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Virtually Real Chapter 64: The Kobold Connection

Prowl-Ar: Tiger shifter leader of the Shadow Runners.

Kyle: A quadrimorph, and Prowl-Ar's first mate created based on Red XIII. Usually takes the form of an Eastern Dragon.

Wolf: The Ship's doctor and Prowl-Ar's fourth mate. A wolf shifter that is also a werewolf.

Dash: A synth in charge of taking care of the children.

Shock: A fox shifter and Prowl-Ar's second mate.

Rider: A sabretooth shifter. Prowl-Ar's fifth mate.

Mahan: The Shadow Runner's AI computer.

Luca: Sergal scientist dedicated to drone technology and sex.

Mal: The son of Bastet pulled out of time and cursed to be Wolf's slave.

Keb: The son of Anubis also pulled out of time and cursed to be Prowl-Ar's slave. Doesn't care about the slave part as long as he can be with his lover Mal.

Erik: Prowl-Ar's thylacine son from the altered timeline.

Taro: Prowl-Ar's Rabbit son from the altered timeline.

Vexy: Western Dragon shifter at the heart of the time change. The first being from Earth to travel to another star system.

Trace: Prowl-Ar's leopard tiger hybrid son from another reality recreated using the evolver.

The journey back from the meeting with Frost was a silent one. I figured it was best to leave Kyle alone with his thoughts for a while. Still, now that we were back on the Runner there was something I needed to know. "How much of that was an act for Frost's sake?"

"Probably less than you're worried about. I still distrust Snowie and Rekka, but I also know that those two are not the same men that hurt Frost. Just give me some time to process it. What I'd like to know is how things have changed between us?"

"Well, for one, I'm having your cubs. In the other timeline I hadn't gotten to the point of changing myself yet. Honestly that version of me was scared because he had a premonition that he was carrying Snowie's cub."

"Wait, so you and the Snowie that's here now-"

"No! I have several theories, but the one that lets me sleep at night is I was just acting as a surrogate for Snowie and Rekka."

"Somehow I doubt you'd go that far, but maybe for . . ." Kyle shook his head. "I see why you don't follow that train of thought."

"In this timeline we met sooner as well. In the other reality we didn't meet until I rescued Talon in the House game."

"You survived being bitten?"

"Yeah, but the medical nanites were much more advanced in that timeline. That's why I had to go see Frost before the timeline fully sets. I didn't want to risk losing that advanced tech. Over the next couple of days we're all going to have our nanites replaced. I'd then use the evolver to erase most of my scars, but it's probably better I wait. The Evolver can make unintended changes to unborn children."

"If we met that late in your gameplay it means Leon and Taro . . ."

"They didn't exist in that timeline, nor did Zephyr and Erik. Our first child was Frost and then we adopted Rin."

"Rin?"

"Wait," I searched my memory and then glared at Kyle. "That's not funny."

"Really? You should have seen the look on your face."

"Well, I think those are the major differences. My memories are sort of all scrambled together so there are things I remember from one timeline conflicting with the other. It's going to take time to reorganize everything."

"As long as we didn't lose anyone, that's what's important." Kyle said.

"We lost five individuals. The team that traveled to Alpha Centauri, and as it turns out, started this whole second timeline."

"You're not going to blame yourself, are you?" Kyle asked, before I could continue.

"Why would Master blame himself?" Mal asked, causing Kyle to laugh.

"Mal, our tiger usually blames himself for anything bad that happens. Worse yet when he does something really good that helps a lot of people he tries to shift the credit to others while looking for things that might go wrong. We've all tried to work with him on this bad habit but the only one that's had any success is Jordan. To that end we, Prowl-Ar's mates, put all our support in Jordan. It's up to him to make our tiger behave. So if you want or need something done go to Wolf."

"I'm right here you know. And I don't do everything Jordan tells me to."

"Oh, who are you? Mahan, we have an intruder on the ship! Is he from the other timeline? Is he supposed to be here?"

"I'm scanning the records from both timelines but I'm not finding any references I'll inform Admiral Jordan immediately."

I rolled my eyes. "Very funny, both of you."

"No it isn't." Wolf said, placing his paw on my shoulder, making me jump.

"Not-" I started.

"Both of you know better than that. With our tiger's fear of abandonment that wasn't funny at all." Wolf growled angrily.

I was pulled back against his huge furry chest. He'd gone full werewolf which meant he was furious. Maybe Kyle was right. Maybe I would do anything for my Wolf. So what? The tradeoff of knowing that he would be there for me no matter how the universe changed around us was the least I could do for him. Kyle was wrong on one point however.

"You're wrong that I won't accept credit for anything good."

"Name one?" Kyle shot back causing Wolf to growl louder.

"Frost, Rin, Trace, Tye, Nature, Leon, Zephyr, Taro, Erik, Nate, Alex, Sakura, Dare, Daniel, Lee, D'Artagnan, Mal, Ket, Tank, Tuft, Dirk, Buck, Rider, Shock, Jordan, Dash, Luca, Snowie, Rekka, Fenrir, Raulin, you. Want me to go on? Vexy, Kohan, Shadow, Legend, Raid, Ampre, Ryu, Chiyo-"

"Okay! Okay, I get it you're willing to accept credit for those you've helped. Do you really remember everyone?"

I sighed, "Given a little time to organize my thoughts, yeah. Everyone from Officer Satoshi, the fan we met when Rin's biological parents made a scene at the school to Slave Master Reginald in the House game. It's one of the modifications I made with the Evolver that I regret. I once had a problem remembering people so now when I know a name with a face, with concentration and a little time I can remember everyone I've ever met. Good . . . and bad."

"Oh Tiger, even that bitch who-" Wolf said, holding me tighter.

"Yeah, even her." I said sadly.

"I knew I should have killed her rather than stopping at scaring her." Wolf growled.

I gasped. It felt like something in my mind suddenly broke. I'd been suppressing things and suddenly all the memories flooded in at once. Not just memories, but feelings, fears, hates, loves, so much all at once. It was like when I let wolf control me I was watching everything. Being tied up to a post and left to struggle and fight my own way out by my cousins. Having wolf pick me up and carry me down the hall Mal, Kyle, and a bronze skinned human with a scar on his arm, Keb my overloaded mind finally supplied, following us. Watching my family and the few friends I had die one by one because they chose to live normal lives. Retreating into games for years on end to at least pretend I had companionship. Being placed on my bed as the rest of the crew quickly entered. Building a family of slaves in the House game in order to have a family. Wolf reeling back as he tried to touch the chaos of my mind.

Wolf, my rock, my stability, I understood why he was so important. I loved all my mates and I knew they loved me, but Jordan was different, he was special. With Kyle there was the fear that eventually he'd see what a fraud I was. When we mated it was over our combined fear of abandonment. Even with our soul bond there was a certain distance between us. Shock, had become a mate also looking for a place to belong and his infatuation with Kyle and I. Rider was Wolf's and Dash was Shock's I had no doubt about that. We loved each other and would always be together, but there was always that feeling of separation.

Jordan loved me because if me. The person I was inside. The one I tried to keep hidden from everyone. He knew my every secret, fantasy, even every horrible thing I thought about myself, yet he still loved me. I felt him take my hand. My mind had pushed him away, yet he still pushed through the chaos.

"I'm here. I'll always be here. Please I don't want to lose you." Jordan seemed to whisper.

The flood gates snapped shut again. "I'm here. I've always been here. I'm never leaving any of you. I just can't put off dealing with all the memories by blocking them and accessing them when I want to. I need to let them flood out and settle where they belong."

"Then stop trying to save everyone and save yourself for once. We're your mates and your crew. Trust us to be able to keep the galaxy from imploding for a little while." Shock said, angrily.

"Jordan, we've talked about this before."

"Prowl-Ar, as of this moment, as ship's doctor I'm declaring you unfit for duty. Until I decide otherwise Kyle is in full command. This means both of the Shadow Runner and your Leadership duties for the Colonies."

"Wait, I only agreed to take command of the Runner!" Kyle yelled.

"Too bad, you're in charge of all his duties until he's recovered."

"Fine, but I order you to remain here with him at all times."

"But-" Wolf tried to argue in surprise. I squeezed his hand. "I suppose with Mal and Keb assisting me it shouldn't be a problem. Though it does create a bit of a problem. I have the Evolver all set up for Mal's transformation into a shifter but even once he's better I don't think it would be good for Prowl-Ar to be his first shift teacher. The last thing he needs is an additional year of memories dropped on him."

"I suppose I could do it." Kyle said, thoughtfully.

"Get Rin." I forced out.

"What?" Wolf asked,

"Why?" Kyle asked, sounding hurt.

"Rin- Mal- cats."

"So am I." Kyle replied.

"Kyle noodle, teach Ryo." I wasn't sure if Mahan or Wolf had drugged me or if it was the memory flood but I was having trouble forming sentences. Hell it was a struggle getting out dingle words.

"Wait, are you saying you're letting Ryu become a shifter?" Wolf asked.

"Kyle, remember?"

"Kyle, what's he trying to say?"

"I . . . I went behind everyone's backs and made Ryu a dragon shifter already. Rin begged and I couldn't say no. I hoped, maybe no one would remember since Ryo is now from the other time line."

"Permission given this time." This was so frustrating. I wanted to say so much, but it was like everything was getting jumbled.

"What about the curse?" Mal asked. "I heard a year mentioned."

"Fine I'm going to take Mal down to the Evolver. I'll take the long way avoiding the lift. If Mal starts to experience any pain we'll come directly back and figure something else out. Besides I'm sure we all want to know the limits of your tethers." Kyle said, pulling Mal behind him.

I nodded and squeezed wolf's hand again before allowing myself to drop into deep trance.

***

I was in the soulscape. Did I make a mistake? I hadn't planned on going this deep. This would be worse than being conscious since here I was completely composed of mental energy.

"Don't worry, your memories are all fixed."

I looked down at a small silver wolf puppy. "Who are you?"

"I don't have a name, yet. I was sent here to help protect you and this place."

"Who sent you?"

"Our God, silly. I'm sort of . . . I guess you'd call me a lesser servant. He isn't allowed here so he created me to be here in his place."

"He who?" I asked.

"No, not He Who, you know him as Jordan. Though I suppose he doesn't really know he's an incarnation of a god. Still our God does have a close tie with him and often interacts with the world through him."

"No, I thought there was a possibility but I've been proven wrong every time."

The puppy laughed. "Of course you have. And when necessary your memory has been changed, and let me tell you that isn't easy given your special ability to reject mental tampering. Still, Reaper has been rather helpful when master askes nicely."

"When I wake up I'm not going to remember any of this am I?"

"No, that was one of the conditions to my being here. You'll never remember me until you return here. Though I'm going to be with you just like Kyle and Shock, though I can interact with you as you are, any of the guardians, and directly with your souls."

"That shouldn't be possible."

"Gods. You know, they don't really follow the rules. Now it's time for you to wake up. You physical world Wolf is worried about you."

I opened my eyes. I felt like I'd just been having a conversation, but that wasn't possible, not with my mind in such . . . It was clear. True it felt like when I uploaded memories from a memory crystal made of a VR simulation, but I didn't feel completely overwhelmed."

_"Hold still love, I need to remove the feeding tube."_I heard in my head.

I'd needed a feeding tube. I suppose that made sense with the babies, I tried to move but felt restraints.

"I'm here, you can get free at any time. Just keep that in mind until I can finish with this. The babies are fine. You've only been out for a few . . . hours, but you were seriously low on vital nutrients. Both Kyle and I will be watching you much more closely from now on. Honey, I was so worried about you."

"S-sorry. Still, it'll be easier if you just tell me how long it actually took. It's okay, you know we've been through this before."

"It's only been four days. How do you feel?"

"Like I'm not myself anymore. Don't worry! That's normal when adding so many memories at once." I quickly explained, "But, I also feel like I've forgotten something. Something important about you, about us."

"If you'll let me, I can check."

"Love, you know you can check my mind anytime, just . . ."

"I know, stay away from the forbidden section. I thought that was where you hid things, but I sort of tried to have a peak. Reaper wasn't happy."

"I'll be honest there are a few things I still want to keep private so I let Reaper keep them, but it's more so I don't have to think about them than about hiding them from you."

"I'm not finding where there are any blanks where you've lost anything. It's probably just a phantom feeling brought on by everything happening."

"Speaking of which, want to bring me up to date?"

Wolf blushed, "I- I'm probably the last one you should ask."

"What's gone wrong now?"

"Oh! It's not that. I just haven't- After I got Mal and Ryu set up I came back here and I've only left your side to use the bathroom. I really don't know what's been happening."

"How are Mal and Keb doing?"

Wolf laughed, "Well, they've finally stopped referring to themselves as our slaves, but now they consider themselves our royal guards. When awake they've posted themselves just outside the bedroom door, but only because I insisted if they stood guard in the room they might disrupt your recovery."

"Great, as if Rider and Kyle being over protective wasn't enough."

"Actually, they've calmed down a bit. It seems having Mal and Keb guarding us allows them to relax a little."

"That's good. Still, I'm not going to be able to rest until I know what's going on. Mahan, report the actions of the last four days."

My throat hurt as I said my first words out loud, but in a way it felt good as well. I could form full sentences again.

"I'm sorry, but you are not authorized to receive that information."

"Mahan, I'm giving the Admiral limited reinstatement privileges."

Wolf replied.

"I am sorry, Doctor, but you no longer have authorization either."

The door slid open and Kyle entered. "So, you're awake then? That's good to know."

"Finally getting around to that mutiny then?" I asked.

"Yes, I guess I am. We took a vote and the crew all agrees that you are both off duty, and confined the living quarters for the next five days for rest. The only exception being for Jordan, should there be a medical emergency."

"Fine." I muttered.

"Really?" Kyle asked in surprise.

"You thought I'd protest? I'm actually tired so I agree to your decision. However, I'm not going to be able to get any rest until I know what happened while I was out."

"Fine. The Synth council sent a delegation of 104 members back with the Platinum. While 46 of the extraterrestrial Synths remained here. Also one member wanted to get to know the kobolds."

"I hope you denied the request."

"Actually I approved it. However I made sure that one of our Synths and three furrys that identify as kobolds went with them. I also sent Erik to monitor the situation with strict instructions not to shift except to protect lives. I had the rest of the kids stand down and return to the Runner. Ryu took the first shift well and his traumatic incident was actually not that bad. I know, I'm not supposed to share but, it was being separated from Rin. It's just my opinion, but I really do think those two will, eventually, make a good couple. We also received Vexy and Kohan's remains. However I felt it best to wait until you've recovered before dealing with that."

"Anything else?" I asked.

"Just Luca complaining about getting his communications channel changed. It seems he is getting a lot of indecent calls wanting him to do things he isn't comfortable with since the time change."

"Mahan, go ahead and change it to an unlisted channel. There is having a good laugh at his expense, but I'm betting the calls he's receiving now are what he'd consider sexual harassment. Oh and Mahan, I know I don't have any authority at the moment, but make sure that Kyle doesn't overwork himself either."

"Understood." Mahan replied.

"Have fun, Captain." I tried to smirk, but it turned into a yawn so large my eyes started to water.

"Tiger! Are you alright?" Wolf asked.

"Yeah, just really tired." I yawned again and found it hard to open my eyes. I felt Wolf slide into the bed next to me and I wrapped my arms around him, spooning him and holding him. I felt him linking our fingers as I fell asleep.

***

It had only been two days and I was feeling trapped. Sure our quarters were really, large now, but just the knowledge that I couldn't leave was getting to me. The bridge was latterly on the other side of the living room door. Wolf was in the kitchen and could be on the bridge within seconds. It wasn't like I'd be under any more stress what with my primary worry. I was still barely showing even though the cubs were restless. Wolf insisted that he had checked and there was plenty of room for the three and everything was going as expected. I got the feeling he was hiding something.

"Ah, you're not making it easy." I gasped, that hadn't been a kick. "Mahan! Prepare me- Ahh!" That yell attracted Mal and Keb's attention.

"Lord Prowl are you-"

"Get me to-" I had to fight to keep from shifting as the contraction came again.

I heard something clatter to the floor "Mahan shut down everything in the kitchen! You two get him in the bedroom. Mahan, have the pain blocker ready and get Dash in here. Move!" Wolf yelled.

I'm not too proud to admit I screamed as another contraction hit.

"My lord is this normal?" one of them asked, I think it was Keb.

"Get him on the table and one of you get Kyle! Love, it's okay, on the next contraction just push."

"Too soon." I gasped.

"For humans, maybe. However we're not human." Wolf soothed.

"Doctor, I've got the pain blocker."

"Not now, we need to wait." Wolf said, much too calmly.

"Wait?" I yelled.

"See that wasn't so bad. Ah, Kyle, good. Take your first kitten to the medical bay. I'll check them out after the next two come."

"Jordan, I love you. Don't ever forget that."

"You're not going to die. The first one is always the hardest."

"Lieeeeeeeee-" I gasped as the contraction passed.

"See that wasn't so bad. Dash, give me the pain blocker and take Kyle's second cub to med bay. Then come back with a hover bed. This one isn't going to be so easy."

"What do you mean?" I asked, suddenly extremely scared.

"When you feel the next contraction, don't push. Kyle's cubs were both small and feline in form. The next one is human and-"

"You can't have this one in the normal way." Reaper whispered. "Jordan knows you are going to need to be cut open, but he doesn't have the time. I- I shouldn't interfere but I know how this would hurt you. Close your eyes and focus. Sense your child within you. Just the child and nothing else. Create a bubble around him. That's it just a little more. Now you have to trust your Wolf and me. This is going to take a lot of energy. You need to teleport yourself to the med bay. Just yourself leaving the baby behind for Wolf to catch. It is risky but it is the only way for the baby to survive. Do it now!"

"Wolf, don't drop our son" I mentally whispered as I teleported.

"Did I do it? Is he safe?"

"Yes, he'll be fine." Reaper replied. "Kyle! Get him in a med tube now program for internal hemorrhaging, he left too much behind!" I heard Reaper Yell out loud.

It didn't matter. I could live again, or at least a version of me would. The babies were safe and that was what was important.

***

I was slow to gain consciousness. Only to find I was in the empty realm between dream and reality. Which was fine, it meant an end to the dream of being constantly used as a blood source for a group of vampires.

This realm, where the mind was awake but the body wasn't, didn't scare me anymore. Kind of hard to be scared of sleep paralysis demons when you have what most people would see as the ultimate death demon lurking about.

"So Reaper, did I survive or am I a clone now?" There was no answer. That did scare me. Even when he didn't want to talk I could still sense him here. Right now I didn't sense anyone. I reached out for the telegem. I could feel it and then a vague sense of Reaper. That meant I wasn't a clone since I'd have to retrieve the stone again.

"Reaper? What's going on?"

"He isn't allowed to talk with you."

I jumped, well mentally flinched. I hadn't sensed the silver pup behind me.

"How are you here? You're part of my soulscape."

"You remember me then? Good, that means everything is working properly. To answer your question I can watch you from any dimension and I can interact with you, so long as you are alone anywhere other than the waking dimension. To answer about Reaper, he is being punished. He isn't supposed to interfere the way he did. His whole purpose is to provide the release. He certainly isn't supposed to defy his calling, not even for you."

"So my son with Wolf was just supposed to die?"

"Don't yell at me! I'm on your side here. My master is all important to me and because you are so important to him you're important to me."

"So the baby survived?"

"Yes, but you nearly didn't. Leaving most of your insides behind when teleporting isn't smart. They were able to stabilize you and get you into that machine of yours in order to rebuild your body, with a few enhancements. That's why I'm here now. You've been asleep long enough. Jordan is starting to worry. Now wake up."

I felt like hell. I hated waking up early. I knew it was early because I didn't want to wake up. Unfortunately my mind was trying to tell me I'd heard someone tell me to wake up.

The first thing I became aware of was the two babies sucking on my nipples. Still it made sense, even if I wasn't conscious, they needed to be fed. Then I realized there were two more sucking on a set of nipples I didn't remember having. That meant I'd been so bad off that I'd been placed is the evolver and someone made unauthorized changes. Finally I realized that someone was attempting to nurse on my cock.

I opened my eyes and glanced down. Two kittens of Kyle's species were sucking on my pectoral nipples, an anthro wolf and a human were sucking on my upper abdominal nipples. Finally Keb was trying to suck me off. I glanced up at the wall across the room where a clock showed me what I needed to know I'd been out a day short of a month.

"Keb, I don't think that's going to work. We still have a few hours, give me a little time to really wake up." I mumbled.

He pulled back, "Master it hurts so much." he whined."

"Welcome back to reality." I heard Wolf say, and the sound of his voice made me smile.

"I win." Kyle said, as he picked up one of the kittens. "Come on Seto, time to go to sleep.

The cub let out a mewl as he placed him in a small bed. "Shush, Cloud will join you in a minute." He returned and picked up the second cub. "I hope you're not angry I named our kids. We can change them if you think-"

"No, those names fit. I just hope Cloud doesn't turn out moody and closed off. So what was the bet?" I asked.

"Oh, just what your first words would be when you woke up. Shock bet you'd ask how long you'd been out this time or am I a clone."

"It's not fair, he woke up when Keb was-" Shock started to complain.

"You still would have lost. If I was a clone I wouldn't have the gem on and as for the time haven't you noticed I had Mahan install clocks everywhere I might wake up?"

Kyle grinned and pointed at the clock.

"You knew?" Shock yelled.

"Shock, keep it down you'll disturb the infants." Wolf hissed.

"Speaking of which who are you two? I'm guessing you're the pup that I did all the damage for."

"He's Markus." Wolf said, as I also said his name.

"How?" Wolf asked.

"It was one of the names we discussed for Barret and Apollo, but didn't seem to suit them. Plus the little guy has really left a mark I'm not going to forget."

"Okay little one, time to join your siblings." Dash said, as he moved the pup, who immediately started whining. "It's okay, mommy just has a few other things he has to do, besides you need your rest and all three of you sleep better together."

"Okay and who might you be?" I asked the final baby.

"That is wolf and Rider's baby. Rider insists they cannot be named until a full month after being born. To name them is to give them a soul and babies are weak and fragile. Which compared to their brothers would make you believe it. Shock you need to go relieve Rider."

"I know, double shifts. I really thought I'd win this one."

"You keep using gender neutral terms."

"Its fine, Rider just doesn't want their gender revealed until the naming ceremony, and since it isn't hurting anything I figured it would be fine." Kyle informed me.

"Um, Tiger, you say you're not in the mood. Would it be okay if I do an extraction?" Dash asked.

"Kyle, bring the little one over here and then, if you would be so kind as to put all three to bed. I think our mate is going to be occupied for a couple of minutes." Wolf insisted.

I looked back at Dash. "I'm guessing after the extraction you'll give it to Keb?"

"Yes, this was our back up plan if you were unable to fulfil the terms of the curse."

"You have permission. I just hope this works. Not for my sake, or because I don't want to have sex with Keb. It's just I don't think I'm capable right now and I really don't want him suffering. However the curse didn't specify who has to top and-"

"No. You are not bottoming until I'm able to run a full scan on you. And I can't do that until I've healed." Wolf said, as he returned.

"What happened?" I could tell Wolf was holding back as he considered how to answer.

"The stress caused me to also go into labor prematurely. Though probably a good thing considering how big those two are. They did a real number on me so I need to heal up the same as you do."

My attention jerked back to Dash as he climbed up on my bed. "This isn't going to be like last time. You'll feel what is happening but there isn't likely to be any pleasure. I'm just going to stimulate you enough to produce about half your normal amount. If this doesn't work we're going to need to try something else." He then slid back off the bed.

I was worried, I hadn't felt anything. If it wasn't for the fact I felt Keb sucking on me earlier I'd be really worried.

_"It's your nanites they're blocking nearly all sensations right now otherwise you'd be in a lot of pain from the curse."_Wolf thought.

I looked at my arm and was surprised to see ice packs secured to it. I hadn't felt them either.

"Okay, Keb, where do you want it?"

He opened his mouth wide and Dash inserted himself. The look on Keb's face was rather funny and I had a suspicion Dash was unloading what he'd drained from me directly into Keb's stomach.

Keb visibly relaxed and Dash pulled out. Keb looked . . . To be honest he looked well used and drowsy. Dash helped him over to a bed and tucked him in.

"Obviously that worked and the pain killers finally knocked him out. Mahan, continuously monitor Keb's condition to be sure we haven't overdosed him."

Rider came in and immediately went to the cradle with his cub. "There's my little ray of sunshine. Daddy's here."

"Saber, don't go waking them. They just fell asleep." Wolf said, as Rider picked up his cub.

"I'm not going to wake him." Rider's eyes went wide at the mistake he'd made. As the baby cooed at him.

"Dash, did you drug me?" I asked as he removed the ice packs acting as if I hadn't heard the baby.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open."

"If he did, he drugged me as well." Wolf said.

"You are both exhausted, in need of healing, and I'm still making adjustments to the new nanites. So I'm the one that drugged you both." Mahan said, smugly.

"You're an . . . an . . ."

"Asshole." Wolf finished for me as my tongue suddenly didn't want to form words.

"Oh, so that's why you all love me so much."

I know I heard Rider use words that he shouldn't around the cubs and maybe Kyle as well. It took the last of my energy to turn my head and smile as my wolf did the same. We fell asleep together.

***

The days passed agonizingly slowly. Wolf and I had both been confined to medical. It was a true mutiny. Kyle was in command with Rider as his second. Dash had taken over as the ships temporary doctor and Shock, who was obviously still mad I hadn't told him about the clocks, wasn't talking to us.

At least Wolf got out for an hour to attend little Helios' naming ceremony. Mahan broadcast it to me on a monitor. Mal and Keb were no help. Kyle had convinced them that they needed to guard us, even if it meant guarding us from ourselves. So, until we were declared fit for duty they were making sure if we got up it was only to go to the bathroom. Thankfully we were allowed to do that much for ourselves.

It had been a full month and there was only so many anime, action movies, and bad science fiction a person could handle. All either straight or completely non-exciting. They wanted to be sure Wolf and I would both be able to perform our duty when the time came. We didn't even get visitors. I guess the older kids were busy taking care of the younger ones.

"Tiger, can you distract Mal and Keb somehow?"_Wolf asked mentally. _"If I can run a scan on you proving you are physically fit for duty my authorization overrides Dash's."

"But you're also considered unwell." I thought back.

"Yeah, but I'm the one that ruled you unfit for duty. All I'm doing is rescinding that medical opinion. Then you scan me. As Captain you can declare me fit. If it takes too long Dash can declare you unfit again. If you can prove that I'm fit, with a scan then I outrank him and we're out. I'm not saying I wouldn't recommend we continue to get plenty of rest but I'm really sick of their choice of shows we get to watch."

"You know you could just put them to sleep."

"I tried. It seems this damn curse makes them immune to my powers. I thought maybe Reaper . . ."

"He isn't talking to me. I think the others may be punishing him."

"What for?" Wolf asked, his mental voice sounding confused.

"He told me that teleporting, but leaving Markus in your hands was the only way, in all possible realities, for Markus to survive. As the god of death he isn't allowed to do that."

"If those gods aren't careful, I'll bite them."

I grinned imagining my Wolf biting a god. But when again he ripped up Aphrodite, so maybe it was possible. As for Keb and Mal that might be a problem since I didn't want to injure them. "Love, I've been recovering for two months. That means I've got a lot of energy to spare." I thought to him.

"No, teleportation is too risky."

"Hey Keb, do you know the game tag? You're it! Come get me." I teleported to a shuttle in the main hangar. The pain in my arm was overwhelming. I blocked my pain receptors, I'd apologize to Keb later. I grabbed two chameleon cloaks. And teleported back to the infirmary. "That was stupid. Let's play hide and seek instead, but I won't go as far. I grabbed Wolf and teleported us both to his office I passed him a cloak as I wrapped myself in one. _"Can you run the scan in here"_I thought since the cloth blocked sight, sound, and smell.

"No, look Mal is leaving. Quick, let's get you scanned."

I moved back out into the main area and climbed up on the scanning bed. "Ready? We'll need to make this quick."

"I'm ready." Wolf told me.

I threw off the cloak. "Tao, Trace Alpha One. Shut down Mahan."

"Mahan has been shut down. Ship is now running on back-up computer."

"Run and save the scan to a crystal." Wolf said.

The machine started the scan. It had barely completed when Mal helped Keb back into the room.

"Computer, I rescind my last order. Admiral Prowl-Ar is fit for duty." Wolf announced.

"Acknowledged."

"Computer, lock infirmary doors." I ordered, as I slid off the bed. Wolf quickly took my place and I started the scan. "Mal, bring Keb over here."

"You knew this would hurt him. And look at you, you're not suffering at all." Mal hissed.

I removed the mental block and screamed as the pain hit me. I grabbed my shoulder as if touching it would alleviate the pain. I gasped as it finally passed. It wasn't as bad as giving birth but it was close.

"Scan complete." The Computer announced.

I didn't bother to look at the results. "Computer, I'm declaring Jordan fit for duty."

"Doctor Jordan Nightiger has been returned to active duty."

"Reactivate Mahan, command code Trace alpha one."

"Nice trick. It took you a whole month to plan out?" Mahan asked.

"Nope, that was completely made up on the fly. I was just waiting for the doctor to give me permission to act stupidly."

"That's not . . ." Wolf sighed "I suppose it is what I did, isn't it?"

I moved over to Keb. "I know that hurt, but it hurt me twice as much." I was knocked back as his fist connected with my face.

"Tag, you're it, Master." He growled. "Plus you're full of shit. You think that scream was supposed to convince me? I saw you moving around as though you couldn't feel anything. Has it been a lie all this time? You just don't feel pain?"

"Kebohtet! Enough." Wolf yelled. "Your master has the ability to block pain. However when he stops blocking it, it hits him twice as much. He meant it literally that it was twice as bad for him. That scream wasn't faked."

Keb dropped to his knees. "Master, I'm sorry, I didn't know. That's no excuse for my reaction I- I'm prepared for any punishment you feel is best."

"Stand up and give me a hug." I said.

"What?" Both Keb and Mal asked in surprise.

"Your punishment is to give me a hug, letting me know that you forgive me. That's all I ask." He shakily got up and tentatively hugged me. "I'm really sorry I hurt you, but I needed to be fast and the shuttle was the only place I knew for sure I could get what I needed. I'd hopped the curse would let us get that far apart. As for hitting me, I forgive you. It was well timed and what you said was perfectly delivered. You might want to find a way to make it up to Jordan though. He gets kind of mad when I get hurt." I whispered

"Yes master, I- I forgive you and I'm sorry."

"Not to interrupt, but we have a situation. Kyle and Rider are doing their best, but now that you're in command again . . ." Mahan trailed off.

"Tiger, no. We still need rest, remember?" Wolf insisted.

"Mahan, what sort of situation?"

"It's between the Colonies and the Kobolds."

"Kyle can continue to handle it."

"Captain, the delegation that was sent to the colony are missing. The Kobolds insist that they are safe and happy, but the group hasn't reported their findings, or at all really. Rumors are beginning to spread that the Kobolds have killed and eaten them. There are also reports of men missing from the lunar research station."

"Have they?"

"Killed, no. Eaten? That depends on your meaning. Sir, I should also add that Luca went with the second team and also hasn't returned. There are a lot of people on his colony preparing for a full invasion of the moon to get him back."

"Okay, what's actually going on?" I asked.

"The kobolds are going extinct. Their colony is large enough to support nearly five thousand, but there are barely a thousand there. From the observations I've made they had difficulty creating a governmental system. Also it seems the one who created them didn't want them overpopulating."

"What are the numbers?" I asked realizing where the discussion was going.

"Nearly every mating results in an egg. However only one in five hundred has a viable embryo."

"That's not good."

"There's more. They are a single gender society meaning they are all intersex. Also while they can't produce offspring with females they can reproduce with human males, but the offspring is always a Kobold. Mating with a human yields a viable egg one out of one hundred."

"That certainly explains the missing men." Wolf said.

Since Luca and Erik have been with them I'm also able to report on shifters. One out of every ten eggs is viable."

"Mahan, make sure Frost, Ryu, Zephyr, And Kyle don't go near the Kobold colony." Wolf ordered.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I'm fairly certain that breeding with a dragon shifter will result in offspring one hundred percent of the time." Wolf answered.

"Vexy. I get it now. Once making it to Alpha Centauri and returning as a hero. He'd probably be able to ask for anything. Settling down in a lunar habitat with a sizable reward, likely of gold and gems. Not letting on . . . But that doesn't work. The Kobolds originated in this timeline. A timeline that Vexy didn't technically exist." I said, thinking out loud.

"So what do we do? We need to find out more about the Kobold colony. Our uniforms are our protection. They won't be able to get them off us. So the whole sex slave thing isn't a danger." Wolf said.

"They must have found a way. After all Luca and Erik . . . probably removed their own uniforms. Knowing Luca he just hasn't had his fill of kobold sex yet. So you were saying?" I asked

"The four of us take Vexy's remains and entomb him on the moon. Then we just happen to pay our new kobold friends a visit."

"Let me see if I have this right. You're suggesting we sneak off on a mission, just the four of us?"

"I doubt Frost and Rin are interested and they, along with Luca, are really the only ones, besides the two of us, that remember Vexy. Besides, I'm sick of being confined to my own infirmary."

I lay back down on the bed. "We can't."

"You're being the voice of reason?" Wolf asked in surprise.

"The babies. We have no idea how long we'll be gone. A ceremony for Vexy will have to wait. I'll come up with a team to investigate the Kobolds."

"And risk more lives? No, we'll just take the babies with us."

"You're kidding, right?" I asked.

"Not at all. I'm sure you could carry your three easily enough in your bull form. That leaves one each for Mal, Keb, and I to carry."

"I'd need to design special suits. Equip all of them with compressed oxygen cartridges. Set up special pack frames. Uniforms for Keb and Mal. Of course we're not getting off the ship."

"Why not?" Wolf asked.

"Because I'm sure Mahan has already snitched on us."

"Everything you need is being assembled in a shuttle. I don't much like the idea, but what I hate even more is the fact I have no record of how the Kobold Colony came into existence, from either timeline. Only that it appeared a little over four hundred years ago when they started building a surface structure on what humans refer to as the dark side. You know how I hate missing information. I'll even do my best to make sure Kyle and Rider are distracted for as long as I can."

I sighed, "Mahan, what is Trace doing right now?"

"Making sure everything you need is loaded. I expected you'd remember your promise and Trace seemed the most likely to break the rules."

"Is Taro busy?"

"No, unless hiding in his room watching anime counts."

"Have him report to the hangar as well."

"Um, Master, why Taro?" Keb asked.

"Because no one expects a cute little ninja bunny. I'm hoping if we get into trouble the Kobolds will underestimate him."

***

I was pleasantly surprised how much the babies enjoyed us bouncing around in the moon's lower gravity. They would giggle and laugh at every bounce. We buried Vexy and Kohan's remains fairly close to the kobold structures. It wasn't much. Just shallow graves for the small boxes of ash. Kyle had taken the precaution of reducing the bones to ash to ensure no DNA could be harvested. We generated two plasteel slabs with Vexy and Kohan's images holographical imprinted inside as well as golden plaques commemorating their accomplishments. Several Kobolds came out and watched. When we were finished they supplicated themselves at the foot of the graves. I figured within a few years a proper crypt would be built around the area.

Once finished we headed for the Kobold colony. We had some mysteries to solve. At the entrance we were met by a light blue Kobold.

"Hello, I'm the colony leader, Slider. If, it isn't too much to ask, why are you here?"

"We were burying the remains of our crew mates. One was an otter and the other was his mate. I figured placing him here close to your colony would make his spirit happiest, what with being a dragon and all."

"Dragon? Do you mean it he was a real dragon?" Slider asked excitedly.

"Well, he was a shifter that could change into a dragon." Trace said.

"I must inform the council! Please wait here. I must get the right individuals to work building a structure truly fit for the remains. Do not worry I'll send someone to attend to you."

Slider yelled running off.

"Uh, he was just a dragon, not a god." Trace muttered.

"Forget it. Kobolds obsess over two things, treasure and dragons." I reminded him.

"Pardon me, our leader sent me to see to your needs. I am Edge, would you like a tour of our colony?" Another blue, though this time he was a vibrant blue, kobold asked.

"Yeah, that would be great." Trace replied for us.

"Edge, this is my son Trace. In the carrier on his back is Helios. Next is Wolf and he is carrying Markus. These are our honor guards Keb and Mal and they are carrying Apollo and Barret respectively. Finally I'm Prowl-Ar, Leader of the Furry Station, the two space colonies, as well as commander of the Shadow Runners." I didn't mention Taro since he had donned his specially made chameleon cloth clothes over his uniform. Honestly I didn't know if he was even with us or scouting the facility.

"We welcome you to our home. This surface level is the communal area where all the tribes can move about freely and interact with visitors. Below us is the training facilities where the red tribe trains as our warriors. Third level down is my tribe's level where we run the colony. I am sorry but I'm not authorized to show you those areas. I can show you everything else though." They insisted.

"If you don't mind my asking how do you refer to yourselves?" Trace asked.

I wasn't going to say anything since the kobold was basically nude except for a couple of belts holding pouches.

"However you wish." He said, as we entered a lift. "To be honest we didn't understand the concept of gender identity until we had some interaction with humans. After that point we learned that humans who preferred females referred to us as feminine and those that preferred males used male pronouns. Refer to us as you see fit. You'll always be half right." The kobold finished with a giggle. "We'll start at the bottom floor and work our way up."

The lift doors opened and we walked out into a large cavern.

"This is the nesting cavern where we keep our eggs until they hatch."

"Are you sure we should be here?" Wolf asked.

The kobold let out a small huff that I interpreted as a sigh. "Yes, our current eggs are being kept in the medical area. We've had so few new members that everyone is precious. Not like the days of the original three when the cavern was filled and the young would fight to survive making them stronger."

That checked out with what Vexy had told me about kobolds. "Original three?" I asked.

"Prowl-Ar, there is an area of emptiness approximately two hundred meters to your left." Mahan informed me.

"Another cavern?" I asked.

"Oh yes, there are many caverns on each level." Edge replied, thinking I was talking to him.

"No, just an emptiness that I'm unable to scan." Mahan replied.

"There seems to be an anomaly here, everyone stay back." I warned. "Taro, that includes you." I added using the telegem.

"What is it?" Wolf asked mentally.

"Edge mentioned the original three. I have an idea we've found the missing drive section of the Dragon's Hoard. However, Mahan can't scan it which means the warping effect is still active. If we don't shut it down bad things could happen."

"Define bad things."

"Complete reality collapse."

"Oh." Was his only reply.

"Hey! You can't go that way. That's the holy relic. If you go there you won't come back." Edge yelled.

I stopped. He was right. If time was in flux most individuals wouldn't survive. "Trace, watch Seto and Cloud for a few minutes." I touched his shoulder and communicated directly with him using my gem. "I know you want to go with me to make sure I'm safe, but I need you here. This is a time anomaly that means I need an anchor in order to get back."

He nodded slightly as he took the babies.

"Keb, hold Markus." Wolf said. "You're not doing this alone Tiger."

"Please, you won't come back out." Edge yelled.

We stepped through the void into the Dragon's Hoard engine room. Large portions were fused with solid stone including most of the Synth.

"You shouldn't be here. I can't tell you the number of Kobolds that I've watched die and turn to dust."

"We've got to shut down the engines."

"There isn't time."

"This isn't my first time in a time distortion. I can lead Wolf and myself back out at about the same point we entered."

"I wish I could escape as well, but as you can see I'm going nowhere. Though I deserve this fate. If I hadn't tried to enhance the engines to make the ship faster . . . I was stupid. I didn't realize the drive I was playing with bent space and time."

"Actually it opens a doorway to a universe where the laws of space and time aren't the same. If it helps, the rest of the crew of the Hoard had long lives. Your fellow Synths set up space colonies in the Alpha Centauri system and now there is a thriving population, though they have a strong hatred of Kobolds, believing the accident was Raid, Shadow, and Legend's fault."

"No! I admit they were bothersome, but they always did their best to help out when possible. I know they escaped due to the number of kobolds that have come here, but I'm not sure where we even ended up."

"You're inside Earth's Moon." Wolf replied, as I finished the shutdown sequence.

"Since the engine room had back up life support air must have been leaking out filling the surrounding caverns allowing a population of Kobolds to develop."

The synth's mask displayed a smiley emoji instead of eyes. "I'm glad, now I can offline for the last time, happy."

"Offline yes, but not for the last time. Love, I'm going to need your help pulling him out." I said.

"But I'm fused to the rock. Nothing is left except parts of my torso and my head."

"Shut down." I ordered.

"What?" He asked.

"Your head has a back-up power supply that will last seventy two hours if you are fully shut down. It takes a supreme amount of trust to take that step, but I'm sure Luca can construct a new body, or the Synth nation may be even more advanced. I'm sure they're going to want you to join them, after all it was your actions that made their civilization possible. Or you can choose death."

"I'll shut down, but please; if I'm to have a new body I want one Master Luca builds for me."

"Understood." I replied.

"Shutting down now." His faceplate went dark.

"Help me get his head removed." I asked Wolf.

"You lied to him."

"Not exactly, but I wasn't completely truthful either. There's a chance Luca won't be able to revive him. But . . ."

"You wanted him to have hope. You're a good Tiger."

I smiled not being able to properly reply to the praise. The head unit came away and I generated a bag with a strap from my uniform. "Probably best the Kobolds don't see me stealing from their holy relic."

"Can you really get us out of here?" Wolf asked.

I hugged him, telekinetically activated the shutdown switch, and teleported. The void between origin and destination seemed to be much longer than normal but we reappeared just behind Trace just as we disappeared into the anomaly. "That was close." I said, time skipping like that wasn't the smartest use of my life.

The murky void disappeared and the engine room was left in its place completely powerless and fused to the rock. "You won't be losing anyone else in there." I mumbled. "Mahan, if you can scan us, how long were we in there?"

"I scanned you as soon as you got back. How long were you there from your perspective?"

"We were in there ten or fifteen minutes."

"Twenty four minutes, I was keeping watch on our time." Wolf said.

"Then that's how long it was." Mahan replied. I knew it was much longer but I wasn't likely to get any other answer from him.

"I think we should continue the tour. The medical facilities are also on this level." Edge said, encouraging us to move. Wolf and I took our charges back and luckily they didn't wake from the little bit of jostling.

"When we get to medical I'm running my own scan. I'm not feeling like my usual self and I'm sure that trip cost you a lot more than you're letting on." Wolf thought to me.

"I wouldn't dare to try and fool you anymore. But I'd rather not let the Kobolds know that. And we solved two mysteries. What happened to the Dragon's Hoard's engine section and the origin of the kobolds."

"Perfect, now we just have to find Erik, Luca, and the abducted humans and free them. Then we can go home. I wonder if Kyle and Rider know we're gone yet."

"I doubt it. If they did they'd already be down here yelling at us."

Wolf mentally chuckled, "Yeah, you're right."

***

"This is our medical area and the domain of the white kobolds."

From the looks of the kobolds in the area "white" included light gray and other kobolds from the other colors with exceedingly light colored hide. Except for one bright red kobold that looked to have painted white stripes on him.

"Is the red one injured?" Wolf asked.

"Red?" Edge said, quickly looking around. "There aren't any reds here. In fact, other than myself there are only white kobolds here right now."

"Tiger, you see them, right?" Wolf asked mentally.

It took me a moment to figure it out. "They divide themselves by color and each color is best at a certain task. Remember Vexy's kobolds were like that. On a small scale that works but in a large population-"

"The white stripes. That kobold has an affinity for medicine despite his color so the paint designates his profession. All the others just pretend that he's white."

"It's entirely possible that it is so ingrained in their culture that they really do see them as the stripe color."

"If you ask me they're more evolved than humans in that regard. Even after so long they're still arguing about skin shades."

I just nodded.

"There isn't much to see since no eggs are due to hatch today, not that you'd be allowed to watch anyway." Edge continued. "Now if you'll follow me we'll go up a level to food production and I'll show you the fields."

We entered another lift that started to rise.

"So there are multiple lifts?"

"Of course, it would be foolish not to have a lot of lifts, and stairs as well. If someone is injured it's important to get them down to the medical kobolds as quickly as possible."

Edge explained.

The lift opened and we walked out into a rainbow world of light. The cavern as covered in phosphorescent mosses.

"This is the farms. Here our green kobolds grow moss, lichens, and grubs for the colony's food supplies. Though with so few of us and the new facilities and crops on the surface I admit the caves are getting a bit overgrown."

"You seem really organized, but I understand that until a few years ago you were at war." I said, but making it sound like a question.

"Yes, we basically did whatever we wanted. Small clan groups, often of a single color, keeping to themselves and fighting other clans. We didn't have many eggs that survived but even the ones that hatched often didn't live long. Finally we realized if we didn't change our species wouldn't survive. A blue was brave enough to stand up and confront the different clans. First he confronted the white kobolds since they were the least warlike and because they always fought to defend the nests and the young. Once organized he continued with the other clans until he became the first rainbow kobold. Now he has become so old that we listen to his judgement and refer to him as a lesser dragon."

"He's still alive?" Trace asked.

"Yes, he doesn't go far from his personal quarters but when the council is unable to make a decision he is the one they turn to. He's the one that ordered our ship out to help defend our home. The council wanted to keep the fact we'd been able to copy the human technology and build a ship to ourselves."

"Would it be possible to meet with him?" I asked.

"I can put in a request, but it is unlikely. He doesn't like to be disturbed. If you'll wait here I'll go send a message up to the command level." Edge said, as he turned and ran off.

"Tiger, some of these mosses are completely new species. I'd love to take samples for later research." Wolf informed me.

"As much as I want to say take some samples, it would probably be better if we make a formal request."

"Understood." Wolf replied. He didn't look happy but I could tell he understood the reasoning.

Edge came running back. I almost had to wonder if running was their normal speed and he was just slowing down to accommodate us. "The request has been sent. We should get a response when we're once again on the blue level. Next up is the orange level. Technically it isn't just a level since it's also the edges of all levels."

***

As we exited the lift the first thing to be noticed was the massive stone pillars rising ten to fifteen stories to the ceiling. On the cavern floor, what I could only describe as a town out of a dungeon campaign book. Medieval structures tightly packed along lanes and even a tavern at the end of the street. Orange and brown kobolds scurried about. There were far more individuals than in the other sections.

"This clan is in charge of building, maintenance, and mining. Though we are expecting the browns to segregate into a new clan only interested in mining. They'll take up exclusive residence at the edges of the main colony."

"So, when a new type of job is needed the color that is best suited to the task splits off to take over?" Mal asked, taking in the sights.

"That is correct" Edge replied.

"What about when a job is no longer needed?" Keb asked.

"I don't understand. Why would a job not be needed any longer?"

"Well, if you didn't need to mine out more space." I said, as an example.

"We'll always need to mine. It's what brown kobolds do."

"Okay on to the next level then." I said, changing the subject.

"That would be the yellow level. That's where our treasure keepers and markets are located."

I hurried everyone back to the lift. It's not that I didn't trust them it's just bad things tended to happen in such locations. As the doors reopened Keb and Mal both got excited. The area looked only half as large as the adventurers' town but it was easily three times as full.

"It's a bazaar! Masters, can we explore?" Keb asked excitedly.

"I've always imagined being able to freely explore, but we would never have dared. The risk of being seen was too great." Mal said, eyeing the closest stalls.

"Stay close. You can look as we pass through."

"But Master." Keb whined.

"Keb, I'm not trying to be mean. We don't have any currency-"

"I can take you to a money lender." Edge said quickly.

"No." Wolf said loudly.

"The terms are really good, all you have to do is donate your essence-".

"And where are the donations taking place?" I asked, as if considering it.

"On the next floor. The purple clan deals with science and research. I can take you there if you want to donate!" Edge said, a bit too excitedly.

I had to wonder if this was how they captured the research team. Just donate some sperm and then enjoy the adventurer town or the bazaar. "Come on, let's go check it out. Maybe we'll come back once we finish there."

"Tiger, you shouldn't lie to them like that." Wolf thought to me.

"I did say 'maybe', but this is a quicker and easier way of finding the missing people without resorting to violence."

"No. Once this mission is completed you're going to keep your word and let Mal and Keb explore. I'm sure we'll be able to find something to trade on the shuttle, even if we have to use the matter generator to do it."

"Okay, I know better than to argue with you."

"Hurry up master!" Keb yelled.

***

As the lift doors opened we faced a huge arena, easily the size of the maintenance cavern where dozens of red kobolds were busy at different training stations.

"Sorry, I hit the wrong button. That was the fighters and guards level."

The doors slid shut and we dropped again. "Like hell that was a mistake. You wanted us to be intimidated by your military might so we wouldn't resist." I thought.

_"Hah, they don't know us very well, do they?"_Wolf said, with a mental laugh.

The door opened again and I had to do a double take. Other than the red kobold guards and purple secretary the room was nearly identical to Luca's waiting room. I had to wonder just how involved he might be.

"Welcome to the science floor, I am Mjolnir."

Suddenly the lift reopened and at least ten red kobolds entered all carrying short swords.

"If you will please line up so we can register you for the breeding program." Mjolnir ordered.

I laughed. "You seem to have made a mistake. You see the babies we have with us? They belong to Wolf and me."

"Oh, that is unfortunate. You two will be taken down to the medical facility where you can assist with raising the young. The rest of your party-"

"Keb and I can't be far from Wolf and Prowl-Ar, otherwise the curse put on us will kill all four of us." Keb quickly said.

"Oh sure, just throw me to the sex starves Kobolds, why don't you?" Trace asked, with a laugh.

"Now that we're here, we're going to free everyone you're holding. Mahan, would you please let Kyle know what's going on?"

"Is there something wrong with-" A buzzer went off on Mjolnir's desk. "One moment." They answered the call. Then glanced up at us. "Are you sure? Yes sir! Edge, He demands you take them up to the blue command level."

"Oh, we're skipping the black spy level?"

"The black level is for the library and education." Edge said, as he shooed reds out of the way. "Nothing to see there. Besides, when HE makes a request, we listen."

"I guess that means Kyle spoke to your rainbow kobold." Wolf laughed.

"Who is this Kyle you've mentioned?" Edge asked looking around.

"Our, mate." Wolf quickly answered. "He also happens to be a dragon."

"A- A dragon? Really? You have the honor of serving an actual dragon?"

Trace laughed. "Yes, he does, as often as possible."

"Trace, shut up." I growled.

"That's nothing though. Dad is also the father of two dragons and likely to be the father-in-law of a third." He continued, ignoring my commands as usual.

Edge was speechless. He just looked at each of us while shaking, but I couldn't tell if it was out of excitement or fear.

As we walked out Slider met us. "Edge, you're dismissed. I'll lead them the rest of the way to HIS quarters."

"Yes sir. Thank you sir." Edge said, before running off down a corridor.

"Ah to be that young again. Anyway, at his request, I'm taking you to meet the rainbow kobold. Be respectful. He is as close to being a dragon as a kobold can get." Slider warned us.

A door opened and we entered a darkened room. The ceiling was transparent and we had a good view of the stars. Slider stepped back out and closed the door.

"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have been treated the way you were." The lights slowly increased and a cover spiraled over the window. The kobold before us was grayish blue with paint stripes from all the other clans. "I also apologize for our actions dealing with the humans we have here, though I assure you they are treated well and there haven't been many complaints. The problem is there are so few useful eggs being produced that it is a matter of survival at this point."

"Did you consider requesting assistance?" Wolf asked.

"Yes, but the council was afraid you humans would take advantage of us."

"I'm sure that there are more than a few that would love to enter a contract to, ah, provide you with what you need." I said.

"I just spoke with your dragon. Do you think you he would be willing to take my place? If not could you find us another who would?"

"Why? You have the council?" I asked.

"Because we're kobolds. We need a dragon to provide inspiration. I know my people would function better if we had a dragon, even one that's lazy and doesn't want to do anything."

"What about you?" I asked.

He sighed. "I'm old. Nearly twice as old as all other kobolds."

"Just how old are you?" Mal asked.

"I'm almost eighty and other kobolds rarely live longer than fifty at most. We need someone, preferably a dragon to take my place."

"I think what dad is asking is if you'd be willing to become a dragon." The old kobold gasped as Taro seemed to appear from thin air. "The lunar colonists have been returned to their duties, but they show a strong interest in returning. Luca and the representatives from the colonies have likewise been evacuated. Luca was the only one happy to be taken away. He said something about this being a fun diversion, but he had a lot more to sample back at the colony, whatever that means. Erik is aboard the shuttle. He is fine, though the scan says he is somewhat dehydrated. He's embarrassed that he wasn't able to escape on his own."

"Amazing, the things the black clan could accomplish with your powers." The Rainbow Kobold said staring at the bunny.

"So what about it?" I asked.

"About what?" The kobold responded.

"About you becoming a dragon. The kobolds already respect you. Plus you know how this colony operates better than anyone. You deserve to become a true dragon."

"I . . . guess? If such a thing was possible it would be fine. It's not like I'm looking forward to death after all."

"Good enough for me. Mahan have Kyle send-"

"Come on, Tiger. Did you really think Mahan could hide something like this from me?" A voice asked from deeper in the quarters. "While you've been acting all sneaky, Rain and I have been chatting over tea. Once we get back a lot of things are going to change. But that will be after we transform Rain here into a proper Dragon for his people. I have to admit it is a good idea. One I'd never have considered."

"Captain, Kyle? Can we go explore the bazaar first? Lord Prowl-Ar promised." Keb begged.

"I did no such thing. I said 'maybe'." I insisted.

"We don't need to actually shop, since we can get anything on the Runner. It's just something Mal and I always wanted to do."

"Well, a promise is a promise. I'm sure with Tye's help I can get Rain evolved. Just be ready to depart once I return." Kyle said.

"I didn't-" I was interrupted as Cloud let out his "I'm hungry" squall.

"It sounds like someone is hungry. You'd better not be neglecting my sons." Kyle said, glaring at me.

"Never, and I resent the fact you would think Tiger would do something like that or that I'd allow-"

"Okay, okay! Sorry, Wolf. It was just a little joke. I'd never think either of you would do something like that." Kyle said shaking his hands and backing away. "Um, right this way Lord Rain. I'm sure you don't want to be subjected to having to watch mammals feed their young."

"I'm sure it would be quite educational, but perhaps another time. I'm old and you can never tell when the body might give out."

Kyle and Rain exited through the back obviously Kyle had a shuttle waiting at an airlock back there. After settling the pack frames on a couch Keb and Mal took up positions guarding the door.

"While you two are taking care of our brothers Taro and I will go check on Erik's progress. We'll be back in a little bit. Don't even think about going anywhere without me. That was a promise you made after all."

"Don't worry Trace, we'll be right here until you return." Wolf answered for me.