Her nickname is "Tanj", and she's certainly living up to it. For her, it seems, "There Ain't No Justice." As a young engineer on a tramp space freighter, this Cheetah-morph found herself the victim of a scam, sold into slavery, and trained as a sex-slave. Sold to pirates, she finds herself as a pawn in a much larger struggle. This story contains bondage, non-consensual sex, and hopefully some humor, adventure and intrigue. Adults only, please!

Tanj's Tale: Lord Xylex's Revenge
By Kittiara
Stardate 2398.60

Tanj was headed for Operations. She had the latest Imperial fleet movement reports, and wanted to get them to Ben for the upcoming operation. Their planning efforts were still in the "fluid" stage, and she felt the information she carried would be of help. As she turned the corner she almost collided with Mark and Mala. Mala grinned as Tanj Backpedaled in a hurry, almost dropping her data PADD. "Uh, Heya, you two..." Tanj squeaked out, looking from face to face. "You guys gave me a bit of a start..." Mark laughed; "You've been working too hard, Tanj; we've scarcely seen you of late!" Mala just grinned, and nodded. Tanj sighed; "Well, with all the projects the Brethren have going these days, its been keeping me hopping." Mala nodded; "Yes, I have to admit, this is a busy place. My mouse here never told me just how extensive your operations are." Tanj looked up at Mala and nodded; "Ben find you a place in Operations? Things working out OK?" Mala chuckled throatily; "Oh, we've had a few rough spots. My roommates told me not to come back after about three days, for some reason, and I'm bunking in with Mark now. The assault contingent of the Overlord has been tolerating me fairly well, though... I think it'll work out." Mark smiled a bit mischievously at that; "Personally, I still think that after your little "demonstration" on poor Jaimeson during that combat drill last week, they're all a bit scared of you. I mean, putting your own commanding officer in Medical for three days!" The Hyena shrugged and grinned in her usual disconcerting manner. "Can I help it if he's too busy trying to cop a feel on the new recruit to watch where my fists are going? Its OK, though; we've talked a bit when he was in traction and I don't think he'll try THAT again anytime soon." Tanj blinked and cleared her throat; "Ah..., well... so where you two off to today?" Mala made a sour face leaving Mark to reply; "Oh, Pierce down in medical was threatening to pull Mala's certification for combat status if she didn't get down there and have her physical." Tanj looked at the big Hyena and wondered what MedTech would be brave enough to poke and prod her?... And then she shook it off. "Well, you two have fun, I've gotta get this stuff down to Ben." Mark nodded; "After we see to Mala's medical, I'm off to the docking bay; I'm being cross- attached to the White Fang. They've got an op coming up, and it seems half their crew's down with the Tau Ceti flu. I'm substituting for the 2nd Engineer, so we won't see much of each other for a bit." Tanj smiled; "Getting some space time at last, Mark?" The mouse chuckled; "Mmmmmmaybe... I guess chances are I won't get to see any more of actual space on that trip than I do here, but I'm always open to surprises. Now Scoot!" With a wave and a grin, Tanj headed off down the corridor, not giving the encounter a second thought.

The middle-aged fox with the graying head fur, old-fashioned glasses, and slight paunch under his lab coat barely paid any attention when the unlikely couple walked in. Instead he was frowning at a viewscreen in front of him, muttering under his breath, and occasionally hitting a few keys in obvious frustration. After waiting for a few moments, Mala coughed rather loudly, and the fox's head jerked up. "NOW wha...oh, right." He leaned back with a sigh raised his glasses, and rubbed his eyes for a moment. "Well, I suppose this can wait." He hit a few more keys, apparently calling up a different file, and scanned it for a moment. "You're Mala Z'pata?" The hyena nodded. "Took your time, hm? Well, never mind that...get over there", the fox gestured vaguely towards an examination table, "and get undressed already. I don't have all day." Mala hesitated, and the fox sighed again in exasperation. "Look, lady...out there in space you may be the big bad ex-marine who can punch through concrete and fold armored opponents into origami figures, but in here I'M the doctor, and that means that if I say 'jump', you damn better JUMP until I tell you otherwise." He took a deep breath and some of the tension seemed to ease out of him. "Besides, I'm one of the guys who may have to patch you together when you come back from one of your missions, and I can't do that without knowing which part goes where. So, if you would...?" Mala actually managed a chuckle at that, nodded, and started to slowly undress while the fox turned back to study her file some more. After a couple of minutes, he nodded to himself, got up, and walked around his desk over to where the hyena was standing, clothes scattered a bit haphazardly, arms crossed over her chest. About halfway there he suddenly stopped, blinked, adjusted his glasses, and looked again while his jaw slowly dropped. "You...errr, you're...I mean, from here it almost LOOKS like..." "The word you're fumbling for, doctor," Mark interjected quietly from where he'd stood nearly forgotten, "is 'hermaphrodite'. Trust me on that...I looked it up, and yes, she is." He gave the taller fox a slight shrug as the latter turned towards him for a moment. "And for obvious reasons, while we both understand that that fact will need to be included in her medical records, we'd rather see it kept confidential otherwise." The doctor nodded faintly, then pulled himself back together and nodded again with more conviction. "Right...sure, I can do that. Not sure how much good it'll do, mind; the, ah, upper management has pretty free access to our files." He shrugged a little helplessly, then turned to the waiting Mala. "Be that as it may, you're not leaving before the physical's done. So, if you'd kindly sit down there and breathe deeply while I find something I can stand on...?"

The operation to capture the Stra'doc, Lord Isloth's disguised yacht, was only one of several that the Brethren were conducting, and Tanj was involved in the intelligence aspects of all of them. There was a raid on a convoy headed for the Pathan sector, there was an assault on a military supplies depot in conjunction with the Elysium rebels, and they were setting up a Blackmail scheme on the assistant Minister of Defense for the Elysium government. Each demanded her full attention. As a result she heard of most of the events after the fact...

As the Overlord, one of the Brethren's cruisers, had just docked, Tanj made her way to the Heavy Craft Docking Bay, curious to see how the operation had gone. If things had gone as planned, there should be some very interesting prisoners to interrogate, and who knew what treasures the Stra'doc held? However, as the crew started to emerge from the personnel airlock, Tanj sensed that something was wrong... Pushing past the emerging crew, Tanj made her way towards the Bridge.

Zalinski was on the Bridge when Tanj Entered. The Overlord's Captain and Majority Shareholder was already starting his after-action report, sitting quietly at the Ops console. Padding over, Tanj looked down at the Leopard; "What Happened, Hans? Everyone looks so... depressed." Hans nodded; "Yeah; well, looks like we missed the gold ring on this one. Isloth wasn't on board. Not on the passenger manifest, no one matching his description among the prisoners, and yes, the headcount matches the manifest. And No, no one's hiding on the ship; we made sure of that. Don't know if he sensed trouble or whether it was just bad luck, but he wasn't on the ship. Some Fop by the name of Viscount Worthington was "leading the mission." But this guy's a real lightweight." Tanj's eyes narrowed; "Do you think Isloth took another route, or did something delay him? Was it these guys or nothing? What..." Hans waved a paw, bringing Tanj's string of questions to a halt; "Tanj I don't KNOW. The problem with this crowd is not getting them to talk; in fact, the problem's getting them to shut up! But as they babble, they just don't SAY anything. Don't worry, they're all in one piece; you'll get your chance to, ah, "debrief" them."

Tanj nodded and bent forward to kiss Hans on the forehead; "Don't let it worry you; we can't win them all." Hans just chuckled and nodded; "Well, we should be able to ransom them for a pretty penny, and we got a decent yacht out of the deal. We'll cover our expenses. Still, its scarcely the blow for Elysium Freedom we'd hoped for." Tanj nodded and with a wave, turned to head for the cruiser's brig. As she was about to pass through the door, Hans called out to her; "Oh, by the way, you were right about the Hyena." Tanj stopped and looked back over her shoulder; "How so?" Hans grinned; "Just because the prize wasn't what we thought it was, doesn't mean it wasn't defended. We didn't have any trouble battering down the yacht's shields, and the leach missiles killed their systems most effectively; but apparently Worthington had a contingent of household guards on board. THEY at least, were competent. But your Hyena tore through them like they were so many paper tigers. I think she broke the resistance to the boarding party by sheer intimidation! You know, she might not be the easiest person to live with, but in a situation like that, she's worth all the trouble." Tanj nodded; "Glad she's working out." As she padded from the Cruiser's bridge, she wondered when Mala had become "her" Hyena?

The skunk that was Viscount Worthington was elegantly attired, in the latest fashion, even if his suit was somewhat stained and rumpled. He sat ramrod straight in the Cruiser's brig, his paws on his knees, as if waiting quietly for his limousine. Or his butler. Tanj looked at him through the door, and shook her head. He certainly didn't look dangerous, and the Cruiser's security troops were nearby in case he proved to be a problem. With a shrug she keyed the door open and looked at him.

Viscount Worthington, KCB, DLB, waited patiently. There was no question, absolutely no question that these ruffians would soon ransom him home. In the meantime, he simply had to uphold his station, not show these scum the least sign of fear. Still, he would have thought that for a furr of his elevated station, they might have shown him to better quarters... When the Cheetah fem opened the door to his cell, he was convinced she was there to show him to accommodations more befitting his status, her slinky dress and the slave's collar only reinforcing the concept...

Tanj's jaw dropped as the skunk started to talk; "Ah, yes, about time you showed up! I trust whoever is in charge of these ruffians has finally confirmed my identity, and is ready to treat me according to my station... Oh, of course he has; he can't be a complete dullard. Come along then, lets get on to wherever I have to remain until the ransom comes through...You HAVE contacted my estate manager for the ransom, haven't you?" As the Skunk talked he'd risen to his feet, straightened his outfit, and had pushed past the surprised Tanj and into the corridor. Looking up, Tanj waved off the Security troops, who were rising from their seats. "Uh, yes of course, ah, Viscount, um, Worthington. If you'll follow me, we'll, ah, see about finding you more suitable quarters." As she led the still chattering skunk off the cruiser, Tanj wondered if he would reveal anything of interest in his incessant chatter... And if she'd ever be able to wade through all the transcripts...

Security on the station wasn't happy about releasing VIP quarters to a prisoner, but after listening to Worthington for a few minutes, even they had to admit he would have to be the best actor in known space to be concealing a dangerous personality under all that... bluster. In the end, they agreed to posting an "honor guard" outside his quarters, as long as Tanj would see to his "care and feeding"... and that the intelligence department covered the expense.

Tanj had arranged for Zassa to bring him his meals. To Tanj's surprise, the vixen was more interested in meeting a "genuine Viscount" than Tanj would have thought. She'd set up video and audio surveillance of the VIP quarters, and gotten the recorders running. She'd fetched him his diary (after scanning its current contents into her computer). And she'd dealt with a couple of dozen of his "requests"... She'd told him that there simply wasn't a decent wine cellar available; after all, this WAS a pirate base. No, they hadn't captured any suitable wine cellars... No, the pirates didn't have a Concierge. Yes, they DID have a laundry, but she didn't think they could handle pressing his suit... Yes, she'd see to having his luggage sent over... No, she didn't know where his servant was, but she'd check... NO, he couldn't make a call to his stock broker! Finally, Tanj managed to extricate herself, to hasten to the intelligence office to arrange for a ransom demand to be sent, as circumspectly as their increasing desperation would allow.

Tanj watched the monitor as Zassa came through the door with his meal. The vixen was dressed in simple elegance, a tight black shift covering her, only a few bits of jewelry adding to the obviously carefully calculated effect. The tray she carried was the same fare that everyone else on the base ate, and as expected, it by no means met with Worthington's expectations. He demanded his private chef. That got him thinking and he inquired about his other traveling companions. Zassa just shrugged and said that she didn't know, but would ask after them. Worthington then replied that as long as she was about that, there were a number of other deficiencies that he would like her to see to. Finally, Zassa was able to escape, promising to inquire about his "requests" immediately.

Tanj looked up as Zassa entered the intelligence office. "That Skunk's a real stinker" the vixen growled. "Here I wore one of my best outfits, thinking that he might want to relieve the boredom, some, and he completely ignored me!" Tanj just laughed, and huged Zassa; "Dear, I think he would have been MUCH more interested had Hinoki delivered his dinner; I'm afraid he's bent that way." Zassa just Hmphed, and looked up at the monitor; "Whats he doing?" Tanj chuckled; "Writing in his diary. I'm afraid we're not mentioned in a very good light; according to him, we're mistreating him horribly! Why, the valet hasn't even shown up yet to see to his laundry, let alone his wardrobe!" Zassa chuckled and shook her head; "Get anything useful out of him yet?" Tanj just shrugged; "Depends on what you define as "useful"... We've got all sorts of information on the latest Imperial scandals, gossip, and inside politics. We now know the latest about Elysium high society, and the VERY latest on fashion, who's throwing the best parties, and "whats in"... but the really useful stuff, such as economics, and military capabilities, or even just "intentions"... zilch. I believe someone on his "staff" knows the details of his mission to the Imperial Capital, but its painfully obvious this guy was just along as a fancy title, someone to gain entrance to certain circles in the capital." Zassa nodded, and looked back a the monitor; "So, whatcha gonna do with him?" Tanj grinned; "I think I'm going to let his associates visit him, in small groups. That might just let us see who's fluff and who's the steel in this party." Zassa smiled and nodded; "Should be interesting..."

Tanj was half way to the caffeteria, for a late dinner when it hit her square between the eyes. Lord Isloth hadn't been on the Stra'doc, supposedly HIS private yacht, a vessel heavily disguised as just another free trader... Or so Hans had said. How did he KNOW Isloth hadn't been there? Would someone as powerful, as resourceful, as... slimy as Isloth have traveled incognito on his own ship? Tanj grinned and turned, trotting back towards Intelligence. She had work to do!

The Lion wandered into Intelligence well after midnight. He found it easy to spot Tanj; her monitor was the only light on in the room, her face strangely lit by its glow. "We missed you at dinner" he rumbled after a minute or two of watching her. Tanj just made a small "uh-huh" sound as she scrolled down the document she was studying. Bending low, to look over her shoulder, the lion purrrred; "Whatcha find?" Tanj pushed a stray strand of hair out of her eyes and scrolled down another page; "Isloth's dropped out of sight. No mention of him anywhere on Elysium... I don't think he's there. I can't prove it yet, but I suspect he actually WAS on the Stra'doc. I think we have him and don't know it..." The lion nodded; "We'll hold ransoming off the nobles and wholesaling the others until you've puzzled it out." Tanj mumbled "OK" and scrolled down another page. The lion watched for a moment, and then reached out to smooth a stray hair on Tanj's head; "Get Mark to figure out if he's there?" Tanj nodded distractedly; "Yeah... I would... if he was on the station... Shipped out with the White Fang... Won't be back for a bit, and I'm too impatient to wait for his return." The lion grinned and nodded, and quietly padded from the intelligence office, closing the door softly behind him.

Tanj hit the end of the file, and sighed; another zero in her search for any evidence of Isloth either in the Imperial capital, or on Elysium. As she closed out the reader and turned off her terminal, Tanj sniffed the air. The scent of her master lingered, and looking around, she wondered when he'd been there...

Tanj had poured over the Stra'doc's passenger list, and had made her selections. A fair number of the crew had died defending their ship and its passengers, and it was possible, Tanj thought, that Lord Isloth had been among them. She had selected the ship's Executive officer, Worthington's personal physician, Worthington's personal slave, and a few of the other guests, all apparently just friends. These would be the "guests" at a dinner party ostensibly hosted by Wanda, Lord Xylex's daughter, for the visiting nobles. She hoped that during the party, through the conversations and their actions, that she would be able to detect who was the brains behind the mission to the Imperial Capital.

Tanj found the jar with the living "dress" in her ship; she'd been "feeding" it regularly, being careful to keep it from growing too much. She thought she'd have some fun with the "guests" at the party that night. Stripping down to just her fur, she opened the container and touched a finger to the black liquid surging viscously back and forth within the container. Obediently, the creature flowed up her arm, until the container was empty. Forming the image of a simple halter dress in her mind, the creature obediently flowed over her body, forming that shape, its surface glistening with an oily sheen. Replacing the container in the overhead, Tanj turned and headed for the base's slave kennels.

Tanj looked over the list at the security station; "Yes, I think this "Percy" is the one I'm looking for..." The guards, a Buffalo by the name of Hector and a Panther by the name of Phil, looked at each other, and then shrugged. Phil scratched one ear; "And you say you're going to interrogate him?" Tanj just grinned and nodded; "Yeah; you see, I think some of the folks you're holding from the Stra'doc aren't what they seem. I'm going to try and find out if they're really what they say they are." Hector shook his head and then shrugged; "Well, if you want him, I'll go get him." After a few minutes, the buffalo returned leading a male squirrel of medium height. The squirrel was dressed in a silken loincloth, a jeweled collar, and nothing else, his well muscled body shown off to good effect. Tanj raised an eyebrow as the Buffalo handed her his leash, but didn't comment. After they'd left, Hector looked at Phil and grinned; "Just HOW did she say she was going to interrogate him?"

Tanj led Percy down to the cafeteria, where the staff had prepared a box of supplies for her. It was obvious that he was brimming over with questions, but so far he'd managed to maintain a cool, aloof exterior. Almost. As he carried the box, Tanj led him towards Wanda's quarters.

Zassa fussed with Wanda's hair. The Wolverine lass had rather thick, coarse hair and today it didn't seem to want to behave. They were on their third style, and that too wasn't working to the satisfaction of either of them. Finally Wanda sighed, and shook her head hard, the efforts of the vixen disintegrating. "Think we're going to have to go for the French Braid" Zassa sighed. Wanda nodded, loose strands of hair falling into her face; "Yeah, think you're right. But those always give me such a headache!"

Tanj grinned as she lead Percy into Wanda's quarters. Dropping the leash she padded over to give each of them a kiss hello. Zassa looked up at Percy, her fingers full of Wanda's long hair, the braid half formed, and grinned; "Ooooooo, NICE! Where'd you find HIM?" Wanda couldn't turn her head, but her eyes darted to the side and she too grinned. "Percy, this is Zassa, and Wanda; Wanda is Lord Xylex's daughter, and for this evening, you will address her as "Mistress"." Tanj gave Zassa a direct look as she said that last, as for the evening Wanda WAS to be treated as Mistress. Percy just nodded, and as Tanj examined his face, she seemed to find just a hint of... distaste there. Turning, she gestured towards the tiny kitchen in Wanda's quarters; "That's where you and I shall be working, Percy. We have a dinner party to put on."

Tanj was stretching her culinary skills to the limit. She'd downloaded the programs for fantail shrimp, egg rolls, hot and sour soup, stir fry vegetables, and Peking Lobster. She was convinced she'd never EVER do as well as her mother, but she was going to try. It had taken a fair number of Tanj's Intelligence contacts, and Zassa scrounging for three days to get the "trade goods" necessary to get the base kitchen staff to release the necessary ingredients. As she started pulling items out of the box, she looked over at Percy; "OK, I'll start chopping the ingredients for the egg rolls; you start cleaning the shrimp." Percy spread his paws wide; "Madam, I am a "Gentleman's Gentleman;" I know nothing of such things!" Tanj looked at him and her jaw dropped; "You're kidding; you've NEVER put on a dinner for Viscount Worthington?" The squirrel's chin came up; "I have coordinated many a formal dinner party, but I have NEVER done... kitchen work!" Tanj just sighed; "Well, you're going to, today. Come over here and watch; this is how you clean shrimp."

Zassa was just finishing the braid when the crash came from the kitchen, followed shortly by Tanj's moan of distress. An instant later, Percy emerged, looking a bit abashed, his front somewhat spattered with some unidentifiable paste. Walking over to Wanda, his eyes downcast, he muttered softly; "Mistress, please accept my humblest apologies; it seems I'm... helpless in the kitchen. If you will tell me where the tablecloth is kept, I'll set the table..." Zassa grinned; "Tell you what, Percy. I'm just about done with Mistress' hair; why don't you help her dress, and I'll go help our irascible Cheetah in the kitchen." Percy seemed to brighten some at that; "That would be splendid; I'm sure I could be of MUCH more service in that area..."

Tanj was chopping vegetables with a vengeance when Zassa entered the kitchen. Peeking into the recycler hopper, Zassa noted the remains of a large bowl amongst a mass of chopped vegetables. "What happened?" the vixen asked. Tanj growled; "Ham handed idiot swept the bowl off the counter with his tail. Whatever that squirrel is, he's useless in the kitchen; he's even worse than me, and he definitely thinks this kind of work is beneath him. I don't know just WHAT he is, but I'm beginning to wonder if he isn't someone pretending to be something else..." Zassa just nodded; "So tell me; what can I do to help?" Tanj grinned; "Ever roll egg rolls?"

Wanda stood nude in the middle of her "bedroom," as Percy poked through her closet. Most of the contents were from mail-order catalogs, but some were from her luggage, when Tanj had hijacked her father's shuttle. Most of those were now a little small for her, though. Percy literally clucked in dismay as he looked over what was available; "Mistress, this is SIMPLY dreadful; these pirates haven't allowed you ANYTHING decent to wear to an affair of this importance!" Holding up the dress Wanda had bought at Smiley's station, turning it on its hangar, watching it shimmer from color to color to near transparent, he literally shuddered, before hanging it back up. Finally, with a sigh, he selected something in basic black; "I think this would do best" he sighed. "Now, whatever can we find for accessories?"

It was fashionably late, when the guards escorted Viscount Worthington and the others to Wanda's cabin. The table was set, the candles burning, the food almost ready, the wine chilled. And Wanda looked radiant. Percy had done a marvelous job, even managing to correct a small problem with Wanda's hair. Worthington entered the room, his eyes locking on Wanda; he bowed low over her paw, and then straightened; "I am most pleased to meet you, Lady Xylex. I am Frederick, the Viscount Worthington." Wanda for her part curtsied; "Most honored to meet you, sir, and welcome to my humble abode." Worthington looked about and sniffed; "Yes, I fear the pirates have indeed given you quarters quite unsuitable, the ruffians." As he looked about, his eyes found Percy, standing quietly in a corner, and his face literally lit up; "Ah, Percy! There you are! I've been worried sick about you, dear boy!" Wanda smiled and looked around Worthington; "Percy, if you would be so kind as to serve our guests some refreshment?" Turning back to Worthington, Wanda sighed; "I'm afraid our selection of wines is rather poor, but I have managed to secure some of the better available vintages... and I hope you'll join me in a small libation..."

Tanj smiled as she passed from guest to guest, serving the fantail shrimp. She kept her eyes downcast, and her ears open. Unfortunately, all they were talking about was how horrible the pirates were treating them, and how they really should be exterminated at the earliest opportunity. When Wanda asked just how they thought this might be accomplished, two of the five guests became uncharacteristically quiet, while the others just blustered.

Percy proved to be a capable server when it came time for the guests to sit down to dinner. Wanda sat at one end of the table, with Worthington at the other end. The Stra'doc's Exec, a Panda by the name of Zhu Sat at Wanda's right, and Worthington's personal physician, a Jaguar by the name of Hyde, sat at Worthington's right. Tanj was watching Hyde closely, as Isloth was supposed to be a Puma, and Tanj knew how effective a good fur cut and dye job could be at making you look like a similar species. The other guests, a ferret by the name of Cummins, and a rabbit by the name of Klein occupied the other seats. The Stra'doc's passenger list had merely listed them as "guests", but Tanj suspected they were the "technical experts" along on the trip, there to advise their principles in the negotiations to be conducted at the Imperial capital. The rabbit had claimed to be a real estate broker, but had a decided military air about him. The Ferret had said he was in finance. Tanj worked in the tiny kitchen as Percy moved back and forth, serving the diners with a polished flair. As Tanj watched him move, watched the glances between him, and the doctor and Worthington, Tanj became convinced that he knew much more than he was letting on. He just might be the weak link...

As the soup was served, Wanda looked down the table at Worthington; "Tell me sir, have you seen my father of late? Is he well?" Worthington nodded; "Oh, yes, saw him at the House of Lords session on special measures to combat this pesky rebel movement just last week. He's working himself too hard, if you ask me, but aside from that, he seems in good health." Wanda nodded; "I'm delighted to hear that. Tell me, Viscount, just how much trouble are the rebels these days? I'm afraid we don't get much news here..." Zhu huffed; "Wherever "here" is; I for one would certainly like to know!" Worthington took a sip from his glass, and then lifted his head; "Oh, they have the most annoying tendency to make splashy, public displays. Really in the worst taste, y'know. Things like assassinating public figures, or blowing up things; just annoyances to make the news, I'm sure. But I really doubt they've done much to discomfit the Government. Solid as a rock, don't you know." Wanda had seen some of Tanj's intelligence reports and knew the Rebels were more than just an irritant, but she smiled and nodded; "Good, I'm glad to hear that. Disrupting things back home would have to be bad for business..." Tanj shot Wanda a warning glance from the Kitchen doorway; she had the distinct impression that Wanda was thinking of the PIRATE'S business, and not her father's interests. Luckily, no one at the table seemed to think she was showing anything but concern for her homeworld.

Looking over at the Ferret, Wanda smiled; "So the economy back home is doing well? My father prospers?" The ferret seemed to choke on a spoonful of soup, but recovered quickly; "Ah, well, Yes, Milady. Utilities have slumped a little, but certain sectors are booming." "Yeah," Tanj thought; "the rebels are blowing up key links in the power grid, and the water mains on a routine basis; that'd make utility stocks drop in value." "...and Munitions stocks are soaring..." The ferret continued; "I haven't talked to your father personally, but I do believe his corporations have been moving in those areas..." Wanda nodded, looking at him as if fascinated, but a cough from the doctor caused the ferret to look at him, and then, after touching his napkin to his lips, the Ferret mumbled; "but I'm not really certain; I just don't move in those circles..." The Exec, Zhu, grumbled; "Well, I'll tell you this, the pirates are having a worse effect on the economy than those damned rebels. Shipping and Insurance rates have gone through the ROOF!" Wanda just smiled and nodded.

As Tanj put the little cups of sherbet on a tray for Percy to serve, she glanced around the tiny kitchen; the place was a disaster area, and she felt much more like jettisoning the entire thing into space than cleaning it up... Deciding that could wait, she thought of a strappless tube dress, the creature flowing over her body to comply with her mental image, and padding softly from the kitchen, she knelt behind Wanda's chair, the image of an attentive slave waiting for her mistress' comand. And as she knelt, she listened...

Wanda smiled at the guests; there was so much Imperial society gossip to catch up on! Taking another sip of her wine, she looked at the Doctor and smiled politely; "So tell me, Doctor, regarding the Baroness Jo'mac, in your professional opinion, has she really had, um, "augmentative surgery"?" The Doctor seemed to choke on his spoonful of sherbet; "Ah, well, Milady, I'm sure I wouldn't know; my, ah, specialty lies in other areas..." Worthington looked up and nodded; "Ah, yes, Dr. Hyde has been helping me with a chronic problem of mine... In fact, I've been suffering a bit of late. Do you think it might be possible to have him attend me for a while in my quarters, when we take our leave?" Wanda thought for a moment and then shrugged; "I honestly can't speak for our... "hosts," but I can certainly ask. I believe I can be somewhat persuasive with them." Worthington brightened; "Ah, that would be splendid, simply splendid! Perhaps you could ask them if Percy could attend to me there, ah, much as your own slave looks after you here?" Wanda turned to look at Tanj, kneeling behind her. Tanj kept her eyes downcast, but smiled slightly. Turning back, Wanda nodded; "I would think that would be reasonable... Although these are not the most reasonable of furrs. Sill, I'll make EVERY effort. Now, Frederick, tell me about the parties that have been held back home. Have the rebels forced anyone to postpone, or reschedule? Have they had any effect on the extravagance that some of our peers are so famous for?" Slowly Wanda let her eyes widen; "Don't tell me those rascally rebels have ATTACKED any of the parties?" Worthington exchanged glances with Hyde, and then slowly nodded; "There was an incident... Durring the premier party of the fall season, Lady Cuthbutter was kidnapped, we believe by rebels posing as caterers. The ransom demand was outrageous, but finally her husband paid... However I've heard the canapes were simply to die for...I'm told the whole affair simply devastated her!" Hyde nodded slowly. Looking up, Worthington's eyes widened; "Oh dear! I DO so hope these ruffians ransom me in time for Lord Tamrash's winter gala! Simply EVERYONE will be there, including the Prime Minister!..."

Wanda smiled at Worthington; "Well, Frederick, I've actually found several things to occupy my time here. For one, I'm studying medicine via several extension courses. The medical staff here have also been kind enough to give me some practical experience as well." Looking over at Dr. Hyde, Wanda beamed; "So far, I've passed my exams for my Licensed Practical Nurse exam, and I'm working on my RN." Hyde looked at Wanda, as if aghast; "The daughter of Lord Xylex changing bedpans? That's unthinkable! Really my dear, you a nurse? I'm certain your father would NOT approve of your choice!" Wanda's eyes narrowed as Hyde spoke, belittling her accomplishments. Hyde seemed not to notice, continuing; "Now if you could just escape these scum, I'm certain I could get you into my Alma Mater, where you could conduct a Serious study of Medicine..."

As the furrs around the dinner table talked, desert long since finished, and the flask of Port almost exhausted, Tanj found that her knees were starting to hurt, and she was having trouble not yawning. These clowns were rattling on, not saying anything... She didn't know HOW Wanda could put up with it. To pass the time, she surreptitiously changed her "outfit" from one form to the other, wondering if anyone was noticing... As Worthington's chair slid back, the Cheetah's head came up with a jerk. She caught the tail end of his sentence; "... should be departing; we've enjoyed your hospitality greatly, but I fear we're becoming an imposition..." Wanda beamed; "Not at all, Frederick, I've loved having you all here. Its so... refreshing to converse with furrs of ... Quality and breeding!"

Tanj rose to her feet as gracefully as her stiff legs would allow. "Pardon me, Gentlefurrs, but I would like to make a small request on behalf of Lord Xylex." All turned to look at the Cheetah, including Wanda, who tilted her head to one side, looking at her curiously. Tanj lifted her gaze to look at the Doctor; "Doctor Hyde, Lady Xylex's father, Lord Xylex, is most concerned that in this rough and tumble place, that his daughter retain her... maidenhood. I'm sure it would be a great relief to him, if you were to examine his daughter, and relay to him, when you're ransomed, that the Pirates have indeed kept their word, and that in addition to being well treated, that she is... intact." Both Wanda's and Hyde's eyebrows went up, and they turned to look at each other. Hyde sputtered; "Ah, well, um, yes, I can see how that would be a concern to him, but how could I do that, without my instruments, without my medical scanner?" Wanda turned and gave the Doctor a cold look; "Why Doctor, I'm certain that in such an esteemed alma mater as yours, they MUST have taught you how do do it... manually!" Hyde blinked and harrumphed and then nodded, "Why of course..." Tanj smiled; "I know it would mean SO much to Lord Xylex... Doctor, why don't you take Wanda into her bedroom, I'm sure you'll have all the privacy you'll need there..."

Wanda grinned and without waiting for an acknowledgement from the Doctor, turned and padded through the door to her bedroom. Hyde looked around helplessly at his comrades for a moment, exchanging pointed glances with Worthington, and then looking daggers at the Cheetah, followed Wanda.

Wanda smiled as he closed the door. Sitting down on her bed, she hiked up her skirt and hooked her thumbs into the waistband of her underpants, pulling them down; "Now, Doctor, how would you like me, for your examination? Hyde looked at her for a moment, and then nodded, "Just lay back on your bed, Dear, and raise your knees. Wanda grinned and complied, her paws holding her knees, her legs spread to expose her sex to the rather nervous Doctor. She hadn't a clue as to why a physician would be so upset at doing this, but after his comment about nurses, she was enjoying his discomfiture. As she felt his paws on her thighs, she bit her lip, to keep from moaning. His fingers traced their way down, until they clumsily ran over her labia. She watched as he crouched lower, his fingers trying to spread the petals of her sex, as if he were trying to see into her. Finally, he placed the tip of one finger against her and pressed. Wanda Ooooooohed involuntarily; his finger was dry, as was her pussy, and he was having trouble working it in. He pressed a little harder, and then harder still, and then his finger drove into her, eliciting a sharp yelp from her. The Doctor froze in place, his eyes wide, looking at her face, and then his eyes dropping down to look at where his finger was buried in her sex. As he pulled it out, Hyde was aghast to see a thin film of blood on his finger...

Rising, Hyde stepped into the bathroom, to retrieve some toilet paper. Wiping his finger, and then wiping crudely at Wanda's pussy, he grinned sheepishly; "Ah, everything's just fine, my dear, just fine indeed! I'll be sure to tell your father that, the next time I see him!" Turning and opening the door, he looked back; "Just fine indeed" he mumbled, and closing the door behind him, he was gone.

Wanda looked at the closed door, and slowly let her legs down, one paw stealing to cup her sex. "Oh Crap" she moaned, to herself. After a moment she rose and padded into the bathroom...

Tanj looked up as Wanda emerged, wondering what had taken her so long. The Doctor had emerged, looking flustered, and had been whispering to Worthington for several minutes. Wanda walked slowly over to them, a strange look on her face. "Ah, there you are" Worthington said with just a touch of a tremor to his voice, a pained smile on his face. "I do believe it was time we took our leave; I'm sure you're exhausted by now..." Slowly each of the guests bid Wanda their thanks and their goodbyes, and then they were through the door, to be received by the guards, to be taken back to their quarters.

No sooner had the door closed than Tanj padded over to the intercom. Dialing the Security office, she grinned at the panther on the other end of the link. "Phil, I think we've got some genuine suspects. Take Worthington, his slave Percy, and Doctor Hyde to Worthington's quarters. Have someone keep an eye on the monitor, though; I'll be busy here for a while yet. Take the others all back to their cells, but after they've been asleep for just a couple of hours, I want two of them taken down to Medical for chemical interrogation; a ferret by the name of Cummins, and a rabbit by the name of Klein. You might ask Mala, from the Overlord to help with that; it wouldn't hurt to have them well intimidated." Phil nodded; "We'll watch Viscount fancypants from here, and handle the others midwatch. Which one do you think is Isloth?" Tanj grinned; "I think he's Hyde, and hopefully Worthington will give him away tonight. If not, we rough up Percy and Worthington. I think they'll crack with record speed." Phil just nodded and grinned.

Breaking the connection, Tanj turned to look at Wanda; "Anything wrong, Dear? You look a little... funny." Wanda looked up, and then shook her head; "Oh, nothing's wrong; nothing at all. Just pissed at Hyde's attitude towards nurses. That and he had cold hands..." Tanj laughed and nodded, and then turned to look despairingly at the kitchen. As she stood there Wanda came up behind her, to run a finger over the back of Tanj's Dress, as if feeling the "material." "Tanj, what IS this?" the wolverine lass purrred; "I was watching the "guests" eyes go wide every once in a while, and then I caught a look at you in the mirror. Your dress was changing shape! I've never seen anything like it!" Tanj just grinned; "It's a living creature, but I can't let you play with it quite yet... You see, when it gets hungry..."

Tanj slowly cleaned up the mess in the kitchen as she told Wanda about her initial experience with the creature that formed her "dress". Wanda stood in the doorway, listening wide-eyed, riveted by the tale. Taking a break from the clean-up, Tanj padded over to kiss Wanda on the nose; "When you're old enough, I promise we'll get you one; but for now, MISTRESS, why don't you bring me the remaining glasses and bowls from the dining table..."

Worthington breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed to his meager quarters. Never had he thought he'd be so relieved to be back here. Turning to Percy, he gave his Squirrel a tight hug and a passionate kiss. "Dear boy, I'd despaired of EVER seeing you again! But right now I have GOT to talk to Jack; be a dear and fix us something to drink, Hmmmm?" Jack looked around the room; "Its not much, Freddy, but it's a damn sight better than that cell they've been keeping me in! What do you think the chances are its bugged?" The Skunk waved a paw dismissively; "Honestly Jack, you are TOO paranoid! Besides these scum wouldn't have the sense to listen in on us. We've got them fooled completely! But just to allay your persistent paranoia, I HAVE checked." The Jaguar looked at Freddy with a scowl; "I don't know about that. I'm convinced they were listening in at the dinner party; what other reason to hold it, except to try and get us to talk? And just because you didn't find anything, doesn't mean there wasn't anything there..." Freddy accepted a glass from Percy and waved his other paw; "Why I suspect the reason was exactly what they said! They hold Xylex's daughter as a hostage, but they don't want to get him too mad, and hence they put her on show for us, so we can tell him what we've seen." Jack took a glass from Percy and then took a long gulp, making a face at his obvious distaste. "Where do they get this drek?" He mumbled. Looking up at the skunk he sighed; "Well, if old Xylex really DOES set great store by her virginity, he's really going to be pissed now. How in the hell should I know how do to a pelvic exam?" Again the skunk waved a paw dismissively; "Not a problem, old boy, we'll just tell Xylex the pirates have deflowered her. Who's he going to believe? Us, or them?" Jack shook his head, and walked over to give the Skunk a hug; "Freddy, you always WERE brilliant!"

Tanj had finished cleaning up Wanda's kitchen, along with her help, and Zassa's. Well, kinda their help. Mostly Wanda regaled Zassa with tales of the party, Zassa listening raptly, neither of them working, until Tanj growled. Then they'd do a few more things, and Zassa'd ask a question, and Wanda would be off again... Finally the place was clean to Tanj's satisfaction, and she kissed Wanda and Zassa bye, heading off to Medical, and the interrogations she'd arranged.

When the door closed behind Tanj, Wanda turned and gave Zassa a pained, helpless look; "Oh, Zassa, I am in SUCH trouble!"

Tanj had changed into a more suitable outfit, sending her living outfit back into its container. As she strode from the docking bay and her ship, towards Medical, she thought over the questions she wanted to ask...

Collins was strapped to a stainless steel table with straps at wrists, ankles and waist. A monster had roused him from his sleep, jerking him from his cell, dragging him through the corridors, and into this hell masquerading as a medical facility... Now a doctor had started an I.V. in his left arm. He watched as it slowly dripped, mesmerized. He would have jumped a foot when the door opened, had he been able, his eyes darting to the Cheetah slave that had been attending the Lady Xylex. She was still wearing her collar, but now she had on a faded pair of camouflage pants and a tight combat vest, a wicked looking dagger at her side. He watched her closely as she pulled up a chair, sitting backwards on it, her forearms crossed along its back, her chin on her arms. She too looked at the I.V. drip for a moment, and then turned to look at him. "Well, Mr. Collins, I've come to the conclusion that you are not who, or at least what you say you are. Tonight we're going to find out the truth." As his mouth opened she shushed him; "No, no protestations, no pleas, and no, not even any confessions. The drug in the I.V. will get us the truth, painlessly, and reliably. It won't even hurt you; you never know, we might want to ask more questions later. In fact, I'm told its rather enjoyable... Oh, yes, a very small number of folks are allergic to it. And some are conditioned against it, but we have a doctor standing by, should you experience any... distress. Now, while we wait for the drug to take effect, what would you like to talk about?"

The Ferret babbled happily; "And the fourth quarter earnings for KamalCo were HORRIBLE! They've hidden it from their stockholders of course, but if they can't replace the pipeline the Rebels blew up, they're not going to have any choice but to declare bankruptcy. The Government would have a hard time fighting the Rebels without the vehicle fuel they make... And that would distress Xylex Oh So Much!..." Tanj purrrrred and stroked the Ferret's head softly; "That's very gooooood. Now, how are the Government's off- planet cash reserves holding out?" She'd been right; this guy was the financial expert. And the drug was working VERY well... As the Ferret ran down again, Tanj leaned over to kiss him on the nose; "Excellent, you've been such a great help. But there's just one more thing I'd like to know; who is Isloth pretending to be?"

Tanj padded out of the examining room, to grin at the medical staff; "Worked like a charm, just as you said it would. He will be all right, won't he?" The Charge Nurse, a female Mink, nodded; "Oh, yes; we'll have to watch him for a few days, but he should be fine." Tanj grinned and entered the other room, where Klein, the rabbit was tied in a similar fashion...

The rabbit snarled at the Cheetah; "You won't get anything out of me; I've been conditioned against chemical interrogation!" Tanj smiled and sat down, tilting her chair back on its back two legs; "Really? Curious thing for a real estate broker, wouldn't you say?" Klein growled and looked away; "It's a rough business, especially on Elysium..." Tanj shrugged; "Well, we're just going to have to see if you're telling the truth..."

Tanj's shout brought the medical staff running; the rabbit was convulsing, straining at his bonds. The Doctor pushed through to give the rabbit a single glance. "Yeah, he's been given something to screw this up; don't worry, we can handle it. Go get a cup of coffee, and by the time you get back, I'll have him singing. Oh, and bring me one too, black, with sugar."

Tanj padded down the corridor with the tray of coffee cups. She hoped she'd gotten it all straight; there were at least a half dozen furrs on duty in Medical. As she passed through the powered doors, she did indeed hear singing, off key, and ragged. Pushing her way into the Rabbit's room, she was amazed to see the rabbit and the Doctor doing the most gawd-awful bawdy duet! The Doctor grinned at Tanj as he reached for his coffee; "See, told you I'd have him singing... We got an old trooper here; he knows more off color songs than the rest of us put together!" Tanj just shook her head and looked down at the Rabbit, who grinned foolishly back up at her. "Lets see now, Mr. Klein, just who, and what are you?"

Tanj groaned; the rabbit kept breaking into song at the darndest times. She was getting useful information from this Colonel in the Elysium Ground Forces, but it was taking forever. As she yawned, and shook her head, she wished he at least could stay on key. But then, maybe it was the drugs flowing through his veins...

It was well after Breakfast when Tanj tiredly padded into the Security office. She was surprised to find a small crowd, both male and female, standing behind the desk, all gazing at the monitors. Pushing her way through the crowd, she caught a glimps of Viscount Worthington, Percy, and Doctor Hyde, all nude, in the middle of the floor. Tanj grinned and nodded, thinking that her thoughts about how those three were bent had been right on target... Patting Phil on the shoulder, she yawned; "Make sure the recordings are routed to my workstation, I'll look at them later." Phil just nodded, muttering "Yours and a couple of dozen others; this is some of the best entertainment we've had since the last time YOU put on a show..." Tanj grinned and cuffed him lightly, pushing back through the crowd, heading for the Lion's quarters, a bath, and some sleep.

Tanj moaned, coming awake slowly. There were the most delicious sensations between her thighs. Her nose told her that her master was in the room, and it certainly felt like his tongue; it felt SOOOOOOO good. Lazily she wondered how long she could feign sleep; she just didn't feel like moving. With her eyes closed, just laying there, the effect of each motion of his tongue seemed magnified, as if each lick, each stroke and motion had grown to encompass her entire universe. After a while he had her panting, and still she feigned sleep, knowing he'd have to see through it. As her breathing became harsh and ragged, as his tongue drove deep into her pussy, its tip flicking over those places he knew would make her moan, she surrendered, and slid both paws down her tummy, to carress his hairy head, before taking hold of his ears. As her back arched, as she screamed out her pleasure, her climax raging through her, she held his head tightly to her pussy. As the waves of pleasure finally receded, she tilted her head up to grin at him. He had stopped his licking and was laying there, his chin on her mons, grinning; "Well, Good Morning!" Tanj wordlessly grinned back and again tugged at his head, urging him to slide up further, to cover her body with his. He needed little urging and shortly his hard cock was buried in her wetness, his hips bucking, as they passionately made the beast with two backs.

It was well after dinner by the time that Tanj made it to her workstation in Intelligence. Sitting down, putting her cup of coffee in its assigned place (one of the few squares of space NOT covered by hardcopy, manuals, reference texts, or other accumulated stuff), she logged into her computer and called up the surveillance reports on Viscount Worthington's cabin. The audio and the video were a bit grainy (that's what you got from hair thin fiber optics acting as camera lenses) but it was all too apparent that "Freddy" and "Jack" were quite pleased with themselves, in duping the pirates... And when she heard them discussing what had happened to Wanda her fur bristled, her growl startling the late-night staff in the office. When the talk had simmered down, when Freddy and Jack were starting to get intimate, with Percy's eager assistance, Tanj queried the computer to see if there was any other significant periods of conversation. Upon hearing there were not, she closed the file, and pushed back from her chair, a scowl on her face.

Fredrick, the Viscount Worthington bid a formal goodbye to his personal physician, as the guards escorted him off. They'd been left alone much longer than he'd anticipated, but the time had been welcome. He'd thought he'd never see Jack again, and here the pirates had provided them with a splendid night, and day together. As the door closed behind him, Percy came up behind his master and whispered; "Do you think we'll ever see him again?" Frederick turned and smiled at the Squirrel; "Why of course we will, Dear Boy; the pirates have NO idea who he really is, and even if they did, they wouldn't DARE harm him..."

Doctor Hyde's eyes went wide as he turned the corner, and beheld the monstrous Hyena standing in the corridor. In a raspy voice it growled at the guards; "Got orders to take the prisoner down to Medical. Any objections?" The two guards looked at each other and then shrugged; "Nope. He's all yours!" Mala grinned and reached out a huge paw, to take the Doctor by the arm, dragging him down the corridor.

Tanj was again wearing clothes more befitting a pirate; a pair of worn jeans, covered by tight leather chaps, and a slashed halter top, her dagger again at her side, when she entered the examining room. Hyde's face was drawn, his eyes wide; before Tanj could speak, he whimpered; "I tried to tell them; I'm allergic to this kind of drug. Yes, it's a conditioned, artificial allergy, but it'll kill me none the less!" Tanj shook her head, and smiled; "Klein was "resistant" too, but the staff here got him through just fine; I'm sure you'll be fine too, Lord Isloth." The Jaguar shook his head hard from side to side; "NO! Klein is only a middle level officer! He's only gotten the basic treatment! What I've got is much more sophisticated!" Tanj shrugged; "With all the deceptions you've pulled on us, I'd be a fool to believe you now. The only other way to make sure you tell us the truth is to subject to you cruel levels of pain... And while I might find furrs willing, perhaps even eager to do that, I doubt you'd want to undergo such an inquisition. Lets just see how this does for a while. But if it'll make you any happier, I'll go get the doctor, and have him monitor you..."

Tanj shrugged as they approached the examining room; "Yeah, I know, Doctor, but just the same it can't hurt for you to watch. This IS important, and your shop just isn't that busy tonight." As she moved through the door, she knew instantly that something was wrong. The doctor sensed it too, pushing past her to look at the Jaguar. Tanj stood in a corner as the crash team charged through the door at the Doctor's shout, watched as they worked furiously. After a while, the Doctor looked up at her and shrugged. Turning to one of his assistants, the Doctor growled; "Prep him for an autopsy; maybe we can learn how they did this. I've never seen a reaction like this before..."

Wanda found Mark down in Engineering, as he worked on assembling a replacement circuit board. She'd heard of the White Fang's return, and had immediately sought Mark out. The Mouse shot her a quick smile as she approached, then turned his attention back to his work for a few seconds more before getting up and brushing off his paws on his shorts. Wanda stood at the workbench for a moment, just looking at him, before she spoke; "Mark, among all my friends here, you're probably one of the most wise, and I need your advice on something..." Mark raised an eyebrow at that. "Wise, Hmmm? I must have fooled you along with everybody else, then... Well, okay, shoot..."

Mark nodded thoughtfully after listening to Wanda's story. "Well, I'm not wholly sure... Obviously what happens now is YOUR decision, but that doesn't exactly help you much, does it?" The Wolverine lass nodded quietly. "Mmmm Hmmm. Well, then; as far as I'm concerned you ARE still a virgin. You can't PROVE it as easily anymore, and of course you're a lot less innocent now than you were before running into Tanj, but the basic truth of that remains." He looked up into her eyes to make sure that she was following him... "Now, I do think that virginity's rather overrated in some social circles. As near as I've been able to puzzle it out, its all about male ego. The husband-to-be somehow can't possibly be expected to settle for used goods, as it were, and the woman is supposed to live up to that. Utter nonsense, really, but keep in mind that that's the kind of "logic" you'll have to deal with if you ever plan to return to those same circles." The Mouse leaned back and stretched lightly; "On the other hand, nothing's REALLY keeping you from throwing caution to the winds and jumping into bed with the next fur or three who strike your fancy... Or even with Hinoki." He winked at her as he said that, and was secretly relieved to see a hint of a smile. "That wouldn't even necessarily completely ruin your chances for marrying well later, as long as you're careful enough not to get pregnant. There are plenty of nice males out there who won't mind if their bride already knows a few tricks of her own..." He paused to give Wanda a moment to think, then when he saw her nod slowly, he continued; "Personally, I'd think you might want to hang on to your virginity at least a little bit longer. Once its gone, its gone, and even if you don't care one whit what your former peers might think about you afterwards, you may still want to make your first time special. And that's really the best advice I can give at the moment." Wanda nodded, rose with a sigh, and put a quick kiss on the Mouse's forehead before she turned to go. Looking back over her shoulder; she smiled; "I'll have to think about that... Thanks, and I'll see you around."

Tanj was again wearing her slinky, metallic fabric dress, as the survivors of the Stra'doc were herded towards the shuttle, and their ransom. The ransom had come through with much less negotiation, much greater speed than she'd anticipated... And it had been sizable. Viscount Worthington, Percy trailing him by a few steps, slowed, and then stopped, to look around. Turning to the guards, and then to Tanj, he whimpered; "Where's Jack? Where's Doctor Hyde?" Tanj sighed; "I'm sorry, Viscount Worthington, but there was a medical emergency, and I'm afraid our... abilities were not sufficient to the task. Dr. Hyde passed away, despite our best efforts. Please accept my most heartfelt apologies and condolences." Worthington stared at Tanj for a moment, a bit of the more commanding personality he'd shown in his quarters when he thought he was unobserved showing through; "Those Bastards killed him, didn't they? No, don't bother to deny it. Don't think this will go unrewarded!" Turning, followed by Percy, the skunk strode through the airlock, and into the shuttle.

Tanj cuddled Hinoki softly. They were both still breathing hard; as had been their custom, they'd stolen a moment during the day, their sex quick and almost violent. Hinoki reached out and smoothed Tanj's hair; "It bothers you, doesn't it? The death of that Jaguar?" Tanj sighed and nodded; "He told me, but I just wouldn't believe him after all his lies. Maybe what he'd done to Wanda was clouding my thinking... We could have gotten the information out of him by other means. Voice stress analysis, even torture would have left him living... I should have been more patient, and waited for Mark to return; he might have been able to have obtained what we needed by telepathy... I'm afraid by "killing" him, we've upped the conflict to a new level." Hinoki looked at Tanj and shrugged; "But it wasn't on purpose. It WAS an accident..." Tanj shrugged again; "They'll never believe that. As far as the Elysium government, and possibly the Imperial government are concerned, we murdered him. I suspect we'll see renewed efforts against us, and more resistance to surrendering, less confidence in the fact that prisoners will be ransomed. I think things are going to be rougher from here on out." Hinoki just sighed and kissed her; and then they were getting dressed, heading back to the day's business.

The Wolvrine looked up as his servant showed in the Skunk. Worthington had been back on Elysium but a few days; in that time he'd been debriefed by the military, and then by the government as to the events that had happened. And now, at what had to be the earliest opportunity, he had presented himself at Xylex's townhouse, in the capital. As he was ushered in, Lord Xylex rose and moved around his desk to give his old friend a hug; "Hello, Freddy; glad to see you made it back OK. Horrified to hear about what happened to Jack!" Worthington nodded and settled on the couch, as a servant handed him a Brandy. "Yes, I'm afraid our little venture didn't do very well. I have NO idea how those pirates ever learned about it, especially considering how paranoid Jack was, and I REFUSE to believe it was random chance." Xylex nodded; "Obviously Jack wasn't paranoid enough... How did they ever unmask you?" Freddy looked a little uncomfortable; "Pillow talk, I'm afraid. I never would have thought those ruffians sophisticated enough to have my quarters bugged to a level I couldn't detect, or so uncouth as to listen in during a moment of... romance. But now it almost seems as if we were manipulated into a situation where we'd be vulnerable to that sort of thing..." Xylex nodded; "I always said that'd be the death of him..." The two were silent for a moment and then Worthington looked up; "By the way, saw your daughter there. I'd have to say they're not treating her as well as she should be treated, but she does seem in good health. They're forcing her to work in their base, something about changing linens, and emptying bedpans in their medical facility. And I really don't know how to tell you this, old chap, but it seems that they've taken her virginity..." Xylex rose from his seat, his paws balling into fists; "Those SWINE" he growled! Then, turning to look at Worthington, Xylex growled; "She tell you this?" Worthington shook his head; "Jack, playing his role as my physician to the hilt, demanded to examine her, never thinking they'd permit it. And I suspect that if any of the ruffians's leaders had been there, they would have stopped him right quick; but we seem to have hit a pocket of... minimal surveillance, and your daughter agreed to the examination. Of course, poor Jack was horribly embarrassed when his bluff was called, but he told me later she was no longer a virgin." Xylex slumped into his chair; "Jack was only first year pre-med when he switched to law, but that was just the kind of bold play he'd make..." Worthington nodded; "Its going to be hard to carry on without him, but we will, somehow. Now, what plans do you have for dealing with these Pirate scum? How can we gain our revenge, without jeopardizing your daughter?" Xylex waved his paw; "I'm afraid my Daughter has become a bit of a liability. Think of what Society would say, were this to get out? She'd be ostracized, should she return... Never find a decent husband... No, as much as it pains me, I'm afraid we can't let my daughter stand in the way of our plans to eliminate those scum..." After a few moments of silence, Xylex nodded; "And I have a few good ideas as to how to go about that..." After a servant had refilled their glasses and withdrawn, Xylex looked up; "Tell me, Freddy, while you were there, did you happen to see a slave, a cheetah fem by the name of "Tanj"?"

Lord Xylex sat at his desk, thinking, long after Worthington had left. The Viscount was often mistaken for a high- society buffoon, an image he enjoyed cultivating... But he wasn't as sharp as he thought he was. Jack had always been the brains behind that group. And now that Lord Isloth was gone, there were... opportunities. Calling up his working files on the rebellion, he once again went over the projections. With the mission to the Imperial capital wrecked, the time lines all became skewed. Another could be launched, but the crucial moment had passed, and even if the Imperials acquiesced, and help was forthcoming, the conflict would still drag on for decades. And with no certainty of success, either. And that would be bad for business; very bad. But there were other alternatives, especially if you valued power more than money. Nodding to himself, Xylex made a decision, and used his computer to issue orders, indirectly, surreptitiously, to a number of financial and political researchers in the employ of various dummy corporations of his. The questions he was asking were almost treasonable, and if the answers were what he suspected they might be, they WOULD be treasonable...

A week later, Xylex had his reports. They had all been filtered through various think tanks, and vetted by various off-planet universities. The trail back to him should be almost impossible to follow. And the answers were exactly what he thought they might be. If he were to covertly side with one of the Rebel factions now, he could become the power behind the throne, so to speak, and over time, gain sufficient influence to essentially control that rebel faction. With his wealth and inside knowledge, he could manipulate that faction so that it would grow and become THE Rebel faction, the others being absorbed or destroyed. When the Rebels, HIS rebels, were victorious, he would have significantly more power than he did now, even as head of one of the major cartels. He'd in effect have the whole planet, the whole system, and possibly the whole sector... And he would still be able to shelter most of his wealth off-planet. There were risks to be sure, but compared to continuing to back the Elysium government, this was the more likely plan to succeed. Smiling, he again issued covert instructions, this time ordering detailed psychological profiles on all the known rebel leaders.

Trotskie didn't like this. Didn't like it at ALL. His informant continued to insist that the meeting would be to his benefit, and that it wasn't a trap, but the leader of the Rebel faction known as the Reds wasn't exactly a trusting soul. Still, he'd come. The satchel with thousands of credits in it, with the promise of more, had been a powerful calling card, and his faction needed all the money it could get. He knew his reaction to the money had played into the hands of those who called his group mere banditos, rebels without a philosophy, without any goal other than money and power, but they still had to eat, didn't they? They couldn't do anything for anyone if they were starving, or without weapons or ammunition... Still, he fretted, nervous despite the precautions, the many, many precautions. When the aircar had landed in the middle of the clearing, his troops had been dug in and ready for an assault, prepared to given any Elysium forces moving to capture them a bloody nose. It was almost anti-climactic when a single figure emerged from the aircar, to look around curiously. Striding from his position in the tree line, Trotskie boldly moved to meet the figure, putting on a show of confidence and bravado more for his own troops, than because he really felt confident. As he neared the figure, the form resolving itself into a well-dressed Wolverine, his eyes widened in surprise; "YOU!"

Xylex leaned back against the aircar, smiling to himself; this really was too easy. The Bear named Trotskie was really just a brigand at heart, his allegiance to the Rebel cause flimsy, and tenuous. Just exactly what he wanted... "I'll prove my sincerity to your cause" the Wolverine said softly; "Next week, the Elysium ground forces will be making a sweep of the T'siri provence. The compliment of guards in the adjacent province of Subara will be reduced, and the guards around the Government house will be thin. And the armory will be vulnerable. The data on this memory crystal will show you how to get in and out with the minimum fuss. The weapons there will be more than sufficient to arm your group. I know, I know, you think it's a trap. Tell you what. You're having trouble with the rebel group known as the "Blues". Give me something on them, and I'll use my clout with the government to see that they're... taken down a notch. Before the sweep of the T'siri provence. Would that be sufficient to prove myself? Wouldn't you like that?" Trotskie frowned, thinking back to his last "meeting" with Cromwell, the leader of the Blues, and nodded. He'd love to see that insufferable, holier-than- thou SOB taken down a notch. Looking at Xylex he grinned and nodded; "Yes, I WOULD like that..."

Tanj padded into the cafeteria and looked around. Her master wasn't here yet. Getting a tray, she sat down at their regular table. It was Leonardo's turn to cook, and once again, the curry was much stronger than she cared for. Still, the Ampoc Nor was good. Smiling to herself she thought once again that any food tasted better when it wasn't your turn to do the dishes. She was on her second spoonful when Mark and Mala entered the Cafeteria. Tanj grinned; the White Fang must have had a successful operation; they were back early! Mark went and got two trays, while Mala stood in the middle of the room pointedly ignoring all the looks going her way. Not a word was said. Suddenly, it struck Tanj that none of Mark's friends were saying "Come join us" or "Come have a seat." As Mark pulled up next to Mala, balancing a tray in each paw, the Hyena looked around as if seeking out a vacant table. And then her gaze locked on Tanj...

Tanj Sipped her coffee, and after a second nodded to the empty seats on the other side of the table. Mark almost sighed in relief, but before he could take a step, Mala was striding towards Tanj, leading the way. Mark carefully set Mala's tray down first and then sat next to her, knife and fork in his paws, as if awaiting her permission to start. Tanj looked from Mark, to Mala, and then after a sip of her coffee, inquired in as normal a voice as she could, "So, how you two been Doin'? Haven't seen much of either of you lately." Mala nodded, and after taking a huge forkfull of the Ampoc Nor, started to talk even as she chewed; "Oh, we've been doing OK. Physical went well enough, after all, and I don't think THAT doctor's going to doubt my fitness again anytime soon. And Mark had a good time on the White Fang. VERY successful cruise." Mark had started eating after Mala'd taken her first bite, and now he paused to swallow. Smiling, he raised an eyebrow; "Did you hear about Mala's latest exploits on the Overlord?" Tanj nodded; "I heard that the liner they took, the Sundalian Princess, had been transporting a company of Imperial Marines, that didn't take kindly to the Brethren stopping their ship... Terrible lapse on the part of Intelligence, and I do apologize for it. We really had no way of knowing, though; they were loaded literally at the last minute..." Mala smiled, showing fangs, and waved a paw dismissively, the knife she was holding making a curious chopping motion. "Not to worry. I'd be the last fur to complain about a little extra challenge, and besides, the guy in command was an old familiar asshole from back in my early grunt days that I've wanted to get back at for YEARS!" Tanj shivered, and nodded. She'd heard after-action reports about how Mala had waded through the blaster fire, to physically pick up the bear and falling to a kneeling position, bring him down across her knee. They thought they could fix his spine, and regenerate his spinal column, but all the doctors agreed, he'd never move right again... And Mala's act had so unnerved the Marines, the resistance had broken. Later, they'd counted fourteen places in her body armor that had nearly been penetrated... The pirates were a rough group, their boarding teams as tough as any in known space, and the Imperial marines were no pushovers either, but Mala was earning a significant reputation, even among the Brethren...

Tanj was about to comment about how captured Imperial Marines brought such a low price at Market, when her Master walked in. He had a preoccupied look, and moved straight towards his usual table, to sit next to Tanj. "Tanj, I need to talk to you and Ben, and Davis, and Waltham about the coordinated actions with the Blues. I think we've got some problems there." Tanj nodded and rose; "Yes, Master; AFTER you eat. Let me get you something..." Turning, Tanj padded off towards the serving line.

The lion watched her padd away, his eyes obviously locked on her swaying ass. After a moment he grumbled; "Uppity slave. Ought to do something about that." Then turning he looked at the others sitting at the table as if seeing them for the first time. His gaze flickered over Mark, and he nodded, and then, as his eyes met Mala's, they widened in surprise.

When Tanj returned with the Lion's tray, she found him sitting up straight, one paw on the edge of the table, just staring at Mala, watching her eat. Mala for her part seemed oblivious to his gaze, as she shoveled in forkful after forkful. Mark had a wry grin on his face as he watched the Lion. Tanj slid the tray over in front of her Master (with perhaps a little less ceremony than Mark had served Mala), and grinned at him; "Ah, Master, I see you've met Mala." Mala just waved a forkful of food in an offhanded acknowledgement, her eyes never leaving her plate. The Lion shook himself as if to break the spell, and turned to LOOK at Tanj. "Yessssssssss, it seems I have." Turning back to look at Mala, his eyes still just a little wide, he growled; "Pleased to meet you." Mala mumbled in return, through a mouthful of curry; "Charmed, I'm sure." The lion looked down at his tray, pushed some of the curry around with his fork for a moment, and then pushed the tray back an inch. Turning to look at Tanj, he sighed; "We need to go talk to those folks. Now." Tanj nodded, her eyes darting to where Mala continued to eat, as if out to conquer her dinner with knife and fork, and then back to her Master. "Um, yessir." The lion rose and took a last look at Mala, rumbling "Pleasure to have met you." Mala just nodded, deigning to speak as if perhaps her mouth was too full for even her to attempt speech. As the lion turned to walk off, Tanj in tow, she swallowed noisily, and growled; "Hey, you gonna eat that?" The lion looked back to see her gesturing towards his untouched tray. He shook his head; "No, knock yourself out." Mala just nodded and lifted his plate to dump its contents onto her own; "Don't mind if I do...".

As they walked off, the Lion looked at Tanj and shook his head; "Sounds like everything I've been hearing about her is true... She sure is a strange one!" Tanj cocked her head to one side, and looked at her master; "Aside from her eating habits, which I can attest to, and her combat skills, what else have you heard?" The lion grinned and bent to whisper in his Cheetah's ear.

Mala looked up as the Lion and Tanj departed from the Cafeteria. Shaking her head, she looked down at her mouse; "I just do NOT see what she sees in him!" Mark chuckled and picked up the last bite from his plate. "I know. Go easy on him, please. Believe it or not, he's the best leader we have at the moment." The Hyena grinned and shook her head again, muttering something that sounded oddly like "Great. We're doomed." Through another helping of curry.

Tanj lay atop her Lion. Their schedules had actually let them both get to bed at a reasonable time, but they'd taken the opportunity for something other than sleep. Their lovemaking had been gloriously wild, and passionate, and now they were both spent, exhausted, and laying among the tangled sheets sleepily. "Picked up on something interesting, Master" Tanj purrrred. He opened one eye and looked at her. She smiled and kissed him on the nose. "Elysium forces struck at the Blue's new headquarters. Somehow they found the new location in absolutely record time. They really lost a lot of key folks, but they missed Cromwell. Seems they hadn't dug latrines yet, and he'd walked off into the forest to take a dump when the place was assaulted..." The Lion's other eye opened; "Someone talked. They must have! Cromwell's better than that." Tanj just nodded. "I also heard that the Reds hit the Subara Province Government house, and completely cleaned out their armory. Shot up most of the government workers too." The lion sighed; "That Trotskie is a jerk; how'd he get that lucky? Surely he couldn't have assets among the government reliable or highly placed enough to give him that kind of information... And there was no need to kill the menial workers. That'll just make it harder to gain sympathizers within the government in the future." Tanj just shrugged, the motion making her breasts sway, the lion's eyes shifting to watch appreciatively. "I agree, something's going on; but what?" Tanj purrred. The lion just shrugged, and settled back in the bed; "Watch them carefully for me, Tanj. I know you'll puzzle it out eventually." Tanj grinned and snuggled down against her master's bulk, her head resting on his stomach. After a while, her tongue licked out teasingly, eliciting a mock- groan of "Again? You really ARE insatiable!"

This story is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to any characters, living, dead or imaginary is purely a coincidence. Tanj and these stories are copyright Kittiara's player, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000. Kittiara can be found on Furrymuck; telnet 209.100.167.128 8888. Hinoki, Zassa, and Jenka copyright their players, also to be found on FurryMuck. Mark is copyright Ann'katar, also of FurryMuck. Comments, suggestions, or flames can be directed to ha_seng@hotmail.com.