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A Path of Thunder -- Part Two

"Chains of Command"

Darkthunder shifted his position on the chair as he tried futilely to find yet another comfortable spot. The leather felt uncomfortable and rather warm from having sat on it for an extended time. He rubbed his temples with a three-fingered hand in an attempt to stave off the mild headache he felt coming. He kept any signs of displeasure to himself, as he listened to the longjaw ramble on with suggestions and concerns. There was something to say about those creatures -- they certainly could be quite a bit long-winded.

He waited patiently for a break in the conversation; finding one, he quickly moved to finish it. "Your points have been heard and logged, Corporal. I will take them into consideration whenever I get around implementing changes to this ship."

"Thank you, sir," Kakkuttek said.

"Is there anything else?" the terrorclaw asked after the longjaw seemed a bit hesitant to leave. "And please make it brief; there are other matters I need to attend."

"I know there are more pressing concerns for you to look into, Commander. But I certainly would appreciate if you could do something about a personal situation."

"Yes, about that. You're not the only one who has brought it to my attention, although you seem to have the biggest reason to complaint. I'm afraid the most I can do at this point is talk with said soldiers and ask them to curb their behavior. While their conduct may be a bit obnoxious --"

"Very," Kakkuttek blurted in exasperation. "Sorry, sir," he said softly, extremely embarrassed after realizing he had interrupted his superior.

"As I was saying, regulations only address the matter of indecent, public behavior, or where actions by any Patrol saurian would present a serious obstacle towards their duties or those of other soldiers. There is nothing against someone being rather vocal during their mating."

"All I ask is for some silence so I can sleep before my shift."

Darkthunder leaned forward slightly. "Not to belittle your situation, but you understand that by joining the Patrol, you agreed to place yourself in potential risks to your health, and even loss of life. So it would seem like loud noises and some sleep deprivation should be the least of your worries."

The longjaw nodded, disappointment clearly etched on his face. "Understood, sir."

The terrorclaw closed his eyes as he rubbed them. He turned to look at the longjaw with only his right eye. "Have you considered moving? There are still a few unoccupied cabins."

"My current accommodations are perfect, Commander. That room is the only one laid in a way that allows me to follow best the precepts of my faith. "

Darkthunder nodded. "Then perhaps a change of schedule could work for you. As Commander of the ship, I can reassign forces as needed. I'm afraid that you would have to change, to minimize any disruptions. However, that way you could rest while they are on duty. It could put you to a disadvantage during away missions, however."

"Your suggestion is acceptable, sir. Thank you." Kakkuttek moved to stand at attention.

"Excellent. I will have your schedule changed later today. Dismissed."

The longjaw saluted, turned around and exited the room.

Darkthunder sighed loudly; his nostrils reverberated as he exhaled air through them as well. What, in the name of Maia, was he thinking when he thought of speaking with every crewmember? Listening to some petty talks and complaints was wearing him out. It came with the territory, obviously.

Not like there was much of anything to do for the five days that it would take for the Tarrakhan to make the jump to their destination. T-Space travel required nothing more than occasional monitoring once a ship entered a tachyon flow. It presented an opportunity for the crew to put some of the normal duties on hold, and for him to catch up with some of his obligations.

He needed only one more soldier to speak to before he would stop for the day. He glanced at his list; he sighed even louder as he slammed the back of his neck and head against the headrest.

Sergeant First Class Grell.

"Curse you, Zaron," Darkthunder muttered to himself. "You should have given me more time to talk with these beasts before departure."

Things probably would have gone differently if he had taken the time to speak with his closest officers before he had to take the Tarrakhan back into action. Then again, that probably would had not been a guarantee his impression of the armorback would not had been better.

"Darkthunder to the Bridge. Sergeant Grell, please come to my quarters."

It did not help that back in his home planet, his pack chased and fed from somewhat similar non-sentient creatures. It was something he had to work out. As Commander, he needed to have a good rapport with every key member of his crew, even if eons of evolution and instinct had him think of the armorback in a different light.

The terrorclaw tried to think why he felt so strongly against this particular armorback, and realized he had had almost no contact with any of them in the past. Thumbspikes, platebacks, spikefrills -- all had once been potential prey during less civilized days. He had met uncountable leaf eaters before, and had forged some friendships despite any misgivings they may have had about him.

But no armorbacks.

He steeled himself as the door chime rang. "Come in."

The door opened, and the armorback stepped in. As expected, he was wearing his regulation uniform. Darkthunder could not imagine why Grell would not be, but somehow the thought seemed possible. Still, the armorback was essentially only half-dressed. For his species and platebacks, the large, protruding spikes and plates at the back of their heads, necks and torsos precluded them from wearing a full, regular shirt. All that Grell wore was a sturdy vest that covered his massive pectorals, the stomach area, the buttocks and his genitals; the last were slightly noticeable despite the thick fabric. Other than the armbands, gloves and footwear, the rest of Grell's body was bare.

"You wished to see me, sir?"

"Yes, Sergeant. Please have a seat." He waited for the armorback to take his place before continuing. "As you surely know, in order to get to know and run this ship better, I am having a one-on-one conversation with every crew member. It would had been best to do so with all of you in the main posts even before we left the station, but I was under orders from General Zaron to depart as soon as possible, and preparations for it ended up taking longer than anticipated. I also have my doubts about the algorithm the computer used to compose the order; I should have finished sooner with all of the main crew."

Darkthunder paused. "Before I begin, Sergeant, I realize we seem to have had a rough start. It certainly won't help dispel the hearsay others may have used to forge some preconceived notions about myself, as a terrorclaw."

"I was assigned to this ship to perform a duty, Commander," Grell said, somewhat dry and emotionless. "That is what I intend to do. The species of my commanding officer is inconsequential."

"I... see." Darkthunder turned to look at his computer terminal. "According to your file, you have a few letters of recommendation from a few officers. This, despite a list of past offenses. It seems like you had some share of trouble before joining the Patrol, and even some time after that. You got yourself in a few scruffs with other soldiers. Could you elaborate on that?"

The armorback snorted; his face muscles contorted briefly, probably from displeasure at his past brought back to him. "I did not join the Patrol to escape any justice system, sir, if that is what you may be concerned about. My species has a saying -- 'Talk with your mouth, but keep your tail ready to stress your point.' I was living proof of it, and brought me more problems as a young person than I care to remember.

"Eventually, it all caught up to me, and I found myself detained. Shortly after, two spikefrills showed up at my cell. They offered me a choice -- either join the Patrol and try to rebuild my life, or spend a rather extended stay in detention, after which I could try to better myself on my own or continue a life with no purpose or future. You can figure out which path I chose. Even here, however, I encountered a few saurians that though I did not deserve the chance. A clubbed tail to the stomach was often enough to earn their respect."

"And you sent some of them to the infirmary."

Grell shrugged. "I never started any conflicts. And I certainly have the right to self-defense."

"You sound like quite a fighter. I'm surprised you are not in the Armory."

"My physique and slight hot temper doesn't mean I enjoy brawling with fellow Patrol saurians, Commander, although I am more than capable to defend myself and my comrades during any mission. Early during my training, my first instructors recognized I had a good capability for numbers, and suggested I try for openings in spatial navigation. I began by studying navigational maps in order to improve them, but I decided I wanted to do more than just chart planetary systems for ships to navigate. I wanted to fly the actual ships. I started small, with troop shuttles, and eventually forged my path here."

The armorback paused, as if reflecting on something. "The path was difficult, but joining the Patrol remains the best I could had ever done for myself."

Darkthunder nodded. He felt slightly guilty about his first encounter with the armorback. "And have you had any regrets along the way?"

"Only that I did not do enough for some of the people I left behind. I'm afraid it is too late now to seek any help for them."

"Well, keep your mind in a stable frame and there should be no further regrets."

"I have been with this ship for a while, sir. I don't believe I would have a problem with the rest of the crew."

Darkthunder paused. His feathered crest rose slightly. "Was that supposed to mean something, soldier?"

The armorback shrugged. "Not really, Commander."

Darkthunder felt his eyes narrow as he tried to keep his voice level from what sounded like some well-disguised insolence coming from Grell. "I have something I wish to discuss with you. I am already aware about your special... relationship with Sergeant First Class Brakkus. I want to make clear that I see nothing wrong with your desire for sex with another member of the ship. It would be sheer foolishness to ask for abstinence from every saurian in the Patrol. But perhaps it would be a bit more beneficial if your, um, fun, were more subdued and quiet."

"You may want to address that with Brakkus when his turn comes up, sir," Grell said rather nonchalant. "He's the one who gets somewhat loud when I --"

"No need for details, Sergeant," Darkthunder moved in quickly to interrupt. "Neither the Patrol nor I has anything against what consenting saurians may wish to do that is not against Archosaur laws. Even then, I am only asking that you show some sympathy for some of your comrades."

The armorback got up from his chair, standing with his arms down with his hands almost closed into fists. His clubbed tail swung slowly sideways.

"With all due respect, sir, we are talking about an insignificant number of disgruntled members of our crew. Why should I, or for that matter, Brakkus as well, care for their envious opinions? Our bond as sexual friends in no way comes before our duties or the safe operation of this vessel. At the end of our day, all that Brakkus and I wish to do is unwind in the most enjoyable way possible. I would understand your desire for intervention if our behavior interfered with our duties, or if we were abusing controlled substances."

"I do not wish to involve myself in anyone's private affairs, Grell," Darkthunder said somewhat dryly. "I'm just dutifully notifying you of some ongoing concerns. I already made some change for the benefit of one crewmember. However, if the complaints increase in number or frequency, I will be forced to take some measures for the benefit of the crew. Reassigning either of you to a different shift would be an option."

Grell remained silent for a few seconds before he approached the desk and leaned forward, holding his weight on his hands. "Have you met any armorbacks before, Commander?"

Darkthunder paused; he stared intently into Grell's blue eyes, as his toeclaws twitched at what he felt was an invasion of his space. Still, he decided to keep his feelings in check. "I have come across several of your kind, yes, but none that I have known personally."

"Did you in any way feel threatened by any of them, including me?"

Calm down... Darkthunder thought as he felt his anger rising. "Why do you ask such question, soldier?"

"I can sense my presence seems to disturb you. Ever since you saw me when you first entered the Bridge, I have felt your condescension."

"And on what reason do you base your assumption, Sergeant?"

"Your eyes. I've seen that look before, when I was younger. I fought my share of thugs. Many of them carnivores. Before they lunged at me and I left them with a few broken bones, courtesy of my tail."

Darkthunder growled, his eyes fully narrow from anger. "You are out of line, Sergeant. You are skirting with disrespect for a superior officer!"

"Then I must apologize, sir. I have come to rely on my survival instincts for too long, that perhaps I am misreading the signals you are giving me. Call it a case of self preservation."

The terrorclaw finally felt he had had enough. Rising from his chair, he leaned forward on his desk; the tip of his snout came close to Grell as he stared angrily at the armorback. "If you are afraid I could go on a full hunter trance like my brother before me and kill someone, then you are truly mistaken!"

"That thought has never entered my mind, Commander. Had it done so, I have no fear of hunters. Even a deathjaw would find that an armorback is far from an easy target."

Darkthunder could not decide what he hated the most -- the perceived insolence from the armorback, or the calmness that he kept displaying. "Well, then there is nothing you should be afraid from someone like I, is there? Are there any other concerns?"

"Only one. I have flown scout ships for years. I have served in the Tarrakhan most of that time. Yet I never had my superior officer question my abilities."

Darkthunder flashed a slightly toothy smile. Finally, some pieces were starting to fall into place. He had somehow challenged the armorback's pride. However, it was not Grell who was in charge of flying the ship; the terrorclaw was the pack leader. He was not going to back down or cede one claw's space to his subordinate.

"Your abilities are not in question, soldier. I simply want to things to run in a different way."

"Then perhaps it would be of mutual benefit if you were to outline your changes, sir."

Darkthunder shook his head somewhat vigorously. "I fail to see the need for it, Grell. If anything, you need to recognize that I am not your previous commander. In no way I am inferring that Prion's leadership was wrong; otherwise, he would had never earned the accolades and honors the Patrol saw fit to heap upon his name. I now have command of the Dak-Tarrakhan, and as long as I accomplish the goals the Patrol has established, this ship will run the way I see fit. Is that clear, Sergeant?"

Grell hesitated slightly. "Yes, sir."

"Good, at least we agree on something. For your information, this meeting is off the record, so I will not take any disciplinary action even if I have felt some disrespect from your part. Please work on your attitude; I will be quite displeased if I have to address it again in the future. Now, is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

"No, sir."

"Carry on. Dismissed."

The armorback saluted and turned around. Darkthunder stared at Grell's armored back and tail as the Sergeant walked away. He waited until the door closed after him before he let a loud growl of displeasure. It would take far longer than he anticipated before either he or the armorback would fully trust each other.

Darkthunder wanted to blame the armorback's confrontational behavior on his own hunter instincts, the fact that he had hunted and killed similar, quadruped and non-sentient beasts during his days with his terrorclaw pack, the Ssrash-Mahr. The Sergeant was not without blame, however; Grell somehow felt the need to antagonize him. It was probably a defense mechanism, to intimidate any predator. Whether it was due to his past did not matter. The armorback eventually would have to bow to him. A good hunter bids his time and waits patiently.

The terrorclaw had to admit there was something else. Grell certainly had nothing to envy from others. The Sergeant had a strong, lead male aura, magnified by the magnificently sculpted body. It had taken some conscious efforts to avoid locking his slit pupils on those taut chest muscles.

He growled as he envisioned those thick arms around him, in a comforting embrace. Perhaps something else, too. Perhaps there is a good reason why Brakkus could not help screaming.

If only you weren't an armorback, he thought.

- * - * -

"... I would lie on your back and hump your ass raw."

Brakkus could not remember how many times he had said those words or others to that effect. He always insinuated how much he would like to switch places, and enjoy Grell's tailhole for once. He was not completely sure if he actually wanted to do so; he was more than pleased to let the armorback fuck him every time. Right then, it was not something the groundthumper was in a position to say. Or any other words, for that matter. His mouth and tongue were very much in use as he deep-throated a thick and hard armorback cock.

A few minutes before, Brakkus had been enjoying some time off alone, relaxing and reading personal messages on his portable display, when Grell suddenly barged into the room, fuming and otherwise extremely displeased. The groundthumper had only asked if there was a problem when Grell directed an angry look at him.

"Get naked," Grell commanded while he undressed. The groundthumper barely began to protest when Grell tore Brakkus' loincloth away, forced him to kneel, and then shoved his hard member into Brakkus' mouth.

His protests subsided soon after; Brakkus never refused the chance to suck his partner's member. Now, he was more than pleased to do so again.

The armorback grunted and panted as he guided Brakkus' head up and down the length of his shaft. The latter moaned as he sucked and worked his tongue around the slickened member. His lips were never away from the hard meat, as Grell never allowed him to move his head away. Not that Brakkus was even thinking of stopping.

Brakkus moaned as Grell held tightly onto his small head crest, forcing him to suck faster. Knowing his companion was getting close to coming, he began sucking more intensely, wet sounds coming from his mouth as he suckled the hard meat. Suddenly, Grell released his grip on Brakkus' head, and the groundthumper locked his lips onto Grell's cock. His reward came almost immediately by means of several hard spurts as Grell shot his load deep inside Brakkus' throat; the armorback growled loud while Brakkus swallowed every drop.

Panting heavily, Grell let his torso drop onto the bed. The large spikes on his back prevented him from being completely on his back, and the armorback turned to lie on his right side.

"Grrrrhhh..." Grell said. "Good Maia... I needed that."

With one wet slurp, Brakkus took Grell's cock out of his mouth. "Glad I could help," he said as he ran the tip of his long tongue down the softening shaft. Seeing his tired friend lying naked on the bed, he climbed on it as well. He pressed his chest and stomach against the armorback's own, before curving his neck so that their lips touched. Using his tongue, he forced Grell to open his mouth so that both saurians could lock their lips into a kiss, where they remained locked for the better part of a minute.

After breaking the kiss, Brakkus looked at directly into Grell's eyes, and then nuzzled his friend.

"Do you like tasting your own juice, stud?"

"Shut up, Brakkus," Grell said, his voice still slightly tinged with anger.

"Really? Same way as how you kept me quiet for the last few minutes?"

"You know you like it, bitch."

"How could I not? That hard meat tastes so good."

"And you call yourself an herbivore."

"Armorback juice is so good that I have to make an exception." The groundthumper began to caress his partner's now soft member. "And there is more where it comes from."

"Not going to happen. I'm too tired and upset for an encore."

"Well... how about if I suck you again while you fantasize that some nice terrorclaw twink is sucking you off -- Gaahh!" Brakkus yelped as Grell suddenly shoved him away, and the groundthumper fell onto the floor with a loud thud. "Ouch! What the hell --?"

The groundthumper lifted his neck to look above the bed, finding Grell turned on his other side, his back towards the groundthumper.

"Now you've killed my mood," Grell said, annoyed.

"What's the matter? No more love for the Commander, then?"

"No!" the armorback shouted angrily without turning to face Brakkus. "There never was any love, and there never will be! He's a fucking idiot! Still has a vendetta against me. He must really hate armorbacks, or something."

Brakkus sat on a corner of the bed, away from the angry armorback. "It is his job as the ship's commander to query his crew. You obviously continue to rub him in a bad way."

"What? Are you his advocate now?"

"I'm only telling you what I am seeing. Prion was the same way with me when I transferred to this ship. He was rather annoyed that I flirted and trolled for sex with the crew, until he eventually realized my performance more than made up for it. Maybe if you stopped being so confrontational, Darkthunder would warm up to you."

"I would, if he would only give me a chance!"

Brakkus frowned. "It's not going to happen unless you both change your attitude. Respect has to be mutual. Sorry to say so, but you always come as a stubborn, intransigent alpha male to me. And I'll say it to your face, or cock, or whatever part of your body I am facing."

Grell lifted his right arm and waved him off angrily. "Leave me alone, Brakkus. I don't want to talk to you."

"How charming -- you use me again like some cheap whore, and then you tell me to get lost?" Brakkus brayed in anger. "This is my room as well, in case you forgot!"

"Then go have dinner or something! Just let me be! Please!"

Brakkus sighed. He stared at his friend for some time before he finally grabbed him by the shoulders and spun him around so that Grell would lie on his back, a very painful position for the armorback. Once there, he straddled Grell, still pinning him down to the bed by the shoulders.

"I'm going to bust your ass if you don't leave now!" Grell roared, staring angrily at Brakkus. The groundthumper's face remained emotionless as he tried to look directly into his friend's eyes.

"Yes..." Brakkus said, breaking into a smile. "You are not only most definitely in love, but also in denial."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Grell said angrily as he tried to free himself. "Get off! Brakkus! Get the fuck off me!"

"You love the commander," Brakkus said calmly as he struggled to keep Grell pinned down. "Or you are at least infatuated by him. I should feel jealous."

Grell sighed, still struggling to break free. "Go fuck yourself, Brakkus."

"I thought you always wanted to do all the fucking."

Grell sighed, and stopped struggling. He said no more; he did not even react when the groundthumper released him and laid his sweat-soaked body on top. Brakkus saw him trying to remain indifferent as the groundthumper grabbed his cock, gently stroking and caressing it. He soon started to grunt from pleasure as the sensations began to overwhelm his mind.

Brakkus kissed the thick member. "Maybe too much blood keeps going here and your brain is starving. Speaking of hunger, I definitely could go for some seasoned karjra leaves again." He smacked Grell's thighs twice. "Come on, let's go eat. We'll talk and get your mind off this anger you've got."

Grell grunted, somewhat displeased. "Go get a shower first. You stink."

"You do not smell like flowers either, gorgeous."

"I couldn't care less. Get moving."

"You never care. That's probably why the little hunter doesn't like you." He lifted an arm to sniff below the armpit. "Ugh! I hope we don't come across anyone in the hallway, or their nostrils will go supernova if they smell our sweat and sex. How much time do we have before the main kitchen closes?"

"Just over two hours."

Brakkus walked to their closet to look for some towels. No sooner he had started than he heard Grell speak.

"Oh, what the hell."

The groundthumper felt two large, strong hands grab him by the waist. Before he could react, he felt himself dragged and spun for a short distance, finally falling face down on the bed. Before he could react, Grell lifted his hips and exposed his tailhole. Grell grunted as he knelt behind him and firmly pressed his crotch was against Brakkus rump.

"Shit... Grell, no, wait!" Brakkus said as he felt the tip of Grell's cock against his tailhole. "Use some lubricant --!"

"It's already coated with your drool."

"No! Wait, that's not enough and it's dry! Grell! Aahhh... graahhh... AIIIAAAHHH!" He screamed and moaned as the massive cock forced his sphincter wide open; the walls of his rectum spread apart, hugging the thick member now shoved inside.

Brakkus moaned and started to growl. He found himself rudely silenced when a pillow suddenly was shoved into his mouth.

"Keep quiet for once," Grell said as he began thrusting.

The air once again filled to overflowing with the scent of reptilian sweat, of male musk and semen. Brakkus held to the bed tightly as he rocked from loins forcefully hitting his behind. He gasped and brayed, his loud screams now muffled.

The armorback grunted with passion and delight as he continued thrusting hard and mercilessly into the groundthumper. Their heavy bodies rocked their bed. Their well-defined muscles glistened, covered in sweat and other fluids. All the time, their grunts and screams accompanied the squishy sounds and smells of Grell's hard meat sliding in and out.

Brakkus snarled as a thick hand clamped around his hard member, which until then had been flapping and smacking loudly against his stomach with each thrust into his tailhole. The groundthumper moaned even more as Grell began to masturbate him. Brakkus worked his hips slightly, and screamed even louder as Grell's hardness hit even deeper inside him.

"Keep... it down... bitch..." Grell could barely mutter as he began thrusting faster. He increased his pace and strength of his thrusts; Brakkus felt as if every outward movement of the massive cock inside him pulled his guts out almost completely.

In and out. Thrust after thrust. The two saurians grunted and moaned as their savage sex continued. Their bodies and minds, however, could not keep with it for long. Grell pushed one last time as he came, and he held fast, his claws digging into Brakkus' skin. His roar drowned those from the groundthumper for a few seconds before it died down as he emptied with force whatever cum his drained body could give. He finally collapsed on top of his partner, panting furiously.

The first waves of his climax started coursing across the groundthumper's brain. Brakkus held for a few seconds until he also came, ejaculating hard onto the bed. The last of his strength fully gone, he let himself drop onto the bed and on top of his own seed, dragging Grell along, the armorback's spent member still lodged tightly inside Brakkus.

Time passed with each saurian not saying anything other than the sound of their fast breathing, their bodies too hot and spent for them to speak even if they wanted to.

Grell finally mustered enough strength to pull his member out, covered in sweat and cum. He rested on his side next to Brakkus, holding onto his spent maleness.

"Ohhh, shit..." The groundthumper barely could speak as he panted. "Gaaahhh." He brayed again -- a sorry and meek sound -- while his body still twitched from the sensations as he enjoyed the last ripples of pleasure from his abused tailhole.

"You can take a shower now," Grell gasped.

Brakkus did not reply. He moaned, relishing his own orgasm.

- * - * -

The scene played innumerable times in the Tarrakhan's bridge as the crew awaited in silence while the ship prepared to slow down and out of the tachyon flow. Only the armorback's calm, deep voice occasionally broke the crew's silence as he announced any relevant status message.

"Reentry simulations completed. All navigational systems are nominal. Energy reserves at sixty-eight point three zero percent. Estimated time for dropping out of the tachyon flow is now at fifty-seven seconds."

At that particular moment, the whole ship depended on the navigator's skill. Darkthunder had no reason to think the armorback would perform any different or was not up to the task. He still kept an eye focused on the burly saurian.

"Acknowledged, Sergeant," Darkthunder replied calmly without shifting any attention away from his own station as he monitored all the reports flashing in. "You have now full control of the ship."

Darkthunder took time to scan the Bridge and everyone inside it. To his far left, Sergeant Brakkus also monitored his systems, ready to activate all defense systems against potential hostiles. Grell was close to the groundthumper, his bare, spiked back in full view as the armorback poured over his screens.

He looked at the armorback. Darkthunder wondered if Grell's vest was a size or two too small, as it hugged his skin rather tightly, revealing the chiseled shape of his muscled chest. He stared at Grell's firm buttocks for a brief instant before he turned his eyes to the other side.

To the right, Lieutenant Arokh was ready to offer counsel and help if needed. To the eyeridge's right, Keana watched over the ship's scanners and other systems.

Through the rest of the ship, operations were near as normal. A rather loud hum announced to every saurian that the ship was entering a brief zone of stress, and served as a reminder for everyone to be ready for any possible eventuality. Otherwise, conversations and milling around happened as usual.

Grell's voice broke again the communications silence, rising above the humming. "Inertia and particle shields engaged and fully operational. Coming into normal space... now."

It was a moment the Tarrakhan had experienced uncountable times before. There were no indications or reason for anything to be different. Entering and leaving the tachyon flow, however, always carried some inherent risks, and the potential for disaster always existed, even if the ship's computers could carry out the advanced calculations effortlessly. Failure could leave them stranded in the alternate universe forever. Moreover, the ship would disintegrate if the shields failed and they collided with particles while close to the speed of light.

The ship shook slightly; the multicolored hues from T-Space travel gave way to a bright flash that briefly flooded the Bridge as the ship jumped back into its rightful cosmos. The shields remained up as the ship decelerated and finally settled into normal space.

Grell continued working at his console. "All navigational systems normal."

"Acknowledged. Keana, status report."

"Standing by for coordinate lock... done. Scanners detect we have entered the Nijara system. We're right on target, Commander."

"Update the Patrol command of our position and run scanners."

"We have a planet in the immediate vicinity, Commander," Keana said. "Five thousand path units, twenty degrees to starboard. Too large for life. It is a gas giant, sir."

Darkthunder's crest rose as the hunter's lower jaw dropped slightly. "Rather close to our arrival point. No matter. Take us into orbit, Sergeant."

Grell turned to look away from his instruments and towards the terrorclaw. "That is away from our target and mission, sir. Radiation levels are too high for any potential colonies. It is just gas and --"

"Just a brief pause, soldier. Do it."

"Yes, Commander."

Darkthunder shifted his weight from one leg to another as the ship moved towards the planet and it began to fill their window. As with many other planets like it, clouds banded into colored strips that encompassed the planet's entire circumference. Two black spots fell on the multihued cloud cover from moons transiting between the planet and their parent star.

"Just look at that, Arokh," Darkthunder said as he left his chair and walked towards the window.

The eyeridge moved to stand next to his superior as he also stared at the planet. "I gather it has some special significance for you, sir."

The terrorclaw's voice was slightly subdued with awe. "It does. I left my homeworld by taking a ride with a group of traders that visited my pack. As we departed, they plotted their departure route so I could have a view of part of the planetary system I had lived in. I was impressed when we went past my world's moon, but I had barely finished absorbing that sight when we went near a gas giant like this one. Even if terrorclaws live simple and primitive lives, we knew there were other saurian species living in stars and other worlds. What little I knew then did not prepare me for a sight like that. I began asking rather excitedly if we could see whatever it was down there. They smiled and politely refused my request, of course."

Darkthunder continued talking, his eyes locked on the planet. "Their leader took time to explain, in a way that my then uneducated mind could understand, why it would never be possible to visit such a world. It was a bit shocking to know that the universe could be such a violent place at the same time it was beautiful. Rather than destroy my illusions, it strengthened my resolve to have a place among the starts. Now whenever I see one of these giants, I have to pause and admire it."

A series of short, ear-piercing loud beeps brought their conversation to an abrupt halt. Before Darkthunder could inquire about them, the Tarrakhan suddenly shifted hard to starboard. The hard, sudden maneuver caused everyone to lose balance briefly. The terrorclaw got a glimpse of a fast-moving rock passing by the Bridge's front window.

"Sergeant Grell, report!" Arokh shouted as he made his way toward the navigator's station.

"Ship is stable, Lieutenant," Grell said as he looked at the eyeridge. "Sensors detected a very small asteroid-type moon coming in fast towards us. Extremely small, they did not pick it up until fifteen seconds before possible impact. The possibilities of a collision were too large and the timeframe too small; I used my best judgment and proceeded without authorization to protect the ship."

Darkthunder straightened his shirt as he walked slowly towards toward the two saurians.

"I believe that should have been your obligation from the start, before you were to place the ship in orbit," Arokh said, extremely displeased.

The armorback rose from his chair and turned his screen around for Arokh to have a better view. "The charts for this system show some rather large gaps, Lieutenant. So it is no surprise there was nothing in the database about small rocks like the one that almost hit us." He snorted. "Sorry if I interrupted your sightseeing."

Darkthunder's crest feathers bristled; his toeclaws twitched and rose briefly into attack position before he caught himself. The armorback was still as defiant as before. Yet it was obvious Grell had acted in the ship's best interest. "Your approach could use some work, soldier, but you did well. You have our thanks. Everyone, resume your duties."

"Commander," Arokh said softly as they walked to a corner of the Bridge to confer. "I do not think this was a good response."

"A confrontation right now would serve no purpose, Arokh. Not for crew morale."

"You have made obvious your displeasure with Grell's attitude. I've worked with him for a long time. I say that the sooner you put a stop to it --"

"I respect your concerns, Arokh. However, if there is something terrorclaws are good at, is waiting patiently for the chance to make a kill. I will handle everything at the right time."

He had no time to think it further. Keana soon hailed him.

"Commander, I just received a brief encoded message from the Patrol High Command. It has been marked as top priority. Already transferred to your station."

"Acknowledged." The terrorclaw moved swiftly and gracefully to look at his personal screen and study the message. His hand claws resounded slightly across the bridge as he began to enter some commands into his station. "Sergeant Grell, I am sending some coordinates to your navigational system. Break orbit and prepare to engage Tachyon engines as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir." The armorback began entering instructions into his station without hesitation.

"Commander?" Arokh began to ask.

"One minute, Lieutenant." Darkthunder turned to address the groundthumper. "Brakkus."

"Yes, sir?" The groundthumper moved to stand at attention.

"Get to the Armory and assemble two away teams with thirty soldiers each. Have the mechanics ready two dropships. I want you and Sergeant Grell to pilot them. Lieutenant Arokh and I will join as well. We will drop out of the tachyon flow within five planetary units of our target. I need everything ready to deploy as soon as we renter normal space and the ship is stable."

"Yes, sir!" The groundthumper saluted and left the Bridge to carry out the order.

Arokh continued chasing the terrorclaw around. "Is there something wrong, Commander?"

"Only a course correction, Lieutenant," the terrorclaw said calmly as he sat again on the command chair.

The eyeridge paused, a surprised look on his face. "What about our current target?"

"The prey has moved, Arokh." Darkthunder could feel his eyesight become sharper and more focused as his mind allowed him a small hunter trance. His heart raced as he eagerly anticipated the upcoming hunt. "This pack now gives chase."

- * - * -

---

The sound of bare saurian feet was absent, replaced by thick boots on concrete, made louder by each saurian being heavier with armor and weapons, the latter already cooled down from combat. Their fully armored bodies surrounded the area, walking over and around smoldering pieces of combustible materials while stepping over anything that could have possibly shattered or broken during the fight.

Darkthunder surveyed the area, followed about ten steps behind by Arokh. He kept sniffing around, trying to pick up any scents that did not belong to any of the sentient Archosaurian species.

The target was usually the same -- mammals. Aliens to the Archosaur Domains, they often sought to slide inside the borders and disrupt the saurian way of life. Many were the victims of these aliens, either killed or assaulted outright. The more insidious ways turned normal saurians into slaves or drug addicts.

Bad archosaurs existed, and the Patrol went mercilessly against them as well. Yet the mammals invoked an even deeper hatred in the terrorclaw; the long-toothed felines even more so. Their presence felt like a travesty to the hunter, one that he knew he would never be able to eradicate completely. As long as his body and mind allowed him, however, he would seek out and hunt for the intruders.

Darkthunder stopped and lifted an arm to signal the eyeridge his search was over. He stood almost motionless for a minute as he slipped out of his hunter trance almost completely, other than a faint trace to keep his senses more aware of his surroundings.

"There is nothing here," he spoke into his helmet's microphone. "What's the status, Arokh? Where do we stand?"

"All teams have reported end of hostilities, sir. This outpost is now under complete control of the Patrol. We suffered only minor casualties; three soldiers injured, all will make full recovery in a few days. No civilian casualties have been reported."

"Excellent, Lieutenant. What about the aliens?"

"So far we have accounted for sixteen of them dead, twenty-three injured, two of those critically. Several more in custody awaiting transfer to Bakan base for interrogation. Unfortunately, it appears that their leaders may have managed to escape. None of the dead or captured matches any of our dossiers."

"Has the Patrol been contacted?"

"Affirmative, sir. The Brek-Saikan is heading this way to take the prisoners and finish the work here. We are looking at approximately thirty seven hours before their crew makes landfall."

Darkthunder nodded his approval. "I want teams Three and Five to take the first watch. Contact the Tarrakhan and have them drop into the safest lower orbit possible. All of us of the main ship crew will head up once we finish setting up the security fences around the building. I want all the other teams to head back to the ship and the Tarrakhan out of this planet as soon as we transfer control to the Saikan's crew." He paused as he waited for Arokh to relay the order. "Well done, Lieutenant. Give my thanks to the soldiers."

"Thank you, sir."

"I need some fresh air." Growling softly, the terrorclaw removed his helmet. Holding it with his left hand, he began preening his crest with the other. "I hate this armor. I wish I could do this combat just like one of my pack hunts back in my world."

The terrorclaw turned to look around at the destruction their combat had caused. It was something he had seen innumerable times, from various points of view, the previous one from the spot his lieutenant now occupied. It always brought him satisfaction at the goal, a hunt completed.

He could hear the throngs of curious civilians gathering outside the buildings his team had raided. If there was something he hated, it was conducting raids in the middle of cities full of civilians. The potential for a botched operation ran much higher. From the loss of too many innocent lives, to any potential ambush by hordes of civilians recruited by the enemy, he had to prepare himself for all possible ways his mission could turn for the worse.

"Does this feel like anything to you, Lieutenant?"

"What do you mean, sir?" Arokh said, also having removed his helmet.

"To me... it feels like a hunt. And all of us... a pack. No prey falls to my claws and teeth, but it brings me almost the same satisfaction to bring these criminals to justice."

"I can see how it would be like that to you, Darkthunder. Our ancestors hunted for sustenance. Perhaps a fight for territory. But now... somehow it feels senseless to see some lives wasted, lost for nothing, even if they are not saurians."

"We are defending our territory, Arokh. From some invaders who would not think twice about taking ours. They seed our vulnerable people with drugs. We archosaurs live and act like one, and we must defend our territory. I will not let these... mammals take it away from us."

"Sounds like a rather biased comment, Commander."

"Sometimes I can't help it. We try to keep diplomatic relations with these aliens, and yet some of them continue infiltrating into our domains to wreak havoc. I have no idea if these invaders act alone, or their governments secretly fund these activities. It could perhaps be even worse --helped by some of our own people. I imagine the last option must exist; otherwise I don't think these criminals would enter our domains with such ease." He paused as a thought formed in his mind, then frowned as he tried to erase it. "Or they are breeding within our boundaries. Ugh. Mammal sex. What a disturbing thought."

His fingers flexed a few times as if the terrorclaw were getting ready to spring onto some unsuspecting prey. "Whichever it may be, this terrorclaw will be ready to take them down. Sometimes I wish I could do it like in my homeworld. No armor or weapons. Just teeth and claws."

The eyeridge walked to stand next to him, leaning against his weapon planted firmly on the ground. "Sounds like a fair fight."

Darkthunder grinned. "Don't be so sure, Lieutenant. A terrorclaw against a long-tooth? You saw me how I gutted that one soon after the start of our raid."

"I am a hunter like you, sir. Even if those instincts have been rather subdued on me. But my ancestors were mostly solitary, and hardly gathered for cooperative hunting."

"Then perhaps one day... I should ask you if could join me and go to the preserve planet together. It would be something different. A pack of two different species, working side by side."

Arokh looked down at the smaller hunter and smiled. "If the opportunity presents itself, perhaps I could see us do that, sir. There may be things that I could learn from a terrorclaw."

Darkthunder nodded. "There is still much to be done here. Carry on, soldier."

Arokh saluted and turned to walk away. Darkthunder looked at him with the corner of a slit-pupil eye.

He let out a loud sigh. Back in the Ssrash-Mahr, he was a skilled hunter, lauded by the Elders and sought by his pack mates for his determination and skill in leading a pack to success in hunting down large, dangerous prey. In the Patrol, he was a strong officer, always ready to give his utmost for the Archosaur Domains. Throughout his life, he had placed courage above everything.

Unless it was about trying to get closer and intimate with an eyeridge. Then he was more like a meek leaf eater.

For all he knew, it was most assuredly a waste of his time. Arokh already mated his own female mate and had offspring; the big eyeridge most probably did not follow the same orientation. There was no telling if Arokh could have a small desire to experiment having an occasional romp with others of his own sex. He seemed rather cordial and a bit too subdued for such a large carnivore, as if unwilling to get the brunt of attention.

Darkthunder only needed to wait. It would do him no good to rush that one hunt. One where he actually wanted to be the prey.

The sound of voices brought him back to his surroundings. He turned to see Brakkus and Grell to his right. Next to them, a slightly agitated roundcrest seemed to be arguing some point. Still fully armored, their weapons held at ready, although their helmet shields and visors were up, which cut off their microphones. The three saurians seemed to be talking rather heatedly but with restrain; the tone of their voices was different, perhaps because of their presence inside a combat zone.

"You got an order, Corporal," Brakkus said to the roundcrest. "What is holding you up?"

"I need more help, sir! The other two and I are not enough to haul all that equipment to the pickup area."

"Well, then have Sergan and Malek give you a hand. I assigned them to your team for a reason."

"Why don't either of you help us as well? You're taller and stronger than most! Shit, maybe your asses could do something useful rather than --!"

Grell pressed a gloved finger on the roundcrest's armor. "Mind your station and rank, soldier! Besides, it's not like Brakkus and I can stay down here."

"Yeah, yeah. You're the main Bridge crew. Fine! Leave all the dirty work to us lowly grunts."

"Then hurry up through the ranks and you'll get to boss others instead. Brakkus and I have lots of reports to file once we get back to the ship."

"You won't be running the place by yourselves," Brakkus added. "Sergeant Second Class Vak'zhoria will be in charge of ground operations until the crew from the Saikan arrives."

"Great!" the roundcrest exclaimed as he lifted his hand in a gesture of hopelessness. "So you now leave the spikefrill bitch in charge. How nice of you." He sighed, saluted and stormed away as he lowered his helmet visor and shield. "Oh, well, I'm here to do a job. At least down here I won't have to hear you bastards fucking."

"Hey!" Brakkus began to go after Kakkuttek before Grell extended an arm to hold him back.

Darkthunder decided he had heard enough and began walking towards the two soldiers.

"Just forget it," Grell said to the groundthumper. "We had to endure the same crap from others when we were the grunts. We may as well dish it to someone else."

"That is a rather poor excuse, Sergeants," Darkthunder interjected.

Both stopped and saluted as they noticed his presence. The terrorclaw tried to remain impassive as he addressed them.

"I had to endure some bad treatment as well when I started. But maybe we need to start being a bit more considerate of those below us." He raised his snout to look upwards to the two taller soldiers. His pulled his lips slightly, making his teeth noticeably more visible. His eyes moved from looking at Brakkus and then Grell, and so back and forth for a few times.

"Uhh... yes, sir," Brakkus said finally, slightly uneasy.

Darkthunder nodded, and resumed his stoic face. "Excellent job, soldiers. I'm proud of the work everyone did."

"Thank you, sir!" Brakkus said. "Just doing what we trained for."

"Hopefully you got enough action. Of a different kind for once."

"We sure did!" He assumed a combat position as he aimed his rifle at an invisible, imaginary enemy, and made firing sounds. "Kick mammal butt. Oh, yeah!"

"You seem to have enjoyed yourself."

"Not as much as what awaits us back at the ship." Brakkus made a circling notion with his left hand, pointing at himself as well as Grell and the terrorclaw. "We were wondering if you would finally join us in the Armory for a meal."

Darkthunder cocked his head to one side, curious. "A meal?"

Grell nodded. "Our crew often celebrates successful incursions like this. Prion would join in for some lively talk and to share his stories of the Patrol."

"When he was not getting a bit tipsy." Brakkus chuckled.

Darkthunder shook his head slightly. "Thanks for the invitation, soldier, but you would probably be grossed out if you saw a terrorclaw eat. If you don't mind, I would prefer to keep to my quarters. I need some rest after this; my primal instincts still have not subsided completely, and remain rather active at the back of my mind, ready to spring back if needed."

Grell grunted. "Then perhaps some other time. With your permission, sir, we still have some work to do." He stood at attention and saluted, followed by Brakkus.

The terrorclaw saluted back, and turned to walk away. "Carry on, soldiers."

- * - * -

---

Grell stood under the ship's communal showers, letting the soothing flow of the hot water flow over his entire body. He rumbled with pleasure as he rubbed his sore muscles while the hot water coursed down his muscled body, taking away his sweat and the smells of combat.

The armorback paused to admire his muscled chest and arms. He began stretching and flexing his arms, as well as rubbing his chest. He could not help feeling somewhat narcissistic. His whole species was into keeping an intimidating appearance. His head horns would require some polishing, though.

He wondered if perhaps he was overdoing it. It certainly did not help the new Commander get a good impression of him. Given that the two would have to put up with each other for what could be a long time, toning down the tough male act perhaps was in order.

Beneath the terrorclaw's demeanor and overwhelming desire to please his superiors, there was no denying the existence of a rather attractive creature. Said creature would surely take a lot to conquer, if such a thing was even possible. Brakkus could well be off his mind thinking Darkthunder would be submissive in bed.

Yet somehow, the idea felt like it could be remotely possible. His hand moved instinctively to his crotch as Grell growled at the thought of bedding Darkthunder. He imagined having the terrorclaw lie on his stomach, moaning and whimpering as the armorback pushed inside the tight tailhole and pumped furiously in and out. Something he would continue repeatedly, for hours on end until...

"Well, someone is having happy thoughts here! You couldn't wait for later, handsome?"

Grell roared with anger and embarrassment and turned to show his back at the intruder, hiding his erection away. "Fuck you, Brakkus!"

"Hey, now why would you hide that lovely meat from me? It's not like I haven't seen or enjoyed it before."

"Get in your shower and let me be."

"Better that I saw you and not someone else, stud." The groundthumper moved to the shower to Grell's left. Both remained quiet for a few instants; only the sound of water splashing on the floor broke the silence. "So... what do you think of our Commander now?"

"My opinion hasn't changed one bit. He sounds like a saurian of action and a good leader, but rather impulsive."

"Yeah... I can feel he's going to be a bit of a pain in the tail."

"So says the one who loves to have his ass in pain."

"Hush, you brute! It would not be in such pain if you didn't take me so hard."

Grell grinned toothily. "Yet you can never have enough of it."

"Well, perhaps I do now. You're not enjoying my sorry tail tonight. That was some away mission we had today. We must be getting older quickly."

"Too bad," Grell said while soaping his chest. "I was looking forward to some action."

"Then go fuck the feather duster. You know you want to."

The armorback turned slightly to hit Brakkus in the rump with the bony part of his clubbed tail.

Brakkus recoiled from the pain. "Ahhh! Son of a bitch! What's the fucking big idea?"

"You're not going to drop it, are you? Do you still think he is a tailraiser, after how he had us fight those aliens? I am no terrorclaw, but he smells very much like a pack leader. Alpha male all the way."

"Even better to break him," Brakkus said as he continued to rub where the tail had hit. "Throw him in the bed, then make him squeal and whimper under the weight of your body while a massive cock goes in and out, spreading his tailhole wide open. I may be willing to have you enjoy my tail all the time, but I won't deny that I would love to top him." He flashed a toothy grin as he noticed Grell's grim face. "And I bet you were thinking the same when I walked in here."

"Speaking of the feather duster, stop messing with Keana," the armorback said, trying to change the subject while he poured soap from a dispenser. "It was painful to hear her at our celebration meal today. She's becoming more infatuated with him the more you talk to her."

"But it is so entertaining!"

"Well, then you better find something else to amuse you. One day she will find out that you've been messing up with her. I don't want to be nearby when your dumb stunt implodes."

Brakkus opened his eyes wide in a mock expression of shock. "Ooooo! Sounds like someone is jealous. Are you afraid that a female could take the prize from you?"

Grell lathered and scrubbed the base of his tail, his back towards the groundthumper. "Shit, how many times do I have to tell you! I'm not after him, and he doesn't want me around!"

He was about to continue when Brakkus tapped him on the shoulder. "Well... you may be right."

Grell turned. He saw Darkthunder as he exited a private exercise room reserved for the ship's top officers, and walked into the showers, naked as the day he hatched. The blue and green stripes on his snout and back of the head continued down his back, tail and buttocks, as well on his shins. Likewise, the same tan color of his neck and underside of his lower jaw continued down his chest and stomach, down his crotch, and the underside of his tail. The same color was around his genitals, which swayed slightly with each graceful step.

"Damn," Grell whispered. "He looks better out of uniform."

Brakkus licked his lips. "Gorgeous and so comely. And look at those jewels! I never imagined he had such a nice package. Ooh, if I could only wrap my lips and tongue around them."

Lieutenant Arokh followed him out of the room, also nude. His body held no surprises to the two other saurians, which had already seen him before. He and Darkthunder chatted rather amiably, and stopped by the showerheads some distance away.

"Figures," Grell said, slightly disgusted. He shut off the shower and went for a towel hanging from a hook not far away. "I guess carnivores seek each other."

Brakkus smiled. "You probably owe me those hundred denarks."

"Don't be so sure. Why would you think so?"

"Let's see... private room, two male officials in it, one who seems a bit friendly towards the other. And now they're showering." The groundthumper extended a hand, palm up, and flexed his fingers a few times. "Looks rather obvious to me. Hand them over. When you get them, that is."

"Oh. Really? Well, watch this."

Placing the towel back in the hook, Grell walked towards the carnivores. "Hello, sir. Would you mind if Brakkus and I join you two for a chat?"

Darkthunder turned, somewhat startled to find the armorback so close. "Sorry, Sergeant. Now would not be a good time."

"On the contrary, sir. This is when I've gotten better acquainted with some of my fellow Patrol saurians. No uniforms, no pending obligations. Just our bare skins, warm water and a chance to talk." He walked to stand closer to the terrorclaw. "We're just trying to know each other better."

He placed his left hand on Darkthunder's right shoulder. The terrorclaw recoiled, his crest rising. He clacked the floor with his large foot claws. He stared at Grell's pierced nipples. He let out a soft growl in disgust and turned to look away. "I said... this is not the best time. The Lieutenant and I were having a talk, hunter to hunter. It is not something you would be pleased to hear, as an herbivore."

Grell snorted. "I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have something against fraternizing with those you used to see as prey? Or do you feel it is not good to wind down with your crew?"

The terrorclaw's greenish eyes locked into his, staring intently, full of anger.

"I was appointed to do a job, soldier. I ask that you do yours. This ship is now my pack. I will lead the crew like one. Perhaps, when the ship docks back at a station and we don't have a mission to complete, then I may find the time for this socializing. Now if you will excuse me, I need to head to my quarters for some rest." He turned to address the eyeridge. "We will continue our discussion some other time, Arokh. I look forward to exchange more hunting tactics with you."

Grabbing a towel, the terrorclaw turned around and walked out. Grell stared at the firm butt and swaying tail, only to have his attention broken by the eyeridge growling softly behind him.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Sergeant Grell?"

"No, sir," Grell said unapologetically. "Sorry if I interrupted."

Brakkus looked at the armorback somewhat shocked as Grell walked back to him, a smug smile on his face.

"You have some nerve, armorback." He stopped to make sure Arokh was leaving before he leaned to whisper in Grell's ear. "Well, what did you find out?"

Grell let out a subtle smile. "They did nothing. I mated a couple eyeridges during my younger, rebel days. I know how they smell after sex. Arokh did not, and his smell was nowhere on Darkthunder's skin. Or his breath."

"They just came out of their private room. They could have easily washed down any smells."

The armorback grabbed his towel and started walking away. "Neither smelled of soap. And I've been inside that room. There are no showers in there."

"Oh, then --" Brakkus began to say. "Wait a minute... how did you ever get in there?"

Grell stopped. He turned to flash a sly smile at the groundthumper.

"Remember that day after the mission on Rekkis Three, when you couldn't find me for the gathering we had after? Let's just say that our late Commander was a bit... um, curious about something."

Brakkus nodded, and then froze. "No... Wait. You're messing with me, right? Grell? Grell!"

The armorback did not answer as he walked away, a wide smile on his lips as Brakkus shouted after him.

To be continued...

© Kaa Bakensobek.