FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 5

"Humm... you know... it sort of looks like a big head of broccoli doesn't it?" An amused Barnabus stated with a grin. Directing his roguish smile across the litter strewed cockpit of the Wild Comet and to his second in command Rana Najjar he watched as she leaned back in the pilot's seat and gave the .world they were orbiting a once over.

"Really?" Rana asked with growing amusement. "The first thing that comes to your mind when you see a mostly unexplored planet is a steamed vegetable?" She gave her captain a wry look. "I would think that a would-be space hero like you would think of something a little more poetic then that Comet?"

Up to his female crewmember's challenge Barnabus tilted his head and gave the floating orb under them another closer look. Verdomo was a dark green world, mostly consisting of land. The only water sources on it were several large rivers which crisscrossed across the surface like veins. "Nope it still looks like broccoli to me." Barnabus said with a shrug. "Fresh cut broccoli steamed and covered in blue Zintonian cheese." Obscenely he smacked his lips together pretending to taste the disgusting sounding food. When not only Rana but Alfred and Moah, who were seated under the raised cockpit in the observation deck, snickered at his statement Barnabus harrumphed and stuck his nose up in the air as if deeply offended. "Well... what do you jokers think it looks like?"

There were several moments of silence as everyone in the crew seemed to dwell over the question. "Maybe... a big scoop of mint chocolate ice cream?" Alfred finally spoke from his seat on the couch.

Moah was the next to reply, adding a cheerful sounding, "Tu... garzzo emplanth!", much to the confusion of everyone present.

"Well if you asked me it looks like trouble." Rana said in a grim tone. Instantly the jovial mood in the cockpit turned to stone and everyone glared at her. "Well you asked what I thought." She defended with a frown. "This whole planet looks like trouble to me."

Barnabus frowned and gripped his flight controls tighter. "Your right I asked for it." He huffed.

Rana had made it crystal clear again and again during their three day journey to Verdomo that she was still dead set against the illegal job they had all agreed to take. Usually the Jack captain would have appreciated the young woman speaking her mind. The advice she had given in the past helping him not to make stupid decisions. But now, it only served to irritate him. Not because of what she was saying, but because it reminded him how stupid he had been to take the mission. Putting all their careers in peril not to mention their freedom. But he knew there was no turning back now. They had traveled all the way out to the planet and were mere moments away from landing. "Well... come one let's see what we got down there, aye?" Barnabus said with a sigh. Growing quiet the older man reached up and flicked a few switches, turning on the external scanners so that the ship's computer could scan the surface of the world beneath them and report what it found.

After a few minutes there was a dinging sound as the ship finished its task followed by a, "Tarnation! Looks like I done and finished Captain.", from the Ships AI before it began printing out the readings it had took from a slot on the dashboard.

"Please fix that Moah." Barnabus begged their mechanic. With a frown the middle-aged man ripped the paper from the slot and began reading the list of words on the paper, giving a low whistle at the results when he saw what was there. "Doesn't look like the place is too populated..." He began. "Only a few scattered settlements here and there. It also looks like the temple we want to go to is in the southern hemisphere. Humm... there's some weird reading a few miles away from the temple, had an I.U.G. signature. "

"I know what that is!" Alfred said excitedly. Getting up from the couch the thin man jogged up the short staircase to the cockpit and presented a magazine he had been reading to Barnabus and Rana. "It says here that that's where the researchers who came to study the Verdomians set up their outpost."

"Why did they leave again?" Rana asked looking over the article. "And please tell it doesn't include words plague, savage uprising, or vicious animals."

Alfred shook his head. "The magazine I have doesn't say exactly, but most believe it has something to do with budget restraints." He explained. "They didn't even have the funding to pack up all their supplies or their shelter." The medic stared wistfully through the spaceships windshield. "It's all still down there. All the information they gathered left behind."

"Why don't we go and have a look at this outpost then." Barnabus began typing in the coordinates written on the report into the ship's navigation. "We might find some information that will help us find out where the artifact Professor Tworows wants us to get is in the temple."

"That's actually a very good idea Barnabus." Rana said pleasantly surprised. Finally the bearded man was acting like a responsible captain. Maybe this "mission" wouldn't be too much trouble after all.

Unfortunately the illusion was instantly shattered when with a chuckle Barnabus added. "And maybe they left behind some good beer or something. I wouldn't mind getting shitfaced after we finish here."

'So much for that.' Giving a groan Rana took the flight controls and began steering the ship downwards towards the Verdomian home world. Heading downwards it only took a few minutes for the Wild Comet break through the heady atmosphere of the small planet, sparks dancing across the hull as the heat shielding withstood the fierce friction of reentry. Using every skill she had Rana managed to level the large space craft with ease, keeping them steady as the clouds parted and the jungle below came into glorious view.

"Great work as always Rana." Barnabus commented with a pat on the young woman's arm. In all the time he had known her, Rana had proven again and again what a terrific starship pilot she was. It was still a complete mystery to him why the military had rejected her. Snapping out of his appreciation Barnabus pointed to a large clearing a few miles under them. "You can park my baby over there Miss Najjar."

"You mean my baby, Captain." Rana corrected. "After all-" Pushing the controls forward the Middle Eastern woman made the Wild Comet swoop down towards the spot Barnabus had pointed to in a fast downward arch. Just as it appeared that she was about to crash the ship, Barnabus and Alfred screaming and Moah laughing gleefully as they came closer to the ground, she leveled them again and slowly descended straight down, landing the ship gently in the clearing with only a small rumble as its landing gear touched down. "-I know how to handle it better then you do." She finished. Looking over to her human crewmates she took great joy in the frozen faces of horror on their faces and to Moah's twin thumbs ups.

"And you call me irresponsible." Barnabus sulked.

***************

It took them a while, but finally after mucking through the dense foliage and mud for three hours Barnabus and his crew found the ruins of what was once the research outpost. Or at least that's what Moah had pantomimed to them when asked if he was sure this was the correct location. However, stating up at the inconspicuous giant moss covered rock in front of them Barnabus began to wonder if the bearman was starting to lose his touch. "Are you really sure this is it big guy?" He asked. "I know your usually right being a genius and all, but..."

"Yaggho!" The Girunjh huffed. Lapsing into a long explanation in his native tongue that no one understood but Alfred, the large hairy alien went over to the rock and pressed his thick finger against a pebble. To everyone else's surprise tiny rock began to glow bright red, giving off a strange clicking sounding before a section on the mossy stone surface before them flickered and disappeared, revealing a hidden door that none of them would have guessed was there in a million years. Looking smugly behind himself Moah said a few words directed at his captain.

Barnabus wondering what he had just said turned to Alfred for an explanation, the blond blushing a little as their eyes met. "He said: What do you think about that captain, you smart mouthed... and then he said a few words I don't want to repeat." The medic told him.

"Ok, ok I promise I won't ever doubt you again." Barnabus smiled. Walking past his smartass mechanic the Jack captain pushed open the door, the metal slab giving a loud creak as it swung open with a puff of dust that blew into his bearded face. Peeking inside Barnabus took a quick survey of the inside of the outpost. As could be expected from a place that had been abandoned many years ago the inside of the researcher's living space was in ruins. Insect webs hanging down from the ceiling, small plants growing from the corners, and tons of papers and mechanical junk spread across the ground. Looking down at the floor Barnabus gave an unmanly yelp as a small creature that looked like a mixture of a snake and a rat scurried past him and hid itself between two large computer consoles.

"Real heroic there Space Ace." Rana joked. Pushing her way past him the younger woman took the lead, walking to the center of the moderately sized space and slowly spinning around as she took it all in. "I hope the next time we get rats in the ship you don't end up fainting."

"It just surprised me." Barnabus said haughtily. "It's not like I jumped on top of a chair and started shrieking like some sort of pan-" The sound of a loud thunk from behind them made Barnabas jump and dart behind Rana, the "brave" hero using the slight girl as a shield. When all that happened next were the lights inside the shelter flickering on, the now red faced jack peered over his second in command's shoulder with a sheepish look. "Don't say a word." He warned Rana.

Rana looked like she was about to burst out laughing but managed to catch herself. "I won't, I won't." She said innocently. "But I don't think I can vouch for them over there." She pointed over to Moah and Alfred who unlike her were chuckling into their hands. "Ok, let's knock off the funny stuff though guys we came here for a reason."

"You're right." Leaving his hiding spot Barnabus did a quick search, checking to see if any more vermin were scurrying around the area, his inspection coming to a stop at a computer console which had lit up alongside the lights. "Alfred, get on that thing over there and see if you can find what we're looking for."

"Yes sir Captain." Alfred said with a salute.

Barnabus shook his head at the overeager behavior of the younger man. Alfred was always sort of awkward but somehow it made him a little lovable. "Moah," Barnabus said turning to the alien. "See if there's anything to salvage in here?" Moah looked away from his inspection of some loose circuitry and lazily gave the human a nod, then ambled towards another door at the back of the room.

"And what are we going to be doing while they work?" Rana asked.

"How about we go check that fridge?" Barnabus suggested. Rana gave him a raised eyebrow but said nothing and stepped to the side, motioning for the older man to lead the way.

Before they could raid the fridge however Alfred suddenly exclaimed an excited. "Eureka!" and motioned for them to come over. "I think I found out where the artifact is being kept Captain!"

"Good work Alfred." Barnabus congratulated as he walked over to where his youngest crew member was working. Looking up at the overhead display the older man watched as a map showing the layout of a temple with a red dot on one of the rooms came up. Taking out his P.A.D., he took a quick snapshot of the image knowing that it would come in useful later. "Is there any more information about this place we should know kid?"

Alfred tapped a few buttons on the keyboard, the image of the map on the illuminated displays changing into a column of words flanked by two naked images of thickset green skinned people one male and one female. "It says.... That the relic is supposed to be located at the center of the nearest Verdomian holy temple." A frown crossed his features. "But it's strange; the rest of the information that should be here is missing."

"Well that's odd." Rana said. For some reason that tidbit of information made a chill run down her spine. "What do you think about it Barnabus... Barnabus!?" Looking over to their captain Rana saw that he had his eyes fixated on the male image on the screen. "BARNABUS!"

"W-What?" Barnabus fumbled as he snapped out of his daze and shifted his attention back to the present. "What did you say Rana?"

"Never mind." Rana sighed. Trying to understand what had captured the older man's attention the Middle Eastern woman stared up at the images above them. Taking a closer look at the picture of the male on the screen she instantly understood why it had drawn Barnabus' attention so much. "You see something you like up there Captain?" She said smirking.

"I was just looking is all." Barnabus said guiltily, trying and failing to keep his eyes off of the picture for long. "Can't help it if I know how to appreciate the male form."

"Sure you can't" Rana snickered much to the other Jack's annoyance.

[Ok so I'm a bit of a pig so sue me. But you have to admit when a naked image of some sexy primitive with pointed ears, long lion like tails, and square shaped tusks appears right in front of you; you're going to have a closer look. And I have to say that for a mean looking race of primitives, the males are a really attractive bunch. It's just a shame that we aren't going to be interacting with these people. I could actually see myself getting friendly with one of them.]

Ripping his eyes away from the titillating imaging above him Barnabus asked Alfred a question. "Are these the Verdomians on the screen or some other species they were studying here?"

"Yeah they are." Alfred peered up at the screen and typed for a few more moments, several more pictures coming up of the planets inhabitants coming up depicting them hunting, farming, and making pottery and clothing. "Kind of look like orcs don't they? You know from that online game on the computer I play sometimes." When all he got for his observation was two blank looks Alfred decided to move on. "Anyway... the Verdomians are a primitive people only at the bronze age of cultural development." The medic informed them. "The researcher's logs say that they're mostly a peaceful people, but their warriors tend to be very aggressive when it comes to those who break their cultural rules or outsiders."

Showing them what he meant Alfred brought up a video labeled "Public Execution." That showed two Verdomian males having a fight. Each of the combatants was armed with strange looking weapons that had a rock hanging from a rope at the end of a sharpened stick. Silently the three humans watched as the two fighters circled around each other several times growling and talking in their strange language. Then without warning they charged at each other, clashing in a savage display that only came to an end when one of them fell to the ground in a bloody and beaten heap, the poor Verdomian bleeding from has cracked open skill.

"What sort of crime did he commit?" Rana asked as she made a disgusted face.

Alfred quickly read the test next to the video. "Says that he stole something."

"Well... ... ... that's discouraging." Barnabus remarked dryly. That exactly what they were there to do. Rob the Verdomians sacred temple. "Obviously were going to have to find a way to sneak in to their temple unless we want to end like the bastard up on the screen.

Rana stared at the now still image of the fighting Verdomians with a touch of fear in her brown eyes for a few moments before she asked what everyone had on their minds. "And just how are we going to do that?" She said. "It's not like we can just turn invisible or something."

"Yaggho ne summa!" Moah's voice suddenly came from behind the trio. Turning the three humans watched as the large alien emerged from the room he had gone into earlier, his furry form covered in spider webs and dust. With little care to personal space he padded up to Barnabus and held out a strange rounded device. When all Barnabus did was stare down at it Moah gave a grunt and without warning attached the electronic item to the human's padded vest, it giving a whirling sound before the lights on the side started blinking erratically.

"I don't get it." Barnabus said looking down at his new accessory. He tapped the strange device on his chest then glanced over to Rana and Alfred. When he did he found them staring back at him strangely. "What?" He said panicking. "Is there another one of those little snake things on me or something?"

"Barnabus... we can't see you!" Rana said in wonder. Reaching forward to the spot where their captain had just disappeared Rana was amazed when she ended up pressing her palm against Barnabus' invisible chest. "It's some sort of personal cloaking device or something, isn't it?"

Moah beamed proudly and said several sentences gruffly then looked over to Alfred expectedly. Giving an "oh" of surprised the young human gave an embarrassed laugh and then translated for the other man. "Moah said that these are the devices that the researchers used to get up close to the Verdomian's settlement. As long as you wear these the only people who will be able to see you are others who a wearing the same device."

Taking off the cloaking device Barnabus blinked back into view and gave his crew a dashing smile. "Your amazing Moah." He informed the hairy man. Moah didn't seem to care much about the words of praise, opting instead to quietly hand Rana a second device and then go over to a nearby pile of loose gears and computer components which he started to rummage through.

Shaking his head Barnabus decided it was time that they head out. "Alright everyone listen up." He began in his best "Jack captain's" Voice. "Rana since there's only two of these things me and you are going to go and get that artifact by ourselves, ok?"

"Fine with me." Rana said as she examined her cloaking device. "As long as you let me bring along my blaster." Reaching to her side the Jack pilot pulled out her Mulitool. A device that every Jack carried with them that was basically a Swiss army knife with a laser rifle included.

"I'd be stupid to try and force you to leave it." The older man chuckled. Turning to Alfred and Moah he then added. "You two stay here and gut this place." He smiled knowing that the two men would enjoy their task. "It looks like there's a lot of good stuff here and I'm sure you fellas can make good use of it."

Both Moah and Alfred gave their captain large grins and started to furiously dismember the equipment inside the outpost. Giving each other a look of amusement both Rana and Barnabus walked out of the shelter standing still for a moment as their eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight filtering down from the canopy. "You still sure you really want to do this?" Rana asked on last time. "You know me and the crew won't be disappointed if you change your mind. Hell, I think the goofs in there are just happy that we found those new toys for them to play with."

"I'm sure Rana." Barnabus reaffirmed confidently. But even as those words left his mouth, the older man began having more doubt, the danger that they would be facing on the forefront of his mind. The Verdomians looked like a bunch of savages who would kill them given the first chance. If Rana, Alfred, or Moah got hurt because of his decision to be here he'd never be able to forgive himself. But in the end like he had said to himself before, they had already come this far so there was no other option but to see this through. Those old heroes from the silver age of cinema wouldn't give up after all and neither would he.

***************

Miktes realized now that he had to take back what he had said earlier that day. He would endure a thousand smelly flowery baths if it meant that he would be spared a single moment of having to stand perfectly stock sill and naked as he was fitted for a stupid ceremonial clothing. Giving a growl Miktes "patiently" watched as the gaggle of middle aged to elderly women in charge of dressing the soon to be mated moved around him. Each of the ladies present talking amongst themselves as they sewed together clothing and held up swatches of colorful cloth to his olive colored skin only to dart off to find a more flattering shade when they didn't like it. The worst part of the whole event for Miktes however wasn't that he was being poked and prodded by bony fingers and needles. No, it was the obscene way the group of women were talking about him while they worked.

"My, my he certainly is a big one isn't here?" One elderly female had said when his father had escorted him into the room, her eyes falling to his crouch. "Whoever gets this one will have a smile on their face for years to come."

"And his cute bottom isn't bad either." Another one had giggled as she gave Miktes' bare ass a quick pat. "Nice and pert!"

"I wonder how long he will be able to last in the bedroom." A third dared to wonder. "Such strong thighs will have a lot of thrust to them."

Miktes did his best to bite his tongue as they teased him, settling instead to glare over at his father who was looking back at him with mirth in his eyes. It seemed this was yet another tradition the old man had neglected to tell him. The traditional embarrassing of the firstborn son by gossipy old biddies. It's alright though Miktes reminded himself as his face heated up. 'You're doing this for her...'

Drifting away mentally from his own embarrassment the young Verdomian though back to a while ago when he had been led down into the bowels of the temple and taken to the inner sanctuary where the village elders resided most of the day. It was there in that underground room that he had learned something that had completely caused him to do an one-eighty about having to go through with his father's plan to mate him off.

***************

Earlier that day...

"Here we are my son." Daleer announced reverently. Making a grand flourish he swept his hands towards a large and elaborately carved door. "The chamber of the elders. The holiest place within these walls and the room where our all destines are met and our spiritual needs are attended to."

Miktes stared up at the fancy looking entryway with bored eyes, not saying anything for a few moments. Then dismissively he snorted and said. "Yeah, so?"

Daleer let out a long suffering sigh. Leave it to his firstborn son to take something which most would honored to be in the presence of and treat it like they were nothing more but a simple wooden door. Choosing to ignore his offspring's lace of proper respect the Verdomian chief approached the large golden doors and pushed them open, a low blue light spilling out from behind the barriers and into the hallway as they cracked open. "Come along son." He instructed simply as he walked inside. "But, please be on your best behavior."

Miktes gave a small huff at being asked that but did as he had been commanded. Walking into the room with an air of annoyance mixed with arrogance. He really didn't see what the big deal was. 'Not like I ain't seen those bunch of old fogies dozens of times already.' He reasoned to himself. 'Like I'm suddenly going to... ... ... wow.'

Entering the inner sanctum of the holy temple Miktes was completely taken aback by the sights of the sacred room. Tipping his head upwards slowly so that he could take in the whole thing the young warrior watched on in wonder as three waterfalls fell down from the ceiling of the cavernous room and into a large round pool that had a raised platform in the middle. The water which freely poured from above was something the Miktes had never seen before, tinted a strange bluish-green color and oddly giving off a bright glow which bathed the two twenty feet tall statues of the strangers in an otherworldly light.

Miktes was so enthralled by the architecture of the chamber that he didn't realized that it was occupied until he head a cough from in front of him and his father. Shifting his eyes down Miktes saw for the first time that his father had stepped onto the raised platform and was standing before the seven elders of the village who were seated upon stone chairs that were marked with the six high families emblems.

Each of the robe clad men and women gave Daleer a look of respect as he bowed to them respectfully. "We welcome you to our inner sanctum Chief Daleer." The oldest elder, a man known as Ceniant spoke. "It is truly a momentous day when a child of the mighty clan of Hestry comes to our chambers to take part in our most sacred of rituals."

"That it is elder." Daleer said. Stepping to the side the Verdomian chief nudged his head forwards trying to motion for Miktes to step forward. Miktes a little intimidated by his surroundings hesitantly did as he was told and joined his father before the council, a little embarrassed now that he realized that he was the only one undressed in front of so many people.

Putting his hand on his son's shoulder Daleer cleared his throat and stated clearly. "May I formally present to you my firstborn son Miktes. May what the Strangers were so gracious enough to show him during his vision help you in your upcoming decision in who will join my house."

"Strangers be praised." The group of elders all said with a frown.

Miktes had to raise an eyebrow at the stoic expressions on the faces of the older Verdomians before him and his father. He wondered briefly if any of them even knew how to crack a smile. "What's with all this shit?" He whispered to the older man next to him, not fully understanding the way they were acting the way they were. When Daleer responded to his quiet question with a slight slap on the back of the head and a shushing sound, the young Verdomian let out a small growl of annoyance.

"It seems like your boy there is still as unruly as ever Daleer." An elder remarked.

"That he is." Miktes' father said back. "But I assure all of you that he will show you all the respect that you deserve as he takes part in the ritual." Daleer eyed his son with a serious expression as he finished his sentence, the glare having little effect on the Miktes, who rolled his eyes.

Ceniant let out a wheezing chuckle watching the father and son. "We shall see." The old man said stiffly. Raising his hand the eldest elder pointed to a painted rune on the ground. "Miktes of the Hestry clan come forward and tell us of what you saw during your vision." He commanded. "And do not leave out a single detail child. Afterwards we will try and decipher what the true meaning of what you saw."

"If I gotta." Miktes sighed in irritation. Standing where he had been told to the younger man took a defiant stance, his feet firmly planted a few inches apart and his arms crossed over his chest. Halfheartedly he began his tale of his vision. Telling the gathered elders and his father about the plateau, the strange falling star, the massive fire, the three figures, the starry void, and lastly the terrible monster that had eaten him and his supposed mate. After he finished Miktes looked over the men and women in front of him and was a little stunned to see them staring back with wide bewildered eyes.

"A-Are you sure this is what you saw Miktes?" Daleer asked from his son's right. It was all just so hard to believe. There had never been any records about such a vivid and surreal vision. "You're not lying are you?"

Miktes bristled at the accusation. "I ain't lying!" He shouted. "I told you just what I saw! Every last dam thing!"

"Ok, ok I believe you." Daleer held up his hands in surrender. There was no need to upset his son if what he had said was true. Turning to the elders the older man gave them a pleading look, hoping that they would have the answer to what his son had seen. "Elders?"

"You are right to be hesitant in believing such a strange vision." Ceniant admitted. "But I believe what the youngling has just said. He must be truly blessed to get such a strong vision of his mate. But there is a problem with that. The more obtuse the vision is the harder it will be for us to figure it out." The old man turned to his fellow elders. "Anyone?"

An overweight female with light gray hair was the first to speak up. "Maybe the vision is referring to Sarthy the youngling who rummages through the trash. He often goes out to trash dumps by the twin plateaus outside of the village."

Miktes got a look of disgust on his face at the thought of being mated to Sarthy. The short and frankly smelly submissive was known to talk to himself and was said to have bugs nesting in his hear. Miktes went to open his mouth to tell the elders that there was no way in hell he'd agree to mate with him. But before he could speak and insult the elders Daleer placed his hand over his mouth.

"Be calm my son." Daleer said quietly. "These are only suggestions. There are bound to be a few you do not like. They gave me ten names before your mother's came up." Miktes pushed his father's hand off of his mouth but then nodded, agreeing to remain silent much to the older man's relief.

"You know there is Gitinsnk the second daughter of the man who cleans the stables." Another elder cut in. "They both work with large beasts, like the two monsters in the vision."

"That is the stupidest rationalization I have ever heard." A third scoffed. "The elements in the vision are obviously like those you would find in a story. The youngling's perfect mate must be the scribe who looks after our archives, RognIB: She is constantly reading story scrolls."

"And you call my choice bad!" The insulted elder snapped. "At least mine made sense. You're just trying to mate off that half-witted granddaughter of yours!"

"How dare you!"

'More bad choices.' Miktes thought sourly as the two began to fight. Gitinsnk was a female who often came home covered in the filth from the animals which she helped take care of and Rognib was so caught up in her books that she would disappear for days on end. Neither of them sounded like a good choice for mates to Miktes.

"Quiet!" The second oldest of the elders shouted above her comrades arguing. "The inner sanctum is not a place to have this sort of fighting." After making sure both of the fighting elders were sufficiently mollified the second oldest elder announced her choice. "There seemed to be a running theme of danger in your vision Miktes and then there was the way you said your mate held and comforted you. Maybe the strangers are telling us that you are in need of protection."

"I CAN HANDLE MYSELF YOU OLD-" Miktes began angrily.

The second oldest gave the male a stern look which instantly had him grow quiet mid-sentence. "As I was saying..." She continued. "You may one day face an ordeal where strength is needed that you do not possess. Maybe the strangers are telling you that you need another warrior by your side." There was a collective nodding from all but the oldest elder. "I know this is unusual but I say that Wecserr is the one foretold in the vision. He has killed many a beast from the jungle and his courage... it is a fierce as fire. Plus he had a vision about running with a wild beast today. Which I believe fits our youngling here quite nicely."

"B-But Wecserr is a dominate like me." Miktes said hotly. "There's no way he could be my chosen mate! Only a submissive can!"

"Nonsense." The female elder said dismissively. "There are many like you who become mated to other dominated. In fact I myself was mated to a lovely strong female dominate." A sinister grin crossed her green wrinkled face. "Who knows young Miktes maybe you will come to enjoy playing the part of beta male to a powerful male like Wecserr."

Miktes could feel his face grow red with rage at that suggestion. "You old farts have got to be completely out of your minds!" The warrior exploded. He would not allow someone to be on top of him during sex. He was an alpha male the one who made submissives whine on the end of his mighty cock not the other way around.

Scandalized at the way his son had just addressed the elders Daleer stood there his mouth agape. Showing that sort of disrespect could lead to banishment or worst. Not even being the Chief's Son would help Miktes in the punishment. "Miktes!" He hissed. "You will apologize to the elders this instant."

"No I won't" Miktes shot back. "They're trying at stick me with the biggest asshole in the entire village!" He glared at the group of men and women in front of them. "I am not even going to think 'bout fucking with Wecserr!"

There was a collective gasp as all the elders reacted to what had just been said. Cursing like that was considered one of the worst things one could do in the holiest of places in the temple. Thankfully for Miktes he did have one ally in the council, Ceniant. Instead of being outraged by the way they had been spoken to, the eldest of the elders broke out into a fit of laughter. Everyone in the room turning to him and giving him a look as if the cackling man had suddenly gone insane.

"I am sorry, I am sorry." Ceniant apologized as he regained his composure. "But I just got the strangest flash of memory from the way this youngling just sounded." The old and gnarled man gave Daleer a knowing look. "He certainly is your son my chief. You had the same obstinate look on your face as we discussed your potential mating matches. Do you remember?"

"Well y-yes." Daleer admitted with some reluctance. "But unlike Miktes here I knew to keep my mouth shut."

Ceniant nodded his face still showing a small smile. "Yes you did." He said. "It appears that your son here has a bit more fire then you. Must be from his mother's side"

Miktes glanced over to his father with a self-satisfied look. It wasn't often someone said he was greater than the "Mighty Chief Daleer.". The young warrior could actually see himself coming to like the old man who had defended him.

Continuing to speak Ceniant slowly came to a stand and shambled over to the father and son. "Now, let us return back to trying to figure out what your vision mean's youngling." He said getting back to the topic at hand. "I disagree with my associates here. It is obvious to me that the Verdomian your vision was about is none other than my wonderful granddaughter Ocher. She has a hobby of stargazing in front of the fire at nights and she often helps he father in his job of beast herder, taking care of the grazing latcet for him which feed our people with their milk and meat. In my opinion she is the perfect match to your visions and that is my final decision on this matter."

"Ocher?" Miktes asked in shock. 'That's the name of the pretty girl who brushed me off yesterday!'

The rest of the room had a similar response only for a very different reason. "But Elder Ceniant you cannot possibly be suggesting that you allow this troublemaker into your house." The second oldest elder said with a panicked cry.

"Y-Y-Y-Y-Yes it is foolhardy to allow this youngling to have your granddaughter." Another bemoaned. "It would be disastrous for the entire council!"

"Why are they arguing about it so much?" Miktes wondered.

Daleer who had been as stunned as Miktes had been shook his head, gathering his thoughts. "They... they are upset my son because if you become Ocher's mate then that will mean that you will be next in line to become a member of the elder's council." He said slowly. "Actually... it would mean that when Ceniant passes to the rivers in the sky you will become its leader as a part of his house."

{Now I get why them bunch of old farts are freaking out like that. This whole thing just suddenly got a helluva lot better. First father gets his ass embarrassed by Elder Ceniant, and then I learn that I'm going to get to claim one of the most beautiful females in the entire village, and the absolutely best part is that one day I'm going to be in charge of not only the entire village but the elders too! You know what? I'm starting to see why everyone likes this getting mated thing.}

***************

The sound of his mother gasping drew Miktes out of his memories of what had happened earlier that day and back to the present. Glancing over to the entryway where the sound had come from the Verdomian saw his mother standing there in the open doorway with her hands over her mouth as she stared at him. "What's wrong mama?" Miktes asked, ignoring the chorus of "Aww isn't that cute! He still calls her mama." From the grouping of women in the room.

Not taking her eyes off of her son Velloy slowly walked into the room. "It's just..." She began in response to her son's question. "It's just that I have never seen you looking as handsome as you do right now my little one."

"What do you mean by that?" Miktes peered down at his body and noticed for the first time that as he had thought about his meeting with the elders the women in the room had somehow managed to dress him in the ceremonial clothing used for mating ceremonies.

Gone was his usual look of wearing just a simple tan colored loincloth and in its place were two pairs of leather gauntlets and greaves with metal plates on them and a tight fitting pair of black shorts which rode up a little too snugly for his liking. "I look stupid." Miktes huffed.

"No you do not Miktes." Velloy insisted. Walking up to her son the teary eyed mother pulled the young man into a tight hug. "You my boy are the most dashing, attractive, and handsomest male I have ever seen wearing those clothes."

There was a cough from behind the pair, both of them having to loosen their hug enough to look over to Daleer who was standing there with small pout on his rough looking face. "Fine Daleer he is the second one." Velloy relented. When the Verdomian chief smiled at his mate and went to adjust his robes the middle aged woman leaned over and whispered into her son's ear. "Don't tell him but you look a lot better than he did." She laughed. "He didn't fill the outfit out as nicely as you, lack of muscles, you know."

Miktes smirked over at his father who looked back at him confused. This day just kept getting better and better. Pushing his mother away gently the warrior went over to a nearby window and examined himself in the reflection. Now that he saw the whole thing better he realized his mother was right he did look good. But for some reason he felt like something was missing. Raking his mind he quickly came to the answer. As he had walked through the temple's corridors he had seen what the other dominate males and females had been wearing as they took part in their ceremonies. They were dressed similarly to him but they had a loincloth in front that displayed their family crest. "Hey, where's the rest of this thing." He shouted over his shoulder to the women who had dressed him.

"I have it my son." Daleer announced. Reaching into his pocket the older man produced a well sewn brown and silver flap of fabric that had the clan of Hestry crest on it in red. A small circle with two vertical claw marks on either side which floated above two lines forming a corner. Without asking Miktes' mother took the item from her mate's hands and got down onto her knees in front of Miktes. Reaching forward and working her fingers into the younger man's waistband she attached the loincloth to his belt.

"MAMA!" Miktes shouted, his face blushing.

"Quiet little one I'll only be a moment." Finishing the Verdomian mother proudly got to her feet and gave her son an innocent smile. "There now you're all ready to get mated."

"Yeah thanks." Miktes tried to move but was stopped by his mother placing a hand on his chest. "What now." He growled. The young warrior was starting to tire of being embarrassed and ordered around by his parents that day.

"Do not use that tone with me." Velloy said calmly. Then reaching into her boson she pulled out a strange looking necklace. An odd shape on a golden chain. "Here little one. A gift from your mother for your mating day."

"What is it?" Miktes asked taking it between his fingers.

"This is the same piece of jewelry your father presented to me on the day we became bounded." Velloy explained. With a found look she gave Daleer a smile. "He said that he found it in the temple when he was young and that it was the most important thing in his life until he knew I was his mate. He gave it to me at our ceremony. Maybe you could do the same thing when you meet this girl you are to be mated to."

Another round of "Awws" sounded in the room this time the sound making Daleer blush. Miktes only snorted at the sappiness of the whole scene. He did take the family heirloom however not wanting to upset his mother. He did have to admit though there was something about the small golden item that gave him a sense of calm. As if he had seen it once a long time ago.

"If you're done here ladies." Daleer said the group of women in the room, his voice snapping his son out of his short trance. "I think it's time me and my son make our way to the mating ceremony room." The older male waited for the elderly women to nod their consent then took Miktes by the arm and led him out of the room and into the hall. "Are you ready?" He asked once they were out of earshot.

Giving the necklace his mother had given him one last look Miktes frowned and glanced over to his father with a confident smirk. "I think so father." He said as they began walking down the corridor.

***************

The Verdomian holy temple was much larger and more intimidating then Barnabus had originally thought. The expansive structure was built into the side of a mountain, long and twisted spires reaching towards the sky and high outer walls that were patrolled by several burly looking Verdomians guards that were armed to the teeth with spears and strange stick and rock weapons. Thankfully to Barnabus and Rana these defenses really didn't amount to much. Thanks to the cloaking devices that they both carried on their belts the two Jacks were effortlessly able to slip into the building with great ease, Barnabus even having enough time to make bunny ears over the head of a bored looking guard as he walked past them.

"I can't believe how easy this is!" The dark haired man said snickering. "This is just like what happened to Buck Roger's in episode fifty-eight of his series. The case of the-"

"Barnabus you got to stay quiet!" Rana reminded her friend in a harsh whisper. "We might be invisible right now. But they can still hear us."

Realizing that he had been speaking too loudly Barnabus slapped his hand over his mouth. "Sorry forgot." He said apologetically. "This is just kind of awesome! You can't tell me you never had this fantasy."

Rana had to stifle a small laugh at the excitement in her captain's voice. Sometimes Barnabus really did act like a big kid. He was just lucky that she put up with him. "No you can talk." Rana said smiling. "Just do it more quietly." The pair began moving again crossing over a short bridge and towards the front gates. "Of course..." Rana suddenly brought up. "We wouldn't even have to worry about being so quiet if we did this in the middle of the night like I suggested."

"What fun would that be?" Barnabus asked back in a whisper. "You'll see this whole thing will be a piece of cake. It doesn't matter if we do it during the day or night. Besides the quicker we get this done the sooner we can get off this rock and collect our money." Looking ahead of them and into the ancient temple the Jack captain smiled to himself, their sneaking into the fortress reminding him of the story he had told the barflies at the strip joint. Barnabus only hoped that like the heroic version of him in that tale that he'd be able to get through this whole ordeal in one piece.