Dog of War

Camila pushed through the doors into the clinic's empty waiting room. The cushions and lounging areas offered her little comfort. The soft lounge music was disquieting, and the unknown of getting her core sampled picked at her already frayed nerves. Her thoughts drifted to Princess at every opportunity. What if she was lonely? Or needed help she wouldn't ask for?

 

An Affini popped out from behind the desk, nearly making Camila jump out of her vines. "Hello! You must be Camila!" They recoiled at her reaction, "Oh, sorry, didn't mean to sneak up on you. I'm Ak'thraxos Li'wyrk'fi, Forty Seventh Bloom, She/Her! Most sophonts in this corner of space call me Allie tho~"

 

This was the Haustoric Implant specialist? She was very bubbly for her bloom count, brightly colored and a little shorter than Camlia. She reminded her of Cordelia in a way. Camila intertwined a few of her vines with Allie's in a greeting. "Camila Verdun, First Bloom, she/her. It's nice to meet you! I'm here to get my core sampled for the implant."

 

"Yes, yes, very nice to meet you as well!" Allie beamed, her smile  too rigid, too wide, and too square, as though she had only heard one described. "It's always refreshing to meet the youngblooms! Especially when they're getting their first implant grown, it's so exciting! No need to be nervous dearie, it won't be painful; quite the opposite in fact, but you might feel a little dizzy for a brief moment."

 

Ah, Camila was carrying a bit of tension. Okay, more than a bit. "Sorry, I don't mean to be. I know it won’t hurt, I'm just a bit on edge," Camila apologized and tried to force herself to relax. 

 

"Oh?" Allie opened the door and began to lead her through a hall. "Usually you youngblooms are so excited over their first foret! What's troubling you?"

 

"It's just that the little one is on her own for the first time since her arrival. The Hab's AI is watching her, of course, and I have a friend that lives next door just in case, but I'm still anxious about it."

 

Allie opened a door to an examination room, a large tank on a cart to one side. Inside of it was a sapling implant, awaiting Camila's core sample. "You left your floret on her own?" 

Camila took the place she was directed to. "She's not my floret quite yet; however, she did sign a partial domestication contract this morning, and I have a notice of intent on her. She was very insistent that she have some time alone to relieve herself. She's been worked up the last few days and isn't ready to accept my help for such a thing." 

 

"I see..." Allie began reading a chart off her pad as she opened a drawer and began pulling out instruments. "Well, being worried is fairly natural. It sounds like you care for her deeply. That's the mark of a good owner; she's lucky to have you. I presume you're getting this so it's ready once she is?" 

 

"Yes. The girl still has her heart set on independence, but she's starting to realize she wants me even more, and her determination to prove she can be independent is waning. She's so close to being able to accept me, I can feel it. She's become attuned to my biorhythm, and finally accepting pets. You should see how she relaxes in my vines, she drops so readily you'd think she was already implanted." 

 

"That is adorable~ " Allie turned around, a long prodding tool with a sensor on its end in her vines. Her look turned wistful as she swayed to her own rhythm, a distant look in her six eyes. "The first floret always is a special one..." The look left as quickly as it came, Allie returning to her usual pep. "Can you expose your core for me?" She pointed at Camila's chest with the tool. 

 

"Oh! Yes." Shifting leaves, vines, and the few things she had stored inside herself, Camila's chest parted, revealing the glowing orb within, the same purple-pink as her eyes. It was an odd feeling to display herself like this, but not half as odd as the feeling of Allie inserting the tool. Her every vines twitched, her every leaf bristled. It wasn't painful , but it did catch her off guard. It sent a jolt through her entire being, every leaf tingling as it vibrated, and she had to consciously keep vocalizing the pleasure. The elder Affini removed the tool a few seconds later, which was just as bracing, before examining her pad.  

 

Silence pervaded the air as Allie tapped away, and Camila felt the need to fill it. "...Do you still remember your first floret?" 

 

She wished she had kept her words to herself. Allie stopped all at once, not even the smallest vine making a move for several long seconds. What was Camila even thinking?! She knew better than to ask about something like that ! "Sorry, I-"

 

"Bits and pieces," said the elder Affini, her form reanimating slowly. "I can recall how they felt in my vines. What it felt like when they were happy. How the room lit up when they got excited. The shape of them has grown foggy, but it's still there. Sometimes I can almost hear their laughter..." There was a draft in the room as the Affini sighed. "I still have recordings, and their collar is kept in stasis, but I've not revisited either in a long time. Even by our standards."

 

Allie perked up, brightening the room once again. "You don't have to worry about that though, dear! You still have a long time to enjoy with your little one~ It's best to stay in the present, after all. And speaking of the present-" she took up a device with a sharp looking scoop. "I'm ready when you are~" 

 

Camila braced herself. "I'm ready." 

 

Allie wasted no time, quickly inserting the instrument into Camila's open chest and slicing a small sliver off of her core. Camila nearly yelped with shock as a few vines reflexively spasmed. Allie merely hummed with satisfaction as she turned around and inserted the sample into the sapling in the tank. "There we go! It'll be ready for implantation in a week." 

 

Excitement coursed through Camila, her flowers in full bloom and vines wriggling with delight even as the room tilted. It was really happening. Princess would be hers in a matter of days, and then implanted shortly after. She would finally be able to peer into the girl's mind, her every secret- no, her very being laid out before her. Hers to shape, to mold. Hers to protect and love. She would finally not just know but feel how deep Camila's love ran. 

 

"Well someone sends to be a good mood now~"

 

"Yes, it's just-" Camila took a moment to collect herself. "It feels so real now."

 

"Yes, I imagine so! I'll send you updates on the implant’s growth, but that's all I need from you for now, unless you have any questions?"

 

Camila stood up, "No, in fact I should probably get going. I need to make the next shuttle to the Vervarium ." 

 

"Oh? Well in that case we'll be in touch! Do you need me to show you the way out?"

 

"No, it's fine." The two exchanged a parting touch and Camila thanked her before leaving. Stepping out of the office building, she took out her pad and checked the time. Oh dirt , the next shuttle was in seven minutes, and if she missed it she'd have to wait an additional twenty! 

 

Camila unraveled her legs for speed, and took off. 

-_-_-_-

They were alone. 

 

Princess couldn't help but examine the strange feeling that pervaded them. They had been alone before; truthfully, they had spent most of their life in various types of solitude. There had been a few times they had worked in tandem with a partner, or a small team. Usually those times were brief, only a mission or two. Even their longest-term partner, Verek, had worked with them on only about a dozen jobs before they parted ways. Even then, there had always been a considerable distance between them. The only matters ever discussed were related to their shared work, directly or indirectly. 

 

Princess normally took solace in being on their own; it was usually the only time they could even slightly relax. Yet there was a strange emptiness where comfort should be. The Hab suddenly seemed larger, colder. Lifeless. Nothing had changed , but they could hardly imagine a more drastic shift in the room's tone. They clutched the bear close to their chest, like a man clutching a lantern in the pitch black darkness. They folded both their arms over it, the lone source of warmth in the otherwise frigid room. It quieted the odd feeling, but it didn't silence it.

 

We're used to being alone, aren't we? Why does it feel so- so- 

 

Princess frowned. They couldn't quite place it. An unfamiliar uneasiness twisted in their gut. Was this... could it be loneliness? That didn't make any sense, they've been on their own as recently as yesterday. Sure Miss Verdun had still been elsewhere in the Hab then, and it was only about thirty minutes, but it had been only five since the Affini left! Maybe they should just cut their losses and ask Cordelia to pick them up...

 

We have jumped from vessel to vessel without a tether, we have taken on mechs in single combat, we have brought down entire pirate crews with four rounds, some gum and a bit of creativity! We can fucking handle a few hours on our own!

 

Princess clenched their fist and took a deep breath- that's right! They were Jackal! They had been the most fearless mercenary in all of the Accord! They weren't some mewling, needy pet! They didn't need a goddamn babysitter ! Miss Verdun would see that they were fine on their own, and they would prove that they were capable of independence! They just needed to make a plan of action, and everything would work out. Same as always. 

 

First step to a good plan was to list all tasks necessary, then any additional objectives. They still needed to masturbate; even the chill of the empty hab hadn't sapped the heat from their flesh. Now that they had regained a bit of their fire, they could feel the need rising again. They needed to eat, but that wasn't until later. They needed to do research, both on the flower festival and on finding a new last name. 

 

Princess wracked their mind for any other tasks. If they still had time after accomplishing the other tasks, they could try to fit in a workout. They may not have any equipment, but there were always calisthenics. To order the tasks, that would be masturbate, look into the flower festival and avenues of escape, come up with a new last name, and work out, with eating fitting in whenever it was time. The final step was to plan out how to accomplish each.  

 

Relieving themselves should be simple enough. Princess had been so worked up the last few days they doubted it would take all that long. They still needed a few more details figured out- namely where they were going to do it. They certainly weren't going to do it here ; the empty common area was too off-putting. Their bedroom, at their desk, was the obvious choice. That was the only place they could sit comfortably anyways. They still needed tissues, but their pad was on the desk, and they needed it to compile anything. Unless they felt like talking to that machine. They headed that way as they worked out the rest. 

 

Reconnaissance on the flower festival should be easy enough. From the sound of it, it was a large event taking place each season. The real problem would be locating a hatch or door into the silo system in the area without looking it up directly. If Miss Verdun or Jess caught onto them, they may as well just ask the Affini to domesticate them.

 

They were still puzzling that one out as they shifted the bear to one arm and picked up the pad. As they began to navigate to the proper menu to compile something, another option caught their eye: 'Camera.'

 

It's a social event, there are doubtlessly a ton of photos we could browse under the guise of research.  

 

Princess smiled as they continued to compile some tissues, and everything fell into place.

 

An all-too-familiar chime wiped the smile away as quickly as it came. "Just tissues? You don't want, like, lube? Or some lotion? Maybe a vibrator or something?"

 

"That won't be necessary." 

 

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to chafe!"

 

Princess bit back rising annoyance. "Thank you for your concern, Jess , but this really shouldn't take too long."

 

"Pfft."

 

"Just compile the tissues, please." Why was this happening? How had their life come to this? What did they do to deserve this? Sure, they killed a lot of people, but most of them would have likely just been killed by some other merc anyways. 

 

"Okay, okay, fine. Your tissues are ready, Princess."

 

"Thank you, Jess." They set the pad back down and went to retrieve the tissues.

 

"Do you not like me because I'm like, a weird disembodied voice? Or is it just because I'm an AI?"

 

They stopped in their tracks. The machine actually sounded upset . "Jess?"

 

"It's just that you're still clearly tensing up when I talk and I've been trying not to talk too much for your sake and I don't know! I want you to be comfortable with me! Maybe if I had a body or an avatar or something you could talk to you wouldn't be so nervous around me!"

 

Ohhh, what the fuck kind of fresh hell? 

 

"That's not it." They sighed, this might as well fucking happen.

 

"Then what is it?!"

 

"It's complicated

, alright? Can you just drop it? It's really not the time." 

 

"Uggghhhh, Fine!" Jess chimed out. 

 

Princess put the awkward conversation aside; they needed to stay focused. They collected the tissues and headed back to the desk, setting the bear and the small box upon it. Upon sitting down, they realized there was something they forgot to consider- they couldn't remove the dress. A fairly minor setback. The hemline was short, and the skirt was easy to hike up, exposing their panties. They would have to be careful to not get any on the dress though. They pulled their already stiffening cock and balls out of the revealing lingerie and-

 

The bear was looking at them. Princess blushed under the gaze of its beady eyes, feeling suddenly inappropriate about the situation. They turned it around, and the feeling didn't go away. Grabbing it, they went to put it down, and stopped when they caught sight of their boots. The floor was no place for it anyways. Low on options, they stuffed the bear into the left corner of the chair, facing away from them. They didn't have to look at it, it wasn't looking at them, and they got to enjoy the comforting warmth of its touch. Now they could go back to what they were-

 

Princess' pad lit up, a notification that Daisy had messaged them appearing on the screen, along with a preview.

 

[Daze-ee]: Heyyyy where r uuuu

 

It was quickly replaced as several more followed it quickly, most of which they didn't have the time to read. Brimming with frustration they opened the messenger, only to be met with a different message. 

 

'Uh-oh cutie, it looks like your old username was deemed inappropriate! Please select a new one before continuing to use the messaging service'

 

Deemed inappropriate?! It was fucking Dune reference! What was inappropriate about that? It was a classic! Another message came through and they growled in frustration. They don't have time for this right now- they entered letters at random and hit continue. 

 

[Daze-ee]: Mistress said u were gonna come over 

[Daze-ee]: so we can hang out

[Daze-ee]: but then she said you changed your mind?

[Daze-ee]: I was super excited to hang out!

[Daze-ee]: and talk about what happened after u left :3

[Daze-ee]: I wanna see uuuuu

[Daze-ee]: ;^;

[Daze-ee]: ur not upset about yesterday or somethin r u?.

 

[afhsfk]: I am not upset Daisy

 

[Daze-ee]: hiiiiii

[Daze-ee]: that's good!

 

[afhsfk]: I'm a little busy atm

 

[Daze-ee]: sorry I still get worried about that kinda junk easily sometimes

[Daze-ee]: what's with ur name btw lol 

[Daze-ee]: huh? busy with what? 

 

[afhsfk]: my old one got removed for some reason

[afhsfk]: and I'm taking care of a few personal matters

 

[Daze-ee]: really? was arkakis or whatev a naughty word

 

[afhsfk]: it's Arrakis and no

[afhsfk]: can we do this later? I was in in the middle of something

 

[Daze-ee]: whatcha doin'? 

[Daze-ee]: jerkin' off?

[Daze-ee]: lol

 

Blushing, Princess elected to ignore that. 

 

[afhsfk]: just give me like fifteen minutes and we can talk

 

[Daze-ee]: okey dokey~

[Daze-ee]: love uuu

[Daze-ee]: <3<3<3<3<3

 

Princess flipped the pad face down onto the desk. There would be no more interruptions.

 

Their dick had softened a bit, but that hardly mattered. At this point, need was pounding through every nerve, and it demanded to be answered. They bit their lip to stifle a gasp as they began to fondle themselves- their hands were incredibly soft now. A small part of them lamented the loss of the callouses they spent decades accruing. A very small part. Speaking of small parts, their dick had definitely shrunk. They had been barely a handful before, but now it easily fit within their smaller palm. Something about that made it suddenly stiffen fully, gaining little length. They started stroking more earnestly and it was only moments before they felt their climax approaching. They barely grabbed a handful of tissues in time to receive the load. Their breathing stopped as their cock pulsed three times, emptying their balls. 

 

All the tension left their body at once, and they collapsed back into the chair, catching their breath. That felt... not as good as they had hoped, actually. There was still a need in their body, despite the fact they were spent. 

 

Something had been missing. 

 

Princess grumbled with dissatisfaction as they sat back up. They felt more frustrated than before, and there was still an ache in their flesh! They still had to clean up, too. It wasn't nearly as heavy as they were expecting, but that just made it easier. Taking care to make sure the tissues had indeed gotten all of it, they wadded it up and forcefully jammed the wad back into the box. Picking it up, they started to leave, only to turn back and grab the bear before leaving their room to decompile the mess. 

 

Returning, they collapsed back into their chair. They felt so defeated they could cry. Why didn't it work ? Why wasn't it enough ? Everything had ridden on that working! Could they not even masturbate correctly on their own?! They sniffled, wiping away budding tears as they hugged the bear. Why did nothing ever work out for them? 

 

There was a chime- the last thing they wanted to hear right now. "Princess? Are you doing alright?"

 

"Go 'way," they mumbled into their plushie. 

 

"Do you want me to get someone? Miss Verdun? Daisy?" 

 

Either would insist on 'helping.'

 

"No. Just need a minute."

 

"Uhhh, are you sure? You know normally that's supposed to make Terrans feel good, not sad."

 

They spoke through gritted teeth. "Just. Give. Me. A. Minute." 

 

"...Alright, but if you aren't feeling better in five minutes I'm contacting Miss Verdun and Miss Dawnbloom," Jess chimed out. 

 

Princess sighed, what were they even acting like this for? Sure they hadn't been able to address all of that pent up need, or even most of it, but they had relieved some . Maybe it was enough that they wouldn't melt at the Affini’s slightest touch? They took a few moments to breathe deeply, and steady their mood. Playing with the bear's paw helped too, and they slowly returned to a more stable mood. 

 

We still have other things to do. We can't let falling short one time get to us. 

 

It wasn't like it was a total loss. They might still feel needy, but it had taken off most of the edge. They still had to talk to Daisy, and look up the flower festival at least.

 

[afhsfk]: I'm back. 

 

[Daze-ee]: Hiiiiiiiiiii

[Daze-ee]: so what were ya doin

 

[afhsfk]: does that really matter?

 

[Daze-ee]: omigosh

[Daze-ee]: were you actually jerkin off?!

 

[afhsfk]: Daisy can we talk about anything else?

 

[Daze-ee]: like what happened yesterday after u left :3c

[Daze-ee]: Mistress wouldn't tell me :<

 

[afhsfk]: sure

[afhsfk]: a few things happened I suppose.

 

[Daze-ee]: eeeeeeee

[Daze-ee]: spiiiiiilllllll

[Daze-ee]: ur were all like borderline catatonic n junk after Miss Verdun got all possessive

[Daze-ee]: which was kinda hawt

[Daze-ee]: ive nevur seen her like that

[Daze-ee]: omigosh is Miss Verdun ur Mistress now????

[Daze-ee]: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 

[Daze-ee]: PLZZZZ I NEED 2 KNOOO

 

[afhsfk]: you could try giving me a minute to type instead of making crazy theories

[afhsfk]: and no, I'm not a pet.

 

[Daze-ee]: sry hee hee

[Daze-ee]: im just rly rly excited

[Daze-ee]: :3

 

[afhsfk]: I went back to the hab, ate lunch, then went to therapy and talked a few things out, and then talked with Miss Verdun a bit, ate dinner, and went to bed.

 

[Daze-ee]: AFKADKLZDJVFCZXK

[Daze-ee]: Princess i am going 2 EXPLODE

[Daze-ee]: that doesn't tell me anythinggggggg

[Daze-ee]: what happened to rule 3 :<

 

[afhsfk]: can't I just tell you in person later?

 

[Daze-ee]: awwww

[Daze-ee]: but I wanna know nowwww

[Daze-ee]: pweeeease?

[Daze-ee]: :<

 

Princess sighed. They would have to tell her about yesterday's revelations eventually. Daisy was a key component to their escape plan. Explaining the plural thing over a text exchange would be a headache, but the other stuff should be simple enough, and get her to stop pressing the issue. They spent a few moments writing and rewriting the message.

 

[afhsfk]: I realized I was a woman and settled on a name, I've decided to keep 'Princess.'

 

[Daze-ee]: NCLYSYISKHXKHSGK

[Daze-ee]: JLCLUDLUXLHDJCLUXLHD

[Daze-ee]: MHXMHSYKZJNCKHXMHXKHSY

[Daze-ee]: AAAAAXAAASDADXAAAAA

[Daze-ee]: AAAAAAZAAAASSAAAAAWAAA

[Daze-ee]: PRINCESS

[Daze-ee]: OH MY GOD

[Daze-ee]: PRINCESS!!!!!!!!!!

[Daze-ee]: THAT'S SO CUTE

[Daze-ee]: WAAAHHHHHHHH

[Daze-ee]: IM LITERALLY BOUNCING RN

[Daze-ee]: can I come over?

[Daze-ee]: Mistress says we cant come over unless you ask or need help

[Daze-ee]: cuz ur doing some silly independence thing

[Daze-ee]: pleeeeasr

[Daze-ee]: ;^;

[Daze-ee]: I wanna kiss uuuuuu

 

[afhsfk]: It isn't silly

 

[Daze-ee]: if u say so Princess :P

[Daze-ee]: cmoooon I wanna see u and kiss and cuddle and junk

[Daze-ee]: we didnt get to finish yesterday :<

 

[afhsfk]: We can visit later, I haven't had a moment on my own since I arrived. I need to be able to prove I can be on my own if I'm going to be independent.

 

[Daze-ee]: pfft, okay miss independent 

[Daze-ee]: like u weren't melting from subbing to a pet :P

[Daze-ee]: 'n I'm like barely a switch

[Daze-ee]: Miss Verdun is like actually a dom

[Daze-ee]: OMG 

[Daze-ee]: WAIT

[Daze-ee]: is that why you realized ur a girl?!

 

[afhsfk]: ...yes. 

 

[Daze-ee]: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Daze-ee]: THAT'S SO CUUUTE

[Daze-ee]: r u sure we can't come over :<

[Daze-ee]: I wasn't done yesterday >:3c

 

[afhsfk]: we can visit after Miss Verdun returns

 

[Daze-ee]: right, gotta wait 4 ur Affini~

 

[afhsfk]: Daisy

 

[Daze-ee]: Princess

[Daze-ee]: :3

[Daze-ee]: well if i can't come over we can at least get u a new username

[Daze-ee]: you can't just use a keysmash

[Daze-ee]: even if u r a bottom

 

[afhsfk]: I assume 'Princess' is too boring?

 

[Daze-ee]: coming up with a name isn't that hard!

[Daze-ee]: I will change mine right now!

[Daze-ee]: observe

[Daze-y]: :3

[Daze-y]: that easy!

 

[afhsfk]: okay that is basically the same username

 

[Daze-y]: *gaaasp*

[Daze-y]: how dare you!

[Daze-ee]: they are very different!

[Daze-y]: just cuz u don't have any taste doesn't make them the same

[Daze-ee]: meanie!

[Daze-y]: :P

 

[afhsfk]: okay but your do realize this doesn't help

[afhsfk]: and they are both just your name

 

[Daze-y]: they r a PUN on my name thank u!

[Daze-y]: cmoooon

[Daze-y]: jus have a lil funny

[Daze-y]: you could do something with Princess or royalty or how much of a massive sub u r :3

 

[afhsfk]: fine 

[afhsfk]: how about...

[Royal-Tea]: this?

 

[Daze-y]: GjSgkzgkskgs

[Daze-y]: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 

[Daze-y]: PRINCESS THAT IS SO CUTE

[Daze-y]: OMG

[Daze-y]: WE'RE LIKE TWINSIESSS

[Daze-y]: I GOTTA COME OVER SO I CAN KISS U NOW 

[Daze-y]: PLEEEEEEEEEASE

[Daze-y]: ;^;

 

[Royal-Tea]: I have other things I need to attend to. We can hang out once Miss Verdun is back

[Royal-Tea]: can't you like

[Royal-Tea]: just play with your owner or something to pass the time?

 

[Daze-y]: I will have u know I am texting u from my Mistress' vines right now :3

[Daze-ee]: n she thinks we should come over 2

[Daze-ee]: but we gotta respect ur decision n junk

[Daze-ee]: cuz ur still independent 

 

[Royal-Tea]: well I'm sure she can keep you occupied then

 

[Daze-ee]: booooo

[Daze-ee]: what're u researching anyway

[Daze-ee]: nerd stuff 4 nerds?

[Daze-ee]: how to last longer than ten seconds?

 

[Royal-Tea]: secret

 

[Daze-ee]: wehhhh

[Daze-ee]: what about rule threeee 

 

[Royal-Tea]: Have to have some secrets

 

[Daze-y]: awwwwww

[Daze-y]: ooookayyyyy

 

[Royal-Tea]: In fact I should probably get started, we've been talking nearly an hour

 

[Daze-y]: oh, uhm, I'll see u soon! 

[Daze-y]: Mistress says she'll bring me over as soon as Miss Verdun gets back :3

[Daze-y]: she also says u haven't accepted Ariadne and scruffles and Rose's friend requests n u should do that

[Daze-y]: okay byeeeee

[Daze-y]: love uuuuu

 

[Royal-Tea]: goodbye