Children of Steel

by John Van Stry

  "It’s not often I find myself with such an obvious advantage!" Said Rudy, still grinning as he joined us again under the awning.

  The first bus came and went at this point. It filled up before we were able to get on, but the driver told everybody that they were sending another two out immediately.

  "The merchants aren't going to let you sit out here with all your money, don't worry!" He laughed just before driving off.

  Sure enough, five minutes later we could see the dust trail from the arriving buses on the horizon.

  The buses weren't anything fancy, but they did have air conditioning at least. It was packed full on the trip in and we ended up standing due to the amount of people. The trip took a good twenty minutes, and cost a buck.

  "How far is the city anyway?" I asked.

  "About thirty miles," supplied Mist. "They don't like the modern look of the spaceport or the ships marring the look of the cities here. So everything is well back and out of sight."

  It was about that time we entered into the city and I could see what she meant. The buildings were like none I had ever seen before. First they were all very colorful, with lots of bright pastels and artwork on the walls. Second the construction was all rock, carefully cut and fit together. Third, there were a lot of columns everywhere, but not a building over three stories high, and not a lot of those either.

  The streets themselves were all well paved and very smooth, a light tan color so as not to become too hot I guessed. Colorful awnings covered the entrances to the shops and there were a good deal of street vendors under distinctive awnings and canopies of their own in many of the places where there were only walls off a building behind them. I noticed that along the side streets however there were no street merchants, just here in what was apparently the business district.

  "They tend to use a lot of classical Greek and Roman styles in their architecture, besides the classic Egyptian ones," supplied Rudy. "Also the original settlers had a large Mexican contingent; they were allowed to join the religion as their ancestors used to build pyramids as well. Anyway, that explains a lot of the colorful artwork."

  "It is nice," said Lyle.

  "I suppose that the Cats in some of them in no way influenced your opinion?" Mist laughed. "Jaguars are big with the sect that the Mexican descendents started, so you'll see murals with depictions of them in lots of places."

  "Didn't the Aztecs practice human sacrifice?" Asked Lyle.

  "I think so," Rudy answered, "But as far as I know, the local religion doesn't allow it, so I hope it isn't being done."

  The bus dropped us off in the center of town, and we decided the first thing would be to get something cool to drink and maybe a little food as well. It took us about ten minutes to find a place that didn't look too full and everybody could agree on. Agreement became easier the longer we stood outside.

  The place was nice and cool inside, not too brightly lit either. The waiter seemed happy to see us, and it was interesting to note that he gave Mist, Lyle, and myself somewhat better service than he did Rudy.

  "I guess there aren't any possums in the ancient Egyptian Pantheon," I joked when the waiter was out of earshot.

  "Probably aren't any Possums on the whole planet," he returned. "As long as the only drawback is I get waited on last, I can live with it."

  The food turned out to be pretty good, if maybe a little different. But then I'll eat anything that doesn't succeed in eating me first. I did notice that the waiter was a lot more respectful to the human customers, but that didn't bother me any. What I did find interesting was that we were the only animen around, the four of us that is.

  "How come I don't see any other ani's?" I asked Mist in a stage whisper.

  "The worker's are too low in status to serve humans I think," She whispered back, "But I think I smell monkey coming from the kitchen."

  "Yeah I think so too. What about ani's that are a higher class though? You think there are any here?"

  "Beats me," she shrugged, "This is only my second time here."

  "What are you two whispering about?" Asked Rudy quietly.

  "How come there aren't any other animen customers," replied Mist.

  "Well, from what I heard Dave saying the other day, the vast majority of animen here are workers, and low class. The ones who are of high enough class are either very pampered, or just very rare. I expect we'll see more though later when it cools down."

  "Dave's been here too?" I asked surprised.

  "Dave's been damn near everywhere I think sometimes," he smirked.

  We had finished eating by then, but decided to sit around and have a drink or two before going back outside. When we finally did venture out it was after four, and the heat of the day had started to wane.

  We wandered around outside for quite a few hours after that, looking in shops of different sorts. I was amazed at the amount of jewelers and metal smiths there were here, all of them very skilled and turning out some really beautiful work. Rudy told me that this was one of their major exports and I should buy whatever I could afford. After all, in some ports I could probably sell it for a pretty good profit.

  By eight it was getting dark, and I had spent about a thousand dollars. We had all done quite a bit of shopping; Mist had spent several thousand at least, and was wearing most of what she had bought. She looked real good in it too. I tried to think of things that Cassandra would like and asked Mist her opinion on quite a few things. I couldn't see myself wearing anything really, but I thought that Rudy was probably right, so I'd invest some cash too. I had enough in the ship's bank, that was for sure. Maybe tomorrow I'd get Herza or Terease to help me pick out some more.

  As we wandered the darkening streets, the city really started to come to life. People started to fill the streets, dressed in all sorts of finery. We even saw some of the local Priests. We bowed in respect and were rewarded with some kind of a blessing; I guess the priests were only dangerous when provoked.

  I started to see animen in the streets at that point too. What they had told us about the primates being on the low end of things was obviously true. I saw several litters being borne by Apes, and all of the monkeys I saw were definitely being low key. What surprised me was when I saw a very pretty female Jag covered in what must have been a million credits in gold and gems, lying on one of those litters, near the foot of someone of obvious power.

  "Look at that," I said nudging Lyle, staring, "I think we're seeing one of the pampered ones."

  "That guy must be from one of the noble families," He said, "A sure sign of power that he can spend so much on his pet, huh?"

  "I think he's got pretty good taste in women if you ask me!" I replied looking her over. She had noticed me at that point, and favored me with a lazy smile. "Yep, definitely has good taste in women," I mumbled.

  "You ever sleep with a Jaguar?" Asked Mist coming up from behind.

  "No, why'd you ask?"

  "Well," she giggled, "I think tonight’s your chance."

  I looked back at the large litter that had been bearing the lovely Jag in question, and I saw that she was talking to her Master and gesturing in our direction. A moment later, he turned to one of the Monkeys in his entourage, and sent him our way.

  "Greetings Sir" he started out bowing to me. I noticed that he was better dressed than any of the other primates I’d seen so far tonight and sported some modest jewelry as well. "The Lord Hyberius has asked me to invite you to his townhouse tonight, that you should come as guests to his party for the local Lords of the city."

  "Does that include my friend's as well?" I asked looking back at the litter.

  "Yes," he smiled, "even the Possum. Hyberius is by no means a man who is skimpy in his largesse."

  I smiled at him, and then back at my new friend on the litter, as it started off again down the street. She smiled back and I gave her a small bow.

  "What is the name of that most lovely creature at his feet?" I asked turning back and getting into the act.

&n
bsp; "That is Helena, my Master's favorite among his prizes."

  He said the last without any inflection whatsoever. "What do you think of him? And his prize's?" I asked.

  He looked around to see who might be listening, "He is a good master to me, I have a good position and may one day be able to buy my freedom. His prizes are pampered pets, and I think you're going to be doing, and getting, some serious pampering tonight."

  "Sounds fine to me!" I laughed, "Lead on and show us where this party is."

  We all followed him then, as he led us through the winding streets to the wealthy section of town. As we progressed through the streets I noticed that not only did the quality of the buildings improve, but the size of the blocks they were made from got larger as well. Traffic decreased some, though the streets were still fairly busy when we got there. From the outside the townhouse was huge, cut from granite and marble blocks that must have weighted several tons apiece, with an interior that was unbelievably lavish. Gold, silver, and gems decorated everything, along with tapestries of the finest silks artfully displayed in a wide variety of colors. The floors appeared to be made of some very fine wood, those that were not covered in rich carpets.

  "Let me take your things for you," our guide told us, "Would you like them delivered to your ship?"

  Everybody agreed to that, and we gave him our packages.

  "Oh, by the way," I asked before he left, "What is your name anyway?"

  "Bill," he said smiling, "Can you believe that?"

  "Actually, no." I said smiling back, "I'm Raj, this is Mist and Lyle, and the Possum is my friend Rudy."

  We all exchanged greetings, then he left us for a moment to take care of our things. He was back in less than a minute and led us to an inner courtyard that was also huge, and as lavish as everything else we had seen so far. Again there were fine silks everywhere, fine decorations covered with precious metals and gemstones, tiled fresco walkways winding around small display gardens and pools. Once there he brought us before his Lord and introduced us as we all gave our best bows.

  "Thank you for gracing my humble house," he replied magnanimously, "feel free to enjoy the party, and even to spend the night if you wish." I could have sworn he was smiling at me when he said that last.

  We thanked him for his hospitality, then quickly left his presence before we out stayed our welcome. Besides he seemed busy being introduced to the other guests that were arriving.

  We looked around at the lavish surrounding's, there were several bars set up in the courtyard and we naturally gravitated towards one of those. The available refreshments turned out to be quite a long list. I started smoking something the bartender recommended, and drinking a nice mild beer, that appeared to have some sort of mild stimulant in it.

  Needless to say, in a very short time we were all very comfortable and feeling no pain. I began to wander around, to see if I could find Helena, when suddenly I felt her come up from behind.

  "Why hello," I said turning to face her. "I'd like to thank you for getting us invited to this lovely party."

  "The pleasure is all mine," she purred smiling at me. "My name is Helena, and I belong to the House of Hyberious."

  "I'm Raj Rakir," I replied giving a small bow, "And I guess you could say that I belong to the Tri-Star Mining and Manufacturing Company." I noticed she was giving me a good look over, and I decided to return the favor. She was still wearing a lot of gold and gems, though not as much as she had been on the street. She was in absolutely perfect physical condition, obviously she didn't lie around all day. "Do you like what you see?"

  "Very much," she replied smiling. "I have never seen a leopard as big as yourself before."

  "And I've never seen a jaguar with so much jewelry." I smiled back.

  "It is mostly for show, though some of the pieces that I wear outside are more functional."

  "Really?" I asked, "They obscure your obvious charms."

  "Yes, they are actually light armor. You see I am actually my Master's bodyguard."

  "Well, he has excellent taste in his defenses I'll admit."

  "He prefers beauty to brawn," she said with a wink, leading me back to the table at which my friends were sitting.

  "And distracts would be attackers from your actual purpose?"

  "Sometimes, the rest think I am inept because I am a female, and a pampered pet at that."

  We came to the table then and I made introductions all around as I seated her at the table.

  "Thank you Raj," she said smiling warmly up at me. I got the distinct impression I was going to have a very enjoyable, if sleepless night.

  "So how do you like our humble little planet?" she asked us.

  "Well, one thing's for sure," laughed Rudy, "This townhouse is anything but humble! As for the planet, it's a little hot, but not too bad."

  "If you could see my master's estate, you would call this humble, believe me." She moved her chair closer to mine.

  "Just who is Hyberious anyway?" Asked Mist, "We just got in today, and we weren't here very long last time. Those of us who've been here before that is."

  "My master is the First Cousin to the King, and his closest advisor as well." She smiled at us again, and I could feel her hands moving along my thighs.

  "Boy talk about moving in the higher circles!" Said Lyle laughing. "Looks like we stumbled into the big time tonight.

  I thought about that myself and wrapped my tail around Helena's waist, who had by now undone my shorts. As she wasn't wearing anything that passed for clothes either, I really didn't mind. I looked over at her and smiled. "I'm not going to get in trouble for indecent exposure am I?"

  "Don't worry; there isn't any nudity taboo, especially among animen."

  "I'm not worried about that," I smiled, "It's what your hands are continuing to do that has me nervous."

  "I don't think I'd worry about that if I were you Raj," Said Lyle grinning, and nodding towards the rest of the party. I turned to look.

  The party was going fairly well now, more than well actually as several people were obviously, if a little discretely, making love in the shadows by some of the other tables.

  "I thought orgies were a Roman thing," I muttered turning back to the others.

  "Who care's?" said Mist laughing, "We're on leave, let's enjoy it!" She then climbed into Lyle's lap facing him, as I could see both of their shorts on the floor, I had a good idea what she was planning on. Any further discussions were cut short by Helena doing the same to me.

  Eventually, we did move to a secluded area, namely her quarters, once her Master retired. She was quite strong, not as strong as Rasha or myself, and had a lot of stamina. I had a truly enjoyable time and from the sounds she was making, I think she did too.

  I woke the next day, when a servant brought us breakfast, more like lunch actually as it was about one.

  "I've never been served in bed before," I told her as I started in on the first course, there appeared to be several. "Except in the hospital maybe, but that doesn't count."

  "Really? Its quite enjoyable, I do it as often as I can." she speared a chunk of meat off the platter with one of her claws, which judging from the scratches on my back, she kept much sharper than most cats.

  "What's it like being a ..." I stopped and tried to think of a better word.

  "Pet?" she supplied, "I like it actually. I have a wonderful Master, who gives me everything I want," she looked at me and slowly smiled. "I live a life of luxury, I go everywhere he does, get the best training around, and can legally kill anybody who lays a hand on him. I'm allowed only to shred those who touch me, unless they're a peasant of course."

  "You like fighting?" I asked curious, I had always thought Jags were more laid back then that.

  "Of course, don't you?" she looked at me strangely.

  "Don't look at me like that!" I laughed, "Everybody always tells me I like it too much, I've gotten into a lot of trouble for fighting."

  "Are you any good?" she asked, giving me an appraisi
ng eye.

  "Better than you!" I smiled.

  "Oh?" and she attacked me right there.

  It was an interesting fight, I'll say that much. The sheets and blankets of the bed worked to entangle me at first, she obviously had fought in bed before, but I had trained a little with nets, which were much worse. I held her off until I got clear, then spent a lot of time parrying and blocking. After all, I didn't want to hurt her too bad. Or get badly hurt myself.

  She on the other hand held nothing back, and eventually I decided to get serious myself, after getting hit with a good kick to the ribs. The fight ended when I got her pinned to the floor face down. Of course that started something else and I told the servant to leave at that point.

  Later on, we were down at the kitchen getting some more food to make up for that which was presently splattered all over the walls of her room.

  "You are pretty good," she admitted as we sat and ate.

  I harumped at her, "I'm the best."

  "Modest too." she chuckled.

  "Don't forget good looking."

  "What about smart?" she laughed.

  "Can't have everything." I deadpanned.

  "How long are you going to be in port for?" she asked, standing up and stretching. It was very lovely to watch, especially the way the light played on the gems in her armbands.

  "Six more days, why?" I got up as well; looking around to make sure the room we had been eating in was empty.

  "I thought you might prefer to spend them with me," she said rubbing up against me.

  "Sounds like a plan," I gave her a kiss, and then made very good use of the couch I had noticed in the back of the room. After all this was leave.

  I found out later that day that the others had gone back to the ship earlier that morning. The last thing I had remembered about Rudy was seeing him with two rather pretty ladies, a fox and a human. I really wish I knew how he did it!

  That day was quite enjoyable. I found out that the locals usually stayed inside and took naps during the heat of the noon day. The evening was when the city really came alive, and after piling me down with a good twenty pounds of jewelry, I got to accompany Hyberious as he made his daily rounds. I felt a little sorry for the litter bearers at first, but Helena told me not to worry, the total weight only came to about eighty pounds each.