FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Virtually Real Part 18: The New Game

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar

Shock

Kyle

Dr. Nichole Redfield

Security Chief Jennifer Steele

I was surrounded in fog. It was so thick I couldn't see my hand in front of my face.

"Wake up, we're nearly there." Kyle's voice grumbled.

"Nearly where?" I asked groggily

"Cosmo Canyon of course." He replied.

I was sitting on the floor at the far back of the buggy. Red was stretched out in the center isle his head in my lap. Cait Sith was further forward draped over his giant Mog like he was asleep, more likely offline. Yuffie had wedged herself between the mog and the side of the buggy and was definitely asleep. She'd mumble 'materia' every once in a while. Though I couldn't see further forward I could hear Barret arguing that anyone else should be driving other than Cloud and both Tifa and Aeris were arguing Cloud's case. Of course he wasn't saying a thing, and likely didn't care one way or the other.

"The way they are arguing someone is going to get distracted and cause this thing to break down before we get there." I muttered.

"Is this one of your premonitions?" Red asked.

Suddenly there was a jolt and smoke started filling the cabin.

"No, just stating the obvious." I popped the rear hatch, "Go, I'll get Yuffie and Cait Sith. He can get his Mog puppet out once the smoke clears." I grabbed the cat puppet and reached for Yuffie. I caught her wrist and threw her out the back before she could cut my hand off.

As I climbed out I heard her mumble about me being an animal loving freak.

"Don't mind her, she's just jealous of what we have." Red said, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Yeah, materia." I muttered.

"Ouch, I meant our feelings for each . . . other? That isn't right, is it?" He asked.

"That depends, are you Red XIII, Nanaki, or Kyle?"

"Tiger! Wait, are we dead?"

"No, not yet anyway. You're currently unconscious and having your nanites removed. I'm, well I was conscious so I entered trance to let you know that I'm good. Shock is currently in stasis so I don't know what that is going to be like."

"Did Yuffie really say that to you during the game?" Kyle asked with a growl.

"Yeah, she figured out rather quickly I was crushing on you. At this point in the game the only other person that had a clue was Aeris."

"I don't remember her being that mean."

“She comes around by the end of the game, but most of the characters didn't have a very high opinion of me. Cloud tolerated me because I was useful, Barret and Tifa distrusted me because they thought I was a spy. Aeris was nice to everybody regardless of their background, and Cait Sith avoided me."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he confronted me at the Gold Saucer. I guess he also thought I was a Shinra spy. I told him that if he didn't bother me I wouldn't tell the group his real identity."

"If I remember correctly you only entered battle with him a couple of times."

"That's because his dice attack would always roll misfortune against me."

"It's a wonder you even completed the game."

"I had you. At the very least we had a friendship and . . ."

Kyle pulled me into a hug. "Now you have me and Shock as mates and that is what truly matters."

"Thank you Drake, I needed to hear that. I need to go check in on Shock, unfortunately since you are unconscious you're confined here. Though now that you are 'awake' in the dream you can do anything you want. That includes continuing this reenactment and then telling your grandfather about your mate and living on a ship that can travel between stars."

Kyle smiled, "Go on and check on our fox. I'll see you, the real you, when we wake up."

I kissed him and focused on Shock.

***

I was surrounded by darkness again, and then suddenly I found myself sitting in front of a computer with a streaming countdown clock. It hit ten seconds and turned into Video Fox's intro animation. I immediately joined the stream chat.

"Good morning bow wows, meows, and everyone else in the community. Today I'm going to start off by telling you about the insane dream I had last night."

I started typing as fast as I could.

"First I was fired from both of my jobs. Yeah petty normal I know."

My message was blocked. I logged out of the chat and back in as 'Tiger Knight'."

"Here's the strange thing, I also got a message that all my expenses were taken care of from a trust fund that I didn't know existed."

The message got through but was written in hieroglyphics.

"Then I was bagged by government agents and dragged off to be interrogated because I'd been communicating with aliens. Then the agents turned into furry aliens."

I tried a different tact, instead of the direct approach I went along with what he was saying.

"That's right Tiger Knight. One was a tiger and the other a red eastern dragon. Of course they turned me into a fox furry, Jumping Beans. However, it doesn't stop there. They wanted me to be their representative on Earth."

I tried again. "I bet the president had a fit about that and exiled you, right?"

"Huh, that's right Tiger Knight. However that turned out to be a good thing because-"

"So the Tiger and his Drake took you as their Foxy mate."

He paused for several seconds. "Night Tiger, how did you . . . Wait, Prowl-Ar?"

I tried speaking instead. "This is the dream, you're currently in stasis. I'm communicating with you through our soul link. I want you to know that you are completely healed, Kyle is having the nanites removed, and I have recovered enough to attempt this link up. I didn't want you thinking that you weren't still safe, protected, and loved."

"I thought it was a dream. I mean, it is too good to be true, not to mention completely insane. Some supposedly long dead relative turns up and gives me everything I ever wanted and it isn't a dream?"

"In what sort of dream would you imagine adding cabbage and habanero chilies to a cookie? How about onion dark chocolate espresso bean cookies?"

"Okay, I'll admit that I have no way to tie that in with any logical response. Though you should try the peanut butter, barbecue sauce, smoked Gouda combination. I think it actually had the best flavor, if you don't think of it as a cookie."

Maybe you should go back to the reality where you thought Kyle and I were dream characters. I think we may have damaged you irreparably."

"Hah! I was already damaged. You two actually put me back together better than I was before. So now you're stuck with me forever, it would seem."

"Shock, if I ever have kids I want them to be nothing like you. I'm fairly certain I wouldn't survive the experience."

"If we have kids, there will be three of us to love and raise them. I'm sure you'd survive somehow."

"Damn it."

"What?"

"The Doctor is trying to pull me out of trance state. It seems we're both going to have to go back to sleep. I'll see you soon and remember Kyle and I are always with you." I wasn't sure how much of that got through to Shock as I had mumbled it aloud as well.

"You really do love Shock, don't you? I-I misjudged you. Ever since he came out about being mated to you and Kyle most of the community has been wondering about your motives."

"You removed the breathing tube?" I asked.

"Yes, you were breathing on your own and didn't need it any longer."

"Anyway, Shock wanted to be here more than anything else. I wanted him to return to Earth so that Kelly, his human persona, could get more life experience before making that kind of decision. I'm not going to tell you the lengths he went to in order to convince me that he belonged here."

"So why did you make him your 'mate' then?"

"I take it you don't care for the term mate? If you prefer husband it works just as well. We use the term mate because we are soul mated. As Mahan said, our souls are quite literally connected."

"So how did that happen to Shock?"

"What the president said hurt him so badly Shock saying that Video Fox was dead wasn't far from the truth. He retreated within himself to the point where his body started shutting down. I believe you would have hooked him up to life support, and I could have done that, but he would never have recovered. So Kyle and I did something stupidly risky, we used our own souls to force open a connection to Shock in order to restore him."

"Stupidly risky?" The Doctor asked.

"I figure the odds were likely about ten percent that we would succeed."

"And if you failed Shock would have died?"

"No, from the moment Kyle and I went into trance, there were only two out comes; all three of us live, but we'd be linked forever, or we all would die."

"You risked all three of your lives on a ten percent chance of survival? That's insane." She yelled.

"Tell me, if your wife or one of your kids were dying-"

"No question I'd do anything and everything in my power to save them. Though why Shock? If you were trying to get rid of him?"

"I wasn't trying to get rid of him. I only wanted him to experience more of what life had to offer so he wouldn't regret his decision in a century or two."

"My God, I'd heard your claim about when you were born but I didn't believe it. When you say things like forever you really mean that don't you?"

"Until this universe ends. Longer if we find a way to jump into an alternate universe."

"One last question before you go back to sleep."

I smiled. "The apparatus for altering your DNA to make you a shifter, or just change you into your fursona only exists hidden aboard the Runner and I'm the only one that can access it."

The Doctor shrugged her shoulders. "I had to try, time to go back to sleep."

***

"Prowl-Ar, wake up."

"Go away, Mahan."

"I can't. This may be the only chance we have to speak privately."

"This better be damned important."

"Chief Jennifer isn't going to survive if you don't do something."

"Just remove the nanites."

"We did that first thing. However her condition is getting worse. Unlike you and your mates, she didn't have her own nanites to restrict the virus nor an enhanced immune system to help rebuild what the machines damaged."

I sighed. "Is there anything that can be done?"

"At this point there are three options let her die, let her die and bring her back as a clone, or use the evolver to repair the damage."

"So the choice is to let her die or enhance her system. Not an easy choice. What is my condition?"

"Dr. Nichole Redfield believes you should remain sedated for another twenty-four hours. However, I know you better than she does and you're at 88 maybe 89 percent operating capacity. Well above what you normally work at. However, if I send a drone over with fresh nanites you'll be back to full capacity, for you anyway."

"Is the station clean?"

"I've run multiple scans and all nanites have been eliminated."

"Then send the drone with our new nanites immediately." I swung my legs out of bed and noticed how stiff I was. "How long have I been out?"

"Sixteen days, four hours, thirty-two, minutes, and sixteen seconds at the moment you asked."

"Is Shock and Kyle still out?"

"They are both in stasis."

"Computer, revive Kyle Dacat and Shock Dafox."

"What are you doing?" Nichole asked as she entered the recovery area.

"Ah, good morning Doctor. I'm just getting up and returning to my position as Captain."

"As your Doctor I have the authority-".

"No. You are a doctor, but you are not a member of my crew. Therefore you can give me your opinion, but you can't give me orders. Your attention should be completely focused on your sister in law."

"I've done everything I can. I've placed her in stasis to be returned home. I doubt se will regain consciousness but at least Jan and the kids can say goodbye."

"Computer, unlock and activate medical level VR chamber. Prepare to run mem-crystal J-01, location Enterprise D conference room."

"Simulation prepared."

"I stumbled toward the door."

"If you're going to insist on being a fool the least I can do is make sure you don't fall flat on your face."

The door opened and the damned Otter Drone Doctor was standing there. "Damaged again, how typical. I don't know why Mahan puts up with you." The otter pushed an injection gun against my neck and fired. "At least with these you'll be better than an ordinary biological. Now I've got to go inject that worthless dragon before he fully wakes up."

"That was an otter furry. I've been wondering since I got here how she convinced you to change her? I'd have asked her, but let's face it she isn't very approachable."

"No, she isn't a furry. She is a semi-autonomous drone Mahan set up as my regular doctor."

"You're kidding. Med-school cadavers have better bedside manners. It seemed she went out of her way to be rude and insulting just now."

"Really? I thought she was much more personable than normal. Still, I bet she finds a very large needle to inject Kyle rather than using the injector gun."

"Why is that?"

"They're in the middle of a feud. It started when she pissed Kyle off, I'm not sure what she said, but he ripped her head off and she refuses to forgive him."

"As a physician she shouldn't let someone yelling at her affect her duty."

I laughed. "You don't get it. He didn't yell at her, he physically ripped her head off and ended up tossing it across the room."

"And now I understand her resentment."

We had nearly reached the medical level VR Unit and I had to stop. "Help me sit down for a minute."

"You've exhausted yourself. I warned you."

"No, the new nanites I was just injected with are establishing a new translator colony next to my eardrums and it's playing hell with my equilibrium." I could feel them moving through my body. Not literally, of course, but the changes they were making were impacting my muscles removing the fatigue and minor atrophy. "Mahan, have you made unauthorized changes? I'm feeling different and integration is happening much faster than I expected."

"That's because this is a new batch and you never bothered to upgrade from the first generation. Kyle and Shock won't notice any difference at all."

I stood up and continued down the hall. "Check my brain chemistry levels I'm starting to feel a bit off."

"You've always been a bit off, but all of your vitals are where they should be. However, Kyle and Shock just woke up so perhaps you're feeling their combined post stasis confusion."

"I'll take your word for it, this time. Have them join us as soon as they can and I want you there as well. Before I make any decisions I want everyone to have a say in the matter."

We entered the room and I had Dr. Redfield sit halfway down the table. I sat at the command position. Computer, adjust the chair on my right for Kyle's anthro form and the one on the left for Shock's anthro form."

Mahan's personal drone entered and sat at the opposite end of the table from me. "So, what is your preliminary decision?" He asked.

"I know it's unusual, but I don't have one yet. I really don't like any of the options."

The door opened and Shock entered.

"Kitty, I had the strangest dream."

"No. I get that you're trying to come up with your own pet name for me, but no."

"Stripes?"

"That will make our current VR game rather confusing with the NPC Stripes."

"Right, I forgot."

"Silly fox, you're our mate so you are entitled to call him Tiger and me Drake, just as we call you our little Foxy." Kyle said as he entered.

"I feel I should object to that, but it makes my fur stand on end with excitement, along with other-"

"Excuse me, can we please discuss the topic at hand?" Nichole asked after clearing her throat.

"Shock hasn't even gotten his pants off yet, so how can he have it at hand?"

We all stared at Mahan, too shocked to say anything.

"Damn, has the simulation frozen?" He asked.

I shook my head. "You've uploaded traits from Shock's crystal, haven't you? Never mind, that was very inappropriate."

"You have to admit it was funny, though." Kyle said, as he smiled and sat down.

Shock scrambled to his seat. "Don't blame this on me." He mumbled.

"My sister-in-law is dying and you're making jokes? Why did I think you could help her?"

"Depending on what is wrong, he probably can." Jennifer sat down across from the Doctor. "The real question is why am I here?"

"Jen? How is this possible?"

"Doctor, this isn't technically Jennifer, well it is, but it isn't. This is a copy of Jennifer's mind."

"So why am I here, I thought the next thing I would experience would be waking up in the future to start my new job on this ship."

"We found you on the porch in a coma. I was treating you with no success until, I guess it was Mahan called me. He informed me that it was a nano-virus attack and he was sending Shock to retrieve you. Once we arrived on this station they removed the nanites, but the organ and tissue damage is too severe. I placed your body in one of their stasis pods to take you back down so Jan and the kids can say good bye."

"That is one option." Mahan stated.

"You could clone my body, download my mind and send me back as though I never died."

"That is another option. The last option is we use our technology to save your life." He continued.

"If that's the case then why the hell are you sitting here talking to me?"

"Because there are certain ramifications no matter what we choose to do. I'd say that letting nature take its natural course would be the best option, but you were only injured and thus infected because we were attacked."

"I'll take over the explanation now. For the other two options, no matter which one is chosen, you will have an enhanced immune system. You'll age much slower possibly living into your late second or early third century. Also, like the three of us she will be unable to procreate naturally." I explained.

"Can you harvest my eggs in case I want a child later?"

"Yes, however you will require a surrogate since your body will reject even your own implanted embryos. The reason, you are here is because, no matter what we decide we'll need your consent and seeing as the physical manifestation of you is indisposed, it is fortunate that you were available."

"I-I don't know. I want to live of course."

"Computer, end Jennifer simulation. Do not save this interaction."

"Are you sure you do not want to save this interaction?"

"Yes, interaction is not to be saved."

"Why did you do that?" Nichole asked.

"Jennifer want's to live. Computer, new simulation. Crew meeting area, set a place for Mahan, place the Doctor in observation mode."

"What? You can't-"

"Now, we have a decision to make. Mahan, what do you think we should do?"

"I'm inclined to let nature take its course, however I know that you three would feel guilty about such a decision and that would not be healthy for my crew. The option with the least amount of impact both to her and to us would be to heal her original body."

"Shock, what do you think?" I asked.

"Why are you asking us?"

"Because I trust both of you and I can't trust myself."

"Would you let her die?"

"I . . . No, but only because it's my fault she's in this condition. If I'd run a full scan I would have discovered the infestation and eradicated them early before they caused so much damage."

"There you have your answer, as Mahan said, we heal her." Shock replied.

"Kyle?"

"You're afraid when people find out she's been healed they'll want you to save them as well. Guess what? You've already got that problem so my vote is to heal her and be done with it."

"Might I suggest a cover story that Dr. Redfield was able, with our help, to neutralize the nanites? If anyone even notices she was missing. After all, it will be fifteen to twenty years before the slowed aging will become noticeable."

"Computer, allow Doctor Redfield to return."

"How dare you." She yelled.

"Sorry Doctor, I made sure you could hear everything, but I couldn't let you influence our final decision."

"And If I decide differently?" She asked.

"You wouldn't, besides it's already too late." Mahan replied.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm not limited to being in a single place like you biologicals. I anticipated my crew's decision and moved Jennifer to the Runner's medical facilities."

"You can't do that without my permission."

"We're way outside any form of jurisdiction. Mahan, my mates and I, get to make the rules. Now, I suggest you get some rest." I stood up and headed for the door. "I'm sure Jennifer is going to have a lot of questions for you.

***

I entered the recreation level lounge. "It's done, now we just have to wait for the evolver to complete the repairs."

"So what do we do in the mean time? Don't get me wrong, I like the Doc, but not enough to be around her when she's climbing the walls because you won't let her be a part of the treatment." Shock said, pointing at a monitor showing Dr. Redfield pacing as Mahan tried to keep her calm.

"Want to get back to the game?" Kyle asked.

"I'm not really in the mood. Actually, what I'm in the mood for is a bit of action."

"Now you sound like me!" Shock yelled in excitement.

"Wrong kind of action, Foxy. I'm thinking a mindless action game with lots of shooting and massive property damage."

"Oh, can I set up the scenario this time? I've got just the thing."

"This is going to be bad." Kyle mumbled.

"Come on Kyle, I promise it'll be just the action the Tiger is looking for. Give me ten minutes to set it up." Shock was out the door before I could say no.

"It should be interesting, at the very least." I said trying to sound cheerful.

"I'm sure we'll all live to regret this."

"Would you please stop being so pessimistic. That's my purpose for being here you're infringing on."

"And what is my purpose?" Kyle asked.

"To be perfect of course."

"Oh, what a curse it is to be me."

"Drama queen."

Kyle smiled.

"No! No, no, no, no, no. I take it back!"

"That's right, I know your fatal flaw is just a skirt change away."

I sat down. "It isn't the skirt, I've seen plenty of attractive men in drag. It's just a turn off to me. If it is something you want to try, I-I'm okay with that."

"I was only joking. It was hard enough getting used to clothing in general, I'm not going to go out of my way to get myself into female clothing."

"You don't have to worry about me." Shock said as he returned. “I hated being forced into that shit when I was growing up. I can promise you the only time I'll ever dress in drag is if we all have to in order to survive a situation or save someone else. Now come on, setting things up didn't take as long as I thought it would."

"What do we need to know?" I asked as we walked.

"Not much, in this world we are at war with giant aliens. Everyone has to serve as a soldier. Our official backstory is that you were forced out of officers training because you disobeyed orders. Never mind the fact you turned in the best score and beat a supposedly unwinnable scenario by doing so. However the military in its all-knowing way, still assigned you the rank of Major. You also spent your free time modding your equipment rather than getting to know your class mates. However, I made sure to set things up so that it is all an elaborate fiction so that we can adjust our history as we go."

"Yeah, that sounds like me."

"Kyle has been on the job for a couple of months, but he's been transferred out of every unit he's been assigned to. Most claim it is because he takes unnecessary risks. However it should be noted that he hasn't seen any combat yet. The truth is he hasn't found a commander he respects. He also has a problem with conserving ammo. He never fires more than he needs to. This is made worse by the fact that he is endlessly training extra hard at close range fighting. However, Kyle is purposely getting himself transferred because he is looking for just the right unit."

"It's true that I don't really care for guns and I'm not going to take orders from idiots. Well, most idiots."

I lightly punched Kyle in the arm. "What about you, Shock?"

"I'm fresh out of basic training. I barely squeaked by the cut off between the special armor division and the ground troop cannon fodder. I'd likely wouldn't have made it except for a secret benefactor pulling the right strings."

"Your character was probably blowing the base's commanding officer." Kyle snickered.

"That is just a dirty rumor and there is no proof."

"Except for the shed fox fur under his desk." I added.

"That's another thing, we're restricted to human form for this game. As disreputables we've been sent to an outpost planet at the forward edge of the warzone."

We stepped through the door and descended a ramp onto the hot cement of a landing pad. Off to the side a giant mobile suit towered next to a control tower. The humidity was exceedingly high and my fatigues were already plastered to my body. Jungle surrounded the pad concealing any structures other than the tower.

"Well, well if it isn't the jackass, the asshole, and the sissy. You're here to pilot suits, but guess what? We ain't got no suits to spare so until an established pilot is killed-"

I tuned out the commander and made some quick changes with my master link to the V.R. computer.

"Are you listening to me Jackass?"

"No Sir. I was busy checking to be sure the drop points were clear."

"Drop points? I didn't receive word of any cargo drops, just you three."

"Yes Sir, three pilots and our custom armors."

A massive explosion rocked the area as a huge drop ship rapidly decelerated from orbit. Heavy lasers burned through the vegetation at the side of the pad opposite the command tower. Within minutes three new four story tall containers stood along the side of the landing area.

"Sir, with your permission, I'd like to get those suits unpacked and combat ready as quickly as possible."

"You are on night patrol in four hours, be ready by then."

"Yes, Sir."

I smiled as I headed for the first structure. I quickly turned my head, "You two, move it. You heard the Commander he wants this done quickly." They came running.

"What is going on? I didn't program this." Shock asked.

"I told you, I want action. Having our own suits makes that happen quicker." I walked around to the side and placed my palm against the reader. The bottom half of the crate fell open revealing a skeletal suit, folded into a squatting position, inside. An automated roller vehicle moved the armor out of the crate. A slash of orange paint was splashed across the unit's front. "Rookie,"

"Call me Fox."

"Fox, this orange armor is yours. It is set up for standard use, though the pilot seat has been removed."

"How am I supposed to pilot it then?"

"I've modified these units to function as an extension of the pilot."

I moved to the second crate and found the same thing but with a red slash. "This unit is yours, uh?"

"Drake."

"Right that make's the last unit mine, and you two can call me Tiger."

"Huh, I figured it would be something like Lead or Commander."

"No, that would be foolish. Using code names only makes it more difficult to target the command unit. Now get to your suits, we've got to get them combat ready."

The suits stood up slightly shaky at first but as we adapted to the interface we quickly grew more confident. I walked over to Fox's crate and put weight on the roller. It retracted back into the crate. I lifted the cover and carried it down to an open spot to the right of my crate. I set it on the ground. There was a buzzing noise as multiple jacks extended and leveled the platform. I returned to Fox's crate and tore off a metal covering exposing a massive button. I pushed it and the third story of the crate slid out slightly. I walked around to the front and took ahold of it.

"Drake and Fox, support the sides as I remove this section." We pulled it out and carried it to the platform. Pins shot up from the corners of the platform. We carefully lowered the section into position and the auto binders secured the floor to the platform. We repeated the process for the remaining floors and then placed the extra two platforms on top of the new building for added protection.

"Congratulations, we've just assembled our living quarters." I said. Looking at the structure.

"So long as the veterans don't kick us out." Drake replied.

"The doors are all DNA coded so as long as you're alive they can't kick you out."

"How could you afford all this?" Shock asked, looking around to see if anyone might be listening.

"I don't just mod existing suits, I design shipping crates. This is my latest creation. Any planet can be made into a base station. Now we don't have time to do this one at a time so watch me." I pushed the button on my crate again releasing the top floor. I pulled it out and then let it rotate down exposing armor, weapons, and optional equipment. I pushed it to the back where it locked in place. Catwalks swung into out along the sides. I stepped back up onto the roller inside the launch gantry. Actuator arms automatically started equipping the black standard armor.

"I'm sorry, but for now all we have is basic armor. I've ordered several upgrade armor units, but who knows if they'll ever get here,"

I selected two heavy revolvers, a short sword, and a staff as my weapon's load out. I'd have liked an assault rifle, but I didn't have any ammo for the standard unit I and I doubted the Commander would issue any to us. I checked the time. We were cutting it close. I stepped out of the launch gantry.

"Are you ladies finished putting on your make up?" The suit in front of me was covered in dents, multiple layers of chipped paint, burns, and a disturbing amount of holes that I could only describe as giant bite marks. The left arm had been replaced with a massive beam gun that had to drain the suit's energy reserves with a single blast. The right was obviously from an entirely different type of armor as it was only half as long as it should have been, making the standard assault rifle seem much bigger.

"Ready, Sir." Kyle stepped out in his red suit. He was equipped with a pair of sub machine guns and a pair of blades connected to his arm's hard points.

"As ready as I can be Sir. My mascara keeps running in this humidity. Fox was equipped with a pair of semi-automatics as secondary weapons, a beam pistol hold out, and a massive Shotgun.

"Can it Sissy. Tonight my job is to give you a tour of our attractive little spot of hell. Your job is to stay alert, kill aliens, keep those suits functional, and make sure I make it back alive. You getting back alive is at the bottom of the list."

"Game has been paused. Commander Nightiger, this is the message you requested." The Computer announced.

"Damn, and I was just getting into this. We're going to have to pick this up at another time. Jennifer is ready to come out of the evolver chamber."

"Good, if the Commander called me a Sissy one more time I was going to put a slug through his cockpit."

Kyle started laughing, "Foxy, how can you make something so violent sound like a sex act?"

"I blame furrys, they ruin everything." Fox said with a laugh.

***

"Um, this might sound like a stupid question, but who am I?"

"Your name is Jennifer Steele. Now if you'll get dressed you'll feel much less embarrassment when your memory returns." The clothes on the seat next to me disappeared as I continued to stare at the monitor.

"Why was I naked?"

I stood up and we headed out of the Evolver room. "You were injured and we had to take extreme action to save you."

"I work for some one very important, right?"

"Your memory is starting to return, that's good. You work for the United Nations Security Council as the New York office's security chief."

"You are an alien that wanted to establish an embassy on Earth."

"Not quite, I'm from Earth, but I now live on a space ship." The lift opened and we entered.

"Your name is Prowler Dacat."

"Close, it's Prowl-Ar. You've got to stress the 'ar', kind of like a pirate, and my last name is Nightiger."

"You're not human though?"

"I was born human, but I've since made changes that allow me to change my form. So yeah, I'm not really human anymore."

"We were both injured in an explosion, right?"

We stepped off the lift and headed down a hallway. "Yes, I brought you aboard my ship and thought I'd healed you." We reached a doorway at the end and I cycled the hatch. "We've got to transfer to the station and the two airlocks don't have artificial gravity so be careful. Make very small movements and let momentum do the work." I stepped into the airlock and barely tapped the rim with the toe of my boot propelling me slowly across the open space. I touched down on the other side and turned around. "See nothing to it and I'll be here to help with the landing."

Jennifer propelled herself across gracefully, perhaps a bit faster than I would have liked, but she landed unassisted.

"This isn't my first time in zero G, I've had a couple of opportunities to ride the 'Vomit Comet' while guarding diplomats. Now, what happened that I'm back in space? The last thing I can remember is paying for the cab ride home after you left me in Central Park."

"The RPG that showered us with debris was loaded with killer nanites. Shock, Kyle, and I have our own nanites as support for our enhanced immune system so it took longer for them to start affecting us. Unfortunately, without an enhanced immune system your soft tissues were severely damaged."

"What about brain damage?"

"It seems the little buggers were programmed to avoid all neural and nerve tissues. I think the programmer wanted the victim to feel the pain and know there was no way to survive."

"Nichole? What are you doing here?"

"Mostly pacing and feeling utterly useless. The medical tech I've seen here makes me feel like a witch doctor in comparison. I mean, if you'd stayed on Earth you'd be dead and we wouldn't be talking now."

"Captain, I want the truth. Am I-"?

"Still alive and mostly your original self. You are not a clone."

"Mostly?"

I couldn't help but smirk as she started trying to see if she had any artificial parts. "You're still completely biological. However, I had to make changes to your DNA giving you similar enhanced immune system to my crew."

"You're telling me I have super healing?"

"No, super immunity. You're now immune to all known viruses, bacterial infections, and now technological infections. Put simply you're never going to suffer from any form of flu or the common cold ever again."

"What about cancer?"

"Those strains caused by viruses are out, but you are still susceptible to other forms. You're also likely to live to at least 250 and possibly much longer."

"Holy crap! That's awesome"

"Jen, calm down there's a major downside. You can never have kids of your own. Your body will treat an embryo as an invading organism." Dr. Redfield pointed out.

"You're also no longer compatible with human males due to the alterations to your genetic code. However, Mahan has collected and stored genetic samples, your eggs, so should you find someone you want to have children with, male or female, as long as you find a surrogate to carry the child to term, you can still have children."

"Wait, what did you just say?" Dr. Redfield asked.

"Using the equipment here I can combine gametes from two same gender parents. Technically you have everything you need to do the same thing on Earth."

"I know that, but how are you involved with that project?"

"Nichole?"

"Nichole and Janelle Redfield have used this method to conceive their two children. The clinic they used is primarily supported by one of our many front companies."

"Mahan, one of these days I'm going to want to look over the records of just what all 'we' actually own."

"Hold on, I work for one of those clinics, are you telling me that all this time I've been working for you?" Nichole asked.

"I'd have required Shock to return you to Earth if you weren't already an employee. I probably don't need to remind you, but everything that takes place out here falls under the non-disclosure contract you signed as part of the hiring process. I should also point out that with your record and the fact you are a furry you are already on the short list for the position of chief medical officer once the space station is completed." Mahan stated.

"What about my wife?"

I laughed, "I don't know what Mahan has planned, but after what Jennifer told us I think she would make the perfect security chief."

"What about me?" Jen asked.

"You wanted the security officer position on the Enterprise D."

"Yeah for my future clone, but I wanted to be close to the only family I have left while we're all still alive. If they're moving to your furry station you'd damn well better find a place there for me as well."

"Don't get ahead of yourselves. It's going to be a couple of years before the station is ready for habitation. I'm sure we can work something out. Now, the three of us have a date with a shuttle back to Earth."

"Wait I need to collect-". Nichole started.

"I have taken the liberty of collecting your things. Everything you brought with you is already aboard the shuttle." Mahan interrupted.

I grinned knowing exactly what Mahan was implying.

"I'm coming too." Shock quickly said, “There are a few mementos I want to pick up from home. Mahan insists that they haven't been removed yet and recreating them with the matter generators just isn't the same."

I nodded, "I can understand that, come on then."

***

Shock skipped down the shuttle's ramp as I started to lock it down. "That's it, my last ties to Earth are done."

I frowned. "I still don't like the way your mother treated you, or the way your brother was acting."

"Mom's upset about the situation with my step-father."

"I know that, but if she doesn't get help she's likely to get into another abusive relationship."

"If she doesn't want help there's nothing I can do about that. As for Will, he's doing better than it might at first seem. He posts messages to the Video Fox site from public accounts keeping me updated. He's applying to several universities and has a good chance of getting a scholarship. Really I only went to see them so that I wouldn't feel guilty if I decide to never go back again."

I finished locking down the last clamp. "That's it we are once again officially on vacation."

"Great, I'll just go put my stuff in my- Oh, I don't have a room anymore."

"Listen, it's our room so you can add your own touches to it. If Kyle or I don't like it we'll discuss it as a group. However, anything other than soft goods like clothing and plushees has to be specially secured so that it doesn't become dangerous if the artificial gravity goes offline."

"Then I'll go get Foxy and Ott settled and then meet you in the V.R. chamber for some alien killing action!" Shock ran for the lift.

As I watched him all I could think of was the cliché about only being as old as you feel being a load of crap. Maybe it was just his fox genes rather than his age, but I couldn't help wondering if I'd be able to keep up with the amount of energy he had to burn."

***

I sat in the barracks, in observer mode, reading up on the computer generated backstory for the game. The Bugs, as it turned out humans couldn't translate their language because it was pheromone based, had tried to invade Earth. I pulled up a picture. The Bug looked like a praying mantis with a long shiny black abdomen, a greater iridescent purple thorax with four legs that split into four toes on the ends, and a dark blue lesser thorax with two sets of arms. The larger lower arms were shaped exactly like mantis 'arms' while the smaller upper arms ended in elongated four fingered hands. The blood red head was also mantis like with two sets of multifaceted eyes. It was theorized that one set functioned in bright light and the other in low light while a competing theory suggested they functioned simultaneously but allowed the Bugs to see beyond what humans perceived as the visible spectrum.

Humanity was able to eventually repel what they later learned was an expeditionary force, by building the Mobile Armor Suits. I tracked to the next page showing a rendering of a Bug, a MAS unit, and a human. The Bug was slightly bigger than the suit. The human looked like something the Bug would enjoy on a canape cracker.

I continued on. With resources dwindling even before the invasion Earth Forces deconstructed the Bug's ship and immediately started pushing out into the galaxy. Currently both the expansion and the war is at a stalemate. However rumors are spreading that the Bugs were growing new super weapons. The information ended there.

"Huh, I guess that means the goal of the game will be to find this super weapon and destroy it."

I switched over to M.A.S. option parts and found that at our current level there were few official options, however there were a great many possibilities from competing brands. Some of the rail guns, beam cannons, and general really big guns looked cool but really didn't suit my playing style, not to mention they were way out of my price range with my current level.

Kyle walked in and sat down. "Did you know that your slant Z in diamond lightning insignia in red blue and black turns out to be the original colors used to denote polyamorous relationships?"

"When I created it, the polyamorous designation hadn't been created yet. However, yes I knew that. I take it Shock's making some changes?"

"Not really, He was just hanging his fursuits in the closet and noticed the insignia on your formal uniform. When I left he was hanging a flag on the wall above the bed and mumbling something about whether the walls were military gray or ocean gray."

"Actually it's slate gray, not that it matters. Here read this." I tossed Kyle the data pad.

"Damn, that thing is ugly. Crap its big too, no wonder Shock chose that oversized shotgun."

"Plus two semi-automatics, and a beam pistol back up. At least you have two machine pistols and those big arm blades. I've got a pair of six shot revolvers, a short sword that might as well be a table knife, and a staff. I get the feeling I'm screwed."

"What I'm finding concerning is the bite marks on the commander's armor. Those didn't come from this alien."

"What alien?" Shock asked as he came bounding in.

I glanced at Kyle and he tossed the pad to Shock. "How much of this came from your warped mind, and what else do we have to look forward to?"

Shock quickly read the information. "Wow, honestly all I requested was giant armor suits against aliens. When prompted I chose a struggling outpost, and a trio of misfit pilots being transferred in to form a unit. The computer then generated our profiles. Oh when prompted for source material I said to use the movie and video game archives."

In that moment, had the option been allowed, I'd have shifted into my full tiger form, tucked my tail, and slunk off to hide under my bunk. As it was I wanted to swear. "Shock, that archive contains every movie and game ever created. We are so going to die."

"Oh come on, I've fought plenty of frightening characters in my time. The Weapons come to mind and I didn't have guns or armor." Kyle pointed out.

"Computer, switch to theater mode and run clips of Godzilla, mobile suits fighting kaiju, Ripley against the Alien Queen, beasts from Monster Hunter, Fallout, Hellspace, and while you're at it maybe Elmo, Barney, and Sponge Bob as well."

They sat through the clips and then looked at me strangely. "Um, what was up with the last three?" Kyle asked.

"Try being forced to watch them on an endless loop without puncturing your own eardrums and scraping your eyes out to make it stop."

"Admittedly some of those might have been bad but look," Shock held up the picture of the alien, "We got giant praying mantis aliens, not kaiju or acid blooded aliens."

"Computer return to game, still in observer mode." I walked out the barracks door toward my suit, but stopped before teaching it. "Now look at the Commander's armor and tell me how the alien pictured made those bite marks. Oh, and re-read the last lines."

"Uh oh."

"Right, the Bugs are bioengineering weapons and something tells me it's going to be nasty with the last boss being at least Gojira class, or worse."

"Worse? How do you get worse than a monster the size of Godzilla?" Shock asked.

I moved under my suit and mimicked its stance. I was immediately placed in the cockpit. "Use your imagination. Computer resume play."

Kyle and Shock moved to their own suits and the game resumed.

"Now forward at double time, out to the perimeter fence." The commander yelled as he stepped back into the tree line. After several loud clanks and some growling noises he reappeared with heavy ground type tank treads on his feet and a power generator unit on his back.

"Great he gets transport, while we end up running. Great idea synching the suits to our body movements instead of sitting in a comfortable pilot's seat." Shock growled.

"Maintain radio silence, Sissy boy." The commander ordered.

I heard the distinctive ratchet of a shell being chambered and hoped the commander maintained the same silence. After a mile or what would be a mile scaled to the MAS unit we came to a massive trench. With a fence running along the inner edge.

"Welcome to the perimeter. Blasted from orbit it keeps most of the wildlife out, but even the electrified fence doesn't slow down the Bugs. Jackass, you and Sissy Boy go left, Asshole and I go right circle the perimeter and radio base about any breaks. Wildlife outside the fence is to be ignored, inside the fence is to be killed and radioed in for a butchering team. Bugs are to be killed on sight inside or out, but I shouldn't have to tell you that."

I felt sorry for Kyle, but there wasn't any choice. Shock and I set off. A 200 yard area had been cleared just inside the fence I was guessing there must be a team that handled that on a daily basis.

After ten minutes of walking we came to a point where the fence was damaged. At the bottom of the trench was the corpse of what looked like it might have been a dinosaur scaled to the suits. I scanned it and a graphic came up showing a theropod dinosaur roughly twice the size of the suit titled Lenny.

"Base, this is Tiger, I'm reporting in fence damage and the corpse of a Lenny?"

"Transmit visual data."

"Sending now."

"Ah Lenny, now he was a stupid one. After that creature ripped his suit's head off he had the bright idea of opening his hatch in order to see and was quickly eaten. So we named that species a Lenny in his honor. I can't wait to see who becomes the Kyle, Kelly, and William."

"Commander, we have a fence break ahead." Drake radioed.

"That's not a break that has been cut! All units scramble, we have an intrusion. Base, I repeat we have an intrusion. Tiger and Fox, double back around the perimeter to our location to provide support."

"We're on our way." I replied, neglecting to mention that both Shock and I were already in motion from the point he said the fence had been cut.

"Commander, drones are away and the pilots are prepping their-". The channel turned to static.

"Are they jamming communications?" Fox asked on the short range channel.

"It's more likely the Bugs took out the communications tower."

We reached the road that led back to base. Two Bugs were headed toward us at a rapid pace. I pulled my revolver and took aim. The first Bug exploded from Fox's first shot. The second didn't react instead it just kept coming I fired holing its lesser thorax. I adjusted my aim and obliterated its head. I holstered my gun and brought my staff up into a ready position as the body kept coming. A second shotgun blast put it down.

"Commander, are we close enough for short range?" There was no response.

"Do we continue to the commander's position as ordered or back to base to make sure it is secure?"

"We follow orders, this time. There were two Bugs here, but we don't know what Drake and the Commander are dealing with."

A bright blue flash and the sound of automatic gunfire reached us and once again we took off running. Within minutes we reached the Commander's position. In the trench were three Lennys all cybernetically enhanced. On the other side was an ankylosaur with a turret on, or more exactly built into its back. He was just standing there and then I noticed that most of the cybernetics were burned. Shock fired on it but nothing happened.

"His natural armor is too strong for your weapons. We've got to hope my canon can recharge before the one controlling him fires that big gun."

I knelt down, pulled out my revolver, and snapped it open. I replaced the cylinder of standard ammo with explosive rounds, snapped it closed, and took careful aim.

"I told you that won't work on that one."

So no one had been killed by this brute. I filed that away as I fired one of my limited explosive rounds down the barrel of the cannon. The blast knocked Fox and Drake off their feet.

The Commander, who was braced against a tree whistled. "That was a nice shot."

"A little warning might have been nice." Drake said, as he got his suit on its feet again. "So what the hell are we dealing with?"

"I have no idea. We've never encountered anything like this before."

Drake raised his sub-machine gun and pointed it at the Commander.

"Recruit, I'm warning you-"

He let loose a short burst and something crashed into the Commander. "It seems the Bugs have the ability to change color." He said.

"Get this thing off me. There are at least three more. Bugs always work in multiples of four."

". . . der . . . ed me? Repeat, Commander, do you read me?"

"This is Commander Harding, I read you base."

"Thank God. We were able to take out the Bug that got the antenna and the backup is now online."

"We got one here."

"Fox and I dealt with two on our way to rendezvous with you."

"Well shit. You're not even here for a full rotation and you each get a Bug. That is not going to go over well with the veterans. Especially those who have been here from the beginning and haven't even seen one."

"Sir, we're getting reports. The Bugs took out the barracks first. Including yourself and the rooks we have seven pilots left."

"Send two out to continue scouting the left fence and send the fence repair team and the intel geeks to this location. Drake and Fox stand guard here until the repairs are complete. Tiger, you're with me. We have to complete the patrol of this part of the fence."

***

I collapsed onto my bunk. I'd been in my suit for 48 hours, game time, without a break. Between guard duty and constant patrols we were all dead on our feet. I needed a shower but I'd be on duty again in six hours. I grabbed my pad and pulled up the schedule for the next transport. Another 48 hours before the new troops arrived. Designations Hazard, Coldsnap, and Violent. Only three new pilots and suits. I cringed, the situation really required more than that. Preferably a battalion of the newer heavy ground types and at least a wing of flight types for air cover. I dropped the pad, or more accurately it fell out of my hand. While in real time only about eight hours had passed it still felt like the full 48.

Kyle came dragging in. "I'm hating this game. Can we go back to the House program yet?"

"Don't care, sleep now." Fox mumbled as he dropped onto his cot.

***

The heavy transport dropped three more of my all in one hangars on the opposite side of the new barracks. I walked along opening each of the crates. "Drake and Fox, get over here we have to get this done before the troop transport lands." I released the 'floor' from the furthest crate and started to pull it out.

"Give us a second to finish removing this extra plate from the top of the barracks." Drake grumbled.

"We've got it." The two other pilots, Dropkick and Slider, took Drake and Fox's place. Their older piecemeal suits wouldn't be able to safely move the section.

"Thanks guys."

"No problem, Tiger."

"Why are we in such a hurry?" Fox asked as we carefully maneuvered the new section to the top of the barracks building.

"If the new pilots get here before we finish they'll set it up as their private area just like we did.

"Yeah, until we were forced to turn it over since the old barracks was totally destroyed." Drake growled.

The floor locked into place and we moved to the central hanger. "Look on the bright side with these new sections we'll no longer have to share a room with six other people." I pulled the floor out. "Admittedly we'll still probably have to bunk together rather than having private rooms, it's still an improvement."

We moved the second section into place. "Are we going to be able to get the last floor into place? That section was almost too high."

"We've got you covered Fox. Just get it over here and we'll use the hover drones to finish lifting it into place."

Do you think they can take the weight?" I asked.

"The cutting teams used them to clear the trees from the patrol corridor so they should be able to handle it." Kicker said.

We moved the final floor to the side of the building and lifted it as high as we could. The cutting team hooked up their drones and then we moved it into position. Next we lifted one of the roof panels and again the drones moved it into place.

"That leaves us with four spare panels. Do you think we could use two of them to set up a basketball court?" Kicker asked.

I stepped back into my hanger. "Seems like a plan to me."

The roar of the troop transport made us all look up.

"Everyone, except Tiger make yourselves scarce." Commander yelled.

I rode the lift down the inside of my hangar, grabbed a communications headset, and walked out to the Commander's position. "Why do you want me here?"

"Because I don't want to deal with the complaints when the three new rooks find out you repurposed their cushy living accommodations."

The transport's ramp dropped and three female pilots walked down the ramp.

"Ah shit, they sent an all-female team." The Commander swore.

I quickly put faces to the names in the report. Hazard had to be the red head with a crazy look in her eyes, Coldsnap would be the blonde with one side of her head shaved, leaving the overly distracted brunet as Violent.

"So this is what Earth Command decided to send me? I'm barely holding this base together and first I get a team of misfit candy asses and now debutants?"

"This isn't Avalos. Coldsnap, they've sent us to the wrong planet." Violent said, as she pulled a pad out of her flight suit. "This looks more like Fallow."

"Fallow, Hell it's all the same. You're-"

"I can't be here! We're on the front lines. The studio embedded me for uplifting reports, not gritty combat stories."

"I take it back you're the worst thing they could send me. A fluff unit set up to look good but inept in real combat."

"Shut up before I break jaw. Didn't put up with macho bullshit in basic, won't put up with it now. Violet, shut the fuck up. Do job,, location no matter."

"Snappy."

"Hazard, I tell you not call me dat."

"Sorry, I was just trying to point out someone was bad. They open our toys without asking."

"Ridiculous, crates genetically sealed."

"Which can be over ridden by the all-in-One hanger's designer." I grinned.

"You, owner of Shadow Technologies?" Coldsnap asked.

"That's right, and it's how I was able to requisition more suits for my Commanding Officer. I just hadn't expected to get pilots for them as well."

"Enough of this." The Commander yelled “Fluffs, get your suits set up. You've had plenty of down time so you're fresh for your first patrol. You've got an hour prep time."

I walked over and leaned against the barracks as the new suits were rolled out. Hazard had a yellow suit, white for Coldsnap, and purple for Violent. I was fairly certain she had chosen the call sign Violet, but some paper pusher changed it to Violent. I adjusted the headset so I could listen to their chatter on interunit radio.

Hazard was the first to emerge. She had the standard armor and carried an assault carbine and that was it. I hoped she had other options in her kit otherwise she was in a worse condition than my team.

Violent was next. She was loaded down with extra armor that would likely slow her down rather than protect her. Her pack was set up with an independent camera and long range antenna. That would be useful if the Bugs took out the communications array again. She also carried two small beam rifles. As she turned I noticed she also had a standard assault gun stowed on her pack. A smart move considering beam weapons weren't the most reliable.

Coldsnap was the last to emerge. I did a double take as a pair of bird like wings stretched out from her pack. Those were certainly not standard equipment. However they were too small to provide any sort of lift for a heavy suit.

"Hazard, armor up. This no time show off skills."

"Like, the Commander is really going to put us in any dangerous situations on our first patrol, Babe."

I activated my mike. "On this planet you're risking your life making a trip to the latrine after dark. On our first patrol we had to deal with a Bug infiltration team. That's why you're here, the Bugs took out the original barracks killing most of the pilots before they could get to their suits. Fox, Drake, The Commander and I were on patrol. Dropkick and Slider were on guard, and Go-Lee was with the maintenance crew working on his suit."

Hazard headed back into her hanger.

"Base only have seven pilots? Insane for frontline facility."

"Tell me about it. Violent, be sure to get plenty of footage of the local wildlife, I'm not going to spoil anything for you, but maybe you'll be able to convince High Command we need more troops here."

"Please, it's Violet, and the Commander is right I'm just a fluff reporter."

"This big chance be real reporter. You have same training as all pilots. You do job. Stand back, need to test wings."

Cold Snap's wings expended and a shimmer of energy surrounded them. I shivered as the temperature dropped and it suddenly hit me, the wings weren't for flight they were energy collectors and they were even drawing the heat out of the air. She was also carrying a medium beam rifle.

"Coldsnap, ease back much colder and you'll kick on the barracks heater and no one will thank you for that."

Suddenly the heat rushed back in. At first I thought I was having a heat stroke, but on closer inspection I decided I wasn't seeing things Coldsnap had taken the energy the wings had absorbed and turned it into an energy shield around her suit.

"And you call me a show off." Hazard said as she emerged from her hanger now sporting yellow and black armor and a pack mounted beam cannon.

"All right Candy Ass," The Commander's suit, now sporting a proper right arm salvaged from one of the pilotless suits, pointed at Hazard, "Powder Puff," he pointed to Coldsnap, "and TP, playtime's over let's move out."

"The Press?" Violet asked."

"No, I think he's calling you Toilet Paper." Hazard replied.

"He is ass man, obviously."

I ripped the headset off so that I wouldn't have to hear the Commander's response. Even Fox avoided making that comment, in public. I entered the barracks and headed for the stairs.

"Major, your private quarters are on the fourth floor right next to your team mates' room."

"Thanks." I trudged up the stairs thinking how hellish it was going to be going back down them, if the barracks was attacked. Fortunately my room was next to the stairwell. I did notice that Coldsnap had the room on the opposite side of the hall. I placed my palm against the pad and the lock clicked open. Inside I found, even though it was private, there wasn't much room. I had a bed and a desk, which was about it. My fatigues were folded on the bed, but that was to be expected since I had my personal effects stored in my hanger to save room. The only other thing was a door to Drake and Fox's room. I opened it to find that their room was the same size as mine except there was a second bed instead of a desk.

"So, what are the newbies like?" Fox was practically bouncing.

"The team leader, Coldsnap, is Russian, I think. Since the computer is using movies for reference material it's hard to know for sure. I'm telling you right now don't get on her bad side."

"Her? A woman team leader?" Kyle asked.

"It's an all-female team. Actually I think the computer took the three of us and changed our gender. Then with Hazard and Coldsnap it pumped up Drake's and my worst traits."

"Then Violent is my evil clone?"

I sighed, "No, It bumped up your insecurities and made Violet extra feminine as well."

"I really don't like the sound of that."

"Actually, she might be the only one you'll be able to get along with. She's a reporter sent out to report feel good fluff pieces and ended up here in the shit with us."

There was a knock on my door.

"Enter."

"Sir, oh you're speaking with your team I'll wait."

"Listen, Corporal this door will only be closed if the Commander is here to yell at me. Anything else anyone has to say to me can be said in the presence of my team mates."

"Yes Sir! I came to inform you that your requisition for three new suits, without pilots, has been approved. However the Bugs seem to be up to something so everything is currently on back order until further notice."

"Damn, I was hoping to get new suits for Dropkick, Slider, and Go-Lee. So what about the heavy ground unit for the Commander?"

"Confidentially that has been on back order for two years."

"It's only been in production for a year."

"The Commander sent in the requisition form during the prototype phase, only it seems his request keeps getting kicked down the list. However, it seems you have some connections because it will be sent with the other three suits, it's just . . ."

"If the Commander finds out I had something to do with it he won't accept it. Don't worry, I only ordered suits for the regular pilots because I could see how attached the Commander is to his, classic armor."

The Corporal smiled. "I just pray we're still here when they get around to sending the new suits. Oh, and you didn't hear this from me, but we're getting a unit of heavy infantry and equipment to guard the base and a geek unit with their drones for long range recon. Now, back to work." He took off up the stairs.

"Shouldn't he have asked for permission to be dismissed?" Drake asked.

"Who? There's been no one here but the three of us. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to go take a shower."

"Thank God, I haven't smelled anyone that bad since my last Con." Shock said.

"Trust me, you're rather ripe as well, Mr. Skunx." Kyle responded.

"It's probably a good idea for all of us to get a shower and sleep while the rookies are out on patrol." I said, stifling a yawn.

"Goody!"

"Don't get excited, the other pilots likely had the same idea, so no getting frisky."

"Drake, you make me a sad Foxy, because Dropkick is packin', Slider has an ass almost as fine as my own, and Lee O.M.G.! Of course none of them measure up to either of you two, when in your anthro forms."

"Just had to throw that last little bit in there, since I'm most often in my human form." I pointed out.

"Just a helpful hint." Shock said.

Drake pushed Fox toward the door. "Excuse me Major, I have a mangy Fox to water board."

"Wait, what?"

I laughed as I followed the two down the hall toward the showers."

***

"Major Lightstripe, please report to the Commander's office."

I closed the access panel where I'd been cleaning out the shoulder joint and headed for the tunnel. In the last week we, along with the construction crew had built access corridors on the fourth floor directly across to the hangars and between the hangers drastically reducing response time. Not that it mattered since we hadn't seen a Bug, enhanced dino, or even more than a couple of Lennys during our regular patrols. I reached the Commander's Office on the fifth floor and knocked on the door.

"Enter."

I found that Dropkick and Coldsnap were waiting. "What took you so long?"

"I was in the hanger maintaining my suit, Sir."

"We have crew for that."

"Yes Sir. However I insist on making sure all systems are perfect considering it is my life on the line if the suit fails."

"Kicker, do you maintain your own suit?"

"Uh, I wouldn't know where to begin, Sir. I trained as a pilot not a mechanic."

"What about you Snappy?"

Coldsnap scowled, "Always maintain own suit."

"Kicker, you and your team will start training with the men maintaining your suits starting tomorrow. I've received word that we'll be getting the new upgraded suits eventually and we are all going to need to know how to maintain them. Now on to today's assignment. You have all had time to settle into the routine around here and that can lead to mistakes so I'm shaking things up."

I groaned internally. I wasn't liking were this was going.

"Each team is made up of a commander, a problem, and a weak link. I'm sure you all realize that you are the commanders. To make sure you can all function together I'm mixing things up. Tiger, your unit of Hazard and Lee will be guarding the cutters. Coldsnap your unit of Slider and Fox will go west and then patrol the full perimeter clockwise. Kicker your team of Drake and Violet will go east and do a full clockwise circuit of the perimeter. If the Bugs are watching they'll see that we are improving our security."

"What about the base, Sir?"

"I'll be standing guard in my suit until one of your teams return. Dismissed."

As we started down the stairs Coldsnap grabbed my arm. "Hazard rude and talk without thinking, but good fighter. She not be happy with guard duty, but will follow orders."

I sighed. "Fox can be irritating, and he likes to talk, but he really is smart like a fox and is always aware of his surroundings. If he starts whispering then take him very seriously."

"What about Drake and Violent?" Dropkick asked.

"You're a veteran pilot, Drake will respect that. He was a close range fighter before pilot training and still prefers that style. He is still good with firearms and I've never seen him waste a round."

"Violet is . . . new to battle. Do not coddle her. She needs learn to survive on own."

"I suppose it's my turn. Slider is distant. He knows his place and his job and he'll get it done, but don't expect any chit chat. He's lost so many comrades that he refuses to get close to anyone anymore."

"He do well under my command."

I felt sorry for Fox.

"Lee is the opposite he wants to be friends with everybody. He lives in the moment since he might be dead the next." Dropkick sighed, "I should warn you now that Lee is likely to make a pass at you, both of you. He's pan and possibly a sex addict, but no one reports him since there aren't many options for that kind of relief out here. If you're not interested just make it very clear and he won't bother you again."

"If we're really doing this now," I held up my hand showing off my wedding band, "Fox and Drake are my husbands from even before we were assigned here."

Dropkick laughed, "That is going to make a mess of the betting."

"Huh?"

"Oh, some of the troops have been betting on how you six rookies will pair up. The odds are currently on Fox and Violet, Coldsnap and you, you and Hazard or Coldsnap and Hazard."

"Do not speak about thing you do not know."

Dropkick looked shocked and I nodded to myself. "What we are discussing here stays between the three of us, agreed?" I asked.

"Of course but I've got money wagered already."

"Were you place bet?" Coldsnap asked.

Dropkick flushed with embarrassment. On you and Hazard, Prowl-Ar and Drake, and on Fox and Lee."

"This is the first you've mentioned Drake."

"He's a wildcard and everyone wants to see him paired with someone else."

"And your team?" Coldsnap asked.

"Lee and Slider and I really don't want to make Tiger mad, but there are more than a few that would like Lee to take Fox on as a partner."

"Yeah, this definitely has to stay between us. However, I want you to increase the wager on Fox and me." I said.

"What?"

"I'm going to teach them a bit of a lesson. I'm going to let Drake and Fox know about this little wager and I think they'll agree to have a bit of fun with it."

"Dah, I speak with Hazard, maybe we shift betting. What think Tiger? Three way Hazard, Dropkick, and myself should make for much confusion."

"You're right, forget the wagering part. Let's see how confused we can make the situation before everyone gives up out of frustration."

"You two are going to get me into so much trouble with my friends." Kicker moaned.

"I suggest you request that your bet be refunded on account of the fact that now we'll be working more closely, you and your team might have the power to sway the results in your favor." I pointed out.

"Yeah, they'll kick us, I mean me, out of the betting real quick."

"We'd better get moving, we still have to brief our teams on their new assignments."

Coldsnap groaned, "I know reasoning but still Commander's plan bad idea."

***

NOTE: The Mobile Armor Suits (MAS) in the story are based on Bandai's 30 Minute Missions Alto Model Kits.