Olivia goes West

Chapter 25

Cat R. Waul and Professor Ratigan walked back into the cavernous mine again, flanked by Chula, Fidget, Pee-Wee and Noodles. They had much to discuss, and the mine would be more private than the saloon.

"I say, I think the rally went over quite well if I do say so," Waul said, "We have those mice eating from our paws. And of course, once we're fully in charge, we'll be able to eat a few more of them out of our paws...us cats I mean."

"Oh yes indeed," Ratigan gave a pleased chuckle, "First Green River, then Utah, then America. With the enthusiastic help of our good friend Mr. Flaversham, of course."

Chula looked over at Fidget, who was still staring down unhappily as he hobbled along.

"What's the matter, can't take a few jibes from the crowd?" Chula asked as Waul and Ratigan continued discussing their plans, "Or did you actually want to win that debate? He-he hee!"

"Nah, I dunno...I knew the crowd was supposed to hate what I was saying, I knew they'd probably throw stuff at me..." Fidget looked ahead, making sure Ratigan wasn't paying any attention to them, "While I was up there I just kinda got to thinking..."

"Well there's a nice change for ya," Chula said snidely.

"Just thinking about how my life kinda stinks, how it's always been terrible, 'specially once I joined Ratigan," Fidget finished.

"Has that got anything to do with those unscripted comments about good treatment for lackeys?" Chula asked, "I don't think da boss liked those very much."

"Well think about it, did you like 'em?"

"Uhhh..." Chula looked ahead at Ratigan and Waul nervously, "Better to be at the side of the devil than in his path, I always say. Besides, I enjoy bein' bad."

"Ya know Ratigan threw me offa blimp once," Fidget said downheartedly, "He fed me to a cat too, but he let me out after a bit."

"Comes with the turf," Chula said simply, "I lost a leg and got a concussion because of those brats, but I know I'll get my reward in the end, hee-hee! You'll get yours too, if ya stick around long enough. Just be glad you ain't one of those poor schmucks Ratigan's already killed. Stick with us and you're safe, and you get all the gold and booze ya want."

"I guess so," Fidget shrugged, though he still wasn't convinced.

They all turned a corner in the tunnel and walked into the main chamber, where Fievel and Olivia still dangled from the cage, resting against one another, and Hiram Flaversham reluctantly tinkered with the robotic politician. Much of the rubble was being cleared out now, Wylie was further down the tunnel with a pick axe. Waul took a seat at the wooden table against the wall where Mr. Flaversham's makeshift workshop was, and a smaller table on top of it for mice and Fidget and Chula. All of them had a seat, as Hiram gazed over his shoulder bitterly. Olivia and Fievel peeked over the edge of their cage.

"Alright, now we must discuss how election day is going to work," Ratigan said, puffing on a filtered cigarette, "We'll need someone to count the ballots and make it seem fair, though of course I don't expect Fidget to be getting any votes."

Fidget mouthed Ratigan's words irritably.

"For a bonus on our paycheck, we'll take care of that," offered Noodles.

"And what makes you believe you're so entitled?" Ratigan asked, "Just because your fat friend ran away to New York with both your paychecks doesn't mean I am obliged to replace the funds."

Waul subconsciously licked his teeth, relishing the memory of the flavor of mouse meat.

"Well we've already done plenty that wasn't in da original job description," argued Pee-Wee.