Chapter 8 - Mayhem gets a job.

Mayhem was quite content. For the first few weeks on the base he stayed very close to Fred, spending most of his days tucked safely inside Fred's uniform jacket, sharing bites of his food, staying warn and safe. But....

Fred knew he couldn't continue to hide Mayhem very much longer. He was growing at an extraordinary rate, perhaps because of the teaspoon of condensed milk he got for a treat every evening - but probably due to the huge population of mice in and near the barracks...which was falling rapidly due to Mayhem's prowess as a mouser. In fact, this skill was what finally allowed Mayhem to move freely about the barracks .

Exeter was quickly becoming a major airforce base in England's war effort and its airfield was being rebuilt and enlarged to house more RAF divisions and their aircraft and troops. When the fields were torn up to be turned into landing strips, the mice living in the grass were forced to search for new homes. Many of them retreated to the warmth of the barracks. Fred soon realized that his quarters had significantly fewer mice problems because Mayhem was working diligently to capture and eat every mouse that foolishly came near.

Finally, one morning Fred approached his squadron leader. "Sir", he said, "the lads in the RCAF quarters are finding evidence of mice in their footlockers and in the cupboards." "I have a suggestion that might solve the problem." What's that? asked the leader "Well, sir", Fred started, "I think we need a cat in the barracks". "It's unusal, but I'd like to give it a try. What do you say?""I say, lets do it" responded the Squadron Leader. I think it just might work. If it does, I'll bring the idea to the Base Commander for the other divisions to try.

Where will you get a cat? he quieried. Fred smiled sheepishly, then reached into his jacket and brought out Mayhem. "I've actually had him for a little while now and he's no trouble at all. " "Well, I'll be damned," laughed the squadron leader. All right young man, you may keep this cat in your barracks, but mind you, I'll be checking to make sure he's doing his job. And, if it doesn't work out, he'll have to go. Do you understand? "Yes sir" agreed Fred.

Mayhem quickly became a favorite with the soldiers in Fred's barracks. Many of the young pilots were farm boys and were used to having cats and dogs in the barns at home in Canada. Mayhem's presence made the barracks less utilitarian and much more homelike in their eyes.

Mayhem took his role very seriously and quickly became an indomitable mouser and a great friend to all the young men. But he was definitely Fred's cat first and foremost. He seemed to understand how dangerous Fred's missions were and whenever he left, Mayhem would curl up on his bunk and wait quietly for him to return . He had a 6th sense, or he could hear the drone of the aircraft returning long before anyone else could, so every time Fred arrived back to the barracks after a mission, Mayhem would be waiting at the doorway to present him with a delicious freshly caught mouse. Naturally the men noticed this quite quickly and Mayhem's ability to predict a safe return of the bomber squadrons became a source of great pride to them and Fred. Mayhem was becoming quite a celebrity on the airbase.