The Calling of the Protectors

Carl relayed the story of Mouse, her dad, and the rats trying to take over the building. “Let me get this straight, Sergeant Major Carl,” Colonel Wellington said. “You are asking me to send the brigade into action to help a cat?” “This cat is different,” Carl said. “She realizes the strategic advantage of allies. Already she has taken me, a canary, and a mouse into her confidence. But I realize the brigade has more important things to do than to help out a Protector.” Carl turned and feigned that he was leaving. “Wait,” Colonel Wellington said. “Yes?” Carl turned partially around. “Did you say this cat, Mouse, is a Protector?” “Certain of it,” Carl said. “Her father was one of the best. And I can see it in her. She’s going to be a great one.” Colonel Wellington stared off into the unoccupied seats. “I had no idea Chief’s daughter was a Protector too. How did you know?” Carl cleared his throat. “Let’s just say the cats and I share a superior sense of these things.” I’ll have to check with our intelligence department and see why I wasn’t notified. Imagine the chance to serve side by side with the Protectors.” “Yes,” Carl said, jumping at the chance to use the colonel’s ego. “I’m sure any great commander would love to tell the story of how they fought alongside a Protector. I can hear the oohs and aahs.” Carl held his wing up to his ear and pointed to the empty seats as though they were occupied. “A great commander. A bold bird. That’s what they will say about you.” “Yes, of course you are right,” Colonel Wellington said. “But I’m not sure how we can help, Sergeant Major. We cannot fight in the sewers.” Carl tapped the end of his wing to the bottom of his beak. “There may be a way.” “You have a plan?” “I do.” Carl started singing: When I find myself in a bad situation, I just call upon my imagination To think outside the box, To find a better way. It’s a simple mathematical equation, S = IP2, the calculation. It’s the key to overcome, so make this notation. You will find it useful in many situations. “S = IP2?” Colonel Wellington asked. “Yes,” Carl said. “Success is the product of imagination and perseverance squared.” “Perseverance squared?” “Yes. It means you must keep trying to find a better way. You just have to learn the proper words to say.” He started singing again: If you find yourself in a losing proposition, You just have to find a better disposition. If you think the door is shut And you say you’re in a rut, Consider a brand-new relation With your own imagination. Let your creative side do the talking; your ideas will be up and walking— The outcome of a spending combination. It’s a simple mathematical equation, A magical statistical relation. Use it in any situation. S = IP2 … the calculation. “S = IP2. I’ll remember that,” Colonel Wellington said. “So you’re in?” Carl asked. “Colonel Wellington and the pigeon brigade would be honored to assist you and the Protector on a mission. But our skills are no good in the sewers and limited inside of the buildings. If you can draw them out in the open …” “Leave that to me,” Carl said. “I’ll send word when it’s time to mount an assault and let you know the plan.” With that, Carl left.