Respite
by Donald E. Miller, Jr. (aka LionkingCMSL)
with a portion by Painless Black Wolf

The Lion's Den tractored the LV1167 with them back to Outpost 1, after all the commotion had died down and was given clearance. LV1167 was docked to the outer ring while the Lion's Den headed into it's own hangar.

LionkingCMSL was in his quarters, at his desk, reading some news of the trial and aftermath, when the Lontran message, of what could be considered the throwing down of a gauntlet, happened. His eyes were fully dilated, ears flat against his skull, mouth agape and tail was lashing wildly at this news.

"What?!? She can't be serious? This'll mean war." The lion then hit the intercom button for the bridge. "George! Have you heard the news?"
"Aye, sir."
"Do we have any Fur Fleet or Lontran crew furs on board?"
"We did sir, but the resigned after the trial. I guess they saw this coming. Captain Skipai was a popular fur."
"Yes, I know he was," and to himself he continued, "and a good friend." "How are we staffed now?"
"All our members are either Homestead or non-aligned planet furs. Painless is still not back. He made an appearance then disappeared right away. Camstone is back on planet. Some personal matters to attend to."
"That sounds like Painless, and I know of Camstone's troubles. Well, we'll put those two furs as away on detached duty."
"Aye, sir."
"George, you've been in the HASS for a long time, right?"
"Aye."
"What do you think they will do if a war starts?" LionkingCMSL was still holding out a slim hope that maybe peace would prevail.
"Well, we are non-aligned, but friendly with both sides. I would guess we would stay neutral until it was proven that one side had or has committed war crimes. I know the HASS would protect this section of space against any incursions."
"I want your honest opinion here. What should 'I' do? I mean, I'm not an 'official' member of the HASS, as the ship is not. I'm a resident and citizen of Homestead by birth, but I can't bear to see my friends fight each other either."
"Captain, LionkingCMSL, my opinion is to sit tight. As good as this ship is, and the crew that furs her, we are no match for some of the heavier ships in either fleet. We wouldn't last two minutes against some of the ships I've heard about. Being a commo cat has its own rewards. Professional courtesy and a little bit of eaves dropping helps also." The lynx said with a grin in his voice on the last couple of sentences.
"Okay, I won't pry," the lion responded, also with a grin in his voice.
"But, one thing I know sir, is that this crew will follow you to where ever you lead. You have seem to have gotten a reputation for looking out for your crew, and it's true. We had to cull down the list of 100 furs to 10 furs to fill the slots vacated. Those 90 furs were not happy that they didn't get on board the LD."
"Well, that's good to hear. Look, I want you to pass the word that there is liberty, but with the proviso that they are to be available for immediate, and I do mean immediate, call back. Maintain a rotating skeleton staff. That staff is to make sure that this ship is ready for immediate departure at a moments notice. While we are sitting here, they are also to make sure every system is 100% ready. I have a feeling this might turn into a shooting match and we might be called into it."
"Aye sir."
"Captain out"
"Bridge out."

The lion got up from his desk and walked to a wall where a framed piece of paper hung behind unbreakable glass. He took it down and looked at it. The paper had these words printed on it:

I vow not to harm another fur, if I can help it.

All life is of value. I will kill for food only, and then I will kill only non-intelligent beings for food.

The only reason I will break this vow is for self preservation or to protect another innocent fur from immediate danger, and then only when all other avenues have been closed to me for a peaceful resolution. I will then use the least amount of force needed to accomplish the above.

I will not harm another fur out of malice, spite or for sport.

I, LionkingCMSL being an intelligent fur and of sound mind take this vow.
Signed:

Below the "Signed;" was his nose print, as he had taken this vow while he was a quad, and before he realized he could morph into an anthro.

A tear welled up in LK's eye a rolled down his muzzle and landed on the glass. He had become captain of a killing machine and had ordered weapons to be fired that destroyed many a fur life. That was to protect the greater whole, but he still did not feel good about it. Now it looked like he may have to take sides in a war that was insane. Defending the galaxy at large from Lang's pirate fleet was one thing, but taking sides in a war because one side was unhappy of how a trial went was another.

He put the frame back on the wall and said, "Creator of all things, please do not allow this madness to continue. If this madness to take a turn for the worse, please guide me in what I'm supposed to do."

The lion then sat back down at his desk, lowered his massive head, put his paws to his eyes and sobbed. He wept for the future and what he might be called on to do, and for the innocents that would lose their lives in a galaxy that went mad.

A few moments passed and then the stillness of the room was broken as a clawed hand was gently placed on LionkingCMSL's shoulder and a voice spoke kindly and calmly.
"My Furiend and Captain, I felt your distress and came to be with you."
It was Painless Wolf, the current-time one, the First Officer of the Lion's Den, come home from trying to save the Universe from all of the various evils in existence.
LionkingCMSL slowly looked up, focusing on his Furiend as the wolf used one claw to wipe away a streaking tear from the lion's eye.
The captain looked at the claw, then up at Painless. Too well he remembered the carnage wrought by that clawed hand as the Wolf's awful counterpart, the Tyrant. He spoke, "Painless, I don't know if I should be happy and relieved that you have returned or afraid, but I know that we have a lot to yerf about my Furiend."
The lion warmed the wolf's heart then by placing his own paw over the wolf's, still on his shoulder and Painless thought to himself, "I was right to come back here."

After LK and Painless had yerfed about the situation and what LK had decided to do, which was basically sit and wait, he told Painless of a decision he had made. "Painless, I need a break. I've been up here to long. I'm going back to Homestead for a while. You have the conn until I return. Please do not contact me unless it is really necessary. I trust your judgement. The crew is on immediate call back and the ship is ready to leave at a moment's notice."
"Yes, LK. I also feel that you need a break. Enjoy yourself, and don't worry about anything here. It'll be taken care of."
"Thank you Painless." With that LK got up and headed towards his dressing area.
Painless took this as his cue to leave. Just before he got out the door, LK turned to him and said, "And Painless."
"Yes, LK?"
"Please leave me with a ship and crew I can return to," the lion said with a laugh.
"Aye, Captain," the black wolf said with a smile.

LK entered his dressing area and switched his uniform robe for a simple, light weight, brown one. He then did something that was totally out of character for him. He put a collar on. This was no ordinary collar though. This one had a built in communicator. This was needed, because LK was going to be a quad for most of the time he was on planet and he would have no way to carry or use a regular communicator. He fluffed out his mane to cover most of the collar, but it still showed in spots.

He was headed to the transport room when he sighted a bobcat and coyote talking and laughing. A small, wry, smile came to him as he remembered the trashed mess room and the look of total fright on those two faces.¹

The bobcat and coyote then saw LK, stopped and snapped to attention, something that was rare on board the Lion's Den. They too remembered the same incident and did not know how the captain would respond to seeing them together. They also remembered the "Big Guy's" promise about throwing them off the ship, if he had heard of another incident involving the two of them. There hadn't been one. In fact they had worked harder than they had before. Their friends and fellow crew furs had told them they were nuts for doing what they had did. The "LD" was a great post, and to "throw it away" over an argument was silly. They agreed with that. No question.

LK smiled inwardly. although he was worried about the ongoing crisis, he knew he had to relax and he was going to have some fun with these two. He had kept tabs on both of them. During the clean up of the mess room, they had become friends. Their job performance had actually increased. He had awarded them with a pay raise, that neither of them had expected. This surprised them, for they thought the "Big Guy," he knew he was called that by most of the crew, had "black balled" them. They were also surprised when their "house arrest" only lasted two days, for they thought it would last a week at least. They were still weren't sure when the costs of the damages were going to be deducted from their pays. They had a feeling that it would never be, but they weren't sure. LK was going to tell them in the future that it would never be, and any reference to the threat would be erased, but he still want to keep them guessing.

LK never demand strict military decorum on his ship, for his ship wasn't a military one, but a privately owned one. Owned by him. He returned salutes when one came his way, but it was not expected. He was a big believer in earned respect not demanded respect.

While at any time he could tell the furs to "stand down" from attention, he thought he would play along. Eyeing them critically as could, with out bursting out laughing, he asked in a gruff voice, "Well, are you two going to wreck another mess room?"
"No, Sir!" they both replied at once.
While walking behind them, giving the appearance of looking for anything out of place, in reality to prevent them from seeing his big smile, he leaned down, between the two furs, to their ear level and asked, "Have you two learned your lesson?"
To their credit the bobcat and coyote stood ramrod straight and didn't flinch, although they wanted to leap nearly three feet in the air when they heard their CO's voice right in their ears. They both replied at the same time, "Yes, Sir!"
LK finished walking around them and couldn't help but smile.
The bobcat and coyote wondered what was so funny, but didn't dare to speak. Their gaze was still straight ahead and their mouths were a straight line, or as straight as a fur's mouth can be.

LK took a look at the two grim faced furs and finally couldn't hold it in any more. Laughing he said, "At ease gentlefurs."
They relaxed, but were still wary.
"Look, I've been keeping tabs on you two. While I'll not forget what happened in that mess room, I'll forgive your getting carried away. This time. Don't forget what I said though, but I don't think I'll have to arrange for your transfers, unless that's what you want."
The coyote said, "Oh, no captain. We want to stay here."
"That's what I thought. I must say that I've been impressed with your job performances since that little melee. I think you know that."
"Yes, we do sir. Thank you sir!" they both replied at the same time.
"Okay, you two are dismissed."
"Aye sir," the bobcat said. He and the coyote felt a 100% better than they did a couple minutes before.

LK continued on his way and arrived at the transport room.
The transport tech on duty was leaning on one elbow and drumming his fingers on the console. "Another hour and I get to go on liberty," was his thoughts. His thoughts were rudely interrupted when he heard the door for the room open. He slowly turned his head to see who was interrupting his daydream, when he saw LionkingCMSL enter. He immediately snapped to alertness and wondered what would happen, now that his CO saw him lazing about.
LK dispelled any fears with his soft spoken, "Relax. I didn't see that. I know you want to go on liberty like every other fur here."
"Thank you, sir."
"For what?"
The tech was quick witted and he saw the subtle hint his CO just gave him, "Oh, for giving us liberty."
LK just smiled and was glad the tech picked up on the hint to let the matter drop. "No problem. I'm going on liberty myself. Can you beam to the lodge I'm
from on the planet?"
"Aye, sir. No problem at all."
"Great." LK took his position on the platform and said, "Ok. I'm ready whenever you are."
"Yes, sir. Starting sequence now."

The brightly lit Transport Room was replaced with the lengthening shadows of early evening and the lodge in front of LK. He breathed the crisp fresh air of the lodge area. He smelled smells he had forgotten about. Camstone was making some of his famous roast beef. Smrgol, his erstwhile Science Officer, was baking brownies. Smrgol had taken an indefinite leave of absence. Kirins, he had explained, are a peaceful species. While he did not mind helping rescue furs from the Embolid's, war was against his nature. We would re-join the Lion's Den when, and if, there were any strictly peaceful and/or scientific missions. LK couldn't fault him for that, and so reluctantly gave his friend his request for leave of absence. Then LK smelled the scent he wanted to smell. Kamau lion's pride was near. It was this last scent that LK hoped to smell close by. That meant he didn't have to go searching for his lion friend. He stopped at his "private place", unused for a long while, to do what he had to do before morphing into is quad lion self. He then wandered to where Kamau lion was.

Kamau lion almost did back flips when he saw his "long lost" friend appear out of the grass. To say he missed his friend was an understatement.
There were body and head rubs galore. The lion way of saying, "Hello".
Kamau lion seemed to say, "Long time since you were here. Staying long?"
"Yes it has been, and not as long as I would like. I just want to be with a pride and relax. I don't want to think of space, wars, or anything 'civilized' for a long while."
"If you want to forget, take off that collar!"
"Kamau, I can't rid myself of my collar any more than you can rid yourself of your mane. I am hoping that it won't bother me for a long time."
"As you wish my friend. As always, my pride is your pride."
"Thank you, my friend," LK said as he gave the big Barbary lion another head rub.
"You're welcome. Now, let's see what the lionesses have caught for dinner."
"Lead the way."

For a while, the Captain of the Lion's Den became just another lion on Homestead's lush savannah. He was happy. Both of him. The "civilized" side was happy to forget his cares for a bit, and the "wild" side was happy to be running free again.

Even though Painless was deep in mediation, he was keenly aware of everything that went on around him. He heard the news of SciFox and the transfer of OutPost 1 to the HASS. He smiled despite himself when he heard that the Omega docked and the security teams found "Kat's" drone tied to the pilots chair. Simple, but effective the black wolf thought. When the reports of "Kat's" debriefing leaked out and what she had reported, he felt sad. He had not wanted Sci dead, but wanted to save him from a fate worse than death. He wished he could go and comfort the fox, but he knew he was needed here and it was best to let the fox find his own answers.

The black wolf did break his mediation when the report of Smirk capturing a FurFleet frigate came over the comm board. He was ready to call LK and the crew back, but HASS surprised him. Instead of instructing the Lion's Den to go to "High Alert", they told Painless to stand down from "Alert" to "Stand By" status. Painless then told the crew to go from "immediate" recall to 30 minute status. He also had everything but what was needed to maintain bare minimum systems on-line to cold stand by. He knew although those orders were given, the entire crew would be back in 5 minutes and the ship would be ready to depart in less than 15 minutes. The crew was that committed to the Lion's Den and her captain.

Painless wanted to tell LK about the change in the ships status and was ready to call him, when the "Big Guy's" admonition about not bothering him unless it was really necessary over ruled him. He tried a round about way to tell LK about the change, but no fur on Homestead or on OutPost 1 knew where he was. The only clue was that the transport tech on duty reported that he went to his "home lodge" on Homestead. He had asked Camstone to check LK's "private area" and all he found was the cap and robe the captain was wearing when he beamed down. It was like LionkingCMSL disappeared into thin air. Painless could not even "sense" where his CO had gone. Other than a sense of happiness that came through from time to time, he couldn't locate the lion. It was if the captain had shut off his intellect.

Painless was getting worried. He had no way of knowing if LK had a communicator with him. But that would make no sense, as LK had said not to bother him. That would surely meant that he had a communicator with him, but his
clothes were at his "private area". Then it struck him. LK was wearing a collar. The transport tech had said so. He noted it because it was odd for the lion to wear one. LK's clothes were left somewhere were he could get them, and the only time he didn't wear his hat, for the most part, was when he was a quad.
Painless thought, "That collar has a communicator built in to it, I bet. Probably do no good to scan for it. For knowing the 'Big Guy', it's probably totally passive unless he's using it."
Painless could easily scan for lion prides in the lodge area, but he decided against it. He knew of at least 4 prides in that general area. If he did step "between" and chose the wrong pride, he would probably either scare the lions off or would have to do some quick stepping again. Even if he chose the right pride, he was not sure how his captain would react to his intrusion. His best option was not to do anything, but wait.

*** Homestead - Kamau lion's pride ***

LionkingCMSL was never happier.
A lion's life is not a bowl full of cherries, but this was a lot better than worrying about a war or the lives of his crew. There was one time he looked up at the evening sky and saw the glint of OutPost 1 there. He had seem to sense that Painless was going to call him. He prepared for it, but the call never came.

LionkingCMSL's "civil" side had given free reign to his "wild" side. This was not an admission of defeat, but a way of letting the big cat relax and get in touch with his "roots".

There were times even the "wild" side was frightened. Like the time LK was helping to take down a zebra. The mare back kicked and the hoof just grazed LK's muzzle. If that kick had been three inches to the left, the best thing that could've happened would've been a broken jaw. The worst, well, not even LK's "wild" side wanted to think about that.

There were humorous moments too. At least one came at LK's expense.
It seems that a lioness took an interest in LK and assumed the "position", laying seductively in front of him. Now LK knew what to do, but he looked at Kamau lion for permission. LK knew no matter what the big Barbary lion said, he was still was the alpha male and he had first choice.
Kamau lion looked at LK and seemed to say, "She wants you and only you. So go ahead. I'm still hurting from the last time I tried to take advantage of the moment. She may not be as heavy as me, but she sure can put some power behind that right fore paw of hers. She only wants who she lays in front of."
LionkingCMSL nodded and proceeded to do the deed. Ten seconds later there was a look of shock, outrage and confusion on his muzzle, as it was nearly sliced open with a well placed swat and a snarl/growl from the lioness. Luckily for him, his instincts took over and he backed off the lioness.
Kamau, with a look of amusement, seemed to say, "My, you have been away too long. You must've forgotten that it's the lioness that decides when she's had enough. They'll let you know without question."
LK padded over to his friend, and said quietly in to the other lion's ear, "You know what? I had forgotten that fact."

Time became a blur, as it has no meaning to a wild lion. There were battles to protect the pride from a takeover attempts, and just sleeping, eating and other lion things.

More than once the lion shook his mane and felt the collar move on his neck. He knew that eventually he would have to go back, but that wouldn't happen unless he was called back. Meanwhile it seemed that both of his "sides" were coming to an understanding and compromise. Both sides were needed for the whole to function and now they knew it. One thing was for sure, when the call came and he went back, he would be a "new" lion. Not only physically, he had re-toned his muscles like they hadn't been toned in ages, but his whole being was being finely honed into a more refined lion. Both "civilly" and the "wild" side of him.

LionkingCMSL was enjoying his freedom. He had looked up to where OutPost 1 was and found no pressing need to return. He was beginning to feel as he may never return, but he doubted it.

He was honing himself to a fine temper, like that of the strongest steel. What ever fat that he had gained during his life as an anthro on the Lion's Den was burned off. He was fitter than he had been in a long while.

He did what the other "normal" lions did, and more. While the rest of the pride rested, he watched. He watched everything. From how prey animals would telegraph their next turn when being chased, which had helped him fell a musk ox, to the way the other furs held themselves and re-acted to the prides, who did nothing to them. He also was building his endurance to the utmost limits of his body. While lions like to run for the fun of it, he was running to push himself. He knew he would never go faster. Top speed would always be around 40 MPH, but he knew he could run farther at that speed than any "normal" lion. When the lionesses were running out of "steam" and panting, he had reserve. More than once it was that reserve that finally brought down prey. He outlasted them. He had increased his endurance at top speed so that he could run a mile before he started to feel the effects of the run and have to break off the chase.

There was one time where his observations and endurance saved his life.

He had just gotten done some "wind sprints", when he spotted a fur getting out of a vehicle. The weasel looked around furtively and was nervous. LK could sense fear and wariness. This fur was from off planet, as most "Homesteaders" knew that the prides, and individual lions, from around the lodge area wouldn't hurt them. That was in part due to all the anthro lions, Kamau lion, and himself. They made sure the other lions knew not to hurt a "fur". What happened next surprised the big cat. The weasel pulled a rifle out from the vehicle. This was against Homestead's rules, especially around the lodge are. Just as the lions and other predators would not harm the furs, they, the furs, had promised not to hurt the "quads". The only time this was to be broken, was in self preservation. This was not the case though. LK was alone, and unless the weasel was going to start shooting at leaves, LK "knew" he was the target. He hunkered down in a crouch, watching the weasel intently. As expected, the weasel shouldered the rifle and brought it to bear on LK. LK was only about 50 yards away and could see every muscle, tendon, and sinew ripple underneath the fur of the weasel. The weasel threw the bolt back and forward to chamber a round. LK knew this was a point in his favor, as the weapon was not an automatic. His eyes narrowed as he watched every move the weasel made. He would only have one chance, and he would have to do it just perfectly. He saw the weasel's finger go to the trigger. LK steeled himself. He saw the finger tighten on the trigger, and just as it was pulled back LK jumped to one side.

The shot went wide, as did the weasel's eyes. He had never seen an animal do that before. He had expected the lion to charge right into the path of the bullet.

LK covered the distance before the weasel could ready another shot. He pounced and pinned the weasel with one large fore paw.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" LK growled at the weasel, canines bared.
"Y-y-you c-c-can t-t-talk?" the weasel stammered.
"Yes, I can. My question still stands."
"W-w-well, I had a craving for some exotic meat."
"So you decided to shoot me. Is that it?"
"Y-y-yes," the weasel stammered again as LK brought his snarling mouth closer to the weasel.
"Well, I may have a hankering for some weasel right now. After all, I'm hungry after my run. But I won't eat you, you're not worth it. Let me show you something else I can do. Anthro now."

For the first time in a long while LK morphed into his anthro form. He now had a wide eyed weasel by the shirt. LK stood up and brought the weasel up with him. The weasel was now about a foot off the ground, and his feet were pedalling for traction. At that point the weasel lost control of his bodily functions, as he still thought he was going to be eaten. "Just so you know who you were shooting at, let me introduce myself. I'm Captain LionkingCMSL of the Lion's Den," LK said with a growl.
"I know of you," the weasel cried. "You won't eat me. Will you?"
"No," LK said with disgust, "I won't eat you. I've taken a vow not to harm another fur. In your case, though, I'm almost willing to make an exception."
"Please, don't eat me!" the weasel begged.
"I won't," LK said as he bent over to pick up the "brave hunter's" rifle. He then walked over to the weasels vehicle and threw him down next to it. "Leave this place and never return. If you do come back to Homestead to shoot something, it better be with a camera! And take this thing with you." Just before LK threw the rifle down next to the weasel, he bent the barrel into a "U" shape, breaking the wooden grip in the process.
The weasel picked up the now useless rifle and got into his car. Just before he sped away in a cloud of dust, he said, with fear in his voice, "You better believe I'm never coming back here."
"Good."

LK shook his big head and looked into the early evening sky. He saw the glint of OutPost 1 and thought, "I wonder what's going on up there. I would've thought they would've called me by now. Oh well. I guess I'm not needed right now. Maybe peace did come." With another shake of his head, as if to clear the "civil" side away, he said, "Quad now." After he dropped back onto all fours, he looked back to where OutPost 1 was. He looked away and started to walk towards where the pride was, but he was feeling something. Even his "wild" side could not deny it. Could it be a longing to return to space?

Painless was again mediating, alone on the bridge, when the alert came through. He went to the comm board and put the message on the main view screen. The Furderation President and shield was shown. Painless watched with interest. When the broadcast ended, he gave a soft whistle. This was news he had not expected. Liek was now a loose cannon with a small fleet at his disposal.

Painless called the crew back immediately and had the ship prepped for whatever action the Captain may want. He then made the call he was hoping he wouldn't have to make.
He pressed a button on the command chair and said, "Painless to the Captain."
On the planet below LionkingCMSL's collar chimed softly and vibrated. Painless' voice came over next. It came over so softly, only LK could hear it. He stepped away from the pride and said just as softly, "Yes, Painless."
"We have a situation that needs your immediate attention and return."
"Okay. Give me 10 minutes and I'll be ready."
"No time, LK."
"Well, give me a minute to say goodbye to Kamau lion."
"Aye."
LK walked back to the pride and his friend and said, "Well Kamau, it looks like duty calls. I must leave now. Thanks for everything. I'll be back."
"You are always welcome to my pride. I'll see you later," the big Barbary lion seemed to say as he gave LK a fond head rub.
"You can count on me returning as soon as I can," LK said as he returned the head rub.

LK walked away from the pride again and made sure he was out of sight. He didn't want to startle any of the pride with a transport. When he was satisfied he said, "Captain to the Lion's Den."
"Lion's Den. Painless here."
"Okay, I'm ready. Have the transport lock onto my collar's signal."
"Aye, LK. Done. You will have fresh clothes in the Transporter Room when you arrive. Starting transport now."

The savannah was replaced with the brightly lit Transport Room. LK blinked to accustom himself to the new lighting level. The transporter tech, an anthro zebra, also blinked, in surprise. Instead of his anthro lion captain, there was a quad lion standing on the pad.
Hitting the "All Call" button in panic, the zebra yelled, "Security to Transport Room 1. On the double. I have ..."
"Belay that order," LK fairly barked. "Security stand down. This is the Captain."
The zebra looked at the lion agog. "You're the captain? I don't understand. He's an ..."
"Anthro lion. I know." LK then remembered the zebra's name. "Your Ensign Malaga. Elmer Malaga. Right?" The zebra merely nodded. "Okay, Elmer, I'll explain after I change. Painless said my clothes would be here for me."
"Yes they are, sir," Elmer said as he held up a bundle from his console.
"Look, I know you are a little frightened of me, in this form. I'll just sit here and ask you to put my clothes on the floor in front of me. I won't hurt you. I promise."
The zebra complied, keeping one eye on the lion at all times. After he placed the clothes on the floor, he retreated to behind his console.
LK got up and stepped off the platform and padded to his clothes. He turned to face away from the zebra, sat down and said, "Anthro, now."
The zebra's eyes were big as dinner plates as he watched what he could of the morphing process.
LK stood up and dressed quickly. He turned around and walked to the zebra. "Elmer, I'm sorry if I frightened you. Very few on board know that I can morph between quad and anthro. Fact is I'm happier as a quad, as that is how I started my life. It's a long story. My ability is not a big secret, but I choose not to reveal it to everyfur." The lion then put a large hand on the zebra's right shoulder and gave a re-assuring squeeze and said, "Don't let it bother you. I don't eat fellow furs." He smiled and left the room for the bridge.

LionkingCMSL entered the bridge and Painless noticed something "different" about the "Big Guy". First of all, he was more fit than the black wolf had ever seen him. He also seemed to carry a hightened air of authority. It had always been there. Well, when one stands at over 8 feet tall, you carry that impression anyhow. But this was different. It was like LK was in total control. It was not of the sort that made you feel inferior to him, just that you gave him your respect whether he wanted it or not.

"Okay, Painless. I have the conn. What's up?," LK said in, to him, was his normal voice.
To the other furs on the bridge, it was a different story. They all sensed, even Painless, that the lion had changed. LK's voice had deepened a little. Just enough to make you sit up and take notice. It also had taken on the quality that seemed to say, "I'll buckle deck plates if I want."
Painless looked at LK and said, "Sir, here is the situation." He then filled LK in on the details.
LK looked at Painless askance. "Sir"? Painless very rarely called him "sir" and never while discussing "routine" matters. They were close friends. He let the matter drop until a more appropriate time. He said aloud, "Well, this is unexpected. This doesn't bode well. You were correct in calling me back. Liek has been basically 'fired' by the FurFleet and is now a wanted criminal. He also is running around with his very own space force?"
"That's correct, Sir," Camstone said.
"Camstone calling me 'Sir'? That's unheard of. He's also one of my closest friends. What the hey is going on." Again aloud, "Sam, I want you to get clearance and take us out to over Luna's north pole."
"Aye, sir."
"Okay, he normally calls me sir, but he's a little stiff. Like he just signed on board," LK thought. Again aloud, "Camstone, Painless. I want to see you in my office." The lion turned and walked to the rear of the bridge and disappeared into a door way.
Both Camstone and Painless looked at each other said, "Yes, sir," and followed LK into his office.

LK was already seated at his desk and motioned for his two fur friends to sit down. They complied. "Alright. What's going on here?"
Painless and Camstone just gave the "Big Guy" blank looks.
"Look, we three are friends. You have never called me 'sir' before. Why now?"
Painless answered with, "LK, you've changed. Your whole attitude now says, 'Call me sir, or I'll bite you'."
Camstone chimed in with, "Yes. That's it. I couldn't place my paw on it. But that's it."
"Look you guys, I'm still the same 'Big Guy' I was when I went on planet. There has been some changes, yes. But nothing that will change our relationship, nor how I'll treat my crew or friends. Painless. you know of my battle. correct?" The black wolf nodded. "Well there has been an understanding reached between both sides. My 'civil' and 'wild' sides now understand that they must cooperate to make the whole stronger. This is what you might be seeing. A stronger me. Now enough about me, what about Liek? Any thoughts on where he might be headed?"
"No LK. None at all" - Painless
"Well, let's look at the possibilities. Lontran Home world?" - LK
"Possible, but not likely." - Camstone
"Why?" - LK
"To heavily protected and it's too obvious." - Camstone
"Homestead and/or OutPost 1?" - LK
"Possible. The trial was held here. Some of his enemies are here." - Painless
"And they are?" - Camstone
"Painless, both of him. Sahi. Smirk is based here. This was Sci's base. Wolfen Starhelm. Plus some others." - LK
"Don't forget yourself, LK."- Painless
"Me? I don't think my comments on a news broadcast would qualify me as an
enemy." - LK
"Normally, no they wouldn't. But Liek may lash out at any fur who he sees has
done him wrong." - Painless
"How about Vulpinian space?" - LK
"Doubtful. To heavily fortified and they haven't done anything to warrant his
attention, yet." - Camstone
"Lang?" - LK
"Good possibility. We still don't know if the 'real' Lang was ever caught or killed. Sorry Painless. And he is Liek's adopted son." - Camstone
"Apology not needed friend fox. I've been deceived before and after that incident." - Painless
"Torel?" - LK
"Doubtful. No fur knows where his base is and it's unlikely Liek knows either." - Camstone

LK leaned back in his chair and said, "Looks like we're back at square one. For now. What the status of the ship and crew?"
Painless replied, "The Lion's Den and her crew are at 110%. All repairs, upgrades and modifications have been completed"
"While I'd rather not sit and wait, it looks like we'll have to do just that." LK then pushed a intercom button. "Sam, how long before we depart?"
"Departing now sir," Sam said stiffly.
"Okay. Thank you." LionkingCMSL turned to Painless and Camstone and said, "I sure hope the crew learns I'm not some imposter. I don't think I could handle the tension. I want you two to spread the word that I'm still the same 'Big Guy' who left and for every fur to relax."
"Yes, LK," they both replied.

With that, the Lion's Den cleared the hangar doors and headed to Luna's north
pole to await further developments.

The End (of this chapter)

¹ Please see "Melee"

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Kamau lion © himself
Painless Black Wolf © himself
Camstone Fox © Peter Morrison
Smrgol © himself
All Lion's Den characters © Don Miller, Jr (aka LionkingCMSL or LK) 2000 - 2001