FSE

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Virtually Real Chapter 71: Taking Time out.

As I was waiting in the locker room for my group to finish I couldn't help noticing there was a commotion coming from the shower area. I shook my head and rounded the corner.

Rider, Wolf, and Kyle seemed to be in a standoff with Volcain, Kojin, Charm, Salvo, and Stallion.

"Masters, I understand that you are likely going to punish us, but we can't enter that area. We're fire types and, as you must know, water causes us injury." Charm argued.

I leaned against the partitioning wall. "Actually that's not true. Your typing doesn't matter now that you're morphs. In fact my former fire types love swimming and playing in the water, now that they don't have to worry about their flames going out. Charm, as you seem to be the group leader you are going into the shower first."

"Why me?"

"Because you're the one speaking for everyone, plus you can be in the shower and still stick your tail out away from the nozzle so it doesn't get wet. The rest of you can also come in and observe." Kyle and Wolf both gave me disapproving looks obviously realizing what I planned. "Kyle can you show him how the wand is used to direct the flow?"

Kyle nodded. The rest of the group lined up against the wall being careful not to touch any of the wands or controls behind them.

"It is easy. You take the handle and hold down the button. The more pressure you use the greater the flow of water coming out." He demonstrated and the group pressed back against the wall. "The temperature controls are mounted on the wall. Red is hot and blue is cold. I'm guessing you're going to want it rather warm." Kyle set the hot to the highest setting and then turned up the cold just slightly he pointed the wand at the drain and pressed lightly letting the cooler water run out.

"Are you ready?" Kyle asked, pressing the wand into Charm's hand.

"Not really." Charm pressed the button very lightly letting the water spray slightly over his foot claws. He frowned and turned the cold completely off. He then followed Kyle’s example and let the cooler water flow out then sprayed his legs. "Okay, it does feel kind of nice but I think this is as far as I'm-"

"House, activate the rainfall shower option set to deluge, hot water only." I ordered.

The hidden nozzles in the ceiling activated Dumping a massive amount of water on everyone. As quickly as it started it ended and everyone glared at me.

"At no time did I lie. Yes, I planned this, but you will notice Charm's tail was out and away from the wand at all times. I understand you might be a bit shocked, that is a lot of water all at once, however you'll all notice that you are completely uninjured. Even Charm's tail flame reignited. So now that you are properly prepared you can soap up and clean your fur and scales. I've got to get back to my group so don't take too long to catch up to the rest of your teammates."

"Tiger, that wasn't very nice and it certainly isn't going to earn you any respect." Wolf mentally scolded me.

"Maybe, but you were at an impasse and they needed to know that they are safe to enjoy playing in the water now."

"It was still a shitty trick."

"Agreed." I thought, as I toweled off real quick before heading back to my own group.

***

Happily Ace didn't cause any problems as we entered the showers. In fact he seemed to enjoy it.

"Master, I'm not sure I understand what a slave is." Riven said.

"It means you have to do what your masters tell you. I guess the main point is you're not free to do what you want." I laughed, "It's hard to explain since we, as your masters, don't exactly act like other slave masters. You have to follow the rules but that's about it."

“So it isn’t any different than when we were pokemon except now we can think more about what it means?”

"What are the rules?" Dagger interrupted.

"The main one is that you're not allowed to lie to us. Even if you think it will make us mad. Even if it does you won't be punished, but if you lie the punishment is harsh. The second rule is that while you are in this realm you will remain naked. However if you decide to learn a skill that requires protection, safety comes first. You are all registered as pleasure slaves. That means there is a sexual component to your enslavement, but we won’t force you to do anything. Another rule is that you are responsible for your mate's actions as well as your own and if he breaks a rule then you will share in his punishment. Finally there is the topic of sex with the other slaves. You are free to have it as often as possible, but remember, it requires consent including consent from your mate to have sex with another slave. I'm sure there are a couple more but I can't remember them right now.”

"We can learn skills, but as morphs we can't use skills anymore, so how does that work?" Tatter asked.

You can learn combat skills and you can redevelop some of your abilities if you want, but it will be through study and practice rather than just leveling up and the skill appears. Other skills might be sports for Ace, diving or fishing for Riven, here are a lot of different skills you can learn."

They nodded though I wasn't sure they fully understood. Once we finished in the shower we headed into the baths to work the chemical out of their fur. It seemed nearly everyone had finished and moved outside to dry, except the fire types.

"Hey Bunny, you've got to try this one! The water is hot enough to really be comfortable." Charm yelled.

I glared at him. "You’re not defying orders are you?"

"Master Kyle said we could stay here as long as we wanted."

From the look of panic on a couple of faces I knew I'd just been lied to. It was surprising how quickly they exited the hot tub and saying it was time to move along.

"House, what were Kyle’s exact orders?"

A holographic of Kyle appeared. "Okay, you can stay a little longer, however when Master Prowl-Ar arrives that is the time to come out and dry off."

"House, please escort Charm to the prison cells. He can wait there until Master Kyle decides what to do."

"Do you wish me to retrieve Slam as well?"

"No, not this time. There was no way he could have stopped this fool from acting stupidly."

"Wolf said I needed to come in." Kyle said, as he entered.

"Charm just lied to me. You did inform him of the rules correct?"

"Yes, I did. What punishment have you come up with?"

"House will escort him to a cell. He'll stay there until we decide his punishment."

"Master, you're not going to let him dictate-".

"You're in enough trouble already so you might want to be quiet. In the hierarchy of this place House is at the top, then Lord Prowl-Ar, with masters Wolf and I. Below us are currently Rider and Shock, then Mal and Keb. At the slave level you are all equal though The Slaves that have been here longer should be given the respect they deserve. This is especially true for Leo who has been in charge while we were away, Mika who makes sure all the paperwork gets done and finally Conner and Bit who have been here the longest. Now you are going to go and sit in a small cell that only has a bed and a toilet and contemplate on what you have done. There are almost no rules yet in the first few hours you broke the number one rule. Right now I'm so embarrassed and mad I'm considering having you publicly whipped. However, I know my mates would object. So, we'll decide what to do after I've calmed down!"

"Slave Charm, please come with me. I may not look very strong but you should know I can alter anything in this realm. You do not want me to have to use force."

Charm grumbled, but crawled out of the hot tub and followed House out.

"I should go get Slam." Kyle said, with a sigh.

"You need to tell him what happened, but I'm giving him a reprieve since there was no way he could have stopped Charm from lying."

"By the way what did he lie about?"

"He said you gave him permission to remain in the hot tub for as long as he wanted."

"So not a big lie, but still, since it could have gotten the others in here with him in trouble he needs to be punished. I'll try to think of something while I'm working on drying the others." Kyle sighed again.

My pokemorphs were quiet. I demonstrated the full body air dryer on Ace since I figured he's actually enjoy it. Then proceeded out to the sun deck. Which was already littered with bodies in various states of being groomed and grooming. I continued around to the pool area.

"Wow, you must have a lot of water types with so many bathing areas." Riven squeaked in excitement.

"The shower is for cleansing, the tubs are for exercise and relaxation and this pool is for having fun. We're also on an island in the middle of a fresh water lake. Which is at the center of a larger island surrounded by ocean. You’re not lacking for swimming options. Also the fish are not Pokémon and as such can be caught and eaten. If that isn’t your thing Masters Kyle and Wolf cook, Mika bakes, and for those with special diets House can provide what you need. Now everyone find a place to lay down and let the sun dry you. Zero, come over here. Since Ace is already dry you can begin learning to help him care for his fur. Then when you're dry he'll do the same for you."

***

Everyone was spread out working on grooming each other so I waved Wolf and Kyle over.

"We need to deal with Charm."

"How about putting him on vegetable meal rations?" Wolf suggested. "That way even though Slam also has to eat that diet he won't be as badly effected."

"I think it needs to be something public so the others know he is being punished." Kyle stated.

"Sorry Wolf, but the diet thing won't work since everyone has special requirements. Still, that doesn't mean he should get to enjoy your cooking."

"Kyle could use him for his cooking experiments." Wolf suggested.

"Hey, that isn't very nice." Kyle growled.

"Kyle's right. I'd rather not resort to cruel and unusual torture methods."

"See . . . Wait. What do you mean?"

"I think I have an idea. First off, he is going only get two meals a day and that will be a milk and protein drink. That way he gets the nutrition he needs but it's nearly flavorless. That will be for a week. Plus, since it was the hot tube that he lied about, he'll have to take a cold shower every day for a month."

"Slam should enjoy that." Kyle said grinning. "Just one more thing, Charm stays alone in the cell until tomorrow morning. House will be the only one he gets to see."

"I was going to go inform him of his punishment, but I suppose House can do that." I replied.

"Good, now you get some more rest while we deal with this crowd. Then we'll all go see the official opening to the outer island together." Wolf said.

"Okay, I'll lay down and rest, but that doesn't mean I'll go to sleep."

***

We led the newer slaves around the town. Most were surprised that everyone was slaves and that we allowed them so much freedom. Just the idea that they were allowed to live independently without supervision confused some.

However, everyone turned out when I announced the main doors to the outer island were about to be opened. The only slave that wasn't there was Charm. Slam would have to show him around after he had finished his term of punishment.

The doors creaked and a thin crack appeared down the center. Old unoiled gears and rusty chains echoed through the area.

"Tiger, what is going on?" Wolf mentally asked.

I rolled my eyes. "I think this is Mahan acting as House at the moment. Doing his best to make things extra dramatic. After all, those doors are hydraulic and well maintained in case of a tsunami threat." I replied.

Still all the slaves were enthralled with the slow process so I decided to let it play out. At least until the opening was large enough to admit passage to the largest of us. Then I entered the passage. It was overgrown and clogged with roots. We'd have to cut or burn our way through. "Pause game." I yelled.

"I hope you paused to remove this mess. Really this is just going too far." Kyle complained.

"Computer edit program." I started.

"Edits will have consequences."

"And if the edit is to match location to real world equivalent?" I asked.

There was a long pause.

"Damn it. You ruin everything fun don't you?" Mahan complained.

"Mahan, this isn't fun this is making things slow and boring. So how about this. We rewind the game to the point just before we entered and instead of boring you make the passage as much of an amazing spectacle as you can imagine?" Wolf asked.

"I can do anything, as long as it seems exciting?" Mahan asked.

I felt a cold shiver.

"Yes, but I'm the one you have to impress."

Again there was a few moments of silence. "And if you don't think it is exciting enough?"

“Then you redo it until I'm impressed, even if it takes decades."

"I suppose those are acceptable terms."

"Now watch a professional work." Wolf thought to me.

***

I meant to watch, really I did, and I made it through the first hour but after that . . . Well, let’s say when Wolf woke me I was laying against Rider's left side, Kyle was asleep on his right keeping him balanced on the bench we'd found. Keb was using my leg as a pillow and Mal had shifted to cat form and was curled up in Kyle's lap.

"Huh?" I was sure someone had said my name.

"I said, I think we are ready to proceed." Wolf whispered. "No peeking. I want everyone to experience it at once."

We woke the others and returned to the point we'd just started to move to enter. "Resume game."

As we entered I was a bit surprised. The area was larger than its real world counterpart. As my eyes adjusted to the lower light of the tunnel I stopped. It was filled with colorful glowing crystal stalagmites and stalactites. The floor looked like it was dyed polished coral and the walls on either side held giant aquariums filled with live corals and colorful fish.

"This is . . ." I went silent as the crystal structures burst into rainbows of color.

Wolf grinned. "Sound reactive. Every sound be it as subtle as breathing to yelling is going to create different patterns. Every trip through will be a new experience." He communicated to me through thought.

"And the aquarium?" I thought back.

"The water is constantly cycled from the outer reef beyond the shield. At least that's the working theory since this is a game. However I know you try to make sure everything actually works so I came up with that solution. All the life in the tanks can come and go as it pleases." He informed me.

"This is amazing. In my wildest dreams I could never imagine anything like this." Mal whispered, starting a new light show.

After that we progressed as silently as possible just enjoying the sight with a minimum of sound. As we exited I sighed in relief. Even though it was beautiful it could be overwhelming. Especially considering how many of us were walking through.

"Well, this is different." Keb muttered.

Even though we'd made yearly trips to the real island this version was much different. There was a road of sorts but it was only visible in occasional patches.

"Sorry, we tried to at least clear a path. It seems the jungle has taken over out here." Timid said, as he cut his way through some vines. "Bold is still back at the old house trying to put it back in order. If it's alright, once we've been here a while, Bold and I would like to set up there since it is near the lagoon."

"So long as you two don't ignore it when we summon you, you can go ahead and set up out here now. I know how important the warm seawater is to you two." Wolf replied.

"Master, I don't understand. Why is it so different out here compared to the inner island?" Raze asked.

"The walls create a micro climate inside so we have alpine meadows and conifers around the inner rim, a deciduous forest environment on the inner island, though that one is hard to tell sine it is so carefully tended and the trees are all fruit bearing. Out here it is obviously natural for tropical forests."

"It's amazing the little island we started on when trapped in the past has grown so big." Chomper said, as we followed Timid's trail.

"What do you mean?' Evan asked.

I sighed. “A lot of the eight years we've been gone is because there was a portal mishap that scattered us through time. I ended up here just as House became this realm's guardian. So I was here but not in this time."

"House, why didn't you inform us?" Sticks yelled.

"You asked me if I knew when Prowl-Ar would return, and I told you yes. You never asked if he had already returned or when he returned." House replied.

All our pre-time travel slaves glanced at one another.

"What's important now is that you all have a huge new area to explore. Including a beach, a river area where the lake inside drains out, and-"

"Wait, is there an island in the river with a stone bridge out to it?" Conner asked.

I grinned at the fox. "Figured out where House had been before we moved to the inner island, huh?"

"What is beyond the shield?" Rex asked.

"I don't know. It's entirely possible that this is the only dry land on this world." I replied.

"Unlikely. Not with such a large variety of life here. Not that it matters so long as we have the shield to protect us." Razor stated.

"Now then, you're all free to explore. However, before eating anything be sure to ask House if it is safe for you. Even if you recognize it from your original realm that doesn't mean the version in this realm is safe. Now go have fun."

"And what are you going to do?" Kyle asked, as everyone started to wander off.

"I'm going to see about getting this hut back into proper order. With House's assistance of course."

"You know what? Mal, Keb, and I will do that." Kyle said.

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"After Wolf and I worked out our problems he mentioned the lack of colder areas. Now I may be out of line, but I think you know a way to make him happy." Kyle winked at me.

"Listen we have a few slaves that also dislike the heat. You could send them that way as well, I'll take Rider . . . Where is Rider?"

"Last I saw him he was headed for the beach."

"I don't want-"

"It's not favoritism if one of us tells you how to make another of our mates happy. Now get going."

I smiled and closed my eyes. "Love, there is something I need to show you back at the house. When you get a chance meet me there." I thought.

"I'm just dampening the crystals. The strobing colors was a bit much so I'm adjusting them so the light level remains the same no matter how loud it gets. We can walk back together." He though back.

I shook my head. Obviously he knew I planned to teleport and he found a way to make me walk.

***

"What is so special about the basement?" Wolf asked, as I led him down the outside stairs.

"You'll see." Once inside I was a bit confused. I was still getting used to the new layout and the portals were now down another level. Just one more level down."

"How far down does house go?" Wolf asked.

"Depends on which one this one stops at a single sub-basement. The real one goes down an additional three levels to the transit system for the island. We've never needed to use it so it's always been closed off."

"I see. So what's on this level?"

"The portals to the other nexus realms."

"I don't see any portals just signs and tunnels."

I stepped up to the mouth of the first tunnel. "That's because these portals are nexus portals. That means they are permanently open. This one leads to the Green Man's Giant Forest.”

Wolf chuckled at my presentation.

”The tunnel comes up inside an ancient hollow tree with a staircase carved into the side. You can exit at ground level, but if you make the climb there are dozens of viewing platforms in the canopy."

"And this one that says Harvester's Temple, be sure to feed him regularly? It has a slate and chalk with several of the slave’s names. Where does it lead?"

"That one we should save for another time."

"Trying to hide something?" Wolf asked.

"No I . . ." I had a strange feeling I hadn't had for a long time. The feeling of wrongness that came from having memories of living parallel lives due to a time shift. "The guardian harvests genetic material from visitors to sustain its life."

"Meaning?"

"You receive sexual pleasure and it gets a meal."

"You know I can tell when you're hiding something."

"There is a glitch. If one with the ability to carry young chooses they can become pregnant with the offspring of anyone the harvester has samples of."

Wolf looked confused for a moment and then smiled. "So that's how you had them. Wait, does that mean I could get pregnant and give birth to a cub from anyone in this game? Not that I would! After all I promised no more children for a little while."

"Yes, it is possible. Moving on this one is Char's treasure caves. Basically it is the realm of lost things. Char is the guardian dragon ghost that partially raised Frost. This next one is the why I brought you down here."

"Kitsuné Guardians Hot Baths? I've had enough heat for a while. Plus we just bathed so . . ."

"You trust me, right?"

"Of course I do."

"Then come on you're going to love it."

***

"Master Jordan, it is good to see you again. Would you like your usual bath? Master Prowl-Ar you are here as well?"

"Yes, Master Prowl-Ar is my mate."

"Really? I thought Master Kyle was Master Prowl-Ar’s mate."

"He is also one of our mates." Wolf quickly pointed out.

"Ah, we understand. Please follow me."

As we stepped out into the cold our Kitsuné guide glanced up. "It never fails, as soon as you arrive, Master Jordan, it begins to snow."

Wolf laughed, "Just my luck I suppose. We'll call if we need anything."

"Of course, my lords."

I slid into the hot water to escape the cold.

"You're angry." Wolf said, quietly.

"No, I'm not."

"Spoken like one who is very angry."

"No Love, I'm not angry. I'm just being a bit sulky. I though this place would be a big surprise. I should have known you'd been here before."

"I didn't know it was connected to the house program. I just asked the computer to run a program with snow. I'm sorry I spoiled your surprise."

"It's okay, honestly. I'm happy you've been able to come to a snowy world. Lord knows we don't travel down to the planet very often."

"That's not your fault. Humans don't like to change."

"I know, but twenty years is a long time not to see any change or progress."

"What do you mean by no progress? There's no more forced migration to the colonies. Now everyone that immigrates does so primarily by choice. There are almost no attacks on anyone just because of how they identify. Those two things are a lot of progress. Oh and racism is almost extinct."

I laughed. "Yeah, but that's only because the racists are now focusing their hate on shifters, synths, and kobolds."

"One step at a time."

"I know. It's just frustrating sometimes."

"I know you don't like talking about it, but have you thought about heading out beyond Earth and Alpha Centauri? I know you're worried about encountering non-humans risking them coming after us, but you have some really big ships in the junkyard to defend Earth and it's not like we wouldn't be very careful about choosing crews."

"I don't know."

"You know what? Forget I said anything. Let’s just relax and watch the snowfall." Wolf said, as he leaned against me.

I tried, but my mind wouldn't stop turning the question over in my head. Wolf had nodded off and I considered waking him enough to get out of the bath. However there was something I needed to do first. "Mahan, begin preparations to deploy Home One, Enterprise E, Hammond, and New Galactica."

"I already have lists of possible crew for the Enterprise and Galactica. I'll begin doing deep background checks on them, their family, and friends."

"I also want you to include Synths and Kobolds among the crew. If we really are going to take this step, we should do it as an alliance."

"Does that include normal humans from Earth?"

"Yes, in fact we should include a journalist and a united nations ambassador in the crew. Just make sure they don't dump a threat on us. Oh and make it clear they are crew members and not command crew."

"Understood. And about time too."

"I knew you'd make the right decision." Wolf whispered. "Do you think the Kitsuné have guest facilities? I don't think I can stay awake long enough to make it back to House."

I couldn't quite suppress a yawn. "If not I'll just . . ." I trailed off as we were lifted from the water. "Fox magic." I muttered.

"Exactly so master. We will have you dried and in bed shortly. You can go ahead and fall asleep if you wish. We will take care of everything."

"Sounds delightful." Wolf said, and I had to agree.

***

I couldn't believe I was here. Really, I thought with the kids moving out I'd be able to go back to a nice quiet existence playing VR games with my mates. But no. I just had to ask Shock to talk with the Synth diplomats to see if they would be willing to serve on our exploration vessels.

Within minutes he sent back that the Synths had just been waiting to form an alliance with the furry nation for just such a project. So here I was with Shock, Dash, Tye, and Keb in the parliament hall of the Synth Union.

"Lord Nightiger, We are honored by your presence before us. Your representative says you wish to propose an alliance?"

I blacked out my visor. No way could I speak with so many people watching. "I don't know as it is that grand a proposal. I'm composing crews for several exploration vessels and I thought it would be a good idea for all of us, having Earth origins, to be included. It is important for any species to have a second world colony in order to survive should something happen to the primary world."

"So you would expect us to serve with humans, furries, and kobolds?"

"Yes. The mission is to find new planets. The kobolds need a home system to call their own and your people deserve a planet to call your own as well. Humans, as foolish as they are need a backup world. And to be honest my own furry nation needs a world to call its own. Even though there have been few complaints about the colonies there are only so many that can be kept in one system and the ones we have are beginning to get crowded.

"And if the planets you find have life on them?"

"If they are at or above current human level first contact will be considered. If they haven't started taking steps into space we don't interfere."

"And who makes that call? You or the captain of the ship that discovered them?"

"The best choice would be to form an alliance council who can judge such things. After all once a path had been forged to a world we can we can travel there within minutes."

"And will you be exploring as well?"

"I . . . I don't know. That is something I'll need to discuss with my family and crew."

"You have given us much to discuss and think about. Please enjoy your stay while we deliberate."

***

I leaned against the second floor railing looking out at the level below me. The colony was built as a giant six sided saucer. And dotted across the top were a multitude of domes containing shopping and recreational areas. What surprised me most was the number of humans and even a few kobolds going about their business with such purpose that it was obvious they weren't tourists.

"Amazing, isn't it? Eventually the plan is to have enough colony units to form a globe creating a true synth home world. One where we can rotate the individual units so either the plazas are pointed outward or the shielded section. Eventually the hope is that Lord Nightiger will share the secret of his ship's armor so we can be completely secure."

I looked up at the Synth. He was black and orange.

"I doubt that is ever going to happen."

"But don't you want us to be safe, Sir?" He practically whined.

"So you know who I am?"

He laughed. "I don't think there is a person on this colony that doesn't know you on sight. If you really look you'll notice all the suspicious glances. I'm even sure, if they were brave enough, they would come up and ask for a holo image."

"What makes you so brave?"

"Sorry sir, 2g61j4k or Jack, reporting for duty." Jack said, snapping to attention.

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"I have been chosen as one of two Synth diplomats to serve aboard the Shadow Runner under you direct command."

"Explain."

"While the council is deliberating on your proposal I'm am to serve aboard your ship as a test. It was proposed that a team of six to ten would be the optimum number. However, given the fact that everyone that serves under you-"

"I'd just like to point out that Dragon, Luca, Fenrir, Raulin, and most of my kids haven't-"

"The council still sees it as a risk. That's why we were chosen."

"Because you have no interest in me or my crew?"

"Well, that's why the other diplomat was chosen. I was chosen because I am already on good terms with Shock and Dash. I'm not looking for any sort of committed relationship, but I'm not opposed to a bit of fun."

"That's not how things work. People don't just get assigned to my ship. I'm very careful about-"

"Rin, D’artagnon, Luca, Dragon, all the crew members that were game characters come to life? I've studied everything I could about you. I'm sure only five percent is true but I've been dreaming about being under your command for a long time."

"Synth's dream?"

"I'd think you'd know that, with Dash as one of your mates."

"Dash is a special case."

"Granted. Yes, we dream. When we power down to recharge a certain amount of energy is still circulating this creates random memory sequences very similar to human brain activity when dreaming."

"What is your specialty?"

"My what?"

"If you are going to join my crew what job will you be preforming?"

Jack's eye projections turned into question marks. "When you figure it out then come find me." I said, as I stepped onto an escalator. I figured I might as well see what synth culture had to offer a human tourist.

***

I leaned back on the bench I'd found It was sort of a miniature park. Basically four small palms surrounding a Statue of Dragon. Most of the area was taken up with kobolds presenting offerings. Some of them wore synth costumes that made them look a lot like protogens. I'd have to check with Luca to see how that project was going.

Anyway I'd bought an ice pop and was slowly consuming it. It had a slight after taste that I recognized. It was obvious they had used a matter generator to make the flavoring. I let my mind drift thinking how Wolf would howl about the over use of the artificial flavoring. Luckily our telepathic link was . . . well, not weaker, we made sure of that the moment I arrived, but less immediate. He couldn't passively access my mind. Only direct communication was possible.

I had to admit I felt a lot of things mostly a little guilty for enjoying the freedom. Happy at the true silence that came from being the only one in my head, but fear as well since it had been so long since I didn't have Reaper, Wolf, or Fenrir listening in.

"I've already met Prowl-Ar."

I was pulled out of my head at the mention of my name. After my meeting with Jack I'd changed my cloths setting to blend in better, but I couldn't activate my mask since the Synths could see right through that.

"I told you to wait."

"He really isn't as bad as you made him sound."

"Don't fall for his charm. He is dangerous. Look what he did to all of us!"

"What? You can't deny that even you upgraded since we made first contact with him."

"I . . . That's not the point. I don't want to lose you."

"You're not going to lose me. You know I'm only attracted to kobolds and I'm completely devoted to my mate."

"Would you stop saying that!"

"You need to get used to it. Hallow is my mate and I don't care who knows it."

I glanced around the palm and noticed Jack sitting on a bench and a pink Synth talking to him. There was something familiar about them but I couldn't place it. For once I regretted not having Mahan around to provide information,

"There's my big tool! Sorry, Jack, I am overjoyed to share my lunch break with you. Good afternoon, Admiral, I did not realize you would be joining us, but your company is always a pleasure."

I felt sorry for the orange and black protogen clad kobold. They must have practiced a long time just for a moment like this. He had black stripes so he was of the spy . . . diplomatic clan I had to correct myself remembering Zephyr had mentioned the tribe had changed their purpose at some point.

"I suppose you being assigned to that infernal human will at least separate you two for a few years so you can come to your senses."

Though the kobold’s mask hid his face, from the reaction, I could tell he'd rapidly gone from surprise to sadness.

I stood, dropped my melting ice into a trash bin, shifted to my feline form, and pulled a chameleon cloak around me. The cloth bent light rather than using holographics so it was still effective, even against Synths. I'd practiced this with Dash so I knew the pink synth wouldn't hear my approach. I was directly behind them, my muzzle almost directly next to the audio pick up before I whispered, "I don't care what relation you two might be; you don't speak to my crew that way."

She spun punching and lashing her tail at the same time. That's when I recognized her. She'd been the captain of the Synth invasion fleet twenty years ago.

"Where are you? You nasty-".

"Now, now. You wouldn't want a second diplomatic indiscretion on your record, would you?"

"Just show yourself and find out."

"Nice breast units. You chose a nice design. It really suits you."

"Go to the abyss. I only got these because I was sick of being mis-gendered."

"I was just complimenting you on your design choice. Tell me, Hallow, what is your job?"

"I-, I make sure there are enough kobolds at official events. Really I'm no one important."

"Love, that's not true. You're my everything." Jack said, while hugging them.

"So it is unlikely anyone will care that much if you are reassigned?"

"Reassigned where?" Hallow asked

"To the Shadow Runner. If we have to host a couple of synths then it is only right if we have members from the kobold nation as well."

"You- you want me . . . Me, a complete nobody, to serve on the greatest starship anyone has ever known?"

"No I want you to serve on the Shadow Runner with your mate."

"I . . . No, I think it would be better if you choose someone else."

"Hah! Even he knows how worthless he is. He isn't even half a kobold."

"That's it! I'm asking for complete erasure of all records of you as my parent. I'd rather be an outcast than be associated with you now."

Jack continued yelling, but my concern was for Hallow. They had gone completely still almost . . . "Display vital signs." My headset snapped into place and I gasped. At least sixty percent of Hallow's body was artificial. He wasn't wearing a protogen costume, for all intents and purposes he was a protogen. "Jack, carry Hallow. We're leaving. I reached out to the others with the telegem. "Meet at the ship. We're leaving. Shock and Dash, that includes you. As of this moment the Shadow Runners are breaking off diplomatic relations with the Synth's until we receive a written apology from an arrogant Admiral for purposely and with malice insulted the Shadow Runner Diplomat from the Kobold kingdom, known as Hallow. Also let them know we will be taking 2g61j4k."

"Taking him as what? We’re currently with the council and they are concerned whether or not to take us captive if you are taking captives."

"I'm taking him as the Synth representative and chief negotiator for the Synth council, as they had planned."

"That's twisted some wires. It seems they weren't ready to list that condition yet." Shock said, in surprise.

"To bad for them we're always a step ahead."

"They want to know how you know."

I grinned as we entered a lift. "Tell them I accidentally overheard the Admiral arguing with the representative about the assignment when I was relaxing in a public area. The park with a statue of Dragon. I'm sure they can check the video for confirmation."

We exited the lift and headed for the ship bays. "I'm going to be in so much trouble when the council learns about this. I shouldn't have gotten you involved. I shouldn't have made contact with you at all."

Jack said.

"Don't worry about it. I'll fix everything."

"They've accessed the security and are running it back. They want to know the condition of the Kobold diplomat. It is obvious they were injured in some way." Dash said.

I winced, even after twenty years that damn green shard made sure any contact hurt. "Tell Shock it's a Video fox situation."

It was only a moment before I felt panic from Shock. "Don't you dare try a soul bind!"

"Foxy, I'm not that stupid. Besides I wouldn't be a good match."

"Will they survive?" Dash asked.

”Physically I don't think they have a choice. Mentally, I'm not sure.” We entered the bay and I led Jack aboard the Blade Hunter. "Blade, are we connected to the colony's systems?"

"Yes Captain. However access is limited."

"Doesn't matter."

I plugged my headset into the console and started navigating the system. They had extremely good security, but the systems were based on those of the Dragon's Hoard and the original synth core programming, all of which was based on Mahan. And I knew almost every backdoor. I simply bypassed everything going directly to the core and then working my way out until I was in the security camera recordings. I carefully swapped Jack and Hallow for the morning meeting so it seemed like it was Hallow that first met me fortunately there wasn’t any audio from the balcony. After that meeting I did some creative editing so they changed back smoothly before Jack went to the park and met his . . . the Admiral.

"They’ve run the tape. They are upset about the Admiral speaking about such things in a public location. However, they are confused at Hallow's reaction." Shock communicated.

I quickly backed out of the system. "We're on the Blade Hunter. Will the council give me access to send them the information I have stored on my headset?"

"Sir, I have a request for a secure communications link. Should I allow it?" Blade asked.

"Open the link."

"Link open."

”Esteemed council members, Shock informs me that you have reviewed the encounter, now let me show it to you from my point of view. As you can see Hallow-"

"Yes, a biological surviving, let alone being reconstructed as he has been, must have created a lot of trauma."

"Council chief, as head of emergency repair, I can tell you even some synths wouldn't survive that much damage. Look at the facial reconstruction. If our cranial unit was that damaged the psychological effect would be devastating."

"Your request is granted, and given the circumstances we will agree to placing diplomats in your crew-"

"It’s fine, however I have already accepted Jack and because he will have to work with your second representative I request that he be allowed to choose-"

"S4mrl615g9." Jack interrupted.

"Checking . . . Why have you chosen them?"

”Because I have worked with them for some time and I know that we get along. Plus they have no interest in gender upgrades making them perfect to serve on the Shadow Runner without you having to worry about them becoming engaged with the ship’s crew. And Finally because of their work with biomechanics. They are the best suited to care for Hallow."

There was silence but I could tell there was a lively discussion taking place between the council members. "Your choice is approved. Lord Prowl-Ar, does this mean that you will allow your diplomats to remain here?"

"That depends on whether Hollow recovers and is able to accept the Admiral's written apology. However, we will remain here for now. I would rather not risk taking Hallow through a jump back to the Sol system."

"Understood, and thank you for your patience and understanding."

"Link has closed." Blade announced.

"Tiger, the council is adjourning for the day. I think it is just to get us out of the room so that they can deal with the Admiral. Is there room on Blade for us? If things go bad I'd rather be there than stuck in our quarters."

"Sure but I expect payment."

"But I don't have any money. My boss doesn’t pay me."

"Well I guess I'll just have to get payment another way."

"I- I understand, but we have to be careful I have a jealous boyfriend and I don't know what he would do if he caught us."

"Oh? What do you think he’ll do?”

“He’d probably do to you what you do to Shock.” Dash replied.

“Oh? I think I'll risk it. How long until you get here?"

"An hour, maybe two, we still have work to get done and it would look bad if we immediately headed for Blade."

"I'll try to behave until you get here."

"Captain, there is a synth at the ramp requesting permission to enter."

"Show us." I ordered.

As the image came up I glanced at Jack and back at the screen several times. The two synths were colored almost the same. Jack was mostly orange with black secondary and the one on the screen was the opposite being black with orange secondary.

"That's Sam. The other diplomat you wanted me to choose." Jack said, looking at the screen.

"Allow them to board." I ordered

"Him." Jack said.

"But you said . . ."

"Was what we tell everyone. Now what are you going to do to help Hallow?"

"Sorry, I just had to be sure there was no evidence you had met me earlier. If anyone asks the first time we met is the encounter in the park."

"You can't just erase-"

"Erase? No, but I could edit an overlay where I spoke to Hallow earlier instead of you."

"Is this where- J4K! What are you doing here? What is wrong with Hallow!"

"My parent said some horrible things and he shut down."

"If she wasn't an Admiral . . . Anyway I was told to report here. Something about diplomatic duty. You know I'm not a diplomat. I'm a biomechanic."

"Are you the one responsible for Hallow's condition?" I growled.

"Depends what you mean. I didn't force him to shut down. I'm also not the one that rebuilt him."

"Sam, is the one responsible for keeping Hallow's artificial parts functioning." Jack said.

"Okay, let’s put him in the medical room since it is his biologics rather than synthetics that we're dealing with."

"Why would I need a diplomatic program upgrade?" Jack muttered as he placed Hallow on the bed.

I started the scanner just to get a better idea of what we were working with. Suddenly I realized what Jack had said. "You're linked? Of course you are. Both of you burn your link!"

"No way. I'm in the middle of a delicate upload." Sam protested.

"Shit! Synth override code: lockdown."

"What did you do?" Blade asked.

"I . . . paused them. They are still fully aware they just can't access any of their systems. Oh and they can't be remotely accessed. Please have Comma bring me a toolkit for robotics and two Runner encrypted link units."

"It will take a few minutes for each link unit."

"Understood."

I was still carefully searching for an access port when Shock and Dash arrived.

"Tiger, what are you doing?" Dash asked.

I'm trying to find where his primary access port is located."

"They were born not built. They don't have a port. Just what are you trying to do to them?"

"These are our two new synth diplomats. They refused to burn their uplink to the colony."

"Tiger. Love. You are an idiot. Dash, if you tell Wolf I said that I'll deny everything. Anyway, you can't just do this."

"Jack here is a trained diplomat and they just requited him to download new files."

Shock sighed, "And your first thought was sabotage. Again, you are an idiot."

"You used the lockdown code. Figures it would still be in their programming. Okay, First off let me apologize for the Captain's actions. He's. . . Old. He sees the universe much differently than we do, however he does have the best of intentions, most of the time. So here is what is going to happen. Tiger will release you and you'll immediately burn your connection unit. You will then be given a crew link. This will allow you to access The Shadow Runner database and re-establish your link to the colony, however no one will be able to use it to force you to download anything. Honestly the link is more powerful. After all I can access my personal files on the Runner even though it's still in the Sol system."

"Synth lockdown cancel." I muttered.

"I can't burn it yet! I'm only 62% complete on a full identity back-up." Sam yelled.

"Cancel the upload, in fact delete all your back-ups. That is a free service as a crew member. We all have a backup in case something goes wrong." Shock ordered.

"I- I'll go first." Jack said, hesitantly.

"If you open your access port I'll install the new link."

"Can you give us privacy to do it ourselves? It is kind of a personal thing."

"A compromise. We leave but Dash stays just to be sure your old link is destroyed."

"I- I guess that would be alright."

I nodded and stepped out of the room with Shock close behind.

***

"It's done. Dash announced, letting us back in.

"Captain Nightiger, how do you have so much power but don’t use it?" Jack asked.

"What do you mean?"

"He means information. We can access . . . anything we can think off and have the answer immediately." Sam answered.

"For one thing I need to know what to ask. For another you’ll find there is a limiter. Ask for information about me before I announced my existence to Earth."

"What the hell?" Jack yelled.

I grinned, "Not hell, Mahan."

"That's not what the message said. It was a warning issued by someone called Origin."

"Oh, that's not good. What did you ask?" Dash asked.

"Where Prowl-Ar gets his power from. It showed images of his mates so I rephrased to were does his information come from." Jack replied.

"Some things are better left unknown." Dash said.

"Okay, I have to know, who is Origin?" Shock asked.

"He is the protector of the archive. The place Mahan accesses when he deep dives into the past events. Only two people have met him, myself and Dash. Now before you get angry Origin is the one that freed Dash. The only limitation now is that he is unable to talk about Origin."

"That's fine but I don't understand how there is a record of this system as well." Sam said.

"What? Blade, access records Alpha Centauri first file. Does it predate The Dragon's Hoard's arrival?"

"Yes, I have actual coordinates."

"Let me know when Keb and Tye are onboard. Sam you stay here and watch over Hallow. Right now what he needs is reassurance. Just talk to him. Even though he is in this state a part of him will still process your voices. Dash when the scan is complete I want you to track down the source of the artificial parts he was rebuilt with. Shock, I need you to help Sam understand what Hallow is going through."

"And what is that?" Shock asked.

"It's like what happened to Video Fox when he died."

"Oh, and you?" Dash asked.

"Jack, you need to go collect any belongings you and Hallow want to keep and bring them back here."

"Get my things as well." Sam added.

"Commander Keb and Tye have arrived." Blade informed us.

"Good, I'll send Tye with Jack to act as security."

"You didn't answer Dash's question." Shock pointed out.

"I have an anomaly to track down."

***

It wasn't difficult to find the spacial distortion. It was well outside the system. Suspiciously close to a malfunctioning jump beacon. It was decaying but it would be enough for what needed to be done.

"Tiger, not to interrupt, but Dash has finished his analysis." Shock said, as he entered.

I tapped the screen "I know I'm just about to go over it.

"Everyone is aboard, however Dash and I should stay. We do have a job to do after all."

"I don't like it, but you're the expert."

"Damn right I am. And if things start to look bad we'll jump for home. I'd like you to stay longer, but Dash says Hallow needs the more advanced recovery he can get on the Runner."

"That's another thing. When we're ready to go exploring I expect you and Dash to be on the ship."

"Understood, Admiral." Shock snapped a salute.

I shook my head, "Don't do that."

"Fine, but I feel obliged to tell you to get some rest."

"I can-"

"Now. It's well into the night cycle. Since Hallow is stable nothing is so urgent you can't get some sleep."

"Fine, but you and Dash are staying aboard so I can have as many mates as possible with me."

"I said sleep" Shock laughed.

"Fine with me."

***

"Mind saying that again? I must have misheard you." I said, looking at Wolf in surprise.

"Look, here where the snout was removed. And again here the joints have been fully replace with no fracturing. Hallow wasn't injured in some mining accident, he was purposely turned into a Protogen. Unfortunately I can only think of one person working on such a project."

"Luca wouldn't do this."

"What wouldn’t I do?" Luca asked, as he entered.

"Good, you're here. I summoned you to tell us this isn't your work." Wolf said, making me get up.

"Oh sure just blame . . ."

"Mahan! Who the hell did this?"

"That is what we are trying to figure out." Mahan replied.

"Okay first off I didn't do this. I shut down that line of research, and had Mahan seal it just to be sure, because I determined that the amount of trauma from the conversion would fracture the mind. Looking at this is irritating. The parts, while they are my designs, are commercial grade. If this isn't a simulation you've created so you can blame it on me, I'd suggest either using the evolver to heal them or put them out of their misery."

"I'll heal him once he comes out of a coma. Did you do a brain wave scan?" I asked Wolf.

"I know my job. The scan is right here and hasn't changed since he arrived."

"It hasn't changed?" Luca asked.

"That is an electrical interference pattern. It happens when the subject has conflicts between the separate organs. He could be awake, screaming and still be catatonic and silent. He needs a system reset. However, it's going to take some creative application to hit every replaced organ with the correct frequency. Why don't you make yourselves useful by going and letting the subject know I'll get him back on his feet in a few hours."

Once out of the office Wolf turned on me.

"I don't like him being here unsupervised."

"Mahan what is Luca doing?"

"He's going over his old research and coding. He and I are also tracking down each part to see where Hallow's parts originated."

"Can you inform Jack and Sam that Hallow may be awake and explain what Luca is working on? Also please have Tye and Kyle meet us in the hangar. While you’re at it initiate a deep dive search on Hallow if what was done to him took place in this system then it should be in the archives."

"I am already working on that."

"Tiger why are we headed for the hangar bay?" Wolf asked.

"Because you like to keep a close eye on me when I'm thinking about doing something stupid. Unfortunately I've already done it. I'll explain the details when we get to the junkyard."

"What is going on?" Kyle asked, when we got to the bay.

"Yeah Dad, we just got back."

"I did something foolish and both you and Wolf insist on not letting me do such things on my own."

Tye groaned. "This is bad. You know better."

"What is done is done and all that's left is to do it." I laughed. Hoping Kyle and Wolf wouldn't ask, at least not until we were underway.

"Tiger, no one can overhear us. What are you saying?" Wolf thought to me.

"We have to go on a mission. A mission we've already completed." I responded.

"That doesn't make sense."

"There is an archive of the Synth system like the one here for the solar system. That means I went back in time and set it up."

"But-"

"But I told you the Runner couldn't time jump any longer. That's true. It would take me a year to bring it back online. And time jumping a ship this big creates system altering consequences. So we have to retrieve another ship with a working time drive."

"You have other ships with time drives!" He mentally yelled.

"I don't know just what you two are discussing but I really don't like being left out." Kyle huffed.

"You're right we should go before someone comes looking for us." Tye said.

"Yeah, like the rest of our mates? Or are you worried about the two synths?" Kyle asked.

"Luca is here studying the kobold protogen." Wolf added.

"A little inspection trip out to the junk yard sounds like an excellent idea." Kyle said, pushing us up the ramp into the shuttle.

"Oh come on, Luca is a good guy and-"

"Yes, and he is crew. Doesn't mean I trust you being alone with him."

"He's not going to try anything. I trust-"

"Who said anything about not trusting Luca?" Kyle growled. "It's a certain tiger that can't be trusted."

I was so surprised I couldn't say anything, but I could hear Tye laughing.

***

I slowly guided the shuttle through the ships. The one I needed was deep inside the collection and basically hidden by much more favorable ships.

"There it is."

"You're kidding, right?" Kyle asked.

"Nope that is the time ship. What did you expect? A British police call box? Or maybe a flying DeLorean?"

All three of them looked at me in confusion.

"Yes, that is the ship."

"Time ship?" Kyle asked.

"Why is it a giant metal fish?" Wolf asked.

"I'm so glad Nature isn't here to see this." Tye commented.

"Yes, we are going on a little trip back in time. It's shaped like a fish because navigating time really is like traveling through ocean currents. And yeah, it's best Nature and everyone else doesn't know this ship exists."

"Does it have an evolver?" Tye asked.

"Yeah, but only four tubes and no digital library so no creating new races."

"Is that why there is only four of us?" Wolf asked.

"Yes, if something goes wrong we can use the evolver as a hyper sleep unit. However this is just a simple trip back to set coordinates where I’ll set up the Alpha Centauri record system and then we’ll jump right back. In the here and now we’ll only be gone for an hour. Just to be sure there is no risk of overlap.”

The transfer was easy enough. The airlock was basically placed where the gills would be. Inside would be the hold if it didn't have a small evolver unit set up.

"I'm sorry to say the ship is only four decks and there are no real amenities."

"Meaning?" Wolf asked.

Well you can see the hold area takes up most of the room. We can climb a ladder down to the hold floor and access the weapons storage area. This level is the weapon firing mechanisms. One floor up is the crew quarters. One room with four bunks and a head. Above that is the bridge and an access hall leading back to the engines." I grabbed the rungs and started pulling myself up.

"You're serious, there really isn't a lift?" Kyle asked.

"Do you think I'd be climbing if there was?"

Once I'd finished climbing I found Wolf and then Tye were right behind me.

"Where's Kyle?"

"Don't ask." Wolf muttered.

"He needs to be up."

"Umph, why are the openings . . . grr, so tiny?"

I covered my face with my palm and shook my head. He had shifted to his eastern dragon form and was now likely very stuck. "Kyle . . ."

"And there." He'd shifted back to human form, "I knew there was an easier way."

"Idiot dragon, probably used more effort and energy doing that rather than just climbing." Wolf thought.

I huffed out a small chuckle and Wolf quickly blocked his thoughts once more.

”Grab a seat and buckle in. It doesn't matter which one you take I can fly the ship from here at the captain's seat."

"So why four seats then?" Kyle asked.

"Four crew, four seats."

"What is up with this control board? It says sonar." Tye asked.

“The ship's original purpose was as a fishing vessel on a water world. Then it served as a courier followed by warship and finally as a time ship."

"And this button that says 'do not touch under any circumstances’?" Wolf asked.

"Don't touch otherwise we'll be stranded there. Well here at a random point in the past or future."

"The time drive activation button then. Anyone want to trade seats?" Wolf asked.

I'd never seen Kyle and Tye so interested in their own non-working terminals.

"Okay time to go." I powered up the engines and plotted a course through the surrounding ships.

"Ship designated Bluefin, this is Junkyard station. Who are you and what do you think you're-"

"Hey Tank, It's just me, Prowl-Ar. I have a bit of, covert work, to do in synth space. The type where showing up as myself complicates things. So I'm taking this courier out instead. Who would ever think I'd show up in a giant fish? That's more like a kobold-"

"Who you calling a kobold!"

"Tuft, I'm not implying that just because the Bad Luck vaguely looks like a turtle means anything. Besides after all this time you have a very good reputation and respect."

"Don’t mind him. We just came back from a mission where we transported a tourist group to the synth colonies and most of them were kobolds."

"Okay, Tuft's attitude makes perfect sense, but don't be surprised if you have to take on synth and kobold crew members."

"I don't think so." Tank said.

"If you want to go exploring new systems you will. It's part of a compromise with the synth, kobold, furry nation and Earth."

"You really mean it? We'll get to explore? Tuft asked.

"That's the plan."

”Then get going already!" Tuft shouted.

***

As we entered altered space I realized I'd overlooked something critical. Even if everyone else somehow didn't notice us Mahan would.

"Everyone, brace yourselves for evasive maneuvers. When we drop out of altered space we'll need to course correct and jump again before Mahan can target us."

"He wouldn't dare. Would he?" Kyle asked.

"He knows this ship has a time drive, so he might."

"Course is plotted. You just have to get us pointed in the right direction.” Tye announced.

The moment we exited altered space Mahan started yelling.

I cut the communications and jumped to Alpha Centauri. We dropped out at the edge of the system rather than the inner marker.

"Tiger, why are we out here?" Kyle asked.

"We need one of two things to make a time jump. The first is massive gravity fluctuations or the second is an existing time space anomaly."

"Then how did you jump the Runner back in time?" Tye asked this time.

"The Runner can generate a combination of both to make a time jump. However, doing so creates more problems than it is worth. This ship using the microscopic remainder of Vexy's time anomaly will be enough. Ah there it is. First off, there is a mask in the compartment under your seat. Put it on."

"Dad, I've been through wormholes before. I'll be fine." Tye insisted.

I pulled out my own mask. "Shift to human form and put on the mask. That is an order. Lift your seats arm rest and hook in the hose attached to the mask. Now, when jumping through time you are going to see and feel unimaginable things. Do your best to remain calm. None of it is real. It is just the mind trying to make sense of what you are experiencing. So if you feel and see yourself turning inside out it isn't real." I finished hooking up my mask. Is everyone ready?"

There was a chorus of no's but my terminal showed they were secured and the masks were in place so I activated the time displace unit and watched as my skeleton ripped out of my body and started to poke each of my crew seemingly trying to convince their skeletons to join it.

I heard vomiting and in my warped state couldn't tell if I was the one doing it or one of the others then everything snapped back into place.

"Firing the package." I announced

"Dad, I hate you. And what package?"

"Forget what he fired! Somebody knock me out for the return trip." Kyle yelled.

"Captain, I think we have a problem. I have an alert that there is a problem with the-" Wolf didn't get to finish his thought to me as the ship shuddered from an explosion.

The doors slammed shut and the affected areas were vented.

"What was that?" Kyle asked.

I started checking off systems on my display. "That was an explosion. I'm checking now. Air stable. The ship did an emergency vent and is depressurizing. So far we don't seem to be . . ." I paused as the readings scrolled past. Physically the ship was fine. The time drive however was gone. I increased our forward thrust.

"Tiger what is going on?" Wolf asked.

"The time drive destabilized. It's going to . . . explode or implode. Honestly I don't know what is going to happen. But I don't want to be close to it when it does."

"I'm watching the rear. It looks to be exploding but in slow motion. It is quite- Dad go to maximum thrust! We have a massive energy wave-"

The ship was slammed and started spinning end over end.

"I'm going to be sick again!" I yelled, as I worked the controls to get the ship under control.

"The wave is passing we seem to have survived." Tye informed us. "Dad, how long until you can replace the time drive?"

"I can't. The drive has to be completely built and installed in a vacuum. So, we are kind of stuck. The good news is, using the evolver for suspended animation we can pass the hundreds of billions of years and have it seem like we barely fell asleep."

"You're kidding, right?" Tye asked.

"Unfortunately not. Without the time drive we're-"

"We're picking up a transmission." Kyle said, in surprise.

"Unidentified ship, this is the Dragon's Hoard, please identify."

"Shit!" I yelled jumping to altered space.

"Was that Vexy?" Kyle asked.

"Tiger? Are you okay? Your mind is racing." Wolf asked.

"I don't know. I don't know. I don't know."

"I'm dropping us out of altered space. We're almost to the midpoint beacon.” Tye announced.

The colors of altered space gave way to star field.

"Are we safe dropping out like this?" Kyle asked.

"Safer than meeting ourselves in this present."

"The time wave." I muttered.

"What?" Tye asked.

"It's my fault. I'm the one that killed them."

"Tiger, no. You can't blame yourself like that." Wolf said unbuckling and coming to my side.

"All this time I thought it was the synths and kobolds but I created this alternate time line."

"What I don't get is how we ended up here." Tye said.

"Basically we were surfing the time wave. However we were on top of Dragon's anomaly. So his time distortion pulled us out."

"So Vexy's death created the Synth and Kobold colonies as well as saved us. Plus because of our time wave he gets to live a normal life as well?" Kyle asked.

"Not to mention we have four more sons that we love very much." Wolf mentally reminded me.

It was enough to calm me. "We're still stuck in the past and stuck here as well."

"Isn't there any place we can sneak into in order to replace the time drive? In a few minutes the Synth colony will be sending warships to Earth. That will be a major distraction for everyone." Wolf suggested.

"No, we know that there won't be anyone stopping here before our normal time. I'll shut down the beacon that way no one will be showing up until it is reactivated then we'll use the evolver to sleep for the next few decades."

"And how do we get back out? This type of evolver requires a person to open them." Tye asked.

"I'll record a message for Trace to come get us. It'll be set to be broadcast half an hour after we left our time."

"Already done and I've set a redundant copy to be sent by the ship as a safeguard." Tye said.

"Okay, let’s go see what we're working with." Wolf said.

***