Crystal-Clear Pond/Visions

This page shows the full text of all visions in the Crystal-Clear Pond. Textboxes are separated into bullet points.

Episodes of each show air somewhat spaced out; for the day of the year when each episode here plays, and other information, see the main Crystal-Clear Pond page. Unfortunately, as all visions repeat each year, the narrative shows in the Crystal-Clear Pond all end on cliffhangers.

## Kitten Detective

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### Part 1: Whiskerpolis in Trouble

* It's not easy living in Whiskerpolis. There are dangers around every corner, and the constant crimes are only one small part of that. That's why I became a detective, to help make things better.
* I'm the youngest private detective in the city, and I've yet to cut my teeth on any big cases.
* Sure, I've tracked down a missing pet turtle for an elderly couple and solved the mystery of why the water in the park fountain had that terrible odor, but none of those cases are going to make the news.
* I need to land something big. Whiskerpolis is a city full of secrets. As I sit in my office, I stare down my collection of cold case folders and files.
* These are mysteries the police department deemed unsolvable, but I'm convinced if I spend enough time pushing, something's bound to move. Eventually.
* Every surface in the office is cluttered with papers, photos, and sketches from a dozen different cases.
* Maybe if I were a more organized detective, I'd have one of those red-string-and-thumbtack corkboards that you see in the movies. Not me.
* My concentration is shattered by a sudden noise. It's loud, and I jolt up from my slouched position. The phone is ringing. That's odd, nobody has ever called me before. I wonder who it is?
* Whatever awaits me on the other end of the line, I get the feeling that my life will forever be changed...
* To be continued!

### Part 2: Empty Vaults

* It was a normal Tuesday evening. I was sitting in my office, staring down cold case files, trying to make sense of the chaos contained within. Suddenly, the phone rang.
* I picked up the receiver. 'Hello?' I said, trying to sound older and more trustworthy. When you're such a young, unexperienced detective like me, you have to project an air of confidence.
* 'Hello, is this the Kitten Detective? This is Mayor Mittens. Oh, it's just terrible! Just terrible!' The voice on the other end is clearly distressed.
* I wonder what may have happened that the mayor would call someone like me? 'Yes, Mayor, I'm the Kitten Detective. Is there a case that you need solved? I'll get to the bottom of it, I promise.'
* A little bit of showboating goes a long way in landing a case. I'm not nearly as self-assured as my words indicate, but I have to try my best to get the job.
* 'Oh, good. When I looked up private detectives in the phone book, I saw your name first so I figured I'd give you a call.' Well, that explains a lot.
* 'It's the National Catnip Bank. They've been robbed! Their vaults are completely emptied out. There's no catnip left. The city is financially ruined unless you can track it down!'
* 'Not to worry, Mayor. I can handle it. Leave it to me, and I'll have this case closed in no time.' Again, I have no idea what I'm doing, but the less the Mayor knows, the better.
* 'Oh, that's just wonderful to hear! I'm putting my trust in your paws, Kitten Detective. Make your city proud.' I hear a click on the other end. The Mayor must have hung up.
* A burglary at the National Catnip Bank... This will be an interesting case, and I can hardly wait to start tracking down the culprit...
* To be continued!

### Part 3: No Evidence

* Yesterday afternoon, I received a call from the Mayor of Whiskerpolis. He told me that the National Catnip Bank was robbed, bringing the city to its knees.
* He's putting his trust in me, the Kitten Detective, to save the day. Which is a lot of pressure for a young, unexperienced detective like myself. I can't mess this one up!
* I need to collect some data. I decide to head down to the scene of the crime and see if I can't spot something that will give me a lead. I lock up the office and start walking towards the National Catnip Bank.
* Along the way, I listen to the cats on the street. Everybody seems to be in an anxious mood. By now, the news has spread far and wide.
* I see a cat sitting on a bus stop bench reading a newspaper. Sure enough, the headlines are all about the burglary. This case is massive. I need to work quickly if I want to solve it first.
* At nine o'clock, I arrive at the bank. It's an impressive gray stone building with tall columns and lots of steps.
* The kind of building that makes you think 'wow, they've probably got really good security.' Apparently not, given the circumstances. I climb the steps and enter.
* There's a wide-eyed teller working the nearest window. A large, orange cat with a small black nose set right in the middle of her rounded face. 'Good day,' I say. 'Can I ask you some questions about yesterday?'
* I didn't think it was possible, but the eyes of the teller open even wider. She takes a quick glance from side to side before leaning forward, over her tall desk, towards me.
* 'S... Sure, but make it quick. I'm a little shook up about the whole thing, you know.'
* 'I understand, ma'am. Did you notice anyone acting suspicious yesterday inside the bank?' She takes a moment to think. 'Now that you mention it, there was one cat acting strange.
* They had a nervous look about them. Entered the front door, looked around, lingered for ten minutes or so, then left without approaching the counter. Weird, huh? It was a light gray tabby. That's all I know.'
* 'Thank you, ma'am, that's very helpful. I'll get to the bottom of it.' I leave the counter and start walking around the lobby. Not three minutes into sweeping the area, I find a clump of light gray cat hair. Jackpot.
* I need to get this sample in to the lab for testing and see if we can't find out the identity of the nervous cat...
* To be continued!

### Part 4: The Test

* It's been a busy 24 hours. Yesterday, the Mayor of Whiskerpolis contacted me to help solve a massive burglary of the National Catnip Bank. This morning, I visited the bank and got my first lead.
* The teller at the counter told me they saw a gray tabby cat acting nervous the day of the crime. I found a clump of gray cat hair drifting through the lobby of the bank.
* All that's left to do is to submit the hair for analysis and see who this strange gray tabby cat might be.
* I put the hair sample into my bag and walk to the crime laboratory. As I enter the building, I show my credentials. Private detectives are allowed to use the lab, but it's usually reserved for the police.
* 'Hello. I have a sample I'd like to have analyzed,' I say. I hand over the hair clump to the laboratory technician.
* 'Oh, you're the Kitten Detective, aren't you? I heard the Mayor put you on the case of the missing catnip. Do you think you really have a shot at solving it?' The technician scoffs at me.
* 'Yes, I believe I have some good information that may lead to an arrest. Can you please analyze the sample for me?' I say, trying to put on a confident face.
* 'Sure, I'll analyze it for you. But you don't think the police will figure it out first? I mean, they have many more detectives on the case, not to mention a lot more funding.' The technician shakes their head.
* I hadn't really thought about it like that before, to be honest. Surely the city would put their best detectives on the case, given the high-profile nature of the burglary.
* I'm up against some stiff competition, and the clock is ticking fast.
* 'Ok, I've got the hair sample undergoing identity testing, but the results won't be available for a couple hours. I'll give you a call when I'm finished.' The technician dismisses me. And now I am stuck waiting...
* To be continued!

### Part 5: A Suspect!

* The hours were agonizing after submitting the sample to the lab. It seemed like I was losing time waiting for the results to come back. Hours felt like days as I sat in the office, contemplating my next step.
* But the results did come. Sometime in the late afternoon, I received a call from the lab. They had a match. One Mr. Fluffers P. Fluffington, Jr. was an exact DNA match for the hair sample. Jackpot.
* So Fluffington was the nervous cat at the bank on the day that the catnip burglary was committed. The strange behavior caught the eye of a teller, who relayed the information to me.
* My next step was to figure out where I could find Fluffington so that I could interrogate him and try to get to the bottom of the mystery.
* I looked up his name in my address database. Jackpot. Fluffington is living in a highrise on the west side of Whiskerpolis. It's a bit of a walk, but if I leave now, I should be able to make it before nightfall.
* I know it'll be tricky to extract a confession, but I have to try. I don't know what questions I'll have to ask to get the responses I need, but I can think it through on the way. I have some time, after all.
* Address in hand, I rise from my desk and step out the door. *This is it,* I think. *My big break. I just have to solve this one case, and Fluffington is the key to figuring it all out...*
* To be continued!

### Part 6: The Confrontation

* Here goes nothing. I'm about to confront Fluffington, a suspect in the case of the missing catnip from the National Catnip Bank.
* I've never done this sort of thing before, but I've seen enough movies that I think I know how this will go down.
* I'll ask some hard-hitting questions, Fluffington will balk and get defensive, and I'll keep pressing. Fluffington will get angry.
* Eventually, in a fit of rage, he'll confess to the crime. I'll smirk and walk off into the sunset. I'll call the police with what I know. I'll show them the recording. They'll arrest him. Case closed.
* Of course, I know things won't be that simple in real life, but it's a nice fantasy.
* I see Fluffington's highrise apartment on the horizon. I'm getting close. The sun has already set, so I'm pretty sure he'll be home. Probably just about to sit down to a nice dinner.
* I approach the front door and enter the lobby. It's a working-class apartment building. I'm sure it was quite nice back when it was built, but the years have not been kind to this particular building.
* I enter the elevator and press the button for the sixteenth floor. The whole place reeks of catnip.
* The elevator hums a soft tune, alerting me that I've arrived at my destination. The metal doors creak open and I step out into the hallway.
* Not another soul in sight. I find apartment #16B, home to one Mr. Fluffers P. Fluffington, Jr. I knock softly on the door.
* Silence greets me. I knock again. Still no answer. What if he doesn't open up?
* As I stand in agony, wondering what to do next, the elevator again opens its doors. A neighbor steps out, a white cat with long whiskers and a black spot on her back right foot. She's carrying a bag of groceries.
* 'Excuse me, miss! Do you know Mr. Fluffington, who lives here?' She looks startled, but smiles a friendly smile.
* 'Oh, yes! Quiet cat, stays out of the way most of the time. I'm afraid you have the wrong apartment number. Mr. Fluffington lives at the other end of the hall.' She gestures me to another door, apartment #16L.
* 'Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate your help.' With a friendly nod, she continues on her way. Wrong apartment number! That explains a lot. I approach apartment #16L and knock softly on the door...
* To be continued!

### Part 7: Checkmate

* Here I stand, at the door of Mr. Fluffers P. Fluffington, Jr., a suspect in the case of the catnip burglary from the National Catnip Bank. Will I find the confession that I'm looking for inside?
* I knock three times on the door and wait. There's a noise of stirring coming from inside. I hear the doorknob rattling. Suddenly, it opens.
* I see Fluffington standing there, a light gray tabby cat with a startled look on his face. The undeniable stench of catnip hits me like a wave.
* 'Hey, who are you?' he growls. 'I'm a friend of your neighbor's. She told me you lived here and I wanted to stop by and ask a couple questions.'
* I figured it would do me no good to play all my cards right out of the gate.
* He grunts, then gestures with a sideways nod of his head to come in. He leads me to a small dining table in the center of the room and takes a seat on the opposite side. I sit down.
* *Where to begin?* I think, wondering what the best play would be. I got this far, so I might as well press my luck...
* 'Have you been following the news of the catnip burglary at the National Catnip Bank?' I ask, pointedly. If I can get him to confess, I'll have this case closed.
* He smirks. 'You don't know nothing, cat,' he retorts. 'Next question.'
* 'What happened to all that catnip? I know you have it, or pawned it off for a huge pile of Mews!' I launch into an aggressive barrage of interrogation. It's now or never!
* 'If you think this is about the money, you're sadly mistaken,' he growls. 'Now, I'm going to have to ask you to leave. You're getting on my nerves.'
* He stands up suddenly, and I do the same. Fluffington pushes me towards the door. And that's when I see it.
* There's a closet door, slightly ajar, right next to his front door. It's dark, but I can make out the shape of a water heater in the dim space beyond. Some sort of utility closet.
* And sitting in the back of the closet, I catch a glimpse of what I came for. There's a massive stash of catnip, piled high from floor to ceiling! It's crammed into every nook and cranny in the tight space.
* This is no ordinary amount of catnip. It would take a cat years to consume all of that, even with the help of friends. There's no possible explanation except that this is the missing catnip from the bank.
* Fluffington shoves me out the door and slams it behind me. I hear him fiddle with a heavy-sounding lock. And just like that, the interrogation is over.
* But I left with all the information I need...
* To be continued!

### Part 8: A Conspiracy Revealed

* As I run back to my office, thoughts race through my mind. I did it! I found the missing catnip stash! Fluffington is hiding it in his closet. I saw it with my own eyes.
* As soon as I enter my office building, I dash for the phone and call the police. I tell them what I know, and they thank me for the information.
* They assure me that they'll have Fluffington arrested within the hour if what I said is true.
* Surely the Mayor will thank me for my quick work. The catnip is saved! I'm just glad that it's all still there and recoverable.
* The whole city will sleep better tonight knowing that the notorious catnip bandit has been apprehended.
* But my mind is still racing. What did Fluffington mean when he said that it wasn't about the Mews? What other devious purpose is behind the theft of the catnip?
* It was way too much catnip for any one cat to consume, even if they had years to do it and lots of friends to help.
* There's so many unanswered questions, and my curiosity is getting the better of me. Solving this case has only opened the door to a larger conspiracy...
* To be continued!

## Fellowship of Fellows

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### Season 1, Episode 1

* In a far off kingdom there dwells a village of peaceful folk who want nothing more than to till their lands and be left alone. Unfortunately for them, a roving band of adventurers has just come to town.
* They are the FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!
* Wizard, Thief, Archer, and Knight roam the lands in search of dungeons to plunder and coin to be won.
* Our story begins at the village tavern, a place for all to gather and discuss the business of the day. Farmers speak to storehouse managers and baked goods are consumed by the dozens.
* But lo! The wood door at the entryway has burst open, and the moonlight outside filters in, basking the silhouettes of four heroic figures in dust-filled light! Wizard steps confidently into the dark room.
* WIZARD: Good evening, my fair townsfolk! I have a great hunger, for I have traveled many miles to visit your kindly village. Where might I find the tavernkeeper?
* TAVERNKEEPER: Aye, that would be me. If you're looking for the finest food in the village, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if it's an appetite you're looking to slake, my grub will get the job done.
* ARCHER: I'll have the... uh... Boar's Surprise? Odd name for a menu item.
* TAVERNKEEPER: Odd indeed! That's on account of the Surprise part of the meal, which I won't spoil for you. Legally speaking, I couldn't tell you what it is anyways.
* THIEF: Hey, fellows, are you certain this is the right place? I mean, it looks dingy enough. But I don't see any wealthy-looking patrons dripping with extra coins who would hire adventurers like us.
* TAVERNKEEPER: Oh, you're looking for a job? Something that'll pay well, I suppose?
* KNIGHT: YES INDEED, MY FAIR TAVERNKEEP! FORSOOTH, POINT ME IN THE DIRECTION OF THE NEAREST DUNGEON!
* WIZARD: Apologies for my friend, she has a hard time with volume. She means well.
* TAVERNKEEPER: Right, right. As I was saying, I know of a place where you could get all the gold coins you could ever desire...
* Find out where the Tavernkeeper sends our friends in the next exciting episode of Fellowship of Fellows!

### Season 1, Episode 2

* In a far off kingdom there lives a tavernkeeper who wants to keep the peace in his small village. Unfortunately for him, a roving band of adventurers is in his front parlor and won't leave him alone.
* They are the FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!
* Wizard, Thief, Archer, and Knight roam the lands in search of dungeons to plunder and coin to be won.
* TAVERNKEEPER: Like I was saying, I know exactly where you can run away and find lots and lots of coins and treasure. There's some old goblin barrows at the edge of town. Rumor has it that they're teeming with wealth.
* ARCHER: That sounds dangerous! I assume they're also teeming with goblins?
* TAVERNKEEPER: Well, probably. We villagers don't go there often. Doesn't sound like a nice vacation spot, you know?
* Thief: Great! We have our first lead. Let's be off and find our treasures in the goblin barrows!
* The four adventuring companions file out of the tavern. As they close the door behind them, the townsfolk erupt into a cheer.
* TAVERNKEEPER: Good riddance! We don't want any adventurers around. They only bring trouble with them. Now we'll never have to deal with them ever again. The goblins will take care of the problem for us!
* Another cheer goes up. But what will become of our courageous fellowship?
* Find out in the next exciting episode of FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!",

### Season 1, Episode 3

* In a far off kingdom, four adventuring companions are riding on horses across wide meadows and dark forests in search of the ancient goblin barrows, rumored to be littered with treasure beyond compare.
* They are the FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!
* Wizard, Thief, Archer, and Knight roam the lands in search of dungeons to plunder and coin to be won.
* THIEF: Well, what do you think? Those hills on the horizon sure look like barrows to me. Creepy.
* KNIGHT: VERILY! I DOTH AGREE WITH THINE ASSESSMENT. SHALL WE VENTURE INWARDS, MY COMPANIONS?
* WIZARD: Sure, I suppose. We came all this way. Thief, check the door for traps. You never know what those crafty goblins may have done to the place.
* THIEF: I don't see anything out of place. Oh, except this thin tripwire. Do you think that's important?
* Thief snaps the wire with the tip of his sword, taking a swift step backwards immediately after. An arrow shoots from an unseen hiding place across the entryway of the barrow, missing the party entirely.
* THIEF: There we are, all disarmed! Now c'mon, we're wasting time. Think of the treasure that's waiting inside!
* The four adventurers descend an ancient staircase into the hillside. Knight lights a torch and carries it at the forefront of the party.
* ARCHER: If we run into any trouble, we'll have a distinct advantage. After all, goblins are weak to fire spells! Everybody knows that.
* WIZARD: Would now be a good time to mention that I'm extremely scared of goblins? It's been something of a lifelong impediment for me. I can't even look at them without screaming...
* Just then, a scraping noise is heard ahead in the dim tunnel! Around the stony corner, a goblin rushes forward to meet the fellows, waving a large sword!
* Wizard flees, running quickly up the stairs and back to the surface, leaving the other three all alone!
* ARCHER: Hey, stay back! We have swords too!
* GOBLIN: Oh, I'm not going to hurt you. I wanted to show off this cool sword! Nobody from the village ever comes out this far, not even to say hello. I'm very lonely, you know. Could use a friend.
* THIEF: Wait, you're not going to hurt us? The villagers were scared to death of you and this barrow.
* GOBLIN: Nope! Nobody ever bothered to check with me when I moved in. I'd like to think I'm a nice guy. Oh hey, you all want some free stuff? There's tons of old relics to go around.
* GOBLIN: Here, have some weapons and armor and gems. It's all too much for one goblin to keep without sharing with friends.
* So the fellows survived the deadly barrow and left with new treasures. Find out what happens next on the next exciting episode of FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!

### Season 1, Episode 4

* In a far off kingdom, four adventuring companions are returning from their trip to the goblin barrows with new weapons, armor, treasures, and even a new friend.
* They are the FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!
* Wizard, Thief, Archer, and Knight roam the lands in search of dungeons to plunder and coin to be won.
* As they approach the town, riding mightily upon their steeds and arrayed in impressive ancient arms, the townsfolk rush out to greet them at the village gate.
* TAVERNKEEPER: Aye, you're back! So soon? I thought it would take you some time to overcome the challenges of the goblin barrows. Matter of fact, we all did.
* The townsfolk are surprised to see the adventurers alive. And, to be honest, a little disappointed.
* WIZARD: Yes, we conquered the barrows and returned to town with loot!
* ARCHER: Well yeah, some of us conquered the barrows. As I remember it, you ran and hid as soon as you heard the first footsteps of a goblin, Wizard. Some hero you are.
* THIEF: The important thing is that we got rich and didn't die. Isn't that awesome? Aren't we the greatest?
* Some of the townsfolk give up a half-hearted clap in response. They begin to whisper among themselves.
* The devious among them are starting to plot how they can get rid of the annoying adventurers as fast as possible given that their first attempt utterly failed. What deadly trials should they suggest to the fellowship next?
* Find out in the next exciting episode of FELLOWSHIP OF FELLOWS!

## The Grave We Dig

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### Season 1, Episode 1: The Yawning Cave

* In a remote land far away, there dwells a society of moles with a hunger for gems.
* Three moles, long-time friends, have banded together to create a mining company to extract precious stones from the earth and bring home a big, big profit...
* There's MOLIR, the leader, the sharp mole who came up with the idea for this whole enterprise in the first place.
* There's MOZZ, the fearless mole with a hunger for adventure and adrenaline.
* And of course, there's MEEP, the littlest of moles, dragged along by the others.
* MOLIR: Alright, gang, we've got our equipment and are all set to start mining! Mozz, did you remember to pack our rations? We're going to be out for quite a while, you know.
* MOZZ: Uh, yep! I packed a handful of grubs. Ought to make fer a good lunch. Besides, ain't there lots of crickets down there ta eat?
* MEEP: Oh, Mozz! That's hardly enough to go around. Did you only think of yourself when you were packing? We'll surely starve!
* MOLIR: Not to worry! I put some extra earthworms in my bag. Nothing will stop us! It's now or never. We've got to head into the mines today. You good to go, Meep?
* MEEP: Uhh... I don't really know about this. But I guess if you two are by my side, everything will be OK. Probably. Maybe.
* MOZZ: That's the spirit! Let's head inside.
* The three mole-friends enter the dark cave and begin their descent. But what will they find in the dark places of the world? Tune in next time to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 2: The First Test

* Somewhere beneath the earth, in a dimly-lit cave, a trio of courageous moles mines for priceless gems...
* MOLIR: Hey, gang! This isn't so bad. This cave is much brighter than I expected, and there's rocks everywhere. I'm confident we'll find some valuable ore in no time.
* MEEP: Uh... yeah, it's really not so scary. I'm going to keep breaking up these boulders, yell if you find anything interesting.
* MOZZ: Oi! What's this? I think I've found something inside this 'ere stone... Errr, never mind. It's just a bunch o' debris. Nothin' fancy.
* As their pickaxes continue to swing, the air gets thick with dust. Suddenly, a high-pitched shriek pierces the air!
* MOLIR: Hey, did you say something, Meep? I thought I heard someone shouting.
* MEEP: It wasn't me! It must have been...
* A bat! The huge, red-eyed menace flies swiftly towards the moles, ready to strike.
* MEEP: Ahhh! Somebody help me, it's diving right for my face!
* MOZZ: Never fear! I'll bring down the vermin! Oi, with one swing of my pick I'll have it on the ground!
* And so the heroic Mozz saved the day, defeating the flying menace. But the fear from its presence still grips at poor Meep's heart.

* What challenges lie ahead for our beloved moles? Tune in next time to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 3: Breaking Up

* The gallant triple team of moles continues to mine deep in the heart of the earth. They have defeated their first foe, an evil flying bat.
* But what other evils still lurk in the cave?
* MOZZ: 'ey, I need some help over here! My pickaxe just broke! It shattered into a million pieces when I tried t' hit that big boulder!

* MOLIR: Oh no, that's no good. We can't make steady progress if we're down a mole. Let's see if we can patch it up. Any ideas, Meep?
* MEEP: Uh... I found some Iron Ore? It's not refined or anything like that, but maybe you could use that?
* MOLIR: It's worth a shot. Here, Mozz, try mining with this Iron Ore.
* Mozz takes the chunk of mineral and begins smashing it against a hard rock. Predictably, it does not work very well. Pebbles come flying off both surfaces as he strikes.
* MOZZ: No good, Molir. What am I going to do now??
* MOLIR: Wait a second, Mozz. Why don't you just use your claws? They're big and good for digging, right? Isn't that what moles are made to do?
* MOZZ: Yer a genius, Molir. I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner.
* MEEP: Hooray! Problem solved! Can we continue now?
* And so the band of mining moles continues digging downward. What will happen next? Tune in next time to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 4: The Stairs of Woe

* Molir, Mozz, and Meep, three brave moles, have been digging for quite a while. They have not yet found any gems, but they must be getting close...
* MEEP: Hey, where are all the riches we were supposed to find? I haven't seen a single shiny pebble, let alone a Diamond!
* MOLIR: Now now, gang, we need to have patience. This industry isn't for the faint of heart. If we stick to our schedule, we should be deep enough to find gemstones in no time.
* MOZZ: According to my nose, we must be getting close. It's got that pretty-scent, oi.
* MEEP: Hey, guys! I found a staircase down. But it looks so dark! I can't see the bottom at all! I don't like the look of that one bit. Maybe we should turn around.
* MOLIR: Hmmm... Meep, you may be right. Maybe we can find another way down instead?
* Just then, a terrifying noise of many beating wings starts rumbling in the distance. Suddenly, a huge swarm of bats descends upon the moles!
* MEEP: Oh no! One bat was bad enough. Now there's like, a hundred of them!! What are we gonna do??
* MOLIR: Keep your heads, gang! We've got to hide! Quick, hurry down the staircase! Maybe they won't notice.
* The moles descend the dark passage, into the gloom that awaits below. What will become of the moles in the shadows of the mine? Tune in next week to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 5: A Flickering Flame

* Three moles stumble in the dark beneath the earth. It is pitch-black, and nothing can be seen but the dim reflections of a distant light against their tiny, black eyes.
* MOZZ: Well, we avoided the bat swarm. But now we're stuck in this unbearably dim cave. I wish we would have brought something along to help us see.
* MOLIR: Let's brainstorm together, gang. What can we do about the dark?
* MEEP: We could cry.
* MOZZ: We could just keep digging, and let our noses be our guide.
* MOLIR: We could head back up to the surface and buy a light source of some kind.
* What's that? In the vague shadows of the far end of the cave, a flame can be seen hovering in midair...
* MOLIR: Or we could head over to that fire! Maybe it's an old mining lantern, still burning with oil?
* The three moles approach, and the light oscillates between a brilliant green fire and a sickly pale flicker.
* MOZZ: Oi, Molir! That's no lantern... That's a Darkcandle! Nasty vermin they are. It'll hunt us down and shoot at us if we don't keep our distance!
* MEEP: Too late! It's coming this way! What are we gonna do?
* MOLIR: Mozz, you distract it! I'll hide behind that boulder there. When it passes by, it'll be lights out for the Darkcandle.
* MOZZ: Great plan, boss! Oi, Darkcandle! Come and get me!
* And so the threat of the Darkcandle was dealt with by our intrepid adventuring moles. But they are still shrouded in utter darkness. How can they go on? Tune in next week to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 6: Light

* In the gloom of a pitch-black cavern, three mole friends band together and look for a way to press on...
* MOLIR: Hey, gang! Look what I just stumbled across. It's a Headlamp!
* MEEP: Do you think it still has any charge left on the batteries? There's no way that works.
* MOZZ: Only one way t' find out. Lemme see that.
* With the click of a button, the Headlamp brilliantly flares to life with a bright, illuminating beam!
* MOLIR: Heh, look at that! Now we've got light. We can keep mining, gang!
* MEEP: Can I carry it? I'm scared...
* MOLIR: Of course, Meep. You can be our eyes. Look for staircases that lead further down!
* MEEP: Oh, there's one right over there. We must have just passed by and missed it stumbling around in the dark.
* And so the trio descends once more, further into the earth. They still have not found any precious gems! What will become of our heroic moles? Tune in next week to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 7: Dreams and Ruin

* When we last left Molir, Mozz, and Meep, the three moles were in a jolly good mood. They found a Headlamp to help them see in the dark and continued their descent into the mines in search of gems...
* MOZZ: 'ey, what's that shiny crystal pokin' out of that there boulder? Do ya think it's valuable?
* MOLIR: That's Quartz, Mozz! Great eye. If we can collect some Quartz, we'll be sure to be rich moles in no time.
* MEEP: I like the sound of that! Let's get digging.
* The trio quickly mines all the Quartz from the surrounding rocks. It's very heavy, but nothing could dim their spirits. Well, almost nothing...
* MOLIR: Hey, gang. What do you think you're going to do with all that Mole Cash when we finally cash in?
* MOZZ: Oi, that's an easy question! I was gonna buy me a big workshop where I can make swords and picks and all sorts of nice things. Moles will come from far an' wide ta see my shop!
* MEEP: I hadn't really thought about it. Probably save up and enough to go back to school and switch careers. I don't like it down here one bit.
* MOLIR: I'm going to buy a big underground mansion with a gold-plated entryway. It's going to be awesome!
* But their plans have to wait. Because soon, a thunderous noise begins to shake the cavern!
* MEEP: Ahh! I don't know what's happening but I don't like it!
* MOLIR: It's a cave-in! Everybody, find something strong to hide underneath!
* When the dust settles, the moles emerge. The stairs above them are coated in thick debris and are cracked and ruined. What will become of our beloved moles? Tune in next week to find out!

### Season 1, Episode 8: Decisions (Season Finale!)

* When we last left our beloved trio of moles, a deadly cave-in cut off their route back up to the surface, leaving them trapped in the dark depths of the earth...
* MOLIR: All that talk about riches and rewards, and now we're stuck! This is no good. We need to come up with a plan.
* MEEP: I knew this would happen! I knew I shouldn't have come down here! I'm never listening to you two ever again.
* MOZZ: Won't need to make that promise if we never make it out of here, Meep.
* MOLIR: Mozz is right. What can we do?
* MOZZ: I vote we keep digging. Maybe we'll find another path up if we keep going down.
* MEEP: That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard. You want to go up by going down?
* MOZZ: You got a better idea?
* MEEP: ...
* MOLIR: Alright, it's settled then. We'll keep digging down and hope to discover another route to the surface as we dig.
* Will our moles ever make it out? Will there be more dangers along the way? Tune in to Season 2 to find out!

## Green Paw

Click the "Show" buttons on the right to reveal text.

### Spring

* Welcome back to GREEN PAW. I'm your host, Violet Catsworth. In today's episode, we'll take a look at Spring plants and how to make the most of them.
* In the springtime, constant rainshowers bring lots of moisture to the area. Great news for plants! You will find an abundance of nearly every kind of flowering herb growing on just about every grassy hill.\*Flowers showcase their beauty as they dance in the gentle breeze. In particular, you will find Daisies, beautiful white flowers with bright yellow centers.
* While it's OK to look, you might want to keep your distance from a Daisy. These gorgeous blooms are notoriously poisonous to cats if ingested.
* You will also find delicious Raspberries growing on low-hanging bushes. They're a cheery red color. If you get hungry on a walk, you can pick a few and pop them in your mouth. Yum!
* Another edible plant that grows in the springtime is Licorice. Some cats find it's an acquired taste, but this earthy, bitter plant can make a long walk more bearable if you chew on its roots.
* I've been your host, Violet Catsworth. I'll return next season with more foraging advice. Ta ta for now!

### Summer

* Welcome back to GREEN PAW. I'm your host, Violet Catsworth. In today's episode, we'll take a look at Summer plants and how to make the most of them.
* The temperature is warm and the rain is not so constant in the summer, but an afternoon thunderstorm can still bring much-needed nourishment to many of the herbs that grow in the wild.
* One plant to keep an eye out for is Foxglove, a gorgeous pink plant with several bell-shaped blossoms. Foxglove flowers are exceptionally rare, but well worth harvesting!
* When applied to the claws, the Foxglove plant will make your attacks stronger due to its poisonous nature. One cat can strike with the strength of two!
* You will also still find Raspberries and Licorice sprouting here and there, but these two plants are on their way out. Harvest them now if you want to keep some for the rest of the year. They will soon go dormant.
* I've been your host, Violet Catsworth. I'll return next season with more foraging advice. Ta ta for now!

### Autumn

* Welcome back to GREEN PAW. I'm your host, Violet Catsworth. In today's episode, we'll take a look at Autumn plants and how to make the most of them.
* Everything is cooling down, and several species of flora are already starting to go dormant. The trees are turning brown as they begin to drop their leaves in preparation for the cold days ahead.
* However, a savvy cat can still find a wealth of herbs growing on the ground, if they know where to look!
* Autumn is the only time of year to forage for Mushrooms, which come in several varieties.
* These potent fungi can be used in a myriad of ways. For example, White Button and Portobello are good for eating, whereas Coprinus can be used to treat poison.
* If you come across a small, white-speckled mushroom with a red top, think twice before eating! These mushrooms, called Amanita, have unpredictable effects.
* You will also find Blackberries, delicious dark purple treats, growing wild. Snake Lily, a toxic plant used to apply a poison effect to your claws, has also begun to grow, especially in the swampy regions of the Wildwood.
* Lastly, I'd advise you to stock up on some healing herbs. Both Goldenseal and Marigold are about to go dormant for the year, and you won't be able to find these valuable herbs in the wintertime.
* I've been your host, Violet Catsworth. I'll return next season with more foraging advice. Ta ta for now!

### Winter

* Welcome back to GREEN PAW. I'm your host, Violet Catsworth. In today's episode, we'll take a look at Winter plants and how to make the most of them.
* Now that the snow has arrived, you won't find many herbs growing in the wild! Most plants have withered up or gone dormant by now.
* However, you may still stumble across a special few plants that are worth your time to collect.
* Blueberries are uniquely suited to grow during the winter months. It's not hard to see them from a distance by their vibrant blue color, which contrasts sharply with the white snow.
* Also, winter is a good month to collect Snake Lily. It will stop growing as soon as the weather starts to warm up again, so make a couple trips to the wetlands if you want to stock up.
* Peppermint can also be found during winter. This soft, leafy herb has a very strong scent. You can apply it to your coat to mask your natural cat odor. By doing so, you may have an easier time sneaking up on prey.
* If you find yourself out after dark, winter is an especially good time to hunt for the elusive Queen of the Night, a beautiful blossom that only blooms after dark. It has snow-white petals, making it difficult to track down.
* I've been your host, Violet Catsworth. I hope you have learned something today. Ta ta for now!

## Good Denkeeping

Click the "Show" buttons on the right to reveal text.

### Episode 1

* A warm home is an inviting place to relax. From bright, open floorplans to cozy, casual rooms, every den is unique and needs time and care to meet its full potential. You're watching GOOD DENKEEPING.
* If you're looking to create the perfect space for entertaining, you'll need to keep an open mind when it comes to buying furniture.
* There's so many different styles to choose from! How do you know which to use?
* Renowned home decorator Claws Puffington has this to say: 'Go with your gut! Your den should be a celebration of who you are, not who everybody else is. Pick furniture that speaks to you.'
* To get a fresh, clean look, make sure your home is full of light. You can install several points of light, such as lamps or windows, in strategic places throughout your home.
* The Firefly Jar furniture piece is a great starting point for lightening up a dark corner.
* Remember, some light is warm and some light is cold. Each type will create a different mood in the space it illuminates. Go for warm light for a cozy, tight space, like a bedroom or a storage cellar.
* Once you own a piece of furniture, you can really start to get creative! You can place down as many copies of that furniture as you'd like, without additional costs or restrictions.
* The only limiting factor is how much space you have to work with!
* If you need new furniture to spruce up your home, then it's time to go shopping. Visit the colony store or festival shops to purchase additional pieces. A new item can change the whole vibe of a room.
* Keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind next time you want to redecorate your den!

### Episode 2

* A warm home is an inviting place to relax. From bright, open floorplans to cozy, casual rooms, every den is unique and needs time and care to meet its full potential. You're watching GOOD DENKEEPING.
* Feeling cramped in your current space? How does an upgrade sound? You can add a little square footage to an existing den with the help of your friendly neighborhood contractor mole!
* To renovate your home, call for Molby. With the help of some blueprint paper, you can plan out exactly what size and shape you imagine your dream den to be.
* However, renovation isn't cheap! Make sure you've saved your Mews before you start the process.
* You can also switch up the style of your walls and floors while you're at it. Fortunately for you, this part of the design process is totally free.
* Some flooring types, like Ice and Sand, have special properties. Experiment a bit with different styles until you're happy with the result.
* Keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind next time you need to freshen up your floorplan!

### Episode 3

* A warm home is an inviting place to relax. From bright, open floorplans to cozy, casual rooms, every den is unique and needs time and care to meet its full potential. You're watching GOOD DENKEEPING.
* A smart cat knows how to squeeze all the functionality out of any space. To do so, they'll intelligently lay out their floorplan with several special furniture items to meet their needs.
* A BED, for example, is almost a necessity. You can use a bed to sleep, obviously.
* You'll also want to place some sort of STORAGE device, like a Storage Crate, to hold all your stuff. While you can just throw your items on the ground, it can get a tad messy doing things that way.
* If you want the clutter out of the way, opt to use a STORAGE furniture piece instead.
* It's also a great idea to hang a CALENDAR somewhere in your house so that you can get an idea of what events are happening soon.
* Of course, you'll want some sort of viewing device, like a CRYSTAL CLEAR POND. But you already knew that.
* Lastly, make room for a SCRATCHING POST if you want to train your skills from the comfort of your own home. It'll keep you healthy!
* Keep these tips and tricks in mind as you lay out your den!

### Episode 4

* A warm home is an inviting place to relax. From bright, open floorplans to cozy, casual rooms, every den is unique and needs time and care to meet its full potential. You're watching GOOD DENKEEPING.
* A smart cat knows how to squeeze all the functionality out of any space. To do so, they'll intelligently lay out their floorplan with several special furniture items to meet their needs.
* A BED, for example, is almost a necessity. You can use a bed to sleep, obviously.
* You'll also want to place some sort of STORAGE device, like a Storage Crate, to hold all your stuff. While you can just throw your items on the ground, it can get a tad messy doing things that way.
* If you want the clutter out of the way, opt to use a STORAGE furniture piece instead.
* It's also a great idea to hang a CALENDAR somewhere in your house so that you can get an idea of what events are happening soon.
* Of course, you'll want some sort of viewing device, like a CRYSTAL CLEAR POND. But you already knew that.
* Lastly, make room for a SCRATCHING POST if you want to train your skills from the comfort of your own home. It'll keep you healthy!
* Keep these tips and tricks in mind as you lay out your den!

## Tall Tails

Click the "Show" buttons on the right to reveal text.

### Episode 1

* We now return to TALL TAILS, brought to you by the Public Cat Broadcasting Committee. We are thankful for our sponsors and donations from cats like you, who help keep TALL TAILS on the air.
* Have you ever watched a ladybug? Graceful critters, they glide through the air as though nothing could ever bother them.
* Their radiantly colored shells, dotted with so many spots, shine like paintings against the canvas-like flowers of the meadows.
* Of course, ladybugs are known for their great variety. Brilliant shades of red, of yellow, and of black are common sights in the springtime.
* But what if I told you that some cats believe there is another type of ladybug, one that has been around since the beginning, but which is rarely seen by feline eyes?
* Yes, it's true! Of all the myths and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation, none is more well-known than the story of the Blue Ladybug.
* According to tradition, the first ladybugs were all blue, you see. Blue as the sky on a warm summer day. Blue as the depths of the deepest lake. Blue as blue paint, minus the black spots, of course.
* And why were they blue, you might ask? It's an odd color for a bug to be. Well, if you believe the old tales, the ladybugs were citizens of a lofty city in the skies, nestled among the clouds.
* They used their blue shells as a natural form of camouflage, and they painted their city the same bright blue pigment to keep it secret and unnoticed by the ground-dwelling animals like you and me.
* However, some of the ladybugs of the cloud-city became old and fragile, and they slowly drifted down to earth. In their weakened state, they were not strong enough to fly back up to the city of their people.
* Others believe that there was a civil war amongst the ladybugs of the clouds, and the members of the losing faction were stripped of their stronger sky-gliding wings and cast down from the skies.
* And thus, they became stuck here, destined to live near the ground for all time.
* As the long years passed, their brilliant blue garments began to fade to other strange colors. Reds and yellows and near-black grays.
* What an absurd story! I certainly have never seen a Blue Ladybug in all my years of studying the creatures.
* And now we close the book on the tale of the Blue Ladybug. Come back next season to hear me tell another strange story.

### Episode 2

* We now return to TALL TAILS, brought to you by the Public Cat Broadcasting Committee. We are thankful for our sponsors and donations from cats like you, who help keep TALL TAILS on the air.
* Have you ever thought how strange it is that cats like you and me are able to withstand all the elements of nature and continue to live fruitful lives?
* We have many reasons to be grateful! Not the least of those reasons are the Guardian Spirits.
* Benevolent mystical beings, the Guardians are incalculably strong and usually quite wise. They have been friends to the cats for longer than memory can recall.
* It seems that each Guardian Spirit has found a large group of cats to adopt and protect and nurture. With the blessing of a Guardian being, we stay healthy and strong for longer than nature should allow.
* Aside from the threats that the natural realm can pose, the Guardians spend their days protecting us from all sorts of unseen threats that only their shrewd eyes can perceive.
* I once asked a powerful Guardian to describe them to me, but they fell silent and would not answer my request.
* And now we close the book on the tale of the Guardian Spirits. Come back next season to hear me tell another strange story.

### Episode 3

* We now return to TALL TAILS, brought to you by the Public Cat Broadcasting Committee. We are thankful for our sponsors and donations from cats like you, who help keep TALL TAILS on the air.
* Have you ever heard the Tale of the First Rain? According to legend, there once lived two twin cats who were so alike in both appearance and temperament that no cat could truly tell them apart.
* These twin cats were great lovers of growing things, and they kept a large garden full of every type of flowering plant.
* It was beautiful to behold and wondrous were the scents that lingered long in that fair valley.
* Each morning, the twins would depart from their beloved garden and travel far to the shores of a freshwater lake to collect water for their plants.
* One day, while journeying to the lake, they stumbled across an extraordinary flower. Its petals danced and shimmered with every color imaginable. It was the most beautiful flower they had ever seen!
* Naturally, they felt they must bring it back home and plant it in their garden. So they used their claws to carefully dig up the roots. They took turns carrying the delicate blossom on the trip home.
* However, by the time they arrived, the poor flower had withered and decayed to a deathly brown twig, a mere shadow of its former glory.
* The twins greatly mourned the loss of such a profoundly beautiful flower. They refused to leave its side, hoping that with their love and care the flower would once again bloom. For many days this continued.
* They did so at the expense of all their other plants. Without water, the garden began to shrivel and die. All the cats of the world were saddened by the fading of such a once-gorgeous place.
* As the days wore on, the twins became slower and slower as they went about their chores, because they realized that their beautiful flower would not return to them.
* They became like stone, and sat with mourning faces turned upward in hopeless desperation. Never again did they move from that spot. Legend has it that they still sit like silent stone watchers to this very day.
* Even the powerful Guardian Spirits were moved by the tragic loss of both the twin cats and their beloved garden, and they began to weep. As they did so, the first rain began to fall from the sky!
* As the water touched the hungry earth, the garden of the twins began to once again grow and spring to life!
* A healthy green color returned to the leaves of the herbs, and everything flourished in the sudden downpour from the heavens.
* But the twin cats did not return. And still the Guardians honor their memory by sending rain showers to the earth, watering the crops of the world in solemn remembrance for what was lost.
* And now we close the book on the tale of the First Rain. Come back next season to hear me tell another strange story.

### Episode 4

* We now return to TALL TAILS, brought to you by the Public Cat Broadcasting Committee. We are thankful for our sponsors and donations from cats like you, who help keep TALL TAILS on the air.
* Have you ever met a mole? Odd creatures they are, living deep underground and digging endlessly for gems and riches to extract from the earth.
* But why do they dig? And why must they find precious gems? I hope to shed some light on their strange situation in today's episode.
* Of course, moles are practical creatures, and they need several types of ore to keep their industry afloat. Iron Ore is particularly useful to an industrious mole, because they need it to make new pickaxes.
* But what about gemstones? What is it that attracts a mole to an emerald or quartz, or even a diamond?
* Well, this part of the equation is not so simple! You see, some moles are connoisseurs of delectable sparkling minerals. Yes, as absurd as it sounds, some moles like to eat the jewels of the earth!
* Others, perhaps those with softer teeth, are of the superstitious type.
* Some moles have adopted the strange belief that these brilliantly-colored rocks have supernatural properties that can ward off evil spirits and prevent mishaps and misfortunes.
* I suppose the moral of today's story is that every mole is different, much like cats. However, while their purposes are diverse, one thing can be said for certain: most moles love the sight of a rare gem!
* And now we close the book on the tale of the moles and their minerals. Come back next season to hear me tell another strange story.

## Jupiter Mission

Click the "Show" buttons on the right to reveal text.

### Chapter 1

* It's cold and dark inside the space station where I work. I look out the window and see Jupiter below, the enormous gas giant filling the entire viewport.
* It glows with a harsh, red hue that fills the entire station. I hate that color. Keeps me awake.
* But I chose this life. All the training I went through to get here. All the tests and the challenges I had to overcome to get this seat on this space station.
* I'm lucky, really. Not everybody gets to do what I do. Somebody would love to switch places with me.
* Honestly, I might take them up on that offer. I've been out here, all by myself, for over three months now.
* Nobody to talk to but the station computer that rarely receives any transmissions. It takes months to communicate with earth.
* It's not that I dislike my job, it's just that Jupiter is really, really far away. Far away from someone I care about. It sounds so sad to write, but I'm really missing Ganymede right now.
* Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Those warm locks of hair, that smile that disarms me in an instant. I wish he were up here with me.
* But he chose a different path in life. I have to come to terms with that fact. It doesn't make me miss him any less...
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 2

* As we orbit the gas giant Jupiter, I take a glance out the window. Yep, still in space. Still millions of miles away from earth and everyone I care about. Still way too far from my beloved Ganymede.
* A shrill beep sounds off every ten seconds. It's the life support systems, screaming out for attention.
* It's a regular check-up, nothing to be concerned about. I just have to clean the vents and make sure all the wires are still attached. Yep, they're all still in place.
* I press the button to indicate I've performed the necessary maintenance and now everything is silent again. Well, everything except my head.
* Thoughts of home come screaming into my brain and drown out the silence quickly.
* I remember being a kid, darting around the cul-de-sac on my bike, no cares in the world except school the next day.
* I'd pedal on over to the canary-yellow house on the end of the street and walk right up to the big wood door. I'd knock three times and it would open. Ganymede, handsome even then, would answer.
* We would take the whole afternoon to run around in the meadow by my parents' house. I'd pick a couple dandelions and twist them into a crown to give to him. He'd put it on his head and laugh.
* That bright, wholesome laugh. It still gives me shivers just thinking about it.
* Does he even know how I feel about him? Probably not. I imagine he watched with pride when news of my mission's departure was sweeping the headlines. I'd imagine he's down there, somewhere, rooting for me.
* But does he love me like I love him? The thought tortures me. When I get back to earth, I know exactly what I'm going to do. First thing. If only there weren't so many long days in space still ahead...
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 3

* I awoke this morning to the sound of an alarm bell ringing. Not the regular-maintenance kind, but the 'hey, you're in deep trouble' kind.
* An ear-piercing, heart-rending sort of alarm that sends chills into every bone of your body. I sprung out of my bed pod and got to work.
* When there's nobody but you around, you have to do whatever jobs need doing, and fast. And when you're millions of miles away from earth, hurtling around an alien planet, you can't exactly call for backup.
* I went to the command center and saw a bright red blip lighting up the radar monitor, blinking rapidly. Uh-oh. That's no good.
* Something is heading towards the space station, and I don't know if I can stop it. It's probably a meteorite. If it slams into a window, who knows if the station will survive the impact.
* Worse yet, maybe it'll take us off course completely, and I'll slowly spin out of control and spiral down into Jupiter and crash. Neither is a pretty scenario.
* Well, I don't know if there's anything I can do about it. It does me no good to panic. I've got to keep a level head and try to think clearly.
* I reach out in my thoughts to anything that can give me a little peace... And I quickly find something that makes me feel at ease.
* I think about Ganymede, the man I left behind when I came here to space. Not my man, not yet. But I can dream, can't I?
* I daydream about the life we could have, if only I were back on earth and told him how I feel. He'd tell me he feels the same, I'm sure of it. We'd get married and buy a house, somewhere in the suburbs.
* Wouldn't that be nice? Don't I deserve happiness, after all I've done for humanity?
* I snap back to. No, that's not reality. Not now. Not this moment. Maybe it will be that way, and maybe not. There's no way of knowing for sure.
* Oh, wouldn't you know it! The radar just stopped screaming. Looks like that meteorite barely missed us. That's a relief!
* I look out the huge viewport window and see it pass by the station at a safe distance. It's kind of beautiful, in its own way.
* Well, now that the danger is gone, I'd better get back to my daily routine. If only I had someone else here, the days would pass much quicker...
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 4

* Astronaut food is nothing to write home about. As I sit at the small dining table at the rear of the space station, I munch on a packet of nutrients.
* The label says beef stew, but I have my doubts. Whatever it is, it's hearty enough to keep me going, but the texture could definitely be better. I wish I could dig into some real food right now.
* I can't help but think of the time that I was sick and Ganymede made me some homemade beef stew and brought it over to my place.
* He told me it was just something he threw together, nothing special, but he was wrong.
* It was the tastiest, most delicious stew I'd ever had. Warm and nice-smelling, like him. Not only is he ridiculously handsome, but he's also a great cook? Come on, what's not to love?
* And I do love him. I've had a lot of time to sort out my feelings, being up here in space all alone. I never knew this is what love would feel like when I was back on earth. I've grown a lot since then.
* Now I know for sure. This is love. I love Ganymede. I just have to find the time to tell him...
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 5

* My heart is racing. The computer just made a funny little noise, a blip sort of a sound, and I know what that means. It means a transmission is being received.
* I float my way down the long, metal hallway that connects my bed pod to the command center.
* As I enter the machine-filled room, I take a quick glance out the window. Yep, Jupiter is still below me. And I'm still all alone in space. I haven't heard from anyone in weeks.
* I check the monitor. 'Receiving transmission. Download in progress. 1%...' My heart drops. It'll take forever for the message to come through!
* And who might it be from? Is there any chance it's from... No, I can't let myself think that way. I'll just end up torturing myself, surely I'll be let down.
* But the thought keeps resurfacing. Ganymede? Did you send me a message? Are you feeling the same way that I'm feeling, and you couldn't let anything, not even four hundred million miles, get in the way?
* I take another look at the monitor. 50%. The suspense is crushing me. Maybe I should go do something else while I wait?
* 75%. Come on, Ganymede. What I would do to hear from you. It could be anything, even a super boring rant about how you got rained on coming home from the grocery store. I'd soak up every word, I promise.
* 100%! Download complete! Oh, stop beating so fast, heart. It's not that big of a deal. You can handle it. And...
* It's from the Commander. I can see his stupid gray mustache filling the screen. I can't stand him.
* He's overpaid for what he does. Not even willing to risk his own life and leave his precious earth behind. Sends me up here all alone instead.
* His grating, irritating voice begins to play on the speakers. Something about needing a new reading from the gas sensors. Lack of data, yadda yadda yadda. In fairness, I forget to submit a report yesterday.
* Well, now I'm bummed. Will I ever hear from my beloved Ganymede?
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 6

* As I lie in my bed pod, all is dark. I've shut the window blinds that keep the red glow from Jupiter from filling the station. It's time I get some much-needed sleep.
* But my mind won't turn off. It's like I can't find the switch that says 'pipe down up there, I'm trying to sleep'. Memories of the academy are flooding in.
* My instructors kept me on my toes. They knew I had what it took to become an astronaut. They weren't going to let me off easy, either. Those tests were so hard, but I aced them all.
* I had so hoped that my childhood friend Ganymede would join me at space academy. He always wanted to be an astronaut growing up, but something changed in him around high school.
* He started playing guitar. Now music was his life. He had the most angelic voice...
* What I would do to hear him sing to me right now! I'll bet I could fall asleep real fast to the sound of a soft song.
* Tomorrow, I'm going to do something about my feelings. I'm going to finally tell him how I feel. It's time.
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 7

* No more wasting time. No more playing games. It's time that I tell Ganymede how I truly feel.
* I awaken from my bed pod and float through the space station with determination. I make my way to the computer and open up the messaging program. It's time that I put words to my emotions.
* Of course, after I'm done it'll take at least a month for the transmission to reach earth. And then another month, minimum, to receive a reply. Can I stand to not hear back for so long?
* Yes, it's worth it. I need to do this. I'm going to drive myself crazy if I don't. I start typing.
* 'Dear Ganymede, how are you? I really like you. I hope you feel the same.'
* No, no no, that's not right at all. It does nothing to express the sheer strength of my feelings. I have to win him over! I slam the delete key until everything disappears.
* And then, I stare blankly at the screen. How can I possibly compose something that will do justice to my love? No words seem adequate.
* And besides that, is this even fair? I'm stuck up here, in space, for quite some time. Months. Years, maybe. I may never even make it home. These space missions can be dangerous, after all.
* No. I can't do that to my beloved Ganymede. It wouldn't be right to play on his heartstrings. It would be cruel of me to send any message...
* TO BE CONTINUED

### Chapter 8

* Another day, another beeping sensor. This time, it's an external module on the space station. The command center computer says it went offline sometime in the night.
* Well, I'm up here alone, orbiting the gas giant Jupiter with nothing to rely on but the machinery of the station. So I'd better be a good tenant and go fix the broken module.
* It probably just came unplugged or something.
* I suit up in my space suit and float over to the airlock. I connect a thick tethering cable to my torso so I won't float away when all the air gets sucked out of the vestibule. And I hit the OPEN button.
* Now I'm drifting outward into the black abyss of space. I use my arms to tug on the cable and propel myself toward the surface of the space station. I'll have to walk along the exterior to get to the busted sensor.
* As I go about my task, I can't help but ponder how my entire life is in the hands of the white tether holding me to the metal of the space station.
* If it were to snap for any reason, I'd be stuck in the vast expanse of outer space, unable to call for help. I'd drift for some time before I met my inevitable demise.
* At times, it feels like my emotions have a tether of their own. Ganymede. My beloved. Holding my heart to my body and keeping me afloat in the cosmos of the mind.
* What an odd thought. I find the sensor and jam it back into its port. The blue lights indicate it is once again working properly. Time to head back inside...