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And with that out of the way…

Welcome back, my lovely reader!

Well well, it looks like our lovely Salarian is already expanding her inter-species relations, eh? Tyler sure is a lucky fox, or maybe Junon is the lucky one? Guess we’ll see how that plays out!

Claris is sure to be a needed anchor to stabilize Junon’s worries, but how will the other Rashvians take that new bond? Will they see Junon as just trying to make amends, or is it a legitimate friendship forming?

Well, the ship is about to leave warp and they’ll finally arrive at the fatigue pocket! The adventure is just about to begin in earnest, but first a little more drama! What drama you may ask? Well, what do you do when your new lover meets your current, and also happens to be his commanding officer?

Let’s jump right in!

—*—

Episode 4:

Prelude To Adventure

-*Captain’s Log- SD: 242 - July 13th Standard Federation Time.*-

I’ve managed to spread my wings a bit on my new ship, amongst other things… I didn’t expect it but I made two splendid new social connections that have improved my mood significantly!

The first was the ship doctor Claris Russlai, an older Rashvian and my first friendly contact with one of their kind since the war. We shared tea and I even learned about her grand-pups! She’s a fascinating wolf with a bevy of knowledge. I’ll be keen to talk to her frequently and hopefully learn more about their culture.

That being said, she’s a grandmother. She speaks so fondly of her puppies, and she says she understands that war is hell. I wonder how many orphans I made during that year…

Anyway, I also managed to get my bakery squared away and even got myself a little assistant to boot! Oh, he’s a splendid little Earthling fox, my only Ensign on the Bridge, Tyler Londre. After we hit it off I took him back to my quarters and, well I won’t get too salacious in my own logs, but suffice to say, I’ve a new bonded lover! I will be gleefully interested in exploring our relationship both in the bakery and the bedroom!

I tried to be as transparent as I could with the poor thing. I pray he listens, I know Earthlings can grow fond rapidly and though I like him, I don’t think I can let someone have a piece of my heart as Andrew and my former love did. I can’t open myself up like that again, there is enough blood on my paws and to lose another so precious… I feel I'd just go mad with sorrow.

I actually just finished my shower with him and went to make this entry before we headed to the bridge! Hmm… It’d be fun to tease him a little, maybe I’ll ask if he wants to hold my paw before we arrive. He’s quite an adorable little fox…

-*Finish Entry*-

The Helmsman of the USF Occam, an Earthling calico with the bright purple fur of her mixed Marvulian heritage, raised her voice to address her Captain. “We’re preparing our final exit velocity approach!” The lights of her display reflected against blank white eyes, and her spaded, wiry tail flicked in focus.

“Take us out slowly, Helmsman, we don’t want any crew having a sudden headrush and collapsing!” Junon replied from her seat with an authoritative bark. Then, to her new lover, she called, “Ensign! Send a shipwide notification to prepare to exit warp. Remind any with motion issues to please remain seated for the next few minutes!”

“Yes, Captain!” Tyler responded sharply. Despite their romp earlier that morning and his obvious fatigue, he remained professional. Clearing his throat, he spoke into the comms console, “All hands, we are preparing to leave warp, please take a seat if needed! I repeat! We are leaving warp!”

Junon let out a sharp snort and gave her crew a moment to sit or brace themselves. Her mismatched eyes flicked thoughtfully, as she imagined the pace Claris would take to rise or sit as a baseline.

Finally, satisfied with the wait, she looked to her First Officer and gave a nod. Leona returned the gesture before calling out, “Helmsman, drop us out of warp, but keep our vector at full speed for approximately thirty seconds, just to ensure the other vessels have time to respond as we are the lead!”

“Aye aye! Now disengaging warp!” The ship suddenly shuddered, as the streaking lines of stars across the view of the bridge started to coalesce into solid pinpoints of light once more.

Junon closed her eyes, feeling her head spin. She hadn’t done this sort of thing in years. Thankfully, the disorientation passed soon enough, and she soon felt safe to stand and survey the bridge. “What’s our current distance to the anomaly?” she asked.

“Ma’am,” the Sensor officer responded, “it seems we pretty much dropped out right where we needed to. We can close to the location within a matter of hours!” A moment later, he followed up, “Ma’am! Several more ships have left hyper warp including the flagship!”

“Good…” Junon nodded to Tyler. “Ensign, contact the Astral and inform them of our current heading!” She looked to the Calico next, “Helmsman, broadcast formation array Delta three to the other destroyers, we’ll take the lead!”

“Ma’am!” Both the fox and cat responded in unison as they set to their individual tasks.

Junon stepped forward and looked out over the view of the bridge windows, clasping her paws behind her back. Every protruding surface of the Occam she could see was shrouded in eerie red light. The majority of her view to the west was consumed by the red giant Aldebaran, which spat slow and perilous solar flares as its surface ominously shifted. “It’s been over a decade since I’ve been in the Aldebaran system,” she muttered, “and never this close to the star. How unnerving…”

“I’ve never been this close to a giant star myself…” Leona stepped next to her, paws on her hips.

The two shared a moment of unnerving silence, before Junon let out a deep huff, her tails shuddering. “Engineering!” she called.

A moment later, Tallaria’s voice replied, “This is Engineering, go ahead Captain!”

“Give me a status on shielding and radiation levels, I don’t want this damn thing cooking my crew!” Junon barked.

There was a tense delay of a few moments before Tallaria responded. “Everything is one-hundred captain! Solar shielding, radiation dampeners, even sound and light suppressors!”

“One-hundred, not ninety-nine?”

“N-no, ma’am! One-hundred!” the Danlazi stammered.

“Thank you, Chief Engineer!” Junon returned to her seat.

“A question, Captain?” Leona asked, taking her own seat as well.

“Go ahead, First,” Junon said as she leaned back.

Leona lowered her voice. “It’s about your discussion with the Chief Medical Officer.”

Junon took a deep breath and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, looking the Rashvian over. She had been working with her for about four cycles now, and the two of them had managed to do their jobs without snarling or glaring as much. Still, moments like this reminded her that the tension between them was still high. Any spat could shatter their apparent peace.

“First Officer, if this is gossip, it should wait until we are off duty…” Junon said simply.

Leona frowned, but nodded slowly. “Then… Permission to speak to you later?”

“Granted,” Junon closed her eyes and leaned back once more.

She let her concerns fade away for a moment, and reached out to Tyler through their bond. “You ever been this close to a red giant, sweetie?” she silently asked.

It took a moment before Tyler’s thoughts came to her in a stutter, “Uh… no but… sorry, this is new, let me finish my comms work, I can’t do both at once, sorry!”

“I apologize, take your time, Ty.”

She had to wait for a few minutes as her lover finished his calls, but his voice returned dutifully in her mind. “I’ve not been this close to one,” he said, as she watched him rock back in his seat with a sigh. “The red glow is kind of cool, but also a little distressing like you said earlier.”

Junon nodded her head as she responded, “Glad I’m not the only one. Being this close to that impossibly big thing? It just feels like it could easily push out and swallow our whole fleet up. I hate it…”

“Thankfully, any kind of stuff like that with stars expanding is always done very slowly, so at least there’s that!”

She smiled at his logical approach.

“Junon?”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Uh… Can I… Would I be able to stay over again this cycle? I really liked sleeping with you, I mean… not just the sex, just… sleeping with you!” Even his thoughts stuttered nervously.

Her eyes opened and darted with a full-focus stare towards the Ensign, who frowned slightly. She slowly blinked at him, before looking back out the view over the deck. “That would make me happy, Tyler…” She slowly stood, catching the small wag of the black fox’s tail, while he tried to keep a straight face at his console.

“First Officer?” she then spoke out.

“Yes, Captain?” Leona looked up at her.

“A moment if you will?” Junon turned and started walking towards the lift. Leona growled, but she followed and joined her. The rest of the crew exchanged awkward looks. Of course they’d heard the rumors of their little scuffle. Junon made sure the small details didn’t get out, just that they argued - but that didn’t stop her crew from speculating further.

Junon programmed the lift to take them right to the very spot where they had been their first day, and similarly, she stood looking out over the crimson void as she clasped her paws behind her back. “I’ll be busy later, I forgot I had a prior engagement,” she admitted, not looking at the Rashvian as she spoke. “Perhaps we can talk about this now?”

Leona didn’t miss a beat. “Claris said you and her shared tea and spoke.” She stood next to her Captain, echoing her pose with her paws behind her.

“I’ve no reason to deny that,” Junon coolly replied. “Yes, we had a lovely conversation about her grand-pups, and I even shared some Salarian Grey tea with her.”

“Do you think learning about our culture will help you make amends?” Leona snarled, heat clear in her voice.

Junon shut her eyes, and saw a white spot seared into her vision behind her eyelids. If not for the light dampeners on the ship, the angry red star looming outside would be utterly blinding. Aldebaran was unsympathetic to her growing irritation. “What do you want me to say to that, Leona?”

“It changes nothing!” Leona angrily barked.

“Neither does your hate!” Junon snapped back, glaring at the wolf out of the corner of her eye. “Even if you threw me out an airlock right now, it won’t bring back those I murdered, now would it!?”

“So you admit you’re a murderer!” The Rashvian’s shout became a shocked yip as Junon grabbed her collar and wrenched her down to eye-level.

“Leona Sussnel, I never denied being a murderer!” Junon’s furious voice rose higher. “I never roosted on the war or said I was just doing my duty! It makes me sick when they call me a hero! Cresh cha! It turns my fucking stomach!” Then, she shoved the wolf away from her with a snarl, turning away from the look of shock on Leona’s face.

Junon rubbed her muzzle, her tails shuddering, before she glared up at the Rashvian once again and growled, “I said I didn’t regret it, I didn’t say it doesn’t haunt me! I’m no hero, just a killer.”

Leona’s muzzle wrinkled in a snarl as she adjusted her collar, her own thick tail whipping about. The two dogs stared at one another for a long moment, silent and tense.

“Hate my guts, Rashvian, you have that right… Just as Claris has the right to not!” Junon shuddered and rubbed her face, feeling a shiver rolling down her spine. She hated this whole situation... With a tired sigh, she said, “First Officer…”

Leona hissed, “Yes, Captain?”

“Do not bring this up with me again.” Junon’s glare pierced through Leona. “That is an order. If this is all you have to say to me, then do not speak to me again outside of work, and know you are welcome to leave my Command at any time!”

The Salarian shoved the Rashvian out of her way with her shoulder as she stormed toward the lift. Leona hissed in irritation, then barked, “Wait!”

“What is it!?” Junon glared over her shoulder, teeth bared in a snarl.

“Why… Why didn’t you court marshal me for that first day?! Were you just taking pity on me?!”

Junon narrowed her eyes, then shook her head. “I didn’t do anything, because I feel had the roles been shifted, I’d very much feel the way you do right now, Leona. That is all, no pity, no self-righteous attempts to make amends.” Junon turned and walked away, leaving the Rashvian standing there in the crimson glow of the star.

-*United Space Federation Data Archives*-

-*USF Occam Crew Manifest #2*-

Leona ‘Bloodclaw’ Sussnel:

Rank: First Officer

Born SD: (Age: 24) 216 March 25th

Home planet: Starship URK Rakreshel

Species: Rashvian

Leona Sussnel was one of three pups in her litter. Her mother was a Battle Maiden of the Khanate and a decorated veteran of many subjugation wars, but due to complications, did not survive giving birth. The trio of sisters were taken as wards of the Khanate military and separately adopted out to willing Battle Maidens. Since her adoption, Leona and her sisters have had zero contact.

Having been adopted by a prominent Flesh-Carver (Combat Medic), Leona was educated in basic medical practices but found her true calling in command. Unlike her late mother and adoptive parent, Leona seemed to be gifted with a silver tongue.

In the Officers Academy on her homeworld of Rashvia, she quickly proved herself a capable instructor, negotiator, and diplomat. However, she received lower-than-average marks in martial skills, leading to much speculation on if she were Captain material or not.

At the age of fourteen, she was under consideration to captain a small scout vessel. According to Rashvian tradition, she was challenged to a combative leadership rite by her proposed First Officer for the right to command the ship. The subsequent duel left much controversy attached to her military record.

Witnesses told conflicting stories of the duel. Many reported that Leona was bested in honorable combat, but struck the victor with a death blow when they turned their back. Other accounts said she handily defeated her opponent, and their death was accidental. Regardless, Leona’s record bears the mark of Kinslayer, and this would follow her for the rest of her career within the Rashvian military.

Due to the controversy, Leona was instead given a First Officer position aboard another ship. However, after only a year, the Captain requested her transfer, citing discontent among the crew. This pattern followed Leona through six more berths on various ships over the next eight years of her career.

At the age of 22, Leona was approached with a rather unorthodox proposal. With the ink barely dry on the new USF alliance, the Rashvian Khanate offered Leona an opportunity to study abroad at the USF Officer Academy of San Francisco. The official reason given was for Leona to act as a diplomat for the Rashvian species, but this was also an effort to allow her to serve away from the prejudices of her kinsmen.

Leona agreed and enrolled in the Academy. Upon finishing her two-year required tenure, she was placed under the command of Admiral Nelson who subsequently assigned her to First Officer of the USF Occam.

-*End Archive*-

“I missed talking to you,” Andrew’s voice hummed through a communication line, as he watched Junon flit about tidying her quarters. “I hate that we can't communicate while in warp…”

Junon giggled. “I know, but I offered to have you stop the fleet to transfer, you wouldn’t have it!” she playfully barked. She gave him a sheepish grin as she collected her panties off the lamp of her table.

“How’s the first few days of command been?” Andrew asked.

“It’s been… interesting… Leona still growls at me when we are off duty, I spoke with her earlier and told her if she is just going to keep snarling about the past, to not talk to me at all outside of duty!”

“Good for you, Junon! If she pushes it, I can transfer her…” He sighed.

“I told her she can leave if she hates me and can’t serve under me, but I won’t just strip her rank, Andrew…” Junon sighed as well, then shook her head. “I also met one of my other Rashvian officers, the Chief Medical Officer. We’ve hit it off nicely and even had tea together!”

“Oh ho… had tea or… had tea?” Andrew cooed.

“Andrew! She’s a grandmother!” Junon giggled, then flashed Andrew a grin, “Though I did run into that cute little Ensign you assigned me…”

“Heh… He do alright by you, Junon?” The Admiral’s amusement was obvious.

“More than alright, he’s a really fun dog… It’s nice to have someone on the bridge I can talk to in my head when it’s so stuffy!”

“Oh hey, speaking of having some fun… I’ve missed you, wanna transport over tonight? I’d love to share my bed with you, racha…” His voice lowered into that loving tone that made her shiver.

“Ah-” Junon huffed and clenched her paws. “I- I would love to, but… uh… I already promised Tyler I’d spend the evening with him, I’m really sorry, my racha…”

“Ah, I mean… That’s okay, Junon! You know I understand!” he mewed out respectfully.

“Thanks Andy… Had I known you’d have time…”

“It’s okay! I won’t be with you during the longer voyages to planets and locations,” he reasons, shifting his voice back to a bright, casual tone. “It makes me happy you’ve already gotten a few friends to make the journey better!”

“Thank you, Andrew… I appreciate your understanding…” Even though Andrew was taking it well, Junon guiltily fidgeted with her paws.

Andrew cleared his throat, “Anyhow, on to business. Our crews are stabilizing the fatigue as we speak. I think we’ll be able to set up the warp lane within half a cycle, then we’ll be on our way.”

“Any idea how long the transit time will be once we jump?” She continued busying herself with her cleaning.

“Unknown since we don’t know where it leads, but given it’s a class seven fatigue point, we’re gonna be moving fast!” He flashed his teeth with an excited grin.

“Toth!” Junon barked and whipped around. “Class seven!? There’s only a few class seven lanes throughout the whole of known space! Andy, this could be really risky!”

“Well, yes… Isn’t that what we all accept when we sign up for these kinds of missions?”

“Yeah…” Junon frowned and looked out the window of her quarters. “I just… I’m starting to make bonds, and the idea of putting them in danger, it… troubles me…”

“And that is why you are an exceptional Captain, Junon,” Andrew proudly mewed. “You care about your crew, even the ones that want to tear your face off!”

“Ha! Thanks Andy… Hey racha? I better get off here, I promised to meet Tyler and go have dinner… Sorry again?” She huffed out awkwardly.

“Don’t apologize, I really do understand and I’m happy for you both,” he cheerfully replied. “Have fun, my racha!”

Once the call ended, Junon flopped on her bed with a heavy sigh. “Damn…” She stared out over the crimson star again, her tails flicking about. She was happy to be getting more time with her new fox, but she also knew this might be the last chance she got for a while with her racha. Still, she wouldn’t do that to Tyler, she made a promise and she never broke her word if she could help it.

A few minutes later, she heard a ping at the door. She hopped up with a bounce and trotted to the entrance. “Enter!” She barked out as the door slid open. Tyler stood there with an excited grin on his muzzle.

She found herself returning the grin; his glee was infectious. Her tails wagged as he moved into her quarters, and before she knew it, their arms were thrown around one another. Their muzzles eagerly pushed together and their tongues met, as if they were starved for each other. They didn’t hesitate to make up for their time apart.

*-*

Talleria was on her way to the communal Mess Hall, when she caught a curious sight. There was a storefront nearby. The small space had about eight little tables set up with three chairs each. The counter area had glass displays full of various baked goods. Some were familiar enough, but many were alien-looking to her.

She let out a cute gasp as she recognized the fox that greeted her at the counter. The Captain of the ship stood before her, wearing a skirt and button-down top, with a flour-dusted apron over her chest.

“Ah! Captain?” Tallaria tilted her head curiously.

The tri-tailed fox gave her an annoyed grunt like she had done the other day in Engineering, then thrust her paw to the side of the counter at a large sign that read, ‘No Rank Zone.’ “No ranks beyond this point, Talleria.”

The Danlazi’s blue ears sprang up as she stammered, “Oh! I’m sorry, Cap- Erm… but… but… calling you by name sounds so disrespectful, J- Junon…”

“Just do as I say or go over to the Mess… Now how can I help you?” Junon flashed her sharp teeth in a grin and pushed her paws onto the counter as her tails swayed behind her, seamlessly shifting into a more friendly customer-service persona.

“Oh, gosh… Uhm…” Talleria looked around and nervously whispered, “I don’t see any prices for the items…”

“There are none, one free pastry and cup of tea for any crew member that wants one,” Junon said with a gentle smile.

“Really?! Why Captain?!” She trilled out in panic as the fox suddenly glared daggers into her, “Junon! Ju- non… Sorry!”

Junon let it go and smiled as she flourished a paw to the display of treats. “I love to bake, it’s a recreational activity for me, Talleria. Also, my stipend as Captain is more than enough to pay my bills, so I want to do it to make my crew happy!”

“Oooh… That’s so sweet of you!” The doe gave her a wide grin as another fox joined Junon behind the counter. The black-furred Earthling was dressed in slacks, his own button-down, and a matching flour-dusted apron. “Ah! You even have a helper?!” Talleria asked.

Tyler smiled and gave her a polite bow like he would do when he was younger at his Grandmother’s bakery. “Thanks for coming,” he said, “can I offer a recommendation? Do you have a particular flavor profile you enjoy, ma’am?”

Junon hummed and wagged her tails, proud of how professional her new lover was being. Talleria looked over the display with wide, eager eyes. “Ah… I like sweet and salty things when I have treats!”

“Well, Junon and I just finished putting a batch of Rugalarian danishes out. Rugalarian berry jam is pretty sweet, so we offset it with a salt sprinkle and crystal sugar topping, I think that might be right up your alley!” Tyler pointed out the row of treats.

“Ah, that sounds perfect, yes please!” Talleria said cheerfully.

“Today’s tea is a simulation of a black and green leaf blend from the Sol system. Do you prefer cream or sugar?” Junon asked as she brought forth a small teacup and saucer while Tyler plated the danish.

“I can only choose one?” Talleria asked with a tilt of her head.

Junon giggled and dropped a few sugar cubes into the cup along with a large helping of cream. “Both it is.” She then placed the saucer on a small tray, and her lover placed the danish next to it.

“Oh, it smells so good!” Talleria happily squeaked. “Thank you so much!” She collected her treats and moved over to one of the small tables, having to repress the bounce in her step to avoid spilling her tea.

“I’m impressed how professional you’re keeping this, sweetie!” Junon thought to Tyler as she cleared the counter, before leaving to collect the plates and cups left on the cafe tables.

“I’m really enjoying it, and I’m really happy to be doing this with you, Junon! This is amazing… you’re amazing!” Her tails wagged as she listened to the cheerful bark of his thoughts. She looked back at him with a loving grin and a pawful of dishes.

“Oh! This is amazing!” Tallaria trilled out from one of the small tables.

“Heh, that’s the fourth crew member to exclaim out loud over your danishes, sweetie,” Junon whispered against the cusp of his ear as she returned. “Good job!” Her mass of tails slid along his single one in a teasing flow. She glanced back behind her with a playful wink, hiking her tails up, catching the lovestruck look in his eyes before the swinging door closed between them. She moved to put the dishes into the sanitizing unit, a proud happy hum in her throat at not only having her bakery running, but a cute fox to assist her.

Her ears perked up as his thoughts found her, “You’ve got a visitor asking for you,... love!”

“Love? Is that my pet name now, sweetie?” She grinned and flicked her tails while quickly pulling some finished baked goods out of the oven.

“Is… that okay, Junon?”

“I think I like hearing it from you, it’s cute… Just remember what I told you. A thin line as you Earthlings like to say, yes?” She moved the baked goods off the baking sheet so they wouldn’t overcook, then brushed her paws off before moving towards the front.

“I understand, I’m trying… You’re just so amazing and…” He trailed off as she entered his view.

She gave him a loving, reassuring smile as she met his eyes, before moving to the front of the counter. Her ears perked as she recognized the new visitor, and she happily barked, “Thanks for accepting my invitation!”

“Of course, dear.” Claris gave her a comforting smile as the fox undid her apron and began to prepare a few cups of tea. “I had to come visit for the grand opening of the ship's only bakery, yes?”

“Tyler, sweetie, can you hold down the fort while I take a little break with Claris?” The young Earthling fox beamed in return and nodded.

After helping Claris pick out a pastry, Junon moved to a small table to enjoy her tea and the Rashvian’s company. Claris sipped the hot brew and let out a gentle hum of approval, before meeting Junon’s mismatched eyes. Her own grey eyes sparkled as she gossiped, “My my… the way your little assistant was looking at you, Junon…”

“Ha ha… that obvious is it?” The fox grinned, her tails rolling as she cradled her tea in her paws.

“How is he in the sheets, dear?” Claris asked shamelessly.

“Claris!” Junon barked a giggling laugh.

“Come now, I’m old but I’m not dead. He’s quite fetching so…?” She hung on the question, her wise eyes glittering with mischief.

Junon leaned closer and lowered her voice. “He’s so thoughtful… really attentive… Gods, the first time we finished and our bond established? He didn’t even realize I could hear his thoughts and they were just filled with concerns hoping he did a good job… Gods, he’s adorable…” Junon couldn’t help but lick her chops a little as she praised her young lover.

Claris giggled, “Oh my… sounds like you’ve got it as bad as he does, Junon!” Her eyebrows raised as she sipped her tea.

The vixen grunted at that and darted her mismatched eyes into her cup. Years ago she would have shaken it off, but she went nearly six years without much affection. Now, she suddenly had Andrew back in her life, and she was having a fling with this young fox. Maybe she needed to dial it back.

“I see I struck a nerve,” Claris said. “I’m no expert on Salarians, but you explained your culture views sex somewhat relaxed, yes?” she asked with a patient smile.

“I did… I shouldn’t get as happy as I do from his smile and the things he tells me…” Junon growled and pushed a paw through her hair.

“You’re allowed to feel how you feel, and you Salarians basically practice polyamory all the way until you finally settle down, if you settle down, correct?” Claris tilted her head.

“Sure… I was transparent, told him he wasn’t getting any rank benefits and things would be very casual…” Junon grumbled into her tea.

“Junon, it’s okay for you to love whoever you want, you realize this, yes?”

“C-Clairs, it’s way way too early to talk about that!” Junon barked. “It’s been like two days! He is not getting the title of racha any time soon!”

The older wolf simply smirked, amused by the fox’s fussing. “We shall see…” She took a bite of her pastry, giving a nod of approval at the flavor.

“On a side note… Leona confronted me about talking to you,” Junon sighed.

“I’m not surprised, she was quite heated and angry with me as well. Asking how I could so casually relax with the enemy. I explained to her that the war was over half a decade ago.” Clairis shrugged.

“Do the other two Rashvians see me as the enemy as well, Claris? As they are crew members and not officers, it would be awkward to seek them out as Captain to find out.”

“I would say they are cautious and distrustful, but that will pass as they serve and see your character. None of them have the… passion, that Leona does,” the older doctor said with a small grin.

“Passion? More like vitriol.” Junon scoffed and rubbed her face.

Claris wagged a padded finger. “It weighs on you, and that shows you aren’t a monster. Even if you don’t regret your actions, you can hate the consequences they produced, Junon.”

“Thanks, Claris.” Junon’s ears flattened as she offered a small, apologetic smile. “Sorry for turning our little tea date into more toth about myself.”

“I have said throughout my career: being a ship’s doctor is one part medicine, one part psychiatry. Think nothing of it,” Claris giggled.

*-*

As they tidied up the kitchen area together, Junon turned to Tyler and asked, “I’d say our first official morning cycle went quite well, what do you think, sweetie?”

“It was so much better than I hoped it would be! Seeing you in your element like that… Getting to work next to you and the way we just seemed to flow together… It…” He grunted and folded his ears, looking away.

“It what, Tyler?” she cooed as she trotted over. Moving a paw under his jaw, she bared her claws and gave his chin a gentle scratch.

“Erm… It felt right…” He whispered.

Her ears perked, and she bit her lower lip. “I… agree…” She pushed into his chest and hugged him close, enjoying his scent. As his arms wrapped around her in return, her tails wagged.

His voice and emotions filled her mind. “The last few days have made me really happy…”

“Tyler, I really like you, but we should slow down,” she returned. “I don’t want to hurt you… Won’t it bother you when I sleep with someone else?”

“I’ve been mentally preparing myself for that since our first night. I don’t want to tie you down or make you worry I’m going to pitch a fit if you want other options, Junon,” he whispered.

“That goes for you too, sweetie… I don’t want you thinking you’re forced to stay with just me, you know?” Junon answered, holding him a little tighter.

“I can’t fathom another girl comparing to you, Junon… I will keep that in mind though…” He pulled closer, leaning down to bump his muzzle to her own, scent marking her, then offering small nibbles along her jaw and down her throat.

She giggled as he started kissing and biting at her throat, dragging her paws through his blond locks. “Hgn… Tyyyler… we don’t have time… We gotta be on the bridge in an hour or so…” But she didn’t stop him as he slid his paws under her skirt, nor when he started dragging her skimpy panties down.

“Guess we’ll have to make it a quick shower?” he asked, hopeful, as he hefted her right into his arms. Her breasts bounced as she rose, then again as he sat her down on the kitchen’s metal counter.

“I suppose we will…” Junon gave him a sinful smile and licked her chops as she spread her legs. Her new young fox stepped between them, already eagerly working to open his fly.

“Junon… I’ve been starving for you since I woke up!” Tyler growled and wagged his tail as he parted his slacks. His fox length spilled out, already hard and dripping for her as it always seemed to be.

“I rode you into unconsciousness before we slept, you’re just insatiable!” Junon giggled and flicked her ponytail back before pushing a paw between her legs, pulling her skirt out of the way as she lolled her tongue. Her fingers moved to lewdly spread her petals, puffing out hotly, “You want this Salarian pussy, my Earthling?”

“I’m already addicted to it, love,” Tyler snarled as he stepped closer, stroking and teasing her pearl and lining up as her own lust started to slick his length.

“Hgn… I’ll be happy to be your drug, sweetie,” she huffed. “I won’t lie, I’ve been craving you as well… So get inside me already!” As she growled her order, Tyler nodded rapidly and slid his paws along her hips.

The young fox was still clumsy, but the pawful of sessions they’d had were quickly building his confidence. He started shifting his hips, pumping the tapered tip back and forth until it popped into her wet entrance. She let out a cute yip, then a needy moan as her young lover eagerly thrust forward, every inch sinking nice and deep until he bottomed out with his own moan of relief.

“Gods Junooon… You feel so good… it makes me want to cry in pleasure…” He was practically whimpering as his paws slid around to her backside, claws digging in, as he jerked her close and grinded against her.

“Gods yes… I love how your cock feels in me, Ty…” She panted as she threw her arms around him, her ample breasts swaying in the button-down top she wore, feeling her lover stroking deep inside.

“Come on, love… I can tell… ngh…give it to meee…” He moaned as his hips slapped forward hard. Junon gave him an excited bark and hugged him tight, her small body shuddering as her honey dripped off his sacs and her walls spasmed against his length.

“Gods! You’re… so thoughtful and… ngh!” She groaned and panted in his face, small hearts in her mismatched eyes as they stared at one another.

He started to rock his hips again. “You deserve it… I love pleasing you… Even if I couldn’t cum, Junon… I’d still gleefully please this gorgeous fox…” He groaned lovingly, his own blue eyes showing his heart for the older vixen that had swept him up into this crazy situation.

“So sweet… such a good… Oh yes… please baby… right there, right there!!” She barked again as he nodded and sped up, stroking faster as she barked out several small yips before his hips crashed against her to drive her to another peak.

“Creshhhh chaaa…” She locked her trembling legs tightly around him, her eyes rolling up as he drove her to release again. He grunted from the crushing clench of her body but kept grinding.

“So eager… so eager to do it in the kitchen too…” She panted in his face, feeling him just pump through her orgasm.

“I told you, I’m addicted,” he growled as he stole a few kisses.

“Mhm! Doing it in the bakery… naughty fox…” She remembers she’d offhandedly mentioned puppies a few times, and he always twitched so eagerly for it, so she thought to herself that she may be on to something. “You’re just trying to put a bun in a different kind of oven, aren’t yoooou?” Junon slurred while he ground at her core, feeling his length jump at her teasing.

He barked a laugh as he kept rocking back against her, “D-don’t be silly, love… I know we can’t-”

“Tyler… ha… my little Earth fox… You wanna do it don’t you?” She flashed her teeth in a haughty grin as he let out a small bark, feeling her walls already milking and giving in again.

“D-do what?” He stammered out, wincing as she was crushing him again so soon.

“You wanna put your little fox bun in my oven, don’t you baby? Don’t be shy, just tell meeee…” She moved her paws up to rub at his ears, staring into his eyes with an eager grin, hoping he’d play along with the roleplay.

Tyler shuddered and lolled his tongue, his tail wagging and length jumping viciously hard as she licked her chops, knowing she’d hit home. He groaned and nodded to her while slapping his hips faster, as they nuzzled their muzzles together.

“Say it… say it… tell me… I want to hear it…” She ground her hips back as best she could, encouraging the fox to explore the new kink she was giving him.

“J-Junon… I wanna… ngh…” He whimpered softly as she nuzzled his jaw with her encouraging nod. Tyler shuddered and growled, “I wanna breed you!”

She giggled at the very point-blank answer and moved her forehead to his own, both their tongues lolled as she felt him pumping. “Come oooon, Tyyy… More details… more details… I’m a slut for details… remember the staring at my ass thing when we were in here?”

He gulped loudly and nodded. His length was throbbing even harder, and his knot was beginning to show beneath the drippings of her honey. “I- I… wanna…” He shuddered as she nodded eagerly, hearts in her eyes while they clutched each other. “Gods… I wanna cum deep inside you, Junon… Ngh… I wanna gush it all in, I wanna put my puppies in you… Make you a mother!” He snarled for her as she yipped excitedly.

“Yes! Yes!” She barked gleefully, feeling his length jumping and twitching, that knot growing fat rapidly. “Me too, Ty! I want your puppies!”

“R-really?!” he yipped, his hips slapping faster and more desperately. She knew he wouldn’t last much longer - and she knew just how to really destroy his cute little mind.

With a confident snarl, her legs locked and she jerked him close, sending that knot in herself as he pushed as deep as he could with a startled bark, shuddering as it bloomed to full. Junon hugged him tight and whispered hotly into his large dark ear, “Do it, Ty… pour it all in, get your Salarian bitch… nice… and… preg… nant!”

He gave her a stunned look with his tongue lolled, unable to form words, before howling a desperate moan, hearts in his eyes and claws digging into her rear. Junon offered her own blissful howl as the Earthling’s cock spasmed and sent thick hot ropes deep into her again and again.

“Oh my gods! Oh my gods!” His thoughts flooded her own mind as he clung to her, grinding his hips, her belly poking out slightly from how much love he pumped into her.

“Yesss, give me lots of puppies, Tyler!” She hugged him tightly, thinking the words as he shuddered and gave another throaty groan as her walls crushed and milked the last thick rope in.

When it was over, Junon slumped back on the table, her tongue lolling while she panted. There was so much inside her that her abdomen actually ached just a little. Tyler slapped his paws on the table next to her, huffing with hearts burning in his eyes, looking her over. The faint swell on her belly made her look like she was already pregnant.

“Holy shit… I’m gonna… I… I need to sit down…” He used the last of his strength to hug her close before stumbling back and plopping right down on his rear in the floor of the bakery, leaving her knotted in his lap.

Junon cooed and held him close as his head pushed to her shoulder, his hot breath filling the air as she sighed happily. “Really liked that breeding roleplay, didn’t you sweetie?”

“Fuck yes, I did… Cresh cha…”

The Salarian giggled at the Earthling using her own slang.

-*United Space Federation Data Archives*-

-*USF Occam Crew Manifest #47*-

Tyler Londre Jr:

Tyler Londre Jr - Rank: Ensign

Born SD: (Age: 20) 222 May 12th

Home planet: Orbital Colony of Ganymede

Species: Earthling (Vulpes)

Tyler Londre was born in the space colony that orbited the moon of Ganymede. The largest orbital colony within the Sol system, housing approximately two million residents.

Born into a simple working family, he spent his youth assisting with running the family business, a small bakery in one of the residential sectors of the orbital. At the age of fifteen, he began to want more out of life and through the encouragement of his late grandmother, enrolled into the USF Jr. Officers Academy at the age of sixteen.

Receiving notable marks for his fencing, negotiation, and piloting skills, he finished his two-year tenure and enrolled into the Officers Academy proper at the age of eighteen.

Londre spent approximately one year in the Officers Academy before a fateful encounter with Admiral Nelson ensued. During an official visit to the Academy, the admiral gave a short lecture and speech to Tylers class. Verging onto the topic of swordsmanship, he jokingly said he’d welcome anyone aboard that could best him in swordplay.

All of the class respectfully remained silent, but Londre stood up to volunteer. The Admiral was impressed with his bravery and granted the sparring match. The entire class proceeded to watch as Londre kept pace with one of the greatest swordsmen in the Navy, the cadet narrowly losing the match four points to five.*1*

(*1*Note- There is academy footage of the match available for viewing)

Impressed with Officer Londre’s courage and skill with a foil, Admiral Nelson immediately promoted him to Ensign before conscripting him proper into his own crew, under the stipulation that he must continue his studies during his free time.

After approximately one year of service, Admiral Nelson assigned Officer Londre to the USF Ocaam under Command of Junon Topaz, citing he felt the Ensign was ready for the position and needn't be under his wing further.

-*End Archive*-

“Admiral on the bridge!” Leona roared out as she stepped off the lift with Junon and Andrew behind her.

Every member of the bridge crew of the Occam was present, even if they weren’t due on shift, and they all saluted the Admiral. Andrew saluted back as he stepped to the Captain's chair, his long coat billowing behind him like a cape.

A vid display popped into view to show Andrew standing before the bridge with the Captain and First Officer flanking him. The broadcast was being made to not just the whole ship, but the entirety of the fleet.

“Members of the USF,” he began with a strong, authoritative voice, “all of you across this fleet have been selected for a potentially dangerous mission to unknown fringes of the void. I won’t lie to you, we have no idea what we may be getting into, but all of you were chosen for a reason. You are the best and brightest in your fields. All of you, from the officers to the commissioned crew members, are elites amongst the USF!”

Andrew threw his gloved paw out with a snarl on his muzzle as he continued, “The fatigue has been stabilized and we will be jumping in t-minus three USF standard hours, please coordinate with your COs accordingly. Also please remember that the USF Occam is our primary exploration vessel, and should be supported and protected by any means necessary! Captain Junon Topaz is my right paw. Consider any request or order she makes to come straight from my muzzle, are we clear?!”

The whole bridge crew present shouted in unison, “Yes, Admiral!” No doubt all the officers and crews on other ships were doing the same, even if he couldn’t hear them.

“That is all,” Andrew said as he offered a formal salute before the vid screen blipped out of existence. A few moments later he spoke out more calmly, “As you were everyone!” The crew finally dropped their salutes but kept standing at attention.

“The Admiral said, as you were, sit your tails down and get back to your tasks!” Leona snarled out as the bridge crew did as they were told.

“Very good, Officer Sussnel,” Andrew mewed. He then turned to Junon and lifted his muzzle, before glancing back to the Rashvian. “Officer Sussnel, you have the bridge. Captain Topaz, a moment if you will?”

“Yes, Admiral,” Junon looked over and gave a nod to the Rashvian as she continued, “You have the bridge, First.”

She and Andrew headed for the lift as he called out, “Ensign Londre!”

“Y-Yes Admiral!” Tyler barked out, springing to his feet and throwing a salute with a shocked look on his face.

“You’re with me as well, come!” Andrew mewed as he entered the lift.

“Sir!” He barked out and quickly moved over to them. Junon heard his mind in her own, “What did I do wrong?!”

She had to focus to make sure she didn’t accidentally speak to Andrew. “This is news to me as well, so I’m not sure what the Admiral is up to, let’s just see what’s going on.”

Andrew didn’t even wait on the lift to reach their stop before asking, “How’s your station aboard the Occam going so far, Londre?”

“S-sir! It’s uh… Isn’t that an evaluation for my CO to make, sir?” Tyler stammered out awkwardly.

“I’m asking how you’re settling in, Tyler…” Andrew sighed before offering a smile.

“Oh! Very well, sir!”

“Permission to speak freely, Admiral?” Junon spoke out.

“Granted, for both of you, feel free to speak freely,” Andrew nodded to her.

“What are you up to, Andy?” She put a paw on her hip.

“I simply wanted to speak with the two of you, make sure he’s treating you well…” Andrew folded his arms.

“J-Junon? The Admiral knows about… us?” Tyler whispered, stunned and awkward.

She sighed and rolled her tails. “Andy… You’re scaring him, will you please stop acting so intimidating?”

Andrew blinked and uncrossed his arms. “I wasn’t trying to,” he quietly mewed. The lift came to a stop, and opened up to the communal Mess Hall area. As Andrew walked, cape billowing, polished boots clacking authoritatively against the floor, everyone he passed gave the trio sharp salutes. Eventually, they made their way to the small bakery Junon and Tyler had set up.

Andrew smiled as he looked over the little storefront, and turned back to his lover. “It’s really cute… Are you happy with it, Junon?”

“I am… I’m happy with it, and Tyler.” The cat’s question was still hanging in the air, and she answered it insistently. “He’s treating me very well, Andy.”

“Is that true, Tyler?” Andrew cocked a brow.

The younger fox lifted his arm partially as if to salute, but then forced it back down with a nod. “Admiral, sir… Yes, I uh… Junon makes me very happy, sir, and I’m trying my best for her!” He barked out and clenched his paws, his tail cutting through the air looking adorable.

The larger cat offered an amused grin and shook his head. “That’s good to know… You think I could get some tea and a pastry while I’m here?”

“They’ll be a little stale, Andy, all we’ve got is what we made in the morning cycle,” Junon explained.

“That’s fine by me, anything you make always tastes good, Junon!” He mewed.

“I want you to try one of the danishes Tyler made,” she countered.

“Oh? Why is that?”

“Because I am proud of them, he did a good job, and I want to know what you think. Is that a problem?”

“Of course not, Junon. I’m not here to flex, simply check in and see how you two are doing!” Andrew smiled over at Tyler. “Please relax, I promise this is just a social visit, Tyler,” he explained as he opened a gloved paw.

“T-thank you, sir… Also, it’s uh… Good to see you again…” Tyler fidgeted his paws a little.

Junon stepped behind the counter and began preparing some tea. “I’ve been meaning to ask, Andy… How is it that Tyler was paw-picked by you to serve on the Astral before being transferred here?”

“Do you want to field that, Tyler?” Andrew asked with a grin, settling at one of the cafe tables.

“Sir… Uh…” Tyler, already in motion to step back into the kitchen, left the question hanging until he emerged a few moments later with two danishes on a small plate. “The Admiral was visiting the academy,” he explained, nervously clutching the plate with both paws. “He was giving a lecture on tactics and swordsmanship…”

“You are quite the adept swordsman, Andrew,” Junon said with an understanding nod as she poured him a cup of tea.

“I am, and… what happened, Tyler?” Andrew gave him a playful grin as the fox set the danishes down before him.

Tyler stammered, “Erm… the Admiral decreed in jest, that anyone that could best him in a fencing match, he would personally take onboard, no one dared take him up on his challenge but uh…”

Andrew took the liberty of finishing the story, seeing how flustered the fox was becoming. “But one… Tyler here stood up before me, the only one brave enough out of a class of over two hundred! I made my mind up instantly, but then he actually kept up with me in the proceeding match!”

“S-sir! I barely held my own!” Tyler barked in protest.

“He got four out of five points on me, I barely held him off!” Andrew laughed.

“Really? Tyler, I should spar with you sometime in the holosuite! I very much would like to test those skills of yours!” Junon barked eagerly and gave him a challenging grin. She thought to herself, she probably should have read the full crew manifest about him before, then again she was on the spot and in a hurry since she was so horny.

“S-sure love… urf! I mean Captain! I mean ma’am! I- I mean Junon!” His tail awkwardly twitched and wagged as he repeatedly stumbled over his words.

“Ha ha! Love is it?” Andrew smiled as he sipped his tea.

“Andrew… be nice,” Junon warned with a growl. The cat offered a paw in submission.

“May I ask a question, sir?” Tyler asked.

“Only if you call me Andrew or Andy while we’re at the cafe, you’re breaking your own posted rules,” He nodded to the sign near the counter.

Tyler ground his teeth, as if saying the Admiral’s name was such an affront, but he finally sighed out, “Alright, Andrew… Anyway, why were you so worried about me and Junon?”

“Because I’ve known Junon for over a decade, and we are… very close,” Andrew answered openly.

“He and I are bound like you are with me, Tyler. Andrew and I have been doing this for a long time… He is the one person in this universe I trust above all else,” Junon continued, matter-of-factly.

Tyler gave a small nod at the explanation and then asked, “Andrew, does me being with Junon bother you?”

“No, Tyler. I have known Junon for a long time. Your relationship with her does not bother me in the least. I even support it, and I’m happy to know she will have a companion when I am not nearby.” Andrew wagged a finger and took a more serious tone, “However… If you hurt her…”

“Andrew Nelson, you promised this was not some flex!” she barked out with a glare.

“Forgive me Junon, but I will always protect your heart if I can help it,” he said politely.

“My heart is fine, and Tyler is a wonderful fox, I trust him and…” She grunted as she found she had so readily defended him, so readily… trusted him?

Tyler’s tail was blurring in a wag, a small loving grin on his muzzle he couldn’t hope to contain. Andrew’ eyebrows raised as he spoke, “High praise, very high coming from you, Junon…”

He then lifted his teacup as he spoke over to the other fox, “Tyler, you take care of my racha, you understand? That is an order.”

Tyler bit his lower lip but nodded rapidly. “Yes sir, even if you didn’t order me, I would have!”

The Admiral nibbled on the danish as he thought to Junon, “This isn’t like you… Is he just naturally getting his claws in that fast, or is something else going on?”

“I really can’t say, Andy,” Junon thought back to him with a frown. “I keep telling myself to keep him at a distance, but I just keep wanting to draw him closer… I’m not sure if it’s him or I’m just affection-starved after the years without you…” She moved to pour herself and Tyler a cup of their own tea.

“Junon, sometimes we just have to follow our gut, you know? He seems to really like you, maybe he’s even going to be another you may eventually consider your racha?”

“Andy… I don’t want to ever think about that… Think about replacing Radolf…” As she continued to respond with her mind, she sighed out loud.

“Junon, you’re not replacing him… You finding another love doesn’t replace that any more than I feel it would replace ours… I know things are happening fast all over right now, what with the new position, the ship, etcetera… But you should live your life, and take those risks, that’s what I did when I came to get you!” Andrew locked eyes with her, his expression determined.

Tyler cleared his throat, calling attention to the lingering silence as they both turned to look at him. “Are you guys talking right now?” he asked softly.

“We are, Tyler,” Junon answered out loud.

“I’ll excuse myself and return to duty so you two can have some time together,” Tyler said as he offered a salute before looking right at Andrew. “Sir, I care very much for your racha! Thank you for trusting me, I won’t let you down!”

He had already spun on his heel and started to retreat as Junon barked out, “Now wait just a sec!” However, Tyler kept walking.

“It’s okay, he’s doing what he thinks is best and respecting you, racha…” Andrew gave an approving nod to the young fox’s back.

Junon sighed as she took a seat and cradled her tea in her paws. “I’ve never even mentioned racha as a term…”

“He heard me saying it, and… I wouldn’t be surprised if once you two started dating, he voraciously started consuming Salarian history and cultural data to make a good impression on you… Racha is a term that would have stood out to him instantly.”

“Dating? I never said we were even dating!” She growled, frustrated.

“Are you not?” He gave her a surprised look.

“No! I mean… maybe?! I don’t fucking know! Cresh cha!” She slapped a paw to the table and pushed the other one through her hair. “I’ve been so twisted up lately… Ever since I got on this damn ship… One minute I feel like a psychopathic monster, the next I’m on a cloud…”

“You’ve got a lot going on in a short time. It was a tall order to ask you to resume command after such a long hiatus, Junon. I apologize for the stress,” he sighed.

“Hiatus? Andrew, I spent most of that year as Captain just doing my job and breaking down during my personal time… This is my first command that isn’t fraught with blood-thirst…” She snarled as she rubbed her face again, slowly shaking her head.

“How do you think you’re doing so far?” He asked coolly.

“How do I think I’m doing?” She snarled and glared at him. “I have a First Officer that hates me, an Ensign that looks like he wants to try some chains on his ears, and a retired battle maiden that’s finding the whole thing rather amusing… Ugh, and my Chief Engineer who probably wets herself whenever she sees me…”

“I’ll take a First that hates me over one like Brox who is just a walking codex of USF laws and constantly reminds me of it… Other than that, it sounds like you’re having a lively time!” he mewed out with a chuckle.

“Lively?” She growled and shook her head. “I mean I guess I’m not bored, but now I’m worried about hurting Tyler…”

“He seems to have his head on straight and he took all of this rather well, I think you should just be honest with him and yourself as you guys progress!” He wagged a gloved finger at her.

“Oh thanks for the sage advice, are you my father now?” She huffed, but the heat wasn’t there in her voice.

“I’m technically old enough to be!” He mewed playfully and winked.

“Heh! Yeah I guess that’s fair! It’d be cutting it close… You Earthlings reach sexual maturity faster than we Salarians do, I forget that sometimes.” She growled then gave him a playful smile. “Thanks for trying to cheer me up…”

“About your First… I took her aside and asked her what she thought of you so far. She said she admired your determination and strength,” Andrew said as he finished off the last bites of his danish.

“She was probably just talking politely because badmouthing a superior is poor form, especially to their commanding officer,” Junon said matter-of-factly.

“I don’t believe that’s the case, given we were speaking freely about the matter. I think you’ve seen she won’t hesitate to say what’s on her mind if you put rank aside,” he countered.

She just grunted and glared down at her empty teacup.

“Junon, I wish I could do more to assure you that you’re doing just fine… Trust yourself and try to enjoy the ride, okay?” He gave her a reassuring smile.

“Thank you, my racha… I’m sorry we couldn’t get together like you wanted before we hit the new lane…” She sighed and folded her ears.

“It’s okay, I’m getting some time with you now. Any time with you is precious time, Junon, even if it’s not rolling around in the sheets. I’m sure Tyler would say the same!” He gave her a wink.

“Tch… The sappy fox said something to that effect while we were working this morning cycle… Maybe I just pull in the mushy ones!” She flashed a grin to him, showing she was trying to be in better spirits.

A small chirp echoed out from his communicator. He sighed and lifted it to his muzzle. “Go ahead…”

“Admiral, you’re needed on the bridge to finalize something before the fleet moves!” Brox’s voice barked out in a no-nonsense tone.

“I’ll be there shortly,” Andrew responded before frowning at Junon.

“We’ll make some time after we get to wherever we're going, okay, my racha?” She moved right over and slid into his lap right there in the open, not caring who saw.

“Sounds good…” He purred nice and loud as she leaned up and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply as her tails rolled, his paws sliding over her hips while they embraced.

*-*

“Still waiting on those diagnostic reports, Chief Engineer, the whole fleet’s waiting on our dragging tails!” Junon grumbled out loud.

“If you want one-hundreds across the board,” Tallaria’s voice shot back through the comms, “I’ll need a few more minutes! It’s not my fault one of the coolant lines decided to clog again!”

Junon sighed and leaned back in her chair. She closed her eyes and thought to Tyler, “Sorry the Admiral put you on the spot back there…”

His ears perked as he looked up from his console and thought back to her, “It’s really okay, Junon… I’m sorry if I’m stressing you out, should I dial it back on my uh… fervor?”

She gave an internal chuckle as she shook her head. “Tyler, I’ve really enjoyed this time with you, I don’t want to restrain how you feel, nor do I want to restrain myself when it comes to you… So let’s just play it by ear and see where it goes, okay?”

“That sounds good to me!” She could practically hear his eager bark in her head.

“So… You been studying up on Salarian culture I assume? You recognized the word ‘Racha’?”

“Yes… I wanted to get to know your culture better as a sign of respect and … commitment?” He seemed to hang on the word.

“How did you feel when you saw the word?” She opened her eyes and looked right at him.

He frowned at her and looked worried. “Junon, uh…”

“Just answer me honestly, Ty.” She gave him a small fussy look.

“It was a word I hoped to share with you someday, that was my instinctive response when I saw it.” He lifted his muzzle.

“Andrew is one of only two that I’ve ever used that word with, Tyler, and the other… Well, you know that story.” Junoned closed her eyes and leaned back once more.

“I apologize for bringing up old painful memories…” He closed his own eyes with a frown.

“Don’t be…” She looked back at him again. “I like you, Tyler, I really find myself liking you more than I thought I would… We’ll just give it some time and see. I’m not promising I’ll ever use that word with you, but I’m not saying I won’t either… Is that fair?” She saw him smile and nod at her.

Then, her mismatched eyes darted over to see her First Officer looking between the two of them. When she noticed she’d been caught, Leona said nothing but lifted her muzzle. The fox just showed a snarl but said nothing.

A few moments later the diagnostic report pinged. She looked it over and saw all green, all one-hundred. Satisfied, she called out, “Thank you, Chief Officer!”

“You can thank me by letting me eject this damn thing into a star later!” Tallaria panted. “Either way you’re good to go, Captain!”

“Ensign, signal to the fleet we’re ready and then a shipwide if you will!” Junon barked over at Tyler, then continued to the purple calico, “Helmsman, once the fleet is in formation, bring us to the new lane nice and slow.”

“Aye Captain!” they responded in unison. Tyler opened the appropriate channels and announced, “All crew, prepare for an unstable lane jump. All personnel are requested to be seated and safety harnesses are to remain in place!”

Junon could see the swirling distortion of space come into view as the ship slowly approached, like a twisting maelstrom in the void that was ready to draw them in. She felt a shiver roll up her spine at the sight of it, knowing none of them had any idea where this would lead. The probes returned just enough data to know the space was habitable, so at least they weren’t jumping into the middle of a star or something. Beyond that, they were blind.

“All ships have confirmed and await our lead!” Tyler barked out.

Junon clicked her own harness into place and then lifted a paw, “Take us in, Helmsman!”

---

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