Feathers and Fur
He looked through the small oval opening that allowed entrance to oak tree stump that he called his home. It was as dark as he could remember it ever being. There was no moon to see by or to light the path to the large red building. There was only an occasional glimmer of a distant star appearing as a cloud moved slowly away. The cloud surrendered it position as a drifting blockade, allowing him to know that he was still alive. He watched as a new cloud moved into position and once again, he could see no source of light. This cycle repeated four or five times before he remembered why he was peering from his entry way. There was a reason for looking out on such a cold, black night.
He was hungry. His stomach sent a message to his brain that it was empty. His body had spent all but just a small amount of the energy that he held in reserve between his muscles and skin. He did not want to exit his home, but nature has sent him the knowledge that it was time. He slowly pushed his nose through the opening. The frigid wind combined with the melting snow confirmed what he was already thinking. This needs to be a quick trip. The cold temperature would cause his body to use his remaining energy more rapidly than ever. If he takes too long, he will not make it back to his oak stump.
He pushed his whiskers through the opening. One by one the whiskers bent backwards down the length of his snout, some nearly reaching his eyes. Then, in a fraction of a second, each whisker would return to its original position as if the whiskers were made from living springs. After the whiskers were all horizontal to the ground, he pushed the remainder of his head through the opening. His ears stood as tall as his species would allow, listening for any sound that might indicate that there was danger. His eyes could see the red barn in the distance. He knew there were other species in the building, and he knew that the species that walked on two legs and carried a bucket had put food in the building. He watched him carry the food in every day for along as he could remember. He knew there would be food scattered about the building, uneaten by the other species. They would not care if he ate a few morsels. They did not care if he was in the building. He was excited now. There were no sounds to alarm him. No visions that warned him of impending doom. He lunged forward and his body seemed to stretch, becoming narrower and longer so that it too could pass through the opening. He increased his speed as his tail cleared his doorway. He ran in a straight line towards the door of the building. Though he had to move around plants and clumps of remaining snow, his path was straight. It was as if he had a compass and was following his chosen azimuth as close as he could. He had to be exact. Life depended on it.
He moved closer and closer to the building, stopping occasionally to listen, smell and see as well as the darkness would allow him to see. He stood on his hind legs at each stop, using his tail to help him remain balanced. His ears would stand as high as he could stretch them atop his head while his nostrils would flare wide open and relax many times at each stop. His brain processed the information gathered by his senses and every time he was given the “all clear” to continue. Soon, almost as if it were a surprise, he was standing at an opening in the exterior of the building. The same entrance he had passed through so many times before.
He felt relieved as he passed through alive and unhurt. There are so many dangers on the course between the oak stump and the building. So many ways for him to die. He reared back on his hind legs again, this time his nostrils flaring and relaxing faster and faster. His brain took the information from the smells and separated them. Soon he could distinguish the differences between the smells left by other species in the building and food. He followed the particulates of sustenance and soon realized he was standing in along open space with much smaller enclosed spaces on each side of him. He could see the feet of the other species that were trapped in the smaller spaces. He raised up one more time to be sure he was heading towards the food. As he lifted his head to begin the process of taking in more smells, he faintly could see two small circles sitting close together and horizontal with the ground. The circles were hardly visible but still brighter that the space around them. He was not concerned. His brain told him it was safe to continue his march towards the food. If the circles did represent a threat, they were many small spaces away and there would be enough time to escape. On he journeyed, stopping at each small place to use his senses again. Each time the food seemed closer. The scent was becoming so near that he could now taste it.
He stopped again and raised his head as high as he could thinking it must only be a few more steps. Suddenly, overwhelming uneasiness overtook him. He caught another glimpse of the circles. This time, the circles vanished for a short period of time, then returned to view. It happened more expeditiously than the time needed to flare his nostrils. He stopped all movement, and his brain began processing the new visual information. He flared his nostrils several times, slower and deeper than before. He stood there as his brain revealed a new smell. The smell of the flying species that tried to capture him many times in the past. Survival mode now took over. Not fear. No not fear. He was strong and survived this threat before. Speed, cunning and stealth would save him again. It had to work. It has always worked.
The orange glow of the sun was now piercing the cracks and holes of the building’s walls and he contemplated his next move. The light confirmed for him what he already knew. The circles reflected the light, and he could see the white that surrounded the circles. Centered on but just below the circles was the short now glimmering sharp object. Oh, how he wished he had recognized this danger sooner. How he wished there was more small spaces between himself and the threat.
She stood firmly perched on the last crossmember of a rafter. The last rafter before the back wall of the building. She was centered on the rafter, staring down the long open space. Her powerful eyes could see her prey directly in front of her. She turned her head from side to side, surveying her prey’s possible escape routes. Normally she would need to leave the building to find food. Not this time! There it was right before her! She was happy and hungry. She opened her wings slightly and rocked slightly from foot to foot. This was to ensure she had the proper take off stance and that all her talons were loosed from their grip on the rafter.
He was now completely overtaken by his predicament. Run left, or right? About face and run back? He could not decide. His heart beating at a pace he has never experienced before. Faster and louder. Faster and louder. The awful feeling of dread came as he realized his since of hearing had failed him. The increasing level of sound was not his heart. He knew it just as he felt the intermittent rush of fast-moving air all around him. It was beating wings. Her wings. As quickly as he could process what was happening, her weight forced him even closer to the hard floor of the long space. The sharp points from a foot pushed their way through his fur and skin. Some hardly making their way through, but some passing deep inside him. Small circles of his blood began to appear around the sharp pointed weapons.
Just as quickly as she pounced on him, she secured him in her foot and took flight. She made an aerial U-turn and proceeded back to her chosen rafter. Her perch that was her home. He gyrated his body while in flight, but it proved pointless. Her grip was just too powerful. The more he tried to twist, the tighter her grip became. In a hardly measurable lapse of time, she was back on her perch, and he was with her. He was no quitter! He kicked and clawed with all four feet and clamped his teeth down on whatever he could as she raised him with one foot toward the weapon centered between the circles. He fought so savagely that he dislodged some of her strange feeling fur. He could see them falling to the ground. Some fell flat and slow to the ground while some twisted as they descended. He found it entertaining despite his situation. As her weapon opened, he noticed that her fur landed on the floor in a circle. He was not sure why, but the circle seemed significant to life. The weapon was now around his neck and beginning to close. He stopped fighting as he felt the life leave him. He was still proud and strong. He did not give up. He simply accepted his fate.
She used her foot and weapon to completely open him up. She consumed as much of his flesh as she could pull from his bones and skin. Satisfied that she had taken all she could from, she released the fur and remaining bones from her grip. The remains tumbled through the air until they landed in the middle of the circle of her fur. The soft puff of air created when the remains landed on the ground slightly moved the fur forming a larger circle. She raised her wings and gently flapped them in show of satisfaction. Then she side stepped her way along the rafter to the wall. She was thankful for her meal. She would soon be constructing a nest and laying her eggs. She needed the strength and stamina that came from such a meal. She closed her eyes and she compilated all that lay ahead regarding the rearing of her young.
The big door to the building creeped open letting in more and more light. She opened one eye and could see the two-legged species enter the build with his bucket. The shades of his fur changed from day to day, but his actions did not. Walk up one side of the long space and give food to the other species that lived in the small spaces, then walk back down the other side doing the same. Today though, something changed. Something happened that was different. So different that intrigued her. She opened her other eye to watch. He sat his bucket down a squinted his eyes to see the circle. The circle of what he recognized to be feathers from a barn owl and the fur and bones from a large field mouse. Then she watched him take a short magical stick from his fur. It had to be magic because she heard a clicking sound and a bright ray of light emerged from the stick. It made everything it touched shine brightly. The ray of light moved to the two very different types of fur and paused there for a few ticks of time. The two-legged species then scratched the bottom part of his head as the ray of light moved about the building. The light soon brightened her but did not come to rest on her like it did on the ground. After passing over her, she heard the clicking sound again and the ray of light was gone. The two-legged species had spotted her, but he did not want to disturb her. She then heard him make strange sounds as he said, “You are safe in her as long as you help keep those critters out of my barn.” She did not know why, but she felt a sense of great pride as the two-legged species made the sounds. She felt like she had done something good and helpful. The two-legged species took a broom and swept away the feathers and fur lying on the ground. He pushed and pushed until the pile left from the battle disappeared through the building’s big door. He picked up his bucket and completed his daily task as if nothing different happened. She knew better though. Something did happen.
As the door was closed by the two-legged species, another soon to be mother was moving as fast as she could towards the oval opening in the oak stump. She was smaller than the other occupant, her whiskers hardly bending as she entered. She did not know where her mate was. She was not worried about his absence. It was not uncommon for her kind for the mate to leave. She was a little relieved. Sometimes the mate would kill the young ones. She did not want them to meet such an awful fate. She turned around inside the stump and peered at the building. She knew she would need food to sustain her during the birth and weening of her soon coming young. She knew there was food in the building. She had been inside before.
By Carl W Hartman
01/24/2021
About the Creator
Carl Hartman
I am married and have three sons and one granddaughter. We live in Ohio and other than Army time, I have lived in Ohio my entire life thus far. I enjoy writing and reading what others have wrote.
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US Balks as UK and France Pledge Troops to Postwar Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine grinds on with no clear end in sight, the debate over what comes after the fighting has taken a sharper turn. The United States has signalled reluctance about committing troops to Ukraine once the war ends, even as the United Kingdom and France openly pledge to consider deploying forces in a postwar security role. The divergence has exposed differing strategic priorities among Western allies and raised new questions about how Ukraine’s future security will be guaranteed. While all three nations remain united in their support for Kyiv during the war, the emerging split over postwar troop commitments highlights the complexity of planning for peace in a conflict that continues to reshape Europe’s security landscape. What the UK and France Are Proposing British and French leaders have increasingly spoken about the need for long-term security arrangements for Ukraine once active hostilities end. Their position reflects a growing concern that any ceasefire or peace agreement could be fragile, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to renewed aggression. The idea under discussion is not a combat deployment in an active war zone, but rather a stabilisation or reassurance force. Such troops could help train Ukrainian forces, protect critical infrastructure, and serve as a visible deterrent against future attacks. Supporters argue that a limited but credible international presence would help ensure that any peace settlement is respected. For London and Paris, this approach fits within a broader European push to take more responsibility for continental security. Both governments see Ukraine not only as a partner but as a frontline state whose stability directly affects Europe as a whole. Why Washington Is Hesitant The United States, while remaining Ukraine’s most significant military backer during the war, has taken a more cautious stance on postwar troop deployments. American officials have stressed that there are no plans to send US forces into Ukraine, even after a potential peace agreement. This hesitation is rooted in several factors. First, Washington remains wary of any move that could risk a direct confrontation with Russia. Even in a postwar scenario, the presence of US troops on Ukrainian soil could be portrayed by Moscow as a provocation, escalating tensions rather than reducing them. Second, domestic considerations play a major role. After years of overseas military engagements, there is limited appetite among the American public and political class for new long-term deployments abroad, particularly in a region where risks remain high and outcomes uncertain. Finally, US strategy has increasingly emphasised supporting allies through funding, training, and equipment rather than large-scale troop commitments. From Washington’s perspective, enabling Ukraine to defend itself may be preferable to stationing American forces on the ground. A Question of Deterrence At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question: what will actually deter future aggression against Ukraine? The UK and France appear to believe that a physical presence, however limited, would send a powerful signal of commitment. Troops on the ground would demonstrate that Ukraine’s security is directly tied to that of major European powers, raising the cost of any future attack. The US, by contrast, seems to place greater faith in alternative mechanisms such as long-term military aid, security guarantees, and sanctions frameworks. American officials argue that deterrence does not necessarily require boots on the ground, especially if Ukraine emerges from the war better armed and more integrated with Western institutions. This difference reflects broader strategic cultures. European powers, facing the immediate proximity of the conflict, may feel a stronger need for visible reassurance measures, while the US assesses risks from a more global perspective. Implications for NATO Unity Although Ukraine is not a NATO member, the discussion has clear implications for the alliance. Any deployment of UK or French troops would be closely scrutinised for what it means for NATO’s role and credibility. NATO operates on consensus, and the absence of US support for a postwar troop presence could complicate coordination. Even if London and Paris act independently or as part of a smaller coalition, questions would remain about command structures, rules of engagement, and the political backing required for such a mission. At the same time, the situation underscores a broader shift within NATO, with European members increasingly expected to shoulder more responsibility. If the UK and France proceed with their plans, it could mark a significant step toward a more autonomous European security posture. Ukraine’s Perspective For Kyiv, the debate is both encouraging and frustrating. On one hand, the willingness of major European powers to consider troop deployments signals long-term commitment and recognition of Ukraine’s security concerns. On the other hand, uncertainty from the US—Ukraine’s most powerful ally—adds another layer of unpredictability. Ukrainian leaders have consistently argued that security guarantees must be concrete, not symbolic. From their perspective, any postwar arrangement must ensure that Russia cannot simply regroup and strike again. Whether this is achieved through foreign troops, binding treaties, or accelerated integration with Western institutions remains an open question. What is clear is that Ukraine wants assurances that go beyond promises and declarations. The Risk of Mixed Signals One potential danger of the current divergence is the message it sends to Moscow. Differing positions among Western allies could be interpreted as hesitation or lack of unity, potentially weakening deterrence rather than strengthening it. At the same time, open debate is not necessarily a sign of weakness. Allies often disagree on tactics while remaining aligned on broader goals. The challenge will be ensuring that these differences do not undermine the core objective of securing a stable and sovereign Ukraine. Diplomats on both sides of the Atlantic are likely to continue working behind the scenes to narrow the gap, even if public statements suggest a clear divide. Looking Ahead The question of postwar Ukraine remains largely theoretical while fighting continues. Yet the discussion itself reveals how seriously Western governments are taking the long-term consequences of the conflict. The UK and France’s willingness to pledge troops reflects a belief that peace must be actively protected. The US reluctance highlights concerns about escalation, sustainability, and domestic support. Reconciling these approaches will be one of the most important diplomatic challenges once the guns eventually fall silent. For now, the disagreement does not signal a breakdown in alliance unity, but it does expose the difficult choices ahead. As the war continues, planning for peace is proving almost as complex—and politically sensitive—as managing the conflict itself.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
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