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Virtually Real Part 31: Real Talent

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar/Kyle/Shock/Frost/Rin

Mahan

Tank/Tuft

Otter Doctor Drone

Mr. & Mrs. Hatori

"Welcome back."

"Damn it Tank, I didn't have time for that. I've got to get Rin back for her final exams."

"You've only been out a couple of hours. Rin's memory implant is just finishing. Here, Mahan said she is going to want this." Tank passed me a small case. "Don't bother asking what's inside because I don't know since the lock is keyed to Rin's DNA. I suggest you go prep your dart. Tuft will bring Rin to the hanger bay as soon as she's finished."

I nodded. "Listen, I appreciate your trying to help, but don't ever do that again."

Tank looked like he wanted to say something but decided to keep quiet.

"It wasn't just Mahan, Kyle and Shock added their support, didn't they? Never mind I know it was the right decision, considering how poorly I've been sleeping the last couple days. Now that I know Rin can protect herself it should improve." I said, shaking my head.

"Just keep telling yourself that and try not to get angry every couple of days when Shock or Kyle tranquilize you. Now get going or Tuft will beat you to your ship."

Tank was right I found Tuft buckling Rin into her seat. "She tried to stay awake long enough to thank you, but she passed out half way here. Memory implantation is obviously tough on biologicals."

"It's not that different from downloading several large programs and installing them. You need to power off and restart your system to complete the install. It's the same with biologicals, except the reset takes a bit longer."

"Listen, if she gets sick of you lot, Tank and I will take her in."

"Tuft, Tank seemed to be hiding something and so are you. What are you not telling me?"

"You know it isn't wise for a close, or even adoptive relation to be the guide for first shift. Tuft agreed to do it." Mahan said.

"How? Tuft isn't a shifter."

"I ran him through when Kyle first proposed the idea of Tuft becoming a shifter. I has Shock act as his guide." Mahan replied.

"A fox and a rabbit, good choice. Almost as smart as a rabbit and a lynx." I growled.

"Yeah, about that. Rin is going to need your help with her traumatic memory. I'm pretty sure it's going to be where she lost her temper, killed, and ate me. I respawned shortly after that telling her that I was her spirit guide and so I couldn't really be killed. Still, watch out when she gets angry, she brings new meaning to wildcat."

"She isn't likely to remember about the spirit guide part. Thanks for the heads up. That is far more traumatic than most have to deal with. It's just a good thing I run first shift through VR and memory implant now. Though she was only supposed to get a taste of what shifting is like, not have the full experience just yet." I crawled into the Dart and buckled in.

"Have a safe flight." Tuft said, as the canopy closed.

I waved and shut down the clamps. Tuft turned and headed back into the base as the bay depressurized.

"Dart, you are clear for Earth transit."

"Thank you, Tank." I engaged the thrusters and headed back to Japan.

***

I woke with a start. Something had disturbed my rest. I stared at the ceiling. It took a few minutes to realize where I was. I searched my memory. I'd made it back to the embassy and Shock had left the bay carrying Rin. I'd made sure the dart was completely locked down. Kyle had asked me something, but by that point it was just a blur and then nothing.

The door opened and Kyle peeked in "Are you still alive?"

"What time is it?"

"A little past one local time, I just got back and thought I should check in on you. Rin got home around noon."

"She shouldn't be back yet."

"I know she wanted to go on her own, but I still shadowed her."

"I was going to suggest it anyway. We'll keep that to ourselves."

"Good because she thinks I spent the morning out shopping."

"So did anything happen?" I asked.

"Maybe. As soon as she got to school she met with her class advisor about being in the talent show after all. Then she asked to be let out early so that she could come home and practice since the modeling club had finished their project. The advisor told her no."

"You didn't do anything that Rin might find out about, did you?"

"Of course not. I found a private area and called the principle, letting him know that once Rin finished her exam she needed to come home and practice for the talent show. She was to clear it with the class advisor, but I was calling just to confirm it. He assured me it wouldn't be a problem. I couldn't believe how quickly he had the advisor in his office."

"So the advisor let Rin know that her leaving early was approved after all."

"It was perfect since the advisor made it seem like reconsidering was all his idea. She came directly home, recruited Shock and headed for the hangar bay where they wouldn't be interrupted."

"Mahan-"

"Don't ask. I've been sworn to secrecy. She wants what she is up to be a complete surprise. She was even reluctant to have Shock's help. It probably won't help, but don't worry, what she is doing isn't dangerous."

"You're right, that doesn't help." Kyle said before I could. "By the way, after Rin returned home, I went exploring and found this." Kyle handed me a comic. The cover had a MAS suit on it.

I shrugged, "It's a doujinshi, basically a fan fiction of our game. This looks to be issue four must be doing pretty good."

"Open it up."

I opened the comic and nearly choked. It started off with an opening splash page of Frost, Slider, and Lee making out. I didn't dare go any farther. "Mahan?"

"There's only so much I can do about print media. As it is he only gets one of every five he tries to print. The convention is just down the block and I can get you special passes if you want meet with Murakami Kazuki, the author, to settle it yourself."

"Get us those passes. I really want to, meet, the person making this filth." Kyle growled.

An hour later we were finally inside the crowded venue. I really wanted to look around, but maybe after I'd dealt with the trash. "Kyle, follow my lead. I'm going to try resolving this diplomatically first."

"Fine." He grumbled and then laughed. "I can't believe we're walking through here in our armor and no one is even looking twice."

"They think we're cosplayers. After all we'd never just show up at a place like this." I came to a stop at a table with several comic titles on it including the vile rag Kyle had shown me. I picked up one of the other comics and flipped through. The art style was good as was the story. It was set on Fallow following a team of survivors whose shuttle had crashed.

"I see you're a MAS fan, are you interested in that one?" The author looked hopeful.

There were six issues. I passed the first one to Kyle. I picked up a second title. It followed the adventures of Tank and Tuft. It was most certainly mature rated, still safe for work thankfully, but not a bad story. I flipped through and there were no overt sex scenes. It had two issues.

"Please, if you're not buying-"

I placed a paper in front of him. "This is a cease and desist order. All works depicting living individuals will be confiscated and destroyed."

"You can't do that." The author yelled.

"We have diplomatic immunity. If you keep depicting our son like this I'll rip you head off." Kyle hissed.

"Kyle, diplomatic approach first." I turned back and found the author on the verge of tears.

"I don't like doing that one but it is the only one that sells. It's just a bit of kissing and innuendo. I wouldn't be allowed to sell it if it was any more graphic. It's not like I'm depicting player characters."

Kyle picked up the small stack and ripped it in half. "Not any more, you're not. Frost is our son and a minor!"

"Damn it Kyle I said diplomatic."

"He's still breathing isn't he?"

"It doesn't matter. I was evicted from my studio this morning. I was hoping to make enough to find another place, but the printer was only able to produce twenty copies. I guess it's over now."

"Excuse me, Comiket security, is there a problem here?"

"We're just discussing the author's future or lack thereof." Kyle said overly sweetly.

"Listen you-"

”I pushed my ID and immunity papers into his hands. "Any more questions?"

"You, you're not cos-players!" He grabbed one of the comics, "Can I get your autograph?"

"One condition, you pay for that first."

He pulled out his wallet and pushed some money to the author. "This is-" Kazuki started.

"Keep it." He quickly said, holding the comic out toward me.

I rolled my eyes, "It seems I need to rent your pen."

I signed the comic and the guard walked away in a daze. I turned back to the author. I know sex sells, but you can't exploit our kids like that. Your story telling is good and I really like your art style but-"

"I get it, if I ever use any of you again, you'll kill me."

"No. Listen, will your table mate get upset of I use their chair?"

"She sold through earlier, so I doubt it."

I sat down. "You have any more card for writing down prices?"

"Um, yes."

"Spread out that stack by issue. Double the price of the first issue. Now add a card and double the price again saying that for the extra fee they can get issue one signed by either Tiger or Drake."

"Are you serious?" He asked.

"I don't have anything else planned for today and if you're willing to work with us by not producing that . . ."

"Filth." Kyle said for me.

"Set the story about Tank and Tuft to one side for now as well."

"Are you telling me they're real?"

"They are indeed. I'll need to contact them to see how they feel."

Mahan broke in on my coms. "I've already done so. They said as long as he starts putting a disclaimer in saying that the stories do not depict the real lives of Bradley Abrams and Tuft, he can continue. They also suggested you provide him with their origin story. 'Maybe he can come up with a better ending than you did' Tuft's words not mine."

"Are you alright? You're just staring into space."

"Just a moment, I'm in communication with Mahan."

"Oh, I hadn't noticed your earphone."

Mahan continued, "I know how you get attached, and it would be easier for me to keep an eye on him if you set him up with a small studio on say, the third floor? Now that we have space to fill a comic studio might be a way toward some good publicity. Also I'll let Shock know that you two have found something to occupy your time for the afternoon."

"Got it.” I turned back to the author. “Sorry about that, where were we? Oh right the Tank and Tuft comic. They say you can continue it as long as you put in a disclaimer from now on, stating your story doesn’t depict their real lives."

"Thank you so much, but this late in the con I doubt anyone will notice-" He slapped his hands over his ears as Kyle roared.

"Let them just try to ignore a dragon." I laughed.

Four hours later and I was able to put down the pen. My hand immediately cramped up.

"Here." a large stack of cash was pushed in front of me. "This is the autograph money."

I pushed it back. "I told you I was renting the pen, not borrowing. That's all yours. Now, do you need any help with clean up?"

"Clean up what? They even took the price cards and had you sign them." He looked at the stack of cash. "If my landlord had waited a day longer I'd have been able to pay him for the next three months."

"If you don't mind my asking, why were you evicted?"

"It's been a year and I'm still doing doujinshi. While I've been making enough to survive and pay rent my land lord didn't like the fact that I was there at odd hours with my assistant."

"Assistant?"

"Well, I call her my assistant, but the truth is we both do our own projects but we split the profits so that we could pay for the studio."

"So she was listed as your assistant so that the land lord wouldn't raise the rent."

"Um yeah, but I think the final push to evict me came when he caught me sleeping in the studio. I'd have been out much sooner if he realized I've been living there for the last few months, since I couldn't pay for a place to live and the studio."

"Kazu, what's going on? You didn't tell me you were hiring cos-players to help sell your doujin. You know we can't afford that. Listen, I think I found us a new studio. It isn't much but it's a place for you to live and work. I hoped you'd still be here cleaning up. We need to pool our cash and see if we have enough for the deposit. By the way where's your left overs?"

"Mr. Murakami, take this card. Go to the address and tell the attendant you would like a combination apartment and studio on the third floor. The land lord owes me a favor, so if you show him that card you and your assistant will both have a place to work and live. Maybe we'll work with each other again." I grabbed Kyle's arm and headed out.

"We're just walking away?" Kyle asked.

The yell of "How did you make that much!" came from behind us.

"Whether he wants to accept the offer or not, I'm pretty sure his assistant is going to force him to check out the studio. This is Friday, so it's likely just the first day of the con. Right now he's likely thinking he needs to get more copies printed for tomorrow." We stepped out of the convention center and discovered it was lightly raining. We generated rain slickers over our armor, and Kyle took my arm.

"Sir, would you object if I escorted you home?"

I gave a little laugh, "Such a gentleman, I'd be delighted. However, I must warn you I can be quite dangerous if provoked."

"I love a challenge."

I smiled and leaned against him as we headed home, for once not caring what the people around me might think. As we entered the embassy Kazuki and his assistant were at the front desk. We'd seen them pass but neither of us wanted to cut our stroll short so I let Mahan know to stall them.

"I told you, I was to show you this card and you'd show us a studio."

"Yes, and as I told you, you have to wait."

"Wait for what?" Kazu asked.

"I'm not authorized to give you that information."

"Please give them temporary security passes for the third floor and begin preparing a lease agreement." I said, as we walked by. We stopped at the elevator and I kissed Kyle lightly, Go ahead and start dinner while I deal with these two."

"They're now officially on Shadow Runner property so I could deal with them. I promise no one would ever find the bodies." Kyle said loudly enough for the two to overhear."

"He's already agreed not to write about Frost and Rin. No need to hold a grudge."

"I'm not, I actually feel sorry that I got so angry. Kazu seems like a good guy, but I don't want him to forget what I may do if he slips up."

"Damn it, you're getting almost as good as I am at hiding your real intentions."

"That's not really a good thing, bad dragon."

I started laughing.

"What?" he asked.

"Don't worry about it. No one else in this era would get it either.” I replied.

“Bad Dragon was a company that produced adult toys. Primarily those favored by the furry community."

"Mahan, it ceases to be funny if someone takes the time to explain."

"I don't know, now that he has explained I can understand why you laughed. So, do I need to cook enough for two guests?"

"No, they look down on their luck, but we know they have plenty of cash on hand. They can order in if they like."

"Good, we need a normal family night. Don't take too long getting them settled." Kyle hit the button to close the doors and I headed over to the reception desk.

"Do you have your temporary passes?"

"What is this place?"

"Sorry, I didn't get your name."

"Kari, Tadashi Kari, of Kitsuné and Tanuki Comics."

"Are you furrys?"

"See Kari, I told you people would think that with our publishing imprint."

"No we are not. I wish people would quit suggesting that we are." Kari said, angrily.

"It's not that we have a problem with them or anything." Kazu said.

"Speak for yourself. Furrys ruin everything. They sexualize everything making it difficult to market doujin since we're not allowed to sell anything with explicit content."

"Kari, do you know who you're talking to?" Kazu asked.

"Some overpriced cosplayer you hired to sell your doujin. Let me guess he's a furry too."

"Kari, he's not a cosplayer, and yes he's a furry. Actually he's-".

"Ms. Tadashi, you wanted to know what this is? It's the lobby of the Furry Nation Embassy. Well, technically the embassy is everything above the fifth floor. I'm not a cosplayer, I really am Prowl-Ar Nightiger."

"Um."

”I believe what my dumbstruck assistant wants to know, is why are you providing us with a studio? I mean, we're not furrys so we don't exactly belong." Kazu asked.

"Like I said the embassy is everything above the fifth floor. Everything below is open for multiple uses. I forced you to stop writing certain stories even though I dislike censorship-"

"Wait, you're forcing him to stop writing about you?" Kari yelled.

"Kari, he's banned us from writing our collaborative project involving Frost."

"You can't do that. There are laws-"

"That allow you to publish mature content about a minor? I don't think so."

"You mean Frost is a real person?" Kari asked.

"Of course I'm real. Dad, what's going on?" Frost asked as he entered the building looking half drowned.

"Where have you been?"

"I got bored so I went to the park. Don't worry, Mahan had a drone shadowing me the whole time. Your turn."

"This is Kazu and Kari, they create and sell fan comics."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"In their latest creation they depicted you romantically involved with both Slider and Lee at the same time."

Frost looked at me and then at the other two. He shifted to his dragon otter natural form and roared. "How dare you!"

"Holy crap, how can something so cute be so scary at the same time?" Kari asked stepping closer to Frost.

He jumped back and tried to hide behind me. A rather unsuccessful feat for a dragon the size of a small horse.

"Kari, you're going to want to step back. Frost has social anxiety issues. If you continue advancing on him I will forcibly stop you."

"Oh, sorry." She quickly took several steps back. "My little brother is the same way. I'm sorry Frost. I'm sorry about the comic as well. We really believed you were just a game character. If we'd known the truth we'd never have created that comic."

"Um, would it be possible to do a comic, completely clean of course, possibly targeting younger readers, about Frost being a dragon furry shifter trying to deal with social anxiety? You would have final say whether or not it gets published of course."

"What do you think, Frost?"

"I don't know, maybe."

"We'll talk it over at dinner and see what Shock and Kyle think."

"I'll have a story draft done by morning."

"Listen moron, you have to move all your stuff out of the studio and we still haven't found a new place yet. You can't count on staying here before you even know what the rent is going to be."

"You'll have to discuss that with Mahan, he actually manages the property. I'm just here to show you the place."

"Actually, he was just here to keep you busy until my drones could get the studio and accommodations set up. Commander, I suggest you and Frost get upstairs. Kyle just discovered Frost isn't home."

Frost shifted to his otter form and crawled up onto my shoulder and started shaking. "Don't worry, we'll blame Mahan." I said, as we headed for the elevator."

"I tried that already. I don't think it's going to keep you out of trouble this time." Mahan said, as the doors closed.

"Remind him that when he went to the same park he got caught, but Frost didn't. You didn't did you?"

"No, I stayed in my human form the whole time."

The doors opened and we entered. Kyle remained silent as he worked in the kitchen, but he did glare at me when he had a spare moment. Shock and Rin looked to be passed out in the living area.

"Frost, go wash up for dinner."

In an impressive show of skill he leapt from my shoulder, shifted to human form in mid- air and landed in a couch from which he jumped up and ran for the bathroom.

"Alright, let me have it." I said turning toward Kyle.

"I get that you're trying to make everyone happy, but why them? Not only are you giving them a place to work and live but now you're actually thinking of letting them put out more trash involving Frost?"

"I don't think it will be the same. I've done a deep scan. Kazu had an older brother who committed suicide a few years ago because he had crippling social anxiety. Even worse than Prowl-Ar. Then there is Kari, as much as she says she dislikes furrys, her little brother is a furry, not that she knows. However he also has a mild case, what most people just refer to as being shy. He won't talk around anyone he doesn't know."

"And how is that supposed to make me feel better?" Kyle asked.

"Both of them have tried to do a doujin about characters dealing with the problem, but they have failed every time; likely because it was too close to them. Oh my, Kazu has finished the rough draft and Kari is even sketching out a rough story board for a special zero issue before presenting it to you. I'm transferring it to your pad."

I quickly read through the proposal and the story. "There is enough material here for six comics. It's clean, a bit sad, while still being uplifting. I hate it." I sat down at the kitchen counter and started to read it for Kyle while he worked. As I finished I noticed I had an audience.

"That is wonderful, when did you write it?" Rin asked.

"It is a good story, but that isn't Tiger's writing style." Shock answered.

"I want to see the comic. Kazu seems to really understand what it feels like to be scared. Daddy, can he go ahead and complete it?" Frost asked.

"You really liked it?" Kyle asked.

"Yeah. I know he is basing it on me, but I really want to know what happens next."

"Fine, but I get final say whether he can sell it or not."

"Thank you Daddy."

"Mahan, open comlink to Kazu." Kyle ordered.

"Is that wise?” Mahan asked.

"He might as well know that he is under constant surveillance." I replied.

"Link is open."

"Kazu, this is Kyle. We just finished reading your proposed story."

"How?"

"Mahan knows and sees everything that happens on the property. Don't worry, he’s an A.I. and doesn't much care what you do as long as you're not a threat. Anyway I'm calling to tell you that we have agreed to let you complete the first issue and submit it to us for approval."

"Kari is collaborating with me on an introduction issue zero for tomorrow. How long will it take for approval?"

"We can give you a yes or no right after we read it."

"How many copies?" Mahan asked.

"What?"

"How many copies do you want? You'll need to go through your regular printer from now on but for your special issue I'll divert Shadow Runner resources."

"Oh crap, I didn't order a second run for tomorrow."

"Don't worry, I put in the request while we were walking over, right after you told me that Battlefield Hearts was finished and I wasn't to ever order any more printings of it." Kari said.

"Thank goodness."

"I’ll go ahead and do a hundred copies."

"With that large a run we could give them out for free and still have some left over." Kari said.

"Good idea, a special free zero edition to introduce Kitsuné and Tanuki's new series reviewed and approved by the Shadow Runners." I said.

"This is a doujin, they never get approved like that." Kari gasped.

"I guess that means you'll be the first. We can't wait to see what you come up with, Prowl-Ar out."

"Um, Dad, this is probably a bad time but here's something I need to tell you."

"Go ahead Rin."

"I, uh, sort of invited my old parents to the talent show. I doubt they'll show up, they never did for anything before, but I just want to prove I'm not, not what they seem to think I am."

"I understand, but you're worried things might get out of hand."

"Something like that."

"So what are you doing in the talent show?"

"You'll just have to wait to find that out."

"I could just ask Shock."

"Not this time, Rin has put a lot of effort into getting what she's doing to turn out just right. I'm not going to ruin it for her.

***

Surprisingly I woke up earlier than anyone else. I carefully slipped out of bed and made my way to the kitchen. I made a cup of hot cider and settled at the table. Kazu's doujin was waiting for me. I flipped through and admired the art and then read through the story. It was cute while also dealing with a serious topic. I quickly typed up and added a page detailing that the comic had been reviewed and approved by the Shadow Runner Organization.

Kyle glared at me as he came in and yawned. "You didn't mess about in my kitchen, did you?"

I held up my cup. "Matter generator. Since you requested final approval here's the comic."

Kyle sat down and slowly read through it. "Mhm, I see why you like his style. This isn't bad. Is that how you really feel in crowds?"

"Yeah, it's pretty accurate. The difference is I clamp down on my emotions to the point where I don't feel anything. The problem is, if the crowd is to close and to large I enter a near catatonic state." I passed Kyle my pad. “I put this together as an additional page."

"Seems good. Mahan can you print it in time?"

"I've already printed off 150 copies. I just need to print the additional page, emboss the covers with the Shadow Runner Seal, and bind them. It shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes. Kari would like to know if you will be showing up for a second day of autographs." Mahan replied.

"Not today. This is Rin's day. Maybe we'll all go tomorrow. Kyle, can you make me a cup of coffee, or should I generate one?" Shock asked as he joined us.

"Use the generator, I need to get started on breakfast and everyone's lunch."

"Don't worry about lunch. There are enough food clubs that there should be plenty to go around. I'm going up to the hangar for just a little more practice." Rin said, as she entered the living area and headed for the elevator.

"Don't, you've got it down. Anymore and you'll be too exhausted. Trust me, I've been there." Shock told her.

"Morning Sis, hey Dad has Kazu sent up my comic yet?" Frost asked, as he came bounding into the room."

"It's so unfair you get to shift any time you want, but I'm stuck in my original form."

"Frost, human or anthro form at the table, please." Kyle said, and Frost quickly shifted to human form.

"Sorry, Snow, I usually change when I'm asleep and I forgot to change to human form when I got up."

"Frost's hybrid otter dragon form is his original form. So in order to fit in with others I had to give him the ability to shift. There's also the fact that technically he's nearly fifty-one human years old."

"I thought you were about my age." Rin said in surprise.

"I am, in dragon years, and my body is nearly one year old. I was born in a VR world, became a full artificial intelligence, and was then transferred into a biological body."

"Let's see if I have this right. One of my new fathers is a super old immortal shifter, one started life as a video game character, and one is a furry celebrity. Finally my new brother is actually a dragon character that was turned into a biological shifter."

"You missed a couple of things. Shock is a tiger fox shifter that is actually my nephew eight generations removed that started life as a transgender female to male individual. I used my tech to change him into a biological male." I said.

"You forgot to mention that I'm gay, and now, also immortal." Shock added.

"I thought those two things were obvious. Kyle is a quadrimorph able to take the forms of a dragon, lion, wolf, and his original character form. Also immortal, bisexual, and one hell of a chef." I winked at Kyle and he grinned. "I think you've got Frost figured by now. If you figure me out, let me know, because most of the time even I don't know."

Rin smiled "You're a recluse that tries to hide from everything because it protects you from your need to help those in trouble."

"That is actually a pretty accurate read on him, Rin. However you've left me out. I'm Mahan, the Shadow Runner's A.I. Computer system. My personality is based primarily on Prowl-Ar, however with every memory crystal generated I modify myself. I guess you could say I'm all of you."

"You've met Tank and Tuft right? I guess they'd sort of be like older brothers or maybe cousins? They are from a story that Dad wrote and then because of a programming error in VR Tuft gained full A.I. status. However he couldn't stand to exist without Tank, so Mahan had to make him real as well. They're still in drone bodies because Mahan has to completely construct their DNA from scratch. Then there's the crew of the station-". Frost explained.

"I think that's enough for now. Rin has more than enough to try to come to terms with." Kyle interrupted.

"Speaking of interrupting, Kazu and Kari just received their test copy. They seem rather pleased with my printing services, and they are ecstatic over the page you added. They'd like to thank you personally."

"Let them know that it is Kyle they need to thank, since he has final say." I replied.

"Dad, what page did you add?" Frost asked flipping through the comic.

"It's not in that test copy. I just added a page saying that we approved of the comic. It is something that almost never happens with fan comics."

"Rin, is bacon and egg tortillas to your taste or would you prefer something traditional?" Kyle asked.

"Is that what you usually have?"

I laughed, "No that's what we have on special occasions."

"Special occasions meaning any time we're not in VR. Then breakfast is usually some concoction of ration bars and dino meat." Shock added.

"Just how real is your VR game?"

"The jungle smells amazing just after it rains." Frost started.

"Don't expect to be able to get completely comfortable on the beds." Shock added.

"Dinosaur meat tastes like chicken, but with the texture of steak, and even I can't think of a way to make ration bars eatable." Kyle said, as he stated the bacon.

"Even knowing that you can't be killed, you need great intestinal fortitude when looking down the throat of a T-Rex knowing that you’re about to be swallowed. For you, get used to wearing a filter when painting or you'll get sick from inhaling paint fumes. You're going to know what it's like to be covered in grease after a day of working inside the suits."

"I can't wait!" Rin said excitedly.

"It's official, you obviously belong here. Tiger, we seriously need to work on our dissuasion skills." Kyle groaned.

"No, I think she really is as crazy as we are." Shock said calmly.

"And don't ever forget it." Rin giggled.

***

I sat uncomfortably on a metal folding chair. The talent show was nearly over and I was ready for the day to be over as well. The morning had been easy enough the gymnasium was filled with club projects which everyone filed around observing. Frost was really interested in the art club and in Rin's modeling club displays. Then we moved to the cafeteria to sample the cooking clubs variety of projects while the first clubs moved their projects back to their club rooms for disassembly. Then we were shuffled back to gym for the sports presentations. Next we were led to the auditorium for the stage performances. Finally back to the gym where everyone was seated for the talent show.

While tiring it wasn't that bad; however, the Hatori’s arrived for the talent show. Even though we were seated on opposite ends of the room it still grated on my nerves. Shock informed us that Rin, because of her late entry would perform last. I sat up as the principle took the stage.

"Parents, students, honored guests, and talent judges that was our last entry in the competition, however it is not our last performance."

"Rin scripted this next part so don't get upset." Shock quickly whispered to us.

"Hatori Rin requested that she be allowed to be in the show, however she will be using special items that cannot be obtained by the other students, so she feels that it would be unfair to be in the competition. I now give you our final performance."

Rin stepped out onto the stage and proceeded to the mike. "Hello everyone, I need to make a slight correction to what was just said. You see, my parents disowned me so I'm no longer Hatori Rin. Fortunately I was immediately taken in and adopted by my new family, so from now on I'm Rin Nightiger."

There was a collective gasp from the audience.

"This afternoon I'm going to be preforming to a song I found in my new Dad's music collection called 'Suit Up' by a group known as Foxes and Peppers." The principle stepped forward and quickly removed the mike. Rin knelt down and opened the small case she'd been keeping close since returning from the station. She slid the case to the side of the stage and the song started. I gasped as she jumped up and snapped a wind staff to full extension. It growled and she started dancing. I was amazed that she'd been able to master the staff and choreograph a routine to a new song so quickly. I could only stare in wonder as the song moved into the second chorus and Rin suited up as Snowpaws. She didn't even produce an off note from the change. As the song ended Snowpaws came to the ready position. I could tell she was overheating and Shock was already headed for the stage with a bottle of water.

"Furry slut!"

I roared and would have lunged at Mrs. Hatori if Kyle hadn't stopped me. He shifted to median form to continue holding me back as a scream filled the auditorium. Rin stood in full armor in front of her father with her staff held toward his face blue sparks arced from the tip. Her mother was twitching on the floor.

"How about you? Anything you'd like to say?"

He just stared at the end of the staff.

"I suggest you thank the ancestors Daddy Kyle held back my new father or you'd both be leaving here in a mop bucket. I'd hoped you'd come to the show and realize the value of what you threw away. That was my mistake, I won't be making it again."

"Rin, you need to drink this. I warned you not to exert yourself until you've had a chance to rehydrate." Fox said, forcing Rin to give him the staff.

"No it's better this way, I don't want anybody seeing me cry." She whispered. I doubted anyone close to her heard it but my feline ears picked it up easily. She started toward us and faster than most could see Shock sent Mr. Hatori flying into the wall.

"Attacking Rin was stupid. Attacking me was suicidal." Shock walked over and hit him with another massive jolt of energy."

"What are you doing?" The principle yelled.

Shock twitched his ear and hit Hatori with another jolt. "Rin can only use the staff as a Taser. I've mastered it both as a musical instrument and as a weapon. What I'm doing," again he twitched his ear and nodded collapsing the staff, “is restarting his heart. I suggest you call the paramedics again. He should be monitored for twenty-four hours to be sure he has fully recovered. Not that I care."

"Dad, let's go home. I don't-" Rin collapsed in my arms. Immediately her armor changed to a cooling suit."

"Commander, the shuttle is on the way. Get her in the med tube as quickly as possible." Mahan said over the comlink.

***

I sat next to the infirmary bed. I knew it was cliché, but I held Rin’s hand. Shock was on the other side doing the same. Kyle was out in the hallway pacing, and Frost had slipped off saying he had something important to do.

"I've already told you she is going to be fine. However, her recovery would be much quicker if you would allow me to inject the nanites."

"Suggest that again and I'll order Kyle to rip your head off again. Only this time I'll make sure it goes into the compacter before being recycled. I told you that is something Rin has to decide for herself."

"Where?" Rin suddenly sat up and looked around.

"You asked to be taken home before collapsing, so we brought you home."

"You're in the infirmary aboard the Shadow Runner. I'm the medical drone. You came in with dehydration and mild heat stroke. Fortunately the idiot here was just smart enough to get you into a med tube where your temperature could be quickly but safely dropped. From my scans you haven't suffered any permanent damage."

"We're on the ship?" Rin asked.

"That's right, welcome home." Shock said.

"Oh, don't we have an autographing event to go to?"

"It's only been a couple of hours. We'll have dinner, get a good night’s rest, and return to Earth in the morning."

"But, I don't have a room."

"Yes you do. Frost, with my help of course, has been getting your room ready for you." Mahan said.

”Oh, I can't wait to see it!" Rin started to get out of the bed.

"Hold it. You are to have as little activity as possible for a few hours yet. Even after a good rest I suggest minimal exertion for a couple of days. Commander, tell that creature of yours to keep the meals light. Her stomach may not accept heavy foods right away. I'll retrieve a hover chair."

"One moment Doctor, Rin has guests." Mahan stated.

"Mahan? What are you talking about?" I asked as the door opened and two women entered. Followed closely by Kyle.

"Mr. Nightiger, I am Jasmine Reynolds, from Tokyo Today. We were at the talent show today and we'd like to get your side of the story."

"My side of the story? What story?" I asked.

"The attack on two innocent Japanese citizens. You do know they are calling for the extradition and trial of Shock and Rin Nightiger?"

I shook my head, "No, actually I've been more concerned about my daughter’s medical condition."

"What about Mr. and Mrs. Hatori's condition?" Reynolds asked.

"Mahan, what are their conditions?"

"Mrs. Hatori was examined by paramedics, and released as uninjured. I set Rin's staff Taser at a low setting. Even if Mrs. Hatori had a heart condition, which she doesn't, the shock wouldn't have done any lasting damage. Mr. Hatori attacked Shock, who has a master rating with the staff. Had he been more of a threat Shock could have killed him instantly. Instead Mr. Hatori took a strong Taser charge combined with a defensive blow. The two combined caused Mr. Hatori's heart to fibrillate. Shock was able to hear this so he shocked him a second time. This stopped Mr. Hatori's heart. When it didn't start beating on its own Shock gave him a third jolt to restart the heart." Mahan explained.

"If it hadn't started beating on its own I'd have increased the power and hit him again." Shock replied.

"Are you a doctor?" Reynolds asked.

I cut Shock off before he could answer. "Part of the defensive training every member of the crew receives is comprehensive paramedic training. Even Rin would have been able to diagnose and use the staff as Shock did."

"Speaking of Rin, why did you collapse?"

"Because I over stressed myself. I knew the routine wouldn’t be easy, however that was my first time preforming in front of an audience in full suit. I hadn't taken into account how hot the gym would be from all the people, so I was already overheated and dehydrated. Had I waited on stage for Shock, I wouldn’t have suffered heatstroke."

"Why did you attack your mother?"

"She's not my mother! At least, not anymore. When I told them I'd been accepted into the Furry Station School, I thought they'd finally see that I was worth being called their daughter. Instead they accused me of prostituting myself to get into the school and disowned me. After that they tried to have me expelled just before my exams, again claiming that I wasn't the sort of student my middle school would want to be associated with. Fortunately my new parents stepped in and convinced the principle otherwise. Still after all that, I invited them to the talent show hoping-" Rin started crying, "I still love them even after the horrible things they said about me. Why can't they love me? I've always done everything they wanted, I never complained, I behaved to the point where I even lied to myself about being a furry because I knew they would disapprove. Why? Why do they hate me?"

The doctor stepped forward and injected a sedative into Rin's IV. "Enough, Rin needs rest not an interrogation."

I led the reporter out into the hall. "I met Rin in the VR game. After I released the game Rin showed up on our private server due to a programming error. I set the public release for training pilots. Rin, however, just wanted to spend her time working on the suits. Since it wasn't harming anything and she pointed out a rather glaring security risk I allowed her to continue her game on the server. I don't know her full story, I figure I'll learn it as she feels more comfortable talking to me. However even I could tell she was using VR more as an escape than as a game. So I offered to let her attend the new school. Before anyone cries favoritism, Rin is not taking up a place reserved for the open student selection. She was really excited, but insisted she needed her parent's permission to attend. Understanding a bit about her culture I wasn't surprised."

"A couple of days later Frost heard Rin crying in the hangar so we went to investigate. We found Rin hiding in VR. As it turned out her parents threw her out in the middle of the night with light clothing and her VR headset. She was hiding in VR until she died of exposure or was killed."

"So she didn't promise any of you sexual favors to get into the school as her parents-"

"Former parents, and no she didn't. As a fan of the game she would have known such an offer would be pointless." Kyle quickly pointed out.

"What will you do if the courts request extradition?"

"There are several reasons that is not likely. First off, I currently have no extradition treaties with Earth. Second we all have diplomatic immunity; and yes, that includes Rin. Finally I have faith that the courts will see, if anyone has justification for placing charges it would be Rin for emotional abuse."

"How can you claim diplomatic immunity when you haven't even established an embassy or diplomatic relations with Japan?"

I paused for a moment trying to think of a way to phrase my answer. "I'm sorry, but currently I cannot answer that question."

"Ms. Reynolds, I'm receiving a call from your boss. I’m putting it through." Mahan said.

"Jasmine, as you know we've been transmitting your interview live. However, we cut to commercial when you asked about the Shadow Runner Embassy."

"What?"

"We received a request to squelch any story related to the embassy at the request of both the Prime Minister and The Emperor. The embassy has been recognized and running since just after Mr. Nightiger arrived in Japan. The reason for the news blackout is because the government is preparing for an official event celebrating the fact that the Shadow Runners chose Japan to be the sight of the very first embassy. So don't pursue that line of questioning. You're going back live in three."

"You've given several possibilities but what will you do if the courts decide to go to trial?" Reynolds asked.

"After what happened with Shock in America, Mahan keeps a close watch on everyone connected to us. I'm sure you saw how he was able to project a hologram of me into the White House. Now imagine his capability to monitor and record. Before you ask, yes it is a massive invasion of privacy, however, Mahan is an artificial intelligence system and he rarely shares what he records unless not doing so will put any of his crew in jeopardy."

"If the Hatori’s want to pursue their current course of action I have more than enough proof they are only doing it for money. Furthermore I will provide Commander Nightiger terabytes of information that they have been mentally and occasionally physically abusing Rin for years."

"What?" I growled. I couldn’t help myself as I had to really concentrate on not shifting. Shock wasn't as controlled. He shifted and headed down the hallway.

"Mahan, lock down all launch bays. Shock isn't allowed off the ship until he's had a chance to calm down."

"Just what do you think he's going to do?" Reynolds asked.

"Do you have kids?"

"No."

"Nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends with children? Imagine you learned that someone was abusing them, what would you do?"

"I suppose I'd try to find a way to get them help."

I nodded and looked directly at the camera. "Now consider the fact that Shock was abused in the worst ways possible and no one listened or noticed what was happening. If you were him, and you discovered someone you considered your own child was being abused, what would you do? This interview is over. Kyle please make sure they get back to their station safely."

"No, I'll use my drones to take them back the same as they got here. It's going to take both of you to calm Shock down. I suggest you do so quickly before ... Just hurry." Mahan stated.

I grabbed Kyle's wrist and pulled him after me.

"That was a weird thing foe Mahan to say." He said.

"Hurry, we've got to catch up with Shock before it's too late."

"Huh?"

"Mahan is implying that Shock may go Feral."

"Um, we shift to animal form quite often."

"No, Feral with a capital ‘F’ it's a condition that we can suffer. We lose a part of ourselves. Sort of like the worst werewolf horror movies where the beast has access to all of Shock's skills but none of the higher rational functions. If we don't calm him down it might get so bad that he has to kill one or both of us to come to his senses. What I'm scared of is the fact we're linked."

"Are you saying he could drive us mad as well?"

"Mahan, get Rin and Frost off the ship now." I ordered.

"The Doctor has just reached your quarters. I can lock down-"

"Mahan, the last time I got this close to the edge the Grimm was created. Get them off the ship, NOW. Use the private hanger above our quarters and then go to full security lockdown. Mahan, this is a command level order, lock Prowl-Ar Nightiger, Kyle Dacat-Nightiger, and Shock Dafox-Nightiger out of the system. Command passes to Frost Nightiger. But don't let him back onto the ship until you are satisfied we are in our right minds."

"Commander Kyle, do you concur?" Mahan asked.

"I Commander Kyle Nightiger concur."

"The reporter and her camera woman are safely away. Rin, the doctor, and Frost are boarding a shuttle now. You are now locked out of the system."

"Shock, wait up." He’d ripped the lift controls from the wall and was trying to rewire it to open.

"Don't try to stop me. I shouldn't have restarted that bastard's heart."

"You did the right thing. Remember what Rin said, she still loves them despite what they’ve done. If you'd let him die Rin wouldn't ever forgive you."

"But he hurt her." Shock said, as he slid to the floor.

I carefully sat down next to him and Kyle did the same on the other side. "Yes, but at least we can keep him from ever hurting her again; and as long as he is alive Rin has hope. Do you want to be the one to take that away?" I asked.

"Think about it Foxy, you still have hope that your mom will one day understand, right?"

Shock dropped the control unit and stared at Kyle. "Why?" He asked, as he started to cry.

I relaxed. I could feel it, the crisis had broken and we were all still ourselves. "Because we're stupid, every last one of us. We want to be important, we want approval, we want to have more, and we want to be more. When you live long enough you begin to recognize the patterns. It doesn't help to escape them. Look at me, after all these years I'm still full of wants. However, above all other wants we want to know that we are loved."

The lift slid open and we fell on our backs staring up at Frost. He shook his head. "Get up, and go to your room. Maybe, if you behave I won't have Mahan tranq you."

"We have a tyrant for a son." Shock said, as he wiped his eyes.

"Foxy, we'd better do as he said. Our Captain, fearing that we all might go Feral, ordered Mahan to lock us all out of the system."

"Seems reasonable."

"Which makes Frost our acting Captain."

"Oh, bedroom then, yes sir."

***

"Captain, it's time to wake up."

"Tell Captain Frost that I'm leading a mutiny by refusing to get out of bed." I said, dragging a pillow over my head.

"Frost is no longer Captain. I tricked him into returning control to you."

"That's nice, I order you to shut up and leave me alone."

"Would you both just shut up already?" Shock whined.

"You asked for it." Mahan said.

I heard the door open, "Oh God, what would I have to do to get one of you to hold a pillow over my face until I stop twitching?" I asked.

"Daaaads get up!" Frost yelled.

Shock yanked the pillow, I had covering my face, away to cover his own. "Worst fuckin' hang over ever." He mumbled.

"You promised Kazu and Kira you'd show up at the Comiket today." Rin stated.

"The next person to make a sound will die a horrible death." Kyle stated.

"Rin is correct, while you didn't use the words the obligation was-"

Kyle roared throwing his pillow at the monitor followed by the nightstand, which had been bolted to the floor. This caused Shock to screech in pain and I stopped breathing for several seconds as my head was assaulted from both sides traveling in my ears and exploding behind my eyes. And suddenly it stopped. At first I thought I may have died after all, at least I hoped that was the case."

"Ah, your nanites seem to be rebalancing your systems."

"You went ahead and tranqed us?" Shock asked.

"I wasn't going to risk having one of you lose it and kill everyone onboard. Yes I tranquilized you. Even I was surprised at the amount it took to put you out for the night."

"Mahan, what I'm about to say is very important. I hate you. Not because I hate myself and you're a reflection of me. No, today I hate you for being you."

"Oh joy, my lucky day. Now get your tails out of bed. You have duties to perform."

"Tiger, I love you. That said, get up and get out. The sooner you leave the sooner Foxy and I can go back to sleep."

"I said tails. All of you are getting up. If you refuse, I have a wonderful selection of 1980's children's songs guaranteed to drive you mad."

I was up immediately, crawling over Shock to exit the bedroom. I barely made it out the door before the music started.

I made my way to the matter generator and got a hot cup of lemonade.

Kyle stumbled out a minute later. "What the hell was wrong with the humans that created such horrors? I need coffee, as black as you can generate."

I passed him the cup and waited for Shock to come out screaming. Ten minutes later he sauntered out humming the Thundercat's theme. "I don't know why you took off, that was quite enjoyable."

"Captain, I suggest you get him psychiatric help. I even pulled out the big guns hitting him with Barney and Sponge Bob." Mahan stated.

"I love you-" Shock started to sing.

"Utter another note and I swear I'll form-lock you to human and render you mute for the next thousand years. That is a promise."

"You love me." Frost sang, as he entered the living area.

I slammed my head against the counter.

"We're a happy family." Rin finished.

Kyle dropped his cup in the sink, where it shattered. "Excuse me, I'm going for a walk out the nearest airlock."

I grabbed his arm. "Don't you dare leave me here to suffer alone. I promised you I wouldn't try to kill myself again."

Kyle paused, "I suppose I could push you out first. That way I'd be killing you and then myself."

"Stop it! Just stop it. How do you think it makes us feel when you say things like that?" Rin yelled.

"Um, like it must be Sunday morning?" Shock asked.

"Like they're recovering from Mahan tranquilizing them, again." Frost said, looking confused.

"You're telling me it's normal to talk about killing each other?"

"Rin, come sit down before Mahan gets the doctor up here and Kyle feels compelled to rip her head off again. Before you complain the Doctor is a drone and can easily be repaired."

Rin slowly walked over and sat on the couch.

"You must know that I'm really, really old, practically immortal. It's true if Kyle pushed me out an airlock I'd die. Mahan, how long would I be gone by the latest estimation?"

"Two years regeneration, unless there is an impending disaster and then I can regenerate you within a couple of hours. However no one would really notice you being gone-"

"Mahan, that isn't true." Rin admonished.

"Yes it is, because Mahan has an inactive drone preloaded with my personality to take up the slack until I can take over again."

"But you'll be dead."

"No, this body will be dead. My memories and personality will be downloaded from a memcrystal into a new body."

"Is that how you've lived so long?"

"No, this is still mostly my original body."

"Then how can you know it works?"

"Because I've done it before. I know it works because the person I brought back led a long and productive life never knowing that she'd died."

"Who are you talking about? I have no record of this." Mahan asked.

"I erased the information from your memory and left a data block keeping you from accessing those memories from my memcrystal. Don't bother looking for a memory crystal, it's also gone. Just trust me, the sentinel program works and leave it at that. Basically we can joke about death because we know that we can come back. Though in this case Kyle wouldn't have any memory of those songs. Some of them aren't that bad, when listened to in the proper context."

"Does that mean I'm now immortal, like all of you?" Rin asked.

"No, and not all of us are immortal. Both you and Frost are still mortal. Whether or not you decide to become immortal will wait until you are adults."

"Ask her." Mahan interrupted.

It took me a moment to understand what he was getting at.

"Ask me what?"

"Do you want to be injected with immune boosting nanites? They will be low level so they can't protect you from everything, but you'll still be human. You'll live longer than most but you won't have to worry about most health problems."

"Of course I want it, along with immortality and being able to shift."

"Those may come later."

"What is she doing? I ordered no exertion." The Doctor said seconds after the door opened.

"I suggest you inject the nanites and get out fast. Kyle isn't in a good mood this morning." Mahan informed her.

"Then why didn't you call me when they were all tranquilized? Hold still, this won't hurt." The Doctor pressed the injector against Rin's neck and pulled the trigger.

"Why does she get a hypo spray and you injected me with a giant needle?" Kyle demanded.

"Now I understand you don't want to be alone, but you really do need to rest. Stretch out here on the couch and try to take a nap."

The Doctor headed out. At the door she turned back and looked at Kyle. "Because I like her. You're just an uncivilized pain in my neck." The door slid shut before Kyle could respond.

"Tiger, is there really a trash compactor onboard?"

"No, refuse is broken down and recycled without being compacted first."

"Can we set one up in VR and compact her down to a small cube?"

I shook my head. "She's good with everyone but you and me. All things considered it isn't such a bad trade off."

"I suppose, but I don't have to like it and I think we seriously need to look into getting a real doctor."

"So what are we doing today?" Rin asked.

"That depends on what you want. We have to go to that comic signing, however I'd like to say that you have to stay here and rest. I'd have Frost stay with you and you could spend the day playing video games and watching movies. Unfortunately, since Frost is sort of the star of the comic he's also going to have to go with us. So what do you want to do stay here and rest or attend a doujinshi convention?"

"You trust me enough to leave me here, basically in command?"

Mahan laughed. "Rin, even when he isn't on the ship Prowl-Ar is in command. Plus you wouldn't be alone since I'm always here."

"But you were in the embassy when we were there."

"I have the processing power to be everywhere."

"Can I do some shopping while we're there? I noticed you moved my things up here while I was unconscious, but there are a couple of new model kits I'd like to get."

"Um, Snow, all your things are still on Earth. Mahan generated everything in your room." Frost informed her.

"What?"

"Frost is right anything you need or want Mahan can generate. I mean really, anything of sentimental value you can pick up, but there isn't anything you actually need to buy." Shock pointed out.

"That's not true. I need to pick up the seeds and plant starts to expand my garden and, as good as Mahan is he still can't get meat to taste right." Kyle corrected.

I grinned, "Your ability to build custom models just expanded exponentially. Your color palate is no longer limited to the manufacturer's choices. You like the look of a model but think it would be better in lavender and pink with light blue clear parts instead of white and green with purple clear parts? No problem. You see the almost perfect leather jacket but it only exists in black or brown and you want dark red and big enough to fit?"

Kyle gasped, "How did you?"

"You think I have all those catalogues sent to me in the game just so I can ogle underwear models? Don't answer that. Most of those are real publications showing current fashion and I occasionally have Mahan create a composite of what it would look like if one of us was wearing it."

Kyle shifted his form and attire. He stood there modeling the jacked over a tight black t-shirt with exceedingly tight black leather pants and leather biker boots. He donned his headset turning the lenses to bright red. "All I need now is Cloud's bike and I'm set."

Shock started laughing and Rin giggled.

"What?" He asked.

"Drake, don't take this the wrong way, but those pants don't work for your draconic form. Sure they do a good job of showing off your thighs, but your um, tail hides everything in the back." I pointed out.

"Is that all?" He asked.

"What he's trying not to point out, because we both know how hot he finds your dragon form is you have no bulge because your equipment is all internal, and the real point of tight pants is to show off the goods." Shock said.

I covered my face in complete embarrassment. "Shock, the kids are present."

"He does have a point."

"Rin!"

"What? You don't think I check out hot guys?"

It was a good thing I was sitting in my chair otherwise I'd have slammed my head against the nearest wall.

"Is this better?" I glanced back and Kyle had shifted to human form.

"Yeah, that's hot," Rin paused for a moment, "and so very inappropriate."

"Dad doesn't seem to think so." Frost laughed.

I crossed my legs and pulled my computer terminal up over my lap.

"Kyle, you're not wearing that to the convention, Please change into something more appropriate." Shock said, as he headed down the hall to the bedroom.

"Where are you going?" Kyle yelled.

"To take a shower. A really, really cold shower." He yelled back.

"And where are you going?" He asked as I stood up.

"To make sure he doesn't use all the cold water."

"I'd better take a shower as well, after all we will be spending all day in public." Rin said, heading for her room

"What about you?" Kyle asked looking at Frost.

"Uh, shower, yeah. Need to be clean, wouldn't want anybody thinking I wasn't, uh clean. Shower, yeah." Frost mumbled, as he scrambled for his room.

I'd stopped and turned around at Frost’s stammered explanation and I could only stand there and stare as Kyle came over to me.

"That was, strange." He said.

"I think we're going to need to have a talk about that eventually."

"What do you mean?"

"Not now, we all need to calm down and get cleaned up, and for God's sake at least change your pants to something a bit less revealing. At least when we’re not alone."

“We’re alone right now.” Kyle said, as he groped me.

“Shock! Save some of that cold water!” I yelled.

***