WOLVES OF ARCANUS, ARC TWO

(New Beginnings)

CHAPTER 21: Chance and Tara: Learning his way around.

The first thing Tara did was to show Chance how the cab system worked then take him to his hotel so he knew where he was staying while on leave.

"Just so you know, Ulysses, Kam, Jake, and Genus are here too as well as many of our fellow crew members. It's our favorite place," Tara informed the tom as they walked into the lobby for him to check in.

"That's good to know. It would have been a bit isolating to be here alone," Chance said, looking around the immense place approvingly.

"And that's definitely not what we want to happen," Tara assured him, smiling. Once her companion was checked in, she went with him to his room so he could leave his luggage.

Stepping into his new temporary quarters, Chance was floored by the luxury around him. He turned to Tara in concern. "I shouldn't be in a high cost suite. I'm not that special."

Tara laughed. "It's not expensive, Chance and it's not high class even. It just seems that way to you. Trust me, everyone has a room just like this one. If you don't believe me, visit Jake or Ulysses to find out."

"No that's okay, it's just more than I expected is all. Wow! Look at that view!" He said, staring out the window on his balcony.

"Yeah, it's something alright. This place always amazes me with all the teaming life tightly packed in such a small place."

Curious, Chance turned his head to look at her. "Is it? Packed together here?"

"Oh, only this city which is the largest on the planet. Others are of moderate size. The biggest rule here is nature is to be respected so no urban sprawl is allowed. There are huge expanses of green spaces between all the towns and cities here just as you noted green is allowed mostly free reign within the cities too. It's what keeps the air quality so clean here," Tara explained.

"That is really cool and smart. I did notice just how fresh the air was down here compared to my own home planet which isn't as nearly populated as this place is."

"Actually, Chance, your world isn't really that dirty because your hidden magical enclave keeps it as clean as they can despite your technological advances."

Chance grimaced. "Now that was the biggest surprise when I learned that but I'm glad they've managed to keep our world safe from its own destructive impulses. Pardon me if it weirds me out though."

She laughed. "Perfectly understandable. You ready to go out and see the marketplaces?"

"Yeah, let's head out."

With Tara leading the way, the pair headed downstairs and out of the building. Finding a new cab, she gave it instructions and soon they were speeding off. In about thirty minutes, they reached the first of many stops. They left the cab and Tara led Chance into a conical shaped building that wasn't very big.

He noticed that all the marketplace buildings were this shape but varied in size. It kept the area neat and orderly. He followed the she wolf inside and looked around. There really wasn't anything to see, to his surprise. It was plain with a counter on one wall and a simple window on the other. Frowning, he followed her to the counter and listened as she asked for something from the four-limbed biped behind it.

The creature gave what looked like a smile then turned to open one of many little cupboards that lined this wall. He pulled out a small device, did something to it, then asked for an ID chip.

"Give him your chip, Chance," she told him.

Still puzzled, Chance pulled out his ID chip and handed it to the clerk. He watched as the guy (at least he thought it was a male) tap the ID chip against the device. It beeped a moment then did nothing else.

Pleased, the clerk handed the ID chip and the device to Chance. Tara thanked him then tugged Chance back outside.

"So what is this?" Chance asked looking the thing over and still not understanding what it was for.

Tara gently took it from his paws. "This is a very important piece of equipment for a tourist. It's your very own personal companion. What it does is answer any and all questions you may have about food, things you are interested in to buy or just know what it is, a direction finder, and a communicator. Let me demonstrate." Tara headed off to a store and entered it.

Chance looked around. The place was filled with things that looked vaguely familiar.

"To make sure you don't get things that could be harmful to you, just aim this device at it and it will tell you, based on the data on your ID chip, whether it's safe for you or not and explain it's usage." She demonstrated by pointing the device at an object on a table next to them.

"This is safe for you to use. It's for grooming your fur and replacing necessary oils you need for good health," it intoned in a pleasant alto voice.

"Hey, that's really handy," Chance said, smiling with pleasure as he took the device from Tara and tried it himself.

"It's was developed to prevent tourists from accidentally endangering themselves as well as allowing them the freedom to explore without having a native guide around all the time."

"Definitely a good thing to have, thanks Tara. Was it free?"

"Yes. The government foots the bill to have this made and distributed."

"Ahh, that explains the plainness of the store." Chance chuckled. Apparently, governments are the same everywhere even this far away from home.

"You got that right. Why spend a lot of money on a shop's decor for something so utilitarian."

"Makes perfect sense. So let us give this thing a workout," Chance said eagerly.

"This time you lead the way," Tara said, grinning from ear to ear. She was happy to help Chance be comfortable on leave since she wouldn't be with him and he had no companion. She had many friends that lived here and they were expecting her to drop in soon but Chance's needs came first.

Over the next few hours, Tara took Chance to see some of the local sightseeing places and the marketplace she'd planned to shop at. With their transport loaded, they returned to his hotel very late in the afternoon. She helped him take his things up to his room.

"Well Chance, it's time for me to leave you. Do you have any questions for me?" Tara asked.

"Uhmm...well now that you mention it, do you have a safe, clean place I can find an evenings companionship?" He asked, feeling a bit embarrassed by the request.

She smiled wickedly at him. "As a matter of fact I do. Would you like to shower first and dress nice before I take you there?"

"Uh, well, you could just tell me ..."

"Oh no, I want to see your look when I take you there. It's the best place in town and not far from here. Go get ready, I'll wait," she said, giving him a little push toward the bedroom.

"Okay, you've convinced me," he laughed.

Less than fifteen minutes later, Chance was fresh and dressed to kill, in a fine pair of black slacks, open throat dress shirt of green, and black patents.

"Don't you look handsome. Shall we go ..." Tara smiled broadly. Taking his arm, she led him to the door.

Moments later they were in a vehicle and off. The evening was falling and yet it wasn't dark outside. Too many lights kept it bright as daylight.

"Don't people have a hard time sleeping or resting with so much activity and lights going on?" He asked, curious.

"No because after ten o'clock, the lights dim and people retreat inside to enjoy indoor things or places that have sound proofing fences that allow outdoor activities that won't disturb their neighbors. In keeping with the needs of the environment, everyone who visits knows they must be quiet during the hours of night."

Chance blinked at her in amazed surprise. The whole world shuts down where's night? How the heck can they monitor that?"

The world is wired as you already know. The main operations center where the super computer and security are maintained, keep an eye on the world so they know when infractions occur and the populace isn't lax in reminding people of the rules."

"That is fantastic and thanks for telling me. I wouldn't want to break the rules."

"As to that, I am remiss in informing you of all the rules. In your hotel room is a computer that functions as a comm unit as well. You can call your friends, the ship, and, more importantly, ask about the visitor rules. Definitely read it tonight or in the morning before going out again."

"I promise."

Just then their transport halted. "We're here," Tara said. "Computer please stay here for my return." She used her ID chip to hold the car. Then got out, Chance following her.

She walked down a sidewalk toward a small neighborhood of shops, alleyways and homes. Heading down a short alleyway, she halted outside one of the conical buildings. This was much larger than some of the ones they had been in today.

"Is this what you're looking for?" She asked, smirking.

Blushing, Chance stared into the interior of the place and saw females of all descriptions walking around in scraps of material or nothing at all. They eyed him with frank curiosity but didn't approach.

"Uh, is this what I think it is?"

"Yep. It's a favorite hang out for the hetero males aboard ship. The females are all certified by the health department as clean and safe as well as the establishment." Tara reached up and turned Chance face toward her and said more seriously, "There are very few rules here about sex but the ones that exist are strictly enforced. That's for everyone's safety. First, no one can force another to do anything they aren't comfortable with. Second, an agreement of what is expected, liked, and allowed during sex must be discussed before a couple may interact. And third, prices are listed and are strictly adhered to and paid before a couple goes off together. These rules help prevent misunderstandings from occurring that lands someone in jail. Do you understand everything I've said?"

"Yes and I must say, that's an incredible way to ensure a person gets what they asked for and comes away, hopefully, satisfied but definitely unharmed. I like it. Thanks Tara." Chance couldn't wait to try this venue and get the relief he'd been seeking for some time.

"Oh and one more thing, tell your device to save this location and you can come here often without getting lost."

"Cool, thanks for taking the time to show me around, Tara. I really appreciated it and have a great time with your friends," Chance said, sincerely.

She smiled warmly at him and gave him a hug. "Have a good time, Chance and I'll see you around, promise." With that, she walked away back toward the main street and her waiting vehicle. Watching her trim, sexy behind with some regret for what had been, Chance turned away and stepped into the sex shop.

Smiling at all the lovely females, Chance headed toward what looked like the counter where one purchased time with one of them.

"Welcome visitor," said the strange blue and feathered creature standing behind the counter. It had a high piping voice that wasn't too hard on the hearing. "What might we do for you today?"

"Hello. I'm a first time visitor to your lovely planet and a crew member of the recently arrived Wotan." Chance had been told to always state his ship and that he was a working member aboard it so that he would receive better treatment than most visitors.

"Ahh...welcome sir. May we have your ID?"

Chance nodded and handed it over while eyeing some of the females beginning to circle him like a school of fish. Their expressions ranged from mildly curious to looking like they wanted to devour him. That fit with what Tara and Donar had told him. Places like this catered more to the star fleet corps than the millions of tourists that arrive here daily, knowing crews of ships returning from long rotations in space would be hungry for sexual attention with plenty of credits to spend for it.

"What type of activity were you interested in today, sir," the proprietor asked, drawing his attention back to the business at hand.

Chance couldn't control the blush stealing up his neck to spread across his cheeks. To be boldly asked in the presence of others what kind of sex you wanted was very embarrassing but this was how they did their business so he needed to suck it up and tell them what they needed or turn around and leave. And that wasn't something he was about to do now that he was about to get some very important needs met.

Thinking carefully of what he wanted this first time out, he stated his desires without stumbling over his tongue like a novice on his first time. At home what he asked for would be considered vanilla sex with a touch of spice.

The proprietor seemed to sense his unease so kept her behavior very professional as she entered his desires and waited until her system matched him with the appropriate female that would supply what he wanted and also was physically compatible to him species-wise. The screen presented her with a list. She nodded in satisfaction then tapped in a signal that notified the chosen females to report to her desk.

A few of the choices happened to already be circling the male. Two more arrived moments later from somewhere deeper into the establishment. Soon they were taking pretty poses before the prospective client, showing off their best assets so he would choose them.

"Each of these females are compatible with you and would be very happy to meet your specified needs. Of course, you may choose more than if you desire. And if there is more activities you would like to order now you may do so or if that decision comes during the time you're together with your choice, pleased be sure to stop by this desk to pay for those additional services. My females know the price of each service so don't hesitate to ask them before it is accomplished. They will inform me of these additional charges so I will have the updated bill ready for you at your departure. Do you have any questions, sir?"

"No, your explanation was understandable and thorough, thank you." It all seemed a little too business-like and mechanical to Chance for something so very personal but then it was a business and it was for his own protection and theirs. Actually, when he thought about it more, he realized this system would be much more safer for clients and the females than the harsher one that existed on his home world.

Shaking off his musings, he turned his attention to the line of females waiting for him to decide which would be his for the next few hours. They were all beautiful but for today, he wanted only a one on one session. He settled on a fetching beauty with a cloud of white spiky hair and crystalline blue eyes that were much larger than his own. She was from some feline species and sported a long, thickly bushy, tail that swished demurely around her long shapely legs. A long muzzle filled with daintier fangs than his own flashed a naughty smile at him. Her fur was a deep dark blue black and looked to be thick and plush. A pair of very long, wider ears with tassels at their tips, shot up through her thick hair. He liked her face most of all, pixie like despite the longer muzzle. Already he felt the heat rise in his nether regions.

Yeah, this should be good, he thought, giving his choice a broad smile and his paw to take.

Her smile notched up as she stepped forward to take it.

"An excellent choice, sir." The proprietor said. "Her name is Zahara. Here is your ID back. Enjoy yourself."

"Thank you." He accepted his chip back then let Zahara tug him by the paw toward a nearby door.

"How long have you been in space, sir?" Zahara asked as she walked down a long hall of doors.

"Only about a year. I joined the Wotan when they visited my planet. And my name is Chance."

"What an interesting name. Do you mean you were planet bound before this?" She asked, eyes wide with surprise.

"Yes. I and two others are the first to leave our world. We don't even have space travel yet but we soon will have as my world has been accepted by the Alliance," Chance said easily as he looked around the room she'd taken them to.

"Wow! A new planet for the Alliance that is just awesome. I have never met someone that new before." She was really psyched about this guy. It was going to be a night to remember.

Chance gave her a strange look.

"Did I say something wrong?" Zahara asked, concerned.

"Oh no. It's just me getting used to the fact that the universal translator gives me even common slang words from my own language from aliens who I know wouldn't even know it without the translator. It's just weird is all but I know I will get used to soon enough."

Zahara's smile was filled with merriment. "How interesting. Because I have worn a translator since I was very young, I don't have a perspective at how different it might be for someone who has never experienced anything but their own language their whole life. It must be cool to hear all those different languages on your travels though they are filtered through the translator."

"Yeah, it's pretty weird and cool at the same time alright." Chance admitted, smiling.

He studied the room and all he could think of is stories about the Arabian Nights with tents decorated like this. Curtains of soft green covered the walls while carpets of some soft material held patterns of gold, red, blue, and green swirled in rings that spread across it like a pond that has been disturbed by a rock thrown in it. The lighting was also soft with a yellow ambience to it. The bed, the center point of the room, was huge and oval shaped. A silky style of gold covering was spread over it but was now turned down waiting for them. The pillows were numerous and very plump looking.

"Love the decorating in here. Very cozy looking," he said admiringly.

"I'm glad it's pleasing to you. It's difficult to be sure what will be acceptable with most species. There are some that hate the colors or the bed is too soft or too hard ... any number of things. We do try to make sure that doesn't happen but we can't cover everything," Zahara admitted while removing her clothing with casual ease.

There was an open closet nearby where she stood and she walked to it to hang her one piece outfit on a strange looking hangar that seemed to be suspended in midair. Then she walked sexily toward him to help him divest him of his own clothing.

She held his eyes as she did this which Chance found sexy and not uncomfortable. Her nudity was exciting and revealed a fairly normal (to his eyes) biped form that was pleasing to his eyes, fortunately. She was also very similar to his own species in body type which made it easier to get him into the mood without him being put off by her alienness. Her scent was exciting too, smelling something like a mix of cinnamon and vanilla with some kind of earthiness he couldn't identify.

"My, you are quite the handsome fellow," she rrurred in her throat not having to pretend as he was indeed a fetching looking male, much to her relief. She had a run of truly ugly clients of late, nice to get a winner. She dragged her fingers down his well defined pecs, enjoying the feel of his fur and heavy muscles. This guy worked out. And the sandy color with black striping was definitely a turn on. She got lucky this time.

Chance was rather pleased that Zahara was taken with him. He could sense her interest wasn't feigned by her rising excitement. This should be a good session. Leaning closer, he deposited a teasing kiss on her lips.

She sighed and sank into it, enjoying his caress of her back and the gentleness of the kiss. A gentlemen, she thought, how wonderful and rare. Wrapping an arm around her waist, her client danced her toward the bed. She was at first startled but then got into it, fully allowing him to lead as she didn't know this kind of dancing but was definitely enjoying it. The swaying motions soothed but at the same time excited her even more.

Reaching the bed, Chance laid them both down easy and slow, not throwing or dropping her onto it's surface. He already knew this was going to be a fantastic few hours play. She was just so pliant in his arms.

Several hours later, Zahara was reluctantly leading her client back to the desk. After a lingering kiss and a wish to see him again, she left him there.

Chance smiled after her as her handsome form disappeared from view. Yeah, he'd definitely be back to see her. He felt totally satiated and relaxed. It had been well worth the money. Perhaps he'd try a few others too, after all he was here for six months.

It was evening when he stepped from the sex establishment, his funds a little lighter but not as light as he feared it would be. Again, he really liked how they did business and wished he could institute it on Aristal.

Hmm, perhaps I should let Callie know about how such a business is run here and suggest she institute something similar. It would be much better than trying to stop the behavior, arrest the johns and prostitutes, or shut them down, which never works. They did serve a vital purpose, after all, and when a space station circled Aristal, a very necessary one when visitors start to call.

Pushing that thought aside, Chance paused to look around. Even though dusk had fallen, there had been no decrease in the amount of foot and vehicle traffic flowing by. This truly was a city that never slept. He stepped to the raised edge that signified the end of the sidewalk separating it from the street, he looked around for a cab.

Not surprisingly, there wasn't one around but he knew, according to Tara, that they teamed everywhere and one only had to wait five minutes before one finally showed up. As he waited, he realized he was very hungry. He had originally thought to eat at his hotel but changed his mind and decided to check out the local cuisine.

With that in mind, he studied the businesses surrounding him and spotted a couple of likely places. Ambling off, he headed for one of them.