Three Square Meals Ch. 108

He watched the blonde, relieved to see that although she was still pale, she no longer had that deathly pallor from last night. Picking up his long coat, he draped it over her slender body to cover up her horrendous injury. Perl stirred again, groggy at first, until she remembered what had happened to her and her terrified eyes flicked down to her missing arm again. She plucked at the coat to pull it away, until Tony held her hand and shook his head.

"Don't... you'll just get more upset," he said quietly. "You're lucky to be alive... it was a miracle you weren't crushed by that cave-in."

Perl sagged back, tears in her eyes. "My arm, Tony..."

"I know, babe," he said, squeezing her hand. "I'm real sorry."

Kelli stroked her hair and said soothingly, "It's going to be okay. We've got lots of credits... when we get out of here, we'll buy you a cyber arm. You'll never have to ask a guy to open a jar for you again!"

Perl choked out a laugh, looking at each of them as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"And you'll be great at arm wrestling..." Kelli added, trying to buoy her spirits.

Tony smiled at her and nodded. "The best..."

Perl's face crumpled and she sobbed wretchedly, curling into herself. Tony and Kelli shared a worried glance, then focused on the distraught blonde, murmuring soothing words to calm her down. After a few minutes, she heaved her last shuddering sob and took a deep breath, letting it out in a ragged sigh.

Kelli unscrewed the water bottle and brought it to her friend's parched lips. "Drink this, you'll feel a lot better."

Perl didn't bother to argue, thirsty as she was, and gulped the water down, giving the brunette a tremulous smile when she was done.

Tony brushed aside some stray locks of blonde hair and asked quietly, "Are you in a lot of pain?"

"It really hurts," she murmured, nodding slowly.

Kelli dug around in the pack for the second hypo-injector and held it up for the blonde to see. "We've got two more of these... but it says to be careful not to risk an overdose, they can put you in a coma. We all slept, but I'm not sure how long we were out for."

"We can't stay here," Tony said, stroking her head. "This end of the tunnel is blocked, so we need to check if the other end is caved in as well. Do you reckon you can walk with some painkillers?"

Perl nodded bravely, so Kelli leaned over and used the hypo-injector on the blonde's shoulder. She shivered as the anaesthetic went to work on her system, dulling the pain and leaving her light-headed.

Tony helped her to sit upright. "Alright, we'll grab a quick bite to eat, then head off. You hungry?"

"Yes, I could eat," she whispered, flashing Kelli a look of gratitude as the brunette unwrapped a nutri-bar for her.

After Kelli handed it over, Tony glanced down at her leg, "How's your ankle?"

Kelli stood and gingerly experimented with putting her weight on it. "As long as you don't expect me to run anywhere, I'll be alright." She looked at his bandaged head and arched an eyebrow.

"Just a dull ache now... I don't feel like puking my guts out every time I move my head too fast," he said, answering her unspoken question.

"What caused the cave-in?" Perl asked, before taking a sip of water.

"I dunno for sure, but it sounded like there was a huge explosion before the tunnel collapsed," he replied, looking thoughtful. "It might've been the bugs, but it was probably the miners setting off some kind of 'fuck you' bomb to stop themselves being taken alive."

"Will there be more roidquakes?" Kelli asked, her eyes widening with fear. "Like aftershocks?"

Tony could only give her a helpless shrug. "No idea... but if there were any, we probably slept through them." He rose to his feet then offered a hand to both girls. "Let's get moving. If the bugs have fucked off, we should try and get to the main starport; there's a medical centre there, we can use that to help Perl."

They gathered their packs and Tony transferred the useful items from Perl's pack to his own, letting her carry the empty container loosely on her back. With him leading the way using his flashlight, they set off, slowly picking their way around the rubble-strewn floor.

***

Commander Tom Walker stared at the Terran Federation insignia on the holo-screen, feeling a mounting sense of anxiety and frustration. He'd still been unable to contact Anna and if she was taking the Devereux TFNN interview as hard as Mason, she'd be devastated. He felt so isolated and helpless away from his fiancée, knowing that the woman he loved was in pain, but he was unable to do anything to actually help. The feelings were ten times worse knowing that Archie Davenport would be using Anna's grief to try to weasel his way into her good graces... why couldn't she see what he was really like?

Tom's hands clenched into fists, the knuckles turning white with his impotent rage. He had always been an upstanding and fiercely loyal citizen, he'd studied diligently at the Academy, then worked even harder at his first fleet posting... was a bit of compassionate leave really so much to ask? Apparently so, because his requests were still being rejected at every turn. He ended the call without leaving a message this time, having left a dozen already.

Taking a steadying breath, he forced his hands to relax and slumped back in his chair, realising that getting angry about the situation wasn't going to help. He was about to get up and find Mason, when the comms interface chimed, alerting him to an incoming call. His heart skipped a beat, delighted that Anna had called him back, but he winced when he saw the caller ID.

Accepting the call, he watched as the holo-screen flickered, his parents appearing before him. His father, Admiral Laurence Walker, was wearing his full-dress uniform, standing stiff-backed beside Tom's mother. Harriet Walker looked every part the trophy wife her husband expected her to be, beautiful and immaculately dressed, her light-brown hair was styled to perfection.

"Thomas! Your father just told me the wonderful news!" his mother gushed, her eyes shining with happiness. "My handsome son a Commander at 24! I couldn't be more proud! The ladies at the country club will be so jealous."

"Well done, son," his father said gruffly. "I'm glad you finally caught up to Mason."

Tom didn't react to the backhanded compliment. His father meant well, but it was almost impossible to meet the man's sky-high expectations. "Thank you. I've been given my choice of postings within the fleet, so I'm looking forward to getting a chance to impress Admiral Morgan with my theory on Tactical diversification."

His father's eyes narrowed as he said in a disapproving tone, "I wish you'd consider a transfer to data analytics on Mars. You'd rapidly accelerate your career working in the Core Worlds close to High Command... you'll never make Admiral by just taking fleet postings."

This was an old argument and one Tom had no intention of rehashing. Besides, he knew that working under his father would strain their relationship to breaking point. "I'm just following in Uncle Dan's footsteps for the moment," Tom replied, playing his trump card that would immediately end his father's badgering. "His advice was to make a name for myself in the fleet while I was young, then get some experience with the political side when I became a senior officer."

Admiral Walker's expression flickered with a series of unreadable emotions and he grunted noncommittally.

"Thomas will make Captain in no time, just wait and see!" his mother said, playfully patting her husband on the arm. "What did Anna say about your promotion? I bet she was ecstatic!"

Tom tried to hide his worry as he said, "Anna's having a difficult time at the moment with everything that happened to her father. I haven't had a chance to tell her yet..."

"Oh, of course," Harriet said, her face falling. "Poor Vincent... what happened to him was so awful. I really must get in contact with Natalie; all those years together... she must be beside herself."

Tom paused, then made eye-contact with his father. "Did you see the TFNN news report about Admiral Buckingham? Fleet Admiral Devereux said some very disturbing things about him..."

To his astonishment, his father was unable to meet his curious gaze and looked away.

Laurence murmured quietly, "Nobody's perfect. Vincent had his issues, just like everyone else..."

Harriet frowned and said in a hushed voice, "It's best not to speak ill of the dead. Let's talk about something more pleasant..."

Tom nodded, switching topics to one he knew his mother could happily chatter about for hours. "How are the preparations going for the Admiralty Ball?"

"Oh, this year is going to be the best ever!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight. "You really must make sure you get shore leave so you can attend, all the most important people will be there!"

"Sure, just give me the dates," Tom agreed, giving his mother an amiable smile. She continued talking animatedly, while he kept his focus on his father.

Admiral Laurence Walker was looking towards the screen, but it was quite clear he was gazing off into the distance, his mind light years away...

***

John had a firm hold on Calara's hips as she rode him, driving deep into her womb with every thrust. Her stunning body was covered in a light sheen of perspiration, the Latina working up quite a sweat as she experienced one thunderous climax after another. He could feel Alyssa's telekinetic cock plundering the Latina's ass through the membrane that separated them, a gentle vibration driving Calara wild as she lay sandwiched between them. The blonde lay on her girlfriend's back as she pumped her hips, with one hand gripping Calara's heaving breasts, the other delving between her trembling thighs, stroking her clit in time to the dual thrusts.

Glowing runes circled languidly through the air around the ecstatic girl, Calara watching them in wonder as she experienced a rolling wave of orgasms. Alyssa whispered a translation in her ear, describing the loving thoughts that had shaped those runes, and leaving her girlfriend in a state of euphoria. As Calara listened to the blonde, she gazed down at John with a look of pure adoration in those gentle brown eyes.

"I love you both so much!" she gasped, writhing sensually on his lap.

John pulled her down so she was resting on his chest. "I love you too, gorgeous girl," he praised her, revelling in that look of bliss.

Alyssa hugged her tight from behind and looked at John over an olive-skinned shoulder, a feverish look of lust in her eyes. "You're so lucky being able to get her pregnant. I wish Calara could grow my baby in her womb... we could take it in turns breeding her..."

John reached up to grab Alyssa's ass, feeling her muscular cheeks rippling as she drove the telekinetic phallus into her lover. "She's ready to take our cum," he said, locking eyes with the blonde.

Alyssa whimpered, biting down on her lower lip as the double-headed psychic cock vibrated against her clit. John kissed Calara passionately, her tongue welcoming his into her mouth as she moaned with pleasure. Unable to hold back any longer, he surrendered to the ecstasy, his quad pumping powerful spurts of cum into the Latina, quickly filling up her womb. Calara clenched her eyes shut as she cried out through another mind-melting climax, Alyssa joining her as she hugged the brunette, hands cradling her swelling belly.

Calara had to sit up again to give her tummy room to grow and she interlaced her fingers with Alyssa as they felt her expand to carry John's heavy load. By the time he'd emptied his four balls, her soft skin was stretched into a sensuous dome, giving him a beautiful preview of the way she'd look when she was carrying his baby. They were all thinking the same thing and the loving doe-eyed looks John got from the two teenagers warmed his heart.

"Do you feel better now?" he asked with genuine concern, placing his hands on her impressive curves. "No longer feeling left out, I hope?"

She sighed rapturously and shook her head. "You two have always been incredible in bed, but that was something else... I've never felt so loved; I was just wrapped up in it."

"You'll always be very special to us," Alyssa whispered in Calara's ear. "We'll spend the rest of our lives showing you that."

They reluctantly separated and helped the Latina to lie on her back, Alyssa wasting no time in kneeling between her parted thighs. John stroked her golden mane as he lay next to Calara, the two of them watching the blonde hungrily filling her tummy.

"We didn't wipe you out too much?" he asked, leaning down to kiss the brunette. "There's no time for a post-orgasmic nap I'm afraid."

Calara stretched and gave him a languid smile. "I already feel amazing... Once Jade feeds me, I'm sure I'll feel like I could conquer the galaxy."

The Nymph had been carefully listening to John's thoughts, so she timed her entrance perfectly, padding across the bedroom to join them. She was followed inside by the rest of the Lionesses, who climbed on the bed, a look of eager anticipation in their eyes.

Alyssa rolled clear to make way for Jade, a glorious smile on her face. "Damn, you were right, Sparks... Loved-up Progenitor cum tastes amazing!"

The redhead already had her mouth full of one of Jade's tentacles, sucking hungrily as the Nymph fed them all at once. Her sky-blue eyes twinkled as she gave the blonde a big grin, the effect obscured by her tightly-stretched lips.

John sat up and beckoned the Nymphs over to him. "I'm sorry we're leaving you out of this one. You understand why, right?"

"Faye explained it to us," Neysa replied as she sat beside him. "This one longs to feel you making her grow stronger again, but we understand that you need to keep the Lionesses safe, Master."

Betrixa pouted and fluttered her eyelashes at John, trying to look as adorable as possible. "Can we have a special session for just us next time, Master?"

He smiled at them indulgently. "Would you all like that?"

They nodded, dark-green faces bobbing enthusiastically, lighting up with dazzling joyful smiles.

Marika nuzzled into him from behind. "Please be careful, Master. This one will be terribly worried while you're away fighting."

John ducked down and said furtively, "That reminds me; I've actually got a special job for all of you..."

"Really, Master?"Neysa replied, looking thrilled. "This one will help in any way she can!"

Making eye contact with the aquatic girl who sat nearby, he said, "I'd like you to look after Helene for me. Do whatever it takes to keep her happy until I get back."

Leylira cast a coy glance at the teal-skinned girl, the tiger-striped Nymph eyeing her like a juicy steak. "You can count on us, Master," she said in a sultry purr.

Helene blushed when four sets of emerald eyes turned her way, the looks ranging from inquisitive and friendly to smouldering intensity. "You don't have to do anything special on my account..." She looked disappointed as she added, "Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help in the battle?"

John opened his arms to her, then lay back on the bed bringing Helene with him. "I haven't decided what to do about giving you abilities, but I'd still like to keep you out of the fighting if I can." When she looked ready to protest, he raised a hand to ward off any complaints, then stroked her light-green hair. "Even if I do agree to it, we need to train you first. At the very least, you'll spend a couple of weeks on the gunnery range firing assault rifles before I let you anywhere near a battle."

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that," she said quietly, looking embarrassed. "The hunters let me carry a harpoon when we were defending the village, but nobody showed me how to really use it."

"We use powerful weapons that could be very dangerous to all of us if you tried to use them without training," he explained, with a conciliatory smile. "I wouldn't let any of the girls fight at my side until I was confident they had enough knowledge to keep themselves and the rest of us safe."

Her eyes softened and Helene gave him an affectionate kiss. "I know. I understand you're just trying to protect me... but I really would like a chance to defend our home like everyone else."

"We can talk about it after the battle," he said, letting his hands run down to her back and stroking her soothingly.

She nodded and he released her, then sat up to take a look around at the girls. Jade had fed everyone now and they were all looking at him with sharp focus and bright eyes, fully prepared for the battle to come.

"What can you tell us so far, Faye?" John asked, turning to look at the purple sprite.

Faye had been waiting for him and she blinked, a holographic system map appearing before them. The blue supergiant star in the centre of the map was labelled Carolus, its constellation name of Pi Sagittarii listed beneath in brackets, and the orbital paths were marked for all the planetary bodies in the system. There were nine planets here, three of which were swirling gas giants, in virulent shades of purple, red, and orange. The rest were solid objects, consisting of a deep scarlet volcanic planet, four lifeless rocky worlds of varying sizes, and of course Carolus III, the jewel of the system.

The only habitable world orbiting Carolus was highlighted in a separate holographic projection. A large continental planet, Carolus III appeared as a blue and green orb, with half the planet shadowed in darkness where night had fallen. In that blackened hemisphere, lights from numerous large towns twinkled brightly, reminding everyone just how populated that world was.

"At least half-a-million colonists," Alyssa said quietly, as she listened to John's train of thought. "The Kirrix have been there for at least four days already..."

John sighed heavily. "Those poor bastards."

"Can you put a Tactical Overlay on please," Calara asked, flicking a questioning glance at Faye.

"Of course!" the sprite instantly agreed, displaying all the data gathered by the passive sensors.

There was a mass of sensor contacts in orbit around the planet, like a flock of vultures circling their dying prey.

"We'll have to get a lot closer for me to give you specifics," she said with an apologetic frown. "Either that or we provide full power to our active sensors..."

"Are we going to try to draw out the Kirrix drone carriers like last time?" Tashana asked, staring intently at the holograph.

"Our primary mission is to cripple any hive ships and save those colonists," John said, wishing they could see more details. "It'll be easier to perform rescue missions from ships on the ground, so we'll have to prioritise keeping them from taking off. Any that are already in orbit, we can cripple and board after we wipe out the rest of the Kirrix fleet."

"I doubt any hive ships are in orbit," Calara said, shaking her head. "I suspect the Kirrix have been systematically capturing the populace one city at a time... just like we saw on Khalgron. It would be harder for people to escape if the Kirrix attack en masse, encircling each hab-zone and deploying troops to round up all the civilians."

John nodded, looking thoughtful. "Actually, that fits with everything I've read about the last Kirrix invasion."

The Latina narrowed her eyes as she stared at the mass of sensor contacts. "With the increased firepower from the Tachyon Lances, I suggest we deploy the Invictus and the Valkyrie to quickly eliminate the drone carriers. We don't want them interfering with the rescue mission using neutron beam barrages from orbit. Meanwhile, Faye can assault the hive ships with the Raptor, knocking out their engines."

"And combat drop the rest of us to help," John said, rubbing his chin as he mulled it over. "When we've grounded all the hive ships, then we kill all the Kirrix troops we can find and protect the colonists..."