FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

CHAPTER VI

** ** A new friendship flourishes

It was not new for them but it was the first time they used the Learning Booster to such high levels. The amount of information being imprinted into their brains was almost impossible to assimilate with the regular learning systems. But this needed to be done to learn the vast information on the D.E Project in the smallest amount of time possible. We might have all the time in the universe, but taking in consideration on how dangerous living in outer space can be, the faster we learn things, the faster we would be prepared for anything.

"It's been weeks since we've started. I can't believe we have memorized ten books already." The female Siberian husky said.

Hasky and Hemi were on a break from their training. They had been working extra hard those last few days. They had also been following the progress of the D.E Development Team since day one and were very interested on their assignment in the blue comet.

"Our old learning boosters were quite risky to use at these levels. I'm glad that the Retcans were kind enough to upgrade them. I've learned more this past week that I could've learned in six months." Hemi replied.

They were sitting on a comfy sofa in one of the five lounges that can be found in my Zone. They shared a big bowl of canine-friendly double chocolate ice cream.

"That makes me feel so excited; I know that soon enough we will join the D.E Development Team." Hasky said as she licked the spoon clean. She then passed it to Hemi.

"Yes." Hemi replied scooping a large chunk of ice cream. "What makes me happier is that we have new partners. I never thought that we would have more Evos joining the D.E Project so soon."

"Those messages that your father sent helped a lot. I found them to be very convincing."

"The images helped even more. I can't believe what the guys are doing over at the D.E cruiser; first the flight tests and then the assignment to the comet." Hemi couldn't take it out of his mind. He had so much interest for those things that he could hardly wait to finish with the training to finally join the D.E crew.

"I don't know why I didn't do this before. I could've started the training together with Husky and Fx. I would be there right now probably in that comet or piloting one of those impressive ships."

"At least you had a choice. I had to finish with my medical training first." Hemi replied as he finished his scoop of ice cream. He then passed the spoon to Hasky not before having a massive brain freeze.

As well deserved as the break was, they didn't want to extend it too much and get back to the training as soon as possible. After finishing their ice cream they headed back to the training room.

"Back so soon? It's only been ten minutes." Rika told Hemi and Hasky. "Luke is at the Gym with the new members. They have to go through the same physical tests that you guys did."

"So are we going to continue any time soon?" Hasky asked.

"You'll have to be patient, ok? We didn't expect for five new members to present themselves the same day. After we're done with the tests, we have to think of how we are going to divide the training between you two that are at an advance level already, and the rest who are not." Rika replied. She was starting to feel the pressure and the need for a more advanced training facility. This was again, just a project, and although it was serious it was improvised at some level.

"How are they doing?" Hemi asked.

"They are doing great. That Chihuahua fellow named Laser and the Doberman Ace did a great job in the flying simulators." Rika replied as she looked at her ComPod to check the statistics. "The rest seem more oriented to regular duties, so they would be of much help with all sorts of 'system checking' tasks inside the ship."

"Yeah... Oh, and that white spitz reminds me of someone for some reason." Hasky said while smiling.

"I know. The girl named Lya. Although she's been here for a very short amount of time, she does remind me of Husky a lot." Rika replied also with a smile.

"She seems to have a very similar way of expressing herself. She's such a nice Evo to be with." Hasky added. "Laser and Lya seem to be very attached for what I can see. The story that they told us about the other Evo they live with was very heart touching." Hasky said while looking outside a simulated window.

"Lay? Yes. It's a shame that he didn't want to join us. You know Hasky? You could help him to overcome his trauma, maybe just talk with him, I don't know. That is your specialty after all."

"I wish I could. They didn't say too much about him. Maybe I'll talk with them after they are done with the tests to see if they can call him and maybe convince him to come over."

"We'll see what we can do." Rika promised.

In the mean time, Hemi and Hasky had nothing to do but to wait until Luke and Rika could reorganize the training. After lunch time they decided to go for a walk outside the Zone and maybe get lost for a while in the huge Sector.

Hasky felt nostalgic since this is what she used to do with Fx and I every afternoon. She was glad to at least have someone else to share this pastime. They walked through the massive corridors of the Sector taking a glance at other Zone Complexes and socializing with other Evos that also enjoyed an afternoon stroll through Canis Major.

In the distance, Hasky saw someone very familiar and as she approached the Evo she noticed it was one of our Zone mates, Jade. It was common that Jade left the Zone every now and then, but something didn't seem quite right.

"Jade, what are you doing here?" Hasky asked. She realized that Jade didn't noticed them approaching as she usually does. Her face was blank, and although she is blind, her eyes seemed lost in some kind of void.

"Hasky... Hemi." She replied. She didn't turn to face their direction as she usually does. She seemed lost and truly blind.

"Is something wrong? You look worried." Hasky asked concerned. Both knew each other for thirteen years and Hasky was sure that something was bothering her friend. Hasky got close to Jade and held her gently. She noticed how Jade kept on 'looking' at 'something' that was apparently not there. Her muscles were tight and she felt very unsettled.

"Something is not right Hasky..." Jade said. Her voice broke a little bit in the last word. This made Hasky feel a bolt of coldness through her spine.

"What's wrong, my friend?" she asked concerned. "JADE!" It was not until she yelled that Jade turned to face Hasky.

"I don't know. I feel an immense pressure again..." Jade replied. She was very scared.

"Come here, Jade. Let's go home." Hasky didn't want to make it obvious to the hundreds of other Evos that were walking close to them. We Evos know how to stay calm and focused under difficult situations, but Hasky didn't want to take any chances. If there was something wrong, a panic is the last thing that they would want.

"Maybe you need some rest, Jade." Hemi gently suggested.

Hasky was not convinced. She knew Jade perfectly and how sensitive she can be. If she felt something that was making her feel nervous, then there was definitely something wrong.

After they reached their Zone Complex, Hasky stopped to ask Jade again about what she was sensing. The answer was not clear, but it surely was something that she wouldn't be able to take out of her mind.

"What are you staring at, Jade?" Hasky asked desperately as she noticed Jade not taking her 'sight' out of the same spot. It was frustrating because she was apparently not staring at anything. She just kept 'looking' at the same spot no matter where they went.

"There is something there, Hasky. You have to tell the D.E crew and the Retcans that they might be in danger." Jade said. She was less confusing this time and seemed to be sure of what she was talking about. That made Hasky feel shivers down her spine even more.

"I want you to calm down and please tell me what you are feeling at this moment." Hasky told her. Hasky was now very nervous but did everything she could to keep her serene demeanor.

"Something. There is something over there." Jade pointed her handpaw to that same direction that she was staring at.

"There is nothing there Jade. That's just the wall of the Complex. There are plants, but nothing else." Hasky replied now a little bit desperate.

"It's not here... It's somewhere else."

"Where Jade?" Hemi asked.

"I don't know... It's not like when we got attacked the second time. This is not moving, but I can feel it threatening us."

Hasky and Hemi didn't know what to ask. Hasky then decided to take her with Rika or Luke and explain them the situation. Rika came to the conclusion that it might be a sensory overload.

"Is this the first time you feel this since the last attack?" Rika asked.

"Not really. Sometimes I do feel it but it goes away very quick. Right now I can feel it fade away, but I've never felt it so strong." Jade replied. She was almost crying.

"I'll inform the D.E crew anyway. Go lie down in a couch and have some rest. Talking with someone about something else might help you focus on other things." Rika ordered Jade. She gave her a warm hug and petted her gently for a while. This type of affectionate physical contact is very soothing for us, but Jade is able to feel it in a greater level due to her sense of touch being so developed. She then left. Apparently she was indeed feeling better, but this situation wouldn't be forgotten that easily.

After a while of discussing what might've startled Jade that way, they finally decided to let it go. Sometimes it was hard for Jade to keep her senses in control not only because of how sensitive these are, but also because of the rare form of synesthesia that she has developed. So this might've been like Rika suggested, just a sensory overload. Nevertheless, Rika did inform D.E1 and the Retcans about this. They would be on their guard.

A few hours passed and the complete group of trainees was gathered around in the study room. Rika was giving some important information on the changes that the training would face due to the now larger group. They also discussed other things related to the D.E Project.

_ _ "As for the future of the D.E Project, we hope that by the end of this year all the tests are finished." Luke informed the future Development Team.

"Right now the facilities where the real D.E members will receive their training are being made. Before the D.E Project goes fully operational, the definitive crew should be fully trained and ready to replace the D.E Development Team." Rika continued.

"There is capacity for forty crewmembers in a D.E, which we hope that at least twenty are going to be top class fighter pilots. By the end of next year, we hope that at least ten fully operational D.E cruisers make it to space. However, since soon we will be building the D.E Cruisers by ourselves, it might take some time before we make it through our one hundred D.E cruisers goal. But I'm confident that ten years from now the D.E Fleet will be complete." _ _

_ _ "I hope so, Luke. The main problem is that when the Retcans part on their way, there will be a moment when our defenses will be weak." Laser gave his concerned opinion.

_ _ "I know what you mean, Laser. At the beginning it will be very risky, but that's the reason we need more of us being part of the Development Team. We said it many times; the faster the D.E Project goes fully operational, the faster we will be protected." Luke replied confidently. As soon as Luke finished his words, a deep voice was heard from behind the group.

_ _ "The more the better... Then I guess that it will be good if I sign in..." Immediately everyone turned back to see who said this. Leaning in the entrance of the study room, an Evo stood with his eyes closed and his arms crossed. He didn't sound too confident, but there was a noticeable desire to help. The reaction of Lya and Laser took Hasky by surprise. She instantly knew who this husky-like Evo was.

_ _ "I'm Lay. Is it ok to join?" The Wolf-Dog said as he opened his yellow eyes and entered the room.

_ _ "Sure... welcome!" Luke replied surprised by the presence of yet another new member. Please feel free to sit with the rest, my friend.

Lay sat between Lya and Laser and looked at them. His eyes expressed disappointment on himself. He tried to apologize but couldn't find the right words.

_ _ "I was not letting you two go alone..." He uttered softly.

_ _ "I'm proud of you, brother. I knew you were going to take the right decision. These Evos need you more than you think." Laser told him. The little Chihuahua looked deeply satisfied with his friend's last minute change of mind. He placed his arm across Lay.

_ _ "I always knew you'd come." Lya hugged Lay really hard as she told him how much she loved him.

"I don't agree with the D.E project, but it is my obligation to be by your side. As soon as we're done with our duty we will return home." Lay said in a demanding tone but said it so softly that only Lya and Laser were able to hear him.

Soon, Luke and Rika approached Lay to give him their greetings.

_ _ "We will be more than honored to have you here, my friend. I'm Luke."

_ _ "And I'm Rika. I'm happy that you decided to join."

_ _ They all greeted their new partner with enthusiasm. The D.E Development Team had a new future member; a very special one. But there was one of them who wanted to meet Lay more personally. Once they were given a quick break, she approached Lay.

_ _ "Hi, Lay." Hasky gently greeted him. Lay was sitting alone in one of the lounges of my zone. Hasky sat next to him.

_ _ "Hi..." Lay shyly replied.

_ _ "So you are Lay? I had the desire to meet you, my friend."

Hasky suggested that they talked in a more private place, so both Evos went to a secluded area.

_ _ "Feel yourself like at home, Lay. This is my room. I've been living here with my two boys for almost thirteen years." Hasky then kindly offered something for drink. A glass of ice cold milk and some double fudge brownies were placed on the breakfast bar. Lay looked shy but he didn't hesitate for a second to feast on those moist and chunky beauties.

"Lya and Laser have told me things about you." She said without hesitation.

_ _ "Really? I imagine." Lay replied, not to sure that he would like to have that conversation. He took a brownie and stuffed it into his mouth to hide his apparent discomfort.

_ _ "Yes... Oh, and your daughter is so cute, by the way. She reminds me of my own son." Hasky complimented him. "Laser is a great fellow for what I can tell in these few hours that I've known him. You're very lucky to have them with you."

_ _ "Thanks. I wouldn't be able to live without them."

_ _ "Yes... I can see that. They both love you more than life itself. You're Lya's hero, and Laser feels so much love for you even though you were probably strangers that day that you first met."

Lay didn't answer to this. He felt where that conversation was heading to.

_ _ "Look, Lay. I'll go straight to the point. I wanted to talk with you because Lya and Laser have told me there are really negative things that are bothering you..."

_ _ "Yeah... I think I know what that is..." Lay replied letting out a sigh of discomfort. He placed the brownie that he was about to eat back in the plate.

_ _ "Lay. You and I, we are from the same generation. I know what you went through, and I know how you might be feeling. I can help you." Hasky said. She went to the other side of the breakfast bar and sat next to Lay. She placed her handpaw on Lay's and softly caressed it.

_ _ "Hasky... Thanks, but... I don't think you know what I went through." Lay answered calmly but you couldn't help to notice a lot of discomfort in his tone of voice.

"Independently of what you saw, or what you went through specifically, we all suffered that day." Hasky firmly replied.

Lay couldn't take it anymore. He stood up and tried to walk away. Hasky grabbed him by the hand-paw and gently pulled him back. Both Evos stood nose to nose, feeling each other's breathing. Lay lost his confidence and refused to see Hasky to the eyes.

_ _ "Lay, my job is to help others to live in peace with their past. And I want to help you." She gave Lay some space, but still held his hand-paws. "If I was able to overcome my past, anyone is able to. I don't want you face this life alone, Lay. You have Laser and Lya, but I'm also offering myself as your friend. I want to help you get rid of that pain that is not letting you live."

Both Evos kept on holding hand-paws. Lay, finally had the courage to look at Hasky's eyes. He slightly smiled.

_ _ "Thank you... Although you are very nice and it makes me feel really good to be this close to you, I don't think you can help me." He uttered, very carefully loosing the grip that Hasky had on him.

_ _ "I'm going to give you you're space. I'm not going to pressure you, since I know how difficult it can be sometimes." Hasky said as she let go of Lay's hand-paws and placed them on the Wolf-dog's shoulders. "But if you want to talk to someone, don't hesitate to look for me. Ok?"

_ "_Yes, Hasky... Thank you."

Hasky then licked Lay's nose tenderly. This made Lay feel a compromise on Hasky's good intentions. Once again he would struggle with his feelings.

_ _ "You have a new friend now, Lay. I will always be there for you. But remember to talk to me if you are not feeling ok."

_ _ There was no doubt that at that moment a new friendship was forged. These bonds were never to be broken. It has been mentioned many times before of how we Evocanis can come to love each others unconditionally, and how easy is to create bonds regarding the gender. But sometimes there are certain individuals that form a different kind of bond. As little as they knew each other, Lay and Hasky were probably at the beginning of creating this special type of bond even if at that moment they didn't know. Could this be what finally made Lay face his fears and overcome the trauma of those horrific moments that he went through many years ago?