FSE

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In the world Solarus there lived two races that warred sense ancient times. Dragons and humans. In the beginning the dragons were beasts of size and strength and little intelligence. They were wild and powerful and untameable by the humans. Who early on banded together and started taming what is wild. For uncountable generations the dragons had always had the advantage of flight but eventually to counter this humans made weapons of range. To counter this a dragons hide started growing thicker and the points of places that a dragon could be killed easily grew smaller. The humans then started building fortresses to keep them safe. One evolution advance was met with another and eventually the dragons evolved to envy the humans intelligence. So they started taking prisoners and slaving humans. Breeding with them. Mixing their bloodlines.

The dragons evolution then was to make their genetic makeup stronger than the humans. The dragon folk that were born from this at first fought for their superior brethren but as the humans started to evolve to fight them they found a more familiarity with them than their brethren. At first they tried to bring peace between their brother races but that ended in failure. It was the ailing side of the dragons once again that led to the dragon folk finding unclaimed lands and in the end they fled to this land with what dragons that would go with them. Four hundred years passed and dragons slipped into human legend and myth. Humanity divided and fought itself as the dragon folk built a mighty empire on a small rich ore filled and fertile continent. When the two races met again it was war.

The humans of the Imperial Empire and their armada encountered a small outpost base on one of the outlaying islands of the dragon continent. The battle lasted for ten days. Near a thousand dragon folk and over ten thousand humans died in that time. The dragons once again poured over the humans floating fortresses designed to war against each other but not against enemies that flew and landed on the decks of the crafts. Many dragon died to the guns of the humans. Able to pierce their think hides and strong armors. After ten days more forces of each side had come. Many of the armada ships were sunk or sinking. Many of the dragon folk back on solid ground or their small landing craft. In the middle of them was a pair of soldiers. One from each side.

The female dragon folk and the male human were on a raft. The once enemies became quick allies as they became trapped in one of the rooms of a sinking cruiser. Her wings were filled with holes and hurt badly. The man an engineer forced to defend himself against her. He saved her when he closed the bulkhead door that threatened to let in the water to drown the two. It was her strength that ripped threw the thick hull and let them escape. For hours both sides only watched as the two kept in the raft. Waiting for one to kill the other but refusing to. Neither side sending a rescue in fear of putting more lives in danger than they would save. Eventually the current brought them to the human armada. She was taken prisoner. Then when she was about to be executed. The man turned on his admiral and ushered the words that ended the war. “ She was only defending her home.”

“ This concludes our part one of two history documentary of the race war. Please tune in next week to see part two.” Harry takes his mug that was made for a dragon folk and drinks the drink made for dragon folk while in the bar made for dragon folk while waiting on one to arrive. The only problem. He was not a dragon in any way. Humans were near 40% smaller to them in height and mass. He was not sure he could finish the drink. However that concern was forgotten as the one he had been waiting for enters. She was seven foot nine and towered over him by at least a foot and a half and he knew she not done growing despite being almost four years older. Harry got out of the high chair with a drop and wrapped his arms around her waist as she put her arms over his shoulders and pulled lightly on his back. “ Harry it has been a while. Three years at least.” Harry backed away so he could get eye contact with her. “ Next month. Lets get a booth and talk some. I ordered a wing platter.”

The two made their way to one of the booths in the near empty bar, after retrieving Harry's drink. After setting the near gallon sized cup down Harry took notice of the dragon folk that sat in front of him. She was in a t shirt and blue denim shorts. It was a summer day and she had been sweating some. “ Last I saw you, Lisa, was in your year of collage being a transfer student in the Imperial Collage of Business Learning.”

Lisa turned bashfully remembering the last night they had together. “ I think I would have did something inadvertently if you were not there to look after me. Human custom is strange sometimes.” Harry remembers her first day on campus. Being his first day too and the two were put in the same dorm room. Being close and with connections. It was the only dorm that housed dragon folk. There was a senior that hit on Lisa and ditching him at the same time. He just made one mistake too many doing that. It took a lot of convincing for her to set him down. That was not the last time he saved her from failed hook up attempts either. They talked of little things until the food came and Harry ate much more than he liked as Lisa enjoyed the light meal. “ So Harry where are you staying? There must not be many temporary places from rent for humans alone.”

Harry shook his head. “ Well there are quite a few in fact but they are way overpriced. I have a hotel room right now but I plan on moving to something more permanent. In fact that is one reason why I called for us to meet. We have known each other sense children. We use to play battle together and get in trouble as often as two kids could. I received the same punishments as you. Then we started growing up together. We both know your culture well and well after that night I've been thinking.” Lisa was not too surprised. The night they both lost their virginity was one she considered more special than many others. “ You know the laws of mix race marriage. The citizen license, family approval, even a year of dating before even allowed being called engaged.”

Harry got into his jacket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. “ I got a job at the dock trade federation. I'm only a clerk but I have the experience with dragon folk and a business degree as you do. As for family approval I doubt it will be refused sense I know you have at least four cousins married like this already.” Lisa looked a little surprised at Harry's planning ahead but smiled. “ Well I have been looking around for my own place to live. My mom has been after me to get on my own. I am sure they will be happy to see you again.” Harry smiled and took out his purse of coins and got out a small silver one. It was well worth the meal and was a fairly large tip as well. He sat it on the table beside the empty cups and platter. “ So to your house then?”

Lisa decided to jog beside of Harry as he rode a bicycle down the streets. The roads were wide enough for two lanes of traffic and some pedestrians to walk but there were few vehicles in Darcadia. The only ones were government emergency or police or transport trucks delivering large hauls. There would not be any of those in the residential area. Lisa parents house was only a few blocks away but that was near half a mile as dragon folk were not only bigger but they built bigger as well. The two just came threw the door as Lisa mother noticed them. “ Oh my, Harry is that you?” Harry finishes taking off his shoes and socks and steps on the hard wood floor. “ Mrs. Treeney. It's been years. How are you?” Mrs. Treeney pats her somewhat dirty apron and goes and hugs Harry the same way Lisa did earlier. However Lisa used more restraint than her mother. “ What brings you by? If I knew you were coming I would have fixed you a place at the table.”

Harry's stomach grumbles at the threat of having more food put into it. “ That is fine. I just ate. What I need more is a place to stay until I find something better than an overcharged tourist hotel.” Without missing a beat Mrs. Treeney clapped her hands together and another dragon folk appeared. “ Walter why don't you fetch Mr. Freelife's belongings at the.” “ Charleston Hotel on 26th and Harper.” “ As you wish milady.” Walter was about to leave but Harry stopped him to give him his room key. After a quick call to the hotel the three settled in the living room. “ I am sure you will be fine staying in Lisa room. The boys are grounded and are not allowed to leave their room.” Harry curiosity got the better of him. “ What did they do this time?”

Lisa answered quite annoyed. “ They put firecrackers on my tail.” Harry choked a laugh in humored surprise. He remembered when they use to do the same to visiting family of hers. It was not unnoticed but Harry quickly avoided the embarrassment by bringing up another topic. “ Mrs. Treeney, my parents and grandfather died in that same storm as your husband. It was a sad day for me and your family. I'm one of two of the last decedents of Harry Freelife who with your mother in that battle one hundred and twenty years ago. My older sister is married in the Imperial Capital and is a diplomat of importance. Me however am single. Something I was hoping to change. Me and Lisa has known each other as long as I can remember.”

Harry then thought action would speak more than his voice as he took Lisa hand. “ We was wondering if you would approve of us dating.” Mrs. Treeney was quite surprised but not as much as the two that were listening in and started dancing around their older sister in song. “ Lisa got a boy friend. Lisa got a boy friend.” Eventually, after a few tries, she catches one of them and slaps her hand against the back of their heads. “ Back to your rooms or no desert for either of you.” After a disappointing “Aww!” from the two they reluctantly left the three in peace. After getting settled again Lisa mother looked over the two in a new perspective. “ Of course you can start dating. After you get the marriage license approved.” The condition was not of surprise to Harry. He expected her to be approving but not stupid to tradition. “ Of course, we would not think of it any other way.”

Harry and Lisa looked at each other and shared in a private wordless joke of the truth. Lisa then spoke. “ Mom you know that house dad use to live in before meeting you?” Mrs. Treeney nodded. “ Of course, we made love in that house for the first time. Why do you ask?” The thought of the extra unneeded information was slightly disturbing to Lisa but she continued anyways. “ I was thinking of moving there. By myself it would be too big but with Harry I'm sure it will be a nice fit.” Mrs. Treeney smiled to the news. The property was in her name but it had not been lived in for years. It will certainly need cleaned and some repairs made. “ Sure, I am sure your father would have loved the idea. Just let me see to it that it is liveable first.” Mrs. Treeney raised her hands to clap them but remembered the errand he had already sent her butler on. “ That can wait till tomorrow. Is there anything else my daughter you want to look into? I am sure dinner is done and getting cold now.”

After the dinner it was a little of news and then to bed. Lisa room was beside the twins and they had their video games volume up enough to be annoying to her but unhearable in their mother's room. It too eventually went quiet. Harry laid in the smaller bed he use to use as a child. It was still big enough to suit Lisa comfortably. He laid awake thinking of Lisa on the other side of the room. He expected resistance from her. She was always a little shy to commitment. A little surprising. It made him wonder if she too was considering this. As he shifted to his side to finally get his rest he heard a voice from the other side of the room. She was awake as well.

*removed for extreme content!*

There were others nearby that really did not want to know of it despite how much they may suspect it may happen. In the morning Harry had his appetite back. His back fairly sore where Lisa dug her fingers into it the night before. He also noticed the suitcases and boxes of what amounted to what possessions he did own. He wondered a little bit if it seemed inadequate. After breakfast Lisa's mom saw them off. Telling them that an estimate on the amount of time it would take to get the house fixed up should be ready by the time they get back. Each of them had to go to work. Lisa had a part time job as a waitress until she finds something better. Harry went to the dock district. Despite being the shorter distance he had to travel longer. The warehouse he was to look over was less than two block from the house Lisa mentioned. He was happy she picked it. He could walk that if needed. It was also closer to her job as well.

Lisa work was mundane as usual. The worst thing of it was all the males tried to grab or pinch her tail all the time. Harry's job was a little less active but hard just the same. Being new and a human many of the native workers were not exactly pleased of the new manager. Some even refusing to work. They expected that he would yell at them for a bit, grow tired of it and call in his supervisor. Making them all look bad. Instead Harry looked at them and picked up one of the boxes way too heavy for him and loaded it in the transport truck. He muttering how useless the workers were and having to do it all by himself the entire time. It did no favors on his already hurt back but it got the respect of the workers. Showing that he would do it without them by himself if he had to.

Upon straining to pick up the second box one of the workers called Taylor even said, “ Let me get that boss.” before taking the load. The only thing that made things worse was the hard chair Harry had to sit in while doing paperwork. During his lunch break he managed to get a hold of a clerk in city hall where he made an after hour appointment for that evening. After Lisa got off work she came over. Many of the male workers were giving whistles and hoots to her. Even after she dropped off the light meal to Harry. The one Taylor did not. After Lisa had gone to go home Harry called Taylor into his office. “ You wanted to see me boss?”

Harry quickly finished signing what was in front of him before putting it in the out basket. “ Taylor isn't it?” Taylor nodded. “ Yes, boss.” Harry balled his hands on his desk. It being dragon folk sized like everything else around him. He seemed small in comparison. “ As I understand it from Granger who I talked to before taking over his post is that Eric Gordan is getting quite into his years. Nearing his retirement. This correct.”

Taylor saw one way where the conversation was heading. “ Oh, no. Eric is a fine foreman. He has a good ten or twenty years left in him.” Taylor noticed Harry was a little disappointed in the lie. “ I understand your loyalty. You have been under him for over ten years. In that time his accident rating has went from a 97% to 76%. As I understand it his retirement is in three months.” Taylor balled his fists tight before answering bitterly. “ Yes, boss.”

Harry looks threw the stacks of papers around him and finally takes out one. “ I need someone that both respects me and knows how things are done. I am sure you would say there are better candidates but I am transferring you to being under Eric as sub-foreman. Eric will be making all the day to day decisions but if you see something that starts becoming dangerous you are to make sure none are hurt first. And when he finally retires you are to become the white hat.”

Taylor was about to thank him but Harry got up and went around the desk. Handing the paper to him. “ However if Eric has one more injury or property damaging accident I have been told I have to fire him. It will be up to you to see that Eric Gordan gets to retirement with full benefits.” Taylor looked at the paper he was handed. It was filled with legal information he could not quite wrap his head around. “ However if Eric was to be fired you would be as well. If you do not want the responsibility then do not sign it. That is a copy of new employment contract made for you to review. Eric is off today so you will have till tomorrow morning before he clocks in to make your mind up.”

Taylor looked at the paper still puzzled and decided to ask. “ Boss what does most of these words mean. I know a few of them. Like liability or restructure but many I do not understand.” Harry thought it fairly funny how the dragon folk looked confused but knew the situation too serious to be taken lightly. “ Honestly a lawyer would be better to tell you but it is something similar to what you already know of how your job is suppose to be ran. I am sorry I can not be more help Taylor. Now if you excuse me I have a ton of work to do.” Harry looked threw the stacks of papers again and soon found one that involved damage merchandise. He read it over and made a few marks on it. After he was done he noticed Taylor gone. Hopefully back to work.

A few hours later when the backlog of paperwork was cut in half Harry heard a loud horn. The shift was over and the warehouse was to be locked down. Harry got off his sore back and put several papers into a basket. As he walked to the door he collected the time cards and put them in an envelope and slipped it into the appropriate slot. He then stretched his arms wide and held his still sore back. By the time he clocked out the place had been locked clear up and it is near dark. He then immediately set out for city hall. Luckily the receptionist was still there waiting for him and Lisa was there as well. Most of the lights were dim but one office still had it's lights on. Harry and Lisa went to that one. “ Harry and Lisa I hope.” Harry let Lisa have the seat. “ Yes, and you?”

She ignored the question and pushed forward some forms. “ I checked the work registry and linage records. An interesting development however by the book. I got in contact with Dr. Lockings and he said you Lisa were very fertile. As for you Harry I have not received a contact with Dr.” She looks at a paper. “ Hormones?” Harry coughed gently. “ Homes.” She set the paper down. “ At the Imperial College of Business Learning. However in accordance with article four sub-section six of the marriage laws marriage such as your planned one must be examined by a doctor of the land it to take place.” Harry spoke up again. “

Dr. Homes is a Delake national employed in the Empire to care for Delake citizenry transferred to the ICBL.” That made the one across from the desk pause. “ Very well, until confirmed by retesting a one week temporary permission shall be given. So when is the last time you let one loose Imperial?” Harry took the question a little insulting but knew that is just a question to see if he does. “ Last night.” She squinted her eyes a moment. “ You understand the abstinence mandatory law and that random screenings will take place at home or work at any time?” Harry looked at Lisa. “ I understand?”

She then looked to Lisa. “ That is for both of you.” Lisa raised a little surprised but settled down just as quickly. “ How would you know if I was intimate.” The clerk sighed and went into her desk and handed her a pamphlet. It showed a bit of a female dragon folk reproductive anatomy. “ This will give you details. I warn you that I will be telling them in the morning and from then on they will at any time come and make sure until you receive your marriage license. As for anything else I do not see any other information needed. That will be fifty eight scaels and twenty six flacs.” Harry takes out a bag full of coins and got out three rather heavy gold coins. “ Seems a little high.” The secretary takes the coins and looks at them before getting into her desk again. “ Tonight was my daughter's Shelding. If I hurry I might be able to get there before her wings appear.” Lisa stood. “ Well congratulations. Keep the change. If we do not hurry we will be late for dinner as well.”

It was well past dark before Harry got back to the Treeney household. By the sound of it dinner was well under way. Walter let him in and soon he was back at the table as well. The twins were bragging how they got third and fourth in their class on a test. Brandon and Parker were happy their grounded sentence was over because of it. Harry had half the potatoes and a little over a third of the steak on his plate ate before he was full. It still amazed him how much dragon folk eat compared to humans and still be fairly thin comparatively to humans. The twins took the food happy to have seconds. They were soon done before their mother and sister and went into the living room to pester Harry. Who was watching the weather on the tv. “ Harry tell us a story.” Brandon asks and Parker follows up. “ What is it like in the Empire?”

Harry sees it will be a nice sunny day and turns off the tv. Seeing the two twins sit on the ground reminded him of an image of young dragons sitting looking up to their parents. One of the few tapestries that remained from the old empire of the dragons. “ Well not much different than around here. Except there are as many dragon folk there as humans here. And same the other way around. There are more vehicles as we humans are not resilient to everything as you dragon folk. We need them to get around with speed and efficiency. I know I'm not allowed to use one here so I use my bike. Other than that I can not think of anything I can tell you.”

The twins look at each other and nod without a word. They had something planned. “ Is it really true you want to date our sister?” Parker asks and Harry nods. “ Well that and more. I grew up in this house you know. It has no secrets I have none from it.” Brandon stands. “ I am the brother of strength. I wish to test you if you are worthy of my sister.” From out of nowhere a hard smack came on the back of Brandon's head from his sister. “ It is late and it is not time to play game of old rituals. Besides you would stand no chance against Harry. He has tested me often enough for me to know that.” Lisa winked at him and Harry pulled the sleeve of his shirt to his shoulder. Then flexed his arm. The muscle that showed was nothing compared to Brandon's arm but it did make an impression. Brandon flexed his as well and it was near twice in size. Harry take a wrestler pose for a moment and Brandon matched. Harry then had second thoughts. “

Outside. Your mom would skin us both if we broke something.” Brandon straitens up slightly and nods. Outside in the back they were in the poses again. Brandon starts by charging and Harry locks their hands together. Brandon had an immediate advantage in size and strength. “ Not a wise move taking me head on Harry.” Harry shifted his weight from keeping from going to a knee to almost jumping backward. It was a move that caught Brandon by surprise and he landed face first in the dirt. With the advantage Harry got his knuckle on Brandon's head and gave him a noogie. Lisa and Parker went laughing and Harry moved back and lowered a hand to help the young dragon folk up. “ Come on Brandon. Lisa must have showed you a counter to that move. With your size and strength over me you should not have put so much weight into buckling me. Are you satisfied now I'm not a weak human?” Brandon rubs the top of his head. “ Actually I just wanted to play with you before Parker. I did not expect you to beat me that easily.”

Harry smiled. “ Still you are not half bad. I'm sure you'll make some young dragonlass very luck husband.” Brandon raised up some. “ You think so?” Harry punched his arm. “ Sure, you have family line and a tone body to boot. Just be sure she is a sweet thing that has a heart. You can not last long without heart.” Brandon picks up Harry by grabbing under his arms. “ Many of the girls in my class think I'm awkward. I just do not know what to say.” Lisa came up behind Brandon and gave him a smack on the back of his head again. “ Set my boyfriend down right now. You still got homework and chores.” Brandon lowers Harry slowly. “ Sorry, I get a little excited when I think about girls.”

Harry rubs his pits for a moment. “ Don't we all Brandon. Go to your chores. I got to talk with your sister and mom.” Brandon moves back in the house. Harry snaps his fingers. “ You too Parker.” He goes inside disappointed as well. Lisa led Harry to some stools and soon her mother came out. “ And in my house Harry. You know better.” Harry whence in pain. “ I think you son broke a rib.” Mrs. Treeney knelt down beside of Harry and examines his ribs. He reflexes a few times in pain. “ You are fine. My boys do have a hard time limiting their strength around humans Harry. Did he do this during the challenge?”

Harry shook his head. “ When he picked me up after in celebration.” Mrs. Treeney chuckled and rubbed some herbal ointment on the bruise. “ I have to say however you did go easy on my boy. I would have grabbed his tail, lifted it and gave him a swift kick as they were done in my day.” Lisa coughed in surprise to the thought as she was drinking. “ If you ever did that to dad I doubt me or my brothers would have been born.” Her mother smirks. “ He liked it.” This time Harry a hard time keeping his drink down. “ Do not say when you lost is the times Lisa and the boys were, started. That would be too much info to know.”

Lisa then put a finger to her chin. “ That would explain a lot. Harry is too frail to do that with. We got to think of something over the next year.” This time Harry choked and it took him a moment to regain control. “ There are many things we need to talk about but our courting rituals is not going to be one of them tonight. As you said we got a year to consider them and we got more pressing matters.” Lisa crossed her arms mad and Mrs. Treeney chuckled again. “ To be young again. And I agree Harry. I am wise to guess it is related to some important issues.”

Harry nodded. “ It is no secret I'm fairly young and so is Lisa but there will be a day when I am no longer with her. She will be midaged by the time I am old and at the end of my life. I have doubt I may not even get to see our kids fully grown. And I know you are both a learner of modern methods and a practitioner of old traditions. I may even die of old age before you. So I was going to ask if there is ever a time when I may leave Lisa alone.” Lisa immediately stood up and grabbed Harry by the neck and forced him to stand. Harry knew what she was doing and gave her a swift jab to her gut then a kick to her knee to bring her down a little to his level. She let him go and they both laughed. “ The day I find you too helpless for my daughter I will take her from you. I promise.” Harry smiled. “ It is for your grand kids more than us you know.” “ I know.”

In the morning the two of them left for work again and Harry was met by Taylor standing outside his office. He was not the only one there. Harry sighed and showed them in. “ I am are here for a random screening and to gather fertility samples.” Harry sighed and looked at the screen that was brought. He still closed the shutters also. “ How long will this take?” The doctor opened her kit. “ That partly depends on you. I could do the other male if I got the time.” Taylor backed into a desk. “ No, thank you mam. I was tested last year and am courted. I just need to speak to the boss.”

The doctor unfolds the screen. “ Don't mind me. Now drop your drawers.” Harry sighed as he went behind the screen and dropped his pants. “ Hurry up Taylor. This is bad enough.” Taylor grabbed his balled fist embarrassed. “ Boss, sir I got some bad news. Eric died last night. It turns out he had slant wing. He was with a granddaughter yesterday for her first bathing and on his way home his wing finally broke in two.” Harry grind his teeth as gloved hands met his lower extremities. “ His illness should have been in file and he should have known not to go anywhere alone like that. Did you sign it?”

Taylor brought out the form he got yesterday from a breast pocket. “ No boss. I was going to talk to Erik about it but then I get the news.” Harry let out a loud light wordless breath as the doctor finishes her physical examination of his lower self. “ I'm going to get the sample now. Is there any particular extraction method you wish.” Harry looked at the doctor a bit confused. “ Give me a moment to finish with my employee then you will have my full attention.” The doctor removed a glove after taking a sampling container. “ I'll give you a minute.” Harry sighed. “ Taylor if you sign it and put it on my desk you will be promoted to white hat. Otherwise go tell Dravis to take over for the day as white hat.” There was a pause before the door was opened and shut. The doctor had already decided on the method she was going to use to get her sample. “ I find flesh to flesh contact best for this test.” Harry gulped.

It was early evening when Lisa came by with food for Harry and she was not as admired as she was the day before. She knocked on his office door and he called her to come in. “ I brought lunch from the dinner.” Harry smiled at her then turned sour. “ I'm sorry but I'm not going to be able to eat it for a couple hours.” Lisa put it on a bare table and sat beside it. “ So how is work?” Harry dug threw a paper pile and found one he was wanting. “ I'm backlogged three weeks and the senior foreman died last night. I'm in the middle of finding paperwork for promoting an under-foreman to a senior one, requisition forms for supplies for him and benefits sheets for the deceased as well as all the loading and unloading forms. I would not be this behind if I did not have to get my sterility testing and random screening done this morning.”

Lisa looked away. “ They did me an hour ago. I got to use one of my days off and told to go home after it was done. I was lucky it was not a busy time in the dinner.” Harry stopped looking threw papers and looked at Lisa. “ We knew this would happen.” Lisa turned to Harry surprised but kept quiet even if she had things to say about it. After she thought on it a moment she did speak. “ I guess so. I been thinking I need to find a new line of work in any case. I been at the dinner two years and I really do not need the money.” Harry kept quiet a moment and found one of the papers he was looking for. He read it, signed it and put it in one of the two stacks of neat papers in his office. “ I know you were interested in opening a shop some day. You can pick out whatever you want to open around the docks and we can walk back and forth from work.” Lisa thought that a good idea for a moment. “ All day around big smelly men. Not my idea of a dream shop.”

Harry smiled as he set the handfuls of papers down. “ Look if this is going to work. If we are going to work we both know work can not get between us. Are you happy at the dinner?” Lisa did not even have to think to know the answer. “ No, it is suppose to be a temporary job while I find a real job.” Lisa stands and moves over to Harry's desk. “ Are you entitled to a secretary?” Harry stops rummaging threw papers again and smiles at her. “ If you want to help be my guest.” After an hour the two had what Harry needed signed and put away and was half way threw the backlog of work before a knock came on the door. “ Boss, it is Taylor.” Harry yells for him to come in and he sets a paper down as Lisa sat on the desk again. “ Are you sure you can be off the floor?”

Taylor looked behind him before coming in. “ Yes boss, Subman is on shift. I just got off. I wanted to thank you for this trust boss.” Harry sighed. “ No thanks needed Taylor. You came recommended for promotion before I arrived. Near thirty years and not one accident on record.” Taylor grabbed his shirt. “ Yes, sir.” Harry looks at the paper again. “ I believe Eric said wise to his surroundings and careful to others belongings.” Taylor turned shy. Then had a thought. “ Old Eric said that.” Harry put the paper down. “ And he not the only one. I have your file here and you are wed.”

Taylor gripped his hand ashamed. “ Yes, sir. Nearing ten years now. Pertiest thing I ever saw. The mam here comes close.” Lisa put a hand to her chest and smiled. “ Me, well I'm here for Harry.” Taylor looked at her and finally recognized her. “ You are Lisa Treene. I heard about you on the news some time back. Your famous.” Lisa blushed and Harry coughed. “ And me just as Taylor. I was raised in her house. Born there in fact. One of the few imperial race to be.” Taylor thought on that and raised up surprised before taking to his knees then hands. “ Decedents of the great war heros, I feel unworthy boss.” Harry sighed seeing this happen before to him. “ The greatest honor to my elder line is I live my life of a simple man helping the kin of their friend. I do this by not tainting their memory by spoiling their great names and instead forge my own.” Taylor raised honored. “ Boss, that; that was moving.”

Harry smiled. “ Thank you but unfortunately I could not be original with it. I kinda stole some of that from the dragon ancient texts.” Taylor stood their amazed. “ Boss to see the ancient tablets would be a great honor.” Harry laughed lightly. “ I know. I was taught their texts when Lisa was told of them in her schooling. From a book.” Taylor smiled finding humor in that. “ Heritage is not everything boss. You are very wise. Next week during the dock inspections would you mind coming over to a gathering the other dock workers are having. Many will be there.” Harry looked at the work he still needed done. “ If I can get there Taylor. Just leave the time and location with Lisa.”

After work Harry and Lisa walked back together. A day into his new life was enlightening for her and came to respect him more. Over the next week and a half the two of them considered her future after the diner and she quit and decided to open her own shop as soon as she finds the funds. Then the inspections started and Harry had a few days off. One of which he went to a bbq. There were over two dozen gathered and Taylor spots them and grabs a few beers from the chest before heading to them. “ Boss glad you could make it.” He hands one to Harry and Lisa. They open them and it fizzes over the top some. “ Glad to be here Taylor but at work I'm boss. Everywhere else it is Harry.” Taylor smiles and reaches behind Harry's back. “ Let me introduce you to the others, boss. Harry.”

He leads them to a group and they pause in seeing the new addition. “ Fellas this is Harry the new warehouse chief of my area. Harry these are Brats, Longshore, Hudinee,...” After another dozen names he points to a few away from the group. After a few minutes of polite mingling Taylor left to check on the grill. There was silence and all were looking at Harry. “ I take it you do not like me because I'm two feet shorter than you. I tell you now I am not some weak imperial. I hold my own.” The one named Longshore moved forward a little bit. “ Seems to me you want to be a little bit like us.”

Harry raised his shoulders. “ Make your own opinions. I'm here because Taylor asked me too and I'm new to the job.” Another one stepped forward. “ You got a set on you at least. Lets see how well the rest of you is.” Harry smirked a bit as he looked at one of the pits just free up. He takes off his shirt and tosses it away. “ If we do this we do it right.” The other one notices the pit free as well.

After taking off his shoes as well Harry gets in the pit and Harry starts off. “ I am Harry Lordsong, son of Mary and Thomas Lordsong. Second child born. Descendent of the great Louis Makwell. Hero of the great day war.” Then he bellowed and slapped his chest. His opponent was startled a moment before announcing himself. “ I am Miles Longtail, son of Lizy and true one Frozzons Longtail. Direct decedent of true one Grozz Longtail who won the battle of a thousand spears.” The other dragonfolk let up a roar and the two rushed each other and collided. Immediately Harry was put into a disadvantage as he was outsized and out muscled. He was already sliding back when Miles lifted his foot to step forward. That is when Harry took the advantage and used his position to shift his hold and force the other over his shoulder and land on his back. Harry yells again and slaps his chest. “ I am Harry Lordsong. I am not weak.”

After a moment Miles lifts his hand and Harry takes it and lifts the other out of the sand. “ A fair match Harry. I submit my pride and overconfidence bested me. You are not weak.” He then points to his head. “ Here.” Then his arm. “ Here.” Then his chest. “ Or here but we will always have one advantage over you.” Miles then grabs his groin. “ You will always be smaller where it counts.” The others start laughing before Lisa moved forward with a few beers. “ You can brag to your friends all you want but the ones you have to prove that to is us females. Took me two minutes to sum you up and you are the only one without a female here.”

Then to make her point she kissed Harry hard. He was not expecting it but knew what to do during it and soon overpowered her kiss. “ Ohhh they got you good Miles.” Said one noticeably from the crowd as the others made less verbal comments. After the kiss Harry noticed Miles hand outstretched. “ Taylor is not the wisest of this bunch but his eye is par none better than the best. When he picks them he picks them well. Welcome Harry let us be called friends.” After a good twenty minutes to settle done some the food was served. Harry expected a dragons portion and that is what he got. They were a little surprised that the little man had a big gut after that Harry was left alone with Miles, Longshore and Taylor. “ Quite surprising so see one of your legacy as a normal clerk Harry. With your background I am sure you could do anything you want.” Harry takes a swig of his beer. “ Yea but doing whatever you want is no fun after a while. It is better to work for what you want.

True I used some name pulling to get me here but I am here because I qualify for the post and no other piss ant is going to want to pack up his life to come over to some lizards. I did not even have to drop my lineage to get here. But my story is dull compared to you Miles. Born from one of the 'true ones' not many can say that now a days.” Miles grips his beer. Longshore took it and puts a fresh one in his hands. “ It is a sensitive subject for my brother. I suppose you can understand that.” Harry takes another swig. “ I guess I can. No offense meant.”

Miles takes a deep drink. “ No offense at all. I am not from happy beginnings.” Harry raises his beer. “ We make our own happiness with those around us. Our friends and loves.” Miles raises his beer as well and so does Longshore and Taylor. “ So I know what Taylor does and I am his warehouse chief.” Longshore takes his beer and chugs the rest of it. “ Damn good ale. Me I do floor management in warehouse seven and my brother here.” Miles get an arm wrapped around his should by his brother. “ Is my warehouse chief and as a general rule we do not bring up work at these gatherings. But you did not know that before.” Harry takes another swig. “ Eating good, drinking fine and playing well is all and dandy but I have this feeling that is not the only thing you all do out here is it?”

Miles finishes his beer. “ Your right about that we usually play a game of touch back. See most of us went to school with one another in our glory days.” Harry gets the picture and takes most of the oversized beer bottles. “ Well I'm fine taking any of you scaly bastards on one at a time but this pink flesh has no wish to be trampled by a wall of two tons of you all. I'll keep the score if that is fine?” Miles nods and whistles. “ It is that time fellas. Brats your the team captain this week. Pick you opponent captain and lets get to the field. The big fella is gona keep score. Newbie rights.” Many of the group starting giving hoots and raising their fists or beers in the air.