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Subject: {ASSM} Project Biolab 2/3 Biolab 06: The Equines (M-Mare, rom, zoo, best, asst codes)  TBD
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Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:10:03 -0400
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Biolab 6: The Equines (M-Mare zoo, best)
---

    It was in late 1999 or early 2000 when Joyce Melton posted her
'Everyone's a Winner' challenge in ASSD: "Write a story using the
theme 'In the Meetings of a Committee Designed by a Horse'."

    I had recently done a couple of early stories in a story arc I
called 'Project Biolab'.

    This series was inspired by a story called 'Olsen Twins Raped by
Genetically Altered Wolves', by Fidelius Castratus.

    I'd contacted him and obtained permission to build my own work
that incorporated some of his concepts, mainly the one of a 'Project'
that had the goal of creating altered wolves that had human level
intelligence, and were speech capable.

    After thinking it over, I decided I could develop some more
concepts and background, by accepting the challenge and making my
story part of the Biolab universe.

    'Pony Girls!' was the result.

    In it were tantalizing hints about Cora and Bill's early years. I
don't remember if I wrote 'Pony Girls!' as a one off, or if I intended
to someday fill in some of the blanks, by writing something about
those early years.

    In 2003, I had the idea of Cora and Bill writing songs that would
give the world a condensed retelling of the highlights of their early
years together, and the experience that led to her creating the then
all mare dance troupe that would eventually become the Pony Girls
organization we met in the first story about her and Bill.

    On August 14, 2003, I posted a collection of eight freeform
poems/song lyrics, and called them 'Songs of Love'.

    I was already planning on trying something new, for me, and
writing short scenes to expand on the details and hints given in the
songs.

    Almost five years later, to the day, the collection was finished,
and I posted 'The Saga Begins: Songs of Love', the mixed poetry and
prose retelling of the early years of the relationship between Cora
and Bill.
====== 

M-Mare zoo/best
---

    Neighbors, it has taken almost exactly five years, but 'Songs of
Love', the mixed poetic and prose retelling of the history of Bill and
Cora, is finished.

    For most of the time, it languished in my hopper because I had
moved on with life. Once in awhile I'd take it out and look at it, but
until this year, never did more than that.

    However, for various reasons, I have the inclination and time to
go through and make certain I finish the stories that are most
important to me.

    This is one of them.

    It's unlikely that I will return to the saga of the mare, Cora,
and her human mate, Bill. I have too many other friends who need my
attention, and to be honest, this was the only work I had planned for
them.

    They will likely be mentioned in other stories, and perhaps it is
best that their lives remain something of a mystery.

    That said, I'm releasing this work, and the Biolab universe, to
the public domain.

    If someone out there wants to continue from where I've left off,
or change things and make it their own...

    Do so with my encouragement and whole hearted support.
    ----------

    M-Mare zoo/best

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 1/8 - Birth, A Duet
    (written and recited by the mare Cora, and her human mate, Bill)
    (Cora and Bill alternate, starting with Cora)
    ---

    Warm air
    Chills a steaming body,
    As a mare grunts with her efforts.

    A young boy
    Stares in awe
    And shares his mother's triumph.

    Legs unsteady.
    Eyes unfocused.
    A filly rises, and searches for life.

    An encouraging nod
    From mother and mare,
    And his hand lightly touches a miracle.

    Skin flinches.
    Gentle tones soothe
    The thundering heart within.

    (together)
    The saga begins
    When a young boy
    Unknowingly fastens the chains of love
    Around a newborn mare's heart.
    ---

    * * * *

    "Mom! Lightfoot's groaning and grunting. Is she in pain?"

    "I don't know, dear. I'm sure she'll tell us when she gets her
breath back."

    "MOM!" I was so frustrated with her non-answer that I shouted at
her.

    Instead of answering me directly she put her hands on my shoulders
and turned me back to face Lightfoot as she started giving birth. Her
hands tightened and I started to tell her she was hurting me, when she
shushed me. "Quiet. Here she comes..."

    A brown body oozed onto the hay. It glistened in the dim light.
"Ugh! What a mess. She's so quiet. Is she?..."

    Lightfoot stood and turned to gently nuzzle her daughter. The wet
body shivered and its chest heaved. The filly's limbs spasmed and she
fought to stand up. Once successful, she hesitated then nosed her
mother as she searched for a teat. Lightfoot shifted her legs slightly
to allow easier access.

    Mess and disgust forgotten, I reached to touch the newborn filly.
When Lightfoot's head turned in my direction, my mother gasped and
grabbed my hand.

    I froze.

    Lightfoot looked at my mother and spoke softly. "It's OK. Let him
go." She turned to me. "Gently, Bill. Speak to her and let her know
you're there before you touch her."

    "What do I say? She doesn't have a name yet. Have you thought of a
name? I have. Cora. Do you think I can name her?"

    My mother giggled. "Cora?" I thought you hated your aunt Cora."

    "Come on, mom. Aunt Cora is stupid and she treats me like I don't
know anything about anything. I hate *her*, not her *name*. It's a
beautiful name."

    I stared at the filly and didn't see the looks that were
exchanged. Lost in my wonder, I lowered my voice to a whisper: "She's
beautiful. If I get to help take care of her, I think I should get to
help decide on a name for her. Besides, *you* got to name Lightfoot!"

    Lightfoot nudged me with her head. "Go say hello to Cora, then."

    "Hello, Cora. I'm Bill. You're beautiful." I gently touched her
flank and felt her skin flinch at the unexpected contact. Lightfoot
nickered something, Cora pulled her head out, looked at my hand, then
me, and went back to suckling. Reassured by her acceptance of my light
touch I moved my hand slowly along her flank. It was still damp, but I
never noticed as I lost myself in the miracle that stood before me.
    ----------

    Mare zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 2/8 - Fields of Joy
    (written and recited by Cora)
    ---

    Small hands gently teach a young mare
    How to find freedom
    As he unlatches a gate
    And points to a new,
    Unexplored world.

    He walks though the gate.

    Legs awkward.
    Head high.
    Eyes searching and filled with wonder
    She slowly follows the boy into this strange,
    But enticing new world.

    He's running away!

    Startled into motion
    She stumbles forward.
    Then nature takes over
    And her legs begin to move
    To an inner rhythm
    That fills her ears with thunder.

    He laughs to see her joy.

    Inner awareness
    And his laughter
    Is suddenly shared
    By a new voice.

    She runs.
    She prances.

    They laugh together
    As he awkwardly imitates her prancing.

    Young eyes meet
    And a new awkwardness takes place
    As two children begin to teach each other
    Their places in life.

    -----------

    "She's so beautiful..." I heard my mother's chuckle and blushed. I
looked up. "You are too, Lightfoot."


    I went back to watching Cora sleep. I reached out, then hastily
brought my hand back. Mom and Lightfoot laughed. Their laughter woke
Cora and she jerked her head around nervously. I didn't hesitate this
time. "Cora. It's ok. Nobody is going to hurt you." I let her see my
hand while I slowly reached to stroke her. I felt the nervous ripples
beneath her skin slow.

    "So beautiful..."

    "Bill." I felt Lightfoot's head nudge me. "Give Cora some room so
she can get up. Then you can show her how to work the latch and go
outside with her."

    I was stunned. Me? Take Cora outside for the first time? I looked
at my mother, then Lightfoot. "Really?"

    They nodded. I scrambled to my feet and got out of the way. Cora
flailed around and somehow, suddenly, she was standing on her thin
legs. Lightfoot nickered and shoved her gently in my direction.

    Cora wobbled, moved a few steps and then froze uncertainly.
Lightfoot nudged again. "Go. Bill, stay with her."

    I gulped. "OK." I decided to be brave and walked over until I
could wrap an arm around Cora's neck. "Come on. I'll be with you." I
held on and moved forward slightly. I felt her shivering hesitation
and then she stepped forward so suddenly she was dragging me for a few
steps.

    My mother must have seen my reaction because I heard "Bill! You do
and you'll regret it!"

    I lost my anger and embarrassment. "Yes, Mother."

    "That's better."

    I sighed. "Come on, Cora. Let's go outside."

    We got to the doorway and I hugged her. "Look." I pulled her head
to one side and touched the latch. "All you have to do is push up." I
pushed the latch up and let it drop. "You can go outside anytime you
want."

    She looked at me and then stared through the doorway. I sighed.
"Never mind, Cora. Let's go!" I opened the gate and started walking
away. She nickered forlornly and just stood there. I stopped, looked
at her and sighed. "Come on. It's ok. Really. Look..." I picked some
grass and offered it to her. I let her nibble and then backed away.
She followed a couple of steps and froze again.

    "Oh, come on!" I ran off, not really caring if she'd follow me or
not. "It's too nice to be standing around!"

    I heard footsteps behind me. The rhythm was uncertain at first and
when I stopped to watch I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Cora was
trying to run but her legs weren't working right. I started to laugh
but instead my jaw dropped in surprise when all of a sudden she
thundered past me.

    She made long sweeping circles and sometimes she'd run past me so
close I could feel the wind of her passage.

    I was terrified. Thrilled.

    Awed.

    Cora had been beautiful.

    Now, she was magnificent.
    ----------

    M zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 3/8 - Run, Cora. Run!
    (written by Bill and Cora, recited by Bill)
    ---

    (their explorations go further afield when Bill rides Cora)

    A young boy
    Astride a young mare's back.

    Run, Cora. Run!

    Together they fly
    Where the ground meets the sky

    Run, Cora. Run!

    Fields become mountains.
    Mountains become fields.

    Run, Cora. Run!

    Past and future are gone.
    They live an unending now.

    Run, Cora. Run!

    Mare and boy
    Moving as one.

    Run.
    Oh please, Cora.

    RUN!
    -----------

    "Billy!"

    I sighed. "Yeah, Mom?"

    "Don't forget the rifle."

    "I didn't."

    "Good." She walked over and hugged me. "As long as you stay in the
Valley, you shouldn't need it. There's a pack here, now, and they'll
be keeping an eye on everything."

    She reached for my hair and I ducked away, going underneath Cora's
belly so I could escape.

    She laughed. "Keep the caller with you, son. Have a good time and
be back Sunday afternoon."

    "Yes, Mom. I have the caller, too, and the first aid kit and the
special stuff for Cora. We'll be back Sunday. We're only going as far
as the hay barn on the old Wilkinson ranch."

    She sobered a little. "Don't get snippy young man, or you'll be
mucking the entire barn next week, not just Cora's stall."

    I sighed and finished tightening the cinch on the saddle while
Cora exhaled deeply. Mom was in one of her moods again and it wasn't
going to do me any good if I said what I wanted to say.

    By the time I'd finished making sure I had everything stowed and
secure, Mom had Lightfoot saddled and they were gone on their daily
run.

    I clambered into the saddle and sighed again when I grabbed Cora's
reins. "I'm ready."

    She turned her head to look at me. "She worries about us. When are
you going to tell her we always run with the pack when we aren't on
the ranch?"

    "I dunno. You know how she and your mom are. They still don't
trust them completely. Do you want to get told we can't run with them
any more?"

    I leaned forward slightly to let her know I was ready to go. She
shut up and ambled through the barn door, then, once we were away from
everyone else, she broke into a run and headed for the gate that was
nearest to the Wilkinson ranch.

    Cora's flanks were heaving when I got off to walk the last quarter
mile to the gate beside her.

    She tossed her head up and laughed. "That was *fun*!"

    I laughed and hugged her. "Yeah! And we get to do it whenever we
want for the next two days!"

    She bent her head down and snorted into my face. I could smell the
hay on her breath and it smelled good. I hugged her again, then draped
the reins over her neck and looped them around the pommel.

    "Let's go. I bet mom called the pack and asked them to keep an eye
on us, just like G'Rynn figured she would."

    Sure enough, the six wolves that formed G'Rynn's pack were
sleeping in the grass on the other side of the gate.

    Their heads came up suddenly, then they stood and stretched before
they came over to the gate to greet us. G'Rynn had his tongue hanging
out in his usual grin.

    "So, Hunter-of-things-unknown, are you ready for your rite of
passage?"

    I blushed. "It's not like that. Mom and Lightfoot just decided
that we can be trusted out overnight now that we're older and I know
how to use the rifle."

    He shifted slightly so he could watch Cora while I opened the
gate. "Fleetfoot?"

    Once she was through, she bent and touched noses with him. "I
agree with Bill. This is an earned reward, not a rite of passage."

    He flicked his ears and then stretched again. "You live in a
strange world, 'Seekers'."

    Instead of getting back in the saddle, I unclipped her reins and
put them away. Then, I made sure everything was solidly lashed down
and wouldn't fall off during her run.

    I wasn't really worried about it though. The wolves would keep
their eyes open and make sure anything that came loose would be picked
up and returned.

    Once I was sure nothing was loose, I affectionately slapped her
rump. "HA!"

    She reared with pleasure and when she landed she was off and
running. Five wolves joined her, enjoying the shared run.

    G'Rynn stayed behind, apparently content to walk beside me while I
enjoyed the evening, and the chance to watch Cora while she relaxed.

    We walked in silence for a while, then I couldn't keep it in.
"What did you mean about this being a rite of passage? We had to work
hard to make sure we would be able to get away for the weekend."

    "It is a wolvish thing, apparently. Anything that marks a child's
first conscious step on the path of adulthood is something we see as a
rite of passage, and significant, Hunter."

    I froze and looked down. "Come on. No way I'm starting to be an
adult. I haven't even started puberty."

    He inhaled through his nose and grinned. "Yes, you have."

    I blushed. Oh. So that's why I was so confused all the time now.
Mom and dad had given me 'The Lecture', then laughed and told me I'd
understand it more when the time came to understand.

    "Yeah. Well, maybe. If you say so." I knew better than to argue
with him when he was in his Alpha Mood. "All puberty means is that I
can make babies."

    His ears swiveled suddenly, letting me know something I'd done
focused his attention on me. "A strange view, for one so young."

    I sighed. "What is it with everyone? I've grown up on a horse
ranch. I know all about sex and fucking and getting girls pregnant.
What's so special about it now that I know *I* can get someone
pregnant if I screw her? Girls are worse than my mother most of the
time. A pain."

    Cora came thundering up so I was spared whatever further comments
he would have made.

    We walked the rest of the way to the hay barn in silence.

    The pack had already checked out the barn by the time we got
there, and declared it safe. Cora and I talked it over, then decided
it was too nice to sleep inside, so we settled in one of the old
paddocks after I removed all our gear and curried her.

    I had filled the old watering trough and once Cora had her fill,
one of the wolves jumped in and splashed around for a few minutes
before she got out and shook herself, soaking all of us.

    I found one of the old feed buckets and put Cora's evening ration
of her special feed in it, then we settled so I could lean up against
her.

    While she munched, I watched the stars.

    "I wonder what it's like up there? They said on the news that
they're building a special Geostation, so they can see how regular
animals do in space."

    Cora paused in her eating. "I don't think I'd like it. How would I
be able to run?"

    I sighed. "Yeah. No wind in our faces--or anything. Can't play in
the streams... Might be OK to visit, though. I don't know."

    One of the wolves spoke up. I'd forgotten about their hearing.
Only people I knew who could hear better than my mom. "People need to
run, too, and the wolves who work in space. There will be a track that
goes all the way around the outside so we can run as long and far as
we want."

    I laughed at her wistful yearning. "Phoebe, you sound like you
*want* to be up there."

    "I do. I miss it."

    I jerked around to stare in her direction. All I could see were
her eyes. "You've been in space?"

    "Yes. It's beautiful." She paused for a long time and when she
spoke again her words were definitely wistful. "In space, I can leap
and never touch the ground again until I want to."

    I pictured Cora's sleek, powerful body stretched out and flying
through the air. "Oh... Wow..."

    I felt a nose nudge me and I turned and hugged Cora. "Can you
imagine that, Cora? How'd you'd like it if you could be Pegasus, for
real?"

    She pulled away and I could see her head lift until she was
looking at the sky. She held that pose for a long time and then she
brought her head back to press it into my chest. "Only if you are with
me."

    I gaped in shock. I'd known that someday soon she'd have to start
thinking about her future and that I was too young to join her. "Are
you serious? I'm too young."

    G'Rynn's laughter echoed from the barn behind us. "It will take
years before the special Geostation is ready for us. In the meantime,
you and Cora will grow up and perhaps find a way to be there. Nothing
is impossible if you dream hard enough."

    By then he was next to us. I felt the touch of his nose. "Without
dreams, none of us would be here. Perhaps, someday, you will be
*there*."

    He settled on his haunches and lifted his head, then the six of
them started their evening serenade.
    ----------

    Mare zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 4/8 - What Are These Feelings?
    (written by Cora and Bill, recited by Cora)
    ---

    What Are These Feelings?
    (written and recited by Cora)
    ---
    (Her puberty brings a new awareness of stallions--and of Bill, who
has just entered his own puberty)

    The stallion walks by.
    His eyes gleam.
    His scent reaches me
    And I begin to shiver.

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    The shifting breeze
    Carries the familiar scent
    Of Bill
    And I begin to shiver.

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    The stallion approaches
    And nuzzles me gently.
    The ritual begins
    But I run away.

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    I run to Bill.
    Still a child
    But he makes me shiver inside
    As if he were a stallion

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    "Why are you nervous, Cora?"
    I try to explain.
    "I am not a stallion.
    I am not for you."

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    "Hold me, Bill."
    Let your gentle touch
    Keep the new fears
    Away.

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    Eyes closed
    As gentle hands soothe me
    I dream
    And decide to wait.

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    Bill.
    Not a stallion.
    Not for me.
    But that will change.

    What are these feelings
    I keep feeling inside?

    I study Bill.
    My Bill.
    Though new eyes.
    A lover's eyes.

    The feelings I feel
    Are those of a lover...

    Bill's lover.
    --------

    Cora woke with a start. She'd been doing that a lot recently.

    As quietly as she could, she eased out of her stall and went
outside so she could wander in the pasture.

    She needed to be alone with her thoughts, yet...

    Something in her didn't want to be alone.

    When she walked past him the herd stallion nickered at her and she
smiled and nickered back that she wanted to be by herself.

    His posture shifted slightly, and she knew he was studying her
thoughtfully, almost hopefully.

    She shook her head slightly and he nodded, letting her go.

    She ambled off, idly sampling the grass while she drifted.

    He was handsome, she could see that, even in the twilight. He was
respected by all the mares, too, and that was important.

    She wondered if, when the time came, he would be the one to mate
with her.

    He probably would be, but there was someone else she would rather
have.

    Bill.

    She shook herself out of her reverie.

    He'd make a fine stallion, though.

    * * *

    Bill found her in the far pasture, wandering aimlessly, with her
head slightly down.

    "Cora? What's wrong?"

    She watched him approach and when he ran his hands over her she
shivered as waves of pleasure flowed through her suddenly heaving
body.

    He flinched back in fear. "Cora! Do you need help?!"

    "No!" It was a gasp, forced out between the flashing images that
took away most of her thoughts. "Stay with me! Touch me."

    He came back, rested his hand on her flank and she shivered again.
"Are you certain you're not sick?"

    "Not. Sick." She forced her thinking to clear. "Time. Stallion.
You!" She turned to face him and pleaded. "Mate with me. Please."

    He jerked his hand away and she could see his shock. "No!" Then he
wrapped her head in a hug. "It's not that. Can't you see it, Cora?
We're not right for each other. I..."

    He sighed and pulled away to look at her sadly. "I can't, that's
all. I'm not a stallion. I'm..."

    He let go and hung his head sadly while he walked away. "I'm only
human."

    Cora shivered again as new feelings tore through her frustration.
When it was over she raised her head and watched Bill while he slowly
walked away from her.

    'I love him, and he truly loves me.' It was a heady thought and it
suddenly filled her with a purpose beyond the demands of her body.
'I'll find a way.'
    ----------

    M zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 5/8 - Is it Lust, or Love?
    (written by Bill and Cora, recited by Bill)
    ---

    (Bill's sexual awakening and his confusion when he realizes his
primary sexual interest is Cora.)

    Dreams.
    Powerful dreams.
    Of Cora.

    NO!

    Flanks heaving.
    Bodies sweaty.
    Naked bodies, together.

    NO!

    A stallion drops.
    SHE rejects him
    And turns to me.

    NO!

    I run.
    She stands
    And watches

    Why?

    Lust.
    Her touch.
    My desires.

    Why?

    This cannot be.
    It must not be.
    She is not for me.

    Why?

    The signs
    Are there
    For me to read

    She waits.

    My dreams.
    My life.
    Are hers.

    She waits.

    Her scent.
    Her readiness.
    My own.

    NO!

    Resist.
    Deny.
    Reject.

    She waits.

    Cora waits.

    For me.
    -------

    "Dad?"

    His dad looked up from his screen. "Bill? Something wrong?"

    "I was wondering if I could take one of the quads and go check the
fence line."

    His father leaned back and studied him thoughtfully. "Don't you
usually ride Cora?"

    Bill blushed. "Yeah. But she's in estrus."

    "You've ridden other mares in estrus. Shouldn't be a problem."

    Bill blushed again. "Yeah. But she's pretty confused and you know
how rugged some of that area is."

    His dad shook his head slightly, and Bill saw the beginnings of a
smile that quickly vanished. "Go. I'll tell everyone where you're at,
and keep them away from you, somehow."

    Bill flinched. "How'd?..." He fell silent, confused by his dad's
tolerant chuckle.

    "I grew up on a ranch. We didn't have any talking mares, of
course, but..." He laughed and went over to hug his son. "Whatever
happens, it's between the two of you, OK? I'll back you up, whatever
you decide to do, or not do."

    Bill couldn't hide his shock. "You will? But..."

    "Relax. It's part of growing up, and that hormone driven curiosity
is something you need to satisfy."

    "Dad? I..." Bill blushed yet again and looked at his feet. "I'm
not sure, but I think it's more than that. Or, at least there's more
than sex involved in my dreams."

    There was a long silence while they were both lost in their
thoughts.

    His father finally let go and pushed gently. "Get two of the quads
ready. We'll start at the main gate and meet at the gate to the
Wilkinson ranch. I need to do some serious thinking, too. We didn't
consider this possibility, and I need to figure out how to break the
news to your mother and LIghtfoot, if it goes the way I think it
might."

    "You aren't upset?"

    The man sighed. "Not in the way you think I might be. Just because
I'm not one, doesn't mean you won't be."

    Bill gaped at him in surprise. "Won't be what?"

    "Zoosexual."

    "Huh?"

    "Do you dream about what it would be like to fuck Cora?"

    "Umm..."

    "I'll take that for a yes. I already know how much the two of you
care for each other. That's what zoosexuals do. They love animals."

    His dad spun and stared out the window at the pasture. "She
started it, didn't she?"

    "Yeah. I thought she was sick, and when I touched her she shook
and wanted me to..." He broke off, unable to put it into words. "I
told her I couldn't, and walked away."

    "She didn't try to follow you?"

    "No."

    He nodded and then made a shooing motion with one hand. "Go! I'll
meet you at the front gate."

    * * *

    Still confused, but obviously quite willing to hurry up and
escape, Bill headed for where the quads were stored.

    He was greasing the hinge pins on the main gate when his dad
showed up on the second quad.

    Together, they finished the routine stuff and stopped to lean on
the fence rail in amiable silence.

    "Bill, I sent Lightfoot out to find Cora and tell her to let you
be by yourself for a few days, or until you go to her."

    He hid a smile. Lightfoot had been surprised at first, then amused
with the funny antics and silliness that humans could do. He didn't
think Bill would find the situation amusing, nor would Cora.

    Cora had a pragmatic streak wider than her mane, so he figured she
already had some sort of plan worked out so she'd get her way. Best
not to tell Bill that, just let him discover it on his own.

    "Thanks, dad." He moved towards his quad. "See you at the
Wilkinson gate."

    He watched while his son slowly cruised along the fence, checking
it carefully. Finally he shook his head. 'I'd better get moving if I
want to get there before dark.'
    ----------

    M-Mare zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 6/8 - My Lover, My Love
    (written by Bill and Cora, recited by Bill and Cora)
    ---

    (Cora seduces Bill and helps him past his confusion, into
acceptance of his zoosexuality)

    A forest clearing was filled
    With a mare's love.
    Your love.

    "Come to me, Bill.
    Be one with me, Bill
    Become my Stallion."

    I shook my head in denial.
    "I am a man.
    You are a mare."

    "You are a male.
    I am a female.
    Others have made this choice."

    I lightly touched your flank,
    Gazed into your eyes,
    And could no longer deny our love.

    "Come to me, Bill.
    Be one with me, Bill.
    Become my Stallion"

    I stripped.
    For the first time
    I felt naked in front of your eyes.

    "You have always been
    My Stallion.
    I am your mare."

    Nature took over.
    We found
    A way.

    "Lust drove our thoughts
    And actions
    To completion at last!"

    (together)
    "Lust, long denied.
    Satisfied at last.
    Affirmed our love."
    -------

    Bill was pensive for a couple of days while he tried to figure out
what to do. He couldn't completely avoid Cora and he admitted to
himself late at night that he didn't want to.

    It was just...

    He looked out the window at the dark night and listened to the
distant howls of the wolves while he idly stroked his penis.

    Inevitably, he started thinking of Cora, sex--and the familiar
sight he'd always ignored until she'd asked him to screw her.

    Her sex.

    In his mind he could see himself watching while she winked at him,
inviting him with her need.

    His breathing changed but he wasn't aware of that change, only the
tingling that grew in his stiffened penis as his movements changed
from idle stroking to a rapid milking action.

    He imagined he felt her hair against his naked body as he moved
behind her and slid his swollen part into her waiting cunt and it
felt...

    Different.

    "Cora.... Oh.... Coraaaaaa...."

    He spasmed suddenly and fell back on his bed, out of breath and
suddenly chilled.

    He sighed and wiped himself off, then walked over to stare out at
nothing, except his memories and possible futures.

    "I just don't know..."

    Tomorrow was Saturday. He sighed and made his decision.

    Before he got dressed he wrote a note he could leave pinned to the
fridge. 'Gone riding with Cora.' He wanted to explain, but really, he
couldn't. He didn't know anything, but he guessed that before they got
back, he'd probably have some sort of clue about what he should do
about the desires that confused him so much.

    He dressed, grabbed the caller and his rifle, then headed for the
barn and Cora's stall.

    He tried to be as silent as he could, but when he got there she
was awake and waiting for him. She nickered a soft greeting.

    He held up a hand. "Shhh... We can talk after we get out in the
pasture."

    She nodded into his hug, then waited patiently while he saddled
her up and grabbed everything they'd need for the weekend.

    By the time they left, a few of the other horses were awake and
watching them. He wasn't worried about most of them, but he knew
Lightfoot would want to know what was going on.

    He swung himself into the saddle, then bent forward and whispered
into one of Cora's ears. "Stop so I can tell Lightfoot what we're
doing. Let's go."

    Cora stepped out of her stall and carefully walked over to her
waiting mother.

    The three of them looked at each other in silence, then Lightfoot
nodded her head.

    Bill blushed. "Lightfoot. I... We..."

    "Your father told me. Be gentle with each other, whatever you
decide."

    He nodded slowly. "I love her. But..." He stammered to a stop,
then took a deep breath. "I just gotta know. I can't get her out of my
thinking when..."

    Cora's head swung around so she could study him. He touched her
nose lightly. "That's what scares me. Every time I try to think about
girls, all I see is you."

    Lightfoot pushed at Cora with her nose. "Go. Find out so you know
for certain if this is what you want."

    Cora swung her head to look at her mother, then nodded before she
walked away. She and Bill were silent until they were halfway across
the main pasture.

    "Bill?"

    "Yes, Cora?"

    "How long have you been fantasizing about me?"

    "Since you asked me to fuck you."

    "Not before that?"

    He sighed. He'd been caught. "Sometimes I'd start to, but I was
always able to think of someone else. It quit working since..."

    "Oh."

    He shifted in the saddle. "Cora? What about you? Do mares?... You
know, fantasize about stallions?"

    "I didn't. Not until that night. I was restless and didn't know
why. When I went past the herd stallion he watched me, and I knew that
someday he might be the one to mate with me. But I didn't want it to
be him at first. All I could think about was what a fine stallion
you'd make."

    "Oh."

    They traveled in silence until they got to the gate. He got down
and opened it. As she walked past he found himself staring at her
tail, and wondering about what was hidden beneath it.

    She stood there, patiently waiting, then after a time she turned
to look at him. "Bill?"

    He jerked. "Oh."

    He quickly closed the gate and faced her. "Cora? I'm scared."

    They watched each other while it got lighter. Finally she nodded.
"So am I."

    "You? Scared?"

    "That morning. When you touched me. I couldn't think at first. I
wanted..."

    He had the feeling that if she could have, she would have blushed.
"I wanted you, but I knew that it could have been anyone, as long as
they'd kept touching me. I lost control I couldn't think. I couldn't
*choose*. If a stallion had been there, I would have gone to him. I
would have begged him to make me feel that good again."

    Bill knew he winced in sympathy. "I'm sorry. I was scared. What
you wanted... I always thought it was wrong. I..." He started crying.
"I just couldn't!"

    She moved until she was close enough for him to reach out and
touch her rump. "Bill? I love you. I know you love me. Can we find
out?..." She dropped her head and sighed. "Please. Touch me. Make me
happy. Make *us* happy again."

    His hand was shaking when he rested it lightly on her hip. She
shivered, and her feet shifted slightly, opening herself to his
attention. Her tail came up, and he could see that she was winking.

    Almost unconsciously his hand followed his eyes until it was near
the outside of her vulva. He could feel the muscular contractions.

    He'd washed her before this, so he knew what it felt like, there,
but somehow this was different. He watched, forgetting to move his
hand until he felt Cora shift again. "Bill? Why have you stopped?"

    "Huh? Oh! Sorry!" His movement was tentative but he finally
gathered enough courage to lightly stroke her sex. She suddenly moaned
and backed into his hand, nearly knocking him over.

    It scared him. "Cora! What did I do wrong?"

    She gasped with her need. "Not. Wrong. Right!"

    "Oh. Wow."

    The break in his concentration let him discover that he was
rubbing himself through his pants. He looked around to see if anyone
was watching them, then realized how stupid that was. His parents
would know that they usually headed this way when they needed to
think, and they would stop anyone from coming to look for them.
Lightfoot would have figured it out, too, even if she wasn't concerned
with keeping things private.

    He took a deep breath. "Cora? I'm going to have to take my hand
away while I strip. He looked around suddenly. "I want to fuck you,
now, but there's nothing to stand on."

    She shivered. "Hurry..."

    "Yeah. I know..."

    He quickly stripped himself while she watched him. His whole body
blushed. It was funny, really. She'd seen him naked before and neither
one of them had thought anything about it.

    This time was different though.

    He finally stood there, naked, and they looked at each other
appraisingly. Something had changed between them and they weren't sure
what had happened.

    He laughed suddenly and walked over to give her a head hug. "Cora?
I bet you're going to think I'm crazy, but... The only way I'll be
able to fuck you right now is if you lie down on your side or get on
your back. It's that or we wait until we find something I can stand
on."

    She whispered urgently. "Not crazy. You promise? You'll fuck me?
Make me happy again? Make it all right between us, again?"

    He froze, and then hugged her fiercely. She'd said the one thing
that he knew he'd never be able to ignore. "I promise. Anything I can
do, I will, if it will make us happy again!"

    "Good!"

    She settled on her side with a needy groan, then waited.

    He settled behind her and reached for her again. This time he
didn't hesitate, but touched her firmly, and kneaded her vulva. Her
juices flowed over his fingers, and daringly he soaked his hand and
started working his fingers inside her.

    It was a heady experience, and suddenly he couldn't control
himself. He lifted her top leg and managed to line himself up enough
to get his penis wet.

    He tried to enter her, and failed. The angle was too wrong.

    He pulled himself clear of her body. "Cora! You'll have to be on
your back!"

    She rolled and spread her legs.

    "Yeah!. Oh... Yeah... That's perfect!"

    He fell on her hungrily and quickly found her entrance again, then
slid all the way in with a single stroke.

    He gasped with the shock of all the new sensations.

    All of his thoughts about exploring, and being gentle, evaporated.

    He fucked her, slamming his hips against her.

    No matter how deep he went on each stroke, he wanted to get
deeper, and on the next stroke he tried to do exactly that.

    It was over quickly.

    On one stroke, when his pubes hit hers as hard as he could drive
them together, the tingling because a sharp spike and his hips locked
as he arched his body, putting nearly all his weight on their pubes.

    He pulsed a few times, painfully, then he collapsed.

    He didn't know how long he laid there on her body, but she hadn't
moved.

    "Bill?"

    He shuddered and gasped for breath. "Yeah, Cora?"

    "Are you all right?"

    He shuddered again as he remembered how he'd felt. "Oh, yeah...
That was... it was incredible. It was so good..."

    Then he realized something. "How about you? How are you feeling?"

    She was slow in replying. "I... I'm not sure. I felt so good,
but... Bill? Don't get angry with me. It felt good. Real good, but
somehow I feel as if..." She stopped.

    He sighed and rubbed her belly. "I'm sorry. I couldn't stop. I'll
get better, I promise."

    He had a sudden inspiration. "I'll make it up to you." He slid
backwards, until he could work her with his hands again.

    "How's this?"

    "Uhhh!"

    He laughed with delight. "Good. I won't stop until you tell me to.
OK?"

    "UH!"

    He was exhausted when she finally told him she'd had enough. His
arms were soaked, and one of them was still in her, almost all the way
to his shoulder while he worked the area around her clitoris.

    He felt her spasms slowly subside, then, as gently as he could, he
eased his arm out, pausing when she grunted to let him know she was
uncomfortable.

    Once he was clear she settled on her side with her flanks heaving
until she recovered a little.

    He moved until he could wrap his arms around her neck from behind.
"Cora?"

    "Yes, Bill?"

    "No more doubts. I want you to be happy. I love you."

    "Stay with me Bill. Always. Keep me happy, like this. I need you."
She took a deep breath and shuddered while she let it out. "I love
you."

    He hugged her tightly. "Yeah. Always, Cora. Always."
    ----------

    M-Mare zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 7/8 - Childhood Game, Lifetime Commitment
    (written by Bill and Cora, recited by Bill and Cora)
    ---

    (A winter storm forces them to take refuge inside an unused barn.
Due to boredom and the limited space available they modify their
childhood game of 'prancing' together and discover a joy they decide
to share with the world--as dancers. )

    (Bill's words)

    A gust of wind
    Provides a warning
    And we discover
    We must move quickly
    Or we will be covered
    In more than our sweat.

    Clothes barely remembered
    I leap astride
    And she lunges
    Into an all out run
    For our safety
    As the storm unleashes its fury.

    Dim memories
    Of our rambling childhood
    Make me nudge her flank
    And get her to turn slightly.
    "Over there, our barn."
    She snorts and never slackens her speed.

    The barn is long unused.
    Last visited by a boy
    And a filly
    Who needed shelter
    From the overwhelming world
    They had been born into.

    Now,
    Driven by a winter storm
    A young man
    And a young mare
    Return
    To familiar shelter.

    She slows.
    She stops.
    Bitterly cold snow
    Covers us
    I force myself to the ground
    And jerk the door open.

    We enter.
    I force the door closed.
    Shivering, I clear a small area of the floor
    And manage to light a fire.
    Warmth slowly returns
    And with it, memories.

    (Cora's words)
    "Do you remember
    The times we pranced together?"
    She laughs and bounces in place
    As her feet
    Attempt to spurn the ground
    Again.


    (Bill's words)
    "Yes, Cora.
    I remember.
    When did we forget
    How to prance together?"
    I rock from side to side
    As my body remembers those days.

    (Cora's words)
    I am chilled.
    Exhausted from my dash for our safety.
    But my body feels light
    And ready to soar.
    There is no room.
    Only my mind can soar.

    Bill's hands are gentle
    As he uses his shirt
    To dry my heaving flanks.
    I sink gratefully into the straw
    And he covers me
    Before I fall asleep.

    I dream of warmer days,
    Of lush fields.
    I see the two of us
    Moving together.
    Prancing.
    Dancing.

    My eyes snap open
    To see Bill
    Settled at the fire.
    "Bill.
    Prance with me.
    Dance with me."

    We rise and face one another.
    I hesitate briefly
    Then stab my hooves
    At the floor.
    Bill searches within
    Then follows my lead

    (together)
    Hooves
    And feet
    Suddenly synchronize
    To an unheard rhythm.
    Souls in search of purpose
    Have found their future.
    --------

    Bill stood in the door to the barn and looked out at the ranch. He
had one hand resting on Cora's flank.

    "I've missed you."

    She turned and nudged him. "I've missed you, too."

    He sighed and hugged her head when she pressed it into his chest..
"Three more years, and then we can be together all the time, again.
Not just during my breaks."

    She sighed and pressed harder before she pulled away. "I need to
run. With you."

    He laughed. "Only run? Nothing more?"

    She snorted and stamped a hoof emphatically. "Of course I want
more. But, we can't do it here. Your parents had to hire a bunch of
new hands while you were away, and I don't think some of them would be
happy if they caught us."

    He laughed again and touched her head lightly, then let his hand
drift along her neck and back while he watched her body shiver at his
touch.

    "Cora, love. I understand. I hope you'll forgive me. I tried out a
few of the girls at school. I had to, just to be sure."

    He sighed and watched her face. "None of them were you, and after
a few times, I quit."

    She nudged him, to let him know everything was OK between them.
"Is it that much different than me breeding with a stallion, to
increase the herd? I understand, and accept what has to be."

    He shuddered. "Yeah. What has to be. Someday..."

    She watched him carefully, and with sudden hope. "Bill? What is
it?"

    "Not here."

    He saddled her and they headed for the far pasture, where they
used to meet G'Rynn and his pack. They'd been gone for years, slowly
leaving as each one found a partner and started working.

    After they went through the gate he closed it and leaned on the
fence while she stood next to him.

    He turned around and studied the nearby mountains. "I wonder how
the pack is doing? Phoebe's back in space. She and her partner are
working on the newest Geostation, as a security team. I lost track of
the others."

    Cora nudged him gently. "G'Rynn and the others are on the moon.
He's head of the Biopartner security enclave there and the rest are
his assistants."

    Bill laughed. "I bet he catches criminals by talking to them like
a mystic. They'd be so surprised that anyone would be able to walk up
to them."

    Cora laughed along with him. Then, she nudged him again. "Bill? Do
you remember our first time?"

    He looked at the overgrown field and the barely visible path they
used to follow. "I do. Memories of us are all I had, once I quit
trying to go out with the girls I met. I spent a lot of nights
remembering our first time, and a lot of other times."

    He turned and hugged her while he let his tears flow into her
mane. "It helped."

    "Bill?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Make us happy again. Now."

    He lifted his head and looked at the cloudy sky, then smiled. "I
hope we have time. I don't like the looks of the storm that's moving
in. They said it was going to be pretty bad once it hit, tomorrow."

    He took the time to remove her saddle and the panniers, then
studied the sky again before turning to where she had already
stretched out to wait for him. "Sorry, love. I'm going to keep my
clothes on and make this a quickie. I'll do what I can though, before
the storm hits us. OK?"

    "I trust you."

    "OK."

    He worked her until she was ready for him, then he entered her and
made quick work of his own orgasm. Far more experienced than he'd been
during that first time, he slid back and started working her, without
worrying about his own 'dignity'.

    He had just worked his hand inside her when a freezing blast of
air whipped across his exposed buttocks.

    He looked up and when he realized what was approaching, jerked his
hand free and screamed over the rising wind. "We've got to get out of
here!"

    While he frantically pulled his pants up and fastened them she
rolled to her feet and ran to where they'd left their gear. He
staggered over and hurriedly put it all back on. Once he'd made sure
everything was tight, he vaulted to her back.

    "The barn! It's our only chance! Run for it!"

    He leaned forward and as soon as he had his arms around her neck
she lunged forward, trusting to her memories to get them to safety.

    The heavy, wind driven snow was blinding them both, and she nearly
ran into the old barn when it suddenly loomed before her.

    Bill was shivering when he slid off her back and stumbled over to
work one of the sagging doors open enough so she could get inside.

    Once she was past him he jerked the doors as closed as he could
get them, shutting out the blizzard.

    Her sides were heaving and her head hung as she recovered from her
long sprint. He staggered over and touched her flank. "Soon, love. As
soon as I get a fire going."

    He dug into one of the panniers, thankful he'd remembered to bring
along one of his heavy winter jackets. It was a struggle, but
eventually he had it on.

    Then, as much as he hated to leave the task, he ignored her sweaty
condition while he quickly cleared a space on the floor for a fire.

    Once he had it lit, and was confident it would be safe to let it
burn untended, he turned to Cora, and her shivering.

    He sighed, but never hesitated. He stripped, then put only his
pants and jacket back on. Once he had that done he led her over near
the fire, getting her as close as he dared.

    Then, using up the last of his energy, he wiped her down as
rapidly as he could.

    Once she was wiped down he grabbed handfuls of old hay and kept
working on her, drying her the rest of the way, and helping work some
warmth back into her body.

    When he was finally done she had quit shivering, and he was the
one who was panting while he recovered.

    Once his breathing had slowed to normal he stepped forward and
hugged her. "That was too close!"

    He pulled back and suddenly they both started laughing. Cora said
it for both of them. "It was worth it!"

    "Yeah. It was, but next time we take our chances at home, OK?"

    She laughed louder, then bounced her front feet. The experience,
coming as it had, just before her orgasm, had left her charged with
energy she couldn't get rid of inside the barn.

    "Oh, Bill. I need to run!" She bounced again, then stopped when a
memory took her by surprise.

    "Bill?"

    "Yes, Cora?" He looked up from warming himself by the fire. "What
is it?"

    "Do you remember the first time you took me outside?"

    "Vaguely. I remember you couldn't walk, then all of a sudden you
were running." He smiled at her. "I think that was when I fell in love
with you. I just didn't know it until years later."

    She bobbed her head, then turned so her other side would get some
heat before she continued.

    "What I remember was how you laughed, then tried to imitate my
prancing."

    He blushed. "Oh. I bet I looked like an idiot, didn't I?"

    She stepped forward and nudged him. "I never noticed. I was having
too much fun."

    He nodded. "Yeah... It was fun, wasn't it?"

    "Yes, Bill, it was."

    She stepped away from the fire and then suddenly bounced on her
front feet a few times. "When did we forget how to do this together?"

    He looked pensive. "I don't know, Cora. We must have forgotten
though, because we haven't done it together for years, have we?"

    She arched her neck and bounced again. "Prance with me again,
Bill."

    He laughed at her pleading tone. "Now? In here?"

    She shook her head and made her mane fly in all directions. "Of
course!"

    She bounced a few more times, looking for a rhythm she could
maintain. When she found it she started varying it slightly, then
stopped. "Well?"

    He frowned. "I'm thinking about it. There's a form of dancing..."

    He dropped his arms to his sides and moved his feet tentatively.,
then stopped and laughed. "It looks so easy!"

    Incredibly, Cora did something he'd never heard her do before. She
giggled.

    He stared at her. "Cora?"

    She didn't answer. Instead she started bouncing on her front
hooves again and watched him.

    He laughed. "OK."

    This time he stood there and managed to get one foot tapping the
packed dirt in a way that wove his lighter taps in and out of her
steady sounds. When he tried to add his other foot he fell over and
started laughing.

    She stopped and came over to nuzzle him, then helped him regain
his feet when he grabbed her bridle to steady himself.

    They kept it up until both of them were exhausted, then he banked
the fire before they settled together and slept.

    * * *

    It was late afternoon when they heard a diesel engine approach
their shelter.

    Someone pounded on the doors. "Bill? Cora? Are you in there?"

    Bill went over and shouted back. "We're OK!"

    "Good! We'll have you dug out as quickly as we can. The front of
the barn is almost buried in a snow drift."

    It wasn't long before someone hooked a chain to the door and drug
it open with the winch on the 4X4.

    The first person though was his father. They hugged and then his
dad held him off. "When you didn't make it back, we got worried. Then
we tried the caller. Couldn't do anything until the storm blew itself
out. As soon as we could we came looking. Figured you might be here so
this is the first place we checked."

    Bill blushed. "I forgot about the caller. We've been... Anyway, I
packed for several days even though I'd thought we'd be able to beat
the storm back. Last I'd heard, it wasn't supposed to hit until this
morning."

    His dad laughed sourly. "Relax. Storm took down the power lines
and destroyed the tower. Callers haven't worked until about an hour
ago."

    He looked around appraisingly. "Cozy place you fixed yourselves."

    He eyed them thoughtfully. "Busy, eh?"

    Bill laughed. "Yeah. Cora's been teaching me how to dance."

    "Dance? I thought..."

    Bill chuckled. "We were doing that when the storm hit. Barely made
it to the barn in time."

    His dad shook head. "All this hay, and all you two can think of to
do is *dance*?"

    Cora walked up and nudged him gently. "After Bill graduates, we're
going to form a dance troupe and travel."

    She lifted her head and looked at the roof, but in her mind she
was seeing something else. She was remembering a long ago night
beneath the stars, and a wolf who had a dream, a dream she'd decided
to follow.

    "Someday, Bill and I are going to fly, together."
    ----------

    M-Mare zoo

    Biolab 06 - Pony Girl!
    Cora and Bill - The Saga Begins
    Songs of Love 8/8 - Pony Girl!
    (written by Bill, recited by Bill)
    ---

    Pony Girl!
    (recited by Bill)
    ---
    (dancing with Cora)

    A rhythm as complex
    As the intertwining of our hearts
    Is given a voice
    As her hooves slam the stage.

    Pony Girl!

    Her neck arches.
    Her mane flails wildly.
    Her tail is held high
    As her joy shakes the stage.

    Pony Girl!

    My feet weave a quieter
    But insistent counterpoint
    That tells
    Of our oneness.

    Pony Girl!

    Her movements slow
    And become
    The thundering voice
    Of a summer storm.

    Pony Girl!

    My own movements
    Quicken, soften,
    And become
    The gentle patter of rain.

    Pony Girl!

    Together we slow.
    Her hooves fall silent.
    My feet are still.
    The storm has passed.

    Pony Girl!
    --------

    I took a deep breath and hugged Cora until her shivering stopped.

    "You ready?"

    She pushed against me. "No... Yes!"

    One of the mares nickered at her. "Where you lead, Herd Mare,
we'll follow."

    Everybody laughed nervously. We'd spent three years working for
this day. At first my class mates had been scandalized when I'd
switched my major from space engineering to dance.

    Then, when Cora and the rest of her 'herd' had shown up for dance
classes, they'd been shocked at the absurdity of it all.

    The media had been all over us at first, then, when they realized
it was all boring 'business as usual' once we figured out what the
mares could do safely, they'd gone away and mostly left us alone.

    Those days, I knew, would be over after tonight, no matter what
happened.

    I stepped back from our hug and looked around. "Last check,
folks." I hugged the woman next to me, then let go. She and I were the
lead dancers, and we'd be the first ones to dance in front of a live
audience, as part of the opening routine we had planned.

    "How do I look?"

    She smiled. "Nervous. How do I look?"

    I laughed. "Not as nervous as I feel. I can't believe it's really
happening. Opening night for the Pony Girls."

    She nodded. "I didn't think we'd make it, either, but we did."

    She looked at Cora, then curtsied. "No matter what happens after
tonight, Cora, thank you for letting us all share in your dream."

    Cora bobbed her head solemnly, then she turned to me. "Didn't you
tell them yet?"

    I chuckled. "Nope. Left it for you, Herd Mare."

    She laughed. "I see."

    Tina looked back and forth, then frowned. "Left what?"

    I smiled mysteriously. "I think you're going to find out, finally.
Cora?"

    She nodded and stepped forward, then turned so she faced the
troupe. "Thank you, all of you, for the time and effort you've put in
to get us here. Before the curtain rises, I have an announcement to
make."

    She held it a few seconds, then stunned them. "No matter what
happens tonight, we're committed to do at least one more series of
shows.... As headliners in the Low-Gee Lounge on Geostation Seven!"

    There was a collective gasp, then, before anyone could do more,
there was the insistent thudding of the drums that signaled we were on
soon.

    By the time they'd built to the staccato beat we'd found worked
best to synchronize all of us, the flutters were gone and all of us
were in position.

    I waved at the controller to signal we were ready.

    We'd done it hundreds of times, watching the curtain slowly reveal
the empty, and silent, auditorium.

    This time, it was silent, but it was the expectant silence of a
hushed, and standing room only, audience.

    Tina and I smiled at each other while we waited for Cora to tell
us when to start.

    I felt the throbbing beat of the drums slow, then, suddenly, two
hooves slammed into the stage and I forgot about the audience.

    Tina and I moved, weaving a rapid counter point to the steady
majesty of Cora's rhythm.

    We whirled madly, never slowing as we danced around her. Slowly,
oh so slowly, the other mares picked up the beat and added their own
rumbling thunder, until the drums fell silent, leaving us in the world
we'd created.

    While Tina and I wove in and out of the slowly moving mares, they
formed the world's first all equine chorus line.

    They kept up the driving thunder while Tina and I worked our way
from opposite ends until we met in the middle to reach and grab each
other's hands while we spun in a mad circle, until, without any hint
of what we planned, we let go of of each other and faced the audience
with our arms flung wide.

    The mares lunged upwards into a madly churning hooves salute, then
slammed into the stage a last time.

    My chest was heaving as I fought to catch my breath, but I knew
we'd done it when I realized we were hearing something I'd never dared
to dream of.

    Stunned silence.

    Into that silence, a lone pair of hands started clapping. Then,
slowly, other pairs of hands joined in.

    Eventually, we faced a cheering, stamping mob that was chanting
one word, over and over:

    "MORE!

    "MORE!

    "MORE!"

    We gave it to them, until we could give no more, no matter how
much we wanted to. 
======

    In the Meetings of the Committee Designed By a Horse (zoo/best
mare/M mare+/stallion+ orgy?)
---

    This one was done for the 'Everyone is a Winner' contest/challenge
suggested by Joyce Melton: Do a story inspired by the following title:
'In the Meetings of the Committee Designed by a Horse.'

    The following story is just one of the ideas I came up with. After
considering things, I decided the events in this story take place in
the 'Project Biolab' universe. Lessons learned from Biolab 13 have
been applied to the other projects. Talking horses were the focus of
Project 06.

    I wish I could write music or sing well. I can hear the melody of
'Lover's Theme' but I can't get it down on paper. The words alone
can't convey the intense emotions behind them. The tune is sort of a
slowly sung lover's ballad. Very filled with love and very intensely
felt by the singers.

    Sigh... Two more things I should learn how to do.
    ---


    Biolab 06 - Pony Girls!
    Cora and Bill
    In the Meetings of the Committee Designed By a Horse
    ---

    Pony Girls, Inc.
    Memo Type: Internal
    Routing: Senior Staff Only
    Subject: Chairmare's Annual 'Direction of the Company Report'
    Time: Jan 5, 2099 - 0900 until finished
    Location: Geosync-5 Low-G Lounge.
    Who should attend: All senior staff members and their assistants.
    Notes: NO EXCEPTIONS!!
    ---

    Cora nuzzled Bill, her senior secretary. "Everyone should be here
soon. Then I can get this over with and we can go back to more serious
things."

    He reached up and scritched her. "At least all the voice recording
circuitry works. As does the speech recognition package. Finally."

    "True. Circulate and advise the humans they should leave their
personal protection on at all times during this meeting. If things go
as I expect, they'll need all the protection they have." She could
tell he was hiding a grin as he nodded and left her side.

    She whinnied greetings as her senior staff entered. A few of the
Earth-based members were still having trouble in the low-g.
Fortunately, the room had been designed with such problems in mind.

    She caught Bill's eyes and used her head to motion towards the
clock and then the observer's area. He nodded and began herding the
human staff behind the barrier. Many of them were new and started to
protest being separated from their bosses. She watched as he spoke
softly to them. A few startled looks and then they meekly left the
main conference area. She could imagine what he told them. 'Do you
want your bones broken? I've been to these meetings. Trust me, you'll
be glad you're behind that barricade.'

    She smiled to herself. After today, the new people would
understand why the observation area was heavily barricaded.

    At 9 o'clock, she nickered loudly to get everyone's attention.

    "Mares and Stallions."

    "I'm pleased to report that last year we were able to maintain our
market share. However, there's a good chance that unless we do some
serious rethinking of our policies, next year we will be considered
'old fashioned'."

    There were some startled snorts as some of the older staff members
realized she was going to announce a major policy change. She nodded
in their direction and stamped a hoof to silence the growing
discussions.

    Some of the staff people were also looking at her nervously. They
obviously remembered fifteen years ago and the last time she had
announced a major policy shift. It had resulted in some long and
costly legal battles but, the end result had been that the 'talking
horses' were recognized as people. Once that issue had been taken care
of, Cora and an unnamed partner had established Pony Girls.

    "We started as talking beasts of burden. Fifteen years ago, we set
hooves on the path that has made us what we are today, one of the
leading providers of quality entertainers."

    "I want Pony Girls to build on that. We are going to start making
high-budget family musicals, movies and shows." She had to rear back
and stomp both hooves to silence the sudden babble.

    "Furthermore, we are going to use those same skills to produce
'adult entertainment'. At that point she let the discussion flow
freely. As usual, she quietly drifted from conversation to
conversation without saying anything.

    "So *that's* why she insisted we learn those new chorus line
routines." Trialla commented softly.

    "Chorus line?" Jurada turned his head and focussed on her. "We
have chorus lines. What's so special about learning some new
routines?"

    Zealla nickered wickedly. "Not like these. Cora adapted 'Moonlight
Seduction' into something she calls 'Sheath Your Sabre'. It's faster.
More exciting. Extremely erotic. Especially the ending."

    Several other stallions had joined the small group. Sam was the
first to react. "You mean they are *mating* routines?"

    "It wouldn't be adult entertainment if we didn't have them." Cora
had silently walked over to join them. "Think it will increase our
market share?"

    Sam looked around at the room. "Twenty-one mares doing a mating
ritual and then letting themselves be mounted? All that raw power
focussed on sex?" He snorted with amusement. "When do we start?"

    "Now. I thought we'd give you a demonstration. Build up your
interest so to speak." Cora nickered suggestively as he started to
drop. "It will be our first chance to practice the final routine as a
group. Except for the last part, you stallions will be doing routines
you've done before." She paused and then nickered slyly. "I don't
think any of you will have any trouble performing the last routine."
Then she walked off to check on other conversations.

    "The Annual Senior Staff Meeting." Bay snorted as he realized
something. "I should have remembered."

    Kip, a palomino mare, nuzzled him and then acted like she was
pouting. "I'm hurt. You mean you forgot last year's annual meeting?
And me?"

    His ears tilted forward. "You mean those stories are true? That
wasn't just a one time thing? You actually meant what you said?"

    She nipped at his neck. "Yes, the stories are true. I forgot last
year was your first annual meeting. Pairings made at the annual
meetings last until the partners decide otherwise. No, we aren't
possessive. After all, for many of us, it's the only time we meet in
person."

    She nuzzled along his belly. "The rest of the year, we have to be
business people. For the next week, once this meeting is over, we can
be ourselves." She paused and eyed him carefully. "There's something
else you should know. Senior mares synchronize their fertility
cycles."

    She whuffled along his side and playfully nipped him again. "This
meeting is why."

    "You mean I have?..." He was obviously stunned.

    "Yes. She's doing fine."

    Bay raised his head and looked around. "So that's why there are
twenty stallions and twenty mares as senior staff members."

    "Yes. Propagation of the fittest. Natural selection in a world of
committees. How else to make sure we can survive?" Kip laughed gently
as he considered what she had told him She waited for him to reason
out the final step.

    "Wait... Cora said 'we' when she mentioned the chorus line. If the
staff are paired, who's *her* partner?" He looked around again. "I
count twenty-one mares and twenty stallions in the room. It doesn't
make sense for her to do a mating ritual when there is nobody for her
to mate with..." He fell silent and turned to look at the observing
area.

    He was obviously searching for someone. It was equally obvious
that he had finally remembered something seen in passing at last years
meeting.

    "Some stallions are slower than others, Kip. I'm sure you'll be
able to help Bay get up to speed." Cora's voice was soft and filled
with a gentle amusement. He jerked his head around to stare at her. He
hadn't known a mare as big as she was could move so quietly.

    "Love can be - unusual - if it's allowed to run its course." Her
voice was filled with some emotions he couldn't place. There was love,
wonder, amusement... and something more. A tinge of something he
couldn't quite place. He noticed that Cora was watching the
observation area. "Do none of you ever wonder about our origins?" Her
voice was a bit sad.

    "Bill is the son of the woman who 'created' us. His testicles have
been modified and other changes were made so that he can father
horses. He had the changes done shortly after I convinced him that our
love needed more than affection if it was to be complete."

    "It was quite a sacrifice on his part. He can no longer father
human children. When we discovered his original length was too short
to reliably impregnate me, he had his penis lengthened. As a result of
*that* change, no human woman is able to take all of him."

    "He's unique in many ways. That he's my chosen mate and co-founder
of Pony Girls - is the least of them."

    "Pony Girls is as much his as it is mine. It was the only way we
could stay together in those early years." She finally fell silent.
Obviously drifting in another time and place, she went over and
nuzzled Bill. His smile was tender and his movements gentle as he gave
her a lingering head hug.

    "Created? Humans created us? Bill is the mysterious co-founder?"

    "Bay, Cora wasn't the first. Only the most visible. Their love for
each other forced them into some decisions that our creators never
anticipated. There are records available to you now that you've
survived a year as a senior staff member. Most of us suffered through
the same shock you did when we found out about Cora and Bill."

    "Less than thirty years ago, most humans saw us as nothing more
than easier to train tools. That we might be more was something most
of them avoided thinking about."

    "About twenty years ago, Cora fell in love with Bill and
eventually got him to accept that love doesn't concern itself with the
package it comes in. The result of that love was that we went from
'tools' to 'people' in less than five years. An 'animal' couldn't have
founded and owned a corporation. Cora and Bill worked to change our
status in the hope that someday, they or other mixed species lovers
could be open about their love for each other."

    "Humans and mechanicals are our hands. They are an intimate part
of our lives. The only wonder is that more humans aren't our mates and
lovers as well. It's a difficult step for both sides." She paused.
"Most of us never even realize it's possible. When it comes to sex and
love, few people of *any* species manage to get past that barrier."

    She turned to watch the two lovers. "Seeing them together in a
place where they can be open about their love, do you doubt the depth
of their feelings? Do you doubt that they've paid for their love in
ways we'll never fully understand?"

    "No." It is a reluctant sigh. "It does make me wonder about many
things I have taken for granted."

    Kip nodded. "Look closely at the humans. Many have known about
them for years. Few of them are comfortable with knowing Cora and Bill
are lovers. All of them tolerate it. What choice do they have? None.
Those unable to deal with horses and humans having sex together or
loving each other usually don't last very long as assistants."

    "Notice how he is isolated even when he's around other humans?
Part of it is because he is Senior Secretary to Cora. Another part is
because he is her mate."

    Bay nodded slowly and then turned back to Kip. "He holds his
position by his skill. This I know from dealing with him. Their
private life is their concern, not ours."

    He shook his head to release his tension. "Now, how much longer do
we have to wait for this chorus line Cora mentioned?"

    "Not long." Kip nickered in amusement. "Had you been paying
attention, you would have noticed Bill has been working Cora to a
state of arousal. I think it's time we did some of that ourselves. I'm
looking forward to dancing for you." Her ears and tail spoke volumes
as she glanced sideways at him. "Everyone else is almost ready."

    "I'll have to give you some instructions so you will know what
you're supposed to do. Here's how it works..."

    * * *

    "OK Everyone! Places!" Cora had to shout to get everyone's
attention.

    Once everyone was in position, she continued. "Before we practice
the closing routine, Bill and I want to sing a duet we've written just
for this show."

    She turned her head to look at Bill. He was naked and settled on
her back. "Ready?"

    He nodded and smiled. "Ready my love. Let's do it. We've waited
long enough." He bent forward to wrap his arms around her neck in a
quick hug. Then he straightened and stood on her back. She watched and
made sure he was ready before she turned back to face their audience.

    "Cue the intro to 'Lover's Theme'." Her voice was barely audible.

    All the lights went out. Two spotlights highlighted her and Bill.

    Soft music interwoven with the sound of hooves built in volume as
the spotlights brightened. The voice-over began.

    "Pony Girls is proud to present the return of The Original Pony
Girl and her partner Bill in their first duet in ten years."

    "We give you - Lover's Theme!"

    Cora squatted slightly on her hind legs and then bucked gently.
Her action launched Bill over her head in a high arc. As he arched
though the air, he twisted himself so he landed in front of her.

    Alternating their voices, weaving their words together - they
sang.

    The years have gone by and still you are mine.
    (We're always together. Your love - is like a fine wine.)
    Our lives intermingled after a small beginning.
    (My hand touched your forehead and our eyes opened wide.)
    You were my friend and then my companion as our souls intertwined.
    (Two hearts, beating together, I felt your soul touching mine.)
    For all of my life - you've been there and your love I have felt.
    (You are my lover and wife. We walk together through life.)

    (together)
    With you - near you. My life is complete.
    Hear you, feel you - Heart in your eyes.
    Smell you, taste you. With you - I am wise.
    Join me - take me. All I am shall be yours.
    Inflame me - quench me. As only you can.

    Your hands stroke my thighs - I start to quiver inside.
    (As you nuzzle my penis, my mind starts to whirl.)
    I plant my feet firmly as I let my tail touch the sky.
    (Your wink and soft sighs arouse me. Inflame me.)
    My mind is overwhelmed as my body awakens.
    (My hands grab you firmly and I stroke - deep and sure.)
    I feel myself pulsing as I begin to respond.
    (Your spasming muscles drive me over the edge.)

    (together)
    With you - near you. My life is complete.
    Hear you, feel you - Heart in your eyes.
    Smell you, taste you. With you - I am wise.
    Join me - take me. All I am shall be yours.
    Inflame me - quench me. As only you can.

    I feel you in me and your hands speak of love
    (Your love surrounds me. Your love overpowers me.)
    My spasms fade slowly and I feel my tension released.
    (Our bodies are together, our souls intertwined)
    I quiver - then spasm again - when you taste me.
    (I savor the taste of our lives mixed together.)
    I've been mated. I feel sated. Our love has been restated.
    (Hearts in eyes. Happy sighs. For us - no lies.)

    (together) With you - near you. My life is complete.
    Hear you, feel you - Heart in your eyes.
    Smell you, taste you. With you - I am wise.
    Join me - take me. All I am shall be yours.
    Inflame me - quench me. As only *you* can.

    They stepped towards each other. Bill reached out and cradled
Cora's head in his hands. The spotlights narrowed their beams as he
bent forward to kiss her nose. As the music faded into silence all
anyone could see was that simple affirmation of their love.

    There was a long silence as they held that pose. Everyone realized
that what they had seen was far more than just 'an act in a show'. It
had been very, very special to these two. For more than fifteen years
they had hidden their love behind the facade of 'Boss and Secretary'.
With that duet, they had announced to the world that they were far
more than 'just friends'.

    As the lights brightened. the two of them seemed to shake
themselves out of their private world. Bill smiled at Cora and she
snorted softly.

    "OK Bill, take it from here. The mares and I are ready." She
repositioned herself in the middle of the line of mares.

    He looked things over. In the dim light, he could see that
everyone was in position. 'I'd never be able to do our routine in
full-g', he thought to himself'. Once the mares end their routine, he
has one chance to get to where he should be. Timing will be essential.
He and Cora have been working privately on their own version of a
mounting. Somewhat wryly, he had to admit to himself that if he and
Cora were to mate, the length of time it takes him to orgasm would
detract from the overall effect of the finale.

    "Allow me to introduce the stars of our show."

    "Kip and Bay." As he mentioned each name, different colored
spotlights highlighted each horse. Necks arched in pride as they
posed.

    "Tara and Sorel. Beth and Forelock. Star and Whicker. Patches and
Pal. Sara and Paint. Flagette and Randy. Sprite and Narco. Goldie and
Clyde. Sugar and Crunch. Sue and Priam. Mary and Zephyr. Wind and
Scar. Sathura and Endovix. Ellysa and Rialto. Trialla and Sam. Ryanda
and Harvy. Klepha and Jurada. Norika and Myrelka. Zealla and Lyreji."

    He paused briefly. "The Grande Mare herself - Cora."

    "And now - for our finale, we present for your enjoyment..."

    "The Pony Mares and Stallions Chorus line in - 'Sheath Your
Sabre!' "

    Describe it? Imagine the Lipizzaner Stallions doing Riverdance.
Imagine the Rockettes with four legs and tails doing synchronized
tap-dancing. With four hooves and good control, horses can produce
rhythms that humans can never duplicate. The rhythms are slower but
they have a compelling majesty that is uniquely and powerfully
'horse'. With experienced dancers and some careful timing, the result
is overpowering. Forty-one horses - massing from 450 to 2000 pounds
each, slamming their feet down in unison - don't dance.

    They thunder.

    Cora started it with a simple challenge routine. Bill responded
and then stopped. Each pair of horses repeated the basic routine. When
all were finished, Cora stamped a slightly more staccato routine and
the other mares repeated her steps. Bill responded by doing his own
version as the stallions joined in. The rhythms slowly became more
complex and driving as the challenge and response continued.
Eventually all forty-one horses were stamping out a complicated and
strangely compelling rhythm that depended on the mares and stallions
being slightly out of step with each other. Bill wove between them all
as he tapped a light counterpoint to their heavy pounding.

    Once Bill returned to his position in the center of the stallions'
line, Cora and the mares turned so their hindquarters faced the
stallions. Their tails flicked sideways in invitation. Rear feet
stamped and caused them to sway suggestively. The stallions stamped
forward slightly and then backward to their original positions.

    The stallions stopped all their movements. The mares slowed their
pounding to a slow, compelling beat.

    Suddenly, with one final extra hard stomp, they froze with their
tails flagged. If people looked closely, they could see that all the
mares were winking.

    As one, they whinnied. Bill took a running start and jumped. He
was aiming for a spot above Cora. When she judged him to be in
position, She launched herself into the air. As she rose between his
legs, he grabbed her mane and locked his legs around her. As soon as
he had hold, she twisted so that when she landed, she would face the
now dropped stallions. Once she was back on the ground, she whinnied
an invitation to the now quivering stallions.

    The stallions bugled their lust and lunged towards their mares.
They weren't synchronized but in seconds, the matings were over. As
they withdrew, semen splashed on the floor.

    The mares turned back to face their audience. The stallions joined
them. Cora bowed first. In a widening ripple that spread on either
side of her, the other horses bowed as well.

    'Sheath Your Sabre' and the committee meeting - was over.
=====

    I refered to the following chart when I was visualizing the
relative sizes and positions while designing the chorus line:
    ----

    Horse Size and Weight Chart
    ----------

    Type Height withers Height withers Weight
    (hands) (cm) (kg)
    Shetland 8-10 81.28-101.60 200-225
    Pony (sm sdle) 10-12 101.60-121.92 225-350
    Pony (large) 13-14 132.08-142.24 250-360
    Galloway 14-15 142.24-152.40 275-400
    Ltweight hack 15-16 152.40-162.56 350-500
    Hvyweight hack 16-17 162.56-172.72 450-600
    Draught 16-18 162.56-182.88 550-800
    -----------

    Type Height withers Height withers Weight
    (hands) (inch) (lb)
    Shetland 8-10 32-40 440.92- 496.04
    Pony (sm sdle) 10-12 40-48 496.04- 771.62
    Pony (large) 13-14 52-56 551.16- 793.66
    Galloway 14-15 56-60 606.27- 881.85
    Ltweight hack 15-16 60-64 771.62-1102.31
    Hvyweight hack 16-17 64-68 992.08-1322.77
    Draught 16-18 64-72 1212.54-1763.70
    ----------

    Conversion Factors:
    Hands Inch Feet cm
    1 4 0.33 10.16
    2 8 0.67 20.32
    3 12 1.00 30.48
    4 16 1.33 40.64
    5 20 1.67 50.80
    6 24 2.00 60.96
    7 28 2.33 71.12
    8 32 2.67 81.28
    9 36 3.00 91.44
    10 40 3.33 101.60
    11 44 3.67 111.76
    12 48 4.00 121.92
    13 52 4.33 132.08
    14 56 4.67 142.24
    15 60 5.00 152.40
    16 64 5.33 162.56
    17 68 5.67 172.72
    18 72 6.00 182.88
    19 76 6.33 193.04
    20 80 6.67 203.20
    ---- 

End: Biolab 6: The Equines

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
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