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Virtually Real: Part 44: Grounded

Character List:

Mahan: Artificial Intelligence system in control of all Shadow Runner assets, based on Prowl-Ar’s mind, but enhanced with the mental recordings of all crew members.

Prowl-Ar/Tiger: Ancient immortal tiger wolf hybrid shifter, Captain of the Shadow Runner

Kyle/Drake: Recreation of Red XIII. A quadrimorph that now favors his anthro Eastern Dragon Form

Shock/Fox: A fox shifter and former transgender human from Earth who fell in love with Kyle and Prowl-Ar after they used their tech to transform him into his true form.

Jordan/Wolf: A dire wolf furry rescued from the Mars outpost after he was assaulted. Now fills the role of Shadow Runner Chief Medical Officer.

Rin: A lynx fury rescued and adopted by Prowl-Ar after her parents disowned her and kicked her out on the streets.

Frost: Dragon Otter hybrid son of Kyle and Prowl-Ar created in a virtual game and brought to life.

Luca/Sergal: Sergal furry from the Mars outpost and an expert in drone technology. Hacked one of Mahan’s Drones causing Prowl-Ar to hire him rather than risk the technology being released to Earth.

Vexy/Dragon: Artist and gamer was only meant to be a new player in the MAS game. However he was added to the team when anti-furry persecution in his country became normal.

Trace: The tiger leopard hybrid shifter son Prowl-Ar created for one of his stories given life.

Tye: Created using a virtual character’s mind and Trace’s modified DNA. Tye is a computer systems expert and a tiger shifter.

Nature Wolf: Created in the same story as Trace and Tye, Nature was killed and resurrected. Because of his unique nature he is still a young wolf even though he is Trace and Tye’s Uncle through adoption.

Captain Cooper: MAS Game NPC Captain of the Recon Vessel Gryphon.

I stood on the small catwalk surrounding the Gryphon's repair bay. My team was functioning like professionals. Well, most of them. Tye, Nature, and Sergal were arguing about something.

"So it's true, you are alive." Captain Cooper sneered as he approached.

"Captain, I understand you wanted to eject my comatose body." I said, looking away from my team and at the Captain.

"Who would tell you a lie like that?"

"Every member of my team." I said flatly.

"What can I say? You were a drain on resources and those soldiers did quite well on the missions you missed."

"Of course they did, I trust them. They can act and react without being micro-managed by an overzealous imbecile in a uniform with more decorations than brain cells. Fortunately our time as soldiers is coming to an end. This is Drake and Fox's last mission, I have two more after this. Wolf has four more before he's out."

"And the others?"

I glared at the Captain. “Frost and Rin are under age and not part of any command as you proved when you tried to keep them off the ship. Trace, Tye, and Nature are from outside human controlled space. Vexy is a member of the alliance and is now under Drake's direct command, not the Federation or Alliance."

"And the ship's janitor?" Captain Cooper asked.

"Yes let's talk about Luca. You've been using him to do all the sanitation work on the ship, against his will I might add. Trace seems to have taken a liking to him. You wouldn't want to upset him or his mother, would you?"

"Just have your team ready to drop within the hour." The Captain said, as he walked away angrily.

"You certainly know how to make friends.” Tye said, as he pulled himself up and sat on the railing.

"Hey kid, we haven't gotten to talk much. How are you dealing with . . . all this?" I gestured around the area.

"Probably better than Trace. Nature and I had a chance to get used to being celebrities back in . . . Oh right, you meant life and everything. I guess I have a unique perspective considering my origin story. I mean it's a little surreal. I started off as a program and then I got a real body. Only now I find out that was a story and now I have a “real”, real body. Now I’m left wondering if this could be part of someone else's story."

I laughed nervously, "Yeah that would be really strange. What kind of warped mind could keep doing something like that? So, getting back to what I’ve missed, you continued on missions even though I was in a coma?"

"War doesn't pause just because the ole man decides to take an extra-long nap. Don't worry we didn't leave you here alone. On the first mission Frost, Rin, and Nature stayed with you. That was the mission we busted the axels and blew up the engine on the first truck."

"I noticed you had a new one."

Tye glanced down at the monstrosity. "I know it isn't sleek, but it is built for all terrain including antigravity pods to lift it out the mud if it gets stuck. As a bonus there is enough room in the tractor for all of us to sleep comfortably at night and the trailer has the hyperspace computer, drones, and all the spare parts and ammo Rin needs to keep the suits running."

I glanced at the floor sadly.

"Rin still isn't talking to you?" Tye asked.

I glanced up at him in surprise.

"Luca told us about what happened and we sort of guessed the rest. Listen she's here now why don't you try-"

"Rin and Frost are running off memory crystals. If I try now, knowing that, it will make things worse."

"Tye! Get your tail down here! We need to be in place for the drop." Nature yelled.

"On my way, fluff butt!" Tye yelled back, as he flipped off the rail and drifted through the zero gravity area landing at the base of the catwalk. He glanced up and gave me the thumbs up.

I shook my head and jumped through the center of the area and landing flawlessly in front of my suit's drop pod. I made my way inside and eventually into my suit. I powered up the systems. "All units check in."

"Trace, Tye, Nature, and Sergal in the support truck, strapped in and ready to drop." Sergal announced.

"This is Dragon, all systems are green and I'm ready to fly."

"I'm ready." Rin said.

"I can't wait to be moving again." Frost yelled.

"Medical unit ready to go, as long as there aren't any spiders.” Wolf radioed in.

"Let's get hot!" Shock yelled.

"Foxy, you're always hot. This is Drake, I'm ready to jump."

"Gryphon, this is Tiger, my recon team is go for drop.” My monitor went blank and then the captain appeared.

"You know, it would have been easier if you'd just died.”

I heard and felt the launchers fire.

"Ah it feels so good to dump the alien trash. Let's watch as they splatter.”

A graphic came up from a drone camera. It suddenly flashed red as the drogue chutes didn't open to slow the pods. "Pause game." I yelled. We stood looking at each other.

"This is new." Drake said.

"It seems the Federation has decided we're better off dead." Shock added.

"I'm not going down without a fight." Dragon huffed.

"We all have thrusters, of one sort or another, but nothing strong enough to save the suits."

"Not true." Sergal spoke up. "All you have to do is break out of the pod, blast away the dead weight, and deploy the parachutes. With just the weight of the suits it should be enough for a survivable landing. Unfortunately those of us in the truck are going to die."

"Don’t worry about that, I've got an alternative plan to save myself. Since our pods launched at the same time I should be close enough to pull you out." Dragon said.

"Well if we don't make it we can always start a new game." I said.

"If we die I have a great idea." Sergal said, looking meaningfully at me.

"Everybody, survive this scenario. That's an order." I could only imagine the lewd game Luca would create for us if he had a chance.

Everyone except Sergal and Trace laughed. I'd have to be careful around both of them, especially if they were working together."

"You all laugh, but you don't know what I have in store for my game. I’m not just a horney Sergal all of the time."

I was actually surprised that Luca was upset. Yeah, I’d definitely have to be more mindful of what I said.

"Don't be that way, Tiger. There's always room for one more." Shock teased, obviously sensing my unease. “Though, please don’t take this the wrong way Luca but that doesn’t mean you. I still haven’t forgotten what you and Trace did to distract my mate.”

"Our Fox is right. With our Wolf we're a foursome, we need at least one more to officially be an orgy." Drake added.

"Who says I'm going to belong to any of you? Maybe I'm just playing with Tiger until something better comes along." Wolf said loudly. However I could still hear him faintly in my mind, "I'm not playing. I love you, and I wouldn't hurt you that way." I glanced at him and he winked.

"On that rather disturbing thought, back to the game." I watched the video as Dragon's green Elite suit tore out of his drop pod. As he moved a tail unfolded from the back of the suit increasing his maneuverability. Within seconds he ripped open the support vehicle pod and pulled out the truck. Once clear of the debris the pods on his back, I'd mistaken as weapons pods opened up revealing anti-gravity units. The suit jerked as he activated his "wings" and the truck's trailer tore away increasing its speed as Dragon and the main unit slowed. It was obvious they were going to land safely.

"Launch the next three!" Captain Cooper yelled. "Let's just see how your kids and doctor do since they don't have wings."

I was prepared for the three thuds of the launch. This time when the pods reached the warning point Rin easily cut the pod away. She turned toward the drone and flipped it off, then pushed away from the drop pod. Parachutes deployed from her utility pack.

Wolf was with Shock. It seemed he'd abandoned his own chutes and had gotten to Frost's pod. They had destroyed the bottom half and they were both standing on the top of the pod with all three parachutes deployed.

"Launch the next two, but this time shoot them!" I heard Cooper scream from my open cockpit. I was busy getting the emergency hatch open. Again I felt the launches. I pounded on the door controls with a hammer and the hatch slid open.

I quickly crawled down the tube to an access port and plugged in my computer and pulled up a set of secret control files.

"Please enter your password."

I thought for a moment and then logged in as Rin Nightiger, password G-U-N-D-A-M.

"Welcome back master mechanic god of all technology." Scrolled across the screen.

I smirked at her greeting and quickly shut down the ship's weapons systems. I’d have set the self-destruct, but even Rin hadn't gained access to that system. I crawled back to my suit. The interior of the pod was limited. I probably wouldn't have been able to even get to the access hatch if it wasn't in zero gravity. Still I wanted to leave them a parting gift I pushed one of my revolver's exploding bullets into the access way. When they finally launched me the friction would set of the shell. If it hit a vital system it would do some real damage.

I crawled back into my suit and strapped in.

"I don't know what was done to my ship, but it doesn't really matter that your team survived. That is a Bug controlled world. They'll all be dead soon anyway. Your death, however will only happen once you run out of air. I'm going to dump you here in space."

"Really sounds like a peaceful way to go. Just one thing you need to know I'm not going out alone. I'm taking you with me."

"Hah! Eject his pod."

As my pod slowly started to slide out of the launcher it stopped likely jammed on my bullet. Maybe that hadn't been such a bright idea after all. "Sorry, but it seems you're stuck with me, Captain." I felt a sickening drop and I was headed for the planet. It seemed the Captain really didn't want me around. The pod proximity alert sounded then intensified something hit the pod and I felt an increase in speed.

My suit wasn't rated for space but I couldn't stay in the pod if it was going to burn up on entry. I overrode the safeties and easily broke out of the pod. I was on the underside of a fragment of the Gryphon. My bullet must have caused secondary explosions that blew the ship apart. I didn't have a lot of time but I pulled what I could from the pod including the parachutes and made my way to the opposite side of the hull section I'd ride it through entry as it burned up then jump off and float down with the chutes.

The heat got intense but not enough to melt my suit. I jumped a bit early when it became obvious the fragment I was riding wouldn’t make it much farther. It certainly wasn't my day as only one of the parachutes deployed. It slowed my fall but I was about to hit the ground hard. I activated my suit thrusters as I approached my landing. It was still a hard landing, but I and the suit came away relatively undamaged. Rin, as soon as she decided to talk to me again, would yell about the stress I put on the joints though.

First I felt the link with Kyle and Shock. They were calm and moving which meant they safely reached the ground. Next I reached out to Wolf.

"We made it down safely. The kids and I are heading in your direction. Kyle and Shock are closer to you, but further North. The rest are to the East of my position, but moving faster. Tye has anti grav generators in the truck so dragon is likely flying while pushing the truck."

"Wolf! Slow down. How are you talking to me?"

"You hadn't noticed? After I got trapped in your head I've been able to read your thoughts. It takes a lot out of me though and this is pretty much it."

He didn't "say" anything else so I guessed there was a limit to the amount he could say. I brought up the tracers. Rin had installed them so even if separated we could keep track of each other. And pretty much confirmed what Wolf had said. Next I brought up my suit's stats and load out. Overall the suit had survived rather well. It was a bit scorched in places and I was down to 21 percent fuel for the thrusters. That meant one, maybe two jumps and then I'd be much less maneuverable. I had two magazines for each of my plasm blasters. That was good. The twelve standard rounds for my revolvers, that wasn't so good. Finally I had two small combat knives and my staff. I also had my chameleon cloth cloak but that wouldn't help much with the Bugs since they primarily used scent.

I cleared the displays so it was as though I was the suit and I started walking.

***

It had been three days I'd made good time after finding what seemed to have once been a road. It was heavily decayed. It seemed whoever had lived on the planet had perished long before the Bugs arrived. Speaking of the Bugs not only hadn't I been attacked the only signs that they had ever been here was broken bits of exoskeleton. Could the Bugs have factions? Whatever the case I was about a day's walk from joining up with Wolf and two from Kyle and Shock. If I figured two more hours and I'd pause for a nap and then push on meeting up with them in the morning.

"Tiger, please wake up! We're in trouble!"

I woke feeling scared. "Wolf! Can you hear me? I'm awake!" He didn't answer meaning he must have been trying to wake me as long as he could. I connected with my suit and found the sun had been up for at least an hour. I started moving as quickly as I could. I activated the communications system. "Wolf, can you hear me?" He didn't answer. "Frost, Snow, can either of you hear me?" Again no response.

There was a burst of static, "Ger . . . me?"

I could tell it was Kyle instead of wolf which meant Wolf or the kids should have been able to respond. I activated my com. and repeated Wolf four times and then danger four times. They obviously got the message because the dots representing them on my map started moving faster. I figured it would take me another hour to get there, but I'd burn through my power. I decided it didn't matter, as long as I could pull the triggers I'd be able to hold out against anything until Kyle and Shock arrived.

I reached their suits, but couldn't see them. They were concealed under their cloaks. I didn't bother. My suit didn't even have enough power left to kneel down. I used the manual lever to open the hatch, shifted to my full tiger form, and jumped down. I ran to where the suits were supposed to be. I found Shock's suit and rather than search for Wolf's I crawled inside and pulled up his records.

"We've discovered something interesting. The planet is still populated. We don't know what species only that they are furry. Rather than spook them by showing up in the suits Wolf says we should meet with them as we are. Rin pointed out if they are furry they're likely part of the Alliance and we should go in our anthro forms. She thinks it would be best I go as a dragon since I'll be guaranteed protection. I agreed but something feels off. I suggested waiting for Dad, but Wolf says he's been pushing himself too hard already. He's probably right. We'll get some sleep and then go meet these furs in the morning."

I crawled out. I trusted Wolf, but why wouldn't he wait? Something more was going on. I shifted to my anthro form. With my hearing a little improved I could hear yelling. I activated my battle armor and pulled on my chameleon cloak before following the sound. Peeking over a small rise I found a group of twelve anthro sabretooth cats. Wolf, Rin, and Frost were bound, gagged, and placed to watch what was happening. It took me a moment to understand their language. It was a feline dialect which meant besides myself, only Rin understood what was being said.

"I don't care if you are the Rider of Death you can't claim all three of them. I can tell you only want that black one. We can all smell that the female, even if she is small and deformed is old enough to bear kittens. As for the smooth one, he hasn't stopped staring at all our tools since he was caught."

"They are mine to do with as I please. If you don't like it you can challenge me and join them in my harem." Rider growled threateningly.

He was really well built, I gauged him to be a little over eight and a half foot tall. Bigger than everyone other than Kyle, and if the bulge in his garments could be believed, he was packing very impressive equipment, especially for a cat. I growled noticing the way Wolf was looking at him. The Sabretooth roared over the challenger he pinned to the ground with is foot. When released the cat hung his head, and joined the line next to Frost.

"Does anyone else challenge the Rider of Death?"

I was half way down the rise, pulling the cloak off, about to roar a challenge, when another beat me to it. "Nobody ties up our Wolf and claims him without a fight!" Kyle yelled. "And if any of you even dared place a claw on our children I'll remove your hands and let my Fox shove them so far up your ass you'll choke on them"

"I also challenge." Everyone glanced at me and then as though I didn't matter, they turned their attention back to Rider and Drake.

They slowly circled each other. Drake was tired likely from the running. I quickly sat down and entered trance. Once in the soulscape I entered Kyle’s area and sat down letting what energy I had flow freely into Kyle. I closed my eyes and I could see through his. I had no control or ability to influence him. I was just along for the ride. He was fighting defensively. He'd block the Saber's blows but I could still feel the pain. I opened my mind allowing him to access my centuries of knowledge. I felt Fox sit with his back to mine. And we were flooded with his youthful energy.

Now it was the Saber on the defensive. Drake was sending a barrage of light punches and kicks. Drake's tail slammed the cat to the ground and held him there.

"How is this possible?" He yowled.

"Do you yield?” Drake asked.

"Yes, but how? I rode the Death Bringers to the ground and killed them with just my claws, how can you defeat me?" Rider asked.

"Rather easily it seems. I have abilities you couldn't imagine."

"Don't get excited. Once that other cat defeats you I go free and I'll be able to retake my conquests quite easily."

I came out of the trance in time to see the saber, Rider had defeated, retrieve his weapons and stand back to watch my fight. There was only one way to win. I walked the rest of the way down the hill on into the circle. I glanced over at Rider and my family. Shock was busy cutting them free. I turned and looked up at Drake. Turned my back to him and the hunting party gasped. I pulled the smart clothe exposing my neck and shoulder. Kyle clasped my waist. "I am yours." I said loudly.

"You are mine, my mate." He was careful to align his bite with the marks he had already given me and bit down. Causing me to moan in both pain and pleasure. "And I am yours forever." He said, in English so the sabers wouldn't understand.

"This isn't right. You challenged so you must fight." Rider yelled.

I walked over to him. "Why would I challenge my mate? I challenged you to the place of first mate."

"Tiger, you know no one can take your place." Drake said.

"He's right you are our core, the one that holds us together with your love." Fox added.

"So why did you fight so hard to rescue these three if you are already mated?"

"Because they're our parents, dumb ass!" Rin yelled, as the gag was removed.

"And the strange but handsome black furred one? Surly he is too old to be your child?" Rider asked, approaching Wolf.

"Stay away from him! Pause game." Rin yelled.

"Rin? Shouldn’t you be in school?" I asked, since only the real Rin could pause the game.

"Jordan, I'm sorry. I- I saw how you looked at . . . him." She gestured at me without looking. "I- I didn't want-" She laughed nervously, "I didn't want anybody getting hurt. So when Mahan was down I- I searched your files. I found where you imagined your perfect mate. I entered the information into the VR computer so that we would encounter him on one of our missions. I-" She glanced first a Drake and then at Fox. "I didn't realize that Daddy and Papa also had feelings for you. I tried to erase the character files but, I guess it didn't work. I'm so sorry."

"Rin-" She logged of leaving only her paused avatar behind.

"Computer, temporarily replace Fox Player Character with NPC Fox avatar." Shock ordered.

"Replacing Fox character.”

"Tiger, you Drake and Wolf deal with this. I'm going to go have a talk with our daughter."

I watched as Shock left. The anger and disappointment rolling off him in waves. I felt a paw on my shoulder.

"Don't worry. He'll be gentle. He's just upset at the way she treated you and Wolf."

At the mention of Wolf I smiled and turned to make sure he was alright.

"He's magnificent." Wolf glanced at me and then back to the saber.

I had to admit Wolf wasn't wrong. And the knowing smirk on the Sabretooth’s face when the game paused almost made it seem like he could hear the praise. He was creamy yellow with white chest fur and rich brown stripes. He was muscular and, the fight had shown he had more than a little combat skill, just not as much as we had. I figured even Frost could beat him in a fair fight. He had a tuft of white fur between his pecs that formed a trail down to the top of his rough spun pants. I imagined he had an extra fuzzy groin to match. His muzzle and the area around his brilliant emerald eyes was white and blended rather well, but I could tell he had to be in his late forties or early fifties. The end of one saber was capped in metal, and from all the scars he had, I assumed under the cap the tooth was broken. From the bulge in his pants I had to assume he was stuffing or far more endowed than a normal pure feline race had a right to be. I had to admit again that he was stunning. If this was what my wolf thought was his perfect mate what chance did a hybrid like I have? I caught myself mid-growl. "When did I start thinking of Wolf as mine?" I asked myself.

"It seems we have competition. I don't think I've ever felt this emotion from you before. You're terrified that Wolf doesn't feel the same way about you as you feel about him." Kyle said quietly, as Wolf continued to admire Rider.

"I-"

"Ssh, it’s alright. You love him the same as you love us. He loves you as well, but he loves Shock and I just a little less."

"That's not-".

"It's fine. We love him as much as you do. Besides, can you honestly tell us the thought of making out with Wolf while that Saber us pounding into him while I'm pounding into you with Shock spit roasted between you isn't-" Suddenly I moaned as we orgasmed.

"Shock, you horny little shit." I muttered.

Kyle giggled, "Sorry, I didn't imaging you'd react that intensely to just my words. After all Shock isn't here, remember?"

I couldn't believe it. I'd just cum without any physical stimulation. I hadn't done that in, centuries? So far back in time that I couldn't remember doing so. "Wolf, are you ready to resume playing?" I quickly asked.

"Mmm, yeah a bit of playing could be really fun." Wolf said dreamily.

"Wolf! The game."

"What! Oh! Yes, I'm ready to resume the game.”

As the game started I could almost swear Rider licked his lips. I shook my head. I knew it was just a visual error caused by the game restarting. It just seemed odd. Perhaps Kyle was right I was jealous and I was looking for any reason to delete the character. "He's-".

"I'm their medic and not their servant. I mean I'm completely free. That its-"

Rider flexed leaving Wolf speechless.

I rolled my eyes at the display. "Collect your gear and let's go, before a Bug catches us. I looked around and found the other sabers had vanished.

Rider looked at his gear sadly. "I'm not allowed."

"You will obey my mate's orders as though they were my own." Drake growled.

"I can't!" Rider roared. "I lost to you in battle that means I've lost everything, again."

Kyle and I both felt the pain in the way he said that. "Drake, you and Fox go retrieve your suits and meet up with us in that grove of trees just over the ridge. Frost and Snow retrieve the Saber's armor. Wolf," I knew I was making a mistake but Rider was just an NPC after all, "you're in charge of our Saber."

"Yes, Captain."

I sighed and reached for the massive sword that was Rider's weapon. It made Cloud's Buster sword look like a child's toy. How the Saber could wield such a heavy- I nearly fell as I overbalanced. The sword was incredibly light. I inspected it closer and discovered it wasn't metal it had been fashioned of Bug exoskeleton. I had no doubt the edges were razor sharp. My estimation of Rider's skill immediately rose. I had to wonder if Kyle would have won so easily if Fox hadn't loaned his energy and I my knowledge.

As we reached the top of the ridge Rider gasped and I laughed. The head and shoulders of my suit stuck out above the tops of the trees. Suddenly the suit moved and I motioned for everyone to get down. I was tackled from behind by a gray blur. I left the sword and rolled into a fighting stance.

"You're getting old big brother." Nature said, laughing as he stood up.

I gave a worried glance at Wolf but he seemed completely focused on Rider. "Listen you little plush I'm not . . ."

Nature grinned knowingly at me. "Not what? Not that old? You're not going to lie are you?"

I sighed, He was right. When I created his character he was the youngest out of our family group, and though it was only in my notes he was exceedingly shy around just about everyone. He was an anthro wolf growing up on a planet of humans and my character was the only one that didn't have a problem with him expressing his wolven heritage. Even going so far as to act as prey so he could act out being a hunter, a completely forbidden thing on that world.

"Are you alright? I know you're not really Tigris but . . . I'm sorry." Nature said sadly.

I pulled him into a hug as he started to sniffle. "Don't, it's alright little brother. It's just . . . It was unexpected. I'd forgotten- It's just, Wolf likes it when I call him little brother and-" I face palmed as Nature bounded off toward Wolf. I grabbed the sword and quickly followed.

"So we're brothers, isn't that wonderful! I've never had an actual wolf brother. I didn't know you were an actual wolf, I thought it was just your name. Do you like to howl at the moon? I do, but the neighbors would get mad except when I was at big brother's. His family had so much territory that we could go out to the retreat and he let me howl every night if I wanted to."

"Nature! Breath, before you pass out."

He took several deep breaths. "Sorry, I get excited and-" He got a strange look in his eyes and started to back away from Wolf.

I ran over thrusting the handle of the sword to Rider and wrapped Nature in a hug. "Focus on my voice. Everything is fine. You haven't done anything wrong, you can trust Jordan. He isn't going to get mad or punish you."

"Tigris? Please. I- I don't want to be punished. Not again. I'll be good. I promise."

"Don't worry, you're not going to be punished." I felt Wolf join in the hug and Nature stiffened. "So, you're my little brother. I don't know who would want to punish a sweet pup like you, but if they try they'll have to go through me."

"Y-you mean it?" Nature asked, his ears perking up as the panic passed.

"Would Tiger call me his little brother if I was a liar?"

"No. No he wouldn't. He- he only called me his little brother. He didn't even use that title for his biological younger brother. I mean Tigris didn't."

"Nature, why don't you escort your niece and nephew, along with our new recruit back to the suits? I'd like a few minutes to talk with your big brother."

Nature smiled and waved the others to follow him. I noticed that Rider wasn't letting go of his sword now that he was holding it again.

Once out of earshot Wolf turned on me. "What did you do to him?" He was practically growling.

I sighed and sat down indicating he should sit next to me. "Nature was adopted into the family of Prowler's foster brother Rusty. Their planet, Accordia, were strict pacifists. Imagine being a wolf growing up in such a place. A world where any form of aggression is punished by solitary confinement."

Wolf gasped and I nodded. "The worst thing you can do is separate a pup from his pack.”

“It took a while to notice the effects but when he did, Tigris or Rusty took the punishment. They didn't let Nature know that, and now that he isn't a character anymore I'm asking you not to tell him. It only lasted a few years and then Tigris was transferred, as required to Snarion, another planet, to live with his other foster family. This was a planet of different feline races, but Prowler was able to convince The Dacat and Darkmane family patriarchs that Nature would be better off going with him. Nature did much better there but when he gets overly excited he flashes back to solitary confinement and experiences panic attacks."

"You really-"

"I don't hate my characters. I love them, really I do and I try to balance their tragedies with good things." I felt like crying.

"We all have bad things happen to us. Look at me I didn't have the best childhood either and really the only reason I'm here is because I was stabbed and nearly died."

Now I did start crying. "I- I'm sorry.”

“What for? Calling Nature your little brother? I think it's cute. You have two wolves in your life and you consider both of them brothers. Maybe you have more wolf in you than you thought? Or maybe you just can't get enough wolf in you considering it's also one of Kyle's forms." Wolf said with a smirk.

I stood up shaking my head and laughed, “Now you’re starting to sound a bit too much like Luca.” I offered my paw to Wolf. "We'd better get moving before our Drake shows up and accuses us of screwing around."

"Like he wouldn't know, and enjoy it, if we were." Wolf replied taking my paw.

I pulled him to his feet and into a hug. "No matter what happens. I want you to know. Without a doubt. I love you." I kissed him and was overjoyed as he kissed back.

***

When we arrived Rider was staring up at our suits in wonder. Dragon was standing guard while Trace and Tye were repowering and refueling my suit.

"Who are you?" Rider asked.

"We're . . ." I paused. I was about to say we were members of the Federation Recon Forces, but that probably wasn't true anymore.

"We're Shadow Runners. A team of Mobile Armor Suit Pilots searching for allies against the Bug Forces." Wolf supplied.

"I suppose that means, as a tiger, you're actually the one in charge?" Rider asked.

"Well yeah, I am, but it doesn't have anything to do with my species."

"I doubt the Empire could have changed in the centuries since our exile for, whatever creature I fought is, to be in charge."

"Drake is a Dragon, and is considered a God among the Draconian Alliance. He is one of my mates and my second in command. The Empire and Alliance came together in the fight against the Bugs and have just recently joined forces with the Federation of Terran Worlds."

"Big Cat, I've got eight mechs inbound!" Sergal yelled.

"You have high tech weapons?" I asked.

Rider looked away refusing to answer.

“Tye, how long until my suit is recharged?"

"You're at eighty-three percent now, but we lost the spare ammo."

"How long before retrieval?"

"We lost the hyperspace computer, ammo, spare parts, tools, and we're siphoning off power and fuel from the truck for your suit. We also lost most of Sergal’s drones. On the upside he still has one prototype left that we were working on with some ‘special’ features and the batteries can be charged off the Truck’s solar collectors." Tye informed me.

“Special features?”

“Yeah, I don’t know if it will work or not but it is designed to hack into and take control of enemy suits. We sort of thought it might come in handy considering the way Captain Cooper had been treating us. Don’t worry it is still stealth shielded and can be used for its original purpose as a recon drone.” Tye said proudly.

“At least, with my drone, even after the suits and truck runs out of fuel I’ll still be able to ‘see’ when death is coming for us.” Sergal yelled down to us before laughing, and entering the truck from a hatch on the top.

I shook my head and looked over my forces. "Trace, have the truck ready to move. Frost, you and Dragon provide support and protection for the truck."

"Wait, you're telling me the kid's in charge?" Dragon asked as I got into my suit.

"Don't take it personally. Frost has more practical combat experience."

"Tye, make sure Rider, our local guide, is comfortable in the truck. Wolf and Rin prepare for combat. You're our back up. Sergal your drones are our eyes in the sky. Make sure we're not surprised."

"Fox and Drake are circling for a pincer maneuver. The mechs are primitive, but are you sure the three of you will be enough?" Sergal asked.

"Sergal, have you seen the three of them in action? Save your concern for the fools in those mechs. They'd need fifty more to pose a real challenge." Frost laughed.

"I . . . Please don't hurt them. The mechs may or may not be as good as yours, but-"

"Rider, if you answer this you'll likely be considered a traitor. What is the best place to strike to take the mechs down without injuring the pilots?" Kyle asked.

The line was silent for several seconds before I heard a sigh.

"The joint between the main body and legs. Once that is broken or jammed the suit can't move. Tip it forward onto the ground and the guns are locked and the pilot will be trapped."

"You heard him, we have out targets." I crested the ridge only to find all but two suits were down. Two shots from my revolver and the battle was over, though several of the downed vehicles continued to take shots at us. "Rider, tell them to stand down. We don't want to harm them. They are needlessly destroy their machines." A few moments later the firing stopped. "Good, now let them know that we're not here by choice but our main mission is to fight the Bugs."

I moved forward and started adjusting the mechs so that the pilots could easily exit. "Wolf, move up and treat any injured." I looked over the busted mechs but decided against plundering them for ammo and fuel.

"I've scanned them and there are no serious injuries." Wolf reported.

"Good. Everyone fall back to the truck and prepare to move out."

“Are we just leaving the pilots them here?” Kyle asked.

“We can get any information we need out of Rider. They can go back and report that we let them go since we didn’t see them as a threat.” I said as I Turned away from the mechs.

"Any set destination?" Tye asked over the radio.

"Yeah, there's some old ruins about two miles west. It's not much but it looks like it can provide a bit of cover where we can regroup and decide what to do next."

***

The suits were covered by chameleon cloth and the truck was parked next to a wall. Fox, Rin and Frost took first watch while the rest of us met up in the truck. Vexy immediately insisted on running a full diagnostic on his suit, now that he had a moment of down time, giving Luca a hurt look. Luca immediately excused himself and climbed up on top of the truck saying something about using his drones to survey the surrounding area. Trace and Tye were in the truck's cramped sleeping area getting some rest and Nature was out hunting like a "real wolf". Leaving Kyle, myself and Wolf to interview our prisoner."

Rider jumped as Wolf injected him with nanites. "What was that?" He roared and immediately went silent as my staff was sparking right at the end of his nose.

"I injected you with microscopic machines that will allow you to understand us and any similar language in our database." Wolf informed him. "Do you understand?"

"Something about understanding any language?"

"Put these on." Kyle ordered tossing a set of uniform cuffs to Rider.

"Are these some sort of restraining device?" He asked, purposely fumbling with the cuffs.

I lowered my staff and held up my arm. "As Commander, would I be wearing restraining devices? That's clothing"

He reluctantly put them on and I swore as combat armor formed. In my rush I forgot to lock out that option. He ran his claws across the chest plate and looked surprised. He tried again fully extending his claws and viciously trying to rip through the armor, again with no effect. "This is amazing. I'm invincible!"

I dialed my staff to minimum charge and taped him with it. He yowled and fell back in his chair. "Yes, you are well armored, but far from invincible. That was minimum setting, by the way."

Rider glared at me as did Wolf. I ignored Rider, but I still curled my tail between my legs, damn canine DNA. "Sorry." I mumbled looking intently at the table. "Listen, Rider, I believe you said your name was. My team, most of whom are also my family, are stranded on your world. We can help you upgrade your mechs and help you fight the Bugs. In exchange we need access to your technology so I can, hopefully, build a hyper net link. Once we get picked up we'll leave your planet and make sure to scrub it from our records, if you just want to be left alone. It also means you'll be free to rebuild your harem.

Rider looked thoughtful for a few moments. "I can't speak for the planetary leadership, but there is something I want out of the deal.”

"Of course there is. What are you after?" I knew what he was after, our suits. While I really didn't want to try and rebuild all the custom-.

"I want the quiet black one as my primary mate."

If Wolf hadn't stepped between us and Rider, the Sabretooth would have been dead. I was foaming at the mouth and smoke was billowing out of Kyle's nose and mouth.

"Are you attached to them or are you free?" Rider asked, obviously talking to Wolf.

"He is my pup." I hissed, extending my claws.

"Mine." Was all Kyle could growl.

"I'm free to make my own decisions. They have no say in what I choose to do."

I heard Kyle roar and storm out. I could feel his pain but I was numb. It was my childhood all over again. I sat heavily and the chair busted. I scooted back against the wall and blocked out the world. I wanted to go into myself. To hide in the soulscape, but I knew both my tiger and Kyle's dragon were enraged.

"Tiger? Honey, I didn't say I didn't love you." I felt him wiping the tears from my face.

I didn't even realize I was crying.

"I love you and nothing is ever going to change that. You have Kelly and Kyle, can't I have a fantasy lover in VR? Someone, just for the two of us to share?"

I looked at the Sabretooth with his smug superior grin. "Stop looking at me like that." I whined.

"Love, I paused the game, it's just the way the character looks." Wolf glanced toward the doorway. "I- I didn't realize how deeply committed to me Kyle was though. I thought I was just sensing your feelings through him."

"It doesn't work that way. We love entirely or not at all, and we love you. I reached up fearing to touch him in case I'd had a psychotic break and this was just my imagination. "Jordan, I love you. I need you to know, even if it means sharing you with Rider, I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."

"No! I don't want anything that is going to cause you pain. I'll erase Rider's profile from the game."

"No! Love, you've obviously put a lot of work into creating him, and he is really hot, if he wasn't so, so-"

"Arrogant? I think I made an error when creating him. I wanted a dominant personality but I got arrogant instead"

With Wolf's help I slowly stood. "Computer display Rider's statistics." I whistled as the computer displayed Rider in the nude. He wasn't stuffing he really was large. "Damn; do you think you can take him?" I asked.

"I took Kyle and I took your knot and while Rider is slightly larger than you are he isn't in Kyle's range. The question is do you think you can take him?"

"What?"

"I uh, programed him to want to top you since you are the one in charge. However once he does he's going to realize he has a power fetish. He's going to make sure you remain in charge of the team so that he can get the rush of topping an alpha male every time he has sex."

I growled and bent Wolf across the table. "Is this what you want pup?"

"Oh yes Daddy! Make the sabretooth jealous. Show him your power." Wolf begged.

I smirked at Rider. From this angle his smirk looked more like an angry growl.

***

I pulled out and, gripping behind my knot, painted Wolf's back with cum. I reactivated our suits. The nanites would consume the mess converting it to energy, but it would take time. Time that would ingrain my scent into his fur. I grinned, when he next turned his uniform off anyone nearby would know I'd marked him. I doubt he even knew he was broadcasting his mental voice directly into my mind. How happy he had been when I brought him to the edge, and how euphoric he had been when I ordered him to cum. Only to be let down when I didn't tie and finish in him. He wanted my pups. He wanted it so desperately. More than just having kids with me he wanted it to be natural. Even if it meant using the evolver to make him female until after giving birth.

I noticed movement in the doorway and smirked. I shut off our suits again and most of the mess was gone I pulled him up and turned him to face me, We were still wet and dripping as he ground against me I slowly backed up against the wall. "Wolf, who do you belong to?"

"I belong to you, daddy."

"And?" I asked.

"I belong to you, and Kyle and Shock."

"And we belong to you." Kyle said, as he took ahold of Wolf's hips and slowly penetrated him.

Wolf moaned and I pulled him into a kiss.

"From now on you are our mate, our husband. Our quarters are your quarters, our bed is your bed."

"I- I wanted a real wedding." Wolf whimpered as I broke the kiss.

"We'll make sure you have one then." I said.

"Just no more of this ‘not taken’ foolishness, understood?" Kyle asked, giving a sudden deep thrust causing Wolf to moan. "I'm going to take that as a yes."

"C-can I keep Rider, at least for a while?"

Kyle glanced at the Sabretooth and sighed. "I suppose he's an exclusive top? I guess as long as he doesn't challenge Prowl-Ar or expect me to bottom for him. If our mates also agree."

I looked at Rider as I slid down the wall and I couldn't help remembering how stimulating it felt having feline barbs inside me. "Mmm, I'd like the chance to wipe that cocky grin off his face."

Kyle laughed. "Yeah, wipe it off with your cock."

I smiled before swallowing Wolf's cock letting Kyle effectively use Wolf to fuck me. I glanced up as I felt wet drops on my head. I thought it was drool, but Wolf was crying. I tried to pull away so I could get Kyle to stop, but Wolf pushed forward trapping my head against the wall. He broadcast his feeling of complete pleasure and joy. In that moment I swore a silent promise to myself I'd find a way to make his wish to have my cubs come true."

***

I held my wolf close just as Kyle held me. I couldn't remember when the chamber was switched over to our bedroom. Though it meant everyone else had left. I licked up a little blood that had seeped out of the bite marks on Wolf’s shoulder. My smaller mark within Kyle's larger dragon bite. He whined in discomfort clamping down on my knot but I made sure he didn't get much more stimulation.

"Please Daddy, let me cum again." He whined.

"No, you were a bad pup, saying we didn't have a claim on you." I growled.

Wolf whined.

"Oh cut it out. You have nothing to whine about. Try flying a space craft with this distracting you." Shock growled pointing to his tented crotch as he entered.

I sighed, "Shock, I saved something for you." I lifted Wolf's member slightly. Shock’s uniform was already dissolving as he climbed into bed he quickly turned and lifted his tail. I guided Wolf in as Shock moaned.

"Just knot me, fill me, and give me your mating bite. I'm probably as close to going off as you are. We can get to the business of real sex once everyone’s knots deflate."

"Real sex?" Wolf asked as instincts took over and he started humping causing all of us to moan in pleasure.

"That's not all, we're letting him keep the sabretooth. He's a big boy so you should have fun breaking him in." Kyle said.

Shock yipped being pushed over the edge into orgasm, dragging us with him, from Kyle's words and Wolf shoving in his knot and giving Shock another set of mating scars.

***

I stretched and snuggled up against my wolf. I wasn't sure how long we'd been asleep, for that matter I didn't know how long we'd gone at it. Shock had been true to his word and we'd done things even I hadn’t imagined. Though to be fair to my imagination I never thought I'd have a single mate and now I had three.

I licked the little bit of blood from Wolf's mating scars. When he healed the new fur turned white. Likely due to the adjustments he made for the tiger tattoo. I guess I woke him because he rolled over and stared into my eyes. The bed shifted a bit as Shock rolled over and spooned Wolf without waking up.

"Why?" Wolf asked.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Why did you fall in love with me?" He clarified.

I took a moment to consider my answer.

"Tiger? Are you alright?" He asked, cupping my cheek with his paw.

"Yes. It's just sometimes, well rather often actually, I need to consider what I'm going to say. I felt a connection to you the first time we met. I don't want to call it love at first sight because that is too shallow. I didn't even know you were a real person at the time."

"Did you love me?"

"I- I don't know. Like I said it was a connection. Then when you were attacked . . ." I sighed. "I knew it was more than just a connection. Still, I had Kyle and Shock and that would be a lot to take in knowing that a relationship with me would mean one with them. I thought it would be enough to just be friends. Then we mated."

"That was just sex. Brought on by Kyle and Shock's meddling." Wolf pointed out.

Tears started to leak from my eyes. "It would have been except you . . ." I gasped to take a breath and Wolf gently brought up his other hand holding my face and using his thumbs to wipe away the tears. "Honey, focus on me and just breath. You don't have to say-"

"Please, I need to finish. When you asked to have my children-"

"Our puppies." He corrected.

"I bonded to you. I thought you had bonded to me as well."

"My big Tiger Daddy, I did, but I wasn't sure you felt the same way about me. I thought you were just telling me what I wanted to hear. Then I got stuck in your mind and I couldn't find where you had-".

"Can you still see into my mind? Or is it just the thought speech?"

"If I concentrate I can see your memories. Oh and you're the only one I can do that to."

"Then look." I sighed and opened my mind. The mental shields I'd been building for centuries lowering and I bit my lip knowing this could backfire badly.

"What- What did you do?"

I continued to open up until my most protected memories were on display. Memories of my Grandparents, my Mom, Kyle, Shock, and my memories of Wolf. "Contrary to popular belief the human mind can't store an infinite amount of information." About once a century I have to use the memory recorder and VR chamber to reset my mind. It usually takes about a year to complete. I make a recording of my memories, regenerate my brain, re-upload the most important memories and all my skills. For the rest I rely on Mahan. The reason you couldn’t find my memories of you is because I have them with all my most precious memories."

"You also have Sergal and Vexy here with feelings of regret. Why?"

"Because they are friends."

"There's more to it than that."

"I felt there could be more with each of them, but Luca is . . ." I trailed off.

"Luca. I understand that. He's a little to forward and horny, almost obsessive." Wolf supplied. "What about Vexy? I'm sensing some very complex feelings there."

"I- I think I could have loved Vexy almost as much as I love you. However the timing was off. I'd met you first."

"And this regret about him?"

I swallowed. “Luca has Trace, Tye and Nature to play with, but Vexy is alone. That isn't a good thing.” I heard a deep chuckle behind me.

"Don't worry about him. He's found ways to cope. Tiger, it's not up to you to make everyone happy." Kyle said sleepily. "Now go back to sleep. You both need your rest.

"Yes, Daddy Kyle." Wolf and I said together, and giggled a bit before kissing and falling back asleep in each other’s arms.

***

We entered the cafeteria only to be confronted by Trace, Tye, Nature, Luca, and Vexy all grinning at us.

"I guess my question has been answered." Luca said, with a laugh.

"What question?" Kyle asked in return.

"None of you sounded like Trace when I'm-"

"We all heard your play time." Tye interrupted.

"I'm surprised they didn't hear the howls, roars, and screeches on the station, despite sound not traveling through space." Vexy added.

I blushed, but Shock laughed it off. "Jealous?" Everyone was deathly silent. "That would be a yes then." Shock laughed.

"Only one of you really has that right. Sorry, if we were too loud for you Vexy." I still felt bad about the dragon being alone.

"What? I'm not . . . Okay maybe a little jealous. It's hard not to be when all four of you are so attractive. Still, I'm good, now." The last bit he said while staring at Luca. Obviously something had happened between them and it wasn't good.

"What about Trace?" Tye asked.

"What do you mean? He has Luca."

"Damn it! Tye I told you to keep your mouth shut. I haven't-". Trace yelled.

"Don't look at me. I'm not interested in any relationship. The sex is fun, but that's all it is." Luca said.

"That's cold." Wolf mumbled.

"Tell me about it." Vexy grumbled.

Tye laughed. "All this time you've been driving yourself crazy trying to let him down easy and he actually wants the same thing you do. To think you've been trying to set him up-"

Nature lunged forward and clamped his paws over Tye's mouth. "Sorry Vexy, Tye doesn't know what he's talking about."

"I don't blame any of you. Actually I do blame Luca for not telling me he wasn't interested in a relationship when, or before, we were playing. But mostly I blame myself for stupidly believing we might have a connection. It doesn't matter though, Kyle has helped me get over the Sergal and how he made me feel."

"How-" Luca started.

"No Luca! You lost the right to ask or say anything about that part of my life; you put it quite clearly, when you told me there was nothing between us, after I told you I was developing feelings for you. That cut deeply into me. I- I don't think I can look at you with any kind of interest ever again." Vexy said, resentfully as he immediately moved to the other side of the room. "You know what? I've lost my appetite. Mahan, let me know when everyone is ready to restart the game. Until then I'm going to be playing a private game." Vexy dumped his tray in the recycler and headed into the VR chamber.

"Mahan, privacy mode please." I asked.

"You should have thought of that sooner!" Tye yelled, just before the energy wall materialized isolating the four of us from them.

"Kyle, what's going on? Vexy implied you know something.”

"I- I can't tell you, because it involves my time as his guide."

"I thought you weren't going to upload those files." I said, glaring at him.

"Vexy asked me to in order to help him. He wanted to return to the generated world."

"Drake, there's a reason I lock those worlds."

"After reviewing the files I decided Vexy did have legitimate reasons for unlocking them."

"I'm not going to second guess you. Just be sure to keep a close eye on the situation." I said, shrugging my shoulders. I had enough to deal with as it was.

"Of course. Now, Wolf, what would you like for breakfast?" Kyle asked.

"What?" Wolf asked in surprise.

"To make it easier for our Drake we started a rotation where each of us picks the meal for everyone. As our newest member it makes it your turn to choose." Shock said, grinning at Wolf.

***

I looked at the paused scene. I'd just slid back against the wall. "Computer take us back to the point where Rider said he wanted me for his harem." Wolf ordered.

"Such edits require alpha level access. Wolf verified as having Alpha Level access. Rewinding events now."

"When?" Wolf asked.

"I changed your rank status just before our mission to transport the colony." I replied.

Wolf nodded and we got into position. "Start game. The answer is no, I'm taken. That doesn't mean we can't have a bit of fun though."

Rider looked at us in confusion and then narrowed his eyes. "I see."

"Why don't you tell me about yourself? You might convince me you'd make a better mate."

I growled, but a single look from Wolf shut me up.

"I am the Ride of Death. The only one who has killed a Death Bringer with only tooth and claw."

"Impressive." I muttered.

"Why did you attempt something so foolish?" Kyle asked.

"The 'Bug', as you call it, had just killed my haram mates, my offspring, and my mate. We're not supposed to bond either with a mate or our offspring. Something I was trying to change. I loved my mate, my children, and even my children's mother to a certain extent. Since that day I've been hunting all the bugs down and ending them. I guess we've done a good job since no one's seen a Bug in over a year."

"Where do I fall in your little quest for vengeance?" Wolf asked.

"You're strong, maybe not as strong as one of us, but you're brave. You stood your ground to protect children that weren't your own."

"Rin and Frost are my kids as much as they are my mates children! Don't you ever forget that." Wolf yelled.

"You care about children, though I couldn't understand why you would bring them into battle."

I shook my head. He didn't have a clue how dangerous Rin and Frost could be.

"However, the most important thing is you smell like my mate."

Knowing Wolf smelt like my mark I decided it was time to change topic. "Rider, its impressive wiping out the bug invasion force. As far as I know only one other planet has been able to accomplish such a feat. Your mechs, even though they are less advanced than the ones we use, are formidable weapons. With the changes that have taken place in the Empire, now Alliance, I think your people would be celebrated as heroes especially if we make a few upgrades to your mechs giving the Alliance their own forces in case the Federation turns on them in the future."

"You would upgrade our weapons?" Rider asked in surprise.

"We aren't your enemies." Kyle pointed out.

"I can try, for my future mate, to convince our leaders to hear you out." Rider said, winking at Wolf.

"Now we just need to find them." I said. I move over to the access ladder between levels only to get hit by Sergal's tail.

"Tiger, we've got company." He said, as he continued down to the bunk area.

Kyle activated our personal communicators. “All pilots to your suits. Sergal, get your drones in the air. Rider, you're staying here. We wouldn't want you getting caught in friendly fire.

***

"So what's the plan?” Drake asked, as we watched nearly a hundred mechs approaching.

"Those are the best trained troops. You don't have a chance."

"Tye, Limit Rider's comments to useful information only." I ordered. "I guess the plan is to do something stupid?"

"That much is obvious it’s what you always do." Wolf said, with a bark of laughter.

"He isn't wrong, and you know it, Tiger." Drake added.

"You're right, why break a proven tactic. Everyone hold position I'm going to go speak with them."

"They'll see that as a challenge and you'll have to fight their leader. Those are elite guard troops even I wouldn't try to fight them." Rider announced.

"Good then they won't expect me to kick their tails." I walked out onto the field alone. I knelt the suit down and used the decent cable to drop from the cockpit. I wasn't going to risk spraining an ankle before this fight. "Computer, activate Dare cheat 12 slow motion mode. Access code Race Day. Trigger word 'speed'."

"Cheat is set and ready for activation."

I walked out onto the field shedding my armor, well deactivating it, and roaring a challenge. A sabretooth dropped from one of the mechs and walked toward me. He was also removing his armor.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" The sabretooth asked.

"I'm trying to minimize casualties."

"You think getting your people enslaved is better than dying in a blaze of glory?" He asked.

I laughed, "I'm talking about your casualties."

He threw the first punch. I easily side stepped, crouched and put my elbow into his kidney. He grunted but didn't go down. He was tougher than I thought. I rolled forward and propelled myself backward like a spring hitting him in the gut with both feet.

The saber doubled over but also grabbed my leg slamming me onto the ground. If the game had been at a higher level I'd be heading for the infirmary. I rolled, hoping I wasn't breaking my own leg, raking my foot claws across his bicep. It was enough of a shock that he let go and I quickly jumped away. He was strong and fast. I moved into a fighting stance and nearly fell. My leg was worse than I thought.

"This is going to be fun." The Saber said, as he licked a bit of blood from his arm. "It's been a long time since I've faced a challenge and even longer since anyone was good enough to blood me."

"Hah, you have strength and 'speed' but I have training and skills you couldn't imagine. That little skirmish was just a little test to know how hard I need to fight in order to get you to surrender."

“Oh no, pretty kitty, you've drawn blood. That makes this a death match. You win and I die. I win and all those you are responsible for die with you."

I took a deep breath and reminded myself this was just a game. "Are you sure that's the way you want to play this?" I stalled giving my nanites a chance to heal me.

"Honor demands it!" He roared.

I changed my stance. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to have to kill you."

"You think it'll be that easy? I'm not like that talentless fool Rider. I'm a trained-".

He wasn't able to finish. The loss of his throat made it impossible. I caught his falling body and lowered him to the ground. I spit out the gore. "Again, I'm sorry, go to your ancestors and tell how you faced death bravely." Things seemed to move in slow motion and I sprawled flat as a giant blade passed through the air where I'd been kneeling.

I shifted and ran as the high speed mech that looked like a dog was turning to pursue. As I ran a much smaller drone buzzed past headed for the dog. It had to be one of Luca's new drones. I didn't have time to think about it. As I neared my suit I found Drake, Wolf, and Fox standing guard.

"Hurry up. The others are guarding the truck." Drake informed me.

I jumped shifting to human form, allowing the power of my larger form to transfer to my smaller form, propelling me higher and faster. I caught the lip of the cockpit and pulled myself in. "Prepare to return fire."

"Tiger, they're not firing. In fact they appear to be leaving their mechs. It would seem they are paying their respects and preparing the body for transport." Wolf pointed out.

"What about the dog mech?" I asked.

"Don't worry about him. He was a drone and he'll be a good puppy from now on. Now that I'm in control anyway" Sergal told us, as the dog drone trotted over.

"How did you accomplish that?"

"It's an experimental control drone that Luca designed, Rin built, and I programmed. We can use to remote pilot a suit. That way you don't have to go on as many of those self-sacrificing missions." Tye radioed.

"Um, Captain we have an unarmed Sabretooth approaching." Wolf informed me.

The saber stopped a respectful distance from the suits, knelt down, and held his arms out in a "T" pose.

"Rider, care to tell us what this is about?"

"He is apologizing, likely for the drone attack, and is offering his life to clear the dishonor you were shown. I- I haven't heard of this being done since the war against the 'Bugs' started."

"What is the proper response?" I asked.

"That's up to you. There will be no reprisal if you kill him."

"If I ask him for safe passage to meet with your leaders-"

"He'll be honor bound to do everything in his power to make it happen. Even if it means giving his own life. I should point out that his battalion is also honor bound to you as well."

"Wolf and Drake, cover me. I'm going out to speak with him."

"Not alone, you're not." Wolf said, as his suit knelt down.

"Fox and Sergal can cover us. We're going to make sure you are protected." Drake added.

I just shook my head as I grabbed the drop line and slid to the ground. Those two were over protective, but I still loved them both despite . . . no. I loved them because they were overly protective and loved me enough to always want me to be safe.

***