Prolongation

The two scientists were running even more tests.

The voles that were being studied were of the Microtus Fortis type, commonly known as the Reed Vole. Not much research had been carried out on these cute little rodents. The director of the institute had ordered a more thorough study of the creatures with emphasis being placed on their cognitive abilities. Although the research was being carried out to prove that these tiny creatures had no more native intelligence than any other similar rodent, they were deliberately sourced from Guatemala. It was in this part of the world that the legends have been rife for centuries that the animals had mystic powers. Quite naturally, the two men tasked with carrying out the prescribed experiments were scientists. They based their work on science as opposed to myth. Both were experienced mammologists, specialising in mammals.

Their best subject was a male. He certainly performed much better than the others when they were all put through the same testing regime. He was a large, particularly stocky creature with rather smaller ears than most, with cute little orange teeth and a thick fur coat of a striking mix of brown and grey. As small dumb animals go, he was really quite personable. Although he had excelled in all test scores overall, these were by no means consistent. It was as though there were times when he just couldn’t be bothered. The testing being carried out for cognitive behaviour was only very basic. While the object of any such programme was, as always, to measure the subject’s ability to think, know, remember, judge and problem-solve, the simple tests being carried out by the two researchers were all based on what could be reasonably expected from a vole.

The exceptionally high scores being attained by Rodney, their name for him, when he was observed to be making some sort of effort were definitely well outside of the norm. The fact that he seemed to display what looked like some kind of personality was reflected in the fact that they had quite spontaneously given him a name.

Completely out of the blue, one said, “Do you ever get the feeling that Rodney is watching us?”

The other was taken by surprise by the question, but thought about it for a moment. “Well, yes, I suppose so,” he said. “He does seem to be much more interested in us and what we are doing, compared with any of the others.”

“Nothing more than just interested, you think?”

“How do you mean?”

“Oh! I don’t know; maybe I’m imagining it, but I get the feeling that he’s actually carefully observing, as opposed to just watching.”

The other shook his head with a grin. “Ooh! Steady on. This is a vole we’re dealing with here. It’s just a vole.”

The first man sighed. “Yes. You’re probably right. Maybe I should take more regular breaks?”

The other rolled his shoulders. “It probably wouldn’t do either of us any harm to make sure that we go off and stretch our legs from time to time, after all we’ve been doing this nonstop for a number of days.” He patted his colleague on the arm. “In fact, let’s go and get hot drinks and sit it out for a few minutes.”

After the other nodded his agreement, he peered into Rodney’s cage and said, “I’m sure you wouldn’t mind a short break either, little guy.”

Rodney watched them go.

He thinks, I hope I didn’t overdo it with those high scores… I only want to keep them interested. He rolls over in his comfy bed of straw. The longer I can keep this research project going, the better. I have everything a guy could want here; accommodation, food, nice people, a bit dumb, but nice. One of them said my coat was attractive the other day. Maybe one of them will keep me as a pet? Let’s face it, anything to avoid going back to that stinking marshland hole in Guatemala!