It was early, early enough that the sun hadn't even thought about rising outside as of yet. Max laid in bed again wondering how all of this had happened in his life seeing as he was sandwiched in a giant mass of other furry bodies. Everyone had decided to sleep together last night as a family. Even Tee and Nee had swapped out at least once during the night. There were limbs and tails sprawled everywhere and someone had a paw square on his crotch. He really didn't want to look to find out who it was; he just hoped they didn't have a sudden nightmare.

After his declaration yesterday to Nee, she had followed him around the rest of the day like a younger sibling asking all kinds of questions about being free and what could she and her brother expect. Of course, the rest of the family found it endearing and mildly amusing. After talking with Swytch and Jackie to make sure he hadn't hurt either of them with his declaration of family to the twins, and then being told he was an idiot for not asking the twins sooner, Max gave up. He was firmly informed that love should always be shared when it is felt and only his human side made it difficult for him to admit that. All in all, the family was quite happy with the additions and Jackie was even making advances towards Teeshan. Pregnancy had ramped up her libido quite a bit and Max was happy to have a little help in that area. He may be part skunktaur now, but no one could keep up with a horny lapine going full speed. He examined everything Jynxy had told him about the duality of skunktaurs and worried that either he would be too broken for it to happen or that it WOULD happen and he would break. He wasn't sure which idea scared him more. He knew in his heart that family meant unconditional love, at least that was how it should be, but it was all still so new to him compared to his first life. That was how he thought of it, this was his second chance at life and it was up to him to decide how he was going to live it, not someone else. This time he would get it right and he would fight to make sure the rest of his family was able to live happy and free and so that his children would be just as free to do with their life how they saw fit. That ideal was something worth fighting for.

Max glanced as his wrist chrono and noticed that it was still pretty damn early but he started to move, gently detangling himself from the pile of sleeping family. At his first movement, a feline eye opened and regarded him from where it was curled up with Jackie. Max nodded slightly to it. Oh, it was Jynxy with hys hand on his crotch... That was only mildly disturbing... Max slipped from the bed without waking anyone else and padded to the back room where he checked on his kit and saw Nee standing silent vigil over the young ones. She smiled at him as he entered and he nodded as he made his way on silent feet to where they slept. He watched them sleep quietly for a short time and then gently kissed each cub on the head. This was reason enough to do what needed doing, wasn't it? He looked back up at Nee who watched him with an odd expression in her eyes. The look in Max's eyes was strong and resolute in their decision as he said silently, "It's time to go to work..." Nee's eyes became just as resolute and she nodded.

Max wasn't sure what he should wear. He pulled out a pair of charcoal grey slacks and a dark red button-down shirt. He decided to go with the leather boots he had worn to the pub the night before since they were custom tailored to fit his feet and then took everything into the bathroom. He stepped in the shower and started the long process of washing all of his fur. He was deep in thought as he lathered and rinsed each section thoroughly until he felt someone lathering his back. With a start, he turned around to find Nee and Tee both in the shower with him as well lathering each other as well as himself. The shower, being designed with taurs in mind had plenty of room for the three of them. Max eyed the twins noting that though they may be shorter in stature, their tendons under their thick fur showed a lifetime of training and conditioning. Being wet he could finally spot the difference in the two, Tee was still shaped just like his sister but his chest was solid and flat and Nee had a gentle swell to hers and a slight noticeable curve to her hips and butt. They both still had the youthful slenderness of teenagers as well as the tautness in body that came with it. They both looked beautiful and dangerous at the same time. They each took turns washing each other's back fur and tails being sure to be clean and neat for their first day at Starfleet. Once they were certain every spot was clean they took turns in the warm air dryer and then all sat down to brush each other out. The entire process took a ridiculously long time, but they each wanted to make a good first impression on their first day.

The twins dressed in their more formal bodyguard wear of loose fitting robes with matching blue sashes while Max dressed in his slacks and red shirt and boots. Max padded silently into the bedroom and, grabbing a small duffel, packed the Starfleet light combat suit he had been given by Shylin as well as the personal holoprojector and utility belt. Just in case, you never know they might want all of this stuff back. Max grabbed a pair of sunglasses he bought that worked with his new muzzled face and tucked them in the messenger bag style duffel everything else was packed in. He grabbed his personal PADD and the thigh/wrist computers, putting the thigh one in the bag and attaching the wrist one like a bracer on his left arm. Good thing was that a lot of people had attachable personal computers like this one, just not one as... advanced. Max leaned in to kiss his mates on their heads before padding out of the house with the wonder twins silently locking the door behind him.

"Why are we leaving so early Brother?" Tee asked curiously.

"First off, I couldn't sleep any longer. Secondly, one should always be early and recon a new location, no?" Max asked with a grin feeling slightly like a cheesy spy in an old mystery novel.

Tee nodded in approval. "We will make leader of you after all," he said with a grin.

Being as that they had plenty of time, and the walk wasn't very far, they left the PTVs at home and made good time walking into town. They made their way through the outskirts to the transportation center.

Traffic was extremely light this morning being as it was as early as it was and there were only a couple people out and about. The trio made their way to the transporter platform labeled 'Starfleet Personnel Only' and waited behind a couple of Caitians in uniform. When they stepped up to the transport engineer they handed over their credentials. The transporter chief scanned their documents and matched faces with recorded computer images and nodded. "You are clear for transport, Lieutenant Commander, as are Ensign Teeshan and Ensign Neeshan. If you will step on the transport pad, we will get you on your way Sir," the chief said respectfully. Max only missed a beat or so before nodding to the chief and motioning the twins over to the pad. They took their places and in a whir of energy they were gone.

In an instant, they were standing on the transporter pad at Starfleet Academy on the Chakona mainland. They quickly stepped off the pad and looked around. "Did anyone tell you where to go?" Max asked the twins. They nodded and he trailed behind Tee while Nee brought up the rear. They made their way out of the transportation hub and stopped outside looking around in the low light, the sun barely a smudge on the horizon. Massive buildings littered the campus. There were a few cadets wandering around making their way to wherever they needed to be. The facility looked very moderns and shiny. There were signposts everywhere pointing out various buildings and offices and the landscaping gave the rest of the campus a collegiate air. Max continued to follow Tee and shortly they approached a large central building several stories in height. The doors were open and so they made their way inside. Following more signs, they made their way to the administration offices and being as early as it was, no one was there as of yet. They took seats in the lounge area and waited. Max pulled up the layouts and schematics on his wrist computer working on memorizing the campus layout so he would at least be able to find buildings if not specific offices when needed. The trio chatted amiably about this and that and before they knew it, the screen to the administration office opened to show an attentive human cadet sitting at the counter smiling.

"How may I help you, Sir?" he asked politely.

Max stood and walked over to the cadet and handed him his credentials which the cadet dutifully scanned and then read the view screen in front him. The cadet blanched a bit and then glanced at Max. "Commander, if you would have a seat I have to inform someone of your arrival, please."

Max raised an eyebrow at the cadet, nodded to him, and then went back to his seat to wait. The cadet looked nervous as he screened a call and spoke to the recipient. The cadet nodded once and looked over at Max and the twins and then said something else into the comm. The cadet nodded again and cut the line. "Sir, someone will be here shortly to collect you and your escorts," he said respectfully.

Max was confused but worked at keeping it from his face and only nodded, "Very well, thank you cadet."

The cadet looked relieved and went back to his paperwork. A few minutes later Max heard, "I thought you were going to take a vacation, Lt. Commander."

Max groaned recognizing the voice. "Commander Shylin, I'm starting to think you're stalking me," Max said in a resigned voice.

Shylin managed to look slightly apologetic. "Actually no, Zyndil is getting Denmated and I wanted to be home for it. It is honestly just a coincidence that I was here when you decided to give the poor administrations cadet a mild heart attack. Your file is marked classified. Another individual and I were listed as contacts if you should show up."

"Zyndil is getting Denmated? Good for hym!" Max said with genuine feeling. He and Zyndil had gotten along quite well and they had already been through a lot together.

Shylin smiled and nodded. "Hy'll be happy to know you're here. I'll message hym and let hym know. I'm sure hy will quickly look you up," the old skunktaur laughed. "You left quite an impression on hym, hy was really hoping you'd decide to join. Hy requested an official transfer to your squad if you did show up."

Max grunted. "That's only because your kit is as crazy as you are you fluff butted old spook," Max said with a grin.

Shylin snorted. "That's Commander fluff butted old spook to you, Lieutenant Commander," Shylin rebutted.

"Aye Sir," Max replied. "So why the cloak and dagger routine? I'm mainly here to check things out before I make any final decisions. Plus the twins said they were supposed to start training here today as well so I figured I'd accompany them."

The old spook nodded thoughtfully. "I'll admit I wasn't expecting you to show up at all for a few more weeks, but I'd be happy to show you around and sit down with you to talk things out if you'd like," the old spy said.

Max raised an eyebrow and hitched a thumb at the twins. "Ensigns?" he asked curiously.

Shylin shrugged. "They needed to start someplace plus you'll need a command chain. Whichever of them makes the best scores here will be promoted to Lieutenant JG and the other will remain Ensign until they reach the correct time in grade. Zyndil can't do it since only you'll be able to see hym so you'll need a command structure in place and ready to go with people you trust..."

Max looked at the twins with an evil grin. "Brother, Sister, you heard hym yes? Whoever makes the best grades gets to be my second in command."

The twins looked at each other, their eyes narrowing and Max chuckled. Shylin gave him an odd look, "Brother? Sister?"

Max shook his head and waved the question aside, "Long story. If you're nice, I'll tell you sometime."

Shylin stood and motioned them to follow hym. The group trooped out of the admin building and headed across campus to another set of innocuous building. Shylin stopped in front of one building and looked at the twins. "You two will be in here every weekday from 0600 until 1600. You'll be learning about the Federation as well as various other aspects of your job. They will issue you your uniforms as well as any other equipment you'll need for your training."

The twins looked at Max and then looked like they were about to object at being separated before Shylin held up a hand. "Max will be fine; I'll keep an eye on him. If you want to be able to be on the same team if he decides to take the job, you will have to do this training. You'll be authorized to return home via transporter each evening if you so desire; although there may be times when you'll need to remain here for overnight training scenarios," he stated.

Max looked at the twins. "I'll be OK, please try not to hurt any of your instructors," he said wryly.

The twins both looked unsure but grinned at his comment and Nee gave him a hug before they both entered the building. Max caught Shylin looking at him. "Like I said, it is a long story, I'll explain it over coffee later," he murmured.

Shylin shrugged and led Max into the next building. They took a lift to the bottom floor where there were large training rooms and a few holosuites for simulation training. They entered an overlook station over one of the rooms and saw a squad of armed and armored morphs running through a building clearing simulation. Max watched curiously as the lead kept careful control of the group splitting them as needed to clear rooms and then bringing them back together for the push to the final room. The group breached the room and took cover positions. At the other end of the room was a man with a phaser held to a young morph's head as a hostage. The man was ranting at the entry squad and Max leaned closer getting caught in the excitement. One of the breaching squad was missing and in mid rant, the man slumped to the floor, a red kill mark on his head. Max looked further down and saw the missing morph getting up from the prone position shouldering a sniper model phaser rifle. The simulation cleared and the scene derezzed. The squad removed their helmets and Max was surprised to see it was the warbeast squad from the station. "They are on Chakona already?" he asked.

Shylin nodded. "They were only a couple of hours behind you on another transport ship actually. We wanted to get them here and into training as soon as we could. They have done remarkably well for such a diverse group," hy said. "Do you want to go down and say hello?"

Max grinned and nodded. He followed Shylin down a double set of stairs and Shylin palmed open the door. As soon as they stepped in the squad leader barked out, "Room! Ten SHUN!" and the squad fell into order in a precise line and at ramrod straight attention.

Shylin said, "At ease, everyone." When no one moved Shylin sighed and looked at Max who was standing behind him.

Max tried to keep a straight face and said, "At ease, everyone."

With precision movements, all members of the group fell into parade rest at exactly the same time.

Max tried not to look at the annoyed expression on Shylin's face as he stepped past him and, catching the Sergeants eye, he grinned and winked. Max could swear his saw the Sergeants tail twitch slightly. "Report Sergeant," Max said.

The Sergeant stepped forward and said, "Sir, the squad is all present and accounted for," he stated with crisp, clean military precision.

"Excellent Sergeant," Max said hardly able to contain his laughter because he could feel the irritation rolling of Shylin. "We should probably stop before Commander Shylin pops a gasket," he said cheerfully.

The entire squad relaxed grinning and all came over to shake Max's hand or give him a brotherly hug of welcome.

Sergeant Shepherd stepped forward after everyone said their welcomes and asked, "So, have you decided to join us, Sir?" Max thought he heard a touch of hope in the Sergeant's voice.

Max turned his head back to where Shylin was grumbling under hys breath. "I don't know. Have I decided to join, Shylin?" he asked with a smirk over his shoulder.

Shylin narrowed hys eyes at Max. "You've already made your decision, haven't you?" hy accused.

Max looked innocent. "You mean you HAVEN'T put bugs in my house to track my every thought and movement?" he asked.

Shylin looked like he was about to spit out a hot retort but stopped, took a deep breath and said, "I deserved that I think."

"Only a little bit Commander," Max agreed. "Squad, FALL IN!" Max barked. The warbeasts didn't even blink and fell into formation. "Ten SHUN!" Max barked also falling into what he hoped was an acceptable attention stance facing Shylin. "Squad reporting for training Commander. Where do you want us?" Max said completely serious.

>>>

It was some time later; they had left the squad to their training and Max followed Shylin to another section of the building. Shylin lead him into a well-appointed office with spartan furnishing. Shylin sat behind hys desk while Max took a seat facing hym. Shylin looked at Max and asked, "What made you decide so quickly?"

Max looked resolute. "One and a quarter children and two new family members. I want to protect them from people like H1 and the LNAW," he said.

"That is an all too common story with the LNAW. Now, granted, not all of the LNAW worlds are that way but the black worlds are that way or worse. Not to mention what H1 is trying to pull on Earth as well as other worlds. We need people like you, and that squad in there, who want to make this galaxy a safer place for everyone. Don't misunderstand me, we are fighting a war here and people will get hurt. Hopefully you and your squad, once properly trained, will be able to mitigate those dangers."

Max leaned back in his chair tapping his fingertips together before saying, "I don't know how good of a leader I'll be, but I'm willing to try. I never got far in my previous life because I didn't have anything I thought that was worth fighting for, now I do."

Shylin nodded. "You will take classes here during the week just like the twins, except yours will be for command and military strategy for small groups. Most of your original classes from the Star Corps will transfer, but you will need to take a few extra Fleet specific classes in your off time at home as well. Each afternoon will be spent in hand to hand training as well as weapons drills and firearm proficiency. You're going to be very busy for the next two years Max, do you believe you can do it?" Shylin asked seriously.

Max took a deep breath and met Shylin's gaze. "For my family, I will," he said with finality.