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On an asteroid depot, beneath the surface in an abandoned mine shaft, a meeting took place.

"We require information," stressed a figure from the shadows.

Aurora, sitting in the light, feigned indifference. The mouse inspected her claws and replied, "Don't you always?"

"We have intercepted transmissions," the male continued imperiously, "that indicate Fleet Admiral Flint, one of the highest-ranking officers in the High Command, will be visiting the region. He'll arrive at Redwing Station within the next week."

"And you want ... what?" the white-furred rodent asked. Her head-fur, a stylish, colorful mix of celestial blues and purples, matched her mysteriously compelling eyes. "Specifically?"

No answer.

Refusing to be intimidated, stood up and sashayed toward him. He wasn't her normal contact. His voice was deeper. And his scent? She sniffed the air. A mouse always knew a cat.

"Hypnosis," Aurora insisted dramatically, "is an art. The mind is a complicated thing." That was only half-true. Most males were easily controlled. But it strengthened her case, and her asking price, to pretend otherwise. "It helps if I know what I'm looking to uncover."

"Anything related to High Command security," the feline finally answered. "Anything that could help us defeat them in a confrontation. Fleet assignments. Defense strategies and potential network vulnerabilities. Codes." He paused. "Acquire all that you can and send an encrypted message to the usual channel."

"You're planning to attack Redwing," Aurora stated.

"You ask too many questions," he said.

"It wasn't a question."

The feline gave a throaty growl.

"I just want to be sure you're not going to attack it while I'm still onboard."

His voice changed, to one of dangerous amusement. "Then I suggest you not linger after you finish your mission. I know how _involved_you get with your subjects."

"And how would you know that?"

"Reputation."

Aurora said nothing. Yes, she seduced and slept with most of her targets, even after she had the information she needed. So what?

The mouse had grown up with nothing, struggling every day, being ignored and kicked around. When she'd discovered her 'power,' she'd had no qualms in using it for her own betterment, and her own pleasure. The universe owed her. She was simply collecting. Plus, it got her hot and bothered like nothing else could. Bending powerful individuals to her will? Not just males, either. Wrapping someone around your finger? Making them all but worship you? She shivered at the thought.

I won't be ignored any longer.

So, no, she wasn't ashamed of that.

I just hate that I have to work for these goons.

Pirates were uncouth. No style, no finesse. They're so blunt. They made horrible spies. Which was why they needed someone like her. It was very rare for a non-bat to have mind control capabilities. Bats were outright telepathic. Aurora wasn't. But she was the next best thing.

And with most bats being loyal to the Syndicate, and the Syndicate and pirates being at distinct odds, that had left them looking for alternatives when it came to espionage.

We need each other. They need my services, and I need their patronage.

Aurora kept telling herself this was only temporary. But that's what she'd told herself a year ago, and she was still here.

"When will I get paid?" Aurora asked, pink, fleshy tail wavering slowly behind her.

"Half now, half on delivery of the information ... assuming it's useful."

"It will be," she promised.

"Good," the feline said. He stepped out of the shadows. A panther. Tall, handsome, and muscular. He was wearing an unbuttoned shirt-vest that plainly emphasized each one of those facts.

Aurora met his golden eyes, maintaining her composure. There was something ... off about him. He wants to kill me.

"You can't hypnotize me," the panther purred.

"Wanna bet?" she whispered.

He grinned, showing teeth, and handed over a computer pad. "First half of your payment. And passage to and from the station. Don't miss your transport."

Pocketing the pad, she turned and walked away, calling back, "I never miss an opportunity."

It was five days later.

Red, circular door rolled into a bulkhead with a ker-klunk.

Two snow rabbits emerged from the docking hatch. The first had a clear air of calm, confident authority about him, his uniform bearing the insignia of not just an admiral but a fleet admiral. The other, taller, lankier, and more nervous, was his personal aid.

"Are you sure you don't want me to wake Commander Graham, Admiral?" the aid, Dawson, asked. "He wasn't expecting us until tomorrow."

"No, it's 2250 station time," Admiral Flint replied. He stopped and looked around, adjusting the strap of his travel bag. It was slung over his right shoulder. "He's off-duty, likely getting ready to turn in for the night. There's nothing so urgent that can't wait until morning." Flint may have been the top-ranked officer in the High Command, but his ego didn't require pageantry. _ _

"What about Redwing's security chief? No doubt they've prepared special quarters for you." Dawson stepped aside for other passengers leaving the Yellowknife, including a group of Arctic foxes.

"I'll simply ask the computer," Flint said. "I'm sure it knows. It's supposed to be extremely advanced, isn't it?"

"They claim it's self-aware, sir," Dawson confirmed with a nod. "An artificial intelligence." He lowered his voice in case it was listening. "They've even given it a name. Minuet."

A few more people got off the ship, and the airlock closed again.

Yellowknife was a heavy cruiser, meant for long-term deep space missions. It would remain docked overnight at Redwing Station, offloading supplies and receiving minor maintenance before warping deeper into the Uncharted Territories for a multi-pronged, year-long assignment: planetary mapping, scientific surveys, diplomatic inquiries, and threat assessment.

Flint and Dawson would take another ship back home after a week-long stay.

Dawson, not letting up on the questions, asked, "Are you going straight to your quarters, sir?"

"Just to drop off my things. Then I'd like to walk around the station, explore a little on my own."

"Is that wise? I'm sure Commander Graham has--"

"A perfect, polished list of sights he wishes me to see, yes. But I want the whole picture." He raised a paw. "If you're worried about my safety, I'll be fine. This is a High Command facility now."

"In the UT," Dawson emphasized, exchanging a quick look with an Arctic fox vixen. She'd detached from her group and was lingering just down the corridor.

Flint looked from Dawson to the fox and back to Dawson. He raised a brow. "You're free to go."

"Thank you, uh ... yes, sir." The lieutenant's whiskers twitched, acting like he'd gotten his paw caught in the cookie jar. He'd hoped the admiral wouldn't find out he was 'coupling' with one of their species' former enemies.

"And have fun," Flint added as Dawson walked away. "That's an order."

Surprised, Dawson looked back. "Thank you, sir! I ... of course." Clearing his throat, the rabbit hopped to the vixen. She smiled at him and they went off together.

"A predator? Braver than I was at that age," Flint said to himself.

But they were at peace with the foxes, now. Mostly. Flint had personally given a fox delegation permission to travel on Yellowknife. They were going to use Redwing's powerful sensor array to help search for a new home.

Their world had been decimated during the Wasp War a year-and-a-half ago, and the refugees were currently in High Command space. Tension around their presence was growing, particularly among the civilian population.

We need to move on from the old grudges. Times have changed. The wars are over. Our best chance forward is together.

Listen to me! I'm practically a politician. Maybe I should retire from military life and run for office. He shook his head. It's easier answering to the Council than the public.

Alone in the corridor, Flint shifted his bag to the other shoulder. It contained some data pads, a change of clothes, and necessary amenities.

"Computer," he said.

A chirrup, with a smooth, feminine voice replying, "You require assistance?"

"Yes. Where are my assigned guest quarters? I'm--"

"I know who you are, Admiral. And where you are staying." The computer confidently chirruped again. "Habitat ring. Deck Seven, Section 5-C."

The rabbit walked down the corridor, looking for the nearest lift. "Oh, and one more thing: where on this station can I get a drink?"

Sheila entered the security office, squinting heavily. It was dark. Even the emergency lights were off.

Something's wrong.

Her big, tall ears stood to attention, and she removed her phase pistol from its holster. Set to heavy stun, it hummed with energy.

"Show yourself," the silver hare demanded.

Silence.

"I know you're in here."

Still nothing.

Sheila, scowling, took a few steps toward her desk, quickly pivoted aside, and looked down a hallway leading to the back room. Holding cells, weapons lockers.

"Minuet, back me up?" Sheila demanded.

The sentient A.I. chirruped, replying in its soft, feminine voice, "I was going to warn you about the intruder."

"Yeah, and why didn't you?"

"She convinced me that--"

"I'm not a threat," a familiar feline voice interrupted, her presence revealed.

"Lights," Sheila ordered. When the office was illuminated, the hare sighed. "Advent." She fought the urge to fire her weapon.Steady. I'm a High Command officer, now. Not a space pirate. That life seemed so long ago.

In that life, she and Advent had been heated rivals. Can't get rid of her. She truly has nine lives. Wonder which one she's on? Sheila finally lowered her pistol, shoving it in a holster on her hip. "You're_always_ a threat. You're also not allowed on Redwing without a Syndicate escort."

The spotted jaguar stepped forward. "Still think that's an over-reaction."

"Abusing Herkimer, assaulting Jale, hijacking Reverie. Shall I go on? You're lucky your bat friends are shielding you from consequences."

"Flattery will get you nowhere." Advent slanted her hips and swished her tail as she brushed past. Sultry and smug. As always. A nauseous combination if you were immune to her wiles. Which Sheila was.

The jungle cat held up her large, spotted paws, showing she was unarmed. Except for those sheathed claws. And, no mistake, they could do as much damage as any laser could.

Sheila, well aware of those natural weapons, remained in a 'fight or flight' mode. "If Minuet thinks you should be here, the reasoning must be good ... but my authority supersedes hers." She gestured at the seat behind her desk. "Sit down. And turn to face me."

Advent did as told, taking a seat and making small-talk. "How's Barrow?"

"He's fine."

She drummed her sharp claws on the desktop. "Only, I haven't heard from him since we fu--"

"You wanna spend the night in the brig?" The hare seethed. Yes, Barrow, her bat mate, had cheated on her with Advent. And she'd _somehow_forgiven him for that. They'd finally reached a point in their relationship where their connection was loving rather than love-hate. She didn't need the jaguar picking at old wounds.

Advent grinned, showing her sharp, predatory teeth. "Struck a nerve? Sorry."

"I'm sure."

"Oh, by the way, Admiral Flint arrived not too long ago. Shouldn't you be looking after him instead of me?"

"Minuet told me. She's taking care of him," Sheila said, not allowing herself to be distracted. "I came here to run some routine sensor scans."

"Before bed?" Advent asked.

"Helps me sleep."

"How boring."

"Why are you in my office after hours?" Sheila demanded.

"I was looking for information."

"And you couldn't have asked for it?"

"It wasn't something I could risk being detected over a comm channel," Advent said. "I had to access it in person, and I wasn't sure you'd let me."

The silver hare crossed her arms.

Advent looked around, then directly at Sheila. "I was contacted by Arem a few days ago."

"Arem?" Sheila blinked at hearing the black panther's name.

"I see you remember him," Advent whispered.

"He's dead. I fired the shot that destroyed his ship."

"That's what I thought." Advent leaned forward. "My ship was in the same melee. I saw it explode."

Multiple pirates factions had gone in together on the ultimate heist. Arem's side had cheated the others. Not just that, but sold them out to get caught. They'd escaped the trap. When they confronted Arem, things became ... hostile.

Sheila shook her head. "What do you mean he contacted you?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. I had a comm message. His face popped up. And, no, it wasn't a hologram or a fake. He knew things ... " She trailed off, remembering her former lover/enemy. "He knew me."

"Don't make me feel sorry for him," Sheila said.

Advent made a 'ha, ha, very funny' face.

"What does his 'ghost' have to do with Redwing?"

"It's no secret the station has the best sensor array in the region. I've no doubt your security database has files on him. And the pirates. This is an existential threat to them."

"He's back with them?"

"He's their _leader_now." Advent leaned back in Sheila's chair, gripping the armrests. Her claws fully unsheathed.

"So, he replaced you," Sheila said. After Arem's death, Advent has risen to become the most powerful pirate. Then the wasps had come and, well ...

"It looks like him and sounds like him. But it's not him.." The jaguar's frustration was boiling over. "There's something ... I've heard rumors. About the Scalies using shape-shifters to infiltrate mammalian governments?"

"We had a chameleon infiltrate the station a few months ago," Sheila confirmed. She skipped a beat. "But he couldn't change shape."

"Some Scalies can. Or maybe they're not Scalies, just a conquered species of metamorph under the Scalie umbrella? Scalies are so enigmatic. They have a lot of secrets." The feline tilted her head. "Like the dragons that left behind all that advanced tech."

"I highly doubt dragons are still alive and meddling in our affairs."

"I'm just free-associating," Advent defended. "But the Scalie Solidarity is feeding the UT pirates with resources. That much is certain. It would only make sense if they seeded some of their agents in, too."

"And why would they do that?" the hare asked. "Why would they get involved in all this?"

"They thought the Furry Federation and the High Command would destabilize each other. Didn't work out that way. Instead, the High Command got stronger. And stronger. And then you beat the wasps."

"At great cost."

"A victory is a victory. You lived to fight another day. And now you have an air of invincibility about you."

"I'm sure that's solace to all the officers who were killed."

Advent just shrugged.

Sheila rubbed a paw through her own head-fur. "Why do the Scalies care? We leave them alone."

"For now," Advent emphasized. "They're afraid you're going to annex the UT. And they're probably not off base. You're already sending ships to explore it. You took over this station. If you keep going, one day they'll be surrounded by mammalian governments on all sides. They're a paranoid bunch to begin with."

"Aren't the pirates out here mostly mammals?"

"They don't know they're dealing with reptiles. The metamorphs take the form of mammals and claim to represent the Federation. Everyone knows the Federation hates the High Command, so it's an easy sell."

"And how do you know all this?"

"I'm a member of the Syndicate, aren't I? I spend all day surrounded by telepaths. They pick up things. I acquire what they know and sift through it." Knowledge was power, after all.

"And how many bats did you have to screw to obtain this information?" Sheila asked dryly.

Advent smirked. "I don't want to make you blush."

"So, you want any information Minuet has on Arem? Then you'll leave?"

"Not just Arem. His fleet movements, number of vessels ... "

"You make it sound like they're massing for something."

"An all-out assault on the station," Advent said, as if it had been obvious all along.

If Sheila were surprised, she didn't show it. "They know about the dragon artifacts."

"Yup."

"Damn." The hare sighed. It made more sense, now. "The Scalies probably view the dragon remnants as their heritage. They want to control them. But they won't start an outright war to get them, so they're using the pirates as proxy. Or pawns."

"It was only a matter of time before all that mumbo-jumbo tech got us into trouble," Advent said.

"You never needed anything's help to get into that."

Advent grinned. Then added, "Arem ... or Fake Arem, or whoever that was, wants to recruit me back into the fold. It's a trap, of course. He knows I'm a threat. Knows I know what they're up to. Also probably knows that, if I ever went back to the pirates, they'd quickly align with me."

Sheila tried not to roll her eyes. And failed.

"So," Advent reasoned, ignoring the hare's reaction, "he wants to remove me from the picture. But he can't do that while I'm under the Syndicate's eye." The jaguar crossed her arms, furrowing her brow. "He claims he has spies 'everywhere,' working for him. Don't know if that's true. He threatened to hurt my pet if I didn't help him."

"Pet?"

"I'm done with mates. They're liabilities."

"Congratulations." Sheila knew sex was merely a game to Advent. She used it to assert herself and bend others to her will. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"We need a plan. Now. The pirates have a head start. I predict they'll attack within the week, especially since they know that Admiral Flint is here. They'll maximize the impact if he's involved. I'd suggest you guard him. Heavily."

"I can't make these decisions on my own." Sheila twirled her phase pistol in her paw, finally putting it back in its holster on her hip. "I bring this to Graham, and he asks me who my source is, you think he's going to take this at face value?"

"Have your bats probe me."

Sheila crossed her arms.

"Not with their penises." Advent smirked. "Your mind, hare. Surely, you have telepaths onboard expert enough to tell if I'm lying or not without biting me?"

"I do, actually." Not Barrow. He was a good telepath, but Fay, a Syndicate liaison to help study the dragon artifacts, was distinctly better. "But it'll have to wait 'til morning. Once I confirm your story, we'll bring it to the Commander."

Advent bowed her head. "Very well."

"You can have guest quarters for the night. Minuet will assign you some and keep an eye on you."

"She's just a jack of all trades, isn't she?"

The computer chimed in with, "Affirmative."

"That was rhetorical," Advent insisted as she stood up.

"Why are you helping us?" Sheila asked, still suspicious. Advent used to be a member of Redwing's crew, back when everyone first arrived. She had turned on them. The jaguar turned on everyone eventually. It was an undying trait. She was immune to contentment.

"I'm a survivor. I trust you more than I trust the pirates, and particularly Fake Arem. He has no use for me at all. But you do. And even when I've run out of helpful information, you won't stab me in the back. You're too honorable."

"No, you'd definitely see me coming."

Advent grinned, saying as she walked out the door, "Phrasing, hare."

It was nearly midnight station-side, but Flint's body was lagged on a different time zone. He wasn't tired yet.

After visiting his guest quarters, the snow rabbit wandered through the corridors. He took a lift to the lower depths of the station. Engineering section. That's where the central power core was located. The energy it put off could be felt beneath his foot-paws in the deck plating, humming, thrumming.

The department was on night, or delta shift, operation. Still in uniform, Flint went inside. Immediately, he was drawn to the windows overlooking the core itself. Red, swirling lights and raw, vibrating power.

One of the officers on duty, a young snow rabbit with the rank of ensign, noticed his presence.

"Can I help you?" he asked uncertainly, not knowing who Flint was.

Flint turned around. "No, thank you. I'm just observing."

The ensign's eyes, upon seeing the rank on Flint's uniform, widened. His ears and body stiffened to attention.

"At ease," Flint said amiably, raising a white, black-clawed paw.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir!" the young snow rabbit said, resisting the urge to salute. "I had heard that you ... or, well, that someone from Command, was paying Redwing a visit, but I didn't think I'd personally--"

"Let's not tell anyone I was here, mm?" Flint said. "I don't want to cause a fuss."

"Oh! Of course. Yes, sir, your secret is safe with me." He reached out a paw. "It's an honor!"

Flint shook it, hoping the buck didn't faint on him. "As you were, ensign."

Next, Flint visited the cargo bays. They were full of ... well, containers. Not terribly interesting. But the station seemed to be doing a healthy amount of trade, which was good. It was becoming a hub for traffic from the UT into High Command space.

Flint also thought about looking at the infirmary, the security office. Even Ops. But Commander Graham would show him those places tomorrow, no doubt.

The admiral decided to get that drink he'd inquired about earlier. Second level of the Promenade. A bar was adjacent some holo-suites. Ordering a blue snow rabbit ale, Flint sat at a table that allowed a wide view into the starry depths of space.

A few passing officers blinked upon seeing him. Flint nodded their way, amiably.

_Am I really that much of a celebrity? Even out here? I suppose so. _

Ego inflating a bit, Flint took a swig of his drink.

Looking to his side, the snow rabbit caught someone else staring at him. She wasn't in a uniform, so it was hard to tell if she was an officer or not. She was a white-furred mouse with soft-pink appendages. Her head-fur, though. It was a strikingly colorful mix of purple, pink, and blue. Was it dyed? Or was it somehow naturally that way?

Flint nodded at her.

Apparently, the mouse took this as an invitation. Putting her computer pad in a satchel, she got up, looked both ways, and then approached him. The way her body moved, the way that naked, ropy tail snaked through the air? It was uniquely arresting. He couldn't pinpoint why. But there was something about her demeanor ...

Flint was intrigued.

She stopped in front of his table. "May I?" she asked, of the chair across from him.

Flint gestured at the seat as if to indicate 'help yourself.' _ _

"Thanks." She slid her bag off her shoulder and lowered it to the floor. Once seated, she placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward.

"Can I help you?" Flint asked, raising a brow.

After studying him for a playful moment, she said, "You're new here."

"What makes you say that?" the admiral asked, eyes discreetly flitting to her breasts.

"You're alone, taking everything in like a tourist." Including me. Aurora had noticed his eyes darting. They always think they can check you out without being detected. They think they're so smooth!

"I wouldn't call myself a tourist," the rabbit buck insisted. "But it is my first visit to the station."

"That makes two of us." The mouse sat up straighter, removing her elbows from the tabletop. "I'm Aurora."

"Flint."

"Pleasure," she said, flashing a bucktoothed smile.

"Likewise." Surprised that she didn't recognize him, Flint guessed, "You don't work on the station. You're native to the Uncharted Territories?"

"I don't fly any flag, if that's what you're asking," Aurora replied. "Grew up on an unaligned world."

"That would describe most planets in this region," Flint said.

"The locals tend to prefer it that way."

"I hope you're not implying that my government is stepping on anyone's toes by establishing a presence here."

"Your kind have big enough foot-paws," Aurora teased. She exhaled and looked around before fixing her gaze on Flint again, saying softly, "I hope my honesty doesn't offend you."

"It doesn't," Flint assured.

Aurora smiled and said, "I appreciate your open mind."

The double entendre lost on the oblivious buck, Flint sipped his ale and said, "I guess I can't ask for a tour if you don't this place any better than me?"

"Alas."

"What bring you here, then? Specifically?"

"To the bar? Or the station?"

"Both, if you wish."

"I've recently joined a freighter that uses this place as a depot." Aurora nodded. "We're here overnight, so I'm just ... relaxing."

"What's your destination?"

"Somewhere on the other side of that nebula out there," the mouse said, pointing out a window. From this distance, the space cloud looked a little small. "I hear, up close, it's like being swallowed up by a monster. To pass through it? Some ships never come out the other side ... "

"Then why risk the journey?" Flint asked.

"Cuts several days off the trip. Time is money."

"Money isn't life."

"That's easy to say if you don't have to worry about it."

Flint took that as a hint to get her something. "Would you ... like a drink?" he asked, aware that it came off like a pick-up line. But wasn't it? She was pretty. And she surely didn't come over here just for an idle conversation.

Aurora played it coy, guessing, correctly, that he liked that. Someone like him, in such a high position? He must have a dominant streak about him. Let him think you're more submissive than you are."You don't have to do that ... "

"I insist," the snow rabbit said, lightly bowing his head.

"Well, then! Though I'm ... heh ... not sure I'm tough enough to handle that stuff," she said, pointing her tail at his glass. Her whiskers twitched.

"This?" He sniffed at the blue liquor, swirling it around inside his glass. "It's harmless."

Aurora could tell he was buzzed. Not tipsy yet. She didn't need him to be, though it would make her job easier. "What ship did you arrive on?"

"Yellowknife."

"That big cruiser out the window?" she asked, feigning an impressed reaction.

His chest seemed to puff out. "It's a deep-space explorer."

"And you're an officer on it?" Her colorful eyes widened. "I mean, you must be. You're wearing that get-up ... and that badge there ... " _ _

"I am an officer," Flint confirmed. "But not aboard Yellowknife. I'm from HQ. That's headquarters," he elaborated. "Rather highly ranked, actually."

"Oh? I like a male with big credentials," Aurora teased, laying some bait for his libido.

"Do you, now?" Flint gave a light laugh, taking a swig of his ale.

"Mm-hmm," Aurora purred.

"What if I told you ... I was an admiral?"

"I'd start to get tongue-tied."

Flint raised a paw. "I'm not _that_intimidating."

"I'm sure all the officers under you have that opinion."

"You're not under me."

"Not yet ... "

Flint exhaled hotly, eyes beginning to dilate.

That lit the match. Time to start the fire.

Flint started to speak again. "So, you told me ... where you worked. The freighter? But what, specifically, do you--"

"It's too late at night to be thinking about work," the mouse insisted, leaning forward again.

"Do you have another topic in mind?" he asked, eyes stealing a look at her breasts again. Only, this time, he wasn't discreet about it. At all.

"Well, what you do ... for fun?"

Flint licked his buckteeth. "It's hard to say."

"I bet it is."

The rabbit squirmed in his seat, an indication that, yes, he was getting uncomfortably erect.

"Ever been in a holo-suite?" Aurora asked.

"Of course."

"They say the ones on Redwing are the most advanced in the sector." She tilted her head toward the nearest holo-suite doors. The readout indicated it was unoccupied. "How 'bout we skip my drink and you book us a session in there, instead?"

Flint met her eyes. They had a certain gravity to them, as strange as that sounded. He couldn't quite pinpoint what color they were. He wanted to keep looking to find out. And the more he looked, the more confused he got.

"Flint?"

"Mm? Oh. Yes! That sounds like a ... very good idea ... "

"Is this based on a real location?" Flint asked, looking around. "I don't recognize it."

"Place I visited once in my dreams," Aurora said poetically. The doors vanished behind them, leaving just the illusion. The simulation. It looked, felt, and smelled so real. "How long do we get the room?"

"Two hours."

More than enough time.

Before them, water. Everywhere. Pools of it, some tranquil, some rippling from small waterfalls that tumbled down rocky mounds. There were wooden footbridges connecting little islands. The foliage was tropical. The air was warm.

"Hope it's not too hot for a snow bunny," the mouse teased, walking purposefully ahead of him. She swayed her hips as she moved. Wiggled her tail just so. "You might have to remove that uniform."

"It's made of all-purpose ... breathable materials," Flint said, breath hitching in the middle of his sentence.

"Only the best for the brass," Aurora teased, stopping, turning to him.

"Mm-hmm." Flint walked up to her. "And that includes you."

"Oh?"

"You're not like any mouse I've ever met. There's ... _something_about you," the male said eagerly.

"Flatterer." Aurora reached out and rubbed his sides. She looked him up and down, as if admiring the craftsmanship of his outfit. She was actually looking for a zipper, a button, a flap. Anything to hasten him getting naked. His erection was tenting the front of his pants.

I want to see it.

I bet he's big. Balls, too.

How big, though?

She shivered as she tried to guess.

Yes, this was a job. He was a target. But he was a snow rabbit buck in his prime! Aurora had been with rabbits but not snow rabbits. She'd heard stories. Polite and reserved in public, their behavior outwardly subdued by a harsh, icy heritage. But get them behind closed doors? And the heat could melt a glacier. _ _

"Bet it's difficult for you to get close to anyone back home?" The mouse's arms went around his neck, noses touching. Her voice became a whisper. "Everyone knows who you are. You don't know who you can trust to be ... discreet."

"It does get ... lonely," he murmured, "sometimes."

"You deserve more."

Flint nodded. Yes. He did, didn't he?

"You're safe with me." Aurora opened his uniform-shirt. He works out. Of course he would. He has an image to maintain. His shirt hanging fully open, she rubbed her pink, fleshy paws over his muscles, through his gloriously soft chest-fur. White as snow with an underlying layer of black that gave it a sense of dimension.

Flint's muzzle tilted in.

Aurora did her best swoon, arching in his arms and opening her maw. She let Flint initiate a kiss, and another, and another. Such a hungry boy. Their lips smacked loudly. She let him touch her where he wanted, how he wanted. Let him think this is his idea. It would make the moment when she turned the tables so much more satisfying.

"Mmm," he went, lips leaving hers. A string of saliva connected them. He severed it with his tongue.

"Let's go for a swim?" Aurora suggested, wriggling out of his grasp and shimmying out of her pants. Next came her shirt. Left in panties and a bra, she meandered behind a waterfall, out of sight.

Flint pursued in a horny haze, shrugging his shirt off, hopping out of his own pants. He nearly fell over in the process. Regaining his balance, the rabbit joined the mouse under a rocky overhang. Waterfall on one side. A cave on the other. The sound of the crashing water was louder than the blood coursing through their erogenous ears.

Aurora removed her bra. Her breasts sagged free, jiggling slightly. Milky-white with fleshy-pink nipples.

"Ohh," Flint sighed.

"You approve?"

He nodded. "Most assuredly." They had a magnetic pull, one his paws couldn't resist. He lifted and groped them. Mice were always so buxom for their body size, weren't they?

Finally, Aurora removed her panties.

Flint, trembling with desire, pushed his own underwear down, too. They collected around his ankles. He kicked them away.

Naked, they kissed again, silhouetted by the light coming through the pouring stream of water.

Aurora reached a paw down and grabbed his penis. She squeezed it.

So thick! And long. Six? Seven inches? More?

"Mmf!" the buck went, kiss breaking. He huffed against her cheek. Their whiskers brushed.

The mouse's paw drifted a bit lower, a few inches south. His balls. Hefty, shapely things. Virile, potent. They were swelling. His sac drew tighter to his body, as if he were trying to keep them for himself. They're mine, now. Letting him know this, she surrounded them with her paw, grabbing, faintly squeezing. They were so hot to the touch. And so, so vulnerable.

Flint sucked air through his buckteeth, shivering weakly.

"We're gonna go lay down," Aurora breathed. It wasn't a suggestion. It was an order.

Flint, if he were aware of her suddenly aggressive demeanor, didn't convey it. He just nodded.

Releasing his balls, she turned and led him, out of the cave, past the waterfall. There was a particularly still, reflective pool up ahead. Shallow, too. Only a foot deep. Just what I need. Aurora felt her pulse quicken. She'd chosen this program for a reason. When hypnotizing others, she always had to be face to face. That was the only way to maintain eye contact long enough.

Not this time.

Wading into the pool, the mouse lowered to her knees and looked over her shoulder. The water rippled. And then she dropped further, splashing to all fours. She lifted her ropy, pink tail, a non-verbal sign the male, any male, couldn't possibly misconstrue.

Flint got down behind her, on his shins. The water was almost warm. He grabbed her hips, beginning to grind his loins to her rump.

Aurora, panting, pushed back against him. "Do it," she urged. "Give yourself to me."

Not 'take me.' 'Give yourself.' Such a vivid difference between the two.

The buck, too libidinous to notice the wording, found his mark. His glans kissed at her petals and then dipped into her opening. With a heavy sigh, he pushed into her wet, waiting vagina. One fell thrust, to a hilt.

"Mmph," Aurora grunted.

The admiral shook his head in disbelief at how good she felt. Throbbing inside her, he pulled back, exposing his now-glistening shaft. Leaving the head inside, he thrusted back in. And then again. Again!

Settling into a rhythm, the snow rabbit lowered his upper body and covered the mouse's back with his chest. Arms stilted on either side of her, his paws planted into the water. His hips surged.

Slick-slick-slap!

Splash!

Aurora, as she was rocked forward, opened her eyes and looked at the water. It was rippling faintly, but their reflections were stable enough to make this work. She stared at the reflection of his face. But his eyes were screwed shut.

"Flint ... "

He kept humping.

"Admiral," she prodded.

"Uh! Huh?" he answered, eyes finally opening. He blinked a few times, slowing his pace as he caught the reflection of the mouse's face. Her eyes. They were glowing. Purple and blue and green. Swirling and shimmering like polar lights.

That's it.

Keep looking ...

Losing his train of thought, the rabbit was a like a moth to flame, pulled toward the colors, the light. He couldn't look away.

"Good boy," she murmured.

Flint shivered. A hot, pleasurable shiver. "Ah ... ah," he panted, his own eyes getting glazed and hazy, reflecting the reflection of hers. Mirrors within mirrors.

Just a few more seconds ...

The rabbit suddenly ceased all movement, hilting inside her, mind going blank.

Got him!

"Good boy," Aurora repeated. "I knew you could do it." She grinned. "Now, Flint, I didn't tell you to stop humping, did I?"

"No ... "

"As you were, then."

"Yes ... " The rabbit began to thrust again, hips motoring. He panted on her shoulder, still fixated on her eyes on the surface of the water.

"God, you're good ... " As Aurora absorbed his steady, ball-slapping humps, she asked, "How big are you? Your cock?"

"Seven ... and a half ... inches ... "

"Uhf, yes, I can believe it!" The mouse had rarely felt this full, at least with other prey. Every part of her was being stimulated. She shivered with rising ecstasy. "Ah ... hah. A boy like you? Bet you've used your skills to ... to climb the ... ah, ah, ladder!"

"Yes," the rabbit replied hazily, humping like a machine. Fluid, unbroken motions and a steady pace.

"Tell me! Tell me ... everything." The mouse wanted to rub her clit. But she didn't want to be face-first in the water, so she used her tail, snaking it under her, teasing herself with the tip.

"The Council was divided on ... on who to p-promote to Fleet Admiral. Ah. Ah! I privately approached the certain members of the Council ... "

"And you 'persuaded' them?" Aurora guessed, pushing her rump back into his loins. "Mm ... "

"Enough to swing the vote."

"Oh," the mouse sighed. How she wanted to ask for more details!

However, she had to be smart about it. Minuet, the station's A.I. interface, was surely eavesdropping. Pervert computer! Minuet probably thought the mouse and rabbit were just getting overly kinky or something, engaging in sub/dom play. No doubt she'd observed wilder than what they were currently doing.

But I can't tip her off that something is genuinely_off by asking sensitive questions. Questions about, say, security codes and fleet deployments and personnel._

Aurora had no qualms about keeping their discourse purely sexual for the moment. She had some questions. She had to know how her high-ranking stud had wielded his cock! "Whose votes did you swing?"

"Councilwoman Dahlia ... "

"How?" she asked breathlessly.

"I bred her in her office ... ah, ahn her desk!" The rabbit mewed. "She came twice ... "

Aurora almost came herself from hearing that, but she managed to hold off. "Who else?"

"Councilwoman Annette ... spent the night in her bed, when her mate was off ... off! Off- world."

Aurora shivered. "Bet your cock was bigger than his, hmm? Mm ... mmm! Mm ... "

"Yes ... "

"You'd do it again, too, wouldn't you?"

"Yes!"

"Faster! Harder! Don't stop!"

Flint hammered her pussy from behind.

Aurora's swirly eyes rolled back. They fluttered shut. "Ah! AH!" Her pussy clenched around him, wracked by sharp, muscular spasms. The pleasure was intense, and her maw hung open, slack-jawed. "Hahhh ... "

Flint whined, a weak, helpless sound, as he hilted. This time for good. His cock pulsed powerfully, shooting his seed deep inside her. Unbeknownst to him, he was ejaculating all his willpower, all his self-control, all that pesky stuff that got in the way of pure obedience.

The mouse basked in the power. She had just put a fleet_admiral in his proper place. _If I can put him under my spell, who can't I subdue?

After recovering, Aurora said, "Pull out. Get in the grass. On your back."

Flint did so.

Aurora, knees too wobbly to stand, crawled out of the water after him and straddled his masculine body. She put a paw under his chin, making sure their eyes met once more. His were blank. His head was empty, ready to be filled by her.

"Big-dicked bunnies shouldn't overtax their brains," she told him, delivering it as a well-known fact. "You need your blood to flow elsewhere."

"Yes ... "

"Luckily, I'm smart enough for the both of us."

"Yes ... "

She strummed her thumb across his whiskers. "Yes, what?"

"Yes, Mistress."

"Good boy, pet," she cooed, tracing his lips with a fingertip. "Such obedience won't go unrewarded."

She still didn't have the information the pirates had hired her to retrieve, but she didn't care. She was done with them. They're bound to betray me eventually. I deserve better. Flint was her ticket out. Out of the UT, out of struggle and obscurity, into a safe, comfortable life in high society. When he goes back to the High Command, I'll be on that ship, in his bed.

He'd seem same as always to the public eye. No one would notice anything different. But, in private?

He'll know me only as Mistress. He'll tell me everything, and I'll give him instructions.

Aurora would be the power behind the throne! Pulling the strings on important galactic matters! Shaping politics to fit her vision!

If his staff objects to my sudden presence, which they probably will ... I'll just have to subdue them, too.

The mouse grinned.

Pretty soon I'll have a proper harem on my paws!

Just the thought made her aroused all over again, even more than the first time.

"We still have this program reserved for another hour, pet," Aurora reminded, glowing eyes meeting Flint's. "And I'm not tired yet ... "