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Virtually Real Part 15: Death of Video Fox

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar (Human Tiger/Wolf shifter)

Kyle (Red XIII, Human Eastern Dragon shifter)

Shock (Human Fox/Tiger shifter, fur suiter)

Mahan (Ship’s AI)

Scratch (Black Panther)

"Mr. Nightiger, I have an urgent message for you."

I glanced up at Dr. Enrique's vixen receptionist. "Thank you. Uh, you know, I don't think I've ever gotten your name and considering how often I've been visiting it is really quite rude of me."

"It's Vivian, Mr. Nightiger."

"Vivian, such a lovely name for a beautiful vixen."

"You don't have to say such things, remember I've met your husband."

I smiled, "Just because I'm attracted to males doesn’t mean I'm blind to natural beauty."

Scratch's mouth dropped open and Vivian's ears flushed bright red.

"I, uh, I'll be at my desk. Just outside at my desk, if you need anything."

As the door clicked shut Scratch nearly exploded. "You were flirting with her! I could understand if it was just us slaves, but you're married!"

"I was not flirting."

"Yes you were."

I shook my head. "No, I was telling her what she needed to hear. When we arrived the first thing I noticed is that her tail was drooping, she hadn’t spent as much time brushing her fur, and her nail paint was cracked. Those are just little things on their own, but Vivian has never let her careful attention to detail falter. Now I'm just guessing, but I'd lay odds on the fact she just broke up with a long term partner. Whatever is going on she's feeling depressed. Now I come along, and even though I'm married to Kyle and she hasn't put forth her best effort at appearances, she's still attractive enough to make me notice just a little bit. What do you think she is feeling about that?"

"I, I'm not sure." Scratch answered in surprise.

"That's actually a really good answer until you have more experience. What I’m hoping is it makes her day a little bit brighter."

"So, it isn't just about saving us to be your slaves, you really do try to help everyone around you?"

"I try, but I wish I'd started taking more action a long time ago." I smiled and glanced down at the pad Vivian had given me it had five words: "Urgent Alert. Captain Only. Mahan." I cleared the pad and stood up. "Scratch, I need you to wait here for Blacky. There is a situation I need to deal with immediately. I should be back before the surgery is completed."

"Are we going to be getting more new family members?" He asked.

"Not this time." Though I stepped through the door, I actually exited the game. "Mahan, what's going on?"

"It would be best if you come up to the bridge." Mahan stated flatly.

"What about Kyle and Shock?"

"You can inform them after, but I believe you'll prefer to receive this information first."

"I'm not going to like this am I?"

"I've locked you out of all command systems."

"Oh boy, this is going to be way beyond just my regular level of pissed off." I grumbled as I headed for the bridge.

***

As I stepped onto the bridge the first thing I noticed were the new drone guards. They looked equipped to pacify Kyle, if he went on a rampage in his full dragon form. "I get it. This news is really going to piss me off, but isn't this a bit much?"

"The government just seized all of Kelly's property. Including the house and land where he was living."

I walked over to my command seat, calmly sat down and started entering commands on the console.

"That's why I locked you out of all command systems, and before you try to use your command override, I made sure the lock out would remain in effect until I personally change it."

"You know me too well."

"I should, since most of my personality is derived from you. However, I can see that killing everybody involved isn't going to change anything. I've already got a legal team working on a lawsuit for illegal search and seizure. Plus there's the fact that the house and property is part of a trust, and doesn't actually belong to Kelly Fox. We shouldn't lose any of our assets since I'm very careful to keep things extra clean. You also have an incoming message directly from the President of the United States."

"This should be fun, if I'm allowed to answer it of course?"

"I've put him on hold, That should show him how important he is to us."

I couldn't help myself as I laughed.

"You seem like you've moved from 'kill them all' to 'what would be the best way to humiliate and make them punish themselves’. Shall I have Kyle and Kelly join us on the bridge?"

"That would probably be best. Oh and on the next cycle make the hold message 'your call really isn't that important, the Captain decide to go take a piss first.'"

"I do wonder about your sense of humor at times."

The door to the lift opened and both Kyle and Kelly rushed in. "What is going on? I got such a sense of anger coming from you that quite literally knocked me on my tail." Kyle asked.

"I’m sorry Kyle, I did not take into account you and Prowl-Ar's emotional link. I will not make that mistake again." Mahan answered.

I stood up, walked over to Kelly, and pulled him into a hug.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

"Kelly, I know how much you want to stay here with Kyle and me. I told you all the reasons why I felt you needed to return to your life on Earth. If I gave you the choice, no guilt or strings attached, would you still prefer to stay here?"

"Honestly? Yeah I really want to stay here with you and Kyle, but you said-"

I placed my finger on his lips to silence him. "Mahan, I Captain Prowl-Ar Nightiger, as commanding officer of the Shadow Runner officially recognized Kelly 'Shock Dafox' Fox as the third official biological member of the crew." I glanced at Kyle, but he just looked as confused as Kelly. I walked over, pulled his head down, whispered in his ear, and then returned to standing in front of Kelly.

"I, Commander Kyle 'Nanaki' Dacat, as second officer concur."

"Kelly, you are now granted the full privileges of a crew member. Your rank and position will be determined when we, and I mean the three of us, figure out the best place for you."

"I, I don't know what to say other than, thank you?"

"Unfortunately I'm pretty sure I don't deserve your thanks. Mahan, is the president still holding?"

"Surprisingly, yes."

"Change the message to 'the Captain is trying to decide whether or not to return the comet to its original course."

"I don't think so. How about, 'please continue to hold, our diplomat is busy making sure his fur looks just right'?"

"I suppose."

"What is going on?" Kyle yelled.

"I needed to make sure Shock still wanted to stay with us, despite my objections."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad you changed your mind, but I get the feeling it wasn't entirely your choice." Shock said, stepping back.

"According to Mahan, everything you own was just seized."

"What? They can’t do that!" Shock yelled.

"I'd just uploaded your latest video and your house was raided. My guess is they thought you were broadcasting from that location." Mahan said.

"They can't do that, can they?"

"No they can't and trust me there is going to be hell to pay. If you two will take the stations on each side of me," they both quickly sat down, “and Mahan, make sure this is broadcast live planet wide,"

"Also record it for my site. Oh, they probably shut that down." Shock said.

"If they figure out how to do that I'll let Prowl-Ar loose with his scorched earth idea. Your entire volume of work is now broadcast from my servers. Kyle, you need to change back to human form. Kelly, I suggest you put on your V-Fox fursuit. Further, I suggest you do most of the talking since you are supposed to be our diplomat. One last thing you should know we’ve already called a law team to file illegal search and seizure charges, and the law firm that handles the property trust has been notified."

"Did they have a warrant?" I asked.

"No. The President used executive authority, on the grounds of treason and terrorism to bypass the judicial system. Since he didn't catch Kelly, he's likely going to be in trouble."

I could hear Shock sigh as he activated his new Video Fox fursuit.

"Let’s get this over with."

"It's about damn time. Do you know who I am?" The President demanded.

Video Fox shrugged, "I assume you're the current President of the United States of America."

"Of course I'm the President, you worthless little fur-fag."

Kyle grabbed my shoulder as I leaned forward to let the asshole know what I thought of him. I glanced at Kyle and he shook his head slightly. Then I realized Video Fox was laughing.

"Mr. President, what are the voters going to think of such political incorrectness?"

"They'll think what I tell them to."

V-Fox turned toward me, "I don't believe this. You can't script stupidity at this level."

"Shut up and sit down little girl. Let the men, and I use the term loosely, considering the questionable moral standing of your captain, speak."

Video Fox went very quiet and a chill ran down my spine. I knew that reaction, acting the same way when I'm pushed that little bit too far. He turned back toward the camera.

"Listen you . . ."

"No, you listen. You think I don't know who you are? You're Kelly Fox, an eighteen year old girl formerly from a state that now one gives a rats ass about. Of course that was before you involved yourself with a terrorist organization. Since you've escaped incarceration let me be the one to tell you your citizenship to the state of Idaho, the United States of America, and to the planet Earth is hereby revoked. You and your deviant animals have one week to leave this solar system before I order a nuclear strike against you."

"Captain, he hung-up." Mahan informed us.

Video Fox slumped into his chair and I could hear him crying. "Is the feed still live?"

"Yes, Sir."

I stood up. "For those of you watching, I'd like to say a few things. First off, I ask that you forgive me if I say anything you feel is overly offensive, but I think you can all agree that the individual that I chose and trained to be my diplomat is in no condition to speak for me. I'm pissed off, no that really doesn't start to describe the anger I'm feeling right now. First off I'd like to say my anger is directed only at President Pompous Ass. I'm even giving a pass to the agents who, earlier today, seized everything Video Fox owned. Yes, I said Video Fox. As long as he is wearing that fursuit he is Video Fox."

"Video Fox is dead." Kelly yelled ripping the fursuit head off. It bounced on the floor as he wiped his eyes and ran for the lift.

"Kyle, go with him." I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth until I heard the lift close. "You may not be listening now but I'm sure you'll hear my words eventually. Many fur suiters take on a fursona as an escape from the horrors of reality and if you have a file on him then you should know just how hurtful you were. I hope you're a God fearing man because your soul deserves to rot in the deepest part of hell for all infinity. For everyone else, Kelly was transgender, as part of his training to be the Shadow Runner diplomat I agreed to use the tech aboard my ship to help him transition to male. He was also mentally and sexually abused by his step-father from a young age. He'd been able to become an emancipated minor to escape that horrible life, but Video Fox was how Kelly was able to allow his true voice to be seen and heard. The President of the United States just took that security away. In effect he just killed everything that Kelly ever worked for. You know what? Fuck it, I don't care anymore. Mahan, plot a course for the next closest star system. Humanity doesn't deserve our protection." As I headed for the lift I glanced at the monitor and noticed that Mahan had focused the camera on the Video Fox head happily smiling before the transmission cut off.

In the lift I slid to the floor at last noticing the tears running down my face. Somehow I forced the tears down and made my way to our quarters. The doors reopened and Kyle caught me as I nearly fell at the sight of Shock. He carried me to the couch and put me beside Kelly and I pulled the fox into a hug wishing I could do more.

"Am I the only one that piece of garbage didn't break?" Kyle growled, "Mahan-"

"I'm sorry Commander, but until I decide otherwise all crew members are locked out of the command system. I should point out that I found a way to keep you locked out even if you override my program."

"You don't trust me?" Kyle growled.

"Not when your vital signs indicate you're mad enough to wipe out a city as long as your target is dead."

"I’m not. That. ANGRY."

"I'll re-evaluate that statement when you can make it without your teeth clenched. Now I suggest you sit down with your mates. They need your comforting presence right now. I released a light sedative in the air and you have maybe two minutes to get comfortable."

"Prowl-Ar is going to hear about this."

"Heard. Deal. Later."

***

"Prowl-Ar, you need to wake up. We have an emergency situation."

"Mahan, shut up. You knocked us out, so just let us sleep." Kyle said.

"Kyle's right, I'm cutting all ties with those cretins. If they have an emergency, ignore it."

"We'll speak more about that later. This is a medical emergency and I'm not certain what I can do to stop it."

I opened my eyes and found Kyle staring at me over Kelly's head. We'd been moved from the couch and carefully tucked into our bed. "You have access to every scrap of medical knowledge there has ever been." I mumbled.

"Yes, and I still don't know why Kelly didn't respond to the antagonist I used to wake you. His vitals are slowly failing, and his brainwaves are getting close to flat lining."

"Mahan, this may be my last order. If Kelly dies, I officially order Nova Sol."

"This requires full crew agreement, Kyle do you agree to turn the sun we are currently orbiting into a nova destroying everything in the system?"

"What about sentinel?" Kyle asked.

"Kelly's current mem crystal is from his time in the evolver. If he dies the Kelly Fox you know is gone forever."

"I agree to Nova Sol."

"As per original orders, you will have one hour to prepare yourself after full death is established."

"Tiger, what is wrong with him?"

"What happened hurt him more than I realized. He's lost the will to live. His mind has retreated inside itself and his body is shutting down."

"Isn't there anything we can do?"

I sighed. "Maybe, but just trying might kill us. I'm going to attempt to open a door to Kelly's core using our soul link." I slipped out of bed, shifted to my anthro form, and picked up Kelly. "Come on, this will be easier in VR."

As we entered I felt a mild sense of confusion since the program was still set as a mirror image of the room we just left. "Computer, fully unlock and set to Master Level. Transfer full control to primary computer and Mahan. Set for new program."

"You're giving me full control?" Mahan asked in surprise.

I walked to the center of the hazy void. “Yes, I need a modified merge system set up. One that will create a link between the three of us but will not engage a full merge. Can you do that?

“I . . . It may be possible but there is no guarantee you would survive.”

“If we can’t save Shock it won’t matter. Split the space into thee equal sections. Kyle sit down facing one of the sections. Take human form, please. Mahan, in Kyle's section project the image of a cave search Kyle’s game data to make it look like Cosmo Canyon. Kyle, this is your core projection, tell Mahan how to make it an exact replica."

"The cave is completely empty and needs to be much larger. Better, maybe just a few feet more. It is lit correctly but there are no torches. Now add an image of me as a cub and another as I am now in my full dragon form."

"The cub should look sad and abandoned and the dragon needs to look less thoughtful and more focused and protective." I said.

Kyle smiled, "There's one last thing."

"We'll get to that in a moment." I place Kelly in the next section, leaning him against Kyle and linking their arms at the elbow. "Link your fingers together. Mahan, this section will remain hazy unless I'm able to communicate what Kyle and I find." I placed the merge helmets on Kyle and Shock and then sat down and pulled on my own helmet. I linked my arms and fingers with Kelly and Kyle. "Mahan, in my section pull up the data labeled core projection."

"Tone down the tiger’s anger a bit and place a copy of cub me with my head and paws on child Prowl-Ar's lap." Kyle said.

"Place a copy of child me in Kyle's section hugging and comforting cub Kyle. Mahan, save the changes to the named file. What is being projected is what we now see when we look into our core selves. I don't know what we are going to find, or even if we'll be able to open a doorway, in Kelly's core but this may be the only way to reach him."

"Let's do this, and if we can't bring him back, we don't come back." Kyle said as he gripped my hand tighter.

I closed my eyes. "That's the plan."

"You've changed." My tiger said as we slipped into trance.

I 'opened' my eyes to see him sitting in front of me and for the first time ever he didn't seem angry.

"I'm likely committing mental and spiritual suicide, so I haven’t changed that much."

"You're doing it in order to save someone else, but that's not what I meant. You don't hate yourself as much and for the first time since I came into being, as your guardian, you have hope and love. Look at your core. You're no longer huddled against the wall feeling alone and hated instead you're relaxing against it enjoying the warmth with your friend imagining what the future holds. You've come a long way in a short time and now you need to save another trapped in darkness. Join your mate."

Kyle, and his soulscape, appeared beside me.

"You’ve set up an artificial link, now we will force open a door into Kelly's core. Be warned we cannot join you or protect you there." Kyle’s dragon stated.

"Drake, if we do this . . ."

"Kelly will be tied to us as we are tied to each other. I know and it is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

"It won't be a masters and pet situation like he wanted. We'll be mates complete and equal in every way. Is that something you can accept?"

"Tiger, being soul linked means that it is impossible to love one partner more or less than another. The question is are we prepared for what we are about to find?"

"Guardians," I sighed and linked my fingers with Kyle's here in the soulscape, "open the door. We stepped through together only to find emptiness.

"Where?" Kyle asked.

"I know this feeling. It's like the living darkness I used to have to fight through to reach my core. Think of Kelly, of finding him. Close your eyes and think only that." I did the same and had a vague sense of rapid movement.

"Who are you and what are you doing here? No one is supposed to be here but me!" A shrill voice barked.

I opened my eyes to find I was being confronted by an agitated fox plush.

"By the life stream he's cuter than a bucket of moogles." Kyle whispered.

"I'm not cute! I'm mean, and dangerous, and fierce, and, and I'll rip the stuffing out of you if you don't leave."

"You're Kelly's guardian? I don't get it. How can you-"

"Kyle, look behind him. That's a closet and huddled in the corner, trying to be as small as possible is Kelly's core. I think I know when in Kelly's past we are, and at the time the only guardian he had was his treasured fox plush."

"You leave my BOY alone! I'll bite you! I mean it!"

"Shock, I am your commander, and together we are your chosen partners. Please, you're safe with us, so show yourself."

Shock slowly materialized next to us. "Master Prowl-Ar, please, I'm scared. I don't want to be here. This is the first night that daddy came for me. He'd had a fight with mommy and I could hear he was mad. He kept yelling about how I was a girl and I should act like one. I was scared and hid in the closet. I only had Foxy to protect me. I prayed as hard as I could that Foxy would turn into a Kah Har guardian spirit and protect me or give me the power to protect myself. It didn't work daddy came and pulled me out yelling that he'd prove that I was a girl and then he, he-"

"I know. It's alright, you're safe now. However, your core will always be scared and praying for a miracle and Foxy will always be all bark and no bite unless Kyle and I grant your core the miracle he is praying for."

"You can do that? You can make me real" The fox plush asked.

"Yes, little foxy we can do that but it comes with a very high sacrifice that only Kelly can pay. Kelly, if we do this you can never be our pet."

"Instead you will become our mate. In love, in life, and in soul. We will always know and feel each other’s anger, pain, and suffering, but also joy and love. We will be ripping a piece from each of our souls and placing it here with your core in exchange, equal parts of your soul will be placed in our cores. Are you willing to join us?"

"You seriously have to ask again? Yes, a million time yes already."

"I've done this before so I'll start. Prowl-Ar needed a friend so I thought I was giving him a memory of meeting one. You are praying for a guardian." Kyle closed his eyes and concentrated.

I giggled, I really couldn't help myself. A giant plush Kyle dragon stood over Kelly's core filling most of the closet.

"I've got teeth! Real teeth to bite with and claws to scratch with! Oh my God, I can move my neck and tail and I have fur, real fur!" Foxy shouted excitedly.

"Kyle, I can see a cave with you as a cub, and two boys." Shock said in surprise.

"Those boys are you and Prowl-Ar. Now that you have soul forged with me you can see my soul core."

"Um, there is someone or something else here. Who are you?" Shock asked looking around the cave.

"I'm Kyle's guardian."

"You're invisible again." Kyle sighed.

"I didn't want to scare Kelly's guardian."

"I ain't scared of nuthin'." Foxy yipped.

"And so you shouldn't be, since from now on any threat you face I will be there by your side."

"Wow! You're huge!"

"I don't know, he looks regular size to me." Kyle said.

"Damn Kyle, you didn't mention how much that actually takes out of you. I said going down on one knee. I'm not sure how much longer I can maintain our presence here. Kelly, look at your core."

"The closet, a tiger version of you as a plush is blocking the lower part nothing is getting in or out." He said in surprise.

"But you don't want out, you needed safety and protection so you transformed Kyle and I into giant plushees to keep the nightmare out of your safe place."

"What about me? I’m a real fox now."

"That's because you are Kelly's true guardian. The core could never see you to begin with, if you look between my plush tiger's front paws you'll see Kelly's Foxy plush."

"Prowl-Ar, why am I human boy in your core and Kyle is a cub?"

"Because when I merged with Kyle my core wasn't ready to accept that a human wanted to be his friend. With Kyle's help I've changed just enough to let you in. Now, are you ready to wake up?"

"So this is just a dream." Shock said, and both Kyle and I felt the massive wave of pain and resignation.

"No! This is very real. You are in a coma and we used our soul bound to force our way into your soul to bring you back, but if we don't wake up together we don't wake up at all." Kyle said, hugging Kelly.

"I can't last much longer. Kelly, close your eyes concentrate on the real world and-"

"WAKE UP!!!" The chamber reverberated with Mahan’s yell.

"Mahan!" Shock gasped.

"Thanks, Mahan, cancel Nova Sol. I'm just going to pass out, for a little while."

***

I stretched, groaned, and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. For once I was alone in bed.

"So, you've decided to wake up. Not that you have to get up. If you're still feeling tired I'd suggest you go back to sleep." Mahan said.

"You're suggesting I get more sleep? You're the one that pumps sedative into the air if you want me to sleep. In all the years I've been here you've never made such a suggestion. What is going on that you don't want me to know?" I sat up and stretched some more.

The video screen activated, showing the living room and kitchen areas. "Kyle is baking experimental cookies and Kelly is chatting with his fans."

I shuddered. The words cookies and experimental were never meant to be used together and Kelly communicating with fans had the potential of going very bad.

"I don't need to be monitoring your vital signs to know you're on the verge of panic, but Kelly volunteered and two batches of cookies have gotten passing scores. The other five were not so lucky and went directly to the dematerializer. Also, I am filtering out all the negative chat comments. Yes, Kelly is fully aware of this fact and approved of the decision. Though surprisingly, I've only had to block three individuals. Of course I've had to limit the number of people able to chat on the stream to 5,000 out of the two billion plus currently watching. So you see, you're not desperately needed at the moment and can get a bit more rest if you need it."

"Has Kelly commented on what happened?" I asked.

"In general, not really. In his stream he admitted to being in a really bad place, but he is better now, and that's about it. I think he's being careful not to reveal any secrets."

I stood up and headed for the bathroom. "Tell him . . . No, give me a private link to the kitchen. Use sonic baffles so Kelly and the chat can't hear what I'm saying to Kyle."

"Baffles on and link is open."

"Hey Drake."

"Tiger, you're awake?"

"Yeah, I thought I'd take a shower so my stink doesn't ruin your cooking. I just thought I'd ask if you would have any problems with Shock revealing any of our secrets."

"What secrets?" Kyle asked in surprise.

"I don't know, any of them. Like your actual history, the fact we're immortals, we can shift, and we are all mated."

"Are you feeling well?"

"After everything, I'm just sick of the bullshit. I guess what I'm saying is that if you're good with it, you can let Shock know he's free to say and appear as he wants."

I watched the display as Kyle gave an evil grin that turned even more sinister as he shifter to his anthro dragon form. He grabbed a plate of cookies and slipped up behind Kelly.

"Yum, more cookies. So, as I was saying I'm- I um," Kyle wrapped his arms around Kelly and rested his muzzle on the top of Kelly's head, "Kyle, this is a live video chat."

"So? I don't care if your fans see me giving my Fox some deserved affection. Besides, our Tiger just gave you the freedom to say whatever you like in whatever form you are most comfortable with."

"Oh my God!" Shock yelled.

"Monitor off!"

"Oh my God!" Shock Yelled again.

The monitor went blank, "OH MY GOD!!!" The third shout was almost as loud, even being muted by the wall. I shook my head and headed into the shower feeling bouncy and ready to take on the universe, only realizing as the water hit me that what I was feeling was coming from Shock.

***

I flopped down on the couch next to Shock and leaned against him. "So, do you have the entire planet watching this stream or do I need to start undress my fox with my teeth?"

"No, bad tiger." Shock said, lightly bapping my nose.

"Aww, Kyle's been teaching you bad habits. Besides look at all those 'yes' comments."

"Behave yourself, or no cookie for you." Kyle announced.

I tried to give my best hurt puppy look.

"Sorry, that only works for canines, not for humans and bad tigers. Now try this." Kyle said handing me a cookie.

"Well at least it got me a cookie." I bit into it and started to chew. I shot to my feet and then rushed to the kitchen spewing into the sink.

"So that would be no to the peanut butter, cabbage, habanero cookies?" Kyle said with a laugh.

I staggered to the matter generator, ordered a pitcher of milk, hobbled back to the sink and started the process of washing my mouth.

"Were you really going to test those on me?" Shock asked.

"Um, I don't think I should answer that."

"Keep, keep that recipe." I gasped, "It may be the most powerful weapon on the ship."

"I take offense to that." Mahan said.

"Trust me, you'd be even more offended if you could taste."

"Sorry everyone, but I think this is a good time to close out this stream. Don't worry, there will be more in the future. Just because my Video Fox fursona is dead, doesn't mean the end of my videos. In fact my next video is going to display a new dance style and musical instrument to the world. This is Shock Fox saying stay yiffy."

"Stay yiffy? You've got to be kidding me." I said as I returned to the couch.

"What can I say, I'm a fox."

"Yes you are, cookie?" Kyle asked.

"What flavor is it?" Shock asked warily.

"Sweet onion, chocolate, espresso bean."

"No! Those really are poisonous to us. We could only eat them in our human form and then we'd have to wait at least 24 hours to be sure the compounds were mostly out of our system before shifting to any of our non-human forms." I announced.

"Always the overly cautious one. If it was dangerous I would have alerted Kyle to that fact. With your enhanced immune systems you are completely safe." Mahan said.

"All these years, I've been avoiding foods with onions, I gave up chocolate, and you're just telling me now that I didn't have to?"

"You never indicated that you were actively avoiding them."

"Huh, you need to try one. Kyle, you can add these to the acceptable list."

I glared At Shock.

"What? Mahan said it was safe and they are surprisingly good."

"Well, if it's going to kill you, I don't want to be left out." I took one of the cookies and bit into it. "You're right it does taste good, and I'm not really a fan of espresso beans."

"Did you mean that?" Shock asked.

"Huh?" I quickly tried to figure out what he was asking.

"You don't want to live without me?"

"Yes I meant it. I love you and Kyle more than life."

"But you love Kyle more, right?" Shock asked.

Kyle quickly sat down with us. "No. He loves us equally. As you get used to the soul link we now share you'll instinctively know, like I do that when our Tiger says he loves us he holds nothing back. Please, don't take this the wrong way, Prowl-Ar. He has been alone for so long that he's incapable of regulating something as powerful as love."

"What about you?" Shock asked.

Kyle smiled, "Let's keep this a secret just between us, but with our link, I don't think it's possible not to love each other equally. That's not to say we're going to agree with each other all the time. Hell, we may even get angry and not want to talk, but the love, is never going to change."

Shock hung his head, "You shouldn't say never. Life always has a way to disappoint you."

"Did you get a new mem crystal made?" I asked.

"Um yeah, Kyle insisted we do that after we moved you into bed."

"Then you can tell life to suck it. Between our enhanced longevity and the sentinel program we'll be around until the universe ends. Even after that depending on whether I can jump us over the event into whatever comes next or into a side reality."

"Can you do something like that?"

"The fact that a ship I created when I was in my teens turned up as being real later in my life is enough to convince me Mahan and the Runner may be capable of more than even I can imagine." I replied.

"When you and Mahan talk to, or about, each other there seems to be a hint of respect, but at the same time you don't seem to really like each other either. Aren't you basically the same?"

"Shock, this might not be the best time." Kyle started.

"No Kyle, he's part of you now so he deserves to know. Besides Prowl-Ar needs to be more open about his feelings anyway."

I sighed. "Shock, I have a very deep seated hatred of myself. Mahan is primarily based on me. He has also modified himself, and continues to do so, with any memory crystal he comes into contact with. So yes, while we don't exactly get along we are different enough to respect and work with each other."

"I think I should also point out that Kyle has been working with Prowl-Ar to reduce his self-loathing and now that you are also with him I expect you to help him as well. God knows he needs all the help he can get." I could imagine Mahan rolling his eyes.

"You believe in God?" Shock asked.

I laughed. "I should mention that the second prominent personality that went into Mahan's creation was my best friend, and he did have faith in God. So yes, Mahan is a believer and this is only my opinion but I've known him long enough to believe that, even though he is an AI, he has a soul. I'll even let you in on his dirty little secret."

"Don't you dare!" Mahan said threateningly.

"He has a file partition where he goes to read."

"Oh, that isn't a secret. I often read new books into the system"

"I hadn't finished. He reads gay erotic romance novels."

"I do not." Mahan stated indignantly.

Both Shock and Kelly started laughing.

"Tiger, you do realize that you just admitted to reading those same novels, don't you?" Kyle gasped.

I shrugged, "Yeah, but I don't deny it."

Shock pulled me into a hug. "Finally, someone I can compare notes with that won't laugh at me. I knew I was meant to be here."

"If all of you are done being foolish. There are important matters to attend to." Mahan said, obviously trying to change the topic.

"Such as?" Kyle asked.

"We have several diplomatic communications that need to be dealt with."

"Mahan, I said that I through with-" I started.

"Prowl-Ar San, thank you for accepting my request for a meeting. I am Miyamoto Taka, Japanese Prime Minister."

"Miyamoto-Sama, it is my honor." I said trying to adapt to the sudden communication.

"We, the people of Japan, wish to establish diplomatic relations with you."

"I must apologize, my diplomat is no longer available."

"I understand, after watching Shock's stream. We have a great many volunteers willing to swear allegiance to you in order to become-"

"Mahan, is this a secure and private communication?" Shock asked.

"Of course."

"Taka-kun, we met in the headless lounge at the Fur-Tokyo Con, and you're a regular in my stream chats as well, are you not?"

"I, ah."

It was obvious what Shock had said was true by the slightly panicked look on the Minister’s face.

"Captain, we can trust him.”

"I see, Prime Minister I'll keep your offer in mind. If we decide to go forward with diplomatic relations I’ll make sure that an embassy will be established in your country."

"Wait, there's something else. I’ve been asked to ascertain whether or not you are yokai? I mean, since Shock's stream, we know that he can transform into a fox and Kyle is a dragon."

I smiled and shifted to my anthro tiger form "There are those whom are afraid that we are vengeful spirits? No, Shock and I are human. Our ability to change is the result of genetic manipulation and not divine magic or demonic spirits."

"What about Kyle?" The Minister asked.

Kyle laughed, "I think you'll recognize me better in my original form." Kyle fully shifted back to his original form. "This is truly who I was. Mahan created me based on the character information in the game I was created for and then built my personality up from there. When I reached the point where I was a self-aware A.I. He created biological body and downloaded me into it. As for my dragon form, that was mostly my own decision."

"Amazing. Are there other game characters in the world that we don't know about?"

"No, and I have no plans on attempting anything similar. It took a century and a half just to get Kyle to the level of being a stable A.I. Forgive me Kyle, but I still wonder if creating you was really the best choice."

"You are Prowl-Ar’s mate-" The Minister started.

"Prowl-Ar had nothing to do with my creation. In fact, if he had learned at any point, before I'd become a biological entity, I would have been erased." Kyle stated flatly.

"You wouldn't have done that, would you?" Shock asked.

"Yes, that's exactly what I would have done. I'd also have dumped Mahan's personality and reset him from a point before he conceived of the idea to create Kyle. Fortunately I didn't find out and it didn't lead to just one perfect mate, but two." I smiled looking first at Shock and then up to Kyle. "So to answer your question Shock isn't a kitsuné, I am just another stupid human, and Kyle is . . ."

"We are all special, but in a mostly normal way." Shock said with a grin on his muzzle.

"Uh, yeah. What the fox said." Kyle agreed.

"Prime Minister, I'm sorry for having to end your call, but Captain Prowl-Ar is receiving another urgent message." Mahan said.

"Of course. Shock I'd tell you to stay yiffy, but with those two being your mates, I don't think I need to. I humbly await your next video." The Prime Minister winked as the call disconnected.

"Mahan-" I started.

"This one just came in and I really think you should take it."

"Who from?" My mouth fell open. The man on the screen in front of me looked exactly like my first and best friend.

"Greetings Lord Nightiger. I am Russell William King. If family lore is to be believed you knew my ancestor. I am the current director of the United Nations World Council. All nation's representatives are here with me and we have just completed a unanimous vote to humbly ask you not to leave the Sol system. I'd just like to point out this is the first time all the nations of the world have agreed on anything."

"Please give us a moment, Director. I believe Prowl-Ar and his crew need to discuss this possible change of plans." Mahan said.

"Of course."

"We're no longer connected so you’re free to converse."

"I, I really don't know what to tell them."

"I can tell you what not to tell them. Don't tell them that you issued the order to turn the sun into a nova if Shock died." Kyle said.

"You did that? Bad tiger, my life isn't worth that."

"Shock, you and Kyle are worth more to me than everything in this pitiful reality."

"It is also irrelevant. If you had died, Prowl-Ar and I would have died with you." Kyle pointed out.

"And I would have still taken revenge, only I'd have made the world suffer before its destruction." Mahan said evilly.

"So, what do you think, should we continue to watch over Earth or let them fend for themselves?" I asked.

"I vote we continue to keep the Earth safe. Yes, there are a lot of ignorant assholes, but there are also a lot of good people as well." Shock said.

"I vote yes. Humans can have value and who knows maybe one day we'll find a few that are worthy of becoming crew members. However let's make sure they want the chance to explore the galaxy rather than what's in our pants." Kyle winked at Shock and I just rolled my eyes.

"That's two for staying. Mahan, what's your vote?"

"You're asking me?"

"Of course I'm asking you. You're as much a part of this as the rest of us."

"I don't care either way, but I know you well enough that if Earth is being threatened and you can do something about it, you will, whether we're half way across the galaxy or just lurking out here. However, I suggest you make it very clear that the three of you are now immortal so any deal they make with you will be binding for a very long time."

"Inform the world council that we will be giving them our response in an hour." I said.

"But we've already made our decision, so why make them wait?" Shock asked.

"Haven't you completed your training?"

"Oh, you want them to think we're actually debating the decision to stay."

"No, I have something much worse in mind. Mahan, where is the world council currently meeting, Geneva or New York?" I asked.

"New York, but I don't see . . . Oh, yes I do. You're going to poke the bear."

I grinned. "No, I'm going to pluck an eagle. Have a drone, one of the new heavy units waiting aboard shuttle one along with appropriate power armor for our furry forms. We're going to give the council our answer, in furson."

***

"Remember, you are fully armed, charged, and in 'weapon's free' mode so make damn sure your safeties are engaged and your shields are on. Lethal force is only authorized if they bring in heavy ordinance."

"What should we consider heavy ordinance?" Kyle flexed his neck making the armor plates grind together.

"Anything larger than 50 caliber."

"The armor can take a hit from something that powerful?" Shock asked.

"It'll knock you on your tail, but survivable. Technically the suit can survive a tank shell, but you'll basically be fox juice in a can."

"So don't get shot by a tank, got it." Kyle said.

"Oh, and before we land, Shock, you're in charge of negotiations."

"Wait, what?"

"You're our diplomat." Kyle said.

"You are also less likely to literally bite a delegate's head off if you get angry." Mahan said.

I shuddered at the possibilities. "Mahan, I'm not sure if you were trying to insult me or support my decision, but you aren't wrong. Everyone, brace yourselves. I'm about to de-cloak, and considering we're deep in a no fly zone all hell is about to break loose. Fortunately we'll be on the ground before the closest jets can reach us."

As soon as we were visible the radio started blaring warnings. However, I had us safely on the ground within seconds.

"One last thing, Kyle and Mahan, the doors and halls are made to human scale so let's try extra hard not to create a lot of excess property damage."

"No promises on that one." Kyle said, looking down at his oversized form.

I dropped the rear cargo hatch and Mahan walked out closely followed by Kyle taking defensive positions to the right and left of the ramp. Shock stood just inside the shuttle covering me as I climbed into my armor. I really needed to get around to designing a combat shuttle that could be piloted while wearing armor. I stepped up behind Shock.

"Can you believe this? They're cheering for us." Shock said looking at the forming croud.

"Come on, we need to get inside before this becomes a riot. Mahan, make sure the ship is secure."

The shuttle closed up and disappeared however its basic outline remained on our heads up display. We quickly made our way inside where a large group of security guard had their side arms pointed at us.

I very slowly raised my hands. "I believe the world council is expecting us. However, between the armor and energy shield surrounding our suits, if you fire the rounds will ricochet all over the place causing multiple injuries and possibly fatalities from friendly fire. I really don't want that."

"Come on, do you think we'd be here if we were up to some nefarious scheme? It would have been easier and cleaner just to blast the building from space if that was our plan." Shock said. He immediately looked at me, "I think you're regretting making me your diplomat."

"He wouldn't be wrong if he was. That was just asking them to shoot us." Mahan stated.

"Don't you start Mahan. I'd like to point out they aren’t shooting at us yet."

"Tiger, I know you wanted to keep damage to a minimum, but did you take into consideration that even Shock can't fit through the metal detectors in his armor?" Kyle asked.

"No, I hadn't considered that. Even if we leave our power armor here there is no way to get Mahan's drone body through there."

A loud hiss filled the air follow by multiple clunks as the front of the drone split open. Mahan’s human form drone stepped out. As everyone stared. "What? Did you really think I wouldn't come prepared for any situation?"

"I'll just go out and guard the shuttle." The heavy drone said, as it saluted, turned, and exited the building.

"That still creeps me out when he's in multiple locations at once." Kyle muttered.

"Oh get over it, I'm everywhere all of the time." Mahan said from both his drone body and our headsets.

"Not helping, not helping." Kyle yelled.

"Alright, all of you put those guns away or else."

"Mahan-" No sound came from my suit and I found my arms coming down into the ready position.

"My crew will be removing their armor as soon as it is safe to do so. However, I have already taken full control of said armor and unlike them I have no problem putting you down for their protection."

"Security, stand down. We don't want to keep the council waiting longer than necessary." They all came to attention and immediately stowed their weapons.

My armor opened and I came out with a punch that sent Mahan's humanoid body flying across the atrium. My armor closed up and I turned on it.

"You know I couldn't feel that." The armor said.

"I swear to God if you ever do that again I'll erase every last trace of your AI."

"He- he means it. I- I can feel it." Shock stammered.

Kyle placed his palm on my shoulder, thankfully he knew not to try and calm me with a hug. "Mahan, that was reckless and very, very, very stupid."

I brushed Kyle's hand off, ignored everybody else, walked over to a desk, sat on the edge and focused only on my breathing.

"Here," The security chief was holding out a tin of mints, "it'll help."

I carefully took two of the mints from her and popped them in my mouth.

"I've seen, and experienced, some powerful anxiety attacks. I think that one is a new record, though." She said.

"I have problems with being confined." I mumbled.

"Seems logical for a big cat."

"No, this goes way beyond just instinctual urge. Mahan knows my suit is specially equipped so that it will come apparent in an instant if I start to feel trapped. He overrode that control. I just can't figure out why he was purposely trying to provoke me." I paused, and then laughed. "Are you going to put yourself on report?"

"What?"

"The mints, you just gave a tiger a concentrated dose of cat nip." I started to giggle. "A really, ha ha, high dose. Oh wow am I feeling good."

"Tiger, what did she give you? What did you drug him with?"

"S'all right. Be m'self 'gin in ten."

"I swear it was just a mint. I use them to help with my own anxiety attacks!"

“Wonderful, he’s likely higher than the last time and I purposely locked his nanites to ignore mint so I could use it as a mood stabilizer.” Mahan said as he slowly got back up. The effect won’t last long.”

Shock was laughing and I couldn't help laughing with him. "It's alright Kyle, he'll be his grumpy old self again in no time."

"Is this the reason you told me not to let him try my vanilla double mint cookies?" Kyle asked Mahan.

"You've got cookies? I could really use a cookie right now."

"Oh hell no. Kyle, hold him down. Sit on him if you have to. You, security woman, hold his head."

"That would be a very bad idea considering the aggression he showed for a few seconds trapped in his armor. Besides, why would you need to restrain him?" Mahan asked.

"He's got the mints between his cheek and gum. I used to do the same damn thing. We've got to dig it out before his system can start to recover." Shock said.

"Them, he took two." The Security chief said.

"Change of plan, Kyle . . . On second thought no. I'm not risking you getting high as well. Prowl-Ar, I need a kiss."

I scooped Shock up and locked muzzles with him. He ran his tongue against my teeth and I opened up to let him explore. He still tasted of coffee and chocolate. As he pulled his tongue back I followed taking my time to explore his small sharp teeth. We broke apart and I smiled at him. "I love you Foxy."

Shock gasped and fell back into Kyle's arms. "Not bad considering you're only the second living individual he's ever kissed, right?"

"Oh Kyle, I'm so sorry. I promised you that you'd be the only one I'd ever share that with."

"Tiger, you don't have to apologize. He's our mate and it wouldn't be right if we didn't share everything with him."

I lunged forward pulling them both into a hug. You're both too good for me. I wish I could be a better mate for both of you."

"I think you three should follow me to my office. It's rather exposed to the public out here."

"There are four of us in this delegation." Mahan stated.

"You sir, can wait in the hall."

"That's robotic discrimination."

"No, that's to protect you from being disassembled when Captain Nightiger regains his full senses again."

"You're right, I'll guard the doorway."

***

I groaned and sat up as my head pounded. "Please tell me I didn't do or say anything stupid."

"What was the last thing you remember?

"I vaguely remember asking you if you were going to report yourself for inadvertently doping me and that's about it."

"Well, other than a kiss with your fox, that I have to admit made me feel jealous I didn't have a mate like that, and a bit of mushiness that only your mates and I were privy to and I have no intention of ever divulging, it was heartfelt and not stupid at all."

"If you don't mind my asking, where are they?"

The security chief laughed, "On the way here Shock said he needed a few moments to 'freshen up' and Kyle was quick to insist he help. I get the feeling the janitorial staff are going to insist on overtime to clean the restroom when they are finished."

"Foxes, you can't take them anywhere." I said, rolling my eyes.

"After the kiss you gave him I'm surprised he had the self-control to get to the restroom. Not to mention what your dragon was sporting. God, my sister would tease me to death if she could read my mind right now."

A sudden buzzing filled the room. She sighed, "Speak of the devil herself. Do you mind?"

I gritted my teeth, "Please, just make the buzzing stop."

"Hey Jan."

"OMG Jennifer! They're there aren't they? Have you met them? What's V- Fox really like? Can you get his autograph for me?"

I couldn’t help but grin. Jennifer rolled her eyes. I signaled her to bring the phone closer. "Yes, your sister inadvertently gave their leader a large dose of cat nip. Shock, his Video Fox fursona is officially dead, is horny and very taken. Right now he is likely being taken by a horny dragon. So no, an autograph is probably out of the question at the moment."

The phone was dead silent for at least a minute and then a loud shriek filled the room.

"Jen, you should have told me Captain Nightiger was listening in!"

"When could I have told you? Listen, I'm on duty and you know better than to call me at work. I'll tell you all about it this evening, bye." Jen sighed, "I'm never going to hear the end of this. It’s bad enough she keeps calling me to see if I can find a job opening for her here. But considering her former job and the way she quit I don't think she has a hope in hell of ever getting another government job."

"If you don't mind my asking, what happened?"

"She was secret service assigned to the president. She was actually inside the room during the president's tirade against you. Her wife is a furry. Not to mention, if you haven't already guessed, she's a huge Video Fox fan. The instant the president cut the communication she dropped her gun and badge on his desk, told him she would never take a bullet for a piece of shit like him, wished him a speedy trip to hell, and walked out."

"Tiger, we've got to do something for her."

Jen spun around and stared at Shock. "How did I not hear you?"

"Sorry, we forgot to turn off our sound baffles after we finished 'cleaning up'." Kyle said.

"Yeah, she knows exactly what you two were doing and it was likely anything but 'clean'. Jen, do you have a notebook and a pen?" I asked.

"Uh, yeah."

"Mahan, get in here." I scribbled some information on the note pad.

"Are you planning on disassembling me?"

"Not at the moment. Double check this for me." I handed him the piece of paper.

"I see. For the Chief here?"

"No, former secret service agent that showed unusual support for a crew member."

"Give me a moment to run deep scan."

"What are you doing?" Jen asked.

"Do you understand the term plausible deniability?"

"Oh, I think I'd better go inform the World Council you'll be ready to meet with them in a few minutes."

"I think you might have accidentally left your phone on your desk after dealing with that call from your sister."

"No I have it right, oh! Yeah, I might have." She dropped her phone on the desk and headed for the door. "She has a wife and two kids. If you get her hurt, in any way, I'll find a way to put you all down."

"She'll be fine." I said.

"She better be." Jennifer whispered as the door clicked shut.

"Mahan, do we have anything?"

"Nothing at the pay grade she was at. At least not in Washington."

"I want her for our North American Embassy, Chief of Security."

"That may take some time. However, her wife is a doctor so there is some room to maneuver there."

"Clone the Chief's phone and place a secure call to Jan’s phone."

"Jen, is everything alright? You just told me-"

"Jennifer isn't here. Tell me, would you be willing to uproot your family and move to another country, like say Japan, for a few years? You'd be working as the chief of security at an embassy and a job would also be made available for your wife."

"Who?" Jen asked.

"We would say yes." A second voice announced.

"Honey, we don't even know who we're talking to."

“You can be really dense sometimes, the call came from Jen’s phone and you just told me who was just with her.”

“Oh! Ooooooh.”

"I'm not saying you have to decide right away. I'm sending you a text with directions for a meeting with a resource manager, and the photo you requested. I suggest you print both on hard copy because they will no longer exist after an hour." I waved Kyle and Shock closer and nodded for Mahan to take a picture. As soon as Mahan cut the link Jen's phone immediately started buzzing again. We ignored it.

"Shock, as planned I'm leaving the negotiations to you, but whatever else you can weasel out of them, make sure that they recognize our right to put at least one embassy on every continent."

"We're basically trading our services as frontline protectors of the planet, right? After how the American President treated me, I'm planning on being very greedy."

***

I sat staring at Shock. We were alone in an official waiting room as the World Council deliberated.

"Well, how did I do? You haven't said a word and I'm not getting any feelings of anger from you. Did I go too far? Am I in trouble?"

"I only wanted a single embassy on each continent."

Kyle laughed, "I think you've left him a bit stunned. Even I have to admit pushing for the option of setting up facilities in every country that wants one, excluding single city countries like Vatican City, Mecca, Jerusalem, and Zion is rather ambitious."

"All I was thinking is that there are a lot of furrys in the world and many of them are going to be wanting to be a part of what we have. Giving them embassy jobs will provide the feeling that they are working for something they can really believe in."

"Not the number of embassies, it's the freaking Shadow Runner controlled space colony. I don't want to be in charge of a colony. Hell, I've spent all these years hiding aboard the Runner in order to avoid people! Now you want to set me up as a monarch or dictator? Are you insane? Do you even realize how long it will take just to build a station, never mind a colony?"

"Tiger, take a breath before you have another panic attack." Kyle said, in concern.

"Yes, I do know how long. You said it would be 60 to 80 years to build the basic station and a further hundred years before it would be fully self-sufficient. I didn't give the Council a set timeline, but you gave me all this diplomatic training and I'm using it. In order to have embassies we have to have a country, or in this case an independent colony and citizens, for those embassies to represent."

"I still don't want to have to deal with the politics."

"So we set it up like you did for Big Hub. A democratically elected council that does most of the work. You will have the power to overrule them, but so long as they maintain a fair and just system I really doubt you will interfere."

"I suppose it could work." I sighed.

Shock smiled, "And you can't tell me you don't have multiple possible designs for space stations and colonies already drawn up."

I sighed, “Technically I already have two space colonies completed and a station in the junkyard as well. However they use the same tech as aboard the Runner and I still can't trust that it won't fall into the wrong hands if I move one of them into position."

"If the station is located, say near Mars and they are given ships equipped only with conventional technology wouldn't Mahan, or even a station A.I. be able to detect and if not stop, then at least contact us to retrieve any stolen tech?" Shock asked.

"I suppose it would be possible. With a proper retrofit the station could be enlarged within a year or two for added comfort, garden spaces, and a larger number of residents."

There was a knock on the door, a slight pause and then two men and a woman entered. "Excuse me," The largest man stepped forward, "may we speak with you for a moment?"

"Is the Council ready for us?" Shock asked.

"No, unfortunately most of the council is bickering over details like how they are supposed to present your demands to their leaders."

"So why are you here?" I asked.

"Unlike many of the other delegates we were informed by our governments that the people of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, are ready to support any reasonable terms you might have."

"Considering your terms are for the establishment of an independent colony and embassies in each of our countries we believe that is more than reasonable for saving the planet and continuing to protect us." The woman said.

"Yes, frankly, after the American President's shameful outburst we were scared you were going to do something drastic." The other man added.

Shock laughed, "When you say drastic do you mean destroy the planet or something less destructive like declaring himself Lord High Emperor? If that is what you're afraid of then you can rest easy. The reason Captain Nightiger made me his diplomat is because he really dislikes politics and having to deal with large numbers of people as well. Really all we want in to be left alone.”

"Then why come here?" The woman representative asked.

I sighed, "Because of the President's little tirade. As much as I dislike dealing with people I hate to see people being harmed because of who they love. If you've watched Shock's videos then you should know I grew up in the age just before homosexuality started to be accepted. I hated myself for how I felt and lived for a long time fearing that my own father would kill me if he ever found out. I know that both homosexuality and furrys, for the most part, are completely accepted now, but the President proved that old prejudices still run deep. The embassies, space station, and eventual colony will provide a refuge."

"And what sort of government will you be creating?" The First man asked.

"Eventually a democratic monarchy. The citizens will elect representatives to a governing council. I will of course be able to overrule the council if I see the need, but for the most part I plan on being more of a figure head than a ruler."

"You said 'eventually' what do you mean?"

"A space station isn't the same as a colony. A station has to have a clear chain of command to remain operational. So while there will be a nominal council I... We, will chose a command crew to actually run the station. I'm not a fool, I know there are going to be problems with getting the system up and working but that is always the case for new countries. By the time a colony is completed the system should be perfected."

"Prowl-Ar, Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Italy and Greece have sent messages saying that they agree to our terms. Hold on, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Panama, Columbia, Argentina, and Chile also just agreed. More coming in, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and India have agreed. China, wants a blood sample from Kyle. Something about the legend of the Golden Emperor. Russia and the U.S. are also issuing demands." Mahan stated.

"Anything from Africa yet?"

"Not yet."

"When we left it was the African countries that were doing the most debating." Shock announced.

"South Africa has agreed to recognize a space colony and a provisional embassy as long as we lease the property and pay for construction."

"That gets us an embassy on each continent except Antarctica." I said, smiling.

"Sir, I'm just receiving word the American House of Representatives and The Senate have censured the President and are proceeding with impeachment hearings due to his declaring war without congressional approval. He really shouldn't have ordered that nuclear strike." Mahan announced.

"Wait, what?" I turned to stare at Mahan.

"Strange how the launch codes didn't work." Mahan said, in his smug tone.

"Mahan, did you launch a cyberattack against the United States?" Shock asked.

"Absolutely not. It was a counter attack. The president had already issued the order to launch. Are you going to blame me for being faster than their systems? I'd have let them fire off all their missiles and then dealt with them in a month or two, but my standing orders are to avoid civilian casualties whenever possible. If the Americans had launched all their nukes the rest around the world would have also launched, likely at the U.S., killing millions. I mitigated the situation."

Suddenly the door opened again and Security Chief Jennifer barged in. "Captain, we've got to get- What the hell are you three doing in here?"

"We came to let Captain Nightiger know that our countries have agreed to support him, regardless of what the rest of the Council decides."

"That's good and all, but I suggest you get out of here. It seems all hell is breaking loose. There are mobs approaching the building. The delegates are being evacuated from the roof pad. I suggest you get up there as quickly as possible. Security is also pulling back to cover your retreat."

The three delegates ran for the door.

"You'd better escort them, Chief. We'll get to the foyer, retrieve our armor, and then leave on our shuttle."

"Not a chance. As Chief of Security I am the last one to leave. That means getting you safely out of the building."

"I've moved the shuttle as close to the entrance as I can. I’m leaving the helipad for the evacuation of the delegates. My heavy drone armor is keeping the crowd back for the moment. However, as soon as they realize I'm issuing empty threats the advantage will be lost."

"Move now." I yelled, as I headed for the door. "Mahan, move my armor out to back up the heavy drone."

"That isn't a wise course of action."

"It is when you consider there's no way I can get back in it any time soon. Now do it, and move Kyle and Shock's armor to the stairwell. So that they can suit up as soon as we hit the lobby. Screw the property damage."

"If that's the case I'm moving the shuttle so that the ramp is inside the lobby."

"That is specially designed blast proof glass." Jennifer said.

"The shuttle is a composite alloy stronger than titanium. Your windows shattered like, well glass." Mahan said.

We hit the ground floor. “Kyle, you're first. Your armor is large enough to provide cover for Shock and then the two of you-" I was interrupted by the door exploding. "Jen, get-" The Security Chief was on the floor covered in blood.

"They’ve got rocket propelled grenades! How the hell do civilians have RPGs?" Shock yelled.

"Weapons free, focus on non-lethal as much as you can." I shifted and picked up Jen, only then realizing that I’d instinctively shielded both Shock and Kyle.

"Armor on, Shock?" Kyle asked.

"Me too, Captain move, we'll cover you.

The back of the shuttle appeared as Mahan dropped the rear shields. I dashed inside, my back felt like it was on fire. I ignored it, of course. "Mahan, get the armors in, Kyle, pilot, Shock, take the turret. If anyone tries to shoot us down I order you to return fire." I pushed Jen into one of the shuttles two emergency stasis pods.

"Shouldn't you be piloting?" Kyle yelled, from the cockpit.

"I've been shot. I think it's minor but I'm not taking chances, this time. I'm taking the other stasis pod. Once back aboard the Runner get us to medical. Healing only, nothing else. Kyle, you're now in command. The pod closed and, for me, time stopped.

***

I gasped and sat up.

"Deep breathe, you were barely wounded compared to your usual recklessness. Is it possible having that detestable dragon around has actually made you more cautious?" the Doctor asked.

"Where is he?"

I heard a laugh to my right. I glanced over and found Shock sitting beside the bed. "Mahan forced him to go to the bridge. Something about needing the doctor in one piece. I hope one of you will tell me what that is all about eventually."

"You and Kyle weren't hurt, were you?"

"No you big idiot. The security chief to the brunt of the explosion and you shielded us from the rest. You had a substantial piece of door frame in your shoulder. I really don't know how you were able to carry the security woman."

"What about her injuries?"

"They were severe, nothing that another fifteen minutes in the med tube won't fix. Fortunately there was no brain damage. Still she would not have survived if not for being placed in stasis and brought here for healing." The Doctor stated.

"What are your plans for her?" Mahan asked.

"As soon as she's healed I'm taking her back down to Earth, where she belongs."

"I'll generate a new uniform for her then. Do I need to get shuttle two ready?"

"No, prep a Dart. I want speed and stealth for this and have Kyle meet us on the recreation deck. We're going to all update our memory crystals, again." I crawled out of bed and headed for the door.

"I just updated mine, do I really need to make a new one?" Shock asked as he got up to follow me.

"Yes, because I'm dropping them off at the junkyard on my way back from returning Jen to Earth."

"When do we leave?"

I came to an abrupt halt as Kyle was waiting by the lift. "I thought you were on the bridge."

"I started down as soon as I felt you wake up."

"I know you are going to argue, but I'm making this trip alone. I'm taking a Dart, they are small, fast, and have multiple layers of stealth tech built into them."

"They also only have two very cramped seats, and no weapons." Kyle growled.

"Which is fine, since I have no intention of getting out of the ship until I get back to the Junkyard. Before you ask, I'm taking a Dart because it is the only craft rated to make an emergency altered space micro jump from inside an atmosphere. I promise both of you I'm not going to take any risks."

"Fine, but if you get injured I'll find a way to punish you."

"Oh, like that's a threat." Shock said as he entered the lift, "Now he'll find a way to injure himself just for the thrill."

"No, he won't. That isn't something our mate enjoys." Kyle pointed out.

"Really? Considering all the trouble he causes I find that hard to believe."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm still right here, you know."

Kyle put his arm around me and pulled me into the lift. "Yes, I know that. And that's just were we want you to stay, right here with us."

"Someone needs to take our guest home, deliver updated mem-crystals to the Junkyard, and set up the drones out there to begin retrofitting a space station. Meanwhile a certain fox needs to set up conference calls with a few countries about building embassies. Finally there's this dragon, who I know is going to be busy wearing out the carpeting on the bridge as he paces and watches every move I make until I'm back aboard.

***