FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

*-Track marker-.00341LY past slipset threshold/intra-sys coast at 67098kph. Decel start:-*

Korall hammered her hips as Sendris flushed tightly inside her. The raccoon grunted once as he went to the edge and over and the fennec astride him shivered when she felt it. She whistled contentment through her teeth and Sendris stroked her ears as the star ship's bulkhead rumbled next to them.

Korall clutched the raccoon's damp flank. "Break thrust?"

Sendris caught his breath, black-masked eyes opening slowly. "Sounded kinda rough.The Fortune needs an overhaul."

"It always does." The fennec rolled away onto the cabin's cot. They stared panting at the beams overhead as the coals of their sex cooled fast. Silence held for a long time before Korall finally found the words to break it. "Just say it."

"What-what do you mean?"

Her copper eyes blinked. That was the first smile I've seen in days. You wear your mood like a bad suitseal patch. I know something's eating you."

The raccoon looked away. "No. This job's like any other, no matter what we've gotta do, we'll...get it done."

She frowned. "I was referring to 'us', but thanks for putting me on vector." Korall propped herself up on one arm and studied him. "So what about it? We've done our research. We know what to expect and how to adapt to what we don't. We're ready."

"That's not it." Sendris said and stopped himself.

Korall tried to read the knot of worry on his face. Was it regret? "You've got to be kidding-"

The hammering on the hatch startled them both. "Get up!" Gentry shouted. "We'll be dirtside in less than two hours. I need you on the scopes to make sure our approach isn't spotted." The coyote's yawn cut into his next words. "Go wake Sendris would you?"

Korall chuffed. "Sure."

Gentry muttered phrases in the Kaltoo dialect as he stalked down the hall. Korall met Sendris' worried gaze as the chanting faded and tapped his quivering jaw. "You don't see Gentry having any doubts, do you?" "No."

Korall smiled sweetly. "Gentry never does. That's why this will work."

*-Second night of the cleft moon, long heat of the resting season-*

It took nine hunters from two tribes to bring the Lemeskell down just before dusk. Despite a long chase throught the dunes none among the party suffered worse than a shallow gash. Pa lel had the finishing thrust. Long after the feast and the distribution of the skins she could feel the delightful throb of that blow in her shoulder.

Tis mat lit a brazier and came round to rest his creamy muzzle rested upon her shoulder. "You are restless. Did the hunt not tire you out?"

Sweat cooled under Pa lel's fur and she could feel it under the arms that wrapped around her. "Of course not, nor what followed." Her grin was feral, the scent of blood still on her teeth.

"What troubles you then?"

She stared into the dancing flame that lit their tent. "I am wanting. There is a difference."

His flicked ears nudged hers. "You had your pick among the Kalnuit hunters. Any from their party would have been glad to celebrate with us. Pe nas especially."

She grunted and looked away. "You like her. I do not. She begs too much attention."

"She is eager, yes," Tis mat said with a shrug of his broad shoulders. Inked runes danced on the sandy gloss of his hide.

"She is demanding," Pa lel said dismissively. "I know you like that."

"I do." The male coyote sighed. "Why do you think I find such joy in serving you?"

Pa lel leaned into the male's embrace, staring into the brazier's hypnotic light. "I should be thankful for all we have, though I can't help feel a greed in me." Her paws drifted down her fur to the space between her thighs and lingered there. "The summer heat always makes it worse."

Tis mat could say nothing. As much as he tried to bring his bonded mate joy, he silently felt much the same.

There was a distant rumble, like a storm's warning thunder. Tis mat leaned over and lifted the flap. Outside beyond the palm fronds a clear blanket of stars gazed back.

"The Gods are ever amused," he muttered idly and let it drop.