The Hunds listened attentively as they were briefed for the upcoming mission. Their ears were perked up and their backs were straight but their tails were wagging with excitement. The humans were finally letting them off their leashes!

Relatively rare outside their homeworld, Hunds were an independent race of canine uplifts. Mostly they walked around on two legs but they weren't above getting down on all fours and ripping someone to shreds with their teeth.

"This is a high risk high reward mission." Human Nomad Recon Captain Pineda explained. "We are expecting 70-80% casualties during the initial assault. Those of you that survive may be unable to return. That's why I'm stressing that participation is strictly voluntary. Anyone who wishes to opt out, please raise your hand."

Not a single Hund bothered to do so much as blink. Pineda looked around the assembled troops wondering if maybe something had gotten lost in translation. "I repeat, even if you achieve victory it is more likely than not that none of you are coming back. This is not a test of loyalty or nerve, participation is optional."

A black furred Hund Captain with tan patches on his legs and forearms cleared his throat. "Respectfully sir, if it was an easy mission they would send Humans or Kinter. We are Warhund Raiders, you point us at a target and watch it disappear. That's our job. Casualties, even total losses, are acceptable if it means achieving our objectives."

Pineda smiled. When it came to absolute dedication and loyalty you really couldn't find a better soldier than a Hund. He was just happy they were on his side. "Alright, I guess that's settled." He turned on the projector. "We're going to send you deep into enemy territory…"

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The Hunds listened and watched, some took notes. When the briefing was over Pineda pulled the Hund Captain aside for a brief word.

"You really aren't afraid to die, are you?" Pineda asked once they were alone.

The Hund Captain laughed. "You obviously aren't much of a history buff. Granted, the fall of Haven was probably before your time even if it seems like yesterday to us. You see, the fear of death holds no sway over Hunds. Your people found that out the hard way when we gained our independence. What's that old Human saying? Cave Canem, I believe it was…"

Pineda blinked. "I'm not familiar with that particular phrase."

"It's Latin, it means 'Beware the Dog'." The Hund explained. "Now, if you call a Hund a dog he's likely to rip your balls off and feed them to you. But the idea is the same. We will accomplish the objective, just don't mistake us for pets. Now, if that will be all sir I've got a mission to prepare for."

"Dismissed, happy hunting Captain Braverhund." Pineda saluted.

"Swift winds, Captain Pineda." Braverhund returned the salute. "If I don't return, be sure to tell me how the mission went. I'm sure I'll be eager to hear all about it."

Then Braverhund turned on his heel and exited the briefing room leaving Pineda very confused and slightly worried that he may have bitten off more than he could chew by involving the Hunds.

He made a mental note to look up the fall of Haven, whatever that was. And what the hell had Braverhund meant by that last bit? Was it a riddle? Some kind of joke that he wasn't smart enough to understand?

Pineda rubbed his temples. He had been expecting dogs and gotten a pack of wolves instead. "Fuck my life…" He whispered softly.