Target Shoot

by: Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Character Felina copyright Freddy Andersson

Used with Permission.

Kiko Nao Rhys woke suddenly at the strange sound, one of her many throwing knives seeming to materialize in her paw as she moved. Someone was tapping on her hotel window and the sound had woken her from her sleep. Shaking herself awake she listened, then softly nuzzled the rich copper colored breast beside her. She licked at the fur around an enlarging nipple before sitting up, slipping her blade back into its hidden sheath. Kiko wasn't worried now, as the code being tapped on her closed window was Fantus's. A private little series he had taught her during their visit to Arabis years before. She wondered what was he doing at her window. More importantly, how had he managed to reach the third floor in the first place.

“Hang on Fantus, I'll be a minute" she called softly. Her bedmate opened her eyes, huge black endless pools looked up at the mouse. "Please mistress" the chipmunk whispered. "I need go potty."

Yawning, Kiko absently slipped the bonds holding the others legs, currently spread painfully wide across the shared bed. Taking up the beds top-sheet she walked over to the window, covering herself as she moved. Behind her, arms still tightly bound behind her back her bedmate of the night before ducked into the suites bath.

Slipping through the curtains she found herself almost laughing at the view. Her friend and crewmate Fantus Millin was hanging outside her bedroom window, twisting slowly on some sort of rope seat. In the early morning cold he looked quite uncomfortable. His bright, thin party clothes were no match for the early morning chill, nor was his fashionably trimmed short fur. Sliding open her window she leaned out, pointedly looking down at the unheated outdoor pool some twelve meters below. Currently it’s lights were barely visible through a thick morning fog. Pulling back she yawned again, "Ok Fantus, this had really better be good" she warned in as threatening voice as she could manage.

The ferret grinned, his fur flaring in the false dawns light. "Oh it is, it is" he whispered. "Michael and I need as much money as we can get. We've got a really really certain bet today."

The mechanic groaned in disbelief. "You got me out of a nice warm bed, away from a cuddly bedmate on a cold morning. Just to beg money?" she asked. Even though she was getting a bit angry she kept her voice just above a whisper, since she didn't want to attract attention but this... This being the women's quarter. If Fantus was discovered the best he could hope for was public humiliation. He could even be beaten if the wrong judge heard his case. Behind her she heard the toilet flush, followed shortly by the sound of her lover sliding back into bed.

Fantus caught a good view of the chipmunk through a dresser mirror as she exited the bath. What he saw almost caused him to fall off his perch when he realized how she was bound, and that she obviously seemed to like it. At least the loving glance she had given Kiko's back showed she certainly wasn't unhappy about her situation. 'Something to tell Michael' he thought to himself, turning his attention back to the barely dressed woman in front of him.

"Yes yes" he continued hurriedly. As best he could he was trying to cover his naturally voyeuristic behavior. "Their having a very long range shooting contest today and Deft's entered it."

Kiko's eyes widened in astonishment. For an instant the ferret was afraid they would fall out as he actually saw her whites for a moment. "You are betting on Deft aren't you" she croaked out. Her voice carried sudden excitement. Excitement she normally held for other things.

"Of course we are" Fantus answered as the mouse dove away from the window. Her sheet’s flapping from her movements gave the Ferret another unexpected, and delightful view. "Odds are thirty two to one against her" he continued. 'If Michael ever fouls up with Dia' he thought, 'Its nice to know what will be waiting for her is certainly worth it'. He sighed, shaking his turban clad head. Michael was definitely not going to believe this story.

Kiko was back in moments, still digging in her belt purse. "What time does the betting window close" she muttered as she dug through the seemingly bottomless bag. Apparently forgotten her sheet slipped further.

"Sunrise bell" Fantus answered. "We've been tracking everyone down all night. You wouldn't believe how hard it is for a male to get into this part of town". Kiko shoved a wad of bills into his paws as he talked. "Its almost an armed camp" he finished as he forced the bills into his own belt purse.

Snapping her purse shut Kiko leaned out, her sheet slipping further to give the Ferret a view of silver rings set within dark nipples.. "Oh I would" she admitted, leaning further out of the window she let her sheet fall to the floor. "Thirteen hundred, I can't get to the rest in time ‘cause its in the hotel safe." She touched the ropes supporting the Ferret, looking him in the eyes. "I'd have one-twenty five kay more if Arenell's holder hadn't been short, or you could wait until this afternoon." Pulling the rope closer she giggled at the ferrets almost drooling stare as he took in her naked form. "But this is still the women's quarters ferret. Men, even friends as close as you, are still not allowed here" She flexed her hands to bring out her artificial claws and slit the ropes. Silently she listened to Fantus's scream as he fell uncontrollably, to end in the satisfying sound of a body striking the unheated water of the hotel's outdoor pool.

Shutting the window against the rising morning breeze Kiko returned to her bed, and her prize. "Mmmmm.. You look good enough to eat" she whispered, pulling a knife from its hiding place as she bared her teeth just a little. “Maybe a cut from.. No. I know a better way” she admitted, replacing her blade. “One that doesn’t involve a single twinge of pain. Slipping astride the smiling woman she straddled her face. "But I need to pee too" she finished, carefully lowering herself over the chipmunks willingly ready mouth.

Michael Arbis couldn't believe what he saw. Dripping water like a waterfall Fantus slipped out of the women's quarter, his thin fur water slicked against his skin in the chill morning air. He looked more like a drowned puppy than the effervescent ferret that had left half an hour ago. Michael carefully pulled away as Fantus slid in, still dripping icy water and slamming the door as he sat.

"Heat" Fantus whimpered. "Turn up the blasted heat. I'm freezing in here." Shivering he grabbed a towel from the cars back seat, rubbing himself down as the fox rocketed their little car into the sky.

"Did you get any money?" Michael asked, vainly attempting to stay dry as Fantus jerked around in the tiny cabin.

"Yep. Thirteen hundred from her but I had to do a high dive for it." As the cars heat rolled over the shivering ferret he calmed. "It could be worse though. I think that roof guard may have woken up by the time I got back anyway." He suddenly started laughing. " Anyway the view was worth it, and have I got something to tell you."

Michael glanced at his friend as he piloted their vehicle towards the nearest betting booth. He had seen the fall on the cars infrared viewer. What could possibly have been worth a twelve meter dive into an unheated pool in late Winter. Shaking his head he dove for the betting booth as it came into sight.

A little later Kiko nuzzled against the now sleeping Chipmunk, remembering the things her little marker had gleefully done, and let be done to her. Sighing she realized that it was the first full night she hadn't dreamed of Dia since their meeting. Certainly she had done things with the ‘munk she knew Dia would either never do, or take months or years of careful training to enjoy. This mornings little event after Fantus had left was a prime example, the little copper colored girl had gulped down her pee as fast as the mouse could relieve herself. Then she’d licked the mechanic into a major orgasm. Kiko reminded herself to remember that tongue trick. It was so simple, yet it had driven her almost unconscious when she came. Several times the well trained the ‘munk had pleasured her until she thought she was going to die. Gently Kiko slid her fingers through others matted pubic hair, slipping them deep into the warm tunnel hidden there. In seconds she felt the sleeping girl moisten at her touch. ‘Goddess’ she thought. ‘I'd love to keep her, but how would I get her past Captain Grandell? Anyway how could I ever afford her.’ Moving her face higher she found one of her lovers nipples, gently falling back asleep as she suckled on the bright pink nipple.

Michael glanced at the crowd around him, tapping Fantus on the back to get his attention. "How will Kiko find us?" he asked.

Fantus laughed, twisting his narrow tail around. "Beeper tracker. She always carries one since she never knows when the ship might need her. I just set our transmitter on her frequency."

Michael shrugged in acceptance. Fantus always seemed to have his bases covered. Well, as the fox thought about it, almost always. There were times. "Are you telling me the truth about this chipmunk in her room?" he asked as he scanned the crowd again.

Fantus forced a cough, using it to fight back laughter. “Copper colored, never ever saw a copper colored chipmunk. They must be as rare as ice on the sun" he answered, scanning the competitors as he talked. "Arms tied so tightly behind her back she should have been screaming in pain, palms flat out but she was smiling at Kiko and almost flew into the bed."

Michael shook his head in disbelief. He had heard a lot about the mouse since joining the Purple Passion. Rumors he knew were normally nothing more than idle speculation. Dia though had told him one or two things. He did have sex with the mouse once, aboard the shuttle on that long trip back to the Passion while they slowly towed a thousand or so tons of scavenged spare parts. It hadn't been much, she had only wanted to know what he liked and he hadn't experienced her real tastes. That anyone could confirm some of the stories was enough to get his blood rushing.

"Hi guys miss me" came a cheerful voice from behind him. Turning he found Kiko and her chipmunk coming towards him. Michael almost dropped his field glasses when he spotted the leash running from the mouses hand to the 'munks neck.

"Hi" he managed, quickly regaining control over his surprise. "Who's your... friend?'

Kiko glanced at the taller woman she was leading. "Arenell. She’s a poker debt marker until her owner meets me this afternoon with the hundred an' twenty five kay she still owes me." She grinned, winking at the fox. "Arenell's owner had a very good hand, I got lucky. I had a better one." She gave the leash a

light tug and the chipmunk leaned down to accept a kiss. "Since Arenell’s housebroken I'm thinking of keeping her".

Michael couldn't miss the brightening of the chipmunks face at those words. It was very obvious to him that she at least liked the idea. "Where are you supposed to make this trade, your marker for the money?" he asked. "And... This ones not like that lemur that chased after me is she?"

"Red Acorn Inn, where she lost it the hand. Good food, good drink and honest tables. Try it before we leave. Four in the afternoon local time" Kiko explained. She stretched, tugging the unresisting girl closer. A frown crossed her face as she remembered the incident. "I don't think so" she answered. "But I'd make sure Jeffary gives her all her shots first okay?"

Fantus muttered something Michael couldn't quite hear. Arenell seemed a bit apprehensive at the word shots but she didn't try to pull away. Michael shook his head. First Dia, then chased down and almost raped by Felina, now this. Unless you really knew her you’d think Kiko couldn’t lose in the sex race if she wanted to. Truth was the mouse really didn’t have much of a social life. She seemed married to her work. Pulling double, triple shifts all the time. It had been by direct order of the Captain that found her here. ‘Take three weeks off dirtside or find another ship.’ She’d taken the three weeks. Turning away from the obviously happy pair he groaned inwardly, remembering his lousy luck at the bars last night. ‘Let her have her luck’ he decided. ‘After that bomb she can have it all. She’s more than earned it in my book.’

Slowly the crowd quieted as several huge telescreens lifted from their underground storage chambers. Twenty meters on a side they would show the crowd each target as well as the competitors in split -screen mode. They had to be used, since the closest target was six hundred meters from the firing line and no one wanted to be downrange if the event went to its maximum. Four thousand meters was still well within killing range for some of the weapons used. At least the wind was almost non-existent Michael noticed.

Sound crackled from speakers set all around the crowd. Slowly the announcer, a huge old owl cleared his mike, then coughed. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Today’s event is a maximum range, no-power assist rifle shoot. All competitors have passed the six hundred meter minimum qualification test shoot. Only one rifle is allowed, any caliber of course. As usual the range has supplied balanced rounds of the competitors preference to insure that fairness of the event. Failure of a weapon is an automatic disqualification for the owner. Our first event is the range challenge. Any competitor who desires may fire one round in challenge. Misses are not counted against them at this time. The farthest plate shattered, not cracked, will be the beginning range of this competition. Challenge is by reverse alphabetical order and will start with Hav Walmagun.”

"Wordy fart, isn't he" Fantus mumbled. Kiko just giggled.

A shadow suddenly covered the fox. Looking up he saw Felina walking towards him, a smile of welcome on her face. Strange he thought, to see her wearing a billowing green skirt and blouse. That was until he reminded himself of this worlds customs. Like Kiko and her mark she had no choice while the sun was up or she was outside the women's quarter. Still, lumps and strange shadows told him she was as usual heavily armed. Considering Felina naturally had four arms, that was saying something.

"Yeah" he replied off handedly to Fantus as he took in Felina's beauty. At least Captain Grandell wasn't around. Maybe he could talk the catsect into a drink, then maybe even something more he thought. "Morning Felina" he called cheerfully, covertly making room for her next to him. Crowd control as usual consisted of jabs, shoves, and glares. Still even the largest adult didn't want to spoil the morning with a fight once he saw Felina, so the fox found his work easier than he would have expected.

The ex-Pyuian assassin slipped up next to him, her body heat enveloping Fantus like a soft sensuous cloud. It brought with it a wonderful scent of freshly washed skin his nose. Already excited by Fantus's report and Kiko's actions, this new spice brought his blood near the boiling point. Covertly he made an adjustment in his clothing, before the gently wiggling vulpine lady in front of him discovered she wasn't the object of some strangers friendly attention.

Fantus’s sudden excited cry brought Michael’s attention away from the catsects obvious charms. Deft was finally taking her challenge shot. She whispered her target to the judges, then began to set up for her shot. One of the telescreen cameras pulled away from the previous target, a cracked plate some six inches in diameter marked 900. It zoomed back in and the crowd gasped. Filling the screen was a target plate not often seen in these events during challenge. A dark red series of numbers marked on its surface announced the range as 1200 meters. Fantus coughed in surprise even as Felina giggled. Michael tapped the four armed women's leg. "What's so funny" he asked.

"Two thousand meters is where our dear sweet delicious Doctor Jeffary Deft usually starts her practice shooting" she answered, her voice somehow more mellow than normal. "That lynx is playing with them".

Suddenly the lynx's weapon gave a soft, almost apologetic cough. A sound so quite many in the crowd laughed though those who paid attention felt its dull thunder through their feet. You could clearly hear the brass as it bounced off stone, then the plate vaporized as the .553 caliber round impacted.

Like a stunned elephant the crowd went silent even as Fantus's ears snapped up in stunned shock. Then the crowd roared in approval. Several competitors quietly stepped down. Obviously the starting range was greater than they felt comfortable with.

Michael felt the ferrets tug and leaned over as the crowd roared. "What is it" he asked, barely able to hear himself talk.

"Have you seen Kiko" Fantus asked. There was an odd sly look in his eyes.

Michael turned around puzzled. Although he had no trouble spotting the copper chipmunk the mouse herself was no where to be seen. "Funny" he said, finally noticing that Felina was holding Arenell’s leash. "I don't remember her leaving."

Fantus almost laughed. "Look under Felina's skirt" he whispered.

Michael took a hard look, his eyes widening as he realized where the mouse was and what she had to be doing. Turning away he took several deep breaths. Trying, and failing miserably to stop the second erection he was experiencing he squeezed his eyes shut in false pain. "They could go to jail if their caught" he whispered as the crowd calmed.

Fantus threw his shoulders up, grinning. This was defiantly a shore leave nether would soon forget.

Felina's sudden movement had caught the mouse completely by surprise. One moment she was in bright sunshine, having just greeted the huge woman, the next instant she was standing between two immense legs while surrounded by muted soft green light. Felina had simply walked over the little mechanic, the immense size difference between them enabling her skirt to cover Kiko as effectively as a tent. Glancing at what the catsect wasn't wearing, her wants were clearly obvious. Feeling a light tug on the chipmunks leash Kiko released it, maneuvering carefully between the slowly spreading legs.

Michael noticed a suddenly mellow look cross Felina's face and groaned in frustration. Of the entire crew only those two had the size difference to make this little adventure work, and only they had the madness to try it. Turning his back on the pair he studied the display. Four had dropped out, leaving only sixteen. He watched as all competitors cleared the 1200 range, moving out to the next range marker of 1500. Tapping Fantus on the shoulder he raised one eyebrow, nodding to the range marker.

"Ten percent rounded up or the next higher range" the ferret yelled over the crowds noise. "It gets hairy fast in these things. After 2000 its up by 500 each time."

Michael nodded to show he understood. He had three months pay on Deft, he'd really hate to lose it.

Felina fought to maintain control over herself as the well practiced mouse went to work. Trying to take her mind off what was going on under her skirt she mentally calculated the time it would take for Deft's optimum range to come up, and how many competitors really wanted to play at 3400 meters. When Kiko abruptly stopped her actions it caught Felina by surprise, thankfully her groan of disappointment was joined by the crowd as a favorite missed his 1500 meter shot. Felina’s eyes slowly opened wide as she realized the mouse was up to something strange, but she couldn't figure out what. Still the feelings were nice, yet somehow familiar.

Kiko had pulled back from Felina's sex, sneezing lightly. The other women's long hair kept tickling her nose and that was a problem in this situation. It was a problem though that the mouse was well capable of taking care of. Reaching into her belt purse she pulled out a small pair of scissors. 'There’s more than one way to skin a catsect' she thought as she set to work.

"Eleven competitors to go" Michael thought. He tapped Fantus's arm again, motioning him to step back. He had noticed Kiko's antics were causing strange movements in Felina's dress, covering the two wouldn't hurt and maybe Felina would be grateful later.

Fantus backed up, blocking anyone’s view of the back of the massive woman’s skirt. He pulled Michael over, nearly screaming to be heard above the crowds cheers. "Odds are in favor of the ursine. That’s a problem. Seems he's ex military. Something of a local hero" he yelled into the fox’s. “We bet everything on Deft to win, not take second place.”

Michael nodded dejectedly. Professional sports shooters rarely won at long ranges against a military sharpshooter. Killing a plate wasn't the same as killing another sentient after all. Moving slightly he and the chipmunk were able to block anyone’s view of the front of Felina’s dress. He pulled his glasses back out, feeling Kiko's tail slap against his ankle lightly. "Come on girl" he growled in a low voice. "We can't cover everything." A moment later two more quick light taps informed him she had heard and understood. Turning his attention back to the ursine he studied the huge bear standing quietly next to one wall. What he saw impressed him. He had always thought Deft’s monster weapon had to be the largest unassisted rifle he had ever seen, but the bears weapon was almost a third again larger. He was going to lose his money. Again.

Kiko felt her tail strike something and quickly pulled it in around her leg. For a moment she stopped every movement, worried she might have been spotted. Then Michael’s soft growl of warning came clearly through the thin material of Felina's skirt. Embarrassed at her mistake she used her tail to tap his leg twice rapidly before returning to her task. She had replaced her scissors in her purse, slipping the mass of hair into one of the small sample envelopes she kept there. Carefully she removed one of her throwing knifes from its hiding place. Slowing her movements the mouse began removing stubble her scissors had left behind.

Felina had suddenly realized what the mouse had to be doing and blushed, a dark color quickly rolled down her face and over her breasts. Taking a deep breath she struggled to recover her control, failing to completely return to normal. She’d deal with the mouse later. Right now she was helpless to do more than accept what was being done, and hope the mechanic didn’t sneeze again. Looking up at the monitors she watched as the lynx doctor stepped up to her firing position and suddenly laughed. Deft was wearing the hat Felina had given her months ago. Imprinted above the bill were the words ‘MEDIC.’ Just under in smaller letters were the words ‘Most of the time.’ A general ripple of laughter rolled through the crowd as others noticed the words as well. Just as the lynx fired Kiko resumed her attentions on the hungry catsects delicate flesh. Felina's sharp intake of breath came just moments after the crowds as Deft's target shattered. The range increased, as did the mouses attempts to likewise shatter her huge friends self control.

Michael and Fantus both caught the sound of Felina's sharp breath. Looking to one another they both groaned, nodding in agreement. Both men were more than excited now, there was no way they were letting the tall four armed woman get away from them tonight. Felina might be their Captain’s main squeeze, but they were getting repaid for this little guard duty. With interest.

The announcer came on again explaining the rules again before naming the remaining five competitors and announcing the next range. Michael started sweating. He knew the lynx practiced almost every day in the simulation chamber, but the wind was picking up and at over 2000 meters that would make a big difference. At least the freshening wind had one effect. It cleared the immediate area of Felina's excitement. Only that reduced the effect of her madding scent on his body to an almost bearable level.

Kiko giggled as Felina's legs quivered, a sure indication she was close to orgasm. It would have been better with Dai, but she’d had to give Dai’s heart to Michael. That, or the two of them would have one day ended up fighting. Killing Michael would have hurt Dai, and hurting the rabbit was something the mouse couldn’t do. So she had gravitated to Felina. There size difference had made for interesting play, such as today. Pulling her head back slowly she let its rough surface rasp against excited flesh. Felina shuddered, sweat rolled from her skin as her legs almost buckled. An overpowering scent filled the air around the mouse as two hands lightly brushed at her head, then pulled away. Laughing to herself Kiko repeated the process. She already knew Felina couldn't last long against this attack, certainly she hadn't when Arenell had used it on her this morning. Reaching into her purse Kiko withdrew a small package she had bought that morning, withdrawing a large silver. Her own artificial claws would do for her needs. While she opened the package she continued her attention on the catsects delicate pleasure center

Felina groaned in defeat, a barely audibly sound that seemed to come from her soul. Michael looked up to see sweat pouring down the excited women's face, trickling down her throat to roll over her heavy breasts. Her nipples were like iron, trying desperately to drill through the thin cloth of her blouse. He sighed in sympathy even though he’d only experienced a very little of the mouses abilities himself. From Dia's pillow talk he knew about what she had to be going through. The mouse was, if nothing else, sensitive to what gave her lovers the most pleasure and determined that they would be satisfied first in any encounter. He stepped forward a half pace. If the catsect fell he didn't want to be in the wrong place.

Fantus's frantic tug at his arm brought him back to the present. Only three competitors had made the 2000 meter shot and now the cameras were focused on a plate marked 2500. "Winds up" remarked the ferret. "This will be it, or the next."

Michael had to agree. He couldn't see how anyone could make a shot at 2500 meters in this crosswind, much less further. He'd noticed colored smoke pots were beginning to burn along the ranges length, probably to enable the competitors to judge the winds affect on their shots he decided. Quietly the bear made his shot as did Deft, but the dark pantheress with them barely chipped her plate. Safeing her weapon she shook the other two’s paws, then dejectedly turned away.

Felina was finding it almost impossible to maintain her balance. She had expected a few moments of pleasure and then to settle down to watch the competition, but the mouse had extended her actions. Felina couldn't decide if she was being pleasured or tortured. She had heard some of the rumors about the mechanic but her one night with the mouse had been pretty much like any other lover. After Kiko had gotten over her fear of the giant ex-assassin it’d been pretty much straight forward sex. Nothing worth writing home about though it have been better than expected. As if any of them had a home to write too anyway. Another wave of pleasure/pain rolled over her and her knees buckled. This time she barely recovered. Felina suddenly found that she couldn't tell the difference between pain and pleasure anymore. Her eyes fought to focus as the last two competitors stepped up to fire again. Was it 2500 meters, or 3000? She couldn’t focus her eyes to see. Suddenly she felt the mouses tongue wrap itself around her sex again and grabbed the two men in front of her for support.

Michael staggered as Felina's hand wrapped around his shoulder. Looking up worriedly he was shocked at her face. If he didn't know better he would have thought she was gravely ill. Her weight suddenly came down, staggering both men. Her mouth opened but no sound came as her body shuddered. Her legs suddenly buckled and she fell to her knees, sweat pouring over her like a river. For several minutes the two men fretted over her as if she had been ill, holding her as she recovered.

Felina inhaled huge gulps of air as she fought torecover. Kiko had easily slipped from under her skirt as she collapsed, taking Arenell’s leash from her hand as she moved away. Felina could barely feel the two men struggling to hold her up. Shaking she fought for control, barely noticing the crowd moving away from her.

"Air" Fantus yelled. "Give her air" as the crowd noticed the apparently ill woman. People moved away a few feet, allowing the freshening breeze to wash over the three standing there.

Minutes later Felina shook her head, slowly standing. "I'm okay now guys. Thank you" she whispered. "Drinks and more on me tonight, all-right?"

Both men grinned. This promised to be worth the risk, what with Captain Grandell tied up in docking fees, cargo lists, and the like. Kiko had duty tonight as well, so they wouldn't have to worry about her moving in on their action either.

Felina suddenly pulled Fantus roughly against her sweat soaked body, pulling his ear up to her mouth. "You tell that mouse.." she shuddered as another aftershock rolled through her body. As it slammed through her she almost, almost crushed the poor Ferret. "You tell her I'll teach her... I'll repay....." she inhaled sharply, just as suddenly setting the bemused, smiling Ferret (who's face had been buried between the huge woman’s breasts) back on the ground. Looking around nether mouse or chipmunk was to be seen. ‘Damn’ she thought. ‘I forgot how fast she moves when she needs to.’

The announcer was back on again telling the crowd that the new range was 3000 meters, farther in these conditions than any competition in the last twelve years. As he talked the wind picked up as well. Dust began blowing across the crowd, making viewing difficult. Surprising almost everyone both competitors had declined to wait for better conditions. There was a great deal of discussion in the crowd and the three soon picked up that large amounts of money were now riding on the bear. Apparently it was felt no mere woman could possibly beat their favorite in these conditions.

Felina's giggle caught both men by surprise. They looked up and she grinned, dropping to one knee to get to their level.

"I've seen her worst case shots" she whispered to the two. "And I’ve talked with her. Did you know she was on Jumier during Operation Mindsweep?"

Both men shook their heads. Jeffary Deft was pretty private about that part of her life, and Jumier was a battle not many of either side had returned from. Mindsweep had been billed as a cakewalk. Combining a major hurricane with a planetary bombardment hadn't given any of the grunt troops much chance.

“She took over forty of Kersten’s best troops guys. At closer range to be sure, but still..." Felina stood slowly, still dealing with continuing aftershocks from the mouses attention. There was still a strange pleasure-pain she couldn’t quite figure out yet. She wondered if the mouse had accidentally cut her. Slipping one hand into a special, bottomless pocket she carefully inspected herself. There was a moment of shock when she discovered what the mouse had done, then a broad smile slowly blossomed.

The bear took his shot, clipping a chip off his plate and cracking its surface. The crowd roared its approval, waiting for the lynx to miss her shot.

Deft set up, her opponent watching silently from her side. Quiet filled the viewing area, broken only by the winds rough whisper as low clouds began to build. Even the cough of Deft’s weapon was lost in the winds voice, meanwhile everyone watched the monitors. A patch of wind blown dust covered the plate for an instant, then cleared. Instants later the plate disappeared again. This time it didn’t reappeared as fragments were scattered by the rising wind.

Deft stood slowly, safeing her rifle. Her opponent said something and she turned to him, speaking one word. He snapped to attention and saluted her. Directional microphones clicked on as the bear finished his salute. "It's been an honor to shoot against you sirrr" he rumbled, holding out his hand as he finished his salute. Almost the entire crowd roared in approval as they shook hands and left the stage together.

Kiko was waiting with her marker in the Red Acorn Inn. It was almost time for Arenell’s owner to reclaim her and the chipmunk appeared strangely subdued. "What's the problem Arenell" Kiko asked, noticing a tear in the others eye.

"You give me back. I never see again" Arenell answered, barely keeping her voice steady. "I like you. You very nice to me. Don't beat me. Don’t cut me. Play nice an' almost my size" She paused. "You buy contract from Tre'Guilth. Take me with you?" she asked hopefully.

Kiko sighed, turning away from the imploring woman. Certainly she had been fun in bed but owning someones contract? It was too much like slavery for the mouse to easily accept. She hadn't been able to fully understand this worlds strange fixation on gambling. That the munk had lost herself in a gambling bet and would probably remain 'Under Contract' until she was an old woman. Somehow the Murdie mechanic simply could not quite accept the concept.

A sudden quieting of the room brought mouse's attention to the front doors. Felina had walked in and was standing quietly just inside, gazing across the inns dining chamber. Spotting Kiko she walked rapidly to her booth, pulling a large chair around to sit in. “Well barber" she committed, her voice filled with humor. "We meet again. I see you still have your toy." She laughed at Kiko's look of astonishment. "Michael and Fantus. Those two really aren't much for keeping secrets" she whispered. "At least unimportant secrets. Not with what I offered for the information."

Kiko groaned in dismay. "Let's hope they don't tell anyone about what happened between us at the shoot. All I need is the Captain having another reason to dislike me" she replied. Letting her tail slip around the others ankle she caressed it lightly.

Felina blushed but didn't pull her leg away. "Thank you, I think, for the ring. It should shock two 'gentlemen' later tonight. I never felt you do it. I'll... uhh, find a way to repay you at a later date." She glanced at the clock behind the bar. "Its almost four. That’s when her ladyship is due right?"

"Yes" the mouse replied, letting her tail wander as far up as she could reach. She reached a point just past the others knee before she had to give up. "I get my money and she gets her markers contract back." Kiko reached over, caressing the slightly larger chipmunk lightly. "This world takes their bets like business. As I understand it gambling is a business. Don't pay your debt in one, and you can't do anything in the other." She stopped her movements, then ran one finger along Arenell's throat. "Its a strange world. I don't even begin to understand it all."

Felina nodded towards the door where a large, impressively dressed pantheress had just entered with two men flanking her. "I think your money just arrived" she whispered. "Or a really fancy hit squad. Isn't that the one who placed third?"

Kiko glanced up, reluctantly taking her fingers from Arenell's soft throat fur. "That's her all right Felina. The mouse in grey has to be a lawyer. Their the only citizens allowed to wear that color" she peered at the other figure. A male lemur elaborately dressed in a flowing cape, a single green gem on one finger. "Can't place the other. Priest maybe, or one of their legal witness. We'll know soon enough." She slid aside, making room for the Pantheress to sit next to her property.

"Greetings all" the black furred woman called, accepting the seat next to Arenell. Immediately she reached out and stroked the other roughly, purring to herself. "My lawyer. Tomshon O’Hanson and Legal Witness Murlith Wolffmark." She laid a small briefcase on the table, glancing at the towering catsect beside Kiko. "Your friend, from the shoot?" she asked.

Kiko nodded yes. "Tre'Guilth Madcur, my friend and crewmate Felina Aniara." She looked pointedly at the case. "I hadn’t thought you’d notice us” she admitted. “Our business?"

Tre'Guilth sighed, slumping lightly. "I notice Arenell, huge woman. See you slip from her as she fall. Interesting idea, too bad Arenell so tall. Regrettably is, your crewmate won the shoot. I expect second. I lose much more than to you. Bet I place second against Paul. Fifty K all I have cash left so deal I offer."

Kiko's eyes widened. Fifty thousand credits for a single hand was more than enough to satisfy her. She had always been bad at poker, lord luck had been with her that night. "Good enough" she answered, laying a tan envelope on the table. "More than I've ever had at one time." She reached for the case, only to be stopped by the lawyers grunt.

“Is there a problem?" she asked, suddenly very happy to have Felina with her.

"Yess..” answered Tre'Guilth. "Problem is mine, not yours." She rubbed her head, yawning, "Night all long I scrape for money, ship yours leaves for Mubath 1800 hours tomorrow. Money I have but previous bet lose I do, need pay. Short am I now. All law sides with you." She motioned with her paw and the lawyer opened a small leather folder, handing it to her.

"Offer contract, goods to Mubath. I arrive fast ship, take delivery arrive you do" she continued, handing the folder to Kiko.

Opening the offered folder and reading quickly Kiko paled slightly, looking up at Tre'Guilth. "I'd have to clear this with the Captain" she managed, a catch in her throat. "But so much?"

"Law penalty" Tre'Guilth admitted. "Late payment months make, business have I Mubath anyway, make ease trip will if cargo not me with." She leaned over, kissing the chipmunk lightly. "Arenell off-planet trip need anyway. Her enjoy you will. Trip months four, maybe five. I take her planetfall arrive you, pay full amount Captain and you. I not show six month cargo and Arenell yours. My loss."

Kiko handed the folder to Felina, thinking as quickly as she could. "Let me call the Captain with this offer" she decided. "It shouldn't take long even if he is asleep." Felina's gasp of astonishment caused her to blink in surprise, until she remembered what those papers said. "As you can easily tell its not like we get this kind of contract often." She paused, taking a deep breath before she continued. "In fact, if you add to value, danger, weight, and space requirements I have to admit this is the best deal we have ever been offered since I signed on." She stood carefully, walking away towards the bank of phones nearby.

Felina watched as Tre'Guilth continued stroking the chipmunk, noting the fear that paw caused to creep into the others eyes. Very slowly it was replaced by pleasure as the pantheress found the 'munks special places. She re-read the contract. Five million to transfer the chipmunk and twenty tons of deadweight cargo to Mubath, plus the hundred and fifty still owed to Kiko. And a penalty of twenty five percent late fees. More money than the mouse had probably seen in her entire life. She smiled to herself. If it wasn't for Dia getting there first Felina knew she would be strongly tempted to dump Marcus Grandell for a while... at least until the mouse ran out of money. Maybe even longer.

Their wait while Kiko spoke with the ship was broken only once, when she motioned for Felina to bring the contract and lawyer to her. Finally Kiko hung up the phone, shook hands with the lawyer and returned to the table.

"Deal" she announced as she plopped down on the seat. "You can deliver your cargo and Arenell anytime before 1600 hours tomorrow. Captain Grandell himself will sign for them." Looking up at the obviously relieved Tre'Guilth Kiko blushed in embarrassment. "I'll be honest with you Tre'Guilth, I've never held a hand that good in my life."

Tre'Guilth laughed, real humor carried in her voice. "Be sure check you I did, laugh me at they did, amateur you are." She took a drink of her beer, sniffing at the heady aroma. "Who still a flush straight beat expect" she asked. "Flush Royal surprise was, cards both down, face poker have you. Game good." She stood, holding out one paw to the mouse. "Cargo tomorrow arrive 1300 will. Arenell take you now. For her take care. Arm long have I, if to cheat you think."

Kiko stood too, taking the others offered paw. "Don't worry I'll take very good care of her" she replied, shaking the others paw warmly. "Honestly, I think I'd prefer your arriving for your cargo and marker." She blushed again. "Arenell is a better lover than any I've ever had" she admitted. "I don't think I'd survive long if you default. She's very... energetic."

"Knows I" the pantheress agreed. "Great was luck mine she lose so badly. Maybe never release contract from." Leaving over she kissed her love-slave one last time. "You care take Kiko, or punish will I."

Felina watched as the three left, holding the sealed contract in two hands, her drinks in another. She thought hard about the fear she'd seen that the black furred woman so easily brought into the chipmunks eyes. Then she thought about Kiko, how the chipmunk had been so pleased with her, and how the mouseling treated people. 'Maybe' she thought, 'Maybe defaulting on that contract could be arranged.' She have to discuss it with her dates tonight. Kiko's sudden whimper of dismay caught her by surprise. "Problem?" she asked.

Kiko looked up into the others eyes, "Grandell says she's staying in my room" the mouse moaned. "How am I going to get any sleep.... And what the hell am I going to tell Dia if she shows up?"

"Oh, I'm sure something will come to you" Felina answered offhandedly. "After all, your good with slippery problems." Suddenly she stopped, giggled, shook herself, then the full impact of her comment hit her. Her howls of laughter startled the room as the giantess fell across the table, drinks cascading across the floor as she held her sides with all four arms, laughing.