Author's note: All characters from Chip 'n Dale's Rescue Rangers with the addition of Clarice are copyright Disney. The APF and McDugell are creations of Matt Plotecher. All other characters are creations of Rachel S. Gloess.

The author would like to thank CD for his lasting dedication to Clarice, the female chipmunk from the Chip and Dale short "Two Chips and a Miss." CD has also been a great help with facts and other information that have contributed to this story. She would also like to thank her husband Hardy for his feedback and inspirations that have greatly improved this story.

Clarice Returns

By Rachel S. Gloess

Prologue

Snow fell softly outside of Ranger HQ. It was a lazy February day, and the occupants embodied that feeling. Chip sat flipping through a Sureluck Jones novel and Dale re-organized his comic collection for the thirtieth time. Monty and Zipper were tinkering in the kitchen, and Gadget was refurbishing one of several inventions. A knock on the door startled Chip out of his reverie. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation of a case, he answered the door.

And promptly collapsed.

Dale looked up briefly from his comics when he heard the thud of Chip's body. At first, he began to laugh hysterically at Chip's apparent predicament and reaction, rolling about on the floor, holding his sides. After the moment of hilarity subsided, he choked back his glee and finally moved enough to see who the visitor could be. He blinked several times, not sure what to think. "Uhhhh . . ." was all he could manage, his jaw hanging slack.

A demurely dressed lady chipmunk stood in the doorway, aghast at Chip's "welcome." "Gee," she stated. "I didn't think he would react like that." She turned her emerald eyes on Dale. "Dale! How are you?"

"Uhhhhh . . . ." His eyes were now glassy, his prior amusement drained.

"What's goin' on in here?" Monty emerged from the kitchen in his customary apron. "Too-ra-loo! Ma'am, what can we do for you, and . . . why is little Chippah lyin' on the floor? And Dale—are you droolin'?"

The lady, ignoring Dale's stupefied response, stepped gracefully over Chip's body to shake Monterey's hand. She spoke in soft, melodic tones. "My name is Clarice. I'm very pleased to meet you."