The dog we now know to be Wary Set says,

“This is Amiable First Eyes Set.” Still Runt^ was right. Sweet-World makes strange den-mates. Clumsy scent messages left in obvious places led us to meeting Wary again and him asking us to prove our belief in Set superiority over Rise. A few messages to Honest and Three-Paws Runt Rise set up a chance meeting with us where we took exception at her grooming Proud Set and started a fight. We lost, and were chastised by our provision-pack guider for being reckless and diminishing Pack. He doesn’t know of our mission or that we are serving Pack. He reeked of anger. Even though I know that I am for-Pack being berated for being not-for-Pack still hurts. I am for-Pack. More than that old mongrel. That event seemed to be sufficient for Wary Set to introduce us to his boss.

“Wary has told me that ye are both, true Set-dogs. That you have not been poisoned with the nonsense of unification. That you know that Sets and Rises cannot live together.”

“It makes my fur itch to think of Sets and Rises sharing provision, serving together, fighting together, denning together and swelling!” every chance to prove herself impetuous to these dogs, Still Runt takes.

“Then I am glad we found you. You will be safe with us. We are finding ways to be free of Rises and their stench.” Still Runt goes to bound in, I cut her off,

“Thank you, Pack Guider^ Amiable First Eyes Set.” He smells proud, no-dog had called him that yet. Of all the rebel packs I have infiltrated, these are going to be the easiest to manipulate. They are in past their feet and Amiable First Eyes Set is desperate for Pack. “We are here to serve the cause. Just give the sneeze and we will be guided by you as Pack for the best for Set.” Still Runt is projecting anger and frustration. Possibly she is going too hard. I send her a message down our hard-won pack-bond. It hits a wall. She’s closed the pack-bond at her end. What is she playing at?

“Thank you both. I have been asking around. You were considered a good provider on World, Cunning Runt Set.” For the last sixteenth, the Sets of our stealth-pack have been casually mentioning that I have a formidable career as a provider. Apparently, under Provision-Pack Guider Humble Set (who does have a Cunning Runt Set in his provision-pack, still on World), during the recent Rise-plague, I provided 5 settlements for a quarter^ in one trip! I let some pride seep from me “If you have picked Still Runt Set as your apprentice, I can imagine what potential she has.” Still Runt Set lets a larger wave of pride sluice over the pack. “We will have tasks for ye and, when we get out of here–” I don’t have to fabricate too much shock at this. I had no idea they were thinking of leaving the compound. Surely no amount of Set-pride could make a dog want to leave all option of Pack behind. “we will need some-dog with your skills to help us in the Wild.” So, they have big goals, these separatists. Nothing I have smelled so far, would suggest they have enough resources or dogs, let alone skill, to achieve something so daring. I secrete curiosity and excitement. Amiable First Eyes Set looks pleased with himself. Wary Set reeks of pride – they can’t have many new recruits. To be fair, it would be hard to persuade even dogs who disapprove of unification. Still Runt Set bursts forth with questions, either playing her part really well or…. I am not sure. Why would she close the pack-bond?

“We are leaving? No more Rise-stink in everything! But how do we get out? What if we end up in another compound? Well that’s fine, we’ll just make-prey of whatever is already there and take it as our own. A Set-paradise. Glorious!”

“Slow down pup, we couldn’t tell you until you have proven yourselves of-Set-Pack.” Still Runt Set scent-screams indignation, “I am sure ye are both good, Set-dogs but we hardly know ye yet. There are stealth-warriors on this world. It’ll be the easiest time for them to operate unknown (at a time when every-dog is mixed up and ripped from World). You will need to show that you are of-Set-Pack and, in time, we will tell you what we have planned and what part you can play in it” So, they are a little more cautious than they seem. Is the whole, creche-games operation an act?

“What can we do to prove ourselves to you Pack Guider Amiable Set?” I put my belly to the floor to show my obeisance.

“Soon, my packlings. We will be in contact soon with instructions” I don’t conceal the irritation I have being referred to as a “packling” by a dog whelped when I was in training. “Until then, go to your den, collect provision, feed, remain vigilant. We will meet again soon enough.” He and Wary Set leave together. Still Runt Set and I remain. She pacing and I still. Once we can no longer smell the separatists and we are certainly alone, I relax my scent-mask and let her smell I am annoyed. She drops her barrier in our pack-bond. She sends apologies and scrambled thoughts not clear enough for such a basic pack-bond.

“Speak” I growl in irritation.

“I was not sure I could hide the pack-bond if it was open. I have not bonded with any-dog before and I find it distracting having some-dog’s thoughts in my head.”

“You need to get used to it. We need to be able to communicate when we are in this pack. The time may come when we do not get a chance to speak aloud, so learn how to cope with it” I stalk off. She stays for a moment, allowing herself to feel the fatigue of perpetual pressure. Then she throws up her scent-mask and follows me, back in character as impetuous radical. As we approach the den-complex, she is darting about me and I snap at her to be still. A few dogs notice, some dismiss it instantly, others pretend they have not noticed.