FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

REVISED 29 JUN 2007: Fixed up a few formatting errors and tweaked the numbers involving Humanity's war with the 'mechs, by a suggestion from a reader. Remember, good writers listen to those who read their stories! ^-.o^

--

That was a security check? A simple weapons scan, a written questionnaire and DNA kept on file? Mahnetz would probably gnaw off his own skin if he saw that. It at least serves my purposes, though. Now to see what this station has to offer....

The smells hit her well before the sights did. Her tongue flicked out despite her best attempts to keep it still; her brain reeled with the myriad scents to be found, doing its best to catalogue and identify each one. There were the scents of dozens of different species, thousands of individuals, all of them alien to her- but none nearly as unpleasant as she might have believed. And then there were the smells of food... she was already hungry again, and every last scent that touched her tongue and nostrils made her all the more so. Her stomach pleaded with her to ask Kyle to stop at some food station for a quick meal- but she really didn't want to stay here longer than necessary. Anyone with a sharp eye or nose- or who knew what other senses- could rumble her disguise.

She did her best to hide her disorientation, staying close to her Human escort and trying to keep her gaze on his back. The effort almost ended up with her ramming her snout into his neck when he came to a sudden stop; she stopped behind him, saw him looking up at something and followed his gaze. What she saw made her breath catch in her throat- a large insectoid creature, bearing a thick yellow-and-black carapace covered in multicolored sashes and easily longer from head to tail than she was, was slowly descending towards them on a pair of glistening wings that beat silently in the chilly station air. It seemed intent on them as it angled in for a landing, and came to a rest on four of its six limbs directly in front of them. Its globular compound eyes took them both in as the creature bent down....

...and wrapped its forelimbs around Kyle in a gentle embrace which the mammal quickly returned.

"Lisschek!" Kyle exclaimed. "Long time no see, old bug! What cabinet have you been hiding under?"

The insectoid chittered quietly in what seemed to be laughter. But its response was not verbal, and Ashiya felt her jaw drop as utterly alien but perfectly understandable thoughts entered her mind. "There is not a flyswatter large enough to handle this one," it- no, he; somehow Ashiya could tell his gender through his thoughts- responded. "And greetings to you, friend Kyle. This one saw that your ship had docked and came to welcome you. The Asken Cluster hive sends its most heartfelt regards through this one. Who is your companion? This one is informed by the hive that it is of the Isshak."

A hive-mind? I never knew they existed! My training was woefully inadequate! "Lisschek, this is Ashiya," Kyle said. "She's lost her voice temporarily. I'm taking her on as co-pilot on a short-term basis so that she can get back on her feet- so to speak." He grinned. "Ashiya, this is Lisschek vi'al'Asken'vi. The Vii'nev are a telepathic race- but they can't read minds or anything like that, so don't worry."

"Indeed. Thoughts are sacred, and even were we capable of the act, our kind would never intrude upon the sanctity of another intelligent mind. You need not fear this one, friend Ashiya. Have you known friend Kyle long?" Remembering her ruse, she simply shook her head from side to side in reply. "Ah, this one would inform you of the generosity of your new partner, dear Isshak. If friend Kyle would be so gracious as to allow this one to relay the story?"

"Great, there goes my ego." Kyle chuckled. "Alright, fine, go ahead," he said, waving his hand.

Another chuckle from the massive insectoid, and then rapid-fire but easily-interpreted thoughts flooded Ashiya's mind. "We Vii'nev already have a great deal of respect for our mammalian friends the Humans. However, friend Kyle here has made his own contribution to the well-being of this one's hive. A barge carrying several crystal sculptures of revered hive royalty was ambushed by a heavy biomech assault sortie. Many of our fighters were destroyed or disabled, and the barge was in danger of powerplant breach when our distress call was answered by several friendly parties. Friend Kyle was valuable in both driving off the biomechs and helping to repair the superstructure of the barge; without his quick thinking and expertise, this one would have been but one of many lost to the vacuum. That he did so at risk of being caught in the explosion if the barge had indeed suffered a terminal energetic cascade made him a hero to our hive. We know that to those whose minds are solitary, death is a true finality, and those who would risk that fate to help others are given the utmost respect by our society."

"I knew the powerplant wasn't going to explode. Vii'nev biotechnology is some of the most solid stuff in the Alliance- I was safer on their hull than I was in my own ship." Kyle grinned, turning at Ashiya, who was gazing at him in surprise. "Bad enough that the hive ridiculously overcompensated me for the materials and expenses- but then they went and made an amber sculpture of me. As tall as I am! Can you believe it?"

"A sculpture of one who deserved such honor, easily." Lisschek's thoughts were colored with humor as he lightly swatted the Human's shoulder. "The hive adores friend Kyle's humility and honesty. This one does not doubt you will learn much in your time with him, friend Ashiya."

Even if she weren't playing the role of a mute, Ashiya doubted she'd know what to say to that. So she simply bowed with her hands folded in front of her, and the massive Vii'nev surprised her by duplicating the gesture. "You should come visit the hive again soon, friend Kyle," he told the Human. "Our queens have missed your conversation. And they wish to extend their condolences for your recent loss, as does this one."

"Thanks, Lisschek. I'll try to stop by soon. Warmest regards to the queens and the rest of the hive." They clasped hands for a moment, and then the insectoid spread his wings again and lifted off the deck. Ashiya turned to gaze at Kyle, who appeared more bemused than anything at her look. "Honestly, he makes it sound more heroic than it actually was," the mammal chuckled.

"That... well." Ashiya rubbed the back of her neck. "It's interesting, at any rate," she half-whispered. "I hadn't figured you as someone who had lived a sheltered life."

His expression changed, just for an instant. "You're right on that," he said, his voice just a bit strained. Then whatever it was that had crossed his mind faded, and he resumed his friendly demeanor. "But anyway. We've got some shopping to do. I just need to check in the commissary and find a couple of people- that's where most folks meet in outlying stations like this one. I could probably go for dinner, myself... are you hungry?"

Her stomach chose to speak for her, growling loudly in anticipation of a meal. She let out a soft hissing sigh, and he laughed. "It's settled, then," he told her. "With any luck I'll catch at least one person I need to talk to there. They're a decent bunch here, so I wouldn't expect any problems, but if you feel anything's wrong just let me know." With that, he led her through the station; her hood helped hide her eyes as she stared at one unexpected thing after another.

The first thing that caught her attention: Children. Running about playing, walking about with parents or adult supervisors, watching video terminals or sitting and talking- it seemed that younglings of every species on the station were present. Nothing like any station in homespace, she thought solemnly. They don't fear a biomech attack? Or some other sort of action against this station, here on the outskirts of their space? I refuse to believe they would take the lives of their offspring so lightly, but then why...? After a moment, she set the thought aside for later; she knew nothing about how these people lived, what they believed or held dear. It could have been that they simply didn't think of life on a station as risky, or perhaps they understood the risks but found whatever benefits the arrangement had more worthwhile. Trying to reason it out without better knowledge of their ways was pointless.

And at any rate, the smell of food- so many different types of food- was making it hard for her to think of anything else. After only a few moments, they came upon what had to be the commissary, which in itself was completely unlike what she might have expected; instead of regimented tables, automated servers and orderly lines, there were more than two dozen kiosks arranged in a semicircle, each one emblazoned with logos, slogans and icons more over-the-top than the last. Intelligent beings of all types stood or sat, chatting with each other as they ate and drank more types of nourishment than she'd thought possible. It was chaotic, uncontrolled... free.

She didn't get much of an opportunity to deal with the shock, however. Two people- one Human, the other some sort of furred mammal with a thin tail and large ears, both dressed in sharp-looking uniforms- quickly approached her and Ryan. "Well, well, well," the Human said. "Hello again, Aragones. Who's your friend?"

"You ought to know already, Spentz. Don't you get a little 'ding' every time I dock somewhere?"

Ashiya could easily detect an animosity between these two Humans, one neither tried to hide from the other. The furred one, for its part, seemed more embarrassed than anything, its posture shrinking away from the verbal conflict. Ashiya leaned back herself, using the hood of her cloak to shield her face from scrutiny. "You're giving yourself a little too much credit, Aragones," Spentz countered. "Why should I give a damn what you're up to with your two-credit salvaging setup? I came to see to your companion there." The Human's ice-blue eyes took her in; something about his gaze made her extremely uncomfortable, but she did her best to maintain her stance. "I take it she's been briefed on station law and the like?"

"Your people at the entry platform were very thorough, Spentz. And professional, which might surprise me given who their commanding officer is." That got a scowl from Spentz, and Ashiya found herself wishing Kyle would stop antagonizing someone who was obviously a figure of authority on this station. "Ashiya answered all their questions in writing. She's probably not going to be able to speak at anything above a whisper for another dozen days or so. I'd say she's had it rough enough, wouldn't you?"

"I'm not here to antagonize a newcomer. Just to make sure station protocol has been followed." Spentz turned to Ashiya, and his expression softened somewhat. "Ashiya, my name is Arc-Major Lawrence Spentz, and I am the First Officer of security in this sector under Commander Anash Viharan. This is Arc-Lieutenant Raorahn, my personal attaché." He gestured to the shorter furred mammal, who gave a brief bow. "The officers of the Rimworld Alliance are always pleased to help our Isshak friends make their way through this difficult time. We only ask that, at all times, you observe Alliance laws. If you have any questions or are worried that a personal custom or belief might run contrary to our laws, any station patroller or guard will be happy to give you advice or get you in contact with Isshak liasons."

It sounded like a pre-prepared speech, and she sensed that this Arc-Major Spentz's heart wasn't really in it, but at the very least he was polite. Ashiya bowed her head and clasped her hands in front of her- a traditional Isshak motion, she'd learned- and Spentz nodded in return before spinning on his heel and walking off. Raorahn gave what looked like a somewhat-embarassed bow and quickly fell in behind the Arc-Major. Kyle sighed quietly beside her. "Sorry about that," he murmured. "Spentz and I have... a bit of a history."

"I'd figured that," she whispered back. She let out her breath slowly as the Human continued to lead her on. I suppose I overreacted, she mused. Back in homespace, talking to a station official like that would get you time in a cell. Seems they do things differently here... much differently. She only had a moment to contemplate that before Kyle led her to one of the tables, at which were seated almost ten people of wildly differing species- including a massive reptilian, easily six times her mass, and a large brown-furred mammal who, while only being a head taller than Kyle, had a body so bulging with muscles that Ashiya figured the alien could probably lift her in one hand. Mental note: Let's not irritate the two large ones, she cautioned herself.

Most of the beings at the table looked up at their approach with what seemed to be friendly curiosity. Several seemed to recognize Kyle, and greeted him warmly. The muscular furred one- who, judging by the massive growths that had to be mammalian breasts, was female- embraced him tightly and licked his cheek, getting a soft grunt, a grin and a press of his lips against her broad, toothy muzzle. "Kyle!" she said in a deep but melodious voice. "Curse your furless hide- what's a female got to do to get a visit from her favorite primate?" She ruffled his hair in a playful manner. "You spend far too much time in the airless void these days, precious."

"It's quiet, and I don't have to deal with Spentz as often." The Human chuckled, getting knowing affirmations from the assorted people. "I'd probably still be out there right now, but I'm doing a favor for a new friend of mine." He reached out and patted Ashiya's shoulder. "This is Ashiya. Her transport took some damage from a 'mech patrol, so I'm she'll be my co-pilot until her ship is in condition to let her make her own way again. She's temporarily lost her voice and can't speak, but she's fluent in both types of Galactic Common."

The large reptile rumbled out a deep chuckle at that. "Just like you to take in someone who needs help," it told the Human. "It's good to see you'll have someone in the other seat again, if only for a short while."

" 'Her', hm?" The large furred female bent over to whisper something in Kyle's ear that Ashiya couldn't quite make out; he made a face at her and tapped her muzzle. "Not the sort of arrangement you and I have," he told her, as he squeezed her forearm lightly; she made a noise that she decided must be her version of laughter and put one broad arm around him.

The abject shock that washed over her almost caused her to miss their names as they each introduced themselves. A flat-out admission of cross-species sexual relations? And nobody objects or even seems to care? Strange what all this freedom breeds.... As it turned out, the massive reptile Khamen- who was male- and the muscular female Laou Mah Enlarash were two of the vendors Kyle was looking for; they dealt in adapters, converters and other hardware designed to get disparate systems to work together. Trihsken, a female of Raorahn's species, sold hull adhesives and other repair supplies; Niyre, a thin female of a prey-descended species with large brown eyes and ears that always seemed in motion, offered high-grade conduit and ducting that Ashiya's damaged transport direly needed. The goods Kyle could buy from them didn't complete Ashiya's mental list of required components... but they certainly took a nice bite out of it.

As the conversation and bartering progressed and meals were ordered, Ashiya couldn't help but notice that Laou kept in almost constant physical contact with Kyle- whether it be one large four-digit hand on his arm, an arm around his waist, or even the occasional lick of one of his ears... which, judging by the rush of heat to certain areas of his body, had a profound effect on him. It was obviously some form of romantic teasing, one which Kyle hardly seemed to object to; in fact, Ashiya could swear she'd seen him briefly squeeze Laou's hindquarters, getting a broad, toothy grin from the ursine-looking female. Once the food was present, all talk of business ceased, as though on an unspoken agreement; all parties present dug into their meals, and idle banter was exchanged, showing a good amount of familiarity all around. Obviously this group has been in existence for some time, to be so close despite the many differences, Ashiya noted, as she buried a strange four-tined metal fork into a piece of glazed meat. While it was cooked, she had been assured that it was generally safe for any carnivore; she placed the meat on her tongue- and froze, letting out a soft sigh as the flavor practically made her taste buds scream in delight. I've never tasted anything this good! she thought, quickly spearing several more pieces of the meat and devouring them. This food would almost be considered a narcotic in homespace! Her quick eating caught Khamen's notice, earning her a grin from the larger fellow reptile. "For the sake of the stars, Ashiya, doesn't Kyle feed you?" he said teasingly.

"Of course I do!" Kyle countered, launching a forkful of small white food items at Khamen, to the reptile's great amusement. "Relax, I'm just joking," Khamen chortled. "We all know that our third-favorite Human in Rimworld space would never starve his new co-pilot."

"Third? I got knocked down to third?" The Human looked incredulous. "Who beat me out for second?"

Elmez'ki, a short six-limbed male who Kyle had described as "the one to go to for information nobody wants to be heard talking about", chuckled as he pointed two rubbery-skinned hands at Laou. "We named your sweetheart there an honorary Human after she got us all sold on one of Earth's early 21st-century musical groups," he commented. "What was it called again? Oh, yes- 'Blue Man Group'. She spends more time talking about Human culture than Duraour culture."

"That's because my species' culture is as boring as all Hells." The muscular female grinned. "So I like Humans. I'm not a Tirarnik, I'm allowed." Laou must have caught Ashiya's quizzical glance, and leaned forward. "Back in the early days of Human acceptance into the Rimworld Alliance, there were a few issues between them and the Tirarnik. Nothing so overblown as full-out war, but definitely bad feelings. It always seemed odd that...."

Kyle gave the ursinoid a pointed glance, and she trailed off, reaching out to rub the Human's forearm. An uncomfortable silence fell over the group for a moment, until Elmez'ki spoke again. "Right, anyway. Did you know the Vii'nev have picked up on that group? Only I think they'll be calling themselves the 'Blue Bug Group'." The cetacean snickered at that, a high-pitched clicking noise. "They've got that 'no speaking' thing down already, as well."

"The Vii'nev have some pretty interesting music already," Nirye added. "Though it irritates my ears when they hit that forty-five-thousand hertz range. I'd like to see how they'd approach that 'oddball instrument' angle."

As the conversation went on, Ashiya made a mental note to look up information on this supposed feud between the Tirarnik and Human species. She also finished off four more orders of Mif'laschkin, the flavored meat dish she'd been served, to her embarassment. She couldn't help herself; the food was just too good to resist. She only hoped that her stomach wouldn't have an issue with it later.

Finally, the food was gone, the deals were finalized, and the assorted people began to go their separate ways. Laou leaned her chin against Kyle's shoulder and whispered something into his ear; a short conversation ensued, with both of them glancing in Ashiya's direction, before the Human came over to her. "Ashiya," he said quietly. "I have a little... catching up to do with Laou, so I'll let you head back to the Shadowdancer if you like. I've already instructed the computer to recognize you as a passenger. Just don't steal the ship and abandon me here, hm?" He grinned. "I shouldn't be more than a couple standard hours."

There were several questions she would have liked to ask him, but none of them seemed appropriate, so she simply nodded and turned to head back towards the docking platform.

--

"Kyle, precious, sometimes I truly worry about you." Laou paused in her lapping at the Human's bare chest. "I understand we agreed to keep our liasons casual, but that doesn't mean I can't care about you."

"I know, Laou. I know. I appreciate it." He kissed her neck, right in her favorite spot, eliciting a soft growl from her. "This is something I need to deal with myself. It's hard enough to even think about right now... and it's not something Ashiya needs to get involved in. Our arrangement is only temporary and she's got enough to think about."

She gently dragged her small claws along his cheek, making him shiver. "I'll let you work through it yourself, Kyle. Just remember that these ears are always here for you if you decide you do want to talk." She stood up and finished opening her jumpsuit, revealing her thick-furred body to him. "However, at the moment it isn't my ears that most want your attention," she told him with a smile, moving to lay down next to him again.

He was very quick to take the invitation, closing both hands around one of her breasts and easily finding the nipple with his lips. She was always so self-conscious about them; while they were plentiful compared to the standards of other mammalian species, Laou had always felt them to be too small in comparison to other Duraour females, so Kyle always made certain to pay them special attention to help bolster her self-image. She let out a deep growl of pleasure as he sucked and nibbled on the hard nipple, and his hands kneaded at the softness of her breast. He could feel the beating of her hearts through her chest, and he took a moment to place a soft kiss against the short fur above her primary one; it was a tender expression to both Human and Duraour cultures, and she licked at his ear affectionately, running her fingers through his hair. "You know how to make a female desire you, do you know that?" she murmured.

"If it's the right female," he countered, getting a smile and pleased flick of her ears. He lowered his head, nuzzling and nibbling the sensitive fur at the underside of her breast; she groaned softly and leaned back, stroking his sides with her hands. The feel of the soft, short fur on her hands against his skin was wonderful, and he showed his appreciation with a soft moan into her breast. He slid one hand down her firm belly, letting his fingertips wander through her fur, and she let out a deep murr as she spread her legs; accepting her invitation, he slipped his hand between them, feeling the plump, moist lips of her sex and rubbing them with his fingertips. Laou rumbled deeply in Kyle's ear, only getting louder when his fingers found her already-engorged clitoris and began tugging on it gently; her hand quickly moved to his crotch and took a hold of his erect penis, squeezing it gently. "Is there any way I can tell you how much I enjoy having this in me?" she whispered into his ear.

"Even though I don't come close to measuring up to a male of your species?" he answered, tracing his fingertips over the edges of her lower lips. She leaned over to lap at his chest again, gazing into his eyes with her crystal blue ones. "You know how little that means to me," she replied. "Cast me into the Hells themselves if I've ever been able to find a male of my species that knew what to do with everything he had, besides ram until he spurt- not to mention I've never been quite comfortable taking a Duraour male. Yours, however, feels just right inside me." She grinned, lapping at his nipple as her hand lightly squeezed the tip of his length. "And no one can ever say you didn't do your best to pleasure a female," she continued. "Nirye, Amaksau and I have discussed your techniques at length and we agree that you are by far one of the better lovers of any species any of us have run across."

He couldn't help but laugh at that. "Oh, I'm being evaluated now, am I?" he teased, giving her clit a playful but gentle tug. "I suppose I'll have to try extra-hard to get a good review...." With that, he made his way down Laou's bed, leaving a trail of kisses along her body before moving his head between her legs. She laid back, gently stroking his length and taking short playful licks at it as he nibbled and kissed the lips of her sex; his fingers spread the flesh around her clit, and his lips gently enclosed it, sucking on it deeply. Laou's head lolled back as a deep snarl left her muzzle. "Oh, Goddess!" she cried out. "I wish you'd warn me when you do that! You know how sensitive I am there."

He pulled away from her for just a moment. "But I like surprising you," he playfully shot back, getting a feral grin from the ursinoid just before she bent over to take him in her mouth. She pressed her lips around his base and began to suck hard on him, swirling her long rough tongue all over his length. One of her hands gently took hold of his balls and began gently playing with them, lightly cupping each of the sensitive orbs in turn and carefully dragging her claws across the sack, causing him to moan deeply. "Surprised?" she teased from around his length, taking the opportunity to flick her tongue against its head.

"Haaahhhh...." It took him a moment to regain rational thought. "...dammit. That's not playing fair."

" 'All is fair in love and war.' You Humans have the most interesting sayings." She gave him a grin, gently nuzzling his length and blowing warm breath across it. "Or, of course, there's the Duraour saying- 'should you find yourself between the legs of the Herald of the Goddess, you had better get her calling out for the Goddess Herself'."

He laughed at that. "Speaking of being between legs...." He flicked his tongue against her clit once more, then rolled himself down the bed and climbed atop her. She eagerly spread her legs to let him between them, and he mounted her, rubbing the head of his shaft against her lower lips. She growled softly in anticipation. "Goddess, don't tease me like that, Kyle, it's been too long since I've had a decent lover," she rumbled. "Foreplay is over... for the love of the ancient snows, just take me."

He couldn't in good conscience let such a passionate, energetic and amazingly horny female suffer in such a fashion, so without another moment's hesitation he brought himself up onto his hands and knees, then thrust his hips forward, burying his length in Laou's wet, welcoming sex up to the base. She snarled an obscenity in her native language and gripped the mattress with her claws. "THAT'S what I want!" she growled deep in her throat, squeezing him tightly inside her and making him groan. "Uhhn... I missed having you in there, precious. How's it feel?"

"As good as always." He rocked his hips back and forth, grinding his crotch against her clit and pressing his shaft against the firm walls of her entrance; he could feel as much as hear the rumbling deep in her chest. "Now I think I should make up for my not being here to relieve this need of yours...."

Laou took in a breath to say something, but all that came out was a deep groan of pleasure as Kyle drew his hips back and then drove himself into her again. He didn't let up in the least, launching himself into a quick thrusting rhythm, feeling her grip at him with her powerful inner muscles each time he slid into her. It was a heady sensation- this female, native to a planet with a gravity double that of Earth's, could probably pick him up and tear him in half without too much trouble... yet here she was, underneath him, writhing in pleasure and holding him tightly, as much his as he was hers. He'd always had a feeling that she loved giving herself to him for the opposite reason- a chance to feel vulnerable, to be "small", to indulge a desire to be under another's control. Still, that didn't keep her from riding him like a demented arra'choa without a harness from time to time, and he honestly couldn't complain about that either... aside from the occasional bruise.

Then Laou's legs wrapped around his waist, and thinking took second place to humping the warm, furred body beneath his. Her hips rocked beneath his, and her sex gripped and pulled at his shaft, her slick folds parting before him with every motion. Her groans and growls of pleasure mixed with his own, underscored with the wet sounds her slick passage made as he slid himself into it over and over, were music to his ears. Her body writhed beneath his, her powerful muscles flexing and pressing against him through the soft fur that covered her form; he pushed against her in return, looking into her eyes as he took her and watching her look back at him with enjoyment and affection in her gaze.

It didn't last as long as he might have wanted; he'd fallen out of practice, and her wonderful technique and wild abandon didn't make matters easier. With one last thrust of his hips, he came inside her, feeling his length pulse with each stream of his seed he sent into her warm body. Laou groaned softly and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry," she murmured. "I think I got you going a bit faster than I meant to." She licked his cheek. "I can't help it, I've missed doing this with you."

"I know, Laou. It's alright." He kissed her snout lightly. "Honestly, I don't know why you and Khamen aren't doing this. He adores you."

"We still have our business agreement. Besides, his tastes tend towards scales." She chuckled. "I think I caught him checking out your friend. Maybe she might be interested?"

He laughed at that. "I'm not sure she's going to be staying in local space. A shame, I'm sure they'd have fun."

She joined in his laughter, leaning over to lap at his ears with her soft tongue. Soon lapping turned into nibbling, and her hands began to wander over his body, and his over hers. It wasn't long until he felt his length begin to stiffen again; apparently, she felt it as well. "Do you have enough time for a second tumble with me, precious?" she asked, her ears tilted mischeviously.

He slid three fingers into her, making her gasp. "I still owe you at least one orgasm," he replied with a smile. "Besides, I think we both deserve it. Don't you?"

--

"While the Human species is not exceptional by any physical means- ranking only in the middle of the forty-three species of the Rimworld Alliance in most metrics involving physical, intelligence/cognitive and sensory abilities (except for tactile, in which they rank sixth)- their seeming lackluster abilities actually give them an adaptability which has become a species trademark. 'If you want something done perfect, get a (name of adept species); if you want anything done well, get a Human' is a common joke."

Ashiya chuckled softly to herself at the audio replay of the information article she'd brought up on the Human species, as she stripped out of her robe and unwound the cloth that pressed against her breasts. That was the worst part of her disguise- the fact that she couldn't show off her chest. She idly wondered what the males on the station would make of a reptile with breasts. If what Kyle and Laou are apparently up to right now is any indication, I'd probably be fending off potential partners with a stunstick, she thought with a mental laugh. Everything I've learned so far points to one thing- if it feels good and everyone involved wants it, they don't have a problem doing it.

She stretched out as the audio continued playing, the synthesized female voice of the Shadowdancer's computer system oddly calming. "The Human species brought several small but notable technological advancements to the Rimworld Alliance, including improvements in the design of kinetic-energy or projectile weaponry and data storage. They also were responsible for developing the psi-resonant crystals that the Vii'nev use to communicate with and through electronic devices, which helped the insectoid race fully utilize the technology of the Alliance for the first time and earned Humans a place as 'eternal kin' of the Vii'nev. However, the most notable achievement of the Human species took place before their entry into the Alliance."

"Computer- pause." There was a soft beep from the wall panel, and the audio halted. Ashiya made her way to the washroom of her quarters, in which there was a wide bath; spending long amounts of time in empty space scanning for wreckage apparently made such luxuries almost necessities. She could understand that, at least. And since Kyle had assured her that the gel on her scales wasn't water-soluble, and she could bathe or otherwise apply water to herself without fear of washing away her disguise, she was going to have a nice long soak. She activated the water controls, setting the temperature high, and let the tub fill. Once the water had reached a point where she could soak herself comfortably, she shut off the spigot. "Computer- resume," she ordered as she lowered herself into the bath, sighing deeply as the hot water sent blissful waves of relief through her. The computer dutifully went on.

"Unlike every other species in the Rimworld Alliance, Humans encountered the biomech menace long before joining or even first encountering the Alliance. In the Earth year 2427, despite having not yet developed trans-relativistic engines or energy weapons, the Human species had colonized almost the entirety of its twelve-planet home system, Sol, and was making use of its resources to extend beyond the reach of their star, when contact was lost with several outlying stations- the Human race's first contact with biomech marauders." Ouch, Ashyia thought. "Over the next thirty-two Earth years, biomech attacks claimed the space surrounding eight of those twelve planets, at a rough cost of six point two trillion Human lives- more than seventy percent of their species."

Ashiya couldn't help but gasp at that. And I thought we were having it bad against the 'mechs, she thought.

_"The biomech advance stalled at the system's inner sphere of four planets, due to increasing desperation and determination from Human forces, who held the biomech forces at bay in this situation for more than an Earth decade despite drained resources and constant biomech reinforcements. In fact, it is believed that the biomechs drew so many ships and troops to finish its assault of Sol system that the Alliance, without understanding why at that point, was able to win back seven critical systems from biomech control during this time..

"Contact between the Human species and the Rimworld Alliance came when a long-range probe, its launch delayed more than one hundred years due to biomech activity, finally relayed Human radio traffic and biomech carrier waves to RA headquarters. Quickly coming to understand the critical situation the Human species was in, a massive armada was sent to engage the biomech presence in Sol system from the rear and buy time for Human forces to regroup. At the same time, messages and diplomatic envoys were sent to the Human seat of government on Earth to establish relations and coordinate efforts to repel the biomech presence from the system. Accords were quickly signed, and with help from Rimworld Alliance technology and forces, the Sol system was declared free of biomech presence within fifteen Earth years. However, even four hundred and sixty standard years after, the population of the Human species is still only seventy-five percent of its original number, now spread out across much of Alliance space. Their reputation as headstrong and adaptable survivors has gained the Human species a measure of sympathy and respect in the Alliance and beyond, even amongst those species otherwise opposed to them."_

"Mmmh... that reminds me. Computer, halt playback." Ashiya stretched out in the bath, feeling her muscles relax; her entire upper spine was aching from having been hunched over for so long. Her stomach, at least, was quite happy and content digesting all the Mif'laschkin she'd eaten. "Now, give me a audio summary of relations between the Human and Tirarnik species."

"Complying. One moment, please." The computer was polite, she had to give it that; back in homespace, the AIs were practically belligerent. She dipped her head under the soothingly hot water, blowing a few bubbles from her snout just for fun before raising up again to hear the computer speak. "Official relations between the species has been strained for most of the time the Human species has been a part of the Rimworld Alliance. Much of the friction has been due to cultural issues; the Tirarnik culture is monotheistic, somewhat reclusive and species-oriented, in contrast to what is considered to be a more open outlook and universal view on the part of Humans. Tensions came to a head between the two species one hundred and sixty standard years ago when the Tirarnik government learned that a separatist group, the 'De'horourna'kir'- 'The Pack of the Free', whose stated aim is introducing freedoms into Tirarnik society but is considered a fringe rebel group by the government- had located itself in Human space and was receiving support from several colonies. While the support was not sanctioned by the Human government, which prefers not to involve itself in the affairs of other governments except through its position as a member of the Alliance, the Tirarnik government viewed this as an encroachment upon their internal affairs.

"Reaction to the matter was heightened when it was soon after revealed that the De'horourna'kir was actively practicing sexual relations and intermarriage with Humans aboard the colonies from which the group was operating. Tirarnik culture allows only for sex for breeding purposes; out-of-season mating, homosexuality and interspecies relations are frowned upon and can be met with exile from Tirarnik space or even execution. Demands were made for the group to be surrendered to the Tirarnik government; however, the Human government balked at the notion of sending the De'horourna'kir back to their homespace and possibly to their deaths. Mediation by the Rimworld Alliance Council was required to stave off outright military action by the enraged Tirarnik government; while the situation was resolved peacefully, with all members of the De'horourna'kir officially exiled and given asylum in Human space, bad feelings about the matter persist to this day- with the Tirarnik considering Humans to be vulgar and quick to interfere in things not their own, while Humans see Tirarnik as overly-repressive and warlike. End of file."

Ashiya leaned her head against the edge of the tub and sighed. "Well, 'Ashiya', it seems that sex leads to problems all over the place, doesn't it?" she murmured to herself. "And yet... you look at Kyle and his friend Laou and how close they are." She idly dipped one finger into the water, tracing abstract patterns on its steaming surface. "It's... kind of nice to imagine that... having someone concerned about you just because of how they feel, rather than what they want from you." She let out a soft sigh, leaning back- then gasped as she realized her hand was rubbing her breast without her having consciously done so. Her tail flicked underneath the water as an entirely different kind of warmth spread through her body. I shouldn't... Kyle could be back soon, if he can tear himself out of his lover's arms, but... gah, when was the last time I wanted this? When is the next time I'll have the chance?

Slowly, the end of her tail raised out of the water, and she took it in her hands. The darkened scales glistened in the soothing light of the washroom; she gazed at it for a moment, then stretched out to her full length- only having to coil a little to still fit in the tub- and rubbed her tailtip against the edges of her slit. She murmured softly in pleasure. Maybe people like Kyle and Laou have the right of it, she mused, as her fingers pulled aside the patch of scales that covered her nipple and begin rubbing against it gently. Isn't it their own damn business what they do together, so long as no one is harmed? Whatever it is that's on Kyle's mind, it's obvious that Laou wants to make him feel better. What's it matter if she's a different species, so long as they can be together? It... mmmh. Her hands were developing ideas of their own now, it seemed; one of them had moved to part the folds of her slit, opening her entrance to the still-hot water- and to her tailtip, which had slipped between the scales and was flicking against her outer folds of flesh. The fingers of her other hand tugged and twisted at her nipple, sending tiny jolts of pleasure through her that melded with the sensations of hot water and her own tail gently invading her genital tract. She flexed the powerful muscles of her lower body, slowly penetrating herself deeper and deeper, the fingers of one hand pressing the edges of her slit against her tail as the other cupped and squeezed her breast; the tiny scales of her palm caressed her nipple as she rubbed it in slow circles.

Then her tail started rubbing against her clitoral folds. "Uhhhnn...!" she groaned, as her body bucked in the water, making it splash about. _I almost forgot where those were!_she realized. The pleasure overwhelmed her, and what had been careful advancement and slow penetration became simple animalistic thrusting and thrashing, sending her tailtip up against the inner walls of her channel in her efforts to fill herself with as much of her own body as she could. Some part of her rational mind tried to bring up the thought that the owner of this ship could walk in at any moment and see her in this state, but the rest of her didn't care- she needed pleasurable release, as soon as possible.

It came, quickly enough to catch her by surprise, in fact. Her vaginal walls gripped her tail tightly as orgasm struck, rhythmically pumping it like as though it were a male's organ, making her hiss and moan in ecstacy. Her body undulated through the water, her hands having abandoned her body to grip the sides of the tub tightly; after the climax had finally passed, she slowly drew her tail out of herself, causing jolts of pleasure to run through her suddenly-sore inner muscles. She gazed down at herself in a mixture of surprise and mild disgust. A little more self-control next time, perhaps, 'Ashiya'? she scolded herself, reaching over to drain the tub of the water and her sexual excretions. She climbed out, reaching for a towel to dry off her scales, and realized she'd left her own garments in the other quarters. Her mind, still hazy from orgasmic afterglow, simply commanded her body to head over to grab them; she opened the door from her new temporary quarters-

-and nearly literally ran into Kyle in the hallway.

The scent of sex was almost overpowering, even though she could tell he'd showered since she'd last seen him; his own phermones and those of Laou were thick in the air around him, coating her tongue, which was flicking out again and again despite her efforts. He was staring at her with those strange, green-irised eyes, and she realized that she hadn't even put the towel around herself yet; she was as bare as the day she'd hatched. She coughed suddenly and draped the towel around her upper body. "Apologies," she murmured. "You... caught me by surprise. I wasn't expecting you back yet."

"I hadn't meant to be gone quite that long, but it's alright," he chuckled. "I apologize as well. Is everything alright?"

"Err... yes. It is, thank you. I just had a good long bath. You were right; the gel is still bonded to my scales and holding well." For some reason she couldn't look him in the eyes. "I hope... everything went well with you, also?" she asked, before she could stop herself.

"I'd say that, yes." Half a grin crossed his face. "Thanks. The parts we ordered should be be delivered by third-shift, station time. That's about three standard hours from now. With any luck the wrecks of the 'mech ships should still be where we left them; if not, I've picked up a couple of possible other locations to check for viable salvage. Hopefully we'll have your transport back in working order soon."

"Thank you." She leaned against the wall. "Actually... I don't think I've truthfully thanked you yet for what you've done for me. I suppose I've been trying to catch up with the situation. So I thank you, Kyle, for going to this trouble for an absolute stranger who has no way to repay you."

"You're welcome, Ashiya. I have to admit, I'd love to know the particulars about all this, but I won't pry. It's a shame you won't be staying here, though- I think the people you met today liked you, despite your 'bad voice'."

"I... rather liked them, as well." It was the truth. Openness and camraderie like that wasn't something she got to see often, and a part of her wanted the chance to get used to it. "Some day in the future I might be able to return here under better circumstances."

"That'd be something to look forward to." He gave her a smile. "Ah... if you'll excuse me, I think a good soaking bath is in order for me as well. Help yourself to dinner if you like- I ordered more Mif'laschkin for you, as well as a couple other things you might like to try."

"That's greatly appreciated, thank you. Is there, err, anything I can do for you while you're washing up?" Oh for the sake of...! She inwardly slapped herself. Why don't you just drop the towel while you're at it if you're going to act like you're propositioning him?

The ill-chosen words seemed to catch him by surprise for a moment, then he chuckled. "Ah... no, no thank you. You go ahead and relax. If I'm not out of the bath by the time the delivery is announced by the computer... well, I'll probably have drowned, but could you ring the door chime if that's the case?"

"I will." She nodded; with another smile, he disappeared into his quarters. She slumped agianst the wall for a moment, shaking her head. Get your head together, she ordered herself. One day out in an alien environment and your brain is less cohesive than cooking fat in hard vaccuum! She sighed quietly, straightened herself and went to go get her clothing.

All else aside, her stomach really was clamoring for more of that Mif'laschkin....