Building Better Worlds I

Blur the Line

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Royal Delegation Hall, The Grand Palace, Luxor

Neo Egypt, Planet Vasily (YG-4), Yangu-Grurra System

17:16, 22/2/2, 25 XP

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“That should take care of things for now." A finely dressed human male scribbled into his Slate, raising his head for his king once he completed his task. “We'll still require a longer term strategy, my lord. Demand for our hologram projectors is highest come the UNEO budgeting period and our supply is lower than last year."

“I'll look further into the matter, Bikka. Place those transit orders for now, if you will."

“Promptly, my lord."

Tesem sat tall in his ornate chair until the man left the room, the quiet and cold that remained echoing as the king slumped over his end of the planning table. “Please tell me that's all for the day, Elise."

“It… can certainly be so, my sire." The human girl fumbled with a stack of data chits, taking two and pocketing them out of sight and mind for her weary king's sake. “You've been awake since two this morning. Might I suggest some rest, sire?"

“Oddly, I'm not feeling sleepy. There's a lot of problems on my mind tonight."

“Sire, if I might—"

Sem held up a paw and the girl fell silent. “Your suggestion is noted yet again, Elise. I understand why you'd want me to delegate matters, but I can't after cleaning out so much corruption. No, I have no choice but to lead our people directly."

“Sire, you'll lead yourself into an early grave. Your concern is far too much of a burden for one man, even one as glorious as you."

Sem slowly stood and placed a paw on the girl's shoulder. “That's why I'm glad people like you are here to help me. You've come a long way from being a maid and a cook. If only it were that easy to become a just ruler."

Elise tucked her tools into a messenger bag and gave her king her full attention. “You flatter me, sire. I just do as I'm told."

“No, you're a hard worker and a good person. You've earned my respect." Sem brought a paw to his face and began rubbing his eyes. “You've worked far too long today. Enjoy your evening. I'll try to do the same."

“You need to relax, sire. Perhaps I should inform the bathers? Maybe even the queen?" Elise lowered her head as well as her voice, a hand reaching to brush Tesem's arm. “Or perhaps you'd prefer my company?"

“That's generous of you considering our day, but I'll sadly decline. In any case I'd rather not dry my fur on a cold night and my wife is… indisposed." The king perked up a hint as he met the blushing human's gaze. “Maybe I'll scout for more talent to help us after all. Would you mind informing the garage master?"

“I'm not sure I approve of driving without sleep, but I'll do as you ask." Elise nodded as she reached for her Slate to make the call. “Maybe I could recommend you take a driver—"

“The usual, Elise. Crack a battery for me."

“The bike? That's even worse, sire."

“Elise."

“Y-Yes, sire."

“Sem. We're off the clock."

“Right, Sem." Elise took a deep breath as the call connected, staring into Tesem's eyes as she relented. “Guran? Hey, the king feels like a ride… Yes, his personal powerbike again. He's on his way now. Yes. Thank you very much." She lowered the device with a sigh contrasting the king's slight smirk. “Be safe. And if you're going where I think you are then good hunting, Sem."

“It's not my name for nothing, E." Sem held onto his grin as he left the room with a wave, trying his best to assure the human he'd be alright. That barely lasted for another hallway before Sem groaned out a stressed sigh. “Even in my time off I'm expected to work, eh?"

Things could be worse, my friend. Horus picked up on the king's movement and immediately linked minds, his vision sharing a view of fresh prey in the phoenix's chambers. I sense you're about to do something rash and impulsive again. This doesn't involve that silly disguise, does it?

What's the fun in being a leader if you can't admire your work? Sem slipped into the garage and found his custom bike out in the open, yet missing a battery. “Guran?"

“Here, my lord. Apologies, but the first battery I had chosen was leaking. I won't be responsible for molten salt burning my king's legs." An armadillo held his arm high from a storage cabinet, the replacement component presented as evidence. “I'll have this installed in a jiffy, my lord."

“No rush. I've got to dress the part first anyway." Sem unclipped his royal cloak and placed it over the mechanic's desk. He checked a locker secured by an electronic lock only he could access, then pulled out a much simpler full body, hooded cloak. Maybe I should change this up after all. Someone's got to have noticed me in this thing by now.

The gold embroidery is too obvious for my liking, Sem.

It's trendy right now. It should actually help me blend in more. Don't worry, Horus. I'll be fine. Sem donned the cloak, then picked up a familiar military helmet and clipped it securely to his head. “Where we at, G-man?"

“Installed, cracked, and humming like a goddess." The 'dillo quickly wiped down the seat and handles as he presented the bike to his king. “All yours, my lord. I'll be waiting to clean her up when you return."

“No need, Guran. I'll probably be back late. Get some rest and you can handle it in the morning."

“No complaints here, my lord. Have a good ride."

“Thanks. I'll try." Tesem tossed up his oversized hood to cover his helmet, then mantled onto the bike with the aid of the onboard cameras. Same goes for you too, friend. Get some rest, will ya'?

I shall not make early promises. I will rest, but don't mind me if I decide to check on you later. The legendary bird's meal ended quickly as was typical, resolving his vision to darkness as he made good on that half-promise. Are you certain you can ride that metal steed in the dark?

The king linked with his bike and lowered the suspension for a fast launch out the garage. I'll be fine. Thermal cameras work great on cold days like this one.

I'll be here if you change your mind. My sight is yours by just a simple query, Sem.

Thanks, buddy. Tesem commanded the tires to move, the bike kicking up smoke as it sped forth. “So much better than paperwork…"

Indeed.

Bengal Avenue, Northern Luxor

18:40, 22/2/2, 25 XP

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“Now that looks like a crowd." The wind howled by, confusing and masking the near-blind king's attempt to gauge the source of a commotion. He zipped past the spot in question, catching a hint of excitement through a broad sweep of telepathy. This wasn't a normal crowd, the people feeling more like they were gathering for an event. As Tesem drifted his bike across lanes to double back he confirmed to himself, “Okay, that deserves a closer look."

“Nice wheels!" A young Egyptian punk pumped a fist as the bike drove sideways into a streetside parking zone. “That beauty for sale? Willing to give her up?"

“Nah, bro. Too much work put in her for that." Sem stole the guy's convenient perspective so he could shut down his bike without its cameras. He hopped off the vehicle and guided his paw into a fist-bump whilst simultaneously stowing his helmet.. “Hey, what's on fire in there? Lots of noise for this 'hood."

“Man, I been tryin' to get in that strip club all night. Apparently they got some fancy new dancers or some'in'." The punk took out a small device and took a drag of smoke into his lungs, his eyes twitching backward at the apex. “Fuck, man. Night's not a bust with that candy man out back, at least. Want a hit?"

“Never seen that stuff before. I'll pass, thanks." Slowly building a collection of eyes to tap barely suppressed the otter's distaste for the offer. “So there's a new attraction, then? I might hit that shit up; I could use a drink and a dance. Thanks for the tip, bro."

“Nah, nothing to it. Hey, you get in you let me in? Yeah?"

“Sure thing." Tesem tipped his chin to the punk to keep up the act, not much concerned as the guy fell deeper into his waking coma. “Fucking drugs. Tomorrow. It can wait a night..."

“Hey. Where you think you're going, runt?"

“Inside. I'm on the list." Sem gathered a few views on the bulky tiger blocking his path, switching to a more diligent approach in bypassing the bouncer. “I'm actually on the list. VIP."

“A shady dweeb like you? Yeah, right."

At least the disguise was working, a bit of mental obfuscation keeping the tiger from realizing who he was holding back. Sem reached into his pocket, then brought that paw to the bouncer's clipboard. “See? I'm right here." He unfurled his fingers and about two carats worth of glowing amber gems piled atop the paper. “Top of the list, no?"

“Huh. Yeah, I see it now." The bouncer slid the foci into his pocket with a grin and let the otter though. “Lose the hood though, buddy. VIPs don't need to be shady."

Sem pulled out another sizeable gem and flicked it over to the tiger. “I think I'm good, thanks."

“I'll let the guys inside know. Heh, they'll like you." The bouncer checked the focus gem and smirked as he reached for his Slate. “Welcome to La Petite Mort."

“My pleasure, bud. I hope, anyway." Sem blindly waved as he entered the establishment, his hearing once again going to shit due to the loud music deeper inside. The stealthy king winked his ears shut to cope, truly appreciating his biology at times like these. “Fancy dancers, eh?" He fumbled his way through the dark seating areas and picked a stool beside the main stage. A quick glance through other eyes proved a most titular minefield that seemed to interpret the nude bunny dancer on stage quite differently. “Fucking pervs. She's just working a job."

“That so? What a refreshing viewpoint." A scantily clad Egyptian girl of questionable age took a seat beside the otter, her serving tray explaining her forwardness. “I'm Serenity. Care for a drink, honey?"

“But I've already got a tall drink right here in front of me." Sem chuckled at how horrible that sounded, the line partially pulling from the girl's mind. “It's cheesy, I know. I'll need something strong now, please."

“I think we might get along, hon. You're my kind of joker." Serenity made some sort of hand gesture to the bar and another girl waved back in confirmation. “Let me buy us the first round. I could use a break."

“Busy night, I see. No offense, but what's the draw? Gentlemen's clubs aren't exactly rare in these parts."

“Yeah, sort of a closed circle thing that looks like it got out. I'd just ignore it, hon. You look like a nice guy." Now that was a strange choice of words. Serenity distracted herself through admiring the dancing on stage, only really snapping back into her normal act when two drinks arrived. “Oh. Thanks, Bett—uh, Chastity. So, um… got a name, handsome?"

“Hunter, beautiful." Sem knew this hustle by heart. Find a dorky guy. Loosen him up a bit with some drinks while yours are water. Once he's softened up, offer a private dance. Lather, rinse, repeat. Sem took the girl's drink, using his mental trickery to cover up that act. He downed the whole thing at once, then shot open his eyes as it burned suspiciously unlike water. “Damn, good stuff. I… wasn't expecting that." He placed a gem on the girl's tray. “I can't let you pay for the good stuff, Renny. You work hard for that money. Heh."

“Yeah, and I like to rest with good company and better treats—the kind you sip, I should have mentioned. I'll just put that rock on your tab." Serenity lightly nipped her own drink. “So 'Renny'? You don't like my name as it is?"

“It's not your real name. I prefer to call you something more normal, at least if you're off the clock. Strippers deserve to be treated like people too." The otter gained a voyeur view of the human beside him as the other waitress came over for another signalled round of drinks. “You're a bit more conservative than the other girls. Well, I guess a cocktail dress is better than a bikini anyway."

“I don't normally work this area. One of the other girls called in sick."

“The proper Serenity, I'd wager?" Sem took his refreshed drink and sipped slowly this time. “Nm, better."

“...You're more perceptive than you look. Yeah, we all have parts to act. It's a bit embarrassing, but still…" Serenity caught Sem holding back a yawn and smirked through the remainder of her drink. “I hope that's because we're both exhausted and not our chit-chat."

“Oh, you're the most interesting part of my day. I just wish it was shorter is all."

“Shorter? What, and leave me to drink alone?" The girl took Sem's drink and finished it for him, offering her hand while leaning closer. “Maybe this'll help change your mind. Candice, hon."

“That's not a very local name. It's got a good ring to it though."

“Well, my dad is from Earth. I'd rather the probing end there, please." Candice flipped the glasses onto her serving tray and slowly stood, making sure to keep her mouth close to Sem's now-opened ear to counter the music. “That is, unless you're up for some proper 'probing'."

And there's the sell. Sem joined the girl, letting her tug him around by the arm of his cloak. “Why not? Gives us time to chat in quiet, right? I've always been awkward getting ground on in silence."

“Yeah, 'chat'. I suppose that might work if you'd like a dance." Candice headed for the normal private booths, but paused upon realizing the bouncers overlooking them. “Maybe I'll upgrade you a bit, cutie. If you don't mind paying a little I can show you my real job."

“Oh, there's more to this place? Something to do with that crowd?" Tesem followed close to Candice as she entered a crimson-lit hallway, swallowing a lump in his throat as the human grabbed his junk in front of a security door. “Uh, Candice?"

“He's with me, Bruno. Big spender." Sem played along and tossed his arm over Candice's shoulder once he realized he was being recorded by a camera, his technomancy silently eradicating the footage to be safe. “Don't make a girl wait, Bruno. He's legit. Might become a regular."

The door's lock panel bleeped and shifted with a click, an intercom spouting in a mangled, deep voice, “I've got my eye on him. He needs to ditch the headgear."

“Of course." Candice pulled down the king's hood, his mental trickery thankfully holding true in the dim lighting. “Just stay close and nobody will ask questions. This place is normally by invite only… unless maybe a lady needs some privacy."

“I think I like where this is headed." Sem followed his guide through the door, immediately flinching at the smell of sex in the air. “Wow. Yeah, this is exactly what I was thinking. This is a high class brothel or something?"

“I like that. High class, sure." Candice smiled at a pair of twins in the dim hallway, the friends sharing knowing glances as they approved of her catch. “I'm second to last on the right."

“Lead the way, m'lady." Sem stole the odd gaze as he passed rooms, getting a taste of what was to come. He mostly found couples ruffling the sheets, but one particular mind caught his attention. A meerkat, not exactly part of the staff but training to dance all the same. “You guys give out degrees in sexiness?"

“Hm? Oh, Belle's room. Yeah, I thought she was bi when she took on that female client. Turns out she just wanted belly dancing lessons. Daddy's girl wants pretty expensive lessons, I suppose." Candice pressed the door shut, then tapped Sem's muzzle to get him back on task. “Hurry, sexy."

“Pretty sure that's the opposite a guy wants to hear, right?" Sem approached the door, waiting for Candice to check her room was empty before he followed her inside. “Bed, toys, mood candles… This place spares no expense, I see."

“Well, some of that's mine. They let us theme our rooms if we're steady workers." The human emitted a bit of proper embarrassment at that indirect admission. “I'm not trying to sell myself to you or anything. I just wanted to be with a nice guy for a change."

“Ah, so you're waiving your cut then—"

“I'll pay half, too."

Tesem nudged Candice onto the bed and hovered his face close to hers. “It's my treat, Candy. I'm not against showing a lady a good time."

“You… don't have to do that, Hunter." Candice stared into Sem's eyes a moment longer then took the initiative and rolled him into bed, her paws already working the cloak over his head. “Well if you're paying I'm definitely earning it. I'll take point, Hunt…"

“Military girl, I'm guessing? You… Hm? What?" Sem had no choice but to follow Candice's gaze, centering on his far longer than normal cock poking out the waist of his pants. “Oh. I probably should have warned you about that."

“It's… Shit, that's on par with a horse. I mean, I can still… give it a go, you know." Candice shimmied down those pants and gawked a bit longer at the full package. “I, uh…"

“You're pretty vanilla, I take it? Maybe new?"

“We get to choose our clients. I… typically keep to normal for my kind." She rubbed her thumb over the head of the otherwise humanoid phallus, playing with a few minor, fleshy barbs. “I thought otters were smooth."

“I couldn't tell you one way or another. I don't make a habit of comparing." Sem clasped Candice's hand as she began to remove her dress. “Leave it on. You look cute in that."

The girl tugged open the top so Sem had a little eye candy he ironically couldn't see. “That's better. Now if you'll pardon me…" She tossed her leg over Sem and pressed his manhood to her nethers. “Here goes—"

“Ah, actually…" Sem blindly reached over the headboard, feeling around a few toys but not finding his target. “You don't have any… condoms, do you?"

“I do, but… I want to go raw for you. It's safe for me today, so don't worry about that."

“Oh. I'm just used to, well…"

“If you're used to wrapping up, I'm cool with it. I just want this to be… special." Candice reached overhead and brought a foil packet to Sem's paw. “You've been nice to me, so I wanted to do something nice for you."

The otter fidgeted with the condom before tossing it aside. “Then show me how nice you can be for me, Candy."

“'Candice', please. I just want to be myself tonight."

“Heh. I can understand that. You got it, Candice." Sem slid his tail along her exposed thigh, further probing around the slit of her dress to discover she was bare of panties. “Damn, that's sexy."

“If you think that's sexy you're in for a trip." The human adjusted her stance to press her lover's tip into her folds, needing to scoot forward a bit to facilitate his abnormal length. “They… tickle a bit more than I expected."

“They flare a bit too, but nothing too strange. Just have fun and do your thing, Candice." Sem nibbled his own lip as she sank a little deeper every moment, until finally she reached her limits with just over half of his cock inside her. “Damn… You're a fucking champ. You know that?"

“Gods…" Candice tried to press further but winced as her womb barred the way. “I don't know if I can move. Fuck, that's a lot. Maybe I'm too small for you..."

“You might be young, but you're plenty perfect for me. I really don't mind." Sem shifted his hips and rolled around inside his lover. “Quite the contrary. Easy or I might pop, babe."

“You're turned on by that? I know I'm not—"

“Your secret's safe with me, Candice. I won't report you or anything, as long as you're happy here."

“You can't be that perfect. Fuck." The human slowly built up a rhythm, shifting herself up and down that cock with expert grip. Perhaps too much grip. “Ah… Ah? Wait, are you…?"

“Ah, fuck…" Sem tensed as he fought back an early climax, leaking a fair bit of seed into the girl as his barbs flared. “Shit. I can keep going, just— "

Candice fluttered her eyes and went weak in the legs, a micro-orgasm wracking her due to Sem's mental link between them. “O-Oh!" She slipped, impaling herself upon the spire of flesh within her nethers. Soon she held a hand over her belly, her cervix on fire as it stretched around an unintended intruder. “Oh, d-damn…"

“Fuck!" Sem jerked his hips instinctively to hammer his manhood home, the added depth and pressure driving him into full orgasm within Candice's deepest core. “I'm… I'm s-sorry…"

“No… Gods, that was…" Candice struggled to pull herself free, the deep penetration stinging a bit too much now that her forced climax subsided. “That was insane. Fuck, I… I guess I got most of you inside me, though."

“Ha… Hee…" Tesem hissed as his cock essentially froze in the open air, a good two thirds of it slick with various fluids. “Yeah, I guess you did. Sorry I couldn't last, Candice. Still worth the gems for sure, though."

“We're both tired. It's fine." Candice rolled onto her back and yipped when a furry arm draped over her waist. “Maybe… we can try again sometime? Like… on Fifthday? I'm free then if you, maybe… want to hang out."

“That actually sounds nice. I'm always working though." The clever otter linked to his Sense and did a little network hacking of the voice address system. “Let me give you a number. We can figure it out from there, babe. I feel like I owe you a treat."

“Well you owe me something, quickdraw." A mature raccoon lady stood in the doorway with a thug ready at her tail. “Honesty, I see you've taken matters into your own hands. What have I told you about our selective clientele?"

“Y-Yes, Madam Bridger. No surprises, Madam." Candice quickly hid herself behind Sem's thick tail and whispered, “She wants her pips, Hunter. Uh… 300,000 should do it."

“Um… You'll take gems, I hope?"

“Those silly things? I'd rather traditional money, especially coin if you've got it. If you were a normal client you'd have been told this, young man." The raccoon stepped closer, her loud footsteps bringing attention to the metal hindpaws beneath her frilly dress. “I suppose we'll need to accept this new currency sooner or later. Consider yourself lucky; you'll be the first client to pay in focus gems, with a modest conversion charge of course."

“Thank you, ma'a--"

“Madam. That will be… Peter, could you convert the sum? Add an overnight fee for the effort."

“That's about 400 grand, kid. What quality gems you got?"

“Yikes. Uh… I've got a lot of smaller ones and this one I've been growing a while now…"

Peter stepped forward, the intimidating wolf checking the larger crystal over. “Yeah, this should do. That's what, eight carats? It's rare, but let's consider the extra value a future sum."

“No, that won't do. I'm not in the habit of owing debts. How far ahead does that put this young man, Peter? I'm not familiar with these things."

“Larger and purer gems are worth more than their weight for rarity. I'd say that's… five times as much?" Sem snatched the gem back with a knowing frown. “What? A guy can try, right?"

“It's equal to about this much, Madam." Sem held up a small hologram after doing the math on his Sense, the value reading ¤17,150,200 after rounding. “I'd pay with the smaller gems, but they'd only cover about half of what's owed."

“And you don't care to pay in pips for secrecy, I take it? I take my clients' privacy quite seriously, given the nature of my business." Madam Bridger frowned for a moment as she only received silence in response. “Right. Then we'll have to square you away. For that amount you could purchase one of the more experienced ladies wholesale. I'm always willing to let go of stale girls."

“Purchase?" Sem forced himself to remain calm through concentrated willpower and a hearty breath of air. “You… sell these women?"

“More or less. The ones losing favor with the clientele may choose to pay their debts to me through a transaction of sorts. From your tone I don't think you approve, however." The Madam shut her eyes and sighed as she considered options. “If you're against these women becoming slaves, perhaps you'd rather purchase one that is already collared. I suppose I could lower the normal price of our new discrete stock, but only the once. If you fancy Honesty here, might I assume your tastes run young?"

“I… guess, yeah." This deal didn't settle well in Sem's stomach, but suddenly the concept of freeing a slave served as an antacid for his soul. “What are you proposing exactly?"

“I have recently come across a new supplier in expanding to larger colonies. A new race of people, as it were. However, they do not communicate particularly well and few have taken to training." Madam Bridger waved over Peter and nodded knowingly. “If you're willing to take of one the less promising ones, I'd be willing to make a deal. If not, I'm afraid I'll have to resort to other methods of collecting my fee."

“I guess that might work." The proprietor didn't seem to think of this as more than business. Sem needed more information to keep her operation in check. “If we're doing business, we need to know each other better. I'm Hunter. ...Hunter Musk."

“I see. Peter, fetch number five, please." The raccoon clacked her metal hindpaws forward, bowing politely with her paw outstretched. “Madam Moira Esther Bridger. A pleasure, Mister Musk. Might I recommend you check your… attire, sir?"

“Ah, naturally. Thank you for tolerating my uncouthness." Sem fought to track the wolf's vision whilst also managing to dress himself, curious where the new 'stock' was held. “I do hope we maintain a good relationship, Madam. I'd rather enjoy returning to entertain Candice."

“Candice? Oh, for heaven's sake, girl. Rules exist for a reason."

“We met as friends before we entered into business, Madam. If I'm frank, I prefer things that way. I don't mind paying for such services, but a working girl is still a person first in my eyes." The music in the other room ceased, Peter drawing a bit of attention as he led a small girl out by way of a shock collar. Sem winced as he forced a calm execution of choice words. “You run a fine establishment, Madam. I see a long future between us."

“Good. Very good. It's rare to find a gentleman that treats this trade the same way as myself." Moira turned back to verify her stock, giving Sem a good look at the girl he'd just bought. “This is Unit Five. She's usually quite firey, so we've put her on low doses of drugs to make her more docile. What was the name of that new chemical, Peter?"

“Dream, they call it on the street. I brought some if you'd like to see--"

“No, that's fine. Give Mister Musk a small supply to help keep her going, or possibly to wean her off the drug if he prefers." The raccoon lowered herself down quite a bit for a closer inspection, the drowsy girl quite apparently not just a new race but a fully unknown species. She mildly resembled a pangolin, however her scales were much softer and three tubular tail-like protrusions extended from her head in place of a Terran-style rear tail. “She appears in good health, otherwise. Peter, does she have her little trinket? Mister Musk, these creatures bond with another found on their planet and I'm told it serves a vital function. Do keep that in mind."

“It's a package deal?" Sem followed Peter's vision as he confirmed the mentioned trinket, a small glass jar full of small glowing insects. “Ah, I see. I'll certainly take your word for that."

“I believe this concludes our deal, Mister Musk. If you'll kindly excuse me, I have several matters to attend." Moira curtsied for her new patron and took her leave. “Honesty, dear? Do please show our guest out. He may require assistance with his new purchase. Thank you, dear."

Sem let the owner cleanly exit with her assistant, then exhaled a sigh along with the act of higher class. “That was… interesting."

“I'm… sorry I made you spend so much. I was hoping to say it was just a blowjob or something to keep it cheap. I swear I'll pay you ba--"

“Candice, it's fine. I don't mind if I get to help this little girl out." The otter took a knee beside the girl and frowned as she barely responded. “What about you? How much do you owe, exactly? You're not being extorted or anything, right?"

“No… I got really sick and couldn't afford treatment. Madam Bridger offered a loan if I agreed to pay with my body. It's better than the alternative six feet under." Candice stepped over and took Sem's chin in her hand. “I don't need a savior, Hunter. I'm treated well here and I've actually grown to like my work."

“That's what I wanted to hear. I'd help, but only if you asked. Until then, maybe I can help in installments." The king touched the girl's shoulder and nodded as she looked his way. “I've got to help this poor thing get clean of these drugs first. Maybe… you'd like dinner or something when that's done?"

“Yeah, I'd like that. It sounds… normal." The human pulled Sem's paw back from the girl's shoulder and more directly placed her paw in his. “You'll have to lead her around a bit blindly. That's a hell of a drug, even for a grown adult."

“Yeah, it looked like it fucked someone up pretty good outside too." Sem rose and more purposefully tugged the girl around, her wits and balance still good enough to follow her new lead reliably if with a slight sway. “Okay, let's call it a night. How can I get out front?"

“You should probably use the back door from now on. Call for me directly and I'll let you in until the guys are more familiar with you." Candice held open her door, none of the other workers phazed at all that she was stark naked in the hallway. “The front is a little trickier. I think I can get Bruno to lead you out the club, maybe."

“Is that one of the new kids? Honesty, don't you dare send her out that way. She'll get mobbed!" A robe-clad mouse girl shifted her gaze to admire Sem, eventually grinning with an outstretched paw. “Why hello, handsome. I'm Belle, in case you're shopping around. Oh, that scent though..."

“Yeah, he's… been served already, Belle." Candice leaned to get a better look at the meerkat within the mouse's room. “Shouldn't you be focused on your lessons?"

“We're taking a break. Might be willing to extend that a little if your client wants to test the best tongue in town, though. Interested, handsome?"

Ha. She hasn't met Flux and her mouth snake. “I'm worn out for the night, but thank you." Again Sem found himself drawn to link with the patron in that room, the meerkat meeting his gaze with a curious undertone. “Miss. Hope you're having fun."

“It really is. I haven't gotten to dance like this in ages." Belle stepped out of her room and rubbed the alien girl's head, mostly to quell her curiosity over the texture of her head-tails. “I should get back to it, then. See you later maybe, handsome? Oh, and this cutie too perhaps? Just be careful with her now that the rumors are out there."

“Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of." Candice spotted her favored bouncer—a buffalo or bison perhaps—and flagged him down. “Bruno! Hey, got a sec…?"

“Heh. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she likes you. Honesty doesn't usually leave her room, let alone unclothed." Belle snickered at the thought, then gave the girl a final pat and left her room. “I'll be back in a moment, honey. We've been at this for hours so I'll grab us some waters from the bar."

“Sure… Yeah, that's good." The meerkat slowly walked over as Belle left, a hint of distaste in her muzzle as she examined the very young alien. “Poor girl. So you really bought her?"

“It wasn't my first choice, but I figure better me than some perv. Oh, sorry. I guess that's not appropriate for the setting…"

“Well I'm not here for a shag so no offense, mate. Then again, I'm not sure why but you don't seem to belong here either." The late-teen girl chewed on that thought perhaps a little too long, shifting her scrutiny higher to the otter. “From where do I know you? You're a hint familiar."

“Ah… I just have one of those faces, I guess?" Something was indeed different about this one. Interesting. She's hard to read, too. Sem tossed up his hood, but that only drew stronger examination. “So, uh… You're here for dance lessons?"

“Belly dancing. I've got me a small event coming and wanted to fit in." The girl performed a quick pirouette into a slight forward bow. “Dancing makes for a good hobby to keep fit, too."

“Huh. Well you're the most wholesome element in this entire establishment. It's official now."

“Official…?" Something rang true in the girl's mind, snapping her eyes wide open. “...The king. Bloody hell, you're the king, aren't you?"

Shit. I knew there was a reason I couldn't read her. “I see my disguise isn't worth much now." Sem took a few steps back, leading his little alien away. “I think that makes my time here over. Keep a secret, will ya?"

“Not a chance, mate." The meerkat chased after the king, only speeding up his pace. “Oi. Hold it. I just wanted to ask—"

“Hunter? Hey, hold up." Candice held out a paw to stop the otter but he nudged her aside. “Wait, don't just leave!"

“In a hurry, babe! Here!" He tapped a data chit to his Sense and tossed it the human's way. “Leave me a message and we'll meet up. Sorry I'm bailing on you like this, but—"

“No! Hunter, that's not safe!"

“It's fine!" Sem turned around to quickly sneak out the club, but froze in place when quite literally every parton settled eyes upon the alien girl. “Oh. Right."

“Bloody idiot. I don't care about you, just the girl." The meerkat grabbed the girl's paw and tried to lead her back to the private area, but that backfired quickly. A slurring skunk nearby reached out as well, his bulky body assuming on instinct that the alien was literally up for grabs. “Oi! Paws off!"

“I'zza new danc'r! An' I'mma get m' a piece, guys!"

Sem took a breath, then shoved his shoulder into the skunk to set him off balance. “Well this is fucked."

“Otter boy! Get moving!" The meerkat danced around the skunk with graceful steps, then juked another direction as his neighbor stood to join the fledgling melee. “Mind the girl!"

“Easier said than done!" The king grabbed the alien's paw and darted for the door. In the confusion as the whole room readied to fight he then blindly ran headfirst into a fist. “Ah, shit!"

“Ha! She's ours, boys!" A boar hurled Sem to the floor and snatched the little girl. “Time to blow this joint, lads. Got us a fuck factory!"

“No!" Tesem gagged as another patron kicked him in the ribs. “D-don't touch… her..."

“Ah, shite." The meerkat stood tall and checked for help, the bouncers completely overwhelmed by the commotion and the rumor-fueled crowd. “Bloody… Hey!" She hopped onto the stage and then into the path of the fleeing boar and his buddies. “Oi, fuckface. Think again. Hard."

“Aw, cutie wants to play tough?"

“Hah. If she wants to party too I'm down." A human grabbed the meerkat by her tail. “Come on, girly. Let's have some fun."

“Well, fuck all." In a flash the meerkat straddled her assailant. With a flick of her wrist a small blade slipped into her paw. Then with another flick she was standing on the ground again, the human cupping his crimson doused neck. “The girl. Leave her and you might live."

“Bitch!" The boar reached forward with his free paw, only to wince back when that blade stuck clean through it. “I'll fucking kill you!"

“Doubtful." Another blade slipped into the meerkat's other paw. “Otter, you breathing?"

“Y-Yeah." Sem doubled down on his mental games, utilizing the drunken nature of the crowd to blur his presence rather than mask it. “You okay?"

“Chipper, yeah. Grab the girl."

“But you'll--" Sem stole a view from a security camera, very glad he couldn't quite connect with the meerkat at the moment. As she literally danced around the kidnappers they fell to the floor clutching darkened patches of clothing. “Oh."

“Ott!"

“Right!" Sem snapped into action, crouching down as the meerkat rolled over his back. Clear of the dance of death, he snagged the alien's paw and pulled her out of the mess being made. He picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder, then dashed clear for the main entrance. “I'll get you out of here, hon. Just hold tight."

The girl perhaps took that too seriously, tugging on the back of Sem's cloak as they hit the street.

“What? We can't go back there now. You don't belong there." Tesem slowed near his powerbike, then noted a pit in his stomach being dug out by the little girl's mind. “What's so important?" He grabbed his helmet and straddled the bike, but paused as that feeling got stronger. He reconnected with the meerkat and that feeling subsided. “I… suppose she's with us, after all. Fine, you win. Hey, here!"

“Bloody hell!" The meerkat tumbled into a somersault to dodge a bottle, then unexpectedly evade a bullet as well. She hid behind the bike for a moment, then hurled her blade into the shooter's hand. “Let's get the fuck out of here, otter. Where's your ride?"

“You're hiding behind it." Sem tapped a control and the vehicle lit up and adjusted its suspension. “Hop on before someone picks that weapon up."

“Oh, hell no. Move over, otter; I don't ride bitch." The meerkat shoved Sem backward and grabbed the controls, fervently looking around for the gauges. “Why is this thing all blank? I can't tell what I'm doing like this."

“There's no displays. The controls are like most other bikes and it's running." Tesem took his helmet and placed it on the alien's head, drawing a whimper as her head-tails were compressed. “My bad, kid, but you need this more than I do. I'm sure you'll forgive me, Erin..."

“This is running? It's silent. And what about these extra pedals?"

“It's all electric. Just drive. Start with the left pedal." Sem settled the little girl into the meerkat's back and then sandwiched her with arms around the insistent driver. “Press it down, slowly. They're your slew controls."

“Slew?" She eased onto the pedal and the bike's omnidirectional wheels drove to the left instead of forward. “Ah, slew." The meerkat twisted the linear accelerator handle and shot open her eyes when the tires immediately gripped instead of spinning in place. “Love that pick-up! Hold on!"

“Just ride!" Sem linked himself to the bike and adjusted the suspension for the extra weight, causing the driver's segment to lower and tilt forward. “Just find somewhere safe to stop."

“Not a shadow in this part of town is safe after dark. No, we're taking this party to your place." The meerkat scowled and gave off a generally unpleasant aura as Sem's tail curled around her waist as a makeshift seatbelt. “Could you not do that, mate. We're not that close."

“I'm just thinking about the girl. She's freezing." That bit of information suddenly and surprisingly drove a near reversal of the meerkat's emotions. “You really helped us out back there. I'd love to thank you proper… uh…?"

“Don't get sappy on me. I was just keeping a girl from getting trampled—or worse, if they stole her." The bike merged onto a ramp and changed to a more direct route to Central Luxor. That could have made a good excuse for avoiding the question, but the long and quiet stretch afterward drove a nervous twitch through her whole being. “...You can call me… Dani, if you must. Dani Karr."

“A lovely name." Sem checked the girl's shivering, but found his attention settling on Dani's quivering body instead. “Let's get to the Palace. I think we both could use some warm beds. It's not proper thanks, but it's a start."

“I think I'd rather some answers instead." Dani let off the throttle as they approached the main entrance of the Palace grounds. “Your people don't know you're gone, do they? How do we go about this?"

“The garage is to the right, near the back. I can open the gates without anyone finding us."

“I was thinking about security, actually."

“No, I meant them too. They'll be blind to us. I have a few tricks." That shivering only seemed to get worse as the wind picked up. “Hurry, please. I don't think the kid is built for cold at all. Doesn't help you forgot your jacket either."

“Yeah, more like you forced me outside. I did have a jacket. A nice one." Dani cranked the accelerator and took the offered path. “Custom knives, too."

“I'll do what I can to help with that. Money doesn't replace hard work." Sem connected to a few cameras and shut them down. “It doesn't fix a nation, either."

“Rough day before you went out, I take it?" The bike slowed to a stop ahead of the garage gate and Dani quirked her head as it opened without any input. “Uh… At least it can't get any worse now that you're home. You do live here, right?"

“Indeed. It's part civil center, part temple, and part residence." Sem hopped off the bike with the child and pointed to a bay ahead. “Just leave it over there. It'll run out of power in a few hours."

“That's no good. How do I turn it off so it doesn't go flat?"

“You don't. Once you crack a battery it's on a set timer. You're not saving anything." The king removed his cloak, then replaced the girl's helmet with the garment. “Better? Let's get you inside, kid."

“This feels odd." Dani dismounted the bike and backed away slowly, finally assured it would be safe when the kickstand automatically deployed once she was out of proximity. “I'll stick to an old-fashioned Vincent or Triumph, thank you."

“Vincent? You're into classic two-wheelers too? That's… pretty cool, actually." Sem led the girl out of the garage, but pointed down to a far storage bay before hitting the hallway. “I've got a Black Shadow if you'd like to take a look. I'd offer a ride, but she's still being restored."

“Bugger…" Dani strained to spot the black beast with the lights down, but was not disappointed when she caught up to the others. “You have a Shadow, eh? Okay, color me impressed. Even with the cash, that's hard to find."

“Which is why I didn't. I'm rebuilding her from parts of several. An original would have been nicer, but they only made a few thousand and that was before World War III." The girl tripped over her oversized cloak, prompting Sem to lift her into his arms for the rest of the long hallway to his personal chamber. “I'll show you tomorrow if you like. Let's get this poor thing into bed first."

“Does she have a name?" Dani looked into the girl's drooping eyes, the lack of a gaze forward sending Sem careening toward a wall until the meerkat shifted to his blunder. “Can she even talk? I've never seen her kind before."

“The seller didn't exactly seem to know anything either. I'd guess she can't speak our language. I can figure something out though, once she rests."

“I'm guessing that has something to do with that disguise of yours?" Dani opened the door for Sem, giving a low whistle at the lavish decorations within. “I'm guessing that's some kind of mind game, right? I've seen weapons that screw with senses before. Wait, you'd never--?"

“No, it's not a weapon—and I'd never do anything dangerous to the girl. Calm down, Dani."

“And what should I call you? Your highness, or some shite?"

Tesem gently laid the girl in his large bed. “You can call me whatever you want when I'm not conducting business. You've earned that much. Maybe not 'otter' though." He grazed the girl's head as he tucked her below the warm blanket. When he reached to place her glass jar on the bedside table she hissed and clenched harder. “This is going to be more complicated than I thought."

“I'm not so sure about that. You look like her father acting like you are." Dani chuckled lightly as she made her way to a small table with some bourbon and glasses in the center. “Your guest rooms come stocked with booze? Not my normal vice, but considering the night…"

“It's not a guest room. This is mine, at least… when I'm not bothering my wife, anyway." Sem sighed as he finished putting down the little alien for sleep and walked over to the table. “Are you even old enough for this stuff?"

“I'm older than I look. Don't go changing the subject, either." Dani poured two glasses, then a third when Sem's disappeared into his stomach. “Woah, big guy. Keep that up and I'll have to drink alone."

“Sorry. I've got a lot on my mind."

“Well let it out, then. Trouble with the queen?" Dani sipped her drink and thankfully Sem followed her pace. “I hear it's hard to have kids with one of her kind. Well, the kingdom's been saying that anyway."

“It's not that. I may have my issues with my wife, but…" Sem looked over to the alien, then to the inhaler of dream he was given. “I don't think we're gonna make it like this. The kingdom was okay when it was smaller, but one man can't keep it all together. Drugs were already a problem, but slaves? And what, pirate colonies that catch them?"

“Sounds like you need outside help. Well, that or a shrink."

“That's exactly what my assistant says—the first part, not the shrink." Sem held his glass to his forehead, the slight chill pulling focus away from his concerns. “Maybe I just need a distraction until I can get my shit together. Can kings go on vacation?"

“I don't take them myself, and trust me—you don't want my take on politics. Last time I took part in any of that, I lost faith in all leadership." Dani tapped the brim of her glass to Sem's to grab his attention. “I do know my way around a few drinking games, however. Ever hear of 'eye for an eye'?"

“I'm concerned you may have a drinking problem at what, seventeen?"

“Aim a tad higher, otter. Good genes, that's all."

“Huh. Okay, maybe I'll bite." The distraught king cleared his mind and focused on the game. “That's the one where you go back and forth with questions?"

“One question, one answer, nothing else except drinks. Easy, right?" Dani smirked and held her glass forward. “I'll start. What do you really want me to call you?"

“I'm always fine with 'Sem'. You can also--"

“Is that more than an answer I'm hearing? The point is to get rid of explanations and bollocks." Dani hooked her glass under Sem's and tipped it back into his muzzle. “We'll go easy and sip, mostly because I don't think this bottle would last us at this rate if we downed shots."

Tesem swallowed a good gulp, immediately realizing he had to properly think about what he said next rather than fall into another trap. “Hm. Uh, what… No, why did you follow me instead of going your own way?"

“Heh. I didn't have a ride and that's not healthy when bullets are flying." That didn't read as the truth, but it wasn't a lie either. Dani grit her teeth in thought, a sensation of internal conflict bleeding through as she too decided to be a little more serious. “What's with the girl? I mean, what species is she?"

“Two questions, right?" Sem grinned as he clacked his glass to Dani's own. “I don't know but I plan on finding out soon. Now drink." He slowly dropped his smile as he allowed Dani to take the smallest of sips. “Here's one. Why do you know how to use a knife?"

Dani held up a finger for a time-out on the game. “Right, double down if you turn it around. So… Why are you concerned a girl knows how to defend herself?"

“Aha. Then why did you have to kill those guys if it was just defense?"

Dani took a drink even without a prompt. “I didn't kill any of them, or at least I tried not to." Again she held up a knowing finger, though she took her earned drink anyway. “You don't want to dig any further into that, Sem."

“I think your game's turning on you, Dani." Sem got a chill down his spine and earnestly decided to take her advice. “You care about the girl, don't you?"

“I thought you might abuse her, but I seem to have been quite wrong there." The meerkat's eyes darted to the sleeping alien. “What are you planning on doing with her?"

“If she really is a kid… I guess I'll find her parents? Or raise her, maybe? I'm not sure." Sem realized he botched that round, but Dani placed her paw over his glass and shook her head as she gave him a pass. “So what are you going to do now?"

“I'm… not sure, because all of this sort of nuked my plans from orbit." Dani hesitated as she dug deeper into herself and stared at the girl for inspiration. “Why do you care about everyone so much?"

“I want the best for them, mostly because not everyone is a ruler." As he voluntarily took a sip Dani decided to join him, the game more or less over in favor of earnest conversation. “You mentioned getting help… Are you offering your skills?"

“Do you mean the dancing or the stabbing?"

“Can I have the whole package?"

“How the hell can you need that combination?"

Sem tilted his head as he thought about possibilities. “It helps if your guards don't act like guards. Seriously, would you like to keep me safe when I go out solving things on the street?"

“...Does it come with room and board?"

“You can pick whatever room you like, and I'll make sure you have what you need to perform your best."

Dani raised her glass and waved it about as she contemplated the offer, not quite ready to toast on it. “Only one obvious question left. Why me?"

“Don't laugh," Sem noted with a small but earnest grin as he clacked the two glasses, “but I could really use a friend."

Dani took to the toast, but paused prior to drinking so she could admit, “So could I."

King Tesem's Personal Resting Room

04:48, 22/2/3, 25 XP

---

“Huh?" Dani snapped awake, a small blade ready in her paw as her body reacted before her brain caught up. She blinked at the surprisingly unfamiliar bedroom, especially confused by the reddened hints of light littering through a pair of windows and cascading over the ceiling. “...Sunrise? When did I pass out?" A hint of clicking and cooing brought attention to a warm mass clumped against the meerkat. She realized she currently occupied the better half of a sofa with some sort of creature beside her beneath a blanket. “What in the bloody…?"

“Sire?" A small hand rasped on the door yet dared not enter haphazardly. “I'm here to wake you, sire. Are you alone?"

Dani pulled herself upright, spotting the king sloppily draped over a bed on the other side of the room. “Right. That happened, with him of all people." She looked downward and noticed a paw slipping out of the blanket, covered in translucent marbled-amber scales made of something akin to keratin. “I wouldn't want to sleep in the same bed as him either if he spreads out like that."

“...Sire? Uh, Sem?" The door crept open cautiously and Dani hid the child. “O-Oh, good morning. So my sire brought a guest?" Elise took a better look at the room before entering fully. “I'll give you more time to yourselves this morning, then. Might I get you anything, miss? Coffee, perhaps?"

“A higher standard, please. Black tea with milk if you have it."

“Oh, yes. Absolutely, miss." Elise gave her king another examination and turned to leave the room with a restrained sigh. “I'll be back momentarily, miss. Oh, and I advise you that the king holds a busy morning and may have sudden guests."

“That's… fine, I guess. Cheers for the warning." Dani forced a smile as the assistant exited, her concealed blade only retracting once the door deeply clacked shut. She raised her other paw and tail and the alien girl poked her head out of the cushions. “Hello, little darling. Have a good sleep, did we?" The girl winced at the light and rubbed her head, hints of groans seeping out to remind the meerkat of her situation. “Ah, those blasted drugs. I think I'll refuse to be the one giving the next dose."

“Huh? Wha?" The king drowsily rolled onto his back, mumbling in a half-awake state. “Erin? Is that you? You… You finally came to see me? Been… so long..."

“You look pathetic, you know." Dani found a small throw pillow and made liberal use of its naming, hurling it onto the otter to spring him awake. “You're talking in your sleep, mate. Pull it together."

“Ugh… I'll try, if my head will allow it." The otter groaned his way to a sitting position, shaking his head when he felt an empty glass slip into the well of the mattress beside him. “I hope you're feeling better than me, Dani. Wait… Wait! The kid—!"

“She's over here giving me doe eyes… or drunk eyes; I'm unsure." Dani slowly eased herself out of the snuggle-trap on the sofa and smiled for the concerned girl as she reached out. “Nothing permanent, love. Gotta get this guy to juice you up is all."

“Crap, I forgot about that." Tesem pat his pants and produced the illicit inhaler. “Think you can do this? I don't know if I can feed her this shit."

“Heh. Not in the cards, Sem. She's yours after all."

“...What if this was your first set of orders?"

“Oi, I didn't agree to anything specific yet. Be a damned man, already."

“I measure myself by the wellness of my people. This goes against that creed." Sem slowly let out a sigh of disappointment as he shook the inhaler, then held the canister to his ear in surprise. “Shit. It's empty."

“You buffoon! You rolled around with that in your bloody trousers!?" Dani hushed herself as best she could whilst still managing to whack Sem over the head. “What are we going to do? This poor girl depends on you not fucking up."

“I'm sorry! I don't…" Sem perked his head up upon thinking of the girl, realizing he currently held more than one telepathic viewpoint in his mind. “Is that her?"

“What?" Dani turned around and noticed her tea had arrived, though that only added another layer to the visual confusion. “That's your maid. The girl's hiding on the couch."

“Right, you don't know about that. Never mind, then." Sem rose from the bed and triangulated the extra viewpoint using Elise's extra perspective. He reached around blindly and landed his paw on the sofa's edge, noting that while his paw was now in view there appeared to be a blurry fringe to it. “That isn't just her…"

“Sire?" Elise gained a smile and closed the gap, slowing when she realized the girl was quite different. “Who… is this? You found a new soul to save after all?"

“I found more than that." Elise offloaded a cart of tea and muffins, though the imagery managed to focus on everything differently, all elements of the room both clear and blurred at once. Sem found a stronger central focus and traced his finger to the source, tapping the girl on her nose. “Elise, don't mention this child to anyone yet, please."

“That might be for the best. However," The human set down a pair of cups and began filling them with red-brown tea, “you have two pettitioners waiting on you and a UNEO representative may intrude at any moment now. Should I escort this girl elsewhere for the morning?"

“No. Actually, cancel all meetings today. I need to rethink a few things." Sem played with his paw and found himself touching the girl's glass jar before he managed another semblance of clear focus. She can see alongside those bugs? Weird. The otter put a little more focus on Elise and his plans for the day. “Playing king is no longer adequate. Our nation is brilliant in the light, but molding in the dark. I need time to remedy this, if it's even possible."

“Sire, you haven't—" Elise froze as she looked up from her duties to discover a serious scowl over her king's face. “O-Of course. I'll clear your schedule, sire." She lowered her voice and moved a bit closer. “Are you okay, Sem?"

“I will be." Sem pointed behind himself as he tried to clear his emotional state. “Miss Karr here will need a room and access to the armory. She'll be watching me when my wife isn't present. Could you set that up for her?"

“Certainly, sire. I'll get right on it." Elise finished laying out the accessories for the tea and returned to her serving cart. “Try enjoying a morning for once, sire. You've been working far too hard."

“I'll rest when the dust settles." Tesem caught a bit of mental flak for that rough statement. “Let me take some time and we'll figure out what comes next."

“That'll do, sire. Miss."

“Thank you, love." Dani found her way to a smaller chair by the coffee table and found her tea premixed with milk. “She really seems to care for you. I take it she's another friend that took a job?"

“No, she started as staff—much younger and working the baths." The otter clicked his fingers around the girl's ears and then the glowing bugs, noting the sound fed back through both but apparently as one being. “I'm proud of where she's come, on her own merit as well."

“Well color me impressed, Sem. I took you as more of the sleazy type, especially finding you at that club." Dani finished stirring her drink and took a sip, her eyes brightening at the fresh taste. “Wow. Where can I get some of this tea?"

“What's mine is yours, more or less. The staff tends to keep some of their own brewed up all day in the kitchen, if you're ever craving some."

“See? I don't know anyone with loads of dosh that shares it with staff." The meerkat took a much heartier sip and found herself relaxing again. “Perhaps some of this will help the girl. It is caffeinated, correct?"

“I think so. I also don't think that's necessarily going to help." Sem finally gained a deep enough knowledge on the child's mental state to bond further. Those drugs aren't harming you too much, but it still seems to hurt. If only I could figure out a way to make this work…

You speak? The girl winced through a pang of pain in her head, fighting off a massive migraine by way of distraction. Her mental patterns shifted dramatically, oddly in time with her collection of insects moving about in their container. Yes. There we go. Is this working?

I… I didn't expect… Sem watched as the bugs lit up brighter when she spoke but dimmed afterward. Oh, I see. Are you talking through these bugs? They're a medium for you?

We do. We couldn't figure out how to connect to you like we do our other Corelians. The girl curled her jar into her tail, then rolled herself into a ball within the blanket. We do not understand your spoken word, either. Your written forms are… easier, perhaps.

“Sem? What's wrong?" Dani took the other cup of tea and presented it to the otter. “You're not going to upend that fine liquor, are you? Here, drink this."

“No, I'm… I'm fine. I'm just, uh…" Sem considered explaining his abilities, but didn't want to play his hand too early. “She's talking to me in my head. Give me a minute."

You lie to your friends?

No, not normally. I'm only being cautious because I just met her not even a day ago. Sem reached out to touch one of the girl's head-tails but she cowered and flared her plated scales. Those are sensitive, I take it. Sorry, but I'm a bit curious and afraid of what to do here.

You're afraid of us? The alien settled her plates and unfurled from her protective coiling. You don't seem like the ones that took us. You don't want us to… offer our mouth to you?

No! Oh, by the Abyss, no! Sem leaned forward and carefully rubbed the girl's back. I only wanted to free you from that life. Now I don't know what to do with you. I don't even know anything about you.

The girl shifted within her oversized shirt a bit, then offered a very prehensile head-tail for inspection. We are Liu. We are Corelian and we are Ember.

Liu? The whole lot of you?

This confuses you. Now we're unsure how to proceed.

We usually have a name for an individual, not multiple people.

Oh. Then… The alien pointed to her face. Liu was Corelian before Liu was also Ember. Ember flies bonded later.

Aha. Then we would normally give the flies another name. Sem gave the flies a closer inspection as they became more active, earning their namesake by mildly resembling a starting fire. How does Kindle sound to you, Liu?

Kindle… Slowly Liu reeled back her tail and sat herself upright. We are Liu and Kindle, yes.

“I'm completely lost here, Sem. What's happening?"

Nice to meet you two, or… What's that, twenty of you? Sem smiled and reached out to finally rub a tail very, very gently. My name is Tesem, and I think I'm taking care of you now.

You are… my father, then? I always wanted a father.

Tesem groaned at the title and shook the smile from his muzzle. I wouldn't go that far. I'll definitely make sure you grow up properly, though… unless we can find your mother somewhere.

Dani frowned as she pulled Sem's paw back. “What did you do? You made a little girl cry?"

I'm sorry, Liu. I didn't know. Sem took a whack to the side of his face from Dani on Liu's behalf, not at all fighting that valid correction. “I deserve that."

“Damn straight you do. Come here, little one."

“Her name is Liu, and I don't think she wants to be touched right now. She needs some space." Sem adjusted the blanket as Liu curled beneath it. “And now I know what my kingdom needs thanks to her."

“Yeah?" Dani eased off, letting Liu sob against Kindle's jar. “You found some sort of magic cure for that corruption?"

“No, I found something better—friends." Tesem tapped a call projector and summoned a hologram of his trusty assistant, giving her a moment to put down her work and respond. “Elise, I need you to call the delegates for our allies. The Yangurra and the Gnomes for sure. Try UNEO as well, even if it's not likely they'll agree."

“Sire? You're working after all?" The human fumbled with bedding in what appeared to be Dani's new room. “Um… What should I list as the occasion?"

“We're going to have a little chat about our future together. We've got problems we just can't solve separately." Tesem much more confidently rose to tower over the poor orphan on his sofa. “We're starting an empire."