RAT RACE: A TRILOGY OF TROUBLE

By Dawn G. Griffiths

Things are definately not as idealic has Mrs. Brisby thought. Tho’ her family is seemingly safe, once again NIMH threatens the Brisbys friends, the Rats. And, strangely enough, they decide to broaden their search, just when they were ready to leave the farm.

And who is the mysterious stranger? Why did this person seem to deliberately drop a map of Thorn Valley for NIMH to find? And why is he stalking Mrs. Brisby … ?

And what of Aurora? Does she know more than she is willing to tell?

For the next few weeks, Mrs. Brisby — or sometimes either of the older children — kept track of the humans from NIMH, always from a safe distance, of course.

In this time, the mysterious intruder that had attack Mrs. Brisby continued to prowl the skies over the farm — and seemed to be on a special lookout for Mrs. Brisby, for some strange reason.

Mrs. Brisby, for her part, realized that she had a very unusual enemy in the bird — not to mention the strange intruder (Could it really be him — !?) that had attack her days before.

Regardless to say, she managed to avoid further trouble from either of these, always watching the sky when out and about during the day — and avoiding the night-time shadows, cautioning her children to be equally careful.

And, of course, Aurora helped all that she could, even tho’ there seemed to be something bothering her, something that she would not talk about. Whatever was the problem, Mrs. Brisby sensed, it was something of a sensitive issue with the girl — something of an intense embarrassment for her. Every time Mrs. Brisby tried to get her to talk about it, the girl with withdraw from any further conversation. At last, Mrs. Brisby had to simply give up on the matter, for it was obvious that Aurora would not be pressured. Anyway, Mrs. Brisby did have other things to worry about; whatever was bothering Aurora would come out — in its own good time.

[MRS. BRISBY is standing over TIMOTHY in his bed, her forepaw on his forehead. Smiling, she pulls back]:

Well, sweetheart, your fever’s all gone. I suppose you can get up now, … but don’t play too hard — and stay inside today.

Great! Thanks, Mama!

[TIMOTHY gets up, puts on a clean shirt, and scampers over to a box a play-things, where he makes a choice and starts playing with his selection.]

[MRS. BRISBY goes out into the main room, where she picks up some mending, sits, and prepares to start on her work when]:

[TERESA enters, running into the room excitedly]:

Mother, … loot at this!

[TERESA hands her mother an envolope, with the name "Brisby" on it.]

[MRS. BRISBY opens the envelope — and takes out a letter. Looking it over and seeing whose signature is at the bottem, she exclaims]:

Why, … it’s from Justin! Why, Teresa — wherever did you get this from?

A little brown bird from Thorn Valley just got here — and he asked for you, then told me to give that to you. So, … what does Chief Justin have to say, Mother?

[MRS. BRISBY turns her attention to the letter — and quickly scans it. Then]:

I’m still not very good with reading, … but I think he says that they reached Thorn Valley safely about six weeks ago — and he just wanted us to know that everything is just fine. He would’ve written sooner, but they’ve all been so busy that he just could’ve find the time until now … and he’s sorry he didn’t write sooner. <Sigh> Oh, Teresa, … they made it — safe and sound. And now, they’ve got their camp established and can start building their new colony! Isn’t that just won —

[Suddenly, trailed by CYNTHIA , MARTIN runs into the house, flushed and agitated]:

:{panting; out of breath}:

Mom! Mom! The humans! Those strangers told the farmer they got the clearance — to go into that restricted area the Rats went! You told me to tell you when or if —

[TIMOTHY comes to the bedroom door, curious to see what all the commotion is]:

:{shocked}:

<Gasp> Oh, no! Teresa — watch the others! And no one goes outside till I’m home!

[MRS. BRISBY rushes to the door — and pauses, as if remembering something important … and pulls a small dark blue cloth bundle out of her sewing basket. Then, she bolts out the door to the surface in a flurry — and starts to look around.]

(I hate it, … but I have no other choice. I must find Jeremy. … Wait a minute — what’s that shiny thing in the grass here? Oh … Oh, no, … isn’t this where that stranger dropped that kn—… <Gasp> Oh, … good Lord, … no!

How can this be — !?)

[Slowly, she looks down at the bundle in her grasp — and then hurries forward to the object in the grass. She unwraps her bundle — and puts the object she found into it, wrapping it back up (and all this is unshown). Then, she leaps to her feet — and scurries on.]

[And back inside, the four children stand around in numb astonishment. And then]:

<Sigh> Well, … I guess this means a few days of Auntie Shrew, ‘cause Mother’s probably going to Thorn Valley now — and will be long getting back. I know Mother said to stay in the house, but we gotta find Auntie now. C’mon. Mother left me in charge, so she wouldn’t want me to leave anyone alone. Let’s all go.

Uh-uh, … not me. Mama said I gotta stay in.

But, Timmy —

It’s okay. I’ll be fine.

You’re sure? … Well, … okay. I guess we can go then.

Ah, … why can’t we just let the shrew come by herself? I mean, if she’s so concerned? You know she will anyway —… Hey! Wait for me!

[TIMOTHY watches as his siblings leave the room — the girls first, with MARTIN hurrying to catch up.]

[The three older children reach the surface of their Summer Village home.]

[TERESA and CYNTHIA are first, holding hands, … with MARTIN bringing up the rear — the far rear, for he is not anywhere near his sisters when]:

[No sooner do the girls step outside than a large cloth bag envelopes them!]

[In response to his sisters’ screams of terror, MARTIN hurries up and out, shouting at an unshown intruder]:

Teresa! Cynthia! Hey — let ‘em go! <Ahh-hhh-hhh!>

[His cry is the result of a large, grey-furred forepaw grabbing him, too, around the throat — and pulling him rouchly from the house’s entrance.]

[At that moment, from a short distance away]:

Children! Oh-hhh! You beast! Let ‘em go!

[She tries to give chase, but the intruder (the same as before) is too large and fast … and all she can make out is a large black shadow, rapidly vanishing into the undergrowth — baring a sack on its back, burgeoning with the older children!]

[As the shrew gives up in huffing-and-panting exhaustion, all stooped over, TIMOTHY runs out to her]:

Auntie! What happpened!? Martin! Teresa! Cynthia! Where are —

[Near tears, CURLEW gathers him to her; she starts to weep as she blurts]:

[Holding her in return, TIMOTHY suddenly looks over her shoulder — and points out]:

[Both stare in horror as the mysterious hawk appears, taking off not far from them — with the intruder mounted on its back, still clutching the sack of the abducted BRISBY children! The intruder possesses transportation — a bird of prey! Fleeing the area, the bird, with its mysterious rider and cargo, flies right over MRS. BRISBY, walking along some distance away, … but neither party seems to notice the other.]

[Meanwhile, CURLEW, getting over the surprise, looks around for]:

Timothy? Let’s —… Timothy!?

[Looking all around, she suddenly sees him — on the back of a little brown sparrow (probably the same from Thorn Valley) — and he is in pursuit of the fleeing intruder!]

[TIMOTHY glances back and down to her as he, too, is taken away, albeit his own accord.]

:{shouting back}:

Don’t worry, Auntie! I’ll be back! We all will!

[He speaks to the bird — as they go]:

Thanks for sticking around! I could never make it by myself.

Hey, … no problem! I needed the break before I started home anyway.

[In dismayed shock, CURLEW watches TIMOTHY disappear on his winged mount, in pursuit of another bird-rider.]

:{whisper}:

[Meanwhile, MRS. BRISBY is enroute to Thorn Valley herself — on the back of JEREMY the crow. In her lap, she carries her small cloth bundle, which seems bigger now, as if it was added to.]

I really appreciate your help, Jeremy. This is an emergency — and I don’t think I’d make it in time to make any difference, not with out your help.

No sweat, Miss B! Anything for you!

Are you sure Beatrice won’t mind you gone all afternoon?

Naw, no problem there. Tiff’s visiting her momma today — she’ll be gone as long as I will. Hey, … how’s the air back there?

[MRS. BRISBY’s cape whips into her face for a moment as she says]:

I don’t know what ever possessed you to think I’d love this! I don’t, I never have … and I don’t think that I ever will! I must be out of my mind, … doing this —

but I don’t have the time to split ends!

Hey, … it’s alright, there. There’s nothing to be so up-tight about.

I fly all around here every day. There’s nothing to it. All ya hafta do is hold on to your hat — whatever a hat is.

[They hit a patch of air turbulance that causes JEREMY to dip alarmingly — and an alarmed MRS. BRISBY looks like she is ready to loose her lunch … and it seems all she can do to hold onto her bundle]:

[Meanwhile, in Thorn Valley, it a make-shift office inside a tent, Chief JUSTIN WILSON is busy, catching up on documenting his folk’s history — in NICODEMUS’s journal.]

[As he works, a female Rat enters. She is a pretty young creature in a full pink dress with long sleeves — and medium red hair, done up in a pony-tail of loo-loo curls. She has beautiful turquoise eyes. She seems rather shy, but full of friendly smiles — as she approaches JUSTIN, seating at his desk.]

[The girl Rat stroles over to JUSTIN slowly, with her paws clasped behind her back — around the handle of a picnic basket. She speak with a soft Irish brogue]:

Hi, Justin. Whatcha doin?

[JUSTIN answers without looking up]:

Adding to Nicodemus’s old journal. Someone has to record our history.

And this is the first real chance I’ve gotten to do this. And I’m so far behind!

[He pauses to yawn, wearily rubbing the palm of one paw over his tired eyes.]

… Oh, Justin. I’ll bet ye’ve got no rest since we got here. If it isn’t helping with the building itself, it’s working at that thing.

:{returning to work}:

Uh-huh, … yeah. And your point being … ?

[ISABELLA seems taken aback by his disinterest. She tries again]:

Well, I mean, … don’t ye think it’s about time for a break? … Uh, … I’ve got a nice picnic lunch here …

[JUSTIN pauses, but does not look up from his work]:

Well, that’s very nice of you, but I really ought to try to get some of this done.

Are you sure, Justin? You look awfully tired and —

[JUSTIN looks up wearily now]:

Look, Bella, … I’m really kinda busy right now, okay? Why don’t you go find Willis and do something nice together. You can share your lunch with him, right?

I just don’’ have the time right now.

:{put off}:

… <Sigh> Yes, Justin …

[Slowly, ISABELLA turns and walks out, disappointed.]

[JUSTIN returns to his work as ISABELLA leaves, bot watching her go. For a long moment, he keeps on with his writing.]

[At that moment, JUSTIN’s twin brother ARNOLD enters]:

[Irritated and impatient by now, JUSTIN slaps down his quill pen — and snaps]:

Dammit, Arnold! You’ve got to be the fifteenth person in here today, bothering me about one thing — or another! How the hell am I supposed to get anything done —

at this rate!?

:{taken aback}:

… Well, brother, … you are our Chief now — and a lot of us have questions about our orders thru’ the day, … y’know?

… Yeah. Look, Arn, I’m sorry. I’ve had a real tiring day — and I guess right now,

I really have more to do that needs to get done than I can really handle all at one time. Y’know, stuff that should’ve been done yesterday — or weeks ago.

Maybe Isabella was right about getting some rest …

:{glumly}:

Um, well, … I’m afraid there’s more pressing business at hand.

<Sigh> What?

Well, uh, … we — we, … um, have a — a bit of a problem … here …

:{impatiently}:

What is the matter with you, Arn!? C’mon — out with it already!

[ARNOLD blurts out — and runs on hysterically]:

[JUSTIN leaps to his feet]:

God, … I don’t know! How should I!? What do I look like — a psychic!?

:{to himself}:

Then, … what could be —…

:{suddenly, still hysterical}:

Justin, the Plan’s a flop! Jenner was right —

:{suddenly and sharply}:

Jenner was not right! We obviously need to be a little more efficient around here,

it sounds like to me! Stop blaming ghosts and shadows!

Justin, we’re gonna starve! He was right! Maybe … we oughta go back …

[ARNOLD hushes at his brother’s out-burst … and just stands there uneasily — as JUSTIN regards him, slowly sitting back down, staring at ARNOLD as if he were crazy.]

:{slowly, in disgust}:

You want to quit. Is that it? Why, … quitting is how you try to solve every problem, isn’t it!?

[With his raise in voice, the Chief bangs his desk with a fisted forepaw, causing everything on it to jump.]

[ARNOLD jumps, started. He replies at once from nervousness, sarcastic and cheeky]:

Well, what else would you suggest, … Chief!?

[For a brief, awkward moment, both stare at each other, shokced and unable to move right away.]

[It is JUSTIN who finally moves the first move]:

:{sounding drained}:

Alright. Alright, … I’ll call a meeting — and see what can be done it improve efficiency here. Because … we just can’t quit.

I dunno. I just don’t believe it’s a question of inefficiency. Every signs points to purposeful destruction.

I just can’t believe one of us would do anything like the things you’ve described.

Oh, yeah — well, you didn’t see what I saw … before I came to report it all. You’d believe it then. I just can’t imagine who —…

… Neither can I. That is, … unless —… (No, … that’s stupid. That can’t be right. Like I said, we can’t go blaming ghosts and shadows for our own mistakes. I mean, ... I was just dreaming that night, wasn’t’I? I fell down and hit my head — and had a crazy hallucination, … that’s all … Isn’t it … ?)

:{distractedly, then starting out with Arnold in tow}:

… Huh? What? Oh, … nothing. C’mon. We’ve got things to do.

[Meanwhile, somewhere over a stretch of lonely forest]:

How much further, Jeremy?

Only a few more miles, Mrs. B.

How much longer?

Not much. We’re almost there. Why, should I go faster?

[He makes to do so, jerking forward suddenly from the speed increase — and MRS. BRISBY is almost thrown from his back!]

:{frantically}:

[She looks over her shoulder suddenly — just as she hears … the call of a hawk!]

Why, thank you, Mrs. Briz —

Jeremy! There’s a hawk behind us!

[Cawing, the hawk dives at them, brandishing its claws as it dives!]

[JEREMY, too, dives — in the general direction of the woodland below.]

[The hawk speeds its decent, forcing the same of JEREMY.]

[MRS. BRISBY squeals in terror — the hawk’s talons are only inches from her back!]

[JEREMY makes it into the woods — and sets about trying to loose their pursuer.]

[The hawk is persistant, tho’ — and refuses to be shaken off, causing JEREMY to fly even more recklessly than usual … and he flies right under a low hanging tree limb — which is too bad for MRS. BRISBY — ]

[ — who is knocked right off of JEREMY’s back, while looking over her shoulder at the hawk, thus unprepared for the blow. She plunges down — and manages to catch hold of a twig, which she pulls herself up apon — and makes her way along the limb, up to the trunk, where she stands up to see if she can see where JEREMY went.]

[As for JEREMY, he looses the hawk — more by accident by design, when he crashes into a bush while flying low.]

[The hawk does not see him — and flies right by.]

[After a moment, JEREMY emerges, covered with leaves, with a vine caught around his body. Managing to shake it off, he flies back to where MRS. BRISBY anxiously awaits for his return.]

[Meanwhile, back in Thorn Valley, JUSTIN and ARNOLD return to JUSTIN’s office — and flop into the chairs around the desk, JUSTIN in his and ARNOLD into the guest chair, fanning himself his a folder — as heat waves dance thru’ the office.]

<Ugh> It’s so damned hot today! And no water with the irragation system dried up. So, what did the council decide?

You oughta know. Weren’t you there, too?

No, the heat was too much. I spend most the morning in the pond, taking a swim.

At least, I was cool there. I did, uh, … have a little trouble — with a net.

<Chuckle> Oh, … so it was you that caused that weird report this morning, … something about someone getting caught in a remaining net.

:{embarrassed}:

Oh, … you heard about that? Yeah. That was me. I was up to my neck in pond water and moss with a net over my face. Boy, … was I silly? … So, … what happened?

Well, … you know them. They could barely decide at first. But then they —

[Suddenly, the youth WILLIS (ARTHUR’s apprentice) enters]:

Justin, … someone to see you!

I don’t know, Willis. We’re kinda busy right now and —

But, Justin — it’s Mrs. Brisby!

[WILLIS hurries out of the office tent — and returns with MRS. BRISBY … and ISABELLA in tow, who is conversing with MRS. BRISBY]:

… and to think that you turned out to be no stranger to us at all after all!

I’m sorry I so mistrusted you the day you came to us and I found you in our library.

Goodness — I was so rude, turning down all of your questions!

It’s okay, Bella. We all make mistakes.

Well, thank you. Anyway, here we are. I’ll see ya later. Willis — c’mon!

Coming!

[He remarks to Justin and Arnold}:

Heh. I promised to take her on a picnic. Seems she couldn’t get the person she wanted, … whoever that was. So, I promised to fill in. See ya!

[As WILLIS leaves, JUSTIN stiffens slightly at his words, but says nothing — as ARNOLD smiles]:

Still got it, don’t ya? Still wooing the maidens without any effort? And boy, … she’s got it — bad. You oughta admit, she’s got a thing for you.

So does every other young lady in the colony. Get off it, Arn. It’s nothing. It’ll pass.

Y’know, I seem to recall hearing you say —

[JUSTIN cuts him off — as he turns to MRS. BRISBY]:

Mrs. Brisby! It’s good to see you again! So, … what can I —

[From the moment that she entered JUSTIN’s office tent, MRS. BRISBY looks likes she has been holding something in — and cannot anymore; she blurts out]:

Oh, Justin!

[She runs up to him … as he comes to her — and she grabs both of his paw in hers.]

I have some terrible news! It threatens the lives of everyone in your colony!

:{with a glance at Arnold}:

You mean there’s danger to New Valley Colony? What — What’s happened?

:{aggitated almost to tears}:

It’s NIMH! Once again, they think they know where you are! They’re coming here! O-Oh — Oh, Justin, … I — I’m … so sorry! I’m so sorry … for you all!

[JUSTIN and ARNOLD stare at her in shock, then glance at each other; then]:

Oh — Oh, … my God! Are you sure? What happened? We all thought for sure that they’d think it was all a wild goose chase, thinking we were there — when they dug up the rosebush … and found nothing!

That’s just it! They did find something!

They did? What? We were thorough! What could they have possibly found!?

Not what, Justin. Who rather, … I think …

Who? But … there was nobody there by that time! I don’t understand.

Neither do I. I’m just saying what I heard.

Wait a minute. This doesn’t even add up. First of all, the fact that we were all supposed to be out of there by that time. But … this stranger — how did they associate a solitary rat with this place — especially when they were only interested in the farm!?

That’s what really doesn’t make any sense. Justin, … that strange rat the NIMH men saw. I heard one of them say … it had a map — of Thorn Valley. It the one who saw this rat said it looked like he dropped the map on purpose!

B-But — But … who —… !?

[At that moment, outside, Aurora approaches — but she hesitates to enter, when she hears]:

I — I … just don’t know. … But … I did hear them say that … the stranger had grey fur. And … he … was wearing … some kind of a cloak. Y’know it’s strange, … but I just remembered, there’s been a strange — a rat, in fact, … I think — who’s been harrassing me. But I’ve never got a clear look at his face. I think he was looking for —… (!) Oh, God, … no. Justin, … you don’t suppose —…

:{uneasy}:

No, … of course not. That … just … can’t be. We all know what happened — don’t we? It — It’s gotta be … someone else.

:{nodding deperately}:

Yes! Yes, of course! You’re right! That’s so stupid, isn’t it? How silly of me.

Yeah. What a proposterously unacceptable notion, … huh? I mean —…

Yes! Yes, like you said — we all know what happened.

[Both sit unmoving for a long moment — quite unaware that someone is eavesdropping outside]:

[Overcome by some private grief, AURORA spins around a flees, paws over her eyes, fighting to keep from weeping.]

[MRS. BRISBY suddenly does start to weep]:

Oh — but NIMH! Oh, Justin! What will you all do!? You’ll all be doomed!

JUSTIN:{gently}:

Oh, hey! Hey! Don’t cry. You got here in time to warn us. That’s what’s important now.

:{unconvinced}:

Well, <sniff> I — I suppose …

:{to Arnold}:

[For JUSTIN’s twin brother seems to be catatonic with horror.]

What is it, Justin? What wrong?

:{going to Arnold}:

He doesn’t handle stress well. He get’s like this when there’s trouble sometimes.

Arnold, c’mon. Wake up. Snap out of it. C’mon, Arn, wake up!

[JUSTIN gently shakes his brother — until, little by little, ARNOLD seems to come around.]

[Coming out of it, ARNOLD is suddenly hysterical, almost shouting in terror]:

NIMH!? Coming here!? I knew it! I knew it! I told you so, Justin — didn’t I!?

Dammit, … I told you so! I was right — and so was Jenner!

:{disgusted at this}:

Arnold, … for God’s sake, will you just —

[ARNOLD goes on — but as he does so, he seems to have trouble breathing, hyperventilating]:

We’re doomed! Doomed! First, the Plan a dud! Now this!

Stop it! Arnold, relax! You’ll give yourself another asthma attack and get sick again — and the last one nearly kiiled you! Get a hold of yourself!

:{struggling in Justin’s grasp in panicked distress}:

B-But NIMH is coming! NIMH is coming! <Gasp> Oh, God, save —

JUSTIN:{shaking him again}:

[Trembling and gasping in his brother’s grip, ARNOLD starts to cry in terror]:

I — I c-can’t relax! W-We’re all gonna die — and you’re telling me to relax!

JUSTIN:{impatient}:

[JUSTIN tries giving ARNOLD a light slap, trying to snap him out of it; but ARNOLD’s asthma is really acting up now as]:

Th-Th-The Plan! <Gasp> R-Re-Revise!

[Somehow, ARNOLD manages to break free from JUSTIN … and collapses on the floor, sweating, trembling, gasping, and writhing about — as the other two look on in shock.]

Arnold — Quick, Mrs. Brisby! Get his medicine — from my desk draw!

[As he helps ARNOLD back up into his chair, MRS. BRISBY quickly and frantically goes thru’ JUSTIN’s desk — and finds an inhaler.]

Yes — throw!

[MRS. BRISBY throws the inhaler to JUSTIN — and he uses it on ARNOLD.]

[In a few moments, ARNOLD catches his breath — and sprawls exhaustedly in his chair.]

Are you okay now, Arn?

Yeah — I’m fine. Thanks.

[After a pause, MRS. BRISBY turns to JUSTIN — and]:

What will you do now … ?

I have no idea. It looks like we may have to move on — but there’s no where else that we can go to. When we made the Plan, a lot of organization and Planning went into where we would go — we knew and had Thorn Valley prepared long before we came here. But now, … I just don’t know. Especially now, … with a lot of our females either expecting badies — or already raising children.

… Well, … you could hide out somewhere … temporarily, … couldn’t you?

Why, … yes. I suppose that’s an answer. There are places in the valley that are concealed enough to make exellent temporary hiding places for the lot of us. And it shouldn’t be too hard to temporarily dismantle what we’ve done so far, … to conceal our doings. We’re just camped here with tents … and anything substantial that we’ve made has been taken down — and, please, don’t ask me why … or how; it’s a long story. Anyway, you’re right. We can hide — until they’re gone. In fact, we can hide in the caves, I think. They’re not done being turned into real living space yet, … but we can hide there until further notice, until it’s save to come out and get back to normal lives. In the meantime, … can you go home — and listen for any more news?

:{racing out}:

Oh, yes! I’ll go get on it at once!

Good luck, Mrs. Brisby! Now, Arnold, let’s see what we can do to repair the Plan.