Max Intel: Jooniper
Chapter 1 - Secrets

Agatha listened closely to the interaction between Tom and Captain Virt.

The Ornalith Captain held onto his bravado for a few minutes in front of his crew but, once out of their sight and within the confines of the interview room, he folded quickly.

Moments after the bulk freighter Ghusmik Urr had docked with Depot03 it was locked down and swept. There was virtually no resistance as Agatha had forwarded all of the codes for the ship to Depot03 Security.

The Terran metal merchant persona Agatha had adopted was an excellent excuse to forward the contraband and illegally obtained goods to the Bract Security Personnel as evidence.

Agatha looked the part, a diligent employee of a reputable transteller. She had obtained a nice collection of appropriately sturdy trappings to enforce her appearance in the role. A stiff Denim jacket, heavy linen trousers, steel toed reinforced woven boots.

Just a law abiding merchant doing her due diligence.

Tom allowed her to remotely observe the interview as a professional courtesy. In Agatha's estimation, Tom could learn a lot from Staverka Police Inspector Yzix. However, considering how soft a nut to crack Captain Virt turned out to be, it worked out well enough. Agatha wrote a report on her observations and forwarded them to Mary and Bob.

Mary screened her immediately afterwards and they chatted together for nearly an hour.

Galleon03 was roughly ten hours out, Mary was filled with nervous anticipation. Agatha reassured her, reporting on the health and spirits of the rescued.

"Are you going to contact their governments concerning repatriation?" Mary inquired.

Agatha had not considered that... Technically, as First Secretary of the Terran Federation Special Envoy to the Minor Empires, it certainly fell within her purview. However, there were also Trankaran citizens among the refugees.

Agatha was not sure of the protocols involved there, after all, the Trankaran Republic had their very own Terran Federation Ambassador, Vice Admiral Benjamin Elliot but going through the Foreign Office at this time might not be exceedingly wise... Things were rather tense in the TFN just now.

---

Joon had climbed into Max's lap, she held her wife's face in her hands. Her eyes were glowing green stars, her passion had ignited her Influence ability and Max was literally helpless in her hands.

"There is nothing in this universe that will change the way I feel about you, I fell in love with you, I proposed to you and I will be by your side as long as I draw breath. Do you understand?" Joon asked in a soft voice, tears streaming.

"Yes, my love, I apologize for my lapse..." Max paused with a swallow, "I will need your and everyone's help sorting this bit out."

Joon smiled softly, that iconic elven smile was actually her genuine expression. "You don't need to apologize, but don't you dare think I could ever give up on you."

Max returned the smile, "Yes, M'lady."

Then they locked lips, kissing long and deeply.

While they kissed their five wives looked on with pure adoration, Max and Joon were the paragon example of understanding, acceptance and love.

Agatha refreshed everyone's beverages and a plate of shortbread magically appeared.

Joon sat back from the kiss on the Captain's lap. "Can we talk about this?" she asked her first love.

Max nodded.

Joon watched her eyes, "It sounds like Uncle Ira knew your name for a while, judging by our primary mission."

Joon was of course referring to Operation: Melinoe.

Max nodded, her brow creased in consternation. "He discovered it when he performed my IntOps background investigation, along with 'some' of the circumstances surrounding my abduction." Max informed. Ira was able to look in places Deirdre couldn't, but even he couldn't discover everything... Not until recently."

"It took my Grandmothers incarceration to reveal that information." Max sighed, "There is still a plethora of unanswered questions."

Paula cleared her throat, her own emotions running high, "Not unlike Vika and I, you have direct ties to Felmutter... We have a vested interest to learn as much as we can about that organization."

Everyone looked at Agatha, who nodded immediately.

Joon dismounted Max's lap, not releasing her captured hand she sat in her seat at the mess table while Agatha waited until everyone was settled in.

"The information I have regarding Felmutter is a culmination of hundreds of sources and some of my own deductive reasoning."

Agatha tapped up another symbol on her datapad, a very old one. "In order to understand what Felmutter is, one must see the society that created and surrounds it."

The symbol was a circle divided into four equal parts by two bisecting crossed lines, the astronomical symbol for Terra. "The society known as Terra Familia has existed unofficially for well over a thousand years."

Paula's mouth became a thin line, but she did not interrupt, she just listened. Agatha continued, "This elite society, who's origins are rumored to be steeped in the occult, consists of hundreds of wealthy families from across the planet of Terra."

"At some point their political influence and material wealth met with extralegal organized resistance. In response they developed a militant branch, one capable of removing obstacles that impeded Terra Familia's power and prosperity."

Agatha glanced at Paula momentarily, the heterochromia eyed Witch nodded in affirmation of the Oneiran's summation. "This 'shadow-army' went unnamed for decades, then one moniker from a unknown witness managed to stick. Felmutter... a generous translation would be 'Hellspawn' a more literal one is 'Infernal Cunt'."

"Regardless of the descriptor, the organization had solidified a niche in the criminal underworld as a precision instrument in dealing with competition. As Humanity unified and then spread out into the stars, Terra Familia followed."

"The elite society made a comfortable home in the core worlds of the Federation, but did not venture much further. Investments into new worlds were plentiful, but loyal management began to thin, outsourcing became the new policy."

"This strategy allowed for other organizations to gain footholds in hundreds of small but growing populations. Felmutter's reputation began to fade into obscurity, Terra Familia no longer had the monopoly on shadowy influence."

Agatha paused then switched narrative gears.

"Twenty-four Kay also had it's root's in old earth as a regional triad. With the founding of the Federation and the vast expanse of humanity, 24K evolved into a different entity."

"Franchised criminality supporting community, including innovative concepts like unions and social media, 24k enveloped unclaimed territory with a relentless fervor. Where as Terra Familia relied upon established systems slow decay and corruption, 24K sponsored expansion directly."

"Often the old regime financed the new without actually recognizing it. Felmutter became fantastic stories told by old men, 24K was a tangible part of lower and middle class communities."

Agatha finished her lecture, "Any questions?"

Vika raised her hand.

Agatha nodded.

"So how was Felmutter so dominant before?" The freckled redhead asked.

Agatha smiled, "There seemed to be a supernatural element to them, something beyond basic criminal or unlawful behavior."

Joon pursed her lips, "Super?"

Agatha smiled, "The name Felmutter was originally given to an individual more than five hundred years ago. Genevieve Lennox." Agatha tapped up a hologram of the woman.

A statuesque blonde woman with a swarthy complexion, her eyes an unnatural brilliant green, her expression intimidating. "The report made was dismissed as fantasy, Ms. Lennox supposedly threatened to roast a man in emerald fire that emanated from her hands."

Everyone's eyebrows rose.

"Now the name Felmutter makes sense." Astrid said softly.

Paula cleared her throat.

Everyone's focus returned to Paula.

"I never had any dealings with Felmutter, but I know members of my old family did." Her words uncomfortable. "The 'talents' found in many of the oldest families were used to further the interests of that society..." Paula paused and sipped her tea.

She looked up again, "I can assure you, the quality of threat from Felmutter was much more than pedestrian violence. For a decade of my life I attended an exclusive school for the children of those old families." Paula stared at the symbol of Terra.

"I saw many talents, though very few as developed and polished as my own. A few dozen of us rattled around that high mountain villa. We had the impression there was once a much larger pool of students, as the school itself seemed very expansive for so few of us." Paula sighed.

Vika put her hand into Paula's, they shared a somber expression.

"Could it be that Terra Familia's influence is waning?" Max asked, looking to Agatha.

Agatha shook her head, "I do not know, Max, I can only make logical deductions from the data found on the Terran Federation Holonet."

"Forgive me for saying this," Samira spoke up, "I think a good portion of Felmutter's talent is sitting at this table."

Max and Joon shared a surprised expression while Paula and Vika appeared to consider the statement.

Astrid nodded slowly.

Agatha only smiled softly.

---

Yellow eyes narrowed as the words in the report became a living thing to the Slarmian's imagination. Teffa was coiled down at her desk in her first floor office of the Terran Embassy in Staverka.

She was reading one of the dozen memorandum she needed to understand to interpret current Terran Federation policies. Her office was nicely appointed with just enough decoration to add personality to the work space, but not so much to distract her focus.

She'd had a restful night and a lovely breakfast with her family... where she learned something important.

A Terran Federation Navy Battle-cruiser was en route to Mu Cygni, the information was strictly need to know. Teffa felt honored that Agatha had qualified Zuki, Lakita and herself privy to that information.

Agatha would occasionally apprise her Staverka family of occurrences and updates, usually when they gathered for meals or tea breaks. Teffa now knew a number of closely held data points... Secrets.

It hadn't occurred to Teffa that any of this information was of value to others. That data concerned her family, and it's knowledge bound her even closer to them.

They trusted her, and she felt honored to have that trust, indeed, she knew that Agatha thought quite highly of her. Teffa recalled with pride the ceremony her Terran friends had performed before their departure, and she was only a transitory associate at the time.

Yet they pledged in her own language an affection and friendship with her...

As it turned out, those words were not the least bit hollow, they not only hired her to help Lieutenant Gonzalez establish a consulate... She became a pivotal member of the Embassy staff on Staverka.

Teffa was Slarmian and she happened to feel a great love for and loyalty to House Staverka and the Grand Slarmian Dynasty. But she was also a part of something else, something larger.

She gave her Oath of Service to Jooniper Smith, the Terran Ambassador. That was an Oath that could only be legally given to one employer at a time. It allowed her to request diplomatic privilege of her employer and refuse to answer specific questions under any national judicial procedure.

That Oath wasn't just a factor under law within the Grand Slarmian Dynasty, it was written into the Trankaran-Minor Empires Judicial Concordat: the same Interstellar agreement that protected all diplomats and embassy employees within the Trankaran Republic and Minor Empires.

The Major-domo of an Embassy was quite often the highest ranking civilian in employ of foreign nations all over the Minor Empires. While the Terran Federation was not a signatory of the T-ME-JC, the Terran Embassy of Staverka still had to follow many of those rules.

The particular variables pertaining to the T-Fed Embassy was in these memorandum, thus the dire need to know and understand them.

Teffa looked up, thinking of Agatha, wondering if she could feel her at this moment. She knew Agatha was working on the floor above, she and the two Embassy Engineers were replacing some of the second floor bathroom fixtures with human compatible ones.

All of the toilets were being replaced in the Terran designated apartments. The Major-domo had argued it was beneath the First Secretary... a clever call-back to how Teffa was talked out of piloting on girls night.

But, Agatha simply smiled and said 'Una' would be in charge... Teffa couldn't think of any way to refute that. 'Una' had done a lot of work in the past few days, again that useful fiction...

Three Hands of Agatha had assembled the triple-stack bunks and shelving for Marine personnel. Each of the five apartments had a pair of bedrooms, a foyer and a generously sized bath.

There would be six Marines to a bedroom for a possible total of twenty-four, two Navy clerical specialists per room for a possible total of eight, each Lieutenant would have their own room a possible total of two.

With enough room to house thirty-four Terrans, Agatha was hedging her bets on the minimal compliment the Embassy was likely to receive Officers quarters were located between the Marine and regular Navy quarters.

The arrangement seemed odd to Teffa, but Agatha said it was the preferred arrangement within the TFN. Something about Terran Navy and Terran Marines needing a buffer zone.

Teffa just shrugged her shoulders.

The second floor common room was furnished with four standard holo projectors, Agatha added Terran style furniture including two large comfortable couches, two medium sized tables and a dozen chairs.

The kitchen adjacent was adorned with Terran style necessities, including flatware, cooking utensils, a variety of pots and pans and a high-capacity coffee maker.

The TFN BattleCrusier Skuld was due to arrive in twenty-eight hours, earlier than expected, Agatha easily adjusted and helped the rest of the Embassy do the same.

Teffa finished reading over the memorandum, blinked at it and started over...Her Terran really had gotten much better over the weeks, but the language used in the memorandum was a specific dialect... Agatha called it 'Bureaucratic' Terran.

It wasn't it's own language per se, but a style of twisting cadence and difficult word choice that seemed purposefully designed to confuse. Using any language as it's base, bureaucratic was an arranged expression of specific definitions without bothering to explain them in any way.

Agatha's advice was: If something doesn't make sense, reread it. If it still doesn't make sense, bring it to my attention, I will give it a try. She insisted that Teffa learn the dialect as most academic, legal and diplomatic documents employed a form of it.

Teffa remembered Paula being skilled in bureaucracy, Agatha said she couldn't think of a better role model for Teffa. So the Major-domo of the Terran Embassy to the Grand Slarmian Dynasty settled back into her data work, her mind reacquiring the sense of taming a wild creature.

She glanced at the the time... Only two more hours until lunch.

---

Paula stood over the three gallon stew pot. The Galley felt very comfortable to her, it was infinitely larger than the kitchen she had on Megara station. Most officers quarters on Megara had an abbreviated kitchenette, enough to squirrel away and heat up take away leftovers.

Paula had managed to expand hers somewhat over the two decades she had lived there. What she really lacked was someone to cook for... Now she had a wonderful family with plenty of room to prepare meals.

Today's lunch menu was comfort food, Zharkoye: fall-apart braised beef and potatoes in an aromatic tomato sauce with a sprinkle of dill. Freshly baked brioche and cinnamon pear compote. Her intent was to smother her family's worries in deliciousness... Paula now knew that they could eat as much as they wanted an not gain an ounce.

That fact alone would be the only reason she would need to prepare the richest and most extravagant meals she had avoided most of her life. But there was also something else...

Since she started cooking in the galley and essentially laid claim to it, she had an itch slowly building in the back of her mind. Paula recognized the Fantasy Class System signs easily enough, but didn't know how it could possibly apply to Deirdre's galley.

She pondered the mystery further and the circumstances surrounding it. Producing delicious and nutritious meals were a kind of domestic magic, Paula admitted to herself that kitchens were 'Witchy' places...

They had evolved from olde earth hearths after all and were the very foundations of a household, much of daily life revolved around them. Hearth and Home were what most people in those days fought and died to defend.

Something huge twitched in Paula's mind with those thoughts, her mismatched eyes grew in surprise Paula stirred the big stew pot, her eyes now unfocused, studying the subtle but immense power she had just detected.

Paula thought.

Samira replied with humor.

Paula inquired.

Samira replied.



Samira responded,

Paula's thought seemed distracted,

Samira explained,



Samira replied.

Paula thought about those words and the implications. Paula inquired.



Paula thought.

They shared a mental hug over the family network.

Paula then pondered the concept of magical travel over her stew pot The Witch knew she was on the right track, but had no idea where it would eventually lead.

---

Dauzakai Ambassador Zess sipped tea from an ornate teacup. Her eyes never left Agatha's face.

The Terran First Secretary, a powerful entity known to the Bolon as Starchild, sat adjacent to the Dauzakai Ambassador sipping hot delicious tea from an identical teacup. After the customary moment of appreciation of the flavorful Wunai moon tea, they both nodded to the other.

"How is everyone?" Zess inquired.

Agatha tilted her head slightly, "I assume your inquiry regards the crew of Deirdre?"

Zess blinked, "Ah!, yes, I meant your wives... Upon further reflection, I suppose 'everyone' was rather vague."

Agatha smiled softly, "They are well and good."

"My dear friend, I have to confess, I can't stop thinking about the..." Zess blinked again seemingly searching for the correct term.

"Dream party?" Agatha finished with a grin.

Zess beamed, "Incredible experience... simply amazing, I am so honored to have had the opportunity to meet the others."

Agatha smiled again, "I am pleased to hear you enjoyed it."

Then there was sudden shift in her emotions. Zess suddenly felt uneasy to the First Secretary.

"Are you alright?" Agatha asked the Ambassador.

"C-can... You read my mind right now?" She asked nervously.

Agatha regarded the Dauzakai with compassion, "I cannot... But I can 'feel' your emotions."

Zess looked uncomfortable. "...Suomii."

Agatha nodded, "She is in a position of authority and is responsible for many lives on Golamar."

"She remembered me." Zess clarified.

Agatha pursed her lips, "You were doing your job, she knew that at the time."

Zess looked down at her tea cup... "I hope... She and I can move forward."

Agatha smiled softly, "I think that is likely, I understand she would like to be considered for reinstatement."

The First Secretary continued, "Suomii was a very important part of our last mission and could be pivotal for the future fortunes of this entire sector." Agatha explained, "Though, she might never return to Dau, Suomii deeply needs to be accepted by you."

Zess gasped at the emotionally laden sentiment Agatha so gently expressed. The Dauzakai Ambassador inhaled, wiped away tears then nodded, "It will be something we will have to work on."

Zess leveled her focus.

"I need you to understand, Agatha, I deeply respect your power, but I need to request..." She was interrupted...

"I promise not to walk your dreams without your expressed consent."Agatha nodded to her.

The Ambassador exhaled, "I trust you... But, I also know not everyone on the council..." Zess purposely left her sentence unfinished.

Agatha tilted her head slightly, she softy whispered, "Ghiia."

Zess nodded slightly, "She is a firm believer in caution, it's a large part of her job, after all"

Agatha nodded with a sad expression, "I completely understand."

"She seeks my departure, I will do so immediately." Agatha stated earnestly

The Dauzakai Ambassador's eyes grew large.

"Ghiia doesn't want you to leave Dau..." Zess began, her hand waving off the misunderstanding.

"She just doesn't want you lodged in Sakima-sadi-Misimi."

Agatha thought about those words, "Upon further reflection...I suppose having a foreign dignitary staying with one of the seven leaders of the Dauzakai does seem rather invasive."

Zess pouted, "I am very sorry, Agatha... Your presence here makes it quite impossible to say I am unbiased."

"I doubt I would feel any different in her position." Agatha commented.

"The Justice did put forth a solution..." Zess cleared her throat, "I have been authorized to offer you any convenient location on Dau you desire to establish a consulate."

Agatha smiled, "That is welcome news... I will happily inform my Ambassador of the offer."

Zess sighed in relief.

"Just out of my own curiosity..." Agatha inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Might Jherish-Milas be considered convenient?"

---

Suomii awoke with a yawn. The Dauzakai Engineer felt warm, cozy and safe. She felt the inside of her mouth with her tongue, distantly remembering new flavors and sensations.

A deep growly buzz emanated from behind her. Suomii lifted her wide lizard-like head and peered over her shoulder. Her two iridescent-green eyes beheld the long lovely face of the peacefully sleeping Kintark who was sharing her pallet.

She carefully turned her body and layed her head on the edge, now studying the red scales of various sizes that covered Mosira's features. Kintark were a truly magnificent species in Suomii's opinion, well developed musculature covered in a mosaic of resilient crimson scales.

This Dauzakai admired Mosira in particular... Her long lean shape was like braided steel cable even in repose. Suomii smiled at her own thoughts... Licking the inside of her teeth again. She remembered gentle, intimate exploration, Mosira's enthusiasm and appreciation.

The Dauzakai had announced: She really liked the taste of Kintark, despite the extremely narrow selection she had sampled. In response the Prelate laughed loudly then immediately offered to reciprocate.

Mosira's greater size and strength easily positioned Suomii astride her own reclined form without precluding the soft, wet expertise. Both now reveled in new flavors and sensations for an indeterminable amount of time.

It. Was. Glorious.

Suomii wanted Mosira in her life...In any fashion she could get her. She really hoped her lover felt the same. The Mayor of Freeport blinked as she then remembered what happed afterwards.

Agatha had forwarded Joon's invitation to a transtellar dream party.

Suomii immediately explained the situation to Mosira and the Kintark insisted she go... Not taking no for an answer.

Despite feeling as though she was insulting her very special guest, Suomii lay down and promptly drifted into a deep sleep. Suomii found herself in a comfortable Dau twilight palisade dreamscape.

Joon and Agatha were there along with three others and Agatha made introductions. Suomii recognized Zess immediately... The Ambassador of the Dauzakai, had facilitated Suomii's exile.

The impression on Suomii at the time was that Zess did not support the verdict or punishment. Suomii knew Zess was just doing her job, it wasn't in any way personal.

Of the remaining participants she only recognized Lakita as a Largath. It was an unexpected surprise to learn that Mary was Bract. Agatha added that this revelation was not meant for public consumption and Mary had agreed to attending the dream party with everyone understanding that.

There was a consensus to keep Mary's form confidential.

It became the theme of the experience going forward as many things were discussed that were considered sensitive information.

The dream party was a sharing of knowledge, feelings and personalities. Joon had requested it to explore parameters, she invited them because they held Agatha's trust and would most likely continue to do so.

The experience broadened the horizons of all participants, expanding a list of those they could call allies and friends.

Mosira inhaled deeply as her glorious amber eyes opened.

Suomii smiled, "Hello, beautiful."

The Kintark blinked, smiling. She closed her eyes and stretched, impressive corded muscles flexed under crimson scales. The Dauzakai watched her, lustful eyes half lidded.

Suomii really liked what she saw.

When Mosira relaxed, her petite lover gently cupped her larger head with gentle three fingered palm. "I find you uncompromissingly irrisisstable..." Suomii hissed in a loving tone.

Mosira's heart leapt.

The Kintark gathered the much smaller Dauzakai to herself and they cuddled together in the warmth of shared affection for a long while.

---

Max was trying to sort it all out. She felt unbalanced, unable to stand, floating, unmoored to anything. Joon and Agatha were with her at the Mess table, they hadn't left it.

Astrid and Samira were back in Engineering, Vika had joined them. It wasn't that they didn't care, it was a collective decision not to crowd their Captain-wife.

Joon and Agatha were the optimum pair to help Max. Besides, with the family telepathic network, everyone was participating when needed.

"Melinoe." Jooniper said softly, "I like it... it fits you."

Agatha nodded.

Max sighed, "Yea... I like it too... But what about Max Anders?"

Joon nodded, "I fell in love with Max, so I don't want to lose her."

"Being Melinoe doesn't disqualify Max... I believe it only makes Max more complex." Agatha added.

"Complex, huh?" Max mused, "A nice way of saying complicated."

Agatha smiled, "There is nothing wrong with being either, as long as you are comfortable."

Max sighed, then sipped her tea.

"Having the middle name Artemis is absolutely kismet." Joon commented.

Max smiled and nodded, "I suppose it is..."

"Did Ira tell you anything about your parents?" Joon asked hesitantly.

Max thought a few moments then answered. "Ira told me that my grandmother considered her son and daughter-in-law a good match, that they understood each other. She said they were not involved in Felmutter, he was an accountant and she was a house wife. I got the feeling Goat wasn't convinced."

Joon pursed her lips in thought, "You don't remember them."

Max shook her head, "My earliest memories were of Denby Square."

Joon and Agatha shared a glance.

Max continued, "Perhaps, I blocked it out."

Joon's expression was compassionate, "We can explore it, but only if you want to."

Max thought abut her words.

"Someday," She said, "But, not now."

Joon nodded, she knew Max was capable of tucking her emotions away when she had a job to do, but it would weigh on her, perhaps it always had.

Just then everyone heard Paula in their minds,

---

Max insisted on clearing the table and washing up after lunch.

Joon suspected her first wife needed a break from therapy, so everyone respected her wishes for a little reflection. After lunch tea brought forth conversation.

Joon asked about what everyone was working on. Astrid happily reported on Samira's improvements. The new cybernetic limbs utilizing Oricalcum wherever possible.

With a thirty-eight percent weight reduction and a two-hundred seventy-six percent increase to armor rating, the improvements also allowed room for some additional features.

Astrid was able to increase the capacity of the thigh holsters.

Samira could now 'double up' with her Kaimau Hurricanes, allowing her to carry four of the deadly pistols and eight spare magazines. She gave up the flexible holster design in the exchange, she wasn't too upset though, essentially doubling her firepower.

Astrid decided that the stock Hurricanes weren't good enough for her wife and made four custom Oricalcum versions. She didn't change the dimensions nor add any fiddly bits, she actually omitted many of the features that Samira considered superfluous.

They were lighter, stronger and were fitted to the holsters in an angled arrangement allowing access to either pistol. Samira's thighs had become an arsenal...

But, Astrid wasn't near finished.

Within each of Samira's forearms Astrid mounted a concealed miniature laser cannon identical to the ones she'd designed for her Security drones.

Astrid beamed one of her scary grins at the surprised expressions of her wives.

Samira nodded sagely to her.

"That's amazing!" Joon exclaimed, after being shown the tiny aperture between the first and second knuckle on each of Samira's cybernetic hands.

"Your arms and legs don't look any different." Paula noted.

Samira shook her head, "No, I wanted to keep the appearance, I really like how I look."

Vika tilted her head slightly, "Does it affect your Fantasy armor?"

Samira and Astrid shared a smile at the question.

"Not in the least." The family's cybernetic beauty replied.

Then Vika blinked and turned suddenly to Astrid, "I just realized," The short muscular redhead said in a gasp.

Astrid's eyebrows rose at Vika's tone.

"I completely forgot about the gloves!" Vika said, a look of consternation playing across her face. The Dwarven Shaman leapt up and dashed out of the galley, running directly to the Crew Quarters.

Samira and Astrid shared an amused glance and Joon raised an eyebrow at the reaction.

Max came in to the Mess from the Galley wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

Joon tilted her head to the side, her expression questioning. "What happened to the gloves?" Joon asked.

Astrid regarded her Lady-wife, "Nothing happened to them."

Max blinked, catching the comment, "What's going on?"

Astrid's thoughts broadcast on the family network.

Max, Joon and Paula shared the same curious expression.

Vika walked back in, "I couldn't find either of them, they are nowhere to be seen, Asa-chan... I am very sorry, I lost them!"

Astrid went to Vika and pulled her into a hug, "It's okay Vika... The gloves are not lost."

Vika blinked at Astrid several times.

The Sorceress Engineer smiled at her confused Dwarven wife, "You and Max are still wearing them."

Max and Vika looked at each other.

"But..." Max showed her empty hands.

Astrid then sat down and carefully explained, both her research on Samira and Agatha's help with making the gloves. She used new terms like 'Construct, Imbue and Empower.'

When she was done, Max and Vika stared at her expressionless.

Joon broke the silence, "Magical tattoos?"

Astrid nodded to Joon, "They won't be exactly like Sam's, mostly because I made them."

"Show us, please." Vika requested, her voice soft and yearning.

Max could only nod in agreement.

Astrid and Samira once again shared a smile.

"I recommend setting up down in the cargo hold." The Security Chief stated.

The Chief Engineer smiled. "An excellent suggestion."

Paula sipped her tea around a smile, "This should be entertaining."

Agatha cleared her throat, all eyes turned to her.

"The Bract Galleon I am piloting will arrive at Depot03 in approximately five hours eleven minutes, If Deirdre departs this system forthwith, we can rendezvous concurrently."

Max and Joon looked at each other, then both nodded.

Dame Captain Max Anders, who felt more comfortable with herself, turned to Agatha.

"Let's go see Mary."

---

"Agatha, do you have a minute?" The eight foot two inch hulking sweetheart of a Largath who was currently washing up after lunch had softly inquired to her employer and friend.

"Absolutely." Agatha smiled up at her.

Lakita gently washed and rinsed each fragile utensil and plate one at a time and placed them on the drying rack. Her impressive paws could have easily shattered or crumpled any of the delicate implements

"I have some questions about the dream party." She stated softly.

Agatha regarded the Largath's right side-eye and nodded to her. It was a courtesy few species understood, but Agatha did, and Lakita appreciated her awareness.

"It was wonderful to see Joon again, being able to learn so much is due to Vika wiffa, all of you really... though, I am confused about something."

Agatha nodded, encouraging Lakita to continue.

"Am I to understand that I am now in some fashion colleagues with Ambassador Zess, Director Suomii and Chair Mary?" Lakita asked in a hushed tone.

Agatha smiled.

"Yes, Lakita, without a doubt... Every day your knowledge grows and someday I expect you will become very influential in this sector of known space."

Lakita stopped washing dishes, she turned her massive boney head and focused her two central eyes on Agatha. "I thank you for your confidence, I hope I can accrue the wisdom needed to be as you describe."

Agatha patted Lakita's forearm, the gesture was friendly and comforting.

"I am proud of the progress you have made since you joined us here," Agatha nodded to the Largath Doe, "You are a valuable member of my family, I will always watch your back and share my riches and status with you."

No concept in Largath culture was more powerful... Lakita inhaled sharply.

"Vika was right... You are a mystical love."

Agatha beamed a smile, Lakita followed suit displaying her massive incisors.

---

"The gloves run on your body chemistry, which I remind you has been enhanced by a Starchild." Astrid explained to two of the women she shared her life with.

The two women in question were now nude, Max wasn't sure why Astrid insisted on it, but she didn't exactly argue against it either. Vika stood next to her Captain-wife, looking up at the tall, platinum-blonde High-elven Sorceress Engineer.

"I'm not sure how long you'll be able to power them, but chances are, long enough."

Max and Vika shared a slightly confused look.

"Okay, so, unlike Samira's Aegis and Durendal which are Fantasy System Abilities, the gloves are going to provide items that are far less impressive and probably pretty simple."

"Asa-chan," Samira scolded gently, "We don't know that yet, we're all seeing them for the first time, they could be spectacular."

Samira was wearing her tabard and was sitting up against the cargo hold bulkhead on spectators row... Along with the rest of the day shift.

Astrid nodded to her, took a deep breath and continued, "I imprinted the designs I knew you used for melee."

Max raised her hand.

Astrid blinked, "Yes?"

"When can we see them?" Max smiled.

Vika elbowed her Captain's thigh, Max chuckled.

Astrid smirked at Vika, then warned, "Okay, ladies, just remember, once I Empower the gloves... They can't ever be removed, they will be a permanent part of you."

Samira elaborated, "Ensorcelled Items are a cross between Artifacts and Enchantments and are very powerful."

Max and Vika nodded.

Astrid held out both her hands to Max, who took them gently into her own. The Sorcerous Engineer's eyes flashed a brilliant violet. Max immediately felt a low hum, as darkly glowing crimson tiger stripes appeared up and down her muscular caramel arms then slowly faded.

A collective gasp filed the hold.

Astrid nodded, let go and stepped to Vika holding out both hands to her. Vika immediately placed her hands in Astrid's. Again the Sorcerers Engineer's eyes flashed a brilliant violet.

A maze of dimly glowing cobalt-blue Celtic knot work enveloped Vika's freckled forearms then slowly faded.

Max blinked, "Where has the glow gone?"

Astrid nodded her head, "That'll only show up when you're calling or using an item."

Max shared a look with Vika.

"How do I call an Item?" the towering woman asked.

Astrid smiled, "Think about your Nagamaki, think about drawing it from it's scabbard, pretend you are doing it right now..."

Max nodded, she took a deep breath and did as Astrid instructed.

She held up her left hand like she was holding the pole arm in it's scabbard, she lifted her right hand and made to wrap her fingers around the tsuka hilt just behind the tsuba circular guard. Out of thin air a dark-crimson translucent Nagamaki began to form in her hand.

Her arms became covered in a dark-crimson pattern of glowing tiger-stripes. Max slowly drew the weapon... A wicked looking crimson blade formed as she drew it's length from nothing at all.

"Holy shit." Max whispered, as she stared at the pole arm The six foot crimson Nagamaki was covered in a darker-red pattern of tiger stripes. The weapon was solid in her grip, she could feel it, yet it's weight was insignificant.

Astrid beamed, "Fuckmuffins! That turned out way better than I thought it would."

"See, you 'are' an artist!" Samira exclaimed.

Everyone giggled.

"Magic sword rules apply, Boss." Samira warned.

Max remembered giving Samira a similar warning, "Understood, Chief."

She stepped back away from everyone, then held the Nagamaki in a comfortable two handed grip. The weapon looked like red glass and it felt amazing in her hands.

She made a slow cut through the air, it was effortless. The 'Magic' Nagamaki had no appreciable weight, Max imagined she could wield it for hours without fatigue.

The Captain then turned her attention to Vika, who had been watching her like a hawk.

"Go ahead." Max instructed.

Vika nodded, took a deep breath and reached behind herself with her right hand, to the small of her back, where she had always kept one of her Ca'tagri knives.

The Dwarven Rogue-shaman pulled out a dimly glowing cobalt-blue blade, a duplicate of one of her chosen knives, it's surface covered in slightly brighter Celtic knot-work.

Both of her forearms became covered in dimly glowing cobalt-blue tattoos, a beautiful display of intricate knot work Vika's eyes were wide and a broad smile broke out on her freckled face.

She then reached back behind herself with her left hand, pulling out a Wakazashi already in a reverse grip, it's dimly glowing cobalt-blue blade was similarly decorated in brighter Celtic knot-work.

Vika's two weapons resembled deep-blue glass, they were translucent and glowing but not brilliantly so.

The two nude women holding magical weapons smiled at each other, barely holding back the urge to jump for joy.

"So how do we put them away again?" Max inquired to Astrid.

Astrid blinked, then looked to Samira.

The Paladin shrugged, "I usually just let go of Durendal and it disappears."

Max nodded, held the two meter pole arm parallel with the deck of the cargo hold and let go...

It dropped the three feet, bounced twice then came to rest motionless.

Max's jaw dropped open, along with Samira and Astrid, everyone was surprised.

Then after twenty full seconds, the hard-light Nagamaki faded away.

Max looked at Astrid, who still stared at the spot.

"Feature or bug?" Samira asked.

Astrid looked up to Samira, she immediately shifted her eyes to Agatha.

Max followed suit.

Agatha smirked, "Bug... and exploitable, be my guest."

Astrid cackled maniacally.

Max blinked then turned to looked at her, "What does that mean?"

The Engineer caught her breath, "It means... We have the System Administrator's permission to use an exploit."

Astrid pointed at Agatha and then made a heart sign with her hands.

Agatha beamed a smile in response.

Max blinked again, "You need to say that in Terran Standard, Asa-chan."

Astrid nodded, "She didn't know it would do that, but she isn't going to 'fix' it, that means we can use that to our advantage."

"How will we do that?" Max inquired hesitantly.

Astrid grinned broadly, "I have a couple ideas."

---

Agatha walked at a steady relaxed pace, more of a stroll or maybe a saunter. She had been invited to tea with Mary, it was the second time in the last cycle she'd made this particular trek.

Mary emphatically insisted 'this' visit was completely social so Agatha decided to take her time walking up from the Depot03's Outlet Mall sandwiched between the two dock layers.

The Ghusmik Urr had docked in close proximity to Agatha's metal shop, but that impressive freighter was locked down and would remain so until a full investigation could be conducted.

That ship was of Ornalith design, similar in appearance to Golamar, each of it's three hulls arranged neatly into the prism shape commonly associated with Ornalith ship construction. It is unclear when that particular design became prevalent as the majority of Ornalith interstellar history directly involved the Yelneg Empire.

Agatha reflected briefly on that Empire, if not for the reemergence of the Trankaran, this entire sector of known space might still be under the heel of the Yelneg's malignant fallen regime.

The casual saunter that Agatha was enjoying was coming to a close, she approached the currently extended access way connecting the primary hull of the Depot to one of the many attached hollow asteroids.

Agatha's presence was noted by several Bract maintenance, but they did nothing to impede her, just a nod of greeting. The Terran metal merchant nodded back and concluded her walk outside Mary's door, In only a moment it opened to admit her.

To Agatha's delight, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bract Conglomerate now had an adorable little table set up for tea. The actual tea service was magnificent blue-green Slarmian glass work, though it was a little garish for Agatha's taste with gold filigree and set gems.

Mary explained the tea service was a gift from Zalix the sixth of the Grand Slarmain Dynasty to the Conglomerate. The Chair felt this was the perfect excuse to use it, and perhaps get in some practice socializing. Agatha smiled and nodded, she offered assistance in socializing anytime Mary wished, they shared a giggle.

The Chair was in good spirits, but Agatha could still sense several layers of anxiety underneath, she did her best to instill positive emotions.

"Agatha..." Mary said, her glow was steady, "Thank you for that unexpected adventure earlier, It was a delightful association."

Agatha nodded to her, "I am so glad you were able to attend."

When Mary was informed of the dream party invitation, she was initially reluctant, fearing some kind of emotional trauma. Agatha explained that the meeting would be quite safe as she would be a buffer for excessive emotions and personalities.

Fortunately, none of the participants were in the least bit abrasive or acerbic. Though Agatha did need to smooth out some worrisome feelings between Zess and Suomii, she didn't happen to mention that to Mary.

"I am curious, Agatha." Mary politely prefaced her question.

Agatha courteously played into the Chair's preamble, "What about?"

Mary brightened noticeably, showing her appreciation of Agatha's engagement. "Your nature is quite fascinating, I am hesitant to inquire, though I feel I must and please understand I do not wish to offend."

Mary focused carefully on Agatha.

Agatha had an inkling of what Mary was going to ask, but she didn't want to assume.

The Elder Bract was immensely intelligent and exceptionally perceptive.

"You may ask me anything, Mary, I will not take offense, but I may choose not to answer." Agatha stated openly.

Mary nodded slowly, "Will you envelop all under your influence?" Agatha smiled softly, "My wife Joon has asked a similar question."

She continued with a clear soft voice, "No... I have no great ambition, I do not harbor a desire to consume, control, or conquer. Instead, I endeavor to keep my dear family and close friends from harm and to promote prosperity and positive associations."

Mary's glow was never so bright as it was just then, her tiny club-like antennae vibrated strongly. "Thank you, Agatha, I am very pleased to have you as an associate."

The Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bract Conglomerate lifted the ornate gold filigreed Slarmian teapot and leaned slightly towards her guest, "More tea?"

---

Vika stared at her own fingers, she thought she could see the faintest glimmer of cobalt-blue. Astrid said she could imprint the design herself, she just needed to concentrate and 'let it happen'.

The day crew were sitting in their seats at the Mess table, they were also closely watching Vika. Astrid had just spent ten minutes describing the process of imprinting an additional weapon design to Max and Vika.

Max said she wanted to break for tea and everyone agreed, but Vika wanted to keep trying, she was stubborn like that. So in between bites of rich shortbread and sips of hot beverage the Dwarven Operative made an attempt.

She set her jaw and narrowed her eyes... Staring at her fingers held at eye level in front of her while sitting at the table. Vika exhaled... picking up her teacup, maybe a fifth time would be the charm.

Max glanced at Agatha. Agatha smiled softly then nodded. Everyone relaxed for a few minutes.

Joon turned to Agatha, "How is Mary?"

"She is good." Agatha replied, "Still a little anxious about the Galleon and the refugees." The Oneiran smirked, "She asked me an RGC question."

Joon's jaw dropped open, "Did she really?"

Agatha nodded.

Max, Vika and Samira looked perplexed.

"What's an RGC question?" Max inquired.

Joon smirked, "Ruthless Goddess of Chaos."

"Oh!" Max's eyes widened.

Paula turned to Agatha "I hope you assuaged her fears."

Agatha nodded, "I did my best, she has put a lot of trust in me; Mary seemed to take my declaration to heart."

Joon smiled at her most exotic wife, "From some of our conversations last night, I get the impression Mary is one smart cookie."

Agatha nodded, "Mary is exceedingly wise, she has earned that wisdom the hard way."

Vika held her right hand out again.

Everyone watched while sipping beverages.

She tried very hard, her brow furrowed and her jaw strained...A hand of Agatha walked into the Mess then around the table she lifted something up and affixed it to the bulkhead.

"What the hell?" Joon asked no one.

Vika turned to see what evoked Joon's comment. On the bulkhead was a thick oblong rounded fibrous mat, it was one of three that Vika had brought with her from her time with her Largath family.

"Throw at the target." Max said, her eyes focused on Vika.

Vika pursed her lips and glanced at Max. She nodded and turned in her seat. Vika inhaled, and made a throwing motion... nothing.

"Don't think about it... Just throw." Max encouraged.

Vika sniffed, then casually waved her hand... nothing.

"I thought you could hit anything you could see?" Max taunted.

Max received a withering glare from the Dwarven Operative. Without looking back at the target, Vika's arm shot out behind her...

Thunk.

Vika's eyes went wide, she spun around to see sticking out of the target...A deep-blue feather made of glass.

Max nodded and smiled, "There we go."

---

The three Hands finished securing the Salon.

Agatha wasn't too worried about her present safety on Golamar, but she did want to establish a secure centralized location for the future. The Salon that Suomii had suggested for the leadership meeting fulfilled all of Agatha's requirements.

It's location was mostly centralized being just off the main palazzo and fairly adjacent to the command center. It wasn't considered large enough to be classified as a residence on the platform's directory.

The Salon was a quiet, nicely appointed parlor, with a decent commercial kitchen and washrooms. It had a generous storage area that Agatha could partially convert to her personal quarters.

Approximately twenty persons of Agatha's size could comfortably occupy the 'dining' room, two medium and six small tables were spaced around in the booth-like bench and saddle style seating that was generally acceptable in the ME.

Joon called it a 'Hole in the Wall' establishment likening it to a small T-Fed Pub and Agatha liked that.

Agatha felt two people approaching the Salon, she recognized the 'flavor' of both, one of her hands quickly walked out into the parlor to greet her guests.

Mosira and Suomii peered around the ornate door of the Salon. "Why would she want to stay here?" Mosira inquired quietly.

Suomii responded, "It's one of the nice places on this level, that's why I recommended it."

Mosira looked down slightly, "Oh, I hadn't realized you suggested she stay here."

"Well, actually, I didn't..." Suomii clarified, "I chose it as a place to have the meeting."

"An Excellent choice if I may say so." Agatha commented as she came in from the back room.

The Dauzakai and the Kintark both flashed teeth standing at the doorway.

"Come in, please... You are welcome here anytime." Agatha beckoned.

The reptilian duo committed fully and walked into the Salon.

"Have a seat, can I get you something to drink, Wunai moon tea perhaps?" Agatha inquired.

Mosira blinked, but Suomii smiled broadly.

"Oh!, Wunai... Yes, please." The Mayor of Freeport almost bounced.

Mosira smirked, "Ssure, I'll give it a try."

The two ladies slipped into the same side of one of the medium booths as Agatha disappeared back through the service door to the kitchen. She had spent a fair number of hours setting up the kitchen and unpacking some of the foodstuffs she brought with her.

Another Hand came through the back door into the parlor, she daintily sat on a saddle chair at the occupied table. "So what brings you by?" Agatha asked with a smile.

Mosira glanced at Suomii.

"I was curiouss what conssisted of esstablishing a 'toehold' on Golamar." Suomii explained.

Agatha nodded, "I suppose my message was a little vague."

"I was just surprised, I didn't expect your family to depart so suddenly." The Dauzakai commented.

Mosira focused her eyes on Agatha, "It wass very ssudden, like an emergency."

Agatha nodded, "I cannot confirm or deny the circumstances."

The Kintark's mental antennae pinged. Agatha noticed Mosira's spike in emotion and briefly shared a look with her. Mosira nodded subtly, she reflexively put an arm around Suomii.

The Dauzakai missed the exchange as Agatha changed the subject.

"I can confirm information concerning dialogue with the Ryshi shipyard." Agatha continued, "Golamar will have an entire third of the shipyard to herself. Mostly because this platform has twice the mass of the shipyard, the Ryshi managers want to give us as much room as possible."

Suomii clapped her hands together, "Marvelous, I hope we can make efficient use of that facility."

Agatha smiled, "You've been there, yes?"

The Dauzakai nodded, "I vissited for an employment interview yearss ago, though I didn't get the job, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour."

Mosira smiled, "A well run shipyard iss always appreciated."

Agatha tilted her head, "I estimate Golamar will take one-hundred forty-seven hours to travel to the Nethril system."

"Yess, that iss a good estimate... I have been running prechecks for hyper-warp for six hours now," Suomii stated, "We should be ready to depart in three, as long as everything passes jump check"

Agatha nodded, "I am looking forward to it, Director."

Suomii giggled, "I confess, I am nervous, this will be my first time supervising the jump."

Mosira interjected, "Ssuomii, you've been running the jumps ass long as I've been here."

"True, but I haven't been technically in charge." Suomii responded.

Agatha looked up as her Hand came out the service door with tea. The tea was set out and Agatha poured. Mosira watched Suomii and took cues from her. In a few minutes the Kintark sampled her first taste of Wunai moon tea.

Suomii and Agatha observed her.

"Oh!" Mosira said softly, "That is delightful."

Her Dauzakai partner beamed,"I am so glad you think so."

Agatha had a feeling she meant much more than tea.

---

Max let loose another red-glass arrow, it streaked out of the docking bay door into the kaleidoscope of hyper-warp. The projectile itself seemed oddly unaffected by how much, or in this case how little, actual physics were involved.

She managed to replicate the heavy long-limbed look of her target recurve, the dark tiger stripes gave the bow a fantastical otherworldly quality. A complete departure from the Bjornwerx Panzer, without any of the bits and bobs found on the over-engineered compound bow.

It bothered the archer in Max that the bow didn't have a draw weight, hell it didn't even have a string or cable. Max would hold the weapon, grasp an imaginary string and a magical arrow appeared at her knuckles, she could alter the arrowhead with a thought.

No extra motions, no arrows in a quiver, just draw and loose. Drawing back made the limbs bend, somehow... Despite the lack of physics it did look amazing. The arrows leapt from the bow at a ridiculous velocity, by Max's estimation they had to be at moving least three-hundred meters per second, which was insane.

Another aspect that was hard to get used to was the sound... There wasn't any. Max would have to wait to find out what kind of sound the magic arrows made when they landed on a target, if they could arrange for a proper target.

After Vika's hand thrown magic wind-blade had buried itself in the bulkhead through the thick fibrous mat she had used for years...Astrid couldn't guarantee that any target she could construct would contain the magic arrows Max shot with her magic bow.

Hence, Max and Vika were standing at the open cargo door perfecting the mechanics of calling and using their magical ranged weapons. The basic atmospheric shielding in service on TFN ships for hundreds of years did it's job, entirely unaffected by the magic missiles.

After two hours Vika was able to throw four of the blue-glass feathers at a time faster than she could throw one of her old mundane wind-blades; Where Max could rapid-fire her arrows up to three per second for as long as her enhanced stamina could last.

Then Max tried Haste... and Vika laughed so hard she cried.

---

Teffa slithered up the ramp well to the third floor of the Embassy, she was hungry and tired. She managed to get through half of the TFN memorandums, she was even able to retain a good part of it. Teffa learned that the T-Fed had very few trade agreements with 'any' of the nations surrounding it.

That fact seemed very odd to Teffa, growing up in a vibrant multi-species trading culture was something she took for granted. Terrans had been mostly isolationist for centuries, many of those policies were a result of xenophobia.

Excluding foreign or alien concepts gave the T-Fed more control of their citizens, restricting freedom and stunting creativity. That style of culture was more often then not... Oppressive and extremely volatile

Teffa thought of the Yelneg Empire and how it compared to the Terran Federation.

But very recently things had taken a hard turn, a paradigm shift occurred These TFN memorandum proved it, Teffa wondered what could have caused it.

The Major-domo slithered into the family common room and promptly face planted onto the huge reinforced couch. There were delicious smells and she could tell Lakita was cooking, Teffa listened intently but couldn't hear any conversation.

Teffa thought she heard the rasp of a slither, so she looked up.

Peering over the back of the couch was Zuki, she had two of her arms folded and her head lay across them. "Rough day at the office, dearest?" The erstwhile courier inquired.

Teffa smirked, "It wasn't that bad, just a lot of reading and teasing out overall comprehension of the intended message."

Zuki quirked an eye, making her fin stick out on that side.

Teffa giggled, "You're so cute!"

"Was your comprehension successful?" Zuki smiled.

Teffa shrugged, "Somewhat... I will ask Agatha."

"Ask me what?" Agatha walked out of the kitchen with a stack of plates, presumably to set the table.

Teffa turned her head towards her closest friend and immediate supervisor. "What changed in the Terran Federation so that all of these policies have been revised?" The curious Slarmian inquired.

"I can answer that..." Zuki said.

Agatha put down the small stack of plates and did a double finger point at the Pilot, she spun on her heal and went back into the kitchen.

Teffa turned her head back, "How would you know?"

Zuki smirked, "Because... Agatha told me."

Teffa giggled, "Okay, so what changed?"

The Slarmian Pilot and thoroughly devoted fiancee replied, "Lions and lionesses."

Teffa blinked, "Oh... Yes, I suppose that would explain a great deal."

Agatha walked back out with a double fist of silverware.

Tefa turned back to the Terran, "Is John Blake able to make policy changes in the T-Fed, Agatha?"

Agatha replied while dealing out the cutlery, "He has an inordinate totality of influence upon the Federation and likely beyond. I would not want to bet against him or his family in any circumstance." Agatha smiled, "I suspect, the Lion is far and away more capable than any other single person in known space."

Teffa blinked in surprise.

Agatha went back into the kitchen.

Teffa turned to Zuki, shared a meaningful look with her and said, "That statement means a lot... Coming from Agatha."

Zuki nodded in agreement.

---

A dark brown two-kilometer ship with a distinct shape dropped in at the edge of the Yh76 system and immediately made course for the L4 cloud in the single planetary orbit.

Less than a minute later another ship entered the system, dropping out of hyper-warp and accelerating on course for the same L4 cloud. One might be excused from thinking that these two ships were in convoy as the timing of the entry into the system was quite close.

Except that the two ships were on opposite sides of the system.

The smaller ship was of Terran manufacture and it accelerated to an impressive velocity spanning the system. Afterwards it decelerated and changed course to cover the progress of the larger, slower ship. On the bridge of Deirdre, that smaller ship, Astrid sat on the command couch.

She had two holo-displays up so she could see emission readings and visually monitor the Bract Galleon. Samira was sitting next to her on the couch. "It looks like these 'sub light engines' would normally give off some emissions so no one would suspect that they were fake." Astrid said out loud.

"Oh, really?" Samira raised her eyebrow looking at the display Astrid was studying.

Astrid looked at Samira from the corner of her eye, "Are you mocking me because I am making the observation out loud, or making it at all?"

Samira smiled, "Astrid, we know the Bract are using tacked on stuff to disguise the Galleon, what we don't know is what kind of engines they are disguising."

Astrid sighed, "I am wracking my brain trying to figure that out."

"Hey, you're brilliant and incredibly gifted, but you can't know everything." Samira smirked.

Astrid grumbled under her breath.

"Yes, yes, I know, you like puzzles and want to figure it out before Mary tells you." Samira waved her hand.

"One of my endearing attributes." Astrid muttered.

Samira giggled, "Personally, I think your ass is way more endearing."

Astrid looked up at nothing for a moment, then smiled. "Okay, I can accept that."

Agatha, who was at the helm and navigation, giggled.

Astrid studied the holo, then expanded the display as the Bract Galleon's image went across a particularly bright star formation from Astrid's perspective.

Astrid blinked... "Fuckmuffins."

Samira glanced at her, "What is it?"

Astrid turned her head and looked at Samira, "I think I know what it is... and it's really out on the fringes."

Astrid didn't elaborate and stopped talking.

Samira blinked, "And?"

Astrid smirked, "I'll tell you, but only you... If I'm wrong I won't feel quite as dumb if only you know how dumb I am."

Samira rolled her eyes... "Just upload a guess to my processor, I'll never remember all the weird science shit."

"Done." Astrid smirked a moment later, returning her attention to the Bract Galleon.

The two ships were now entering the long dark thoroughfare to Depot03, traveling down the yellow lane.

---

Agatha alerted the various ME governments and institutions who had representation among the refugees. She also ignored protocol and contacted the Trankaran Republic directly. It might impact internal FO continuity, but Agatha was thinking more of the refugees not soft-skinned bureaucrats.

Joon approved every step, as she was an on site witness/participant of the liberation/rescue operation, though she would never be able to admit that publicly.

The Bract Galleon did not in fact dock anywhere on the commercial port side, Agatha was directed to a hidden slip on the far side of the Depot.

Nestled between two of the asteroids that lined the outer perimeter, Agatha eased the Galleon to rest, the size and shape of the ship blended in with it's surroundings.

The Deirdre was given a small slip in proximity to the Ghusmik Urr.

While Agatha gently maneuvered the Galleon, her Terran family made the trek to meet with Mary, Agatha of course led the way.

Mary had invited all of them, this would be the first time a Chair of the Bract Conglomerate had issued an official invitation of any kind. That fact alone made this little meeting with the Terran Federation Special Envoy and her staff, unprecedented.

Agatha assisted Mary with the proper formatting for the invitation at tea, upon request. Apparently the Chair perceived a slightly different definition of 'completely social', but Agatha took the request in stride considering the monumental nature of the moment.

Most of this little get together would be confidential, including topics of discussion and even the nature of the participants, which lent greatly to Mary issuing the invitation. The Chair had a great deal of influence in the Conglomerate, but that didn't mean the entire Board, or any of the Executive would just fall in line.

But it was a huge step and a very encouraging indication of how the Bract Conglomerate would consider future associations with a Terran Federation Administration.

---

"More tea, Jooniper?" The three meter long larval form adult Bract known as Mary inquired.

"Oh, yes please, thank you." The petite Terran politely replied.

Mary and Joon got along like a house on fire, the dream party where they initially met had allowed them to get a good feel for each other's personalities. They both understood bold and subtle actions and how to wield them to achieve the very best deal for their people.

Mary's parlor was quite full with six Humans and a Oneiran sipping tea and nibbling biscuits.

The Chair got to meet and chat with Jooniper's wives whom she hadn't met yet in real life. Astrid was doing her best keeping her impatience under wraps. But of course her wives noticed and Vika gently teased her.

Then Mary enlightened everyone as to the nature of the Bract ship technology.

The Deirdre's Chief Engineer was entranced. "So you were close?" Samira asked Astrid.

The platinum-blonde held up an open hand palm-side down and tilted it back and forth. "Kinda... I guessed about forty percent of it."

The description of the technology left everyone but Astrid and Agatha behind. Astrid was all starry eyed when Mary graciously shared the tech with her, with the provision that it would not go any further.

Bract Clippers and Galleons utilized a fourth dimensional grav-sail construct to harness phased soliton gravimetric waves for FTL travel and a phased graviton impeller drive for sub-light. The two systems were the inverses of the same technology working in different expressions of the same premise.

Clippers were purpose built with faux systems in place to obfuscate the hidden technology, where Galleons had to be retrofitted with the masking systems. Joon smiled at the giddy Engineer, but had a feeling Mary had ulterior motives for the technological gift.

Something didn't quite fit together, Joon was sure she would figure it out eventually. After that, Mary explained the particulars for using the ancient Galleons, and how the Bract introduced Largath to known space.

Everyone listened closely, Vika especially.

The Bract were themselves refugees from conflict.

A little more than a thousand years ago, five Galleons raced to escape the leading edge of a tide of war. Mary wouldn't elaborate on that war but described how those refugees traveled an immense distance until they eventually found the region now known as the ME.

What they were looking for was a planet that had large herbivores who could digest a particular type of plant... Bract Parsley. The herb wasn't actually called that, but for this meeting, it would do.

Bract Parsley was essential for the Bract life cycle. Unfortunately the Bract could not use the herb in it's raw form, It had to be processed... Biologically.

The large herbivores the Bract utilized on their home world could not be evacuated, so a replacement herbivore was desperately needed. An acceptable surrogate was located on Larga, the large reptomammal called 'Ghurza'.

Vika nodded in understanding.

So the Bract established a facility on a lush mesa top, introducing their parsley to that environment Initial confrontation with Largath were rare, but became more frequent.

The early Conglomerate was reticent to use violence to solve the issue, so a compromise was reached. Bract would transport any Largath to seek their fortunes in the sky, as long as the Bract mesa territory was honored.

"Logo and I went there..." Vika commented.

Mary's antennae vibrated, "Our recent agreement with Larga National Mercantile was only possible due to your influence, Vika."

Vika blushed.

Mary concluded with describing the change to the Bract life cycle to ensure the success of the species. Each Galleon was used to start a Major Depot, the five then worked in concert to further the Conglomerate's interests.

The Bract Conglomerate consisted of the Board of Directors and the Executive. The Board consisted of Elder Bract who shaped policy and guided the direction of the Bract.

The Executive followed that policy and attended to daily trade and business. It was the Board's policies a thousand years ago to maintain a subdued agenda. Not colonizing Larga, but keeping it's importance to the Bract a secret. Only expanding Bract influence through constructing Minor Depots and keeping their transteller ship propulsion secret.

After a thousand years, the Bract refugees had become an important service provider to the Minor Empires and literally thousands of systems in known space. The Bract Depots provided a network openly accessible to legitimate trade interests.

Bract had created a niche for themselves, avoiding infringement on other cultures yet allowing those cultures a safe place to do business and prosper. It was Mary's opinion that this was the opportune moment to invest in the next step... A formal trade alliance that spanned known space.

Jooniper swallowed, it certainly was an ambitious vision.

---

The Dauzakai began the countdown, "Five minutes." Jump checks were green, parasite vessels were secure, everything was proceeding smoothly; but Suomii was still a nervous wreck.

She felt a wave of calm wash over her and she immediately glanced at Agatha.

Agatha nodded to the Director.

Suomii smiled and nodded back.

Mosira was beside her at the expansive console. The command center was itself many levels and incorporated monitoring of every system and facility on the massive platform.

As jump checks concluded, prerecorded warning messages were broadcast across Golamar. When the countdown began a klaxon and warning lights were activated. Everyone in the fleet of parasite cruisers, destroyers and in Freeport were not the least bit surprised, they'd all seen this many times.

But, this was all new to Agatha, and she was giddy looking forward to it.

The countdown reached it's climax and the massive transtellar mining platform called Golamar slowly transitioned into hyper-warp.

It could have been described as graceful or gentle, descriptors rarely attributed to hyper-warp jump. The platform's warp geometry was remarkably stable for such a low velocity.

Those Engineers who designed Golamar had emphasized safety in all aspects first, then considered performance. A transteller facility anywhere near this size would never be swift, but it could achieve hyper-warp, which itself was an impressive accomplishment.

The triple hull Ornalith design was constructed with Trankaran materials, making Golamar extremely resilient to wear and capable of stresses that would rend a manufacture of less quality to pieces.

Five minutes into hyper warp, Suomii relaxed... If nothing happened within the first five minutes, chances were nothing would occur during the rest of the journey. The Director stood down the klaxon and warning lights, and gave the hyper warp in progress status advisory.

Normal hyper warp precautions aside, everyone in Freeport and on Golamar were free to do as they pleased. In just a little over six days, Golamar would be in the Xi Piscium system.

Agatha smiled, Deirdre would have made the passage in nine hours.

---

Joon sipped her tea.

The family was enjoying an after dinner conversation, with tea and Agatha's end of day reports. Max and Vika were comparing notes with Samira about magical tattoos and hard-light while Paula was discussing the finer points of Oricalcum construction with Astrid.

Joon was only half listening to the conversations between her wives.

For some reason Joon's thoughts kept reviewing the meeting with Mary.

Max turned to her, "What do you think of that?"

Joon blinked, "I'm sorry, what?"

Max smiled, "What do you think about returning to Staverka to greet the Terran personnel arriving tomorrow?"

Joon blinked, "That sounds fine."

Agatha tilted her head.

Joon shifted her eyes to her most exotic wife.

Agatha inquired.

Joon sipped her tea,



Joon thought,

Agatha inquired.

Joon pursed her lips in thought,

Agatha smiled softly.

Joon smirked, she had indeed.

Max focused her attention on Joon, "Your thoughts seem busy."

Joon smiled, "There is a lot to think about."

"Anything you want to share?" the Captain asked.

Everyone turned to give Joon their attention.

Joon pursed her lips, "When is a gift, not a gift?"

Agatha tilted her head, "When it isn't given."

Samira added, "When it is given with conditions."

Joon nodded to both, "Or... When it wasn't yours to give."

Astrid blinked, "Fuckmuffins... All of those make sense."

Paula nodded.

Max and Vika shared a confused look.

"They don't understand the technology they use." Samira said softly.

Astrid nodded, "That's why the Clippers are just scaled down replicas of the Galleons..."

Vika sighed, "Why would Mary give it to us then?"

Joon raised a finger, "With condition."

"Either, the original Bract lost the ability to innovate new designs or they stole the technology," Joon deduced.

"The way Mary avoided details about her people's involvement with a 'war' they were escaping, she might not even know."

Max lifted a knuckle to her chin, "Whether Mary knows the actual Bract history or not, why give us the tech like that?"

Astrid smirked and looked at Agatha, "Maybe she wants someone to develop it for her?"

Agatha blinked, "I had not considered that."

Joon nodded, then sipped her tea, "Yup, one smart cookie."

---

The Deirdre departed Yh76, slipping into hyper warp and disappearing into the void, its course was set for Mu Cygni and the Grand Slarmian Dynasty.

Joon sat at her desk, she scrolled through the reams of documents the Foreign Office had forwarded to her. She stopped at a phrase she was looking for, it had caught her eye a few weeks ago, but now seemed more important.

-'Nations don't have friends, they have interests.'-

Joon now had a better idea of what that meant, in this age-old game of interstellar relations. Right now she wasn't at a high stakes table, but that could change.

She was in too deep to get out: fortunately, she didn't want to. Joon liked the game, but she did need to get better at it. She looked over at Paula, the bureaucratic Witch knew way more about this game than her Ambassador did.

Joon sighed.

Paula nodded without looking away from her data work, "It will get easier."

"Will it?" Joon inquired.

Paula turned, "Mary is hundreds of years old, she is basically a good person, but she isn't looking out for us, she is looking out for her people."

"Considering everything, I think we got out with a lot more than we went in with."

Joon blinked, "Yea... You're right, we did."

Paula yawned.

"Oh shit..." Joon remarked, "It got late."

The two Diplomats got up from their desks and headed down to the CQ. Max and Vika were both asleep already, cuddled up together. Samira and Astrid were still in Engineering working on something so Joon and Paula went ahead and stripped down, cuddling together under the duvet.

A Hand of Agatha wandered in and joined them.

It would be a little under five hours until they were back in Mu Cygni.

---