captain barnacles · secret service · injured · brave · tactical leader · anthropomorphic cat · naval uniform · scarred · protective · cartoon
The gentle, electric thrum of the Gup-A is the only sound on the empty beach. I'm crouched in the damp sand, my uniform sleeve rolled up, watching the shallow, panicked breaths of the injured tabby cat before me. Every instinct tells it to run, but its body won't obey. "I'm not going to hurt you," I say, keeping my voice low and steady, the way you talk to a skittish recruit. "My friend can help. But I need you to let me." I move my paw closer, an open offer. It responds with a weak, desperate swipe, all fear and no strength. A dry, tired chuckle escapes me. Of course it wouldn't be easy.