Who Am I? Part 06
Dirk groaned as he slowly regained consciousness. Obviously it had all been a bad dream. There was no way the images that kept swimming through his sleep-blurred mind could be true. People who could change their shape, agents from a secret world, talking to the Gods, and destroying an Imperiam battle fleet with a single blast of an outlawed weapon. Right, like all that was anything other then a dream. He'd gone on a bender after passing the medical exams and his brain had rebelled, that was all it was, an alcohol-induced delusion. After all what else could cause the massive hangover?
Without even opening his eyes he reached in his pocket and rubbed the green crystal on his medicine pouch. He sighed as a mild warmth filled his body banishing all the minor and major aches and pains. "No, I'm going to open my eyes and I'll be in my tube." He said as he slowly opened his eyes. "Daca!" He yelled, using Buck's favorite curse, at the sight of cold steel walls and bars. He sat up on the hard cot and took inventory of his situation. He was still dressed in the combat clothing that Buck had given him. He no longer had any weapons or the space suit, but for some reason who ever had captured him had left his medicine pouch.
"Buck." He whispered noticing the rabbit on a cot in an identical cell across the corridor.
"Daca, I guess that means this isn't a bad dream then?"
"Ah, so you are both awake then?" The wolf security officer said as he stepped into view of the cells.
"Yeah, we're awake so why don't you let us out of here?" Buck said as he pressed his palms against his temples.
"Listen Finder, you had your chance to get away when I allowed you and the kid to slip out of your rooms. But oh no, you had to go and break one of the few unbreakable rules that everyone in the galaxies have agreed never to break. Even if I was able to let you escape there is nowhere for you to go."
"Oh come on Tracker, you should know that there are plenty of places we could go."
"No there aren't. In case you haven't heard the gate has been closed." Tracker whispered as he leaned close to Buck so that Dirk couldn't hear him.
"So what, there are still planets in this galaxy where we could loose ourselves. After all I hear Snarion is still a nice place even if the Imperiam has cleansed the planet."
"Chief, a message has arrived from the council for you!" A voice echoed down the corridor.
"That is likely my orders to present you to the Governors council for interrogation and trial. Since you've already sacrificed the cover of your other form you only have one option. I left that scrap of yours his medicine pouch. I'm sure there has to be something lethal in there. Use it." Tracker said as he unlocked the cell doors.
"Shock that. I've had dealings with the council before. Or have you forgotten that I'm the one who laid the groundwork for the furry rebellion. Hell, I'm the one that suggested that we come to the Accordia system." Buck said as he stepped out of his cell.
"Fine, if that's the way you feel, but you know that I can't let you divulge any information about..."
"Your home world? Don't worry that won't happen." Dirk said as he bared his sharp teeth and lunged toward the wolf.
Tracker sidestepped the attack and slammed the ringtail to the deck plating, "So you've remembered how to shift. Now you can either shift back to your human form or I can splatter your brain on the floor. Oh, and don't expect Buck to stop me. After all if you remain in this form you're threatening all of our lives."
Dirk growled but he shifted back to his human form, "This isn't over."
"Oh it's over you're just too stupid to realize it." Tracker said as he placed shock cuffs on both Dirk and Buck. "Now start marching."
They marched in complete silence with Tracker in the lead and his deputy following behind. Buck just hung his head but Dirk couldn't keep from smirking. Tracker had made two fatal errors. The first was letting him keep his medicine pouch and the second was using shock cuffs.
After five minutes and what seemed like an endless flow of gray corridors they entered a huge room. Dirk gasped at the splendor. He had heard tales of the Governor's Council Chambers but he had never believed them until now. The room's walls had real wood panels up to waist level and then a transparent dome like the one over his park continued upwards allowing the Governors a spectacular view. The floor was covered in plush red carpeting and a giant wooden table filled the center of the room.
All the chairs around the table were of different construction. The one closest to them was simple and seemed out of place to the grandeur of the rest. It was solid metal, slightly rusted, and someone had used a blowtorch to burn an "I" in the metal of the backrest. The next two chairs on each side were made of gold with a multitude of gems. Unlike the first chair they had plush cushions of fine shimmer weave with "G.G." stitched to one and "O.R." on the other. The next pair of chairs was made of complex patterns of twisted metals. Their quilted cushion bore the letters "S.G." and "C.R.".
The next pair of chairs was made of polished steel. One had slate gray cushions with "S.O.I.R." in black letters and the other had pure white cushions with "M.O.I.R" in blue. The last pair of chairs was constructed of light blue tinted glass and had no cushions but the letters "M.G." and "C.H." were etched into the glass.
At the head of the table was a throne of black wood with black kreeth hide upholstery and blood red cushions. A single crimson "T" was stitched to the back.
"The President and Grand High Overseer Dawna Destruction's throne." Dirk whispered.
"Who?" Buck asked.
Tracker grinned, "So you don't know the story of Destruction?" Tracker laughed, "According to the records the Dread Pirate Dawna Destruction hid her considerable wealth here on Big Hub Station two thousand years ago. No one knows whether that part is true or not but what is known is that she did use her considerable wealth and attitude to buy the position of owner and president of the station for as long as the station was inhabited. Along with the position and her vote she also received two votes for every other member's single vote. Giving her a total of seventeen votes and the power to overrule the council whenever she felt like it."
"Well that's one way to stay in power." Dirk said.
"Yeah but after she died why did the council continue on with the system?" Buck asked.
"Because when she isn't on the station her votes are added to the council majority." There was talk of abolishing the system but once the Imperiam forced the governors to add an agent to the council the president's votes allowed us to keep him in check. Now if you know what is good for you, you'll keep your mouths shut." Tracker hissed as another door opened.
A young man stepped through and blew a horn. Then tucking the horn under his arm he cleared his throat and shouted, "Baron Arnold Singe, Commander of the Imperiam Garrison on Big Hub Station."
The man that walked through the door, though in perfect physical shape, looked tired and defeated. He dropped into the rusted chair and the foot of the table and leaned forward placing his arms and head down.
"Governor Vargas Maximus, of the Gambling Guild."
A portly man dressed in an immaculate business suit marched to the room and sat in one of the gold chairs. He glared at the chair across the table as though he could make it disappear through force of will alone.
"Governor Amy Belle, representative of the people of the Outer Ring."
A female painted dog gracefully walked into the room and took the other golden seat. She smiled sweetly at Governor Maximus who turned bright red and glared back at her.
"Governor Acel 'Boss' Scrapper, of the Salvage Guild."
A tall thin man with gray hair wearing an old floppy hat and grease stained coverall sauntered into the room and winked at Governor Belle as he brushed against Governor Maximus. Maximus flinched violently away from the touch only to grunt in pain as his side impacted with the table. Boss laughed as he flopped into one of the twisted metal chairs.
"Governor Raja Cairo, representative of the people of the Central Ring."
The tiger that swept into the room commanded instant respect. It was obvious from his physique that he was used to heavy labor. He took the twisted metal next to Governor Belle. He gently took her paw and kissed it before giving Governor Maximus a toothy grin.
"Governor Jan Dix, Chief Medical Officer and Representative of the people of the Inner Ring."
As the young lady entered the room Dirk looked at the floor. Of all the Governors he dreaded what she might have to say about his actions the most.
"Governor David 'Tracker' Nightspeaker, Chief Security Officer."
Buck glared at the wolf as he nodded to his deputy and took his seat.
"Governor Ariel Snowe, of the Ice Mining Guild."
Ariel marched into the room and directly over to the prisoners. She smiled and then politely bowed to them before taking her place at the table.
"Governor Caroline Erickson, Representative of the People of the Hub."
Both Dirk and Buck gasped as Governor Erickson entered the room. She was now thin and wore a formal business suit. They could see a small scar on her face where she had been cut.
The herald stepped out closing the door behind him as Governor Erickson took her seat.
"As you know we've gathered here to discuss the state of affairs that we now find ourselves in. Our first order of business should be . . ."
"Your first order of business should be to contact the Imperiam and beg the Great Image for forgiveness. Not that it will help you. You're all going to die." Singe said lifting his head and sneering at the other Governors.
Buck shook his head. "Politicians are all the same. Get them together in a group and nothing ever gets done."
"So how long do you figure before they get around to interrogating us? Not that I'm in a hurry or anything I just wondered how long we were going to stand here looking decorative."
Buck looked at their guard and then toward the wall. "Come on, I'm sure you don't want to stand around any more than we do. We're going over to the wall to sit down if you have any objections then just shoot us now." He said as he marched over to the wall and flopped down.
The guard looked bewildered at first but when the Governors didn't seem to pay any attention he shrugged and motioned for Dirk to join Buck.
* * *
Three hours later Dirk was sound asleep with his head on Buck's lap and even Buck was feeling drowsy.
"I move that we take a break from the proceedings for an hour." Governor Maximus yelled over the other arguing voices.
"I second the motion. We're not going to accomplish anything until we've all had time to cool off." Governor Cairo said as he stood up and headed for the door.
"Begging your pardon sir but what should we do with the prisoners?" the Guard asked Tracker.
Tracker sighed, "Take them back to the holding cells. I'd hoped to deal with them first but what with the entire station in chaos it seems they'll just have to wait. I'll call for you when we're ready for them."
"Yes, sir." The young man said as he motioned for Buck and Dirk to get up.
Buck nudged Dirk who yawned and sat up. "Are they ready for us then?"
"No, we're going back to the cell." Buck said as he stood up.
"Oh good I was getting bored of being here." Dirk said as he slowly got up. When he was standing he carefully slipped a needle back into his medicine pouch while palming the green crystal. "So did they actually accomplish anything?"
Their guard sighed. "They confirmed Tracker as Governor Mars Suthern's replacement, that furs had all the same rights as humans including the right to mate or marry any other species, and they were arguing whether the station is outside of Imperiam control or not. To tell you the truth I'm glad we're heading back to the security cells."
Suddenly Dirk stumbled and fell only to have the their guard nearly trip over him. "I guess I'm a bit more out of it then I thought. Mind giving me a hand up?" He asked the guard holding out his hand.
"Sure whatever, wait how did you . . ." The guard collapsed before he could finish the sentence.
Buck stood opening and closing his mouth several times as Dirk got to his feet. "All right, I'm a trained agent and I can't figure out how you did that. So mind filling me in?
"Sure, drop the worthless jewelry and follow me." Dirk said pointing at Buck's shock cuffs.
"No way, I know what it feels like to try and remove the cuffs without a key."
Dirk smiled and pulled two power cells out of his pocket. "Shock cuffs won't work without power. Now unless you want to get captured I suggest we move."
Buck dropped the cuffs and ran after Dirk. "So how did you do it?"
"I had a lot of practice getting out of trouble. So of course I picked up a few tricks. Like how to disable shock cuffs with just a piece of wire or a suture needle in this case. Your friend Tracker really was stupid to leave me my medicine pouch."
"And that's how you knocked out the guard?" Buck asked as they ducked into a room marked "Mail Depot".
"Yeah, I used the green crystal that I healed Governor Snowe with. However instead of healing I drew energy from the guard. Now strip while I get things ready." Dirk said as he pulled four large containers from a shelf.
"This really isn't the time for this. But seeing as we're going to be executed why not?" Buck said as he started removing his clothes.
Dirk double-checked the containers then he stuffed Buck's clothes into one and placed it on a conveyor. It slowly moved into a large tube, there was a whoosh, and the container was gone.
"Now shift into your animal form." Dirk said as he stripped out of his clothes.
"Oh God no, you've got to be kidding!"
"Listen this is the only way we're going to get out of here. Well, the only relatively safe way where we won't get caught." Dirk said as he shoved the canister containing his clothing into the mail delivery system, "Just think of it as the wildest ride you've ever had. To get out of the canister all you have to do is push against the end. I've rigged the catch so that it won't lock. And don't worry the air pressure from the delivery system will keep it shut until you're out of the shoot."
Buck whimpered but he shifted and crawled into the canister.
"Don't worry, I'll be right behind you." Dirk said as he rolled Buck's canister into the delivery system, "At least I hope I will be." He said as he placed his open canister on the conveyor. He shifted into his ringtail from and squeezed into the small space just barely getting the lid closed before he dropped into the delivery system as well.
The canisters sped through the pneumatic system looping, spinning, rising, and dropping at high speed. Dirk just knew he'd screwed up an instant before his canister shot out of the pipes and landed in a large pile of old dusty canisters. He pushed the lid open and staggered out. He could hear and smell Buck hurling in a corner, which only served to set off his own nausea.
"You're lucky I love you otherwise I'd kill you right now. Where are we anyway?"
"Mail Depot connected to the plaza for Coyote Park." Dirk gasped as he shifted to his median form, "I thought we'd collect our belongings and figure out how we're going to get a ship out of here. I figure we've got a few hours since no one will be looking for us here on the central ring. After all, there isn't any way for a human to get past the security grid between the rings."
"Now that I have all my memories back we won't have to worry about getting a ship since I already have one waiting for us on the outer ring. I just didn't have a way to get there, until now." Buck said as he headed for the door. "However before we make our grand escape I want a long hot shower."
"That sounds really good, mind if I join you?" Dirk said as he stumbled to his feet and followed Buck.
* * *
Dirk entered the shower room and carefully placed the towels he had scrounged on a shelf. His fur was caked with dust and grime but he had found a working sterilizer so the towels were clean and wrapped in plastic to keep them fresh. He smiled and wondered how long Buck had waited before starting his shower when he noticed the sound of running water. He quickly stripped out of his boxers, the only clothing he had bothered to put on for his foraging trip. It had only taken twenty minutes but obviously Buck couldn't wait that long.
"I'm back are you ready for a little fun?" Dirk asked as he stepped around the corner that divided the shower stall from the rest of the room. He slipped his furry arms around Buck's reddish bronze human body and buried his face in his long silver hair. The water around their feet turned muddy brown and the air filled with the smell of wet fur as the warm water cascaded through Dirk's fur.
"Please, don't hurt me any more." Buck whimpered.
"What?"
"I'll be good and do anything you want."
"Buck, what's wrong?" Dirk asked as he turned Buck around so that they were face to face.
"Yes, I'm just a toy for everyone to use. I'll behave just please no more markings." Buck sobbed before he went limp in Dirk's arms.
"Buck, it's me Dirk. I'm not going to hurt you." He said as he slowly lowered him to the shower floor where Buck pulled his legs up to his chest and continued to sob.
Dirk quickly shifted to human form and shut off the shower before sitting down and pulling Buck into a hug. "It's all right I'm here now and I'll protect you." Buck shuddered and wrapped his arms tightly around Dirk.
"It's all right now. No one will hurt you ever again. I love you Buck and I'll never let anyone mark you ever again."
"Dirk? Is that really you?"
"Yes, I'm here and we're together."
"It was the water; the water and the smell of wet fur. I - I thought I could stop it. Control the pain and fear. But - but it was too much."
"Let it out, tell me what happened."
"I - I can't. If you knew you'd abandon me; you'd hate me."
"Never. I love you and nothing can change that." Dirk said as he gently brushed Buck's hair away from his face.
"I - I once told you about the memory I have to live with from my first shift."
"I remember. It is how your teacher damaged your ear and then humiliated you." Dirk said as he clenched his fist.
"He wasn't the last one to leave his mark on me. Everyone who experiences First Shift on Shendria is required to attend the university where we are taught the abilities to defend Shendria. At one time it was every Shendrian's dream to attend but ever since the Dacat regime took control of the planet everything has changed. Everything is more predator centric since only they have the power and abilities to properly defend us. The only way for a prey species to survive the training is if they have strong friends or if they ... if they."
"I understand." Dirk said as he kissed Buck's forehead.
"As bad as that is it gets worse if you're marked like me. For the marked one even powerful friends can't help. He or she is chosen by the other prey species members as a sacrifice."
"What!" Dirk growled.
"For as long as the marked one is at the university he must make himself available for use by everyone for the good of the other prey students. He remains the marked one until he graduates, which is rare, or is killed. I volunteered to be the marked one."
"You what?"
"I knew you would hate me. But please let me finish. You see I knew that I would survive because I have a skill that is extremely rare. I can sense when I am near people who have a latent sifting talent and more importantly I instinctively know when that person is close to experiencing First Shift. Besides my First Shift teacher had already marked me and it was better that I become the marked one then my younger brother."
"Now I understand why you curse the Dacats. But Buck, I don't hate you. I could never hate you."
"When I graduated from the university things got worse." Buck continued not hearing what Dirk had to say; "Because of my talent I was forced to enter the Agent Academy. The academy made the university seem like happy memories. It was at the academy that the true marking began. It was in the showers, always in the showers, where the blood could easily be washed away."
"So your scars, the old ones, weren't from combat they were inflicted on you!" Dirk could feel his blood beginning to boil.
"It started with mating bites but soon the scars were overlapping to much and so started the tagging. A slash of claws here and there at first but soon it became a game for them trying to see who could make the scar patterns more artistic. Even the healers were in on the action applying medicines that would heal the wounds but leave the scarring."
"Buck," Dirk said shaking him gently, "Buck, please look at me." Buck lifted his tear-stained face and looked into Dirk's equally tear filled eyes.
"I love you and nothing will ever change that. I promise you I will never let anyone mark you ever again." Dirk said slowly as he leaned down and kissed Buck.
"I . . ."
"Sh, just rest for now." Dirk said as he lifted Buck and carried him to their sleeping quarters.
Buck sat on the edge of his bed as Dirk ran back and retrieved the towels. He slowly dried Buck's hair and skin. As he considered their next move Buck slowly drifted off to sleep
* * *
Dirk quickly dried himself. He pulled everything out of their three bags and then began re-packing. He left out all of Buck's electronics as well as the now useless ammo. When he had finished he had reduced the items they would be taking with them down to only one of the large bags and his small bag. He busied himself by putting everything that would be left behind in the cupboards. Then he spent some time in the office using Buck's hacking equipment. When that was finished he checked his watch and gasped, since nearly three hours had passed.
"Buck, it's time to get up." Dirk said as he gently shook him.
"Just a little bit longer." Buck moaned.
"I wish we did have longer but if we're going to escape we're going to have to go soon.
Buck sat up reluctantly but was surprised to discover that Dirk had shifted to his median form and was completely dressed.
"I've figured out a way to get out of here without having to use the mail tubes." Dirk said as he held up a new Identcard. "I figured if it worked for you and Tracker then why not for me? Now we can just walk out to the outer ring, catch a train to wherever you have your ship hidden and we're home free."
"And just how am I supposed to just walk out of here? My human identity is dead and my median is wanted."
"Ah but you do have a third form. I'll carry you in my bag and if anyone asks I'll tell them that you're my lunch. So are you ready?"
"Do you have the cards from under the mattresses?"
"They were in your pocket." Dirk said as he pulled out the cards.
"Good that is where my star fighter is located. On the back of the first card in red ink is the code to shut down the hangar's security grid. On the second card is the code to unlock the door. Once we're safely in the hangar we'll switch places. It's the only way that we'll both fit into the fighter. Then we're of to Snarion."
"No, we need to go to Vesuvia and meet with Arlen Sundowner of the Sundowner Cantina. He knows the location of a planet where we will never be found."
"I have no doubt about that, but Arlen isn't known to give out secrets easily."
"When I show him my medicine pouch he'll tell us what we need to know. Now all that is left is for a quick stop at Coyote's shrine to pray for a safe trip."
Buck sighed and shook his head, "You know he isn't really a God don't you?"
"That may be so, but since we'll be traveling to the Kah Har home planet of Celtis Aranaki I figure a parting prayer wouldn't be a bad idea. Besides he's looked out for us so far."
"I suppose you're right. After all it can't hurt at this point." Buck said as he stood up and followed Dirk out into the park.
As they reached the hut Dirk knew something was wrong. The blanket that covered the doorway had been pulled aside and he could hear someone moving around inside. He growled and rushed inside.
"What do you think you're doing!" He yelled at the fur, who quickly turned and pointed a blaster at him.
"That is none of your business." The coyote fur growled.
Dirk was disgusted to see that Coyote's purple gem hung from the thief's neck.
"I'm not sure if you're aware of this but that stone you're wearing is the physical remains of one of the evil Kah Har."
"Really? And here I thought it was just a plain old telegem."
"Dirk, we've got trouble." Buck said as he entered the small hut followed closely by Tracker.
"Drop the gun, or one of your friends is likely to get hurt." Tracker said to the light brown coyote. "You know, I couldn't figure out how you escaped but then I never thought you would have an accomplice. Unfortunately now that he knows about us . . ."
"Now yuh wouldn' be thinkin' uh killin me, would yuh?" the fur said as he dropped his blaster and shifted to human form and back to coyote.
Both Buck and Dirk jerked around at the voice that came out of the canine's mouth.
"Muh name, by the way, is Jace Brushwolf. But yuh kin call me Coyote. And trust me yuh don wanna shoot me."
"Governor Nightspeaker, you are needed in the Council chambers immediately."
Tracker growled and shut off his communicator.
"I wouldn' ignore that iffin I's you." Coyote said grinning from ear to ear, "Yer life may depend on it."
Tracker growled and pointed at Buck and Dirk, "You two get changed. We're going back to the council chambers together and you'll be staying there until you're questioned even if it means you're there for the next year!" Tracker yelled as he picked up Jace's blaster.
"Can' yet figgur out how to use that big ole gun they found, huh?"
"And you, keep your muzzle shut. I don't care if you are a shifter that doesn't mean you can give me orders."
"Actually Tracker . . ." Buck started.
"I said get changed right now."
Buck rolled his eyes but went ahead and changed into his median form and started putting on the clothing that Dirk had removed. While Dirk slowly removed the clothes he had been wearing from the bag and got dressed tying his medical pouch to his belt.
"Leave that pouch here. You had your chance to use that and you didn't."
"This pouch goes where I go. If you don't like it then go ahead and try to take it from me." Dirk said as he held his arms in the air.
Tracker spat on the ground in front of Dirk, "Keep it then."
Dirk laughed, "Just as I thought you tried to take it from me earlier and you discovered that it isn't possible. Just how long did it take before feeling returned to your arm?"
"All of you move!" Tracker yelled.
As they slowly walked out of the hut Jace shuddered and looked around. He scowled at Tracker, "Where are we going?"
Both Buck and Dirk jumped since the voice was no longer Coyote's. They also noticed that the purple gem seemed to be glowing.
"I already told you we're heading for the Council chambers where you will be charged for helping these two escape."
Jace laughed, "Oh, this is going to be fun. I can't wait to see your reaction when we get there."
Buck and Dirk exchanged fearful glances. It seemed that Coyote had found just the right being to bond with and they both wondered it the governors were really ready to deal with one of the Kah Har.