"I hear two hundred; do I hear a two fifty?" A man held up a small sign. "I hear two fifty do I hear a three?" A man in the back raised a small sign. "I hear three do I hear a three fifty? Come on three fifty? Can I get a three fifty? No? Going once, twice, SOLD!" The auctioneer banged the gavel. The female canine was led of stage by a chain around her neck. She was brought to a table where the man who bought paid the three hundred, officially making her his. She was led out now by her new owner. She looked back over her shoulder seeing her brother being led on to the stage. Her chain was yanked, so she increased her pace. She didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to her brother. She saw a two wearing naval uniforms. She figured they were there to make sure something bad happened, well to the cats.
The orange furred cat pushed his way into the bar. He walked proudly to the stools. He took a seat ordering a bottle of beer. He was one of the two making sure the auction went smoothly. He had just gotten off duty. He loved working at slave auctions, it was an easy job. He had just got his pay for the week. Due to his overtime at the auction he had a big bonus. He elbowed the guy next to him ready to brag about his pay. He stood off his stool seeing it was dog. A dog in a naval uniform. "What the fuck?! What is some flea-ridded mut wearing a uniform?!" The whole bar turned to look at the dog now standing in front of the cat. "Looks like we got an escaped slave!" he said drawing his sword. The dog a good foot and half taller punched him knocking the sword out of the cat's hand and making the cat land of his ass. He got a better look at the dog. He was Jack Russell Terrier, easily seven foot. The cat noticed the dog had a bad left eye. It wasn't white with a pupil but a light brownish. The dog grabbed him by the collier. "Someone do something!" the cat yelled. He saw the other cats were back to drinking and talking ignoring the scene. The dog raised his fist to pound the cat.
"Put him down Alex" a female voice said. Everyone turned, the orange cat turning his neck. A female khao manee, about five foot, in a naval uniform, with several medals and ribbons, walked in. The dog let the orange cat drop.
"Oh god! Lucy!" the orange cat scrabbled to his feet trying to making himself look presentable.
"Private what are you going trying to cause a fight?" Lucy asked calmly.
"It's Paulo" he held out his hand. "I was dealing with—"
"Silence!" Lucy barked causing Paulo to stand at attention. "That is Commodore to you PRIVATE! You should know better than to start a fight with an outranking officer!"
"Wait this mutt is a naval officer?" Paulo asked.
"That's Captain Alex, my right hand man." Lucy explained.
"Oh shit…" Paulo gulped. He was new to this area. More importantly he managed to piss off two officers that outranked him. He had spotted Lucy earlier. Being the young lad he is he wanted to make her his, but now he has learned he had his work cut off for him.
"I heard you will be serving aboard the Shepard."
"That is correct ma'am." Paulo said still sweating.
"You had better shape up if you want to remain aboard MY ship" Lucy said getting in his face.
"Yes ma'am!"
"Any questions?"
"Just one… if I may"
"I am listening."
"I thought dogs were slaves."
"That's a statement, private."
"Uh I mean—"
"I understand, for every rule there is an exception. He is that exception."
A korat purred as he rubbed his face against his wife's neck. There were in bed snuggling. Her tail wagged as they held each other. A cat and a dog as husband and wife, but not officially. Dogs are slaves and forbidden to marry or be citizens. They have to keep their marriage a secret as well as the fact she is living with him. They had been married for years. It has been tough, but they believe it has been worth it. "I have to leave for work now honey" the cat said getting up.
"Do you really have to go now?" she whined.
"Yes, Sarah, I do have to go." the cat said as he got dressed.
"Work hard" she said.
"I will" he said as he kissed her goodbye. "I love you."
"I love you too Michael."