Through The Ranks:- Part 3: Settling In

Story by Kerolusion on SoFurry

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#3 of Through The Ranks


Part Three...not a whole lot in it but damn this took 11 pages >.> I have no idea how. This part goes through and sets things into motion for future events, but trust me. You have no idea where this is headed! Or..maybe you do. I'm going to pretend you don't even if you do. I can already tell this is going to take a lot longer than what I originally planned. When you act something like this out in your hea dyou tend to skip the filler parts and go straight to the action, :D. Anyways, enjoy part three. As always if something doesn't make sense please ask and I'll be happy to respond. Also if anyone points out any incongruities like names being switched or palces or anything like that please point those out to me. I usually type these are work and I don't have access to the other parts there so I do my best with my memory. ^.^

Ari woke to the sound of drums. She grappled with her sheets in a panic and tumbled out of bed. Had to be ready. Had to be ready.

"Exie," she hissed.

The ferret didn't stir. Ari ran over and shook the girl. She still didn't move. In desperation, Ari grabbed her pillow and started hitting her with her.

"What the hell?" Exie yelped. "What? What are you doing? Ari, stop I'm awake!"

Ari stumbled back to her bed and fought with her uniform.

"They're almost here," she said.

Exie blinked several times, "What? Who?"

Her ears perked to the drumming and she was suddenly on the floor digging for her clothes. Both were just barely in their uniform when the drum sounded very near. They rushed to the door and jumped out to attention just as the Captain passed.

He winked at them and continued on. One door didn't open and he gleefully kicked it so and disappeared inside. Moments later two half dressed furs were thrown out into the hall.

"He's so handsome," Exie murred.

"The Captain?"

Exie nodded. Her eyes glazed over as she watched the giant stalk down the hallway and uproot any missing recruits from their slumber. Ari tilted her head slightly in confusion. She still couldn't determine what he was exactly.

"Do you know what he is?" Ari asked quietly.

"I've been told he's a liger. It means male lion and a female tigress," Exie whispered back.

Ari's eyes widened. So then this is why he was so large. Ari watched his retreating form in wonder. The outside world was just full of surprises. Did her sister know all this? Solana was going to be the next leader of the station, and already Ari had learned so much that she may have never known. Her sister was out in public more often, but from their conversations she didn't seem to be learning much more about the station than she already did which was slim at best.

"Move out!" the Captain called from the end of the hallway. "Follow Kloewn up there. She'll take you to the mess hall."

They did so. They fell into line behind the slim panther and followed her. She led them through a maze of hallways until they finally spilled out into a very large room of furs. Most of the tables were already filled but there was a section left unoccupied for the new recruits.

"Get your meal and sit here," the panther addressed them. "You will receive your schedules and be sorted."

"Sorted?" Ari asked her friend as they picked out their breakfast.

"Into our groups so to speak," the ferret said after grabbing a plate. "They're mixed groups with lower and higher ranks up to a point and headed by a leader. We stay in those groups for royal events and official stuff."

"How do they sort us?" the wolf asked curiously.

"They should be going over the different areas we can choose to go to," Exie explained.

"How do you know so much about this?"

"Research."

Ari was absolutely amazed. She was really clueless to nearly everything on the entire ship. What good was she going to be to her sister if she knew so little. She had no plans to be married off to some other station. That was really the whole purpose of what she was doing here. She wanted to learn about her home. She wanted to learn about her people. She wanted a place in the military of her own doing, and not because she was royalty. No one would respect her if she was simply given a top rank. She had to earn it as they had earned theirs.

"What are you planning on going for?" Ari asked as the two sat down on the end of the first table.

Exie didn't answer right away. Her attention was across the room on the giant captain. Ari looked back and forth between the two. What was this? The liger glanced over at the table and seemed to catch the ferret staring. They locked eyes for a moment before Exie giggled and looked away.

"I'm sorry. What did you ask?"

Ari grinned, "What's going on with you two?"

Exie tossed her head, "I don't know what you mean."

"Mhm. Anyways, what group are you planning on going for?"

The ferret shrugged, "I think I'm going for mechanics."

"Really?" Ari was surprised.

"Yeah, I'm really good at fixing things."

Ari fell quiet after that. Most of the new recruits were eating in silence or speaking in whispers while the rest of the hall was a buzzing roar. They were eventually approached by the panther again who started passing out packets of paper and pens.

"Mark your schedule. You won't be given another copy of this. This will hold until first test at the very least unless something comes up. Look over the information for each of the groups you'll have to choose from. Some of them have a limited numbers of slots so it will be first come first serve."

Ari glanced at her schedule and then tucked it deep in her pocket. Her real attention was on the group packet. She read through each description quickly and finally spotted the one she wanted. This group would be for the higher ranks. It was all military stuff based rather than profession based. It dealt with combat, weaponry, and strategy among other things. This would provide her the skills she needed to lead her people into battle if the need arose.

Exie was already walking up the the officers table were they were awaiting the sign ups. She swished her tail and rolled her hips seductively as she approached them and bent over just enough to cause a second glance. The Captain couldn't take his eyes off her. She stood there waiting and the panther looked over her application.

"Mechanics? Are you sure you're going to be able to handle that?"

Exie looked the feline straight in the eye, "Yes. Just because I'm small doesn't mean that I can't handle big things."

Both officers stared at her. Ari saw the Captain shift in his seat. The panther actually smiled and nodded. She seemed to approve of the ferrets attitude. She stamped something next to Exie's name and waited. The Captain continued to stare.

"Er, Captain? The papers?"

The liger seemed to snap out of his trance and cleared his throat. He leafed through things on the desk and pulled out a packet. As he reached slowly across the table to hand it to her their hands and fingers brushed against each other. Ari watched it as if in slow motion. She saw Exie's tail puffed out and the tension between them lit up. The panther even felt it and she shifted uncomfortably.

"Thank you, Sir," Exie said sweetly.

She turned slowly and then hurried back to the table. She sat down stiffly and buried her nose in the packet. Ari waited, but when her friend did not emerge she gave up and made her own way to the sign ups.

The panther looked her over for a minute after reading the sheet.

"You do realize what this group entails, right? This is for the big dogs."

Ari was beginning not to like her. She squared her shoulders and like Exie stared the cat straight in the eye. She put on her best royal expression and one she hoped would be commanding. She stared at her for a moment in silence.

"Permission to speak freely?"

The panther looked surprised but nodded.

"I think that each one here is looking over the packet very carefully. The descriptions are pretty clear. I realize maybe you're just trying trying to give us that second opportunity the change our minds and rethink our decision but there's a difference in being helpful and being rude."

The Captain hid a snort behind his hand. The panther opened her mouth to respond but was stopped when the liger held up his paw. He handed a packet to Ari and smiled.

"Welcome to the big dogs."

Ari nodded and took her place beside Exie again who looked up this time.

"I wonder if you'll get in trouble for that."

Ari glanced at the table to find the panther glaring at her but the Captain looking quite cheerful.

"I don't think so. You're guy over there seems pretty okay with how things turned out."

Exie's ears flattened, "What are you talking about?"

"Oh come on. As if you couldn't see the way you two were looking at each other. I swear I felt the whole place freeze when you two brushed hands."

Exie smiled, "He's so handsome."

~

"Alright recruits, quiet down."

They fell silent as the panther stood at the head of their table again. She looked around at them, and Ari noticed that she avoided her.

"Time to put you into your groups. You're personal quarters will remain the same. When I call your name and group please move to that table. You will sit with them today through meals and then tomorrow seating is wherever."

Ari moved over to her new group once her name was called and glanced over them curiously. These were the ones who would most likely be her commanders eventually. Some of them would be the ones she should be depending on. Some in this group would be her generals. She walked down the aisle and took an empty seat. She smiled at those beside her and accepted their welcomes. Then she looked in front of her and her heart stopped.

It was that wolf with the piercing blue eyes. That would be okay if he hadn't fallen on top of her and seen her own eyes. Solana had always said that she could be in a room filled with black wolves that looked identical and she would be able to pick out her sister because of her eyes. That shade of green was very uncommon. The wolf turned to look at her and Ari quickly averted her head and eyes away from him. She left his gaze and fought the urge to look back. She pretended to be very interested in where the rest of the recruits were going.

When the bell rang for dismissal. Ari bolted. She practically ran all the way back to her room, deposited her papers, and then ran all the way to the market center. She was supposed to meet with a fellow recruit named Breeze. When she found him, she had to stop herself form smiling.

Breeze waved when he saw her and jogged over. He was a simply beautiful falcon with amazing markings. He kept his wings folded in tight and straight.

"Ari?"

Ari nodded and they shook hands. Breeze had a strong steady voice and Ari could tell instantly she was going to like working with him. He pulled out a map and showed it to her.

"We're supposed to spend an hour patrolling this floor, and then an hour on the floor below. We can't leave this floor until at least of the replacements show up and same for those below us. Then we get a half hour break and finish up the hour on the third level down."

Ari frowned, "Why only half an hour on the lower floor?"

"From what I hear it can typically be a rough time down there. They want fresh recruits in there often and an hour can be too long for someone to go missing."

Ari's frown deepened. So there was bad on her ship. Did her family know about this or did the advisers keep it from them? Perhaps that's why the recruits were changed so often in the first place.

"I think we should change our route each time we do this," Breeze said as they started off. "That way it would be hard for anyone to learn where we are and be able to plan something around where we're not."

Ari nodded, "I think that's a wonderful idea." She studied the falcon a bit more. "Very tactical."

Breeze shrugged, "That's what I'm here for. I plan to rise and lead. I'm not meant for lower level things."

Ari was instantly smitten with him. He had such a charm and yet commanding presence about him. She knew that he would be one of those closest to her when she led her army. She could hardly wait.

~

Ari was stiff and could barely walk as she shuffled back to her room. She and Breeze had spent nearly the entire time on the third floor chasing people. They caught two and lost the rest. No wonder they changed the guards so often. After her rounds she had gone to weapons training. They were starting them off on more personal weapons. Right now it was wooden staffs. Ari's partner was nervous and had ended up whacking her several times in several places a bit too hard.

Exie did not appear to be back yet. Ari wasn't sure what her friends schedule would be so didn't worry too much. She collapsed on the bed and working on memorizing hers. She left the main light on in case Exie came back late and eventually drifted off to sleep.

~

Exie waved to her fellow mechanics as they left one of the larger workrooms that was used for training. She was so excited to get back to the room and swap stories with Ari. Ari had had rounds today and she'd heard about a lot of commotion on the lower levels. Not to mention the things she had learned today! Exie giggled to herself and set off down one of the dark corridors.

"Hello there."

Exie stopped in her tracks at the quiet voice that sounded so loud behind her. She turned slowly, ready to run if need be. The horse from the previous night stood there in uniform. She squinted but in the shadows she could not see what badge showed on his chest. He was of rank but she couldn't tell how how.

"Yes, Sir?" she asked, trying to be safe about addressing him.

"Exie. Right?"

Exie nodded slowly. She had hoped to never see this particular fur again. She was actually pretty ashamed at what she'd done that night. Sure it had felt good but she wasn't that kind of person. She also had a bad feeling that he wasn't here on military business.

"I've been thinking about you.'"

Exie's heart sped up. He was definitely not here on military business. She took an involuntary step back and instantly regretted it. A look of anger flashed across his face and he started moving towards her.

"Are you heading somewhere, recruit?"

The ferret instantly sprang to attention and folded her hands behind her back and looked straight ahead.

"No, Sir. I was on my way to my rooms, Sir." She thought quickly. "My roommate is expecting me, Sir."

"Is she now?" the horse grinned. "When I saw her last she could barely stand. Poor thing was about ready to fall asleep in the hall. I'm sure she's asleep by now."

Exie felt her hopes sink. Had he really planned this? He obviously checked on Ari to find out where she was and now he was here. Exie felt herself tremble and avoided his eyes when he moved in front of her. She could see his rank clearly now. Captain. If she disobeyed him right now it could cost her everything. If he tried anything and she fought him, what would happen? Would anyone believe her? Ari would, but that wouldn't help much. The military on this station was renown for it's tolerance but that didn't mean it didn't have it's bad apples and scandals.

"Such a small thing," the horse said huskily as he reached out and traced a finger along her arm.

Exie steeled herself from trembling and flinching. She held fast, hands tightly entwined behind her back. She locked her eyes and fought to keep her bottom lip from trembling. For all her courage and strength she really was a timid creature, as much as she hated to admit it.

"You handled things pretty well last night," the horse whispered in her ear. "I like how you handled those things."

Exie felt sick. She couldn't stop herself from trembling as the horse let his hands roam all over her chest. He unbuttoned her jacket and slid his hands inside. Exie wanted to cry with frustration at her body's immediate reaction to his touch. He rolled her breasts around in his hands and squeezed them. Then he reached down between her legs and stroked.

"Sir, I-" Exie started, but was suddenly cut off and the horse rammed his hand down her pants and grabbed her mound roughly.

"You will speak when spoken to," he growled at her.

Involuntary tears slid down Exie's cheeks. What would he do if she ran? Could she get away? Probably not. The horse captain unbuckled his pants and brought out his hard glistening member. He rubbed it on Exie's mound over her pants.

"It felt so good to have your tight little self sliding up and down on this," he said. "You were so ready for it. I was drunk though and not as hard as I could be. See me now? I bet you want this giant piece of meat inside you don't you?"

Exie refused to answer. She kept her eyes locked ahead. Where was all the courage she always sported? Where was her bravery? The horse snorted and in one motion spun her around and shoved his rod between her legs. He pushed her front down and started thrusting slowly as he worked at her pants in the front. Terrified, Exie crumpled to the ground. The horse cursed and reached down to start yanking at her pants.

She could stand it no longer. Exie let the sobs erupt from her lips as she tried desperately to crawl away. The horse grabbed her arms and easily slid her back towards him. She tried to kick out but he only caught her leg and slid her pants down at the same time. He shoved his cock against her panties and started moving it to get it past the crotch. Exie struggled harder and tried to scream, but he cut her off still with a hand clamped tightly over her mouth.

Exie felt his member breach the entrance to her womanhood when something barreled out of the darkness and tackled the horse. He was thrown back against the wall with a sickening thud. Exie gasped in loud sobs as she tried to catch her breath and crawl in the opposite direction. She reached a stairwell and curled up beside it in the shows. She listened to the sounds of a fight. Correction, she heard the sound of the horse taking a beating. Whoever had come to her rescue made no sound other than the hits to the equine.

Then all sounds stopped. Exie trembled as she saw the shadow of someone crawling along the wall towards her. She tried to keep quiet in case it was the horse but the sobs would not stop. Preparing for the worst, Exie jammed her eyes shut just before whoever it was came into view. She felt him move and bend down in front of her.

"Did he hurt you?"

It only took a fraction of a second to process the voice. Exie's eyes snapped open to find the large golden eyes of the liger staring back at her. His lip was busted open in one place but other than that there was not a mark open. The horse would have been no match for a predator his size. She glanced behind him as if suddenly fearful the horse would appear while the ligers back was turned.

"He'll be out for a long while," the liger explained, following her gaze.

"I'm ok" Exie croakedin response to his first question. "I don't know where my pants are though."

The liger smiled warmly, "I have them here."

He held them out to here and Exie took them with trembling hands. The pressure the horse had held her with was starting to show itself. She felt weak and dropped the clothing before she could even bring it back to her lap.

"I'm sorry, Sir," exie sobbed.

The liger reached out and cupped her chin gently, "Don't you apologize for anything. Will you allow me to help you?"

Exie nodded. She suddenly felt so weak and could barely keep her eyes open. The liger reached out and laid her down on the floor. He worked carefully to avoid hurting her or touching her anywhere inappropriate and gently helped her slide her pants back on. She lay there dazed as his big fingers worked the buttons delicately. He also reached up and buttoned her jacket up.

"I'm going to escort you to your room. I promise you I will make sure the horse is dealt with."

Exie nodded and with his help was able to stand. He had one arm protectively around her waist and the other holding her paw. Exie made it to the end of the hallway and then her knees gave out. The liger caught her easily and scooped her up into his arms. She settled down against him and gripped his shirt in both paws as he carried her.

~

A sharp knock at the door startled Ari awake. She ran to it when the knock sounded again and flung it open. The Captain stood there holding a very tiny looking Exie in his arms. She appeared to be passed out.

"Exie! What happened?"

Ari completely forgot to address him properly and nearly tripped over her own feet as she tried to salute him. The liger waved that away and carried Exie to her bed. Ari threw back the sheets and watched as the ferret was laid down as if she weighed nothing. He sat beside her for a moment and pulled the covers up to her chest.

"Sir?"

The Captain shook his head as if to shake himself out of a trance and glanced at the wolf as if he were seeing her for the first time.

"She got jumped, I'm sorry to say, but another member of the rankings," he said quietly. "He had her jacket unbuttoned and her pants off. When I got there he was on top of her on the ground and it was dark so I didn't see much. I don't know how far he got."

Ari's jaw fell open slowly during his story. She saw the rage building up in his eyes as he paused.

"He will be dealt with. We may be the same rank but I will not let this pass. I need you're help..."

"Ari," she supplied for him.

"Ari, he repeated. "I need you to look her over and assess any damage he may have done. If I need more proof of his deeds I need you to find it for me. I don't think I will, but just in case. I need to do everything I can to help her."

Ari nodded but stayed silent. The liger reached out and laid a hand on the side of Exie's face. Even in her sleep she seemed to feel it and tilted her head against his giant palm. The Captain made a funny noise in his throat and then quickly left the room. Ari shut the door behind him and turned back to Exie. First things first...