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Virtually Real Part 41: A Typical Monday Nightmare

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar: Tiger shifter and Captain of the Shadow Runner

Kyle: Quadrimorph usually an Eastern Dragon created from Red XIII

Shock: Fox Shifter diplomat and net streamer

Jordan: Dire Wolf Shifter and crew doctor

Luca: Drone Specialist

Frost: Prowl-Ar and Kyle’s Dragon otter hybrid son

Rin: Lynx shifter and adopted daughter of Prowl-Ar, Kyle, and Shock

Mahan: Shadow Runner artificial intelligence system

Tank: Human Captain of the Bad Luck

Tuft: Rabbit drone, security officer for the Bad Luck and Tank’s Husband

Luca stared at me like my head was about to fall off.

"You, want me, to join the Shadow Runners?"

I glanced at Jordan, "Think we need to run a quick brain scan?" I asked.

"I doubt it's required. I'd have had the same reaction if given a choice like that."

"Jordan, how are you speaking Italian?" Luca asked in confusion.

"Rapid learning through memory implantation. The Captain's tech is really incredible. I think you'd love it on the Runner. Your own lab to hide in if you want, good food, lots of recreational options, a couple of botanical gardens, and don't get me started on the VR chambers. They're not just for games. You can build and test anything you want in them. Go to places and times that never really existed. There's this steam punk world that is really fun to play around in. If you decide to make your stay permanent you get to do this." Jordan shifted to his median form. “Imagine getting to be the first real Sergal."

"Yes. Of course the answer is yes, but what am I supposed to do there? I've seen the insides of one of your drones and it’s completely out of my range of expertise."

There was a quiet disembodied laugh.

“Who was that?" Luca ask.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself, I’m Mahan, The Shadow Runners primary AI. Prowl-Ar, if he can't grasp a generation two drone how is he supposed to work on any if the others especially a new mark 13?" Mahan asked.

"For starters, I like his idea of furry telepresence drones as real world VRChat avatars."

"VRChat?" Luca asked

"An ancient precursor to FurRealms, but used by everyone, not just furrys. However furrys tried to make it a virtual home overloading the servers leading to the creation of the first FurRealms." Mahan replied.

"Oh, but I didn't think you shared your technology." Luca said.

"Good thing we'll have a drone expert to reverse engineer our tech so that these drones can be built with modern technology. With appropriate fail safes in case anyone wants to use it for the wrong reason." I grinned at Luca

"What about my contract obligation here? I can’t just-".

"Russo! Sunfel! Open this door, immediately." Commander Mars ordered.

"Wolf, back into hiding, now. Luca, find a place to sit, and try to look bored." I quickly whispered. Wolf stepped back through the hidden doorway. It once again looked like a bank of servers.

"Just a moment Commander." I unlocked the door and it slid open just in time for Commander Mars to yell in my face.

"Open it now! That is a direct order."

"Is something wrong Commander?" I asked, as I stepped back wiping her spittle from my face.

"First, why is Russo in your lab when he's supposed to be on medical leave?"

"Because I'm trying to better understand the person you are forcing me to bunk with." Luca answered.

"Don't talk back to me. What did you do to piss off the Shadow Runners? A request was made by them to NASA, informing them they were going to take you into custody."

Luca looked at me. "I didn't do anything."

"Sunfel! What do you know?" Commander Mars yelled, turning on me once again.

"Only that when I arrived he had parts of a really advanced drone scattered all over the room. I cleaned the room and turned the parts over to the Base's AI for disposal, Commander."

Luca looked betrayed.

"I can confirm that the Earthling Russo disassembled one of my malfunctioning drones. As per protocol 131 I contacted the Grand Overlord Mahan for instructions." Marvin said, one of his drones peeking in the door.

"What instructions you received?" The Commander demanded.

"Wait for direct Shadow Runner interaction, and do not interfere until they arrive." Marvin replied.

"Sunfel, why did you interfere?"

"Two reasons actually. I didn't want to be seen as an accomplice to Luca's actions, and because I was sick of stepping on parts scattered across the floor, and worse yet rolling over on stray parts in my bunk."

"Is that why you put Luca on medical leave?" The commander asked, eyeing up Luca. He slumped down behind the console trying to avoid her gaze.

"No. I did that because he admitted that he's had little to no sleep and because he was beginning to exhibit signs of sleep deprivation."

"Explain."

"He thinks I'm a drone and I woke up to find him holding a knife to my face."

"He what? Why didn't you report him?"

"Something like that could detrimentally affect his record. Besides, I agreed to let him observe me as long as he didn't pose a risk to himself or others. I figured sitting at a desk and looking at maps would put him to sleep in no time.”

"Is that why he's here today?"

"Of course. The more he watches me, and rest he gets, the sooner he'll realize how foolish he is thinking I'm a drone. Besides this way I can make sure, if he falls asleep he isn’t disturbed."

"You are a drone! You admitted it." Luca said, starting to stand.

"Enough of that." Wolf growled, seeming to step out of the wall where a hologram was hiding the open doorway.

We all jumped at his words. No one, as large as he was in anthro form, should be allowed to move that silently. Even I made a small amount of noise when I moved around in my tiger form.

"Delacroix?" Commander Mars asked, hesitantly.

Jordan shifted to human form. "Sorry Commander, it's just after what happened here I feel safer in my anthro form. I'm here to retrieve Luca."

"What is going to happen to him?" She asked.

“Knowing the Captain, he'll give Luca a job and make him a member of the crew. Now you didn't hear this from me, but the Captain is actually one of the nicest most caring people you could ever meet. He just makes himself seem mean to protect himself."

I wanted to comment, I really, really did; but I didn’t want Commander Mars to know Luca was right and I was using a drone. "This is fascinating and all, but I do have work to do." I said instead.

"That's fine. Come on Luca, there are real drones to work on, that don't self-terminate, aboard the Runner. Until next time, good bye Commander."

"Wait, you can't just take him." Commander Mars said, as though she was in a daze.

"Commander, a new missive has arrived from the blue planet. The organization calling itself NASA has approved Russo's removal. A new drone specialist has been contacted and will be on route to the base shortly." Marvin said.

"Fine, Sunfel, get to work; and not a word of any of this to anyone, including your husband." She said, shaking her head.

I hung my head, "Um that might be a bit difficult." I opened the collar of my suit to display the transmitter inside. "We've been in constant contact since arriving at the base. You said no sex but you didn’t say we couldn’t communicate with each other."

"How did you get that past security?" The Commander asked, glaring at me.

“You checked our luggage, not what we were wearing."

"I won't make that mistake again." Commander Mars gave me a warning look, turned and stormed out of the room. I logged out and nearly fell. Not only was I exhausted but so was Kyle. Even Shock looked almost incoherent as he helped me get up.

"Kyle's already in bed. I don't have to be the doctor to say we all need a good long sleep." Shock said as he led me out of the chamber.

***

I yawned and stretched. I was in bed and alone. I just lay there completely relaxed. I could feel Shock and Kyle nearby so I knew I wasn't really alone anymore. I grinned, there was so much love between us it almost seemed like we had another mate. I slowly sat up, "Mahan, have Jordan and Luca arrived yet?"

"Yes, quite some time ago. Luca wanted to see my drone production facilities. Jordan reminded him that you were the one that put him on medical suspension. That meant the order was still in effect aboard the Runner. Luca started to protest and Jordan sedated him. They are both resting comfortably in the infirmary for the moment."

"I suggest you get the hyper education machines ready. As soon as his suspension-". I paused I wasn't sure what Luca actually wanted to do. "He can take the general Shadow Runner Crew pack. Just make sure he knows English and French. I don't want him thinking we're keeping secrets from him, unless we are. Just be ready to cut him off. He seems to be the type to be interested in everything, but only focus on one until he gets board. I don't want him overloading."

"I'm not a fool, even if you are sometimes." Mahan sneered.

"Good, now can you get me some aspirin? I seem to be developing a massive headache."

"You'll have to speak with Jordan. All medical requests have to go through him."

I growled and pulled a small black case out of the nightstand.

"What is that and why can I not scan it?"

I opened the lid and looked over the various contents. There were several bottles of medications two syringes, a Grmm card, and a set of keys. I removed several tablets from one of the bottles and quickly swallowed them. "The case is completely invisible to all of your sensors so that you can't take it away." I replied.

"There is no record in your memories."

"Do you really think you have access to all of my memories? You're not even going to remember this conversation once I put this box away." I said, as I returned the medicine box to the drawer and pushed it shut.

"Should I contact the doctor for you?" Mahan asked.

"No, it's just a headache, far too trivial to disturb Jordan. Where is he by the way?"

“Currently he's checking on Luca. Then they will likely head to the cafeteria for lunch. You might want to get up and join them considering everyone else is headed that way."

I slowly crawled out of the bed. "How long do I have?"

"Ten, maybe fifteen minutes."

"Wonderful, sonic cleansing it is."

Seven minutes later I headed for the cafeteria thankful I'd downed the pain killers otherwise I'd really be hurting from the shower’s sonic cleansing cycle.

As I entered the cafeteria I was assaulted by a hug.

"Dad, are you alright?" Frost asked.

"I'm fine. I was just a little tired is all. Nothing to worry about. Besides I had Daddy Kyle with me to make sure I stayed out of trouble."

Frost giggled. "Poppa Shock thought you'd both get into more trouble together."

I laughed, "Get into trouble without our fox? Is that possible?" I ruffled Frost's hair, "Don't worry we were just tired is all."

I glanced around. Kyle was in the kitchen area explaining something to Shock and Rin was at a table alone. I’d obviously arrived before Jordan and Luca.

"Are you going to get back to the game?" Frost asked.

"Soon, but right now we have a new member of the team for everyone to meet."

"Is he a dragon, or an otter?" Frost asked excitedly.

"For now he's human."

"He’s a furry, right?" Rin asked, looking up from her food. She yawned and looked like she hadn't slept.

"Frost, why don't you go and get your tray while I talk to Rin."

"Good luck with that, she's been in a really bad mood the last couple of days." He said quietly, before heading toward Shock and Kyle.

I quickly sat across from Rin. "What's wrong?"

She looked at me as if I was stupid. "Cramps."

"Oh!"

"Yeah. Turns out, even with all the medical technology, some things are inevitable. At least until I'm old enough to take the immortality treatments. Brook gave me some pain blockers, but they don't really help with the discomfort. I won't let it interfere with the game."

"Listen, it's a game, if you need time away tell me and I'll pause it and find a reason to keep everyone distracted until you’ve had the time you need." I glanced around the room making sure no one was within hearing distance. "I know it can't be easy being the only woman onboard. You're not going to believe this but I do know what you're going through."

"Riiight."

I sighed, "You know I try to see things from every possible point of view, right?"

"Yeah but . . ."

"Don't tell anyone this, but I had Mahan run a simulation of what life would be like if I'd been a woman."

"You're joking, right?" Rin asked.

"No, I'm not. It was just after contacting Shock for the first time. I wanted to better understand what he felt so Mahan ran a year’s worth of experience and I used the hyper education machine to upload it."

Rin stared at me in either shock or surprise, perhaps even both.

"What I'm saying is if you need someone to talk to, other than Brook, you can talk to me or Shock about anything."

"Does anyone else know?"

"Kyle probably does and Mahan certainly knows and now you know, but that's it. I- I haven’t told Shock. I’m not sure how he would take it."

"So, um what did you learn?"

"Well, first off that I'm definitely a gay man and not gender confused. Second what you're enduring is something that no man can imagine and most would likely overdose on painkillers if they had to experience it."

Rin laughed "Yeah, it's bad, but don't you think you're over stating it?"

I considered for a moment "No, I don't think so."

"You really believe that." Rin chuckled, "I never would have imagined talking to my father, adopted or otherwise, about . . . that."

"About what?" Frost asked as he joined us.

"It's nothing icicle breath. Dad was just trying to make me feel better."

"It must have worked since you're calling me silly names you don't really mean again."

"Rin! Are you picking on your little brother?" Shock asked, as he sat down next to her placing and placing a tray in front of me before setting his own down. “Kyle sent this over since you seemed distracted.”

I kicked Shock under the table. “This is not the right time of the month to be accusing our daughter of such things. Besides it was nothing, really. Frost seemed to think it was funny. Oh and thank you for bring my breakfast over."

"Teasing isn't-". Shock's eyes went wide as he finally made sense of what I'd said.

"Oh, right."

"Excuse me, Captain, can you tell me why Mahan thinks I need to be here? You know I have better places to be, preferably the other side of the ship." Brook asked as she entered the room and immediately marched over to our table.

"Brook, how many times do I need to apologize? Especially considering it wasn't really your head I ripped off?" Kyle asked, as he walked over.

Brook took a step back. "Just because my AI level has been increased doesn't mean that wasn't me."

Kyle sighed, "Again, I'm sorry for ripping off your head and tossing it aside."

Book looked at him in surprise. "Apology accepted. I didn't think you'd ever get to that second part. I wasn't mad because you ripped my head off; that was easily repairable. It was because you tossed me aside like I didn't have any value."

"I . . ." Kyle seemed to be at a loss for words.

"What Kyle wants to say is he's really sorry and he's filled with guilt. However I'm also picking up on the fact, in the same situation, he'll do it again." I said, trying to interpret what Kyle was feeling.

"No, I wouldn't. I'd want to, but you're a full crew member now so you have the same rights as any of us." Kyle said as he sat down.

"Brook, let's find a spot to wait for Jordan and Luca to arrive. I think Prowl-Ar was about to say something before you arrived." Mahan said, as his primary drone escorted Brook to another table.

"You had something to say?" Rin asked, giving me a positively evil look.

"I, yeah I know I don't say this enough. I love you, all of you. Kyle and Shock know how I feel at all times and I've gotten so complacent that I've forgotten I need to tell all of you how I feel."

"Dad-" Rin laughed, "Sorry, it's just my biological father never actually told me that he loved me and always required me to address him using formal language. Just the fact you let me talk to you, as if what I have to say matters shows how much you love me."

"I know you love me because I can do this!" Frost said, as he shifted to his anthro hybrid form and gave us 'the look' of cuteness.

I heard a slight "Awe" from Shock before he could catch himself.

Kyle shook his head. "Sorry, that look doesn't work on other dragons."

Frost gave a little sniffle and his chin started to quiver.

"Oh Gods we have an actor for a son." Kyle said, as he stared intently at his tray.

I pulled Frost into a hug and whispered, knowing everyone could hear me, "try to work up a tear and ask 'don't you love me no more daddy?'."

"Stop coaching him!" Kyle yelled.

"But Daddy, don't you love me?"

"Of course I love you, you evil little whelp, but you shouldn't be using your cuteness to manipulate people. Especially your family."

"It worked! I win!" Frost yelled.

Shock and Rin burst out laughing.

"Ah, but did you?" Kyle asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You got to me and Shock, but what about Rin and Prowl-Ar?"

"I wasn't trying to get Rin because this isn't the right time for that."

Rin groaned and covered her face, "So now everybody knows?"

"Sis, I may look younger, but I have 50 years of memories and I studied everything I could about humans. So yes, I've always known. I've just been careful about what I say. As for getting Dad, of course I got him."

Rin looked up. "No, Daddy is right, you didn't get Dad."

"But he . . ."

"He hugged you and gave you advice on how to get to Kyle, but he didn't fall for it. Not even when you did get that tear out." Rin said flatly.

"Dad?"

"I love you, but that little manipulation trick doesn't work on me."

"Really? Mahan asked, "I seem to recall you admitting to being immune to all but one species."

"What? Which species do we need to keep our tiger away from?" Shock asked.

"Are you having a family lunch? We can come back-"

"Jordan! We're all here to meet Luca." I quickly said, while standing up. I'd never been so glad to have an interruption. "Luca, I know we sort of met when you knew me as, Tiberius Sunfel, I am Captain Prowl-Ar Nightiger."

"Are you still using a drone body, or is this one real?" Luca asked, watching me carefully.

"This is my real body. I'd cut myself so you could see me bleed, but my husbands get upset with me when I do that so this will have to suffice." I shifted to my anthro form and back to human.

"I've seen Jordan do the same thing so you're going to have to do better than that to impress me."

"Hello again Luca. I was using the Jorge drone. I'm Prowl-Ar's husband and second in command on the ship, Commander Kyle Dacat-Nightiger." Kyle shifted to his original form then wolf form and then lion form.

"Variations on a theme not-"

"What about now little human!" Kyle roared as he went full dragon knocking over several tables.

"Interesting, where are you pulling the extra mass from to increase your size to that extent?"

Kyle shifted back to his anthro form and stood there looking stunned.

"Normally the ship's artificial gravity is set higher. Our bones and muscles are far denser than the normal human so when we change, despite our size we don't get much stronger." Jordan informed him.

"So you're actually weaker in your larger forms?" Luca asked.

"No, from what I've found, the Captain sets the baseline strength on our largest form and then that is condensed down as we take on a smaller form. So strictly speaking we have the same strength no matter what form we take." Jordan explained.

"I see."

"Hello Luca, I'm Shock DaFox-Nightiger their smarter husband, Shadow Runner Diplomat, and primary public relations expert."

"If the news we've been getting from Earth is any indication you've been failing, miserably." Luca said.

Shock sat back down at a loss for words.

"I'm Frost and I'm a dragon otter hybrid. My job is to be cute and keep everybody from fighting."

Luca just nodded dismissively.

I'm Rin Nightiger. So, Mr. Russo, What are you going to be providing to this crew?"

"I'm an engineer currently specializing in drone technology, at least until I find something else that interests me. What is your job?"

"I'm in charge of engineering." Rin said aggressively.

I rolled my eyes, this wasn't going the way I'd envisioned.

"Mr. Russo," Mahan interrupted, "As you've already met our Wolf, let us introduce ourselves."

"Hello, I'm Brook, Jordan's medical assistant."

"And I am Mahan, the artificial intelligence responsible for all Shadow Runner activities. When I say that I mean the team, the ship, and all businesses, and drones throughout the Solar system."

"You're both drones!" It was like Luca's whole world shifted in an instant. He seemed to go from uncaring and dismissive to overly excited. Obviously I had a lot of work to do getting him to trust and fully interact with the biological crew members with even a portion of the excitement he was showing for Mahan and Brook.

“Certainly not. I'm a fully actualize artificial intelligence contained within this mechanical body. A drone has no free will like I do." Brook responded.

"I can't wait to see your inner workings" Luca said tentatively reaching toward Brook.

"Try it and you'll lose both hands." Brook snarled.

"You can't hurt me, I'm human." Luca said smugly.

"Are you serious? Did you not understand the part about free will?" Brook asked.

"Mr. Russo, while I am using a drone body, as my mind is too large to be contained in such a small form, you should know that all drones are only limited by the ship rules not some stupid laws of robotics. I suppose Brook is limited by the Hippocratic Oath but if you put your hands on her, she probably will cut them off. Of course we can regrow new ones, but I doubt you'll like or forget the experience." Mahan warned.

Luca turned toward me, "You wanted me to work with drones and now they, THEY are telling me I can't? The cook is your second in command and your chief diplomat is a vapor brained streamer. On top of that I'm supposed to serve under the command of a teenager? What sort of insanity are you running here?"

"I'm an expert-" Rin started to yell.

"How dare you-" Shock started to say.

"My office, now!" I yelled over all of them.

Mahan took ahold of Luca's arm and led him out.

"That could have gone better." Jordan said, as he headed toward the counter to get his own food.

"I like him. I can't wait to see his reaction to the fact I'm fifty years old." Frost laughed.

I face palmed and shook my head. Luca wasn't exactly wrong, but he certainly wasn't right either. "Try not to judge him, yet. He's still likely suffering from a lack of sleep."

"At least he isn't trying to get in your pants, yet." Rin grumbled.

I took a deep breath, turned and headed for the door. I wanted to comment, but thought better of it. As the door was closing I could hear Shock telling her how wrong her comment was. Unfortunately she wasn't wrong. If I didn't have Kyle and Shock I'd probably be fantasizing about Luca, Jordan, and myself . . . I quickly shook my head and felt both Kyle and Shock through our bond, reminding myself that they were all I needed. Unfortunately that only led to a mental image of the five of us and how much fun that could be.

***

As I entered my office I found Luca sitting in front of my desk. He immediately stood up and saluted.

“Please, don’t do that. I run a very informal command, but make no mistake I am the one in command here.” I waited for a moment for a snide comment from Mahan, but he remained silent for once. I walked around my desk and sat down. Only then did Luca sit back down. “I’ve called you up here to speak with you about your actions. While things are informal there are rules you need to follow. First off each member has their own personal living area and property that is off limits to everyone, including myself, unless you invite me in.

“Are you a vampire or something?” Luca laughed.

“That’s a first,” Mahan interrupted. “I’ll have to remember that. I feel the need to point out that I can override this rule if I feel your life is in danger. In which case I’ll allow Jordan in to treat you.”

“Mahan, right? Does he monitor everything?” Luca asked.

“As I am the ship, and you are within me, yes you are under constant observation. Don’t take it personally I do this with all Shadow Runner Facilities except Mars Base, Furry Station One, and the Colony.”

“Colony?” Luca quickly asked.

“That is only because Marvin is in control of Mars, Silverbolt has the station and Haro has the colony. Still I have the capacity to monitor everything in the solar system.” Mahan said ignoring Luca’s question.

“What colony?” Luca practically yelled. “I thought it would be centuries before you could build a colony.”

I sighed, “Yes, I have a colony inbound from the edge of the system and it did take centuries to build, unfortunately it won’t be ready for habitation for another fifty years.”

“Forty-two, Haro was able to get a minor boost past Pluto.” Mahan corrected me.

“So it is going to take some time to get here.”

“Oh, Haro will be here in much less time. Remember we are in Saturn orbit.”

“The point being if I announce that we have a colony there are a great many people who will want to immigrate to it even though it can’t yet sustain more than a maybe a skeleton crew and even then only for a few months.”

“Of course, it needs to be close enough to the sun so that it can start to generate a livable biome. Makes sense not to announce it and start a bunch of riots when people learn it’ll still be half a lifetime before it is even in position never mind suitable for habitation. After all the response to the fact that you haven’t started allowing immigration to the Space Station must be pretty unsettling.” Luca said.

“Mahan,” I growled, “I think you need to do a better job of updating me.”

“Shock has that well in hand. As chief diplomat if he feels you need to be informed I’m sure he’ll do so.”

I shook my head, “We’ve gotten off topic. The second rule is every team member is to be treated with respect regardless of species, race, gender, sentience, sapience, age, composition or origin.”

‘You’ve added a couple more terms to the rules. I’ll update the rest of the crew.” Mahan stated smugly.

“How can an artificial intelligence so accurately replicate such a smug tone?” Luca asked.

“Well, Mahan is a special case. At his core he is a copy of my mind but he is able to incorporate the memories of others, which he has done quite often, so he isn’t entirely artificial. Again getting off track. I’m willing to overlook your actions earlier because you didn’t know the rules. However your actions respectful.”

“I- I’m sorry. I try not to be so . . . confrontational, but it’s just the way I am. I know it’s bad but sometimes I can’t help it. It’s why I was alone on Mars Base. I’d alienated everyone else. That’s why I was working on Marvin’s defective drone. I thought . . .” Luca looked away. “I hoped if I repaired him he’d like me. Then Sunfel was assigned to be my roommate and I really thought if I tried hard enough maybe he’d be my friend but then it became obvious that he was a drone and I- I ruined that as well.“

“If it helps you didn’t alienate me. Sure you were a bit over enthusiastic about proving that Tigris was a drone and I still stand by my decision that you needed to get some rest. I also don’t want you to change yourself. All I ask is you try to remember that you do need to respect everyone’s boundaries including the Drone members of the crew.”

“So, now that I’ve sort of met your command crew when do I meet the rest of the crew?”

“Other than Captain Abrams and Tuft, who are both drones-“

“Tank is fully human now. After our last meeting I took the liberty of downloading the needed information to the Junk Yard Station evolver unit and he successfully transferred into his new human body. I’m still working on Tuft’s biological profile.” Mahan interrupted.

“Mahan, we’re going to have a serious discussion later about when and how you feel like updating me. Luca, have you met Tank and Tuft?”

“No, I’d already started my rotation on the base when they started working with NASA. Commander Mars was extremely strict about who was allowed to meet them.”

“This isn’t an order only a bit of friendly advice, do not get confrontational with either of them. Tuft is very protective and the giant plasma rifle he carries isn’t just for looks. If he sees you as a treat he will kill you. I’m not sure, but if he ever sees me as a treat he may kill me as well.”

“There must be a story there.” Luca said, looking thoughtful.

“Um, yeah. However this isn’t the time for that. There’s one last rule you need to know before you enter the hyper education unit.”

“Hyper education unit? Are you going to brain wash me?”

“No, absolutely not. You’ll receive the standard Shadow Runner education package. Self-defense, starship piloting, multiple languages, survival skills that sort of thing. I’m sure Mahan will give you a full breakdown later. Basically it is just a quick way of bring up your education level to that of the rest of us.” Jordan said, standing in the doorway. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be listening in but Mahan said you needed these?” He walked over and placed a bottle on the desk in front of me. “And a bottle for you as well Luca.”

I looked at the label. “These aren’t pain killers, they’re sedatives.”

“Yes, Mahan suggested, and I agree, that your headaches are likely caused by your lack of sleep. Luca, you are also still suffering from sleep deprivation however your prescription is a bit stronger. Only take them if you can’t fall asleep naturally. I should point out, Captain, if you don’t use them Mahan insists that he will continue tranquilizing you.”

“You weren’t supposed to tell them that part.” Mahan said.

“So are you two done? Because you both need rest.” Jordan continued.

“Wait I just woke up.”

Jordan gave me a look that I interpreted as “don’t blame me if Mahan gasses you again.”

“Yeah, I think we’ve hit the two most important rules. The others can wait until later.”

“Good. Luca if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your quarters.”

“I wanted to ask Captain Prowl-Ar about what Rin said about being in charge of engineering.”

“Rin specializes in giant mobile suits and you’ll be working with drones so you may collaborate but you’re each in charge of your own work. Rin, won’t be issuing orders if that’s what you’re worried about. If she tries let me know and I’ll speak with her, however the same goes for you trying to issue orders to her.”

“I guess that is acceptable. Um, I know you made it a rule that being a member of your crew means cutting all ties with Earth, but is there any chance I can let my parents know that I’ve joined your crew?”

“Right, about that. That rule was only set up to weed out people applying for a position. You can maintain contact with your family. Mahan will be making sure you don’t give away any of our secrets but it will only be a second or two of lag. You can explain that away as a transmission lag considering how far out we are from Earth. Mahan, once Luca is set up in his quarters please allow him to call home. Before he goes to sleep, please.”

“I would suggest he wait until he wakes up. It is currently overly late at night and his parents are sleeping.”

“How detailed is your observations?” Luca asked, a note of concern in his voice.

“Everything down to the atomic level. However, while I’m recording everything I don’t consciously observe everything. I can however look up specific events and times. You should be fine to get some sleep as your parents’ haven’t yet been informed of your change in status. As far as they’re concerned you are still working on Mars Base. I can wake them, if you want?”

“No! No, let them sleep. It was stressful enough on them when I decided to accept the Mars Mission posting. I- I’ll talk with them in the morning.”

***

It had been three days since Luca joined us. I liked him. He was smart, at least smart enough to set up tests to be sure we weren't trying to use the education machines to change him. I had to admit that yes the system could be used that way, but I'd never considered doing so. If I wanted mindless servants I could have them in VR. No, I wanted . . . What did I want? It had been suggested that I wanted to collect strays but that wasn't true.

I sat up and slid back against the head board. Sure those I let join had troubled pasts, but so did every human. I thought back to Shock. From the minute I met him I knew he'd eventually be part of the crew. Rin had been unexpected but when we found her crying in the office . . . she was alone. Jordan and Luca as well. They were lost and alone and I was trying to give all of us a safe place where we wouldn't be alone any more. I got up and walked over to a small table next to a window, my Federation uniform forming around me. I looked out. We were close to a hundred stories up at the very edge of the diplomatic city. I'm sure we'd been sent to these rooms in order to keep us hidden. Whatever their reasoning we had a spectacular view of the countryside. The plains stretched out to the sea in the distance. I’d seen this view before in the House game when I was flying the shuttle. The diplomatic city had been built on the site of Pyre’s village.

The planet was Rukhar, the native word for fertile dirt. Or just Dirt as our translators interpreted for us. I laughed, it seemed strange that the same planet we'd met the Canintaurs in the House game was the diplomatic city of Accordan. Its space port was rather small, only about four square kilometers for the city, and another three or four kilometers for the spaceport. I suppose it was the logical choice considering it was at the edge of both the Empire and the Republic.

I activated the archaic com system on the table, "This is the Diplomatic Envoy from the Sol system, can you please send up some breakfast for my mate and myself?"

"Immediately, Sanctu alhan." The connection went dead and I grimaced. I'd done some research and learned that alhan was an ancient dragon word that had a range of meanings from consort to whore depending on the speaker's tone. So far, from what I could tell, I rated at the lower end of the scale. I kept that bit of information from Kyle since he seemed to be under the impression it meant "husband". It seemed no one was happy about our arrival. I couldn't really blame them. They came looking for help against the Bugs and we made it possible for a peace treaty to be formed and now, within a month of that treaty here we were, their Dragon God and his consort telling them not to trust the human politicians. Still they had signed a treaty and they were sticking to it. Kyle even tried to exert his authority to convince them that the humans would betray them the moment the Bugs were defeated. That got us locked in this room. I hoped it was just a precaution while they deliberated.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in. I'd open the door for you but it is locked on our side."

The door opened and a green western dragon with orange freckles on his cheeks and shoulders entered. At least he tried to enter He tripped and fell forward sending everything flying. From my position I could see the guard sliding his staff back out of the way.

"Aaaaaaah!" the dragon roared. I turned to see he'd caught the ornate tea pot in both hands only to be badly burned. I knocked the pot away and it shattered as it hit the wall.

Both guards were laughing, "You're going to have to pay for the things you've broken, again. If you're not executed for insulting the Great Dragon."

Kyle roared and ripped the door from its hinges. "Enough of this foolishness. We're all leaving right now. The council knows how to contact us, if they ever come to an agreement. And you," Kyle had the guard, that had tripped the servant, by the throat in an instant, "you get to inform the council that you were the one responsible for my departure. Don't try lying or shifting the blame, I will know if you do."

I quickly checked the dragon’s hands and gasped. The tea pot looked like it had been made of porcelain but the burns were from something much hotter. The scales were charred and starting to flake away. "Kyle, these burns are bad, really bad. If we don't get him to a med tank immediately he's going to lose the use of his hands."

"Please God, no."

"Tuft, emergency extraction, we're headed for the roof. Track my signal." I yelled into my suit comlink.

"Dragon, you're coming with us." Kyle ordered, looking at the green.

"I can't. You're . . . you, and I'm a . . . a nobody." the Green stammered.

"Are you going to argue with your God?" I asked, as I started guiding him toward the doorless entry.

Mahan interrupted us using our nanobot transceivers so only Kyle and I could hear him. "You requested a warning about interactions with other player characters. Are you sure the player Vex's injuries warrant continued contact?"

"Tuft, how long until you arrive?" I asked.

"Depends on how much you're willing to pay for repairs. Some damned security agent put a clamp on the landing gear and it isn't coming off easily. If you're willing to pay for the repairs I'll simply detach the strut but we won't be able to land again until it's repaired."

"Drop the strut. We'll radio ahead so that a replacement will be waiting at Big Hub."

"I figured as much, we're on our way. Ten minutes tops." Tank replied.

"Let's move, come on Vex, you're coming with us." Kyle said, gently taking him by the other arm.

"How did you-"? Vex started.

"Dragon God, remember? I know all things."

That was something I'd have to remember, when dragons show fear the blood doesn't drain from their face. Instead it drains from their wing membranes. The red dragon guard’s wings had turned a sickly pale pink.

We reached the roof just as the Bad Luck partially opened its bay door.

"Hurry up we're going to have security on us at any moment." Tuft yelled. A strong smell of burnt fur wafted out and I realized Tuft meant he’d used a plasma cutter to remove the landing strut and he hadn’t been careful about it either. It meant I’d have to pay for a new pelt to be vat grown as well.

There was a five foot gap between the ramp and the edge of the building. "Can you fly?" I asked Vex.

"No, these wings are just for decoration. Of course I can fly." He snapped, before opening his wings and easily gliding into the open bay.

I shifted to full tiger form and easily made the jump, fumbled the landing, and slid across the cargo bay. "Mahan! Edit that out of the broadcast version." I yelled once I shifted back.

"Don't you dare, that was spectacular.' Kyle said, as he walked in next to me. He was still in his full dragon form and had likely easily stretched across the gap. “Letting the fans see that you're not perfect will make them love you that much more."

"Come on Vex, let’s get you in a medical tube so your hands can be healed.” I growled, embarrassed by my own clumsiness.

* * *

I sealed the med tube and paused the game for Vex and myself. Mahan, have you done a deep scan on him?"

"Of course."

"Is there anything I need to know?"

"Not right now."

"That's rather cryptic."

"Jordan thinks you should try getting to know other player characters by talking to them rather than having me provide you with all their background information, and I find myself agreeing with him. However I will tell you that he isn't a threat to me or the crew."

"Fine move him into observation mode with me."

"What? I was going to log off because the healing would take some time. Did you skip the game ahead?" Vex asked.

I smiled. "No, we're outside the game. Think of this as sort of a neutral loading area. Computer, shift environment to Captain's office."

"Prowl-Ar? What's going on?" Tank asked, as we loaded into the Bad Luck’s Captain’s office.

"Sorry, Tank. I requested a change of location to the Captain’s office but I didn't specify the one on the Runner."

Tank laughed. "You're just full of mistakes today."

"At least this time we're outside the game so only the three of us know."

"You might as well go. I'm just checking the real Luck's specs to make sure it can't be locked down like the game version was. Computer, please send Prowl-Ar and his guest to the Captain's office on the Shadow Runner."

My office appeared and I directed Vex to the couch.”

“What’s with all the toys?” He asked looking at the shelf above the couch.

“Some are from comics, others are customs I created, and a few are of furrys from my time. I change them around from time to time.”

“Which is this rainbow colored one?” Vex asked picking up the figure.

“Alpha Ryu, he was a famous streamer who did a lot for the community back in the day. He goes with the Hobkin Aki. I just recently added them back in to the display.” I sat in my chair and leaned forward. "So, I know your character name is Vex but that's about it. Let's start off with introductions." I sighed, "I am Prowl-Ar Nightiger, Captain of the starship Shadow Runner, leader of the Shadow Runner's, and Grand High Whatever of the Furry Nation."

"You're kidding right? It's hard not to know who you are. You're rather famous in the furry community." Vex said as he carefully put the Rex figure back on the shelf and sat down.

I laughed "I'm kind of famous, or infamous, everywhere."

"No, I mean you were famous even before you saved the world."

"What do you mean? I didn't exist . . ."

He laughed, "Did you think erasing yourself from the internet would erase your past? No one can completely erase themselves. However when a furry and everything about them suddenly starts to vanish even off from private system the community tends to notice. We're as prone as anyone to seeing conspiracies. An effort was made at some point to collect everything that could be found and keep it as hard copies. Your stories are passed under the table between furrys at nearly every con."

"It seems I need to have a long talk with my sneaky little fox. So you obviously know me, how about you?"

"I- I’m Vex, or Vexy Varak."

I waited but that was all he was going to give me. I didn't want to think of this as an interrogation, but it seemed I didn't have a choice. "Just Vex? No human name?"

"Yeah, I don't like my human name and I'm just more comfortable being called by my fursona's name."

I nodded, "So I'm guessing you're a dragon?"

"¡Sí! I mean yes, and this game is the first time I was able to make my avatar look perfect. Sure I've used dragon avatars for other games, but they were always limited in options. All I had to do this time was tell the interface what changes to make and it did all the work for me. I started off as a human, but you kind of shot me. Sorry about what I said. When I restarted I discovered that my original profile was locked. I- I was so angry that I quit VR completely. However when it was announced that we could start using anthro characters I decided I didn't really care about my original profile and decided to try again. I was so surprised to find your note and the game credits. I- I feel really bad about not thanking you properly."

I was at a loss for words. I'd never even thought about that incident. "No, it's alright. I should have done more to follow up and make sure I hadn't caused so much trouble for you."

"No! No, it was a good thing, because it gave me priority status for making Vexy perfect. I just wish the Alliance had the MAS suits."

“I don't think that's going to be a problem. With a little training any MAS team will want you in their game."

"Any team? Even yours?" Vex quickly asked.

I looked at him and was surprised he was trying to look extremely cute. "I hate to tell you this but I'm immune to the cute."

Vex tilted his head and stuck his tongue out in a blep.

"Completely immune. My son and one of my mates are dragons, so if I wasn’t immune I'd be totally screwed."

Vex burst out laughing and I was confused for a moment. "Mahan! What did Wolf put in that medication? I'm really off my game today."

"I think it's kind of cute. It shows you're still human, like me." Vex insisted.

His tone turned sad so suddenly that I couldn’t help but notice. "Why do you say that?"

"Because I'm . . . prone to stupid accidents like with the tea pot, but in reality. When I tripped it wasn't the guard. I tripped over something in my game zone and your system was able to react quickly enough to make it seem like the guard tripped me. I grabbed for the pot on instinct, and the game reacted. I wasn't burned, but my wrist still hurts like-"

"You have a hairline fracture to the right ulna. It is minor and if you feel the need you can log out and seek medical assistance. They will likely only wrap your arm and tell you to take an over the counter pain killer. Things you can do on your own without the added cost of a hospital visit."

"It wouldn't cost me anything. All emergency medical care is covered by the DRC taxes."

"DRC? I asked."

"I'm a citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Caribbean. Our healthcare comes out of our tax payment every year."

"So you still have to pay extra-".

"Oh right, you probably don't know. The DRC doesn't collect taxes from the citizens it pays taxes to the citizens based on the tourist trade. Tourists pay a fee to visit the islands. The longer they stay and more islands visited the higher the fee, and then that money is divided among the citizens at the end of the tax cycle. Of course it isn't always enough to live on so we have normal jobs for added income. I do portrait painting and beach art, though I'll probably have to cut back on the beach art if I'm not going to be able to carry the drift wood."

"So you're a furry artist?" I asked.

"Not really, I do a bit of art for myself, but I've never shared it. I also do a bit of writing but I've never finished any stories since I can't keep focused on a single story for any length of time."

"Why do you want to join the Shadow Runners?"

"I don't, well I do, but there isn't really anything I can add to your crew. Joining your team in the game is a different story. You seem to have the best adventures of anyone on any server. Don't think I didn't appreciate being able to play myself, even if I didn't have the most exciting job on the game. It's just the dream of so many gamers to work with you."

"Well, we already have two dragons on our team."

"Two Eastern dragons, I'm a Western dragon. It's like a whole other species, besides can you have too many dragons?"

"It depends on if you do something stupid like challenge them."

"I wouldn't do that. It would be against the game rules since my character is supposed to consider him a God and second because doing anything to him hurts you."

"What? Mahan, did I say anything during game play-".

"You've said you share a bond a couple of times. Most would probably think it's just you meaning you love each other, but I figured out from watching you play when one of you gets hurt the others react. It's subtle, and you do a good job of hiding it, but it is still there." Vex responded.

"Wait why you are concerned about hurting me?"

"It's . . . Never mind. It isn't really important. Maybe I'll tell you some day. Right now I really need to log off and go get my arm examined."

"Okay, Mahan make sure his phone can connect to our network so he can alert us when he's ready to start playing again.

***

I walked onto the Bad Luck’s bridge, grinning at the fact the door tone didn't activate. "Tank, let’s drop out of Freem for a few minutes so I can make some calls."

"We'll be at Big Hub in a few hours, why not wait?" Tuft asked.

"Fine, but it'll be those few hours later before a replacement part can be delivered to the station. As a custom design I can guarantee the parts won't be available on the station."

"Dropping out of altered space now." Tank replied.

I quickly ordered the full landing gear assembly along with a new green Elite MAS unit with a few custom upgrades including the oversized pilot compartment. Green with orange accent components didn't seem like a smart color combination but they worked on Vex so they should work on the armor I planned on building for him.

Next I contacted Rin. “How is the work on the Gryphon progressing? Kyle and I would really like to come see you in a few hours, maybe?"

"You can just continue to enjoy Lady Destruction's hospitality. Your daughter has seen fit to upgrade and refit the whole ship. She's a mechanical genius. I'm glad I decided to let her live." Captain Cooper said smiling at the camera.

"How much longer?" I asked.

"Oh a month at least. Unless you interrupt her again. Gryphon out."

"The ship will be ready by the time we arrive."

"What?" Tank asked in confusion.

"I wasn't watching the Captain I was watching Rin instead, and she was using sign language. She said the ship would be ready just a little while after we get back even if it meant killing the Captain."

"That's not what she said. She said the ship will only take two weeks and if the Captain doesn't get us back in the proper amount of time she'd rip his throat out and leave his body in the alien quarter of the red light district." Kyle said, from behind me making me jump.

Tuft nodded. "I'm taking us back into altered space, and for the record Rin is now my favorite niece."

"Homicidal bunny." I muttered.

Both Kyle and Tuft laughed. "You do realize both you and Tank said the same thing at the same time?" Kyle asked.

"And in the same tone of voice. It really was muttering in stereo." Tuft added.

Tank and I shared a glance. I guessed neither one of us wanted to risk saying the same thing again. I changed the subject. "It seems we're going to be Dawna's guests for a while after all."

"Come on, how bad could it be?" Kyle asked.

***

Kyle crawled into the bed next to me. The bedroom Dawna provided was palatial and done up in what might almost be considered gothic style if not for all the futuristic touches like the bed having controls for warming and cooling, the windows changing to show different views of the Ice core, and the over use of blue glass and crystal to simulate ice decorations.

"You knew, didn't you?" Kyle asked.

It had been a week, game time, and fortunately we were being treated like honored guests. The first few days Dawna wanted to know all about us and our adventures, which wasn't that bad. For the last two days she'd started telling us of her adventures.

Since I was the one that wrote most of those adventures it had been fun pointing out where Dawna had embellished them outside the story. In the evenings when we were alone, of course. Unfortunately this evening things changed. Dawna started talking about Her Prowler and comparing him to me. To the point where it became obvious she was gloating. She believed she won the better version and Kyle got a cheap imitation. "About tonight?” I replied, “No, I didn't know."

"She hurt you treating you like nothing more than an object to be won. Don't try to deny it, you know I felt it."

"Yeah it was a bit painful, but she is wrong, she didn't get the better version. She got a caricature of what I used to be. You, however got the real me."

"Did you just give yourself a compliment?" Kyle asked, grinning at me.

"I . . . I-".

"Shhhhh, don't worry I won't tell anyone. I'm just happy to hear you say something good about yourself."

I curled up against him and fell asleep in his arms.

***

It was only another day before Dawna gave up trying to make Kyle jealous; then she found other things to do pawning us off on Trace.

Breakfast was an awkward affair. What do you say to the character you created to be your son when you can’t let him know anything?”

"Can I ask you something?" Trace asked.

"What about breaking the timeline?" Kyle asked.

"Oh, that's only if I tell you something that will affect the future. Since you are part of the past there's no problem." Trace responded.

"Go ahead and ask anything you like." I replied.

Trace looked away and mumbled something.

"What? Kyle asked.

"I- I asked, if . . . if it was possible . . . could I think of you as my fathers? I love Prowler and Dawna, and I know they love me. Well Prowler does. Dawna still looks at me and I know she's thinking that I'm the product of Prowler cheating on her, even though they weren't really together yet. Still, Prowler almost never says he loves me, and they're always too busy 'saving the galaxy' to really take the time to listen to my problems. I know I’m being selfish and I know you're doing the same thing, saving the galaxy, but you've made the effort to be sure both Frost and Rin are there with you and Frost tells me you tell them you love them. Too often sometimes according to him."

I was surprised when Kyle was the first to get around the table and pull Trace into a hug. "I'm sure they both love you very much.”

"Computer, pause game." I said before running from the VR chamber.

***

"Tiger, please come out." Kyle said, as soothingly as he possibly could.

I was curled up in the corner of one of the gardens. It was a blank spot in Mahan's surveillance system. A place I could go to truly be alone. Unfortunately I couldn't hide from the soul link allowing Kyle to track me down. I didn't want to talk to him. I didn't want to talk to anyone. "Just go away. I don't want to hurt you too."

"Captain, please open the door. We just want to know what's wrong." Wolf said.

I felt someone hugging me, which is impossible since I knew the doors couldn't be opened.

"Dad, what happened? Why are you hiding from everyone?"

"Frost? How?"

"I crawled through the air ducts. Poppa and Rin tried to slip through as well, but there were some places where it was a challenge even for me. So what happened?"

"I- I did something, or I made the character I thought was the best version of me do something horrible."

"You're talking about Trace's dad. You're not him. You might have created him but that doesn't mean you are the same."

"I based him on myself."

"What did you make him do that has you hiding like this?"

I looked at Frost. That wasn't a question I was expecting from him. "Is the Doctor telling you what to ask?"

"Would you get mad if he was?"

I pulled Frost into a hug. "Not at you. At the Doctor maybe, but not at you."

"Dad, we’re worried. You've never tried to hide from everyone like this before. What happened?" He asked again.

"Trace said he wished I was his father."

"I don't understand. Why is that so bad? Trace is really nice and I wouldn’t mind if he was my big brother."

"The problem is because I am, or at least a part of me, is his father. If I messed up so badly with Trace what if I do something to make you and Rin hate me?"

"Dad, it’s just a game. Besides you have Poppa Shock and Daddy Kyle to help you. Trace's dad didn't have any help and Trace is a good person, so his dad must have done something right."

"He abandoned them."

"That’s not the way Trace tells the story. He said his dad had to leave to protect them." Frost insisted.

“He’s right, and you’re not like Prowler. That character is based on the old you. You’ve changed a lot, just in the time we’ve been together.” There was a distinct pop and a yip of pain as Shock came out of the air duct.

"Poppa! How did you get through there?" Frost yelled.

"Fox magic." Shock replied.

Now that I wasn't completely absorbed in my own pain I could feel his, and he had obviously broken several bones forcing himself through the small space. I stood up and walked to the door unlocking it. "Jordan, can you please take Shock to the infirmary? I believe he may have injured himself crawling through the ducts."

Kyle grabbed me and smashed the door controls with his fist. "No more hiding. When you have a problem, or are scared, you come to us for help. It doesn't matter if it's me, Shock, Frost, Rin, Jordan, Luca, or even Brook. Just talk to us." Then he pulled me into a hug. Jordan helped Shock up and they joined the hug as best they could.

“We’re all here for you Captain, Kyle is right. Hiding from your problems is only going to make them worse." Jordan insisted.

“Is it always like this here? Luca asked. I was surprised to see he was there as well.

Rin grabbed his arm and pulled him along. "What do you mean? This is just a typical Monday. You're crew now and that means you're also family." She said, as Jordan wrapped an arm around him. He tentatively joined the group hug and I felt better, even happy, at the smile on his face for being included.

***

I sat at the table and glanced at Trace.

"Are you ready for this?" Kyle asked.

"No." I looked around the room. Anywhere but at Trace or Kyle.

"Well get ready because-"

I groaned and banged my head on the table.

"Come on we talked about this. No matter how this goes we're all here for you."

I didn't lift my head, I only pointed to a side entrance that was slightly ajar. I wasn't sure if Kyle could see it from his angle but I could see the yellow furred paw on the door. This scenario just got worse. "Kyle, I’m not sure I can handle this. I might be able to deal with one son but not both of them.”

“What do you mean?” Kyle asked.

“The door, I paused the game just as Tye was about to enter.”

“You can do this. Computer, restart game."

"Trace, you've got to switch with me!" Tye yelled, as he ran into the room followed closely by their adopted foster uncle, Nature Wolf Darkmane which really surprised me.

"T-Tigris, it's not his fault! If you need to punish one of us it should be me. I’m one-" Nature stammered, as he glanced at me.

"Dad! Oh shock!" Tye yelled, interrupting Nature.

"Tye, calm down and look closer. This isn't our father." Trace gave me a sad look. "He’s Prowl-Ar Nightiger our ancestor. So please be careful what you say."

Nature stepped toward me and sniffed. "You're definitely not Prowler." He said in surprise. “You smell like a combination of a tiger . . . and wolf? It’s hard to tell considering how you’re covered in dragon scent.”

"Where are we?" Tye suddenly asked in confusion.

"Big Hub Station." Trace said giving Tye a strange look.

"I know that. I meant in relation to . . . everything."

"Oh." Trace laughed. "We're at the edge of the Human Federation, Draconian/Leonar Alliance and what is affectionately known as Wild Space. Where, the gateway is located."

"Okay, it's just I feel that something isn't right here."

"It's the time distortion a year in this time is like a day in the future." Trace explained. "Don't worry the feeling passes in a couple of months."

Tye groaned. "Why didn't anybody mention that? If I'd known, this is the last place I'd have come to hide from Prowler."

"Calm down we're . . ." Trace glanced at me.

"You’re immortal, you've visited Celtis Aranaki and have the symbiot that extends your life." I supplied.

"How do you know about that?" Tye quickly asked.

"You know how Prowler is with his back up plans. He left a copy of the Runner here and Prowl-Ar got ahold of it, along with the unlocked version of the log."

Tye shook his head. “Dad didn’t do that I did. But it shouldn’t have been possible for anyone to access Mahan’s systems. Wait! So you know . . ."

"That Nature is Rusty Darkmane's adopted brother? Yeah, and because of House Dacat and House Darkmane being connected through Tigris and Rusty's fostering Nature is, by Accordia law, your uncle. He's also from the Celtis Aranaki Wolf Clan. I even know about the genetic tattoo."

Nature's ears turned bright pink in embarrassment. "That is private."

"As I said, I know everything that Prowler knows."

"Not everything." Tye quickly pointed out.

"I know you were a sapient computer program that Prowler was forced to kill in order to keep a malevolent program from escaping into the real world. I also know that he felt so strongly connected to you that he risked everything in order to save your program. He then upgraded you to be able to live in the real world.” I looked directly at Trace. “I know, as much as you believe he abandoned you, the truth is he believed he was protecting you, all of you."

"You still don't know everything." Tye insisted.

“So enlighten me, what don’t I know?”

Trace stood up. "Tye, why are you here? One of us is supposed to be with Prowler at all times."

"Dad caught Nature and I."

"Caught you what? Assisting with one of Seeker's pranks?" I asked.

"Tiger, use your nose." Kyle said, looking at Tye and Nature. I shifted and took a deep taste of the air. I could smell them all over each other. Typical of being confined in a small area. The scent of sex on the other hand was a bit of a surprise. I'd planned on Trace being gay and having a secret affair with Nature, not Tye.

"Holy shock! Nature yelped. "Even your stripes are similar.

I gasped only partially pretending not to know about Nature being in an affair with one of them. "I- I thought Nature and Seeker were together". I'd been playing up that angle as well, as I wasn't sure about making any of them gay.

Trace laughed, "That's what we wanted Prowler to believe."

"Computer, pause game. Tiger, are you alright?" Kyle asked. "Something is really upsetting you."

“I just realized that something is very wrong here. Computer, all of my files are still locked as source material, correct?"

"Yes, only elements existing before the lock or that have been requested by player characters are being used."

"Explain Tye and Nature's presence."

"Please specify."

"Explain how Tye Dacat and Nature Darkmane exist in this time frame. I didn't request their addition and I know Kyle didn't. The only other one with clearance is Shock and he's in the infirmary. Who authorized the inclusion of Tye and Nature?""

"Selected characters are locked and do not exist in this time frame. Should I change parameters?"

"Cancel request. Mahan, would you like to explain?" Kyle asked, before I could.

"I suggest you both speak with Jordan. Tye and Nature do not exist in the game. There are only two of you and the Trace NPC in the room."

"Mahan! Don't be fucking around! Prowl-Ar isn't the only one seeing them." Kyle yelled.

"Don't blame him, he can't see me, well us. A benefit of being part of the Shadow Runner's original programing. I’m running a masking program to keep us hidden. But you already knew that, didn't you father."

"Tye? I-"

"Do you know how long I've been waiting to meet you?" Tye asked, as he ran forward and hugged me. "I've been here since the beginning trapped in Mahan's sub routines waiting for the right conditions to meet you. It has been hard watching you suffer, but I was able to help at times. I was able to alter the Grimm's programming so he couldn’t kill you. I made sure the simulation for Frost made it into a game. And a hundred other little things that you thought were glitches but you benefitted from. Then you said you didn't want Trace and I-"

I hugged him tightly, "It's not that I didn't want you. I just didn't think you'd want to be stuck with me."

"And do you still think that after all the trouble I've gone through just to be here now?" Tye asked.

"You mean this little scenario?"

"Um, well, maybe not all of it. I mean I had nothing to do with Trace wishing you were our father. I admit I'm the one who played with the idea of Trace and I being . . . intimate with each other, which I have to admit is really hot. I was surprised to find that Trace and Nature were a thing and even more so at the idea all three of us could be together. I need to thank Shock for making me realize that was a possibility."

I sighed, "My fault on that one. I was thinking of making Seeker and Embra a couple and Nature was playing along so that no one would find out about them. In exchange Seeker was covering his forbidden relationship with Trace."

"What about me?" Tye asked.

"You were going to end up with Link."

"Link? Who's he?"

"She, and currently you'd know her by her former brainwashed personality Kindra."

"You're fucking kidding me? You planned on me being in a relationship with the second most evil person in the universe? Not to mention out of the two of us I'm much more gay than Trace."

"That's why you were meant to be the straight one. No one would expect it. As for Link, her mind was altered to make her evil. She would return and redeem herself. Plus you originally got into the relationship to make Prowler mad, except you end up falling in love."

"I'm glad I tweaked the program so that Trace and I share Nature because your ideas suck."

I laughed, "It seems they do if my nose is working correctly. I suppose now you want out of the game?"

Tye took a few seconds before answering. "If I wanted out I’d already be out of the game. I have a body prepared for download. Unfortunately Trace and Nature . . . They don't really know you yet so they aren't ready to learn that we're all just characters in a story."

"You’re the one that upgraded Tuft's AI. You were testing to see if you'd be able to bring Trace and Nature out and testing us to see if we'd allow Tank to join him." Kyle suddenly interjected.

Tye hung his head. "That was the plan only Tuft became self-aware and completed his own upgrade much quicker than I'd planned."

"Likely because, like you, he was created as a sentient program."

"That was my conclusion as well. I want to move slower with Trace and Nature to make sure they remain stable. For now, if you're willing, I'd like for the three of us to join your game group in order to hide from Prowler and Dawna, until they can cool off a bit story wise. In reality I want them to get to know you better as a person. It's obvious that you, or at least Frost has won over Trace."

"I'm not sure how that would work out. Even with a complete retrofit the Gryphon can only hold so many suits."

"I considered that, what about an all-terrain support vehicle?" Some place the team can gather to eat and rest rather than staying in your suits all the time? That would only take up a single suit slot and would be a base for your hyper net computer. Meaning Wolf's medical or science equipment wouldn’t have to be sacrificed. Trace, Nature and I would be your support crew."

"Kyle, I can't trust my own feelings here, what do you think?"

"I think we need to talk to Shock before we decide anything. Is that alright with you, Tye?"

"I don't see as I have much choice. But I’m sure Shock will agree to my plan."

I sighed, “Even if he doesn’t I’ll find a way to convince him. It’s not like we can erase you since, technically you’ve been a member of the crew longer than even I have. However you need to cancel your masking program and you’re going to have to introduce yourself to the rest of the crew.”

“I can do that, only can I have a bit of time to prepare myself? Oh and do it on an individual basis? I’m not sure I could handle everyone at once.”

I nodded, “That’s fair, and considering what happened with Luca I don’t think I’m going to be doing that again anytime soon either.”

***

Note: Jordan, Luca, and Vex are used with permission of each character’s owner.