Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:52:27 +0000
From: Pentanthin J. Panthar III <Pentanthin@hotmail.com>
Subject: Lessons of Life Chapter 3

Note:

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leave. But if you are still reading this, I don't think much matters to
you, so enjoy. Please take the time to comment if you see fit. The story
is copyrighted as the sole property of Pentanthin and should not be
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** Hope that you enjoy this next installment as it unfolds.

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________________________________________

The Lessons of Life

Chapter 3

Discovery

________________________________________

Dunn tried to speak only to be quieted by the soft kiss on the darkening
nose. No more talking, pup, O.K.? We both need to cuddle and forget this
day, for right now, you hear me Emphasizing the statement. He squeezes
Pen tighter to his chest, forcing the pup's breath as he tries to
inhale.

"O.K.," sighed the haggard otter while they headed down to the hall to
their bedroom. "You're O.K. now, aren't you, pup?" (cradling Pen in
his arm's like a fragile heirloom) I'm sorry I lost it so severely back
there. I could not even think what I would do if anything ever happened
to you! (brooding toothy smile creeping across his lips and looking down
into those bloodshot green eyes)

"I'm O.K., Dunn, I promise; it hurts a lot, though..... think my tail
will be numb for a week!?" "I'm so sorry that happened to your pup.
They'll never hurt you again, and that nag of your mothers will not soon
forget his chucked nose. , No, let's not go there now. I will make sure
that that. "Oh, Never-mind!" You're safe!.... that's the only thing
that matters to me, pup." (searching those deep emerald green eyes with
yearning and disgrace at failing his little otter. He had fallen this
angel in his arms once, a pledge broken that he will make sure is paid
for dearly!)

Their worlds shattered only to reform all at the exact moment, only each
other to remind them of the once happy home. He was looking around,
finding memories tattered at every glance. So many times in his life,
Dunn found happiness in Joseph's slightest touch, but that's gone now.
Never in his 35 years of life had his will so firmly been hardened. Now
everything seems to be a struggle to get through the next minute.

"Dunn, why doesn't my mom love me?"

This question alone was more than the little otter could bear. Nobody had
ever given Pen a reason not to trust them on first approach like his
mother and her assorted flavor of the minute. His heart breaks at the
simple cruelty his mother shows him at every pass of contact.

"Pen, my love, you know your mother will never be happy no matter what
we do! It's not that she hates you, pup; she just always wants more than
she has! There isn't anything that either you or I can change. Now
let's stop this depressing talking and get into bed. We need to cuddle
and forget the world, O.K......? (hating himself for the lies that now
have passed his lips, only leaving the tepid acid of disdain)

Yes, that woman hated this lovely otter with every ounce of fat in her
body. She saw the birth of Pen as a means to money that would never be
hers. Over the years, that mistake of an egg donor was always cooking up
something or another to get Joseph to fund this or that. `Curse his
heart for never saying NO to her out of some misguided sense of
obligation.'

(laying down on the sheets and pulling Pen into his chest fur)

"Rest now, pup, and nobody will get in here! Even if they trust me, they
must get through this mean old Kodiak before I let them lay a hand on you
again. Stop all this questioning and hold me, pup, O.K......?"

"But why do they all want money Dunn... if that's all so..... important
to them, then let them have it? I don't care anymore. "Dad's
gone!!!..."........They don't care about any of us so...... If that is all
they want, give it to them, and maybe they will never bother us
again!...... Right???"

"No, my love, that isn't how it works, but enough of this `pup,'
O.K... we both have had a hard day, and I don't know about you, but I
really can use a nap?"

Secretly his heart was breaking because as simple as it sounded to his
lovely otter, the last thing Dunn ever wanted to do was open that door!
No, `Hell NO' if you give the mongrels money, all it will do is wet
their appetites. They'd be like a pack of rabid Lenor's {Len-Or~s} on a
fresh kill. Nothing would be safe!!!

"Now, pup, enough talking about what we can't do a thing about. Let's
just cuddle. We'll have plenty of time to deal with those people and
your egg donor of a mother later. Now hush and give.Mmmm... kiss...."

(Leaning down ever so slowly, Pen just brushes the big black nose of his
protector with an angel's kiss. Those supple lips just brushed the skin
of his sensitive slippery nose, causing every nerve ending to explode
with utter delight at their joining.)

"You're going to do something, aren't you, Dunn?.......... I know that
look on your face because I have seen you give it to Dad every time he
did something you didn't like! (sheepish smile creeping along those
amber furry pink lips)

The simple mention of Joseph ripped that flesh wound open again. Although
hiding it behind his eyes with every ounce of will, the fear of it
spreading back to that exquisite otter is just too much to bear for the
massive beast. No, he would not cause this being of hope teasing his nose
with the sweetest torment of life. He would do what so ever it took to
ensure that his vision of the world was his for as long as he could keep
it that way.

"Hush up, pup, and get some sleep..."

That thick tongue of Dunn's slipped his mouth to lick the sensitive
pinkish nose of the now squirming otter.

"New.....Stop that! You know I hate it when you lick me like that...."

Pen all but put on the best show of his life. He could never get enough
of Dunn's attention, especially as of late. It seems that his very touch
made his heart flutter. Ever since that morning when he last had the
dream, he'd been like this. But he was not complaining about it other
than putting on the pretense of a protest only to fall giggling and
usually causing some bruises from his out-of-control tail.

"STOP.... Hmph...... Hey..... you need to watch THIS.. (grabbing the
substantial flailing amber lined tail with his right paw) ..before you
make sure that I can never have any more cub's!" (shifting below the
now franticly squirming otter to protect his tenders from the still
mobile tail)

He was mocking attention, and anger plastered across the grinning muzzle
of his. Dunn could not stop the emotional movements of the now squealing
otter as he tried to slip away from his grasp. It was the only moment in
the immensely draining day reminiscent of before. The two lovingly plaid
together, forgetting their sorrow for those briefest of moments, all the
traumas melted away as they lovingly tussled and shared each other's
undivided attention.

"Why would you want any more cubs when you have me....?" (as if to
emphasize the question, Pen let the prehensile tip of his tail graze the
edge up Dun's inner thigh)

"HEY.... Just because I have everything I ever will need in you, my dear
pup, doesn't mean I will not want to have a little cub brother for
you!"

Forcing a mock look of concern across his face, Dunn tried to make slight
of the scrape of that frantic otter tail too close to his sensitive
balls. "No,"... it's not the pain or any pain that could ever come from
the reason for living that he could endure. Not discounting that so much
of his world has been shaken to its core over the last eight days. The
plain truth is, no matter the circumstances of how Pen came to be a part
of Joseph's and his life; he is everything to the massive Kodiak. There
is only one reason to be in this world now: laughing with true love and
squirming in front of him like a moray out of water.

"Now you know you love it as much as I do, you big mean bear..... Now
Hold still......."

"HEY.... That's not funny, you runt, so help me..... Nooooo... don't do
that, No fair!..."

"See now, if you would just have cuddled with me, you wouldn't be in
this situation now, would you?"

Pouting like a whipped pup, Pen is pinned with a mighty paw to the bed,
trying to weasel out of the precarious position. The entire while, Dunn
is dragging his claws over the tender flesh of his armpit, forcing mad
giggling from the now-winded otter.

"O.K... Okk, I will give it now. I GIVE!!!!!!"

Slowly as they regained their composure, though, Pen was gasping and
murmuring heavily with joy at the brief distraction from the day's
trifles. The panting otter is pulled into the gentle heaving chest of the
bear as he stifles the urge to eat the vibrant little being that can so
brighten even the darkest of life's pains.

"Now..... stop all this and settle down, pup, or so help me, I will roll
this big old body of mine over and squish YOU!"

Though Dunn's right paw was sneaking up to deliver an ever-so-crushing
blow of hugs to the gasping otter, he had to ensure that he settled down.
It had been a heart-wrenching day, only compounded by the unforgivable
act of that hunk of rotting flesh of a draft horse. Blood rushed to his
ears, just reliving the sight of Pen upended by his tail, the substantial
red weld still visible on his face reminding him of his failure in his
pledge.

"Now sleep pup..... I'm tired, and we could spend some quiet time with
each other!"

He was leaning his muzzle down and placing the softest kisses on Pen's
nose, followed by the brisk lick of his wide tongue up the startled
otter's muzzle to his left ear. Oh, how that taste alone could sustain
the bear as stars once again exploded in his eyes from the unbelievable
taste of his silky fir.

"Ok... meeeenny..... And stop licking me. I'm not a lollypop, you weird
mean old bear!"

(Laughing) "Yes, you sure are and the best one in the world to this
`MEAN OLD BEAR!!!!"

With that statement, they finally settled into each other's arms through
the strong arms encasing. Dunn could break an oak tree in half if the
owner so wished. Ever since the genetic enhancements that Joseph gave him
five years ago, Dunn was truly more in line with the progenitor of his
appearance than the human form masked by it. Yes, he still possessed the
human mind and all that it entailed, but his body and outwardly
appearance much resembled that of the Kodiak he was born of.

"Dunn....     is it....     always going to hurt this much without a
dad?" (Slowly looking up into the deep brown eyes)

"I don't know, pup... I don't know! We both miss him so much, and I can
only say that as long as you're with me, I'll always have the best part
of him in my arms."

"I Love you, Dunn....."

With that, the little otter just nuzzled his face into the furry golden
chest below him, the day had indeed been taxing on the little tired pup,
and without much effort, he relaxed into the warm embrace. Slowly the two
drifted into a fitful sleep.

Pen relaxed as his youthful mind erased the day's trauma finding his way
to sleep. Dunn, though, was lost in the feeling of the gentle movements
of the loving otter on his chest, although his mind kept revisiting the
consequences that were now about to be forthcoming. For if he knew that
Female at all, he knew she would play this up to the hilt to extort
control over the affairs of this loving otter she so unjustly felt was
hers.

******

Suddenly waking from the fitful dream of late, they had removed any rest
his sleep had been giving him. Dunn slowly realized that it was not the
dream of making that annoying noise (it was the coms). With a quick check
to his chest only to relax (the still sleeping otter), Pen's curled up
and rested his demure head on his solid shoulder, sound asleep. Again the
chimes of the com's break the quiet of the room. The sound only grates
the bear's sleep-muddled mind into the waking world altogether, as
whoever this is had better have one hell of a reason for disturbing them
like this! Only a few individuals had the actual com address to the
house, so something must be happening.

"ANSWER".... "Voice only."

Dunn's voice was only a whisper in an attempt to take the call without
waking the sleeping pup on his chest.

"Mr. Panthar?"

The all too recognizable voice of Eufrin {Eu'-fre-in}, his assistant,
was all too clear at the simple statement. "What is it, Eufrin? You know
this is neither the time nor place to call me about work with what today
is? YOU KNOW THAT!"

All but breaking the whisper he was trying to maintain. Though this call
was neither wanted nor needed, anything to do with the company could
wait. "I am sure you understand `S.I.R.' that it's my `Job' to make
sure that you're kept up to date with all developments as you have
instructed me Sir...?!!!"

The voice of Eufrin cracked audibly, betraying the stress he now felt.
Yes, the Kodiak always seemed to have a way of cutting him to the quick
with just a raised word or a glace, but this particular information was
not something the young mammal wanted to be the bearer of. Cringing at
the blank screen, he steeled his nerves with a rather loud exhale as he
continued.

"Sir, we have a small problem with Ms. Relonlds!......"

Dunn's chest constricted at the simple mention of the egg donor's name,
again cracking the peace of his sanctum. `Oh, this is not going to be
good at all now. His mind all but preceded the statements that are sure
to enrage him. With a heavy sigh, Dunn let the reality of the day's
actions pass over his eyes again, only to cringe at the realization. His
actions this morning were most likely to blame.

"Just what is this small problem E.U.R.F.R.I.N.??"

"NO...! Hold on, Eufrin. I need to switch coms!"

"STANDBY" (with that, the unit muted the line)

Dunn gently slipped Pen off his chest onto the cool sheets of the bed,
adjusting the airflow for the sleeping otter as he always seemed
hot-blooded (he didn't need him waking up) and slowly slipping his girth
from the bed, attempting to keep the beautiful amber/silver otter in his
slumber for as long as he could. Dunn exited the bedroom and made the
quick trip to the office to take the call in person.

"Accept call..... Visual"

With those words spoken, the terror-stricken face of the scared gray wolf
came into view of the display, his disheveled fur looking like its usual
mass of tangles. `No doubt from his stressed condition.' Steel
reflective eyes downcast away from the screen like a child about to get
scolded for something they knew they should never have done.

"S...ir.... I didn't mean to disturb you, but something has come up, and
I know you would be very upset if I didn't inform you right away!"
(shaking voice cracking with every other word)

For such an impressive-looking Lupine, Eufrin was always fearful of Dunn.
Even though the Kodiak was ominous in his appearance, he had never given
the now visibly shaking wolf a single reason ever to think he was in
harm's way, to his knowledge.

With an audible pensive sigh, "What is going on now, Eufrin...? If it
was unimportant, you would not call me on the day I laid Joseph to rest,
so spit it out."

`Here it comes' rushes across his brain. No, that fat otter is up to
something, and to have his assistant in such a state, can't be good. No
doubt she's cooked something up this time to rival even the most extreme
actions she has taken.

"Sir... Umm...."

"JUST SPIT IT OUT EUFRIN!!!"(voice cracking with his irritations)

"Well, Sir... You see. I received a call from Central Security about 20
minutes ago...."

Glancing at the time stamp (14:32 May 19, 2138), Dunn's face contorted
with a vicious snarl at the mention of central; yep, that bitch had
started something big this time if they were calling. No matter how often
she did something like this, it never failed to enrage him of her
willingness to use Pen as a poker chip in her games.

"What did they want?" (his face is flat and even in sharp contrast to
the look of hate on his muzzle.)

"Well, Sir, they have inquired as to your location! They have filed a
complaint of attempted murder by Ms. Renolds! They're asking that you
turn yourself in as soon as possible, `S.I.R.,' because the Gentlemen
registered as the victim is still in surgery. It seems you shattered most
of his face in an unprovoked altercation during the wake, so they say?!
They stated they have at least 50 solid witnesses to the incident,
Sir..."

With that statement alone, every hair on Dunn's body stood on end. He
was baring his teeth in a threatening snarl.

"(Yes, that `BITCH' had dared, and now she will pay....) Did she happen
to include in that statement of hers the facts that she was committing an
act of grand larceny precipitating my ACTIONS???"

"Umm... No, Sir, the statement reads that your unprovoked actions
assaulted Mr. Tellez without provocation. Though it does mention that she
was in the course of disciplining Mr. Panthar's actions for disturbing a
guest...."

"No, that is not what happened at all, and that bitch will pay for this
dearly. Here is what I want you to do..."

Grabbing the document from the desk in front of him, still sealed in its
plastic bag. Struggling with his composure to not show too much rage or
emotion at all as this had to be done just right, or Diana could get away
with this farce.

"What I have here is the document that she was in the process of
intimidating young Mr. Panthar into signing, under the force of Duress, I
would add!!! In fear for his safety!!! I also have the `Holographic
recordings' of this act and everything regarding this `document' and
its detailed handling since the incident. I want you to Call Central;
have them dispatch a certified courier to the house to retrieve this
(shaking the bag to stick his point) and the copies of the videos. They
`are' to be here in an hour, please, as we now have to take steps to
prevent that `FEMALE' from getting away with this abuse of the
system."

Dunn is forcing his anger down as this video must now be shown to support
his earlier actions. No, this was not something that he would allow to
happen. It's not that it mattered, as he was well within his rights to
protect his little pup. The thought of that `Egg donor' pulling this on
the same day they laid Joseph in his grave allowed Dunn to ponder having
her removed from the earth to a not-so-pleasant death in the hard vacuum
of space.

"Sir... what should I tell Central about you coming in to face the
charges?

Eufrin is shaking in fear for being the bearer of the bad news and
firsthand witness to the cold hatred he now feels from his boss for doing
his job. He never wanted to get Dunn this angry, but he had to do this.

"FINE... Tell Central to send a detective instead of the carrier, and I
will deal with them when they get here!"

(body going slack in sheer terror)Eufrin had uncontrollably soiled
himself at the ferocious reaction of his boss! Now he realized (pubic fur
now soaked with a little bit of his urine), to his dismay, it was caused
by the sheer hatred playing across the agitated bear's face, his boss's
eyes glowing red at being forced to confront the issue in this manner.

"Eufrin.... Calm down, and I'm not angry at you!"

Dunn, looking at the reflection of himself in the picture of `Joe &
Pen' on the beach last summer (sitting on the corner of his desk),
revealing to his eye the ominous look about his face and body. Oh, how
sometimes the enhancements made him look like the Kodiak he was born of.

"Eufrin.... I'm sorry I scared you like this! But it's not directed at
you, `my friend!' I am angry with THEM! You see, Ms. Renolds and Mr.
Tellez attempted to have Pentanthin sing a `Durable Power of Attorney,'
when he refused, Mr. Tellez assaulted Pentanthin!!!! Mr. Tellez was
physically torturing him to force his signature on the documents when I
was able to get to Pen. I was not even thinking about anything other than
protecting him when this incident occurred. You can ask Mr. Talbit from
Geonocis Corp to back this up! Though he may not know what he witnessed?
As I am sure he will state, my reaction was that `I went crazy throwing
people out of my way to get outside.' But again, all this is recorded on
the surveillance system from this morning! Now calm down and get yourself
in a presentable shape. I need you over here as soon as you can get here,
O.K.?"

"Yes, Sir... Give me about 20 Minutes, and I will be there, Sir...."

"Eufrin, make sure you use the secure lines to do this. God knows if
that Female has something else up her sleeve, so don't trust anybody. If
you have to use the coms in my office, do so! I know there are no taps on
it! With me being out of the office as of late, I do not trust anybody
but you at this point, O.K.?"

"Sir, I will do as instructed and see you in around 20 minutes!"

"Fine... fine.... Yes .. I'll see you in a few, now let me get going. I
have to make sure Pen's O.K. as he was quite disturbed by the assault of
Mr. Tellez!!"

The com channel was severed, leaving a somewhat shaken wolf in shock.

****

"Why does he always scare the hell out of me like that? I know `I'
didn't do anything.... I wouldn't say I like it when he gets upset like
that. (deep exhale) I want him to keep this job and, like, My work....."

He was falling back into his chair whit distress across his shaking face
and body.

"This is the third time it's happened!.... just from talking with him
on the com's....( Thank God)!"

Eufrin slowly stood behind his desk to reveal the now prevalent dark
patch in his murky trousers. It never failed to shame the wolf that he
would cower and lose bodily control due to the `Behemoths' seldom
manifestations of anger. Ever since he witnessed firsthand that bear
cleft the steel door from the lab concrete wall when Joseph was hurt!

He's given him the widest of berths achievable!!!

"It's my job to make sure that everything he asks of me is completed,
but that bear could be very dangerous if you got on his bad side!"
(admonishing himself with fear running through his distressed mind and
playing across his face for the world to see)

Quickly he made his way to the private bathroom to compose himself. His
repulsion displayed mockingly upon his face as he glanced at the mirrored
wall. (ear twitching uncontrollably) Eufrin quickly removed his trousers
with little fanfare and changed into the second set of clothes he kept
just for this `Problem.' No matter what that bear did, he would never
drive him away. He loved working for him no matter the price!

****

After a hurried yet well-ostracized exhibition in the bathroom, Eufrin
emerged with the now clean appearance he wanted to present. Quickly he
entered Dunn's office, and, sitting at his desk, he started his calls.
(little time remained to complete his tasks if he was to get over to the
house in time)

"Central Security Services...... Connect" (clearing his face of all
expression and settling himself.)

<Com unit>

"Standby"

(Now, just speak to the detective and get moving. You still have another
call to make!)

"Central Security...this is Captain Selone {Sel-O-Ne'}... What can I do
for you?"

The blue fox answered with an emotionless expression and flat voice.
Nothing about the appearance of this fur could even give a sense of
compassion, although most would expect something different when
contacting Central for help.

"I need to speak with a detective in regard to the charges filed against
Mr. Panthar this afternoon!"

"Hold on, please... I will connect you to the investigating officer."

The coms display shifts from the enigmatic officer to the central logo
display. In the absence of the emotionless fox, the rather ornate
crescent badge with a shining star pinned between the open peeks rotated
on the display.

"This is Detective Cpt. Dence {Den-s'e}... How may I assist you, Sir?"

The rather reserved-looking Rat looked down his long nose at Eufrin with
questioning eyes, his dark-colored fur stirring on his muzzle with nose
and whiskers emotive at his statement.

"I would like to arrange a meeting with Mr. Panthar and yourself if you
would, Detective!"

"What in regards to the investigation of Mr. Panthar, do you play a part
in S.I.R.?"

The look of distrust and pointed interest now played across the Rat's
face like the reaction to a very bitter taste. No, James didn't like it
when he was contacted this fast in an investigation in this manner (it's
not going to go well, I can tell), not when dealing with the wealthiest
men on this continent.

"I'm the personal assistant to Mr. Panthar, Sir. My Name is Eufrin
Sutter...Mr. Panthar instructed me to contact you to request a meeting
with him at his private residence on Beltor {Bel-To're} Island, Sir! He
has requested that we meet there at 4 pm this afternoon to review the
information that he believes will dispel the charges brought against
him!"

"Well, I am always interested to see the fact, Mr. Sutter, but you
realize that the charges are quite considerable, `Sir'? From what I
have been told, the victim will be disfigured for life, and they still do
not know if there is any brain damage!??"

"I am not contacting you `Detective' to discuss the condition of the
victim, though you might change your tune once you review the evidence,
Sir!?"

O.K., this is not going to be good at all. ("God knows what is up with
this cluster fuck now!") James knew better than to use pointed questions
with this wolf, but he had to try. No, it would be in his best interest
to accept the appointment if only to see what this meeting was all about.
For all he knew, much more was happening here than he knew. Also, what
circumstances of the reporting otter that filed the complaint (going to
Great pains to play the wounded bird) declared? (this never struck him
well when their emotions didn't match their eyes) Yes, he suspected
something when the Female threw herself to the ground in grief, although
it was strange that the love of her life was in the hospital at that very
moment in surgery!

"Let me get a few facts from you if you would, Eufrin? May I call you
Eufrin?..."

"No Sir... my name is `Mr. Sutter' and the only facts that I currently
possess are....  I was instructed to have you meet Mr. Panthar and his
representative legal counsel at his private residence on Beltor
Island!"

Eufrin would not give anything more to the detective, and the misuse of
his name didn't go unnoticed. He indeed only speculated that Ms. Renolds
had caused this situation! That in itself was enough of a caution to keep
all facts confidential as she has pulled a lot of underhanded tricks over
the years. To his knowledge, though, this was Central's first
involvement with charges of this `nature'!

"Mr. Sutter..... I `will' be at Mr. Panthar's residence at 4 pm!
Though I `NEED'... to impress upon you, Sir.... that a severely injured
victim is involved in this case.... so I don't know what `Evidence'
could detract from these facts!"

The last-ditch efforts to get the truth before the circus began had
failed. Oh, how James now dreaded the next few hours to come. Undoubtedly
there would be media involved in this case. (his churning stomach now
established his growing anxiety) Ms. Renold was less than truthful about
the situation, maybe even the assault! Damn, his luck for drawing this
case, and now, no matter what, `HE' would be the one thrust in front of
those damn cameras.

"Detective, I will see you there!"

Eufrin disconnected the call only to tap into the personal access feed to
Mr. Talbit's private line as he placed the next call. (You have to get
to him fast and get this done to prepare for the meeting). The long chime
of a secure line sounded as the call was connected.

"Mr. Talbit, Please excuse the abruptness of this call, but I need to
take a statement from you concerning the incident at Mr. Panthar's
funeral this morning?!"

The rather preoccupied-looking Human just stared back into the display
with bemusement.

"I assume you mean when Dunn tore out of the house? Or the one where he
tried to rip the head off of some draft horse?"

"I am referring to all the events you heard and witnessed, `sir'? I
have been instructed to take a sworn statement from you about the
circumstances you witnessed during the incident!"

Miles Just stood there staring at Eufrin with a look of hesitation. He
had seen Dunn blow through the crowd of people and furs on his way
outside. But he hadn't had time to see what happened out there! (Fear
brushed his mind at the flashback of the horrifying bear snarling at him
and blowing everybody out of his path like an out-of-control transport!)

"I can only attest to what I saw and heard, Eufrin. I saw the lump of
meat on the beach, but that was after everything happened. I'm unsure if
you know this, but we were all thrown out quickly after that?"

"I understand, sir, that there was an incident and somebody was injured,
but what I need from you per Mr. Panthar's direction is what you saw and
heard!"

"well, that is easy..."

"Hold on, Mr. Talbit, and I must record this for official use. Is that
O.K.?"

"Umm..... Yyy-a-hhh... I don't see a problem with that. Just tell me when
you're ready!?"

"O.K.. hold on."

Hands flying across the keyboard, Eufrin quickly set up the recording and
enabled the data genlocks for both parties.

"O.K., here we go, Mr. Talbit. I need you to place your hand on the
P.A.C. point, please, and then when I start speaking, you will have to
answer the questions fully as I ask them, O.K.?"

"O.K.. fine.... I know what it's all about, Eufrin. When I am done, you
need to tell me what happened if you would. I've never seen Dunn like
that, and I thought he would kill me on the spot!" "I wish I could,
Sir, but I don't know any more than you do now. But here we go!"

----

"This is Eufrin Sutter, personal assistant to Mr. Dunnedward E Panthar.
I am speaking with Mr. Miles P. Talbit in the sworn statement of his
account of the incident on May 19, 3138, in the private residence at 1
Beltor Island Drive, New Los Angeles, California. Please state in your
own words, Mr. Talbit, what you witnessed during this incident?"

"I was relaying my condolences to Dunn for the tragic loss of Joseph
when Mr. Panther abruptly seemed to become enraged. Without any
provocation, his whole persona changed in the most frightening manner I
have ever seen. Suddenly he just exploded, yelling what I can only
describe as a loud `ROAR' only to turn and bolt from me towards the
back of the house. He knocked several people and furs to the ground in
his path during his frantic charge for the back door. I don't know what
caused his reaction, but shortly after that, a loud commotion in the back
of the property on the patio caught my attention. Upon investigating, I
witnessed Dunn holding a rather shaken Pen in his arms and a severely
injured draft horse unconscious on the beach, bleeding heavily from a
nasty-looking open wound on his face. Suddenly Mr. Panthar Yelled! `The
party was over, and everybody had to get out.' At that point, I exited
the house and left. To my knowledge, that is all that happened during the
incident!"

"You did not hear anything that preceded Mr. Panthar's actions, Mr.
Talbit?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I did hear somebody yelling outside, and
I think I heard what sounded like a slap. But I can't be sure as I was
speaking with Dunn at the time."

"Is there anything else you feel you forgot or would like to change
concerning the statement you have just given?"

"No, I think that is everything, though. I want to add that I know
personally that Dunn would do anything to protect that young otter.
Pen's the last vestige of Joseph's life now, and the way Dunn takes
after that boy, I would never want to be the person that threatened him
in any way!"

"Thank you, Mr. Talbit, for your statement of the incident. If
additional information is required in the future, do you feel you will be
able to correlate these facts and additional facts should they be
needed?"

"Yes, I feel confident in what I have stated, and if you need me to do
so in court, I will though I can again only attest to what I saw!?"

"Thank you. This now ends the personal sworn statement of Mr. Miles P.
Talbit of his account of the incident......"

----

With that, Eufrin stopped the recording to address Miles directly. Though
he had only moments before, he needed to be out the door, or he would be
late.

"Thank you, Mr. Talbit, for this; I know Mr. Panthar will appreciate
your cooperation. I also would like to let you know that he will
personally inform you of what happened when he speaks with you, I am
sure. I'm sorry I cannot tell you more about this matter, but I'm sure
you understand!"

"It's O.K., son, I have known that bear for many years, and if this is
happening, then there is a lot more going on than I think anybody but
Dunn knows."

"Thank you for your time, Sir, and I have to get going. Do you want me
to pass on anything to Mr. Panthar when I see him?"

"Just tell him `my heart goes out to him for his loss!... But if he
ever scares me like that again, he's going to be a rug in my office!!"

Trying to make light with the Joke, Miles hoped everything would be O.K.
Although from the looks of that horse, he sure would never forget this
day for the rest of his life.

Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your time in this matter and will pass your
comment on to Dunn."

With that statement, the display went dark, and Eufrin got moving.

******

(Unbeknownst to the two, "secretly" watching from the next room.) Their
entire episode was under the close inspection of a sobbing otter; in the
moments after Dunn closed their bedroom door, Joseph had initiated the
holographic display system.

Though unable to be there in the body, he was in spirit (revisiting a
similar experience 20 years before in his mind). Joseph was a truly
bittersweet moment for the distraught otter. Tears run down his digital
muzzle with the repentance of being unable to physically experience this
pure moment with them, suppressing his feelings, knowing that he had made
the right choices concerning his two cubs. "End Recording" was all he
could whisper, only to have the metallic voice equally as quiet respond:

"File and authorization?" Breathing deeply, he responded:

"System protocol Pentanthin" caused a series of chirps in response as
the system logged off and shut down into standby.

****

Some 40 minutes later, a hysterical bear entered their quiet room;
Pentanthin was resting right where he had left him though his face was
turned away from the door. Thank god for small things, as Dunn just
didn't know what to do. He had betrayed Pen and Joseph with his actions.
Though part of him will always treasure that encounter to the day Dunn
died. But now the bitter truth of reality was upon him; he had to tell
Pen what he had done, although just looking at him, it was pretty evident
with his matted fur showing everything to the world.

"I can. can't..... J.Joooe... I...I."

(`How' could `I' have let this happen!?!?! No. This doesn't seem
right....')

Dunn's mental state was standing on the edge of that gaping pit. No, he
couldn't have done this to his precious otter! How nauseating he must
now be in the eyes of the world. His life was over, and so help him,
G.O.D.!!! If it wasn't for his vow to protect Pen! That Incredible
amber/silver otter, he would end his own life on this spot, if only to
spend eternity begging Joseph for his forgiveness!

****

"It's alright, my love.... Stop the tears, my teddy bear. You and I both
know that nothing you did was wrong. It's not something our little
wonder in the next room didn't want! (Joseph's voice barely at a mummer
cracked Dunn's mental castigation) Before you even start the rant that I
can see is building, let me tell you a little something! That otter in
there wanted `and' did exactly what you did of his own free will..!!!
If you will, please just come lay down `now' and listen to what I have
to say before you lose it. I need to say a few things as it's now
starting!"

Above all that Joseph had ever spoken to Dunn, these words stopped him in
his self-hatred. ((everything blacked out as his mind shattered and all
reason left him. Here he was afraid that his `MATE' (dying in the bed
in front of him)) would cast him into the flaming pit of hell himself!
The fear dissipated as; instead, he was assuring this delicate beast of
the simple fact that `Pen' wanted his past transgression just as much
as the bear himself.

"Dunn, come down, big boy, before you fall because there is no way I can
pick you up!" The visible fear dissipated from Dunn. Instead, he was
being assured by this delicate otter of the simple fact that `Pen'
wanted his past transgression just as much as the bear himself.

"But.... I...... I had `< ORAL SEX >' with P.E.N.!!! (voice raising at
Pen's name so loud the glass in the windows shook noticeably)

"Dunnedward, I know, and it's O.K.... come on over here and lay down now
so we can talk..... Come on, my big beast, come to daddy now...."
(gleaming in those amber-blue hazel eyes of his that always showed the
most profound love and passion when he looked into them)

The tenor of Joseph's words only melted Dunn on the spot. `So' long
had it been that he genuinely heard or saw the love and affections of his
lover. A thousand lifetimes since that presence was before him. `True
love and compassion' broadcasting from the withered angelic face. (this
moment and this moment alone) Dunn would forever define the memory of his
beloved here and now. No piece of this memory will ever belong to another
soul as it is etched into his mind.

"How can you forgive me, Joseph? I violated Pen, and he was
SLEEPING!!!"

(Recoiling) Dunn's mind abashed in frantic thoughts of guilt,
self-hatred, and hopelessness. In sharp contrast to the unquestioning
love returned from his dying lover regardless of his understanding? They
were sharing the moment from the exact opposite end of the scale. No,
Dunn had committed the worst betrayal with Pen, and now he was trying to
atone for this before it was too late! Joseph could not know what had
happened, could he?   Turmoil crosses the distressed bear's mind
slamming into him like the force of the tide only to toss him into the
next wave.

"Come lay down, cub, and daddy will make it all right..... I promise!"

Reluctantly Dunn slowly lowered his shaking body. A heavy heart complied
only to hold back his body to the edge of the bed to keep from soiling
Joseph with his now discussing self. Slowly he placed his paws to his
eyes as the dam burst forth. All the emotions of what has transpired
today flooded on. The gambit of pain, agony, loss, self-loathing, and
hatred were at the forefront of his mind, compounded by the utter
hopeless feeling of grief that backed them up.

"I failed Pen... and you, Joseph! No matter what you say, I know it was
me that should never have let that happen, and nothing you can say will
ever change that!"

"Hmm... I would not be so sure of that, Dunnward! You see, I knew it
would happen before you ever left our room!"

The statement cracked the hysterical bear's ministrations completely.
How could Joseph have known this was going to happen? When Dunn himself
didn't? No, he was trying to say he understood, which was not good
enough.

"Now listen, my little cub, to me carefully... I know you love Pen with
every ounce that makes up this big old shaggy bear I love, so stop
torturing yourself about this, O.K.? I know nothing happened against
either of your wills because, simply put, "IT WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED
OTHERWISE"! You see, my cub, when you gave Pen the retrovirus this
morning, it had a few side effects, one of which you just experienced. I
tried to tell you this earlier but decided just to let nature take its
course Because if I had told you what would have happened, you, my loving
bear, would be halfway to Mexico City by now!.... DO YOU HEAR ME???"

"But.t..."

"No, just listen, my love.... I incorporated cretin thing's into that
retrovirus so that I was sure I would know that you two love each other
and can show it in the very manner you did. You know Pentanthin is not my
son, love! He's my clone though I still think of him as our son. He is
his own, completely separate from me. As you know, a clone is only a
genetic copy of an individual, not an exact O.N.E.!!!... I have given him
all the love I can, and I know you will continue long after I am gone. I
just wanted to make sure that you two were O.K., so that is why this
situation we find ourselves in now is happening. Do you understand what I
am saying, my little bear's?"

Dunn just lay there shell-shocked out of his wits completely. The stark
realization that he genuinely didn't have control still didn't appease
the act itself. He could have walked away at any time, preventing it.
(although no force on earth could have allowed that to happen)

"But why......?"

"Simple answer is, I needed you to know that the best part of me is
still here, `Love,' that's why! There are thing's happening now that
you have to understand I'll no longer be able to control. I had to make
sure that you would be there for him in every need that he would have!
That is why I did this. I've left the information in the Lazarus file
and a few other `things' that I know you will want to be explained!"

"Joseph, how could you do that to Pen? He's our S.O.N.! No matter what
you think or do to me, I don't care. But to force him into doing
something against his will is WRONG!!!!!!"

"Dunnedward, listen to what I'm telling you!!!. What happened was not
against his will at all; it's something that we both know he's been
wanting since he started watching us in the first place. Yes, it's a
little unorthodox for him at his age, but how old were you when we first
got together?"

"Our relationship has no bearing on this situation, Joseph, and you know
I.T.!!!... What we did was consensual and loving from the very first time
I approached you in the lab!!! I knew what I was doing long before you
ever touched me or thought of me in that manner. Hell, I was 25, almost
26 at the time, NOT 15!!!"

(Chuckling to himself)

"Dunn, how stupid do you think I am? I knew exactly what you wanted the
second we first met. I could see that look in your eye's from across our
island if I looked! You were not the only one that found love and
`Lust,' I might add, at first sight. I can attest to that as well as
you can if you only stop and think about it. But you are denying that Pen
now looks at you the same way, my love. With every glance at you, I see
that look from him, no matter how hard you try to deny the fact.
Additionally, you sometimes look at him the same way regardless of your
mental and verbal denials."

"But it's wrong on every level that there is Joseph, and you know it!
Just think what would happen if anybody found out...I....... I'd be locked
away never to see the light of day that instant and most likely wind up
the bitch of some dragon in `JAIL'!!!"

"STOP this now, DUNNEDWARD!!! No, you would not; now think about this.
Pen's all me, and in that statement, if you think about it closely, you
will see that "I Love you in every way that is possible and a few that
aren't supposed to be! You two share a love that will never end or
suffer!!! That little taste you got from him earlier proved that
completely. I know! I made sure it could happen only one way!"

"WHAT"

Dunn's whole body tensed up with this statement. He was abandoning his
previous line of thinking at the lonely realization that Joseph had
somehow arbitrated this entire situation though how or why was still to
be explained to the bewildered bear.

"Yes.. my little cub..... I ensured he could give you something if he
felt like you did during the encounter. Stop and think now. Is he old
enough to be having an orgasm? Let alone to ejaculate like I know he
did?...... `NO' that was only caused by 2 things, the love and passion
you have for him and his for you..... If it had happened any other way,
you would be extremely sick right now!!!"

"But how...? Why. What is going on here, Mr. Panthar?"

"It's simple, my love. Part of the primary reaction to the antigen was
the increase of pheromones to cause you to RUT!(grinning with the fond
memories)

(Letting that little secret out broke the argument in Dunn's frantic
mind.)

"Yeah, I know you made me swear that I would never do that to you again.
Trust me, and I still remember being unable to walk for a week because of
it last time. But I wanted to ensure you would always be with Pen
regardless!!! That alone is why I did it. He will now naturally secret
them whenever he expresses love or passion for you. Sorry, but that is
just how it is now. Is O.K...?

Second that little taste you got from him was not his seaman but a
genetic byproduct of the reaction if he had not felt the love and passion
for you in the way he does! It would have been quite bitter and caused a
rather extremely violent neurological reaction in you had that been the
case. I did this so that if he didn't feel that way for you, it would
forever break the link you shared sexually. I am sorry to do this to you,
my love; you must understand I only have days left before I'm gone. I
don't have the time to be nice about making sure my cubs are taken care
of OR if they will be there for each other. I `H.A.D.' to make sure!"

The logic behind the argument was sound, though forced on both Pen and
Dunn. It's so simple to remove the emotions from a situation like Joseph
had done. He was dying and had no choice but to ensure the continued care
of his family. Though the innate cruelty of his actions would take some
time to be removed from the now distressed bear, it's true that though
horrified about his move, Dunn would always treasure the passion and
feeling he experienced with Pen! It still didn't remove the motive
behind them now that the truth was in the open.

"Joseph... what happens if Pen doesn't feel the same way I do or, for
that matter, the way you feel he should?"

"It's simple, my love... HE DOES! There is no other way it could have
happened, and before you go into the rambling that I see is coming,
understand this.

Chemical markers in the brain relate to a person's mental state of
feelings and emotions. You know this, my love, and you know there is no
way to break these markers. So either they are there, or they are not
simple as that. Now I don't need to go into a long explanation about
this, as you know the rules just as well as I do.

All I want is to make sure of is that you love and will treasure Pen just
as you do me, my "Big old teddy bear"! Enough of this talking. I need
you to hold and help me sleep now because this situation has taken every
ounce of strength I have...."

With trepidation and uncertainty in his heart, Dunn slowly lifted the
frail otter into his arms only to cradle him against his strained body.
How could somebody so love him that he would implement a plan that had
taken years to bring to fruition? No, this was not something that Joseph
had done out of last-minute desperation. Nor is it something that he had
not put countless hours of thought and actual work behind. Resigning
himself to the silent pledge that he would not touch Pen in that manner
again until he was older and truly understood his actions were made. No
force of the god's themselves, or mortal man would ever make him break
this vow.

Slowly Joseph fell into sleep on the perplexed bear. The day's
revelations had been so straining that Joseph could not do anything more
than sleep. Slowly he slipped away into the dream world where life and
pain didn't exist. Now only held by his loving bear of so many years, he
knew that all would be O.K. Yes, it finally was started; he could rest
now. They were safe and together; the only hope was in his dear cub's
future now that things had gone the way that they were supposed to.

"I can let go now...

Finally, they are safe with each other, and I can let go...." (was the
last thought of Joseph's as he slipped into unconsciousness.).......

******

With trepidations, James took the cutoff from the expressway for Beltor
Island. He had the Chief in the back seat and two squadrons of riot
control officers behind him, just in case! This situation wouldn't go
well now that he had seen just about every Media transport heading in the
same direction.

"Damn... How the hell do they get here so fast?.... We didn't tip them
off, and I highly doubt Ms. Renolds could get to them this fast. But then
again, those raptors are on a story like a fly to shit! But damn it,
Chief, what are we getting ourselves into?"

"I don't know yet, but if this (waving his hand around at all the
vehicles heading in the same direction), we will have a hell of a time
just making the appointment now! I do not care what you think about it,
James. You and I both know we're screwed! We're in over our heads here,
`Detective'. No matter what, you will be the frontman on this one. I do
not want to deal with this crap, and the magistrate isn't going to take
kindly to the man that helped fund his campaign being treated like
this!"

"Well, get ready.... looks like we are about to jump into the fire chief;
I don't think they're letting anybody past the main bridge, Sir!"

Chief Mark Tanner wasn't happy to be put into this disastrous situation.
Nobody should be using Central as a pawn!

Given the facts that now are playing out, including the addition of Mr.
Renold's record on file, nothing of this was boding well. None of the
facts in this case since it hit his desk this morning are what they first
appeared to be.

"Shit, James, I think we are going to get our asses handed to us by
these vultures. (Looking at the mass of People and Anthrop now blocking
traffic) No matter what we do, we will not leave here without our skin
getting singed!"

(Resigning himself to the dreaded moment) James opened the door to the
heavy cruiser only to be blasted by the on-slot of the media. Almost
blinded by the hover cams and the glare of the now Omni-present media, he
tapped his coms, opening the P.A. system of the cruiser.

"People of the Media... I am Detective Dence of Central Security, Which
is spelled D.E.N.C.E. for the record. I want to ask you to clear the
bridge as we are in an investigation. Anybody that does not comply will
be detained for impeding an office's performance during his duty!"

That simple statement though actual and riddled with consequences, did
not affect the mass. They only cared about the story, and nothing that
happened to them would prevent getting the scoop of the moment.
Especially when it had to do with the Entex Corporation, these Lenors
would sell their children if they could capitalize on this story! Now
they had the taste of blood in their mouths, and nothing would get in
their way.

"This is my final warning before you are removed!"

James resigned himself to leave this into more capable hands. Finally, it
was clear that nothing he said or did would change this debacle. He was
rebuked by the milling media and shouted questions at every turn. He just
turned on his heels and opened the door to the transport.

"Move IN" (The irritated Rat barked into his com unit, tail firmly
planted against his right leg)

He was tapping his com's again to terminate the connection, a deep
breath released as he now had taken care of the media for a short time.
These leaches will now pay for not listing to him! At least now he will
restore some semblance of order to this mad hose they created.

"I hope they enjoy the ride. Now let's get the hell out of here!

Chief, is it O.K. if we use the `Mag' to get past this mess while the
T.A.T. cleans them up?"

"Do whatever you must, Detective; I don't want to be in this mess any
more than you do!"

A quick flip of controls and James engaged the maglev. With the briefest
shutter, the curser lifted from the ground slowly as the gravity engine
kicked in. It was not commonly used due to the power requirements, but
it's one hell of a fun way to travel.

......

________________________________________

End Chapter Three -- Discovery

Comments are always welcome. Please let me know what you think.

Pentanthin ~

Lenor {Len-Or} An immoral Genetic experiment devoid of any mental ability
crossing a raptor with a dragon. No Human D.N.A. was used in the
construct, as the military aimed to develop an unstoppable weapon. It
stands about 8 feet in height at around 250 pounds and is covered in
thick scales from head to toe. Sharp dorsal spines accented by poison
glands about the neck and tail. It is generally considered a walking
stomach encased in armor and is greatly feared for its ability to
eviscerate anything it comes across.