Max Intel: Melinoe
Chapter 11 - Downtime
Joon ran out from behind the column before the lorry had hit the ground. It crashed, seemingly out of control, in a slow spin as it dropped like a rock.
She was screaming her wife's name at the top of her lungs.
Agatha left the Ambassadors with 'Una' and ran to keep up with Joon.
Joon looked into the wreck of the lorry seeing a flash of silver. She dove in.
She gasped at what she saw. Max was laying in an unnatural position. She was missing her right leg almost at the hip, and her left arm at the shoulder.
Joon felt for Max's vitals but she wasn't finding any. She immediately went to work. Her training screaming at her emotions... Do the job! Do the job! Do the job!
Agatha appeared at her side and Joon began working frantically. Counting off out loud the timing of the first response procedure.
Agatha assisted where she could, but Joon would not give up. She kept going, and going...
Then, three minutes of stubborn diligence payed off.
"I have a pulse!" Agatha looked at Joon.
Joon exhaled and nodded. She started checking for other injuries.
Astrid and Vika ran up then... Vika saw the scene and paled.
Astrid just crumpled to her knees. She cried so hard she could barely breathe.
Authorities began arriving five minutes later...
Joon eyed Vika with a glare.
Agatha held Joon in her arms.
Vika comforted Astrid, who was cried out, but seemed catatonic.
Slarmian medical personnel arrived and Joon soundly took charge. She would not take no for an answer as she insisted on riding along as primary medical provider, and wife. Agatha joined her.
Teffa flew the rest of the crew to the urgent care hospital in Staverka, thirty minutes away.
Later... the authorities had found what remained of the two charred limbs Max had lost and called in the find. Sadly, there was no need to preserve them.
"I don't care!" Joon glared. "She set this up!"
Agatha knew Joon was tired and upset, but those seemed like pale descriptions at the moment.
"She did not set this up. THIS was going to happen no matter what she did. She was doing damage control. Keeping us alive." Agatha retorted.
Joon and Agatha stood in front of each other in the CQ. Joon's arms were crossed under her breasts and her feet were planted. She was standing firm.
Astrid sat on the bed listening, unsure how she felt. Her face still stained with tears as Joon and Agatha argued over Vika's fate. Which currently did not look good.
"She stays in the brig until I figure out what to do with her, or we bring Max home."
"Okay Joon, that's fair." Agatha nodded. "I will take care of her. Just please don't attack her like that again."
Joon clenched her jaw and nodded in agreement.
It was twelve hours after the event massacre and Vika had been with them at the hospital the entire time. Teffa had ferried them back and forth from the Deirdre to the hospital.
Agatha had two armed 'hands' there to guard Max. Joon wasn't taking any chances.
Then Joon turned her attention to Vika and verbally assaulted her. Threatening to abandon her in Staverka.
That's when Agatha drew the line. Joon momentarily evaluated Agatha's position. Astrid just shook her head in disbelief so Joon relented.
The argument was a natural conclusion, but the outcome was still a loss for everyone.
Until Max regained consciousness... If Max regained... Vika's fate was the brig.
Agatha already knew Vika would accept it without a word. She wouldn't argue for herself. She had already taken every cruel barb and hateful word from Joon, never saying a word in her own defense. She just shed silent tears.
Later that evening critical information reached them... The Brimorians had attacked T-Fed forces and there had been a terrorist attack on Olympus. The first was crippling, the other thwarted with significant casualties.
Agatha informed her family of the grave news and held all of them in her arms simultaneously... even Max.
The Deirdre started receiving official diplomatic communicae from the Grand Slarmian Dynasty. They offered any financial assistance required. They just dismissed any medical bills for Max out right and extended access to advanced prosthetics from the Dauzakai government.
The next day Ambassadors Crinx and Zess visited the still comatose Max. They both gave personal and heartfelt thanks to Joon who could only nod to them, her eyes overflowing.
The following morning, Max woke up.
Max opened her eyes.
She didn't know where she was, but almost immediately Agatha was there with her face pressed gently to her Captain's.
"Wha... happened?" Max managed to get out.
Agatha nodded, "Terrorists... at the Ambassador's event."
"Joon?" Max asked.
"Alive, upset, and on her way..." Agatha responded.
Max closed her eyes, then opened them again, "She blames Vika..."
Agatha nodded.
"How are you and Astrid?"
"I am here for my family." Agatha responded. "Astrid fell apart initially, but she is better than Joon is now."
"And Vika?"
Agatha hesitated, "I'm not entirely sure, she just takes it, with little or no reaction, it blunts attacks and comfort alike."
"Attacks?" Max looked worried...
Agatha winced, "Joon did not react... well."
"Is Vika... okay?"
Agatha nodded, "She will be much better now you are awake."
Max was about to ask something, but didn't...
"Ask..." Agatha said, knowing it was coming.
"How bad..." Max was unable to finish.
"You lost your left arm, and right leg. If you had been hit by anything besides a laser you would have bled out in seconds." Agatha reported without emotion, but she could feel Max's heart sink.
Max nodded, tears pooling in her eyes.
"But I'm alive..." Max choked.
"You ARE alive... My Captain, my wife, my friend... I will always be here for you... Always"
Max heard that and settled down; her fears allayed for a while.
Agatha dutifully reported all that had transpired while Max was unconscious, including the news from Terran space.
Agatha paused, "Joon will be here in a minute... "
Less than a minute later the door flung open and Joon was next to Max with tears in her eyes.
Max held her with her good arm and Joon climbed into the bed with Max, careful not to put pressure on her injuries.
Joon lay her head on Max's right shoulder, and they stared into each other's eyes.
Agatha smiled for the first time in days...
Staverka Police Investigators requested access to interview Max. The ministries of State and Trade both separately forewarned those investigators that such an interview would be granted with the understanding that Captain Max Anders had saved the lives of two Ambassadors as well as many scores of influential citizens.
Her actions were officially endorsed and proclaimed as heroic and any insinuation of wrongdoing would not be well received by the Majestic Potentate.
Max was interviewed in her bed while under sedation for pain. She requested Vika as her interpreter.
The Staverka Police Inspector Yzix introduced himself and was very courteous, recognizing the delicacy of the interview and the Interstellar implications of the attack and her actions.
Vika translated.
The long thin Slarmian had a handheld recorder and activated it with permission.
"Please, state your name, title, and occupation."
"Captain Max Anders, Manager to Jooniper Smith."
"The Exquisite Lady Jooniper is also your wife?"
"She is..."
"You usually don't mention that?"
"It doesn't look as good as you'd think on a resume."
The inspector chuckled his bright eyes registering amusement and understanding.
"Captain Anders, your tactics and actions during the assault beg me to question: At any time were you a member of the Terran Federation Military?"
"Ten years TFMC. I retired after the Battle for Terra."
"So, would you say the skills you displayed at the event are typical for a Terran Federation Marine?"
"I would say so, yes."
"After the initial attack, why did you not break open the doors and escape?"
"Because innocent people were in danger, and many were being summarily butchered."
"I am pleased you consider Slarmians people. We have had some of your race suggest otherwise."
"There are idiots in every culture, I am sure. Terrans are no exception."
"Did you know anyone at the event?"
"My wife was invited to the event by Ambassador Crinx, I was her plus one."
"Why did your wife's bodyguards not engage the attackers?"
"Agatha and Una's job was to keep Joon from harm... and they did their job as I ordered them to. I also collected the Ambassadors who were in the line of fire and had Agatha and Una protect them as well...while I created a small diversion."
Inspector Yzix's facial features showed mild amazement as he said, "Captain, if you call that a small diversion, I would be hesitant to witness a major one... as, you lost two limbs..."
"I didn't have bodyguards."
"The organization behind this attack is called 'Blackdawn'... Have you ever heard of it?"
"No, never heard of it."
"Have you ever visited Staverka before?"
"Yes, Inspector, my ship stopped in the bazaar... last week, I guess..."
"You don't remember?"
"It's been a busy week."
"Joon and I greatly admired your people, planet and culture. My wife asked if we could do a holo-vid with your people with cultural icons in the background. I felt it was a wonderful idea and supported her efforts. So, we returned with that in mind."
"I believe that concludes this interview, Thank you for your time."
"Captain Anders: Our Majestic Potentate has declared you a national hero for your efforts. I am sure the powers that be will be wanting to speak with you personally. They are very grateful for your selfless actions and phenomenal courage."
The police inspector stopped the recording.
"And Captain Anders, off the record: I saw the autopsy report on the six Slarmians in the converted lorry-gunship, I would have never believed a single Terran capable of such accuracy while under direct fire from an anti-ship rotary laser cannon. I am very sure I never want to be up against a Terran Marine in a desperate situation."
Max chuckled, "Take care, Inspector."
After the inspector left, Max pulled Vika onto the bed next to her, cuddling with her.
"So, I heard Joon went ballistic on you..." Max muttered softly.
Vika softly answered, "Yes..."
Max looked into Vika's eyes, "Please, don't hold it against her, she was scared out of her mind, and she only acts that way when she is scared."
"I love her too, Max." Vika gave a slight smile, "I am glad this part is over, I love my family so much."
"I know you won't talk about it. And you always say you do your best to keep everyone alive. But, if anyone can help you, you only need to ask. We won't question it."
Max was about to keep going but Vika put her finger on Max's lips. "I know, Max. It will be easier now."
Max smiled a crooked grin, "Fuck, I hope so. I don't know how much more I can get shot off and still be around."
Vika's face crumpled, and she grabbed Max's head and kissed her deeply.
Staverka Police investigators kindly requested copies of Astrid's documentary and paparazzi footage. She sent them copies immediately.
She received official thanks... and later compliments from the Staverka Police media department along with a couple of questions on filter algorithms.
Astrid smiled at the professional courtesy. It turned out she felt good being able to help and the kindness was infectious.
There was a knock behind her and Astrid turned and saw Agatha at the door of engineering.
"Hey, Ag's, what's up?" Astrid asked with a smile.
"I'm checking up on you..." Agatha smiled.
Astrid blinked, "So what do you think? Am I okay?"
Agatha walked into the room, and closer to Astrid. She was wearing her deadly schoolgirl uniform.
Astrid swiveled on her shop stool to face her wife and one of her best friends.
Astrid wore BDU's while in her workshop. They were comfortable; Agatha had a ton of them and didn't mind sharing.
Astrid spread her knees and pulled Agatha in between them.
The married couple stared deeply into each other's eyes.
Agatha felt all of the nervous stress in Astrid, but none of it felt overwhelming.
Astrid's almond-shaped lavender eyes drank in the metallic grays of Agatha's slitted cat-like orbs.
"I think you're doing very well." Agatha smiled, "Our other spouses are having a tougher time with this situation and I wish I could help them more."
"But they have to be ready to accept that help." Astrid finished, and nodded.
Agatha smiled. Her long jet-black hair and pale skin gave her an exotic appearance that did something nice to Astrid's insides.
"I noticed a surprising amount of communication with Staverka authorities. Is everything okay?" Agatha had never stopped gazing into Astrid's enchanting eyes.
Astrid smiled, "I think I have some tech-fans of my work, and I was happy to give them some tips and advice on techniques." Her face was slowly getting closer to Agatha's
Their lips met, eyes now closed, hands and arms holding soft curves.
It was comforting, and gently passionate.
Astrid pulled back from the kiss and looked at Agatha.
"Would you consider doing something I have been fantasizing about?" Astrid asked hopefully.
Agatha beamed a smile, "I am always happy to fulfill your fantasies, cutie."
Within moments Agatha was sitting on the workbench leaning back, legs spread, her eyes shut, with Astrid's sucking and licking at her vulva while holding her g-string to one side.
Agatha was getting both her own physical stimulation and that of Astrid's lust.
Astrid was fulfilling an ongoing fantasy that involved her workspace and her exotic alien wife, it was the combination of sex and tech environs that satisfied her desires...
Agatha was also quite tasty.
Max was laying on the hospital bed of the private room. Two hands of Agatha were still stationed outside the door. Both were armed to the teeth and both hyper vigilant.
Both Joon and Vika were in the room with her... they seemed nervous and agitated.
Max needed to fix this.
I want both of you on the bed with me.
"There isn't room, my love, and we might hurt you if we crowded on." Joon was certain of her appraisal.
Max smiled, "I'm pretty sure I will be okay, and I think this is more important."
Joon pursed her lips.
Vika nodded.
Max waived her hand gently and raised her arm.
Joon looked at Vika, then looked at Max... then she climbed on the bed and settled in.
Vika climbed up very carefully, across from Joon and looked at Max.
Max smiled, "Lay your head gently on the bandage."
Vika followed instruction.
"I know neither of you are comfortable at this moment; and I also know why." Max spoke quietly.
Joon's lower lip quivered...
"When we became a family, I was aware that it wasn't going to be perfect all the time. I am not going to demand you two shape up because I know that no matter how scared and frustrated you were... you both love each other... and I love you both."
Tears on both sides of Max fell while she was softly speaking. Vika looked into Joon's grass-green eyes, her elfin features marred with stress.
Joon saw the deep sadness in Vika's cobalt-blue eyes, her freckled forehead creased in pain.
"But I will tell you what I have been dreaming of... Seeing my two beautiful wives, kiss and make up." Max smiled at them, "I would really appreciate more than kisses... So I have sweet dreams tonight."
Joon smirked slightly, "You really are a naughty girl, my love."
Vika bit her lower lip and glanced at Joon.
Max smiled softly.
Joon slowly reached out and gently caressed Vika's cheek. "I am very sorry I said those terrible things to you Vika. I am sorry I threatened to throw you off the ship. I don't want to be upset with you."
Vika covered Joon's hand with her own, her eyes pleading, "I am very sorry I could not do more to protect Max. I wish I could have spared all of us from this. But trying to change big things always makes it much worse while small changes can make things better. I will try to put more faith in my family."
Joon nodded and sat up next to Max. "Come here please, Vika."
Vika also sat up and over Max, the two lovers kissed... and kept kissing... and Max moaned happily.
Joon glanced at Max, their eyes met, and Joon nodded in silent understanding.
Max pulled her leg up. Joon and Vika moved down and started undressing for Max.
Vika was panting with Joon while they were stripping down.
When they were both naked, they returned to kissing and Max was enjoying every second.
Joon lay Vika down at the foot of the bed with her head resting on Max's foot. Joon then mounted Vika's torso looking down the bed. Her little round ass in full view of Max's hungry eyes.
Joon lifted Vika's freckled legs and pulled them back and apart. She leaned forward and her large soft breasts were sandwiched between Vika's muscled thighs and resting on her abdomen.
Vika's velvety lips spread a little. Joon noticed the smaller woman was sopping wet... then she remembered how sweet she was and dove in.
Vika reacted with a gasp then a soft moan, then Joon wiggled her butt and Max reached down and lay her hand on herself. Half of her pussy was covered in dressing, but she rubbed herself anyways.
Max watched Joon lower her dampening pussy on to Vika's waiting mouth. Max gently raised Vika's head with her foot. It was just comfortable enough to hold it up, feeling she was a part of the experience.
Vika was grateful not to have to strain herself while servicing Joon, she would have to remember to thank Max afterwards.
Vika came twice. Joon soaked Vika's face. Then Max finally came... the effort in Max's climax was obvious. Vika and Joon cuddled back up with Max and they napped together for a while.
An hour later, Joon and Vika both awoke together one on each side of Max who was still sleeping. Joon carefully got up, making sure not to disturb Max and Vika did likewise.
Joon stared at her sleeping first wife as she lay quietly in the ICU. Agatha placed a comforting arm over her shoulders. "I wish I was buddies with Dr. Voss. She could mend Max easily..." Joon said, softly under her breath.
Agatha kissed her on the cheek, "I am sure she would, but the Lioness has many people to heal, and we are very far away from her."
Max woke many hours later and Agatha was quickly at her side in response to her emotions.
"How long did I sleep?" Max inquired.
Agatha smirked, "Fifteen hours."
"Ouch... I guess I needed it." Max nodded.
"The regen therapy is also supposed to take a lot out of you... the few times the doctors stopped by they seemed disappointed." Agatha reported.
"Did Joon approve?" Max looked curious.
Agatha smiled, "She said something like a Terran facility would have had better equipment, but she didn't disparage the procedure."
Max chuckled, "She did work in one of the highest rated T-Fed hospitals... I think she is a little spoiled."
The regen procedure used the natural healing of the patient's body and increased it. But results did vary by species. Max knew this. So, her limbs were not going to be grown back as it would have with a Slarmian.
Agatha kissed Max on her cheek, "It looks like you will be discharged tomorrow. The crew is looking forward to it."
Max smiled, "I am so lucky to have all of you. I can't imagine what it would be like if I were here alone."
Agatha gave Max a hug. Max's injuries were no longer throbbing, and her missing limbs were no longer sending her odd feedback or phantom pain.
The crew of the Deirdre were together for supper and Max's returning was the main topic of discussion. A close second was the shoot schedule of the music video. Joon had been practicing and working out her technique while discussing the cinematography with Astrid.
Since Joon and Vika kissed and made up, they were inseparable.
Astrid nodded to Agatha when they saw their shorter wives begin snogging at the galley table.
Agatha got closer to Astrid, "I am glad we are able to recover from this as a family." Agatha stated.
Astrid nodded and gently kissed Agatha, "I am too. We are far stronger together than apart."
Then Joon stopped... and looked at Vika, then at Astrid... then Agatha.
"I am temporarily in command..." Joon started, "So I am going to set a precedence."
Astrid, Agatha and Vika all waited for Joon's pronouncement. Holding their collective breaths.
"I want everyone to have at least one cross trained position, in addition to their regular duties." Joon pursed her lips. "Vika, you'll be trained on Piloting, Astrid on navigation... and Agatha will learn command..."
Joon glanced at Agatha.
Agatha nodded. "I will do my best, M'lady."
Joon blinked..."M'lady?"
Agatha nodded, "When the Captain is otherwise indisposed, you are the Mistress of the ship, and the Slarmians have started calling you "The Exquisite Lady Jooniper " So I think that title has already been afforded you.
Joon slowly nodded the corner of her mouth turning into a slight smirk.
Agatha smiled, "Max thinks it's a wonderful idea... and endorses 'Your' decision."
Joon beamed a full smile, "Alright ladies, let's get a look at our new stations."
Joon closed the holo-com... she had just finished a conversation with Ambassador Crinx. He was a politician and a statesperson; but he was also genuine, which was the secret of his success.
Max would be released from the hospital in the morning so Joon would have her morning full. But, she did agree to a lunch with Ambassadors Crinx and Zess... She would have preferred Max to attend, but realized she wouldn't be up for that.
Afternoon shoots would be a thing for the next number of days, until Astrid had gathered all the needed footage to her satisfaction.
Joon and Astrid worked out exactly what they were going for... and how they would put it together... it was exciting, in a non-lethal way, and that was something Joon was very appreciative of.
Max wouldn't be at the shoots, but she would be watching it in real time.
Joon thought about the offers from Crinx. He seemed truly intent on garnering Joon's good will.
She suspected Zess's influence, and the canny Dauzakai Ambassador's desire to lock in a 'music video' for her own people seemed to be the primary motivation... Joon would need to go over her catalog of popular songs to find a spiritual match for the Dauzakai.
Joon leaned back in her chair. She was in Medical, which doubled as the XO's office. But, as limited as Deirdre's size was she was happy to have it.
Agatha poked her head around the door frame, "A moment of your time, M'lady?"
Joon blinked, "Of course, my dear, how may I be of assistance?"
"I was wondering... if it would be out of line to make something delicious for our Slarmian pilot?" Agatha asked, her eyebrows raised.
Joon's face broke out in a huge smile, "That is an excellent idea Ag's. Teffa has been so very good to us... Go make her something to put a smile on her adorable snout." Joon finished with a giggle.
Around an hour later, Agatha was sitting in the cockpit of the Slarmian luxury transport that sat in its usual spot adjacent to the Deirdre.
Agatha held the polymer container that had contained nearly two dozen canoli: now there were five.
Teffa was in some kind of Slarmian sugar-high nirvana. After she tentatively sampled one, her bright yellow eyes had widened. She squealed in delight and proceeded to stuff herself with wanton abandon.
Agatha spent some time with her learning about her and her family while also picking up interesting factoids about Slarmian family life, culture, and what being a Slarmian was like.
Teffa had been a pilot for the Staverka Flight Pool for around Six years when she was chosen at random for this assignment. She had no Idea what it would entail.
Teffa was very glad she was chosen. Even though Commissioner Umix was intimidating, she really liked the crew of the Deirdre and felt terrible Max had suffered those injuries. But she felt Max was the closest thing to a true hero she would ever know.
Agatha gave some insight on Max. How generous and caring she was and that she was just a human and that humans came in all kinds of flavors, just like Slarmians.
Teffa listened with rapt attention, she nodded and smiled.
Agatha liked her smile. Some humans thought Slarmians were just eel-people and were gross and unappealing but, like so many species, they came in different flavors too.
Max sat in the repulser chair. Her arm was in her lap and she had a mildly amused look on her face.
Joon, along with Agatha and 'Una', had gently secured Max in the chair... It was custom made for Max by Astrid in her workshop... and as much as Max loved Astrid, it felt like being strapped to a torture device.
"We don't want you to fall out," Joon had said, as she cinched down the strap, with a little gleam in her eye.
Max and Joon had thanked the doctors and staff that had been there for Max and departed the hospital.
Teffa flew them back to the Deirdre where she got out and helped Max and her crew with the ramp... making sure they got in okay.
Max thanked her with a smile and a wink.
An hour later The Exquisite Lady Jooniper along with Agatha and Una emerged. Teffa popped the passenger door so her clients could get in.
These humans didn't feel like clients anymore. They had become too important to Teffa who now realized they were more like honored guests of Staverka and the Slarmian people.
Agatha tapped on the tinted polymer privacy screen... Teffa lowered it and looked back.
"You can keep this down, Teffa... We don't mind you joining in our conversations."
Teffa blinked in surprise.
Joon asked a question in Terran and Agatha translated:
"Joon wanted to know if there were any good clothing shops in Staverka, she wants something that looks Slarmian to wear for the holo-vid we will be shooting." Agatha asked with a smile.
Teffa thought about it for a minute, "There is a place I know of; but I can't afford to shop there. It is very expensive."
Agatha told Joon and Joon responded.
Agatha turned back. "She says great, we'll go there, and you're coming with us."
Teffa's eyes grew wide, "Are you sure? I mean, great! I would be honored."
Teffa's two hearts were beating like they did the night of the attack.
"It's okay, Teffa, "Agatha said in soothing Slarmian, "We want you to enjoy yourself."
Teffa settled down just a little while on the flight to the quiet boutique.
They landed with textbook precision in a quiet cul-de-sac in an old shopping district.
The passenger cabin doors opened. Agatha got out, scanning the perimeter. Una emerged, walking to the corner of the transport and also got a look at the area.
The boutique was nestled in a quiet corner of Staverka. Agatha saw a small number of Slarmians moving along the thoroughfare. Some gazing curiously at Agatha, but not stopping their steady progress.
Agatha felt confident of their relative safety and put out her hand towards the passenger door opening. Joon reached out and took that hand as Agatha helped her exit the vehicle.
Jooniper was wearing an understated but elegant dark green dress and she wore her comfortable cork heels.
Teffa unsealed the cockpit and slithered out, pulling out a small remote. Teffa then closed and locked the transport.
Joon walked right over to her and, and with a smile, held out her hand.
Teffa blinked and cautiously put her top left hand in Joon's right.
Joon said something and smiled.
Agatha translated, "I'm in your hands now, let's go shopping!"
Max lay on the large bed of the CQ. Her thoughts were... difficult.
She wore only her boy-shorts panties.
Max tried to put on her sports bra but failed to get it to lay right, so she just pulled it off.
She wished she could run... she had energy to burn, but...
Max had never wanted to perform the kata so bad in her life...
She decided to just do what she could with what she had.
Max sat up and rolled to the edge of the bed, she swung her leg around and put it on the soft Shock-lite floor... it felt good on her bare foot.
Max gingerly stood, her balance was shit now, so she hopped until she could catch it.
"I did have to get opposite sides..." Max sighed.
Max took a deep breath, and slowly did a squat... It took all of her concentration.
She did five more... she could start to feel her muscles protest...
She did five more... and she was done... her thigh was burning nicely.
Max sat on the edge of the bed as she contemplated what to do next.
She didn't know why... but she looked out the CQ door...
Vika was in the corridor watching her; no telling for how long.
"Are you going to just keep an eye on me, or will you be joining me?" Max asked with a smile.
Vika softly walked through the door... her tiny bare feet making hardly a sound.
She sat next to Max on the bed. Her legs dangling.
Max smooched her and she smiled.
The tall human eased off the bed and kneeled. Again her balance was shit, so she fell forward. Her arm went out in front of her, but she wasn't used to the new balance and crumpled sideways... right on her mangled shoulder.
Max gasped as the pain bloomed.
She lay on the floor and rolled onto her back until her vision cleared.
"Best teacher..." Max said out loud in sarcasm.
Max glanced at Vika who was watching her the whole time with no expression.
"You could always laugh at me." Max smirked.
Vika tilted her head to the side and raised one eyebrow.
Max looked at Vika, "Okay, okay, I get it, you're just here to make sure I don't kill myself..."
"I know you won't... I know you will keep trying until you succeed... I am here so you are not alone." Vika said softly.
Max swallowed. "I appreciate that."
"I know you do..." Vika smirked, "and when you succeed in doing twenty push-ups, I will help you take a shower... and give you orgasms after I wash you."
Max blinked, her mind previewing the scene in her head.
"Twenty, huh?" Max smiled.
Vika smiled in response.
Max did eventually do twenty push-ups. The last one was kind of rough.
Vika helped Max into the bathroom. She insisted Max use her shoulder to lean on... It was surprisingly effective.
Vika removed Max's panties and sat her on a corner bench.
She then stripped down and washed her tall wife. She was thorough and gentle.
After Vika was satisfied Max was clean, she pulled her wife to the edge of the seat then proceeded to bury her cute freckled face into Max's pussy.
Vika's technique was insistent and attentive...Making her Captain-wife climax three times... She seemed to have stamina for days.
Vika was just able to get Max back into bed after she was patted dry.
Crawling into the bed next to her, they both took a nap.
Jooniper Smith sashayed across the very fancy restaurant, she wore a shimmering Slarmian dress that was tailored for her physique. Her silent and intimidating bodyguards flowed effortlessly in her wake.
As Joon approached the table that Ambassadors Crinx and Zess were occupying, Crinx rose to greet her. "Ah, Crinx welcomes The Exquisite Lady Jooniper. Your fashion is so exceptional today. Please join us."
Agatha and 'Una' acknowledged their Slarmian counterparts with courteous nods as they faded into the background. There had been a quiet communicae between the Staverka Diplomatic Security Services with Agatha and 'Una'.
When it was discovered that Lady Jooniper's bodyguards had stepped up to fulfill the duties of the fallen professionals, the reputations of the two bodyguards were elevated by the normally implacable SDSS. Not only did they not complain about these particular armed foreign nationals, they welcomed and admired their prowess and professionalism.
Joon smiled at the two Ambassadors. Zess nodded to her and added, "That dress is magnificent, Joon. I am quite jealous. My color doesn't agree with that silk."
Joon seated herself on one of the two chairs in the restaurant as she thanked Zess for the compliment.
"I was looking for something to wear in the holo-vid." Joon glanced at Crinx
His reaction was unmistakable. He smiled and nodded, "Crinx thinks your presentation is perfect."
Joon looked over the offerings of the chef and she chose her preference, making sure it was safe for humans.
Zess and Crinx continued discussing the cultural aspects of their people and how, through Joon, they could improve appreciation of their cultures in an attempt to increase tourism and trade.
It turns out not only was her choice safe for humans, it was also delicious.
Joon now became aware that she was in a position to participate, however slightly, in shaping trade within the Minor Empires and the Terran Federation.
"What do you think, Joon?" Zess turned her attention to her.
Joon pursed her lips in thought, "I am not very well versed in the trade of the Minor Empires, but I am a consumer in the Federation. I can tell you, there are potential markets there for any number of your products, and perhaps it might be worth looking into."
Zess turned to Crinx, "I did sssay sshe would be a good guide for thiss thinking, asss an artissst sshe has no need to judge our governmentss..."
Joon thought Zess was being a little obtuse... perhaps it was just a front, as Joon knew just how clever she was.
The rest of the lunch was delightful, and the conversation was interesting.
"Crinx begs Your Excellency and The Exquisite Lady's forgiveness. Crinx has a meeting that he must attend. Please, Zess, stay as long as you wish. This lunch is on Crinx." Ambassador Crinx rose and bowed to his guests.
After he and his security departed, Zess leaned closer to Joon, "I admire you, Joon. I can only imagine how a talented artisst and gifted caregiver could be in ssuch a complex ssituation."
Joon's hackles rose, but she didn't react... Then she slowly glanced at Zess.
Zess quietly added, "Don't be alarmed... I am ssure your government iss aware of my governmentss operativess as well... and I honesstly have no dessire to upsset your work."
Joon nodded softly, "I am glad you are so... Encouraging."
"I really do like your plan, with the holo-vidsss, I can definitely work with thisss." Zess smiled.
She continued, with an even quieter tone, "I would happily recommend your promotion to the diplomatic corpss... when the time comess."
Joon blinked, and replied as quietly, "Thank you, Your Excellency, I appreciate your appraisal."
"Now..." Ambassador Zess of the Dauzakai said in a lighter and louder tone, "Letsss sssee what kindsss of desssertsss we can sssample together."
Astrid was double checking her remotes, she knew they performed flawlessly in the paparazzi at the horrific event and were instrumental in the arrest of the six co-conspirators, one of whom was in the paparazzi.
It turns out that one member of the security at the ministry was the informant and they used her documentary footage to find them all.
But Astrid still kept running her diagnostics. She had a duty to her family and that justified her perfectionism.
The program beeped... Astrid was ready to go.
Agatha was walking down the corridor as Astrid was emerging from engineering.
"Hey, you..." Astrid smiled.
Agatha beamed a smile in response, "Hi, cutie."
"Do we have an ETA on our Mistress?" Astrid asked, her mouth curling into a smile at Joon's new moniker.
"She just finished demolishing a dessert with Ambassador Zess, so, fifteen to twenty perhaps." Agatha estimated.
Astrid looked at nothing for a moment, "Will she need downtime from lunch?"
"Would you like me to ask her?" Agatha inquired.
Astrid smirked, "Nah... I'm just antsy about doing the shoot."
Agatha smiled, "The Exquisite Lady Jooniper has expanded her wardrobe to include a fabulous Slarmian styled dress, custom tailored for her just this morning."
Astrid's expression was delightful, "Oh, goodness! Now I am really antsy about doing the shoot."
They both giggled, then Agatha said, "I'm going to check on our napping spouses, care to join me?"
Astrid just nodded and they quietly went into the CQ.
Max was laying on her right side and Vika was spooned up in front of her longer wife, her head on a pillow that Max's arm encircled.
Max's long leg was around Vika's shorter ones, Max had her nose buried in Vika's dreads.
Seeing them together brought Astrid and Agatha together in a soft embrace.
"I really love our family." Astrid whispered.
Agatha whispered back, "Me too."
The song that Joon had chosen for the Slarmian holo-vid was popular after it's individual halves were combined, though they were written in separate centuries a long time ago.
Zeralyst Fuge was in reality a gimmick song. Composers Zera Milpova and Hans Frances Lyst lived two centuries apart yet wrote two not dissimilar delightful songs.
It was Dr. David Silverman, a mathematics professor, who, on a challenge from his students, wrote an arrangement to combine the two pieces of music.
It became so popular and stayed so popular because it was surprisingly simple and catchy.
It was a challenge for a single musician to learn and play it and it was one of Joon's favorites.
The theory behind the holo-vid was to blend a number of performances into a whole and early on Joon suggested breaking up the main theme to follow the four stanzas.
So, the Lyst side of the fuge needed to be decided and it was a foregone conclusion it had to be the bazaar.
The top four cultural attractions would fill in the different stanzas of the Zera, and Joon would walk slowly through them while being at the bazaar in between stanzas.
Each stanza was around a minute and the balance of Lyst and Zera perfectly laced throughout the arrangement and became a mathematical expression in music.
Joon and Astrid shot an hour of the slow walking instrumental at the bazaar. They chose the busiest sections which included the permanent shops, galleries, and eateries along the edge of the bazaar.
Slarmians were in every moment of the recording, along with every species Joon had ever heard of; and some she hadn't.
The first day of shooting was a resounding success, and exhausting...
Max stretched as she woke from her nap. The small woman sleeping with her grunted and looked up sleepily.
Agatha was standing at the foot of the massive bed, watching her wives.
Vika smiled at Agatha and nodded.
Agatha raised an eyebrow... "I assume you know..."
Vika smiled again, "She is all yours."
Max glance at them in turn... "What's going on?"
Vika cupped Max's cheek and smiled.
Max lay down and Vika got up... She started to dress in a set of Joon's BDUs.
Agatha sat on the edge of the bed, looking over Max's nude body.
Max felt an edge to the appraisal, Agatha wasn't smiling.
"I am hesitant to ask..." Max stated.
Vika smooched Max and then Agatha and left the CQ.
Agatha tapped her chin with her finger... it was cute.
"So, the deep thoughts are?" Max asked with her eyebrow raised.
Agatha lay down on the bed and told her wife her idea.
"I think I might be able to... repair you..."
Max gawked, "What?"
Agatha looked into Max's eyes.
Max just stared... "How?"
Agatha smiled, "Using my body chemistry."
Max blinked, "Have you spoken to Joon about this?"
"I have not." Agatha replied.
"How will it work?" Max asked curiously.
Agatha pursed her lips, "I don't know yet..."
Max's eyes went wide, "You want to experiment on me?"
Agatha nodded, "Yes."
Max's face was shocked, "Will it kill me?"
"No, I won't do anything that will injure you." Agatha responded kindly.
Max stared off into nothing, "I can't tell you what kind of gift that would be."
Agatha nodded, "So I take it you're interested?"
Max looked at her incredulously, "Of course I am, this is a horrible condition."
Agatha nodded, "I will talk to Joon and Astrid then... Vika, of course, already knows."
Max nodded, "Of course she does..."
"Wait... If Vika knew you were going to ask... then she knows I will agree, and Joon will most likely agree, even if it takes some convincing, and I don't see Astrid being against it..."
Max was staring off into nothing, she then looked at Agatha again, and Vika knows I will have thought those things...
"Yes, I will agree to your mad alien experiments!" Max smirked.
Agatha smiled, "I will prepare..."
"Wait!..." Max's eyes grew wide, "This isn't going to hurt... Right?"
Agatha drew closer her eyes dancing, "You already agreed, you are in my sinister clutches, silly human."
Agatha smooched Max's cheek.
Max started crying...
Agatha pulled her tall crippled wife into a gentle hug and whispered soft comforting words.
Joon could think of no reason why Agatha couldn't try it, as long as Max wouldn't be in pain, or become more injured Joon was on board... She did have one stipulation, she wanted to watch.
Astrid thought it was totally worth trying. She knew Max was having a bad time of it... and was willing to try anything.
An hour later, the entire Deirdre crew was in the CQ.
Ten Agatha's stripped down and got on the bed, laying on their bellies side by side. Five on either side of Max.
Joon, Astrid and Vika watched closely, all holding each other and barely breathing.
The eleventh Agatha stood nude at Max's foot, and gently climbed on top of her.
"I don't know how long this will take, but I need you to relax and close your eyes... We will need to dream together." The Agatha laying on Max softly spoke.
Max nodded. Agatha then kissed her deeply and after the kiss she moved down a little and laid her head sideways on Max's chest.
Max closed her eyes, trying to let herself relax; which was quite difficult with the Adrenalin coursing through her system.
Max felt soothing waves. A gentle, relaxing current carried her along.
Max saw those eyes, Agatha's eyes.
She was looking up at Max, sitting in her lap.
Max held her close and gave her head skritchens while she purred.
Agatha looked deep into Max's soul and finding the information she needed she realized it was simple, so easy.
The pure undiluted emotions of love, admiration, trust, and support gave her all she needed.
It was magnificent, wondrous, and indescribable...
Three hours later:
Max opened her eyes...
"How do you feel?" Agatha asked.
Max felt a little different... but, good.
Joon, Astrid and Vika stood at the foot of the bed, not a dry eye among them.
"Oh, Max..." Joon said softly.
Joon's voice sounded happy and sad.
"What happened?" Max asked trying to sit up... then stared at her left hand.
A bed full of Agatha all looked at Max with a smile.
Ten smiling faces...
Joon bit her lip.
Max looked at her new right leg, her new left arm, "It worked...?"
Joon spoke, "There was a price..."
Max stared at the closest Agatha to her right, "What does she mean? What price?"
Agatha looked sad for a moment, then smiled. " I decided you needed a hand."
Max stared at her
Joon spoke, "Medical."
It was not a suggestion.
When Max walked to medical, Astrid squinted at her... "You're taller."
Joon stopped and looked up, "Oh... My..."
Max lay on the medical table. Its automatic scanners mapping her entire body.
Max had indeed grown ten centimeters and gained nineteen kilos.
Joon had run four different tests... and was looking them over with Agatha.
Astrid and Vika watched from the doorway.
Joon looked at Agatha, "Are you sure?"
Agatha nodded, "I just used most of the information available: it's not hard, it's all right there."
Max sat up and blinked, "Most?"
Agatha turned to Max and nodded, "I don't know why... but you don't use all of it."
Joon snarked a giggle... and her eyes sparkled.
"So, am I okay? Can you tell me what you found out?" Max's eyed them both.
Joon nodded, "Agatha used one of her selves... and rebuilt you... but she didn't just replace your limbs."
Max looked worried, "Please explain..."
Joon drew very close to Max, "She has somehow augmented your body with her own... on the molecular level.
Max thought about that... She tried real hard to picture the result.
Joon kissed Max on the cheek, "You are now armored with Agatha."
Max looked at Agatha and her jaw dropped open.
Agatha walked around the table and explained how most of the body she used was now laced through Max... she had regrown her limbs, but also reinforced her cells...
"It wasn't hard. You had all the information for me to do it." Agatha smiled.
Max blinked, "You said 'most' before."
Agatha blinked, "Oh right... You don't use a little bit of the information I found."
Joon giggled.
"What do you mean? ... Like what?" Max looked perplexed.
Joon turned and pulled Agatha to her before she could answer. Then whispered something in her ear.
Agatha blinked a few times. "I don't see why not... Would Max enjoy that?"
Joon laughed, "I'm pretty sure everyone would."
Agatha turned to Vika and Astrid... after a few moments they both nodded with enthusiasm.
Agatha looked at Max.
Max eyed all of them, back and forth. "What is it? What am I missing here?"
Joon's face was very naughty. "Max... If you are willing to consider it..."
Max looked exasperated, "Just say it."
Joon leveled her most endearing gaze at Max, "We want you to grow a penis."
Max did not say a word, she just stared into nothing.
After a full minute Joon started to worry.
Max blinked. "In addition to... Not in place of?"
Joon beamed a smile. "Correct, my love."
Agatha glanced at Joon.
Joon looked back at her. "No, I want Max..."
Agatha nodded and smiled.
Max blinked again. "What about testicles?"
Joon shrugged. "Do we need them? Are you planning on pregnancies?"
Max frowned. "Good point..."
Astrid cut in. "What about cum?"
Agatha thought about it... then looked at Joon.
Joon nodded.
"I have the ejaculate covered, Astrid." Agatha smiled.
Astrid looked hopeful, "Can we make it taste good?"
Joon giggled. "Like a dessert?"
Astrid got all starry eyed. "Oh yes. A nice, thick, sweet, creamy... Vanilla Creme Brulee."
Agatha, Joon, Vika and Max all looked at Astrid.
Astrid looked back with a cute little smile. "It... Makes a big difference."
Agatha nodded, "I will do my best, for the family."
Max pursed her lips... "What size?"
Agatha tapped her chin.
Astrid smiled a crooked grin.
Joon only blinked
Vika said quietly. "Please, not too big"
Joon nodded to Vika. "Comfortable..."
Max looked at every one of her wives in turn. All of them looked hopeful.
Max nodded. "Okay... I'll do it."
Max insisted on making Stroganoff for dinner. Agatha assisted.
Max glanced at Agatha.
She raised an eyebrow and glanced back.
Max seemed to struggle, then asked. "Do you miss her?"
Agatha looked at Max with understanding, "She didn't leave."
Max looked uncomfortable. "Didn't it make you... Less?"
"Actually, no." Agatha replied. "I didn't lose any bandwidth. You are adding to that now."
Max thought about that. "So, am I part of you now?... Am I not Max anymore?"
Agatha tilted her head and bumped her hip into Max's hip.
"Did you feel that coming?" Agatha raised an eyebrow.
Max shook her head. "No, I didn't"
"Then you are still you. However, I can taste you absolutely now..." Agatha nodded.
Max gazed at Agatha.
Agatha turned and gazed back.
Max could feel... Something.
Agatha nodded. "It's there, we should be able to make it grow..."
Max nodded.
Then Agatha added... "After the penis."
They both giggled.
The Crew sat down to a late dinner. The conversations revolved around the holo-vid and how lovely the reactions to it were...
Staverka Police gave them a respectful distance. But, there was no doubt the dozens of uniformed police who watched over the bazaar video shoot were not going to have their Exquisite Lady Jooniper put in harms way.
Agatha commented that the Staverka authorities even added her to the coms-network.
Max was hugely relieved, being that, during the time she should have been monitoring the feed from the shoot, she was unconscious with Vika.
Joon beamed a smile at them both. "I'm glad she wore you out."
"She did. "Max grinned. "I think she wanted to make a point."
Astrid looked intrigued. "What point is that?"
Max smirked. "Something about good things and small packages."
Vika smiled at Max. "As long as the package is just big enough, I will be happy."
Everyone laughed.
"So... I'm going to assume from now on I will get all the penis jokes from all of you?" Max inquired.
Joon put her hand in Max's. "That's not it, sweetheart. We all know you're doing this for us."
Max glanced at Agatha.
"Nope, I asked. "Agatha said, "Joon was adamant... She wanted you to have it... Just you."
Joon's face heated up.
Max gazed into Joon's grass-green eyes. "I remember the day I realized how much I loved you."
"Archery range, after my last pub-gig." Joon said. As she gazed into Max's soft-brown eyes.
Max gently brushed the elfin cheek of her wife with the back of her hand. "You said you loved me for me, not my plumbing."
Joon nodded. "I still do. But, if you can have all the plumbing? Why not take it?"
Max replied softly. "As you wish, my sweet princess."
Vika, Astrid and Agatha all sighed together, looking at their senior wives with romantic eyes.
"I am hoping that my wives will be willing to help me figure out how to use it." Max said with a little apprehension.
Astrid smirked. "I think we might be persuaded on occasion."
Max and Agatha cleared the table. And Max washed the dishes.
The five women made their way to the CQ, washed up, and got into bed.
Agatha went over a few minor details with Max. Mostly, specific plumbing connections.
Joon was able to comment directly on the medical relevance and hygienics.
Astrid and Vika were also willing to advise, based on their own experience with male anatomy.
Having all the necessary parameters for Max's impending new appendage, the four Agathas gave her wives a slow sensuous kiss. And for the first time, Agatha was with all of her wives simultaneously... And brought each of them to a delicious climax before sleep.
Max was slowly waking from an exceptional dream... As she was going over the dream in her mind, she felt an odd sensation; it was a cross between a dull ache and a full bladder.
Max slipped her hand down her tummy to rub herself, to explore this sensation.
Her hand encountered something on the way to her vulva, it felt stiff as her index and middle fingers went around it and impeded her progress.
The pressure she felt was suddenly punctuated with a small shock of pleasure as her hand recoiled slightly and she explored the new sensations.
In just moments she had her hand wrapped around it. It was very warm, somewhat flexible, and oddly stiff.
She realized the pressure sensation was from it being erect. She concluded that it wasn't too bad a feeling, just different than what she was used to.
Max gently stroked her new member... and she felt a crackle of pleasure.
She was slightly intimidated but did not stop... and the crackle became stronger.
Max explored this new pleasure. But she soon realized its insistence was palpable. Like a feedback loop.
She could feel the need to thrust into her fist: so she did, just a little.
Max increased the pressure of her hand... The sensation was delicious, and she found the throbbing matched her heartbeat, just like her clitoris did.
Then everything changed, as someone wormed their way between her legs and a pair of very small hands took over.
Max finally opened her eyes and looked down. Cobalt-blue stared back at her.
Neither of them said a word, but Vika seemed to know exactly what to do. She was gentle but insistent. Her small strong hands worked the new organ like they were old friends.
Max leaned back and felt this unfamiliar rush of pleasure.
Vika was not interested in using her hands for long. Max was hard, and she was soaked.
Max's eyes snapped open as Vika straddled her hips. She grabbed the throbbing cock and positioned it at her entrance and slowly worked it in.
Gently holding her hips, Max saw Vika's smile as she licked her lips.
The velvety wet vagina felt amazing. Max gasped as Vika stared into her eyes while adding her weight.
It was all Vika's continuous effort. Her face showed her concentration.
There was a moment where Max felt a jarring, and Vika winced. Then, she slowly slid down fully on to Max's new, very happy penis.
Vika panted and laid down on Max's chest. She wiggled her hips and Max gently thrust up into her.
Max slid her hands across Vika's rippled back and down to her ass. She cupped those adorable sculpted cheeks. As her hands gripped them, Vika moaned.
Vika began to grind herself on Max. Letting her thrust deep inside.
Max used her legs to push up. Giving her purchase for continued thrusts.
Vika assisted in this effort by using her legs to crouch above; giving Max all the room she needed to bury her seven inches into Vika's tight pussy over and over.
Both of them lost their virginity in the same act.
By this time it was very obvious the entire bedroom was filled with spectators to Max's new appendage, and Vika's use of it.
Joon and Agatha watched with interest. Seeing how Max was pounding their tiny wife from below. Her blue eyes glazed over now that her passage was in use, and the deep sensations that came with it.
Astrid closely observed that Max and Vika's coupling had gotten everyone excited. And various fingers had found places to rub.
Then it happened. Max thrust hard, then again, and again. She finally collapsed with Vika gasping on top of her.
In response, the other occupants of the bed finished themselves off. Now with happy smiles they drug Max and Vika into the showers...
Max was a little wobbly but recovered quickly. The rinse was necessary as Vika's first time left a crimson sheen; but it wasn't traumatic for either of the participants.
Max was faced with a dilemma...
Agatha smiled. "Would you like me to show you what I did?"
Max looked at Agatha. Her weak smile made her look overwhelmed.
Agatha positioned Max on the toilet. Her half-hard penis dangling.
"Your bladder is now connected to your spiffy new friend." Agatha smiled.
Joon added. "Urine will flush-out any ejaculate left and sanitize the urethra."
Max smirked as she started to pee. A delightful sensation followed, and she commented on it.
Astrid nodded. "That is definitely a thing."
Vika was sitting on the toilet to Max's left. Her feet now supported by a polymer riser surrounding the fixture.
Max's eyes met Vika's. "Are you okay?" Max gazed at her. Hoping she wasn't upset.
Vika beamed a smile. Her face showed relief. "It was wonderful. I had been looking forward to that for a very long time."
Max was also relieved. She suspected not many families could have this kind of discussion while sitting on the toilet.
Joon was standing on the step washing up when Vika joined her.
"I sincerely hope you are not upset with me, Mistress." Vika said to Joon's reflection.
Joon smirked and laid her hand on Vika's firm little ass. "No, I am not. I had a feeling you were going to do that when you requested 'not too big' yesterday.
Vika giggled. "Largath penises can be over two feet in length."
Joon paled. She shook her head slowly. "I don't even want to think about it."
They both giggled, and stepped down. Making their way to the cargo hold.
Astrid openly watched Max's penis in the mirror while they were at the sink, her mind wandering.
"So, I take it you approve?" Max inquired of the thin platinum-blonde.
Astrid smiled. "I do. It's nicer than Roger's, and it's attached to you. I very much approve."
She smiled at Max, turned, and sashayed away. Obviously showing her appreciation with her graceful steps.
Max tried very hard to concentrate on the kata, but there seemed to be a few additional factors since she last performed it.
She didn't notice any tangible differences with her newly regrown limbs. She did notice that there was no strain at all... not even a little.
Her penis was a little distracting. It dangled between her legs, smacking her thighs occasionally during the quick stance shifts and especially the scissor kick.
Much to her wives' credit, they only smiled and kept going.
Now, the showers after the morning kata... were an entirely different story.
Max wasn't allowed to do a single thing. Four Agatha, Joon, Astrid, and Vika, took turns stroking, kissing, licking, and in Astrid's case... deep throating, Max's erect cock.
Joon and Vika wanted to learn the technique immediately and made a go at trying it, only to be dissuaded by a gag reflex.
Astrid confessed she had learned it with a toy she had after she left Roger and shared that the gag reflex could be conditioned with practice.
Then Joon dragged Max to a corner bench and had her stand in front of her while she sat.
Making her tall wife spread her legs to lower her height and give Joon access to her, she began to suck her cock together with fingering her pussy.
Her left hand encircled the base of Max's shaft and her left thumb gently rubbed the clit found just under the shaft's base.
Joon had two long dexterous fingers in Max's vagina, gently rubbing the forward edge of her flexing tunnel.
Max was beside herself... The new sensations overlaid the old reliable ones. Mounting tidal forces rose with crackling electricity. A perfect storm had rolled in on Max's already ravaged coast.
Joon rubbed Max's g-spot more insistently and a bolt of pure lightning ran up Max's spine as her eyes crossed and her hands gripped the hold bars.
The impressive member in Joon's small mouth began to twitch hard and the resulting liquid was viscous and creamy. It did indeed have a sweet vanilla flavor so Joon sucked on Max like pulling a milkshake through a straw.
Max filled her mouth three times and Joon looked up into Max's eyes while she swallowed.
The day crew had watched the display like cats watching a bird. Astrid bit her lip, staring at the dribble on Joon's chin.
Joon glanced at her, then motioned to her.
Astrid's eyes grew large as she knelt down behind Max.
Joon pulled Astrid's face forward between Max's spread legs and kissed her deeply sharing a mouthful of the sweet creamy cum.
Max was still holding on to the grab bars as she eased her leg around Astrid and knelt down, too.
Joon also reached out and pulled Max in for a deep kiss.
Max had to admit, it did make a difference. It wasn't creme Brule, but it was not that far off either... and it came out of her... What a thrill!
The deep kissing was infectious, and everyone got a taste of Max.
Everyone was very happy with Max's choice of multiplying her capabilities.
Max felt amazing. She and her crew dried off and dressed in the CQ
Joon was already thinking about the afternoon's shoot. She wanted to chat with Agatha in private... She had some questions.
Breakfast consisted of a Sausage, Egg and Chives Scramble, with Muffins and Jam.
Max had two helpings. Everyone smiled at their Captain's appetite.
Astrid asked Vika what she was going to do today.
Vika said she was going to work out, then practice her windblades.
Agatha perked up. "Windblades?"
Vika nodded "Traditional Skerawk throwing weapons. I was taught by a master and earned the right to carry them."
Agatha and Astrid both stared at their tiny wife.
Astrid said. "Well, I just have to see that!"
Agatha nodded in agreement.
Joon faced Max. "So what were you going to do today?"
Max thought for a moment. "I'm... going to test my limits some..."
Joon nodded. "Just don't hurt yourself."
Max stood up and started clearing the table.
Agatha smiled and joined her.
Joon smooched Max and Agatha. "I'll be in Medical...." She glanced at Agatha who nodded.
Astrid and Vika went to the CQ and an Agatha followed.
In the kitchen, Agatha looked at Max. "Do you like it?"
"Like what, sweetheart?" Max blinked.
"Being whole again..."Agatha smiled.
Max stopped immediately and turned to Agatha. Her eyes watery with sudden emotion. "It is the single greatest thing anyone has ever done for me."
Agatha hugged Max. "I never want to see you hurt so badly again..." She looked up at Max. "You gave me a life with you. One of safety, support, mutual understanding, and love."
"You said you would be there for me, always." Max kissed the top of Agatha's head.
Agatha squeezed Max and then stepped back. "I will be, for a long time."
Max turned back to the dishes, thinking to herself. She then closed her eyes and gently pushed that little thing in her mind.
"Oh!" Agatha said out loud. "That was excellent... Keep doing that! Practice!"
Max smiled and continued washing dishes.
Joon pulled up the Medical Archive again. Delving into Dauzakai physiology.
She was scrolling slowly noting the illustrations, when Joon spotted an Agatha peeking around the corner of her doorway.
Joon waved her in. Motioning for her to close the door.
Agatha looked worried as she turned around.
"Oh, stop that." Joon smirked. "You are the best thing to ever happen to Max and I. Astrid too, I imagine... Vika... well the jury is still out on Vika."
Agatha smiled.
"Now come here, I want to cuddle with you while we talk." Joon had a tinge of the XO in her voice. But Agatha would have obeyed her regardless.
The taller girl thought about sitting in Joon's lap, but instead knelt down and rested her torso on Joon's legs and laid her head on Joon's bosom.
"Hmm... Okay, that will work, too." Joon smiled.
She was wearing her green jumper and mahogany skirt with matching socks and chunky trainers.
Agatha was ship shape in BDU's
"Okay, I am not going to give you a hard time. I just need to know why?" Joon started.
Agatha looked up at her. "Why what, Mistress?"
Joon smiled at the title. "Why you made Max's cum addictive?"
"Oh..." Agatha bit her lower lip. "Well, I wanted to encourage Astrid, Vika and You to consume it at every opportunity."
"I gathered that part. Please, tell me why?" Joon stroked Agatha's head and she purred softly.
Agatha broke the purring to say, "Max's cum has some of me in it. When you swallow it, I can armor you as well."
Joon nodded while listening. "You are trying to fill us with your essence and give us the same trellised network as you gave Max?"
"Yes. "Agatha nodded, "I don't want to wait until you are hurt, and try and fix you like with Max. I don't want to go through that again. It was terrifying."
Joon hugged Agatha close. "You and I are in agreement. I don't want to go through that again either."
Agatha looked at Joon. "So what do you think of the penis?"
Joon giggled. "I have to admit, I am really looking forward to getting fucked... I know that makes me a bad lesbian. But I fell in love with Max, not her plumbing."
"When I first peeked into Max's dreams, I didn't understand there were two sexes for humans. Max explained it to me later: you and Agatha, her cat, were who I based my form on." Agatha explained. "Now that I know what the sexes are and have a more complete picture of humanity, I like this family just the way it is."
Joon leveled a naughty elfin grin. "Do you like the penis?"
Agatha smiled. "I look forward to experiencing it. It is also a new way to pleasure Max, which I never tire of doing."
"You and me both sister." Joon bit her lip. "Damn... now I'm horny."
Agatha leaned back off of Joon's lap. "Please Mistress, allow me to help you with that."
Joon's grass-green eyes grew wide and dilated. "Oh, what a marvelous suggestion my dear."
Agatha reached both arms under Joon's skirt. With gentle hands she slowly removed Joon's tiny bikini panties. Agatha immediately buried her nose in the panties. Her silver cat-like eyes dilated.
"Damn, that's hot." Joon muttered quietly.
Agatha carefully eased Joon's skirt up. Joon in turn slid forward exposing her bare, nude sex.
With Agatha's help Joon raised her legs in the air. Then Agatha started licking Joon's delicate and delicious pussy. Her eyes never left Joon's face as she watched every micro expression.
Agatha was able to craft a long, soft, and magnificent climax for her Mistress.
Max and Vika warmed up. Stretching out in the cargo hold.
Astrid was examining Vika's long coat with the metal inserts.
Agatha smiled, watching her wives.
Vika moved the makeshift ramshackle target she had brought with her.
Max helped her set it up at the aft end of the cargo hold.
Astrid helped Vika put on the coat.
Calling it a coat would be generous. On Vika it was a knee length vest.
Max got on the treadmill... She started running at a leisurely pace.
Vika pointed at her targets. Three composite disks made from corrugated layers of some kind of plant fiber.
She made a subtle move... and a quick hand wave.
Th-th-thunk...
There was a blade embedded in each target.
Astrid's jaw dropped. "How..?"
Vika smiled. "Practice..."
Agatha observed... carefully.
Vika did a few moves from the kata.
Th-thunk.. Th-thunk...
"That is amazing..." Astrid beamed a smile. "Like... sleight of hand."
Agatha smiled and nodded.
Astrid crouched down and looked at the coat, the metal inserts... a few were missing now.
"Can I see one?" Astrid looked up hopefully.
Vika nodded, and with a smooth motion she held out her hand.
Across her hand was a delicate metal blade. There was no handle, just a sharp side and a dull side.
Vika showed Astrid how to hold the blade correctly.
"Oh... it's so light!" Astrid examined it closely, noting its' aerodynamic shape.
Vika smiled, "This set was gifted to me by the Master who taught me."
Astrid glanced up from her crouched stance, "Would it be okay if I analyzed it?"
"Of course, Astrid... I expect you will record its' dimensions as well." Vika replied.
Astrid slowly stood. Handling the blade carefully. "I like being thorough."
Vika smiled as Astrid carefully walked to engineering.
Agatha watched Astrid leave and then she glanced at Max, who was still steadily running.
"Agatha..." Vika began. Agatha turned to face her and smiled. "Let me guess. I need to learn how to use windblades."
Vika nodded. "And Ca'tagri knife fighting."
Agatha pursed her lips. "You're not going to tell me why..."
It wasn't a question. Vika just smiled.
Vika spent twenty minutes showing the basic, intermediate and advanced windblade techniques to Agatha.
Then Astrid returned with the blade she had borrowed.
Astrid held out her hand. The delicate windblade lay across her palm.
"This object is very interesting... My analysis shows, through molecular decay rate analysis, that this nickel steel alloy and chromium steel alloy composite forged blade... was crafted more than a thousand years ago." Astrid was gazing at Vika intently.
Vika blinked. "That is exceptional Astrid. I had a feeling these blades were valuable in many ways."
Agatha smiled at Vika. "May I?"
Vika nodded.
Agatha waved her hand over Astrid's hand... The windblade was gone.
Vika nodded her approval.
Astrid looked up from her empty hand.
Vika and Agatha turned to the target...
Agatha flinched... That's all Astrid saw.
The windblade flew in a horizontal arc... Cutting the air in the cargo hold.
Thunk...
Astrid's jaw dropped. "Did that thing curve?"
Vika nodded. "Yes... Yes it did." She smiled at Agatha with pride.
Max was still running... She seemed oblivious... She hadn't stopped or slowed.
Astrid eyed her tall wife... Max was running in her light grey sports bra and "boy shorts" style panties.
Max was perspiring. The sheen was illuminating and highlighting her physique.
"Astrid?" Agatha smirked, as Astrid didn't respond.
Agatha smooched Astrid's cheek and she squeaked.
"I asked you if you had a preference for lunch?" Agatha asked again with understanding eyes.
Astrid's face heated up. "I don't have a preference."
Vika glanced at Agatha. "I think she wants a vanilla smoothie."
Astrid bit her lip but didn't comment.
Vika nodded. "It's okay, Astrid, I want one too."
Astrid smiled.
Lunch was not, in fact, vanilla smoothies. It was Chicken Quesadillas and a Vichyssoise.
Astrid and Joon were going to be doing two shoots today if the weather held. So that was the topic of conversation.
Astrid seemed distracted, but her eyes kept returning to Max...
Joon glanced at Agatha. "You're going to have to tone that down tonight."
Agatha nodded, chagrined, "Yes, Mistress."
Max glanced at Joon, with a questioning look.
She smiled at Max. "After lunch, please let Astrid suck you off."
Astrid's jaw dropped. Her eyes grew wide. She looked at Max and her cheeks went crimson.
Max looked at her with compassion. "I'm sorry Astrid, but Joon... Is the ships Doctor. And I have to follow doctor's orders..."
Astrid closed her mouth, bit her lip, and nodded.
Agatha, Joon, and Vika smiled... but they all knew Max meant every word.
After lunch was finished, Max began to clear the table. Agatha stepped in and directed Max's eyes to Astrid.
Max calmly walked around the galley table and held out her hand with a bow. "Would the lady care to join me in repose for a siesta?"
Astrid colored a slight crimson again and nodded. She accepted Max's hand as the two quit the galley.
Joon gave Agatha a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, Mistress. I will. I promise," Agatha responded to her look.
Vika shrugged saying, "I want a mouthful tonight..." Making a quick glance at Joon.
Joon smiled, "I was hoping you'd stay for the full three..."
"I'll..." Vika gazed lovingly at Joon, "Give you the last..."
Joon's expression was adoring, and she bit her lip.
Max led Astrid to the CQ. She wrapped her arms around the platinum-blonde.
Astrid sighed happily. She looked up. A hunger in her eyes.
"Strip off?" Max asked softly.
Astrid nodded.
Max smiled. "Where would you like me?"
Astrid pointed at the bed and started to strip off herself.
"This kind of reminds me of when we first met." Max said softly.
Astrid moaned softly.
Max laid down and relaxed.
Astrid looked like she knew exactly what she wanted...
She moved Max's leg and rested her head on the muscled thigh.
She pulled up Max's other leg and wedged the foot in her own crotch.
She immediately sucked Max's entire half-hard cock into her mouth. Feeling it grow erect on her tongue and cheeks.
Astrid also began rubbing Max's pussy gently, slowly increasing pressure and frequency.
The combined effects made Max moan loudly so she grabbed a pillow and put it over her face.
Astrid had her eyes closed. Sucking intently, she started bobbing her head.
Her fingers began working their way into Max's vagina. Using the technique she knew Joon used to great effect that morning.
Max screamed into her pillow; thrusting her hips as she fucked Astrid's mouth.
A blast of thick, creamy, sweet fluid filled Astrid's mouth. She began swallowing immediately as Max's cock throbbed again and again. More of the vanilla ambrosia flooded her taste buds, casting her senses into enraptured bliss.
Max couldn't get over the combined climactic effect; vaginal, clitoral and ejaculatory. Her eyes refused to focus and she was breathing in gasps.
Astrid swallowed four mouthfuls... She felt like she was in a drug induced nirvana.... And was just fine being there.
Max floated at the edge of consciousness and Astrid's head still lay on her thigh. Max's cock was still in her mouth, though softer now. Astrid just moaned happily around it.
Joon walked in with Agatha behind her. She stopped and surveyed her wives.
She immediately checked their vitals and gave a glance to Agatha.
"Okay, Okay, you've made your point. I'll fix it..." Agatha pouted.
Joon pulled Agatha into a hug, "I'm not mad, you know... You trying out new things is good. Just don't rely on theory."
Agatha gave Joon a crooked smile. "Yes, Mistress... I will try to be good."
Joon smooched her soundly. "Let's make some strong tea and sober Astrid up. I don't want to miss the daylight for shooting."
Max groaned. She felt someone next to her, and she opened her eyes.
Vika's cobalt-blue eyes were looking back at her... She was smiling.
Max was about to say something when Vika said... "Over stimulation."
"Really?" Max was surprised.
"Twice in one day you've had all your buttons pushed. You only just got a new one. You don't know how to adjust for it yet." Vika summarized.
Max peered at Vika, "You usually don't talk this much, when did you get so smart?"
"I'm just repeating what Joon told me to tell you..." Vika smirked, "And just because I'm quiet, doesn't mean I'm not smart."
Max winced. "I didn't mean..." Max was interrupted by Vika's finger on her lips again.
"I know... I just need you to remember... There is a lot that I can't say. It's not that I don't want to... Can't."
Max nodded, and kissed Vika's finger.
Vika smirked. "Joon and Astrid had left to shoot more footage. Did you want to watch?"
Max's eyes sparkled.
"Okay, c'mon, tall Captain-wife." Vika bounced off the bed. Max rolled off behind her.
Vika trotted along the corridor. Her bare feet making almost no noise on the 'Shock-lite' thermal flooring.
Max's long gate was right behind her. They emerged onto the bridge. Agatha glanced at them and smiled.
"Captain... Vika... Live feed on location?" Agatha asked.
Max reflected that Agatha was on her game... as usual. "Yes, please, Agatha."
Vika curled up on the couch.
Max sat next to her... and she cuddled right in.
Max pulled up the display for the feed of the shoot.
Joon was in the middle of the song... Her playing was still incredible every time Max saw or heard it.
Now, she was walking around a massive intricate object. The ancient focus of this shrine was a bronze cylinder shape of staggering detail. Like the scales of a fish.
As she walked, Slarmians were slithering all around her. They seemed to ignore her and showed interest in the shrine. Max was certain the crowd was encouraged to act like she wasn't there and to pay reverence to the shine. To capture the feel of this sacred place.
She finished the song, smiled softly, and waited a few seconds, then flexed both of her hands and shook them out. The crowd around her exploded in applause, hoots, and cheers.
Joon bowed low to all of them. The phrase; "Thank you all for helping me. I love you. Peace and fair days to you." in Slarmian was heard by the crowd. They all bowed to her in return. Easily two hundred Slarmians.
Max actually teared up. "They really do like her."
"Of course, they do Max. They know talent and she is honoring them. Joon will be a celebrity in Staverka for years." Vika said with absolute certainty.
Max nodded.
Max asked. "Will Joon be going to the next shoot? Is there enough daylight?"
Agatha turned from navigation. "This is the second site. They won't have enough light for a third."
Max felt bad. Second day in a row she missed watching. She would have to do better tomorrow.
Vika saw Max's face and gently touched Max's cheek with the back of her small hand.
Max looked at Vika... Her spectacular freckles bringing out the blue of her eyes.
"I will do better tomorrow." Max smiled.
Max thought about something, "Agatha?"
She turned around from navigation. "Yes, Captain?"
"Um..." Max started slowly, "How much data have we collected? Just sitting here?"
Agatha stared off for a moment. "Fourteen hours, thirty-eight minutes, twelve seconds."
Max sat very still, staring at Agatha.
Vika looked at Max.
Agatha blinked.
Vika looked at Agatha.
Agatha blinked again.
"Holy shit..." Max whispered.
"It's only raw data, Max... We have no idea what quality of Intel will be gleaned from it." Agatha commented.
Max nodded, "We need to get that sent home..."
Agatha smiled. "We will Max. It would be very inappropriate to do so here. Our hyper-link is completely out of character for a ship this size. It would do a lot more than raise eyebrows."
Max blinked. "Oh I agree... Our best bet would be to find a quiet empty system to transmit... especially fourteen hours' worth.
Max peered at Agatha, "You've been working a full load, in eight-hour shifts, doubled up on coms in the Hub since we got to this system."
Agatha nodded. "Yes, Max, and that is what I signed up for. You made sure I was okay doing that before we started."
Max's face showed admiration, "You are a marvel Agatha. I am so proud you are part of this family."
Agatha got up from navigation and walked over to Max.
Vika watched with a smile.
Agatha gave Max a delicious, wet, slow, deep kiss.
The kiss concluded and Agatha gazed deeply into Max's eyes "Thank you, Max. I am proud to be in this family."
Max made dinner that night. She tried very hard to impress, and with the occasional helping hand from Agatha, it turned out rather well.
Cheesy Chicken Spinach Casserole, Yakimeshi, and Blini with Smetana.
Max wasn't sure if the meal would be accurate enough to get a reaction. She tried to be as authentic as possible.
Agatha gave her approval and was encouraging Max to be confident.
Joon and Astrid had done a little shopping after the shoot. A number of bags were brought on board.
Joon sat down at the galley table, closed her eyes, and just inhaled the delicious aromas.
Her eyes opened and she beamed a smile at Max, "It smells amazing."
The crew sat down and began to eat together.
Max got almost exactly the reactions she was aiming for.
Vika, for instance, stared at the Blini for a minute. Her early memories surfacing with assistance from the smells and tastes.
Astrid squealed in delight. Saying it was perfect and that it was very close to how her Aunt Yumi made Yakimeshi.
Max was also raised in the Smith household and Howard's Cheesy Chicken Spinach Casserole was a staple. Joon had always been verbose on her favoring the dish back then.
Agatha enjoyed sampling new things and took note of how her different wives reacted to the dishes. She observed how Max looked very happy with her success.
When the meal was finished Max and Agatha cleared the table. The three wives left seated watched their tall spouse and Captain.
Agatha noted how the humans showed appreciation for thoughtful kindness. In Max's case it wasn't transactory and from what Agatha could conclude, Max did it for the joy of the act itself.
The evening was drawing to a close and the day shift was slowly gathering together in the CQ.
Agatha blinked.
"Oh!" she said out loud. "We have been invited to the Palace. The Majestic Potentate has asked for a moment of your time."
Agatha stared at Max.
Joon, Astrid and Vika all stared at Max.
Max blinked. "When?"
"There is a 'suggested' time of mid-morning... Tomorrow." Agatha replied.
"Shit." Max replied staring into thin air. "I have nothing to wear."
As serious as this situation was, there were giggles.
Joon thought about it... "I had bought some clothes this afternoon, for Agatha and Vika but nothing for Max."
Max seemed at a loss... "What do we do, Joon?"
Joon nodded. "I am formulating a battle plan..."
She looked at Max... "For our current situation, would you rather wear something para-military, or a beautiful dress?"
Max pondered that. "I feel much more comfortable in a uniform... even if it isn't a Terran one."
"Boy-clothes, I know..." Joon smiled, "It's okay, Max... you look really good in uniform."
"I don't think any of my dress uniforms will fit now..." Max pouted.
Astrid raised her finger. "It's going to be a surprise either way. No one knows about your restoration."
"Oh shit, your right!" Max exclaimed. "How are we going to explain that?"
"Prosthetics..." Joon replied, "We just won't elaborate..."
Vika nodded at Joon.
Joon turned to Agatha, "Can you ask Teffa if she will be available early tomorrow morning?"
Agatha nodded.
A moment later she confirmed they would have transport early.
Joon turned to Astrid. "Can you simulate highly advanced prosthetics with clothing?"
Astrid smirked, "Oh yea, I can get some great effects... I always loved cosplay."
Joon giggled.
"Oh, and Max?" Joon leveled her gaze at her handsome tall wife, "Hermaphrodites are an uncommon norm in Slarmian biology."
Max's eyes went wide for a moment.
Agatha added, "They actually have some cultural advantages and are considered lucky."
Max smiled and looked down, "I already knew how lucky I was. I didn't need a penis for that."
The entire crew made a soft simultaneous sigh, their faces showed adoration for Max and the feelings she expressed.
Joon shook off the kawaii and ticked off a to do list. "I want Astrid to work with Max on a 'passable' looking prosthetics package. We need that before we go to bed so Max can wear it tomorrow when we take her uniform shopping."
Max's eyes lit up. "Oh, my demo gauntlet would be a big help with that I bet. I'll store the programs on it and Astrid can wipe it. It has a decent amount of storage and functionality.
Astrid's face started to slowly break into a surprisingly evil grin.
Joon raised an eyebrow. "You're starting to scare me, Astrid."
She blushed, "Sorry, thinking about this has really gotten my brain working."
"It's okay, I'm glad you can get some fun out of this," Max smiled.
Max dug out her go-bag and produced the gauntlet she used professionally for years.
Astrid tapped on the CQ wall-com next to the bed and Max dropped her demo programs from the gauntlet into a secure file.
Max tossed the gauntlet to Astrid who did a professional evaluation of it.
Astrid whistled. "This has as much capacity as my tablet." She looked into Max's eyes... "This is going to be fun."
In about an hour Joon, Astrid, Vika, and three Agathas had put together a decent base for Astrid to work from.
Utilizing a black combat body-sleeve that already fit Max like a glove, they made two sections that would be connected digitally.
They made them not 'too' bulky, so they could be worn under clothing.
Astrid was giggling maniacally as she skipped down the corridor cradling the two 'prosthetics' in her arms...
Max was about to follow her but Joon and Vika had other ideas.
"We are going to have some supervised playtime," Joon stated matter-of-factly.
Max blinked as her two diminutive wives began stripping her out of her BDU's.
"Supervised?" Max asked in a wavering voice.
"Yes, sweetheart. Vika is going to show me some of what she knows. And when we have finished a nice instructive session," Joon gave a naughty smile, "We are going to share a vanilla smoothie."
Max nodded as Joon gently pushed her back on to the bed.
Max eased back, put her hands behind her head, and closed her eyes as she listened to, felt, and enjoyed the conversation.
Vika went through the various things she knew and demonstrated a number of things with Max's penis.
Joon tried to digest the instruction and she tried out some of the techniques immediately. Vika was able to answer any questions and make suggestions.
Then Vika began a gentle blowjob. Because of all the attention Max had received during the education phase, Vika did not have to work for very long.
Max's eyes rolled back behind her eyelids and her leg muscles flexed as she orgasmed. The ejaculation by itself was much easier to process in isolation. But it was still very intense.
Vika's little mouth was filled while Max's hips bucked slightly.
She swallowed the first mouthful and enjoyed the feeling of Max filling it again. The throbbing cock gave her such lustful desires she'd never felt before. It was very different than she thought it would be.
Vika swallowed again with Max moaning through her climax as she kept pumping her creamy sweetness into Vika.
Max was soon spent and panting heavily from the effort.
Vika pulled Joon closer and gave her the entire mouthful. Joon swallowed but kept kissing Vika and as their tongues swirled while the vanilla flavor enhanced the erotic overtones.
Joon proceeded to clean Max's sopping vulva and Vika cleaned the little bit of cum that still oozed onto Max's tummy from her softened penis.
Licking their lips together they smiled at each other.
Astrid looked at her work... Max was almost nude. Wearing only the faux prosthetics.
Joon nodded in appreciation. "Nice work Astrid... this turned out much better than I thought it would."
Hundreds of thin metal strips wove through the trimmed-up pieces of body-sleeve. A myriad of electronics adorned them.
Both of the pieces held feedback programs and showed those monitoring systems in real-time.
"This is good. This should work," Joon nodded in satisfaction.
Max walked around the ship, getting use to the feel. Looking at a live feed she saw herself from behind. She smiled, "Not bad, Anders," She muttered softly.
Returning to the CQ she was able to remove the faux prosthetics easily by herself. She laid them out for use in the morning.
The day shift was now all snuggled together on the bed and soft conversations continued for a while. One by one they drifted off: tomorrow was going to be interesting. Hopefully, not too interesting.