{"sf1_id":1975226,"sf2_id":"5nzpapde","title":"Negligent Discharge: Introduction","author":"LiveIron","words":5806,"posted_at":"2023-04-11T22:00:08.000Z","tags":["ADHG","AHDG","Adult","Adult Content","Alternate Society","Amazon","Anthro","Anthrostate","Bitch","CYOA","Canid","Canine","Cat","Cheetah","Choose Your Own Adventure","City","Cougar","Drama","Dystopia","Emotional","Eventual Happy Ending","Eventual Relationships","Eventual Romance","Eventual sex","F/M","Fear","Feliform","Feline","Femdom","Fox","German Shepherd","Gray Wolf","Greentext","Grin","Grinning","Groping","Gun","Guns","HMOFA","Heterosexual","Human","Hyena","Interspecies","Introduction","Lupine","M/F","Male/Female","Mammal","Multiple Species","Novel","Raccoon/Fox","Realistic","Relationships","Romance","Second Person","Series","Size Difference","Story","Story Series","Straight","Suggestive","Tiger","Tight Clothes","Tigress","Timber Wolf","Uniform","Various Species","Weapon","Wolf","Wolfess"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1975226-negligent-discharge-introduction","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/5nzpapde","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/b5/1f/b51f34f9-e04b-49fe-bdb1-0545575bbcce","description":"The Beginning of the CYOA!  \n  \nYou are Anon Anonerson, living it up in the Anthrostate, the (totally) benevolent totalitarian government that manages a world of humans and Anthros. You've managed to skirt around most of the restrictive laws by faking a relationship with an Anthro named Talia-- humans that are paired up with Anthros get better treatment. And if you try to avoid it for too long, the state kindly mandates a 'civil union' for you-- which is something you'd like to avoid, considering the way the state treats people who don't play nice with their convoluted system.  \nBut a fateful trip to the gun range puts your little scheme-- and hobby of collecting old weapons-- into jeopardy.","content":"# Part 1:\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003e\"Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Talia,\" you reply with a nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe she-wolf hardly looks up from her \"SURVIVAL\" magazine as you lug your gear by the little RSO shack.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe is your \"partner\" after all,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's expected that she'd let you get away with some stuff.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I sent a newbie to your bay,\" she calls after you, \"mind helping her out?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut she does ask favors of you to keep up the arrangement.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sure thing.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Name's Rebecca. Oh, and watch out-- those yeens are back in bay 5.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGreat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOne or two of them found out about the range a month ago, and now there's a pack of them.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's unclear which is louder-- their laughing, or the stubby AK's they have with breaks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFuck, you can hear it from here, even with your ears on.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe cougar (both in age and in species) in bay 1 certainly isn't making all that noise with her pinked-up poly-pistol\n\n \n\n\\\u003eContrary to what you normally see, her pastel piece isn't just a fashion accessory to go with her similarly-colored compression outfit\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...that or she's shooting from the bench to try and catch the handful of humans that come to the shooting range.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLike yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe sees you approach with your range bag and flashes a fang-filled smile, setting the gun on the bench.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give a little wave back and try to slip past her through the small shooting shelter, but she gets up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey there, sweetie,\" she says, her rumbling voice cutting straight through your muffs, \"Need a lane?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Nah, wouldn't want to bother you,\" you say; you try again to slip on by, but she leans against the wall, completely blocking the pathway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't say that! I'd love a _little_ company,\" she says.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe leans down, seeming to fill the tiny shelter even more.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I could spot you... you could... check my form...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou swear her purring rattles the casings on the floor as she looms even closer, partway over you now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Maybe some other time,\" you say, avoiding her eyes as you freeze, \"RSO wanted me to check on someone in bay 6...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe cougar's ears flatten, and she draws back-- letting you breathe again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I didn't think they let humies work at ranges,\" she says, giving you a suspicious eye.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't. She does,\" you say, meeting her gaze, \"And she's my partner.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a small flicker in her eyes, but it's not disappointment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't move; her nostrils flare a little.\n\n \n\n\\\u003efuckfuckfuck\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stay still, not breaking the gaze-- and after a moment, she steps back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she says, crossing her arms, \"but I'm not letting you through without getting your name. I'm pretty new too.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou doubt it\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, Anon, I'll be here a while,\" she says, finally stepping out of your way. \"I'm Laura, by the way.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"See you around, Laura,\" you say as you pass by, feeling her tail brush against you on the way.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOne of her big mitts wraps around your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Offer still stands,\" she purrs, before letting you go.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get out of there, hearing her load up another magazine\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat was too close-- you're lucky you were handloading before you got here.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf you didn't smell especially like gunpowder-- like you do most of the time-- you'd have been fucked\n\n \n\n\\\u003eeither from your nervous sweat, or the lack of Talia's scent on you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll the more reason you're glad you're at the range.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou pass by bay 2, not even giving a thought of stopping there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot after what happened last time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou do pause, however, as you approach bay 3; Aki's there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can tell from the sound of apparent autofire.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe bench is covered with her toys when you arrive-- very expensive, tactical toys.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've never been able to pin down where she gets her cash from-- all you know is that she's not an ordinary university student.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou set your bag down and watch as she finishes her drill, multiple targets and barricades filling the normally vacant bay.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's behind the one with angled cutouts, near the center.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe awkward angles don't slow her down; the cheetah darts between them in a blur, sending bursts through each.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEach one landing completely in the A-zone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd you know she's only using semi.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe supersonic crack of her last shot is still ringing off the earthen walls of the bay when she checks her targets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't smile, like every single other time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You know, I think there's no automatics allowed on this range,\" you say when she starts back for the bench, striding with those long legs of hers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ha-ha,\" Aki sighs, setting her MP5 down, \"That's just as funny as the first 20 times you said it, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe starts loading magazines, pausing to look at you watching her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What? You finally get a sense of taste?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You left the safety off,\" you point out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Psh. They just--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Slow me down,\" you say with her, \"I know. But it's on the bench, Aki. You can be slow.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe snorts, continuing to fill up various magazines with frightening speed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eProbably to show off.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Just because you can't have fun doesn't mean I shouldn't,\" she says.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll have you know I like my guns better than yours,\" you shoot back, grabbing your bag.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't lie,\" she laughs, \"If the state let you, you'd get something made in the last 50 years.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...wouldn't you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou shrug, shaking your head. Aki sighs again, turning her attention back to her gear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I guess that's why you haven't tied it off with Talia, huh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yep,\" you say, moving away, \"Gotta go, Aki.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Catch you later, slowpoke.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've always liked Aki.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's focused, fast-- and not quite as lusty as the rest of the clientele here.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEven if she can't seem to appreciate historic pieces quite like you can.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt least she seems to appreciate you.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you reach bay 4, you wonder if Talia screwed up where the newbie went.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e You've never seen the fox that's out on the range there before\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe way she's flinching with each shot persuades you to check.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe at least looks normal as you approach, dressed casual but appropriate\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA nice middle ground between Aki's hyper-tactical 'high-speed no-drag' setup and the inevitable low-top booty-short combo the yeens the next bay over are going to flaunt at you\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFucking yeens\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCan hear their cackling in high-def now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wait for the fox to finish the mag on her Sig before getting her attention\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you Rebecca?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Uhh, no, my name's Jen,\" she says, the reflective shades she has on making it even harder to read her face.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, sorry. RSO said there was someone new she wanted me to help out, and...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou trail off, gesticulating; Jen laughs a little, nodding as she takes off the glasses.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePurple eyes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry, I understand,\" she chuckles, \"mister...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mister Anon,\" she nods, \"I'm new to the area, but I've got a basic grasp on all... this.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe does a bit of gesticulating herself, sharing a small laugh with you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But, if you don't mind me asking,\" she says, \"What are you doing here? I thought humans could only use fireams with their wife?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not quite,\" you say. \"The law is a modified version of old human ones; they just don't talk about it. Humans can have 'curio and relic' pieces. Basically anything older than 75 years.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou could go on-- and for once, the person you're giving the spiel too looks interested.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ahh. So, you're not here with anyone?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDamn.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm partners with Talia,\" you say, spirit slightly diminished.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That explains it,\" Jen nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe look on her face is still one of interest-- but not lust.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You know, I moved here for a managerial position at the New Apple Museum,\" she says\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour ears perk up\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"One of the tasks I have is organizing our collection and figuring out what we have. I haven't gotten to know the staff there real well yet, but I doubt any would have a specialty in human gear.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe pauses, catching the smile on your face and mirroring it\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I take it you'd be interested?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're not sure you believe it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hell yeah!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good!\" she says, \"If you want to swap numbers, we can set things up later. I know you've got a newbie to attend to.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou pull out your phone and she pulls out hers, and begin rattling off numbers to each other\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat's when you start to feel like there's something familiar about her\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, wait a sec Anon,\" Jen says as you turn to leave, \"You mind if I get a quick picture of you? For my contacts? It'll make you easier to find.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you nod, she pulls you in for a selfie\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's strong for her (relatively) slight size-- you can feel it as she takes her time getting the right angle and getting you to smile with her\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"There,\" she says after the click, releasing you, \"I'll send that to you when I'm finished up here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, thanks,\" you say smiling back at her before going back to get your gear from the bench.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour heart soars\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePreviously, your chances of getting into a museum or historical center seemed to be near zero. And now, you might be working in your actual specific field of interest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo more dealing with buncels moping around the library and trying to catch you when security's on break.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you move on to bay 5, you realize what it was that seemed so familiar about Jen:\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer... scent? perfume?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat she smelled like.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLike coffee.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hate the stuff, but love the smell.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat was probably it.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd speaking of smells, you're able to smell the yeens as you walk into bay 5.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour hopes of sneaking through are quickly dashed when you see the small fleet of rusty shitboxes filling the space between the back berm and shooting shelter\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Which is of course occupied by three of them.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough one of them is oddly small-- like, your size small.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou grit your teeth, grip your bag, and head in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust gotta act harder than you feel.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oooh, whada we got here?\" one of them croons, leaning down to you along with the other big one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAaand there are the too-small crop tops.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"We got us a little humie, Shay,\" the other says, \"What you doin' here all by yourself, little guy? You get lost?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey cackle, stepping in your way as you make an effort to get around them.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I just want to get to the next bay over,\" you sigh, \"You've seen me before, now just let me through.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ooh! Hear that, Kris? He's makin' demands!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis makes them cackle even more.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you wait for them to finish, you realize you can no longer hear the staccato of shitty AK knock-offs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour heart sinks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou see the rest of them that were out shooting are coming back to the shelter, grinning faces all around.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSoon you're surrounded, and you swear you can feel the temperature rise. There's gotta be at least ten of them packed in here\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Look, I just--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"He's makin' demands,\" Kris says over you, \"He wants ta get through! Whadya think, girls?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCue a cacophony of laughing, the only thing stopping them from grabbing you the fact they're all trying to go for it at once.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, we can make a deal, lil' man,\" one of them says, \"But you gotta do it for each of us.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey seem to all like that suggestion.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Look!\" you shout, managing to get their attention, \"I'm with Talia! The RSO! She wants me over in 6, and if I don't get there, she'll--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA hand covers your mouth from behind, and you're pulled back against a plush body\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's an audible sniff as one of them smells you before shoving you with a laugh, another one grabbing you before doing the same.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't smell like you are, humie,\" the first one says as you're bounced from hyena to hyena, \"Smells like you're loose.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And we like loose prey,\" the last one holding you growls in your ear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Back off, Roxxi,\" a less growly voice says, cutting through the air of laughing\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThings go quiet as the small one from before pushes her way through, the attention of the pack on her now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You know B gets first dibs.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"She ain't here,\" one of the big ones barks, \"She ain't gonna know if we have a bit a fun.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"She will,\" the little hyena says, crossing her arms. \"Let him go.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNow growling fills the air rather than distorted, yipping laughs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's bad enough you're going to get passed around like a pleasure toy\n\n \n\n\\\u003enow you're going to have to watch this poor girl get her shit pushed in, and--\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRoxxi drops you back to the ground\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Or maybe not.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Fuck you, Jamie,\" the big hyena growls, breaking from the semi circle and snatching up an AK from the bench.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe others all snarl similar expletive-laden threats, and follow Roxxi, letting out bellows and growls as they magdump into the trash they've put out on the range.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stay frozen up as Jamie approaches you, unsure what to do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You can relax,\" she says, her voice somewhat softer than the others', \"I'm not gonna fuck you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Didn't think I'd be happy to hear that 'till now,\" you manage.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come on, you need to move,\" she says, grabbing your hand and yanking you along toward bay 6, \"Once they've let off that steam, they're gonna be back for more.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe pulls you at arms length-- not at all possessively.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd unlike every one of the others, she's not wearing obnoxiously risque clothes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStrange.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do I want to know what happened back there?\" you ask her when the two of you are out of sight, between the two bays.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Probably not,\" Jamie sighs, glancing down for a moment, \"But I feel like I need to tell you anyway. It's... kinda my fault.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStranger and stranger.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"There's not really any good ranges in New Apple,\" she says, \"So we-- our pack, I mean-- were just kind of doing it where we could. Places we probably shouldn't have.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou swear you can see blush under her fur.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anyway, I did a little looking around and found this place. I- I went on my own at first, but then the others found out, and now, well...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe sounds and looks guilty-- you get the sense that she's not happy with the others, but can't do much about it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut then what the hell happened earlier?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Who's B?\" you ask. Though you're not sure you want to know.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"She's... the queen,\" Jamie says, still not meeting your eyes, \"She leads our little... pack. She didn't come today because she's taking care of some business, but she's gonna know that you come here now.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFinally she looks up at you, apology written all over her face.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'd stick close to Talia next time you're here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith that, she walks back to bay 5.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, shit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take out the can of spray deodorant from your bag and spritz yourself\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEver since the pack of yeens started showing up, you figured carrying it wouldn't be a bad idea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou might need to add in a can of mace for next time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you feel like you don't quite smell like the set of a YEEN'D video, you go to the shelter in bay 6, setting down your gear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe fact that there's no other stuff there tells you Rebecca is indeed new.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you look out at the range, you realize she's _really_ new:\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFive yards away from the target stands an enormous tiger in a sweatshirt and shorts, all bunched up and leaning back. She flinches when whatever she's holding goes of, sending a spray of dirt up on the berm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou approach cautiously, not trying to make any loud noises, but not trying to be absolutely quiet either.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Rebecca?\"\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe starts to turn and face you, before pausing and pushing the pistol way out in front of her, keeping it pointed down range.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes?\" she says, her voice surprisingly soft, \"Are you Anon?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah,\" you say, just now getting a look at her pistol, \"Good job being safe!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe smiles a little; the little sub-compact looks tiny in her huge paws.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...That doesn't exactly look comfortable,\" you say, doing your best not to sound insulting.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you hang around a range full of armed anthro women twice your size, you get good at that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No,\" she sighs, \"It's not. I can hardly use the controls.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you mind if I take a look?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRebecca hands it over to you; the Glock 42 is still warm from her grip.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, this is your first time?\" you ask, clearing the gun.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes,\" she says, watching you with clasped hands.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is this yours?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe range doesn't do rentals, but you never know.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes,\" she says again, \"I got it and the box of 380 from a pawnshop.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou sigh. You don't want to know how much they ripped her off for.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You might want to get something else, unless you want it for your husband,\" you say, handing it back. \"I think it's a confiscated human piece.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer ears prick, and she freezes a moment before her ears, tail, and face all droop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You can still have it,\" you say, realizing how 'confiscated piece' sounds in the context of a pawn shop, \"It's legal and everything. It's just--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm just too big for it,\" she says, the gun disappearing in her grip.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, there's nothing wrong with you,\" you soothe, \"It's that the gun is too small.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't appear to do much for her mood-- even with all the state propaganda, you don't think you've ever seen an anthro look so... human.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"We can still make things work,\" you assure her, reaching for her arm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRebecca pulls back in a flash and bares her teeth, her fur bristling. You scarcely have time to jump back yourself before her expression changes to one of great concern\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, god,\" she says, taking a step toward you, \"I'm so, so sorry. I- I just--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's okay,\" you say, more for yourself than her. \"If you're okay, I'm okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods after a moment, doing her best to appear smaller than she is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Let me go and grab my pistol,\" you say, \"It's big enough that it'll be a bit easier for you to use.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRebecca nods, and you can feel her follow you back to the shelter a few steps behind.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So... humans can have guns?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes,\" you say, \"Just old ones. Which happen to be what I like.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"My turn; why did you decide to get a gun, Rebecca?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's quiet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You don't have to tell me, just curious. If you have a specific purpose in mind, we might want to work on specific things. And look for specific things in a new one.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\" she says again. \"Can we just do the... general stuff?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sure.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust as the two of you arrive at the shelter, you're greeted by a familiar-- if unfriendly-- face.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hi Pat!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe german shepard, as usual, just scowls at your false enthusiasm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You address me as Agent Birch, you little shit.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, but Patricia,\" you say as you dig around your range bag, \"You always come to check on me! I figured we'd be on a first-name basis by now!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe ATF agent looms over you as you leisurely pull out your Tokarev and a box of ammo.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Rebecca, this is Patricia,\" you say as you slowly lay the pistol down, \"She's upset that Talia has first dibs on me, so she's trying to bust me and get me put into corrections.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia lets loose a menacing growl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're living in a loophole, Anon. And when I find a way, I AM putting you away.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaking sure the Tokarev is unloaded, you present it to Rebecca; it draws her bewildered expression back into focus.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's safe. Give it a try, see how it feels in your hand.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe does; it looks like a compact in her hands.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Better than the other one?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, much,\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Lets go and have you try that, then. I can-- oh, wait.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou grab your bag away from Patricia as she looks through it, earning another snarl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Pat, in the interest of teaching safe weapons handling, I'm temporarily going to handle Rebecca's gun, which is a prohibited weapon,\" you say, being technical and legal in the most condescending way possible. \"Is that okay?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What if it's unloaded?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...yes...\" she concedes, though the murderous glare doesn't leave her eyes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon, quit poking the bitch and go and do what I told you!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou and Pat turn to see that Talia has arrived, and she looks pissed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMoreso than usual.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes ma'am,\" you say, dropping the cocky attitude.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf Hollywood wasn't full of predators, (even more than before the state takeover), you'd consider acting.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia and Talia start arguing as you lead Rebecca back to the targets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Does this happen often?\" she asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Occasionally. Neither of them do their job and they know it, so they get like this.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou and Rebecca trade guns, and you go through the basics. Once she has a handgun that actually fits her huge hands, she unsurprisingly does well.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks happy when she's got the hang of it, not leaning back or trying to close herself up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Anon,\" she says when she hands the Tokarev back, \"Really. I think I'm going to try a different shop and get something nicer.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give her a quick inhale, and say \"Maybe try a proper gunshop. Or at least let me tag along.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes go a little wide.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, you don't have to. I wouldn't want to impose.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I want to,\" you say. \"Whatever you're doing this for-- won't ask what-- is important. I wanna make sure that you're getting something that works.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRebecca stares at you a moment before grabbing you in a hug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't tell if the softness you're pressed against is from the sweatshirt or from her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're too sweet, Anon,\" she sighs after a moment, before letting you go with a slight \"Eep!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou follow her gaze back to see Talia and Patricia coming out to meet the two of you.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I- I didn't mean anything by that!\" she stammers at Talia, \"I just--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't bother,\" Patricia snorts, \"It's a cover anyway. Isn't it, Talia?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You'd like it to be, wouldn't you?\" the she-wolf growls, getting one in response.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's fine, Talia,\" you say \"She was just a bit happy with her progress.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTalia gives you a look before nodding.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFake relationship or not, it's nice having a she-wolf on your side.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You wanna see the gun I was talking about?\" you ask, seizing the chance to legitimize things in front of Pat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot that it'd do anything to convince her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sure,\" your 'partner' says, getting the game instantly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe three of them stare at you as you dig through the bag, finding the tiny box.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSetting it down on the small field table, you feel them crowd around you as you open it up-- Talia for the act, Rebecca out of interest, and Patricia out of malice.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInside sits the glorious result of at least a year's worth of saving and searching:\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA Kolibri Model 2.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe smallest centerfire handgun ever made.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hold the tiny piece aloft for the three of them to see, glowing with pride.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's in 2.7mm,\" you say, \"the size of a single grain of rice.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia just keeps up her scowl, while Talia and Rebecca at least indulge you with a closer look.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I definitely don't want to try handling that,\" the tiger says, while your 'partner' just scoffs and asks how much it cost.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Plenty,\" you say, beginning the delicate process of loading up the magazine, \"But most was for the ammo. The gun itself was in need of repairs, so it was cheap.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia's ears perk up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you saying you modified that gun?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No,\" you sigh, \"I repaired it. If I was going to convert a piece of history into a machine gun, Pat, it wouldn't be the gun smaller than my palm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor once, she doesn't growl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDelicately, you slide the magazine in and slide your thumb over the safety, feeling the mechanical parts revel in their first coat of oil in a century.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou set your sights on the nearby cardboard, which will most likely stop the tiny bullet\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's going to be going slower than a BB from a BB gun, after all.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHere goes...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSP-P-P-P-P-PK!\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSlowly, you turn the gun; the slide is locked back, the chamber empty.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlong with your previously topped-off magazine.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"HAH!\" Patricia suddenly laughs, louder than any of the yeens from the bay next door, \"I FINALLY GOT YOU, YOU COCKY LITTLE ASSHOLE!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour face turns red and your chest suddenly feels light and hollow as you crouch down, counting out six brass grains of rice in the sand while she continues gloating.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"YOU JUST MADE AN ILLEGAL MACHINE GUN, AND LIED ABOUT IT TO AN OFFICER OF THE LAW!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe moves in to grab you, but to your relative surprise, Talia shoves her away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Simmer down, Officer Bitch,\" the she-wolf growls, \"I'm the RSO, and I determine if it was intentional or a mechanical failure!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're not protecting him this time, cunt!\" Patricia laughs, not fazed by the shove, \"Conflict of interest! Being his 'partner' doesn't work out so well now, does it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTalia growls; you feel like curling into a ball.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That means you've got no say in the investigation! All you can do is be a character witness-- but, oh, wait, you two are a 'couple?' Sorry, conflict of interest again!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What about me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe three of you turn to look at Rebecca; she looks determined, if a little bit frightened.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Stay out of this,\" Patricia says, \"I've been trying to catch these two for months. You don't know what they've been up to.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Exactly...\" you say, gears turning in your head, \"She doesn't. We just met today. No conflict of interest.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia growls, taking a step toward you but flinches; the regulator chip must have given her a shock.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOne of the few totalitarian decisions of the state you actually agree with.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, Rebecca,\" Talia sighs, \"I guess it's up to you. If you make a statement, you're getting tangled up in this.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe tiger nods, taking a deep breath.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't think Anon meant for it to do that,\" she says, \"He likes older guns, and he made a good point-- I don't think something that tiny would be a good machine gun.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia is shaking with rage, and you watch her shake it off with a few breaths.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wish you could do the same for the anxiety gripping you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What's your full name?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Rebecca Maldovich.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, Ms. Maldovich,\" Patricia says in a controlled manner, \"Be that as it may, Anon committed a firearms negligence offense. As such, this event must still be investigated.\"\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Bull-fucking-shit!\" Talia yells, \"Mechanical failure doesn't count for that! And if you're so eager to actually enforce that, why don't you go the next bay over and deal with the fucking yeens that I reported about seven times already?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Calm down, Ms. Grilliz,\" Patricia says with a savory smile, \"The state's priority-- not my priority-- is human offenders. Now, Anon, do you have anything to say?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've got about a thousand things, but you know none of them are gonna help.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMost would probably hurt\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePatricia huffs, a little disappointed. \"Apparently you know your rights. Come along.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe reaches for you, and again Talia shoves her away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're not taking him away,\" she growls, \"I know my rights too. Nonviolent violation, at my range, under my supervision; he only goes if I say, and I say he doesn't.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePat's smug look falters for a moment, but she laughs again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Can't wait to take you down too, Talia.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe walks backwards away from the two of you and Rebecca, making sure you get a good look at her smug mug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You've got a week.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDamn it all.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A week?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Before trial,\" Talia says to Rebecca.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"The show trial,\" you correct her, \"You know the court system is rigged.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"One week before my rights get stripped and they put me in mandatory assignment.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe can't say much to that, and neither does Rebecca.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSlowly, you pack your gear up back into your range bag.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What are you doing?\" Rebecca asks, still in a daze.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Going home,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Now?\" Talia hisses, \"I'm in this too!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Then what are you running for?\" She asks, grabbing your arm and getting in your face.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Right now, the only way we get out of this is if we get a civil union,\" you whisper through grit teeth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe pulls back slightly, locking eyes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"For both our sakes, I'm going to try and see if there's another way out.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe lets you go, walking back off down the range.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're in it now.\n\n \n\n# Part 2:\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eYou wake up for good to the 'ping!' of a text.\n\n\\\u003eAll the other times were from the usual things: being too hot, too cold, your arm falling asleep over your head...\n\n\\\u003e...And the impending sense of doom that's been hanging over you since yesterday, invading even your sleep.\n\n\\\u003eLooking at your phone, you see it's actually an email. One with state priority.\n\n\\\u003eThe subject line reads \"Notification of Investigation for: Multiple Charges.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Dear ANON ANONERSON,\n\n\\\u003e\"This email is to inform you that you are currently under investigation for the following charges: 1 count of Firearms Negligence (Negligent Discharge), 2 counts of Illicit Possession (Manufacture and Possession of an Illegal Machinegun), 1 count of Perjury (False Courtship Claims), and 2 counts of Non-violent Obstruction of Justice (1 count of Harassing an Officer; 1 count of Perjury during Investigation). This investigation began yesterday (Sunday, 7/XX/20XX), following events occurring at the Shoktan Shooting Club (WCS Sector 11).\"\n\n\\\u003e\"The potential consequences of these charges include: loss of firearms privileges and confiscation of any associated property, accelerated State Evaluation schedule, and mandatory enrollment into the Civil Matchmaking Services System (CMSS).\"\n\n\\\u003e\"The investigating Officer (ATF division) has also recommended you be classed for Special Assignment in the CMSS system: due to your charges being non-violent, normal immediate restraints/restrictions will not apply during the course of this investigation. However, should you be found guilty, all normal Special Assignment restrictions and procedures will apply.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"The court date for this investigation is: Sunday 7/XX+7/20XX. Arrive at the New Apple Municipal Complex at 10am: you will be escorted to the lower court by on-premises staff. In accordance with the indigenous beliefs of your sector, you will be afforded a public defendant to speak on your behalf by the State, if you do not have a lawyer on retainer.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"If you have entered into a Civil Union prior to this court date, it is important to bring a copy of your certificate and/or your application form, as well as your spouse. This would dismiss one or more of the charges against you (False Courtship Claims, Illicit Possession).\"\n\n\\\u003eYou skim over the next few lines, full of the stock-standard state assurances and reminders\n\n\\\u003e\"Remember that access to firearms is a privilege, not a right\"\n\n\\\u003e\"The state allows for the preservation of some historic practices in your region, not all\"\n\n\\\u003eAnd of course, the ever popular \"The Anthrostate has only your best interests at heart.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe last few lines at the bottom catch your eye:\n\n\\\u003e\"The reporting officer (Patricia A. Birch, ATF) has elected to release her contact information to you and the immediate witnesses of this case (Talia W. Grilliz, Rebecca T. Maldovich). Note that any communications with Officer BIRCH will be monitored and may be used during trial due to one or more charges against you (Harassing an Officer).\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Have a pleasant day,\"\n\n\\\u003e\"WCS 11 Justice Division\"\n\n\\\u003eYou groan, tempted to throw the phone but settling for setting it on the bedside table. That bitch is taunting you.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you know that she has your information-- if you try blocking her number, you'll probably get another obstruction of justice charge.\n\n\\\u003eYour phone lets out another 'ping!'; you pick it up with hesitation, telling yourself not to respond to her when you see it's from Talia.\n\n\\\u003e'Bitch got started early-- it's fucking 8am'\n\n\\\u003eAt least this bullshit hasn't gotten to her sense of humor.\n\n\\\u003e'thought your text was from her,' you reply back.\n\n\\\u003e'No such luck. Didn't come up with anything last night, either. You?'\n\n\\\u003e'No. Half worried they're gonna send someone down here based on my search history alone'\n\n\\\u003e'That's ripe for jokes, but I'm not in the mood,' she sends back after a minute, 'We gotta figure this out.'\n\n\\\u003e\"No shit,\" you say to yourself, but resist the urge to snap at her via text.\n\n\\\u003e'I know,' you write instead, 'Are you actually being charged with anything?'\n\n\\\u003e'courtship claims, harassing and obstructing an officer.'\n\n\\\u003e'Same for me, but add firearms negligence and possession/manufacturing a machinegun.'\n\n\\\u003e'Makes things a little easier to cover,' she sends back.\n\n\\\u003e'We need a good fucking lawyer,' you respond.\n\n\\\u003e'More to it than that. Lawyer can argue all they want, but the state can throw it out if there's no good evidence or witnesses.'\n\n\\\u003eYou groan, rubbing your eyes.\n\n\\\u003e'You make it sound so bright and cheery'\n\n\\\u003eShe goes quiet for a while, giving you some time to make breakfast before your phone goes off again.\n\n\\\u003e'Lets make another deal. I'll find someone who can help with the firearms charges for you, and you find someone who can work the perjury and harassment ones for the both of us. I've got people I can ask from being an RSO.'\n\n\\\u003e'And I've got...?'\n\n\\\u003e'Work to do. Talk to legal people, witnesses, secure evidence-- whatever you can'\n\n\\\u003e'...You sure it wouldn't be easier to just get a CU?'\n\n\\\u003e'You can get one,' she sends, 'just not with me'\n\n\\\u003eYou sigh. Was worth shot.\n\n\\\u003e'Keep in touch. I'll update you at the end of the day.'\n\n\\\u003eYou close your phone and clean up; at least you started the day early. All the more time for you to use.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you're going to need as much as you can get.\n\n**Paths\u0026nbsp;** (**LINKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, use AO3 for missing paths/ chapters)**:\n\nRebecca Path\n\n[Yeen Path](https://www.sofurry.com/view/1975354)\n\nPatricia Path\n\n[Talia Path](https://www.sofurry.com/view/1977415)\n\n**Paths of Questionable** Canonicity:\n\n[LoveGun:](https://www.sofurry.com/view/1975359) Valentines/ a more in-depth look at each character\u0026nbsp;\n\nRETURN: Halloween/ nothing good"}