“That’s fine. As long as I can do it to get it out of my system and heal, that would be great.”
“Sure, sure. We’ve got a lot to do in a short period of time. If they haven’t been clued in on G-Force looking for me, it won’t be long before they find out. Do you need anything to drink? Remember you ate all the food.” Renard spun on his heel, expecting Dominic to follow him to the refractory.
Dominic chuckled. “I recall. Coffee is fine. I need something to wake me up.”
“You sure you don’t wanna try getting more rest before we touch down?”
“Nah, I’m good. At least if I have liquids, it’ll quell the hunger pains.”
Renard turned around to meet Dominic’s gaze. Bright blue eyes met his, making his lose his train of thought. “Uh, um… you’re hungry?”
“Always. Like I said, right before Cold Season we eat massive amounts of food. I’ll probably be eating a ton for the next month.”
“Better double the food stock then.” Renard reached for the coffee and popped the lid. “Double or triple the amount. I’m not sure how much I can carry on the ship though.”
“I’m sure we’ll figure it out.” Dominic lifted a mug from the cabinet and slid it over in Renard’s direction.
Renard eyed the spaceship shaped cup with the stone handle. “That’s my mug.”
“Does it matter?” Dominic asked matter-of-factly.
“It kinda does.” Renard said while switching the maker on. “Since I’m the captain and you’re my visitor.”
“Then you should let me use this. I’m a guest.”
Renard harrumphed and folded his arms. The fresh grounds made his nose twitch and he sighed in content. “Fine. Just… just don’t break it. I’ve had that mug for more cycles than you’ve been born.”
“How do you know?”
“I just do.” Renard griped. “Can you hand me the smaller one?”
“Nevermind, you can have your mug. I’ll take the other.” Dominic snickered and leaned against the counter.
“Did you just argue with me to spite me?”
“Maybe. I like getting your goat. You’re so adorable when you’re angry.”
“Adorable isn’t a word I’d use to describe me.” Renard filled both cups. “Cream?”
“Lots. Bears looove cream.” Dominic winked at Renard.
Renard twisted his lips and handed it to him. “So, I’ve heard. The sugar’s on the other side. Come up and sit in the co-captain’s chair when you’re done.” He grabbed his mug and turned away from Dominic. They were flirting, but now was not the time to explore what could be happening between them.
“Kay. You want me to bring the rest of it up in case we need a refill?” Dominic asked.
“Nope. I don’t wanna take the chance of spilling it on the controls. Baal’s board isn’t waterproof.”
“What the… why? All the newer ships can withstand almost anything.”
“Well this one is from the old ages, but I love her anyway.” Renard kept walking, not waiting for the quick retort.
While it was true what Renard said about his beloved craft, he wondered if G-Force would still give him Canaan once he returned. He’d worked hard for that thing and figured despite his latest infraction Renard had done more than enough to deserve a newer method of transportation.
Dominic
The landing was chaotic.
While Renard loved this hunk of junk called Baal, Dominic hated it. Yancey wouldn’t have been suitable for a long trip, but at least he was current.
This craft whizzed like an Old World machine he’d read in his studies. Funny thing was, Dominic considered Baal to be just like Renard, mature and not flashy. Those descriptions fit Renard to a tee.
When the door opened, Dominic followed Renard out onto the land where several quill-faced beings greeted him. Their skin colors ranged from light to dark, with two elongated teeth in front. They all wore simple suits that appeared to be space gear along with the clunky moonboots Dominic recalled his people wore while exploring other planets. Hideous would be the word to describe them, but Dominic wouldn’t say anything to upset their hosts.
The same word couldn’t be said about the beauty Dominic spotted before him. Greenery, plenty of trees and flowers surrounding small houses that all looked to be the same sizes and colors. The air was filled with the flower’s fragrances and temperature seemed to be perfect. Dominic checked the wrist connector Renard gave him to wear. It read seventy degrees Fahrenheit, which were paradisiac conditions Dominic had only known during hot season on Gocara.
“Captain Renard. What brings you to us?” One spoke while extending his hand.
“Batsung. How are you?” Renard accepted the handshake.
“I’m good. How are things with G-Force?”
“Great. Uh, I’m not here long, but me and my friend need supplies, food, and fuel.”
“Of course. Anything for the G-Force. Does Baal need a good washing too?”
“No, she’s fine. Anyway, this is Dominic. He’s… uh… a new trainee and I’m showing him the ropes.”
Dominic saluted the being and nodded. “Hiya.”
Batsung narrowed his eyes and leaned in close to Dominic, sniffing him.
Dominic moved back and growled under his breath. Hedgehogs weren’t food for his kind, but they could easily become that.
“Uhh, is something wrong, Batsung?” Renard inquired, sounding concerned.
“He is an animal shifter. Since when does G-Force allow such beings into their army?” Batsung wrinkled his nose.
Dominic wanted to laugh because if the thing had eyebrows he might’ve raised one.
“If you must know, it’s a new program for non-fighters. Anyway, we need to get to the market. We’ll find lodging there for the night. We won’t stay long.”
“Oh, you’re welcome to stay in my dormitory of you’d like. I’ve got plenty of room.” Batsung said with a grin.
“You’re too kind, but I don’t wanna impose. Plus, as you pointed out Dominic is a shifter and he might need to transform during our stay. I wouldn’t want to cause trouble if he needs to do it in the middle of the night. And that also goes for me.”
“I suppose you’re right, Captain Renard. All right then, if you need anything else let me know. I’ll have my people start gathering foods and fuel for you.”
“Excellent. Thanks for that. C’mon, Dominic.” Renard walked away quickly.
Dominic sprinted behind him just to keep up. “That was close, huh?”
“Yeah well, they’re naturally curious. They always ask questions every time I come here.” Renard continued walking through a pathway to an area surrounded by different kinds of buildings. Carts and tables with people of all kinds selling their wares filled the middle not leaving a person much space to walk through.
“Meaning they’re nosy as hell.”
“Very. Anyway, we don’t have long. Let’s grab what we need and find a place to rest. I only want to spend a moon light here.”
“Gotcha boss. As long as I’ve got food and clothing, I’ll be fine.”
Renard grunted and stepped up to a table manned by a being with three eyes and an oblong shaped head. The alien claimed to sell clothes in all sizes.
“What do you need, stone face?”
Renard appeared to ignore the jab. “Clothes for the shifter. Step up, Dominic and pick what you need.”
Dominic did, not bothering to speak with the thing. He’d never seen so many different types of people. Not only that, they were over ten days away from home, meaning Dominic would’ve never made it here unless his superiors wished to expand their territory. While it had been discussed, Dominic didn’t see it happening since Gocarians only wished to control planets close to home. Hunarth, for example, was only a couple of days away, which meant it was easy to pick from.
“What size?” The being barked.
“34 waist 30 length. Large shirt, preferably short sleeves.”
The being pi
cked through the garments then laid them on top. “Any particular color?”
Dominic looked over his shoulder at Renard since he was paying.
“It’s fine. Buy as many as you need.”
Hearing that, Dominic peered back at the seller. “One in every color.”
“Ah, I like that in you. A smart whore with a rich stone face.”
“What? I’m no —” Dominic’s eyebrows fused together. He snarled, forming a fist at his side.
“Shhh… no.” Renard grabbed his arm. “They like to pick fights. What you do is ignore them.”
Dominic huffed out a breath, trying not to make a big deal of how Renard touched him. He loved to be manhandled in some respects but held down and made powerless was a no-no.
“Whores are the main ones that don’t like being called whores.” The being cackled as he continued picking all the items.
“Just shut the fuck up, and bag the stuff, Smudgdon.” Renard argued while pushing Dominic aside to glare at the alien.
“Hah! The stone face talks as if we are trash under his feet.”
“You are. Now bag the shit or I’ll go elsewhere!” Renard snarled, face visibly turning red.
That seemed to shut the thing up as he finished gathering all Dominic’s new clothes. “That will be—”
“Here’s two hundred credits.” Renard slapped the small discs in the alien’s hand. “Grab your things and c’mon.”
Dominic hurried and did as he was told, also taking another pair with him while the ugly Smudgdon counted the money. He hoped it was a thirty four but being in such a rush he couldn’t be sure.
“I thought you said to ignore them and not engage?”
“I did, but the bastard was getting on my nerves.” Renard stopped at the next table that sold shoes. That alien was a lot nicer and ended up giving Dominic three pairs for the price of two. Both bid the alien adieu and moved on to one of the nearby inns to check in.
The building wasn’t very big, in fact, it was smaller than anything Dominic had seen on Gocara. It was painted in drab colors, not a lot of windows, and wasn’t as pretty as the houses he’d seen when they arrived.
When Renard grabbed their token, they strolled down a long dark hallway to a room. Renard dropped the token in the slot, and they waltzed inside, covering their mouths.
“Shit. Smells like something died in here.” Dominic complained, holding his belongings close.
Renard walked to the only window and opened it. “He said it was all he had.”
Dominic peered at the walls that hadn’t been washed in ages. There was a lopsided photo above the bed as well as the ratty sofa closer to the window. “This place is a dump. Why don’t we just go back to the ship?”
“Can’t. I don’t want the Abugendi to follow us in. Being hedgehogs, they can change to their original forms and sneak in after us.”
“Where will they store the fuel?”
“There’s a separate compartment for that. Going in there, they have no access to the ship.”
“Ugh. This shit is…” Dominic noticed the one bed that appeared to be the cleanest thing in there.”
“I know it isn’t gorgeous, but we’re only staying a moon light.”
“I know, but this is worse than bad. I don’t even want to sit my things down.”
“Just put them on the bed. Like I said, we aren’t staying long. I can take the couch.” Renard plopped down on the sofa and yanked his communicator from his shirt pocket.
Dominic fell back on the bed. “I’m not sleeping here. Wouldn’t want anything to come out and eat me.”
Renard snorted. “I doubt anything’s gonna mess with you, Dominic. Anyway, when do you wanna try shifting?”
“How about after moon light?”
“Okay. Say 02000 hours?” Renard didn’t look up at Dominic.
“That works.” Dominic leaned back against the headboard but wouldn’t close his eyes. Despite how clean the bed appeared he wouldn’t be relaxing that easy.
Dominic’s eyes betrayed him, and he woke with a start. He frantically touched his face and chest, then forced himself to sit up. Damn place gave him the shakes. “Renard? What time is it?”
“01946. What the hell, man? You got an alarm clock in your brain?”
“You told my beast when it was time to shift, and he was ready.” Dominic stood up, shook his boots, and slipped them on his feet.
“Good. We need to do this quickly, so it won’t cause any alarm amongst the Abugendi, even though Batsung already smelled you.”
“Yeah, so what’s the big deal?”
“If they find out what kind of shifter you are, they might shoot you.”
“Aren’t you protecting me?” Dominic grabbed his bags and shook those out too. Who knew what was crawling around in this dump.
“I am, but I can’t kill another being under my protection. I’m already in hot water.”
Dominic nodded and slung the large packages over his shoulder. “All right. Mind if I put my stuff on the ship?”
“No, but we gotta be careful that no one sees us for the reason I stated earlier.”
“Got it. I just don’t wanna leave my things unattended in this rathole.”
Renard grunted and led the way out.
Dominic followed Renard into the hallway and shook his head. “How much did this place cost you?”
“One hundred.”
“Shit! It’s not worth that much!”
“It was our only option. ‘Sides you got some more shut eye in the place, so don’t knock it.”
“I wasn’t sleeping that hard. I didn’t even wanna close my eyes in that place. Please tell me we aren’t coming back here. I’d rather pitch a tent in the fields.” Dominic said ducking some cobwebs in the hallway.
Renard returned the token and bowed his head at the clerk who appeared confused. “Thank you.” He continued past the market circle, to the other side. He leaned in close to Dominic. “As I was saying, that would be dangerous… and stupid. The Abugendi do most of their work at moon light. We’ll have to find a secluded spot for you to shift.”
“What exactly are they doing in the dark?”
“Most of them are digging for minerals or additional food. There are very frugal but proud people. Everything on their planet they use because they don’t believe in wasting anything.”
“Hmm interesting.”
“Don’t get any bright ideas.”
“I’m not. They’re too far for us to travel to gather the things we need. It’s not worth it.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re thinking clearly.” Renard placed his hand on the ship’s panel and the door descended.
“Go on and put those things away. I’ll keep watch.” Renard said.
“Got it.” Dominic ran onto the ship and dropped the three bags on the bed then dashed out of the dormitory. He jogged down the small stairs and mockingly saluted the Captain. “Done sir. Reporting for duty, sir.” Dominic clicked his heels.
Renard smirked and put his hand back on the panel to close it. “A regular card, that’s what you are.”
“Only showing respect, sir.” Dominic saluted again and then laughed. “Sorry, I kinda miss that.”
“Oh no you don’t. You’re telling me you miss taking orders?”
Dominic twisted his lips, thinking it over. “Nah, you’re right I don’t. I sort of miss home though. Not gonna lie. Anyway, let’s get on with this. My beast is rarin’ to come to the surface. Been a while since I’ve had a good shift.”
Renard started walking in the opposite direction of the market circle. “Well make it a good one, because I cannot have you doing it while we’re on Baal.”
Chapter Eight
Dominic
Once Renard found a suitable spot, he shucked his clothes off, tossing them aside. His body tingled, overheating in anticipation of letting his beast coming out for the first time in human weeks. He’d never had so much time between shifts because he always left Gocara for another ne
ighboring planet. Dominic figured as long as everything worked out, he’d stay in this form for as long as time would allow.
“Ready man?” Renard called over his shoulder, not looking at Dominic.
“I think so.” Dominic knelt on one knee, feeling the change slowly happening. Usually it would be much faster, but with the drugs still making their way out of his system, this process was more painful than it should’ve been.
“Don’t think, just shift, dammit! Think about something that made you mad. The fucker that hurt you?”
“Shut the hell up, Renard! I need to concentrate!”
“Well concentrate fucking quickly, Dominic. We don’t have much time.”
“Why? I thought you found the most secluded spot?”
“I did, but I got a hunch, okay?”
“What is it? Your stony senses are telling you something?” Dominic half chuckled.
“Ha, very funny, asshole! It won’t be all that amusing if they shoot you and carve you up for dinner. Like I said, they’re not wasteful.”
“They’d never be able to.” Dominic said through gritted teeth. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Then spoke in his native tongue to bring on the transformation. Right then, the hairs on his arms and legs lengthened and his teeth protruded from his mouth. Once again, the discomfort in his muscles, but this time for a better reason that before.
“Hurry, Dominic.” Renard barked. “And keep the noise down too.”
“I…I can’t promise…” Dominic managed through a low growl and bowed his head. His facial hair grew quickly, nails became claws. He used them to dig into the ground, struggling to withstand the hurt from his shift while his body transformed from human to four hundred pound bear. Once it finished, he stood on his hind legs and released a loud roar that shook the trees around them.
Shit.
“Oh fuck! Didn’t I tell you to be quiet?” Renard glanced at him, then back at the pathway that suddenly became lit up with little eyes.
“Sorry, man, I couldn’t help it. I needed that. I feel fantastic!” Dominic spoke telepathically to Renard.
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