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Jereth:

"There goes another one sir,"

"Action?" came the young bridge officer's voice.

"Hold your fire, that one will miss the planet." The commanding officer replied, his paw resting lightly on the young male's shoulder, as together they watched the missile scream silently through space, before skipping off the moons thin atmosphere and exploding.

Returning to his seat the lupine captain, watched as his ships weapons met and destroyed additional missiles from the creatures they called 'Terran's'.

"Bring us into plasma barrage range. Helm, focus all cannons on the lead ship."

The mighty cannons of the frigate Hopeful turned to the front arc and began laying down a dithering barrage of fire.

"I really wish I knew why they insisted on attacking us." Lorch mused as he watched the battle

"Sir?" came the helmsmen's voice, "Did you say something sir?"

"No, no just thinking aloud," the captain replied, his lips curled in a lupine smile.

The owl helmsman nodded as he returned to his station. As the guns continued to fire, the lead ship in the terran's formation started to break up. Large secondary and tertiary explosions wracked the once great ship. As the stricken ship began to break apart, the Hopeful witnessed many tiny explosions, lifeboats escaping their doom.

Hours passed, as the battle was fought, ships exchanged missiles and plasma rounds bringing swift death to warriors of all races and allegiances.

"Sir we just lost the Joyous." Came the silken raspy voice of the tactical officer.

With the loss of the western edge battleship, the battle seemed to progress swiftly in favor of. the invaders. "Sir ... " Again came the TAC officer's voice "Enemy frigate bearing down from dorsal angle... she's firing, sir!"

"

"Return fire, deflector cannons and full plasma, stand by for impacts. Dorsal section damage and fire control stand by," ordered the captain's voice over the broadcast system.

As the humans' Gas dynamic lasers stuck his ship and the missiles ate into his hull causing massive damage to his ship's systems, fortunately though not enough to cripple her.

"Roll her and give it a broadside, I want that threat removed! I will not let Hopeful go the way of Joyous." Captain Lorch continued as he clung to his seat amidst the chaos,

As the ship rolled to port and opened fire on the human vessel, destroying the ship and its crew.

With the loss of other additional ships the human formation broke apart and retreated away from the fringe of Alliance territory. The crew of the Command frigate Hopeful, let out a collective sigh of relief, as the battle passed from life to memory.

"Alright crew, I want a damage report by 28:00 hours, let's get this ship fixed so we can get on with the mission" Captain Lorch called over department channels, his bass voice booming.

As he continued to issue orders he was interrupted by the COM officer Ta'sar, who came from the world of Panthara Prime, home of the feline race Leosi

"Sorry to interrupt sir, command H.Q. on the line " she purred out to her superior.

"I'll take it in my office Ta'sar, thank you." He replied as he stood and entered his office to the left of the bridge.

"Go ahead Ta'sar patch it through," he said via the COM system before sitting down at his desk neatly slipping his tail through the slot in the chair.

"Commander Midwa, to what do I owe the pleasure of the call?" Lorch said to the view screen on which the Hawk commander's image was displayed.

"Stow the small talk Lorch, how's the Hopeful? Did she take any damage?"

"A fair amount sir, nothing fatal to her "

"I see... how soon till she's repaired?"

"Unknown sir I'm awaiting damage reports. Why?"

"We need you back at the council world, we have a delicate mission for you, " He turned, facing someone off screen before returning to face Lorch "I'm not at liberty to say more, but if your ship is damaged, take command of another ship and make all speed for the council world ...and Captain... taking command of a new ship is an ORDER." the commander replied as the screen shut off.

"Damn it!" Lorch swore as he returned to the bridge. "Engineering, give me an update on the repair, time...Now!" There was a brief delay as the equine engineer checked with his department before sadly turning to the captain,

"Ninety hours minimum, sir, we were hit harder then it looked. We lost most of the dorsal particle emitters, no way we can Starstream without them." Isial Replied, his large grey eyes full of sympathy for his captain.

"Right,right then,ok... Hail the Vengeance. Inform them I'm coming aboard,"

"OK sir, but you do realize that..." Ta'sar's voice trailed off as her commander finished his sentence.

"That the Vengeance is a Tigris ship? Thank you COM I'm well aware of her origins," Lorch replied hotly.

"Aye sir," came the COM officer's meek reply. "Communication established sir transmitting your orders.

The large striped face of the Vengeance's commander hovered into view over the view plate "Lorch, if you must come aboard, tell us why?" This last was spit out as an insult to the lupine alien's command status.

"I can't do that, but my orders come from the council, the council that put you in command of that warship," Lorch made a furtive signal with his paw to cut off the vicious fighter's insulting tirade, when it finely ended another gesture brought back sound.

"Curse you Lorch, we'll be waiting for you to arrive."

The field went blank before fading back to the debris-covered space surrounding them,the flash frozen body of a human passed in front of the visual sensors... seeing this Lorch stood and left the bridge of his ship, heading for the pods used for ship to ship transport he paused looked at his ship, his crew. "Commander Nishi, you have the bridge until my return. " These words he directed at the Juubatian, who was seated to the rear and left of the spot he so recently vacated.

Nishi nodded as she assumed the command position. Seeing that all was in order, Lorch left for the travel pods.

soundlessly the gas pressure jets fired as Lorch and his small pod drifted free of the Hopeful, before engaging the thrusters that would carry him across the battlefield to the War Cruiser Vengeance.

As Lorch settled in to flying the nimble little craft, his proximity sensors alerted him to another object headed in his direction. He switched his scanners to the area it was coming from.

As the human fighter craft swooped in on its intended target, its pilot completely intent on killing this helpless pod, Lorch screamed with frustration, fighting with the thrusters to give him more speed while praying to his people's gods to deliver him.

For a split second, just as the energy emitters in the fighter craft glowed, a brilliant flash filled Lorch's view. In Lorch's fear filled mind it was as if the gods had answered. He remained in this shocked state until the coarse voice of the Vengeance's commander broke over his communications package "Captain Lorch, come in, are you still breathing...?"

"Uh yea, Lorch here. Who's speaking?" He replied, his voice still unsteady from his brush with oblivion.

"Captain Shira of the Vengeance, and you'd better be damn thankful we scraped that creature off of your worthless pelt!" Her voice snapped. " Get that pod on-board so I can find out what secret orders you have." Shira muttered "Damn lupines" once COM was off.

" Sir Captain Lorch's pod's aboard he's en route to the command tower. Shall I have an armed escort greet him?" Tirse growled from the tactical station on the Vengeance's bridge.

"No, no, let him come as he pleases. He is our 'superior' after all." Shira replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

A few minutes passed as the background noises of a bridge in post battle conditions continued uninterrupted.

"Fleet commander on the bridge," Came the voice of a young security guard, as Lorch strode in from the rear of the bridge.

"That will be all youngling," Lorch ordered as he moved to the captain's chair. "Shira. Your office now." Lorch spoke, his voice radiating authority.

"Tell me 'lup, what is the meaning of this?" Shira snarled out as Lorch and herself reached the office. The tigress towered over Lorch by a half pace her proud muzzle pulled back in a snarl.

"I don't like having your kind on my ship!"

"The Alliance is well aware of your race's opinion of mine. That is not the issue here, Captain. My orders come from the council itself."

Shira's ears perked up at this, business for the council was different and no amount of bravado would save her pelt if she interfered with it.

"The council?" Shira purred, as she moved to the couch like chair behind her desk, practically flowing into it as she motioned for Lorch to continue.

Lorch looked around the office for a suitable seat, before settling for a small stool near the corner, hauling it out, he sat and repeated the orders he had been given

" So, you will turn this ship towards the council world and make full speed there. You will not inform any other ships as to where you're going, only that this ship is needed in another sector. My flag has already been removed from the Joyous and transferred here until the completion of this mission. Are we clear on that Captain?" Lorch growled his eyes fixed on the reclining captain opposite him.

"Purrfectly Sir." She replied, careful not to let any of the irritation she felt show through her submissive façade.

Lorch nodded as he stood, turned smartly and left her office. He returned to the bridge to give his first orders to the Tigris crew. As Lorch entered the bridge, the scent of barely concealed anger and hate hit him in the face like a fist.

Flaring his nostrils while trying to bite back a snarl, Lorch made his way to the centre of the bridge.

"Set course for Alliance center space maximum speed. I'll give you more precise directions when we near our destination." Lorch ordered as he reached the captain's chair, before passing it up to sit on the chair to it's left.

The young Tigris helmsman looked to Shira as she entered, for confirmation or cancellation of the wolf's orders. With a quick nod from her, Rikol the helmsman tapped in the course to take them nearer the Alliance's core worlds.

As Shira took her customary seat, she nodded to the helm "Fire thrusters get us a clear course for star-stream travel," Shira said as she pulled up a systems check on the star-stream drive.

"Captain, we're receiving insults and questions from the rest of the phalanx attack force. How shall I respond?" The COM officer's growl came from his post behind the captain's chair.

" No response, ensign. I'll take any flak this throws up with command, with the FULL backing of the lupis ... I expect." She said as she looked at Lorch "I EXPECT"

Lorch smiled "I'm sure THE Council will cover you Shira."

At the council's name the bridge fell silent,

"The council. We're doing this for the Council?" Someone on the bridge said.

Lorch's keen ears located the speaker as he turned to face them "Indeed lieutenant. This mission is council sanctioned."

"Yes sir ... Coordinates locked in, stand by sir, Star-stream drives standby, prepare particle emitters...." The technician's voice droned on as the klaxon's blared their warning of the imminent acceleration to star-stream speed.

Lorch ignored him as the ship began to accelerate towards the Council world.

"Lieutenant, what's the estimated duration for this trip?" Lorch asked with only a slight growl to his voice.

"Five days, sir" the helmsmen growled out.

"Five? You sure you're correct lieutenant? The trip out here took 6 days" Lorch responded with an air of incredulity.

"We have improved the drive, slightly after all we did create it" Shira smiled back.

Lorch nodded, as his lupinesque brain assimilated this new information. A faster drive meant faster response times to attack sites for relief aid, he considered, star stream wasn't the only way to travel between stars but it was one of the more efficient ones for great distance travel, but the preferred system for routine travel was still hyperspace generators, permanent or semi permanent gateways to allow near instantaneous travel between established routes.

Though Lorch knew of the systems and their function, he wasn't an engineer nor was he a designer so he just nodded and inquired as to his quarters for the duration of his journey to the council world.

"Sir your quarters are located in the aft part of the ship if you'll follow me I will lead you to them." A young Tigris ensign barely out of cub hood approached Lorch on the bridge.

With a nod Lorch stood, made his respects to Shira, she was still the ship's captain and followed the young Tigris off of the bridge.

After the lupine left the bridge the atmosphere on the bridge lost its icy coldness and regained the normal atmosphere common to all warships of the Alliance. Following the ensign Lorch reached his quarters; a plain relatively unadorned room more suited to a prisoner then a fleet commander. " "Hmm not quite what I was expecting ensign are you sure these are the quarters assigned to me..."

"I uh uh..." "Let me make it clear ensign I am Lorch, commander of the 3rd combined fleet. I will not be treated like a subservient of your captain, you will take me to the diplomatic quarters, as I know this class of cruiser does have a suite of them."

"I uh yes sir..." The ensign muttered as he hurriedly turned around and led Lorch to a more apt domicile.

The next few days were spent in starstream transit to the council world and while Lorch had access to the entire ship the racial animosity kept him confined to his suite. For whenever he entered the public areas of the ship, the fitness area or the pool a stench of anger and hate permeated the area, although Shira's crew were not openly hostile, to do that would violate the treaty that kept the alliance together.

Lorch was sitting in his quarters working on some tactical analysis, when the young ensign who first showed him his quarters scratched lightly at the plate on his door

"Enter" Lorch growled as he returned to deal with the problem he was working on.

" Sir I've been sent to inform you were nearing the council world an- " he was cut off by the ships broadcasters.

"Lorch your needed on the bridge" then after a brief pause the speakers crackled again " sir" the speaker added,

Lorch nodded to the ensign and made his way up to the bridge.

" good you're here Commander " Shira said as she stood and moved to the officers chair who in turn vacated his chair. "There are three heavy warships approaching us Lorch I thought you said we were expected?" Shira challenged him as the COM broke with a harsh sounding voice

" Unidentified ship, this is council patrol vessel Defiance identify yourself immediately or be destroyed "

"Captain it looks like they mean it there charging weapons."

"Thank you Shi'nel "Shira responded, " OK Lorch what's going on here. "

Lorch went over to the COM station and began typing commands into the unit

" Defiance this is Fleet commander Lorch temporally in command of the Vengeance," Shira gasped as he made this remark "I have been summoned before the council do not impede my progress" Lorch growled to the Equine commander of the Defiance

"Captain Lorch sir you're expected." The Captain on the view screen said as his ship lowered its defences. The other ships cleared the way for Lorch and the vengeance to enter the council world's orbit, though calling it a world was pushing the point, it being located in an asteroid field.

As the Vengeance approached the misshapen lump of rock that served the alliance for a controlling government, orders began to flow from the COM station; many just orbit coordinates and security checks

"Commander Lorch, the council want your presence immediately in the main chamber," Officer Riatel snarled out as he fed instructions to the helmsmen.

Lorch nodded as the great ship slowed to allow him to disembark via transit pod.

"OK sir! Pod V14 is fuelled and ready to leave!" Riatel continued, "good luck!" and then under his breathe. "And good riddance."

Lorch fought back a snarl as he left the bridge glad to be away from this racist crew. As Lorch entered the pod assigned to him he pulled on, his battle jacket, not willing to meet the council as a diplomat, but as the soldier that he was.

Lorch's pod fell away from the Vengeance, rapidly descending on the asteroid below. He put his piloting skills to the test as he flew through the debris that surrounded this orb.

Noticing that many of the orbiting cruiser's guns were tracking his descent, Lorch double checked his transponder, it would be like those deceitful Tigris to unplug it and let him get shot down. As his transponder seemed to be working Lorch hailed the station on the asteroid.

"Station control this is Fleet commander Lorch I have orders to report to the council, awaiting final instructions."

"Confirmed commander, you are cleared for bay 317 an escort will meet you there." Came the reply.

Landing the pod in the spacious bay proved little challenge, though Lorch was slightly thrown by the uniformed being waiting for him on by the door.

By the time the pod had come to a complete stop a small being, of perhaps 4' in height.

" Commander Lorch." He said, not so much a question as a statement. "You will follow me, I have orders to take you directly to the council room."

"Yes Sir" Lorch replied applying an honorific whether the being had one or not."

"You are of the Eswai are you not Lorch inquired conversationally.

"Indeed I was born of Eswai " the raccoon creature replied, his whiskers twitching, "but I am of the council world as are all, those who serve the alliance closely put aside all origins it's the only way we can work without antagonizing each other."

Lorch nodded as his guide took them to a large set of doors.

"Please enter, the council waits beyond." The Eswai escort said as he rapped gently on the door announcing Lorch's arrival.

Lorch opened the door and stepped inside as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the room he was able to take in its simple elegance, sweeping his eyes from one end of the circular hall to the other. Its white marble stonework gently inlaid with gold leaf and incised in places with the crests of the alliances worlds. A slight coughing noise brought Lorch away from the engravings on the back wall. Which seemed to be of the alliance's history and back to the amphitheater to the front.

"Fleet Commander Nura Lorch, We have called you here to discuss a momentous decision reached by the counsel." Purred an old Tigris male whose facial fur had gone mostly to grey his left arm held a short rod topped with a clear red orb his other clutched a breath mask.

The orb in the man's staff went dark as another voice broke out this one high pitched and cracked, "Indeed Lorch, this decision provides us with a small chance at ending this war, a war which though we did not start we sure as 'Drigona' will end!"

Lorch nodded as the aquiline consular walked down the side of the elegantly crafted seating area speaking all the while.

"We know through dissection of the human bodies that their tolerances to heat and cold are similar to our own, and that their atmospheric needs are compatible, of course having prisoners would have been helpful but they kill themselves to avoid it," Asoi shook his beaked head sadly before continuing, "However it appears that though we can't speak their language with a minor modification they could speak ours, this lack of communication Lorch is what caused this war and communication is what will end it." The solution we have is long term at least five rotations but it is our best chance"

A gruff sounding voice interrupted Asoi, " No our best chance is to take the fight to them, send in the fleet purge this Terra of theirs, that will teach them the futileness of terrorizing the Juubatian!!" general chaos broke out in the stands after this outrageous comment, as the council kept shouting one another down.

"Gentle beings quiet down, quiet down, SHUT UP" came the velvet smooth voice of an equinnis " this type of talk will get us nowhere" the speaker stood a full 8 paces in height, his amber robes spotless and his speech staff held in one 3 fingered hand. Walking down to the floor where Lorch and Asoi stood he began to speak.

"While communication is our best path to peace, friend Asoi we must not neglect the mailed fist while we don the glove." Asoi nodded as Canlor continued, "we will keep up our forces and be ready. 20 rotations has this war gone on and you say it may be 5 more tell our communication plan works?" again Asoi nodded well then I suggest we return to the mission briefing that we called Lorch here for and keep our discussions civil. A murmur of assent greeted these words as the room returned to normal Asoi taking the floor.

"As I was saying we have a solution however the catch is, we need the humans assistance."

"But were not too likely to get it by asking. Lorch we need a specimen alive and young. One who we can explain our problem to, then have it return and tell its world's leaders that we want peace. Do you understand Lorch?" Asoi asked waiting to make sure the military soldier understood the implications of what he was being asked to do.

"You want me to, to steal on of their young??" Lorch asked incredulously, his jaw dropping at the notion.

"No Lorch their young would fear us and have prejudice against us you must take a whelp," came the voice of the old Tigris.

"Nucel is correct Lorch, only a newly whelped human will have no fear and be able to learn our ways and our side of the story. I regret that that is your mission, a warrior like yourself probably expected more glamour in their task, but I can assure you that this task has the highest priority." Asoi said as he bowed and headed up to his seat passing the aggressive Juubatian from earlier.

"Lorch, I am Tsna' My people the Juubati, have been developing new craft for the alliance's war effort our most recent one the 'Skate' class is small fast and agile you will be using one to complete your mission...." Lorch's minds swam as he took in the full details of this mission speaker after speaker told him more of the detail he needed, nodding sagely as he listened he was broke from he stupor by a young female rabbit

"Of course we will send nurses with you to care for the captive, as we don't know much about the needs of their young I recommend 3 nurses from as wide a racial group as possible that should help with any problems."

"You mentioned nurses councilwoman, did you mean WET nurses" Lorch asked, suddenly afraid as to the passenger he would be returning with.

"Indeed Lorch that's what I meant, we have no idea as to the dietary needs of the newly whelped but they should be similar to our own, or most of ours." She said nodding at Asoi.

"I feel that a Leosi, a Can'lup and a Lapna should provide a sufficient range of milk as well as nursing skills. This whelp could well be our only hope at a peaceful existence with the humans we must make these precautions."

As the rabbit woman hopped back to her seat a younger Tigris male came from the stands we have a strike team trained and ready Lorch your mission leaves in 3 hours the crew of the skate and the additional forces are on station and ready our hearts and souls go with you, die with honour."

As the Tigris spoke those last words Lorch nodded and hesitantly spoke the reply,

"Shall I die feed well from me so that I live on in you," praying it wouldn't come to that. Fleeing the council chambers he paused to catch his breath and regain composure "damned Tigris its horrendous, eating ones loved ones when their gone, Lorch swallowed hard trying to keep from vomiting at the thought of his own corpse roasted and carved like a prey beast, refering to the ancient cannibalistic rituals of the Tigris rituals, that while most had abandoned some like Shira still practiced.

Lorch jumped, as a voice came from behind him soft and melodious "Don't I know it"

"Sorry to startle you sir I caught the end of your monologue, I'm Ranic," the Eswai said as he held out his paw palm up in his people's gesture of greeting

"Lorch" he said as he returned the gesture,

"I know I'm pilot of the skate I was sent to find you and get this mission under way."

Entering the skate's hanger Lorch could not but be impressed at the Juubatian ship its sleek black lines curving away from its slightly bulbous body in the middle no hatches or ports could be seen, suppressing a howl Lorch walked around the craft noticing its engines hidden behind diffusion plates

"She's nice looking," Lorch said as he returned to the bow, "but where are the emitters I don't see them?"

"Internal sir we should get moving." Ranic replied as he opened the concealed hatch.

Once inside and settled Lorch met the rest of the team, Adias from his own world the co-pilot, Jitani from the Tigris, leader of the strike squad, Liann from the fox people 'Vulpino' who was also on the strike team, Cass from the lapna the lagomorph nurse and Pa'nil from the Leosi also one of the nurses, with Naria of the Can'lup finishing them off

"Nice to meet you all OK Ranic get this thing moving I want to be en route in 5 tarcs" Lorch said taking the command chair "everyone else buckle up."

Great hidden doors yawned open venting the air from the bay to the stars as the black ship rose and accelerated out of the council worlds hangers barely a speck moving across the fields of debris.

" Uh captain Lorch sir, we're due to burn some waste plasma briefly before they have a look for us, just to make sure we are as small and subtle as we need to be," Ranic said his voice breaking slightly.

"Go ahead Ranic." Lorch replied as he read from a folder he had been given by the council.

"Burning off some plasma now sir they'll see that and then have a look for us 5 seconds after". As the skate moved around, the larger cruisers including the Vengeance

Used their scanning equipment to determine its course. Tense minutes passed as the Skate wove and spun to keep away from any possible recognition. At last on the out skirts of the council world a transmission came through from the patrol ship Obedient Servant

"Skate your clear we found no trace of you continue with the mission and good luck" came the equinnis voice that answered Lorch's challenge while on the Vengeance.

" Sir should we reply?" Ranic asked his thumb on the transmitter,

"Negative, engage star stream drive, for coordinates 135,322."

As the ship accelerated to light speed and beyond Lorch turned communications to that of the Hopeful, "I'm afraid I wont be back for several weeks, take care of my ship, acting captain Nishi. Maintain position and be prepared for an attack," Lorch said over the comm. as the ship sailed through the endless deaths of space. The next few days passed quickly as the crew and passengers of the skate prepared for the mission.

" Sir we will be dropping into terran space in one minute, initial scan indicates heavy ship and platform activity," Ranic's voice called out, "reversion in 30 stand by!" he continued as the lights on the command deck dimmed.

Lights flared along the command deck as the skate dropped from star stream to standard. As the terran's home world appeared in the main viewer a collective gasp came from the crew, never before had they seen such a sight, a blue green orb encircled by orbital and ships some of the cities could clearly be seen from the skates high orbit, their size measured in hundreds of miles span. Large cruisers crossed paths as they headed out to the war front, or to the humans' colony worlds.

" Helm take us to a geo sync orbit above our target zone well go in at night" Lorch ordered, pulling up a close up view of traffic over the target zone.

Very little showed from the sleek crafts movements, as it aligned into orbit, a slight temperature increase tiny emissions of light certainly nothing to attract the humans scanning equipment. Hours passed as the crew of the skate watched the humans' jump terminals in lunar orbit swell open and consume, or disgorge their ships. Waiting for the time when their orbit would take hem out of the sun and into the shadows so they could begin their operation.

"Sir, we're clear darkness has hit the strike area and we have our window shall I proceed came Ranic's voice."

"Proceed."

As the skate dove into the planets atmosphere all eyes were on the skin sensors. If they peaked at over 3000 degrees, the ship would flare and they would be seen, upwards the numbers climb 2500...2600. The thermal absorption plates originally designed to combat the increasing power of terran weapons, absorbing the heat and diffusing it along the lateral lines, seemed to be doing their job. Still no one breathed. Lorch wiped the moisture from his brow as he maintained his vigil on the two counters. 2890 the readouts read as the entry timer ticked down still at 1 minute to go, as one ticked down the other moved inexorably higher 2945 it read. As the readouts hit 2990 and 10 seconds Lorch reached for the detonation switch ready to immolate the ship and crew.

__

"We're through sir came Ranic's joyous chittering as he breathed deep of the rapidly cooling air.

"Good get us down to the target area or rather the lake near to it, strike team stand ready!"

To any observers it would seem that an invisible hand struck Lake Michigan as the dark Skate slid in, its reflective amour effectively rendering it invisible from local lights.

Silently the side hatch swung open and 3 dark clothed beings emerged, tails twitching nervously as they moved. One of the beings pointed to the large grey clad building a short distance away from them, then pointing to the smallest of the trio he motioned again to the east, nodding the small one moved in his paw resting lightly on a shaped object at his hip. Advancing slowly the group made their way to the entry point of the edifice. Pulling out a small scanner the largest of the group scanned their target,

"OK Liann I see 4 targets immediately inside and to the east when the portal opens take them out Ksarl and I will cover you, be quick as silent as well id say a Vulpino but you are one." Jitani said and winked, as he started cold cutting the door off.

As the door was forcibly opened Liann dashed silently off to deal with her objective,

" Hey what the-!" the humans cry was broken off as a speedy kick to the chest which silenced the first, save for a crack of bone, ducking down Liann swept the next 2 humans' legs from under them a sharp pawed strike to the throats of them, insured the altercation was over. As the 3rds chest bloomed with darts.

"Nice work Liann now lets find the whelps." Jitani commented as he took cards and id from the humans. Looking at the signs dotted around the medic centre of the humans Liann Jitani and Ksarl earnestly wished they could read the humans strange blocky script. Looking around them and at the fleeting time they team decided that they would split up Liann would continue searching this floor while Jitani and Ksarl would ascend to the next floor.

"Remember Liann, we must succeed and be careful."

Liann nodded as she un-holstered her stunner, watching as the other two slunk off for their mission. Exploring the medic center Liann was amazed at the diversity of damage humans inflicted on each other, even in an attempt to heal their methods were barbaric, knives of all things, to cut deeper into the victim.

"Barbarism" Liann thought as she passed the operating theater, tensely alert for any sounds that would give away her position or her mission.

"OK Ksarl go right I'll go left this corridor loops around the central rooms, I have 4 terran on my scanner be alert and take em down if you encounter them."

Jitani whispered as they reached the end of the stairs lights from windows on both sides gleamed at them, daring them to make a mistake.

Ksarl headed left his stunner drawn ready to unleash a hail of darts to drop anything he encountered he was unprepared for the sight that met his eyes in the first room. Opening the door slightly weapon raised and ready, a pair of security guards wearing heavy armour and carry large rifles guarded the inner door though one seemed to doze the other was alert

"Hey what the!!" he shouted, suddenly stopping as a dart embedded itself in his head, the other guard fumbling for his gun was similarly stuck down.

While Ksarl relieved them of the card keys to the next room. Unlocking it carefully he stepped inside.

A cacophony of beeps hisses; scratches and wheezes filled his ears as he entered the machinery filled room and a thin plastic curtain obscured the room's occupant. Pulling back the curtain Ksarl gasped at the wretched creature he saw, lying amidst a tangle of tubes and wires was the living torso and arms of a Leosi navel officer. Putting his pistol away Ksarl moved closer to the living antithesis of all he knew of the humans' ways

"By 'Trona's' fangs you live " Ksarl said to the body. A faint intake of breath greeted his exclamation, "why would the humans spare you soldier you were an enemy a killer of their kind yet you rest, your wounds treated as best they can I do not understand?"

A faint movement of the creatures paw now answered him, gripping his hand stated very slowly

"sir if you can understand me try to grip my paw?" ever so slightly the warrior gripped Ksarl's forepaw. "OK now sir I'm willing to end your torment if you ask it of me squeeze once for no and two times for yes can you do that "

a pair of squeezes was the males reply.

"OK now sir answer me do you wish freedom and to go on to the great savannah?" Do you want me to kill you?"

One solid firm grip was his reply.

"Very well I won't but I will inform my superiors of your existence, rest well ally and recover. Saluting the bravery of the young soldier as he left Ksarl returned the keys to the sleeping soldiers and removed his darts. Leaving minimum evidence of his unscheduled visit Ksarl headed off to continue his search for the maternity ward.

Jitani peeked cautiously around the fourth floor elevator's corner. Blinking twice to focus his eyes on the wallpaper. Small bearish creatures decorated this hall in addition to the pale pastel colours almost beyond Jitani's visual perception, which covered them. Moving silently he crept nearer to the doors freezing whenever his acute hearing picked up a sound. After the third door he passed he picked up a wailing sound made by multiple voices after a peek through the window he smiled.

"Jitani to strike, I've found them repeat I've found them convene at my location!"

Liann and Ksarl returned their acknowledgments as they both moved from their respective locations, silently and swiftly closing on the leader to complete the intrusion part of the mission.

"What do you have Jit'?" Liann panted out as she pulled up against the inner wall.

Ksarl came up on Jitani's other side, "OK lead I'm here."

"OK team this seems to be where the enemy keep their young" Jitani said pointing to the windowed room behind him. " I hear several small voices and 3 adult ones in there when I open the door Ksarl break left, fire as you bear Liann go right same order ill draw any return fire."

As Jitani orchestrated their plan, another plan was being discussed inside...

" Dr. Andrews said that we should keep the baby until social services place him, I'm not at all surprised the mother died I mean, a street woman for a start and a druggy as well. Damn! I can't believe it poor boy orphaned in this day and age."

the elderly nurse shook her head as the other two nurses set about settling the newborn in a cradle.

" Nurse Cathy? What do we do about Child's name its empty at the moment?" the younger of the other two nurses a Nurse Amy said as she deftly adjusted the child's blanket

"Leave it as 'baby' it will do for now." Cathy replied as she left the room.

"Aliens, aliens in the hal"- the humans scream was cut off as Liann's blade emerged from her midriff,

"Stupid terran letting off the alarm we have to move now".

nurse Cathy's screams and sudden silence caused the other two women in the room to panic.

Moving like the team they were, Liann Ksarl and Jitani executed the room clearance plan from earlier a few seconds later the room was clear the guardians of the humans whelps floored and out of any situation.

"OK" Jitani hissed, "grab a whelp and lets go, Liann your choice pick it," nodding Liann reached her reddish furred arms into the cradle and grasped the child to her chest

"OK Jit lets go!" with Jitani and Ksarl leading the team they began to retreat from the medic centre,

"About time what took you guys so long?" Cass inquired as she took the screaming babe from Liann.

"Sorry we were delayed " Jitani said a faint smile to his lips.

Well lets get out of here and see our guest is settled Cass can you make sure the creature is healthy at least as best as you can?" Lorch said as he took the command chair. "Right Ranic get us up to orbit and head for dark side of their primary satellite

"Aye sir thrusters engaged it looks as though your little raid caused some confusion outside " Ranic replied

"Show me Ranic I want to see these people," as Ranic complied with Lorch's order a heavily armed group of soldiers approached the ship from all directions

"OK squad fire at will, take that thing down," came the sergeant's voice leading by example

Small arms, plasma, and accelerated munitions sprayed off the skate's hull.

As Ranic tried to put as much distance between them and the surface.

"Entering lower atmosphere now sir and we have incoming, 10 fighters all directions whoever we took better appreciate this, another 8 incoming from above." Ranic said his voice high-pitched with panic.

"Well this just gets better and better, Ranic go evasive head for the moon lose, those fighters!" Lorch barked out. The skate turned and twisted its way out of the atmosphere, heavy rounds and plasma blasts buffeting its passage.

"OK sir were out of the atmos- oh... We've been hit port side thrusters are non-functional emitters off-line, we're leaking plasma." Ranic chittered rapidly.

" Sir o2 leakage and flames on the lower deck structural failure expected in 3 minutes unless we close it off," a large explosion punctuated Adias words " Adias chipped in his voice full of fear.

"ALL DECKS this is Lorch evacuate all lower levels get up to the command deck or to the escape pod we are venting in 30 seconds MOVE" Lorch bellowed over the com.

"Sir we have a larger craft on an intercept course, profile suggests cruiser or larger" Adias's voice said

"Arm cannons see if we can make them break" Lorch snarled back.

"No cannons sir" Ranic replied

"Plasma?"

"Sorry sir we have no offensive weapons."

Lorch sat back in his chair momentarily defeated, "OK then set a course across the cruiser's bow, venting as we go maximum speed!"

"Sir right now our max speed is little more then.... he paused as another round tore into the ship, "a crawl sir "

"Understood. Tell me Ranic can this ship 'stream' in her current condition?"

Ranic's shaking head answered his query as he continued, "Thought not, get us over the cruiser and dump 90% of our remaining fuel, Hopefully it will ignite possibly taking the human ship out." The crew rushed to comply with the skate breaking apart on them there was little else they could do.

"Sir where do you want us to dump?" Ranic queried as his deft fingers piloted the damaged ship.

"Over the bridge boys over the bridge,"

Fighters from the 156th earth defense unit screamed over the bulk of the battleship Yorkshire their macro cannon firing hundred pound rounds of death at the skate

"Ah Crap, sir we just lost main power switching to backup" Adias's voice shouted out over the blare of alarms.

As another blast hit the crippled ship the child in Cass's arms began to wail.

"Dammit shut the whelp up. I can't focus with that sound," Adias howled pushing his ears back in an attempt to drown out the sound.

"Hey ya stupid 'Lup this whelps our best bet for peace" came a high-pitched voice belonging to the normally quiet Cass.

" Fuel dump complete sir " Ranic's controlled voice broke in we have ignition."

The plasma streams drained from the Skate its superheated matter cooling rapidly in the cold depths of space, sadly not quickly enough, Lorch's desperate gamble of a low level drop kept the plasma hot enough to burn through the cruiser, secondary and tertiary explosions erupted as the plasma burned through volatile systems.

"All earth fighter's clear from the Yorkshire she's gonna explode!!" came the

Startled voice of the Yorkshire's commander, broadcasting in the clear

Ranic smiled his ears perking up "probably their battleships captain cursing at us" he said as he heard the transmission but lacking any way to understand it.

As Ranic spoke the human craft spat out many smaller ships all fleeing the massive cruiser.

A roaring explosion engulfed the Yorkshire spiting tonnes of metal fragments in all directions

" Brace for impact we've debris incoming!" Lorch yelled looking back to see if Cass and the others were protecting their charge. Pings and bangs filled the air as Lorch's ears flattened, as the ship wove and spun trying to avoid the worst of it, "get us out of the debris field Adias!"

Adias turned and nodded as a huge impact sent one of the structural support beams through him. Crushing him against his station.

"Cass see if theirs anything you can do for him."

Handing the whelp off she hopped over and rapidly checked Adias's vitals

Shaking her head,

" Dead sir!!" Cass reported quickly, "

"Understood get back there and get safe, Ranic set us a course for their jump terminals!"

" Sir, will that work we never used one before?" Ranic answered as he set the sluggish helm to the earth fleets jump center

The battered Skate limped towards its destination, gases billowing from the many rents in its hull

"OK stand by for jump transition ... if it works." Ranic called as they closed on the humans preferred method of FTL travel. A high-pitched hum filled the cockpit of the skate, causing the nurses to cover their lowered ears.

"We're passing the entry threshold now sir, prepare for linear acceleration," Ranic continued as the skate shuddered and picked up speed.

The massive electromagnets accelerated the ship to the point of threshold, when they would slip into the subspace corridors created by the humans jump accelerators.

With a suddenness that left them all unnerved and the whelp crying, the ship settled down the shakes and shimmies gone.

"Well Ranic did it work? Where are we?" came a hoarse whisper.

"Calibrating screens now sir ..." he replied. A few seconds passed as a picture resolved itself on the viewer, swirling red and blue streaks rushing by gory red and purple droplets colliding and congealing like those wax blobs in lava lamps.

"Aye sir we made it, sensors registering subspace fields around us, they seem to be constrained to the walls of the structure."

"Set a course for that research center near Aqulia they have one of those jump stations captured from the terran's" Lorch replied his voice quieter then normal.

"Why we travel lets see if we can't fix some of the damage, Ksarl, Jitani, put on your suits, try to seal the hull breach on the main decks."

"Sir!" they replied as the moved to comply.

Seven days spent in the terran's subspace conduit enabled the crew to repair most the hull breaches freeing them from the limiting confines of the command deck.

"Captain Lorch to command" a tired voice said over the newly restored COM. An equally tired Lorch gave his acknowledgments and headed up.

" Sir we are approaching the captured jump station," and our speed is slowing shall I attempt to contact the base?"

Lorch slumped down in his chair yelping as he sat on his tail before nodding. "Go ahead Ranic, may as well let them know were coming."

" Diocles Research center this is ..." He paused waiting for Lorch to fill in their official designation.

"Alliance vessel XE3R5." he supplied.

"XE3R5 we have taken heavy damage in battle and require assistance!" Ranic said, the corners of his lips lifting in a disarming smile when Lorch gave him a questioning glare.

"What sir? We were in a battle. We just didn't do anything back"

Lorch opened his mouth to berate the young Eswai, stopped by the COM unit.

" XE3R5 we will be glad to assist.".... "Ah XE3R5 we have a energy build up on some of our screens not consistent with a star stream ship can you clarify?"

Ranic's faced dropped, seriousness filling it as he returned to the COM.

" Confirmed Diocles we have similar readings we are utilising the terran's jump system due to serious malfunction of our emitters, we should be emerging momentarily.

Outside the skate, energy patterns in the subspace corridors began to slow, their shifting patterns breaking down and leaving gaps as the ship slowed to threshold speed and below. The last of the patterns failed and the corridor collapsed leaving the scarred ship amidst the jump platform ship orbiting the second moon of Aqulia.

"Diocles this is the skate err I mean XE3R5!" Ranic said wincing at a blow from his captain at the slip.

Drawing his paw back from cuffing the pilot, Lorch took the COM "Diocles this is commander Lorch of the seventh fleet."

"We may, and I stress MAY, have a contagion on board we request immediate repairs to the emitter generators and fuel supplies. Do not attempt to enter this vessel."

The crew of the skate could hear a slight wavering in the reply.

" contagion sir? Of course we won't attempt to board, I have repair bay 7 clear for you at the moment if you'll take up position we can do what you need and, you'll be able to go on your way"

Once the ship was in its bay and the teams of workers were swarming all over it Lorch and his crew began to relax and get their own day-to-day business under control.

" OK Diocles say it'll be about seventy two hours till we have emitter control. Cass I need those reports on the whelps, um tolerances completed within that time" Lorch said during his staff' meeting later that shift.

"Sir you CAN say it you know," Cass replied shifting the sleeping bulk of the whelp to her other arm.

Lorch nodded, "I know but I'd rather not OK, just do your job and let me have those reports, to forward on to the council. You know your tasks get on with them."

Over the next three days the exterior of the skate was repaired and new emitter affixed. The inside of the craft began to look better with the debris from their flight from Terra removed. On the morning of the forth day Lorch received the COM call that he was cleared for departure.

"We receive that Diocles and we are out bound" Lorch replied, as he manned the command deck at the early hour "all command crew to your places, we are departing!" Leaving the Diocles research and repair facility behind them Lorch and his crew made a short starstream jump back to the council world.

"Welcome back Skate we've been expecting you." Came the aged voice of Nucel.

"Sir this is unexpected. Is there anything wrong?"

"Only that your missions success is vital the terrans have expanded their force and well you will be told more when you land."

"Skate you have immediate clearance to land in bay 32b" came the voice of an equinnis control officer.

" Acknowledged control. Ranic takes us in, the sooner we deliver our howling package the better."

A trio of medical personnel and a half squad of armed guards greeted the skate at its stop.

"Ladies if will you bring the whelp and follow the Medk." came the voice of one of the guards; a youngish Juubatian clad in the Juubatian military uniform his voice oddly slow compared to his races normal high speed chatter.

"We will escort your crew to the council chambers."

Lorch's crew split off, young Ranic talked animatedly with the Juubatian, as they neared those great doors once again.

"Well Lorch it would appear that you have succeeded in your task, Nucel rasped out his speech globe red in his gaunt paws. "Indeed you have..." he broke of in a fit of coughing, taking deep breaths from his medicated air supply he was able to continue .

"Indeed you have captured the terran young. Your active part in this is done Captain Lorch, you may return to your ship and your position with the fleet, go with our thanks." He finished, breathing deeply again from his air tank.

"Thank you sir," Lorch added as he nodded.

"As for the human whelp it will be raised by members of the alliance who have been cleared by us," broke in the Can'Lup representative as Lorch left the room and the nurses entered. "Hopefully the families who care for him will remember he is an ally not a prisoner. And treat him as such."

"Honoured council, this male whelp will not be much good to us for a while, as I have assisted in nursing him, I have noticed he lacks even milk teeth" I feel the five rotation time frame is extremely optimistic." Naria spoke up form behind Lorch

"Well Naria you will be able to assist in this, as you will be assigned as the nurse while the child lives with a family on Drakwolf."

Naria nodded as she left the council to their debating.

***********************************************************

The rest of the planning of the Child's future was worked out easily enough, how much governmental funding the Terran's care family would receive for his care. The frequency of doctor visits and when it would move homes. All these things were discussed in detail before Naria and the child headed out to Drakwolf. The council also formally named the boy, Toresh, meaning in the tongue of the Juubati people, hairless.

Part Two

Naria and Toresh arrived on Drakwolf in a council shuttle. The guard family, which would take care of Toresh, met them at the gates. A large middle-aged Can'lup male dressed in the dark tunics favored by his race. His mate younger and petite of build her soft brown eyes glinting with the pride of being one of the families to raise this child.

"You must be Naria? And the bundle would be our charge? I'm Rnace Jilos and my husband is Traba," the female said extending her fist to Naria in the lupine greeting.

"Indeed I am Naria and the whelp has been named Toresh," she paused, before completing the greeting.

"Hairless?" Rnace said, her ears perking forward as she grinned.

"Ah so you speak Juubati that's good. It was Rstan's idea of a joke to name him that, anyways if you'll be so kind as to lead the way we can get this young male settled..."

The next few years passed quickly as young Toresh walked on two legs and even began to imitate the language used by his 'parents'. Three rotations after he was first brought to Drakwolf his family received a communication concerning their charge

"Rnace, Traba you have been excellent in the care of your charge these past few rotations," came the elders voice over the COM unit, "now he is at the age we hoped for. Your most recent report has him imitating your words and gestures. We must adjust his vocal apparatus soon. It is time to place Toresh in another environment, he will go to live with the Leosi on Panthara for a time they are nearer to the core worlds, and the chance of languages to be learned naturally, is greater there then here."

Rnace sniffled, "But he's our child we love and care for the boy as if I were his true dam."

"I know, believe me I know but you knew when you signed on to this project he was yours for a time but he's our voice and he must learn." The elders voice while filled with compassion, was filled also with an iron will that would not be bent.

Rnace looked away from the screen "how long?" she whispered, looking up again her eyes flowing tears unabashed and unashamed.

"Tonight, the ship arrives tonight say your good byes and get him packed up," he paused looking aside a few whispered words she could not hear and gestures meaningless to her. " Very well Rnace I give you my word and the councils word that you shall see him again. Will you accept my word and let the boy go in peace and with your love?" he asked the lines in his face deep.

Rnace nodded, as he continued, "good then have the boy at the space port by 9 this evening."

Rnace nodded again as the view went blank.

Her eyes flowing, Rnace called Toresh in from play. Having bathed and dressed him for the journey she gathered his belongings and held him close.

"Mema why you sad? Why cry?" Toresh asked as he snuggled his foster mother.

"I cry dear child because your going on a trip and I'm not sad I'm, I'm happy for you." She lied.

Toresh nodded, accepting the lie with the innocence of youth, before snuggling deeper into her, his breathing falling to the deep and regular patterns of sleep.

Later Rnace woke and roused her sleeping charge,

"Come Toresh, we must leave its time for your trip. She said as he woke and rubbed his eyes.

Taking the drowsy boy by the hand she led him to the family's ground transport Naria was waiting for them there, her job now more of a nanny then a nurse

"I got a message from the council, Rnace, I'm to remain his nanny for a while longer to give him some continuity, I am sorry Rnace, I know how you care for him.

Rnace merely nodded as she opened the transport and sat down. Driving to the space port was a bit surreal for Rnace, left with her own thoughts while Naria kept the boy quiet. It was amazing, she thought, just how much she could love something totally alien to her, much less let it become such an integral part of her life.

So deeply immersed in her thoughts and feelings was Rnace that it wasn't until Naria tapped her on the shoulder, that she realized they had reached the space port

"Rnace, maybe... Maybe it would be best if I led Toresh to the ship."

This discussion was brought to a premature end by the arrival of a Leosi wearing the black and gold of the Panthara social system.

"Rnace? By and under authority of the Panthara social system and the Alliance council, I formally accept temporary guardianship of the human cub known as Toresh," the officer stated, extending his paw. Nodding glumly her ears laid back Rnace hugged Toresh fiercely, her claws scraping his back and making him squirm.

"Farewell dear Toresh be a good cub..." she broke off tears filling her eyes again.

" Naria, you will accompany myself and the cub to Panthara Prime." The officer said grasping Toresh's hand in his large paw.

Once aboard the liner for Panthara prime Toresh grew restless, Naria had a full time job keeping track of the youngster and more importantly keeping him safe from others.

"Sorry about this sir." Naria said for the umpteenth time, having wrested the squirming child into the restraints provided.

"That's fine, it's-" he broke off at a stern glance from Naria, " He's young!"

"Better, anyways what should I call you? Officer? Sir?"

The social officer extended his paw; "call me by my name if you wish, Abiash, Rdasca, Captain of the Carrier Pride of Beli'ador."

"A warship? Does not escorting the child of the enemy not rub your fur the wrong way?" Naria replied.

"I sincerely hope not, especially as he will be living with me and my mate, Ysirka, for some time.

"Oh so you're a soldier and your going to care for a child of the enemy? Do you not find a problem with this action?" Naria continued, as she tried to figure out this Abiash fellow.

Hours and light-years passed as Naria Abiash and Toresh kept to themselves during the flight, Naria bringing Abiash up to date on Toresh's likes, dislikes and problems.

"All passengers this is the captain, we are now in orbit around Panthara Prime. Special class passengers report to shuttle bay one for disembarkation," the captain said over the announcement system.

"That's us," Abiash said as he took the boys hand in his paw.

A white-coated male Leosi met Toresh and his guardians at the shuttle exit,

"Hello Abiash I'm Medk, Ka'nar I'll be performing the procedure for the cub," the man said extending his paw.

Abiash took it and introduced the boy and Naria

"Well Ka'nar shall we depart?" Naria asked, taking Toresh's hand.

A brief while later and the party had arrived at a tall white building

"Toresh, cub, wait here for a moment please. I need to speak to Naria first. OK?" Ka'nar said as he tail smiled at the boy.

Motioning to Abiash and Naria he led them a few meters away from the transport.

"I don't know how you want to do this, but I've got a decom team set up with a sedative gas. I know its not nice to do it, but I think a surprise sedation and a secret procedure will work better then letting him know were going to cut up his throat."

"I hate blind siding him he such an innocent cub," Naria said her voice breaking with surprised sob.

"I agree with the Medk, Naria and I am his guardian for now we do it Ka'nar's way. Naria will enter first and because Toresh trusts her he will follow after she's in. Ka'nar how fast acting is this sedative?" Abiash asked.

After discussing the details of the procedure and the sedative used the trio returned to the pale mauve transport that had brought them to the hospital.

"Hi Toresh sorry about that, come on lets go in," she said her voice full of false cheer.

Toresh entered through the double doors a few seconds behind Naria.

He stepped swayed slightly and fell heavily on his side.

Medk Ka'nar's deep growl called out for the orderlies to take him to the S.R (Surgical room),

"OK be gentle with him S.R. one is prepped tell the nurse to check him out don't want any complications from his fall." "Abiash, Naria I suggest you go to the waiting area, the boy should be in surgery for several hours."

Nodding Naria and Abiash left,

"I'll give my mate Ysirka a call she can join us Naria and meet you " Abiash said as he went to a public COM box.

Toresh's operation went well, and while he was curious as to how a fall in the lobby resulted in damage to is throat. He was no wiser as to the set-up he was in. Nor did his greatly increased vocal range cause him any concern, with the airs of a child he Toresh merely accepted it as part of his nature.

***********

Days and weeks turned into months, and months into years as Toresh grew into his new home and life, learning the native language, and learning to be a 4 year old in the alliance.

"You know Naria I am concerned even though he's in a play group he doesn't seem to be as, well, welcome as the others," Ysirka commented one afternoon over a pot of herbal tea.

"Yes I know what you mean, part of it will be he ISN'T like the others. Has he said anything to you or something?" Naria replied.

Their ensuing conversation convinced Ysirka to visit the learning center, where the young Toresh spent his mornings. Like all youths in the alliance Toresh was afforded an education from the time he was weaned till he became an adult, though that age depended on race, it was considered that Toresh would be an adult at no earlier then his 15th year regardless of physical condition. (A year being measured from the day he had been captured) For now though such an event was years in the future Toresh was a cub and entitled to the childhood experience.

The next day at noon Ysirka went off to the playgroup, to visit Toresh and speak to his tutor. Arriving at the black stone building, Ysirka couldn't help thinking the edifice as a bit to imposing for cub education and social development.

"I'm Ysirka, Toresh's den mother, I spoke to you over the COM?" She said to a slightly plump, elderly lioness, wearing a cover all and bonnet, both splattered with paint.

The other Leosi smiled, a warm comforting smile that immediately put Ysirka at ease.

"Yes I remember," she chuckled a rich warm sound, "I'm Juniver. I suppose the shape of our school is what brought you here? Checking to make sure this was not a prison or slave centre?"

"Well the thought did cross my mind. What's with the black stone, its very disturbing"?

After Juniver explained the origins of the school and its unusual construction, she led Ysirka to the classroom where Toresh and his classmates were painting pictures of their homes. Most of the student's small furry bodies were naked save for a plastic smock to keep them clean, or as clean as possible considering their age.

Ysirka looked for Toresh among them, the students swishing tails like a sea of snakes.

Obscuring and distorting her vision snorting to herself, Ysirka looked on the outskirts of the group and found him clothed and sitting quietly at his easel.

A brush held limply in his hand.

"Toresh, cub" Ysirka said as she approached him, "what's wrong why aren't you painting?"

Toresh looked up at her the 3rd mother he's had

His brown eyes welled up with tears, yet he refrained from clutching Ysirka.

"We were t... to paint home, but I, I don't know where my home is, I...I am not like them," he pointed at a Juubatian boy, whose rapid strokes with his brush splattered the others nearby with his paint.

"What do you mean your not like them " Ysirka asked, anxious to know just how deep this unsettlement went.

"I'm bald I don't have a tail or claws, why Mema am I so different?"

Later after Ysirka, Naria, and Abiash had explained who and what Toresh was while supporting the fact they cared for him, Ysirka and Abiash took their concerns to the council.

Who had concerns of their own?

In the council chambers a hasty meeting had been called, so hasty that many of the members who were present on planet and by videophone were still wearing their nightclothes.

"Sorry to contact you all I know the hours late, I am speaking from counter prime," a young tigress female explained "I was Nucel's aide and was with him when he died."

"He left me a list of things he wanted discussed when I took his place on the council."

She continued.

"Very well Venel, we shall convene the council as soon as you are here we will hear your oath then," Asoi said nodding his beak in assent.

The rest of the conversation concerned the nature of Nucel's death and sympathies for his family Venel dealt with these calmly and efficiently. Ending the conversation with her ETA at the council world.

"We look forward to seeing you Council woman Venel," Mir'ai said as she cut the communication.

The next day after the formalities of greeting Venel as a council member were conducted, the council moved on to new business mainly concerning the human aggressors increasing area of control.

" I know it's not a good thing Mir'ai, but we have to accept that we may lose Eswainia's outer colonies, without diverting more forces from other fronts we simply can't find any more ships or soldiers," Asoi said, while trying to smooth his ruffled feathers.

"Yes?" Came the high-pitched voice of an Eswai Ziric, "but we cannot let my people simply be sacrificed" the racoon mans high voice carried his words through the auditorium and as one the speaking globes of the council lit up each trying to shout down and make their point heard,

"We will not let them be sacrificed councilman Ziric, but we must be cautious about this, anyways where's this ambassador we were training up? The Juubatian council representative, Tsna', called out standing so he would be recognised.

"Venel what is the current status of those new warships the Tigris are constructing?"

He asked, his words speeding up with stress.

Venel replied testily that she'd only been a council member for a few hours and Nucel's chosen successor for a few months. Taking her leave of the council room her ears back and tail twitching madly from her robes, she departed to the private chambers behind the auditorium.

"The cat brings up a point though," said Asoi "how is the whelp coming on in his development when will he be able to convince the damn terran's that we don't want this awful war?"

"I know not Asoi, I was not part of that committee, that is in Mir'ai's territory. Mir'ai? any comments?" this last was directed to the Leosi on the far left side.

" The reports sent by captain Abiash and his mate say he's growing well and is tolerated by his age group, although they did bring up a point he speaks Leosian, Can'lup Juubatian and Tigris fluently and many others haltingly but how is he to communicate with the terran's we have determined that it isn't an instinctive knowledge like we had hoped," she replied.

The remainder of the meeting lay out the plan to correct a mistake in Toresh's upbringing, and to reinforce the floundering defence of Eswai at the same time. Meanwhile back on Panthara Prime Ysirka Abiash and Toresh were enjoying a late night meal when the COM unit sounded

Sighing resignedly Ysirka stood and straightened her robes whilst trying to conceal the irritated twitch to her ears before she answered it.

"Ysirka go ahead," she said flicking the receive switch with a claw tip.

"Ysirka? Ah good this is commander Treail, I need to speak to your mate please get Commander Abiash."

Ysirka nodded to the tall Juubatian's image as she left to retrieve her mate.

Abiash snarled as he stood and dropped the knife he was using, "damn him always when I'm eating. This had better be important." Abiash said as he snarled and cursed his way to the COM box ready to firmly rebuke Treail.

"OK Treail what do you want? You interrupted my meal with my family so make it good." Abiash pointed out.

"Don't worry sir it is good. Or bad. The bloody terrans have destroyed and occupied the outer Eswai colonies. Refugees from the raccoons have been streaming from the strike zone. The humans also have colony ships in the area. Sir we've been ordered to take the Pride of Beli'ador and reinforce them, I know this takes you away from your mate and your foster cub, but this is duty, 'and the duty of'..."

"'The male is the welfare of the pride', I know my duty Treail," Abiash broke in completing that line of 'Duty to the pride', "I will be at the ship by dawn, have everything prepared for departure on my arrival.

Abiash turned to face his mate, noticing her ears drooped and her tail limp he approached her slowly, Ysirka, fire of my heart, I'm truly sorry, but I must go, I have been called back to the fleet."

"Why? Don't they have enough soldiers? She replied.

Abiash pulled her towards him resting his muzzle between her ears, comforting her

"Take care of Toresh while I'm gone my love," releasing her he returned to the dining area and gave Toresh a quick embrace. "I'm going away for a while cub, be good to your mother. OK?" Sighing deeply Abiash stood, straightened his back and departed to his quarters, trying without much success to relax enough for his mane to settle.

With seemingly no decision making involved in choosing, Abiash tossed his uniform and off duty apparel into his duffel. A short huff escaped him as he remembered what he was doing and just how far he had come since the young male and his first posting.

A few moments later Abiash left the den he shared with his mate, now dressed in the crimson and green of the 3rd Prime Fleet's dress uniform.

Abiash's tail twitched madly, looking like a serpent in the back of the transport as he drove to the space port

He was insufferable during the short flight to his ship. The pilot of his ship a short grey furred vulpino, dressed in the drab work cloths of shuttle services looked on nervously, fearful as to what this lion was so agitated about, Abiash's starlings and mutterings kept conversation between them to a minimum,

"sir were preparing to dock now if you would strap in please?" Came the young pilots voice.

Nodding tersely his mane flowing Abiash sat and obediently strapped in for landing.

Abiash disembarked from the shuttle his uniform pristine and crisp while contrary his face was worn and aged. His first lieutenant a male Leosi named Tiros met him at the hanger doors,

"We're sorry to take you away from your family sirr," he purred.

"What's done is done Tiros. Have you obtained clearance for our departure?" Abiash said.

Nodding Tiros led the way to the heart of the Pride of Beli'ador

"Commander on the bridge!" yelled a youthful looking female Lapna pulling herself as straight as a rod.

"At ease ensign, before you strain yourself," he said as he took his chair.

"All right we have clearance lets get to Eswai as fast as possible the sooner we get them their support the sooner the pride can return. All stations call out your readiness!

The crew commanding the myriad functions of the ship called out their status, each trying to out do the other is their vigour and volume

"Navigation is good!" came the aquiline officers voice quickly fallowed by, emitters, drives, weapons, launch control, resources.

"Command is go. The Pride of Beli'ador is functional. Helms set our course and make all haste for the rendezvous point.

The navigation crew moved with a will to fallow Abiash's orders, the great ship picking up speed as it met up with other ships near the core worlds that were moving out to assist the Eswai. Over the next few days in starstream Abiash drilled his crew relentlessly honing their reactions to ever-faster times

"Thirty five seconds from warning to launch readiness try to get it down to twenty we may be more advanced but they are fierce and will fire without provocation remember that what started this whole mess, that is all," he said over the coms to the ship as a whole.

"Sir we have detected the fleet at the rendezvous point and they seem to be under attack," whispered the sensor operator a middle-aged equinnis wearing the crimson and green duty uniform of an ensign.

Walking quickly to the ensign's station, Abiash glanced down at the jumble of symbols and tags dancing around the magenta screen shaking his head gently, Abiash pressed the full coms switch with his claws "All paws this is the commander what started as a rescue of a planet is turning into rescue of the rescuers. Get to battle stations immediately all crews to your craft ready to launch as soon as we exit starstream mode." Abiash turned off the coms, "bridge lower shields and secure systems for combat!" he roared as he returned to his seat, "helm give me a nikt ,10) count towards the end.

A few moments later the Eswai helmsman began calling out the numbers as he reached 'iget' (1) and the view of space outside the polarized view ports stabilized, Abiash slammed his paw down on the COM switch and roared out, "launch!!"

Hanger doors ground open on their magnetic tracks as squadrons of claw fighters swarmed out of the prides belly streaming and twisting as they formed up in their squadrons obeying the orders drilled into them

" Green unit stay close and protect the pride, red unit blue unit with me we're interference," came the leaders of white squadron's voice, ducking and diving through the already debris strewn star field.

Abiash nodded as his fighters moved off to their own duties. Taking a moment to assess the battle, troop transports due to join in the ground assault moved in under the protection of light frigates. While heavier craft rushed forward to breakthrough the terran forces. The backbone of the terran fleet a large warship literally bristling with cannons and missile tubes slid in from above, raking fire along Abiash's craft as it did. The projectiles slamming into The Pride of Beli'ador from such close ranged were unaffected by the Prides defence cannons and blast shields; great holes were torn in the pride as it suffered the abuse.

"Abiash, Abiash damn you answer me " This is the Vengeance" Came the silky voice of Shira.

"Abiash here help us please!" Came the reply.

Telling the Pride to stand by the great batteries aboard the vengeance opened fire vaporising missile after missile targeting the Pride but even its strength was no match for the sheer weight of power being delivered by the terran cruiser. Snarling Shira was forced to direct less of her ships power at rescuing the pride and more on saving her own hide as the frigates turned their attention from the troop ships to her.

" Forgiveness pride your on your own I must fight on." Shira called over to Abiash, as the terran warship fired its cutting beams at the already damaged ship, carving great gashes in its pockmarked hull. Shuddering the damaged warship began to move away its captain clinging to his chair like a lifeboat, issuing his orders as quickly and competently as he could amidst the chaos of battle.

" HELM!" " Helm, respond!" Abiash roared as they took another hit amidships.

"Captain sir we just lost main power backups on-line! Shall I call back our wings to assist?" The engineer asked, now taking over both the tasks of engineer and COM officer.

"Send a distress call, tell the council." Abiash began before a metal beam collided with the view screen.

"Sir look out!" came the voice of one of the young ensigns as the hull behind the view screen buckled, Abiash turned, his jaw dropping, his eyes going wild as his impending death coming towards him in the form of sharp metal fragments.

Seconds later Abiash was on the floor his dark fur soaked with his blood, and flowing out into the void. As darkness closed in he cast his mind across the depths of space to the world he would never see again and to his mate, and adopted cub Toresh...

Who at that moment were enjoying the summer sunshine at the pool?

"Toresh, Cub stay out of the deep end I don't want to come in after you" Ysirka growled out from her sun warmed perch, Toresh smiled as he swam back to within her view. Toresh continued to play with the other youngsters until darkness clouded the sky.

"Cub say good bye its time to go home." Ysirka roared as she stood up from her resting spot.

A blue unformed dark furred Can'Lup Officer greeted Ysirka upon arriving back at home. Walking up to her he extended his paw in the Leosi traditional greeting

"Ysirka I'm Kital First lieutenant of Shadrk communications centre I'm sorry but there's no easy way to break this to you, we have received a distress call from the Beli'ador I'm afraid she's gone "

Ysirka just stood their her eyes wide her jaw agape, until Toresh pulled on her arm

"Mem what's wrong?" the boy asked innocently shyly hiding from the lup soldier in front of him

"Toresh Go to your room I'll talk to you later," Ysirka said in a dead tone.

"But mem why?" He whined anxious to go and play some more.

Ysirka in her fear and grief then did something shed never done before to Toresh, she snarled a him frightening the poor boy and causing him to run off to his room with the proverbial tail between his legs.

"My mate, Abiash was on that ship were there any survivors?" she asked her voice a whisper.

The wolf replied that the area was still 'hot'. " I don't know when we'll now for sure but likely it wont be tell after the Eswai liberation attempt but we know the prides adrift Shira of the vengeance tried to help but the fire-power was too heavy she let us know it was dead in space." He carried on, "I'm very truly sorry. But I must go I have other families to inform ill let you know if any survivors are found. Leaving the stunned female to her own devices.

Back in the battle however Shira and the vengeance after sending the message to command ploughed full into the battle covering the lightly armed transports as they began to make planet fall.

Massive explosions detonated around the transports barking out his orders a male vulpino army officer wearing black full body armour issued the orders to prepare to disembark.

" Right weapons ready soon as we," he paused as a near miss tore apart the transport just above and to the right of them, "make landfall, storm the gun emplacements fire as you move don't wait for a target,

Remember this could have been our world were fighting for now " he bark Move out" the transport hit the ground a cloud a dust an steam rising from it followed swiftly by bursts of plasma as the gunner gave covering fire.

Rapidly with no regard for cover the soldiers of the vulpino 8th ground advance unit began making their way though the scorched wasteland that was once a Eswai park as they advanced the air slowly turned from a ozone smell to a scorched meat and burning fur as both sides lost warriors.

Hours passed as both the ground and space battle progressed, the terrans soldiers not prepared for such ferocity in a ground battle were forced to give up ground retreating from their defence weapons and fortifications back into the colony ships from which most of the 'colonists' were still living in.

"Hold Back, HOLD BACK! We have them where we want them. Communications jam their transmissions." The vulpino officer said to his troops in general as he ordered them, and the new arrivals to set up a camp and maintain patrols.

"Sir, why aren't we blasting them off Eswai now we have the upper hand?" A youthful Can'lup soldier asked as he squatted down and kept his eye on the massive colony ship.

"Cub look beyond the end of your muzzle the officer replied thrusting a view glass towards the youth.

As the younger soldier scanned the ship with the glass, faint images of terran young playing games in the glass walled top of the ship could be seen,

"Ah sir why do they have their whelps with them I mean it doesn't make sense" Jarnc the young can'lup soldier asked as he turned to face his superior, just in time to catch the back of his paw across his head.

"Honestly I don't know what they teach at the academy these days, he said as he drew his paw back.

" The terrans are ex-pan-ding," he sounded out, like one would to the very young "they count on their fleet to secure places not to fight full wars. "

Who knows how long this ships been travelling? Years perhaps, add to this the fact they are at war with us they cant afford to turn around if they get into a little trouble. Speaking of which, " the officer stood, shaking his bushy tail which was covered in leaves and dirt "Right!!" he bellowed with his paw to his muzzle, "some orders concerning in the ship, "any terrans come out with a visible weapon fire a WARNING shot Do not hit them if no weapons are visible or if they appear, or smell female let them pass but keep your eye on them, maintain a 100 meter clearance between the ship and us bring in heavy support, to cover it at all 13 clock points."

Remember we are not the aggressors, we are liberators, this is the Eswai's world and they will have it back." As Treli finished speaking a great cheer went up from the massed forces of the alliance.

Hours passed and night began to fall on the cool world of Eswainia sporadic fire echoing through its remaining forests and canyons, testament to the stubborn refusal of the terran's to give back that which they had conquered from the beasts.

"Squad nikt to command, red nikt to command. Damn it command, Listen up we have just seen some prisoner camps they seem full I count sixty-five that's six five distinct heat sources all non-terran. My squad and I await orders.

" A prison camp can you believe that." the one who called into command said to his squad mate a large male Equinnis named Krons.

" Truly barbaric." Krons replied in his resonant majestic voice.

After about half hours waiting the orders came though, scout it out but avoid conflict and wait for morning. All talk ceased as the trained unit readied their weapons, scopes and daggers, before commencing their mission with a will. As they approached the camp from down wind,

Krons stopped, "phew it reeks up ahead Lopswa" he said referring to the Cerviai commander of the unit.

Lopswa nodded as he motioned for his squad to fan out and breathe through their mouths.

After circling the camp and assessing its defences, marginal at best Lopswa bid his team to hunker down and wait for dawn.

As the pinkish tinge of dawn woke the denizens of the forest Lopswa and his team checked their weapons and moved into the camp.

Amidst the signs of a hurried departure could be heard faint moans and whimpers.

"Krons, Rydal go left but be careful, the rest of you come with me," Lopswa ordered as he went right to explore the camp his pulse gun leading the way stepping around the steaming pools of effluent that covered the forest floor his keen ears searching for anything that might give away the enemies position. Cautiously he approached one of the more intact buildings pausing every few feet to listen as he reached out for the door, a large sliding frame without any windows, he heard a sound like faint sobbing coming from the other side.

Once he had opened the door and his eyes adjusted to the gloom his nose to the rancid smell. He gasped at what he saw

Lying on the floor in filth were sodden piles of barely moving fur, their necks attached by heavy collars to the walls, snarling softly he called out to them.

"Its OK your safe now," then into his communicator Krons search the buildings there's survivors but they aren't in good shape," after switching channels to the main operations one Lopswa demanded to speak with the general

"I don't care if he's in a meeting in orbit patch me through!" Lopswa said

"I'm sorry sir he's in a meeting with the council via translink and mustn't be interrupted" the young coms officer on board the general's flagship said her high-pitched voice light and cheery. "But I'll be-"

the Lapna woman was cut off mid-speech as Lopswa switched his com to the ground communications channel, cutting through the general traffic of a ground holding operation, "this is Captain Lopswa I require gunship support and extraction come down on my signal," he barked into the com.

"Lopswa, this is Reaper 96 I have got your track and em en route time to arrival is in 12 minutes, are you secure for landing?"

"Affirmative reaper I'm in a built up area and I'm not expecting hostiles

"Then why the support?" the pilot whined his race unidentifiable form his voice.

"Evacuation this camp has survivors get them out of here and get me to field command."

"Confirmed."

Once the gunship had landed, and introductions made, Lopswa showed him the sorry plight of the prisoners. After making a call he had medevac reapers variants on the way and he his crew and Lopswa were en route to field command.

" Cursed terrans the ground officer called as he spat on the ground "this is just another thing they must pay for.

Hours later once the suffering males females and whelps that were in the prisoner camp had been given immediate medical treatment and their names logged Lopswa and the reaper pilot found themselves on a high speed transport to the council world

"Curse them!" Venel cried as she paced the amphitheatre of the council room her purple robes splashing out like water around her, her striped tail lashing the air.

It was three weeks after the recapture of Eswainia and the worst of the celebrations across the alliance had completed. that the truth of the incarceration camps was announced, the mourning of the dead completed, t life for Toresh returned to some semblance of normality, save that his mem Ysirka seemed distant and dead to most, though she never slighted in her care for him it was obvious that her heart had gone when Abiash died.

Over the next few months Toresh grew well, learning the basics of the master terran language from captured books and data discs but growing more distant from his peer group by the time he reached his 6th year he had mastered the language and all the others he was in contact with.

Ysirka, no longer able to cope with the youngster in her grief contacted the council.

"Councilwoman Mir'ai, It grieves me to speak these words to you, for three rotations Toresh has been in my care and he has indeed prospered, I fear I'm no longer ale to care for him my burden of grief is too great, I believe it is time for him to move on to the next stage of his life and learning we of the Leosi have taught him what we could and my love for him will never flee my, Mir'ai believe me when I say this he is my son as much as if I had birthed him nut I cannot let him suffer because of me." A tearful Ysirka sobbed out.

"Worry not Honoured one your service to the cub and to your people has served you well he will move on but your clan name shall belong to him Toresh Rdasca he shall be known as from now on," Mir'ai replied, As she bid the den mother good-bye.

Over the next several rotations Toresh bounced around the alliance spending time with the other races a season here with the Aqui studying science, a year helping the Eswai rebuild all the time learning the ins and outs of all walks of life with the alliance finally coming to live amongst the Tigris on counter prime.

" Dammit Mir'ai why'd do the Tigris have to let Toresh live amongst us?"

Because, he has learned humility from the Can'lup hard work from the Eswai, loyalty from the Leosi..." as she went on explaining the lessons he had learned from each of the other races.

Fine fine but what can he learn form us The Tigris? Venel asked pointing a claw tip at The Leosi woman.

Mir'ai smiled and laughed a deep throaty purr. "Aggression and how to fight that's what Tigris are good at isn't it. Aren't you always saying you're strong and will never be defeated?"

Venel sighed preparing to bite the proverbial bullet "very well. We will take him on,

Finding a family to take on a eleven rotation aged boy cub will be more difficult..."

"But I will try." Venel added as she saw the look on Mir'ai's face.

Only a few weeks after Mir'ai and Venel had their discussion, a pre adolescent Toresh left the cabin of another transport vessel this time landing on the Tigris home world known as Counter Prime.

"I am Toresh Rdasca, The honour of greeting is mine." He said as he offered his semi open fist in greeting.

A male and female Tigris of average build and patterning returned the gesture introducing themselves as Rigel and Istsl informing Toresh that they would be his guardians while he lived on their world.

Changing worlds and schools was by this time old hat to Toresh

After a minimum time settling in, getting to grips with his new schools and the attitudes of the pupils, being far more belligerent and aggressive then those on the other worlds he had dwelt on. Which of course fit in with their warlike natures.

Problems didn't reach a serious level until six weeks of Toresh being in the school had passed the adolescent Tigris Toresh studied with teased and taunted him calling him all sorts of names, Toresh remained strong his head held high remembering the message his guard parent had given him his first day of school.

"Toresh Dear cub you may be different to them they may hurl words and worse at them but hold your head high and remember you were chosen to be our hope, you are unique bare that in mind." The ghostly voice of Ysirka echoed through his mind as he walked down the stone hallway to a class he dreaded,

'History of the Terran war', it was the class he got the most dirty looks in as though the entire 30 year war was his fault. His fellow pupils conveniently forgot that his body aged at approximately the same rate as theirs'.

"Well if it isn't the Terran." A snide growl of a voice came from behind him

Toresh turned right into the face of Palic, a troublesome young male Tigris built like a battleship and probably as strong.

Toresh sighed not really wanting an altercation

"Go away Palic. I've got to get to class." He said as he attempted to carry on walking.

"No filthy Terran talks to me like that"' he snarled as he swung his arm and knocked Toresh into the wall.

Rebounding heavily Toresh pulled himself upright with the intent of escaping this before it turned ugly.

"It's your fault my dam died!" Palic continued as he swung again into Toresh catching him midriff,

Toresh wuffed as his breath left him folding down to the floor breathless and sore, passer-by's passed to see if the mighty terran would retaliate or if he would be torn to shreds by Palic.

As the jeers and shouts drew more spectators Toresh's escape route was cut off a ring of angry Tigris surrounding him he sighed trying once more for as peaceful solution to this problem

"Palic I know you don't like me but it cant possibly have been my fault about your dam I'm sorry to hear about it, I truly am I lost friends on the Eswina liberation action as well so." Toresh was cut off as an orange and black blur moved in towords his face.

Suddenly time seemed to slow every second passing like an eternity for Toresh as his eyes widened in terror at the incoming blow a blow not meant to stun but to kill hurling himself backwards as the gleaming black claws swung for his jugular.

When Palic's claws made contact it wasn't with Toresh's throat but his face four great gaping gashes lined Toresh's ones pristine face from jaw to nose. Time suddenly snapped back into full speed as Toresh's head hit the ground with a resounding crack, blood streaming from his torn face. The last thing Toresh saw as he lost consciousness was Palic being hauled off by the physical health instructor.

Toresh's eyes blinked once clearing the haze of pain from his eyes again to focus the view in front of him a large mountain of orange fur near is face. Slowly resolving into a males arm

"Ah good you live I don't have to amputate. The medk said in a deadpan voice

"Amputate amputate what?" Toresh cried out struggling to rise.

Your head if you didn't come to, fortunately there was no major damage to the cranium just these marks across your face which I'll repair for you, your parents are outside waiting for you.' The doctor said as resumed melding the torn tissues together.

Once released from the medks care Toresh walked out to face his guard parent wrath.

"Toresh ..." his guard sire began anger dripping from of his voice...

"You bring shame to my house, and my blood, with your weakness were you never taught to fight by those other weaklings?

"Indeed not sire I was taught by the Leosi to avoid fighting, and by the Juubatian to be careful as to where and whom I confront. I have never had any formal education in fighting."

"That will change Toresh. I will arrange for you to learn to defend yourself, I probably shouldn't say this but an old school friend of mine is a historian of sorts."

"Of sorts? Sire you can't be of sorts you are or are not." Toresh replied tilting his head slightly.

"He's a historian in that he preserves ancient knowledge. But what he keeps is of more immediate usage then how our ancestors made bread, he is a student of 'Zei Vaigh Chou' in the ancient tongue or as best described as 'Paw of stone' in our current dialect. It is an ancient art of combat and is what allowed out race to dominate this world. Now I will speak to my old friend and try to get things sorted see you at mealtime Toresh." Rigel said, nodding to the boy on his way out to return to work.

Istsl led the boy out of the Medk centre and told him not to worry.

" Some people just don't like other races even if we work together for the common good your fathers sort of like that I had to push him hard to get him to agree to take you in which is a good thing for my cousin Venel, otherwise you'd end up living with her."

A few days later after Toresh's face had healed and he returned to school, the other pupils gave him a far greater berth then before.

"Excuse me, Jakil isn't it? "Why is everyone keeping away from me?" Toresh said during mealtime to one of the less intimidating students.

Jakil snarled as she tore another chunk out of her red meaty meal, "Terran don't you pay any attention during announcements Palic was expelled, and Master Lpolf said anyone one who bothers you will be suspended. Seem he got a message from the council or something."

"OH" Toresh replied his jaw dropping.

The next few weeks passed tortuously for Toresh an outcast in his school and the painful physical training of 'Zei Vaigh Chou' which he was forced to spend five hours a night doing.

"Maisung?" Toresh gasped out one evening after performing the backbreaking exercises his body was not meant for "if this technique is so good ...why am I just doing the exercises?" When will you teach me the style itself?

Grinning evilly Maisung stood plucked an object out of the box behind him and roared out "Exercise three movement four!" Toresh twisted his torso and legs into the required formation as a piece of sharp metal flew past him.

"The exercises are the basis for Zei Vaigh Chou' boy, Maisung began in his lecturing tone, "Through them the body and soul are focused, tempered to the point where one blow can shatter wood rock or withstand the bite of a blade." The movements of attack come after the movements of defence when the exercises are reflex then I will teach you the techniques for attack. Now continue."

Its wasn't until Toresh's twelfth birthday that he both began to grow in to the power and strength of a man and the speed and accuracy needed to begin to master Zei Vaigh Chou'.

" Happy birth marker Toresh." Jakil said, her Tigris face blushing slightly as she held out the traditional gift for him during lunch one day.

"Thank you Jakil, it's nice of you to give me a gift.

"Think nothing of it I... I got to go see ya Tor."

"Hmm" she was acting odd Toresh mumbled as he went to his next class failing to notice the looks some of the older males were giving him and the giggles that fallowed him round the rest of the day.

During the weeks that fallowed Jakil remained friendly towards Toresh often using the affectionate shorting of his name 'Tor'. Finally she couldn't take it, and as midyear break approached, she approached her friends about it.

"Why isn't he interested in me Calyx " Jakil moaned one night when her long time friend was over.

Maybe he just doesn't find Tigris, attractive maybe he doesn't even reproduce like we do maybe he lays eggs like the Aqui or split themselves lie the Griolk, can you imagine that one minute there's one Toresh the next there's two of him" Calyx said her tail twitching with amusement.

"Mmmmmm two Toresh's I could deal with that." Jakil purred holding a cushion close.

"PERVERT!" Calyx cried swinging another pillow at Jakil, prompting a tussle that ended with both on the floor giggling hysterically.

"So? When are you going to ask him, or are you just going to let him pass you by.

"I can't ask him he's terran he'd never be interested. But I can dream."

Across Town Toresh was working on his exercises in the dark hall belonging to

Maisung.

After a few false starts and badly preformed manoeuvres Maisung called him over to where he was sharpening a blade.

"Tell me boy where has your mind gone that your limbs flail about like a whelp?"

"Maisung I'm sorry I'm just distracted, it's about school, there's someone who treats me civil as though I were a Tigris and not the enemy of the alliance." He replied.

"Oh?" Maisung said as he took a seat next to the youngster, And do you like being treated like a prisoner in your school?" or is it something else lad something your not telling me." Maisung turned and looked at Toresh down his muzzle steadily as though reading the boys soul. Standing once more Maisung removed his ornate tunic revealing his well-muscled chest as he walked to the centre and began his own practice with his blade.

"Keep talking boy I'm just loosening up," he said as he went through a routine of movements that would have broken Toresh in two.

As Toresh spoke about his problems and difficulties he too returned to the training field.

They continued their conversation and their exercises until neither could speak out of fatigue

"If...I ...were you... boy.... I'd.... Speak with. Your dam bout it she might have advice " Maisung panted out his great chest heaving.

Throwing his jerkin over his shoulder Toresh bowed formally to his tutor as he headed out into the evenings mists, "yes I think I will farewell."

Venel entered into the council room her head bowed low her heart waited down with the news she bore, standing atop the speaker's podium she looked out over the assembled members of the Alliance. Lighting her speech globe she paused its crimson glow making her face look like it was covered in blood,

" members of the alliance I speak to you today not as a council mate but as a widower, the terrans invasion force has been sweeping forward at great speed, the colony on vulpino omega has been annihilated, my mate was their serving as tactical attaché to the Vulpino fleet

The command station was totally wiped out. We must move soon or we wont even have an alliance to defend. Returning to her seat her place was taken by Rstan.

"Well now that the invasion is so deep in our territory, " Rstan's high-speed voice came it is time to call our ambassador to speak with these terrans once, and if not to light the fire of vengeance that shall burn until every last one of them is ash."

A great cry rose though the chamber some celebrating that the fruition of their long term plan was finally to bear fruit others namely the lapna and Ewsai contingents shouted out in favour of retreating and granting the terrans space if only to avoid a massacre. Venel returned to her private office to inform her sister that it was time for Toresh to do what he was brought here for.

"Just give him a little longer he doesn't know that I know but he has passion for a fem in his class, the ceremony of ascendance is approaching let him partake in that for his

Fem friend. Then he can go and do his duty, but he's still only a boy, and while he has learned to fight and defend himself I fear he lacks the heart of a warrior.

I hope his fem friend might bring it out in him."

"A short while longer no more we will begin the planning for his ambassadorial role." one of the other council members said with the agreement of the rest.

A few weeks later one morning while Toresh jogged to school, his dark hairs flowing freely like a leosi's mane. He was greeted by another also on a quick jog,

"Hiya Tor" Jakil, cried as she ran passed him her tail bobbing gently her tongue plying out as she ran.

Waving at her Toresh continued on his jog his mind entrenched in the upcoming ascendance celebrations even though he was a year too young to ascend from adolescence to adulthood he was able to participate in them.

"OK shut up, and pay attention, the ceremony's will begin tomorrow afternoon those who are ascending need to be ready remember the final section is the dance of ascendance." Make sure you have a partner to perform the dance with or don't bother showing up. remember your partner doesn't need to be ascending."

When Jakil heard that announcement she couldn't keep a slight purr from accompanying her voice all day causing her instructors to chastise her repeatedly for not paying attention. Toresh too was distracted, vague images of himself and Jakil dancing together caused many problems that day until meal break when red-faced he could seek out Jakil and ask her.

"Hiya Toresh um.... I need to ask you something." Moments passed in silence as Jakil toyed with her tail.

"What is it Jakil?" Toresh prompted rapping his knuckles with an eating utensil.

"I'm um due to ascend, but um I like you... a lot and um" she paused twisting her tail into painful knots she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box,

"I'm not very good at this my friends think I'm crazy but would you... be willing to be my mate for the ceremony, and.... maybe longer?" she said as she opened up the box revealing a matched pair of earrings of the type worn to mark a betrothed pair.

"I'm not that good with Tigris jewellery Jakil but those look to me to be life mate tokens?

Sheepishly Jakil nodded and as a tear trickled down her face she turned and prepared to leave.

As Jakil turned to leave some words his dam had spoken to him finally made sense

"You maybe young but there's no age for love when you find her you will know."

Snapping his hand out he grasped Jakil's wrist in an iron grip. "Are Are you serious about wanting to be life mates or was it just for the ceremony" he asked his voice coarse in his private agony.

"Life mate" she whispered as she freed her arm from his grip before darting out the door.

"Damn her!" Toresh shouted as he raced after her scooping up the box she had dropped.

Arriving outside he could see Jakil on the hill to the west talking animatedly with another being. Reaching the top of the hill near the linden tree Toresh began spouting apologies not noticing who Jakil's companion was

"I'm sorry Jakil just give me-"

"Shut up terran!" came the voice of her companion. Palic.

"Me and my life mate of choice are just having a lovers tiff," Palic said as he gripped Jakil's arm to prevent her from fleeing.

"Toresh please help me!!" Jakil cried as she fought against Palic.

Grabbing Palic's arm Toresh yelled at him to release Jakil.

"I mauled you already terran now go away" Palic replied his muzzle twisting into a sneer.

Toresh released Palic's arm, stood back and cuffed him with the back of his hand as he cried out

"Siwh oep tiquak", (I challenge you for this female) the ritual words of a mating challenge.

Palic blinked and spoke "you challenged me now die!!"

Palic turned and gave Jakil a rough lick on her muzzle before throwing her to the floor.

Lunging out Palic swept his paw out to disembowel Toresh. Toresh leaped backwards neatly, speaking the words of challenge like a chant he and Palic threw blow after blow at each other. Palic using his natural agility to avoid damage and Toresh utilizing the paw of stone techniques learned from Maisung. The fight lasted far longer the their original when he came to counter prime.

"Why? Why wont you die terran?" Palic panted out during a lull in their battle during which many students and instructors came out to watch the remainder of Toresh's challenge that since was an official challenge and not a simple fight the school instructors were forbidden to interfere. Both beings were bruised and battered neither seeming to give up an inch, Toresh out of love, Palic from spite.

During Toresh and Palic's next clash their weariness began to manifest itself occasional hits reached through the defences Toresh with a set of gouges on his arm Palic with a black eye. Struggling to his feet after a vicious blow to his chest Toresh howled in defiance,

"Enough Palic now you fall!" launching a series of kicks and punches to Palic's legs and chest culminating in a knife edged blow to his arm splintering his forearm.

"The fem's not worth it." Palic muttered as he clutched his bleeding arm and ran off.

Steadying himself on a seat Toresh formally closed the challenge with the ancient words 'Roakn tisij virso niol' (this female is mine) before seeking out his prize.

"Jakil I'm so sorry I didn't mean for you to run off its just I was surprised you would want a Terran as a mate, but I'm happy, for I wanted you as well. Will you consent to being my mate?" he asked as he open the box she had presented him. Licking Toresh on his face Jakil's quiet sobs and the way she wouldn't release him gave him all the answer he needed, "Then hold still cause this is going to hurt." Toresh removed one of the earpieces from the box and thrust it into Jakil's ear ignoring the pain as she sank her claws deep into his back.

"Now you are mine Jakil," he said as he bit her now bleeding ear hard before he released her from his grip smiling at her as he did. "I know its supposed to be a bite on the ear that makes the hole Jakil but my teeth wouldn't do it," he added as she rubbed her newly pierced, and bleeding ear.

Toresh didn't get to see much of Jakil the rest of the day, as their classes were not mixed. Nor did he get a chance to see her the next day embroiled as she was in preparations for her ascension that evening. Others too were making ready for the ceremony.

"When Toresh arrives make sure he's directed to the council chambers for initial briefing have some quarters set aside and contact Admiral Lorch tell him to make all speed." Plans and plots were put into motion as the day drew to an end and the ceremony began. During the ceremony Toresh sat in his seat watching, Jakil in her blue and silver formal gown. During the final part of the ceremony when the partners receive their mates from the hand of the parent Toresh came face to face with Jakil's parents, a mean looking, black male and his mate a petite female of white colouring

"Jakil.... Whom is this terran, and why does he seek your paw?"

" I am Toresh Rdasca, terran and your daughters mate of choice. I have fought one challenge for her and will fight another." Toresh replied taking a step back and loosening the tight formal outfit he wore.

" Father don't, he will fight you if he must, but I don't want to see either of you hurt." She said pleading with her thick-headed father.

Ignoring his cub's advice and pushing her to one side he prepared to fight with the young terran. fortunately for all concerned the fight was interrupted by a claw class constable craft searching for Toresh

"Hold your positions!" came the booming voice from the ship "Toresh Rdasca you will come with us now you have been summoned by the council of the Alliance.

" Jakil I will return," Toresh said as he boarded the ship destined for the council world.

Part3

Never before in Toresh's conscious memory had so much happened so rapidly.

From the moment he left Jakil and her father he had been berated about his clothes, interrogated about his knowledge of the terrans, and subjected to a battery of physical examinations. All this before being hustled aboard a courier ship bound for the Council world. On the third day aboard the small vessel Toresh woke with fright as a middle-aged lapna female bounded into his rooms. Moving with skill and instinct he pinned the intruder against the wall.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Toresh asked as he tightened his grip on the lapna.

"Oho, yowww! Ya don't need to grab me like that lad," the woman cried out at the iron strong grip on her forepaw.

Blushing slightly Toresh released the woman's paw, "sorry now who are you?"

"My name is Iebel I am just a cleaner. Yes a cleaner I was asked to make sure you got clean clothes your formal suit is a bit dirty now, I've a fresh suit for you in the hall, oh and Laddy your to dine with the captain tonight so they've sent a dress uniform for you

I do hope it fits." With a quick turn Iebel hopped out of Toresh's quarters, returning quickly with a polywraped package of cloth, "here ya go laddy, a officer will pick you up at 27:00 hours." With a smile and twitch of her ears Iebel hopped off to continue her duties.

Sighing deeply Toresh lay back on his bunk breathing deeply to slow his racing heart and suppress the adrenaline flow from his rude awakening.

"Whoever thought that being able to sleep and stay aware would cause problems," he muttered to himself, musing on the more esoteric abilities of Zei Vaigh Chou.

Shipboard life had little to interest Toresh, so he spent his day as he had the previous ones exercising and star watching. Toresh's boredom was relived somewhat when the lapna came to collect him for the evenings meal

"Laddy get yourself all fixed up and I'll lead you to the captains dining room." Iebel waited while

Toresh cleaned himself up and dressed in the plain white uniform provided by Iebel.

"Ahh now don' ye look sweet bet ya dam must be right proud of yas." She commented as she led the way. After being shown his seat and introduced to the commander of the courier vessel a bovina named Orchasd. After exchanging pleasantries Orchasd got to the point,

"we would have been making planet fall at the council world some time tomorrow but we have been asked to make an additional pick-up at Drakwolf." The rest of the fine meal passed quietly what little conversation being confined to asking about the terran little things like was it hard to walk without a tail and did lack of a muzzle interfere with his eating. With a nod Toresh stood thanked the captain and his crew for the meal and retired to his room planning on an early night...

Earlier that day on the council world a young secretary was sorting out old COM transcripts a note on one of them caught her eye it was a COM transmission referring to care parents and terran young, pulling the file in its entirety she took it to her desk.

"Hmm" she thought as she nibbled on her lower lip, biting through to her cerviane blood as she worked. "Blah bloods nasty don't know how those predies manage to eat meat," she muttered at the taste of it in her mouth. Rereading the courier ships schedule, she turned to the note again,

"Promise me you'll let me see Toresh again.... Very well I promise."

"Very sad." She thought " all those years ago and now he's on his way here and she'll never see him... hang on..." leaving her workstation she walked into her section heads office

" Vilania, hi um I was working in archives and found this note. Considering we have a guest arriving soon I think we should let the Drakwolf representative know about it."

Nodding to her secretary Vilania handed the note back to the girl go ahead you'll find him in his office. Nodding the cervine girl left the room her short white tail twitching.

Running through the crowded council offices, the young secretary Leila clutched the note in her paws struggling not to trip over her hooves, nor knock anyone down. Scuttling to a stop in front of a very amused Can'lup she fell to the ground with a bump.

Wincing as she squashed her tail she tried to untangle her long stick like legs, flustered by her bodies peculiarities. She was surprised to hear a deep chuckle from above her.

Looking up at the source of the sound the Can'lup she nearly collided into towered above her reaching out his paw he helped Leila to her hooves,

"well ma'am where were you going in such a hurry?"

"I um I was..." she paused her young eyes taking in his impressive form his chest what was visible from his cream and lavender robes was muscular, without a trace of excess fat. The older male caught her eyes roving over his body and he laughed again,

"Surely girl you've got something better to do then fall over in front of 'Lup men and ogle them," he said his lips curling in a smile. Blushing Leila stated her task and apologized for the inconvenience. Well by the moon and the stars girl you not only have good looks but luck,

I am Posolt, come with me to my office and we can discuss this." He replied his kind eyes sparkling with mirth and warmth as he took her paw in his relating to the young one the story of how Toresh had come to the council.

After hearing the tale of the young terran Leila took to her hooves " sir I know you're a good male and you're the 'lups representative but shouldn't you go through with your promise?" I've taken the liberty of checking the route of the ship Toresh s on and they pass within a light week of Drakwolf I feel I must ask you to redirect the ship and pick her up."

"Well young Leila I must say your persuasive." He growled gently before chuckling.

" I can see you feel strongly about this, " with a few deft keystrokes, Posolt contacted the courier ship Swiftwind and issued the modified orders " there now Leila all done and dealt with, now is there anything else I can do for you?"

"N.... No not right now sir goodbye." Leila turned and narrowly avoided tripping as she ran out.

Posolt laughed as the clumsy girl fled his presence, "poor thing probably never had a 'lup look at her anyway other then a potential meal." Smiling once more he turned back to his agenda keeping any thoughts of little Leila firmly out of his mind.

Back on board the courier ship Toresh watched through the windows as the globe of Drakwolf swelled in his view.

"Ambassador Toresh Rdasca please come to the docking port" came the voice of the COM officer on duty.

"Must be important if they use ambassador," Toresh muttered as he headed off to the port.

Ah Toresh Rdasca allow me to introduce our other dignitary you may recognize her," Orchasd said, gesturing to the robed Can'lup female stood behind him.

The robed female took a step forward, her grey tinged slender paws moving up towards her face, pushing back, a deep blue velvet like hood. Revealing an equalling striking face she looked up at the assembled welcome her golden eyes moving from one to another until they fell upon Toresh. She rushed forward flinging her paws around him. Great heaving sobs wracked her form as unabashed tears streamed down her muzzle. Toresh stood his own hands moving to support this emotionally stricken female. Looking around Toresh tried to find a medk to deal with the woman, pausing as she whispered a name into his tear sodden uniform.

"Toresh, dear cub, Toresh,"

She whispered time and time again as she was led by Toresh out of the docking room and into the central area of the ship.

"Ma'am you know me obviously but do I know you?" Toresh asked his heart strongly moved by this woman,

Gathering herself she wiped a last tear from her muzzle and smiled faintly, " I would hope so dear cub I raised you when you were young," as she said these words childhood memories flooded

Toresh's consciousness memories hazy from youth but warm and safe, looking down at the wolf woman in front of him he uttered "mema?"

Holding his first foster mother in his large muscular arms in order to forestall further tears he spoke to her, all awkwardness gone as mother and son were reunited.

Orchasd viewed the scene from afar over the security channels, "Touching." he said curling his rubbery lip in a grin,

"Right get this crate back on course for the council world I want star stream as soon as we leave Drakwolf's grav well, give me full reports from all systems on the move." Taking his seat on the cramped command deck of the Swiftwind, Orchasd keyed a quick communiqué to Posolt informing him of their status.

Mother and son spent their next few days getting caught up with each other; Toresh learned his foster father had passed away the previous rotation in an accident while she learned of Toresh's romantic entanglements,

"Oh cub", she cried "your to be mated to a Tigris, how'd you fight her defender you don't look like your able to". "No offence," she added once she realised what she had said.

Toresh stood loosened his top a little and brought out his sparring dummy.

The androgynous device was built to take a lot, but with the power of Zei Vaigh Chou' behind him, Toresh was more then capable of rendering the sturdy device into a pile of debris

"Dam;

I am more then capable of dealing with her defender, as a matter of fact..." he said as he related the entire fight with Palic, "the hardest part was making the Tigris bite of claiming, as my teeth just wouldn't do it, so I uh just shoved it though," he said with a chuckle, as she winced at the thought of the pain.

The remainder of their trip passed rapidly as the family rejoiced in being together again, it seemed like only minutes rather then days had passed when Orchasd announced their imminent arrival.

"All passengers and crew we are approaching the council world would Toresh please make himself ready to meet the Alliances Council." The small and agile Swiftwind dove through the labyrinthine asteroids before locating the council's base. While setting up for final approach, Toresh stole a glance through the windows an noticed a slight irregularity a blur moving in to dock in a v.i.p landing bay, his natural inquisitiveness aroused, he resolved to have a closer look when time permitted,

Donning his best outfit, the formal one he last wore at Jakil's ascension, Toresh made his way from his quarters to the deck plating of the council world.

A whole new world greeted him, gone were the worn well oiled plates common to most other replaced with bright silver tiled plating, Toresh bent down on the pretence of adjusting his trouser hem to examine the plating closer, yes the lines and patterns were part of it metallized marble,

"Wow that must have cost a fortune." Toresh muttered as he stood and began walking to the welcoming committee.

A female Tigris in red and gold robes stepped away from the other greeters her tail twitching with amusement, "Welcome Toresh Rdasca." She said as she approached him.

Toresh took a step back and offered his throat while extending his hand palm up, in the standard formal Tigris greeting. He was unprepared for her to ignore his hand an embrace him so casually.

"Umm ma'am I am honoured by the greeting of familiarity," Toresh began after the female released him.

"Quite I've seen your image enough on my cousin's mantle when I called, her, of course all she ever wanted to speak about was her fosterling how clever he was how strong," but now all that you are all that you were is behind you. Come you have much to learn and little time to learn it."

The 'little time turned into quarter rotation, during which Toresh received an in depth education concerning all aspects of diplomacy.

"This is ridiculous," Toresh, said one evening, "they're going over everything, and I'm surprised they haven't told me how to relieve my self,"

Rnace chuckled slightly her ears perking up, "well cub that's for tomorrow," she teased, Toresh simply growled mock fiercely in reply.

" Ah well they say that soon ill be ready to perform my task, I've an appointment with the full," he gulped, "council in the morning"

"You will be fine, I'm sure they just want to finalize your mission parameters, and introduce you to the crew you will be working with." With those words Rnace stood on her toes and gave Toresh a motherly nuzzle as she bid him goodnight.

Morning came as it always did illuminated by the brightening of the artificial lights around the council world. Toresh sensing the brightening of the lights, stretching Toresh woke and readied himself

"Ah Toresh," Venel purred as she greeted him in the café, "good your ready, finish your feed and ill take you to the main council chamber.

Polishing off his food Toresh followed Venel, down to the centre of the asteroid the council lodged in.

"Right Toresh last bit of advice before I announce you, don't speak unless all the other globes are dark, then step on the paw pad near the microphone, answer their questions truthfully and above all look them in the eye," she gave Toresh a quick hug before nodding to the mismatched pair of door guards, a Leosi and a Vulpino.

The great wooden and gold doors opened silently at the guards touch, and as one they moved their primitive halberds in to a guard position, ushering in Venel and Toresh.

The council room took Toresh's breath away with its opulence and grandeur, but when the assembled council stood and showed him honour by bowing, quietly Venel pointed to a place by the podium. Once he took his place and the great doors closed, the entire council sat as one. Silence dominated until Venel took her place in her own platinum chair.

Asoi stood then and ruffled his feathers as he activated his globe, "many rotations have passed since you last were last in this hallowed hall." He paused allowing his words to echo in the excellent acoustics of the hall, "The alliance has called you to be their voice on Terra, it is placed to the member states to offer their support or arguments. The Aqui Agree and wish you well, he concluded giving the eagle people's support in this venture once he sat another light went on.

"The Can'lup give their consent" Posolt growled out as he too added his races voice.

"The Tigris!" Venel roared.

"Equinnis!"

"Juubati!"

"Eswai!"

"Vulpino!" faster and faster the names came, as major and minor alliance members gave support for Toresh and his task, " Lapna, Cerviane and Leosi were called out in quick succession. As the last of the races gave their support, silence fell upon them, patiently waiting for their next cue.

"The alliance has given their approval. Do you Toresh Rdasca accept the task we ask of you, to go to Terra and speak to their leaders, inform them of who we truly are, and offer them one chance to leave our space?"

"Yes consular, I do accept the task," Toresh replied.

"Good. Then you will be using the same method of transport to get in as was used rotations ago to get you out. Captain Nura Lorch will commander the stealth ship Skate and fly you in. remember your mission and your task." Posolt sat down his globe going dark, as another took to their paws to continue.

"Ah Toresh good good I'm glad you understand, however there is one thing you must be aware of...." The Juubatian, Rstan, began solemnly. Toresh felt his muscles tense as he mentally braced for whatever bombshell Rstan was to drop.

"Toresh Rdasca 14 rotations ago you were taken from your own kind with the sole and selfish intent of being used to broker a peace between us and YOUR kind," Rstan emphasized the word heavily before continuing in a gentler tone, " even though what we did was with best intention's in mind, we still have held you hostage for your entire life, once you have completed this task your purpose here will be complete and why you will be welcome in the alliance territories and will retain your citizenship, you are not required to return with the team, Toresh you are free to do as you please." Rstan spoke these last words with tone of finality.

Toresh was still for a moment before bursting out laughing, "my kind..." belatedly he pressed the switch to activate his speech light. "My kind for all my life I've been around alliance members, spoken alliance languages, studied in alliance schools and eaten alliance food. You are my kind I have no other," he paused to let his words sink in, Besides if I didn't return a certain Tigris fem would hunt me down and floss with my innards, " he smiled as several members of the council chuckled.

"Well said youngun, well said, now any questions about your task go ahead and ask," the grey-haired lapna consular replied.

After a short period of questions and the council answering them Toresh was dismissed by the council.

"Rest Toresh in the morning the last of the Skates crew should have arrived and you will be able to begin your mission."

Early in the morning Toresh was roused from his dreams by a gentle pressure on his head,

"Toresh wake up the ships ready," Rnace growled gently, as she stoked her ex fosterlings head.

Experiencing a brief moment of panic Toresh hurled off his sleeping skins grabbing his service tunic and clothing satchel as he did. Toresh cut quite a comical figure running around in a panic getting things ready as rapidly as possible.

"Calm down cub. The ship can't leave without you, get dressed... properly your trousers are on backwards. She added, tail wagging happily.

"Uh yea, Dam good idea," He muttered in reply, before removing his clothes and redressing correctly, without any care that a female, indeed his first foster mother was observing.

Under armed escort Toresh was led through the facility, even though his mismatched guards a pair of Equinnis, and Can'lup and a Vulpino seemed to hold different paces the digitigrades pair walking faster and more sprightly then the hoofed ones they still managed to be a sufficiently respectful escort to Toresh. As they entered a larger natural seeming cavern, the Vulpino piped up his voice bright and cheery

" Ambassador sir I just wanted to say what an honour it is to be here with you."

Toresh laughed and clasped the Vulpino's forepaw in his own, "Nay the honour is mine to be able to live amongst such noble beings, gently flattering the vulpino as was the custom."

The far end of the cavern was converted into a large and elegant hanger

"Wow" was the only thing that escaped Toresh's lips at the sight of the polished metal and stone on which a silvery craft rested. Bathed in the light of the spotlights the ship glistened and refracted light.

A small portal at the side of the craft opened as Toresh and his escort approached, a black uniformed male Can'lup stepped out and leaped lightly to the ground.

"Toresh I presume?" he asked, before continuing without even giving him a chance to reply, " I, Nura Lorch. Welcome you Ambassador to the stealth and reconnaissance craft XE3R5, The Skate. We will be your transport on this mission and I hope you will find your second voyage aboard this craft less eventful then your first." Lorch bowed regally from his mid chest, before stepping aside to allow past a youthful looking lapna tech moving a grav lift into position. Stepping up to Lorch, Toresh bowed and offered the Can'lup greeting before acknowledged his escort and the young tech.

Once aboard the Skate, and en route to Terra Toresh was introduced to the rest of the crew namely Ckilap,pronounced 'Scilap' the Leosi male who ran sensors, and the Vulpino T'risp who ran Tactical and Kelic the Skates' helmsmen

While the transit to Terran space occurred without major conflict or incident Toresh spent the days studying the war and composing his words for the terran council.

"Ambassador we are preparing to drop from star stream" Lorch's gravely voice came over the comms

The Skate exited star stream mode between the terran systems third and fourth planets

The particles faded away giving a slight sheen to any who could pick out the skate from amongst the background lights and gasses.

"Tactical, get me full Intel on the terran's fleet deployment, I don't want to blunder into a cruiser like I did last time"

"Last time?" Ckilap called from the sensors, in his deep rumbly voice, "you were here before?"

Lorch related the Skate's history to Ckilap and a totally enthralled Toresh

Chuckling as Toresh broke in realizing what the story was,

" Wait that was me wasn't it, I read what I could but a lot was glossed over,"

"Or classified Toresh." Lorch added continuing to chuckle.

"Sir!" We have isolated the terrans point of global leadership, shall I set a course?"

Lorch flipped a paw at the helm in acquiescence. "Go ahead. Toresh you should go get dressed, I'll assemble my bodyguard team soon as we touch down,

The Skate glinted softly in the dawn light as it flew over the mountains, which the terrans referred to as the 'Alps'.

Despite the secret nature of the operation there was nothing secret about the "Skates" high-speed low altitude flight as it neared the target zone.

The terrans military forces were quick to recognize the foreign intruder, and scramble their atmospheric interceptors to catch it.

Six fighters screamed across the mountains chasing the blunt edged craft,

"Commander, enemy craft is evading our locks, speed in excess of 3500kph, telemetry data indicates its heading for the no fly zone in Geneva." A male terrans voice spoke over their comms feeding information back to their base,

"Flight leader Alpha you are clear to engage. Herd it away from the zone, and neutralize the bogey," the commander's strong voice returned.

As the flight of terran craft dove and twisted at the invader, Kelic the vulpino pilot of the skate yelped as they fighters spat hard light at them,

"Hold course, Kelic, hold course and mirror the hull do not return fire. Tactical? Our distance to target?" Lorch spoke calmly and controlled oblivious to the fighters attacks.

A few minutes later the fighters broke off, "Shit!!" one of them called "They're in the no-fly zone and effectively out of our reach.

"Sensors confirm terran aircraft are withdrawing from the vicinity," Ckilap called back to Lorch

"Prep for landing.... that field will do, Lorch growled, pointing at a large oblong field in front of their target.

The skate swooped in, its mirror bright hull reflecting the grass and flowers of the gardens they flew over, boundary markers for the world government facility.

"Secure exhaust gasses for landing, extend gear." Lorch growled his claws gripping his chair, as the last phase of his mission began. Minutes passed as the ship slowed redirecting the fuel plasma to the dispersion units for rapid cooling,

"Shifting to low altitude thrusters for final manoeuvring," came the high-pitched vulpino voice of Kelic from the helm, "Gear descending ... and locked"

As the ship slowly settled down into the meticulously manicured lawns of the World Government Facility, several armed soldiers clad in the Genevan peacekeeping force approached the alien craft. Rifles aimed, ready for the slightest provocation from the intruders.

Time ticked slowly away on both the Terrans and the Skates chronometers as each party weighed up their options, finally after what seemed an age but in reality was only a few seconds, a small portal eased open on the side of the polished hull releasing the pressurised air inside with a hiss, those outside took a step back, fingers ready on triggers in case of an attack.

As the door opened and a ramp extended towards the earth, tensions ran high even the wind seemed to hold its breath no one moved as a being wearing white hooded robes embossed with gems stepped on to the ramp hands held at his sides as he walked guns tracked him from the soldiers on the ground yet none fired.

Several ran off and headed in to the building doubtless to warn the council of the invader, others approached the stranger as he threw back his hood revealing that he was a human behind him several black armoured bodyguards fanned out around him, helmets covering their heads, Toresh reached the bottom of the ramp the spell holding the soldiers in place broke one approached Toresh rifle aimed at him.

"Halt no unauthorised personnel and you are most unauthorized" the guard said prodding the stranger in the chest with his rifle.

Toresh stopped, and looked down at the weapon threatening him.

He spoke; "Sirr I don't recommend threatening me."

"Oh and why not" the human soldier replied prodding Toresh again in the chest.

In a fraction of a second Toresh went from a diplomat in flowing robes and tunic to a warrior.

Toresh threw his hands up crossing in front of him, catching the soldier's rifle between them his left hand shattering the soldier's forearm with the force of a mallet blow. With his left following through and catching the rifle as it spun, his right leg flicked out fast as a plasma shot, dislocating his leg at the knee before the soldier had a chance to fall, Toresh hurled the rifle into the dirt like a javelin and returned to his former passive pose. "Sir I am trained in Zei Vaigh Chou' or in your language Claw of Rock. I went gentle with you don't threaten me or my aides again,' he turned and offered his hand to the wounded soldier, pulling him up to and handing him off to the mans comrades.

This encounter caught any who were outsides attention and brought them over but none chose to challenge the white-garbed warrior or his armed comrades.

Toresh and his escort made it into the building without any further trouble, shock value and fear providing a far more able protection then the armed folk following him. Toresh and his escorts made good time from the skate to the Terrans building the Genevan guard fell away as they entered the large oaken doors

"Wow!!" Lorch muttered under his breath as he entered the high-tech, dual tiered assembly hall of the Terrans.

Stealing a glance at Toresh through his black tinted visor he could see that Toresh was likewise impressed with the clean lines and subtle greys of their halls, spotting the speakers podium in the raised area he nudged Toresh with his forepaw, "That the place Tor,"

Nodding Toresh set out at a stately pace down the aisle between the blocks of leather backed chairs, calmly ignoring the muffled protests and shocked expressions of the terran leaders.

A he reached the speakers podium, Toresh looked around before taking a deep breath,

"Honoured leaders of the Terrans, I am Toresh Rdasca born of the this world, now ambassador for the Alliance council," he paused and grunted a quick phrase to Lorch and his other 'guards', nodding the black armoured escorts removed their helmets.

A gasp went out from among the Terrans, "Beasts", some muttered, aliens said others, daemons whispered a few.

Toresh nodded to his friends and continued, " They are neither beast nor daemons, but sentient peoples like you, indeed I was taken from this world so that I could return and explain to you their ways and their desire for peace. This generation long war is not of their intentions but born of your misunderstanding and bigotry. It is with open hands that I am sent before you to explain, my friends here come from many races and speak a great many tongues but work together for the benefit of all in a great alliance of peoples..."

And so Toresh spoke he spoke of all the injustices that the Terrans had caused the prisoner camps on Eswai the killing of innocents, and slowly the shock and indignation on the Terrans came to be replaced with attention and concern as horror after horror was described, nor did Toresh leave out his own life story speaking about how he had been treated and educated.

"This entire thing is down to a lack of communication," He said gesturing with his hand, " I can speak their language as could most of you if you chose to learn it, I had my voice box adjusted to make my gutturals more clear but that is not exactly a necessity," He chuckled, thinking of his mate to be Jakil, "but for the Tigris language it is most helpful."

As he spoke he paused occasionally to call up an image on his display device projecting it across the chambers ceiling for the benefit of all.

"How do we know you are who you say you are? And not some freak altered to look like us?" challenged a white haired burly man in a smart grey jacket eyes piercing and challenging.

"Granreht snhal hret!" Toresh snarled in the Can'lup language to Lorch, who nodded and handed him a savage short blade hilt first, nodding Toresh took it, and with a deft motion sliced the meat of his palm and let the blood flow over the blade. Thrusting the dagger deep into the front of the oak podium.

Toresh calmly tore a strip of cloth from his sleeve and bound his hand tightly. If you doubt the veracity of my words, then blood will tell, I have nothing to hide I only wish to bring about the end of this war."

Slowly over several hours Toresh told the full version of his capture and childhood.

One brave page even dared to bring the terrifying human from afar, some water to drink, pausing Toresh thanked the page before continuing to answer questions and fill in gaps in the leaders knowledge.

"So Ambassador, what is your true purpose? They wouldn't send a child here merely to tell us a story." This last was from a younger dark skinned man his chest adorned with medals, obviously from this world's military.

"My purpose warrior, is just that, to tell the tale of my life and that of the alliance, and to give a warning not an ultimatum unless you should choose to take it that way,

"For thirty-five of your years both sides have sent their best blood to be spilled on far away worlds far from their dens and lands of their birth, The alliance sends this, " he paused, pulling out an old fashioned ornate scroll, sliding his finger across the genome lock he released the catch and read words straight from the council...

"We the council of the Alliance hail thee of the Terrans, and hope that with our friend Toresh we can come to some peaceful settlement. The alliance is a group of many races some are peaceful like the Eswai. Others like the Juubatian are quick to judge and quick to anger, then there are others the Tigris a noble warrior race. These races work together, not without friction or even bloodshed on occasion. But the alliance has endured for centuries, this war has to end and as such we offer this, we offer the hand of friendship and forgiveness, yet if ye turn away this last branch and hold to your war of greed and bigotry then we shall loose the full force of our armies and remove you from our lands with force. These are the words of the council sworn and witnessed by the members states and signed by their ably appointed leaders..."

As Toresh finished his reading, noise rose through out the room, causing Lorch and his team to lower their ears and lift their lips snarling slightly at this, questions accusations and threats flowed from many of their number.

Toresh ignored them saying that was all he had to say, leaving the chaotic chambers Toresh and his group left the building as quickly as they could. Only to be stopped by a very elderly lady chasing them, calling out his name

"Toresh, Toresh, please good sir stop"

Turning quickly Toresh paused on the field leading to the Skate.

"Yes good Dame?" he asked looking down at her with compassion in his eyes,

" This thing you ask, you must give us time it is a hard thing, you see our own worlds are filled to breaking point we only sought more room, never did we intend a war on this scale, please tell your leaders that." She said her breath rasping in her lungs from her unplanned exertion.

"It will be done madam," he replied nodding his head in respect before holding his hand out in the palm up greeting of the Leosi' which she returned by shaking his

hand.

Many were the people who watched the ship lift off, its powerful thrusters scorching the dark green lawn of the Terrans facility its hull reflecting the pale silvery light of the moon.

"Madam Director?" Came the voice of the dark Colonel who challenged Toresh, ' do you believe his story? I mean taken as an infant, raised by aliens, and trained as an ambassador. It's all very cloak and dagger. Far easier to have cloned him from our dead."

Director Lorese smiled and looked up at the vanishing spot of light that was Toresh's ship. "Your right" she said, turning to face the colonel, "it does seem far to contrived; however the blood he left behind should tell us something." Her voice trailed away as she turned back towards the meeting hall.

As the Skate sped out of Earths atmosphere, Toresh looked to Lorch, "do you think they got the message sir?"

Lorch turned, his ears perking up, before turning his lips up in a grin, "I hope so Ambassador otherwise the Third Fleet will be forced to deploy in an offensive fashion," his ears dropped and his fur bristled under subconscious control as he continued "and that will make Shira's DAY!"

"She's Tigris sir right? Just because her lineage is that of aggressive fighters doesn't mean she follows suit."

"You're young Toresh, and you haven't met her. Captain Shira is one of the most bloodthirsty beings I have ever met, and racist to boot, she supports further military action regardless of lives lost." He paused, smoothed his ruff down and took a deep breath. I apologise if my comments have offended you; your passion for that young female, was not lost on me."

Toresh nodded and turned away from Nura Lorch before leaving the command deck of the skate as it entered star stream mode accelerating towards his home and his future.

During the next few days as the skate slid silently but surely into alliance controlled space, messages passed between Toresh and Jakil his promised.

"I've missed you Tor." Jakil said over the long distance coms, as she sat down across from the screen on her end. Lowering her striped face into view she tail smiled at him her ears twitching in time with her tail, one covered with a beige bandage.

"Jakil what's wrong with your ear," Toresh said his voice belaying his concern.

She laughed and unbound her ear with a deft flick of her claws revealing a neat hole cut into her ear, "you did Tor when you jabbed the earring through it got infected and a medk had to re-pierce it."

"I'm so so very sorry," he began as she cut him off with her deep-throated chuckle.

Else where on earth a far more serious conversation was taking place.

An elderly general let out a sigh, as he sat down in a black leather chair and handed the paper back to Lorese "It's true then the boy isn't a clone, his blood lacks the definitive markers and his genome isn't in our data banks."

"So his story has been verified. How do you feel we should proceed?" Director Lorese replied crossing her arms across her chest as she leaned back into her white leather chair, across from the general of the fleet.

A knowing look passed between them. "I'll call the delegates." The general stated before making a smart about face and returning to his office.

"This is General Thomas Creatla, I am calling on behalf of the director of the United Governments of Earth council, and we have a meeting to discuss the outcome of the aliens visit.

Plasma and projectiles whistled around overhead as the dark fleshed Major of the Earth Expansion Force, standing up during a break in artillery fire.

"Right third squad over to the east, fifth, eighth, and first follow me, guns cover our advance." The Major matched actions to words as he leapt out of the crater crunching the glass like material left over from the 'Beasts' plasma barrage.

Vulpino regulars levelled their pulse rifles at the oncoming Terrans before letting loose a hail of super accelerated rounds, felling several of the Terrans before they had a chance to return fire, when they did their barrage was as devastating among the slender creatures, one of their return shots caught a young vulpino soldier high in the chest scattering vividly red arterial droplets in a shower as he dropped to the ground seemingly in slow motion, his rifle catching on a stone before sliding into a crater.

Under the relentless fire of the Terrans the beleaguered vulpino force was forced back paw-by-paw. Gradually their measured fall-back became a full-fledged rout.

Noting the Vulpino retreat Major Jackson ordered his group to follow and maintain pressure on the 'Beasts' leading the advance over the blackened glass and rubble strewn expanse that was once one of their cities.

Major Jackson paused suddenly amidst the chaos. Allowing his squad to advance further into the rear of the crumbling Vulpino lines under the support of a squad of Viper support ships. Which were showering the retreating forces with air drop mortar shells and cannon fire, decimating their already weakened force. A small red furred arm scratched feebly at his leg, it's owner grimacing against the pain of the wound in his torso. Jackson looked down at the wretched creature cling to him and thus to life, he noted that the fox creature's wound was serious, thinking calmly he drew his standard issue side arm and lowered it at the beings head.

First Leader Gioml closed his eyes against the pain as the terran lowered the weapon to snuff out his existence; bracing himself he allowed a single tear to escape his eye.

A loud 'Shrraacck' echoed through the bridge as a large shard of transparent crystal came free of the view port,

"Thermal shock waves off port bow, Captain, veering to avoid. The helm officer of the Earth ship 'Grand Journey', stated as he ducked to avoid a shard moving languidly towards his station in the half gravity of the ship. Another terran officer was not so fortunate as a second smaller shard lanced through his skull spraying the rest of the bridge, as his brief scream ripped the air.

"Ensign move us away from that ship full power to forward G.D.L.'s ready missiles to fire as we pass." Captain Jameson of the grand journey ordered as he sat again in his command chair.

Compiling quickly with their captains orders the well-trained crew took their vessel away from the immediate threat and back into the battle.

"SIR!" "New target bearing 325,93, sensor echo looks like a warship, closing on are position."

"Orient our bow to face and launch missiles full spread, port and starboard cannons fire after missiles impact, engines give me max thrust.

The massive ion thrusters powering the Terrans latest generation of warships roared into action moving the massive boxy construction towards it's clamshell shaped counterpart.

Moving into firing range sir, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, sir missiles away tracking the beastlian ships, impact in 6, 5,4,3, they're turning to evade sir, impact imminent."

"Sir impact confirmed on Beastlian craft, damage to their reflective hull confirmed, the weapons officer said.

"Damn it!! This is dumb, the Capts' playing chicken with a multimillion ton warship."

"Lieutenant Margold, I'm aware of the risk, the decision is mine to make, helm distance and time to impact with the beast ship." Jameson bellowed at the junior officer before lowering his voice for the helm officer.

"30 seconds at current speed sir, 13 before PonR ,point of no return), still no sign of veer from the beasts ship.

"On my mark veer 40 degrees starboard fire as we pass.

"3 seconds... and mark"

The grand journey veered majestically over the cracked and pitted hull of the alien ship laser cannons lancing from her port side to gouge great weal's in the hull of the beastlian ship, large explosions echoed soundlessly though the gap between them as their own barrage was released. The alliance ship shuddered under the impact of the Terrans missiles, their hull cracked and damaged from the missiles they were helpless against the lasers that followed, rendering their own retaliation ineffective

"Enemy attacking Captain, plasma hits on forward hull minimal damage."

The recently chastened Margold reported from his station.

"Continue fire on their ship,' Jameson ordered as he watched the fight taking place on his view screen.Grand Journey poured Terra-joules of coherent energy into their adversaries weakened hull, the impacts and explosions causing micro shock waves to buffet their hull.

"Helm! Bring us about I want to finish that cruiser," Jameson ordered as he smiled at the damage his vessel was causing.

"SIR!!" Priority message form fleet command,"

"Helm belay that nav order, COM patch it though.

First Leader Gioml closed his eyes against the pain as the terran lowered the weapon to snuff out his existence; bracing himself he allowed a single tear to escape his eye.

"Sergeant, com officer Nagesl here. I have an incoming message from central H.Q.

Jackson nodded slightly at the being bleeding out before him, "Go-ahead run it," he replied to the officer of the COM.

"This is Earth central control to all military personnel, this is a general cease fire, all personnel are to fall back to the ships and cease fire do not fire even if fired upon leave all non munitions supplies for the native,administer any reasonable aid to wounded, destroy all munitions stockpiles and fall back this is a direct order, authorisation code: four one alpha nu gamma gamma seven, confirm, omega omega pi.

Sergeant Jackson looked down at the pitiful creature as he moved his weapon away;

"I need a medic to my position stat! Equip for a non standard infusion,"

"Well fox looks like you got lucky, I guess your gonna live," Jackson continued as he knelt and administered basic first aid to the fallen Vulpino.

"Captain Jameson of the grand journey acknowledging order,"

"All hands this is the captain our orders have changed administer all assistance to the Beasts ship, ready grappler's and prepare engineering and medical parties relay my order to all ships under my command.

"Com, give me a hailing frequency to the alien ship,"

"Sir they wont understand you,"

Margold I'm well aware of that that's why I'm using symbols that hopefully they will understand so hand me your side arm and sit down."

"Channel open sir, audio and visual capabilities." The young female COM officer reported.

As the view systems activated and the static cleared. Captain Michel Jameson of the 'Grand journey' nodded to his unseen counterpart before removing his ceremonial blade form his side and holding it on the flat of his palms placed it on the ships deck at the same time a subtle nod to the tactical officer resulted in the weapons systems of the journey being taken off-line. A moment later a burst of static flickered across the screen, after it cleared an elderly deer person nodded to the captain as he followed suit with powering down of weapons,

"I wish to send aid," Jameson continued, gesturing to a first aid kit resting near by, "and engineers to assist in repair," pointing to a wrench and welding kit.

Smaller craft and exo-armoured men and aliens worked tirelessly to seal the major breaches in the beasts ship.

On the ground the beleaguered Vulpino's took advantage of their unexpected reprieve to treat their wounded and gather supplies in expectation of a continued assault

Days passed and the hostilities on other worlds dropped off. Leaving the alliances in a strange sort of limbo, it was only when months later the human colonies began packing up that the alliance could truly believe it was over.

Taking advantage of the unofficial end of the war, Toresh and Jakil decided to make their mating official, having chosen a lovely plains location on counter prime as the sight of their nuptials.

"To those present," a large male Tigris bellowed out, "You have gathered from your homes and clans to witness a male take possession of his chosen female.

"Ambassador Toresh Rdasca you have marked this female as yours do you wish to rescind this claim in front of official witnesses?" Defender of the Light Charga

Asked Toresh formally.

"In front of the assembled, I Toresh forsake the opportunity to rescind my claim on this female," he responded formally.

"Then let it be known that the female known by her sire and dam as Jakil is henceforth the mate and sole belonging of the male Toresh. Let it be written let it be known," Charga stated formally as he lowered his blue robed arms, Toresh do you have a chain to take your prize home?"

Toresh nodded and pulled out a length of steel chain with a white leather hand grip.

"Then place the chain about her neck and repeat after me"

"In the presence of the sun, the soil and wind, I claim this female now and for all-time." Toresh repeated the age-old saying, as he placed the chain around Jakil's neck, he gave it a short yank bringing the female to her knees.

"Then it is done Jakil, Toresh I bid thee many offspring and long life." Charga stated as the assembled persons roared and howled.

Stepping away from the crowd Toresh tugged his mate to her feet with a silly grin on his face.

" I could get used to having you following me around like this."

"Well don't!" Jakil replied as she took her fur less mate into her arms and kissed him.

Gently before pointedly tapping his chin with a claw.

"Point taken," Toresh said with a smile

On the far side of alliance territory a boxy ship entered their space fully aware of the alliance warship patrolling the border, opening all their weapon ports the terran warship began broadcasting Toresh's statement to the terran council,

Accompanying this was an image of a furred hand and a human hand shaking hand.

End