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Virtually Real Part 7: Grand Theft Starship

Evan was a little over an hour into punishing himself, and I admit it was getting somewhat uncomfortable, when the Forest Guardian re-appeared.

"Master Lightstripe, I hate to interrupt your discipline session, but the House Guardian requested I inform you that Alton and Amur will be arriving shortly."

"Evan, even if you feel that you haven't suffered enough we need to make arrangements for their arrival."

Evan released his grip on my shoulder, "Eee?"

"Don't try to talk just yet, Give your jaw muscles some time to recover. Though answer your question, yes 'we'. I need to purchase a couple of dogs. Guardian, please watch the cubs and inform them Evan and I are leaving for a short time."

"Yes, Sir."

When we reached the basement it was clear that things had changed. "House, we need appropriate apparel for Slavers Moon, Regulus System, Leonar Star Empire."

House's avatar appeared, "Please follow me to the viewing room. You can get dressed there."

While the basement layout was obviously different, the viewing room with its window into the pool was almost the same.

I picked up a golden piece of smart cloth. "Evan, Leonar is a feline dominated Empire where Lions are the noblest members of society. For this trip we will be switching rolls. You will be pretending to be my master. Stand there and lift your left leg."

I stepped behind him and pulled the cloth into place. "Now your right leg, as the highest caste lions never speak in public. In fact they show no interest and almost no emotion. Try not to move your tail so much while I get it through the opening."

"How do they communicate then?"

"Through their 'voice', that's the role I will be playing. More on that in a minute I need you to put your arm back so I can slide a sleeve on. The Voice is the highest rank a slave can have. Only the Master's most trusted slave can hold this position. Now your other arm. Humans exist but are extremely rare and unpredictable. Having me as your Voice gives you even higher prestige."

I walked around him. He looked like I draped a ripped gold silk sheet around him. "While we are there it is imperative you act correctly"

I picked up two gold cuffs and a pair of sandals. I kneeled, laced the sandals to his feet, and clipped the cuffs around his ankles. I stood up, retrieved two more cuffs and put them on his wrists. The smart cloth immediately shrunk fitting his arms, legs, and back leaving an open 'V' from just behind his testicles up over his shoulders.

"You've got to be kidding." He said looking over the outlandish costume.

"You represent the pinnacle of perfection. It would be wrong not to flaunt it. Now hold still we're not done yet."

The next cuffs went around the base of his tail and just before the tuft at the end. I adjusted the smart collar so that it hung longer and I clipped on a gold medallion that rested at the center of his chest. Next I put a gold belt around his waist.

"Only two things left." I took the last cuff and clipped it around the base of his scrotum, pushing his balls up and out. "We'll deal with the mental link tiara once I'm dressed."

I pulled on a gold skirt that hung to just below my knees and secured it with a gold belt similar to Evan's. Next I laced on my sandals and secured my money pouch to my belt.

"Shouldn't I carry the money?" Evan asked in surprise.

"And sully yourself by interacting with lesser species? No, this is another reason why the Voice has to be the most trusted slave." I secured a set of golden cuffs to my wrists and then I slipped a golden band on my head.

"Now bend down so I can fit your tiara. This is the devise that makes me your Voice. The tiara and my head band are linked allowing the Master to send his thoughts directly to the Voice. Normally the transmission is one way but this set has been modified to be two way. If you're ready, press the green button on your gauntlet."

He pressed the button while I pressed a similar part of my own cuff that concealed my link. "Now think something to me." I projected to Evan. In truth we were still talking out loud to one another but the simulation made it seem like an actual telepathic connection.

"What? I don't know how to do that."

I laughed. "See you don't have to know how. Just concentrate on me and use your inner voice. House, we're ready. Open a portal to a reputable slave auction.

***

We portalled directly into the auction house entry by-passing the crowds. Evan was nervous but I reminded him through the link that no one would question him directly. We were met by a jaguar.

"Bright day, Master. We are truly blessed having two members of the elite with us today."

"My master demands that you stop wasting his time and show us your stock. He is here to buy young dogs, males only. He also has a passing interest in the unusual to display in his menagerie or the perverse for entertainments."

"The Master has chosen an excellent day to grace us. We have a completely new species and an unusual variation of a known Canin." Two life size holograms appeared one of a brown dragon with yellow markings and a second of a foxtaur.

Evan looked at the image intently "I've never seen anything like the fox before. Too bad the dragon is a female."

I smirked at his observation. "My master would like you to rotate the image extend the females wings."

"Your pardon, but the one with wings is a male. After a scan we discovered that its species reproductive organs are internal except when aroused then two penile organs extend from his genital slit."

I was relieved that Evan was able to conceal his surprise. "My master will bid on both."

The jaguar risked a glance at Evan and then at the bite mark on my shoulder. "We also have something in the perverse category that you may find unusual."

The holograms were replaced by new ones of a black panther and a black lab.

"The panther's father bought the dog as his son's first slave, only to catch them fornicating. Admittedly, not an unexpected outcome, however the dog was in the dominate position."

I stared into space as Evan thought, "You may want to buy them. Something in that jaguars tone tells me they're not going to live long in this realm."

"Are they being sold singly or as a set? My Master would like them as the central entertainment at his next banquet."

"They've been here a week and no one has shown an interest in them. I was afraid we'd have to put them down. Such a lot of unwanted paperwork from the oversite board on the disposal of one from a noble bloodline. If you meet the combined reserve of 150 Royals we won't even bother to display them."

I pause for a moment as if conferring with Evan "My Master agrees to meet the reserve price. However, he wants some assurance they will not be altered. He'll be doing that after his spectacle."

The jaguar glanced at Evan and gasped. He had a look of true fear as he realized his faux pas looking at my feet instead he responded. "Yes my lord."

I took the money from my pouch, placed it on the desk, and stepped back.

He quickly moved behind the desk, counted the gold, and then wrote out a receipt. He placed it on the desk where I'd placed the money, still refusing to look up.

I retrieved the receipt and made sure to keep my voice even as I said, "Now show my Master your Canin stock."

Dozens of holographs later I'd narrowed the selection to four: a golden retriever, a golden lab, a husky, and a German shepherd.

"If you would state your opening bids we can begin the auction." He sounded both tired and scared.

Again I paused as if listening to Evan. "Seven hundred on the winged one, three hundred on the mutation, and one hundred Royals on each of the standard Canins."

"The display order will be reflected by Master and by initial bid. When you make a purchase you will come forward, pay immediately, and take your purchase. They all have inhibitor collars to keep them docile."

The attendant pushed a button on his desk and a pair of leopardesses entered.

"Master, we will show you to your box." While it was obvious they were flaunting themselves for Evan they kept their attention on me. Of course I was unfazed.

As we walked, I imagined Evan kept fantasizing about our escorts, at least it would explain his peeking from his sheath. I described him chained, his male-hood being ripped from his body, and slowly bleeding to death. Of course the computer likely projected the image directly into his mind. Either way it seemed to do the trick in reminding him what would happen if he became distracted and made a mistake because his arousal quickly disappeared. Our escorts also noticed and the teasing stopped. As we entered the box where we found a seat for Evan, a podium from which I would be issuing the bids as well as the panther and lab kneeling next to the chair.

"Masters and Mistresses, this is a special day. We have not one, but two Elite Masters with us."

The announcer opened with a female cheetah at 1000 Royals, then a wolfess at 400, followed by a male St. Bernard at 150 all purchased by the other Lion and retrieved by his tiger Voice. I had to wonder what a member of the second most elite had done to be enslaved, but I put it out of my mind when the next item, my golden lab, was brought out. Unsurprisingly there were no other bids. It was the same for the golden retriever.

The next slave to come out was the husky that I wanted.

"This item has multiple interested parties and an opening bid of 200 Royals."

"250." I was quick to get my bid in. The lab and retriever were my secondary choices but I really wanted the husky and shepherd.

"255."

I scoffed at such a pathetic raise. "300." That ended the bidding. I nearly skipped, as I was exiting the box. Evan reminded me that I was playing a part and I had to remain meek. He was the one buying the slaves, not me. I quickly composed myself surprised at my own lack of decorum.

"This item also has multiple bids opening for one hundred Royals."

I was surprised that I had the high bid considering the shepherd's fine coloring. The silence seemed to stretch on.

"I apologize, I didn't make it clear that he has multiple identical opening bids."

I glanced at Evan as though surprised, and turned back to the mike, "350."

"We have a new opening bid of three hundred fifty Royals, any other bids?"

Silence reigned and I quickly made my way down to pay. As we were walking back to the box I heard an almost imperceptible "Thank you." He took the place next to the husky and they learned their shoulders together it was obvious they were familiar with each other.

"Our next item comes from one of the newly discovered worlds. These Canins have developed in a non-standard configuration. Our opening bid is 500 Royals."

"600." I yelled.

"700."

"800." I was bidding against the tiger with the other Lion Master. He turned to me and bowed showing that his Master decided to back out.

The taur whimpered as I led him back to the box. Fortunately I only had the dragon left and we could leave.

"Our final exotic item is from the very edge of the Empire. It hasn't even been given a rank or species designation I'm sure we'll be seeing more in the future, but for now this is the only one available. Our bidding starts at 1000 Royals."

Again I was placed as second bidder but I'd planned on getting a dragon as my first slave so I wasn't going to let this chance pass. "2000."

"3000."

It was the other Lion again, "4000."

"4500."

"5000." I wasn't going to lose.

"Aaarrrgh."

I tuned to see the Lion on his feet, the tiger lay crumpled in front of the bidding box.

"5243."

There was a collective gasp as the Lion spoke.

I sent a mental message to Evan telling him we were taking the tiger as well and how to act. Then I announced, "6000, final"

"6000, final bid." The announcer was shaking and trying to keep from looking at the corrupted lion.

Evan stood and pointed at the tiger struggling to stand. I was headed down to pay for the dragon so no one noticed me manipulate my own cuff, taking control of the tiger's link module.

I sent the message as though it came directly from Evan, "Your Master has shamed himself and I claim you as punishment. Join my Voice at the stage, remove your link and former master's money, and leave them with the attendant."

The tiger hung his head and quickly limped to my side doing as he had been instructed. "Please, we must hurry, my former Master isn't known for his control. He is angry enough that he may even try to attack you or your Master." He whispered.

When we reached the box I opened a portal and hurried the slaves through.

"I'll kill you all!" The lion was rushing toward our box as I stepped through and the portal closed.

"Well, that's another universe I'm not likely to be visiting again." I lamented as we arrived back at the main gate. It was more obvious than ever that House had made significant changes. The most notable was the fact that the house itself had doubled in size.

"Sir, Amur and Altan will be arriving at the town house momentarily. I am opening a portal."

I looked at Evan and thought, "Keep everyone calm. They'll still be looking at you as their master, and since this is "your" estate you are now able to speak to them. Oh, and whatever you do, don't remove the bindings from the dragon's wings." Then I turned and stepped through the portal.

***

When I arrived I found that the room had also been upgraded. There were rugs on the floor, a mirror and dressing table, a couch and coffee table, and a partition wall separating the bed from the rest of the apartment.

"Lord Lightstripe, nice dress."

I turned toward the Shadow and tiger twins that appeared, "I was visiting Slaver's Moon in the Leonar realm to purchase some dogs."

"You're not making these two mates?" He asked, and I immediately realized Mahan was playing the part of the Shadow this time since the standard response would have just been a nod of the head.

"Of course they are mates. I just remembered that they like knots so I thought I'd pick up a few for them to play with."

The Shadow shrugged. "As you can see they are both collared with your smart cloth and nothing else."

"That's fine."

"The good doctor also informed me that you purchased a large lot of slaves recently."

I rolled my eyes, he was really playing it up. "I know what you are getting at. I haven't registered them with the slave guild yet. I've been dealing with an injury, however; now that Alton and Amur have arrived I'll have Mika write up the paperwork. I'll send it to you with the money to file with the guild. After all I've been asked to stay away, at least until the traveling merchant arrives."

"True, just remember I'm not your courier."

Of course I couldn't see through the mask but I could still hear the smug grin. "Trust me I won't forget. Now you may want to come with us. House has shifted his location so you're going to need to travel there through one of his portals again so that you can reach him through your shadow portals." If he was here just to irritate me I wasn't going to just let him pop in and then out after a couple of jabs.

"I'm still busy rounding up and questioning individuals from the list, it'll have to be an in and out trip."

"House, open the portal."

The King's Shadow stepped through followed by Amur and then Alton. As we arrived I found Evan looking frustrated.

"You weren't kidding. House really has made some changes. I wish I could stay but I have 'real' work." With that the Shadow was gone.

"Yes, toddle on off and do your real job and stop irritating me." I thought. I heard Evan gasp and I suddenly realized I was still wearing the Voice connection. "Sorry, you weren't supposed to hear that." I couldn't help blushing. I quickly shut down the link and turned to my new slaves. "Everyone, you might not believe this, but I'm your new Master. Evan is actually one of my slaves. You are all allowed to speak freely, just no lying."

"Master is very adamant about that rule." Evan said reinforcing the fact that I was the one in charge.

"Thank you, Evan, now let me get that ridiculous outfit off you. While in this realm all of you will be nude most of the time so those of you still wearing clothes take them off."

"Master Pridean implanted a tracker in me. He is coming to kill all of us." The tiger said, as wrung his hands.

I finished removing all of Evan's cuffs and the tiara. "That will be some trip considering we are in a different universe. Evan, stop fidgeting so I can get your collar back in shape. There, now put the cloth in the bin so House can deal with it." I removed my own garments and then turned to the group of slaves. "House, please summon Mika. I'll also need my robe and a pad for Mika to generate registration papers on."

House appeared with the robe and pad. "Mika will be here momentarily."

A portal opened and Mika stepped through. He looked around in confusion for a moment. "I thought the gate between realms only opened in the basement."

"House has the ability to redirect his portals as he sees fit. Now, I called you here in order to generate registration papers for your newest brothers."

"How? I don't have a desk, ink, quill, or paper."

"Everything you need is on this pad. Just take the stylus, that's the part that looks sort of like a quill and write on the surface. Write 'slave registration' and the form should come up."

"It says 'subject 011'."

"That's Evan. We'll deal with that group later. Write down 021.

"Subject 021. Now it says 'species'."

"White tiger with purple stripes. Gender, male. Age, 14. Name, Alton. Seller, Dr. Enrique. Reason for sale, abomination. Price, none. The information for subject 022 is the same changing purple stripes to pink and the name to Amur."

"Um, it is asking for symbol."

"Skip that and 'additional comments' for now by tapping the lower right corner. Alton and Amur you are now mine. Ordinarily it would be for the next ten years, however the two of you are lifers, though considering your tastes, I don't think you're going to have a problem with that. Mika here will fill all of you in on the general slavery rules but you need to know that I won't be selling any of you. In ten years you will be granted your freedom. However, I won't be returning you to your realm of origin due to safety concerns. I also need you to know that you have all been purchased as pleasure slaves. Questions?"

"Does that mean you'll be raping us?" The Leonar tiger asked.

"I'd rather not, but I will eventually have sex with all of you. However, you need to know that I enjoy both topping and bottoming. Also I try to purchase my slaves in pairs in order for them to be a mated couple while they are here. That doesn't mean you will be exclusive with your mate as you are free to have sex with any of your brothers. Just remember each of you has the right to reject having sex with anyone but myself. Now let's move on to subjects 23 and 24."

I stepped forward and place my hands on the black lab's shoulders.

"Subject 023, Black Lab, male."

I removed his old slave collar and put his new one on. "How old are you?"

"Thirteen, Master."

"Sir, will be fine. What is your name?" I removed his slave skirt and discovered that he was caged. "Dammit, they didn't give me a key for this!"

"Sir, if you will allow me? After Master Lark's visit I believe I can now break metal as he does." I stepped back and House's avatar stepped forward and traced his finger over the metal in several places. With a loud snap the cage fell apart.

"Thank you, Sir. My previous owner said I'd be caged for life. I don't really have a name. None of us Canins that were bred to be slaves do."

"His name is Blacky at least that is the name I used for him when no one else was around. His seller, as well as mine was my father, Master Harmen Scratch." The panther spoke up.

"I was informed that the reason you were being sold was because you were caught bottoming for him. I hope that is true since you are now mates."

The panther looked surprised but not upset.

"I need your name in order to finish your form, please." Mika asked.

"I'm- You know, call me Scratch, if that's okay. It's what Blacky calls me and I prefer it to the one my father gave me."

"Scratch it is. Are you also caged?"

"No."

"Then I'll just replace your collar and remove your slave skirt."

"I can get undressed on my own now that you've removed the inhibitor collar."

"Ah, so that's why no one followed that order. Mika are you ready for the next one?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Subject 025."

"Golden Labrador, male, 19, Royal. Seller, Mistress Saline Cross, and I was sold for growing old."

"Ah, you had a female owner."

"Yes, but she never spoke directly to us or made physical contact. She preferred her boys to pleasure themselves or each other as entertainment." Royal said as I removed his collar.

"You'll find that I'm much more hands on." I pulled the front of his skirt down and stroked his sheath. He moaned and started to swell. I released him and slipped the smart collar over his head. "You'll be mated to number 26, the Golden Retriever, but I suspect you're going to be spending a lot of time knotted to a white tiger."

Royal quickly removed his skirt. Amur was quick to slip up behind him, reach around, and pick up where I left off.

"I guess that means I'm next. I'm 18 and would like to be called Goldie. I don't really have an official seller, except maybe the Royal Leonar Bank. I and the other two Canins were seized by the bank after our former Master made one too many bad investments. I also feel I need to tell you, while I've bred many females, I have never been with another male before. Not that I object, it's just I'd rather you know that I'm inexperienced in that area."

"We'll take it slow and careful teaching you to bottom. I doubt you'll have any problem learning to top another male. Mika, make a note of that in his additional information section."

"I've got it."

"Number 27 is the Husky.

"My name is, uh, Husky and I'm 18."

"If I read the signs correctly you're already mated to the German Shepherd?"

Both of them looked at each other in surprise. "We've always wanted to be, but the Master only kept breeding slaves so we couldn't actually be together in that way."

"My name is Shepherd and I'm also 18. At the auction I was so afraid that Husky and I would be separated. Not only did you rescue us, but now you're giving us the one thing we've wanted all of our lives. Thank you, thank you so much."

"Don't thank me yet you're not allowed to mate for twenty-four hours. That goes for everyone except Alton and Amur because they've already been cleansed."

"Now we have three left."

"Master, I- I can't have a mate that isn't from my home planet. I can breed with anyone able to accommodate my member, but mateship bonds are . . . complicated." The foxtaur said. He almost looked like a part of him had died.

I nodded, "That makes this next part easier. Subject 029 is the Western brown dragon. House, please remove the cuffs and chains along with the muzzle, but leave the wing binding."

"Release me at once! I am no slave!"

"So much for the collar keeping him docile."

"I apologize, but the collar was attached to the muzzle." House said.

"You've been observing so you know what is expected of you."

"I told you I'm not a slave. I am Talon Windspear of the Draconian Alliance. The ship I was on was an exploration vessel. When I woke from hyper sleep I was bound and pushed out on that stage. I don't care who you are or how far away this place is my superiors will come for me!"

"I'm sorry Talon, but you are indeed a slave. You were captured and sold by the Leonar Star Empire. Now how old are you?"

"I'm 127 years old."

"You're still quite young then." I said critically.

"Equivalent development of a 17 year old human." House pointed out. "At most he was likely equivalent to an ensign. I doubt, even if they could reach this universe, this Draconian Alliance would bother coming to look for him.

"Thank you House. Now, according to the auction house scans you are of the breed with two penile organs. First I want to know if they are fully developed or are they hemi-peens."

"Fully developed and each has its own set of testes." House answered for him.

Talon looked mortified.

"He has two?" Evan asked in surprise. "How does that work?"

"Not all dragons are the same in all realms I've seen a variety of configurations." I turned back to Talon "When erect are they horizontal or vertical? Never mind we'll keep that as a surprise. Are you going to have any trouble being mated to a male tiger? Besides having to accept the idea of being a slave?"

"No, in our society pleasure is meant to be shared as often and with as many partners as possible." He said, obviously still upset at what house had said.

"You may fit in here better than you expect. I'm going to have House remove your wing binding, but you need to know that there is an invisible dome covering the entire island. I'm telling you this because I suspect you are going to try and take off as soon as you can fly and I don't want you getting hurting yourself by flying into it."

"So there is no escape?" He asked sounding completely defeated.

"Even if you could you're in a different universe so you wouldn't have any other place to go. By all means feel free to stretch your wings and test the limits of how high the dome really is. Just be sure to rejoin us once we move to the fountain in front of the house, please."

House removed his bindings and I was surprised that he took his time to stretch before taking to the air.

"Subject 030, standard tiger. Seller, Master Pridean. Price, none. Reason for sale, claimed as punishment for his former Master disgracing himself in public."

"I don't have a name only a number. TS, for test subject, 175769. I don't know how old I am."

"Initial scans would suggest that you are sixteen and-." House started.

"So what sort of test subject were you?" I interrupted.

"Genetic manipulation. I don't know why, but my first Masters were combining Leonar and Canins. They weren't happy when they made my male part extend from my sheath and it was canin shaped."

"Mika, give me the pad. I need to edit the entry from standard tiger to tiger/dog hybrid."

I quickly made the changes and handed the pad back to Mika. "Now we need to come up with a proper name-" I looked at him and discovered he was hanging his head and crying. I quickly pulled him into a hug. "Don't worry, nothing is wrong with you. You're not the first hybrid here. In fact one of Evan's sons is a lion with a canine penis just like you."

Suddenly a gust of wind hit us as Talon landed.

"Sorry, it's been so long since I've been able to fly that my wing muscles have weakened. I'm going to have to start an exercise routine to build them up again."

"You sound like you're in a better mood. Maybe you can help your mate here think of a name for himself."

"Mate, that's going to take some getting used to. It is rare among my kind to form a long term sexual bond with anyone. So, what about Stripes? It's descriptive and easy to remember."

"What do you think?" I asked the tiger.

"I like it better than test subject, so I guess my name will be Stripes."

"Good, now that just leaves subject 031, the foxtaur, both to be registered and without a mate. So tell us you name, age and why having a mate is complicated.

"I have to return to my universe. I can't feel the link here. That means my bond mate can't sense me. If the link isn't repaired both I and my mate will die."

A soul bond. That was a twist I hadn't expected the VR computer to make. "How long before that happens?"

"It may already be too late. If he thinks I'm dead he may kill himself. I don't care if I'm your slave and I'll never see my mate again just so long as we're in the same universe and the link is connecting us." He whined.

"House, I need Aaron, Key, and Shot to join us. I also need power armor for Aaron, Evan, Talon, Stripes, and . . . This is when you tell me your name." I said looking at the foxtaur.

"Pyre Flamefoot and I'm 16."

"I need power armor fitted to Pyre and my special suit."

"Are you sure about this, Sir? Talon poses a significant risk to your safety."

"Talon, as a dragon ten years is not a significant length of time. Considering your cultures views on sex I don't think you'll have a problem with that. If you were part of an exploration mission being trapped here in a foreign realm can't be all that bad. All that is left is the indignity of the title, correct?"

"I- I hadn't really considered it that way."

"If House allowed you to make regular reports back to your home-world would you be willing to remain here to study us for ten years?"

"An interesting proposal. If I could clear it with my superiors, I believe I'd enjoy it quite a bit more than spending years in hyper sleep only being revived far a few months to study a planet or culture where I'm really nothing more than a shield for the real scientists."

"There, all taken care of." I laughed.

"You wanted us, Sir?" Aaron asked as they ran up.

"Everyone gather around." Shot, Key, and Mika. I want you to help Blacky, Scratch, Goldie, Royal, Husky, Shepherd, Altan, and Amur get settled. That means all of them, except Alton and Amur, get cleansing tablets. Then choosing lockers, washing, brushing, and being introduced to the rest of the family."

"You're putting us in charge?" Key asked in surprise.

"Well, technically House is in charge, however you have been through the process before. Now off you all go while the rest of us go and get Pyre's mate."

They all started for the house only to stop and stare as six metal replicas of Aaron, Evan, Talon, Stripes, Pyre and a much larger black tiger marched past.

"Aaron, you're an accomplished hacker, right?"

"Uh."

"I'm asking because this mission is going to be dangerous and I need someone that can sweet talk information out of computer systems."

"No problem I can hack just about anything, except House it seems."

"We'll talk about that another time. Now, do any of you have experience with power armor? Please raise your hand if you do."

Everyone just stared at the now immobile armors.

"That is disappointing but not surprising." I opened each suit and passed out the inner armor. "You shouldn't have any problem putting on the body suit, boots and gloves. Once on the smart fabric will adjust to a perfect fit."

I pulled on my own suit to demonstrate and then helped Pyre since his form made getting into a full body suit difficult. Once everything was done up I noticed that Talon was also struggling with his wings.

"I'm sorry about this but your wings are going to be bound up again."

"Its fine I just can't get them into place on my own. Still this smart fabric is something we don't have in the Alliance, but I can see many benefits that it could provide."

"You think the smart fabric is good wait until you're in the armor."

Once everyone was properly in their jumpsuit I knew I had to take a dangerous risk. "Aaron, you're up first." I helped him climb into the armor and adjust himself. I stepped back and the armor closed automatically. He took a tentative step and then a second. Obviously feeling overconfident he tried to run and fell flat.

"While the armor responds to your movements like a second skin, and being powered means there isn't any extra strain on your body, you have to remember that you are much larger and heavier. Now get up and try again. Evan, you're up next."

He had no problems getting the armor on and Stipes quickly followed. I helped Talon get his wings adjusted into his armor. "Keep in mind, you're not going to be able to use your wings to maintain balance."

"I was wrong, I do have some experience. This is similar to our space suits except they aren't as heavily armored. Just one question why does your armor look like an enlarged version of Stripes' armor?"

"Everyone has their idealized form. Mine just happens to be as a tiger rather than a human and my armor reflects that."

"Do you really fit in that thing? It looks much too large for you."

"The inner mesh expands around my body making it a perfect fit. As soon as I step back and your armor closes you'll see what I mean." I stepped back and turned to help Pyre only to find that he had already figured out how to get into his armor and was running around as the others were still struggling to find their balance. It seemed having four legs gave him a significant advantage.

"Pyre, stop showing off." I climbed into my armor and it closed up but instead of the inside expanding I shifted into my anthro-tiger form. I opened my eyes. In this form the armor wasn't confining me it was keeping me in control. "Everyone, line up." It came out more as a growl.

Pyre stumbled as they all turned to look at me.

I tried to remember the last time I'd shifted. It had obviously ben long enough that I'd lost some of my ability to speak clearly. I cleared my throat. "Sorry, I should have mentioned I would sound different once I was in my armor. Now, have any of you had projectile or energy weapons training?"

Evan, Aaron, and Talon raised their hands.

"The armor has a selection of built in weapons systems. The primary assault unit is a plasma blaster on the back of the hands. House, release three target drones. To fire you point your fist at the target and clench." I demonstrated by shooting down all three drones. "If the situation requires it I will give the command to unlock your weapons. The armor also has a built in artificial intelligence to assist you. Please say computer initialize and follow the directions you are given."

After setting up their A.I. they turned back toward me. "The mission has several objectives. First we need to obtain a starship with faster than light capabilities. Second, Aaron I'm going to need you to hack in and find the coordinates to Pyre's home planet and where Talon was taken. If we make it that far the next step will be to find Pyre's mate and hopefully convince him to join us. After that we need to find Talon's home world."

"Why do you need to do that?" Aaron asked.

"In order to negotiate a treaty that allows Pyre's planet into the Alliance before the Leonar Empire turns them all into slaves."

"I doubt that will be possible, since our faster than light star drives seem primitive compared to those of the Empire." Talon said regretfully.

"Aaron, add schematics for FTL drives to the list of information to steal." If we can't get them hopefully the Alliance will be able to reverse engineer the drives on the ship we steal."

***

We exited the portal into a small spaceport lounge.

"My bond link is back! Raze will know I'm still alive." Pyre yipped in joy.

"Aaron, there's a computer access port integrated into that table."

"Interstellar maps and FTL schematics, I'm on it."

"Stripes, you've traveled the most, where are we?"

"Station 24, docking ring 2, transfer lounge for the ship Star Predator. I don't know why you needed a hacker, they have very minimal security. I could take down most of the Empire's military forces from this public access point." Aaron said in disgust.

"Star Predator is my Former Master's ship." Stripes said in surprise.

"Aaron-"

"Master Pridean is still on the moon filing complaints against Master Prideforge for theft of property. I have the information we need and I'm writing a virus that will erase the location of Pyre's home world and the encounter with Talon's ship from all records."

"So I'm a thief for taking Stripes, as tradition allows?" I smiled even though no one could see it with the armor on. "Aaron, can you find a way to make everyone evacuate the Star Predator?"

"A core containment leak would do the trick and no one would question us entering the ship wearing armor if we're here to fix the problem."

"Make sure any outgoing communications come to us rather than the station. Pyre stand back in the corner. Talon you need to be next to him. Aaron you stand to the left, Stripes to the right. Evan I need you right in front of Pyre move a little to the left. My left your right. Good, now if I stand between you and Stripes we should keep the evacuees from noticing that Pyre or Talon. Aaron, empty the ship."

"Control, this is Star Predator, we have a core containment leak."

"Star Predator, begin evacuation. A technical team has been dispatched to analyze the problem and take any necessary steps to protect the station, and repair the problem if possible."

The door slid open and a dozen Leonar crew members filed out followed by a tiger that could only be the captain.

"You must be the repair crew, I'm Captain Tessar Fury. The slaves are locked down and shouldn't cause you any trouble. I have contacted Master Pridean and he is on his way. I pray you get the problem fixed before he arrives."

"We'll do our best Captain." I was surprised that Stripes had taken the initiative to be our voice, but after considering that he was the lesser of the two tigers and out ranked a lynx I let it slide.

"You'd better." He turned and followed the rest of his crew.

Once his back was turned we hurried aboard and I sealed the hatch. "Stripes, do you know the location of the bridge?"

"Follow me, Sir."

Evan laughed, "Obviously they don't know the rule that a Captain is supposed to stay with the ship in this realm."

"So much better for us." I replied.

It didn't take long to reach the bridge. I changed back to human form and exited my armor. "Talon and Pyre I want you to stay in your armor for now, everyone else out. Evan, take the captain's seat."

"Shouldn't you sit there?"

"Only if you know how to pilot a starship. Aaron get us disconnected from the space dock, bring the engines online and plot an indirect course for Pyre's planet. Make sure there are at least five jumps to cover our tracks. Stripes, I want you to check on the slaves. I need to know how many there are, what condition they're in, and if they are likely to rebel when they finally learn that they've been liberated."

"What are you planning on doing with them?" He asked.

"I didn't obtain them legally so I'll drop them off on a Leonar world if they want or hopefully the Draconian Alliance will give them refugee status. Do you have slavery in the Alliance?" I asked Talon.

"Not since long before we started traveling among the stars."

"You're thinking you'll be able to convince everyone else to turn against me when we get there, don't you?"

"The thought had crossed my mind, but really the longer I watch you the less I even want to rebel."

"So everyone, what are your thoughts?"

"Sorry Talon, but I'm with Lord Lightstripe. He made sure that my family could remain together and I'm not going to abandon them." Evan said before anyone else could speak up.

"I could easily set myself up for life in this universe with my skills, but I'm going to turn you down as well. I've got a good thing going back there. Plus I've discovered a challenge worth pursuing."

"Aaron, I'm warning you, House does not take kindly to his program being altered."

"That just makes it even more fun."

"I don't care where I end up." Pyre said looking at me. "As long as my bond mate is with me, of course. Though, given a choice, I think he would choose to follow Master Lightstripe."

"What about you, Stripes? Do you want to stay a slave?"

"I've never imagined not being a slave, but I'd rather risk staying with Master Lightstripe than being recaptured by the Empire."

"I guess a mutiny is off the table. If you do decide to leave once we reach the Alliance, I can't exactly force you to stay. However, it would be proper to pay me back the equivalent of 6000 Royals, or at least attempt to find another willing male of your species to take your place."

"I didn't say I was going to go back on my word. I was just considering my options. If the Grand Council orders me to return to my post I'll have to obey it, but I really like the deal you're offering me."

I sighed. "We'll deal with that problem if it comes up. Aaron, what is taking so long to detach from the station?"

"Port control seems to think we're trying to steal the ship. I've already pointed out that Lightstripe's Pride is registered to Master Evan Prideforge."

"Switch the link over to me. Port control, why am I sitting here suffering at the whims of a lesser Leonar?"

"I don't know who you think you are-"

"The voice of Master Prideforge, I am most displeased with this whole operation. First I am subjected to a show of disrespect at the auction and now you are accusing me of trying to steal my own ship?"

"I- I am sorry your Lordship, but a claim has been made against you."

"Was it, perchance, filed by one Master Pridean?"

"I am unable to confirm or deny that question."

"I suggest to review the Akron Auction House video record from earlier today. Master Pridean is trying to delay my departure as a form of petty revenge for his own lack of moral competency."

"One moment while we review your claims."

We waited almost holding our breath. Suddenly the ship shook.

"The docking clamps have released." Aaron needlessly stated.

"Master Prideforge, we apologize for the delay, you are cleared to pull away from the station and continue on your way.

"I may consider returning at a later date, Lightstripe's Pride, out."

I hit the reverse thrusters and the ship drifted away from the port. "Bringing the nose around now. Aaron, display navigation coordinates. Stripes, sit down for the moment. Talon and Pyre activate the magnets in your boots and brace yourselves. Everyone else buckle in and prepare for the jump to faster than light speed. I've never made the jump in this universe so I don't know what to expect."

There was a moment of acceleration as the ship lurched forward and that was it, we were traveling to our first navigation point.

"That was rather anti-climactic." Evan stated.

"You've traveled through hyperspace before."

"Only once and I was unconscious in a containment pod. If anything traveling through House's portals are more exciting."

"I hate to ask this, but if we are traveling faster than the speed of light doesn't that mean time for us has slowed down? I don't want to return to the Alliance only to discover centuries have passed."

"Usually, once a race develops FTL drives, they find a work around to that problem." I pulled up the FTL drive designs Aaron had downloaded. "In this case the drive creates a space/time bubble around the ship. It isn't perfect, there is a discrepancy of two to one."

"What does that mean?"

"For every minute we are in hyperspace two minutes pass for everyone else in this universe. However, that isn't really important to us since the portal back to our home realm is tied to me and not this universe."

"Master Lightstripe, there are three female Leonar, four female Canin, and seven male Canin slaves. I told them that they would be freed when we reach a safe destination, but the Leonar insisted on being released as soon as possible." Stripes called on the intercom.

"We are coming up on our first course correction, Aaron, is there an inhabited planet nearby?"

"According to the records there is one. An agricultural world, but it is on a heavily traveled route. We shouldn't stop to let off passengers. "

"Let me check the on the ship's life pods." I pulled up the schematics and found that there were four pods all equipped to make emergency landings on the closest habitable world after being released. I was surprised to find there was a small shuttle as well. "Evan, go help Stripes escort the ladies to an escape pod. The sooner they are off the ship the less likely they'll have a chance to sabotage our mission."

***

The pod is away." Evan radioed

I immediately jumped to hyperspace. Stripes returned to the bridge and dropped into a seat. "Evan's making sure the rest of our passengers are settled. Four of the Canins insisted on leaving as well. I did my best to convince them they would be safe. Evan insisted it would be better to just let them go, for all of our safety."

"He's right, it may be hard to accept but since we're freeing them they have the right to leave when and how they want. Don't blame yourself."

"The remaining seven passengers are settled, for the moment. Unfortunately, I get the feeling, they think I'm their new master." Evan stated as he returned to the bridge.

"As long as it keeps them from interfering with the mission I'm fine with that. Aaron, how long until the next course correction?"

"Twenty minutes, then after two additional jumps we'll be heading in the right direction. Before you ask the total travel time will be fourteen hours twenty-six minutes in hyperspace plus however much time it takes between jumps. So, I suggest we get comfortable."

I leaned back, "Talon and Pyre, you can take your armor off. However, I suggest everyone practice getting in and out so if we run into trouble you don't end up getting killed just because you were fumbling to get your armor on."

I was impressed to see Evan, Aaron, and Stripes begin practicing. I got up to help Talon with his wings, but he didn't need help putting the armor back on. Pyre, I was surprised to see need the least amount of time to adapt. I returned to the pilot's seat to wait until I was actually needed.

***

"Dropping out of FTL, now." The planet before us looked like so many others able to support human life. Pyre had a look of wonder and pride that only comes from looking at one's home world.

"Sir, we're receiving a communication signal." Aaron informed me.

"Where is it coming from?"

"A planetary marker satellite."

"Give me the coordinates." I adjusted the ship's flightpath."

"Um, Master, what are you-"

The satellite came apart as it hit the ship's shields.

"Oops, my bad, I should have been paying closer attention to where I was going."

I grinned as the group stared at me in confusion. "In order to keep the planet safe from the Leonar Empire I had to eliminate any form of beacon that could lead them here."

"Does that include other ships? Because the signal is still being transmitted. Only now it is coming from the planet." Aaron said shaking his head.

"Let's hear it."

"This is the slave ship Captive 5. Our navigation systems have malfunctioned. We are stranded on SP-1095897, slave name Dirt. Please, transmit updated star maps."

"The message then repeats."

"Thank you Aaron. It's an automated distress signal. The virus you created wiped their system and, unless someone accidentally tuned into their signal, is marginal. Can you locate where they are calling from?"

"Easily."

"Talon and Pyre, get your armor on and come with me. Aaron send me the coordinates when I launch the shuttle. Evan, you're in command until I get back." I climbed into my own armor and headed for the shuttle.

***

The shuttle bucked as we flew lower into the atmosphere.

"You two doing okay?"

"I was born with wings and could fly almost before I could walk, a little turbulence isn't a problem."

"Raze is in pain. It isn't serious but it's keeping me from noticing my own discomfort."

"I'm guessing he's probably been caught by the slavers."

"He knows I'm getting closer."

"Talon, when we land I want you to remain in the shuttle as surprise back up in case things go wrong. Pyre, you're going to act as my 'Voice'. So try to act submissive and unsurprised when my voice comes out of your armor."

The shuttle set down next to the Captive 5. The slave ship was a medium freighter; old, battered, and probably started out as a cargo transport. Likely capable of safely transporting 100 slaves. I wouldn't be surprised if the slavers tried to pack in closer to 300.

"Talon armor, weapons free, authorization 13-Wild-Cosmic."

"I thought you were joking about giving me weapons access."

"If we get into a fire fight and I need your support I'd rather have you armed. Just try not to shoot me in the back."

"Or any of my people." Pyre insisted.

"I would never dishonor myself in such a way."

"Sir, the slavers are coming." Prye said pointing out the cabin's window.

"Pyre, follow me."

We exited the shuttle and were met by five Leonar. A jaguar, two leopards, and two cougars.

I motioned Pyre forward. He stepped up beside me but kept his head lowered.

"I am the Voice of Master Lightstripe." I batted the back of his helmet as if he had done something wrong. "I am Master Lightstripe, and I have come seeking this slave's bond mate. It seems that if this species, is separated for too long from their mate, they will expire. If you have caught his mate you will turn him over to me. If he has not yet been caught you will assist in hunting him down."

"Listen, Lord Fancy Armor, you may have status back in civilization but that don't count for shit out here." The Jaguar lifted his heavy blaster and pointed it at my chest. "I doubt that armor is good for anything other than show."

"You tell him Boss. I bet he's just a bobcat pretending to be a tiger."

I switched to internal coms, "Pyre, weapons free, authorization, 13-Wild-Cosmic. Remember Pyre, point your fist at the target and then clench. Talon, watch for hidden support." I pointed at the jaguar and switched back to Pyre's external speaker. "You dare test my patience?"

"No I'm going to blow your head-"

I clenched my fist blasting a hole through the jaguar's chest. The two leopards fell next, too stunned at their leader's death to react quickly enough. One of the cougars was on the ground screaming in pain. His shoulder was gone and his arm lay a good two foot away. I stepped forward and finished the job Pyre had started. The final cougar huddled on the ground mumbling about surrendering.

I spun at the sound of weapons fire behind me.

"Nothing to worry about, just a couple of stragglers thinking they could take the shuttle."

"Master, look out!"

There was a loud bang and everything went dark.

***

I groaned as the world slowly came into focus.

"Welcome back. Armor has sustained critical damage to primary power supply. Backup power at thirty four percent. All systems-".

"Screw the suit read out. What is my current condition?"

"You were stabbed with an energy enhanced blade. No vital organs damaged but you are suffering from blood loss. You have electrical burns from the primary power pack explosion. Recommended action, remove armor and blade, stop blood loss, then treat burns. Warning, do not shift to human form."

"Shit! Armor, emergency release code Delta-One." My armor fell off my prone form. It hurt to move, but with the armor off I was able to roll onto my good side. I was in a temporary shelter and a medical kit was nearby. Fortunately I was alone. I grabbed the kit and pulled it open. The contents were basic but they would have to do. I knew I should call for help. Then I came to my senses. "Pause simulation."

"You're cheating." Mahan stated.

"Hell yes I'm cheating! I've got a freaking knife through my side pinning a portion of armor to me. I can't shift back to human form and I can't call for help when I'm in this form. I'm not even sure I can get the knife out with major surgery and a plasma torch."

"Yes, it is quite a fix you've gotten yourself into." But you're the one that reset to Deadly level against my better judgement."

"Stop sounding so fucking smug. Here's what is going to happen. The knife and armor are going to be dematerialized and moved to the side. I'm going to shift to human form. Then the program will resume, simulating an appropriate scream of pain as though I pulled the blade out. Resume program."

While I didn't scream as loud as the program did for me it was close as I grabbed a compression pad and slapped it against the front hole.

"What in the hell!" the front of the shelter was pulled open and Talon rushed in.

I continued searching the med-kit before remembering my own supplies on my armor's belt pack. I pulled it open and grabbed a small cylinder.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?"

"Shut up and push this into the hole in my back then twit the end." I leaned forward pressing the pad against the wound as hard as I could. I screamed again as Talon followed my orders. The sealing foam filled the wound pushing the cylinder back out.

"What is that?"

I gasped as the pain killers took effect, "Combat medicine. The compressed foam sealant has a cocktail of anti-biotics and pain killers. Good for sealing a wound and allowing a soldier to, hopefully, complete the mission before getting advanced treatment. Now, what happened?"

"I didn't see it myself and can only tell you what I think happened. I'd just taken down two Leonar that had tried to sneak up behind the shuttle when I heard a loud bang. I turned and you were on the ground with a knife in your back. Pyre had killed the attacker and I watched as he collapsed. One of the natives came running out of the trees followed by a larger party. They rigged a stretcher and hauled him away. I tried to get you to the shuttle but your armor made you too heavy. I contacted Evan when I couldn't wake you and he suggested setting up the shelter. Then I locked down the shuttle and started searching the slave ship to make sure there wasn't anyone else inside. Aaron has kept me updated on both you and Pyre. When you woke up I started back and then I heard you scream."

"Talon, take a breath. You acted appropriately. Hell, this was your best chance to escape and you didn't take it. I'm proud of you." I grabbed my helmet and removed the com-unit, "Aaron, what is Pyre's condition?"

"As best we can tell he is conscious but catatonic. He keeps mumbling something, but the mike isn't picking it up enough to understand. His vital signs are bad and getting worse by the minute."

"He's in shock. What is the status of his suit?"

"Fully functional but he has cut off all outside stimulus."

"Not good. Transmit his location to the shuttle. Talon, get the shuttle ready for flight." I wrapped the belt around my waist, pulled on the armor's gauntlets, and staggered to my feet. My smart cloth suit had already repaired itself and thickened slightly around the stab wound. I hit a button on my left gauntlet, "Dimensional portal, Leonar/Canin universe, Pyre's world, open. House, my armor has sustained significant damage and I'm sending the pieces back. Send Sticks, in his combat gear as back up, with my combat gear including my blades and blasters." I finished tossing the armor pieces through the portal and it closed. I gathered up the first-aid kit as best I could and looked around. The shelter was empty I limped outside and a few yards away were seven mounds of earth. Talon hadn't mentioned burying the slavers. I'd need to find some way to reward him. I sighed.

The shelter seemed to shiver as the portal re-opened. "House, has the paperwork on my newest slaves been sent in yet?"

"No, it is waiting for you to finish filling it out."

"Good, I may be making some changes."

"Changes to what, Alpha?"

"Sorry Sticks, I was just talking to House."

"So what is going on?"

I pulled my combat pants on over the smart fabric skin suit and I winced as putting on my gun and blade belts pushed my armor belt up against my wound. I took off the armor belt and worked the slide out so that it could be used as a bandoleer.

"Help me get my body armor on. Short version is that we're on a planet of canid taurs, that's wolves, foxes, and dogs with four legs instead of two."

"Mika told us about Pyre."

"Anyway we were in a fight with a group of slavers and I was- Ah! Not so tight. I was stabbed. Pyre killed my attacker but now it seems he is in shock, trapped in his power armor, and with a group of his own people." I pulled the bandoleer over my shoulder and we headed for the shuttle.

"You're thinking that maybe they'll see me as a friendly face and not try to kill us?"

"Well there is that, but also there's the fact that you're the only one I know who already has some combat training."

"Just remember if you get me killed you'll have Birch to deal with." Sticks said.

"What's this?" Talon asked.

"This is Sticks, he's here as added support."

"You know we'll never be able to fit five of us in this shuttle? Especially since Pyre and his mate take up the same room as four bipeds."

"We'll be leaving the planet in the slaver's ship. That'll make two ships for the Alliance to work with."

We strapped in and headed for Pyre's location.

***

I circled the village twice and concluded the natives only had stone weapons.

"You know a spear or well-aimed arrow could still kill us right?" Sticks asked.

"Just the two of us. Even the weakest points of Talon's armor will protect him from what I can see. Hold on I'm putting us down as close to Pyre's location as I can. Talon, weapons lock."

"Weapons are off-line."

"I thought I'd earned your trust."

"You have, but I'm not going to risk an accident. Your job is to look big and intimidating. Sticks, keep the villagers back as best you can. I'm opening the door.

We stepped out and descended the ramp. The villagers kept their distance watching us with spears raised. I ducked into the nearest hut and found a spearhead only inches from my face. I slowly raised my hands. The dogtaur was mostly white with bright yellow belly fur running from his lower jaw to the end of his tail and a belt around his waist where his upper and lower bodies connected.

"Pyre armor, emergency release. Command authorization Delta-five."

"No!" Pyre yelled and grabbed at the armor pieces as they fell off him. "I don't want to see."

"Pyre!" The warrior glanced toward Pyre and I quickly pulled the spear from his hands.

"I'm guessing you're his bond mate, Raze. I'll stay right here but your mate is in shock and needs you."

"What did you do to him?"

"Get his helmet off. Make him look at you. He needs to stop reliving what happened. He mortally wounded one of the slavers and killed another. It isn't something I'd planned on when I bought him. Ordinarily once in my care my slaves don't have to worry about such things."

"He's not a slave!"

"Technically, due to your unique mate ship bond both of you belong to me. But that isn't important right now."

"Like hell it isn't! Pyre, help me kill this slaver and you'll be free."

"No! No more killing." Pyre screamed.

"Pyre, come here."

He fumbled for balance as he stood up. Raze helped steady him. "Don't listen to him."

Pyre stumbled forward and I tossed the spear to one side. Hugging the foxtaur as he fell against me. "I'm sorry, Pyre. I shouldn't have put you in that situation."

"I-I thought he had killed you."

"Heh, it takes more than being stabbed to kill me."

"Pyre!"

Sticks was pushed through the entryway by an angry looking female fox.

"Sorry Alpha, but I couldn't hold her back."

"Mother, I'm fine just a little upset about having to kill someone."

"Raze said you had died and then came back to life." She gave the dogtaur an evil look.

"Master Prowl-Ar transported me to his realm, not realizing what it would mean for Raze and my bond link. As soon as I explained it he returned to this realm, even though he has made powerful enemies, in order to let me try and convince Raze to return with us."

"And why can't you just stay here?" She turned her evil eye on me.

I sighed, "Pyre is my slave and I doubt you could afford to pay for him. If I free Pyre, something that I'm technically not allowed to do, before completing his ten years of service all my other slaves would expect me to do the same for them."

"What do I care about other creatures you have enslaved? You're not taking my son."

"Mother, I'm going back with him and Raze is coming with us."

"What?" Both taurs looked at Pyre like he'd lost his mind.

"On the way here I talked with a couple of Master Prowl-Ar's other slaves and they believe their lives are better even if they are called slaves."

"It's true. Alpha treats us like we're one big family. He didn't choose me, he was forced to take me, but if not for him I would have died. Like Pyre, I already had a mate and Alpha helped me find him. Birch even agreed to become a slave to stay with me."

"Why would anyone willingly give up their freedom?" Raze asked angrily.

I activated the dimensional portal and everyone but Sticks jumped. "House, I'm sending Pyre's power armor through. Please have Birch, Conner, and Isaac dress in combat suits, and join us here. They don't require weapons." The portal closed and I looked around. "It's obvious that anything I say is going to be suspect so I'm calling for reinforcements."

The portal re-opened and Birch was the first through. "Sir, you'd better not have let Sticks get hurt."

I rolled my eyes as Conner and Isaac followed. "Everyone, this is Birch. He is Sticks' mate and the one that became my slave just to be with his mate. The fox next to him is Conner. He was one of the first slaves I purchased, so he has been with me the longest. Finally Isaac hasn't been with me for very long but he has been a slave all of his life. I have one major rule that will get them punishment. Conner, would you tell everybody what it is?"

"We're not allowed to lie even if Dad won't like what he hears."

"So you can be certain that whatever my slaves say, they will be telling you the truth. Birch, Conner, Isaac, and Sticks I want you to answer any questions Raze, Pyre, and Pyre's Mother ask you. I'm going out to help Talon remove his power armor and make adjustments to his suit so he can stretch his wings." That said, I exited the hut.

***

I found Talon sitting on the shuttle's wing watching the villagers. We were receiving a lot ow weary glances, but it appeared everyone had returned to their daily tasks.

"You know you shouldn't be sitting on there? It's written along the edge 'Not a Step'."

"And I'm not 'stepping' on it. I'm sitting on it. I'll make you a deal, you find me a chair anywhere on this planet and I'll sit on it. Until then I'm staying right here."

I laughed, "You win, but I want you to get down anyway."

"What for?"

"I'm going to clip your wings so you can't take off on me."

"Like hell you are!"

I stated laughing at his look of anger. "Calm down, I was joking. Your actions at the slaver's ship impressed me. I even considered breaking the rules and freeing you, but as I told Pyre's mother if I do that then I'll have to free all of my slaves."

"What's the problem with that?"

"For one, it would mean my execution. Another problem would be that most of them would also be tracked down and executed. So freeing you before your ten years are served isn't an option. So I've decided you get one request. Before you make a decision on what that request will be I suggest you think very carefully about what you want. There are some things I can't do, or give you and you're not going to want to waste your wish. You are still bound by the slave rules since I can't change those. Your wish can't change anything for the other slaves in the house hold unless your wish is to pass your request to another slave that you feel is more deserving."

"So what sort of things could I wish for?"

"Hmm, well I haven't really given out any reward like this before but I suppose I have given special gifts to some of my slaves. Evan, as an experienced father has almost the same status in the house as I do. Mika and Ghost have their holidays free to spend with their relatives. Sticks is allowed to seek safety and comfort, without sex, in my bed, regardless of what I might have planned, during storms. We're here so that Pyre can convince his bond mate to join us. Basically things that may be important to you that I might not think of because they wouldn't normally have any impact on me, or anyone else. Now, please get down so that I can modify your smart suit."

"Modify my suit?"

"Yeah, back at the house you mentioned you needed to exercise your wings and then I stuck you in that suit. If not for this mission you'd be nude and doing a lot more flying. There's no helping the first one until we get back to House's Realm but I can remove the cloth binding your wings. I'm planning on leaving straps to keep them bound when we return to the ship but out here there is plenty of room."

"You're not afraid I'll fly back to the slave ship and escape?"

"No, if you wanted to escape that way you'd have done so when I was unconscious."

He climbed off the shuttle wing and turned his back to me so I could start working with the smart cloth.

"I can't say I didn't consider taking off, but there is just something I find appealing about the way you and your slaves interact. Maybe it is a mammal thing, but you form a sort of family bond that doesn't exist in my culture. A family for us is formed when a male and female decide to reproduce. The unit bond then lasts until the whelps can mostly take care of themselves, about fifty years, and then we go our separate ways."

"You said that mating is done often."

"No, pleasures is shared as often and with as many as possible. Our society is 90 percent male and 10 percent female so all mating's are controlled by the females. While we form friendship bonds with shipmates and co-workers it is nothing like what you mammals have. I hate to admit this but I'm actually on the small and weak side so I know I'll never have a mating bond with a female, but unlike most of my brethren I've always yearned for something deeper."

"You're from an alliance of worlds, couldn't you find a non-dragon?"

"While there are several different species in the Draconian Alliance, we have a reputation. Besides even if there was an individual looking for a long term relationship with a dragon I'm far from a top specimen."

"Enough of that crap. Do you think you can fly back to the Slaver's ship?"

"Uh, yes but I've-"

"Trust me. Fly back to the slaver's ship and wait for me there."

Talon stretched his wings, jumped up, and swept his wings down rising higher. I quickly returned to Raze's hut. Sticking my head in the door I announced, "Talon is out stretching his wings and I'm taking the shuttle back to the Slaver's ship to see if I can salvage any chairs for those of us cursed with only two legs."

There were several laughs. Birch looked at me and then smiled and winked. "Take as long as you need, Sir. Conner was just getting to the point in his story where he first met Sticks."

I just nodded and headed for the shuttle. I didn't really care how long it took, I wasn't coming back until I had finished riding and being ridden by my dragon.

***