The next several weeks passed in a blur, going for fittings, packing, and being detailed on their mission. Sherlock remained obstinate about anyone touching him which made fitting his harnesses quite difficult. He had been sulking in his dragon form more than human and had created quite the sizable crevice in the couch much to John's displeasure. The big ship out day came though with a sniveling Mrs. Hudson waving them off as Sherlock was loaded into the back of a truck in a crate, John clambering in after him. He watched the scenery as they drove, one hand pressed against Sherlock's crate. "It'll be a long time till we get back here," he mumbled to the dragon who let out a puff of breath and smacked his tail against the floor.
When they arrived at the base they were instructed to report to the warehouse so John headed that way, Sherlock striding beside him in his new harnesses. The dragon's head was high, obviously preening in his shiny new harness. The straps blended into his hide well, the leather bags filled with the supplies they'd need. The only thing that stood out about him was the big red cross across a leather chest piece. When they entered the warehouse there were other men there, dragons with similar red crosses on their chest pieces. He saw his friend Mike Stamford from college and waved hello. A yellow dragon was sitting beside him and looked nervous at their approach.
"Mike!" John greeted, shaking his hand firmly. Sherlock drew up beside John, standing tall and proud and the yellow dragon sank back further.
"This is Molly," Mike introduced, gesturing to the dragon next to him. "Had her about 3 months now. She's an earth dragon." Molly refused to make eye contact with John and especially Sherlock.
"Well this is Sherlock," John said, gesturing at the dragon beside him. "Lightning drake, been together a couple weeks." Sherlock's hide crackled with electricity proudly, making Molly visibly cringe. Mike whistled in appreciation, taking in the dark dragon.
"He looks tough," Mike said appreciatively.
"Won't let anyone touch him," John sighed, glancing up at Sherlock who snorted in derision. "But he's passed all his tests with flying colors."
"Can everyone line up please!" a man yelled out from a small constructed stage. A man in general's garb stepped up to the stage watching them all as they organized themselves.
"I am general Zane," he finally called out when everyone had settled. "I am in charge of the dragon division of the army." As he talked an obsidian dragon made its way onto the stage, settling itself in and staring down all the dragons lined up. Beside him Sherlock started to growl softly and John hushed him. "For the trip over your dragons will need to be in human form. We simply don't have the space to accommodate that many dragons in full form. You will be filtered through 3 rooms where your dragons will change and don their jumpsuits for the journey. Convene outside for our departure." As they were dismissed Sherlock shoved his way towards one of the changing rooms with John jogging to catch up and offering apologies to people. As the door shut behind him John breathed a sigh of relief and flushed as Sherlock changed. His nudeness never bothered him so he walked without any show of shyness to gather the jumpsuit from a stack in the room.
"John," he said after a moment, and John realized he had closed his eyes. Sherlock was standing right in front of him, blue eyes studying him carefully. The jumpsuit was on but zipped only to his navel, allowing a generous portion of skin and scale to show. "Are you ready?" John nodded, exiting the room with Sherlock following. They were boarded on the plane, Sherlock snarling when an officer tried to help with the straps and buckles. Finally everyone was aboard and the hatch closed with an ominous thud as a few dim lights flickered on overhead. John could barely see anyone around him and gave a shuddering breath. His life was about to change dramatically. He jumped when suddenly a hand touched his forearm gently. He looked over at Sherlock who's eyes were glowing slightly in the dimness. "We'll make it back." Sherlock said simply and removed his hand back to his lap. John turned away but felt a thrill through him. Sherlock had allowed contact between them.