Copyright 1999 -- Robert Baer Jr 

PROLOGUE

Ever wonder what would happan if the entire world had "gone to the birds?"
  IT HAS!   In BirdWorld.  This is the continuing saga of Robin Mallory,
loyal wife, loving mother and career woman.   How does she stay on top of
things in her busy life?  Once again, we'll ask "Chipper" Birdwell,
Robin's father, that very question.

BirdWorld - "The Ceremony"

We approach Chipper's tree looking for the grand old bird.   He spots us
first, yelling down,"Hello there friends!   I have something to show you,
don't go away!"    Chipper hops into his birdhouse and emerges holding a
shiny looking chain in his wings.   "See this?   This is the medal of
honor that my Robin received yesterday from the mayor and BirdWorld
council!   Wait a minute, I'm getting ahead of myself, let me tell you the
whole story, and the surprise that all of BirdWorld is STILL chirping
about!"

It was a bright Saturday afternoon, and the entire populus seemed to be
lining the streets to once more, salute the bravery and success of my
Robin, her husband and their 'team.'   Cheers went up from the crowd as
the mayor and four remaining BirdWorld council members came to the stage
set up in the middle of the town square.   They were followed closely by
Robin, Joe, Thrush and Wild Bill!   Otto slowly walked toward the stage,
gingerly walking forward being extremely careful not to step on anyone or
any street fixtures.   As is the custom, the mayor approached the
microphone first to give the opening speech.

"Ladies and gentlebirds!   I, your Mayor, take great pleasure in helping
all the citizens of BirdWorld salute these four brave birds and German
Shepard standing behind me!   Once more, they have saved our fair city
from discovery by the outside world, and stopped the treasonous activities
of former Councilman Fred Kite and former prosecutor Kenneth Starling!  
It is once again my honor to award Robin Mallory, Joe Mallory, Thrush
Limbird, Wild Bill Bluejay, and Otto the dog these medals for their
courage, resourcefulness, and heroism!"

This said, several doves came to the stage and each placed a medal around
the neck of the four heroic birds.   Three other doves took flight,
holding a very large chain with a large gold medal on the end and gently
placed it around Otto's huge neck!  It was a very awesome sight, indeed! 
The crowd cheered wildly and started chatting "SPEECH!  SPEECH!" to Robin
and her friends!   Before she could step forward to the mike, Miles
Milner, head of the BirdWorld Council, asked to be allowed to give some
short remarks to the audience.   What happened next was a very special and
milestone announcement!

"Citizens of BirdWorld, I speak for the entire Council when I say to our
decorated comrades, Thank you all, for a job well done!  But now I have
something very important to say concerning your BirdWorld Council.   As
you are all aware, Fred Kite officially resigned his seat before making
his infamous trek to the outside world.   That means there is a vacancy in
our council, and under the official charter of BirdWorld, it is up to the
remaining members to nominate someone to replace him until the next
election is held.   We, the four remaining council members have met in
special session, and decided unaniously upon the name of our new council
member, and that name is...... ROBIN MALLORY!"

Wild cheers of enthusiam came from all those in attendence.   I could tell
by the look of Robin's face that she was caught totally by surprise!  
Even Joe looked a bit shocked, Thrush was happy beyond words!   All Robin
could do was look at Mr. Biszop and said,"but I can't, I don't want to
give up my job at the station!"    Mr Biszop put his wing around Robin and
said,"you don't have to make that choice, Robin!   The council usually
meets at night, and those times it meets during the day, I'll gladly give
you time off to serve!   Robin, in many ways you're like a daugther to me,
and I'm so proud of you, my dear!   If you join the Council, I'll
guarantee that you'll still have both a job, and your position of station
manager at WBIRD!"

"Robin," Miles continued,"you have repeatedly demonstrated both courage
and cunning, two traits that do, indeed, qualify you to have a seat in our
council, what do you say, will you accept this appointment?"

Robin was weeping with joy, so was Joe, Thrush, Carla and Robert Delmar,
and all of Robin's children were also crying, surrounding their mother and
hugging her.   Even the unemotional Edward R Sparrow couldn't hold back
his tears of joy.  Wild Bill cried loudly, blowing his beak loudly several
times with a multi-colored hankerchief supplied by Babs Finchly.   The
crowd began chanting "ROBIN!  ROBIN!  ROBIN!  ROBIN!"    Robin was so
moved by this outpouring of affection that all she could do in response
was nod her head and shout "YES!" 

Everyone cheered wildly for Robin!   It was such an incredible seen!   An
inpromptu parade began through the streets of the city, with all the four
heros, the mayor, the members of the BirdWorld Council and the entire
WBIRD staff riding on the back of Otto!   Otto began playing some
appropriate band music through his sound system, and the large crowd of
birds began cheering, throwing confetti in the air and some birds even
took to flight, joining the parade by air!   In all my years living in
this enchanted land, I'd never seen a spectacular scene like this!   I was
never so proud of my Robin!   I always knew with her brains and
determination that she'd make a name for herself, and now, she had done it
with flair and style!   I'm so happy, I'm busting out all over with
happiness!   Well, for now on when you come to my tree to talk to me,
remember that you're talking to the father of Councilwoman Robin Mallory! 
 Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to put this medal back on the
mantlepiece.   I always knew Robin would go far, but I never even imagined
that someday, she'd be sitting on the BirdWorld Council!   This will be a
day that Robin's children and all of BirdWorld will remember forever!  
Now I must go, farewell, my friends!

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