New continued story

The next day they heard the sound of the bulldozer.  Although a bit woozy from their celebration, they all peered from the house.  To their delight, the bulldozer was not coming in their direction, but backing away.  Father Skunk said, “Do not become complacent my friends.  We have won the first battle, but I expect that they will be back to try again.”
Unknown to them, the driver of the bulldozer told his story to his boss about being attacked by the animals and refused to proceed with the destruction of the house.  His boss didn’t believe the story, attributing the driver’s state of mind to the concussion he received when running into the tree.  The boss placed the driver on sick leave and selected another driver to carry out the order to destroy the house.  He didn’t tell the new driver about the bizarre story related by the previous drive and expected the order to be carried out.  The new driver, pleased with his new position, jumped on the bulldozer, revving the engine with smoke pouring from the exhaust and placed it into gear.  In the meanwhile, the animals heard the noise and quickly assembled in front of Father Skunk.

Father Skunk said, “Get ready.  We are being challenged again.  As soon as the bulldozer comes into view, attack the driver as you did the last time” The animals sprang into action with Father Skunk leading the way.  The assault took the new driver by surprise.  Instead of turning off the engine, he leaped from the bulldozer with it still in gear.  The driverless bulldozer continued on its way, the wheels following the terrain that sloped away from the house.  The bulldozer ran into a ravine covered with briars and overturned.  Gasoline poured out of the engine and burst into flames.  The animals ran to the house watching the blaze as it ignited the grass and brush around it.  The wind was blowing away from the house thus causing the fire to spread in a safe direction.  They were delighted by their assault; however, they were faced with new concerns.  Putting out the fire would attract other humans to their habitat further jeopardizing their safety.  Father Skunk took charge.  He gathered the animals around him in an attempt to calm their fears.  “Have faith, my children,” he said.  “With every adversity there is a benefit.  We don’t yet know what will happen when the humans arrive, but we are united in a worthwhile cause.  The preservation of our home is at stake and we shall do whatever is necessary to protect it. We shall wait and see what the humans do.  In the meanwhile, gather your belongings and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. The winds may shift and threaten to destroy our house before the fire is contained.”
The animals heeded his advice and went to work gathering all their possessions – just in case.  In the meanwhile, they heard sirens blaring as vehicles approached.  The firefighters went to work immediately spraying water.  They also sprayed water on the house not knowing that the house was designated for destruction, thus protecting it from the fire.

When the fire was extinguished, the inspectors examined the bulldozer, the cause of the fire.  He wanted to know the purpose of the bulldozer.  The man in charge of the project explained that they were engaged to clear the land making way for a housing development project. That meant demolishing the house and clearing the land of trees and leveling the land.  The inspector, who happened to be a member of the historical society, examined the house.  He was amazed at the architecture and the age of the house dating back to the 1700’s.  He also noted that it was located in an area previously under consideration as a nature preserve.  He immediately called a halt to the construction pending further review.

It was peaceful to have the bulldozers stopped and the skunks lay down to rest. It had been disruptive to have the noisy and scary attacks.

Intermission.
What will happen next?  Will the construction project be suspended?  Will the area be designated as a nature reserve?  How will the animals react in this event?

Will Betty join our story?

She would be a welcome addition.

Calling Betty, Lynn and  whoever else would like to join our story.

The Review Board met.  After much discussion considering the historical value of the house along with the proposed nature preserve, it was recommended that all construction activity be stopped immediately.  A reasonable amount of money would be allocated to compensate the current owner of the land and that the land would be owned by the township.  It was unanimously agreed to officially designate the plot of land as a nature preserve.  The township set about immediately posting “Keep Out – Nature Preserve” signs.  The animals couldn’t read, however they observed the posting of the signs and noticed that there was no further encroachment on their parcel of land.  When humans came to inspect the house, they scurried into hiding places, keeping out of sight, but remaining ever watchful.  Father Skunk gathered his adopted family around him and made a speech.
 “This is a day to be proud of.  We have won the battle of survival.  We won because we were united in a good cause. It is recognized we have our differences in language, in habits and even in the food we eat, however our love for each other will now and in the future determine our fate.  I want to pay special tribute to Prissy and Squeaky mouse.  They started the resistance with great courage and welcomed us into their home.  Remember that “united we stand and divided we fall.”  We must continue to remain united and not let anyone divert us from our common goal.  It is a bond we must share and be prepared to fight to defend it”
After much applause, Squeaky stood and thanked everyone for helping them in their time of need.  He placed his arm around Prissy, giving her a hug and a kiss.  Prissy blushed and winked at squirrel.  It seemed that romance was in the air.