WOLVES OF ARCANUS
Chapter 38: Shore Leave and Briefings
The court case against the former Mayor and twenty other officials of the government was rather anti-climatic, at least to those who had a paw in making it happen. The public, on the other hand, were in an uproar for months after.
As Callie had predicted, city hall was inundated with class action suits from businesses, individuals, and many others the corrupt government had screwed over. It would take years to clean up the mess. However, the good news was the support she was getting from the press and the people was nothing but positive. It seemed she would indeed be a shoo-in for Mayor during the upcoming elections.
Everyone around her was excited about that, but she remained reserved. She knew, until the ones who bankrolled Manx's tenure were arrested, they could still try and put someone of their own choosing in her place. No, they had to be on the alert and try to discover the person or group responsible and it seemed the pompous, former Mayor, wasn't going to be the one to give them up. Whoever had been behind him, obviously scared him more than going to jail.
Manx sat in court, a sad, unhappy tom who'd lost everything. He had wanted desperately to plead not guilty and see if he could get mercy from the people but as the case was laid out to him by his lawyer, he could plainly see, he didn't stand a chance. The city was fully against him and his secret backer failed to do anything about it. After that one brief phone call he'd made, he heard nothing more and was forced to realize, he'd been hung out to dry on his own.
He could have spilled the beans about who had been funding him, but was smart enough to know that he would never survive long to see them brought to justice so despite the prosecutor's hammering at him to find out who was behind all this (as no way did Jaystar believe Manx was smart enough to do this on his own), Manx steadfastly refused to give them away.
The evidence against the group facing trial was irrefutable and all the defendants could do was plead guilty and not bother to hope for a fair hearing by the angry public. There was simply no way an impartial jury could be found so they didn't even try. Their only hope was their sentences weren't too long or harsh.
Much to Feral and Callie's relief and all the other's handling the case, the trial only lasted a day and sentencing was done two days later. Feral had the satisfaction of escorting the white collar prisoners to a minimum security prison located outside the city.
Relieved to have one more thing accomplished, Feral realized there wasn't much more left for him to do except prepare his replacement which he'd actually been doing the moment he knew he was leaving.
Colonel Sharpclaws was a smart and well liked officer. He'd been in command of one of Feral's combat units for more than fifteen years. After studying many candidates, he found the tom open minded, calm under pressure, able to delegate easier than Feral had been able to, and was not threatened by the integration of robots among his squadrons. All qualities, he would need to carry the Enforcers forward to their new future as well as handle the new challenges brought about, if and when, their world moved into space themselves.
Now that the matter of Manx had been dealt with and Sharpclaws was already taking much of his work over, Feral spent a great deal more time with his new mate, packing his home up, selling off what he didn't need and preparing to leave Aristal.
With Callie's blessing, Feral and Kam went on vacation, traveling the whole planet, something Feral had never found time to do and felt he should do now that he was leaving it behind.
During this period as well, the crew of the Wotan had finally been allowed shore leave. The city welcomed them with open arms and they were nearly treated as royalty as they enjoyed the many entertainments to be found on being planet side after being so long in space.
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Captain Ing smiled warmly at his command crew as they enjoyed an evening at a place Feral had highly recommended. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the entertainment was fantastic (music, dancers, even a magician). And the added delight provided by bright and intelligent companions to spend their evening with if they so chose.
"The crew is catching their breath and feeling good, Captain," Dr. Tennar remarked as he tasted an interesting cocktail creation. "I'm glad Megakat City was able to finally have peace after putting up with all that strife and danger for so long and that we were here to see it."
"Me too. It's a delightful planet, full of interesting and intelligent people. I look forward to returning here in the future," Ing grinned, enjoying some kind of meat dish that was absolutely delicious. "I must thank Commander Feral for recommending this place, it has certainly lived up to their reputation."
"The food is incredible. I think I want to take a doggy bag home," First Lt. Asura enthused, taking a big bite of her pasta dish.
"Good idea," Ensign Roran smiled broadly as he dug in happily of his rib dinner.
First Officer Shegar, snorted in amusement at the behavior of the younger members of the command crew as he ate his incredibly spicy fish dish, though he wholeheartedly agreed the food was indeed fantastic. After drinking some water to cool the heat in his mouth, he told the Captain, "Last report I got from Mayor Briggs was the United Nations were favorable about joining the galactic alliance. However, as is always the case with government bureaucracies, there's still a lot of debate going on and questions being asked, so I fear it will still be many months or even a year longer before they are ready to sign on."
"That's a good thing. They shouldn't rush into this. By taking their time and questioning everything, they'll have less regrets that way," Ing rumbled, pleased and satisfied how things were going.
"Has anyone enjoyed the club scene, yet?" Roran jumped in, excitedly.
"I went to the Phoenix Club Tara told me about. It's a great place with some truly hunky males. I had my pick of any type," Asura responded.
"Oh? And I bet you've sample several already," Roran smirked, teasing his friend.
She smirked back and said coyly, "I don't kiss and tell but I can say, I've never gone home alone."
Everyone laughed.
"I've got to get to that club as well or try the one Genus went to. He said it was really hot too," Roran said, grinning.
"If you're into males that like other males, that is," Asura laughed.
"And I do but you know I like both sexes however, after seeing Commander Feral and the SWAT Kats, I'm hoping to find myself someone like that. They are soo hot!"
Laughter rang out yet again. The evening was going well and being able to debrief in such a relaxed atmosphere was great. As dessert was brought and fresh drinks set all around, Star added something new to the conversation.
"Not being much for the night life, I did find that conclave of mystics finally."
"Really? Fantastic. I know you were about to give up since they seemed to have hidden themselves very well," Tennar commented, amused. For reasons of their own, the few magic wielders on this world were reclusive and it had frustrated Star a bit trying to locate them. He wanted to get an idea what kind of magic was used here by those not on the same power levels as Callie.
"I finally got lucky or it was because one of them was working magic at the time, but whichever it was, it helped me locate them. They've chosen to separate themselves from civilization completely because the vibrations of modern life disrupts their energies. So they found themselves a remote spot where they could commune with nature more easily. Their home is a simple, if well hidden, lair. I found them interesting, intelligent, and peaceful. Their magic is grounded in nature and the world around them and the soothing vibrations they put out were a balm to my weary spirit," Star sighed, a look of contentment on his face.
"Oh, the type a world needs to stay stable and happy, eh?" Tennar nodded, pleased.
"Just so. My time spent with them has driven off the stress and tension I was feeling leaving me feeling lighter and more focused now. A very valuable retreat it was."
"Then I'm glad you found them as I was becoming concerned for your well being of late. I'll make a note of that in my logs so we'll remember this place and use it whenever we pass by here again. There just isn't that many places for your kind to get the relief of spirit you need," Tennar said, relieved. "Will they accept others of your sept to visit them? You aren't the only one that needs this."
"I have asked and they have graciously granted us permission to commune with them and even extended that right to any future visits by us. It seems my presence was just as helpful to them as it was for me. I plan on gathering my sept together later this week and taking them there, with your permission, of course, Captain."
"Granted and I'm pleased you were able to reciprocate, making us yet more friends. We're not leaving for at least a month yet if you want to commune with them a few more times. Please convey my thanks to them for allowing us entry to their hidden refuge."
"I will be happy to, sir and thank you." Star smiled. He looked forward to visiting the group again.
Something else occurred to Captain Ing. He realized he'd not seen an answer on a question Lt. Kam had brought up when they'd arrived on Aristal. "By the way, Tennar, did you discover why these people's birth rate was so low?"
"My team has only just completed their analysis on that, Captain. I was finishing my report on it to send you by the end of the week. As you know, we couldn't take the genetic samples we needed until we had permission to take shore leave. Now that we've been able to, it's taken a while to collect those samples but we're finished finally."
"Oh, right. So what did you find out...just give me a thumbnail idea."
"Certainly, sir." Tennar looked around to ensure none of the locals were too close to overhear what he had to say then launched into a brief summation. "The good news is the low birth rate is natural for them. The most astonishing thing we discovered was at no time throughout their rather short history, has their population ever gone past eight million souls. Natural diseases, wars, accidents and their choice of having only one to two kittens on average is why their population remains at a steady level."
The others sitting around the table just gaped at him.
"That's utterly amazing. Despite the many worlds we've been to, I've never heard of a race that could do such a thing and be successful as this one has," Ing finally managed to say.
"I agree, quite the feat."
Ing frowned after considering this astonishing news. "Then what would happen if they became a regular stopping place for other races, would that disturb this rather delicate balance?" he asked, concerned.
It was Tennar's turn to stop and think a moment but it was Star who answered.
"They will not be affected. They are a tough species who are not easily swayed by outside forces to change who they are. Though they will spread out into the universe and become an integral and valuable member of our galactic community, they will continue to hold true to their beliefs and keep their world as it is," he said, his voice distant.
Everyone eyed him respectfully, realizing he'd just had a vision. It awed them to be present for one of those moments.
"Wow! They must be something truly special to warrant a vision," Renor breathed, reverently.
Star simply smiled mysteriously and took a drink of his spring water.
It gladdened Ing's heart to know this world would continue to flourish and spread throughout the universe. It was a fortuitous chance that had brought them here and he was glad they were the ones to have met this species. It didn't hurt his reputation either for being the one to discover them. However, there was still one more issue that hadn't been cleared up yet.
"Anyone hear any scuttlebutt as to whether we'll have three leaving with us or just the one new crew member?"
Looks of uncertainty went around the table even from Star.
"From what I've heard, the big tabby is still uncertain about how he feels on leaving his home and the life he's enjoyed up to now," Star ventured.
"Yeah, but they don't have much to do now. I would think boredom would be starting to set in," Major Weigland said, sagely.
"I think you may be right as he seems to be moving toward us a little more each day and his feelings for Tara are getting stronger," Star agreed.
"Well, I can tell you there's no doubts from the other member of the team. He's fallen head over heels for Genus and vice versa. But if his friend doesn't go, he'll be devastated," Tennar warned.
"That would definitely be a bad thing. Even young Genus would not be able to heal his lover's heart should that happen," Star agreed.
"I guess all we can do is hope for the best. Meanwhile, has everyone noticed how deliriously happy Kam is lately?" Shegar smirked.
"Oh yes, that pair can be found together all the time now. I saw him walking a load carrier to his quarters two weeks ago. He told me this was the last of his mate's belongings. I asked him when he thought Feral would come up permanently and he said not until we actually leave," Liela, the comm officer, said, smiling.
"They are taking a tour of Feral's world right now. Kam and he are on vacation seeing all the sights of Aristal, something Feral never had time to do before. I'm glad Kam is so happy but I'm still surprised that fate gave him such a taciturn mate," Tennar snorted, shaking his head.
"He's that alright but an honest and brave individual who'll make a great member of our crew once he gets over not being in charge and learns the ropes," Major Weigland observed.
"I believe I'll take a paw at helping with his training. I have more of an understanding what his problems will be learning to be a follower rather than a leader. It will be a hard adjustment that I wish to make much easier for him," Ing said, thoughtfully.
"A wise plan, Captain. I also received a request from Kam that his mate receive counseling from Tara as well. There are some issues Feral needs to deal with as part of his adjustment that the usual psych care won't address," Tennar added.
"Oh? Anything I should be aware of?" Ing asked, frowning.
"Feral is more by the book type of mentality. When told the Pastmaster would be terminated, he was angry and upset, feeling to do such a thing without a trial was wrong. When Kam explained the necessity and how such things do happen sometimes during our missions, it hit him hard and caused him to suffer a momentary crisis of self," Tennar explained.
"Hmm, the more rigid the mindset, the more difficult it is to accept the kind of decisions we must make for the galactic good. Will he come around or are we looking at a long term problem?" Ing asked, concerned. Though he wouldn't kick Feral off the ship for having this problem, it did cause him to reconsider what kind of duties he could allow the Kat.
"Though upset, he accepted the need and Kam was able to comfort him. The Lieutenant didn't feel it was too serious a problem but that it did need to be addressed. He felt waiting until they were settled aboard and we were on our way again would be soon enough to begin the sessions with Tara so hasn't said anything to his mate about it and I agree," Tennar advised his leader.
"I expect you to keep on top of that, Tennar. I'll reserve my decision as to his position on the crew until you clear him. Meanwhile, he'll be far too busy learning about being in space to worry about how we decide certain issues that come up," the Captain decided.
"Not a problem, sir," Tennar nodded.
"Well, this has been a productive and enjoyable meal. I will bid you all a good night and think I'll find some personal entertainment for myself," Ing said, a roguish grin on his face as he rose to his feet.
Everyone murmured a good night to him and eventually parted their separate ways to enjoy the night life or to return to their hotel where they were staying while planetside.