---Reminiscence---

It would be some time until I would see Provence again since that first day that we finally arrived at Rhodes Island. By the time I was processed and hired I would find with great regret that she had already left. None could give me an answer for her return. For a catastrophe messenger's job often took them weeks if not long months until they would return. If they even returned to the same landship before venturing into another long-drawn search for imminent disasters.

My disappointment was great and a heaviness was upon my heart even more so.

I had to admit the memory of her would come up every day even if it was for the briefest moment. Though the landship was a lively place to keep me occupied and a treasure trove of information and skills to absorb, I still found myself yearning to see her again even if just for once. It made even the solitude I enjoyed so much not fully comfortable as it once was, as paradoxical as it sounded.

All while I reflected upon both my past and present in order to reconcile this new existence. I realised, and I couldn't deny that I was longing for this girl. For this lupo girl. The features of her kind were akin to those of the monsters. However she was diametrically opposed to anything that I have seen in the past. She was majestic and kind-hearted. I couldn't comprehend the very idea of even comparing her to those things that sometimes still haunted my dreams.

It was then many months later after I arrived at Rhodes Island. During that time doctor Kal'tsit's apprentice Amiya, had succeeded her as the official leader of Rhodes Island. And a certain mysterious Doctor had been found and recovered from Chernobog.

To the regret of the few who knew their research failed. They would announce it to me soon enough though I already knew the truth. I didn't need to be a scientist to understand their charts and their graphs. And I would probably be put on the field under the command of this enigmatic Doctor soon enough.

I was on the surface deck of the landship one day, on a nondescript corner. Watching far and wide during the midday. I would often get away from all the commotion, just with myself and a silence that sank deep into my mind and soothed my soul. I carried on me a small but powerful pair of binoculars to observe my surroundings. Watching the nature and the wildlife, the incoming transports and outgoing mission teams.

There was a lot of traffic. Rhodes Island was a very sought out after company all things considered. I peeked through the binoculars again with an easy move to see what else I could gaze upon when I passed by a violet shade. Something quickly clicked in my mind and it raced. I moved the view back. It was gone. I scanned and I looked. There it was again. I zoomed in and focused.

It was Provence. I could feel my heart rate picking up as the invisible weight upon it vanished, replaced with something else. She was definitely returning to the landship. I rose and started walking, making a mental map of the path I would have to take towards the entry hangar.

I realised I was acting on impulse, but my mind agreed to my heart's decision. And just for what exactly? To say hi? No, it was more than that. I had to see her. To speak with her again, no matter where it lead.

-Welcome back Provence. Been a long time.

Provence turned around curiously to see me leaning upon a metal pillar. An expression of someone who was unsure who was addressing her but which voice seemed too familiar. It changed quickly to a happy, beaming smile.

-Tacet! It's good to finally see you again.

I walked up to her as she kept her cheerful expression and I rubbed her cheek lightly.

-You're quite a dusty lupa. Do you always come back so worn out?

-It's a demanding job and it shows. But you shouldn't touch me like that. And you should probably not breathe so close to me. That dust might contain original granules. I've been though some contaminated areas.

-I wouldn't worry too much about that.

-''I have every right to worry about it Tacet! Please don't disconsider the danger of oripathy so lightly. I would feel guilty if anyone got infected because of me!'' She spoke in a serious manner.

-Please don't think it heedless of me. It's just that originum interacts differently to me.

She looked at me curiously and reserved at this remark. She had found out about me winning my employment and adopting my operator name through her channels with Rhodes Island. Yet at this time the fact that I was immune was still a secret that was kept between me and the science team. Though that would change in the near future.

-Maybe I'll explain it to you later at a bite and a drink if you find the time.

-Sure, I'd enjoy eating some real food besides hunting spoils and dubious water.

I started walking at a relaxed pace with her besides me. She was obviously returning from an expedition deep into wild territories as her profession required to. And she looked exhausted though she tried her best to hide it. She walked through a decontamination chamber where she was flushed with some special vapours and I joined her again once she came out.

-How have things been in my absence?

-As ever, with calm periods and storms on the pendulum.

-''How so?'' Asked Provence, curiosity mixed in with just a pinch of worry.

-It is because of the amount of new and varied operators we have.

-Mind if you give me a brief on them before we arrive at the medical ward?

-You may get to know some of the wild cards soon enough. If not, you will certainly hear about them.

-Is it that bad?

-No. Kal'tsit and the new Doctor keep everything mostly calm between them.

-Well that is good to hear. It's well to have a port in the storm, not the storm IN the port.

I chuckled genuinely at her comment and she laughed with me.

''When was the last time I had such a cheerful and light-hearted conversation?'' I thought. It was... too long. Not worth remembering now, not while I was enjoying her presence.

-How did your mission go?

-Another disaster avoided successfully I am proud to say!

-How many lives have you saved this round?

-Two somewhat remote villages. At least two hundred people in all.

-You might as well be the saviour sankta saint of all remote settlements.

-''Maybe they will canonise me after I pass. Saint Provence. Oh, who am I kidding, fat chance.'' She said jokingly.

-But I don't mind at all. It's enough to see the people alive and cheerful to start anew. That makes all my effort worth giving.

-You are a rare breed of modesty Provence.

-Well I kinda am a rare breed, have you ever heard of other violet lupos?

Indeed I haven't, even with my research into the races of Terra. Lupo's of different colours than that of black, grey, white, ginger or of something in between was quite rare, unique even.

-Well, looks like we're here. I have to do my obligatory checkups every time I get on the landship.

-Take care Provence, I'll see you later.

-''See you soon!'' She said with a smile before she entered into the medical ward.

Of course, she had to do these checkups, and many more while she was still here. She was infected after all with oripathy. And her line of work as a catastrophe messenger would only ensure a constant danger of the disease advancing. Her abnormally large tail was a symptom of that disease.

Another paradox. Such a beautiful and fluffy tail to be the product of an incurable and deadly illness.

I would chance to meet her again for lunch the next day at the Little Lungmen's Retreat. We were sitting in one of the private alcoves for two. With a large window besides us that gave a wide view outside of the landship. She was wearing a more leisurely but still stylish attire that actually covered her usually exposed parts. Talk about the ''tactical'' advantages of this age's suits and uniforms.

-''How has it been for you since you came here?'' Provence had asked.

-Pretty well I have to say. Mostly been catching up with a lot of things.

-Heard you had a match with Red one of these days. I'm surprised you are alive after that.

-It was just a friendly spar, unlike my fight with another certain lupo.

-Referring to Lappland?

-You know already?

-Heheh, people talk. And they will unload all their gossip to someone fresh out of the wasteland.

-Of course they would.

-I heard you kicked her shit in so hard that Texas arrived to save her or something?

-I actually called her to come pick up her old friend. I couldn't think of anyone else who'd keep their mouth shut about our private little duel of fates.

-Duel of fates?

-It's... a reference you wouldn't know. Maybe I'll show you the movie it's from one day.

-''And Texas actually came!?'' Provence asked incredulous.

-Yes.

-That is surprising. She avoids Lappland like a catastrophe. You paid her for it or something?

-We are on good terms, I guess you could say I owe her one now.

-But how was the fight with Red a ''friendly spar'' and the one with Lappland not?

-Me and Red actually used dulled edged weapons. Lappland didn't. Talk about unhinged.

-People remarked that Lappland said some strange things after you defeated her.

-''Well, you know she never much restrains herself from talking whatever she wants. So let's say her rambling at that time better remains buried.'' I said, and gave sigh with probably a hint of exasperation which Provence picked up.

-I take it she didn't receive her defeat too gracefully?

-''Actually, she took it with too much grace. But I won't say anymore.'' I said as I rubbed my temple. Which peaked Provence's curiosity even more.

-''Now I definitely want to know more!'' She said, intrigued and with an amused smile.

-''Oh please don't.'' I replied chuckling.

-Your reactions tell me it must have been something wild.

-You could say that.

-''Hmm.'' She mused with a sneaky smile.

-Anyway. Why don't you tell me some tales from your travels.

-It's usually all far from exciting unlike the things going on around here. My job is kinda dreary to be honest.

-I see, it ain't much, but it's honest work.

-''You summed it up Tacet. Ah, that reminds me. What was that nonsense yesterday about shrugging off the danger of oripathy?'' She turned her expression to a serious one and had put down her drink.

-Ah, that. You see, I'm a little different than most.

-How so?

-Can you promise to keep it to yourself? At least until it becomes common knowledge?

-Of course. My lips will be tightly sealed!

I knew I could trust Provence. She wasn't the kind to spread gossip but the kind that people unloaded their gossip onto.

-I am immune to oripathy. I cannot get infected.

Her eyes widened and she seamed shocked.

-Amazing. I... don't know what to say. But, how?

-It was a unique gift from someone long ago.

-''It's no wonder that you had no problems getting employed here then.'' She said with a smile again.

-No, I don't want you to misunderstand me Provence.

She looked a bit taken aback at my statement.

-I'm sorry, how though?

-They wanted to offer me that, but I refused. I negotiated a contract as an operator in their employ. And only added a clause that they can do their tests as well separately.

-I don't want to be a lab specimen living comfortably only from that.

-I understand. You couldn't endure doing nothing and becoming restless.

-About so, yes.

-''So then, we can possibly expect a cure in the future?'' She asked with a barely disguised hope in her eyes, it pained me to answer her.

-Provence...

-Yes?

-My gift, it was meant to be given only once and to be received only once. As much as I wish that Kal'tsit and her team be able to find a cure I don't expect them to succeed. In fact, I am waiting for them to give a final announcement soon regarding their final trials.

-''It is still a secret and no one knows besides a very few. I don't want to give anyone false hopes. I... don't want to give you false hopes Provence.'' I said with heavy words.

-''I understand.'' She said, smiling back nevertheless.

-''Thank you for your confidence.'' She ended saying.

-I am sorry, I didn't mean to be gloomy. Let's have some desert, crêpes?

- Yes! I'll have a pair with blueberries.

The desert brightened the mood back, and we ordered another round of drinks. Apparently Provence was quite the amateur drinker when she was in the comfort of the landship.

-Tacet. I never asked, but what race are you?

-Oh... Original Human I guess you could say.

-I never heard of such a race before.

-It doesn't surprise me, it's an old and forgotten race. Has no fancy traits like yours.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

I winked at her as I said the last part. In response, she hit my leg under the table with her fluffy tail as a friendly jest.

-Tacet, if I didn't know better I'd think you're trying to get me tipsy.

-''Really? For what reason?'' I prodded, slightly amused.

-''To try to fluff my tail!'' Though she said it in a way as if hinting at something else than her tail.

-If I wanted to do anything to you then I'd prefer you sober, so you could experience it clearly.

-Oh really now~? How bold of you to say that.

-''But we are just having a good time. And I trust you know your own limits.'' I then shrugged and smiled on.

-Hmm. Do you always take young lupas here to enjoy the sight with, Tacet?

-No. I usually enjoy my solitude, and I reserve this spot for myself.

-What made you decide to make me the exception~?

Provence was now speaking with a certain flair. Her disposition and body language showed that she was at ease in my presence. Relaxed from the several drinks she had already. She was talking in a coy or even flirtish manner, and it was obvious that she was a bit tipsy.

-Perhaps because you are the first person I ever met on my journey that stopped trying to kill me... After some convincing.

-It was quite a strange situation our chance meeting back then.

-It went for the better. And I am grateful to have stumbled upon you, you dangerous lupa~. I said in a cheerful, playful manner.

She slapped my leg again with her large fluffy tail. Soon we finished our catching up session after two hours, and we said our goodbyes for that day. I felt strangely revitalized and lively after that occasion and I knew as much as I sensed where this was going. And I wanted to embrace it wholeheartedly.

All that was her dispelled every humanly wrong in me and I couldn't resist both the beauty outside and the allure of her soul. It would be two days later that I would see her again one late evening. I knew there was a gathering of operators at one of the most popular pubs along with a drinking contest going on with Blaze in the lead last time I passed by. And only in passing I was since I found those kinds of gatherings tiresome. As much as I tolerated some interactions with the others I could never feel like connecting the way I did with my comrades long ago. Or, as I did with Ace's Squad before their last mission. That... sure opened old wounds and memories.

As I passed by that pub I had noticed Provence in the drinking fray against Blaze. I couldn't see her handling it against that wild drunkard cat girl, but I could still be surprised. We were on good terms Provence and me. But I couldn't have said that we were that close yet. I didn't know many things about her at that time and I didn't know for sure her drinking limit. Though by my experience with her two days ago I wouldn't say too far. I went to one of the medical wards to check on some things, and I was on my way out when I met a lupa dashing into me.

-''Tacet!?'' A red-faced and scared looking Provence looked up at me.

She was drunk, that much was obvious. She was surprised to have bumped into me, and she seamed in distress. And I could probably surmise what from.

-I, we gotta hurry! Red is nearby!

-Let me handle her.

-''No! Uh...'' She said as she leaned onto me unsteadily.

She was terror-stricken by the approaching presence of Red. And I could feel that fear of hers working together with the alcohol to make her feet weaker. Though the flight instinct kicked in making her vigor somewhat renewed.

-''Hurry! There!'' Provence gestured as she pulled me into a nearby storage room for various hygiene and medical products.

It was small and it was cramped as Hell. There were only two rows between us and a small space barely able to fit both of us and her tail.

''Who the Hell even thought of making this closet a low security storage room?'' I thought. But then again this wasn't considered a large landship by the standards of Terra. Every space was used as efficiently as it could be. I felt a sudden weight onto me and as I grabbed Provence, realizing her legs gave in suddenly. She couldn't stand on her own feet anymore, and I held her up on me as she clutched onto my shoulders.

-I'm sorry. I... this probably wasn't the best place...

Indeed, it wasn't. And it was awkward. It was not the type of situation I wanted to be in nor the kind that I wanted to take advantage of the lupo girl I liked. I mean, the damn door didn't even have a lock on the inside. Projekt Red could have easily opened the door once she picked up Provence's scent and followed it. And she would pick it up easily!

Besides that I felt that I was suffocating in there, and it was getting me unusually dizzy. ''Strange, must be the disinfectant chemicals in the air maybe?'' I wondered.

-''Look, Provence.'' I said, deciding to get out of this situation before something awakened in me with this gorgeous and vulnerable lupa so tight against me.

-I will confront Red and you will be safe, trust me.

She looked at me, but she barely seamed conscious with the amount of alcohol she must have drank. I tried to turn around with her on me and reached the door's handle. Clutching and pushing it. It opened in time to notice Gavial carrying a drunk Blaze, they were also trailed by operator Warfarin.

-''Whoa! Tacet! You player!'' Blaze wasted no second to blurt her thoughts out.

It was quite an inopportune moment to have decided to open the door just as they were passing by. As they saw an intoxicated and heavily blushing Provence clutching onto me, while I had my arms wrapped around her in order to hold her steady on her feet. Provence's expression was somewhat aloof in a way that the people in front of us could deduce the most obvious of situations from their perspective. That we either decided to do a quicky or that I was taking advantage of her.

-''This is not what it looks like...'' I trailed. Not sure if these words even mattered. First impressions mattering the most and this certainly was an impression.

-''Looks like you found an ill nest to settle you lovebirds.'' Said Gavial.

-''Operator Tacet, are you taking advantage of Provence?'' Asked Warfarin nonchalantly.

My hair perked up on my skin. That was all I needed now, false rape allegations! Fortunately Provence found enough power and clarity of mind to dispel the notions they had. I hoped.

-''No! I pulled him here!'' Provence blurted out.

-''Wow! You sure are a hungry lupo to just grab the first man you find and pull him into a tight place!'' Said Gavial.

-N-no! I sensed Red, I can always feel her when she is close, I rushed in here to hide.

-''Well, you can rest easy. I saw Red going in the opposite direction I think like... five minutes ago at least.'' Assured Gavial.

-''You look quite intoxicated Provence. Want to go to the medical ward for a refresher?'' Asked Warfarin.

-''I... I can go back to my room, thank you miss Warfarin.'' Said Provence as she mustered the strength to stand on her feet and look just a little less drunk than she truly was. I then chipped in.

-I can tag along with you just in case Red is still around. I can make her calm down if she aims for your tail again.

-Yes, I'd very much appreciate that.

Gavial and Warfarin gave each other a look before the first spoke.

-Alright, we don't want to haul another body anyway.

We went our way and once we turned the corner to an empty corridor Provence started to stagger, and I caught her just in time as she was falling.

-Provence! Hey! Can you hear me?

-''Uuh.'' Was her only response.

-''Hey, where is your room?''

This time there was no answer at all, great.

I took her up my arms with no complaint whatsoever from her. She was out cold now, and I had to make a decision. Should I take her to the medical ward or to another place? A friend's room? I didn't know if she had any particular close friend. Or I could let her sleep in my bedroom instead. I didn't know how much her reputation would suffer if I had brought her to the medical ward then.

However, my domicile was more out of the way of the usual traffic. And I could return there unnoticed as most were away or sleeping at this late hour. Though if they found out then an even bigger misunderstanding could have risen. I only thought on it for about five seconds before taking the decision.

I had to hurry. I was feeling a terribly strange sensation forming, a sort of pain. It was unusual. I usually handled pressure better, even for a situation where I was carrying a lupa of my liking. Hmm, perhaps it wasn't unusual now that I had thought more about it. And as much as I desired to hold this beautiful lupa in my arms, to feel her close. It was not the way I wanted it, not while she was drunk and unconscious.

I thought of the least used way back to my home and went on at a brisk pace. Though fate would grace me with another conundrum, Projekt Red. She was there standing in the middle of the hallway I had to pass through. We stared at each other unflinchingly. Mercifully Provence was still out cold, hopefully not into an alcoholic induced coma.

-Are you blocking my way Red?

-Red wants to touch the fluffy tail.

-No, Red.

-It's not fair. You're carrying her and I can't just touch her tail?

-Red, Provence is out cold now, she asked me to help her before she passed out.

-We are not going to take advantage of someone who can't consent Red, it's not right.

She seemed to look at me curiously. And then dropped the bombshell question.

-Where are you taking her?

My jaw dropped inside of me. I couldn't lie, yet the truth was damning. I sighed internally and heavily.

-Going to drop her off in my room to recuperate.

There was a silence. A heavy one stretching away.

-Red will come too.

-''No.'' I said calmly.

''Oh God no!'' I thought. I could hold my impulses as a man in check. Or at least I thought I could, but I couldn't trust her to keep her claws away from Provence's tail. Or was she actually instead thinking... no, it couldn't be that.

She couldn't think I would have my way with her too, and she wanted a part of it as long as she got to fluff her tail?! This was getting dangerous and fast. These fantasies were already running wild at the back of my head as much as I tried to shut them down!

-I will not let you inside only to find out that the moment I dozed off you went straight to her tail.

I sighed.

-If you really want to pat Provence's tail you will have to approach her. Calmly, then tell her that you like her tail and ask if she will let you touch it. It's how it should be.

-They all run from Red before that.

Well... this situation suddenly just turned to a doleful one.

-I can promise to put a good word for you with Provence, and maybe she will let you after she recuperates.

-You would do that?

-Yes. I know it must be difficult with the aura you have. I'll help you, only as long as you promise to be nice to Provence, and never harm her.

-Red can promise that.

-Thank you, Red. Now will you let me pass?

She took two steps closer to the wall and I passed without anymore incidents to my place, though I felt strangely winded. I was gasping for air and I felt as if I was just not getting enough. I first laid her down onto the couch and searched through the box I kept the medicines in. I took a pill specially for recuperation after alcohol and hangovers, and slipped it carefully down her throat. Fortunately it was a small and smooth pill that didn't choke her awake.

I took a moment to look at her visage. She was beautiful and captivating, this lupo girl. I felt my heart beating and I knew what it meant. I looked away. Not wanting to delve more into the feelings that were forming in me. I took her to my bedroom and laid her on my bed. Taking her shoes off and leaving everything else on her.

I left a glass filled with water on the night stand, an extra water bottle and a small plastic container with hangover pills from natural plant extracts. Even if she downed the whole bottle by accident she wouldn't overdose. I left the lamp on the same night stand switched on minimal setting. Enough to see if she needed to grab anything but low enough to not bother someone trying to fall asleep. It was also a welcome bonus that my dormitory had its own entrance to the restroom and bathroom besides it. If she woke up in need of it she could go straight there without having to go through the living room.

I took my leave, exiting the dormitory and making my way through the living room and on to the balcony. My chest was hurting from a pressure that shouldn't have been there, and I nearly tripped over. I reached and sat in my most recent acquisition of a modern chair. I lowered the back and laid at a comfortable angle looking at the bright moonlit sky and the stars. I took out and inhaled the electronic cigarette filled with some sort of strong herbal flavour, admiring the sky as I did so. Clearing my mind and calming my heart. It was cold but a welcoming solitude. I could stand it, my gift having the ability to help me keep comfortable through less liked temperatures. Having left the door of the balcony open I could hear movement now and then from the bedroom and the restroom. Good, she was still alive and able to go refresh herself on her own two feet.

-''Eaugh!'' Was heard from the bathroom.

''Oh, that brings me memories'' I thought. I stood there for a long time until my eyelids were laid to rest, and I fell asleep. I woke up to the sky that was brightening with a lively blue in the early morning, finding I was covered with a blanket. I realised a certain violet lupa must have visited me during the night, how sweet of her. Going inside I could hear the shower running in the bathroom. I switched on an electric boiler and went on to preparing some warm drinks besides some breakfast. Soon a fresh looking Provence exited cautiously from my bedroom, wearing one of my shirts and a pair of boxers.

-Morning there. Breakfast will be ready soon. Tea or coffee?

-''Coffee please.'' She answered a bit embarrassed.

We sat facing each other at the table and mostly enjoyed our meal first before we started to unwind all that happened last night.

-So, Tacet. Things are... a bit hazy from last night. Did... did we do it?

She asked in a very timid and deeply embarrassed feel.

-No, none of that I can assure you.

Her embarrassment seemed to ease at my confirmation though she still seamed a bit sheepish.

-Do you remember bumping head first into me?

-About the last thing I remember.

-You said you were running from Red, and then you pulled me into the tightest storage room on Rhodes Island. It was very silly of you, so I opened the door back to get us out. But instead of whom you expected there were a group of operators who stood there.

-Oh my goodness, who was it?

-Gavial carrying an intoxicated Blaze, and Warfarin. You can imagine their reaction, but you were still somewhat functional, and we explained our situation.

-Did they even believe it?

-Couldn't say, but I'm leaning on probably.

-And after?

-After they were off I caught you just as you were passing out. I didn't know where your room was, nor was I sure if I wanted to tarnish your reputation by bringing you to the medical ward. So I decided to let you use my room for the night.

-I presume nobody else saw you carrying me unconscious the rest of that night?

-None except one.

-Oh no, who was it?

-Projekt Red

Her tail bristled at the mention of those words.

-Well, we are still alive, so what happened?

-''She wanted to fluff you up good Provence, I won't hide that.'' I said teasingly.

-Humph, come on, tell me.

-She did want that, but I told her she can't do it without people's approval. I've convinced her to relent.

-Wow, I'm surprised.

-However.

-Oh no...

-I promised her something. To tell you this. She is a lonely lupo, and she wouldn't want that to be a permanent state though her aura prevents her from getting close to anyone.

-I just want you to consider giving it a try. To let her approach you and talk. And maybe let her pat your tail if she asks nicely. She promised me she would never harm you and never to touch you without permission.

-I... I'm not sure what to say, I'm surprised. You managed to make her promise that?

-I did, she was sincere about it.

-I imagine someone like her would feel pretty lonely, even more that some catastrophe messengers are.

-''Yes.'' I said taking a sip of my tea.

-Tacet... thank you for everything.

-''Provence.'' I said, grabbing her attention. I needed to set something straight.

-SÌ?

-I want you to know that I didn't touch you in any way.

She studied my serious gaze, and seemed to be satisfied.

-I trust you Tacet.

-But now I have my own inquiry. Why are you wearing my clothes? I had left you in yours.

-Yes, about that. My clothes were kinda, ehem, dirty. I washed them in the shower, but it's gonna be a bit more until they dry. So I grabbed something fresh from your drawer.

-Aaa, I understand. It's not a problem. Don't worry about it.

-You have a pretty nice apartment. How did you manage to get it?

-I negotiated audaciously on the terms of my employment contract.

-Are you going to lose it if they don't get a cure from you?

-Nope, I am to keep it as long as my employment lasts.

-Well then, you scored quite a nice place. Most operators have only a small dorm room or have to share it with another.

-Anyway. I'm sorry I was such a bother for you. I really went too far with Blaze's drinking contest.

-Well now you know your drinking limits better.

-Yes, indeed.

-''So, Tacet. How close were you to your limits last night in restraining yourself?'' She asked as she took an alluring position.

-As with any healthy man it was there, but my will was stronger.

-I wonder how far your will could resist before I'd crumble it~.

I looked at her curiously and she just flashed me a smile and a wink. She was cute trying to pull my leg. We finished our breakfast, and she rose from her seat.

-Please don't worry about the bathroom, I already took responsibility and cleaned it.

-I'll go check on my clothes, they should probably be dry by now.

-''Second wardrobe, get whatever you need from there.'' I pointed her as she rose.

-Hmm?

-Don't just wear your own attire if it's still soggy. You'll find clean joggers and a hoodie to choose from there.

-''... Hey, Tacet.'' She caught my attention as she was about to enter my bedroom.

She raised her tail, arching and presenting her beautifully rounded bottom in my tight boxers. Her child bearing hips were gorgeously attractive to the eye and her bare legs were alluringly sculpted. She then pulled her shirt tight from behind, moulding the fabric onto the shapes of her voluptuous and godly sculpted chest. She winked and flipped her tongue out at me. She was teasing me, provoking me. This bewitching lupa was daring me. Then she scooted into the dormitory, closing the door. She came back bedecked in a short pair of dark joggers and an unzipped black hoodie over what she already had on her, acting as if nothing had happened before.

-Provence.

-Yes Tacet?

-''You're beyond testing the waters.'' I said, failing to suppress a smirk.

-''Heheheh.'' She laughed nonchalantly.

-''Thank you for taking care of me, I'll see you later~.'' She said as she left my doorstep.

I found myself later that day at the logistics and distribution department, talking with a red haired sankta girl called Exusiai. And on my way there I didn't enjoy the half spoken whispers that my ear caught as people saw me. Fortunately Lappland appeared to blurt out the bloody thing that everyone was talking about behind my back.

-''Tacet! How daring of you I have to say! I mean, you denied me and Texas the same offer. Yet you had a certain pair in mind the whole time!'' She spoke loudly for everyone to hear.

-''What are you even babbling about Lappland?'' I asked seriously.

-Oh don't bother trying to deny it, you're a hot potato topic since this morning!

-Well enlighten me o white lupo.

-It was not enough that you got your hands on a drunk and unconscious Provence last night. But you wanted to hook up Projekt Red in your bedroom too!?

-''Damn Tacet, you're as reckless as they come!'' Lappland concluded.

I ceremoniously spurted my drink out in my mind. ''Oh God damn it, how did this even came to be!? It was worse than I even imagined!'' I thought.

-''And who was the one so daring to tell so big of a lie?'' I asked.

-Projekt Red herself!

-Are you eating shit again Lappland?

-''I am not!'' Lappland beamed up, and yet as she was grinning maniacally I couldn't detect her lying about it. It must have been some misunderstanding somewhere I thought.

-''I say the truth of what I've heard! And also of what I've seen and smelled.'' She smiled intently before revealing more.

-Provence was giggling quite happily this morning. Wearing one hoodie a bit too large for her. And she was doused in your scent.'' Saying the last part with a lascivious insinuation.

-But what I really am interested in is, why Provence and the Red one?

-What did I and Texas lacked that you refused it with us?

Suddenly I heard a box crashing onto the floor. I turned around, and there was Texas and Provence together. Texas's face was looking mighty pale.

-''Don't worry, they were there to hear most of it.'' Said Lappland unfazed.

-''They... they offered themselves to you?'' Asked Provence.

-''No!'' I answered.

-''Yes!'' Declared Lappland.

-''Texas?'' Asked Provence looking at her.

-''N-no!'' She stuttered, which made Provence suspicious.

-''Wow.'' Exusiai said.

Oh no. I nearly forgot about Exusiai. This gossiping loudmouth would spread this unfolding disaster to several landships, not just Rhodes Island.

-''Tacet?'' Provence tried to get my attention.

-''Provence, I told you the truth, I swear.'' I said sincerely though I felt the situation getting out of hand. I sighed and pulled out my phone.

-''Who you're gonna call? Projekt Red?'' Teased Lappland.

-Hello. Doctor Kal'tsit. I need you to instil a temporary quarantine on the Logistic and Shipment department hub. I'm requesting activation of the Emergency Meeting protocol. We will also need Projekt Red's presence.

-''It is that bad?'' Asked Kal'tsit through the speaker.

-For me it is.

I ended the call. The logistics hub we were in was promptly sealed by remote locking all the doors. Soon doctor Kal'tsit herself appeared with Projekt Red, prompting everyone in the room including Lappland to shut the fuck up. Exusiai just chuckled and said:

-I feel am in danger!

The emergency meeting soon commenced after that and after some straightening out of the events I felt a little more relieved.

-''I understand now.'' Said Kal'tsit.

-Projekt Red has given me the details of that encounter, yet I fear Gavial and Blaze were nearby to mishear some parts of it.

-I assure all of you they will be promptly punished for the mess their gossip had caused. I will also transmit through the proper channels the truth of the matter as to try and dispel everything.

-''Thank you doctor Kal'tsit.'' I said.

-I repeat to all of you present here. What Tacet related is the truth of last night.

-''There is one more matter still.'' Added Provence before she dropped the hammer.

-Did they really offer themselves to you?

Both Provence and Projekt Red were now looking at me, Lappland, and Texas. Expecting an answer to their curiosity.

-''No!'' Texas and I declared at the same time.

-''Yes!'' Declared Lappland in opposition.

-''I swear I'll beat the shit out of you!'' Warned Texas.

-''I'd like to see you try.'' Retorted Lappland.

-''She'll do it while I hold you down.'' I added.

-''Well that's just not fair.'' Pouted Lappland.

-''So?'' Insisted Provence who still wanted a clear answer.

I sighed.

-After the duel and her defeat she offered herself to me, I refused. When Texas came to pick her up she wanted to rope her into the offer. She also refused.

-''Should've planted a few more fists into her head then Tacet.'' Added Texas.

-''How hurtful of you my old partner.'' Lappland said amused.

-''After what I've heard it looks like we have a third operator to heavily penalize.'' Said Kal'tsit, and as much as Lappland didn't want to show it she looked nervous.

I internally grunted and readied myself to talk yet again.

-Please, that won't be necessary doctor Kal'tsit. She only picked up what she heard.

-She is also an instigator.

-Please, doctor Kal'tsit, Lappland is not an instigator.

Kal'tsit looked at me peculiarly.

-Really Tacet? One does not simply activate the emergency meeting protocol while establishing a quarantine.

-Then the blame is on me, and I alone should be penalized if I am found to have misused the protocol.

-Hmm, very well, I will inform you of my decision later.

-Thank you for your intervention doctor Kal'tsit.

The quarantine lifted, and everyone was dispersing on their own. Before Exusiai slipped away she was grabbed by Texas.

-You will say nothing of this to anyone, understand?

-S-sure thing friend! Please don't hurt me!

I found myself walking out of the logistics department with Provence besides me.

-''Well what a show that was!'' Provence said as she laughed heartily.

-''I see what you meant about big storms between operators on the landship. It's so exciting and entertaining.'' She said as she laughed lively again.

-''I'm glad you find it amusing. So... you were giggling on your way back from my place~?'' I asked with a bit of tease myself.