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Virtually Real Part 26: Breaking Things

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar = Tiger, Wildside

Kyle = Drake

Shock = Fox

Frost

Mahan

Tank, human android

Tuft, rabbit android

Slider, blue enhanced suit sniper

Lee, grey enhanced suit heavy gunner

Kicker, green enhanced suit

Coldsnap, white enhanced suit

Commander, tan ground type enhanced suit

Breakdown, Exploration Team

Paradise, Exploration Team

"I can't believe we're doing this. At least I feel better this morning. Computer, give me an update of where we left off."

"After fighting off the Rex and discovering that Fox had survived, you and your team, were placed on medical leave pending a psychological evaluation. In that time Captain Shades has made two visits delivering Lee's light gray Enhanced suit. Presumably, a blue and a light gray Infantry suit were also delivered however there seems to be a locking malfunction on the hanger with the blue paint on it and no one’s been able to bypass the code to open it. There are two new Recon type suits for you to study in green and dark gray. Finally four Elite suits in white, orange, and two dark gray units, due to a clerical error, were delivered."

"I'm not giving up my Enhanced suit again." Shock interrupted.

"Not surprising, but I might see about customizing the extra dark gray suit, at least until a black variation becomes an option." I said.

"Prof. Hunter Larson, has enlarged his camp adding James Rico in his olive drab ground type Enhanced suit, Tangier Birde with an orange flight type Enhanced, Bob Porter in a standard navy blue Enhanced and Quin Fisher in a purple marine type Infantry suit." The Computer continued.

"I guess the game has been updating even though we haven't been playing for a while then." Shock said.

"Captain Mærik has made one trip delivering equipment for Badland’s Exploration Team and new base personnel including hospital staff."

"The shrink." I practically snarled.

"No, the mental health specialist, was a special request and arrived aboard the Bad Luck."

"Hold it, The Bad Luck and its crew were locked out of the game." I said.

"The Bad Luck and its crew were locked out as non-player characters." The computer replied.

"So Tank and Tuft have joined the game?" Kyle asked.

"Yes, Officer Tuft was overjoyed at the chance of, and I quote 'Prowl-Ar having his head examined' and the Bad Luck has been making regular trips delivering special supplies. Drake will find that some of his upgraded armor has arrived. The doctor has just, reluctantly, cleared all of you for active duty once more. You have all just been summoned to the Commander's office. Summary ends, beginning gameplay." The computer finished the recap.

We immediately headed toward the Command tower. "The game continued progressing even though we weren't present. I know we paused the game the last time we left." Shock reminded us.

"It could be because Tank and Tuft are playing the game." Kyle pointed out.

"No, because we paused our game this world would have been locked out of their game. They also avoided the lock out. That requires help, likely from Mahan. I don't want to say this, but I have a nasty suspicion that Frost has been playing this game while we were receiving the memory implants."

"No, Mahan said that his program was shut down until we had completed the implant. So the real question is when could he have been playing?" Shock asked, "It's only been three days and he was exhausted after his party."

"Then we spent part of the day on the station where the VR chambers are inoperative.” Kyle added.

"If all he did was set up the scenario he wouldn't need to be in the chamber, especially if he had help. This has Mahan written all over it."

"Sirs, I was just coming to inform you that the Commander wants to see your team immediately." The Corporal yelled as he came running.

"Speak of the devil. Mahan, did you assist Frost in joining this game?" Shock asked.

"How did you know it was me?"

"The real character refers to us by code name or Team One, never 'sirs'.” Kyle smiled, "Plus the Commander never wants to 'see us'. Instead he would have said we'd been commanded to appear."

"We're getting off track. Mahan, care to explain?" I asked.

"Yes, I made a few changes to the game. Tuft asked if he and Tank could play their part. It allows them a larger area of space to explore like they had in your story."

"That's fine, but not the main topic. You helped Frost enter the game, didn't you?"

"I admit that he politely asked for my help. You know that your game was in his upgrade programming as part of acclimating him to reality. It has become a very popular form of video entertainment."

"Then why did he ask about it as if he didn't?" Shock asked.

"He was scared you'd turn him down if he just asked to play the game. I’d just like to point out that is exactly what you did. Afterward he begged me to help him. After reviewing what is currently available on Earth for his age group I rated this game as acceptable."

"So you're admitting it." Kyle asked.

"Admitting what? Sorry I must have zoned out there for a minute. I've been spending every extra moment I can get training to use a suit." The Corporal replied.

Of course Mahan would jump out of the game. "Why do you want to pilot a suit?" I asked remembering that he was fully capable only I was waiting for the right suit.

"In order to join the Commander as the Base's last line of defense. We really should have a team devoted just to defending the base. Besides I'm sick of hiding in a bunker and waiting to die if all of you fail to stop the next attack. Oh, I'm distracting you when you should be meeting with the Commander, please excuse me." The clerk quickly turned and started to head off on his next assignment.

I was surprised at his explanation because I couldn’t remember ever stating my intention for him to fill that role. “Corporal, the green Recon suit is yours and you’ll be on the Commander’s team. However it’s up to you to convince him. Right now I get the feeling I’m the last person that could help you secure the position.”

“Sir! I’ll do my best.”

I shook my head as he ran to complete his assignments. Somehow I figured he’s have his new suit kitted out in record time. We reached the Commander's office and I knocked on the door.

"It's about time. Get your asses in here."

We quickly entered and stood at attention. As the Commander paced behind his desk with an open file.

"So the quack gave me his assessment, do you want to hear it?" Before we could say anything he slammed the file on the desk and continued. "Too bad, he declared you fit for duty and that's all I care about. However, if you ever pull a stunt like that again you'd better end up dead otherwise I'll have you shot for dereliction of duty. I'm including you Fox because I'm sure if it had been Tiger or Drake you'd have attempted to get yourself killed the same way. The shrink recommended breaking you up so that you're on separate teams, but I know all too well that you three function best together. You have some sort of otherworldly connection allowing you to instinctively act as a single unit. Lee even went so far as to explain to me in detail that it is because you know each other so intimately." The Commander shuddered and sat down, "He was much too graphic in his explanation." He rubbed his temples like he was suffering from a headache. "Then no sooner than the doctor leaves we find out about this little bombshell." He pressed his intercom button. "Bring him in."

Kicker and Coldsnap dragged Frost into the room.

"So Drake, anything you want to tell me?"

"Tell? No, but I'd like to know how some kid got to a place like this."

"Hello, father."

We all did our best to stare at Frost in surprise.

"We caught him last night sneaking out of the hanger we've been unable to open. It seems he ran out of food and was going to raid the mess hall. All we've been able to get out of him is that he calls himself Frost and he wanted to see his father."

"Drake, obviously father." Coldsnap pointed out.

"Permission to speak, Commander?" Drake asked.

"I really want to hear this, so granted."

"Frost, was it? Who are you and why are you here?"

Frost looked hurt, but quickly recovered when I winked at him. "I'm your son, at least that's what the people told me where I grew up. They also said that my father was the dragon and my mother was his mate, the tiger. Of course they told me a lot of things that I couldn't remember and some things that weren't true. Like it was impossible to leave the place where I was born. Or that no one would ever help me."

I nodded. Either Mahan and Frost worked out his backstory beforehand, or Frost was really good at creating a story at a moment's notice. I really hoped it was the planning possibility. "What is your first memory?"

"Waking up in the white room, but they told me I lost my memory due to the process to make me more like my father."

I frowned, obviously Mahan had made it so that Frost could shift in the game. "How did you get here?”

"I heard some of the doctors saying that the Dragon was on Fallow, so when I got out I found a ship that was coming here. There were only two. The captain of one told me that Fallow was no place for a kid and the other Captain said she'd bring me here for free."

"Did the Lady Captain seem surprised when she first looked at you?” Drake asked.

"No, I'd say she looked happy or maybe relieved."

"Did she give you the suit and hangar you've been living in?" Shock asked.

"Yes, she even taught me how to operate the suit using hers on the way here."

"Pause game. Frost, I'm fairly certain we are all displeased about how you've gone about this and we will be discussing it later. However, if Kyle and Shock agree I'm willing to play this out. That likely means you'll be taken away while the Commander speaks with us."

"He seems to be doing pretty well so far so I'm willing to give him a chance. However the first hint of nightmares caused by this game and it's all over." Shock reluctantly agreed.

"I'm sorry for what I said." Kyle said.

"I know, it’s part of the story. I just forgot for a moment that we have to stay in character."

"You remembered quickly enough that it actually felt genuine for the game as well. So long as you think you can handle us saying things like that, and remember it is for the game and not meant to hurt you, then I agree to let you continue playing." I said.

"So we're in agreement. Game resume." Kyle said.

"Take him back to the interrogation room." The Commander ordered.

We watched as they led Frost out.

"So Tiger, what are you thinking?" The Commander asked.

"He's a genetic construct. I wouldn't call him a clone because I'm guessing whoever created him used DNA samples from both Drake and myself. His missing memory is proof of that. If they did subject him to the same experiment that gave us the ability to shift, as he said, then he wouldn't have lost his memory."

"Oh he can certainly change into a dragon, but he's a strange mixture of dragon and otter. When he was caught he shifted and threatened to freeze anybody that got too close, until we tranquilized him."

I nodded. "The scientists were working with Drake's DNA. Obviously they didn't know that I'd harvested his dragon DNA from a planet in Wild Space. The original population had been destroyed but I found enough material to make a dragon shifter an option. My guess is they used another animal and the dragon DNA hybridized with it."

"Did he actually hurt anyone?" Shock asked.

"No, in fact other than creating an ice slick that everyone enjoyed cooling off next to after he was captured, he seemed extremely careful not to hurt anyone."

"At least he seems smarter than the one responsible for his creation." I stated.

"Oh? You have some ideas on who created him." The Commander asked.

"There is only one person that could have done this, Captain Shades. Hell, she might as well have said 'look at what I've done' just from what the kid told us. She doesn't do anything for free. However she gave him a ride out here, taught him how to pilot a suit, and provided him with a suit and hanger? No, she's also likely the only one that had a chance to get ahold of our DNA."

"Alright smart guy, the question is why?" The Commander leaned back and smiled.

I signed. "Likely to get even with me. Since coming here I rejected her gifts though she was the one that put them in with your suit. I threatened her when she wanted to break up the three of us. I took her ship, reminding her that technically I still own it, even though she has enough money to pay off what she owes on it. I likely cost her status and money when I retrieved Lee and Slider's guns that she tried to make a quick buck on. Worst of all I updated her Infantry suit for free making her feel that she's in my debt."

"Some of those may be valid reasons, but none of them quite match up with the kid being here."

"Sir, if I may, I think I know what she had planned." Shock replied.

"Oh really? Let's hear it.”

"I'm betting in her twisted mind she thinks the kid will cause us to start distrusting each other and eventually break up. From what little I know she's jealous of what we have together and if she breaks us up then she and Tiger will be back on even terms in the way of a meaningful relationships. Well, the joke is on her. While I can't speak for my mates in this matter, as far as I'm concerned having a kid is going to strengthen our bond."

"Fox is right. There is no way any of us alone will be able to deal with a teenage shifter." Kyle added.

I groaned. "Good Lord, I hadn't considered the implications of having to deal with a hormone driven nightmare in the form of an ice breathing dragon."

The Commander burst out laughing. "You are all so screwed and the whole base is going to get to see the show."

"I don't think so. This place is not suited to raise a kid. He'll be returning to Shadow Tech headquarters where arrangements for his care can be made until we complete our tour." Kyle quickly pointed out.

"Drake, there's nobody to take him back. Mærik will take him to Sanctuary, Tank will likely take him on as crew, and there is no way Shades can be trusted."

"Sanctuary?" The Commander asked.

"It's classified. What I'm allowed to say is it's a failsafe should we lose the war against the bugs."

"So would that be such a bad place to send him?" Kyle asked.

"Yes, because he's no longer human, and if the process he underwent is anything like what we went through, he's genetically unviable."

"You're . . ." The Commander trailed off.

"Firing blanks?" Drake asked.

"All frosting and no cake?" Fox guessed.

"Thanks Fox, I'd never heard that one before, and I'll likely never be able look at cake the same way again, but yes we're fully functional but completely unable to father children. At least, naturally anyway. Still, all things considered, it wasn't that high a price to pay since we weren't likely to father children even before the experiment."

"So you're telling me is we're stuck with him. Fine, I'm assigning him and his suit to your unit as a rookie in training. However, if he screws up in any way, you three will be the ones taking the punishment. Dismissed."

We barely got out the door when we were confronted by Kicker. He clicked his tongue while shaking his head. "A month confined to your quarters and you still find ways to cause trouble."

"Shouldn't you be watching the kid?" Drake asked.

"Slider's with him, he calls himself Frost by the way. Actually as strange as this might sound our sniper seems quite taken by him. I heard him mumble something about having a brother about Frost's age and the next thing I know he's in the interrogation room chatting and laughing." Kicker paused. "I've never seen Slider do either of those things and I found it really unsettling. I'll be glad when you ship Frost back to Earth."

"Uh yeah, it seems he's staying. The Commander just assigned him to our unit as a rookie pilot. If you're quick you might be able to set up a pool on how each pilot will react to Frost being here." Shock said.

"They're in interrogation room two. I've got to find Cutter before anyone else meets the rookie." Kicker said, as he headed down the hall at double pace.

Once he was gone, Fox laughed. "That should irritate the hell out of Shades. All that betting and she won't be able to take a percentage or even admit her involvement."

I turned and headed toward the interrogation rooms. In truth they were the same as all the other prefab rooms except that closed circuit cameras had been installed and they could only be opened from the outside. They were next to the stairs leading to the brig in the basement. We stopped by the monitoring room. Lee was leaning back balanced on the back legs of a chair reading a comic.

Fox slipped up behind him, knowing what was about to happen.

"What the hell do you think you're doing soldier?"

Lee startled and would have fallen over backwards if Fox hadn't caught him.

"Sir! I'm monitoring the prisoner, Sir!"

"With the volume muted and reading a comic?" Drake asked.

"He's not even recording the interrogation." Fox added.

"I- I-." He glanced at the monitor and then back at me. "I take full responsibility, Sir."

"Slider asked for privacy and you gave it to him. Don't worry, I'm not going to report you. You can go, Frost is officially my problem to deal with. Just don't let the Commander catch you slacking off like that."

Lee grinned. "He makes sure I know he's coming so that he won't have to walk in on me taking care of business again. I'll let Slider know-"

"No, you get going. In fact I think all of you should go. I know both of you want to meet-" I paused and glanced at the monitor, "our son, but all of us at once might be a bit over whelming. We've been confined for a month so I want both of you to go and make sure your suits are ready to move, after all you’ve both got new parts to install. Once I've spoken with the kid we'll take him out on patrol and see how he handles a suit." I took a deep breath and let it out. "Don't worry, I'm not going to accuse him of anything nor will I interrogate him. I'll even try not to intimidate him, too much. Oh and Lee, I'm not planning on treating him any different than I treat any of the pilots under my command. However, there is one exception, so make sure and spread the word that if anyone tries to mistreat him, they might as well smear themselves with blood and go for a nude run outside the perimeter fence. It'll be less messy and a lot less painful compared to what I'll do to them. Oh, and remember, I'm the voice of reason on my team. Fox could likely come up with things that would scare Hazard and Drake is a freaking dragon engine of destruction."

"Oh please, Fox is absolute cuddle material no matter what form he's in. Drake is only scary until you get to know him and then he's almost as cuddly as Fox. If only he wasn't trying so hard to hide that side of himself. You on the other hand are extremely frightening. You run hot and cold. You're caring and giving to everybody, especially those you feel deserve a chance. However for anyone crossing you, your threat is completely credible. So I'll do as you say and pass on the warning. Oh, and another thing, I'm not to saying I wouldn't cuddle with you given half a chance." He winked and ran from the room.

"I swear, one of these days I'm going to put his services to the test. I mean all three of us of course." Fox said, staring at Lee's retreating figure.

Drake grabbed Fox by the back of his shirt collar, "Come on, you over sexed little monster, let’s go get our suits ready. With any luck the computer will have gotten my armor modifications correct. We both know that Frost will be safe with our Tiger."

"You upgraded your armor? I only had enough points to upgrade my weapons." Fox complained.

"That's what happens when you get a brand new suit shredded in its first run." Drake countered.

The complaining continued as they walked away. I left the control room and continued down the hall to the interrogation room. I opened the door and stood in the frame so that it couldn't close. "Sorry to interrupt, but the kid's fate has been decided."

Slider stepped between us. "And what fate is that?" I was surprised that slider sounded nearly as overprotective as myself.

"The cruelest one you could possibly imagine." I could tell Slider was tensing up to attack me. "He's been assigned to my team as a rookie pilot in training until such time as I can find a safe way of getting him transportation back to Earth."

Slider visibly relaxed.

"I get to stay, and I get to pilot my suit with your team?"

"Don't get excited Rookie, you're not going to get any special treatment just because you're obviously Drake's son. In fact I'm harder on my team than on the other pilots in my command. Now come on, we're going out on patrol so you need to get your suit prepped. One last thing, Slider, I caught Lee in the monitoring room with the recorder and sound turned off. That is a direct violation of the rules. I'm not going to report him this time, but I'm making sure that anyone involved knows not to let something like that happen again. I'm not saying you can't talk to Frost, just make sure to do so at the correct times."

"Understood, Sir."

"I probably should point out that Lee tried to take full responsibility. I know you don't want to have too many connections, but devotion like that? Don't let it slip away even if it means someone else has to take Lee's place going above and beyond their regular duties."

I stepped back and held the door as Slider walked out in a slightly dazed state, followed by Frost.

"What was that all about?" Frost asked.

"Sometimes people can't see what they have until they've lost it. I'm just trying to help Slider open his eyes."

"Oh, you mean you're trying to get the two of them to hook up."

I stopped at looked at him in shock for a moment. "Sorry about that Frost, you get to a certain age and you forget how quickly a teenager can pick up things."

"Tell me about it. I'm both fifty one and thirteen years old in a three day old body."

We started walking again. "So, why join this game instead of starting a new one?" I asked.

"Since I didn't want to return to my home world this was the only game I had access to and I was scared if you started a new game you would end up creating something overly clean and safe."

I sighed, "I hate to admit it, but you're probably right. So what did Slider want to talk about?"

"Mostly about Earth and his little brother. I guess he's trying to earn extra service points so that his brother can serve his required military service in a safe zone."

"Yeah, everyone has to serve in some way. However you're considered too young to earn service points. I'll have to speak to the Commander about that." We stopped in front of the unopened crate. The control pad was dangling by its wires and there were obvious signs where the techs had been trying to break the code. I checked the wiring to be sure everything was connected and then placed my palm on the reader.

"Error" flashed across the screen. So I typed in my override code. Again "Error" flashed. I looked at it and shook my head. There was only one explanation. I grabbed the door knob, twisted and pushed the door open.

Frost laughed, "How did you know?"

"In a high tech age most people just don't think of low or no tech solutions."

"Then how?"

"Remember, I'm not like most other people." I looked around the entry it was littered with candy wrappers, chip bags empty pop bottles, and survival ration containers. I turned to Frost, "How much of that trash is for effect and how much is yours? You know, it doesn't matter. Go find a broom, a trash can and a recycling bin and clean this up while I start unpacking your suit. Consider it your first mission. Oh, and I'd better never find a mess like this aboard the Runner."

"Holy!" Fox said, as he glanced inside. "This is a bigger mess than salvaging my original armor upgrades from that worthless Elite armor. I came to say that my suit is ready to go, but seeing this mess we might not get started for days."

"I guess you should help him then." I said.

"I- what- no."

"Too late Fox, start cleaning." Fox grumbled and grabbed the broom. "Frost, sort the trash while I sweep."

I stepped out of the small office space and looked at the folded suit. Other than already having the upgrade armor attached it was exactly as I expected. I stepped back into the office. "I'm going to drop the hangar door right after I make sure the area is clear. After checking I returned to the door only to find Fox blocking my entrance.

"Don't you dare, not after I just swept. Is the area clear?"

"Yes."

"Frost, hit the switch I showed you."

There was a loud bang as the explosive bolts fired and an even louder thud as the hangar front hit the ground.

"A button is flashing."

"Don't touch it. That deploys the suit and we need to remove the barracks block first." I walked around the front and then ran back to the open door. "Both of you, out now! The barracks section isn't there."

"Then why-"

"Fox, go to the barracks and tell everyone to evacuate to the outpost. Don't use coms, direct communication only. Frost, Drake should be arming his suit, it's the red one, have him unlock the black suit for all users. Then you'll take it and both of you will head out immediately."

"Tiger-" Fox started.

"The entire floor is a giant bomb and I don't know what will trigger it. I'm heading to command to report and then I'll be following you in the dark gray Elite suit. Now go!"

"Promise me you'll follow right after you inform the Commander." Fox growled.

"You know I can't do that. I may be ordered to further assist with the evacuation. However, I promise I'm not going anywhere near that bomb. I have no experience with defusing explosives."

Fox gave me threatening look and headed for the barracks.

"Dad-" Frost started.

"When I'm on duty it's Major, Commander, or Tiger. Don't worry, if that thing explodes we'll simply be ejected from the game. Now you have your orders, get going."

Frost turned and ran, shifting to his dragon form to move faster. I immediately headed for the Commander's office. As I opened the door the Corporal looked up. "Tiger, shouldn't you be headed out on patrol?"

"Get upstairs and shut everything down. All communications are to be cut. Use the land lines to contact the guard stations and the outpost telling them that all wireless transmissions are to be stopped. Any personnel are to be redirected to the outpost and the base is to be avoided at all costs. Then get to your suit and evacuate to the outpost."

"What the Hell is going on out here?" The Commander yelled, as he yanked his door open.

"Sir, the area of the hangar, I just opened; usually containing the barracks floor is filled with a massive bomb and I have no idea what might set it off. I've ordered Fox to alert the pilot's barracks, through direct face to face communication only, to evacuate to the outpost. Then I immediately came here and ordered-"

"Yeah I caught that part. You heard the Major, get moving." The Corporal ran for the stairs. "I'd reprimand you for overstepping your authority, but in this case I'll overlook it. So are you going to defuse the thing and save us all now?"

"No Sir, the most I know about explosives is how to identify them, approximate blast range, loading the bullets into my revolvers, and how to pull the pin on a grenade."

"Then I suggest you get your shit together and evacuate with the rest of your pilots. Also pass the evacuation order to anyone you meet on the way to your suit."

***

I walked into the chaos of the outpost along with a convoy of troops and equipment. Kyle was organizing the suits into ordered rows using a megaphone that I figured he must have gotten from Badlands. I slowly made my way over and knelt down parking the suit. Fox was right’ it was heavier and slower but the handling improved with a few on the fly programming tweaks. Eventually I'd need to redesign the legs but that could wait until a stock unit was released in black. As it was I knew I'd be keeping the dark gray suit, but I'd make changes using the armor upgrades from my Enhanced suit. I opened the hatch and climbed down. I could see all the pilots grouped around the black armor.

"They all think you're in there."

I jumped slightly as Fox hugged me. "Frost is in there and likely scared half to death from the look of that mob."

"He's the one that forced his way into the game so he deserves a bit of a scare. Still, we'd better go rescue him.

"Commander, where's Lee?"

I turned and found Slider crawling out of his suit. I looked down the lines of suits and Lee's light gray suit was missing. "Fox, go save Frost. Tell the other pilots I'll talk to them shortly. Slider, walk with me." We started walking and I made sure to head toward the hospital. "I know Lee has many talents, but can you tell me what military skills he has other than heavy weapons?"

"Hmm, we don't talk much about that."

"What do you talk about, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Usually he talks and I listen. He talks about his family. His grandfather was a coal miner and his father mines asteroids. Lee is a bit claustrophobic so he knew mining wasn't for him. However he still wants to help his father with the business so he's studying minerology and . . ." Slider turned back toward his suit only to be held back.

I'd shifted to my median form and had a strong grip on his arm "Don't. Right now you have a choice. Either we continue into the hospital where I'll have you sedated or I use force to knock you unconscious."

"You don't understand." Slider said desperately.

"Lee is also an explosives expert. You want to be with him, but the last thing he needs is for you to distract him."

"No, we were arguing when Fox told us about the bomb. Lee said he needed to see the Commander, and we'd finish our discussion later. I- I've never told him how I really feel about him."

"Pause game."

"What's going on?" Frost asked as everything froze.

"I paused the game."

Frost sighed, "What did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong, and if your Dad says differently I'll tie his tail in a knot." Kyle growled.

"You're playing your part perfectly, Frost. No, I paused the game because I have a suspicion I know how this scenario is going to play out. Computer, can the bomb in this scenario be defused?"

"That information is unavailable to player characters."

"Computer, I authorized Mahan to have full program diagnostic access."

"Prowl-Ar, what are you doing?" Mahan asked.

"In order to limit spoilers I'm going to pose a possible scenario if I'm right just say 'yes'. The bomb cannot be defused, it explodes taking the base with it leaving me in charge of the remnants that have made it to this outpost."

"No, the bomb triggers when you go to meet the other pilots where they have gathered around Fox and Frost at the end of the line of suits. The blast will also destroy at least half of this outpost and Badlands will actually be the ranking officer."

Shock whistled, "That's a really big bomb."

"Edit scenario so that the bomb is defused."

"What? You can't be serious all these side stories are bogging down-"

"Do a search on most popular characters. No surprise if Fox is in the top spot, but it's primarily his fans watching. What is my ranking?" I asked.

"Eighth place."

"And Kyle's?"

"Third."

"What about me?" Frost asked.

"No ranking, because you won't be introduced until this episode is released."

"And second place is?"

"You already know don't you?" Shock asked.

"I checked the rankings this morning. Slider and Lee are tied for second place because everyone is watching their relationship develop. If Lee fails both he and Slider will be taken out of the game. If Lee saves everyone it'll change how he is viewed by the non-player characters as well as the audience."

"You make a good point, I'm forcing the program change, not as you might expect, but you know this may cause unintended consequences?"

"You can make changes to the game? Did you make changes to the game that I was in? Did- did you change me?" Frost asked.

I could see both Kyle and Shock gesturing for me to say 'no' and I could feel their fear through our shared link. I knelt down and looked Frost in the eye and answered. "Yes". Shock face palmed and Kyle groaned. "I made three changes to you. The first is I changed your history so that Char taught you to read and write. The second was that I took away your draconic magic. The final change was to begin the process of changing you from a non-player character to a living being. Before any of you freak out let me explain my reasoning. The first change was so that you could learn magic, but also to give you some happy memories. Before the change all you had was your hoard of broken toys and watching people interact from a distance, but never being able to interact with them. I know from my own experience that reading can be an escape from loneliness, at least for a while."

"I- yeah, I'm glad you made that change. Some of my fondest memories are of spending that time with Char, but why take my magic?"

"I didn't so much take it as I changed it. By that point I knew we were going to bring you out of the game. In games with a magic content we have a single ability and we have to find creative ways to make it work. You've seen my dark fire, Kyle's soul fire is the exact opposite. He is light to my dark. Mahan gave him his power. Shock was special, I'm the one that set up his power."

"You what?" Shock asked.

"Heh, did you think you have, potentially, the strongest power through random chance?" I looked at Shock and he just nodded.

"Don't get me wrong, your power of making illusions into reality is incredibly strong, but Poppa Shock's ability to copy the magic of those around him means he can do the same things while mixing in other powers as well.

"The final change is one we all agreed on. So yes, we make changes to the game, more often than I like in fact, but I always try to have a very good reason."

"What is the reason this time?" Frost asked.

"I like Slider. He reminds me a bit of myself before Kyle and Shock came into my life. I also noticed that you like Slider and he seems to like you."

"How do you know that?"

"Because he spent time talking to you. He only talks to people he really trusts. That's me, Lee, and now you. If Lee dies Slider won't want to go on living."

"Oh, okay. Mahan, please change the game."

"Listen, I've already told you I don't take orders from you."

"I didn't order you. I asked politely."

"I-"

There was a long pause and I glanced at Kyle and Shock.

"I'd already made the change anyway. Try not to bother me again." Mahan stated.

I wanted to comment, I really, really did and I could feel both Kyle and Shock wanting to as well.

"So, back to the game then?" Kyle asked.

"Right, get back to your positions."

As the game restarted I was startled by the loudspeaker. "All clear, repeat the bomb has been defused and it is all clear to return."

"Was it a false alarm then?" Slider asked. "No way could Lee have defused something like that so quickly."

We turned at the distinct sound of the Punk arriving. It slid to a stop in front of the hospital and Breakdown climbed out. "Medic! I've got an injured idiot here in need of treatment."

Slider and I looked at each other and we both said "Lee" simultaneously. Slider was moving before I had a chance to think but I was close behind. Breakdown was pulling Lee out of the passenger seat when Slider took over.

"What happened?" I asked.

"I was over at your base, minding my own business-"

"Breakdown, it's me you're talking to. Badlands trained me to know when you're full of it."

"Fine, I was over there getting to know Violet. I was just making progress when that over excited Fox kid runs in and yells that there's a bomb and everyone has to evacuate."

"Uh huh, you're getting a bit over dramatic. I know that Fox, and contrary to popular belief he remains calm in stressful situations. I should know since he's my husband. Still, continue with your report."

"Anyway I figure 'hey what better way to score some points then to make that bomb fall apart?' So I head over to get a look at it. When I arrived I found that guy just staring at it and crying. So I asked him what's wrong and he says we're all going to die and he didn't even get the chance to say goodbye. I lean against the bomb and ask him why he thinks that we're going to die as the bomb, and the hangar by the way, fall apart. He jumps up and the next thing I know he's trying to kiss me, so I punched him. I admit I regret that because he fell off the lift into the rubble. Don't get me wrong, he deserved to be hit, but I wasn't looking to kill him. So I got him in the Punk and got here as fast as I could."

Breakdown didn't see the punch coming, but I did. I moved instinctually, pulling Breakdown aside, shifting, and taking the hit. I actually heard a rib crack, not the easiest thing to do with the carbon nanofibers reinforcing my bones.

"Shit! I thought Badlands made your code name Wildside as a joke since it’s your last name. I never realized there was more to it!" Breakdown yelled.

"Breakdown, report to Badlands. Tell him exactly what happened. You'll leave out the part where Slider hit me because I'll deny it ever happened anyway. I'll deal with this from here on."

"Yes, Sir." He took off at a run.

"Slider, you just struck a superior officer. You'd better have a damn good explanation."

"The medic says Lee's basically paralyzed from the neck down. About all he can do is breath unassisted. If he doesn't regain consciousness within 24 hours he's left instructions for his life to be terminated." It was then I could tell Slider was crying.

"I want you to stay with Lee until I return. Tell the medics that you have orders to shoot anyone that attempts to carry out Lee's termination order."

"Can you do that?" Slider sniffled.

"What does it matter? You think I don't know what you'll do if Lee dies? What does it matter if you pull the trigger or the firing squad does it?"

"I swear Lee will still be breathing when you get back. Just, where are you going?"

"To retrieve something that will either repair the damage or kill him. Still a forty percent chance of a full recovery is better than 100% chance of death." I turned and ran for The Exploration Team Headquarters.

The ride back to base was nerve wracking. The Outrider was basically a super-sized motorcycle with a twin seat bubble cockpit in the front and room for cargo or up to four passengers where a normal sized motorcycle's fuel tank would go. As insane as such a vehicle seemed it had a pair detachable speed enhancers mounted on each side. The enhancer unit had rocket boosters mounted over low slung turbojet engines with short wings that created just enough downforce to keep the unit in contact with the ground. The trip back to the base took less than five minutes. Paradise hadn't even come to a full stop before I popped the canopy and jumped relying on my feline form to take the impact of hitting the ground and propelling myself toward my hangar. I slid to a stop as I started hitting the startup sequence for the hyperspace communications. I spun and simultaneously sat at the console booting up the computer. As the computer turned on I immediately started typing in codes. The first was the VR override code and the second was the cheat menu code.

Two minutes later I shut down the computer and restarted it allowing it to fully boot into the story line. I switched the video on, encoded the signal, and dialed in the corporate office.

"This is the Shadow Tech main directory, our hours are-"

'Override, authorization tiger, dragon, fox, fifty-eight, forty, owner, one. Direct dial R&D."

The ring tone sounded five times before it was answered. "Listen, I don't know how you were able to get this number but we are doing extremely sensitive work here-"

"Prepare two doses of NBX-34 for immediate transport. Use a stasis case as they will be travelling through hyperspace."

"Who are you? There is no such thing as NBX-34."

"Considering the fact that my bloodstream is full of nano-bot experiment trial 34 I should know that it very much does exist."

"Which subject are you?"

"Patient Zero, Shadow Tech owner Prowl-Ar Nightiger."

"Sir! I wasn't lying there is no NBX-34. It was replaced by NBX-102. The newest batch is much more stable, can work with any blood type, and has a 72% successful acceptance rate. However, we still don't have authorization for human trials."

"I have two good men that will die otherwise. I've already explained the risks and I'll get them to sign off on the appropriate paperwork. Just have it ready and waiting for pick up."

"How will we know the courier?"

"He's currently the only functioning rabbit android in the galaxy."

"You're using them?"

"They’ll get it out here in the shortest amount of time. Just have those two doses ready when Tuft arrives. Oh and while you're at it send someone to storage and get me a replacement Outrider canopy latch. I just broke the original. Prowl-Ar, out." I took a deep breath. "Unexpected consequences my ass. If the computer wants to play nasty I'll play the Fireshadow way. Computer, pause game for me only."

"Player character Tiger shifted to observer mode."

"Mahan, are you watching this?"

"Yes, but I assure you I'm not currently interfering.”

"You know what I'm up to then?"

"Tank and Tuft are currently playing the game. They are on Earth looking for a lucrative run."

"You've seen the changes I've made, will it work?"

"You know your coding, at least as well as I was able to teach it to you. It'll work but you're treading real close to causing another system glitch. You're giving NPC's player level buffs plus introducing nano-tech healing into the game."

"Do you think it's worth it?"

"You're not going to get so attached that you'll want to bring them out of the game, will you?"

"No, unlike the other three, Lee and Slider have family that they will want to return to."

"Now about the other thing. It's risky but Tuft is experimental and some might say unstable so it might work out alright. Plus they are player characters so it's like you're giving them a special item." Mahan said.

"Access their game and tell me if it's safe to contact them."

"I'm pausing their game and linking you up."

"Whoa! Captain, how'd you get here?" Tank asked in confusion.

"I told you the kid would snitch on us." Tuft said.

"Don't blame Frost. I don't have any problem with you playing the game. However, if you're playing the same game the VR chambers automatically link up. That's why I can talk to you like this."

"But you're on Fallow and we're on Earth." Tank pointed out.

Actually your game is paused and all three of us are in observer mode. I'm about to contact you, in game to run a little mission for me. You need to play along and do it for free, but you will get a nice in game bonus."

The two of them looked at each other.

"We'll do it, but it better be a really good bonus."

"I'll announce it in game and then Mahan will pause your game again to explain how it works. Resume game." I was once again sitting in front of my computer.

"Major, what the hell are you trying to pull!" The Commander yelled, as he stormed into my hangar. "I've got medics telling me that Slider is threatening to shoot them if they get near Lee, on your orders no less. I've got Badlands requesting a board of inquiry be held to judge Breakdown's actions. And as I head over here to find out what is going on I hear Paradise grumbling about how you broke a very expensive piece of machinery for no reason."

"Sir, I agree, a lot of shit is going down and if you want to courts marshal me, fine. Just do it after I save Lee's life." I turned back to the computer, changed the encryption and placed a call to the Bad Luck.

"You've reached Tank and Tuft transport, what can we do for you? Captain Abrams, this is Major Nightiger, I need Tuft to pick up a package from Shadow Tech headquarters and deliver it to me here on Fallow."

"We're always happy to do you a favor, Sir. We'll see you in two weeks." Tuft said cheerfully.

"That'll take too long. I'm authorizing the use of the Bad Luck's Freem drive. I'm sending you the altered space jump route. I'll see you in roughly twelve hours."

"Holy shit!" Tuft yelled.

"Prowl-Ar out."

"Mind explaining that?" the Commander asked.

"Lee couldn't defuse the bomb, Breakdown broke the bomb, and Lee was so happy he tried to kiss Breakdown."

The Commander groaned.

"Breakdown punched Lee who fell off the scaffolding. Breakdown rushed him to the hospital but Lee is in a coma and paralyzed from the neck down."

"That explains why Slider won't let anyone get near Lee, but not why he claims it is on your orders."

"They are my pilots and I did indeed give Slider that order. Then I basically stole one of the Exploration Team's vehicles, though Paradise did the driving. Don't worry I've ordered the replacement parts. It's convenient that Shadow Tech provides most of their equipment. The rest you don't want to know about."

"You're wrong about that."

"Sir, if any part of what I'm doing goes wrong you're going to want plausible deniability. If it works you're going to want it even more. Everything I'm doing is intended to save Lee's life and none of it is in any way legal. It may even be considered medically unethical. However, there is no way I'm letting two good men die without using all my resources to change their fate."

"So as far as I know you're still at the outpost? It's a good thing the base was evacuated, though you'd better turn up soon or someone might get suspicious."

"Yeah, I'd better get back and let Commander Badlands know my little joy ride broke one of his toys."

I watched the Commander stroll out like he was just checking to be sure the hangar was empty. I started to get up but the pain stopped me. "Pause game. Mahan, can you scan my physical condition and send the doctor with something that'll counteract the pain?"

"I'm checking your- Good God, how are you still conscious? I know you have a high tolerance to pain, but your nerves are firing off like mad. I'm shutting down the game right now."

"Now what went wrong? Kyle growled glaring at me.

"I'm the one that shut the game down. Prowl-Ar has pushed himself too far and requested a scan and pain killer. The Doctor is on the way with the pain killer."

"Don't bother, I've reached my limit." I said just before everything went dark.

***

I woke up to Shock placing a cold towel on my forehead.

"He's awake." Mahan said.

"Thank God, you had us scared there for a while." Shock said.

"I can't feel anything."

"You'll regain feeling as the drug wears off. I can report that you are once again nanite free. I had to remove all of them just to be sure none had been corrupted. A new batch is being generated now." Mahan informed me.

"Tiger, why didn't you tell us how much pain you've really been experiencing?"

"It's nothing, really."

"Don't try lying. When you passed out you were unable to block the pain any longer, there was a backlash through the link that nearly knocked Kyle and I unconscious as well, and the pain was split between the two of us. Even now we're doing our best to pull the pain through the link so you don't feel it."

"Don't do that!” I yelled in panic. “I've been in pain my whole life. It's a part of me that can never be completely removed."

"He's telling the truth. The first time he changed himself with the evolver one of the first things he did was cure everything that caused him pain. It nearly killed him. It's strange and I've been studying it for a very long time, but his body and mind has grown dependent on a certain level of pain. Without that pain his body begins to shut down. I've been slowly decreasing the amount he needs, but with the memory implant of his body constantly degenerating it seems that we have lost all the progress that we'd made. He could have still been fine but he just had to keep pushing it with all the activity."

"What should I have skipped?” I asked. “Frost's party? I don't think so. I know what it's like to have a father that doesn't seem to care. Maybe making sure Steele and the Redfields were settling in?"

"You could have taken a few days to recover instead of playing your game." Mahan stated.

"After the fans waited seven months for the next episode." The slap from Shock was completely unexpected.

"Your health is more important than pleasing the fans. If they really are fans they'll understand and patiently wait for the next episode, no matter how long it takes to get to them. Kyle! Get in here and make sure our stupid mate doesn't move."

"Where are you going?" Kyle asked as Shock stormed out.

"To prove a point."

Kyle looked at me in surprise. "He's infuriated. I can feel his anger even more strongly than your pain."

"I can't blame him- either of you, for being angry at me for not telling you how much pain I was in."

"Shock might be mad but I'm not. Mahan informed me about your body needing to be in a certain amount of pain when you were regenerating from that time we combined our powers."

I groaned, "The broken rib, I was so focused on the game I forgot one of my ribs was broken. That's why I couldn't block it any longer and passed out. Once the adrenalin wore off that extra amount pushed me past my limits."

Shock stormed back in and pointed at the view screen. "Mahan, run the episode chat log."

I watched as message after message scrolled by with wishes for my recovery, telling me not to push myself so hard, or to take a break and rest. A few even requested an address so they could send cards and gifts.

"I really like this video." Shock pointed out.

"Major Nightiger, I'm a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps and I feel the need to tell you that your game is nothing like reality. That said, I haven't missed an episode since it was recommended by a fellow officer. Originally my favorite was when you threatened Captain Shades. Now it's the one when you thought Fox had been killed."

He glanced over his shoulder for a moment and then turned back to the camera.

"I grew up believing furrys and gays were cowards afraid to face reality, but the way you play the game made me question those beliefs. I started watching Shock Fox's videos to learn more about you and was surprised to discover that you're not playing an ordinary virtual reality game with an avatar. You're actually there risking your life! It was completely opposed to my beliefs so out of curiosity I started doing a bit of research. Honestly I was trying to convince myself that my original beliefs were the right. I created a fake fursona and went to a couple of conventions. While there I was surprised to discover other military furs." He smiled and widened the camera angle showing an individual in a gray and pink wolf fursuit. "This is my fiancé, and the love of my life, Vanguard."

"Hello, Captain Nightiger, Sorry about that, but Counterstrike can be really wordy when he gets going. That's right, the mission to convert the norms is progressing quite well. We hope you get better soon. And tell Kel to be more careful. It scared the crap out of me when I thought he'd been killed. Rexes look much more dangerous than the security of the Imperial Dragon Hotel."

"Would you cut that out? I'm trying to thank him for-"

"And send."

"Foxy?" I asked.

"Yeah, I told them the next episode is going to take longer because you pushed yourself too hard to get it finished and passed out from the stress."

"The Imperial Dragon?" I asked.

Shock scowled, "Yeah that was Victoria Whitely, my besty and one of the very few individuals that know all my fursonas. She was my handler at Fur Tokyo mainly because she didn't pack Van for the trip."

"Dad," I suddenly noticed Frost at the end of the bed, "please don't do something like this again. I'd rather have you miss my birthday party, instead of never seeing you again."

I gasped, I hadn't realized he might have been close enough to hear that. He crawled up on the bed and I could see the tears running down his cheeks.

"It's not your fault. The only one that deserves any blame is me. But I need you to know I- we will always be here. I promise."

That's what my first Mom and Dad said and then they were killed."

"Frost, what your parents don't want you to know, until you're older, because they are my crew I will bring them back. In effect even if they do die they won't stay dead. That is why your Dad can promise to always be here for you. It's because he always will be."

"Mahan!" All three of us yelled.

"Listen, he is a part of my crew now and you will not censor me. He is scared and upset. By telling him the truth I can alleviate both conditions."

"I'm part of your crew?" Frost asked.

"You're a very important part of the crew, you're our son, and I'm including Mahan in that 'our'. I'd hug you but it seems I can't move right now."

Frost went ahead and hugged me. "It's okay, you can hug me when you wake up again."

His words barely registered as I realized that either Shock or Kyle tranquilized me.

***

I woke feeling light headed and slightly disoriented. "Mahan?"

"Yes, Prowl-Ar?"

"I need to know something very important. Where are Kyle, Shock, and Frost?" There was a long pause.

"Do I need to administer another sedative? You are showing all the signs of extreme panic."

"Just answer the damn question!" I yelled.

"Frost is still asleep in his bed, Shock is in a private chat catching up with Vanguard and Counterstrike, and Kyle is asleep in the chair next to the bed."

I glanced to the side and realized that he'd shifted the chair to reclined mode. That's why I hadn't noticed him. He slowly sat up. "Are you all right?"

"I'm not in any pain, well any more than what I need to survive. I just had a slight panic attack thinking everything might have been a dream."

"Promise me, you won't try to harm yourself even if you do believe at some point this has been a dream."

"Kyle."

"Promise me! I don't want to find that in some hazy state, where you believe we've been just an elaborate dream, you walk out an airlock. Now promise."

"I- I promise."

"Mahan, log and archive that. I don't want him to ever forget that promise."

"Done."

"Mahan, while you're at it do a deep scan on both Vanguard and Counterstrike."

"Even if I do I'm not going to give you any information this time."

"Not for me. I want you to pass the information to Silverbolt for possible positions aboard the station."

"Actually they were both part of the original group I sent to him. Before you ask, I didn't cross reference Shock seeing as how so many furs watched Video Fox. From now on I'll be a lot more thorough."

"Kyle, is there any connections to Earth I should know about?"

"Yes actually, I had a boyfriend for a while. He was brilliant but could also be really stupid at times. Still, you don't need to worry he's not my boyfriend anymore."

"Wha?"

"I married you, you idiot."

"Can't I be your boyfriend and your husband?"

"I suppose, but you're still an idiot."

I yawned, "What time is it?"

"4:28 am ship time." Mahan announced.

"Drake, why are you sleeping in that chair?"

"I didn't want to disturb you or risk causing more pain."

I shook my head, "I'd rather risk a little physical pain compared to the fear of waking up and thinking that I'd dreamed the only good things in my life." Kyle quickly joined me in bed holding me close. "If this is a dream I never want to wake up. Don't worry, I'll remember my promise but the pain of losing all of you may still be enough."

"Sh, we'll always be here for you." Kyle held me close and I slowly started to calm enough to fall back asleep.

***

The Outrider rolled to a stop and I pushed the canopy open. "See, I told you duct tape would hold it shut at low speeds. And it's not like we could rush back with the fuel for the boosters completely depleted."

"I'm still reporting this to Badlands."

"That's fine, just make sure to include the fact the replacement latch will be here by morning."

Paradise rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and next you'll sell me a flying pig."

"Did that already. You call it the Dragonfly." I grinned at her.

"Just get out."

"As you wish."

"Gods, I don't see what Bro admires about him." She mumbled as I crawled out.

I laughed to myself as she drove away. "It's my ability to survive no matter what."

I quickly made my way to Lee's room where I could hear him yelling. "Jace, I told you to get the hell out! I'm not changing my mind. I can't live like this."

"I told you I've been ordered to stay with you and make sure you stay alive."

"Who gave you such a stupid order?"

I opened the door and walked in. "I did." I shut the door and locked it.

"Sir, they'll just unlock it again."

"They do and they'll have a very pissed off tiger to deal with." I said, loudly enough that anyone outside the door would easily hear. "Lee, according to the doctors you are permanently paralyzed."

"I could have told you that and nothing you say will change my mind about checking out."

"I have an experimental cure that will be here in less than twelve hours."

"Bullshit, you can't cure the amount of spinal damage I've received."

I pulled out my combat knife and ran it over the back of my hand."

"What the hell?" Slider yelled.

I wiped off the blood and the wound was gone. "I have a nanite enhanced immune system. They repair most minor damage nearly instantly. More severe damage, such as the rib Slider broke can take up to an hour. Your back and spinal cord . . . It's hard to be sure how long it will take but if it works you'll recover completely."

"And if it doesn't work?"

”There is no middle road, either it works and eventually you will be completely healed or it doesn't and you die almost immediately. However, according to my R&D guys the survival rate is up to 72%. Much better than the 40% when Drake, Fox, and I had it tested on ourselves."

"That's how you do it! How you shift I mean. Your bodies are literally tearing themselves apart every time but you heal just as quickly." Slider said.

"No, shifting is completely different. As you saw Frost shifted and I can guarantee he doesn't have any nanites, yet."

"How do you know?" Slider asked.

"Aside from the people that have the nanites only a small research group in Shadow Tech R&D know they exist. Also every single colony is coded so that they can be traced. Not to mention the only way to get a sample is directly from Shadow Tech. Normally they are not allowed out of the facility until they have full encoded for their host. I'm breaking the rules for you two."

"You keep saying that, but I'm the only one injured."

"I'll be injecting a dose into Slider as well. Like I said, the only ones who know about the nanites already have them in their system."

"What happens if it doesn't work? I mean-" Slider asked.

"The system completely shuts down all at once. No pain, or lingering last thoughts. One instant alive the next not alive."

"You've witnessed it?"

I sighed, "Yeah, all the test subjects were already terminal and only had hours to live. Still, it's hard seeing the hope in their eyes disappear."

"Other than death are there any consequences or side effects?" Lee asked.

"A couple. You'll be rendered completely infertile, so no kids. It doesn't impede your sex drive though, just ask Fox some time. It also means, as long as you’re not killed by an external source, you'll be able to heal from just about any injury. It'll also slow the aging process."

"How much?" they both asked simultaneously.

"It depends on how often you're injured. The average is one year of physical aging for between five and seven years of chronological aging."

"How old are you?" Lee asked.

"Older than I look, but younger than I feel. In other words I'm not going to tell you."

Slider grinned, "That explains some of your crazy ideas, like putting in a hard line between the base and the guard stations."

"So Lee, do you agree to all the terms and conditions of my offer with the understanding that you may still die?" I held up my pad to video record his answer.

"Yes."

"As Lee Goh's condition renders him unable to physically sign all the forms I'm authorizing this video consent as an appropriate substitute. If he survives he will be given a copy to read. Further, he has the right to dispute any section he feels wasn't properly explained beforehand. Jason Thomas Striker, do you agree to the same terms?"

"I-" he looked at Lee. "Yes, I accept the terms as long as I also have the option to dispute any sections I don't agree with."

"Striker has also agreed to the terms with the option to dispute." I shut my pad off. "Not that it'll do you any good."

"What?" Striker asked.

"When anyone disputes a Shadow Tech contract it is presented to the board of directors. If they agree that the one disputing the contract has a case it is presented to the tribunal."

Lee groaned, "Let me guess, the tribunal is made up of Drake, Fox, and yourself."

I just grinned.

"So if we have any complaints-"

"You can tell me directly, and I'll try to work out a way that you can live with the terms of the contract."

"I do have a question." Lee said, "Why are you making Slider get the nanites?"

I shook my head, "Fine, if you two can't figure it out here's a clue, you both feel the same way about each other. Slider, you're still under orders to keep Lee and yourself alive until I return."

"Where are you going?" Slider asked.

"I've got to convince Badlands to hold off on having Breakdown tried for nearly killing you. If he is interrogated he may mention how you hit me."

Lee gasped, "Jace, you struck a superior officer?"

"I was trying to hit Breakdown because of what he did to you. Tiger pulled him out of the way and I hit him by mistake."

"You broke one of my ribs when I was in anthro form. A hit like that could have just as easily killed Breakdown."

Slider hung his head, "That was sort of the point."

"I see. After meeting with Badlands I've got to meet with the rest of my pilots to update them on what has been happening. Hopefully I'll be finished by the time your cure arrives in approximately nine hours thirty-six minutes."

"No ship can travel that fast." Lee said in surprise.

"I order you both not to mention that again. That fact is so classified I can count the number of people that know about it on . . . well, I guess its two hands now. Rest assured that only two ships have the capability to travel that fast. Now, you two really do have a lot to talk about and though I won't force you to say what needs to be said, I can make your lives really difficult if you don't say it." I walked out as they both stared at me.

"Dad, I mean Commander, Drake sent me to tell you he's organizing the pilots to return to base now that the evacuation order has been rescinded. Fox also wanted to tell me that Badlands is looking for you and he doesn't look happy."

I sighed, "Frost, I want you to go ahead and take the Black armor and return to base with Drake. We'll assess the damage to your armor later. For now tell Drake and Fox to make sure nobody goes near the wreckage. We need to investigate who is trying to kill us this time."

"Got it, Sir." Frost took off before I could dismiss him, but considering how loosely the unit was run I wasn't going to try and stop him. Not while I needed to pacify Badlands. I cringed, if Badland thought I was trying to do something like that, for even an instant, I'd be sharing a room with Lee.

***

Note: Recon suits correspond to Bandai’s 30 Minute Missions Cielnova kits.