File type: Text File (.txt) [Download]
-----------------------------------------
Nick sighed, the badger sitting in the backroom of Badgerton's general shop. At the moment, the badger was waiting on a very, very important phone call. One that he really hoped would bring good news. It was a call that Nick was desperate for, as the shop was being over-run with the same question for a couple of days now.

Needless to say, Nick was a little bit worried.

Soon enough, the phone did ring. Nick nearly stumbled from the sudden surprise, but eventually stopped himself from tumbling and picked up the phone, answering with "H-hello? It's me, Nick, from the Badgerton general shop".

"Nick, nice to speak with you again" the voice on the other end spoke up. "I'm James, part of the supply team. I just managed to check everything here".

Nick nodded. "Great, and?"

"...Not quite good news, but not bad either" James said. "You see, we're just waiting on our supplies to restock some more before sending out deliveries. So, the latest delivery of Badgerton Berry soda is coming.... But we may be looking at next week or so, it seems".

The badger sat back, sighing. "Oh, are you sure you couldn't ship out anymore sooner? That drink is very, very popular with our customers. It's been a few days and I've already been asked many times about when we're getting that drink back in stock".

"Yeah, sorry" James said, a bit apologetic. "Just, had a sudden lull in supplies. Once we're clear, though, deliveries should come through normally as before".

"You know, this is just odd" Nick said, rubbing his head slightly. "The drink is called Badgerton Berry soda, yet the factory that makes it is near Lunar City. I don't get how that logic works, if you ask me".

"Ah, well..." James said, taking a moment to formulate the answer. He couldn't just go out and say the truth. Not only is it incredibly silly for one thing, it would raise a lot of questions. There was also the issue of 'context' to go around, as with it, one could see them being easily agreeable. Without it, though, things would seem a bit sinister.

And it was a good thing the conversation was over the phone, as James silently winced over the use of the word 'factory'. The team didn't quite use the term 'factory' themselves, given it was more than that but....

"...The first few drinks were made in Badgerton, hence the name. Once the ingredients became somewhat rare, we had to move out to produce more" James answered. "We just kept the name since it was a popular brand".

Nick listened... and gave a small nod. That did make some form of sense, in his mind. "Yeah, I can kinda see where you're coming from, there. I thought it was going to be for some other reason, like literal badger berries, and those badgers came from Badgerton".

"Yeah, sorry for making you worry a bit, there" James said, the pair sharing a little chuckle. Though, if one noticed closley, James's chuckle felt a little forced. Not enough for Nick to notice, though.

After the chuckle, though, James said "Again, sorry about the delay. We'll make sure to send out the sodas once they're ready. As compensation, I'll make sure you get double the delivery there. That way, you should have plenty to hold over, there".

Nick sighed. It wasn't the answer he was exactly looking for, but for right now, it worked. "Alright, James" he said. "I'll keep an eye out for the delivery, then. Thanks for the help, anyway".

"It's no problem. Thanks for doing business with us" James said.


-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-


James let out a long, weary sigh as the call hung up. That was close, very, very close. That small quip that Nick made, he was lucky that was dismissed as it was. Nick had no idea how right he was. Badgerton Berry soda was fruit flavoured soda, made from the juices of, indeed, berrified Badgers that once lived in Badgerton.

That said, there was specific criteria as to what they accepted. The berrified Badger had to be in a state of permanent berrification, or as they put it, a 'permaberry'. If the berrification was reversible, then that option was taken and the badger reversed to normal, then released. Furthermore, there was a constant presence and monitor of forest sites with the fruit and berries that are potent for berrification, to carefully check levels and monitor activity near them, so as to avoid any potential mass berrification.

Truth be told, the Badgerton Berry factory wasn't really a 'factory' per-say. More, it was a large resort-esque facility, designed to look after the resident badgerberries, to ensure their well being. Rooms were provided, meals all included and plenty of activities for the residents to do in the meantime, alongside some juicing facilities, in the case of an emergency. The only part that was 'factory-esque' was the main juicing facility, where a majority of the drink production took place. While some recieved the regular juicing, others were more content with a hose in their muzzle and navel to pump the juice from their bodies. While not proper juicing, it tended to be a lot more relaxing for those that opted for it.

As for how they got the badgerberries or how it all started, it was far simpler than one expected. A group of badgers wandering the forest got a bit too curious about some of the fruits and berries. There was a bit of a panic when the badgers started swelling up, but it was handled quite well, the juice 'squeezed' out of them. Once they tasted the resulting juice, which seemed to work out remarkably well, trips to the forest were a bit more regular, with a different badger each time volunteering to be the berry.

Until one badger was juiced, with his fur still sticking to its changed colour. Soon enough, the juice started to re-fill within him. That was the first permaberry. And the time they decided to move out and open up their own factory. Since then, they took in any badgers they found that were afflicted with the berrification.

Surprisingly, the efforts bore fruit, with the team managing to build up a good assortment of badgerberries. And all the badgerberries were more than happy to stay with them, given how beneficial the arrangement was. All inclusive accomodation in exchange for being juiced now and then.

Besides, it wasn't like they could really go back, not when they're big bloated berries.

Just, it was recently that the facility was undergoing a bit of a slump. Badgers were starting to be more careful and the supply of badgerberries had 'stopped' for the moment. Meaning, they could only supply as much as they had. Which, in the growing world, meant they were starting to be outpaced.

The only alternatives they had were to reach out and advertised, which would blow their cover most likely, or 'assist' in the creation of badgerberries. Neither option was considered by the company, considering the potential consequences of each choice.

James just got up, giving a small shrug as he headed off back to the courtyard. They'll figure out a solution somehow. They've managed to hold on this long. Surely, this will just be a 'bump in the road'.

They'll find a way. Somehow.