job right now, I need to spend time away from Will.  And his job takes him away from me as well.”  Their eyes met.  “It’s not personal… about you, Tails, or Yellow Sky.  We just want to be together in all we do.”

CC’s stern look melted into understanding:  “I surmise Tails and I are fortunate in that our… roles and positions allow us to be in each other’s proximity frequently, if not constantly.”  She paused for a minute, tilting her head thoughtfully:  “I calculate that I would… feel… similarly to how you are expressing if my… responsibilities required me to be away from Tails more often.”

The woodchuck smiled at her Robian friend:  “We both have special guys in our lives.  This is my way to try to be with Will more often…” Val then held out her left hand, showing off her engagement ring:  “And this ensures that our promise to each other will be permanent.”  CC smiled broadly:  “I calculated a strong probability that Will would propose to you once you were reunited.  I am happy to see that has become a certainty.”  They hugged warmly, after which CC examined the ring’s setting:  “I see Rouge matched an appropriate gemstone to your preferences.”  Val nodded with another polite laugh:  “Ever since that game of billiards at The Lions’ Den we’ve been prettyreally good friends.  I knew William would ask her advice once he was ready.”

CC rose from her chair and examined the device schematics on Val’s desk:  “I would be most happy to consult on your current technical investigation if you require additional assistance.”  Val nodded:  “I’d appreciate the help, quite frankly.  This one has been a real head-scratcher.”  CC’s eyes glazed over as she scanned the documents:  “I shall analyze the data and contact you with my conclusions.”  

The Robian then examined the restaurant folder, flipping through the pictures curiously:  “I do not recall that I have visited this establishment, although I do know you and Will spoke of it frequently.”  Val smiled again, putting her arm around CC’s shoulders:  “Come on up to the Homestead this weekend.  We’ll take you and Tails there, our treat.”  “I will talk to Tails, but I am certain we can make the time.”  CC gazed off into the distance, then at Valerie:  “I need to return to the Laboratory.  I’m glad I was able to come see you today, Valerie.”  “And I’m so happy you stopped by, CC… please let’s get together more often… even if only for a few minutes.”  CC nodded as they hugged again, this time more warmly:  “I will set a periodic reminder to that end.  Good day, Valerie!”  “See you soon, CC,” responded Val.

She watched as her Robian friend disappeared down the hallway.  I would truly miss her if we did decide to leave, thought Val.  But we have to do what is right for us.  Hopefully she and Tails would still visit every so often…

Author's note: CC the Robian, 'Tall Tails' concept character, and Yellow Sky Industries courtesy of @e-vay

Back at it on a Tuesday...

Our Woodchuck friends William and Valerie have settled in well to their roles at Yellow Sky... but the road not taken is always beckoning. How do they respond?

Story Teaser: Back at the Homestead... Will and Val get an unexpected guest... leading to more discussions as well as a momentous question... and response...

Chapter 6:  The Woodchuck Proposal:

The following weekend, Will and Val were back up at The Homestead, poring over their options.  There was a firm but friendly knock on the front door of the Woodchuck house.  Val and Will looked at each other, puzzled.  Neither was expecting a guest.  Will walked to the door and opened it, revealing a handyman badger grinning widely. "Bob!" exclaimed William, returning his grin and exchanging a hearty handshake with his friend: "What a great surprise! Please, come in... join us!"

“I t’ought I’d find y’all here,” piped Bob, stepping through the door and into the kitchen, accepting a welcoming hug from Valerie.  “Bossman Tails sez y’all was t’inkin’ ‘bout goin’ a diff’rnt direction, and I’d been t’inkin’ about makin’ a change too.  Any chance you needs someone of my skills onboard?”

Will looked surprised.  “We haven’t made any definite plans yet… I hope you haven’t resigned from Yellow Sky.  Regardless of what we decide, we certainly couldn’t offer you what they do in terms of pay and benefits.”

Bob shook his head:  “Naw, just t’inkin’ out loud.  I’m not as young as I used ta be and havin’ more time outside da walls sounds good about now.”  He clapped Will on the shoulder.  “Plus y’all is good people and I hates to lose touch wid folks like y’all.”

After coffee and a friendly chat with Will and Val, Bob headed up to the Garden to plot out some seasonal plantings, leaving the Woodchuck couple to continue discussing their immediate future.  

Valerie looked at Will critically:  “If we’re going to do this we both need to be in it for the long haul.  Together.”  Will smiled:  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”  He dropped to one knee and pulled a jewelry box out of his pocket, opening it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.  “And either way I’m certainly not letting you fly away from me again.  Valerie Braun, will you marry me?”  The female woodchuck’s smile lit up the room as she stretched out her left hand:  “Took you long enough.  Of course I’ll marry you, Will.  I would have married you years ago had you asked.”  It was Will’s turn to grin as he gently slid the ring onto her finger and they embraced, kissing deeply.

Valerie broke their embrace enough to look into Will’s eyes dreamily, then at the ring.  “Will, it’s… absolutely gorgeous.  I think I have an idea where you may have found this…”  

“Tails has a… contact,”  returned Will sheepishly. 

Val’s look became more stern:  “Oh, don’t be coy with me.  I know it’s Rouge…” Will gave a ‘you caught me’ look:  “She had the same reaction you did when I asked her to help pick a stone for you:  ‘what took you so long?’”  He looked at the ring sparkling on her finger:  “I’m really impressed with what Rouge was able to find, but then again she is a well-known jewelry expert…” started Will.

“And former infamous jewel THIEF,” finished Valerie with a smug grin.  Will looked shocked:  “I… I did pay her for the ring…”  Valerie chuckled, “Let’s hope she did as well.”  She looked at the ring again.  “But it’s too beautiful.  I’m not asking any more questions…” Val leaned in for another deep kiss which Will gladly returned.

They walked across the room to the couch and sat together, Val leaning on Will’s chest.  “So how are we going to work this name thing?”  asked Val.  “What do you mean?” returned William.  “Well, I’ve always been known professionally as ‘Valerie Braun.’  Changing my last name to ‘Woodchuck’ might cause some confusion.”  “You could always hyphenate,” suggested Will.  “Yeah, you know that ‘Braun’ means ‘brown’ in another language, right,” replied Valerie, giving Will the side-eye.  “‘Brown-Woodchuck’ seems a bit… obvious, doesn’t it?”  Will smiled, stroking her long fur:  “I don’t care what you call yourself, as long as I can always call you mine.”  She smiled warmly and turned over to face her beau.  “Definitely.  And forever,” Val whispered as they kissed again.  She pulled the quilt off the back of the couch onto them, and they cuddled in its warmth.

Author's note: CC the Robian, 'Tall Tails' concept character, and Yellow Sky Industries courtesy of @e-vay

In Ancient Rome there were four well-known poisons.

Poisons I, II, and III were instant death…

I am determined to win my bout with procrastination. And I’ll do it too…

Back at it on a Tuesday...

Our Woodchuck friends William and Valerie have settled in well to their roles at Yellow Sky... but the road not taken is always beckoning. How do they respond?

Story Teaser: Will's office is a busy place... both for the goings-on of the Device Division and guests wanting to chat about his and Valerie's proposed 'new direction'...

Chapter 5:  Who Wants to Go With?

The next day, Will was in his office, poring over data from the Widget Fabs.  He shook his head sadly as he contemplated both the Board’s feedback on their current loadings as well as the possibility of leaving this all behind.  This all had been part of his life for as long as he could remember… since he was a little cub working with his Uncle Walter in the garage… so many memories… but maybe it is time to try something different… 

A knock on the door frame of his office snapped him out of his daydream:  “Got a minute to chat with an old friend?”  A smiling two-tailed fox stood at the threshold, offering two steaming cups of coffee from the on-site Buckstar’s just off the Executive Spire's lobby.  Will smiled:  “A sight for sore eyes.  Come on in.”

Tails set the coffees on Will’s desk as the woodchuck walked around.  They exchanged a warm bro-hug as they sat in the guest chairs at Will’s work table, enjoying both the view and their coffee for a few minutes.  It was Tails who broke the silence:  “You two caught me completely off guard yesterday,” he started.  “I never once thought you would be so unhappy as to want to leave us.”

Will sighed:  “It’s been a… gradual thought process on my part.  Things here just feel like they’ve changed… become colder, less inclusive.”  He sipped his beverage thoughtfully.  “That last Board meeting was what brought it all to a head, though.”  Tails nodded:  “I can understand that.  Widgets are your life’s work.  Literally.  It’s hard to hear they are… less important to someone else.”  Will looked sad:  “I get it.  I really do.  It’s business… but again it’s MY business.  And if my input isn’t valued… what’s really left?”

Tails shook his head:  “Your input is _always_ valued, Will.”  He gestured to the Fabs out the window:  “Both here…” and to his heart: “And here.  I’d hate to lose your friendship as well over this.  Even if you do decide to pursue other interests, I want you to stay in touch… come hang out with the Group.”  The fox chuckled:  “I promise it won’t always be like The Lions’ Den…”

Will laughed as he recalled the adventure that brought more than a few weeks of tension, followed by a host of new friends, into their lives… when their conversation was interrupted by a chime at Will’s office door.  Deedee was floating there, with Gary and Pedro parked below her.

“Excuse me, Mr. William,” said the ovoid ‘bot.  “We were informed that there was a possibility you might be leaving Yellow Sky and wanted to… discuss this with you.”  William looked surprised:  “I guess the walls have ears around here… please, come in.  Let’s talk.”  Deedee and the ‘Fab ‘bots motored over to William and Tails.  “May I ask what your plans might entail?”  asked Deedee tentatively.

“We’re… not sure yet,” started Will.  “We haven’t made a firm decision as to whether Ms. Valerie and I are leaving.”  “And we hope to get them to stay,” interjected Tails.

“Respectfully, Dr. Prower…” started Deedee, “I have worked with William for several years and have become quite… close friends with him.  If I am allowed to make… a choice… I would prefer… to continue working with him… regardless of his status with Yellow Sky.”

“We-want-to-stay-with-William-as-well,” piped Gary, with Pedro nodding in agreement. “He-has-always-been-our-friend-and-we-do-not-want-to-leave-him.”

The fox smiled warmly:  “You all certainly have enough self-awareness to make that decision.  And know that even if you do leave you’d always be welcomed back.”  Deedee’s running lights glowed a warm hue at Tails’ comments:  “Thank you, Dr. Prower.  We do not want to be disloyal to you… but our… ‘hearts’ are with Mr. William.”  “Completely understandable,” replied Tails, rising to embrace Deedee.  “Just… be sure your mother knows as well.  She'll definitely miss seeing you.” 

“Understood,” replied the blue ‘bot. “We will leave you to your conversation.  Thank you for your time…” The ‘bots motored out of Will’s office as the woodchuck rose from his chair and Tails turned towards him:  “I probably should get going as well,” he commented, shaking Will’s hand.  “Looks like you have a lot to think about.”

Will smiled:  “And a lot to be thankful for.  Thanks again for stopping by, Tails.  It really means a lot.”  Tails clapped him on the shoulder:   ‘My pleasure.  You and Val mean a lot… to me, and to all of us.  Take care, Will… I hope to have more positive news for you soon.”  Tails waved as he exited William’s office, leaving the woodchuck to his thoughts.

Author's note: CC the Robian, 'Tall Tails' concept character, and Yellow Sky Industries courtesy of @e-vay

If you're expecting a Star Wars pun from me on May the Fourth...