*Bang*

I squeezed the trigger and the snap of the projectile going past the sound barrier echoed across the meadow. It was a perfect shot and another Horned Rabbit’s head exploded in multiple fragments. The blood misted and a crimson cloud was hanging over the dead bunny’s body. I winced at the overkill and even though I used the lowest power setting on the rifle. The result was still very messy. The other bunnies disappeared into their burrows when they heard the loud report of the rifle and I walked to the dead bunny’s body carefully to avoid falling into a hole. Rabbit holes were a hazard in these parts as many hunters broke their ankles when they forgot to watch their steps. I sidestepped a hole with a suspicious white fluff of hair quivering below and continued to walk slowly to claim my kill. I cleaned the bunny of its skin, entrails, and drove back to the reason I was hunting these stupid creatures.

I slowly crawled into the great bear’s den I found a month ago. I coaxed the sleeping little cub to wake up and eat the meat I'm holding. She was laying down on a bed of leaves taking a nap and woke up when she heard my voice.

“Come on, little fella. Come on” I enticed the cub, waving a piece of meat in her direction. The little bear’s ears perked up and her nose started sniffing at the smell of the meat. The bear turned her head to look at the meat in my hand and she quickly scrambled to take it, lest I change my mind. The grunting cub slowed her steps when she a foot away from me and almost bashfully took the meat in her mouth. I gently rubbed her shoulder while she ate slowly and her body no longer froze in tension. The first time I tried touching her, the bear cowered and refused to come near me. I had to spend a long time calming her down.

A month earlier, I almost pulled the trigger of the rifle. But at the last second, I felt guilty and I stayed my hand. I remembered lowering my rifle and taking out a piece of wolf meat in my storage and slicing it up into thin strips with my knife. When I saw the starved cub weakly crawling towards the meat I laid on the ground and it made me promise to keep the cub alive. Something strange happened to me when the cub took its first bite of meat I gave her. My chest burned hot and I rubbed my chest in surprise. I wondered for days and asked myself why my bear nanites burned unexpectedly that time. I still didn’t know the answer to that question. I was interrupted from my musings when the cub pawed me gently in the chest for more food. I gave her another piece of meat and continued rubbing her sides. When she was full, the cub went outside the den to play and I followed her smiling.

I looked at the cub who was playing with a stick and examined her body thoroughly for signs of malnutrition. The little bear was no longer weak and she was stronger now with her body filled out with fat. I made feeding trips almost every day after school and I was satisfied with the results of my outings. In a sense, this was like an appeal for her forgiveness for killing her mom and also as a thank you to the mother for saving my life with her sacrifice. The cub came me asking for rubs and I complied while I measured her size for comparison with her late mother. She was three feet at the shoulder now and with the golden brown fur of her species, she looked like a smaller version of her mom. After the cub felt that the rubs I gave her were enough for now, she went back to play with her toy. Smiling at the bear’s antics, I went back to the den and gathered the scattered leaves inside. I took out more bunny meat and placed it on a bed of leaves in a corner of the cave. I judged the amount of food in the den will last a few more days and readied myself to leave this place for the last time. I can’t keep this up this daily feeding trips forever and the cub must learn to survive in the wild. I looked at the cub sadly while she was having fun with the stick. I always knew that these visits wouldn’t last for long and I had to leave the cub she may to learn to survive in the wild. I went over to the little bear and tearfully gave her one last scratch. She stopped playing with the stick and I kneeled and gave her a last big hug.

“Goodbye, little stinker. Grow up and be strong like your mother!” I said to her my voice cracking a little when I let go of her and I walked back to the ATV and left without a looking back.

-

Today was Friday and it was two weeks after I left the cub on its own in the forest. I went to the Department of Fish and Wildlife office after school. I wanted to check the status of my bounty voucher for the Silver Wolf I hunted. It was the department’s job to evaluate and sign the vouchers in our state. They were slow in processing my request and I wanted to know what the hang up was. Mercifully, the voucher was signed and I went directly to the Treasurer’s office to claim my check.

The clerk recognized me when I handed him the voucher. He stood up and asked me to follow him again. I was slightly irritated with the delay again, but I just grumbled and followed him silently. He ushered me to Mr. Darren's office again and something tells me this wasn’t a normal talk.

“Ah. Mr. Hunter. Good to see you. Sorry for delaying you again but I wanted to talk to you.” Mr. Darren stood up when he saw me walk in and he offered his hand.

“It’s nice to see you too sir. Is there something wrong? Am I in trouble?” I inquired nervously as I shook his hand. They might have changed the bounty claim rules and that made me a little anxious.

“No. no. No trouble at all. Please have a seat.” He assured me as he sat back in his chair.

“Oh. Okay, sir. What do you want to talk about?” I asked as I took a seat in front of him.

“Someone from DFW called me two weeks ago about your claim and he gave me a heads up. We’re close friends and I might have mentioned you earlier... and our misunderstanding the last time you were here. But that’s partly the reason why I called you here.”

“Yes, sir?” I asked him tentatively. It was uncomfortable hearing that my exploits were being talked about and I shifted my body on the seat.

“Right. I hope I’m not being too personal. But, what are your plans after graduating? That’s a month from now. Right?”

“That’s right. Uh, I might have some plans and maybe hunt for a living. Why do you ask sir?” I said vaguely. This discussion was getting uncomfortable. My guidance counselor asked me those same questions last week and I gave Mr. Darren the same answer.

“That’s good. The thing is, there is a plan to offer jobs at the Sheriff's office for hunters. They’re going to announce it next month, I believe. The Sheriff asked me to send him some good hunters in advance. I think you fit the bill. You can put me as your reference if you want to.”

“I’m a good hunter? I don’t know about that, sir.” I said in a self-deprecating tone. I didn’t consider myself a good hunter. I’m an ‘okay’ hunter. Maybe. I’m also a bit intrigued by the job.

“Yes, you are a good one. ” Mr. Darren smiled and gestured at my voucher. My face flushed and I looked at the floor, a little embarrassed with the praise. I’m flattered that he thinks I’m a good hunter.

“I don’t have the full details of the job. And If you’re interested, you can send your resume to the Sheriff's office and ask them questions. Don’t wait too long though.”

“Yeah...I might be interested and I’ll check it out.” Mr. Darren beamed at me when heard my answer.

“Good. Good. Anyway...That’s it. You’re probably raging to grab that check. Go straight to the cashier. I had them process your voucher while we were talking” Mr. Darren stood up grinning and offered his hand.

“Thanks, sir. For thinking of me. The job I mean.” I said lamely. I stood up and shook his hand.

“No problem, Mr. Hunter. Good Hunting.” Mr. Darren walked me out of the office and I proceeded to cashier’s booth.

I did the usual claim the check and deposit the check in the bank routine. I thought about the job when I was in my truck after leaving the bank. I’ll be a little honest with you. I was more than a little interested in the Job. I was racking my brain for weeks for ways to accomplish my goals. This wasn’t like in the movies where a magic item fell on your lap out of nowhere or you received a mysterious letter inviting you to a magic school.

I decided to visit the Sheriff's office tomorrow and ask some questions. Now that I knew my Silver Wolf hunt was legit. I went to the tanner’s place and collected the fur. I had to tie ropes straps to the rolled up pelt and carried it like a backpack in reverse. I was sweating and was breathing heavily when I dropped it on Tordan’s floor. I sold the fur to Tordan for two thousand creds. Much to my dismay, the wolf pelt didn’t match the bear’s price. Tordan was spitting in indignation when I told him he was trying to cheat me with the value of the pelt. But the dwarf ’s anger vanished when I showed him the wolf’s core.

“Yes.The Core.” The dwarf eyes were shining as he stared at the core. He then collected himself and assumed the usual bored look. He took the core and scanned it. After he was satisfied with its authenticity he gave it back.

“Might be worth something.” He commented on the core.

I stared at the dwarf with pursed lips. “Why don’t we stop with all the posturing. Okay?” I pleaded. I was getting tired of making up stories to inflate the price.

“Tsk. You’re taking the fun out of bargaining.” He grumbled. The dwarf really did love arguing with the customer just for the sake of it.

“Three thousand” He made his offer and he crossed his arms.

“Thirty-five hundred.” I countered.

“Deal.” He accepted smiling.

“Right. Deal. Here you go.” I handed him the core still inside the baggie. “What are you going to do with the Core anyway?” I asked as an afterthought.

“To make Mods of course. I sell these to Mod Engineers. The wolf’s core’s characteristics make it good for a lot of things. The speed, endurance, the senses, etc.” The dwarf scanned the core again.

I recalled Doc Athlan explaining it to me that Cores assumes it’s hosts affinities or something. I shrugged. It was too complicated for me.

“Um. Tordan before I forget. Is there a Mod that increases the size of what I can store?” Tordan looked up from his scanner.

“How large?”

“Like the bear’s body or the wolf.” I gestured the pelt.

“What? No! Hahaha! You and your silly questions.” He laughed his eyes tearing up.

“Hey! I had a lot of trouble carrying that pelt. I had to improvise.” I defended crossing my arms.

“Sorry. Hmmm... You could buy an anti-grav lift.”. He said rubbing his bear. I asked him about using his assistants to carry the bear fur.

“Builds character.” Was all the dwarf said. The slavemaster.

I also bought an additional storage mod for my left hand. It might be a good idea to have a backup in case my right hand gets injured. Good thing the other storage mod connected to my existing one so I don’t have two separate storages. The dwarf transferred the creds to my wallet with a flick of a finger and I left the store after one last look at the restricted items. Just you wait till I get my Level 2 License.

I bought a lot of food for dinner at an Italian restaurant. I wanted to celebrate my latest success. Although my appetite was slowly returning back to normal, I still had some mods to install. So don’t judge me. I mentioned the job during dinner and my mom, as usual, had problems with it.

“But, that’s a dangerous job!” My mom said eyes widening. She almost missed the plate when scooped up some pasta.

“I’m just curious, mom. I’m just talking about it. It’s not like I’m taking the job right away.” I rolled my eyes. Did I mention her being overprotective?

“We talked about this. Let him do what he wants.” My Dad admonished my mom using his fork for emphasis.

“It’s just. He’s...” My mom didn’t continue and bit her lower lip. He’s my baby?. Jesus! I’m Eighteen now! I just had my birthday recently! I groaned internally.

I guess they already had this discussion and agreed to it. I could tell mom wasn’t happy about it. Her laugh and smile were too forced when I told them some jokes I read on the web. I steered the discussion about my upcoming prom and graduation. Thankfully, mom was excited about it and she went on asking who I’m taking to the prom. I don’t know honestly. I had some female friends and I thought of asking them was awkward. I volunteered to do the dishes and clean up the table after dinner because I felt bad upsetting mom.

--

Sheriff's Office:

I arrived at the Sheriff's office in the morning and I asked around about the job. They pointed me to the Sheriff’s secretary, so I went there and talked to the secretary. I had wait to wait for an hour because I didn’t have an appointment. I was just supposed to ask some details of the job but she assumed that I was applying for it. I was about to correct her when her phone rang and she pointed at the seats, while she answered the phone. I looked at her helplessly but she was busy talking on the phone. I waited for her to finish talking on the phone and explain what I was here for.

But after she hanged up, Ms. Norris immediately went inside the Sheriff's office and I wasn’t able to get the chance to talk to her. They were probably having a meeting when some deputies joined them. When they were finished she peeked her head out the door and called me to come inside. I knocked on the sheriff's door and went inside looking very nervous.

“Please take a seat Mr.. ?” The Sheriff's said in a gravelly voice. The Sheriff was a big-bellied man. He also had a very shiny bald head. He shook my hand and they were surprisingly strong. Looks can really be deceiving.

“My name’s Brian Hunter sir. I here to ask about the hunting job. Mr. Darren from the county sent me.” I introduced myself. I also name dropped just to be sure.

“I’m Sheriff Stevenson. He sent you huh.” He examined me critically. I straightened my posture and made eye contact. He was twirling his thick mustache and was still eyeing me.

“Yes, sir. He told me you needed hunters and I wanted to know the details.”

“The Job is to hunt. Simple as that.” The Sheriff said flatly. I think I caught him at a bad time. I heard the secretary Ms. Norris clear her throat. The Sheriff glanced at her and back to me. “But if you want details.” he conceded.

“Our county is almost surrounded by forest parks and the park ranger’s are having trouble controlling the animals. Sometimes dangerous animals stray to the outlying farms, homes, etc and we need some people to deal with it.”

“Like the animal control sir?” I asked. The Sheriff grunted in disgust as a response.

“The animal control people are having trouble dealing with housepets and strays. You can’t expect them to hunt down dangerous animals the size of a minivan.” He shook his head. “They keep telling me,’You can’t kill them, Sheriff’. We can just capture them’. Like we can just tranq them.” He mimicked the voice of a kid. He also scoffed at the idea capturing them.

“Yeah. They’ll get eaten alive. Literally.” I agreed with him and the Sheriff nodded.

After the Event, a lot of people were afraid that their newly cored pets might go wild and attack them. But after a couple of months, their concerns were largely unfounded. Aside from the size increase and larger pet food bill, the pet’s were pretty much still domesticated. There were always some exceptions and I don’t envy those animal control officers.

“And I can’t keep sending deputies to take care of it because they have their own jobs. My deputies are good men but they are only trained and equipped to deal with men.” The sheriff was turning red. The secretary cleared her throat again. “Beings. People. You know what I meant!” He amended glaring at the woman.

“If you want the job, I’ll deputize you and you’ll be stationed here in the office until someone calls 9-1-1 and you’ll respond to that emergency.” The Sheriff was leaning back in his chair trying to relax and was squeezing a stress ball. He saw me looking at the ball. “My deputy was killed yesterday. Freak accident.” He explained.

“So, you want it? You look a little young though.” He examined me.

“I'm eighteen, but I’m still in school, sir, and I’m graduating next month.” I hurried to explain.

“Wait a minute. You’re Hunter’s boy. I shoulda known with those eyes. Hmmm.” He was surprised and he finally recognized my name. He was referring to my purple eyes.

“Any experience? Aside from that fu-fudging bear.”

“I hunted a Silver Wolf weeks ago, Sir.” I showed him a copy of my voucher. He read it and looked at me with a new light.

“Well... We can take that into account.” He said grudgingly.

“Sir. I just wanted to ask questions about the job and I’m still considering it.” I said trying to explain.

“Alright, ask them. Be brief. I’m busy.” I thought about it and there was only one important question I had in mind.

“The bounties sir. Can I still claim them?” I’m not trying to be greedy but let’s face it. Hunting’s good money.

“What?! We’ll pay you a salary! A good one too! You think this is some volunteer work?” His voice was rising and I winced. But the secretary cleared her throat again and the sheriff took a deep breath and exhaled trying to relax.

“Right. We can’t allow you to collect the bounties on the emergencies. Conflict of Interest.” I was disappointed. I kinda like what the job was about. But money is money. I was not trying to be a mercenary here. The secretary whispered something to the sheriff and his eyes widened in recollection.

“But any off-duty hunting for bounties are fine. As long as you don’t do it on your working hours. Is that clear enough for you Mr. Hunter.” He narrowed his eyes at me and I nodded quickly. That’s actually good. So I can earn a salary and hunt on my day off. Maybe that’s how ranger Bill does it. I started to like the idea.

“That’s funny. Mr. Hunter is hunting animals at the hunting grounds. Hahaha!” He said suddenly laughing. Another female throat clearing. “Sorry. No offense.” He apologized.

“None taken, sir.” What can I say? He’s the sheriff. The secretary whispered something longer this time and the sheriff looked at her incredulously. But the secretary continued and after a while, the sheriff nodded. All of the sheriff's anger and bluster were gone now.

“Let me be honest with you, Hunter. We need hunters badly and because of that ‘no bounty’ clause, were having a hard time getting the good ones to apply for the job. So after you graduate and if you’re still interested in the job, I’ll give it to you. Provisionary of course.” The sheriff said his tone very serious now.

“We also take care of hospital expenses for injuries incurred performing in the line of duty,” ”We can also grant a Level 2 license.” He added as a sweetener. He gave me a knowing look.

I promised to the sheriff to think about it when I said my goodbyes. His last statement stuck with me. Hospital bills and a Level 2 License. The insurance covered my stay the last time and Athlan waved his fee. But what happens if I get injured again while hunting. I bet our premium rose after the coma thing. I also can’t keep relying on my parents forever. This job grants me independence from them too. I’ll have to move out eventually and this job might be a good start. I get paid to hunt dangerous animals and I also get to help the community. And a Level 2 License! That clinched it. I drove back home smiling about the job and my future. Finally, things were looking up.

--

I was half asleep when a loud crashing sound woke me up. I immediately stood up looked out the window. It was very dark outside because our neighborhood was sparsely populated. It’s mostly ranches and farms that bordered the park. I heard another crash and I quickly grabbed my gauss rifle and body armor. I check the time on my holoscreen and it was four a.m. They might be home invaders and dad has drills for these situations. I ran downstairs and I passed my dad, also wearing his gear.

“You heard that Dad?” I asked nervously

“Yep. Let’s go outside. Grab your flashlight and follow behind me.” My Dad ordered calmly. I nodded and followed him out the back door. My Dad was scanning our backyard with his flashlight mounted on his rifle. I was doing the same and I mentally added a night vision Mod to my to-buy list. We heard the crashing sound on our right and we both pointed out rifles to the sound. I used my flashlight in the area I thought I heard the sound. The intruder was illuminated and our little thief was destroying our grill.

“Oh No!” I said, I lowered the rifle and detached the flashlight. I illuminated the intruder again and I sighed in frustration. The cub was killing our grill.

“Goddamnit!” I wailed.

“Ey, Language!”