While Chance was reconnecting with his family. Jake was waiting for Genus to join him so they could begin their world trip. He was dressed as Razor as he waited on the flight line of Enforcer Headquarters.
No one gave him any troubles for it as Feral had left orders the SWAT Kats were allowed the use of the flight line until further notice. Since the Wotan's crew used the flight line to come and go and the SWAT Kats were intimately connected with them, there was no point in keeping them away.
He watched as the shuttle came in for a smooth landing. When the door opened, out came Genus, Tara, and Captain Ing.
"Hello Razor, how is your partner, T-Bone?" Captain Ing asked.
"He's well but troubled, sir. He still isn't certain if he wants to join the crew. He's gone home to speak with his family about it," Razor admitted, quietly.
"I see. I pains me to see a long time partnership break because of us," Ing said, sadly.
"It's not your fault, sir. If we'd finally taken care of the omega threat ourselves, its likely we might have gone our own ways, anyway."
"But not into space. He would not now be forced to decide to leave his family to stay with you or stay and be parted from you for years," Ing reminded him.
"Yea, there is that. It doesn't help that he's not been able to be honest with his family up til now and had to keep a certain distance to keep them safe from our enemies either," Razor sighed.
"That's rough," Ing commiserated. He tilted his head a moment and studied the young Kat. "Would speaking to him and his family help?" he asked.
Razor frowned. "I don't know. He's already left to be with his family so I'm sure he'd addressed this subject already. He was going to tell them he was a SWAT Kat too. That's a lot to put on everyone at once. I'm sure they are shocked," he said ruefully. "I don't know if your presence will be welcome or cause more problems. However, he did want to talk to you about what you planned for him should he join the crew. He said if he had an idea what his job would be it might help him make a decision on what path to take."
"Hmm, well I have to speak before the UN council today but, perhaps, if you'd be so kind, to contact T-Bone and ask if he would like me to stop and see him before I return to the Wotan? We'll let it be his decision if he wishes me to speak with his family then."
"I'd be happy to sir," Razor said sincerely, hoping Chance would agree to the meeting. "By the way, Captain, I thought you'd already addressed the UN Council. Why are you being asked back?"
Captain Ing smiled. "It seems they are much closer to accepting the Galactic Alliance's offer to join but need to ask a few more questions before committing themselves."
"Really!" Razor gasped. "Honestly, I thought it would take years before they decided either way. That is awesome."
"I thought it would as well, so I'm pleased your people can come to an agreement much faster than some of the species' we've encountered. But, I suggest caution, this is by no mean a done deal."
"Of course, but I'm still surprised we've managed to come this close in just under a year. Hope we're still here to see it happen," Razor grinned, excited by the news.
"We just might be. If you'll excuse me, I must be off now. Enjoy your vacation you two. Don't get into trouble," Ing said, grinning at the pair before walking off to the waiting Enforcer guard that were waiting to escort him to the council chambers.
"Thank you, sir," Genus said, smiling while putting an arm out to pull his lover to his side and hug him. "That's really great news, love. Now, let's be off and you can call your partner as we travel, eh?"
"Good idea. How we traveling?" Razor asked, curious, as he hadn't enough money to use local transport.
"Well...
"Wait..." Tara had been silent this whole time but now interrupted.
"Oh, Tara...I thought you were going with the Captain." Razor blushed when he realized he and Genus had frankly ignored the handsome female wolf.
"Actually, I had come down to visit Dr. Sinian then hoped to get some time with T-Bone. I didn't know he was going to see family. Is he expected to return soon?" She asked.
"Oh, he and I plan to be on vacation for a month at least so, no, he's not going to be back. Listen, would you like me to ask T-Bone if you can drop in too along with the Captain?"
She frowned pensively a moment then nodded. "Okay, I guess that would be best. Genus can reach me on my comm to let me know if its okay and when we're going."
"No problem. Speak at you later Tara. We're off. See you in a month, and good luck with that big tabby," Genus smiled and winked at her as he steered his lover toward the shuttle.
"Have a lovely trip, Genus and you too Razor," she said, smiling warmly at them then turning away to walk toward the flight hangar.
Meanwhile, Razor was gaping at the shuttle then to Genus in questioning surprise.
Looking very pleased, Genus said, pleased, "The Captain has graciously allowed both Kam and I to use a shuttle for our vacations. I can even give you a few lessons on how to fly her."
"Cool! Let's beat feet!" Razor said excitedly, shouldering his pack filled with his personal care items and changes of clothing.
They climbed aboard the shuttle and Razor was invited to sit in the co-pilot's seat as Genus did a quick takeoff checklist then smoothly took off from the flight line, heading for their first location on their trip.
Though giddy with excitement, Razor didn't forget what he'd promised. So while Genus flew the shuttle, he called his partner on their comm.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
At the Furlong household, everyone was up and eating breakfast. The teens were excited about going to see their friends and telling them the news about their uncle while the kittens wanted to wrestle with Chance on the parlor floor just after breakfast.
While the females did the morning chores, Chance's brother and grandfather watched the kittens roughhouse with the big tabby. Dereck watched the play of powerful muscles under Chance's tight blue t-shirt as the tom raised two kittens into the air with no effort and spun them around like airplanes making them squeal with joy.
Shaking his head, he was duly impressed. He wasn't a slouch in the fitness arena but no way was he as fit as his older brother. Remembering all the stories in the news and the ones Chance related to them minus much of the real danger he'd been in, Dereck realized just how hard his brother's life had been all these years.
He had been selfless and brave going against all those terrible dangers with only his partner backing him up. It made him feel ashamed at the way he'd snubbed him all these years. But all Chance had gone through hadn't broken his spirit...it only made him a tom Dereck was proud to call his brother.
And now Chance was being asked to go into space. Dereck felt a deep pang of loss. It would be even more years before he saw his brother again and wasn't sure he could let him go after finally reconciling with him again. But he would never dream of holding Chance back from such an incredible opportunity.
Sighing, he shook his head mentally. Whatever, Chance decided, he knew the whole family would stand behind him but they would all miss him terribly if he went away again.
His thoughts were interrupted by a strange shrill sound that seemed to be coming from Chance. Frowning a little, his brother set the kittens he was holding down and told the others to quiet down a bit while he pulled a small device from his pocket and spoke into it.
"Yea, buddy...what's up?"
"Hey, Chance...I'm on my way to the Lignore Province but was asked by Captain Ing to speak with you before I got too wrapped up in my trip. He arrived with Genus and asked how you were. I told him you were a bit troubled and he asked if he could come see you and hopefully answer your questions. You did say you wanted to speak with him so I thought perhaps this might be a good time but it's up to you. I just told him I'd ask. Also, Tara would like to see you too when you have time. What's your answer, buddy?"
Chance sighed and rubbed his head in thought. He wasn't certain it would be such a good thing to have Ing here when he was so messed up but then, Jake was right, he did need some answers if he was to make an informed decision but before he could say anything...
"Have them come over, grandson. I would like to meet this fellow who has done so much for our world and would possibly take you away on his ship," his grandfather interrupted.
"Yes, please do have him come and this person Tara. Anyone who has known you, we'd like to meet to, son," his mother insisted.
Chance blinked in surprise then smiled and told his friend. "Did you hear that, Jake?"
A chuckle filled the air. "I sure did. I will pass the word. Captain Ing was called before the UN Council. It looks like we may be joining the galactic community faster than we expected. Anyway, I don't know how long they'll keep him but I'll leave your number with Tara and she can call when they are coming over."
"Okay, thanks for the info, Jake and you and Genus have a great time, hear?"
"We will," a deeper voice sang out.
"You heard him, Chance. See you in a month," Jake laughed then the comm cut out.
Chance shook his head as he pocketed the comm unit.
"Who's Genus?" one of the older teens asked.
"Who's Tara?" His mother asked at nearly the same time.
Chance raised his paws and laughed. "Hey, one at a time, guys. Genus is Jake's lover and possible mate and Tara is...well...right now she's my girlfriend."
"No way!" his sister gasped, staring at him in pleased surprise.
"You have an alien girl friend? Bro, that is amazing and hot! I think I'm jealous," Dereck smirked, shaking his head. His wife smacked him but he just kept grinning.
"Yea, well, what can I say."
"Is it serious, son?"
"Uh, well...I'm not really sure. We like each other but..." Chance felt uncomfortable discussing his love life.
"Leave him alone, dear, can't you see you're making him uncomfortable," his grandfather defended him suddenly.
"I just wanted to know if he'll have someone he cares about if he chooses to leave, that's all," his mother said, unrepentant. Chance couldn't resist rolling his eyes at that.
"Will this Captain come in his spaceship," one of his older nephews asked, excitedly.
"I don't really know Cody," Chance said. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."
"Wow! A real alien at our house. I gotta call Nicky!" Cody tore out of the room.
Chance just shook his head. When Captain Ing arrived it was going to be a madhouse around here. Then his grandfather and brother drew him away to play some basketball to pass the time until lunch. They had an ulterior motive though, they intended to pump him for more info about Tara and his life as a SWAT Kat then their mates would pump them for it in true family fashion.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
It was going on three in the afternoon when a deep swooshing sound filled the air. Looking out a window from upstairs, one of the teens cried out, "they're here and they came in a spaceship!" Instantly, all the kittens raced downstairs and out the back door just as the shuttle gently settled to the ground in the family's back yard that was large enough to accommodate and hide it.
Chance sighed as he followed the gaggle of kittens, the adults following in his wake. Everyone curious to see the alien leader.
The door to the shuttle opened with no noise and a huge wolf stepped out. He smiled at the kittens who hung back afraid and excited at the same time.
In a warm and friendly voice, Captain Ing said, "what a warm welcome...hello little ones."
The kittens giggled nervously, the teens eyeing the alien with watchful eyes while drinking in everything about him.
Chance came up to him and shook his paw. "Welcome to the Furlong home, Captain Ing."
"Thank you for allowing me to visit you and your family, Chance," Ing said politely then leaned close and murmured, "they look like they want to devour me alive," his voice was amused.
Chance chuckled. "They've been all on edge waiting to see you but now that you're here, they can't seem to muster the courage to get closer."
"Typical of the young," Ing chuckled.
"May I introduce my family..." Chance spoke louder now and pointed to each member, telling the Captain their names. Like the diplomat he was, the captain shook each person's paw and said something polite to each.
A gasp filled the air as Tara stepped out. She had decided to wait until the excitement died down with the Captain's appearance before making her own. She had opted to wear her uniform as it was only right they saw her as an officer of the Wotan and not just Chance's girl friend. Apparently she'd made the right choice by the looks she was getting.
She walked forward and nodded to everyone. Chance came up and instead of pulling her close as a lover would, he did something that warmed her heart. He stood by her side and formerly announced, "everyone, may I introduce Lt. Tara, a communications and medical specialist, from the Wotan."
She was welcomed with open arms and the females didn't waste any time surrounding her and pulling her away to the house where they could talk to her privately. Surprised, her eyes held a panicked look as she stared over at her lover with a plea to rescue her. Chance merely smirked and shook his head. No way would he dare interfere in whatever the females wanted to do. He wasn't suicidal.
The males ushered Captain Ing to the living room for coffee and talk. Unspoken, was the tacit agreement that the discussion about Chance's possible departure would be held off for a bit longer or at least until after dinner.