Dog of War

The cool sea breeze danced through Princess’ hair with playful gusts, chasing away the heat of the Cassian sun. They clung to Miss’ vine as the door slid shut behind them, creating an additional whorl that billowed their skirt- just enough to show the petticoat underneath and warm their cheeks. The streets were far busier now; if it had lifted just a bit more, any number of sophonts could have seen them be exposed. The only saving grace was that no one seemed to pay them any attention.

 

A headpat calmed their racing heart. Even if someone did see, what would it matter? Miss was right here. Any stranger that glanced their way would only see an Affini with a Terran and presume they were a floret and owner, and florets routinely made much bigger shows than a flipped skirt- especially in the Affini district.

 

A soft tug signaled the start of the walk. Princess found herself easily matching Camila’s lax pace. There was a certain rhythm to it that had escaped them before, forcing them to try to resort to manually matching their steps to the Affini's. Now the intended pace seemed obvious, and it was breaking from it that was difficult. It helped that they weren't trying to make exercise out of it either. This was simply a leisurely stroll with Miss to enjoy the day and get some fresh air, nothing less, nothing more.

 

And what a day it was. The breeze and the sunlight kept them both toasty and cool. A procession of clouds lazily marched from the ocean and into the mountains, breaking like waves upon the shore. The peaks of the mountains could be seen through the scattering cover, reaching up towards the sky like crooked, blackened fingers. Within their grasp lay the city, a glimmering jewel that sparkled with more life than ever. Above it, The Vervarium hung impossibly in the sky. Its rings and stabilizing petals span almost hypnotically, just out of reach of the outstretched fingers.

 

All that was just the backdrop as Miss led them onto the boardwalk. To their right was a mix of storefronts and habs. Most shops seemed closed for the day to prepare for the festival nearby, while the rest were sparsely populated. To their left lay the beach that stretched a few dozen meters out to the shoreline, where mellow waves lapped at sand and sophont alike. The voices of Affini and their florets joined together in a joyous song. The clack of Princess’ heels against the wooden path joined in the symphony as they walked.

 

Could we really have a place here?

 

It almost seemed too good to be true. The only place Princess had ever felt like they belonged before was the Company. There they were part of a set, the latest pull of a pre-selected gene pool, with a few additional alterations from their predecessor. They were also easily replaceable, another cog in a bloodthirsty machine. Had the Company survived, they simply would have produced the next generation, and 4-3-1 would have inherited their overhauled genes.

 

Here, in the Compact, they were cherished, they were loved, they were irreplaceable. Unique in a way that went deeper than gene mods or serial numbers. Here they had Daisy, and Jess, and, of course, Miss. Sophonts who wouldn't just miss them if they disappeared, but missed them after mere hours. They had a place in this paradise the Affini were building. They belonged here, not as the inheritors of some cursed line of soldiers, but as Princess. 

 

Can we really just accept being a pet, though? What if we only like this because the Company made us that way? 

 

That... was certainly a possibility. The Company’s records had stated all units were made to be submissive towards selected authority figures. They had shrugged off their conditioning through sheer force of will and with help from their other half, but that didn't mean it was entirely gone. If anything could reactivate and worm its way into their dilapidated conditioning, it would be an Affini.

 

Would it really be so bad if that was the case? Lots of sophonts were natural submissives, and so what if they were one of them? No one got to choose the nature of their birth, or what they did and didn't like, and they were happy here. It's not like Miss was the only one to whom Princess enjoyed submitting. Daisy putting them in their place was a memory that now fueled numerous fantasies. Her confidence, the way she just pinned them with nothing but one hand and a nibble- just thinking about it made them flustered.

 

Miss Nele’s words still echoed in their head. Princess wasn’t going to do the memory of their fellow soldiers any favors by being independent for the sake of independence. Even now, with the luxury of time, they couldn't find a reason they truly desired independence itself. Everything kept looping back to the trauma of the Company, or being told that they wanted it. That revelation still ate at Princess like spoiled rations. They had worked so hard for so long, they had actively avoided making any real connections for the sake of self sufficiency- and for what? So they could point at all the emptiness in their life and say they acquired it on their own? The misplaced idea that individualism was the pinnacle of self actualization? Even then they weren't truly independent. They may have made a point about getting to choose the orders, but they followed orders nonetheless. Little more than a well-trained dog for any passing master.

 

Did that mean that Princess wanted to be a pet, though? Being pampered was normal for a princess, but they had thought wanting independence was ‘normal’ as well. They certainly wanted to stay with Miss, and they did like it when she took care of them, but did that mean they had to be a pet? She wanted them, there were no doubts about that, but giving up what remnants of control they had was concerning. There were other angles to consider too, such as becoming property again. That still sat on Princess like an unbalanced rucksack.

 

Losing political rights was a non-issue. They never legally had those to begin with, and never would have bothered to exercise them. Choosing which contracts or sides to work for was far more direct than any ballot. Having to obey Miss in all things wasn't a problem either, they trusted the Affini implicitly. Being property, however... It seemed unlikely there would be a clean work around like the collar; being property was baked into the very nature of being a floret. There had to be entire sophont species that couldn't wear a collar to start, but all florets were legally owned. They belonged to their Affini, that was the point. Maybe Miss could figure something out? She was an Affini after all, and more importantly, she'd be the one who was their owner.

 

Princess couldn't help but smile at that. The thought of being property still twisted their gut, but the reassurance that it'd be her calmed them somewhat. The company may have mistreated them, but Miss would never. Every moment with her was so wonderful, and she had helped them discover and accept parts of themselves they had been content to ignore. She had shown them the love, patience and care they had never received. Even if they couldn't get around it entirely, they could possibly learn to live with being property again.

 

This time would be different.

 

This time we would be choosing it for ourselves. 

 

Princess walked just a bit closer to their Affini, receiving a few headpats. There was no rush to decide, anyways. It was potentially the last decision they'd ever truly make for themselves, and not something to make in haste. Miss hardly seemed like she was about to force them to make up their mind either. Not today at least. Today they could just... enjoy.

 

Miss led them off the boardwalk, and back towards home. The streets were markedly more busy with preparations for the festival tomorrow. Their hab was seemingly just on the edge of the event. Few sophonts did little more than glance Princess’ way as they bustled by. The rest gave them a smile, or a small wave, which they did their best to return.

 

The streets were even busier than they were on the walk out- Affini hanging strings of flowers over the streets, booths of all kinds receiving their finishing touches, and sophonts of many species come to gawk at the commotion. Princess found themselves practically forced to Miss’ side by the heavy traffic. There was a certain excitement in the air that was contagious, and Miss’ vine had to slow them thrice. They found themselves looking forward to tomorrow more than ever, but for entirely new reasons.

 

Princess found themselves stepping into their hab before they even registered that they had arrived home.

 

“Welcome back Miss Verdun, I finished those schematics! Also, hi Princess!”

 

“Hi Jess!” They waved at the ceiling, still brimming with energy.

 

Miss’ vines steadied them as she undid the buckles on their shoes. “I'm going to make lunch and talk with Jess. I should only be a half hour or so, would you like me to put you two on the couch or your bed?” She tapped their leg, removing a shoe. “Or were you going to sit at your desk?”

 

“The couch is fine.” Princess stepped out of their other shoe. “We'll just be on our pad.” Getting picked up again was certainly a nice bonus. Hopefully Daisy was available to chat; they had a few things to tell her and she was going to lose her mind. If not, they never did talk to Ariande or scruffles or any members of Rose's system! They still needed to thank them for helping them figure stuff out.

 

Princess couldn't help but giggle as Miss dramatically swept them up, a vine tickling at their nose. “The couch it is!” They were placed in their corner, vines straightening out their dress as they left. Miss gave them their pad with another headpat. “There you are~”

 

“Thanks Miss! We'll let you know if we need anything!”

 

There was that wonderful, loving look in her eyes as she smiled down at them. “Please do.” With that, Miss gave them one final, spine tingling scritch as she departed for the kitchen.

 

Princess shivered as they felt her leave, pulling Mr Bear against themselves tightly for his warmth. Being too far from Miss left them feeling weird. It wasn't strictly unpleasant- thinking was a little easier and they felt more grounded, but they did find themselves already awaiting her return. Until then, they had plenty of things to occupy their time. Princess pulled out their pad and shot Daisy a message.

 

[Royal-Tea]: Good Afternoon!

[Royal-Tea]: Did you have a minute to talk?

 

A full minute passed before a message dinged through.

 

[Daze-y]: o hey Princess!

[Daze-y]: whats up :3

[Daze-y]: Mistress n I were just making sure those amaryllis were ready for tomorrow. I was thinking we could plant ‘em together!

 

[Royal-Tea]: That sounds great!

[Royal-Tea]: We just got back from therapy and Miss is making lunch in the kitchen

 

[Daze-y]: therapy huh?

[Daze-y]: how'd that go

[Daze-y]: good I hope!

 

[Royal-Tea]: It did!

[Royal-Tea]: We talked about a bunch of junk and we also kind of came to terms with a few things.

[Royal-Tea]: Do you think you could keep a secret?

 

[Daze-y]: girl u know I can't!

 

Princess chuckled. Well, Miss would be able to check these logs anyways, if she didn't already know. She had a knack for picking up on things even before they did.

 

[Royal-Tea]: That's alright

[Royal-Tea]: Just try not to say anything to Miss Verdun, okay?

 

[Daze-y]: :3c

[Daze-y]: I can definitely try

 

[Royal-Tea]: We were thinking about becoming Miss’ pet soon.

 

Princess could swear they somehow heard Daisy scream through the soundproof walls of both habs.

 

 

-_-_-_-

 

 

Camila already knew exactly what she was going to make for lunch. Pan fried Cassian Cod, a dish that had been on her list almost since they moved planet side. The name was a bit of a misnomer, one deliberately made by the very people whose work the restoration efforts were aimed at undoing. The species shared no similarities in appearance to any Terran fish, let alone a cod, and as she understood had a wildly different flavor profile. However, it had stuck, and ‘Cassian Cod’ it remained.

 

Tragically, Camila had found herself unable to make time to pick up the fresh ingredients, so the compiler would have to do. As long as she was doing all the actual meal prep herself, the difference was minimal.

 

“So Jess, would you mind sending me your designs?” Camila asked as she worked.

 

“Oh, of course!” A file pinged through.

 

Camila opened it as she retrieved the ingredients from the compiler and laid them out. It was just about as she pictured; Largely Terran-shaped, with a white chassis trimmed with pink highlights. The breasts were made of a translucent pink silicone, allowing anyone to look at the underlying mechanisms. The legs ended in points, with a rather detailed locking mechanism that would serve as an ankle when engaged. Her hair was one solid piece, shaped like a bob with a few pink streaks to give it some shape. Antenna on swivels attached to boxes where the ears would be. The pupils of her eyes were styled after mechanical shutters and could shift through various colors, but so could the area under her eyes. It would be so cute to see her blush purple or green!

 

There were a few other notable elements- Jess' genitalia, for example. Its standard form was analogous to a vagina, but it was able to engage with various additions that were also rather detailed. Camila couldn't help but fantasize about playing with each of them, or worming her vines into the exposed joints. Her choice of shade for the pink highlights hadn't gone unnoticed. A collar would look excellent around that bare neck, to the point it seemed intentional. That was further in the future, however; she had to get the little one her body first.

 

“This is very cute, Jess. I think it suits you perfectly~”

 

“Svkzgdv- Thanks Miss! Uh, M-Miss Verdun!”

 

Yes, the fledgling sophont would make an adorable floret. “I'll send it off right away,” said Camila. She already had a few local Affini in mind for the construction of the chassis, as well as the plea to have it ready for the festival tomorrow. Writing the actual messages only took a moment, and she set her focus back to lunch. Hopefully by the time she finished, one of them would be able to help.

 

Camila started by setting the pan on the stove and seasoning the filets with salt and pepper- the pepper being her own inclusion. Cassius’ seas were slightly more saline than that of Terra, and salt was plentiful. The land, however, had never managed to develop complex plant life of its own- mostly mosses and lichens. Despite having rich soil from its volcanic epochs, the frequent storms made it hard for roots to hold where the soil was loose. That didn't mean Cassian cuisine was devoid of any local edible plant life- there were two types of kelp commonly used alongside the ‘cod’. One bore a bulbous fruit with a sour, tangy juice that was served alongside it as a slice, to be squeezed onto the filet just before consumption. The other, when dried and crumbled, was supposed to be delicious atop it.

 

Olive oil was Camila's other addition; the traditional recipe called for some sort of synthetic cooking oil anyways. A thin coat on the pan and she placed the two filets into it, letting the sizzle fill the air. While that cooked, she quickly assembled a salad for a side dish, flipping the fish right after. A bit premature; it wasn't quite as browned as it should be, but nothing another minute couldn't fix once the flip side was done.

 

A message dinged through on Camila's pad- she'd have to check it once she was done. After waiting just a bit longer than she did for the first side, she was delighted to see the reverse side browned perfectly. She gave the other side a few moments before finding it satisfyingly cooked. She plated the meal and set it on the table, making a few adjustments to its arrangements before sprinkling the dried kelp over it. Oh, she could hardly wait to see Princess' reaction to the meal!

 

A few more messages had come through while she finished up, and as much as she wanted to feed the girl, securing Jess' new chassis took priority. Camila took up her pad with no small amount of anxious anticipation, only for her worst fears to be confirmed. Her vines curled over each other with frustration at every reply. Each and every one had rejected her plea. They had been polite about it, of course, either citing their workload, safety protocols, or that they were already planning on going to the festival with their florets, but each had rejected her all the same. Jess wouldn't be able to attend the festival.

 

“Is something wrong, Miss Verdun?”

 

The waning hope in Jess’ voice stung. Even if she herself had proposed staying home, Camila could hardly bring herself to break the bad news. There had to be something else she could do! Sure she had already contacted all the local experts officially on record, but perhaps Cordelia knew someone who could help. Someone not officially listed, like hobbyist tinkerer or-

 

Suddenly it dawned on her exactly who she could contact. “Just a bit of trouble finding someone on such short notice, but I think I know someone who is available.”

 

[FrequencyFlower]: Viola, do you think you could do a favor for me and Jess? She would like this ready for the festival tomorrow, and no one is able to help.

[FrequencyFlower has a attached a file]

 

[FallCourtScribe]: Oh? This is adorable! I would be delighted to help, Camila. It would give me a break from tracking down the Company, too. I've been able to narrow it down to one of two star systems in the Centaurus cluster, but each one has settled planets, orbital stations, and asteroid and moon colonies. It's almost exponentially difficult to make progress the closer I get. Helping out a cute sophont in need should be exactly what I need to take the edge off! We could meet where we did last time.

[[FallCourtScribe]: Ah, apologies, but I don't think I could have it ready any sooner than one in the afternoon, though. Troubleshooting is important for a reason!

 

[FrequencyFlower]: We can work with that, thank you very much.

 

Camila was positively abuzz with energy as she tucked her pad away. “I have some good news.”

 

“Oh? Did you find someone?”

 

“Yes, Viola said fae’s willing to do it. Fae won't have it ready for the start of the festival though, but it should be done in the early afternoon. You'll still be able to enjoy most of the festivities.”

 

“Oh, that's way better than sitting it out! I'll have to thank fae when I transfer over, I thought I'd just be here, uh, cleaning until you all came back!”

 

Camila laughed, tomorrow was shaping up wonderfully! She had even been planning on allowing Princess and Daisy about an hour of time ‘alone;’ a request from Daisy so she could take her girlfriends on a date. It would make the perfect opportunity to pick up Jess. Princess should be fine with her pinnate right there, and in case of emergencies, Camila and Cordelia wouldn't be far. There would be plenty of Affini overseeing the event as well for even more immediate help, and the markings on her monitor would let them know not to give her any xenodrugs.

 

It didn't hurt that this would also give her some time alone with Cordelia. Just a few moments as they made their way to pick up Jess, but oh how precious those moments would be. Perhaps Camila could even find the strength to make her confession? They would be moving in together shortly after, and it seemed like she may actually return her feelings. She was already going to ask Princess to be hers, so what would one more declaration be? By the Everbloom, tomorrow couldn't arrive soon enough!

 

There were still a few hours left in the day, however, and plenty to enjoy within it. Camila wouldn't get to savor Princess' ‘independence’ after tomorrow, even if she seemed to have already accepted her fate. It was also about time she fed the little one, and that was something noteworthy in itself.

 

Camila found Princess laying down on the couch, happily typing away on her pad as she kicked her feet. There was no sneaking up on her though, she rolled over to smile up at Camila as soon as she approached. “Hiya, Miss~”

 

Vines swept her up into her arms, brushing through her hair. “Hello, Princess. Are you ready for lunch?”

 

“Oo, yes please!” Camila couldn't help but give her a few scritches in her favorite places and coo at the adorable quivering mess she became. How was she lucky enough to have two sophonts this precious in her life?

 

Sitting down at the table and situating Princess in her lap, Camila could sense her excitement. She gave the Terran another round of petting while she explained the meal and carved out a bite. “Traditional Cassian Cod, with just a few embellishments, and some salad on the side.” A tap, and Princess’ mouth fell obediently open, salvia already pooling. Placing the filet inside with a stroke and a circle, she awaited the cutie's sounds of joy.

 

That was not the noise Princess made; it was closer to a confused grunt. Chewing slowed to a stop, and her face contorted- something was wrong. Camila grabbed a napkin and held it in front of her mouth. “Spit.”

 

Princess did so reflexively. “S-sorry.”

 

“What's wrong, petal?”

 

“It tastes weird...”

 

Oh dirt, did she cook it too much? Did she not cook it enough? Did her small additions spoil the meat? Did Princess just not like seafood, or was it specifically this dish? It was only a matter of time before she found something outside of the little one's palette. Regardless of the specific reason, there was only one appropriate answer. “I see.” Camila pulled herself out from under Princess, leaving her on the chair as she fed the meal into the compiler. “In that case, I will simply make you something else.”