So finally here's another chapter in the Wildworld series, snow leopards and jungles don't mix very well. A commission for @Siegmar, thanks for commissioning me!

Want more? Read the whole series here: https://www.furaffinity.net/gallery.....dWorld-Stories

Chap. 1: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/38262301/


WildWorld Chap 5: Cabin Fever




Josh was feeling absolutely miserable. The snow leopard was splayed out on the tile floor of Warren’s vacation rental, trying to keep his mind off the heat. A ring of massive fans encircled the cat like a medieval fortress, standing guard against the stifling heat that seemed to seep into the room from every conceivable orifice. Even with the AC at full blast, Josh felt like he was melting into the ground. Across the room Abigail lay in a similar setup, and in a similar state of misery. His eyes were the only thing that moved when Ethan strolled into the room, wearing a tight t-shirt with rolled up sleeves. He didn’t seem to be taking the heat much better, but shivered as he walked past the fans.

“ Makes the zoo look not so bad, huh?” Ethan chirped, dabbing his forehead with a paper towel. Josh growled, too tired to make a witty comeback. Stupid humidity. That was the only reason he was so hot. He could get up if he wanted to. Ethan saw the defiant look in his friend’s eye and sighed.

“Look, there’s no shame in it. I’ve lost an entire ocean of sweat here as has everyone else. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you and Abigail. At least you didn’t have to lug all these fans in here.” Josh growled again, shuffling his head slightly to face away from Ethan.

“Oh come on!” Ethan cried out, his voice rising in frustration. “We worked our butts off to build you this whole setup, and do I hear a single meow of thanks? No!”

“Oh thanks a lot,” No words were spoken but Ethan could feel the sarcasm dripping in the cat’s body language.

“Why can’t anything satisfy you? All you do is sit on your butt and complain! You just have to sit there and watch everyone else bend over backwards to help you but nothing’s ever good enough!”

“That’s exactly the problem!” Josh stood up suddenly, as if jolted by a bolt of lightning. You think I don’t want to help? Of course I do! I’d gladly get off my tail and do something but this stupid body you gave me makes me useless! I can’t help fix things, I can’t help carry stuff, I can’t even turn on these stupid fans! It’s not my fault I have fur 2 inches thick!”

“We’re all suffering here, it’s not just you.” Ethan let himself stray into the path of one of the fans, allowing the cool refreshing air to blow the beads of sweat off his body.

“What do you even want me to do?” Josh growled sarcastically. “You’re not giving me much to do other than sit here and whine all day. If you want me to help than give me something to do. Otherwise just leave me alone to rot in my furry misery.”
Ethan sighed, pondering for a moment. “Idk, maybe Ash needs help in the control room, why don’t you go check it out and see if she needs anything.”

“Fine.” As Ethan looked on, Josh defiantly broke the barricade of the fans and strutted out into the wide marble corridors of the castle. Josh tried to put on a brave face to save his pride, but stepping outside into the hall felt like jumping into a boiling pot to be roasted alive. Even at a modest 70 degrees Josh felt like he was suffocating in his own pelt. It took every ounce of willpower he had just to not flop down into a pile of fur where he stood. But Josh was able to fight back his instincts. He slowly paraded past a row of jolly Bhuddas, faces locked in eternal revelry. A wave of uneasiness swept over the snow leopard as he trotted past the imposing golden statues enshrouded in gems and flourishing, neatly trimmed vines. He could’ve sworn they were all staring at him. Laughing. Mocking his sordid journey, daring him to return to his frozen fortress. It only increased his resolve as he continued through a sweltering courtyard and into the building where Ash and the others were located.

Josh arrived in what was formerly Camelot’s home office, but had been temporarily reconverted into a roughshod central command room. It looked like a tornado had swept through a computer exhibition from the 80s. Various monitors of numerous sizes were messily dispersed across the room, plugged into ancient computers that looked like they hadn't seen action since the Cold war. The screens flickered and flashed with seizure-inducing colors. Power converters, floppy disks, and countless electronic machinery Josh could never identify were littered throughout the room. Over it all a static buzz filled the air, assaulting Josh’s sensitive ears and forcing them back against his head. Ash was frantically working over the machines, dressed in nothing but a sweat drenched tank top and khaki shorts. The other cats sat in the corners of the room, meowling encouragement and advice. Of course, Ash couldn’t hear any of them. Danielle spotted Josh, padding over to him with a surprised look on her muzzle.

“Josh? What are you doing here?”

“What’s going on?” Josh responded, not bothering to answer her question. “What’s with the whole setup?”

“I’m not totally sure. I think she’s trying to hack the bad guys or something.” They both turned to watch Ash struggle to plug two cords together, yanking and tugging in frustration.

“Why’s she using the wrong cords?”

“I think she’s just a bit technologically … slow.” Ash’s foot caught on several large cables, the woman yelling extremities as she dragged an entire display down with her. Both of them winced as several monitors and a modem crashed down on top of the woman. “Uhhh, make that a complete doo-doo head.”

“ It’s absolutely infuriating!” Flash had marched over to where the two cats were sitting, being careful not to trip on the numerous wires and power cables sprawled out on the floor. “I could set that thing up in 30 minutes, but she won’t let me near her. She’s worried I’ll cause a mess. But even with 4 paws I could do this faster than her.”

“ You remember how?” Danielle asked warily. “Have all your memories returned yet?” Flash flinched for a moment, like he’d just eaten a lemon.

“ Well, most of of them…” he started hesitantly. “ It’s still hazy though. Comes in bursts. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not.” Danielle nodded in understanding.

“So do you remember what all this stuff is? It looks like she’s trying to set up mission control for some space movie or something.” Flash nodded.

“That’s more or less what it is, or at least what I assume it is. We need to hack into our enemy’s files to figure out where your friends are. We need to set up monitoring stations and security cameras because this place doesn’t have any. This room is our command central, at least it will be once Ash is finished setting it up.”

“What about the old dude?” Josh piped in. He was trying to pay attention but already the heat was starting to get to him. He hoped the others wouldn’t notice his fidgeting. For now, it seemed to work.

“Warren? Oh, he’s headed into town to do his own research. He’s got friends he wants to meet up with. He’s got a wire attached, and we’re supposed to keep an eye on him but…” He motioned with his head towards the mess. They all sighed in unison. “That woman’s worse at tech than my Grandmother. And she’s dead.”

“Well, let’s hope Warren’s faring better than us.” Danielle murred, making her way back to the corner where the others sat. “Can’t be too hard, right?”


Warren, as it turned out, had been stuck in traffic for the past 5 hours. Money can buy you a Rolls-Royce limousine to transport you places in total comfort, but it can’t make every other driver disappear off the roads. Given his inability to procure a helicopter, he had no other choice than to wait it out like everyone else. Fortunately, he had prepared for this outcome and left several hours early. He checked his watch and smiled. He would be on time.

The sun was just beginning to set as the Limousine pulled into The Canopy Club, an exclusive resort about four hour’s journey from the city itself. Nestled in the heart of the jungle that covered most of the island, it featured a luxury hotel, casino, 5 star golf course, and enough high end shopping to drive a billionaire to bankruptcy. Warren wasn’t here for leisure, however.

He walked inside the Cafe Flamingo, distastefully named by a businessman who couldn’t tell the difference between Asia and South America. Apart from the name, though, everything about the restaurant was top tier. 3 Michelin stars, the finest French cuisine in the eastern hemisphere, and a private, secluded candlelit atmosphere that ensued no conversation could be overheard by other guests. It was for the last reason that Warren chose this locale.

The man was already waiting for him, as even Warren’s preparations didn’t anticipate a blockage on the road there that took several hours to remove. The man was stern-faced and stoic, dressed in a neatly pressed tailored suit with pianist’s fingers wrapped gingerly around a crystal champagne flute. He barely acknowledged Warren as he sat down, tipping the host generously. The pleasantries were brief as Warren got right to the point.

“Mr. Arnault, what the hell is going on at Bluestar?” The man’s eyes lifted from his glass, seemingly disappointed that the intimate experience with his beverage had been interrupted. “The whole place goes boom and nobody tells me. Why haven’t you told me anything?” Mr. Arnault put his glass down with the precision of a ballerina, speaking in a dry, drowsy voice.

“Yes, there’s been an “incident”. He paused, as if searching for the right words. “We… assumed you saw the incident on the news and would contact us. I’m sorry if those were not the correct measures.”

“Like hell those’re the correct measures! Do you know how much money I’ve sunk into this place?” Mr. Arnault sighed.

“ Yes, and we assumed you would contact us. We do not take these issues lightly. But between you and me…” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. “It’s gone bad. Very bad.” Warren’s rage turned to confusion.

“What do you mean? I can’t afford to lose this investment. And neither can you. Bluestar’s finished without my bank’s backing.” Mr. Arnault emptied his glass, relishing it like a dying man’s last sip of water.

“That’s the issue, Mr. Gould. It appears there are other investors. Investors nobody on the board knows about.”

“What the hell are you gabbin’ about?”

“ Our budget reports keep indicating a large cash flow from other sources, but nobody has any idea where these come from. Our income statements are much higher than the profits from sales alone. Of course, finance isn’t my department I’m afraid. So I have zero access to these numbers.” Warren grit his teeth in frustration. Apart from the expensive rescue mission he was dragged on ruining his day, apparently he has no control over his own assets. Clearly several firings were in order in his private accounting department.

“Well then what the hell is going on?”

“I’d suspect money laundering.” Arnault began, face curled downwards into a petite frown. “... but that doesn’t explain everything I’m afraid. Employees keep disappearing, while many others are mass quitting in droves. We’ve lost a lot of our lower-level workforce. And instead of being added to the greater asset pool, this new money is being diverted to certain departments, departments a VP like myself lacks access to. I could put Mr. Ames on the phone….”

Warren silenced him with a wave of his hand. Truth be told, he didn’t trust Mr. Ames or the other executive board members. Not when he knew Bluestar’s real mission. Hell, he’d personally installed some of the most corruptible people he knew in those positions in order to cover up the development of his formula. But now the whole operation had blown up in his face. Someone was out-corrupting his corruption, and he now found himself locked out of his own operation. It manifested a bitter feeling in his gut. Mr. Arnault, his roommate at Georgetown University and a loyal friend, was the only man he trusted.

“I’d prefer if we kept this between ourselves.” Warren replied, reaching out for a plate of sourdough biscuits that had just arrived. “ I’ll deal with the board later. Just tell me what the hell happened to my money.”

“Why don’t you find out for yourself?”

They both turned their heads and Warren’s eyes opened in surprise. Dr. Smiles had approached their table without making so much of a sound, and was all smiles as he slithered in next to Mr. Arnault. With the gingerness of a fairy he summoned a passing waitress. He pointed at something random on the menu and sent her away before she could confirm his order, as he eagerly turned towards Mr. Gould, head resting on the back of his hands.

“What?” Now Mr. Gould had to resist fidgeting in his seat. Dr. Smiles, while brilliant in the field, was always an uncomfortable figure to be around. He didn’t seem to take notice, however.

“ I said, you can find out for yourself.” He rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to beat around the bush. I’ll be happy to take you on the grand tour. It’s only right to see where your hard-earned money has gone!” Warren shot a glance over to Mr. Arnault, who seemed paralysed in his seat. Warren thought it over for a moment.

“When would this supposed ‘grand tour’ take place?”
“Tomorrow morning!” Dr. Smiles chirped. “I’ve already booked you a suite at the Canopy Hotel to spend the night. Splendid view, you’ll be able to see the whole rainforest. Even has a minibar! Bus leaves from the lobby at 0300, best not be late!” He whipped a key card from his pocket and tossed it onto the table, before sauntering past confused guests and staff out of the restaurant. Gould picked up the card, examining both sides of it.

“Well that sounds delightful. Are you staying for the night?” Mr. Arnault asked, having regained his composure after Smiles left.

“Like hell I am”, Warren grunted, ripping up the card. As if he’d stay in a room Smiles set up for him. He’d walk out in the morning on four legs if he walked out at all. “I’ll book my own room then meet him tomorrow. Go talk to the reps at my bank, get them to figure out where all the money’s going. I’ll send you the authorization if you need it.” The man nodded, and taking a biscuit off the pile followed Dr. Smile’s path out. Warren leaned back in his chair, massaging his eyebrows with his hands.

“Ah crap.”

Back at Camelot, Ash (with slight help from a technical team they hired) was finally able to get everything up and running much to the relief and jubilation of all present. Josh had long given up by this point, reluctantly retreating towards his air-conditioned safe haven. The dark tendrils of night were beginning to creep into the room as Ash admired the handiwork she had little credit in creating.

“It’s a beauty, ain’t it?” She asked nobody in particular, turning around to survey the cat’s expressions. Most of them had already fallen asleep by this point, except for Danielle and Flash. (Though Flash had snuck in a few naps when Ash wasn’t looking) Danielle chuffed encouragingly, and Flash palmed his muzzle with his paw in disgust.

“Oh c’mon, it’s not THAT bad,” Ash reassured, well aware that they were lucky to have any of this at all. She walked over to one of the tables and flipped a switch, and suddenly the monitors flickered to life. Screens of all sorts sprung out of the void, depicting various imagery and software programs. Some portrayed cameras stationed around the property, relaying fuzzy black and white blobs that more or less looked like the various furnishings of the house. Others had software for audio, video, and an editing suite, and a variety of other fixtures. Flash sauntered up to the displays, purring in contentment.

“It’s about time you got these working”, he chuffed under his breath. He surveyed the display, fuzzy images dancing around his mind. He knew he’d seen these before, and probably used most of the programs here in his journalistic research. Or maybe he’d outsourced the technical stuff to third party associates. He couldn’t quite remember, to be honest. But he was confident he could figure it out. Well, if he could figure out how to type first. He put his paw up on the keyboard, it took up nearly half the space when he pressed his paw against it. He growled in dismay.

“Don’t worry, just tell me what to type and I’ll do it.” Flash almost purred upon hearing that, but instead let out a sigh. Despite the earlier naps, today had been rather exhausting. And he still needed to clean himself and get a bit to eat. His paw tapped out a single word.

“Tomorrow.” Ash nodded, flashing a cheeky grin.

“All right then, tomorrow it is. Everything will work out just fine!”



Warren hadn’t gotten much sleep last night, he had spent the time contacting associates and doing research. Fortunately, nighttime in Indonesia meant that many of those back home were right in the middle of business hours and easy to get ahold of. By the time he was satisfied with his work he was only able to manage 4 hours of sleep, and as such he was cranky as he waited for Dr. Smiles in the lobby. The “bus” as Dr. Smiles had called it was an open-top white jeep that seated 4, and Smiles himself was the driver. It was a ratty old contraption, the exact opposite of the limousine Warren had taken to get here. He was chipper as usual, Warren assumed the man must have slept like a log. He wasn’t terribly concerned about getting in the jeep alone. He had a private security team, police, and a fully-armed military unit (Warren had friends in high places) on standby. If he didn’t give a signal every 30 minutes they were ordered to swoop in and tear the place down if necessary. At the present he tapped his phone to signal that everything was okay. With him in the back, Smiles in the front, and the roar of the old jeep’s engine nearly drowning out his own thoughts, he was confident he wouldn’t be spotted.

“You didn’t sleep in your room last night,” Smiles suddenly broke the silence, catching Mr. Gould off guard. He was shouting to make sure he was heard over the vehicle’s engine. Regardless he had to strain to pick out every word that was said. “You’ve been a naughty boy, refusing a friend’s hospitality.” Mr. Gould laughed.

“I know your tricks, that’s what I hired you for all those years ago. You can’t fool your own boss.” Smiles faked offense, eyes wide and jaw dropped to the floor.

“ That room was perfectly square! I only acted out of the bottom of my heart.”

“And rattlesnakes don’t have venom.” Warren retorted. Dr. Smiles began to pout.

“Well, it was only the minibar. And I know how much of a cheap stiff you are so you would’ve been perfectly fine. See? We still know everything about each other. Like best friends!”

“I don’t know everything about you,” Warren thought to himself. Dr. Smiles was so volatile he was impossible to predict. The only thing Warren knew for sure about him was that despite his chaos loving nature he’d never truly risk his own skin. At least he could take solace in the fact that the madman wasn’t about to drive them both over a cliff. As long as he’s standing right next to Dr. Smiles, he’s in no danger of harm.

Warren’s hunch was right as they arrived at where he knew the facility would be, and Warren gasped at what he saw. Apparently Mr. Arnault had been right about them coming into new money. He had scouted the place on google earth, but the actual building looked nothing like the lab he was used to. Actually, it looked nothing like any building he’d ever seen, except perhaps in a science fiction movie. The main complex had been torn down and rebuilt entirely from scratch, repurposed into several structures made entirely from glass and steel. The tallest one was 4 stories and sat imposingly in the center of the complex. Controlled vines grew up and down the sides, helping chop up the building’s silhouette as well as offer increased protection from any prying eyes. Beside the main buildings there was a massive white dome, possibly a greenhouse but Warren wasn’t sure. On the other side Large arrays of high-tech solar panels allowed the facility to operate entirely independently from state-issued power. He presumed they didn’t need water from the city either, as there was a large man-made lake peeking out from behind the main buildings.

The high-tech security gate was definitely a new feature. A solid 15 foot security wall ran around the complex, solid concrete with electrified barbed wire on top. Nobody could get in or out unless through the main gate, much less sneak a peek over the edge. Warren felt uneasy, this felt excessive even for him. They’ve already bought out the local Government so there was no fear of police raids. Why do they need this much security? Warren’s fears compounded as Dr. Smiles took them through three separate heavily fortified checkpoints, each manned by no less than ten snarling guards armed with assault rifles. But a simple glance at Smile’s ID card was all it took to be quickly moved forwards and directed to an employee parking lot right outside the main buildings.

As ugly as the outside was, the central campus was stunning. From the parking lot one walked down a cobblestone path lined with palm trees and exotic fauna before entering into the main greenway that ran between the main buildings. The main artery of the campus was flanked by flowing fountains and pristine lawns, many of them being watered by pop-up sprinklers that hid amongst the grass. Everything was ordered along a grid pattern so that nothing looked out of place, from the trees to the stones themselves. This gave the whole place an artificial look to it, a creation of science just as much as the experiments going on inside. Along the main walkway and the numerous paths that branched out from it, several white-coated figures scuttled to and from the buildings. They paid the pair no heed. Warren frowned.

“What the hell is all this?” He asked, waving his arm over the greenway. “ I know I don’t funnel you all THIS much money.” Dr. Smiles grinned.

“It’s our practice to create a nurturing environment for our employees. If we don’t feed and water them then they can’t grow!” Warren harumphed.

“If you wanted this much nature just let it do its thing. Don’t freakin’ import a whole botanical garden in here.” The scientist frowned.

“Oh, that won’t simply do at all. This is a house of order, and outside is chaos. We absolutely cannot let the chaos in. It would destroy all that we have built.” Warren returned the expression.

“Build your house of order on someone else’s dime. I’m hereby shrinking the decoration budget.”

“Well it’s certainly no issue.” Dr. Smiles pouted. “But if you positively insist we can bring it up before the board of directors.” Warren perked up.

“Are they here now?” Dr. Smiles nodded, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Of course. We have a very special proposition for you.”