3. Skratch and the Time Zone Problem

Skratch escorted Tipsy carefully from the auditorium when he heard the sound of a kiss. He momentarily thought of the Wabbit's instructions and fumbled quickly in his fur for Tipsy's gift. That's when it happened. Two disembodied paws took the chocolate liqueurs. "Oh thank you Skratch," said Tipsy's head, "that was very thoughtful." Skratch was lost in Tipsy's swirling eyes as her lips detached and floated towards him. "What time zone is it?" asked Tipsy's lips. Skratch nearly jumped, but he remained calm and tried to think clearly. "It's CEST." "My goodness that's late," said the lips, "but not too late for you to take me for a little dwink." Tipsy's lips returned to their proper place while Skratch wondered which establishment would permit entry to a disembodied head. "Aren't you working soon?" Tipsy's lips smiled. "I don't have to get up until November." Skratch knew that was a military time zone and now his eyes narrowed. But he saw no option but to go along with things until he could get to the bottom of the problem. "Let's head out then," he chirped. Tipsy proffered a paw and he hooked his paw around it and proceeded downstairs to the exit. Tipsy's lips floated around a bit. "It's nice to have someone to take me to the movies. Now you can tell me about how to read a film."  Skratch realised he was becoming accustomed to talking to a disembodied head. "What movie would you like to see next?" Tipsy's lips fluttered close. "The Time Machine."

[CEST is Central European Time.   November is a Military Time Zone in the NATO phonetic alphabet.]

2. Skratch, Tipsy and the B Movie

At a repertory cinema near the centre of town, Skratch and Tipsy met to see an old B movie horror. Skratch knew it had become a cult classic but said nothing, owing to the Wabbit's instructions. He was not allowed to broach the subject of movies at all and was therefore at a loss for conversation. Skratch felt a paw creep into his. He'd been expecting the brush of a foot or leg, but a paw he felt he could deal with, Skratch squeezed it. "I'm scared," whispered Tipsy. "Don't worry," said Skratch. "I'm here and nothing can harm you." Tipsy leant forward and eagerly watched the story unfold. Skratch had seen the movie several times and was responsible for submitting a long and technical article to Jump Cut Review, now at the revision stage. "Yikes!" shrieked Tipsy as a decapitated head made conversation from a laboratory worktop. She looked away, only to notice a door at the side of the screen. "What's behind that door?" she murmured. An actor's voice from the screen seemed to reply. "Horrors no normal mind can imagine." Tipsy jumped. "I think it's a broom cupboard," said Skratch soothingly. Tipsy's eyes were riveted on the movie monster as it ripped its tormentor limb from limb. "Will you see me home afterwards," she breathed. "There might be monsters." Skratch smiled and nodded and grasped for the chocolates. Tipsy looked thoughtful. "Anyway, how long can you live without a brain?" "It depends how old you are," said Skratch,

1. The Wabbit & the Command Movie

Skratch the Cat arrived at the sleazy viewing theatre where the Wabbit had an arrangement. The matter seemed to be urgent, so he was unsurprised when the Wabbit addressed him in serious note. "Departmental Business." The Wabbit's voice indicated he didn't exactly approve. "This is a direct order, Skratch." Skratch waited for what seemed like an age. Finally the Wabbit spoke. "You have to take Tipsy to the movies." Skratch's fur stood on end. "But Commander .." "I'm certain something can be worked out." said the Wabbit, "now what seat do you usually occupy?" "Front row, middle," said Skratch. The Wabbit shook his head sadly. "You will occupy a rear seat, offset from centre." Skratch gritted his teeth. "During the film, Tipsy will nudge your leg." Skratch groaned inwardly. "What then Commander?" "You will whisper sweet nothings in her ear." Skratch brightened. "About the movie?" "On no account," said the Wabbit. "You will not talk of cinema or film theory and there is to be no mention of semiotics." Skratch heaved a very long sigh. "What next Commander?" "You will escort Tipsy home." said the Wabbit, "where you will kiss her affectionately on the cheek and give her a small box of expensive chocolate liqueurs." And then?" asked Skratch. "Lope away nonchalantly," said the Wabbit, handing Skratch money. "Look, this should cover everything." Skratch spoke cautiously "May I take a taxi?" "Only if there's a blizzard," said the Wabbit.

The Wabbit at his Adventure Caffè

For a while it rained with fury. The Wabbit was early and he snuck under an umbrella at his favourite table and sat it out. Suddenly the sun burst through and brought with it Lapinette, Tipsy and Skratch the Cat, all from different directions. "What's it to be?" shouted Lapinette. "Carrot beer and a salad sandwich," said the Wabbit with satisfaction. It had been a long adventure and he never had expected the intrusion of frackers. Just off the tram, Skratch bore down on the caffè with theories in mind. "That was a most interesting escapade." "Let's have some more," yelled Tipsy. Laughter ensued and when it died away Lapinette asked the Question. "What was that for a sort of adventure, Skratch?" Skratch raised an eye. "It was deliciously soapy." The Wabbit looked at Lapinette and winked encouragingly. "Soap," stated Lapinette in a solemn voice, "is entirely predicated upon matters of desire." "So it was all about your outfit," smiled Skratch, "and gender identity of course." The Wabbit stepped in before things got technical. "You didn't mention fracking and eco-horror."  "Gender, genre, ecology!" shouted Tipsy. "Oh, won't someone get Tipsy a chair?" suggested the Wabbit, sitting exactly where he was and disguising a grin. "I can get my own chair," said Tipsy, "but someone else can get me a little dwink." "What's your poison?" asked the Wabbit. "Brandy, cola and sheared ice," said Tipsy. "I think that's called a Drunken Fracker," nodded the Wabbit.

18. The Wabbit & a new Grand Daucus

Back at the Carrot Club, the Wabbit handed over the reigns of power. "Lapinette, I'm proposing you for Grand Daucus." Lapinette looked surprised. "When will I know I'm elected?" "As of now," said the Wabbit, "but there's only one small thing." Lapinette waited. "You have to continue as Bunky Green." Lapinette knew there was more. ".. and you have to wear the outfit," smirked the Wabbit. Lapinette also smirked. Despite everything, there would be a female in the Carrot Club and it was all her doing. The Wabbit continued effusively. "I thought perhaps the Carrot and Artichoke Clubs might combine." Lapinette's ears twitched. "Did you hear that creaking?" "Oh, the old building needs refurbishment," sighed the Wabbit and he waved his paw in a dismissive fashion. "So what about naming us the Cartichoke Club, do you think?" "I think I hear noises," said Lapinette. "It must be the heating," said the Wabbit. Suddenly the corridor grew icy cold and Lapinette shivered in agreement. "It must be." She pondered for a while. "What kind of heating is it?" "Gas," said a voice. Lapinette furrowed her brow. "Did you say gas, Wabbit?" "No, not me," said the Wabbit, "it's oil anyway." "Oil!" The sound ricocheted along the corridor. The Wabbit looked at Lapinette and Lapinette looked back. "I have an idea," said the Wabbit. "I'm all ears," said Lapinette. "Run!" yelled the Wabbit.

17. The Wabbit and the Reverse Frack

"I feel floaty," said the Wabbit. "I do too," said Lapinette. "You're not really here," said Turbina the Jet Car, "how does it feel to be avatars?" "Fuzzy," said the Wabbit. "You have the crystals?" asked Turbina. Lapinette looked at her paw and she could see them now. They pulsed blue and twinkled as they shifted in some kind of spooky space. Turbina's turbine whined as it picked up speed. "Place them in my glove compartment." The sound of a jazz saxophone filled the cabin. Turbina's voice commanded everyone to wait and it seemed like an age - but just as the saxophone reached a crescendo, Turbina spoke softly. "Quantum ... now!" and a broad green beam shot from the train. Turbina captured it like a goalkeeper and they both jolted as she focused it into a line with no thickness. The Wabbit's eyes shifted to the mirror and he was surprised he could see the line. It moved silently and rapidly, bending round buildings in its way before it smashed into the Fracker with the devastating sound of a thousand earthquakes. Through the noise of fracturing and shearing rock, the Wabbit thought he heard a voice groan from the Fracking Entity. "Frack! Gas! Shale!" "Not on my watch, Fracker," muttered the Wabbit. Silence fell and they all drew a breath. "Frankly Commander," said Turbina, "I didn't think that would work." The Wabbit grinned. "It must have been the music. Who was it anyway?" "I know," smiled Lapinette. "That was Bunky Green."

16. The Wabbit's Quantum Dining Car

To some extent Quantum was like a normal train. He had a pleasant dining car and Tipsy had found an equally pleasant bar. "I like trains," she yelled. "Does anyone want a ickle drink?" "Yes," said the Wabbit immediately. Quantum hung in time, a zone in which the Wabbit felt relaxed. But voices broke in and he heard Jenny from the rear of the compartment. "What about my hat?" "It's still there," said Skratch. "Still where?" asked Jenny crossly. Skratch stretched his paws wide. "The hook of time." Now voices faded and Lapinette swam into focus. The Wabbit looked at her and remembered she was still in disguise. "What plan, Bunky Green?" Lapinette began. "Quantum has a Transwarp Thruster." The Wabbit nodded and Lapinette continued. "We reverse the thrust and narrow it to a photonic plasma beam." "Then direct it at the Fracking Entity." said Wabsworth. The Wabbit thought about it, then shook his head. "We need plasma photonic crystals." "Commander?" The Wabbit turned to Tipsy who pouted. "These crystals are one dimensional and highly dangerous." Now the Wabbit stared at Tipsy and started to smile. "Got any?" "I might," said Tipsy. She delved carefully in her fur and held out a paw. No-one could see a thing. "Where are they?" asked the Wabbit. Tipsy's voice was both serious and sultry. "You can't see them. They're notional."

15. The Wabbit and Quantum's Leap

The remnants of both Carrot and Artichoke Clubs waited at the Other Castle. But the Wabbit was uncertain. To beat the Fracking Entity he needed help but he was hesitant. "Call him." Lapinette was still posing as Bunky and straightened his tie. The Wabbit shrugged, reached under his fur and pressed a button no one knew existed. Nothing quite compared with a visit from Quantum the Time Travelling Train. Similarly there was no sound like Skratch the Cat yelling from a high place. "You interrupted basic maintenance!" "No time for that," said the Wabbit. "Some Fracker's giving us grief." "I have no time for these Frackers," said Quantum. The Wabbit was uncertain of Quantum's rank but he felt under pressure. "You will make time available." If there was anyone that could make time available it was Quantum. Everything froze and the Wabbit shouted "Ideas!" then looked around. "Now!" he yelled for good measure. "Now there's no now," said Wabsworth, who seemed to have recovered. "Or rather," said Lapinette, "there's a series of not nows." Jenny looked at her hat which hung motionless. "Now I've lost my hat." The Wabbit sighed and looked at Quantum. "We have the time and you have the energy." "Then shoot it," said Quantum. This was not what the Wabbit expected. "With the Arrow of Time?" asked Lapinette. The Wabbit looked puzzled. "Entropy," said Wabsworth. "We'll run the Fracker backwards ..."

14. Tipsy & the Fracking Permits Folly

The Fracking Entity materialised at the Castle but so did Tipsy and the rest of Lapinette's personal guard. It was an attempt to buy time while the Wabbit concocted a plan, and in order to sow confusion, they were in theatrical mode. "What fracker comes?" they chanted. "I've here for my license," boomed the Entity. Tipsy hopped forward. "What kind of licence would you take?" Fitzy looked up. "A dog licence maybe? " Mitzy looked up too. "A driving licence? I can get you one cheap." "I want a fracking licence!" shouted the Fracking Entity. "It's not as simple as that," said Fitzy, "because first you need an Exploration License." "Then you'll need a Development Licence," said Mitzy. "I want a fracking Drilling License," yelled the Entity. "Well that's a pity," said Tipsy, shaking her head sadly, "... because you're at entirely the wrong Castle." "Aaaaagh" shouted the Entity. "I think we could start you off with an Options License," said Fitzy. "See how you get on," suggested Mitzy. "OK," sighed the Entity with a weary tone. "But then," said Mitzy, "to get an Options License you first require a Preliminary Waste License." There was a sigh of exasperation. "How do I obtain that?" "You can get one at the other Castle," said Tipsy. The Entity groaned. "And how do I get there?" Fitzy pulled out cards. "You'll need a Travel Permit."

13. The Wabbit and the Big Frack

 

The team hit Lingotto running and they thought they'd shaken the Entity. But the Wabbit looked down the street and there it was. Tipsy vaulted onto a balcony and unleashed a hail of gunfire to no avail. The Entity was slow but its tripod legs could measure streets in one stride. "Stop!" yelled the Wabbit. To his surprise the Entity stopped. Jenny tilted her hat. "The message from the Broccoli Brigade! It was to warn us." The Wabbit had a think. "Go!" he shouted. The Entity snaked out a leg. "Stop!" commanded the Wabbit. The Entity froze. Jenny nudged the Wabbit with her hook. "Commander, it seems it will talk to you." "OK, Fracker," nodded the Wabbit, "what do you want?" The Entity's voice boomed over the roof tops. "I want to frack." The Wabbit scowled up at the Entity but it looked down and shouted. "Gas, shale, frack!" Lapinette winked at the Wabbit. The Wabbit winked back. "Look, Bunky, I know who you really are." "I know you know," confessed Lapinette. The Wabbit sighed. "So what would you do, Bunky?" Lapinette laughed. "I'd confuse it." The Wabbit wheeled around and addressed the Entity. "You have no fracking license." The Entity rattled its tripod legs and moaned. "Where do I get one?" "The Castle," said the the Wabbit. "Maybe I don't need a license." said the Entity. "You came from nothing," said the Wabbit slyly. "But now you may go to the top." "I prefer to go to the bottom," said the Entity. The Wabbit smiled. "You'll have to fight your way down."

12. The Wabbit & the Fracking Entity

The Wabbit led the combined forces of both Carrot and Artichoke Clubs. But Lapinette refused to relinquish her role as Bunky Green, and supported Wabsworth in a mannish and jocular way. "You'll be fine, old chap." "I'm feeling rather better," said Wabsworth as he lurched after the Wabbit. "Can you hear a voice calling?" asked Jenny. "I think its Lagso," said the Wabbit. "He's got a nervous stomach." Wabsworth staggered and accidentally dug Tipsy in the ribs. "Would you like to take me to the movies, Wabsworth?" she whispered. Wabsworth blinked. "I'd like to see The Fog." "So would I," breathed Tipsy and squeezed his paw. Lapinette looked back. "Commander, Lagso is waving!" The Wabbit looked to either side and made no response. "Also he's pointing." Now the Wabbit turned. "What's Lagso got to point at?" It was at that very moment he saw it. The fog had a musty smell, like mouldy old boots long forgotten in a damp cellar. The Wabbit wrinkled his nose. In the distance Lagso hopped up and down and pointed and mimed. Jenny glanced to the side. "Commander?" Just as the Wabbit turned he heard a sound that chilled his fur, a noise like rock shearing from a cliff. He didn't have to look to know what it was. The entity towered above them, splitting, combining and splitting again. And every time it split, noxious gases billowed from every fissure. "We're fracked," muttered Tipsy ...

11. The Wabbit & the Fracking Failure

The Wabbit had a hunch and he was right. Everyone else was in the Big Square and it looked like someone or something was tearing it up. He had never seen his android double unsteady but Wabsworth was as wobbly as a drunken satyr. "I'm only running at 20 per cent," he mumbled, "but I routed all my power to my mind." Lapinette and Tipsy held him firmly, then Lapinette spoke softly. "What is on your mind?" There was silence and the Wabbit thought he could hear whirring. "I know things," said Wabsworth, "because I was hit with a sudden flood of data." The Wabbit nodded. "Let's have it." "The Broccoli Brigade caused the green gas," said Wabsworth. He lurched slightly. "There's more, isn't there?" asked Jenny in a concerned voice. Wabsworth pulled himself up. "Yes, much more." He steadied himself against Tipsy. "The Brigade was compromised by Frackers who promised luxury premises in return for cooperation. Together they injected chemicals into the earth." "Something went wrong?" suggested Lapinette. "Very wrong," said Wabsworth. "The chemicals activated long dead organisms, which combined to create a gaseous entity." "It wants the city," said the Wabbit. "It wants everything," replied Wabsworth. The Wabbit ground 28 teeth and pondered. "What's its weakness?" Wabsworth smiled for the first time. "Separation anxiety."

10. The Wabbit and the Grayfield Zone

The Wabbit woke up. His legs felt like overcooked spaghetti and his head was no better. But he heard a soft thud and caught Jenny's automatic as it bounced over the wall. He peered over the broken bricks. "Hello Jenny, welcome to Grayfields." "What are we doing here?" asked Jenny. The Wabbit brushed mortar away and rested his paw. "I haven't the slightest clue." Jenny dusted herself down, and pushed the automatic down her skirt. "I have a confession to make, Commander." The Wabbit managed a smile. "How long since your last?" Jenny ignored the Wabbit's sense of humour. "I am only temporary Cardoom at the Artichoke Club." "Splendid," said the Wabbit. "You might consider joining the Carrot Club, we're desperate for members." Jenny span her hat on her hook, then put it on. "Perhaps I could become a Grand Daucus like you." The Wabbit grinned a shaky smile. "I'll nominate you." Jenny shook her head emphatically. "That honor must go to Bunky Green." The Wabbit's 28 teeth gleamed. "When this is over, I'll fill out the papers." They paused. "What about the Jolly Green Gas?" asked Jenny. The Wabbit wrinkled his nose. "Well, I do have a clue about this menace. If we don't stop it, the whole city is in danger." Jenny's eyes widened and the Wabbit tipped his head to one side. "Have you heard any drilling?" "I have," said Jenny. "See any extra trucks?" "Masses," nodded Jenny. "Fracking," said the Wabbit. "No need to curse," said Jenny.

9. The Wabbit's Attack of the Vapours

An acrid green vapour poured into the room. Tipsy got a taste in the back of her throat and she coughed with nausea. The Wabbit grabbed Lapinette and headed down the stairs but the vapour followed. "Do you have a weapon, Mr Green?" he shouted. Lapinette pulled a Saturday Night Special from her disguise. Even in the confusion the Wabbit noticed the gilded catches and mother of pearl grip. "Tasty," he muttered, "you surprise me, Mr Green."  The fumes drew closer and Lapinette gasped and spluttered. "I was going to plinking practice later." The Wabbit wheezed. "Consider it cancelled." "Commander!" Jenny's voice was weak. She lost her footing and stumbled against the wall, but she managed to pull out an automatic. "We can't shoot vapour!" The Wabbit tried to yell and it came out a croak. He glanced back at Wabsworth to see that even his android double was stumbling. Lagso brought up the rear. His eyes and nose streamed and he tried to clear his head by shaking it, but it only made him dizzy. The swirling green vapour stank like antique garbage and it penetrated everything. The Wabbit began to see shady green meadows where grass and dandelions swayed in a gentle breeze. He felt drowsy and put a paw to his head. "I think I'll have a little nap." He was the last one standing, but not for long, as the deadly green vapour enveloped them all ...

8. The Wabbit & the Unexpected Shot

Somehow everything came together. The Artichoke Club was stocked on beer and Jenny in her role as Cardoom stepped out with Tipsy to greet the Grand Daucus of the Carrot Club. Lapinette hopped forward - suitably disguised as Bunky Green - and proffered a paw. "Ah, Mr Green," said the Wabbit. "Your rather ahead of us." Lapinette flicked her tie. "I organised drinks as a gesture from the Carrot Club." Jenny stood to attention in a formal fashion. "Praise be welcome, Grand Daucus of the Carrot Club, to our most humble premises." The Wabbit smiled. "I do like the architecture." "It's minimalist!" shouted Tipsy. The Wabbit smiled a broad grin. "Enjoy it while you can." Jenny's face was a question. "Because," said the Wabbit, "It won't last long before it's full of things." A polite tittering filled the room, but Lapinette could hear sounds above the laughter. With a crash and a flash the window shattered and a carrot-shaped object flew into the room. Tipsy watched its trajectory. It gave off a luminous glow before it smashed onto the floor. "Don't touch it," cautioned the Wabbit. "There's a note," said Lapinette. "What does it say?" asked Tipsy. "It says Stop," said Jenny and she kicked it with the toe of her boot. "There's more." Everyone waited as Jenny stooped to look. "It's a personal warning from the Fractal of the Broccoli Brigade."