tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19138709739969419732024-02-08T02:43:16.585-08:00A New Beginning: Chronicles of Batpooh State Vol 1When a race of dogs come into contact with a race of cats, the results are bound to be disastrous--unless a pair of star-crossed lovers can turn the tide.PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-62244953480551817552012-05-23T13:06:00.000-07:002011-05-23T13:09:11.205-07:00IntroductionThis is the reboot of a previous reboot story--<a href="http://batpooh.blogspot.com/"><i>BPS Files: Lost & Found Again</i></a>. Both are based on characters my older brother and I created when we were kids. In the Pooh books, Christopher Robin's stuffed bear, donkey, tiger, pig, etc. lived in a forest and had adventures, but our stuffed animals did much cooler stuff. They flew around in starships, fought epic battles, and could vaporize anyone who got in their way with Power Collars. Take that, Winnie the Pooh!<br />
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The easiest way to think about it might be to think that it's like "Star Trek" only the humans are dogs. Dogs who walk on two legs and talk, kind of like Brian in "Family Guy." So there you go.<br />
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The central character is Captain Buster Bulldog. After a meteor shower nearly destroys a colony of the Bloc of Planetary States, Buster and the crew of the <i>Batpooh</i> are assigned to check out some strange energy readings from a nearby unexplored system. When they get there, they find an alien race made up entirely of cats!<br />
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On the cat home world, Buster meets the beautiful and wise Princess Whiskers. And though it seems impossible for a dog and a cat to fall in love, Buster and Whiskers find themselves doing just that. But their new love sets off a chain reaction that could lead to war between dogs and cats!<br />
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This is intended for middle grade and older audience, so there's no real cursing or sex and just mild sci-fi action violence.<br />
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Please enjoy <i>A New Beginning</i> (title may change)...PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-16942793686706968882011-06-26T09:26:00.003-07:002011-06-26T09:26:52.106-07:00Epilogue<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Epilogue</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster fidgeted nervously in the antechamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran his paws along his formal uniform jacket to get the wrinkles out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the biggest moment of his life he wanted everything to look perfect.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He yelped as the door opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning, he saw Spot in his formal uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Need a paw?” Spot asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I might need you to carry me up there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many guests are there going to be?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fifty thousand,” Spot said and Buster had to grab the wall to keep from fainting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Plus a few billion watching the broadcast.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster collapsed onto a cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dog save me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey, come on, it won’t be so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember why you’re doing this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded and thought of Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He imagined how beautiful she would look on the dais and the love in her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have the ring?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot reached into his jacket and pulled out a black felt box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside were two gold bands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were far less ornate than the jewelry Whiskers already owned, but Buster wanted at least one tradition from Batpooh State in the ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to be able to slide that ring on her finger as a symbol of their eternal bond.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A gong sounded from down the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster felt a nervous flutter in his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That means it’s time, doesn’t it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unless you’re having second thoughts.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster thought of Whiskers again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought of when he had first seen her on the landing platform, their trip to the mall, their first kiss in the trees, and everything that had happened since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No second thoughts.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then let’s go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot took Buster’s arm and then hauled him upright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked slowly down a hallway from the antechamber, into the main chamber of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Cat church, with a statue of Cat towering over a crystal dais gilded around the edges with gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Queen Smokey sat atop the dais on a cushion, Lady Isis at her side in case she faltered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster leaned against Spot for support as he marched up to the dais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept his eyes on it, not wanting to see the throng assembled behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seats had been crammed into every possible location so that the guests could be accommodated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one wanted to miss this historic ceremony, the first-ever marriage of a Cat and a Dog.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another gong sounded and Buster had no choice but to turn around and face the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot caught him before he fainted away at the sight of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed everyone in the Bloc and Cattatonia was here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Most of the rows had been divided with Cats on the left and Dogs on the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than Cassie and Captain Morgana, Buster didn’t recognize anyone on the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the front row on the right, though, he recognized Nina, her two new puppies Carly and Lisa, and their father Admiral Barker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beneath his dress uniform pants, the admiral’s legs were sheathed in silver from the robotic implants Dr. Ruff had designed to allow Admiral Barker to walk again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The admiral smiled and nodded to Buster.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Farther down he saw Jake, Jonathan, and his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter had been the hardest to convince into coming on the grounds of the wedding being held on Cattatonia, but Buster Sr. had finally relented when Buster promised they would have a smaller ceremony in Batpooh State later.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even President Bear was present at the end of the row with his security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among that security, wearing a nondescript suit was Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned down to whisper something into the president’s ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President Bear nodded at whatever it was and then leaned over to Jonathan, who winked at Buster.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s time for me to go,” Spot whispered into Buster’s ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Makes me glad you married us on Sirius Five.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nearly burst out laughing as his best friend sat down in the front row next to the former Marshy Ruff, now Marshy Mutt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot put an arm around her shoulder and then patted her bulging belly with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wouldn’t be long until she too had a litter of puppies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the battle of Sirius Five, Buster had presided over Spot and Marshy’s impromptu wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the choice Buster would have done the same, but he couldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wedding was a matter of state—of two states.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A flourish of horns sounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster came to attention as everyone in the church stood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many in the church that Buster couldn’t see her at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe she had changed her mind? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then she glided into view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wore a gown that was somehow even whiter than her fur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The train extended behind her for twenty meters, three kittens holding up the end of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wore an elaborate headdress like those on the statues of the palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he could still see her eyes as she approached and see the love still in them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At last she reached the altar and took his paw in hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t remember anything about the ceremony until she kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a short kiss for in public, but the first of many as husband and wife. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They marched paw-in-paw out of the church, horns sounding in their wake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster saw his friends and family applauding him, cheering him on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to take forever to get out of the church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when they finally reached the doors, he saw what President Bear and Dodger had been whispering about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A transport waited for them at the bottom of the steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone had written, “Just Married” on the side and back of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster laughed and then kissed Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you know about this?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s go,” she whispered into his ear.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Wherever we want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The universe is ours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">[END]</div>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-46315316269707082472011-06-26T09:26:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:26:34.181-07:00Chapter 28<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 28</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shuttle bucked a few times from near misses, but otherwise there were no problems reaching the flagship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle clanged dangerously as it attached itself to an airlock on the Cat ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster couldn’t help but feel a knot in his stomach as he watched the <i>Batpooh</i> begin to break apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His first command and now it was in pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’d probably never give him another one if he survived this. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers kissed him on the jowls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have to go,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are we going to get inside?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger reached into his pocket to take out a black disc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A little toy Dr. Ruff came up with.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster watched as Dodger opened the shuttle’s airlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He planted the disc on the opposite side of the airlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few seconds later, the door began cycling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guess Cat airlocks aren’t so different from ours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger took a pistol from his hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stay behind us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am not helpless.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re also not armed,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hissed and extended her claws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Still, you don’t get much range with those.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will do as you request.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They scurried through the airlock, Dodger’s contraption opening the other side of the door for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There weren’t any guards waiting for them, but it wouldn’t be long until some showed up to investigate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any idea where your mother would be?” Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Her stateroom would be the largest one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably on one of the upper decks.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That still gives us a lot to search,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If we can find a computer terminal out of the way I might be able to convince the computer to give us some directions,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How are we going to do that?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Start opening doors and hope we get lucky.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slapped his disc against a door on the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hissed open a few moments later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He peeked inside and almost right away jumped back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A shot sizzled past, singing the fur on the right side of his muzzle before hitting the wall behind him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More shots followed and alarms sounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we blew our cover,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pressed himself to the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster and Whiskers did the same on the opposite side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They traded shots with the guards in the adjoining corridor for a minute before a door down the hall opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More guards came running towards them, firing wildly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re in trouble,” Buster shouted over the sound of weapons fire.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I got an idea,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached into his pocket again, this time taking out a blue sphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hurled this down the hall at the oncoming guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blue smoke billowed out of the device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though he couldn’t see them, Buster could hear the guards coughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They charged into the blue smoke, where they found the guards doubled over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger kicked one to the deck while Buster took another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers grabbed the third by the front of his uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hissed something at the guard in her native tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He responded, his words punctuated with coughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once he finished, she hurled him back against the wall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He says the queen is on the third deck, room seventeen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then let’s make tracks,” Dodger suggested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t need any convincing to start running.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More guards waited at the next intersection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least two-dozen of them, all heavily armed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have anything in your pocket for that?” Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left my tactical nuke at home.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s no way we can take on all of them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We must do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to reach my mother,” Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded and then leaned into the hallway to fire a burst from his pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pistol’s charge would be out soon and then they’d really be in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought of the fallen guards behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Whiskers could harvest those guns it would help them hold out longer, but it was still only a matter of time before they were overrun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whiskers, go—”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped himself, as a thought struck him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got an idea.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What is it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Get into the uniform of one of those guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll distract them while you go find your mother.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We can’t pass as Cats, but in the uniform no one will recognize you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get by unnoticed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can’t leave you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco will kill you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not if you get your mother to call off the guards.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked Whiskers in the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Whiskers, but there’s no other choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve already risked everything for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The least I can do is return the favor.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, Buster.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kiss wasn’t as long as Buster would have liked; under the circumstances they didn’t have much time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded to her and then fired another burst from his pistol to cover her as she scampered down the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Dodger kept firing while she changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple of minutes, the rifles the guards had been carrying slid down the hallway to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster tossed his depleted pistol away and then grabbed the rifle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You think she can do it?” Dodger asked as he took up another of the rifles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The princess always gets what she wants,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s hope so.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disguised as an ordinary guard, no one on the ship paid any attention to Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She passed through their midst unmolested, heading for the third deck, where her mother waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What she would say to convince her mother, Whiskers didn’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother hated the Dogs almost as much as Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She feared them and the change they might bring to Cattatonia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was necessary change as far as Whiskers was concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had been isolated for too long, stuck in their ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They needed to do as she had done, expand their horizons and see what the rest of the universe had to offer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An elevator door opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A squad of soldiers ushered out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you doing?” one of them snapped at her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Duke Draco asked me to inform the queen that intruders are on board.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I heard of no such orders.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He wants to keep it quiet, so as not to upset the crew.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The soldier considered this for a moment and then nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On your way then.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers threw herself into the elevator and then slapped a button for the third deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She heaved a sigh of relief that the ruse had worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to her that Draco would have guards assigned to her mother’s quarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would have to find a way to distract or disable them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The elevator doors opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers peeked into the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no one around that she could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe Buster and Dodger had drawn off any guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would make her job easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hurried down the hallway until she found a door marked with a number seventeen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She opened the door—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“About time you got here,” Draco said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat on a cushion next to the queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To one side of him, stood a knot of a dozen guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These parted so that something could be pushed forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster and Dodger landed on the deck with a thump.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers screamed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was soon clear that Buster and Dodger weren’t dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were only unconscious, at least for the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without asking, Whiskers tossed her rifle away and put up her paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you think I was so stupid?” Draco asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As soon as you opened the airlock I knew what you were doing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And now what will you do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“After the Dogs are finished, we will return to Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prisoners will be executed and we will be wed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers turned to face her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that what you wish, Mother?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The duke has acted under my orders,” Queen Smokey said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You would kill thousands because of my disobedience?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is not only your disobedience, child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dogs have become too bold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must teach them that we are not to be trifled with.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you really think it will stop here?” Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glared at her betrothed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He will not stop here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will keep pressing the attack until every Dog is wiped out.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good riddance,” Queen Smokey said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How can you say that?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mind your place, young one.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers knelt down beside Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cradled his unconscious head in her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My place is here, with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you kill him then you will have to kill me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do not talk so foolishly, child—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am not a child!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a child when these strangers landed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed your orders without question, even if I hated them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glared at Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now my eyes have been open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These dogs are not our enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so much like us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want only the same things we want.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They want to destroy us!” Draco shouted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers narrowed her eyes at her betrothed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were the one who brought them to Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You triggered the meteor shower that destroyed their planet just as you are destroying this world beneath us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wanted them to enter our space so that you would have an excuse to launch this invasion, to destroy them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had nothing to do with the Dogs entering our space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not tolerate such an insult!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Queen Smokey glared at Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You cannot accuse the duke of such things without proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What proof do you have?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“None, but Mother, please—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen turned to Draco’s guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take the prisoners to the brig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then escort my daughter to her quarters and make sure she stays there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!” Whiskers shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She clung tightly to Buster, digging her claws into him until he whimpered with pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes fluttered open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What—?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She kissed him before he could say anything else and before the guards could take him from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tried to pull her away, but she refused, using every ounce of strength to hold on to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her claws were losing the battle, though, a little bit at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her claws slipped out of his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to latch onto his paw but then it too began slipping away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hold!” Queen Smokey shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guards stopped and released Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen stared at Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really love this Dog?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster awoke with a grunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He flopped onto his stomach and then pushed himself into a kneeling position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Queen Smokey turned her glare on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And what of you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you truly love my daughter?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“With all of my heart,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Whiskers’s paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never felt the way about anyone the way I do about her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The room went silent for a few moments, far too long for Whiskers’s liking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Queen Smokey mewled and then pushed herself up on the cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am an old feline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have forgotten what it is like to be in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, my daughter, have reminded me of that feeling.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen looked at Whiskers and then at Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you two can love each other, then perhaps our races are not so different after all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen turned to Lady Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Call off the attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contact the Dogs and tell them we will assist them with the asteroids and with their wounded.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, my queen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!” Draco shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t do this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are servants of Dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will betray us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will bring our doom!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen hissed at him, “I am still the queen of Cattatonia and you will do as I command, Duke Draco.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers saw him reach for the pistol at his belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cried out, knowing it would be too late to stop him from shooting her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swung the pistol up—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The weapon flew across the room to shatter against the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A guard kicked Draco in his bulging stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doubled over, yowling in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard turned and Whiskers recognized Draco’s adopted daughter, Cassie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are no longer my father,” she hissed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Take him away,” Queen Smokey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie and two other guards dragged the duke out of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the queen turned to Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You will make a fine queen, one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are already wise beyond your years.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Mother.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Queen Smokey straightened, looking healthier than she had for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, we have much to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us get moving.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the floor, Dodger began to stir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around the room and then turned to Buster and Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did I miss?”</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-39590431499636877842011-06-26T09:25:00.003-07:002011-06-26T09:25:54.401-07:00Chapter 27<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 27</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They were too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment they came out of hyperspace, Buster had to put a paw to his eyes to keep from being blinded by the flashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blue flashes, green flashes, and white flashes of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Whiskers hissed next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has already begun.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their position gave them a view of the entire battle zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A BPS battle group led by the <i>Batpooh</i> was in protective orbit over Sirius Five while a larger group of Cat warships bombarded them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind the Cat ships were asteroids that seemed destined to wipe out everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He nearly didn’t recognize the <i>Batpooh</i> from the damage it had sustained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its hull was pockmarked with dark splotches, bits of the front had come off, and one hyperspace generator was hanging on by a thread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only good news was that the bridge seemed to be intact—at least for the moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Getting a transmission through to the <i>Batpooh</i> was a difficult task with so many ships all trying to communicate with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let Dodger deal with the overlapping noises until the intelligence agent found a clear channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain?” Dash asked, panting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s the situation?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ve taken heavy damage to all decks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half the group is gone already and we can’t get the colonists off the planet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dash stopped for a moment and then said, “The admiral wants to talk to you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you doing here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I brought the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re here to stop this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There is no stopping this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even if you give them the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get out of here while you still can.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re not leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not until this bloodshed stops.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Captain, that’s a direct order—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger shut down the transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Should have figured on that,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Want to try your luck with the Cats?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can you get through to them?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They use a different encryption.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger’s paws flew over the controls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I’ve got something.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though the image was blurry, Buster could tell that they had reached Captain Morgana’s ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound was garbled, but she didn’t sound pleased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You dare try to break our encryption!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your victory will be short-lived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we will destroy you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers gently pushed Buster aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned down towards the screen so that Captain Morgana could get a good look at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain, this is Whiskers, princess of Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish to speak to my mother.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Princess?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will put me through to her ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that understood?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, your highness.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn’t the queen’s image that came on the screen, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco’s sneer was evident even with the static.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you have realized the error of your ways?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wish to come crawling back to us?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I do not crawl to anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is my mother?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The queen cannot be bothered now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we have disposed of these feeble Dogs then you may talk to her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Draco, stop this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will return to Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will marry you as soon as we are able.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, call the ships back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the dogs save their colonists.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco pounded the armrest of his chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They violated our territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They turned our princess against us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They must be made to pay for these crimes!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster leaned down to the screen, hoping Draco could see him as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Duke Draco, this is Captain Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will surrender myself to you and your justice if you end this attack on the Bloc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the one you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the one who should pay for my crimes, not them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This will be your punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will watch your pathetic fleet be destroyed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transmission ended and it was Buster’s turn to pound the armrest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers put a paw on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We must talk with my mother directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will listen to us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How are we going to do that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco will intercept any transmissions we send.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then we will not send a transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will board the ship and locate her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Board the ship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll never reach her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Leave that to me,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another explosion rocked the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot held on to the edge of the his station until the tremor died out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Weapons systems are down to twenty percent,” Jake announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We used up the last of our torpedoes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And we’ve hardly made a dent in them,” Dash said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot couldn’t disagree with that assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had managed to take out three Cat warships, but in the process they had lost six of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those ships that remained were so battered they wouldn’t be able to reach hyperspeed, provided they ever got the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Sirius Five was still facing annihilation from the asteroids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The battle had disintegrated more than half, but those that remained could still kill every living thing on the planet.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot’s job in this crisis was to work with all of the remaining ships, trying to organize a defense as well as to dispatch medical teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had given up the helm controls, seeing little point to them at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were sitting ducks here, trying in vain to defend the planet from the Cat onslaught.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy was still out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t be sure where.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transports had all taken cover on the fourth moon, where they would probably be stuck until the Cats took them captive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least Marshy would live for a little while, until they executed her along with the others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Admiral, we’re getting another transmission from Captain Bulldog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Those fools are still here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them to clear the area!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sorry, sir,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going to attempt to find the queen and negotiate with her directly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s suicide!” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran over to the communications station so that he could look Buster in the eye, probably for the last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ll kill you on sight.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Maybe, but we have to try.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s no point arguing about it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been a good friend, Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to do one last thing for me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Name it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Keep that flagship distracted while we make our approach.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot stared at his friend for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to tell Buster again that this was crazy, that they stood no chance of reaching the flagship, let alone the queen of the Cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he knew there was no point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Bulldog didn’t change his mind once he’d made it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All right,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll do what we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good luck.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The transmission ended and Spot turned to Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Target the flagship and give it everything we’ve got.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Gladly,” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot put a paw on Dash’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Contact the other ships and give them the same instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put everything we have on the flagship.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m on it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot returned to his station and looked over at Admiral Barker, who nodded to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we survive this, I might put you in for a promotion,” the admiral said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot watched from his displays as Buster’s shuttle began moving towards the Cat fleet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> shook from another hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It returned fire, its weapons centered on the enemy flagship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other ships joined in, tiny explosions blossoming all along the flagship’s hull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot hoped none of those shots hit wherever the queen was located.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Keep firing,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ve got a ways to go yet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat fleet returned fire, the deck shaking violently beneath Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warnings of hull breaches came in from several decks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wouldn’t be able to take much more of this pounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it wouldn’t matter if Buster could reach the queen and convince her to call off the attack.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re just about down to harsh language,” Jake said as the <i>Batpooh</i> rocked again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the ship had left continued firing at the flagship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot watched Buster’s shuttle continue towards it, reaching the halfway point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a few more minutes—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The lights went out with the next series of hits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took several seconds for the dim blue emergency lighting to come on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it did, Spot saw the news was not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah’s voice came from the intercom, shouting over the sound of hissing and sparking, “She’s just about had it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re running on emergency batteries.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Put all power into the weapons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Begin getting all personnel into escape pods,” Admiral Barker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll cover Buster as long as we can.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot sounded the evacuation alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It probably wouldn’t matter, as the escape pods, like the transports, would eventually be picked up by the Cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was unless Buster and Whiskers could work a miracle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another explosion shook the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot’s displays went blank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant the main computer had gone down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Switching to manual,” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“After you finish, get to the escape pod, Lieutenant,” Admiral Barker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That goes for the rest of you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Admiral—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s an order, Commander.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We can’t leave you!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Admiral Barker smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The captain is supposed to go down with his ship.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He guided his hoverchair over to Jake’s station to take over the controls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go on, all of you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, sir,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m staying with you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me too, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Me too,” Dash said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Get out of here!” Admiral Barker thundered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took his pistol from his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my job.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake could have probably disarmed the admiral, but Spot took him by the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>heard the admiral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With Dash’s help, Spot managed to drag Jake away from his station, towards the escape pod along the port wall of the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was room for ten in the pod, more than enough for all of them, and supplies to last for a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that they would need to worry about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot was in the process of activating the pod when he heard the bridge elevator doors open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard Nina’s voice a moment later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you still doing here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are you still doing here?” the admiral countered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I thought you would be too pigheaded to abandon ship with the others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is my job.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about our puppies?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nina, please—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bob, I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came close to losing you before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to lose you now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster is out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needs my help.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> shook again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ceiling caved in over the helm station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot heard Nina scream and ran from the escape pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was squatting down on the floor by where Bob was still trying to fire the <i>Batpooh</i>’s weapons at the flagship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the moment she appeared all right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Admiral Barker slapped at the controls furiously and then gave the console a final punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Batteries are out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He steered the chair over to Nina’s side as Spot helped her up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s go then,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took her paw and went with her down to the escape pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot followed them, taking one last look around the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was gone now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ship he had served on for years, where he had grown up and even fallen in love was nothing more than debris now. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The door lowered over the escape pod hatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot helped Nina and Admiral Barker with their straps and then strapped himself in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here we go,” he said and then pulled down the lever to launch the pod.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The explosion was worse than any during the battle as rockets fired the escape pod into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With any luck they would rendezvous with the transports on the fourth moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he could be reunited with Marshy—at least for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he could tell her everything he had wanted to but hadn’t been able to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The g-forces of the explosion had just died out when Nina cried out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put both paws on her stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to her husband with a pained smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think they’re coming,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get the medical kit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What do you want me to do?” Spot asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just catch them,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can handle the rest.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot gulped at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite all of the chaos and carnage around them, two puppies were about to enter the world.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-29657832944077177042011-06-26T09:25:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:25:20.792-07:00Chapter 26<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 26</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The meteors hadn’t reached the colony yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what the sensors calculated, the first one wouldn’t hit Sirius Five for another two hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That gave the battle group two hours to try and evacuate fifty thousand colonists.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot spent most of his time communicating with the transports from all the ships of the battle group and with the colony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t gotten a chance to do more than wave at Marshy before she went down to the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wished he could be there with her, to try and keep her safe, but his place was here, on the bridge.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How many do we have so far?” Admiral Barker asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ten thousand on board and another five thousand en route.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The admiral nodded but didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t need to; they could both do the math well enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no chance they would be able to extract everyone before the meteors started coming down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Admiral Barker looked over at Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going to have to buy them some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commander, take the helm and plot an intercept course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Bulldog, ready weapons and shields and put the ship on red alert.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To accommodate the admiral’s hoverchair, Dr. Ruff had installed a magnetic lock in front of the captain’s chair to keep the chair from being thrown around as the ship moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The admiral activated the lock as Spot settled into the helm station—Marshy’s station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a deep breath and then plotted the intercept course.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shooting at the asteroids was a risky gambit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might buy the colony some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or they might wind up creating more deadly projectiles to create even more damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would depend on how accurate Jake’s shooting was and on the trajectories of the asteroids.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It didn’t take the <i>Batpooh</i> long to near the asteroids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just five minutes at full sublight speed and they were in position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot brought the ship around to the port side so that more of their weapons could track the asteroids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re in position, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Open fire.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot didn’t look back, but he could hear a nervous tremor in the admiral’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was probably remembering the last time they had gone into a meteor shower to try and save a colony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That had left him crippled and nearly destroyed the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would happen this time?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the viewscreen, Spot watched the first asteroid disappear in an explosion of concentrated blue light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The few pieces that remained weren’t large enough to pose any danger to Sirius Five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Jake could keep that shooting up, they might be able to hold out long enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except there were going to be a lot more asteroids a lot closer together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake had just destroyed a second one when a burst of red energy came out through the cloud of debris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> rocked as this energy burst hit its shields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The debris from the asteroid cleared and Spot saw what had hit them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A Cat warship streaked through the debris cloud, its weapons glowing red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second one appeared from behind another asteroid, followed by a third, and then a fourth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was an entire Cat battle group hidden in the asteroid field!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Commander, pull us back,” Admiral Barker ordered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ensign Mutt, tell the battle group to form a defensive perimeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t allow them to hit the transports.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about the transports, sir?” Spot asked as he began pulling the <i>Batpooh</i> back towards the rest of the BPS ships.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are any of the other planets in this system habitable?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot didn’t need to call up the report on the system; he had memorized it on the way here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The fourth moon of the planet is barren but its atmosphere can support dogs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then we’ll divert the transports there for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can pick up the colonists later.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The admiral left it unsaid that if the battle group was destroyed there would be no need to worry about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> took a few minor hits as it backed away from the meteors, but as soon as it was clear, the Cats ceased firing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They aren’t leaving the meteors, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re using those rocks for cover,” the admiral said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They know we’ll have to fight them in there eventually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep moving us back to rejoin the battle group.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat ships disappeared again, using their cloaking devices to hide amongst the asteroids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They must have some skilled pilots to manage such precise flying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of them were in there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough to wipe out the battle group?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the help of the asteroids, they might not need that many ships.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> rejoined the rest of the battle group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot watched the viewscreen for any sign of the Cats, but there was nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He motioned for Marshy’s replacement to retake the station while Spot went back to check the sensors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing unusual coming from the asteroids, nothing they could home in on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would just have to wait for the enemy to attack.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot went over to Dash’s station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you bring up Lieutenant Ruff’s transport for me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sure thing, cuz.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dash punched a few buttons and then Marshy’s face was on the screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ve got a bit of a situation, Lieutenant,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I heard you want us to reroute the civilians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s going on?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Cats are here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the asteroids.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will make things tougher.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite her nonchalant words, Spot saw the worry in her eyes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We might not have much time, so make sure you cram as many in every transport as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throw out anything you don’t need to make extra room.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll pass the word along.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And good luck.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the transmission ended, Spot wished he could have said more to her, but he couldn’t, not now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a job to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By the time the first asteroids neared the planet, thirty thousand had been evacuated either to the battle group or the barren moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest were going down to underground shelters in case one of the asteroids slipped through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That seemed like a distinct possibility with the Cats hiding in the asteroids as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I want all ships to lay down a concentrated barrage on the asteroid field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we can coax them out of hiding,” Admiral Barker said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot was back at the helm as the battle group opened fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concentrated fire of the dozen ships took out at least three asteroids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether they destroyed any Cat ships he couldn’t tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did have the desired effect of convincing the Cats to leave their hiding places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They uncloaked all around the battle group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot counted at least fifteen of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Directly in front of the <i>Batpooh</i> the stars shimmered for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched in awe as another Cat warship appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was twice as big as the others, larger than the <i>Batpooh</i> by half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ports all over the ship began opening, revealing cannons and racks of missiles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Focus on that flagship,” Admiral Barker said, but it was too late.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The flagship’s weapons opened fire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sheer number of laser cannons was enough to blind Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He whimpered and put a paw to his face as the <i>Batpooh</i> shook from the impacts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slapped blindly at the controls to ease the <i>Batpooh</i> back, away from a second barrage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that it would matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They couldn’t run and abandon the colonists.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Return fire!” Admiral Barker shouted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot’s vision cleared enough that he could see the <i>Batpooh</i>’s counterattack, which seemed feeble by comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shields of the Cat flagship absorbed the laser blasts; the ship itself absorbed no damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Admiral, we’re being hailed by the enemy flagship,” Dash said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Put them on.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It didn’t come as a surprise to Spot when Duke Draco’s face came onto the screen, his mouth curled in a sneer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the one who had tried to frame and execute Buster for attempting to murder Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where is Captain Bulldog?” Draco asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am Admiral Bob Barker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in command here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not for much longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have taken something from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we will take something from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your pathetic colony will be destroyed either by the asteroids or our weapons after we finish with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choice is up to you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We will not allow you to destroy our colony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an act of war—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You declared war on us first by kittennapping Princess Whiskers!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We didn’t abduct her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came here of her own free will.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Return her and I will consider sparing your lives.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about the colony?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They will die so that your leaders may learn an important lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not to be trifled with.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“In that case, no deal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admiral Barker turned and signaled for Dash to end the transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Continue firing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to hold out here as long as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ensign Mutt, any word from Command on reinforcements?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing for at least a day, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The admiral said nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing to say at that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No help was coming, not soon enough to be of any use for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Move the battle group into protective orbit over the colony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll hold them as long as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dog save us all.”</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-63318555657732568232011-06-26T09:24:00.003-07:002011-06-26T09:24:45.112-07:00Chapter 25<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 25</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As soon as he opened the door to Whiskers’s quarters, she asked, “What happened?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A colony is in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> is going to help them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then you are leaving?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, I’m staying behind for this one.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She stared at him for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But it is your ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could they?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes widened and then she nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s because of me, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took away your ship because you brought me here.”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not like that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster took her by the arm, leading her over to the sofa so they could sit down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He forced himself to smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They think it’s better if I stay here, to protect you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t need you to look after me as if I’m a newborn kitten.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whiskers—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m not helpless.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leapt to her feet and then stomped around the room for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally shrieked and clawed a wall, leaving deep gashes in the plaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why does everyone treat me as if I’m a child?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t think you’re a child,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up to embrace her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everything will be all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She nodded and then sat back down on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry to lose my temper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so frustrating to have so much of my life determined by others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For once I would like to feel as if I’m in charge of my own destiny.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know how you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we all have to follow orders we don’t like, though.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should have stayed on Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She turned to Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This colony, what’s wrong with it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A meteor shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing too serious.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She shook her head again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are a terrible liar, Captain Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is really going on with this colony?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s an attack, like on another of our colonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the one that brought us into your space.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then it’s a Cattatonian attack?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We don’t know that for sure—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She growled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I smell Duke Draco’s slimy paw in this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to destroy one of your worlds to force you into sending me back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We don’t know—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There is no other explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have known he would convince my mother to act quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My escape—and yours—have wounded his pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must get revenge.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whiskers, you’re jumping to conclusions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to put a paw on her arm, but she shook it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever it is, the <i>Batpooh</i> can handle it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came here to make peace, not to start a war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must go there and stop them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they have me, this madness will end.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There is no other way, Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you, but I can’t allow innocent lives to be destroyed for my sake.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put her arms around Buster to kiss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It must be this way.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster wanted to argue, but he could see there was no real choice in the matter, short of locking Whiskers up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had made up her mind and she would carry through with it, not matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was part of what he loved about her, that determination and strength of will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that’s what you want, we’ll do it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Buster.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kissed him again and then took his paw to lead him to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, we must hurry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The immediate problem was finding a ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried contacting Command, but they informed him there were no ships available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His orders were to keep Whiskers on the base until this emergency was resolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, sir,” Buster said with a sigh.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He tried calling Jonathan next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The president had authority over the fleet; he could get a ship to take them to Sirius Five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found his brother just as unreceptive as the admirals, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The battle group is already underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t call them back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then find another ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A private one perhaps—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s nothing we can do, Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But the princess has to back, before the situation escalates.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She should have thought of that before she left Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You both should have.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan broke off the connection.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers sighed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do we do now?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked out the window at Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bulldog Tower winked at him as light hit its upper windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got an idea of where we can find a ship.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Come on.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Getting past the guards proved to be the next challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard refused to raise the gate for them to pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, sir, but we have orders to keep you and Princess Whiskers on the base.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The president has asked to see us right away.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t let you go without a written order.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Here you go, my young friend,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was dressed in the uniform of a commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a sheet of paper from his pocket to hand to the guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have the president’s authority to take them to the First Mansion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President Bear thinks they’ll be safer in the bunker there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The guard scrutinized the paper for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This appears to be in order.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger hopped into the car and then tucked the paper back into his pocket.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster turned to look back at him as they were on their way to Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was that really a presidential order?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have reams of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can get you a pardon for anyone in your family.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I might need one later.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We all might.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was much easier to get an audience with Buster Sr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat behind his desk, glowering at Buster and Whiskers as they came in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger remained outside in the reception room, chatting with the secretary as if they were old friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So this is the Cat?” Buster Sr. said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am Whiskers, princess of Cattatonia,” she said and bowed her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is an honor to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster has talked much about you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster Sr. reached into his desk for a cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He blew a puff of blue smoke towards them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So what brings you here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have need of a ship to take us to Sirius Five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster said that you possess such a craft.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sirius Five?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that a mining colony?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to see strip mining in action?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother is attacking the colony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must get there to stop her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You should ask the military then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s their job, isn’t it, son?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took a step forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ve already turned us down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fleet and Jonathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to look through the smoke, into his father’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so tired, tired and disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Father, you must help us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thousands of lives—maybe even millions—are at stake.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You two think you can head off a war by yourselves?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s me my mother wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why she’s attacking your colony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I give myself to her, then she will have no more reason to invade your space.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster Sr. took out his cigar, mashing it out on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s certainly a noble idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naïve too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once she’s in our space, do you think your mother will just stop and turn around?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We are not conquerors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We desire only to live in peaceful seclusion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then why are you here, my dear?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers looked down at the carpet and then over at Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I love your son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is brave and noble and the kindest soul I have ever met.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She reached out for Buster’s paw and he took it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster Sr. nodded at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I take it you feel the same way, son?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers and I love each other very much.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Enough that you’re willing to give her up?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If that’s what it takes to stop this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was a moment of silence and then Buster Sr. nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have misjudged you, son.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came around the desk to clap Buster’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve become quite a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m proud of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Does that mean you will help us?” Whiskers asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, my dear, it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can use my ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fueled and ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My secretary will give you the details.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Father.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster hugged his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know how I can repay you—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just stop this war before it starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will be thanks enough.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ll try.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster Sr. clapped Buster on the shoulder again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You two had better hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t be long until the <i>Batpooh</i> gets to Sirius Five.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took Whiskers’s paw and led her outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t much of a surprise that Dodger already had the launch information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hurried back to their hovercar to get to the spaceport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t time to waste.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-56392895214107948552011-06-26T09:24:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:24:14.649-07:00Chapter 24<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 24</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They stopped at Barkington National Forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster hadn’t planned to stop there, but Whiskers had leaned out the window of the hovercar when she saw the ancient redwoods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are those trees?” she asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re not like any trees on Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re redwoods,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to the trunk of one tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because of the trunks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I climb one?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster looked back at Spot and Lieutenant Ruff, who both shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t see any reason why not,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Though I’m not sure if your claws will work as well here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’ll work just fine,” Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as Buster brought the car down low enough, she leapt from the vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t have time to even call her name before she was throwing herself onto one of the trees.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her claws worked just fine on the redwoods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hung against one of the trees for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought maybe she had knocked herself out against the trunk, but then she leaned her head back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They smell funny,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not like our trees at all.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before he could say anything else, she had scrambled up into the tree’s canopy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do we do now?” Lieutenant Ruff asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll go after her,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached into a storage compartment for two pairs of climbing spikes, the kind climbers used on mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should work well enough on a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You two stay here and watch the car.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I hope she’s not getting into any trouble,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have to make sure nothing happens to her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She knows what she’s doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least Buster hoped that with her experience in climbing trees, Whiskers wouldn’t run into any trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was still the chance she might fall or a branch might snap or an animal might attack her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The raccoons didn’t have any villages here, but there was always the chance a rogue one could be hiding here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that in mind, he sunk the climbing claws on his front paws into the tree.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was an arduous process to climb the tree, even more difficult than back on Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he’d had Whiskers to help guide him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time he was climbing alone, holding in a breath every time he sunk the claws into the bark, waiting for it to snap.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She waited for him at the top of the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time he reached the summit, he was panting so fiercely he couldn’t say anything when she teased, “Your climbing skills aren’t any better here, are they?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She pulled him up to sit on the branch with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t as wide as those in Cattatonia and it creaked dangerously when he sat on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the branch snapped, it would dump them three hundred meters to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no chance they could survive a fall like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still, he had to admit the view up here was breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had the forest spread out before them and on the horizon, the mountains where the bears lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President Bear’s tribe was probably up there somewhere, hibernating for the fall and winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is a beautiful planet,” Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put a paw around Buster’s shoulders.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“As beautiful as yours?” he asked, still breathing hard from the climb.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowhere is as beautiful as Cattatonia—to me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s probably how it is for everyone.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you think I’ve made a mistake coming here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course not.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your president did not seem very happy to have me here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He’s worried about how your mother might react.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She would not dare harm me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s hope not.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster pressed close to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He licked her face and she giggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you so much.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I love you too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They were kissing when Buster’s communicator beeped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to answer it, but its shrill insistence forced him to finally back away from Whiskers and answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve got trouble,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What kind of trouble?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They didn’t say but they want us back at base right away.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It might take us a while—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll come get you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Spot—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It won’t be a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy is a very good pilot.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They waited on the branch for the hovercar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s sending her fleet to get me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s probably just an exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or a false alarm.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I hope you’re right.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They heard the whine of the hovercar’s engines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot was right; Marshy was a very good pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She guided the hovercar through the maze of branches with the agility of a raccoon—or a Cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car came to a stop in front of them, Spot opening the door for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they climbed in, Buster noticed that his friend’s face was damp and there was a red mark on his cheek the same color as Lieutenant Ruff’s lipstick.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot must have noticed Buster’s look as he wiped at his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go,” he said to Lieutenant Ruff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car streaked away from the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster looked over his shoulder, at the forest, wondering if he and Whiskers would ever get a chance to sit up there again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The guard at the gate told them that Whiskers was to report to her barracks immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not leaving her alone,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sorry, sir, Admiral Barker’s orders.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Admiral</i> Barker?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster looked over at Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put a paw on his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’ll be all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one will hurt me here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He growled under his breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All right,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll drop her off.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He wanted to kiss Whiskers goodbye, but he couldn’t do that in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He settled for squeezing her paw with his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you later,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good luck, my love.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thanks.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he climbed back into the car to head for the briefing room.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The admiral waited for them there, sitting in a hoverchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than the chair, he looked none the worse for wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So they gave you a promotion?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m afraid so,” Admiral Barker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tapped the chair with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It came with this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, sir—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s nothing for you to be sorry about, Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did everything you could for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t be at all if you and Spot hadn’t gotten me to sickbay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed and then motioned for them to sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m afraid this isn’t good news.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A viewscreen over the admiral’s shoulder came to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster recognized the system it depicted as the colony of Sirius Five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cluster of tiny objects at the outer rim of the system became magnified into numerous asteroids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We detected a gravity spike in the vicinity of this asteroid field,” Admiral Barker said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“One like before Bone Seven came under attack?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The very same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve consulted with the colony and their instruments tell us the asteroids are heading their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We estimate sixteen hours before the first impacts.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No asteroids can move that fast,” Lieutenant Ruff said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It seems that whatever destabilized the asteroids has also harnessed the gravity of the area to accelerate them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admiral Barker shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Think of it as a giant slingshot and these asteroids are the rocks.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And the Cats are the ones holding it,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is our conclusion as well.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So you want us to go out there and save the colonists?” Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not exactly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admiral Barker looked down at the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ve asked me to resume command of the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will take her out there along with a battle group to rescue the colonists and ward off any Cat invasion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bob, I don’t understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would they—?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster stopped as he thought of Whiskers in her barracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You think I’m in league with the Cats?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Command thinks you’d be better used to stay here with the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She trusts you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot got to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With all due respect, sir, if Captain Bulldog isn’t going then I won’t either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> is his ship.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I won’t go either,” Lieutenant Ruff said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Admiral Barker nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told them you’d feel that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They instructed me to say that you’ll both be put into the stockade for refusing to obey a direct order.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t like this anymore than you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This situation smells worse than a raccoon garbage pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m only doing what I’m told.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I understand,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put a paw on Spot’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t have anyone getting court-martialed for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of you go with the admiral.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Saving those colonists is the most important thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a much better chance with the fleet’s top pilot and best first officer on board.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot looked as if he wanted to protest, but he nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after we get back, I’m going to file a complaint with Command.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And I’ll second it,” Admiral Barker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But for now, we have a colony to save.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster hugged Spot before he left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take good care of my ship, will you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want her back in one piece.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they were gone, leaving Buster alone to contemplate the future.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-12647980692562770812011-06-26T09:23:00.002-07:002011-06-26T09:23:49.845-07:00Chapter 23<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 23</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though it was against protocol, Buster allowed Whiskers on the bridge as they arrived at Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His home planet came up on the viewscreen, looking so welcoming after what had happened in Cat space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers’s reaction was less than he had hoped for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She squinted at the planet and then said, “It’s so blue.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Those are our oceans,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They cover three-quarters of the planet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She shivered at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So much water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how you can stand it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mostly we stay on the land,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She pointed at the mass of gray-brown in the center of North Bearica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What kind of strange trees are those?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Those aren’t trees at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must have some on Cattatonia?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not such as those.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mountains on Cattatonia were probably covered with jungle vegetation as well, except perhaps at the highest elevations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe later we could take a shuttle and I could show them to you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That would be lovely,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though she couldn’t kiss or hug him on the bridge, Buster could see the love in her eyes and in the slight curl of her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t wait to give her a more personal tour of his home planet, to show her its many wonders.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Captain, we’re receiving a transmission from Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The president is requesting that you, Commander Mutt, and Ambassador Dodger take Princess Whiskers to the First Mansion immediately.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded, barely holding in a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell them we’re on our way, Ensign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And make sure a transport is prepared for launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Ruff, put us in high orbit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lieutenant Bulldog, you have the bridge until I return.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Right.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took Whiskers by the paw to lead her back to the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the doors closed, he took a look at his bridge, wondering if he might see it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way things were going, his next command might be a garbage scow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger was waiting for them in the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds like we’re going to get a newspaper on the nose,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What does that mean?” Whiskers asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It means we’re in trouble,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Because of me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not just you,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s plenty of blame to go around.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And I’m sure they’ll find all of it,” Dodger said and then climbed into the transport.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster risked giving Whiskers’s shoulder a squeeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t be that bad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, but from her eyes, he knew she didn’t believe him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot and Dodger flew the transport down, leaving Buster and Whiskers alone in the passenger compartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they had made a relatively smooth plunge through the atmosphere, Buster uncovered the windows so that she could get a closer look at Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shivered again as they flew over the Bearlantic Ocean.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I take it you’ve never been swimming?” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a thing would be undignified.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could teach you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a champion paddler at the academy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She smiled slightly at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps we could try it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ahead, Washingdog rose up from the ocean, its skyscrapers gleaming in the morning sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is so beautiful,” Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is where we’re going?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our capital city.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As they drew closer to the city, Whiskers squeezed his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your buildings look much different from ours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We don’t carve ours out of crystals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We build ours out of glass, steel, and stone.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Like our old palace?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You could say that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster pointed to Bulldog Tower, its copper windows reflecting the sunlight back at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s where my father lives.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is a beautiful palace,” Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not really a palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of it is offices.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers stared at him without comprehending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose there’s not much difference.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What does your father’s company do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A little bit of everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t like to put all his puppies in one basket.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He sounds like a smart creature—for a Dog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I suppose you’re right.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re coming up on the First Mansion,” Spot announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get ready to land.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers leaned close to the window. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is where your king lives?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Our president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have kings.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again she stared at him blankly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our leaders are elected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Bloc citizens decide who will lead.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You would let anyone lead?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sounds very chaotic.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It can be.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The transport touched down on the mansion’s roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took less than ten seconds for the hatch to swing open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan stood at the head of a security team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His expression did not bode well for the coming discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greetings, Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Jonathan Bulldog, the president’s chief of staff.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, but it was a stiff, diplomatic smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m also Buster’s older brother.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can see the resemblance,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jonathan snorted at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offered his paw to the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to see the president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s most anxious to meet with all of you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster leaned close to his brother’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jonathan—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Save it for the president.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I take it he’s none too pleased?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I said to save it,” Jonathan snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster let him escort Whiskers while he drifted back a step to fall into line with Spot and Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Definitely looks like we’re getting the newspaper on the nose.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure it won’t be that bad,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re probably trying to scare us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I wouldn’t put much faith in that theory,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Puppynapping a princess is a serious offense.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We didn’t puppynap her,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She wanted to come with us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I doubt they’ll see much of a distinction there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster looked back, wondering if there were time to grab Whiskers and head back to the transport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they could find somewhere to hide in the forests, with the raccoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could teach him to climb trees and he could teach her to swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would all be so perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as the security guards shut the doors to the roof, he knew it was too late.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Down in the war room of the basement, the heads of the military were already gathered, along with the president’s cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Security guards showed Buster, Spot, and Dodger to seats at the far end of the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers remained standing at Jonathan’s side as the door to the president’s chambers opened.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>President Bear lumbered into the room, looking even more haggard than last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either his natural instincts were winning or else the situation with Cattatonia had been keeping him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably a little of both, Buster thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The president’s paw enveloped Whiskers’s as he kissed it with his snout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s an honor to meet you, Princess Whiskers.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You may call me Mr. President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is our custom,” President Bear said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Forgive me, Mr. President.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s quite all right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He motioned to a chair beside his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have a seat, if you would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have much to discuss.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jonathan held out the chair so that Whiskers could sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The president collapsed onto his chair with a low groan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around the table with tired eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What brings you to Batpooh State, Princess Whiskers?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I would like to open diplomatic relations between your nation and mine.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And you come on behalf of your queen?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers grimaced at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother has not yet seen the error of her ways.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then at the moment you carry no diplomatic authority?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, I suppose not, but—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then there would be little point in negotiations, would there?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mr. President, please—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am not sure you understand the consequences of your actions yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have received several angry messages from your mother’s envoys, demanding your immediate return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They threaten war if I do not comply.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“War?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I made my own choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of you convinced me to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish to help foster peace between us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The president turned to Jonathan, who cleared his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s also the matter of Captain Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He escaped from Cat custody, presumably with help from the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are demanding he return as well to face punishment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers leapt to her feet and hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t send Buster back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would execute him on the spot.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Calm yourself, Princess,” President Bear said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have no plans to surrender Captain Bulldog or any other citizen of the Bloc of Planetary States to a foreign regime.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So what are you going to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask me to go back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not until they drop the charges against Buster.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t think they’ll be very receptive to that,” Jonathan said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then I won’t go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The head of the fleet snickered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have ways to make you go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jonathan held up a paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re not considering that as an option, not yet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned back to Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are prepared to tell your queen that you are staying here temporarily as our guest, so that you might learn more about our culture.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My mother will not care about that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>President Bear nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But that gives us some time to sort things out—diplomatically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, I welcome you to Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope that your time here can help foster better understanding between our two great cultures.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Mr. President.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now, Mr. Bulldog will give you a tour of the First Mansion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about Buster?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He will join you shortly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some things we need to discuss first.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers gave Buster an uncertain look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, trying to put her at ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally nodded to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shall learn more about this palace of yours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After Whiskers had gone, President Bear leveled an angry glare at Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought when you were promoted, Captain, that you would demonstrate better judgment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, sir—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“From your report and those of Commander Mutt and Agent Dodger, it is apparent that you have recklessly put the lives of your crew at risk, as well as those of every citizen of the Bloc of Planetary States.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand and take full responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will accept whatever punishment you believe to be appropriate.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We are not interested in punishing you at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will be determined later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now my primary concern is what to do about this Cat situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think they will do with Princess Whiskers here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster thought about it for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to lie and say nothing bad would happen, but one look at the president and the others at the table and he knew no one would believe that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think they are very angry, but as our escape attested to, I don’t think they will put the princess’s life in danger.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Commander Mutt, do you agree with this assessment?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats refused to fire on the transport carrying the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They allowed us to escape with her on board rather than endanger her life.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Agent Dodger, anything to add?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Cats practically worship their queen, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess is the sole heir to the throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no way they’ll jeopardize her life if they can help it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>President Bear nodded and closed his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster thought perhaps the president’s instincts had finally won out, until he said, “I believe you are correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will not harm the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t mean they won’t try to harm the Bloc to force us into giving her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want all ships on full alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make no aggressive moves at the border, but be prepared.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The president opened his eyes to glare again at Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain, since the princess seems to have taken a liking to you, I want you to show her around Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show her that we mean her and the Cats no ill will.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meeting is adjourned.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The president rose from his chair slowly and then waddled back into his chambers, probably to take a nap.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On their way out, Dodger whispered, “That could have gone much worse.”</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-60386525871074912852011-06-26T09:23:00.000-07:002011-06-26T09:23:03.943-07:00Chapter 22<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 22</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers had been relatively quiet during the journey through Cat space, but she leaned forward in her chair as they came out of hyperspace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is your ship?” she asked, pointing at the <i>Batpooh</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cream of the Bloc space fleet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s beautiful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to face him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you rule this entire vessel?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You could put it that way,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think it’s as autocratic as a monarchy, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My crew and I are a team.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted Spot’s shoulder.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going aboard now?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And soon you’ll get to see all the wonders the Bloc of Planetary States has to offer.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can’t wait.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster held her paw as Marshy guided the transport into the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering the rest of their journey, the landing was surprisingly anticlimactic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the landing systems functioned normally, so that Marshy was able to put it down with only the slightest of bumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she and Spot deactivated the systems, Buster helped Whiskers up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned against him for support as they went back to the rear compartment.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake lowered the ramp, he and the Saint Bernards standing aside to let them pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of Whiskers’s guards hissed something at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hissed back at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the way the guard shrank back, it was not something positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let us go,” she said to Buster.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers pressed harder against him as the ramp lowered to reveal a party waiting for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah was at the head of the group, along with Nina, Dash, and two security officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s all right,” Buster whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re my friends.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nina wasted little time in taking a scanner from her pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers arched her back and hissed at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not a weapon,” Buster told her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Dr. Nina Barker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s our chief medical officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants to make sure you aren’t sick or transporting any dangerous germs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dangerous germs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s only a precaution,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not even going to hurt.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers stared at him for a moment but then nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She may take her scans.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers stood on the deck while Nina ran the scanner over her body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I have any germs?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, sweetie, you’re clean as a newborn,” Nina said with a motherly smile.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not want to harm any of your crew.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to the others and said, “I am Whiskers, Princess of Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I come in peace to meet with your rulers to discuss matters of our mutual benefit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah shifted uncomfortably and snuffled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Lieutenant Commander Jeremiah Mutt, chief engineer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, um, welcome you to—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah looked as if he were drowning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster nodded to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We all welcome you to the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Ensign Dash Mutt, our communications officer.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A princess!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never thought I’d meet someone that important,” Dash said, his tail wagging furiously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t suppose you could sign an autograph for me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers stared at him blankly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster cleared his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That will be all, Ensign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we should get Princess Whiskers to sickbay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Barker will want to run a few more tests to make sure you’re healthy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I understand.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your guards will have to come with us as well.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She nodded and then hissed an order to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came to attention, forming a semi-circle behind her to follow her and Buster from the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sprang back, though, as the doors opened on their own.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s just a door,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They all work like that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She nodded again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am sorry, Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first starship I have been on.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll show you around after we finish with the tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’ll see it’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not so different from home.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Except that it moves—in space.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, there is that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hooked his arm through hers to lead her to sickbay.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All of the tests came back negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nina gave Whiskers a clean bill of health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve compared your results with Captain Morgana’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your vitals are much stronger, your spine is straighter, and your muscles show no signs of atrophy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Princess Whiskers gets a lot of exercise,” Buster said, winking at her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, I do a lot of climbing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not much for you to climb here,” Nina said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But there are some magnificent trees on Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So long as you’re careful of the raccoons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are these raccoons?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nina brought up an image of one on the screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers hissed at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are they all that ugly?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The raccoons are a different species than us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t evaluate them in the same way,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted his jowls, “A lot of Cats probably think I’m pretty ugly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am not one of them,” Whiskers said and patted Buster’s head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster wanted to kiss her, but not in front of Nina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Whiskers’s paw in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’re up to it, I’ll give you a tour of the ship.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am very much up to it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your entourage will have to wait,” Nina said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not through with them yet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That will not be a problem.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers issued orders to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They mewled in response, though they didn’t seem happy about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let us go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unlike when Captain Morgana was on board, Buster took Whiskers down to the engine room to start their tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way, every dog they passed tried not to look at Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew word would spread quickly not only about the Cats on board, but about he and Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the crew say whatever they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Whiskers loved each other.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah had returned to engineering, where he looked much happier as he reviewed the latest reports on the efficiency of the cooling relays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster reviewed the reports and nodded his approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everything shipshape in my absence then?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be back in Batpooh State in no time.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excellent.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster motioned to the lantern-shaped chamber in the center of the room that extended through six stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s our main fusion reactor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s what allows us to travel in hyperspace so that we can move between planets so quickly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s so big!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly as big as my mother’s palace.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, I suppose it is.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers turned to Jeremiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you have to maintain all of this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s right.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That must be very dangerous.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not for someone who knows what he’s doing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jeremiah is the best engineer in the whole fleet,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The engineer looked down at the deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Without him and his team, we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are doing a very good job.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, ma’am.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They walked all the way around the engine room, with Buster explaining what some of the equipment did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of it he figured would be too far over her head and some of it was too far over his head to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed impressed by everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way she complimented the various technicians, telling them what a splendid job they were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thanked her politely, though most also looked puzzled too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From the engine room, Buster showed her to the galley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you hungry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you Cats don’t like kibble, but we have canned fish—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I believe my stomach is still on Cattatonia,” she said with a smile.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So’s mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like some water, though?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you have any cream?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure we do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster led her over to a table in the corner, far away from the rest of the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be right back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He didn’t like the idea of leaving Whiskers alone, but he didn’t have a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t figure anyone on the <i>Batpooh</i> would hurt her anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She might do something to hurt herself, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought of various scenarios where she might trip or run into a wall or set herself on fire with one of the burners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These all seemed unlikely, but he worried anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The cooking staff had to do a little rooting around to find a carton of cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They poured this into a dish for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster got a dish of water for himself, parched after playing tour guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he stepped out of the kitchen, he saw she was not in the corner where he’d left her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where had she gone?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before he could panic, he heard her soft voice across the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat at a table with four dogs who had been playing cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them laid down a card on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That card is a queen, so it goes on top of the king.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A queen?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you did not have queens.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, we don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not real ones.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why does the queen go on top of the king?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The golden retriever looked around at his friends, who offered no help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged, “It’s always been that way, I guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The king is the highest, then the queen, the jack—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What is a jack?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Like a prince—or a duke,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the last word, Whiskers flinched, probably thinking of Duke Draco, her betrothed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He set the bowl of cream down on an empty table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I found some cream for you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Captain,” she said, returning to formality in front of the lesser officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That will be very refreshing, I’m sure.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s probably not as good as you have on your planet,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At this point I do not care,” she said and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bent down to lap up some of the cream with her pink tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is very good.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll tell the cook.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers looked back at the young crewmembers, who had returned to their game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have an interesting culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you call those cardboard rectangles?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Playing cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We use them for entertainment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not have those on Cattatonia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lapped up some more cream and then smiled again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most of our games take place in the trees.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure you were very good at those games.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I did not have anyone to play them with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isis was too old for such games and I had no siblings my own age.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It must be nice to have brothers, as you have.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, it is nice,” Buster said, thinking of Jake and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought too of Spot, his almost-brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Being a princess must be lonely.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is sometimes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finished her cream far more quickly than Buster thought possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would like to rest now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there a room for me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll show you the way.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster led her from the galley to the suite Captain Morgana had occupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know it’s smaller than what you’re used to—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It will do nicely.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the door closed, she kissed Buster again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have been so kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not at all like Draco.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m only repaying your hospitality.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She nodded and then collapsed onto the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked out at the darkness of space, tears coming to her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought it was from the spectacular view until she said, “He will come after me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will convince my mother to send a fleet into your space.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You don’t know that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Draco hates you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hates all Dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So does my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will not suffer this outrage gladly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am being a fool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should return to Cattatonia immediately.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster put a paw on her shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Whiskers, it will be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll meet with President Bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll listen to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure he’ll want peace as much as you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can work out a treaty to take back to your mother, to show we have no ill intentions.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She will not listen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ll make her listen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down beside her on the bed and then turned her head to look her in the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll protect you, no matter what.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I believe you will try, but even one mighty ship won’t be enough.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They didn’t say anything more, staring out at space, Batpooh State drawing ever nearer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot took Marshy’s advice and went to his quarters for a nap, though only after making her promise to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a stressful twenty-four hours and there was undoubtedly going to be more stress ahead of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had barely sunk down onto his bed and kicked off his boots when he heard Dodger say, “Are you really going to let him do this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are you talking about?” Spot asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And haven’t you ever heard of knocking first?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is no time for courtesy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got to take command of the <i>Batpooh</i> and send that Cat back where she belongs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now you want to send Princess Whiskers back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was your idea to use her as a hostage so we could escape.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That was to save all of our hides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now’s the time to go back to the border and stuff her into an escape pod with her entourage.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I thought you were a diplomat?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You know what the Cats are going to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t going to let us keep the princess, the sole heir to their throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen is going to come after us with everything she has.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The princess isn’t going to stay here forever.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is that so?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know she loves Buster, don’t you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot thought of the kisses and paw-holding on the transport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you think she’s going to leave him behind to go back to that slob Duke Draco?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Who?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Her betrothed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a real piece of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swallows mice whole for fun.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Wonderful.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He also has the queen’s ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe she’s too old and sick to care and lets him run the whole show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You think he’s going to let Whiskers marry a dog?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Marry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’re getting ahead of yourself.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t think so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot turned his head to see Dodger take a seat beside the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other dog’s gray muzzle twisted in a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t think I know about love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a son on one of the colonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks like his old pop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mom called him Junior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course she doesn’t know what it’s supposed to be the junior of, so he’s just Junior.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry to hear that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you should worry less about the captain’s love life and more about your own.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger laughed softly at that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And don’t think I didn’t notice the way you and Lieutenant Ruff looked at each other.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I think you have a little workplace romance brewing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why is that any of your concern?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m only proving I know what I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster is head-over-tail for Whiskers and she feels the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t going to call it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to force her back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Regulations stipulate that I can only take command if the captain is deemed unfit for duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So maybe you should talk to Dr. Barker.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she would be just as unresponsive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cares about him too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger snuffled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you were professionals, not a blurball club.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot finally sat up to glare at Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s nothing I can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether the captain loves Whiskers or not isn’t any of my concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we get to Batpooh State, you can petition President Bear to have her deported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure as his duly appointed ambassador he’ll listen to you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger got to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot waited for him to pull a pistol or do something worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead he only shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you were the smart one, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought wrong.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger tossed a mock salute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good night, Commander Mutt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the war begins, I hope you’ll remember this conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blood will be on your paws.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot was going to say something, but Dodger was already gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot settled onto the bed again, but he couldn’t sleep now.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-50442899967862148852011-06-26T09:22:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:22:28.449-07:00Chapter 21<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 21</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot checked over the gauges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adding Buster, Dodger, Princess Whiskers, and her four guards was putting additional stress on the engines from the weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced over at Marshy, who had the same worried look on her face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Something beeped on his displays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Enemy aircraft inbound,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the look of it they were fixed-wing fighters, probably armed with missiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the sensor analysis the fighters didn’t have rocket engines, but they were still approaching at over Mach 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ll intercept us in three minutes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can we fly any faster?’ Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Negative.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are we carrying any weapons?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Only small arms.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lieutenant, can you lose them?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll try, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She threw a worried look at Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew what she was thinking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a transport was not designed for air-to-air combat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transports were designed as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">transports</i>, carrying equipment and personnel from the ship to planetary surfaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had already stressed the craft enough with the maneuvering through the atmosphere to pick up Buster and the others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Everyone hold on,” Spot said over the intercom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he turned to Marshy and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“OK, Lieutenant Ruff, show me what you got.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her smile was less confident than he would have liked, but she nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She punched a few buttons on her console.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The control panel parted and a steering yoke popped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was intended to be used in emergency situations; Spot couldn’t think of any better emergency than right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here we go,” she whispered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy yanked the yoke hard to the left as the fighters approached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t have any trouble following the maneuver, positioning themselves in a firing line behind the transport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot watched through the sensors as a missile lit out from beneath one of the fighters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy grunted with irritation and then snapped the control yoke back to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The missile went streaking past, its tiny fins unable to follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The transport went into a sharp dive and without asking, Spot knew Marshy was aiming for the mist around the tree line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the fighters had infrared sensors—and they likely did—it probably wouldn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, a pilot flying by instruments was less capable than one flying by sight so it might help even things up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just watch for the trees,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The transport spiraled down into the mist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot considered taking control of the craft as they continued to plunge down, nearly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">into</i> the jungle canopy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held back, seeing the look of determination on Marshy’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew what she was doing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy leveled off abruptly and then spun the craft around a hundred-eighty degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I give the word, I want you to hit the main engines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give it everything you have, understand?” Marshy said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I got it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The fighters came down through the mist slower, using far more caution than Marshy had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She eased the transport forward with its maneuvering thrusters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fighters were still coming down, trying to get a bead on the transport with their missiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy waited until three of the four were down on her level and within just two hundred meters.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re getting a lock on us,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy nodded but didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pushed the transport forward with its maneuvering jets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The warning tone from the missile locks became a shrill buzz loud enough that Buster and Whiskers put their paws to their ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The fighters fired their missiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy turned to Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As calmly as if ordering a bowl of kibble, she said, “Hit the engines.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot did as she said, slapping the button to activate the main engines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were designed to be used in space, where the heat and radiation wouldn’t affect any plant or wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also the aerial disturbances created by the engines, especially at full power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the transport lurched forward, its engines kicked up a vortex of deadly hot air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This vortex proved to be a lucrative target for the enemy missiles, which exploded harmlessly in the transport’s wake.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As for the fighters, they were caught practically standing still as the transport shot past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its wake tossed the three craft around like boats in a hurricane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already in the unstable air near the trees, the fighters couldn’t pull up in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three pilots bailed out only moments before their fighters became entangled in the branches.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The fourth decided discretion was the better part of valor and turned away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot looked over at Marshy and nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nice flying, Lieutenant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not over yet,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she was right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No one bothered them as they climbed through the atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cattatonia’s atmosphere was thicker than most Bloc worlds, making for a warmer and choppier flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the inertial dampeners already gone, Spot had to cling to the edge of the control panel to keep from getting his head bashed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy and Buster had similar problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for Whiskers, she was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smiling</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She let out a very unregal squeal as the transport rocketed through the atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he weren’t being thrown around like a chew toy, Spot would have asked her what was so funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must be a Cat thing, he thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They emerged safely into orbit, the craft settling down and turning cooler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was amazing!” Whiskers shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seized Buster’s hand, squeezing it tightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this what it’s always like?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Usually no one’s chasing us,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess leaned forward to stare through the viewscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this space?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is it,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re among the stars now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see why you enjoy being up here so much.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then she kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot had never seen anything like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to grab onto the edge of the control panel again, only this time out of shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Cat kissing a dog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they both seemed to be enjoying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What had happened down there?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He turned to Marshy, who was trying not to look back at the interspecies lovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it’s time we activated the cloaking device.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She punched the intercom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Randy, is the cloak ready?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m afraid not, Marshmallow.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the circumstances, she bristled at this name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All of our maneuvering has damaged the relays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fear beyond repair.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Right on cue, two Cat warships appeared in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Morgana’s face appeared on the communications screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pressed her face just about against the camera as she screamed, “Invaders!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traitors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will destroy you!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can we hit the hyperdrive?” Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re too close,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hit the intercom again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need that cloak, Dr. Ruff.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Commander.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger’s voice came on the intercom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you send Princess Whiskers back here and then punch through a video link to their ship?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are you planning?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s no way they’re going to kill the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we use that against them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster turned to Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to do it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the only way for us to escape.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At least let me be the one—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, you couldn’t do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll know.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whiskers—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s nothing to fear, my love.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave him a shorter kiss before unfastening her straps and slinking off to the back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot typed in a few commands to create a video link between the back hold and the Cat warship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he did, he said over his shoulder, “You have some explaining to do when we get back, Mister.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t I know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father is going to neuter me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With a last flourish, Spot set up the transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one half of the screen he saw Captain Morgana, her tongue sticking out of her mouth as when they had first seen her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other half of the screen, Dodger pressed one of the Saint Bernard rifles to Princess Whiskers’s head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Captain Morgana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice to see you again,” Dodger hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You dare put a weapon to the princess’s head?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’ll use it if you don’t let us go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You wouldn’t dare!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You think so?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger’s gray muzzle turned up in a grin even Spot found unsettling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s too bad I can’t show you my raccoon tail collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three hundred thirty of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the princess would make a good addition.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If you singe even a centimeter of her fur—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What will you do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fire on us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kill your princess, the only heir to the throne?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe the queen’s not too old for another child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miracles can happen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You vile—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Listen up, Twitchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and your friends better stand down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or else there isn’t going to be any heir to your throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t try following us either.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You won’t do it,” Captain Morgana hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you kill her, we will destroy you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Directive One of the Fleet Intelligence manual is that no agent is ever to be taken alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surrender is not an option for me, Twitchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll give you one minute to call your queen and tell her that her daughter is about to be vaporized.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Morgana hissed something in her own language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot watched on the sensors as the Cat warships backed off.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re letting us pass,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger didn’t lower the weapon, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Twitchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you try to have one of your cloaked ships follow us to the <i>Batpooh</i>, I won’t hesitate in vaporizing her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be allowed to pass through Cat space with the queen’s protection.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m glad we understand each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you around, Twitchy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot broke the transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept the camera on the back though until Dodger turned Whiskers loose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess staggered back to the cockpit, where she collapsed against Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stroked her fur and whispered comforting words as Marshy set a course to take them back to the <i>Batpooh</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot looked over at Marshy, noticing the same look of concern on her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go home,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the damage to the makeshift cloaking device, the hyperspace engines worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cattatonia, its moons, and its warships disappeared from view, but Spot knew the latter would reappear sooner rather than later.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-43160640659260669872011-06-26T09:19:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:21:06.964-07:00Chapter 20<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 20</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster had been dreaming of Whiskers when he heard the door opened. He hoped it would be her again, so that he might have some final words with her before the execution. From the smell of dead mice, though, he knew it wasn’t her. “Back again to gloat?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Not only for that,” Draco hissed. “I’ve spoken with the queen and we’ve decided to move up your execution by six hours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster growled at this. Instead of six in the morning, he would be executed at midnight now. “I don’t suppose it really matters,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “No, not with your ship light years away.” Though Buster couldn’t make out Draco’s face clearly, he could hear the sneer in the Cat’s voice. “They ran like cowards rather than try to save you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster shook his head. Spot was only doing the smart thing, putting the lives of the crew above those of the captain. That was what Captain Barker would have done and what Buster would have done in similar circumstances. “I’m not as important as you think. I’m just one dog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “You’re the heir to the largest industrial conglomerate of your pathetic empire.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “The Bloc isn’t an empire. We choose our representatives through fair elections so that everyone gets a voice.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Except the raccoons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “They can if they want to participate.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Participate in your system.” Draco sneered again. “I’m sure you would offer us the same, wouldn’t you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “It’s not the Bloc’s mission to change the governments of established worlds.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “It would only be a matter of time before you tried to absorb us into your culture, to make us into you, just as you tried to do with the princess.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “The princess did everything of her own free will.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “You seduced her with tales of starships traveling among the stars.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I only answered her questions.” Buster took a step forward to make out Draco’s face more clearly. “You should try talking to her more. She’s an interesting being.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “She is my fiancée.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Only because of her duty to Cattatonia.” Buster bared his teeth and was gratified to watch Draco hop back a step. “She would never marry someone as foul as you of her own free will. This was her mother’s idea. And you probably had a paw in it too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I only convinced the queen of what made the most sense.” Draco stepped forward again. “I will be king and you will be nothing but monkey food.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> With that Draco turned to leave. Buster could have jumped on his back and bit him in the neck like one of the monkeys in the trees, but he didn’t. He would probably only have a second or two before the guards were on him. Then he would be dead. Better to wait and see if Whiskers could do anything.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> The door clanged shut. Buster returned to his pile of mud to sit down. How would the Cats choose to execute him? Something long and painful he imagined, to make him suffer. Draco would ensure that. Would they honor a final request? If they could give him a few minutes to speak with Whiskers, to kiss her one last time—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “You had enough fun playing in the mud?” Dodger whispered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster yelped with surprise. He squinted in the darkness but couldn’t see the spy. “Where are you?” Buster whirled around as he felt a paw on his left shoulder. “How did you do that?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Practice.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Did they get you two?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Dodger snickered. “Don’t be absurd. I snuck in here to bust you out.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster collapsed on his mud pile again and then shook his head. “What difference would it make? We can’t escape this place. We don’t even have a ship.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Let me worry about that. Come on.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster got to his feet again, reaching out to put a paw on Dodger’s shoulder. He followed the secret agent to the door. He watched as Dodger took something from his pocket to open the door. “Old-fashioned lock,” Dodger said. “I learned to break these in kindergarten.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> He opened the door and then peeked outside. “All right, let’s go. Try to be quiet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Dodger took about five steps down the stone corridor before a shadow on the wall moved. Buster didn’t have time to shout a warning before something dropped on the spy. He rushed forward only to get a claw across his snout.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Dodger hurled the dark shape against the wall. He tried to reach to his hip for his pistol, but something snapped it out of his hand like a whip. The dark shape slammed into Dodger’s midsection, knocking him back against the wall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> While they were engaged, Buster scrambled to find the fallen pistol. He got down on all fours to feel for it with his snout. Just as he felt the butt of the weapon, he heard the click of a weapon. Looking up, he saw the barrel of a pistol aimed right between his eyes. Draco held the weapon in one paw, smirking. “I thought you might try this. Cassie, let the other one up.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Yes, Father.” The dark shape crawled off of Dodger, allowing him to sit up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Looks like we didn’t get all of you back to your ship,” Draco said. “Such a pity. Now you’ll both be executed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “That’s what you think,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Brave words from someone facing a half-dozen rifles.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster waited for Draco to pull the trigger and finish it. Or, knowing Draco, he would stun them both so that they could be executed publicly. Either way, he was never going to see Whiskers again, except perhaps in a royal box seat, watching as he died. “Go ahead and finish it,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Gladly.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Before Draco could pull the trigger, Buster heard the click of more weapons. “Stop this immediately,” Lady Isis said. Buster twisted to look past Draco’s girth and see a dozen royal guards accompanying the royal handmaiden.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Draco spun around and roared, “On whose authority?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Her highness, Princess Whiskers has decreed it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “She can’t do that! I am following the queen’s orders!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “The queen said nothing about killing the prisoner in the dungeon. They are to be executed in the arena. That is where we will take them. Stand down immediately.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Draco roared again, this time without words. He lowered his pistol. Turning to Buster, he grumbled, “You will still be killed. It’s only a matter of time.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> After Draco and his guards had gone, Lady Isis offered a paw to Buster. He got to his feet, wishing he were cleaner. “You and your companion will follow me,” Isis said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Sure,” Buster said. With a sigh he followed after Isis. Wouldn’t want to be late for my execution, he thought to himself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> From his last trip beneath the palace, Buster soon realized they weren’t going to the arena. The smells around him were just like those of the tunnel he had been in before. The dampness and sliminess were about the same too. He wondered what Lady Isis thought about crawling through this muck, but she didn’t say anything.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> He nearly leapt for joy when they came to the end of the tunnel and he found Whiskers waiting for him. She didn’t have any qualms about wrapping her arms around him, despite the muck coating his fur and remains of his uniform. She stroked the wrinkles of his neck with one paw and whispered, “I thought I would never see you again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Here I am,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Lady Isis broke up the moment by mewling in her throat. “We haven’t much time, Your Highness.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Yes, we must go quickly. Draco will petition my mother and they will soon be after us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Then we best make a run for it,” Dodger said. “You have a ship?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Not here. Draco will be watching the royal hangars.” Whiskers motioned to the trees. “We must get you into the trees. You can hide there until we find a ship for you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Doesn’t sound like much of a plan,” Dodger grumbled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “It’s the only one we got,” Buster answered. “Did you bring those claws?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Yes.” Whiskers smiled and then held up four pairs. “Enough for both of you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I don’t need any,” Dodger answered. He reached into his jacket for what appeared to be two balls. At his touch, three daggers sprung from the balls. “I brought my own.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Then let’s go,” Buster said. He followed Whiskers to the nearest tree. This time, having some experience at tree climbing and the extra set of claws, he made quicker progress. Still not as quick as any of the Cats or even Dodger with his special devices.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “You want to borrow these?” Dodger asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I don’t think I have the upper-body strength for it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Probably true. Most of you fleet officers are soft.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I’ll let Jake know you said that. If we get back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Silence,” Whiskers hissed. “Listen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster strained his ears until he heard a faint hiss. He thought it might be a breeze, but then he caught the smell of the dungeon. “Draco?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Cassie,” Whiskers said. “We must hurry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Right,” Buster said. He dug his claws into the tree trunk, trying to pull himself up faster. Looking down, he could see Cassie’s dark shape below. There were probably more with her. It wouldn’t be long until they caught up with him, Whiskers, and the others. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> By the time Buster reached the branch where they had fought the monkeys, Cassie was close enough that Buster could see the green of her eyes. The determined look on her face indicated she would do to him what he had done to the monkeys. He tried to go faster, but it didn’t do much good.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “We can’t outrun them,” Whiskers announced.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I can’t,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Then we have to make our stand here,” Dodger said. He took a pair of pistols from his pockets. One of these he handed to Buster. “It’ll make me happy to get rid of that nasty little beast once and for all.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “She won’t be that easy,” Whiskers said. “And she will surely have a lot of help.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “We’ll see.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster wished he shared Dodger’s confidence—or feigned confidence at least—but he couldn’t. They did have the advantage of holding the high ground, at least until Draco scrambled a few shuttles to attack them from the air. They couldn’t hold out forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Even as he thought this, he heard the whine of engines approaching. He tapped Dodger on the shoulder. “Looks like they’ve got some help.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “That ought to even the odds.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster turned to Whiskers. “You should leave now. Dodger and I will hold them off until you’re clear.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I won’t leave you,” Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Princess, please—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> She took his free paw in hers. “I can never leave you, Buster. I love you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster stared at her in shock for a moment. Had she really said she loved him? “You love me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Yes, Buster. I know it’s been a short time and we come from very different worlds, but I don’t care. You are kind and brave and handsome—everything I’ve ever wanted.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster smiled at her. “You think I’m handsome?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> She smiled back, her paw touching his jowls. “You are the most beautiful thing in the world to me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “So are you.” He squeezed Whiskers’s paw. “I love you too. That’s why you have to go. I don’t want to be responsible for getting you killed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I am responsible for my own actions.” She stroked his jowls again. “Wasn’t it you who told me to embrace my own destiny?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I didn’t mean for you to get yourself killed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I don’t care if I die, so long as it is by your side.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Whiskers—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I have made my decision. We will make our stand here. We will die together if that is what fate has in store.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Fate’s looking pretty good today,” Dodger said. He handed a pair of binoculars to Buster. “Take a look at that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster put the binoculars to his eyes. They were adjusted for the nighttime light of Cattatonia so that he could clearly see the ship approaching them. The profile of it was all wrong for a Cat ship—but just right for a Bloc transport! “It’s from the <i>Batpooh</i>. We’re saved!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Not yet,” Dodger said, pointing down at Cassie, who was less than ten meters away. He fired a few shots down at her. Buster watched through the binoculars as Cassie threw herself from the tree to an adjoining one. She was going to be too slippery to catch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster raised his pistol to fire into the air. He watched through the binoculars as the transport adjusted its course to head towards them. It would still be a minute or so before it could line up to extract them. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> The guards with Whiskers added their fire to Dodger’s to try and drive away Cassie and the guards who accompanied her. Buster paid little attention to this. He turned back to Whiskers. “You have to go now. Dodger and I will be fine.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Isis took Whiskers’s arm. “He is right, your highness. We must go now. While the guards are distracted. Our guards will keep Cassie at bay.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “No. I am going with you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Whiskers, you can’t! We’re going back to Batpooh State.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I will go with you. Perhaps if I talk to your president, we can forge peace between our races.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “But your mother—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I don’t care what my mother wants. I care about the rest of Cattatonia—and you.” She stroked Buster’s face. “I won’t lose you, not again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Your highness—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “It is my decision.” Whiskers turned to her handmaiden. “Tell my mother I go as an emissary of peace to this Batpooh State. I will begin negotiations with its leaders to create a lasting alliance between them and Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “But your highness—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “You will do as you are told, my faithful servant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> For the first time, Isis’s face showed real emotion. Tears welled up in her pale green eyes. “I swore to your mother I would care for you as I would my own.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “And you have. But I am no longer a child. It is time to take my rightful place as the princess of Cattatonia.” She gave Isis a hug. “You have been a good mother to me. I thank you for your service. I release you now. I ask only that you return to my mother and tell her my wishes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “I will do that, your highness. I hope only that I will see you again in better times.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Isis took four of the guards with her and then leapt across to another tree. She had soon scurried out of sight to head back for the palace. Whiskers took Buster’s paw as the transport came down to hover three meters away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> The side door opened to reveal Jake and the Saint Bernards, all three carrying heavy laser rifles. Before they could open fire, Buster shouted, “Hold your fire! These Cats are our friends!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Funny friends you got there,” Jake rumbled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster hooked Whiskers around the waist to guide her towards the transport. As he pushed her forward a shot sizzled past his ear, close enough that he could smell singed fur. The Saint Bernards didn’t waste time opening fire with their weapons in the direction of the shot. The chatter of the weapons was as loud as a pack of monkeys and brighter than a summer storm.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Let’s go!” Buster shouted into Whiskers’s ear. He used both paws to pick her up nad throw her towards the transport. A metal arm reached out to grab her paw.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Whiskers shrieked at the sight of Dr. Ruff’s half-artificial face, but she couldn’t resist the augmented strength of that metal arm as he hauled her in. Buster waited until Dr. Ruff returned before he took off running. The Saint Bernads laid down another barrage to keep anyone from firing as he dove into the transport. He landed ingloriously on the deck.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Glad you could make it,” Buster said as Jake helped him up. “Make sure we get Dodger and the princess’s guards.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Going to be a tight squeeze.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Find a way,” Buster snapped.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> He made his way forward, into the cockpit. The co-pilot’s chair turned around and Buster found himself facing a grinning Spot. “Welcome aboard, Captain.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Where’s the <i>Batpooh</i>?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “In Bloc space.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “You got all the way here in a transport?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Thanks to Dr. Ruff—and a little Cat technology.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Buster shook his head at this. He motioned to Whiskers in the rear compartment. She squeezed forward into the cockpit. “Commander Spot Mutt II, this is Whiskers, princess of Cattatonia. She’s coming with us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Princess? Buster—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Don’t worry about it.” He turned back to the rear compartment. “How are we coming?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> To answer his question, Dodger came flying into the rear compartment. He rolled to come to a sitting position. “Everyone’s aboard!” he shouted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Then let’s go home,” Buster said. He took a jump seat behind Spot while Whiskers took one behind Marshy. The Saint Bernards kept the door open so that they could keep firing as the transport pushed away from the trees. Only once they were a few hundred meters away did the Saint Bernards stop firing and pull the door shut.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Punch it,” Spot said to Marshy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> “Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> As the transport leapt forward, Buster turned to Whiskers. She smiled at him, but above that he could see fear in her eyes.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-46731191754281849762011-06-26T09:18:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:18:43.010-07:00Chapter 19<h1 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Chapter 19</u></span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With his computerized brain, Dr. Ruff needed only five seconds to analyze the situation and come up with a solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we can modify one of our transports to emit the same kind of energy field as their ships, we should be able to land on the surface undetected and retrieve Captain Bulldog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah had come down from engineering for this meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head as Dr. Ruff spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A cloaking device?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve worked on those for years with nothing to show for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You think you can make one in twelve hours?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have been studying the energy field the Cats use to disguise their cities from our sensors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we can mimic the same energy field for one of our transports.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why not the whole ship?” Jake asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“To create their fields, the Cats use a particular type of crystal as a conductor in their relays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crystal is not indigenous to any Bloc worlds.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then how are we going to get any of it?” Jeremiah asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The escape pod they delivered Lieutenant Bulldog and the others in contains some of the material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it will be enough to cloak one of our transports.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot smiled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats had inadvertently made a critical error by sending Jake and the Saint Bernards back in an escape pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded to the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long will it take?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“With the help of Lieutenant Commander Mutt and a team of engineers, I believe we can make the modifications in seven hours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That doesn’t leave us with much time,” Jeremiah said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then we’d better get to work,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Give Dr. Ruff whatever he needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strip parts off the hyperdrive reactor if you have to.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While you do that, Jake and I are going to figure out just how to get Captain Bulldog out of there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted Jeremiah’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keep me apprised.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake followed Spot out into the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really think this is going to work?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It has to.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy came running out of the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though her face was white, it looked even paler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Spot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just received a transmission from Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Cattatonia?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s Ambassador Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says they’re moving Captain Bulldog’s execution up by six hours!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot could only think to say, “Oh no.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The tighter schedule meant there was no time for mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Ruff and his team did the majority of the work, their cyber-enhanced bodies allowing them to work faster than Jeremiah and the other engineers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite this, they still had to work at a feverish pace to meet the new deadline.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot watched a live feed from the conference room, where he and Jake went over a rudimentary plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the execution moved up, they would be unlikely to have any time to search for the dungeon where Buster was being held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant they would have to wait until the execution itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would have to hope they could arrive in time to rescue Buster off the gallows—or whatever the Cats used to execute their prisoners.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot rubbed his tired eyes with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think the best we can do is lay down some covering fire from the transport while someone goes down to get him.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll do that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, I should do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the captain; I shouldn’t ask you to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake snorted at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you would do it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just think it’s better if I do it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake flexed his muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If things get rough down there, I’d be better at handling it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were very likely to get rough on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats would have a lot of security down there and no matter how well-aimed their shots from the transport, they couldn’t take out all the guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose you’re right.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake patted him on the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you’d do anything to rescue Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So would I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still got to keep our heads about this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The intercom buzzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Commander, we’ve finished the modifications,” Dr. Ruff announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot turned to the monitor to see Jeremiah’s crews packing up their gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll be right there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you ask your sister to meet me down there?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, Commander.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot turned to Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get your team together and meet us down there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot considered this enough of an emergency that he could run down to the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just about ran into Jeremiah as the hangar door opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s as ready as she’s going to be,” Jeremiah said, the fatigue evident in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wish I could guarantee that she’ll hold up, but we’ve had to rush this so much—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot gave his brother a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If anything happens—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll tell Mom and Pop.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m leaving you in charge while I’m gone.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s either you or Nina.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah looked down at the deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although he was a lieutenant commander, Jeremiah had never been interested in commanding a starship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He preferred to stay in the engine room, among his precious machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He snuffled and said, “I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll try not to let her go to pot.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you might want to give those engines a tune-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may have to make a quick getaway back to Batpooh State.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll do what I can.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s all I ask.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After another hug, Spot went into the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transport didn’t look any different on the outside, but inside he saw just about every access panel had been opened to expose its circuitry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw a few strange crystal conduits that must have come from the Cat escape pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, Commander,” Dr. Ruff said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I apologize for the mess—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’ll be fine, so long as it gets us there and back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let us hope so.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy poked her head into the transport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled at her brother and Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This looks different.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It does indeed,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Think you can fly her?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We need our best pilot for this, the one who holds all the Academy records.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy’s smile broadened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before she came up to the cockpit, Marshy gave her brother a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite that he was largely a machine now, Dr. Ruff hugged her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Marshy slipped into the pilot’s seat and began flipping switches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s do this,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And hope Dog is on our side.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They couldn’t use the cloaking device in hyperspace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would have to wait until they reached the moons of Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going over the <i>Batpooh</i>’s chart of the system, Spot and Marshy had agreed that the third moon would make an ideal waypoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as they could tell, it was uninhabited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also volcanic, spewing jets of radioactive gases into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would help to provide cover for their approach.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was if they made it that far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats would surely have sensors along the way capable of picking up a hyperspace signature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If their sensors were like those on Bloc ships, they wouldn’t be able to penetrate the hyperspace “bubble” around the transport to determine its make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might decide it was simply another of their ships coming back from patrol.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Along the way, Spot kept an eye on his gauges, waiting for something on the jury-rigged transport to blow out or fuse into slag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far everything seemed to be holding together well enough, except that the inertial dampeners had been cannibalized, making for a bumpy ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good thing he hadn’t eaten before the trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Everything’s holding steady,” Marshy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She punched the intercom button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are you doing back there?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re fine,” Jake snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they rescued Buster, there wouldn’t be much room to squeeze him in the transport, not with Jake, the Saint Bernards, and Dr. Ruff already back there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there was the matter of Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would he be there as well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would the Cats have already found and killed him?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A clock on Spot’s side of the cockpit counted down the minutes until Buster’s execution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had only two hours left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would take another hour just to get out of hyperspace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, at least forty-five minutes of flight time down to the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would leave them very little time to find where Buster was being executed and rescue him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The hour ticked down painfully slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Marshy said nothing except for routine status reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing they could say at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might both be killed on this mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only they had met before this, so that they might have had more time to get to know each other—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re here,” Marshy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dropping out of hyperspace.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The third moon of Cattatonia loomed ahead of them, its gray-brown surface pockmarked with craters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy used the maneuvering jets to bring the transport to the right seconds before a crevice along the surface came to life with blue light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A jet of blue gas lit out into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot checked his displays for any damage, but Marshy had moved them out of the way in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nice job, Lieutenant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He hit the intercom button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are we ready back there?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just about, Commander,” Dr. Ruff answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few more precious seconds ticked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ready to initiate cloak.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot held his breath as he waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lights on the cockpit dimmed and then went out completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy slapped at the controls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve lost navigation controls,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dr. Ruff?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A relay has burned out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should only be a minute to reroute power.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Commander!” Marshy shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot turned to look out the front screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw immediately what Marshy had seen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>another of the crevices was about to erupt, one directly in their path.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dr. Ruff—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Working on it, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We don’t have much time.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The crevice lit up with bright blue light as the previous one had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot pounded futilely on the control panel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without the transport’s shields, they would be killed by the radiation when that crevice erupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dr. Ruff!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Randy, do it!” Marshy screamed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The instrument panels came back to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy wasted no time in firing the maneuvering jets to push them out of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stream of blue radioactive gas passed within meters of them, not close enough to do any damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot sighed with relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Status of the cloak?” he asked over the intercom.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fully operational, Commander.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He turned to Marshy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take us down, Lieutenant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the transport backed away from the moon to head for Cattatonia, Spot checked the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had less than an hour left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less than an hour before his best friend would be dead.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-53575494458912315102011-06-26T09:17:00.003-07:002011-06-26T09:17:55.732-07:00Chapter 18<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"> <u>Chapter 18</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After hours without hearing anything further from Cattatonia and still without any success at penetrating the energy field in the trees, Spot decided to follow Marshy’s advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had Dash bring a cushion into Buster’s office so that if trouble happened he wouldn’t be too far away from the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot was curled up on the cushion for nearly twenty minutes before the alarms sounded.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As he sat up, the intercom on the captain’s desk buzzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot leapt from the cushion to punch the button with his paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Status?” he barked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have a Cat shuttle approaching,” Dash said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They say they’re returning the away team.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excellent news, Ensign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep our shields down and welcome them aboard.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot rushed back onto the bridge, where he found Marshy just stepping off the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the way her jacket was unbuttoned, she must have just received a call as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled slightly to him, probably with some embarrassment to look so unkempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking of his talk with Nina, he smiled back and nodded to her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then he took the captain’s chair, where he saw the Cat shuttle approaching on the sensors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle was too small to be in visual range yet, but it would be within a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of more concern though were the Cat warships nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if they tried to stop the shuttle or even to destroy it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even as he thought this, the warships changed their positions, coming around to face the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re getting into attack position,” the security officer said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Should we raise shields?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s see what they do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But sir—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not us we have to worry about, Ensign.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot watched on the viewscreen as the black dot of the shuttle became larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few more minutes and they would be aboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they could get out of here and go back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot resisted the urge to drum his paws on the armrests as he waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Ruff, prepare a course to get us out of here at the quickest possible speed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Trying to fight three Cat warships—and however many more might be lurking out there—would be foolhardy, but they could at least try to flee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle continued its approach, though far slower than Spot would like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far the Cat warships were just sitting there, watching and waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for how long?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sir, I’m receiving a transmission from the shuttle,” Dash said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s from Captain Morgana.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Put it through.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Attention, foolish Dogs, we are putting the others of your kind in an escape pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you have them, you are to leave Cattatonian space immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will provide an escort to make sure you reach the border.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Captain—”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The connection went dead before Spot could finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched on the sensor display as the shuttle came about ninety degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a momentary flash of heat, followed by something the size of a compact hovercar breaking away from the shuttle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Track the escape pod and plot an intercept course.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir,” Marshy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats had aimed the pod well, so that the <i>Batpooh</i> hardly had to move in order to align itself with the vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy fired the maneuvering rockets for a few seconds to get the ship in position.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m going down to the hangar to meet them,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have Dr. Barker meet me there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Ruff, you have the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know immediately if those Cat warships make any hostile moves.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Running was undignified for even a temporary captain except in the most dire emergencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This didn’t qualify in Spot’s mind, so he forced himself to walk quickly through the corridors, to the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw Nina coming from down the opposite end of the corridor, her body clad in a tight-fitting blue biohazard suit and carrying a medical case in one paw.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s hope that isn’t necessary,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll still have to take them in for quarantine until we know they aren’t carrying any contagious germs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I understand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats might not have infected their guests with anything, but that didn’t mean germs from the planet couldn’t make the <i>Batpooh</i>’s crew sick.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot opened the door to the hangar to find the escape pod drifting down to the deck thanks to the hangar’s internal tractor beams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let Nina go first, hanging back until she gave him an all-clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was until he heard shouting inside the escape pod and saw it rocking violently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot took the pistol from his hip and then raced forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He threw open the hatch Nina had gone through, expecting to find a squad of Cats holding Nina hostage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead he found Nina standing over a Saint Bernard, who was rolling on the floor and howling as she tried to examine him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess someone is ticklish,” Spot said and put the pistol away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake took him by the arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was then Spot realized the escape pod was short two dogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite what Jake had said, Nina refused to release him or the Saint Bernards from sickbay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her preliminary scans had cleared them of anything harmful, but she ordered them to wait in sickbay until more detailed tests came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In issues like this the medical officer had priority over even the captain’s orders, so there was nothing for Spot to do but wait and hope the Cats didn’t get too impatient about them leaving Cattatonian space.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only after taking her scans did Nina allow Jake to have a seat in her office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot sat in the doctor’s chair and tried not to look at the picture of Captain Barker his wife kept there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened to Buster and Dodger?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They took Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some trumped-up charges about him trying to kill their princess.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And Dodger?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He was on the shuttle with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even crammed him into that tin can with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when it launched, he was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow he snuck out of there without anyone seeing him.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sounds like what a Fleet Intelligence operative would do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You mean he was a spy?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A real high-level one too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing in any database about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least not the ones we can access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They probably have something on him at the First Mansion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Guess that explains it then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s probably going back for Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinks he can break him out on his own.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about that princess Buster supposedly attacked?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took us around the place instead of her old mum and then that night she sent a note to ask Buster to meet with her somewhere private.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what he said, they went up into some tree and had a nice chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got into a run-in with some critters up there but came down without much damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next thing we know, they’re taking him away, saying he tried to poison her in her sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bunch of—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I get it,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where are they holding him now?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t know that either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere in that palace of theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dungeon so it’s probably underground.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before Spot could say anything, the intercom buzzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dash’s voice came through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Message from the Cats, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want us to leave their space immediately or else they’re going to blast us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should I tell them?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tell them we’re on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And tell Lieutenant Ruff to get us moving—half-maximum speed, though.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot could tell even before he got to his feet that Jake was angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flaps of his jowls went up and the hair to bare his teeth and the hair on the back of his head bristled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot had seen this look before when Buster got upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re going to leave them there?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But you said—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s no good we can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not with the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’d have us in pieces before we could get a transport on the ground.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then what are you going to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roll over and show your belly to them?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“For now, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least let them think we are.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot stood up but didn’t dare risk trying to pat Jake’s shoulder at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go pay Dr. Ruff a visit.”</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-46002802934256133702011-06-26T09:17:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:17:23.514-07:00Chapter 17<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 17</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster had just fallen asleep when the door to the suite had opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For once Lady Isis wasn’t at their head and it was much too early for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These guards bore leveled spears instead of food carts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Buster could get to his feet, he faced a half-dozen spears.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s the meaning of this?” Dodger shouted as the guards surrounded him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster couldn’t look over his shoulder, but he could hear the Saint Bernards growling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t do anything hostile!” Buster ordered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn’t until they were herded into the corner—with the Saint Bernards cuffed—that Duke Draco arrived on the scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster held back a growl in his throat as he thought of what Whiskers had said about her fiancé.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though Draco probably thought he was being clever, Buster had seen him slip the vial in his uniform jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it didn’t come as a surprise when Draco “found” the vial of poison.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the guards led them down the hallway, Jake growled, “We could still take them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s find out what the queen is going to do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Probably have us executed right there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then you can make your move,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No sense trying to fight our way off the planet if we don’t have to.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake only snorted at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster didn’t have much doubt about what the queen would do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She already saw them as intruders, a menace to her planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped, though, that Whiskers might be able to talk some sense into her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the least she might decide that banishing them was preferable to starting a war.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen wasn’t in her throne room when they arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco waddled in first to eye the throne with a hungry look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster thought again of what Whiskers had said about her fiancé; he wasn’t just a disgusting bully, though, he had larger plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By marrying Whiskers he would be the prince of Cattatonia, and then the king once Queen Smokey finally died.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Isis appeared from a side door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The queen will be here shortly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would suggest you brutes confess to your crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will save us all time and trouble.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lady Isis—”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cat turned away from them to go back through the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t going to be an ally for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster turned to Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We might need your diplomatic expertise.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I think my other skills would be more useful right now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster was starting to agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco turned to face them, a smirk on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t be long until the queen decides your fate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you beg for your lives, she might only lock you up in the dungeon for the rest of your pitiful lives.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know you planted that vial of poison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw you put it into my jacket.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re welcome to prove it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The side door opened again, accompanied by the bleat of a trumpet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis didn’t bother announcing the queen this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead she held one of the queen’s arms to escort her to the throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a sigh the queen settled onto her cushion and arranged herself into a lying position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there she glared down at them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have provided you nothing but hospitality and you repay me by attacking my daughter in the night?”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, Your Majesty,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were safely in our suite when the alarms sounded.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Queen Smokey turned to Lady Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this true?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your Majesty, Captain Bulldog knows about the hidden passages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I escorted him down to the old palace earlier this night.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Had she been stronger, the queen probably would have slapped her handmaiden across the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead she only growled at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would you do such a thing?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was your daughter’s wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to show him more of the planet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where is my daughter?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers came in through another side door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced at Buster; the look did not give him much hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came to kneel beside the throne, her head bowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m here, Mother.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why did you show this outsider our secrets?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I thought Captain Bulldog was…interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to speak more with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped if he saw the true beauty of our planet, we would not have to fear a Dog invasion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen growled again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He did not attack you when you were outside the palace?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in my bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I thought we had parted.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It wasn’t me!” Buster shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I went straight back to my suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My comrades will verify that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I do not care what other Dogs say,” Queen Smokey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is as was foretold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are nothing more than treacherous backstabbers.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco stepped forward, holding up the vial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I found this in his jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s some kind of poison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He surely would have given it to your daughter—my betrothed—if she had not raised the alarm.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s a lie!” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We didn’t bring any poison with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your guards searched us after we left the <i>Batpooh</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco’s smirk returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But one of your crew smuggled recording devices here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that not true?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How had Draco learned of that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had Whiskers told him about the incident at the shopping mall?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or perhaps one of the guards had mentioned something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is true,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But that’s different—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I grow weary of your lies,” Queen Smokey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked down at her daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this the one who attacked you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers turned to look at Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into her eyes, trying to communicate telepathically with her that he was innocent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears came to her eyes and then she looked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t be certain,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could have been Captain Bulldog, his brother, or the ambassador.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do any of you wish to confess?” the queen asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake was about to step forward, but Buster put a paw on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I confess,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was my fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I beg you though not to punish the rest of my crew or the Bloc of Planetary States for my actions.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen considered this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she did, Whiskers met Buster’s eyes again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were still wet from crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She began crying even harder when the queen announced, “For your crimes against my daughter and all of Cattatonia, you, Captain Bulldog, will be executed in one day’s time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your companions will be taken back to your ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of your kind shall ever set paw within Cattatonian space again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This came from Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took her mother’s paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mother, please, you can’t do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Bulldog didn’t do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s innocent.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What proof do you have of this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Only the proof in my heart.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Queen Smokey snorted at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A queen cannot rule with her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must rule with her head and think of what is best for all of Cattatonia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at her guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take them away.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time it was Jake who spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He threw himself against the guard holding him, knocking the Cat to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the other guards tried to rush him, the Saint Bernards sprung into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with their paws cuffed, the huge dogs proved more than a match for the Cat guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bernard St. Bernard batted one a good five meters with his bound paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cousin kicked two more to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco scurried across the room faster than Buster thought possible to duck behind the queen’s dais.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Stand down, Lieutenant, Ensigns!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three security officers stopped what they were doing, leaving a pile of guards around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You will respect the queen’s wishes and return to the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under no circumstances will you try to rescue me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that understood?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to be this way.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What am I supposed to tell Dad and Jonathan?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tell them I did my duty.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster wished he could hug his brother, but his paws were bound together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could only not to Jake before he was taken away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The dungeon was part of the old palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster couldn’t see anything in the room, but he could smell centuries of decay and hear mice scurrying around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting on a pile of mud, he told himself this was what he deserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had failed his crew and all of the Bloc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of bringing peace, he would be lucky if war didn’t break out between Cattatonia and the Bloc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he was lucky, his death would be the last in this conflict.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He knew the growl outside his door belonged to Draco from the smugness of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A fitting end to a Dog,” Draco hissed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t care what lies you told Whiskers and the queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you planted that poison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You probably arranged the whole attack.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s no way you can prove that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why did you do it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco’s eyes appeared at the slit of the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even they seemed to be gloating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The queen doesn’t want a war, but she’s old and frail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon she’ll be gone and I’ll be king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I am, your pitiful race will be destroyed by the might of Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Bloc isn’t so easy to destroy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s what you think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weak and stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look how easily I tricked you—and Whiskers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco snickered through the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you really think you could take my fiancée that easily?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if she would ever want to mate with a Dog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whiskers is everything I could want in a mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s smart, she’s beautiful, and she’s kind—three things you aren’t.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You of all creatures shouldn’t talk like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your face looks as if someone melted it with a blowtorch.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster snuffled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That may be, but step inside here and see what this face can do to you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Perhaps I should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would only add to your guilt.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Too bad you wouldn’t live to testify.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The barrel of a pistol appeared through the slit in the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I think I would, Captain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco snickered again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should get some sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In seventeen hours you will face Cattatonian justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then perhaps I’ll mount your disgusting head on my wall with the rest of my trophies.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I doubt you earned any of those trophies, you coward.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ll see how brave you are when you face the executioner’s axe tomorrow,” Draco said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster waited for him to say anything else, but he must have gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster sat back down on his pile of mud to wait for the end.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was asleep when he heard the door open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster awoke with a yelp and then rolled into a defensive pose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it time already?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long had he been asleep?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats had taken his chronometer along with anything else that might be of use in helping him escape.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not that he had any interest in escaping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now the <i>Batpooh</i> would be safely out of the system, on its way back to Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wished he could have said goodbye to Spot and the rest of his crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t been their captain very long, but he had known most of them for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped his sacrifice would mean the rest of them would live.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A pair of guards slipped into the jail cell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To his surprise, Whiskers followed after them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You came to take me to the execution?” he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought it would have been Draco.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Perhaps he will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is still ten hours in the future.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what did bring you here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I want to be sure.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took a step forward until the guards leveled their spears at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down on his pile of mud with a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t attack you, Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know I wouldn’t do that to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not after what happened in the trees.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was still dark in the cell, but he could see her eyes staring at him, once again filling with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Buster, I believe you,” she whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hissed a command to the guards, who melted away through the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the door was closed, she settled onto the mud beside him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None of this makes any sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would do such a thing?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ask your betrothed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers growled in her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should have known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hates your kind as much as he hates everything else—as much as I hate him.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster put a paw around her shoulder and pulled her close as on the tree branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t let him start a war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what happens to me, you can’t let him launch an attack on the Bloc.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’ll do whatever I can to save you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I plead with my mother, she might commute the sentence to imprisonment for life.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Being imprisoned here wouldn’t be much of a life.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This isn’t a time for jokes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster leaned over to kiss her on the mouth as they had before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just be careful of Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nearly got to you once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s bound to try again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll be more careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I swear I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you aren’t executed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She gave him a kiss and then stood up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster didn’t want her to go, but there was no choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could only hope this wasn’t the last time they saw each other.</div>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-48396874688267948572011-06-26T09:16:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:16:40.874-07:00Chapter 16<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 16</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everything had been going perfectly for Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The experiments he had commissioned had threatened one of the Dog colonies by creating a meteor shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As expected, the foolish Dogs had ventured into Cattatonian territory to investigate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had stumbled in so clumsily that it had seemed for certain his plan would go without a hitch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had miscalculated the queen’s resolve, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had hoped she would be angry enough at the intrusion to simply destroy the Dogs out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead the old fool had brought them here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if showing them Cattatonia’s might would ever keep the Dogs at bay.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was only one way to deal with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Servants of Dogs were too feeble-minded and strong-willed for reason to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only understood the language of force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Cattatonia to ever truly be safe, the Dogs would have to be destroyed utterly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the cause Draco had prepared himself for, as his father had before him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As with the mother, so too had he misjudged the daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers was falling in love with that simpleton Captain Bulldog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That overgrown rat Cassie had seen Whiskers taking the Dog out of the palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco would have preferred to keep Whiskers alive until they could be wedded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, after arranging for the queen to die from “natural causes,” Draco would become the new king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for Whiskers, an “accident” would soon take care of her to leave him solely in control of the entire planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The might of Cattatonia under his command!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be easy enough then to crush the Dogs and anyone else who got in the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess’s treason would alter things somewhat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would have to die of an “accident” sooner than expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the heir to the throne dead, he would have to eliminate the queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There might be some difficulties in ascending to the throne, but without a direct heir, his claim would be greater than anyone else’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pussia was the mightiest state of all Cattatonia and he was the most powerful warlord of the state.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After considering all of this, he had needed only a moment to slap the button on his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A transmitter sent out a signal on a frequency no cat or Dog could hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the monkeys his guards had tagged could hear the signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through months of intense research, Pussian scientists had determined how to communicate with the wild things so that he could pass along rudimentary commands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, it was easy enough to direct them to where Whiskers had taken the Dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The monkeys would take care of the rest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco sat at his desk, inhaling catnip incense as he waited for Cassie to report back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow she would have to “find” Whiskers and Captain Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The death of their beloved princess would incense all Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the queen didn’t destroy the Dogs then, it wouldn’t take much to convince the other warlords of Cattatonia to take the fight to the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could already see himself standing in the main plaza of Purrtoria, urging everyone to take up arms against the creatures who had convinced his beloved fiancée to leave the safety of the palace, where she had been lured into a trap.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The war would begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victory was assured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The servants of Dog couldn’t stand against those of Cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would be destroyed and the galaxy would be cleansed at last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be a pure galaxy, one to be populated only by cats.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He heard the window open and then saw a shadow slip through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie’s green eyes stared back at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it finished?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your monkeys failed,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have returned to the palace without serious injury.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco picked up the clay bowl containing the catnip incense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hurled this at where Cassie had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She easily ducked, reappearing only a meter away from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why didn’t you stop them?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You told me to leave them to the monkeys.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If he could reach, Draco would have clawed his foolish “daughter” across the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if he could reach, she was too fast for him, faster than any demon servant of Dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco hissed with impatience and then leaned back on his cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t matter,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll just have to try another plan.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Staring at his daughter, he began to laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he knew what to do now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All would soon be put right again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victory was assured.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers couldn’t get back to sleep after her nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lay on her bed with her eyes closed, but sleep would not come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only Buster were here to hold her and tell her everything would be all right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But Buster wasn’t here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the guest suite with the other Dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow he would be taken back to his ship and forced to go back to his home planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After tomorrow she would never see him again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It seemed strange that after only one day of knowing each other she could feel such a terrible ache in her chest when they parted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways they were still strangers to each other, their cultures so different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could she ever think of caring about a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dog</i>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother and Draco had both said Dogs and cats could never live with each other in harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To think otherwise would be treasonous.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No, Whiskers thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster wasn’t like the Dogs written about in sacred texts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t a marauding demon, a betrayer and backstabber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had saved her life from the monkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was strong and forthright and good, everything she had always dreamed of finding in a future mate.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn’t fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had finally found someone special, the one she had waited her whole life to find, and now he was going to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All because he had a strange face and shorter tail and couldn’t climb trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did any of that really matter?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She felt something warm tickle her fur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was too early for Isis to wake her for her morning bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened her eyes just as something heavy clamped down on her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was too dark to see more than a bulky shape beside her bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The snout looked all wrong for a cat and the ears too blunt and hanging down instead of up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She could worry about the identity of her attacker later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now she extended her claws and swatted at the attacker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It groaned, but kept hold of her mouth so that she couldn’t scream for Isis or the guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she tried to lash at the attacker with her other paw, the attacker grabbed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers screamed beneath the attacker’s hand as it bent her arm back the wrong way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers forced herself to remain calm, as her self-defense teachers had instructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the attacker continued to grapple with her, she worked to kick the blankets from her legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She managed to free her left leg and then kick at her attacker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her claws scratched the back of its legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attacker staggered back, taking its paw from Whiskers’s mouth.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Intruder!” Whiskers shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Intruder!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The attacker stared at her for a moment, just long enough for Whiskers to make out brown eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it turned and ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers took the blankets, draping them around herself to look somewhat presentable for Isis and the guards.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They arrived seconds later, Isis leading the charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even had a pistol in her paw, though Whiskers doubted the older cat knew how to use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you injured, my lady?” Isis asked, rushing over to Whiskers’s side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers bent her left arm and winced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s probably just a sprain,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nonetheless, we will have a doctor examine you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isis patted Whiskers’s head as though she were still a kitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you see who did this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, it was dark.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers thought about the strange muzzle, the drooping ears, and the brown eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought of when she kicked the attacker again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her claws had touched not only its leg, but its tail as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tail that was not long like a cat’s but a stubby tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers bent forward, burying her face in Isis’s robes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It can’t be,” Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who did this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“One of the Bulldogs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When he heard the palace alarms, Draco knew his worthless daughter had failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had thought that being so skilled at assassination she could handle a simple task like killing the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such was not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fool had failed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news was that the alarms meant Cassie had escaped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she were dead there would be no need for the alarms to sound.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That still gave Draco a chance to salvage things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached into his desk to take out a silver vial, which he slipped into his pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he opened the door and grabbed the nearest guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is the meaning of this racket?” he shouted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The guard reported, “An intruder attacked the princess.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“An intruder?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attacked my betrothed?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, your grace.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I must get to her at once!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco pushed his way through the guards swarming around Whiskers’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who refused to budge he shouted at until they moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally reached her bedroom, where she sobbed against that nursemaid of hers, Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My love, what has happened?” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She looked up at him, her eyes still full of tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was sleeping and someone came in here and attacked me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco sat down next to her and Isis, putting a paw around his fiancée’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My love, you mustn’t worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoever did this will be punished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you see his face?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers said nothing; she only made a pathetic mewling sound as she continued to sob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did anyone see who did this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was one of those vile Dogs,” Isis said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Bulldog or that other one.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I knew it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew those fiends would bring nothing but ruin to us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco patted Whiskers’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not fear, my love, I shall deal with them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She grabbed his paw before he could leave the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t kill them!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will leave that for the queen to decide.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tore her paw away from his and then marched into the anteroom, where the guards waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To the guest suite!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must hurry and catch them before they can escape or destroy any evidence.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The march to the guest suite was more thrilling than any hunt he had ever been on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would soon have the Dogs right where he wanted them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Cassie’s failure played right into his paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he could rid himself of the Dogs while still keeping Whiskers as his bride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would assure his rise to the throne.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had to struggle to keep from snickering as he neared the door to the guest suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stand aside,” he said to the guards there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stood aside to allow him into the room.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Dogs had been shepherded into one corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two largest brutes had cuffs around their wrists, though these looked so flimsy on the wrists of the animals that Draco knew the louts could snap the cuffs whenever they wished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one with the gray muzzle stared at Draco and seemed to smirk beneath his whiskers. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As for Captain Bulldog, he looked impassive, his disgusting face unreadable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco would break that icy calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Which of you attacked my beloved?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“None of my crew did anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all here, sleeping,” Captain Bulldog said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was here too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Liar!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco sneered at the Dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s no way she could have been mistaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the only Dogs on this entire planet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She is mistaken,” Captain Bulldog said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None of us would hurt a cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have nothing but the utmost respect—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You dare to keep lying to me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco took a step forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he did so, he slipped the silver vial from his pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw a red uniform jacket dangling from the back of the chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must belong to the captain since the others were fully clothed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We know how to get honest answers from you,” Draco said, slipping the vial into the Dog uniform jacket.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We swear that we are innocent,” Captain Bulldog said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Search the room if you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t find any evidence.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again Draco had to resist snickering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fool was handing the key to his demise on a silver platter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Search the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave nothing unturned!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco stepped back, watching as the guards threw furniture around and rummaged through drawers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could barely contain his amusement to watch them work, waiting for them to find the vial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After nearly five minutes, one of the fools finally thought to yank the jacket from off of the chair. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The silver vial clattered to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard reached down to grab it, but Draco held out a paw to stop him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That could be evidence.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco tore the cover from a cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He used this as a glove to pick up the vial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the makeshift glove he unstopped the vial and then sniffed at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just as I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take them away!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Poison?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have any poison,” the captain said until one of the guards hit him in the stomach with the butt of a rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dog collapsed to his knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big brutes opened their mouths and growled, but Captain Bulldog shouted, “No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll go quietly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco watched with great satisfaction as the guards hauled the captain away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was coming together now.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-67247878328740525302011-06-12T12:05:00.001-07:002011-06-12T12:05:50.911-07:00Chapter 15<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 15</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They reached the bottom of the tree at what Buster’s chronometer told him was dawn on Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was enough light for him to see his clothes had become filthy rags and that blood—most of it not his own—spattered his fur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers fared even worse with her white fur looking almost brown after the night’s adventure.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That didn’t seem to dampen her spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She threw her front paws around him to kiss him again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was the most magical night of my life!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Maybe you should get attacked by monkeys more often.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, not just that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Being with you, so far away from everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never felt so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">free</i> before!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this how it is for you every day?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not quite.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Still, it’s wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could feel like this forever.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She let out a sigh, her smile fading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But now I suppose I have to go back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whiskers—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Take the tunnel back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how to get inside on my own.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If that’s what you want, but—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have to do what’s best for everyone, not myself.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster looked down at the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He supposed Whiskers was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a whole plane to think of, just as he had his crew to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They couldn’t put their selfish desires before any of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had responsibilities.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He touched the side of her head with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe someday, when you’re the queen, we can meet again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Maybe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave him another kiss, just a peck on his jowls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’d better go before someone knows you’re gone.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He nodded and then got down on all fours to crawl through the passageway again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t take so long this time since he knew where he was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he got to the trap door, he found Lady Isis wasn’t there to guide him back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter, he knew where he was going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had hoped the others would be asleep when he arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t so lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment he came through the door, Jake grabbed him by the shoulders and threw him against the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened to you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was meeting with Princess Whiskers.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a garbage dump?” Dodger asked, his nose wrinkling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I had to take a circuitous route.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake put a paw to a spot of blood on Buster’s fur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Were you in a fight?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Some monkeys attacked us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove them away.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Monkeys?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s a long story, but I’d really like to get some sleep.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake refused to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to know everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can I at least sit down?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger kicked over a cushion and Jake let Buster ease down the wall to sit on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained to them about the hidden passage leading outside and then his meeting with Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t mention the kisses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On our way down, we ran into the monkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re both fine.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger snorted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were lecturing me on endangering the mission?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t refuse to see her.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster took a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She isn’t like her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants peace between our races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she could make her mother understand, then we might be able to make some progress.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“For that you snuck off alone and nearly got killed?” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t in any real danger.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Spot would have puppies if he knew what you were doing down here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So would Dad.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I did what I thought was best for our mission—for the Bloc.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You jeopardized your life, hers, and everyone else’s.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake finally let him go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s something I would do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jake—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’ve always been the responsible one.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake had a point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could have been killed up there in the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So could Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would have doomed the Bloc and Cattatonia to decades of animosity if not an outright war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake bent down to pat Buster’s head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now get some rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll probably be waking us up soon.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers found Isis waiting for her in the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What were you and that Dog doing?” Isis asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Climbing the trees.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you injured?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can call for a doctor—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to clean up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most cats cleaned themselves, but not royalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had servants to groom them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was good in Draco’s case, since his tongue couldn’t reach most of his crevices anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After taking off the remains of her robe, Whiskers leaned back in a chair to let Isis bathe her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She closed her eyes, seeing Buster’s face in her mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so strong and brave and handsome—for a Dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She liked the wrinkles of his skin, the way his jowls drooped, and that curly little tail of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so unlike anyone she had ever known before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he fought those monkeys, she saw that he wasn’t a bully like Draco; he was a true warrior, albeit a warrior who wanted peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you think cats and Dogs can ever get along?” she asked Isis.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isis paused in her work to say, “I don’t see why we should ever want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dogs are foul, disgusting creatures.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Captain Bulldog isn’t that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s nice.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What sort of talk is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what your mother said.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mother may be queen but she isn’t always right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers looked down at Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s old and stuck in her ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m queen I’m going to make some changes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isis shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t heard such impudence from you since you were a kitten.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Maybe I’m just seeing the light.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That Dog is brainwashing you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s trying to make you one of them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers snickered at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s silly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster didn’t try to do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did most of the talking.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So it’s Buster now?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He’s a very nice Dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saved my life from the monkeys.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Monkeys?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were you doing around monkeys?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was showing him Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real Cattatonia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isis was a loyal servant, but she was often prissier than even Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you ever been up in the trees?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Above the mists?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No and I shouldn’t ever want to be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isis pointed a paw at Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You shouldn’t be up there either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re a princess, not a feral kitten.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers thought of Cassie, whom Draco had taken from the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that was who she should be talking to, except Cassie would probably tell Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t let on that she was having second thoughts about the wedding.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isis finished getting the dirt and monkey blood from Whiskers’s fur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she dressed Whiskers in a nightgown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was morning, but she could still get a few hours of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that there was much point to it; she wouldn’t have anything to do once Buster left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would be back to making appearances on behalf of her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was to be her lot in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She curled up on her cushion and closed her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She fell asleep almost immediately and dreamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dreamed she and Buster were on a ship made of glass, cruising amongst the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they kissed, the glass ship headed towards a star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster didn’t seem to notice no matter how hard she tried to warn him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The ship didn’t have any controls, so there was nothing she could do but watch for the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the ship became hotter and hotter, she and Buster clung to each other.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-39701758379892497602011-06-12T12:04:00.001-07:002011-06-12T12:04:59.780-07:00Chapter 14<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 14</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Isis didn’t take Buster through the palace but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">underneath</i> it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They descended a crystal staircase down several floors, until they were at the surface of Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Lady Isis touched part of the wall to open a trap door at the end of the hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She motioned for Buster to go through the trap door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I must leave you here,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster went over to the edge of the trap door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking down he saw only a wooden ladder leading into a dark pit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s down there?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The remains of the first palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go down the ladder and follow the passageway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will lead you out to where she is waiting.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do not thank me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am only doing my duty to the princess.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, of course.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster cut himself off before he thanked her again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a little wave, he stepped through the trap door, finding the ladder with his boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept going into the darkness until his boots touched solid ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He sniffed around, picking up the scents of mold, mildew, and animal droppings—probably the mice the Cats had served for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t have a light with him, so he had to rely on his nose to alert him of any dangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting down on all fours like his ancestors, he crept along a passage of mildewed stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused every few meters to take a deep whiff of the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still nothing fresh yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As he continued, he thought about what Lady Isis had said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first Cat palace must have been made of traditional stone and plaster, as with ancient dog structures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or perhaps since this was underground the Cats had carved it out of a cave as the bears did on Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of many questions he wished he could ask, if only he didn’t have to leave tomorrow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After what must have been a half hour at least, he caught the fresh scent of the jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he must be getting close to an exit now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would Princess Whiskers be waiting for him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe someone—such as Duke Draco—had set a trap for him, luring him out of the palace to kill him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they found him out here alone, the Cats could claim he had violated the agreement by trying to spy on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After what he had told Dodger, he ought to turn back and forget it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But he had a note from Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might not be her pawwriting, but he knew he had to take the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers was the only one in all of Cattatonia interested in peaceful relations with the Bloc, the one who could help foster a new era of cooperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to risk being caught if it meant ensuring peace between dogs and Cats.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A few minutes later he saw a dim blue light at the end of the tunnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A natural light or an unnatural one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was only one way to find out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After taking a deep breath, he crawled through the opening, sighing with relief to breathe some fresh air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He hadn’t got to his feet yet when he felt someone touch his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spun around, rolling into a kneeling position before he remembered he didn’t have a pistol with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers snickered at him with a sort of stuttering hiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry to scare you,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I wasn’t scared,” he said, getting to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Only surprised.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re late.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The passage was longer than I thought.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have taken into account your shorter legs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She patted his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dogs are so interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You come in so many varieties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you call those giant ones?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Saint Bernards.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They are very strange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dog must have a sense of humor.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I suppose so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster began to wonder why she had asked him to crawl through a dark, slimy tunnel to come out here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it only for small talk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She must have sensed his discomfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached into the black robe she had changed into since dinner for a pair of gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gloves had spikes at the end of the fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was she planning for them to fight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These will help you climb up,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Climb up what?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She pointed to a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster stared up at the tree—and up until it disappeared in the clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t there an elevator?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or perhaps a shuttle could take us up?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I didn’t think a spaceship captain would be afraid of heights.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just been a while since I tried climbing anything.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It will be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me show you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster was about to ask how she planned to get up the tree without any special gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he saw the claws appear from the ends of her paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loped along on all fours as he had in the tunnel, only much faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she had built up enough speed, she threw herself through the air, landing against the tree a good three meters over Buster’s head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her claws held her firmly in place against the trunk, tight enough that she could turn to look down at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you coming?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I suppose so,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wouldn’t do to offend the princess by not accepting her offer to climb the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just hoped he didn’t break his neck while trying to be diplomatic.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took off his boots after his first attempt to grip the tree left him on his rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With his bare back paws and the special gloves Princess Whiskers had given him, he managed to hold onto the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then a laborious process to move himself up a few inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess waited above him, snickering at his attempts to climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe this had all been a test to see how capable dogs were physically, in which case he was failing miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake, with his superior upper body strength would be a far better candidate for that test.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’ll take all night at this rate,” the princess called down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dogs don’t climb trees,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can wait.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gradually Buster found a rhythm to scaling the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still couldn’t move as fast as Princess Whiskers, but he probably wouldn’t take the rest of the night to make it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did make sure not to look down, though, not wanting to see how high above the ground he was without anything to catch him should he fall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After two or three hours of climbing, he saw Princess Whiskers disappear through the clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster pushed himself to move faster, until he too was amongst the gray mist shrouding the upper reaches of the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he did, he finally saw the top of the tree—and Princess Whiskers sitting on a wide branch. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She patted the spot of the branch next to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t bite,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Neither will I.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster didn’t have the breath to say anything, so he could only finish climbing up to her level and then get on all fours to crawl out along the branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Panting heavily from the effort, he collapsed next to her on the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess patted the wrinkles of his neck with her paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew you could make it,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just barely,” he said, wheezing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ve come here for years, since I was little more than a kitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the only way to escape from the palace.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now that he was situated, Buster had the chance to look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to admit it was beautiful up here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were mist-shrouded trees as far as he could see on the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High above, he saw the stars, far more visible than in Washingdog, where light pollution left only the brightest stars visible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here he could see everything, including tiny dots that were probably the <i>Batpooh</i> and its Cat escorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could the <i>Batpooh</i>’s sensors detect him up here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only he had Dodger’s commpad, he could probably contact the ship from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s wonderful,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whenever I come up here, I look up at the stars and wish I were up there, free to live my own life.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Have you asked your mother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps she would let you—?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have been groomed since I was born to take my mother’s throne.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My mother bore two children when she was young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were both males.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sent them into exile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As years went by without an heir, there was talk that she would die childless, that a civil war would erupt to determine a successor.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then my mother became pregnant again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was already old then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nearly didn’t survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A perfect, healthy female to carry on after her.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She is much sicker than she lets on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dying</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the only reason she’s stayed alive this long is to make sure I was of age to take the throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of age and properly married.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“To Duke Draco.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s vile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t stand to so much as look at him most days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I must marry him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must marry him and produce an heir so that our noble lineage will continue.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Princess—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Please, call me Whiskers.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whiskers, I know what it’s like to have family expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father is a captain of industry on Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to groom me to take over for him, but I refused.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned his head to look into Whiskers’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have to choose our own destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to be who we really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t want to marry Draco and if you don’t want to be queen, you don’t have to be.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are too many counting on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not betray them and my mother like that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked down at the mist swirling beneath their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My destiny is down there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before he understood what was happening, he felt Whiskers kissing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They awkwardly tried putting their mouths together at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like with climbing the tree, though, they found the rhythm.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When they parted, they stared at each other for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Whiskers looked down again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am sorry, Captain Bulldog—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster, please.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what came over me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s all right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put a paw around her narrow shoulders to press her close to his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat up there for hours, staring at the stars, as if searching them for the future.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie didn’t believe him at first when he said Whiskers was sneaking out with a Dog, but there she was, sitting on a tree with that disgusting Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From her perch on an opposite tree, Cassie felt bile rising in her throat as they kissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Cat kissing a Dog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was heresy!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She scurried down the tree to beneath the mist and then turned on her communicator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are in the trees,” she whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is as you said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should I do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m arranging a little surprise for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Return here before anyone sees that you’re missing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, Father,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hated calling Draco her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could hardly remember her real parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had died when she was a kitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Cassie could remember was there had been a fire and that her mother had thrown her out the window, into the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the next year Cassie lived in the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She foraged among them for small birds and their eggs to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She rested in hollow spots of the trunks, moving on from one place to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow she had ended up deep in Pussia, on Duke Draco’s country estate.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had been hunting one day when one of his minions spotted her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had tried to escape, but someone hit her with a stun dart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she woke up, she was on the ground for the first time in a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a cat,” someone said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hissed and clawed at the strangers, but she was too weak for it to do any good.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Feral,” someone else added.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then Duke Draco bent down into her vision, his bulk seeming to eclipse the light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, fellows, there’s no need to say such things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This child is an orphan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s our duty to care for her properly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco had taken her to his home, keeping her locked up in a windowless room while various “experts” tried to “cure” her of being wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had succeeded, domesticating her spirit and teaching her proper language and manners. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only then had he given her a name:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassiopeia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a constellation of stars, stars she had never seen even while living in the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My name comes from the stars and so should yours as my daughter.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Father?” she said for the first time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s right, I’m your father.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They had domesticated her spirit and taught her the language, but it soon became clear she couldn’t be tamed into a proper lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Draco had used her to infiltrate the palace guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept him abreast of all happenings at the palace and dealt with his enemies as it became necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Draco it was necessary very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t like doing his dirty work, but what choice did she have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go back to the trees?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had nothing without him, not even a proper name.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now the one time when she wanted to eliminate one of his enemies and he wouldn’t let her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could only hiss under her breath as she started the climb down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could hear the princess and the Dog beginning to make their way down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dog made so much noise that he probably scared away the animals from ten kilometers away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t last for two days in the trees on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A clumsy oaf like that would fall to his death after one night alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Maybe it wouldn’t even be necessary for Draco to do anything to them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Going down was much worse than going up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In theory it should be easier since he didn’t have to push against gravity, but it was harder to get a grip on the tree using his back paws before his front ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wished Whiskers had given him a second glove for his back paws.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Take it slow,” Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s no hurry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Right,” he said with a grunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each step became a battle as he searched for a good hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If you weren’t so heavy, I could carry you on my back like a kitten,” Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Funny.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers scampered down past him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She planted herself against the tree with her back paws and then used her front paws to take hold of his hind legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She guided him down until he could put his front paws into the trunk to get a hold.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They continued this process for a while, until they reached about the halfway point of the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There they stopped to rest on a branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll make a Cat of you yet,” she said, running a paw along the wrinkles of Buster’s jowls.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then maybe your mother would let me stay.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I wish you could stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not like anyone I’ve ever known before.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her paw moved up to his neck to rub his wrinkly folds of skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Draco and the others like him pretend to be hunters, but mostly they sit in their palaces, letting others do the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re an explorer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adventurer</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, it’s not exactly like the movies—”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A terrible screech interrupted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to see dark shapes above them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one came closer he saw a hairless face and long, five-fingered hands like those creatures in the palace carvings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Monkeys,” Whiskers hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We must hurry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster desperately wanted to hurry, but he still couldn’t move any faster down the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse yet, the monkeys were just as agile as Whiskers, if not more so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They screeched and chattered as they descended the trees after he and Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s no use,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t outrun them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll have to go on without me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers took hold of his hind legs to guide him down onto a branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once he had climbed down to her level, she looked him in the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t leave you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can’t outrun them, then we must fight them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We don’t have any weapons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers held up her paws with their sharp claws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have these.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster nodded and bared his teeth for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s do it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster kept the gloves on his paws, deciding their sharp claws would be better weapons than his paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first monkey that came near him, he raked one claw across its neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The monkey screeched with pain and then scurried back up the tree. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He hoped that would teach the rest an important lesson, but it didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only taught them to come down in packs, dropping down at he and Whiskers four or even six at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no more time to think about anything as Buster punched, clawed, and threw monkeys in a blind fury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the corner of his eye he saw Whiskers doing the same, employing both her front and back paws to drive the monkeys away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If not so busy, Buster would have congratulated her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a monkey’s paw came near his mouth, he snapped at it with his jaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with the others, the monkey howled with pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let it go to scamper away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he heard Whiskers scream.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two of the monkeys had landed on her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They clung to her while she tried in vain to throw them off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold on!” Buster shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not caring if he lost his balance on the tree, he lunged towards her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took the nearest monkey around the waist, hurling it towards the trunk of the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not wasting any time, he bit the other squarely in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As his ancestors had done, he pulled the monkey away and then began shaking it in his powerful jaws.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster, stop it!” Whiskers shouted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster let the monkey drop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It crawled away, disappearing amongst the branches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you all right?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m fine,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took Buster’s paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go home.”</div>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-25932844873170079112011-06-12T12:03:00.002-07:002011-06-12T12:03:59.219-07:00Chapter 13<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 13</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess was as good as her word, taking the dogs next to a military center where they could contact the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As when they had Captain Morgana on board the ship, they weren’t allowed anywhere secure on the base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers set up a relay from a waiting room computer terminal to the main control room. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We cannot call your ship directly from here,” Princess Whiskers explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not without lowering our protective field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we can send your transmission to one of our ships using a secure line and they will then beam it to your vessel.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A little awkward,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Couldn’t you lower your protective field for just a minute or two?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not without the queen’s permission.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Could you ask—?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She would not allow it,” the princess snapped.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s all right,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As long as the message gets through, that’s what matters.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How do we know you aren’t going to alter it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Censor what you don’t want seen?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I give you my word—and that of my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing will be done to alter your transmission from its original state.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Princess,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glared at Dodger and Jake to keep them quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t seem to understand the princess was already extending her neck by allowing them to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could easily have had Dodger executed along with the rest of them for trying to send a covert signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger should have realized that instead of putting all of their lives—and those on the <i>Batpooh</i>—in danger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After several minutes of waiting, a black Cat returned with a message for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their transmission had gone through to the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good to hear from you,” Spot had sent back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We hope to see you again soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will remain on station for your return.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Included with the message was an authentication code to verify the message came from the <i>Batpooh</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you so much for this, Princess,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure this will be the first of many acts of cooperation between our civilizations.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I hope so,” Princess Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She motioned to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come, my mother has prepared a feast to celebrate your visit—and your departure.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, of course,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t help noticing the way Whiskers’s voice turned quiet for the last part of that sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was not looking forward to their departure as much as some on Cattatonia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The return trip to the palace was uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one—dog or Cat—said anything until they came to a stop of the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was only the stewardess telling them she hoped they enjoyed their trip to Purrtoria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster made sure he got off after Princess Whiskers, but she walked so fast down the ramp that he couldn’t keep up with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Isis waited for them at the end of the ramp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everything has been prepared,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you like to freshen up before the feast?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, that’s fine,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted his midsection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am feeling a bit hungry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This way then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis led them through the palace again, this time past the throne room, into a room even larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rectangular table about the size of the shuttle and made of the same crystal as the walls dominated most of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no one on any of the four-dozen cushions at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you will have a seat, the feast will begin soon.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster, Dodger, and Jake sat on one side with the Saint Bernards on the other side, using two cushions apiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This looks like it’ll be fun,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re lucky to still be here after that stunt you pulled,” Buster snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why didn’t you think to just ask the Cats if we could send a message?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Covert operatives are trained to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">covert</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You put everyone at risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for what?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I thought it was important to give the ship an idea what was happening so they could relay the news back home.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, well, the next time you think of something like that, ask me first.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excuse me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Captain</i>, but I don’t take orders from you, remember?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t care what piece of paper you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to let you endanger my crew again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger only shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t matter much longer anyway.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Probably not,” Buster admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A chime sounded and a pair of doors at the end of the room opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis appeared again and then planted herself beside the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Presenting Draco, Duke of Pussia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco waddled through the doors to take a cushion beside the foot of the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis announced a few more names of dignitaries, including Captain Morgana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Lady Isis announced, “Presenting Princess Whiskers, heir to the throne of Cattatonia and all of its possessions.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Princess Whiskers glided through the doors, wearing a dark blue robe trimmed with silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wore a silver crown decorated with jewels to match her dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even her long white tail had a silver bracelet studded with blue jewels at the end of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster got to his feet along with the rest of the table as the princess took her place at the foot of the table.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She remained standing and turned to the doorway as Lady Isis announced the most important name of the evening, “Presenting Her Royal Highness, Smokey the Second, Queen of Cattatonia and all of its possessions.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Where her daughter wore blue, the queen wore green and gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked with her back perfectly straight, not needing any help from Lady Isis or anyone else this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked stiffly around the table, past Buster and the others, the hem of her dress brushing against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t look at them as she made her way to the head of the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once there she glared at everyone assembled before saying, “Be seated.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She of course was the last to sit on her cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster noticed just a slight wince as she arranged herself on the pillow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t as healthy as she tried to appear for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She clapped her paws together twice, signaling a group of servants to come through the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They scurried around the room, putting down a covered tray in front of each guest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster waited until the queen was served, the servant taking away the cover from the tray for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster did the same with his but nearly gagged at what he saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were dead, but still had their fur, heads, and tails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Jake, who looked ready to hurl his tray against a wall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While the mice on their plates were dead, he noticed the mice on the plates of some Cats still moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster felt his lunch backing up in his throat as he watched Duke Draco pluck a mouse off his tray to hold it poised over his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Haven’t you ever eaten mouse before, Captain?” he asked with a leer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m afraid not.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s a delicacy here in Cattatonia,” Princess Whiskers explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Especially live mice.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster noticed Whiskers and the queen had dead mice on their plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently killing small animals was beneath their station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With relish Duke Draco dropped one mouse down his throat, gulping it down without chewing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A most excellent delicacy,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster closed his eyes and then forced himself to eat one of the mice so as not to offend his hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and the Saint Bernards did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger had already cleared his plate; he had probably eaten worse than that as part of his covert training.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen turned to face them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you enjoy your day on Cattatonia?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was quite interesting,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wondered if Princess Whiskers had mentioned the incident with Dodger at the mall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems are not so different.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Duke Draco growled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seized another mouse to toss down his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are nothing like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dogs</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I think Captain Bulldog is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve both achieved space travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both have shopping centers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both eat omelets and drink milk for breakfast even.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nonsense,” Duke Draco said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If we focus on our similarities instead of our differences, we could forge an alliance beneficial to both of our races,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“An alliance led by Dogs?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“An alliance of equals.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There is no such thing,” Duke Draco said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The moment we let you have access to our territory, you’ll want to take it all for yourselves.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Bloc of Planetary States does not believe in conquering anyone.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Some on your worlds might feel differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These raccoons for instance.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was an unfortunate chain of events that has led to difficulties between dogs and raccoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a situation we’re working to correct.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will not allow any Cat to be subservient to a Dog,” Queen Smokey announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was foretold that one day servants of Dog would arrive and make us offers of peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as soon as we lower our guard, they would stab us in the back, as Dog did to Cat at the beginning of time.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster looked over at Dodger, remembering that the spy had told him something similar about Cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems we have very similar religions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our religion foretells that servants of Cat will bring about our doom.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen’s eyes narrowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mock us at our own table?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, Your Highness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m only pointing out a similarity of our backgrounds.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Our prophecies are not to be analyzed by a Dog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Your Highness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen mewled but said nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her daughter turned to Buster, favoring him with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think Captain Bulldog has a valid point.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will remember your place, young one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen of Cattatonia is the defender of our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that,” Queen Smokey said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, Mother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers looked down at her plate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finished her mice in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Queen Smokey clapped her paws again to signal the next course be brought in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rest of the dinner didn’t go much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster was grateful to drop onto the cushion in their suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before leaving, the queen had promised the next day they would be taken back to their ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We will escort you to the border,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You will not return.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster had failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had come here to begin relations with the Cats, but the Cats hated them now more than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All except for Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite her earlier chastisement, the princess continued to give Buster glances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caught her once smiling behind her napkin at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perhaps when the princess took over, they could begin again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then Princess Whiskers would already be married to that fat slob, Duke Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster would have liked to bite that bully in the neck and shake the life out of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draco wasn’t who a beautiful, smart creature like Princess Whiskers should marry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At least tomorrow we’ll be going home,” Jake said as he settled onto his cushion.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If they blow us up on the way and call it mechanical failure,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There wouldn’t be any point to that now,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took off his jacket and then adjusted himself on the cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow they would be gone and he would never seen Princess Whiskers again, except perhaps at the head of an invasion fleet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, she wouldn’t do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was too good for something so foolish.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Someone tapped on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake indicated for Ben Bernard to answer the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big Saint Bernard slapped the button to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster couldn’t see who was there, but he could hear Lady Isis say, “I have a message for Captain Bulldog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster climbed off of his cushion and then went over to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He motioned for Ben to stand aside so that he could take the slip of paper from Lady Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He unfolded the paper, his mouth going slack as he saw who it was from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Meet me outside the palace in a half hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis will guide you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was from Princess Whiskers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did she want from him?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was only one way to find out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lead on,” he said to Lady Isis.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-14896825909649113612011-06-12T12:03:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:03:05.599-07:00Chapter 12<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 12</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shuttle cruised over the Cat city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster leaned against the side to look out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is this city called?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is Purrtoria, the largest city on all of Cattatonia,” Princess Whiskers answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is our oldest city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legends say that the very first cats came down from the trees here to live on the ground.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How interesting,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster watched as Cats walked along sidewalks and drove down paths in hovercars not so different from those plying the streets of Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There didn’t seem to be much different about the Cat society at all from what he could tell, only a different form of government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas the Dogs had expanded the original Bear tribal style of governing, the Cats retained a monarchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster wondered how much of the governing Queen Smokey still did and how much was delegated to other officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was she a figurehead or a real power to be reckoned with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what he had seen so far, he guessed the latter was true.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ahead he saw a sprawling complex that looked like a crystal flower with a central hub surrounded by a dozen petal-shaped spokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that a spaceport?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Princess Whiskers laughed at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is a shopping center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It primarily sells clothes, shoes, and jewelry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster smiled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Cats had developed shopping malls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t suppose we could go inside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be interesting to see what sort of things your people buy and sell.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That should not be a problem.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess turned to one of her guards and hissed something in her native tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard scurried away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moments later, Buster felt the shuttle begin to descend.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure this won’t be too public?” Dodger asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“None would dare to assault me or anyone under my protection.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good enough for me,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not me,” Jake grumbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if there’s a riot?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then you’ll get your chance to escape.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This isn’t a joke.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Relax,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one is going to be stupid enough to attack the princess and her entourage.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They might try to attack <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will protect you as if you were my own kittens,” Princess Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re not children,” Jake growled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s just an expression,” Buster said, putting a paw on Jake’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re getting the chance to go where no dog has gone before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s try to enjoy it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn’t stop Jake from going to the back to whisper instructions to the Saint Bernards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster let his brother be, not wanting to inflame the situation further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats had kept their word so far and he hoped that would continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shuttle came down with a light bump on the roof of the shopping center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess’s guards opened the ramp and then came down to establish a secure area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only then did they signal for the princess to come down with the dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster stood to follow her, but Jake put a paw on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll go first.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If you insist.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping Buster safe was Jake’s job not only as security officer but as a brother too; there was no sense trying to talk him out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waited patiently until Jake and the Saint Bernards verified everything was fine before he stepped out with Dodger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As expected, there was no reception waiting for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guards led them through a door that in turn led to a staircase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went down two flights of stairs before the guards opened a metal door.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As soon as they did, Buster heard the hissing voices of Cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many voices that it sounded like a river rushing through the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster couldn’t keep the hair on the back of his head from bristling at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did manage to keep from baring his teeth as a defensive reflex.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Here we are,” Princess Whiskers said, ushering them through the door.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shopping mall didn’t look much different from those in the Bloc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were stores arranged in neat rows along the “petals” of the structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster couldn’t read the signs for the stores, but as Princess Whiskers had said, most of the stores seemed to be selling clothes, shoes, and jewelry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these clothes even had the same overall look as those in the Bloc:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blouses, skirts, dresses, and bikinis for the females and shirts, pants, suits, and trunks for the males.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not for their difference in sizes, Buster imagined the Cat clothes would fit him as easily as any Cat.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The reaction at every store to their visit was the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats stopped what they were doing, many of them dropping merchandise on the floor, to gape at the dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they came to their senses, they got down on their knees to bow before Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The store manager—or highest-ranking employee—would rush from behind the counter to kiss the princess’s paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Majesty,” they would gush, “what an unexpected surprise!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Those who imagined themselves cunning would ask, “And who are your friends?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“These are visitors from the stars,” Princess Whiskers always said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have come to see the wonders of Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That wasn’t strictly true, but Buster wasn’t about to argue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a shoe store one yellow Cat tried to touch Buster’s paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Jake or the Saint Bernards could react, one of the princess’s guards hit the yellow Cat in the stomach with a spear butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard hissed something at Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked thoughtfully at the fallen Cat for a moment and then said, “Leave her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has learned the price for trying to defy my mother’s wishes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The central hub of the mall contained a number of eateries, along with trees like those in the queen’s throne room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster thought at first these were ornamental, until he saw Cats playing in the branches, hopping from one to the other, sometimes chasing each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are those kittens?” he asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, they are our young, the future of Cattatonia,” the princess said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How long does it take them to learn to climb like that?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Princess Whiskers shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most kittens can climb at three months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By one year they have a full range of motion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Amazing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why would anyone want to climb trees?” Jake grumbled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s a game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like puppies wrestling,” Buster answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake only snorted at this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Would you care for some refreshment?” the princess asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, that would be lovely,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Princess Whiskers gave instructions to her guards, who cleared away two tables and then went to fetch something to eat and drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess motioned for the dogs to sit down, with Buster and Dodger on either side of her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This has been very enlightening so far,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,” Princess Whiskers answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned her back to him to face Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It must be far more interesting to be among the stars.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There are many wonders in space,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Haven’t you ever gone up in one of your ships?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My duties keep me here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned closer to Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it like?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well—” Buster stopped, trying to remember when he had first gone up in space on his father’s personal ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had still been a puppy then, his paw in his mother’s as they stared down at Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had looked so tiny, like one of the marbles Buster played with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Up there you feel so insignificant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stars, planets, even whole galaxies don’t look any bigger than a grain of sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up there, amongst them, you feel so tiny—and yet so in harmony with everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like being able to see the beginning and the end, the whole of being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that make sense?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Princess Whiskers nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should like to go up there to see this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure if you asked your mother she would let you go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Perhaps, but there are many important things to do here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster looked around at the dozens of Cats, most of them pretending not to be staring at the dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her mother’s health failing, the princess probably gained more and more responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought back to dinner with his father and remembered what Jonathan had said about Buster Sr. having big plans for his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know what you mean,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger kept mental notes of everything he saw and heard, filing it away to report on later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His superiors would be astonished to hear just how advanced the Cats were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was only a shopping center and yet the Cats clearly had the same technological capabilities—if not greater—than the Bloc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The situation was much worse than anyone back at HQ had thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had hoped to talk the princess into letting them see more of Cattatonia’s military might, but she didn’t seem to have any interest in talking to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept looking at Captain Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then at lunch she ignored Dodger completely to talk to the captain about space travel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess didn’t want to stay here on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what he had observed, she probably didn’t want to take over as the queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet her mother was old and frail, on her last legs, that was for certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a weakness perhaps the Bloc could exploit if it came to that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More worrying to Dodger was this Duke Draco, the fat cat betrothed to the princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked like the type who would have no problem launching an invasion of the Bloc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With him whispering into the princess’s ear, the Cats might send an invasion fleet into Bloc space within one or two years.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A lot to worry about and contingencies for which to plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was if they managed to get off the planet, back to Bloc space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats hadn’t betrayed them yet, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was probably just a matter of finding the right location to arrange for a convenient accident.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excuse me, Princess, but where are your restroom facilities?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will have Private Cassie show you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess whispered instructions to one of her minions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard had largely the same color scheme as Duke Draco, except no white around the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Private Cassie hissed something back to the princess and then gestured at Dodger with her spear.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed after the private as she led him through the food court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was surprising that Cats and dogs would come up with the same concepts of shopping malls and food courts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps these things were universal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Private Cassie went into the bathroom first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listening at the door, Dodger could hear her hissing at whoever was inside, warning them to get out or face the consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three Cats came rushing out, their eyes wide with fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door opened and the private glared at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You may enter now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like the bathroom of the palace suite, the shopping mall bathroom contained boxes of the strange gray flakes, each separated by a stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger considered asking Private Cassie about this, but she didn’t seem like the type who played tour guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be just a minute,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The private didn’t move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could you give me a little privacy?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat made a growling sound in her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waited for her to try using the spear on him, but she didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will be right outside,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger waited until the door closed and locked before he stepped into one of the stalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached up to his right eye with one paw to remove the recorder there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked like an ordinary contact lens, but Dr. Ruff had engineered it to record what Dodger’s eye saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With proper concentration he could also add notes to the recorder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger, like every operative, trained for months to learn that kind of mental dexterity.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He slipped a commpad out of his pocket and waited for the recorder to establish a connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More difficult would be getting a connection to the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tapped at the controls, trying to break through the interference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Working furiously, Dodger searched for an outgoing signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found one carrier wave, probably going from a base to the Cat warships in orbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he could piggyback on the signal, then perhaps Dr. Ruff would be able to detect it—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The commpad flew from his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A spear butt hit him squarely in the midsection, knocking him back against the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared up at Private Cassie, who turned the spear around to level the point at his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Liar!” she shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She snatched the commpad with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What were you trying to do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was making some notes,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Observations of your society.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We will see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Private Cassie glanced down at the screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One claw tapped on the controls, bringing up everything Dodger had recorded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did she know how to use the commpad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are a spy!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, of course not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a duly-appointed ambassador—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Liar!” she hissed again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should kill you now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger didn’t have any doubt she would do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow she had slipped into the room and snuck up on him without his knowing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one had done that since his first month at the Academy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even the raccoons could move with that kind of stealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would Princess Whiskers say about that?” he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Or Queen Smokey?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They would reward me for eliminating a traitor.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure about that?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Private Cassie glared at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she lowered the spear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With another growling sound she motioned for Dodger to stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We will see what the princess decides.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They returned to the food court, where Princess Whiskers and Captain Bulldog were still discussing the magic of space flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Private Cassie leaned down to whisper in the princess’s ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held out the commpad for Princess Whiskers to take.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess studied the commpad for a few moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the guard, she seemed to already know how to use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Cats have similar devices?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a sigh, Princess Whiskers turned to Captain Bulldog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you know about this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,” Captain Bulldog said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But he was only doing what your mother commanded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was taking pictures of the wonders of your civilization so that we would have proof to show our superiors in Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that what Queen Smokey wanted?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Princess Whiskers considered this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger waited for her to order him killed in the food court; not the end he had ever expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally said, “Captain Bulldog is correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother decreed they should see the glories of our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ambassador is merely doing as she willed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have decided the matter,” Princess Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned her icy gaze at Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In the future you should not keep such things from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will allow you to take your pictures and to communicate with your ship, so that they might learn what you have.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Your Highness,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I apologize for this unfortunate misunderstanding.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess continued to glare at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not let it happen again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next time I might not be so merciful.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger nodded, wondering if he had misjudged the princess.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-79036601941052037312011-06-12T12:02:00.001-07:002011-06-12T12:02:22.111-07:00Chapter 11<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 11</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot studied the viewscreen, trying to make out any details besides forests and oceans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was still nothing to indicate any cities or Cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was Buster really down there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or had the Cats destroyed the shuttle and killed all of its occupants?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Any word from the surface?” he asked Dash for the hundredth time in the last twelve hours.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Any signals to their ships?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Negative.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tell me the second there is anything, understand?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat warships remained above and around them in orbit to prevent them from leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t show any sign of changing position any time soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant they could pound the <i>Batpooh</i> into oblivion whenever they chose.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He checked the sensor readings on his chair displays again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still nothing from the sensors either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had lost track of the shuttle as it neared the trees, which meant it could have landed or it could have crashed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From all the evidence so far there wasn’t anywhere for it to land unless it touched down <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inside</i> the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was how raccoons lived, but he didn’t find it likely the Cats would do the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot sensed someone standing in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up to see it was Marshy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled slightly at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could I speak with you for a moment, sir?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In private?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course, Lieutenant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll use the captain’s office.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot showed Marshy into Buster’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t like the idea of taking Buster’s chair as if he were already replacing the captain, but he didn’t see much choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He motioned for Marshy to sit down across the desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s on your mind, Lieutenant?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s more what’s on your mind, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know this is a tense situation, but the crew is starting to get stressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been on alert for sixteen hours already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crew is going to wear out before much longer.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Perhaps you haven’t noticed, Lieutenant, but we have three possible enemy ships shadowing us and we’re orbiting a potentially hostile world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t the time to relax.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m not suggesting we relax, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just need to start giving the crew some rest.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not until we hear from Captain Bulldog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Commander—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is all, Lieutenant.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot waited for a full ten seconds, but Marshy remained seated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dismissed, Lieutenant Ruff.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sorry, sir, but I think you’re endangering the crew.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m endangering them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to me the Cats are the ones endangering us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fleet studies have indicated that after being on alert for sixteen hours, efficiency begins to falter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Cats do decide to attack, we’re not going to be at our best.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot couldn’t dispute her argument; he had seen the same studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you propose I do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Resume rotating shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure Dash would like a chance to rest.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And not have me pestering him every five minutes?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy smiled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If I may, sir, I think you should take a rest too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s not possible at the moment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re part of the crew too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have to be here if anything happens.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then at least take a nap in here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can have someone bring a cushion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t be far from the bridge if you’re needed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot considered this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t deny how tired he felt, the hours of waiting for something to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rest, even a short one, might be beneficial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think I could sleep now if I tried.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He thought Marshy would protest again, but she only nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you could at least take a little exercise?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“To give the crew a rest from me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I might as well go see your brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have made some progress with the sensors.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s a good idea, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot stood up at the same time Marshy did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before they reached the door, he turned to her with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should get some rest, too, Lieutenant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t want you to fall asleep when we need to make a quick getaway.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though Spot had phrased this as a joke, inside he knew it wasn’t really.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before he went to visit Dr. Ruff, Spot stopped in sickbay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found Dr. Barker on the floor, arching her back towards the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t mean to intrude,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m doing some prenatal exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want to make sure the muscles are strong for the blessed event.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I won’t interrupt then.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m done anyway.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nina dropped to the floor with a tired sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held up one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A little help?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How thoughtless of me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot took her paw and then held in a grunt as he hefted Nina up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her puppies would be coming any day now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was unless the <i>Batpooh</i> was destroyed first.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why don’t we have a seat,” Nina said, motioning Spot to her office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t resist a yawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look a bit worn out.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lieutenant Ruff just said the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She things we should stand down a bit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You don’t agree with her?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your medical opinion?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Medically I’m not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my female intuition tells me that Lieutenant Ruff is a sharp biscuit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She is, isn’t she?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And very attractive too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is that your female intuition?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I think it’s pretty obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s young, attractive, and intelligent, everything you could want in a mate.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A mate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s a little premature to talk about that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nina smiled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You hardly know each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my female intuition tells me you would make a great couple.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot said nothing for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was it difficult for you and Captain Barker to be together on the ship?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The look of sadness that crossed Nina’s face made Spot regret the question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was hard at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried too hard to pretend we didn’t care for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whenever Bob called down here or paid me a visit, I could see that look on his face and I knew.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“After what happened, do you regret it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nina shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put a paw on her bulging stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and I have been happy together and we’ll find a way to get past his accident.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew Captain Barker and Nina were both very strong-willed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone could make it through something like this, it would be then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for the female intuition.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re welcome, Commander.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t suppose it’s told you where Buster is?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not yet, but I know he’ll be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Bulldog always gets his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should know that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot thought of Buster’s father, who had spearheaded building a new capital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it wasn’t so easy to kill a Bulldog.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dr. Ruff’s lab bore little resemblance to the storage lab it had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Computer displays took up three walls, plus most of the fourth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the center, the doctor and his assistants were plugged into a central terminal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot suppressed a shiver, knowing that they were communicating with each other through electronic signals far faster than anything short of telepathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He hated to disturb them, but he didn’t see much choice at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t need to ask Dr. Ruff to unplug; the doctor did so before Spot had the chance to say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust you’re here to inquire about Captain Bulldog?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any luck with locating him yet?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m afraid not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My team has explored every possible way to configure the sensors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no way we can penetrate their defenses.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Defenses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of defenses?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of Dr. Ruff’s assistants—or perhaps all of them—brought up an image on one of the screens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It showed the trees the <i>Batpooh</i> had detected, but they were colored light blue instead of green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Ruff pointed to them with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve detected an energy field within the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s powerful enough to deflect all of our attempts to penetrate it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Within the trees?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s possible these aren’t really trees at all but merely artificial devices meant to camouflage their civilization from prying eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another possibility is that the trees are real but wired with relays to project the energy field.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s no way of determining which it is?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m afraid not, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not without a closer analysis.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You mean getting on the ground?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That would be far more efficient.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But impractical.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At the moment, yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Ruff motioned to his assistants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At the moment we’re trying to dissect our readings and determine the nature of this energy field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That might allow us to find a way to penetrate it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot took Dr. Ruff’s arm to pull him gently away from the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you don’t mind, but there’s something personal I’d like to discuss.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can I be of service?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you think it would be inappropriate if your sister and I became better acquainted—as friends?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You wish to start an interpersonal relationship with her?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, nothing like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as friends.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dr. Ruff stared blankly at Spot, though Spot knew the doctor’s brain was processing the information furiously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t see any harm in it, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe you and Marshmallow would be a suitable match.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Marshmallow?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is her given name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She changed it when she came of age.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t blame her,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first of many facts he hoped to learn about her, provided the Cats gave them the time.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-79635075128986707542011-06-12T12:01:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:01:11.538-07:00Chapter 10<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<h1 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Chapter 10</span></u></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster hadn’t slept so well since he was a puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it was that he hadn’t slept in so many days or perhaps it was because the cushion he slept on was much more comfortable than a bunk on the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the reason, he didn’t want to open his eyes when he felt someone poke his shoulder and then heard Jake growl, “You going to sleep all day?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Maybe,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have gone back to sleep if Jake hadn’t taken the extra skin on Buster’s neck in his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an old game from when they were puppies, trying to scare each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake had always managed to scare Buster more often than the other way around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster swatted at his brother with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m getting up,” he grumbled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He rolled into a sitting position to find the others all awake and alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Saint Bernards loomed by the doorway, ready to break the neck of any Cat who came through that door wanting a fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger sat on his cushion, facing one of the room’s many windows, watching.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So what’s the situation?” Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“About the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They haven’t come for us yet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake motioned to the corner where the remains of dinner sat on a cart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster checked his chronometer, which was set to local time from the <i>Batpooh</i>’s computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was six in the morning according to the watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were Cats early risers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He adjusted his position on the cushion to make himself more comfortable, but not so comfortable he would fall back to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We should clean up as best we can before they get here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To set the example, Buster did what he could to smooth the wrinkles out of his uniform blouse and pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was tempted to clean himself, but that required the kind of privacy he didn’t have here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats didn’t seem to have any kind of shower either.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not going to matter how we look,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re going to execute us before too much longer.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They might try,” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hold on,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They haven’t done anything threatening yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the queen gave us her personal protection.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger snuffled at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They can always make it look like an accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strangers just so happened to run into some wild animals or eat some poisoned berries.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We don’t know they’re going to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s not jump to conclusions.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger snuffled again but didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster slipped on his uniform jacket and then began buttoning it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t eliminate the possibility of what Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, he couldn’t give in to paranoia either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mistakes like that had doomed relations between dogs and raccoons for decades and probably more decades to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had finished buttoning the jacket when the door slid open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A guard pushed in another cart identical to the one for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis trailed behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her light green eyes looked around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you have a pleasant night?” she asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, quite restful,” Dodger said, his voice brightening as he resumed his disguise as an ambassador.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this breakfast?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Correct.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the guards pulled away the covers from the trays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were omelets and milk, both of which were regularly consumed at BPS breakfast tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had the Cats been doing their homework on Bloc cuisine?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger made a show of sniffing at one of the omelets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That looks scrumptious.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“After you have eaten, I will escort you to the landing platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Whiskers will meet us there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How unfortunate that we can’t eat with the princess,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are some issues I would like to discuss with her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There will be time for that later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eat now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Isis spun around to ward off any argument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guards followed her, taking the dinner cart with them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Doesn’t look like you’re making much headway, Mr. Ambassador,” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Diplomacy takes time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger took one plate of eggs and a bowl of milk from the tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he returned to his position by the window to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster followed suit, taking a hearty bite of the omelet to let Jake and the Saint Bernards know it was safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best I’ve tasted.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Pretty good for a last meal,” Dodger replied.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isis had already helped Whiskers bathe and dress for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers looked in the mirror, trying on different expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t want anything to go wrong today, her first real chance to meet the outsiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just for an official welcome, but an entire day to show them the wonders of Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An entire day with Captain Bulldog, who had taken his ship so far from home, into unknown territory—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A knock on the door startled Whiskers from the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leapt backwards, her spine arching and claws coming out automatically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quickly regained her composure, smoothing down her back fur so that she would look regal and elegant—like Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summoning her most regal voice, she called out, “Who dares to disturb me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is I, Lady Isis.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come in, then.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn’t only Isis at the door, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rotund brown cat pushed his way past Isis to waddle into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seized Whiskers’s paw to kiss her there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, my lady,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Duke Draco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How unexpected.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I couldn’t stay away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not when I heard the news.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What news?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of the outsiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dogs</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Has news of that already reached Pussia?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“News travels fast these days, my lady.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I suppose it does.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers sank on the end of her bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to keep her nose from wrinkling at the smell of Draco’s breath when he sat down next to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His breath stank even more of stale fish and mice than usual.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are they like?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s hard to tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only me them briefly yesterday.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I heard they’re monstrous.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They aren’t monsters.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least no more of monsters than Duke Draco, who was known to swallow small animals whole—and still alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers hated just being around such an animal, but she didn’t have any choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pussia was the most-populated section of Cattatonia and the duke the most eligible and important bachelor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marrying him was a matter of royal prestige.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My lady, you mustn’t let yourself be seduced by their charms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dogs will bring us nothing but destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s already been foretold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look what they’ve already done to Captain Morgana and her outpost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They broke in and abducted her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That may not have been their intent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mustn’t jump to conclusions.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco took Whiskers’s hand, giving it a squeeze that made her want to yowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I only worry about your safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps I should accompany you—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That won’t be necessary,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew what Draco wanted was a chance to spy on the outsiders, to learn their secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides being the most eligible and important bachelor, he was also the most devious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whiskers knew his daughter Cassie supplied him with information about palace goings on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would have gotten rid of the nasty little beast, except that would offend Draco and all of Pussia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have plenty of protection.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Will Cassie be accompanying you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Most likely.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco’s white mouth broke into a grin, displaying his yellow teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is excellent news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t think of anyone better to keep you safe besides myself.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure she’ll prove very capable.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The duke kissed Whiskers’s paw again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps I could at least go to the landing platform to see you off?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whiskers held in a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She supposed it was only a matter of time before Draco finagled a way to meet the outsiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be nice, thank you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Draco squeezed her paw tightly as he hefted both of them up from the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way out, Whiskers threw a desperate glance to Isis, who said nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no one to save her, not from her royal duty.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Isis appeared moments after they finished breakfast to escort them down to the landing platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took nearly the same route as the day before, only without a stop in the throne room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would Queen Smokey be at the platform to see them off?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the look of her yesterday, Buster didn’t imagine she left the palace much these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though he didn’t want to be paranoid, he kept looking around him for any signs of a trap or an “accident” as Dodger had suggested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He supposed it would be easy enough for the Cats to kill them here, but as Captain Morgana had said before, they could have done that long ago if they had wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, if they died, who would relay Queen Smokey’s message to the Bloc?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They made it safely to the platform, Dodger leading the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster saw a shuttle like the one they had come down in, with a half-dozen guards standing around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In front of these stood Princess Whiskers and another Cat, one even fatter than the stewardess on their shuttle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the pants and shirt it wore, though, the Cat looked male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could male Cats reproduce?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger bowed to Princess Whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greetings, your majesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is good to see you looking so well this morning.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Ambassador.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The princess motioned to her companion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Draco, Duke of Pussia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is my betrothed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, how wonderful for both of you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster resisted the urge to snort at the absurdity of such a regal Cat marrying one so unappealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was probably an arranged marriage, as happened in Bear clans and some raccoon tribes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t imagine Princess Whiskers marrying this duke without some incentive from her mother.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The duke will not be accompanying us today, I’m afraid to say,” Whiskers said, though from the tone of her voice she didn’t sound very sorry about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I only wanted to see my lady to her shuttle and a chance to extend warmest welcomes to all of you,” Draco said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bowed to them as much as his stomach would allow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure you’ll find our planet as full of beauty and wonder as we all do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure we will,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now, let us be going,” Princess Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have much to do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster followed Dodger into the shuttle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same stewardess as the day before helped them to strap in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he readied himself for takeoff, Buster watched out the window as Draco leaned in to kiss Princess Whiskers on the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though he didn’t have experience reading Cat expressions, Buster could tell she didn’t like it.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-87790227140015139852011-06-04T20:29:00.003-07:002011-06-04T20:29:49.220-07:00Chapter 09<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 9</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shuttle’s windows closed on the way down<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to the landing ramp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Security precaution,” Captain Morgana said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster wondered just how the Cats were trying to protect with that. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was nothing he could do then but lean back in his seat and wait for the shuttle to come to a stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did so just a minute later, settling onto the ramp with only a mild bump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Morgana sprang from her seat, racing to the door even before the stewardess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake got to his feet, but Buster held up a paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want to provoke them.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake grumbled something but sat back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned in his seat to mutter something to the Saint Bernards with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster just hoped they would do anything stupid to jeopardize the mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was far too important for the Bloc’s future to throw away on paranoia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After Captain Morgana had bounded down from the shuttle, the stewardess came down the aisle, thanking them all for their patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please be careful descending the stairs,” she warned.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I suppose you should go first, Mr. Ambassador,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Captain,” Dodger replied, though he didn’t sound happy about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster followed the secret agent over Jake’s objection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll be fine,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They wouldn’t kill us on the landing platform.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster hoped this would be the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He summoned his courage, walking as straight as possible as he went to the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t hear any shouting or weapons fire to indicate a trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reaching the doorway, he shielded his eyes with one paw; despite the jungle canopy there was a surprising amount of light on the landing platform.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He recognized the gray cat as the one Captain Morgana had talked to on the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were standing oddly close to each other, Captain Morgana smiling in a way she hadn’t on the <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind them were a half-dozen guards carrying what appeared to be spears taller than them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster came down the steps to stand beside Dodger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s going on?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The queen’s envoy isn’t here yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re early.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Or she’s just fashionably late.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake and the Saint Bernards came down the stairs, lining up behind Buster and Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three of them looked ready for trouble if the Cats decided to try using their spears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again Buster hoped it wouldn’t come to that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A horn sounded, the notes so deep and loud that the landing ramp trembled beneath Buster’s paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He braced himself and then looked back at Jake to tell him not to worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a royal fanfare no doubt to welcome them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The guards parted to either side and Buster saw that he was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cat, her fur entirely white, glided through the hole the guards had formed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gold headdress adorned with jewels like the carvings on the pyramid, sat on top of her head with holes cut into it so that her pointed ears could stick up from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wore purple robes made of a shiny fabric that reflected the light as she walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her pink nose twitched as she saw Buster and the other dogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mouth curved into a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greetings,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am Princess Whiskers of Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I welcome you on behalf of my mother, Queen Smokey II.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We are honored, Princess Whiskers,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am Ambassador Terrier of the Bloc of Planetary States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bring greetings from President Batpooh Bear and his wish that this might be the first step towards forging a lasting relationship between our races.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster smiled slightly at this; for a secret agent, Dodger made a very good diplomat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Whiskers turned to him, he bowed his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greetings, Princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Captain Buster Bulldog of the starship <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my security officer Lieutenant Jake Bulldog and our escorts, Ensigns St. Bernard and Bernard.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is a pleasure to meet all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you will follow me, I will take you to my mother’s throne room.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The princess swept around, the hem of her robe sweeping over Buster’s boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked with a deliberate gait, her back straight as she glided along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster couldn’t help being impressed by how elegant she appeared, more elegant than any of the rich dogs at the soirees Buster Sr. had hosted when Buster was growing up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The interior of the palace was as magnificent as the exterior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walls had the same crystalline appearance; touching one with his paw, the wall turned transparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next room he saw large velvet cushions arranged in a circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is a parlor,” Princess Whiskers said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are these walls made of?” Buster couldn’t help asking.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will learn, in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provided our negotiations are successful.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You want to protect your secrets,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You are the first outsiders to ever set paw inside the royal palace.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We are deeply honored,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The tour continued through winding corridors made of the same crystal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster saw more figures of cats carved into it, some portraits and others historical scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These scenes depicted armies of Cat warriors fighting swarms of birds and strange creatures with long tails and hairless faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are those?” Buster asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We called them Monkeys,” Princess Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They exist now only in the deepest jungles.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fascinating,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would have liked to study them further, but Princess Whiskers kept them moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stopped at a set of double doors so tall and wide that the shuttle could have flown through it without difficulty.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A guard like those back on the landing pad tapped a button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doors yawned open slowly, giving Buster and company a gradual view of the even larger room ahead of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the others it was made of crystal, only on the walls were statues of Cats like those outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps even stranger were the trees inside the room that were like those outside, though not quite as big. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster heard a hiss from one of the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up to see Captain Morgana clinging to a branch, her tongue sticking out at them as she glared down from the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not fear her,” Princess Whiskers said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My mother has guaranteed your safety.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Princess,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen herself sat on a dais of crystal steps half as tall as the statues and trees around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lay curled up on a velvet cushion atop a golden bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Whiskers she had purple robes, though no headdress, only a thin gold fillet on top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen looked more like Captain Morgana, with the same brown fur and black stripes on the top of her head, though it was clear she was larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her long brown-and-black-striped tail coiled like a snake, its white tip pointing at them as if it were welcoming them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen roused herself from off the bench with a growling sound that didn’t seem like a friendly welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gray cat from earlier rushed to the queen’s side to help her into a sitting position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen’s green eyes narrowed as she studied the newcomers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are the dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At last we meet,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger bowed to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is good to finally meet you, Your Majesty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We come on behalf of President Batpooh Bear—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am aware of that,” Queen Smokey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did your ruler have you blunder so clumsily into our territory?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We meant no disrespect, Your Majesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we had known what appeared to be a simple asteroid belonged to you—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Captain Morgana wished to destroy you, but I have decided to spare you—for now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Your Majesty.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster waited for the queen to order them imprisoned in a crystal dungeon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and the Saint Bernards would fight valiantly, but it would be nearly impossible for them to make it safely back to the ship, then to the <i>Batpooh</i>, and then to Bloc space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in one piece at least.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We will allow you to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will see the wonders of our civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will then take word of these back to your president so that he may see our superiority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not tolerate any more incursions into our territory.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The queen waved a paw at them in dismissal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she settled back onto the bench with the gray cat’s help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a satisfied purr she fell asleep, even her tail falling silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly the greeting Buster had hoped for, but at least they weren’t being taken to a dungeon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The gray cat stepped forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Her Majesty has commanded that her daughter, Princess Whiskers, escort you around Cattatonia in her stead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will leave tomorrow morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, we will provide accommodations for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The gray cat took them to an elevator made of the same crystal as the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elevator was even faster than those on the <i>Batpooh</i>, taking them up to what Buster thought must be the top of the pyramid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the doors opened, two guards waited for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster put a paw on Jake’s arm to keep him from lashing out at them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your rooms are this way,” the gray cat said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She led them along a hallway decorated with more scenes, only these were of Cats raising a city similar to the one they had seen from the shuttle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another guard was present to open a gold door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The suite beyond these doors was larger than Buster Sr.’s in Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gray cat motioned to a metal box on a pedestal beside a half-dozen oversized cushions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you require anything, you may press the button on the intercom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Lady Isis, the queen’s handmaiden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will provide whatever you need for as long as you are here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Lady Isis,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure we’ll be most comfortable.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Food will be brought up to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have none of the filth Captain Morgana says you eat, but we will find something appropriate.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Perhaps we could contact our ship—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will have no communication of any kind with them, not until it is time for you to leave,” Isis said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Goodnight.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not exactly rolling out the welcome mat,” Dodger said after Isis had gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At least we aren’t dead,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a look around the suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a half-dozen other rooms, three with more cushions like in the main room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another room contained a large box of gray flakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster sniffed at these and then shot back with a yelp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That smells worse than a raccoon trash dump.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger stared at the box and then glanced over at the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that’s the bathroom.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’d rather go outside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be impossible, though, since the doors to the patio and the one they had come in through were locked. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Looks like they’ve got us trapped,” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s only for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You heard what the queen said.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’d like to teach that old—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At ease, Lieutenant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took off his uniform jacket and then curled up on one of the cushions as the queen had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to admit they were pretty comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that was because he was so tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s try and get some rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll each take a shift on guard.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was asleep before he could give any more orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He woke up what seemed like seconds later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door was open and two guards entering the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster struggled to get to his feet, until he saw the cart one of the guards pushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isis came in behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is time for you to eat,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Her Majesty regrets she is unable to entertain you this evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will arrange a royal feast for you upon your return.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is very gracious,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isis pulled back the lids on the trays on the cart to reveal what appeared to be tiny birds plucked of their feathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These are a delicacy on Cattatonia,” Isis said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stuffed toucan.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Lady Isis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And please thank Her Majesty for us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You may leave the cart in here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be collected later.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After Lady Isis and the guards left, Buster picked up a fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tore a hunk of meat from off the bird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tastes like chicken,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and the Saint Bernards snorted with laughter.</div>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-45055031350803997062011-06-04T20:29:00.001-07:002011-06-04T20:29:21.084-07:00Chapter 08<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 8</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster had been up for three straight days when they finally reached Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the constant threat of the Cat warships all around, Buster had left his command chair for only a few minutes at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot had brought a bowl of kibble into Buster’s office for him to eat while he went over the latest reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should get some rest,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll sleep when this over,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot hadn’t argued with him about it, though Buster started to wish he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to fight just to keep his eyes open on the bridge, as the seemingly endless blackness of space stretched before them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have allowed himself to sleep if it weren’t for his displays depicting the Cat warships flying right next to them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It came as a relief when the <i>Batpooh</i> began to decelerate and Marshy said, “Approaching Cattatonia per Captain Morgana’s coordinates.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The cobwebs in his brain cleared away in an instant and Buster braced himself to face not a planet but dozens more Cat warships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead there was a verdant green world ahead of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the Cat warships rocketed ahead of the <i>Batpooh</i> to take up protective positions in orbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The ship’s sensors couldn’t detect anything on the surface of the planet except a lot of jungle vegetation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did the Cats live underground?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or did they live here at all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps Captain Morgana had led them here for a trap after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m going down to visit with our guest,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maintain our position here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He sagged against the wall of the elevator once the doors closed and then wiped at his tired eyes with his paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were the Cats up to?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why bring the <i>Batpooh</i> to an uninhabited planet?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He found Captain Morgana perched on a table in the galley, staring out the window at the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster cleared his throat, prompting her back to arch as she whirled around to face him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have brought you here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where is here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Cattatonia, fool.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then where are the other Cats?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They are there, beneath the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, allow me to contact the queen so that she may decide what to do with you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course,” Buster said, wondering if this were another part of the trick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was possible the Cats could live beneath the trees, that the foliage was preventing the sensors from detecting anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bloc had the same problem with finding the raccoons on Batpooh State and other worlds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, it didn’t seem likely for an advanced civilization to be completely invisible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He arranged for Dash to set up a link between his station and the computer in the galley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this, Captain Morgana sent a transmission to the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Captain Morgana aboard the invader vessel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to speak with the queen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The face on the screen was of a Cat with gray fur on the top of her head and white fur on the rest of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her light green eyes narrowed as she stared at Captain Morgana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cat spoke in her own language, Captain Morgana answering with a pathetic mewling sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conversation went on for nearly two minutes, the gray Cat doing most of the talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the transmission ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Morgana turned to face Buster, her body sagging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The queen has arranged an audience for your ambassador.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our ships will send a shuttle for him.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now wait a minute, why can’t we take our own transport?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Security reasons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m supposed to trust that you’ll take him to the queen and not to a prison?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some of the Cat’s arrogance returned at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we wanted to kill him—and you—we would have done so already.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can’t send him alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least let me send a security detail—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You may bring four others, but no weapons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have to bring something to defend ourselves.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will be under the queen’s personal protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will guarantee your safety for the length of your stay.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster growled to himself as he considered this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to send Dodger or anyone in his crew down there without a weapon, but he couldn’t risk offending the queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That she had guaranteed their safety meant her personal honor on the line.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“All right, we’ll go,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As expected, Spot wasn’t happy with the arrangements Buster laid out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t go down there on their shuttle, unarmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could use you as a hostage,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“As Captain Morgana has already said, if they wanted to kill us, they would have done so already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same for taking us hostage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could have done it already if they wanted.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s no reason to make it easy for them,” Spot countered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know regulations say a captain isn’t supposed to go down to a planet until it’s verified safe.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is a first contact mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dodger and I can handle it,” Spot said, looking over at the “ambassador.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I think Captain Bulldog is right,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would be an insult if the commander of the ship didn’t come down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s not as if we’ll be defenseless.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger bared his teeth for Spot.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t like it,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re too important to risk down there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m too important to stay up here,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dodger is right, the captain of the ship should go down to meet with their queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the proper protocol.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot looked from Buster to Dodger and then sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you’re at least bringing Jake with you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Him and two of his toughest team members,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot still didn’t look pleased, but he didn’t put any more of an objection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake didn’t take the news much better, but like Spot he finally gave in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They want to start anything, we’ll show them a thing or two about paw-to-paw fighting,” Jake grumbled, flexing his considerable muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given Jake’s experience in unarmed combat, Buster couldn’t think of anyone better to accompany them on the mission.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not long after they returned to the bridge, Jake announced one of the Cat ships had launched a smaller vessel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it came closer, Buster saw a silver, delta-winged object coming towards them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cat shuttle no doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let it land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Bulldog and I will be in the hangar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell Ambassador Terrier to meet us there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger was already there by the time they arrived in the hangar, along with two guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were both much taller than Buster and Jake, well over two meters at least with shaggy brown fur and short white muzzles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They saluted at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ensign Bernard St. Bernard, sir,” one said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ensign Ben Bernard, sir,” said the other.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At ease,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would have thought you two were brothers.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They looked at each other and then shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cousins, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has Lieutenant Bulldog briefed you on the mission?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re to accompany you to the planet,” Bernard said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Unarmed,” Ben added.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Very good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster held up one finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t stress enough that we are to do nothing to provoke the Cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that understood?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir,” they said as one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another security guard appeared with Captain Morgana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her back arched again as she saw the hulking Saint Bernards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are these things?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Part of our security escort,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned as the hangar doors began to part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silver shuttle approached, looking much larger than on the <i>Batpooh</i>’s viewscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Looks like our ride is here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cats who lowered the shuttle’s ramp had the same reaction as Captain Morgana upon seeing the Saint Bernards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two security guards had to bend so that they could fit through the shuttle’s hatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they’d gone inside, Jake followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster and Dodger came after them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interior of the shuttle looked about like Buster Sr.’s private plane, with sumptuous leather seats and wood paneling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference was that these seats had far more straps to keep the passengers from being tossed about as they went through the atmosphere.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The straps had been designed to fit Cats with their narrower torsos and thinner limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster fumbled with his straps until a rotund gray Cat with tan blotches on her fur came over to help him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had far more difficulty with the Saint Bernards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end the two huge dogs took two seats each, using the combined straps and buckles to secure themselves.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster took a deep breath—but not too deep so that he didn’t break the straps holding him in place—and then looked over at Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here goes nothing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The straps proved not to be all that necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip through the atmosphere was so smooth Buster was able to sleep until the Cat who had belted him in shook his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are nearing our destination, Captain Bulldog,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As she went to help the Saint Bernards, Dodger elbowed Buster in the ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look at that gut on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s pregnant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good for her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Too bad we can’t take her aboard the ship and let Dr. Barker give her a physical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be interesting to know if the Cats breed in litters or singly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“From the size of her, I’d say litters,” Buster said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to look out the window, seeing only a canopy of green leaves and a horizon shrouded with fog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not much of a view.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re a little shy, aren’t they?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Cowards,” Jake grumbled from behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like those bloody raccoons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jake—”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Buster could say anything else, the shuttle began to descend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster reached for his straps, but there was no need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tree limbs around them seemed to be moving aside to accommodate them as they descended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Amazing.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More amazing was an entire city lying hidden beneath the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a small city either, one twice as big as Washingdog from the look of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle transitioned smoothly from vertical to horizontal flight and they began an aerial tour of the city.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The buildings were shaped like nothing Buster had ever seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of traditional geometric shapes, the buildings looked more like the stalks of some great plant, with a cylindrical hub and numerous smaller structures sticking out from the hub like thorns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire thing looked to be made not of metal or even glass but of some kind of crystal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he had to hazard a guess, Buster would have deduced the buildings had been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grown</i> rather than built.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Other buildings came in different shapes, some looking more like drawings of molecules than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster glanced back at Dodger, who looked just as awed as he was by the sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s unbelievable,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re far more advanced than we thought.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Far more dangerous,” Jake grumbled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster wanted to deny that, but couldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly the Cats possessed technology unlike anything the Bloc had ever seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as he was able, Buster would have to send for Dr. Ruff to analyze that technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was if he and the others weren’t executed by the queen first.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now you see how puny your civilization is,” Captain Morgana hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She motioned to the opposite side of the shuttle with one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is where our queen lives.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It looked far different from the First Mansion in Washingdog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The queen’s residence was a true palace, a pyramid bigger even than Bulldog Tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the sides of it were carved figures of Cats, each wearing an elaborate headdress shining with jewels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle swept low enough so that Buster could see the green jewel eyes of one Cat figure, that jewel twice as big as the shuttle itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Captain Morgana pointed again, this time to something below them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is where we will land,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster looked down to see a landing pad not that different from any in the Bloc with tiny figures scattered around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A welcome committee—or a war party?</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-65298035400758691052011-06-04T20:28:00.003-07:002011-06-04T20:28:43.993-07:00Chapter 07<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 7</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster allowed Captain Morgana to move around the ship, but only with a security detail following and only to non-secure locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant she couldn’t go to the bridge or engine room or other sensitive locations of the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The galley wasn’t one of those locations, though.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The first-ever Cat aboard a Bloc ship was presently curled up on a table in the galley, staring out one of the windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t anything for her to see except blank space as the <i>Batpooh</i> cruised through two star systems en route to Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Spot had tried to tell the Cat captain this, she only hissed at him to be silent.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He sat at a table in the galley with two of Jake’s security team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Captain Morgana was such a high priority, Spot had been assigned to keep tabs on her at all times and to provide whatever she needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far that had consisted of the table to sit on and a can of fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tasted one mouthful of dry kibble before spitting it back at Spot and saying, “How can you eat such filth?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot said nothing to this or to any of the Cat’s insults and threats of the <i>Batpooh</i> being destroyed once they reached Cattatonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to smile indulgently, the way you would at a puppy, and keep his cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they wanted to get out of this alive, they would have to meet with this queen of the Cats and convince her that the Bloc had no ill intentions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excuse me, sir, can I sit down?” Marshy asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Go ahead, Lieutenant,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy sat down on the chair to his left with a bowl of wet kibble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you would still be on the bridge.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The captain said I should get some rest before we arrive.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s a good idea,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wished he could get some rest, but he wouldn’t for the immediate future, not until they knew more about what the Cats intended to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marshy chewed a mouthful of kibble while staring at the Cat staring out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what a Cat looks like?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“More or less,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They come in other sizes and colors.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why is she staring out the window?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Homesick maybe.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What did their space station look like?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not too different from ours.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshy took another bite of her food and then turned to look at Spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Were they going to kill you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They might have, if not for Ambassador Terrier talking them out of it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Who is he?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember hearing about an ambassador on board.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even know until we were on the transport.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before Marshy could say anything, Dash came over to their table with his own tray of wet kibble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mind if I join you guys?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a seat.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like Marshy, Dash stared at the Cat as he ate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s really weird,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is a she,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is really weird.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s not exactly diplomatic, Dash,” Spot said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sorry again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean they talked about aliens at the Academy but I thought it was just made-up stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never thought we’d really run into any.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She doesn’t seem that alien,” Marshy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The raccoons are probably more different.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You think they’ll be as mean as the raccoons?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s hope not,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats were far better armed than the raccoons, which meant if things didn’t work out, the war would be far more destructive than a few bombings here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could very well mean an end to the Bloc.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With the ship on course and no signs of aggression from the Cat warships following them, Buster decided the time was right to meet with “Ambassador Terrier” in his office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the mission had been put together so quickly, Buster hadn’t time to redecorate, so that most of Captain Barker’s artifacts—bits of a meteor, petrified wood from the Great Forest, and a copperfish from Woof Three still swimming in its tank—still adorned the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster had added a picture to the wall, a painting of Washingdog made by his mother before the city was built.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He settled into his chair and then motioned for Dodger to take a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What exactly happened in that asteroid?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It turned out the asteroid was an outpost of theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We inadvertently broke into it,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned back in his chair far more casually than proper for a military officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They took us to Captain Morgana and I persuaded her to let us meet with the queen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Persuade them how?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I disabled her guards and then forced her to cut a deal.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster snorted at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And when we get to their queen, what do you expect to happen?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I could have let the guards kill us and their ships destroy yours if that would make you happy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’ve put us in a very awkward diplomatic position.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and Dr. Ruff were the ones who opened up that asteroid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger’s muzzle curled with a sneer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I hadn’t been on that transport, Commander Mutt would be dead and probably so would the rest of us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can recommend you for a medal if that’s what you want.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have enough of those already.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster could only shake his head at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no rattling the spy, that was for certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, Ambassador, what have you learned about the Cats so far?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Their technology seems similar to ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their basic physiology seems largely the same, but you’d have to ask Dr. Ruff about that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But they’ve figured out how to cloak their ships.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure you’ll agree finding out how is our highest priority right now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My highest priority is making sure this ship doesn’t get destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust you’ll keep that in mind as well.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t worry, Captain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your ship is destroyed, how would I get any secrets back to Batpooh State?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s not funny.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I assure you I’m deadly serious, Captain.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster snorted again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose you’ll want to take the lead on negotiations, Ambassador.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not at all, Captain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure you’re more than capable of handling it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll follow your lead.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If you don’t mind, I need to see Dr. Ruff about his analysis of the Cat rifle.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Go ahead,” Buster said, doubting there was anything he could do to keep Dodger from leaving anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Dodger had left, Buster turned in his chair to stare out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t anything to see, but that didn’t matter at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out there was Cattatonia—and the fate of all of the Bloc of Planetary States.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1913870973996941973.post-38826509010538484752011-06-04T20:28:00.001-07:002011-06-04T20:28:08.869-07:00Chapter 06<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> 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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><u>Chapter 6</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although he couldn’t see anything, Spot could tell from the instruments that the transport was moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This despite that he had the engines off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when he put them into full reverse the transport continued to be pulled ahead, deeper into the asteroid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Commander</i>, what do we do now?” Ensign Terrier asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can you get a lock on anything with the weapons?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Negative.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then I guess we wait and see.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Great plan.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you questioning me, Ensign?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot turned off all of the transport’s systems except the life support, seeing no point to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might need as much power as possible to escape—if they could find a way to escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it were the raccoons who had taken them captive then they would probably be held for ransom, the raccoons trying to exchange them for some of their comrades in arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Without the sensors he didn’t have any idea of where they were going or if they were going anywhere at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced over at Ensign Terrier, who had his arms crossed over his chest, looking almost bored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever happens, let me do the talking, Ensign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that clear?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want to make a bad situation worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The raccoons don’t execute prisoners, at least not unless they don’t get what they want.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not the raccoons.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How do you know that?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I didn’t want to tell you, but I suppose this qualifies as a need to know basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My codename is Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work for Fleet Intelligence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m here to gather information on Cats.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Cats?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You mean servants of Cat?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re more aware of your mythology than Captain Bulldog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Buster knows about this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I told him after I came on board.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger’s gray muzzle twisted into a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t worry, Commander, I swore him to secrecy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise I’m sure he would have told you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s good—I suppose.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now, we’re going to have a change of plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in charge now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got it?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“On whose authority?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“President Bear’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can show you the order when we get back—if we get back.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What if I don’t believe you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then I can break both of your arms.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot took one look at Dodger and knew he was more than capable of carrying out the threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you tell me some more about these Cats?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“From our information they look like pictures of Cat in our books.:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pointed ears, whiskers, green eyes, and claws.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So you’re saying we’re being captured by demons?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Pretty much.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s comforting.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They probably won’t try to kill us—yet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yet?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“First they’ll want to interrogate us for military secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they’ll study us for biological research.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I’ve always wanted to donate my body to science. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t think it would be so soon.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re taking this better than I thought you would, Commander.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Believe me, I’m shaking on the inside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not for his training he probably would have thrown up all over the console at the thought of aliens carving him up for medical research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So what do you suggest we do?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When they try to take us, I’ll look for an opening.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thanks.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It took only a few more minutes before the darkness around them became brighter than daytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot put his paws to his eyes, but not before the light blinded him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he opened his eyes again, he saw green and purple blobs for a full minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As his vision cleared, he saw they were in something like the repair station back in Batpooh State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except he didn’t see any ships at the moment, just a lot of machinery of unfamiliar design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They passed something that looked like a crane, although the brand name was written in a language he didn’t understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s their language,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Definitely Cats.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What does it say?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We haven’t decoded it yet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Great.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to get a message back to the <i>Batpooh</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot saw their destination in the front screen, a rectangular box with an enormous window of tinted glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tinted glass kept him from seeing any of these Cats Dodger was talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He supposed it was possible for the Cat myth to have been based on something in reality; most myths were based on fact in some small part.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He took the laser pistol from his hip and then checked the charge in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Cats could disable the transport, though, they might have some way to disarm he and Dodger before they could do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped not, thinking again of being dissected like a rabbit at the Academy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t worry, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take care of everything,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You seem sure of yourself.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Experience.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot tucked the pistol back into its holster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to do anything overtly aggressive, at least not until he knew more about what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could all be a big mistake, a miscommunication between different species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such miscommunications that had doomed relations between dogs and raccoons decades ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the same fate could be avoided here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shuttle shook violently, a sound like bending metal prompting Spot to grab his armrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were the Cats going to tear the ship open to kill them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a deep breath, wondering if it might be his last.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The middle hatch burst open like a cork in a wine bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot held his breath for a few seconds before realizing he didn’t need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No air was rushing out of the transport, at least not yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took his paws off the armrest and then put one to his holster.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The creatures that came through the hatch were just as Dodger described.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three had short hair similar to Spot’s fur, except one was darker gray and the other two were yellow, though one more of an orange shade than the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had pointed ears that showed through their silver helmets and green eyes visible through their helmet visors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their muzzles were about as short as Buster’s, only without the jowls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead theirs had whiskers extending from each side of a pink nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whiskers of all three creatures twitched as they saw the dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The oblong shapes in their paws could only be weapons of some type.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You have violated Imperial Cattatonian territory,” the orange-yellow guard hissed in perfect Bloc Standard.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That was not our intention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came only on a mission of peace and exploration,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took his paw away from the holster to lift both paws over his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped they understood this gesture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am Commander Spot Mutt II of the Bloc of Planetary States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish to open a dialog with your people.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Take us to your leader,” Dodger said with a snicker.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cats didn’t understand the joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hissed to each other in their native language, their whiskers continuing to twitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally they broke their conference and the orange-yellow one said, “We will take you to Commander Morgana for judgment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spot looked over to Dodger, who only shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time must not be right for him to try something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that time would never come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cats led them through winding corridors of sterile gray metal, to the point where Spot had no idea where they were going anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cats had been smart enough to take his laser pistol and Dodger’s as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot thought the intelligence agent would put up a fight, but he just handed the weapon over without incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where are we going?” Spot asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dark gray Cat tapped him in the ribs with the butt of his rifle in response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will be there soon enough.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It seemed to take an hour at least before they finally reached a set of black doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doors parted to allow the guards to shove Spot and Dodger inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room they had wound up in didn’t look like a control room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked more like a throne room, with a single chair on a raised dais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chair itself looked similar to Buster’s on the <i>Batpooh</i>’s bridge, with buttons studding the armrests.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the chair sat a Cat without any armor, only a plain white robe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of her fur was equally white, expect for patches of brown with black stripes from the top of her head down to her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another black stripe adorned her nose, though this was a scar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pink tongue darted out of her mouth and her green eyes squinted as Spot and Dodger were shoved forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat fidgeted in the chair, her forepaws twitching as if possessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am Captain Morgana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why have you invaded our space?” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We are on a mission of exploration,” Spot said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We meant you no harm.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You dare to use your weapons to break into our outpost and then say you mean no harm?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We didn’t know this was your outpost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no response to our attempts at communication.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Because we have no interest in communicating with your kind,” Captain Morgana hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your kind are nothing more than brutal savages.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“With all due respect—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Silence!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Morgana scratched at the left side of her face and then began fidgeting in her chair again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dodger stepped forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain, we mean no disrespect to you or your people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should warn you that killing diplomatic envoys is considered an act of war.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat hissed at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are not diplomatic envoys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are invaders!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If you’ll allow me, Captain, I can produce my credentials to prove I am a personal envoy of President Batpooh Bear of the Bloc of Planetary States.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger started to slip a paw into his jacket until one of the guards hit him in the back with a rifle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Assassin!” Captain Morgana shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kill them!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Faster than Spot imagined possible, Dodger spun around and hit the dark gray guard in the midsection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brought his left leg around to kick the light yellow guard in the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third tried to shoot at him, but Dodger ducked and then swept the orange-yellow guard’s legs from beneath him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A punch to the head made sure the guard went unconscious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As all three guards lay sprawled on the floor, Dodger stripped them of their weapons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tossed one rifle to Spot while training another on Captain Morgana.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fools!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will never escape!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you get out of here, we have warships ready to pulverize your vessel.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have no intention of escaping,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time he reached into his jacket and pulled out a sheet of paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot couldn’t read it, but he recognized the presidential seal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As I said, I am a duly appointed diplomatic envoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish to open relations with your queen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is outrageous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You dare to come in here and—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Open a channel to your queen’s representatives or you can join these three.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Captain Morgana stared at Dodger for a moment, continuing to fidget in her chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally let out another hiss and then said, “Very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I cannot contact her from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must go to the control room.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lead on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger gestured with his rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just don’t try anything funny.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Captain Morgana stood up, much shorter than Spot or Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dodger stayed behind her, the rifle aimed at the center of her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot followed them, looking over his shoulder at the three disabled guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That had been amazing, but Spot knew it would take far more than that to get them out of here alive.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">#</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The only ship-to-ship combat Buster had experienced had been war games staged by the fleet using simulated weapons and damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The separatist raccoons didn’t have warships and the Bloc didn’t have any other enemies—at least until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He steadied himself on the command chair, waiting for the first shot of what could be an interstellar war.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That shot didn’t come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re powering down weapons,” Jake said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the viewscreen, Buster saw the Cat ships backing off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had they decided not to attack or was this merely a stay of execution?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ensign Mutt, get a channel—”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re already calling us, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Put it through.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The voice that came on wasn’t the same hissing one as before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster recognized it from his quarters as that of Dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Attention <i>Batpooh</i> this is Ambassador Terrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please lower your shields and power down weapons immediately and prepare to receive a diplomatic envoy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excuse me, Ambassador, how can we verify that you aren’t under duress?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s true, Captain,” Spot’s voice said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve sent a message to their queen and she’s agreed to meet with us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster let out a tiny sigh of relief to hear his best friend’s voice again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only had Spot lived, but he and Dodger had managed to gain an audience with the queen of the Cats! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good work, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll prepare to receive you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once the communication broke, Buster turned to Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Power down weapons and shields but keep all hands on alert.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster got to his feet and then started towards the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to the hangar to greet our guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Ruff, you have the conn until I return.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving a new officer like Marshy in charge was unusual, but Buster knew Jake didn’t like to be in charge of the ship even for a short time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was much better at taking orders than giving them, unless those orders involved security matters.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster figured he had time to go to his quarters and fetch his dress uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was largely the same, except with gold piping on the red uniform jacket and along the black pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also splashed some water on his face and did what he could to clean his jowls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to make as good of an impression as possible on whoever this envoy was that Dodger had mentioned.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster made it to the hangar just as the transport was arriving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the look of it, the ship wasn’t any the worse for wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster hoped the same was true for those inside of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The <i>Batpooh</i> didn’t have a marching band to play any music as the transport’s ramp was lowered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster could only stand stiffly by the ramp in silence, waiting for the passengers to disembark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot came down first, his jacket looking a little rumpled, but otherwise unharmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spot tossed Buster a salute and then smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Permission to come aboard?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Granted, Commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, where are your guests?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Coming, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one has been a little edgy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I bet.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster hadn’t seen a Cat before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one that came down the ramp did look about as Dodger had described.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way this one hissed and fidgeted, Buster could easily imagine her being a servant of an evil goddess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He forced himself to cast aside these antiquated notions and salute her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greetings, Madame Ambassador.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Captain Buster Bulldog of the Bloc of Planetary States starship <i>Batpooh</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome aboard.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will pay for this,” the Cat hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The queen will make certain of it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster didn’t know what to say to this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was spared by Dodger coming down the ramp, an alien rifle in one paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it had not been he or Spot under duress but rather the Cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greetings, Ambassador Terrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust your visit went well?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Better than expected,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you have quarters to accommodate Captain Morgana.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure we can find something.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buster turned to the Cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let us know anything you require and we’ll do what we can to provide for you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You can put me aboard one of our ships or take me back to our outpost.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now, Captain, that’s not a very diplomatic attitude,” Dodger said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned the Cat rifle over to Buster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure you can take good care of that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of course.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Before we do anything else, though, Captain Morgana needs to see a star chart so that she can provide the coordinates for Cattatonia.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ll go to the conference room then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Cat made a mewling noise in her throat but didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She followed obediently as Buster led them to the conference room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the main computer screen in the room he projected an image of the system based on the <i>Batpooh</i>’s sensor readings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is the best information we have available,” Buster said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Captain Morgana studied the screen for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her paw tapped part of the screen to zoom in on an area of space about two parsecs away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cattatonia is here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fourth planet of the system,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank you, Captain,” Dodger said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster pushed an intercom button to the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Ruff, set a new course.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave her the coordinates Captain Morgana had indicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll be heading there at half-maximum speed once I return to the bridge.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Understood, sir.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now, Captain, I suppose you’ll want to alert your warships of our departure.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They will accompany us,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s understandable,” Buster said, though he didn’t like the idea of three warships following him around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would have preferred to explore the area unescorted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Once we’re underway, Commander Mutt will show you to your quarters.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It will not matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and your ship are doomed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Buster said nothing to this, hoping the Cat was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering the old stories, though, he wondered if maybe he would help to usher in Doomsday.</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span>PT Dillowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394481476862013009noreply@blogger.com1