FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 2

Beauty and the Beast

Jet woke slowly as the sun broke into the room. He could feel he warmth of his Master's wing over him and rolled over to see him as he laid there on his stomach his head aimed straight ahead into the headboard at almost impossible angle to be comfortable for a normal person. His arms folded under his chin with one wing folded neatly against his side. With the covers pulled only half way up his back, he snugged closer to to Miles and rested his head against his arm, nuzzling up closer against him. A few moments later the winged wolfs eyes shot open and he gave a heavy sigh, he moved his head across his folded arms and saw the husky pressing against him and blinked quickly, Jet's words from last night echoing in his head. The honest truth is they had been watching the club and it was the wolf that had noticed Jet. Miles had noticed him and something in him drew him like a moth to flame, he had purposely demanded this specific mission and watched every video feed and read every note over and over planning out every detail in his head. This mission would be successful and the trio that cough his eyes would be the first to be free. There purchase would undermine Minerva's business then let her greed play into there hands. But something wasn't going according to his plan, something wasn't clean cut and it unnerved the Paladin. He blinked and watched over his side seeing the husky stirring and slowly started to try and move his wing slowly as to not wake Jet.

"I'm awake, Master."

"I hope I didn't wake you?" Miles folded his wing and moved his arm giving Jet room to move.

"No, Master, I just woke up a little while ago."The husky looked up to smile at Miles, stifling a yawn.

"OK, then. Let's go get some breakfast, today we need to finish preparations to get your friends." Jets heart jumped in his chest, the time was flying, yesterday seemed only like a few moments, "Thank you, Master!"

Miles nodded. "You don't have to keep calling me that, Jet. You don't have to be someones property." Jet blushed a little, he was trained to say it, though, for Miles he felt like saying it. Jet nodded with a slightly coy smile.

"OK. I'll try and break my habit. What if I want you to be my teacher, like Justin?" Miles slowly sat up and slid off the bed, not replying to Jet's inquiry, walking to the center of the room and stretched his wings out, refolded them and picked up a uniform from the back of one of the chairs. Jet on the other hand stretched where he laid before getting out of bed. He walked over to the wardrobe that Brian had put in and opened it. Inside were more clothes were hanging up and boots lined the bottom. What caught his eye was the left side door mirror. Jet still hated his reflection and he looked at now, pressing a finger against the glass as if to feel himself. Miles laid a paw on his shoulder, noticing the change in Jet's expression, the husky not even noticing the scowl and nearly bared fangs he gave the image. "Mirrors are funny things."

"What do you mean, its just a reflection." Jet lied, his words smooth as he tried to act indifferent despite how he felt..

"Exactly, you see yourself, and you look back. Everyone sees what they want to see. "

"I don't know what you-?"

"Tell me what do you see and think when you look in he mirror? How does it make you feel?" Miles stepped over to the side getting out of the image, leaving Jet to focus on just his own image.

Jet stared at his reflection and remembered the club, remembered the crowds. He looked at the mirror feeling his hatred bubbling, from the memories and faces that always haunted him, and for himself, for having created them with his own image. "I see me, I hate the image, I hate how I look I just hate..." Jets face contorted in the mirror as he was all but snarling at himself.

"Yourself? Mirrors can only show our outside, Jet. People judge images cause we see them. We Judge ourselves by your own image. Why do you judge yours with such cruelty?"

"Because...everyone wants me, well not me, just my body." He looked into the mirror, his fists drawn tight and he felt he could explode and take the mirror with him. "Its cause I look like this they hurt me, and use me, leer at me,...all because of it!"

Miles stepped closer wrapping a wing around the husky's body leaving only his head to be reflected back, the warmth quickly engulfing the smaller canine. Jet sniffed and felt his eyes blurring. "Close your eyes, Jet. Remember your looks also made you stand out, they helped you find a new home. Remember what has happen since you've come here? Think about your brothers. Surely, the image you detest is not just an image to be hated and feared."

Jet closed his eyes and clung to Miles' words and thought back. Justin hadn't treated him like others, everyone here welcomed him and praised him for all he had endured, and wished him well in everything he did. He was treated like a person not a object. His master had never made a single move to abuse him or hurt him, and was even now holding him, comforting him, like only his brothers would have done. The more he gave it thought the more he knew Miles was right. His brothers didn't envy him, they weren't jealous of him for his looks, and no one else outside the club was either. He finally relented relaxing and sighing as he thought about Brian and Ann and how nice people had been to him.

"Good. Now open your eyes, Jet."

He opened his eyes and looked in the mirror, it didn't seem the same, but it was. He didn't know quite had changed for a moment, then he noticed is his fur seemed to be more relaxed, letting it shine against the light more, and he was smiling, he looked back as Miles stepped away, "what do you see and think?"

"I see me, I'm smiling, I think, I like it."

"See, Justin told you, your beautiful, especially when happy. Come on, time to get dressed, I have a lot to do before tomorrow. I believe, Toby and Scout have been waiting long enough." Jet nodded a smile creeping up to stay. Miles pulled a pair of boots out from the wardrobe looking into the mirror himself. He blinked seeing something himself but made no motion to give away his thoughts as he blinked and left the wardrobe. Jet couldn't decide what to wear but decided he liked what he'd seen in the mirror. He found a pair of cargo pants and dug out his old collar, now minus the green tag, and vest. He looked over to see if Miles was looking over while he was getting dressed, to see if Miles would take a peek as he had tried to do. Instead he watched Miles, as he buttoned up his vest, the wolf reaching back around his own frame to fasten buckles and straps to fit his jumpsuit uniform around his protruding wings. Jet did the last button on his vest and ran over to Miles who was still working on his own clothing.

"Here, Master, let me help," without waiting Jet, was helping Miles fix the zipper, and clasps of his complex jumpsuit.

"Thank you, Jet, its much easier with two hands."Miles was calm as stone but blinked when he saw Jet's outfit. "I think that suits you nicely, Jet."

Jet could feel his ears warm , "I think, I want to look nice, just because, for a change. I remembered you said I was cute. Figured my Master would like it."

"Your Master, as you insist on calling me, may indeed find it likeable."

Jet was a little put off by the wolf's cold voice and demeanor. But considering his voice seemed to lack much inflection or change at any time, Jet was more than happy to hear his words, "Miles?"

"Yes, Jet?"

"Can I go with you when we get Scout and Toby?"

Miles thought hard, the last thing he wanted was to take Jet to the very place he had worked to get him away from. On the other hand, he was going there as Jet's owner. It would only make sense that his owner would want his "property" close by with the amount he had spent on him. "I don't like that idea, but I see merit in the request, however, I'll insist you stay close to me and Justin. "

"OK, I will stay next to you, like glue." They made their way out and to the kitchen, people were already up and hard at work, if they had in fact even slept. The place already seemed alive, the grass had already been cut back and the pathways were back to there old glory. In the past day one building had been repaired and was almost redone. Everyone waved to Jet, everyone seemed in good spirits as they arrived at the kitchen after half a dozen hello's, they made it to the morning line cook, which happen to be the Ann.

"Morning boys! Wow, Pumpkin, ya look pretty hot, better watch out Miles, this ones got ya beat."

"I will keep that in consideration, Ann." Jet chuckled, the truth was he liked his Master's fur better It was thick and warm. Ann paused a moment and looked at them, more so over Miles.

"You finally got some sleep, did'n ya?"

"I always get sleep, Ann." The wolf spoke nonchalantly.

"I know ya Miles, you don' sleep less'n some one goes beat'n you unconscious." Ann looked over Jet and leaned over the counter and kissed his cheek, "Jet, your a angel. This big brute h'rdly ever sleeps."

"Ann, I assure you I sleep, when it necessary." The wolfs voice stayed calm, but was still becoming defensive.

"Fine 'ave it u'r way, " she pulled out a plate and slid down to he hot plates. Another of the kitchen staff coming to Jet with a tray for him as well. Ann slid down quickly as Miles picked only meager selections of food and as they neared the end Ann whispered out off ear shot of Jet. Jet looked up suddenly as the sound of clanging metal echoed across the ballroom startling him and the kitchen staff into attention, looking over seeing the noise had come from Ann dropping a metal lid, "your kidding!? He didn't?!"

Jet could see Miles nod his head and then head back to Jet, tray in paw, "better be careful she will talk your ear off."

"Miles! Miles you git back h're right now!"

The wolf ignored her shouting knowing better than to step into the on coming hellfire, "I'll find us a a spot."

Ann walked over to Jet taking over his tray while the help went to clean the fallen items. Ann stuck her tongue out at Miles, then turned to look Jet over for a moment before speaking "so ya turned e't down huu?' She spoke looking back to Jet and moved down getting a glass and filling it with juice.

"Oh, I umm, I what?"

"Turned down goin' free, Pumpkin."

"I umm, yea-yea..."Jets wasn't sure what to say or sure of the reaction he would get for his actions. "I did, I just, I don't know. It just felt like what I wanted to do. I'm sorry. I mean I know you have all done everything nice for me. You'r not mad at me are you," He looked up to Ann questioningly and an bit fearful.

"Mabe'n I am and mabe'n I ain't. Tell me, did you really git him to sleep?" Jet looked back to Miles sighing softly with a smile and nodded back to Ann as Miles looked up from his meager plate he had fixed, flicking an ear towards them obviously trying to overhear.

"Ahh, now I see, well I know it'll surprise some people, Pumpkin, but if your happy then I'm happy for ya." Ann giving Jet his tray. "It's been a long time since I seen him have an interest in anything other than his work."

"What do you mean? I don't follow."

"Well, Pumpkin, it's not m'a place to tell n' all, but Miles hit a rough patch, got a name f'er 'imself and it really messed 'em up...ya know if its possible for those Paladin types to feel any'thin, but I know he does." She looked at Jet her eyes sparkling but seemed to call out to him. "Well you better go eat, an' I don't wan' to hear you been getting more sleep than, Wingy!"Jet chuckled and walked over to Miles sitting down.

"Miles why don't you sleep? Ann, seemed kinda worried?" Jet looked over the edges of his brows as he started eating.

"You don't need to be worried about Ann's concerns, Paladins require little sleep."Jet looked down as he ate trying to learn more about his, Owner.

"She said you had some rough times and you stopped sleeping?"

"Unfortunately, that is correct, I had better things to do than to waste precious time sleeping when there are people that need help." Miles kept eating avoiding Jets gaze. Jet doing the the exact opposite looking up for some hint of expression from the wolf. Miles ate his last bit and looked up to Jet, "there are many things you do not understand yet, so I can not in good judgment accept the answer you gave me last night." The wolf paused feeling the tightening in his throat again, which could only cause confusion in him as to the source, he swallowed hard and continued speaking. "I will have you see our re-integration officer, Xander. Hes in charge of educating everyone we save before there sent back home. He will explain things you don't know and about my kind then you will get to answer the question again."

Jet looked down at his plate nodding softly, "yes, Sir. I understand." His chest ached, the fact was he didn't understand, worse he felt as if the first free choice he had, was now judged as a bad one.

"Your still a bad liar, Jet. This is nothing against you, i assure you, this is for your own good. You'll need to learn to make choices based of information not just how you feel." Jet nodded again softly not able to find his voice to say anything back, he'd made his choice and wanted to stand by it, he as sure there was nothing he could learn that would make him change his mind. Miles collected his tray and sat quietly until Jet gave up eating the rest of his still over filled plate. Miles took the plate walking to the end of the line and sat the plates down and shouted to the back towards the kitchen. "Ann!" I need You to help me find Xander!" The impending explosion of the door as she raced out in a rush wearing a messy apron made Jet jump as he saw the wild look in her eyes, here fur ragged and her red hair sticking from under his hair net from the rush.

"What f'ken wrong wi't you Miles! I know what u'a thinking! No one ne'd to know 'bout that sept'n the ones tha't w's there already!"

"If he is going to make his choice again,.... then he has a right to know, Ann. Please, Ann." The wolfs gaze firm but the words seem to show something more than the calm Jet had become used to so quickly.

"He's In the west wing in the ol' green house, if you wanna talk to him, but sugar wolf, I hope you know the can o' worms you just opened." Her glare was right into Miles' face. It sent a shiver up the husky's spine, and even noticed Miles' ears wilt from the force of the glare as if they were candles set in the sun.

"To be honest, I do not. I have little choice, this is the way it has to be. He would only find out some other way."

"FINE! Ill take him there myself! I don't want you scar'en him to death." She never let down her guard as she spoke, "don' you have some werk ta' be goin on about "Gabriel?"" She spat out the name as if it was a putrid piece of meat. Miles eyes shot wide open at the name he was called, and closed them slowly. The harshness of her voice making Jets own ears loose the will to stand.

"I, understand, I'll be back before the afternoon to check your request invoices." Miles turned to leave pausing to look at Jet. "Don't worry. Ann, will look out for you, she can be scarey but she only does it because she cares." He never looked back to see Jet's gaze and carried himself out of the dinning hall.

"That 'uns such a pig 'aeded wolf," Ann rested her hand on Jets shoulder, her voice calm again, "come on, Pumpkin, well take the long way to Xander's office." Ann offered her hand for a moment then took Jets before he could decide and lead him off quickly. She lead Jet out threw the back, not giving him anytime to talk. She was determined and the pace kept Jet amazed how hard it was to keep up. Ann took the long hedge row around the side of the grounds. Jet never spoke not sure what to think even when he realized the was going east and going all the way around the mansion, "fig're some fresh air would help ya feel better. Sides this stroll will help ya break in your boots."

"Yea I suppose,... did I do something wrong Ann? Why does Miles want me to change my mind so badly?" Jet could only keep his gaze down as they walked.

"Well pumpkin, I don' think he wants you to go ch'ng'in y'er mind, I known him a long time, and I know how to read 'em better than most. But I do know he's wan'ten to make sure your doing what is best for you, and your not mak'n a mistake ya'd regret. I know what hes going to want you to learn, such a stupid ol' dog." Her voice cracked as she lead Jet around the building.

Jet looked up quickly, Ann's eyes dark fur like mask was matted as she cried, "are you OK, Ann?"

"Yea I'm fine, hes just so gal darn'd stupid some times! Lis'en here Pumpkin, this might not make sense but long time ago, Miles, did something incredibly brave n' wonderful and saved a lot o' people, but he also did something really hor'ebel. Hes never forgi'v'n himself and ever since hes poured im'self into his work, and cut himself o'f from everyone .....till now."

"Why are you telling me this Ann?" Jets expression perplexed by Ann's words, only a little while ago she was almost violently against seeing Xander and now she was telling him things about what he would be told.

"Cause, Pumpkin, your already cha'gn em' and I think'n you might be the one to bring em' back that dark dream'n o' his." Ann opened the door to the greenhouse and lead Jet in following behind. At the back of the domed building Miles was talking to a tall ferret with glasses on, most of the ferrets fur light and silver streaked showing his age.

"Go finish your work Miles, get some air you don't need to be here for this," the ferrets voice was concerned but carried an almost fatherly quality to it. "Miss Ann I see you brought our student, now id ask the same, you don't need to be here either. This is just for jet. Neither of you ever need to see this." Ann started to protest but the ferret looked over the brim of his glasses and Ann fell silent as if she had just tried to back talk her own father, she turned to the door to make a quiet exit.

"Don' worry ill be out side waiting for ya Pumpkin, Xander is a good teacher." And with that she left back out of the same door as she lead Jet in while Miles exited the main doors back into the mansion. Jet noticed he never looked up, never looked at Jet and seemed to be almost mechanical in his movements. Xander motioned for jet to come forward to his desk as the doors closed. All jet could think about was the zombie like trance that had taken the wolf he called his Master.

"Um,m, excuse me, Xander, sir? But is Miles OK?"

"I'm afraid my dear boy, that Paladin has not been OK for a very long time, but I can see you've done something to him. While he was here I noticed how different he acted. I have never see such a powerful creature act timid." Jet felt a pang of guilt that he had done something horribly wrong now but before he could express any apologies Xander was speaking again. "He told me, you turned down your freedom claiming to want to be his property or some such?"

"Yes sir, "the husky stuttered over his words blurting out answers that seemed to sit on the tip of his tongue, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause all of this trouble for everyone. Especially not Master Miles."

"Nonsense, it is your choice to make, some people choose to become servants to pay off debts willingly. Your choice, I can see, is from some deeper desire." The ferret twisted, around like a clock spring, a feat few outside of his species could hope to accomplish without serious risk of injury. The odd flexibility of the ferret intriguing Jet. He watched him twist back to face him holding a lap top computer to sit on the edge of the desk. "Miles has convinced me that you need to know some things first. I have to begrudgingly agree. So Please take a seat and well get started."

"Yes Sir," Jet took a seat at the closest desk feeling butterflies in his stomach and suddenly wish he had skipped the extra egg for breakfast. He rested his paws on the desk top, gripping its edges tightly as he waited for Xander to finish starting the computer and selecting files.

"This is the short version, you'll learn more in detail when your classes start here. I'll assume you've probably never been out side that club, so ill start at the beginning." Xavier rested his paws together in his lap, his slender flam relaxing but directed at the husky. Xander, spoke keeping his attention on Jet, his body language being kept calm to keep his full attention on what he had to say and not allowing for distractions. The many years he had spent speaking and teaching having given him a good skill for the task he now found himself in. "For over forty years there has a been a war going on, all because we came to exist. Before that it was just humans."

"Then where did we come from?"

"We were products of advanced technology, and then, no one knows how, humans lost control of it. Most of us came from the chaos as it spread across the globe. Since that time we and humans have been fighting to bring law and order back. Which is why Miles is here. His kind were the last of the children of that forgotten technology. They are powerful strong and loyal to there duty. But they paid the highest price of everyone in the war. For everything others lost, family and friends, the Paladins, as they call themselves lost the ability to die except in the most violent, painful and destructive ways you can imagine. They lost there family, they lost all memories, and a bit of there soul, anything we have to hold on too ourselves, they do not.."

"I don't understand? They lost there memories and souls?"

"Everything that makes us human, fur and mortal is the ability to die, to remember. Everything that makes us who we are is from what we have experienced in our lives. From what I saw last night, you were happy. Imagine waking up tomorrow and those memories are gone, your friends from the club, never existed to you. You are just, Jet, a husky, and nothing else? All the worst parts of your life and the best, every memory of anything simply never existed." Jet tried to imagine but found himself betrayed by his own thoughts immediately. Faces of his brothers came to him immediately, there smiles there voices. He tried to block them out as if they didn't exist, but only found himself remembering Miles, Ann, Brian and Justin. He fought to block them out and remembered the welcomes of Brian's workers, even Brian's brutish frame and his fatherly smile. He struggled to force those out of his head as well. Jet, stared at the blank desktop, then clenched his eyes trying to picture his mind void of every memory but always remembered something, his first taste of cake, an image, even the nightmares that plagued him. There was always something he could cling to, even if he wished it out of his mind. A shard of ice hitting his brain finally, as he thought to himself. What if nothing nice had ever happened to him? What if all there was, were the nightmares? What if all he knew, was the dark and empty void he had been pulled into?

"I cant, I'm trying hard, sir. There's always something to remember. It seems terrifying to only have a nightmare of nothing." Xavier didn't say anything for a moment, staring at the husky, watching him and his reactions to what he had tried to test himself with. Jet felt uneasy by the evaluating gaze. "Who could be so cruel to do that to someone?" Xander's gaze broke as Jet probed for answers, the ferret re-adjusting his glasses on his slender muzzle before he spoke.

"From what we have learned from the remains of files, all of them willing did this, they became Paladins so they could protect us. Now what I'm going to show you is a few videos, so you can see what a Paladin really is. Maybe you'll start to understand why Miles wanted you to know what he is before you make such a drastic choice in your life." Xavier reached over pressing a key on the lap top starting an old video on the screen, the image coming up fuzzy at first before focusing.

*****

A man in wire rimmed glasses wearing a lab coat came into focus. "This is the Elite Soldier Project Northern Integration center. Subject, E nine four nine, was designated and designed for ground combat and heavy assault, name with held by request. Personnel files and records have have been erased after approval." The camera panned over and showed a chamber filled with large vertical tubes half covered with metal, leaving just enough clear material to make out the forms of creatures that Jet couldn't place as fur or human. The scientist walked up to a raised console near a tube and pressed a series of buttons, "Alright, hes ready. Lets crack this egg open!" The chamber opened, metal and glass slid upwards towards the ceiling. Clear, almost jelly like fluid flooded the grated floor in front of the tube, as a large figure dropped forward to the floor as the only form of support drained away. Attached hoses and wires stretching and pulling free of the once captive creature, the last to pull free was a glowing mask pulling a hose from the creature's throat and nose. Soldiers quickly came forward, guns at the ready, as the scientist put himself between them and the creature. "Can you hear me? If you can hear me nod your head." The figure nodded slowly, the scientist taking a penlight and shining it into the figures eyes before it started pulling itself up to its feet, the creatures massive bulk reaching over even the tallest soldier, almost every section of his body covered in bone like plates making him protected by a natural armor over almost every inch of his body, almost hiding his gender. The solders stayed there ground, guns at the ready. " Subject, E nine four nine, responding well, computer shows all vitals are well above average. Ending session, following future field testing."

Xavier paused the video, "Are you OK Jet?" the husky just looked at the paused screen and nodded.

"So, Paladins, there made by humans?" Jet stared at the paused image, his original hatred of humans coming back into his head. All he could think about was the loss of memories and the creatures that were surely trapped in the other tubes.

"As far as we know, originally yes," Xavier was calm but could see Jet's hackles rising. Xavier pushed his glasses back up his muzzle as they seemed to try and slide down his fur. "There is a rumor that towards the end of the outbreaks many of the scientists had become like us. The chaos of the spreading virus outbreak were fast, many didn't know they had become infected until it was to late to alter the effects. Facilities were also limited in supplies and very far apart. Being a man of science myself, I would rather suffer the effects of the virus and use the limited resources to help others. I can only assume, others would have done the same." Xavier resumed the video, watching Jets gaze immediately focus back to the screen. It flickered a moment before switching scenes, the scientist from before adjusting his glasses.

"Classified entry, week three. Subject, E nine four nine, now registering the name "Plates" has, unsurprisingly, fulfilled all basic re-education and basic training, showing exceptional talent for strategic and heavy warfare. This is the live ammo field test using robotic drones." Plates walked up the camera.

"Sir, if your done taking notes, I would very much like to begin so I can begin my service." The huge creature looking down at the comparatively small scientist, his voice reminding him very much of Brian's booming voice, but his demeanor and eery calm reminded him of Miles.

"Alright, we are ready, if you remember the orientation, the "hostage" is inside the tank at the end of the course, your objective is to retrieve the target without harm. Remember this is a live round test. You have your emergency abort tag if you need it. Just break the neck band and it will release a shut down signal to the drones on the field. Otherwise the test will continue regardless of your physical condition. Do you understand?" The scientist readjusted his glasses as he looked up to the hulking bearlike creature. Plates only nodded in reply, the scientist raised a fist. A sudden series of alarms going off across the area, the camera refocusing to a starting point with a white line and stop light. "Alright, area is clear, overriding safety measures and....go!" Plates rushed past the white line as soon as the stop light hit green, splashing threw mud and over obstacles that a humans would actually have to traverse under, around or threw. Jet watched him coming to a wooden wall with climbing ropes, but instead of going over, Plates, tucked his head and smashed threw the wall. He smashed threw head on, sending shattered timbers flying, the huge creature ripping large boards from the obstacle as he passed threw. The image angles changed as new cameras took over to capture Plates' progress along the course. The next stretch of the run bringing figures popping up from the ground, with guns that started to unload on Plates as he was trapped in the open, without cover. Jet could almost see pieces of bone flaking from Plates' body as the bullets rained down on him. Plates, however, just roared like a bear, hurled the timbers he had grabbed at the closest targets smashing the heads of each before charging another and ripping it from its base and using it as a shield before tossing it back to the last gunner and jumping down a cliff toward the final target. The last camera shaking as it appeared that Plates had jumped down a forty foot drop. His bulk crashing to the ground causing the shock wave threw the ground that shook the camera and faced his final target. The tank already had its turret turning to lock onto him, but plates was unfazed by the position he found himself in. Plates charged forward to the tank, as more automated dummies popped up, one armed with a grenade launcher. The drone firing before the massive creature could react. Plates took the hit into his shoulder , roaring out as the rubble settled. The Paladin gathered himself from the ground showing more anger than pain, his shoulder bleeding the distance not showing anything more in the video, but other wise undamaged. Plates lunged at the figure ripping it from the base, disarming it and decided to ignore the other targets, instead heading to the tank itself. His pace already making the computer unable to target him effectively. The ground behind and round the Paladin shooting up mud and clods of dirt as bullets never found there target. He closed the distance in a few blinks of the eye, the range was to short to target him at all with the tanks main gun as he climbed up the machine punching it until the metal buckled and caused flaws in the metal work and started to, with bare hands to rip it apart. The Paladin hurling the heavy metal fragments at each of the drones with a deadly accuracy, silencing there guns once and for all. He finally managed to rip most of the top of the tank apart and reached inside, pulling his goal from the twisted metal. Cradling what appeared to be a child's baby doll, his grip of it was the same as if a woman held her own child.

"So was that good enough!?" Plates voice was cold even when raised as he looked towards the camera, his face and expression calms and devoid of emotion. The video cut out going to static. Jet stared at the static processing what he had just seen. Looking to Xavier he could only point at the screen.

"Can Miles do that!?"

"It's hard to say, some can, some can not. It seems Miles was built for speed, and agility, I don't know if he has the brute strength like Plates."

"So...all the Paladins gave up everything to become all this and ...all they know is that?"Jet could feel the grip he held on the desk becoming painful, finding himself gripping so tight as if he could rip the desk apart. "Just made and, all they know is war and pain. Just weapons used to protect people never given a choice in life?" Jet looked up to Xavier, a rage filling him as tears filled his eyes. "There just slaves like I was, conditioned and raised to do things without a choice!"

"I'm afraid....the short answer, is yes." A sadness could be heard in Xavier's voice, he looked over his glasses at Jet. Jets mood following the ferrets as he spoke. "Remember they, as humans, chose this life. Many died during the war, others found a way to ...be decommissioned. We don't know how long they will live, but some estimate there life span is in the hundreds maybe even a thousand years. We don't really know how they were made, or what there creators expected for them. I can't believe they expected a war to rage forever."

"I can see why they, decommissioned, " the euphemism not escaping its meaning to the husky. Jet, felt his rage leaving him and he could feel a empathy towards the Paladins. He'd seen slaves come into Minerva's before that only knew the nightmares Jet dodged everyday, there looks and expressions the same as Miles had shown as he had left the converted greenhouse. The slaves had never survived long, they were alone and alienated themselves from everyone, they simply gave up according other people, and in a few days or weeks simply vanished from the club without a trace.

"Are you alright, Jet?" the ferrets look was serious, and there was no hiding the worry in his voice.

"Yea, I'm OK, just remembering ..people that lived like that. They had been threw to much or lost so much...then one day. They just never show up again."

"I've heard stories like that." Xavier stood up and walked around to the back of his desk and opened a drawer fumbling around inside. "The last video is what Miles wanted you to see, but I'm willing to deny his request if prefer not to see it. This is ...violent and a bit much for even me to see. In good conscience I would advice you choose not to view this. However it is his wish and your choice, not mine. What would you choose?"

"Play it please, I want to know." Jet was determined to see what had happen to hurt his Master more than his very creation. He wanted to know....he had to know. Xavier pulled a metal box from the drawer and unlocked it with a key from around his neck before tucking it back into his shirt.

"Now, I want you to know that no one but me, and those involved know about this or what happen, and you are one of the few that will ever see it." Xavier pulled a CD from the case and opened the laptop tray placing it in and waited to start the video. "I can, and will stop it when ever you say for me too. Alright, Jet?" Jet only nodded, he was devoted to his new cause, and swore to himself for better or worse he had to know. Xavier nodded not meeting the younger canines gaze and started the video.

*****

"Come on Red, quit screwing around with that stupid helmet cam!" The feed started, the quality was surprisingly clear. "Why did you even get that damned thing!?"

"Hey, Duke. Chill man, when my kids grow up, they'll get to see what a bad ass there old man was!"

"Then get some good shots, Red, I'll want copies. OK, guys were all most there. Plates? Wingy? You guys ready? Were screwed if you aren't."

"Were good to go," Plates spoke up, his booming deep voice instantly recognizable, the camera jerking around in the vehicle to aim at plates and "Wingy" as he checked his gear. Jet gasped out loud, as the image steadied, Wingy was Miles.

"OK so last minute rundown in case you naked and furry monkeys didn't pay attention! The intel was last min rush job from an escapee, we assume there are 5 assailants all armed with rifles possibly shotguns, no word of heaver armament, but don't think they don't have it. We don't need to go in half cocked and loose someone. Were not sure of the friendly targets, we know its mostly women and children. Remember this is a late exposure region! They will be hungry and possible mid infection, offer them food before getting close or you might be the meal! We all know about the zombie feral." The camera jolted around as the personnel carrier lurched forward, the camera aiming at the ground as the tires ground to a sudden halt. The echo of gravel and dirt raining against the armored vehicle being picked up by the cameras microphone. "OK were there! By the numbers people! In and out, no casualties! GO!GO!GO!"The doors flung open, the troops filed out, Jet could see the mixed crew consisting of human and fur, filing out of the back of the vehicle with clock work precision. Plates and "Wingy" being almost the last out rushing up into the combat area, the camera man, red following behind them. The house, which was just a single floor ranch home, was in need of repairs. Its front windows covered with plywood, the rest showing cracks and broken panes of glass. The camera rushing up behind the Paladins.

"This will be easy with you guys here, tell you what, well get drinks after this, my treat."

"I could use a drink what about you, Plates?" Miles was smiling as he spoke. He gave Red a pat on the shoulder playfully his rifle braced in his free arm. Plates nodded,but said nothing his head posed awaiting the assault signal. Despite Miles' smile they still seemed overly serious but there was a humanity that Jet had yet to see in the wolf personally, the smile on Miles' face almost alien on the creature he knew. A raised fist around a corner of the building was there trigger and the trio smashed threw the front door, the sounds of breaking glass signed that the squad was forcing entry into the building from all sides. However, they were instantly greeted by rifles and shot guns at the ready. All of the hostages laid or sat bound and gagged, a dozen hostile humans with the guns aimed to the heads of women and children another half dozen had there guns aimed and targeted at everyone as they smashed threw the front door.

"Your late, we've been waiting for you freak loving assholes," the possible leader with his gun at a victim announced there welcome. Doors into the living room opened releasing faint clouds of tear gas as raiders in gas masks forced members of the squad into the living room and forced them to there knees. The camera panned around, showing women and children all of them of mixed ages and gender, some almost fully changed, some only half way. The camera stopping to focus on a middle aged woman with her hands tied behind her back, her mouth gagged and shotgun pressed to the back of her head by the leader that announced them. Her dirty features being washed away by here fearful tears. "I knew if we let that cunt go she'd bring you right to us, now we get to get rid of ALL of you freaks!"

"We walked right into the trap..."

"Hell right you did! You're all going to die, and you freaks get to watch these fuckers die first!" The blast of a shot gun blinded the camera as the woman fell, a few flecks of blood splattering the camera and the soldiers, the woman's body falling forward, her limp body making an audible thump against the beaten down carpet, barely anything that could be called a head left to discern her face as blood instantly started to soak into the carpet.

"You fuckers!" Red started to move the unmistakable paw of Plates flashing in front of the camera holding Red in place. The screams of a child dragged the camera to its source. A young girl barely five or six years old screamed out, having pulled away from her captor, her new sharp fangs having ripped threw her cloth gag. The girls captor, being left holding a shredded rag in one hand and a sawed off shot gun in the other.

"Ma'am!, please no! Ma'am! Gi't up Momma" her scream carried a heavy southern accent, the girl was small, half way threw her change. A dark band of fur across her eyes, and a tail sticking out of a hole in a homemade dress, fur on her face soaked in tears. Jet could place the voice even without seeing the girls face, he knew it was Ann. The camera didn't move from her as the bandit pressed his gun against Ann's head. The small girl didn't move, she just rested her head on her mothers back sobbing and crying. The sound of a feral growl coming close to the mic of the camera, as everyone stood helpless, any move could cause a fire fight and the swat team and hostages were all the targets.

"Quit your bitching freak, you'll be joining her in Hell in second! We were here first! No damned animals are going to kick us out!" Before anything else could happen the camera went black, the mic of the camera hissed as a sudden gust of air caused static over the microphone.

"Miles, no!" Plates shouted at the sudden move, but it was too late. The camera refocused barely in time to see the bandit at Ann scream out his gun..and its connected arm falling to the ground as they were ripped away from his body. Ann being covered in the bandits blood as it pumped to a limbs that were no longer present.

"What the fu-" another bandits voice was cut short as the wolf's claws grabbed his head, slamming it all the way threw the brick mantel of the fireplace behind him. The force crushing the mans skull, caving it in and almost flattening it leaving a bloody pool pouring from the cavity in the wall, the body falling to the floor, the assailant of the bandit already already gone attaching the next closest target.

"Get that winged mother fucker!" A random muffled shout from someone in a gasmask echoed across the room as each bandit changed there targets from prisoners, to the fast moving creature wiping them out one by one. Shots lit of the video feed, as they went wide unable to find there target. Only one shot for sure connecting, as Miles literally howled with pain and anger the shooter ending his life in the gamble, the bandits head ripped from his body leaving a twitching lifeless body collapsing to the floor. The bandit that gave the order, charged in and met his death almost instantly. His neck slashed by deep claw wounds severing his throat, the filters of his mask filling and dripping with blood. The masked human choking and gurgling as his he succumbed to gravity falling where he stood. The black winged Paladin lunged from target to target, ravaged by rage that only added to his speed. The camera never able to fully focus on Miles as he moved so quickly, the flashes of light from fire arms making everything lose the definition in the video feed. Only by Plates rushing into frame and tackling him to the ground did the massacre end. The huge beast's strength overwhelming wolf's as the bear put him in a literal bear hug, keeping him from doing more than snarl and snap at his sudden jailer.

"It's OVER, It's over! Everyone is safe! Snap out of it!" Plates pleas were only slowly soaked in as the wolf fought to not go limp his shoulder coated his own blood, as it pumped from his wing and shoulder. But every inch of him was spattered or dripping in the blood of the bandits he had shredded. The camera finally focused again, there was so much red in the picture, Jet, shuddered unable to make out who's blood or body parts belong to any specific person. Troops, now freed of there captors, were grabbing the kids and leading them and the remaining women to safety outside. The young Ann refusing to leave until the squad took her mother, she never left her mother's side. Only two bandits still lived, one who was untouched had urinated in his pants. He sat in his own puddle, praying, rocking himself in shock and terror. "Right hand of God, please, Holy Gabriel, Spare me I repent! Please spare my life." He was still begging and pleading to his god for forgiveness, when a soldier grabbed him shoving him to the ground to be bound. The other that had attacked Ann was missing his arm, the team medic was doing his best to stabilize him. All the while Plates kept Miles in a tight hold.

"Kill them, let me kill them! All of them! They don't deserve to live!" The wolfs wild stare of rage remained steady as he growled. The squad leader, Duke, stepping up fearless of the wolf.

"There dead Miles, you killed them all, least twenty of them. Its over, everyone else is safe. The kids are safe." Miles sighed deeply his breath leaving him and almost instantly went limp in plates hulking arms.

"The kids are safe...?" The camera moved towards Duke.

"He finally snapped, didn't he?"

"Can you blame him? He did what I've wanted to do every mission. He saved those kids and us. Maybe he snapped, but I'm proud of him. Hell, I'm a bit jealous." The camera craned back over from a shouting of the live bandit that had soiled himself, the corpses and parts of of his comrades still littered about in what seemed so much like a horror movie it was unbelievable.

"Reckoning, its the day of reckoning!" The man was clearly in shock. Though no one moved or showed an ounce of care about it.

"Someone get this piece of shit out of my sight before I shoot him myself!...God dammit Red, is that camera still on!? Are you Fucking retarded-" then the video suddenly cut off.

***

Jets eyes were flooded, it was hard to see and he wiped away the tears with backs of his arms. Xander closed the laptop slowly while watching Jet's reactions, "this video was taken less than twenty years ago. Miles has not slept since, less it was before a mission or from utter exhaustion." Jet suddenly cried freely for the first time, he didn't care about being strong, or hiding away his pain. As far as he was concerned, he had just watched his Master, the same person who had held him and comforted him only a night before, his savior from the club and Minerva. The same creature that had told him to be happy in his darkest moments, snap all in order to protect Ann as a child and others. "Jet? Are you alright?" The ferret asked offering the husky and handkerchief. Jet only shook his head pushing it away.

"Gabriel, that's what people started to call him wasn't it?" Jet looked up sniffling like a child while he saw Xander nod.

"It is. He has lived with that ever since, never letting it go. He's never forgiven himself-" "HE DIDNT DO ANYTHING WRONG!" Jet suddenly removing himself from the desk stomping a booted paw against the floor. The sudden outburst startled Xavier making the ferret jump to his feet rather than slip from the desk.

"He killed all those men, however to most of society its a horrible act. He did right by many people, myself included. But all he can see is how wrong it was." Xavier regained his composure, re-adjusted his glasses and stepped closer to Jet and rested a paw on the canines shoulder. "He'll be waiting for you to decide, now that you know." The ferret moved towards Jet, the husky almost reflexively hugging Xavier, burring his head against his chest as he sobbed. "I'm sorry, but he wanted you to know, so you can make your choice knowing the truth." Jet's mind was cloudy as the cried and thought, he remembered what Ann had told him. She believed that he had changed him already, even Xavier noticed a change. Most of all he wanted to see that smile that he saw in the video for himself. Xavier rubbed Jet's back feeling the husky's torso spasm with each sob. Jet slowly pulling away, forcing himself to muster his strength to speak again. He wiped his arms over his face wiping away the fresh tears.

"I can only guess how he feels, I think I know. I know what I wanna do for him now, for sure." His head rested against the ferret's chest as he spoke.

"This is a big decision, are you sure?" Xavier stayed calm as he pulled away from the canine looking down to meet his gaze.

Jet stood up straight tugging at his vest and nodded. The husky forcing a smile as he walked towards the side door that him and Ann had entered, he opened the door but before stepping outside he turned around, "Mr. Xander?"

"Yes, Jet?"

"Thanks you for this. Miles was right, I needed to know, and now I know, I can help him. Thank you, sir."

"No, Jet. If you can help him, thank you." Jet nodded quickly, a determined look in his heterochromatic eyes he stepped threw the door. As it closed Xavier removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes and cleared his throat. "I pray you can...."

Jet barely made it around the corner before running head first into, Ann, coming the other way, her bust keeping him from slamming his nose painfully. "Jet you've b'en crying are ya OK, Pumpkin?"

"yea, I'm sorry. I probably look a mess, don't I?" Jet stepped back rubbing his muzzle.

"Was fraid of worse, I h'pe ya remembered-" Jet cut her of quickly.

"Yea, I remembered, it didn't matter though," Jet could her her heavy sigh showing she already assumed the worse. "You were there weren't you?"

"Yea, Pumpkin, I knew ya w'uld figur' it out quick like." Ann's started to cry again re-matting her dark mask of fur. "He saved ma life," her voice trailed off softly."

"He saved mine too, Ann, and you do so much to reply it, I want replay him too, no matter what it takes." Ann looked back at Jet, her blood shot eyes wide in disbelief.

"Do ya mean? Even after all that?" Jet nodded quickly.

"You and Xavier both said I was changing him and I could make him happy and I'll do all I can!"Jets voice carried more bravado then he actually had, he didn't know if he could, but knew he would try.

"Ya know, Pumpkin dosn' fit ya. Y'er more of a heaven sent angel, what you think, Angel?"

Jet could only chuckle at the irony that his master had a name like Gabriel and he was now being called an angel. "I think I like it. Lets go find, Miles."

They searched around and asked if anyone had seen the Paladin, finding out he was on the third floor north wing. However upon arriving Jet grew nervous. On either side of the door were soldiers, not in jump suits but full combat fatigues. One stepped forward to block there way.

"Sorry, we are under orders no one is to enter except military personnel."

"But my Master is in there and I need to speak with him!"

"Sorry but we have our orders."Jet growled with determination and stepped up to the door reaching out to enter but his arm was grabbed firmly. "Please son, we don't want to have to detain you. But we will if you make us. "

"Come on, Angel, calm down." Ann's voice was sad but calm. She turned to the soldiers, "we can't enter but y'all can, why don't ya go tell em to come out'ere."

"Ma'am, please understand I don't have ran-"

"Don' ya, "MA-AM," me jar head! I'm the head of the kitchen 'ere, and if you don't wanna to be be eatin' boiled we'rms for the rest the month you'll turn your camo clad ass towards that door and do as I said!" Jet could see the soldiers both jump at the sudden and violent change in the racoons entire being. The large raccoon puffing up seeming even bigger as her fur stood on end.

"Y-yes, ma'am.." the solder stuttered turning to open the door but it was already opening inwards. The solder's balance, thrown off as he tumbled forward catching himself short of slamming into the figure at the door.

"I should have known. Only you would have the audacity to interrupt me during work, Ann." Miles looked at her then to Jet with a blank stare, his typical facade lacking any sign of emotion or even annoyance at the noisy intrusion. However, he felt the knot in hist throat again. "I do have important work, I wouldn't expect that I need to remind you of this."

"Yea, I know if y'ere working, but this is important! Please, talk to, Jet!" The husky looked at his booted paws then back up to the wolf. His gut felt like it was imploding and his chest about to burst. He wanted to just run away but forced himself to step up, bring his false bravado forward for himself and Ann.

"Please? I'll be quick I promise,"Jet struggled to keep his voice calm, the Paladin could only sigh and nodded.

"Very well, but Ann you stay out here." The wolfs head looked over to the soldiers, his gaze fixating on the soldier that had stumbled. "As for you two, im releaving you of your posts. You obviously can't follow orders since I remember saying, I specificity didn't wish to be disturbed." Miles nodded to Jet and ushered him into the room closing and locking the door behind. Once inside Jet could see the room was ill lit with accent lighting and table lamps, almost every inch of the walls were covered with maps and hanging clipboards of files and papers. Even parts of the ceiling had aerial maps posted. Miles never turned around but walked to one the tables covered in maps. Jet could see red circles and X's dotting all over the maps as he followed behind Miles tot eh back of the room. It reminded him of hidden base camps in old war movies.

"You're looking for something aren't you?"

"I thought you came to speak to me, Jet, not show me your deduction skills." The Paladin felt himself becoming uneasy with Jet in the room alone. "You are a civilian, you should keep in mind the things you see here are never to be spoken of to others."

"Yes, sir, I understand. I'm ready to give you my decision." The wolfs ears went rigid twisting to listen to Jets voice. Miles himself making no motion to turn as he looked over loose leaf pages of notes and maps.

"So, now that you have all the information you need, I trust you can make a logical decision?"

"Yes, sir." Thank you for having me see, Xavier." Jet stood tall, his hands behind his back trying to mimic his brother, Toby's, tough man image. Miles never looked away from the maps but took a drink of water swallowing hard. The aggravation of his tensed muscles leaving him perplexed. "I've already told Ann what I decided, and she backs me on my decision. ...Master miles, I want to continue to serve you, and aid you in anyway I can. Nothing has changed."

"We both know that's a horrible decision, you know what I am and what to do to be safe."

"It's my choice though isn't it? You haven't said that I can not be your assistant or servant, that I can't try and repay you for everything you have done for me and everyone else, have you?"

"So you would choose throw your life away to be a subservient to some monster to repay a debt you believe that I am owed? You know that I was created to do a duty, I am not owed anything by anyone." The wolfs voice was almost mechanical and cold as he spoke, sending a shiver down Jet's spine from the lack of emotion meeting his ears.

"I know that there are people that owe you there life. I can't speak for them and there lives but this is my life and my choice right? This isn't a choice I'm making for someone else, or I'm offering to someone else, it's my offer to you! I know everyone here looks up to you, you've inspired and helped almost everyone here." Jet took a step forward towards Miles, the Paladins wings lurched unfolding from around his torso spreading apart, almost a foot, Jet stopped moving feeling the intimidation of the move. His voice cracked as he kept speaking. "You helped me, Master. You could have just brought me here and told me I was free and leave me to my own devices, but you stayed with me and helped me feel safe. For the first time in my life I'm not afraid and I feel safe around you, if it took all my life that's something I want to repay, and this is how I choose to do it."

"Do you really have any idea how dangerous I am, how pointless this choice is?" Jet could hear the Paladins voice but his wings now blocked the view of the wolf's face.

"You would protect me wouldn't you? You'd try too, And I know you wouldn't hurt me."

"You put a lot of faith into a monster, you have only known for a day."

"I put my faith with my, Master."

"As you wish." Miles looked up from the maps, refolding his wings, feathers pulling into his wings closely as they wrapped under his arms and back over his chest, he turned to face Jet finally. "If this is your choice, I, will not deny you of it. Now please, go and entertain yourself for the remainder of the day. I must finish the rest of my work tonight so we can get your friends tomorrow."

"Yes, Master, I'm sorry for interrupting you, but I wanted you to know," Jet didn't say anything else but went to the door unlocking it, he knew Miles was one to bury himself in his work, he could tell that something else was bothering him but couldn't say he knew him well enough to guess what it was. He exited quietly closing the door behind him.

Miles waited for the door to click and sighed closing his eyes tightly, he knew he could have denied Jet choice, scared him, threatened him, anything to make him change his mind, but he didn't, and he didn't know why. Maybe, Jet, was right, maybe he just wanted someone to repay him for the life he'd spent protecting everyone else. He looked at the map clad walls. Is that what it could be? He'd become entranced with the husky quickly, but since he met him, Miles felt a storm coming. He should have left him to the re-integration team, but he had become emotional after he was assaulted at the club, and insisted on his purchase nearly a week ahead of schedule. The operations team still hadn't even arrived. Since last night he found he had to fight to talk and his muscles tensed when ever Jet was around. His thoughts were abruptly ended as the door slammed open, a very agitated German Shepard charging into the room.

"What the Hell, Miles! I just went over the expense reports! Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice where those funds came from you spent to buy those boys freedom!?"

"What does it matter? It didn't come out of our budget." Miles stayed calm, not making a move still in his own world while still looking over other papers and maps.

"You know damn well it matters! Miles the council frowns deeply on personnel using there own private funds for military operations!" Justin was franticly speaking and his displeasure was bordering on anger. "You know there will be an inquiry into all this and for what you spent!? I can can damn well guarantee you they wont reimburse you a single cent!"

"I'm fine with that, I didn't need money that was in that account. And I did it case it was the right thing to do. The council would do well to be reminded it is much of my funding that now outfits many of these operations."

"Miles, no disrespect, but "the right thing to do?" What is wrong with you. The re-integration team hasn't even arrived and your spending private funds to free slaves who can not even be processed yet."

"To be honest, Justin. I don't know." the wolf gave a heavy sigh and turned from the files and maps, Justin walked over tossed the expense report on the edge of the table.

"Master Miles?" Justin's tone changing dramatic a touch of worry carried in his voice. "Seriously, is something wrong? I saw you walk from Xavier's class room earlier, I haven't seen you looking like that in years."

"I don't know, maybe I'm just working myself to hard. I still cant find this damn compound! This maps are all out of date, and the bastards seem to dodge the satellite cameras when its in position. We still haven't gotten more than a few shots of activity in even half of the possible target locations. But the infrared shows there activity."

"That's not it, you've been making snap decisions lately, and already progressing with the mission before were fully prepared. Its like your not thinking with your head."

"Are you saying I'm making bad decisions?" The Paladin raised a brow folding his arms looking to meet Justin's gaze.

"No, never. Your the only Paladin I have ever met that can make a decision with his emotions like most of us would do." Justin stepped closer, "what I'm saying, Miles, is that you may be emotionally involved in this missions outcome."

"You realize what your implying don't you?"

"Yes, which is why I'm saying it!" Justin reached up resting a paw on the wolfs shoulder, "if you don't get a grip fast you'll loose this post. You know I will defend you in this, and help you however I can but if your not careful they'll consider you unfit for duty."

"Thank you Justin, ill try and be more careful."

"You should have told me what you had planned from the start, sir. You know I already buried this money trail, but would have been easier if you had told me first." Justin squeezed his paw over the shoulder, "Ann told me what Jet did today. She thinks hes good for you. I don't know if shes right. But if she is, hes worth so much more than money. Miles, I don't know what it is, but something tells me he is special," Justin locked his gaze with Miles who didn't say a word. "The preparations are ready for tomorrow, I took the liberty of arranging it so no one will figure out where the money came from. So ill see you tomorrow for your gear?"

"Yes, I just want take a few more looks at these maps."

"OK, I understand. I know you sense it in Jet too."

"Sense what?" The wolf breaking the locked gaze and moved over to the maps on the table, moving the expense report out of the way.

"I've seen his effect on you, you know there's something different about him too."

"That has yet to be proven, unlike you, I do not have the comfort of working with feelings."

"And yet, here we are,"Justin turned and headed to the door closing it slowly and quietly behind him.

Jet let the door close to the beed room after cleaning up and walked down the stair case to meet Ann who was waiting, he felt proud but also put off by how cold his masters reply had been to his decision. "How did it go Jet?"

"He accepted my decision, but, i don't know..he just seemed so cold."

"Well, Angel, if he was really bein' cold he'd have made sure you changed ye'r mind."

"I guess that's true. I'm just happy he'll let me try and repay him."

"Well lets be happy, Angel! Ya know, I still got some cake and ice cream from lass night! Lets get a bit, and then ya can 'elp me with tonight's dinner!"

"Really? But, Ann, I was trained to serve they never taught me to cook?"

"Oh, darling puppy its easy, I bet you'll pick it up in no time!"

"O.K! Ann? Are Toby and Scout going to get a party like I did?"

"Of course Angel, we wanna greet everyone home! Sides, it gets everyone together to see why there fighting to good fight!"

"The good fight?"

"Dear we been at war, before I was even born. Usually we win..but there a lot o' people that have fought tooth and nail to fight change, some jus' wanna be left alone. Some O' them, the ones we fight, they don't just hate the change and us, they wanna see us all dead, even if it means destroying everything. My momma used to say some creatures is just too full of hate for a heart or a workin mind."

"If there so bad?" Ann opened the door to the cafeteria, Jet, having hardly noticed how quickly they had covered the grounds, as he entered threw the offered door. "Thank you, Ann," Jet continued with his original question, "If there so bad why don't we just leave them alone?"

"Oh, Darlin', We tried that before. One thing about bad people, they find other people with same sick minds. They like a packs o' wild dogs. When we left them alone they ge't together and attack all us honest folk. So the war boys got together and decided, the only way we could have the world free and back was if'n we took a big ol' broom and brushed e'm off the map. Now I'm a God fearing lady mind ya, but I have to agree. If we ever wanna be safe to live our lives then we got to get rid of them folks what would u'rt us and our kin. Ya know those folks I said just wanted to be left alone? Them savages even attacked 'em when they wouldn't join em, or turn against us. That angel, that is some hate we don't need in this world."

"The ones that wanna be left alone? Do they hate us?"

"Naw, Angel, mean some the ol' ones are a bit raciest and scared of us, but we trade with 'em and help 'em, there part of the new world. They just want there kind with there owns. Now, before ya says it, there not just human. Some where up in the wars some fur bearers got the idea that some types should stay close. They got ol' idea of royalty and pure breedin', that old humans had up in there noggins." Ann handed Jet a plate with a few scoops of ice cream and large square slice of cake on it, dodging the kitchen staff as she talked. Jet had become oblivious to his surroundings as he followed Ann around, mimicking her every move threw the kitchen almost like second nature.

"So is the new nation is better than the old one? Even after everything that's happen?"

"Well, Darlin', there ain't no perfect world, the people did what they could and its always a changing. We'r doing there best to adapt and make it less corrupted, but Miles told me once, that a world run by man or even an animal in a mans shape is still a man, and they will always be trouble."

"So, then well always fighting?"

"Hell no, Darlin'. We live, we survive, we adapt, long as people have a voice and a will, will always keep goin, always fight to be free and do what is right." A sudden hail of cheers from the kitchen staff stopped Jet's next question and he was more happily resigned to have more of Ann's cake and ice cream. Ann was bowing to her staff as she had a bite of the cake herself, Jet could see why she was the lord of the kitchen and why even soldiers feared her. If she was a soldier, Jet, had no question that she would be the one in charge. She was tough and seemed to lack fear ...and most of all, she was inspiring in a few words. Her smile, and her words, she didn't have to think before she spoke, they came from her heart and with conviction. He was so mesmerized by the staffs reaction while he ate he didn't even comprehend he'd finished the desert that the night before we was so enthralled with. "Ya all done, Angel? Come one get your paws washed time to get to work. Got to feed the boys!"

"Oh course, I'm sorry I totally zoned out!" Ann only started laughing and showed the husky to the wash sinks and reached up to get a box of gloves and cooks apron. "Now, Darlin', you got to wear gloves and this coat, while we wouldn't notice it, our human friends have a sensitive pallet, they don't like fur in there food." Jet nodded putting on the coat and gloves, he gave a startled jump as he felt Ann cover his head and muzzle with a hair net and beard net that strained along the length of his face. Jet noticed his gloves were a bit long, probably to make room for claws. Jet followed Ann, watching her pulling out cutting boards and knives, before she laid out celery for him and carrot for herself. "Now, Darlin', I'm going to show ya how to chop these up, ill take the tougher ones, wouldn't want my Angel to go cuttin' his pretty paws." Jet watched as she took some the stalks that had no doubt been prepared all ready and taking Jet's knife started to cut them expertly and quickly," now see how I did that? You wanna hold them steady, and you don't have to be as fast be safe and careful of your paws, but cut them small like that, think ya can do it?"

"Yea, I think I can do that, just small cuts, and be careful right?"

"That's my, Angel!" Ann handed him the knife and proceeded to cut her tote full of carrots before Jet could even get threw his first few celery bunches. She was watching him carefully as she brushed the last of her cuts into the tote, then ran off to check how her staff was doing. Ann taking the role of head chief, correcting some and adding things to others pots and pans, Jet kept cutting his mind wandering back to Miles and trying to figure out ways to prove himself and repay him, barely noticing, Ann, yelling in the background over the kitchen to speed things, or that she was coming back over in a flurry some moments later, flustered over some the less skilled help staff, "Jet these are way to thick!" The sudden close sound near him snapping him back to reality as he looked down realizing in his absent minded state he had started to cut way to large. Instinctively he flattened his ears and flinched from the voice expecting a reprimand and a slap.

"I'm sorry, please, I didn't mean too,"Ann's voice almost instantly changed, seeing the young man begin to cower.

"Angel, its OK, it's fixable, don't be so afraid."

"B-but I messed it up."

"So people make mistakes, your new to this, its not like ya could have killed someone Angel." Ann's smile was back and she rested a paw on his shoulder to reassure him.

"No-no ma'am, just.."

"They hit ya' if you messed up didn't they?"

"Y-yes, Ann." Jet looked up to Ann, he felt scared and sad but her smile reassured him.

"Angel your home, ain't no one going to hurt you for trying, even if you mess up, far as were concerned, were all family." A nearby kitchen staff member had seen Jet cringe and came over to support Ann.

"Less you burn the sauce , then shell clip your ears!" The man laughed, helping to remove the tension in the air. The figure carried the same energy as Ann. He was slender, well muscled that seemed to strain against his tightly tied apron, a mop of blonde hair in his hairnet accenting his deep blue eyes

"Tommy!"

"Yea, yea, but seriously, Jet, Ann here..she like a mom to all of us, ain't no one in this kitchen that would ever hurt another, we mess up we help each other out. Miss Ann, is right, were family, for some of us, this is the only family we ave', got to stick together. Right Ann?"

"Yea, Tommy," Jet could see Ann's energy wasn't just her own but she infected her whole staff, and he really felt like this was his family.

"I'm still sorry, how do I fix it?"

"Well Jet, I know Ann's got a lot to do so ill fix this so its ready, how about you hang with Ann here and she can teach you a few tricks so you can try to help us out again some time."

"Thanks, Tommy, that sounds like a good idea."

Tommy got close to jet as he spoke lowering his voice almost to a whisper."If ya stop by later ill teach ya how to use this knife right. Don't want ma' here boxing your ears if ya mess up again."

"I'd do no such thing!" Ann stomped her foot, but her smile never left. Tommy laughed at her act which only helped defuse the mood even more.

"Yea, I know but you had me pealing potatoes the first two weeks cause I couldn't keep my station clean!"

"It took you that long to learn to clean!" Jet could only laugh watching the banter and it was quickly contagious to all in earshot. Ann, was more than happy to spend the rest of the night showing Jet the ropes in the kitchen, Jet never thinking that Ann had planned all of this just to keep his mind off of things that had happen. By the time dinner came he was helping serve food, his ears shooting up in anticipation every time the door open, but the one person he wanted to serve never showed up. It was a long night, by the time he served his last troop and helped Tommy clean the trays he was to worn out to give it too much thought. Ann finally telling the staff she was going to see Jet to bed and to make sure the place was ready for the morning staff. She lead him up to his and Miles' shared room helping him out of his kitchen clothes and boots before helping him undress. The tired husky shivering as he was undressed to his bare fur having not seen a need for anything under his outer clothing. A sudden flash back of dread from his last night at the club washing over him. "Its OK pup, just going to get you to bed." Jet just trembled a little and nodded. "You look terrified, Angel, whats wrong?"

"Just, I was just remembering last time in the club before coming here."

"Oh, Honey, I understand, I heard from Beth what happen." Jet tilted his head, he recognized the name. Where had he heard it. "Angel, I'm sorry for what happen to you in there. I bet she'd not have let anythin' happen if she could stop it."

"Who is Beth?"

"Now Angel, tha's someth'n you don' need worry yourself about. Just know she's a good woman trying to do whats right by us." With that Ann smiled and laid Jet into bed tucking him in, "Don' worry about a bath before bed, pup, I'll come in and wash all the sheets for ya tomorrow, you can sleep and ge't cleaned up tomorrow. But if you aren't up on time I'll just have to come get you up and give you a bath ma'self!" Jet chuckled, yet didn't find the notion of this motherly racoons doing just as she threatened. Ann kissed his cheek and headed for the door, "get some sleep, Angel." With that she flipped the light switch and was gone with a soft click of metal against wood. Jet closed is eyes and fell asleep almost instantly. It seemed only like a moment and he was awaken by a flicker of amber and rolled over to see the fire place going, the room was warm. Jet could see the large chair from his first night, and noticed the tale tail signature of draped feathers knowing his master was sitting in front of the fire.

"M-master?, "the sleepy voice echoed across the room towards its intended target. But there was no movement.

"Jet you should sleep, your friends are to be brought here tomorrow. They should not be greeted by a tired friend."

"Are you OK, Master?"

"There is much to be done, sleep now Jet." the husky was to tired to argue and fell back to sleep quickly never noticing the wolf tucking him back in before going back to his chair, or the stare he gave the fire deep in his own thoughts or the wolf's final words of the night. "What if Justin is right?"