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Virtually Real Part 49: Low Profile, Runner Style.

Characters:

Prowl-Ar/Tiger (Bill): Captain, human shifter, tiger/wolf hybrid has black fur and white stripes.

Jordan/Wolf (Jason): Doctor, human shifter, wolf all black fur

Kyle/Drake (Nick): Second in command, Red XIII quadrimorph spends most of his time as a red Eastern anthro Dragon with Red XII markings

Kelly/Shock/Fox (Kenny): Streaming reporter/diplomat, former transgender human shifter tiger/fox hybrid standard red fox with yellow stripes

Rider/Saber/Peter: Anthro Sabretooth Cat, part of the MAS (Mobile Armor Suit) game

Rin/Snowpaws/Snow (Rain): Human shifter, lynx adopted by the Runners

Russell/Frost: Eastern Dragon/otter hybrid created in a virtual reality and given life son of Prowl-Ar and Kyle

Mahan: The Shadow Runner’s A.I. computer

I groggily opened my eyes. The cabin was dark. I was both alone and not alone. I was on one side of the bed while someone else was on the other. The bed was shaking slightly, but it wasn't from turbulence. Despite appearances the plane used anti-grav to fly rather than lift. It would take hurricane strength gusts to shake us. No, this was familiar; too familiar. I heard a small gasp and knew whoever I was sharing the bed with was crying, and trying to keep from disturbing me at the same time.

I heard Jordan’s voice, "I'm sorry, Hun. It's going to be okay. I didn't mean it. I wouldn’t really stop you from having sex."

"It's not that, it's what Kyle and Shock threatened. I- I-".

I was surprised as Rider sobbed again louder this time. I had to really think to remember much of anything. I never functioned very well when I woke from a deep sleep. Still it didn't take long to realize he meant Kyle and Shock's threat to send him away. I rolled over, shifted, so that I was closer to Rider's size and pulled him close so I was spooning him. Wolf, I now noticed, had been sitting on the side of the bed.

"Saber, you acted like there wasn't anything wrong, don't do that. If something upsets you tell us so we can deal with it. If I'd known you were upset I'd have told Kyle and Shock, they cannot send you away." I said soothingly.

"But they said-".

"You were trying to make me break a promise. That is what upset them, right?"

"I- yes."

“Then what right would they have to punish you when they would be doing the same thing? I gave you my word that you wouldn't be sent away. Notice, I didn't say ‘I wouldn’t send you away’, meaning that promise protects you from being exiled by them as well."

"See Hun, I told you, you didn't have to worry we'd never really send you away." Jordan added.

"Can . . . Do you think . . . Would it be alright if we slept like this? At least for the rest of the night?" Rider asked, pushing back against me so that I would hold him tighter.

"Of course." I pulled Rider as close as I could, slid one arm under his head, and draped the other over his side. I gently ran my claws through his belly fur.

"You two are so cute together. You get some sleep. I'm going to speak with Kyle and Shock." Jordan said as he started to stand up.

"No! Please stay." Rider said, desperately grabbing Jordan and pulling him into a hug.

He laughed and sandwiched Rider between us. "It seems I don't have much choice."

Jordan lay facing Rider. He shifted and I smiled, as he slid his arm index Rider's head next to mine. His white fur telling me he'd chosen his tiger form.

"Kitten, I love when you take feline form. But what about the kids? Won't shifting affect them?" Rider asked.

"I . . . I didn't-" Wolf stammered.

"Don't worry. Shifter embryos are a lot more resilient than non-shifters. They'll be fine." I reassured them.

"They'll be shifters without being modified in the evolver?" Wolf asked.

"There's no doubt about that, they’ll be the first born shifters. Unfortunately we won't know which species they take after until first shift, which for them will be at puberty. It also means they’ll have to go through the change naturally rather than using VR and memcrystals."

"That means a year away from them?" Wolf asked

"For one of us. If they are tigers then I'll be their guide and if they're wolves you will be."

Um, what if they're sabretooths, or some other hybrids?" Wolf asked.

"I'll be their teacher if they are sabretooths, though I'm not sure how that works." Rider volunteered.

I smiled. "Don't worry, we have plenty of time to get you ready for the possibility. And for the record unless they use the evolver they can't be any species except that of their parents. So for our offspring only wolf, tiger, sabretooth or a hybrid combination is possible. All things considered they're likely to be wolf tiger hybrids like their parents"

"Oh, okay. I hope they're tigers like their father." Wolf said.

I grinned, I knew what he meant, but technically we were both tigers and their fathers.

"Tiger, can I ask you something?" Rider asked.

"Of course."

"How do you, um, control your needs?"

"What do you mean?” I asked, rather confused.

"The last time you took care of your needs is when you impregnated Wolf. You seemed to be willing at the tower but I . . . with Shock. Then at the hot springs you seemed . . . like you really wanted it even though it wasn't allowed. Yet right now you are intimately close to me yet you're not even hard. So how do you have that kind of control?"

"It's because he's not really a tiger, he’s a melted marshmallow shaped like a tiger." Wolf said.

I laughed. He was the only one I'd let get away with calling me that.

"I don't get it. He was capable enough to get you pregnant." Rider said, in confusion.

"It's because I'm so old-". I started

"It is not! You're not really, physically, that old. You wouldn't intentionally lie to our mate would you?" Wolf asked.

"You know how I'm . . . a different person in the bedroom, right?" I tried again.

"Yes." Rider answered.

"We'll, since our Wolf can get in my head, he figured out what I want most isn't sex. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy sex but being what my mates’ want-".

"Tiger . . ." Wolf said quietly.

I sighed “He says I’m a marshmallow because the truth is, with or without the sex what I enjoy most is being held and cuddled. I'm a marshmallow tiger because even though I try to project a tough and unfeeling attitude inside I'm a riot of . . ." I buried my muzzle in the fur of Rider's shoulder, "soft, squishy, caring emotions." I finished.

Rider rolled over and pulled me into a hug and then rolled us both over again so now I was the one in the middle. I looked up into his grinning muzzle. "Is this what you really want? For the two of us to just cuddle you?" He asked.

"I . . . No." I was glad my fur hid the worst of my blush.

"Then what do you want?"

"I . . . I . . .” I stuttered not able to explain the image that popped into my head.

"Kinky kitty wants us to continue what you started at the onsen only . . . Oh my you are a dirty kitten." Wolf said, in surprise.

"What is it? What did he imagine?" Rider asked.

"Tiger, is it ok if I tell him?" Wolf asked telepathically.

I just nodded and continued to hide my face in Rider's fur.

"What he wants is for us both take him at the same time and . . ."

"And?" Rider asked.

"And he wishes he could have been changed like I was, so that he could take Kyle and you while sucking on Shock and being impregnated by me."

I felt a dampness on my belly as Rider leaked pre. "Murr. That would be interesting. However, as fun as it might be, I'm really not in the mood to include those two right now. You said what you want most is to make your mate happy?”

"Yes." I mumbled.

"I- I want you to mate me. I've been taken before but always as a show of submission rather than for love. I- I want you to show- make love to me and mark me as your mate. First you and then my wolf." Rider whispered.

"Are you sure? We both have knots in these forms plus you're a top." I asked

"Please? I- I want to do this. I need you to be first. I know I want Jordan to take me, but I'm afraid I might back out if he goes first." Rider practically begged.

I glanced at Wolf and he held up a tube of lubricant. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this side." He thought to me.

I squirted lube onto my fingers and started to apply it to Rider's hole.

"What is that?"

"Lubricant to make things easier."

"Oh I've used oils, of course, but never had them used on me."

"Wait, are you telling me every time you've been taken it has been without lubrication?" Wolf asked in surprise.

"Kind of defeats the purpose of displaying dominance. Though I think Kyle might have used something. I don't remember much other than a lot of pleasure."

I nodded, "I don't remember a lot of it either. I think we all entered a kind of mating frenzy. As for lube, I'm pretty sure at that point Kyle was using our combined fluids. Now just relax-".

"Yeah, I know that much. Being dominated, you learn real quick it's better to relax than to tense up. Though you're going to need to start with two fingers or- Ohoooo." He moaned.

"Remember, your body has been adjusted. You could take much more, but that isn't the point. I just want to get you warmed up."

He let out a most un-catlike squeak as I rubbed over his prostate."

"What! What did you do?"

"Did you believe that bottoms only have sex to make tops happy?" I pressed him again and this time he moaned.

"I- I've never felt that before. It's always been rather uncomfortable, never like that."

I pulled my finger out. I could have continued but he didn't need the preparation considering the way we'd all been altered. I went to slick myself up but Wolf was quicker as he slid up behind me.

"Daddy, I know you want to be gentle, but I want you to ride him hard. Show him why you're the Alpha." Wolf instructed me.

I was about to argue but he pushed into me, hard. In turn forcing me into Rider. Rider let out a roar, and I wasn't sure even the rooms soundproofing was enough to keep from alerting Kyle and Shock to what was happening. Not that they wouldn't know considering the pleasure I was feeling.

"D- d- don't stop." Rider stuttered. “I- I- want you to mark me like you've done with the rest of your mates."

I growled as I leaned over him. He was mine now. I set a rapid rhythm wanting to get as much stimulation as possible before knotting him.

"Oh yes, Daddy show him his place is, and always be, under you. You’re our alpha, the father of our children. Show him that even if he tops you, you are the one in control." Wolf's voice echoed in my mind.

Rider was moaning constantly, even Shock wasn't as noisy. I could feel my knot swelling and I pushed hard setting it and he immediately clamped down.

I yelped as Wolf tied me. He'd waited almost too long. I was down to short thrusts pounding against Riders button causing him to spasm around my knot each time. I roared as I came and immediately bit into Rider's shoulder. Far harder than I would have liked as Wolf graced us with his howl as he filled me.

Through mutual consent we rolled onto our sides. I immediately began licking Rider's wounded shoulder. The nanites in my saliva would interact with those in his blood to heal the wound as scar tissue instead of regenerating.

"That- I never imagined it could be like that." Rider panted.

"We didn't turn you into a bottom, did we?" Wolf asked.

"No, but that doesn't mean I'm just going to reject doing it once in a while. Um, how long are we going to be like this?"

"Well normally, for me it's fifteen to twenty minutes, but I've never been double tied like this before." I replied.

"I don't know about you two, but I'm happy to just cuddle up and fall asleep." Wolf said, with a yawn.

"I'd hoped we could have a bit more fun." Rider said, before he yawned as well.

"Oh I fully indent to give you a matching scar on your other shoulder soon enough." Wolf replied.

"Sleep us a good idea. Remember my Love, you need to be careful about exhausting yourself. You're not going to have as much energy supporting a couple of cubs inside you." I thought to Wolf.

"I wouldn't!"

"Shush, I'm sure everything is fine. Mahan would have alerted us if there was any danger."

I felt Wolf relax against my back. "You're sure?"

I reached back and ran my hand over his belly, noticing that he was indeed slightly larger. "Mahan, the kids are developing properly and safely, right." I asked.

"Of course." Mahan replied.

"Love, what is it?" Wolf asked.

"Scan and extrapolate gestation length."

"They will be fully developed and ready for birth in approximately four and a half months."

"That's too soon!"

"Jordan, calm yourself it is completely normal. Remember you are a combination of human, wolf, and tiger DNA as is their father your due date is within the average of those three species plus it is likely to be a bit shorter for shifters."

"And once they are born?" Wolf asked.

"I- I have no way of knowing or calculating that. Ask again a few months after birth." Mahan stated.

"Prowl-Ar," Wolf said, in a worried tone.

"It's okay." I reassured him.

"No it's not. I want our cubs to have a childhood."

"Love, remember, we have the tech to slow the aging process if we need to."

We were interrupted by a murmur from Rider.

"I think we've bored our Saber to sleep. We should follow his example otherwise he’ll be rested and ready for round two and we'll be completely exhausted still."

"We didn't bore him to sleep. I just learned a new trick. Sleep."

***

"Tiger, wake up. We have a bit of a situation."

I yawned and looked at Kelly. "What's the new crisis?"

“We were forced to land in Sidney. Something about Melbourne and the surrounding area being a no fly zone. Customs have been stalling for about an hour now, so we figured we'd let you and the kids sleep. However, they are now on their way."

I shook Rider and he growled at me. “Wake up. We’re about to have company." I turned toward Jordan but he was already sitting up.

"We need to get cleaned up." He yawned.

I shifted and activated my armor. I prodded Rider again and he flinched. "I heard you, but there isn't enough room for all of us to be up and moving at the same time."

"You need to shift to human form, Hun." Jordan said, as he activated his uniform. “The nanites in our uniforms will clean us up. It’s not as refreshing as a shower or bath but at least we’ll be clean.” He then changed the settings to regular clothes.

"What about the room?" Rider asked as he shifted and sat up.

"Have you ever seen me make a bed? The inside of the plane is like the VR chamber except with a single very simple program. Once we leave the room will reset. It makes clean up easier and a lot less fur in the air filters." I said, as I exited the sleeping cabin.

"Captain, customs have arrived and they are asking that everyone disembark with our passports ready." Mahan announced

"Got it."

Everything went smoothly and we were informed that Melbourne was now a no fly zone due to the increased use of the International spaceport. It was suggested we hire a guide and rent a couple of vehicles. However we pointed out the vehicle that Mahan already had waiting for us. I considered spending time in Sydney, but it was basically a tourist trap now so it really wasn't worth it. Maybe, eventually we'd visit it in VR from a time period when it still had spirit.

We got into Melbourne late and we were unable to get into the park to check in. Though it probably wasn't the best idea we slipped into the embassy and spent the night in comfort.

When we got into the park I made sure I at least rode the unique attractions. The one that was the most fun and scary, for everyone else anyway was a walking tour of the bay. We got to see Great White sharks swimming along the outside of the tube. Occasionally a section would go dark shielding us from seeing attacks on the seals. The first time it happened I realized what was likely going to happen. As we were starting back up toward the end a megalodon came out of the deep and bit into the tube. Water sprayed out around where the teeth had penetrated. Almost everyone in our small group panicked and ran for the exit. Shock and Kyle seemed confused, likely at my complete lack of fear. Jordan laughed as did Shock and Rin. Rider on the other hand was completely frozen in fear.

"Rider, it’s a projection. Like in VR. It's all fake. The water they spayed us with, it's fresh water not saltwater.” Jordan informed him.

"It's not real?"

"Not real, an impact like that should have shaken this entire structure but there was no vibration. Likely because of the danger of actually destabilizing the rest of the system." Rin said.

"You have to give them credit though, that really did look like a megalodon." Frost added.

"You mean that thing really exists?" Kyle asked and I could feel his fear building.

"It's extinct and has been long before Dad was even born. After all, who knows what will get added to the virtual game Rain and I play. Frost replied as he noticed a park attendant approaching.

"Is everything alright? I hope our little pet didn't scare you too badly."

"Not at all, we were just admiring how realistic it seemed."

The attendant looked a bit upset. "What gave it away?"

"You've got to understand we deal with projection tech on a daily basis. I can only speak for myself, but I figured out something like this was going to happen with the first seal attack. If you can blank out the view, then you can also project an image." I replied.

“The freshwater was also a bit of a giveaway, but I'm sure most people wouldn't notice a detail like that." Jordan added.

"Well mate, if you're not incapacitated can we get moving so we don't spoil it for the next group?" The attendant asked.

"Of course. We're so sorry." We quickly continued out of the attraction.

We ended up spending a full week at the park before returning to the embassy. Naturally it was busy but using a hidden garage and private lift to the top floor meant no one would ever know we were there. Everyone voted to just take a couple of days to relax and basically do nothing. However I was well rested and in the mood to cause a bit of trouble.

"While we're here I'm going on a tour of the space facility. Anyone want to go with me?"

Shock sighed, "I'll go, but only to keep you out of trouble."

I just smirked and nodded. When I got into one of these moods there wasn’t much my little fox was going to be able to do to stop me.

***

It wasn't a long drive north to the space facility, still, I gave Shock a press pass and updated our cloaking masks with new identities. I let him know what I was up to and he agreed to play along. When we arrived we were carefully checked and then hurried into a hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press if you will please be seated the crew of the Bad Luck have arrived." Shock and I were led to the front and shown to our seats. My fears were confirmed when one of the employees reminded us that we had to stick to pre-approved questions.

The crew entered and I let several puff questions pass. I kept my first question simple. "Captain Abrams, can you tell us a little about your fursona?"

The hall went silent with all the reporters staring at me for obviously going off script.

"I don't have a fursona since I'm not a furry. I'm happy as a human and my husband, who is a shifter, loves me just as I am."

I quickly continued, "Mr. Tuft, the Captain called you a shifter instead of a furry, what is the difference?"

"I'll take that one." Dirk replied. "A furry is a human who is a fan of anthropomorphic art, be it illustration, writing, animation, fursuit, or any number of other outlets. A shifter is an individual with the ability to physically change into an animal. While most furrys might imagine becoming a shifter, not all shifters are necessarily furrys."

I sat down to think of my next question, but Shock surprised everyone. "Have any of you slept with Captain Nightiger? It seems to be a prerequisite to become a member of his crew."

"I'm sorry, but we really must draw the line. You were told only pre-approved questions." An official said.

"I think I speak for everyone when I say our viewers all want to know the answer to that question." Another reported said, loudly.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say no way in hell." Tuft yelled over the noise. "First off, there are crew members he hasn't slept with and second we have our own ship so we're not technically his crew."

I noticed security moving around the edges of the room. "Captain, if you had the chance would you trade the Bad Luck for any of the other ships we've seen in Shock Nightiger's videos?"

"Hell no!" Tuft yelled. "We wouldn't even trade the Bad Luck for the Shadow Runner."

"Really? What about another ship in the series? The Flower Girl, the Sakura, or the Tuft?"

Tank sat up suddenly, "You're an asshole. You know that, right?"

I could tell that he realized who I actually was. One of the security agents took a hold of my shoulder.

"I suggest you release him, if you want to keep your arm. He doesn’t react well to being restrained." Tank pointed out.

"Sir, we've checked, even though their press passes check out; facial recognition doesn't. In fact we can't find any record of them." The security agent said.

"Damn." I muttered. I'd forgotten to have Mahan to turn off the image scrubbers before we left. "We're not here to . . ." I was going to say cause trouble but that wouldn't be the truth. "I noticed that the crew here was giving an interview. I'd hoped it would be taken seriously but when informed we needed to stick to the script and with the puff questions I thought I'd shake things up."

"I still say you're an asshole." Tank laughed. "But you're right. If I'd known this interview wasn't going to be taken seriously we wouldn't be here."

"One last question for the cute bunny?" Shock asked.

"That's it! I don't care who you are I'm going to snap you in half." Tuft said standing up.

"I'd like to see you try, bunny boy." Shock laughed.

"Enough! Both of you sit down. We're not going to answer any more questions from you two, but no more script. Ask the questions you want to. Just don't expect to get answers to all of them." Tank said loudly. "Oh and you guards, keep those two here. Tuft and I would like to have a few words with them later."

Tuft grinned and ground is fist into his palm being rather obvious he was planning something violent.

The interview went well after that. Serious questions like how they were lucky enough to get a ship of their own and what sort of payload would the Bad Luck be hauling.

Once the interview was over the other reporters were led out. I hated it, but I knew if I interfered, we'd become a topic.

"Director Carlyle, your security agents should leave as well." Tank informed her.

"We don't know anything about them. They could be a danger to you and your crew."

"My crew is highly trained. Still these two are no threat, to us anyway."

"Mind telling me how you can be so sure?" Tuft asked.

"Because only one person would know the names of the Bad Luck's sister ships.”

“Oh that, it was in Prowl-Ar's story." Tuft replied.

"The Sakura, wasn't. The Wolfsbane and The Daisy are a couple others. The Flower Girl being the first off the line and the DandyLion Tuft being the last also wasn’t in the story." I pointed out.

Tuft glared at me at me as if trying to figure out who I might be. Then Tank started to laugh. "Come on Bunny, it isn't that hard to figure out Oh it isn’t that difficult. Now I’m mad because I never expected him to give out that last bit of information."

"Mind telling us, because Dirk and I don't have a clue."

"If I told you, you'd probably grovel at my feet." I laughed. “Besides, all the ships in your class were named after flowers so of course you had a longer name.”

"We wouldn’t grovel. Not even if you were . . . Oh." Buck said, glancing at Dirk before they started laughing as well.

"I'm surrounded by idiots." Tuft yelled.

"Would someone please let me in on the joke? I'd really like to know." Director Carlyle asked.

I sighed and turned off the mask, "I'm Prowl-Ar Nightiger."

"Hey Tuft, still want to snap me in half?" Shock asked.

"Even more so, you damned fox."

"Director, you look a bit faint, I suggest you sit down." I suggested.

She quickly did so, just staring at us in shock. Dirk quickly went to check on her.

"So, last we heard you'd gone on vacation." Buck said, "What are you doing here?"

Oh, it just came to my attention you were giving an interview and I was afraid they were going to ask a bunch of inane questions for quick sound bites. After the pointless questions I could tell both Tank and Tuft were getting a little irritated."

"So you decided to make it worse?" Tuft asked.

"No, it was just a bit of fun in order to get everyone to ask the questions they really wanted to."

"So what now?" The director asked shakily.

“Now Shock and I put our masks back on, go out and tell everyone that Tank thanked us for getting to some real questions. However, the crew has banned us from any future interviews for being too disrespectful and disruptive."

"Does that mean you're not going to do something like this again?" The Director asked.

"Not at all, we'll just use new identities. So no more scripted 'clean' questions."

"I can agree to that. I hate when people are forced to act nice to me. I'd rather know what they're really thinking." Tank said

After that we left, only telling the other reporters what I said we would.

Shock stretched out on the rear facing seat. "That was fun, but now we've got to go back and see what sort of trouble Kyle is in."

"Everyone is still in the apartment at the embassy." Mahan stated.

"Really? Then why is he getting so mad?"

"Tiger, I hate to interrupt whatever it is you and Shock are doing, but you need to get back here." Wolf thought to me.

"Kyle is getting mad, is something wrong?" I was surprised that our minds were still connected at such a distance. We'd need to find out the extent of Wolf's abilities.

"It doesn't matter how far apart we are, our minds will always be connected like this. As for other abilities I can exert a small amount to telekinetic force and I've learned how to put others to sleep with a thought."

I grinned, "Shock, sleep." My mouth dropped open. I could feel it through the link Shock was asleep.

"So, is Shock laughing at you?" Wolf asked.

"Love, I think our bond may be stronger than we thought. I just put Shock to sleep."

"That shouldn't be possible."

"I know. Now I have to wonder if I train as well . . . No that's something to consider for the future; why is Kyle getting so mad?"

"A special interview with the crew of the Bad Luck. Kyle gave a detailed list of questions and a couple of the reporters ignored them."

"Oh, we're on our way back, try to keep Kyle calm-"

"Kyle isn't the only one that's mad. One reporter suggested the only way to become a crew member was to sleep with you!"

"I want you to stay calm. I'll answer everyone's questions when we get there. Just know that the two reporters everyone is getting so mad about will answer for what they've done."

"Good. Do we get to be the ones who punish them?"

"Um, yeah, most likely."

"Good. Kyle and I will think up a few options."

The mental link went silent. "Shock, wake up."

"Huh? Sorry, I must have dozed off. I noticed you got that glazed look. Did Wolf tell you what's wrong?"

"Yeah, it seems Kyle was the one that wrote the questions we derailed in the interview."

"Does he know it was us?"

"No, not yet."

"Any chance we can just keep it a secret?"

"No."

Shock looked out the window. "I think I'll go back to sleep, wake me when the yelling stops."

"Not a chance. You're in this almost as deep as I am. I'll wake you when we arrive at the garage."

"Whatever."

***

I gently placed Shock on the couch. During the drive I reconsidered his request and decided to spare him the yelling after all.

"What's wrong with Shock?" Rider asked.

"It was a busy trip and he's exhausted."

"You were there, did you get your hands on those reporters?" Kyle demanded.

"Not exactly. We met with Tank and his crew. He was more irritated by the scripted questions than the reporters. He didn't know you were the one that wrote them and it's probably best we keep it that way."

"Tiger, what are you hiding? You're blocking something rather strongly." Wolf asked.

"Mahan, please project a hologram of the interview everyone is so upset about on the table." A miniature recreation of the interview room appeared above the table surface.

"Oh sure, you ignore us all this time." Kyle yelled at the air.

"Now reset the image as the way it should appear." Shock and I appeared in place of the reporters.

Wolf sat down next to Rider and started laughing.

"You're telling me, the two reporters I've been planning to burn are you and Shock? After all the work I put in to making sure those questions were perfect? Why?" Kyle asked.

"Shock, wake up."

He opened an eye and stretched. "Please tell me the yelling is over."

"No it's probably about to start." I sighed.

"Then I'm still not awake." He said, as he rolled over facing away from us.

"Listen you. Why would you ask if Tanks’ crew had slept with our mate for the world to hear?" Kyle yelled.

Shock sighed, rolled over, sat up and then stood up. "Because I'm constantly getting bombarded with that question. No matter how many times I answer no one believes me because, and this is putting is nicely, I'm just Prowl-Ar's little sex toy. I'm a person not an object! I'm sick of it. Mahan tries to block as many as possible but let's face it people can get creative when they figure out they’ve been blocked. When our Tiger told me what he was up to, planning on crashing the interview, if it seemed like the questions were sanitized. I figured maybe, just maybe, if I asked the crew members whom I know haven't and wouldn't sleep with our Tiger in a public interview it would silence at least a few of the people asking." He fell back on the couch, shifted to full fox and curled into a ball.

I went to move but Rider was quicker picking Shock up and holding him. "It's alright, I'm sure no one is going to be upset with you." He glared at each of us.

"I- I don't understand what was so wrong with my questions. I only wanted to make sure we didn't look bad." Kyle stuttered.

I took stock of the situation. I kept forgetting that though Kyle acted older in reality he and Shock were the youngest with Rider and I being the oldest. With wolf balanced between us. "My Drake, I'm sure you meant well, but we don't need the world to think of us in a good or clean way. They need to see us as human and just as flawed as they are. That's especially true for the crew of the Bad Luck since they have more contact with Earth than we do."

"I- I was just." Kyle stammered.

"We were just trying to make things easier while you recovered." Wolf interrupted.

I sighed, "I know and I haven't been there for all of you lately. I'm trying to be better. I thought I was making progress on this vacation but I seem to keep making things worse. First by hurting Rider and now Shock.

"No. What happened between me, Shock, and Kyle wasn't your fault. It also isn't your fault now. If anything you've been overworking yourself making sure everything is perfect. Unfortunately that's not possible. We're all individuals. We all love each other, as strange as that might seem to some, but it doesn't mean we're not going to be mad at each other from time to time. We're human, well sort of, so we're going to do and say really stupid things from time to time. Including you Prowl-Ar. You've got to remember that you don't need to take on all the stress and blame to keep us protected. We love you and we're strong enough to stand with you to help carry the burden."

I stared at Rider, completely lost for words. I honestly didn't know what to say. Then I heard Wolf whisper "sleep" in my mind followed by the bliss of nothingness.

***

Once again I woke up on the plane. Kyle was with me this time.

"I have to admit I like that Wolf has this ability to make you sleep. No more having to try and guilt you into getting the rest you need."

I just huffed. "I suppose we're about to land in Bangladesh?"

Kyle sighed. "No. India is having some political turmoil so the resort is closed. We're approaching Cape Town."

"South Africa? I hadn't realized there was a Disneyland here."

"It is the latest resort. There has been some controversy about the Pride Rock safari ride. Mainly between those calling for real animals and those insisting the use of animatronics is safer and more humane." Mahan informed us.

"Sounds like fun either way."

It wasn't, at least not for Wolf and myself as I quickly found out. Just after checking into the park Jordan got sick. To call what he had to endure "morning sickness" was weak. After being sick for twelve hours non-stop he agreed with the logic of returning to the plane in order to avoid local medical questions.

I did my best to hide it but because of our mental link I was also experiencing side effects, to a lesser extent, I didn't let it keep me from taking care of my mate however. I suggested cutting the vacation short, but Jordan insisted we continue. Just because we weren’t feeling well was no reason to keep the others from enjoying themselves. Plus he insisted he wanted to experience Disney Paris at least once with his mates.

***

As we circled Paris I found myself crying. Paris, Berlin, Rome, and London had suffered greatly over the years. Oh sure, many of the once famous attractions had been rebuilt but it wasn't the same. The Eiffel tower was twice its original size. Notre dame looked the same but it was all facade over modern construction. About the only surviving relic was the Louvre, though the art on display was all recreations. The tunnels had been cleared and completely restructured into the modern government facilities protected by the city's Heritage sites. Disney Paris was basically the same by virtue of the fact that they updated and changed attractions every few years. I wiped my eyes as we a landed.

"It really is a beautiful city." Wolf said looking at me.

"Yes, it was once known as "The City of Love"."

"It still is." He laughed.

"How long has it been since you were home?"

"Uh, since before my Mars assignment."

“We'll make time to visit-"

"No! That is, there is no need to . . ." He trailed off into silence.

"Wolf, please tell us what's wrong. Family can be difficult to deal with but we are here for you." Shock said, taking Jordan's hand in his.

"They- they disowned me when they learned of my relationship with all of you. They think you brainwashed me and they just need a way to get me away from all off you so I can be deprogrammed. I love them, but the things they said about all of you . . . I can't forgive them. Besides I don't want to risk having them trying to hurt one of you just to get me back."

I was pissed. How dare they treat Jordan that way! I felt Kyle and Rider grab my shoulders.

"Don't worry, we'll make sure your tiger doesn't do anything stupid." Kyle said, grinning at Rider.

I was confused. After what happened in Japan feelings between Kyle and Rider had been . . . cold, however, that wasn't the feeling I got from Kyle when he looked at Rider. It seemed I'd missed something while Wolf and I had been sick.

***

We'd spent some time seeing the attractions and riding a few rides but I wanted to see the city and maybe some of the country side. So while the others enjoyed the park Jordan agreed to give me a tour. It was beautiful traveling around with him pointing out the sites. He laughed as I explained some of the ancient history that had been lost over time. There were parts of the country where we didn't go and I had to figure it was where he had relatives. I wanted to push things, but for once I didn't even try. I promised myself I'd respect his wishes. I figured we had only a couple of days left. We'd visited the Embassy. Unlike the others it was rather indescript and tucked away down an alley. I wasn’t sure of the reasoning until I noticed rainbow paw prints in the windows of most of the shops in the area. I'd never imagined any city would have a furry district but here it was. As we walked down the street we were caught in a sudden downpour. We quickly ducked into a shop where I blushed instantly. It was a small cafe and everyone was in a fursuit. Only the three or four enjoying their food had their heads off. A couple quickly pulled their heads on. Finally the servers were suiters dressed in maid costumes.

"Hey! Didn't you see the sign? Suiters only!"

I glanced out at the rain. "Sir, you'd send us out-"?

"This is a place for suiters to feel safe enough to be out in public unmasked. No suit no service."

"Love, it's just a bit of water. We should go."

"No, I'm not risking our family's health. You’ve just gotten better. Besides we have suits. Well sort of."

"You’re not . . . Of course you are. You do know what low profile means don't you?"

Jordan asked as he walked over to a table and sat down.

"I told you no suit, no . . ."

I shifted and the only sound was the rain falling and cooking coming from the back.

"Are you really him?" A skunk suiter asked. He seemed to be caught between trying to decide whether to put his suit head back on or not.

"Of course it's him." A fox said, walking past me and approaching Jordan. "Is- would you- Hugs?" He asked holding out his arms.

I quietly sat down as Jordan stood up, shifted, and hugged the fox. Suddenly almost everyone else in the cafe was on their feet looking to hug him.

"You thought everyone was excited to see the great Prowl-Ar?" The man, who had attempted to run us out, asked as he took a seat at the table.

"Honestly yes, but this is better. Wolf deserves all the attention."

"You really love him, don't you. I can see it. The way your eyes follow him and the smile, I've seen a lot of lovers come through here but only a few who were truly, deeply in love."

I smiled. "I do indeed. That's not to say I love him more than my other mates, but each of them have a special place in my heart. I just wish . . . Never mind."

"His parents?"

"How?" I asked in surprise.

"Just a hunch after the fuss they made about Jordan's day."

"Jordan's Day?" I asked in surprise.

"Oh? You did not know? October 11th was declared to be a national holiday honoring France's first official permanent space colonist."

"What? Jordan yelled from across the room. "That's- I don't-".

"Don't have much say in the matter. You're considered a national hero. Also you, and your family, will always be welcome in France. Unlike those rude Americans, we honor our heroes, we do not try to kill them."

I laughed as the small group pulled Jordan back into conversation.

"Listen, as great as Jordan is, I know you're the one in charge. I have a favor to ask."

"What reason did the embassy give preventing you from immigrating?" I asked with a sigh.

"No, I'm happy here. Actually happier now that we have the embassy so close. No, I'm not asking for myself. I was just wondering if there was anything you could do for Squirrel." He pointed to a squirrel suiter tucked away in a corner booth. If I had to guess, they were asleep in suit. The suit itself was obviously self-made and had seen better days. The fur was almost gone and multiple seams were torn out and hastily restitched. I could also tell that it had been a while since the suit had been washed and the individual inside wasn't much better.

"They've been coming in here every day for about a year now. As best we can tell they're homeless. We, those of us in the community do our best to give them odd jobs since they refuse to take any charity. I know they want to go to the colonies since they go to the embassy every afternoon, but so far they've been turned away. I- It's probably not my place but could you do something to find out why they keep getting turned down?"

I had my fake comlink out and was contacting Mahan even before the Cafe owner had finished.

"What do you want now?" Mahan asked in an irritated tone.

"I'm sorry, do you have a problem?"

"As a matter of fact I do. Because of the way I'm overbuilt it turns out I've got to bring in the new weapon part by part and assemble it in place. You keep distracting me with your little problems meaning you’re down there longer. I may be better than any human or computer but even I have limitations and there is only so much I can do when you keep insisting on breaking your cover."

"I'll keep that in mind. I'm scanning a fur who keeps getting turned away by our embassy and I'd like to know why."

"Christopher Barbier, squirrel suiter, fursona name Acorn, age fifteen and he hasn't been turned away for immigration. He shows up daily and sits for an hour in the lobby and then leaves. I can't force him to register, but he is on the list for immediate approval. His parents died in an auto accident a little less than two years ago. He was placed with his uncle, who is currently receiving funds for Christopher's support even though he kicked him out."

"Can you get-"

"No! I know what you're thinking and I'll remind you, you have two babies on the way. You get him to register at the embassy and he'll be housed in an apartment there until the next trip to the colony. I already have a placements for an adoptive families who will love him or he can decide to live independently."

"I was going to suggest you get the paperwork done to emancipate him so that he'd receive his money rather than his Uncle, and for you to start proceedings to get restitution for the time he had to live homeless is all."

"Lier, you fully intended to adopt him. You're the real hero here, my marshmallow tiger." Wolf thought to me.

"You can do that? File legal papers like that I mean." The café owner asked.

"It might be best if you just forget you heard any of that." I insisted.

"It sounds like you could rule the world." He continued.

I laughed. "I can barely keep up with my crew and, for now, the furry nation. Where would I find time to rule the world as well?"

"That isn't a denial." he laughed.

"Okay, yes I probably could. However, I don't want that kind of responsibility or power. I have enough stress in my life as it is. It's easier to 'interfere' when necessary and let everyone here on Earth continue to try their best to rule themselves. Think of it this way would you want to rule the country while still trying to run your café at the same time? It wouldn't work you'd have mobs in here constantly telling you what you're doing wrong, trying to bribe you into believing they're right, or in the extreme trying to kill you."

"Not to mention it would take away all his time with his family. So, what are we going to do to help Acorn?" Wolf asked as he returned.

The cafe owner quickly stood up. "I'll just get you something to help you warm up." He said, smiling at Wolf.

"So, are we adopting him?" Wolf asked.

"No, don't get me wrong I'd like to, but I don't think Mahan would let us return. We just need to convince him to register for immigration. Mahan already has potential adoptive parents picked out."

"A shame. So how are we going to convince him?"

The owner returned with two hot chocolates and a plate of confections. "Enjoy."

"Thank you very much." Wolf and I replied at the same time.

We sat and enjoyed each other's company until we noticed Acorn shuffle out of the booth and head for the door.

"Good luck little squirrel, I bet today will be your lucky day." The café owner yelled.

Acorn shrugged and gave a halfhearted wave as the door closed. Jordan got up and headed for the counter to pay, but the owner insisted it was free to us. I hid what amounted to five hundred dollars under the confection tray, thanked the owner again and I told Jordan to let it go, while explaining what I did telepathically.

Jordan tried one last time and the owner told us to hurry and help Acorn. That would be payment enough.

When we got outside the rain had stopped, thankfully, but Acorn was nowhere to be seen. Not that it mattered since we knew where he was heading. We shifted back to human form and reactivated our disguises. When we entered the embassy Acorn sat in a chair working in a sketch book. Jordan and I sat close by.

The woman at the main desk quickly approached us. Good afternoon, how can the Furry Nation help you today?"

I was surprised that she wasn't one of Mahan's drones. "We'll wait. He was here first." I said, pointing at Acorn.

"Oh, he's just gutter trash, here to loiter. I'd kick him out but I don't have the authority, yet. Just ignore him, I do. Anyway how can I help you?"

I ignored the receptionist. "You're obviously a furry, don't you want to immigrate to the colonies?"

Acorn didn't even look up from his sketch pad. "I can't afford it yet."

"What do you mean?" Jordan asked.

"If you want to immigrate it is 2000 per person." The receptionist answered.

"I thought it was free." Jordan growled.

"Immigration is free. The 2000 is for your background check, paperwork, and transportation costs."

I stood up. "You have a choice. You can walk out the front door now with all the privileges you have permanently revoked and the knowledge that your identity will be published in all furry communities warning them of your criminal status. Or you can choose to take a short trip on the Bad Luck and a quick death by stepping out the airlock."

"I don't think so you're not the one in charge here. Now get out and take that gutter trash with you. I'm calling security."

"Hey, young one. Come with me it would be best if we're not here when security arrives." Jordan insisted.

Acorn closed his sketch pad and headed for the door. Even I could hear him crying inside his suit.

"Love, I know what you're thinking. If you don't go ahead with option three I'll do it for you. That bitch shouldn't have said that about the kid." Jordan thought to me.

"Mahan," I whispered,

"I've been monitoring. No kids and her boyfriend isn't likely to come looking for her. She is a furry but only just. She was a streamer primarily producing furry memes and videos, Most of which seemed like dark comedy pulling in emo furrys but also a large number of anti-furs. I hired her because she applied and because she actually converted a significant number of anti-furs into the fandom. I find it funny that she just called security on you."

"You'd better take the hint from the homeless trash and your faggot friend and leave now. You won't . . ."

I shifted and moved so quickly I doubt her brain had a chance to realize what had happened. There was a loud squishing sound.

_ _

"As I understand it the brain continues to work for a few moments. You really should have chosen one of the first two options. Option three was immediate termination." I turned to the drones as my arm slid out of the dead body. "Clean up on isle one please, and get a replica drone in here to take this thing's place. I don't want the kid traumatized."

I shook my head. The fantasy was so tempting, but I was trying to be better than that.

"Didn't you hear me? Ah, it's about time. Security escort this imbecile out."

"Bitch, you are on a very thin line. I'm struggling right now to keep from ripping your tiny little heart out." I said gritting my teeth.

"Did you hear that? He threatened me! Do your job already." She yelled.

"We await you orders, Sir."

"What?" She screamed.

"They're saying I can kill you right now and they wouldn't stop me. As much as I want to, I'm not going to do that. I'd rather you suffer first."

"You can't do that I'm a Shadow Runner citizen."

A booming laugh filled the room. "You are nothing. A flat broke nobody that will likely be homeless by the end of the month since I've closed out all your accounts. Even those you think are secret. When you find another job, if you find one, I’ll continue to collect a portion until you've paid back every cent." Mahan boomed angrily. "Oh and I've made sure every furry and LGTBQ+ business knows you are an embezzling scam artist who likes to prey on furrys."

"You can't do that! And it's not like they needed that money in the colonies." She said attempting to defend her actions.

"What about those that had to borrow money from others? I shifted “Mahan, did anyone lose their home because of this greedy bitch?" I growled.

"You're . . ."

"Not yet, but there are several who are close. I'm now taking action to make sure they don't. I'm now adding interest to the money she still owes."

“Now get out of my embassy before I really do kill you." I yelled.

"What about my car?"

"It is currently being searched, along with your other personal effects. They will be waiting for you just outside the furry district. In the meantime you've got a walk of shame to make. You will be escorted that far for your safety. And in case you didn't realize it your Furry Nation passport and citizenship has been revoked."

"I demand-".

I roared raising my hand and extending my claws. I calmed down as she ran for the door.

"You two make sure she's out of the furry district. I don't want her causing any more trouble." I ordered. "Mahan, I know it's a lot to ask, but from now on a deep scan is required for all employees and immigration seekers."

"Agreed." He answered.

I caught up with the security drones as they were walking out.

The receptionist was standing and glaring at Jordan and Acorn. Where they were sitting on a bench. "I'll make all of you pay for this you- Security was quick to grab her arms and drag her away.

I walked over and flopped on the bench. "I'm really getting to old for this."

"Never. You're not so old." Jordan insisted.

"Yeah, I am. I just want to settle down in a nice place and spend my time raising a family." I grinned as Jordan seemed to try and come up with an argument against the 'old' comment and the urge to hug me for the family part.

"I'm sorry. I've probably ruined your chances of ever getting to the colonies. I ruin everything for everyone around me." Acorn whimpered.

"You have nothing to apologize for. Besides we weren't here to immigrate to the colonies. We were here to get you to the colonies." Jordan insisted.

"You were going to pay for my passage? Why?"

"First off, no one has to pay to go immigrate. Also your application would have been pre-approved if that bitch had bothered to check. Finally there are several furry families, already in the colonies that would like to adopt you, if you are interested."

"We would have adopted you but Mahan wouldn't allow it because he feels we already have enough to deal with." Jordan added.

"Mahan? That's the Shadow Runner’s main AI, right? Who are you?"

"I'm Jordan or Wolf if you prefer."

"Right and I suppose you're Prowl-Ar. No I get it someone hired you as a joke. No way would anyone famous just come up and offer to help someone like me."

"Do you want to immigrate?"

"Of course I do."

"Then it doesn't matter who we are. Go back inside and tell the new receptionist that you want to immigrate and see how quickly you're approved for passage, and taken to a suite to freshen up to wait for your turn on the transport."

"Yeah, and when I get kicked out you'll both be gone having had a good laugh at my expense."

"We'll be gone, but that's only because we have a flight scheduled and so much more of the country to see first. If you need to thank someone, thank the café owner where you spend most of your time. He's the one who asked us to help you. Oh and another thing, don't be surprised if we contact you from time to time, to make sure you're happy and everything's going good for you." I smiled as Jordan took hold of my hand.

Acorn got up and headed for the embassy doors but stopped and turned back to us. “You promise this isn't a joke?"

I was on the verge of tears and the sad broken sound of his voice. "I promise." I replied.

“You know we could have just shifted and saved time." Jordan said as the embassy doors shut behind Acorn.

I shrugged. We sat there for a while saying nothing. Trying to figure out what to say.

"You didn't kill her." Jordan finally said.

"No." I whispered, as I leaned against him. "I wanted to. I almost did, but I stopped myself."

"Why? I gave you permission."

"I- I want to be better. Better for you, for our mates, and better for our children. I- I realized if I killed her I'd become Reaper again. I don't want that."

"Love, I want you to know, no matter what happens, I'm always going to be beside you."

I smiled as he wrapped me in a hug.

"Captain, I'm communicating directly to you so that Wolf doesn't hear. Drake, Rider, Snowpaw, and Frost have done something, as it turns out, very foolish. A car is waiting for you in the embassy garage to take you directly to the airport."

"I'm surprised Shock wasn't involved if there is trouble. I take it Mahan doesn't believe we're telepathically connected?" Jordan asked.

"It would seem that way. I just can't think of anything they would do that would make us have to leave so quickly." I switched back to normal speech. "I was sort of hoping to convince you to show me around the places you grew up."

"You’re not saying that to-"

"No! You made it clear to me you didn't want to deal with your relatives. So . . ." My mouth dropped open.

"You don't think Kyle and Rider would be so foolish, do you?" Jordan asked.

"I hope not." I said as we headed back into the embassy.

***

The ride back was quiet. Jordan leaning against me as I ran my hand over his belly. Our twins were developing rapidly. As we reached the airport Jordan kissed me.

"I hope they're just like you."

I let go of him. "Love, no. We're not going to do that. No expectations, I want our children to grow up to be themselves rather than who and what they think we want them to be."

He pushed forward kissing me deeply. "And you worry about being a good father? I think you're going to be the best."

"Sirs, we've arrived. I suggest you get aboard quickly since the preflight checks are completed and the pilot is waiting to move into the flight queue."

We scrambled out of the car and up the entry stairs. Everyone was seated. I noticed that both Kyle and Rider looked away from us.

"So what did you do this time?" Shock asked, as Wolf and I took our seats. I noticed he was glaring at me.

"Well, let’s see we took in some of the sights, helped a young homeless fur secure a flight up to the station, considered killing a now ex-employee for embezzling from the furs coming to the embassy for help, and spent quality time with each other. We're not the ones to blame, this time at least." I replied.

"Well it certainly wasn't me. I woke up at the hotel all alone with a note telling me you and Wolf had gone off likely to cause trouble; and a second saying that Drake and Saber had gone with the kids."

"Rin and Frost had nothing to do with this." Kyle growled.

"We've been cleared for take-off." Mahan announced as we were pushed back in our seats. He'd obviously turned off the gravity dampeners. "Next stop Rio De Janeiro. Please try to keep arguing to a minimum."

"That's not true; and you know Dad will know it. Frost and I wanted to meet our grandparents. The only ones we have are Papa Wolf's, so we convinced Kyle and Rider to let us see them." Rin said, as she glared at Kyle.

"I told you to stay away." Wolf said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"You told Dad, not the rest of us." Frost replied.

"As you can guess things didn't go well. They called us monsters and said as soon as the can they're going to get Jordan back in order to undo all our horrible brainwashing." Kyle continued the story.

"I- I'm the one that messed up." Rider said sadly. "Kyle and the kids had given up but I just had to go that extra little bit. I asked them how they could be so horrible to their grandchildren. If they were so nasty to Frost and Rin did they think they'd ever get to see their biological grandchildren that Jordan is carrying?"

"Oh God, I'm sure that didn't go over well." Jordan said, rolling his eyes.

"No, it didn't. They started throwing things at us. A rock hit Frost knocking him out." Rin said, glancing at Frost.

Jordan was out of his seat and next to Frost in an instant.

"Papa, it's ok. Mahan scanned me and if there had been any damage my nanites healed it." Frost insisted.

Kyle sighed. "I sort of shifted to full dragon and told them I was going to burn them to ash."

I couldn't help laughing.

"Yeah, I kind of forgot that only works in the games. They went inside and I- well never mind."

"He left enough spit in the yard that it's going to take a crew of professional cleaners to remove it all." Rider laughed.

"That was about the time Mahan informed us the police had been called and suggested we get to the plane before it turned into more problems for you." Kyle finished.

"In coming call from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs." Mahan announced.

"Rider and Kyle go to the sleeping quarters." I ordered.

"Rin and Frost, you go to your quarters as well. Your Dad and I will discuss what your punishment should be." Wolf added. They all looked rather sullen as they headed toward the back of the plane.

"What about me?" Shock asked.

"You're our diplomat, you’re the one who's going to talk to the minister." I said, as Jordan sat next to me.

***

The communications link closed and Shock dropped into a seat. "Why do I feel like I'm the only one being punished?"

Wolf smiled. "You did great."

"How can you say that? Rider and Kyle can never return to France. Worse yet you can never contact any of your family ever again."

"They don't have to go to trial for attempted assault or fleeing the authorities. As for myself I hadn't planned on contacting any of my relatives again. Still, you made it official that they can still contact me if the wish. If any of them do care about me they’re free to call. Perhaps the best part you made sure that Rin, Frost, and our Tiger weren't mentioned at all. However I think our naughty mates need a spanking."

"Please, no." Shock begged. "Remember, Prowl-Ar and I will feel it the same as Kyle. I- I can't."

"Relax, I'd never make you suffer that way. You've had a difficult day already. Why don't you put your chair back and rest?" Jordan said.

"That does sound like a good idea." Shock leaned back.

"Sleep little mate, and dream of happy things." Jordan said, putting Shock to sleep and buckling his seatbelt. "Come on my Tiger, we've got a couple of bad boys that need punishing."

"What are you planning?" I asked.

We're going to spank them until they moan, I'm taking Kyle, I don't want you holding back and I know you can block the pain. You'll spank Rider. Once they start moaning that's when we ride them until they are begging for release like good little bottoms."

"You've been thinking about this for a while haven't you?" I asked.

"Maybe. I'm not sure if it's just my hormones going crazy or what but I really want to hear Kyle begging for me to knot him. And I really like seeing you asserting your dominance over Rider."

"You are really horny. I'm all for it but-".

"I put Rin and Frost to sleep at the same time as Shock. All we have to do is secure their safety restraints."

"Then what are we waiting for?" I said, as I grinned.