Tau got up early at the Zoological Garden and made his rounds through the Truck Stop at the Center of Galaxy. Every morning, he went through each of the primary rings, starting with the Docking Ring, to see — well, smell — that everything was ship shape and Bristol fashion. Though today was a little special.
"Go get 'em, Tau!" a lady said.
Tau raised his hackles and ran stiff legged by her as she cheered.
He had an exhibition match later that day with another NeoBoxer: Omega. (1/5) #wss366
Omega was a flashy fawn from Holufinia who seemed to think he was Hod's gift to NeoBoxers or something.
"You've got this!" a man called.
Tau growled and barked in response.
A whole #cascade of events had led to the exhibition match, but the deciding factor had been when Omega had insulted his girlfriend, Lambda. Honor required that he stand up in her defense.
One hour before the match, Tau weighed in. He clocked in at 55kg with his heavy Fightin' Ball. (2/5) #wss366
He stood ringside and waited as the crowd came in. He could hear people placing bets. There was some question whether Omega would even show.
Tau paced. He carried the heavy Fightin' Ball clenched his jaws. The anticipation of the coming battle coursed through his veins. He felt his hackles rise.
Excitement rippled through the crowd when Omega entered the room. Tau stood on his hind legs to peer over the crowd as Omega made his way to the ring. Then the screaming started. (3/5) #wss366
Tau heard snarls and yelps and then saw Omega running for the exit. The crowd went wild. Tau spotted a lithe and tawny shape darting after Omega and nipping at his heels. He sprang to give chase.
The pursuit led half way around the Docking Ring to a Xerxes Mark IX courier, where Omega finally took refuge. Lambda stood outside the hatch barking furiously as Omega barked back at her through the window. (4/5) #wss366
Tau approached cautiously. He nudged Lambda with his muzzle. She sniffed and turned, facing away. Tau stood silently, then whined quietly. She snorted. He laid down and rolled over on his back. She turned back to him and licked his muzzle.
Then she gave one more withering stare at Omega, cowering on the other side of the hatch. Finally, she and Tau sauntered back to the Zoological Garden. (5/5) #wss366