FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Mellisa breathed heavily in exertion as her feet padded with a soft rhythm along the pavement. She might be on limited duties, but that doesn't mean she has to stay confined to the base. She was feeling a little restless. And there was only one thing she liked to do when she felt this way. Get out and do something physical. Not that it seemed to be helping this time, Mellissa's mind still going a hundred miles an hour as she ran. And yet, getting nowhere.

'Was what I tried to do so wrong?' Mellisa sighed again, giving voice to what she really thought. But no answer was forthcoming, her words just hanging in the empty air. That's just it really, she can convince herself all she likes; it's not going to make her mother agree with what she did. She had tried to help and...that hadn't mattered, her decision didn't fit into her mother's world view and...

She stopped that train of thought with a firm shake of her head. She was just running over the same ground as she had been since she awoke. Any efforts to shake out of this loop not helping, not for long anyway. She could stop for a few minutes, but then they would creep back in again. Or smash their way back in. Which is why she had wanted to go for a run. Needed even. Dressing quickly in her loose grey t-shirt and green shorts that make up her running gear, Mellisa slipped into her worn sneakers and then out of the door. She knew where she wanted to go, needed to go. Even without thinking about it. A good thing, because she still couldn't really concentrate, her feet carrying her without any real input from her.

The park a few blocks away from the barracks being the one place in the city she knows best, a haven of tranquillity from the bustle of the city, an island of calm that had been one of her favourite places when she wanted to think. Or when she didn't want to think. Mellisa is sure which one she wants to do now, she has been doing too much stewing recently since the argument with her mother. She just wants to settle back into doing something normal. And nothing helps her settle down than a good work out.

At least the weather is cool. Not that that really matters, her clothes are usually enough to keep her cool in any weather; the thin cloth thin enough to allow a cooling breeze to tease her fur when she needs it. Or keep the cold out. They have other uses too. To stay low key, not attract any attention. Being in the military, she is used to attracting a lot of attention. So a chance to go grey and just..blend into the background. Right now that is very appealing to her. She doesn't have to worry too much about that right now. It seems that she has gotten her early enough that she is one of the few furs around, just catching sight of a few people going about their normal and unfettered lives and...

Mellisa catches herself, how elitist a thought is that? Like she is the only one having problems with family, even if her problems are connected to something bigger. Maybe that's her problem, that she doesn't know what to do with her problem. And then it might not just be her problem and..

'Stop it.' Mellisa chided herself. She wanted to stop thinking about this, not start going over it again. With an effort, Mellisa pushed it away, running her body through a series of warmup exercises that are pretty much second nature to her, almost as normal as breathing. She can just loose herself in them, her mind wandering and becoming almost still, hyper aware of everything around her and every sensation. The world dropped away, thoughts and worries fell away with it. It might not look like it to someone watching by their is a pattern to what Mellisa is doing, the exercises designed to work and stretch all of the body in sequence, readying the body and mind to fight. Or to run. Not that her mother had taught it to her for that. Not that it can't be used for that reason. It also sharpens the mind, letting her focus expand and focus. Sometimes going where she doesn't want it. Or going down lines that it should, she had learned not to stifle those instincts.

Or her power. She felt it building in her, rising like an irresistible wave that she cannot hold back, only focus. She moved with it, her power gre with each movement and blow. Sweep kick, jump, snap kick, drop and punch. She had been afraid of how strong her magic might get. She felt it growing stronger recently, just a bit. But enough to be noticeable. She still had her control though, never really allowing it to grow beyond a certain level, a level she more holds in her mind. A level she is reaching now, the last movement becomes the catalyst, her foot sweeping out and power with it, the sudden release of magic sweeping the layer of leaves around her into a violent storm. And showering the furkind behind with them, her hair and ears dotted with rusty brown and red flecks as they fall away.

Mellisa stood frozen and mortified. She really hadn't noticed anyone coming up behind her. She had gotten caught up in the moment, Just for a second maybe..but that was enough. At least nothing worse had happened, the power she unleashed no stronger than a swift wind. But if she had let her power grow.... At least she didn't hit her but she did shower her with leaves, so she has every right to be upset.

Despite the almost cheerful response, Mellisa felt her cheeks still burned with heated embarrassment. The fur's soft words were absent any of the harsh sting she had been expecting, but that really didn't help her right now. She had every right to be upset but she didn't seem to be. 'I'm really sorry..I wasn't looking and..'

'Ahhh, don't sweat it.' The hare smiled lightly. Her smile didn't falter, her paw sweeping up over her ears, brushing a few last fleck of leaves out of her hair. 'No harm done huh? Maybe I should have said something..you did seem kinda caught up.'

Mellisa didn't know how to respond to that, she had thought that she had been holding things in pretty tight. But maybe that was what had given her that opinion. She had always held back what she was thinking. And perhaps that was what was so..unsettling. That she had seemed to read her mood anyway. In the space of having seen her for a few seconds and she had summed her up. Well, her current mood. But that was still enough to leave Mellisa feeling a little on the back foot.

'You do this a lot huh?' The hare continued, apparently not bothered by Mellissa's silence. Not trying to fill it as Mellisa might have, just following her train of thought. With a sort of sharp insight, one that almost seemed to look deep inside her.

'Do what?' Mellisa asked, still feeling a little hesitant. She couldn't help feeling a bit like she is looking right through her. Not exposed or vulnerable, more like an open book. Like the hare could see all of her worries.

'Blow off some steam. I mean, it's pretty obvious something is on your mind. I do that a lot too when I'm worked up by something. Or someone. I'm Alice by the way.'

'What makes you think something is bothering me?' Mellisa shrugged, hoping she didn't sound terse. Something about the way she seems to know what she is thinking rankles with her, the fact that she is apparently so easy to read.

'You think it's so hard to see?' Alice shrugged. She twisted her arms from side to side, her waist worked in an unconventional stretch. 'I've felt that way before. And if something isn't bugging you, well, I owe you a smoothie.'

Mellisa fought the urge to shake her head. She should just make an excuse and leave but..she hesitated. It should bother her that this complete stranger is just asking questions and seeming to know so much about her at the same time. But it doesn't. 'Well, yes, I guess I am a bit wound up. You could say I'm stuck in something I can't change.'

'Which you could say of anyone.' Alice grinned, not mockingly. But genuinely cheerfully. 'Maybe you just aren't trying hard enough. Or you need something to help shake you out of this.'

'Oh, got anything..hey!' Mellisa cried, surprised and more than a little shocked. Alice's paw flashed out and Mellisa leapt back quickly, very nearly caught off guard by the sucker punch. A brawler's punch, crude maybe. But fast. And strong. She certainly doesn't want to get too close to them.

Her style is familiar, she had seen it a few time in the past. Hao Tsu, Empty Paw..taught to the central military forces. And yet different somehow, like she had put her own stamp on it. Stamp is just what Alice tries next, one foot lashed out straight at her. Mellisa only just spun out of the way, grabbed the extended foot and threw it high over her head, using both paws to guide it. She had hoped to catch the hare by surprise, to maybe buy some time. It's not a move most novice fighters would expect. But her opponent clearly isn't a novice. Instead of being thrown, she turned her motion into a flip, bringing both legs up and summersaulting backwards to land in an easy crouch. Only to charge right back in, her long ears flying out behind her as she drives a quick punch to Mellissa's chest.

'What are you doing?' Mellissa nearly snaps, twisting her arm over her head and using the momentum to drive her shoulder into her, pushing her back none too gently. She wasn't trying to hurt her, but she needed to keep control here.

'I did say you needed to blow off some steam. And can you think of a better way?' Alice neatly quipped, her mouth moving as fast as her body. She hadn't missed a beat with either, rushing back to cover the gap Mellisa had created, driving one knee right up, towards her stomach.

Mellisa had no time for a reply, her body speaking for her. Well, her paw anyway; she slapped the knee away to take a step closer and threw a punch almost on instinct. Her clenched fist drove straight to her face but the hare caught it, twisted her body and threw her over her shoulder in a toss that she made look easy. The speed of it caught her by surprise and Mellisa had to use her magic to come to her aid, arresting her fall, she flipping her over in mid-air to land in a crouch.

'Hmmm...magic user huh? Looks like this could be really fun.' Alice grinned.

Fun..fun.. Mellisa hesitated, not sure if she should be angry or..or what. She can't hear any mocking tone in her voice, it's almost like she enjoyed this. Something in Mellisa reacted before she can think, racing forward, her sneakers slapped hard on the ground. She leapt into a crescent kick that the hare ducked under with a swift roll. She had only just come back to her feet when Mellisa followed up with three quick punches. Punches that she just dodged aside from, grabbed the last one and twisting her arm into a firm arm lock. Mellisa had no choice to go with it, drooping to the ground.

'So..what's bothering you?' the hare asked, like they had been talking over a cup of coffee, not held her nearly pinned to the ground.

'What do you care?' Mellisa nearly snapped, biting back most of her hard vitriol. 'It's not like you can help anyway.' she punctuated that word with a quick flip, her sudden momentum breaking the grip. The tigress leapt back to her feet and squared off to the hare as she moves against her; the two women circled each other slowly.

Mellisa knew she should stop, but she can't deny this was helping. At least it gave her something else to focus on. Which is what she wanted, even if only a temporary distraction. Her mind felt clearer now, this..this fight having driven away her worries. Even if fight might not be the right word. But they weren't quite sparring either.

'Why should I not?' The hare shrugged casually. 'And anyway, I think there isn't really anything that can't be fixed. Not if you try hard enough..or want it enough.'

'Even if you tried to do the right thing and it didn't get you anywhere?' Mellisa lowered her voice just a little, but didn't lower her paws. She wasn't sure where this was going, but she wasn't going to drop her guard yet. It did seem that the hare wasn't going to fight any more. But she wasn't completely sure about that yet.

'But that's not what is really bothering you is it?' Alice asked steadily. 'It's not what you did, but what you need to do next. Am I right?'

'No..it's not.' Mellisa sighed and took a seat on the bench a few steps behind her. 'I just..don't know what to do now.'

'Or you don't know what is best?' Alice countered. 'Looks to me that you are being pulled in two directions. Sometimes you just have to stop thinking and pick the one that feels right. Do what feels right and see where it goes. Like I said, nothing is so bad it can't be fixed.'

Mellisa nods, those words settling into her mind with a cool clarity. She maybe had been thinking too much, worrying too much, it seemed so easy now. Not that she had any more answers than she did a while ago, but she felt more able to just go along with it and see what happens. 'Well, I hope you are right. But look at this, I've done nothing but take up your time. Not to mention I attacked you.'

'Yeah, with leaves.' Alice chuckled, hiding her mouth delicately behind her paw. 'I'll have to remember that one.'

Mellisa wasn't going to be deterred, she had meant what she said. It might be assuaging her guilt, but she felt she had to do something to make amends. 'At least let me make it up to you.'

'That sounds like fun..but I've gotta dash. Maybe we could grab a smoothie sometime..if you'll be coming around here again.' Alice replied, tucking her paws into her pockets.

'I think I will.' Mellisa grinned back. 'I'll be careful what I do with leaves next time.'

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Silence hovered over the rocky outcrop, the slightest breeze being the only thing to disturb it. It swept over the four figures crouched at the top of the escarpment. The one in the centre allowed himself a soft smile. The place had been chosen perfectly, just perfect, the direction of the wind masked their scent and carried it away from them. And from the creatures to the north. He can't see them, but they are there. He knew that, and what they can do. And had no desire to see them up close.

The maps they had been provided with had given them enough of a feel for this place. But there is no substitute for seeing somewhere for yourself. Which is just what the meerkat wanted to do. To take the time to look over this dell properly, take the lie of the land for himself. There was just one problem with that.

'Are you just going to lie there all day?' Manc bit back a curse, shutting off the radio earpiece with a tap of his finger. That was his problem, the soft almost weedy voice in his ear that even the affected tone of command couldn't put asunder.

'You come down here and do this then, since it's so important to you.' The meerkat muttered, his voice low as much from his frustration as to not give them away. With a sigh, he clicked the radio back on. 'No, just until I'm satisfied. You paid us for this job and I'm not going to rush into it and put my team at risk. We are only going to get one shot at this, so we have to get it right.'

The pause that followed let him look over the other three soldiers crouched next to him. Others wouldn't use that term, calling them mercenaries or worse. But soldiers they are, all of his team having served several terms in various armed forces the world over. Team might be a bit of a stretch though, since they have never worked together before. But they will soon get it together. And at least they have an easy job to do. Easy money too, which mattered a lot more.

'Very well. I will hold you responsible if this doesn't go as planned.' The link went dead with a click, cut over by the growl from the Doberman next to him.

'Its guys like that I left the army to get away from.' His growl grew into a snarl, his lip curled harshly.

'I don't like him either but it's just one job and we don't have to see him again.' Manc glanced at the other two members of his squad. 'Mae, Hurran, get down there and set the trap. Slev and I will cover you.'

Manc instantly saw he had made the right choice, the pair of foxes moved perfectly silently despite the heavy load slung between them, the netting did at least make the bulky box much easier to handle. Still, he would be a lot happier when it is set up and they are back here. Another reason why he had sent them down, the pair of vulpine are the most technically minded of the four.

He made sure to keep one eye on them and the other on the surround. He didn't want any demons turning up. Not yet. That would maybe spoil everything. The sounds of battle either driving them away or drawing them here. Lots of them. Which could be a problem. They are meant to be here in secret, not attracting attention. And a full on firefight would do that.

It was the work of a few minutes to set the trap, a few presses on the control panel and the box cracked open, the two halves folding flush with the ground, allowing the foxes to pull out the flat disks and drag them out a good few feet away until the wires are taut. As the last one is set into the soft earth, all it took was one last button to activate it. Or to set the timer to activate it, giving them 30 seconds to get clear.

Manc still scanned for any sign of movement when something attracted him down where the trap had been set. Nothing major, but he was very attuned to small things right now. And the rippling shimmer certainly applied, the wave almost like a heat haze enveloped the trap and surrounding ground and then..gone. Just for a second, he couldn't believe what he saw, wondering if he was seeing things. But he wasn't, the trap was just gone. Not blended into the background like by an optical cloak, but completely invisible. He allows himself another grim, he may not like his client but he does have expensive toys. He will have to ask about that.

'So, now we wait huh?' Slev growled, as the two foxes scrambled over the lip and joined them under cover. Ever the hunter, silent and focused. He heard his breathing slow, testing the air around them, picking up the scents that must be here. Scents that are beyond his senses to detect, never mind track.

'Yes, now we wait.' Manc hadn't fully understood the science behind the trap..but he knows enough. He already heard the soft pulse the trap gave out, if he tipped his head a little. A soft tickling in his ear, an annoying rhythmic pulse that sets his teeth on edge. Apparently, the demons love it. Or at least attracted to it. Can't see why, he would be wanting to get away from it. Still, it did seem to be working. Or he hoped it was working.

'Contact. On the ridge, 3 o clock.' Slev said, his eye pressed to the scope of his rifle. His breathing stilled further, slowing as his focus grew. His whole body not moving an inch, the barrel perfectly steady as it tracked his target.

'Demon?' Manc asked as he sought the terrain for the movement he saw.

'Yep, ugly mother too. Let's hope this trap does the trick, cause I don't want to have to fight it.' Slev muttered. Manc can't help notice that he checked the safety is off. Something he only does when he feels on edge. A sign of how much higher he thinks the stakes are.

Ugly mother is right. All dark leathery skin, sharp fangs and twisted horns. Not to mention wings. Bloody big wings, bat like almost. The skin is stretched tight of fingers that a most likely deceptively fragile looking. It looks freaky enough on the ground, in the air..no, he doesn't want to think about that.

He didn't have to look to see that the others had their weapons trained too, all of them watching with the same cool focus. All alert to even the slightest movement. With every step it took, he is almost sure that it would get spooked or sense something is wrong and just take flight. He really didn't want to have this turn into a shooting match, they are supposed to be being covert here after all.

The demon didn't seem to have noticed anything wrong, not surprising maybe. They don't have the intelligence to pick out a trap, certainly not one hidden like this. Now he felt a little tingle of anticipation run through him and the squad, all of them seeing the demon approaching the hidden trap. None of them knew what to expect, they had been told the trap would capture the demon but not how.

No matter what he had expected, Manc couldn't help being surprised as solid steel cables sprang out like dozen whips, snapping out to snare around the demons limbs. The screech of surprised rage did nothing to help, echoing around the dip. Neither did its strength those tendrils tugged and tightened, the harsh pressure dragging the captive demon down to the ground. The more it struggled, the more it is restrained. Extra tendrils lashed out to secure it from head to toe, right from muzzle to tail. Every inch of each free limb tied down and helpless.

Manc gave it a minute anyway before he rose up. He couldn't help being impressed, the trap had done what it promised too. He hoped. They really couldn't find that out sitting around here, they still had a job to do.

'Alright. Fan out and go steady. Slev and I will check it is secured, you two cover us. Don't shoot unless you really have to.' Manc said.

Seeing the foxes nod from the corner of his eye, Manc took point, his rifle raised a little to be trained on the demon if he needed too. It didn't seem that he did, but better safe than sorry. The demon watched them as the approached, luckily it seemed to be restrained enough to do little more growl and snarl at them. One eye still watched balefully as it tried to raise its head.

Satisfied enough it couldn't move, Manc reached into his pack and retrieved the second bit of tech they had been given for this job. One a good sight easier to use. All it needed was for Manc to press the steel band to the demons neck, the half circle forming a complete ring with a sharp shing. The effect was instant, the demon's struggles stilled. It's eyes glazed over. It no longer seemed under its own control. Almost as if it was going to be made to do something. Whatever that was, Manc didn't want to be around when it did it.

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The ATC centre was a hive of quiet activity, the staff around her going on with their jobs and duty without any real need of direction from Mellisa. She was just officer of the day, officer in title only. Really just here as a figurehead, to liaise with her team down on the ground, providing security for the landing pads. No, she isn't in command here, the ATC run under the watchful eye of the Sergeant seated in the chair in front of her. It's his team, his command.

Still, he had done her the curtesy of allowing her a place at the tactical console, to oversee what he saw, keeping real time track of assets deployed and aircraft incoming, the display updated every thirty seconds. The perfect way to keep track of anything incoming, be it friend of foe.

Not that anything has attacked them here in as long as she has been with the military, but she almost wished something would happen. Right now, she would be glad of the distraction, her fingers tapping on the arm rest of her chair in a steady rhythm. She hoped that she kept the bored expression off her face. Not that she is bored, it's just her mind is wandering, that restless energy having flowed down to her fingers.

Mellisa bites back a sigh, keeping her returning frustration behind her lips and teeth. The calm and focus she had received from talking with Alice seems to have evaporated like the heat from the now cool and untouched cup of coffee beside her on the arm of the chair. It is really taking more of her concentration to keep her mind from running over ground she would rather not tread again. So, it is more than understandable that she wishes something would happen and take her mind off her worries, even for a little bit.

'Are we boring you?' Grant said as he turned around in the chair with a grin. 'I'm just kidding. I see that look on most officers assigned up here. I can understand this must be kinda dull compared with being out in the field yes?'

Mellisa managed a wry smile. 'I don't know..maybe dull is good right now. I think I've caused enough trouble for one week.' She sees no point in hiding that, rumour runs around the base like greased lightning anyway. And if he hadn't heard then he soon will.

'Well, I wouldn't say trouble. At least, I don't see it as trouble. Maybe it wasn't by the book exactly, but you did what you thought was right. That's how I see it.' Grant shrugged, his face not losing the smile. So he had heard then, and it really seemed not to bother him. Or he was hiding it well. Mellisa made a point not to ask him. 'It's not like you could have let them go alone. I know I wouldn't. Protecting them aside, I wouldn't feel right letting members of the Army in our city unescorted anyway. Something's are meant to remain private, you know. Can't have them sniffing around anywhere.'

'And you would say the same if you knew that someone was going to try to steal something from the city, you would do the same?' Mellisa asked, keeping her surprise clamped down on. She really hadn't expected to meet someone who felt remotely the same, even if he has the same distrust of the regular forces as her mother. Which she can't really blame him for. It's not like they have served with them.

'Sir, we have an unidentified contact coming in from the south west, bearing red 6-6-9 speed 200 klicks. Still waiting on ident signal.' Mellisa was up on her feet, just a second behind Grant, catching up with him as he tapped a finger on the screen.

Silence had filled the control room, a wary silence. But undercut with fear. Hidden, but it is there. This can't be something that happens every day. The sudden silence spoke that plain enough. Silence that Grant broke, shattering it and bringing his teams focus to him.

'Right. We don't have anything due back yet do we?' Grant dropped back into the role of Sergeant instantly, just like he had thrown a switch inside him. Or maybe he is just used to switching between the two, from one of the lads to steady commander.

'No sir. But we do have a few airships running supplies to the south west. One of them could have run into trouble and have been forced to make an emergency landing.' The TacSec officer said, her keen eyes not leaving the screen. Lea if Mellisa remembered correctly, the name bubbled up in her head. But right now that wasn't as important as what she said.

'Without calling it in?' Mellisa asked thoughtfully. She might be ignorant about many aspects of this job, but she has been picking up some things about their procedures. Especially this one, since she has been listening to a lot of radio calls as craft either landed or took off. And they all started with the incoming or outgoing aircraft keeping constant radio traffic.

'Could be they are waiting to see if there will be anything worth saving.' Mellisa had no idea if that was gallows humour or if Lea genuinely meant that. 'Or something could be seriously wrong. Which could just be equipment failure of course.'

'Well, can we see if we can make radio contact?' Mellisa leaned close with her paw resting on the back of the chair, her eyes resting on the unknown contact, trying to gleam as much as she can from it. Which isn't much.

'Already tried that. I'm getting nothing but static. But they are running pretty low to the ground, that could be affecting our link to the transmitter.' the RAO said from across the room. 'Or it could be the sensor echo is blocking our signal. That can happen with a low flying aircraft.'

'How low?' Mellisa asked, not liking that. If they are low, then it could be they have suffered serious engine malfunctions and could be struggling just to keep the craft in the air.

'Given the sensor echo, I'd say no higher than 500 feet.' RAO said, now sounding a little worried. 'If they go much lower, we might lose the signal al...there it goes. Contact lost, sir. Marking last position.'

Mellisa didn't need her to say that, the green dot winking out with a flicker. Her mind raced a hundred miles an hour while time seemed to stop around her, a solid surety settling in her stomach. She knew exactly what to do.

'We can get a rescue team in the air as soon as possible, full medical gear, yes?' Mellisa asked, stepping back from the console.

Grant glanced up, turning to just get her in his peripheral vision. 'Where are you going?

I'm going to go and check out the crash site.' Mellisa said steadily.

'If there is a crash site.' Grant countered. 'We still don't know what happened out there.'

'And we won't unless someone goes and takes a look.' Mellisa said, as she moved towards the lift that will carry her down to ground level. 'It's not like I'm really needed here, so I might as well do something. And I can get there faster than the rescue team. I'll keep in radio contact.'

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Cold was the first thing Mellisa felt when she stepped out of the lift, an near icy wind that whipped around her and made her fingers tremble. Cold compared with the warmth of the command centre anyway. But that won't last long as Mellisa strode towards the quartet of recon bikes that sat just off to the left of the lift that had carried her down to the hanger, the squat compact vehicles mostly used for scouts doing ground recon around the city. Which makes one perfect for her needs, nothing can get her there faster without prolonged start up checks. And she doesn't have the time to waste.

She quickly slipped into a helmet and riding gloves, then swung onto the back of the bike, before she kicked the engine to life with a throaty roar that rumbled through her body and echoed around the enclosed hanger.

The cold she had felt around her from the open hanger door wrapped around her with an icy ferocity that threatened to penetrate her clothing, seeking a way in even if her thick jacket is doing a good job of keeping it out. That wind raced around her as pushed the engine hard down the narrow tunnel that lead her outside. Her helmet muffled the sound of the engine, leaving her free to hear the commlink nestled in her ear.

'Rescue teams will be launching in 15 minutes.' Grants voice intoned. 'Should be with you five minutes after that.'

'Understood.' Mellisa says as she roared out into the open. That might not be soon enough, she can respond with limited medical support. But even with the medical kit in the bikes equipment, she can't do more than triage the wounded. But that would be better than nothing.

Relying sole on her locator to guide her to the crash site, Mellisa gunned the engine. Silently she urged the bike on, willing that she gets there in time. Gravel skidded under the wheels, flecks of stone scattered on the ground behind her. The bike skidded again but Mellisa held it in line through sheer brute force and powered up the steep incline. The sight that greeted her when she topped the plateau nearly made her stop. Her vision suddenly locked on the thick plume of black smoke twisting into the sky.

'No..no.' Mellisa mutters. She gunned her bike faster. A sense of deep helplessness gripped her, frustration mingled with her doubts. Maybe is she had been..no, she cannot afford to think like that, such thoughts are a luxury she cannot take. Neither is time, something she cannot spend needlessly. She can do nothing here, but she can help if she gets there. The sooner she does, the sooner she knows what help will be needed. The ride to the crash is both the longest and shortest of her life, both hoping and dreading what she might see.

Coasting her bike closer to the downed ship to see the smoke that poured from a gaping gap in the side. She dreaded that maybe she had found what she most feared. Movement, she would have given anything to see movement. But the surround was still, nothing moved beyond the black smoke billowing in the wind. A cruel and harsh banner of death. The smoke burned and stung her eyes as Mellisa cruised around the cockpit. Her heart sank further as she saw the crushed and cracked view screen, the toughened glass little more than jagged splinters.

Mellisa pulled the bike to a halt and doffed her helmet. She only paused for a second to grab the small medikit from the bike's rear compartment then she moved closer. She doesn't know what good she can do, but there is always the chance that someone could still be alive. If she could....

At that moment, the hatch of the wrecked airship clanged to the floor in a cloud of dust. Her first thought had been that it had just been damaged in the crash and finally slipped off, the bolts and hinges giving way. But then she saw movement inside. Just a flash, then a head emerged from the doorway. Cutting through the cloud of smoke, the pilot staggered out of the hatch. A flash of prehensile tail identified him as a monitor lizard, his scales blackened. With soot rather than burns she hoped.

As she rushed forward to help the injured crewman, Mellisa noticed as she got close that he dragged another figure with him, all his strength used to move the bull away from the smoking wreck. He didn't even seem to notice Mellisa was there until she grasped the other arm that still draped by his side and together they heaved, working to get him clear of the wreck.

If her body had any strength left, it would come to her aid now. Looking back Mellisa had no idea how she summoned enough strength to drag the bovine pilot clear. But right then she hadn't cared, nothing mattered beyond being able to get him clear. Still, her arms and legs burned with fatigue by the time she and the retile had dragged him what she hoped was a safe distance, just as she sees flames starting to lick inside of the cockpit.

The sounds around her are heightened now. Or maybe they just sound that way in the silence around her. And things have been silent, even from the wounded pilot. Apart from one slight scream that trailed off as soon as they laid him down, he had been quiet. He was breathing normally, which had to be a good thing. Mellisa now seemed heightened towards such little details, all her senses seeming sharpened. She'd heard of this, of adrenaline and fear stealing the normal passage of time, changing the normal into the realm of deception and distraction. Seconds have felt like hours but she is sure at the same time it has been seconds. And yet, something feels off, dulled in a way. The pilot seemed to glow while everything around her is grey and lifeless. She could almost see the pilot's wounds, checking him over with her eyes as much as other senses. He doesn't seem badly hurt. No sign of any serious injuries, not as far as she can see. The only sign of an injury is a trickle of blood running down over his horns. But his uniform could be hiding a lot, and she isn't going to start removing anything until the medics get there. She might just do more harm than good.

'Is there anyone else inside?' Mellisa asked, her tone soft as not to disturb the pilot. He has been through enough of a shock already and pressing him will do no good.

'No. Just the two of us. We were lucky, the rear compartment caught fire as soon as we crashed. Anyone back there would have been killed instantly. But we lost all control.' The pilot has dropped to tend to his friend and Mellisa passed him the medikit. He seems to have fallen into cool and emotionless military speak, a sign of shock maybe. Or just his way of coping. Mellisa didn't press him on that either, not when she has questions she needed to ask. Her heart still went out to him, exhausted and bloody and covered in smoke. But she had a duty to do, a commander before a soldier.

'What happened here? Mechanical failure?' Mellisa asked softly.

'I don't know. I..can't..something rocked us and we started to lose height.' Part of him seemed to waver, his paws trembled as he fumbled for a stick of pain killer. Caught up in the memory of it for a few seconds maybe. Mellisa rested a paw on his shoulder, wishing she could do more to help. But her touch seemed to steady him anyway. 'We began to drop, the whole thing shaking. I couldn't hold her and then..we crashed. I had to get out, get us out.'

'You did. He's going to be fine. Just wait here. Help is coming.' Mellisa glanced up, seeing the dark speck on the sky of an approaching airship, growing while she watched. She can do no more here, not for the crew. Even if the pilot's wounds are life threatening, she can do no more. And something attracts her mind. Something she can't put her finger on, like a point in her mind. Something reaching for her, calling to her. Almost like a voice just at the edge of hearing.

Following that diffuse feeling, Mellisa let her feet carry her around the back of the ship. Ignoring the still spitting and spluttering engines. She hadn't known what she would find, but this was not what she expected. More wreckage and torn metal, that she had expected. But not the twisted and managed body of a demon, oil still dripping from its claws and mingling with its blood, the dark mixture staining the rocks in a wide pool.

Tall as the airship is long, its huge wings folded around its body and draped over it, it's eyes stared lifelessly at her. It's neck twisted to a cruel angle, making her imagine the sickening sound of bone cracking without even the slightest scream or cry. Just dead. Had it died in the crash. She didn't know. But it was dead. And...that wasn't what attracted her mind. She might have just been looking in the right place, the glint of metal catching her eye.

Delicately the tips of her claws closed on the thin strip of metal, seeing circuitry inside before she even turned it around. Something from the airship maybe..but she isn't sure. All she is sure of is she will need a second opinion. And that meant calling in a favour she has been keeping in her pocket for a while.

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Mellisa stood to ramrod attention in front of her mother's desk, unable to keep her mind from flashing back to the last time she had been here. She had mentally prepared herself for another grilling, even if this time she knew she had been completely within her rights to do what she did. More than her right, it was her duty. She could take some comfort in that. Cold comfort maybe..since it didn't change what went before. Nothing could. But her mother is nothing if not pragmatic, she always deals with the now. It's the one thing that holds them together, the one thing that they both share. Well, not the only thing. It would be very too wrong to assume these recent issues have changed how Mellisa feels about her mother.

She is still the person she has the most respect for, the oldest authority to her. She had been the centre of her world when she was growing up, the person she most looked up too and respected. And still is. It's just..they differ on things, on the way to do things. It's normal maybe, a little teen rebellion, standing out on her own. Even if she is at the end of her teens. Or just differences, different ways of seeing things, different responsibilities. People do have them. And that cannot change the respect she has for her. She had literally trained her from when she was old enough to hold a sword, had trained her in all she knew. Had fuelled her eager mind, tempered it with focus and discipline. Now that she looks back on it, she had been shaping her into her image. Others might see it that way, but she had never regretted or hated the way she raised her.

The sound of paper rustling drew her sharply from her monologue, the chatter in her head ceasing instantly. Now she was facing her mother and watched her steadily.

'So..it seems you were in the right place at the right time. I'm pleased to see that your duty was clear this time.' Tiffany said with a cool smile.

'It's just a shame I wasn't in time, ma'am.' Mellisa replied softly.

'In time? I understand your actions most definitely saved the pilot and co-pilot.' Tiffany countered, her tone softened slightly. Seemed she had scored some points with that. It's just a shame they couldn't be set against what she had already done.

'I meant to stop the attack in the first place.' Mellisa kept her face impassive, hiding the sorrow that blossomed in her heart. 'That I wasn't in time to stop the demon from downing the aircraft.'

'I don't see what you could have done to prevent that. What could have been done to prevent a simple accident.' Tiffany closed the file slowly. A subtle gesture that this was done, subtle but unavoidable.

'But...' Mellisa cuts off that word, her mother has never liked it. It's the sign of weakness, of hesitation. The most basic and principle sign of that. 'What if it wasn't an accident?'

'Your report said the demon was found by the downed aircraft.' Tiffany said without opening the file again. Maybe a sign of how many times she had read it, she knew that she would have absorbed all the relevant details after the first run through

'Yes, I just don't know why. I saw the crash, the damage to the craft. Damage that could have been caused by a demon attack.' Mellisa said slowly, knowing her mother wouldn't immediately take to her conclusion. It's not like she has any real proof, just a theory.

'Or by the crash itself. Like you said, we don't know what happened. We have an investigation into the crash and the damage to the aircraft ongoing. Until that is concluded, we will not be making any judgements or decision on it one way or the other.' Tiffany said, her tone dropping to a tone that brokers no argument. One that Mellisa had learned to listen too, to know that she can't butt heads with.

'Understood, ma'am.' Mellisa nodded, feeling in her pocket for the piece of metal she had picked up from the crash. 'If you will excuse me, I have some duties to attend too.'

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Mellisa strode through the Sanctum Intelligencer, not getting any looks beyond a quick casual glance from the scientists gathered in the central lab, swiping her ID over the reader and slipping through the clear doors before they have fully opened. It's not uncommon to see military officers here. The Intelligencer is funded by the military, even if it's purpose isn't always militaristic. All new technologies are researched here under strict controls and she is most likely seen as an officer here to do an inspection. But she has another purpose. Still, it works as a cover, her presence not attracting any real attention.

Mellisa paw dipped into her pocket again, brushing the tiny circuitry that had brought her here. Sometime about it tells her this isn't just something your basic technician can check out. No, this is something she needs to go right to the top with. And they don't get much higher than the furson she had come to see.

She was hunched over a desk in the far corner of the main lab, tucked right away out of sight in a corner office. Not exactly a place you would expect to find the head of experimental sciences perhaps. But that is how Peony likes it. She has never liked drawing attention to her station. Even for an owl, she is oddly self-conscious. At least, that is the face she presents to the world. Mellisa just thinks she likes to be alone, well, undisturbed.

The office might be out of the way, but it's not pokey, not the kind of small cupboard you would chuck a young researcher into. No, it has some touches that point to the status of its occupant; the desk that filled most of the rear wall made of expensive oak. What little Mellisa saw of it under the scattering of papers that seem to have been spread over it almost haphazardly. It seemed to make sense to the avian who leaned over the desk as she picked up one piece of paper without letting her eyes leave the terminal screen, glancing at it and sending her fingers flying over the keyboard.

Mellisa stepped into the office, the gloom surrounding her instantly. Her eyes do adjust, but the low light is still enough for her to see in. And certainly for Peony to work. Which she has to just wait while she does. Interrupting her does no good. When she is caught up in her work, there is no bringing her out of it.

'Just place it down on the table and I'll get to it.' Mellisa raised her head in surprise. Seems that maybe she hadn't been as distracted as she thought. 'I'm really too busy to look at another funding application or...'

'I think I've got something a little more interesting than that.' Mellisa stepped away from the filing cabinet, opening her closed paw with the circuitry laden circuit in her palm. 'Something I found at the airship crash.'

If she was surprised by her standing there, she didn't show it. But she had always been close with her emotions. She certainly was hard to read sometimes. 'Captain Lockwell. My apologies. Yes, I heard about that. But I'm sure such a crash would have produced lots of wreckage and I'm sure that lots of it was scattered about. Now...'

'Except this didn't come from the crash, it was on the head of a demon I found killed by the crash site.' Mellisa strode forward and placed the circlet on the desk. 'I wouldn't have come to you if I didn't think this was important.'

The owl sighed, placing down her paper and picking up the band. She gave it a quick glance, a disinterested glance. Just for a second. Then her face dropped into an intrigued stare. This is how Peony reacts, all sudden attraction. And she does seem intrigued. Whatever this is, something about it has caused her controlled exterior to slip for a second.

'You found this at the crash site?' Now Peony did seem to be listening, her attention focused fully on the device in her hand. Her talons turned it from left to right, as if checking it for something Mellisa couldn't fathom.

'I did. Do you know what it is?' Mellisa asks, not wanting to disturb her thinking.

'Not as such..but the technology in this shouldn't be...' Peony trailed off. In the silence that followed, she moved to the other side of the office and placed the device inside a scanner.

The device hummed as it started up and Mellisa waited, unable to keep from wondering exactly what it is she had found. Peony seems to have some idea, she had the same look on her face Mellisa had seen many times before when she is chasing down a puzzle. The screen came to life, showing more details of the device, isolating the circuits inside and giving cross sections. Clearly this is more complex than she had thought.

Peony is lost in her own little world it seems. Every few seconds she muttered to herself so softly that even Mellissa's sharp ears really could only catch a few words. Her hands moved as fast as her mouth, weaving a wild dance over the keyboard in a pattern Mellisa had no hope of following. 'But....can't be....this....not....soon. It's impossible.'

'What's impossible?' Mellisa tried hard not to sound exasperated, burying that with a slow breath. 'You know what this thing is?'

'I don't. No one should.' Peony turned, her face troubled. What she had thought of as a puzzle is now something much more worrying. 'This technology...it is being developed to be introduced into our next generation of vehicles and equipment. There is no way any of this should be out in the field yet. It's impossible.'

'Are you sure there is no way? Someone doing an impromptu field test maybe?' Mellisa asked.

'No. We have kept this under strict controls. This technology has our highest security. It's just not possible.' Peony sighed, suddenly looking very small. Mellisa sympathised with her immediately. She might be one of the people that knows her best. Not friend's but.. She has always been a scientist. She likes things to be understandable, predictable. Maybe why she never seems to do that well with furkind. Furs don't follow patterns or set behaviour.

'I understand.' Mellisa gave her a soft nod. 'Can you look into this more for me? I'd like to know what this thing is for, what it was meant to do.'

Peony nodded back, her confidence seeming to have returned with the prospect of a new puzzle to play around with. Seeking comfort in what she finds familiar perhaps. Whatever it was about this, something seems to have shaken her. 'Well, it is very badly damaged. I can't say what components are missing and that may limit my ability to determine its functionality and purpose you understand.'

'I know you'll do your best.' Mellisa said with another smile. 'Let me know when you have something

With a nod Peony watched her leave, her eyes not leaving the tigress until she had stepped out of her office, the door pulled shut behind her. In the deep gloom, she turned back to her computer, a few quick commands bringing up a communication window, the fuzz of static being replaced by a smooth silence, a purposeful silence.

'It's me..yes, one of the devices was found by a member of the Stillwater. No, she doesn't know what it is for. I can stall her on that if you..yes, I understand. You will take care of her.' With those words, the link went dead, pure silence surrounding her again.

Unaware of all of this, Mellisa needed to think. Her feet almost carried her by rote unthinking memory to the edge of the landing pad, staring down at the wreckage of the airship that was still being crawled over by technicians and engineers, the orange clad figures seeming like specks from this high. But she envied them, their surety. They have a problem they know how to deal with. She lacks that. She has a problem no one else seems to want to touch, to maybe even consider a problem at all.

Who would believe her? There might be nothing to believe, just a pattern she is starting to see. Not even a pattern, just her instincts. Instincts she trusts, and she is sure that something is going on here. It's just she doesn't know what. She doesn't even have half of the picture, doesn't even know what the picture is yet. A threat, that is all she can see. She has nothing beyond that, but she can see it. More than that, she can feel it. How to make others see what she does, that is the real question.

Have her look over the base, thinking of her home. How she wants to protect it, that her mother and her fight for the same goal. Her people, they just see it differently. One from inside, one from outside. But they do want the same thing, convincing her off it, that will be the challenge, maybe she needs a bold idea. To shake her people from being so inward looking.

And her mother. She can't even think how she could convince her of this. She has no proof. Not proof she will accept. Just like with the mission she did with Hiromi, she...Mellisa trailed off in her head, an idea so simple that she cannot believe she didn't think of it before. It's not like she can get into much more trouble, right? And if she does, at least it will be for doing something. Now, she just needs a ride.

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'So, I think you agree with me, agree that things are starting to run away from us.' Hiromi took a sip of her coffee, her eyes not having left the stallion as she sits opposite her. Despite standing a good head taller than her, Sapphire has this soothing aura around her, breaking any intimidating feelings from her appearance or presence. It's not surprising that many expect to feel intimidated in her presence, yet she never fails to put them at ease.

'I know not. But my instincts say they are. And either way, we cannot delay. No matter what others feel or think, we have to act. Especially if others do not.' Sapphire said, taking a seat and tucking her dress under her legs. The goddesses smooth voice matching the grace in her movements.

'You think we are really going to war?' Hiromi asked, passing a freshly poured cup to Sapphire before taking another for herself. She probably shouldn't have another, she is already a bit worked up. But she feels the need to have something to focus on. With a deep sigh, she breathes in the sweet steam. She feels more than a little shaken. Things starting to run away with them is an understatement. Events of today have almost made her doubt everything she has been doing, and everything she held true.

'You have seen the events I have. I trust you to draw your own conclusions. Goddess or not, I have no right to say to others do this or that. I am a guide, a councillor. Not a ruler.' Sapphire said.

Sapphire has always treated her like an equal, despite their differences. It has been a strong basis of friendship. 'I agree they are disturbing. That things are moving faster than we anticipated.'

'I may be no guide, but we are friends. And I can't help wondering if you are alright. After what happened today?' Sapphire leaned in closer, her eyes full of genuine concern.

Hiromi made sure to keep her face inscrutable. And to ignore the knot growing in her stomach. If she closed her eyes, she could still smell the smoke and..blood and...no...she pushed those thoughts away. 'I'm fine. It's not the first time I've been attacked you know.'

Sapphire looked at her over the cup, her eyes seeming to bore into her, like she knew she was just saying that. 'Of course..but this was hardly normal. Was it? To have a colleague turn on you like that. I think that would shake anyone.'

'How..did you know?' Hiromi's paw starts to shake, spilling a little coffee. She couldn't stop it. The tremor growing until Sapphire rested a hand on her other hand.

'Do you not think I have my sources? That an attack on any military installation is something I would not know about?' Sapphire answered. 'But you didn't answer my question. Are you alright?'

'No..no. I'm not. I..haven't felt like this for..not long enough.' Hiromi sighed. 'I...someone trying to kill me..that I could have taken..but what happened to them..the change. I just cannot understand it...how could we have not seen it?'

'This was something we could have never foreseen. No one could have done. All we can do is prepare. This latest incident in Pluvia is disturbing enough. But the changes we have been seeing..the forces that rise up, they could only be the start. Which is why the team you are putting together will be needed all the more. My courtesans can only do so much. We have not the numbers to be an army.'

'I know. I have secured Commander Raikes' support us as well. With resources if not troops. He is bound by more constraints than we are.' Hiromi said, her nerves fading. Along with the memories. At least for now, now that she has something to focus on.

'That is true. But his help will be needed before the end. I know that. Either way, we must proceed. If you are ready."

'I am. All of my team are ready to be deployed. Save one. I still have to approach her.' Hiromi took one last sip of her coffee, savouring the last taste.

'You mean this mysterious new recruit of yours? The one you haven't really asked?' Sapphire smiled, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

'That's her.' Hiromi nodded. 'The time was not right, we have only met briefly but I'm sure she will join us. She has what we need. And I feel she will need us too.'

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