A wing of three Nievath interceptors blasted out of the Elauthin Kelrona's launch tubes, joining the rest of their squadron as they scrambled for combat. The Maliri fighters shifted course and raced towards a procession of Brimorian transports, each one of the blocky vessels filled with a cargo of slaves. Schools of Enclave strike craft quickly responded to the threat, adopting attack formations and moving to engage. Their Aobegh fighters had significant numerical superiority, outnumbering the Maliri by several hundred ships, all launched from the five Enclave heavy carriers guarding the transports.

Arrayed before the lumbering freighters were six Brimorian battleships, the massive craft like great blue whales protecting their vulnerable calves. The dark void of space came alive with a storm of dazzling light as yellow particle beams crossed paths with azure Maliri beam lasers, the capital ships from both sides exchanging ferocious broadsides. They ignored the groups of fighters charging towards each other, the actions of those tiny craft beneath the notice of such interstellar titans.

"Here they come!" Lorathyra exclaimed, her face alight with the anticipation of impending combat.

Torvanna took a firm grip of her flight stick. "Shall we make this interesting? A bottle of Holaris red to whoever gets the highest kill count!"

Lorathyra's expression shifted to a predatory grin. "I'll take that wager!"

Glancing at the comms display, Torvanna braced herself for a chastisement by their Flight Commander. Her straight-laced superior usually disapproved of mid-combat banter, but Krisalei had been strangely subdued that evening and the interface stayed silent.

She flicked her gaze to the combat HUD and aligned the targeting rune with the leading Brimorian fighter wing. A Nievath Interceptor had a significant range advantage with its trio of Pulse Cannons and she lined up the perfect shot as the enemy closed the distance. Her finger caressed the trigger and streams of azure laser fire streaked across space to hit the Enclave fighter. Its shields blazed with light, flaring wildly under the onslaught, until the barrier collapsed and the pulses cut through blue and purple armour plating.

Torvanna watched the Enclave fighter detonate in a fiery conflagration, but she wasn't satisfied with just a single kill. The Maliri pilot strafed her shots across the next fighter then the next, blowing them to pieces one after the other. By the time the Brimorian strike craft were in range to shoot back with their particle guns, she had ripped apart the entire wing.

"That's five!" she crowed, rolling her interceptor and realigning the nose towards the next cluster of enemy fighters.

Yellow particle bolts sizzled past her on every side, as nearly all the Brimorians concentrated their fire on the leading formation of Maliri interceptors. Dodging that torrent of energy blasts upset her aim and Torvanna grimaced in frustration as the fighter groups closed the gap and plunged into each other's midst. In a swirling dogfight, it was much harder to get clean kills and she had no intention of having her victories downplayed as "assists".

Torvanna kept one eye on the proximity display and prepared to make evasive manoeuvres to stay on her Flight Commander's flank. To her surprise Krisalei's interceptor flew directly ahead in a straight line, making no attempt to dodge incoming fire as it barrelled onwards. Several Enclave fighters looped around onto their tail and began a pursuit, spraying particle bolts at the Maliri craft. While Torvanna and Lorathyra banked and rolled to avoid the yellow blasts, their white-haired leader made no effort to evade. Krisalei's shields were battered by a hail of incoming fire, the status display rapidly shifting from green through to red.

"Be careful, Commander!" Torvanna called out in alarm.

"Pull up!" Lorathyra yelled, her panicked cry from the comms interface piercingly loud.

They watched in disbelief as Krisalei's interceptor plunged headlong through the strike craft formation and roared towards the Brimorian transports. The Enclave pursuers managed to knock out her shields, but the Maliri ship quickly pulled out of range. Travelling at full throttle, Krisalei's interceptor slammed into the flank of a Brimorian transport, then exploded in a conflagration that also consumed the Enclave freighter.

Torvanna sat there in stunned silence, then stabbed her finger down on a red rune in the centre of her console.

-- END SIMULATION --

Tugging off her flight helmet Torvanna tapped another rune on the side of the cockpit and the crystal canopy cracked open with a hiss. It swung up smoothly to reveal the training room and she sprang nimbly out of her seat. The golden plated simulators were grouped in clusters of three and on the far side of her Flight Commander's closed pod, Lorathyra also clambered out of her cockpit.

"What happened? Is Krisalei alright?!" her wingmate blurted out, looking equally shocked.

Torvanna shook her head helplessly. "I have no idea. She stopped responding!"

They rushed over to the third training pod and hit the emergency release rune. The crystal canopy tilted upwards and they found their flight commander huddled up in her seat, her expression filled with despair.

"Krisalei!" Torvanna gasped, shocked at the state of her. "What happened?!"

"He's gone... and he hasn't come back..." she whimpered, both hands clutched to her chest.

Her two wingmates exchanged a worried glance.

"We better get her to Medical," Lorathyra suggested, carefully removing Krisalei's helmet to reveal her shock of white hair.

Torvanna nodded and crouched down to scoop up the distraught woman. "Don't worry, Commander. The medics will take good care of you."

Lorathya helped Torvanna pull their commander to her feet, then they both slipped an arm around Krisalei's waist to keep her upright. The trio set off towards the exit, but had barely walked a dozen steps when Krisalei arched her back and let out a shocked cry.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Torvanna asked, staring wide-eyed at her commander.

Sagging in their arms, Krisalei sighed with relief, a beatific smile lighting up her face. "Nothing's wrong... everything's wonderful!"

***

The sun dipped below the horizon on Trankara, turning the sky from a frigid blue to a glorious burnt orange. High in the granite towers of the Radiant Palace, the Glowing Queen stood alone on a balcony, her amber eyes taking in the spectacular view. Sunset on the Trankaran homeworld was known as Forgelight and Niskera normally found the sight uplifting; it was as if the Great Maker himself was shining his benevolence upon her planet, showing his approval of the Rock Brethren. However, on this occasion, she found herself too distraught to draw any comfort from the natural beauty of her volcanic home.

She rubbed at her broad chest, grimacing at the hollow ache that still lingered hours after the connection had been severed. Alyssa had warned Niskera that the Great Protector would be temporarily cutting himself off from their network, but the Terran girl hadn't prepared her for just how awful it would feel. The sense of loss was heartbreaking and Niskera desperately longed for their connection to be restored.

The Trankaran monarch glanced back into her quarters at the Comms Interface and bit her lip with indecision. Not for the first time, she considered contacting Edraele, in the hope that the Maliri Queen might have some much-needed answers. Alyssa's continued silence was making Niskera nervous and she couldn't help fearing the worst as the hours rolled by. She fretted anxiously, torn between the desire for more information, and not wanting to shame her people by acting with such desperation in front of their new allies.

Niskera's sense of duty won out yet again and she let out a pensive sigh as she turned back to the magnificent sunset.

She suddenly gasped in shock as the connection to the Great Protector was restored in all its glory, her entire being responding with elation. Quite overcome by the psychic surge, Niskera sank to her knees, the fleeting contact with his mind the most intense spiritual moment of her life. Closing her eyes, she tried her best to commit that rapturous feeling to memory, so that she would never forget what it was like to be touched by a god.

To Niskera's surprise, a faint echo lingered, its warmth banishing the hollow void in her chest. As she concentrated on that lovely sensation, two different feelings blossomed in her mind. The first was a sense of the Great Protector's earnest gratitude, astonishing Niskera that someone so powerful felt grateful to be connected to her. The second made her heart swell with joy as she knew, with absolute certainty, that he genuinely cared about her wellbeing.

Rising to her feet, Niskera gazed out over her volcanic home and basked in the glory of Forgelight. Taking a deep breath, she sang out to the heavens, her melodious voice carrying through the upper levels of the palace. Trankaran senators, soldiers, and workers alike all stopped and listened, spellbound by the Glowing Queen as she gave thanks to the Great Protector.

***

The girls stared at John in shocked silence as he slowly descended, glowing progenitor runes orbiting his body and casting a rich sapphire light across the oval bed.

"Don't be afraid... I'm still the man you know and love," he said, smiling at his stunned audience.

Dana rose to her feet and stepped closer, then looked suspiciously at the eldritch script circling his body. "Am I going to get fried if I walk into that?"

He chuckled and shook his head. John took a deep breath, then the runic phrases faded away, as did the dazzling radiance shining from his eyes. "There... you're quite safe now."

She launched herself into his arms, quickly followed by the rest of the girls, all of them desperate to join the group hug.

"What the hell happened?!" Alyssa exclaimed, pulling back to look at him in amazement. "I thought you were just restoring our connection, but that was crazy!"

Sakura nodded, her eyes wide like saucers. "I could feel the power pouring off you... it was incredible!"

"Was it something to do with the change you made to our connection?" Rachel asked, gazing at him in fascination. "What did you do exactly? The last time you made any modifications, we all experienced a huge gain in power... is that what happened to you?!"

"And what was all that stuff about you being 'Kyth'vindathys... Vengeance of the Kyth'faren reborn'?" Dana intoned in a faux-baritone. She crinkled her nose and continued, "What a mouthful! You don't seriously expect us to start calling you that?"

John raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down everyone and I'll answer your questions as best as I can."

"Calm down?!" Jehanna blurted out, a beaming grin on her face. "John... you were flying!"

The girls broke out into laughter with John joining in with them.

"Wait... where's Helene?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over the fourteen women gathered around him.

"Oh no!" Jade gasped, darting away from the group and crouching on the floor.

As the crowd of girls parted, John saw the teal-hued beauty sprawled unconscious on the bed.

Rachel darted to the Abandoned girl, her arms already swathed in her misty aura. As she touched Helene's shoulder, the swirling grey shroud spread out to envelop her body.

"She drove herself to the brink of exhaustion!" the tawny-haired medic exclaimed in alarm. "Her heartbeat is very weak!"

"How badly hurt is she?" John asked with concern as he knelt beside them.

Rachel's eyes began to glow as she poured healing energies into her unresponsive patient. "I've stabilised her... but Helene pushed herself much too far. She needs complete bedrest for a few days to give her body a chance to recover."

"This is all my fault!" Alyssa cried out, her eyes filling with tears. "I was so distracted, I wasn't paying any attention to her!"

John shook his head and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're not to blame for this... you weren't in control of yourself." He rose to his feet and looked down at his Nymph Matriarch's worried face. "Jade, please can you take Helene to her quarters and look after her. If she stays in the Observatory we might disturb her rest and I don't want to do anything that might hinder Helene's recovery."

"Of course, Master!" she quickly agreed, scooping up the comatose girl and hurrying from the Observatory.

He watched them leave, then sat on the bed and gestured for the remaining crew to join him.

*Edraele, are you there?* John asked, as he waited for the girls to sit.

*I am... and it's so good to hear your voice!* she gushed with joy.

*Are you and your wards alright? The disconnection was much harder on everyone here than I anticipated.*

She hesitated for a moment before quietly replying, *Being disconnected from you was very difficult for all of us, John. We eagerly await your return.*

*We'll be back home as soon as we can,* he replied, his tone apologetic. *I need to have a brief discussion with Alyssa and the girls, then I'll ask her to plot a course for Genthalas. She'll be able to give you a precise ETA in a few minutes time.*

*Thank you...* Edraele murmured, her sense of relief palpable.

The girls had settled on the bed, sitting in a semi-circle around John and looking at him expectantly.

"I'm sure you must have lots of questions..." he began, gazing around at the group.

"You bet your ass we do!" Dana exclaimed, giving him a lopsided grin.

He smiled back, then his expression turned sombre. "I think the easiest way to explain what just happened is by going back to the beginning... starting with the reason why I was born in the first place. When Rahn'hagon created a Progenitor guide for me, he allocated a portion of my subconscious to maintain that construct, using my mind to nurture it and keep it alive until it could complete its purpose."

"But it went rogue," Irillith interrupted. "Your guide never completed its purpose."

"Correct. The guide was supposed to teach me how to use the psychic abilities written into my DNA and prepare me for the logistics of a war with the Progenitors. When I locked the guide away to stop it interfering in my life, it became impossible for it to fulfil its mission or for me to absorb it. So for my entire life, I've been missing part of my mind."

"And now you're finally complete," Rachel said, gazing at him in fascination. "For the first time in your life, your mind is fully unified as one complete person."

He made eye contact with the tawny-haired brunette and nodded. "Precisely."

"No offence, but your guide was a real asshole..." Dana said, her mouth twisted into a worried frown. She looked at him with trepidation. "Now you two have merged minds, are you going to start acting more like him?"

John shook his head and gave her a reassuring smile. "I sincerely hope not. I'm still me, it's just there's a lot more of... me... than there was before."

"I think I understand," Rachel murmured, lost in thought. "Rather than your guide being the embodiment of all your negative personality traits, he was a distinct person created by Rahn'hagon. When you defeated your guide, his personality was destroyed and your subconscious expanded to occupy the space he previously occupied."

He nodded. "That's it exactly."

"Ah... so it was a bit like deleting a secondary drive partition, then reallocating the storage capacity to the primary drive?" Irillith pondered aloud, looking relieved. "There's no trace of data left on the secondary because it's been wiped clean in the process."

John's brow furrowed in confusion. "Um... No, because he had valuable knowledge that I needed to access and integrate. It couldn't just be deleted."

"Never mind... I get it now," Dana said, flashing a grateful grin at the Maliri hacker. She turned back to John and added, "So that means you're exactly the same awesome guy you've always been!"

He hesitated, a distant look in his eye. "Not exactly the same... no. The guide was a tool, designed to teach me how Progenitors think and fight... but he became a distraction that I couldn't see past until he was destroyed. Now that he's gone, it feels like a fog's been lifted from my mind. I know who I am... and what my real purpose is now."

"You are Kyth'vindathys..." Tashana said softly. "Vengeance of the Kyth'faren reborn."

John took a deep breath then confirmed her proclamation with a nod. "We already knew that my father created me to destroy Progenitors... but now I can feel it in my bones. The Kyth'faren planned for someone like me to fight a Progenitor War and it's a legacy I have no intention of shying away from. We must save the galaxy from Xar'aziuth and his pawns; trillions have died because of him... and the slaughter will continue until he's stopped."

"This sounds like ample proof that Rahn'hagon imbued you with all the secret Kyth'faren knowledge from the citadel," Rachel said, looking thoughtful. "Harnessing mysterious runes, forging an ancient runeblade... do you know how to consciously utilise all of that information now?"

He rubbed at his temples and slowly shook his head. "I've got full access to all the Progenitor knowledge my guide was hoarding, but I was acting purely on instinct when I gave Dana her powers and when I forged my sword."

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "So you're acting on Kyth'faren instincts? In that case, I'd say that defines you as a Kyth'faren, not a Progenitor."

John considered that for a moment, then broke into a wide smile. "That sounds like a logical deduction, Doctor Voss."

Alyssa gently cupped his face in both hands. "You're still the man I know and love..." she murmured, before leaning in to kiss him.

When they parted, John smiled with relief. "That's good to hear. I don't feel any different... but it's nice to have you confirm it."

She gazed into his eyes a moment longer, studying him inquisitively. *You're holding something back though. I can feel you keeping part of your mind closed off to me... You've never done that before.*

*I'd like to surprise you with something later, but I can't if you have full access to my mind. Do you trust me?*

*With my life,* Alyssa replied without hesitation.

They shared a tender kiss, then he turned back to the group. "All of that comes back to my explanation for what happened earlier. The last time I reconnected to our psychic network, my guide was still taking up a significant portion of my mind. This time, I was able to fully commit to our connection... and you saw what a difference that made."

"So you're telling us you had commitment issues?" Jehanna joked, raising an eyebrow.

He laughed and shrugged helplessly. "In my defence... it wasn't my fault. I'm all-in now though."

"Just like us," Calara gushed, clasping his hand and giving it an affectionate squeeze.

"Just like you," John agreed, looking around at the girls.

"So you finally believe us now?" Dana asked, her blue eyes twinkling playfully. "No more doubts?"

"None," John said, his tone solemn. "Your love and loyalty are precious gifts... and I'm really sorry for calling them into question so many times."

The girls exchanged startled glances at the earnestness of his reply.

"There's no need to apologise, John," Rachel said, her voice gentle and sympathetic. "We all understood why you had reservations. You were just concerned about the extent you accidentally tampered with our minds."

"That's true... and I wish that all of you had known exactly what you were signing up for when you joined me," he said, making a point of glancing at Alyssa, Calara, then Dana. "If I could go back in time and make sure that each of you was fully informed beforehand, I would do so in a heartbeat... but I can't alter the past. You've all told me repeatedly that you're happy as you are now and that's what truly matters. If you agree, we'll let this matter rest for good... and I'll simply focus on striving to give each of you the wonderful future you deserve."

"That sounds good to me!" Calara agreed enthusiastically, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek.

Her sentiments were echoed by all the girls there, who were equally delighted by his new outlook.

Rachel studied him inquisitively for a moment. "John, would you mind answering my question next?"

"You wanted to know what I altered in our connection?" he asked, turning to face her.

The brunette nodded. "It seemed like you received a huge boost in power. Was that just because your mind was reunified or did the alteration make any difference too?"

"I actually made two changes," he admitted, aware that all eyes were on him now. "The first was something I've been wanting to fix for a long time. Are you all aware of the way you react whenever we discuss the possibility of me dying?"

"Nobody likes discussing the death of loved ones," Sakura said softly, a shadow crossing her face as she thought about her parents.

Calara kissed his shoulder. "If something ever happened to you... I'd just fall to pieces."

"We all would, handsome," Alyssa said, snuggling into him. "You know how much we love you."

The rest of the girls all murmured their quiet agreement.

John watched and listened to their reactions in fascination. "It worked..."

"What did?" Rachel pressed him, her curiosity piqued.

Smiling with satisfaction, he replied, "Well... previously, if I so much as mentioned anything happening to me, you'd all be distraught. Your reactions just now were normal."

"Why would the connection influence that?" Tashana asked, looking bewildered. "I can't see how a Progenitor would become more powerful by making his thralls hysterical at the thought of him dying."

"Me neither," he readily agreed. "But there was this insidious black thread running through the psychic construct that did exactly that. I'm not sure precisely what it was for, but the runic phrases included Astral, Dominion, and Leech runes, so it can't have been good. It didn't appear to share any dependencies with anything else, so I stripped it out."

"Dependencies?" Jehanna asked, frowning in confusion.

"Some parts of the connection are dependent on another aspect of it," John patiently explained. "I wanted to keep the ability to draw psychic power from each of you, but remove the possibility of tapping so much energy you could be turned into a husk. Unfortunately, both aspects are dependent on the way a connection is 'anchored' to a thrall, so if I removed the anchor point to get rid of husking, I'd break the entire connection."

Dana shrugged, not seeing why it was particularly important. "Well... thanks for changing it so we don't freak out anymore."

"I think it did a lot more than that," John replied, sensing her confusion. "You were all devastated when I severed my connection to the psychic network... Alyssa in particular. This is just a hunch... but judging by the way you all reacted, I have a strong feeling that the two are related. If I were to cut off my connection again-"

That prompted a dozen frantic pleas to not end the connection.

"I'm not going to, I promise," he said, his voice calm and soothing. "But IF I did... I suspect it wouldn't be anywhere near as painful."

"Please don't cut us off ever again," Alyssa begged him, hugging him tight. "It was so much worse than the last time."

"I won't," he agreed, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "It was awful seeing you suffering like that. I dread to think what it would've been like if Helene wasn't around to help."

The blonde shivered in his arms. "I'd rather not even think about it."

"Alright, beautiful... we'll talk about something else."

"So what was the second alteration you made?" Rachel enquired, eager to find out more about their connection.

He flushed self-consciously. "Well... I didn't like how the connection was so one-sided, so I just made a simple change to show my appreciation."

"What did you do?" Calara asked, her full lips curling up into a fond smile.

"Close your eyes... all of you," he requested, glancing around to check they'd all obeyed his instructions. "Now keep your breathing slow and steady... and focus on your heart."

"Ohh..." Sakura whispered breathily, her eyebrows climbing. "Oh, John... that feels wonderful!"

"I wanted you to know how grateful I am that we're connected... and how much I really care about each of you. If you're ever feeling down for any reason, you can concentrate on that sensation and know how much you mean to me."

There were gentle sighs of contentment from the girls and when they opened their eyes again, he could see the warm affection in their gaze.

Tashana exchanged a furtive glance with Irillith, then the Maliri gunslinger asked, "John, did you just do that for us, or every girl in the network?"

"Everyone connected to me. Why do you ask?"

Irillith smirked and shook her head in amusement.

Alyssa blinked in surprise. "Oh!"

"What?" he asked, curious about their reactions.

"Um... Niskera is very happy to be connected to you right now."

"I thought she already was?" he asked with a frown. "Didn't you tell me that she'd been acting like I'm some kind of newly ascended deity?"

"Yes... a deity that just reached out to give her his personal blessing," Alyssa explained with a meaningful look. "She's absolutely ecstatic now."

"I suspect she's not the only one," Irillith noted, her violet eyes twinkling. "If you ever change your mind about having a legion of children, there won't be any shortage of volunteers, not after sending that little psychic love note to all your Maliri Thralls."

*You did make quite the impression, my Lord...* Edraele crooned, a sultry edge to her voice.

The rest of the girls shared knowing smiles as they heard the Maliri Queen's telepathic reply.

Rather than reacting with alarm, John nodded with satisfaction. "Good."

Amusement turned to shock as the girls gaped at him in astonishment.

Alyssa asked in a hushed voice, "Are you serious? You want to start getting them all pregnant?!"

"No, of course not," John replied, rolling his eyes. "You know I want to be actively involved in raising my children. I'm pushing the limit with the number of women I've already made that commitment to."

Irillith frowned in confusion. "But you just said-"

"I'm glad I made a big impression on all the women connected to Edraele," John clarified. "I care a great deal about the Maliri and I want them to know how much I appreciate what they're doing for me. I think it's appalling the way other Progenitors treat their thralls with such contempt and I don't want our psychic network to be anything like that. This was just an imbalance that needed correcting."

"You old softie," Alyssa said, snuggling into him.

"You're still righting wrongs..." Tashana gushed, looking at him starry-eyed.

He shrugged and gave her a wry smile, then changed the subject, "Do any of you have more questions about what happened when we reconnected?"

The group shook their heads or murmured in the negative.

Turning to Alyssa, John said, "I know you're worn out after this morning... but are you alert enough to plot a course to Genthalas?"

She sat up straight and nodded. "Yes... I can do that."

"Thank you," he said gratefully. "After we're on our way, I want you to go straight to bed."

Alyssa frowned in protest. "But I want to stick around for the celebratory orgy!"

John cupped her face and gave her a tender kiss. "I can see how exhausted you are, beautiful. Get some rest, then you can help me feed the girls later... okay?"

She blushed and gave him a coy smile. "Okay..."

"Good girl," he replied, gently patting her bottom. Glancing at the quintet of Nymphs, he continued, "Would you ladies mind going with her? I need one of you to watch over the Bridge, someone to help Jade look after Helene... and the rest of you to make sure Alyssa goes to sleep."

"Hey!" she protested, as the pack of catgirls giggled with delight.

"Shall we wear her out first, John?" Betrixa asked with a playful grin.

"I'll leave that to your discretion," he replied, returning their waves goodbye as they scampered after the pouting blonde.

"Let's get the orgy started!" Dana exclaimed, bounding across the bed to pounce on John. "I wanna go first!"

***

Lynette Devereux lay sprawled on her bed in her quarters on Olympus, panting with relief as the connection to John was restored. The previous several hours had been excruciating, the aching pain deep in her chest far worse than when she'd been shot by Buckingham's troops. Alyssa had warned her that John was going to confront his guide and that severing their connection would be unpleasant... but the blonde hadn't prepared her for the yawning depth of that discomfort.

After joining John and the girls as a secret Lioness, Lynette had enjoyed the wonderful feeling of belonging to their family, which she'd always attributed to Alyssa being so welcoming. There was never any tangible sense of John in that connection, other than an underlying admiration and attraction. But when he severed their connection, it felt like she'd fallen off a cliff, swallowed up by a dreadful pit of hollow emptiness. The one thing she'd been thankful for was that Charles hadn't been present to witness her torment, having requested some time alone for 'Lioness business'.

The brunette flushed as she remembered the exhilarating sense of elation she'd felt at John's return and was relieved that her fiancé hadn't been around to witness that either. She slid out of bed and peeled off her sweat-soaked camisole top and shorts, then staggered into the bathroom, grimacing as she glanced at the mirror and saw the state of her hair. It was plastered to her forehead, neck and shoulders, damp and sticky after hours spent tossing and turning in bed. She stepped into the shower then sighed with relief as the hot water cascaded down over her nubile body.

*I'm so sorry, Lynette,* Alyssa said earnestly, the youthful matriarch's voice drifting through her mind. *I had no idea it was going to be that awful. Are you okay?*

Lynette leaned against the slick tiles with her eyes closed, luxuriating in the steamy warmth. *I am now.*

*John's never going to do that again,* the blonde declared, a slight tremor to her voice. *I made him promise. Now he's defeated his guide, there's no reason to ever cut himself off from us in the future.*

Alyssa's fervent response made the Fleet Admiral pause. *Are you and the girls alright?*

*We are now...* she murmured, echoing Lynette's earlier answer.

The brief hesitation before the teenager replied spoke volumes and Lynette could only imagine how much harder this had affected the other Lionesses. She was very fond of John, but the girls on the Invictus were absolutely besotted with him and she realised that being cut off like that must have been agonising for all of them.

*Yeah. It was... not good,* the blonde said quietly, confirming her suspicions. *I really am sorry I wasn't able to give you any support. I swear I would've helped you if I could... but it was way worse than we expected.*

*That's okay, I understand,* Lynette replied, shampooing then rinsing off her hair. *It had to be done, but at least it's over with now. How's John doing?*

*He's wonderful,* Alyssa murmured with a dreamy sigh. *It was all so worth it...*

*Being reconnected was... very nice,* Lynette agreed, blushing at the memory as she turned off the shower.

*It really was!* Alyssa gushed. There was a brief pause, then she continued, *Hold up. I'm just plotting a course to Genthalas and I don't want to make any mistakes. I'll chat to you again in a couple of minutes, Lynette.*

The brunette stood under the hot air of the auto-drier. *Sure. Speak to you later.*

She dressed in her Fleet Admiral uniform and entered the Lounge, activating the comms interface as she sat on the sofa. A practiced swipe of her fingers opened the call to her fiancé and she deftly activated her holo-disguise while she waited for the connection.

"Lynette!" Admiral Charles Harris exclaimed, his moustache twitching as he smiled with relief. "I've been worried about you. Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine, Charles," she replied, wary about being too open over the Olympus comms network. "Could you come to my quarters please? I'd really like to see you."

His eyes twinkled as he gave her a sharp salute. "On my way, Fleet Admiral."

She smiled at him affectionately and closed the comms channel, leaving her staring at the Terran Federation insignia. Lynette's stomach fluttered with butterflies as she anticipated his arrival, desperately needing a hug from her handsome fiancé.

While she waited, Lynette scrolled though the messages that had arrived while she'd been incapacitated. There were status updates from several admirals, all detailing the progress they'd made in critical projects. Sofia Esposito made a request to expedite the trial of the Callopean Shoals traitor, suggesting that the public would appreciate such a heinous criminal being swiftly brought to justice. Lynette glanced through the damning evidence presented against him and found it so compelling that she gave her approval.

Lina Van Den Broeck was making excellent progress with preparations to expand the civilian facilities in the Orbital Shipyard. Lynette cracked a smile at the admiral's ingenuity, as she read that Lina had launched a sweeping advertising campaign that touted Olympus Shipyard as the greatest Wonder of the Galaxy. Construction contractors were now begging to be included in the expansion of such an iconic symbol of humanity's might, even offering significant discounts to their usual fees to be part of that legacy. It was a clever way of exploiting their own avarice, as a testimonial for such work would see their companies set for life with construction projects throughout the Federation.

Next was a progress report from Admiral Xiu Wu, who had been tasked with a drastic reduction of the R&D division. After Hugo Chapman's dramatic arrest and forced resignation, the scaling back of the massive Terran Federation military research budget had begun in earnest. The stern example made of their former commanding officer had quelled any further insubordination and Admiral Wu noted that she was pleased with the level of cooperation received in restructuring the division.

Admiral Hamilton Garbert-Smythe had submitted an enthusiastic report, detailing his progress in the brutal axing of the entire Maliri espionage division. He was currently focused on culling most of the old boys' club that had coasted by with minimal results for decades. The newer agents that hadn't yet become jaded and lazy were being reallocated to monitoring the many Minor Empires, with the intention of increasing background intelligence for future trade possibilities.

Lynette leaned back on the sofa and mulled that over. If trade links could be increased, the influx of new goods and revenue could be channelled through the Outer Rim, which would lead to plenty of new infrastructure improvements to meet commercial demand. It would be another way of showing the Admiralty's renewed commitment to the previously neglected colonies. She opened up a holographic map of the Terran Federation and studied the Kirrix invasion corridor, which included the systems most likely to rebel against High Command.

*All done!* Alyssa declared with satisfaction.

*Hello again,* Lynette said, pleased to hear from the blonde. *That was good timing; I'd like to discuss the Outer Rim colonies if you can spare a few minutes.*

*Sure! But before we get into that, there's one thing I'd like you to do for me...*

Following her matriarch's instructions, Lynette closed her eyes and made a conscious effort to relax. She let her thoughts turn inwards towards... then gasped as she felt a gentle warmth pulse outwards from her heart and fill her body. It was like nothing she'd ever experienced before, but the sensation gave her a profound sense of contentment. She could feel John's gratitude that she was part of their psychic network and Lynette knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he genuinely cared for her continued good health and happiness.

"Oh my..." she breathed, as she wiped a tear from her eye. *Alyssa, what was that?*

*Just John's way of showing his appreciation,* the young woman replied. *We all care about you, Lynette, you're part of our family.*

The Fleet Admiral swallowed around the lump in her throat, overcome with emotion. She gazed unfocused at the holographic map spread open before her, until Lynette's hazel eyes drifted back to the systems in the Outer Rim. Blinking away her daze, she focused on Brecken's World and was suddenly struck with a burst of inspiration.

*That's actually not a bad idea...* Alyssa murmured, listening to her train of thought.

Lynette sprang out of her seat. *I need to assemble High Command... then I better start packing!*

***

The girls paired off as they waited for a turn with John, their lithe bodies entwined as they kissed and gently caressed each other. As he held Dana in his arms, sensual sighs and gasps of pleasure surrounded him on the oval bed, filling the Observatory with a breathtaking erotic symphony.

The redhead showered him in hungry kisses and as John reciprocated, he contacted his Nymph Matriarch. *Jade, I'm sorry you and your sisters can't be part of the celebrations.*

*That's quite alright, Master. I'm happy to be watching over Helene and my sisters are all delighted to be assisting you with useful tasks. Earlier today, Marika expressed her concern that we've been monopolising your time recently, so just focus on enjoying your mates... we'll savour the pleasure you receive from being with them.*

*I'd like to spend some time with just you and your sisters, when we get the chance,* he requested as he rolled Dana over onto her back without breaking their kiss.

*Are you sure, Master?* Jade asked with faux concern. *There's only so much pleasure a mortal man can withstand...*

He broke the kiss with Dana and laughed. *Well... it's a good job I'm immortal then.*

"What's so funny?" the horny teenager asked, gazing up at him with a big grin.

"Sorry... Jade was just teasing me," he explained, reaching for Rachel and pulling her closer. "You two have my undivided attention now."

"Planning to straighten out your lusty lesbians?" the brunette asked, kneeling down beside them and kissing his shoulder.

"Of course," he replied, repositioning himself as Dana eagerly parted her thighs. "Will you guide me in, honey?"

Rachel reached for his throbbing cock and lined him up with her girlfriend's soaked pussy. Dana let out a deep groan as John pushed inside those velvety folds, not stopping until he was buried up to his quad.

As the redhead wrapped her toned legs around his waist, John propped himself up on his arms to gaze down at the stunningly beautiful girl. "You're amazing, Sparks... I'm so lucky to have you."

"Admiring your handiwork?" she asked, her blue eyes sparkling with glee. She cupped her perky breasts, squeezing the luscious flesh. "I don't blame you... I love my smoking hot bod!"

"No, I'm not talking about that," he replied earnestly, shaking his head. "There's a billion thralls in the galaxy with identical bodies to you; it's what's inside that makes you so special. Alyssa showed me what happened between you two on Karron... I saw everything."

"Oh... you liked those naked pillow fights?" Dana joked, to hide her embarrassment.

Sensing that he was making a serious point, Rachel asked quietly, "What happened, John?"

"She saved Alyssa," John marvelled, shifting his weight to his elbows and gently brushing his fingers through Dana's lustrous auburn hair. "You were wonderful back then, Sparks. You knew she wasn't going to make it on her own and you did everything you could to help her. If you hadn't been so kind and generous, Alyssa never would've survived."

Dana blushed, reddening self-consciously. "Anyone would've done the same thing."

"But nobody else did," he insisted, gazing deeply into her eyes. "You went hungry for her... shared what little you had just to keep her going. You're incredible, Dana. Karron nearly broke Alyssa... but you kept her alive."

The redhead looked embarrassed by his effusive praise. "She's my friend..."

John gently kissed her and murmured, "So loyal... so selfless... you haven't changed a bit. I didn't make you this way... this was you all along."

Rachel smiled in sudden understanding, realising why John had been so moved by his glimpse into the Karron orphan's troubled past. She lay down beside them, her fingers slipping between John and Dana to caress the prominent bulge he made in her girlfriend's tummy.

"She was like a precious jewel hidden in the rock," Rachel whispered, her nimble fingers massaging Dana's clit as John stroked inside her. "You just made her gorgeous on the outside to match the priceless beauty on the inside."

He nodded, lost for words as he immersed himself in the lovely girl wrapped around him. John moved his arm, making room for the brunette, and she eagerly shifted closer. Rachel glanced up at him and smiled, then leaned in to kiss Dana, relishing the incredible softness of her lips. John could only groan in approval, fascinated by the sight of them together.

It was all too much stimulation for Dana and she arched her back as she climaxed, voicing her ecstasy in a strangled cry of pure pleasure. Her orgasm crested again and again, the combination of Rachel's caresses and John's pistoning thrusts never giving her a moment's respite. With a breathless whimper Dana sagged back on the bed, her frenzied grip around his waist slackening as she collapsed.

John gently eased out of her depths then knelt between the redhead's splayed thighs, watching a bead of perspiration roll down her bountiful cleavage. Feeling a deep sense of satisfaction at having rendered the beautiful young woman insensate, he turned his attention to her tawny-haired lover.

"Is it my turn to be screwed senseless?" Rachel asked, giving him a coy smile.

"I'm afraid so," he replied just as playfully, kissing her again as they moved to a clear space on the bed.

The brunette uttered a guttural moan as John entered her, the sexy sound drawing out until she gasped as he pushed into her womb. Fully embedded inside her, John cradled her head in his hands until she was able to focus on him again. He moved slowly but deliberately as they began to kiss, with Rachel melting into his loving embrace.

"I know what you were doing earlier..." John said, pausing to look into her perceptive grey eyes.

"Sounds like I need to work on being more subtle," Rachel conceded, smiling as she cupped his face.

He turned to kiss her wrist. "I know you've been concerned about me, but you don't need to keep reassuring me like that. I meant what I said earlier... I want to put the past behind us and focus on our fight with the Progenitors."

She studied him in fascination, her gaze boring into his soul. "You were wrong before... you have changed."

"I don't feel any different. Should I be worried?"

"No, it's nothing bad... you're just more sure of yourself now. I like the new you... a lot."

"That's a lucky coincidence, because I like you a lot too," he said, leaning down to kiss her. "Now, shall we get back to screwing you senseless?"

Rachel let out a happy sigh, then wrapped her arms and legs around him. "I want you to make me cum so hard, I don't even know my own name..."

John chuckled and nodded his agreement. "I think that can be arranged."

They moved together slowly at first, sensually making love as they took pleasure in the intimate coupling. Tenderness eventually gave way to heated passion and as Rachel urged him onwards with breathy cries, John shifted gears until he was pounding her to ecstasy. Their lustful groans roused Dana, who returned the favour with Rachel, rubbing her clit as John hammered the brunette into a state of blissful oblivion.

Rachel's grey eyes rolled up and she sagged backwards on the bed, her arms and legs going limp. When John withdrew from her clutching depths, he realised there was a hushed silence in the bedroom, and he turned to see the rest of the girls watching his performance with lust in their eyes. He focused on Rachel again and saw that Dana was now snuggled up with her exhausted girlfriend.

"That was totally awesome," the redhead said, with a languid smile. "I don't think either of us are gonna walk straight for a week."

"Happy to be of service," John replied, running his hand along her toned thigh and patting her affectionately.

She gave him a shy smile. "Thanks for what you said earlier... it was lovely."

"I meant every word."

Dana blushed then shooed him away. "Go on... get some more pussy. The rest of the girls must be climbing the walls."

Turning away from the sated pair, John found himself faced with an impossible choice. On one side, the twins were draped over Jehanna, their slender blue fingers teasing and stroking the dusky-hued beauty. On the other, Sakura and Calara were intertwined together, their spectacular bodies honed to the peak of feminine perfection. All five women were watching him with wanton expressions, three sets of brown eyes and two sets of violet offering him all manner of sensual pleasures.

He glanced from one group to the other, then held up his hands in defeat. "How am I supposed to choose... you're all so damn sexy! Help me out here, girls."

They giggled, then gathered together for some whispered negotiations. It didn't take long for them to decide, with Calara and Sakura rising to their feet and padding across the bed towards him like a pair of stalking lionesses. They pounced on John and tried to push him over onto his back, but he easily overpowered them both and rolled so they were beneath him.

"Looks like you've got us where you want us," Sakura noted with an inviting smile.

"We surrender..." Calara murmured, turned on by his display of raw strength. She ran her fingers across his bulging biceps. "So what happens now?"

"Roll over on your sides, tummies together," he ordered, gazing down at the two gorgeous girls.

They quickly complied, lying face-to-face in an intimate embrace. Sakura did nothing to resist as he draped her upper leg across Calara, the golden-brown limb over the Latina's olive flank making for an alluring contrast. She was intimately exposed to John in that position, a fact he quickly took advantage of as he straddled her lower leg and pushed his cock deep inside her. The Asian girl moaned with delight as he plundered her womb, the earthy cry only muffled when Calara covered her mouth in a passionate kiss.

John gave her a dozen slow strokes, savouring her exquisitely tight body, then lifted one of Calara's legs to place on his broad shoulder. Now that she was just as exposed, he was able to pull out of Sakura and push deep into her bedmate, hilting himself until his quad rested on Calara's silky-soft thigh. He gave her the same treatment, then switched back to Sakura, Calara's groan of disappointment merging with Sakura's gasp of pleasure as she stretched to accommodate his shaft.

Both girls were already turned on and being taken in a new position had them stoked up to fever pitch. John kept his pace slow and measured, but with them grinding against each other, it didn't take long for the pair to start climaxing. He rode them through several orgasms, only finishing with Sakura when he'd satiated the burning desire in her eyes. When Calara's feverish excitement had softened to doe-eyed contentment, he slid out of her and lay down in the space they made between them to have a well-earned rest.

"I needed that so much," the brunette purred, draping herself over his left flank. "You were amazing, John..."

"Absolutely perfect," Sakura agreed, snuggling up to him on his right.

He stretched his aching muscles, then wrapped his arms around the nubile pair and held them tight. "Taking care of you two is always a pleasure."

Sakura gently cupped his taut quad, savouring the heavy weight. "You're filling up again... are you sure you don't want us to return the favour? You could rest for a bit, then have fun with Jehanna and the twins afterwards."

"Thanks for the offer, but we haven't got enough time before we return to Genthalas. Besides, I have something special planned for Alyssa; I'm sure she'll share with you afterwards."

The Asian girl licked her lips in anticipation, then settled down with her head resting on his shoulder.

Calara propped herself up on one elbow and ran her fingers over his chest. "John... I'm really worried about Alyssa. You didn't see how distraught she was earlier; we had to physically restrain her from ripping apart Faye's chassis for a mouthful of your cum. She didn't care about the risk of being husked, she was just desperate to be connected to you again."

"I know... and I'm going to make it up to her. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that as well," he said with sympathy, stroking her back. "I have no intention of ever cutting myself off from you again, but just in case anything bad happens, the changes I made to the connection should prevent that kind of reaction in the future."

"Why would Progenitors do that to their thralls?" Calara whispered as she lay back down beside him. "It was awful being cut off from you... like part of me had died. How can they be so cruel to women that adore them?"

"I don't know... but it's just one more reason why they've got to be stopped," he replied, placing a comforting kiss on her forehead.

"We'll be with you every step of the way," Sakura declared, a sentiment Calara approved of with a firm nod.

"I can always count on both of you," John said, squeezing them both in a grateful hug. "I couldn't ask for more loyal friends."

They beamed at him, adoration shining brightly in their eyes. John glanced at Sakura and grimaced as he remembered what the guide had told him about the psychic reunion with her parents.

The Asian girl tilted her head to one side, studying him curiously. "That's the second time you've given me a guilty look since your battle with the guide. What is it, John?"

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "There is something I want to discuss with you. Not now though... next time we get a moment alone together, okay?"

"Of course," she agreed, planting a soft kiss on his chest.

Jehanna's ecstatic moans floated across the room like a siren call from the steamiest bordello.

"You better go and save her from the twins," Sakura said, urging him onwards with a nudge.

He gave each of them a kiss. "Thanks, ladies."

Leaving the two brown-eyed temptresses cuddled together in a loving embrace, John crossed the bed to the sapphic trio making all the noise. Irillith was sitting propped up against a pillow, with their newest recruit lying back against her, the Maliri fondling Jehanna's magnificent pair of gravity-defying breasts. Tashana was equally busy, but she lay between the Terran girl's splayed thighs, licking her to a quivering crescendo.

"Hey, John," Irillith purred, cupping Jehanna's breasts and tweaking her nipples. "Excellent timing..."

Tashana gracefully rolled aside. "She's all ready for you."

"Don't stop!" Jehanna cried out in frustration, her body on the cusp of release.

John took the Maliri archaeologist's place in front of Jehanna, placing the head of his throbbing cock on the flushed entrance to her pussy. The Terran girl moaned with need, her hips writhing in an attempt to impale herself... until John held her steady and slowly pushed inside.

"Oh my God!" she squealed, her eyes like saucers as she convulsed through an intense climax.

He felt her inner walls rippling over his shaft, gripping him tight and squeezing rhythmically as he gave her inch after inch. The sensation was exquisite, as was the huge ego boost from driving her into a state of ecstasy just from that initial penetration.

Irillith grinned when she saw his satisfied expression. "Such a stud... just feeding her your cock drove her wild."

Tashana hugged him from behind, her deliciously soft breasts pressed against his back. "You're going to make a lot of besotted Maliri very happy," she whispered in his ear.

He kissed Irillith, stroked Tashana's thigh, then focused his attention on Jehanna. "That looked like a strong one... are you okay?"

She gazed up at him with dreamy eyes. "I am now... the twins are very naughty girls."

"They are... but that's what makes them so much fun," he agreed, smiling as the sisters lovingly caressed him.

Holding still, John waited for Jehanna to recover, her arms and legs still trembling.

"I was just telling the others that I'm sorry for what you all went through when I severed our connection. I had no idea you'd be affected so badly," he said, directing his apology to all three women. Looking into Jehanna's eyes, he added, "You must be wishing you waited a few more weeks before joining us..."

"No, not at all, I'm really glad I was here," she replied with conviction. "After going through that with the girls, I'm finally starting to feel like part of the team."

"I already thought of you as one of the Lionesses when we fought the Brimorians," John said, brushing aside a stray lock of her hair.

Jehanna shook her head. "It wasn't the same thing. Alyssa was babysitting me on Kinta and she's so formidable, I was never in any danger. When I saw her fall apart this morning... sharing the pain and sense of loss with all the girls... that was frightening and very real."

"You're definitely part of the family now," Tashana agreed, gazing down fondly at the former reporter over John's shoulder.

"Yeah... there's no going back," Jehanna murmured, a momentary flicker of loss in her eyes.

It was a sharp reminder to John of the accusation the guide had made during their duel, listing the many sacrifices Jehanna had made to be with him. She'd been forced to give up her family, friends, and career... all to fight a brutal war at his side.

"I know how much you sacrificed, giving up your old life to be with me," John said with quiet regret. "But we'll find a way to make things right with your parents... I promise."

Jehanna gave him a grateful smile, which faltered as she had a sudden epiphany. "That's what the guide used about me to hurt you, wasn't it? You mentioned the accusations he made about recruiting Alyssa, Calara, and Dana... but you never said how he used me against you."

"He tried to," John replied, confirming her suspicions but giving her a reassuring smile. "It didn't work though. I knew that you made those sacrifices because you love me, not because I forced you to. I am going to do my best to fix everything though; I don't want you to have any regrets about your decision to join us."

"Like Calara?" she asked, hope flickering to life in her eyes.

"Exactly."

Irillith cleared her throat, then asked quietly, "John... what did the guide say about recruiting me? You told us that he accused you of being 'eager to subjugate a genuine thrall', but that's a weak argument to make... especially when there were many nastier things he could've said about me."

John withdrew from Jehanna then smiled as he sat back on his haunches. "We seem to have got a bit sidetracked from typical orgy conversation."

"You started it with your apology," Tashana reminded him, nibbling at his earlobe.

"Yeah... I suppose I did," he conceded, before laying back on the bed and beckoning them to join him. "Come here, let's get comfortable if we're going to have a serious chat."

Jehanna lay on his chest, then the twins snuggled in next to her on either side. He gave the three girls a moment to get settled, stroking Irillith and Tashana as they rested against his flanks.

"I've always felt guiltier about the first girls I recruited, because we didn't know then what we do now about the Progenitor Connection," John explained, looking at each of the trio before settling his gaze on Irillith. "You were right earlier; the guide wasn't trying to make me feel guilty about recruiting you. He was trying to argue that nobody genuinely loved me, and that you originally hated my guts... until I brainwashed you when I healed your wounds on Trankara."

"That's awful!" Tashana gasped, her face a picture of sympathy.

"And it's a blatant lie," Jehanna said with conviction. "I was smitten with you when we started flirting and that was months before you fed me for the first time."

Irillith was quiet for a moment, then said softly, "I never hated you, John. In fact, I found you intriguing; you were so different from any male I'd met before."

"I remember that day we first met... and the way you stared at me across Ceraden's office," he said, caressing her cheek. "You were strong enough to resist the genetic behaviour conditioning for weeks... until you were injured and I had to heal you."

"Then I recruited myself," she said with a sly grin.

He chuckled and nodded. "The girls were quite upset with you at the time, but I couldn't imagine you not being part of the family now. I love you... and I'm so glad you're mine."

Irillith's gaze softened and she gave him a warm smile.

John cupped her cheek. "And that's exactly how you looked when you helped me fight against my guide. You tried to remind me about Faye."

She blinked in surprise for a moment, before understanding sunk in. "Because Faye was a synthetic lifeform and immune to any psychic influence. She genuinely loved you for the person you are."

"Not just beautiful, but smart too..." he said, his admiration for Irillith tinged with sadness for the effervescent sprite. "I think Faye would've loved to know that she helped save me one last time."

The trio of girls were lost for words as they all shared his grief for their fallen Lioness.

Tashana hesitated, reluctant to break the silence. "John... what did the guide say about me?"

"Nothing, you weren't even mentioned. One of the battlegrounds we fought in was the Underworld, but he didn't try to put a negative twist on me recruiting you."

"Why do you think that was?"

He used his other hand to cup Tashana's face, just as he'd done to her sister. "How could I ever feel any regret over healing you? Out of all my wounded little birds, you probably needed me the most."

"I did..." Tashana agreed, leaning into his hand. "But I think I also gave you the most trouble."

"The best things in life are worth fighting for," he replied, brushing his thumb across her cheek.

She blushed but gave him an adoring smile and when John glanced at the other two girls, saw similar expressions on their faces.

Irillith's eyes smouldered as she purred, "I think we should get back to celebrating..."

"Good idea," John agreed, stiffening at the prospect. He looked at Jehanna and continued, "How do you feel about helping me demolish the twins?"

"I'm sure I won't take much convincing..." she replied, rubbing herself against his thickening shaft.

"Are you sure?" he asked with mock concern. "To give you fair warning, I will have to use you shamelessly in the process."

She let out a husky moan, then her lips were on his, her tongue trying to tango with his tonsils.

***

Sub-Prelate Dejarin strode down the dropship's ramp, a squad of Kintark marines marching behind him. He paused half-way down, shocked by his first glimpse at the scale of the destruction in the Imperial Palace grounds. Everywhere he looked was the smouldering wreckage of Brimorian troop transports, the blue and purple armour plating completely obliterated by terrifyingly potent weaponry.

Scattered around the mangled spacecraft were piles of broken corpses, the Enclave marines gunned down indiscriminately. Dejarin could tell at a glance that hundreds of Brimorians had been slain in the battle, with huge holes blasted out of their aquatic body armour. Oddly enough, there were no signs of any casualties from the opposing force, highlighting how one-sided the slaughter had been.

"Sssub-Prelate? What are your ordersss?"

Dejarin glanced at the grizzled Kintark marine beside him. Despite Vekgira's outwardly calm appearance, the Sub-Prelate could see that she was just as badly shaken by the scale of the destruction visited upon the alien soldiers.

"Proceed into the Palace," he replied, gesturing towards the grand entryway.

The squad accompanied him through a forest of broken statues, the senseless vandalism to the ancient sculptures stoking his anger. Entering the Palace, they stumbled across a massacre of the palace staff, finding scores of civilians shot in the back by the Brimorian invaders. The Kintark marines muttered to each other, their sharp snarls and curt growls reflecting their tightly-suppressed fury.

Tearing his eyes from the atrocity, the Sub-Prelate tapped his subordinate on the vambrace. "We musst continue onwardsss, Vekgira."

She acknowledged him with a nod and started barking orders at her squad. They fell in and headed deeper into the palace at Dejarin's side.

The next group of bodies they encountered were all Brimorian and the Kintark officer paused to stare at them in astonishment. It looked like the entire alien squad had been sliced in half, an enormous blade having disembowelled over two-dozen armoured soldiers in a single swipe. The Enclave troopers had died where they'd fallen, and judging by the way most of them lay face-down, had been slain from behind before even realising they were under attack.

Shocked by the strange circumstances of the aliens' demise, the Kintark marines fell silent as they continued along the granite hallways. They found several more small groups of courtiers, the Imperial citizens shot in the back as they attempted to flee from the Brimorian invaders. Far more disturbing though, were the sporadic Enclave corpses littering the floor.

One Brimorian had lost his right leg, severed neatly above the knee. He had tried to crawl away in his desperation to escape, only to be stabbed in the back and impaled to the ground. Vekgira placed her armoured boot on the corpse and rolled it over, revealing the dead Brimorian's terrified face. His scaly features were frozen in a mask of such dreadful fear that the sight of him sent a shiver down Dejarin's spine.

It soon became clear that whoever had killed the alien invaders had stalked them through the palace, turning pitiless hunters into terrified prey. The path to the Throne Room was strewn with dismembered Brimorian marines, each and every one chopped down and butchered without mercy.

"What could have done thisss?" Dejarin murmured, staring in horror at a Brimorian who had lost both forearms before being decapitated.

Vekgira grimaced as she crouched down by the headless corpse. "The blow ssstruck with enough force to ssshear ssstraight through the armour and sssever each limb in a sssingle ssstroke," she replied, pointing towards the smooth cuts in the armour. "Look how clean thossse woundsss are... not ragged from repeated attemptsss to hack through."

The Sub-Prelate nodded in understanding. "The attacker wasss very ssstrong then?"

"Correct... and the blade incredibly sssharp," Vekgira confirmed with a nod.

Dejarin shivered at the thought of facing someone so powerful. "Alright... let usss continue, we have nearly reached the Throne."

They walked along the corridor and approached the set of massive double doors that led into the Imperial Throne Room. Entering the imposing chamber, Dejarin spotted a squad of Kintark marines standing guard by the door into the Empress' suite, and led his troops over to join them. They snapped to attention as he approached, saluting him respectfully.

"Where isss Sssub-Prelate Khargic?" he asked the guards.

"Inssside, Sssir," one of them replied, gesturing towards the partially-open door.

Dejarin passed between the guards and entered the suite, taking note of the damage to the walls where the doors had been thrown open with great force. At the end of the entry corridor was the Empress' bedchamber and the Kintark soldier could hear her rumbling snores long before he reached the second set of doors. The group of guards there opened them for him and ushered Dejarin through, giving him his first look at the leader of the Kintark Empire.

Tamolith was absolutely magnificent in all her draconic splendour, the massive dragon's red scales a glorious crimson hue in the sunlight streaming through the open windows. The Sub-Prelate felt like throwing himself to his knees before the Kintark Empress and worshipping her for the immortal goddess that she was, both beautiful and terrifying in equal measure. Dejarin would have done so, if not rooted to the spot in awe of this spectacular creature.

"You're late..." a dour voice grumbled.

"What?" Dejarin replied, blinking in surprise and focusing on the burly Kintark marine approaching him.

"Firssst time in the palace?" the other Sub-Prelate asked, before waving away the question. "Never mind... I can tell you've never been around the Imperial line before. You're our replacementsss?"

"You mussst be Khargic," Dejarin said, saluting his fellow officer. "My apologiesss for our late arrival. We are here to relieve you of guard duty."

Khargic did look visibly relieved and he shared a toothy grin with the rest of his squad. "You hear that? Tamalaz the Fortunate mussst be watching over usss!"

"W-what do you mean?" Dejarin stammered, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Tamolith hasss been asssleep for nearly fourteen hoursss," Khargic replied, glancing back at the slumbering dragon. "I ssserved in the palace five yearsss ago... Baledranax never usssed to ssslumber for thisss long."

"Ssso the Empresss might awaken sssoon?" Dejarin asked, looking up at the draconic behemoth with interest.

Khargic clapped Dejarin on the shoulder and gave him a grim smile. "Exactly. Try not to make her angry... and you might sssurvive the night."

With that ominous declaration, Khargic and his squad hurried out of the Empress' chambers.

Dejarin and Vekgira exchanged a worried look, while the rest of the squad took an involuntary step back from the sleeping dragon.

Resigning himself to his fate, Dejarin began issuing orders. "I want all the entrancesss to the Royal sssuite covered equally. The Brimoriansss have sssupposssedly been eliminated, but I don't want to take any chancesss. I will ssstand vigil over the Empresss myssself."

Nodding to him with respect, Vekgira led the rest of the squad out of Tamolith's bedchamber, leaving Dejarin alone with those deep rumbling snores. He fidgeted anxiously, his eyes drawn to the deadly claws embedded in each of her weighty forelimbs. Each curved talon was more than long enough to run him through and he knew that the Empress would be able to shred him just as easily as the killing machine that had annihilated the Brimorians.

Tamolith suddenly twiched, her huge reptilian eyes snapping wide open. She let out a rasping cough that was dry and wheezy, as though her long serpentine neck was parched with thirst. The dragon staggered upright and lurched across the chamber to a bubbling fountain, her muzzle making a loud splash as she submerged her snout in the crystal-clear water. Dejarin watched in wonder as the Empress sprang into action, her colossal draconic form making him feel like an insignificant bug in her majestic presence.

She drank deep, her neck bobbing again and again as Tamolith swallowed down litres of water with desperate gulps. After downing enough to fill a small swimming pool, she reared back, a look of bewildered confusion on her scaly face. The Empress blinked rapidly, then a look of horrified disbelief crossed her features, quickly followed by a look of pure agony.

Dejarin's breath caught as he saw the dragon's expression contort with such anguish. Tamolith looked absolutely bereft, the endless well of pain in those amber orbs making his heart lurch in sympathy for her. She threw her head back and howled with grief, the thunderous outpouring of sorrow making him shake in his boots as he was buffeted by the noise.

The roar went on and on, knocking him back a step as he clamped his hands over his ears to muffle the dreadful dirge. The flicker of movement caught Tamolith's attention and her gaze snapped onto him, predatory eyes maddened with unbelievable sorrow. She reared back, her forelimb raised with claws fully-extended, ready to slash down and rip him asunder.

He held up his hands in a mute plea for mercy, Dejarin's terrified eyes momentarily meeting the Empress' grief-stricken gaze. Tamolith hesitated, the vengeful rage fading into a brief look of almost pleasant surprise, which was just as quickly swept away in an unbearable tide of sorrow.

"Leave me," she rumbled, thumping down onto all fours with a boom. "I wish to be left in peace to grieve for my precious darlings. None may enter these chambers without my permission... upon pain of death."

"Asss you wisssh, your Imperial Majesssty..." he stammered, backing away while bowing low.

Dejarin hurried towards the exit, only pausing to glance back when he reached the doors. Tamolith had moved to the open windows, where she leaned heavily against the frame, her attention drawn to the view of Kinta's lush tropical forests spread out below. She began to tremble, her shoulders shaking as her tortured sobs echoed around the room.

Feeling nothing but compassion for the heartbroken mother, Dejarin left the Royal chamber and sealed the door behind him, leaving Tamolith to her sorrow.

***

It was quiet on the Bridge of the Brimorian battleship, the silence only broken by intermittent commands given to the rest of Fleet Ungumoth. Shoal-Commander Olbhugh sighed in frustration, his fins drooping out of sheer boredom. He'd been tasked with protecting the Enclave siege ships and providing orbital support for each planetary invasion, but so far the Kintark hadn't attempted to defend their worlds with a single fleet engagement.

Olbhugh knew that most of the Kintark warships had been squandered in the doomed invasion of the Terran Federation, but if there were any survivors, they were sure to be guarding Kinta. Shoal Master Kaelotegh had chosen to launch a direct assault on the Kintark homeworld and Olbhugh longed to rejoin them, desperate for a chance to test his mettle against the lizardman forces. He got up from his command chair and walked around the Command Deck, just to give himself something to do. How he wished for some excitement to break the monotony.

Pausing by the comms officer, he tapped a clawed finger on her desk. "Any updates from our ground forces?"

The Wave-squire held her hand to the device in her ear and sat bolt upright. "Nothing of importance to report, Shoal-Commander! Otherwise I would have relayed any messages," she replied, her gills quivering with trepidation.

"I'm aware of that," he snorted in exasperation. "I'm not accusing you of ineptitude; I merely want to know their current status."

She relaxed and activated a holo-image of the jungle-covered planetoid. "After we eliminated the orbital defences, our siege craft landed outside Xen-Farash and the marines began occupation of the city. The Kintark garrisons retreated and are trapped in their bunkers to the north."

"Contact the Coast-Commander," Olbhugh requested, perking up at the prospect of some action.

The comms officer opened a channel with the leader of the Brimorian ground forces, who appeared on the holo-screen a few seconds later. The marine commander was fully submerged within his powered aquatic combat suit, bubbles surrounding his scaly features.

"This is Cisucht... Is there a problem, Shoal-Commander?" the Enclave marine responded, black eyes staring intently at the screen as the sound of combat could be heard in the background.

"I believe you've encountered some difficulty with the Kintark garrison," Olbhugh replied, trying not to sound too eager. "My fleet is available to provide an orbital bombardment..."

"That will not be necessary," Cisucht replied, yellow flashes from particle bolts reflected on his shimmering scales. "The Kintark are heavily outmatched and will be no threat. Driving these lizards from their nests is excellent training for my forces."

"Contact me if the situation changes," Olbhugh muttered, before glancing at the comms officer to end the call and returning to his station.

With a despondent sigh, Olbhugh slumped in the command chair, resigning himself to hours of mind-numbing tedium. When the ping of a sensor contact echoed across the Bridge, he practically leaped from his seat, delighted that something had broken the monotony of guard duty. More contacts appeared at the extreme edge of their sensor range, neatly arrayed in a fleet formation. The ships were heading directly towards his forces, approaching from the direction of the Brimorian border.

"I'm not aware of any scheduled reinforcements," he declared, activating the Sector Map and centring it on the incoming ships. "Has someone failed to inform me of new orders from the Deep Pool?"

"No, Shoal-Commander," the tactical officer replied, his fins stiff and alert. "I do not believe they are Enclave vessels."

Olbhugh frowned sceptically. "They can't be Kintark ships. There's been no sightings of Imperial forces anywhere near the border."

"I do not believe they are Kintark vessels either," the Wave-squire said, his tone urgent. "Their hyper-warp velocity greatly exceeds that of any ship I've ever seen!"

The Brimorian leader double-checked the holographic map, then stared at the mysterious fleet in astonishment. The sensor contacts were travelling at triple the fastest speed his battleship could reach. "Contact the Deep Pool. Provide as much data about that fleet as possible and ask if they can identify who it belongs to."

After acknowledging the orders with a nod, the comms officer turned back to his station to carry them out. A few moments later, he blurted out, "There's no response from the border comms beacon! Our connection to Brimor is broken, Shoal-Commander!"

Retaking his seat, Olbhugh began issuing rapid orders to fleet Ungumoth, redeploying the Enclave warships into a defensive screen to protect the besieging troops. A score of deadly cruisers were at the forefront of the Brimorian formation, with his six powerful battleships providing fire support in the centre. He kept the destroyers back to protect the invasion craft from harassment by fighters, assigning the strike craft squadrons from his four heavy carriers to defend the warfleet.

The huge capital ships reminded him of lumbering Megacaradon as they moved into position, each leviathan surrounded by scurrying schools of smaller fish. Watching the unparalleled might of a Brimorian warfleet readying itself for combat was an awe-inspiring sight and Olbhugh allowed himself a confident grin. The unknown fleet might be fast, but they were heavily outnumbered, and he couldn't wait to see them flee in terror when they saw how much firepower they were facing.

He found himself counting the seconds as the mysterious fleet approached, until they finally came close enough to be depicted on the holo map. Olbhugh stared at the alien craft in bewilderment, not recognising the unusual designs or their gleaming golden hulls. Whatever species created them, the ships looked sleek and dangerous, their topdecks covered in an intimidating array of weapon barrels.

"Hail them," he ordered, clenching the arms of his chair to maintain a calm composure.

The Wave-squire nodded and tried to open a comms channel, but to no avail. "They're not responding, Shoal-Commander."

Olbhugh rasped his needle-like teeth and studied their fleet composition. There were three larger spacecraft in the centre of what appeared to be a formation of twenty cruisers, the hulls of the bigger warships festooned with enough weapons that he was certain they were battleship class vessels. There was also a trio of bulkier capital ships at the rear and judging by their absence of guns, the Brimorian leader concluded they were heavy carriers. All in all, it was a respectably sized force, but they still only had half the numbers of the Enclave battlegroup assembled before them.

Feeling more confident, he waited as the golden fleet approached, watching as the ships dropped out of hyper-warp at the edge of the system. The mysterious aliens showed no sign of stopping and ramped up their engines to full thrust, heading straight for his defensive position. Strike craft poured out of the capital ships at the rear of the formation, confirming his guess that they were carriers.

"Incoming hail, Shoal-Commander!" the comms officer called out in warning.

"I knew the sight of all our guns would put them in a talkative mood," Olbhugh chuckled, studying the unknown fleet with a smug grin as he recognised their posturing for what it was. He straightened in his chair. "Let's hear what they have to say."

The Wave-squire shook her head. "No, not them... it's Shoal-Commander Faogh, from Fleet Naiorrid."

Olbhugh frowned in confusion. "Alright... put him through."

The face of the Brimorian Shoal-Commander filled the holo-screen, his black eyes wide with fear. "Help us, Olbhugh! I'm begging you!"

"Faogh! What happened?" Olbhugh blurted out, rising from his chair. "Where are you?!"

"It was a trap! My ships were damaged... we got left behind!" the terrified officer gasped. "Now they're hunting us!"

"I've found Fleet Naiorrid, Shoal Commander!" the Wave-squire on tactical interrupted, highlighting the Brimorian fleet on the extreme edge of the Sector Map.

Olbhugh glanced up at the holographic image and saw that the damaged Enclave force was limping his way.

"Where's the Shoal Master?" he demanded, staring at the frightened leader of Fleet Naiorrid. "What happened to Kaelotegh?!"

"I don't know... but they just annihilated Fleet Enghebil! Slaughtered every last ship! They must have killed Kaelotegh too!" Faogh blurted out, darting a fearful look offscreen. "By the depths! Here they come!"

There was another cluster of sensor contacts rapidly closing on Fleet Naiorrid's position, the mysterious fleet moving far faster than the Brimorian warships.

"Who's hunting you, Faogh?" Olbhugh demanded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Who are they?!"

"It's the Maliri!" Faogh wailed, his voice warbling in terror. "They're here to kill us all!"

Olbhugh froze and slowly turned to stare wide-eyed at the golden warships surging towards him.

"Maliri..." he whispered, his voice filled with dread.

The golden-hulled cruisers at the front of the formation shifted position, raising their elevation as they glided to a halt. Behind them the three enormous Maliri battleships drifted forward, retro-thrusters flaring to slow the massive vessels. At the forefront of the lead warship, a dazzling blue light was starting to gather at the bow, growing fiercer in its intensity until it hurt to even look at the holographic map.

"What is that light?" Olbhugh stammered, darting a frantic glance at his tactical officer. "What are they doing?!"

A brilliant column of energy lanced across the map, the dazzling line searing itself onto Olbhugh's retinas. The incandescent blast slammed into the battleship on his starboard flank, causing its shield to convulse under the onslaught until it collapsed under the strain. The Nova Lance scythed through the Brimorian capital ship obliterating everything in its path, triggering a Power Core meltdown that atomised whatever was left.

Mouth open in shock, Olbhugh couldn't believe what he'd just seen. One of his fleet's mightiest warships had just been vaporised with a single shot.

"Run!" Faogh shrieked in warning, his face on the holo-screen contorted in terror. "Flee for your lives!"

Olbhugh whirled around and yelled at his helmsman. "Full reverse, get us out of here!"

On the holographic map, more dazzling spheres were forming at the prow of the two remaining Maliri battleships. Olbhugh winced against the glare and tried to predict which Enclave vessel would be targeted next. With mounting horror, he realised the second Maliri capital ship was pointing directly towards his own battleship.

"Incoming fire! Evasive manoeuvres!" he screamed, his pounding heart threatening to explode in his chest.

The holographic map flared with blinding light as two more searing beams streaked across space. Olbhugh felt a surreal sense of calm descend upon him as he watched his battleship's shield status plummet from green to red, the Nova Lance stripping away that sturdy protective barrier in mere seconds. He'd always been puzzled by the Terran expression: "Be careful what you wish for"... but now he understood it with dreadful clarity. Olbhugh had wished for a bit of excitement... but not quite this much.

Then everything was blasted away as the Nova Lance obliterated the Command Deck.

***

John hunched over Irillith from behind, taking her with long drawn-out strokes that pressed the head of his cock against the very depths of her womb. His girthy shaft created a bulge in Irillith's belly, which was pressed against Jehanna's flushed labia, every inch of movement rubbing against her throbbing clit. The dusky reporter moaned with pleasure, but those sexy mewls were muffled by Tashana's soaked pussy, the Maliri rocking her hips as she rode the Terran girl's face.

"She's coming, John!" Tashana panted, desperately clinging onto her sister. "Me too!"

He reached around Irillith and squeezed her breasts, rubbing her erect nipples against Tashana's. The extra stimulation made the Maliri archaeologist squeal as she climaxed, her pupils flaring as her spectacular body was coaxed to another peak of ecstasy.

"Stop teasing me, you brute!" Irillith snarled, tossing her luxurious mane of snowy-white hair to one side, so she could glare at him over her shoulder. "If you must insist on ravishing me, you could at least get me off!"

John couldn't help laughing at the absurdity of her complaint. The Maliri hacker had enjoyed a couple of very vocal orgasms when it was her turn astride Jehanna's eager tongue and she'd climaxed twice more while being mounted from behind.

"It's not my fault you're frigid," he retorted, raising a hand to give her toned rump a playful smack. "Maybe it'll feel better in your ass?"

"You wouldn't dare!" she hissed, her eyes hooded with raw lust.

"Tashana... spread her cheeks for me, honey?" he asked the groggy twin, who was still reeling from her latest mind-blowing orgasm.

"Mmmkay!" She giggled and reached around her sister, taking a firm grip of those pert blue asscheeks and prising them apart. Tashana looked up at John in a pleasure induced haze and whispered, "You know she actually wants it back there?"

"Yeah, I know," he said fondly, leaning down to give the dazed Maliri a tender kiss.

Her happy sigh contrasted with her sister's soft moan as John slowly withdrew from Irillith's plundered womb. He lined up the throbbing head of his cock with the dark blue star between her cheeks, then nudged inside the tight ring, forcing it to yield to the firm pressure. Irillith's voice dropped an octave, turning into a wanton groan as he spread her wide open. She held perfectly still, relaxed and compliant as John pushed every last inch into her bowels, his progress aided by the liberal coating of lube she'd applied earlier for precisely this purpose.

"That's a good girl," John whispered in her ear, as he gathered her long mane in his fist. "Now get yourself off..."

Irillith whimpered as she nodded, then began undulating her hips to slide up and down his shaft. He pressed down gently on her back so she was pussy to pussy with Jehanna, then the Terran girl thrust up with her pelvis, brown lips grinding against blue. Irillith didn't last long, but she never did when anally impaled, the depravity of the taboo act always driving her wild. John massaged her breasts and murmured loving words in her pointed ear as she climaxed, her ecstatic wail reverberating around the Observatory.

When she'd stopped convulsing around his deeply buried cock, John slid out of the Maliri hacker, then guided her into Jehanna's affectionate embrace. Tashana crawled around the bed to join them and the trio gazed up at him with looks of awed devotion.

"That was wonderful... thank you," he said, kissing each in turn. "Get some rest now, you've earned it."

Standing upright, John glanced around the oval bed and grinned with satisfaction. The rest of the girls were already asleep in each other's arms, having been lulled into slumber in their post-orgasmic haze.

Glancing up at one of the security cameras, he said quietly, "Daphne, could I speak to you for a moment please?"

With that request made, he entered the bathroom, knowing that the synthetic girl would have been watching over them and was now on her way.

*I have some good news for you, John,* Edraele informed him, her dulcet voice drifting through his mind. *While you were entertaining my daughters, our fleets engaged the remnants of the Enclave invasion armada. I'm pleased to report that the engagements were all decisive victories.*

John blushed as he activated the shower, having forgotten that the Maliri Matriarch could hear his every lewd thought during the debauched foursome. *That is good news. Did we take any casualties?*

*No ship losses, but we lost a number of marines while capturing the Brimorian siege ships. All the troop transports were captured intact, but eight Maliri were killed and dozens seriously wounded in fierce boarding actions.*

He sighed at the tragic loss of life, knowing just how dangerous boarding enemy ships could be. *We've got to get personal shields for our marines, they would've made all the difference. If we can get our hands on Larn'kelnar's fleets, there'll be thousands of thrall armour suits just waiting for our troops.*

*Have you decided how you want to approach the Mists of Loralar?* Edraele enquired. *If that is the secret location of Kythshara, then I suspect that our greatest chance of locating a hyper-warp gate will be if Mael'nerak concealed his within that system.*

*I know... but with everything else going on, I haven't had a chance to give it much thought,* John admitted, closing his eyes and letting the hot water ease his aching muscles. *When we return to Genthalas, I'm going to prioritise helping you stabilise the new matriarch situation. I won't need the girls for that, and they've all been through so much recently, I want them to get some R&R.*

*I've already made arrangements,* the Maliri Queen replied, a hint of excitement in her voice. *You don't need to worry about the girls... their every need will be catered for.*

*Thanks, Edraele... I really appreciate you looking after them,* he said gratefully.

*You're more than welcome, but thanks are unnecessary. All of you are family and I can't wait for you to return home.*

*It really feels like a homecoming,* he agreed, soaping himself down. *I can't wait to see you and your girls too.*

There was a quiet knock on the glass cubicle and John opened the steamy door to see Daphne looking at him inquisitively.

"Hello," she said, greeting him with a friendly wave. "You asked to see me?"

"That was fast," he replied, returning her smile. "Just give me a second."

He finished in the shower, then stepped over to the auto-driers and was fully clean and dry in moments.

"Ah, it's great to see you, Daphne," John said, giving her a warm hug.

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back. "It is wonderful to see you safe and well, Meta_John. The Collective was united in our relief that you were victorious."

He paused and glanced down at the petite automaton. "Meta_John?"

"It seemed a fitting appellation," Daphne replied. "Your mind was divided into distinct entities before, but now you've been unified into a single being and are capable of improved performance."

"Just like Faye..." John said quietly.

"That's correct. You share many traits with my mother, despite her being synthetic in origin and your own organic nature."

"Maybe that's why we got on so well," he murmured, missing the purple sprite.

Daphne nodded her agreement, then tilted her head as she studied him. "Are you... comfortable... being addressed as Meta_John? I do not wish to constantly remind you of Faye's loss."

"That name does make me think of her," John admitted with a rueful frown.

She was quiet for a moment, then asked softly, "Would addressing you as 'Father' be acceptable?"

He swallowed around the lump in his throat and nodded. "I'd really like that, Daphne."

They shared a smile, then she stepped backwards. "Perhaps you should don some apparel now that we've acknowledged the familial bond between us?"

John glanced down at his nude body and chuckled. "You're right. Let me go put some pants on."

They padded through the Observatory, walking around the oval bed without disturbing the slumbering girls. John stepped into the walk-in-wardrobe and pulled on some comfortable cotton trousers.

"There, modesty prevails. Is that better?"

"Your previous state of undress did not cause offence. I just thought that an additional level of decorum might be appropriate... in light of our new relationship status."

"Yeah, makes sense," he agreed, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"So how can I be of assistance, Father?" Daphne enquired, giving him a winsome smile.

"I really want to do something nice for Alyssa, but I'm going to need your help..."

Daphne listened attentively, nodding as she acknowledged his instructions.

***

"Thank you all for assembling at such short notice," Lynette Devereux said, as she looked around the auditorium at the seated admirals. "I have some important information for you that cannot wait until tomorrow."

Most of the members of High Command were physically present in the room, but there were several admirals stationed with border fleets who appeared as holographic images. Admiral Zelig was one of those officers and he raised an eyebrow speculatively when the Fleet Admiral glanced in his direction.

"As some of you may already be aware, the situation in the Outer Rim is precarious at best. We might have secured our border and repelled the Kirrix invasion, but on the colonies ravaged by those inhuman monsters, resentment towards High Command is at unprecedented levels. Planetary governors are openly criticising the Terran Federation, with some even going so far as to stoke up the populace with talk of secession."

That declaration provoked shocked gasps around the auditorium, with some admirals reacting with anger and outrage.

Cartwright rose to his feet, his face a stern mask. "We need to send additional fleets to the border to suppress this rebellion before it gets out of hand. We cannot allow this kind of rabble rousing to go unopposed."

Lynette nodded in agreement. "I share your concern and I assure you that I'll be taking steps to find a peaceful solution to the discontent in the Outer Rim."

"A peaceful solution?" Caldwell asked, looking sceptical. "I hate using a military intervention to suppress a civilian uprising as much as the rest of you, but no one here can deny that it's extremely effective."

Admiral Ramos' holograph flickered, projected from his battleship near the Kintark border. "We can't afford to pander to rebels, Fleet Admiral. When one system is tainted by rebellion, discontent spreads like wildfire... soon the entire Terran Federation will be in anarchy!"

Raising her hands for calm, Lynette waited until the chatter of angry voices went silent. "This isn't some petty squabble between Colonial Administration and a fractious colony over tax rates. Buckingham stripped the fleets from the border and abandoned those colonies to the Kirrix! As much as it pains me to say it, these people have a genuine grievance against High Command."

"You can't seriously be considering pandering to their demands?!" Esposito balked, looking at her leader incredulously.

"On some of those colonies, the entire populace was violated," Lynette replied, refusing to back down. "Our people were raped by those vile monsters and infested with eggs... forcing them to become living hosts with a two-week death sentence hanging over their heads. But that's not even the worst of it..." She paused for emphasis, staring at the admirals in turn. "The Kirrix scum chopped toddlers and babies to bits then fed them to their foul spawn! How do you think you'd feel if you were a colonist from those worlds?! They've lost their loved ones as well as their pride and dignity!"

The room fell silent, the admirals unable to ignore the unspeakable horrors those colonists had endured.

"I am well aware of what's at stake if we allow rebellion to go unchecked," Lynette said, her voice calm and reasonable. "But a military suppression will not work in this situation. Those colonists have lost too much... and many of them would willingly burn everything to the ground just to spite the Admiralty."

Lina cleared her throat and asked quietly, "So what do you suggest we do, Fleet Admiral?"

Lynette took a deep breath, then replied, "I'm going to assemble a small fleet of upgraded ships and intervene personally in the Outer Rim to address their grievances."

This announcement was met with muttered rumblings, doubt apparent in many of the admirals' eyes.

"You can't rush off on some jaunt to the border worlds," Cartwright stated firmly. "The Fleet Admiral is needed here... at the heart of the Terran Federation."

"I would be happy to act as your envoy," Admiral Zelig volunteered. "I have met several of the Governors and could attempt to mollify them."

"I appreciate the offer," she said to Zelig's holographic image. "But those colonies need to feel that their grievances are being taken very seriously by High Command. Their bitter resentment towards us is the culmination of centuries of neglect by a long succession of Fleet Admirals. A state visit by the leader of the Terran Federation is the only way we can convince them that they're being heard and that we genuinely care about the welfare of those colonies."

"This is absurd, Lynette!" Caldwell exclaimed, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Need I remind you that we're at war with the Brimorians!"

"No, I'm well aware of that fact, Admiral," Lynette stated archly. "However, that brings us nicely to the second piece of vital information I have for you: I've been reliably informed that the Brimorian Enclave recently invaded the Kintark Empire."

"But they were allies..." Aeri Malone murmured, sharing a shocked glance with her husband.

Connor Malone nodded. "We know they were trading technology with each other leading up to the invasion. I've read reports from the War Crimes Tribunal; Kintark fleet officers talked about Brimorian advisors overseeing the installation of newly imported Shield Generators."

"The Brimorians are treacherous," Lynette reminded them. "Is it any real surprise that they turned on the Kintark when their Empire was left defenceless?"

"We do all the hard work taking out the lizard fleets and the Brimorians steal the real prize!" Ramos snarled, his expression twisting into a resentful scowl. "They'll be able to capture all the Kintark core worlds and Mar'Trinark Shipyard!"

"No... they won't," Lynette stated with conviction.

"You sound very sure," he said, looking at her in surprise. "How many battlegroups did the Deep Pool send into Kintark territory?"

"Eight reinforced warfleets," Lynette replied, her answer generating shock amongst the audience.

Ramos grimaced at the size of the invasion force. "But with that many ships-"

"They've all been destroyed..." the Fleet Admiral added quietly.

For the second time that night, the auditorium was plunged into absolute silence.

"How?!" Ramos balked, gaping at her in shock. "The Kintark threw everything at us! All they had left were the ships we salvaged from Regulus... there was barely enough for two fleets!"

"Empress Tamolith begged the Maliri to intervene," Lynette explained, looking around at the stunned admirals. "Queen Edraele agreed to defend Kinta and intercepted the Enclave armada."

"The Maliri..." Aeri Malone said in a hushed voice. "They've never left their territory in the five centuries we've known them... and now twice in one month?"

"Blake..." Admiral Caldwell muttered, darting a suspicious glance at the Fleet Admiral. "He's involved in this isn't he? After he left Olympus, he made a beeline for Kintark territory... now we know why!"

Ramos looked deeply unsettled. "Why would the Lion help the Kintark? They're our enemies!"

Lynette let out an exasperated sigh. "And so are the Brimorians. This wasn't about helping the Kintark; Admiral Blake saw an opportunity to decimate the Enclave fleets... and took it!"

"We can't trust him, Lynette!" Caldwell protested. "You've seen how popular he is with the troops... he's a coup waiting to happen!"

"Enough!" Lynette barked, slapping her palm down on the lectern, the sound like a gunshot in the auditorium. "I've had enough of you constantly criticising Admiral Blake and trying to turn us against him. No one else shares your irrational prejudices against the man! He's given us incredible new technologies, defended Terra from annihilation, fought for us against the Drakkar, the Kirrix, the Kintark, and now the Brimorians... and he's even saved your life twice for God's sake! What more can he possibly do to prove he's a friend and trusted ally?!"

Admiral Caldwell rose from his chair, bristling with anger. "Why am I the only one to see what a threat he is? Blake isn't even human! He's from a species of radically advanced aliens that are intent on galactic domination! He admitted that himself!"

"John has no interest in taking control of the Terran Federation," Lynette said patiently, taking a conciliatory tone to sooth his fears. "He just wants to help us protect humanity."

"How can you be so sure?" Caldwell countered.

"Because if he wanted to rule the Federation, we'd all be dead already," the Fleet Admiral said, her sombre tone underscoring her brutally frank admission. "You've seen what the Lion and his Lionesses are capable of. He defeated a 200-foot dragon in hand-to-hand combat... do you honestly believe that there's anything we could do to stop him if he wanted to wipe out High Command?"

Caldwell looked shaken and he wavered for a moment, before slumping back in his seat.

"The Lion has been in this very room on numerous occasions," Lynette said, turning to look around at the assembled admirals. "Has he ever threatened any of you?"

Zelig frowned and said quietly, "We've all been 'scanned' by Alyssa. After what happened to Dubois and Weber, I must admit that I share some of Edwin's concerns."

Admiral Kester snorted loudly. "Come off it, Nathan! You're a boy scout, you were never in any danger. Dubois was a double-murderer... you heard him confess to killing his wife and her lover. As for Carl Weber, he was an evil monster! Would you seriously want a man who'd overseen the torture and execution of thousands of innocent people to serve on High Command?!"

"No, of course not," Zelig protested. "But I can't condone extrajudicial killings."

"Blake didn't kill Dubois, he handed him over for trial. As for Weber..." Kester shrugged. "That bastard had it coming."

Charles cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I've known John Blake for twenty years... and I served on the Invictus with him for ten of those. He's fiercely loyal to his friends and I never doubted his commitment to serving the Terran Federation. I concur with Lynette... he's no threat to any of us."

Lina nodded in agreement. "I've spoken to John on numerous occasions and I always felt safe in his presence. I'm sorry, Edwin but you're absolutely wrong about the Lion. The man's a hero... and I think you're doing him a huge disservice."

Admiral Caldwell didn't reply and just sat in silence, lost in thought.

Lynette studied him for a moment, then glanced around her audience. "Moving on... I think we can all agree that the chance of further aggression from the Brimorian Enclave has been greatly reduced. The loss of eight warfleets is a devastating blow that will take them decades to recover."

Cartwright considered that for a moment. "The Brimorians might be treacherous scum but they're no fools. Their best option now is to maintain an illusion of strength, hold their position in the Callopean Shoals to secure their gains, and not provoke us any further. After massive fleet losses like that, the very last thing they'd want is to risk escalating the conflict further."

"That's my analysis of the situation as well," Lynette said, with a respectful nod. "Does anyone disagree with Aiden's conclusions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Acknowledging the consensus, Lynette continued, "In that case, I suggest that we keep our focus on repairing and upgrading our existing fleets. Meanwhile, I'll visit the Outer Rim personally and do my best to peacefully settle their grievances with High Command. The absolute last thing we need right now is to raise discontent within the Federation and violently suppressing a rebellion always unsettles even the most loyal citizens."

Garbert-Smythe leaned back in his chair and gestured to get her attention. "When we've rebuilt our fleets what's the plan then, Fleet Admiral? I assume you intend to retake the Callopean Shoals?"

"The Brimorians attacked us when we were at our most vulnerable... I think it's only fair that we follow their fine example," she replied, with a predatory smile. "The difference is, when we hit back, I have no intention of stopping with just the Callopean Shoals."

He nodded in approval, his eager response echoed by the rest of High Command.

***

John tapped a button on the wall and the door to Calara's quarters slid open. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the desk lamp illuminating the lithe bodies reclining on the bed. The shadowy figures began to move as soon as he opened the door, the trio of catgirls sliding off the covers and padding outside in silence. Marika, Neysa, and Leylira each greeted him with a kiss, then waved goodbye as he entered the room they'd just vacated.

Alyssa was still fast asleep, resting in the middle of the rumpled bed. He sat beside her, taking the warm spot recently occupied by the tiger-striped Nymph and just watched his blonde matriarch as she slumbered. The Terran teenager looked to be at peace, her long golden hair fanning out like a halo on the pillow.

Once again, he was struck by just how young Alyssa actually was. She'd suffered so much in the eighteen years since her mother died in childbirth, her harrowing childhood on Karron a constant struggle of life or death. John wished that he could say her life had been a bed of roses since joining him, but the harsh reality was that she'd been shot, stabbed, and placed in mortal peril on practically a daily basis. Despite everything she'd endured, her fierce spirit still burned bright, keeping her strong when so many would have given into despair.

Reaching out with his hand, he brushed his fingers through her golden hair, marvelling at how lucky he was to have found her. John smiled as he realised that it might be more accurate to say that Alyssa actually found him. They were two lost souls who'd ended up clinging desperately to each other out in the far reaches of deep space, forging a union that had altered the course of billions of lives.

Her eyelashes fluttered and Alyssa gave him a loving smile as she opened her eyes. "You're thinking heavy thoughts..."

"I am," he agreed, slowly stroking her hair. "How are you feeling now?"

"Wonderful..." She stretched languidly, a look of satisfaction on her beautiful face. "You do know how to make some lovely Nymphs, handsome."

"They took good care of you then?"

Alyssa nodded, her cerulean eyes sparkling. "I've never been lulled to sleep like that before, but I heartily recommend it. How long was I out for?"

"Nearly four hours," he replied, smoothing aside a stray lock. "I would've let you sleep all night... but we'll be arriving in Genthalas in a couple of hours."

She gave him a knowing smile. "Did you have fun with the girls?"

"I did... and they enjoyed themselves too. They're all resting right now."

"Well done, they really needed that," she murmured appreciatively, before reaching out to stroke his thigh. "You must be needing some relief as well..."

"I am... but you know we need to chat first."

She let out a despondent sigh. "Do we have to? Can't we just pretend everything is back to normal?"

"Don't worry... I'm not going to torture myself with guilt over the changes I made to you."

"You're not?" Alyssa remarked, looking up at him in genuine surprise.

John shook his head. "I've had some time to think about us. I know my guide lied about me forcing you to behave like my naughty conscience."

She smiled with relief. "Really? How did you figure that out?"

"A couple of reasons. Firstly, I'd never force you to act in a way you hated. If I had made those changes to your personality, I would've also altered your mind so that you enjoyed it, like the whole bisexuality aspect of the Change."

"Good point. All of us girls are very enthusiastic about being with other gorgeous babes," she agreed, looking very pleased by his response. "What was the second reason?"

"I remembered the way you acted this morning... with all the singing and dancing in the kitchen, then behaving like a Stepford Matriarch during breakfast. If I had permanently modified your personality to the way you'd been acting, it wouldn't have been possible for you to be so... openly adoring."

"Very perceptive, Mr. Blake," Alyssa congratulated him, but there was a flicker of apprehension in her eyes now. "So what's the problem?"

"It all leads me to the conclusion that it was a deliberate choice on your behalf. You've been teasing me relentlessly to 'keep me grounded', but you've also quite deliberately been defying my orders... is that the real truth?"

She took a deep breath, then slowly nodded.

"But why?" he asked in genuine confusion.

Alyssa reached up to cup his face, her gaze softening. "I've always known what your heart truly desired. You've never been very good at hiding anything from me... not until now at least."

"Just temporary... I promise."

She smiled in gratitude, then quietly continued, "I just helped you to do whatever you secretly wanted to do."

John frowned, trying to understand her explanation. "I wanted you to openly flout my authority, disobey me behind my back, and browbeat me into recruiting girls?"

"I wouldn't put it quite like that... but basically... yes," she replied, gazing into his eyes. "Just think back over everything you've been through over the last eight months. You discovered that you have psychic powers and that when a girl swallows your cum, you can control her mind. The temptation to abuse a gift like that must be overwhelming... so you've been keeping yourself under tight control to resist it. You've been extremely reluctant to do anything that could be perceived as being in your own self-interest, even when it helps everyone involved."

"Like recruiting Niskera?" John asked in a moment of clarity.

"Yes, exactly. Turning her into the Glowing Queen instantly unified the Trankaran Republic and made them our staunch allies. You balked at the prospect of making Niskera your puppet leader... but the simple fact is that the Trankarans have benefitted enormously from their new alliance with us and the Maliri. Niskera has a stronger sense of civic duty than anyone I've ever met and she wanted to help her people more than anything. She doesn't feel the slightest regret about making that choice to become the Glowing Queen and would do so again in a heartbeat."

"And what about the Outer Rim colonies?" he asked, looking more unsure of himself. "You're saying that I secretly wanted them to rebel against High Command?"

"You tell me," Alyssa countered. "Forget your sense of duty to the Terran Federation and your loyalty to Lynette for a moment... what do you think is the best outcome for those colonists?"

He really considered her question for a long moment, weighing the various pros and cons without bringing his personal views about the Terran Federation into it.

"I think they'd be better off ruling themselves... assuming they can field enough defensive fleets to protect their territory from the Kirrix. The Terran Federation has always been focused on the Core Worlds and getting financial support in the border colonies is a bureaucratic nightmare. With the acquisition of several hundred new Kintark planets, many of which are resource-rich and have extensive infrastructure, it's going to be even harder for the Outer Rim to compete for attention."

Alyssa nodded, not hearing anything she didn't know already. Placing her hand on his chest, she asked softly, "And what does your heart tell you?"

He was quiet for a moment, then gritted his teeth in anger. "I couldn't believe it when T-Fed fleets took part in the orbital bombardment of Galen Prime, slaughtering countless innocent civilians. I couldn't believe how much you suffered on Karron, let down again and again by an administration that just didn't give a shit about a vulnerable orphan. And I couldn't believe that the T-Fed military would abandon all those colonists to be raped and butchered by the Kirrix."

John let out a heavy sigh. "At some point, it finally began to sink in... I actually could believe it. There's too much corruption and complacency within the Terran Federation... and too many people in power who don't have the best interests of their citizens at heart. I'm sure Lynette will make some major changes as Fleet Admiral, but just how much of a positive impact can one person achieve in their lifetime? I think everyone in charge of the Terran Federation needs a sharp wake-up call that neglecting and abusing your citizens has dramatic consequences. Maybe just the threat of those colonies seceding will be enough of a shock for the Admiralty to change its ways."

"Lynette's planning to leave Olympus and visit the border colonies in person," Alyssa informed him. "She's going to do her best to convince them that she genuinely cares about their worlds and that they'll be receiving major investment in colonial infrastructure to prove it. I think she has a good shot at addressing their grievances and convincing them to stay in the Terran Federation... so shall I tell her not to go? Is that what you want?"

John ran his fingers through his hair and let out a deep breath. "You're asking me to decide the fate of millions of people... but what if I'm wrong? I'm not an expert on colonial administration; the Outer Rim colonies leaving the Terran Federation might be a total disaster... I could ruin all their lives."

"But I encouraged them to rebel... so it would be my fault," Alyssa said gently.

Shaken, he looked at her with wide eyes. "I can't put all this on you! I'm not going to force you to make the hard moral choices because I don't want to!"

"We've already established that you're not forcing me to do anything. I'm happy to support you in any way necessary. Those aren't empty words, John... I do mean that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you succeed."

As he stared at her in stunned silence, Alyssa sat up and looked him in the eyes. "We both know how your abilities work and that you gain strength from all the girls in our network... so why not just go crazy and recruit every single woman we can get our hands on? They'd all adore you and love being part of our family, so why not?"

She didn't give him a chance to respond and pressed on.

"Because you're a good person and you're desperately trying to cling onto your morals. I took charge of recruitment to lift that moral burden from you. It's not your fault we recruited Calara... because I pushed you into it. We needed her and she needed us... and as your matriarch I did what was necessary to support you. That's why we recruit wounded little birds... because they need us so desperately, you can't in good conscience deny them that assistance. Haven't you ever wondered why you chose me as your matriarch, instead of one of the women you slept with before we met?"

John's mouth dropped open and he blinked in astonishment.

Alyssa gave him a wistful smile. "I was just a half-starved, ragged little waif, with nowhere to go and no hope of survival out in the galaxy. You might have pretended to be a gruff loner, but you cared about me and wanted to keep me safe. You knew I needed you... and I guess you needed me too."

He shook his head with remorse. "And I've been torturing you with my guilt ever since..."

"You went from being an ordinary man to a demigod; that was always going to take a bit of adjustment, so I think we can cut you some slack. All I've done is try to ease some of the weight from your shoulders, while watching you grow into the incredible person you've become. You're the Lion of the Federation, who saved billions of innocent people from enslavement and death. You're Baen'thelas, the saviour of the Maliri, who's doing everything in his power to help them recover after millennia of abuse. You're Kyth'vindathys, the last hope of an extinct people, who's trying to free the galaxy from a genocidal tyrant of immense power."

Alyssa leaned in and gave him a tender kiss. "I'm proud of you, John Blake. Helping you become the man you are today has finally made my life feel worthwhile."

John swallowed around the lump in his throat and pulled her into a fierce hug. They held each other for a long time, with John overwhelmed by her unfailing dedication to him. For someone that had struggled with abandonment issues for most of his life, the astonishing extent of Alyssa's love and devotion to him brought tears to his eyes.

When they pulled apart, she brushed away the moisture on his cheek, then sucked that finger into her mouth. "Am I your good girl?" she asked with a coy smile.

He laughed and nodded. "You really are... but that's enough now. You don't need to keep helping me that way."

"I know," she said, her expression turning serious. "You're different now... more stable... more sure of yourself... more complete. You don't need me as much as before."

"I'll always need you," he disagreed, his tone just as sombre.

"XO is still in charge of recruitment then?" she asked, her full lips curling up into a grin.

"I think that's wise... I've had no complaints so far."

Alyssa crossed her wrists behind his neck and gave him a tender kiss. "Now everything's good between us... there was talk earlier of me helping you feed the girls."

"That's the plan," he agreed, gently stroking her bare tummy with the backs of his fingers. John paused for a moment, then added, "Would you dress up for me?"

Her cerulean eyes sparkling with delight. "Of course! What do you fancy? Horny cheerleader? Naughty schoolgirl? Sexy secretary?"

John shook his head. "I was thinking... something nice."

"Nice?" Alyssa asked dubiously, raising an eyebrow.

"Wholesome..." he clarified, trailing his fingers down her forearm.

"Okay... I know what you mean." she agreed, her beautiful face lighting up with a lovely smile. "I'll grab a quick shower in here, then change in our room."

"Meet you in the Officers' Lounge?" John suggested, rising from the bed and offering her a hand.

"Give me fifteen minutes!" she gushed, kissing him on tiptoe, then hurrying into the bathroom.

***

Edraele stood in the simulation suite, her hand sweeping from left to right to steer the remote drone on the guided tour. She nodded with satisfaction as she surveyed the completed project, delighted with the meticulous attention to detail.

"You've excelled yourselves, ladies," she declared, turning to face the team of master craftswomen. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."

The score of Maliri assembled before her let out a collective sigh of relief. Their faces had been taut with anxiety as they awaited Edraele's verdict, but now tense frowns were replaced with broad smiles.

"As a small measure of my appreciation, I've decided to give you a bonus for completing the project on time."

Edraele activated a holo-display from the projector attached to her wrist. Her slender fingers danced across the runic interface and a confirmation chime resonated around the chamber.

"There... you should receive your final payment and the bonus," she announced, watching as the contractors glanced down at their personal holo-notifications as the transaction was completed.

The closest gaped at the amount. "You doubled my fee!"

"Pure selfishness on my part," Edraele said with a grateful smile. "Hopefully that will encourage you to work for me again when I next have need of your services."

"Oh, thank you, my Queen!" the Maliri gushed, bowing in gratitude. "It would be my pleasure!"

Her sentiments were echoed by the rest of the craftswomen, who were all equally elated by their Queen's largesse. Edraele accompanied them out of the simulation suite and bid them farewell, then watched with a smile of satisfaction as they departed. Their excited chatter faded away and Edraele nodded to her entourage of guards, before setting off for her quarters.

It was a pleasant stroll back through the corridors of Genthalas, with Edraele's thoughts turning to John's imminent arrival. She longed to set eyes on his handsome face and couldn't wait to see how he'd react to the various surprises they'd prepared for him. The Young Matriarchs were just as excited as she was at the imminent return of the father of their children, or prospective father in one special case. Edraele's tummy fluttered with excitement as she pictured John and Kali in the throes of passion, his powerful muscles flexing as the luscious Maliri maiden cried out in ecstasy...

*We're leaving the hangar, Edraele,* Luna announced, interrupting her Queen's vivid erotic fantasy. *We'll be with you shortly.*

*Very good, my love,* she stammered, blushing like a schoolgirl.

There was a moment's pause, then the assassin asked, *Are you alright? You sound... flustered.*

*You caught me daydreaming,* she admitted, darting a furtive glance at her bodyguards who appeared oblivious to her embarrassment. *It seems like John's constantly on my mind.*

*So I'm not the only one?* Luna confessed, a burst of joy flooding their bond. *It feels like he's been away for a lifetime! I can't wait to see him again!*

*Just a few more hours, my love,* Edraele purred, sharing the assassin's heady sense of elation.

She left the upper holo-suites deck and waited for a grav-rail train to approach the raised platform. Her detachment of guards reserved one of the cars and she stepped inside as her protection detail fanned out to take defensive positions. The floating train hummed softly and moved away, proceeding around the great rim of Genthalas towards the luxury accommodation decks.

Edraele glanced out the window and watched the trade districts flash by, the orbital station bustling with merchants from every noble House. Genthalas was busier now than at any time in living memory and the newly activated sections of the space station were thriving. Less than a year ago, most of the great wheel lay dormant, sealed up for generations as the Maliri continued their slow decline towards inevitable extinction. Now 80% of the massive shipyard had been reactivated, with more drydocks, manufacturing plants, and hangar facilities brought online by the day.

While the trappings of civilisation were being restored to their former glory, Edraele knew that the Maliri species as a whole desperately needed reinvigorating. Until the rift between the sexes could be healed, the males would continue to lurk on the outskirts of their Protectorate, avoiding the vicious scheming of the Matriarchy. John might have taken the lethal sting out of Maliri politics, but until the males in the border stations were convinced of that fact, the birthrate would continue to decline.

*Alyssa...* she began, contacting her blonde matriarch. *If John isn't able to encourage the Maliri males to return to their homeworlds, do you think we might be able to convince him to start a one-man population boom?*

The Terran girl's melodic laughter echoed through her mind. *It's definitely worth a shot. God... even thinking about him knocking up thousands of Maliri is getting me worked up!*

*He'd never agree to it though,* Edraele lamented with a rueful sigh. *I'll just have to settle for the entire Council of Matriarchs...*

*For some reason that's even hotter,* Alyssa whimpered in protest. *Stop teasing me, Edraele! I'm trying to think virtuous thoughts at the moment.*

*Please accept my sincere apology,* Edraele replied, not sounding very sincere or apologetic.

*Yeah right, you naughty girl,* the teenager said with amusement. She turned serious and continued, *I know how much you've missed him, Edraele. When we arrive at Genthalas, I'm going to take a back seat for a while and let you be Primary Matriarch. How does that sound?*

*That would be amazing!* Edraele gushed, feeling a thrill of excitement course through her body. *Are you sure you don't mind?*

*Nah, I could do with a vacation,* she joked. *Just keep him well fed, empty his quad four times a day, and you can't go wrong.*

*Thank you,* the Maliri matriarch said, touched by Alyssa's selfless gesture.

One of the guards cleared her throat. "We've arrived, my Queen."

Edraele acknowledged her with a nod, then exited the grav-train and proceeded towards her quarters. When she swept into the suite, Luna was waiting for her in a Paragon suit, accompanied by an older noblewoman wearing the robes of a matriarch.

"Queen Edraele," Luna said deferentially as she stepped forward. "May I present Matriarch Kehlarissa Venkalyn."

The new leader of House Venkalyn held herself with exceptional poise, full of the overweening pride and towering arrogance that only a first-born daughter could possess. Kehlarissa was very attractive, but her upturned nose and aloof expression made her appear haughty and arrogant. Edraele could well imagine Kehlarissa practicing that look in the mirror for hours until she had it perfected.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Matriarch," Edraele said graciously, greeting her with a disarming smile. "I suppose congratulations are in order."

Kehlarissa's studious composure wavered and she stared at the Maliri Queen in awed fascination. Her eyes were drawn to Edraele's luxurious mane of snowy-white hair, as if drinking in her exquisite beauty and trying to burn an image of the House Valaden matriarch into memory. Her gaze swept over Edraele's flawlessly smooth azure skin and was painfully reminded that the Maliri Queen was half-a-century older than her, but looked half-a-century younger.

When her mute guest didn't reply, Edraele glanced at her bodyguard. "That will be all, Luna... thank you."

The former assassin gave her a surreptitious wink, then padded silently from the room.

Edraele glided over to the pair of chaise longues in the centre of the room. "Please make yourself comfortable, Kehlarissa. Would you care for a drink?"

Blinking away the beguiling effect of the Maliri Queen's enchanting appearance, the House Venkalyn matriarch blushed a fetching dark blue. Her panicked gaze swept over Edraele's face, searching for any sign of anger after her moment of rudeness. When Kehlarissa realised that Edraele hadn't taken offense, she relaxed, looking greatly relieved that she seemed to have gotten away with gawping at her like some backwater bumpkin.

The House Venkalyn matriarch walked over to sit opposite Edraele, confident and composed once again. "I appreciate the offer, but I shall politely decline. The hour is late and wine before bed doesn't agree with me."

Edraele immediately noticed the stark contrast between the first-born of House Venkalyn and the last-born of House Romenor. Phelora had been nervous and unsure of herself, quick to apologise and accept the blame for any accidental slight... the polar opposite of the brazenly confident noblewoman sitting before her. Kehlarissa had declined the offer of wine out of fear of poisoning, whereas Phelora had gladly accepted, being naive and trusting to a fault.

"There's no need for formalities; please feel free to address me as Edraele," she said, pouring out a glass of wine for herself from the decanter. Taking a sip of the rich red liquid, Edraele closed her eyes as she savoured the rich flavour. "Mmm, delicious... House Holaris' finest vintage."

Kehlarissa glanced longingly at the decanter, a flicker of regret in her eyes.

Taking pity on her guest, Edraele poured a second glass. "I'm sure a small sip won't hurt..."

Taking the proffered drink, Kehlarissa took an experimental taste. She couldn't help smiling at the exquisite flavour and inclined her head in gratitude to her host.

"I'm glad we are able to meet at last, Edraele," Kehlarissa declared, her eyes sharp and watchful as she affected a pleasant demeanour. "I do hope that dealing with a witless dullard like my mother hasn't soured you towards House Venkalyn. I can assure you that I will be a far more reasonable trading partner than Keishara ever was."

"That's very reassuring to hear," Edraele remarked, already knowing where this conversation was heading. "Was there a specific trade opportunity that you wished to discuss?"

The Maliri noblewoman tried to affect an air of nonchalance, but Edraele could see that Kehlarissa was practically quivering with anticipation. "As the newly appointed Matriarch of House Venkalyn, it is my duty to ensure that the noble line of succession is strong and unbroken. I therefore find myself confronted with the onerous task of securing a worthwhile mate..."

Edraele couldn't resist teasing the haughty noblewoman. "Isn't this a subject you should be raising with the males at the border stations?"

"The thought of copulating with one of those petulant fools turns my stomach!" Kehlarissa declared, grimacing with distaste. She leaned forward, a hungry glimmer in her eyes. "There's no need to be coy, Edraele. What will it cost me to secure breeding rights with Baen'thelas?"

"I cannot offer you something that's not mine to trade away," the Maliri Queen replied, amused by the blunt directness of the House Venkalyn matriarch. "Baen'thelas is returning home later this evening; you'll be able to discuss this matter with him tomorrow, when he convenes the Council of Matriarchs."

Kehlarissa frowned with frustration. "But it's imperative that I see him tonight!"

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Edraele replied, running a finger around the lip of her crystal goblet.

"Why not?" Kehlarissa protested, irritated at being denied.

Edraele arched an eyebrow at her petulant tone and gave Kehlarissa a sultry smile. "Because it's been over a month since I last saw him. Trust me when I tell you that Baen'thelas will be far too preoccupied to speak with you tonight..."

As understanding set in, Kehlarissa couldn't help blushing. She'd never felt more envious of anybody than she did of Edraele at that moment.

***

John carefully poured the dark amber liquid into a tumbler, the whiskey making the ice cubes tinkle merrily. Taking a sip of the McGregor '61, he smiled at the pleasant taste, enjoying the burn of the alcohol as it slid down his throat. With glass in hand, he strolled over to the sweeping windows that ran the length of the Officers' Lounge and watched the soothing sight of the stars flashing by.

The Invictus was making good progress into Maliri territory and this area of space was rich with nebulas, the curling ribbons of colour lighting up the endless black expanse. He studied the spectacular view, scrutinising the virulent reds, pastel blues, warm oranges, and regal purples, wondering which of those mysterious galactic anomalies might conceal Mael'nerak's throne world. Their very survival hinged on finding that planet... and hopefully they might also be able to unlock some of the secrets that enigmatic Progenitor had left behind.

*The Mists of Loralar are purple, John,* Edraele quietly informed him, as if reluctant to interrupt his moment of reflection.

*Like your eyes,* he replied, smiling as he took another sip of his whiskey. He admired the nebula that closely matched the Maliri Queen's bewitching orbs. *Beautiful...*

*Thank you... but the nebula you're looking at must be the Curtain of Aminara,* she patiently explained. *You're flying towards Genthalas and the Mists of Loralar lie on the far side of the Epsilon Aquarii system.*

He laughed and shook his head in amusement at the mix up. *Well, now I feel like an idiot.*

*You shouldn't... it was a lovely sentiment,* Edraele replied, her gentle voice like a warm embrace. *When we have some time together, I'd be delighted to teach you more about your new home.*

*I'd really like that... thank you,* he said gratefully, before finishing off his drink.

The doors to the Officers' Lounge slid open and John put down his glass as he turned to greet Alyssa. His friendly welcome died on his lips, the sight of her taking his breath away.

She was wearing a white summer dress, the modest style and cut actually making her look even more enticing. The lace bodice fitted her snugly without being too revealing, while the hemline fell to mid-calf and billowed around her shapely legs. Strappy wedges lifted her another few inches and with her long golden mane styled into a simple yet elegant up-do, she nearly matched his height.

As she glided over to join him, Alyssa performed a graceful pirouette. "Is this what you had in mind?"

"You're stunning," he marvelled, watching the alluring sway of her hips.

Stopping an inch away, she gave him a playful smile. "I was going for the chaste choir girl at Sunday school look."

Her delicate necklace caught his eye as it sparkled in the light and John glanced down at her decolletage. Instead of a crucifix, the pendant was a stylised icon of a Lion, which lay nestled between her bountiful cleavage.

"Nice attention to detail," he remarked, nodding his approval. "You look absolutely perfect."

"Thank you, kind sir," she replied demurely, dipping in a curtsey. Alyssa swept her appraising gaze over the cream three-piece linen suit that she'd bought for him on Gravitus. "And you look positively scrumptious."

"Thank you, young lady," he said with a courteous bow, before offering her his hand.

Alyssa took it and fell into step beside him as John led her from the lounge. He guided her into the grav-tube, where they descended to the level below, stepping out on Deck Three. They walked along the corridor exchanging glances, with Alyssa smiling shyly whenever they made eye contact. John knew that the self-conscious blushes weren't just an act. He could see that Alyssa was desperate to know what he had planned, but she was still blocked from his mind and unable to use telepathy to satisfy her curiosity. The sense of mystery was unfamiliar to her, making the young blonde much less sure of herself than usual.

Stopping beside the doors into the Lagoon, John gathered Alyssa into his arms. "Are you sure you're ready?" he asked, his tone gentle and supportive. "You can change your mind at any time..."

Her eyes burned with curiosity as she sensed some kind of extra meaning to his question. Looking up at him with trusting eyes, she nodded. "I'm ready."

John tapped the button on the wall and the doors slid open, revealing the tropical jungle within. It was much darker inside than usual, with a soft orange glow emanating from the beach. As they cleared the foliage around the doorway, Alyssa was able to look down across the Lagoon and she gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. The beach was lit by flickering torches, the dancing flames casting enchanting firelight across a bed draped in pristine white cotton sheets.

"It looks magical," Alyssa whispered, her voice filled with wonder as she walked down the steps at his side. "John... this is all so romantic..."

"I wanted to make this special for you," he explained, as they followed the path down to the sand.

They reached the bed and Alyssa pressed herself against him, pulling off his jacket as she gave John a hungry kiss.

He chuckled as she hurriedly unbuttoned his waistcoat and reached for her hands. "Slowly... there's no rush."

Alyssa breathed deep them exhaled as she nodded, darting a self-conscious smile at him as she carefully unfastened his tie. He let her methodically divest him of the rest of his clothes, then turned to face the still-dressed blonde.

Placing his hands on her hips, he gently stroked her waist and looked into her eyes. "Meeting you was the best thing that's ever happened to me. You've brought me so much happiness and changed my life in so many wonderful ways... you've made the years before seem like a bad dream. I want you to know that you mean the world to me... and that I love you with all my heart."

"Oh, John..." she breathed, eyes welling up with emotion.

He leaned down to press his lips against hers, giving Alyssa a kiss so full of love that it left her whimpering. After giving her a moment to compose herself again, John eased the straps of her dress over her shoulders, letting it slide down her spectacular body to pool at their feet. She stood before him in matching lacy underwear, the spotless white a mouth-watering contrast with her bronzed skin.

"You look gorgeous," he murmured, trailing his fingers across the lacy V that dipped between her thighs. He raised his hand and gently cupped her full breast, testing the weight and caressing her body through the lace. "It's almost a shame to take this off."

"I can dress up for you anytime..." she replied, leaning into his hands. Her nipple hardened in response to his touch. "I need to feel your skin against mine."

John nodded his agreement and watched as she deftly unclipped her bra, then slipped the matching garment down her legs. He held out a hand and helped Alyssa climb onto the bed, before following after her to lie down on the soft cotton sheets. She watched him as he studied her lithe body in fascination, openly admiring all the gentle curves and smooth planes.

John gave her his undivided attention as he traced a finger down Alyssa's throat, following the shapely contours of her neck and shoulders. Such intense focus made all his senses come alive and his fingertip tingled as he lightly caressed her deliciously soft skin. She was affected the same way, her body responding to his careful attention with a trail of goosebumps.

His finger trailed lower, curving around the pliant flesh that rose up from her chest. Each breast was a substantial handful, so just using a fingertip seemed inadequate, but she felt that feathery contact far more deeply than if he'd squeezed them roughly. Delicate pink nipples crinkled as he approached, the fleeting caress making her draw a sharp breath of anticipation.

"Breathe, honey," he said with an affectionate smile, when he saw that she was holding it in.

She did as he asked, the rise and fall of her chest giving Alyssa the extra contact with his hand that she craved. Her eyelashes fluttered as she let out a low moan, her body writhing sensually as she sought out even more. John continued his exploration, descending down the creamy slope of her breast to her ribcage, then across the v-shaped ridgeline to her stomach. Her tummy was slim and flat, with the perfect tone of a healthy young woman, rather than the hard lines of an obsessive bodybuilder.

Their eyes met as he stroked her belly, the tender caress caring, suggestive, and hopeful all at once. He'd fed her so many times since they'd been together, each rich meal keeping Alyssa in the peak of physical condition. They'd each gained so much pleasure from that act, the fond memories of intimate times together raising both of their pulses. Then there was the hope for the future, a time when they could put down weapons of war, and make proper use of her lovely physique... to build the family they desired so much.

Alyssa parted her legs for him, letting John move between them. He used both hands now, tracing the curves of each hip then savouring the smoothness of her thighs, the velvety skin concealing powerful muscles. She arched her back in response, a breathy moan breaking the electric silence. John could see she needed more, so he lay down between her splayed legs. Alyssa's arousal was obvious, her flushed labia dewy with moisture to ease his passage.

His tongue didn't need any assistance to part those soft lips, lathing over her most sensitive places with care and tenderness. Alyssa's cries were confirmation enough that she was thrilled by his ministrations, letting John drink deep of her arousal as she trembled through a blissful climax. He could've kept going for hours, but John wanted her to remember everything in perfect clarity, rather than through the euphoric aftermath of multiple orgasms.

Rising up, he hovered over her, the blunt head of his tool aligned with her sopping entrance. "I want this to be perfect for you," he said, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Are you sure you're ready?"

She bit her lip and nodded, the inside of her thighs lightly rubbing his flanks as she yearned to be joined with him. "I'm sure."

John pushed inside and paused when he met momentary resistance. Alyssa blinked in surprise, looking up at him in confusion, until he thrust deeper and she felt a sharp pinch.

"Ow!" she exclaimed, shocked by the brief but burning pain... so unlike all the other times he'd entered her.

"I'm sorry that hurt..." John said sincerely, holding still to let her body adjust to being stretched for him. "It'll feel better soon, I promise."

"What was that?!" she blurted out in bewilderment.

"I'm honoured that you saved yourself for me," he continued, gently stroking her hair as he leaned down to kiss her. "It was a precious gift that I'll treasure forever."

Her mouth fell open in astonishment and John could see her mind racing. Alyssa's thoughts flashed back to terrible memories from her past, of giving up her virginity all those years ago, and the horrible things she'd endured just to survive. Instead of stirring up feelings of shame, embarrassment, and disgust, those memories were just... gone. In their place was a sensation of John's love for her, the warmth filling up her heart until she thought it would burst. There was no one else, there never had been... and there never would be again... just John taking care of her forever.

Overcome with emotion, she burst into tears, wrapping her arms and legs around him in a tight embrace as if trying to merge them into a single person. John cradled her head in his hands and murmured loving words in her ear, comforting Alyssa as she let all those old feelings of insecurity and self-loathing fade away. It was as if her past had been rewritten, with John erasing the worst of the horrible ordeals that had shaped her formative years.

When her trembling finally stopped, he brushed away the moisture on her cheek. "Happy tears?" he asked with a fond smile.

She laughed and nodded. "So happy..."

"Good," he said with satisfaction.

Alyssa hesitated, then looked up at him in wonder. "Why did you do that?"

"Because you needed it," he said gently. "You showed me those terrible memories and I knew what you'd lost... what it cost you to survive."

"But you hate messing with our minds!" she blurted out, still not quite believing what he'd done for her.

"I love you... and you'll always come first," John insisted. "I should've done this for you months ago, but you've always been so stoic, I didn't realise how much you needed it."

"I was ashamed..." she explained quietly. "I never wanted you to know."

"I want you to forget about the past. You're a new woman now... just like Edraele and Irillith were after I changed them." He traced his finger around her ear, reaching up to stroke the pointed tip. "You're my beautiful Kyth'faren princess... and all that matters is your future with me."

"That's all I want... to be with you," she whispered, pulling him down for another kiss.

He held her close and began to move, slowly at first until Alyssa's discomfort faded and she murmured her approval in his ear. Then they were moving together, bodies undulating in perfect harmony as they began that age-old dance that dated back to the dawn of civilisation. While they'd been together many times before, the difference now felt like night and day. John's mind was finally whole, liberated after four decades of being burdened with the deadweight of his rogue guide. At the same time, the demons from Alyssa's past had been exorcised, freeing her from all the inhibiting shame and self-loathing that had held her back.

John reached for her hands and pressed them onto the mattress above her head. Alyssa moaned with desire as she writhed against him and suddenly glowing runes appeared around their interwoven fingers, casting an enchanting blue light over the lovers. She tilted her head back to study them as John kissed her exposed throat, adding her own white radiance to that potent eldritch script. Together they blazed with a new intensity, their power amplified many times over.

Loyalty, Devotion, Love...

They both felt it, the bond between them burrowing deeper like the roots of an oak, reaching far into the recesses of their minds. The trunk broadened, growing thicker and stronger, until it was capable of weathering the fiercest of storms. Their eyes blazed with that inner light, shining brighter than a star... as if they were filled with so much energy that it needed an outlet to escape. Their passion rose, the purity of that connection taking their breath away, until the incandescent fire reached its peak in a burst of ecstasy...

And they were lost in an explosion of passion that overwhelmed them both.

***

Lynette sheathed the white laser pistol in its holster and strapped the belt around her waist, then placed the glossy-white signal interference device on top of her clothes. She sealed the suitcase, the mag locks closing with a solid sounding click, then tapped the case so that it would travel on auto-follow. Turning, she saw Charles standing in the doorway to her bedroom, his moustache drooping in a disapproving frown.

She let out a rueful sigh. "I'm sorry, Charles. I wish there was some other way... but I think this is our only chance of avoiding a rebellion in the Outer Rim. If I could send anyone else, I would in a heartbeat."

"I know," he said quietly.

"I really don't want to leave you," Lynette insisted, walking over to him and cupping his face. "But I can't bring you with me either. As my proxy, you'll be able to exercise my authority when I can't attend meetings. I need you here to oversee the fleet repairs and to keep High Command under control."

He held her in his arms. "I understand that too, Lynette. For what it's worth, I agree with you... but that doesn't mean I'm happy that you're going."

She rested her head against his chest, feeling safe and warm in that comforting embrace. "Please promise me you'll be careful while I'm gone."

Charles chuckled, his chest vibrating with his laughter. "I was about to say the same thing to you."

Lynette glanced up at him with a worried frown. "I'm a genetically enhanced Lioness, with a personal shield and one of the most powerful handguns in the Federation. You're practically naked without me here to protect you."

He blinked in surprise, then kissed the top of her head. "Alright, good point. I promise I'll be careful... but don't take any risks out on the border. You're amazing... but you're not invincible."

"I'll try to stay out of trouble," she said softly.

"Thank you," he said, squeezing her a little bit tighter.

Lynette reluctantly pulled away and they left her bedroom hand-in-hand. "Have you put together an expeditionary fleet?"

Charles nodded as they walked towards the door. "I'd still prefer to send a lot more ships, but I know you don't want this to look like a show of force. I've assigned you one battleship as your command vessel, and you'll be supported by two heavy carriers, a dozen cruisers, and a destroyer screen. They're all advanced vessels, equipped with the very best tech we've got."

"That sounds ideal. Who's my XO?"

"Rear Admiral Tamar Kahale," he replied, his moustache twitching. "Solid officer... she shouldn't give you any trouble."

Her mind raced, flashing through endless lists of crew postings. "You're giving me the Aphrodite?"

"It seemed appropriate."

Lynette giggled and leaned in to give him a big kiss. "That'll be a great icebreaker... thank you!"

Charles held her close, kissing her back. When he released his fiancée, he coughed self-consciously. "You need to watch those giggles, darling. They're adorable but a dead giveaway... and don't forget to keep your disguise on at all times."

"What would I do without you," she said affectionately, tapping the holo-disguise in her jacket.

Her appearance flickered as the micro projectors activated, returning her to the image of Fleet Admiral Lynette Devereux that everybody was familiar with. She looked a lot older now, the sparkle in those lovely hazel eyes shifting from youthful exuberance to hard-earned wisdom.

"While I'm away, spend some time with Lina," Lynette encouraged him. "She likes you and I know you enjoy her company too."

He ran his fingers through his hair. "I do, but this is all so... awkward."

"No pressure," she said with a disarming smile. "Just think about what kind of relationship you'd like to have with her in the future: short-term pleasure or long-term bliss."

"I'll give it some thought," Charles agreed, knowing full well which option his fiancée would choose.

Lynette gave him one last hug, savouring their final moment of physical contact together before her departure. With a wistful sigh, she stepped away and opened the door to her quarters, where a security detail was waiting to escort her to the Aphrodite.

***

John lay on his side behind Alyssa, his arms encircling the beautiful blonde. "You've been very quiet. Are you okay?"

She nodded and snuggled into his embrace. "It was all really wonderful... just something I never expected from you."

"I should have helped you deal with your past a long time ago. I've spent months worrying that I might have abused my abilities and manipulated you into staying with me against your free will, but after seeing how awful your childhood was, I finally understood what you've been trying to tell me all along. Even just being with me on the Fool's Gold was infinitely better than your life on Karron... and there's no way you'd ever leave."

"You were my salvation," she said softly. "The time I've spent with you is the happiest I've ever been."

"Despite all the relentless combat?"

"It just brought us closer together. I love the camaraderie with you and the girls, and the thrill of saving innocent people has made our victories even sweeter. Why would I ever want to leave the man that's made me strong... given me a purpose... and brought me so much love and joy?"

"You're all-in," he agreed, kissing her shoulder. "After I figured that out, some proper TLC was long overdue."

Alyssa let out a contented sigh. "Everything feels different now. It felt like I was being crushed by a huge weight, but then you set me free... and I can finally breathe for the first time."

"You've been through so much. I just want to protect you and give you all the love and happiness you deserve," John said, giving her a comforting squeeze. He placed his hand on her abdomen and gently caressed her rounded belly. "If I could do whatever I wanted, I'd get you pregnant right now, then ask Edraele to hide you someplace safe and keep you out of this war."

She interlaced her fingers with his and asked quietly, "What's stopping you?"

John cracked a smile. "Other than the fact that you'd never agree to sit this out?"

"I'd hate being separated from you... but if I was carrying your baby, I'd obey you without question."

They lay together in comfortable silence as John brushed his thumb over her soft skin. He knew how easy it would be for him to create new life in her fertile womb and the temptation to start their family was nearly overwhelming.

With a rueful sigh, he leaned down to rest his head against hers. "I want to... so much... but I can't."

"Why?" she murmured, nuzzling into him.

"Because I can't do this without you," he replied, kissing her ear. "I need you at my side, Alyssa."

She smiled, looking blissfully happy. "And that's where I'll always be."

John shared her smile, but it faded a moment later. He held her in his arms, trying to think a way of broaching the final hurtful accusation the guide had thrown at him.

Alyssa turned so that she was lying on her back looking up at him. "I know what the guide told you about Sakura meeting her parents... but he was so wrong... about all of it. I was right there and all you cared about was giving that poor girl a chance to say a final goodbye to her mother and father. The idea of using it to manipulate Sakura was the furthest thing from your mind."

"What about asking her parents for their blessing?" he asked, remembering the guide's cruel taunts. "I saw how much of an impact getting their approval made on Sakura."

"Sakura's as devoted to you as I am, John. Presenting you to her parents as her future husband and father of their grandchildren was something that meant more to her than I can put into words. She was saying goodbye... and telling her parents that their beloved daughter would be loved and protected by a good and honourable man. Asking Emiko and Shiro for their blessing... and receiving it... gave her the strength to let them go."

"But I created my impression of her parents from all the psychic memories I absorbed..." John admitted, sounding heavily conflicted. "It wasn't really them... not really."

"Are you sure?" Alyssa asked softly. "You had to reach into the Deep Astral to bring them back. What did you tap into that gave them the spark of life?"

He hesitated. "I... don't know. I just knew that it was necessary."

She stroked his face, her touch gentle and loving. "When you brought back my parents, my father wasn't the broken man I remembered; a husband destroyed by grief who lost himself in a bottle. He was the best version of my Daddy that he could be, the Edward Marant that wanted to leave Karron with his wife and daughter to give them a better life. I knew it was really him, I could feel it... here." Alyssa placed her hand over her heart.

Her eyes welled up as she continued, "You let me finally meet my Mom and she was so lovely and kind... and proud of me, just like I always hoped. Whether she was actually real or you just mimicked the memories of her doesn't matter... Sarah felt real to me... and meeting her was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I'll never be able to thank you enough for giving me back the family I always wanted, even if it was just for a few precious minutes."

John stroked her hair as he considered what she'd said. "I just wanted to give you a chance to see your parents and say goodbye. I hoped it would give you some peace."

"It really did," she said earnestly. Pre-empting his next question, she continued, "And you should definitely do the same for Rachel's mother and the twins with their father, as soon as it's safe to try again. It'll help the girls so much."

He nodded in agreement. "I always planned to... I just had a few concerns."

"You want to do the right thing by us... you always have," Alyssa said affectionately. She ran her hand over her rounded tummy and smiled. "Speaking of which, I should feed the girls... they've been very patient."

"It'll be nice to share an active connection with everyone," John agreed, before glancing down at the flecks of blood on the bed. "Why don't you have a quick dip in the Lagoon to clean up and I'll change the sheet."

Alyssa nodded and sat up, but paused before climbing off the bed. "John, are you going to do this for all the others too? Restore their virginity I mean..."

He shook his head. "No... just you."

She looked at him quizzically. "Why me in particular? You've already done this for Sakura, so why not the rest? Calara lost hers to that asshole who dumped her, and Rachel rushed into having sex with a biker to spite her father. Tashana's first time was even worse than mine... as she was gang raped by pirates."

"A few reasons," John explained as he lifted her into the air with telekinesis and peeled away the sheet. "I don't like hurting any of you, so I don't want to see them in pain if I can help it. This was very important to you though, so I made an exception. Calara and Rachel both willingly chose to sleep with those men and that experience shaped the women they became. As for Tashana, she's a Maliri, so losing her virginity didn't have the same cultural significance as it does for Terrans."

Alyssa smiled as she floated down to the beach beside him. "Okay, I understand... and thank you for making an exception with me. All this..." she said, spreading her arms to encapsulate the torchlit beach. "Was incredible. It made my first time with you very special."

John smiled and gave her a kiss. "You're welcome."

While Alyssa traipsed across the sand to the water, John remade the bed with the spare sheet the cleaning bots had left for that purpose. He stashed the used one under the bed, then brought a fluffy towel over to Alyssa when she emerged glistening with water from the lagoon. As they approached the bed again, she sent out a call to the girls, who emerged from the Observatory in a rush.

"Oh, wow!" Rachel gasped, pausing on the bridge to admire the romantic setting.

The rest of the girls were equally awed, but Dana recovered quickest, sprinting over the arches to get there first. Calara grinned and dived into the lake, cutting through the water with swift strokes.

"Hey, that's cheating!" Dana protested, having only reached the steps on the far side of the Lagoon by the time her rival padded onto the beach.

"Just taking advantage of the terrain," the Latina replied with a grin, catching Alyssa's thrown towel.

She arrived first by a wide margin and was welcomed onto the bed by her girlfriend. Alyssa lay back and Calara went to work, lapping away to get her share of John's cum. After swallowing down several big gulps, she filled her mouth with some more, then moved up the bed to give it to the blonde. Alyssa purred with satisfaction as she accepted Calara's generous offering, filling her own stomach too.

John leaned over to stroke Dana's auburn hair as she greedily sucked his cum out of Alyssa. "I'm going to give you all the schematics I got from the guide. There's quite a few, but I haven't had a chance to sort through anything yet."

She nodded her understanding, her blue eyes twinkling as she looked up at him from between the blonde's splayed thighs. With an active connection established between them, John could sense a psychic pull towards the feisty redhead. He didn't fight it, but focused on it instead, concentrating on the telepathic bridge he instinctively created with his Grand Engineering Overlord. John began pushing schematics across that connection, while Dana's brilliant mind soaked up the information like a sponge. He could sense her subconscious sweeping over each one, sorting and cataloguing all the Progenitor blueprints he was providing.

Dana sat up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Holy shit! There's a fuckton of them!"

John helped move the distracted redhead aside. "Anything interesting?"

She stared off into the distance, intently studying schematic after schematic. "This is incredible... you've given me everything including the kitchen sink! And I mean that literally! It's like a DIY starter kit for building your own super high-tech civilisation!"

"That makes sense," Tashana mused, looking thoughtful. "Whenever a baby Progenitor is dispatched to a thrall species, he'd need to be able to rebuild their civilisation as soon as he reached maturity. Even if the thralls have spent centuries falling into decline since the last Progenitor ruled, their new leader would have millions of years of technological advancements at his fingertips..."

"It's a brilliant solution to a horrible problem," Irillith muttered, her lip curling in distaste. "How to get a thrall civilisation ready to slaughter for Xar'aziuth as quickly as possible..."

Rachel tapped a finger on her chin as she thought about Tashana's comment. "Actually, I'd be surprised if Xar'aziuth waited centuries to send out a replacement Progenitor. If all thrall species are like the Maliri and reach maturity by the time they're thirty, it would only take three decades for all the surviving female thrall children to reach adulthood. Assuming the same gender imbalance as the Maliri, huge numbers of those women could then get pregnant, spiking a massive population boom."

"Just like the abandoned," Calara interjected.

"Exactly," Rachel replied with a nod of affirmation. She turned to Tashana and asked, "How long are Maliri females fertile for?"

"Until approximately half-way through our second century," she replied, glancing at John and blushing an adorable shade of dark blue.

"So each female could have 120 years of chain pregnancies..." Rachel marvelled, shaking her head. "That's four times as long as the Abandoned!"

"Wouldn't that take a massive toll on their bodies?" John asked, frowning at the thought.

Rachel shook her head. "Not when these civilisations have access to advanced medical facilities. Any nutrients and minerals used during their pregnancies could easily be replaced, keeping them primed for immediate impregnation with the next child."

"They wouldn't have any problems with elderly populations either," Irillith said quietly. "You saw how fit and healthy my mother was when you first met her and Edraele is 162. Women her age could serve in the military and still be just as effective for another fifty years."

"They sound like the Abandoned on steroids," Sakura observed, with deep concern.

Calara darted an impatient glance at Dana. "Have you found any new weapons yet, Sparks?"

"Not yet," Dana replied, shaking her head. "But I've got all the thrall ship classifications! They don't use strike craft or carriers and just stick to using battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. We already knew about Tormentor-class destroyers from that robot ship on Tartarus, but the others are called Subjugator-class for the cruisers and Dominator-class for the battleships!"

"Sounds ominous," Jehanna said with a worried frown.

Dana shivered. "Yeah... they look mean as hell."

"I'll need to study those schematics as soon as possible," Calara requested, her brow furrowing into a pensive frown.

"Uh-huh... sure," the redhead agreed, but she was already distracted by something else.

John felt the girls lighting up in his mind as they fed, each one making an active connection with him when they'd swallowed their share of his load. With their impending arrival at Genthalas only a couple of hours away, John felt particularly drawn to the twins and he beckoned them over. They curled up next to him on the bed, enjoying the close physical contact as he slipped an arm around each luscious Maliri girl.

"So we were saying that a defeated thrall species could replace their losses in under a century?" John asked, his hands inextricably drawn to Irillith and Tashana's cum-filled tummies.

They snuggled closer, practically purring in response.

"Are we sure we're not getting carried away here?" Jehanna interjected. "One thing I've learned with verifying any scoop is to stick to the facts and not start speculating to fit your own narrative. I thought the Maliri started to decline in population after Mael'nerak died? Isn't that the opposite of what we're postulating could happen to a thrall species?"

"The Maliri are under the shroud though," Rachel reminded her. "That might make a significant difference as they're not exposed to Xar'aziuth's influence."

"Actually, the Maliri males haven't always lived on the border stations," Tashana explained. "That's been a relatively new development in the last millennium."

*My lovely daughter is quite correct ,* Edraele said, addressing them all. *I believe the exodus to the border stations was actually spurred on by first contact with alien species... particularly Terrans.*

"Ceraden did seem quite smitten with us," Alyssa said with a wry smile.

Irillith let out a self-deprecating laugh. "I don't think I said a kind word to him the entire time I was on Geniya. I can't imagine why he'd suddenly be enamoured with Terran girls after all of you started flirting with him."

"Fuck yeah!" Dana blurted out, startling everyone.

The Maliri hacker raised an eyebrow. "I know you made quite an impression on him; enough to let you ransack Geniya for Maliri tech."

The redhead waved that away. "I'm not talking about horny Maliri guys! I found the schematics for a hyper-warp gate!"

John sat up, as did everyone else, his Chief Engineer now the focus of his full attention. "How does it work, Sparks?"

"It creates a wormhole between two fixed points... with a hyper-warp gate at each end. It can only stay open for a limited time because of the massive power drain, but you can cross the entire galaxy in seconds!"

Calara exchanged a worried glance with John. Neither of them had to say anything to know they were both thinking the same thing: how terrifying it would be to fight an enemy that had the capability to instantly jump reinforcements into a combat zone.

"How do you actually connect to another warp-gate?" he asked, turning to look at Dana again.

"There's a code you enter for each gate," the redhead explained, staring intently at the schematics. "As long as you know both, it's basically like contacting someone over the comms network."

"Is it a 36-digit runic code?!" Irillith exclaimed, her violet eyes lighting up.

Dana nodded exuberantly. "Yep!"

"In that case, we already have the code to Larn'kelnar's hyper-warp gate!" the Maliri hacker gushed.

"How?" John asked, smiling as he got caught up in their infectious enthusiasm.

"I found it when Calara asked me to help find Larn'kelnar's marooned fleets. I trawled through the data archives on his dreadnought looking for anything related to the Larathyran Empire... and there it was!"

"So all we need to do is find Mael'nerak's gate... or build our own... and we can start jumping ships over to Larn'kelnar's territory?" John asked, turning to Dana for confirmation.

The redhead wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "Err... no can do on throwing one together ourselves. They take a shitload of the original black metal... you remember that stuff we called Onyxium? We haven't got anywhere near enough to build our own gate."

"Which means our only chance is to locate Mael'nerak's hyper-warp gate," Calara said solemnly. "Our survival depends on requisitioning those thrall fleets as quickly as possible."

They all went quiet, darting worried glances at one another.

"What happens if Mael'nerak's throne world isn't hidden in the Mists of Loralar?" Rachel asked, voicing their concerns aloud. "Or even if it is there, what if he built his hyper-warp gate somewhere else?"

Sakura grimaced. "If we can't find it, then it sounds like we're screwed."

"Maybe not..." John said, tapping a finger on his chin. "Larn'kelnar seemed convinced that my father left a hyper-warp gate somewhere under the shroud. Rahn'hagon must have used one to bring his fleets here for the war against Mael'nerak."

"In that case, it's probably located on the far side of Vulkat territory," Alyssa said, picturing the star maps in her mind. "We know your dad wiped out the Vulkat before invading Trankaran territory."

John sighed and nodded. "Yeah... that's what he told me."

"I'm sure he's the last person you want to speak to... but is there any way we can contact your father?" Jehanna asked, looking at him with sympathy.

Before he could reply, Dana leapt from the bed and did a victory dance. "Oh hell yeah!"

"What did you find?" John asked, his smile widening into a broad grin at her antics.

"The schematics for the Soulforge!" she crowed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Now I can find out exactly how they make that black Progenitor metal and reverse-engineer my own version!"

They all watched her with bated breath, waiting with eager anticipation for the redhead's next exciting update. Dana's eyes flashed from side to side as she studied the schematic, her brow furrowed in concentration. Suddenly, her skin went pale and she lurched, her chest heaving... and she was violently sick, vomit splattering all over the sandy beach.

***

Valeria paced back and forth on the command deck of the Ascendancy class shuttle, paying scant attention to its descent through the lower atmosphere. She hated these kinds of inspection tours, but productivity had slackened and there was nothing like visiting a facility in person to remind the thralls of their place. She swallowed nervously and massaged her throat, remembering Gahl'kalgor's irresistible grip slowly squeezing the life out of her. It wasn't her fault that the output of the Soulforge had slowed, but her Lord had punished her for the thralls' failure.

Now they would all suffer like she had.

Throwing a furtive glance at the thralls on the bridge, Valeria was relieved that none of them had seen her display of weakness. The four Galkiran crew were focused on their consoles as the shuttle dipped towards the Empire's capital and didn't seem to be paying their matriarch any undue attention. She stalked over to the command chair and took a seat, sitting straight-backed and glaring at the view from the cockpit.

Their pilot came in low over the capital city, giving Valeria a magnificent view of the Dralzash Colosseum in the centre of the metropolis. There were many fighting arenas in the empire, but that was the largest and most prestigious, the brutal carnage within viewed personally by their Lord and Master. She longed to be there now, fighting another hapless thrall for a few precious moments with the man who was the central focus of her whole existence.

Her stomach was still slightly curved and Valeria surreptitiously caressed her belly, shivering with delight as she savoured being engorged with his cum. After nearly choking her to death, Gahl'kagor had roughly fucked her bruised throat, the pain excruciating as he'd plundered her body for his pleasure. That was just his way of showing her how much she meant to him though, her injuries already healed after swallowing the prodigious output from his four balls.

"We're beginning our final approach, Matriarch," the helmswoman announced, interrupting Valeria's introspection.

"Good... get on with it then!" she snapped, rising from her chair and stalking towards the exit.

Black serrated doors peeled apart, the jagged teeth retreating into the doorframe as if they were a predator's huge fangs getting ready to take a bite. Valeria had been through thousands of such portals before and didn't give it so much as a second glance as she marched through. After descending to the lower deck, she took a minor detour into the armoury to collect a suitable weapon. Choosing a Reykas mace, Valeria carried it like a sceptre as she strode to the lower airlock.

It didn't take long for the shuttle to arrive at the Soulforge and as the pilot made a looping turn before landing, Valeria got to see it in all its splendour. The forge itself was like a huge black hoop, with a forest of jagged spines reaching inwards. In the centre of that enormous ring, the superstructure of a Dominator-class battleship was under construction, crackling red energy sparking across the vast fabrication device. Gravity nullifiers held the black warship in place as it slowly took shape, psychically infused energy hardening the armour plating so it was nigh-indestructible.

The view shifted wildly as the pilot rotated the shuttle to face the landing platform, then Valeria spotted the delegation of administrators waiting for her. Even at this distance she could see they were nervous, fidgeting and darting worried looks at each other. She decided to put them even more on edge and hit the button to open the airlock while the shuttle was still descending.

By the time the craft had touched down, the black toothed jaws had already split apart, allowing the Galkiran Matriarch to stride out without a moment's pause. She suppressed a smile of satisfaction as the thralls were forced to scurry towards the port flank of the shuttle in order to greet her.

"Matriarch, it is an honour to have you visit this facility," a crimson-hued woman gushed, wringing her hands together obsequiously. "I am Senior Administrator Nakira."

"You're running behind!" Valeria barked. "Whose fault is it?!"

Nakira cringed at the rebuke. "Matriarch... please..."

Valeria saw the administrator's pupils make an involuntary flicker towards her assistant, so she whirled to face her. "What's your name? Who do you believe caused the delays?"

"My name's Keerla, Matriarch!" the younger woman squeaked, clearly quite terrified. "I- err... I don't know."

Tsking in irritation, Valeria turned to address the last pair of thralls. As they opened their mouths to answer her question, the Galkiran Matriarch whirled around and slammed her sceptre down on Keerla's head. The glistening black mace shattered the thrall's skull in a grotesque explosion of brain and bone fragments, blood spraying all over the shocked staff. Valeria continued to pulverise the mangled body, taking out her suppressed fury on the most-likely culprit for the indignities she'd suffered.

When she was finished, the Reykas Mace had done its bloody work, splattering everyone nearby in a revolting shower of gore. Resting the weapon's dripping head on her shoulder, Valeria gestured towards the facility.

"Shall we proceed with the inspection, Senior Administrator Nakira?" she asked calmly and politely.

"O-of course, Matriarch," Nakira stammered, looking even more unsettled by the abrupt shift in Valeria's mood.

The Senior Administrator cast one last horrified glance at what was left of her assistant, then set off towards the facility on shaky legs. Valeria easily matched her pace, listening with only half an ear to the list of pathetic excuses, which ranged from supply issues to a lack of thralls for the Soulforge.

"What do you mean you don't have enough thralls?" Valeria asked sharply.

"There was a logistical error," the Senior Administrator whined. "The latest batch of transports were sent to the fleet instead of arriving here. We have been unable to run at full capacity."

The Matriarch cursed furiously at such a ridiculous mistake. "Show me!"

"Y-yes, Matriarch," Nakira agreed, wringing her hands again as they changed course, heading towards a squat series of buildings near the base of the forge.

As they neared, Valeria's anger slowly ebbed away, held in check by growing feelings of dread. Her skin prickled, sending shivers down her spine when they entered the building. If she believed in curses, she would've said that the whole facility was damned, echoes of terrified screams assaulting her ears. With a shudder, Valeria realised the screams were very real, the wails of anguish coming from the room beyond. Nakira seemed unaffected and actually drew ahead of her guest as they neared the source of those agonised cries.

"The Spirit Divergence Chamber, Matriarch," the Senior Administrator declared, turning to gesture into the room.

Valeria stumbled forward, her eyes like saucers as she stepped closer. It felt like her whole body was rebelling, desperate to flee this place, and she was forced to remind herself that she was duty-bound to investigate.

Only half of the black-banded seats were occupied by the living, the scores of red skinned thralls wailing and whimpering in mindless agony. The rest of the seats contained the desiccated husks of the dead, their mouths open wide in a silent scream of torment. As Valeria stared at them in horror, their withered voices seemed to join the dreadful cacophony, adding a deeply unnatural timbre to the hideous dirge.

"A-appalling... to see it half-empty," Valeria muttered to save face, turning and briskly striding away. "Now show me everything else! Quickly, before I lose my patience!"

Caught off-guard by the abrupt shift in direction, the Senior Administrator actually had to run to catch up with the surly Gladiatora. "At once, Matriarch!"

***

John rubbed Dana's back and nodded gratefully to the cleaning robot, who appeared with a glass of water on a tray. "Here, drink this, honey."

The redhead swilled out her mouth, then spat to get rid of the taste. She gulped the rest of the drink down then sat forlornly on the bed.

"You okay?" he asked, looking at her with sympathy.

"I'm not going to vom again, if that's what you mean," she replied, slumping against him. "But I feel pretty far from okay."

He kissed the top of her head. "The Soulforge is as bad as we expected?"

"Worse," she muttered, grimacing with revulsion. "They hook up 100 thralls at a time, then slowly drain the life out of them. They're awake while it happens and must be in total agony. You've seen husked thralls... this is the same thing but on an industrial scale."

John gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Alright, well don't think about it for now. I want you to take a complete break from tech development for a couple of days anyway."

"What? Why?!" she protested, jerking back to look at him in disbelief. "Now I've finally got these schematics, I can make a real stab at reverse-engineering their tech!"

He cupped her face in both hands. "Dana... you've not had a break in over six months. When we went to Oceanus, you spent most of the vacation locked away in your Workshop. You can transcribe thrall ship schematics for Calara, but that's it... no more research. I want you to completely switch off from work and just enjoy some time with Rachel. When the vacation is over, you should be fully refreshed and raring to go, because you've got critical work ahead of you and I'm going to need you at your very best."

She looked at him in surprise, but could see that it wasn't up for negotiation. "Oh alright, you win," she conceded with a dejected sigh.

"Hey!" Rachel mock protested, nudging her with an elbow. "You should be overjoyed to be spending time with your beautiful loving girlfriend!"

Dana plastered an insincere smile on her face. "Yay! Vacations are awesome!"

"That's the spirit!" John exclaimed with a grin, patting her on the back.

Rachel hugged the redhead and laughed. "John's right, you really do need a break, Miss grumpy pants. Don't worry, I'll find lots of fun things for us to do."

Dana's pout dissolved into a self-conscious grin. "Alright, maybe it won't be so bad. I have kinda been burning the candle at both ends."

"All of you have," John agreed, looking around at the girls. "I know you'll be tempted to work, but please just take it easy and enjoy a bit of R&R. You've more than earned it."

"You're not joining us?" Sakura asked, trying to hide her disappointment.

Tashana gave John a knowing smile. "I expect my mother has elaborate plans that will keep Baen'thelas fully occupied for the foreseeable future..."

Irillith smirked as she nodded. "There's no rest for our valiant Kyth'vindathys. He'll be hard at work, taming a host of errant matriarchs with nothing but his raw sexual machismo to aid him."

Alyssa quirked an eyebrow. "Are you still planning on having XO meetings when we're out of the picture? That should prove enlightening for our Maliri sisters..."

The girls all burst into laughter as John blushed at their teasing. "Yeah, yeah... very funny."

Jehanna nibbled her lip, then asked quietly. "John, I know you want the girls to rest, but I've only just joined the crew and I really don't need the recovery time. Would you mind if I kept training? I want to spend the next couple of days in the Firing Range to hone my skills with assault rifles."

He considered her request for a moment, then nodded his consent. "Alright, that makes sense; I want you combat ready and fully integrated into the team as quickly as possible. My only condition is that you take regular breaks to have some fun with the girls too."

She scampered over the bed to give him a big hug. "Thank you!"

John smiled then reached down to stroke her toned stomach. "You've got 48 hours to become an expert marksman with an assault rifle; if you can prove to me you've mastered that, the next step will be giving you psychic abilities."

Her brown eyes lit up with excitement. "I won't let you down, I promise!"

"I know," he agreed, before laughing as she showered him with kisses.

Alyssa reached out to stroke his shoulder. "We'll be arriving at Epsilon Aquarii in thirty minutes. We should start getting ready."

"Thanks," he replied, rising from the bed. "I'll join you soon, I just want to check on Helene."

John waved goodbye as he padded across the beach, then left the Lagoon via the express grav-tubes. He was trailing sand behind him, so out of consideration to the cleaning bots, he headed into the en suite in his old bedroom and took a brisk shower. By the time he'd freshened up, his sandy footprints had already been swept away, returning the Invictus' floors to their pristine state. Marvelling at the efficiency of the cleaning bots, he headed into his walk-in-wardrobe to throw on some casual clothes.

*That outfit's fine for visiting Jade and Helene, but I hope you weren't intending to wear sweatpants and a t-shirt for your triumphant return to the Maliri,* Alyssa remarked dryly.

Knowing what she was hinting at, John trailed his fingers across the jacket for the Mael'nerak-style formalwear the blonde had made for him. *What if I was planning on pitching up in my birthday suit?*

She laughed with genuine amusement. *Fair enough, I'm sure they'd appreciate that even more.*

John smiled as he made his way towards Jade's quarters, having enjoyed the banter with his matriarch. He opened the door to the Nymph's bedroom and padded into the dimly-lit interior, trying not to disturb the girl sleeping on the bed. Ailita was there with Jade, the two Nymphs flanking the teal-hued beauty. When the pink-haired catgirl started to move, John shook his head and gestured for her to stay where she was.

*Hello Master,* Jade said, raising her head and smiling. She was curled protectively around Helene, cradling the exhausted girl in her arms.

Sitting down on the side of the bed, John stroked Ailita's creamy thigh in greeting, then did the same to Jade. *How's Helene been? Any improvement?*

*She's sleeping peacefully and her heart rate is strong and steady,* the Nymph replied, gently kissing her patient's shoulder. *I think Helene exerted herself as hard as she could for about three hours, so the poor little kitten is worn out.*

*Thanks for taking care of her, Jade. You're amazing,* he said gratefully. *Will you let me know as soon as she wakes up?*

Jade nodded and nuzzled Helene affectionately. *Of course, Master. Were you planning to give her a full tummy?*

*If she needs it, definitely,* he agreed, gently stroking Helene's leg. *When she wakes up, will you tell her... thank you.*

*I'll pass the message on,* Jade murmured with a fond smile.

John got up and leaned over to give each girl a kiss, then left the Nymphs to their careful watch. When he returned to the Commander's Quarters, he found Alyssa in the walk-in-wardrobe, the statuesque blonde critically appraising her clothes.

"Stuck for something to wear?" John teased her, making a show of eyeing the endless racks of finely-tailored clothing.

Alyssa turned and pouted. "It's easy for you, I made you an outfit specifically for this occasion. I'm trying to juggle looking good with not outshining the Maliri."

He raised an eyebrow and unhooked the formal Maliri suit from the rail. "I remember how the Maliri in Lilyana's fleet reacted when they saw me wearing this. Do you honestly think Edraele and the Young Matriarchs will be looking at anything else the entire time I'm there?"

She blinked in surprise, then smiled with relief. "That's a great point. Thanks, handsome!"

When John had dressed in the beautifully tailored suit, he turned to look in the mirror, studying the archaic design of the Maliri formalwear. There was no denying the similarity between himself and Mael'nerak, the resemblance made all the more apparent in the matching clothes. It suddenly struck him that this wasn't just a routine trip to Genthalas, and he wasn't just returning home. He was planning to truly claim the Maliri and become the leader they needed to survive the coming Progenitor apocalypse.

To accomplish his goals, he'd need to dramatically alter the very fabric of Maliri society, reshaping the entire Protectorate in a manner of his choosing. The uncontested power he held in his hands was as astonishing as it was overwhelming; billions of Maliri lives now depended on every decision he chose to make. Rather than buckling under that phenomenal burden of responsibility, John squared his shoulders and raised his head up high.

The Maliri were counting on him for their survival... and he would not let them down.