Arabian Swindler

After a week of traveling, giving the false story to Dejeen with their payment of shekels, a bit of time off of gathering supplies and other things, Gem was carrying a large bag of stuff, hefting over her shoulders...and dragging a bipedal thing she found in the junkyard. Apparently it was supposedly found in some airship wreck some miles away from the mainland. Crazy really. But for her? A very useful find to take apart and see what usefulness she could learn, as she dragged the thing all the way back to the ship.

Going over the wooden plank carefully that connected the ship to port as after nearly a few minutes of grunting and pulling, got the thing in the workshop in the hanger room. She had to separate the stuff in the bag first, mostly to keep her things organized as she picked the thing up and onto the table. With a wide grin, she took out her tools as she began to see what made it tick, mostly by finding where she can open up whatever inside the chest!

It was a lot like dissection of a frog, but less muscles and more mechanical parts. Although she grumble, having to turn it to show it’s back as that where was something from hindering her searching. An arrow, lodged into the back. Damned whoever busted this thing, whatever is inside it could've been damaged by the arrow! snorting as she gripped the arrow, moving it around and trying to loosen it out.

It took a while, and a little careful tugging, that she was able to get the offending thing out. With a slight shrieking sound, it came free. The dog smirked at her victory and looked over the projectile. Despite it’s normal wooden stock, the tip was actually steel, and a rather thick tapered edge. Almost armor piercing like.

Her short musing was brought to a sudden halt, a… whirring sound rising, along with a few mechanical clicks and shifts. Rather abruptly, the things arm moved-- no, not just moved, it reached and planted its three-fingers hand to the table, the right arm also adjusting form under it and propping itself up, legs moving and shifting as the head began to lift and it’s lone cyclops-like-eye lighting up a white coloring.

“The Stone!?” nearly shouted Gem, grabbing the biggest wrench she had as a bashing tool as it gave a ‘huh?’ sound turning to look at her as she snarled. “You won’t infiltrate the ship easily!” swinging the wrench across the head as it yelp as it flew in the air. Quickly charging after it to make sure it stay dead!

There was a clang as the thing hit the floor, hand to head that shook-- before it quickly looked at the roaring dog that jumped onto the table and soon leaped to lung at it. In response, the metallic puppet was surprisingly nimble in responding a second time.

Hands and feet worked in tandem to do a rather swift back roll, letting the wrench just barely clang and miss it before it used it’s hand to launch itself away, landing with a dull clang on the floor with its feet. “Oh, you have got to be joking!” Came the synthesized complaint form the thing, “First deactivation, and now this?!”

Though instead of waiting for any sort of response from the quickly getting up collie, it turned and ran, and did so rather quickly. It went right for the door, hastily opening it and dashing out of the doorway and into the halls, frantically looking or trying to navigate the halls-- all the while one smithy giving a shout and chase, wrench held in both hands while pursuing the now fast-and-mobile thing.

“Get back here!” then shouted out across the ship. “Someone stop it! We can’t let it out!” a few changelings pausing to see something coming as they tried to grab it with their hooves as it was odd to sense something from it, but it was...diluted in a sense. Near non-existence to be precises.

There was a slight sketching of sliding metal on metal floor, before the metal biped said, “Ah geez!” And dived out of the way of one changeling moving to intercept. It rolled and got on its feet, once more going into a sprint. It looked left and right, trying to find another way out-- then had to change course, avoiding two more of the bug ponies.

This time, it shouted, “First the dogs, then the bulls, next the gnoll-- and after that a fluffy dog and a bunch of bugs!?” It was between complaining and pure panic, “Why, just why!?” Reaching a hand out to grasp a corner and help make the next sharp turn before having to once more try coming to a full stop-- which mostly resulting in it sliding and making another long screeching sound that made one unaware Queen pause and snapped her head towards the still-in-motion biped trying to put on the breaks and not run into her.

Horn glowing to make it float in the air with her magic, Mercy raised an inquisitive brow towards whatever it was. As she told her children to stop in the chase and hold Gem back for a bit within the Swarm mind, as her horn glowed a bit more to form words. “What are you? You are mechanical, yet you hold some...life within you.”

Trying to keep themselves righted, while trying to also not freakout at being held in the air, yet again, the thing glanced up and seemed to process the words hanging in the air. “Uh… never seen a bot before?” He queried, trying to settle down. “And… weren't you guys just trying to dismantle me?”

“I never seen a ‘bot’, and as for dismantling?” sighing some she shook her head. “I believe you might have met the smithy of our ship base from what I gather.” hearing the multiple talks and reports given to her of Gem finding this...thing in the junkyard and trying to dismantle it-- but it was activated and in her shock...slam it with a giant wrench. Very sturdy, whatever this is. Except for the dent on the head. frowning some as she asked.

“It is odd that despite getting hit in the head and having a dent..you’re still walking, are you immune of pain?”

Thinking that over, it said, “Sort of?” Then shook his head, “Pain’s a… relative thing. Let’s me know when I get damaged, or how bad….” Then added, “but if you’re asking if I have a headache? Well, advantage to being mechanical and not a single squishy part in me. No brains to scramble and no muscles to hurt.”

After glancing down at the floor, he looked up and asked, “Urm… mind letting me down? I… rather have my feet on solid ground. I’m not built for aerodynamics or flight.”

She tease to him with a smile. “Promise you won’t try to run off? I am a bit curious of you,” then added to introduce. “My name is Mercy by the way.”

“You’re not a crazy lady swinging a wrench at me.” Told the bot, “I think I don’t have any reason to run…” Then told, “And Felix, that’s me.” Tapping his right hand to his chest.

Giggling, she lower him to his mechanical feet as she said in amusement. “Yes, Gem is sometimes a bit crazy, has anything against ‘spies’. But we can’t really do much yet.” she then added. “And we’re called Changelings, Felix, in case you were wondering why we look like ‘bugs’ in the first place.”

“Changelings…” Muttered the bot, hand to his ‘chin’ near his head before saying, “Hey, I recall that name.” Then looked her over and said, “So you’re the species capable of copying other kinds of races?” Then paused in thought, “Cool… scary, but cool.” Giving a bobbing head of a nod… then trailed of, “So… do I even want to know why there is a ship of you here?” Then paused, “Pause that line of thought.” Then raised his hands, circling them in the air before pointing at the floor, “Where is here? I have no idea how long I was offline before being reactivated so abruptly by a over-paranoid fluffy-collie.”

Laughing some, as the laughter was a bit hoarse to the ears, as she clears her throat some. Horn glowing again as she explained with an amused look. “We’re in Abbasa, trading central for Saddle Arabia, as for how long you were ‘offline’? I can’t say, as Gem did bought you in a junkheap, which reminds me ...what are you? You said you were a ‘bot’, but it doesn’t mean much or say much for species wise…” then added. “Or anything in general.”

Large hand on hip, other arm giving a shoulder shrug, Felix told, “Bot, droid, robot, automaton, android-- I fit most of those descriptions. But it all boils down to that I’m a mechanically oriented individual that uses processors, pistons, hydraulics and a bunch of other parts to operate.” Then paused to think before pointing to her with, “I just use bot as a short term. But, I’m smart enough to be considered a Sentient A.I. robot.”

She gave a blank look to Felix. A very, very blank look that just said ‘huh?’ in utter confusion.

Raising his free hand to tap at his head, making little patter sounds with each tap, Felix snapped his fingers and looked up. “It’s not the same-- far different. But think of me as an advanced, technological version of a golem. A really, really, really advanced piece of machinery of a Golem.”

A slow nod was soon seen, as Mercy clear her throat and soon said. “I see…” thinking over and soon realizing something as she asked. “So does that mean you’re good at machinery or engineering?”

Arms crossed and giving something akin to a pleased nod, Felix said, “Sure am. And I got to be-- if I lost one of my arms or it got torn off? I have to know how to fix myself back up.” Though his blatant and yet honest little hint that he could handle his arm being ripped off… was something else to digest in the Queen's mind. (

So he is able to know how to repair his own body, even if lacking a limb. Interesting and intriguing. thought the Queen, as she heard one of her children asking about what to do with Gem, as the collie seem intent on removing the threat’. But she played a card like her Striped use. Diplomacy with a possible new contact or employee. She nodded to him as she said. “That is very surprising, you able to repair yourself with a missing limb.”

“But it does speak well of how good you are with engineering, able to calculate on how to do things.” humming some as she asked. “Do you think you could stay a while? My stud, and big cheese of our ship, is an engineer himself, crafted a few things and tinker with the ship around. Perhaps talk with someone who knows what science speech you both tend to talk or mutter to yourselves of?”

Despite claiming to be machine, Mercy could not help but note the near life-like actions the bot made. Other hand now on hip and the now free one being used to scratch his head, as if in thought. “Well… I don’t have anything happening right now, and I don’t really know where to go just yet…”

It was hard to tell what he was thinking, but eventually Felix gave her a look and told, “Tell you what? I might be up and running, but my power cells are running on fumes. If you could point me to someplace where I can get some sun? I’ll stick around and talk to this guy, maybe once I’ve recharged. Sound good wit you?”

Smiling, she nodded as she motioned him to follow her, as she told. “It does sound good actually, especially more as Dejen is currently out, gathering a few things needed for the ship. And speaking of recharging, you could go out on the ship deck, we have sunlight beaming down over the docks. So you could easily recharged.” she however prod a bit as she asked a ‘innocent’ question. “But I’m curious, how good of an engineer you are? I know you are good enough to repair your arm, but have you heard of a flying machine that could fly without an air balloon? Something called...a plane?”

There was a good tinge of surprise in that synthesized male voice, “You got those around here?” Giving what Mercy could only take as a surprised look, even if the face did not move in any shape-or-form. “What kind? I’m guessing it can’t be on the levels of a jet, or you’re just saying the short version with just plane.”

Thinking quick, Mercy replied. “I don’t know what a jet is, but we have a plane. Dejen actually created it.” thinking of the design as she told. “It got two wings on each side, an engine in the front with a spin wheel, and is sort of a prototype. Dejen mention that it was supposedly called a ‘Sopwith Pup’, whatever that is supposed to mean.” then added. “We have in the hanger right now, maybe after your recharge, one of my children can guide you to the hanger to see it yourself?”

Thinking some to that, the bot tilted his head to the side in thought and told, “Almost sounds like one of those old propeller planes from back home.” Which was odd to hear for the Queen, but he turned to her and said, “But yeah. I can take a look. It sounds more like a mechanic's job, but if he did something like that? I’d be interested to see how. I haven’t seen anything flight worthy besides these blimps attached to ships. Cool, I’ll admit, but nothing like a plane or fighter jet.” Then amended, “but then again, I don’t think this place has anything to make those. Way too advanced…”

Odder and odder. thought the Queen as she walked up a flight of stairs, as she told. “I’m certain Dejen will be interested to hear of your opinions, he has made a few other unique things. Like that grappling hook gun of his, or even that ‘repeater crossbow’ he seems to enjoy using.” giggling some as they reach to a steel door as she added in things of amusement. “He does love to invent many odd and interesting things.”

But as she changed to that unicorn form, opening the door that lead to the balcony of the ship, with the sun shining, she motioned him to go on as she added. “I can’t let myself be seen, even with my disguise on. Abbasa is full of Changeling Hunters, who I don’t wish to encounter for any reason.”

While he tilted his head, Felix did nod and say, “Well… alright then. I’ll just be out here soakin’ up rays.” Then, began to make steps out. Dull and more quieter taps of his metallic feet sounding off the more wooden deck. With a new mechanical sound, the bot’s back slightly shifted, extending out just a bit before some sort of panel was brought out.

Taking up a rigid stance and turning his head up, the bot seemed to look to where the sun was, turning his body around enough so the panels got direct sunlight before turning his head back forwards and just standing there like a statue.

Very...odd. thought the Queen as while she wanted to ask him a few more questions, or even be out here in case someone spotted him and want to try to nick him-- she couldn't risk it. Especially if Hunters might spotted a ‘strange’ mare in the ship balcony. So she let the door slowly close to the brim, letting it close to fool others that it was close, but open enough for him to open and get himself in by himself.

But she did glance to see a familiar thestral was flying close before she closed it fully to the brim, as while Herbal moved down by the balcony with the large saddlebags, looking a bit curious of whatever the thing was. As he saw Mercy opening the door as when he came by the door, he asked in slight curiosity.

“Mercy, when did we gained a lawn ornament for the balcony?”

“Excuse me?” Came the near insulted tone that made Herbal jump and glance at the thing (Felix), that turned its head at him to give a ‘look’.... Well, Herbal could only assume it was giving an annoyed look, the odd tone suggested it.

“What in Luna name!?” started Herbal, as Mercy couldn’t help but giggle, as she assured.

“Its alright Felix, he didn’t know. This is Doctor Herbal Health.” then told to the doctor. “This is our guest, Felix. Gem, ‘found’ him in the junkyard.” the thestral slowly nodded, then apologize to Felix.

“Apologize, it's not everyday where I...see a living mechanical being being mistaken as an object.”

Felix scrutinized the thestral before giving a slight nod, “Yeah… I really should have expected it by now. I mean, I’m far from normal in hindsight.” Then turned his head forwards again, once more resuming to be stock still. “So… it’s fine. Just overreacted.”

Nodding some, Mercy told. [i]“See? No hard feelings.” although she did send a message in the Swarm mind to tell Katty that Herbal was back. The thestral just nodded a bit, giving a nod to Mercy as he trot down, his mind just thinking over what he just saw talked to.

A mechanical...being. In hindsight I shouldn’t be surprised. I do work with a Striped, changelings, a gnoll, a crazy d-dog, and am currently with a Shiftling. I shouldn’t be surprised anymore. But in hindsight, if somehow he does join with us...at least Dejen will have to play doctor for once. Chuckling to himself, as the image within his mind was quite amusing, Felix on an operating table, with Dejen using tools of a workplace instead of a hospital, repairing on Felix as if he was a doctor with a patient doing organ transplant.

Herbal admittedly didn’t know why it was funny, just...although whatever thoughts that came next, was suddenly thrown as he felt something grabbing onto him as a ‘oof’ came out of the thestral in surprise.

It was then a soft velvet like fur coat could be distinguished, along with the nuzzling and happy chirping sounds. It didn’t take long for his mind to confirm with a raised and looping hoof that, yes, Katty had come to greet him. When she glanced up, her oddly colored eyes sparkled as she gave a peck to his lips before saying, “Welcome back, Love.”

He gained a smile, nuzzling her back as he said. “Hello Katty.” then gently push her off of him so he could get up as he gave an exasperated breath and asked in slight amusement. “Was it needed for you to jump me, or did you miss me that badly?” already placing a wing around her as they began walking to the medical bay for him to drop off what he acquired to get.

Looking sheepish, Katty told honestly, “Still getting used to not there being Colony. You are now Colony, hive is… nice, but it’s not the same.” Leaning on his side while they walked, adding, “I’m not used to being so alone for so long. I’m still… adjusting to Hive as new colony, I guess.” Trying to figure the proper terminology to use as examples.

He gave a simple nod, nuzzling her head some as he spoke softly. “Of course Katty, it's not easy for you.” then as they made a turn, he went on. “It's something I also need to consider mentally now, you needing constant of my presence around, as you’re not used to being alone.” reminding himself that Katty isn’t use to being alone. She was part of a high social interaction, meaning she needs more interactions with others.

But...glancing to her as he asked in curiosity. “Have you been trying to interact with the Hive?” then gave a loving nuzzle to her neck adding.”Or did you need me to help ease you in those interaction, sweety?” using her own pet name as while he didn’t mind being called ‘Love’, he does want to give sort of pet name to her as she does to him.

Taking some comfort in his touch, she nuzzled back with a small sigh and said, “I try Love. Mercy is good Scion-- Queen. Is good Queen.” She corrected herself. “Very understanding. Very attentive. Reminds me of my Scion, my Mother.” then smiled and told, “But, Queen Mercy is Mother of hive, so is no surprise.”

He nodded as they entered in the medical bay as he temporary let her go. Mostly to take his saddle bag off, as he assured to her. “Don’t worry Katty, you’ll get used to being in a Hive.” then thought a bit and asked. “Did you try talking with the other changelings around here?” frowning in concern. “Or are you having trouble without me around?”

Shaking her head, Katty admitted, “No, no, nothing of the like.” Then thought on it some and told, “I think they just.. Get an odd feel of how I am. Shiftling ways are… different Closer. Cognitive. Responsive. All with a simple touch or motion-- we know what to do by small bits. But… they become… confused.”

Thinking some, he put what needed to be put away in cabinets or drawers, but as he put away the non-esential thing, he did mention. “I think that changelings aren’t as close like shiftlings. While they do have social interaction, I think something they aren’t used to, is how Shiftlings are more closer and a lot more touch feel than they are.” finishing up as he trots by her, as he sat on his haunches.

Moving his hooves and wings to gently pull her in a hug as he assured her with nuzzles. “What seem like a pat on the shoulder for you-- is what others might see as an intimate gesture, like this for example. It really comes down to how much physical contact you apply, sweety.”

Frowning, Katty thought on it… then said, “None Colony are so weird.”

Herbal chuckle as he tease with a gentle nip to her ear and asked in a teasing tone. “Am I weird, Katty?”

Giving the thestral a glance, Katty smiled and told honestly, “At times, yes.”

Well at least she’s honest. thought Herbal in slight amusement, although one thing did pop into his mind. As he looked down and said. “Speaking of weird, there’s something I do want to bring up.” trying to think of how to not make this awkward, but considering how ‘loaded’ the question was...With a breath, he asked. “When do you want to...start making a, mini-colony, Katty?”

She blinked, but that blink quickly turned to a small smirk and half lidded eyes as she asked, “You wish to start now, yes?”

Flushing some, Herbal glance away as he admitted. “Part of me wants to wait, mostly because we don’t have a home yet...but another part,” glancing to her as he had a bit of an embarrassed look. “Wants to really know when we can.”

“Then we wait.” She said rather deftly, losing that sexual aura she had just a moment ago. “If you wish for good nesting first, we find that. Then, we may start building Colony with long, unending seasons of mating.” Nodding in certainty at her conclusion.

Thank Luna that wasn’t...very awkward. as usually this sort of conversations tend to be lengthier and sometimes emotional on the mare part. Katty...was more logical and straightforward, something of which he appreciated...then again, all Shiftlings are quick and direct in gaining food. Although while that assure him, another part of him felt like he had to bring this up, mostly because Katty might not know. “Katty, there something I should probably tell you, as a precaution.”

Looking down to her as he explains. “Most species, who have good sense of smell, can tell who’s ‘taken’ in term of another scent on them. Like say,” thinking of an example. “Mercy for example, if she’s out in her disguise, and guys notice her and Dejen scent on her-- they know she’s taken.” having a bit of worry on his expression as he went to tell why he was telling her this. “The reason I’m bringing this up, is while we are together, a lot of species with good noses...won’t notice or even known as our scents aren’t with each other. And I'm admittedly concern for you if we do go out in the streets and guys tend to look or try to,” having to pull her closer to him as his body seem protective of her. “Try to force you, Katty.”

She blinked in confusion, not only his words, but his feelings. They bristled and felt like small prickles and tinges of aggression. It was bothering him. She thought it over, working it through her mind. What did he exactly mean by force? Was it the part that connected to scents? Must be it. We don’t share enough same scent to show we are of the same new colony. With that thought figured out, she figured the next.

Forced… did he believe another male could just mark her with their colony scent? She thought it over… then smiled and told, “Not possible, Love.” He was no doubt confused, and snaking from his grasp, she shifted back to her shiny and sleek chitin body. Antennae twitching, she glanced back and rather unashamedly lifted her tail up.

While at first he looked away, Katty assured, “See, can make it not possible!” Which made the doctor blink and glance, and where a normally sacred and secret marketplace was, soon became nothing more than a smooth and otherwise armored area of shell that provided no openings.

That ...that's...huh. Even changelings have that part, and Shiftlings don’t… he slowly nod, working in his mind as he works it over as he said. “Wait...this is when you’re a Shiftling.” thinking some as he asked. “What if you were in camouflage, Katty?”

She thought to that, and with a quick shift back to fur, all that was in the private area was still just that, fur. “Would rather natural from. More shell, more protection if get ‘forced’.” Said the shiftling with a nod to herself, looking the part of a mare now. “Can not take me still, but is wholly soft.” Then thought and smiled brightly. She shifted back with her shell, before focusing-- and for a moment, little bits of her shell priced out like small spikes. It was obvious, this was not just defense, but a littoral deterrent form even touching her.

Herbal examine the area, and around her as he moved by close and carefully prod the spikes. As while they weren’t spiky or long-- they were many as he felt relief some. “This is...I have to admit, this highly reassures me.”

With an innocent smile, Katty told, “Shiftlings must survive fights with other creatures. Need other ways to keep some from eating us, yes?”

He chuckles some, giving an agreeing nod as while as her ‘husband’ side this assured him that Katty will be safe? The pony instinctual side however, felt that it might need more. He sighed as he admitted. “Katty as much that this assures me with what you told,” glancing to the side with a bit of shame to himself. “A part of me...still feels like having my scent on you completely will assure me that you’ll still be fine.”

Shifting back to her more mare from, Katty asked with a smile, and husky tone, “Then you wish to breed me now, Love?” Fluttering her eyes at him.

He flushed a bit, part of him wanted to say not right now...but when he thought over it? Katty in a sense, was asking if Herbal wants to have sex with her...and if he was honest? Most of him want to, simply because he wants to make love with her, and give what virginity he has to her. So with a smile, he took off his glasses as he told while motioning the door to their room.

“We should take this in our bedroom, no need for other's to accident walk in when we, breed sweety.” already placing his glasses on a counter with his lab coat folded up as he got onto his hooves and began walking, giving a sideways look to her with an aroused expression as he added. “Maybe take the time to learn how our bodies work with one another? See what we could do to make it last.”

She tilted her head, smile still in place and telling, “But it will last, yes?” Trotting up to the door to their room, tail flicking and glancing back saying, “Am shiftling, will last a good while. Maye see if I can make you last long for a nice time of breeding, no?” Taking a moment to think… then gave a giggle as she wiggled her rump his way before trotting inside to remove her few clothes for this little event.

A slight blush on his face, he couldn’t help but chuckle as he closed the door behind them, as while he was excited for this? He was also curious on something. “Katty, when Shima mention that Breeders give out pheromones, how does the males usually notice?” coming near the bed as he sat on his haunches, slightly wondering if he would be able to smell the pheromones even with his sensitive nose.

Standing near a single dresser, mostly for what few things they had, Katty began to first unbraid the green ribbon form her tail, before undoing the clips in her hair while answering, “You will tell, very easy to at first while mind still clear.” Placing those on the dresser, she soon moved her hooves to undo her rainbow bandana and placing it down.

Turning, she smiled and approached, almost predatory like and her innocent like eyes easily gained a lustful gleam. There was a slight ruffle of her fur coat, as if she had gotten cold for a moment before it settled. Though when she got closer, did Herbal smell something… sweet, and smooth. Reactively, he took a longer drag of it, feeling and relishing how it tickled his nostrils, the way it made an oddly pleasant burn in his lungs and slightly to his head.

He heard her giggle. “You smell, yes?” She asked with a knowing look, her steps becoming much more of a slow sway, much like some huntress doing a little prowling dance. “You do feel too, very much, no?” Looking down with anticipation. It didn’t take long for Herbal to figure out why, he began to feel that heat spread while his mind was having a hard time not looking away from the sight of such lustful beauty before himself

And she’s all mine. partially thought Herbal as he gave a slight nod as he said. “I...do.” starting to feel his own arousal growing from the scent alone, excited enough that any hesitation before was fading bit by bit. Being replaced by a lustful need to breed as when she got close enough to him, he nearly pounce at her with his forelegs. Hearing her squeak before giggling and chirping, nuzzling and licking at him.

Herbal in return gave a lustful growl, nuzzling her back as he gave small nips around her neck with his fangs. His wings slightly spread as when he spoke, it was in an excited breathless manner. “K-Katty,” taking another breath, talking in her scent as he tried to move them to the bed as she was still in his grasp. “I-I want to take you so much right now,” looking at her as he focuses on nothing but her eyes. As he took in another breath, as if he was out of air. “I need you so much. Right. Now.”

The overwhelming lust alone told Katty just how much need he had, she made sure to stop her flow of pheromone and place it to as little as possible. The amount he had was apparently more than enough. She gave a giggle and moved her limbs up, hugging and pulling him to keep them on the floor while she told in his ear. “Then breed me good, right here~” And while tricky being on her back, moved her hips up to grind at him. “But first, play with other, yes? Feel other, smell other~” And to punctuate this, she leaned her nose into his mane, taking a deep whiff of what would be her mate. It caused a shiver of lustful excitement in her as she could just slightly pick up little bits of precipitation wanting to break free from his body.

In return, he sniff into her mane, giving a satisfying sound of smelling the sweetness, the slight smell of honey as he nipped her ear some. Moving his head a bit down to lick her cheek with a tongue, slowly moving down as he began lapping at her, grooming her in a sense as he started with her head. Grooming at her mane, her face, and soon began grooming her neck. As Katty move to gently nibble at his jawline, slightly nuzzling the crook of his neck with her nose and occasionally giving kisses around his chest.

A happiness surge within his heart, as well as that anticipation slowly breaking free as he began to gently nip her neck with fangs, doing the utmost care and gentleness as part of him was mildly surprise he could smell the bits of arousal in between her legs. But unlike a mare, Katty scent was pungently strong, very sweet and hazing his wants only further. As he slowly let go with his forelegs, mostly to keep kissing and gently nipping down to her chest. Wanting to go down to see what's in between her legs.

While he moved down, the smell only got stronger and stronger, and it was almost hard to think straight. He could slightly hear giggling, and even watched as those feminine and lean leg part for him nice and widely, giving sight of a pair of lower lips that were soaked and puffy in a sense. It looks no different from any marehood he knew of, but with how soaked it was with juices and how strong the scent was, it was making his muscles shake in exhilaration.

Moving in and taking a long whiff, a new surge of heat entered his body, making him shiver and his stallionhood twitch near violently, burning all the more harder while he took a lick. Instantly, sparks of pleasure began to dance on his tongue, a near honey like taste in his mouth and an odd sensation making his tongue tingle before he gulped. Again, he was aware of how much his body was trembling, how much heat throbbed, how much his need began to mount.

“Love~” Came the cooing moan that made him glance up, “Breed me?” Katty looking down with an innocent look and blink of her eyes, forehooves cutely folded on her chest as she waited.

Oh how much he wanted to do that, wanted to jump and mounted at her right now! Yet a small bit of his control reminded him to look down. Seeing that flower as part of that controlled part wanted to please Katty. To give her more than just a rut. As he could feel that fiery need grow more and more as he licked, intake of scent, and even kiss as his body was slowly feel like burning in his core.

Hearing his mate giving chirps and moans at his treatment, adding more to the blazing heat that was both lighting his body and loins. He let his tongue push into her unclaimed flower and rolled around in it-- as he felt more of her delicious honey coming into his taste buds. Which means each intake of the Shiftling fluids meant that fire in him was hotter, making him sweat by this point, and his rod being uncomfortable. Making him want to take her now.

So he pulled back from her leaking snatch as he moved up over her, talking his member tip to her flower as his forelegs wrap around her back. Before however Katty grinned, twisting herself from under him, getting onto her hooves as her rump is raise up, meeting his underside as she was encouraging him to mount her. He snorted as his forelegs wrap around her waist, wings wrap fully around her body as he pushed his member into her unclaimed flower.

She gave a lusty moan and wiggled her hips, while Herbal felt a slight whinny sound raise from his throat, feeling hot, slick, invitingly soft velvet like walls that gripped and pulled at him. There was a very wet and lewd squelching as he slid in with near no problem before he felt those walls tighten, possibly gripping at him and rolling all around.

There was panting, and Katty lifted her head with her mouth slightly open, eyes half lidded again and saying with a hot breath, “Breed me, breed me Love. Fill me full with new colony, ever so full and carry more of you~”

He gave a throaty and lustful growl as he spoke huskily. “Oh yes~.” as he began to lose what congestive thought he had, surrendering into the lust as he began rutting her, hearing only moans and screams of pleasure of his mate as while outside, the medical bay became a hotspot for the changelings. As everyling thought of hearing Katty scream sounds of pleasure was...very primal to their ears. And the lust contained in that room spoke of how hot the sex was.

No one even bothered to try to knock or get near the medical bay as some could swear Herbal repeatedly shouting ‘Mine! Mine! Mine!’ as when Mercy heard of this from her children, she nearly spit take her tea as she was in the dining area of the ship. What!?! Are you sure?

Yes mother, we think the doctor is actually breeding her. told a changeling as another asked. Wonder how long it’ll last?

5 hours later, Dejen was walking back with both Debt and Windy, all three carrying loads of stuff, well mostly Debt as he was the muscles. Yet when they got inside of the ship, he motioned to Debt and Windy to head to his room to place the stuff in. While he was heading to the medical bay to deliver some books of medicine and other stuff he thought the thestral might like.

Yet when he got into the medical bay, his snout sniff a...odd scent. Sniffing a bit of he felt a shiver of sudden need, but he shook his head. The fuck? thought Dejen, as he glanced around, not seeing either Herbal or Katty as he look to the shut door. Moving by he knocked on it as he said. “Hello? Herbal? Katty?”

There was what he swore, was a pleased sound on the other side before trotting was heard. Katty’s voice could be heard on the other side, the mare asking, “Yes, Dejen. Something you have need of us?” Then told with a happy chirp, “If so, will be while. Love is the most tired, and room needs tidying.”

“Well, I was going to deliver some medical books I found that could help Herbal…” then furrowed his brows as he asked. “And what do you mean Herbal is tired? Didn’t he get enough sleep last night working on something?”

There was giggling as Katty told through the door, “Yes, but we worked on something most special. I tired him though, more energy than Love. If you can, place books on counter in med bay? Will tell him of them once he wakes.” Then he could hear a bit of humming form the shiftling, presumably off to do something in their room.

“Riiiiight.” said Dejen as he moved to place the books down, although when he came out, he noticed Mercy standing by the door as he said. “Oh hey Mercy, what’s up?” doing his best to ignore that small bit of fire as he focuses on the necessity needs before sexual needs. And while Mercy could sense that small flare of need, she figured it was mostly due to Katty pheromones situated in the doctor's room and leaking out a bit. Although she was a bit surprised that Dejen own flames were ignited by a small touch of those pheromones.

Still she figure he would wanted to talk to Felix as she motioned him to follow and told. “We have an unusual guest, one who is an engineer like yourself, Dej.” noting his interest as she went on to explain. “His name is Felix, and he’s...from what he told us? A very smart and advance golem of all things.” Dejen blinked in somewhat surprise of that, as he wondered if Felix was created by someone, as advance golem to attained life was...impossible in a sense in this world.

The closest connection to it was A.I. of sorts back home.

Yet he refocus on the conversation as he asked. “And where is Felix?” Mercy gave a quick thought as she answered.

“He’s on the deck, charging by the sun of all things.”

“Solar energy, huh?” muttered the Striped, as Mercy gave a questioning look to him as Dejen glance to her and said. “Solar energy power things aren’t common around here I suppose-- but the basic idea of it, is that it powers things up by using the sun energy itself.” seeing her slowly nod, and giving a huff as she slightly joke and said in exasperation.

“I was right. You two would get along fast with that science talk.” Dejen grin in response as he slightly rub her head in amusement. Yet when they got up to the deck, she motioned him to go on ahead, as he saw the little bot of a being, standing still as Dejen lean by the open door and comment.

“You know, when Mercy mention about you, I would have thought you were made of stone, not actual metal.”

There was a slight beeping sound, followed by a very faint mechanical sound as Felix moved and turned. Solar panels still out, and mostly aimed at the sun, the bot said, “Steel, actually. Not just any metal.” Then took a moment to looked Dejen over before saying, “Too short for gnoll, not as bulky as spotted-- Striped.” Then thought and told, “That explains your apparent skills with mechanics.” Then gave a wave, “Felix. You’re the captain Mercy mentioned?”

Grinning wide, Dejen gave a brief nod as he said. “Yep, names Dejen and I am actually surprise you knew what I am. Most assume I was a diamond dog or a midget gnoll of sorts.”

Turning his body to address him, yet keeping the panels as stationary as possible, Felix said, “I visited the United Islands before I crashed around what I can guess was Arabian beachside. I got to meet some locals, mainly the different hyena groups.” Then with a shake of his head, he said, “I think a few mistook me for discarded scrap once or twice before I moved and talked. Gave them a bit of a shock.”

Laughing a bit, he admits. “Most Stripes never encounter a talking machine before. Especially one that is like a person.” then went on as he joked. “Must've been hard to be around Stripes, eh? Some probably wanted to take you apart to see what makes you unique inside.”

“I asked them if they like the idea of being dissected.” Said the bot with crossed arms and a nod, “I think they stopped asking to pry me open after that.”

Dejen chuckle some, shaking his head as he asked. “So Mercy mentioned you’re an engineer, right?” having a wide grin as he motioned. “I’m sure you’re interested in what I managed to make within the hanger, maybe come by my workshop to see what else I invented, eh?”

Head tilted slightly to the side, Felix said, “Maybe after I’m done with my recharge. I’m trying to get as much power as I can before the sun goes down.” And while for him he had a good amount recharged, it would be a good idea to make sure he was completely full of power before doing anything.

“Hmm, fair enough.” nodded Dejen as he said. “Well, when you’re done, let one of the crew know when you’re ready to head to the hanger. I’ll be coming by to guide you there,” yet even as he said this, another part of him wanted to know how advance Felix was. In term of design, smarts, maybe engineering-- but they were in an open area, with people able to hear or see the two talking.

And in a place like this? With Dejeen having eavesdropping sneaks around? The Striped had to be careful. He although asked carefully. “Which reminds me, you don’t mind the crew much, do you?” not wanting to say changelings, mostly because they weren’t inside the ship. Granted he was being a bit paranoid...but in a city of trading, with people able to overhear conversations? He had to be watchful of what he said.

Thinking some to that while turning away, Felix gave a very small shrug of his shoulders. “I don’t really know. My first impression wasn’t great, but for the most part I’ve been out here recharging. So I really don’t have a real opinion yet.”

“Okay, okay, good to know.” said the Striped as he glanced around, making sure no one was around as best as he could as he added. “Again, let one of the crew know when you’re ready to check things around.” heading back in as he was thinking of what he saw and talked with. As admittedly he was surprised to see an advance metal golem...or a near close A.I. like sentience.

Yet when he ponders on it, he realized that there was no way anyone could created Felix. The world, as far as he knew-- wasn’t that advanced. Hell, his own plane was considered ‘advance’ for them when Mercy saw it for the first time. He frown some, as Felix was a mystery, and as an inventor, the mystery was only bothering him of the whys, hows, and most importantly, ‘could I replicate that?’

He thought over long and hard as he walked to his workshop, trying to match with the current level of technology around here..and realize he couldn’t. Because the ‘closest’ that would seem possible for Felix, was if someone made an exact copy, but as stone. And even then that was a low chance as the golem will be limited within its own programming so to speak. Well…

But golems are more magical, Felix is actual technology. Golems don’t need pistons, hydraulics, mechanical parts-- their bodies are literal hunk of stone, and in some rare cases? Steel as they’re place together to gain a body...Sometimes body parts are molded or chisel into body-like parts...but Felix? He’s out of this world. Golems don’t need solar power as they are run by magic…

Meaning ...Felix is the world's first advance being in this world… thinking more as he realizes something. But wait...if he’s something that is too advanced here, then maybe...just...maybe on a very low chance he...he could be from home? pausing in his walk as he consider that carefully, as despite the assumption of such a thing? It was beyond a low chance...yet there is possible evidence to that claim.

Felix body is made out of mechanical parts, pistons, hydraulics-- he runs on solar power. Which isn’t something that’s been invented yet in this world. He’s too advanced, more machine like than anything here...he could be from Earth for all I know. It’s utterly crazy and possibly impossible...but then again… tapping his chin. Some of the stuff I made is ‘crazy and impossible’ to the natives here. Letting that move in his mind as he continued walking to his workshop to tinker a bit while waiting for Felix-- and having more questions forming in his brain to ask the little machine.

It took some hours more, and the nearing of twilight, but Felix finally got all his power cells charged to full and made his way down towards where one of the many changelings directed him towards Dejen’s little workspace and the hanger nearby. Really, Felix was interested to see what this plane had in it’s design, and how it compared to what he had in mind.

His steel feet gently clicked away on the metal floor, something that he noted was a little different from most airships. Though this one was fairly large, warship in design and while most of it was metal, other parts were still wood for whatever reason. Possibly costs, he amended.

Using one of the ladders to quickly make his way down a few decks and then begin to walk towards the Hanger, Felix almost had to pause at the plane. Already, his lone optic ran over the design and easily could compare it to something all to familiar back home. And while he was sure that similar designs might be expected-- this was just too similar. Technological evolution and advancement was different from nation to nation-- how did this match something back home so neatly of a near WWl plane… well, unless someone had those exact blueprints or knowledge?

And while he was looking at the plane, Dejen was in the workshop area, going over some blueprints and writing something down as he was writing something down. While he did hear Felix coming in, he wanted to finish writing whatever he wanted down. As once he was finished with the makeshift pencil, he turned to grin at Felix as he got off his chair as he remark.

“She’s a beauty, ain’t she?” gaining Felix attention as Dejen walked up and by the machine as they both looked at the plane. “Admittedly she’s still a prototype, it was hard to fabricate every bit of her parts, even the ones most would consider odd.” moving a hand to pat on the side as he went on. “But I managed, even more with Gem being crazy enough to help me replicate the exact parts.” looking down to Felix, having a wide grin as he subtly asked. “Almost remind you something of...home?”

There were some clicks sounding form Felix, but the bot responded, “You didn’t even have to ask. A near World War two plane, with near exact specs to that era as well as this being a different place entirely-- the chances of this many similarities is just too small.”

“World War 1,” corrected Dejen with a raised finger. “Common mistake, as by the 1940's, the plane was a bit more advance with single wings instead of double wings.”

“Like it matters that much.” Told Felix with crossed arms, “There was only a few year break between the two, so it might as well have been all the same war, right?”

Grinning even wider, he told. “Oh I had a good feeling we were the same, especially more with the mere fact that an advance like A.I. being that was around here? Beyond impossible.” then asked as he leaned on his side. “So, how did you manage to become bolts and metal?”

What could only be described as a huff form the mechanical whine, Felix said, “Someone thought it would be funny. And they also mentioned something about winning, but I was more concerned at falling through the ground to bother listening.” Then seemed to correct Dejen with a raised finger, “And A.I. would be a type of program, the physical aspect would be more aligned with Robot.” Than raised both hands telling, “Big difference of Hardware and Software.”

“Eh, to be honest, I was more of a wrench monkey with my work. Didn’t have enough funding to get into software and programming classes in college.” shrugged Dejen as he added. “Manage to know how to make the hardware, but I only know the basics of simple programming.” then snort some. “Still, at least you weren’t tricked in a poker game with a blind kid playing for keeps.”

Tilting his head, Felix asked, “Do I want to know why you would take up a challenge from a blind kin in Poker? Seems… unfair in hindsight.”

“Hey, somehow he managed to win a lot of money playing poker game.” defended Dejen. “I admittedly thought he was a challenge,” then huff as he crossed his arms. “And when we were in the middle of it before I thought of backing out, he placed a bet saying that if I won, all of my dreams of being an inventor would come true.”

“And the thought of a blind kid, that can’t even see what cards he has by the way, doing very well against someone that can see his cards-- did not at all make you wonder if something was off?” Asked Felix with a questioning look’.

Looking to the side as he admitted. “It did bother me some...but I don’t know how or why, but for some reason...it just didn’t fully cross my mind. It was like...even if I wanted to point it out, it just, I don’t know, subverted? Like it wasn’t even important enough, hell the other players in the poker game didn’t even consider it. Or the casino I was in, it was...was like it was completely normal.”

With a long, unwavering stare, Felix said, “I’m concerned at your lack of common sense and reasoning.”

“Hey, that was one time!” told Dejen with a raised finger. “My reasoning and common sense is beyond better now!” although he didn’t mention of Harsho complaints with the Striped reasoning, he shook his head as he changed the subject. “Anyway, so now that you have seen the Sopwith Pup, what are your thoughts on her?”

“You mean besides outdated?” Asked the bot, which was something that slightly irked the striped. “Sure… how do you plan to get it to fly when you don’t have a runway or in tight places like this city or while this ship is in mid flight?” Which, the inventor had to pause and consider.

Wait...he’s right, WW1 planes needed runways, they aren’t able to handle the stress of flying while in mid flight like modern day ships. Or even able to fly in tight places of a city well without damage...Damn it! facepalm as he grumbled to himself, as he let the hand slope down as he admitted to Felix. “This is a prototype, I was lucky enough to even get the parts right for this thing!” sighing some as he rubbed his forehead.

“Now I need to figure out how to replicate something a bit more modern for a plane to fly while this ship is in mid flight.” slightly cursing himself for not considering that part, he was suppose to be better than this, damn it!

Turning his head to the plane, Felix pondered over it for a bit and soon told, “Well, if you want anything modern, I don’t think that it will be easy. Converting what you have here into something more advanced will be tricky enough. You’ll have to completely scrap and redesign it.”

Letting that sink in, Felix thought it over some in his own mind before telling, “But even if you did all of that, there’s another problem.” Hand up and telling, “Fuel. How much costs do you want to put into keeping this not just maintained, but fueled?”

“Actually the fuel part was something surprising.” admit Dejen as he moved to open the hatch of the engine, revealing the same exact specs of the plane from home-- but a couple of gems, runes and other things were around as he went on explaining. “We actually managed to create a sort of fuel that relies on runic magic and gems-- admittedly it’s less costly as oil, but… it requires a lot of magic to keep this thing airborne.” giving a grumbling sound as he added in a painfully aware tone.

“But it’s like you said. This thing is practically outdated compared to what we had. It took me and Gem three months to even design this ship and made it work nearly ten times while in practice runs.”

Moving over to take a look, even from his shorter vantage point, Felix thought over what he was seeing before telling, “But that’s the thing. The power this plane needs, and the power more modern planes need are different in leaps and bounds. Do you think you can differently keep it fueled with just that?” Motioning to the gems in the plane.

“Hell no,” bluntly told Dejen as he looked to Felix. “It was hard enough to get this thing up and running, and I know trying to replicate modern planes, especially trying to recreate and alter fuel source is hard enough. I’ll be flat broke within a week on just trying to replicate the plane itself-- depending on which version I try to make.”

Crossing his arms, Felix asked, “So why bother on this, when we can work on something much more productive?” Then waved his hand widely around, “Like this airship.”

“That's...what I’ve been trying to do actually.” closing the hatch as he motioned Felix to follow him. Going over to the workshop table as he brought a chair for Felix to get on as he motioned to the large blueprints of the Innovation as he admitted. “Right now, I’m working on the engines to make the ship more faster and better nimble. Added an icebox room near the kitchen, and radios-- problem is… for all of my knowledge and engineering skills?” giving slow ragged breath.

“I’m still having difficulties in producing actual weapons onto the ship to defend itself.” as he admitted. “Sure, sidearms and a couple of tinkering here and there-- but actual weapons for a ship? That is proving me trouble mostly because I lack the information of crafting-- or replicating a few. Best I could do is make blueprints or ideas of possible weapons.”

With a mechanized humming, the bot moved his head a bit, taking in the sights of the blueprint, and a few others. Comparing and thinking as he told, “Well, the airship design is a little odd, some weird mix of ship and blip… but I think I have some ideas to add.”

Giving a glance, Felix said, “I could help with weapons, for sure.” Then back to the blueprints to tell, “But I think you need to consider engines first. Well, engine's, power and weight capacity. Won’t do you any good if the ship-to-ship guns you want to weigh it down.”

“Agreed.” said Dejen in a firm nod as he motioned to the ship blueprints. “Right now? I managed to utilize the ship to go from a month travel distance across Arabia-- to a 3 week progress. Granted that isn’t much, but compared to what most ships are? That is a bit advance.” tapping his head some as he admits. “I’ve been tinkering the engines, trying to reduce power usage to save fuel. Even tinkering on weight to make the ship lighter-- but so far it’s slow progress, mostly because I’m the only one with an idea of what I’m messing with on the ship.

“I’ve been trying to work on the engines to make them more faster, but the best I could do? Make the Innovation fly a 3 week period, I’m admittedly hoping I can figure out how to cut it down to a two week, without making the ship lose its fuel faster for quicker travel time. It’s been… a slow progress for me admittedly.”

Thinking of that, Felix thought it over and admitted, “While I can help, my real expertise lies in advanced robotics, software and a few other areas like that.” Then glanced down on the blueprints to go on, “But magical things added with tech? I’m not that great…” Then tilted his head…

There seemed to be an idea as Felix looked up and said, “Actually, I think I know someone that can help with this.” Then rolled a hand, “And I mean a lot. While I'm fairly good engineer, this girl is possibly better. Has a firm grasp on mechanical engineering and even once fixed me up.”

Dejen raise his brow as he asked. “Is she like us, or is like those here? Because if she’s that latter, then I’ll be admittedly surprised that she could understand tech at that level.”

“Definitely of our world.” Confirmed Felix. “She has a working mechanized suite-- not too huge, but still impressive.” Then went on, “She also knows her runes. She’s magically able, but uses it in her machines. She would be perfect for this project, maybe figure out how to tune the power output and even cutback on energy costs via magic-- something I can’t do.”

Thinking with a hand under his chin, considering the pros and cons as while Dejen would prefer to handle his ship-- another part reminded him that he’s just one guy. He can’t exactly figure everything out with magic even with Gem aid, he glanced to his scrap of a prototype plane as if reminding him the waste of time, shekels, and even parts as he sighed to himself. So once his attention was returned to Felix, he asked.

“Where does she live anyway?”

“Far south of Iron Holds, past their border some.” Told Felix, “If she’s still in the city I recall, then finding her will be easy. The problem is that it’s been months, so I don’t know if she’s still there, but knowing her? She wouldn’t leave her workshop easily.”

“I have never been to Iron Holds,” admitted Dejen as he thought back of the world map he purchased, thinking of where it was as he went on. “But with luck and a bit of engineer work on the engines? We could make the travel distance. It's just...we have to pass by either Equestria or Death Mountain just to get near Iron Holds while we refuel now and then.” then glance to the exit of the hanger as he further admit.

“And while I prefer us to go through Equestria, there are problems regarding those bloody Hunters trying to sniff at my ship for the changelings.”

Pausing at that, Felix was swift to nod, “Right, things with changelings are strained.” Recalling that information. Though while he thought over what needed to be done, Felix turned to the Striped and told, “Then we should focus on power and engines.” With no lack of certainty. “I know quite a bit on jet engines. If we can get the parts and get to work, we can have two ready and working on the ship. It’ll cost some power, but that’s why we’ll also be focusing on developing a better power source-- maybe consider strengthening the hull and internal struts of the ship too.”

Snorting some, he said. “Which is going to be tricky itself.” grabbing some rolled up blueprints, as he rolled the non-ship blueprints away to make space. Once he revealed on power source and types of power source, he went on. “Had a few thoughts on the power sources, mostly on large batteries type or a sort of core-- nothing workable admittedly.” then lean on the table adding. “But with our brains and working on making jet engines? We might make it work.” then snorted as he added.

“And while we can work on the hull and internal struts of the ship, I rather we do it as far away from this place. Abbasa is ruled by Sultan Dejeen, and he is a crafty stallion who is-,” about to finish what he was about to say, before both heads turn to hear the sounds of footsteps. Revealing to be Debt as the large gnoll walked over, burnt face looking down to the Striped as he held a scroll in his hand as he spoke.

“Messenger drop this off. Suppose to be for you, sir.” Dejen raises a brow, looking over the scroll, only to grimace of the wax seal on it as Dejen said.

“I spoke too soon.” breaking it as he looked over and giving an exasperated sigh as he muttered. “Damn it. He didn’t waste any time again.” throwing it on the workshop table in frustration as it reveals a personal invite from the Sultan to Dejen to his palace within two days time.

Looking form scroll to striped, Felix reached out and opened it, taking a long look as he asked, “What’s the problem?” While he gained the hint the stallion was ‘crafty’, there was nothing else for the bot to go by.

Rubbing his face some, Dejen explained. “Sultan Dejeen is a stallion who is an opportunist. He is someone who will use what he can, who he can, before quietly removes them once they are expendable to him. He thrives on using others that nothing goes by in Abbasa without him knowing it, hell he even made the Hunters here patrol his city and making them pay out of their own pockets for supplies, bedding and other things.”

For a long moment, there was a quite as Felix not only processed that, but thought it over and asked, “And despite knowing this… you still came here?” As if, once more, questioning Dejen’s common sense.

“I didn’t exactly have a choice.” bitterly told Dejen. “As much as I wanted to go to another city-- Abbasa has something I lack. Information, selling information-- parts for ships and other things I can’t usually get in other cities.” looking to Felix as he went on. “It would have been much harder to get parts to retrofit and tinker the ship anywhere else beside Abbasa. It's literally the trading hub of Arabia itself.”

“Not a bad argument.” Told felix before having one hand behind his back and a finger raised to the stripped, “But, did you ever consider just traveling from city to city instead? Finding parts at your own pace, gathering information from multiple sources and possibly finding rare ship parts in said areas?” Then shrugged, “Maybe keep on the lookout for any weeks to scavenge while traveling.”

“I did.” admitted Dejen as he sighed out. “But the problem was? Was that we were literally rushing out of where we came from. It didn’t fully came to my mind of that until after we docked here, and even then the temptation of finding what I need and gathering supplies was hard to ignore.” then added with a grin. “Beside, if we didn’t come here, we wouldn’t have found you and you would be melted down into scraps by someone else.”

Shaking his head, Felix said, “I’m just saying, if it’s such a big deal that this sultan wants to see you, I’m just asking why you didn’t decide to leave sooner, or at least avoid this place?” Then tilted his head telling, “Seems a bit ill-planned.”

Talking a calming breath from the sore-spot, Dejen admitted. “We recently lost our home, Felix. And admittedly, yes I could've plan to get out as soon as I got the parts-- but to be blunted? We just arrived back from a near crazy ‘job’, after nearly weeks of traveling and slow tinkering of the ship? We just came here hours earlier here and tried to gather what we can and leave.” Grumbling a bit as he motioned to the scroll.

“And as you can see from there, Dejeen was fast to notice me and send the scroll as soon as possible, because he knew I would try to leave as soon as I can before he sends me off to who knows where!”

Looking at scroll, then to Dejen, the bot asked, “And if you left now? Technically, you’re supposed to meet in two days-- or so goes the request. And since it’s a request, you can deny.”

“And technically, Dejeen could easily suggest to the Hunters that I got changelings here.” snap Dejen as he took a calming breath and explain. “Dejeen isn’t making a ‘request’-- he’s making an order. Because he knows that if I try to leave today, he’ll let the Hunters seek me out, coming after our trail and causing me grief on end-- even forewarning the other Sultans that I ‘supposedly’ am harboring changelings and getting Hunters to try to search the ship for any.”

“Then leave Arabia.” Simply told the bot, “If the sultans are such a large problem, then stay here to get as much fuel as possible, leave, and go away from Arabia where he can’t use his influence with the other Sultans.” Then paused in thought to add, “I know some friends in the Isle, they could help you get a place to work on the ship.”

Giving a stare to the robot ...Dejen said. “You know...for some odd reason, I feel you make a better info broker than me.”

With a reeling head back, Felix said, “Me?” Then shook his head, “No, I just travel a lot. You tend to meet a lot of people.” Then went on with a hand waving to explain, “I’ve been traveling for years. Mostly for my own boredom because I don’t really sleep. I’ve met inventors, warriors, scholars, thieves, medical doctors, bandits, mages, a cult of necromancers once, some silly old lady that could tell the future, a women that had some thrill-seeker thing--” then rubbed his chin adding, “There was even that weirdo fox that was tossing rubber ducks at everyone he could. Not sure what happened to him, it was during a dragon attack and I was looking for cover at the time.”

Blinking some, Dejen wanted to question that, but he personally felt that he should leave that alone, mostly to focus on leaving and head to the Isles as he thought on it...and admit. “I heard of the Isles a bit...and it would be nice to have other engineers to help get this ship more better…” then thought it more as he held his chin and then ordered to Debt. “Debt, when we’re full of fuel, get us out and away of Abbasa. We’re heading to the Isles.”

As the gnoll nodded, turning to get things prepped as Dejen turn to Felix and asked. “Which island are we heading to? I never came that far in terms of influence, so consider me a greenhorn in everything outside of Arabia.”

Quickly thinking, Felix told with certainty, “The Southern Island. That would be the best destination besides the West or Northern Islands-- good trading post, some Strips I know are there and I even know an official that keeps an eye on the place.” Nodding to himself at this. “I think we can get what we need from there. The Eastern Isle is a Antelope controlled area, but they have plenty of parts for ships.” Then shrugged, “Explorers and all.”

“You think they can take in shekels?” asked Dejen as he rolled up the blueprints as he went on. “Granted I think we can change currency, but from what I recall in economics, money sort of change in value depending on the country, and it would be...difficult for me to get ship parts and other things if shekels is less valuable than whatever the Isles have for currency.”

Shaking his head, Felix said, “I’m not completely sure, but I think Shekels can be converted easily enough.” Then paused to think some as he went on, “The isles practice a bit of trade along with normal purchases. Since it’s four different cultures, not including the subcultures of each group, worth really depends on what you’re trading.”

Tilting his head and scratching it, the bot thought a bit more, going through his memory banks and nodded to himself, “But we can ask that official I talked about, Zakai. He’ll be able to help do a currency exchange to make things simpler-- Equestrian bits have been making an impact as a good-all-around basic currency lately.”

“Really? Kinda odd.” hum Dejen as it seem Equestrian bits having a bigger impact of currency lately, he wonder if Equestria is slowly dominating the marketing? Granted the only other contender he could think of is Arabia itself. But from what he recalled? Equestria was more advanced than other countries. Still he did asked. “You mention subcultures and four cultures-- I’m assuming that there’s more than just the four basic species of Lions, Hyenas, Zebras, and Antelopes, right?”

There was a fairly firm nod. “The Zebra’s pretty much share the same culture, but everyone else slightly branches off from there.” Then gave an example. “The Antelope, while having the same basis, sort of separate into different kinds of philosophies pertaining to exploration. The Hyena’s have Spotted and Striped, or even Gnolls, so that’s nearly three different cultures with the same background.” Then gave the real whammy with the Lions. “As for the lions? They have cultures depending on birth. Red manes, Gold Manes, Brown Manes, Black manes, White manes-- each one has their own set of rules and beliefs that slightly center around a basic culture they know

Thinking for a bit, as to think for a bit, as he asked. “Reactions they’ll have on seeing me and their relation with changelings?”

There was a chuckle as the bot told, “They don’t mind changelings at all.” Which caused a fair amount of surprise to surge into the striped. “The Spotted might look down on you, and the lions a little leery, but the Islands are a fairly nice place as long as you play nice. The Zebra’s in particular are pretty touchy if there’s ever a fight to break out-- I think that they even bared Changeling Hunters form entering form just the trouble they caused. The Lions are a little miffed at them for the few incidences that happened while they chased a changeling. They were not happy-- and an angry Lion, especially a Red Mane? Is not a sight you want to see.”

So I’ll be somewhat fine, and the changelings here won’t be hunted down a bit...good to know… although he carefully asked this question. “And...what about a..slave?” looking at Felix as he admitted. “Because, I have a slave that's been with me for years, and she enjoys being with me. I’m a little...concern on what might happen if they spotted her, as I know outside of Arabia, slavery is heavily frowned and illegal everywhere.”

Seeming to ‘blink’ to that, Felix stare before taking a thoughtful pose and told, “Alright… scratch that… the Spotted and Gnoll’s might actually respect you a bit for that.” Though was fast to add, “Just don’t flaunt her in front of the Zebra’s. They have… bad history with slavers. To the point that while protected by the isles-- slavers still try and raid for Zebra’s when able-- mostly when they are traveling by ship.”

“Oh don’t worry, I won’t!” assured Dejen as he went on. “I was just worry about what might happen if they spot her, as I know that some might demand me for her freedom. And Windy actually likes being under me, so I was half tempted to keep her in the ship for her own safety admittedly if it was bad for her to be spotted by the locals.”

“The Zebra’s just might be a little chilly towards you, and cautious.” Told Felix, “And as long as you don’t do anything to mistreat her, the Lions won’t feel any honor-bound code to come over and bite your head off.”

“And the Striped and Antelopes?”

Shaking his head in something akin to amusement, the bot said, “The Striped are pretty private and hardly judge since they get a little too much flak from others at times. And the Antelope are very tolerant, mostly because they would just be more curious than anything. Biggest threat they pose is talking your ears off.”

Dejen nodded, as his ears flick some, hearing the radio on as Debt spoke. “Sir, we’re fully fueled up and are departing Abbasa, where are we heading to?” Dejen moved by one of the radio boxes connected to the wall as he pressed the button and told.

“Southern island of the Isles, Debt.” ending the comm as he moved back in his spot as he asked to Felix. “Mind if I ask more about the Isles? Mostly on what I need to know to keep myself out of the trouble of the law and not to gain suspicion.” shrugging a bit as he admitted. “Granted I’ll get some suspicion somehow-- but at least I know not to cause too much of a ruckus with the natives.”

“Too late.” Pointed Felix to what the striped was wearing. “They’ll easily separate you out from the Striped of the Isles, you dress way too differently. And knowing the lions keeping an eye out? They’ll know you’re not from around here form cloths alone.” Then sat on the chair, rather than stand on it, and told, “But, I can tell you what I can. I’m used to just playing it by ear personally.”

Chuckling, he sat down as he and Felix began discussing for a good long while as their trip began.