Three Square Meals Ch. 101

Devereux reached out to clasp his hand. "Wait a moment... If everything you've told me is true and I don't believe you'd lie to me, there doesn't seem to be any downsides to your offer. There must be something..."

He hesitated, then nodded. "The way I'm able to heal you and enhance your body is... unorthodox."

She shook her head. "I need specifics, John. I can't make an informed decision based on vague obfuscations."

John flushed with embarrassment but did his best to meet her intrigued gaze. "You're frightened of me, aren't you?"

She watched him for a moment, then lowered her eyes. "After everything you've done for the Terran Federation, I know you're a good man... but yes, you scare me." When she saw his disappointment, Devereux quickly continued, "You're from another species, one which poses a potentially huge threat to our way of life. Just knowing what you're capable of is... intimidating... to say the least."

"In that case, there might be a problem," John said with a wry smile.

"What is it?" the older woman asked, listening attentively.

Alyssa laughed and said, "Don't worry, it's not a problem." She made a shooing motion towards John with her hands. "Let me and Rachel talk it over with her; we'll tell her everything."

"Everything?" John asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Mmm hmm," she agreed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

John left Alyssa and Rachel to talk with the admiral, glad to not have to get into the details of that discussion. He found it odd how different he felt, speaking about something sexual like that with an older woman, when he'd felt no such qualms with the young sirens he'd already recruited. The fact that Lynette Devereux was his commanding officer might have had something to do with it, but he was sure it was more likely to be age related. She was only early-fifties, compared to his forty, but he couldn't help feeling that asking her if she wanted to give him a blowjob was... disrespectful?

*Oh John, your hang-ups about age are an endless source of amusement,* Edraele said, her lovely light-hearted laughter sweeping through his mind. *Alyssa said that Lynette is only 52...*

*I can't help it,* he replied, flushing with embarrassment again as he stepped into the grav-tube. *I know it's less of an age gap than I have with Alyssa... but I can't help feeling uncomfortable. Talking to Lynette about filling her stomach with my cum just feels wrong...*

*That's curious, because you don't have that problem with Irillith and Tashana... and my lovely daughters are the exact same age,* she informed him glibly.

John stepped out onto Deck Two then smiled and shook his head. *Alright, you make a good point.*

*And I'm triple Lynette's age, at a youthful 162,* Edraele said archly, enjoying teasing him far too much. *But you've always been very enthusiastic about pumping your cum down my throat and telling me I'm a good girl... My Lord.*

*You're lucky you aren't in tickling range,* he replied, laughing as he continued towards the bedroom. *Perhaps I should ask Alyssa to pass on a request to the Young Matriarchs?*

Sounding playful, she replied, *You'll be able to discipline me yourself in a week anyway. We're all overjoyed that you'll be returning so soon.*

John walked into his bedroom, then sat in the high-backed leather chair to wait for Alyssa and Rachel. He was pleased to see that the rest of the girls had retired to bed and were all sleeping, including the new arrivals. Relaxing in the chair, he put his feet up on the bed and crossed his hands behind his head.

*I know, I can't wait to see all of you again,* John replied, thrilled at the thought of being reunited with the Maliri. *I'm not sure how long we'll be staying for this time, but hopefully we'll get plenty of time together.*

*The Young Matriarchs have really been missing you. Kali started pining for you the moment we parted company; you should see how happy she is now,* Edraele murmured, her fondness for the young woman quite clear in her tone.

John felt a surge of affection for the gorgeous House Loraleth Matriarch. *Does she need more time to decide if she's ready to start a family? We'll be coming home many more times in the future, so I don't want her to feel any pressure on this visit.*

Edraele was quiet for a long moment, but he could feel the joy pouring over their empathic connection. *John... I think that's the first time I've heard you subconsciously refer to the Protectorate as your home...*

He was startled for a second, then smiled. *I've been living on the Fool's Gold and the Invictus for decades, but I never really wanted a nomadic life. Now I've got somewhere I can just be myself, put down roots, and raise my family... it feels pretty wonderful actually. Thank you, Edraele.*

*You're welcome,* she whispered, sounding elated. *I've missed you so much. I can't wait for you to return... home.*

John lost himself in happy thoughts of retirement on Valaden, surrounded by the women he loved. He realised how much he longed for that moment, when he could finally put all thoughts of war and destruction behind him. The thought of bringing new life into the galaxy instead of ending it left him with a feeling of profound serenity.

*Thank you for everything, Edraele,* John said gratefully. *Not just for all your support in the battle, but for reminding me what's really important.*

He picked up her blissful sigh over their telepathic bond. *Any time you spend daydreaming about our future together is ample reward.*

They enjoyed the moment of intimacy, both revelling in their connection and wishing they could be together.

Eventually John said, *While I've got a quiet moment with you, would you like to quickly recap today's events? There's a few important things we should discuss...*

*Of course. There were a few things I wanted to speak with you about too,* she said.

*First of all, did your forces take any casualties?* John asked pensively. *I know Calara was very impressed by the Maliri's performance in the battle, but I haven't heard specifics yet.*

*We lost a single fighter to an unlucky plasma cannon blast,* Edraele immediately replied. *Fortunately, the pilot ejected and has been returned to her carrier. The marines defending the Citadel sustained a number of relatively minor injuries, but Rachel healed all of them and they've returned to the fleet.*

John let out the breath he'd been holding. *That's a great relief, thank you.*

Edraele was quiet for a few seconds, before she said gently, *John... we're going to lose significant numbers of ship crew and soldiers, it's inevitable in the kind of large-scale conflicts we'll be facing. The battles against thrall fleets will likely result in massive casualties.*

His expression turned bleak. *I know... but I want to do everything I can to prevent that from happening.*

She didn't push him further, sensing that John was struggling with the harsh reality of sending hundreds of thousands of Maliri women into combat. *You'll be pleased to know that we've received the schematics for the Brimorian Shield Generators. I've ordered immediate modification of Genthalas' facilities to mass-produce replacements for our fleets.*

*That's great news,* John replied, smiling once again. *We'll hopefully have a lot more tech we can share with you when we reach the shipyard, but for the time being, improving fleet defences is our top priority.*

*I'll be arriving at Genthalas later this evening, so I can give you a full progress report once I've spoken to the shipyard commander. I've been receiving regular updates from Makaela, and while she has done a wonderful job in my absence, I want to review everything with her as soon as we return,* she informed him diligently.

*Sounds perfect, thanks,* he said, curious to find out how far through the refits they were. He hesitated then added, *So what did you think of Alyssa's plan for Devereux?*

*I'm not sure I appreciated Devereux calling me a puppet,* Edraele replied, with an undercurrent of wry amusement. *I had hoped you would have corrected her. I take considerable pride in being your devoted love slave...*

*I'll be sure to make that distinction quite clear next time I speak with her,* he said with a smile.

*All joking aside, I think it's an excellent solution,* Edraele said, sounding genuinely impressed. *I really hope that Lynette decides to accept the offer. Having someone we can trust in ultimate command of the Terran Federation would be perfect. For what it's worth, I'm inclined to agree with Calara. I think we should focus on optimising the Maliri fleets in the short-term, while leaving people like Lynette and Charles to prepare the Terran Federation as a long-term ally.*

*Charles thinks it'll take years for them to replace all the ships they lost,* John said with a frown.

*I know Alyssa wants to end this in 6 months, but we could be looking at a much longer conflict and we need to prepare for that possibility,* Edraele said soberly. *Do you remember the Nexus files? The war between Mael'nerak and Ranagon spanned several years...*

*And Mael'nerak had access to all Progenitor tech and his territory covered Maliri, Terran, Ashanath, and Trankaran space...* John murmured, suddenly feeling daunted by what they were facing.

*Yes, that's correct,* she said quietly.

John stared unblinking across the bedroom. *Are we just kidding ourselves, Edraele? Have we got any chance of stopping the Progenitor if he mounts a full-scale invasion?*

*Do you really want me to tell you the truth?* she replied softly, sharing his deep-seated concerns.

He sagged back in the chair, his eyes drifting over the young women sleeping on the bed. They'd placed their absolute trust in him; that he'd keep them safe and make sure they had a blissful future together.

*Lie to me, honey,* he replied, suddenly finding it difficult to swallow around the lump in his throat.

Edraele was quiet for a moment, before she said, *You'll lead us to a miraculous victory, without losing so much as a single ship or soldier. The other Progenitor will capitulate before your unsurpassed might, choosing to flee rather than daring to face your wrath. We'll all live happily ever after, never troubled by war or hardship ever again...*

He let out a heavy, despondent sigh. *That sounds glorious... the ending you all deserve.*

John felt a gentle touch on his shoulder, then Alyssa and Rachel were at his side, looking at him with concern. He pulled them both into his lap on the big chair and hugged them tight, unable to bear the thought of what defeat might mean for these incredible women that he loved so much.

Alyssa pulled back and frowned in disapproval. "Alright, that's quite enough of that depressing shit. Remember, it's not over until the fat lady sings, and there aren't any on the Invictus."

"Or Maliri Space for that matter," Rachel interjected with a cheerful smile. "There'll be no corpulent female warbling of any kind."

"Don't give up hope," Alyssa insisted, caressing his face. "We're doing things no Progenitor has ever done before. He'll be facing two Progenitors for starters, and you've enhanced the girls beyond all reason."

Rachel nodded as she said, "It's not you versus him, and armies of mindless thralls slaughtering each other to the death. It's us versus him, and you haven't enslaved the Maliri, you've liberated them. It'll make a difference, I'm certain of it."

John couldn't help smiling when faced with their unbridled optimism. "Thanks girls, I really needed that. It all got a bit bleak for a moment there."

Alyssa gave him a dazzling smile. "Aren't you glad you made us so perky and upbeat?"

Rachel laughed when she saw John's anxious expression. "Relax! She's only teasing you."

He inhaled then let his breath out slowly. "I'm just wound a bit tight at the moment. Sorry girls..."

Alyssa leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. "You've got nothing to apologise for. You've just led us to victory against every ship in the Kintark Empire and saved the Terran Federation from enslavement. You fought a 200-foot-dragon in a duel to the death, we nearly lost Jade, and you've had to restructure the leadership of the Federation..."

"And it's not even lunchtime yet!" Rachel chimed in with a grin.

Alyssa smiled at her and nodded. "Exactly. You're just as exhausted as the rest of us... come to bed."

They rose from his lap then offered him a hand, which John gladly accepted. He glanced at the gigantic bed and shook his head in amusement. "I can't believe that bed's starting to get crowded..."

"We'll just have to get cosy," Alyssa purred as she stripped off. "It'll be even more fun."

Faye appeared in a purple flash, as the trio climbed onto the bed and cuddled together in the vacant space in the middle. "Before you go to sleep, I just wanted to let you know that I've docked the stealth shuttle and captured the Tormentor-class destroyer. I blasted Weber's shuttle in the concealed hangar to stop anyone escaping and I've been performing active scans of Tartarus to search for any more hidden hangars or vessels. Admiral Devereux is resting and I'm keeping her company with my body to make sure she's comfortable and has everything she needs."

"You're amazing, Faye, thank you," John said appreciatively, giving her a warm smile.

She grinned and blew him a kiss. "Sleep tight! I'll wake you at 1:30pm; that'll give you a four-hour nap and will be 30 minutes before Helene wakes up."

"Perfect," he said, unable to stop himself from yawning.

Alyssa snuggled into his chest, then shared a loving smile with Rachel. *Thanks for your help, beautiful.*

*Any time,* the brunette replied, reaching out to interlace her fingers with the blonde as John fell into a deep and restful slumber.

Closing her eyes Alyssa felt sleep fast approaching, but fought it off for just a moment longer. She frowned as she said ominously, *Edraele... when I wake up, we need to have a little chat...*

***

Leader Mantaneus was watching the holographic Sector Map as his cruiser approached the Ashanath homeworld. The silver-grey disc was sailing swiftly through hyper-warp towards the outer-edge of the system, the familiar yellow star welcoming them home with its bright radiance.

*Set course for Ashana, Onarean,* he ordered his helmsman.

*At once, Leader,* the silver-suited grey replied, his big black eyes glancing at the navigation controls and activating them with a thought.

They reached the outer edge of the system's gravity well and dropped out of hyper-warp, the tachyon field dispersing in a flurry of blue particles. The Ashanath cruiser's engines thrummed to life, propelling the vessel towards a small reddish-orange planet in the sixth orbital path around the star.

Tactical Officer Baltean turned in his ovoid-shaped seat to face his commanding officer. *We have completed our sixth patrol since the battle and there is still no sign of the Drakkar, Leader. Would it be reasonable to postulate that they have been eliminated as a threat?*

Leader Mantaneus paused for a moment to give his colleague's suggestion due consideration. *I do not believe such an assumption would be a wise one, Baltean. The Drakkar have suffered a significant setback, but unless their ship-building capabilities are eliminated, they will begin amassing new fleet assets.*

The younger Ashanath thought about that for a moment. *Perhaps I should write a paper analysing the effectiveness of a tactical strike against the Drakkar shipyards?*

*I would be happy to review such a thesis before you submit it,* Mantaneus offered, glad to support his enthusiastic tactical officer.

Baltean inclined his head politely. *As always, I would value your keen insights, Leader.*

Mantaneus was about to respond when there was a booming crash and his cruiser lurched violently. *What was that?!* he asked his bridge crew in alarm.

Engineer Careti's bulbous head twitched back and forth as she studied the damage status. She turned in her seat, blinking rapidly as she replied, *Leader, we have collided with a large object! Our dampening field reduced the severity of the impact, but it still penetrated deep into the hull and is embedded in Deck Four next to the starboard Power Modulator!*

*Deploy force fields to maintain atmospheric pressure and send a team to investigate. I shall update the Command Net to warn them of our situation and request an escort to Ashana,* Mantaneus said, gazing at his crew.

Careti rose from her seat. *I shall investigate forthwith, Leader.*

*I have ordered a squad of marines to escort you,* Baltean informed her, turning to watch the Engineering Officer leave the Bridge.

Careti walked along the corridor to the grav-tube, then stepped inside and reached for the rungs set in the silvery wall. Propelling herself down the tube, she descended to Deck Four. She was pleased to see four Ashanath marines enter the tube from a lower level and they rose up to meet her, gathering together before walking into the corridor.

*Let us ensure that it is safe, Engineer Careti,* the squad leader requested politely, as he and his colleagues drew their laser pistols.

The four marines fanned out and walked down the corridor, then took a right turn and approached the outer passageway that circled the circumference of the ship. They began to move more cautiously as they neared the section of ruptured hull, with Engineer Careti walking a dozen metres behind with the squad leader. They followed the gentle curve of the passage, until they could see the telltale opaque shimmer of a force field up ahead, where the marines paused and glanced back at Careti for guidance.

She lifted her left forearm and brushed her spindly grey fingers across the control panel. *Atmosphere has been re-established beyond the internal force field, the external fields are stable. I shall drop the internal fields in five seconds.*

The marines took up defensive positions, pointing their laser pistols down the corridor in preparation. On the count of five, Careti deactivated the force field, which fizzled out with a high-pitched hiss.

Careti could sense the fear and apprehension from the marines as they finally saw what had collided with their ship. A huge black object had punched through the outer hull, then driven deep into the cruiser, completely blocking the corridor ahead of them. She studied the glistening black surface of the column-shaped object, astonished that it didn't appear to have even been scratched after plunging through at least twenty-metres of reinforced Etherium plating and superstructure.

*What do you wish to do, Engineer?* the marine leader asked, clearly as unsettled by this mysterious object as she was.

Professional curiosity won out over her fear and Careti stepped forward, unclipping a portable scanner from her belt. *I do not believe we are in any danger. Let me investigate.*

The marines stepped aside to let her pass and she gazed at the onyx surface with fascination. Raising the scanner she brought it close to the object and began to scan, her big black eyes glued to the holographic display.

"Material composition = unknown, Structure = unknown, Mass = unknown..."

She looked at the display with trepidation, wondering if the device was faulty. After performing a rudimentary diagnostics check she could only conclude that the scanner was still functioning, but was simply unable to analyse the object. Glancing back at the black column, she stood for a long moment, her thoughts racing. Finally making up her mind, she reached out with her hand, long grey fingers twitching with anticipation as they neared the dark surface. Careti's fingertips touched the black metal and in that instant of contact she felt overwhelmed with sensations of terror, agony, and despair...