kaizero1

CHAPTER 1: SOLARIS PET DOG Admiral Rachel Mars leaned back in her chair, her expression a mix of impatience and authority. She glanced at the clock, noting the time ticking away. Captain Runa McDowell stood rigidly at attention, her demeanor betraying a flicker of unease as she tried in vain to reach Private Silvy Spielberg. Despite her repeated attempts, there was no response from her junior. Admiral Mars’s tone was sharp, cutting through the silence. “Captain McDowell, we can’t wait any longer. I have important appointments with the leaders following this meeting. Given that your junior is absent and you’re responsible, you will assume the role of the pet dog for the Solaris. Private Spielberg will take over as your handler.” Runa's face, though composed, revealed a brief flash of resignation before she nodded. “Roger that, Admiral Mars,” she replied, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting the weight of the situation. With a final, curt nod from Admiral Mars, the meeting concluded. Runa exited the office, her heart heavy with the reality of her new role. At Silvy Spielberg’s apartment, the morning light filtered through the blinds as she groggily awoke. She glanced at her phone and saw a flurry of missed calls and messages from Captain Runa McDowell. Panicked, Silvy scrambled out of bed, stripping off her pajamas and dashing towards the bathroom. Under the scalding water of the shower, Silvy hurriedly washed away the remnants of sleep and confusion. After a hasty but thorough rinse, she slipped into her military uniform and bolted out of the apartment, racing towards the headquarters. Arriving breathless at the Admiral’s office, Silvy found Captain Runa McDowell waiting with a stern expression. “Captain!! Sorry I’m late!” Silvy called out, her voice filled with genuine regret. Runa’s eyes narrowed as she confronted her junior. “Why didn’t you answer my calls? I specifically told you yesterday about the appointment with Admiral Mars.” Silvy looked down, clearly distressed. “Sorry, Captain.” “Come on,” Runa snapped, her frustration evident. “Let’s head back to Solaris.” Silvy snapped to attention, saluting sharply. “Affirmative, Captain!!” Runa gave a curt nod and turned on her heel. “Let’s go,” she said, her voice still laced with irritation but now tinged with a sense of urgency. The two made their way swiftly back to the Solaris, the weight of their new responsibilities and the pressure of the Empire’s regulations hanging heavily over them. In the quiet confines of Captain Runa McDowell’s quarters aboard the Solaris, a tense atmosphere hung between the two women. Runa retrieved the collar and leash from a drawer, her face a mixture of embarrassment and resolve. “Do you know why I’m bringing out these items?” Runa asked, her voice steady but edged with discomfort. Silvy, still reeling from the earlier events, responded with a hint of uncertainty. “Yes, Captain! So basically, I will be the ship's pet dog girl, right?” Runa’s response was clear but laden with the weight of the situation. “Yes, but for some reasons, you will not be the ship's pet dog.” Confused, Silvy asked, “Who would it be, then?” Without further explanation, Runa stood up from her chair and began to strip off her clothes. Silvy’s eyes widened in bewilderment as she watched her captain undress. Runa’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Do you know why I’m naked in front of you?” Silvy, equally perplexed, shook her head. “I have no idea, Captain.” With a sigh, Runa directed Silvy to the booklet on the desk. “Then read the first rule in the booklet.” Silvy quickly scanned the pages and read aloud, “Rule number 1 for being the ship’s pet dog girl: The assigned ship’s pet dog girl must be naked and wear nothing except the collar and leash.” Understanding dawned on Silvy’s face, mingled with shock. “Ehhhh?” Runa, still blushing, nodded. “So you read it. Now, pick up the collar, place it around my neck, and strap on the leash.” Silvy hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly picked up the collar and carefully fastened it around Runa’s neck. She attached the leash, her hands trembling slightly. As she completed the task, the reality of the situation became unmistakably clear, underscoring the strange and punitive nature of the Empire’s regulations. Inside the Captain’s quarters on the Solaris, the atmosphere was thick with discomfort and uncertainty. Runa, now collared and standing awkwardly, felt a deep sense of embarrassment. “Now that I’m wearing the collar,” Runa said, her voice tinged with discomfort, “read the second rule.” Silvy, still grappling with the situation, read aloud from the booklet. “Rule number 2 for being the ship’s pet dog girl: The assigned ship’s pet dog girl should not walk like a human but must walk like a dog.” Runa’s cheeks flushed further. “Continue reading the rules.” Silvy moved on, reading, “Rule number 3 for being the ship’s pet dog girl: The assigned ship’s pet dog girl should not talk to others until given permission.” Silvy then read, “Rule number 4 for being the ship’s pet dog girl: The assigned ship’s pet dog girl must sleep in a cage placed in the captain’s quarters.” Finally, Silvy read, “Rule number 5 for being the ship’s pet dog girl: The assigned ship’s pet dog girl must not eat with two hands but use the dog’s bowl for eating and drinking.” Silvy looked up, troubled. “Uhmm, Captain, is there a way that I could become the pet dog instead?” Runa, her own sense of embarrassment evident, responded, “This is the order of Admiral Mars. I’m to become the pet dog, and you will be my handler. Nothing changes. If we disobey Admiral Mars’s orders, both of us will face court-martial.” Silvy, realizing the gravity of their situation, nodded solemnly. “Understood, Captain. I’m very sorry.” Just then, a knock echoed from the door. Vice Captain Erie Lockhardt’s voice came through, firm and urgent. “Captain, Admiral Mars is calling you to the bridge.” The sound of the knock and Lockhardt’s announcement brought a jarring reminder of their duty. Runa, feeling a mix of shame and resignation, knew that the implications of their predicament were far from over. The weight of the Empire’s decree loomed large as they prepared to face their roles in the harsh reality that awaited them on the bridge.