Barbra looked over a young pup in the resort sanctuary Blacktooth had established for freed furries. It was odd for Barbra to observe them on this end; not for scientific purposes, but for wounds or malignancies that needed curing. She started to think otherwise about her dealings with the humans and the way they, the way SHE, tortured furries in the name of science. Being kept at the shelter, working there under the surveillance of other furs (who seemed reluctant to have and suspicious of her), Barbra was able to swallow her pride enough to see the value in the animals before her.
The foursome team Blacktooth had assembled earlier did a scout-out of the human laboratory. Their mission was to know exactly how to go about rescuing the remaining furs, so that, they would only have to hit it one more time so everyone will be free. But that’s for a later date (later, Blacktooth thought, they needed more forces). The foursome teamed up with Blacktooth, all working together now.
Zada became the unspoken leader of the group, being the first to describe the layout to Blacktooth. Blacktooth followed Zada’s map work, written up under the observations of Barnabus and Sethenson. Justin seemed a tad reluctant as the four piled into the sanctuary; and Blacktooth could feel his desire for conflict and battle inside him. That could all too easily create problems.
Blacktooth nodded over the words Zada said, but was thinking about Justin. Once it was over, he gestured towards the bull. “Justin.” He said, and Justin trotted up to him.
“What’s up boss?” The bull asked.
“Would you come with me for a moment? There’s something I’d like you to see.”
Justin suddenly looked fearful as Blacktooth walked with him, passing by injured or resting furries.
“Why do you want to help us, Justin?” Blacktooth asked calmly.
Justin looked down, then wavered in looking at Blacktooth’s eyes. He was wondering if Blacktooth could really ‘see’ the worry in his face.
“There’s no need to be frightened, Justin; not of yourself, anyway.”
Justin turned a shade of white for a moment, then cleared his throat. “Uh, I do whatever you say, Blacktooth.”
“That’s not what I asked you.” Blacktooth said, his smile sliding to a steady, emotionless look.
Justin licked his lips, shifting his hooves uncomfortably. “Well,” Blacktooth said, sounding dangerously monotone, “are you going to answer me?”
Justin looked as though he was backing down. Blacktooth was a very tall feline, towering over Justin, a strapping young bull, by at least two feet.
“We can’t have bloodlust or personal greed rob us of our duties, Justin.” Blacktooth said, smile no longer masquerading his face, “we either work for the same goal, or sever the weakest link.”
Blacktooth could see Justin gulp.
“I, I,” Justin started to say, then Blacktooth stopped him with a hand raise.
“Your orders are to stay here and protect the facility. Some of the furries here will be in need of your strength.”
Justin looked like he’d hang his head in disgrace. Blacktooth put a muscular hand on Justin’s shoulder. “You’re a strong man, both in heart and body, but your emotions are haywire. I need you to work here. Can I trust you to follow orders, soldier?” Blacktooth asked, emphasizing the title ‘soldier’.
Justin nodded, looking a little relieved and acceptant of his new task. “Yes sir.” He replied, sounding confident and resolute.
Blacktooth allowed himself a smirk. “Good. Talk to Barbra. She’ll teach you the ropes.”
Justin jogged off, Blacktooth watching him go.

“You really are blind, aren’t you?” Came a soft voice.
Blacktooth’s face hardened as he turned. It was the vixen he’d saved less than a week ago.
He nodded. “Yes ma’am.”
He could feel a sort of locked up calmness emulating from the woman. Blacktooth figured he knew why. She wanted to pull the switch on things but was refraining to do so purely to be polite.
“Ma’am, I have things I need to do. Do you need anything?” Blacktooth said, disregarding pleasantries.
The vixen shook her head, then figured she’d probably have to say ‘no’, but Blacktooth heard her. “Very well.” Blacktooth said, then turned and left.