The Miami Broncos

Chapter 8: Moving Towers

Written by Francois Guint-Riel (FGR)

Alex and John, manager and assistant manager of the Rockwell-Sheppard Tijuana, were sitting at the hotel bar, alone without much in terms of light. There was barely anyone else in the room, as the official last call had been given an hour ago, not that the two minded. They had the keys to the stock, and were hitting hard for all it was worth. Alex didn’t even blink as he turned to John with the nth beer of the evening in his hand and voiced his thoughts exactly as they formed in hid head.
-This royally, five stars, straight flush, fucking sucks, said the horse to his neighbor. You know, this totally sucks.
-I know, grunted the other black Arabic, emptying his own glass and putting it down with a thump on the counter.
-You know, we get this place together, Ulrich comes, waves his fucking magic wand and turns it into paradise, customers rush in, and then... and then those mother-fucking bastards decide that they need to change owners and we get torpedoed. My frigging God, what’s the logic behind that, eh?
-None to be found, replied John. I hope the cat got away at least. Cherry’s in the states, and frankly, I think that at this point, anywhere’s better then here.
The two continued their ranting until a tall, svelte female cougar came to check on them, no longer in uniform either. She looked at the two glasses on the counter, then to the others that the horses had stashed away after having emptied their contents. Giving a smile, she took a clean one and poured herself a cold draft before hunkering down on the stool aside them.
-So how far long are you guys, asked the catamount.
-Pretty far ahead, Boreale, laughed Alex in a high-pitched hinny-like tone. You can forget about catching up with us at this point.
-Damn, shrugged the cat, grinning as she took a long drink. So, what’s on your minds?
-Right now? Hmm, said John, just contemplating how far up the CEO’s ass I could shove this bottle. Anatomy aside, I can make it to right about here, I think.
-The CEO’s a hippo, commented Alex. You could shove that bottle in and half of mine before he notices.
-Right, chuckled the horse. Well, seriously talking, I guess it’s about time that we consider our own survival now, eh guys? They’ll be turning the key in the door next week, from what I heard, but don’t expect a clean end, this’ll be messy, downright messy. They need to close six other places like this one, and we’re pretty low in the pecking order.
-I guess so, sighed Boreale.
-Say, what do you two say we go and see the fishy Don downtown, eh? I think Nereid would like a few bottles of the old brandy we keep back here somewhere, offered Alex.
-If the liquor board calls, you’re picking up, said John.
-There’s a liquor board in Tijuana? That’s news to me, laughed the horse, picking out a few bottles from the bar and stuffing them in a carry-home bag. They must be richer then Cresus, I tell you.

Walking together in the crisp night air did some good for the trio as they ambled out of the hotel, Alex giving a symbolic but quite satisfying finger to the RS logo on the sign aside the doors as they passed by it. Boreale seemed just as tired of them from the threat of closure, and voiced her opinions in a way that neither of the two managers had phantom she would about anything. Still, she piped down as they hired a cab to the seafood restaurant that the Urchin Family called home, on an unofficial basis. Their welcome was mixed from the head waiter, the smell of alcohol on their breath quite unmistakable, but as something of friends to the Don, it would have been gauche to send them packing home to piss their drinks. The three were shown upstairs to a small salon as the waiter hurried off to inform their godfather of who had decided to pay him a visit. Fifteen minutes later, the dolphin Don walked in to see them slumped over the sofas in assorted states of disrepair, which almost got a laugh from him until it exploded when he received a reply to his first question.
-Good evening, friends. May I ask why you’re out and about so late tonight?
-Because life sucks, called Alex. We just wanted to see if yours did too and you needed a few bottles of hooch to help it along to Hell.
-I’ll have one, answered Nereid, taking one from the bag and opening it, taking down a long drag. That felt good, it just hit the spot all right!
-Well just be glad you’re not in our sinking boat, commented John.
-Yes, the resort, I heard. Sorry about that, but I can’t say that thinks are a hundred percent rosy here either.
-What do you mean?
-That this little town can’t support the Urchins anymore, sighed the dolphin, further lowering the level of the fluid in his bottle. The tourists are just here for laughs and a few drinks. It used to be that they’d come in, buy some grass, go for some gambling in private rooms, hire some company for the night then rent some slum they could crawl to for the night. In terms on investments, it’s a dead end. Your resort might have been nice a few years back but now? Dead, deader then dead, like everything else.
-So what will you do, asked Boreale, just pick up and go?
-Short and sweet, yes, nodded Nereid. There’s just no way that we can turn this around, so we’re picking our things up and heading north.
-The states?
-Keep going, motioned the fish.
-You mean Canada?
-Bingo, smiled the Don. We’re moving our show to the capital of the world’s most best country, like their PM once said. My staff’s fifteen people, and our contractors know about our move. Most are also leaving, but all over the place, so we’ll need to get some locals when we get there. It’s a gamble, but there’s money there, plenty of it, more then here, thankfully.
-Speaking of local people to hire, frowned Boreale, you wouldn’t have three openings, would you?
-I thought you’d never ask, grinned the dolphin. We’ll be buying big and fast when we get there, just so we really settle in quick. Everyone here’s looking forwards to it, to be honest.
-Did you have a time frame in mind, asked Alex, or something like that?
-The end of this week, smiled the cetacean, I don’t want to waste any time. This place I’m almost giving away, when I look at what I’m selling it to the broker for. On the other hand, compared to what we have in our accounts it’s insignificant. Now, let’s empty this damn bottle and recycle it presto, eh?

Nereid raised the spirits of his guests with a nice night of movies on the wide screen television in the lounge, while they supplied him with something to be merry about, the brandy indeed the top notch in the rack, which he didn’t go out of his way to find normally, but still enjoyed very much. By the wee hours of morning, the four were passed out on the sofa, the dolphin sprawled on John and snoring from his blowhole, least it seemed so. Good thing too, that the night had been so amusing, for their awakening was just as painful as they came, the quarto sporting massive headaches from their physical abuse and all manner of aches from their unconventional sleeping positions. Boreale was the better of the group, having held out on the drink as much as she could, and took responsibility to bring breakfast up from the kitchens to her convalescent compatriots.
-So, what’s on your mind now gentlemen, asked Nereid, taking a mouthful of scrambled eggs. Going home?
-Actually, if we’re leaving by week’s end, as I vaguely remember you saying last night, laughed Alex, I think that we’ll tender our resignations on the hour and use some sick days to fill in the transitory period. I don’t think that the company will mind much, if at all. The rest of the staff and cruise control the place to it’s resting place, so our presence isn’t really necessary at this point.
-Sounds like a nice plan, seconded John. You’ll laugh, but I had my own paper ready yesterday. I just felt in the mood to write something philosophical.
-Let me guess, giggled Nereid, it starts off “Dear cock-suckers, eat burning hell and kiss my tail goodbye, I’m taking five...”
-More subtle, but quite along those lines, smiled the horse. Now, I say we go and print those out and meet back here in what, four hours?
-You’re more then welcome, shrugged the dolphin. The sooner you move in here, of sorts, the sooner you’ll get into the rhythm of the Family, so to speak.
-Tango?
-More like a lambada, returned Nereid, doing a little dance. I have seen the sun, tata ta ta tadada...

The three took their leave and hurried back to the RS, cramming into Alex’s office to generate their final reports and print out a copy of their CV for their new employer who, while all too forwards with offers of employment, would probably appreciate the gesture. They took no longer then two hours to pack in their apartments, and renting a moving van from the closest bidder, they gave their farewells and final recommendations to the staff of the resort and wheeled off to the Urchin’s front. Two muscle boys were already waiting for them and showed them to a storage room behind the building, giving them a hand unload their things before showing them to their temporary rooms on the second level. There were only two, but the horses insisted to take one while Boreale occupied the other. The catamount didn’t protest, disappearing with her suitcases into her apartment while the guys rolled theirs into the larger one-bedroom suite.
-This is still really nice, said Alex. It’s nice of Nereid to put us up, no matter the circumstances.
-It is, nodded John. After all, we didn’t really come with a formal invitation. How’s your headache?
-Gone, thank God! You?
-Dido, no worries. So, who’s taking the pullout? We’ll draw straws or something?
-How about we go back to our old habits, grinned Alex, slapping the other horse on the shoulder.
-It’s been a while, returned John, putting a few shirts in his half of the wardrobe. Are you sure you want to?
-Sure as anything, nodded Alex, turning to hug the stallion. Could you believe I told Ulrich that I’d never done anything homo in my life?
-In what context was that, asked John.
-He gave me a personal massage once in the spa, if you get my meaning. Pretty good, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t his first time either.
-Mea culpa, Cherry gave me a little surprise too, ‘bout two months back. Sharp teeth, but damn!
-I’m still better, you big slut, grinned Alex.
-I didn’t forget that, smiled the horse, but I could use a reminder.
-Just as soon as you strip me!
John chuckled and turned to unbutton Alex’s pants and pull his shirt over his head, the last of whom didn’t wait long after having been unclothed to wrestle his aggressor’s own covers off his back. The two were just as built as each other, almost twins, save for the fact Alex wore his mane longer. Together, they appeared to be a mirror, something that they’d soon realized when they’d met, years back. John ran his hands over Alex’s back brushing his rough fur while he nibbled on his ear, one of the horse’s more tickling spots. Alex giggled at the provocation, hugging his friend’s rear against him, soon feeling their long members sword fighting, reaching down to rub them together.
-I remember how that felt, moaned John, holding the stallion.
-Do you now? So do I, answered Alex, cradling their balls. So, both at once then?
-You’d better believe it, smirked John. Last one to cum’s a rotten egg!
The stallions hopped on the bed, the long-maned horse lying on the mattress holding his dick up as John straddled him and guided his own cock into his open mouth before grasping Alex’s. Hot, sweaty forms started to move as both started their blows, their dark eyes closed as their lost their minds to the lusty feelings that their ride imbued into them. Alex slid his arms under John’s legs to hold and caress his scrotum while the latter pulled up his partner’s tail and put a finger in his bunghole, getting a sharp hum from the receptor of the favor. Fifteen wonderful minutes later John won his bet, filling Alex’s mouth with his fluid, though the loser returned the same to him scant second later. John got off in a tumble, pulling Alex up with him, guiding him without a word to the communicating washroom. The stallion looked at him with a start and shocked grin, questioning his intent.
-What the heck’s on your dirty mind, asked the horse.
-I’m thinking a little water fight, replied John. Up for it?
-This time, you’re losing this one!

It was a generous hour before anyone showed up in the salon to join Nereid for lunch, but after a few hours, Boreale walked in to see the Don glancing at a video screen, going over the places that his people had scouted around their new home.
-It’s a really nice place, said the dolphin, waving at the television. I can’t wait to leave this dead-end town.
-I had a few Canadians at the hotel, nodded the catamount. They’re friendly, really, for the most part. You wouldn’t speak French, would you?
-Not a word, save for the usual phrases. Yourself?
-Je suis complètement fluente, replied Boreale with an accent. I took courses way back when I was in school, and I kept reading to make sure I didn’t lose it too much, plus the occasional conversation with guests.
-All right! Well, that’s an asset to keep handy. Looks like our two ponies won’t be making out little snack here, grunted the Don. If you want, you can go ahead to the restaurant and pick out anything you like. I still have a few things to iron out, so I won’t be a burden on you.
-Suit yourself, shrugged Boreale. Anyway, I have this craving for some fresh salmon, for some reason.
-Scratch it ‘till it’s well and gone, smiled the dolphin. I’ll be right here.
The catamount left the room and took the stairs down, the guards now well accustomed to the three guests, not bothering to ask anything to her as she passed by them and entered the seafood joint. There weren’t that many people in the business at this time of the day, seafood not anyone’s idea of breakfast, nor were there any alternatives for one to choose from. The cougar headed straight for the bar, knowing that she’d get quicker service there, plus a good view at the television if she didn’t find the barman interesting. The attendant did little else then offer her the menu and continue on his things as if serving her was just another annoying task to be looked after for him. She let it slide, holding back a hiss behind his back, instead looking at the screen with a detached air. As she was settling into the trance she got sometimes when staring at a tube, she heard a voice from aside her offer it’s greetings.
-Hey there, is this seat taken, asked the voice.
-No, it’s not, said Boreale, turning to see a tall, athletic-looking lemur girl, just out of her teens from her looks. Please, take it.
-Thanks, said the lemur, looking at her with a intrigued air. I take it that you’d be Boreale?
-Yes, grunted the cat. Sorry, I don’t remember meeting you...
-You didn’t, corrected the girl. I asked the guards, and they never hold anything to themselves that long. Bunch of hens, really. My name’s Ringtail, by the way. Ringtail Johnson. You can call me Ring though, everyone I know does.
-Glad to meet you, said the cougar, shaking her hand. So I take it from your comment that you’re in the family too?
-My father’s the Don’s point man, said Ring. I just hang around here and pick up the profession however I feel like. No one minds, I’m not loud or anything.
-I wouldn’t insinuate it, shrugged Boreale with a grin. You’re into sports?
-I work out, nodded the lemur, quickly ordering a plate of nachos and dip. I like looking good.
-I hear you, smiled Boreale. I do jogging and a bit of building over at my job at the hotel. Well, former job.
-Yeah, I heard you’re maybe coming with us to Ottawa? I hope you do, because I’d hate to be the only chick in the luggage.
-It looks to be that way, said the cougar, slapping the lemur’s shoulder.
-Darns, you’re strong, baby, said Ring, getting another long look at Boreale. Don’t look half bad either, do you?
-Thanks, you’re sort of a pearl too, lem, returned the catamount. The guys must really hit on you hard here.
-They don’t, laughed Ring. They know it’s useless.
-Hard as nails? You don’t come across that way.
-No, corrected the girl, leaning over to whisper to her ear. I’m a lesbian. Sorry if it’s a shocker.
-That’s all right, grinned Boreale. It’s not like I’m not modern of anything.
-Right on girl, nodded Ring, laughing hard. Damn this is great!
The plates arrived and disappeared as the two talked away about life and times, Ring having been in a nice, easy streak since she was young compared to Boreale.
-Dad met my mother when he was like twenty, said the lemur. She was a waitress in a cocktail bar, if you’ll pardon the irony. Anyway, he offered her a job in the Family, and she said yes. Never regretted anything in her life more then that, I’ll tell you. I was five when they split, and she ran like Hell out of here. Still, dad’s nice, and takes great care of me. Doesn’t seem to mind if I’m a bit that way, either. Between you and me, I think he finds it hot.
-I was in a bible-thumping family of three back in Colorado, said Boreale. I left when I finished college, and bounced around with Rockwell-Sheppard until I landed here. No stability, just adventure. Takes a toll on the nerves, to be honest.
-I believe you, nodded Ring. To be honest myself, I don’t know that many things to take the edge off.
-One comes to mind, then, grinned Boreale.
Ring bit her lip and raised her black mask’s eyebrows motioning for the cat to follow her as she secreted them back upstairs, calling to the barman to put it on her tab. The cat opened the door to her guest room, slipping Ring inside before entering herself and closing it shut. As soon as it had closed, the cat grabbed the lemur and holding her head, kissed her long and hard, getting a long moan in return as the long-tailed girl blinked hard. Ring chuckled as Boreale let her go taking off her blouse when she had the space to. The girl wasn’t wearing a bra, as the cougar had surmised from casual observation, and her flat white-furred breasts traced themselves as their owner pointed for her do the same. Boreale grinned and kicked off her polo and top, Ring quickly getting a loose hold of them and suckling on one while she cast aside the clothes.
-Oh yeah, that’s a nice pair, said the girl, running her tongue on Boreale’s chest.
-Wait until you see the rest to compare, announced the catamount. You up for it?
-Don’t even ask, chuckled the lemur, guiding her to the bed and pushing her down on the mattress before launching herself on it as well, an agile hand grabbing the cat’s belt and unbuckling it before finding it’s way against her fur to get a solid hold of her panties before pulling down the obstacles to her goal. The cougar smiled and arched her legs to give her bedfellow as good an opening as she could, much appreciated by Ring. The lemur wasted no time on subtleties, stripping bare before letting herself down on Boreale and tantalizing the cat, who offered her own brand of excitation in return, easing three fingers with retracted claws into her clit while she kissed her.
-Oh damn, deeper honey, deeper, moaned Ring. Hell, you go cougar, you go.
-Just hold on, announced Boreale, leaning over to search in her bag with her off hand, pulling out a personal vibrator from a side zipper. Hold on tight, ‘cause you’ll need it.
-Jesus, called the lemur as she felt the cold, long object enter her. Whooaa, faster, faster!
-Like this then, smiled the catamount, wiggling the device in and out of Ring’s privates. Like this?
Ring’s eyes rolled back and her mouth gaped as she gasped for air, coming as Boreale abused her with ferocity. As soon as the cat had taken her tool out of her, she tumbled back and holding Boreale up at an angle while she pushed back her legs, ate the cougar out, her muzzle getting soaked as she yowled and tossed about, completely besides herself. Without a Joule of energy in them left to be accounted for, the two dropped side by side, looking at each other with a dumb, happy air. Coming to the logical conclusion that anyone who saw them in their present state would see through any story they could make up to cover their tails, the girls decided to take a good soak-down in the apartment’s washroom. Their plan would come up short of total success though, as a knock came at the door as they came out of the shower, prompting both to grab a towel to wrap themselves in before opening to see who had abruptly interrupted their activities. Ring answered the knock, opening the door a crack. She blushed hard as she saw who it was; her father, Rust. The male lemur looked at his daughter with a questioning air, but seeing Boreale quickly poke her head out of the washroom, his face turned to a half-grin, reaching over to run a hand over his girl’s head.
-Ring, I see you met one of our newest guests, said the Rust. Whenever you’re ready, there’s a little meeting downstairs for everyone to attend, regarding our relocation.
-We just have to put something on our backs, replied Ring.
-I’ll get you a change from your things, commented the lemur. Your white turtleneck’s nice, isn’t it?
-Thanks dad, said Ring as her father turned to head for the locker room down the hall.
-So he’s all right with you being lesbian, asked Boreale, no problems?
-None, shrugged the lemur. I came out when I was really young, about five years back. He didn’t seem phased about it, and mother had already picked up her things and left, so probably he figured that my choices were just that.
-Well, that’s good, chuckled the catamount. Ah, here he comes.
-All right, white turtleneck and your beige pants, said Rust, walking into the apartment, and under things to match.
-Bingo, daddy, said Ring, running to the washroom and changing into the clothes.
-Nice girl, commented Boreale. You’re lucky, Rust.
-Yeah, well, she could have brought this nice-looking hunk home couple of years back, but bah, life’s interesting sometimes.
-I hear you, grinned the catamount.

The three ambled down the stairs fifteen minutes later, thankfully not the last to arrive as they took their places at the Don’s table, already in Alex and John’s company, the three trading jokes about misconceptions of Canada to pass the wait. The dolphin was in hurry to get started as soon as possible, and made his opening announcement when the room had quieted down.
-All right everyone, pipe down, said Nereid. First off, sorry to rock the boat, but our move’s jumped ahead of schedule a bit. Our ride to the Northlands is ready to leave the day after next, so make sure that your affairs here are in order. Other then that, I’m glad to introduce our newest friends, Boreale, Alex and John, of the late RS here in town. Now, tuck in, I’m sure you’re starved.
-So what’s our new home like, asked Alex. Hotel, condo..?
-Condo tower, right next to the Canadian parliament and right next to the American embassy. Nice place, got it for a bargain, to be honest. We have two suites put aside for the three of you, which I hope is enough.
-Plenty, said John. We’ll squeeze in. And the hotel?
-Ah, another place downtown, you’ll like it, assured the dolphin. Bah, why ruin the surprise? Relax! Enjoy the adventure!

John and Alex had a good time collocating the room at the Family homestead for the next two nights, putting up a mean ruckus during their nocturnal wrestling matches. Still, they could hardly hold a candle against their next-door neighbours, as Ring had unofficially moved in to share Boreale’s pillow, the last of which didn’t seem to mind in the least, cuddling with the long-tailed girl during the midnight hours, which rushed by in their eyes. Both unusual couples soon had to surrender their good arrangements and turned to the matter of packing in their worldly belongings and hauling them to the temporary storage shack that would be discretely emptied into their plane at nightfall. Nereid had been unavailable for the last thirty hours, working double shifts with Rust get the last wrinkles out of the enterprise.
-I like it how cooperative Canadian public servants are, grinned the lemur at dinnertime, the last meal that the group would be sharing in the seafood restaurant. They must really be underpaid if you look at the amounts of the gifts that they accepted in return for their goodwill and assistance.
-You wouldn’t believe the comments we got back, seconded the Don. It was as if they were thanking us for moving in.
-Well, look at the good that you go here in Tijuana, shrugged John. I can imagine what you could do in a more considerable city.
-Plenty, and we look forwards to it, smiled Nereid. Now, it’s two hours until our flight. I say that we head to the airport and empty the poor people out of their liquor to celebrate. Anyone with me?
-Aye, voted Rust.
-Aye aye, seconded Ring.
-Aye aye Chihuahua, called Alex. John’s the designated driver.
-Like heck I am, I don’t pilot planes, returned the stallion, rubbing his bud’s mane. Whoever it is, I hope I don’t see him gutting the Shiva’s.
Time burned away like dry timber as the group celebrated one of their last meals in the residence, Alex eventually helping John back to their room as the unsteady-hoofed stallion had jumped on the cognac like a baby on milk and could only wobble as his friend whispered suggestions for their evening to him as they walked away from the table. Ring had taken a few in the nose as well, but realized that Boreale had been just as undisciplined as the cat took a cherry in her teeth by the tail and held out the fruit in her teeth for the lemur to pick from her. Rust rolled his eyes with a grin as she leaned over and did just that, just touching the catamount’s lips. Boreale sipped the tail in, second later producing it tied in a knot, getting a round of applause from the onlookers at the table, taking a slight bow in return. Eventually, the last of the consumable supplies in the kitchens that were of the slightest interest to the occupants ran out, and each and every of them founds some means of reaching a comfortable surface to distillate their liquor until sunrise.

Poor Rust had the most dizzying morning run trying to get his comrades up and running. First, he almost went mute as he snuck into his daughter’s room, finding her and Boreale stark naked and still anything but awake. The catamount’s eyes shot open as she felt watched, accidentally rousing Ring as well, who buckled over and looked back and laughed as she saw her father.
-We’ll be a minute of so, she called to him.
-I’ll be somewhere else, replied the older lemur, inching back to the hallway and closing the door.
Rust shook his head and followed on to the next door, giving a small knock on it before opening it a crack, rewarded with seeing John buggering Alex, riding him like a mount with a tie in his mouth like a halter, making him reel and hinny on command as he screwed him. The lemur couldn’t help but freeze as John caught sight of him and chuckled, pointing to the door for Alex to catch on. The stallion pulled out of his mate with a laughing fit, leaving the bed to walk over and slap an arm around Rust.
-Sorry ‘bout that, laughed the horse. We were just in that kind of a crazy mood...
-As if we aren’t now, corrected John, pulling the tie from his mouth.
-Right. We’re in that kind of a crazy mood, and well, we feel like a good bit of fun. Until our bird flies off, we’re stuck here anyway. Say...
-Yeah, say, Rust, seconded Alex, how about a little ride on the musical carrousel?
-There are only two ponies left, though, grinned John.
-Bah, I, err, that is...
-Sounds like he’s on, said Alex.
-Indeed. Hop on, lemur.
Rust’s mind raced to try and come up with a decent protest as Alex stripped him bare and masturbated him until he was in a good, full erection, upon which he guided him to John, who put the tie back in place and gave the ends to the lemur while his partner helped him into his ass. Finding the sensation as warm and sweaty as he’d had the pleasure to find himself in for a while, Rust gave up and played along, humping John as he’d seen Alex do, while the latter took his long annulated tail to stimulate himself with. After a bit of fun, Alex lifted Rust’s tail and slowly pushed a finger up his rear, summoning yet another squeak from him as he put another in.
-Alex, what are you...
-Do onto others, as you would have them do onto you, said Alex.
-Or do others as you would have them do you, said John. Relax and enjoy! He’s quite good, you know.
Rust whimpered as he concentrated on the pleasure he felt from the stallion easing his cock on his colon, almost going cross-eyes with ecstasy as he enjoyed his double stallion surprise, sandwiched between two sweaty black forms. As he finished in John, the door cracked open again, this time a comedy of reversal as Ring looked at him from outside. He was about to say something, but the synapse was interrupted by a moan as John came in him with a hinny. Ring just burst out laughing as she closed the door, leaving the three to sort things out while she headed to breakfast with Boreale, giving the cat a full account of her observations.

Though the experience had been somewhat humiliating, Rust somehow took to the two stallions, and invited them to kill off the rest of the day in the city, spending dime on whatever was worth it for entertainment. They only came back to the domain in time for hitting the sack, the lemur this time keeping at bay from his daughter’s room with an innocent smile, the horses reading into the fact that he’d had an accident similar to that which had landed him into their embrace. John and Alex did their best to try and trick him into following them, but the nimble ringtail was just able to slip their grip and locked himself in his mostly packed room, running a hand over his tired face before letting himself collapse on his bed with a groan. 

To a casual observer, it would have been reasonable to assume that a circus had stopped by the seafood restaurant, so many where the moving trucks that were parked in front of the place. Nereid looked on as one after another, anonymous crates were loaded into them, to be transferred to the plane for the voyage before the Family took their seats on it themselves. He had limited the amount of furniture and just ‘stuff’ that any one person was allowed to bring on his account, anything over that limit to be sent north at their expenses. After all, the point of the move was to be in position to make some money, not to further still indebt the organization. His newest friends had packed their own luggage and had been unaware of the instructions, therefore he spared them that detail. After all, the poor people had been through enough already, and the cougar was one of the first souls that Ring had hung out with for a while. That girl could be protective, though the dolphin, smirking as he saw the two leave the building, taking a taxi to the private airstrip where their metal bird was waiting for it’s employers. Rust came to join him in his watch to insure that nothing had been omitted in the move, and after a final check of the place, they left their keys in the mailbox and took the last vehicle out to their ticket to a brighter future.

Ring rested her head on Boreal’s shoulder all the way to the airport, the catamount stroking her hair as the ringtail kept her eyes closed, the orange orbs just slightly opening now and again to aim a nuzzle at their observed target. They were lucky enough to be some of the first of the group to arrive at the destination, though contrary to their hopes, they didn’t have a say over their seating. The steward and pilot who was waiting for them aside the collapsible stairs read off the seating plan as they gave him their names, commenting on a last minute correction that had them sitting together, across from Rust and Nereid.
-Apparently dad wants to chaperone, joked Ring as they took their places.
-He care for you more then anything in the world, said Boreale. I liked the look on his face though.
-Me too, laughed the lemur. Well, it isn’t the first time he accidentally does that, walking in, that is.
-Same reaction every time?
-Constant as a river, nodded Ring. Except a few times, I gave him a little more of a surprise then he could have expected.
-Visitors like me?
-Nah, I just... started the lemur, lowering her voice, fucked him.
-You... you what?
-He never goes out with anyone, said Ring. I can’t remember the last time I saw him with a go-go girl, even, save for yesterday that is. So what the Hell, I give him a ride once in a while.
-If you’re all right with it, shrugged Boreale, it’s your call. You’ll be busy with me for a while, though.
-Isn’t that the truth, smiled the lemur, groping the cougar while no one was looking.
-So you two are our front-door neighbors, called Alex, taking their seat with John behind the pair.
-Need legroom, asked Ring, or can you manage?
-We’re fine, assured John. Nereid, Rust, row A’s right there, I think.
-Indeed, replied the senior lemur. Hello, sweetheart! I see the pilot takes bribes after all.
-Thanks dad, said Ring, rubbing his arm as he reached out to touch her. How long is the flight?
-Fifteen hours, sighed Nereid. The stuff’s in the hold already, so when we get a complete head count, we’re off. No on-flight movies, sorry.
-Economy class forever, called Alex.

The dolphin’s announcement had been perfectly precise, the plane only doing a single stop for fuel on the way in the States in the middle of the night, right on cue, from the pilot’s announcement. With the noon sun in the sky, the Family looked out the windows to take in the beautiful green woodland and cleared lots around Ottawa until they made a long loop to come in at a clear angle for the airport. They were registered as a charter flight, and were quickly directed to a door to disembark, a luggage train chugging alongside them to unload their things as quickly as possible. Fifteen minutes later, the vehicle was off to dump the crates off near the entrance of the airfield, just as Nereid had arranged to be done, a trustworthy contractor in place to relay them to their new home, an upscale hotel in the downtown core. Overall, the group wasn’t too overtaken with cultural shock, just a bit disoriented, and quite eager to be reassured of a roof over their heads in the shortest of delays. With just that in mind, they took a string of taxi vans to their new home, Nereid in the first of them to open the place with Rust in tow, just in case. The three vans parked in line in front of the beige-colored tower, about ten stories high, though quite wide at the base, promising much room inside for them to run their legitimate hotel business with even when the rooms they would be occupying was considered. Walking to the side door alongside their Don, the group waited until the dolphin turned the key, hearing a satisfying click as the tumblers turned and allowed them entry into their new residence.
-Well, this looks empty, chuckled Ring as she took Boreale’s hand and looked around. A bit of decor and it could be something nice.
-Empty? I only bought this last week, retorted Nereid, frowning slightly before smiling. That’s where you boys and gal from RS come in...
-So we’ll run this hotel, asked John, is that what you had in mind?
-Unless you have some objection to that, shrugged the dolphin.
-Not in the least, smirked Alex. What’s that motor sound?
-Our contractor’s here, said Rust, looking in the back to see a small delivery truck in the parking unloading their belongings. Come on everyone, grab your boxes!
-Isn’t he going to unload them, asked Boreale, you know, out of the goodness of his heart?
-That wasn’t in our agreement, corrected Nereid, just to get them out of the airport safe and sound, which apparently was a good deal of work by itself.
The catamount grunt as they dropped their luggage and grabbed their crates, wheeling them inside with a chariot in the back of the truck, the driver not getting out save for a wave to the Don as they closed the doors of the container to let him roll away. No one in the group wasted a moment to get their things into their rooms on the top floor, both of the cabs shuttling up and down like springs as they stuffed their things into them. Boreale didn’t have a spark of energy left as she propped the last of her suitcases against the wall, and simply slumped to the floor with a sigh, looking up in time to see Ring walk in a squat down aside her.
-Hey, said the lemur.
-Hey back, replied Boreale.
-What did we get ourselves into, eh?
-Tell me, moaned the cat, rubbing the back of her neck. One moment you’re in a Mexican border town, and the next you’re in the great north in an empty room in a hotel you’re going to run. Wow.
-Yeah, wow, sighed Ring, wrapping an arm around the cat and putting her head on her shoulder. At least you have friends, old and new.
-True enough.
-You in there Boreale, called Alex, poking his head in the apartment. Hello kitty?
-Howdy horsy, answered the cat. What’s up?
-Well, I don’t know about you two, but this whole move’s got John and me hungry. We were about to head out for a bite, if you want to join.
-Where’s my father, asked Ring.
-With the fish, thrashing out the details of buying us all beds and something to look at other then walls, grinned the stallion. He said we’d be set by tomorrow, but not to wait up for him if you had plans.
-Looks like I’m with you three, said the lemur, getting up and giving Boreale a hand up. Did you have a place in mind?
-The first joint we walk past, as far as I’m concerned, replied Alex.
The four fetched their wallets before filing out the side door, which was to be left locked from the inside and guarded by some of Nereid’s bodyguards until they had enough keys made for everyone, an errand that some of the staff were already out on at the moment. As they turned into the street, Alex almost threw over an zebra who’d apparently been looking at anything but the sidewalk. The stallion steadied him out, the stranger thanking him for his consideration.
-Thanks there, said the zebra. Sorry for the run-in, my head’s everywhere but on my shoulders today.
-That’s quite all right, said Alex. Say, this might seem like an odd question, but we’re new around here and well, we don’t have our bearings quite straight just yet.
-Is there anything I can help you find?
-Well, first and foremost, somewhere to get a good square meal.
-Any style you prefer? Haute cuisine, Indian..?
-The first sounds nice, commented Ring.
-Then there’s a nice place just down this way, said the zebra. If you take a left at the second intersection...
-Another strange question, cut John. How about you show us there and we cover your lunch?
-I ought to run into people more often! All right, you’ve got a sherpa, laughed the zebra. Name’s Craven, by the way.
-I’m John, this is Alex, Boreale and Ring, called the stallion. We’re with the new owners of this fine establishment there.
-Really? Well, I can tell you you’re in the right city for tourism, with the Winterlude and the tulip festival in summer. I take it you don’t know about those either?
-Nope, giggled Ring.
-In that case I’ll play information booth too...
Craven talked away about the city as the five took to the streets to what he referenced at the Byward market, to quieter street where the restaurant he had talked about was situated. The group entered in the dim-lit place and was just as quickly shown to a table and offered light refreshments to start. The menu was interesting, the most fascinating blends of flavors in the plates described, though the prices were quite reasonable as compared to what the seafood restaurant in Tijuana had charged it’s clients. Craven didn’t seem the least uncomfortable with their sudden meeting, and soon, Ring explained to him in paraphrases what they were about and their objectives.
-I hope that we can trust you, said the lemur. I guess we’re taking a risk, but you seem the discrete sort in a way.
-As mute as a carp when I need to be, nodded the zebra. Well, don’t concern yourself. I like the idea of having a Family here in town. Things are a mess these days in Toronto, and if there’s some structure in the chaos of the undercurrents of the city, all the better. A bunch of street rubbish and bikers running things however they may doesn’t offer much comfort to me.
-Speaking of which, what’s your story anyway?
-Student, replied Craven, in my last cooperative learning placement at the Ministry of Industry in a sweet desk job. The pay’s decent though, but it’s not what I’m studying for at all. Engineering, to answer the next question.
-Well, you look older then that, commented John. I’d given you thirty easily.
-I’ll take that as a compliment, laughed Craven.
-Just a question, asked Ring, while we’re talking about personalities, is there a place around here for alternative lifestyles to hang out?
-You mean a GLTQ place? Hey, there’s even an official newspaper here, said the zebra. I gathered as much from you, but I didn’t want to say anything.
-Takes one to know one, grunted the lemur.
-It does? Well, it doesn’t take long to learn I’m bi, shrugged Craven.
-And so are we, burst John, pointing to Alex and himself. Nice bunch, really!
-That deserves a toast!

The five enjoyed a long, three-course meal, well accompanied by all manner of luxuries until full and light-hearted, they  took to the sidewalks of the capital once more in a slow, studied pace, Alex making subtle passes at a shy Craven, who tried to return the favor as his imagination allowed him to. Still, they reached the hotel and at the quarto’s insistence, the zebra followed them in, getting summarily searched by the guards at the door, actually quite ticklish from his reactions. Nereid was walking around the lobby with Rust as they discussed the security measures to insure were in place before the public was allowed in their domain, and as they entered the large expanse, the dolphin took notice of the new arrival and personally strode over to greet him and inquire as to his purpose.
-We kidnapped this poor beast of the street to show us to the nicest little restaurant around, commented Boreale. He’s en engineer, almost, and we gave him a formal briefing about what we’re here for.
-Did you now, smirked Nereid. Then what brings you into our Family, Craven?
-Well, I know my way around firearms, offered the zebra. If you need a shop man or a gunsmith, I could certainly be of service.
-And that’s one profession we left behind down south, smiled the Don, reaching out to put his hand around Craven’s shoulders. If you really want in, then I could offer you a good upkeep. Are you certain about this decision? Because you must understand, this is a one-way door.
-I gathered at much, chuckled the zebra. Yes, I’m quite sure.
-Bravo! I’ll have something together for you in short order, but how soon could you be here permanently?
-Well, I’m in a cooperative learning placement for another month, so until that’s finished...
-It could be much sooner still, reassured the dolphin. Believe me, I could convince your college to give you a Cum Laude on your diploma if you want.
-I’d hate to impose, cringed Craven.
-Think nothing of it, waved Nereid. Having a good, working sidearm you can irrevocably trust is worth any gift I can place. Now, find a room, and it’ll be your shop.
-Yay, called the zebra, shaking the Don’s hand. I can’t thank you enough.
-Enjoy yourself, said the dolphin, walking off to the front desk, continuing to take stock of things.
-So you’re doing fine, dad, asked Ring, hugging her father. How’s the place looking?
-A lot of work, sighed the lemur, but I think we can call it home soon enough. We have some sleeping bags for tonight at least, but the rest isn’t a piece of cake to deal with.
-Long day?
-I’ll be finished around six, assured Rust.
-You look tense, frowned Ring, rubbing his arm and lowering her voice. Would you like some company later? You know...
-Are you sure? You have friends there, and-
-I’m sure, smiled Ring. Later, then?
-Thanks honey, said the lemur, kissing his daughter’s forehead. Don’t get lost in here!

Ring turned to an interrogative air from Boreale, with turned to one of understanding as she caught on to the undertones of the conversation. Nonetheless, the five did their best to help each other unpack and settle in, the zebra taking the time to list the things he’d need to run his little repair and maintenance shop, only looking at the higher-end tools for each application, insisting that the quality was obvious in the results. By five-thirty, each had turned in for some rest, the stress of the move starting to seep through the adrenaline rush that had carried them so far in the day. Boreale let her eyes close and dozed off with Ring slumped on her, the lemur’s tail twitching at odd intervals before flopping back down as she slept. The two were woken up by a knock at the door, sending the lemur girl on her paws as she unlocked it and opened to see her father, looking with relief at her before gazing past and seeing Boreale.
-Sorry, I’ll come back, said Rust.
-It’s all right, come in, said the catamount getting out her agenda from her things, I’m just a wallflower here.
-All right then, grinned the lemur, turning his head to Ring before giving her a long, passionate kiss. This’ll feel wonderful, Ring, you have no idea.
-I think I know, nodded the girl, taking off her clothes before stripping her father. Screw me daddy.
-Oh you know I will, replied Rust, grasping her breasts. I really will.
Boreale only stole the occasional look as the two lay down on the bedroll and made out, the girl obviously not in the least inhibited about the event. When Rust started to play lower down and entered Ring though, the cat didn’t feel she could deal with it as well and silently slipped out into the hall. Sighing in confusion as she caught sight of Rust mounted on Ring through the closing door, Boreale took a few paces down the corridor, somehow hoping that she’d find something to make her forget about it. Craven had left his door open with a piece of wood he’d scavenged, and was lying on his back with arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling, apparently meditating. He turned his head as he saw Boreale though, and waved for her to come in.
-Hey stranger, said the zebra, don’t stay out there in the cold.
-Were you busy?
-Nope, replied Craven, rolling to his side as she sat down aside her. Just a bit of meditation to clear the old spider webs from the attic.
-I never got around to that science, sighed the cat.
-It looks like you need it though, commented the zebra, getting up to close the door. I’ll show you, it’s easy, and it feels super relaxing. Just get comfortable; you can put you coat over there if you want.
-Sure, nodded Boreale, taking off her overcoat. How comfortable to you usually get?
-My undies, but I wouldn’t in polite company, grinned Craven.
-I’m not polite company! Undies? All right, I hope you know what you’re doing, laughed the catamount, undoing her blouse.
-Lord, hold my heart back, whined the zebra as Boreale got down to her underwear. All right, now lie on your back and just relax, close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing, and try to slow it down.
-How slow?
-As slow as you can. Once every ten seconds is good. Your heart rate follows, usually, and you go into a kind of waking sleep. Then you can just let your mind go blank, and wake up nice and refreshed.
-Let’s try it, said the cat.
-Hold my hand, and we’ll be able to slow down together.
Boreale smiled and complied, putting her paw in the zebra’s as they rested, their breathing really going to a standstill. The cat felt everything just drift off, and her body’s every reflex, every muscle in it as they contracted and released. A while later, they both came around, somewhat disturbed by some noise next door.
-What’s that, grunted Craven, trying to listen as his ears swiveled. Who’s getting a good time?
-Rust and Ring, replied Boreale, not thinking about the result of her declaration until her really came around.
-Isn’t she his daughter? Well I’ll be, someone here has a dirtier mind then me!
-You know what, Craven, said the cougar, looking at the zebra, I really feel like some sex too right now.
-I’ll be, coughed the zebra. You’re quite ready, it seems.
-Come here boy, and we’ll teach these two what loud fucking is supposed to sound like.
Craven smiled as he dropped his briefs, getting a dilated stare from Boreale as she saw his black cock sticking out like a signal post, feeling her loins wet and humid as he lay down and pull off her panties. With a savage grin, she threw off her bra and put his hands on her chest, calling out in ecstasy as he rubbed them. Realizing how they could really put in a good showing, the two went full-blast, massaging, sucking and fingering everything in sight and letting their calls express their feelings for them. Craven managed to surprise Boreale while she was wiggling on her back, putting most of his hand into her clit and masturbating her like she’d hardly ever felt. The experience didn’t last too long, for as soon as she’d hit two climaxes, the zebra rammed his dick in her and held her in his arms and he got up, letting gravity do half the work for him as he pounded her, the cat wrapping her arms and legs around him as she yowled out her passions, exceeding any she could remember at the time. The other room had gone silent as Craven finished hard and sloppy in her, cum dripping from their intercourse as they propped up against a wall. A pair of masked eyes poked into the room for an instant as Rust checked on what had been happening in the room, only to see Craven slumped on the floor like a sack of potatoes with Boreale, still dripping a bit, sucking off whatever hadn’t shot out of her partner, only stopping for a second to turn and stick her tongue out at him as he closed the door with a stunned expression.

The first supper at the hotel was, to say the least, quite frugal. Nereid had doubled the month’s sales for the first Chinese food joint that he’d seen in the yellow pages, getting enough to feed everyone as they tucked into their meal. The dolphin seemed to take comfort in Craven’s presence, actually asking a lot of questions about the undersides of the city though the luncheon.
-So who actually takes care of the streetwalkers around here, asked the Don. I don’t mean to insinuate that you’d be one to know, but just like that...
-No one, as far as I’m concerned, replied the zebra. There’s no actual structure here when if comes to prostitution, save for a few little pinheads that think they’re rap stars and pimp a few old girlfriends. If you go out and start recruiting them and set up brothels you can protect, they’ll jump in for sure.
-I love this town, smiled Nereid, slapping his arm. Same for drugs, I take it?
-Well, the Hell’s Angels and some of the other biker gangs from Toronto and Montreal have their hand in that, frowned Craven. But if you’re ready to face them down in due time, it’s a start to weaken them a bit. They’re not in good shape anyway, their leadership got landed in federal jail a few years back after a massive sting op.
-Yes, I know about that part, nodded the Don. Well, I say that tonight, we start sending a few reconnaissance patrols to start gathering things and recruiting, at least to set something up in here in the interim, to get some cash flow started. I have some stuff coming in too, some time later this week, so we can even give heads-up to any pushers out there that we’re selling pure. Also, I have a list of shops that I’d like to get some influence over, so we can set up some protection or investiture deals along the way.
-Wow, that’s a lot of work for a night, joked Alex.
-You, John, Boreale and Ring can sleep through it, commented Rust. Craven, I’ll have to ask that you stay with us for our run, though. We’d like a sherpa, if you don’t mind playing the part.
-Be sure that we’re not asking for you to do this pro bono, though, seconded Nereid, getting out a checkbook.
-It’s the least I can do to show my loyalty to you, Craven blurted, motioning not to write anything on the paper. When do you want to start?
-My chicken balls are gone, said Rust. How about now?
-All right, shrugged the zebra.

The three left with an additional guard, though before they stepped out, the guard passed a revolver to Craven, who seemed almost more interested in it’s construction then actual usage, commenting about the quality of the ratchet arm to Nereid’s absurd amusement. The walked a long beat with the guard and Rust flanking the pair as they paced, though still did their best to stay loose and inconspicuous. They didn’t have any trouble getting private meetings with a few jewelers that Nereid had wished to get into contact with, nor to convince them that a joint venture with them would be quite advantageous, cut-cost loot and less officially imported gems an irresistible lure to the cupid owners. Also, a few tailors agreed to sign exclusive contracts with the Don, reassured of steady orders in return for cheap pricing and a helping hand whenever they needed it. Their lower-class objectives were also met with flying colors, moving in on a few drug pushers and working girls, get a few of the latter to agree to show up for work at the hotel and pre-orders with the former, with arranged pickup points. Three more teams of two made men had been out on patrol, coming into sight as the four returned to the hotel, all signaling their common success. Nereid was walking on air as they entered the building, wrapping and arm around Craven and clamoring that they were in better position then he’d hoped to be for a while longer.
-I’m glad you walked into this picture, said the Don, giving a long sigh.
-I’ll be off, saluted Rust, walking up the stairs to his room. See you all at breakfast, kids!
-Good man, grinned Craven, shame about...
-About what..?
-Oh, nothing much, cringed Craven, realizing that his declaration might not have gone through smoothly.
-Ah, you mean him and Ring, muttered Nereid. Yes, I know. It’s rather distasteful, to put it mildly, but he’s a good point man, and totally loyal. I try and forget about that, like a lot of little things that go on in our Family. I’d be a hypocrite to say I don’t have any dust bunnies under my carpet either, after all.
-Pardon the cold honesty, but rumor is that you’re...
-Gay as a flower? There’s truth in that, smiled the fish, slipping his hand to the small of the zebra’s back and under his shirt.
-And you’re alone here right now too, whispered Craven. So how about a nice, sloppy one, eh?
The Don looked about to be sure that there weren’t any indiscrete souls about before nodding and showing the striped beast to his top floor suite. Craven wasn’t even shy about his work, and as soon as they locked the door and the Don had gotten down on his bedroll, he pulled off his pants and took the Don’s ball in his mouth. Nereid’s eyes widened and his hands dug into the sleeping bag as he gasped for air, feeling the zebra’s long tongue painting his scrotum while another hand held his rod. Without a pause between both, the striped slut let his pouch drop and rammed his cock in his mouth, bobbing like an oil derrick from all direction. Nereid didn’t even have time to gasp for air before his came, filling Craven’s mouth with a paste that tasted vaguely of sardines. Just as soon as he’d rinsed his maw with a glass of water, the zebra hopped off, leaving a half-naked but quite happy dolphin behind him. Craven almost felt like laughing as he turned the key in his shop door, but held it in as he saw a form already inside. Craning his neck and narrowing his eyes, he saw Boreale on the floor in a sleeping bag, another of the latter right aside her, apparently destined to him. The zebra smiled and closed the door before slipping in it, accidentally brushing the catamount as he was lying down. Boreale’s eyes shot open, but her calm look turned to one of shy embarrassment as she saw him.
-Hi there, said the zebra, running a hand along her face. Did you need something fixed today?
-Yes, mumbled Boreale, it’s chilly in here. Can you find a way to make it warmer?
-Well, I think I have a solution off the top of my head, grinned the zebra, opening her sleeping bag and his before putting them together, tightly embracing the she-cougar until he felt her breasts press against him. It’s natural, and quite efficient indeed.
-Hmm, nice, whispered the cat as she took his member and slipped it between her legs. Good night, Craven.
-To you as well, oh gentle kitten, returned the zebra as he gave her a tongue-sealed kiss and put his arms around her.
Boreale woke up with a tightening in her chest and racing pulse as she looked down to see a huge bump in her bag with a black fly-swatter tail sticking out. Raising the fabric, she saw Craven look bag from between her legs, eating her out slow and easy, nibbling on her clit and urea until she came with a little growl.
-That’s better, said the zebra, coming to rest aside her and cradling her breasts. It was dark down there, you know.
-You don’t mind working my gold hole, do you?
-It seems to be what really got you off yesterday, so why not?
-Listen, Craven, I have this fetish I never talked to anyone about, said Boreale, putting a hand on his chest. I know it’s a bit weird, so I don’t know if you’d want to try it...
-Now I need to hear it, chuckled the zebra. What does it comprise of? Leather? Spanking a bad zebra?
-I’ve always wanted to give someone a nice long golden shower, said the cat, blushing hard. I know it’s sick, but...
-I’ll drink it right out of your pussy, moaned Craven. Get over me, you nasty seductress.
-Are you so certain, questioned Boreale. I tried with a few guys, but they didn’t want to. Tell you the truth, they bolted when I told them...
-Hush, hush, said Craven, pushing her up to sit over him. Just give me some lemonade...
The catamount relaxed and closed her eyes as she felt his lips around her urea, and bouncing on her knees a bit, started to go to her hearts delight, feeling her breasts firmen as she went, hitting two good ones until she finished. The zebra took the initiative and ate her out again, but before she could protest, pushed her forwards and penetrated her, fucking her long and hard as she felt his palms clutching onto her rear and her chest oscillate.
-Bad kitty, bad, bad kitty, said Craven, banging her feverishly.
-I’ve been bad, moaned Boreale, I pee-peed in a zebra. I’ve been a bad cat.
-Yes you have, continued the zebra, buggering her with two fingers. Now you need to be punished, don’t you?
-Yes I do, sighed the cougar, feeling him come in her. Ohhh, Craven, you Goddamned whore boy...
-Guilty, replied the zebra, pulling out and striding over to the washroom to clean up a bit. Not that you mind, I hope?
-Not in the least, laughed Boreale. Curse you if you change.

The next morning, the Family gathered in the lounge for another improvised meal, though good news circulated that there would be a few deliveries during the day which would make it their last. Nereid insisted that Craven sit with him and Rust, considering the former student more of an ally then ever with the corollaries of the previous night sinking in and concretizing. The contact for the drug shipment had come in contact with them during the wee hours, promising double what they had originally sought to acquire from him, therefore making it possible to seal as many deal as they’d proposed, and then some.
-Craven, you’ll also be glad to hear that one of our friends here, Piccolo, went ahead and contacted the rector of your university and negotiated your diploma, said Rust. All is well and you’ll get your Iron Ring by mail in a short while.
-God bless you guys, hummed the zebra. In return, I have a shopping list for the shop upstairs. There isn’t all that much, but there’s a price tag to it, unfortunately.
-Six figures, asked Rust, or less?
-Oh no, about twenty thousand worth, mostly tools.
-All right, here’s your test, grinned Nereid, taking out his Colt and passing it to Craven. Take out the firing pin.
The zebra smiled as he ejected the magazine and started to disassemble it the flat of his butter knife, soon producing the part and offering it to the dolphin, who seemed impressed by the speed of the performance.
-Quick hands, commented the Don. Rust, look into our prima donna’s needs and wants, eh?
-Will do, said the lemur. Alex, John, how about the hotel? What are your views?
-Well, beyond recruitment for the staff, there’s not that much to do, said the long-maned stallion. The kitchens are in top shape, and the furniture coming in will do the rest. Then it’s just a question of publicizing, which shouldn’t be a problem. This is apparently a convention and business city, so posting some sweet rates should be enough to start us off in good shape.
-Plus businessmen are sometimes the sort to need some extra company, winked John. That little fun room you were setting up would be just the ticket to take care of that.
-We have some options on low-priced liquor as well, added one of the group. I found a leak in one of the stores downtown, which would be willing to bootleg some stock at cost.
-Alex, get cracking on that staffing, stated Nereid. We need this place rolling as soon as possible. Tito, get that booze flowing. Ramirez, tonight those girls will be coming by. Show them to the salon on the second floor and introduce our business to them. Rust, you should start contacting our conflict gemologists and start setting up transfers. I’m eager to get something in Montreal to be able to have port access, so I’ll look into that myself. It’s always safer by boat then land.
The meal finished soon enough, allowing for the made men to go on their assigned tasks, save for Craven, who let his thoughts wander as he shared winks with Boreale, herself closely observed by Ring, who broke her away from the zebra as soon as they left the table. Rust put his hand on his shoulder to get his attention, the striped beast nodding in recognition as he got up to follow the lemur back to his room. He’d set himself up well enough, a laptop waiting on the ground aside his bedroll, which apparently doubled as a temporary office chair, folded on itself a few times to give it height. Craven simply sat cross-legged aside Rust as they went over the list that he’d put together for the shop, getting green lights across the board as they placed orders. As soon as they were done with the task at hand, Craven’s air shifted a bit, getting the lemur’s attention as he raised one of his mask’s eyebrows and asked what was wrong.
-That look seems like a very heavy spirit’s, said Rust. What weighs so on the zebra’s soul?
-Well, it depends if you want to talk about it, really, started Craven, changing into an amazingly diplomatic mindset. I heard that you have some personal issues, with regards to intimate relations.
-So you did, sighed the lemur. And what about it?
-You know, of course, that it’s a bit of a delicate subject, continued the zebra. Do you take some personal time sometimes, to go out and cruise a bit? You know, a striped piece of hunk like you would reap quite a harvest in any bar.
-Thanks, grinned Rust before returning to his previous air. No, I don’t have the time for that, not with everything that goes on. Nereid depends on me like a brother, like half of him and I can’t afford to miss a beat. I guess that my escapades with Ring are all I have, when it comes to sex. I know, it’s sad, sick even, but no one really says anything. I don’t even know if they really have any idea...
-Sorry to be the bearer of ill tidings, but they do, said Craven. You’re a great, wonderful man, Rust, and I can see that it weighs on you too, though you do hide it with skill. With the brothel here, perhaps you could... find an alternative?
-I guess that’s a good idea, nodded the lemur. For people to know that I take whores is still miles better then Ring...
-Don’t objectify, Rust, say it.
-My daughter, corrected the lemur, his head dropping. My baby, I’ve been fucking my baby... I’m a piece of shit, Craven.
-Rust, it’s water under the bridge, if you correct it, said the zebra, putting an arm around the lemur’s shoulders. Be stronger.
-Craven, I got her pregnant two years back, added Rust, now crying profusely. I had to get her to a clinic to get aborted. Don’t tell Nereid, I know he doesn’t have a clue about that. I feel like crap, totally. I know it felt good when we did it yesterday, but I couldn’t even sleep after, like I brought something with me from Tijuana I hoped that I could leave behind.
-Do it, stated Craven, hugging the lemur, who returned the gesture. Do it, Rust, you king of lemurs.
-I will, said Rust, his stare now filled with solid determination. I’ll tell her. Heck, I’ll tell her right now.
Rust took his cell out and called Ring, asking her to come by for a minute, the girl showing up at the door a while later. She looked a bit confused, but didn’t let it show too much as she sat down in front of Rust, who took her hands and stated his decision.
-I’ll resist, said the lemur. It’s all right now, Ring, you father will find a good woman, and he’ll be happy.
-Let’s test it then, said Ring, taking off her shirt and pants, turning tail to him. It’s there; if you want me, take me.
-No, said Rust, looking at her clit before turning his head. No, I don’t.
-I’m proud of you, dad, said the girl, dressing back up and giving him a hug. I love you, as the best father a lesbo chick could ask for.
-Me too honey, sighed Rust, letting her go as she walked out of the apartment. Me too.
-There you go, cheered Craven. That’s a proud father and his daughter!
-Oh man, I think I’ll go masturbate, said Rust. You have no idea how frustrated I am right now.
-It’s all right, it means you’ll go out and find someone else to slate your appetites from now on, assured the zebra, patting his back. Would it make you feel better if you screwed a poor, helpless zebra boy?
-You mean, you?
-What the Hell, call it your reward for a good decision, smiled Craven. Close your eyes, Rusty.
The lemur grinned as the zebra kissed him and reached down in his pants, undoing his pants and jacking him off. Rust moaned as Craven nibbled his neck and ran his hands over his body, stripping the striped lad all the while. Easing him on the bedroll, Rust took his rod and eased himself into his rear, holding his legs open as he fucked him, finally coming with a loud burst of breath and grunt. Craven was glad to oblige him, knowing that it was for a good cause, after all, and as soon as the lemur had pulled out, he stretched out and flexed his butt.
-Craven, started Rust, do you want something too? I feel so ungrateful, after what you did for me.
-Just get me those tools, smiled the zebra, swatting the lemur with his tail as he left with a wave.
Craven paused outside the door, smiling to himself before letting his ears swivel to spot a sound that seemed to come from nearby. Turning to face a door down the hall, he knocked on it, hearing Ring’s voice behind it in reply.
-What is it, asked the girl. This isn’t a good time.
-Ring? What’s wrong, asked the zebra, opening the door a crack to glance inside, seeing her sitting naked on her roll, her eyes slightly red.
-Craven, I know you mean well, but I need some time.
-Ring, why are you crying?
-Fine, shuddered the lemur, waving him inside. You might as well see me before...
-Before..?
-Before I go, sighed Ring. I think I’m going to kill myself.
-Why would you do that? You’re...
-I hate myself, stated the lemur. I hate my stupid, skinny body. I hate being a lesbian. I hate being dumb as a plank. I can’t... I can’t deal with this anymore.
-You’re beautiful, Ring, said Craven, reaching out to take the lemur, who pulled back a moment before leaning into his arm. You’re such a sweet, gentle girl that any honest, good man would walk on red-hot coals to be with you for a second.
-But I’m not that way, said Ring. I’m not straight.
-How do you know that? Haven’t you ever felt a stirring for a male? Or is it that it’s more difficult with them?
-I can’t deal with rejection. I don’t want to hear anyone say anything that hurts me, if I can do anything about it.
-It’s part of life, sighed Craven, running a hand through her hair. Actually, I’m pretty damn sure you’re straight, Ring, and any man you meet that has an ounce of goodness in his soul will tell you how wonderful a lemur you are.
-I can’t really date, blushed Ring, I don’t have a dime. My father pays for anything I need, because I don’t really have a job. I can’t ask Nereid either, I’d feel terrible about that.
-You have plenty to offer, said Craven. You could take care of the hotel with those three mental outpatients! Just ask and he’ll grab you, I swear.
-You’re kind, stripy, smiled the lemur, putting an arm around his waist. I’ll do it. I’ll turn this business around. I need a kick-start though if I’m going to get used to this straight thing. I only really had any with one guy and well... I guess I need some guilt-free humping. Get on, boy.
Craven smiled as he readied himself, and laying aside her, took hold of her breasts and kneaded them as he kissed her all over, planting a few around her thighs before eating her out while she sucked on him. Ring could feel every brush of the zebra’s touch against her as he pinched her nipples and penetrated her, holding her legs between them as he bopped her hard and fast, sending her into another realm of pleasure for minutes on end before she experience the longest orgasm of her life while he finished. The lemur smiled and wrapped herself in fetal position as he continued until he went soft, folding her tail between her legs as soon as he was out of the way.
-I’m pooped, sighed Ring, stealing a kiss from the zebra. I think I’ll take a little time off.
-Boy you have some nice breasts, said Craven, groping them once more.
-They’re flat! Some people think I’m a boy at first.
-I couldn’t tell you, it turns me on too much...
-Silly stripy, giggled Ring, closing her eyes.
Craven grinned at her before clearing out, admittedly a bit numb from the string of encounters, though overall quite glad about their outcome. As he walked down to the lobby, he saw a group of moving men from the furniture company that Nereid had contracted, obeying commands from a few of the made men as they arranged the first floor. Questioning one of the latter, he learned that the upper floors were due in half an hour, underlining the importance of the careful coordination of the exercise. Shrugging and nodding at the explanation, he took a lift to his room, bumping into Boreale as she was heading out.
-Where’s the cat off to?
-To find the zebra, she replied. I was wondering if you’d be willing to take me somewhere more entertaining then this joint?
-There’s a nice pool place a little ways off, if you don’t mind taking the bus. The food’s decent too, and there are a few dartboards and televisions too.
-Sounds like fun!
-I’ll check your cue after the first three defeats, joked Craven, offering his arm to the catamount.

Alex turned his head to see John’s face, the stallion lying on him in the same position as he had been for the last half hour. Stroking his mane with affection and kissing his cheek, he put his muzzle against him, getting a smile and a grunt from his mate. The two had exploded into action, preparing a media bomb for the hotel and a financial plan to present to Nereid later, then, tired as Hell from the move and a sleepless night of intimate action, decided to call it a long nap, and stripping down, had slipped into the bags and blacked out.
-Howdy there, whispered Alex to John’s ear. Feel like getting up yet?
-Kiss my ass, replied the stallion, opening an eye.
-Fine, answered Alex, escaping their grasp and biting the Arabic’s left bun. That tastes great.
-Did someone knock at the door?
-Yep. Stay in the bag, I’ll go see who it is.
-No boxers?
-Why would I need those, grinned Alex, opening the door to see Nereid looking back. Oh look, it’s the dolphin.
-The dolphin’s cute, commented John.
-Thank you both, started the Don as Alex took his arms and pulled him inside. But I...
-Keep going, said Alex as he tossed him on the bed and John started undoing his pants.
-I just wanted to tell you two that the delivery for your furniture will be here shortly, and that you’d have to take a breather, announced Nereid while John jerked him off. Ohh, that’s good, pony.
-Smooth, muttered Alex as he came on his stomach. Nice fishy. Fishy want more cream?
-What, replied the Don, looking dazed as he glanced back at them.
-He’s getting it, nodded John as he started pounding himself.
Before the poor Don could get up, he found himself drenched in horse cum with a long dildo up his rear, squeaking out Morse code. Both the stallions seemed to find it amusing to no end, but after they’d had their fun, carried him to the washroom and scrubbed him down like a car, that it to say every little bit rubbed down and polished. At least after the scrubbing, the fish was able to undertake locomotion by his own means, and ambled behind them as they left the room, just in time to cross the men moving in the furniture, one of them commenting that there was a strange smell in the room as they entered. Leaving Nereid be, the mates went off in search of the rest of their buds, finding the majority of the Family in the hotel lounge, now fully furnished. Boreale was sitting with her zebra, who tossed an edition of the following day’s journal to them and recommended that they open it to the business section, getting a frown from Alex as he caught it and played along.
-I called in to a friend at the editors, said Craven. I think that ought to help you get things rolling a bit.
-New luxury hotel opens, said John, putting his head on Alex’s shoulder and reading the headline. Well, you didn’t spare on the wording for the rest of the text, did you?
-No use doing so, shrugged Craven. Also, I put in a few things about possible recruiting, with the front desk’s number in tow.
-We’d better be ready to have it ring, then, nodded Alex, walking over to give the zebra a one-armed hug. Thanks, stripy. We’ll find a way to pay you back.
-I can only imagine, grinned the zebra. In other news, the party room, alias brothel, it up and running. I saw a few girls being showed in a while back a given a hearty meal, so we should expect some bumps in the night.
-And some income, seconded Rust from behind him, grabbing his tail and giving it a playful yank before reaching in his pocket. Hey, check this out, guys.
-What is it, asked Boreale, keeping her eyes on the small block velvet box that the lemur took out.
-Rocks, replied Rust, opening it to show a collection of uncut rubies, jade and diamonds. I just got them in from a courier via Toronto. They’re unmarked, but as soon as I hand them over to a cutter I contacted this afternoon, they’ll all have bogus numbers and be undistinguishable from any other on the market. Our markup will be fifty percent, because the price paid for conflict stones is ridiculous, believe me, and we need some cash to pay the go-betweens.
-What’s left after those?
-Thirty, still, assured the lemur. Oh also, your stuff will be in the day after next, zebby.
-That was quick! You were on fire today, commented Boreale.
-Well, let’s just say today I felt as good as I’d felt about my work then I had for a while, said Rust, smiling and winking to Craven.
-Don’t we all, grinned the zebra, wrapping an arm around the catamount, who licked his ear. By the way, you have some lipstick there, Rusty boy...
-Do I? Oh...