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Kenridge wasn't exactly the 'happening' town for a graduate student with a modest biology degree. Oh sure, pharma was always an option if you were one of those medical parasites looking to latch on to an overpriced drug market. You could try food and distribution too, so long as you were comfortable growing Frankenstein products known for depriving entire fields of macronutrients.

But if you wanted to change things, make an impact, prove your thesis to Ivory tower biologists, well, sorry pal. Go wrangle a few of the Hybrids and get a stock job in gene-experimentation.

Leo shuddered. Yeah. That.

He was hoping for a good response today, in regards to a flurry of applications he'd sent out the past couple weeks. He had to get out of this city. It was, well, unbecoming for a man of his ethics and intelligence. Not because he believed himself better than his peers or above the layman. Everyone did their part, it's just that, their part included Hybrids. Lots and lots of Hybrids.

They (the Hybrids) were massive points of contention among numerous scientific communities. Anthropoid animal hybrids? A defiance of natural design. But their use? It spiraled out of control, and fast. Labor and sex, the obvious eyebrow raisers became the obvious ethical question. And the obvious implementation. Needless to say, the sheer divide in political, social, and academic groups ran rancor through most of the world. Most was unpleasant.

Kenridge, sadly, fell into the unpleasant part. Leo saw Hybrids a lot, and their combination of selective breeding and instinct created pockets of animal people who, honestly, just wanted to bang. A lot. And it gave Leo the shivers.

Not all Hybrids were like this, and there were plenty of communities insulated from the various forms of exploitation he saw around the world. That was good. But for the most part? John from downtown was more than happy to get his wick wet in some impulse driven cat lady, foregoing the social constructs of, you know, his own species. Why bother learning the structured nuances of dating and forming healthy relationships when you can just find a creature whose genetic code airs on the sexually submissive?

Some – well actually – many argued all was well in the world of ethics. It wasn't like Hybrids weren't forward. They wanted it, so it was morally just, right? And then Leo would roll his eyes, start getting into online arguments that actually no these are artificial instincts bred into them by Hybrid developers and etc. Then he'd remind himself he was pissing in the wind, because there was no going back. Hybrids were here, to be treated fairly or abused. As history showed, humans were so good at the former.

It was a huge relief, then, when he received his acceptance letter. He wasn't just applying to random positions regarding bacterial biology, he was looking for places away from Kenridge. Far, far away. As in, where civilization barely scraped out a living far away.

There were few places like this, except for deep polar facilities in the Nord or unbearably hot deathzones called Red Spots. He'd take either. But, according to his letter, it was the cold for him. It was an unassuming envelope with a formally typed address, reading “Delta 3." It bore no frills, getting straight to the point: Leo was expected to reassign his life to their facility before month's end. Easily done.

There was very little keeping him in Kenrdige. Even a departure to grocery was littered with issues. Down the alley, cabals of lithe feline Hybrids constantly made a pass at Leo, inciting him to “stop by" for a while. He profusely declined. On the bus? Not much better. An older gent sat with his Dalmatian servant, who wagged her tail at Leo's proximity, salivating.

The old man found it amusing. Even offered to pay Leo to “watch" his Hybrid. . . “servant." Again, Leo was quite enthusiastic to say no.

It was not the Hybrids deterring him. Oh no. Their genetic construction was quite selective and manufactured to fit the tastes of anyone. He did not find the figure of a vixen Hybrid unbecoming. He did not balk at the tossing hips of a glistening serpent girl. No, it was merely the notion, the idea of exploitation which truly gave him pause. It wasn't a reality he could change, but not something he wanted to be part of. A facility surrounded by heathen snow and unforgiving cold, dedicated to science? More his speed.

When the day finally arrived, he was more than happy to say his farewells to Kenridge. He informed his landlord of departure, noting his itinerary would be kept in storage for an undefined amount of time, but, truly, Leo had no intent of returning. If this place caught ablaze, he wouldn't be remiss. He scarcely remembered taking the bus to the airport, trying to put the city out of his mind. It was the last time he'd have to look at such a place – or at least he hoped.

At the port, he was ticketed for a noon flight. There were only a handful of others heading to the Nord. A few were diggers, men responsible for operating immense machines to shape and remove ice. Rugged, bearded, and none too friendly. There was a family, but they too were quiet, and likely weren't headed so far north as he. Couple of deep arctic fisherman. Beyond that, no one else – and more importantly, no Hybrids.

They boarded the shuttle soon after, leaving Kenridge behind, along with all the unpleasant reminders. Leo was relieved. If the job posting was accurate, he'd finally find some work making good use of his degree. According to the application, it was testing ancient ice for bacterium millions of years old. It'd give the scientific world an idea about various old-world characteristics, like climate, topography, the organisms alive at the time, and so on. Not as exciting as putting the metaphorical bone to an anthropoid creature, but it felt good. Helpful.

As the vessel departed, the city disappeared into the evening like a stain of lights. Leo glanced at it one last time, shuddering.

-*-

An electronic crackle jolted him to life. A voice blared out over intercom, ripping him from sleep.

“Flight 22-B is about to make its landing. Passengers, we thank you for your patience and ETA our arrival in fifteen minutes," it said.

Leo rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and at once, felt an indelicate chill touch him. He had a window seat, so he looked out, observing terrain most unfamiliar. Below, past the stub-vent wings of the vessel was a indecipherable terrain of pail white broken apart with black tendrils and obscure shapes. Craggy hills of pale blue jut up in the distance and, even from the sky, he could make out the jaw of a mountain silhouette.

The shapes, he realized, were an assortment of buildings and the slivers of dark small cracks in snow, perhaps bodies of water. All the same, it looked cold and inhospitable. Perfect.

When the shuttle landed, Leo was met with a desperate cold, a divisive freeze that no sane person would tolerate for longer than a handful of minutes. Even the inner port held a painful chill, where the faces and tellers and attendants were as grim faced as the pale horizon. Once he retrieved his luggage, he made for another small transport, one which would take him to Delta 3. It was entirely automated, directed by a travel-based AI. He was the only passenger.

He reflected on what lie ahead. According to his acceptance letter, he'd be working with Dr. Murrow, one of the lead researchers at the facility. In the letter, his responsibilities were laid out, only with expectations about what he should accomplish. He anticipated difficult, isolated work. It didn't bother him.

As the auto-transport hummed along snow paths, directed only by tall, metal poles tipped with light, he saw something creep into the horizon. It was a massive thing, a shape of black, a rigid, almost concave object jutting up from the fields of white, like a smooth mountain. It danced with strobes of green, and as the shuttle approached, Leo could make out a gentle hum underneath him.

When the transport docked, Leo collected his things and met the ominous, towering building with an apprehensive gaze. It was certainly like no other research station he'd seen, nor like anything he could imagine.

Ahead of him, there were two massive, black steel doors, and for a moment, Leo wasn't sure if he should continue. The deep rumble he felt before groaned beneath him, a timid vibration pulsing through the area, like a steady heart. Perhaps an engine, or some kind of power source? Just as well, he was thirty kilometers away from the nearest point of civilization, and the auto-transport was already leaving.

But he pressed on. He arrived to escape the sins of man, and only in the cold could he do that. He entered, the doors sliding open at his approach, leading him into a large entry room. The room was mostly featureless, only lit by a series of modular lights in the walls. Several screens appeared too, rolling with information and data feeds unfamiliar to Leo. There was a desk, but no attendant.

He went to it, fishing in his belongings for his ID and papers. He imagined someone would be along shortly – or he hoped. But, when he reached the desk, instead of a person, the floor underneath flared to life with a shimmer of light, and an automated voice boomed out at him.

“Welcome to the Delta 3 Biologic and Terrain Research Facility. Please be advised, only approved personnel are authorized access beyond this point."

It was ominous, but understandable. Leo assumed the research conducted here was high value, as governments from around the world invested heavily in understanding ancient bacteria and climates.

“Please present your proper identification for authorization beyond this point."

In front of him, the desk 'blinked,' and a module appeared. The apparatus held a space for a card, large enough to house Leo's ID. He promptly put it in, the machine whirring and clicking, likely syncing every bit of information related to his name. A part of him belonged to this place now, this machine, a beast in the frozen north.

After a pause and continued series of noises, his card was returned. The same automated voice boomed over him.

“Welcome Leonard Malkovoy, ID-672."

He retrieved his card, only to hear a second voice, like something over an intercom.

“Hello? Hello? Is that him? Oh, mercy, how did this work again. . . yes, hello?"

It was a feminine voice, but Leo saw no one.

“Uh, yes?" he said, turning to find a source to the sound.

“Ah, yes! It did work! Just a moment Mr. Makovoy, just a moment!"

Leo didn't understand, but stood by, anxious. For a while, he was left to his own thoughts, like the 'conversation' never occurred. Then, a door – or rather, a rectangle sliding in vertical fashion – opened, and through it stepped a silhouette.

It was a human, a woman. Specifically, an older woman. Much older. In fact, as her features came to light, Leo wagered she was well into her 60's. This did not deter her lithe step nor firm demeanor, and she wore a form appropriate lab attire of white and green, an ID fitted into her chest. She came to Leo, holding out a hand, giving him an approving look.

“Mr. Makovoy," she said in prim, proper fashion. Leo returned her smile, shaking her hand.

“Hello," he said. “Nice to meet you. Dr. Murrow, I presume?"

She shook his hand with brisk – rather surprising – strength.

“Dr. Harriet Murrow, yes," she said. “Good to finally meet you. Welcome, welcome. I trust your trip was pleasant?"

Leo nodded. “No problems, thankfully. Cold though."

She chuckled. “Ah, yes, that's usually what takes us off guard. Get used to it, it's not going anywhere anytime soon."

Leo was content with that. Dr. Murrow, in the meantime, gestured for him to follow.

“Please, with me. Let's get you acquainted, shall we?"

The next half hour was spent getting familiar with the good doctor and the labs of Delta 3. There were numerous corridors, all of which contained invaluable frozen data spanning millenniums of bacterial time. Rooms with research regarding hybrid plants coexisted with information transmitters, which linked to other facilities around the world. There were places for massive mechanical machines meant for digging through stubborn blockades of ice, coupled with finer tools, utensils for making the tiniest of incisions in the snow – to the microscopic level if need be.

Beyond this, there was the gigantic generator room, a deep core level which powered every electric vein in the laboratory. It was, Dr. Murrow explained, the strange hum Leo heard from before. Aside from this, there were halls dedicated to personal quarters. Along the way though, Leonard noticed an absence of staff. Or anyone, for that matter.

As they entered the “Green Vault," a spheroid room loaded with exotic plants for growing food, Leo paused.

“Where are the others?" he said, noting rows of healthy strawberries intermixed with tangling, thick vines.

“Aside from you?" she said with a small smile. “Myself and the girls. They're out in the kennels, if you'd like to meet them."

Leonard blinked. The what?

“Ah, alright," he conceded. He was curious, but also concerned. Why did she say kennels? Oh fye. . .

They walked for a while on the opposite side of the facility, coming to another pair of doors, leading to the outside.

“They're more comfortable in the cold. I'll never understand," said Dr. Murrow, coming to a keypad to dial in a code. The doors groaned, beginning to grind to life as they slid open.

“Ah, well, it's the specialty of their breed, I suppose," she added with a shrug.

Timid pangs of concern filled Leo's chest. Breed? Oh no.

As the doors pulled apart, a deep winter wind burst through with flecks of snow; indistinct silhouettes were visible out in the cold white. They were bipedal, quick movers, in the distance, bounding about in the arctic frost. Leo could hear voices – feminine as the doctor said. But also. . . rough. Barking. Yipping.

“Girls! Girls!" called Dr. Murrow, voice stretching out in the white void. At once, the silhouettes made a series of excited noises, bounding for the door. As they approached, Leo could make them out easier.

His throat caught. Hybrids. All the concerns he had at Kendrick coalesced before him. Coalesced as several, fluffy bodied females of canine complexion.

“Leonard, these are the girls, our sled team. They help us get back and forth from our drilling sites, among things."

As the girls came into view, they stood in a row, several hands higher than Leonard. Their frames were a delicate sinew of womanly features and refined muscle, no doubt capable of long transportation runs through miles of unforgiving snow. Their wide, curious eyes immediately washed over Leo, and their noses flared, picking up his scent. At once, tails wagged, and they closed in on him, intrigued.

“Who is this?" one said.

“A male. . ." another intoned.

“A male!" another added, excitedly, bouncing.

“It smells like one. . ." chimed a gruff tone. Before Leonard knew what was happening, he was surrounded by nine Hybrids, all of which threatened to crush him with their size and busts. He didn't know what to do.

They were prodding at him with noses, sniffing with enthuse, looking between each other. There were notable spasms of excitement, and even Leonard recognized that look.

“Oh, for god's sake, girls," said Murrow, clapping her hands. “Let the man breathe."

This didn't do much to deter them, as the hounds grinned, licking their chops.

“He is cute," one said.

“Very," another added.

Leonard did his best to back away, but was blocked by layers of fluff. He felt his shoulders encompassed by two plump orbs, the heavy weight of breasts falling on him.

“Oh gracious." Murrow said.

Leo looked to her, the old woman shaking her head. Was she blind, or did she really not sense the other libido exploding off of each of the Hybrid females?

“It's. . . very nice to meet you all," he said attempting to keep composure. Saint's alive, it was distracting. Surrounded by a set of nake Hybrid women was not what he had on the agenda today, and despite his “problems" with Hybrid culture back at his home city, it was hard not to feel. . . something.

“Enough, girls, enough," Murrow broke in, tone harsher. “We need his help so don't turn him into a chew toy."

This worked, but only just so. The girls scampered back but continued glancing over Leo, their tails wagging with excitement.

“I apologize," said Murrow. “They're very sweet but a little energetic. It's been. . . a while since they've seen the opposite gender, you see."

Leo cleared his throat. “It's fine, I understand." It wasn't, and he didn't. Even looking at them, he could see it in their eyes, their jittery behavior. They were more than just excited. They wanted something, and he was concerned as to what that something was.

“They have their own home, out there," said Murrow with a point. In the distance, another smaller building was visible, wires connecting it from its top to Delta 3.

“And they help us make runs for supplies. We used to have a transport for that, but it broke down a while ago. I hope that's all right."

The girls appeared to love the notion. Leonard wasn't so sure.

“Can we play with him?" one of the girls asked, bobbing up and down. Leo didn't know what that meant.

“Rr, back," another said. This one more forceful, robust. The tallest of them, her fur a potent mix of charcoal and white, eyes blistering yellow.

At her words, the others subsided. Leonard figured her for the leader, perhaps. She certainly held a commanding demeanor, though when she looked at him, there was something possessive about it. He shuddered, but not from the cold. Her gaze never left him.

Thankfully, Dr. Murrow didn't seem too interested on maintaining introductions. Much to Leo's relief, the girls were sent back outside, though they routinely looked back to the male human, their newest object of obsession.

After “introductions," Leo was shown to his quarters, given time to settle in. His room was a comfortable set of quarters, pleasant and spacious. It contained numerous modules for both research and personal use, along with a closet full of winter attire, medical supplies, scientific tools, and service drones. It was just enough to distract him from the girls, though the knowledge their existence troubled him.

Troubled because of him. His entire reason for leaving the old city was personal morals and ethics. These girls were. . . astonishing, really. Puppy eyed and excitable. Strong too. But. . . womanly. Despite their obvious strength, their curves weren't hard to see, and their heaving busts were several sizes larger than his own head. Even a man of science like himself was still just a man, and tremors of adrenalin spiked at their sight. He tried to settle himself down but found it difficult. Pangs of guilt washed over him – how could he think this? He was here to research, not exploit.

He sighed. He did his best to distract himself with a hot shower and meal. His room conveniently had an auto-kitchen, which whipped him up a dish of seasoned vegetables straight from the Green Vault. From there, he dove into one of his research modules over sup, looking over the included documentation about Delta 3.

It was a miraculous place in service for near a decade. It contributed to numerous scientific studies and helped link old evolutionary chains once wrapped up in thesis. It also helped demonstrate the violent shifts in climate, some natural, some manmade. Though, as he read about the station's history, its popularity declined, as did funding. Other scientific research was dumped into Hybrid breeding and the numerous programs associated with it. Leo was likely one of the last scientists to work there – new entrants hadn't appeared for at least three years.

As he sifted around files, he discovered something: profiles on the girls. Apparently, information like this was open source. For a while, he disregarded it. He didn't need to “feed" the hunger growing within him. Though, try as he might, it was hard to ignore it for long. Part of him was genuinely curious, another wanted to see more of them. Preferably images.

Digging through, he discovered all nine of the hybrid girls, a mix of winter dog and wolf. They were specialized labor Hybrids placed on the station for transportation assistance. Apparently, there were designations for security too. In the years of service, they were solely responsible for getting food and medical supplies to Delta 3 from town, capable of surviving below zero temperatures for extended periods. They had extreme survivability, could go an entire week on only water, and if absolutely necessary, didn't require sleep. Miraculous.

Fairuva, the alpha, caught his interest the most. She was the oldest of the bunch, originally part of a security and hunt detail from a facility blacked out. Said facility was shut down, and her services retired. Rather than “recycling" her genes, whatever that entailed, she was adopted by Dr. Murrow's team and placed here. Her eyes flashed in his mind, and he shivered. But not because he was cold.

He repeated this for the rest of the girls, but their profiles were more “stable." They had standard backgrounds and mostly worked here at Delta 3. At least – Leo surmised – it was in service of science. They weren't abused or passed around like objects. He felt slightly better about that.

He was ready to retire after a while, until an electronic ping appeared on his monitor. It was a call from Dr. Murrow.

He pressed the appropriate key function, bringing up a chat screen. “Yes?"

“Ah, Mr. Makovoy, so sorry to bother you this late. I'm wondering if you could come help me with something? One of our girls has a slight fever and I need assistance medicating her."

He blinked, apprehension brewing in his chest. Part of him wanted to decline, but, how could he? It was his first night “on the job" and he didn't want to make a poor impression. Just as well, it wasn't like he couldn't avoid any of the female Hybrids for long and learning to treat them for sickness was an essential skill. Or, was that just a part of him bargaining to get an up-close look?

“Certainly," he said. “I'll be there in a moment."

The doctor thanked him and pinged him the room location, a small medical bay a few halls from his quarters.

When he reached the bay, he was met with a medium sized room filled with various medical devices, machines, and drones. Most were inactive, and likely used for serious operations. Instead, two figures populated the chamber – one Dr. Murrow, and one Hybrid. Leo almost frozen upon seeing her.

She was on her side, tail slapping against a medical table with defeated energy, offering a small whine here and there as Dr. Murrow busied herself preparing an inoculation. When she saw Leo, she smiled.

“Thank you," she said. “I realize it was short notice but Waiola here fell ill fairly quickly. Byproduct of design, I'm afraid."

“It's no trouble," he said, approaching, giving 'Waiola' and uncertain glance. “Is she all right?"

The Hybrid shifted at his proximity, nose sniffing. Her beige fur bristled against the room light, and occasionally she would sneeze.

Dr. Murrow sighed. “Yes, for the most part. One of her chronic fevers that flares up now and again. Needs a vaccine to suppress it, but. . . well, she's not a fan of the needle."

Leo nodded. “I see. Well, I suppose no one is. How can I help?"

Dr. Murrow continued prepping the syringe, measuring the liquid medoc.

“If you could, please comfort her. A little distraction helps. Last time she tensed so bad I couldn't even get the needle in."

Leo hesitated, looking between them. He wasn't sure what he could say or do to truly comfort the large Hybrid. Nor was he certain he wanted to. Just as well, how did one go about pacifying an ailing anthropoid?

He couldn't bargain with Dr. Murrow, at any rate. He came down to help, so help he would. Clearing his throat, he stepped over to the medical table, where the whimpering Wailoa lie on chest, tail drooped. She barely glanced at him as he approached, her green eyes layered with fatigue and disinterest. Taking in a breath, Leo reached over and placed his hand on her neck, granting a pat. At first, he thought she might nip at him since he was new. But she didn't, and her tail jostled at his caress.

“It's okay," he said in calm tone. He began to pet her, along the neck and back. Her fur was warm and incredibly soft, embracing his skin with a delicate sensation. It was pleasant.

“How are you feeling?" he added. He tried to remember, these weren't animals, they were smart too.

“Sick," she huffed, not looking at him. “Hot."

He couldn't tell, her body heat seemed normal. But he could at least recognize the symptoms – the tiredness in her frame and shortness of breath.

“We've got something to help you," he said, rubbing her back. She flinched.

“I don't like needles," she grumbled. “Hurts."

He caressed her head. “It's just a pinch. I used to think needles were scary too," said Leo.

Here, the girl's eyes came to his. “Really?"

Leo could hear the doctor finish her preparation. He nodded.

“Yes. But I would try to imagine it was a friendly bee giving me a little hug."

Wailoa sniffed. “What is a bee?"

Leo was taken aback. She'd never seen one? Strange. Then again, it dawned on him that perhaps she and the rest of her kin had spent their lives out here. Perhaps their entire world was Delta 3.

“I can show you one day," he said, continuing his pats as Dr. Murrow approached from the other side. The girl didn't appear to notice.

“Have you seen a flower?" he said while Murrow sought an area to inoculate. The Hybrid was preoccupied now, hung up on Leo's words.

“Sometimes. When it's sunny. Green grass. But we don't get to play. Have to pull things."

Leo hid a frown. He understood they were practical, these girls, and their strength helped the facility with practical transportation. But even they deserved to see more of the world, especially the grandeur of spring and summer. He glanced at Dr. Murrow as the elderly woman pressed the needle in a spot, and somehow, he got the impression she was the kind of person too absorbed in her work.

“Well, one day we can see it," Leo said, continuing to calm the girl. She was admittedly cute. Her wide innocent eyes coupled with impressive figure was attractive, to say the least. And her fur was so soothing. He imagined what it might be like to embrace one of them. . .

“There," said Murrow, raising her vaccine with a satisfied smile. “Not so bad."

Leo smiled at Wailoa. “All done."

Wailoa looked to her side, ears flagging at the doctor. “I didn't feel it."

The doctor nodded, disposing of the used needle.

“You did good," complimented Leo. He looked to Murrow. “Did you need anything else?"

Dr. Murrow proceeded to wash her hands, shaking her head. “No, not for now. Thank you, Mr. Makovoy, that quite helpful. I'm going to give her some vitamins and she should be better by morning."

That was good. But as he turned to leave, he felt something. Wailoa nosed him on the arm, tail wagging now.

“I want to see the bees," she said. “Will you take me one day?"

Leo paused, but considered. Why not?

“Of course," he said. And he wasn't sure why he obliged – he had only just met her and the rest of the pack. It wasn't like he knew them. Yet, for some reason, he felt compelled. He didn't want to deny her.

“We'll go. Everyone will. When the ice melts you can see the lakes too, and the rivers. The big mountains and all the forests."

At this, her eyes widened, tail thumping against the table. She liked the idea.

“I want to see them. I only know paintings."

“We will," he reassured her. “Promise."

Satisfied, Leo left them and returned to his quarters. He finished his sup and decided to get some rest for the night – it was likely going to be a long day tomorrow. In fact, long days would become the norm. But as he prepared for sleep, embraced by his blankets and sheets, he kept thinking about what he said. And the pack. Images of a warm spring day flashed through his mind, where pale white mountains stood in guard as the Hybrids ran through oceans of jade and dancing families of flowers. The birds sung, the bees hovered from plant to plant, a lone elk dashed across the horizon.

His eyes closed to the mechanical groans of the facility, wondering what it was like to only know this strange lullaby.

-*-

“There's a few cores to retrieve out at Flag 31. Typically, our previous teams handled these, but it's been a nightmare catching up."

Dr. Murrow was tracing her digit over a massive map, tapping a circled area. It was 24 miles from the facility, northwest, one of the various “core sites" used to retrieving miniature pillars of ancient ice. But for a site so far out, snow-mobiles were out of the question. A lack of fuel efficiency meant it was necessary to use the sled team for travel, or a handful of girls for navigation.

“There's a break in the weather too," Murrow continued. “Should last a few days, more than enough time to get the cores out."

Leo nodded, but felt uncertain. “It's not dangerous, I hope."

Dr. Murrow shook her head. “Oh no, not at all. I think."

A pause.

“We hardly get snowstorms these days. Besides, with the girls it's a menial task," added Murrow.

She seemed less concerned with reassuring Leo and more fighting with her own memory. It hardly reassured the biologist.

“How menial, exactly?" he shot back. He respected Murrow, but her wandering mind was sometimes frustrating to deal with, especially with his own safety in question.

“You'll be fine," she said, waving him off. “You'll have Fairuza, too. She knows most paths around here. Did them for years."

Leo sighed. There wasn't much he could do. Protest and argue, certainly, but that might land him on a shuttle back home. At any rate, some diligence would hopefully keep him safe – and he had grown slightly more comfortable with the girls, avoiding their hungry eyes when possible. He liked them, certainly, but he didn't want to get jumped every time he wandered in their vicinity.

“If you leave within the hour you should be back by nightfall."

Leo feigned a respectful nod, hiding his irritation. He consoled himself by focusing on the task and its importance – some of these deep ice cores revealed amazing data about ancient world ice. If he could study it himself, it was worth.

He left the planning room and made way for the exit docks, getting his supplies together. A reactive thermal suit with navigation goggles, the sled, food, medicine, and communication modules – all were standard for distance travel. There were some Hybrid specific itinerary too, such as vitamins and muzzles, but he doubted he'd need them. It didn't take long to get things together, and soon he was ready to leave.

Before he could, however, he needed to meet with Fairuza. She was at the kennel – she and one other, and her daunting size was so much more apparent now. Like a shadow in the infinite white of the arctic north, her silhouette commanded great stature and strength. Her golden eyes burned through the morning sun, her frame strapped with leather braces.

There was only one other with her – the second in command. Leo didn't know her too well, but she was smart. Not to imply the other girls weren't, but Jacoboa – the red-cream furred Hybrid – held a nuance beyond even most humans.

She was at Fairuza's side, also braced. Her blue eyes wandered over Leo as he approached, who glanced around.

“Morning girls," he said. “You look well."

“Likewise, Rider," said Jacoba. She kept her hands folded behind her, form stiff, as if awaiting command.

“We have orders," said Fairuza. “Get you to flag, yes?"

Leo rubbed his hands, goggles lifted. Already, flecks of ice were forming on his face and brows.

“That'd be the case," he said. “Where are the others?"

“Impractical," said Jacoba. “A trip like this only needs two. Fairuza would do it herself, but protocol dictates a second officer come along."

Leo blinked. First time he heard one of the Hybrids refer to themselves as 'officer.' Just as well, it surprised him.

“Only you then?" he repeated. “All right. If that's safe. . ."

Fairuza laughed. “Afraid of snow, rider?"

He flushed. “Just getting stuck in it."

“Fairuza has singlehandedly carried an entire supply coach back to camp. You're in good hands," chimed Jacoba, pride stretching her muzzle with a smile.

It meant little to Leo, but, he wasn't going to doubt them. Rather, the trio left to the exit dock at Delta 3's front, preparing to leave. Despite their Hybrid composition, the girls operated much like a sled team would. Leo would control at the front – the rider – while the two girls remained ahead, hitched to his sled via the leather bearings they wore.

Once braced, the cold, endless hills stretched out ahead of them. The sky was clear – a hint of clouds in the distant horizon. Leo rubbed his gloved hands, keeping as tightly wrapped in his thermal suit as possible, while the girls prepared to lead.

They bounced a bit, as if this was nothing to them. Veils of fog left their muzzles and they stretched their impressive frames, hints of muscle showing through their soft jackets of fur. But even here, it was hard not to stare at them. As Hybrids, they wore no attire, so every stretch and movement vaguely hinted at their nethers or tented mounds, enough to test even Leo's resolve. He shook his head, trying to remain focused.

When hitched properly, Leo positioned himself properly as Fairuza and Jacoba took the lead. They stood as a pair, hands to hips, scouting ahead.

“What do you think? Take the east-leg past the blue?" asked Jacoba. Fairuza nodded.

“No valley," said the alpha. “Too many high rocks. Too dangerous."

They continued to discuss, likely working out details of the ahead path. Leo had no choice but to let them – he had no idea what was out there.

When finished, both looked back to him, giving him an amused glance.

“Ready?" said Fairuza. Leo nodded.

“Ready as I'll ever be," he muttered, gripping the sled sides. Before he knew it, a massive lurch yanked the sled forward, and Leo nearly buckled, almost falling from his position.

The girls exploded with speed, reaching an incredible momentum within minutes. Their powerful bodies heaved in perfect unison, sending explosions of snow with every footfall, clouds of fog sifting from their nostrils as they challenged the freezing terrain. Leo had to hold on for dear life, their unique method of gaining distance a sensation he was entirely unfamiliar with.

It took him a while to get his bearings. Every vibration and sudden shift in the girl's position sent dizzying rattles through the sled. Many sharp turns and swerves almost sent Leo ass first from his footing, and the Hybrids had no indication of slowing down. But, he slowly fell into a groove, keeping himself steady as they did. There wasn't much need for his direct input either, at least not right now, as the two seemed to know the path well enough. That was good – Leo had enough trouble keeping himself upright.

It was until around noon when the trio neared their destination. They dashed through another set of snowy hills, maintaining a careful pace as jagged, rocky teeth protruded from the sheets of white. Leo wasn't sure of his location, but he did spy the refuse of old machinery on their travel. Enormous poles rose into the sky, torn flags hugging their tips, while decrepit metalworks rest in the freezing earth like a scattering of metal corpses. Old indicators of past facility work, he imagined. He didn't want to end up like them.

As they continued, a distant shape appeared, a ruff ensemble of shadows thrown together. It was like the machines they passed, save this one was intact.

“There!" Leo shouted through the pumping efforts of his counterparts. Ears wiggling, the girls began to slow, looking between each other.

They halted for a moment, Fairuza glancing back at Leo.

“That should be it," he continued, wiping snow from his arm. He had a device which pinged the various flagged sites surrounding Delta 3, and sure enough the miniature black screen pulsed to life with a series of beeps. A tiny set of green numerations showed up, reading out Flag 31.

Fairuza, though, didn't look convinced, instead glancing to her second in command. Jacoba nodded.

“He's correct," she said with a point. “It's not a broken one."

With steady steps, the girl's legs thrashed into the snow and once again broke into a powerful sprint. Leo, on the other hand, was nonplussed. Did they not trust him? Or was it something else?

It didn't take long for the three to reach the core-site. Indicated as “Flag 31," it was actually a signal transponder mixed with measuring equipment. Like an insect it rest idle, metallic frame coated with layers of white, frozen stalactites drooping from its legs like any icy beard.

Leo – carefully­ – unstrapped himself from the sled, taking a moment to collect himself as he wobbled in the snow. His head swam and he had to lean, hanging onto the sled for support, regaining composure. The girls snickered.

They, on the other hand, looked just fine. Fairuza tossed her long hair, stretching, buxom front sort of. . . pressing together, while Jacoba sniffed at the machine. Leo did his best to ignore their captivating figures, going to the machine when he stabilized.

He pulled up his goggles and gave it a look. It whirred with a timid song of clicks and beeps, but it was clear Flag 31 hadn't moved for a long while. It was impressive it was still powered. With haste, Leo set to checking its firmware and current “vitals." The basic OS was a version out of date and its core storage was beyond capacity – some ice was forming outside of it in excess. Joints were damage and fiddling with a reset ran risk of a power shortage. Still, it was in surprisingly good condition, all things considered.

In the meanwhile, Fairuza's gaze was cast to the far horizon, while Jacoba pranced close, intrigued eyes looking the apparatus over.

“How's it look?" she said. “We haven't checked it for a while. Several months, by my count."

Leo pried open the device's side, jamming in a series of number strokes in the presented keypad.

“It's seen better days," he said without looking to her. “Lots of ice damage. Not enough to break it, but it should've been pulled in a long time ago."

She tilted her head. “The samples?"

Leo paused. He was surprised she was so interested in the work. He looked at the machine's interface, though, in pursuit of her question.

“Don't know. Tainted, probably," he said, referring to the excess ice. “I hope not, but without an examination I can't see the state of bacteria."

Jacoba knelt next to him. Leo stiffened, her warmth and proximity both alluring and distracting.

“You examine it," she said. “But that's dangerous, isn't it?

Leo input a clearance code, hoping to get the machine to open its storage.

“Well, no, not usually," he said. Why would she think that?

“No?" said Jacoba. “One had primitive Red Flu. Had to contain it and remove it."

This caused Leo a pause. Red Flu? That kind of influenza was extinct. Or it was supposed to be. Just as well, how did she know about that?

“Really?" he said. “Uh, anything else I should be concerned with?"

Jacoba looked at the device, curious eyes roaming as though one of the ancient bacterium might leap out at him.

“Found a perfectly preserved aegypti mite."

Leo was suddenly not so concerned with moving fast. The mite she mentioned was notorious for transmitting deadly disease and incubating bacteria. Thousands of years ago, that is. How she knew this and why she knew this, well, questions for later.

“I see. . ." he said.

Jacoba started to laugh. “Don't worry rider, we have medicine."

“For primitive bacteria."

She nodded. “For primitive bacteria."

Leo managed a chuckle, though his lust for the work lessened. In the meanwhile, Fairuza's eyes hadn't left the horizon.

Almost an hour later and Leo managed to retrieve at least one core. It wasn't entirely useless, but lost about 10,000 years' worth of data. It was clear this Flag needed replacing. However, as he worked – finding Jacoba's questions oddly enjoyable – Fairuza made a noise.

“Northwest," she grumbled. “Look."

She was speaking to Jacoba, who instantly rose and stood at her leader's side. “Uh oh."

Leo hardly heard them. “What? What's that?" he said, trying to safely shut down the apparatus. He glanced to them.

Oh.

Past their silhouettes, far in the weeping sky, an ugly mass of black, bloated clouds formed. And they were coming fast. Below them was a fog, an imperceptible wall of grey, indicators of heavy snowfall.

“Snowstorm," said Fairuza with eerie calmness. Her gaze went to the sled.

“Not enough time," she added. “We brace."

Leo thought he misheard them. “Sorry, what? What do you mean?"

Jacoba looked to Leo. “She said we're bracing, rider. If we try to get back, we'll be caught."

Leo's chest started to hammer. Fuck. This was exactly what he was afraid of!

“The hell are you talking about!?" he said, stumbling to his feet, pointing at the stormy oblivion. “We need to get to cover!"

Fairuza didn't flinch. She stared into the dark void fast approaching, leering at it, challenging it.

“We are the cover," she said. Her gaze went to the sled. “Strap it down."

Leo thought he was going insane. They couldn't be serious! But they were, and they were his only way of getting back. Without them, he was lost, even if was twenty-four miles out. He could risk going back but, he'd just get swallowed up and become like one of the machines he saw on the way. God dammit.

God dammit, dammit, dammit.

“Fine, just help me!" he rasped. He could hear the wind start to roar, a gentle breeze kicking up pockets of snow. The sky grumbled, and light was fast fading.

There was little time, and Leo had to improvise. The girls assisted him by removing their leather bearings and forming a strap between the sled and the transponder machine. Decrepit as it was now, it was still heavy enough to resist the violent storms rolling through the Nord. Of course, he found it challenging to focus in their proximity. They were lovely from afar, and more so up close. Their hefty chests pressed and strained from their movements, malleable and free for gravity to toy with. Dammit! Leo swore at himself. This was no time for that.

Because they had no time. After the sled was secure – at least enough it wouldn't get tossed away into the furious cold – the storm closed in. Leo had never seen clouds rush like this. He could feel his body shiver too, the temperature starting to drop. Light vanished, the wind boomed, and soon, harsh torrents and gusts spat over the trio.

Fuck.

Before he knew it, Leo was consumed by the storm. Groaning, hissing winds cracked against his ears, striking through his winter wear, like knives of ice. He trembled, breath wailing against the unforgiving cold, wrapping his arms around himself. His vision too was blurred, consumed by an onslaught of white flecks rushing over him. He could hardly stand.

And yet, despite his apparent weakness, the girls. . . they remained steadfast. Fairuza didn't budge. The crashing north-wrath washed over her, but her frame retaliated without so much as a flinch. Jacoba had to shield her eyes, but she too cared little for the storm. The wind rustled their fur and the sled shuddered against the gusts, yet Leo could only watch in awe as they shrugged off nature's fury.

Until, of course, he was toppled over by said wind. Standing was hard and his feet gave way, tripping him over one of the device's legs. With a grunt, he fell into the ground, entombed in cold. Gods, his face was raw, flesh reeling from the agony of the piercing winds. His fingers were going numb and his thermal-suit did little to protect him from the snow.

Jacoba saw this. Her eyes went wide, alarmed, getting the attention of her alpha. Fairuza turned, and with deft calmness, walked over to Leo. One arm dove into the snow and yanked him free, though she immediately sensed his collapsing temperature.

“He'll freeze," Fairuza said. “Keep him warm."

Leo's teeth chattered as fresh waves of ice wind slashed against his chest. He didn't want to believe her – didn't want to think such an abrupt storm could potentially end him. But the chill said otherwise. She was right, if he didn't warm fast, he was in trouble. Yet, for the girls, this was nothing. Their casual indifference to the brutal Nord was astonishing.

Jacoba, in the meanwhile, looked Leo over. “I can think of something. . ." she said, a whiff of mischief in her tone.

Before Leo could process the words, she was behind him. The Hybrid embraced him, her stern arms coming around his waist, fluff, soft fur grazing his back. Her head rest over his, and it was like he was touched by a lake of soft, gentle fire. As his shivering subsided, it dawned on him that her plump, heavy breasts hugged him too, the weighty orbs collapsing on his shoulders. He thought of protesting, but she was so warm and inviting. . .

He was lying back before he realized it. Jacoba acted as an impromptu mattress, shielding him from the unforgiving cold. Winds and streams of snow no longer mattered – the Hybrid was taking care of him now. He felt relieved. He also felt something else.

“How's that, rider?" said Jacoba, her voice soothing. She was like a song in the midst of a scream.

“Better," he managed. He was, of course. But better in a different way too. His body was heating up, but not just because of the Hybrid's excess fluff.

Perhaps, then, it was the approach of Fairuza sending him into a dreamlike tizzy. Her frame danced into view, charcoal fur a visual sanctuary as her firm hips tossed, sauntering swings causing her impressive bust to wobble together. For the first time, Leo really looked at her – the delicate muscle, the womanly shape, the curious scarring. Her eyes were reassuring, though frightening. Who was she, and why was she the alpha?

Perhaps he was about to find out.

“Don't worry rider," continued Jacoba. “We'll keep you nice and hot."

A morbid excitement overtook Leo. Jacoba's muzzle was in his ear, whispering, licking, nosing. He was starting to realize they had a very different idea of keeping warm in a storm.

Fairuza approached, and she held a devious grin, as though the blizzard were a formality. She loomed over him, hands to hips, her tail tossing.

“Leader gets first pick," she said. “Been a while."

Leo didn't understand – at least, not until she embraced him from the front. In moments, Leo was sandwiched between the impervious hold of two impressively sized Hybrid ladies. Their fat fronts suffocated him with a perverse hug, nips dancing over the other, Leo's vision now obscured by a wall of dark fur.

“Hrmrmf?" he said, flushing. Oh fye. This wasn't right, was it? His entire reason for leaving Kendrick was to escape the devious thoughts associated with Hybrids. He was a man of science! And yet, god, his form was catching fire. Fairuza sat on his waist, her thick backside sliding against him, shielding him from the cold. And he imagined her soft nether lips, how it might feel.

His mind and his body were arguing, and Little Leo presented a very convincing thesis. Fairuza took notice too. A hardness formed at his loins, and despite the situation, it was clear he was quite aroused.

The storm didn't deter Fairuza. It was as if the trio formed a little island with their bodies, and Leo was adrift on the Hybrid's intent. With practiced, knowing digits, the alpha's fingers came to his waist and undid the suit, exposing him to the frigid air. Leo, in that moment, was exceptionally grateful he was between two soft bodies of fur.

Jacoba's hands came around, wrapping around his length. Her pads and graceful motions hugged his sensitive skin, bathing it with radiating pleasure. Fairuza chuckled at this, licking her chops, pressing herself closer. Leo could feel an intense, moist heat rub against his inches, causing him to quiver. All around him, he could only focus on the girls now, the storm seemingly vanishing from his conscious focus.

“Oh god," he moaned out, hands lashing out to grip Fairuza's impressive hips. This was unthinkable. Was this really happening? Out here? But yes, as the velvet slickness of Fairuza's seething cunt start to suckle at his crown, that reality was all too apparent.

“No more waiting," Fairuza grumbled. Steam blossomed from her muzzle, practically melting the air, while she finally crashed upon Leo's waist. At once, his inches were consumed with wet fire, her sodden tunnel choking his length as the alpha began to claim her prize.

Steady, powerful humps followed, powerful thighs outright slamming into the scientist. Hybrid howls and moans escaped Fairuza, while her hands clasped on Jacoba's shoulders. All the while, each toss and throw of her frame sent massive orbs bouncing together, outright smacking Leo in the face as he held on for dear life. The cold meant nothing now, a pointless after thought as Fairuza's drippling lips protected Leo from the Nord.

“Fuck!"

It didn't take much to get Leo excited. He peaked within moments, teased endlessly – not just by the plump females of Delta 3, but back home too. Ethics aside, Hybrids looked good, and their constant yearning for intercourse was anyone's dream.

Fairuza grumbled. “Too fast," she said. “Keep going."

Leo didn't have much time to recuperate. Fairuza raised herself, only briefly, to turn around. Now her immense rump shoved itself into view, once again smashing down upon his sensitive root. Despite her apparent strength, her haunches heaved with excess, a gentle dance of jiggles jostling cheeks with every rushing fall and dive of her hips.

“Ngghah!"

Coupled with her bounces, a mess of moans and animal whimpers left her, indicating her peak was drawing close. Leo, on the other hand, was beside himself, in disbelief at his own hardness and continued to desire to, well, fuck the girls. The storm meant nothing now, just draining himself inside the walls of lustful Hybrid girls. Fairuza was certainly enjoying herself.

She hastened, outright slamming Leo against the snow, as if in protest of the Nord's fury. Leo, through his wailing grunts, was certain she was going to turn his bones into dust. He knew she was strong, but not this!

Like a predator catching prey, Fairuza stung the air with a triumphant howl, hot nectar gushing from her sodden cleft, suckling walls holding Leo tight as she caressed herself with his shaft. Leo managed to reach a second orgasm too, but the proximity between his first and now made the sensation overwhelming. Glorious, yet painful. He gasped for breath, but not from exhaustion. Another round like that and he might just pass out.

“Goddammit," he rasped, eyeing the bountiful cheeks cozily resting on his waist. “Not exactly what I imagined by keeping warm. . ."

Fairuza grunted. “Not bad, rider."

“Not done though."

At first, Leo didn't process the words. But, only when Jacoba began to shift behind him did he realize the girls were only getting started.

“Alpha's approval? Not bad," said Jacoba, panting in his ear. Oh fye.

Like a flank of meat, the girls adjusted Leo to their liking. It wasn't like he had the strength to resist, and he still needed to remain warm. Jacoba took the front now, where Leo was embraced by the stronger Fairuza – her front bust easily larger than his head. He was tempted to turn around, but was held back by Jacoba's attentions.

Her muzzle went to his shaft, applying a few savory licks before embracing it. And thank goodness, as moisture and stormy cold didn't mix well. Soon, she was bouncing her lips against his inches, applying tight suction, her soothing tongue applying generous licks wherever it reached. It was a welcome cleanup and source of warmth, and yet again, Leo felt himself stiffen.

Soon, Jacoba was ready as well. She planted herself over Leo, sodden cunny embracing his inches with ease. Like Fairuza, she hopped in smooth, rhythmic tosses, caressing his flank while her heaving breasts crashed together.

“Gnnn!"

Each of her tosses were accompanied with a pleased whimper, breaking through the scream of the blizzard. Leo, like with Fairuza, had no choice but to old onto her thighs as she bounced, certain he might melt in the snow.

This pace continued for a spell until the storm subsided. The girls would briefly rest, allowing Leo to catch his breath, but then find new ways to bounce on his shaft. By the time sunlight broke through the veil of dark clouds, Leo was beside himself with fatigue. But the girls weren't done.

The roar of the blizzard settled, the wind starting to slow and cold receding. Though it struck fast, it soon left too. For Leo, it was a welcome relief, even though his waist was a sticky mess of himself and the actions of the girls. But, though he was prepared to return home, the two had a different idea in store.

“Good stamina, rider," said Fairuza, looking him over, nudging his cock with her digit. “But let's see what you can do."

“W-what?"

Before Leo had time to protest, the pair assaulted his loins with another series of licks, massaging his inches from testes to tip. His sore flank was once again back to stiffness, and the girls were looking for a bone. With the weather cleared, there wasn't need to keep warm as before, so instead, Fairuza and Jacoba took position like their ancestor breed demanded.

On all fours, they wiggled, heaving rumps squished together as they looked back to him, muzzles stretched with voracious grins.

“Come on, rider," Jacoba said. “You're a male, you know what to do."

Leo rubbed his head. Long gone were his concerns about 'ethics' with Hybrids. Too late for that, now. Just as well, the wiggly dance of bouncing bottoms was enough to push aside any sensible thought. So, he did what his ancestors would do.

Alpha first then. He shoved himself into Fairuza's warm cunny and started a steady drum of thrusts, smacking his waist into her generous backside. His hands clasped cheeks, feeling them ripple against his gloved palms, while Fairuza mumbled with approving, doggish moans. Jacoba had to look on in jealous wait, muzzle licking, while Leo worked the leader over.

Perhaps it was because he was doing it. Perhaps it was because Fairuza was the biggest and well-proportioned of the nine girls. But something about fucking her sent him to a new plateau of lust, outright smashing himself into her. Despite his background as a bacterial biologist and man of science, he was much like the Hybrids: an animal mating in the cold.

He gushed into her, reaching his. . . well, he lost count of how many peaks this was. Plenty enough.

“Aah GOD!" he yelled, beside himself. Tired yes, but still hungry. At this point, the only thing keeping himself conscious was his cock's want for more.

Even as Fairuza shivered with delight from his peak, Leo was swift. He yanked himself free, a trail of sticky sex connecting the two, pushing himself into Jacoba, who yipped with excited want. Like with Fairuza, he burst with a series of thrusts, pushing her into the ground with his rapid hip-throws until she was a mewling pile of dribbling, hungry Hybrid.

It seemed like eons had passed when they finally finished. Leo hardly remembered cleaning himself and buckling up his thermal-suit. Only sitting in the snow, trying to move, his legs and waist feeling like soft putty. But like with the storm, the girls looked undeterred. They too recuperated, wiggling off snow and issue, stretching against the nippy cold.

Fairuza chuckled. “Careful," she said to Leo. “The others will smell you and want some for themselves."

Leo looked at her. “You can't be serious."

His mind conjured the other girls, seven voracious, lustful Hybrids all wagging their tales with hunger in their eyes. He was going to have to lock himself in his room, at this rate.

Digging for the last strength he had, Leo went back to the Flag and retrieved the core samples. He still had a job to do, after all. As if nothing had happened, the pair took back their leather restraints and bound themselves to the sled, waiting for Leo. They dashed back to Delta 3 without much issue, though, Leo couldn't help but notice they seemed to move their tails a bit higher as they ran.

When they returned, Leo rushed for the showers. He couldn't imagine the scent on him now, and there was no way in high heaven he would confront Dr. Murrow in his current state.

As hot water poured over him, a thought went through him: he understood why Hybrids were so popular in Kendrick.

-*-

“Well done, well done," Murrow was saying, sipping hot tea. They were back at the map room, where the last Flag site was marked off.

“We're testing the samples now," she continued, “And then you'll have the chance to examine them."

Leo nodded. Post-fuck fatigue had set in and he was barely hanging on.

“And I must say, you're tremendous with the girls."

Leo's eyes raised. “Ah yes?"

Murrow nodded, setting her mug down. “Oh absolutely. I don't think I've seen Jacoba and Fairuza so happy. They were practically prancing in. That's good. Very good."

He laughed nervously, scratching his head. “They probably were just happy to get out."

“Hmm, maybe. But I think they like new company. It's been a long time for them, you see."

Clearly, Leo thought.

“Well, just glad to help," he said.

Dr. Murrow smiled, then returned to her map, finger tracing over the various lines.

“And so you have. Even with a storm! I hope you don't mind, then, I've already marked a few more sites for you. We're behind, you see, and you work so well with the girls. Of course, you'll need a larger team for some of them. . ."

Leo's heart flipped. “What?"

Murrow gave him a surprised expression. “Oh, well yes. There are some deep Nord core sites which quite a ways off. You'll need every girl to make that kind of trip. I'm sure they're excited."

Leo leaned back in his chair. He wasn't concerned about surviving snow-storms anymore. Then, he remembered his promise from before.

“Mind if we made a stop along the way, then?" he said.

“What for?"

He thought about his words. “Gotta' go sightseeing."