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Virtually Real Part 27: Gathering the Station Crew

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Returning Characters

Prowl-Ar

Kyle

Shock

Frost

Mahan

Tuft & Tank

Jennifer Steel

Janelle, Nichole, Mark, and Mary Redfield

Silverbolt

Kicker

I slowly crawled out of the dark gray Elite suit I'd commandeered. I was tired but nowhere near pushing my limits. I sat on the front lip of its hanger bay. Breakdown was right, Frost's hanger and the bomb really was nothing more than a pile of rubble. Still, the blue Infantry suit looked to be in good condition, if we dared move it.

"Any word on Lee?"

I glance to my left and noticed Kicker approaching.

"Huh?"

"I heard he fell and was rushed to the hospital."

"Oh, he's going to recover. He and Slider are on medical leave for the next week."

"What happened to Slider?"

"Stress resulting from Lee's condition."

"I wish those two would just admit how they feel about each other. It's starting to effect morale, since Lee seems to have lost interest in his 'extracurricular activities' lately."

"It's likely to get worse. I was sick of the nonsense and told them both to admit how they feel."

"You didn't!" Kicker yelled in surprise.

"I did, and they did. I left before they actually admitted anything to each other but it was fairly obvious the next time I checked on them."

"In the hospital?"

"No! Lee's much to banged up for that yet. I meant the way they're acting like they don't have a clue what I was talking about. It's so blatantly obvious that they're faking being clueless about their feelings it's almost worse than when they were too afraid to admit they loved each other. Frankly I'm glad they're your team, since I have my own teenagers to deal with."

"Wait, I know that Frost kid is probably a teen but who else?"

"Fox is eight- no, he's nineteen now."

"How old was he when you met him?" Kicker asked in surprise.

"Pause game. Computer, erase dialog after I say 'I have my own teenagers to deal with' and change Kicker's next line to 'It really does feel like that some days, doesn't it?' and resume game.

"It does feel like that some days, doesn't it? Still, I'm not sure you have it any easier. You're literally married to your team. It's not like you can just order them around."

"Actually they're likely the reason I was put in charge of all the pilots, even though you have seniority. I've gotten to the point of knowing every order I give is going to have repercussions well beyond the current mission. I mean if I give an order that is stupid, Drake and Fox will follow it. Unless it is so bad that it'll get us all killed, but I know once the mission is over and we're off duty I'm going to catch hell for it unless I can justify my reasoning for giving a stupid order. Oh, and forget outright lying. Since being changed we can literally smell when someone is lying, even each other."

"Wait, you're telling me you know every time a person lies to you?"

"Basically."

"Oh shit."

"Don't worry, unless you're blatantly trying to deceive me, I've gotten to the point where I just ignore the extra sensory input."

"Still, it explains why you trust Shadow and Ghost."

"Yeah, those two have never lied once about their loyalty and commitment to this command. If it came down to it I'd trust them over some of the new pilots we trained.

"I can understand that. They're good enough pilots, but their attitudes need serious adjustment. I'm sure after they tangle with a Cyber or a Bug patrol they'll settle down."

"That or I'll have to explain to their families why they were in a suit to begin with."

"I don't envy you that task."

"Prowl-Ar's game in now paused." The Computer announced.

"Commander, Silverbolt requests an audience." Mahan said.

"Put him through."

"Commander, the station is now at 92% completion."

"Computer, save game and shut down."

"Mahan, prepare the Runner for super charge. Silverbolt, prepare the station for power transfer. All crew to the bridge."

The lift felt a bit crowded with four of us. I designed it to comfortably hold six and a maximum of ten if necessary but that was humans.

"What's happening?" Frost asked.

"The space station is ahead of schedule and just about ready to be moved. In order to do that I'm going to super charge the Runner." The lift opened and I headed for my command seat. "Frost, I want you to sit at the navigation console for now."

"But I don't know how to work it."

"Don't worry, it's basically just a place to strap in. Actually the only working station is likely Shock's communications board. Since the Captain will be merged with the ship." Kyle said, as he helped Frost buckle his restraints.

"Incoming transmission from Tank." Shock announced.

"What's going on? Our game suddenly locked up."

"Oh, sorry about that. I shut down our V.R. computer in preparation for a Freem jump. Your VR system is still functional, but you'll have to play a different game until I turn the game on again."

"Where are you going?" Tuft asked.

"To just inside the sun's corona and then back here to dump the energy into the new station. That will jumpstart its primary reactors so that we can take it to an orbit between Earth and Mars."

"All systems check, I'm ready for the merge." Mahan announced.

"Kyle, take the pilot's station. Just follow the indicated path and get us up to full speed. We need to be going as fast as possible to skip through instead of getting captured in the gravity well."

"How risky is this maneuver?" Shock asked.

"Don't worry, if I'm reading this correctly it's basically the same thing we did to save the planet except we won't be dragging the extra mass of the meteor." Kyle responded, as my seat slid up into the merge capsule.

"Are you ready for this?" Mahan asked.

"If I wasn't you'd have stopped me by now. You're the one monitoring my physical condition."

"I meant mentally"

"No problem. This isn't the first time we've done this, or even the second for that matter."

"True."

"Prepare for merge." I relaxed back into my flight seat. Merge would take place the instant the Runner hit maximum speed.

The patterns of altered space swirled around me. I was heading into a star. Why was I doing this again? The time drive was deactivated, "I just made a similar run so I'd already charged Junkyard. Oh, right there was a new station in need of a power boost. I dropped out of altered space. I was traveling so fast. I bulldozed trough several coronal eruptions. The heat and radiation making me feel all tingly as it was absorbed first by the absorption field and by my specially armored skin. I wanted to stay and play longer, but if I stayed I'd be risking my family. I jumped back into altered space, most of my momentum lost to the sun's gravity.

I gasped as we came out at the Junkyard jump point. "Mahan, lock me out of the merge system for the next two years, except in cases of extreme emergency. That's the closest I've ever gotten to not severing the link. When you report this to Kyle make sure he understands that I have taken appropriate action. In two years we'll run a trial to see if it will require a longer duration."

"How are you going to move the station?"

"I'll do a manual jump as planned since there is already a jump beacon in place and the station doesn't have a merge system."

"We are in position and the station drones along with my own are connecting the power transfer connections. You can relax until the transfer is complete."

The pod decoupled and my command seat slid back down onto the bridge. "See, nothing to it. Now we just have to wait until the Station is fully charged." I said.

***

Jumping the station to Venus was fairly easy. So easy in fact Silverbolt assured me if the station ever came under threat he'd be able to jump back to the Junkyard.

I looked around the command center. The station was woefully understaffed. "We're here, so have you made any decisions about what you're looking for in a commanding officer?"

"Yeah, we talked it over and out of the possible choices we thought Major Counterstrike would make a good commanding officer."

"Really? I've been informed that he used to be a furry hater."

"That's true he is a former hater. That's what makes him the perfect Commander. He knows how the haters think and he's overcome his hatred." Nichole stated.

I nodded, "And your choice for first officer?"

"Aaron Knight, while he's not a confirmed fur, he has done a great deal for the LGTBQF+ community."

"He wasn't on the list." Mahan cut in."

"Does he monitor everything?" Silverbolt asked.

"I have that capacity, but I don't usually do so. However, with Captain Nightiger currently aboard the station, Captain Dacat-Nightiger has ordered me to keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't over exert himself."

I rolled my eyes, "So tell me about Mr. Knight."

"He's a charming individual. At least he's always seemed that way when I've dealt with him when he's spoken to the world council." Jennifer said.

"He has no love for the president, I can tell you that much. He's also a complete pacifist. Having him for second in command will balance Counterstrike's more military leanings." Janelle added.

"Aaron Knight was born in Afghanistan to a Canadian journalist and a freedom fighter during the fourth Taliban Jihad. His parents were killed as they got him onto a smuggler vessel. He would likely have been just another trafficking victim if the ship hadn't been seized by Australian authorities. He was adopted and raised by the Knight family in Canberra. At eighteen, using DNA searches he was able to track down his biological family."

Mahan paused as he was obviously checking the next series of events.

"He moved to Canada in order to get to know that part of his family. That didn't last long. He then received a student visa and attended university in the United States where he met his future wife. They lived in the U.S. and had twin children. His son came out as non-binary at thirteen and his daughter as transgender a month later. I should note that both parents were completely supportive. Unfortunately a year later his wife was ran off the road. It was reported as inattentive driving. The only survivor was his non-binary son. However, he is still in a coma."

"Can he be cured with your tech?" Nichole asked.

"Mahan?" I asked.

"Possibly. There is no physical reason for his coma. Running molecular scan. Yes, we can help him, but I'll need special authorization that will require Prowl-Ar to be aboard the Runner."

There was only one reason Mahan would require me to be aboard the Runner, there was something that either he, or I wouldn't want the station crew to know. "Continue with your report."

"Since the 'accident' Aaron has dedicated himself to advance the fight for equal rights around the world. Uh, this may be a bit of a problem. He is currently being held in a Russian prison as a terrorist and the US is claiming he isn't a citizen so it's not their problem."

I sighed, "You three really want to make life difficult, don't you?"

Jennifer laughed, "You think we're done? We also want Mitchel and Jayden Freeborn. A photojournalist team known for their honest and old school form of reporting."

"Wait, why do those names sound familiar?" I asked.

"It could be because they're almost as popular as Shock Fox." Nichole stated.

"They are familiar because you created them." Mahan stated.

"No. No, no, No. That isn't possible."

"Don't have a panic attack just yet I'm checking. Ah, that makes sense. They are furrys. They changed their names to those of their fursonas when they got married. They took their fursona names from . . . one moment."

"Mahan?" I asked wondering what he wasn't telling me.

"It's my fault." Shock said.

"Shock, what's going on?"

"I sort of shared a couple of your stories with my friends. Jayden and Mitchel really identified with the characters and asked if I thought it would be alright if they used the character names for their fursonas. I figured you were long dead so it really couldn't hurt anyone. If it helps they're probably scared to death you're going to show up all pissed and ready to rip their throats out. It would explain why they haven't been showing up in my streams since you showed up."

"If you don't mind my asking, why do you want them?"

"They're trusted to tell the truth and, as far as everyone knows, they don't have a connection to you like Shock does. You want people to trust this station enough to send their kids here for schooling they need to know that you're not trying to brainwash them into your obedient furry minions." Nichole stated.

"But that's exactly what I'm doing. After all I've converted all of you to obedient mindless slaves." They stared at me with blank expressions. "Come on, it was a joke."

"Very funny, Master." Nichole stated in a monotone voice.

"To hell with this. Silverbolt, how long until the station is ready to be moved?"

"Seventy-three hours ten minutes, oh great and powerful one."

"Fine. I'll be back with the rest of your crew by then. For now I'm headed back to my ship, where at least I deserve it when I'm being mocked."

I couldn't help cringing at the sound of laughter just before the door slid shut. I hoped it meant they trusted that I wouldn't hold it against them, but it still hurt.

As I crawled into my racer I realized that my joke, even though I thought it was funny, probably wasn't. During the short flight I was distracted by thoughts if their reaction. When I landed I had to laugh, their reaction, though it hurt, was rather funny and instead of mocking me they were continuing the joke. I'd need to apologize for my overreaction.

Shock met me in the hangar bay, as I was crawling out.

"Captain, I, uh need to apologize for sharing your stories like I did. I'm, really sorry."

"No, you couldn't have known I was still alive, and to tell the truth I'm kind of flattered they liked my story enough to change their names because of something I created."

I started walking toward the lift. Something wasn't right. I was feeling a lot of anxiety from Shock. I suppose that was to be expected but there was something else. As I probed at the strange feeling I nearly doubled over. Kyle was furious."

I increased my speed toward the lift.

"Captain, Prowl-Ar, Tiger-"

I could tell Shock was trying to think of anything to slow me down while also trying to cover for Kyle. "Mahan, if Kyle is yelling at the crew of the station I order you to cut the connection immediately. Shock, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I'm not going to fall apart over something minor like that. Besides after thinking about it their response was funny. Now cheer up, I've got a job for you. I want you to negotiate the release of Mr. Knight into our custody. Oh and you might want to mention how much it'll piss off the US government if we have Mr. Knight."

"That's great and all, but wouldn't it be easier to just break him out?"

"Only as a last resort. I doubt he'd appreciate the save if we use methods he opposes."

"Should I contact Tank to get ready?"

"No, I'm doing this pick up on my own. I can feel your panic. Don't worry, I'm not actually leaving the ship. I'm going to use the VR to remote control one of Mahan's drones. It's sort of like how we pilot the suits."

"Have you done this before?"

"Only a couple hundred times." Mahan stated.

"It's safe, at least as safe as it can be when involving the VR chamber. Go, make the call and let me know their response. I'm going to go and get the interface ready."

The lift stopped at the rec deck and I stepped out. "Also, let Kyle know that I do appreciate what he was trying to do." The door slid shut before Shock could reply.

***

"Generating telepresence environment. Location, Tunguska bunker."

I flexed my fingers as the link kicked in. I hated using Mahan's drones instead of going in person, but they were really handy when I needed to hide my identity. Unfortunately I'd be on my own. I was dressed in an expensive suit. I guessed it must be what all the best KGB agents were wearing this season.

"Are you ready to do this Comrade?"

"Mahan?" A drone in military dress stepped forward and saluted.

"You can't go in alone. That would raise suspicions. I have transfer orders with the proper encryptions and I'm set up to answer when they call to check on them. That is of course if Shock can't convince them to release Mr. Knight to our custody."

"No such luck in fact they are having him transferred to Moscow to be tried for espionage." Shock stated.

"One moment. Yes, just as I thought, the execution date has also been set." Mahan added.

"They offered to trade him for our technology, but I know that was a no go so I told them we didn't want him that bad. Then they cut me off."

"Don't worry about it, I knew it would be a long shot."

"Comrade Captain, we'd better move. A hover copter just took off with a flight plan ending at the prison."

I ran up the ramp, climbed the stairs to the cockpit, and started the warm up sequence.

Mahan's drone plugged into the system and the board went green. "Everything checks out. I'm adjusting the exterior holographic projector."

The ceiling dropped four foot, split down the middle and retracted to the sides. "Engaging full cloak switch to hover copter hologram at ten miles out." I ordered.

"Switching to hover copter mode now." Mahan replied.

"What?"

"We're only eight and three quarter miles from the prison."

"Okay, how long do we have before the real pick up team arrives?"

"Hard to determine, so we'd better make this fast. Just don't look rushed."

"I know what I'm doing."

The flight was very short indeed. I'd have to get a memory implant of recent military changes. Thinking I wouldn't be back I sort of lost track of such things. "It's strange that there were no radio communications."

"No need, all military equipment has unique encrypted transmitters. I'm spoofing the correct ID so no problems. Your ID is Agent Alexi Petronov, no rank designations so don't fall into that trap. Identity code phrase is 'It's unseasonably warm out today.' To which you reply 'yes, the weather reports said it would be negative ten'."

We exited the shuttle. I resisted looking back, knowing that it currently looked like a hover copter. We stood waiting at the guard post as the Warden rushed out to meet us."

"Sorry Sir, we didn't expect you to arrive so quickly. We're getting the prisoner now."

I glared at the Warden but otherwise didn't acknowledge his existence.

"Oh! It uh, seems warm out today." He quickly said.

I rolled my eyes at his sloppiness. "Yes, the weather reports said it would be negative ten."

"Tell me, why the sudden interest in this prisoner?"

The guards hauled a bedraggled inmate out of the prison. Mahan ran a scan and transmitted the information directly to my eyes. I felt nauseous but maintained my composure. I pulled my handgun and pointed it directly at the Warden's face. "I'm here for prisoner 87356201. Either you have made a mistake, or you have lost him. If this is a mistake it will be reported. If you have lost him, either through death or escape, I'm authorized to carry out your execution."

"You idiots! Get the prisoner out here!" The Warden yelled. "I apologize, but we had to be sure-"

"Warden, I suggest you shut up. You're just humiliating yourself more at this point." Mahan was quick to point out."

I held up my left hand clenched in a fist and Mahan immediately came to attention. Reacting to his actions the gate guards, who'd been nervously handling their rifles did the same. "I do not like to be trifled with. Time is expensive and the more that I have to waste on imbeciles the less I have to deal with important tasks."

The guards returned leading the real Mr. Knight. He looked a little worse for wear, but still in fairly good condition. "Remove the cuffs and chains."

"That isn't protocol."

"Warden, you are trying my patience. Prisoner 87356201 is due in court. We can't be parading him in front of the world press looking like any common criminal. Or perhaps you're questioning my ability to subdue the prisoner should he even consider escaping?" I clicked back the hammer on my sidearm.

"No Sir! Remove the shackles, quickly."

As soon as the chains were off I holstered my sidearm and shoved the prisoner to Mahan. "Get him aboard and strapped down. Warden, I take it back, I think it's about to get very cold today."

"Huh?"

I visibly rolled my eyes. "I hope you enjoyed your vacation in this lovely location, because where ever you get sent next isn't going to be as nice. A word of advice, read the complete message carefully so you know the departing counter phrase as well." I noticed his eyes bug out before I turned and marched back to the hover copter. As soon as the image switched to the shuttle I ran up the ramp and hit the close button.

"What is going on and why is everything you say in English instead of Russian?" Mr. Knight asked.

"We're in the middle of a jail break. Oh and please note, while yes I made threats, No one was injured. In fact here." I tossed the gun to him, "You'll note that is a very realistic prop replica and couldn't be fired even if I wanted to." I yelled, as I climbed to the cockpit.

"Wait, you can't just-"

"Commander Knight, I suggest you remain seated and securely belted in. Captain Prowl-Ar's piloting can be . . . unsettling in the best of circumstances.

I carefully lifted off and headed toward Moscow. "Mahan, project intercept course for the hover copter. Never mind, I see them.

I brought the shuttle to a hover directly in front of the other craft. "Military hover copter, I suggest you return to Moscow. I've already retrieved what you've been sent for."

"Identify yourself."

I heard Mahan give Mr. Knight space sickness bags. I dropped the cloak. "Tell your superiors when a Shadow Runner makes a request it means we've already retrieved what we are after and we're actually giving you a way to save face."

"Fire!"

I let a couple of their missiles explode harmlessly against the shuttle's shields. "If you are quite through, I'd like you to understand that this is just a shuttle so it doesn't have what I'd call military grade protection. Still, you did your best. Even the prison Warden did his duty to the best of his ability, but when I had all the correct codes and phrases he was grossly over matched. Captain Nightiger, out." I dialed the inertial dampeners to maximum and pushed the anti-gravity to full, shooting us into low Earth orbit. I could hear Mr. Knight emptying is stomach. I switched to a private link, "Mahan, once our guest has recovered enough, get him cleaned up and kitted out for a hospital visit with his son. Then bring him up here." I quickly recloaked the shuttle and set an easy re-entry course for Austin Children's Long Term Care Facility. Several minutes later Mahan escorted Mr. Knight up the stairs.

"Who are you people?"

Mahan pushed him into one of the auxiliary stations and belted him in.

"Though I don't look it at the moment, I'm Captain Prowl-Ar Nightiger."

"You say that like it should mean something."

"Mahan?"

"Mr. Knight has been in custody for nearly three years."

"That explains a lot. Mr. Knight, I represent the fledgling Furry Nation."

"Great, that's all I need."

"We rescued you because the current crew of our first space station requested you for the position of first officer. They seem to think your devotion to pacifism will balance the military training of their chosen commander."

"Yeah, no. This is obviously an elaborate way of getting me to agree with your false accusations that I'm a spy."

"Mahan, was he a spy?"

"No Captain, he was in Russia meeting with LGBTQF protesters to help them organize effective non-violent protests. He was arrested because his methods were generating worldwide sympathy for the protestors."

"I'm not saying you have to agree to be the station's second in command without seeing what we have to offer. All I'm asking is a couple of weeks of your time. As a bonus . . . you know what, you wouldn't believe me if I told you what we have planned next. Mahan, the station's VR is just about ready, right?"

"I've already dispatched Shock and Dr. Redfield. They are currently having difficulties, even with the proper documents, convincing the facility to prepare Lance for transfer. Mr. Knight, if you agree to two weeks aboard the Station we can heal your son with our advanced technology."

"Mr. Knight, you don't happen to know anything about Video Fox, do you?"

"You're kidding right? He's only the most trusted furry reporter on the net."

"Mahan, switch places with Shock."

"Tiger is coming with . . . What just happened?" Shock asked.

"I had Mahan switch with you."

"Is that you, Tiger?"

"Of course it's me. In case you didn't notice earlier the drones don't look like our real selves since we're a little too infamous."

"I guess you're right about that. So, why did you have Mahan switch?"

"I'm trying to get Mr. Knight to trust us and as it turns out he's a fan of yours."

"A fan from before I changed my fursona from Video Fox to Shock Fox or after."

"Hold it, how can this be Video Fox when you were calling him Mahan earlier?"

"Shock, take the controls and try not to freak out over what I'm about to do. Mr. Knight, while you are talking to two living beings right now, these units are extremely advanced drone bodies that we are using as telepresence units." I put my hands on the sides of my head and gave a sharp twist to the left. The synthetic nanite "skin" parted and I held my head in front of me.

"That's what Kyle did to the doctor drone?" Shock asked, “No wonder she has such a nasty bedside manner. Just hurry up and put the head back on before I make a mess of the VR simulator."

I replaced my head and took the controls.

"Don't mind him he's actually really not that bad, once you get to know him." Shock said.

"You are really Video Fox?"

"Please, call me Shock. My Video Fox fursona died when the President outed me to the world."

"And damn near killed you because of it." I growled.

"Hey, that nasty incident finally convinced you to marry me, so it wasn't all bad."

"You got married? I bet there were a lot of upset fans."

Shock laughed, "Far fewer than you think. Actually, more of my fans were jealous considering the perks."

"Jealous? Of him?" Mr. Knight said, pointing at me.

"Hey it's not everyone that can win the heart of an honest to God superhero."

"Foxy, I'm not a superhero."

"Oh? What would you call someone that saves the planet from a massive comet?"

"Stupid."

Aaron started laughing. "I don't believe a word you're saying, but that was actually funny."

"Mahan, que up a highlight reel of my reports starting with how Tiger saved the planet. Oh, and make sure you include the one that I had you lock for me. Also, I need to switch with you so I'm not here to view it again."

Mahan's drone slumped in the seat but didn't reactivate. "Mahan?"

"I'm still with Nichole. I can only do a single drone switch like that. Shock is currently being projected into a new drone. I have unlocked the video panel next to Mr. Knight so he can watch Video Fox and Shock's videos while you are in route."

I heard the video start so I left Mr. Knight to it and concentrated on ignoring what was playing.

***

"You're telling me that was all real and not a bunch of green screen special effects?" Aaron asked.

We were walking into the care facility, I glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot. "What part of me removing the drone's head was green screen?"

"Trust me Mr. Knight, As crazy as it seems they're telling the truth. Hello, I'm Doctor Nichole Redfield, formerly of Manhattan General, and now Chief Medical Officer of Furry Station One. I was the one that proposed you be offered the post of second in command."

"Doctor, is there really a chance that these . . . people can help my son?"

"Mahan seems to think so, and I have to admit their medical technology is centuries beyond what you'll find here on Earth. So I'd have to say yes, there is a good chance they can help your son."

"Sorry I'm late." A young lady said as she ran up to us. "Getting through midday traffic was a bitch."

"Shock?" I asked.

"Don't start. It seems there were only female configured drones left. By the way Mahan, you may want to burn the ID for this drone."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"I may have kneed the driver when he tried to take advantage of me. Oh, and I stole his car to get here."

"Mahan, get Shock to the shuttle before the police arrive. Shock, wait for us there. You'll be flying-"

"I'll fly the shuttle back to the station."

"Mahan?"

"As soon as we enter the shuttle I'm sending Shock on ahead to the next destination to prepare his friends."

"Go, the less time we're here the better."

***

I found myself sitting in a car outside a row of nearly identical houses. "Mahan, where am I?"

"Counterstrike Security Service Base, Mountain Home, Idaho."

"That's an Airforce Base."

"It was shut down in the early 2100's. It was later converted to a drag strip for several years while the base housing was converted to low rent facilities. It was again abandoned and was slowly being consumed by the desert until Counterstrike bought it and converted it into a facility to train private security personnel."

"Sounds like we're going to have a tough time convincing him to become the commander of our little station."

"Perhaps, however he's had to hide that he's become a furry. On a side note, many of the security employees in my front companies were trained here. I'm also currently negotiating with Major Counterstrike while Shock catches up with Vanguard. Now would be a good time to interrupt, before someone sees you sitting in front of the base commander's house talking to yourself like some madman."

I got out of the car, walked up to the front door and rang the bell.

"Can I help you?"

I glanced up at the security camera. "Yes, I believe my associate is already here visiting you."

"And what does the fox say?

I glared at the camera. "Someone's been in my music archives. Fine I'll play this game. The fox says 'yiff' over and over. Sometimes he says 'Oh God yiff me harder' followed by a lot more yiffs." I made sure to keep my voice at a serious monotone level. Even when I could hear the laughter from inside.

The door swung open. "Who are you and what did you say to my fiancé? Your answer better be good, because you're interrupting a very important call." Counterstrike growled.

"Hang up." I said simply.

"What?" He asked in surprise.

I rubbed my ear even though I knew it wouldn't help. Mahan's half of the yell was quite literally inside my head. "I said end the call. If he's really interested he'll call back later with a better offer."

"How did you even get past base security?"

"CS, you might want to invite Captain Nightiger in, before someone reports that you're yelling at a guest and certain questions might be raised why your fiancé is wearing a fursuit."

I was abruptly pulled in the house and the door slammed behind me. "Who are you, really?"

"As Vanguard said, I'm Captain Prowl-Ar Nightiger. The reason I don't look the same is because, like Shock I'm using one of my ship's drones as a telepresence unit so that no one knows I'm here. After all you wouldn't want anyone to know you're having dealings with America's current most wanted terrorist."

"Why are you here? Sure I sent you a get well video and I watch your game, but that isn't a reason for a personal visit."

"Tell me, in level of importance would the client you still have on hold, be your biggest customer? Ask him who he works for."

"What? That's insane. I'm not going to insult-"

"Fine, take him off hold and listen to what he has to say."

Counterstrike glared at me as he held the phone near his ear. As he listened his eyes seemed to grow larger and his mouth fell open. He ended the call and just stared at me.

"CS what's wrong?" Vanguard asked, as she came up behind me. "Tiger got you tongue?"

"He- He's-"

"Captain Nightiger, yeah Shock told me that."

"No! He owns Fireshadow Technology, Thundermane Medical, Wraen Russar Real-estate, Kah'Har Entertainment, and Jahar Law Offices. My God! You're the richest most powerful man on the planet."

I shook my head. "No, I'm not on the planet. Besides, Mahan is the one that takes care of all that. Living on the Shadow Runner I rarely need to buy anything so I don't really bother with how much 'wealth' I might have. As for power, I've made myself immortal with the ability to shift into a tiger what more do I need?"

"Excuse me?" Shock asked.

"I was speaking about trivial things like wealth and power. You and Kyle are more like air and water, things that I can't live without."

"Oh my goodness, that is so perfect." Vanguard squealed.

"I admit getting you was more than I could ever ask for, but if I'd known you were both Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne . . . You know, you're right, the wealth and power wouldn't have mattered. It wasn't either of those things you put on the line for me, it was your life and soul. That's what is most important to you. The connections you have with others and that's why . . ." Shock trailed off as he looked at me.

"Why what?" Vanguard asked.

"Sorry, Van. Some things should remain private between mates."

As soon as the mission was over I knew I'd find Shock and give him a hug.

"So, why are you here? Don't try to give me any nonsense about Shock and Van catching up on old times because they already did that."

"We're here to abduct the two of you for alien experimentation." Shock said.

I face palmed.

"Ooo does that mean you're going to make us shifters?" Vanguard asked, while bouncing up and down in excitement.

"Fox, you really know how to make life interesting." I mumbled.

"I know, and yet you still love me."

"Your associate was trying to buy my company. Is that your way of covering up your abduction attempt?" Counterstrike asked.

"Honestly, I don't know what the hell is going on with Mahan and Shock right now. I'm here to offer you the position of Commanding officer aboard Furry Station One. The first official New Furry Nation outpost."

"You want 'me' to command a space station? Why?"

"Honestly, I'm not the one that chose you. The first residents of the station did."

"And they are?"

"Chief Medical Officer Nichole Redfield, Chief Security Officers Jennifer Steele and Janelle Redfield, and the Station's AI control system Silverbolt. They also chose Aaron Knight as your second in command. He hasn't decided yet but was willing to spend two weeks on the station to decide."

"Anyone else on the station yet? I'm asking since I watched Kel's video on the space school." Vanguard asked.

"Yes, the Redfields two children Mark and Mary. Also Mr. Knight's son Lance if we are able to bring him out of his coma."

"Oh." Vanguard hung her head.

"Van, you're Counterstrike's fiancé. Tiger's offer is for both of you." Shock pointed out.

"Really? CS we've got to do this. You said if by some miracle your application to become a member of Prowl-Ar's crew actually got you in you'd be a janitor if need be. This is way better."

"I'm not saying no, but are you sure about putting me in charge, and will I really be in charge?"

"Well, you'll have to answer to your crew, of course, and technically Shock, Kyle and I will be able to overrule you if we decide you're in the wrong."

"Don't forget Mahan, we all have to answer to him eventually." Shock insisted.

"Yeah, he does get his way most of the time."

"You follow the orders of your ship's computer?" Counterstrike asked.

"How many times have you been able to tell him no? He's the one you were talking to on the phone."

Counterstrike glared at me as if he was trying to come up with an answer. He sighed "I see what you mean. I can't think of a single time he didn't eventually get what he wanted. So what should we pack?"

"Anything that has a personal connection or sentimental value an identical item can't replace." Shock announced.

"What about my guns?"

I sighed. I knew this was likely to be an issue at some point. "If a couple have sentimental value, fine. However, no ammunition. You're going to be living on a space station. A single accidental misfire will likely kill you and anyone in the section with you. Also you're going to be the station commander, so if you have guns it sets the president for everyone else to be allowed to have them. The final decision is up to you, your station your problem."

He nodded and left the room to pack.

***

As we pulled away from the gate, through mutual agreement we let Counterstrike drive, he asked where we were headed.

"Take the interstate East and get off at the Bliss exit."

"If you're headed for the base I think you are I'd suggest . . . No, you're right the Bliss exit would require the least amount of back tracking. Shock, since Mahan is obviously giving you directions I'm going into sleep mode. Don't worry, I'll 'wake up' once you reach the base. In the meantime I'm going to see what we can do for Mr. Knight's son."

I took a breath and the VR simulation shut down.

"How is it you can take being in your old house, but can't handle driving through the area?" Mahan asked.

"What is Mr. Knight's arrival time?"

"The shuttle landed about ten minutes ago. Captain Dacat-Nightiger is helping to move Lance Knight to the medical bay."

"Can he be healed there or would the evolver be a better choice?"

I need to do a proper medical scan to know for sure."

I nodded and headed for medical. I found Kyle waiting outside the infirmary door.

"That otter won't even let me in."

“Mahan begin running checks on applications for a possible medical specialist to join the crew."

“Really? You're actually considering adding another member to the crew?"

I pulled Kyle into a hug and just held him.

"Social anxiety from having to talk to so many people you don't know, right?"

I hugged him tighter. I knew I probably looked weak, but with Kyle I knew it didn't matter. He just held me until I could regain control of my emotions.

"It's not just the people. I didn't even consider Counterstrike and Vanguard living so close to the area I grew up. I'm stable around the house since I've watched it change over the years, but . . ."

"I think I understand you're just not ready for that much change all at once."

“Yeah, but not all change is bad. Now that we're a real family I don't want to rely entirely on Mahan's medical drone."

"I hate to interrupt, but I've completed a comprehensive medical scan. His condition could be corrected, but we would still have a couple of problems. First of all he'll have the mind of a fourteen year old in a twenty four year old body and second his body has deteriorated to the point where it will never recover naturally."

"The Evolver it is." I replied.

"Is that a good idea?" Kyle asked.

"If I program the sequence carefully, then yes we can basically reset him to exactly how he was before his injuries." I turned and walked into the infirmary.

"Out! Both of you. I can-"

"Kill switch." The Doctor slumped slightly as she went offline.

"You could have told me about that sooner." Kyle growled.

"Sorry Kyle, I only added it after I came in to get checked out to continue playing the game. Mr. Knight, as it turns out we can revive your son. However you need to prepare yourself."

"I know he has a long time to full recovery, but I know he can do it."

"Um, no. We're going to physically reset his body to match his mind. Wait, let me clarify. There is no way for him to fully recover using standard treatments. Instead I'll be using the equipment-" I stopped as it occurred to me that he might not know we were shifters. "Shock had you watch highlights of his videos so you know we're no longer completely human, right?"

Aaron laughed. "Right, you may have tricked others with your special effects but I'm not falling for it. Shifters, immortality, enhanced healing, it's all science fiction."

"Kyle is an anthro dragon standing right in front of you. For that matter you're on a freaking space ship."

"You showed me your drone technology. He's just an elaborately decorated one."

I shifted to my anthro form, then into my tiger form, and back to human. I then walked over to a medical tray picked up a scalpel and slashed my cheek.

"Tiger! What the Shinra are you thinking?"

"Drones don't bleed, and even though this hurts like hell it'll heal up quickly enough." I grabbed a slide, caught a drop of blood, and placed it in the microscope. "Check it. You'll see that it is blood. The sparkly bits are the nanites that speed up my ability to heal." I walked to the sink and started to wash off the blood as Aaron checked the microscope, moving the slide around likely to make sure he was actually seeing my blood. Kyle walked over and slapped me. It wasn't hard but it stung on my freshly healed cheek. I could feel the anger radiating from him.

"Don't you ever, EVER do that again. No matter what you are trying to prove. I don't want you to ever purposefully hurt yourself. We could have found another way to try and convince him."

"Commander, I hate to admit, other methods wouldn't have worked, however I cannot condone either action. Captain Nightiger shouldn't have mutilated himself and you had no right to slap him."

"Don't judge my husband like that. Kyle didn't just slap me to show how much I upset him. We, Kyle, Shock, and I have intertwined our souls. So when I cut myself both Kyle and Shock also felt the pain just as we all felt the sting of that little pat. Now as I was saying we're going to use the machine that made us shifters to physically reset your son to just before the accident. What you need to prepare yourself for is explaining what happened to him. Fortunately at his mental age he's not likely to question why his body hasn't aged while he's been in a coma. Still, it's going to be a lot for both of you to deal with. Doctor, online."

"I told you to get out."

"We're leaving. We just have to move the stasis tube. Kyle will you assist me? Doctor, could you find a place for Mr. Knight to relax until his son has recovered?"

"Fine, just get out."

As we walked down the hall I felt on the verge of crying. "I- I'm sorry about cutting myself like that. I didn't even stop to think how you'd feel." His hand landed on my shoulder as he stopped me.

"I'm the one that needs to apologize. I shouldn't have hit you. I was just so angry seeing you hurting yourself for no reason." Now he pulled me into a hug. It's a good thing the three of us are together on this ship. I think we'd completely fall apart otherwise. I mean mentally" He was quick to add.

"I know what you mean. No matter what happens our commitment to each other is unbreakable."

"I love you." Kyle said holding me tighter.

"I love you, too," I kissed the hollow of his neck, "and I promise once the crew of the station is taken care of the three of us will be having some serious us time. I'm sure Frost won't mind helping the new kids learn about the VR chamber on the station for a few hours."

"We could always make a little time now."

I sighed, "Unfortunately we need to get Lance into the evolver and the program set and running before Shock reaches the hidden base and tries to wake up my drone. Besides it would be completely unfair playing around while he is stuck in a drone body and unable to adjust himself."

"Are you sure? It might be fun finding out how he gets even with us."

"I'm sure." I said while smiling.

"You're the one still holding on to me." Kyle pointed out.

"I know, but I really do prefer the comfort of being in your arms to having to deal with more new people."

Kyle gave me a little push. "The sooner you get things done, the sooner the three of us can get it on, or is it all off?"

I shook my head and grabbed the stasis tube. "Someone is picking up Shock's bad habits." I muttered.

Kyle didn't reply and I didn't look back but I could feel his smug grin drilling into my back.

***

I reactivated the drone connection to find myself sitting in the co-pilot seat of a shuttle.

"Welcome back. I take it you were getting into trouble back on the ship? Anyway we moved your drone body here and I set course for our next stop. Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska. Our targets are still at work so I've taken up position above their back yard. As long as we don't have any delivery drones flying through we should be safe."

"Work?" I asked.

"Yeah, Jaden is an old fashioned photo journalist. However he only writes three or four articles a year. The rest of the time he works as a mechanic in the local junkyard. Mitchel volunteers at the local LGTBQF+ outreach center when he's not traveling with Jaden as his equipment handler."

I looked at Shock just waiting for him to comment on what he'd just said.

"I know what you're thinking, but stop. They've heard it so often that it isn't funny anymore. I sort of went to school with them. They were three grades above me. I only got to really know Jaden when our parents sent us to a Christian 'Adjustment' School. We both got kicked out when I used the boy's bathroom and Jaden defended my choice. We kept in contact and that's how I ended up meeting Mitchel. The day Jaden turn eighteen he left home and that gave me the courage to become an independent minor and move into your house."

"Damn Kel, I can't remember anyone named Jaden or Mitchel going to school with us." Vanguard said.

"You'll likely know them when you meet them. They changed their names after a couple of characters in one of Prowl-Ar's stories that sort of mirrored their actual lives. Besides I was sworn to secrecy and I'm not going to break their trust."

I watched as an Ancient Mustang Coup pulled into the driveway. "Jaden must have real talent to get something like that restored."

Shock laughed. "The body is carbon fiber specially formed to fit a modern car's base. It would be cool if it was original, but without a combustible fuel source it would be an expensive decoration."

I took the controls and carefully set the shuttle down in their driveway. From what I could see they didn't have any close neighbors and the trees would shield the shuttle from sight. "Commander Counterstrike and Vanguard, please remain here while Shock and I speak with the last members of your crew."

"I'm guessing they're going to be my chief engineer and base councilor?"

"I have no idea. Your security officers requested them so I'm giving them the option to join." I adjusted several switches shutting down the shuttle's cloaking system and followed Shock down to the main compartment.

"You know the effect turning off the cloak like that will have?"

"I'm sure there are a great many possibilities. I'm thinking of having a bit of fun with this, just follow my lead." I hit the emergency override and the rear ramp fell open with a bang.

"I told you it's the same type of shuttle from the UN attack. I told you Kelly would remember his friends." One of the two men said bouncing up and down.

"Misters Freeborne, We represent the Shadow Runner's interests here on Earth. As of 3:45 Eastern Standard Time a cease and desist order was issued for the Names of Jaden Freeborne and Mitchel Freeborne."

"What?" Mitchel said in shock.

"You may either legally change either your first or last name but you cannot continue using names that are copyrighted by Mr. Nightiger."

"Wait, I know enough about copyrights to know that you can't copyright a name." Jaden replied.

"Not under US law but we are not bound by Earth laws."

"And just what are you going to do if we say no?" Jaden asked.

"Jay, don't piss him off."

"Well, I guess I'll take you to Captain Prowl-Ar and he'll make sure you disappear."

"Go to hell." Jaden said coldly.

"That's where I spend my winter vacation. Agent restrain him."

"Mitch, call Shock. He'll straiten this out."

I turned to Shock, "You gave them your number already?"

"Of course. I mean there's only maybe ten people in the world that I'd give it to, but just because most of my life sucked doesn't mean it was all bad. Jay and Mitch treated me like their little brother so of course I'd remain in contact with them."

"Kelly?" Mitchell asked.

"Well, so much for that game still I think you held out longer than Shock."

"Hey, it's not like I had a gun to point at Jay's head like Kyle did to me." Shock pointed out.

"This whole thing was a joke, wasn't it?" Mitchel asked.

"That's right, it was one big joke. Oh, except the part where we abduct you and you're never seen again."

"So I was right! Don't you get it Jay, they're going to take us to the ship where we'll have a chance to become members of the crew!"

"Sorry, but that isn't happening. First of all I am Prowl-Ar and this is Shock. We're remotely operating a couple of Mahan's drones since technically we're not allowed to be here. The reason we are here is because the command crew of the new furry station has requested that you join them."

"Why us?" Jaden asked.

“I have no clue. While I'm responsible for the new nation-"

"Something he tries to avoid most of the time." Shock cut in.

I glared at him. "The day to day business is in the hands of the command crew."

"Do they know us or something?" Jaden asked.

I shrugged. "The crew at that time consisted of the security chiefs Jennifer Steele and Janelle Redfield, chief medical officer Nichole Redfield, and the station's AI unit Silverbolt. Their requests were for Major Counterstrike for commanding officer, Aaron Knight as second in command, and you two."

"We've done interviews with both Counterstrike and Knight in the past but I don't recognize the others."

"Steele was chief of security at the UN during the attack and the Redfields are her sister and sister-in-law."

"Completely in charge, takes her job way too seriously, and scares her troops far more than any terrorist could?" Jaden asked.

"Ah, so you do know Officer Steele."

"Only by reputation."

"Redfield? Isn't she the secret service agent the President was ranting and raving about? Something about how the service needed to be investigated for corruption?" Mitchel asked

"Oh, right. I was looking into contacting her to get her side when it all stopped after the whole Grimm incident." Jayden replied. "I also wanted to interview you at some point, but every time I have an angle a certain fox spoils it by constantly posting online."

"Oh like you wouldn't write all your reports about Mitch if you could get away with it." Shock pointed out.

"He's got you there, Jay."

"Listen, you don't have to decide right away. Mr. Knight has only agreed to two weeks and our healing his son. Counterstrike and Vanguard-"

"That's Victoria Whitely." Shock interrupted.

"Yes, anyway they were all in and packed for the move."

"Can you give us a minute?" Mitchel asked.

"Of course." They walked over to the car.

"Mahan, turn the audio receptors down until they return so that we're not eavesdropping."

"Aww, that's not fair." Shock whined.

I ignored him and waited. It didn't take them long to return.

"We'll give you a month. That's the average amount of time we spend on a story, and this is one story I'm not going to miss. So once we get our equipment organized-"

"You only need things that have sentimental value. All your gear can be recreated on the station."

What about darkroom facilities?"

"It's a well shielded space station. What do you think? If you want you can even replicate the first camera ever invented. Anything you need you'll have access to. Trust me, if the station is anything like the Runner you'll be able to set up the studio of your dreams." Shock answered.

"Not quite. Space is at a premium on the station so you won't be able to set up anything overly extravagant. Still you'll have plenty of room for a small photo lab and darkroom along with your living quarters."

"When do you expect the station to be ready?" Mitchel asked.

"Didn't I make that clear? We're here to take you to the station now."

"I'm calling Sara to let her know we need her to watch the place." Mitchel told Jaden. "Sara's a friend that takes care of the place while we're on assignment." He told us as he dialed. "I know its last minute but you know how some clients can be. Yes! We're leaving now. No, they sent a car for us. Yes, their waiting for me, and not very patiently might add. We'll be fine. No it's not like that, we're not going to some terrorist . . . actually yeah, we are, but it isn't some hole in the ground-"

"Just tell her where you're actually going." I was getting tired of waiting.

"Really? Alright, they gave me permission to tell you. We've been selected to do a report on Captain Nightiger's space station and the future school they're planning to start. Sara, we'll be perfectly fine. Shock Fox is like our little brother, he's not going to let anything happen to us. Sara, I've got to go, just watch the place while we're gone. Bye." He turned back to us and shrugged. "She's nice enough to watch our place, but I swear if she ever found out we are furrys she'd have a heart attack."

"Do you have fursuits you need to pack?"

"No, we don't suit. There's too much risk of being outed, and around here that isn't a good thing." Jaden answered.

"Speaking of being outed we'd better go before Sara gets here and tries to stop us." Mitchell said.

As soon as we made it to the station Silverbolt announced that it was at full power and ready to jump to the location I'd chosen. I moved the station and Kyle let me know that the Evolver had finished healing Lance. I immediately shut down the drone and transferred Lance back into a stasis pod. I had Frost join me and we moved Mr. Knight and his son over to the station. The Redfields took the Commander and Vanguard, drone Shock and Steele went with Jaden and Mitchel and Frost and I took the Knights to help them settle in.

As expected Lance woke up with no memories and I had to calm Aaron and reassure him it was temporary. Still, even after he recovered Lance couldn't remember anything from roughly a week before the accident. After getting them settled and showing them how everything worked Mark and Mary showed up asking if I could get the VR units online. Three hours later I left the four kids working on building their own game world. Silverbolt assured me he'd let Mahan know when Frost was ready to return to the Runner.

I made it as far as our bed but I just didn't have the energy for having any fun. I had just enough left to pull Shock into a hug.

"What's this for?" He asked.

I promised myself that no matter what you were getting a hug for deciding not to tell Counterstrike and Vanguard about my problems, keeping it just between mates. Now Kyle you get a hug as an apology for getting you excited and then not having the energy to follow . . ." I shook my head to stay awake.

"It's alright, you've pushed yourself to your limits again. Get some sleep before you pass out."

***

I woke to find Kelly in my arms. It felt strange holding him in his human form. Still I took it as a sign that he felt truly secure with me. He looked so young and innocent while asleep. I knew it wouldn't last long with both Kyle and I awake. He stretched and shifted to his anthro form letting out a large foxy yawn.

"Mmm, where's Kyle?"

"Don't know, I just woke up a couple of minutes ago but I didn't want to disturb the dream I was obviously having."

"What was it about?"

"I had this really hot, young, innocent looking guy in bed with me and all I wanted to do was watch him sleep." I leaned forward and kissed him as his inner ears started to turn pink in embarrassment. I pulled back, “And all I could think about was how blessed I am to have him in my life."

"You know, if you keep saying nonsense like that you'll never get this dream person to leave. Of course that would make Kyle and me very jealous, since you belong to us."

I sighed overly dramatically. "Alas, he must go. For he could never compare to my wonderful mates."

"You could always share him."

I sat up and dabbed. "No, no he is already gone. I have banished him for not being as perfect as my Fox and Drake."

Shock started giggling.

"You two are supposed to be getting some extra rest time. Not doing whatever the hell it is you're doing." Kyle said, as he walked into the room.

"Spoiler. Our Tiger was just starting to loosen up."

"Drake, what's wrong?" I asked.

Kyle sat on the end of the bed and flopped backward, his head coming to rest between Shock and I.

"Parenthood can be a real pain in the tail."

I ran my fingers through his fur. "What did Frost do now?"

"Lance, Mark, and Frost spent the whole night creating a game."

"Let me guess Lance and Mark are in trouble so in order to seem like good parents we're going to have to punish Frost as well."

"Oh no, it's not the lack of sleep it's the game they created. A very mature game. A game that had they been on the Runner, Mahan would have locked before they could even get started."

"Oh, don't tell me."

"Yeah, you forgot to connect Silverbolt with the VR computer. When he went to check on them he found much debauchery had taken place. Not sure what do he contacted Mahan, who tried to wake us but you two were completely out of it. So I went over to find out what the problem was. Mahan, you must have checked what was going on, why didn't you give me any warning?"

"I'm sorry, but Mahan is preforming a full system scan and is currently offline." The computer replied.

"Yeah, I will be speaking to him about this even if it takes till the end of time. Anyway I get there and walk in

*Redacted*

I sent Lance and Mark to their quarters, locked down the VR, and brought Frost home. I told him that I wasn't angry, even though I am, but otherwise it was a very quiet flight. I told him that we would be talking about this after he got some sleep. I'm just glad you're awake. I really didn't want to have this next awkward conversation on my own."

"I hate to say this, but is it really that bad? I mean it's sort of like Tiger's House game. So long as it isn't hurting anyone shouldn't we let him explore that part of himself?"

"I think the awkward conversation Kyle's referring to is the one we have to have with Mark and Lance's parents. As for Frost," I sighed, "I agree with you, but we're going to have to come up with some boundaries."

"The first being no getting others involved just to make friends." Kyle murmured.

"Computer, what time is it?"

"Current time is 8:14."

"So, if they aren't used to the time change yet it's about ten for the Redfields and who knows what sort of time they set for the prisoners of the bunker they were keeping Mr. Knight in. Listen, if either of you don't want to do this I'll go it alone. As the Captain it is my responsibility."

"No, this isn't a crew matter, it's a parenting thing so we all need to do this together. It was likely as traumatizing for the kids as it is going to be for their parents. We need to show them that we are taking this matter seriously while not making it even worse for everyone."

Kyle laughed. "Fox, why is it you're the best parent?"

"Maybe because I'm still too young to know better, or it could be because I basically had to be my own parent in order to survive."

"Computer, Frost is confined to his quarters and his matter generator is to be locked to food only until further notice. Shall we get this over with?"

They both nodded.

***

I sat watching the look on Mark's parent's faces as Kyle gave a vague description of how he found Mark.

"Are you certain it was Mark and not a, what did you call it, NPC?" Janelle asked.

I leaned forward. "Non-Player Character, and if it had been an NPC he would have been physically male rather than transgender."

"Mark's going to be really upset that you know that." Janelle muttered.

"Actually knowing that solved a mystery for me. The method used for conception from two female parents will always result in female offspring."

"I'd hoped you wouldn't remember I'd mentioned that." Nichole replied.

"Back to the matter at hand, you are Mark's parents and it's up to you how to best deal with the situation. For my part I'm fixing the monitoring disconnect between Silverbolt and the VR computer. I'm also giving you full observational access to Mark and Mary's VR excursions. However, I feel I need to point out that the VR is a safe way for them to explore that part of their lives since, for Mark the only outlet he has here in reality, for now is his sister."

"If you don't mind my asking, how are you planning to deal with Frost?" Jan asked.

"Each of the three involved have special circumstances. That's why I only told you about Mark's part."

"What do you mean?" Nichole asked.

"Mark is transgender and may prefer female furrys. If Lance's Father decides to discuss his son with you that's his choice, but I'm not going to. As for Frost, while he is physically a teenager he is also fifty-one years old. As for punishment we haven't decided yet. However, he will be punished, not for having sex in VR, but for involving Mark and Lance in something that he should have realized would get all three of them in trouble."

"Tiger, this might not be the best time, but if Mark feels at all like I did-" Shock started.

I sighed, "This is likely not the best time to bring this up. Still, you should at some point have a discussion with Mark about the possibility of gender reassignment."

"We already have. We've gone over all the options and though Mark hates having a female body, he believes all the available options aren't good enough."

"I can understand were he's coming from, but we have better options."

"Shock, I know you're trying to help but you need to be careful about revealing Runner secrets." I turned to the Redfields, "What Shock is saying is that using the same method as was used to transition Shock can change Mark into a functional male by changing his genetics."

"How." Nichole asked.

"Mahan finds the complete genetic code of one of your ancestors, edits the code to match Marks chosen alterations and then using the machine we used to alter your sister-in-law every strand Mark's DNA is checked and altered while simultaneously altering Marks body to match. However the effects will also be similar."

"So longer life and he won't be able to father children."

"No, his immune system will remain the same so, for now no extended life. As for children it is possible just not through natural means."

We all turned at the sound of a door sliding open and a sudden gasp. Mark stood in the doorway looking scared to death.

"Mark, I think you need to come over here." Janelle stated.

"He- he told all of you everything, didn't he?"

I could see that he was on the verge of breaking down. I nudged Shock, "I think you'd be the best one for this since you know what he's feeling." I whispered.

Shock immediately got up and approached Mark. "It's all right. I know what it's like."

"How would you know?"

Shock knelt down. "Because I used to be trapped in a female body as well. It's actually why I'm here now. You see, I was in a lot of trouble because Prowl-Ar singled me out for a special report."

"I know, I watched it."

"To apologize he found out the thing I most wanted was gender reassignment. Unfortunately I hated my body so much that I didn't care about the stories of failed surgeries. However, to apologize for getting me in trouble he brought me aboard the Runner and using his advanced tech changed my DNA so that my physical and mental genders matched."

"Can he do that for me?" Mark asked.

"Hold it right there mister. Before you even think about that, we need to discuss what you were caught doing." Nichole stood up and glared at Mark. "Prowl-Ar, I believe the three of you need to go and speak with Mr. Knight?"

Mark groaned.

"I didn't share any details about Frost and Lance with your parents and I'm not going to share your details with Lance's father. Of course Shock and Prowl-Ar know everything because they are my mates." Kyle reassured the teen.

"I probably don't need to tell you this but your VR privileges are currently revoked until such time as your parents decide to reinstate them." I called out as we left the Redfield's quarters.

***