However, according to the sequel, Jenner had in fact managed to escape the fate of the others (the first book having left it inconclusive whether "six or seven" dead rats were found, Jenner's group having had seven). Although he and the few surviving separatists had strong philosophical opposition toward the Thorn Valley group, they kept their distance, still believing that their way of life was better. In the sequel, it is revealed that Jenner had started a family, which Racso happens to be a part of. Jenner later makes a surprise appearance in the story and shows that despite his questionable loyalties, he cares strongly for his son. Some readers feel that the inclusion of Jenner as an antihero was heavily influenced by the film adaptation of the first book, "The Secret of NIMH", in which Jenner played a much more central role than he did in the book. However, Jenner only turns up rarely in the book, mainly in flashbacks, and is killed off the page during the climax.