Max Intel: Melinoe - Chapter 10

Max felt someone snuggle up under her arm, the small body spooning up against her chest.

In her mostly asleep state, Max thought it was Joon, her hand automatically went to get a overflowing handful of breast.

Max's subconscious immediately set to confusion as the breast found was considerably smaller than her tactile memory recalled.

The tiny red flag this raised in the sleeping woman gave her subconscious permission to open one eye, getting a snapshot of bright coppery dreadlocks.

This satisfied the confusion enough for Max to enjoy the smaller handful of her newest wife.

The image of Vika danced in her mind where she enjoyed the well defined muscles of the tiny freckled woman with her cobalt-blue eyes that seemed always to be gazing at Max in adoration.

Max opened her eyes to see Joon's face was just inches away from hers and she noticed Joon was still sound asleep.

With her arm draped over a small freckled body and a mass of coppery dreads, Max moved closer kissing Joon gently on her lips.

Joon returned the kiss, her hand reaching out pulling Max closer, making a Vika sandwich.

Joon's eyes opened, she smiled at Max, then looked down at the tiny redhead buried between her tits and she beamed a huge smile.

"Max!" She whispered softly, "I have a strange wife between my boobs, what do I do?"

Max smiled at her first wife as she whispered softly in response, "Enjoy her, sweetheart."

Vika pulled her head out of the ample cleavage, looking up at Joon with sleepy eyes.

Joon took to opportunity to smooch her soundly and was rewarded with the kiss deepening.

Max slid all the way down Vika's body, gently lifting her leg to smooch her other lips, her soft blaze of pubic hair parting to reveal red satin lips.

Vika moaned in Joon's mouth while Max enjoyed the unfamiliar taste of the newest family member.

In minutes the entire bed was awake and chatting, Max moved back up and Joon pulled her in for a kiss, tasting Vika for the first time on Max's lips.

She beamed another smile at her latest wife.

"Goodness, Vika." Joon softly exclaimed, "You are so sweet!"

Astrid leaned up and rested her chin on Joon's arm, listening closer to the quiet conversation.

Max looked around... She noticed everyone on the bed was awake and listening.

"I think this is a good time to talk about what we are going to do today." Max smiled as everyone was paying close attention.

"Agatha, how many 'hands are you going to need to make this operation work?" Max asked the exotic girl.

Agatha immediately responded, "It seems there is an ebb and flow of data traffic, I will need three more 'hands' to be efficient."

Max nodded, "I want you to work on that today, just let us know what you need, you will get it."

"Vika," Max looked down at the diminutive ginger, "I need you to learn Terran common as quickly as you can, and help us pinpoint places to gather Intel in the minor empires."

Vika beamed, "Agatah willa hep meya wit hoomin spek, tanku Macks." she puncuated her statement with a kiss.

Max smiled at Vika, then looked at Joon.

"I would like you to give Vika a thorough once over, and then start delving into that medical data, it might help us understand more about Slarmians in general."

Joon nodded, "That sounds like an excellent idea, I'll start that ball rolling after breakfast."

Max shifted focus to Astrid, "I know you've already started looking at the spy tech, I'd like you to continue that, become very comfortable with it, I have a feeling we're going to utilize it to get some of the information we need."

"Absolutely." Astrid smiled, her lavender orbs sparkled in anticipation.

Max nodded and smiled, "Alright ladies, let's be about it."

The crew of the Deirdre went orderly into the bathroom, dealing with morning functions and washing up.

Joon noticed that the sinks and mirrors were just too high for Vika, she asked Agatha and Astrid to come up with a step for Vika.

In response Vika gave Joon a hug and a kiss, the look of appreciation on her face was unmistakable.

Joon smirked, "To be fair... the sinks are a little tall for me too."

The daytime crew wandered into the cargo hold, stretching and limbering up. A single Agatha stood at the far end of the hold and cleared her throat, Joon giggled.

The morning kata began, Vika followed the kata well, Astrid had improved her form and Max and Joon just reveled in the activity.

At the concluding bow, Max walked over to the treadmill she nodded at it, silently promising to put in some miles on it today.

Vika stood next to Max, her tiny frame just as athletic as her towering new wife.

The 'day shift' headed for the showers where Joon spent a good deal of time with Vika, her eyes dancing over her physique.

Breakfast was bacon, eggs and waffles. The crew watched Vika enjoy the food and the few comments she made were translated by Agatha as "I remember this!" and "This tastes so much better than I remember!"

During breakfast Max noticed Agatha making more food in the kitchen and she nodded her approval.

"Are you going to be okay, sweetheart?" Max asked Agatha, a look of concern on her face.

Agatha smiled and nodded, "Yes, honey, I will be fine... I'm going to increase my number to eleven, just enough to have solid shifts, and help everyone who needs it."

Max smiled, "If at anytime that changes, let me know, you are just as valued as anyone on the crew, including me."

Agatha's eyes softened, "Always so generous, I am so happy I met you."

Max still insisted on helping clear the table and wash the dishes, Joon nodded to her and went to medical with Vika and an Agatha along to translate.

Astrid disappeared into engineering humming one of Joon's songs.

Max went to the bridge, easing into the command couch. "Agatha?"

The Agatha at navigation turned and smiled, "Yes, Captain?"

"I would like to establish a daily sit-rep on the raw Intel, and what we can send home to TFNI."

"Yes, Captain." Agatha nodded, "That is perfectly reasonable... I have only one request."

Max blinked, "What would that be?"

"That I can sit in your lap, and get head skritchens." Agatha's eyes grew large and pleading.

Max grinned, "Of course... perfectly reasonable."

Agatha leapt from navigation, and climbed into Max's lap.

Agatha at the helm glanced over with a smile.

Max waited a minute for Agatha to get comfortable, she then started skritching her head and the purring began.

Agatha got up from piloting, and started the long and detailed sit-rep on the raw intakes so far.

Max listened intently, the various categories were fascinating, the raw data was sorted into the categories that the TFNI download specified with only the occasional exception. The odd exceptions were usually political in nature and sent to a cache for Joon to examine.

Max became suspicious as to how much data Agatha was processing, so she asked.

"Are you serious?" Max stared at Agatha, "How are you able to access so much?"

Agatha blinked, "I broke the basic military encriptions before we landed in the bazaar, the more advanced encriptions were broken in succession after we departed."

Max stopped skritchen, her mind racing.

Agatha tilted her head slightly.

"What kind of data upload are we talking about?"

Agatha responded, "Twenty-two minutes thirty eight seconds... currently."

Max's eyebrows rose, she started skritching again.

"Okay, lets stop when we get to an hour's worth, so we can find a quiet spot to transmit..."

Agatha nodded, "Yes, Captain."

Agatha returned to the helm, bringing up her own holo net interface.

The Agatha in Max's lap, turned her head and kissed Max's neck.

Max smiled, but her mind was still working out the role Agatha was fulfilling in this operation, she really was doing the heavy lifting.

"Are you going to be okay, working through all that data?" Max quietly asked the purring girl in her lap.

Agatha looked up and nodded, smiling.

"It's not hard, just labor intensive, and in a few hours, I will be able to process it more efficiently." Agatha lay her head on Max's shoulder.

Max held Agatha in her arms as she gently squeezed her; her purrs grew louder.

Joon, Vika and Agatha walked into medical and Joon patted the med-scanner table with her hand. Vika leapt up and sat on the table with a trusting smile on her face.

Joon gently moved her into position and, looking into her eyes, lay her down lengthwise on the table.

Since no one bothered to dress after the shower, Joon was able to examine Vika's heavily freckled nude body.

"If you have any questions Vika, please ask them." Joon said while gazing fondly into her beautiful cobalt-blue eyes.

Vika looked at Agatha who translated and she then said something to Agatha and looked at Joon with a gentle smile as she lay her hand on Joon's.

Agatha translated the response, "I have absolute faith in you, Joon, you can run any test you wish or do anything you want to me, including trimming my nethers to your hearts desire."

Joon glanced at Agatha with a naughty grin, "Oh she is a such a good girl, I may be here a while."

Vika responded by making a heart shape with her tiny hands.

Joon's elfin face lit up with a beaming smile, her grass-green eyes dancing.

Joon proceeded to give Vika a complete physical: her body was healthy, but it was slightly off in a few key nutrients that easily explained her small size and enhanced musculature. Evidence of a high protein diet minus the minerals her system needed to grow.

Joon imagined the ecology where she grew up was just different enough to prevent her growing larger bones, but her active life with plenty of protein gave her such an impressive physique.

Joon was surprised to find Vika had an intact hymen, it was rare at her age, but not unheard of.

Spreading wide, Vika held her legs while Joon trimmed her fiery bush; leaving her with a heart-shaped patch of soft hair.

Joon, with Agatha's help, began to discuss with Vika her thoughts on her hymen.

Vika related that she had never felt the need to bother with it, because it was never an option with a Largath.

Joon nodded in understanding, then let her know that if at any time she wanted to take care of it, Joon was available.

Vika's eyes look off into nothing for a few seconds, then Agatha asked her a question.

Vika responded, Agatha looked to Joon. "She says... it isn't time yet, but she wouldn't elaborate."

Joon pursed her lips... "Okay, any girl has the right to it, I completely understand."

Then Joon peered at Vika, who was still splayed in front of her, "Would it be okay if I tasted you right now?"

Agatha translated.

Vika bit her lip and nodded, "Plaes tace meh, Jun."

Joon took her time, as she began kissing and licking her way up Vika's thighs while Agatha watched with great interest.

Vika enjoyed the building pleasure, then her eyes rolled back as Joon finished her while gently sucking on her pulsing clit.

Soft chirping yelps emanated from her lips as she orgasmed. Joon was very enamored with Vika and her noises just reinforced the feeling.

Joon moved her and hugged her close to her bosom as she recovered, Vika stared into Joon's eyes, a gentle smile on her lips.

Joon let Vika sit up and helped her hop off the medical table and the three of them walked together to the CQ and got dressed. Joon had some comfy clothes she wanted Vika to try on.

Vika indicated she was very interested in clothes and looking pretty.

Joon dressed in her mahogany skirt and green jumper with soft matching socks and chunky trainers.

Joon dressed Vika in a blue and red pleated plaid skirt with a matching vest over a soft, off-white, linen shirt.

Her tiny feet were too small for anything Joon had, Vika had no problems with being barefoot so Joon introduced her to leg and arm warmers.

Vika's reaction was very positive as long thick black socks from Agatha were trimmed up just enough to cover Vika's thighs.

Vika was completely uninterested in panties, she appreciated the smoothness she felt now between her legs and said she wanted to enjoy it.

She utilized the double sling style of support for her breasts, where they were c-cup and, while they were not large, no one was going to complain if she was comfortable with her preference.

With that, Vika and Agatha went to the galley and started language lessons and Joon went back to medical to work on her Intel cache and start digesting the goldmine of medical data Vika had given her.

Astrid sat at the workbench com station in engineering on a shop stool she just finished putting together. She designed it to fold up and stow away yet still be comfortable for her bony little butt.

She immediately started on her next little project: an easy, safe, and convenient fold out step for the CQ bathroom... for her more vertically challenged wives.

Astrid decided the tough and easy to maintain, poly-carbide, impact resistant composite would be the most appropriate material and she could make the hardware from some of the scrap she made her stool with.

It took Astrid six minutes to call up the schematic of the bathroom, measure for improvements, and design the step based on those dimensions. She double checked the parameters, and set the fabricator to make all the bits.

It was nothing even slightly challenging but she was doing this for her family so it was not going to be thrown together or sloppy, it was going to be professionally done and well engineered.

Astrid had never met people like her new family before: she was completely devoted to them.

The bits for the steps would be ready to assemble and install in about an hour.

In the mean time, Astrid turned her attention back to the two stage monitoring system she was developing, a drone and bug(s) independent cascade surveillance suite utilizing low power with a very low profile for the listening devices along with a manager drone with intuitive sub-AI programming.

Astrid postulated that with a third stage regional management bot as an atmospheric drone, perhaps encased in a nanoweave matrix, Melinoe could extend Intel in value versus volume.

She smirked, rapidly tapping out crude images which slowly became rough designs. Her hands were a blur while she stared at the shapes as the designs evolved in front of her.

An hour later she had added the third stage to her monitoring system, and began virtual trials on the system.

Astrid gathered the bits the fabricator had faithfully cranked out and assembled them together and soon, with her automatic multi-tool in hand, she was ready to install the step kit.

Walking into the CQ, Astrid noticed the lights were set low both here and in the bathroom.

She carefully placed the step kit down with her muti-tool and peeked into the bathroom.

Three very stuffed Agatha were laying on the floor of the shower, another Agatha was sitting at the edge of the shower, watching her other selves begin to glow in opalescent splendor.

Astrid walked over slowly, laying her hand on the seated Agatha's shoulder, she looked up and smiled.

"Would it be okay if I sat with you?" Astrid whispered her question, her lavender eyes soft with reverence.

The assisting Agatha lifted her arms in response, and Astrid sat next to her, they embraced each other, quietly witnessing the magical event.

Agatha walked into the cargo hold and she looked at the cluttered collection of items that lined the short section of bulkhead.

The treadmill, an altered hover bike, an odd wooden braced construction with a target affixed to it and a crate of fourteen iconic swords.

There was meaning to everything Vika had gifted and done... logical progression... Agatha could piece together everything... except the plating on the hover bike and the number of swords.

Agatha wasn't going to stop thinking about it, but she wasn't going to let it stop her from doing her job.

She wandered back out of the hold, she needed to start lunch.

By lunchtime, six Agatha were tucked into bed, sleeping. Astrid had installed the step, and Vika had gotten a good start on a refresher of the Terran common vernacular.

Lunch was a slew of calzone filled with a flavorful sausage oozing with melted mozzarella and muenster cheese, and a spinach salad topped with a balsamic vinaigrette and feta cheese.

Max sat with Joon chatting about her Intel cache, and Vika was trying out some basic small talk on Astrid.

Agatha just soaked in the good emotions her family gave off, and happily served them the tasty food she had prepared.

"Agatha?" Vika got her attention, "I would like to help kleenid the ditches, afterin lunch."

Agatha nodded, "Very close, 'kleenid' should be clean, and 'ditches', is dishes, shorten 'afterin' to after, very good effort, I am impressed."

Astrid smiled at Vika, as Agatha praised her.

Vika smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Agatha."

Max and Joon held hands and smiled broadly, listening to the instruction, Vika was so very adorable.

Max turned back to Joon, "So what's your idea, my sweet princess?"

Joon beamed a smile at the title, "I think we should look into getting ground side, and visit the diplomatic offices."

Max blinked, responding with sarcasm, "That doesn't sound dangerous at all, waltzing into the Slarmian foreign office."

Joon was about to retort, but Max continued. "I would rather scrape together 'safe' Intel from the transmissions then risk discovery by being invasive."

Joon pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow, her grass-green eyes locked on Max. "May I finish my proposal before you shoot me down?"

Max looked chagrined, "Yes, of course, please continue."

Joon's face softened, she continued, "I think we can go there to seek permission and guidance, that way it isn't going to be something they can immediately judge, they have to consider the proposal."

"Wait..." Max looked worried, "What are we seeking permission and guidance for?"

Joon adopted a predatory grin, "A music video."

Max blinked several times, then said, "The return of Jooniper Smith, touring the Minor Empires?"

Joon just gave a broad smile, "I have roles for the whole crew, it will be marvelous!"

She outlined her plan further, Max of course was her manager. Astrid was AV Technician, Vika was interpreter and guide, Agatha and 'Una' would be security.

Everyone in the galley was paying close attention to Joon's proposal.

"I was thinking of shooting footage of me playing one song at the most popular attractions then cutting them together so the background changes during the song..."

Astrid made a happy noise, "I could pre-program a tracking algorithm to move around you during the song, so every bit will be in sync, it would appear like you were teleporting around different places!"

Joon's face lit up, "I know the perfect song... This is going to be fun."

Max raised her hand, "Aren't we forgetting the real reason we are doing this?"

Joon nodded, "Yes of course, everyone will be able to plant bugs the third time we visit."

"The third time?" Max blinked.

Joon smiled knowingly, "Of course, sweetheart, they will be scrubbing every step we make the first two times, we have to show legitimacy before they relax."

"And who knows..." Finished Joon, "This might actually revive my music career."

Max was running on the treadmill because she needed to relieve a little stress after initiating the correspondence with the Slarmian state ministry, the diplomatic corps, and the trade ministry.

An interview was scheduled for tomorrow at noon, Palace Standard Time, also known as bazaar time.

Making the appointment was easy: however, the ministry insisted in meeting the "Star" in person.

Vika's paperwork was acceptable for the minor empires, her security I.D. wouldn't pass muster in T-Fed, but they would cross that bridge when they got to it.

Vika was also working out in the cargo hold while Max was running.

Max was delighted to see her in only her breast sling-support, leg warmers and arm warmers... the little coppery heart shape adorning her pubis.

Her routine was... impressive.

She warmed up with calisthenics, some Max had never seen before.

She limbered up and went through tumbling runs, but in the small cargo hold she had to make them brief.

Vika then did free standing push-ups, her legs curled above her, her balance and core strength were astounding.

For her size, she was easily stronger than Max, and Max found that... rather arousing.

After Max reached five miles on the treadmill, she stopped.

Vika walked over to Max; her body was primed and she was displaying an hour-glass figure that was devastating.

"May I join you for shower?" Vika's eyes sparkled in her heavily freckled features in her perfect speech patterns she had recently learned.

Max beamed a smile, "I would be honored, milady."

They walked together to the CQ. Along the way Vika reached out and held Max's hand.

Max glanced down at the tiny hand she held, it's small size was at odds with it's strength. Max liked that: it made her feel good.

They both stripped off in the CQ, quietly as to not disturb the sleeping Agathas, and slipped into the dimly lit showers where Vika and Max soaped each other up.

Max wasn't sure what to do with Vika's dreads, and Vika happily showed her.

Neither of them said a word, but through touch and expression, they had a fine conversation.

They slowly gravitated to the corner bench, and Vika stepped up on it, her face was now only a little taller than Max's.

Standing nose to nose, they gazed into each other eyes, Max gently wrapped her arms around Vika's waist.

Vika then put her arms across Max's shoulders.

Their lips just barely touched... then touched again a little longer.

Max and Vika began kissing in earnest, their soft lips conveying a mutual attraction.

Then Vika took the plunge, and gently pushed her tongue into Max's mouth... Max welcomed her.

Sweet deep kisses with tongues intertwined and dancing

They kissed like that for a long time...

Joon sat at her desk, her review of the alien medical files was exciting, thought provoking, and exhausting... She was having a blast.

Astrid popped her head in to ask her XO what kind of quality she was looking for in the recording, only to stare at the completely absorbed woman.

She cleared her throat to get Joon's attention with no result.

Astrid walked into the office, and slowly leaned over resting her elbows on Joon's desk, just watching her facial expressions while she studied her files.

"Those must be absolutely fascinating." Astrid said, in a calm soothing voice.

Joon finally turned her head and stared at Astrid, "Gosh, Astrid, I'm sorry, and yes these medical files are very addictive."

Astrid smiled, "I get the same way with synthetic polymers."

Joon and Astrid shared a moment, then both smiled.

"What can I help you with, beautiful?" Joon inquired with her customary elfin charm.

Astrid tilted her head, "I was wondering how high a quality you wanted this 'music video', or is it just for show to get into those offices?"

"Can't it be both?" Joon raised an eyebrow with the question.

Astrid smirked, "Of course, If we are going high end, I will need some time to work it up."

Joon blinked, "How much time do you need?"

Astrid look up and away for a few seconds, Joon knew she was doing calculations in her head.

"Maybe six hours, give or take and hour... the electronics aren't the issue, it's the layered filter programs that are going to suck up some time, but I guarantee you'll have the best quality."

Joon nodded, "I think this is going to be awesome, I look forward to seeing what you can do."

Astrid bit her lower lip, she was still leaning across Joon's desk on her elbows, "Can I have a kiss for luck."

Joon's grass-green eyes dilated, "You don't need luck, but I am more than happy to give you a kiss, oh scrumptious wife of mine."

Astrid and Joon went into a deep lip-lock, Joon put her hand on Astrid's cheek, and Astrid moaned into her mouth.

At that moment Agatha walked by medical and glanced in, she knew Max and Vika were making out in the showers, and now Astrid and Joon were making out in medical, she smiled as she continued to the bridge, she wondered if other families were so lovingly involved with each other.

Agatha was set up for three shifts on a smooth rotation now, eight hours on the hub, eight off, and eight for rest, with two extra to do whatever was needed.

Agatha tapped her own chin in thought, she had seen something like what she was thinking on a holo net drama and liked it. She'll have to try it on her family and see how they react.

Eventually her thoughts were redirected towards dinner: Agatha was going to give lasagna a go and maybe explore Howard's quiche Lorraine too... or maybe just garlic knots...

Agatha wanted to find out what types of foods Vika enjoyed and smiled with the realization there was so much to look forward to.

The Intel intake was accumulating nicely. Agatha did not have the training to parse it adequately, but she knew the home office would tear it to pieces.

If Max and the rest of her family were not here doing this work, Agatha would have had no reason to even consider such an activity.

Agatha knew this was her place, to protect and assist her loving wives, and it felt so good to be with them.

Vika and Max were dressing after their shower together, Agatha was still recovering from her mitosis event and both of the women thought she was so pretty in repose.

Vika was in a dilemma... She did not realize she would fall so hard so fast for the women of her dreams.

Max smiled at her and kissed her on her forehead, and quietly departed the QC, leaving Vika to her thoughts and the slumbering Agatha's.

Every one of her wives was so much more than she had at first realized, she thought it would be months before she felt close to them, after all, it took years for her to love Logo.

Vika needed to be strong, she had prepared everything just the way her dreams showed her how to, even Agatha left her dreams alone as she could feel how different they were.

She had to trust in them, they had never failed her, no matter how much it hurt... she survived...

And so would her wives...

Vika sat on the edge of the massive bed, listening to the sweet music of Agatha's repose, They would be waking soon, and the next stage of this dream would start.

Vika had to stay strong...

Joon glanced up at her Intel Cache alert, it was filling up again, it was always something interesting, if not important.

Agatha had a keen eye for intrigue, she knew Joon would be able to parse the subtleties of any of the bits of data...

Joon opened the file, scanned the content... then she felt her stomach drop.

This wasn't just intrigue...

Joon got up, and walked to the bridge... Max was there with two Agathas.

Max only need to see Joon's face to see something was wrong.

"What is it?" Max asked, her concern and Joon's emotions spiked has both Agathas got up and out of their chairs even before Max posed her question.

"It was that last Intel flag... wasn't it?" Agatha asked seeking affirmation.

Joon nodded.

Max looked at Joon again, and she looked at Max, "There is a terrorist cell in the capitol, and they are getting ready to strike."

"Oh fuck..." Max muttered, "And we can't tell them..."

Joon shook her head, "No... and it's not just blowing our cover, or breaking our protocols, but they wouldn't believe us, they have no reason to trust us.

"Max..." Joon looked into her towering wife's eyes, "We have to try and stop them..."

Lieutenant Commander Max Anders squared her shoulders, she nodded, "Yes... and we will."

Joon gazed up at her wife, it took just a moment for Max to transform into a Navy black ops officer. Watching it happen in front of her while she gazed at her lover was alluring and frightening at the same time.

Agatha also felt the change and she knew it was of paramount importance to attend to the new status of the situation: the Captain would know what to do, and how to do it.

Max looked at Agatha, "Staff meeting, galley..."

"Yes, Captain." Agatha responded.

"I want the Hub dedicated to trace this cell, until further notice, we need any mention of a target."

Both Agathas saluted and took to there stations.

Max led Joon to the galley, Vika was already there, Astrid jogged in a moment later.

A single Agatha joined them as another was preparing food in the kitchen.

Max peered at Joon, "Does Vika have an earbud yet?"

Joon shook her head negative, Max looked at Vika.

She simply shrugged her shoulders, "Dreams."

Max brought Astrid up to speed.

"Are we canceling our meeting tomorrow?" Astrid asked.

Max shook her head negative, "In fact we are going to be doubling down, you are going to film it, documentary style."

"Oh..." Joon nodded, "I see where your going there."

"Vika will now be your assistant, Astrid, and all of us will be wired for sound," Max smiled with an evil grin, "If between now and tomorrow's meeting we can get any hard I.D.'s on any of the players... We will be able to pinpoint our targets."

Max updated Agatha's security scope as Joon's bodyguards.

"The meeting will be exactly as we discussed, except recorded, to show Jooniper Smiths return to the stage." Max outlined.

"Except, it will also get a full list of characters involved." Finished Joon, nodding with admiration.

Max smirked, "That's the plan anyway, we might get shut down immediately, so we won't rely on the main HD recorder of team Astrid and Vika."

Astrid blinked, "Huh?"

Joon pursed her lips in thought.

Max smiled, "So I assume the visors that our Agatha wears can record, yes?"

Agatha beamed a smile, "Yes, they can... I can record everything I see with them, even the technical data."

"Excellent, as security it's your job to watch everyone anyways, and don't ignore paparazzi either, there is no reason to assume they won't use the same tactics as we will." Max looked at Vika.

"I want you to have an earbud also," Max smiled at Vika, "Even though you don't seem to need one."

Vika looked a little chagrined.

"Okay ladies, we are playing this by ear," Max looked serious, "When ever that happens, things are bound to get messy, so watch your step."

Max looked pensive for a moment, "Agatha, how much Intel do we have ready to Transmit?"

Agatha look at nothing for a moment, as she sought the information requested with her other selves, "Forty eight minutes, twenty seconds."

Max nodded, "Okay, let's ease out of the system, transmit, and come back out in the open so we can set up for tomorrow well in advance..."

Max stopped and looked around the table, "Any suggestions?"

Vika raised her hand, "Venna we return from transmitta, Aya suggest docking at wun of the many stations near Staverka, shud get smol rate, ayam help."

Max nodded in agreement. "Good idea, will we still be able to harvest Intel?"

Agatha answered, "I don't see why not, It may even be a better spot, I might be able to tap into directed station comms... If you allow use of some of our spy tech."

Agatha looked at Astrid for confirmation, and Astrid nodded in agreement.

Max pursed her lips in thought, "We will see how it looks, I don't want to run the risk of blowing our cover, or looking suspicious."

Joon, Astrid, Vika and Agatha all nodded to Max, as the Agatha who was making dinner started putting out plates and silverware.

Max immediate started helping, her demeanor reverting effortlessly back into just Max.

Joon was so in love with her at that moment, powerful and commanding one moment, helpful and attentive the next, she sighed happily. There was a nagging itch in the back of her mind, though, as if she was missing something important.

Agatha nodded to her knowingly as she, too, was enthralled with their wife.

They ate a seven cheese lasagna for dinner, with garlic bread knots dripping with butter, and seedless blackberry tarts.

Vika was beside herself with the food. With every bite of lasagna she made a soft whimper of pleasure and by the end of the dinner, the entire crew was aroused.

Vika looked around as her wives watched her, "I do something wrong?" she asked in her soft voice.

Joon shook her head, "No, sweetheart, you're just so adorable, we can't help but enjoy looking at you."

Astrid looked at Joon, "Who's turn is it to smooch on Vika?"

Joon responded without breaking eye contact with Vika, "It's Agatha's turn. Astrid? Then it will be yours..."

Astrid sighed, "Okay, I'll be in my workshop..."

Max smirked, "I'll go with you."

Astrid's mood lightened, "Thank you, Max, I appreciate that."

Joon got up slowly and rounded the galley table, smiling at Agatha and Vika in turn.

Vika glanced at Agatha, "I am confused."

Agatha smiled, "They are playing with each other, turning you into an object of contention in jest."

"This is not something Largath do, jest of this... Shetecky?" Vika looked at Agatha.

"Complexity." Agatha nodded.

"Com-plex-ity,... is not a thing, especially with... wives." Vika grinned crookedly.

Agatha smiled, "As long as I have known them, they have done playful banter, they make me think of absurd, and delicate humor, only people with pure feelings for each other could do this for fun."

Vika nodded, she looked at Agatha, "Does that mean we need to..."

Agatha giggled, "Oh, Vika, only if you want to, I am here for you any time, all of us are... We don't have to do anything at all, It is your choice."

Vika thought about that, "I was a pet for a long time, but in a way, it was comforting."

"You are definitely not a pet here." Agatha smirked, "We all have a voice and a vote: but when it comes to the mission and our safety, Max is in charge."

Vika bit her lip, her face awash with stress, her emotions were so strong Agatha gasped.

Agatha wrapped her arms around Vika, "I can only imagine what you are going through! I stopped trying to look into your dreams, because they felt so solid."

"You are very different then other humans... and I don't know why, but I know you are." Agatha held Vika close.

"I will help you as much as I can, and I know you can't talk about it, so anytime you need something, just ask me... okay, beautiful?" Agatha lifted Vika's chin with a gentle touch.

Vika nodded, "I have never felt so much for people I only knew in my dreams, I know I belong here... but, it will be hard... and sooner than I wish."

Agatha nodded, "I trust you... will our family survive?"

Vika nodded, "Survive... yes."

Agatha held Vika close again, and wondered how well prepared Vika had made them.

Astrid screwed her eyes shut, as the wave of her pleasure was approaching a crest.

Max was on her knees, stripped to the waist, her hands gripped the edge of Astrid's work table.

Astrid was reclining in her long arms without her BDU trousers or panties, her long thin legs curled up above her.

Astrid's sopping wet pussy was wantonly pressed into Max's mouth, and she balanced there; most of her weight was on those lovely strong arms, but a good deal pressed in on Max's mouth.

Thick drool dripped off Max's chin, her tongue was in a rapid circuit, working on Astrid's third climax.

"Oh god, Max!" Astrid gasped, and almost screamed, her sex convulsing in orgasm.

Max eased up her attentions, waiting to see what Astrid wanted.

"Okay, Max, let me down... slowly please?" Astrid asked in a soft, breathy voice.

Astrid unfolded her long thin legs and her tiny little butt was as damp as Max's face.

Her feet touched down, her legs wobbled a bit and Max held her steady as she pulled her arms between them.

"You are very good at that, my lady wife..." Astrid giggled, trying to keep her balance.

Max smiled, wiping her face, "You should be thanking Joon, she taught me everything I know."

"Oh, I have!," Astrid exclaimed, "But you deserve some credit for this performance, you were so magnificent."

Max looked a little overwhelmed with the compliment, "To be honest, I'm still getting used to this group marriage thing, but I am very determined to do my part."

Astrid smiled at the her taller wife, and wrapped her arms around her bare torso, Max's nipples were erect and begging to be used.

"Oh..." Max held Astrid's head, as she flicked at the nipple in her mouth with her soft tongue.

Max moaned softly, "Yes, just like that..." the platinum-blonde looked up at Max, her lavender almond-shaped eyes gazing lovingly in to Max's soft-brown ones.

Astrid moved her lips to Max's, and they kissed deeply, Astrid's hands felt the muscles in her wife's back, and was utterly thrilled to be with her.

The two broke apart and smiled at each other.

"I'm distracting you from your duties."Max commented.

Astrid responded, "Yes, Captain, you are."

"Can I help you with anything else, Chief?" Max asked, while gazing into Astrid's lavender orbs again.

"No, thank you Captain, I think three orgasms has cleared my queue for a while, I should be able to concentrate on the HD programs now." Astrid was grinning as she spoke.

Max smiled in return, "I am always glad to help you, Chief, after all, what good is a Captain who can't help her crew to do the best they can."

Astrid nodded... "Well, if I need some more help later... I will be sure to notify you Captain."

"Alrighty then... I guess I'll leave you to it..."

"Yes... ma'am..."

They kissed again...

"You're still here... ma'am..."

"Okay... I'm going..."

Another kiss.

Max inhaled, then turned, and walked out of engineering... but it wasn't easy.

Max found herself on the command couch... The Deirdre had been traveling nice and quiet to the edge of the system.

Agatha used the sensitive passive array and found a lonely little ball of ice less than a kilometer across.

The tiny warship slipped in behind it and deployed it's small, but very powerful, hyperlink generator.

Agatha, sitting at navigation, turned and looked at her Commanding Officer,"We are ready to transmit our Intel upload to TFNI data control at your command, Captain."

Max almost smiled, this was after all her first command, she was promoted just for this operation.

"Let's show them, what we are capable of Ag's... Transmit."

Agatha tapped twice...

"Fifty one minutes, zero eight seconds til completion, Captain."

"Well done... I think this might be a really good operation." Max smiled.

Agatha smiled in return, but when she turned back to navigation, she could only hear the fear in Vika's voice 'It will be hard'.

Joon yawned in front of her display, as stimulating as the wealth of medical data was... She could only last so long before she needed to rest.

Joon stood and stretched, her spine adjusted with a few satisfying pops... she yawned again.

"Okay, time for a nap." Joon shuffled towards the door, but instead of going to the CQ, she went to the bridge.

Peering around the small bridge, so saw Max was watching a countdown, and two Agatha were at station.

"Hey, Max, I'm going to bed." Joon muttered.

Max turned her head with a smile, "Alright sweetheart... I'll be up for a while, going to try and park us after the upload."

Joon nodded, "Okay, don't wear yourself out."

Joon wandered closer to Max, and with soft smiles they smooched.

She then wandered over to both Agathas and gave her smooches in turn.

Then Joon wandered back to the corridor...and yet again, she didn't go to the CQ... Joon found herself standing outside engineering.

Astrid was writing some kind of program... it looked really complex, a little too complex for her fuzzy brain.

She walked in anyways... "Hey, Astrid."

Astrid turned and smiled, "Hi, Joon, what brings you down to the toolbox?"

Joon snarked and giggled, she definitely got dopey when she was tired.

"I was going to lay down... I have been reading my med-tech porn, and it wears me out."

Astrid nodded, "Yea, I'm starting to fade too, but I'm almost finished, and you'll have some awesome HD visuals!

"Sweet!" Joon made a happy face, and moved closer "See you..." Joon and Astrid traded smooches.

Then Joon finally wandered out of engineering, down the corridor and into the CQ, she pulled off her clothes and climbed onto the massive bed, she rubbed her boobs and stretched out... she was out like a light.

Vika peered into the CQ from the bathroom she stared at Joon's sleeping form, walking softly by the bed and out into the corridor, making her way down to engineering.

Vika peered around the corner and watched Astrid at her com, her fingers weaving a dance on the interface.

Astrid suddenly snaps her fingers with both hands, "And done..."

Vika silently dropped back along the bulkhead, as Astrid tottered out into the corridor and then to the CQ... Minutes later she is nude and cuddled next to Joon.

Vika looked at them both, long legs, soft breasts... Vika examined the blonde lightning bolt, and nodded appreciatively.

She quietly padded down the corridor and onto the bridge... seating herself next to Max on the command couch.

As the countdown reached zero, Max smiled.

"Upload complete, TFNI data control confirmation received." Agatha nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent," Max smiled... she turned her head and nearly leapt off the couch in surprise as she noticed Vika sitting there.

"Oh, hello there Vika! Sorry, I did not hear you come in." Max blinked and smiled at Vika.

Vika smiled, "Hello, Max... or should I call you Captain on the bridge?"

"Max is fine... Though, I must admit, I like being addressed as Captain when it's appropriate." Max smiled softly.

Vika nodded, smiling back.

"Captain..." Agatha at navigation turned to view Max and Vika, "Should we hyper-warp to a nearby system, then come back along established shipping lanes?"

Max nodded in the affirmative, "I want to look innocent to any authorities."

Agatha giggled, "Innocent... yes, of course."

Max feigned a pout.

Vika rubbed Max's arm in feigned sympathy.

Max turned to look at Vika after the Deirdre went into hyper-warp, "So how are you doing, I notice your vernacular has greatly improved."

Vika nodded, "Agatha, is a very patient teacher, I will try to be a valuable addition to your crew."

Max blinked, "That isn't why you are here, you are not obligated to be anything you don't want to be."

Vika smiled... "Agatha said that too, my new family is very generous."

Max held Vika's hand, "You are welcome to be as active as you want, I really want you to be happy."

Vika's expression wavered for a moment, "Would you come with me then?"

Max blinked, but immediate got up with Vika and followed her off the bridge.

Agatha at navigation watched them depart, nodding slowly, hoping Vika knew what she was doing.

Vika reached the armory with Max behind her, she stopped and turned looking up at Max, "Do you trust me?"

"I do trust you, Vika, what do you need?" Max nodded and smiled.

Vika looked into Max's soft-brown eyes, "A heavy pistol. One that you are most comfortable using in combat."

Max bit her lip for a second, then nodded.

She opened the armory and went inside, Vika followed closely.

Max went down to the row of heavy pistols, pulled one, cycled it's action to make sure it was cleared, and peered at Vika.

Vika nodded, "Please load it, and make it ready to use, with safety on."

Max narrowed her eyes, but still pulled a fully charged magazine from the rack, slid it in, and cycled the weapon, then flicked the safety on.

"Please, follow me..." Vika spun on her tiny bare foot, and walked out of the armory.

Max followed her with the loaded pistol, she closed the armory door and secured it.

Vika nodded and went down to the cargo hold...

Max was trying to figure out where this was going, but so far, she could only trust her newest wife.

Vika stopped next to the Matsubara Z-750 hover bike, with the odd shaped slab of ablative plate welded to the front of it... like a windscreen... or a shield.

Vika reached her hand behind the welded plate, and slid her fingers down... there was a space, between it and the frame of the bike.

She turned and looked at Max, "Please put that weapon here, only you and I will know it is there."

Max stood there looking at Vika... her cobalt-blue eyes held absolute certainty.

So with exquisite care, Max eased the heavy pistol in the space, she noted it was tight, but not restrictive, and she pulled it out and replaced it several times.

Vika watched Max pull out and place the weapon in practice, she nodded, that was exactly how it needed to be.

Max finally left it in the bike, and looked at Vika, noticing her nodding in satisfaction.

"I trust you Vika..." Max smiled.

Vika smiled, a tear ran down her cheek, "Lets go back to the bridge, I want to see my Captain-wife in action."

Max saw the look on Vika's face, Vika was staring at her in adoration.

Max held out her hand... and Vika took it.

Two and a half hours later the Deirdre was docked at Zhiggel station, a tiny auxiliary trade platform with barely anything to recommend it.

Vika went into haggle mode and got the slip for sixty percent of the already cheap rate, her command of the language and her savvy impressed Max.

The excitement wore off as Agatha docked in the slip with consummate precision.

Vika was leaning against Max on the command couch, then slid into her lap.

A tired Max carrying a sleeping Vika in her arms walked from the bridge to the CQ...

Joon, Astrid and five Agatha were unconscious on the bed, so Max was very quiet.

She lay her tiny wife on the bed, and undressed her, the cabin was very dim, but was bright enough for Max to see the heart shaped patch above her lady bits.

Max smiled and undressed, cuddling up with the dreadlocked beauty. Agatha leaned over and shared a good night kiss with Max, then they settled in and gently fell asleep.

Max felt soft lips kissing her chest, right at her clavicle, she opened her eyes and saw bright coppery dreads and a freckled forehead.

Max kissed that forehead, "Good morning, Vika."

"Gud mern... Good morning, Max." Vika softly said as she self-corrected her reply.

Astrid peeked over Max's body, with Joon next to her... followed closely by two Agathas.

The four women were smiling fondly at their two wives.

Joon cleared her throat, "I hope we all had a good rest, today should be interesting."

Astrid reached out and held Vika's hand, gently pulling her up and then to the edge of the bed. Vika went along with it, her infectious smile dancing.

The pair walked to the bathroom, and Astrid officially showed Vika how the step she installed folded down from the wall.

Max and Joon, with a few Agatha, watched the demonstration and saw the look of pride on Astrid's face as Vika was able to deploy the step with her foot, just as Astrid had designed.

"Nicely done, Astrid." Joon praised, "I want to try it too."

So, as the morning wash routine continued, Astrid noted now that the need for subtle improvements: Vika's toes barely touched the ground when she used the toilet so she added that to her mental list.

Joon was thrilled to see her own belly button in the mirror, the step definitely was appreciated.

Joon held her breasts as she looked in the mirror, she gently rubbed her nipples and bit her lower lip.

Max smiled broadly, "Should we delay the morning kata, my love?"

Joon giggled, "Nah, just checking myself out... lets go warm up the cargo hold."

The day shift headed down to the cargo hold, Max only glanced at the hover bike, but kept going, Vika took note of the glance.

Agatha stood straight and tall at the far end, her other selves milled around as long as her wives did, so as to not add any pressure.

Agatha bowed, the kata began...

Vika was doing her best to follow the more subtle movements. She knew the kata, but her dreams were not so detailed as living it... and she learned a little more.

Astrid was really enjoying the dance today, even the scissor kick in the sixth stanza.

Max and Joon were both in the zone, clearing the cobwebs and focusing on breathing.

Agatha believed Howard's teachings were very accurate, and the pure form and technique was the most rewarding.

At the conclusion, everyone bowed, and fell into hugs.

Walking together in pairs and trios to the showers, the day shift bathed together, making sure everyone was nice and clean.

Joon of course should be dressed nice, but not extravagant.

Her choice fell on a calf length flowing ecru skirt, conservative yet comfortable cork wedges, a Kelly-green taffeta blouse with a short waisted brocade jacket which acted like a bodice, with additional support for her boobage... it really did look good.

Agatha would be easy, the "deadly schoolgirl" had become her standard bodyguard uniform, and with good reason, along with a matching 'Una' her purpose was unmistakable.

Joon decided Max should go with her best jeans, her combat boots and dress shirt. Max's wardrobe was almost always utility and comfort, she only owned a couple of evening dresses and some half boots which were the farthest up she dressed.

Astrid was the professional, and her deep purple office skirt ensemble would be perfect.

Then there was Vika... Joon was mentally going through her own clothes.

Joon settled on the denim jeans, and hunter-green jumper.

Vika tried, but Joon's jeans were just too small for her legs, her muscled thighs were much thicker than Joon's.

Joon shrugged, and handed her the mahogany skirt, Vika nodded and smiled, slipping it on easily.

Breakfast was a little different, Agatha made Katsudon and Astrid was thrilled.

Astrid showed her family how she would eat it when she stayed with her Aunt Yumi.

It was very tasty and very filling, since they didn't know how long the meeting would be, getting in a larger breakfast seemed wise.

After breakfast, Astrid gave Vika a briefing on the HD-Holo remotes, and the main unit housing the remote's docking and recharging station.

The remotes were six inch spheroids, and utilized a bit of the spy tech repulsers: they had the best surveillance hardware and software Astrid could scavenge.

It was all packaged in a slightly bulky backpack, with a H.U.D. mono screen and earpiece, Astrid had taken apart a combat helm and scavenged it's electronics.

"We have five remotes, I will also have a headset, so between the two of us, we should have everything covered." Astrid smiled hopefully.

"Agatha, should pick up anything else, especially crowds or onlookers."

Vika nodded, "I imagine, she is very thorough."

"She is.." Astrid nodded, "I think we are set."

Vika and Astrid geared up, then headed to the bridge.

Max and Joon were on the command couch, Agatha had received a flight path from Slarmian flight control to a convenient pad within the diplomatic enclave.

"Captain, there is a vehicle adjacent to the pad, it appears to be waiting for us..." Agatha glanced back at Max.

Max nodded, "I am encouraged by that, thank you, Ag's."

The Deirdre landed with a gentle agility, The open air pad was surrounded by low buildings on all sides, No direct access was visible.

"Looks like Staverka outside of the bazaar. It is very humid..." Agatha looked up from her station, "There is a very high chance for precipitation."

They proceeded to the cargo hold.

Joon pursed her lips in thought, "Well, no time to change, we will just have to make due."

Max, Joon, Astrid, Vika along with Agatha and 'Una' stepped down the loading ramp onto the pad.

The Slarmian vehicle was sleek and large, if gave an impression of power and authority.

A Slarmian emerged from within, it's S-shaped body moved in a serpentine way as it approached Max and her crew.

It wore an ornate uniform on the top half of it's body. The ornamentation seemed to denote rank, so Max held herself as she would addressing authority.

"Hello, I am Captain Max Anders." Max smiled at the yellowed eyed eel-like Slarmian, who had as of yet not spoken.

"Tande Umix..." It said, "Polis Kommisirit et Staverka, Umix wasa tol ne eskurt yoo ne teh miniss komplix."

Vika translated: "I am Umix, Police Commissioner of Staverka, I was tasked with escorting you to the ministry complex."

Max blinked in surprise, this was unexpected, Max thought this was going to be a routine meeting but apparently "music videos" were a much bigger deal to Slarmians than she thought.

"Allow me to introduce my wife Jooniper Smith." Max held Joon's hand as she stepped forward.

Vika translated.

"Ah..." Umix proclaimed, "Umix hassa looket witnisin gran forma, Leddy Joonippa, yoo taalit is shetusi numit yoo lemba en melsa." Umix emphasized, by raising it's own four arms.

Vika translated: "I have seen your performances, Lady Jooniper, your talent is exceptional dspite your lack of limbs."

"Thank you, so very kindly, Commissioner... It is an honor to have you as our escort; I will, of course, remember my appreciation." Joon carefully wove her words.

Vika translated carefully.

Umix reacted with aplomb, and nodded in understanding. "Efini yoo , plaes, tanna mit Umix."

Vika translated: "If you would, please, come with me."

Doors into the vehicle opened, inside was spacious with expansive seating, Deirdre's crew entered and made themselves comfortable.

The vehicle appeared to be discreetly armored. Umix joined them and when everyone was settled tapped on the tinted screen separating the passenger cabin from the cockpit.

Umix was not chatty but the Commissioner asked, "Leddy Joonippa wudda yoo muzik rekorda ne teh bazaar? Essa ne touris mazet?"

Vika translated: "Lady Jooniper, will you be recording music in the bazaar? It is also a tourist attraction."

Joon had planned on it, and told Umix as much, "Yes, I think the Bazaar would be a great addition to the music video, would that pose any difficulties?"

Vika translated.

Umix replied, "Et nuna tenthis maki rubliss, der det bazaar et kontroll wit tradda miniss, an det mak en stet miniss remaki."

Vika translated: "I don't think it will be any trouble, but the bazaar is controlled by the trade ministry and that makes the state ministry jealous."

Joon laughed in surprise and Umix chuckled.

The ride to the ministry complex was brief, Umix exited first and gave a hand to all of the ladies as they departed the vehicle.

They were at a magnificent entrance and Joon turned to Umix, "Oh, may we record this for the documentary?"

Vika translated.

Umix looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, "Effa ne an dokdu recota, Umix tenthis gud watta tinka

Vika translated: "If it is for a documentary, I think it is a very good idea."

Astrid helped Vika with the remotes.

Umix watched in fascination as they deployed, two on Max and three on Joon.

Agatha and 'Una' fell into place on Joon's flanks, as Umix ushered them into the impressive foyer of the ministry building.

A few Slarmian in uniform were there near the entrance, they seemed to stiffen in the presence of Umix, but they looked really concerned with the floating remotes.

One of them voiced concern... Umix said something in response, and the concern disappeared.

Vika smiled at Max, and Max gave her a wink.

Umix led them deeper into the complex... along the way they saw dozens of Slarmians slithering here and there, most of them would only glance, but a few stared at the humans in their place of government.

Soon they entered a large gloriously furnished room, it was obvious this was a functionary's office, and there was indeed one in attendance.

Umix stopped and bowed to the Slarmian behind the ornate com-desk.

"Ambassin Crinx, plaes wekkum intros, Leddy Joonippa." Umix used four arms to convey introduction.

Ambassador Crinx rose from behind his desk, "Crinx bids you welcome, and thanks you for your kind request for seeking the guidance of the Grand Slarmian Dynasty,"

He slithered out and around the impressive work surface, The Ambassador continued, "On behalf of the Majestic Potentate, Crinx appreciates your thoughtfulness."

Max's eyes went wide, passable Terran my ass, Crinx was on his game.

Joon smiled broadly, "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you Ambassador Crinx, I had no idea my little music video would create such a big fuss.

Crinx lowered down to converse with Joon on her level, as Umix back slithered gracefully out of the way.

Agatha and 'Una' didn't move a muscle, Vika and Astrid only fiddled to adjust the remotes as they recorded this newly auspicious event.

Crinx seemed to ignore the remotes completely, but payed very close attention to Joon.

Joon smiled, "May I introduce my wife, Max, she and our crew will be taking care of the technical side, I am here to confirm your cooperation and assistance in this endeavor.

"Crinx is confident that we can work out an equitable solution, Crinx is expecting two more to join us, but first Crinx would like to know more about Jooniper and Max, and the crew."

The Ambassador was very sincere, and that raised Max's hackles, politics were never her strong suite, she was so glad Joon was here.

Crinx was introduced to the entire crew, when Agatha was designated as Joon's bodyguard Crinx immediately asked if Joon had encountered any difficulties.

Joon reassured Crinx that she had not, the bodyguards were only a precaution, in Terran space performers sometimes had fanatical admirers.

When Crinx was introduced to Vika, she greeted him in proper Slarmian, he looked delighted.

Vika and Crinx chatted in Slarmian a bit, Vika translated for her crew, explaining to Crinx she was raised in the Minor Empires in a Largath community, this seemed to genuinely impress Crinx.

Astrid was introduced as the technical administrator and producer, Crinx made her feel very welcome.

Crinx was about to start chatting with Max, when the doors opened, and two Slarmians slithered in... they were glaring at each other.

"Crinx would like to introduce, Ministry of State Zejha, and Ministry of Trade Mullo."

The two Slarmians were very different: they both wore very expensive looking apparel, but where one was bright and flashy, the other was ornate and formal.

Zejha was longer, thinner and very measured with it's movements, Mullo was shorter, thicker, and seemed to have a perpetual grin.

"Zejha toki en am rekordi, emmit zun posituni vitra majitirus?" The tall Ministry of State inquired.

Vika quietly translated: "Zejha, didn't know about the recording, she assumes it is because of the majesty of the occasion."

The other minister laughed, "Mullo zumit nellaum en Crinx forit emba es en de niva, providi, profiti, zekka esta Zejha."

Vika winced, then translated: "Mullo, presumes a brilliant Crinx will turn this idea into a profit windfall, something Zejha doesn't understand."

Crinx interrupted before the ministers began to argue.

translated by Vika:

Crinx would be disappointed if an equitable agreement isn't reached, Mullo thought the music video was a terrific idea and was all for it, Zejha thought it would belittle the dignity and splendor of the Slarmian culture.

Crinx asked Zejha what would preserve the Slarmian dignity for her, what act could be more reverent than a master musician performing classical music?

Zejha blinked, she said she wasn't aware it would be a classic, and asked what song had Joon intended on performing in the video.

Joon answered, "Zeralyst Fuge."

Mullo beamed a toothy grin and asked if Zejha had even heard of the tune.

Zejha lifted her head high and said she did know the song, and it was quite acceptable, as long as the monuments in the video were shown in a dignified light, Zejha would give her approval.

The unanimous approval of the "music video" brought smiles all around, Crinx thanked the two ministers, assuring them they would be kept in the loop of production and progress updates.

The two ministers departed, and Crinx again thanked Jooniper.

"Crinx is so pleased this meeting went so smoothly, Crinx would like to invite Lady Jooniper to an event this evening Crinx is having for Dauzakai Ambassador Zess, I must insist that recording must remain apart, but bodyguards are welcome."

Joon happily accepted the invitation, and nudged Max to happily accept too.

Umix nodded to Crinx when the Ambassador asked if Umix would arrange for transportation.

Crinx proclaimed his delight, and bid Joon, Max and the crew of Deirdre a good day.

Umix bowed to Crinx and escorted the humans back through the massive complex, He said he was sorry, but he would be unable to drop them off, but the transport would be available to them for the event and their stay on Staverka.

Umix tapped on the side of the cockpit, and a small thin Slarmian emerged.

Umix introduced them to their pilot, her name was Teffa.

Teffa bowed stiffly, and Umix waved farewell, and slithered back into the complex.

Thick drops of water started to fall from the sky.

Teffa asked them in Slarmian if they wanted to return to their ship.

Vika translated, then replied the answer.

That would be fine, they would need to get ready for the evening event. Teffa nodded and got back into the cockpit and resealed it. The passenger doors opened and they got in.

On the return trip the rain really began to come down, so bad that they felt sorry for Teffa.

They landed at the pad and the the cargo bay door began opening while the ramp lowered.

The Slarmian transport drew closer as the rain came down harder: the pilot actually managed to tuck her vehicle under the edge of the Deirdre, the passenger doors unlocked.

Max knew the pilot didn't have to try and keep them from the foul weather, it was an act of kindness. She Tapped on the window screen and mentioned her appreciation. Vika translated.

They made their way to the ship and after they had disembarked the door on the transport closed and Teffa eased her vehicle away from the Terran corvette.

Max watched the Slarmian vehicle as it came to rest at a respectful distance from the Deirdre.

Agatha came over and stood beside Max and also looked at the transport.

"She was very kind to us just now." Max said to Agatha, her voice almost lost in the downpour.

Agatha nodded, "Nice to see kindness, lets hope we always do."

Max smiled at Agatha then thumbed the cargo door closed.

Agatha turned to Max, "Joon says, you're wearing silver tonight."

Max sighed, "Yea... I figured, she's been trying to get me into that dress for years."

"Do you not like it?" Agatha asked with a sympathetic glance.

"It's not that, just I'm so tall, all that silver makes me feel like a cruiser." Max made a crooked smile.

Agatha giggled, "I want to see for myself..."

Max glanced at her... then nodded... "Okay, I'll show you."

Max walked in to the CQ and stopped, Joon was completely naked, holding her breasts, and smiling at her. "Uh oh..." Max looked scared.

"Nope, your not going anywhere... Strip!" Joon eyed her with a predatory gleam.

Max swallowed hard, and nodded, taking off the dress shirt, then her boots, then her jeans.

Standing in her socks, boy-shorts panties and her sports bra, Max raised her eye brows with an unasked question.

"All of it, sweetheart." Joon smiled.

Max peeled off the socks, pulled off the bra, then slowly pulled down her panties.

Joon winked at her, "See that wasn't so hard... now was it?"

Max winced slightly, "no, my love, not at all..."

The two Agathas in the room looked at them both with a smile, they were nude quite often together, and didn't think twice about it: yet now it was made more important and Agatha suspected the silver dress was the catalyst.

Joon turned and picked up the silver evening dress, and handed it to Max.

Max pouted, Joon narrowed her eyes, "Don't pout, you're gorgeous."

Max slipped the backless silver evening dress over her long athletic frame... instantly transforming from an embarrassed, gawky teenager... to a goddess.

Both Agathas openly gawked, her eyes glued to the vision of feminine beauty that was her Captain, her wife, her desire.

Joon set the black suede half boots in front of her, the size elevens were a tough find, and looked amazing on Max, but she'd never worn them in public. Joon was determined to change that.

Max looked at Joon, her strong jaw set with her marine-short dirty-blonde curls; then Joon looked up at her in that dress, and her heart leapt.

Max glanced at Agatha, then back at Joon. "It can't be that good..."

At that moment Astrid walked in to the CQ and gasped, Max turned and saw the look on her face, Astrid slowly dropped to her knees, "Oh, Max... you need to be seen in that dress."

Joon beamed: she stood up, and walked over to her section of the closet, pulling out her iridescent green ivy stitched dress, "I'm going to need my best gear to do you justice, sweetheart."

Astrid knew what she had to do... she was to become paparazzi for the night, her wives needed to be immortalized.

Vika watched from the corridor, she had already changed into BDU trousers, she thought Max looked amazing, just like in her dream.

Max and Joon had no idea if there would be food at the event, but they didn't want to chance starving, so they had a light supper.

Astrid and Vika ate like normal, as did Agatha. Astrid enlisted Vika to join her in the paparazzi, so they dressed for adventure.

Agatha and 'Una' in deadly schoolgirl uniform, Joon in shimmering green, and Max in flawless silver.

The weather had changed in the hours since they returned to the ship and the sky had cleared with the evening sky showing the twinkling jewels of the local constellations...and their Slarmian transport was still there.

The cargo door opened and the ramp lowered on well-maintained hydraulics, Max walked over to the transport and looked through the windscreen into the cockpit.

"Bless her heart, she's napping." Max smiled softly, and gently tapped on the polymer.

Teffa woke with a start, and peered with blurry yellow eyes, she saw the tall human, but now looking very different in a silver dress.

She immediately unlocked the passenger door, Max said thank you, and Teffa nodded.

When the four passengers were settled in the short tinted screen retracted down and Teffa looked back at her passengers.

Agatha quickly explained in perfect Slarmian that Vika and Astrid would follow on a hover bike, so they could play paparazzi. Teffa giggled and said she would take it easy getting there.

Vika eased the hover bike out of the cargo hold, Astrid's hands gripped her hips, with her eyes screwed shut, Astrid had offered to wear the HD remote backpack, because she had no idea how to operate a hover bike.

Vika signaled to the Slarmian pilot to lead on, the pilot nodded and then gave her a thumbs up and Vika gave her one back.

They both rose up into the air and while Teffa knew where they needed to go the Slarmian wouldn't top out speed so she didn't lose her tail.

The ride was only about twenty minutes, and Vika stayed with them the whole way.

Astrid stopped squeaking in fear about five minutes in as she slowly relinquished her death grip on Vika's hips, and near the end she was looking around and enjoying the sights.

As the two vehicles were coming in for a landing, Astrid deployed the HD drones; in her role of paparazzi she was going to get close to, but not to interfere with, her targets.

The destination seemed to be some kind of community center, it was a partially open structure with a double door at one apex and two tall support walls set at a ninety degree angle and covered with a set of artful trellises, allowing for the twenty columns with ornamental shrubs and barriers. A low wall separated the attraction from the outside.

Max and Joon looked at each other, Max said, "That's a lot of people."

Joon looked back at the small crowd, "Not really, just enough to get lost in I suspect."

Joon squeezed Max's hand, "You're going to be fine, you look gorgeous, I just hope you don't upstage me too bad." Joon made a face and giggled, "Oooh, there is even a carpet walk!"

Teffa unlocked the passenger door and as it opened Agatha and 'Una' got out, visually scanned for threats then stepped to either side of the door.

Agatha could have easily designated Vika and Astrid if they had been unknowns, she all but ignored them and she hoped it wouldn't be a distraction.

Astrid's remotes had serious advantage over the usual paparazzi and the two dozen or so Slarmians who were holding standard HD recorders were easily analyzed as the drones were able to piece everything together. The Slarmians soon realized what their remotes were and a couple figured out who was controlling them.

One was so upset that he slithered up to Astrid and said some unkind things to her, she didn't understand him, but she assumed they were unkind.

Vika did happen to understand what he said, and gave the three meter Slarmian a very impressive retort that made him back up and away from the rope line.

Astrid glanced down at her short wife, and smiled her appreciation.

Vika blew her a kiss, and smiled.

Joon was the first to emerge from the vehicle, Astrid made a "squee" but the remotes did not break the rope line protocol, but they did bend it, as they were deployed to cover five different angles.

Joon posed casually, and she reached out behind her, holding out her hand for Max.

Max reached out her hand and emerged from the vehicle while Joon gently pulled her forward and they walked together along the carpet.

Agatha and 'Una' followed the glamorous couple, Agatha scanned the crowd of onlookers, but couldn't pick out anyone who stood out... she kept scanning.

Max felt dreamlike for a couple of seconds and her smile was genuine as she walked with natural grace, her hand interlaced with Joon's.

They reached the door and it opened for them as they walked through.

Astrid and Vika followed the crowd to the periphery of the event: the short decorative wall was marked and none crossed that barrier. From that distance the entire event was within view and was only obscured by incredibly ornate columns covered with enlayed precious metals and semi-precious stones.

The site of the event was the creation of a renowned Slarmian artist, and the columns were gifted to the Slarmian people and was frequently the site of government sponsored events: Ambassador Crinx certainly had the right to use it.

Vika glanced at the wall... She had to do her part.

Vika got Astrid's attention, "I'm going to move the 'bike, I'll be right back."

Astrid nodded, and smiled as she was controlling remotes, along the edge of the wall, and high above.

Vika maneuvered the Matsubara Z-750, further along the wall, right at a space in the shrubs... she nodded to no one, and quickly scampered back to Astrid.

Joon. was. in. heaven.

There were close to a hundred Slarmians at this event with a couple of other species represented; but Joon didn't see another human anywhere. This meant the crew of The Deirdre was representing their people tonight.

She had been to glamorous events before, but they all felt hollow next to this. This event was filled with the rich and powerful; but it was first and foremost a State function of an entire government hosted by an Ambassador.

At that moment Ambassador Crinx slithered over to Joon and Max, He was accompanied by a Dauzakai in very elaborate ornate apparel.

"Crinx, Is so happy you have chosen to attend, Lady Jooniper, and your lovely Captain as well." Crinx raised his two left hands to indicate his companion.

"Crinx, is pleased to introduce Ambassador Zess of the Dauzakai."

Joon and Max bowed to the Dauzakai, she nodded and said, "Crinx sssaid you were a musician of renown in the Terran Federation, I had the delightful oppertunity to sssee your holo-net media, I hope you extend your musical planss to Dauzaki, we would enjoy your talent.

Max sobered and nodded, but of course Joon spoke, "I think that is a wonderful Idea, I may do an entire tour of the Minor Empires."

Ambassador Zess's eyes dilated, "I will be happy to contact you, Crinx will help."

Glancing at Zess, Ambassador Crinx nodded in acquiescence.

Crinx and Zess, the two Ambassadors,ed seem to have a very close connection. Max had to remind herself that these two were both at the Trankaran Summit talks with Chancellor Niskera, and were then trapped by the Kirrix, almost over-run, Then rescued by The Lion and his Lionesses.

They had a bond forged in fire.

"Crinx, tell me more about these columns." Zess pulled on one of his arms, dragging him away from the humans.

Joon smirked and glanced at Max.

Max glanced back, "What, sweetheart?"

"Those two... they are very close..." Joon giggled softly.

Max blinked, "You think they..."

Joon shrugged, "Maybe... they certainly have a connection."

Max nodded, "I hope they are compatible."

"I don't think that is nearly as important." Joon declared.

Max nodded, "I agree... we aren't, 'completely' compatible... so to speak."

Joon beamed a smile, and squeezed Max's hand.

"Oooh... there is food..." Joon dragged her towering wife towards a long table set along the edge with two bodyguard's bobbing along in her wake.

Joon was just about to feed a spinach puff to Max...

When all hell broke loose.

Astrid recorded all of it, some kind of air lorry came in, a series of small explosions and eight Slarmian in dark apparel moved in from the perimeter, they managed to take out most of the security in the first assault, they knew exactly who and where they were.

Vika dragged Astrid back, away from the decorative wall towards the grounded vehicles.

Teffa immediately opened her cockpit and waved them over and let them in.

"What the Fuck?" Astrid was crying.

Vika hugged her petting her head trying to calm her.

Vika and Teffa could only watch the combat... the remotes recorded everything.

Agatha had immediately dragged Joon back behind one of the ornate columns, Joon could only see flashes of weapons fire and splatters of body fluids, and bodies... too many bodies.

Agatha unfolded her purse, the same time 'Una' did... Max nodded to her, and toed off the half boots that would be useless to her.

Slarmians had a constant contact with the ground... so Max would always have a go to target.

The screaming and chaos actually helped Max and Agatha for a few moments, the attackers wouldn't be able to pick them out as combatants until it would be too late.

Max signaled Agatha to guard Joon, but cover Max at range, she signaled affirmative.

The ever present earbud crackled, "Captain, break cover for support or stand down?"

Max glanced at Agatha, "ETA?"

Agatha clenched her jaw, "Ten minutes..." came across her earbud.

Max shook her head, "Stay put..."

Agatha nodded.

Agatha took up positions on either side of Joon at the column near the edge, next to the doors.

Max saw Crinx and Zess huddled behind the next column, she also heard Zess, "Who did you piss off this time, Crinx?"

"I'm going to send the Ambassadors back here," Max glanced at Agatha's eyes, she nodded, "Don't shoot them."

Max lunged around the column and leapt to the next column, frightening both ambassadors.

"My apologies your excellencies, but if you would fall back to the last column, Agatha and 'Una' will keep you both and Joon alive." Max saw both Ambassadors nodding in her peripheral, and then scampered and slithered to the last column.

Max peeked around the corner, caught the edge of one of the terrorists, they were still working their way down the columns, one by one, killing as they went.

Max followed her training, and her emotions were tucked away for use later.

The Slarmians who were still alive cowering behind columns were in hysterics.

Max saw an opening, as the terrorist kill squad shifted back to the other row of columns... poor training, they were clumping, letting their blood lust dictate their actions, Max would make them pay for that.

Max sprinted down the long row of columns, while that window was open, her silver dress riding up exposing her pussy as she ran, she didn't even realize it, it wasn't even taken into account.

Max peered around a column, noting the positions and weapons, She also noted the lorry hanging in the air above the exhibit, it was nondescript, but obviously converted.

She eased back, out of view.

Their level of professionalism would be determined when their losses started to become apparent.

Her job was to be as stealthy as long as she could, the columns were terrible cover, but they were hard cover, and she would use that fact ruthlessly.

The mob started their way back over again, they had fired several times, she could hear some of them reloading weapons, like a walk in the park.

The first weapon came into view, she pull it, and slammed her elbow into the head of the Slarmian who came along with that weapon, his impact with the column a fraction of a second later rendered him unconscious, and his weapon was hers, it was some kind of smg, with three barrels and thick triple stack magazine, a Slarmian spray and pray design.

She decided it wasn't worth trying to figure out... but he was carrying a blade.

The knife was also Slarmian design, the crescent inner edge was serrated, perfect for quiet dispatch.

The second and third Slarmians went down even faster than the first, she was now behind the mobs, picking off the slower killers.

Then the body of her first kill was discovered, and predictably, they panicked.

They shot at all of the columns, the event guests screamed louder, and the killers did nothing but amp up their anxiety, and empty their weapons.

Max picked off two more in the confusion, the last one had a heavy shotgun. She pick it up and rushed the last group, first putting the butt of the shotgun into one of the terrorist's throat: a slight spin kick then turned the but of the weapon and sent it into the third and she finished the second with a shotgun blast to the skull all in one connected move. She then quickly checked her kills, dispatching any suspected survivors.

It was good she did, if she hadn't taken the time to assess her kills, she would have missed the unmistakable wind-up whirring, of a Gatling Laser.

The Lorry was now unveiled and the column she had been behind before she checked her kills was being shredded by the powerful anti-aircraft weapon.

Max was running out of time and no one would survive. Max kept her line of sight from the lorry turned gunship.

Max quickly scanned and assessed her environment.

The lorry came around to the other side, and shredded another column.

Max slipped back during the lorries shift, and crouched behind the shredded column, she could feel the heat from the rock on her bare skin.

Then she spotted it, she didn't question how it got there, she just formulated a plan, ratified it, then initiated it.

Max left the heavy shotgun behind, and sprinted to the fifth column, circled around it, and hopped over two corpses she just made.

The Gatling Laser had a bead on her now, and followed her trajectory, the silver target easy to see.

But Max double backed right under the barrels of the Gatling Laser. Her diversion would only last a second and she ran flat out, her adrenaline at full tilt.

Max leapt, clearing the short decorative wall and landing just between two ornamental shrubs. Her bare legs gripped the saddle of the Matsubara Z-750 as she thumbed it to life. Pulling it up and out, she rocketed at the lorry.

The bike had a chunk of starship armor welded to the front of it, Trankaran ablative plating.

The Slarmian at the Gatling Laser was sure he was hitting his target, but the thing wasn't exploding or disintegrating.

One moment the Gatling Laser was firing at full rpm...

The next moment Max rammed the Gatling Laser with the altered hover bike. She sheared it from its mounting, shoving it through it's operator and embedding it into the other side of the Lorry.

Something felt strange to Max, but she still wasn't finished, she crawled... with one arm to the hover bike, her balance was off but she kept going.

Max pushed her self up with her arm, she smelled barbecue. Reaching behind the plate she pulled a surprisingly warm heavy pistol, she clicked off the safety.

Turning left she saw the cockpit was an open cabin She saw the pilot and the co-pilot: it was like a snap shot, just like in training.

She double tapped both of them in the head, then Max turned right, she was having trouble turning, but she just kept trying.

As she saw three Slarmians trying to raise weapons at her... she calmly double tapped each one, one in each eye, it was slow and easy.

Max felt weightless, her eyes slowly turned to see the edge of the column exhibit center go by the open door.

A sudden change, Max felt darkness fall across her eyes, the last thing she heard was Joon screaming her name.