FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

It was early in the morning when David woke up, he wanted to be fresh and awake for the first day of training. His crew needed to be trained in dive bombing and deployment of the ordinance. The fighters on their end would need to get used to the increased speed and flight controls. He put on his officer's clothing, the difference with his old clothing still something he would need to get used to. But at least he was still an officer so he would have no trouble in performing his duty. He freshened himself up and got going, to the training halls.

The training halls were basically a hangar filled with flight simulators, dozens lined up next to each other where mostly retraining took place for when a new line of ship came out or somebody needed retraining on some of the flight procedures which were updated. Today however would be a rather unique experience in the simulators, as David had requested the simulators were adjusted according to the fighters and bombers that they would be flying. Due to the nature of the training all non-essential personnel was removed from the training halls, all other trainings were moved forward so the only ones in the halls were David and his crew aside from some technicians that kept everything running. Speaking of which, David was addressing the women under his command on today's training.

“Good morning, today you will be having your first simulated experience with the new fighters and bombers. The fighters will mostly be getting used to the new engines but the bombers will need to practice the dive bombing. Before we get started I'd like to show you how it's done to give you an idea."

Now Dave wasn't a bomber pilot, but compared to his crew he might as well have been a master in it. So he showed them what he knew and hoped he wouldn't mess up his demonstration. He took seat in the simulator and started up the system, he started off with flying into position for the bombing run. Running them through his actions as he performed them, all of them crowding his chair to get a good look,

“Alright, we move into bombing position once you have the target in view below. Once you have confirmation you angle down to the point you are looking right at your target, the guidance software will calculate your angle and indicate how much you need to adjust the angle to hit the target when your aim is off."

He adjusted the angle a little so he would overshoot the target, to which the software alerted him and suggested to change the angle. “You can ignore the warning but if you do you will miss your primary target." He adjusted the angle again until he was back on target, diving for quite some time and reaching very high speeds. “The longer you hold this position the more accurate your attack will be given the ordinance will be less exposed to air currents but." Just as he said that the simulation began to start up AA-defenses. “As you can see, you will be in range of enemy fire, luckily for us they will not be used to these attacks and will have a harder time hitting you due to the high speeds you will reach. Plus if you pull too late you will crash head first into the ground,"

Once he was about a kilometer above ground he deployed the bombs and began to pull up. “Once the bombs are released you pull up sharply and get the hell out of there, the bombs will follow your path and..." On the monitor the bomb hit the building almost perfectly, destroying the structure completely as David climbed back into the atmosphere. “Remember, do not lower the bombs until you ready to release them, having them out at all times makes you vulnerable and loose speed. Well then, let's get started people. Find a chair with your ship programmed in it and start playing around to get used to the differences in controls, once you're comfortable you can start up combat simulations."

They all nodded and took place in a chair, testing the new planes out in the simulations before they would get to the real deal. The fighter pilots got the hang of it sooner then the bombers, seeming to not have that many issues to adjust to higher speeds and turn angles. They did however need to adjust their combat techniques given their increase in speed forced them to adjust the leading of their shots among other things. But in general the fighters pilots were pleased with the new models, who wouldn't with a much faster plane that could turn sharper and accelerate almost twice as fast. Sally herself couldn't resist speaking up, “I have to admit Commander David, these new engines are amazing! I can't wait to test them in the field!" A few agreeing mutters rose from all the fighter pilots, it seemed they were sold on the new planes.

The bombers, as expected, were having a harder time getting used to the new planes and bombing runs. Daly was having a hard time deciding when to pull up, having crashed her planes multiple times. Martha on the other hand pulled up too early for fear of AA fire, meaning her bombs didn't cause maximum damage. But David helped each of them, giving Daly the advice to pull up using her height indicator instead of her vision and to use her vision to get the angle right only. Giving the same advice to Martha but also showing her how to make herself a harder to hit target by pulling back up and swirling her ship. It would make her stay in range of the enemy's fire for a little longer but it would pay off by reducing the odds of being hit.

And this was their first half of the day, training and getting used to the ships while David observed all of them one by one and gave them tips and tricks if needed. Though after several hours most seemed to get the hang of it, only a few mistakes here and there but the bombers were getting their timings and angles better and the fighters were already running combat simulations to test out the planes in combat and from the sounds of it they were pleased.

When noon came David told them they could take a break to eat and then to get back to the simulators, he wanted to be sure they were as familiarized with the controls as possible. Luckily the controls in the new planes were almost identical to the ones they were used to for this exact reason, after the engines would change little. But internally the ships were almost completely revised. Under David's guidance the energy systems had gained in efficiency and required not only less fuel to keep going but actually enable more power to go to the weapon systems of the fighters to not just make them faster but stronger too!

This time at lunch they all went as a group, David in the middle of them as they all excitedly talked about the changes and heard David out about Human technology. He couldn't help but smile a little, glad that they all were so eager to learn and sate that curiosity of theirs.

“Seriously David, how DO you guys get such fast engines? I feel like I was going at walking speeds with my old fighter." Sally asked to him as they all had chosen their table. “It's simple, we used a different power source and work with better conduits to ensure there is less of a energy deficit. Plus technology wise we're a decade ahead of your engine technology. Once you advance into the technology you can travel between solar systems in no time."

They also asked him about his home planet, telling them of the Human Alliance and their expansion into space. To them it all sounded like science fiction, something from a movie but to David it was day to day business. This continued for the remained of the lunch break, eventually getting up and getting ready to resume training. He noticed the group of wolves from the other day but this time that big one, Tellar, wasn't with them. Which he found curious but didn't think much on the matter.

The following hours they ran several combat situations now that everybody was more familiar with the controls and techniques. Flying a plane was easy, using it in combat was something entirely different. The fighters were having issues with their accuracy, their increased speed meaning they needed to get used to their sharp turn angles whilst firing. The bombers trying out evasive maneuvers and returning fire at enemy fighters, which went a little better for them given their speed increase wasn't as dramatic as the fighters.

The following hours was dedicated to combat, David not letting them stop until they were performing as good as they did in the old planes but it was clear they would need to spend several days in the simulators in order to get to that level.

[Meanwhile in the hospital]

Merrin grunted in frustration, he simply couldn't find the link he needed to find whomever had caused the attack on the research facility. “Damn it all! What am I missing... It's right in my face I simply know it, but WHERE." He grunted in frustration, just as Kayla walked into the room with a wheelchair.

“Still nothing I assume Merrin?" She said as she rolled the wheelchair to the side of the bed, Merrin closed his computer and hoisted himself into the wheelchair, needing the fresh air to clear his mind a little.

“Yes, it's frustrating, I can't seem to link all of the events that happened together. I just don't see how anybody could have done all of this by themselves. I'm beginning to think there might be more then one traitor in our ranks..."

Kayla began to wheel him through the corridors and to the outside, which was a large garden with a small forest, a paved path to make it easier for the wheelchairs to go around. “You really think there's two? One is bad enough already."

“I don't know, it's unbelievable one slipped through all our security and screening, let alone two. I know there's one thing I'm missing, one thing that will connect the dots."

Kayla shrugged, she didn't know how to help him with his work but she could try to comfort him a little. “Hey, I'm sure you can figure it out, you're one of the smartest people I know! I'm confident you can solve this conundrum."

“Huh, I wish I had your confidence, ever since I worked with David I feel like I'm an idiot of sorts. The way he explained everything it sounded like I was a cub playing around with blocks!"

“Merrin, you can't be serious are you? You can't compare yourself to David, he's from a different world with advanced ship technology. It would be like you explaining how a toaster works to somebody who never used one before. That doesn't make you smarter and it doesn't make the other one dumber. You don't need to be so harsh yourself, after all if it wasn't for you we wouldn't even have spaceships!"

He let out a sigh and nodded, “You're right, you're right, I guess I'm just doubting myself. Doesn't help I'm reduced to being pushed around in a wheelchair. No offense to you of course Kayla..."

Kayla frowned, she wasn't liking where this was going, Merrin was slipping into a dangerous mindset if this continued. “Merrin, I know of an artist who paints with their hind legs because he lost his arms, and he's good. A disability is only a disability if you treat it like one. And I know you're stronger then that to let this get to you. You're as brilliant as before, no matter how you move around. Focus on that."

Merrin sat on this for a little while, before speaking up again. “Any news from David?" “No, I haven't heard from him, I assume he's doing alright. I just hope the soldiers there treat him with prejudgment." “Hah, I'm more worried about someone pissing him and getting punched in the snout, he's as strong as they come! One time the door to my office was jammed, and he just pushed the doors. He _ pushed _ them open, I never saw anything like it! I'm amazed he didn't crush my hand when he greeted me."

Kayla let out an amused huff, “He showed you that handshake greeting too? Did he tell you the meaning behind it?" “It has a meaning behind it other then just saying hello?"

On the way back to his room she explained the origin of the Human handshake, Merrin too finding it interesting how ancient rituals and habits could leave such a mark in their culture that it's usable by all and understood by every Human. “Human culture sounds so interesting, I hope one day I can see it for myself!" She helped him back in bed and he placed his computer back on lap to try and get back to his work.

“Who knows, perhaps we will! I can imagine once David goes back w-" At that moment her pager rang, which she grabbed and looked in panic. “Oh damn, I'm late for a meeting. Damnit, sorry Merrin I have to run. Seems like they didn't communicate this to me properly. Typical in this big of a place, talk to you later ok?" “Yeah yeah, I'll be fine. Oh and Kayla, thanks."_She smiled and him and nodded, running off to her meeting. Though something stuck with Merrin, whom was tapping his chin. _“Hmmmm... communicate... I wonder..." He tapped away at his computer, trying a different angle and see if he could catch anything.

After an hour his frown got deeper, his attention focused on what he saw on his screen, “Wait... what is..." H_e_ was worried by what he saw, by the time his evening meal came he didn't even bother eating anything but a single piece of bread. Tapping away at his screen as he had found something after hours and hours of looking up information. “Now how would you have done that... You can't access that... unless..." He called up personnel files, shifting through them one by one until his eyes grew wide. “Spirits above... it can't be..." He began to double check, he had to be sure about this before he would tell this anyone. He couldn't be wrong when he would report his results, not with this person as a prime suspect.

[Training Halls]

“Alright everybody, good job, tomorrow we'll continue. You all have made good progress today, now time for some much deserved diner. Dismissed." It was clear the day of training had taken a toll on the squad, all of them though fired up for the real deal! “All this training just got me pumped to actually fly in that new model! I can't wait to fly circles around those Reptors, they won't know what hit them!" Manka exclaimed all fired up and ready to kick ass!

“Well that's the idea at least! Hopefully they haven't learned of the new models yet but even if they have then they won't know what to expect exactly. The surprise might not be complete but it will be a surprise nonetheless."

“Commander, is there really a traitor in the higher ups? I find it so hard to believe any would willingly help those scales destroy us."

“Honestly, I don't know, but the Reptors knew things they shouldn't be able to know. They are getting information somehow but is it from a traitor in the ranks, a bug planted somewhere or a spy, I don't know. I just know there's a security leak and until it's plugged we have to be careful with sensitive information. Which is why the upcoming mission is top secret and only known by the high command and me, and why the debriefing will be held while we're on the way to our destination."

They didn't like being kept in the dark, but all understood it was unavoidable. “Do you really think we're the leak?" Came from Manka whom was offended at being suspected of being a traitor. “No, but we don't know who else is listening as well. The less people know the details the easier it will be to pinpoint the leak, if not then we know where it isn't."

They dropped the topic once the group reached the mess hall again, all picking their typical meals when they settled. Again David couldn't help but notice that Wolf was missing, “Hmmmm, I wonder where that Tellar went, he hasn't been with his group the whole day."

“Ts, no wonder, those guys are assholes to him." Carth replied, to which David looked at her curiously. “Really? They seemed like friends when I ran into him, literally." Now it was Daly that filled him in. “Sometimes yeah, when he does something they think is 'cool'. But he's usually picked on by them because he's a little simple of mind. Strong as an Ox, but you won't hear him explaining how a power relay works." “So why does he stick with them if they treat him like that?" “Wolves have a bad reputation, and because of that nobody wants him, at least with them he's part of the pack, even if he's at the very bottom of it."

David groaned softly at this, it seemed Tellar wasn't a bad guy, simply misunderstood. Maybe he was misjudged him the first time he met them. He brewed on this for the remainder of the meal, eying those wolves from the corner of their eye, it pissed him off they would treat somebody badly just for being simple minded, or treat anyone bad for that reason! David was the kind of guy who didn't care what other people did, as long as it didn't hurt somebody in any way possible.

When dinner was over they all retreated to their rooms, apart from David whom decided to walk around the base a little, not really having gotten a tour he decided to take a look around the place, eventually finding Tellar sitting on a bench by himself outside. He frowned again, walking over to him and sitting down on the bench next to him. Tellar slowly look to his side, down onto David as he was still much taller then him. “Human? Why here?"

“I was just out walking and I decided to sit down here and maybe talk a little if that is alright with you." The wolf shrugged and looked back to stare forward, “Why talk with me? Not your friend."

“True, but I still feel we got off the wrong foot when he first met. So I'd like another chance, Hi, I'm David, what's your name?" “... Tellar."

At least he had given him his name formally, “Pleasure to meet you Tellar, so I heard you're a mechanic?" “Yes. Help around with heavy parts. Don't repair much." “Why not?" “... Not smart enough..." “Says who?" “... Everyone."

“Well have you tried it?" “Once, didn't get it right. Told to not try again." “Well of course not everything works from the first time, that's why we practice and learn."

Tellar remained silent for a minute before speaking again, looking back at David, “Why human do this?" “Like I said, I wanted to talk with you." “No, why try to support me? Tellar no friends, nobody like Tellar. Only care for my strength."

David's look turned serious, looking him right in the eye. “Because nobody deserves to be treated like how they treat you. You shouldn't have to take that abuse from anybody. And I know that underneath all of that intimidating fur of yours, you're just somebody who wants to be appreciated and accepted."

Tellar stared at David a little, letting his words roll around in his mind. “David right, should stand up for self. But pack all I have. If I stand up for self they will throw me out." David hummed in thought, “What if I got you transferred to my group? I'm sure my squad will welcome you once they get to know you."

This made Tellar raise an eyebrow, “You do that for me? Why? We not friends? Barely know me." “We aren't, but that doesn't mean we can't become friends. Or that people should treat you poorly. And in that case I'd like to get to know you."

Tellar smiled a little, “David, friend?" To which David smiled back. “If you want me to be your friend." Tellar smiled again, his tail wagging a little before he leaned down and pulled David in his lap with his large arms around him that pulled him in a big hug. Given Tellar's size it looked like David had simply disappeared in that mountain of fur. Of all the things David expected to happen, this was not one of them. But he simply shrugged and accepted the situation, “I'll fill in the paperwork to get you transferred to my squad. Hopefully one of these days I'll get you transferred." “Thanks friend David!" “Don't thank me yet, they might turn down my request.

The wolf laid his head on top of David's, murring gently as he did. “Not that, for being friend." David cracked a smile, trapped in that furred prison, his back pressed against Tellar's chest. He didn't seem to be letting him go either, though he didn't have the heart to ask Tellar to let him go. Plus it did feel kind of nice, reminded him of his friend's border collie when he was a kid, he loved to lay against it because of the fur. David wiggled a little, though he found he couldn't move much, it seemed Tellar was even stronger then David despite his abnormal strength.

After a five minutes Tellar finally let David go, placing him back down on the bench next to him. Smiling at him like a puppy, David was liking this side of him, and he was sure the girls would love him once they all opened up to each other.

Suddenly somebody ran up to them, looking at David. “Commander David! We've been looking for you over the entire compound. There's an urgent call for you, I was told to inform you that you need to come immediately." David wondered what it could be but he got up and nodded at the Leopard that went to get him. “Alright, Tellar, I'll get everything sorted as soon as I can." Tellar nodded back at him, his tail still wagging a little as David ran after the soldier.

They got to the HQ, it seemed his squad all was here as they were looking for him too. They all looked relieved when David arrived, a soldier holding a phone of the sort towards David. He took the phone and called out to the other person. “Hello? This is Commander David?"

“Captain David! Thank the spirits." It was Thannis, what could be the reason that she would call him? “Thannis? What's the matter?" “It's Merrin... he..." A shiver ran down his spine, “Merrin? What's wrong with him Thannis. What happened?"

“... He's been murdered."