Arrows and Lasers
                                       by

                             Atk. Butterfly
                             (David L. Kuzminski)

                                  Version 1.1

                     [Warning: Contains Sexual Situations]




  1       2     3     4     5      6     7      8    9    10    11    12
 13      14    15    16    17




                                  Chapter 1

“Work harder!” the guard shouted.
      John tore away at the stone with the iron bar as if it was one of the
Lizzars who held him captive as a slave. Forced to work during the day and
have sex at night, he longed for freedom for reasons different from the
others around him. Having five women to cater to him exclusively wasn't his
idea of paradise when he wanted much more. He pried away more rock and
tossed it into the hopper. Once full, a captive centaur would haul it away.
While he worked, he listened to the guards talk. They had no idea about
maintaining security. Consequently, lots of rumors were spread among
them. Most of them were more factual than not.
      “We shall have the ore soon to complete another tractor beam site.
Once it's in place, we'll have more slaves, right sir?”
      The Lizzar leader nodded. “Keep these slaves working. Another week
should see the new site in action. Then we shall defeat the centaurs and
their remaining human allies. They'll be our slaves or dead. Tomorrow, we
shall move these to another camp. The mines here are filling with poison.”
      John was concerned that another town like his might be ripped away
from the Earth and brought to this world where its inhabitants would be
quickly captured, stripped of everything they owned, and forced to work as
naked slaves for the rest of their lives. Their slave work only interrupted by
minimal sleep, food, water, and forced sex to produce more slaves.
    His town had almost fought off the Lizzars, but ran out of ammunition.
Only ten people were still free along with five carloads of books saved from
the school library. He hoped they were busy educating the centaurs so they
could not only catch up, but surpass the Lizzars in technology on a world
that was definitely strange in more ways than he could have imagined.
    The Lizzars had made the leap past swords and spears to electricity
and lasers. The centaurs were still in the bronze age. John's efforts before
being captured had stimulated them and given them hope of beating the
Lizzars. Now their destiny was all up in the air again. If the Lizzars
succeeded in bringing another piece of Earth to their world, they could
easily negate any advances the centaurs made and surpass them with their
existing industrial edge. If that happened, the Lizzar boast of enslaving
them would come true.
    Without any way to tell time, John worked by the electric light as he
dug into the rock for precious ore while several armed guards watched him
and others. Were he not chained by his ankles, he might have been able to
fight back and escape.
    “Leave your tools! Time to produce!” the guard hollered out.
    John and the teenage boys captured with him dropped their tools and
walked behind the hopper being drawn by a centaur. When they reached the
mine entrance, the sun was almost completely down below the horizon. He
and the boys accepted their meal, a fruit that provided both liquid and solid
nourishment. They ate as they walked along behind one guard and flanked
by others. When they reached the slave quarters, their work guards
remained by the doorway while they went inside where other guards were
stationed.
    John made his way to his women and went down on the first one he
came to. Much as he appreciated getting blow jobs to start off with and
other foreplay, the guards didn't allow that as it was wasteful of semen. He
thrust himself into her while she smiled at him.
    “Hard day at the office, Dear?”
    “Yeah, hard day, Victoria. The Lizzars are making another tractor beam
site like the one our town fell on when it arrived. They're planning on
recreating their experiment now that they know what they created so they
can capture another piece of Earth and bring it here.”
    “Once I balloon up, you're going to have to get the others pregnant. We
won't be able to hide it then.”
    “I know, but at least taking you first uses up most of what I've got to
give. I never dreamed before of getting you pregnant. I hope you're not
upset.”
    “Well, at least it's you and not some teenage boy who reminds me of
Conrad. I arranged for Kitten to be next tonight. Okay with you?”
    “Is she?” asked John.
    “Yes, she is. She's rather happy about it since it's yours,” Victoria
answered.
    “Maybe so, but I don't like the idea of our children being born into
slavery,” he said.
    “None of us do, but they've got us chained. We're not going to escape
anytime too soon, it appears.”
    “Who's after Kitten?”
    “Cheryl, then Amandalee, and Melanie. Cheryl's not sure yet, but she
could be also.”
    “Great, just fucking great,” John muttered.
    “Not too loud. I've heard that they intend to rotate women to whoever's
successful. That won't help us in the long run if we succeed in escaping.
Then we might never know whose child was fathered by who.”
    “Sure we will. Everyone will just figure that it's probably me,” John
muttered.
    “What else did you learn?”
    “There wasn't anything else of importance that my guards said. What
about the others?”
    “I've been passed along reports that the Lizzars are losing laser towers
along the border. The centaurs are hitting them hard so they have to put
troops everywhere to keep the centaur cohorts from making deep
incursions.”
    “Good for them. Any idea how they're doing it?”
    “Yes, but the Lizzars are puzzled. The bodies didn't have any marks on
them.”
    John thought immediately of the cache of chlorine gas bombs made
with items from the grocery store and condoms. He remembered that the
attacking Lizzars were too close to use the condom bombs without gassing
his own force. From the description, he felt sure that the centaurs now had
that cache of bombs and were using those to their advantage. It would be
only too easy to slip up in the two hour period of total darkness on the
planet and toss one or two inside the aperture of the laser tower to drive
the troops inside it out to where they could be killed. Then he realized that
there weren't any marks on the bodies. John hoped the centaurs weren't
wasting all their resources too quickly. Once those were gone, there
wouldn't be any replacements.
   “Change!” a guard ordered.
   John withdrew himself from Victoria and went down on Kitten. She
smiled up at him and gyrated her hips to make him release as much of his
semen as possible before he could get to the other women. He felt himself
come, but continued to thrust himself into her as it was expected of him by
the guards. When the order came to change again, he slipped his limp
member out of Kitten and went over to Cheryl. He fondled himself briefly to
stimulate an erection before inserting himself into her. Had he not, she
would have been whipped.
   The first few days in slavery were enough to convince him and everyone
else to do as they were told. The only good thing about reaching the mines
after a four day walk was that they found Ty and Earl still alive. Earl was
given four women and Ty received one because of their size. John was
surprised to find that he just barely edged out Earl. For that reason, he was
given five women, chosen from those closest to him at the time. Most of
the boys had one girl. A few had two or three whom they switched among
each time the guards ordered them to change. Those boys with only one
girl had to remain on top of the same girl until they were told they could
stop.
   During the day while the men were in the mines, the women received
the ore outside the shafts. They broke it into smaller chunks before sorting
it into grades and sending it on. Like the men, they wore chains attached
to their ankles so they couldn't move very far from where the guards
wanted them to be. Only rarely could they even talk with the centaurs held
as slaves. When they did, they tried to pass on to each other as much
information as possible while attempting to devise a plan of escape.
   “I spoke with a centaur today. They like the last idea but they're still
unsure how they'll get free of their own chains to take part,” Cheryl said.
   “I'm still working on that. However, I think our best chance is going to
be freeing them after the guards are taken out. At least, the guards don't
inspect our chains. That much is going our way.”
   “Change!” the guard ordered.
   John went to Amandalee. He entered her easily and proceeded to give
her what he could, though he hoped he was shooting blanks. He suspected
there was a difference in physiologies between humans and Lizzars that the
Lizzars weren't aware of. He felt that the Lizzars might believe that
humans could dole out their semen like they could, if indeed the Lizzars
could. As well, he wondered if Lizzar females were given to their males
based on size. If so, John was sure the last laugh would be on them
someday when they either became extinct or somehow learned before it
was too late that size really meant nothing. Except that it was often
considered impressive.
    As he screwed Amandalee, he wondered if his size was part of his own
sexual allure to the girls who were once his high school students. After all,
they once had a photo of him nude in the pool that they passed among
themselves while referring to him as an Adonis. Similarly, some of the girls
he had beneath him as a slave were still eager to have him despite their
circumstances. He remembered when they were separated into units of one
male and however many females the Lizzars calculated a male capable of
handling, there was almost a fight among some of the girls wanting in his
unit. Only Victoria's stern stare at them had prevented such a disaster from
occurring. Still, John couldn't get over the fact that four or five more girls
would have willingly been his to screw each night, even without love
involved in the equation.
    “Change!”
    John settled down on Melanie. She wiggled her ass seductively as he
entered her and smiled in the dim light furnished by the Lizzars' crude
command of electricity.
    “I should have offered myself to you long ago. You're actually quite
good.”
    “Thanks. I would have asked you but I was too busy and prideful. I
didn't want it to appear like I was using my position to have all the
women.”
    “What I'm most surprised by is how well you handle yourself. I've
always heard that men with big cocks aren't really good lovers.”
    “I never heard that one. All I know is that it's supposed to be
technique, not size that makes the difference.”
    “Then you've definitely got technique down pat. Actually, you're rather
fun. I look forward to our nights now.”
    “Even though the ultimate aim of our hosts is for me to get you
pregnant?” he asked.
    “Yes, despite that. Any progress on our escape plan?”

                                    •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira said, as he drew on a sheet of paper, “Okay, we
know where the mines are that the humans were sent to. We'll launch two
more attacks on these towers here as a diversion. We'll send in six cohorts
here to draw off the Lizzar reaction. Two cohorts will enter the mine area
while six more block off any reinforcements. Our primary concern is to free
the humans. Any warriors we free are a bonus. Be sure all warriors carry a
full load of arrows for their bows. Commander Haro's First Cohort will carry
the tools from Earth to break their chains. Second Cohort led by
Sub-commander Theo will deal with the guards. As soon as any humans are
freed from their chains, they are to be carried away to safety. That way, if
we can't prevent reinforcements from reaching the mines, we'll have
secured the release of some prisoners. Even one human freed is better than
nothing.”
   “Should we seek out Coach Weaver first?” Commander Haro asked.
   “Take whoever you find first. There will be little enough time as it is to
deal with the guards before the Lizzar forces respond. I only hope that we
don't have to leave any behind,” Over Commander Zira answered.

                                   •   •   •

   John stood in disgust as his chains were inspected. Only earlier in the
day, one of the boys had at last managed to cut through the soft iron
chains with a rock. Instead of waiting for others to escape with him, he
took off on his own. The boy almost made it except for the laser tower that
John didn't know was positioned near the new camp. The boy's upper torso
and lower half were dragged back into the mining camp for everyone to see.
   Some of the chains on the boys were changed while their quarters were
searched for anything to cut with. His own were changed anyway though
there wasn't a mark to be seen on them. As soon as John wore new chains,
he was ordered back into the mine. He didn't come back out of it until after
sundown. He suspected that was a form of punishment.
   He entered the slave quarters and almost immediately noticed that he
had another woman. John concluded that Rebecca, who once worked in the
school administration office, was in the dead boy's unit.
   Victoria welcomed John with her open legs and whispered as he settled
himself into her, “Rebecca's already pregnant, in case you wonder later who
the father was.”
   John grunted as a guard was watching a bit too closely for his peace of
mind.
   “You aren't fondling her to make her receptive! Fondle!” the guard
ordered.
   John slipped his hands over Victoria's breasts. “Sure takes the fun out
of what used to be fun.”
   “Doesn't it, though? Disgusting little Lizzar! I'd like to fondle him a bit
with one of those iron bars we use to pound rocks.”
   The guard glared down at her briefly, then stomped away to speak with
his leader. The guard came back a little later.
   “Get off her! Woman, get up! Move to the center!”
   Victoria reluctantly went to the center of the room, aware that she was
to be taken by everyone. She steeled herself for what to her was the worst
thing to happen as memories of Conrad raping and humiliating her as a
teenager returned to her mind with fresh horror. Four guards threw her
down on the dirt floor and staked her out while other guards watched the
rest of the captives to make sure they didn't interfere. Another guard
brought over Earl to take her first. She didn't mind him so much as he was
an adult. Nor did she mind too much that one of Earl's women was shoved
over to John to take while Earl shoved his black cock in her.
   As far as she could see, it was another musical beds exercise like
they'd been involved in twice before when a woman was perceived by the
Lizzars as uncooperative. The bad thing about it was that the men were
practically exhausted by the time it ended as it wouldn't end until every
man had her. Until that happened, every other woman would be alternating
with the other women in her unit as well. For those women who weren't
sharing a man, it was non-stop until their man's turn in the center came up.
Then they were given to someone else until he finished his turn.
   “Change!”
   Ty came over and took her while his woman went to John. Victoria
barely felt Ty enter her as he lunged back and forth with what he had
between his legs while his face clearly showed the strain he was under as
he was forced to perform. The guards kept track of the time while they
watched intently to see that every man was busy. It was clear to some of
the people that the Lizzars enjoyed watching humans go at it until they
were too exhausted to do anything other than sleep afterwards.
   “Change!”
   Victoria watched as a teenage boy was led toward her. All she could
see was Conrad as the boy came closer to her. In desperation, she
screamed, “I'm already pregnant, damn it!”
   The guards stopped. The guard with the boy looked over to his leader
for instructions. The Lizzar leader hesitated momentarily, then walked to
the center of the room to where Victoria was staked out.
   He hissed as he spoke. “You are pregnant?”
   Victoria could only see Conrad taking her if she didn't admit the truth.
“Yes, I'm pregnant! Keep him away from me! Please!”
   “Who is responsible?” he hissed.
   Victoria pointed at John with a trembling hand.
   “Take her away! Send him another woman!” the Lizzar leader ordered.
   “I think it would be good for Victoria to have company,” Kitten
whispered.
   “Okay, do what you think best,” John whispered back.
   “I'm pregnant, too!” Kitten said loudly.
   The Lizzar leader turned toward Kitten as she repeated herself. He
smiled in the wicked looking leer that Lizzars possessed. “Take her away!
Send him two more!”
   The three boys stood idle as their girls were taken away and shoved at
John. Guards soon came to lead them away, too. John hoped that nothing
bad happened to them. Though it wouldn't be his fault, he wouldn't feel
well if he later learned they were emasculated to care for the pregnant
women or killed.
   John immediately got on one of the new girls when his guard pointed to
her. As he stroked away, he was glad that Cheryl hadn't admitted she was
pregnant. Otherwise, he felt certain that several more girls would have
been sent his way as a reward for his success.
   When at last John finished the last of his women, he gratefully rolled
off her to fall asleep as his exhausted body demanded. Around him and the
others, the guards continued to keep watch in the dim electric light.

                                  •   •   •

   The following night, two of Earl's women admitted to being pregnant
after becoming sick while trying to eat. Three more girls were taken away
from their men and given to him. Ty and two boys soon left with guards
while the two pregnant women went another direction with other guards.

                                  •   •   •

   Cheryl became sick the next day and was taken away while more girls
were sent to John and their males sent elsewhere under guard. He found
himself screwing even longer than before. Before he was finished with all
his women, he was nearly asleep from exhaustion.
                                   •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira watched as several warriors slipped through the
pitch black darkness carrying condom bombs toward each of the two laser
towers. The warriors were covered with laser gel that would refract the
laser beam if they were spotted before they reached the towers. With two
more towers disabled, Zira knew that his forces would have taken out most
of the enemy's primary defenses in his sector.
    The night remained still and quiet as the warriors galloped across the
plains toward the towers. Only an alert Lizzar sentry could give warning as
virtually nothing else remained alive within the zones covered by the
lasers. There was no high vegetation left to lure any grazing animals;
hence there were no large grass-eaters to lure the predators. Rarely did any
of the planet's predators or other beasts dare set foot inside the laser
zones. The laser zones had become deserts consisting of only some sparse
low-lying vegetation and a few insects. Anything larger was deliberately
targeted by the Lizzar gunners.
    His warriors out of sight, Zira could only wait for some sign of success.
A flash of light from one of many lighters given them by the people from
Earth or a laser tower going into operation and then shutting down were
two of the possibilities Otherwise, the battle would be nearly silent and
unseen.
    “There's a light on the right, sir,” Sub-commander Frea said.
    “That's one, then. We're halfway successful,” Zira said. He kept
watching for another sign from the other tower while his warrior cohorts
waited eagerly to go on the attack deep within Lizzar territory. He could
have taken them into Lizzar territory at a number of locations, but he chose
where he was based on the intelligence he had from one of the few centaur
warriors who escaped and managed to return home alive. Usually those who
escaped were orphans or those without relatives held captive who felt no
sense of duty to remain a captive and help care for their own.
    Zira knew without a doubt that Coach Weaver was right in his
recommendation. All centaurs taken prisoner had to attempt an escape no
matter what their individual circumstances. If they did, Zira knew he could
easily field another cohort, possibly even two.
    “There's the other signal, sir. The second tower is out of operation,”
Frea said.
    “Signal your troops to advance. Send a signal to Commander Hora to
move in. It is time for our offensive,” Zira ordered.




                                 Chapter 2

Warden Priscilla Honor stared at the fog that suddenly engulfed the prison.
She couldn't see out her window at all. Concerned that some of the more
hardened prisoners might try to take advantage, she turned and reached for
her phone to order a lock down. The lights went out as she turned and
groped for her phone. Upon picking it up, she discovered that the line was
dead. In the near darkness of her office, she placed the phone down and
groped her way to the door and then to her secretary's desk.
    “Who's that?”
    “Me, Priscilla.”
    “Oh, Warden. You startled me. What happened to the lights?”
    “We must have a power failure. Is your phone working, Sheila?”
    Sheila answered a moment later, “No, ma'am.”
    “Okay, make your way...”
    “Warden! We've got a riot on our hands!” a voice shouted.
    “Where?” Priscilla asked.
    “We don't know where yet. All the power is dead and the generator
hasn't kicked in. We can't lock down the cells automatically.”
    “Is your radio working?” Priscilla asked.
    “Yes, that's how I'm getting my information.”
    “Order them to manually lock the cells.”
    The radio blared with static, then a call came over it. “Warden Honor,
we have demands. Either see them or someone's going to be hurt.”
    “Give me your radio. I'll talk to whoever that is. While I stall them, try
to get other guards to surround them. Let's isolate this before it spreads,”
Priscilla ordered.
    It took a moment before Sheila lit a match. In the dim light, they could
finally briefly see each other to hand off the radio.

                                    •   •   •

    Kelly looked out of her cell at the end of the world. She couldn't believe
that the prison ended unexpectedly just two steps away from her cell. She
stared at some far off stars as those went by slowly while other objects
came and went at fantastic speeds. Afraid that someone had slipped
something to her, she remained where she was and just tried to enjoy the
view while wondering how soon she'd be raped or molested in her drugged
condition. She knew there were both prisoners and guards who would do
either or both to her. Not once did she believe that what she was seeing
was real.

                                    •   •   •

    “What do you want? I need to know your demands and to hear my
people state that they're alive and unharmed. If you don't do these things,
then we have no room for discussion,” Priscilla's voice asked over the radio.
    “What do you mean we're in...”
    “Come in. What were you saying? Who are you talking to?” Priscilla
asked.
    “What do you mean we're in space? Prisons don't fly, let alone jump up
into space. Anyone know what the fuck this gal's been into? Someone get
this taken care of so I can get back on this radio with the warden.”
    “Midge, she's telling the truth! I saw it, too! Bobbi is floating out in
space dead at this moment. She tried stepping out of the fog and it killed
her. She's all boiled and ruptured. It's really sickening to see anyone look
like her.”
    “You're trying to stop us from taking over this prison. Now shut up and
get away from me so I can negotiate with the warden! Go help burn the
library!” Midge screamed.
    “Midge, I swear we're not! On my mother's grave! I swear it!”
    “You don't even know who your mother was, let alone if she's dead! Get
out of my hair before you force me to deal with you, Andrea.”
    “Okay, don't believe me. One thing's certain, we're not going to get
anything we want once Honor finds out the situation.”
    “Get her out of here! Put her in a cell! And get me some more candles!
You'd think this prison would have an emergency backup generator!” Midge
shouted.

                                    •   •   •

    Priscilla asked, “Who am I talking to? Who's on the other end of this
radio? What are your demands?”
    Sheila lit a candle to illuminate the room. As she did, she noticed the
fog swirling around their feet and getting higher.
                                    •   •   •

    In the industrial-sized laundry room, fog swirled into the darkened
room. Inside, it mixed with the bleach still present in wet loads fresh from
the washers waiting to be tossed into the dryers. The synthetic clothing
disappeared from the piles of wet laundry without anyone noticing. Then
the washers popped open when the seals disappeared into vapor. Water
flew out in a rush, mixing more chlorine from the bleach water into the fog,
enhancing the effect. Plastic bottles of bleach soon dissolved into vapors,
further strengthening the overall effect. As the fog crept into other places
adjacent to the laundry room, most plastics and synthetics dissolved into
vapors.
    The inmates inside the laundry room stumbled around into each other in
the dark trying to find their way amid the scattered laundry carts and other
equipment. The first few who realized they were naked when their synthetic
clothes dissolved thought that someone else was responsible, though they
couldn't understand how it had been done. They kept their mouths shut
because they didn't want to swallow any laundry water or further alert
whoever was responsible. Even so, they sputtered on occasion as they
slipped and fell in the dark, wet room.

                                    •   •   •

    In the shower room, several inmates felt around blindly in the dark for
their clothes. They were unaware that the water had released its chlorine
content to mix with the fog that they couldn't see swirling about.
    “Who took my underwear?”
    “I didn't! I can't find mine, either. My flip flops are missing, too! I was
just wearing them! Who took them?”
    “I want to know who took my underwear! I'll make someone pay if it's
not back immediately.”
    “Mine are missing too! Maybe the guard took it?”
    “So, she wants to play games, huh? Where is she?”
    At the doorway, the female guard, Officer Angelica Web, was having
troubles of her own. Her first indication was when her badge fell from her to
the floor as her synthetic uniform dissolved leaving her with only her gun
belt remaining while her shoes slowly fell apart. Aware that something was
desperately wrong, Angelica exited quicky, slammed the door shut, and
locked it.
    “What kind of trick is she up to?”
    One woman felt her way around in the dark, her cotton towel clutched
around her. Her bare foot touched on something metal with an odd shape.
She bent down carefully and picked it up. A moment later, she said, “I just
found a badge!”

                                       •   •   •

    “Hey! How'd you do that?”
    Midge asked, “What?” as she turned toward the voice. She stared at the
female officer wearing only her belt and shoes that were falling apart.
    “I asked how she took her clothes off with me holding her.”
    “You were holding her? No way! You're pulling something fast on me.
Where's your fuckin' clothes?” Midge demanded.
    “I don't know. They were on me just a moment ago. Now they're gone. I
thought one of you slipped me something,” the officer replied.
    “My clothes are gone!” another woman yelped.
    “Mine, too!”
    “What's going on here?” Midge hollered while feeling of herself.
    “Maybe it's some super fast dude taking them off us!”
    “Shut up! There ain't no such things as a super fast dude!” Midge said.
    “Midge! Your radio! It's...it's”
    Midge stared at the radio as it fell apart into metal components in her
hand. The bare wires quickly shorted out rendering the radio even more
useless.

                                       •   •   •

    “They must have damaged their radio or they're only listening. We'll
have to talk to them somehow before they hurt someone. Sheila, is
everyone on alert yet?” Priscilla asked.
    “I don't know. Doesn't the fog appear strange to you? I mean, different
from before?” Sheila answered.
    “I don't have time to worry about the fog, except that it's keeping us
from reacting properly. See to it that everyone is on alert. While you're at
it, find out what happened to the emergency generator.”
    Sheila lit a second candle. She walked off into the fog and screamed
before hurrying back toward Priscilla.
    Priscilla stared at Sheila as she returned fully naked. “What the hell?”
she blurted out before she realized that her own clothing was disappearing
from her body.
    “Not you, too!” Sheila exclaimed as Warden Honor was quickly rendered
naked.
    “Something's really wrong!” Priscilla managed to blurt out just before
her radio fell apart in her hands. “Oh my god, the radio! We can't talk to
anyone!”
    “What about our clothes! We can't go out like this!”
    “There's a coat in my office. You can wear that.”
    Sheila went into the office amid the fog. She looked in vain for the coat
only to find some metal buttons with her bare feet. “Oh no! Your coat is
gone, too. All that's left is buttons.”
    Priscilla glanced at Sheila's desk in horror. When Sheila returned, she
followed Priscilla's line of sight and looked at the remains on her desk. Her
plastic drink cup was gone leaving liquid spilled all over. The phone
remained only as bare metal parts in a small pile.
    “Get hold of all the guards. Tell them we're not going in at all. Have
them gather here.” Priscilla ordered.
    “What about my clothes? I can't walk out there like this.”
    “Forget about clothes. Whatever is destroying them is probably making
everyone naked right now. Just do what I ordered. Now!”
    As Sheila left carrying her candle, Priscilla returned to her office, found
her keys, and unlocked a desk drawer. She took out her handgun and a box
of shells for it. Without hurrying, she loaded it and held onto the box of
shells so she could reload if it became necessary. Before she managed five
steps away from her desk, the plastic box disappeared from her hand
leaving only loose bullets in her clenched fist. A few bullets fell from her
hand to scatter about on the floor. Ignoring them, she held onto what she
had and continued toward the doorway. As she walked, she could feel the
plastic grip of her gun dissolving inside her palm leaving her holding the
bare metal frame of the handle. She muttered, “Whatever in hell is
happening, we're really in for it this time.”

                                    •     •   •

    Officer Jim Drake hurried as best he could with his shotgun at the ready
while constantly checking his holstered gun to be sure it was still with him.
He wasn't sure how it happened that his clothing and shoes either
disappeared or fell apart. However, he was sure it had something to do
with why part of the prison was missing and what he saw from the edge of
what was left. He found the front door to the administrative portion of the
main building and entered it amid the fog that had been all around him
while he was outside. The fog was similarly flowing about inside the
building as light from the outside filtered dimly in through the open door.
Cautiously, he made his way toward the Warden's office. He spotted the
candlelight burning dimly in the fog and asked, “Is anyone there?”
    “Who's there? This is Warden Honor.”
    “Officer Drake, Warden. I came to report something important. I won't
come any closer since my clothes are missing.”
    “That's nothing new. So are mine. Is that all you have to report?”
    “No, Warden. We're in space. Part of the outer wall and the back part of
the building is missing. It don't seem possible, but I saw it with my own
eyes.”
    “We're missing part of the outer wall?” she asked in surprise.
    “Yes, Warden. I climbed down and looked carefully. The back wall and
one tower on the east side is missing all the way down to the ground. I
would have called, but my radio fell apart and nothing up there worked.”
    “Okay, I've already ordered all personnel to report here. Just remain
here and guard the corridor. Don't let anyone in who you or another officer
doesn't recognize. Wait a minute! You said we're in space? How's that
possible?”
    “I don't know, but I saw planets and such just streaking by. It's really
weird seeing that, too.”
    Priscilla started to sit down, then remembered the springs that she'd
already sat on once hadn't felt that good under her bare bottom. “I'm going
to shove this stuff off the desk so I can sit down. Don't bother looking for a
chair. Seems like the material on those is gone, too. As a man, those
springs might be even more dangerous for you than me to sit on. As best
as I know, the phones are shot to hell along with anything else made of
plastic.”
    She shoved off most of the desktop clutter with a sweep of her arm. It
clattered onto the carpeted floor that no longer fell fully carpeted to her. It
was as if only part of the backing remained. “One more thing. We've got an
officer probably being held by the inmates. They called on her radio before
we lost contact. I can only assume that they're experiencing the same
problems we have here. So, we're in space?”
    “Yes, Warden. I don't use drugs, either,” Jim replied.
    “After what's happened already, I believe you. I'm not questioning
whether you use anything or not. All I know is that we have a severe
problem. We have a few hundred inmates on the loose and we're trying to
draw our forces in just so we can survive. As of now, I'm authorizing the
use of deadly force on any inmates who oppose us. If we're really in space,
I don't want them in control.”
    “We're really in space, Warden.”
    “I guess I sound skeptical. Who's there?”
    Jim pointed his shotgun at the sound of approaching footsteps and a
faint light. He ordered firmly, “Halt! Who's there?”
    “Sheila Pound. I'm the secretary.”
    Priscilla said, “That's Sheila's voice. You can let her come in. How'd you
do, Sheila?”
    Sheila entered with her candle, stopping briefly to stare at Jim who held
his shotgun pointed down the hallway while wearing only his gun belt.
Sheila said, “I found some officers and told them what you said. They're
manually locking down what they can. Then they'll report here after
spreading the word.”
    “How are they doing? Any of them naked?” Priscilla asked.
    “Yes, ma'am. They're all naked except for their belts and a couple of
undershirts. I asked about those. They told me those were made of cotton,”
Sheila answered.
    “Makes sense. Everything else is synthetic. We might have to wear
prison garb at this rate, though most of that's synthetic as well,” Priscilla
said.
    “Are you going to tell her?” Jim asked.
    “I was planning on waiting until more people are here.”
    “Tell me what?” asked Sheila.
    “Officer Drake informs me that we're in space somehow. Right now,
we're completely on our own so we better stick together or the inmates will
take over.”
    “Space? Outer space? You're joking,” Sheila exclaimed.
    “No, we're not joking. Something ripped us up from the face of the
Earth. It's pulling us through space right now according to Officer Drake,”
Priscilla replied.
    “Conway! That's probably what happened to Conway!” Sheila exclaimed.
“They tried to claim it was a sinkhole that the town was swallowed into
after the news had already shown pictures of the thirty-foot deep hole left
behind and talked to witnesses. They covered it up, but I know better!
We're going to where Conway went!”
    “Conway? Do you really think this is related to that?” Priscilla asked. “I
know the news reports changed after the first day, but that happens all the
time.”
    “It sounds more reasonable right now to believe they got pulled into
space, too,” Jim said. “Halt! Who's there?”
    “Officer Pete Lion. Is it okay to come in naked? I don't want to alarm
the Warden or her secretary.”
    “We're all naked, Officer Lion. Just come in and find a place to sit while
we gather our strength and intelligence. What post were you on?” Priscilla
said.
    “Northwest tower. One moment we had a back wall, the next thing we
knew, the fog dropped down on us. The we discovered that the back wall
was gone. We couldn't see what happened to the convicts in the yard back
there. Not until we moved close enough to the edge of what was missing
and could see out of the fog. We must have left close to a hundred inmates
floating about in space. Dude, uh, Officer Dudley got sick. Almost made me
sick, too.”
    “Close to a hundred? Well, that lessens the odds considerably against
us. That could put the number down to three hundred. Is Officer Dudley
coming here?” Priscilla asked.
    “He's watching the yard while I report. He didn't want to report because
he smells bad, Warden Honor,” Pete answered.
    “Go tell him to report here. We can't afford to be cut off from each
other, no matter what we smell or look like. My orders are to use deadly
force on any inmates who oppose you,” Priscilla ordered.
    “Yes, ma'am. I'll be back soon. With Officer Dudley.”
    “Now it seems that we have confirmation that we're in space. Officer
Drake, as soon as someone else gets here, you and I are going to the
armory and break out riot weapons. I want us armed well enough to hold
off every inmate who dares show her face in here with so much as a shiv or
club. I don't want to leave Sheila alone.”
    “Seeing as we lost part of the building, we could be facing a lot less
than three hundred,” Jim said.
    “True, but until we can get ourselves together and probe in force, we'll
have to assume the worst. We don't know how many officers we still have,”
Priscilla said.

                                   •   •     •

    Midge hollered as she tried to regain control over her followers. One
woman came at her unexpectedly out of the fog. Reacting quickly, Midge
stabbed her, ripping upwards from her navel to her sternum. The woman fell
to the floor while blood spurted out. “I said for everyone to shut up! I can't
think!”

                                    •   •   •

    Officer Angelica Web held her nightstick at the ready as she approached
the next gate. She constantly expected inmates to rush out at any moment
to grab her. So far, most of them hadn't realized that their cells weren't
locked. Angelica reached the gate, called out, and received no response.
She tried the gate and found that it opened. She quickly went through and
shut it behind her. Protecting her back, she hurried to the manual control
and locked it so none of the inmates could follow her. From there, she
softly padded down the next corridor in her bare feet and hoped that none
of its inmates were already out.

                                    •   •   •

    “Glad to see you, pardon the pun. Drake, come with me while Lion and
Dudley hold the fort. Be sure you recognize anyone you let enter,” Priscilla
said.
    Drake went over to stand beside Warden Honor. He couldn't help but
notice her attributes as she held the candle in one hand and her revolver in
the other. He stared into her face to notice that she was similarly staring at
him. He glanced down sheepishly already aware that he had a sincere boner
sticking out. He followed her a moment later as she led the way to the
armory.
    Away from the others, she asked, “Do you find me attractive?”
    “Honestly?”
    “Yes, honestly,” she replied.
    “Yes, Warden, I do. Hope I'm not offending you.”
    “I guess it can't be helped. Neither of us set up this situation but we're
stuck with it nonetheless. Just keep that to yourself for now, though. Your
penis, that is.”
    “I wasn't planning on using it.”

                                    •   •   •

    Angelica paused as she heard footsteps in front of her. Afraid that she
might be encountering inmates, possibly armed, she remained quiet with
her nightstick at the ready.
    The candle approached. Angelica sighed with relief as she first
recognized the warden approaching with a man by her side. Angelica didn't
think it strange at all that they were both naked save for his gun belt.
    Priscilla stopped upon seeing Officer Web standing quietly in front of
her. The sudden shock of encountering someone with a club raised to strike
almost caused her to fire her revolver.
    “Officer Web, Warden. What are your orders?” Angelica asked.
    Priscilla ordered, “Fall in with us. We're going to the armory. If any
inmates oppose us, I've authorized the use of deadly force. Are you aware
that we're in space?”
    “Space, Warden?” Angelica asked.
    “We're really in space. We think this is what happened to Conway some
time back,” Jim said.
    Angelica brushed up against Jim as she took up a position behind the
warden. Because the candlelight was blocked, she couldn't see the effect
she had on him.
    They soon reached the armory which Priscilla unlocked. Priscilla entered
quickly and checked on what was intact. She wasn't at all surprised to find
the bullet-resistant body armor was useless. Nor was she shocked to
discover that the shotgun shells were similarly useless. “Officer Drake, you
better check your shotgun. Two to one, you don't have any intact shells left
in it to fire.”
    Drake pumped the action on his shotgun to suddenly hear pellets rolling
about inside and cause a jam. Some pellets fell from the gun as he swore
and drew his 9mm handgun.
    “Take what you can carry. Leave the shotgun here. We'll hope that the
rifle and handgun ammunition are still okay. I know that mine is. Officer
Web, remain here and don't let anyone in who isn't an officer on our side. If
you have a hostage confrontation, then we're going to have to cut our
losses or we'll all die. I'm not dealing with anyone for any hostages. Not
under these circumstances. I'll only send male officers here to get more
weapons. That should make it easier to identify someone sent by me. Any
other officers show up, have them report to me first. Don't give them any
weapons if you suspect that inmates are nearby. You better keep two
pistols handy so they can't overpower you,” Priscilla ordered.
    “Yes ma'am.”
    “Drake, carry as many gun belts with pistols and ammo as you can. I'll
back you up,” Priscilla ordered.
    “Wouldn't it be better if I backed you up?” Jim asked.
    “I know perfectly well how to use a firearm. I'll provide the backup,”
Priscilla said.

                                     •   •   •

    Midge walked to the edge of the floor and stared out of the fog at
space. She momentarily watched planets and space debris pass by before
stepping back from the edge. “I wonder if it's really dangerous to leave this
fog? Bring that copper over here. We're going to find out!”
    “No, Midge! That's murder!”
    The female officer struggled to free herself, relaxing only when she felt
the point of a shiv against her throat.
    “So what if it's murder? We're already in prison and no one's going to
know who did what. Besides, if we're in space, they're sure as hell not
going to send anyone out here for us,” Midge shouted.
    “She could be used for bargaining power. The other cops still have the
guns.”
    Midge said, “Yeah, you're right about that,” before shoving another
inmate beside her out into space.

                                     •   •   •

    “Who's there?” Angelica asked.
    “Officers Dudley and Lion. We were sent by the Warden to get more
guns and ammo.”
    “Advance so I can see you.”
    “She wants to see us? First time I ever had a woman ask to see me
while I'm stark naked,” Dude said.
    “Shut up. She just wants to be sure we're not hostages,” Pete said.
    “I know that. Just joking to lighten the situation,” Dude said.
    “How many of us are there now?” Angelica asked.
    “Counting you and us, twelve,” Pete said.
    “And probably only three hundred inmates,” said Dude.
    Angelica looked at the two men who held their revolvers at the ready.
Convinced that they weren't hostages, she let them past her into the
armory while she kept watch. A few minutes later, both men carried out
more rifles and ammo with them.
    “You better bring an assault rifle with you when the armory is shut
down, Officer Web. We don't want anyone unprepared,” Pete said.
    “I can't leave until the Warden gives me further instructions,” she
replied. She watched the two officers disappear completely into the fog only
three feet away from her.

                                   •   •   •

    “Damn, but she has a nice pussy,” Pete whispered
    “You noticed, too? You realize that we could all have harems with close
to sixty women each?” Dude asked.
    “Yeah, and everyone of them eager to cut our balls off and feed them
to us before they dice up the rest of our bodies. No thanks. If it comes
down to it, I'll stick with the female officers since they still outnumber us
and can be trusted more.”
    “Yeah, two women apiece isn't bad, either.”
    “Long as I don't wind up with the Warden. Something tells me she's not
an easy woman to live with.”

                                   •   •   •

    “Okay, we have some bargaining power. Since the only way for us to
talk to anyone is to meet them face to face, we'd better get going. Bring
her along and take off her gun belt. Let's make it harder for them to
recognize her as a cop,” Midge said.
    One of the women removed the officer's belt.
    Midge said, “Yeah, this ought to keep them guessing about who's who,”
as she took the belt and wrapped it around her waist.

                                   •   •   •

    Jim approached the armory. Beside him, three more officers walked
silently with their guns at the ready. He called out softly, “Officer Drake
here.”
    “Advance to be recognized,” Angelica said.
    “I have three other officers with me. All male,” Jim said.
    “Okay, advance slowly. Let me see that you're alone and not held as
hostages.”

                                   •   •   •

    Midge came up against the locked gate. She rattled it in frustration and
swore. To further vent her frustration, she backhanded the female cop. “I
never said I wouldn't beat on her some,” Midge said.
                                    •   •   •

    “Warden Honor wants you to bring along what you can carry and lock
the armory. Then return with us to report back,” Jim said.
    Angelica said, “I'm ready,” as she picked up a metal box of ammo and
an assault rifle. She stepped out of the armory and slammed the door shut
before locking it.

                                    •   •   •

    “Midge, we've found a gate they missed!”
    “Now we're talkin'!” Midge exclaimed.

                                    •   •   •

    “Okay, it's the twelve of us against all of them. They probably have one
officer as a hostage. I'm not surrendering to save one person. Under our
current circumstances, they'd only kill us all since there's no reason for
them to expect any retaliation from the authorities. We're the only
authority left, so we have to be firm and not back down. You all are already
aware that I've authorized the use of deadly force. There aren't going to be
any suspensions or personnel reviews if any of you get jumpy and fire on an
inmate. The way I see it, we're fighting for our very lives now,” Priscilla
said.
    “I smell smoke,” Angelica said.
    “Okay, that means they're burning the prison. Our best bet is to get
outside in the yard and keep bunched up together. If that means we have
to stand cheek to cheek, then that's what we'll do to keep the inmates from
taking us. Gentlemen, I want you all to bring up the rear. You're the only
people here who the rest of us can tell apart from the inmates immediately
at a glance. Everyone is to stick with someone else. We'll proceed in twos
toward the courtyard. Follow me,” Priscilla said.

                                    •   •   •

    “Burn all the papers! Screw the bastards! It'll take them months to
straighten out this mess!” Midge shouted.
    A woman asked, “But we're in space! What's it going to matter?”
    “Shut up! In fact, I have something for you to do. Get your ass down to
the infirmary and off those AIDS patients. We don't need them around!”
Midge yelled.
    “But I've never killed...”
    “Just fuckin' do it! That or you'll be one of them!” Midge screamed.
    “Midge! C Block is stirrin' up trouble! They're beatin' on our people!”
    “Oh, they are? Well, we're in charge now and I've got something to say
about that. Lead us to them!” Midge shouted.

                                      •   •   •

    “This isn't as good an idea as I thought. We can't see three feet in
front of our noses out here,” Priscilla said.
    “It was the same way inside. Maybe we should get our backs against
the wall,” Jim said.
    “Right, two male officers on each end. Everyone else stay in between
them. Don't leave the wall for anything without telling the rest of us.
Anyone approaches us, blast them,” Priscilla ordered.

                                      •   •   •

    Midge stabbed the black woman without mercy, ripping her throat with
her shiv while her knee hit the woman in the gut. Another woman appeared
out of the fog. Midge stared at her for a moment before she realized they
were on the same side.
    “Get back in the fight!” Midge shouted.

                                      •   •   •

    “They're killing each other in there, Warden,” Sheila said.
    “I know that, but there's nothing we can do about it. It's sad to say,
but the fewer of them left when it's over can only be good news for us.
Otherwise, I'm not sure we have enough ammunition among us to kill them
all if they try to take us,” Priscilla replied.
    Sheila asked, “Kill? We're going to kill?”
    “Only those who attack us. Otherwise, we'll let them be,” Priscilla
answered.
    “Heads up. I think some of them are in the courtyard now,” Jim said.

                                      •   •   •

    Midge ignored the shank in her arm and reached out with her head
toward the other woman's neck. She gripped the woman with her teeth and
ripped through her flesh. The woman put a hand to her neck to stop the
bleeding. Midge pulled the shank from her arm and stabbed at the woman's
face. She left the shank sticking out of the other woman's right eye. The
woman staggered, then fell into the fog out of sight. Seeking another
enemy, Midge pressed onward in the fog, unaware of where she was.
      Midge stumbled down one step, then caught her balance. She felt
around as she realized she was on a set of steps. Slowly, she made her
way down while the fog continued to hang low over everything.
      A woman came out of the fog at her. Midge slashed with her shiv,
slicing the woman on the arm before she disappeared into the fog. Midge
turned around several times looking for her assailant.
      Almost without warning, the fog lifted as quickly as it fell on the prison.
      “The fog's lifting,” Priscilla said.
      “I hope this doesn't mean we're going to die in space,” Jim said.
      “Quiet everyone. Keep your eyes and ears alert. This is our change to
get everyone back in their cells,” Priscilla said.
      Midge stared around her for more enemies even as the fog dissipated
around her. She didn't notice the blood clinging to her bare skin as she
stood ready to do battle with the gang from C Block.
      Angelica spoke quietly to avoid drawing attention. “That's Midge, one of
the B Block ringleaders.”
      “Then keep her in your sights. Without her, their resistance will
probably crumble,” Priscilla said.
      Another black woman charged at Midge. Both women didn't care that
the other was naked. They only wanted each other dead. Midge slashed at
the woman while receiving a cut on her shoulder.
      “I recognize the other one, too. That's Naomi. She's a biggie in C
Block,” Angelica said.
      “We'll let them finish, then send them back to the cells,” Priscilla said.
      Naomi kicked out at Midge, connecting with the woman's mid-section.
Midge fell on her back. Naomi leaped at her without fear. Midge tried to roll
out of the way without making it. Naomi drove her shank deep into the side
of Midge's head. Unable to remove it, Naomi took the shiv from Midge's
lifeless hand and looked around for someone else to attack as she stood
up.
      “This is Warden Honor! Go back to your cells now or I will order my
officers to fire on you!” Priscilla shouted.
      Naomi and other women in the yard turned in the warden's direction.
“Say what?”
      “This is your final warning. Return to your cells or we'll open fire! You
have until a count of three. One...two...three...Fire!”
    Naomi ran as the bullets flew at her. She hobbled into the prison
building before she could be hit a second time. Two other women didn't fare
as well. Others had scrambled up the steps before the warden ordered her
officers to fire. Naomi yelled back out the door, “Bitch!”
    “Well, what now?” Officer Drake asked.
    “Right now, we wait for the smoke to clear before we return inside. Now
that we can see what we're doing, let's check out the yard,” Priscilla said.
    “Our cars don't have any tires!” Sheila said.
    Priscilla glanced over at the cars outside the gate in the administrative
parking lot. At the same time, she saw something more sinister than the
inmates. “We've got more trouble. I think they're responsible for why all
this happened.”
    Other officers glanced out at the parking lot in time to see past the
edge where lizard-skinned people wearing armor plates over their chests
stood with swords and spears.
    “Should we head for the tower, Warden?” Jim asked.
    “What good would it do?” Priscilla asked.
    “We'll have a better view of what the situation facing us is. We'll also
be out of spear range, I hope,” he answered.
    A spear clanged against the gate.
    Deciding quickly, Priscilla said, “Yes, the tower!”
    Priscilla and the others quickly ran for an access door. Jim unlocked it
before they all went inside and climbed up to the tower where it would be
safer. From the tower they looked down at the prison, seeing that much of
it was missing.
    “It appears that we might have only about a hundred inmates left. I
think we can handle them,” Priscilla said.
    “What about those lizard people? There's an awful lot of them. They
seem to have us surrounded.”
    Some spears clanked against the walls beneath the tower. Sheila
jumped with a yelp when one sounded near.
    “Better keep calm, Sheila. They can't reach us here,” Priscilla said.
    “Maybe not, but they can throw their spears up here once they get
closer,” Sheila said.
    “Then we'll just keep our heads down,” Jim said.
    “They're climbing up to the parking lot,” Angelica said.
    “They're climbing into the back exercise yard, too,” Pete said.
    “We're surrounded! We'll be killed!” Sheila exclaimed.
    Sounds of fighting came from inside the prison. Screams and clanking
metal could be heard as a new battle began between the inmates and the
lizard people.

                                    •   •   •

    Commander Haro looked at the abandoned mining camp in disgust. All
the efforts his people went through were for nothing as there was no one to
rescue.

                                    •   •   •

    “The fighting's over inside. I don't hear anything more,” Jim said.
    “Are all the inmates dead?” Sheila asked.
    “Probably,” he answered.
    “We're safe for the time being. They can't get in the tower and we have
guns, as well,” Priscilla said.
    Sheila asked, “What about food and water? We'll have to have those.”
    “Well, we'll just have to go after those when we need them. If the
lizards give us any trouble, then we'll shoot them. It's perfectly clear to me
that they're not friendly bastards,” Jim said.
    “The inmates aren't all dead. The lizard people captured some of them.
They're forcing them to go somewhere,” Pete said.
    Everyone turned to look just over the edge of the observation tower
opening at the sight of several dozen women forced to leave at sword and
spear point. A few wounded women were helped by others to walk.
    “I wonder if they're any better off that way,” Priscilla said.
    “Well, they're alive and we're still surrounded,” Sheila said.
    “What about the armored personnel carrier? It's big enough to carry all
of us,” Angelica suggested.
    “I'm qualified to drive it. Just say the word, Warden,” Dude said.
    “I don't see any choice but to go for it. Since we don't have to worry
about the inmates anymore, we'll split up into two groups. One goes for the
vehicle. The other goes for food and water in the prison,” Priscilla said.
    “Who's going where?” Sheila asked.
    “Officers Dudley and Web, Sheila, and I will go for the vehicle. The rest
are to head for the kitchen and grab whatever they can carry. We'll drive
the vehicle right up the steps so you won't be exposed...” she said, only to
be interrupted by laughter from most of the group, “...to spears when you
come out.”

                                    •   •   •
    Priscilla waited at the doorway as Officer Dudley opened it. She held
her handgun at the ready while a rifle remained strapped over her shoulder.
Beside her, Sheila held another handgun with trembling hands. “Don't point
that at anyone until you have to. I don't like nervous people handling
guns,” Priscilla said.
    “I'm ready. How about you, Dude?” Angelica asked.
    He answered, “Ready as I'm going to be. Ready, set, go!”
    He and Angelica sprinted out the open door of the tower while Priscilla
stood watching for any attempts by the lizard people to attack them.
Behind her and Sheila, the rest of the group waited for their turn to run for
the prison building.
    Dude shouted, “In position!”
    “Our turn, Sheila. Just stay by me and watch where you point your
weapon,” Priscilla said.
    “Yes, Warden.”
    Priscilla said, “Now!” and took off running from the doorway.
    Sheila ran after her, surprised at the sudden start without any warning.
They ran alongside the prison wall for almost fifty yards before they
reached the main gate. As soon as they reached it, they took cover at the
corner of the gate where the stones stuck out slightly.
    As Sheila reached the position, Priscilla shouted, “In position!”
    “Okay, we've got you guys covered from this angle! Make for the prison
now!” Dude shouted.
    From the tower, the remaining eight officers ran from the doorway
toward the main building. They reached the steps leading up to it and
bounded up, taking those two and three at a time until they were inside
the building.
    “Okay, they're in! Our turn to move! Ready when you are, Officer
Dudley,” Priscilla said.
    “Why not call me Dude like everyone else? We're ready!”
    “Okay, go!” Priscilla put her arm out as Sheila began to leave the
position. Priscilla said, “Not us, them.”
    Dude called out, “In position!”
    Sheila said, “Give me more warning this time.”
    Priscilla shouted, “Ready, set, go!” and began running with Sheila hot
on her heels.
    Dude and Angelica spotted the lizard people moving in. Without
hesitation, they fired warning shots.
    Sheila shouted, “Shit!”
    “What's wrong?” Priscilla asked.
    “I just pissed on myself!” she answered.
    “Don't worry about that,” Priscilla replied as they kept running past
where Dude and Angelica kept watch on the lizard people. Priscilla pulled
up next to the corner of the building housing the armored personnel carrier.
Sheila huffed to a stop beside her. Priscilla shouted, “Ready when you are!”
    Dude shouted, “This time we go all the way! Ready, set, go!”
    He and Angelica ran from their defensive position toward the building.
He fired twice at a lizard person who tried to throw a spear at him. One
shot clanged off the chest armor. The second bullet hit the lizard person in
the leg.
    Priscilla fired another shot at the same lizard person and whirled about
as she heard Sheila mumbling. Quickly, Priscilla snapped off three more
shots at lizard people coming from the other side of the building. She hit
one in the head, dropping him dead in front of the other two. Her other two
shots narrowly missed hitting either of the other lizard people. Sheila
finally pointed her handgun in the right direction, jerked the trigger, and
emptied her handgun at the enemy. One of them fell dead and another ran
off holding his arm.
    “Reload, Sheila, while I keep you covered,” Priscilla said.
    Sheila fumbled with her handgun to take the magazine out and feed
another into it.
    Dude shouted, “Shooting the lock!”
    Two shots sounded before he shouted, “We're in! Hurry up around the
corner while we cover you!”
    “Get going, Sheila. You can reload inside the vehicle,” Priscilla ordered.
    Sheila ran with her hands full around the corner toward the open door
where Dude and Angelica stood ready to repel the enemy.
    Dude shouted, “Inside, Sheila! Come on, Warden!”
    Priscilla shouted, “Coming!” as she fired one more shot at another lizard
person before she bolted from her position to join the others. As she
reached the doorway to take Dude's place, he ran inside to get the vehicle
started. He took Sheila by the elbow and rushed her to the rear of the
vehicle.
    Opening the hatch, he said, “Get in first!”
    Sheila stepped inside the vehicle as Dude shouted, “Okay, next!”
    “Go ahead, Warden,” Angelica said.
    Priscilla said, “No, we'll go together. Now!”
    Both women left the door and ran inside the vehicle. They reached the
back and clambered into the hatchway closely followed by Dude who closed
and latched it. He made his way forward while they took seats.
    Dude said, “I don't guess we're too concerned about the door. I'm going
to just plow through it.”
    “Can he do that in this?” Sheila asked.
    “Be quiet now. Reload your weapon and holster it. We're a whole lot
safer now than we used to be. Go ahead and do it, Dude,” Priscilla said.
    Dude turned the engine over and idled it for a moment as he checked
the gauges. Satisfied with what he saw, he put the vehicle into gear and
drove forward, smashing through the door and into two surprised lizard
people. One clung to the front of the vehicle as Dude turned toward the
prison gate. He picked up speed and charged at it while the lizard person
continued to hang on until it was too late.
    Dude said, “Oh, that must hurt!” after the vehicle slammed into the
gate and tore through while nearly slicing the lizard person into French fry
lengths by driving his body into the bars. Moments later, the bars and the
dead lizard person fell beneath the vehicle. Dude drove straight for the
steps and shouted, “Hang on! It gets rough in a moment!” just before the
APC climbed up the steps to the front doors. He spun the treads in opposite
directions as he reached the top, performing a turn that left the vehicle at
the top and facing back toward the gates. “Okay, Angelica, you watch the
back. I'll take the turret.”
    As Angelica opened the hatch, the sound of gunfire came from inside
the building. She watched anxiously for the others to return with food and
water. Moments later, she heard Dude firing his pistol from the turret. As
well, more shots came from inside the building. Soon, the shots from inside
were closer. The other officers came running out, carrying what food and
beverages they could find. Officer Sasha Deal clutched her arm to stem the
bleeding from a wound.
    She hollered, “They're still inside and not afraid of our guns in the
least!”
    Jim shouted, “Too many of them in there to hold off for long. We
grabbed what we could.”
    “Get in! We're leaving while we can!” Priscilla ordered.
    The officers passed by Angelica into the APC. Angelica stepped inside
and clanged the hatch closed. Dude immediately drove down the steps as
soon as Angelica said it was latched. Angelica fell backward onto Pete's
lap. The APC bounced as it hit the bottom step. Angelica said, “Oh, that
was a hard one.”
    Sheila asked, “Where are we going?”
    Priscilla answered, “Anywhere that's safer than the prison. Dude! Just
keep going straight. Don't stop for anything.”
    “Right, Warden!” Dude replied.
    Dude drove until he reached the edge where he stopped. He asked,
“Anyone see a way down?”
    “Over there! The edge is collapsed over there!” Jim said.
    “Right! Hang on everyone, this next one is going to be even rougher!”
Dude said.
    The APC nearly bounced off a rock as it went over the edge where the
ground had collapsed. Dude barely kept it righted. He continued on down
until the APC was on the surface of the new world. Then he drove directly
away from the prison on its island of Earth.
    “Warden, since we can't leave this world, don't you think we should
consider our options and status?” Jim asked.
    “Options and status?” asked Priscilla.
    “Yes, our options and status. For one thing, it's clear that we're not on
Earth anymore. We're not exactly getting paid to do any of this. As well, no
one on Earth even knows where we are, let alone how to come get us.
Therefore, we're on our own and we better get together on some ground
rules for our survival. It's not like we're not adults, but we're in a situation
we couldn't have prepared for.”
    “He's right. We're without clothes and don't know where we're going. All
we have are our weapons and some food and water. I think we need to
agree on how we're going to behave,” Angelica said.
    Priscilla asked, “Just what are you getting at, Officer Drake? Are you
suggesting that we should all get together in small groups, two women to
each man and just shack up while we see about surviving?”
    “Warden, you aren't even close to what I'm suggesting. True, we do
need to consider how we're going to conduct ourselves socially, which you
can take to include sexually, as well. If you want two women to each man,
I'll go along with you. However, that's not what I was suggesting. What I'm
talking about is a division of labor and responsibilities. You might have
been the warden of the prison on Earth. However, we're not on Earth. Being
a warden here doesn't guarantee survival. What guarantees survival is the
ability to fight and lead. I'm not saying you don't have those qualities,
either. However, you haven't given us any direction so far on what we're
going to do. Since you're still in charge, wouldn't it make sense for you to
start speaking your mind and sharing with us what we're going to do next?
In other words, start doling out some responsibilities to us before we get
too damn far from the prison. At least, it's familiar,” Jim said.
    “I guess I see where you're aiming. Dude! Are we far enough away from
those lizards to stop?” Priscilla asked.
    “I've outdistanced them, if that's what you mean. Whoa! Hang on to
your seats! We've got more trouble and I mean with a capital T. I think
they've got a fuckin' laser!”
    Dude spun the APC off course and then back again as he hit top speed
while dodging the destructive beam. He hollered, “Everyone hit the deck!”
    The deck became a pile of naked flesh as everyone ducked as low as
possible in response to Dude's warning. Then the APC slowly came to rest.
    “Damn it! Dude's dead. We've got to knock out that laser or we're all
dead. Hand me a rifle!” Jim exclaimed.
    “I'll go out the rear hatch. You hit them from the turret,” Pete shouted.
    “On the count of three! One...two...three!” Jim said.
    Jim popped open the turret as Pete went out the rear hatch. Jim fired at
the laser tower with his assault rifle on full automatic while the beam
moved toward him. Pete's shots centered on the tower aperture at the
same time. The beam went out just before it was about to slice Jim in half.
Jim glanced around at the terrain, then dropped back inside the APC.
    Pete stepped back inside the vehicle as the people inside got back into
their seats after untangling themselves. He was about to close the hatch
when Jim said, “Not just yet. We'll have to leave Dude here.”
    “Unfortunately, Officer Drake's right. Keep his weapons and belt. Pass
his body out the back and leave it,” Priscilla ordered.
    Sheila asked, “Without burying him?”
    Priscilla asked, “How are we going to bury him? Besides, that tower
might have replacements parts for that laser. We'd look real silly dying over
a grave.”
    “This is going to be messy, but it can't be helped. Mitch, give us a
hand,” Jim said.
    The three remaining male officers carried Dude's body to the rear of the
vehicle and dropped it out the hatch. Pete shut the hatch while Jim went
forward.
    “You driving, Officer Drake?” Priscilla asked.
    He answered, “I guess I am for now. I'd appreciate it if you'd assign
some tasks real soon such as someone to act as shotgun in case we
encounter anymore of those laser positions.”
    “Now I understand what you were talking about. Officer Web, take the
turret position and stand watch with a rifle while Officer Drake drives.”
    “One more thing. I think it would be easier on all of us if we dispense
with the officer business. I don't look like an officer any longer and I sure
don't feel much like one, either. You can all call me Jim or Drake.”
    “Might as well include me in on that idea. Aside from defending us, I
don't intend to go riding around trying to right every wrong I see. I'm sure
as hell not the nude avenger,” Pete said.
    “That has kind of a ring to it. The nude avengers,” Angelica said.
    Jim engaged the gears of the APC and slowly drove it along the terrain
as he became more familiar with the vehicle and discovered how much of it
still worked. “I think we got off lucky on what those lizards hit with their
laser.”
    “Riding along in their armored avenger-mobile, the nude avengers look
for anyone wearing clothes so they can steal them,” Mitch said.
    “Comforting the poor and goosing evil,” said Sasha.
    “Goosing?” asked Angelica.
    “Well, it was almost funny. I didn't know what else to say to lighten up
the situation,” Sasha replied.
    “Enough of that now. Jim's right. I need to set some priorities. We'll
have to take turns driving and keeping watch. One hour shifts. Since you
can't drive, Sheila, you'll pull guard like everyone else,” Priscilla said.
    “But I'm a civilian!” Sheila protested.
    “You'll be a pedestrian civilian if you're not willing to pull your share of
the load. We're in this together or you can get out now and go your own
way,” Priscilla replied.
    “You want me to stop to let her out?” Jim asked.
    “Not yet. Let her decide first what it's going to be,” Priscilla answered.
    “Alone on foot? No thanks. I guess I can pull guard if someone tells me
how.”
    “I'll explain it. There's nothing to it really,” Pete said.

                                     •   •    •

    Kelly stared blankly at the lizard people who forced her and the others
to walk away from the prison. She still couldn't believe what had happened
to her. It seemed impossible that her life could become any worse.
However, she was naked and on a forced march at the hands of strange
captors whose intent she didn't know. As she stared around at the other
women, she realized that none of them had so much as a stitch left among
them. She shuddered to think that one of the other women might try to
molest her even while their captors herded them along. She noticed Andrea
was alive, remembering how nice she was in prison. Andrea hadn't tried to
take advantage of her or anyone else. If anything, Kelly was certain that
Andrea shouldn't have been in prison since Kelly felt sure that Andrea was
innocent. Kelly wished she could make the same claim, but she knew she
was guilty. She had, after all, knowingly carried drugs for her boyfriend.

                                   •   •   •

    “Hate to say it, but we're going to have another problem in a few more
hours,” Jim said.
    “What problem?” Priscilla asked.
    “We're going to run out of fuel eventually. Right now, I'd guess we have
maybe six hours before we're empty. If I drive slower, we can stretch that
out some,” he answered.
    “Are we sufficiently far enough away from those lizards?” Priscilla
asked.
    Jim asked, “Angelica, anyone still behind us?” while nudging her thigh.
    Angelica glanced down, then asked, “What?”
    “Is there anyone directly behind us that you can see?” he asked.
    “No, we've left them far behind,” she replied.
    “I heard her. Go ahead and slow down. We'll conserve fuel for now.
Maybe then we can hear without shouting half the time,” Priscilla said.

                                   •   •   •

    Mitch turned on the headlights as darkness fell over the terrain.
Traveling even slower than during the day, they had all opted to eat while
the APC was moving instead of stopping. Their only stops were to change
drivers. During the changes, everyone had two minutes to relieve
themselves next to the vehicle and hurry back inside to their positions.
    Before they ate what was their supper meal, the group went through
what little they had and divided it into rations they hoped would last them
three days. After that, they knew they'd be without food. It wouldn't be
long before water would be the critical resource they'd be doing without.
    “There's a forest up ahead. Might be a good idea to hold up there until
daylight,” Mitch said.
    “I guess we all need some sleep. Go ahead and stop beside the forest.
At least, we won't be too visible,” Priscilla said.

                                     •   •   •

    Kelly slept while the lizard people stood round the camp. She noticed
that some of them seemed sexually aroused. She hoped that they wouldn't
be rapists. Then again, she knew there was little she or anyone else could
do to stop them.
    Andrea crept over beside her. She whispered, “I'm going to make a
break for it tonight, but I need your help.”
    “How? There's too many of them and they're all armed.”
    “I thought of a way. This sand we're on is perfect for what I have in
mind. I'm going to dig into it some. Then I want you to cover me with sand
so only my nose is open. When everyone else leaves in the morning, I'll
wait until I don't hear anyone. Then I'll sit up and make my way back.”
    “Alone?” Kelly asked.
    “I don't have any other choices. I either escape or let these lizards do
what they want with me. You gonna help me?”
    “Sure, I'll help.”




                                  Chapter 3

The Lizzar Chief of Commanders looked at the new invention with
amusement. “How does it work?”
    George answered, “Four Lizzars sit on these seats and place their feet
on the pedals. The fifth Lizzar sits in the front seat and steers. You can
travel much faster this way than by walking.”
    The Lizzar ordered, “Take the seats, humans! I shall steer! This better
work or I'll slice your balls off personally!”
    George, Paul, Eddie, and Principal Bone each took a seat while the
Chief of Commanders got on his, after discovering how to adjust his tail to
sit down. The Chief ordered, “Make it go!”
    The four men peddled. The crude pedal-powered framework slowly
moved forward.
    “Faster! I want to see it go faster than walking!”
    The men strained to pedal without getting their chains caught.
    George finally dared speak, “Sire, we can't pedal faster because of our
chains. This wasn't designed for anyone with chains on their legs.”
    The Chief ordered, “Halt!”
    The crude vehicle stuttered to a halt as the four men quit pedaling.
    He ordered, “Get off! You four! Over here! Get on and pedal! I want to
go much faster than those humans can pedal!”
    Four Lizzar troops hurried over and took the men's places. They
awkwardly put their feet on the pedals and pedaled. In no time at all, they
caught the hang of it and were breezing along at close to a running pace.
    George whispered, “I think we should have instructed them how to
stop.”
    Paul said, “What about steering? He's still going straight.”
    Principal Bone whispered, “I just hope the damn thing holds together. I
prefer having my balls remain where they are.”
    Eddie said, “I just hope they don't want many more of those. We've
only got but so much bicycle chain from the store and the Lizzars certainly
can't make anymore.”

                                   •   •   •

    Jim started up the APC while Priscilla stood looking out the turret. She
was doing a stand on watch not because she wanted to be equal, but
because she was bored staring at naked men and women while her clit felt
moist and her brain felt scared. She wasn't sure that it would be safe to let
anything sexual get started. It would be too easy for her to slip from her
position and let herself have what she wanted most. She couldn't admit
that she was a recovering nymphomaniac, one of a very few who tried to
suppress their sexual urges so they could live a normal life. She only knew
three other women sufferers who were trying to be live normal lives as she
was.
    It wasn't easy keeping her past hidden so she could climb up the ladder
of success to become the warden of a prison. She was only glad that she
wasn't given charge of a men's prison.
    Her mother, thankfully, learned quickly enough that Priscilla wanted all
the men she could handle after catching her in the act with her fifth and
sixth boys while skinny dipping in a stream hidden by woods behind their
home. It wasn't easy explaining why she was sucking on one while the
other was banging away at her as four other exhausted boys watched and
urged her on. Her mother had to force her away from them by dragging her
by the ankles back through the woods to her home without stopping to
dress her.
    After all, she hadn't admitted to her mother that only the weekend
before, she had taken on ten boys from the neighborhood. By the time
Priscilla finished with them, they were all lying exhausted and drained on
the bank of the stream. She'd have had that many again on the day her
mother caught her, but some of the boys had chores they couldn't leave.
    Then she went to an all-girls' school where there weren't many
opportunities to get laid. However, the opportunities did include a few fully
grown males who delighted Priscilla even more. They could go deeper and
give more when she sucked them until their knees grew weak and trembled
from the pleasure she gave them. Priscilla loved to see men become weak
trying to master her body. Not one had yet succeeded before she realized
that there were other things she needed in life and found others like herself
to form a support group with over the Internet.
    Now Priscilla was without her support group and felt more naked than
merely being without clothes. She struggled to remind herself that she
couldn't have the three remaining men until she left them too weak to crawl
as though she had drained their life force from them. Their survival and
hers depended on Priscilla maintaining her self-control.
    Even worse, the constant vibrations from the APC made her hornier than
ever, almost like the motorcycle she once accepted a ride on while returning
to the girls' school from a shopping trip into town. She and the boy she
accepted the ride from didn't get a quarter of the distance before she had
his pants open and was stroking him in public. At least, he had enough
sense to turn off onto the first dirt road that he came to and get them both
out of sight. She remembered that he stopped for a moment and turned to
look at her.
    “Are you serious?” he asked.
    “I'm in real trouble if I'm not, wouldn't you say?” she replied. That was
before her cravings for more scared him enough that he shoved her aside.
He rode off leaving her over a mile from her clothes and store purchases.
She had to walk naked down the dirt road to retrieve those. After dressing,
she then headed to the highway to walk the rest of the way back to school
as he was nowhere in sight. All the while, she desperately wanted another
man.
    It was the most frustrating day of her life and one that caused her to
seek a solution. The solution came on the next shopping trip. That was
when she purchased the vibrator and gave herself relief when she needed
it. It was only a partial solution, though. However, it carried her through
her private schooling until college.
    College was fine until she found out how much other women could hate
her for wanting their men. Her roommate brought her boyfriend to the room
to make love to him. Then she went into the shower while he remained on
the bed. That was the scene that Priscilla remembered walking in upon. It
took only the one image of him lying there naked to flame the passions
into a roaring fire inside her. While her roommate was showering, she
undressed and walked over to him. She was on top of him when her
roommate came out of the shower drying her hair and found them. Her
friend stopped suddenly, then flew into a rage as she charged.
    Her friend shoved her off, almost injuring him at the time. Then it was
a knockdown, drag out sort of fight that only lasted a minute or two before
he could separate them. Her friend, her ex-friend really, unable to get at
her began throwing things out the window, after breaking it with the first
objects she threw. The boyfriend, anxious to prevent the fight from going
on had restrained Priscilla without either of them realizing what was
happening. Before she knew it, her ex-friend had thrown all of Priscilla's
stuff out of the third floor window in lieu of throwing out Priscilla herself.
Even Priscilla's clothes from the floor went out the window, leaving her with
nothing to wear while a crowd gathered at the doorway and listened to her
ex-friend rant and rave about what took place. Then the boyfriend was
ordered out of the room under the threat of being accused of rape. He ran
with his clothes, no longer concerned about keeping the two women apart.
    Priscilla stood her ground when her ex-friend came at her again, but
other girls grabbed each of them and kept them apart by pulling Priscilla
back into the hall. That was when her ex-friend shut the door, locking her
out, after demanding that anyone who was her friend wouldn't help
Priscilla. As well, she warned them that Priscilla would take their
boyfriends, too.
    Without anything to wear, Priscilla tried to borrow a towel so she could
retrieve her clothing. No one would even lend her so much as a smear of
lipstick to cover any part of herself. Left without any choices, Priscilla
remembered she had to walk outside into the snow without anything on to
gather her clothes and dress herself standing where she could be seen after
the girls even shut and blocked the door so she couldn't re-enter the dorm.
That was when she realized she had a serious problem and faced it as
such.
    It was a long haul trying to reform herself without any help at first
since what she was addicted to was commonplace and all too freely
available. She remembered all the backsliding she went through over the
next few months until she found a support group to help her through the
days and nights. Now she found herself standing out in the cold once more,
even though the weather was actually summery. Priscilla resisted feeling of
herself. She already knew she was wet and ready to take the first offer to
come her way. She hoped and prayed that no one would suggest anything
that might make her lose her self-control and give in immediately to her
desires.
    Angelica whispered, “God, but Priscilla is a cold-hearted bitch.”
    Sasha replied, “Probably never seen a cock before, much less touched
one.”
    “I'm surprised...Well, not really surprised since the warden is so cold.
She's probably turned the men off from making any suggestions to any of
us,” Angelica said.
    “Yeah, you'd think that we'd have received some offers by now,” Sasha
said.
    “I fell on Pete and he wasn't too bad beneath me,” Angelica said.
    “You would have let him?” asked Sasha.
    “Not really then, but I'm seriously considering it now. I don't know
about you, but now I'm turned on by all this.”
    Sasha said, “It's the engine vibration doing it. You can get the same
effect riding on a motorcycle. I rode once with my boyfriend on his bike.
God, were we ever happy before the ride ended.”
    Angelica asked, “What happened?”
    “You want the whole story?”
    “Sure I do. Tell me.”
    “Um, not now. Maybe later when we're alone. Regardless, I think what
Priscilla needs is a man. Still, I'm surprised that she hasn't been screaming
sexual harassment,” Sasha whispered.
    “You think she might be, uh, you know?”
    “Lesbian? Maybe. She sure don't act normal. She hasn't even made one
funny remark about this to ease the situation. I also think she's been
looking at us.”
    “Us? You and me?” asked Angelica.
    “You mostly, I think.”
    “Thanks. Maybe that's why she became a warden in a women's prison. I
guess I better keep an eye on her,” Angelica said.
    “I will, too.”
                                    •     •   •

    Andrea waited until she couldn't hear anyone about. She knew for a
certainty that they were on some other planet after seeing three moons
during the night before Kelly finished covering her. Now she wasn't so sure
that it was a good idea to be alone on a strange world without anything to
eat, drink, or defend herself with. However, she didn't have much choice
anymore. Sooner or later, she had to sit up and take a look around. She
only hoped that she wasn't going from the frying pan into the fire.
    She held her breath, then sat up while most of the sand covering her
upper body fell away. Before she opened her eyes, she shook herself to
clear her face. Only then did she look around. Except for the lack of people
and lizard people, there was nothing different. It was still a strange world
to her. The three moons were disappearing behind the horizon and she was
alone. On the other hand, she was free.

                                    •     •   •

    Priscilla blinked her eyes several times before she believed what she
was seeing. She dropped down out of the open turret hatch and said, “Stop!
There's a car coming!”
    “We're not going very far anyway. We're almost out of fuel,” Jim said.
    “Shut it off then. I just hope they're not more of those lizard people.
Everyone get ready to fight,” Priscilla said.
    Sheila said, “Not again.”
    Mitch said, “Let me take over the turret, Priscilla. It's about my turn and
you look tired.”
    As he passed by her to take over, she felt his body against hers and
wanted him desperately. She gritted her teeth and pursed her lips to fight
off the urge to drop to her knees. “No, Mitch, I'm fine. I can handle this.”
    Sasha whispered, “See? Cold to men.”
    Angelica replied, “Yeah, I see. You going to tell the others?”
    Sasha said, “I think they can see for themselves.”
    Mitch dropped back inside. He said, “I think they're human!”
    “They could be from Conway. If they are, then we're not in as much
trouble as we thought,” Priscilla said.
    Mitch stood back up in the hatchway with his gun drawn and ready just
out of sight. He watched the car pull up to within twenty yards before it
stopped. There was no mistaking it as being originally made on Earth
though it was severely modified with metal plates over the windows and an
opening cut through the roof. The door opened and he readied himself to
fight if necessary. A naked teenage woman stepped out of the driver's side
and smiled at him.
    She asked, “You from Earth?” while standing behind the door.
    Priscilla took a chance. “Yes. How about you?”
    She said, “Yes. Now whose side are you on?”
    Mitch asked, “Side? The human side, of course.”
    She said, “You were seen leaving Lizzar territory. We don't know
whether to trust you or not.”
    “Lizard territory? You mean those lizard people who tried to kill us?” he
asked.
    “Lizzars is what they call themselves. You're either on their side or our
side.”
    “We're not on the Lizzar side. We're definitely on your side,” Priscilla
said.
    She asked, “How many of you came here?”
    Mitch answered, “A couple of hundred, but only eleven of us escaped.
The rest were killed or captured and marched off.”
    She said, “Okay, come on out and let us see you all as a token of good
faith. We'll do the same.”
    Mitch said into the hatch, “She wants to see all of us. She's just as
naked as we are.”
    “The same thing must have happened to all their clothes,” Priscilla said.
    Mitch asked, “Well, are we going to show ourselves? They want to see
us before they'll trust us.”
    Sasha giggled.
    “You shouldn't have told them how many of us were in here. Now I've
got to decide whether we should trust her,” Priscilla said.
    Mitch asked, “I don't think she's going to wait much longer.”
    “Okay, open the hatch. We'll let them see us but they're not taking
away our weapons, especially since there appears to be a war going on,”
Priscilla said.
    Pete opened the hatch and stepped out first. He was followed by
Sheila, then the female officers, Priscilla, and Jim while Mitch remained at
the hatchway.
    Gail stepped away from the door with a shotgun in her hands. Dennis
stood up in the roof opening with another shotgun.
    Priscilla said, “Only the two of you survived?”
    Gail answered, “No, a lot more, but only ten of us escaped. The rest are
being held as slaves in the mines. A few are possibly traitors.”
    Mitch asked, “Where'd you get fuel? You've been gone some time.”
    Gail answered, “We had a gas station come with us. The Lizzars can't
keep up with our cars and they don't have guns. When we need gas, we run
them off from the town and get what we need. Looks like you ran into one
of their laser towers, though. They do have those.”
    Priscilla said, “The Lizzars are the ones with the lasers? Then why do
they use swords and spears?”
    Gail replied, “They're kind of like the ancient Persians. The Persians had
electricity while their weapons were swords and spears. Here, the Lizzars
got lucky enough to develop their knowledge of electricity beyond what the
Persians ever achieved. The Persians mostly used their knowledge to
electroplate things with gold. I learned that from reading the books we
saved from the town. I'm Gail. That's my husband, Dennis. Who are you
all?”
    “I'm Warden Priscilla Honor. That's Sheila, my secretary. The rest are
my prison officers,” Priscilla said.
    Dennis said, “Shit! Just what we don't need!”
    “They might know tactics like the coach did,” Gail said.
    “If you think that we're going to take on the Lizzars, as you say they
call themselves, with only twenty-one people, then I'm not sure about your
sanity,” Priscilla said.
    Gail said, “It's not just us. Would you mind putting your guns down?”
    “We're not giving up our weapons,” Priscilla said.
    “I mean point them down and don't get agitated. I don't want you to
shoot our allies,” Gail said.
    “Your allies?” asked Priscilla.
    “Right, we're allied with someone else. It's not just the ten of us
against the Lizzars or even twenty-one with you. Just point your weapons
down and don't shoot them. Then turn around slowly and say hi to your new
friends,” Gail said.
    Priscilla turned slowly while pointing her gun down. Her eyes opened at
the sight of what she first thought of as a herd of centaurs. She felt herself
become moist between her legs as she couldn't help but immediately notice
how well hung all the males were. She wanted to run up to one and throw
herself under him. Surely, they'd be good for several hours each of fun. For
the first time in her life, she felt weak in the knees at seeing so much
available at one time.
    “Hi, I'm Sub-commander Theo of the Second Cohort. Welcome to the
alliance.”
    Priscilla stared at Theo as he slowly approached. She was disappointed
when he turned so that she couldn't see what she most liked about him.
    “I'm Warden...I'm Priscilla. So, we're allies. How's this alliance thing
work?”
    Theo said, “Right now, we're learning how to make things and to speak
better English while we learn to read it better. When we can make more
advanced weapons, then we'll take on the Lizzars and end their war of
subjugation. We only wish to live in peace.”
    “Sure, if you want one,” Priscilla replied before blushing as she realized
that she almost gave herself away.
    Theo said, “I don't understand. Is this more of your colorful language?”
    “I got tongue-tied. I'm not used to meeting centaurs,” Priscilla said.
    Dennis asked, “How's your vehicle for fuel?”
    Jim looked at Priscilla before she answered, “We're almost out. We
don't have much food or water, either. All we have are our weapons and
enough ammunition to fight off a few, um, Lizzars.”
    Dennis said, “Save your bullets for the laser towers and their leaders.
The Lizzars are learning tactics from a traitor.”
    “We don't know for sure that he's a traitor. They could be forcing him to
cooperate,” Gail said.
    “Then we have trouble. We were running a prison. The Lizzars captured
only convicts as far as I know. Some of them will work with anyone if it
benefits them,” Priscilla said.
    Dennis said, “Shit, that's all we needed. Convicts. How many guns did
they capture?”
    “None. We locked up the armory tight as a drum before we left,”
Priscilla answered.
    Gail exclaimed, “You can provide more guns? More ammo?”
    Priscilla answered, “We might.”
    Gail shouted, “Theo! Send runners to Over Commander Zira! He needs
to know this at once!”
    Theo pointed to three strong-looking centaurs. He said, “Inform Zira of
the news! Hurry!”
    The three galloped away quickly as if in a horse race. It was only then
that Priscilla noticed that two of them carried high-powered rifles.
    Gail walked over to the APC. “We're going to have to educate you as
well. You're lucky that you didn't go into the forest last night. There are
things in there that guns are useless against. We'll start off talking about
coil vines. Then I'll explain what we know about how things work around
here.”

                                   •   •   •

    The Lizzar Chief of Commanders said, “I'm disappointed that there is no
technology in the building taken from Earth. Get another section! I want
their technology! Next time, there better not be any escapes when we move
in. The next commander who permits that to happen will hang from a tower
while the laser slices him into small pieces starting from the feet up!”
    “But sire! The tractor beam must be recharged before it can be used
again. If we try again now, anything we grab will fall apart without enough
energy to keep it intact while it travels at great speeds.”
    “How long must I wait?”
    The Lizzar technician answered, “Five days, sire.”
    “You have four! You've already squandered one day during which it
should have been recharging! Four days only! Then I want another piece of
Earth. It better have technology on it.”
    “Sire, we can only grab from where we can pick up a signal. The Earth
men call it radio frequency. There is almost always some technology where
such signals originate. It's just that we can't control where the Earth people
use that radio frequency and we can only take the one that's strongest
when we seek it out. Believe me sire. We are doing our best.”
    The Chief said, “Then do better! I want their technology and I want it
fast! No more excuses.”

                                   •   •   •

    Priscilla asked, “Will our APC be okay where it is?”
    Gail answered, “Some of our allies will remain nearby to guard it. If
your people will go with us to Conway to get diesel fuel, we can get you
mobile once more.”
    Priscilla asked, “Why do you need us for that?”
    Dennis said, “Because you have more guns and ammunition than we
have. All we have left are shotgun shells. They're good for close in groups
of Lizzars, but useless for picking off their leaders at long range and
throwing them into confusion. Your rifles mean the difference between
getting in easily or having to fight off hundreds of Lizzars. The centaurs
have some bullets, but not many.”
    “Makes some sense to me. After all, they have months of experience
fighting the Lizzars. How many shotgun shells have you? Ours went bad
with our clothing,” Jim said.
    Dennis said, “We can spare a few boxes if you need them. Of course,
we'd like something in return. For instance, bullets for some of our other
weapons would be a good trade.”
    Priscilla asked, “Jim, would it be a good trade?”
    “I think it would. Even if we have to give a few guns along with the
bullets, I think we'd come out pretty good, all in all,” he answered.
    “You've got the beginnings of a deal. I'll let Jim handle the transaction.
As to having some of us go with you to Conway...,” Priscilla said.
    “Some of us should, Priscilla. After all, they're getting the fuel for our
benefit and risking their lives in the process,” Jim said.
    Priscilla said, “I need to speak with Jim in private for a moment. Could
you excuse us, please?”
    Gail replied, “Sure.”
    Priscilla took Jim by the elbow and walked a short distance away with
him. She stopped and he faced her.
    He asked, “What's the problem?”
    “I'm the problem. First off, I don't know as much about weapons as you
or the other officers. Second, I don't know tactics or strategy. I'm an
administrator. Third, we know now that we're not likely going to ever see
Earth again, except for the little pieces brought here by the Lizzars. We
don't have any reason to hold out hope that the Lizzars will send us back if
they lose this war. We're not even sure they can if they're willing. Their
device could be only one way.”
    “So, what are you leading up to?”
    “I've reached the conclusion that I don't have the right to lead you and
the others any longer. Not only that, but this world offers me something
that I tried to put behind me and forget about. I've decided that I'd rather
return to what I like most and leave the rest of you to choose your own
leader, if you feel you need one. I wanted you to know this now so you can
handle the trade. I'll tell the others once we all get together again later
today.”
    Jim asked, “What are you going to do? I don't understand.”
    “I'll discuss this in more detail when we're all together. In the
meantime, you have my blessings to give away the prison if you want. Go
on back and negotiate. I'll talk some more with you later. I need to speak
with Theo now.”
                                    •   •   •

    Andrea felt sure she made a mistake when she came in sight of the
prison and saw that there were still lizard troops around it. Unless she
could get back into it, she'd not get any water or food.

                                    •   •   •

    Jim handed over Dude's weapons and enough ammunition to reload
those twice more in exchange for an equal number of shotgun rounds.
Regardless of whether anyone else was going along to get the fuel, he
promised that he would. If anything, he was curious about what Conway
looked like after hearing how the situation had been. He was more than a
bit interested in seeing what a football coach came up with in defending
the town against the Lizzars. He'd certainly held out longer than anyone
had a right to expect under the circumstances.
    Dennis asked, “Are you also going back with us to the prison to empty
the armory before the Lizzars? I think four days from now ought to work out
for everyone involved. We'll have several cohorts with us so we'll be going
in strength.”
    “I will. Hopefully, most of the others will go with us as well. I'll be
talking with them later,” Jim answered.
    “That's good. I'm curious why Priscilla isn't in our talk,” Gail said.
    “So am I. That's part of what we'll be discussing later. All I know right
now is that she concluded that she doesn't know tactics or weapons well
enough to remain our leader. There's something else she'd rather do and
she intends to do it, whatever it is. Sure beats me what it could be. She
didn't give me a single clue. I mean, if it's our nudity, I'm willing to wear
some leaves over my privates so I won't embarrass her. That is, if we can
find any that aren't dangerous. Anyway, soon as I find out, I'll let you know
unless it's too personal and she asks for us to keep it confidential,” Jim
said.
    With the negotiations concluded, Jim searched for the rest of his friends
so he could learn more about what Priscilla intended to do.

                                    •   •   •

    As the sun began to set, Andrea memorized where the Lizzars were so
she could try to sneak past them once it got dark. She knew that the
slightest mistake would see her captured once more with no chance for
escape.
                                    •   •   •

    “I asked for everyone to attend this meeting because what I say and do
from now on can affect all of you. First off, I don't know tactics or weapons.
Without that knowledge, I'm not the best choice for being a leader. Then
there's another reason,” Priscilla said.
    “There was a time when I didn't mind being who I was. Then I found
out that it earned me numerous enemies, so I changed myself. It wasn't
easy and I only managed to get by with help from a small support group.
No, I'm not a recovering alcoholic or gambler. What I suffer from is harder
to protect me and you from than just keeping alcoholic beverages or money
out of my hands. You could say that, until now, I was a recovering
nymphomaniac. I can't help myself when I'm around men. I simply have to
have them. Worse yet, for some of you who are married, I want them all
and I really don't care if they're married to you or anyone else. That doesn't
mean I want to hurt their wives or anyone's girlfriend or make them hate
me, but I'm addicted to men. I'm in a situation now where I'm going to fall
off the wagon whether I want to or not. I'm literally going out of my skull
trying to keep my hands off every man around. That's the last reason why
I'm not fit to lead anyone. If I remained as your leader, I might not be able
to give any commands at a critical juncture because I surrendered to myself
and began playing with someone. You need someone more dependable
under our current circumstances. You'll have to pick someone else to lead
you.”
    “In the meantime, I'm designating myself the official prostitute for any
man or centaur serving our side. If you want me, just tell me. I'll be yours
for as long as you can last. Don't even worry if someone else is with me.
I've taken on as many as five at a time and loved every minute of it. As far
as I'm concerned, the more the merrier.”
    Sasha's mouth dropped open while Angelica glanced over at her with
her own mouth half open. Gail looked stunned while her hand tightened on
Dennis's. Most of the men then realized that Priscilla was glancing around
at their groins. Aware of that, a few became erect.
    Priscilla moved toward Pete. She asked, “Would you mind?” as she
dropped to her knees and reached out for him.

                                    •   •   •

    Jim woke up and looked around the camp. Priscilla was sleeping soundly
between two of the four men she succeeded in getting the evening before.
She was going strong for close to two hours before they finally gave out on
her completely and went to sleep. Even then, she hadn't stopped. Jim was
amazed to see her still going strong when his turn at guard came up during
the night. She'd even offered herself to him while he stood guard, but he
had gently refused. He'd seen how she literally wore out the other men in
short order.
    Even before Jim went to sleep, he'd overheard some of the women
talking in low hushes.
    “My god, she's doing them all at once!” Sasha exclaimed.
    Angelica said, “One thing for sure, she's not a Lesbian. I guess she was
looking at us to keep from losing her self-control. Don't you agree?”
    “Must have been why,” Sasha agreed.
    “I wonder how she ever became that way,” Shirley said.
    “I once knew a girl who was like that. She couldn't keep her hands off
the guys once she tried one. We lost a basketball game once because she
wore out the whole team one time just hours before the game. She went
right through the first string all the way to the last substitute. She even
laid the water boy,” Sasha said.
    Angelica asked, “Did she get caught?”
    “Not by anyone who mattered, but the coach put her off limits on game
days until after the game, if they won. Sure inspired most of the players to
really hustle out on the court. That game and one other were the only ones
we lost that season. If we hadn't lost that one because of her, we would
have gone on to the regionals. Maybe even the state finals,” Sasha
answered.
    “Did you hate her like Priscilla said happened to her?” Audrey asked.
    “No, but some girls did because they couldn't keep their boyfriends
away from her. The only girls who succeeded were those who fought fire
with fire. We sure had a lot of pregnancies that year because of girls
putting out to keep their boyfriends from straying,” Sasha said.
    “Did you? Fight fire with fire, that is since you didn't hate her?” Shirley
asked.
    “Well, maybe I did hate her because she could get away with what she
did. Yeah, I fought fire with fire. When my boyfriend said that he could get
a blow job and laid by her, I had little choice but to give him as much as he
could get from her or lose him. I learned from him what she did and gave
him the same treatment. I busted my ass screwing him until he was so
tired that I had to roll him off me. Since he played football, I rewarded him
after every game, win or lose to keep him from her,” Sasha answered.
    “Every game?” asked Angelica.
    “Yep, every game. For most of that year, which was my senior year, I
didn't even bother wearing panties since they usually ended up wet. I
wasn't much in the mood to pleasure him and then wear wet panties.”
    “I can understand that,” Angelica said.
    “That wasn't the worst of it. I had to prove that I could be as daring as
she was. More than once, I fucked Roy in front of some of his friends, but I
drew the line at doing them, too.”
    “I don't blame you,” Audrey said.
    Shirley said, “Well, I only know that I had sex before any of you.”
    Sasha asked, “When was that?”
    Shirley answered, “Age six.”
    Audrey exclaimed, “Your father took you?”
    “No, I did it with the boy next door. He was also six.”
    Sasha exclaimed, “Wow! How was it?”
    Shirley said, “Truthfully, it was really nothing because he couldn't get
an erection and could only barely touch me with what little he had. Still, we
were both naked and trying our best to make like our parents who we
caught in the act by accident. We figured we'd soon be brother and sister,
so it was all right for us to do like our parents.”
    Angelica asked, “Did you get caught?”
    “Sure we did, but nothing really happened other than some
explanations about sex being for adults,” Shirley answered.
    Sasha asked, “But when was your real first time? You know, the time
you really lost your virginity?”
    Shirley replied, “Not until high school.”
    Audrey exclaimed, “Not another boyfriend jock story.”
    Shirley asked, “Okay, how'd you lose yours?”
    Audrey answered, “To a lifeguard. He pulled me from the ocean when I
was caught by the current. He really saved my life and I met him when he
got off duty. That was when I arranged to meet him later in the evening on
the beach. He was gorgeous. Not only that, but he was polite and well
hung. We met at sunset on the beach and watched the sun go down before
we got down to business. He was quite a good lover, despite the fact that I
screwed up and managed to get sand on us at the wrong time. That was
the only thing that spoiled our fun. It was worse than when he popped my
cherry. Plus it hurt him too, but he didn't complain at all. Anyway, we still
managed to do pretty well that night despite my inexperience.”
                                     •   •   •

    The camp remained quiet as Jim walked about on guard against some
of the predatory denizens of the new world he was part of. He hadn't seen
but one so far. The quick demonstration of a coil vine striking something
that triggered it was more than enough to convince him that he didn't want
to go into the forest without a machete or an armored vehicle. He hoped
that he wouldn't come up against any of the other predators. Not without
plenty of firepower.

                                     •   •   •

    Andrea crawled part of the distance to the prison when she had to pass
close to some lizard people standing guard. Their very presence almost
made her skin crawl, but she had little choice by then. She either got into
the prison where she could find food and water, or surrendered, or died. She
didn't like the last two choices.
    Once she reached the slope leading up to the prison, she considered
herself lucky to find a sword lightly covered by dirt. She took it in hand
while noticing that it was heavy and awkward to use. Still, it was a weapon
and bettered the odds against her. At least, it came in useful for scaling
the steep slope as she could jab it into the dirt to make steps for her feet
while she climbed.
    She desperately wanted to cheer herself upon reaching the top of the
slope. However, she was wise enough to know that any noise might be
investigated. As well, the three moons were rising and she had to get out
of sight. Still fearing discovery, she hurried toward the building while not
looking at the sight of dismembered bodies of women she was once in
prison with. It was more difficult for her to ignore the stench from their
bodies. She had to clasp one hand over her mouth to keep from throwing
up, though she had little to lose. As she entered the darker interior of the
prison, she listened carefully as she moved about, hoping that none of the
lizard people were exploring instead of sleeping. She made directly for the
kitchen if only because she wanted something to eat and drink despite the
stench of death still lingering in her nostrils.

                                     •   •   •

    “Okay, there's the town!” Dennis hollered.
    Jim stared at the town atop a mound of dirt from Earth in the middle of
the plain. It was similar to how he remembered last seeing the prison. It,
too, was perched upon a mound of soil from Earth, though part of it was
unstable and threatening to collapse.
    Dennis said, “We should be able to find a barrel or two to fill with
diesel fuel. That ought to be enough to get your APC to the town to fill up
the tanks completely. You'll have to worry more about spare parts first
before fuel becomes a concern again.”
    Jim replied, “That's good to know. Now that we have friends to support
us, we can return and get some parts as well as emptying the armory. I
think everyone will benefit.”
    Dennis said, “Okay, remember, use the rifle at long range to kill any
Lizzar leaders if you can spot them. Use the shotgun at close range.
Reserve your pistol for face-to-face stuff. Two cars will circle the town. You
and I will take our cars into the town and get the fuel after we exterminate
the pests.”
    “Okay, tell him we'll follow. I'm ready,” Angelica said.
    “Got it! We're ready!” Jim hollered back.
    The four cars roared toward the town. As they reached it, two split off
and circled. One car, fitted with special bumpers, took the lead. It could
easily hit and dispose of any Lizzars with its bumpers and not have to
waste precious ammunition.
    Gail powered the car up the graded slope into the town. Not far behind
her, Angelica did the same. They stayed close together as they drove
slowly through the town. Had they driven around the town once, Angelica
and Jim would have seen piles of Lizzar bones, the last remains of Lizzar
casualties from earlier fighting.
    Jim stood in the open roof of his car while Dennis did the same in the
front car. He said, “Seems quiet and deserted.”
    Dennis said, “It probably is now. The Lizzars took what we didn't take
and we didn't leave much. We came back the day after the town fell and
took the generators and some other equipment we knew they'd want. They
probably won't make that mistake the next time. When we get to the
prison in a few days, there's going to be a lot of stuff missing that they'll
have beat us to. So far, it looks clear, but there could still be some
predators hanging around. All those dead Lizzars lured in lots of scavengers
for awhile. The worst is the frilled mountain dog. It's not very big, but the
frill surrounding its neck ends in poisonous barbs. At the least, it can make
you sick. Get jabbed with too many of those and you can kiss your ass
goodbye. I suggest a shotgun for dealing with them. We collect the barbs.
The centaurs use those for arrows after stripping the flesh away.”
    “I'll keep that in mind,” Jim said.
    Dennis said, “Stop your car away from the pumps. We never park our
cars close together unless we're out in the open and expect to be attacked.
Then we form them in a circle so we can all head in different directions if
there are too many coming at us. Here in town, we like enough space so we
can all maneuver for the only exit.”
    Both cars soon stopped. Gail drove the lead car right up to the pumps.
Dennis got out while she stood guard. He busied himself attaching
electrical cables to the pump from the generator in the trunk of his car.
Then he attached the hose to the pump. He went ahead and filled the gas
tank of his car as it was the more important vehicle because it contained
the generator. Once he completed that, he searched around for a suitable
empty barrel to hold diesel fuel. After ten minutes of searching, he was
disgusted for not taking one before.
    “The Lizzars got all the barrels. We'll have to drag your vehicle here.
Bring your car over and fill up. Once your car is full, take over for the rear
car circling the town so they can refuel. They'll take over for the lead car
while it refuels. Then we'll head back for the APC so we can get busy
bringing it here. I guess we'll need our reserve car as well and a cohort or
two to escort us.”
    Angelica drove to the pump, stopped, and said, “Fill 'er up! And don't
forget the windshield!”

                                    •     •   •

    Dennis rechecked the chains attached to the APC. He said, “You're lucky
that you didn't have to drive between two laser towers. They would have
sliced you into pieces. We're still wiping out the towers in this direction. In
fact, we were on our way to take out some more towers when we spotted
you.”
    Pete said, “I, for one, am glad that you did.”
    Dennis said, “I am too, now. At first, I was afraid that you'd be like
some of the other authority figures we had to deal with who tried to
negotiate with the Lizzars only to get themselves captured and used
against us. I didn't much like the idea of possibly going against you in an
APC if you wouldn't at least declare neutrality.”
    “I don't remember that choice being offered,” Jim said.
    Dennis said, “Well, you all could have suggested it. We would have
gladly accepted that stance. Still, I'm glad that you're on our side.”
    “I hope all these chains hold,” Jim said.
    Dennis said, “Well, if they don't, then we'll figure out another way to
get the APC to town for fuel.”
    Pete said, “You could have drained one of the cars and towed it back
with diesel in its tank. Wouldn't that have worked?”
    Dennis said, “I never thought of that. If we get to running low on fuel,
maybe we'll do it that way after all.”




                                     Chapter 4

Mike sat down at her ham radio set, one of the few things she wouldn't
leave at home now that she was in college. She rubbed her head with a
towel to dry her hair some more rather than use a hair dryer as the motor
created radio frequency interference. She knew she'd have to get dressed
soon and go out to the library. Still, she had some time to spare and
wanted to chat with some of her ham wave buddies.
    A knock came at the door. Unconcerned about wearing only a towel
around her since she was in a women's dormitory, she answered the door.
She stared wide-eyed at the young man standing on the other side of the
doorway after she opened it.
    He said, “I'm sorry. I must have the wrong room number. I thought this
was room 201.”
    “This is 201. Who are you looking for?”
    “Uh, Mike. I was told I could find Mike in room 201. You wouldn't
happen to know him, would you? My father asked me to stop by and invite
Mike over for dinner.”
    Mike giggled, then said, “I'm Mike. Short for Michelle. Your father must
be a ham wave operator.”
    “Yes, he is.”
    “So am I. What's your father's name?” she replied.
    “Duh! I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself or anything. I'm Steven. My
father is George Amber.”
    “Yes, I know George quite well. He even talked about you. You lead
quite a charmed life, all in all.”
    “You know about me?”
    “Some,” Mike admitted. “Would you mind stepping in or out so I won't
have to hold the door open? My hair is still wet.”
    “You don't mind me entering?”
    “I think I know how to handle you. Charmed life or not,” as she stepped
aside so he could enter.
    He stepped into the room while she closed the door. “Well, uh, do you
want to come over for dinner?”
    She answered, “Well, it depends. Will we be nude?”
    “You're a nudist, too?”
    “Of course. That's part of why I liked talking to your father so much. He
had so much to say about the nudist lifestyle, I went ahead and tried it.
Now I feel like I've missed out on so much before. If the dinner is going to
be nude, I'll gladly attend. In fact, you're welcome to strip now if you'd like
to be more comfortable. I only have this on because I just stepped out of
the shower and didn't want to drip on anything,” she said, letting the towel
around her body fall to the floor.
    “You really don't mind?” he asked as his hands went up to his shirt
buttons.
    “I'd prefer it, actually. What day and time will the dinner be?”
    “My father was hoping that you'd join us for dinner either today or
tomorrow, whichever is more convenient for you.”
    She said, “In that case, tomorrow is definitely better for me. I plan on
being in the library most of the day, unfortunately wearing clothes.
Someday someone ought to create a nude university dedicated to the
principles of open and frank discussions of issues and education more than
any other educational institution has ever been known to be. You'd be
surprised at what isn't discussed on this campus and it's supposed to be
training our minds. Instead, most of the educators are interested only in
themselves and their own pet theories. Anything else is considered either
the enemy or insignificant. It's to be excluded whenever possible. Lord help
those who show themselves to be free thinkers.”
    “Is nudism included?”
    “That depends on when and where as well as what conditions apply. If
four Lesbians want to get naked, that's okay. Put a man and a woman of
heterosexual inclination together in the buff, most of the people here start
believing that there's sexual harassment taking place unless you also have
a dog or horse involved. Then it's diversity.”
    “So, we're pushing our luck like this?” he asked as he removed the last
of his clothes.
    “It depends on the circumstances. No one will say much of anything
unless we put forth a petition demanding space on campus and in the
student lounge. That's when they'd question our motives. Our petition
would trigger their response. They're like Pavlovian dogs in that respect.”
    Steve asked, “So, tomorrow is going to be okay with you?”
    “Yes, it will. Did you have a time in mind? It doesn't much matter to me
since my hours are so uselessly jumbled. I can't ever look forward to
knowing each day when I'll stop to eat. Setting a time will be a luxury to
me.”
    “Six?”
    Mike answered, “Six is fine.”
    “Do you need a ride? We're not exactly that close to campus that you
can walk the distance.”
    “Yes, I'd appreciate one.”
    “Then I'll be by to pick you up. Say, at five? Unless you'd like some
time to socialize. We do have a privacy fence so we won't disturb the
neighbors. Well, on three sides. Our other neighbor is also a nudist. We
didn't see any need to shut each other off.”
    “I don't mind going earlier. Even four is okay with me. So, have you had
anymore daring escapes?”
    Steve blushed, then nodded.
    She said, “Why not go ahead and tell me about it? I'd love to hear the
latest.”
    “You're sure?”
    “I'm positive. I've never met anyone who's been near death so often
and emerged without a scratch.”
    “Well, my father exaggerates somewhat. I've actually picked up a few
scratches along the way.”
    “Well, without serious injury. So, what's the latest?”
    “You ought to add the words dumb stunt to that sentence. My latest
involved riding a bicycle. I tried to take a shortcut. What I didn't know was
that there was a difference in the ground level between the buildings that
wasn't apparent from the road where all I ever experienced was a slight
grade. Anyway, I just wasn't thinking when I saw the fence and angled
toward the opening where the sidewalk led. I was too close to it when I
realized that there were steps going down. The fence was merely to keep
anyone from stepping off a landscape retainer wall. I tried to hit my brakes,
but I was already too close to stop. Hitting my brakes was the worst
possible thing to do since I didn't have enough speed to clear the steps.
Instead, my front wheel dropped to the next step. I bumped down along a
couple of steps before I flipped and crashed. Anyway, my charmed
existence continued to hold firm since I didn't get injured. All I did was tear
my clothing and twist the handlebars slightly off center.”
    “Didn't it hurt?”
    Steve answered, “Sure, it hurt some, but all I got was this one bruise
here. It hurt my pride the most because I knew it was stupid to do what I
did.”
    She looked at the bruise on his hip and shook her head. “I probably
would have broken my arm or neck. You do lead a charmed life.”
    He asked, “Am I keeping you from anything?”
    “Not at all. I'm not going anywhere until my hair is dry.”
    There was a knock at the door. Mike went over to it without bothering
to slip on anything. She opened the door and said, “Miranda! Come in, I
want you to meet Steve Amber.”
    Miranda entered the room wearing only a smile. She glanced at Steve,
smiled while she waved, and said, “Hi,” before turning back to Mike. “I'm
planning on going to the club tomorrow. Want to come?”
    “I just promised Steve that I'd visit and stay for dinner tomorrow. I'm
sorry if I'm disappointing you.”
    Miranda said, “Okay, how about next weekend then? I've got two,
really, hot prospects for club membership. I want you along to act as a
welcomer so they won't feel that they don't know anyone there. I've got
Debra and Connie interested.”
    “That's great! Sure, next weekend is open. I'll be available.”
    Steve asked, “Do you just walk around like that in the dorm?”
    Miranda said, “Why not?”
    He replied, “No reason why. I just wondered is all. Mike was telling me
how some people act toward nudism.”
    Miranda said, “Oh, the campus politics. Well, they'd probably like it if I
didn't walk around like this in the dorm, but I threatened to sue them for
depriving me of my civil rights since this dorm is my home while I'm here. I
figure I should have as much right to use the common areas in the same
manner as I'd use my home. It's not my fault that I have to share them
with others. The college is the one that requires us to live on campus
during our first two years. Since they're insisting on that, I'm insisting on
my rights. Besides, it's a good way to show that I'm otherwise normal and
that nudism isn't at all sexual and evil. If we get Debra and Connie to join,
I'll have assisted six women into membership, all total.”
    “Yes, besides what your father told me, Miranda was the other person
who convinced me that nudism wasn't at all sexual,” Mike said.
    Miranda said, “Of course, that doesn't mean that we don't take a look
at what the men have. If nothing else, at least we'll know what we'd be
getting if we become serious about anyone.”

                                    •   •   •

    Andrea quietly hid in a closet as daybreak arrived. She hadn't found
much to drink in the prison, but she'd found more than enough dry foods
that she wasn't worried about starving.

                                    •   •   •

    Mike entered her dorm with her books from the library. Miranda got up
and walked over to talk with her as she made her way to her room.
    “God, did you see Steve, gal? I don't think I've ever seen anyone like
him before. Tan, tall, and hung.”
    “Interested in him, Miranda?”
    “No, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the male anatomy,
especially when it's so ruggedly, handsomely packaged. He made me wet
between my legs just seeing him in your room today. Would you mind if I
drop by to see him one more time when he picks you up tomorrow?”
    Mike answered, “I don't mind. You do sound like you're seriously
interested in him, though.”
    “Honey, I certainly wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crackers.
However, I was thinking that he'd be a fine subject for me to sketch,
especially if he's willing to pose nude for me.”
    “Um, yeah, I keep forgetting that you have art classes.”
    Miranda said, “I'd even consider sketching the two of you in whatever
pose you like. If you have him show up early enough, I could do it before
you two leave. You do have his phone number, don't you?”
    “No, I don't, but his father has a ham radio. I can contact him that
way.”
    “Would you? Please? For me? I really want to sketch him.”
    “I'll ask him. I'm still not sure if I want myself in any pose. Even with
Steve.”
    Miranda said, “Trust me. You might have doubts now. However, if you
don't, then someday you'll wish you had your likeness captured while you
were young and in full bloom. Besides, it's become quite the rage, even for
women who aren't nudists to have their nude likeness posed and captured.
You wouldn't believe how many women I've sketched or painted so far. It's
a lot better than waiting tables, too, as far as what I make doing this.
You'd be getting yours for free.”
    “Well, now. You never mentioned free before.”
    “I didn't? Okay, I guess I wasn't clear about that. If you'll let me pose
and sketch you, it's for free because you're my friend. Okay?”
    Mike replied, “Since it's free, I guess I could use one sketch of me au
natural for posterity.”
    “Of course, I'd also like you in the pose with Steve. God! What a pose I
can create with the two of you! It'd be like the modern day Adonis and
Aphrodite.”
    “So long as it isn't dirty.”
    “It won't be, but some minds see dirt anyway. Nude implies smut to
them. Don't blame me for what some people might say.”

                                    •   •   •

    Andrea could tell that something was happening. The lizard people
weren't very interested in the prison, yet there were too many of them
present. Only a few of them even ventured into the prison during the day.
They hadn't done much that she could hear. What she ate during the day
she had to dissolve in her mouth rather than risk chewing and crunching. It
was silly, she knew, to think that she might be heard eating. Still, she
wasn't going to take any risks.
    Now, with the night already upon her, she was wondering what was up
since the lizard people seemed to be gathering outside the prison. She
hoped they weren't going to search the prison just for her. She knew that if
that many of them searched, there was no way for her to remain hidden.
With that many searching, one would surely find her.

                                    •   •   •

    Jim stood in the open hatch of the APC. He held his rifle at the ready.
Around him, the cars drove with less speed than usual. For that reason,
they weren't kicking up dust as they usually did. Their course was already
behind Lizzar lines. It made no sense to exit into centaur territory, cross
along the front, and then dodge back into Lizzar territory to reach the
prison. The direct course was saving them both time and fuel. He wondered
just how much of the prison's contents would be gone like Dennis and the
others said. They seemed positive that the Lizzars would drag off
everything except for the bricks, stones, and dirt.

                                    •   •   •

    Steve showed up, knocked, and entered Mike's room. He noticed that
she was serious about being a nudist as neither woman was wearing
anything when Miranda opened the door. He walked in and briefly looked at
Miranda as she sat back down with her sketch pad.
    Mike turned away from her radio, though she left it on. “Go ahead and
undress, Steve. Miranda wants to get you sketched down first so she won't
delay us. She can fill me in at just about anytime later.”
    Steve undressed as he said, “Okay, sounds good to me. I never thought
of myself as a model.”
    Miranda said, “Lord knows, you could pull in the bucks as a model,
Steve. What doesn't show when you're dressed keeps you from appearing
all that unique. But, when you're nude, there aren't many men who can
stand the comparison.”
    Mike asked, “Anyone mind if I open the window some?”
    Miranda said, “Might be a good idea. It does feel a bit warm in here
today.”
    Steve said, “Uh, if you do, I'm likely to get an erection.”
    Miranda said, “Won't bother me any. Might even improve the pose,
though I already think it's going to be great.”
    The lights went out just before Mike opened the window. Only pale
sunlight filtered through. She noticed there was fog outside. She was
surprised to see the fog swirl in thickly through the window as soon as it
opened.
    Miranda asked, “What happened to the lights? Didn't the college pay
the electric bill?”
    Mike said, “Was there fog outside when you drove up?”
    Steve answered, “Uh, no. It was absolutely clear outside.”
    “Well, we've got fog now. Hell, it's just pouring in through the window,”
Mike said.
    Steve exclaimed, “Hey, this stuff is getting thick! You better close the
window.”
    Mike shut the window, but the fog didn't dissipate in the least.
    Miranda said, “I can't draw without light, anyway. Wait here while I go
check around to see if it's just us or this floor. It could be a blown fuse
from too many hair dryers.” Miranda barely reached the door and opened it
when a woman's scream pierced the air.
    “Sounded like it came from down the hall. Come on, Steve. We better
find out if anyone's hurt,” Mike said.
    “Like this?” he asked.
    “Sorry, I forgot this was a women's dorm. We'll check. You wait here.”
Mike hurried out of her room. There was fog in the ever darkening hallway
already that swirled about just below her knees. As she made her way
quickly down the hall, the fog gradually rose higher. She listened carefully
as she moved down the hall and decided that the crying sounds she could
now hear were from whoever screamed before. The crying came from the
bath room.
    Mike entered it only to have even more fog billow down upon her while
a strange sensation struck her all over. Mike shuddered slightly only to
notice immediately that her hair didn't brush against her back as it should
have. At the same time, she heard the woman crying, “My hair is gone!”
    Mike reached up and felt for her own hair only to discover that it was
missing. Startled to find herself suddenly bald, she stopped and felt of her
head with both hands as if it might only be something she imagined. Still
feeling nothing on her head, she asked, “What did you do? My hair just
disappeared!”
    The woman cried, “I was only washing my hair with shampoo when it
suddenly disappeared. I'm bald! I can't go out on a date tonight with no
hair!”
    “What the hell were you washing it with?” Mike asked just as another
scream tore through the dorm.
    “My hair! My beautiful hair! It's gone!”
    “Someone else is bald now? Sorry, I thought you caused this. I was
about to blame you. Maybe it isn't your fault after all,” Mike said.
    “I've always used this shampoo! This isn't even a new bottle! So, no! I
didn't cause this!” the woman angrily replied.
    “I already said I'm sorry for thinking you caused this. Excuse me, but
I'm as bald as a cue ball, too. And it only happened the moment I opened
this door. What the hell was I supposed to think at first?”
    Before Mike went five paces in the fog shrouded hallway, more screams
about missing hair reached her. She shivered at the thought of something
in the air causing everyone to go bald. Someone with a candle approached
her in the hallway. Mike asked, “Who's there?”
    “It's me, Miranda. The fuse box isn't blown. There's no power anywhere
in the building. I found a candle for now.”
       Mike asked, “Have you checked your hair?”
       Miranda said, “Not yet. I heard the screams about it, though.”
       “Mine's gone, too,” Mike said.
       Miranda reached within three feet of Mike and stopped. She stared
intensely at Mike.
       Mike asked, “Something wrong?”
       “Did you check anywhere besides your head?”
       Mike felt of herself as she answered, “No, uh...”
       “Mike, you look scary without any eyebrows or eyelashes.”
       “No more scarier than you. You don't have a hair on your body, Miranda,
that I can see,” Mike replied.
       “Thanks, I was hoping that I wasn't affected. Not your fault, though. Do
you think we should start a hair club for women?”
       Mike suddenly remembered, “Oh god! Steve's here too! It could be
affecting him as well.”
       Miranda said, “Not his beautiful hair! Please, not his!” as more screams
and crying filtered through the fog to them from other rooms.
       Mike said, “I don't think we can do anything for anyone right now. I
guess I better find Steve and see if he wants to take me to his father's
now. Can we catch you later for doing sketches?”
       Miranda answered, “Without lights, I might have managed somehow.
Without his hair, I'm not sure if I'd be able to concentrate without laughing
or crying. I guess we better reschedule the sketches.”
       “Hold the light closer to the doorway so we can see which room we're
at.”
       Miranda held the candle closer so they could read the room number.
They turned and walked toward Mike's room.
       Mike asked, “You still here, Steve?” as they entered the room.
       “Yes. Are you both bald?” he replied.
       Miranda said, “As cue balls. What about you?”
       “Yeah...I heard the screams. Whatever it is, it got me too. Feels
strange not having any hair on my body,” he answered.
       “I thought I'd call your father and tell him we're arriving early while
preparing him for our appearance,” Mike said.
       Steve said, “Well, we might leave now, but as thick as this fog is, we'll
be lucky to arrive on time. I'd mention that it's really thick, Mike.”
       “Yes, I guess I better. I'm glad I have a battery backup on my radio.”
       Mike went over to her radio and turned it on. It pulled in power from the
battery and was soon ready for use. “Can you hold that candle nearer,
Miranda, so I can see what I'm doing?”
    “Sure,” Miranda said as she moved closer.
    Mike began calling out her call sign and George's. She released the
transceiver switch to listen. She was about to call again when she heard
something very faintly. Mike reached for the volume and turned up the gain.
A moment later, she was staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed at her set
as she listened to herself talk with George. It only took her a moment to
realize it was a conversation from several days earlier, even though the
sound was coming in small bits of a few words before being replaced with
something that was said just before it.
    Miranda said, “That sounds like you.”
    “It is me. These are pieces of conversations I had during the past week.
Something's seriously wrong,” Mike said.
    “What's wrong?” asked Miranda.
    Mike replied, “I don't know what's wrong. I just know that something is
totally wrong.”
    Steve said, “I have the same feeling. Something's terribly wrong, but I
don't know what, either. We better get dressed so we can leave.”
    “Yes, we should. I guess we'll be a big surprise now for sure,” Mike
said.

                                     •   •   •

    “Do you have a piece of Earth?”
    “Yes, sire. So far, it's holding together, even though we needed another
day to recharge the tractor beam.”
    “When it arrives, I want it placed over there in the location my troops
have surrounded. Make sure you set it down quickly without breaking it.”

                                     •   •   •

    Dennis signaled the force to halt upon seeing another signal from one
of the returning centaur scouts. The combined force of humans and centaurs
waited for the scouts to reach them.
    “Dennis! The Lizzars are gathered outside the prison.”
    “They've spotted us?” asked Dennis.
    “No! They have a strange formation. They surround nothing. The Lizzars
appear to be waiting.”
    Over Commander Zira suggested, “Then they're probably waiting for
another piece of Earth. Perhaps the prison didn't provide them with enough
technology.”
    Dennis said, “Either way, we have little choice now. We must attack to
get the weapons. We must also stop them from receiving any new
technology from whatever they ripped away from Earth.”
    Zira agreed, “Yes, that is so. Commander Haro, send runners back for
the reserves. They are to move forward and join us in the attack against
the Lizzars. Have them send runners to other sectors advising them that we
are committing everything to this battle and may need assistance.”
    Dennis said, “We better get going. No telling how long we have left.
They could already be stealing the means to defeat us.”
    Zira replied, “Yes, we attack as soon as we arrive. Commanders, pass
this on to your warriors. At the gallop, forward!”

                                    •   •   •

    Mike walked alongside Steve through the thick fog. She asked, “I sure
picked a bad day to attend dinner with your family. It might be better if we
found a phone and...oh god, tell me I'm seeing things.”
    Steve and Mike stopped walking as they stared off into space. They
could barely see the edge of the ground two steps in front of them through
the haze. In the distance, celestial bodies grew larger as they approached
and then suddenly disappeared from sight as they shot past.
    Steve said, “This must be why you were picking up pieces of your
conversations from days ago. We're speeding through space faster than
radio waves.”
    “Uh huh...”
    “You going to be okay?” he asked.
    “Uh, maybe. Sure looks like we're going to be late for dinner,” she
replied.
    Steve said, “That's one way of looking at it. What I'd like to know is
why this is happening and where we're going.”
    “I think we ought to go back inside for now. If nothing else, we can tell
Miranda about what's happening,” Mike said.
    Steve said, “We should tell everyone. There's no telling what's going to
happen next. It will be better for all of us if we stick together to face
whatever we're up against.”
    “I have to agree with you about that. We should tell everyone. Maybe
this will give some of the others something different to think about than
the loss of our hair.”

                                    •   •   •

    Miranda asked, “Did you forget something?” when she answered her
door and saw Mike and Steve standing at the doorway in the light of her
flashlight.
    Steve said, “You better put some clothes on and come with us.”
    “Am I invited now?” asked Miranda.
    “Uh, we're not going. We can't,” Mike said.
    Miranda said, “Then why should I get dressed if I'm not going
anywhere?”
    Steve said, “Okay, I guess this is going to sound crazy, but we're not
on Earth anymore. That's what we want you to come and see for yourself.
That's why we can't leave.”
    Miranda stood looking at her two friends for signs of a practical joke.
She finally said, “If this is a joke, it better be a good one. Let's go.”
    Mike asked, “Aren't you going to get dressed?”
    “What on Earth for? In this fog, no one can see anyone unless they're
within three feet of each other with a candle. I've already tried looking out
my window. It's just as thick outside as it is in here now. Of course, that
kind of goes without saying since what's in here came from outside.
Anyway, if you're telling the truth, then it doesn't really matter whether I'm
dressed or not. Right? I'm surprised that you're not taking advantage of
this.”
    Steve said, “You know something? Miranda's right. Since we're
technically not on Earth anymore, we really don't have to wear anything if
we don't want to. Miranda, would you mind if I leave my clothes in your
room in case I need them later?”
    “You mean you're serious? We really aren't on Earth?” asked Miranda as
Steve undressed right then.
    “Steve? Are you sure we, I mean, you should do this?” asked Mike.
    Steve answered, “I can't think of a single reason not to take advantage
of our situation,” as he peeled off the last of his clothes. “Are you going to
join us in being free?”
    Mike replied, “Well, uh, I'm not sure. After all, the others might object
to seeing us naked when we tell them we're in space.”
    Steve replied, “It's not going to change the facts one iota whether we're
dressed or not,” as he tossed his clothes into Miranda's room.
    Miranda asked, “Are you going as you are or not, Mike? You're welcome
to toss your clothes in my room if you want instead of climbing the stairs to
your room. This is our first real chance to make a statement that we're not
going to accept limits on our new freedom. I think it's really important that
we not lose this chance. Please stand with us.”
    Mike asked, “Is it really that important that we make a stand now?”
    Miranda answered, “Yes, it is. If we state now that we won't accept
limitations on our rights, the others will have no choice but to give in. We
can't let them establish the same old restrictions just because everyone
was afraid on Earth to stand up for their rights.”
    Steve asked, “Miranda, didn't you say that there are some other nudists
here? If we're going to make a stand, they might want to join us.”
    Miranda said, “Yes! There are others. We really should get them to
stand with us. You two wait here while I find them.”
    As Miranda left, Mike looked at Steve. He wasn't saying anything more
to persuade her. It was clear to her that he'd stated his case and was
leaving it up to her to decide. Mike finally said, “If the others are here and
decide to see space while naked, I'll strip, too. Fair enough?”
    Steve said, “It's always your decision to make. That's part of our credo.
You know that we don't force others to go naked. We only want the right to
do so ourselves. That's why I can't argue with whatever you decide to do.
I'll accept whatever you decide for yourself as fair.”

                                    •   •   •

    Miranda returned several minutes later with two women equally naked
as herself. Mike quickly undressed and threw her clothes into Miranda's
room before walking downstairs with the others. When they reached the
lobby, their lack of clothes weren't noticed until they were close enough to
other students. Then the lobby grew somewhat hushed in tone as more
women saw them briefly before they reached the front door and left.
    One woman said, “I could have sworn there was a naked man with
them.”
    “I'd like to know what they're up to. Are they staging a protest today?”
    “Not that I know of. Still, this could be interesting. Let's follow them.”

                                    •   •   •

    Miranda stared off into space beside her friends. None of them said
anything. Nothing needed to be said about where they were as they all
wondered inside their minds about what would happen next.
    Even some of the women who followed them out from the lobby were
stunned by the spectacle of space only feet away from them while
forgetting that four women and a man were standing naked near them.
They also forgot that everyone was hairless. After a short while, Connie,
who was dressed only in a robe, let it slip from her shoulders to fall to the
ground as she stepped over beside her friends to stand in unity with them.
    Miranda said, “Thanks, Connie, for joining us.”
    Another woman picked up the robe and offered it back to Connie.
    Connie said, “Thanks,” as she accepted it, then wadded and threw it
out toward space. It unfolded and hung briefly in sight before it slowly fell
behind and eventually passed out of sight.
    Miranda said, “Well, that pretty much proves it. You can't do that on
Earth.”

                                    •   •   •

    The Lizzar Chief of Commanders demanded, “How much longer must we
wait?”
    “Not long, sire. You won't have to wait much longer. We had a very
strong signal during the first part of the operation.”

                                    •   •   •

    Debra asked, “Why are you standing here without any clothes on?
Aren't you worried about the campus police?”
    Connie turned and said, “You better move closer, Debra, and take a
look. We're not on Earth anymore. All the old rules are gone now. If you
want to be nude now, you can. We're making a statement that we're not
going to let our freedom to live as we want be repressed anymore. Will you
join us?”
    “This is a protest?” asked Debra.
    Connie said, “No, it's not a protest. We're making a statement of
freedom. From now on, we have the right to be naked whenever we want.
Can't you see where we are now? We're cut off from Earth. That makes this
the best and most perfect time to tell everyone how you feel. If you don't
grab the freedom you're entitled to, then you'll possibly never get the
chance.”
    “We're all we have left of Earth. This is our chance to start a new
society. We can eliminate most of the mistakes our parents and their
parents made. We're like the religious disciples of old. They went around
naked so people would know who they were. The bible never made nudity
out to be evil or bad. That was done by power hungry individuals eager to
control people, not by god,” Mike said.
    Miranda said, “Well, Debra, you said you wanted to visit a nudist club
and experience the lifestyle. The problem now is that we don't have any
clubs to go to anymore. The only way you can experience that lifestyle is to
seize control of your life and do what you want. If you want to be naked,
then do it. Don't complain later if someone says you can't do something
because you failed to make your desires known. Anyway, the decision is
now yours to make. Be naked if you want or remain dressed. Either way,
you won't hear us criticizing you for your choice. All we're asking is that you
not criticize us for exercising our rights.”
    Connie said, “I even threw my robe out into space to show how strongly
I feel about what we're expressing. If I have to, I'll go back inside, gather
up all my clothes, and bring them out here so I can ditch everyone of those
as well.”
    Miranda said, “I like that idea. That's probably the best way for us to
show just how committed we are about living our lives naked. I'll be back
shortly. I'm going to get my clothes and toss them into orbit.”
    Steve turned and said, “Bring mine with you! I'd like to give mine a
good toss, too!”
    Miranda replied, “Sure thing, Steve. You want me to check your pockets
first?”
    “I don't think I have much in them that's worth anything, but you may.
Thanks,” Steve replied.
    Connie and Miranda hurried away from near the edge where they had
been staring out into space with their friends. Debra stood staring at Mike,
two other women she knew, and Steve whom she didn't know but couldn't
help staring at when he turned to speak with Miranda. Even though the lack
of hair on everyone seemed to give everyone a gross appearance that
instantly caught the eye, she couldn't help but stare between his legs
occasionally.
    Steve noticed where Debra was staring. He ignored her lack of nudist
etiquette since she hadn't joined the ranks yet.
    Debra finally realized that Steve saw her looking at him. She blushed
slightly, then said, “I'm sorry. I couldn't help but notice. You might not
believe this, but I've seen some men before. However, they didn't have
testicles as large. Have you been injured lately?”
    Steve replied, “No, they're this big normally. I'm a bit used to people
staring briefly. You caught me off guard or I would have ignored your
staring for so long.”
    Debra said, “I'm beginning to feel like I wouldn't have made a good
nudist on Earth.”
    “Nonsense. No one's perfect. I'll even admit that I've looked at women
before and admired them, though I usually mentally dress them to make
them sexier.”
    “Mentally dress them? I don't understand,” she replied.
    Steve said, “Clothes were partly invented to make people sexier in
appearance. By dressing, people often make a statement that they're
available. The first people to wear clothes did so for valid reasons. To keep
warm, to show unity, to show leadership. However, they discovered that
they could mystify the body by doing so and make it sexier looking. Did you
know that there are still some tribes on Earth today that don't wear any
clothes? They're among the few groups of people without over-population
problems. Primitive or early women, men too, often dressed to show their
availability. Otherwise, they often went about naked as they were more
comfortable that way unless the weather was inclement. They didn't do
things, such as dressing up, without reasons that were valid to them. So,
when you walk around in clothes, you're actually saying that you agree with
the traditional reasons for dressing and are, in a sense, available. Right
now, I see no reason to wear anything. It's not cold, I don't belong to any
army, and I'm not a leader. Nor am I looking for companionship of a sexual
nature.”
    Debra said, “How do I know all these things you say are true?”
    He answered, “Well, you don't. Not now, anyway. All you have left now
is your own common sense. You could have researched it yourself in the
campus library if we were still on Earth. Anyway, I figure that wherever we
wind up, any clothes we take along aren't going to last very long. Even
those people here who don't subscribe to the nudist philosophy are going to
be naked once their clothes wear out, whether they like it or not. After all,
it's not very likely that we'll find clothing stores lined up waiting for us
whenever we reach our destination. What's more likely is we're going to
find ourselves having to adjust to completely new situations.”
    Debra said, “I have to admit what you're saying about our clothes
wearing out is probably true. Still, why should I go naked now?”
    Steve answered, “Only because you want to be naked or because you
want to be used to nudity before you have no choice in the matter. The
biggest advantage right now is that you have the choice. You don't have to
throw your clothes away like I'm doing. If you go naked now, you can still
change your mind later and dress. It's not up to me or anyone else to
convince you. All I'm doing is answering your questions and giving you what
facts I possess. It's still your decision and I'll respect it, regardless of what
you decide.”
    “I've heard that line before, only it was to do with still having respect in
the morning.”
    “I respect you already because you have the courage to confront the
situation and ask questions. Whatever you decide isn't going to change
that. Now or in the morning.”
    She asked, “Are you sure you're not just trying to get me out of my
clothes so you can stare back at me for staring at you?”
    “If you want, I won't even look in your direction. I'm certainly not trying
to get back at you for staring.”
    Debra said, “I was trying to be funny. I didn't mean to make it sound
otherwise.”
    Steve said, “Uh, I misunderstood. No problem, then.”
    “I think I'll go get most of my clothes to toss over the side, too. This is
too important a time for me not to make a real commitment,” said Mike.
    Debra asked, “Why only most of your clothes?” before Mike could walk
very far.
    Mike turned and said, “Well, I'm going to keep a few for when I want to
appear sexy.”
    Debra said, “Do you...?”
    “Do I what?” asked Mike.
    Debra replied, “Never mind. You already answered that you think this is
important. Hold up, I'm coming along with you.”

                                    •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira ordered, “Halt! We'll not attack until they land
whatever they've stolen from Earth. I will not waste warriors needlessly.”
    Dennis nodded and used his binoculars to stare at the far off Lizzars
who had yet to learn of their presence. Even if the Lizzars spotted the
force, he knew it would do them little good since they were far out of range
and much too mobile.

                                    •   •   •
      Debra carried a load of clothing out of the dormitory as she followed
Miranda, Connie, and Mike who each had their arms full of more clothing.
They slowly made their way through the thick as soup fog until they found
Steve and the other two women who still stood watching the universe go
by.
      Connie dropped her bundle, took several clothing items, wadded them
into a ball, tossed them into space, and then hollered, “I am free! I'll not
be repressed anymore!”
      “Freedom!” shouted Miranda as she threw some of her clothing out over
the edge.
      “Here Steve. I've got your clothes. We kept everyone's shoes and socks
for now,” Mike said.
      “Thanks, Mike,” he said as he took his clothing. He tossed them out,
shouting, “I'm free!”
      Debra staggered close to the edge before dropping her rolled up bundle
of clothing, revealing herself to be wearing only a robe. She stepped back
and then kicked the bundle hard enough to send it out over the edge. “Now
with my robe, I join you in seeking total freedom.” She pulled the belt
loose permitting it to open, showing that she was quite naked beneath it.
Debra slipped the robe down from her shoulders and let it fall down to her
elbows as she turned to face the others. Then she let it fall completely to
the ground. She turned back toward it and kicked it outward into space
while her nude and non-nude friends watched.
      Miranda said, “Anyone who wants to join us in creating a new society
with complete equality and freedom of expression is welcome to join us.
You don't even have to get naked to join. We're accepting anyone who's
willing to let others express themselves in any manner that doesn't harm
others.”
      “What if I find your nudity offensive? Isn't that harming me?” a woman
not far from her asked.
      Miranda said, “No, it's not harming you. Lots of things are offensive
without causing harm. Learn the difference.”
      The woman said, “What's to protect me from being raped by that creep
standing with you?”
      Miranda said, “The same sense of respect he held for you while he was
dressed. He's also not a creep. Besides, I've never heard of a rapist who
cared whether he or his victim wore clothes. Or do you think you're so
overpoweringly beautiful that he won't be able to resist raping you?”
      The woman replied, “If too many women undress in front of him, he
might lose his self-control. Every man is a rapist at heart.”
    Miranda said, “I doubt if you could even arouse him by undressing in
front of him. However, if he does try to rape you or anyone else, I'll
personally help you or whoever it is to cut his balls off.”
    Steve remained silent though he wished they wouldn't talk about such
things as castrating him. He felt strangely alone among all the women.
Then he remembered that he was the only man. As far as he knew, there
were no other men upon the small section of stolen Earth.
    “So will I, though I don't think that will prove necessary. He was in my
room alone with me yesterday while we were both naked. Steve didn't make
the slightest move or suggestion toward me. If he can resist me, I know
that he can easily resist you,” Mike said.
    Debra said, “I don't think you have the courage to find out whether he
will or not. You're just all mouth and no show.”
    The woman replied, “Yeah?”
    Debra said, “You heard me. I don't suffer from a speech impediment.”
    The woman said, “Well, I'm not throwing my clothes away.”
    Debra said, “No one asked you to do that.”
    Steve said, “I think we're getting carried away here. Remember, we
don't go around forcing our lifestyle onto others. All we're asking is that
others respect our rights to live our lives in a natural state. Don't force her
into undressing just to prove she has the courage to be naked. That's not
our style. We have to respect her preference for clothing just as we expect
her to respect our right to be nude. Otherwise, our new society will mean
nothing and revert back to what exists on Earth. Lady, you don't have to
undress to prove anything.”
    The woman exclaimed, “I sure don't need you to defend me, either,
Mister.”
    Steve said, “I wasn't defending you. All I did was remind my friends
that we don't force our lifestyle onto others. I could hardly care less about
whether you stay dressed or not. That's your business, not mine. I do care,
however, about whether you're willing to join us in remodeling society.”
    “So you can be king?” she asked.
    Steve said, “What? Do you really think I'm trying to take over this new
society we're forming? Boy, have you got a lot of learning to accomplish.
We just stated that everyone is to be equal. We're trying to create a true
democracy, not a monarchy. Whoever's elected as our leader will have my
full support so long as she lives up to defending all our rights at all times.”
    The woman asked, “Just what do you consider your rights?”
    Steve said, “Basically about the same as most people, I imagine. I
want the right to be free, with freedom of speech, movement, worship,
press, lifestyle, and so forth. I want my vote to be the same as anyone
else's. I want a government that's not oppressive or repressive. I don't
think I'm being unreasonable about what I want for myself and others.”
    “Hear, hear! I can go along with that!” Mike exclaimed.
    Steve added, “Besides which, we all know that sooner or later, we're
going to arrive somewhere. Personally, I'll feel better about us if we're
united by common rights enjoyed by all of us without exception regardless
of our race, creeds, gender, or any other individual traits since we don't
know what we'll encounter. I know that if we're united in the spirit of
freedom, we'll be more likely to survive whatever we face.”
    Miranda said, “Steve's just brought out a good point. We don't know
what lies ahead. We better get ourselves organized quickly since we don't
know how long we have before we have to face another change in our
situation.”
    The woman said, “Now that's the first real sense any of you have made
so far. I can agree with you on being organized. Are you really committed
to honoring everything you all have said?”
    Steve and the women beside him quickly said yes.
    The woman said, “Okay, I guess I can tolerate you all being naked if
you live up to your ideals. I'm with you in spirit, at least, so let's get
ourselves organized.”

                                    •   •   •

    “I think I see them coming down from the sky!” Dennis hollered.
    Zira nodded as he put down his binoculars. He said, “It's almost time
for our battle, then.”
    Dennis asked, “Do you think the Lizzars have spotted us yet?”
    Zira put his binoculars to his eyes and stared out at the distant Lizzars.
He saw no difference in their formations. “No, I think not. We shall proceed
with our plan once the new piece of Earth is on the ground. I should think
that the Lizzars intend to place it in the middle of their troops.”
    Dennis said, “In that case, we better send the vehicles through their
formation to reach our people before they're killed. We must learn what
technology is present with them so we won't have to waste time
searching.”
    Zira said, “I agree. You should lead your vehicles in while we engage
the Lizzars in battle.”

                                     •   •   •

    Mike shouted, “Hey everyone! The fog is lifting! Maybe we'll be able to
see something outside now!”
    A woman shouted, “I see blue skies! Maybe we're back on Earth!”
    Another shouted, “It could have been a government experiment!”
    The women and one man rushed out of the dormitory lobby. Outside the
building, they hurried over to the edge of what was left of their world.
    Another woman said, “We're definitely slowing down! I think we're
landing somewhere, too!”
    “I can see land beneath us!”
    “So can I!”
    “It doesn't look like Earth.”
    “How can you be sure?”
    “See any airplanes? There ought to be something in the air.”
    “She's right! I don't see any roads or buildings down there. If this is
Earth, where are all the roads and buildings?”
    “Hey, everyone! Over this way! I can see one building! It looks almost
like a castle! It's got a high wall like one!”
    The women who couldn't see the castle ran over to where the other
woman was pointing. They looked down at the still distant structure.
    Steve looked at it with recognition as he remembered the strange
disappearance only days before of a women's prison. “That's not a castle.
That's the missing prison from Earth.”
    “The missing prison? Will we be safe?”
    “The guards ought to still be in control.”
    “Then we'll be safe?”
    Steve noticed that they were heading in the general direction of the
prison, but not exactly at it. He guessed then that they'd land nearby.
Suspecting conditions might not be optimum, he said, “I'd like to suggest
to everyone that we go back into the dormitory and arm ourselves in case
any of the prisoners escaped.”
    As some of the women turned to walk toward the dormitory, he caught
his first sight of the Lizzar troops though they appeared only to be a
circular blotch on the plain below as if marking the center of a target. Not
knowing that he was seeing intelligent life, he turned and hurried to the
dormitory with his friends, nine of whom were now as nude as himself.
Steve felt somewhat better when three more women joined the original
group in being nude by throwing away their clothes after overhearing much
of what was said earlier. As well, he could sense in the voices of several
more women that they were on the borderline of dispensing with their own
clothing, though his group would still be a minority. Still, it would be a
strong minority.




                                 Chapter 5

Dennis said, “Jim, your primary objective is still to reach the prison armory.
The rest of the vehicles will head for whatever piece of Earth the Lizzars
bring in so we can save lives and keep the Lizzars from any technology
there. The centaurs will fight the Lizzar troops. They'll try to keep them
busy and off our backs. Remember, we have reinforcements coming, so
don't worry about the odds too much for now.”
    “Uh, right. I'll just forget that they outnumber us by about four to one,”
Jim replied.
    Dennis said, “It's more like eight to one, in case you're interested.”
    “Oh, it's only eight to one? Gee, that should make it all right, then,”
Jim replied.
    Dennis said, “Trust me. We've been up against worse odds before. This
won't be as bad as those battles.”

                                     •   •   •

    Steve looked around the lobby for a suitable weapon while nearly all
the women raced to the stairs to reach their rooms. He considered taking a
chair and breaking it to use one of the legs as a club, but the only wooden
chair he saw wasn't really wood. It was wicker. Nearly everything else was
plastic and metal. Even the tables were the cheaply made metal and
formica style found in countless places.

                                     •   •   •

    Mike reached her room a lot quicker than she last left it as she didn't
have to almost blindly feel her way around in fog. She ran inside, surprised
to see that she had missed tossing away some other clothes besides the
slinky lingerie she wanted to save. She ignored those as she hurried to her
dresser drawer and rummaged around her socks until she found the one
that was oddly shaped and heavy. Without removing it from the sock, she
took her pistol out of the drawer, relieved to have something she could
actually defend herself with against any escaped convicts. She debated
about taking another sock with spare ammunition momentarily, then
decided that her revolver's six bullets would have to be enough.

                                    •   •   •

    Miranda reached into her purse and withdrew her stun gun. It wasn't
much, but it could give her and the others plenty of time to tie up whoever
might threaten them without having to kill. She knew it was a popular
choice among the women though pepper spray was a close second. She
chose the stun gun simply because she knew it could be used inside a car
while on a date if someone got too rambunctious. She was thankful that
hadn't yet been necessary, though she had limited her dating mostly to
young male nudists her age whom she felt were simply more respectful of
women in general. As well, she knew they generally weren't after her pussy
if they suggested going skinny dipping at a secluded beach.

                                    •   •   •

    Zira shouted, “They're almost down! Charge!”
    The cars leaped out ahead of the centaur cohorts while the APC raced
just barely ahead of the centaurs. The cars soon left the rest of the force
far behind as they charged in a line formation behind the modified ramming
car that would clear a path through the Lizzar troops for them to drive
upon. It was difficult to tell at first that any of the allied human-centaur
units had different goals as they were all headed in the same direction.
    As the centaur cohorts galloped toward the Lizzars, the warriors
gradually spread out into line formations. Many of them carried bows and
grasped arrows ready to nock against their bowstrings and fire once they
were in range. A few carried shotguns or rifles at the ready.
    Dennis gripped the edge of the car roof with both hands as he stood
and stared intently ahead. His rifle was grasped by a few fingers of one
hand so he could pull it up into use when the time came. Behind him in the
other cars, more of his friends rode standing with their upper torsos
exposed through the openings in their cars' roofs. The women driving their
cars followed the lead car carefully and closely as the lead driver was
responsible for avoiding any terrain that might cause an accident.

                                   •   •   •

   Steve was still looking around for anything suitable as a weapon when
he felt the ground beneath him shudder as vibrations shook the dormitory.
He was almost thrown to the floor. He only gradually became aware that
something was happening outside as sounds filtered in. He ran to the
window nearest the edge and looked out while holding the curtains out of
his way. Steve stood shocked at the sight of hundreds, if not thousands, of
armed lizard warriors moving toward the dorm's island of dirt from Earth. He
knew immediately that there was no way he and the women could hope to
fight them off. To even attempt to do so would be a sure way of getting
themselves hurt or killed. The only recourse he could see was to surrender
while hoping the lizard warriors would accept them as prisoners and not
just kill them out of hand. As he stared out the window, his thoughts
wandered to whether they were responsible for what happened to him and
the women. His only conclusion was that they were. Steve wondered what
the lizard warriors wanted. Did they want slaves? The idea of seeing
himself and the women shackled in chains and forced to labor made him
shudder throughout his entire body. As well, he knew there was nothing he
or the women could do about it under the circumstances. Steve tried to
mentally prepare himself for what appeared to be the only outcome.

                                   •   •   •

   Miranda ran to the window just after the building settled on the plain
as the shouts of people caught her attention. She stared out at the strange
lizard-like beings waving swords and spears in the air as they moved
toward the island of Earth she knew instinctively they were responsible for
stealing. She let her stun gun fall to the floor, knowing that it was useless
against so many armed warriors who all faced the dormitory.
   She stared at them with disbelief. A sinking sense of despair was
slowly taking over her body as she considered what would happen to her
and the others. She knew it wouldn't much matter anymore about the
freedoms they announced they were going to enjoy, not if those lizard-like
warriors intended to carry them off as slaves. Tears formed in her eyes as
she thought of herself being helplessly at the mercy of those warriors. Then
she remembered that crying would do no good. She reached up and wiped
her eyes before the tears could fall. When she glanced again at the
oncoming warriors, she was stunned to see another sight. A column of dust
was streaking toward the back of the warriors at high speed.

                                   •   •   •

   Dennis spotted the Lizzar unit leader as his car smashed through the
Lizzar unit. He quickly and smoothly aimed and fired at the Lizzar leader.
The leader and several other Lizzar warriors fell from the high-powered
bullet after having survived the ramming car's plunge into their unit's ranks.
Ahead of Dennis, he saw Lizzar soldier after Lizzar soldier swept up and
thrown outward by the angled ramming blades of his car. Few Lizzar troops
were left standing near enough to swing at the car with their iron swords or
jab at it with their spears. The few who tried to toss a spear at him usually
missed him and hit another Lizzar on the other side.
   He spotted another Lizzar unit leader and fired once more. He missed,
but heard a second shot from a following car a moment later. He saw the
Lizzar leader fall to the second shot and smiled at the thought that his
force was confusing the enemy while drawing closer to the small patch of
ground from Earth with a single building standing upon it.

                                   •   •   •

   Mike heard the shots and ran to her window in time to see the heavily
modified cars plunge into the strange warriors who surrounded the
dormitory. She stared at them as if mesmerized, noticing that the strange
warriors used swords and spears while they appeared to be quite lizard-like
in appearance. Incredibly, she watched as five cars drove through the
warriors without stopping. Dozens of lizard warriors were tossed into the air
to fall among their comrades. Others stopped and turned to face the
menace. As the cars drew closer, she saw with a start that there were men
with rifles or shotguns standing in the cars. Forgetting about the plight of
the lizard warriors who she suddenly realized weren't friends, she
immediately hoped that the men would reach her and the others in the
dormitory. Instinctively, she removed her pistol from the sock before
remembering that she had spare ammunition. She had to tear herself away
from the window to retrieve the other sock with her supply of bullets.

                                   •   •   •

   Dennis's thoughts of becoming a slave were disrupted only moments
later as he heard the first shots. He searched for the source of the shots
only to see no change in what lay before him. He realized then that the
shots came from another direction. Reaching that conclusion, he left his
window to seek out another with a different view while hoping that the
shots might be from the guards at the prison whom he forgot about. If the
guards were the ones firing, then he knew there was a slim chance to
remain free if the two groups could reach each other.

                                      •   •   •

    Miranda felt like shouting when she saw that there were men in the
cars as they rammed into the lizard warriors and then used guns on some
of them. She restrained herself for only a minute until she just knew she
had to shout. “Give it to them, guys! Teach them not to steal people from
Earth!” she yelled after opening her window quickly.
    She counted the cars and wondered if they could really do anything
about the hundreds of lizard warriors in front of her. To her they seemed
too few, yet they were so brave as they charged deep into the enemy
warriors, knocking dozens of them into the air while shooting at others
whom they picked out for some reason. As she thought about it, she
realized that they must know how to spot the leaders.

                                      •   •   •

    Dennis waved the rest of the cars forward while his driver swerved away
from the island of Earth to circle it and keep the Lizzars off guard.
    The second car aimed at one of the ramps the Lizzars used to scale the
slopes with and shot up onto the small piece of terra firma. As soon as it
was on the flat upper surface of Earth soil, it drove on around the building.
Another and another car followed until four of them were on Earth's soil
once more as they slowly circled the lone building and watched for any
Lizzar warriors who might reach it.

                                      •   •   •

    Miranda stared down at the men in astonishment to see that they were
completely naked as they stood inside their cars with their guns at the
ready while their cars slowly circled the building. She yelled down, “Give
'em hell!”
    The man in the car looked up at her and his mouth dropped open. He
hollered back, “Are you from Earth? I thought I heard you speak English!”
    “Yes, we're from Earth, but it's a long story!” she shouted back as his
car slowly drove past.
    He hollered, “Stay inside for now! We've got reinforcements on the
way!”
    She yelled back, “Thank goodness! I thought you were alone!”

                                   •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira shouted, “Circle the enemy! Use the Indian
formation! Open fire!”
    Around the surprised Lizzars, the centaur cohorts now rode in a single
file in a counter-clockwise direction so most of them could fire their
high-powered bows at the enemy who was now trapped between them and
the cars in the center. Interspersed among the line of centaur warriors were
a few centaurs with shotguns who watched for any sudden counter-attacks
from the Lizzar troops to break out of the circle. Every centaur warrior knew
they had to keep the enemy engaged until the prison armory was empty.
Then they could change their tactics to save the people in the center.

                                   •   •   •

    Jim sighed with relief as the APC barreled up the slope to the prison.
Angelica stopped the APC briefly at the building where the APC used to be
stored. Pete and two female guards exited the rear hatch to enter the
building in search of parts they would need. Then she drove off into the
prison. While she and Jim stayed at the APC to guard it, Mitch led the rest
inside toward the armory.

                                   •   •   •

    Andrea couldn't believe it when she heard the first shots coming from
outside the prison. She had hidden in a cell on the top floor, hoping that
the lizard people wouldn't search there for her. Now she stood and gazed
out the window at the scene that was different than what she last saw. The
lizard people were attacking another building that appeared to be from
Earth. Cars were plowing through the lizard troops while men shot weapons
at the enemy. Now she knew that she had to get out of the prison if she
was to join them and escape. Even being their prisoner was better than
being one to the lizard people whom she didn't understand. She eagerly left
the cell and hurried through the corridors to the stairways, sometimes
forgetting that some routes were still locked and barred. She backtracked
as she corrected herself while hoping that she wasn't too late in finding her
way to the front door.

                                    •   •   •

    Mitch looked at the steel door with relief replacing the worry he had
that the Lizzars might have succeeded in penetrating the armory already.
He worked the combination slowly until he had the great steel door open.
As soon as it was open, he and others scurried inside to grab everything
they could. Nothing valuable as a weapon was to be left behind if at all
possible. Anything they couldn't carry in or on the APC or hand over to
centaurs would have to be placed on the concrete in front of it so the APC
could drive over and crush it beyond usefulness. While Sasha stood on
guard at the armory door, he and the others carried out weapons and
ammunition.

                                    •   •   •

    Steve looked at the strange cars, heavily reinforced with metal plating,
as they drove around the dormitory slowly. He went to the lobby door and
stood in the doorway, hoping to find out what the situation was.
    “Hey, you! Get your ass inside before one of the Lizzars splits you open
with a spear!” a man hollered from the next passing car.
    Steve yelled back, “What's going on?”
    The man hollered, “The Lizzars are our enemies. They want to enslave
everyone. They don't care if you're human or centaur.”
    Steve wondered if he heard the man right. He hollered back, “Did you
say centaur?”
    The man's car drove around the corner before Steve could get an
answer. Steve waited for the next car to come around the other corner.

                                    •   •   •

    Mike looked at the rapidly changing situation in astonishment. She
wasn't sure, but she thought she was seeing centaurs with bows and
arrows circling the lizard people. She wasn't at all sure if she should fire her
gun at the lizard people or the centaurs she thought she saw. However,
realizing that the men in the cars were shooting and driving into the lizard
people convinced her that the centaurs must be friendly. As well, she knew
they were all well out of her range. Even getting a hit on either one of them
at that range would be a miracle. Then she thought again about that. She
could see that the density of lizard people gave her a target bigger than a
barn. She aimed at the center of the mass of lizard people and squeezed
the trigger.
    Blam! Her little revolver spit out a slug while gray-white smoke drifted
from the barrel.
    She looked at the mass of lizard troops and couldn't tell if she even hit
one of them. She fired a second time.
    Blam!
    “Hey you up there! Quit wasting bullets! You don't shoot any of the
Lizzars unless you know you can hit him and you're certain that he's a
Lizzar leader!”
    “Me?” Mike hollered back down at the man in the car yelling.
    “Yeah! I mean you! Quit wasting fucking bullets!” he hollered back.
    “I was only trying to help! Are those centaurs out there?”
    “Yes and they're on our side! Don't you dare shoot them or I'll shoot
you myself!”
    “All right, already, I won't shoot anyone!”

                                   •   •   •

    Andrea tripped and slid across the concrete floor. The heavy iron sword
she carried clanged once against the floor. Rather than concern herself with
how scraped up she might be, despite how her chest hurt, she got back to
her feet. Quickly, she made her way to another stairway, unsure if there'd
be anyone besides the lizard people to greet her once she reached the front
door. Nearing the stairway, she stubbed a toe and hobbled to the railing
before making her way down another level. Except for the noise of her bare
feet and when she tripped and fell, she made no noise for fear that one or
more of the lizard people were still inside the prison.
    She neared another window and heard an engine accompanied by the
clanking of metal. She stopped, horrified in her thoughts as she tried to
imagine what kind of terrible machine the lizard people might be using as
the clanking sounded too much like their swords. She could scarcely forget
the horror of seeing some women, who tried to fight back, chopped into
pieces when the lizard people first attacked.
    The group of prisoners she escaped from had no seriously wounded for
those were hacked to death by the lizard people. Only the lightly wounded
were permitted to live as their prisoners. A single beheading, followed by
the same hacking apart, was all it took to convince everyone to go where
the lizard people pointed. It wasn't like trying to deal with the guards they
once sneered at or tried to fool. It was either the lizard way or death.
    Still, Andrea felt she had no choice as she continued down the stairs,
hoping that she could slip by any lizard soldiers to reach the other people.
Otherwise, Andrea was certain that she'd either die when she ran out of
food and water or be captured again. Or, she suddenly realized, she might
even surrender rather than prolong any suffering without food and water.

                                    •   •   •

    Steve asked, “Do you have centaurs on this world?” as the next car
slowly rounded the building corner.
    Without facing him, the man hollered back, “You bet we do and they're
our allies! You can kill all the Lizzars you want, but don't harm any
centaurs!”
    Steve shouted, “I'd like to help fight, but I don't have a weapon!”
    The man said, “Honey, toss him something to fight with.”
    The car door opened, revealing a beautiful, stark-naked, teenage girl.
She tossed out a sword that clanged against the steps.
    The man shouted, “Use that if any Lizzars reach the building! Keep
everyone inside until it's safe!”
    Steve hollered, “Thanks!” before he picked up the sword.

                                    •   •   •

    Andrea stopped suddenly. She listened carefully, then sighed with relief
when she realized she was hearing human voices and not the lispy
sounding voices of the lizard people. Then she quietly walked toward the
voices.
    She went about twenty feet when she heard something else. The sound
sent shivers up and down her spine. She was glad that she hadn't said
anything out loud moments before when she heard the human voices for
the new voices weren't human. She hurried as quietly as possible to warn
the others, whoever they were, that there were lizard soldiers in the prison.

                                    •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira stood outside the circling cohorts. “These new
tactics work as well as we hoped they would.”
    Commander Haro replied, “I'm glad that we were given the best known
tactics used by Earth's greatest cavalry. Still, I find it hard to believe that
humans rode around on beasts that only resemble us from the waist down
while fighting other humans at the same time. They appear so puny in
comparison to the beasts they controlled.”
    Zira said, “I'm seriously considering Jim's idea that some humans be
teamed up with our scouts in cavalry-like manner. He has a good argument
that such a combination will permit both individuals to see more and fight
better. I must admit that having an extra set of eyes to watch behind while
we watch where we're going could be an advantage. As well, he's right
about humans being able to stand on our backs and increase how far we
can scout visually. Tell me, do you like these ideas?”
    “Sir, I can only suggest that we give them a try. So far, there has been
no cause to regret our alliance with the humans. They have done everything
they promised,” Haro answered.
    “Still, I can't help but remember that the humans have admitted that
they don't always keep their promises.”
    “Sir, we're not perfect, either.”

                                        •   •   •

    Andrea spotted the shadows just before she saw one of the guards.
Almost the same time, she realized the lizard people were close behind
her, not concerned with whether they could be heard or not. She whirled
about in time to see the lizard soldiers come around an intersection into
the corridor she was in. Out of desperation, she yelled, “Watch out! They're
in here!”
    Angelica heard the call almost at the same time that she realized she
wasn't alone. She turned toward the source and peered into the dim corridor
while she held her pistol at the ready.
    Andrea backed up as the lizard soldiers approached her. She then
remembered the sword she held. She lifted the heavy iron weapon over her
right shoulder using both hands. As one lizard soldier came almost within
reach, she swung at him.
    The sword flew out of her unpracticed hands, missing him completely
and striking another lizard soldier behind him. The wounded lizard soldier
cried out in pain while bullets suddenly filled the air.
    “Drop down to the floor!” Angelica shouted as she tried to aim at the
Lizzar threatening the woman.
    Andrea barely understood the instruction as she dodged the lizard
soldier's swing at her with his sword. She tripped and fell on her ass. Her
gaze saw the lizard soldier drawing back to behead her when more bullets
flew past her like speeding bees. The lizard warrior staggered and fell back
from her, his sword falling to clank against the floor.
    “Crawl toward me while I cover you. Stay low so I can keep them away
from us,” Angelica said.

                                   •   •   •

    Steve watched the Lizzar come over the edge just after one of the cars
went around the corner. The Lizzar saw Steve and charged with his sword.
Steve drew back and swung only to hit the top of the doorway. His sword
stuck in the wood molding. With no time to force his sword free, Steve
released the sword and backed up as the Lizzar entered the dorm. The
Lizzar appeared to have a sneer on his face as he drew his arm back to
stab forward into Steve.
    A bullet unexpectedly penetrated the Lizzar in the forehead. The Lizzar
fell at Steve's feet. Steve turned and stared at Mike holding a gun in her
hand. “Where'd you get that?” he asked
    “My father felt I should have something more lethal than a stun gun or
pepper spray. I came down to see if anyone was guarding the front door.”
    “I'm certainly glad your father thought so well of you. Thanks,” he said
before picking up the dead Lizzar's sword.
    “I also got tired of the men outside telling me not to waste bullets
unless I knew I could hit what I was shooting at,” she said.
    “That clearly wasn't a wasted bullet,” Steve said.

                                   •   •   •

    Andrea whispered, “Thanks, I owe you.”
    Angelica fired off two more rounds as Mitch came up beside her and
added his firepower to hers. While he kept watch, she reloaded. Angelica
asked, “You been hiding since we were first attacked?”
    “No, they took me prisoner, but I escaped. Another inmate, Kelly,
covered me with sand at night. I waited a few hours after they left before I
uncovered myself and made it back here the next night for food and water.
I've been in hiding since then. What's happening? Do you know?” Andrea
replied.
    Angelica answered, as she fired off another shot at a Lizzar, “Those
lizard soldiers are the Lizzars. They're trying to enslave everyone they come
into contact with. They've invented a tractor beam and are using it to steal
pieces of Earth so they can get hold of human technology. Apparently they
made a technology leap past a lot of things that we went through inventing
step by step. That's why we're beating them now. Our presence changed
the outcome of their war when the centaurs found the first people from
Earth before the Lizzars.”
    “Centaurs?” asked Andrea.
    Angelica fired another shot, hitting a Lizzar in the leg. “Yes, this world
has centaurs. They're now our allies. They're also willing to let us live here
with all the freedom we're used to having since they don't have the
technology to send us home. However, the only way for us to obtain that is
to help them defeat the Lizzars. Until that happens, we're not going
anywhere.”
    “Couldn't they give you some clothes?” asked Andrea.
    As Mitch reloaded, Angelica said, “They don't have the technology to
make clothes. Besides they don't have any need for them. We talked with
some of the people who escaped from Conway, the first place the Lizzars
took from Earth. What happened to our clothes also happened to most of
theirs. However, the centaurs couldn't get Conway's people past the Lizzar
lasers while they were dressed, so the centaurs forced them to strip. When
the people got back to their town, the Lizzars had taken most of the
clothing.”
    “If you want to leave with us, get off your ass and help carry the
weapons out to the APC. Otherwise, we'll leave you. You can learn the rest
of what's happening later,” Mitch said.
    Andrea said, “Yes, I'll help. I don't want to be left behind,” as she
scrambled around the steel door into the armory.
    When Andrea was safely out of hearing while carrying a load of
weapons to the APC, Mitch said, “I hope we can trust her. I'd sure hate to
have to kill her.”
    Angelica asked, “Why? Because she's pretty?”
    “That's one reason. However, I'm more concerned about us having
enough of our own to make a go of surviving here if we find we can't ever
return to Earth. Or haven't you noticed that's one of the most often
discussed topics after tactics and going home?”
    “Yeah, I've heard some of the talk about possibly having to settle here.
It's not an easy subject to discuss. Some of us feel that all the women
should be willing to become pregnant, even if they have to share a man
with more than one other woman. Personally, I'm not against sex, but I'm
not sure I can handle sharing a husband because I have to.”
    Mitch said, “I can see that you don't necessarily subscribe to sharing
everything.”
    Angelica said, “I'm not even sure I ever want to become pregnant. It
wasn't in my original plans for my life. Now I'm faced with choices I never
expected and don't particularly like. Is that so hard to understand?”
    “For some of us, I guess it is. For others, I'm sure they understand all
too well. Anyway, none of this has to be decided yet. For the time being,
our only efforts should be to see that as many of us survive as is possible.
Agreed?”
    She answered, “Agreed.”

                                     •    •   •

    Miranda walked down the stairs and went over to stand beside Steve
and Mike at the doorway. She glanced at the gun in Mike's hand after
noticing the dead Lizzar in the lobby. She said, “Someone ought to take out
the trash.”
    “Later when it's safer,” Mike said.
    Steve handed Miranda a sword, having retrieved his from the doorway.
He said, “Be careful where you swing these things. If it wasn't for Mike, I'd
be dead now.”
    “He got his sword stuck over the door when he tried to stop that dead
Lizzar,” Mike said.
    Miranda said, “Now I think I understand.”
    Steve said, “Here come two more over the edge!”
    Mike aimed at the Lizzars only to see a car hit them both before she
could fire. The two Lizzars bounced off the car into a tumble of legs and
arms before toppling off the edge.
    Mike said, “We've been talking to them as they pass by. They want to
know how many of us are in the dorm. You want to get a count, Miranda?”
    “Don't forget the technology. They want to know if there are any books
that show how to make things. Also anything that can be used as a
weapon. We either have to take everything with us or destroy it,” Steve
said.
    “Books?” asked Miranda.
    “Yes, books. They're teaching the centaurs how to read and make
weapons for their defense. I also found out that they're all naked for a
damn good reason. You ought to pass along to everyone that they can
leave their clothes behind. They won't be needing those,” Mike said.
    Steve said, “They might have to travel through a laser zone. If that
happens, then they'll have to strip and cover themselves with a protective
gel. If they leave their clothes here, we might be able to recover those
later. That's their recommendation.”
    Miranda said, “I never thought I'd see the day where being naked was
the only way to go. I'll get a count, find out about any books, and tell
everyone that they should get naked.”
    “We'll also have to take my radio with us. It's desperately needed. I'll
be up to help pack it later,” Mike said.

                                   •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira ordered, “Send a detachment over to the prison
for more weapons.”
    Commander Haro asked, “May I lead it myself? I'd like to see what an
Earth prison looks like.”
    Zira nodded, then said, “Be careful, Haro. We need your experience.”

                                   •   •   •

    Miranda said, “They're not happy about having to strip, even though
they've all seen down into the cars and saw that the men were naked.
We've got forty-two women and one man. Steve, you could have been made
real happy if our destination hadn't been like this.”
    Steve said, “I don't think I'm up to that much happiness.”
    Miranda said, “Well, you'd have to be eventually. I even walked in on
one woman using her vibrator while she watched the battle out her window.
Sooner or later, those batteries are going to give out.”
    “Miranda's got a point there. Some of the liberated women are into
having sex. Personally, I don't think this is going to change them any,” Mike
said.
    Steve said, “I hope they're going to be ready for what's going to happen
eventually.”
    Miranda asked, “What's going to happen?”
    Mike answered, “Harry is going to contact the centaurs to have them
carry us out of here on their backs. There isn't enough room in the cars for
us because of their weapons and extra fuel tanks.”
    Miranda exclaimed, “We're going to ride centaurs? What a gas! Do we
get a choice about male or female centaurs?”
    “I don't think so. Right now, they're emptying the prison armory of extra
weapons they need even more than my radio. As soon as they have those,
they're going to charge the Lizzars and break through to us so we can
leave,” Mike said.
    Steve said, “Mike's going in a car because she knows how to care for
the radio. The rest of us have to ride centaurs.”
    “Truthfully, they don't want to risk losing me since I know how to repair
radios,” Mike said.
    Miranda asked, “Is it that dangerous on a centaur?”
    Steve said, “It's because they'll have to fight their way back out with us
on their backs. It's not going to be easy for them or us. Here comes our car
with more information.”
    Harry shouted, “If anyone's centaur is wounded and falls, they're to
keep moving and not stay with the wounded centaur! We don't have any
means of carrying wounded centaurs back!”
    Miranda exclaimed, “But that's barbaric!”
    Steve said, “Maybe it is, but I think he's right.”

                                    •   •   •

    Commander Haro galloped up the slope of the prison grounds with his
small detachment of twenty centaurs. Upon reaching the top, they spotted
several Lizzars making for the prison. Haro ordered, “Charge!”
    His force ran at the Lizzars. The centaurs' spears and swords flailed
away at the surprised Lizzars who fell to the sides as his force fought their
way through. Haro fired his shotgun at the Lizzar leader, hitting him and
several others. Another centaur stabbed the fallen Lizzar leader in the face.
The Lizzar leader was left on the ground with a spear impaled in his skull
while the centaur used his sword to decapitate another Lizzar who was too
close for comfort. Stabbing and slashing, the centaurs broke through the
Lizzars to reach the prison gates and race to the front steps where the APC
was being loaded.
    Jim spotted Commander Haro. He shouted, “Over here! We've got more
rifles and ammunition!”
    Haro reached the APC at the top of the steps while most of his force
remained at the base to face any Lizzars who came through the gates. Haro
stared at her for a moment and then said, “I don't remember seeing her
before,” as he accepted several weapons to pass on to another warrior.
    “She was one of the inmates. She escaped from the Lizzars and came
back here to hide,” Jim said.
    Haro asked the obvious, “Can she be trusted?”
    “Given her choices, I think we can trust her. Anyway, she prefers us to
the Lizzars,” Jim said.
    Haro asked, “Do you have room in your APC to carry her?”
    Jim answered, “Not after we load everything inside.”
    Haro said, “In that case, I'll have a strong warrior ready to carry her.
Instruct her on how to behave.”
    “I'll do that. Glad to see you. It's getting bad inside, too. Some of the
Lizzars are coming in from the back of the building, but we've got them
blocked from reaching the armory,” Jim said.
    “That's good. I'd like to see the insides of your prison,” Haro replied.
    Jim said, “I don't mind if you do, but now isn't a good time. How's the
rest of the battle going?”
    “We're running low of everything. We'd soon have to fight them with
spears and swords, if not for these,” Haro replied.
    “Use them in good health. The armory's almost empty. Got enough
now?” Jim asked.
    “It seems so. Stay well, yourself. Detachment, form up to return!”
    Commander Haro went down the steps with his hands full while his
detachment readied themselves to run the gauntlet once more. Haro
hollered out, “Charge!”

                                    •   •   •

    Andrea saw Angelica and Mitch about to be overwhelmed by Lizzars.
Mitch was trying to reload while Angelica had too many targets to shoot
them all at one time. Mitch stopped reloading and ducked a sword, then
blocked another with his pistol. Andrea stooped down and picked up a
sword from a fallen Lizzar. She gripped it tighter than she did before as she
swung with it. Her sword connected with the shoulder of the Lizzar trying to
kill Mitch. The Lizzar fell to the floor while his blood spurted out like a
geyser. Then Angelica finished shooting the last Lizzar still facing them.
    Mitch said, “Thanks. You saved my life.”
    “I never killed anyone before. Is he dead?” she replied.
    Angelica asked, “Weren't you in prison for murder?”
    Mitch said, “Yes, he's dead.”
    Andrea answered, “Yes, but I didn't do it.”
    “I believe you. Mitch, I think we ought to trust her with a gun,” Angelica
replied.
    Andrea asked, “Will you show me how to use it? I really don't know
how.”
    Mitch said, “Get her a gun and show her how to use it while I hold off
the Lizzars.”

                                    •   •   •

    As she hurried inside the dormitory, Mike said, “Okay, I'll get the radio
now. Miranda, you better tell everyone to come down to the lobby so they
can get their rides.”
    Steve said, “I'll help you with the radio.”
    “Thanks, I can use the assistance,” Mike said.

                                    •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira ordered, “Sub-commander Theo! Take your force
to the center and bring back the people and any technology they have.
Commander Haro, force open a path through the enemy. Keep it open until
Theo's force leaves.”
    Commander Haro said, “Over Commander, I promised that we'd also
send some warriors back to the prison to carry some of them away. They
don't have enough room inside the APC for everyone.”
    Zira said, “Then send some warriors back to the prison. You have your
assignments. Good luck.”
    Commander Haro called out, “Rone, take four warriors with you to the
prison! Pick up the people who need a ride and carry them back to camp!
First Cohort! Assemble on me!”
    Theo was shouting, “Second Cohort, assemble on me!”
    Within two minutes, Commander Haro shouted, “Charge!” His cohort
moved forward in a wedge formation at the encircled Lizzars to force open a
path for the Second Cohort to pass through.
    “Second Cohort, forward!” Theo ordered.

                                    •   •   •

    Harry's car stopped at the door to the dorm. He stepped out of the back
door as Mike and Steve came forward with the shortwave radio. “When you
get in, just keep down. Don't bother shooting any Lizzars unless they get
on the car and poke their heads through the roof opening. Otherwise, you
could have a bullet ricochet off the outer plates back at you.”
    Mike put part of the radio inside and got into the car. Steve passed
more of the set to her before Harry closed the door.
    Mike stood up and asked, “Aren't you getting back in?”
    “Not enough room. I'll ride back with the others,” Harry replied.
    Steve looked at his first centaur up close as some of them came up the
ramps the Lizzars shoved against the slope leading to the dorm. The
centaur stared at him as well.
    Harry said, “They lost their hair, Theo.”
    “Is that why they're different?” Theo asked.
    Harry said, “That's all it is. Ready to load?”
    Theo said, “Yes, we want to get them out of here as quickly as possible
before we run out of ammunition completely.”
    Harry said, “Okay, line up your warriors. I'll get the people organized.”

                                     •   •   •

    Miranda held on tightly to the female centaur she was assigned to. She
couldn't believe that she was holding onto her practically by her breasts. It
seemed wrong in Miranda's mind, yet the centaur said nothing about where
Miranda gripped her. As the centaur galloped through the Lizzars, Miranda
felt like she was going to have an orgasm.
    Near her, Steve held onto another female centaur in much the same
manner, though he tried not to grip the female centaur's breasts. Still, he
had little choice as he was bounced around on her back and was forced to
grasp her wherever he could.
    Miranda asked, “How are you doing, Steve?”
    “I'm in agony!” he cried out.
    “What's wrong?” she asked.
    He gasped out, “This hurts! I wish I had on a jock strap.”
    She said, “I'm sorry about that. Just hang on. We don't want to lose
you.”
    “Not as sorry as I am,” he replied.
    Harry said, “Cross your ankles behind you, Steve, and sit back on them
slightly. That will give you some relief, but you have to hold on tighter with
your arms or you'll bounce off.”
    Steve asked, “Did we get everyone out?”
    Harry replied, “Yes, we had more than enough warriors to carry
everyone. Just hang on for now. We won't have to endure this for very
long.”
    Steve cried out, “I hope not.”
    Miranda asked, “Is anyone else getting an orgasm?”
    A couple of women replied yes.
    Miranda said, “Steve, if you're up to it, I might want you when we get
to camp.”
    “What?” he exclaimed.
    Miranda said, “I'm getting hornier by the minute. God, do I want a
man!”
    Theo asked, “Harry, is that woman a breeder?”
    Harry replied, “Not exactly. She's just stimulated by riding. It happens
to some women when they ride a motorcycle or a horse. Riding a centaur is
almost exactly like riding a horse. No offense intended.”
    Theo said, “None taken, Harry.”




                                  Chapter 6

The Lizzar Chief of Commanders glared at his technicians. He bellowed,
“There is no technology on that piece of Earth! It's too small!”
    A technician replied, “Sire, the centaurs took the technology. It isn't our
fault that they showed up. If we had more time to recharge, we could have
taken a larger piece of Earth.”
    The Chief asked, “How long do you need to properly recharge?”
    “At least five days. If we have more time, we can grab a bigger piece.”
    “I'll give you ten days. I expect a piece of Earth big enough to reveal all
their technology to us. Do not fail me.”

                                   •   •    •

    John entered the slave quarters as the sun dropped over the horizon.
He was startled to see that there were more women present. However, he
didn't recognize any of them and instantly concluded that the Lizzars had
stolen another piece of Earth. He made his way to his sleeping area and
waited for instructions from the Lizzars.
    A Lizzar shouted, “Begin producing! All pregnant women are to raise
their hands!”
    John dropped himself onto the first woman in his area without
wondering how the new women would be assigned. He didn't notice
immediately that two of his women raised their hands.
    Kelly gasped at seeing the men screwing in full view of everyone. She
didn't understand anything the lizard people said, but it was obvious to her
that the other people did. She watched as several women who raised their
hands were led away by more of the lizard soldiers.
   A lizard soldier grabbed her by the elbow. Not daring to resist, Kelly
meekly followed along as he led her to one of the areas where the men and
women busily produced. The lizard soldier shoved her down among other
naked women.
   “Hi, I'm Cheryl. Do you understand the Lizzar language?”
   Kelly answered, “No, I don't. I'm Kelly. What's going on here?”
   “We're all slaves now. If we don't do as we're told, we get punished.
The Lizzars want all us women pregnant so they can breed more slaves.
The men don't have much choice in the matter. If they refuse, we're the
ones who are punished. If we try to refuse, we're punished even worse.
Whatever you do, don't refuse their orders.”
   Kelly asked, “Where'd those other women go?”
   “They're pregnant. That's the only way to get out of this room alive
except during the day when we grade the ore.”
   “Grade the ore?” asked Kelly.
   “Yes, the men go into the mines during the day and dig out the ore.
The centaurs drag it outside where we have to separate it into different
grades.”
   The Lizzar shouted, “Change!”
   John got up from the woman and came over to Cheryl. She opened her
legs and let him enter her.
   “Don't you have any say?” asked Kelly.
   Cheryl said, “No, we don't. I'd rather go through this than be whipped or
killed. When John gets to you, don't even think about it. Just let him take
you. He's a good lover under different circumstances. John, this is Kelly.”
   John gasped, “Hi, Kelly. I'll try to be gentle, but they sometimes order
us to be rough.”
   Kelly said, “Hi, John. How will I know when it's my turn?”
   Cheryl said, “I'll let you know. So, what town are you from? We were in
Conway when it was stolen by the Lizzars.”
   Kelly said, “I was in prison when they got me. All the women I came
with were in the prison, either as inmates or guards. I think there are four
guards still alive among us.”
   John exclaimed, “Convicts?”
   Kelly said, “Yes, most of us. I won't lie. I did what I was caught and
sentenced for. I knew I was carrying illegal drugs.”
    “Is that all?” John asked.
    Kelly said, “Should I have done more? That's all I did wrong. Other than
having bad judgment.”
    “Oh god, I just came again. I hope those damn Lizzars let us change
soon,” John gasped.
    “We think they might be slipping us some kind of fertility drugs in our
food. The men have been coming more and more often than before. John
typically comes at least four times each night,” Cheryl said.
    Kelly said, “I notice that some of the men only have one woman.”
    Cheryl said, “The Lizzars base how many women a man can handle by
his size. John's got the largest, so he gets the most women.”
    Another woman was shoved next to Kelly by a Lizzar.
    “Find out anything, Kelly?”
    Kelly said, “That's John and Cheryl. They're from Conway. We're
supposed to all get pregnant and give the Lizzars more slaves. This is
Wendy. She was a guard.”
    John and Cheryl said, “Hi Wendy.”
    A Lizzar shouted, “Change!”
    John got up off Cheryl and went to his next woman.
    Cheryl said, “Kelly, you're next after Amethyst. Wendy, you're after
Kelly. Don't refuse, either. The Lizzars only punish us if there are any
problems, not the men.”
    Wendy said, “Typical male response. It's always the woman's fault.”
    Kelly said, “John has the most women assigned to him because he has
the mostest between his legs. Aren't we lucky?”
    Wendy said, “Well, at least he'll be shooting blanks by the time he
reaches me.”
    Cheryl said, “Don't be so sure of that. We think the Lizzars are slipping
fertility drugs in our food. John can come four or more times now. He's
already got five women pregnant. By the way, that's Amandalee and
Melanie. These are Kelly and Wendy.”
    Amandalee said, “Hi. Forgive me for not speaking earlier, but I had a
rough day.”
    Melanie said, “Same here and I think I might be pregnant.”
    Amandalee said, “Oh no! Are you sure?”
    “No, I'm not sure yet,” Melanie said.
    A Lizzar came over and looked at John briefly before saying something.
    Cheryl said, “The Lizzar is telling John to fondle her. The Lizzars are
real big on us stimulating each other to peak performance. They've been
given instructions on what we should do by some of our people who turned
traitor. If John doesn't do what they order, they'll take the woman to the
center of the room and give her to every man in here no matter how long it
takes.”
    Kelly and Wendy watched as John fondled the woman's breasts. She
reached around and did her best to reciprocate.
    Amandalee said, “She was just told that she wasn't fondling him
enough. Don't worry, you'll learn enough of the language soon enough to
know what they're ordering. We'll help teach you so you can avoid
punishment.”
    Kelly said, “Thanks, I guess.”
    The Lizzar controller shouted, “Change!”
    John went over to Amethyst who quickly responded to him.
    Cheryl said, “One more thing, the Lizzars don't allow us to suck. That
gets you the worst punishment possible, except for death. Also, have you
noticed how quickly John moves to the next woman? He has to. The Lizzars
don't want him dripping any semen on the ground.”
    Kelly said, “I noticed that he held himself that time.”
    Cheryl said, “He must still be coming. He does that to keep us from
being punished for not taking him quickly enough to receive his sperm.”
    Kelly commented snidely, “Nice guy.”
    Cheryl looked hurt. “He really is. Remember, he's not the one who'll be
punished if his sperm hits the ground. The next woman in line is. By the
way, if you're not lubricated yet, you better get yourself that way. John's
awful large and you better be lubricated if you want him to enter you
without hurting you too much. The Lizzars don't care if we masturbate. John
can't, though. That's about the only thing he can be punished for other than
refusing orders during the day.”

                                     •   •   •

    Upon reaching the camp, Andrea was startled to see the warden taking
on three men at one time. Andrea finally turned away after seeing a bit too
much while others continued to watch in complete fascination. Of course, it
was difficult to hide anything in an open meadow where the centaurs lived.
After all, they couldn't venture freely into the forests because of the
dangers from coil vines. Consequently, the centaurs had grown up in an
open society and had no means of providing privacy to people who grew up
with different concepts.
    Dennis said, “First nymphomaniac I ever knew and there isn't a man
who can keep up with her. Priscilla will keep on going for hours before she'll
tire out.”
    Steve asked, “And the centaurs allow this kind of behavior?”
    Dennis said, “She voluntarily took the status of breeder. Any man who
wants her can take her at anytime. You don't even have to ask. If you want
her, just walk up and take her. That's all there is to it. The centaur society
is very simple in some of its rules. Their females who take the breeder
status are the same way.”
    Steve said, “Just walk up and take her? What if she's asleep or eating?”
    Dennis answered, “She'd rather have you than do either of those. You
can make her very happy by slipping it to her while she's asleep. She'll
wake up and screw your brains out. Priscilla is just perpetually horny. Even
if she's doing someone else, she'd rather that you just joined in. I've seen
her take up to five men at a time.”
    “Five? And she's still not satisfied?” exclaimed Steve.
    “You better believe it. If I wasn't married to Gail, I'd be tempted to try
her once myself, but Gail would cut my balls off if I so much as take
another woman,” Dennis replied.
    Steve asked, “Okay, so marriage is still a choice. What else is there?”
    Dennis said, “Marriage is a choice, but you don't have to limit yourself
to one wife. When we realized that we were stuck on this world, we
decided that permitting more than one wife or husband might be the best
way to deal with the problem of infidelity for some people. You met Harry.
He shares two women with another man in a group marriage. They swap
every night and sometimes sleep together in an orgy-like manner. It seems
to work for them, so none of us say anything. Considering the fact that we
now have over forty more women, the only way some of them are going to
ever have a marriage is to accept sharing a husband. That or they'll have to
become breeders.”
    Steve asked, “You mean, you either have to get married or become a
breeder?”
    “No, I don't mean it like that at all. You don't have to do either of
those. You can remain single if you want. I mean, anyone can remain
single. The only problem there is that you're expected to be a warrior
unless you're a breeder. Though married women are considered breeders,
they're permitted to be warriors, too, even though the centaurs feel that
they shouldn't be warriors,” Dennis answered.
    “Why is that?”
    Dennis replied, “Because they value the family structure. Someone has
to see to perpetuating the race. The centaurs are struggling to understand
us. They're being tolerant of our behavior for now since they need us as
much as we need them to survive. We're hoping that once the war ends,
this problem will go away on its own. Most of us are fairly certain that it
won't be considered a problem then.”
    Steve said, “I think I understand now, but just barely.”
    Dennis said, “You better watch out, though. Once Priscilla sees you,
she's going to want you.”
    Steve blushed, then said, “I'll keep that in mind. I've already had three
proposals for sack time this evening.”
    Dennis said, “Then you better think about enjoying yourself and getting
what you can. For all you know, you might die tomorrow. If nothing else, if
you can get one of the women pregnant, you'll be helping us achieve long
term survival by seeing to it that your genes are passed on.”
    “You make it all sound so necessary and clinical,” Steve said.
    Dennis said, “Unless you're married, there's little room left in our lives
now for love and passion. You'll find that we're currently divided into two
different opinions concerning long term survival. Some of us want to see to
it that our children don't breed idiots. Some of us feel that nature will take
its course and straighten out things over the long run on its own, even if it
means that our numbers decrease first before they increase. You'll have to
decide for yourself about how you feel about this. However you feel, we
limit the topic to discussion only. We don't allow fighting over it.”
    Steve asked, “So, what's the current split of opinion in numbers?”
    Dennis said, “Hard to say now with so many new people around. Most
of the men are of the opinion that we're going to have to go along with
whatever the women decide since they outnumber us. Now that we have
over forty more women, I don't know what the split is. Your guess is as
good as mine.”
    Steve asked, “Well, what was the difference before we came along?”
    Dennis said, “Well, it was beginning to look like we'd have to suffer a
decrease first and lose some of the genes the women can provide.”
    Steve said, “Seems to me that both sides can win. Those who want to
screw around to save their genes should be permitted to do so. Those who
don't shouldn't be forced to contribute.”
    Dennis said, “That much is true. Still, we'll lose some of our gene pool.
But we're not going to force anyone to participate if they don't want to.”
                                    •   •   •

    As John continued to pound away at Wendy under the watchful eyes of
the Lizzar captors, his thoughts were focused on other matters. He knew
without a doubt that the tractor beam sites had to be found and destroyed.
Only by depriving the enemy of those could they assure themselves of
victory, even though he knew it meant they would be marooned on a
strange world for the rest of their lives. If the Lizzars weren't deprived of
their tractor beam sites, then sooner or later they'd succeed in capturing
the technology they needed to win the entire war. He knew that if that
happened, it might not be long before they attacked the Earth itself. It
wasn't just for the preservation of their own lives and freedom that they
had to destroy the sites.
    John knew that he had to escape to warn the allies of their danger. His
only problem was that he was watched much too closely as their prize stud.
He wasn't sure how or when he could escape or even if it might be too late
by then.
    Then he noticed that another woman was being brought over to him,
increasing his harem in number yet again. He continued to pound away at
Wendy while the other women briefed the woman on what was happening
and what to expect. She was soon preparing herself for him.




                                 Chapter 7

Over Commander Zira said, “We gained more than we lost in the battle.
Though we will miss those warriors who died, we cannot take the time to
mourn them as we have much to do. Dennis, how is the reading program
coming along? Are my people learning properly?”
    Dennis said, “Almost all the breeders know how to read now since they
have more time to learn. We're not doing as well with the warriors because
of mission requirements, but that's to be expected. We did get a number of
new texts to use. Some cover processes we had little information on
before. I'm organizing a group of new women to act as teachers so we
should see more progress than before now that we can give more
individualized instruction.”
    Zira said, “That is good. Still, I will talk to the warriors. Anything more
to report?”
    Dennis shook his head.
    “What is our ammunition status, Jim?” Zira asked.
    “Pretty poor. Most of us will be using bows and arrows soon. I have an
idea that might help some. If we carry more arrows in the vehicles for
everyone, we can let the warriors use their arrows more freely. When they
run out, they can report to one of the vehicles for resupply. I feel that we
can carry enough to wipe out a Lizzar force like we ran into yesterday,” Jim
answered.
    Zira said, “Then the bullets must be conserved for use against the
lasers. This is my decision. See to it that everyone understands. Shotguns
may still be used to kill Lizzar leaders. Did my eyes deceive me or were the
Lizzars able to compensate better than before from the loss of leaders?”
    Commander Haro said, “I saw the same thing happening.”
    “Then they've probably instituted a system of lower ranks within their
units. If that's the case, you might be better letting some of their leaders
live if you believe them to be incompetent. Otherwise, you could be
elevating a more competent leader into command,” Jim said.
    “What is this system of lower ranks?” Zira asked.
    “You designate individuals within the unit ahead of time to move up
into command if the leadership is killed off. That way the unit continues to
function. To give them a chance to learn how to lead before they take over,
you let them lead smaller groups within the major unit. It's kind of like
when you send out a scouting party and designate one individual in charge.
The only difference is the lower rank remains available even after small
missions such as scouting,” Jim answered.
    Zira said, “Then we shall have such a system ourselves. Commander
Haro, consult with Jim or whoever has the knowledge to create a system for
us. I will evaluate warriors to receive these ranks. I will want your
recommendations along with those of my other unit commanders. Jim, how
many of these should be in each unit?”
    “Depends on what you choose. Most small military units on Earth
possessed anywhere from four or five to a dozen such lower ranks. Usually
each lower rank commanded a squad consisting of themselves and nine
other soldiers,” Jim answered.
    Zira said, “Then we shall follow that example. One of every ten warriors
shall become a lower rank capable of taking over the unit if its commander
is lost. Now on to other matters. Did we get sufficient repair parts for your
APC?”
    Pete said, “Sure did. We had to leave some parts behind, but those
were less important. We went after the vital parts and got enough radio
parts to fix ours. Mike is working on that now. She sure is a blessing to
have with us now.”
    Zira said, “In that case, assign warriors to protect her, Sub-commander
Theo. If she is important to us, then we shall not risk her in battle. Does
her radio still work?”
    Pete said, “Sure does. We were able to communicate with the radio
taken from the Conway police station. Good thing it was carried out before
the Lizzars could get it. Once we get the APC's radio back in operation, we
can contact our reinforcements without having to send runners.”
    Zira said, “This is extremely good to hear. What else did we
accomplish?”
    “We picked up a bunch of pepper spray and stun guns. They're only
good for close combat, but they're not lethal. They might be useful for
intelligence missions where we only want to incapacitate a Lizzar so we can
question him. We can always kill him afterwards,” Gail said.
    Zira said, “I'm still not used to this idea of capturing Lizzars. Their
warriors know so little.”
    “Yes, but what they do know they're usually willing to talk about,” Gail
said.
    “If the Lizzars are instituting lower ranks, that might change soon. My
guess is that they'll become more security conscious as well. Whether we
like it or not, the way this war is being fought is changing again. It's up to
us to adapt if we're to remain on top of the situation. To do that, we'll have
to capture and interrogate Lizzars. We have to know what they're being
taught or told,” Jim said.
    Zira said, “You present strong reasons. We shall do as you suggest.
From now on, each mission will attempt to capture at least one Lizzar, if
they encounter any, to bring back for questioning.”

                                    •   •   •

    Steve handed Mike some more parts. She appeared happy as she
worked on the radio for the APC.
    She said, “It seems too coincidental that all the radios were tuned to
the same frequency. Did you notice that my room was almost dead center
of the area the Lizzars took from Earth?”
    Steve said, “No, I didn't notice that. However, I think you're right. Do
you think that had something to do with us being taken?”
    Mike answered, “I'm beginning to believe that it did. Oh, there's Harry.
Hey, Harry! Over here for a moment!”
    Harry walked over to stand between Mike and Steve who sat on the
grass working on the APC's radio. “What's up? You need something?”
    Mike asked, “Where was the police station in relation to the rest of
Conway that the Lizzars grabbed? Was it in the center?”
    Harry said, “I think it was almost dead center. Why?”
    Mike said, “Because the police radio was using the same frequency I
was on at the time we were grabbed. My room was just about dead center
of what came along with us. Can you find out about the prison? Was their
radio room also dead center of what came here?”
    Harry said, “It sounds like you're onto something. I'll find out for you.”
    “I'd appreciate it, Harry. I'm betting that their radio was on at the time,
too,” she said.
    Harry said, “I'm almost sure it was. Why were you on the police band,
though?”
    She said, “I had the radio on scanning mode at the time, though the
volume was down. I use my radio to furnish background noise like other
people use music. I just like to hear people talk. I had to change the
frequency when the battery came on because the temporary loss of power
ended the scanning mode. I'm fairly positive that the radio was on the
same frequency as the Conway police station at the moment we were
grabbed. Even though the APC radio wasn't working, it was set to the same
frequency when I started working on it. I haven't gotten to the other radio
yet.”
    Harry said, “So that's how we were selected. That's interesting. I guess
we can look forward to more police coming.”
    “Not necessarily. It was an official band, but it might be in use by a
hospital or rescue service in a different location,” Mike said.
    Harry said, “Well, we can certainly use those here. We don't have
anything really to treat the wounded. Bandaids and sympathy don't do
much.”
    Steve said, “Wouldn't it just piss off the Lizzars if they happened to
grab a helicopter and nothing else? When it arrived, it would simply fly off.”
    Harry said, “Makes you wonder if they haven't already. I'll advise the
Over Commander to have someone watch for a downed helicopter since it
wouldn't have much fuel left, if any.”
    Steve said, “Provided they didn't suffocate themselves on fumes before
they arrived.”

                                   •   •   •

    Andrea stood up and looked around. She felt that there ought to be
something to do besides lie around and sleep. The other women around
her, for the most part, were lying about, some of them sleeping. The
centaurs were either making out, practicing maneuvers, or practicing with
their swords, spears, and bows. She noticed Mike and Steve were working
on the radios. She also saw immediately how large Steve was between the
legs.
    For a moment, she thought he was sexually aroused, then she realized
that was his limp size. Even though seeing Priscilla the night before had
disgusted her, she still felt a desire for the same thing.
    Andrea suddenly realized she was openly rubbing herself with one hand
while eyeing Steve hungrily. Embarrassed, she glanced around to see if
anyone was watching her, but no one was. She turned her attention back to
Steve. Andrea soon forgot herself and her embarrassment when she
realized she was rubbing herself once more. Rather than just stop, she kept
rubbing until she drew up enough courage to walk over to him.
    Steve looked up at Andrea as she rubbed herself. He could see her eyes
were fixed on him just below his waist.
    Andrea asked, “Would you please? I'm so damn horny now that I can't
think straight.”
    He answered, “Well, I'm busy right now...”
    “Aw, go ahead and take her. We're not exactly living under the nudist
philosophy anymore,” Mike said.
    Andrea lay down beside Steve and reached out for him with her free
hand. Steve was about to reach down and remove her hand when Mike
slapped him.
    “What's that for?” he asked.
    “Can't you see that she needs someone right now? God, some men!
When you don't want them, they're as horny as shit and just as insistent.
When you do want them, they have other things to do. Go ahead and screw
her. I can handle the radio myself,” Mike exclaimed.
    “Here? In front of you?” Steve asked.
    “Why not? There isn't anyplace around here where I couldn't see you
unless you go inside one of the vehicles. Besides, I might learn
something,” Mike replied.
    Mike reached over and shoved Steve toward Andrea, leaving him with
little choice. Andrea tugged on him to enter her. Steve finally shoved
himself in as Andrea released her hold on him.
    Mike asked, “Is he any good, Andrea?”
    “Oh, god, yes. This was definitely worth it,” she moaned. “If you don't
claim him now, you're soon going to have a lot of competition, including
me. He can have me just about whenever he feels like it, now that I know
he's a good lay.”
    Mike glanced around at the other women, noticing for the first time that
a few were staring at Steve and Andrea. Mike looked over at Steve for a
moment before she stood up to stretch the kinks out of her legs as she
considered her situation. She knew that Steve had received several
propositions the day before but hadn't accepted. Now she wondered if there
was a chemistry building between them that she might have destroyed by
pushing him toward Andrea. As she walked around, she couldn't help but
glance down at them. Doing so caused Mike to suddenly realize that she
wanted Steve like Andrea minutes before.
    Mike asked, “Steve, can you take me, too, now? I'd very much like to
have you.”
    “What?” asked Steve.
    “I asked you to take me. Please?”
    Steve said, “Okay, as soon as Andrea releases me.”
    Andrea said, “I can take a hint. Thank you, Steve, for being so nice. I
meant what I said earlier. You want me, just say so and I'm yours.”
    Steve said, “You're welcome and, uh, thank you.”
    Steve got to his hands and knees and slowly withdrew from Andrea who
moaned with pleasure. By the time he was out, Mike was lying beside
Andrea with her legs open. He crawled over and let her hands take hold and
guide him into place. He began to gently enter and she let go so he could.
    Mike said, “I like it slow so it lasts long. Okay with you, Steve?”
    “Whatever you want. I'm a little winded after that workout, anyway,” he
replied.
    Mike placed her hands against his chest and felt of him for the first
time. She delighted in feeling of his firm muscular shoulders and ran her
hands back down his chest to his hips. She gripped his hips and threw her
own against him to put a little extra push in the next stroke. Almost at
once, she felt him go deep inside her to places no man had ever reached
before. The sensation was spectacularly different from any other man as
she felt so much of him slide by her erotic zones, stimulating them longer
than usual.
    Mike whispered, “Yes, slow and go deep every so often, lover. You are
good in bed. Did you know that?”
    Steve said, “Kind of, but I also been told I wasn't any good. I guess
that's because of individual preferences.”
    “More likely they didn't know what good was. You're definitely good, so
you just keep stroking away. Let me know if you need help or a change in
positions so I won't wear you out,” Mike said.
    Mike gasped with a low moan a few minutes later as her first orgasm
overtook her. She moaned again as the orgasm built in intensity. “Oh, god,
Steve, you're great! Keep doing that, lover!” she gasped out.
    Andrea moaned, “He's going to be in big demand, isn't he?”
    Mike replied, “Oh, god, yes. Do you want to marry me, Steve? I'll swear
to be yours only if you'll marry me.”
    Steve stopped momentarily. He exclaimed, “Marriage? But we hardly
know each other.”
    “So what? Sex, good sex, that is, ought to be enough reason for
marriage,” Mike said.
    Steve asked, “What about love?” before he felt her fingernails jab him
lightly to remind him about what he was supposed to be doing.
    “Well, love is nice, but I never thought I'd meet a man who could thrill
me so much in bed,” Mike answered.
    Steve said, “I was hoping for love before I settled down into marriage.
Would you mind if I don't marry you? Just yet, that is?”
    “Will you still be available to me?” asked Mike.
    Steve said, “I don't see why not. After all, we might fall in love.”
    “In that case, I don't mind that you won't marry me right now. Just
remember that I'm willing,” Mike said.
    Andrea asked, “Mike, are you willing to accept a multiple-wife
marriage?”
    Mike turned her head toward Andrea and looked her straight in the
eyes.
    Andrea said, “If I have to, I'll marry him, too, so you won't cut me off.
Look around you. There's only nine men in camp and over fifty women.
You're going to have to share him somehow or you'll have some of those
women pissed off at you. Remember, they can see what he's got and how
much satisfaction you're getting. I know even better just how well he's
satisfying you.”
    Mike moaned, then replied, “I saw what you're getting at. It was partly
what made me horny in the first place. It's just that I'm not sure if I want
to share Steve in a marriage.”
    Andrea said, “I don't think you'll have much choice in his case. He's not
like the other men. You can feel that, can't you?”
    “Hell yes, I can feel the difference! I can tell that he's not like other
men,” Mike exclaimed.
    Andrea said, “Steve, you don't have to marry Mike. If you don't, you can
have all the women you want once the other women find out how good you
are. You'll practically have to fight them off each night.”
    Steve said, “It'll be the first time I've ever found myself in trouble for
not taking women.”
    Andrea asked, “You got in trouble taking a woman before? Did you rape
her?”
    Steve answered, “I never raped any woman, but I got in trouble once
before.”
    Andrea asked, “How?”
    Mike said, “Let him finish me first. Then he can tell how he got into
trouble. Okay?”
    Andrea said, “Sorry.”

                                    •   •   •

    Steve felt himself finally come a second time. Mike instantly drew him
toward her. She knew that Andrea was right about the other women
wanting him, especially if they learned that Mike had five orgasms of her
own in the one session. She stroked his brawny back and shoulders while
ignoring her squeezed nipples as he lay upon her panting heavily.
    As she glanced around her, she saw that she had apparently attracted
an audience as several women and centaurs were standing nearby.
    “Are you finished?” one centaur asked.
    Mike answered, “For the most part. We're just lying here enjoying the
lingering after effects. Did you need something?”
    “I'm Sub-commander Theo. The warriors beside me are to be your
bodyguards. Your radio knowledge is too important to lose, so you are to
be protected day and night from now on. Whatever you want to do is your
business. They are simply to protect you. Let me know immediately if there
are any problems. Oh, I hope you are enjoying yourself.”
    Mike replied, “Thank you, Sub-commander Theo. Yes, I'm enjoying
myself tremendously. I didn't realize just how horny I was getting until
Andrea made out with Steve right beside me. Bigger isn't always better, but
this time it is.”
    Theo said, “I shall leave you to your work and enjoyment. If you need
anything, one of the guards will always know how to contact me.”
    Mike said, “Thanks, again,” as Theo walked away.
    Andrea asked, “Well, can Steve tell us his story now?”
    “If he wants to. I think I'd like to hear it as well,” Mike said.
    Steve said, “It's embarrassing. I'd really rather not tell about it.”
    Andrea said, “I'll tell you mine if you'll tell me yours.”
    “Same here. Please tell us,” Mike said.
    Andrea said, “Spill it or I'll tell the other women you want to have sex
all night tonight.”
    Steve exclaimed, “That's blackmail!”
    “It's not even fair, but I like it. You're so devious, Andrea,” Mike said.
    Steve said, “Okay, let me up, Mike, and I'll tell.”
    She said, “No way. I'm keeping right here so you can't run away. Now
tell, or you'll get more of this,” as she dug her nails into him. She felt him
shove deeper and spurt slightly once more inside her. “Oh, that was good.
You do still have some more life in you.”
    “All right, all right, I'll tell. You already know that I'm a nudist. I've
been one all my life without any trouble being around girls until I was a
teenager. I went on a field trip with my school class. It was my sophomore
year and almost the end of the school year. Because we were expected to
get somewhat dirty on the trip, we were told to wear old clothes. Since all I
had were good clothes, not needing any when I got home each day, I had
to borrow some from a friend. Well, he sabotaged me royally. He gave me a
pair of pants that were ready to fall apart and I never wore any underwear,
except for a jock strap in gym. I wasn't wearing that at the time since it
wasn't gym class. We went out in teams to collect the specimens for our
biology class. Being kids, we ran off to our assignments. I didn't think
about the pants being so worn out that they'd fall apart, but they were
sabotaged. My friend had carefully cut small perforations from the fly to the
back waist. Anyway, I was fine until we reached a ditch and had to jump
across. When I leaped across it, those pants split along the perforation
leaving me hanging out. My team consisted of one other boy and four girls.
You can imagine the looks I got. I was big even then. So, I practically dived
into a bush so I wouldn't embarrass the girls and told them to go on
without me. I thought they all left, but one girl came back. She lifted her
dress and showed me her pussy before asking if I'd like to take a different
kind of field trip.”
    Andrea was giggling hysterically. Mike asked, “So, you agreed?”
    Steve said, “Yes, I agreed because I wondered already what it was like
to have sex. I was being offered my chance to find out, so I went ahead
and took off what I was wearing while she did the same. We were going at
it hot and strong when the teacher happened to walk by. I would have been
in bigger trouble except the girl was on top at the time. There was no way
for anyone to think that I was raping her. I mean, she was just having the
time of her life going up and down on me. Needless to say, I was sent back
to the bus while she had to stay beside the teacher the rest of the
afternoon. It was all my father could do to keep a straight face when I
explained the whole mess in the car after he picked me up at school. That
was when he told me that I made the wisest decision in my life by letting
the girl make the advances. Somehow, I don't think his advice is going to
be of much use here. Now you've heard about my first time. Okay?”
    Mike was giggling alongside of Andrea. Even some other women nearby
were laughing.
    Steve said, “I guess this will be all over camp before long.”
    “We're still trying to find out about Priscilla's first time. We figure hers
has to be the best, but yours was definitely funny,” Angelica said.
    Steve said, “I think Andrea and Mike now owe me their stories.”
    Angelica said, “I remember them saying that. Who's first?”
    Andrea said, “I'll go first, but you won't like mine. I don't like
remembering it, but it's partly the cause for me going to prison. My father
took me for my first time. My mother was out shopping and he called me
into his bedroom and ordered me to strip. Since he was my father, I did as
he told me. Afterwards, he threatened the life of my cat to keep me quiet.
That went on for a couple of years until my cat was killed by a car. That
was when I told my mother what was happening every weekend she went
shopping. The next time she went shopping, she picked up a little extra
and came home early enough to catch him on top of me. That was when
she killed him and ran, leaving me under my father and the gun on the floor
nearby.”
    Angelica said, “You didn't kill your father?”
    Andrea replied, “No, but I couldn't prove it because my mother was
killed in a traffic accident less than an hour later. That or she killed herself
with her car. No one bothered to check her for gunpowder residues. She was
figured by the police to be miles away shopping and I was stuck there
under my father whose brains she blew out from only a foot away. Anyway,
I was hysterical enough as it was with my dead father still on top when the
police arrived.”
    “Then they told me I was pregnant. I went ahead and had an abortion
which pissed off the authorities even more, despite the incest. I think
that's why they didn't check out anything else. They wanted to get me for
murder even if they had to frame me. With only a crummy public defender, I
didn't stand a chance. I was lucky that I didn't get the death penalty with
the way things were going. Anyway, that's how my first and all my times
were until today.”
    “Steve's the first man I gave myself to voluntarily, so he could be
considered to be my first. This was truthfully the first time I ever wanted a
man when I said so. I used to have to tell my father that I wanted him, but
I never meant it.”
    “I think I should tell mine later when we're in a better mood,” Mike
said.
    Andrea said, “Mike, I want to hear your story. We need something to
lift us out of the dump I put us all in. Please tell it.”
    “Sure, you might as well. I've a feeling that Andrea's right. We need a
little lift now. Tell us about your first,” Angelica said.
    Steve said, “Yes, tell us. I told you about my embarrassing first time.
What was yours like? Is it as funny as mine?”
    “Oh, I'd say that it's funny. I had this crush on a guy at school. High
school, that is. I'd saved myself up until my junior year. It was almost time
for the junior prom. High school rings and all the nice stuff that happens
then. I'd been hanging around this one guy for most of the year so it wasn't
at all unexpected for us to go to the junior prom as each other's dates.
Anyway, we got our rings, posed for some photos, and danced some. He
was an exquisite dancer. He went on to do that professionally,” Mike said.
    “Anyway, I had the hots for him and asked to leave early. He was a
perfect gentleman and fetched my wrap. We left in his father's car. I
snuggled up close to him, though that was a bit hard to do with front
bucket seats. Almost immediately, I realized he didn't have the slightest
clue about my intentions as he was driving us home. I had to ask him to
drive us somewhere secluded so we could talk. He agreed, though I think
he thought I wanted to talk about something else. I finally had to tell him
where to drive us.”
    “We arrived beside the lake on the far side where no one lived. That
was about as secluded as we could find without having other teens around
us. When we got there, I bounded out of the car, leaving my wrap behind
me and twirled around once or twice in the night air. It was still light
enough to see since there was a full moon at the time. I wasn't worried
about tripping and falling in my pretty dress. He finally caught up with me.
He smoked a cigarette and we walked toward the lake with me clutching
onto his elbow expecting him to ask me to give my body to him at every
moment.”
    “Anyway, he was still being a perfect gentleman. He didn't ask me at all
to have sex. When we reached the water, I was getting desperate since he
seemed slow as all get out and completely dense about having sex. That
was when I suggested that we go swimming. He looked at me as if I was
crazy, but I wanted to get him naked and hopefully in the mood. That was
when I dared him to go swimming with me. I was ready to threaten him by
making up stories the next week at school, but he accepted my dare.”
    “I stripped off completely while he kept on his briefs. One thing for
sure, he had on the sexiest pair of briefs I'd ever seen. Even without a hard
on, he looked fairly well hung, though not nearly half the size of Steve once
he did get an erection. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. We went into
the water and it was still cold, but I was determined to have my way with
him and lose my virginity. I was absolutely certain that I was in love with
him.”
    “Once we got into the water, we splashed around a bit and then we
moved closer to talk about how school had been so far for each of us. When
I was close enough, I ducked down and slipped his briefs off him down to
his knees. As I came up, I grabbed hold of his cock and said, ‘We're going
to conduct some business on the shore.’ That's how I really said it. I just
led him by his cock which expanded inside my grip until we were standing
on the shore. That was when I forced him down on top of me and spread
my legs before positioning him. I had to tell him to shove it in and get to
humping. He was a miserable lay, but he managed to rid me of my virginity
at least. I'm not even sure if he came.”
    Mike paused as the others were giggling. Angelica was saying, “God,
you sounded like a hooker!”
    Mike went on, “When he finished, neither of us were really very
satisfied. He asked me why I did all that. That was when I told him that I
was in love with him. It was just after I finished confessing my soul that he
admitted he was gay and in love with a boy! I was mortified to think that
I'd just made love to a queer! I shoved him off me and ran back to the
water! He followed, begging me to keep quiet about him and he wouldn't
say anything about what we did. We quietly agreed and left the water after
we both finished washing ourselves. We had to stand there together still
naked in the night air to dry off before either of us could put our clothes on.
Neither of us wanted to look at the other. We hardly spoke a dozen words
after our agreement.”
    “Once we were dry enough to dress, I let him drive me home. I swore
never to date anyone who hadn't dated other girls. I kept that promise and
only dated guys in my senior year who had been out with other girls. Of
course, I checked before hand with some of my close friends about whether
he'd tried to get anywhere with them, figuring that a gay boy wouldn't try
to get past holding hands. I finally had my first satisfying sexual encounter
near Christmas of my senior year. He didn't have as much between the
legs, but he knew how to use it. Anyway, that's my story.”
    Andrea said, “That is funny!”
    “You could have claimed to be trying to convert him if anyone found
out,” Angelica said.
    “I thought of that much later and was ready to claim just that in case
he ever talked, but he never said a word about it. I found out from him
before our agreement that he went through with taking me because he
wondered whether women were any good or not. I really disappointed him
and probably made him a confirmed homosexual in the process,” Mike said.
    “Oh god! You must have hated yourself all summer,” Angelica said.
    “I sure did. I thought I was the worst disgrace to womanhood in the
world for not being a good lay and failing to convert him,” Mike said.
    Steve said, “We better get back to the radios after we clean up. They're
depending on you, Mike.”
    “I know, I know. I just want to lie here for awhile and enjoy this feeling
until it fades away,” she replied.




                                 Chapter 8

Over Commander Zira said, “It's been five days and there isn't another
piece of Earth anywhere near the prison or dormitory according to our
scouts. Either the Lizzars have moved their tractor beam site or they've
changed their schedule. Nor have they amassed any troops at that site.
That's why I believe that they've probably moved it.”
    Commander Haro asked, “What about the mining sites? We've spotted
another one. Shouldn't we mount an attack on it?”
    Zira replied, “Only if we can be sure to free some people or warriors. I
don't want to send another mission out to return empty handed. What we
need is some new information. Send out a small party to capture a Lizzar
near the mining camp. Let's find out ahead of time what's in it. The humans
are right that we wasted too much energy in the past without the right
results.”
    Sub-commander Theo said, “I know a good squad that wants to go out
on a mission. May I send them?”
    Zira nodded.

                                    •   •   •

    Rone galloped away from the base camp. He was followed by his squad.
Each warrior carried a bow along with a quill full of arrows. Rone carried
those and a shotgun as well as one of the stun guns. He hoped it would
work on a Lizzar since it was his mission to capture one.

                                    •   •   •

    Mike looked up from her work. She plugged the radio into the generator
line and waved for it to be fired up. A moment later, it was chugging away
steadily. She picked up the handset and spoke softly, “Test, test. If you
can hear me, Steve, I want your body. I want you now. Test, test.”
    She glanced up at Steve to see if he was able to receive her while
listening to hear any response.
    “Are you trying to get me horny?” he replied.
    Mike switched to send and said, “Good, the radio works. Now we can
actually have some serious sex. Shut it off and get over here unless you
want me to crawl over and beg.”
    He replied, “Would you really do that?”
    Mike answered, “Don't push me, Steve. You're the only man who ever
gave me five orgasms and you've done it twice now.”
    Steve said, “Shutting off and turning on. Be there in a few moments.”
    Mike turned to one of her centaur bodyguards and said, “Tell Theo that
all the radios now work. After I play around some, I'll install it in the
generator car.”
    The centaur said, “You deserve your play time. Enjoy yourself. I shall
return after informing Sub-commander Theo.”
    Mike wondered if any of her hair would ever grow back. Her scalp was
still smooth with not the slightest stubble on it. Nor did she have any other
hair on her body as yet and it had already been five days since it
disappeared. Of course, there was one advantage to not having any hair.
She could fool around without Steve getting any hair in his teeth nor did
she get any hairs caught in her when he entered her. He was certainly a
tight fit. She was sure that a hair in that instance would hurt worse than
usual.
    So far, she hadn't seen any hair growing back on any of the other
women or on Steve. He didn't even have any beard stubble, which was nice
since there weren't but so many razors to go around. Consequently, most of
the other men were growing beards. It was easier keeping their beards
short rather than trying to remain clean-shaven.
    Mike smiled as Steve walked toward her. She could see that he was
already in the mood, though not fully aroused as yet.

                                   •   •   •

    Rone said, “The camp isn't very far ahead. We'll use the scope first to
observe from long distance in case they have a laser. If the way is clear,
then we'll move in and find a suitable Lizzar to capture.”
    Another centaur asked, “How will we know the Lizzar is suitable?”
    Rone said, “It will be night. He'll be alone and far enough away from
others for us to grab him.”

                                   •   •   •

    Mike finished putting the radio into the generator car. She tested it
once more with Steve some distance away at another radio.
    “Test, test. I like Steve in bed. You were great today, honey. Thank
you. Test, test.”
    “I still hear you loud and clear. I enjoyed you, too. Shutting down now,”
he replied.

                                   •   •   •

    Zira nodded at hearing that all four radios were functional. “Now that
we can communicate over long distances, Mike's value is even more
important to maintain this capability. She is to retain the bodyguards at all
times. This new way of fighting may be difficult for some of the warriors to
understand, but if fighting sometimes means that a warrior never sees the
enemy, then so be it. Be sure to rotate the warriors protecting Mike so that
they can see some action. That might compensate them for such dull duty.”
    Theo said, “I've already set up a rotating schedule with Gail's
assistance.”
    Zira said, “Good! I wish we could have sent a radio with the scouting
mission. Instead, we have to wait for them to return so we can find out
what they saw.”
    Theo added, “And to interrogate their prisoner if they succeeded in
capturing one.”
    Zira said, “That, too. I understand there is still nothing happening near
the prison.”
    Commander Haro said, “Nothing is happening there. It's as if they've
deserted it.”
    “I simply don't believe that the Lizzars have given up on finding
anything in the prison or dormitory. I suggest we send a patrol there to
check it out. Perhaps they have seen us coming and are hiding. Have the
patrol approach from a different route,” Jim said.
    Zira said, “Commander Haro, I give you that task. Check out the prison
and dormitory as Jim suggests.”
    “If you don't mind, I'd like to go along,” Jim said.
    Haro said, “And have you doubled up in pain after riding us? If anyone
goes, it should be a woman.”
    Zira said, “Commander Haro is right. I have seen how most of the men
are hurt by riding on us when we gallop. Your women have no problems for
the most part. If one of your women wants to volunteer to go along, then
she may. Otherwise, we'll not risk the mission.”
    “You're right about how riding bareback on any of you hurts us men.
Still, I feel sure that I can rig up something to protect myself,” Jim said.
    Zira said, “The mission will leave tonight. I will not permit you to go
until I've seen you demonstrate how effective your protective measures are.
Either get a woman volunteer or the patrol will be strictly warriors.”
    “I'll circulate among the women to see if any want to volunteer,” Jim
said.
    Zira said, “But not Mike! She is needed to maintain the radios.”
    “I wasn't going to ask her,” Jim said.

                                    •   •    •

    Angelica asked, “Hey, Priscilla! We've all been telling about our first
time. What was yours like? Was it an orgy?”
    Priscilla turned her head and smiled at Angelica while her nails prodded
the man on her to pound away harder. “You really want to know about my
first time?”
    Sasha said, “Yes, we're very curious. Most of us have wondered after
sharing our own stories. Would you share with us?”
    Priscilla smiled, then said, “Sure, if you don't mind a few interruptions
now and then.”
    Angelica said, “We'll understand if you're interrupted. Go ahead. We'd
really like to hear how you had your first boy or is it boys?”
    “It was multiple. Where I lived, there were woods behind the house and
a stream that ran through the woods. There was one spot that was perfect
for swimming on hot summer days. The boys from the neighborhood used to
go into the woods all the time while I was usually sitting at home playing
with dolls or other girls. When I got into puberty, something inside me
seemed to tell me that I wanted to be with boys. One hot day, I followed
some of them into the woods. I was starting to develop and was somewhat
ahead of the other girls as I had tits that stuck out already. I also had a
slight bush of pubic hair and felt proud that I was becoming a woman,”
Priscilla said.
    “When I followed the boys, I saw them reach the stream where they
took off all their clothes to go swimming. It was the first time I ever saw
any of them that way. Needless to say, I wasn't horrified by the strange
sight of something different between the boys legs than what I had. I
somehow knew that it was meant to be used inside what I had, even
though my parents hadn't told me anything of the facts of life. What
happened after that is that the boys swam themselves into exhaustion
before lying naked on the bank to just talk with one another. While they
were doing that, I was undressing and playing with myself. I discovered
real quickly that a finger felt good where I instinctively knew one of their
dicks should be placed. It didn't take me long to get the courage up to walk
up to them while still naked and dare them to let me play with them. Some
of the boys were older and knew what I was after. They were the ones who
let me play first.”
    “Still, as with all good things, they eventually had to go home and so
did I that day. But from that day forward, I went out to the woods every
summer day and played with as many as ten boys, giving them and myself
more experience than most kids our ages had. It wasn't until the fall after
school started that I was caught by my mother while with the boys and
sent off to an all-girls school. Now you know what my first time was like.”
    Angelica said, “God, you took on how many that first time?”
    “I remember it as being six boys. They were very careful about keeping
our secret so the number didn't go up very fast to ten,” Priscilla said.
    Angelica asked, “And you didn't have any close calls before your mother
caught you?”
    Priscilla answered, “Sure we did. We had to run like blazes once and
leave all our clothes behind. Course, they were carefully hidden by then as
we'd thought about that possibility before that happened. Even though we
ran off into the woods, that didn't keep us from stopping once we were
safely out of sight to resume our fun. We had some interesting experiments
while in the woods.”
    Sasha said, “Wish I had your guts to try that many.”
    “It wasn't guts or courage. It was an addiction with me. Still is. I simply
had to have it to feed the need I felt. I couldn't go a day without feeling
the equivalent of withdrawal pains. Trying to lead a normal life was the
pits, but I managed until we wound up here. I'm only glad that I didn't wind
up as the warden of a men's prison. I don't think I could have held up for
long under the strain of that many men at my disposal,” Priscilla said.

                                   •   •   •

    Rone pressed the stun gun against the Lizzar sentry who another
centaur lured away from his post with strange sounds. The Lizzar jerked
about spasmodically before falling to the ground. Quickly, two other centaur
warriors tied up the Lizzar before he was put across the back of the
strongest centaur in the squad.
    After checking that he had his entire squad, Rone led them away from
the mining camp. He wanted to put as much distance as possible between
themselves and it before the moons rose in the sky.

                                   •   •   •

    “What is at the mining camp you guarded?” Commander Haro
demanded.
    “It's a mining camp. There is iron ore there,” the prisoner answered.
    Haro demanded, “What else? Are there any centaur warriors held
there?”
    The prisoner answered, “Only slaves. There are no warriors there except
for we Lizzars.”
    “Let me try to get some straight answers from him. Maybe cutting off
his pecker or his balls will make him talk more freely,” Jim said.
    Haro said, “This is my interrogation. Please restrain yourself, Jim. I'm
sure the prisoner wants to discuss this with me in a pleasant manner.”
    Jim said, “You're too easy on him! It doesn't take much to loosen
anyone's tongue. You just have to know where to start!”
    Haro said, “I'm conducting this, Jim. Go outside and cool off some.”
    Jim left the APC the Lizzar was being interrogated within. After he got
outside and closed the hatch, he smiled at the other centaur warriors and
people waiting for news.
    Rone asked, “Are any of our warriors or people there?”
    Jim nodded.

                                   •   •   •

    Over Commander Zira said, “Okay, he didn't know much about the next
time the tractor beam will be used or where it's at. He did know where a lot
of warriors and people are held. Commander Haro, give us the layout you
learned from our late prisoner.”
    Haro said, “Okay, there is a laser unit stationed outside the camp. It's
a good thing that Rone approached it from inside their lines instead of from
our side. Otherwise his patrol would have run into the laser unit. With that
in mind, we'll use two cars to race up to the laser unit and put it out of
commission. Some of the prisoners are going to be weak from working in
the mines. We'll use the APC to carry them back, particularly since those
are mostly men. Any women we find in the camp will have to ride on our
backs. I recommend Sub-commander Frea's Fifth Cohort for that task.
They're well rested and back up to strength.”
    Zira nodded.
    Haro continued, “For the attack on the guards, after the laser is out,
Sub-commander Theo's Second Cohort should be sufficient. The First, Sixth,
and Seventh Cohorts will move into blocking positions to prevent
reinforcements from reaching the camp before we evacuate all the
prisoners.”
    Again, Zira nodded.
    Haro said, “I want to use the radio car to travel among those blocking
forces and keep communication with the APC so they'll know when to move
out or disengage from the enemy. It wouldn't be to our advantage to lose
more warriors than we liberate.”
    Zira said, “Yes, it is time that we use our radio resources to some
advantage. Much as I dislike remaining here, I've been convinced that I
should so that control and overall strategy won't be compromised. I'll be
near the radio that Mike brought so I can remain in contact with you. The
Eighth and Ninth Cohorts will be standing by to race in and reinforce you if
anything goes wrong. The Tenth Cohort stills need rest and to regain unit
strength. It will be some while before the new Third and Fourth Cohorts are
ready for battle. They are still much too young and sloppy, though they
show steady improvement. Most of them have yet to use a breeder. I will
not jeopardize our future until necessary.”
    Commander Haro nodded in agreement. He easily remembered when he
was young and a member of an equally young cohort that wanted to do
battle but wasn't ready for it. Another, nearly as young cohort was given
the call when an emergency came up. Only a quarter of them survived.
Their loss was devastating to the community and their overall fight for
freedom. It was dampening to everyone's spirit. The new, young cohorts
didn't remember those days as they were much too young to understand
fully what happened then. Telling them now might not sink in, but no one
was going to send them unless it was absolutely necessary.




                                Chapter 9

Jim and Pete kept watch from the APC's upper turret hatch, though it wasn't
much of a turret without a machine gun mounted on it. Mitch drove as they
kept pace with the Fifth Cohort. Ahead of them moved the Second Cohort
whose task was to engage and kill the guards. Still farther ahead of them
were two cars speeding toward the laser unit that had to be destroyed if
they were to have any chance of success.
    Three other cohorts left even earlier along with two more cars. One was
the ramming car and the other was the generator and radio car. They'd
support the blocking forces and keep them advised of any changes in the
situation.
    “Blocking force to liberation force. No change in status. Terrain is good
for movement and no Lizzar forces in sight yet. We're about to split up for
our zones of control. Over.”
    Pete answered, “Liberation force. So far, we're on schedule. Our ETA
remains firm. We should be at the camp in one hour.”
                                    •   •   •

    Mike listened to the calls. Zira stood near her. He said nothing about
the fact that Steve hadn't gone out to fight. Nor did he seem concerned
that over thirty women were still in camp. After all, many of them were
busy teaching reading and other skills to the two cohorts and the breeders
who remained behind.
    Steve wondered about their strange alliance. He felt somewhat guilty
about not going, but was told that there really wasn't going to be room in
the APC for him so they could bring back the men they liberated. He didn't
know it, but had he gone another five women would have volunteered to
ride on the backs of centaurs into battle simply to be near him. Still, he
was surprised that eight women from the dormitory had volunteered to ride
on the backs of strong, male centaur warriors into battle. They probably
wouldn't do much since they were assigned to Frea's Fifth Cohort where
they could help deal with the women to be brought back. Except for Priscilla
and Sheila, the women from the prison were also riding with them, giving
Frea's force fourteen extra pairs of eyes and hands that might be
desperately needed.
    Zira listened for more information. He didn't much like his new role in
the background. Though he knew the men and women advising him were
right about not putting the overall leadership in direct jeopardy, he still felt
his place was in sight of his forces, if only to inspire them. Occasionally he
paced about, careful not to bump into the radio or Mike. He followed her
gaze and concluded that she was desperate for Steve's attention. Had he
not needed her there to expertly handle the radio, he might have sent the
two of them off to fuck each other's brains out. He suppressed a chuckle at
the colorful phrase he remembered that had caught on among his warriors
and breeders. Had he been cornered into a confession, he would have
admitted that he also liked the phrase. Besides, he saw no reason why she
couldn't be a breeder as well as their radio technician as it would then fit in
better with what his people expected of females who remained in camp.
    “Liberation force to all units. The laser is destroyed. I repeat, the laser
is destroyed. All units attack, attack, attack.”
    Zira smiled and sighed with relief. He knew then that his losses would
be less than usual. Still, he wished he could see the battle instead of
listening to short messages.

                                    •   •   •
    John heard the clanking and engine sounds reverberating through the
mine shaft. He wasn't sure whether the clanking was from swords or not,
but he felt certain that the engines were from the cars he sent away from
Conway before it fell. He turned toward his guard and threw his short iron
pry bar at the guard's face. The guard fell and John leaped at him to take a
weapon, even if it meant using the pry bar again.

                                    •   •   •

    Cheryl saw the APC and cars entering the compound while centaur
warriors, some bearing women, galloped into the camp at a charge. Most of
the centaurs wielded bows and arrows that they used quite expertly against
the Lizzars who were unable to approach them or engage in close combat.
She picked up some of the rocks of ore and threw them at the guards
overseeing her and the other women.
    Around her, other women followed her example as they pelted the
guards from one side while arrows were loosed at them from another. In
short order, her guard and others were down on the ground. Those who
weren't dead were soon killed by women who bashed their skulls in or
picked up their swords to skewer them. More than one woman avenged
herself by using a sword to emasculate some of the guards.
    As the centaurs carrying women reached them, many of the women
dismounted to run over and assist with removing the chains that bound
their ankles. Some carried hammers and chisels. They quickly worked at
freeing the women so they could be mounted on the backs of waiting
centaur warriors whose only task was to spirit them away to safety.
    Cheryl waited her turn. As she waited, she glanced around at the melee
of fighting still taking place. She hadn't even realized until just then that
some of the women in chains were dead, having been too close to their
guards to avoid being hacked to death with swords. That was when she
realized that those were the guards some women were still beating on,
even though they were also quite dead. She went over to one, then
another, to calm them and send them over to have their chains removed.
    The vision of the APC was still even more marvelous to Cheryl as she
realized that it and all of the women who rode in were newcomers. She
recognized only some of the men standing in the cars.
    Jim hollered, “Where are the men?”
    Cheryl shouted back, “They're in the mines! Over there!”
    “Thanks! See you back at camp!” Jim shouted as the APC turned and
headed for the mine shafts that burrowed into the side of a steep hill.

                                   •   •   •

    John finished beating on the Lizzar with his pry bar before finally
gaining the Lizzar's sword. Knowing that he couldn't do much while still
chained, he sat back and worked at breaking just one of the links so he
could run. He wondered how the fighting was going outside since he hadn't
heard any gun fire as yet. Then it occurred to him that they were probably
out of ammunition for the guns by now. He knew that they'd be relying on
bows and whatever else they managed to cobble together.
    He looked up suddenly as he heard running footsteps coming toward
him. Determined not to die sitting down, he stood up and held the sword
and pry bar in position to fight. When he saw the naked, bald woman come
running to him, he was stunned. He almost had to look at her twice to even
be sure she was a woman.
    She said, “Come on! We've got an APC outside waiting to get you to
safety.”
    “An APC? An Armored Personnel Carrier?” he asked as she took his hand
and began leading him out of the mine.
    “Yes, that's what I mean. I'm Connie. I came in the third group from
Earth. You can learn about everything that's happened once we get you all
to safety.”
    “Third group? Thanks, Connie. I'm John Weaver.”
    “You're the coach I've heard about? Wow! Everyone will be glad you're
still alive and back safely!” she exclaimed.
    “I don't know why. My team lost,” he replied.
    “No, you didn't. Maybe you and a bunch of others got captured, but you
really won the battle. So far, we've kept them from getting any technology
from any of the sites.”
    “I have one question. Why'd you shave your hair off? I can understand
why some women shave their underarms, but your head and face, too?”
    Connie said, “It wasn't shaved. It was some sort of reaction like
happened to the synthetic clothes on two sites. On ours, it was every hair
on our bodies that went poof!”
    “Will it grow back?”
    “We don't know yet. It's been six days so far. There's not hint of any
stubble on any of us women or the one man who was with us.”
    John said, “God, you all must have brought the entire army!” as he
blinked against the daylight and stopped just within the entrance to the
mine.
    “Close to it.”
    “Well, you should be concentrating on finding and destroying the tractor
beam. If that's not destroyed, we can still lose. Now forget me and get that
information to Zira, if he's still alive.”
    Connie said, “Zira's still alive and back at camp. He controls the battle
by radio now.”
    “You made radios?” he exclaimed.
    “No, but we have some now and someone who can fix them. She's at
the camp with her own bodyguards to protect her day and night.”
    “Thank goodness someone used their heads. I made too many mistakes
already. We don't need anymore.”
    Connie said, “Here comes the APC. You can talk to Zira on its radio.”
    “Yeah, and get these chains off while I'm inside it. Take care of
yourself, Connie. You're still a beautiful woman,” John said.
    “Really? You'd give me a roll in the grass?”
    “Sure and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for escorting
me to the APC and telling me some of what's been going on.”

                                      •   •   •

    Zira said, “Hello, John. So good to hear your voice again.”
    “Zira, you don't have any time to waste. The Lizzar tractor beam site
must be found, no matter what the cost. If we don't put it out of
commission, the Lizzars will eventually gain the technology they need to
even the war back out. With their head start on industrialization, they'll
win. The tractor beam site has to be destroyed.”
    “I think I understand what you're saying. Is it that important that we
find the sites now?”
    “Sooner or later, the Lizzars will rip off a piece of Earth that we won't
reach in time to prevent them from taking whatever technology is on it.
When that happens, they're going to catch back up with us and retake the
lead. Even if it costs half our force, we must destroy any tractor beam sites
they have. Otherwise, we might as well all hold up our hands and surrender
now.”
    Zira said, “In that case, I'll send out patrols immediately to search for
the tractor beam site. They'll be instructed to bring back prisoners for
interrogation. We'll find it. Put Jim on the radio now, please.”
                                    •    •   •

    Zira watched as squads of young centaur warriors went out on their first
mission. He hated to send them, but they were all he could spare. He
hoped they all returned safely. Even more so, he hoped they returned with
information on where the tractor beam unit was located. As well, he still
had one squad of centaur warriors out on patrol near the prison and was
equally worried about them. Even so, they were experienced and knew what
they were up against.

                                    •    •   •

    John stood at the hatch to the APC where he could watch the remaining
action while Connie hammered off his chains. Even without any hair, he still
found her delightfully sexy in appearance. Consequently, his manhood
sprang upward, almost smacking her in the forehead as it did so. When she
next gazed up at him after removing the chains from one ankle, she was
startled to see his massive male member pointing straight at her.
    Connie said, “God, you must have been without a woman for months
now. I'm not even sexy looking anymore and you look like you don't mind.”
    “I wish that was the truth. The sad fact of the matter is the Lizzars
forced us to have sex with the women every night for close to two hours
before they'd permit us to sleep. It's even possible that they slipped us
some fertility drugs because all of the other men and myself found
ourselves able to come the entire time after awhile. Maybe I'm just horny
from whatever they slipped us, but you are definitely sexy looking. I sure
as hell wouldn't kick you out of my bed, even if I wasn't so damn horny.”
    “My baldness doesn't bother you?”
    “Absolutely not! I find you still very beautiful and attractive,” he
answered.
    “If we had time, I'd do more right now to show my gratitude,” she
replied.
    “You don't have to thank me for speaking the truth,” he said.
    She looked up and smiled at him. “I've got to get this chain off you
now.”
    John turned his head and looked as one girl ran screaming from a mine
shaft while holding her arm to stem the bleeding. “There's three Lizzars in
this mine! I couldn't fight them all!”
    Two nearby centaurs charged for the mine entrance while some women
ran to care for the wounded woman. The two centaurs entered the mine
with their bows ready and their swords near at hand.
    “I think Earl was in that shaft. I hope they get him back alive,” John
said.
    Connie said, “They'll do their best.”
    Minutes later, the two centaurs came out with Earl slung over one of
them. He was bleeding, but apparently alive. One of the centaurs was
likewise bleeding, but capable of caring for himself, though he didn't refuse
the ministrations of some of the women who gathered around to help Earl
and him. After Earl was bandaged, he was carried over to the APC and set
down beside John.
    Connie swung the hammer and the last link parted. “Just in time. Now I
can begin on his chains.”
    John asked, “How bad are you hurt, Earl?”
    Earl replied, “Not bad, John, but I'm not going to be screwing around
tonight. Maybe not for a few nights until my leg is better. Those centaurs
sure showed up in the nick of time. Otherwise, I was a goner.”
    “Looks like we lost a few women. I see two other men. Still some folks
unaccounted for. I hope we didn't cost too many casualties to rescue,” John
said.
    Connie said, “It was pretty well planned out. Zira and the others are
listening to any ideas we might have for how to fight and where. He's really
excited, though he often doesn't show it, about how we're going to defeat
the Lizzars in his lifetime. I didn't know we had this many more women on
this world.”
    John asked, “Is that a problem?”
    Connie answered, “It's beginning to...No, it is a problem. There simply
aren't enough men to go around. I can see that I'm either going to have to
share someday or be an old spinster. Being an old spinster isn't what I
planned on, but I doubt that anyone will marry me if my hair doesn't grow
back.”
    Earl said, “God, woman, with your body? I'd marry you in a heartbeat.
The only thing I have to warn you about is that I want lots of sex.”
    She said, “John mentioned you all suspect your food was tampered
with. I don't think I'd mind if my husband wanted a lot of sex. If he's too
much for me, I'll let him marry a second wife to help me at night.”
    Earl said, “In that case, I'm asking you right now if you'll marry me. I'll
understand if you don't, seeing as I'm black. But if you do, I'll sure treat
you right. Not just in bed, either. I mean all the time.”
    Connie said, “Can I think about it some? I promised John that we might
do something later. You might not want me then.”
    “That don't bother me none, woman. We're kind of used to sharing
now,” Earl said.
    “My name's Connie,” she said.
    “And I'm Earl. If you promised something, then you go ahead and do it.
I'm not going to hold that against you if you don't hold all the women I
took against me,” he said.
    “Connie, you don't have to honor me later. Go ahead and marry Earl if
you want. Believe me, I've got more than enough women sharing my bed,”
John said.
    “You're not just passing me off because I'm bald?” she asked.
    John answered, “No, I'm not. Believe me, I'm only doing this to be
honorable so you won't have any interference in your marriage. That is, if
you decide to marry Earl.”
    Earl said, “One thing about John is that he never turns down women. He
really is being honorable right now.”
    Connie said, “I made a promise that I have to live up to. If you still
want to marry me after that, then we'll discuss it, Earl.”
    “Don't need to discuss anything with me, Connie. I like you with or
without hair,” Earl said.
    John asked, “Is Earl's truck still at Conway?”
    Earl said, “God damn, I almost forgot about that. Do you think it was
too large for the Lizzars to carry off?”
    “I'm hoping that they didn't since it would have been difficult to get
down without wrecking it. I think if we can get the truck down ourselves,
we could put it to some good use,” John said.
    Earl said, “Sure would be nice to have some privacy occasionally, even if
it's only my truck cab.”
    “I'm not thinking about that. I'm remembering how the Lizzars finally
got us by shoving huge ramps up against our town so they didn't have to
climb. We held them off fine while they had to climb. We even held them
off a little with the Molotovs as they brought the ramps up. I'm still
amazed that they managed to get those heavy iron ramps moved so fast,”
John said.
    Earl said, “They're not solid iron. George and the Principal had
something to do with the design. That much I do know. I also think they
showed them how to properly use wheels.”
    “That accounts for how they got those heavy ramps into place so easily
despite our defense,” John said.
    Connie said, “They moved the ramps to the prison and then used them
against our dormitory.”
    “Well, then we need to capture one of those ramps as well. We should
be able to modify it and place it behind Earl's truck. That way we can move
from island to island,” John said.
    “Island?” asked Earl.
    “Think about it, Earl. Every location they ripped from Earth is probably
like Conway since Connie just said they used the ramps at the other two
sites. That makes each piece of Earth just like an island on the plains. Until
we destroy the tractor beam sites, we need to have access to every island
whether the Lizzars are there or not. The only way we're going to
accomplish that is to possess our own ramp. Otherwise, we're going to
waste valuable time grading a slope for access. I don't like making
permanent access routes that the Lizzars can use, too. Your truck is
virtually the only vehicle capable of handling one of those ramps. All we
have to do is use the ramming car in the lead with you right behind pulling
the ramp. The other cars can follow you while the slower APC sticks with
the cohorts. When we find a new island under attack, the ramming car
makes a path. You follow it in and drop off the ramp when the leading edge
reaches the island. Then you drive off behind the ramming car to safety
while the other cars charge up the ramp to help defend the new island.
While the cohorts, APC, and ramming car fight the Lizzars, the people from
the cars load up any technology that can be used, destroy the rest, then
make arrangements to bring out the people or defend them until they can
make another trip to the island after getting the technology to safety. Once
we have the place cleaned out or safe, we'll leave it to the Lizzars,” John
said.
    Earl said, “You're going to have to put armor on my truck. I'm not
driving through all those spear-chucking lizards without any protection.”
    “Absolutely. We'll put armor on your cab to protect you completely.
You're too valuable since I don't know anyone else who can drive your
truck. Not as skillfully as you, anyway,” John said.
    Earl asked, “What about fuel?”
    John answered, “Unless the Lizzars have destroyed the buried tanks at
the gas station, we should have diesel fuel for your truck.”
    Connie said, “This APC uses diesel and they got their fuel from
Conway.”
    “There! You see! We do have fuel for your truck if it's still there,” John
exclaimed.
    Earl said, “I guess the Lizzars are still learning about burying treasures.
All they know about so far are copper and iron.”
    “Copper?” asked John.
    “Yes, they were mining a vein of copper in my shaft as well as the iron.
I broke through to it yesterday and they were all excited about it. I guess
the word didn't get to you last night,” Earl replied.
    “Yes, they would have knowledge about copper if they have electricity.
At least, I think they would,” John said.
    Earl said, “I know for a fact that they have knowledge about several
metals. They're very excited about steel and other metals they hadn't seen
before we came here.”
    John stepped into the APC. “I'm going to talk with Jim about making a
detour to Conway on the way back. We need to know if your truck is still
there or not. It's too valuable to lose. I wish you'd been there to drive it
away when we sent off the books we saved. We could have emptied out
that library completely and taken a lot more as well.”
    Jim was talking on the radio. John listened in without interrupting.
    “The Lizzars now have bows and arrows! We don't know how they made
them, but they have them now! Over.”
    “Have the centaurs fall back and stay out of range. We're almost
through here. Any other developments? Over,” Jim said.
    “Only one, but it's not very important. They also have some sort of
multiple-seated bicycle. It carries five Lizzars, but they don't stand up to
ramming. We've taken out a dozen of them so far. Over.”
    “Good! Keep them from gaining too much ground on the cohorts and
don't stay past your safety margin of fuel. When you get to that point,
you're to radio us and start withdrawing immediately. We should be
finished shortly so you won't have to hold them off very much longer. Over,”
Jim said.
    “Understood, Jim. Out!”
    “Sounds like more of George's handiwork,” said John.
    “More?” asked Jim.
    “We believe he's partly responsible for designing the ramps the Lizzars
used to capture Conway with. Speaking of which, I'd like to have you detour
the force to Conway so we can find out if Earl's truck is still there. If it is,
we need to recover it before the Lizzars figure out how to get it down from
there. We have more use for it than they do,” John said.
    “That's not a bad idea since we'll need to refuel most of the cars. We'll
plan for now on heading for Conway unless the Lizzars present some new
obstacles. Then we'll see whether we can get past those or not,” Jim said.
    “Good enough for me. Thanks, Jim,” John replied.

                                      •   •   •

    Zira looked up with glee at the return of his patrol to the prison and
dormitory. They were all alive and healthy, though they did appear to be
tired. He galloped over to meet them rather than make them report to him
as their fatigue was evident.
    “Over Commander! You didn't have to come out to us!”
    Zira said, “Forget that. I'm glad to see you're all safe. How was your
mission?”
    Squad leader Mira said, “The Lizzars took everything they could find
that was loose in the prison and the dormitory. Nothing was left behind but
empty walls.”
    “Everything? What could they do with that useless material?” asked
Zira.
    Mira said, “We don't know, but we saw signs that large numbers of
Lizzars passed there recently. Maybe the day before we reached it.”
    “Where were they headed?” asked Zira.
    “Toward our territory,” she answered.
    Zira thought momentarily, then having reached a conclusion said, “Alert
everyone to prepare for a counter-strike by the Lizzars. Mike! Notify the
reserve cohorts to return to camp at once! Tell the other units to hurry
back! We may come under attack soon! We have young to protect!”
    Mike switched to transmit and said, “Base camp to reserve force. Base
camp to reserve force. Over.”
    “Reserve force, over.”
    “Over Commander Zira wants the entire reserve force to return to camp
to prepare for possible Lizzar counter-strike. Report back at once. Over.”
    “Understood. Over.”
    “Base camp to all other forces. Base camp to all other forces. Over.”
    “This is Blocking force. Over.”
    “Rescue force. Over.”
    “Base camp to all other forces. Over Commander Zira wants your forces
to hurry back. We may come under attack by a Lizzar counter-strike. Over.”
    “Rescue force to Blocking force. Withdraw immediately and return to
camp. Rescue force is pulling out now. We are heading for Conway to
refuel. Advise you refuel the ramming car before heading for base camp.
Over.”
    “Blocking force to Rescue force. Understood. We will disengage the
enemy now. Blocking force to Base camp. We're on our way. Out.”

                                    •   •   •

    “The APC is needed at the base camp,” John said.
    “The APC needs fuel before it can get back to base camp. We're still
going to Conway. The cars might make it back without refueling, but they'll
be running on fumes by then. It's better that they refuel first. One thing for
sure, this counter-strike isn't George's doing,” Jim said.
    “No, this would be Paul's doing. He's actually pretty good, considering
what he has to work with,” John said.

                                    •   •   •

    Mike packed up her radio and placed it on the back of one of her centaur
bodyguards. She mounted on the back of another. Around her, the entire
camp busily gathered the pieces of weapons being made for more warriors
while sentries were sent out farther to give earlier warning. Even Priscilla
went about picking up and packing away newly made arrows to be issued
when needed. Zira was nervous as he paced about, wondering if he would
have to fight a rear action defense with only a few guards against
numerous Lizzars who might overwhelm him and them in seconds. One of
the patrols of young centaurs galloped in, their hides sweaty with foam as
they sounded an additional alarm.
    Zira shouted, “Over here with me! If we have to fight, you'll get your
chance!”
    The young centaurs wasted no time in running over to stand with Over
Commander Zira.
    “We saw thousands of Lizzars! Two patrols are attempting to lead them
off. We were out of sight and returned to warn you.”
    Zira said, “You and they have done well. I hope they are successful and
live to tell many stories. There aren't many of us, but we'll give the others
enough time to escape.”
    One young centaur asked, “What formation will we use?”
    Zira looked around at the forty centaur warriors he had available while
he considered his options. He finally said, “We'll use hit and run tactics
meant for patrols. When they get within range, we'll hit, then run away
from them. Maybe we can tire them out. Mira, put your warriors out on our
flanks. I don't want the Lizzars to trap us before we have a chance to do
anything to them. The rest of you will stand with me in the center. At least,
we still have time. We might not even have to fight them if the camp
moves quickly enough.”

                                   •   •   •

    Mike leaned over and took the microphone. She switched to send. “Base
camp to all other forces. We are moving now. Lizzar position is currently
unknown. They may have followed two patrols who are leading them away.
Out.”

                                   •   •   •

    Zira put his binoculars to his eyes and scanned the horizon. A moment
later, he exclaimed, “Damn! They must have cut off the other two patrols!
They're heading this way!”
    One young centaur warrior whispered, “He used one of those human
words.”
    Another said, “Whatever it means, he must be using it right.”
    Zira said, “Stand ready to fall back after our patrols pass through. I just
hope they don't try to turn around and attack when they see us. We're
better off if we can gather our strength together.”

                                   •   •   •

    Steve gazed briefly at the small brave band of centaur warriors, then
turned and seized a bow and a carefully sewn leaf full of arrows. “Anyone
else going to fight for their freedom? I'm not letting the centaurs fight
alone.”
    As he looked at the former college women, his eyes bore into them,
showering them with guilt until most of them picked up a weapon and
walked over to stand with him.
    Steve said, “Now we can't do as much, but we can provide a big
surprise for the Lizzars when they get here. Here's what I think we can
do...”

                                   •   •   •

    As the tired remnants of two patrols approached, Zira said, “Well done.
I am glad you didn't try to fight the Lizzars by yourselves. Now we are
stronger. How far behind you are the Lizzars?”
    The squad leader answered, “Not more than two fingers of the sun
moving.”
    Zira said, “Then we still have time. Rest now. You will have need of
your strength and energy later.”

                                    •   •   •

    Steve caught up to the centaurs moving the camp's possessions. He
scanned the various individuals until he spotted the one carrying what he
needed. He ran full out to reach the individual centaur and was out of
breath when he did.
    “What's wrong, Steve? Are the Lizzars close now?”
    Steve answered, “Not yet...I need one of those containers...for the
battle...”
    The centaur replied, “Take it then, if it will help.”
    Steve grasped the container and staggered back toward the camp.

                                    •   •   •

    Miranda reached Zira. She was almost out of breath.
    Zira asked, “Have the Lizzars gotten behind us? Are the young safe?”
    Miranda said, “We're all okay. Steve came up with a plan. He wants you
to fall back toward the campsite when you withdraw. He's got a big surprise
in store for the Lizzars that can even the odds some.”
    “Very well. We shall do that. You can go back now,” Zira replied.
    Miranda said, “I'd rather stay and fight with you. Will someone let me
ride on him or her?”

                                    •   •   •

    Steve staggered into the camp with the container. The women were
busy working as he instructed. As soon as he set the container down,
several women carried their modified arrows over to him and the gasoline
he had carried back.
    Steve said, “Okay, go easy on each arrow. Just enough to keep it
burning in flight. I don't want it dripping fire on us before we shoot them
off. Debra, you lead half the women to that rise. That will give you more
elevation so you can shoot farther. Lenora, you lead the rest of the women
over there to that other rise. I'll be near the camp to set off the last of the
fireworks. Don't shoot until you have a ride, unless the Lizzars are bearing
down on you.”

                                    •   •   •

    Zira spotted the Lizzars through his binoculars. He could see that they
would be within normal eyesight of his force fairly soon unless they had
binoculars or rifle scopes with them. If that was the case, he knew they
could see him as well, already.
    “Can you see them yet, Over Commander?”
    Zira answered, “Yes, I can see their front ranks now. Our last sentries
are returning now. We grow only a little stronger. Miranda, are you sure
Steve's plan will work?”
    She answered, “He thinks it will. It's worth a try, isn't it?”
    Zira said, “Yes, it's worth a try. If we can cook a thousand Lizzars and
chase them off, it will be a great victory for us. If not, then no one will
condemn us for losing to such odds as these. Here come the runners from
the flanks. Hopefully they will only tell us that they know of our plans and
not that the Lizzars are outflanking us.”

                                    •   •   •

    Steve practiced shooting a couple of plain arrows at a log used to cut
arrows from. He realized quickly that he wasn't good enough to hit the gas
container. Not while far enough away from it to keep from being blasted
himself. He ran over to the container and poured some of it onto the grass
around it so his target would be larger. Then he ran back and waited.

                                    •   •   •

    Zira ordered, “Fire two shots and withdraw!”
    Two volleys of arrows flew out from his warriors at the approaching
Lizzar units that marched in orderly formations. A few arrows bounced off
armor chest plates. A few arrows found legs or arms. Some even found
throats and faces, but only a very few Lizzars fell from the ranks before the
centaur rear guard turned and ran out of range. One warrior cried out as an
arrow hit him in the rump, but he didn't stop or falter. He kept up with the
rest without any complaints beyond his initial cry of pain.
    Zira held up his hand after they ran for about a minute. The centaurs
turned and faced the oncoming Lizzar units once more. As the Lizzars
marched at them, the centaurs rested briefly and readied their next volleys
of arrows.
    “Fire!” ordered Zira. “Fire and withdraw!”
    A few more Lizzars fell from the ranks while his force withdrew at a
gallop to put themselves safely out of range of Lizzar return fire.

                                     •   •   •

    Steve watched as the rear guard approached closer and closer to the
campsite. With his palms sweaty and his hands nervous, he realized that
his plan might not work. He hoped and prayed that he wasn't putting the
entire defense at risk because he came up with a stupid idea.

                                     •   •   •

    “Fire! Fire and withdraw!” Zira ordered in sending out two more volleys.

                                     •   •   •

    As Zira's force dropped back to his position, Steve said, “So nice to see
you again. We're ready here.”
    Zira said, “If this works, we'll never fear the Lizzars attacking our base
camp again.”
    Steve said, “I don't think this will stop them from trying again. All it will
do is stop them this time. By the way, how good are you with a bow? I just
discovered that I'm a lousy shot.”
    Zira said, “I have some warriors who are very good. Give your arrow to
one of them and tell him what to do.”
    Steve asked, “Who's the best shot here with a bow?”
    One centaur said, “Kono's the best shot!”
    Steve said, “Okay, Kono, use this arrow to shoot that gas container
when the Lizzars reach the campsite. It has to be lit first. You can use my
lighter.”
    Kono said, “I have a lighter, but you're welcome to ride my back and
light the arrow. That way, you can advise me when to shoot.”
    Zira said, “Good idea, Kono! Steve, ride on Kono!”

                                     •   •   •

    Zira ordered, “Fire! Fire and withdraw!”
    Steve said, “They can see the camp! They'll believe the rest of our camp
is still close because we're still fighting them!”
    Zira said, “They appear to be impatient now,” after glancing over his
shoulder.
    Steve said, “I'm counting on that.”
    Zira ordered, “Halt!”
    The centaurs stopped and turned to face the enemy while still in easy
arrow range of the camp, but not as far ahead as they used to run.
    Steve held up his right hand with his middle finger extended at the
Lizzars while shouting, “Fuck you!”
    Zira asked, “You wish them sex?”
    Steve said, “We use the same words to also mean that we wish them
bad luck. It takes a bit of explaining. In fact, I usually don't use such
words, but I felt it was appropriate in this situation.”
    “Over Commander! They are charging!”
    Zira looked at the enemy as it reached the edge of the campsite.
    Steve said, “Hold the arrow up so I can light it before they block our
target, Kono.”
    Kono held the arrow over his shoulder while Steve flicked his lighter
once, twice, then a third time before it produced a flame. He held it to the
prepared arrow that caught the flame.
    Steve said, “Okay, fire when you're ready!”
    Kono put the arrow to the bow and drew back. He aimed carefully at the
gas container and then released it. The arrow fell short of the container and
the grass that Steve soaked with gas.
    Steve said, “We better withdraw now, Over Commander!”
    Zira ordered, “Fire and withdraw!”
    Arrows were already flying at the centaurs as they loosed another volley
at the Lizzars. Two centaurs fell with fatal wounds while the rest turned
and ran, some of them suffering wounds that they suffered silently.
    The Lizzars ran through the campsite, unaware of the danger the
container posed for them. One tripped over it, knocking it over so that it
spilled. The gas poured out toward the flaming arrow. It caught and traced
a path back to the container. For a while, the container only spewed out
flame. Unaware of the true danger, the Lizzars merely avoided it by passing
on both sides.
    Finally, with a thunderous roar, the container exploded.
    Steve glanced over his shoulder in time to see numerous Lizzar bodies
flying through the air while a cloud of smoke obscured the area of the
explosion. He barely caught sight of flaming arrows hitting in the dry grass
on one flank. As his force withdrew, he hoped that each of the women could
mount one of the centaurs and escape since he had convinced them to
fight.
   Zira ordered, “Halt! Prepare to fire volleys!”
   As the small force turned to fight again, they could see several small
fires burning on the flanks of the Lizzar army. In the center, there was
nothing but mass confusion. Dust continued settling. Numerous Lizzars
stood around looking at the area of the explosion as they tried to
comprehend what took place.
   Zira ordered, “Fire four volleys this time! Fire!”

                                   •   •   •

   Dennis said, “Good god, what was that?”
   Gail said, “It was an explosion, but whose?”
   Dennis said, “I'll try to contact Mike and see if she knows what that
was.”
   He picked up the microphone and switched to send. “Ramming car to
base camp. Over.”
   Mike heard the radio channel open up with Dennis's voice. She reached
over for the microphone, almost falling off the centaur she was riding. She
caught herself and answered, “Base camp to ramming car. Over.”
   Dennis asked, “What was that explosion? Over.”
   She answered, “We're not sure, but I heard that Steve took a five
gallon container of gas from one of the centaurs. It might have been that.
Over.”
   Dennis said, “I hope he didn't carry it into their ranks and blow himself
up with them. Over.”
   Mike looked back at the clouds of smoke rising from where the base
camp used to be. For a moment, she was horrified to think that Steve might
be dead.
   Dennis asked, “Are you still there, Mike? Over.”
   In a hurt, choking voice, Mike answered, “I'm still here. I don't know
what Steve did. Over.”
   Dennis said, “We're almost to you. We can see the smoke now. Over.”
   “Then head for the smoke. That's where the Lizzars should be at. Over,”
Mike said.
   Dennis said, “Understood. We should be joining the battle within ten
minutes. Out.”
   “We've got to go back and tell them that the ramming car is almost
here,” Mike said.
   The centaur she was riding glanced back at her and said, “No. My orders
are to protect you, to keep you out of the battle.”
    She slid off his back and turned to run back toward the camp. He caught
up with her and grabbed her around the waist. She struggled and twisted in
his arms. When she was facing him a moment later, she tried to kick him
between his legs. “Damn it, your balls would have to be between your rear
legs! Let go of me!”
    “NO! Either get on my back or I'll carry you this way!”
    “Then you'll have to carry me this way because I'm not getting on your
back,” Mike said.
    The centaur said, “So be it,” as he lifted her up and slung her over his
shoulder.

                                   •   •   •

    Dennis stood up in the ramming car and gazed out at the thousands of
Lizzars. He whistled lowly, then said, “Ramming speed and watch out for
the crater.”
    Gail said, “Ramming speed it is! God how I love running over pedestrian
Lizzars! Hang on! ”
    Dennis ducked down so the Lizzars couldn't hit him with any of their
thrown spears or slash out with a sword as the car plowed into the ranks of
Lizzars. The air filled with Lizzar bodies tossed off by the angled bumpers
while other Lizzars tried to get out of the ramming car's path. Their own
formations blocked some of them from reaching safety.
    Dennis watched the roof in case one or more Lizzars managed to grab
hold and climb on. Minutes afterwards, he stabbed upwards with his sword
to dislodge one Lizzar soldier who then tumbled off the car into other
Lizzars.

                                   •   •   •

    When Gail finally drove away from the Lizzar units, there were several
hundred wounded and dead Lizzars lying on the ground. She drove toward
Over Commander Zira who was giving orders to his reserve cohort to deploy
while the camp continued to distance itself from the enemy.
    Dennis stood up and said, “Over Commander, we brought back one of
the bows they were using. I found out what they made their bowstrings
from.”
    Zira asked, “How? I mean, what did they use?”
    Dennis said, “Our old clothes. They sliced the material into strips and
twisted it tightly to make bowstrings.”
    Zira said, “Now we know why they took everything from the prison and
dormitory. We must be more efficient about what we take from now on. I
have heard many of your people complain about having no clothes. Now I
shall have to insist that all clothes be used for bowstrings if we are to have
more weapons than the Lizzars. We cannot expect the other sectors to hold
their own against these weapons without having any themselves.”
    “Well, I've gotten used to being naked. I guess I'd rather be naked than
dead,” Dennis said.
    Steve said, “It won't bother me none since I'm a nudist anyway.
However, I might be able to better convince some of the newcomers, if we
have anymore, that they'll have to live as nudists. That is, if any of you
want me to.”
    Zira said, “Your assistance will be appreciated greatly in this matter,
Steve.”
    Dennis said, “I think the Lizzars are still busy regrouping. At the rate
they're going, it's going to be dark before they can resume the pursuit.”
    Zira asked, “How is your fuel?”
    Dennis said, “We're getting low again. The other cars should be along
soon. They're working on preparing another weapon to use against the
Lizzars.”
    Zira exclaimed, “Another weapon? Tell me what to expect.”

                                    •   •   •

    Earl said, “Okay, now shift gears! That's the way, John! I'll make a
trucker out of you yet!”
    John said, “If I can get this down the hill without flipping us over, we'll
do some real good. How's your leg?”
    “Forget about my leg. Just shift gears down, again,” Earl exclaimed.
    John downshifted once more. The truck's gears ground slightly as John
tried to use the clutch and downshift without stalling the engine or causing
damage to it.
    “Okay, now ease it down the planks! That's it, John! Just keep the
wheels straight and go down easy! You're doing fine!”
    John asked, “If you're going to do the driving, why am I the one who
has to get the truck off the island?”
    “Because you need to learn so I'll have a relief driver. Considering what
we've been through together, I figured you'd appreciate a soft seat under
your ass instead of that APC or the back of one of the centaurs. I still
remember how bad my balls hurt after that first ride,” Earl replied.
    “Your relief driver? Me?” John exclaimed.
    “Yes, you. Now give it some gas. You're doing fine. Don't let the wheels
turn or you'll flip the trailer. Okay, okay, give it some more gas. We're
almost at the bottom now. This is where we could lose the trailer. Give it
enough gas so it stays with us without bottoming out.”

                                   •   •   •

    Jim said, “Okay, get the planks up. We're in!”
    “Not yet. We're also going to take as many warriors with us as
possible. Okay, allies! Load up until we're full. Last warriors up are going to
have to be the strongest. They'll have to pull the planks back out so we can
unload the APC,” John said.
    Jim asked, “Can we punch holes in the sides?”
    Earl answered, “Cut all the holes you want. We're going to modify the
trailer later to carry a ramp.”

                                   •   •   •

    Dennis said, “Okay, they're on their way now! We should be able to
give the Lizzars a surprise tonight that will keep them from getting any
sleep.”
    Zira said, “Good, we'll continue to use hit and run.”
    Dennis said, “Don't use any fire arrows until they're almost here.
Otherwise, they'll know where we are.”
    Zira said, “Yes, I know. Right now, we don't want them to see us. It's
getting dark and that will favor us moving in closer than before to shoot our
arrows.”
    Dennis said, “Just be sure you remember they can fire larger volleys in
return.”
    Zira said, “We're not going to hit them from the front. We'll try to get
them shooting each other by attacking from a flank.”
    Dennis said, “Good idea. Maybe they'll wipe themselves out.”

                                   •   •   •

    Mike looked at Steve as he caught up with her. He smiled at seeing her
with her bare ass sticking up in the air over the centaur's shoulder.
    “Would you tell him that it's okay to let go of me now?” she asked.
    Steve said, “Actually, I kind of like the view. Why are you like that,
anyhow?”
    “Because I tried to run back to see if you were alive or not. He follows
his orders too well.”
    “I think he should be commended for following his orders. Your job is
here with the radio, not running back to check on me. However, thanks for
caring about me.”
    “Please tell him it's okay to put me down. I'll let you have me.”
    “You already throw yourself at me,” Steve said.
    “If you don't, I'll tell Priscilla that you want another go with her,” Mike
said.
    “I can almost handle her. She doesn't frighten me. Anyway, from what
I've seen, she's quite good.”
    “Oh, you!”
    Steve said, “I think she can ride normally or walk now.”
    The centaur smiled as he lifted Mike from his shoulder and placed her
on her feet on the ground. “She was terribly upset that she couldn't kick me
in the balls while I held her in front of me.”
    Steve exclaimed, “Really? Did you actually try to kick your bodyguard in
the balls?”
    The centaur said, “She tried, but her leg wasn't long enough.”
    Mike stood in front of Steve and blushed.
    Steve said, “Not very ladylike. I hope you don't try that on me. If you
do, I'll spank that pretty ass of yours.”
    She asked, “You like my ass?”
    Steve said, “I think it's gorgeous like the rest of you. Now don't you
think we should get on the move before we fall any farther behind?”
    Mike reached out, took Steve's face between her hands, and kissed him.
“Now I'm ready to move out. I'm sorry I caused so much trouble, but I
thought you might be hurt or dead.”
    Steve said, “I'm glad you care. I'll keep that in mind whenever I have
anymore stupid ideas.”
    “Stupid?” she asked.
    “Yeah, I was going to shoot a flaming arrow into the gas can. I
practiced shooting at a log, but couldn't hit it. That was from only twenty
yards. Kono was the best shot, so he fired from much farther when it came
time. However, he missed and we had to retreat before the Lizzars overran
us. However, we got lucky. One of the Lizzars knocked over the can, so the
gas ignited anyway. Had I actually been able to hit that can from twenty
yards and taken the real shot, I'd have been sent flying over you. That's
how stupid I was. I forgot just how explosive gasoline can be.”

                                   •   •   •

    Dennis finished filling the fuel tank with the last of the gas carried by
several centaurs. He opened the door and went inside as Gail started the
engine. “Okay, let's go run over some more pedestrians, honey.”
    “With pleasure,” she replied as she gunned the engine and drove away
from the moving camp. “Did you remind them not to throw away the cans?
After all, we have a deposit on those.”
    Dennis said, “They know we can reuse the cans.”

                                   •   •   •

    Earl slowed the truck to a stop. “There's headlights over there. We'll
have to unload here or face being overrun.”
    “We made good time. It's still dark. The moons aren't due to rise for
maybe another twenty minutes,” John said.
    Earl said, “You better tell everyone in back to unload now.”
    John left the cab and walked around to the rear of the trailer. He
opened the doors and said, “We're close enough now to unload. First
warriors out are to put the planks in place.”
    The first warrior said, “We'll all jump out, then put the planks in place.
None of us wants to try walking down a plank in the dark.”
    John stepped aside while keeping one door open. The centaurs stepped
to the rear and felt around with their feet for the edge and the ground.
Within a few minutes, they all stood on the ground. Working together, they
pulled the planks from the truck and put those in place for the APC to
unload.
    Upon hearing the APC, John was certain that the Lizzars could probably
hear it. The APC clanked its way to the planks and down to the ground.
    “Want to ride with us and see some action?” Jim asked.
    “Earl still needs someone to ride with him. Plus we have to shove the
planks back into the truck. Okay, warriors, shove those planks back inside.
Then you can report to Over Commander Zira,” John said.
    John hurried around to the cab where Earl waited nervously. Earl asked,
“All finished?”
    “They're shoving the planks back inside now,” John answered.
    A centaur appeared at John's window and said, “You're all loaded.”
    “You heard the warrior. Time to rock and roll!” John exclaimed.
    Earl said, “Well, they ought to be able to hear the APC so this isn't
going to make much difference.” With that, Earl sounded the horn on the
truck a couple of times.
    “God, that sounds spooky. Do it some more,” John exclaimed.
    Earl sounded the horn a few more times, then put the engine into gear
and drove forward.

                                     •   •   •

    Dennis said, “They're running like scared rabbits! All because of a truck
horn! Look at 'em go!”
    Gail said, “I see it, even if I don't believe it!”
    Dennis said, “They must not have Paul with them. He'd have told them
it was nothing to fear.”
    “That or they're not listening to him in all the confusion,” Gail said.

                                     •   •   •

    Zira looked at the battlefield by the light of the three moons that came
up shortly after the Lizzars retreated in disarray. Much as he wanted to
follow and kill the stragglers, he was still concerned that there might be
other Lizzars trying to surround his people, both centaur and human. With
his binoculars, he could make out hundreds of bodies. Dust obscured the
retreating Lizzars who, he guessed, were probably following the trail of
dead bodies they'd left behind them during their offensive. The truck pulled
up to a stop beside him. He looked over at it to see John waving at him.
    John asked, “Are we in time?”
    Zira said, “The Lizzars are in retreat now. We're not sure why yet.”
    “Probably the APC. I don't know anyone stupid enough to stand in front
of one of those,” John said.
    Zira said, “Maybe, but they'd seen it before. Did you hear that awful
sound awhile ago?”
    John asked, “What awful sound?”




                                 Chapter 10
John stood beside Jim, Zira, and the cohort leaders as he outlined his plan
for modifying the truck.
    Zira asked, “So, you feel that we might not find the tractor beam before
another island, as you call them, arrives?”
    “I think that we'll find one or both at the same time. If we don't, we
could be in big trouble. The Lizzars aren't going to fall for running away
from a truck horn next time. We're still getting our forces in from the field,
so we're not going to do much of anything right now except for scouting,”
John said.
    Zira said, “And making sure the Lizzars don't regroup and try again.”
    “That, too. I think we have enough force now to hold them off. As well,
we can use the truck to carry most of the very young and some of the spare
weapons if they do return for a second round. We'll easily outdistance them
now. Still, we can't reach the islands without a ramp,” John said.
    Zira asked, “Won't that keep us from using the truck for other
purposes?”
    John answered, “Not really. When we put the ramp in place, it will cut
down on the capacity by a little over half. However, we'll still have room to
carry cargo or passengers in what's left of the trailer. We can use the metal
from what we cut off to make lightweight shields your warriors can carry to
protect them against arrows. Unless the Lizzars make long bows or
crossbows, shields should give our forces some protection against their
arrows.”
    “Long bows? Crossbows?” asked Zira.
    John replied, “You'll have to look those up. All I know is that they're
more powerful. They're not as powerful as the compound bows a very few of
your warriors have, but we can't make compound bows with what's
available. We can make crossbows and long bows, I think. That will give us
the edge in range or power once more.”
    Zira said, “I'll have my warriors seek out the information with your
teachers. My warriors respect the teachers even more now after yesterday
when they came up with a superb plan and put themselves on the front line
with us. It really looked like a hopeless situation until they did that and
gained us some extra time and distance for the young.”
    “Well, they knew their lives were equally at risk. We're not always a
selfish race, Zira,” John replied.
    Zira said, “Okay, we shall seek out both the tractor beam and a ramp. I
learned yesterday that the Lizzars made their bowstrings from the clothing
left behind.”
    “So that's why they took our clothing,” John said.
    Zira said, “Yes, it appears so. We got most of the rope, so they had to
improvise, as you say. It appears now that we will also have to improvise.
I've instructed my warriors to bring back any clothing to use in making our
bowstrings since we're nearly out of rope. I have not only my sector to
consider. There are other sectors who need weapons like ours if we're to
win. You will have to explain to your people that they will have to remain
naked.”
    “I don't think that's going to be much of a problem for us since the
Lizzars took all the clothes. Anyone who complains will just have to
remember it's the Lizzars' fault,” John replied.
    “Not just everyone here now. I'm talking about any new people we find.
I have seen how your people can disagree on things. Even on wearing
clothes. I truly feel that we all have greater need of any clothing that
arrives for use in making weapons. I'm hoping that you can help explain
this to anyone new who joins us rather than become a Lizzar slave,” Zira
said.
    John stared at Zira for a moment, then said, “I see. Unfortunately,
you're right. I guess if it comes to it, we can force them to disrobe and
cover them with a thin coating of laser gel. By the time they find out that
they weren't in any danger, their clothes won't be of any use except as
bowstrings.”
    “You would lie to your people?” asked Zira.
    “If it was necessary to save their lives, I would lie,” John answered.
    Zira asked, “Won't that diminish your power as one of their leaders?”
    “Me? A leader? I thought Jim was our leader now,” John exclaimed.
    “I don't have the respect or control you exercise over your group. I don't
even have it from all of my group. If anyone's in charge of us, you are since
you've got the majority of votes. I've also heard how you organized the
defense of Conway. I don't see how anyone could have done better,” Jim
said.
    “I think others could have. Don't forget, I lost. That wasn't exactly a
winning season,” John said.
    “I don't see that as a loss. You and a lot of others were captured, but
you safely evacuated the books and cars. The way I see it, you deprived
the Lizzars of what they were truly after. You didn't lose, you won,” Jim
said.
    Zira said, “We feel the same way. The object of the battle was your
technology. We have it, therefore we won. That was your victory, John.
Apparently you're the only one who feels that it was a defeat. From what I
see, Jim is right. More people respect and follow your orders better than
any other human.”
    “That's why I'm not going to argue with what you think of. As far as I'm
concerned, you're the leader of our overall group. I'll gladly serve as your
second-in-command,” Jim said.
    Zira asked, “What is this second-in-command? Is this some other rank
we don't know of yet?”
    “In a way, yes. I guess it's difficult trying to absorb a couple of
thousand years of knowledge in only a few months,” Jim said.
    “Okay, then since I'm in charge, I'd like to make a recommendation that
we find another more suitable campsite where we can mount a static
defense against any further Lizzar attacks. It must have plenty of food and
water nearby that we can circle with lots of traps to kill unwary Lizzars
with. What I'd really like is someplace with caves or a cliff where we can
give ourselves an elevation advantage for shooting at the enemy,” John
said.
    Zira said, “I think I know of several such places. We shall move to the
nearest. If it's not suitable, then we'll go to the next and the next until you
are satisfied.”
    “In the meantime, you're also going to send out patrols to search for
the tractor beam, a ramp, and more islands?” John asked.
    “I already have out several patrols, but I will send more,” Zira said
    “The Lizzars are bound to bring in one more island before we stop their
beam. I'll give some thought to how I'll tell any new people that they have
to be naked while I take care of some unfinished business,” John said.
    Zira said, “Will you be leading your people into battle? If not, then I
should be permitted to be present.”
    “Seems reasonable that one of us should be present. I guess it's going
to have to be me. After all, I'm playing the heavy when it comes to
explaining about our required nudity,” John said.
    Zira said, “Ah well, at least I had one last battle while defending the
base camp.”
    “I suspect that you'll have more of those to come. It's clear to me that
the Lizzars will try again. Your experience and leadership will be necessary
to successfully defend both our peoples,” John said.
    Zira said, “Rather than tire the young, I'd like to make the move to our
defensive location gradually. We rarely move very far because of concern for
our young.”
    “Well, since most of our people will have to walk, it's probably not a
bad idea to make this a gradual move, provided we have plenty of security
in place.”
    Zira said, “I now have three cohorts to provide security along with your
people who willingly fought with us two days ago. Unfortunately we have
no new information on what we're searching for.”
    “In that case, I'm going to head out with some of the cohorts in
another two days, once some more of them are back and rested. I want to
see the prison and dormitory. It just seems strange to me that the Lizzars
brought back two pieces of Earth in one place and now the tractor beam
isn't anywhere to be found. Perhaps we don't know what we're looking for,”
John said.
    “We're looking for a tractor beam, John.”
    “What I mean is that we still don't know what the device looks like. We
could have seen it before and walked right past without knowing because
we weren't looking for it specifically before,” John said.
    “Ah! Now I understand you. Yes, you should observe those and look
over the area. You might see something that we failed to recognize. I will
make cohorts available,” Zira replied.




                                Chapter 11

“Uniform for today is fatigues! Hustle it up! Formation in fifteen minutes!
We have war games today! Upper classes against the lower classes. I want
to see everyone hustling!”
    Drill Sergeant Ray Grim glanced down the hallway as doors opened in
response to his bellowing. He wondered how well the war games would go
considering that the first women accepted at Judgment Academy would be
participating in their first war game. He still couldn't believe that the
academy had accepted fifteen girls to wear the proud gray uniform of
Judgment Academy. He was pissed off as well because he was in charge of
all of them in response to his earlier statements. Ray regretted making
some of those statements only because he was now their primary drill
sergeant. It was his responsibility to inspect them and their quarters along
with five weakling boys whom he felt didn't stand a chance of finishing the
academy's first year.
    Truthfully, he didn't feel any of the women stood much of a chance of
completing the first year, either. What rankled him the most was that he
was ordered to see to it that at least half the women made it that far
without resorting to cheating or padding their grades. From what he'd seen
of them so far, he just didn't think it was possible.
    Still, they had managed to handle the classroom assignments. As well,
he had taught them how to stand in a formation and march. He had to
admit that he'd been lucky that none of them had shot anyone on the
practice range where he feared the worst would happen.
    The only area they were totally deficient in was physical conditioning.
They lagged behind the rest of the class in everything. Running five miles,
doing pushups and pull ups, throwing. Anything he could name requiring
physical effort saw his squad at the bottom of all the scores.
    One of the women ran from the common shower area. Her towel slipped
and fell from her. Grim didn't avert his eyes in the least as she awkwardly
slid to a halt. “Pick up that towel, soldier! And quit running!”
    Had he been on the next floor with the men, not that his boys were yet
in that category, he would have gladly handed out demerits for running
inside the building. He knew he didn't dare be so free with demerits against
the women, considering his orders were to see that at least half of them
finished their first year. She bent down with water still dripping from her
body as she picked up her towel while her ass faced Ray. He stood
stoically, not permitting his face to show the slightest interest in her nude
body as he observed his cadets.
    “Hustle it up, Martine! We've got a war to fight today! Or do you think
they're going to hold off the war so you can paint your nails?” he growled at
the woman.
    “No, Sergeant, Sir!” she hollered.
    “Then move your ass and get into your fatigues!”
    “Yes, Sergeant, Sir!”
    He watched her grip the towel loosely around her. One breast flopped
out as she hurried to her room to dress. Ray resented the fact that on
inspection days he had to inspect panties, bras, and stockings instead of
boxers, teeshirts, and socks. Worse yet, he had to show them how to
arrange their clothing on their first day at the academy while they giggled
and snickered. His only consolation was that they rarely giggled or
snickered anymore and often referred to him as a “grim ray of doom”
whenever he wasn't around.
    He checked his watch, then hollered, “Ten minutes! Hustle up, soldiers!
The war's going to get here before you're ready! Then what will you tell the
people who depended on you to protect them?”
   Two of the women made their way past him in the hallway. He glared at
them with the same contempt he felt for the five boys assigned to his care.
If anything, they couldn't bitch about being treated any worse. Ray made
certain of that. He expected exactly the same from them as from any boy
who wanted to become a man. However, he knew the girls could never
become men if only because they lacked certain qualifications and wore the
wrong clothes. Several more women made their way past him. He checked
his watch once more. “Five more minutes!”
   Ray turned with military precision and strode to the door. He exited
their hallway and crossed over to the next door. He opened it and hollered,
“Five minutes left! Don't disappoint me by being one second late! You really
don't want to disappoint me!”
   Three of his boys quickly walked past him. Another peered out of his
room while buttoning his shirt.
   “Where's Wallensky?”
   “Sergeant, Sir, he's already downstairs ready for formation!”
   Ray said, “Really? He got out first? There may be hope for him yet.
Don't stand there! Get hustling!”
   Ray turned once more with precision and strode back to the women's
hallway. He entered and stopped a few feet away from the doorway so he
wouldn't block it. He glanced at his watch. “Two minutes! I better see some
soldiers about to leave for formation as I pass by the rooms!” he bellowed
before he strode down the hallway. He peered into each open doorway,
checking to see if anyone was still dressing. He stopped suddenly at the
third doorway and stared at the woman for a moment before he bellowed,
“What in blazes is that for?”
   “Sergeant, Sir, it's underarm deodorant!”
   “I can see what it is, Martine! The enemy will be able to smell you from
a mile away! Get your shirt on! Don't let me see you using that again when
we have field exercises! Do I make myself clear?”
   “Yes, Sergeant, Sir!”
   “Move it, Martine!”
   He stepped out of her way as she hurried for the hallway door while
buttoning her shirt. Sergeant Grim resumed checking the rooms with the
minute he had left before he turned and made his way to the hallway door.

                                    •   •   •
    Sergeant Grim glared momentarily at his platoon as they stood at ease
in formation. Then he strode to his place in front of them and assumed a
similar position in preparation for morning reveille. The Commandant made
his way down the steps from his office to take his place and participate in
the ceremony. At that moment, the adjutant called the units to attention.
Sergeant Grim repeated the orders in military manner as the Commandant
took command of his troops.
    Moments later, the Commandant ordered, “Battalion...about face!”
    The assembled troops responded with military precision as the orders
were repeated by their unit leaders. They then faced the flag, ready to be
raised.
    “Present...arms!”
    The men and women saluted in respect as the flag was raised. The
academy cannon fired once while music played over an intercom. The flag
was halfway up when a blanket of fog suddenly fell over the compound. The
music stopped with the same suddenness. While the men at the flagstaff
continued to raise the flag, the men and women wondered how anyone
would know that the flag was completely raised.
    A voice hollered from the office, “Colonel, we've lost all power.”
    Colonel Mark Clark Smith, the Commandant of Judgment Academy,
ignored the remark while he continued to hear the missing music in his
mind. When he was certain that due respect had been shown to the flag,
he ordered, “Port...arms! Battalion...about face! Parade...rest! Platoon
leaders, front and center!”
    The platoon leaders made their way to him, partly by experience in
taking the same positions so many times before and partly by where they
remembered his voice coming from. Still, with the fog, they couldn't reach
him anywhere near as quickly as usual.
    “Sergeants, it appears that we might have a problem. Anyone hear a
weather forecast for fog today?” Colonel Smith asked.
    Sergeant Lott stated, “It's supposed to be clear and sunny today, sir.
There wasn't any mention of fog.”
    Smith said, “Then we'll hope that this burns off soon. The ambulance is
here. When I dismiss the formation, see to loading your troops on the
carriers. Then put out road guards with safety vests and flashlights in front
of the convoy. Put extra lights on the rear of the last carrier. I don't want
the ambulance running into it. We might not reach the field as quickly as
planned, but we'll show these cadets that fog isn't considered reason
enough to halt an operation. Modify it, yes, but halt, no. Close the distance
between vehicles. See to it that the radio channel is kept clear unless
you're coordinating movement through the fog. Once the fog dissipates,
we'll return to normal operations. Vehicle spacing included. Any questions,
gentlemen? If not, see to it that your men, uh, and women draw their
weapons and report to the proper troop carriers. Post!”
    The sergeants returned to their places as best they could. Moments
later, Colonel Smith roared, “Battalion...attention! Adjutant...post!”
    Having turned over the command of the cadets, the colonel left the
formation while the adjutant took over the troops.

                                   •   •   •

    Sergeant Grim said, “Keep it close! When you receive your weapon,
bring it to me for inspection. I don't want to see anyone removing the
muzzle suppressor. The blanks we're firing can kill or wound a person if the
suppressor is removed and you aim and fire at someone. It can do so even
from ten meters away! This may be only a war game, but you can still be
hurt if you do not follow safety procedures. Step up to the armory window
and sign for your weapon! Make sure you verify the serial number before
you sign for your weapon! Do so quickly and efficiently! First soldier, step
up to the window!”

                                   •   •   •

    Sergeant Grim wondered if he was right to take his station in the last
APC with ten women. He wondered if he should be in the one with five men
and five women, instead. He felt as if he was damned if he did, damned if
he didn't. On a clear day, he'd have some sense of control as he'd be able
to see the other APC in front once the vehicles spaced themselves.
    The radio blared with a voice through the static, “Move out!”
    Barely one minute went by before the voice over the radio ordered,
“Convoy, halt! All sergeants to the front on the double!”
    Ray wondered if one of the road guards had been run over. If so, there
would be hell to pay. There had been injuries before at the academy, but
no one had been killed since he became a staff member. He climbed out of
the hatch and down to the asphalt. Ray jogged toward the front of the
column, careful to avoid the vehicles when they loomed up out of the fog,
barely visible only because of their extra lights. Ray counted the vehicles as
he passed them, finding most of them had barely moved forward from their
starting position. His own hadn't even moved out but a few meters from
where his soldiers mounted them. As he went farther along, there was a bit
more space until he reached the sixteenth APC and found the rest of the
sergeants as well as the two road guards standing about beside the
colonel's jeep.
    “Sergeant Grim reporting.”
    “Good, we're all here now. Gentlemen, follow me. Watch your step. We
have a major problem confronting us,” Colonel Smith said.
    Ray followed the colonel as he led the group away from the convoy
along the road. As they walked, the colonel spoke. “It's a damn good thing
we put road guards out. It's another damn good thing that they used their
heads and stopped the convoy immediately. Sergeant De Long, your men
are to be commended for using their heads today. They have saved a
number of lives, including mine, by their quick thinking and action.
Commendations will follow.”
    “Thank you, sir,” De Long replied
    “Okay, very slow here, gentlemen. You'll be able to see through the fog
in a moment. I suggest no one try to get to the edge. It's jagged and loose
enough that it might collapse,” Smith said.
    Ray edged forward until he could see through the fog. He stared in
stunned silence.
    “Now you know what our major problem is. We will shut down all the
vehicles and have all the troops dismount. From there, take them to
classrooms where you will give them alternate assignments to keep them
busy. Those staff members not giving instruction are to report to my office
where we will discuss our situation and determine if there is anything we
can do about it,” Colonel Smith said.
    “Sir, I'll have the armory open to receive weapons by the time they
reach it,” Sergeant Pullen said.
    “Yes, have your soldiers turn in their weapons first. For the time being,
not one word about this to anyone,” the colonel said.
    Sergeant De Long asked, “What about the two road guards? They know
what we just saw.”
    “Have them report to my office. I'd rather not put them in a position of
starting rumors, accidentally or otherwise. We'll find something there for
them to do. I also want the rest of the staff to report to my office.
Sergeant Pullen, I'll leave that task to you. Now let's get back to our
soldiers and get started on our assignments. Report back to your units,”
Smith said.
      Ray turned and walked with the group back to the jeep. He continued
on past, resuming a slow jog to make up for the extra distance he had to
travel. Reaching his first APC, he climbed up to the open hatch and looked
in.
      “Everyone is to dismount, return to the armory, and turn in your
weapons. As soon as you accomplish that, you are to report to your
classroom for instruction. Dismount!”
      As he made his way to his second APC, he realized that his soldiers
would be first in line as it was too foggy for anyone to run safely. Still, he
could hear from the sounds carrying through the fog that some soldiers did
try only to trip and fall. He could tell that some of the other sergeants
weren't going to be happy with the soldiers of theirs who dropped their
weapons that he heard clattering against the asphalt. He climbed up his
second APC and repeated his message. Moments later, his last soldiers
were dismounting the APC and heading for the armory. He followed in their
wake simply to see that they all reached the armory before he headed for
the colonel's office.

                                     •   •   •

      “I had no idea the fog would get inside the buildings and be this thick.
I can't even see the light from our flashlights reflecting off the sword
display. Hopefully, we're all here now so we can get on with solving our
situation,” Colonel Smith said.
      Sergeant De Long asked, “Solve? How? We don't have anyway of
making this academy fly back to Earth, sir.”
      “Granted, we can't solve it in that manner. However, we have a hundred
and sixty cadets and ourselves to provide for. So, by solve, I mean that we
need to put together a plan for dealing with the situation as it stands,”
Smith said.
      Sergeant Grim asked, “Do we know how much of the Academy is still
here?”
      The colonel said, “Good question, Sergeant Grim?”
      Ray answered, “Yes sir. It was I who said that.”
      “Okay, some of your voices are a bit distorted by this fog. I think you've
just given us a task to apply our two road guards toward answering.
Sergeant De Long, have your two men move out, carefully I might add, and
reconnoiter the area. We need to know just how much of the Academy is
with us. They're to report back here directly upon completion. Go ahead and
give them those instructions. You can catch up on the discussion when we
summarize everything,” Smith said.
    De Long answered, “Yes sir.”
    “Miss Wade, are you recording all this?” Colonel Smith asked.
    She answered, “I'm writing it down, but I'm not sure my notes will be
much good. The paper is getting pretty soggy from exposure to this fog.”
    Smith said, “Just do your best. Sergeant Pullen, are you here yet?”
    There was no answer.
    “I guess he's still busy receiving rifles. Did anyone notify the ambulance
crew? I almost forgot about them,” Smith said.
    There was still no answer.
    “Sergeant Lott, notify the ambulance crew to report here. I don't want
them driving off into space. They need to know what's happening,” Colonel
Smith said.
    “Yes sir,” Lott replied.

                                   •     •   •

    “Sergeant Pullen's here now, sir.”
    “Good. Sergeant Pullen, you know what we're facing. I need an accurate
inventory of what we have to rely on. I realize that you can't see much
inside your supply room or the armory with this fog inside the buildings and
only flashlights to work by. However, I need to know as soon as possible
about those items that may be critical to our survival. This is basically the
same information I requested from the Mess Sergeant. I need to know what
we have left to survive on so we can begin rationing,” Smith said. “So far,
our gathered opinion is that we're going somewhere. There's no telling how
far or how long it will be before we reach our destination. Sergeant Lott is
out trying to determine how fast we might be going. It might be useless
information, but it could turn out useful in determining how long we might
have to ration our supplies. Before you begin the inventory, you're to issue
sidearms with live ammunition to every staff member. I hope we don't face
a panic among our soldiers once they learn of our situation. However, if we
do, I don't intend for us to be caught with our pants down around our
collective knees. When you finish issuing weapons, begin your inventory.”
    Pullen replied, “Yes sir.”

                                   •     •   •

    Ray felt the weight of the familiar holster attached to his web belt. He
hoped that he wouldn't be the first staff member who might have to use his
weapon to restore order. However, he suspected that he might as he was
certain that his platoon with fifteen girls would probably be the first to
panic once they learned they were no longer on Earth. The youngest cadets
would almost certainly be the first to question any authority as it wasn't as
deeply ingrained into them.
    He wished that Sergeant Lott had determined something more specific
about their speed other than “impossible to believe.” After all, they had
little choice but to believe that they were exceeding the speed of light. Ray
knew that wherever they were going, they were going toward it very fast. If
they hit anything, they might not even feel it.

                                   •   •   •

    Lunch was difficult at best. Ray followed his platoon through the
soup-thick fog that a few cadets joked about being on the menu. They
received their food which wasn't the usual hot meal because there wasn't
any power. The meal could have been cooked with the portable field mess.
However, Colonel Smith had rationalized that everything should be strictly
conserved beginning immediately. Ray couldn't argue with the reasons for
doing so as it was close to how he might have decided. He took his tray
and made his way to the usual table where his cadets stood waiting for
him.
    “Seats,” he spoke, loudly enough for them to know he was at his place.
    “Sergeant, sir, Cadet Martine, wishes to speak.”
    “Permission granted,” Ray said.
    “Sergeant, sir, why are all the staff wearing side arms?” she asked.
    Ray stated, “I'm not at liberty to discuss the matter. Everyone please
bow your heads for our prayer. Father in heaven, guide us on our journey so
that we might make the right decisions for ourselves. Amen.”
    The fog dissipated almost as quickly as it dropped into place. Light
blossomed into the mess hall permitting the cadets and staff to see each
other for the first time in hours without standing within three feet of each
other.
    Colonel Smith stood and said, “Staff, assemble outside. Bring
something to eat if you wish.”
    Ray stood up, taking an apple with him to give his stomach something
to work on.

                                   •   •   •
    Colonel Smith stared out at the clouds and blue sky. “Well, it appears
that we're about at our destination. Sergeant De Long, would you and your
two soldiers please reconnoiter the edge to see where we might be?”
    “Yes sir! With pleasure!” De Long answered. Sergeant De Long ran to
the office where the two young men were kept separated from the other
cadets. He emerged a minute later with them at his sides. They looked
around and then sprinted toward the nearest edge. After reaching it, they
stood only a foot away from the absolute edge and stared down. Two
minutes later, one cadet ran back to where the Colonel and his staff stood
discussing possible options.
    “Sir, Sergeant De Long sent me back to report that we're landing near
two other buildings sitting on high rises. We also saw thousands of people
below.”
    “Those must be from some of those other disappearances we've heard
about and discussed. Our guess-timate that we'd wind up near them
appears to be correct. Cadet, could you make out anything about the
people below? I don't remember that many people had disappeared,”
Colonel Smith said.
    “No sir, they were still too far down for us to make out clearly. If some
of them weren't moving, we might not have figured them for people at first.
They looked more like markings arranged in a semi-circle from our point of
view.”
    Smith said, “Markings? Like symbols of a language?”
    The cadet answered, “No sir, they looked more like...”
    Three shots interrupted him as he and everyone else turned to stare at
the edge where Sergeant De Long was firing his side arm at something out
of sight. He was clutching the other cadet who was slumped against him
and backing away slowly.
    “Something's terribly wrong. Go help Sergeant De Long, son,” Smith
said.
    Colonel Smith walked behind the running cadet toward Sergeant De
Long. Smith said nothing about his staff following him.
    Sergeant De Long hollered, “They fired arrows at us! Cage is hit!”
    Smith stopped and stared at the cadet who was carried back by
Sergeant De Long and the other cadet. Smith was already close enough
that he could see the arrow in Cage's body. The colonel said, “Sergeant
Lott, get the ambulance attendants on the double. Sergeant Pullen, open
the armory immediately. Issue weapons with live ammunition and without
suppressors to every cadet. See to it that everyone gets a full combat load
to include grenades. Sergeants, move your cadets out of the Mess Hall and
over to the armory. Have them take their weapons without worrying about
stupid serial numbers. We don't have time for that! Move out, gentlemen!”
    Ray turned and ran for the Mess Hall. As soon as he hit the door and
entered, he shouted, “Company D, Second Platoon, fall out to the armory
and draw weapons! On the double!”
    He held one door open while another sergeant held the other door
open. Within moments, the cadets jumped up from their seats and ran for
the exit. When one of his cadets reached the door, Ray said, “Hold this
open until all the cadets are out,” before exiting and running back to the
colonel's side for further instructions.
    Colonel Smith waited a few moments, apparently deep in thought,
before he spoke to the sergeants who were returning for orders. “Okay, I
don't know if they're the ones who brought us here or not. However, they
want to shoot arrows at us. That is an act of war. Sergeant De Long, was
there any sign of life on those other pieces of Earth?”
    “We saw none, sir,” De Long replied.
    “Then we'll have to conclude that they were either captured or wiped
out by these hostile people,” Smith said.
    De Long said, “They're not people in our sense of the word. They looked
more like lizards, sir.”
    Smith said, “People or lizards, they're carrying and using weapons. That
indicates to me that they can be fought and killed. Each platoon is to
designate one member to each APC as a driver as before. Assign another
two individuals to mount and man machine guns on each vehicle. Did you
see any armored vehicles, Sergeant?”
    “No sir. Only thousands of lizards with spears, swords, and bows,” De
Long answered.
    “Okay, we'll establish a perimeter around the buildings and the flag
pole. Sergeant De Long, place your platoon on the left side of the flag.
Sergeant Lott, the right side...” Colonel Smith went down the order of
platoons until he reached Sergeant Grim's platoon. Smith asked, “Do you
think your platoon can fight?”
    Ray answered, “I don't think we have a choice. Where do you want us,
sir?”
    “At the armory. For now, they'll be my reserves. They can carry ammo to
the others in the meantime,” the colonel replied.
    Ray barely kept his disgust concealed. “Yes sir.”
                                   •   •   •

    From his position at the armory, Ray watched as the majority of APC's
and platoons hurried to their designated defensive positions. His women
drove their two APC's almost up to the armory, bracketing the door to the
armory with a defensive shield. Shortly after a slight rumbling indicated
that they'd landed, the radio came alive in both APC's.
    “They're coming over the edge now! They're shooting arrows at us and
throwing spears!”
    Colonel Smith's voice came across the radio saying, “Open fire!”
    The ragged sound of gunfire carried across the air to everyone in the
compound as it drilled home the inescapable fact that they were in a real
fight for their lives.
    From his position, Ray could see the enemy coming over the edge just
over 300 meters away from the flag. He watched them gather together and
then charge over the distance separating them from the upper class men
beside the flag. They closed to half that distance before Sergeant De Long
ordered his cadets to open fire. The sound of gunfire was even louder to
Ray, along with another sound it took him a moment to figure out. He
reached his conclusion just as the radio blared out, “They're wearing chest
armor!”
    Colonel Smith ordered, “Then fire at their heads and legs or use
grenades!”
    Short bursts of machine gun fire punctuated the ragged sounds of
assault rifles as each cadet found his target and fired.
    “Sir, they're gathering for a mass charge! We could sure use something
heavier against them.”
    Smith ordered, “Stand your ground! Sergeant Grim, have your platoon
set up mortars in front of the armory on the APC's!”
    Ray ordered, “Grab the mortars! Get them out front! On the double!
Martine, Wallensky, get mortar rounds from Sergeant Pullen!”
    Ray took the first mortar tube and shoved it up onto the nearest APC.
He climbed up and reached down for the base plate. Quickly, he assembled
the first mortar while some of his cadets put a second mortar on top of the
other APC. He climbed down, went over, and climbed up onto the second
APC to assemble the second mortar.
    Ray ordered, “Form a chain and hand out mortar rounds. Have Sergeant
Pullen come out to man the other tube! Give me that handset!”
   The radio came alive as Colonel Smith ordered, “Send over some
artillery rounds and a shovel now!”
   Sergeant Grim looked down, accepted the first rounds of mortar
ammunition, and said, “Ivey, the colonel wants a shovel and some artillery
rounds. Get them to him on the double. Take Jones with you to help carry
them!”
   He watched as his two boys ran inside the armory to get what was
needed while Sergeant Pullen climbed aboard the other APC.
   Pullen asked, “You want to cover the front or rear?”
   Ray said, “We'll just cover whatever coordinates we're given.” Pressing
the handset, Ray said, “Sergeant Grim ready to fire mortar rounds. Over.”
   Several voices came over the radio at the same time. They settled
down a moment later when Colonel Smith ordered them to go in Company
order starting with the most junior.
   With the coordinates set on the gauges, Ray dropped the first mortar
round into the tube. It shooshed out, arced high over the armory out of his
sight, and impacted moments later.
   “Fire for effect!” came over the radio.
   Ray moved the gauge one click and dropped another round into the
tube. It followed the first on a similar trajectory. Another round went out of
Sergeant Pullen's mortar. More impact sounds followed.
   Ray was too busy taking fire requests to see at first what Colonel Smith
had in mind. He didn't look up until he heard the cannon fire while the
sound reverberated a moment later against the buildings. He was surprised
to see a huge swath cut through the charging lizard people. He dropped
another mortar round and glanced up in time to see the colonel slamming
the breech closed while Ivey shoveled in gravel before Jones tamped it in
with a bore cleaning rod usually kept out only for display purposes. The
colonel and two men manually shifted the cannon's aim. Then the colonel
fired it once more, cutting another huge path through the charging lizard
people. Ray was only barely aware of Sergeant De Long ordering, “Fix
bayonets!”

                                   •   •   •

   John ordered, “Halt! Shut off the engine!”
   His APC slowed to a halt while around him the cohorts and other
vehicles also stopped. One of the cars revved its engine.
   “Shut off your engines and listen!” John shouted.
    Across the plains came the dull sound of thunder. John glanced around
at the sky, searching for signs of a storm. The sky was clear with only a few
clouds. Then it occurred to him that the sounds were coming from the
direction of the prison and dormitory. He picked up his radio handset. John
said, “APC to Generator car. Scout forward with the ramming car all the way
to the prison. Report on what you see. Make it a fast trip. Over.”
    “Generator car to APC. Acknowledging. Out.”
    Jim asked, “What about our old frequency? The one that Mike thinks is
linked to us being here? If the sound is coming from someone new, they
might still have their radio in operation.”
    John replied, “Okay, switch us to that frequency. Uh, let me tell the
others that we'll be out of touch for a moment. APC to all forces. We are
checking out our old frequency. Will contact you in a few moments. Out.”
    Jim reached over and set the dials to the frequency they felt was
connected to their trip from Earth.
    “All platoons fall back. Keep your fire up...Bravo Company needs more
ammunition! Ammunition runner on the way!”
    John turned and looked at Jim. “It is someone new. Let me contact
them first. Then put us back on the other frequency so we can tell everyone
to change over.”
    “Go ahead,” Jim said.
    John asked, “What do I say?”
    “They sound like they're military. Just say that reinforcements are on
the way and warn them not to shoot us,” Jim suggested.
    John pressed the microphone switch, then said, “Attention newcomers
from Earth. This is John Weaver. Reinforcements are on the way to your
location. Please don't shoot us when we get there. Over.”
    “Who? All units stop transmitting. Someone's trying to contact us. Go
ahead whoever you are. Over.”
    “This is John Weaver, formerly of Earth, telling you that reinforcements
are on their way to help you. Just don't shoot us when we arrive. We will
hit the Lizzars from the backside. Over.”
    “This is Colonel Smith, Judgment Academy. How long will it be until you
arrive? Over.”
    John answered, “Our first units will arrive in less than fifteen minutes.
More will arrive hourly. I have to switch channels to notify my forces. Out.”
    Jim switched the frequency and then nodded.
    “All units switch your radios to the frequency used when we arrived
here. If you need assistance in changing channels, contact Mike first. Mike,
can you scan all frequencies? Over,” John said.

                                   •   •   •

    Mike switched to transmit and said, “Sure, my radio can scan. What's
happening? Over.”
    “We've got newcomers with radios tuned to the old channel. I had Jim
help switch to it just moments ago. You might have to help some of us
change channels or scan for other calls. Over.”
    “Okay, I'll be scanning all the bands. If anyone needs help, just let me
know. Over,” Mike said.
    “Tell Zira that we're going to need more forces quickly. We have a
major battle going on now. My force is heading out to help the newcomers
from Earth. Over.”
    Mike answered, “Understood. I'll send someone to tell Zira immediately.
Over.”
    “I'm switching to the other channel now. Out.”

                                   •   •   •

    “All allied forces, listen up! We have newcomers to assist. All vehicles
move out at top speed to attack the Lizzars. Over,” John said.
    The one remaining car with John's APC sped up and left a cloud of dust
in its path as it raced to join the other two cars sent forward to scout. The
APC continued to move at the pace of the centaur cohorts assigned to the
mission.
    “We don't have much ammunition,” Jim said.
    “I know that, Jim, but we'll have to use it. Maybe the improvised
shotgun loads will work with what you brought back from the prison.”
    “I sure hope so. It's not going to be easy loading the shot first and
then the shell while we're moving.”
    “We'll just have to do our best. Hopefully Zira will send more centaurs
in the truck,” John said.
    “Do you really think twenty more warriors will really help?” asked Jim.
    “Better than not getting twenty more real fast,” John replied.

                                   •   •   •

    “All units, fall back. Don't let the lizards engage you in close combat.
They're wearing armor.”
    “This is John Weaver, Colonel. I suggest you have your people fight
from inside your buildings if they're intact and any vehicles you might have.
Don't leave your wounded behind. The Lizzars don't take wounded
prisoners. They hack them to death. If you have any trucks, try running over
the Lizzars if you have the room to maneuver. Over.”
    “Smith to Weaver. Acknowledge. I'm ordering my forces to fall back to
the buildings now. Do you know if the enemy has any armor? Over.”
    John replied, “Not that I know of, but they do have lasers. Over.”
    “Did you say lasers? Over.”
    “Affirmative. I said lasers. Be advised they have very few portable laser
units and those can be knocked out with long range rifle fire. Over,” John
answered.
    “Understood. We don't see any lasers yet. Thank you for coming to our
assistance. Over,” Smith said.
    “You'll only see three cars at first. The rest of us can't get there as
fast. We're running as fast as we can. Over,” John said.
    “You're running? How far away are you? Over.”
    John looked at Jim with a puzzled look on his face. John asked, “How
far away are we?”
    “About ten or twelve miles.”
    “How long will it take us to get there?” asked John.
    Jim answered, “About forty minutes without tiring out the centaurs. You
and I can be there in twenty-five if we leave them behind.”
    “Will we be much good by ourselves?” asked John.
    “Well, we'll be safe enough. We should be able to run down some
Lizzars.”
    “I'll tell Frea that we're leaving them behind since we can make better
speed,” John said.
    “If you do, they'll try to keep up. Remember, we have only two cohorts
with us. They'll be facing thousands of Lizzars. We're doing them a favor by
not rushing into battle,” Jim said.
    John transmitted, “We'll be there in under an hour, Colonel. Over.”
    “I think we can hold out that long. Thank you, again. Out,” Smith said.

                                      •   •   •

    “Generator car to APC! Over.”
    “APC here. Go ahead. Over.”
    “John, the Lizzars are using ladders now. They're not using any ramps.
We're not yet close enough, but the area the Lizzars took this time is as
big as Conway, maybe more. Over.”
    John hesitated momentarily before replying. “Understood. Do what you
can to slow down the Lizzars. And be careful. Out.”
    “Well, that seems to tell us what happened to the ramps. They must
have figured out that the ramps helped us more than them,” Jim said.
    “Looks like we still have a truck and trailer, though. If we modify it with
holes along the sides of the trailer, we could put a lot of people inside with
bows and still use it offensively.”
    “That might work. At least, we'll still have it for carrying centaur young
if we have to abandon camp again,” Jim said.

                                      •   •   •

    Dennis said, “Okay, Gail, charge!”
    “Okay, honey, hang on! Look out pedestrians! Here I come!” Gail
shouted.

                                      •   •   •

    “Base camp to APC. Over.”
    “APC here. Go ahead, base camp. Over.”
    “Zira is sending four more cohorts to you and moving the camp once
more. Over.”
    “Does that mean he's using the truck? Over.”
    “Affirmative. He's using the truck. Do you need it? Over.”
    John replied, “I was hoping that he'd send some of the reinforcements
in the truck. Over.”
    Mike answered, “I'll ask, but I don't think he'll agree. Over.”
    “Do that, please. Out,” John said.

                                      •   •   •

    Dennis slashed upwards at the Lizzar who clung to the car by his
fingers on the open edge of the roof. A moment later, the Lizzar went
tumbling off while some of his fingers fell into the car. Dennis picked one
off his lap and tossed it out.
    “They're doing something up ahead. I can't tell what. I think they're
carrying one of those ladders,” Gail said.

                                      •   •   •

    “Generator car to APC! Ramming car is out of commission! They're being
swarmed by Lizzars! Over!”
    John asked, “APC to generator car, can you get to them? Over.”
    “Negative! They've put tire spikes down. We just pulled back in time to
keep from blowing our tires, too. Over.”
    “Can you get close enough to use shotguns? Over.”
    “Negative! Oh Christ! The Lizzars have cars now! I see two cars coming
at us. They're armored! We have to get out of their way! Over.”
    “This doesn't sound good at all. Leave it to Paul to think of tire spikes
since he was a cop,” John said.
    “The Lizzars must want our cars intact or reasonably so. You better tell
the other cars to leave them for now. We can't afford to lose them, too,”
Jim said.
    “I'm going to call the Colonel. He might be able to see our ramming car.
John Weaver to Colonel Smith. Over,” John said.
    “Smith here. I've been monitoring your calls. We're up thirty feet and
can't get down to help your car. Who's Paul? Over.”
    John asked, “Paul is one of us who was captured. We believe he's being
forced to show the enemy how to do things. Colonel, do you have any
artillery to fire on the Lizzars swarming our car or on the Lizzar cars that
the enemy now has? Over.”
    Smith answered, “I have some mortars. Are you sure you want to risk
your people's lives? Over.”
    John replied, “Their car is armored. Just don't hit it directly. I'll
appreciate anything you can do for them. Over.”
    “Sergeant Grim, are you monitoring this? Over,” Smith said.
    “Affirmative, sir.”
    “Move your APC out and put some fire around the disabled car to
protect it. Also, try to knock out the other two cars. Over.”
    Ray answered, “Yes sir! Out.”
    “Generator car, circle the area. See if you can spot a good place for us
to get to the top. Do not let yourself get disabled. Over,” John said.
    “Affirmative, APC. Out.”

                                     •   •   •

    Harry said, “If I'm right, they're not very experienced at driving.
Maintain a constant speed, Gina. I'll keep watch on them for you. When I
say hit the brakes, jam them to the floor. Maybe we can cause the Lizzars
to kill some of their people for us.”
    Gina said, “Okay, I hope you know what you're doing. Sure you don't
want to drive?”
    “Just circle not too far out from the back of the Lizzars and don't hit any
tire spikes. That and listen to me. I won't let us get into trouble.”
    “Maybe, but how are you going to check the slopes for a way up?” she
asked.
    “I'll do that when the Lizzars aren't threatening us. First we have to
reduce the odds,” he answered.

                                     •   •   •

    Colonel Smith fired with his pistol at the Lizzars who tried to enter the
main building. He emptied his automatic pistol and more Lizzars were still
coming. He switched the empty pistol to his left hand and backed up as one
Lizzar menaced him with a sword until he was beside the display case.
Before the Lizzar knew what was happening, Smith turned and smashed the
glass with his pistol's barrel. The shattered glass fell to the floor while he
quickly reached for one of the display swords. Smith slashed out as he drew
the sword from the display case, nearly hitting the Lizzar on the neck.
    “You like swords? Well, then, let's play!” he said to the
uncomprehending Lizzar as he took his stance before advancing across the
broken glass that kept the Lizzar from reaching him. Smith thrusted three
times at the Lizzar before he succeeded in severing an artery in the Lizzar's
neck. As the blood spurted out, the Lizzar tried to use one hand to stem
the flow. Smith slashed out and severed the Lizzar's hand before it reached
the wound. The Lizzar stared in astonishment at his wrist giving Smith
more than enough time to slash out once more and cut deeply into the
muscle on the Lizzar's other arm. The Lizzar's sword fell to the floor while
the colonel continued with another thrust into the Lizzar's neck to cause
more damage. The Lizzar fell backwards while another moved forward over
his body to challenge the colonel.
    “Guttentag!” the colonel roared as he parried the Lizzar's thrust and
kicked up at the armor chest plate. The Lizzar stumbled backwards into
other Lizzars trying to move forward through the doorway. Smith glanced
over to the side, then said, “Miss Wade, reload my pistol!” before tossing it
to her.

                                     •   •   •

    Ray fired for effect after he found the range to the disabled car. He
could see that the Lizzars were trying to get in without success. He hoped
that he'd be in time to save the occupants from death. He hadn't even
given any thought to the women he left behind at the armory. Nor did he
realize that they didn't have anyone to lead them as Sergeant Pullen was
directing the other APC around the compound to distribute more
ammunition to those in need. While Ray fired, the two women he assigned
to man the APC's machine gun were busy preventing the APC from being
swarmed over by countless Lizzars. Even as he loaded and fired the mortar,
he held his automatic in one hand so he could fire upon any Lizzars who
climbed up the side of the APC where the machine gun couldn't be brought
to bear on them because Ray was in the way. He felt an arrow enter his
shoulder and left it in so he wouldn't bleed worse from his wound.
    The machine gun stopped firing as one woman pitched forward with an
arrow in her back. The loader pulled her down inside and then stood up
behind the gun and resumed firing. Sergeant Grim was about to order the
driver to pull back when two more APC's pulled up along side. Their machine
gunners evened the odds around them. Ray went back to loading and firing
mortar rounds near the disabled car while three machine guns swept the
area around the APC's clear of any threat to him.

                                    •   •   •

    “Hit the brakes now!” Harry yelled.
    Gina slammed on the brakes while Harry braced himself. One of the
Lizzar cars flashed by in front of them to slam into the rear units of the
Lizzars.
    “Hit the gas now!” he yelled.

                                    •   •   •

    Miss Wade ran over behind the colonel. “It's loaded!”
    Smith put his left hand behind him with his palm open. “Hand it to me.
I can't take my eyes off this lizard. He's better than the rest or smart
enough to know that I'm better and not press his luck.”
    She reached out and almost let go of the pistol before he had it. She
had to move quickly to keep up with him as he advanced on his foe to force
a retreat back to the doorway. Feeling his pistol in his hand, Smith brought
his pistol around and retreated as he chambered a round into the barrel.
The Lizzar facing him suddenly realized that he was as good as dead and
charged. Smith fired at the Lizzar's head and stepped aside in time to avoid
being stabbed. He fired two more shots at the Lizzars pressing from behind
the one he killed before slashing out with his sword to decapitate another
one of them.

                                   •   •   •

    “I don't know who's in charge. All I know is that we can't lose the
armory or we're all done for. Take positions and don't fire until you're sure
of your target. Some of our guys might get here soon for more ammo. You
two get behind that counter. You and you get into the back and watch the
windows. You get over to the ammo storage area and stay there. If anyone
gets past us, it's up to you. You two keep the ammo ready to hand out,”
Martine said as she pointed out positions and tasks to other members of
the platoon.
    “They're on the roof!” one woman said as she aimed her rifle at the
ceiling
    Martine shouted, “Don't shoot through the roof! They can't do anything
to us from up there.”

                                   •   •   •

    Harry shouted, “There's our other car. Radio the military that the new
car is ours!”
    Gina transmitted, “Generator car to Sergeant Grim. The new car is ours.
Over.”

                                   •   •   •

    Sergeant Grim noticed the new car come into the area. He was about to
fire on it when the APC driver shouted, “The new car is on our side!”
    He answered, “Okay, I won't shoot on them. I hope we can expect more
help than this.”
    The driver shouted back, “So do I. I expected a lot more than three
cars.”

                                   •   •   •

    “John Weaver to Colonel Smith. Expected time of arrival is twenty
minutes. Advise your people that the centaurs are our allies. I repeat, the
centaurs are on our side. Over.”
    “John, this is Colonel Smith's secretary, Miss Wade. He's busy now. Did
you say centaurs? Like the mythological half-man and half-horse kind?
Over.”
   “Affirmative. I said centaurs are on our side. Do not shoot them. It
pisses them off. Over.”
   Miss Wade replied, “I'll pass that on to everyone. How many of you are
there? Over.”
   John answered, “Two cohorts of centaurs and one APC. Over.”
   “She probably doesn't know how big a cohort is,” Jim said.
   John transmitted, “Two hundred centaurs and one APC. Over.”
   “Thank you for explaining. I'll pass the word around. Are there any other
allies we should know about? Over.”
   John answered, “Just centaurs and humans. We don't know of anyone
else other than the Lizzars on this world and they're the enemy. Over.”
   “I understand, John. Thank you. Over.”

                                   •   •   •

   Miss Wade shouted to be heard over the sounds of fighting, “Our
friends are only twenty minutes away now. They advised me to warn you all
that the centaurs are on our side. Everyone hear that?”
   Colonel Smith said, “Well, talk about the cavalry coming to the rescue,”
as he ducked under a Lizzar's thrust and slashed the Lizzar's thigh. “All
right, who's next for Parry and Thrust 101?” he hollered at the Lizzars.
“Remember, it's either pass or fail. I do not grade on a curve.”

                                   •   •   •

   Harry hollered, “Try to take out the Lizzar cars while we find the best
way up the slope for our people when they arrive.”
   “How?”
   “Be creative! Make them run into each other or something! Just watch
out for the tire spikes!” Harry shouted back.

                                   •   •   •

   “Those Lizzar cars could be trouble for our centaurs. They don't have
any idea about how to deal with them. Not that I know of,” Jim said.
   John said, “You're right. We might have to wreck the APC taking them
out if it becomes necessary. Worst comes to worst, we'll ride back on
centaurs. You have any ideas on how to deal with the Lizzar cars?”
   “Unless they have access to lots of fuel, we could run them out of gas.”
   “You just stated why we have to take and hold Conway again. Until
those fuel tanks are empty, we need that town,” John said.
    “Yeah, I guess I just did. What about building a still to fuel our cars?
Then we can blow up the tanks and forget Conway.”
    John replied, “No good. We need the diesel fuel for the truck and APC.
If we have to hold it for that, we might as well hold it for the other as well.
We'll worry about making a still later.”
    “Um, yeah, we do need the diesel fuel. Bad idea then about blowing up
the gas station.”
    “Not a bad idea. Just a bad time. Later on, we'll have to destroy those
tanks so they can't be used by the Lizzars to make things with. That or dig
them up and drag them away,” John said.
    “Now, that might be something we could use the truck for. We could dig
sideways and back the truck in until we're under the tanks. Then all we
have to do is finish digging them free and drive off with them,” Jim said.
    “That's worth considering. Remember to bring that up when we get back
to camp.”

                                   •   •   •

    Colonel Smith felt the breeze from the arrow that whizzed past his left
ear. He looked at the doorway and fired two rounds from his pistol while
parrying a thrust from another Lizzar. Before the Lizzar could recover, Smith
kicked up between the Lizzar's legs. The Lizzar dropped his sword and fell
to his knees with his hands clasping his crotch.
    Smith said, “So, you've got 'em there, too?” as he slashed sideways
with his sword to decapitate the helpless Lizzar whose body pitched
forward adding more blood to the soaked carpet. Every step that Colonel
Smith took was accompanied by a squishing sound from the blood that his
victims lost.
    He advanced over his victim's body to thrust quickly into another
Lizzar's neck, severing the jugular vein before the Lizzar could react. His
pistol fired point blank at the Lizzar beside his newest victim and staggered
backward into more Lizzar warriors. The pistol clicked and Smith tossed it
over to his secretary.
    “Reload!” he hollered.
    “You don't have anymore ammunition!” she hollered back.
    “Then grab a sword to defend yourself in case one of them gets by me!”
    A burst of machine gun fire echoed from outside the building. The
Lizzars turned in surprise as some of them fell forward into the backs of
others trying to get inside the building.
    Colonel Smith glanced at the APC that moved toward the front door as
the last Lizzar ran into his sword. “I guess you won't need a sword after all,
Miss Wade.”

                                   •    •   •

    “I just hope we can hold out for the time it's going to take the other
four cohorts to reach us,” John said.
    “That is going to be a problem. It's going to take them most of the day.
Still, we're two hundred more than the Lizzars counted on fighting,” Jim
said.
    “And deep into Lizzar territory. They could be sending for
reinforcements, too. It took them a few days to get Conway, but they
succeeded.”
    “True, but you didn't have the resources we have now,” Jim said.
    “I'm hoping that fighting offensively this time will make the difference.
I'd rather this was a repeat of the Battle of the Bulge and not the Alamo,”
John said.
    Jim asked, “You studied a lot of battles?”
    “I felt those were closely related enough to be worth studying. I
developed a few football plays from studying battles. More often, I picked
up on the sense of strategy that the generals used. They looked for things
to do that the enemy didn't expect. I think that's why some battles were so
pivotal. For instance, the Germans expected everyone to roll over and
surrender when they went on the offensive. They didn't expect someone to
hunker up and say nuts. Worse yet, it was in a strategic location they had
to control. Hand me the rifle scope. We should be getting close enough to
see something.”
    Jim handed John the scope. John steadied it against his right eye with
part of his hand cushioning it. John scanned the horizon, then said, “Yes, I
can just make out the tops of the buildings now. Time to contact the
colonel.”
    Jim handed John the handset.
    “John Weaver to Colonel Smith. We're in sight of your buildings now.
We should be there within a few more minutes. How are you holding out?
Over.”
    “Miss Wade here. Oh, here comes the colonel. One moment please.”
    “Smith here. I just cleared my office of those nasty pests. I could hear
you state that you're in sight of our buildings. So far, we're still holding all
the buildings. I don't know how your disabled car is doing, but you've still
got two out there facing off against the two enemy cars. I'd tell you what
my casualties are so far, but I don't know yet. Over.”
    John asked, “Okay, just tell me how many people you started off with.”
    “Is the radio secure, John?” Smith asked.
    John answered, “So far as we know, we have the only radios. We're still
trying to fix some portable radios the prison had, but we're really lacking
the right parts to fix those. Otherwise, I think we're secure. Over.”
    Smith answered, “I had 160 cadets and sixteen adults when we started.
Over.”
    “You're fighting with kids?” asked John.
    “They're not exactly kids anymore. This is a college level academy.
Right now, they're men and women. Over.” Smith then said, “Miss Wade,
try to contact everyone when I finish to find out what our casualties are.”
    “I understand. I've been fighting the Lizzars with high school and
college students and prison guards. Over,” John said.
    Smith asked, “How well are you armed? Over.”
    John replied, “We're down to very few bullets and shotgun shells. Most
of us use bows and arrows now. Over.”
    “Miss Wade, contact the supply room. Tell them we'll want all the
archery equipment issued out. Maybe we can conserve some of our
ammunition and return a few arrows back to the enemy. John, we've got
archery equipment. I'll have it issued out to conserve on ammunition for
firearms. Over,” Colonel Smith said.
    “This is Private Burr. Sorry to interrupt. Sergeant Grim just wiped out
one of the enemy cars. Thought you'd like to know. Over.”
    “Tell the Sergeant he did good. You're all doing good. Over,” Smith
said.
    “Generator car to APC. Over.”
    “APC here. Report. Over.”
    “There is no suitable location for getting a vehicle up or down the
slopes. There are a few spots where a man can climb. Over.”
    John replied, “Understood. Colonel, we'll have to fight them on the
plains while you hold the island, I mean, the fort. Over.”
    Smith answered, “Affirmative. Any relief you can give us will be
appreciated. Over.”

                                    •   •   •
    Private Burr asked, “Is there anyway for a mortar to cause a landslide,
Sergeant?”
    “If you hit the area just right, sure. Why?” Ray asked as he loosed
another round at the remaining enemy car before glancing over at the
disabled car to see if it was being threatened again.
    “I overheard the reinforcements talking about having no way up here for
their vehicles. They'll have to fight down there.”
    “How many reinforcements are there?” Ray asked.
    “I heard them say two hundred earlier,” she said.
    “Two hundred and they're attacking all that? God, they're either brave
or crazy!” he said as he dropped another round into the tube.
    “Then they'll be wiped out?” she asked.
    He answered, “That's my best guess unless we do something for them.
Tell them we're going to pick on one spot and try to create a landslide.
Even if they can't get up, we'll be able to ride down and fight with them.”

                                   •   •   •

    Martine ordered, “Fire!” as she saw two Lizzars appear at the doorway
to the armory. Enough bullets flew through the doorway to kill both Lizzars
several times over.
    She yelled, “Cease fire! Don't use so many shots next time!”

                                   •   •   •

    “Generator car to mortar. You were too far away from the slope to do
anything. Over.”
    Burr yelled, “Too far out!”
    Ray adjusted the range, glanced over at the disabled car, then dropped
another mortar round into the tube. “Pass more rounds up!”
    “Generator car to mortar. You're right at the base of the slope. Over.”
    Burr struggled with the box of mortar rounds. “They just said you hit at
the base of the slope. This is the last box we have with us!”
    Ray said, “Tell one of the other APC's to go back for more mortar
rounds. How's our machine gun ammunition?”
    She looked inside the APC, then said, “Shitty, Sergeant.”
    “Tell them to bring us more of that, too,” he said.

                                   •   •   •
    Miss Wade said, “We have twenty-three confirmed dead. Sergeant De
Long is one of them, sir.”
    “Who's running his platoon?” Smith asked.
    “They're running it themselves, sir,” she answered.
    “Then they are men. Advise them that if they need anything to contact
us. Otherwise, tell them they're doing a hell of a job and that I'm proud of
everyone of them.”

                                  •   •    •

    Sergeant Pullen's APC pulled up to the armory and supply building. The
APC backed up close enough for the rear hatch to be opened without
exposing anyone to arrows from the Lizzars. The machine gunner swept the
roof with a couple of bursts while the rear hatch was opened. Sergeant
Pullen was soon carried out with several arrows in his back.
    “Get a cot for him! Put him over there so he won't be hit again!” Martine
ordered.
    “We need someone to man the mortar!” Wallensky said.
    Martine said, “None of us have had that class yet. Oh, god! Deena! Is
she?”
    “Yeah, she didn't even feel it, I think. We need more ammo for the
machine gun and an assistant,” Wallensky said.
    Martine looked around and said, “Wallace, Reed, Moss! Get ammo for
the APC and go with Wallensky. Come on, Wall, let's get Deena out of
there.”

                                  •   •    •

    “There's a hell of a lot of them. As many as I remember taking
Conway,” John said.
    “Then this is our chance for revenge. They're not getting Judgment
Academy. It's got too many weapons,” Jim said.
    John turned toward Frea and shouted, “Okay, use your best judgment
on how to attack. Good luck to you all!”
    “To you as well, John!” she shouted before yelling, “Charge!”

                                  •   •    •

    Sergeant Grim paused for a moment as he caught sight of the centaurs
everyone was talking about in between shooting and loading. Those brief
bits of conversation wasn't enough for them to really make complete sense
to him. His sense of awe was captured as he saw the natural cavalry
advance in a charge with bows firing arrows at the backs of the Lizzars.
Then the Lizzars retaliated with their own bows, taking some of the
pressure off the academy.
    Ray shifted his aim and fired off a round to sight in on the Lizzars.
Satisfied with his results, he fired for effect to reduce the odds against the
vastly outnumbered centaurs.

                                   •   •   •

    Harry said, “He's heading back for the cohorts! Cut him off! We can't let
him get to them!”
    “Wreck him?” asked Gina.
    “Hell yes! Better us than all of them!” he answered.

                                   •   •   •

    Colonel Smith noticed that the Lizzars weren't climbing over the edge
as quickly as before. “Now's our chance to shove them off! Miss Wade, head
for the armory with that radio! I'm going out to rally the troops!”
    “Out there? No way, sir!” she exclaimed.
    “Then you better pick up one of those swords, after all. See you later.”
He walked over the dead Lizzars, stopping to pick up a bow and quiver of
arrows since his pistol was empty. Holding the sword in his right hand, he
awkwardly took an arrow from the quiver and nocked it to the bow. Spotting
a Lizzar, he aimed and fired.
    “Not as good as ours,” he muttered as the arrow glanced off the Lizzar's
chest plate.
    The Lizzar ran at him. Smith dropped the bow to his side and met the
Lizzar with his sword. He found the Lizzar no better at swordplay than most
of the others he'd already dispatched. He needed only a few moves with his
sword to kill the Lizzar and move on in search of more of the enemy.
Without realizing it, he was headed past the armory.

                                   •   •   •

    Private Wallensky directed her APC to pull alongside Sergeant Grim's.
She hollered over, “Tell me how to use this! Sergeant Pullen is badly
wounded.”
    Ray glanced over at the woman who was sitting on the top of the APC
beside the mortar in a similar manner to himself. Two other women manned
the machine gun in front of her. He hollered, “Set the range with this dial
here! Turn it to two...”

                                     •   •   •

    Private Martine couldn't believe her eyes that the colonel was fighting
across the compound by himself. She spotted a group of Lizzars heading
toward him. She hollered, “You three, follow me!” and ran out of the supply
room doorway.
    Without looking back to see if she was being obeyed, she yelled,
“Charge!” as she aimed and fired her assault rifle at the oncoming Lizzars
while she ran to join the colonel.
    The colonel quickly glanced around himself, spotted the danger, and
then saw his cadets' reactions. He resumed fighting the Lizzars in front of
him while the new threat was nullified by his cadets.
    “Sir, you need something more than that sword!” Martine said.
    “Never underestimate any weapon, Cadet!” he replied as he parried a
thrust before slashing out at his opponent.
    “Sir, you're exposed out here! There's still too many of them!” she said
while shooting at two more Lizzars who ran toward her and the others.

                                     •   •   •

    Ray hollered, “Good, Wallensky! Turn the dial one click
counter-clockwise, then drop another round in!”
    “Yes sir, Sergeant!” she yelled.
    “I'm going to give you the task of creating a landslide. It's important!
Otherwise, our allies won't be able to join us up here!”
    “Yes, Sergeant, sir!”
    He hollered, “Drop the sir stuff! You're as much a soldier now as I am!”

                                     •   •   •

    The colonel winced at the arrow in his arm. Martine ordered, “Take him
to the armory while we cover you!”
    One woman put his arm around her shoulder. She then hurried with him
to the armory. Martine and the other two women fired their rifles at the
Lizzars while slowly backing up.

                                     •   •   •

    Jim stopped the APC beside the disabled ramming car. John shouted,
“Anyone alive in there? Dennis! Gail! Are you still in there?”

                                   •   •   •

    Martine shouted, “Get a cot for the colonel. Find a bandage for his
wound! Everyone else hold your positions!”

                                   •   •   •

    John climbed down from the APC onto the car, then into the open roof.
He looked at the two youngsters who died holding hands. He quickly
climbed back onto the APC and entered back through the upper hatch.
“They're both dead.”
    “Sorry you lost them since you knew them better than I,” Jim said.
    “They were the first couple I married, I think.”
    “You want me to run over some Lizzars now?” Jim asked.
    “Yeah...wait!” John said while he sniffed the air. He looked around, then
wet one finger and held it up.
    “Go left and then straight. I want to check out something,” John said.
    “Did you see something?” asked Jim.
    “No, I smelled something. It smelled like burning tobacco.”
    “We don't have any left. You think it's someone on the other side?” Jim
asked.
    John answered, “That's what I want to find out. There were enough
cigarettes in the grocery to last four months or more for everyone who
smoked. Someone's smoking over there and it isn't any of us since the
Lizzar's cleaned out the grocery store.”

                                   •   •   •

    Colonel Smith staggered over to Private Martine. “I forgot that just
about everyone was inside a building or vehicle. Stupid of me to run outside
intending to rally troops who aren't there any longer. Thanks for coming to
my rescue.”
    “Well, we need you, too. My sergeant is out there and we don't have
anyone in command. What should we do now, sir?” Martine replied.
    “You're already doing it. About the only thing I can suggest is to let the
Lizzars get a bit closer before you fire. We need to conserve ammo. This
isn't going to be a short siege from the looks of it. These reptilian buggers
are a determined lot.”
                                   •   •   •

    “Sergeant Grim, I think it just collapsed!” Wallensky exclaimed.
    Ray glanced over to where he had Wallensky firing at. He could see that
the edge had fallen away some. “Put a couple more rounds over there. See
if anymore falls.”

                                   •   •   •

    John said, “Run them over, Jim! Either Paul will get the hell out of the
way or he'll get run over!”
    “Hang on, then!” Jim hollered as he steered for the small force of
Lizzars standing around Paul.
    John said, “What gets me is that the Lizzars are the ones smoking, not
Paul!”
    “Really?” Jim asked as John dropped down and closed the upper hatch.

                                   •   •   •

    Gina said, “Hang on! He can't get away this time!”
    Harry gripped the back of the front seats and braced for the impact. The
collision came a moment later. He felt himself tossed about inside the car
Gina smashed her car into the left front wheel of the Lizzar car. She backed
off with the engine smoking.
    “Gotcha!” she exclaimed.
    Harry said, “Get us the hell out of here! We've got Lizzars coming!”

                                   •   •   •

    Ray noticed that the Lizzar car could barely move. He waited calmly for
the damaged friendly car to move far enough away before he lobbed three
shells at the Lizzar car. When the third shell hit it dead center, he said,
“Tell the colonel that the Lizzars are out of the car business and that we'll
work on their troops now.”

                                   •   •   •

    “They've left Paul standing alone. Do you want to rescue or run over
him?” Jim asked.
    “Circle around him. I want to see why he's standing still,” John replied.
                                Chapter 12

Frea spotted the fallen away section on the slope before she led her cohort
into the swarming mass of Lizzars. Arrows flew in every direction as her
warriors shot to the front and both sides. More arrows fired by the Lizzars
did more harm to themselves than to her cohort. The other cohort followed
close behind, keeping the swarming Lizzars from closing in around Frea's
Fifth Cohort.
    As they moved forward, mortar shells fell to both sides, far enough
away to reduce the number of Lizzars without harming the cohorts. The
number of Lizzars attacking with swords and spears quickly dropped off as
other Lizzars hesitated to cross through the areas controlled by the
mortars. Though the mortars didn't stop the Lizzars from firing arrows, the
explosions and smoke reduced the number of hits they could make.

                                    •      •   •

    Colonel Smith said, “Get another mortar set up here. We can add some
firepower to the battle. Got a radio, Private?”
    Martine said, “We'll find one, sir.”

                                    •      •   •

    Paul raised his right hand and extended his middle finger. Without
asking John anything, Jim steered straight for Paul and ran him over. Paul's
body crunched beneath the treads.
    John closed his eyes and tried not to imagine what Paul looked like.
“Take us back to the battle. We've done enough here.”

                                    •      •   •

    “I found the radios!”
    Martine ordered, “Bring one to the colonel! I'm busy getting the mortar
set up!”

                                    •      •   •

    “One of our cars is damaged. We better pick up passengers, John, even
though it's going to become crowded back there,” Jim said.
    “Okay, steer for them. Christ! It's the generator car!”
    Jim asked, “Do you want me to crush the generator after we pick them
up?”
    John empathetically said, “No! We have to keep the radio and the
generator. We need the generator to refuel. What about a tow?”
    Jim asked, “You going to step outside to hook it up?”
    “Not without covering fire. I guess that means the only thing we can do
is stick with them for now.”
    “Or send them home,” Jim suggested.
    “Yes, you're right. That's exactly what we have to do. We'll send the
other car back with them as an escort.”
    “What about us? Who's going to watch our backside?” asked Jim.
    “We'll just have to get on the hill before nightfall. Otherwise, we'll have
to leave on our own. I just hope this fuel guzzler has enough left for us to
put plenty of distance between ourselves and the Lizzars,” John said.

                                   •   •   •

    “You're doing fine now. Just listen to your spotter's instructions and
adjust your aim as I taught you,” Colonel Smith said.
    Martine answered, “Yes sir. How's your arm?”
    “It smarts while the rest of me is stupid. Ladies, keep the mortar
rounds coming. They won't do us any good if we're overrun, so let's use
them to keep that from happening. We'll worry about the future after we
live through this,” Smith said.

                                   •   •   •

    “Up the slope! Hurry now! It will be dark soon!” Frea shouted.
    She watched from a quarter of the way up the slope as her warriors
broke free of the last few Lizzars and charged up the thirty-foot high slope.
More than a few of them were wounded. Many had two and three wounds.
That was evident from the arrows still sticking out of their hides. Frea
glanced down at her right front leg. She didn't much like the looks of her
own wound. She hoped the humans on the hill had some of the same
medicines that the people of Conway gave her warriors once before to
cleanse and bandage their wounds. As the last of her cohort went up the
slope, she resumed climbing up it herself while the other cohort was just
reaching the slope.
    She was astonished moments later to see that the hill was still
infested with Lizzar soldiers whom her warriors were engaging in combat.
She could tell that the Lizzars were disturbed at being hit from two sides as
her force was behind many of them and the humans were on the other side.
One way or the other, the Lizzars' backs were exposed to attack.
   She spotted a Lizzar fleeing the battle and swung with her iron sword
as he passed by her. Her sword caught him in the back, severing his spine.
He fell to the ground. His muscles and some organs experienced spasms
that caused him to twitch and defecate involuntarily. Frea was already
looking for another enemy to fight as she was sure that he was out of the
battle, even if it took him several hours to die. She knew she couldn't
waste time dispatching him completely when there were other able-bodied
Lizzars who still posed a real threat. Forming a near solid wall of death,
she and other centaur warriors advanced on the Lizzars, forcing more of
them to flee their unbearable and vulnerable position.
   She caught a glimpse of several Lizzars leaping from the edge of the
stolen piece of Earth to escape from her warriors who gave them little
choice. Her force spread out more and more while the following cohort
added more strength to the attack.
   She shouted, “Clear the area of all Lizzars! Kill them or force them to
jump! Remember to say hello in English to the humans when you see them!
These are newcomers who don't know our language!”

                                   •   •   •

   “John, I think we better try to make it up the slope now.”
   “Go for it, Jim. We better find out now while we still have light if we
can make it up there,” John responded.
   Jim said, “Everyone back there, hang on!”

                                   •   •   •

   Frea stopped beside one of four APC's. “I'm Sub-commander Frea, Fifth
Cohort. Can you direct me to your leader?”
   Sergeant Grim stared at the centaur leader in astonishment. He hadn't
expected them to have females in command, especially not naked females.
He stammered, “I'm Sergeant Grim, Sub-commander. You can find Colonel
Smith at the armory and supply room where we have another mortar like
this one set up. It's a one-story building beside the Mess Hall. He's our
commander. If you like, I can escort you to him.”
   She answered, “I would appreciate an escort. By the way, you wouldn't
happen to have any bandages, would you? I seem to have picked up an
arrow by the wrong end.”
    “One bandage coming up. If you like, I'll apply it to your wound for
you,” Ray replied.
    “Yes, you may. Thank you.”
    Ray dropped inside the APC. He emerged from the rear hatch moments
later with a field dressing. He walked over to Frea and said, “This is going
to hurt when I yank it out.”
    “Just do it, please.”
    Ray grasped the arrow and pulled quickly. Blood spurted out on him
while he opened the dressing. He quickly applied the dressing to the wound
and wrapped the tie strings around in place, creating a snug fit that
reduced the bleeding considerably. “We have some ambulance technicians
with us. I don't know how much medical knowledge they have, but it's
probably a lot more than mine.”
    “Thank you, Sergeant Grim. Shall we go see Colonel Smith now?”
    “Yes, we should. Wallensky! Keep watch and show someone else how
to use the mortar on my APC! I'll be back soon!”
    Wallensky shouted, “Right, Sergeant!”
    Ray walked beside Frea. He avoided looking at her if only because he
was unsure of whether she would mind being stared at.
    “Are you all professional soldiers?” she asked.
    Ray answered, “Some of us were. This is an academy to teach military
warfare and subjects of higher education. Most of the people here are
cadets who have never fought before in their lives.”
    “Your cadets appear to have acquitted themselves well for so few. Yes,
I know how many. Coach Weaver passed information on to me before we
reached the battle. He taught us that good military intelligence can win
battles,” Frea said.
    “Coach?” asked Ray.
    “Yes, he was a football coach. He didn't tell us wrong, did he?”
    Ray answered, “Not at all. He's very correct on military intelligence
being a key to winning. It's just that I didn't expect a football coach to be
in charge.”
    “Oh! He's in charge of the human force. Over Commander Zira is in
charge of all our forces. I'm only in charge of the Fifth Cohort. My unit and
the Sixth Cohort were escorting John and his group. We were to provide
perimeter defense while his group checked out the prison and dormitory
sites.”
    “How many, uh, centaurs are in a cohort?”
    “One hundred,” Frea answered.
    “Then that charge of yours was one of the bravest acts I've ever seen.
There must be at least ten thousand enemy soldiers out there,” Ray said.
    “More like twenty thousand, but we have always fought against great
odds. Since John came along, we've learned much and made up for the
disparity...I hope that's the right word...in other ways.”
    The sergeant said, “You said the right word. You speak English quite
well.”
    “I had several high school teachers and college students to teach me.
Thank you for the compliment, sergeant. We used to all have bronze
weapons as well. John gave us better weapons, though he didn't have
many. Now we can kill enough Lizzars to take weapons from their dead to
give to those of us in need of better weapons. That alone changed the odds
against us.”
    Ray said, “That's Colonel Smith there. Colonel Smith! May I present
Sub-commander Frea?”
    “Sub-commander Frea, Fifth Cohort. I am pleased to meet...Is that a
machete?”
    Colonel Smith followed Frea's gaze after tearing his eyeballs away from
her breasts. He held his sword out as he realized she was staring at it. “No,
this is a sword. Tempered tungsten-steel blade and guaranteed to slice off
Lizzar heads. I should know. I lopped off a few with it today.”
    “It is beautiful and so long and sharp!” she said.
    “Then it's yours,” Smith said.
    “I can't leave you without a weapon!” she exclaimed.
    “I have more of these in my office. This just happens to be the one that
was closest to me at the time when I needed a weapon. Take it, please,”
Smith said.
    Frea accepted the sword handed to her by the hilt. She felt of the edge.
In her mind, she knew instantly that it was a weapon that would taste
much Lizzar blood while she lived. She stammered, “I...I...thank you. You
are as...kind as the other humans I know. I shall honor your blade with the
blood of our enemies.”
    Ray said, “Sir, her people are in desperate need of weapons. Perhaps...”
    “A good idea, Sergeant!” Colonel Smith said. “After all, very few of us
use swords anymore.”
    “But when you run out of bullets, you'll have to have something!” Frea
exclaimed.
    “We're far from defeated, even if we run out of bullets. That's one of
the maxims we teach here. The most dangerous weapon you have is your
brain. So long as you have that, you can hurt the enemy. However, you
didn't come here to hear me lecture. Sergeant, take most of the swords
from my office and hand them over. Leave me a good saber and find out if
any of the rest of the staff wants one. If not, then give away more to our
allies since they know how to use them,” Colonel Smith said.
    “Yes, sir. What about the museum room display? Should be some
battle-axes and such in there,” Ray answered.
    “Yes, those too,” the colonel answered.
    Frea turned and looked around. She spotted one of her squad leaders
and hailed him. “Squad leader Moru! Go with Sergeant Grim. He has steel
swords to give you!”
    “Oh, give them the sheaths if you can find them, sergeant,” Smith said.
    Frea asked, “Sheaths?”
    He answered, “Yes, to hold your sword when you're not using it. That
way you can keep both hands free. Would you like to look around,
Sub-commander Frea?”
    “Certainly. Please call me Frea. We are friends.”
    “As you wish, Frea. You may call me Mark.”
    “Mark. An interesting sounding name. So pointed and brief. It fits you.”
    “Thanks. Now, what would you like to see first?”
    She answered, “Whatever you wish. However, we haven't much time
before it becomes dark. Our nights here are different than on your Earth.
For about two hours of your time, it will be pitch black. Then our three
moons will rise and it will be light enough to see again.”
    “Private Martine! Have someone look inside for the night vision goggles.
See that they're issued to everyone. Give some of the spares to our new
allies and show them how to use those. Also, get the archery equipment
out to the best archers we have. I don't want to give away our position in
the dark with gunfire.”
    “That's already been done, sir! Miss Wade contacted us earlier.”
    “Any bows left over?” he asked.
    “A few, sir.”
    “Then see to it that some of the centaurs receive them. Frea, have any
of your, uh, centaurs a good eye for archery?”
    Frea answered, “Yes, but what are these night vision goggles?”
    Mark explained, “They allow us to see in the dark, even when our moon
around Earth isn't visible to reflect light. Just give the goggles and bows to
some of your best archers and we'll stop the Lizzars dead in their tracks.”
    Martine said, “Sir, Mr. Weaver is calling. They can't make it up the
slope!”
    The colonel said, “Notify three of the APC's to get over to them with a
tow line. We're not leaving anyone down there tonight. Also, contact Miss
Wade and find out what our casualty status is.”
    “Sir?” Martine asked.
    Smith turned and asked, “What?”
    Martine answered, “Sir, Mr. Weaver called to warn you that none of his
people are wearing anything. The Lizzars took their clothes to make
bowstrings.”
    “Then tell him that we'll give him and his people clothes,” Smith said.
    Martine said, “Mr. Weaver, Colonel Smith says we'll give you clothes.
Over.”
    “We don't want any. Just wanted to let you know what to expect is all.
Over.”
    Martine said, “Colonel Smith, Mr. Weaver says they don't want any
clothes. He just wanted to let us know what to expect.”
    Mark said, “Ask him how many men are in his APC.”
    Martine asked, “Mr. Weaver, how many men are in your APC? Over.”
    John replied, “Four men and six women. Over.”
    “I heard that. No need to repeat it, Martine. I guess if they're not
embarrassed to be naked, we can put up with it. Anyway, it can't be any
worse with them naked than it is with all these centaurs around here now.
Tell him thanks for not surprising us. Uh, pass the word around that we
have guests who will be naked. I expect everyone to remain reserved and
civilized,” Smith said.

                                   •   •   •

    John held on tightly as the APC struggled up the steep slope with
assistance from two other APC's using tow cables. For a few moments, he
seriously contemplated telling everyone to just forget it and climb up by
hand, leaving the APC closed up while hoping that the Lizzars couldn't get
into it.
    “We need to recover those cars the Lizzars used. They still have
useable tires. With those, we can put our ramming car back into action. I
don't know what we'll do next time about tire spikes, though,” Jim said.
    “Nor do I. The Lizzars have countered our biggest advantage with the
simplest counter-measure possible. We'll have to rethink our usage of the
cars from here on out.”
    “Even using them elsewhere is going to be dangerous. If the Lizzars
learned enough from Paul or from the others they still hold, they'll cause
the cars to be nearly useless.”
    “What I'm concerned about is whether or not there's anyway for the
Lizzars to counter our APC's. I'm including the academy's simply because
they're on our side,” John said.
    “I'll give it some thought,” Jim said.

                                    •   •    •

    Colonel Smith waited with his new saber sheathed on his hip and his
pistol holstered on his other hip. Beside him, Frea practiced drawing her
sword from the sheath she now wore. John's APC drew near and stopped.
John dropped inside the upper hatch and emerged moments later from the
rear hatch along with the rest of his group.
    Colonel Smith said, “You weren't kidding about being naked. Sure you
don't want any clothes?”
    “We'd only rip them apart to make bowstrings to give to other centaurs
who desperately need bows. Truthfully, you and I need to talk privately for
a few minutes,” John said.
    “About what? An agreement to be allies?” asked Colonel Smith.
    John answered, “I think it's a foregone conclusion that we're allies since
we're both fighting the same enemy. No, what I want to talk about is
weapons.”
    Colonel Smith said, “We're already giving the centaur warriors what
weapons we can spare. Surely, you don't want us to give them more than
we can reasonably do without?”
    “They won't leave you defenseless. It's not in their nature to treat their
allies that way. Please, may we talk privately?”
    “Very well. Shall we talk in my office? I think it's just about clear of
bodies now.”

                                    •   •    •

    “I'm sorry about the glass not being cleaned up yet. Watch your step,
Mr. Weaver.”
    “You don't have to address me so formally. It's still John.”
    “Is this a friendly discussion then, John?”
    John replied, “I'm trying to make it so. I just didn't want to create
problems for you until you've had a chance to hear this first. Then you can
reach a decision and we'll go on from there.”
    “In that case, call me Mark. Now what's so important, John?”
    John answered, “It's about the nudity. What I said about us ripping the
clothes to make bowstrings is absolutely true. The natives on this world
haven't been able to make bowstrings because the native plants are too
dangerous to use. I'll give you a quick primer on what I know about this
world...”

                                    •   •   •

    Mark said, “I see what you mean about their resources being somewhat
limited. Well, since the Persians had crude electricity, I guess it's not all
that strange for the Lizzars to have discovered it and progressed as they
did. It's amazing that they even got as far as they did without the wheel.”
    “True, they're lucky to have stumbled into discovering what they have
so far. Maybe saying that they hadn't invented the wheel is a bit too much
to claim. After all, they do have round things, but they didn't use any of
them for transportation purposes prior to our arrival. Anyway, the point is
that sooner or later, you're going to run out of ammunition. If you want to
be a good ally with the centaurs, you'll have to give up what you don't
need. The centaurs simply don't understand modesty or the human need for
it. We haven't done much to change that impression. I've personally
screwed women in plain sight of other men and women. So, what I'm
getting at is that the centaurs will want all your clothing to make
bowstrings for shipment to other sectors. They see it as nothing less than a
full commitment to survival and freedom on your part.”
    Mark sat down with a stunned look on his face. “Won't they be satisfied
if we give them all the linen, blankets, and rope? And all but two uniform
changes for each person?”
    John answered, “They'll be very happy with that, but they won't be
satisfied that we're doing absolutely everything in our power to remain free.
Many of them risked their lives to liberate me and dozens of other people
from slavery. A number of them died, just as some died today coming to
your assistance. They didn't have to fight their way onto this island to be
with you. They did because it's their way of showing how committed they
are to being good allies. Admittedly, there are four more cohorts on the
way, but they can't reach here until tomorrow morning at the soonest.”
    “You agree with them, then?” asked Mark.
    “Put it this way, they're giving their lives. They're only asking us to give
up our clothing. Admittedly, they appreciate it when we fight alongside of
them, but they've left it up to us as to who fights and who doesn't. That's
because of their society. They recognize ours is different.”
    “Yes, you explained what you know about that fairly well. It's not all
that unusual if you know anything about some of Earth's historic armies.
I'm certainly not condemning their society because it's different.”
    “I believe they recognize that we're not as fast as themselves nor as
strong as the Lizzars or themselves. Still, they haven't turned away any
form of assistance we've offered. We're certainly not as numerous, so I
guess they regard us as a special resource, because of our minds and
knowledge, to be treasured and protected. They really don't care how we
behave among ourselves, though they do view the goings on with
curiosity.”
    “Which is why I'm concerned about how I'll maintain discipline among
my cadets,” Mark said.
    “I don't know if you can hold them in your control.”
    “Are you threatening me?”
    “Not in the least. I'm not going to counter anything you decide. What
I'm trying to warn you about is what happened with us. Our mayor tried to
run the show with an iron fist. The younger members rebelled and went
their own direction. I'm no saint. I stayed with them because I liked getting
pussy and they were free with theirs,” John answered.
    “Do you really think what happened to you will happen to us?” asked
Mark.
    “Either just before or when you run out of bullets and mortar shells.
That's when everyone will begin to question your authority unless you can
pull another rabbit out of the hat. That was the only way that I remained in
control until I was captured. I managed to pull rabbits out of the hat. Had I
failed earlier, they would have sought different leadership again.
Admittedly, you have a bigger hat to pull rabbits from and I wish you
nothing but good luck. In fact, I'll help you anyway I can.”
    “And you're not looking to take over from me?”
    John answered, “I'll gladly become a civilian once more. You're far more
qualified than I am to lead forces and win. I'll even state so publicly. In
fact, I'm hoping you'll take the mantle of leadership off my shoulders. Your
job isn't what I want. I want only to live free in safety.”
    “I'll consider the clothing situation and let you know later.”
    “Fine with me. There's no rush since we're not going anywhere for the
time being.”
    “I'm not looking forward to the morning. If we're not under attack, I'll
have little choice but to conduct a ceremony for our dead. I lost far more
than I expected against an enemy armed only with swords, spears, and
bows,” Mark said.
    “How many did you lose?” John asked.
    “Forty men and two women. That's roughly a quarter of my people.”
    “You have my sympathies, Colonel, I mean, Mark. I lost two, a man and
a woman who I joined in marriage. From what I saw, the cohorts lost close
to forty of their warriors. We all took a pounding here today.”
    “Yes, but the enemy took far worse. I hesitate to guess how many they
lost. Certainly several thousand.”
    “It doesn't matter how many they lost. The point is that we're deep
inside Lizzar territory. They can get reinforcements here easier than we can.
Plus they have much more than we have available. Tomorrow's battle will
be against as many as were out there today. Even without the wheel,
they've managed to deal with the problem of moving troops around
effectively,” John said.
    “I think our next concern is to gather our top leaders and discuss tactics
and strategy before the Lizzars attack again,” Mark said.




                               Chapter 13

Mark ordered, “Okay, everyone! Get to digging! Fill in sandbags! We've not
got very long before they attack in waves again. This time, they're not
going to get so many of us as before with their arrows.”
    Frea gripped the shield that was taken from a suit of armor. She stood
majestically with it on her left arm while her sword still hung from her hip
in its sheath. Around her, piles of arrows were stacking up higher as her
warriors recovered all they could find from dead Lizzars. Another pile was of
bows, though many were broken. Still, the bowstrings were reusable, so
those were still important. Yet another stack was of iron swords that other
cohort warriors would be eager to have.
    “We'll load most of those onto some APC's and try to get them out in
the morning when we have more light to see by. You'll have to put one
warrior in each APC to show the way to my people who'll drive the vehicles.
I suggest that you send out some of your more seriously wounded as
guides. At any rate, that will give us an armored force outside our fort.
We'll keep the rest of the APC's here to hold the fort with. I've got people
loading up all the ammunition into each APC equally. We'll be mobile, at
least. Your warriors are welcome to station themselves in the buildings as
they see fit. The sandbags will give them cover to protect them from Lizzar
arrows,” Mark said.
    Frea asked, “Did John talk with you about our need for bowstrings?”
    “He did. I'm still considering my options about that.”
    Frea said, “We've learned that humans are friendly and will give the
shirts off their backs to their friends.”
    “True enough about most humans. However, you're also asking for our
pants and underwear. Most of us simply aren't ready to deal with being
naked for the rest of our lives.”
    “What good will clothes do you if you're dead or enslaved? The Lizzars
don't permit slaves to possess anything.”
    “I'm not arguing that. I'm simply stating that most of us spent our
entire lives wearing clothes. It's a big step for us to take. I know enough
about the past events to see that the others before us had little choice.
Maybe we don't really have a choice, either. However, I have to figure out
how I'm going to handle this, should I decide that you're right and that we
have to live nude for the rest of our lives. However, I'd rather not discuss
this now. I don't want to cause dissension among the ranks when we need
all the unity we can muster at present.”
    “I understand. It's still puzzling to us how your people can be so much
alike each other and have so many differences of opinion. You're very
different from us,” she said.

                                     •   •   •

    “Miss Wade, in my APC, please,” Colonel Smith said.
    She entered the APC that held seven other soldiers and the colonel.
Nearly every APC had as many, though not all.
    “Miss Wade, I have a question for you to answer. I need an honest
opinion and answer because this is important.”
    “I hope you're not going to ask me if I think I should marry you and
will,” she said.
    “I'm flattered that you think that was on my mind, Miss Wade.
However, the question is quite different. Had my Executive Officer been
here instead of out in the field preparing for the war games we were
supposed to hold, I'd ask him as well. It's difficult for me to pose this
question without sounding sexist. Nor am I trying to get into your panties
as this might sound. What I want to know is, how far do you feel we should
go in defending our lives?”
    “As far as necessary, Colonel.”
    “No, hear me out. I haven't given you the whole question or
circumstances.”
    “Sorry, Sir. Go on then.”
    “The centaurs have a desperate need for bowstrings to make bows with.
According to John, the plant life on this world is highly unsuitable for
bowstrings because it's too dangerous to handle. For now, I have to believe
him. The centaurs need to make hundreds, if not thousands of bows so
they can arm other centaur units around their world. They are essentially
engaged in a primitive version of a world war. If they lose, they become
slaves. So do we, since we're their allies. I've already learned that the
Lizzars won't accept anyone as allies. Apparently, some people tried that
already. They were still enslaved. Some were even killed. So, the centaurs
are our only hope of remaining free. Now that's most of the situation.”
    “I think I understood most of that. Now what's the whole question?”
    “Okay, back to the bowstrings. The centaurs learned that the Lizzars
made theirs from clothing and material they took from the town of Conway,
the prison, and the dormitory. To gain parity in the number of bows the
Lizzars have, the centaurs need more bowstrings. To do that, they want our
clothes in addition to all the rope, cord, linen, blankets, curtains, and
whatever else is suitable that I've left out. If we agree, then we'd have to
live naked for the rest of our lives. My question is, are we willing to go that
far? Can we dare go that far or will we sink into behaviors that will tear us
apart?”
    “Is that why John and his people are naked?” she asked.
    “For the most part, yes. The story about that is a bit more involved and
lengthy. Suffice it to say that John and his people were willing to give up
any clothing they had, though it wasn't very much.”
    “And it's really that serious concerning the outcome?” she asked.
    Colonel Smith answered, “John was taken prisoner and enslaved. He
worked in an ore mine all day and slept in a common room at night with
armed guards walking among the prisoners every single minute to prevent
escape. He and everyone else was shackled by their ankles, too. I sincerely
believe him about the slavery part. He still has rings of raw skin around his
ankles where the shackles restrained him. One man who tried to escape
was cut in half by a laser cannon and dragged back into the camp to rot in
plain sight.”
    “I don't think you really need an answer then. You don't have much
choice from what you've told me. If we don't meet the enemy with as much
force as we can, then we'll lose, right?”
    “That's how it might be.”
    “Then why ask me if you already know?”
    “I'm asking for your opinion and to learn how far you're willing to go
since you're a civilian. If you're willing to sacrifice that much, then the
cadets will have little choice but to follow your lead. After all, they know
you.”
    “Are you asking me to do this now?” she asked.
    “No, I'm not. I still haven't decided yet whether we have to give up our
clothes.”
    “But you don't have any real choice, do you?”
    He answered, “I don't know yet. It's going to depend on how well we do
during the next battle. When the Lizzars attack again, we're going to
button up the APC's and run them over when possible for as long as
possible while saving ammunition.”
    She asked, “How long will that be?”
    “Possibly the whole day. It's going to be noisy and difficult on
everyone. We'll have Lizzars clanging on the sides with their swords,
spears, and arrows. There'll be more noise when we run over some of
them.”
    “I guess I can stand the noise. What about fuel?”
    “We've got fuel, though we'll have to hand pump it out for now. When it
comes time to refuel, then we'll probably have to use our weapons to clear
the area. Our main concern is to keep the Lizzars from carrying away
anything or anyone. If we can do that without using ammunition, then we
might make a case for keeping our clothes.”
    “That might be fine here, but isn't this war going on elsewhere? I
thought you said this was...”
    “You're right, I did say that it's global,” Colonel Smith replied.
    “Wouldn't we be winning a battle only to lose the war? See, I learned
something from being your secretary.”
    “So you did. Yes, it's possible that we could win a battle and lose the
war.”
    “Then it all boils down to what John and the others believe. They gave
up what little they had left to fight the Lizzars with. We'd be less
committed if we do any less. Or have I got that backwards?”
    “No, I think you stated it correctly. We might have to give our clothing
just to show we are as fully committed as our allies. Sub-commander Frea
reminded me that some of her warriors gave their lives coming to assist us
in defending ourselves and that they're only asking us to give up our
clothes in return. I got the impression that they're willing to do nearly all
the fighting if we'll only give them the weapons. However, I, for one, do not
intend to sit on the sidelines doing nothing.”
    “In a way, we'd become more primitive in order to make the centaurs
more modern. We'd be meeting them half way, so it's not too unreasonable
considering what's at stake,” she said.
    “Yes, I asked John about some other sources for bowstrings. For
instance, the American natives used rawhide for theirs. He indicated that if
they could find and kill something suitable, they would. However, many of
the wild creatures simply aren't like on Earth. Reptilian-like hides aren't
anything I've ever heard of anyone using to make bowstrings from. Maybe I
can learn more from him or Frea later.”

                                    •   •   •

    Sergeant Grim said, “Okay, remember to let them get away from the
edge first before you shoot. That way, you'll have more target area to hit
with your arrows and we can recover our misses. Any Lizzars who get past
us will become targets for the APC's to run over.”

                                    •   •   •

    Squad leader Moru shouted, “Sub-commander Frea! Storm approaching!”
    Frea turned and glanced at the sky around her. She sniffed the air and
knew instantly that Moru was right. There was a storm approaching. She
hollered, “All warriors, seek cover! Colonel Smith! There's a storm coming!”
    “How bad is the storm going to be?” Colonel Smith asked.
    “All storms are bad. My warriors and I will seek shelter and rejoin you
later,” she replied.
    “You're going to leave here even though the Lizzars are still down
there?” Smith asked.
    “We don't dare stay in the open in the storm's path. Too many coil
vines might be carried within it. The Lizzars won't remain outside, either,”
she answered.
    “Coil vines can be carried by storms, Frea?” John asked.
    “Very often they are, if the storm is severe enough. We must seek
shelter before the storm reaches us,” she answered.
    “Colonel, you better get everyone of yours in a vehicle or inside your
buildings. Once a coil vine grabs you, there's no way to stop it from killing
you. The damn thing puts roots into your flesh while it tightens around the
body. I've seen a person die from one. She managed about five steps
before she was dead,” John said.
    “Frea, have your warriors seek shelter inside our buildings. Send some
of them to each building. We'll remain inside the APC's. Miss Wade, notify
all APC's to button up and move in between the buildings. Driver, let me off
at whatever building Sub-commander Frea takes shelter in,” Colonel Smith
said.
    Frea glanced over her shoulder as the colonel's APC stopped behind her
as she entered the administration building. She asked, when she saw the
colonel and Miss Wade exit, “Is there a problem?”
    “No, I just want to be with you so we can discuss matters in more
detail while the storm passes through. Is that all right with you?”
    “Certainly, Colonel. It will give me a chance to learn more about
fighting, if you don't mind teaching me.”
    “We can do that, too. Miss Wade, after you,” Smith said.
    His APC drove off and John's clanked to a stop near the doorway. John
said, “I'm going to stay with the colonel. Check the perimeter once, Jim,
and verify that the Lizzars are leaving.”

                                    •   •   •

    John walked into the colonel's offices to find the colonel pushing a
broom as he swept up the glass from the broken display case.
    “Maid's day off. Be careful, there's plenty of slivers in the carpet, John,”
Mark said.
    “Thanks, I'll just try to avoid that spot,” John replied.
    “I told Mark he didn't have to bother doing that,” Frea said.
    “Don't throw it away. Use it as a weapon to limit the Lizzars. They don't
like walking through broken glass, acid, or fire,” John said.
    “In that case, John, we'll go around and break out more glass if it can
be used,” Mark said.
    “Later, perhaps,” John said.
    “Colonel Smith told me about the nudity situation, so you don't have to
walk out of the room on my account,” Miss Wade said.
    “That's for you all to decide. I really don't wish to be brought into the
discussion more than necessary. Anyway, I didn't come in to talk about
nudity, Miss Wade. As I said to Mark earlier, I hope he takes over
leadership of all our people so I can return to being a civilian,” John said.
    “I take it then that you meant what you said about publicly announcing
it,” Mark said.
    John replied, “I did. I don't like seeing people die or knowing that my
decisions send some to their deaths. I was cut out for coaching, not leading
armies.”
    She said, “Since we're all getting on a first name basis, please call me
Fawn. Okay?”
    “Fine with me, Fawn,” John replied.
    “Frea and I basically want to talk about the same thing, namely how
we're going to fight the Lizzars. Perhaps we should walk through what's left
of our museum. There might not be any weapons left, but there are pictures
that will illustrate some of my ideas. We'll have less confusion about what
I'm saying. John, Fawn, you're both welcome to accompany us,” Mark said.
    “As an amateur strategist and tactician, I'd very much like to. Thank
you, Mark,” John said.
    Mark exclaimed, “Well, it appears that not everything was taken from
the museum. It's a little high up, but I'll find something to climb on and get
that crossbow down. It's a weapon of choice in combat. In medieval times,
it was outlawed and banned much as people currently on Earth are trying to
rid themselves of automatic assault rifles in private hands. I don't think
they'll have much more luck than our forebears had.”
    “It doesn't have a bow as large as mine,” Frea said.
    “Maybe not, but the wood provides more tension and that makes up for
part of the difference. You can see that there's a handle on this end that
was also used as a foothold to aid in loading the weapon. Aside from that,
it has a stock much like a rifle and permits the user to aim it with more
precision than an ordinary bow. It was a real equalizer in its time. I'm not
sure, Frea, but I'm willing to bet that you could make one with the right
wood and enough strands of your hair braided into a bowstring,” Mark
replied.
    John exclaimed, “Of course! You've just solved one of the biggest
problems facing the centaurs! With shorter bows mounted on stocks as
crossbows, they could use their hair for the bowstring. Not only that, but it
won't take very much hair, either.”
    “I'm willing to teach you how to braid hair,” Fawn said.
    Frea exclaimed, “You mean we've had the answer to our problem all
along?”
    “Well, it wasn't as apparent before. Now, uh, okay, catch it, John! Now,
with the crossbow to place beside your long hair, you can see that you have
just about enough length to make a bowstring with. And if it breaks, you
only need to whack off another braid, assuming that you begin wearing your
hair in them constantly, to replace your bowstring and get back into combat
relatively quickly,” Mark said.
    “It's something that the Lizzars can't do. Now every adult centaur can
be armed with better weapons than most Lizzars,” John said.
    “Fawn, I'd very much like to learn your braiding process,” Frea said.
    “Seems that we've already accomplished more than I expected. Still, I
want to talk about one more thing, Frea,” Mark said.
    She asked, “What's that, Mark?”
    Mark answered, “An offensive. We have a saying on Earth that the best
defense is a good offense. If we can stick it to the Lizzars and hurt them
over and over again, they'll eventually beg for peace.”
    “We have attacked the Lizzars before, but without any results,” she
said.
    Mark stated, “I'm talking about more than an exploratory attack to
hopefully find and free captives as your people were doing when you
encountered Conway. What I'm talking about is an extended campaign of
terror. We'll put together a force and send it into Lizzar territory with the
intention of not returning until we have caused so many casualties that the
Lizzars cease to raid your people for captives to enslave. We'll make the
Lizzars so afraid of the force we send into their territory that they'll
abandon all their other efforts to concentrate solely on it. The force we
send in will have to remain in Lizzar territory for months before it returns.”
    Frea stared at Mark for a moment as she digested his full meaning. She
finally asked, “Is that how to win?”
    Mark answered, “I think it is. Essentially, you've got a situation here
that resembles the American Civil War. The Lizzars fit the description of the
North. We fit the description of the South.”
    “Did the South win?” Frea asked.
    John answered, “No, the North won because the South couldn't
penetrate the North.”
    “But it was for reasons that don't apply to you. We have a chance here,
a very good chance I might add, to fight that war with the South as the
ultimate winner. I'd like to speak with Over Commander Zira soon so we
can organize everything that will be needed for my extended campaign into
Lizzar territory,” Mark said.
    “You will lead the campaign?” she asked.
    “Modesty aside, I think I'm the most knowledgeable leader for such an
adventure. With me along, such a force will have ready reference to what
needs to be done to win. I can't see myself trying to explain something
over a radio, assuming you can take one with you, without knowing what
the situation is fully like. I'll need to know more things than anyone will be
likely to tell me over the radio,” Mark answered.
    “I think he's right. Such a campaign will need an expert on hand to see
that it goes well. Otherwise you're condemning good warriors to useless
deaths,” John said.
    “I think we're getting the storm now,” Fawn said.
    “Yes, it's on top of us now. A few hours after the storm passes, it could
be safe to go outside,” Frea replied.
    John asked, “What kinds of units are you planning on taking? The
APC's?”
    Mark answered, “Actually, I was thinking of it being cavalry, and heavy
cavalry with human riders on one cohort to give us a mobile infantry
element. We simply don't have the fuel to run an extended campaign with
the APC's. I believe that those can be used better in defending the border
and your camps.”
    “We won't carry you unless you're naked. The Lizzars have laser towers
and portable lasers that we might encounter. Protecting you and your
clothing will require too much of the gel. We only use it when we know we
have to pass through laser fire since it isn't easy to acquire,” Frea said.
    Mark asked, “What if we just wear less? Would that be acceptable?”
    Frea asked, “How much less? I need to see what you're talking of.”
    “Excuse me, Fawn, but you may turn around if you like while I undress
enough to demonstrate what I'm talking about to Frea,” Mark said.
    Fawn said, “Uh, Mark, I've already got a naked man standing in front of
me. How could I be offended by you stripping down?”
    “Sorry. I forgot that John was standing here naked.” Mark removed his
clothes until he stood in his jock strap and an undershirt. He asked, “Okay,
Frea, how's this?” as lightning temporarily illuminated the room.
    She moved closer to him and said, “This has to go, but the other isn't
at all like most of your clothes. It doesn't fly about in the breeze. We might
accept that.”
    John said, “Just your jock strap, huh?”
    Fawn asked, “What about your women, Mark? How little will they have
to wear?”
    Frea looked at Fawn for a moment during the next lightning flash, then
said, “That is clearly too loose. The wind from us running would strip that
of protective gel. That would then get you and me killed if I was carrying
you.”
    “Okay, but the female cadets don't wear dresses. They wear uniforms
like the colonel was wearing,” Fawn said.
    “Then they can wear a jock strap, too,” Frea said.
    “Our females don't wear jock straps, Frea. Only our males because of
their private parts,” John said.
    Frea exclaimed, “Now that I think about it, I can see that it makes
sense. Did you know that your males are very tender there?”
    “Yes, we all know that,” Mark said.
    Frea asked, “Then what do your females wear?”
    Fawn lifted up her dress. “Panties and bras.”
    Frea gazed at the panty and bra during the next lightning flash that
Fawn exposed to her momentarily. “Those don't flap about. That's good. We
might be willing to accept those on females. But why cover your breasts?
Don't you want to feel fresh air upon them? Every time I run, it's as if I can
feel the soft caresses of my lover upon them. It's something I eagerly look
forward to.”
    “Ahem, one more item, Frea. Our helmets and our flag. We'll want
those as well. We'll even provide some of your warriors with helmets to
give them added protection,” Mark said.
    She replied, “I will give those consideration, Mark. Tell me more about
this offensive campaign first.”
    “John, can she speak for her people on this?” Mark asked.
    John answered, “Yes. If she agrees to something, the rest of the
centaurs will generally back her up. She'd have to be totally unreasonable
in her decision for them to rescind their support. This is much easier than
dealing with others on Earth where you have to wait until someone higher
in authority comes along.”
    “I'll say,” Mark replied.
    “If you ditch the tee shirt, she'll assume that you're in agreement so far
and what you've thrashed out so far will become binding,” John said.
    Mark asked, “Will we have to rehash everything if I don't?”
    “Not usually,” John answered.
    “Then for now, I think I'll keep it on. I feel naked already. This, I can
see, will take some getting used to,” Mark stated as he moved to one of
the picture displays.
    “Will I have to go along with this when the agreement is reached? I'd
like to know now,” Fawn asked.
    Mark stopped walking suddenly as he realized that he hadn't considered
Fawn's status yet. He turned to her. “I don't know. Do you want to fight?
What is her status, John?”
    John answered, “Well, the centaurs only have three basic choices,
though it appears that a fourth is being developed. One is warrior status.
Their second is breeder. The third is trainee status, which includes all their
young. The fourth status that's developing is support technician. So far,
only one person qualifies for that status because she can repair radios,
though I have to admit that she spends time on her back a great deal
anyway, so she could also be considered a breeder.”
    Fawn exclaimed, “A breeder?”
    “Essentially a breeder is a free prostitute and mother. All centaurs fight
unless they're female and willing to become mothers. Those willing to
become mothers make themselves available to all of the warrior class until
they become pregnant. Then they might marry and become available only to
one warrior from then on. Some warriors marry other warriors but they don't
have young if they can avoid it while being intimate,” John said.
    Mark asked, “You stated that they've been lenient about your people.
How would Fawn be affected then?”
    “Well, I think they'd probably allow her to be a non-combatant,
particularly if they see her have intercourse at least once with one of the
men. They realize our temperaments are different from theirs, so they are
trying to be considerate of us,” John said.
    “John is mostly correct. We do understand that you are different in that
your males are not always ready as ours are. We've noticed that they're not
always aroused by the same female or at the same time. We would prefer
to know what status someone holds so we will know how to plan for camp
movements and provisioning,” Frea said.
    “Breeders also gather food for themselves and warriors. For warriors,
they gather enough to last the mission. For themselves, they gather what's
needed at that time. Mike is the first individual with specialized talents
whom they've had to make an exception. They haven't had anyone with
specialized talents before. What one of them learned, they all basically
learn to do,” John said.
    “Do I get to choose my status or is that selected for me?” Fawn asked.
    “You choose,” Frea answered.
    “I'm not sure what I want to be. This is so unexpected,” Fawn said.
    “They've also been lenient toward us because we didn't have enough
vehicles to travel in before. They haven't minded some of our people
remaining behind since they can't keep up with the cohorts unless they ride
on a centaur's back. Some of our people at the base camp are still
considered warriors who are responsible for maintaining camp security,”
John said.
    “John is correct about that. We do consider many of his people at the
base camp to be warriors. They proved they are during the last attack,”
Frea said.
    “You've been attacked at your camp?” Fawn asked.
    John answered, “Yes, they have. There is no safe place on this world.
The centaurs see each individual as having one of two responsibilities.
Either to preserve life or to create and nourish life. That is their highest
priority. Everything else is subordinate to that.”
    “If you are a breeder, you must show it by being naked always. As a
warrior, we will not say anything about you wearing panties and bras
though it is your life you risk if those prove to be a weakness for the
lasers,” Frea said.
    “Mark, it's beginning to look like you might get into my panties after all,
since I don't know how to fight,” Fawn said.
    “It's your decision, Fawn,” John said.
    “I haven't reached any decision yet, Fawn. You don't have to decide
anything yet,” Mark said.
    “Can we return to discussing the offensive?” Frea asked.
    “Sorry I dragged the conversation off course. Sure, go ahead and
discuss the offensive,” Fawn said.
    “Basically, I see an offensive with several types of cavalry. One will
carry humans who will sometimes fight while mounted and sometimes on
foot, depending on the circumstances. Another cavalry unit will have armor
somewhat similar to what this picture shows on a horse. The difference will
be that we'll try to come up with something appropriate for the upper body
instead of what you see here. Kind of like that suit of armor standing in the
corner. In fact, some of us might be wearing armor like that as well. Mind
you, Frea, it's going to take strong centaurs to carry such loads. You might
have to transfer some warriors from one cohort to another,” Mark said.
    Frea asked, “How many cohorts will be on the offensive?”
    Mark answered, “As many as we can have. Personally, I'd like to see ten
cohorts at a minimum. Twenty would be much better.”
    “We have only eight cohorts and one must be available for camp
defense. Generally they are considered to be resting, but they are
responsible for defense along with those we keep behind for defense,” Frea
said.
    “Warriors recuperating from wounds are generally used for camp
defense. At any one time, there might be as many as fifty recovering from
severe wounds. That's another reason why they haven't minded our people
being at camp instead of out fighting. We've helped treat the wounded and
we're there to augment the defense,” John said.
    “John's people are very good at treating wounds. Our wounded spend
less time now recuperating than ever before,” Frea said.
    “What are our chances of gaining additional cohorts from other sectors
to create a force large enough that the Lizzars will take notice?” Mark
asked.
    “I don't know. I do know that the sectors are very cooperative,” John
said.
    Frea answered, “If we can show them our intentions and explain how it
will benefit them, they will probably send a cohort or two. Don't expect
more than that. They must defend their own camps.”
    Mark asked, “How many sectors are there?” Mark asked.
    “Perhaps close to a thousand.”
    “Okay, Fawn, get some paper and a pencil. A flashlight, too. I need to
illustrate something for Frea's benefit. We're not going to see enough by
lightning flashes as we've been doing for the last few minutes,” Mark said.

                                   •     •   •

    Mark drew a line and then more lines leading from it in only one
direction. He said, “This is the border between the Lizzars and everyone
else. Each of these lines indicates a sector. Do you follow my drawing so
far?”
    Frea said, “Yes, I understand it.”
    “Good. Now, if every sector nearest us sends two cohorts to join our
offensive, then we won't have taken away too many warriors from them.
Now, to spread out the weakness that we created, the sectors nearest
them also contribute a cohort to reinforce all these sectors so that none of
them is more than one cohort less than before,” Mark said.
    Frea asked, “But what of our sector? We will have but one or two
cohorts left.”
    “You'll only contribute one or two cohorts as did all the others. This will
be a multi-sector force with no one sector dominating it. All participants
will be equally responsible for what it accomplishes. Furthermore, we can
establish a line of communication among all these sectors by sending an
APC to each so they'll have a radio and some people to operate it. In
effect, we'll be spreading out John's people so they can't be wiped out all
at once. He's already indicated to me that we're considered a valuable
resource,” Mark said.
    Frea said, “That's true. We do consider you valuable. Some of your
people teach us to do things. They are actually what might be considered a
new status among us, John.”
    “I stand corrected, then. Fawn, if you can teach, then you might fit into
that category,” John said.
    Frea said, “She might still have to breed. She will definitely have to be
naked elsewhere since only our sector is nearly free of laser towers. We
haven't drawn off so many Lizzars that everyone else is bothered less by
their raids.”
    “In that case, I'll have to assign some of my men with rifles to the
APC's to deal with the lasers as you stated you're nearly out of
ammunition, John,” Mark said.
    “Yes, that would be a good idea. Most of my people don't know how to
drive an APC, either, so we'll have to have at least one of your people,
Mark,” John replied.
    “Okay, a cohort is one hundred warriors. That means I can plan on a
mobile infantry element of one hundred. I've still got roughly a hundred and
thirty personnel, counting everyone. We can send the APC's to sixteen
other sectors to establish communications and spread out our people. I can
send my wounded and non-combatants with the APC's,” Mark said.
    John asked, “What about all the cars you have in back? We can't allow
the Lizzars to get hold of those.”
    “Well, since you mentioned that the Lizzars are using tire spikes now,
those can't be used for combat. Seems to me that their speed makes them
suitable for courier service. We can load some of our fuel cans with diesel
fuel and get it to the other sectors by courier so the APC's can remain in
their sectors. Plus we can quickly send materials we find or capture to the
other sectors in the same manner,” Mark said.
    Frea said, “If you do those things, I can guarantee that the other
sectors will gladly send a cohort to join your offensive force. They already
know that having an APC is worth a couple of cohorts.”
    “If you can really guarantee that, I'll make the decision to instruct my
troops to strip down to their skivvies,” Mark said.
    “She can,” John said.
    Fawn asked, “Can I become a courier? I have my car in back.”
    “We're going to have to think out this courier service, too. You can't
just have one person in a car. They could get lost in this terrain. I think at
least two people are going to be needed in each courier vehicle,” John said.
    Mark asked, “How many people do you have right now, John?”
    “I think I have a hundred and sixteen now,” John answered.
    “Okay, it's going to take thirty-two personnel to man all our APC's. We
have about two dozen cars out back. That's going to require forty-eight
people to put two in each. Then we need to spread out what's left. It
appears feasible since we'll have about seventy people left over for
spreading about the sectors. That's four or five to each sector,” Mark said.
    “Most of my people are women, some of whom are pregnant. Aside from
myself, there are twenty-three other men. Most of them will want to be
couriers, I believe. They'd probably like to have something else to do other
than breed and teach. Basically only nine of us men went out on missions,”
John said.
    Mark said, “We'll accept volunteers and not try to...”
    John interrupted and said, “Couriers are considered warriors and quite
respected among the centaurs. I think most of the men would rather be
couriers.”
    “Then they can volunteer if they want to be well respected,” Mark said.
    “And some of my people want to remain warriors,” John said.
    “I see. Well, they're welcome to join me provided they'll take orders,”
Mark replied.
    “I don't think you'll have any problem on that except for clothing. They
don't have any. Some of them aren't going to be willing to put on so much
as a stitch,” John said.
    “We're going to be riding centaurs. From what you told me, they're not
going to have any choice in the matter. They'll either wear jock straps or
panties or they won't be part of the force,” Mark said.
    John asked, “What about your own people? Are you giving them a
choice in whether they go out with you?”
    Mark answered, “I guess I'm taking it for granted that they want to
fight. After all, they entered the academy voluntarily. That means that
many of them were planning on a military career. The way I see it, this is
their chance.”
       “You may be right about that. Anyway, I hope for the sake of your plan
that most of them agree to be warriors,” John said.
       Frea said, “We only accept volunteers as warriors, even though we have
few choices.”
       “You really have only one choice for your males since they can't
conceive,” Mark said.
       Frea replied, “True enough. I guess we're not so different in some ways
from you. Am I to presume that you are going through with our agreement
thus far?”
       Mark said, as he pulled off his undershirt, “Yes, I'll order my troops to
strip down in the morning so they can see me and understand how serious I
am about this.”
       Fawn asked, “Would you like my support in the morning, Mark?”
       “In what way?” asked Mark.
       “Will you accept me as a courier?” she asked.
       “Yes, I'll accept you as a courier,” he answered.
       She said, “Then I'll have to strip down to my undies. If I appear beside
you in my bra and panties, the troops will know that you're very serious.
Won't they?”
       Mark answered, “I suppose they will, at that.”
       Fawn reached behind and unbuttoned her dress before she lifted if over
her head and removed it. “I guess I better get used to being this way while
they last.”
       Frea said, “The moons are rising now. You'll better conserve your
batteries.”




                                   Chapter 14

Mark woke with a start before he remembered why he was wearing only his
jock strap while sleeping on a cot in his office. He glanced around and saw
that Frea was awake and watching out the window. John remained asleep
on a couch. Fawn was sleeping on another cot in only her underwear. He
stared at her for a moment before he felt guilty about seeing so much of
her.
       “Good morning, Mark. Did you sleep well?” Frea asked.
    “You stayed up all night on guard?” he asked.
    “No, John shared shifts with me. He's very dependable.”
    Mark said, “He's a little obstinate on some matters, but I feel his
intentions are in the right place. Have the Lizzars shown back up yet?”
    She answered, “Not yet. The storm just passed over us. It's still
dangerous to be outside. There are plenty of coil vines writhing about on
the ground. I feel certain that we still have several hours before the Lizzars
can regroup and advance again. Perhaps not until tomorrow.”
    “In that case, we need to gather the troops together in the Mess Hall
so they can eat and I can instruct them on what's happening. Of course,
we'll have to get out of here first. Hopefully there will still be enough of us
to form an infantry unit when we leave here.”
    She asked, “How soon do you plan on leaving?”
    “As soon as we have just about everything we can carry. We'll have to
build a ramp to get the cars down from here, too. That's going to take
some time. I expect your reinforcements were delayed by the storm.”
    “If it passed too close to them, yes.”
    “Then we probably won't leave until tomorrow or the day after. We'll try
to fight the Lizzars with arrows instead of bullets,” Mark said.
    Frea said, “The Lizzars won't be very likely to stick around here too long
after we leave. The vines will have attached to many of the bodies left
about. In a few years, this will be surrounded by a dangerous forest.”
    “If I thought we could hold out that long, I'd stay since the APC's are
sufficient protection against the coil vines.”
    “Then perhaps you'll return someday.”
    Mark went over to the radio. “Time to wake the troops.”

                                      •   •   •

    Mark checked the doorway for coil vines before he left the office to
enter the APC that pulled up almost to the door. Some of the troops inside
stared at him before shifting their eyes to Fawn who followed right behind
him.
    “I'll explain all of this in the Mess Hall. Frea and John are remaining
here, driver. Let's go,” Mark said.

                                      •   •   •

    Mark received even more stares from his troops as he entered the Mess
Hall where they were eating cold breakfasts. As before, the eyes of the
troops silently shifted almost immediately to Fawn who followed him
inside. Only a few soldiers weren't in the Mess Hall as they remained inside
the APC's to drive those out of the way and keep them secure. Mark made
his way to get something to eat and then stopped once he reached the
center of the room before going to his table.
    “Okay, I know you're all wondering what happened to my uniform and
Miss Wade's clothes. I'm going to explain that right now. Then I'm going to
sit down and eat my breakfast while each of you goes about doing what
needs to be done,” Mark said.
    “First of all, we're on a new world. Any doubts some of you might have
had about that should have been completely dispelled by the sight of three
moons in the sky last night. That's if the presence of the Lizzars and our
allies, the centaurs, wasn't already enough. I've been in deep discussion
with John Weaver, past commander of the human forces, and
Sub-commander Frea of the Fifth Cohort. From them, I've learned an awful
lot about this world that we need to know if we're to survive. As well, I've
made recommendations and reached an agreement with them as to how to
best survive.”
    “For one thing, the Lizzars have laser cannon. The centaurs have
developed a counter for that, but you have to be naked or nearly so to use
it. Loose clothing causes the protective gel to flake off. So it's either be
naked or fry. The centaurs are agreed that dressed as minimally as Miss
Wade and myself are now is acceptable since neither of us have any loose
clothing to flap about and nullify the protective gel when it's applied. After
you finish breakfast, you're to all report to your quarters, remove what
you're wearing, and report back for duty dressed as one of us are, according
to your gender. This is for your protection. The Lizzars do have portable
laser cannon, though they can't move them very fast. We might find
ourselves facing that threat which is why we'll be ready for it ahead of
time. No, no! There's no need to stand up and strip down now! Keep your
seats and finish your breakfast. Once you remove your clothes, you're to
turn those in. Those will be used to make weapons. Again, it's a choice of
whether our force is going to be better armed than the Lizzars or not. You
and I know that the force with better weapons stands a better chance of
winning. Since the Lizzars will only accept us as slaves, we have little
choice about who we're fighting against or how.”
    “The Lizzars only allow their slaves to wear chains. I feel quite well
dressed right now,” Fawn said.
    “Uh, thank you, Miss Wade. Additionally, we'll be sending out as much
gear as we can in the APC's and cars. The wounded will be in the APC's or
cars. The rest of us will be riding on centaurs to leave this site once we
have everything of value packed up. Miss Wade has a list of what is
considered essential. Each APC will later move to one of the buildings to
load up fully. The centaurs will provide for our defense while we clear
everything of value out. We also have four more centaur cohorts on the way
here, so there will be plenty of mounts to carry us all out of here. After
we're safely disengaged from the enemy, some of you will be assigned to
other sectors along with an APC. Miss Wade has a list of assignments, as
well,” Mark said.
    “Now I've reached the one last item I wish to speak with you about.
The centaurs have only two main classifications. One is to be a warrior. I
don't think anyone needs any explanation about what that is. The second is
as a breeder. This needs clarification. First of all, it really only applies to
women. Since we have some women among us, you women will have an
opportunity to make a choice. Essentially, what it means is that you may
choose to be a warrior or a camp prostitute available to any man who wants
you. If you wish to remain a warrior, then dress appropriately. If you'd
rather be a breeder, than report back for duty with nothing on. Breeders are
always naked.”
    “Warriors may choose to be naked, but we're going to maintain some
sense of modesty while our clothing lasts. To you men here, I can only
warn you that you don't want to ride on a centaur with your grapes hanging
loose. You'll regret it within the first few seconds of riding and I won't give
you any sympathy or ask the centaurs to slow down for your comfort. All of
you better plan on keeping whatever you have in the way of jock straps,
panties, and bras if you're a warrior. All other clothing is to be turned in, no
matter how sentimental you feel about it. I do not want to hear of anyone
being hazed because they have more or less than anyone else inside their
underwear. Nor do I want any comments concerning what underwear some
of you may have stashed away somewhere and finally pull out of hiding to
turn in. I know that some of you have kept some personal items since I've
come across some before in previous years during inspections.”
    Fawn whispered, “Remember the bows, sir.”
    “One more item I almost forgot. If any Lizzars manage to slip in and
threaten you, you are to use bows and arrows to kill them. Use your other
weapons only as a last resort. We must conserve our rifle ammunition for
use against the enemy's lasers. Now finish your breakfast and then do as
I've instructed. All staff members are to gather at my table for briefing,”
Mark said.

                                   •   •   •

    “Miss Wade has volunteered to assist in making quivers to hold arrows.
See to it that she gets the most durable material available for that
purpose. If you have anyone who can sew, send them to assist her,” Mark
said.
    He noticed the nods among his remaining staff before he went on.
    “I didn't tell everything I know about how the centaur society functions.
Nor did I tell about how the humans here function. Suffice it to know, your
troops will learn soon enough, so you can expect some trouble now and
then dealing with sexual relationships. There are just about enough women
in the centaur camp now to handle whatever comes up. Most, but not all,
have become breeders so they won't have to fight. I can't really blame
them since many of them don't know how to fight. Others are teachers and
one is a technician. Specialized skills are very scarce on this world and
valued beyond having to fit into the current society. Essentially, the centaur
society is being forced to adapt to new circumstances, namely us. It is up
to us to keep our people in line without jeopardizing the alliance or our
security. Anyway, this leads to another point. We need people who know
how to handle tools so we can take some of the sheet metal we have to do
a number of projects.”
    “One project is to armor the cars so they can drive in the open without
worrying about a spear or sword coming through the window. Or an arrow.
Some of you saw what was done to the cars John's people used. We'll do
somewhat the same to ours. As well, we need to make some armor much
like medieval knights placed on their mounts. We might not have enough
material to make armor for every centaur, but I'd like to see us make as
much as possible until we run out of resources.”
    “Another is to prepare some armor for people to wear while standing in
a car or an APC hatch so they can fire at the enemy without worrying about
being hit by arrows or spears. For the most part, this means only from the
waist up. That should reduce how much we have to make. Some of you will
be wearing this armor as some of you will be assigned to other sectors and
will be in charge of our people in that sector. You'll also train the centaurs
in tactics and use of weapons.”
    “The rest of us will be mounting a major offensive that I predict will
last three to six months to relieve the pressure on the centaur camps. That
means I'll need recommendations from you on suitable candidates to
become permanent squad and platoon leaders. I intend to form a mobile
infantry unit of one hundred individuals, including myself. Very likely I'll
organize the unit into two platoons, each with five squads. That means I
need ten competent leaders from among our cadets. Discuss this among
yourselves and give me a list by the end of the day. Or you can give the
names to Miss Wade, who has volunteered to be a courier. She'll have to be
fitted for armor, as well.”
    “We also need individuals skilled in woodworking. They're to begin
production on making crossbows using the one that Sub-commander Frea
now has as their prototype to go on. If you have to dismantle part of a
building to get enough wood, then do so. I want as many as you can
produce before we leave here.”
    Sergeant Grim said, “I can work wood.”
    Mark said, “In that case, you're in charge of that project. Who knows
metal?”
    Sergeant Lott replied, “You'll probably want me then for that project.”
    “Okay then, you have your assignments. If anyone doesn't have a jock
strap, raid the lockers and dresser drawers of the dead and wounded. We
need at least three for some of the men who came to our rescue so they
can ride centaurs out of here. Like I said before, there are to be no
comments or hazing of individuals because they pull out something sexy
and wear it so long as it isn't frilly and doesn't flap about. The centaurs are
concerned about that issue. I don't blame them since someone who's hit
and falls off a centaur could trip others coming up behind them. If the
underwear has loose frills, just have those cut off,” Mark said.
    Sergeant Grim asked, “What about pistol belts?”
    Smith answered, “They'll be allowed provided they're fitted snugly
around the waist. Most likely they'll have to be taken off if you enter into
known laser areas and stored away in protected sacks until you're safely
out.”
    Sergeant Lott asked, “Sunglasses okay?”
    “I don't know. For now, I'm saying yes. If I'm wrong, then we'll have to
make do without them. By the way, most of the tee shirts should be
useable as bandages. The centaurs have virtually nothing to bandage their
wounds with. What they got from Conway is nearly gone now. You'll find an
extensive list of what's to be taken away from here with Miss Wade. If
anyone should come across something not on the list or think of something
not on it, bring it to our attention immediately. Things that we used to take
for granted could very well be important now,” Smith said.

                                      •   •   •

       Ray stood in his jock strap with his pistol belt around his waist as he
inspected each female cadet closely to see that her underwear wasn't frilly
and that she kept only her underwear. Everything else had to be carried
downstairs and handed over. He said nothing when one of the women
noticed that his jock strap was straining outward. Instead, he continued
with his inspection until he'd checked each woman. It wasn't as easy as his
inspection of the men in his platoon. He had only four of them left. As it
was, he needed to inspect only one item of wear on them. Ray quickly
finished his inspection in record time. “Martine, front and center!”
       “Yes, sergeant?” she asked as she came over to stand in front of him
while trying her best to keep her eyes averted from his bulging jock strap.
       “Colonel Smith wanted recommendations from his staff on who to
promote permanently. I heard some good things about how you took over
at the armory. I've already put you in for promotion and you've been
approved. Find yourself a pair of sergeant stripes and sew them onto your,
uh, panties. One on each side, I guess. You can rescue some from my
fatigues.”
       She asked, “What about you, sergeant? I can sew yours on while I'm at
it if you like.”
       Ray said, “Uh, yeah, I am a bit out of uniform. Thank you.” He removed
two spares from inside a pouch on his pistol belt and handed those over to
her.
       “Don't you want stripes on all your straps?” she asked.
       “I can probably take care of these later.”
       “I don't see what you're being so modest about. We can already see
half of you in your current condition.”
       Ray glanced down and saw that she was correct. His jock strap bulged
out so far that the hidden part of him showed clearly from the sides.
Without a word, he reached down and slipped them down from his waist
and thighs before letting them fall to his ankles. He stepped out of them
with one foot and then lifted his other foot to take them completely off
before handing them over to her.
       She asked, “On the sides? There's only a narrow band there.”
       “Front and back sides then, Martine. Same way with yours. Please don't
leave me hanging out like this for too long. I'd appreciate it if you'd do one
of mine first and send it to me at the maintenance shop. Now do any of you
have experience working with wood? I need anyone with even minimum
experience at cutting and shaping wood. I have to make as many crossbows
as possible before we leave. The only way I'm going to accomplish that is
to have as many people working as we have tools for.”
    Two women stepped forward.
    Sergeant Grim said, “Okay, you two are to report to the maintenance
shop now. Tuck your spare underwear into an ammo pouch and follow me.”

                                   •   •   •

    After Sergeant Grim was gone, Martine gasped, “God, I can't believe I
talked him out of his jock strap. Did you see the hunk of meat hanging
between his legs?”
    Wallensky said, “I never knew before that any man had that much.
Well, except for that guy John who showed up yesterday. Grim's nearly as
big as John. Do they all have that much?”
    “I don't think so. I just hope I haven't gotten Sergeant Grim in trouble
with the colonel. I better hurry and get those stripes on,” Martine said.
    “Need any help?” Wallensky asked.
    “Sure, if you're any better at sewing than I am.”

                                   •   •   •

    Fawn climbed out from the APC's rear hatch after unlocking the car door.
She had to just barely open it and roll the window down before she could
enter the car without treading on any coil vines. She slid into the driver's
seat and started the engine before the APC pulled away. She followed the
APC closely to the maintenance shop where the car would be modified
before she went after another. She didn't even bother to glance out over
the plain to see if the Lizzars were back yet.

                                   •   •   •

    Sergeant Grim sat on one of the chairs at the work bench where he took
apart the working crossbow Frea handed back over. He marked out the
pieces with pencil against stocks of wood he'd already selected. He was
glad that part of his anatomy was no longer directly visible. He still
possessed an erection that he was embarrassed for the two women beside
him to see.
    To make matters worse, one woman earlier brushed up against him and
his member had throbbed and bobbed about as if eager to have her. He
couldn't admit it, but under different circumstances he wasn't sure if he
could have so easily restrained himself from the temptation she so clearly
presented. He handed one stock of wood to one woman to pass on down
the table to some men who volunteered from the other platoons to work on
making crossbows.
    Ray felt bad about one of the other men who was also nude while his
jock straps were similarly adorned with sergeant stripes. The man had seen
the two women volunteers and become similarly aroused until he saw Ray.
Then the man had become all limp as if recognizing that he couldn't
compete.

                                   •   •   •

    “Okay, this takes care of Sergeant Grim's first strap. We need to get it
over to him so he won't get into trouble with the colonel,” Martine said.
    “You want to take it since I sew better?” Wallensky asked.
    “Sure, I can do that,” Martine answered.
    “Okay, slip out of yours so I can do them while you're gone.”
    “Mine?” asked Martine.
    “Hey, I don't know how long you'll take to get there with all these vines
about. You might be gone long enough for me to do all of yours before I
have to turn over this machine to someone else. Besides, Grim didn't have
any problem with taking his off. Now give!”
    Martine reluctantly slipped out of her panties. She handed them over to
Wallensky before she made for the front door with Sergeant Grim's jock
strap in her hand.

                                   •   •   •

    The APC pulled up to the front door and backed in close enough that a
person could step from the open hatch into the building without touching
the ground. Martine blushed as Colonel Smith stepped out with his jock
straps in his hand and a number of cloth colonel's insignia to be sewn on.
“Relax, sergeant. Haven't you seen a naked colonel before?”
    “No sir. I was concerned that you might be embarrassed to see a nearly
naked sergeant,” she replied.
    Smith glanced at the jock strap in her hand, then asked, “That must be
for someone else then since I don't think you'd have need for one quite like
that.”
    “It's, uh,...yes, sir.”
    “Relax, sergeant. We're operating under difficult conditions. No need to
become flustered. You're a sergeant now. As such you should be able to
deal with any situation, even if you're naked. If you tell who that belongs
to, I'll see that he gets it while you return to sewing your own stripes on.”
    “Private Wallensky is sewing on the rest of mine and his.”
    “Fine, then perhaps she might not mind sewing my insignia on for me.”
    Martine said, “I'll see to it, sir. This is Sergeant Grim's jock strap. He's
at...”
    “I know where he's at. I'm going there next anyway to check on our
progress. You go ahead and finish up here. I'm sure you have other things
to do than deliver jock straps.”
    She asked, “What about yours? Should I deliver them to you, sir?”
    “I'll pick them up later. There's no need to search me out just so no one
will see part of me flopping about. Sooner or later, it's going to be seen
anyway. Once we hit the field, we're not going to have any privacy when we
take a shit or a bath. Otherwise, I might be concerned about some of my
people running around naked or half-naked. Just remember, there's nothing
to be embarrassed about when conditions make something necessary as
they are now. By the way, you're to also get a sidearm issued to you now
that you're a non-com.”
    Sergeant Martine said, “Of course! That must be why Sergeant Grim
said for the ranks to be on the front and back instead of the sides.”
    “You're catching on quickly,” Smith said before turning to re-enter the
APC with Sergeant Grim's jock strap.
    She asked, “You sure you don't want to wait just five minutes to have
one strap fixed up?”
    “I'll get them all later, thanks.”

                                     •   •   •

    When Sergeant Grim heard the voice shout, “Attention!” he started to
rise and stand at attention. He gave no thought to his nudity.
    “As you were everyone! We're dispensing with formalities temporarily.
Sergeant Grim!”
    Ray turned to face the colonel, expecting to be chewed out for being
naked. Instead, he saw Colonel Smith walking toward him with just as little
on and holding out a jock strap with sergeant's stripes sewn onto the front
and back.
    “I believe this is yours. You can pick up the rest of your straps later. If
there's anyone else in here naked while their uniform is being prepared,
rest assured that you are not in trouble. After all, I'm having to walk around
out of uniform for the same reason. Carry on now. Sergeant, how is the
work progressing?”
    “We're just getting the materials cut from the stock we have on hand.
I'd say that we'll be assembling our first new crossbows within an hour.
Once we find out what problems we're facing in making these, I can then
estimate how many we can produce per hour,” Ray answered as he stepped
into his jock strap and pulled it up to his waist.
    “Okay, that sounds good. As soon as you have some working production
models, issue them out so we can test them under battle conditions while
we still have the makings to repair or modify them into worthy weapons.
Commandeer anything you need to make these with unless it's from
another working weapon,” Smith said.
    Ray asked, “Are the Lizzars back yet?”
    “No, sergeant. They're still having to deal with the coil vines and they
don't have APC's, thank god, to get past those with. There's a real chance
that we won't have to concern ourselves with them for another six hours or
more, if at all today,” Smith answered.
    “Then we should have a lot of crossbows ready by then. At least, I hope
we will,” Ray said.
    “I'm confident that you and your volunteers will do your best. Go ahead
and return to your work. I'll just watch for awhile and then move out of your
hair,” Smith said.

                                    •   •   •

    Martine slipped on her panties and gazed down at herself, still hardly
able to believe that she was a sergeant. Still, she had the rank on her front
and back of her panties to show that she was. “How do I look?” Martine
asked.
    “Well, like a sergeant, I guess,” Wallensky replied.
    “Yeah, I guess I do. Remember how we used to joke about the
sergeants having their rank on their underwear?”
    Wallensky said, “Sure. Now we know it's true, huh?”
    “Yeah...Well, not exactly since this isn't underwear any longer. It's
outer wear. I'm wondering though if I should continue to wear a bra or not.
Do you think it would upset the colonel?”
    “You looking to being busted in rank before you have a chance to enjoy
it?” Wallensky asked.
    “Not exactly, but it's just that I'm not sure about how I feel dressed
like this. I never did like bras.”
    Wallensky said, “Yes, I know. I've walked in on you enough after duty
to see you bare chested to know that. Still, I don't think the colonel is
going to appreciate that for now. I wouldn't tempt fate by taking a chance
yet. Get to know him better before you do anything.”
    “I suppose you're right.”
    Wallensky said, “Hand me another of the colonel's jock straps.”
    “I hope we don't get these mixed up,” Martine said.
    Wallensky held up one of Sergeant Grim's beside the one for the
colonel. She asked, “Do you really think we can mix these up?”
    Martine said, “I guess not. There is a definite difference in size.”

                                     •   •   •

    Ray assembled the first crossbow and test fired it. The bolt, though it
was actually an arrow from one of the archery sets, flew a straight and true
course toward the target. His aim wasn't too far off the center. “Well, we
can definitely make crossbows. Let's get more of these assembled and
tested. Now that we know this works, we can give the original back to
Sub-commander Frea.”
    Frea said, “I'll be happy even with the new crossbow. That way you may
keep the original for tracing.”
    Ray replied, “Okay, here you go. Use it in good health.”

                                     •   •   •

    John looked in on the maintenance shop. Although he was concerned
about the crossbows, he was more concerned about the cars as they were
something the centaurs couldn't make. It wasn't going very well that he
could see, if only because there was a lack of sheet metal for the overall
task.
    Sergeant Lott, wearing only a pistol belt, came over to him and asked,
“How did you solve your lack of sheet metal for your cars?”
    “We ransacked the town and took it from anything we couldn't use
anymore. We took apart the freezers in the grocery store. Wall lockers from
the gym. You name it, we used it,” John answered.
    “Okay, now I know where to get material from. Everyone, except you
two, get your tools and follow me. We're going on a scavenger hunt,”
Sergeant Lott ordered.

                                     •   •   •

    Frea scanned the horizon with the pair of military binoculars given to
her by the colonel. She was amazed at how much better they were than
what her people already had from the town of Conway. She was just barely
able to make out the first of the Lizzar units returning as they knocked
aside loose coil vines with their outstretched spears. They weren't making
very fast progress. She estimated that it would still be some hours before
they even reached near the island. They might even wait until the next day
before launching their assault so the coil vines would be largely inactive
and harmless.
    As she watched, she was aware that the cohort reinforcements were
probably similarly being held up. They would deal with the matter
differently by acquiring a log and rolling it in front of them until it became
too big and heavy to prod forward. Then another log would be shoved out in
front of them to gather up the loose coil vines.
    Colonel Smith came in the building from his APC and stopped beside
her. She noticed that he didn't have on his jock strap and asked, “Have you
decided that nude is better?”
    He answered, “I'm having my insignia of rank sewn onto my jock straps.
We use such methods to keep track of our rank structure.”
    “Oh, my mistake. I was hoping that you were trying the waters as I've
heard some of your people say so colorfully,” she said.
    “I'm sure that eventually we'll have to go about our lives nude. Until
then, this is a way for us to make the transition and learn more about
ourselves. We need to learn to better trust ourselves and each other before
we dispense with all our clothes.”
    “I think I understand. It's because your society is so very different from
ours.”
    “In some ways, but not in others. I'm sure we'll learn from each other
as time marches on,” Smith replied.
    “I can just barely see the Lizzars now. They're not moving fast and we
still have hours before they'll get close enough to attack. If we leave the
island cluttered with coil vines, they'll have to wait until at least tomorrow
before they dare launch their assault.”
    “I'm not having any of the area cleared. Everyone is moving about by
APC. How about your warriors? Do they need to get out for anything?”
    She answered, “We're making do for the time being. Thank you for
asking.”
    “I presume our reinforcements are facing the same problem as the
Lizzars are.”
    “They are, but they'll make better time.”
    He said, “I hope you're right about that.”

                                    •   •   •

    Sergeant Lott walked into the women's wing without concerning himself
about how they were dressed, expecting them to be wearing their panties
and bras if any of them were still present. He couldn't help but notice the
woman who was removing a severely torn pair of panties to slip on another
pair. She smiled bravely before she finished redressing and left.
    “Okay, men, get those wall lockers taken apart. Carry them down to the
APC. When we finish this floor, we'll move down to the next floor and do
the same. Just remember, each floor is closer to the APC, so the work will
get easier. If you find anything still in the lockers, set it aside where it can
be found by the owner. Don't take anything that's not yours,” he said.

                                    •   •   •

    Frea said, “Much of the slope surrounding us is crumbling. I don't know
if that will make it easier or harder for the Lizzars when they attack.”
    “I should think it will make it more difficult for them to get up but
easier for us to get down. I'm most concerned about the cars getting
bogged down in the loose soil and mud. We can free them with tow lines if
we're not under heavy attack,” Mark said.
    She asked, “What if we are?”
    “Then we might have to destroy them. That or we'll have to let some of
our vehicles go on while the rest of us do our best to hold out against the
Lizzars.”
    “Couldn't we go ahead and do the offensive against these Lizzars?”
    He answered, “Not until I've had time to train your cohorts in what's
expected of them. We don't have the time or space to do so now. Not with
those coil vines about.”

                                    •   •   •

    Martine said, “Never thought I'd be running around in my underwear
among a hundred men in theirs loading APC's with just about everything
that's not nailed down.”
   “You said it, sergeant,” Wallensky replied.
   “Have they taken apart our beds or do we get to sleep on them
tonight?”
   Wallensky said, “I've wondered about that, too. We're not even going
to have sheets or blankets. It's going to feel strange sleeping without
anything on me at all tonight.”
   “Unless we're in the APC's again,” Martine said.
   “Ugh! I don't think I can stand another night sleeping in grungy clothes.
If all us women are in one APC tonight, will you care if I sleep in the raw?”
Wallensky responded.
   “If it's just us women, go ahead. Are you ready to start moving out
stuff from the second floor?”
   “Yes. I'm right behind you,” Wallensky replied.
   Sergeant Martine opened the door to one of the sergeants' quarters and
stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at John as he made love to one of
the women who arrived with him in astonishment. “Uh, sorry. I, uh, thought
this room was unoccupied so we could empty it.”
   “Then empty it. We just wanted to use the bed for a change instead of
the ground,” John said.
   Wallensky asked, “You don't mind us seeing you like that?”
   Wendy said, “It's not going to be the first time we were watched. If you
get a chance, you ought to try John. He's wonderful in bed or on the
ground. Ahhh! That's another good one, John!”
   “Go on with what you were doing. Don't mind us. Just empty out what
you want,” John said.
   Martine and Wallensky gingerly walked around the bed to the closet.
They both glanced over between John's legs before glancing at each other.
   Wallensky whispered, “God, he's as big as a centaur, almost.”
   Martine turned back to stare while she reached for the closet doorknob.
She fumbled about before she finally had to look for it. Opening it, she let
her attention wander back to the couple in bed. Wendy moaned several
more times and gripped John roughly by his ass and pulled him deep inside
her where she held him tightly with her arms and legs.
   “Ohhh! God, this was wonderful, John! I'm going to miss having you
when I go out on the offensive,” Wendy gasped.
   “I just hope that you'll take care of yourself out there,” he said while
his body shuddered as he released more of himself into her.
    Wallensky whispered, “God, she's got all of him in her!”
    “I can see that. I've got to get out of here before I lose my cool,”
Martine said.
    Martine grabbed Wallensky by the elbow as she turned to leave.
Martine said, “We'll hit this room later. Sorry to intrude.”
    Wendy said, “I don't mind. I do better when I have an audience. Sure
you don't want to try John now? He should still be good for about three
more rounds.”
    “I have work to do. Thanks, anyway,” Martine said.
    Wendy watched the two women leave and close the door. “They were
looking at you inside me. I could tell by their faces that they couldn't
believe how large you are with a hard on.”
    “Were they that shocked?”
    “Some, but I could see that they were both intrigued by the thought of
having you. Anyway, I gave them a chance to say yes. You ready to go
again?” Wendy answered.
    “Yes, but I think we better let them get to this room before we do. Best
if we stay out of the way for now and slip back in later,” John replied.
    “Oh, you can slip in anytime.”

                                     •   •   •

    “Okay, now that you're sergeants, you'll be giving orders that I'll expect
the troops to obey. If you have any trouble for now, my experienced
sergeants will be available to guide you and ease the transistion. We're not
playing anymore. The APC's are too full now for everyone to sleep in
tonight. You can tell your squads that they may sleep in their rooms
tonight when they're not on guard. They'll be posted either in one of the
APC's or at one of the fortified windows. Sergeants, I expect you to post
your guards and check up on them regularly. The guards inside the APC's
may sleep inside those after they secure their hatches. So long as the
APC's are secured from the inside, there's no real need for any of you to go
outside to check on them, so restrict your checks to the guards posted
inside the buildings,” Colonel Smith said.
    “I've spoken with Frea. She's agreed that it will be good for each guard
post to have one centaur and one human so they can talk and our people
can learn about them. That should keep everyone awake since I'm sure
they'll have plenty to talk about. Much as I'd like to, I've been advised not
to restrict the topics they may discuss. We have more than enough people
to spread the responsibility around. Guards will be changed every two
hours. Sergeants, you'll each have a shift of four hours. Check the list for
your times. Then notify your personnel who have guard duty of their shifts.
You may advise your troops that we'll have a hot meal for breakfast
tomorrow. Any questions?”
    Smith glanced around the room at his sergeants, most of whom wore
only a jock strap, web belt, and a holster attached to the belt. Only one
wore panties and a bra instead of the jock strap while the rest of her gear
was identical. No one had any questions.
    “Okay, now let's lighten up a bit and discuss the problems and
solutions we had today. First of all, just about everyone reached the same
conclusion that our jobs took precedence even if we had to walk around
with our privates hanging out while our new uniforms were prepared.” Mark
paused for the polite chuckles that came from the sergeants. He then went
on. “You all handled the situation well and set a good example. Eventually
we won't have any choice about being naked. When that comes about, I
hope we do as well then as we did today with just a few of us. So long as
the problems are prevented, I'm not going to be tough about how we're
dressed during some circumstances. After all, we'll have to bathe in groups,
take craps while someone watches our backs, and whatever else comes
along. You might have to tell some of the men or even the women to put
their eyes back in their sockets and what not in order to keep order. Use
some finesse, rather than force, to calm down such situations when those
occur.”
    “After tonight, we're probably going to see some fraternization among
the troops. I've decided to use some of John's suggestions in dealing with
some problems. So long as it's consensual, I'm not going to bust anyone.
On the other hand, I'm not going to put up with rape or other forced
behavior. Anyone caught doing so will be shot. If I'm not around to enforce
this rule, my new XO, Sergeant, soon to be Major, Evan will. Likely he'll be
wandering around buck naked tomorrow while his jock straps are redone.
I'm still going over everything, so there will likely be more promotions
among yourselves and the troops. I'll be announcing promotions to
lieutenant and corporal tomorrow.”
    “Miss Wade said that the sewing can be handled by a smaller group.
There were a few too many helpers in there today. She's already stated
who she'd like to have back. That list is also posted. Now let's get to the
more serious matters. First off, how many cars were finished today?”
    Sergeant Lott stated, “Only three. It was mostly a learning process that
would have gone worse if John hadn't steered us in the right direction at
first. We avoided a lot of mistakes, so I feel confident that we can do more
tomorrow. We do have two vehicles I'm concerned about since no one
knows how to armor a motorcycle.”
    Mark asked, “John, what's your opinion?”
    “Those should definitely be kept. They could prove handy for rough
terrain where the cars can't go and an APC isn't available. They're fast,
light, and small so they're difficult targets for the Lizzars to hit, let alone
get close to. For now, I suggest sticking them inside APC's until we get out
of here,” John said.
    Mark said, “Okay, there's your answer, Sergeant Lott. Sergeant Grim,
how's the crossbow production?”
    Ray stepped forward and answered, “Much better than I hoped for. We
found ourselves completing an average of eight each hour after we
discovered that some of the details could be dealt with later.”
    “Such as?” asked the colonel.
    “Such as rounding some of the corners on the stocks, sanding some
burrs, minor things like that. When we quit doing that, we found ourselves
producing twelve in an hour. That was what brought our average up. After
we get started tomorrow, we should hit our stride by the second hour and
could produce close to a hundred crossbows. The only thing limiting us is
resources. We're already out of some things, but we found substitutes and
didn't get slowed down too much today. So long as we can find substitutes,
we'll reach that goal.”
    “In that case, keep working at it. We have four cohorts due here soon.
Frea spotted them with her binoculars, so there's no longer any doubt that
they're coming. Giving them crossbows could be one of the nicest gifts they
ever received. However, remember that our troops also need them. As soon
as we arm the two cohorts already here, begin arming those soldiers of
ours who don't already have bows. That will give us a nice mix for battle.
After our people are armed, then we'll produce more for our new guests,”
Mark said.
    Ray answered, “Yes sir. I think if I had a couple more personnel
gathering material, we might increase our output.”
    Mark said, “You need them, you've got them. How many?”
    “Five should be enough to procure materials.”
    Mark glanced around, then said, “Sergeant Martine, you're in charge of
materials procurement for Sergeant Grim. See me if the procurement team
for Sergeant Lott and you have any questions about who gets what when
something is needed by both of you. Otherwise, you're authorized to go
anywhere on this compound and take what's needed. Anyone who thinks
something they own is more important than everyone else's lives has some
growing up to do and me to deal with. However, you shouldn't have any
trouble of that sort in all likelihood. There isn't very much private property
on this compound. The majority is academy property and you don't have to
ask me to take it. Just remember that you can't destroy one weapon to
make another.”

                                    •    •   •

    Sub-commander Theo studied the rutted slope leading to the academy
grounds. Theo was glad they had reached the island before dark. He
pointed upwards while carefully stepping aside for his warriors to climb up.
When the last warriors from his cohort reached the slope, he climbed as
well.
    Even up on the academy grounds, he found the going was still slow as
the grounds were liberally littered with coil vines. Since his warriors didn't
have anymore logs to clear the way, the first few warriors reached out with
their spears and carefully swept the vines to the sides.

                                    •    •   •

    John couldn't help but notice that Theo appeared sad when Theo's eyes
fell on him. It took John a moment before he reached the right conclusion,
though he hoped he was wrong.
    Theo said, “We found four of your people dead in their cars. The coil
vines fell inside during the storm and killed them. One man managed to
crawl out before he died. Another was hanging down by his legs. Neither of
the women managed to even get out of their seats. The vines were
wrapped tightly around them and the backs of their seats. We had to cut
them loose to get their bodies out.”
    “I was afraid that you had bad news to tell me. Anything else would
have come over the radio. I guess they never had a chance to call,” John
said.
    Frea clasped one arm around John's shoulders and pressed him against
her as he sobbed for a moment.
    “I'll be okay. Thanks,” John said.
    Theo said, “I left six warriors with the cars to take them back to camp.
It was too late to do anything but bury your people. I said some words over
them as you have before. Was that okay?”
    John answered, “Very okay, friend Theo. I appreciate you giving them a
proper burial.”

                                     •   •   •

    Mark sat down behind his desk. He immediately noticed that the metal
handles were missing. He said, “It's too bad that we can't carry away
everything.”
    “We're each willing to carry what we can,” Theo said.
    “I'll let you, but there's still too much stuff to carry off,” Mark said.
    “I've an idea for how to hide what we can't take and don't want to
destroy,” John said.
    Mark asked, “What's your idea?”
    “Bury it,” John said.
    “They'll just dig them back up,” Mark said.
    “Not if there are dead Lizzars covered with coil vines on top. They'll
probably never even stop to think about searching under a bunch of dead
Lizzar bodies. Except in their camps and possibly their cities, they don't
bother disposing of their dead as we do. All we have to do is dig deep
enough, bury what we can't take that's of lesser importance but still useful
in plastic bags, and then cover the site with their bodies and some loose
coil vines. When the Lizzars see that, they'll think we simply got the bodies
out of our way as we've done before. Our best location is between two of
the buildings where they can't see what's going on,” John explained.
    Mark asked, “Frea, Theo, do you agree with John's idea?”
    “I was with John before he was captured. He's correct about the Lizzars
being aware that we move bodies out of our way. They'll probably believe
that's what we did when they see a pile of their dead,” Frea answered.
    Theo nodded his head.
    “On top of that, you've already done the same thing so it's not going to
be considered out of pattern for your troops to do this,” John said.
    “Okay, get to it as quickly as possible. What we can't take or bury in
time will have to be destroyed, much as I hate to limit us later,” Mark said.
    “I agree, but doing this means we can leave that much sooner,” John
said.
    “It does, but it won't cause me to sleep any better later. When we
leave, I want someone to watch behind us. If we determine that the Lizzars
are digging up our treasure, then we'll turn around and attack them,” Mark
said.
    “And booby trap it. Put a grenade on the bottom with the pin pulled and
we'll put together some chlorine gas bombs. We'll be far enough away that
the chlorine gas cloud we create won't kill anyone but Lizzars,” John said.
    Mark exclaimed, “Now you're talking! That I approve of! By the time
they recover, we'll be back and on top of them.”
    “Or we'll have incendiary devices set to go off with the grenade. They'll
still get nothing,” John said.
    Theo said, “Put some chlorine bombs inside the buildings to discourage
them from searching.”
    “Okay, we have a general plan here. Let's get this into some semblance
of order before we begin digging in the morning. Since we need to keep the
enemy from seeing us dig, we'll have to block two angles with APC's...”
Mark stopped when he spotted Sergeant Martine walking past his office in
only her panties while yawning. Some of the others glanced out in time to
see her walk by.
    “I hope you're not going to get on her case, Mark,” John said.
    “No, I'm not, John. I figured there would be people too tired by now to
know which way is up. I'm surprised that she even remembered her panties.
She's going to be a good leader eventually. I saw that much in her
performance under fire. Frankly, I won't be surprised to find some of the
guards naked tonight when I check on them, too. All that matters is that
they're alert to enemy activity. I'll honestly settle for just that,” Mark
replied.
    “If that's the case, you'll have few problems with some of my people
who join you. You'll probably have close to twenty women in your force,”
John said.
    “Because they're experienced in dealing with this world and speak the
language, I'm looking forward to having them join. I guess if they don't
wear anything, I really can't get too upset with my soldiers for following
their example. I was hoping that they would wear something so I could
keep sexual relationships from getting out of hand too soon. Being naked,
they could present a strong temptation to some of the men,” Mark said.
    “Just tell the men that they used to be cops. That should cool them off
for awhile,” John said.
    “Okay, let's get back to our plan for hiding what we can't take with us,”
Mark said.
                                Chapter 15

John looked out the window at the area the men were busy digging. They
were thoroughly hidden behind the APC's so the Lizzars couldn't see what
was going on. As well, each APC had someone in the open upper hatch
manning a machine gun in case the Lizzars managed to storm the island
sooner than expected. Stacks of equipment and supplies that might be
useful later stood in a first floor room with a window overlooking the site.
As soon as the hole was large enough, the goods would be handed out
through the window to be placed in the hole.
    He walked down the hall to the other side of the building and stared
out onto the plain. The Lizzars were nearly all around the island once more
and preparing to charge. As near as he could tell, they were waiting until
they had the entire island surrounded. He could see that they had definitely
learned a lot of military discipline since he first encountered them in battle.
Then again, he knew they had to since they were finally up against
someone who knew more tricks than they did. They couldn't win anymore by
weight of sheer numbers, though that was still a factor in their plan. Even
as he stood watching, their numbers grew steadily as the depth of their
units in some places around the island increased. John walked back to his
room and smiled at Wendy as she woke up while he picked up his
crossbow.
    “Good morning, lover. You were terrific last night,” she said.
    “As were you. I slept soundly after our lovemaking. Thank you.”
    “You're welcome. So, have you nailed any of those new women yet?”
    “Not yet. You know me. I always leave it up to the women. I never
force myself on anyone for sex.”
    “Maybe not in the usual way, but you did at one time,” she said.
    “It could be looked at that way, but I never suggested it, even then. It
was always put to me by the ladies in question. I merely accepted a bribe.”
    “Well, it could be looked at that way, too. Anyway, it's past history and
not worth remembering.”
    “How it came about? True. How it was? No, I'll never forget some of
those moments. Even those were memorable and worth remembering. At
least, to me they were,” John said.
    “So, what's up? Are we about to fight the Lizzars?” she asked.
    “They're busy surrounding us again. In another hour, perhaps two,
they'll be working their way up the slope.”
    “Then I better get myself together and prepare to greet them with open
arms,” she said.

                                     •   •   •

    Wallensky shook Sergeant Martine as she lay asleep on her bed. “Come
on, Isabelle, I mean, Sergeant Martine! Time to get up!”
    Martine opened her eyes and stared into the face of her close friend,
Kristi. “Are we under attack? I don't hear anything.”
    “No, not yet. They're still forming up outside the hill. You'll never
believe what happened last night on guard.”
    Martine asked, “What happened? Did you make it with a centaur?”
    “No, though I was tempted. The colonel came by to inspect. He didn't
say a word about me being naked. He chatted for a moment, then left as if
it didn't matter. How about that?”
    “Oh shit! I'll probably hear about it today for sure. I knew I should have
said something about you getting dressed before I posted you on guard. I
didn't think he'd still be up checking,” Martine said.
    “Bet you he doesn't.”
    “No thanks. I don't want to bet against myself,” Martine replied.
    “Well, anyway, it's time to get up now. Did you get breakfast?”
    Martine answered, “Yes, I got breakfast before I turned in to catch up
on my sleep. I didn't know being a sergeant was so much work. I better
find my bra so I can dress.”
    “You mean you don't remember? You weren't even wearing it when you
posted me on guard. The colonel noticed you go by his office without it. He
mentioned you were working so hard that he figured you didn't even know
you forgot it.”
    “Oh god! I posted you without my bra on? He saw me out of uniform?
Now I'm really in deep shit!”
    Kristi said, “I don't think you're in trouble over that, either.”
    Isabelle found her bra and slipped into it quickly before she picked up
her crossbow and left her room with Kristi beside her.

                                     •   •   •

    Colonel Smith said, “Okay, find a seat and let's get down to business.
We want to hold off the Lizzars today while we prepare some surprises for
them. Plan on leaving tomorrow. Now, starting with last night, I was
impressed by the alertness of all our guards. I made several inspections
and found nothing wrong. They were all properly alert and not one of them
permitted me to slip up on them. I'd like to see equivalent performance
tonight. Now on to other...Is there a problem, Sergeant Martine?”
    “Sir? You found nothing wrong?” she asked.
    “I think that's what I said. Oh, I know what you're concerned about.
You must have heard that you were seen braless last night. You looked
beat, too. However, I meant what I said yesterday. I'm not going to turn a
molehill into a mountain. Excuse me, that's a poor choice of words on my
part. Before you say anything, I'm not implying that you have molehills.
Any fool with one eye can see that they're not. What I'm trying to say is
that some things aren't worth making a federal case out of. If you're doing
your duty, then the less important things can be overlooked. I'm sorry, I
just did it again. I don't mean to imply that your breasts are unimportant,”
Smith said.
    Major Evan said, “Sir, I think she understands.”
    Mark said, “Quite so. I think I better move on before I make anymore
blunders in my speech. Are you satisfied, Sergeant Martine?”
    “Uh, yes sir,” she answered.
    “Good. Be sure to inform all your personnel that the area we're digging
out is going to be booby trapped. Only a few people will know how to
disarm any part of the whole lot. That way, if anyone is captured and
brought back here, they're only signing their own death warrant if they
point out the site to the Lizzars. While that's being done, the rest of our
activities will continue as yesterday with the same basic assignments even
if the Lizzars attack,” Smith said.
    “I do expect them to attack this morning. When they do, we'll hold
them off from inside the buildings and APC's. We now have close to four
hundred additional centaurs here with us, so the Lizzars aren't going to
break in easily, if at all. So far as I know, every doorway and window of
every building is covered by more than one centaur or person. There isn't
any direction the Lizzars can approach that we can't pour out enough
firepower on them to turn them back eventually. Even if we don't turn them
back, we're still planning on leaving tomorrow. It just means that we'll have
to do so under fire.”
    “Now I have some much more pleasant chores to perform. The following
sergeants are now lieutenants: Lott, Pullen, Matorsky, Boggs, and Grim. If
you haven't heard, Lieutenant Pullen died last night of his wounds after I
decided to promote him. We also have some new personnel, two of whom
will be sergeants. They are Jim Drake and Pete Lion. Consequently, we'll
reorganize into four platoons of twenty-five soldiers each. Your
assignments are as follows: Sergeant Martine, Headquarters Platoon,
Sergeant Drake will be in charge of First Platoon, Sergeant Lion, Second
Platoon, and Sergeant Moon gets the third platoon.”
    “For the time being, the personnel of Headquarters Platoon will carry
firearms and heavy weapons in addition to their crossbows. They will be
responsible for wiping out lasers as well as being our reserves. If things go
bad for us out in the field, it will be the responsibility of the Headquarters
Platoon to change the tide dramatically. Headquarters Platoon will be
responsible for setting up the two mortars we take with us as a precaution
against us being outflanked. Of course, I'll be with the Headquarters
Platoon, so it will also be your responsibility to keep me alive since this
campaign relies heavily on my knowledge.”
    “Our allies have agreed to augment the cohort that carries us with
additional warriors to carry the extra weapons and ammunition. However,
because most of the women are lighter, the heavier and stronger centaurs
will be carrying the other platoons. Sub-commander Frea and the other
centaur commanders will be arranging transfers of some of their personnel
to match what's needed for the campaign, so you won't have to worry about
this until later. Yes, all the women will be in your platoon, Sergeant
Martine. That is strictly for tactical advantage and not for any other
reasons. There will only be a few men in your platoon besides having me
around most of the time. One of those men will be a bugler. We can't rely
on having radios for very long in the field as we'll have no way to keep their
batteries charged. In effect, we're all regressing back to how the military
once operated to communicate. After we reach the base camp, we'll begin
semaphore training as well as learning bugle calls, among other things.”
    “Now that I've outlined some of what's in store, let's all get to work.
Sergeant Martine, select one of your team to handle that chore. I want you
beside me today so you can get a feel for how I operate. Before you go, I
need a recommendation from you for a corporal. After which, I'll see you
back here in, say, ten minutes?”
    Sergeant Martine replied, “Yes sir.”

                                    •   •   •

    Wallensky looked at Sergeant Martine as she approached. Kristi asked,
“Well?”
    “Go leave your panties with Miss Wade to have your corporal stripes
sewn on. While that's being done, get busy leading the detail to gather
material for Lieutenant Grim. I have to be with the colonel for the rest of
the day to learn how he operates.”
    “You're kidding? I'm a corporal?”
    “Yes, and it's your chance to run around half-naked in the daylight for
part of the day. Congratulations, Kristi. I wasn't sure he was going to
approve of my recommendation.”
    “You put me in for this? Why, you bitch!” Kristi exclaimed.
    “Well, I needed someone for company while I'm a non-com. Apparently
you did well the other day. Lieutenant Grim backed up my recommendation.
You were a shoo-in, slut-sister,” Isabelle responded.
    Kristi asked, “Did the colonel say anything about us being naked?”
    “He said he noticed I forgot my bra, but figured from how I looked that
it didn't matter. He was more concerned that I was doing my job. He didn't
even mention that you were completely naked. All he said was that every
guard he inspected was alert and that he couldn't sneak up on anyone. He
was impressed with everyone on guard because of that.”
    “Well, see? I told you he didn't seem to mind.”
    “You were right. Now you're a corporal and you're running late. Get
going. I'll see and speak to you later,” Isabelle replied.
    Kristi slipped out of her panties and gathered the rest of her panties
into a bundle before running out of the room to drop those off with Miss
Wade.

                                    •   •   •

    Colonel Smith looked at Sergeant Martine, then nodded. “I wasn't sure
if you'd report back without your bra. You still looked beat this morning.”
    She said, “It was more work than I knew it would be. However, I'm
ready to learn whatever is expected. Did you want me to go without my
bra?”
    “No, it was merely my way of trying to break the ice between us. You
were also worried about the woman who was naked last night on guard,
weren't you?”
    “I was. I didn't even realize that I put her on her post without any
clothes,” Isabelle said.
    “Unimportant now. What matters is that she was at her post and alert.”
    “I reached that conclusion at the meeting. Especially after you
promoted her to corporal. Right now, she's happily running around without
any panties on, even though she was a bit pissed off that I recommended
her.”
    “It's difficult to keep any friends when you're a leader. It's even worse
when combat is involved since friends often get killed. For the most part
today, just follow me and listen to everything that goes on. Some of it
won't make sense until later. Then later on it will click into place as if a
light suddenly came on. After that, you'll be a force to be reckoned with. If
we see your new corporal, remind her to draw a sidearm from the armory. I
just remembered that I forgot to mention that earlier,” Mark said.
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Another thing, now that you're in a leadership position, you'll have to
remember to use your subordinate leaders and not try to do everything
yourself. Give them a chance to stretch and grow. That's part of what we're
doing right now. When we're alone, I'll explain some more matters to you
so you'll understand what's going on with how I'm organizing everything.
Some of it might not be in accordance with United States law, but we're not
in the United States any longer. That's a fact that has been pointed out to
me more than once by John Weaver.”
    “By the way, John thinks he's getting rid of his leadership role by
passing it on to me. He's wrong about that. All he's doing is shedding one
responsibility that he didn't even have yet. He's still responsible for
handling camp defenses for the centaurs since he's very knowledgeable. He
did a lot of research into past battles so he could build football plays.
There is a relationship between the sport and combat. He knew that and I
know that. Consequently, he's very qualified to do what he's doing. I, on
the other hand, am qualified to lead the offensive. Much as I'd like to take
along the other sergeants whom I promoted, they're needed more in the
other sectors where they can train the centaurs. As well, it keeps all our
military know-how out of one basket where it can be lost completely. If I or
John are lost, one of the lieutenants will step forward and assume the
mantle.”
    “That makes sense,” Isabelle said.
    “Even though you're a first year student, you have already
demonstrated leadership capability. Since the Headquarters Platoon is
mostly first year students, you'll still be learning while performing valuable
services. I'm not talking about what's between your legs, in case you've
heard about how the centaur society works. What I'm getting at is that you
really will be our reserve force. You'll organize what weapons we take to
support the offensive. If things go badly, you'll probably have to mount
your centaurs and lead a last ditch charge to save our asses from
annihilation. If that happens, you'll be using whatever we have without
regards to conservation. Saved bullets don't help a dead man or woman.”
    Isabelle exclaimed, “I'll lead a charge?”
    “The centaurs won't permit me to enter the battle that way, so it will
have to be you. They've already declared me a national treasure just as
they did with John and Mike. Essentially, they'll let John and Mike do just
about anything they want without question, but within limits. One of those
limits is that they won't let them expose themselves to direct danger. Mike
wanted to check on her friend during a battle. What happened is that a
centaur restrained her and carried her over his shoulder away from the
battle.”
    Isabelle asked, “Mike's a girl?”
    “Yes, short for Michelle. She's the only person qualified to repair radios.
I can't say as I blame them for naming her a treasure. Within her limits,
she does whatever she wants. John does much the same only he takes it a
bit more than Mike. I've learned that John's a true womanizer. He'll accept
any woman who'll open her legs to him. From what I gather, quite a few
have.”
    “Uh, yes, I accidentally walked in on him yesterday. I must say that the
woman seemed to be enjoying him immensely.”
    “Which is partly why I'm telling you about this. If one of your women
decides to take him up by offering herself to him, just let them be. Wish
them well and let them screw themselves silly if that's what they want to
do. We'll have to placate the centaurs somewhat in order to get what we
want. That means letting some people do what they want as well, seeing
as how the centaurs value their services.”
    Sergeant Martine asked, “What about you, sir? What are your limits
other than not being allowed to lead charges?”
    “Sergeant Martine, I really don't know what I want besides this
opportunity to lead the offensive I've planned. Perhaps I'll turn into a
womanizer like John, though I doubt it at my age. One thing for certain is
that I'm nowhere as well equipped for that task as he is. However, if I
should decide to ask a woman to share my bed, then just ignore it should
you have to report anything to me. However, I don't think an old man like
myself is likely to get anywhere near that damn lucky.”
    Martine asked, “What about Mike? Is she?”
    “She's not a Lesbian, if that's what you're asking, but I've learned that
there are a few among the women. Apparently, she likes men and isn't at
all reluctant to have one when she wants. Anyway, I'm getting away from
some of what the Headquarters Platoon will do. For another thing, we'll
carry our flag. Even though we're not on Earth or in the United States, our
American flag is distinctive and easily recognized. We'll carry it if only to
help identify ourselves to any newcomers from Earth we find. It should give
the newcomers some confidence in light of our appearance. As well, a
number of our soldiers are still inspired by it.”
    “Yes sir. Mind if I ask something?”
    Mark replied, “I hope you'll ask without worrying whether I mind. Go
ahead and ask.”
    She asked, “The new women we're getting in my platoon. Are they the
women who arrived with John?”
    “Yes, they're the women you're getting. There might be more, but you'll
definitely get those six. Much as I want them to wear clothes, they're
refusing to do so. Because they know the language and how to survive in
this world, I'm accepting them despite that. They'll probably be among our
first choices for scouts since they're light and know what they're doing. Yes,
your platoon will also provide scouts for our force.”
    “Actually, I was wondering if you were going to permit them to remain
naked. If they're that valuable, I can understand why you're accepting them
on their terms. Should I do anything if they begin to influence any of our
women to go naked?”
    He answered, “I think that it's probably wiser at this point and time not
to cause internal conflict. If someone decides to go naked...Rather, if one
of our women decides to go naked, then just let her. The men won't have
that kind of luxury since they'll be hurting without their jock straps to
protect them while riding on the centaurs. My only hope is that we can end
this war before those wear out. Never thought I'd see a situation where the
length of a war could depend on such a small detail.”
    Isabelle said, “Then couldn't we just say that it's a morale builder to
the men to remind them partly about what they're fighting for?”
    “Yes, that's a good idea. We can state that any woman who wants to
wear less to improve the morale will be permitted to do so. You may pass
that on to your platoon later today. However, I would like to see you and
your corporal keep your panties on at least.”
    Isabelle said, “I can do that. I'll see to it that Corporal Wallensky does
as well.”
    “Is she a nudist? It's my understanding that some of the women here
before us were confirmed nudists.”
    “I don't think so, but I suspect that she's somewhat of an
exhibitionist.”
    “Daring, huh? She could advance far if we keep that bold streak alive in
her. Uh, let me think on that before you tell her. I might just permit her to
put her stripes on her web belt instead. I'd hate to crush that kind of spirit
in anyone if keeping it alive can benefit us later,” Mark said.
    “Shouldn't we have Miss Wade stop the sewing on her panties before
she has to redo her work?” asked Sergeant Martine.
    “Yes, go ahead and tell her to put those off until last. Find out how
much later that will be. That way I'll have an idea how long I can consider
this matter.”

                                     •   •   •

    Frea shouted, “Here they come!”
    Colonel Smith ran over to the nearest window and briefly studied the
landscape. He observed that the Lizzar units were slowly moving forward.
Though he couldn't see the front ranks, he had no reason not to believe
that they were already scaling the slopes on their ladders.
    A few explosions went off as some hand grenades were tossed from the
third floor windows of the barracks to land just beyond the edge of the
island of Earth. The explosions rocked the bottoms of the slopes, tossing
Lizzars into the air and spilling some from their ladders. Colonel Smith
counted each explosion as the number of grenades permitted were used up
to lead the Lizzars astray as to what his force still had. He was proud of his
troops for spacing those out well.
    Then the Lizzars reached the top of the slope only to see the area
infested with coil vines. That stopped them dead in their tracks. As they
picked their way forward using their spears to clear a path, arrows flew at
them cutting them down quickly. One fell on a coil vine that could still react
and did so. He screamed as only a Lizzar could before dying while all over
the battlefield, the word was passed quickly that the area was still alive
with danger. For a while, a few more Lizzars fell to arrows. Then the
assault fell apart as the rest of the enemy refused to attack across the
deadly field while unable to defend themselves.
    Frea shouted, “They're retreating!”
    Shouts went around the compound for everyone to cease fire.
    The colonel turned to find that Sergeant Martine was back already. “I'm
glad you're back. I reached a decision on that other matter. You might as
well go tell your platoon that the women may go nude if they choose. At
least, I'll be making the centaurs a bit more happy while possibly improving
the morale of the men. I don't know if this will improve the women's morale
as it will the men's. You'll have to keep an eye on that and let me know
when it's low. You'll also have to be ready to give me suggestions for how
to improve their morale. After all, even I don't know everything and still
need to learn.”
    Isabelle said, “Well, you're going to make one woman deliriously happy
with this announcement. I'll be back shortly, sir.”

                                    •   •   •

    Kristi slipped her bra off and tossed it up in the air while a smile graced
her face.
    Sergeant Martine said, “I guess the colonel is going to be surprised to
see me return without my bra, too, but I hate how those feel. When you
spot any other platoon members, just tell them that they have a choice of
wearing a bra and panties down to nothing other than their web belt. Just
make sure they understand that it is not a requirement for them to go
naked. We're being allowed to do so for two reasons. One is to make the
centaurs happier about our commitment. The other is to help the men's
morale.”
    “What about our morale?” Kristi asked.
    “I really don't know what's going to be done about ours beyond this bit
of freedom of choice.”
    “That's typical, I guess. So, how do I wear my corporal stripes?” Kristi
asked.
    “On your web belt. Drop by to see Miss Wade later and let her take care
of it. Oh, also stop by the armory and draw a sidearm. You're expected to
carry one now.”
    Kristi said, “You ought to put your stripes on your web belt, too. Those
panties aren't going to last very long while riding. It's just as wearing as
riding a horse. Trust me, you'll find out I'm right. The sooner you get used
to being without, the better off you'll be.”
    “I'll give it some thought,” Isabelle replied.
    “Well, if you don't believe me, ask one of the new women.”
    “I believe you. It's just that I'm undecided. Maybe I need to wear them
out so I'll have an excuse to be naked. Okay?”
    “Okay, Sarge.”

                                    •   •   •

    “Looks like they're not going to attack anymore today,” John said.
    Frea said, “Not likely. They'll let the sun dry out and kill most of the coil
vines that fail to take root. They might attack tonight or wait until
tomorrow just to be sure.”
    “Well, it's just the break we needed to finish up here,” John said.
    Frea asked, “Have you been given a jock strap yet?”
    “Yes, but I'm not wearing it until it's necessary. It's amazing how one
can get used to being a certain way and not want to change. I used to
swim in the buff, but that was about all. I rather enjoyed it because it was
sensual and helped me release stress. Now I just enjoy being naked and
not bothering with minor decisions such as what color or style I'm going to
wear.”
    “I hope they gave you a large one since you have so much more than
most of the men.”
    “The jock straps stretch. I should be okay, I believe.”
    Frea said, “You'll probably appear strange to me wearing something. I
hope I get to see you in your jock strap.”
    “I'll make it a point to model it for you,” John said.

                                    •   •   •

    Mark wasn't at all surprised when he saw Sergeant Martine walking
toward him without her bra on. Nor did he avert his eyes. He'd stated that
any woman doing so would be seen as doing it for the men's morale. That
implied she was granting permission to look.
    “Thought I might as well air my molehills.”
    “You're not going to let me forget that remark, are you?” he asked.
    “Just thought I'd give you a ribbing this one time. Do you like my
molehills?”
    Mark said, “I'd have to be gay or dead to say that I don't. Since I'm
neither, you may rest assured that I like them very much. Now shall we get
on with the business of war so we can keep our various private parts alive?”

                                    •   •   •

    Kristi stopped by Miss Wade's sewing station and offered her web belt.
She stood and waited until her corporal stripes were sewn on the back and
beside the clasp on the front. Then she swept it around her back and
hooked it in place.
    “That's all you're wearing?” Fawn asked.
    “You bet. I'm not exactly dumb. Sooner or later, everything we wear is
going to wear out. Long before then, I intend to be used to being naked. It
sure hasn't hurt any of the women who came here with John,” Kristi said.
    “No, I can't say as it has. They appear to be normal otherwise,” Fawn
replied.

                                   •   •   •

    “Okay, you're going to have to instruct the women that they'll likely be
riding female centaurs when we leave tomorrow. The centaurs don't like
being held by their arms. Tell your women that they will probably have to
hold on by grasping the female centaur's breasts and pressing their chests
against the centaur's back. Doing so will not make them out to be
Lesbians. Nor are any of the centaurs Lesbians that I know of,” Mark said.
    “We can't hold on higher or lower?” asked Isabelle.
    “They prefer that you not. I'm not that much aware of how different
their internal anatomy is, but they state that it feels uncomfortable to be
held differently. I suspect that John knows why. When I find him later, I
intend to ask him about this.”
    “Okay, I'll pass that on. What else, sir?”
    “Just tag along and listen.”

                                   •   •   •

    Mark nodded on hearing that John was in his temporary quarters.
Without asking what John was doing, Mark went ahead to the quarters and
knocked while Isabelle tagged along. When she saw the closed door, she
instinctively knew what was probably going on inside. Before she could
warn the colonel, John's voice could be heard telling them to enter. Mark
opened the door and stared for a moment at the sight of one of the new
women on her knees giving John a blow job.
    “It's all right, come on in, Mark. We don't have any privacy back at
camp, so you being here doesn't disturb us. We only came here to use the
bed since it's a luxury we won't have later,” John said.
    Isabelle saw that it was a different woman. Sasha, if she remembered
correctly.
    Mark was about to back out when Sasha waved for him to come in while
she worked on John without stopping. Mark asked, “Can you tell me why the
female centaurs prefer to be held by their breasts?”
    John replied, “Is that all you want to know? Well, it has to do with their
maternal instincts. They don't mind someone being on them and feeling
closed in on if they feel something on their breasts. Then it feels natural to
have weight on their backs. Otherwise they get the feeling that they're
being attacked. Then it becomes difficult for them to resist bucking you off.
More than one woman has been thrown off because she forgot to hold onto
the centaur's tits. We don't have that much problem with the male
centaurs. They have a better grasp at resisting any feeling of being
attacked. Like I said, it appears to be maternally related in nature. Is that
enough of an explanation?”
    “Uh, sure. We'll be sure to emphasize to the women that they have to
hold on by the breasts. I'll see you later, John,” Mark said.

                                   •   •   •

    Lieutenant Grim test fired the latest crossbow after it was assembled.
He nodded at the accuracy which wasn't only because the bow was made
well. He was, after so many test firings, becoming more skillful at using
one. He nodded and set the crossbow aside to take another and load one of
the arrows he was using as a bolt. He aimed and fired, scoring another hit
in the center of his target before setting it with the other completed
crossbow. Two more were handed him for testing and received his approval
before he turned to his checklist and added two tick marks to it. “We're
doing great! We just managed to produce fourteen during this hour.
Everyone was nearly perfect.”
    There were a few hoots and hollers in reply while the sawing and
shaping continued without stopping.
    Kristi stepped into the room with only her pistol belt on. She carried an
armload of lumber as did the other three women with her. Two of them
were braless. It didn't take long for any of the three women to be noticed.
    Lieutenant Grim asked, “Haven't they finished with your...What's going
on?”
    She noticed that he was staring and where. “Colonel Smith authorized
all of the women to choose whether or not to wear bras and panties. I wear
my rank on my pistol belt now, lieutenant.”
    “You're going to be naked now?” he asked, while he suddenly
experienced a noticeable erection.
    “Yes sir, from now on I'll be wearing only my belt,” she proudly
announced.
    “You realize that the men will stare at you, don't you?”
    “I do. The colonel's statement included that consideration. If they want
to look, we can't complain.”
    “Well, as long as you understand that, then carry on. You'll find we
have a bunch of finished crossbows to be delivered,” Ray said.
    Kristi replied, “We'll see to getting them into the right hands. Are you
going to be all right, sir? You look a little distressed down below.”
    “I'll be all right. It's nothing that I can't handle,” Ray said.
    “Such a waste that way,” Kristi said as she and the other women
collected the finished crossbows.

                                     •   •   •

    Seated in the Mess Hall, Colonel Smith said, “Okay, status reports
please. Lieutenant Lott first.”
    Lott said, “We had to do a hurry up job on the cars by not cutting open
all the roofs. We'll take the tools with us to finish that later. By skipping
that step, we finished armoring all the cars. We had to build a complete
shell for the jeep, but saved some time by using one of the freezers from
the Mess Hall. It cut down on the generator load they were drawing and the
freezer was nearly empty anyway. We're probably responsible for what
everyone's getting tonight on their plates.”
    Smith asked, “Are the motorcycles loaded yet?”
    “That they are,” Lott replied.
    Smith said, “Well done. Lieutenant Grim?”
    “We managed to produce a hundred and thirty crossbows in ten hours.
Some of my crew are still at work, so there's bound to be a few more
finished. When we finish supper, we'll pack away our tools and prepare to
evacuate tomorrow. Meanwhile, all the completed crossbows have been
distributed,” Grim replied.




                                  Chapter 16

Martine went around to each of her soldiers, waking them quietly while
giving them instructions. “Get dressed if you're wearing anything. Strap
your rifle and your crossbow over your back. Grab your helmet and web belt
and report downstairs. We're leaving soon.”
    She surprised herself when she discovered she possessed the courage
to walk into the men's quarters and shake them gently awake without
caring whether they were naked, which many of them were. Her instructions
to them were only slightly different since they had to wear their jock
straps. Before she followed them down, she considered what Kristi had said
to her before. Isabelle almost removed her panties but decided she still
wasn't that daring, even if it might inspire the men or lift their morale.
Even so, she wished she had her stripes sewn on her web belt as then she
might have found the courage to strip her panties off. Instead, she checked
to see that she had the rest of her panties in an unused pouch on her web
belt before she hurried downstairs.
    Frea said, “Ready, Martine?”
    “I'm ready.”
    Frea knelt down and permitted Martine to climb on her back. She lifted
herself up gently while feeling Sergeant Martine's hands reassuringly over
her breasts.
    Colonel Smith shouted from atop his mount, “First set of APC's!
Forward!”
    Four APC's roared to life and headed for the slope used before by one
APC and the centaurs. As they moved down the incline, the Lizzars
suddenly realized that something was happening.
    “Cars! Forward!” Colonel Smith shouted.
    Two dozen cars followed the fourth APC that dragged chains to snag
any tire spikes and keep a path clear for them. After every third car,
another APC pulled into the convoy to pull free any that bogged down in the
mud or loose ground, even though loose boards were being thrown out the
rear hatch of the fourth APC for the cars to gain traction upon.
    “Centaurs! Forward!” Smith roared.
    The centaurs walked slowly to the ramp where the colonel raised his
hand to signal a halt. Every other pair carried men or women on them. They
stopped as the top of the ramp and watched as the vehicles went into
action against the Lizzars. While two APC's escorted the cars away at high
speed, the rest of the APC's chased down the Lizzars with crushing results.
    Colonel Smith watched until there was an opening wide enough to push
a house through sideways, then ordered, “Forward!”
    As the centaurs reached the plains, the pairs with riders followed after
the cars. The others formed up to charge the Lizzars one last time before
they withdrew and followed along as part of the rear security.

                                    •   •   •

    Fawn looked at the sleeping young man who was placed in her car. His
wounds appeared serious. Consequently, she took care to avoid any bumps,
if she could, after reaching the bottom of the slope. He wore only his jock
strap just as she wore only a bra and panties. Fawn suspected, though,
that she wouldn't be permitted to wear those after awhile because of social
pressure. She'd already noticed how the new women kept to themselves
instead of socializing with the other women, including her. Until the day
before. Then Fawn noticed that they were quite talkative to Corporal
Wallensky who wore nothing other than her web belt.
    The young man groaned, interrupting her thoughts. Fawn glanced over
at him in time to see him open his eyes.
    “Good morning, Shawn. You okay?” she said.
    He answered, “Hurts like a, a...It hurts.”
    “I'm trying to miss all the bumps.”
    “Not complaining about your driving. It just hurts.”
    “I'd tell you to watch the scenery to take your mind off the pain but we
only have two slits to see out and they're both lined up for my use in
driving. Would you care to just talk? Maybe we can keep your mind busy so
you can forget the pain.”
    “That would be nice. When I opened my eyes, I thought it was another
night at first because it's so dark in here.”
    Fawn said, “No, it's only morning. Want some light? I'll switch on the
dome light.”
    The young man looked at Fawn as the dome light came on a moment
later. “You're the colonel's secretary.”
    “Yes, I am. He asked me to take care of you. You were very brave, I
understand. Would you care to talk about it?”
    “There's not much to tell. I was doing the same thing as everyone else
at the time. Just unlucky that I ran out of ammo and had to fight with my
bayonet. I was okay until two of them came at me at the same time. I
blocked one, but the other one got me. I guess someone got to them
before they could finish me off. Nothing more to tell. I'll have to thank
whoever pulled me out of there.”
    Fawn glanced over at the young man. She didn't like seeing how pale he
was under the dome light. “Don't you have anything you'd like to talk
about?”
   “I don't know,” he answered while continuing to stare at her.
   Fawn felt self-conscious about him looking at her. “Are you going to
settle down and marry after we reach the centaur camp?”
   “I don't have a girlfriend. I really don't know any girls. Can we talk
about something else?”
   “Sure. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
   “In what way?” he asked.
   “Sitting here in my underwear. Does that make you feel uncomfortable?”
   “Not really. I thought I'd die of old age someday in my bed. Never
thought death would come for me this soon.”
   “You're not going to die. You're not as seriously wounded as some
others. Those they had to carry in the ambulance,” she said.
   “Yeah, right. More likely, they didn't have enough room to carry one
more.”
   “Really, you're going to recover.”

                                   •    •   •

   Sergeant Martine felt strange holding another female, even a centaur,
by the breasts while her own pressed against the other's back.
   Frea asked, “You doing okay back there?”
   “Sure, just feels strange.”
   Frea said, “You'll probably feel horny soon. We've learned that many
human women get horny riding on our backs. I won't be offended if you
should begin to feel that way or have an orgasm.”
   “You're not a Lesbian, are you?”
   “Well, not exactly. I know what that means so you're not confusing me.
I have had some petting affairs with other females while out on missions.
Usually, though, I settle for having a male mount me. They can do so much
more than another female since our anatomy is much different than yours.
Anyway, I only know of one human female who's tried having sex with one
of our males. I don't know of any human males who've tried to mate with
one of our females.”
   “One female? One human female mated with a male centaur?”
   “Oh, she takes anyone she can get to oblige her. The humans told me
that she's a nymphomaniac and can't help herself,” Frea said.
   “Oh, then I guess that's why she tried.”
    “Anyway, you don't have to worry about me wanting to fool around with
you.”
    Isabelle asked, “You're not even curious about how it would feel?”
    “I've wondered, but I don't really want to.”

                                   •   •   •

    “Would you like for me to take off my clothes?” Fawn asked.
    The young man didn't answer.
    Fawn twisted one arm behind her to unsnap her bra. It loosened and
slipped down her arms when she brought her arm from behind her back. She
glanced over at the young man to see if he was leering at her breasts but
he seemed unconcerned. Fawn let her bra slip off one arm, switched hands
on the steering wheel, and let it slip off the other arm. She picked it up off
her lap and dropped it between the front seats. “Well, I'm halfway there.
You're not even looking at me.”
    “Did you want me to?”
    Fawn said, “Well, if it helps you keep your mind off your pain, then I'll
feel like I'm accomplishing something.”
    The young man smiled as he dropped his eyes to her breasts.
    “Do you like what you see?” she asked.
    “They're beautiful, ma'am.”
    “I'm Fawn. Let's get off the ma'am stuff. You're making me feel old
enough to be your mother which I'm not.”
    “Yes ma'am, I mean, Fawn. I'm Terry.”
    Fawn slipped one hand down to her panties and wiggled the waist band
down past her hips, then raised up in her seat momentarily while trying not
to step on the gas pedal any harder. She quickly grabbed her panties with
one hand and pulled those down around her thighs before settling down in
the seat. She checked her speed and distance again before she shoved her
panties down her legs. She eventually pulled her left foot out and left her
panties hanging around her right ankle.
    Terry said, “You better get them completely off. Otherwise they might
snag on the gas pedal when you're trying to hit the brakes.”
    Fawn glanced over to see that he was looking at her foot. “Aren't you
going to look at more of me than that?”
    He raised his eyes to hers and replied, “Uh, sure. You really want me
to?”
    “Yes, I think I do. I really hoped looking at me will ease your pain
some.”
    “I appreciate what you're doing. I just hope that when I die it doesn't
cause you any problems with being naked.”
    “You're not going to die, Terry.”

                                    •   •   •

    Isabelle gasped twice quickly as a small orgasm punched through her
body with the next two steps Frea took. “I think I'm going to like being part
of the mobile infantry. Will you be going with us?”
    Frea said, “If my leg heals well, I'll be going. Most likely you and I will
continue to be paired.”
    Colonel Smith came alongside. “Are all of your troops present?”
    Sergeant Martine turned her head to him and smiled before she
answered, “All present still. I suspect most of them are in ecstasy by now.”
    Smith stared at her briefly, then said, “I have a feeling I know why.
Carry on, Sergeant.”
    Isabelle asked, “Sir, how are the rest of the platoons doing?”
    He answered, “Pretty good so far. Two falls with one broken arm.
Otherwise everyone is doing well.”
    Isabelle said, “I mean, are the men holding up well? I think some of us
women are hornier than shit now.”
    “You're looking to get laid?” he asked.
    “Right now, I'd even jump your bones, sir.”
    “Well, uh, thanks for the compliment, I think. Yes, as far as I can tell,
our jock straps are protecting us. I guess if your women have to have a
man when we arrive, I can look the other way. It's more important that we
maintain unity now.”

                                    •   •   •

    John stopped and slid off his centaur's back before running over to the
fallen man. Along with help from the centaur he fell off and John's ride, the
three of them managed to put the injured man back on his centaur.
    “I think I broke my leg!” the man groaned.
    “Then take something to bite on and try not to scream when I check it,”
John said.
    The man pulled out a spare jock strap, wadded it, and placed it
between his teeth. He grimaced soon when John felt of his broken leg and
straightened it.
    “We'll need a splint to set the leg and keep it immobile,” John said.

                                   •   •   •

    Kristi felt her hands slipping. Her centaur quickly grabbed her by
clamping her elbows down to her side to keep her from slipping back and
falling.
    Kristi said, “Thanks, I was about to lose everything there for a moment.
How soon are we taking a rest?”
    “Are you that tired?”
    “I just need a break from all this action I'm getting. Now I know why
some women like horses. It's every bit as good as riding a motorcycle.
Maybe better.”

                                   •   •   •

    John raced to the head of the column on his centaur. They caught up
with Colonel Smith who was at the lead once more.
    “You better call a rest. We've got more and more people falling now,”
John said.
    Smith asked, “Are we far enough away from the Lizzars to chance it?”
    “Plenty far. They don't have anything to keep up with us. I'd estimate
that we've put ten miles between us already.”
    Colonel Smith raised his hand while shouting, “Company! Halt!”

                                   •   •   •

    Fawn heard the car horns sound and repeated the signal before gently
applying her brakes. She stopped close behind another car as the convoy
stopped so everyone could take a short break and stretch their legs and
relieve themselves. Several APC's moved into protective positions with their
machine guns at the ready. Another signal went down the line that she
repeated before putting the car in park and applying the parking brake. She
opened the door and hesitated about stepping outside with nothing on. She
glanced over at Terry and saw an expectation in his eyes.
    Summoning up her courage, she stepped out and walked away from the
car before squatting to take care of business. She finished and glanced
around, surprised to see that some of the others were equally naked,
though just as many had on their jock straps. She noticed that the female
staff from the Mess Hall were still wearing their panties, but had discarded
their bras. Remembering Terry, Fawn quickly ran around the car to his side
and opened his door. “I almost forgot that you might need to relieve
yourself.”
    “I do need to go, but I can't get out. Maybe if you go around and help
twist me from inside, I can just piss out the doorway.”
    “Sure, I'll do that,” she replied before running back around and getting
inside the car.
    She gently pushed against his left thigh and shoulder so as not to
disturb his wounds until he was nearly facing out the door. She tried not to
watch as he relieved himself.
    “Thanks, you can help me shift back around,” he eventually said.
    She found that she had to reach inside his thigh to pull him back
around. For a moment, she had to pause before grabbing her panties to
wipe off part of the seat where some of his urine hadn't made it outside
the car. She tossed the panties out and finished turning him in his seat
before exiting the car to run around and close his door.
    As she got back in the car, Terry said, “I'm just glad I don't need to
take a shit now. We probably don't even have any toilet paper.”
    Fawn smiled and reached behind the seat to come up with a roll.
    “Then why'd you use your panties to clean the seat?” he asked.
    “I just grabbed what was closest. Anyway, I don't need them. I haven't
really felt at all uncomfortable since taking them off while driving. Have you
enjoyed looking at me?”
    “You're nice to look at in full daylight. Thanks.”

                                    •   •   •

    Sergeant Martine pulled her panties down to relieve herself only to
discover that the seat was ripped through from her crotch to nearly the back
waistband. She finished before she stood and waddled a few steps away
with her panties around her knees. She then let them drop to the ground
and stepped out of them. She almost threw them away, then remembered
that her stripes were sewn onto them. Plus she wasn't sure if the material
could be used for anything else. Rather than feel guilty about throwing
away something that might still be used, she tucked them into the pouch
on her web belt with her other underwear before walking back to remount
Frea. Frea said nothing about Isabelle being naked.
    Isabelle rode around to check on her other platoon members. Nearly all
the women were discovering that their panties were in sad shape. Half wore
only their bras with their web belts while a few were naked save for their
web belts. A few wore their panties, even if they were ripped down the
center. Just about every woman had an embarrassed looking smile on her
face as if caught having too much fun.
    The men in her platoon seemed to be all right. One was still taking a
piss when she reached him. He glanced up at her and grinned mischievously
at being caught.
    Isabelle said, “Everything okay?”
    “Yes, uh, uh...” he said as he saw that she was naked and became
aroused while still pissing.
    Isabelle said, “Yeah, you look like you're okay. Horny, too. Well, play
your cards right and polite when we get to camp. You just might get lucky.”
    “With you, uh, sergeant?”
    “Probably not since we're in the same platoon. That doesn't mean you
won't get lucky with someone else.”

                                    •    •   •

    Fawn glanced over at Terry. He was sitting quite still looking at her.
“Still enjoying the scenery?”
    He didn't answer. She reached over and gently shook him as she asked,
“You awake?”
    His body felt cold to her touch. She turned her head and looked at him
closer, then snapped her head back forward as she regained control of her
car from turning the wheel reflexively while looking at him. She pressed the
horn to signal the rest of the convoy. Then she remembered the correct
signal and pressed the horn in the proper sequence.
    A few moments later, the signal went down the line as cars repeated
the horn signal for a stop. She stopped her car and shut off the engine
before opening her door and climbing out with tears running down her
cheeks.
    Lieutenant Grim's APC drove over to stop beside her. He dismounted
from the APC. “What's wrong?”
    “Terry died, I think,” Fawn cried.
    Ray walked over to the car and ducked inside to check on the young
man. He felt for a pulse before reaching across to unlock the passenger
door. He stepped back away from the car and went around to the passenger
side to check on Terry. After unbuckling the man's seat belt, he leaned
Terry's body forward to discover that Terry's back wound had reopened. Ray
buckled the young man back into place, then closed the door. He went back
around the car to speak with Miss Wade.
    Ray said, “You better climb into the APC. I'll drive the car. You want
your clothes first?”
    “No, I'll be all right without them for now. I was letting him look at me
to ease his pain. I didn't believe he was dying. Now I'm glad I stripped for
him. At least, he went peacefully.”
    Ray replied, “Come on, we can't hold up the convoy much longer. Climb
up into the APC so we can get going.”
    Fawn climbed up the APC side with Ray's assistance. She didn't even
notice that he had to place one hand under her ass to keep her from falling
before she reached the top and climbed inside. Ray climbed up for a
moment. “I'm going to drive up to the head of the column. Watch for my
signals. If the enemy shows his face, you're to keep out of it and let the
other APC's handle them. Make sure she buttons up the hatch.”

                                    •   •   •

    The convoy pulled into the new base camp after six more hours of
driving. Ray drove away from the other vehicles and carefully removed
Terry's body with help from some centaurs.
    “Will there be a service?”
    Ray answered, “Yes, but after we all rest a bit. We're still getting
ourselves oriented.”
    “We understand. Were there many casualties getting out?”
    Ray said, “I only know of this one man dying. We're stretched out in
different places. I guess the last groups will arrive tonight.”
    The ambulance pulled up behind Ray's car and stopped. One of the
ambulance attendants stepped out. He went to the back and pulled out a
stretcher without saying a word. He lifted another young man's body from
the stretcher and carried it over to where Terry's body lay.
    Ray bent down and removed the jock strap from the dead man before
walking away back to the car.

                                    •   •   •

    Isabelle noticed during the second rest stop that all of her women were
naked whether they wanted to be or not. She checked with each woman to
make sure that she kept her bra and torn panties before moving on to the
next woman.
    The men still wore their jock straps though only a few were noticeably
aroused by the sight of so much naked female flesh around them. Isabelle
could tell by looking at the bulges as to the approximate size of each
member's member. A few actually caused her to feel some desire, though
not because of size, while she smiled at their owners before moving on to
check on another platoon member. She felt sure that some of the men
would definitely get lucky after they arrived at the camp, provided they
weren't all too tired from riding all day. Already, she could tell that most of
her platoon were happy to be standing and stretching their legs.
    Colonel Smith rode by slowly. “Any problems, Sergeant?”
    Martine answered, “Nothing that we can't handle. Our panties fell apart
from this much riding. Don't plan on any of us wearing anything when we go
on the offensive.”
    “So I noticed. You and I will have to discuss this later. Now isn't a good
time. Any injuries among your people?”
    She answered, “None yet. A couple of close calls, but no one's fallen.”
    “Okay, well, we're about twenty miles from where we started. We're
going to take it a bit slower now that we're far ahead of any pursuit. We've
had too many people fall and injure themselves, so we'll have to go a bit
easier for their benefit. After our next stop, we'll walk to give the centaurs
a break. They haven't complained but John tells me that they're not used to
carrying heavy loads over long distances. Keep your platoon together and
continue to keep up the good work. I'm proud of you all.”
    Isabelle went around the extra centaurs assigned to her platoon so she
could check on their loads. Two of them were pulling the cannon. Others
carried mortars or ammo.




                                Chapter 17

Sergeant Martine noticed that the colonel said nothing when they
dismounted and several of the men followed John's example in removing his
jock strap to walk about openly without anything on. For the same reason,
she said nothing when two of her men did the same. Instead, she formed
her platoon into two columns as she had seen the sergeants do before at
the academy. She then walked alongside where she could move freely and
keep an eye on her platoon. The centaurs formed into two columns as well
and followed her platoon.
    Colonel Smith shouted, “Forward! March!”
    She repeated his commands and wondered if they should get into step
with each other. For the most part, she could see that her platoon members
were already keeping in step with each other so they didn't trip or stumble
into each other. Even so, some tended to bunch up. She glanced back along
the long columns, noticing that five people were still mounted. It took her a
moment before she realized they were injured and probably couldn't walk.
    The columns moved far slower than anytime earlier as they were limited
to walking speed. Isabelle wondered if they'd reach the camp before dark or
sometime the next day. It was a few more moments before she realized
that it didn't really matter when they reached the camp. They had nowhere
to go and nothing to do except survive. With that in mind, she moved
about the length of her platoon keeping her ears open for any grumbling,
hoping that she could say the right thing to make that person glad to just
be alive.

                                   •   •   •

    “How are you holding up, colonel?” John asked.
    “I'm fine. I keep in shape.”
    “Maybe so, but how long do you wear a jock strap normally?”
    Mark asked, “Why do you ask?”
    “Oh, just because I was a coach. I know how they can become a
problem themselves if you wear them longer than necessary. You have any
chaffing yet between your legs? If you do, then you can be sure that most
of your men do.”
    Mark stopped and looked at John. “You're serious, aren't you?”
    “Unless you've got some petroleum jelly to pass around, you're going to
have a bunch of hurting men soon. That's what athletes use to keep from
getting rubbed raw when they train all day.”
    Smith shouted, “Company! Halt!”
    Isabelle repeated the commands after almost being surprised since she
hadn't expected a halt so soon. She stood beside her platoon until the
colonel called for all platoon sergeants to report to him. She ran forward
and stopped beside him while he waited for the rest of the platoon
sergeants to arrive.
    “I just learned something that requires immediate action. Inform all of
your men who are walking to remove their jock straps and put those away
until we mount up later. I don't want any of them to rub their legs so raw
that they can't walk or ride later. I don't care if they like this order or not.
It's for their well being. If any of your men give you problems, report it to
me. See to this immediately. Then raise your hands when your unit is ready
to resume marching,” Smith said.
    Isabelle ran back the short distance to her platoon and stopped near
where her men were congregated. “The colonel has just ordered that all
men remove their jock straps until we ride centaurs again. He's been
advised that walking in them too long can cause severe chaffing injuries.”
    Isabelle turned and resumed her position beside her platoon and raised
her hand. She looked back along the column and saw that she was first as
she expected to be since her platoon had so few men. She noticed, too,
that most of her women were glancing back at the few naked men in the
platoon.
    Sergeant Martine said, “Ladies, let's remember that the men are not on
display for our enjoyment. Give them some consideration.”
    “But Sarge! Some of us had no choice about getting naked. They're
allowed to look at us!”
    Martine said, “Okay, but don't lose control over yourselves or trip
everyone trying to get a look. Let's remember that our first priority is to
reach the camp.”
    Colonel Smith hollered, “Company! Forward march!”
    “Platoon! Forward march!” Martine said. She let most of the platoon
move ahead of her so she could keep a close watch from the side on some
of the women.

                                     •   •   •

    “We're not going to make camp by tonight, even if we ride the rest of
the way which I don't recommend,” John said.
    “Then we should camp out here?” asked Mark.
    “I believe we should. About the only thing that might threaten us are
some nasty looking cats. We have weapons that can deal with those,” John
said.
    “Looks like this isn't any different from what's ahead or was behind for
the last twenty miles,” Mark said.
    “It isn't going to be any different until we reach the forest. Then things
will change drastically. We'll be walking straight through the jaws of death.
You'll want to caution your troops not to stray one inch off the path. It's
better anyway, that we tackle the forest while we're fresh instead of tired
like now.”
    The colonel asked, “Should the men put their jock straps on tonight?”
    “I'd leave it up to them. I'm not wearing mine until we ride again. I'll
admit that it does provide enough support then that I'm not hurting myself
whenever I bounce down. At least, the right parts are out of the way.”
    “I think when we leave on the offensive, I'll instruct the men to only
take one spare with them. We'll leave the rest behind for other men to
use.”
    “Yes, I guess that's a good idea. If we have to evacuate some area
quickly, most of the men will appreciate arriving with their balls intact,”
John replied.
    “It would be both nice and bad if we had some more men. I'm not
wishing this world on anyone else from Earth, but it appears that there will
be sooner or later since you didn't find the tractor beam that brought us
here.”
    “Perhaps your offensive force will find it for us. What would be nicest
would be for us to have a US Army tank division snagged. Then the Lizzars
would find out what real technology is about,” John said.
    “Well, even if we get tanks, they're not going to be much good when
they run out of fuel,” Mark said.
    “True, but even if we only sent out a few of them so we could keep
them in fuel for as long as possible, they'd have an impact that the Lizzars
couldn't counter.”
    “That might work, but we might as well wish for an Air Force base with
jets while we're wishing,” Mark said.
    “Yeah, that would give them Lizzars something to worry about. I can
just imagine a jet strafing them with mini-guns blazing away and drilling
right through their armor chest plates. I'd love to see that,” John remarked.
    “Do you think my cavalry idea will work?”
    “I think that you're the right man to pull it off. It might take a year or
two and several campaigns before they beg for peace, but I think it's worth
trying,” John answered.
    “I hope I'm right about this. After all, I'm planning on taking only a
hundred men and women and a thousand centaurs deep into Lizzar territory
to challenge them offensively. They'll probably mass twenty-thousand
troops against us easily.”
    “You'll just have to hit them in true cavalry style. Hit and run. Then hit
and run again. I've already laid some groundwork for you in convincing the
centaurs that you don't have to win every battle.”
    “I'm glad you have. I'd hate to think that they might be unwilling to
break off an engagement and get us slaughtered.”

                                   •   •   •

    Isabelle pulled out her sheet of paper with the names of her platoon
members. She scanned down it and selected the next individuals for guard
duty before seeking them out and posting them to the camp perimeter
along with some of the centaurs.
    Though she saw a few women and men pull something back on around
their bottoms, she didn't see any reason to bother and continued to go
about her duties while still naked. For the most part, she was glad that
there wasn't much going on inside the camp as the majority of personnel
appeared tired. Isabelle hoped that things didn't fall apart too badly or
she'd find herself facing, along with the colonel and a few non-coms, what
could become an ugly situation.

                                   •   •   •

    Isabelle woke when the horrible scream penetrated the night air. She
heard voices shouting from the perimeter as she groped for her weapons
before rushing to where the action was.
    She reached the edge to see some of her guards and several centaurs
facing what was the biggest and ugliest cat she'd ever seen. Already, it had
several arrows sticking out of its body yet it was still aggressive. To
Isabelle's eyes, it didn't appear to be inclined to leave. She leveled her
crossbow and fired straight at the cat's face while another arrow flew at it
from a centaur.
    The cat screamed hideously once more before three more arrows
dropped it to the ground with a thud as its great weight hit.
    Isabelle shuddered before thinking about her people. “Anyone hurt? Is
everyone okay?”
    One woman stood and pissed down her legs. Similarly, one of the men
was unable to control his bowels. Both trembled at having been so close to
death.
    Frea came over and said, “We'll drag the carcass away from camp for
other predators to feast on. Hopefully they'll be satisfied with one of their
own. Pass the word on not to shoot when my warriors return.”
    Isabelle nodded, then went to her guards to inform them of the
situation. She didn't realize until she got back to where she bedded down
earlier that she was also shaking from fighting the huge beast.

                                      •   •   •

    The morning came, though it was hardly noticeable since the three
moons reflected more than enough light to read by during the night. Only
the shadows became stronger while the air became much warmer quickly.
Colonel Smith spoke with his XO and non-coms briefly.
    “Okay, tell the men to put their jock straps back on. Make sure
everyone gathers all their gear and have them mount up. We'll ride until we
reach the forest. Emphasize to your people that they're not to wander off
the path or touch any of the hanging coil vines once we reach the forest.
They're just as deadly as those on the ground, even if they only touch so
much as a finger. The only way to stop them if they get only a finger is to
amputate the hand. Remind them, over and over again if necessary, that
the coil vines are deadly and no horseplay is to be tolerated. Everyone clear
on this matter?”
    Isabelle and the others nodded.
    “Okay, to your posts. We'll leave in five minutes,” the colonel said
while stepping into his jock strap.
    Isabelle rushed back to her platoon. As soon as she reached it, she
said, “You men, get your straps back on. Everyone gather your gear
together and mount up! We're leaving in four minutes!”

                                      •   •   •

    Isabelle gazed at the forest with deep dread. It appeared every bit as
dark and deadly as it was said to be. The columns came to a halt.
Immediately, she ordered, “Dismount! Men, remove your straps. Form up in
two columns and stay on the path!”
    Soon after, the reformed columns moved toward the woods. Isabelle
stifled a shivering shudder through her body as she reached the edge and
saw the coil vines hanging off to the sides and high overhead. She hoped
that none fell on any of her people or anyone for that matter. She didn't
want to see anyone die without any hope of being helped.
    Even worse, she discovered that they were walking much slower as
several centaurs led the way and made sure the path was clear. As they
moved deeper into the forest, she couldn't help but see some skeletons
from time to time. Some of them were once centaurs and more shivers went
up and down her spine as she thought of how horrible it must have been for
them to know that they were dying while their friends watched helplessly.

                                    •      •   •

    Colonel Smith remarked to John, “It's too bad we can't come up with a
way to cultivate those into a defensive position or even to figure out how
to use them offensively. They sure scared the shit out of the Lizzars.”
    “They scare the shit out of me, too, Mark.”
    “You should think about how those can be used. Then find out if
anything we brought or that you already have can be used to stun those
things long enough to transport and use later,” Mark said.
    “I'll give it some thought, but I won't hold my breath waiting for a
solution,” John said.
    “That's mostly what I'm asking. Just give it some thought. Maybe we
can try some of your thoughts out later. It's just too good a weapon to not
possess.”
    “Just hope that your force doesn't get caught out in one of those
storms.”
    “We'll still have our tents. Hopefully, we'll have enough warning to put
those up in time and take shelter so the centaurs can seek safety at their
top speed. I think that's our best hope for overall survival if we encounter a
storm.”
    “I wish you luck then. You'll need it.”

                                    •      •   •

    Isabelle was grateful to see the sun shining overhead at last without
any coil vines or poisonous leaves blocking it. She and others learned more
than enough about the forest they passed through to give them a healthy
respect for it, not that it was all bad.
    There were other things pointed out that were good to eat that she and
others made a point of trying when some was offered. One fruit wasn't as
good as chocolate, but it was a close enough substitute for the taste. She
could understand then why the centaurs and wildlife dared venture into the
forest at all. Of course, it wasn't the only thing they sampled, but it was
the one she most remembered later.
    Coming out of the forest, Colonel Smith stood and watched as everyone
passed by. “We're walking the rest of the way to camp. It's not very far
now. We'll be there before supper.”

                                    •      •   •
    On entering the camp, Isabelle was struck by the shameless display of
nudity among all the women and few men already there. Only a few men,
notably from the academy wore anything at all. She was, however, a bit
disappointed to see Lieutenant Grim wearing his jock strap as she hoped to
compare him to John. Then she heard Colonel Smith calling a meeting and
ran toward him to report.

                                   •   •   •

    “Okay, we did fairly well on our evacuation. We had three wounded men
die along the way. I understand that the centaurs fared well, though they
lost a few warriors in their skirmish as we left. I've already expressed my
sympathies to them over their loss,” Smith said.
    “While we're here, we're fairly safe from attack. We have a large forest
between us and the Lizzars. They have been known to go through it,
especially if they can find a gap, but even they know that it's not easy or
safe so they don't do it very often. As far as the enemy circling around, you
may tell your people that they can relax while in camp as the centaurs keep
a wide patrol out constantly to spot enemy activity. Since they can range
farther than ourselves while on foot, we'll take this opportunity to rest and
prepare for the offensive. While we're in camp, uniform requirements will be
very loose so long as your web belt and weapons are near enough to be
reached quickly in case of an attack. You may tell your men and women
that they may wander around as naked as jaybirds if they like.”
    “While we're talking about how loose we'll be here, you've probably
noticed by now that some of the other people before us think nothing of
making out in the open where they can be seen. I'm also aware that they
don't have much choice since there isn't any place private for them. Even
though it's not good military discipline, I see no choice but to allow our
personnel to behave in a like manner while we're here so we can discourage
desertion. I don't want our force to melt away and disappear because we
don't allow any freedom while we talk about fighting to preserve freedom.
These aren't all my thoughts. I had some interesting conversations with
John along the way. He managed to put together a force composed of
untrained civilians and hold out for days because he let his people enjoy
the freedoms they were fighting for. The way I see it, we can possibly
attract some of those people to join us for the offensive if we follow the
same strategy John used in keeping his force together. Anyway, it's not
unprecedented for a military force to behave in this manner. A number of
ancient armies behaved exactly this way. Apparently, only modern armies
are so rigid and different.”
    “Anyway, give your people enough leeway to enjoy some freedom while
keeping them on our side. We have to have their cooperation in order to
win. We simply can't execute someone without good reason, so punishment
will be light or non-existent for most problems. If you have two members
argue, just separate them until they cool off. If they're fighting, let them
wear themselves out so long as they don't try to kill each other. I don't
want to scare anyone away by announcing a list of crimes and punishments,
so we'll have to play this mostly by ear.”
    “Above all, keep yourselves out of arguments when possible. I want the
men and women to follow you because they respect you and not out of
fear. I think we can succeed if we tackle the problem in this manner.”
    “We'll have a daily meeting at breakfast. That's when we'll discuss
ideas and progress on our preparations. We can't leave until we have our
forces gathered and trained. My estimate for that is a minimum of one
month before we leave. The bad thing about that is the Lizzars will have
probably brought in several more pieces of Earth by then. If they do, we
might succeed at recruiting from among the newcomers if we show
ourselves to be fair, lenient, and open while respecting their space as we'll
try to do the same for the people here before us and ourselves. If the
scouts should spot the tractor beam site, we'll go out with whatever force
is available, whether our other preparations are complete or not. The
tractor beam site has to be destroyed...” Colonel Smith looked at the
surprised faces of some of his non-coms. “I knew that might be a surprise
to some of you, but there isn't any chance of going home for us or anyone
else. None of us know how to operate the tractor beam should we capture
it intact. We already know that the Lizzars will not send us home. Some of
John's people tried that. They wound up as slaves after one of them was
killed and the women with them were raped by the Lizzars. You should tell
your personnel the truth that we can't go home. You might want to sugar
coat it but I don't suggest trying to hide it from them. They have a right to
know that this is now home. We're simply not going to see much
improvement in our conditions for awhile.”
    “If someone indicates a desire to desert or leave, make it clear to them
that we're not going to chase them down. We simply don't have the
resources to chase after them so they can have a proper burial. Just remind
them of what we've already faced and that unity is our only hope of
survival.”
    “Starting tomorrow most of the APC's will be moving to other sectors
along with some of our personnel and some of the civilians. We're
spreading ourselves out so we can't be wiped out in one strike by the
Lizzars. They fear us and rightly so. When we begin our offensive, we'll
drive that point home to them in a way they'll never forget. For today, just
let everyone rest and meet with the old timers. Tomorrow, we'll see some
of our people leave and begin our work assignments. That's all for today.”

                                    •   •   •

    Isabelle walked around the camp after giving her platoon the good,
bad, and worst news. She left a number of them crying and consoled a few
of them before they composed themselves. She still felt shocked to learn
that she'd live her life out naked on a strange world in what might be a war
so long that it would extend past her lifetime, but managed to hide her
own feelings..
    She wasn't sure what she was seeking when she spotted Miss Wade
with her legs spread open for a man to take her. Intrigued, she watched as
he went down on her and made love in plain sight of everyone. Only a few
others from the academy really paid any attention, Isabelle noticed. The
old timers seemed not to care, though a few of them were doing likewise at
various locations throughout the large encampment.
    Some members of her platoon and other platoons were at the river
where they bathed or swam. Isabelle left Miss Wade to her enjoyment as
she wandered over to the river where she stripped off her web belt and
weapons before jumping in to enjoy the water.
    Kristi swam over, “I noticed that you remained naked. Any particular
reason?”
    “Not really. It's just that I've finally concluded that it doesn't matter.
We're still civilized humans whether we're dressed or not. Anyway, having
one pair of panties wear out in less than a day was probably what
convinced me that it's futile trying to stay dressed.”
    Kristi asked, “Seeking any action yet?”
    “Sex?” asked Isabelle.
    “What other kind of action is there around here?”
    “I've noticed that it happens. I'm not sure if that's what I want now.
Admittedly, I was hornier than shit the last two days. I think I'm over that
now.”
    Kristi said, “Well, I'm going to go ask John. I've heard that he usually
doesn't turn down any offers.”
   “I hope you enjoy him, then.” Isabelle wandered over to where the
APC's were being unloaded by dozens of centaurs eager to use some of the
weapons or make more with some of the materials or tools. She spotted
where someone painted a name on one to read “Grim's Reaper.” She knew
then that Lieutenant Grim would be leaving in it the next day. She stood
around to wait for him so she could thank him for watching out for her and
the others.
   “Sergeant Martine, you're slightly out of uniform, aren't you?” Ray asked
as he came upon Isabelle waiting beside his APC.
   “I have to get my stripes sewn onto my web belt since the panties
didn't hold up. Miss Wade was busy or I would have gotten it done by now.”
   “Well, I don't think you'll get her to do it today. She's still busy and
doesn't look like she's going to slow down anytime soon.”
   Isabelle said, “I never figured her to do all that.”
   “Her passenger died along the way. It really tore her up. I think she's
determined to see that every man knows how much she appreciates them
fighting for our freedom and lives. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's the
impression I got. What brings you here?”
   Isabelle said, “Well, lieutenant, I wanted to thank you for
recommending me for sergeant. It's been an eye-opener to say the least.
I've never worked so hard as I have since becoming a sergeant.”
   “Then don't thank me. The job only gets harder and you'll be
questioning yourself all the time.”
   “Not just for that. I also want to thank you for being a good sergeant
while we were still an academy on Earth. I now know part of what you went
through when we girls walked around in nothing sometimes while you
ignored any desires you might have felt while teaching us. You had a
largely thankless job. That's why I'm here.”
   “Truthfully, I didn't think most of you could cut it. You proved me
wrong. I held myself off so I wouldn't be the cause of any of you failing to
complete your first year,” Ray said.
   “Then you did desire us?” she asked.
   “More than once is all I'll admit to.”
   She said, “Your APC?”
   “Yes, it is. Someone painted that name on it. I liked it, so I didn't see
any reason to get upset.”
   “No, I'm asking if you'd like to have me inside your APC. I'm offering
myself to you.”
    “You're offering me your body?”
    “Yes. Now will you go inside with me and take off that strap or do I
have to lose my virginity in the open?”
    “If the colonel hadn't suspended most of the rules, I'd be suspicious of
your motives. However, if you want to do this, then I'm not going to
disappoint you. I'm going to a far off sector and you're leaving in a month
for enemy territory. We might never see each other again after tomorrow
morning.”
    “All the more reason to do this now and tonight, too.” She took his
hand and led him inside the nearly empty APC.
    “Do you know what you're about to do?”
    “I just lie here.”
    “Wrong. It's not an easy or clean experience. If you feel like meeting
me halfway as I shove myself in, then try to synchronize yourself so we
don't come apart. Otherwise we'll both get a jolt that doesn't feel good. I
guess your being a virgin is why you wanted some privacy.”
    “It is. I really didn't want to let anyone know that I was already a
sergeant and wasn't experienced yet. I'm ready.”

                                   •     •   •

    Colonel Smith paced before his officers and non-coms without stepping
on the crude map drawn in the dirt. Occasionally, he pointed at features
with his saber. “Okay, that's where just about everyone will be. If anyone
gets separated from the main body and is unable to find us, we have a
wide area to head for. The sectors will be keeping a close watch for anyone
who becomes separated. See that all your troops know where to head in
case that happens. Make sure they know not to let the Lizzars get hold of
anything valuable. I'd rather they destroyed it than hurt everyone by letting
the Lizzars use any of it against us.”
    “Sergeants, see to it that your personnel spend an hour each day at
target practice with their crossbows. They don't have to hit small targets.
Just what they can expect to encounter realistically. Make sure they keep
their weapons clean and encourage them to also practice spear throwing
and using swords. They could get into a situation where that's all there is
at hand to fight with. I'd like them to become accomplished with those
other weapons instead of relying on their rifles.”
    “When the centaur cohorts arrive, we'll begin practicing for real. Then
we'll spend an hour a day shooting arrows while mounted and another hour
while dismounted. We'll also practice doing cavalry charges during the day.
This is going to be real training for real battles. Impress that on your
personnel. Their lives and ours will depend on everyone doing their best.”
    “Until they arrive, we'll also lend a hand in constructing various
weapons to take with us into the field. For one thing, we're only taking two
mortars with us. The rest will be spread out among the sectors with the
APC's. One of our construction projects is to construct portable bases to
mount our mortars on so they can be transported ready to use even while
we're mounted. We're working on the design so one person can ride with
the mortar to load and fire it. One of the centaurs will carry another person
who'll hand off the ammunition as it's needed.”
    “As far as the cannon is concerned, I'll train some of the centaurs to
pull and operate it. Hopefully we can modify the blank rounds or construct
some sort of explosive shell to fire from it. If not, then we'll use it like the
day we arrived with gravel for grapeshot. Only we'll probably collect rocks
along the way to use instead. I think the cannon ought to be capable of
stopping a charge dead in its tracks. Those are our only heavy weapons for
now. We'll build some others using plans we brought along from the
academy museum. Thank goodness, the ancient Romans possessed some
heavy weapons that we can easily replicate.”
    “I'm planning on using women mostly to operate the heavy weapons.
On Earth, I'd be called a sexist pig for that. However, we'll be falling back
on old weapons such as lances that require chest and arm strength.
Sergeant Martine, I've had a few offers from some more women to join the
cause. Apparently some of them have already tasted Lizzar slavery and
they're quite eager to fight back. I will accept them with no questions
asked, so your platoon could easily become all female. However, I am not
trying to segregate your platoon from the men. In fact, I will not attempt to
keep them from mingling at night unless they're on guard. Advise your
women to do their best to avoid pregnancy since I plan on us spending up
to six months on our first campaign unless everything falls apart. Uh, quite
frankly Sergeant Martine, that means they should try to limit their types of
sexual activity to those that don't cause pregnancy, but I won't punish
them for going beyond that. I understand too fully that they're all mostly
young and have raging hormones.”
    “Even though you'll be our reserves, your platoon will also practice
doing charges with the rest of the platoons. If our forces get into trouble, I
will not hesitate in ordering you to lead your platoon into close combat so
we can extricate ourselves. If that happens, you'll have the luxury of having
your rifles along to augment your strength. I brought along the training
records and we'll go over them to designate some snipers for special
assignments. As I may have stated before, you'll also provide scouts for
the entire force. The scouts will be old timers as everyone is calling the
people here longer than us since they already know the language,
conditions, wildlife, and terrain. They'll report directly to me on returning
from missions. Then they'll be under your command again.”
    “You'll find your assignments on a list Miss Wade put together.
Gentlemen...”
    “It seems like we're asking a lot from so few of us, sir,” Sergeant Moon
stated.
    “Appearances can be deceiving. Remember that Pizarro and Cortes each
conquered an entire empire with fewer resources and personnel than we
have. We are no less capable. You have your assignments. This briefing is
over,” Colonel Smith said.

                                    The End




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