{ "submission_id": "1512475", "keywords": [ { "keyword_id": "1209", "keyword_name": "bdsm", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "24249" }, { "keyword_id": "199", "keyword_name": "bear", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "50638" }, { "keyword_id": "11418", "keyword_name": "chipmunk", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "13432" }, { "keyword_id": "396187", "keyword_name": "chracter development", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1" }, { "keyword_id": "37", "keyword_name": "cub", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "287145" }, { "keyword_id": "7749", "keyword_name": "cyberpunk", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2099" }, { "keyword_id": "8378", "keyword_name": "dormouse", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "281" }, { "keyword_id": "123", "keyword_name": "female", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1107992" }, { "keyword_id": "33", "keyword_name": "fox", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "252363" }, { "keyword_id": "679", "keyword_name": "herm", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "44543" }, { "keyword_id": "1696", "keyword_name": "humiliation", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "13412" }, { "keyword_id": "579", "keyword_name": "kiss", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "15350" }, { "keyword_id": "165", "keyword_name": "male", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1219150" }, { "keyword_id": "160761", "keyword_name": "nosex", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "90" }, { "keyword_id": "26893", "keyword_name": "objectification", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "764" }, { "keyword_id": "186", "keyword_name": "rabbit", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "141647" }, { "keyword_id": "1331", "keyword_name": "rubber", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "12909" }, { "keyword_id": "714", "keyword_name": "sci-fi", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "4818" }, { "keyword_id": "5300", "keyword_name": "shemale", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "9789" }, { "keyword_id": "451", "keyword_name": "skunk", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "34835" }, { "keyword_id": "528", "keyword_name": "slave", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "9897" }, { "keyword_id": "10144", "keyword_name": "story progression", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2062" }, { "keyword_id": "164", "keyword_name": "wolf", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "196695" }, { "keyword_id": "1061", "keyword_name": "wolverine", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1583" } ], "hidden": "f", "scraps": "f", "favorite": "f", "favorites_count": "2", "create_datetime": "2018-01-01 16:24:43.78108+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "01 Jan 2018 17:24 CET", "last_file_update_datetime": "2018-01-01 16:21:41.519059+00", "last_file_update_datetime_usertime": "01 Jan 2018 17:21 CET", "username": "TerraMGP", "user_id": "46355", "user_icon_file_name": "60251_TerraMGP_terramg.gif", "user_icon_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/60/60251_TerraMGP_terramg.gif", "user_icon_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/60/60251_TerraMGP_terramg.gif", "user_icon_url_small": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/60/60251_TerraMGP_terramg.gif", "file_name": "2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2142/2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2142/2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2142/2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "files": [ { "file_id": "2142781", "file_name": "2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2142/2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2142/2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2142/2142781_TerraMGP_10._9._8.doc", "mimetype": "application/msword", "submission_id": "1512475", "user_id": "46355", "submission_file_order": "0", "full_size_x": null, "full_size_y": null, "screen_size_x": null, "screen_size_y": null, "preview_size_x": null, "preview_size_y": null, "initial_file_md5": "30349c7023b78bada2b6a7aa1ed68566", "full_file_md5": "30349c7023b78bada2b6a7aa1ed68566", "large_file_md5": "", "small_file_md5": "", "thumbnail_md5": "", "deleted": "f", "create_datetime": "2018-01-01 16:21:41.519059+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "01 Jan 2018 17:21 CET" } ], "pools": [ { "pool_id": "41413", "name": "By Design", "description": "The Machinations of Ilka Thanedotter as she makes moves and counter-moves against others. A twisted young wolf with ambitions and plots seeking something only she truly understands.", "count": "19", "submission_left_submission_id": "1505438", "submission_left_file_name": "2132279_TerraMGP_solstice.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "1738595", "submission_right_file_name": "2488070_TerraMGP_samhain_forever.doc" }, { "pool_id": "47516", "name": "By Necessity", "description": "A love between two people from very different walks of life. Getting past what they are to see if they can be the person the other needs.", "count": "26", "submission_left_submission_id": "1508997", "submission_left_file_name": "2137662_TerraMGP_by_necessity_auld_lang_syne.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "1545586", "submission_right_file_name": "2192262_TerraMGP_by_necessity_view.doc" }, { "pool_id": "39430", "name": "By Right", "description": "A sci fi story of a Corporate Princess seeking to make her own way as a Slaver.", "count": "28", "submission_left_submission_id": "1511692", "submission_left_file_name": "2141644_TerraMGP_by_right_awakening.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/2141/2141644_TerraMGP_by_right_awakening.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2141/2141644_TerraMGP_by_right_awakening.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2141/2141644_TerraMGP_by_right_awakening.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "300", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "200", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "120", "submission_right_submission_id": "1621373", "submission_right_file_name": "2311705_TerraMGP_by_right_collapse.doc", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/2311/2311705_TerraMGP_by_right_collapse.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2311/2311705_TerraMGP_by_right_collapse.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2311/2311705_TerraMGP_by_right_collapse.jpg", "submission_right_thumb_huge_x": "300", "submission_right_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_right_thumb_large_x": "200", "submission_right_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "120" }, { "pool_id": "64597", "name": "Great Tree Saga", "description": "An attempt at the chronological list for all great tree saga stories. Does not incldue side stories.", "count": "65", "submission_left_submission_id": "1632129", "submission_left_file_name": "2328718_TerraMGP_by_necessity_split.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "1508997", "submission_right_file_name": "2137662_TerraMGP_by_necessity_auld_lang_syne.doc" } ], "description": "Should have been done last night. Wasn't. Still close enough for a new years story. Hopefully you all enjoy it. I think this was needed to set up for things to come.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Should have been done last night. Wasn't. Still close  enough for a new years story. Hopefully you all enjoy it. I think this was needed to set up for things to come.", "writing": "10... 9... 8...:\n\nBy TerraMGP\n\n\tIt was a miserable affair to say the least. Not that Sean was shocked. A large garish room rented out on the top of the transcendence hotel, set up mainly to ensure the guests all got long without any one person attempting to lord over the others with some pathetic display of wealth or power. The result was a quagmire of bland tasteless luxury. Garish quick-installed carpeting and plaster molding running along the walls in bright greens and silvers, over-endowed and genetically sculpted servers with trays of disgusting delicacies marching around in tight leather and latex outfits. The hottest fashions, which might mean something if he could tell them from last years `hottest fashions'. Then of course there was the five piece orchestra. A mix of old acoustic and electrical instruments playing centuries old songs from the twilight days of the old Terran Empire. It was boring and droning, an opinion Sean was sure the others around him would all admit to holding if they were ever forced to be honest with themselves.\n\n\tFortunately the bear was an expert at being unobtrusive in these situations at this point. He stood, drink in hand, hovering back towards the far end of the room. Muttering and nodding now and then as if in the midst of some call. It was an aloof air that most of those present had long since learned to tune out as a matter of mutual survival. Provided nobody got it in their heads that they absolutely needed him in some way.\n\n\tNaturally a few of the more pretensions and extroverted guests had to make a showing. Approaching him with a sacrin gregariousness that made his teeth ache. Most had their partners and toys hanging around like gaudy ornamentation. Pestering him about why he had not done likewise or complimenting he designer of the suit Sita had picked out for him. All as a segway to brooch the subject of his mother, naturally. Insulting to be sure, but quick.\n\n\tHe'd almost made it though the night when a svelte young wolverine in a sharp blue tuxedo rimmed with stripes that bent ever so slightly inwards. The man slipped a fresh glass of whiskey into Sean's hand and set the empty one the bear held onto a tray from a passing polecat boy nearby. The overmuscld tithing giving the wolverine a wink that was quickly returned. ``I have to say, buddy, it's a bit shocking seeing you here solo.''\n\n\t``Oli.'' Sean nodded at his old acquaintance softly. It was far less personable than the reception he gave the others. It was also more genuine.\n\n\t``Last I heard you had found a new favored pet you're taking around everywhere. Here I was thinking you'd be eager to show off what kind of girl could catch your eye.'' Oli chuckled a bit and sipped his own drink, a rather dainty looking mixture of bitters and acrid fruit with some flavor-of-the-month vintage alcohol strong enough to hit the noses of anyone nearby.\n\n\tFor his part Sean managed a small smile and a polite laugh. His eyes scanning the drearily ostentatious room once more for want of something more to do. ``I didn't think it was a good idea to drag her in for something like this.'' he half-lied. ``Besides what would everyone here think if I brought one of my old pets again?'' There was a slight ruefulness in Sean's words. His mind already racing for a way to steer the conversation away from Bri. Better still a way to end it entirely.\n\n\t``So it's true she's an unrefined little acquisition, then.'' Oli murred.\n\n\t``Spending more time around the rumor mill?'' Sean sighed.\n\n\t``Always, Mr. Grumpy Bear. How else am I supposed to know about all the interesting things going on? Especially now. You'd be amazed to hear how interesting things are getting with the rumors flying about New Avalon.''\n\n\t``Yeah, wild speculation about impending war is really interesting, I'm sure.'' The bear growled. A bit of his anger slipping past the facade.\n\n\tThe growl didn't seem to phase Oli. He simply took another sip of his drink and ran his eyes happily along the servers as they strutted around the room, lingering on those young men who displayed the kind of chiseled statuesque figures only years of hard work or a big enough bank account could provide. ``So what's this I hear about your sister?'' He asked as he took a half step forward to get a better view of some teenage bull swaying seductively in a pair of high heeled hip boots.\n\n\t``Sister? Which one? Or are you just trying to dance around questions about mother?'' the bear laughed.\n\n\t``Nah, I would never trust a rumor about your mother. Your sisters on the other hand, Quite a nice bit of gossip surrounding them. Gods I need to get to the gym more.'' Oli reached up and rubbed the nonexistent drool from his muzzle.\n\n\t``Don't know. Just some blathering nonsense about some off-tree investments. I was hoping to hear from you before anyone else. You know, to make sure I didn't-''\n\n\t``Have to wait for the juicy details?'' Sean interrupted\n\n\tOli pulled himself reluctantly from his sightseeing and cocked his hip to the side as he shot Sean an exaggerated glower. ``Now that's no fair. Here I was even set to send you a gift, too. But no, no respect for an old friend. Do you really think so little of me?''\n\n\t``Yes.'' The bear noted ``But to be fair I thought the same of you in college. As for the family speculations, I don't plan on saying anything to anyone. Not my business. Besides.'' Sean smirked ``I think I'd like to avoid waking up to half my tool kit shoved directly though my balls. You want to know what the rest of them get up to? I'd be happy to give you some contact info so you can ask.''\n\n\t``Yeah, thanks, but I'll pass.'' the wolverine sighed. He quickly flagged down the nearest tray of food and snagged a thick, coin-sized cheese and vegetable tort from it. Popping the item like a pill and quickly downing it with the rest of his acrid drink. ``You know it's only another hour or so until midnight. Pretty sure you could check out after that and go see your girl. Anyone who wants to talk with you tonight is probably just digging for the same stuff I am.''\n\n\t``Yeah but you have the decency to come out and say it. Mostly.'' Sean laughed.\n\n\t``What can I say, you take all the joy out of pretension. Playing the game loses its luster when you know your opponent hates you, and it.''\n\n\tSean finished his own drink and slipped one of the ice cubes back into his muzzle, biting down hard. The crunch, the snap, even the small pain of temperature shifting in his mouth all shaking the fog that had twisted around his head all night long. ``I don't hate ya, Oli. You're just a son of a bitch. That's all.''\n\n\t``I take it that means I can still send the gift without looking like too much of a sycophant?''\n\n\t``No. I mean you can send it.'' the bear laughed ``But you're still a little suck-up. But at least I can tell you to your face.''\n\n\t``Just so long as your newest toy doesn't get too upset over it.'' The other man teased. ``I found it at Renee's. It was just one of those moments where you see something and know it's just right for someone. All I ask is that whichever of your little pets makes out the thank you card this time around dial it down a touch on the passive aggressiveness. I do have a reputation to maintain after all.''\n\n---\n\n\t``I want the numbers, you stupid waste of rubber.'' Ilka muttered as she paced up and down the common room anxiously. A small slew of blank rubber dolls stood around the room. Holding food, holding lights, One on all fours resting by the fainting couch. None of them mattered to the young wolf. Her attention was fixed on the three at the center of the room. Rubber-clad cubs glowing purple, blue and orange respectively. All still and motionless save for eerie in-unison breaths and the occasional synched flicker of the luminescent touches on their otherwise blank black bodies.\n\n\t``We are currently compensating for unforeseen variables, Mistress.'' The blue accented fox kit replied with a painfully fake whimper.\n\n\t``Data reports from non-affiliated worlds and colonies may not be fully compiled, Mistress.'' The orange tinted chipmunk girl muttered with equally forced irritation.\n\n\t``Current accuracy of projections is only at ninety five percent, Mistress. We are currently allocating resources from external systems to aid in creating projection models.'' The black and purple skunk went on tiptoe, as did the other two. All three advanced drones pleading for the punishment they knew from their programming they deserved.\n\n\tIlka growled at this and simply kicked the arm out from under her foot stool instead. The blank rubber girl toppling down and nearly tripping up the wolf girl as she began to pace once more. ``I should have had Hrafna keeping you three on task since the season started. Why would anyone try to hide their data from me? Don't they know what I'm trying to do here?''\n\n\tA frustrated hand-wave brought a large hex-ended display into view. Sale dates, volumes, demographics, A sea of facts and figures organized and compartmentalized into an overwhelming labyrinth. To a lesser mind it might have looked to be nothing more than lunacy. Dry and basic, yet at the same time utterly devoid of any real correlation. For Ilka it was a puzzle. A puzzle lacking crucial pieces. Ones she had once been prepared to assemble on her own, but now that she didn't have to the slowness of their assembly simply roiled impotently in the back of her brain.\n\n\t``Considering how long this is taking, you three had better have some good news for me.'' Ilka muttered in frustration as she marched up to the skunk and gazed down menacingly into those empty lenses. A primal air of violence and rage radiating from the young woman. Every muscle and sinew in her body tensing as they all but demanded to lash out at the nearest source of her frustration, regardless of rationality or responsibility.\n\n\tThe impending punishment for her apparent failure made Dana swoon.\n\n\t``Chain-store data for Third Sun affiliated companies is coming in now, Mistress.'' Emily said. The third unit going a bit more rigid than usual as a new stream of data flooded the readouts the trio had displayed for their owner. At first, nothing more than simple spreadsheets. Units sold, income variables due to holiday deals. Shrinkage estimates from the bigger stores which printed in bulk or likely had more easily hacked vending printers. \n\n\tRuna continued to glower at the raw data as she waved her hand. The gesture shifting the screen and causing 02 to go rigid. Vikki squealing softly as a large map of known worlds and colonies was brought in to full view. These regions soon began to shift. Blobs of seemingly random color growing out and radiating from the points indicated by the data. Each little blip growing bigger or more vibrant. The map soon flooded with a psychedelic cascade of colors with only the faintest traces of logic or order to them.\n\n\tThe young timber wolf grinned ear to ear.\n\n\t``So it seems that things can move according to my schedule, then?'' Ilka murred as she turned back to the trio and paced her way towards them, paying no mind as she stepped on the footstool drone while pacing towards Dana, the first in the trio of sisters. She cupped the cheek of the skunk and looked into those lenses. Rewarding the girl with a predatory growl.\n\n\t``Based on the data these units have received, Mistress, it would seem that everything is proceeding as you desire. It should be safe to implement your next project as planned.''\n\n\t``Remind me to cook up something extra nasty for you three girls later. In the mean time have Hrafna prepare for a little outing, and while you're at it I want the three of you to prepare as well. I have another task for you. I expect it done by the time my little tournament begins. No excuses.'' Ilka growled happily as her tail wagged away. She turned on heel and started towards the lift, her dress beginning to slowly morph around her. ``This shall be a truly interesting year.''\n\n--------------------\n\n\t``Are you still fussing over that, Mistress?'' Siv sighed as she walked into the study. The gold-furred bunny was at least relieved to see her owner having shifted from the painful old oak chair to her more comfortable lounging seat. The toned young wolf now half curled into the plush, overstuffed leather embrace with her feet up on a simple ottoman. An empty glass of ice cubes soaking in centimeters of pink-tinged water rested on the table beside her along with a stack of pads and books. Siv carefully took the empty glass and set a full one in its place even as she leaned on tiptoe to confirm her suspicions about the document.\n\n\t``I admit I feel rather stupid right now.'' Runa muttered as she looked up at Siv and offered a weary smile. ``I was always taught to know my weapons, and now here I am cramming on all of this technical data like I'm stuck with the tutors again.''\n\n\t``I'd be happy to have one of the reps write a less convoluted summation, Mistress. Frankly I'd guess most of the stuff in these books just exist to confuse people. Some petty little barrier of entry for the uninitiated.''\n\n\tRuna waved her pet back a bit with the pad and sighed as a smile crossed her lips. ``You know I can't do that.'' She muttered ``I shouldn't do that. It's how we got in this mess to begin with. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.''\n\n\t``No it wasn't, Mistress.'' Siv sighed ``You know it wasn't. What could you possibly blame yourself for this time?'' The rabbit moved herself around to the ottoman and plopped her scrawny rump down on it, her legs straddling the simple suede slippers Runa allowed herself in the comfort of her own home. She smiled to her owner, then stopped and leaned to the side, eyes spotting a familiar pair of dyed hair cuts adorned with pretty lace headbands. The two boys were asleep, all but passed out against the chair and leaning against each other. Bits of their new maid uniforms peeking out from under a thick quilt that normally hung from the back of Runas chair.\n\n\tSiv also watched as the wolf woman across from her slowly reached down to stroke at the sleeping boys. Scratching their ears and scalps slowly. An affectionate little after thought while her two mismatched eyes scanned over the pad with a profound relentlessness.\n\n\t``So are you at least learning anything interesting?'' Siv smiled and wrapped her knees around Runas ankles, leaning in as she gripped and pet at the slippers rather casually. The tired slave girl truggling to pull off her sweetest smile.\n\n\t``Well, conventional photonic weapons are kind of stupid, for one.'' Runa sighed. ``Probably why they are so rare. Problem is that anything plasma based will be too far from my training to be worth it, and most forms of boarding swords aren't exactly helpful in defense against, well, anything.''\n\n\tSiv squeezed those slippers a moment and leaned in closer, letting out a small sigh ``that's not what I meant.'' she muttered. ``Plus if I may say so, you did just fine with that sword for years. It was only another girl using one that gave you any trouble. I mean that has to count for something, right?''\n\n\tThe pad drooped a bit as Runa cast a puzzled glance towards Siv. ``I thought you hated seeing me put in harms way.'' She scoffed.\n\n\t``I do.'' Siv nodded ``You know I do. You know I'll never be happy about it. Does that mean you'll stop?''\n\n\t``No.'' Runa Muttered.\n\n\t``So then you need the best weapon you can get. Just like you need good troops, and a solid compound. If you're going to do this, then you may as well have the best tools for the job.''\n\n\tThe pad clattered to the table. Runa ran her fingers though her hair slowly and let out a deep sigh of frustration. Her eyes slipped shut and for a moment it looked like she would fall asleep as hard and as fast as the two maid bois now resting beside her chair. When she pulled her hands away, Runa looked back at Siv as a different woman. The weight of years she'd not yet lived marked along her face. Dark bruised marks under her eyes, ears drooping. For a moment Siv could even swear she saw traces of grey in her owners fur. Though that could have just been the firelight.\n\n\t``It wasn't too long ago I would have punished you for suggesting that, pet.'' Runa sighed. ``Then again if I had listened to you then maybe we'd be back ho-, back at the compound now. Safe and secure, working on the project.''\n\n\t``On the doe?'' Siv chuckled ``The one you had only just started working on out of obligation? The little party favor you wouldn't even talk about at night?''\n\n\t``What was there to talk about? Stupid, big tits, and a personal secretary stuck in her head. Half the companies tied to Yggdrasil can turn that out in a few days.''\n\n\tA hard shove pushed Runa deeply into the fluff and stuffing of her chair. Siv leaned forwards and growled a bit, the sound utterly uncharacteristic. ``That's not what you're trying for, though. I mean unless I'm mistaken that's pretty much the opposite of what we're out to accomplish here.''\n\n\t``Yeah, well. You're the one who always says we need to consider how the game is played.''\n\n\t``That's my job.'' Siv corrected ``I'm the one who is supposed to be rational and reasonable. I know you Mistress. Nobody knows you better. I watched the way you fawned over all those other projects. I'm the one you sat up with late at night venting all those creative ideas for shattering your new playthings, expounding on what you had planned for them. I watched you eye that little stasis-locked mole girl like a big plate of honey fudge. Just waiting to finish savoring the others before you got to work on her. You want to know how many times you mentioned that dumb doe? Twice. Two times.''\n\n\t``Oh come on.'' Runa muttered ``now you're just being hyperbolic.''\n\n\t``Mistress, you threw her in stasis at the same time as the mole, and apart from the order to start her training, the only thing I actually heard from you about her was postulation on how to dumb her down without low grade asphyxiation.''\n\n\tThe pad quickly returned to Runas hand as she flipped and tapped away, soon turning it and pointing it squarely at Siv. ``Yep, as I thought. Plenty of paperwork about the bitch. Paperwork I know you read, my little bunny.'' Runa laughed.\n\n\t``Yeah? And which one of us actually enjoys paperwork, Mistress?'' Siv sighed as she took the pad. ``You dealt with her. But you didn't care. We both know that. She was a floor model, a party favor. You never cared. Not like you have with Bi or Eleanor or Scr1pt. Even the twins. How long did it take you to get their training program down and set before you allowed me to wake them?\n\n\tThe wolf opened her muzzle to speak, nothing came. All she could do was sit there slack jawed and stupid. Looking off to the side as she twitched her foot against the small semi-yielding pressure Siv put on the top of her feet.\n\n\t``I get why you're doing this, Mistress.'' Siv finally sighed. ``But you can't kill the point of your project to fit it in with how things are. You just can't. If you turn it into what they want, what they expect, then what's the point of even trying?''\n\n\tThey fell silent once more. Neither girl seeming able or willing to try voicing the thoughts that raced in their heads. After a few moments Runa had settled in to a light rhythm of stroking and scratching at the boys' hair in time with the soft backwards pull of her left foot against Sivs hand. Each tug met by a simple and oddly soothing bit of resistance.\n\n\tBy the time Siv was able to pull herself up to stand, Runa was already starting to feel the haze of sleep falling over her. The wolf eyed her pet with one eye drooping rather badly as she tried to will the girl back down onto her now cooling feet.\n\n\t``What are you doing?'' Runa muttered.\n\n\t``Waking you up a bit.'' Siv chuckled ``Come on, it's almost midnight. You should at least stay up though the new years.'' Before Runa could protest Siv had already gripped her Mistress by the wrist and was slowly tugging her up to stand. She was careful not to nudge the chair or wake the boys where they slept, figuring the little maids needed rest for what they had coming to them.\n\n\tWithout a word Siv gripped Runas hand and dragged her along towards through the hallways. Slave leading owner though their lifelong home, the sleepy wolf struggling like a stranger though the broad hallways and neatly appointed rooms. \n\n\tThey finally stopped at the end of a longer hallway. The door cast open, contrasting the neat grey and brown surroundings with the clean bright white of a medical ward. Siv stopped them just a few steps in, but Runa kept moving forwards. Her eyes drawn to the blinking indicator lights above one of the advanced medical pods. She looked in at the slowly stirring figure within. A trembling tigress propped up against the padding at the back of the pod. Long silky black hair spread out behind her. Muscles struggling and straining under the demands of a thick black vest which hugged her torso like a second skin and flickered meaningless little numbers from a few archaic displays. Each mirroring some facet of the AR chart displayed on the pod lid.\n\n\tRuna reached a trembling hand up to touch the glass nervously. Her fingertips tracing their way down the cool smooth surface, along the cheek of the tigress. A loud hiss soon jolted Runa back a half-step. The pod door swinging up slowly on is hinges. Runa looked back at Siv. Her face full of terror and hope.\n\n\t``She's fine.'' Siv smiled ``Don't worry. I promise. Just be gentle.''\n\n\tA small nod was all she could manage before Runa took a step forwards and pressed her hand against the tired tigers cheek. Her thumb slowly stroking along that fluffed fur as she leaned in closer and placed a soft kiss on Bi's brow, right at the center of her forehead.\n\n\t``Forgive me, my loyal little kitten. I promise, Ill never let anyone hurt you like this again.''\n\n--------------------\n\n\tPizza boxes, Aether bottles, Bags and boxes of sweet and starchy snacks piled up like a second carpet along the floor between the food printer and the couch. An old Founders Day propaganda holo riffed over by a small crew of snarkers filled the little apartment and nearly drown out the sound of the twisting hack-and-slash game the two girls took turns reveling in. A whole decade of revelry lay distilled into the scattered sights, sounds, and smells of the little room. A radiant sea of nostalgia both Bri and Kanina sank down into happily.\n\n\t``So come on, out with it.'' Kanina muttered as she slipped back against the arm of the couch and pulled her legs up to her chest.\n\n\t``Out with what?'' Bri muttered. The dormouse only half aware of the conversation. Her attention, or the bulk of it at least, wrapped up in the power armored figure before her. Looking at the overly elaborate and physically impossible gun the girl held and the big glowing spots on the holo image demanding mods be placed.\n\n\t``Look, we both know how you get. You got me a gift, I got you a gift, you're going to somehow convince yourself that making me facking jewelry somehow isn't good enough. So let's just skip to the part where you reveal some big and over elaborate surprise.''\n\n\tBri winced a bit as she threw on a heat ammo modification, and instantly removed it. Balking at the way it dropped half the stats of the rifle. ``Oh come on now. I'm not that bad. I mean yeah, I'd say your gift is way better since it took way more work, and it was something limited, and I got to basically get class credit for what I made you so it was time I would have spent making random junk anyways.''\n\n\t``Woz damn it girl, you always do this.'' Kanina grumbled.\n\n\t``But!'' Bri corrected ``If I really detach myself like I should, then it was a fair enough exchange. Gifts are gifts and like mom always says gifts from the heart are best. I think we can both agree we put a ton of thought into our gifts and just that aspect absolves any sort of `debt'.\n\n\tThe bunny girl rolled her eyes and sighed as she twitched a finger. A little hacking program yanking the AR controls over to her as she switched the weapon to a shotgun receiver. ``Finally, you're talking sense. Only took, what, a decade?''\n\n\tBrinna nodded and smiled as she slumped back and fidgeted with her glasses. A small pout crossing her muzzle as she made a grabby motion for the controller. She then fell silent and slumped back watching her friend tweak the loadout.\n\n\t``That said, My gift was a joint gift, and you said yourself that your gift was for Solstice. Which means I still owe you another one to even out.'' Bri said as she grinned nice and wide\n\n\tKanina just sighed and rolled her head back a bit, If this kept up she was worried she'd roll her eyes too hard and detach her retinas. ``It's not going to do me any good arguing with you is it squeakles?'' the bunny sighed.\n\n\t``You're the one who wants me to play fair.'' Bri chuckled a bit as she turned her attention back to the riff, letting the bun mess with her character however she liked.\n\n\t``I'm the one trying to get you to grow a bit of backbone.'' she corrected ``Have been forever. I was kinda hoping that by now you'd be up to the point where you could get a gift from your bestie without feeling like you woe me some huge favor for it.''\n\n\tThe dormouse simply gave her friend a dismissive little shrug and slipped a pretzel stick into her mouth. She leaned back and let the sounds wash over her. The familiar old jokes faded into a wonderful white noise as she focused on the sounds of the game. Even without being able to see the holo, Bri could guess at the changes being made to the loadout simply though the sounds made. Her mind slowly compiling a list of what Kanina was prepping, all accented by the small grunts and murrs her friend made as she carefully went though her pre-session ritual.\n\n\t``Almost midnight.'' Kanina muttered softly as she switched out the charge pack on the rifle for the third time. ``Any regrets you're leaving in last year?''\n\n\tBri paused a moment and stroked her chin. Her tail thumped against the side of the couch as she lost herself in thought. When she looked up she saw her friend gazing back, the purple furred bunny doing a poor job of hiding her agitation.\n\n\t``You're expecting me to say something, aren't you?'' Bri sighed.\n\n\t``Kinda.'' Kanina nodded\n\n\t``It's something specific, isn't it?'' Bri muttered as she curled herself into a ball\n\n\tKanina sighed and shook her head. ``You already know what it is. We both know what it is.''\n\n\t``Yeah.'' Bri nodded ``But, I mean, I don't. I mean I know what it is but, I'm ok.'' She smiled a bit and sat up ``I know it's really hard for you. It's really scary. But bad things happen. You can't stop them from happening. He made a mistake but, well, he learned from I. We learned from it. Really it kinda gave us a chance to, you know, try to do things the right way.''\n\n\tThere was little more than a frustrated grunt in reply. The two friends once again falling silent. An additional holo popped up above the game. A light-twisted feed of the fifth fleet in orbit. The Helblades of the fleet crackling with energy as they prepared to send off the old year and salute the new. Bri looked up at the images and let out a sigh, her ears folding back firmly as her mind fell back to that night, seemingly forever ago.\n\n\t``What are you going to do if he hurts you again?'' Kanina finally muttered as she glanced at her friend.\n\n\t``If he hurts me again?'' Bri whimpered.\n\n\t``If he's still not who he says he is. If he's hiding something. If he's doing something wrong, wants to do something bad to you. Look you like this guy, you want to make it work. I get it. I know you. You're not going to just go with someone because they have money. I just.'' The words felt like rimwater in the bunnys mouth. Brackish and stagnant. Something only touched by fools or the desperate. The kind that turned everything bitter. Even the hug she felt as Bri embraced her oldest, and only, friend. Squeezing her tight as the countdown started.\n\n\t``I promise I'll be ok.'' The mouse said simply. ``I promise it will all work out. I know it will, especially because I have you there with me.\n\n\tThe next thing Kanina knew she felt something warm and wet on her lips. Felt something soft and trembling that withered under her tongue. Her eyes struggled back into focus, looking into the stunned brown and green gems of her best friend. The sound of fireworks and flash of ship guns going off in her ears as she kissed Brinna.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "10... 9... 8...:

By TerraMGP

\tIt was a miserable affair to say the least. Not that Sean was shocked. A large garish room rented out on the top of the transcendence hotel, set up mainly to ensure the guests all got long without any one person attempting to lord over the others with some pathetic display of wealth or power. The result was a quagmire of bland tasteless luxury. Garish quick-installed carpeting and plaster molding running along the walls in bright greens and silvers, over-endowed and genetically sculpted servers with trays of disgusting delicacies marching around in tight leather and latex outfits. The hottest fashions, which might mean something if he could tell them from last years `hottest fashions'. Then of course there was the five piece orchestra. A mix of old acoustic and electrical instruments playing centuries old songs from the twilight days of the old Terran Empire. It was boring and droning, an opinion Sean was sure the others around him would all admit to holding if they were ever forced to be honest with themselves.

\tFortunately the bear was an expert at being unobtrusive in these situations at this point. He stood, drink in hand, hovering back towards the far end of the room. Muttering and nodding now and then as if in the midst of some call. It was an aloof air that most of those present had long since learned to tune out as a matter of mutual survival. Provided nobody got it in their heads that they absolutely needed him in some way.

\tNaturally a few of the more pretensions and extroverted guests had to make a showing. Approaching him with a sacrin gregariousness that made his teeth ache. Most had their partners and toys hanging around like gaudy ornamentation. Pestering him about why he had not done likewise or complimenting he designer of the suit Sita had picked out for him. All as a segway to brooch the subject of his mother, naturally. Insulting to be sure, but quick.

\tHe'd almost made it though the night when a svelte young wolverine in a sharp blue tuxedo rimmed with stripes that bent ever so slightly inwards. The man slipped a fresh glass of whiskey into Sean's hand and set the empty one the bear held onto a tray from a passing polecat boy nearby. The overmuscld tithing giving the wolverine a wink that was quickly returned. ``I have to say, buddy, it's a bit shocking seeing you here solo.''

\t``Oli.'' Sean nodded at his old acquaintance softly. It was far less personable than the reception he gave the others. It was also more genuine.

\t``Last I heard you had found a new favored pet you're taking around everywhere. Here I was thinking you'd be eager to show off what kind of girl could catch your eye.'' Oli chuckled a bit and sipped his own drink, a rather dainty looking mixture of bitters and acrid fruit with some flavor-of-the-month vintage alcohol strong enough to hit the noses of anyone nearby.

\tFor his part Sean managed a small smile and a polite laugh. His eyes scanning the drearily ostentatious room once more for want of something more to do. ``I didn't think it was a good idea to drag her in for something like this.'' he half-lied. ``Besides what would everyone here think if I brought one of my old pets again?'' There was a slight ruefulness in Sean's words. His mind already racing for a way to steer the conversation away from Bri. Better still a way to end it entirely.

\t``So it's true she's an unrefined little acquisition, then.'' Oli murred.

\t``Spending more time around the rumor mill?'' Sean sighed.

\t``Always, Mr. Grumpy Bear. How else am I supposed to know about all the interesting things going on? Especially now. You'd be amazed to hear how interesting things are getting with the rumors flying about New Avalon.''

\t``Yeah, wild speculation about impending war is really interesting, I'm sure.'' The bear growled. A bit of his anger slipping past the facade.

\tThe growl didn't seem to phase Oli. He simply took another sip of his drink and ran his eyes happily along the servers as they strutted around the room, lingering on those young men who displayed the kind of chiseled statuesque figures only years of hard work or a big enough bank account could provide. ``So what's this I hear about your sister?'' He asked as he took a half step forward to get a better view of some teenage bull swaying seductively in a pair of high heeled hip boots.

\t``Sister? Which one? Or are you just trying to dance around questions about mother?'' the bear laughed.

\t``Nah, I would never trust a rumor about your mother. Your sisters on the other hand, Quite a nice bit of gossip surrounding them. Gods I need to get to the gym more.'' Oli reached up and rubbed the nonexistent drool from his muzzle.

\t``Don't know. Just some blathering nonsense about some off-tree investments. I was hoping to hear from you before anyone else. You know, to make sure I didn't-''

\t``Have to wait for the juicy details?'' Sean interrupted

\tOli pulled himself reluctantly from his sightseeing and cocked his hip to the side as he shot Sean an exaggerated glower. ``Now that's no fair. Here I was even set to send you a gift, too. But no, no respect for an old friend. Do you really think so little of me?''

\t``Yes.'' The bear noted ``But to be fair I thought the same of you in college. As for the family speculations, I don't plan on saying anything to anyone. Not my business. Besides.'' Sean smirked ``I think I'd like to avoid waking up to half my tool kit shoved directly though my balls. You want to know what the rest of them get up to? I'd be happy to give you some contact info so you can ask.''

\t``Yeah, thanks, but I'll pass.'' the wolverine sighed. He quickly flagged down the nearest tray of food and snagged a thick, coin-sized cheese and vegetable tort from it. Popping the item like a pill and quickly downing it with the rest of his acrid drink. ``You know it's only another hour or so until midnight. Pretty sure you could check out after that and go see your girl. Anyone who wants to talk with you tonight is probably just digging for the same stuff I am.''

\t``Yeah but you have the decency to come out and say it. Mostly.'' Sean laughed.

\t``What can I say, you take all the joy out of pretension. Playing the game loses its luster when you know your opponent hates you, and it.''

\tSean finished his own drink and slipped one of the ice cubes back into his muzzle, biting down hard. The crunch, the snap, even the small pain of temperature shifting in his mouth all shaking the fog that had twisted around his head all night long. ``I don't hate ya, Oli. You're just a son of a bitch. That's all.''

\t``I take it that means I can still send the gift without looking like too much of a sycophant?''

\t``No. I mean you can send it.'' the bear laughed ``But you're still a little suck-up. But at least I can tell you to your face.''

\t``Just so long as your newest toy doesn't get too upset over it.'' The other man teased. ``I found it at Renee's. It was just one of those moments where you see something and know it's just right for someone. All I ask is that whichever of your little pets makes out the thank you card this time around dial it down a touch on the passive aggressiveness. I do have a reputation to maintain after all.''

---

\t``I want the numbers, you stupid waste of rubber.'' Ilka muttered as she paced up and down the common room anxiously. A small slew of blank rubber dolls stood around the room. Holding food, holding lights, One on all fours resting by the fainting couch. None of them mattered to the young wolf. Her attention was fixed on the three at the center of the room. Rubber-clad cubs glowing purple, blue and orange respectively. All still and motionless save for eerie in-unison breaths and the occasional synched flicker of the luminescent touches on their otherwise blank black bodies.

\t``We are currently compensating for unforeseen variables, Mistress.'' The blue accented fox kit replied with a painfully fake whimper.

\t``Data reports from non-affiliated worlds and colonies may not be fully compiled, Mistress.'' The orange tinted chipmunk girl muttered with equally forced irritation.

\t``Current accuracy of projections is only at ninety five percent, Mistress. We are currently allocating resources from external systems to aid in creating projection models.'' The black and purple skunk went on tiptoe, as did the other two. All three advanced drones pleading for the punishment they knew from their programming they deserved.

\tIlka growled at this and simply kicked the arm out from under her foot stool instead. The blank rubber girl toppling down and nearly tripping up the wolf girl as she began to pace once more. ``I should have had Hrafna keeping you three on task since the season started. Why would anyone try to hide their data from me? Don't they know what I'm trying to do here?''

\tA frustrated hand-wave brought a large hex-ended display into view. Sale dates, volumes, demographics, A sea of facts and figures organized and compartmentalized into an overwhelming labyrinth. To a lesser mind it might have looked to be nothing more than  lunacy. Dry and basic, yet at the same time utterly devoid of any real correlation. For Ilka it was a puzzle. A puzzle lacking crucial pieces. Ones she had once been prepared to assemble on her own, but now that she didn't have to the slowness of their assembly simply roiled impotently in the back of her brain.

\t``Considering how long this is taking, you three had better have some good news for me.'' Ilka muttered in frustration as she marched up to the skunk and gazed down menacingly into those empty lenses. A primal air of violence and rage radiating from the young woman. Every muscle and sinew in her body tensing as they all but demanded to lash out at the nearest source of her frustration, regardless of rationality or responsibility.

\tThe impending punishment for her apparent failure made Dana swoon.

\t``Chain-store data for Third Sun affiliated companies is coming in now, Mistress.'' Emily said. The third unit going a bit more rigid than usual as a new stream of data flooded the readouts the trio had displayed for their owner. At first, nothing more than simple spreadsheets. Units sold, income variables due to holiday deals. Shrinkage estimates from the bigger stores which printed in bulk or likely had more easily hacked vending printers.

\tRuna continued to glower at the raw data as she waved her hand. The gesture shifting the screen and causing 02 to go rigid. Vikki squealing softly as a large map of known worlds and colonies was brought in to full view. These regions soon began to shift. Blobs of seemingly random color growing out and radiating from the points indicated by the data. Each little blip growing bigger or more vibrant. The map soon flooded with a psychedelic cascade of colors with only the faintest traces of logic or order to them.

\tThe young timber wolf grinned ear to ear.

\t``So it seems that things can move according to my schedule, then?'' Ilka murred as she turned back to the trio and paced her way towards them, paying no mind as she stepped on the footstool drone while pacing towards Dana, the first in the trio of sisters. She cupped the cheek of the skunk and looked into those lenses. Rewarding the girl with a predatory growl.

\t``Based on the data these units have received, Mistress, it would seem that everything is proceeding as you desire. It should be safe to implement your next project as planned.''

\t``Remind me to cook up something extra nasty for you three girls later. In the mean time have Hrafna prepare for a little outing, and while you're at it I want the three of you to prepare as well. I have another task for you. I expect it done by the time my little tournament begins. No excuses.'' Ilka growled happily as her tail wagged away. She turned on heel and started towards the lift, her dress beginning to slowly morph around her. ``This shall be a truly interesting year.''

--------------------

\t``Are you still fussing over that, Mistress?'' Siv sighed as she walked into the study. The gold-furred bunny was at least relieved to see her owner having shifted from the painful old oak chair to her more comfortable lounging seat. The toned young wolf now half curled into the plush, overstuffed leather embrace with her feet up on a simple ottoman. An empty glass of ice cubes soaking in centimeters of pink-tinged water rested on the table beside her along with a stack of pads and books. Siv carefully took the empty glass and set a full one in its place even as she leaned on tiptoe to confirm her suspicions about the document.

\t``I admit I feel rather stupid right now.'' Runa muttered as she looked up at Siv and offered a weary smile. ``I was always taught to know my weapons, and now here I am cramming on all of this technical data like I'm stuck with the tutors again.''

\t``I'd be happy to have one of the reps write a less convoluted summation, Mistress. Frankly I'd guess most of the stuff in these books just exist to confuse people. Some petty little barrier of entry for the uninitiated.''

\tRuna waved her pet back a bit with the pad and sighed as a smile crossed her lips. ``You know I can't do that.'' She muttered ``I shouldn't do that. It's how we got in this mess to begin with. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.''

\t``No it wasn't, Mistress.'' Siv sighed ``You know it wasn't. What could you possibly blame yourself for this time?'' The rabbit moved herself around to the ottoman and plopped her scrawny rump down on it, her legs straddling the simple suede slippers Runa allowed herself in the comfort of her own home. She smiled to her owner, then stopped and leaned to the side, eyes spotting a familiar pair of dyed hair cuts adorned with pretty lace headbands. The two boys were asleep, all but passed out against the chair and leaning against each other. Bits of their new maid uniforms peeking out from under a thick quilt that normally hung from the back of Runas chair.

\tSiv also watched as the wolf woman across from her slowly reached down to stroke at the sleeping boys. Scratching their ears and scalps slowly. An affectionate little after thought while her two mismatched eyes scanned over the pad with a profound relentlessness.

\t``So are you at least learning anything interesting?'' Siv smiled and wrapped her knees around Runas ankles, leaning in as she gripped and pet at the slippers rather casually. The tired slave girl truggling to pull off her sweetest smile.

\t``Well, conventional photonic weapons are kind of stupid, for one.'' Runa sighed. ``Probably why they are so rare. Problem is that anything plasma based will be too far from my training to be worth it, and most forms of boarding swords aren't exactly helpful in defense against, well, anything.''

\tSiv squeezed those slippers a moment and leaned in closer, letting out a small sigh ``that's not what I meant.'' she muttered. ``Plus if I may say so, you did just fine with that sword for years. It was only another girl using one that gave you any trouble. I mean that has to count for something, right?''

\tThe pad drooped a bit as Runa cast a puzzled glance towards Siv. ``I thought you hated seeing me put in harms way.'' She scoffed.

\t``I do.'' Siv nodded ``You know I do. You know I'll never be happy about it. Does that mean you'll stop?''

\t``No.'' Runa Muttered.

\t``So then you need the best weapon you can get. Just like you need good troops, and a solid compound. If you're going to do this, then you may as well have the best tools for the job.''

\tThe pad clattered to the table. Runa ran her fingers though her hair slowly and let out a deep sigh of frustration. Her eyes slipped shut and for a moment it looked like she would fall asleep as hard and as fast as the two maid bois now resting beside her chair. When she pulled her hands away, Runa looked back at Siv as a different woman. The weight of years she'd not yet lived marked along her face. Dark bruised marks under her eyes, ears drooping. For a moment Siv could even swear she saw traces of grey in her owners fur. Though that could have just been the firelight.

\t``It wasn't too long ago I would have punished you for suggesting that, pet.'' Runa sighed. ``Then again if I had listened to you then maybe we'd be back ho-, back at the compound now. Safe and secure, working on the project.''

\t``On the doe?'' Siv chuckled ``The one you had only just started working on out of obligation? The little party favor you wouldn't even talk about at night?''

\t``What was there to talk about? Stupid, big tits, and a personal secretary stuck in her head. Half the companies tied to Yggdrasil can turn that out in a few days.''

\tA hard shove pushed Runa deeply into the fluff and stuffing of her chair. Siv leaned forwards and growled a bit, the sound utterly uncharacteristic. ``That's not what you're trying for, though. I mean unless I'm mistaken that's pretty much the opposite of what we're out to accomplish here.''

\t``Yeah, well. You're the one who always says we need to consider how the game is played.''

\t``That's my job.'' Siv corrected ``I'm the one who is supposed to be rational and reasonable. I know you Mistress. Nobody knows you better. I watched the way you fawned over all those other projects. I'm the one you sat up with late at night venting all those creative ideas for shattering your new playthings, expounding on what you had planned for them. I watched you eye that little stasis-locked mole girl like a big plate of honey fudge. Just waiting to finish savoring the others before you got to work on her. You want to know how many times you mentioned that dumb doe? Twice. Two times.''

\t``Oh come on.'' Runa muttered ``now you're just being hyperbolic.''

\t``Mistress, you threw her in stasis at the same time as the mole, and apart from the order to start her training, the only thing I actually heard from you about her was postulation on how to dumb her down without low grade asphyxiation.''

\tThe pad quickly returned to Runas hand as she flipped and tapped away, soon turning it and pointing it squarely at Siv. ``Yep, as I thought. Plenty of paperwork about the bitch. Paperwork I know you read, my little bunny.'' Runa laughed.

\t``Yeah? And which one of us actually enjoys paperwork, Mistress?'' Siv sighed as she took the pad. ``You dealt with her. But you didn't care. We both know that. She was a floor model, a party favor. You never cared. Not like you have with Bi or Eleanor or Scr1pt. Even the twins. How long did it take you to get their training program down and set before you allowed me to wake them?

\tThe wolf opened her muzzle to speak, nothing came. All she could do was sit there slack jawed and stupid. Looking off to the side as she twitched her foot against the small semi-yielding pressure Siv put on the top of her feet.

\t``I get why you're doing this, Mistress.'' Siv finally sighed. ``But you can't kill the point of your project to fit it in with how things are. You just can't. If you turn it into what they want, what they expect, then what's the point of even trying?''

\tThey fell silent once more. Neither girl seeming able or willing to try voicing the thoughts that raced in their heads. After a few moments Runa had settled in to a light rhythm of stroking and scratching at the boys' hair in time with the soft backwards pull of her left foot against Sivs hand. Each tug met by a simple and oddly soothing bit of resistance.

\tBy the time Siv was able to pull herself up to stand, Runa was already starting to feel the haze of sleep falling over her. The wolf eyed her pet with one eye drooping rather badly as she tried to will the girl back down onto her now cooling feet.

\t``What are you doing?'' Runa muttered.

\t``Waking you up a bit.'' Siv chuckled ``Come on, it's almost midnight. You should at least stay up though the new years.'' Before Runa could protest Siv had already gripped her Mistress by the wrist and was slowly tugging her up to stand. She was careful not to nudge the chair or wake the boys where they slept, figuring the little maids needed rest for what they had coming to them.

\tWithout a word Siv gripped Runas hand and dragged her along towards through the hallways. Slave leading owner though their lifelong home, the sleepy wolf struggling like a stranger though the broad hallways and neatly appointed rooms.

\tThey finally stopped at the end of a longer hallway. The door cast open, contrasting the neat grey and brown surroundings with the clean bright white of a medical ward. Siv stopped them just a few steps in, but Runa kept moving forwards. Her eyes drawn to the blinking indicator lights above one of the advanced medical pods. She looked in at the slowly stirring figure within. A trembling tigress propped up against the padding at the back of the pod. Long silky black hair spread out behind her. Muscles struggling and straining under the demands of a thick black vest which hugged her torso like a second skin and flickered meaningless little numbers from a few archaic displays. Each mirroring some facet of the AR chart displayed on the pod lid.

\tRuna reached a trembling hand up to touch the glass nervously. Her fingertips tracing their way down the cool smooth surface, along the cheek of the tigress. A loud hiss soon jolted Runa back a half-step. The pod door swinging up slowly on is hinges. Runa looked back at Siv. Her face full of terror and hope.

\t``She's fine.'' Siv smiled ``Don't worry. I promise. Just be gentle.''

\tA small nod was all she could manage before Runa took a step forwards and pressed her hand against the tired tigers cheek. Her thumb slowly stroking along that fluffed fur as she leaned in closer and placed a soft kiss on Bi's brow, right at the center of her forehead.

\t``Forgive me, my loyal little kitten. I promise, Ill never let anyone hurt you like this again.''

--------------------

\tPizza boxes, Aether bottles, Bags and boxes of sweet and starchy snacks piled up like a second carpet along the floor between the food printer and the couch. An old Founders Day propaganda holo riffed over by a small crew of snarkers filled the little apartment and nearly drown out the sound of the twisting hack-and-slash game the two girls took turns reveling in. A whole decade of revelry lay distilled into the scattered sights, sounds, and smells of the little room. A radiant sea of nostalgia both Bri and Kanina sank down into happily.

\t``So come on, out with it.'' Kanina muttered as she slipped back against the arm of the couch and pulled her legs up to her chest.

\t``Out with what?'' Bri muttered. The dormouse only half aware of the conversation. Her attention, or the bulk of it at least, wrapped up in the power armored figure before her. Looking at the overly elaborate and physically impossible gun the girl held and the big glowing spots on the holo image demanding mods be placed.

\t``Look, we both know how you get. You got me a gift, I got you a gift, you're going to somehow convince yourself that making me facking jewelry somehow isn't good enough. So let's just skip to the part where you reveal some big and over elaborate surprise.''

\tBri winced a bit as she threw on a heat ammo modification, and instantly removed it. Balking at the way it dropped half the stats of the rifle. ``Oh come on now. I'm not that bad. I mean yeah, I'd say your gift is way better since it took way more work, and it was something limited, and I got to basically get class credit for what I made you so it was time I would have spent making random junk anyways.''

\t``Woz damn it girl, you always do this.'' Kanina grumbled.

\t``But!'' Bri corrected ``If I really detach myself like I should, then it was a fair enough exchange. Gifts are gifts and like mom always says gifts from the heart are best. I think we can both agree we put a ton of thought into our gifts and just that aspect absolves any sort of `debt'.

\tThe bunny girl rolled her eyes and sighed as she twitched a finger. A little hacking program yanking the AR controls over to her as she switched the weapon to a shotgun receiver. ``Finally, you're talking sense. Only took, what, a decade?''

\tBrinna nodded and smiled as she slumped back and fidgeted with her glasses. A small pout crossing her muzzle as she made a grabby motion for the controller. She then fell silent and slumped back watching her friend tweak the loadout.

\t``That said, My gift was a joint gift, and you said yourself that your gift was for Solstice. Which means I still owe you another one to even out.'' Bri said as she grinned nice and wide

\tKanina just sighed and rolled her head back a bit, If this kept up she was worried she'd roll her eyes too hard and detach her retinas. ``It's not going to do me any good arguing with you is it squeakles?'' the bunny sighed.

\t``You're the one who wants me to play fair.'' Bri chuckled a bit as she turned her attention back to the riff, letting the bun mess with her character however she liked.

\t``I'm the one trying to get you to grow a bit of backbone.'' she corrected ``Have been forever. I was kinda hoping that by now you'd be up to the point where you could get a gift from your bestie without feeling like you woe me some huge favor for it.''

\tThe dormouse simply gave her friend a dismissive little shrug and slipped a pretzel stick into her mouth. She leaned back and let the sounds wash over her. The familiar old jokes faded into a wonderful white noise as she focused on the sounds of the game. Even without being able to see the holo, Bri could guess at the changes being made to the loadout simply though the sounds made. Her mind slowly compiling a list of what Kanina was prepping, all accented by the small grunts and murrs her friend made as she carefully went though her pre-session ritual.

\t``Almost midnight.'' Kanina muttered softly as she switched out the charge pack on the rifle for the third time. ``Any regrets you're leaving in last year?''

\tBri paused a moment and stroked her chin. Her tail thumped against the side of the couch as she lost herself in thought. When she looked up she saw her friend gazing back, the purple furred bunny doing a poor job of hiding her agitation.

\t``You're expecting me to say something, aren't you?'' Bri sighed.

\t``Kinda.'' Kanina nodded

\t``It's something specific, isn't it?'' Bri muttered as she curled herself into a ball

\tKanina sighed and shook her head. ``You already know what it is. We both know what it is.''

\t``Yeah.'' Bri nodded ``But, I mean, I don't. I mean I know what it is but, I'm ok.'' She smiled a bit and sat up ``I know it's really hard for you. It's really scary. But bad things happen. You can't stop them from happening. He made a mistake but, well, he learned from I. We learned from it. Really it kinda gave us a chance to, you know, try to do things the right way.''

\tThere was little more than a frustrated grunt in reply. The two friends once again falling silent. An additional holo popped up above the game. A light-twisted feed of the fifth fleet in orbit. The Helblades of the fleet crackling with energy as they prepared to send off the old year and salute the new. Bri looked up at the images and let out a sigh, her ears folding back firmly as her mind fell back to that night, seemingly forever ago.

\t``What are you going to do if he hurts you again?'' Kanina finally muttered as she glanced at her friend.

\t``If he hurts me again?'' Bri whimpered.

\t``If he's still not who he says he is. If he's hiding something. If he's doing something wrong, wants to do something bad to you. Look you like this guy, you want to make it work. I get it. I know you. You're not going to just go with someone because they have money. I just.'' The words felt like rimwater in the bunnys mouth. Brackish and stagnant. Something only touched by fools or the desperate. The kind that turned everything bitter. Even the hug she felt as Bri embraced her oldest, and only, friend. Squeezing her tight as the countdown started.

\t``I promise I'll be ok.'' The mouse said simply. ``I promise it will all work out. I know it will, especially because I have you there with me.

\tThe next thing Kanina knew she felt something warm and wet on her lips. Felt something soft and trembling that withered under her tongue. Her eyes struggled back into focus, looking into the stunned brown and green gems of her best friend. The sound of fireworks and flash of ship guns going off in her ears as she kissed Brinna.

", "pools_count": 4, "title": "10... 9... 8...", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "4", "name": "Sexual Themes", "description": "Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "3", "views": "800" }