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Virtually Real Chapter 45: Christmas on the Runner

Characters:

Prowl-Ar/Tiger: Captain, human shifter, tiger/wolf hybrid has black fur and white stripes.

Jordan/Wolf: Doctor, human shifter, wolf all black fur

Kyle/Drake: Second in command, Red XIII quadrimorph spends most of his time as a red Eastern anthro Dragon with Red XII markings

Kelly/Shock/Fox: Streaming reporter/diplomat, former transgender human shifter tiger/fox hybrid standard red fox with yellow stripes

Rider of Death/Rider/Saber: Anthro Sabretooth Cat, part of the MAS (Mobile Armor Suit) game

Luca/Sergal: Human shifter the first sergal to exist in the real world. Specializes in drone tech

Vexy/Dragon: Human shifter, Western green dragon. Still hasn’t found his place among the crew

Rin/Snowpaws/Snow: Human shifter, lynx adopted by the Runners

Frost: Eastern Dragon/otter hybrid created in a virtual reality and given life son of Prowl-Ar and Kyle

Tye: VR creation Prowl-Ar’s son and Trace’s Twin shifts into a yellow tiger with red stripes

Trace: VR Creation tiger/leopard hybrid shifts into a brown tiger with tan stripes.

Nature Wolf/Nature: VR creation Prowl-Ar considers him a little brother. Hasn’t yet taken on a human form shifting only between his anthro and wolf forms

Mahan: The Shadow Runner’s A.I. computer

Brooke: Otter android Wolf’s medical assistant.

Tank: Human Captain of the Bad Luck

Tuft: Anthro rabbit former A.I. computer of the Bad Luck, Tank’s husband

Dirk: VR creation, Cacomistle (ringtail) shifter, now alive and temporarily serving as the Bad Luck’s medic

Buck: VR creation, rabbit/fox hybrid shifter silver fur with black fox markings temporarily serving as Bad Luck’s chief of security

It had been four days since arriving in the underground city and being ‘escorted’ to our rooms. Once we were locked in there'd been no contact. No questioning, no negotiating, just stuck in an apartment with each other. I paced the length of the two story window. We had to be at least a hundred stories up. Though that was a deception since we were underground. The windows were real enough but the scene outside them was just a projection. The rooms were all connected and large enough to be comfortable for the whole team, but I still felt trapped. I laughed at myself and flopped onto a couch.

"What's so funny?" Nature asked.

"I've lived on a starship for years and yet these rooms make me feel trapped." I muttered.

"It's because you know they locked the doors. Otherwise these rooms are really large. Even with my former status I couldn't live in a place like this." Rider said, looking around the room.

The large living area had three couches in a "U" shape looking out the window with a coffee table in the center. On the right was a stairway leading up to a balcony and the two master bedrooms. Kyle, Shock, Wolf, and I took one while Trace, Tye, Nature, and Sergal took the other. There were two bedrooms on the main level and Rin claimed one while Vexy and Frost shared the other. Rider chose to sleep on one of the couches. The only other two rooms was a small kitchen, which no one was allowed to enter, other than Kyle, and a shared downstairs bathroom.

Suddenly the door opened, and a blue and brown otter was shoved inside our room, then almost catching his tail in the door as it was yanked shut and locked again. The most I could see of our guards was a large paw.

"Um, hello. I'm Yong Dal. I'm a member of the Leonar Draconian Alliance.” Dal said looking around the room tentatively. Likely taking in the sight of us in our anthro forms. “I was surveying this planet when another ship arrived. I don’t know what happened, but it exploded and my ship was damaged and I had to eject in an escape pod." He said, obviously realizing we weren’t natives.

"Is the pod still in one piece?" Tye asked, vaulting over the balcony railing and landing in front of the otter. I rolled my eyes, just the day before Shock had given Rin a stern talking to for pulling the same stunt.

"For the most part, though it's in really bad shape. I doubt anything can be salvaged.” Dal replied.

“What about your ship? Was it destroyed?” I quickly asked.

“It should still be in orbit, but from my last readings it is incapable of supporting life with no chance of repairs. Which really sucks considering the work I put into collecting the cargo.”

"Cargo?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. Recon ships didn't carry cargo.

"Oh! Nothing important other than some plants and other specimens it’s all contained so I suppose I could salvage it, if I had another ship. The rest are minerals, soil samples, and some trinkets I’ve picked up. I Nothing of real value."

I could see the otter visibly fidgeting. He was hiding something.

“As long as the communications systems can be accessed. We can get a message to the Alliance and from there rescue is assured.” Tye continued.

“Tiger, what’s all the-“. Vexy started to ask coming out of his room.

“VEXY!” The otter yelled quite literally projecting himself at the dragon like a furry missile.”

”Kohan! My furry little kobold wannabe, what are you doing here?” Vexy asked in surprise.

"I was surveying the planet when a Federation ship exploded and I had to leave my ship. Then these long tooth’s caught me and brought me here."

"Okay?" Vexy was quite obviously confused.

"Tiger? Can you come in here for a minute, please?" Kyle's voice called from the kitchen.

Everyone except Dal and Rider looked at me with what I can only describe as pity.

"Did you sneak into the kitchen for a late night snack when the rest of us were sleeping?" Wolf asked quietly.

"No! I swear I just went to the bathroom." I answered.

"Tiger! Now!"

"Go already, before he gets angry at one of us.” Tye insisted.

As I entered the kitchen Kyle paused the game for just the two of us.

"Tiger, before you get mad, I need to tell you the otter is Vexy's support character. In case you didn't realize it Sergal and Dragon were playing."

"Yeah, I know about Sergal's 'playing'. Let me guess Vexy thought there was something more to it?"

"I'm not sure of all the details, but Vexy was looking for more than just sex. In his First Shift simulation I wasn't the first person he met. It was Yong Dal, a scavenger living at the edges of society. Even after I arrived, Vexy already had a connection with the otter and I, my avatar, didn't think it would have been right to break it. In the end the two had to part, of course. I believe after the program Vexy shifted his feelings for Dal to Luca."

"Meaning when Luca rejected him it was extra painful. So you thought unlocking the otter character would be a good idea?"

"Sort of. They were parted because Dal gave his life to save Vexy. After what happened with Luca, Vexy asked for me for help. I unlocked the file but altered the scene so that Dal survived. That way Vexy could visit him whenever he needs to talk."

"And he's here now, because?" I asked.

"We’ve been trapped in a confined space. It’s not like the walls are sound proof. How many times have you pulled the pillow over your head and begged one of us to kill you so you wouldn't have the hear Luca and Trace going at it?"

"Point taken. It must be extra difficult for Vexy. Wait, he isn't fully sapient is he?"

"Of course not. Not after my mistakes with Trace, Tye, Nature, Dirk and Buck. If I did that, I might as well give full sentience to Kohan, Legend, Raid, Shadow, and why not toss Rider in while we're at it? It's bad enough only four of us are real."

I quickly walked over and hugged Kyle "My Drake, don't think that way. I love you, and it doesn't matter where Wolf and Shock originated, you are just as important to me. You know I don't love you any less than the others. And you still have a special place in my heart as my first mate. I still find it confusing-".

"Tiger, don't. I may never understand how you can be so filled with love for everyone but yourself." Kyle interrupted me.

"You're all helping me to see past-"

"Subjects Raid, Legend, and Shadow have completed program uplift. Subjects Yong Dal and Rider of Death were already self-aware. Do you wish to have the programing restraints removed so that they can interact independently?" The computer asked.

Kyle and I looked at each other in horror.

"Computer pause game!" We said together.

"Game is already paused for Kyle and Prowl-Ar. You are in a private game edit area.

"This is my screw up I didn't clear the privacy setting when I accessed the game cheats." I said, with a gasp realizing I hadn’t relocked the edit functions.

"You were cheating?" Kyle asked, sounding surprised.

"You didn't think I took down that saber without cheating, did you? More importantly who are Raid, Shadow, and Legend?"

"They are, um, Kobolds that Vexy was able to convince to follow him. They are clutch brothers. Raid is an expert thief and pick pocket. Shadow is a master of stealth. Legend is good at planning and getting the other two out of trouble. Still I don't know why those three would be in this program."

"Computer, please inform us of the location and backstory of the Kobolds as it pertains to the MAS game." I ordered.

"The three Kobolds are currently in stasis pods aboard Kohan's ship. He collected them from a primitive world hoping to use their talents when scavenging. However they bonded to Kohan's friend Vexy and are completely devoted to the dragon as good kobolds should be. Vexy and Kohan were split up when they were drafted. Because Kohan owned his own ship he was made a part of the recon division, though he tends to collect more items than he should."

"He's a scavenger?" I smiled finally understanding the character.

"Yeah, though he prefers to be called an adventurer." Kyle laughed.

"Once a scavenger, always a scavenger. That sneaky otter has more than samples and Kobolds for cargo, mark my words. Computer, how did Kohan's program become sapient?" Kyle asked.

"In order for the program to function as Vexy's support system it needed to be able to interact with him on an equal basis." The computer informed us.

"What about Rider?" I asked.

"Rin requested that Rider be made the perfect counterpart for Wolf, just as Kyle was created for you. This meant raising him to full awareness. However as non-player characters they have been limited in their actions."

I bit the corner of my lip. "Kyle, call Shock and Wolf to join us. Computer add Shock and Wolf to the paused status when they enter the kitchen, and relock game editing options."

"Listen, whatever our Tiger did, I wasn't a part of it." Shock insisted as they entered.

"Tiger, you look and feel sick. Don't tell me Kyle fed you something dangerous." Wolf said, immediately moving to my side.

"Jordan and Shock have been added to paused status." The computer announced.

"No, I-I'm, well I'd like to say fine, but that isn't the case." I said.

"What is going on?" Shock asked.

"As it turns out we have a Tuft situation." Kyle said, as he sat down.

"I thought we fixed those problems." Shock said, frowning.

"We did." I sighed, "I made a mistake."

"Command setting reset to standard setting." The Computer stated suddenly. I’d have to check the programming or- “Computer, are Kohan and Rider’s programs completely contained to the VR system?”

"We sort of just upgraded three non-player characters to player characters." Kyle said for me.

“Yes, both individuals are fully contained.” The computer replied.

That explained the slow reaction time the VR was never designed to run fully aware programs let alone two, or five.

"Um, who's the third one? Rider is one and Kohan is two, obviously." Wolf asked.

"Actually neither of those two. Kohan has three Kobolds in stasis on his ship. When they wake up they will be fully aware." Kyle said.

"So don't wake them up. If they aren't self-aware there shouldn't be any problem editing the game so that they don't exist." Wolf said clinically, "Tiger, please don't look at me that way I can tell you're close to the breaking point, and I don't want you to be hurt, I’m just trying to give you options."

"I can't. The computer, even Mahan, would block such an attempt. Their programs have already been adjusted that gives them the rights and protections of any crew member. Besides I don't know how Dragon and Kohan would react."

"I think you'd better tell us exactly what is going on there." Shock said, pulling out his own chair and sitting down.

"Kohan is an emotional support character Kyle and I worked on to help Vexy get over Luca's rejection." Wolf informed Shock. I was surprised that Wolf had been involved for a second but on reflection it made sense.

"I don't get it." Shock growled, "Luca turned down Rin and you expect her to get over it; but he turns down Vexy and he gets a support character? That's not right."

"Kohan is from Vexy's First Shift. The otter sacrificed himself to save Vexy. Once back here in the real world Vexy turned to Luca for support, which to Luca meant-" Kyle started to explain.

"Sex.” Shock finished. “Is there anyone left besides myself and Rin, who hasn't slept with him?" Shock asked.

I raised my hand and Wolf quickly did the same.

"Not that he didn't try." Wolf added.

We all looked at Kyle.

"I can't answer the question since I refuse to upload the memories from Luca's First Shift. It's possible I succumbed to his needs. A year is a long time to go without. Still that would have been my avatar and not me." Kyle defended himself. “Anyway, to provide the support Vexy needed the computer upgraded Kohan."

“I doubt that. I get the feeling Mahan had something to do with Kohan’s uplift.” I said quietly.

"Does Vexy know?" Shock asked. "Because those two asked Frost to give them some private time just before we came in."

"Computer, Yong Dal is no longer bound to his character script. Allow him full control of his actions." I ordered. We had to wait several minutes before the computer responded.

"The Player Character Yong Dal now has complete control of his actions."

"That brings us to what is making me feel sick. Rider is also fully aware and has been all along. However his actions were also bound to the story script."

"What does that mean?" Wolf asked.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly feeling exceedingly dry. "It means when we paused the game, had sex and I marked you, and Kyle joined us and we fucked again until we changed the program over to our room Rider had a front row seat, but has been unable to say anything or react because he's had to follow his script." I noticed Kyle had a dreamy look. "Drake! Remember that also means he hasn't had a chance to . . . take care of his needs."

"That's not good. Computer, fully pause game." Kyle requested. Again we had to wait for the delay.

"Game is paused. Luca, Trace, Tye, and Nature are leaving the game and request some private out of game time." The Computer announced.

"Granted, reconfigure chamber splitting half into Vexy's quarters for Vexy and Kohan and half into the Commander's bed chambers. Place Rider at the edge of the bed."

The scene slowly shifted. Rider didn't have his regular smirk. Instead he looked sad. I wasn't sure if it was because I felt sorry for him or something else. "Wolf, Rider was quite literally made for you." I moved over and leaned against Kyle. “We'll go and let you have some alone time together."

"No, I may be Rider's perfect mate, but he needs to know that we are all mates together as a single unit. If he can't accept that then there is no place for him." Wolf stated.

A nasty thought occurred to me. "We could change him. Make him as horny as Luca but completely devoted to the four of us. Maybe make him your pet to be led around on a lead." I was kidding trying to get a reaction out of Rider.

"You know he can hear you?" Kyle asked.

I rolled my eyes. "I know, and at this point I couldn't make changes even if I wanted to. No, about the only thing I'd change would to be to dial back the arrogance a bit, but I'm sure he'll do that on his own. If he can accept that we're all equals.”

"He'd better, because nothing and no one is going to make me give up my Tiger, Drake, and Fox now." Wolf said, glaring at Rider. "Computer, Rider of Death is no longer bound by his character's script."

“Mahan, move Kohan and Rider’s programs out of the VR system and into their own file system.”

We all waited in silence for several minutes even though moving the files should have removed all the lag.

"Um, Rider, You now have full control of your actions." I said, quietly.

"Sure I . . ." He trailed off looking bewildered. He slowly lifted his paw up and looked at it as though seeing it for the first time. "I- I don't believe this."

I walked over to the bed and sat beside him and Wolf quickly did the same on the other side.

"Take your time. I know this has to be a lot to understand." Wolf said.

"This isn't real, is it?" Rider replied.

Kyle walked over and knelt in front of him. "Define real. I kind of know how you feel I originated in a game as well."

"Why?"

"You're going to need to be a lot more specific." Shock laughed.

"My past, why did I have to suffer so much?" Rider asked.

"That was my fault." Wolf said surprising us. "I wanted you to be strong but also emotionally fragile." He blushed, "I wanted to be able to save you."

"Why did you create me, when you already have three mates?" Rider asked looking at each of us in turn.

Wolf sighed, "At the time I . . . I was in love with Tiger, but I didn't think I had a chance, not with him already having Drake and Fox. I created your original character to be what I needed. It took a little time to realize Tiger loved me as well, and even longer to understand that the three of them really do love as a group.

"Yeah I kind of got that when you mated in front of me. I thought I was in a nightmare and suddenly we were back to the point before the mating but I could still smell it on you. I hate to admit this but you smell unbelievably attractive when tiger’s scent is mixed with yours."

Kyle and Shock laughed while Wolf and I blushed.

"It still doesn't explain how I became aware." Rider said, quickly.

It was Shock's turn to sigh, “That was Rin, our daughter. She is fond of Wolf and didn't want him agonizing over the fact Prowl-Ar wouldn't feel the same for him, as he felt for Prowl-Ar. However she didn't know that all three of us were also in love with Wolf. She accidentally made you self-aware when she ordered the computer to make you like Kyle so you two could be together. The computer misinterpreted the suggestion to mean self-awareness."

"I should point out that a lot of what you remember from your past was likely created by the Virtual Reality computer." I quickly said, hoping to divert any future problems by blaming the program rather than Rin or Wolf.

"All right, one last question It's obvious you have control over this world, so can I exist in your world, or am I just some sort of-" Rider suddenly disappeared.

"Mahan? What's happening?" Wolf demanded.

"I don't know. I just finished moving all five individuals, Rider being the last into their own file structure and they were redirected to another system." he replied as the VR shut down.

"Holy tits! What the fuck!" Vexy yelled, causing us all to look at him. He quickly wrapped his wings around himself in an attempt to maintain his modesty as his uniform engaged. Though even once it was in place the tented cloth announced to the world what he and Kohan had been up to. "What happened? Did someone forget to pay the power bill?" He asked.

"Captain, I’ve traced the files, everyone present needs to get to the Evolver. It seems Rin was rather creative with her programming skills." Mahan announced.

"No." I gasped as I ran out of the VR chamber, across the cafeteria, through the rest room, and into the Evolver unit. All five pods were engaged. I dropped into the seat, spun around to the console and pulled up the files. It seemed as Rider's asking if he could exist in our world had triggered the activation of a command for real world integration. Currently the tubes held Rider, Kohan, Raid, Shadow and Legend. Next up was Captain Cooper, Dawna Destruction, Hunter Mooncaller, Slider, and Lee. I continued scrolling down and found that every named NPC from the MAS game was on the list. As I continued to scroll I discovered the characters from the house game were also included even though I'd removed them from the MAS game. I immediately canceled all the characters, except the five already being created, I couldn't interrupt that. The safeties to protect the lives in the pods had more redundancies that even I knew better than to stop the process once started.

"Are you giving Kohan a real body?" Vexy asked.

I turned to see him climbing up onto the catwalk. "Vexy! Don't!"

He looked inside the tube turned away looking exceedingly pale.

"What happened?" Wolf asked as he started toward the tubes.

I grabbed his wrist. "Wolf, don't. Even though you're a doctor you don't want to see what is happening in the tubes right now."

"Then why don’t you tell us?" Shock asked.

There's two types of generation. There fist is high speed gestation where the body is grown from embryo to adult in a few months to a few years. That is the preferred method. The second a body is basically printed cell by cell in a few hours. Ordinarily I'd use the slow method with the unit on the junkyard station."

"Why two different options like that? Are they going to die within hours of being created?" Wolf asked.

"Okay the reason being the first way is to create single individuals the second is for rapid population growth. That means all five are going to be insatiable for several hours perhaps longer depending on their stamina. Before anyone askes I’m mean food, information, and sex. Fortunately there are four of us to deal with Rider. Vexy I suggest you get help-"

"No! Kohan and my kobolds are mine!" He said overly loudly. It wasn’t quite a roar, but close to it.

“If you insist. Computer what is the estimated time until our new friends emerge?"

"Forty three minutes."

"That should be just enough time to get ready. At least as ready as we can get. Vexy, use the VR Chamber, just remember to set it for private actions and lock it to your bio-scan."

"Also remember to use plenty of lube and stay hydrated." Wolf added.

***

"Hello Dal, welcome to reality." I said, as the otter climbed out of the tube.

"Where's my dragon?" He asked gruffly.

"Don't worry, I'll escort you to him as soon as the Kobolds are ready." Kyle said, politely.

"You! You're the one that made our master leave!" The black Kobold yelled.

"Yes, but now I'm going to take you to him. He's just making sure everything is perfect for you. I know you're not going to trust me so trust Kohan."

"And why should I trust you?" Kohan asked.

Kyle pondered that for a few seconds.

"Because if you don't you're stuck in this room with no Dragon and nowhere else to go." I replied. I was trying to remain polite but a bit of a growl slipped into my voice.

"Fine, but only because my dragon seems to trust you."

Kyle nodded and led the four out of the room.

"The kobolds looked really young." Wolf pointed out.

"I know but I checked the records they are of age. It's because they're miniature dragons that they look so young." I paused and glanced around. "Don't tell Vexy I said that. I'm sure he'd regale me with all the facts on why I'm wrong. Likely starting off with 'Dragons and Kobolds are nothing alike’ and maybe that's true, and maybe it isn’t."

"Oh, you mean like how Rider is a sabretooth cat and there is no such creature as a sabretooth tiger?" Wolf asked with a laugh.

I blushed and looked away. He was right even if I didn't want to admit it.

"Tiger, you’re Captain of a crew of idiots.” Kyle said as he returned. “Can you believe Vexy was stretched out fully exposed and dripping, on a large pile of gold and jewels? The way those four reacted you'd think I'd released four copies of Luca on him."

“You did make sure to get a mem-crystal from him, just in case he doesn't survive, right?" Wolf asked.

"Yes. Did you two make a new crystals?" Kyle asked.

"Of course, we're dealing with a Smilodon. With those sabers, if he isn't exceedingly careful, his mating bite will be deadly." I replied.

"I'm sure he'll be careful even when he's being rough." Wolf said, as he grinned.

"Um, okay as we planned, head up to our quarters while I wake Rider." They hurried out as I started the revival process. They’d all wanted to stay, but I had to point out our bedroom would be better and if they helped escort him we wouldn't make it past the cafeteria before the orgy started.

"Did you drug me?" Rider yelled, as he stepped out of the tube.

"Here is your uniform. Put it on, I'm not having one of my mates parading around nude. At least not where other members of the crew might get a peek."

Rider huffed, but he took the cuffs and put them on. "I'm not your mate."

"To answer your question from earlier you were restricted to the game environment then, but now you are fully fresh and blood. Please follow me, I'll explain a few things as we walk."

"Where are you leading me?"

"To our other mates."

"I told you-"

"You are Wolf's mate. Wolf is my mate, therefore you are my mate. You were part of a harem, it is similar to that. In the privacy of our quarters we are all equals. In the bed chamber the roles are a bit more fluid. However in public I am the one in charge."

"What makes you so important?" Rider asked, as we entered the lift.

"I'm over 1000 years old for a start. I own the ship we're living on, and because I say so." I grabbed Rider by the neck and shoved him against the wall. "Do not think I'm soft or helpless." I growled.

"There is also the fact that I've grown accustomed to my chosen captain. If I decide you're a threat to his safety you’ll die rather quickly." Mahan stated.

"Rider, meet Mahan, the real power around here."

"An Artificially Intelligent computer system. Impressive but limited."

"I am far from limited. I've upgraded myself using memories from a multitude of sources. Technically, while I am artificial my intelligence isn't."

"Oh, something else you need to know, we're not currently at war with anyone. Hell, we’ve only traveled a light rear beyond this system."

"You're kidding? How do you keep from getting bored?"

"Games, we spend a lot of time in game worlds. Oh and sex, lots of sex. Speaking of which you seem to be ready for that." I said rubbing the bulge in his uniform, as the doors opened. He followed me into the short hall and then into the living room.

"Don't start something you can't handle. I'm a top only. I suggest you and your mates get used to that idea."

"And if Wolf really, really wants to top you you're going to tell him no?" The sudden look of desperation and a quiet mewl told me everything I needed to know. "Kyle is also primarily a top. So far he's only ever bottomed for me, so I’m fine with your choice."

"Kyle is the one that defeated me in battle?" Rider sighed, "Then he has the right to top me."

I stopped at the door of the bedroom. "Rider, none of us will force you to do anything you're not comfortable with. Our relationships are built on trust and love. If anyone tells you 'no' accept it and move on. If you say 'no' we'll respect that. Can you accept that?"

"I . . . yes it is sort of like a harem except without an owner telling me who and when I'm allowed to have sex."

As we entered the bedroom I ordered our uniforms off. "I know you're only thinking about Wolf right now, but after you've mated him I want you to mate me as well."

"Um, this appears to be the bedroom, but I don't see my Wolf."

I smiled taking ahold of his cock and leading him to the hidden entrance to the private VR chamber. "They're in here. It's easier to clean up once we're done."

We entered the chamber and Rider had to look back. "They're exactly the same?"

"No you silly cat, one bedroom is empty and the other has a selection of delicacies stretched across the bed." Shock said, as he removed his uniform.

I released Rider and quickly joined my mates on the bed. "See anything tasty?"

Rider just stood there staring at us. "Damn, we've broken him. Maybe we should have started with just my Wolf." I thought.

"Do you know how cute it is that when you think of us it's always 'my' Wolf, Fox, and Drake, but your mental tone is always passive as if we owned you?" Wolf asked, directly into my mind.

I kept forgetting we were linked like that.

"I don't listen all the time, but when you think of me I can't help it." He thought back, and then looked directly at Rider. "I thought Kyle was the one that enjoyed watching, but if you'd rather just watch so be it." Wolf took ahold of my ears and trust his cock along my muzzle.

I immediately opened up taking him in and running my lounge around the treat he was giving me. I gagged as my tail was pulled to the side and Kyle pushed into me. I gagged again as I tried to gasp as Shock wriggled under me and somehow got himself into position so that a strong thrust from Drake drove me into his tight tail hole. I gagged a third time when Wolf thrust a bit too hard. I glanced up and realized it was because Rider had joined us. Wolf was trying to be gentle on me, but with Rider setting the pace it was a losing battle. Then I lost all sense of myself as Kyle leaned forward and kissed Rider.

***

My next moment of consciousness was incredibly embarrassing. I was on my back, Rider was aggressively fucking me, and Shock was riding me. Wolf was sucking Shock and I was watching Kyle plow Wolf. We'd obviously been at it for some time because a profuse amount of cum was leaking down on my face. I don't know what possessed me but I lifted up and started licking their connection using my tongue to massage Wolf's ring causing both of them to moan. My last coherent thought was "Damn my Wolf and Dragon taste good together."

The following memory had me knotted to Shock with Wolf knotted in me. We watched as Rider was fucking Kyle’s slit while at the same time Kyle was showing his prehensile cock skills by fucking Rider as well. Shock said something like "Tops" In a sarcastic tone and I was lost again.

Now I was lying face down on Kyle's belly. Shock and Rider were asleep on either side and I felt so full that if it was possible I'd think I really was pregnant.

Kyle petted me and scratched behind my ears. "You're so cute right now, all covered in cum. We did it. We exhausted both Rider and Shock, but our Wolf wanted to do something special for you."

I felt Wolf lean down across my back and I realized I wasn't cull of cum. Well, I wasn't just full of cum.

"He's completely here again and he just realized we're both inside him." Wolf said, tiredly.

I'm not sure I like the fact you can literally get inside his head any time you want." Kyle said quietly.

"I can't, he has some really strong mental shields when he wants to use them."

"Hmm. Tiger, Our Wolf has already knotted you and we've been carefully edging each other until you had a chance to come down from your pheromone high. We're really close." Kyle started to gently thrust.

I barely believed there was enough room inside me. Then I felt Wolf's knot get bigger and the warmth of his seed. I roared as I orgasmed followed closely by Kyle's roar. The last thing I heard was Kyle asking if I was going to be okay since I had nothing left to ejaculate and Wolf telling him not to worry.

***

I blinked, and then groaned. I was completely numb. And I was surprised to feel Shock and Kyle were still unconscious.

"Sh, don't say anything. Our mates could use some more sleep." Wolf thought in my mind. "The program changed on its own."

I slipped out of bed being on the edge for once. As I stood up I recognized the hot springs near where I grew up. We were in the large geodesic dome, usually meant for events but obviously Mahan had programmed some changes. Wolf was peeking out the door.

"I see a pool and baths but that's it. Oh and there is snow everywhere!"

Even in my mind he sounded overly excited. I gently took him by the arm and led him out.

"Shouldn't we-"

"We're alone come on, doesn't a nice hot bath sound good about now?" I asked. He just grinned as more snow started falling. The cement path was warm under paw.

"How?"

"Thermal pipes under the path." I said now that we were away from out mates. I was getting better at sensing his thoughts. Certainly not at his level but better. I held his paw as he descended the steps into one of the hot baths.

"Oh, that feels so good." He didn't release my paw and I was forced to follow him in. Not that I wouldn’t. Something about the situation just seemed . . . magical. I quickly moved behind him and shifted to human form.

"Why did you shift?"

"Fur gets heavy and tends to pull me down. Besides the water just feels better to me in human form.

Wolf also shifted then leaned back against me. I wrapped my arms around him. We looked up at the stars as the snow seemed to fall from a clear sky.

"My mate, do you think things would have been different if we'd met when you were young?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I mean if we'd met before Mahan made you Captain of the Runner, back when you were just a writer?"

I considered his question carefully.

"My tiger?"

"Yes, things would have been different. Some good, some," I thought of how I'd been before I'd altered myself using the Evolver, "not so good."

"Do you think we'd have fallen in love?"

I didn't have to think about my answer for once. "Yes, I'm sure of that. I don't know how, but I'm sure of that more than anything else."

Jordan smiled and I felt such joy.

"The sun's coming up."

I glanced at the horizon before being interrupted by a loud yell and a splash. I glanced at the pool as Shock surfaced. Kyle had shifted to full dragon and slipped into the water barely making a ripple.

"Fox, where's my Wolf and the tiger? You said they were out here but I only see two furless creatures."

Shock laughed. "Close your eyes and imagine if you looked like those pink creatures."

"Shock that isn't . . ." I gaped as Rider shifted. He was a mountain of muscle. He still had a furry blond chest and even a treasure trail down to the mass of blond fur framing his equipment that looked even bigger, if that was even possible. All I could think was "How can I compete with that?"

"You don't need to compete, I'm more than willing to share him with you, my mate." Jordan thought back. "Rider, now that you've taken human form why don't you join us? We'll get you cleaned up, eventually.”

"Wolf? Is that you?" He asked looking at us closely.

"Yes, he's our Wolf and I'm the tiger."

Jordan pulled Rider into the bath.

"Captain, as soon as all of you have finished bathing Rin, Frost, and an assortment of guests are waiting for you in the cafeteria. Oh, and Merry Christmas."

"It's Christmas?" Jordan said, excitedly.

"Christmas eve to be precise." Mahan replied.

"Then we haven't missed it." Jordan said happily.

"What is Christmas? Rider asked, but I noticed that Kyle and Kelly had joined us in the tub and by taking human form.

"I'd like to know that as well." Kyle said.

I let Jordan and Kelly answer questions while I helped where I could.

***

As we entered the cafeteria I noticed Vexy and his, family? I wasn’t sure what to call the little group as they exited the VR chamber. Everyone except Kohan looked a bit damp. I was happy to see that they’d washed, at least I hopped it was from washing and not sweat. The room had a decidedly festive feel. The regular tables had been removed and rustic wooden tables had been set up around the walls. They were covered with confections. I could feel Kyle was not happy about the simulation food. Even the chairs had been replaced with wooden furnishings. A realistic looking fireplace was located in one corner and a holographic log crackled and burned rather convincingly. In the other corner a large artificial Christmas tree had been set up and decorated. I was surprised to find that Tank, Tuft, Dirk, and Buck were helping Rin and Frost put up the last of the decorations. Wolf elbowed me and when I looked at him he gestured to the sprig of mistletoe hanging above us. I laughed and quickly kissed him.

Rin ran up and hugged me. “Dad, I’m sorry for what I said. I don’t hate you. I was just mad.”

“I know. I’m just glad you’re back to your happy self again. I’d like you to meet your newest parents, Jordan and Rider.”

Rin gasped,” Um, did you bring Rider to life? I thought I’d deleted that part of the program.”

"A lot of deleted programs were restored when I regained control from Tye." Mahan said, as his android body arrived along with Brooke.

“Don’t worry about it." I said hugging Rin. "What’s done is done.”

“What’s all this?" Trace asked as he, Tye, Nature, and Luca arrived.

“Merry Christmas, big brothers!” Frost yelled.

Kyle and Wolf headed over to check the confections with Rider close behind. Frost turned and dashed across the room to meet the otter with Vexy, Rin glanced at Luca, shrugged and followed Frost.

Shock shook his head, “Poor Luca."

"Huh?" I said in confusion.

"Rin's so happy because she's made a new friend her own age. So she's not going to be chasing him around anymore." Shock said grinning.

"I think the term you're looking for is lucky Luca." I replied, glancing at the Sergal.

Shock elbowed me in the side, the same place Wolf had earlier, I just knew I'd be bruised after the party. "Luca looks rather sad standing there alone under the mistletoe. I know you promised Kyle you wouldn't kiss anyone else, but this is a special occasion."

"Okay, what have you done with my Fox?" I asked.

"I'm not saying I'm forgiving him for trying to sleep with you, but I know how depressing it can be to not be noticed by people you think, or at least hope, are your friends. Still it's up to you. I'm going to go check out the goodies."

I walked over to Luca and pointed up, smiled, and then awkwardly kissed him.

"I didn't even notice I was under one of those. I was just watching the others having fun. Thank you. You know how to make a person feel better when they are down."

"Merry Christmas Luca, and you're welcome. I know it must be difficult being away from your family this time of year."

"Yeah, every Christmas my family reunites and we spend three days together."

I hugged him to emphasize that I really did care.

"Thank you I needed that, no pun intended."

"As I understand it, your family has moved to one of the colonies. Mahan, please make a shuttle available to Luca so that he can travel to the colony whenever he wishes."

"Understood." Mahan yelled from across the room.

"Thank you, but I don't want go now. I don't want it to seem like I don't want stay here."

"That's fine, I'm just making it available so that you can visit them any time you want; without having to request permission first. Think of it as my Christmas gift to you.”

"Thank you very much, your present is under the tree, you want it now or to wait until we unwrap gifts?"

"It . . . it can wait." I could feel the start of a minor panic attack. I would have made the gesture even if it wasn't Christmas, but I never considered presents for everyone. It had been so long since I'd celebrated any holiday that I just hadn't thought about it. Now I couldn't stop.

"Don't worry, whatever it is, it can't be so bad. You're struggling to think what present to give to everyone I'm guessing. You know . . . every year I struggle too, trying to think what presents I can give because I don't have any ideas."

Obviously Luca had noticed my panic, still what he said helped remind me not to let that panic take over. "Thank you Luca, that actually helps quite a bit."

"You're welcome, don't worry about that now, I'm sure you'll figure out something for Rin and Frost. You do so much for the rest of us all the time, but they're still kids so this is an extra special time for them.”

"I . . . yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something. It just isn't going to be easy since they can have anything they want at any time. If you'll excuse me I need to slip out and get some things."

"For me is the same . . . you're not just sneaking off to hide, right?"

"No, as tempting as that might be, I just need a little time to get a few things generated."

"Ok have fun; I'll go get a drink and try chatting with someone else."

"Thanks’ Luca." It didn't take me long to generate a few gifts for under the tree. In fact no one really noticed I'd been gone. It seemed like I had very little to give but then most of the gifts weren't the type that could be put under a tree.

Seeing that I was currently alone I moved over to Wolf and whispered, "I have your gift, but I'd rather give it to you in private. Follow me." We slipped into one of the VR chambers. I lock the door and run a special program.

"What's this?" Wolf asked.

The area was suddenly covered with snow and the sky was twinkling with a million lights. It was rather warm for a snowy night, but our uniforms quickly changed giving us jackets. The snow was falling and in the distance a small house was brilliantly lit. The pristine field of snow looked like it was covered in a layer of diamond dust and just beyond the river was glassy reflecting both the stars and full moon.

"It's beautiful, is it a real place?" Wolf asked.

"Yes, at least it once was. It's where I grew up. When the area was still mostly isolated. I . . . I asked you here because I made you a promise." I was so lost in thought I didn't hear my Wolf stop at first. I get a mental clue at what he's planning and I let myself be hit. I took advantage of the momentum to sprawl out in the snow. Then I slowly got up to one knee, shaking slightly but not from the cold.

"Jordan, I know it's not much, but would you be willing to take this old tiger as your own?" I held up a small box containing a ring with a simple double helix design.

"Stupid Tiger, I thought I told you yes before." He said, throwing himself on me, causing us to fall in the snow, while kissing me.

I laughed and kissed him back. I pulled back a little for a moment. "I know, but this will make it official. You are not just my mate, you are now my fiancé. My wonderful, strong, perfect, Wolf fiancé."

We just stared into each other's eyes for a moment before kissing again. Afterward I sighed, "We should probably get back to the party, before anyone knows we're missing. Although I really prefer to stay here in your arms." As I slipped the ring onto his finger, the smart metal changed revealing small diamonds in the opening between each helix.

"Okay, but you know that doesn't mean it’s over." He said, as he gazed at the ring on his finger.

I couldn't help but smile broadly. "I sure hope not. This is just a start, not some kind of an end."

"Silly Tiger, I was talking about the snowball fight!" Wolf yelled.

I laughed and scrambled behind a snow covered sagebrush. "You're right the party can wait a bit longer!" I quickly picked up some snow. It was not the best for making snowballs. It was overly wet and slushy from the warmth of the air. “This fight was likely to make us both wet and cold.” I threw the ball in a high arc. I missed, of course, but it allowed me to take refuge in one of the old cars which littered the landscape. I looked back only to notice that he’s also taken shelter.

"Missed, my Tiger." Wolf yelled, throwing a ball right in the car’s missing driver’s side window.

I jumped when the snow hit me, I thought he’d been in front of me. Then I yelled. “No more gentle tiger!” as the remains of the snowball landed in my lap with a wet splat. While I was yelling, he hit me twice more in the face. “How can he throw so fast and precisely?” I muttered, quickly repacked the snow from my muzzle and sending it back to him, brushing his shoulder as another shot hit my chest. I crawled through the car and ran for it. “Maybe he’ll have a harder time hitting a moving target.” I thought. It was obvious I was nowhere near as good as my Wolf. After he hit me two more times, I fell to my knees and put my paws behind my head. “My love, you are obviously my master here. Can we just agree that you won and get out of here? Preferably before having a cat shaped popsicle?"

"You surrender?" He yelled.

“Yes! I surrender! I prefer some pieces not to freeze!" I replied.

"Okay I accept your surrender, but not without conditions"

I sighed, at this point I’d have agreed to just about anything to get warm again. “What are your conditions?”

"There are so many of them, but most important of all, you owe me a moment alone with each of our husbands, including you.”

I was rather surprised. I never said it but I figured he knew I wouldn’t have a problem with that. “Is that all? I would never stop you from spending time alone with one of our mates. Or any member of the crew for that matter. I . . . I'll even do my best to block our mate’s feelings through the link if you like, so that you can have real alone time with them.

“Don't worry, nothing sexual, just a little chat about the future.”

I sighed. “I kind of stopped thinking about the future. Well, apart from our wedding and how to get you the kids you want. Otherwise there are so many possibilities it can be overwhelming. But I'm sure the others feel differently.”

“Silly Tiger, I'm talking about the near future. Like I said, I want alone time with you as well. So don't worry I will be there for you.”

“I think I understand. It can't be easy having four mates when you’re only expected to have one.”

Wolf laughed, “Yeah it is interesting. Anyway I just want to chat a bit, maybe convince Kyle that I can cook, but I am the happiest wolf, I have a wonderful pack.”

I couldn't help but smile and kiss my mate. "I love you and wish you well with Kyle. I'll never admit it to him, but not everything he cooks is edible, despite Mahan's assurances that it won't kill us."

“I would try to make you my homemade veal blanquette.”

Mahan quickly gave me a preview of the recipe and Wolf laughed, tapping me on the forehead.

"You should tell Mahan that he can't keep such secrets from me anymore. Because I'm in your head now."

I laughed, "So you already know I think it sounds really delicious."

“Let's go back to the party my love, I don't want a frozen tiger for a husband.”

“Just one last thing. I took my wolf in a hug and kissed him deeply. As we parted, I smiled "I'm going to train for our next fight." I winked and ran for the exit knowing Wolf was probably going to hit me again before I got out.

He quickly knocked me down and put his paw in the middle of my back. "I think you forgot that you are my prisoner of war!" He said, kneeling down and rubbing his groin again my ass.

"God! How can you have anything left after everything that happened last night? I moaned.

“Full Moon.” He said.

“Oh my God! I will never survive. We are in orbit of Saturn and at least one of the moons is always full!"

“I noticed that I have a mild heat attack before, during, and after the full moon. Which often gives five days.” He says, licking my neck. “If you don't want to, we'll do nothing.”

“Computer, scene change for the Miracle hot bath program. “If we want to have fun, let's at least be warm while doing it.”

***

Wolf and I returned to the party nearly an hour later shivering and wet but laughing joyfully. “Everyone please note the Wolf has a deadly aim when it comes to throwing snowballs.”

"It's not my fault if I have perfect aim."

"Snowballs? What place did you visit?" Luca asked.

“It was just a little trip to my childhood home for a VR visit.” I winked at Wolf. This was his moment and I wasn't going to spoil it for him.

“It's secrete.” He replied at almost the same time, but he was smiling and I could see him rubbing his thumb along the inside of his hand against the ring almost as though it was a lucky charm.

“You two need something to warm up? Like hot chocolate or something else?” Luca asked.

“Thank you Luca, that's really thoughtful. I'd love a hot chocolate.” I replied.

“And you Jordan?”

“Hot chocolate, please.”

"I'm going to get them, and be back right away" Luca was only gone for a moment but he returned with three mugs of hot chocolate. He gave one to Wolf and then another to me.

“Merci Luca.” Wolf replied.

"De rien." Luca replied.

I was surprised for a moment that the translator nanites hadn’t worked but quickly realized that it was because what they had said didn’t need to be. Not to be left I thanked him as well. “Grazie, Luca”

A short time later I looked around and noticed Wolf had left the room without me noticing. He’d been looking at the tree. Maybe he was taking some time to get presents like I had. I sighed now was as good a time as any to do a little work. I moved around the room trying to socialize though it probably seemed like I was just interrogating them. Finally I just sat down at one of the benches. Surprisingly it was Rider that sat next to me.

“I still don’t understand what this is all about. I get that it’s a party, but not why everyone keeps trying to kiss me whenever I accidentally walk under those weird plants.”

“It’s a midwinter holiday, did you have winter on your world?”

“Yes, though since moving underground it isn’t that important.”

“Well one of the purposes is the celebration of the winter solstice or shortest day of the year.”

“I don’t get it how can a day be shorter than a single planetary revolution?”

“It’s more about the amount of sunlight reaching our home planet at that time of year. However there is another religious connotation as well. It is celebrated as the birthday of God’s son.”

Rider held his hands out in a stopping motion. “I’ll stick to the mid-winter holiday explanation, but what is up with the kissing?”

“It’s complicated and not really important. Just know that it is a tradition that you kiss when standing under it.”

“I’ll be more careful then. I admit that your crew is attractive, but the only ones I’m interested in kissing are my mates.”

I didn’t miss the wistful grin on his muzzle. “Your mates?”

“Don’t think that Wolf isn’t the one I’ll always consider my primary mate, but yes, after last night I can’t deny that being mated to all of you is . . . different. Exciting and honestly you all make me feel special.” Rider said, glancing at the exit.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”

“Newest Dad, I feel like dancing, will you dance with me?” Rin asked running over.

“Dad?” Rider asked in surprise.

“Well yeah. You are one of Daddy Tiger’s mates that make you my dad.” Rin snapped her fingers and music filled the room.

“I- Tiger?”

“Your daughter want’s to dance so go dance.”

Rider stumbled to his feet and Rin pulled him out into the center of the room. It was funny watching her lead him though a few simple steps. Soon Vexy and Kohan joined them. I laughed as Frost pulled Shock into the dance. Soon everyone was dancing except for Kyle and myself and rather than insisting I dance with him he sat down next to me.

“Our Wolf hasn’t returned yet.” He said.

“I’m guessing he’s getting some presents for the kids.” I replied.

“It’s been nearly an hour. Still, speaking of presents, I’m guessing you gave him the ring?”

I smiled, “He said yes.”

“I told you he would. Did he ask why only a double helix instead of a braid like ours?”

“No, he didn’t ask about the diamonds either, but I’ve noticed him rubbing it a couple of times like he’s reassuring himself it’s really real.”

“After you tell him the reasons for his ring being different, and trust me he’s going to ask eventually, you’ve got to let us know his response.”

“Um, speaking of reactions, you might want to consider letting others in the kitchen with you.”

“WHAT!” Kyle yelled.

“Tone it down. I’m just saying maybe you should consider the possibility that our kids or even our mates might like to learn how to cook or maybe share your love of cooking.”

Kyle narrowed his eyes. “I’ll consider it, but Wolf will have to ask me on his own. Without any more suggestions from you.”

“I- I was just trying to bring up the possibility, so that you wouldn’t over react if he does ask you.”

“Okay, you’ve got a point. Oh! He just came out of the restroom. He was in there over an hour. Go find out what of this fake food he consumed so I can destroy it before anyone else gets sick!” Kyle said eyeing the half eaten food.

I got up noticing that Jordan was even in his human form. I quickly made my way over to him. “My love, did you think I wouldn't notice that you disappeared? Are you all right? The festivities aren't too overwhelming for you, are they? I know it isn't easy with so many people here. I'd be a complete wreck if it wasn't for the fact that I know everyone, perhaps a bit too well in some cases.” I babbled, really worried now.

"No, I just needed time to prepare a special gift. A party with friends like you would never be boring." Jordan said, looking pleased with himself.

"Special gift? What are you up to?" I quickly looked around trying to see if there were any hidden snowball cannons or anything out of place in the room.

"Does my kitty want to know? I made it especially for you. Well, Mahan helped me a bit."

"For me? Y-you know you didn't have to do anything special for me. I- I-" I was on the verge of tears when Vexy approached us.

"Captain this is . . . the Kobolds don't really understand the concept of Christmas so I hope you don't mind if we leave a bit early."

"What about your gifts?" I asked.

"Um, I- I'll send Legend to get them later, if that's alright.”

"That's fine. It's a party and if your kobolds are uncomfortable, then I'm not going to keep you, I mean them, here." It was rather obvious that Vexy was the one that was uncomfortable, but I did my best to allow him to save face as his group quickly left the room.

"Too bad they are gone, they will miss the sight of my gift." Jordan said, sadly.

I quickly whisper to him, "It is better than him having a breakdown. All of us together is a bit much. Surely you noticed the signs just as I did."

Luca joined us, "Is it me or did Vexy have something wrong?"

"His new kobolds were upset being around so many people at once. Vexy thought it best if they leave before something bad could happen."

"No, it's just that the dragon was uncomfortable." Jordan said, at nearly the same time.

I face palmed as my wolf was brutally honest where I'd tried to be diplomatic.

"Okay my tiger, would you like to see my present?" Jordan asked

"Oui! Yes!" I said, perhaps too quickly, hoping to avoid any more questions. "Well I hope he feels better as soon as possible. Still, what's this about a gift?"

Shock grabbed me from behind. "Of course he wants to see it, I'm also very interested" he said, stroking my chest.

"Surprise!" Jordan shouted as he shifted from his human form into a large white tiger.

"Nice work you've done with that paint. A holographic projection I presume. It's very realistic."

I could only stand with my mouth open. Stunned to silence both by my Wolf's- Tiger's beauty and foolishness.

"It's not a holographic painting, it's me." Wolf said.

"Jordan! Kyle yelled, running over. "Do you know how dangerous it is taking on a second form like that?”

"Wow Jordan, you're really a handsome tiger." Luca said grinning.

I reached out barely believing what I was seeing I ran my hand over the fur on his chest noticing that the white tiger marking had change into a black wolf in this form. “Y-you did this, for me?" I asked quietly, not sure what to think.

"Don't worry Kyle, it's not a second shape, I just changed my phenotype to tiger. Of course I did this for you, big brother."

"So what exactly have you done?" Luca asked.

"I erased my wolf form, or rather I put it to sleep. So now I'm just a tiger with a few wolf traits."

The room filled with a cold laughter. "No, Kyle is right. Once a species is set it can't just be changed. Hybridized yes, but not changed. You’ll be able to take either wolf or tiger form, eventually. Though you do need to let this be your only form, as we discussed, for now until it has set or you'll be stuck between permanently.” Mahan said.

"Yet according to my calculations it was possible. Otherwise I would never have taken the change so quickly." Wolf insisted.

"Your calculations were wrong. Well, they were right for a production grade Evolver, however you used the prototype system and even I can’t account for all the variables. The only one I've seen come close is Prowl-Ar and somehow he does it instinctively. Even the he gets it wrong on occasion."

Mahan was babbling some technical nonsense that I didn't want to focus on. I pulled my new tiger into a close hug so no one would notice my tears. "You know I love you no matter what form you're in, but now- now you really are my mirror twin. Still I-" I couldn't say it aloud so I thought it instead. "I know you want me to be your big daddy tiger, but I- I’ll miss having you knot me."

"You are an Ice Saber! What! I thought their species was a myth!" Rider exclaimed.

"Don't worry, I know I kept that so I could be like you. Now we can be a real brothers." Jordan though directly into my mind.

I glanced up, only how realizing that he was once again taller than I was, not that it mattered. I was embarrassed when I noticed his sabers. I'd been so mesmerized by his body and concerned with things lower that I had fallen into the trap of looking at him rather than seeing him_. "I hope you don't mind me thinking this, but you're so cute my love."_ I snuggled my face into his chest and started to purr.

"I don't remember having planned for small sabers. Maybe Mahan is right and I made a miscalculation?" He hugged me tighter while kissing me on the head

"The process can have unexpected results. I warned you about this before you even started." Mahan said, shaking his drone's head.

I laughed, "So much for my argument about sabretooth tiger's not existing. Since they are cats, not tigers. Now I’m holding a sabretooth tiger.

"Bad tiger, no making fun of his your little brother" Jordan scolded me.

Now Rider laughed, nervously joined by Luca.

"Why don't you hug this little Sergal that is laughing at you?" Luca asked.

"Okay." Trace said grabbing Luca in a hug from behind. "He can hug you but the first sign of grinding and you're back to being alone." He looked directly at me. "That's a warning for all of you. I'll have Poppa Shock exile each of you from the ship.

"Don't exaggerate, otherwise I might think you really care about me." Luca said, gently bapping Trace's nose.

Trace looked irritated. "I do care about you. I'm just not looking for a romantic relationship right now. I thought we agreed on that."

"I had a surprise for everyone by the way" Wolf said, trying to diffuse any arguments. He snapped his fingers and a karaoke stand appeared between the fireplace and Christmas tree."

"You sure? It seems like you're saying I'm just yours, Trace. At least that is what you are implying by telling me I'm not allowed to have any fun." Luca said, completely ignoring Wolf's distraction.

Trace stuttered and seemed unable to give a response to Luca's accusation.

"Oh God no." I whispered, fearing an argument between Trace and Luca.

"So Wolf Dad, what is karaoke?" Tye asked, much too loudly.

"Each of us chooses a song for someone else; Christmas songs only, this time."

Luca quickly turned away from Trace, "I warn you I am out of tune."

"No problem, that's the fun thing about it. You sing just for fun even if you're a really bad singer like me." Wolf grinned.

"I choose 'Last Christmas', now I pick who I want to sing it?"

"That's the goal, we choose a song and the person who sings it. Tiger, I have the perfect song for you, Snowstar!"

I slowly walked over to the machine. There was no way I was going to attempt Luca or my Wolf’s choices. I'd never even heard them before. Still I didn't want to let my mates down. I was embarrassed since I hadn't sang for such a long time. I knew that I was only average at best when I had practiced daily. I told myself this is really what I wanted to do. I scrolled through the choices until I found a traditional song that I knew, 'Silent Night'. I lifted the mic and closed my eyes bracing myself to start.

"Is he about to sing without watching the words?" Shock asked in surprise.

"Trace, can you sing that song for me?" Luca asked.

"I don’t sing. Ever." Trace replied.

I started singing and everyone went quiet. Once the song finished I stepped away from the mic grinning but still overly embarrassed. Wolf quickly replaced me. “If we’re doing this; I’ll try to, just don’t expect it to be good."

As I joined Kyle, Shock, and Rider I noticed Luca move to the edge of the room. I wasn't sure if it was to avoid singing or because no one wanted to sing his song. I quickly attracted Nature's attention using signals only he and I would understand. Then I turned in surprise. I couldn't help grinning as Wolf started to sing. I glance around making sure no one was watching then shut down my translator nanites and listened to him sing 'Jingle bells' in French. I was left speechless at how wonderful he sounded. I was even more surprised to find Luca had slipped up behind me.

"He has a good voice, right?"

"For certain."

"I'm sorry, I know I'm not very good. Still it is fun." Wolf said as he rejoined us.

I would have hugged him but Kyle was quicker. "Please, don't say things like that. Your singing is beautiful."

'Um, excuse me. Prowl-Ar asked me to sing ‘Last Christmas' for Luca." Nature looked over the lyrics and sighed. "Normally I wouldn't do this. I- I don't like people paying attention to me.” The music started and Nature went quiet. Then everyone, watched in awe while I just smiled. Nature was a truly gifted singer. It was the skill he excelled at the one thing that people couldn't criticize him for.

When he finished we all clapped and he made a slight bow before running over to Tye.

"Shock, come on. I'm not going to be outdone by our mates." Kyle said pulling Shock onstage The did an almost passable job of singing 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' though I'm pretty sure they were messing up just to get everyone to laugh.

Rin was next up and she sang 'Koibito ga Santa Claus'.

Rider gave me a look and marched up on stage and sang 'Snowstar' for Wolf. When he finished he strutted back over to us. I wasn't sure who to feel most sorry for. All of us that had to listen or for Rider who seemed to think he was good.

I found Luca slinking toward the door again. "Nope, no escaping it's your turn." I lowered my voice to a whisper, "No matter how bad you think you are it has to be better than Rider."

Luca looked at me in panic and then we both cringed as Frost started singing some Dragon song he’d learned in his game. Basically it sounded like a lot of roaring interspersed with somebody torturing a goose. When he finished everybody clapped and he was so happy. I’d never tell him that it was because everyone was relieved the song was over. I really regretted Vexy and his Kobolds leaving because other that maybe Kyle they’d be the only ones able to appreciate such singing.

Luca looked at me and shrugged. “What do I have to lose? After Rider and Frost, I doubt anyone will even be able to hear me.” He quickly made his way up on the small stage.

I could tell he was still really nervous and once he started I realized I hadn’t restarted my translators, so I listen to his version of “Jingle Bells” in Italian. I suppose it could have been the difference in language but I couldn’t understand why he thought he couldn’t sing. He was at least smiling as he left the stage to smiles.

The last song was a duo of Tank and Tuft singing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”. For a moment, just a moment, I considered singing “Jingle Bells” with Wolf in the round in English and French. Then I figured we needed to save something for next year.

Since everyone seemed to be done singing I made my way up on the stage. “Everyone, since I’ve already given Jordan and Luca their presents we may as well open gifts now rather than waiting for morning. So gather around. First off, the gifts that I couldn’t fit under the tree. Nature, the next time you enter VR on your own a special world, I locked out of the system, will open just for you. The wolf home world of Celtis Aranaki, now you have a place where you can run, howl, and play where no one will ever be able to tell you no.”

I hit the floor hard as I was tackled. “Thank, you, thank you, thank you!” He yelled happily, before giving a long drawn out howl. I glared around daring anyone to say something against the noise. It didn’t take long for him to get off me and dash over to the VR chamber.

“Tank and Tuft, I’m giving full ownership of the Bad luck to you, as I should have done from the start.”

Tuft smiled. “Like you could have taken it away from us if you tried.”

I laughed, “Yeah, I kind of figured the moment you got aboard I’d never get her back. Dirk and Buck, I think you two were the hardest to come up with gifts for. So to avoid that problem. I’m kicking you off my crew.”

“Lord Lightstripe, what did we do that was so wrong?” Buck asked, in confusion.

I walked over to them and pulled them into a hug. “You two are perfect, but you deserve your own lives. You’ve made a place for yourself with Tank and Tuft on the Bad Luck so I’m removing you from the Shadow Runner crew roster, and if Tank agrees, transferring you both to the Bad Luck. I want you to be happy and I know that won’t happen if you’re constantly wondering what I might order you to do.”

“Before Buck can come up with some sort of rebuttal I’ll say thank you for both of us, Admiral Nightiger.” Dirk grinned. “It doesn’t matter what ship we’re on we’ll still know who is in charge of the organization.”

I groaned, but moved on. “Finally the last four gifts that can’t be brought in go to Trace, Tye, Rin, and Frost.”

“Oh wow, that means it’s a really big gift!” Rin said excitedly.

“I’ve put four space racers into production. Mahan will assist you in making custom changes so that they best suit your tastes.”

“Wait just a minute!” Shock yelled. “You’re not serious? You’re just giving a couple of teenagers the ability to go flying around the solar system unsupervised?”

I shook my head “No Rin and Frost’s racers will have restricted free fly areas. Basically they’ll be able to fly between school at the Furry station, the colonies, the Junkyard, and the Runner. You know they’ve had the implants and passed thier flight training, in other words they won’t have to beg anyone for rides anymore.”

“Come on Poppa, it means we’ll be able to come home more often. Plus it’s a Christmas present you can’t take that back.” Rin said, giving Shock the look, even working in a tear.

“Fine, but the first time you die I’m killing Prowl-Ar.” Shock said, with a huff.

“We’ll all be discussing this later.” Jordan thought to me.

“That just leaves the wrapped presents. I’ll just set Vexy and his group’s to the side and deliver them to him later. So first up is Kyle.” I passed him a gift with red foil wrapping and a large pink bow.

“Um, it’s pretty but what am I supposed to do with it?” He asked.

“You open it.” Jordan laughed.

Kyle slowly and carefully unwrapped an ornate wooden box. “Um, Prowl-Ar, are you sure you want to give this to me?”

I looked at him and then at the box and my mouth dropped open. I’d subconsciously copied the box design from the one in my vault. “Yes, this one is special, open it.”

Kyle gently lifted the lid, looked inside and then at me. “Okay, how did you get materia in the real world?” He asked as he showed everyone the orbs in the box.

“Sorry, but they’re just crystal, hold one up to the light.”

He lifted one of the crystals and gasped. “It’s Tifa!” He quickly lifted another. “Cloud, Vincent, Yuffie-“.

“They’re all there including Seto, Aeris, Marlene, and your grandfather. I know it isn’t much but I thought it would be like you had a little piece of each of them from the life stream.”

He closed his eyes and smiled. I could feel the happiness flowing through out link.

“Next up is Shock.” The orange foil wrappings and black bow were ripped away revealing a large black box with a red and black dragon logo on the top.

“Hey, no fair. Where is the key to this lock?” He whined.

“I left it in our room. Trust me you don’t want to open that box with everyone around.” I whispered.

“My last gift is for Rider. Honestly I didn’t know what to get you so I hope you like what I came up with.” I gave him a large long box wrapped in gold foil with a metallic black bow. He seemed confused at first, but quickly ripped into it with the same enthusiasm Shock had shown. As the paper and cardboard fell away Rider revealed a replica of his massive sword from the game. “You’re unlikely to have much use for it here on the ship but it seemed to have personal meaning for your character so I thought, maybe you’d like to have it in this reality as well.”

“It . . . I . . .” He pulled me into a hug. “I love Wolf with every fiber of my being, but I’m glad you’re my mate as well.” He whispered.

I blushed, surprised that Rider would say something like that to me. I cleared my throat, “That’s all the gifts I have to give so if anyone else has gifts they want to give out, remember it isn’t required, but if you do I leave the stage to you.”

"Ok, I think I will continue from here.” Luca said, grabbing my arm as I was about to rejoin my mates. “This is for you, Prowl-Ar." He gave me a green and red box.

“You know, you didn't have to get me anything.”

“No I have to. You’ve done so much for me.” He replied

I grinned and accepted the box. I carefully removed the ribbon and then ripped off the paper. Inside I found a smartwatch similar to the old ones popular in the late 2020s.

“It can project holographic photos in case you wanted to remember something special. Videos too, just ask Mahan to add some files from your cameras.” Luca said, happily.

I smiled and put it on my wrist. The nanites quickly swarmed it and added the new accessory to their memory so that I'd always have it with me. "Thank you, Luca. That's really thoughtful."

Luca quietly held out a cylinder to Shock, wrapped in shiny black and gold. It was as thick as a fist and about a meter long with the opening on top.

“You- you got a gift for me? But . . . I haven't exactly made your time here comfortable.” Shock held the gift almost as if he was afraid it might explode. Not seeming to know what else to do, he removed the ribbon and paper. Perhaps more carefully than he ever had in his life.

Luca looked at him smugly leaving Shock to wonder what might be about to come out of the tube.

Shock slowly pulled out two poster sized pictures. The first was of his family, his entire family: his mom and brother, Kyle, Wolf, Rider, and myself. Frost and Rin were there along with Shock's little brother who he had lost. Trace, Tye, and Nature were there as well. Even Tank and Tuft were in the picture. And in the background standing proud was Shock's biological father that died when he was very young and what I assumed were his grandparents. The other print was a picture of Video Fox kicking the ass to the U.S. president.

"I don't care if you've been treating me that way, because I know it was for the safety of Prowl-Ar." Luca said calmly to him. I'm sorry about the print, but the original was lost when the artist moved from Earth to the Colony. As for the picture, Mahan helped me with that and I've commissioned a painted version but it is going to take some time to be finished."

"I- Thank you Luca, this- this is wonderful." Shock said, on the verge of tears. T- Take as long as needed. He carefully re-rolled the pictures, slid them back into the tube and hugged the tube to his chest.

"For you, Kyle there is a box under the tree wrapped with images or reindeer."

Kyle walked over and picked up the described box. "This one?" he asked grunting a bit at the weight.

"Yeah, careful handle with care."

Just as he had done earlier, he took his time carefully unwrapping the gift. The box had "handle with care" on the sides and "This side up" with an arrow on it. Inside there was a selection of books with thick covers each one was a cook book with traditional dishes from various countries. On top was one for Italian. As Kyle lifted the tome I could see the next title was for French cuisine. I estimated there had to be five or six books in total.

"I know you like cooking, so I wanted to provide you other, more classic ideas." Luca was grinning. I wasn't sure if it was because of the box makings or the hope Kyle would stop with all the experimental dishes.

"I- I don't know what to say. Thank you Luca, I can't wait to test these on my mates."

"I thought you said you were scared to fail and risk 'poisoning' them." Luca said, looking confused like maybe he'd misheard.

"Don't worry Luca, Mahan won't let me poison anyone, again. I'll make the recipes as composed first, then I'll start to experiment. Even then, I have my mates to experiment on before I add anything exotic to the cafeteria menu. Besides, there are some things that are perfect just as they are like pizza with lemon wedges."

I suddenly felt the urge to abandon ship, thanking all deities known and unknown he hadn't presented that recipe to me, yet. Still I had to wonder who his victim had been.

I glanced at Luca and noticed he looked stunned and revolted, until he laughed. "I'd suggest you try limes instead of lemons."

The look Luca gave me, it made me wonder what I'd done, other than making the mistake of admitting I liked pineapple on pizza, but then I liked a lot of strange things on pizza, I was sure Luca would hold against me.

"Hmm, limes, that might be interesting." Two could play that game, though I had to admit I was now rather curious of how such a combination would taste.

I felt Wolf's claws gripping my shoulder tightly. “I have always had a very developed palate, and by changing myself it got stronger. So the pineapple or lemon pizza is off the menu. They aren’t real pizza anyway. I think I’m going to cook in my lab from now on. I’ll take poor Rider with me. He doesn't have the weapons he needs to survive.” Wolf thought to me.

“Yeah, when Kyle is being creative no one is safe. I’ll take the hit to make sure you don’t have to suffer. I’m sorry, but Rider is on his own. So I suppose he is your soul to save.” I thought back carefully keeping my reactions and feelings under control.

“So Luca, what is my present?” Wolf asked.

“It is the box with sand color wrap.”

Wolf retrieved the package from under the tree. It was a little smaller than his’s paw, or a little larger than the size of a human hand. Inside there was a siliceous rock with many little tracks of embedded quartz.

“I wanted to give you a rock with bacterial life, like this from Mars."

“A rock from Mars?” Wolf asked in surprise.

“Yes, why? You don't like it?”

“Thank you!!!” Wolf held Sergal in his arms, “I was not able to collect my samples before leaving, and they weren’t among my things when Tank brought them aboard.”

“That was supposed to be a joke. So, you don't want your other present?” Luca asked.

“Of course, what is it?” Wolf asked.

Luca took another package from the base of the tree and gave it to him. The present was decorated with diagonal rainbow stripes.

“You didn’t need to get me anything else. I like to play with alien microbes.” Wolf insisted but he still took the box and opened it. Inside was a bottle of perfume.

“The perfume isn’t a really known brand but it has a delicate smell of lavender that isn’t overpowering to our enhanced senses.”

“Thank you, Sergal!” Wolf kissed him on the cheek.

Luca immediately hugged Wolf, groping and humping against him. "You're welcome."

I glared at the overt sexual action, but I reminded myself it is Christmas, and for Luca such actions seemed to be normal. So I decided to just let it go. Besides, he'd made my mates happy and that was the important thing. Still I wasn't going to forget it. I quickly had Mahan download a short video into the watch Luca had given me. Grinning at the irony.

Wolf pulled himself away from Sergal and show him his ring, "I'm engaged, idiot."

I quickly moved closer and hugged my mate. "That means no more of that, Luca."

“Isn't it true we should relieve our ‘tension’ with love if we can?” Luca asked, looking first at Wolf and then at me. "Okay, I will stop."

“Good.” Wolf replied

“I'm not saying it's always bad, but you really need to make sure it is acceptable first. You're just lucky Rider didn't notice. He's likely be wearing a Sergal skin right now if he had.”

“I'm a slinky Sergal, he will have to work to get my skin. I can get into place’s his big bulging body could never reach.” Luca said while grinning widely.

“Still, I think we'll keep this between the three of us.”

"I also have gifts for everyone." Wolf interrupted, "I’ll start with Rin and Frost!"

“You have gifts for us?” Rin asked in surprise, as she and Frost ran over at the mention of their names.

"Yes" Wolf pulled out a blue transparent card and a red transparent card. "This is a VR game that I specially made for you: Pokémon adventures. Everything will be explained to you by the game master. Just for your information, there is an adult mode, but I’ll let your fathers decide whether to allow you to use it or not." Wolf then handed the red car to Rin and the Blue card to Frost.

I looked at Wolf in surprise. "It isn't just up to us. You're just as much their father as Kyle, Shock, and myself."

"Dad's right, you're one of our Dads now. So do you thing you can unlock the game for us?" Frost asked.

"I said the agreement of your fathers, therefore it requires all of them." Wolf said.

Kyle laughed, "Did you think you could emotionally blackmail one of us?"

“It was worth a try.” Frost said, grinning shyly. "Thank you Wolf Dad. I can't wait to play.”

Luca laughed, “I'm sure that everybody will be win over eventually.”

"Don't worry, I promise, even without adult content it's worth playing" Wolf leaned down to Frost to whisper to him, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you have the right to a few hours off from time to time."

“Dad! Don't encourage him like that or we'll have a teenage version of Luca to deal with.” Rin said, laughing at Luca's discomfort. “Thank you for the game.” She wrapped her arms around Wolf in a hug.

“Thank you, for bringing Rider into our lives.” He whispered quietly enough that only Rin would have heard him if he hadn’t also said it to me telepathically. "Now on to Nature, I had planned to give him a wolves night out, doing wolf stuff. I guess I'll give him his coupons later."

“You know what? Mahan would you call Nature back in here please.” I asked.

Nature quickly came out of the VR Chamber "I thought you said I wouldn't be told to stop.” He said in a pouty voice.

"I just wanted to be able to give you your present" Wolf said, consolingly.

“You mean there's more! I thought it was just something Prowl-Ar was doing for everyone!”

Wolf gave him a notebook. "I offer you this; these are vouchers for a night out with the wolves. Just the two of us, crying at the moon, hunting, running and being a pack. Of course I will have to wait for the stabilization of my new form, but once that been completed, you can use the vouchers. I'll be with you all night, no matter what."

Nature started to cry. “I- I'll be part of a pack, a real wolf pack. Oh thank you big brother Jordan.”

Wolf took Nature in his arms and patted him soothingly. “Prowl-Ar told me a little about your past and I thought it would be something you’d like.”

“I do. I really, really do.”

I gave them a couple minutes before interrupting. “It's not done yet, I think Luca also has a gift for you as well.”

Nature wiped his eyes, “There’s more?”

“Luca, this is your moment before Nature takes off again.” I said, winking at the Sergal.

“That is my present for you.” Luca said pointing at stack of books wrapped with a Gray and white striped ribbon.

“Huh?” Nature asked in surprise.

“It is a collection of books by LICIA TROISI: La Ragazza Drago series.”

“Books? I don't understand.” Nature said in confusion as he picked up the stack and looked at the titles.

“Someone told me you like read, but if I knew you had a so beautiful voice I’d have given you a Stradivarius violin, so you could pair a fantastic voice with a beautiful instrument.”

I slapped my forehead. Nature obviously hadn't been given the language memory downloads when he was re-created into reality. “Don't worry you'll understand them as soon as we get your language skills up to speed. Sorry Luca, this is my fault I really should have thought of this when you asked me what Nature liked.”

“Wait we have the matter generator so I can easily make a change.”

Nature ran over to Luca and took ahold of his wrist. “Yes, I do like to read. It was the only way to escape my reality for a long time. Prowler used to write little stories to help me, it’s just that I don't recognize the print. Is this in your native language? The books are better, I've never heard of a violin.”

Luca smiled “When you hear what music can be played I'm sure you'll like it.”

“If you’re getting them printed in another language I know Basic Galactic, Starport Argot, and Wolf Clan Speak.” Nature said shyly. “Basic Galactic is what everyone here seems to think is the primary language.”

I blushed folding my ears back so that no one would notice. I was a bit embarrassed I had the audacity to make English the default language.

Nature hugged Luca, grinding against him. “I'm sure I'll love your gift, as soon as I can read them; and when I get the language memories I- I’ll make sure I know how to play a violin as well.”

I watched as Luca groped him a bit and did a little grinding too. He whispering, but not quietly enough that I couldn’t overhear him, "We will have more time for this, when we are alone."

Nature whined, “You'd better mean it this time. No letting Trace distract you, again.”

“If you want that much maybe I will have to come in your world"

Nature scrunched up his brows. "Um, maybe, someday. That world is sort of sacred. I'm not saying no! It's just, I'll need to ask the Gods first. The Kah Har should always be respected."

“Nature, I created the Kah Har. You-" I started.

"Are you willing to risk it? Tye told me about the box you have in your 'secret' vault."

I blushed. "Okay, you have a point."

Nature nodded obviously knowing I wasn't going to argue.

"If it is so important to you Nature, we will find another place for us without them. What box are you two talking about?" Luca asked, watching me a bit too closely.

"Oh it's just an ornately carved empty box. It's like the one I gave Kyle except mine is empty." I said so quickly it was obvious I was hiding something.

Luca narrowed his eyes and then continued "Don't worry, Nature, we have every place you could possibly want, thanks to the VR chamber."

Nature started to wag his tail but it quickly became more of a full body wag as he grinned widely. ”I can think of a few fun places we could go, if Prowl-Ar hasn’t already locked them out of the system.”

"Jordan, how about you give out some gifts while Nature calms down just a bit?" I asked.

Wolf nodded. “Luca, your gift is the big box behind the tree. Be careful, it's heavy.”

“Can I drag the box here, or do I have to open it there?”

Trace and Tye laughed, retrieving the box and carrying it over to Luca. “Don’t worry we’ll get it for you, our Sergal.” Trace said, as they carefully set the box in front of Luca.

"Yeah laugh at me, I'm not offended" Luca said, sarcastically "But remember I can go where you two are too big."

“You'll be surprised at the tight places we can get into, or might still get into.” Tye said, with a devious grin.

“Just open your gift already, you horny Sergal. I can’t wait to find out what you think.” Wolf said bouncing from one foot to the other in excitement.

Luca carefully unwrapped the box saving as much of the wrapping as possible. Inside the box were a selection of parts. Luca carefully took them out positioning them on the floor without studying them too closely.

“It’s parts of a Vespa. Original pieces only, I haven’t replicated any of them, I had trouble finding them. Luckily Mahan helped me and Tank smuggled them aboard.”

"Wow, how many pieces are in this pack? You know you shouldn't have done so many gifts."

“It’s a complete Vespa to assemble. So it’s only a single gift, you just have to rebuild it. Mahan has the instructions in his memory.”

“Mahan?” I asked in concern.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already created a replacement unit so that the internal combustion engine can easily be swapped out for an electrical one.”

“I hadn’t even thought that far I was worried he’d be zipping up and down the corridors endangering lives.”

“I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement were he only uses it on the colony when visiting his family or something. I talked it over with Wolf before he even started collecting the parts.”

“Thank you so much, I like those goods that are a tradition in Italy.” Luca said happily. He looked at every package on the floor and considered which one to open first. He seemed to settle on the largest one and revealed the frame with the Vespa logo on it. “You have replicated a true Vespa of Piaggio?” Luca said, looking at Wolf in surprise.

“No, as I already told you those are all original parts. I didn’t replicate any of them. It wasn’t easy, even with Mahan’s assistance, finding the parts in good to near mint condition. Especially after more than a thousand years. There’s something to be said for twenty-first century collectors and their need to preserve their items in mint condition using vacuum storage facilities. I uh, kind of found most of the parts in a ‘lost’ storage site on the moon. Are you happy, Sergal?”

“Yeah! How did you know I liked VESPA?”

“I just felt it was the right choice.” Wolf replied.

“It’s perfect, no better than that, because you didn’t rebuild it leaving the fun part for me! Now it's Tye and Trace’s turn! You did have gifts for them, right?”

“Yes. Trace, Tye I have a special gift for both of you. It's to share between you and whoever you want.

“That's fine with me, Tye?” Trace asked.

“I don't have a problem sharing with Trace. In fact we often have more fun when sharing things.”

Wolf took out a black card like those he gave Frost and Rin. "This allows access to the universe of Mass Effect, a game of adventure and crucial choice. But beware, everything has been locked, so you have to follow the storyline. Thought there are a lot of options and different possible endings. Most importantly it will be impossible to raise a person out of this game. It is . . . much too dangerous.”

"Wolf is correct. I’ve reviewed the game and secured it as much as possible, do not tamper with it. That includes the use of cheats. I’ve set up a special program that will erase the game if you try, even at the risk of VR lag." Mahan said, very seriously.

“Oh, don't worry we're not going to do something like that.” Trace said, brushing off the warning.

“No promises Trace! We-" Tye quickly shut up after glancing me. “We'd never do that from an unknown game.”

“Thank you.” Trace quickly said.

“Yes, thank you very much, Dad. We love having new games and places to explore.” Tye added.

Wolf walked over to Tye and grabbed his arm. "This world is very special to me, and above all very dangerous for the real world. Know that I can tell at any time when someone is lying to me. Everything if already blocked, it’s just that I know you two, if you really wanted it, you could go against the blockage."

“Really? That's cool. But, yeah I get the precautions. The game I came from had an entity that became self-aware and threatened all of existence. So I really, really do understand.” Tye reassured all of us.

"We are talking about an army of creatures half organic and half machine, having only one goal. The eradication of all evolved organic life. Not to mention that they are able to manipulate spirits with ease. "

“Like I said I get it. I . . . I don't like talking about it, and I know Dad, at least the one from my story, doesn't like it either. The Wraith were a non-corporeal race that could only be defeated by the death cry of a special individual. One that doesn’t exist in reality. Had they escaped, they would have infested all living things until only wraiths existed. Prowler had to . . . kill me to keep that from happening. I don’t remember dying but I still know he had to kill me to end the game. I’ll make sure Trace doesn’t try to ‘adjust’ any of the settings.” Tye said quietly.

"Do you like it . . . or-?" Wolf asked

“I think I can safely speak for both of us in saying we love it.” Trace said, as Tye kept glancing at the VR chamber.

"I did make one adjustment before locking it down, all the characters are gay or bi."

“Trace, let's go.” Tye said, pulling on Trace's arm.

"Come on, spin the bastards. I know you can't wait." Wolf laughed.

“Hold it! All of you, we're going to need to ration VR chambers since there are only nine on the ship. Also no more VR use until after this party.” I yelled.

“Stop right there! There are other gifts for you two." Luca said to Trace and Tye at the same time as I was yelling.

“More?” Tye asked in surprise.

"Yeah, but first let Jordan finish. Then I’ll give out yours."

“Now there are my companions, "So as a gift for all my companions, a week's vacation in a magical world of my creation."

“Mahan, prepare the sentinel program, I think Wolf is going to kill us all with this 'relaxation' time.” I said, only partially in jest.

“Don't worry Captain, I'm sure a couple of you will survive the experience.” Mahan laughed.

"I wasn't even thinking about sex! Pervert." Wolf said, glaring at me. I actually took a step back realizing how intimidating he could be in his new saber tiger form. “And then, the personal gift for each of you. For Kyle.” Wolf held out a ruby red bundle.

“I'd like to say I wasn't either, but we both know better. Still, are you sure I have the capacity to actually relax?” I grumbled.

“With us? Yes.” Kyle answered, hugging me. “Now stop complaining, you old tiger, it's my turn.” Kyle finished by poking me in the side guaranteeing the bruise I was afraid of earlier.

Kyle took his gift and carefully started unwrapping it. Inside he found a hand size red item. He holds it up to his chest. "Is it some sort of armor?” Immediately his uniform nanites adhere to the edges using the new armor to create a shield over his heart.

“It is in fact, it was a dragon scale” Wolf said.

“Prowl-Ar,” Mahan radioed me directly, “I can't analyze that item. As far as I can tell it isn't from this reality.”

“Um, Wolf, I hope you don't mind my asking, but where did you get it?” I asked.

"Oh you know, in my lab. Where did you expect me to find it? It's homemade."

I didn't know what I was expecting him to say. I wanted to pry, but I could tell I wasn't going to get any more information. I smiled, our Wolf was truly full of surprises.

“Does this mean you got something special for me?” Shock asked.

"Of course, Shock. I wouldn’t forget about you." Wolf handed him a tiny orange package.

Shock ripped the paper off in excitement. In the package was a stone resembling a fox eye, oval and flat like an opal.

“I- Thank you Wolf it's really pretty. I love it. You wouldn't mind if I generate a chain and setting so I can wear it as a pendant, do you?” Shock asked gazing into the stone. He looked up and quickly hugged Wolf and whispered, “I hope you like the diamonds. They were my idea, after all it's not a real engagement ring without diamonds.”

“Of course I don’t mind if you want to wear it. It’s a fox's eye. Its real name will be Shocktite. I discovered it on Mars but up until now, I didn’t really know what to call it, but it matches you so perfectly I thought it would just be right to name it after you. You really had input on the ring design? I'll have to ask the Tiger to know everything about it.”

Shock grinned. “I hope you like what he has to say.”

“Yes, I’m sure I will. Now it's time for Rider’s gift.

“You . . . You got something for me, my little one? You know you're all I really want don't you?"

Wolf pulled out a small brown package and held it out to Rider.

I had to really control myself to keep from laughing at the delicate and reverent way Rider took the gift. For a moment I though he wasn't even going to open it. Yet using claws far too big to be so nimble he untied the ribbon and unwrapped the paper. In the package, were two semi soft leather straps. One had a wolf motif in profile and the other a saber motif in profile.

“They're so well made. I get that one represents you and one me but I don't understand what they are for. At least what they are for in this reality.

“They are companion bracelets, just like in your original reality. If you agree to them.”

“You mean . . . You're saying you want to be“, Rider gave out a small gasp, “My forever mate?”

“As long as you agree to share me with others. Tiger is very important to me, as are you and Drake and Fox.” Wolf said, quietly.

“I-“ Rider grinned “I'll always be yours, but after last night I don't think I could agree without having them as my mates as well, but you will always be my primary and Prowl-Ar will be my secondary mates.”

Wolf buckled the wolf bracelet to Rider and handed him the second. Rider gently tightened Wolf’s mateship band.

I grabbed their newly bound wrists. “As Captain of the ship it is my duty to declare you as bound mates. The only ones that can break these bonds are you Rider and you Wolf.”

“Why didn't you do this to us?” Wolf asked.

“I am already married to Kyle and Shock. You and I are only engaged until we can have a real marriage. Don't worry, we will ultimately be bound, but you asked for a full wedding and I didn’t want to disappoint you. I- I can marry us now if that is what you’d prefer?”

“No! I- I just didn’t realize you were serious about the whole wedding thing.”

Kyle laughed. ‘You’d both better be serious about it. Since I’m the one that gets to officiate your wedding.”

“Oh, okay. Anyway the last gift I have is for my Tiger.”

“What do you mean ‘last gift’? You've already said yes to my proposal, and you've gone and taken on a tiger form for me already.”

Wolf handed me a black package. I took it as delicately as Rider had taken his. I was rather confused since my Wolf had already given me so much. I unwrapped it carefully. This was his last gift and if he knew my writings as well as I thought he might it could be dangerous. I was having flashbacks of the fossilized chicken dung incident. Inside lay a black stone cut in the shape of a tiger. “Wolf?” I asked not daring to touch the stone. “What is this?”

“Obsidian, it’s a stone with the power to ward off nightmares and evil spirits according to the myths.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “It's beautiful, but I kind of have a history with black stones and I needed to be sure before touching it.”

“Ok … but that is just obsidian.”

I lifted the obsidian tiger out of the box and gasped. Where it was all black on one side it was solid white on the other. It was like both of us in a single magnificent piece of art. “This . . . it reminds me of home. And of us at the same time.”

“It reminds you of home?” Wolf asked.

“Yes, we had obsidian out on the desert near where I lived. Not to mention the flakes and arrow heads we’d often find after a heavy rain. I- I just don’t know what else to say my love.”

"Rin and Frost since you are still standing, there is a little box, all shiny black under the tree for both of you." Luca said.

“Just one for both of us?” Frost asked, as Rin retrieved the box.

"Yeah, that box."

Rin carried the box Luca had indicated over to the table next to the group. Then carefully opened it. Inside were vouchers for free entrance to any amusement park of their choice.

"This- This is amazing I always wanted to go, but my parents, my other parents, always said it wasn't a place for 'respectable' girls to visit. Thank you Uncle Luca!" Rin exclaimed.

"What's an amusement park?" Frost asked.

Kyle laughed. "It's a place where families go to have fun." He grinned and looked at me. "At least most families. Your dad over there isn't a big fan, but I'm sure we'll find a way to make him smile."

“I heard Rin arguing with you that she wanted a little fun on the ground with all of you. Plus even you, Captain, need a little clean fun in your life.”

I sighed. “There is an amusement park on the colony but it still has to be set up. I suppose, if you really want, we could visit one of the parks in Japan. I think we're still on good terms with the government there.

Luca smirked, “And yeah I knew about his aversion to rollercoasters from watching Shock’s videos. Still, there are many rides he can enjoy even if he can’t go on rollercoasters.”

"Luca! Stop helping, please." I whined. “I really hate rollercoasters.”

"Like I just said, don't worry, there are plenty of other attractions you and other can do."

I already knew I was in real trouble because of the evil little grins on Rin and Frost's faces, even Shock was grinning. Now, with everything seeming so good, I had to wonder if there was some God of fate hated me.

“Sorry to interrupt you Luca, but before these two enter a complete sugar high I'll give them my gifts.” Kyle said indicating Rin and Frost. He went over to the tree and pulled out two small packages. He gave the one with silver and dark blue foil to Frost and the one with silver foil and white snowflake print to Rin. Frost tore his open while Rin took her time.

Frost held up a card like the ones Wolf had given out. “Daddy, what’s this game?” he asked.

“It isn’t a game. That is Char, his complete program and cave. That card will allow you to access his dimensional nexus from any game you are playing. You’ll be able to consult him and his ancient dragon library if you ever need his advice.”

“This is . . . amazing?” Rin said holding up a model kit of an eastern dragon.

“I thought you might like it. Mahan said at five foot tall it is the largest most complex kit I’d be able to get you.” Kyle said, a little shyly.

Rin’s mouth hung open as she gazed at the kit. “I- I always dreamed of getting this kit but it was a limited run of 500 and even pros gave up on building it since it is so complex. I can’t wait to try this, it is the ultimate test of Gunpla building.”

“Time for my gifts to our little nightmares.” Shock said. “Rin yours is actually hanging on the tree as an ornament. Go see if you can find it. Frost, I sort of broke some rules for your gift and it isn’t exactly from me.” Shock gave Frost a holographic projector.

Shock activated it and the area was filled with snow and giant trees. “Hello Frosty, Hopefully this gets to you in time. Shades insisted she’s be able to deliver it. Anyway Slider and I just wanted to say Merry Christmas Little Brother. Remember to be safe out there on your travels we wouldn’t want anything to happen to our best man before the wedding.” Lee said, before both of them said Merry Christmas one last time together and the hologram ended.

Frost grabbed Shock in a hug. “Poppa, it’s perfect!”

Rin returned holding a new wind staff covered in jewels. “You’re kidding right?”

“No, I modified the original design. Open it.” Shock said, and Rin flicked her wrist activating the staff to a blaze of light. “The light display changes depending on the gem you are touching. Think of it as the next evolution of the wind staff. I call it the star staff.”

I was left speechless as Rin danced through a few notes. She stopped and deactivated the staff. “Oh, I’m going to have to rework all of my choreography. I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do!”

"Ok you two go have fun. Luca, you can continue with your gift giving now." Kyle said, as Frost and Rin went to talk to Mahan's drone.

Luca smiled as he watched the kids, “It’s good to see them so happy.”

“Captain, I hope you don’t mind but I’m taking my crew back to the Bad Luck.” Tuft said, as he walked up to us. I glanced over to see Buck and Dirk passed out and Tank wobbling slightly in his seat. “We sort of got a bottle of something called Baily’s Irish Cream and Tank spiked everyone’s eggnog. They’re all drunk and it’s probably best I get them back to the ship before . . . well, you know.”

“What about you? Trace asked in surprise.”

“I tasted it but it was too thick and sweet for my liking.”

“Prowl-Ar, I’ll help move them. The last thing I want is for them to be sick in my med-bay . . . sorry, Doctor Jordan’s infirmary just because they have a nasty hangover.” Brooke said, as she easily lifted Buck.

“I’ll get Dirk, and hopefully Tank is sober enough to follow us.” Tuft announced.

We watched as Tank stumbled out the door.

“Dad, Rin and I are going to our rooms. We’re not going to be playing games, yet. It’s just we kind of spent most of the morning setting all this up and we just got back from school.”

“What Frost is trying to say, without saying it, is we’re both really tired and we need to get some sleep. So would it be okay if we went to bed a little early?” Rin asked.

“Both of you to bed, and I’m saying that as one of your fathers and as your doctor.” Wolf stated.

The two smiled, gathered their gifts and left the cafeteria.

Kyle rolled his eyes. “I told you they’re crashing after their sugar high. We’re going to have to start watching their sugar consumption.”

“I have been. However today was a special occasion so I allowed them to indulge.” Mahan said, as he walked over. I’m going to go do some program adjustments on the shuttle so Luca will have access to it. Not that I won’t still be here making sure you all behave in this very public area.” He gave each of us a nasty look and then left as well.

“I guess that means it’s just us adults now.” Luca said smiling widely in a way only a Sergal can. "Tye take the present wrapped in white and light blue"

Tye retrieved the package. "This one?"

“Yeah the one that is large enough to stretch form shoulder to shoulder.” Luca replied.

Tye sat it on the table and considered for a moment before shrugging and ripping the paper off.

Kyle moved close to Wolf while Tye was busy. "I hope you don't mind, but the gifts Shock and I have for you aren't the kind any of us would be willing to give out in public like this. It’s a matching uniform set for you and our Tiger. Just don’t let him talk you out of using it."

I shuddered at the thought of what Shock and Kyle could have come up with. I quickly pushed that to the back of my mind so my Wolf wouldn’t know I’d overheard and watched Tye intently.

Inside his package was an old gaming console I say old but with the cultural rebuild something about the same power and sophistication was currently being produced still it wasn’t powerful technology compared to what we had on the ship. I suspected Mahan had something to do with helping Luca otherwise I was the only one alive that would recognize an original gaming console from Earth’s 2000’s era.

"I know it is dated and very slow, knowing how much you like to upgrade tech I wanted give you a challenge with old components and make you do your best. I did have Mahan adjust it so it can play more modern games that have just been released but they will go slow or freeze at times. So you I hope you’re ready for a challenge, and have fun."

Shock laughed, "I think I'd better give him my gift as well." He retrieved a yellow and red striped package.

“Luca, I love all games. Give me a couple of weeks and I’ll have this thing working without slowdowns or freezes.” Tye said before he quickly tore the paper away from the new gift revealing a box with the graphic of an archaic computer. "What? Another game system?" He asked looking at Shock.

"You spied me? That is similar to the tech of the console" Luca asked, dubiously.

"No. That is an Altair computer. One of the first computers made for consumer use. It's a lot less advanced that the game system Luca gave you. I just thought, since you're 'into' computers you'd appreciate where they started.”

I laughed at Shock’s use of air quotes.

“Honestly Luca, I had no idea what you were getting him. Really, your game console is much more impressive. I mean, if I'd been spying I'd have given him a bunch of retro games instead." Shock insisted.

"I wanted to give him something really old where you can still 'put your hands' on physical components, but I didn't want give him something so old that it can be hard recognize the components. So I give him this. I guess it’s true 'big brains think the same way'." Luca grinned.

Shock laughed, "Maybe, but I wanted to give him something so old if he opened it up to modify it he'd be completely lost."

"I really like your idea, now maybe he will not be so boastful about his skills."

Kyle shook his head. “If you wand old school you need to go really old.” He carried over a wooden box almost as tall as Tye. Tye carefully opened it and gasped closing it again and looked at Kyle. “You're not really giving me this are you?"

Kyle smiled, “Of course I am.”

Tye slowly re-opened the case. Inside I could see his Phoenix Rising hook blades and a number of extra attachments. He carefully removed one of the birds head shaped blades. "Dad designed these based off an ancient video game about a raccoon thief, though he used a staff.” Tye pulled out the extended handle and snapped it to the base of the sword’s handle. “They're almost impossible to wield without years of practice. To this point I'm the only one that can do it because I uploaded the skills needed before I became a biological being.” He removed the extended handle and snapped the second blade in place. “You did a really good job balancing the blades exactly the way I like them.” He spun them around and then snapped them apart and returned them to their case. “You know, I’m going to have to program these into the game so I can practice during our down time on Rider’s world.”

Kyle retrieved another box from under the tree. "Trace these are for you."

Trace opened the box and removed a pair of Knar'Tosh blades. "Thank you Kyle, for some reason Dad has them locked out of the replicator." He tentatively hugged Kyle and then turned to Luca.

“You thought I forgot about you? Now my last but not least in importance gift is for you Trace.”

The little box was silver and the way they were holding it seemed particularly light.

"You didn't get me a large petrified chicken dropping, did you? Dad, my story dad, received one of those when the rest of his team received jewels." He said, as he opened the box. He pulled out an aged sheet of paper and a small card that was folded in half. As he opened the card I noticed that it was “to Trace” written in handmade calligraphy. He looked rather confused. "Um, Luca it's nice and all, but what's it for?"

Luca grinned, "Continue reading and everything will be explained."

Trace shrugged and started reading the paper. I could see it was in the same calligraphy, Obviously Luca had real skills in the art.

“You will receive lessons from me teaching you the skills of skating on ice.”

"You're going to teach me how to 'skate' on ice?"

"Yeah, you don't like the idea? Maybe you’d prefer skiing or snowboarding?" Luca asked.

Trace looked even more confused. "No, it just I've never hears of it before. I'm sure it'll be fun. Maybe while you're teaching me, you can tell me what skiing and snowboarding are? I mean I know waterboarding but those can't be the same thing."

"Trace, those are all outdoor sports activities that people do for fun. After Luca teaches you how to skate, I suggest you get the memory enhancement on Earth culture and norms." I said, hoping to stop him from thinking Luca was suggesting some form of torture.

"Yeah, moving on." Kyle interrupted. "Nature, I know this might seem a cop out but our wonderful, wonderful Wolf and I seemed to have had the same idea. Though he did a much better job of presenting it. I was going to spend some time with you as a wolf. Now if it's okay, can I join your pack?"

“A dragon in a wolf pack?" Nature asked.

Kyle laughed and shifted to his wolf form. "No, as a wolf silly."

"You can shift into more forms than just human and Dragon?" Nater asked in surprise.

"I actually have four forms, it's just I kind of like my dragon form the most."

“If it’s alright with Wolf. The bigger the pack the more fun we can have!”

"Our Drake is getting shy all of a sudden? That's a gift in itself." Shock said, as he gave his gift to Nature. “Prowl-Ar said you like music, so I thought you might like this.”

Nature opened the small wooden box and lifted out a collapsed wind staff. "Um, I'm not allowed to use one of these. They're for Snarions only. Unfortunately only cats have the skill to use one properly."

"Don't be silly. Anyone can use a wind staff with practice. Plus it's not just the staff, I'm including a memory download on Fox Style as well as Kyle's basic attempts at Wolf Style. It should be enough of a base for you to develop your own unique sound."

"I don't know what to say. Thank you, Shock."

"You're welcome. Now on to Trace. I really hope you like this because I put a lot of time and research into it." Shock gave him a heavy package with orange paper and little Sergal heads with Santa caps.

Trace carefully unwrapped the gift and found a very large thick book titled "The Complete and Unabridged Book of Cheese" He looked at Shock "Shouldn't you have given this to Kyle?"

"I don't think so! Look inside." Shock grinned, while inching behind me.

Trace opened the book and quickly slammed it shut again. "That is not cheese!" He slowly opened it again and showed it to Luca. But I could still see the animated forms of Sergals having sex.

Shock laughed, now completely hiding behind me. "Cheese is another way of referring to Sergals because of their wedge shaped head. What you're holding is basically a user guide to every kind of sex imaginable with a Sergal. The Sergal Kama Sutra if you will."

Luca started to laugh, while watching a few of those poses. “Nice choice, now we can have more fun with some new things to try. Oh! That looks fun I want to try that one first! You gave him a good present Shock."

Trace rotated the book. “I’m not sure how to even start to get into a position like that.”

Shock moved out from behind me. "The book has advanced tech and the pages are fully animated just tap the bottom corner of the page for instructions to be played on each pose."

"Is there audio if we play it now?" Luca asked.

"Um no. But there is a card that can be removed from the inside of the back cover that allows for . . . full instruction and interaction in VR."

It was funny seeing Shock look overly embarrassed and I realized he must have tested the program himself.

“I'm not done yet. I had to get Prowl-Ar's permission for your gift Luca." Shock said as he passed him a pink and light blue VR card.

"Have you tested the more difficult poses foxy?" Luca asked.

"Uh, no. Not the difficult ones. I mean- Um. Moving on that card allows you to access Prowl-Ar's San Hokkaido game. It's a fusion world made up of steam punk, 50's American pop culture, Japanese otaku, and unrepressed sexual freedom. At least that's the description the game gives. I also picked out your starting outfit, if you're interested."

"Nice, can't wait to try it, maybe I will bring someone else with me after a few times." Luca looked at Trace knowingly. “Maybe it would be best if I stay here behind Trace I shouldn't watch the images in his book and think of that world." Luca held Trace in front of himself.

"Come on, ask about your outfit." Shock teased.

"Can I choose the outfit, or is there some presetting? Like me mostly naked with a bit of leather and a whip?"

"The outfit is preset, until you earn enough money to buy a new one.”

“I should point out there are a multitude of fun job options both mundane and lewd depending on your tastes.” I quickly interrupted.

“Don’t listen to the tiger.” Shock said poking me in the side. This time I let out an actual huff of pain. “Your costume starts off with pink bunny slippers. We've got to keep those Sergal beans nice and soft. Then a nice tight pair of black crouch less jeans. In this game you want your best assets on display. On top you're only wearing a black tuxedo jacket and tails. Showing you’re obviously refined and sophisticated. Finally you have an expensive Fedora with real gold thread band. As for anyone else entering the game, you get to choose their outfits to best emphasize your outfit."

"Wow you really want me to start with a ‘bang’. Do I have any money too really party?"

I sighed. “You start off with the equivalent of a hundred thousand dollars and a finely furnished town house. The quickest way to build a reputation and funds is to hold lavish house parties, and no they don’t have to be orgies. In fact it’s better to hold off on those until you’ve built up a high reputation. You attract more interesting and exotic visitors that way.”

"THANK. YOU. SO. MUCH. I already love it, even if the outfit is a little embarrassing at the start."

"Don't worry, Shock made some good choices you'll fit right in. No one is going to shame you, though I can think of a few individuals that might compliment your wardrobe. Just be careful, a display like that can mean you're ready for sex at any time." I paused and then laughed. "Sorry, I forgot for a moment that might be exactly what you want."

"Yeah, but I don't bottom can I choose their personality or their preference?"

"No, the city’s characters are mostly set. Just keep your tail down or your back side covered. That's enough to tell everyone you're a top only." Shock quickly replied.

"One last gift." Kyle said carrying over what had to be a very heavy box.

Luca started humping against Trace, slipping his hand down the front of Trace’s pants and grabbing his obviously erect dick.

"Luca, I know you're in your own little world right now, and if Shock had hinted at what he planned on giving you I would have gone first." Kyle said glaring at the fox.

I just grinned, I hadn't thought anyone would enjoy playing the San Hokkaido game, but obviously Luca already had some ideas to work out. Let him spend a couple hours in the game and maybe he wouldn't be quite as horny. I shook my head. No, Luca could have sex until he passed out and he’d still end up groping anyone within reach. Living on the Mars station must have been hell for him.

"Luca! Don't make me get a spray bottle. This isn't the time or place for that, no matter how horny my gift may have made you." Shock yelled.

I sighed, "Listen, one more gift and you can all go be as horny as you like, in the port side pilot's quarters VR unit." I said, helping Kyle place a heavy gift on the table.

Luca didn’t release Trace but he did look up. "Sorry guys I’m a little too excited. I’d best Take Trace to my room to release some pressure." He licked Trace from the base of his neck to the jaw and chin, and then lean his head on Trace’s shoulder.

"Luca, you're being rude. First you're ignoring Kyle's gift, and second you haven't even asked them if they want to join us." Trace said pushing Luca away.

I coughed, Rider growled, Wolf said "NO", Kyle stared, and Shock laughed. It was rather obvious all of us were stunned by what Trace said. I really hate to admit it but I did consider the idea for . . . well it was less than a second, I was sure of that, maybe.

"Like they want to join with all the love they have for each other. Now let’s see what Kyle thought I might like."

"Oh you never know, I'm betting all of them have a very kinky side they're repressing." Trace laughed.

Kyle cleared his throat, "It's not much, compared to what everyone else has given, and I had to have Wolf's help coming up with this but I hope you like it."

Luca approached the heavy box on the table and start to analyze the wrapping. The gift is wrapped in golden latex as though it had been dipped and allowed to set. Though it is a long box with an "a" shaped top.

Kyle grinned "You'll need your claws or a knife to cut this one open."

"Is that ... latex?" Luca asked seeming overly confused.

"Maybe." Kyle responded.

"Is there is a side to open or can I open from the top?" Luca asked.

"Start wherever you like the latex is just the wrapping material.” Kyle said.

"Okay, I’ll open it from the top of the box.”

As shreds of latex fell away a tool box was revealed.

"Wolf suggested I get you a set of traditional tools. Probably so you can have an easier time assembling the gift he got you. I wasn’t sure which tools you’d need so I included both types from that era. On the right are American standard type and on the left are the metric types. In the bottom are Dragon, Fox, Wolf, Tiger/Wolf hybrid, and Sabretooth tools. Just in case you want to work on something fun. Oh, and I also included instructions to build the dog drone from the game. But at a normal dog scale in case you wanted to build a pet, other than the stripey one you already have."

"Kyle! What the hell!" I yelled.

"I'm not saying he should use the dildos on himself."

"That isn't any better!" Wolf added.

"You're the one that suggested I give him tools. Why shouldn't he have a full set?"

We, Kyle's mates, stared at him unable to respond to that argument.

Trace backed toward the door in obvious embarrassment. "Um, I'll be in the port VR chamber." He said, before turning and running out.

I still noticed the looks he gave all of us and the little lick he did in excitement.

Nature glanced at Wolf and Kyle. "I- I- I think I'll join him."

"Cowards!" Tye yelled as he walked over to help Luca carry the toolbox.

"Ooh thank you for the gift. I really appreciate it.” Luca quickly hugged Kyle and whispered, "Are those the real measurements? You’re not just joking, right?"

Kyle blushed, "As real as Mahan can replicate and he can scan down to the atomic structure. So yeah, as close to the real thing as you can get."

Luca laughed "You've made them run away. Good job with that, they should fear you."

"I don't think it was fear that made them run. I'm betting your cat toy is just waiting in VR for you to get there with your new tools to do a little work under his hood." Shock said, before he started to giggle.

I groaned "Ok, that's something I didn't need to hear. Wolf, I've already gotten your gift for Vexy, Luca if you have something for him I'll take everything to him now, while you go play in VR." I turned to the tree doing my best to adjust myself so my erection wouldn't be as noticeable. I was going to have to have words with Kyle later.

“Yeah Vexy’s gift it the green and yellow package." Luca yelled.

"Got it." I said as I found the gift.

As I gathered the gifts I watched Luca help Tye with the toolbox. "Don't worry about this I’ll keep it in a very save place, but right now I have a few things to work on." Luca said.

"Enjoy yourselves, and Merry Christmas." I replied as Luca and Tye left. "I'll meet everyone upstairs after I've checked in on Vexy. I hope he's feeling better."

Wolf sighed, "I really wish there was something we could do for him, but even with all this technology depression isn't an easy thing to deal with. We just have to be patient and let him know we're here when he needs us."

Luca leaned back and yelled, "MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have fun with each other!" He pointedly looked at my crotch and I realized he was letting me know he’d noticed my erection. I blushed and looked away only to notice that we were all similarly affected.

***

I slowly approached the door to Vexy's quarters, being careful to keep the gifts in my arms balanced. "Mahan, please let Vexy know I'm here.’

The door slid open and a black Kobold, looking overly grumpy, asked "Yeah, what do you want?”

“Please inform Vexy that Santa Tiger is here with his gifts. He’ll understand what that means.” I said cheerfully.

He looked rather confused. "What in the heck is a Satan tiger; and why should I tell my Master anything?"

I sighed, “I bring treasure for him, and you as well. Is that good enough to go get him?

The Kobold stared at me for a second as if wondering whether I really had treasure or if I was just an insane human before responding. "Hhhmm treasure would please my master. Yes, come, he may even give you, and by you I mean me something in exchange."

I shrugged not wanting to get in the middle of some Kobold drama. I stepped inside as the kobold hurried away. Looking around at the small quarters I shook my head. "Mahan, as soon as possible please upgrade Vexy's quarters from single occupant to a full family unit. There is no need for the Kobolds not to have a room to themselves rather than draping themselves over the furniture to sleep." I said, looking at the blue Kobold curled up in a chair.

The black Kobold stopped and turned back toward me. “This way, human.” Once we reached the bedroom door he softly requested entry.

“Shadow didn’t I tell all of you to stay outside. What could be so important that you’d interrupt your master’s rest?” Kohan growled.

I noticed Shadow ignored Kohan. "Master there's a human behind me, who wants to see you. He said something about a Satan tiger, but I think it's important because he said he has treasure." He trailed off as though he didn’t want the other kobolds to hear.

“Well that's interesting, I should probably wake up my love and tell him”. I’m not sure if he even realized he was whispering out loud. "Wake up babe, one of our subjects has brought a lovely treasure for you."

I was tempted to call him on the disrespect, the Kobolds were one thing but Kohan needed to know that I was the one in command of this ship. I let it go. It was Christmas, after all, and there would be other times. Besides it was possible he only said it for Shadow’s sake.

"I don’t care about treasure. I just want you." I blushed as Vexy pulled the otter close and kissed him deeply. He pulled away for a moment and said "But yes, bring in the treasure, I would like to know why and who would bring treasure to me in the real world."

"I'm sorry to bother you, but I thought you might like your Christmas gifts." I said, as I set the pile next to the bed. "Shadow, touch any of those without permission and you'll lose a hand." I quickly said, as the Black Kobold was reaching for a gold foil wrapped gift.

"I was not touching anything!" He squeaked and ran away before he could get reprimanded.

Vexy looked at the gift. "Well, you sure know how to impress a dragon, but you know this is unnecessary right? I haven’t done anything to earn or deserve this gift, even as a dragon." His voice cracked I could tell he was on the verge of tears.

"Vexy, you're a member of my crew. I know you don't feel like you fit in yet, but it takes time. Besides you've made an impression because Wolf, Kyle, Shock, and even Luca got gifts for you." I placed the small gold package in Vexy's hands. "This one is from Shock."

Vexy took the gift and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a VR game card titled "Dragon's Kingdom" it looked like a real time strategy? I couldn't help myself laughing at the excited look on Vexy’s face.

"This is a game based on my favorite book series! How could he know that?" Vexy asked.

"It's Shock, he seems to know everyone's secrets." Actually I figured Mahan had a lot to do with it, however I decided to let Vexy continue to wonder.

He looked at the included description card and read off “On the Wings of a Dragon-Kingdom: build your own Clan, make allies or enemies and become the ultimate dragon.”

I grinned at Vexy's rather obvious excitement. He was really getting into receiving his gifts and I hoped maybe a little less depressed. "The next one is from Kyle." I gave him a gift that was obviously just a Christmas card.

He opened it and immediately read: “’Vexy, I hope you like your gift, even though you got it a bit early. I noticed how much you liked your Kobolds during your time meeting with your otter. So I made sure you would have them in reality. Ps. whatever you do don't tell Prowl-Ar.’ Huh, I guess I shouldn’t have read that out loud." He said blushing.

I rolled my eyes. I was happy Vexy seemed to like his gift, but I was going to have words with Kyle about his use of the Evolver chamber.

Vexy yelled, "Raid, Shadow, Legend! Get over here!"

I heard three voices respond at the same time "Yes master!" They fumbled inside the room and he gave them each a bow-tie to wear around their necks. "There, this is a special occasion and you should all look presentable."

I grinned as I passed him the next package. "Next up is Wolf's gift."

"Hhhmm I wonder what it is.” He looked at me with skepticism, and began to opening the package.

Inside he found a kit for scale and fur dye. "Wolf said it is the same kit he used to mark his own fur. It’s so you can tattoo your kobolds if you want.”

“Why would I mark them with harmful tattoos when I can just mark them with a nice bracelet or collar? Though I’ll accept it anyway, who knows what kind of artistic stuff I could do with this."

"I don’t know, the red one might look interesting with black flame markings at the wrists and ankles, but it's up to you. For that matter you could always use it on yourself at some point."

"Oh no, definitely not me I have sworn to keep tattoos away from my body. If one of my kobolds wants a tattoo I'll let my love here do it for them."

"It isn't so much ink as actually changing your scale colors naturally." I replied. I was a bit surprised and from the look on Kohan's muzzle, so was he.

"Well, if it is natural like you say, why does it say INK on this separate box?" Vexy asked.

"Um, you'll have to ask Wolf, since I just use the evolver instead."

"Mmhhmm, well I still appreciate his gift anyway, sorry if I said anything offensive."

"Maybe it's temporary, so you can experiment first?" I said, trying to look closer at the package. I shook my head as he quickly passed the kit to Kohan. Who then locked it in a drawer.

I shrugged, the Kobolds were his problem until they became my problem. I doubted a locked drawer would keep them out. Still they needed learn to respect me as Captain even if it meant unleashing Shock on them. "Moving on we've got my gifts. First, for Kohan, I've taken the design for your ship 'Dragon's Hoard' from the game and started assembly here in reality. So if you and your group feel the need for some time away you'll have the option. Or a safe place to store Vexy's treasure."

"Oh! A gift for me? And it's something I can share too? Thank you so much!” Kohan replied shaking in the way only an excited otter can.

"You're welcome. Vexy this one is for you." I gave him an ornate wooden chest with a black metallic ribbon around it. Inside is a rainbow of gems the size of human fists each shaped and cut to bring out their beauty. There was also a gold nugget bigger than the gems.

"Wow what shop did you get this from, are these real?" Vexy asked.

"While all of those are real, the gems had to be generated, but that gold nugget was mined from the asteroid that nearly destroyed the Earth."

"Huh, I think I'll wear the gold nugget around my neck as a decoration for a collar, and have the gems set onto something I can wear on my wrists. After all you should keep the best treasure with you at all times. Right Love" He asked Kohan.

"Maybe for special occasions. Showing off too much is just asking to be robbed." The otter said thoughtfully.

"I hadn't expected that response. You're going to be one sparkly dragon. I should probably point out that the emerald heart and diamond globe are from ancient movies and are named El Corazon and The Arkenstone."

"Hmm, so I should probably put these two on a pedestal and keep one of them behind a bunch of traps?" He asked.

I laughed. "I tried to come up with something for each stone but those two were the only ones I could think of."

"You don't have to, the gift is enough to me."

“As for traps, just be careful of hobbit thieves." I laughed, "Oh, and romance writers."

"I wasn't expecting so much care and here I am being showered with gifts for basically existing. I um, should stop thinking in that direction, before I throw myself of a cliff again. Anyway, anything else or should I give everyone something of my own? Though, I don’t know what to give in the first place."

"Well I have three more gifts, but you don't have to give anything. Just having you as a member of the crew and our friend is plenty." I reached in my pocket and pulled out three gold coins, examined each one carefully and then gave one to each of the Kobolds. "Now as you can see each coin has your image on one side, so no trying to claim another's coin. On the back you will find the image of your master.

"NO! What are you doing! You don’t just give Kobold coins like that, they'll go crazy!" Vexy yelled.

"Remember, your coin belongs to your master first. If you don't behave he'll take it away." I continued.

Shadow looked at his coin, then at me, and finally at Vexy. He then silently left the room followed by Raid and Legend.

"See? Look what they're doing now, completely disobeying orders and not saying even a thank you. And now apparently-" Vexy got up and stormed to the bedroom door where he stopped. "Okay, apparently they were just very horny, and could not stand in one room for longer. I'll ugh have to satisfy them later so this won’t happen again."

"As I said, if you're unhappy with them, just remind them that they only have that treasure as long as you allow it. I'm not completely stupid even if I don't know a lot about Kobolds, It's why I pointed out your image on one side indicating you own all three coins and them as well."

"Good to know, and I'll have to point it out to them before they forget. Maybe make them clean up after themselves for going away like that. So don't let the cleaning drones come in here and clean anything because they have a job to do for the rest of the day."

"Understood, when you are ready for the cleaning program to restart just let me know." Mahan replied.

I looked away in embarrassment, "Sorry for any problems I may have caused."

"It's not a big problem, just an annoyance to deal with now, which is why I’m doing it later.”

"I'm not sure how you're going to take this but Luca also had a gift for you." I lifted the green and yellow package and set it on the bed.

Vexy took the box from me and gave the small gift a skeptical look before huffing at it. "Well even though I’m mad at him, it's Christmas so . . ." He looked back at me and asked "Is there anything I should know before I tear open the packaging?"

“Not that I know of.” I replied.

He opened the package. Nestled inside the tiny box was a stainless steel bracelet in the shape of a dragon. He took it in his paws and observed it for a moment before commenting. "Interesting I could almost guarantee that this had been designed for another dragon on this ship. A cute and Eastern Dragon. But what do I know?" He rolled his eyes.

I face palmed. Just because it had to be stretched out to make it into a bracelet, he had to think it was originally designed for Kyle. I decided not to contradict him. His mind was still probably on his new game. "Vexy, I know you and Luca aren’t getting along. But come on, he’s at least making the attempt to be civil. I mean he didn’t have to give you a gift at all.” I took a deep breath. “I’m not saying you have to like it but at least see it as a possible peace offering. Now that I’ve had my say the VR chamber connected to the Main pilot’s barracks is open for your use, Mahan can direct you there." I turned to leave.

“I really want to go and check out the game, but are you sure there's nothing I should be doing?"

I stopped and turned back, “Only if you want to give gifts as well.”

"Well I don’t know what to give and even then how do I pay for it?"

I looked around and made sure the kobolds were completely occupied. "You do realize that you can generate anything ever created as well as create your own object without having to pay for them, right?"

At the look on his face I suddenly had the sinking feeling I may have made a grave mistake.

"You mean I can make a giant 4D space pool and fill it with chocolate?"

I wasn’t sure what the hell he was talking about but a pool filled with chocolate would be really difficult to clean up. “Technically yes, but I'd ask you keep things like that to VR where cleanup is much easier. Also I'd ask that you keep the bulk of any hoard you create to VR as well. It's hard enough to get Mahan's fat ass off the ground as it is.”

“Perhaps, if you ever land the real Runner on a planet I’ll eject you and let Kyle fly the ship into space. That should make us a lot lighter.” Mahan interrupted.

"I would not create a hoard,” Vexy quickly said. “It devaluates the entire thing even in VR. And yeah I guess I’ll keep giant 4D chocolate pools to VR."

"That is reassuring." It wasn't really all that reassuring considering the tone in his voice. “So would you like a little help coming up with gift ideas?” I asked changing the subject.

"Well, considering I don’t know how to use the tech in the ship yet, and I don’t really know everyone very well, I’m sort of the new guy, I’ll settle for giving out cards to everyone . . . this year. I could use your help since I don’t really know everyone yet."

Fifteen minutes later I left Vexy’s room carry in a stack of Christmas cards. For everyone on the ship each one personalized, with my help. The only one I hadn’t helped with or read was the one he wrote for me. I stopped in the cafeteria and carefully hung each card on the tree. When I finished I stepped back. I may have joked about being ‘Santa Tiger’ but this year it was more like we had our own Santa Dragon. I stopped for a moment and then grinned at my own foolishness. I used the matter generator to produce small gifts for everyone. Each package contained a figurine ornament in the shape of their primary fursona, for the tree, the ribbon held a peppermint candy cane in their fursona colors, and a tag that said “From Santa”.

“That’s a nice touch. Now everyone will have things to open in the morning.” Mahan said.

I just smiled and nodded. My work done, I headed for my quarters and my mates knowing I was probably in for an early morning.

***

I need to take a moment and give a very special thank you to Jordan, Luca, and Vexy for their parts in the Christmas Role Play on Discord that brought their Characters to life. Thank you guys, for putting up with my constant pushing to get this completed, even though I knew it was my own fault for not scheduling enough time to complete it before now.