1. The Idealist and the Realist

The sun shone bright against the clear cerulean blue sky, spreading its rays over the peaceful city of St. Canard. The city's residents welcomed its lovely afternoon heat after a long hard day at work or in school. The same goes for the students at the city's university. In the semi-dry grass outside the big white dazzling university building, young hippies, wearing headbands and colorful clothes bought at second hand, relaxed and took the opportunity to enjoy the last days of summer. A troubadour in the area filled the air with soothing tones of psychedelic music from his guitar that spread love and joy to every ear they reached. A cool breeze swept past the trees thin twigs and made the leaves rustle.

It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors in Mother Nature's rich amazing environment. Or to spend inside in peace and take the opportunity to use the school's for the moment almost empty library, something a certain duck had chosen to do it this time. Dust particles was noticeably seen dancing in the light that streamed in through the big windows near one of the rectangular tables there the young mallard sat by, trying to make out the black text in his textbook. He was dressed in an olive green worn polo shirt with a blue-and-yellow flower embroidered on the left chest. The forehead was adorned with a thin purple headband, which was somewhat hidden under the shaggy hairstyle.

His name was Reginald Bushroot and was a sophomore student in the university's biology program. The book he was reading was about nutrient absorption in plants. Plants had always fascinated Reginald. Their incredible ability to produce their own energy, the beauty and fragility in their exterior, plus the fact that all life on Earth depends on their existence. That's why he had chosen to devote his life to them.

You could say that Reginald sure was living in the right decade. Never before in history had so many people started to show interest in nature and the planet's future. Finally the society was starting to revolutionize against all the pollutions and toxic wastes that was destroying nature, and ourselves. After all, if nature disappears all the life would do that too.

As a young hippie and environmentalist, Reginald was eager to do everything to make the world a better place to live. Therefore, he had joined an organization called O.P.A.L. (Organization of Peace and Love) that was led by a highly respected 27-year-old anthropomorphic Sacred Birman cat named Lucas Whiskers. Lucas Whiskers was Reginald's biggest idol, and St. Canard's most well-known activist. Thanks to his leadership, the association had managed to make some radical changes in the city during the recent years. Not only had they managed to educate more people about more environmentally friendly alternatives, they had also succeeded in stopping a number of industrial companies from producing or using toxic chemicals or radioactive substances. On top of that, Lucas was also a very nice, optimistic and friendly person, although he seemed to have little difficulty in remembering Reginald's name. But with over three hundred supporters, that might not be so surprising, especially considering that a simple person like Reginald was pretty easily overseen.

Joining O.P.A.L. had indeed been one of the best choices in Reginald's life. Throughout his whole school years he had always been seen as "the weak and geeky nerd" and had therefor never really had any real friends. The only living creatures that he used to hang out with were the plants. But after he had started at the university and joined the organization, things had changes. For the first time in his life he felt that he belonged somewhere, in a community. No one in the organization made fun of him or was mean to him. No, among the Opals everyone were friends and everybody respected and supported each other.

Reginald had long yearned to contribute with something for the organization, something that could benefit everyone including the association. Or at least something that could make their great leader to remember his name. Therefore, he had chosen to engage himself in their present opposition against the company Ajax Chemicals. Lucas had for a long period suspected that the company was using direct harmful substances in their products that not only might be dangerous for the environment but also for people's health. Unfortunately, they'd never managed to obtain enough evidence to sue the company and stop their productions. Therefore, they were now preparing a plan to infiltrate the area so they could do more thoroughly analyzes. In other words, they were going to break into the building and obtain the incriminating evidences to bring the company down. Since Lucas needed at least two people in the operation that were knowledgeable in chemistry and/or biochemistry Reginald had for once chosen to step out of his safe little corner and show his best side by signing up as a volunteer. However, he would probably never ever have done it if it hadn't been for… her…

Her name was Rhoda Dendron and she was in the same program as Reginald. She was as beautiful as the flower she was named after, if not more. She was the most kind-hearted and caring person he had ever met, aside from Lucas possibly. Unlike all the other girls, and, well, other people in general, Rhoda seemed to at least notice him. Lovely little Rhoda… Since the two of them studied the same courses and had done a few laboratory practicals together, they had gotten to know each other and came along very well. Still, Reginald had yet never gotten the courage to ask her out. After all, why would someone like him ever have a chance on someone like her? He was a nobody while she was… well everything. But… if he could prove himself worthy… Then maybe she would start liking him. That's why, when he heard that Rhoda had assigned for Lucas's coup, he had chosen to volunteer as well. This was his big chance! Both to impress Rhoda and to get the great Lucas to notice him.

Anxiously, Reginald sighed and drummed a little stressed with his fingers on the table. To say he was nervous about the coup, which would be implemented this evening, was rather an understatement. Maybe it was a bad idea to sign up anyway, he thought. If they got exposed, there was of course a huge risk for him to lose his scholarship at the school, which meant he wouldn't be able to afford finishing the education. He was putting his whole future at stake after all. Then again, he really wanted to help out making a change to the world and show what he was made of. He might never get another chance.

He shook his head a little, trying to shake off the nervousness, before burying his bill into the book again to continue reading about the osmosis' role in plants water transport system. To work with his favorite hobby usually had a calming effect on him. It was a good way to screen himself off from reality and all its unpleasantness for a while. However, it seemed like reality had gotten a really good grip on him this day.

Okay, easy now Reggie, there is nothing to worry about, he tried to convince himself. It's not like we're going to steal anything or so. We're just going to get inside, take a few pictures with the camera, and then leave. It's for a good cause. Besides, Lucas will be there, and he always knows what he's doing. And Rhoda will be there. This is my big chance to show her, and everyone else, that I'm not a coward.

No, I can do this, I'm not afraid, he thought encouraging for himself. I'm no coward, I am brave! I'm a man!

SCHLOOM!

"YIKES!"

His heart almost jumped out of his chest when a stack of books slammed down all of a sudden right next to him on the table.

"Whoa… Talk about being jumpy."

To the right, he was met by a quite perplexed, yet pretty amused, brown-beige dog with a big nose and long hanging black ears. He was wearing a brown suite on top of a yellow shirt and blue tie. His black hair, which shone slightly in a navy blue shimmer, was almost too perfectly parted in the middle and made Reginald wonder if he hadn't used a ruler to get it right.

"Huh? I-I wasn't scared. I just got… startled. I didn't noticed you coming", the duck claimed, still a bit in shock.

"Hey, are you waiting for someone or is it okay if I take this seat?" the dog asked with his hand resting on the backrest of the chair next to Reginald.

"No. Er…! I meant no to that I'm not waiting for someone! The seat is free! You can have it", Reginald explained hasty when realizing that the dog had asked two questions in the same sentence.

"Okay, good!" the dog said and pulled out the chair, which made a shuffling noise against the floor, and sat down. Then he grabbed the top book in his pile and started turning the pages. Reginald returned to his own book.

"So, what are you studying?" the dog suddenly asked after a while.

"Uh, well, I'm studying to become a botanist", Reginald told, unsure whether he should point out that they actually were in a library. Not that there really was anyone else there besides them and the sleeping librarian, who was leaning over the counter far by the entrance.

"Aha, what's that?" the canine asked.

"Someone who's doing researches in plants", he explained short.

"Okay… Heeey! Now I know who you are! You're that weird flower-dude who lives in a greenhouse!" the dog exclaimed and pointed, suddenly recalling, at the duck.

"Uh… yes, I do live in a greenhouse", Reginald said a bit confounded.

"Yeah, that's typically you hippies. You live in the weirdest lodges. In tents or vans, or greenhouses."

"Well, it is a good way to avoid the polluted air of the city while also growing your own ecological crops", Reginald pointed out proud. "Besides, the rent is cheep."

"Well, considering how your future is going to look like I guess you're probably doing right to think economical, hehe!" the dog said and laughed teasing.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Reginald asked a bit puzzled.

"No, I'm just saying there's no particular profit in plants", the dog said and shrugged.

"Excuse me, but it happens to be thanks to the plants that we even exist!" Reginald pointed out quite insulted.

"Maybe, but there's no money in it. People aren't interested investing in plants."

"Then you obviously don't know everybody", Reginald said sour. "What are you reading by the way?"

"Financing and marketing. You happen to be looking at Bud Flud, the future president of Sparkling Crystal Pure Flud Water", he said, proudly pointing at himself with his thumb. "As soon as I graduate I'm going to be an employee of my father's company and make lots of money."

"Oh! I see! You're one of those jerks who helps the society to make the already rich big shots to become even richer by fooling the poor wretches to become even poorer."

"Exactly!" Bud said unabashed, fully aware of the sarcasm in the duck's tone.

"You know, selling bottle-water to people who live in countries with access to clean tap water is just like selling snow to an Eskimo, or sand to a Bedouin. It's completely stupid! Not to mention wasteful!" Reginald opined, a little outraged.

"It's not about what you sell, it's how you sell it", Bud explained. "With right tactics and convinces you can trick people into buy anything. Heh! I swear, when I've finished my studies here I bet I'll probably be able to sell air to people."

"HA! I don't have to buy your air. I've already got plants that can produce oxygen for me for free", Reginald remarked shrewd.

Bud frowned and thoughtfully scratched his chin a little.

"You know, that's actually not bad thinking", he admitted quite impressed. "I think you might be on to something here."

"You're unbelievable!" Reginald said disgusted.

"I know!" Bud said haughty, fully aware of the true meaning in the duck's words.

"I didn't mean it in a good way", Reginald, who didn't really get Bud's witticism, explained flat. "You know, there are actually more important things in life than money."

"What a typical treehugger-thing to say", Bud said nonchalant. "Heh! With your love for trees maybe you should be careful so you won't become one with nature literally one day. Hahaha!"

Grr!

Reginald felt his usually inexhaustible patience beginning to run out.

"You know what? That greed of yours is one day going to take over you to that point that you won't even be able to tell your own reflection in the mirror!" the water fowl snapped sour.

"Well, at least I'll be rich", Bud said and smirked.

Aggravated, Reginald took hold of each side of the cover of his own open book and closed it to a half-loud slam. Then he stood up from the chair, taking the book under his arm.

"You have to excuse me, Mr. Future-President-Flud, but I think I better get home now", he said sarcastic. "I've got plants to water."

"Hey! You could buy some water from Sparkling Crystal Pure Flud Water", Bud suggested teasing. "If you're really nice I just might help you get a discount. I've got connections you know."

"Thanks, but I think I'll be just fine without your help", Reginald said before enraged making his way towards the exit. Man! What a jerk!

The floor shook slightly under the duck's loudly angry stomping webbed feet, waking the slumbering librarian.

"Huh? H-Hey! No loud noises in the library!"