Max Intel: Melinoe
Chapter 13 - Edge

Max peered at Agatha as two of her selves were still sharing an intimate space between Max's spread thighs.

"Okay..." Max began, "Try to get as much passive information as we can from that cruiser."

Agatha listened attentively.

"I don't know if they can even find us with active sensors." Max glanced at Astrid.

Astrid shifted to a more comfortable position, doing so revealed the physical changes to her body. Her previously thin frame was now pleasantly more athletic, her breasts more pronounced. She appeared unaware of the changes as of yet, concentrating on the issue at hand.

"There is a very small chance they will discover us with sensors, more probable is they will notice a discrepancy between the sensor read and a visual scan." Astrid clarified.

Max pursed her lips, "Will the paint job help with that part?"

Astrid smiled broadly, "Oh, yes, we now look like every rock around us, finding that discrepancy will be very hard to do."

Max raised her eyebrow, "Am I worrying unnecessarily?"

Astrid shrugged. "They must have felt there was a reason to come here, at this moment, and do a sensor sweep on a bunch of rocks..."

Joon interjected. "Agatha, can you back trace their origin based on heading?"

"They appear to have followed our exact course from Mu Cygni, and unless they were there to witness our departure, which we cannot rule out, that course was almost assuredly recorded by Staverka authorities." Agatha dutifully responded.

Max narrowed her eyes. "Could this be some Slarmian faction?"

Agatha replied. "The light cruiser is of Terran construction. The sensors are an improved performance variation of Terran design..."

"Staverka authorities do not have a ship in their registry matching this configuration, but tens of thousands of ships visit Staverka on a daily basis."

Vika picked up where Agatha left off, "The Bazaar Parking Authority keep meticulous records, as all of the merchant fees are charged to digital accounts. In order to register as a merchant, you must have one of these accounts."

Max glanced at Vika. "I take it tourists don't get charged."

Vika shook her head. "It encourages them to spend money."

"So we can assume these people…" Joon waved her hand off in the general direction she thought the light cruiser was, "…are following us. But were not in Mu Cygni when we left."

Astrid nodded. "I don't know why they would wait, what, ten hours, to follow us if they were there already."

Max nodded in thought. "Okay, so we sit tight and keep our head down; but watch them like a hawk." Max declared. Then Max added... "I need to pee."

The day crew of the Deirdre found themselves washing up as normal. Physical changes made to the crew during the sleep cycle were recognized, commented on, and unanimously approved.

Vika's reduction made her giddy. Her new a-cups blended in with her freckled muscular physique. She was jumping in front of the mirror to witness the lack of breast movement a huge smile on her face.

Joon's reduction was closely examined, She was the most critical of anyone. They were literally half of the size that they were, a firm but soft d-cup.

Astrid stood in front of the mirror. Her eyes huge. She was taller by four inches now at six foot.

Agatha had increased Astrid's height and muscle mass, slightly increasing her bust to b-cup.

Astrid did not recognize her own body. She took a step back into the center of the bathroom, went to ballet fourth position, then did a perfect pirouette. Tears silently streamed down her face... her smile could have powered the ship for a month.

Agatha had plotted the course of the light cruiser and its search pattern wouldn't reach them for about an hour. So, there was plenty of time to prepare.

"Kata?" Joon peered at Max. Cupping her own breasts and rubbing her nipples.

Max shrugged. "Might as well. I could use it to stretch out a bit and we aren't under fire."

The day crew gathered in the cargo hold. Agatha stood straight and tall at the aft end and everyone gave her their attention. She bowed and the day crew bowed in response to begin the kata. Max felt her anxiety melt away as her mind rode the routine. Joon was completely pleased with the reduction of weight and with so much less movement she flowed through the kata with crisp clean lines.

Vika was on fire, her balance was effortless now. Astrid was on another level: she felt no strain and her heightened perspective gave her a boost of confidence.

In the middle of the second rotation Agatha suddenly stopped.

"Contact Trace." She declared loudly.

Max glanced at Joon.

"Bridge..." Max turned and sprinted up the corridor, followed soon after by the rest.

Max landed a moment later completely oblivious to her lack of dress, or that of her crew. Max, Joon, Vika and Astrid now occupied the command couch. In any other moment there would have been innuendo or promiscuity, but not now. Several holo-screens were up and monitoring the situation.

Then it appeared... a Slarmian Frigate.

"Slarmian Bazaar Parking Authority Frigate." The Agatha sitting at navigation announced.

It was the largest vessel type the BPA had... but they had thousands of them.

"What are they doing?" Joon asked.

Astrid answered. "They just scanned the light cruiser with active sensors."

Vika watched with narrowed eyes.

Max muttered. "Oh shit."

The light cruiser adopted an attack vector.

"The cruiser just painted the frigate with radar and LiDAR." Agatha announced.

The Slarmian vessel spun on its heels and shot away... the light cruiser followed it.

"Oh no..." Joon said under her breath.

"Missile launch, separation detected... Six misses detected..." Agatha reported.

The crew stared at the sensor feeds.

"Contact Trace... Multiple Contacts!" Agatha loudly proclaimed.

Max tapped another holo-screen to life and watched for new contact emissions.

The missiles on the track of the frigate were one by one being shot apart by the tail gun of the frigate, but the cruiser's missile had the advantage.

Max saw the new contact information come in... It was a Slarmian battle cruiser and five destroyers in an echelon formation.

"Contacts are GSDN Staverka fleet units." Agatha faithfully reported.

The Slarmian frigate altered course, still trailing four missiles, and three of the five destroyers opened up with defensive fire, eliminating the missiles. The light cruiser was trapped in the system. Having fired upon a Slarmian vessel it would have to surrender immediately.

Max stared incredulously as the light cruiser turned and ran deeper into the system. Five destroyers in pursuit.

"That poor dumb son of a..." Max realized she was speaking out loud.

Joon held Max's arm... "There is nothing we can do... is there?"

Max shook her head negative.

The following few minutes were brutal, and instructive... The Grand Slarmian Dynasty was not a Major power... But they demanded respect. It was over in minutes. Agatha reported the Slarmians demanding the light cruiser 'stand to' a dozen times... then shot it to pieces.

Agatha reported no survivors, no escape pods...

She double checked the specifications of the light cruiser. Typically they had 20-80 crew and eight escape pods...

The crew watched the GSDN battle cruiser Omux scan the shattered wreck, then flip end for end and rocket back to the edge of the system.

---

The crew got up one by one from the command couch. No one said anything as everyone was lost in their own thoughts. They went to the showers, washed, got out, dried and dressed.

Agatha made them spiced cinnamon oatmeal with cream cheese... It was all that she could think of to soothe their worn spirits. They sat together in the galley and slowly ate together... no one felt good about what happened, and it answered none of their questions.

The debris and the wreck drifted by...

Agatha looked up... her eyes grew wide.

"There's... someone in there." She said, softly... Staring into thin air.

Max blinked... "What?"

Agatha looked Max in the eyes, "There is someone in there, I can feel them!"

Max jumped up and ran to the armory, she began suiting up. Agatha explained to the rest of the crew, and everyone went to stations to assist...

Astrid went to the manager drone she was working on in engineering... She slipped the mono-screen HUD on. Then jogged down to the cramped briefing room next to the breaching boom airlock. It's three stage airlock was perfect for use with a hard vacuum.


Agatha had two hands assisting Max with the EVA suit. It was heavy with most of the weight coming from the thruster packs and life support. Max had to wear her body sleeve, and it felt tight.

Agatha maneuvered closer to the wreck on thrusters alone. It was slow but caused no unnecessary emissions.

Agatha felt... Something... She hoped Max would get to them in time.

Max went through com-checks and safety checks... Astrid pulled the floating drone to the first stage of the airlock and pushed it in. She activated her interface and did a control check.

Agatha was also assisting Joon in setting medical up for exposure protocols...

Max had a ECMVS over her shoulder. The Emergency Combat Medical Vacuum Shelters could hold three adult humans... But they would know each other very well afterwards.

Agatha was nearly on the wreck... She saw a human corpse. It's face was crushed and it appeared frozen solid.

She piloted the ship as close as she dared, staying wary of jagged shards from the ship.

Max joined Astrid's drone in the airlock... Then together they cycled through to the middle and then cycled to the hard vacuum.

Astrid sat on the foldout in the briefing room with the interface absorbing all of her focus. She orientated the drone to cover Max's progress.

Max leapt into the black and cold... Her thrusters moving her in short, controlled bursts as she was trained. While Agatha held station with the wreck centering in between what must have been their armory... and perhaps some cabins...

Vika sat on the bridge closely watching Agatha at the helm... She nodded to no one. Max worked her way into the wreck... Ripped and torn razor-sharp edges were everywhere. Astrid eased the drone ahead of Max. It was not as large as her Captain-wife, but neither was it nearly as fragile.

Joon monitored the progress from medical on her com-desk watching with awe. She blinked at the monitor... She spoke into the com. "Astrid, go back a few feet, and look up."

The drone followed instructions.

Joon asked a question on the com. "Is that a hoof?"

Agatha in Medical turned to look at Joon.

Max realigned herself to look at what the drone was showing to Joon and Astrid.

Max was quite sure this compartment was the ships armory, so she eased her way into it. The small floods on her EVA suit and the drone giving her as good a look as she was likely to get.

Joon repeated. "Where is that hoof?"

The drone shifted again. There were a couple of floating intact cases, and what looked like some kind of large robotic insect or spider... with cloven hooves.

"Oh Shit!" Max said... she gently reached out and grabbed the hoof, gently pulling it to her.

Joon stared at the image on her holo-screen... "A cyborg."

---

Max moved with care... Maneuvering the armored cyborg into the boom airlock. The drone followed with the two cases that were only mildly damaged.

Joon fussed at Astrid for scavenging...

Astrid defended herself saying that could be a future innovation for the family she was scavenging... Besides, it was Vika that had pointed them out.

The cyborg was sealed in its armor. The odd hoof style backward legs made it look ungainly. While the six arms seemed terribly confusing. Max even commented it must be debilitating to use six arms at once... Agatha replied her use of twenty didn't seem debilitating.

Max didn't say anything after that... Joon giggled.

After the final airlock cycled open Max and two Agatha carried the cyborg to medical. Meanwhile Astrid went to get her portfolio com-tablet, two com-pads and her multi-tool.

Max felt immediately uncomfortable with the cyborg. The black colored metal and red electronics were unsettling at best, horrifying at worst. A feeling that was intensified when Astrid warned everyone of booby traps on the systems... At which time everyone collectively decided to wait for their engineer.

Astrid made use of an isolated and fused com-pad to scan the cyborg and she found the cyborg's systems were also independent. She located the hardwired jacks. With her isolated com she linked in.

It fried instantly.

Astrid smiled... She ran the recording of the event parsing the data. She pulled out another isolated com-pad. Linking in again, she initiated a sys-run decryption program.

The sealed armor unlocked...

Astrid carefully opened the helmet...The entire crew got a look at the cyborg...

She was cute.

She had a dusky sandalwood complexion and pronounced hawk-like nose. Even in her unconscious and disheveled state she had an exotic allure.

Joon tried to run her med-scans and looked frustrated.

"I can't get shit for readings. All that armor needs to come off." Joon huffed.

The cyborg's armor was cunningly designed. It locked and sealed around the cybernetics allowing them full function while protecting the torso. Flexible armored layers resembled a carapace, explaining Max's initial impression.

Astrid was engrossed examining the artificial limbs of the cyborg. The unusual leg design suggested a higher speed of movement and a wider range of motion. The arms were especially intriguing to Astrid. They were set on a dedicated track plate that ran across her back and covered both shoulders.

The track also looped down lower along a suggested scapula, allowing three arms on a side to attain similar range. Each arm had a separate articulated well that could move independently along the track. The arms themselves were much longer and thinner than what would be aesthetically correct for a human and ended in three fingered hands with opposable thumbs and sensory pads lined the palm side of each.

As the protective layers of armor were removed it became obvious this cyborg had a passion for tattoos. Incredibly ornate and intricate patterns covered her torso, they followed a beautiful symmetrical pattern of black-ink floral designs which were interspaced with spiderwebs.

Joon's eyes widened. "Her tattoos cover her scars." her lower lip quivered.

The cyborg was wearing plain black bikini panties and a soft crimson sports bra. She looked like a b-cup as she lay prone on the med-table.

Joon ran the med scanner and sat at her desk-com to see the results. Max examined one of the cloven hooves... The edges and bottom had a texture similar to the thermal Shock-lite deck treatment.

Joon gasped and the crew gathered around to see the results.

"She's augmented her vertebral column, her skull and her pelvis."

Max frowned. "Augmented?"

Joon clarified. "Her bones have been infused with some kind of crystalline polymer."

Astrid's eyes lit up. "Let me see."

She came around the com-desk next to Joon.

Astrid pointed out the load bearing support and mechanical articulation. "This lady has had some serious work done... The upkeep must be daunting."

Max returned to the med table... She looked at the nameless woman's face where she wore cosmetic tattoos... dark eye and lip liner, and a tiny black heart under her left eye.

Even like this, unconscious and vulnerable, the woman radiated resilience. Max wondered what motivated her to search for Deirdre... to hunt them.

Max turned back to Joon and Astrid. "What do you think, my dears?"

Joon's lips thinned. "She is stable, but comatose... She may recover... or not. Time will tell."

Astrid shrugged, "I'm willing to bet the concussive forces on the ship were catastrophic. She is only alive because her armor and augmentation prevented fatal injury."

"How dangerous is she?" Max inquired.

Joon pursed her lips, "At the moment, not at all. But if she were awake..." Joon glanced at Astrid.

Astrid nodded at the hand off. "I am not intimately familiar with this particular technology, but I would say if or when she wakes up... she could be a serious threat."

Max hated herself for saying it, but she was responsible for everyone's safety. Vika's tiny hand slipped into Max's at that moment and Max looked down at the red-head. Vika nodded at her. Max returned her eyes to Joon and Astrid, "Can we remove her limbs without harming her?"

Joon glanced at Astrid, and she returned the same look.

"I need to scan her network and get the full schematics recorded. Also check all of her wetware. I imagine she has quite a bit..."

"But yea, I think it's safe to do." Astrid swallowed hard.

Agatha had silently observed the entire triage and examination. She reflected the cyborg was intimidating to her family because they saw her as alien. Agatha knew the cyborg was currently not a threat, but that could change.

"I volunteer to care for our guest as long as she is with us. I also recommend returning to our last location and continuing our upload." Agatha smiled softly.

Max blinked... "Do you think you could see into her dreams?"

Agatha nodded... "If she starts dreaming, I will feel it."

Max gave Agatha the go ahead to withdraw from station with the wreckage and return to the previous perch among the rocks. Astrid and Joon, with assistance from all of the crew, spent the next hour working carefully to... disassemble... their guest.

During the slow and careful work Agatha had redeployed the hyper-link generator and reconnected with TFNI data control. Less than five hours of raw condensed Intel data left to transmit.

The whole process was eerie, and disturbing. Removing the limbs was quickly feeling akin to violating this woman, cyborg or not. Everyone was methodical, but the work was tedious. It was, however, a grim necessity for the safety of the ship and the family.

Agatha also did a holo-net search on their guest while Astrid and Joon did most of the work on the cyborg. She found the results illuminating.

Agatha began reciting what she found and by the time the last arm was removed the entire crew had been given her public data.

Her name is Samira Bahjat she is thirty-six. She was born in Unity City and she has no siblings. Her father was Law enforcement. So, she followed him into it. She was an excellent student. She studied law, forensic science and criminal investigation.

She became a Detective at twenty-two.

Her first partner was Detective-Sergeant Jack Ridley and six months after being partnered their vehicle exploded, killing Ridley. The explosion left Samira missing limbs but alive. With standard prostheses she was unable to return to law enforcement.

At age twenty-seven Samira Bahjat registered as a T-Fed Skip-Tracer for bail bondsmen in Unity City. At age thirty-two she signed in partnership with Liam Ridley and a Skip-tracer business named "ColdTracks" expanded to all of Terra. At age thirty-four Samira Bahjat registered as First Mate on the "ColdTracks" light cruiser. Samira Bahjat lost her parents in the Kintark Empire's Bombardment of Unity City.

Agatha finished reciting the public data on Samira.

The crew of the Deirdre had listened quietly. All looking at the comatose woman.

Joon began a thorough medical examination.

Max, Astrid and Vika waited in the corridor.

Samira was no longer a cold nameless cyborg without a history.

Not to them.

Not anymore.

---

Sam...

I fucked up, Sam...

Can you fix it, Sam?

Damn it, Sam, don't treat me like a child!

That was fun, right, Sam?

Why...

Why do I keep hearing his voice?

Samira was back in the brig...

Back to her introspection...

Where did it all go wrong?

Taking this Job?

The money was far too good.

Did Liam actually think it was going to be easy?

Samira spent five minutes with the 'helpless rich mommy' and saw her for the shark she was.

Ten million credits, Sam! Snatch and grab, Sam, easy money!

No...

It wasn't just this job... It was me agreeing to teach him...

Still doing all the work.

Damn it, Sam, don't treat me like a child.

Can you fix it, Sam?

He never tried to learn. He just liked to be in charge, be important...Like his father...

That's where I went wrong...

The first day I met 'smiling' Jack Ridley my father said he was trouble...

But I told him I had to try...I was a rookie...

My first impression of Jack...

Lazy asshole...

It only got worse...

I met his wife...So beautiful...Completely compliant.

Little Liam...Idolized that prick.

Then I found out about his girlfriends...

The quiet deals...

Then...

I got into that hover-car with him... Damn.

I should have walked away... When I still could.





A black and white cat lay on Samira's chest, purring. More felt than heard. Beautiful cat eyes, steel grey gilded with silver.



Okay...

Safe sounds really good...

---

Agatha awoke and gently exhaled...

She was lying cuddled on the guest cabin bed with a limbless, comatose Samira.

Agatha looked up and smiled.

Joon was watching. "How is she?"

Agatha whispered. "She is scared, but also angry. I will stay with her."

Joon nodded. "If you need help with anything..."

Agatha glanced at the catheters going into and out of Samira.

"I will ask. I promise." Agatha smiled softly.

Joon smooched her cheek and left the guest cabin.

It was later than Joon had thought. She was starving.

Max was sitting at the galley table with Vika when Joon walked in. Vika was sipping something in a mug.

Max smiled. "Hi, sweetheart... "

Joon smooched Max and then, after Vika finished her sip, smooched her as well. Then she went straight into the kitchen.

Agatha came out of the pantry carrying a small crate. "There is Pasta Salad in the 'fridge."

Joon pulled out the container of the pasta salad and made herself a bowl.

"What do you think of Samira?" Joon asked Agatha quietly.

Agatha turned to face Joon. "Sometimes good people do bad things, and bad people do good things. You should judge a person by what they have done but try accounting for the reasons for why they do them, also."

Joon stopped and thought about that... "I did say that? Didn't I?"

Agatha smiled softly. "Samira is not a bad person, but she may have made some poor choices"

Joon nodded, putting away the container.

"XO?" Agatha started.

Joon blinked. Switching mental hats. "Yes, Ag's?"

"Our Chief Engineer brought aboard two very large heavy cases. They are still in the briefing area." Agatha reported.

Joon smirked. "Please remind her that she left them there."

"Yes Ma'am." Agatha smiled.

Joon returned to the galley with her bowl of pasta salad and sat down. She put a forkful in her mouth and started chewing.

Max and Vika both smiled at her.

"You look very comfortable my love." Max commented.

Joon nodded, swallowing. "I am. Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

"Will you be chatting with Uncle again tonight?" Joon inquired.

Max nodded., "Yea, I have a feeling there may be a few things to discuss."

Joon pursed her lips in thought. "Do you think Hamilton will approve of me being a Diplomat?"

Max blinked. "I'm not sure... Admiral G-S may not appreciate that kind of exposure and we were supposed to keep a low profile."

Vika peered at Joon. "Can I assume he knows how talented you are?"

Joon smiled, then nodded, filling her mouth with another forkful.

Vika shrugged. "Passive intelligence gathering is only going to get us so far. I imagine getting you into places of power is still gathering intelligence.

Max thought about that. "It's an avenue we can explore."

"Merchants are usually welcomed by governments. But, Diplomats essentially represent governments." Vika concluded.

Joon nodded. "It still accomplishes the mission..."

Agatha came in from the corridor and sat down at the table. "I can't quite hear everything from the kitchen." Joon giggled. Vika and Max smiled.

"I think using the music holo-vids as a way of getting into places where Agatha can gather passively is a good start." Max commented. Then Max elaborated. "Having Joon as a Diplomat would add another layer to that, maybe even supersede it."

"I hope Hamilton likes the idea..." Joon said wistfully.

Max smirked. "Let's concentrate on what we can do for now, have you come up with a music holo-vid idea yet?"

Joon beamed a smile. "I have a good start. I won't know for sure until we get there."

Max nodded. "After the upload we'll make our way to Dau."

"Captain, are we going in as tourists?" Agatha asked, her head slightly tilted.

Max nodded. "Yes, nice and friendly..."

"Ambassador Zess pretty much knows why we are in the Minor Empires. But, she still wants a music holo-vid." Joon commented.

Max pursed her lips. "The brief says, 'Socialist Meritocracy.' What does that even mean?"

"Basically, everyone works toward the common good, and the people in charge are the most accredited citizens." Joon summarized.

Agatha peered at Joon. "Most accredited... academically?"

Joon shrugged then turned to Vika, "Have you ever been there?"

Vika nodded. "Several times... The rings are beautiful."

"What kind of interactions did you have?" Max inquired of Vika.

"I have never been to the planet itself, but the stations are very clean and orderly." Vika replied then elaborated. "Buying and selling goods was always a simple exchange. They don't haggle or bargain."

"They have some tourism, but it is limited... According to the Intel brief, tourism is restricted to designated areas only." Agatha added.

Max sighed. "I need to report in... I shouldn't put it off."

Joon nodded. "I need to practice that song."

Agatha picked up Joon's empty bowl and gave her a smooch as she turned and walked into the kitchen.

---

Astrid tried to drag the large heavy cases from the briefing area. She ended up getting Agatha to help her. They were very well constructed armored cases and the damage they sustained was superficial.

Agatha and Astrid got them both to engineering and Agatha stayed to help. The cases were locked, but no lock ever designed stopped an engineer. Astrid had them open in about ten minutes...

Agatha and Astrid were kneeling in front of the two opened cases and both of their eyes were wide.

"Oh... wow..." Astrid whispered.

"This is impressive." Agatha whispered back.

The first case contained cybernetic limbs... arms, legs and several long whip-like appendages. The second case had weapons, both melee and firearms, and a massive metal thing in the shape of a riot shield.

"I guess Samira will be happy we recovered these." Astrid said quietly.

Agatha nodded in agreement. As they both continued staring at the contents of the cases. Something caught her eye... She looked closely at an arm in the case... It was covered in blood.

"Oh shit!" Astrid exclaimed.

Agatha nodded. "There is a story here..."

---

The purring was still there...

It was comforting...The closeness felt good.

They didn't lie... So many lies before...

They put me in the brig...

Because I am not a criminal.

And Liam is...

So are his friends...

I can't believe I didn't see it... Maybe, I didn't want to...

He thinks he is in control...

Until he fucks up... Then he comes to me...

He opens the brig door... We are in trouble, he says...

I backhanded him. Knocking teeth out of his pretty face.

I went to the armory...

Locked myself in... Opened my cyber case...

Changed out my arms...

Changed out my legs...

Put on my armor...

Closed the case...

Went to my weapons case...

...

I don't remember what happened next... I was going to take the ship...

...

Am I dead?



Who are you?



Nobody calls me that anymore...



What are you called?



And you're a cat?



Am I dreaming?



What does that mean?



Coma doesn't sound very safe.



Agatha?



Will you stay with me?

---

Max sat on the command couch. She tapped open her dark corners account.

Ms_Muffit has entered dark corners.

BG_Gruff: Status?

Ms_Muffit: Free and clear.

BG_Gruff: How are you?

Ms_Muffit: I'm fine.

BG_Gruff: I saw the event recording...

Ms_Muffit: Rough week.

BG_Gruff: You good?

Ms_Muffit: 100%

BG_Gruff: We were notified of a Diplomatic Recommendation.

Ms_Muffit: Okay.

BG_Gruff: We are considering it.

Ms_Muffit: Okay.

BG_Gruff: Who is Vika?

Ms_Muffit: Local talent, translator, guide.

BG_Gruff: Liability?

Ms_Muffit: Negative.

BG_Gruff: Is she human?

Ms_Muffit: Affirmative.

BG_Gruff: Is she crew?

Ms_Muffit: ...Affirmative.

BG_Gruff: Damn it Anders... Give me her particulars to work on...

Ms_Muffit: Viktoria Yavikovich. [attachment]

BG_Gruff: Anything else?

Ms_Muffit: Samira Bahjat. [attachment]

BG_Gruff: WTF Anders...

Ms_Muffit: You asked.

BG_Gruff: I did... Now stop recruiting... BTW... Good job.

BG_Gruff has left dark corners.

Ms_Muffit has left dark corners.

Max exhaled and stared at the ceiling.

Agatha turned around at navigation. "Are we recruiting Samira?"

Max glanced down her nose with her head back. "I'm not sure... Better safe than sorry."

Agatha tapped her chin in thought.

Max raised her head. "I don't know Samira… But... If there was something wrong with her, you would have said. And I trust you with my life."

Agatha smiled softly. "Samira has been injured and betrayed. I will be there for her."

Max nodded. "I know you will, and so will we."

Agatha smiled softly. "Honey?"

"Yes, Sweetheart?" Max smiled.

"Can I have skritchens?" Agatha's eyes grew large. She used her cute face to adorable effect.

Max opened her arms. Agatha hopped up from navigation and smoothly climbed into Max's lap.

She made herself comfortable then settled, nuzzling into Max's neck.

Max laid her hand on Agatha's head and began skritching her fingers gently into Agatha's scalp. The purring was just what Max needed. It soothed and comforted her. Three minutes later Agatha got up from the helm and walked over to the command station.

"Upload complete. TFNI data control confirmation received." Agatha smiled.

Max smiled. "Well done, my dear."

Agatha smiled, watching the skritchens.

"Agatha, please call Astrid and Vika to the bridge." Max requested.

Vika appeared on the bridge as Max was finishing her sentence. Astrid walked in a few minutes later. Vika took the helm with Astrid at navigation. Joon wandered in and sat next to Max on the command couch.

She smooched Max and Agatha.

"Helm, please take us to the edge of the system. Navigation, please lay in a course to Lyra Kepler." Max requested.

The Deirdre came alive. Vika deftly aligned the tiny warship as it sped away to the edge of the Ixooli system. Sensors soon gave a clear reading on gravitational effects and Astrid lay in the course, again checked by Agatha with a nod.

At Max's command the Deirdre slipped gently into hyper-warp as the powerful Ashanath tachyon drive shortening the corvette's travel to Lyra Kepler to just seven hours, thirty-six minutes.

---

Where are we going?



I don't know that system.



The yellow lizard people?



Really?



I can't remember the last time I had fun.



I can't believe I enjoy being in a coma because you are with me.



Agatha?



You're not human, are you?



Do they know you are with me?



Why?



You're very strange... But I like it.



I do, too... I want to meet you.

---

Agatha finished cleaning all the blood spatter from the cybernetic arm. Her research into everything involved with the cyborg sub-culture was extensive and she realized Samira had invested in the most advanced base hardware.

The crystalline polymer augmentation and wetware was Maliri tech, dubiously obtained and horribly expensive. Everything else was Terran manufacture, middle to high quality.

Agatha discovered that Samira had very little savings. She must have done all of her own maintenance.

Agatha inspected each and every piece.

There was a matching set of arms and legs, with Terran aesthetically proportional dimensions. The arm she had cleaned was in that set. The limbs Samira was wearing when they rescued her were now in the case.

Agatha inspected the 'digilegs' the research showed they had an impressively higher mobility / stability rating. The 'spider-arms' were similarly rated for combat and Samira's wetware could correlate control and coordination of the multiple limb configurations.

There were three different 'tails', each lengthened, tapered and weighted differently with modular ends. The modular tail attachments were varied. There was a small pterodactyl manipulator claw, a razor sharp and retractable 10cm blade, and a tiny multi-optical receptor compatible with Samira's wetware.

There was also a wearable optics headband that had direct input to her wetware. The tiara-like headband had an ornamental appearance and could be used as decoration. Combined with her wetware it could track twenty separate targets and was compatible with a smart-linked weapon's sight. The band was on par with her armored helmet in tactical capability, without adding much weight.

Samira's armor set was also now in the case, thoroughly cleaned and maintained.

Agatha had moved the weapons case to Deirdre's armory. But she could remember all of the weapons within. Six heavy pistols, twelve corresponding magazines, a heavy multi-barreled combat shotgun with three drum magazines, a pair of XR-73 assault rifles fitted with four extended magazines, two 45cm single-edged combat blades with black polymer hardware, and a single 120cm single-edged combat blade with black polymer hardware.

Also, there was a large angled composite anti-ballistic shield with multiple anchor points and gripping handles.

The day crew were truly exhausted. So, Agatha shooed them to bed after she had given them an update on their guest. The consensus was positive.

Joon wondered if Samira could join them in dreams.

Agatha would try but didn't want to overwhelm her.

Joon agreed. Better to let her heal. She would get to know them all when she was conscious.

The conversations continued for a little while. But then Max nodded off and the others dropped off one by one.

The crew of the Deirdre slept soundly.

---

Max awoke feeling a warm and wet sensation around her stiff cock. She was somehow sleeping on her side, her head laying on a soft thigh, and upon opening her eyes she was greeted with parted lips and a cute pink rosebud.

Joon had somehow turned herself in her sleep and had her own head on Max's thigh.

Her other leg was draped over Max's long torso.

Max stared at the moist lips in front of her, the delicate peach-colored labia minora was far too inviting to ignore.

Her morning wood stiffened in Joon's little mouth. Her senior wife moaned softly.

Max was quite sure Joon was not asleep. She was also quite sure Joon set herself in this position to achieve maximum morning sex potential. Of course, Max absolutely loved that about her. The petite woman was her very best friend.

Max kissed Joon, frenching her pussy with gentle licks. Joon moaned deeply... The vibrations causing Max's hard cock to twitch energetically.

The petite woman wrapped her hand around the base of Max's erect member and sucked with earnest.

Max licked in circuit as her lower lip gently coaxing Joon's clit from under its hood. Joon's reaction was an increase in suction and her hand began stroking the meaty length not in her mouth. The sensation was delicious. Max punctuated her licking with the occasional swipe across Joon's clit.

Max also started rocking her pelvis. Gently fucking Joon's small mouth.

Both of them were building momentum, moans and grunts growing louder. The bed was waking and spectating with enthusiasm.

Max's thrusts became slightly more pronounced, she was sure she could feel the back of Joon's throat and didn't want her to gag. Joon relinquished her grip on her wife's throbbing cock and reaching past it. She plunged two long fingers into Max's sopping pussy.

She took a deep breath and clamped her hand down, gripping Max's pubic bone through her vagina. Max moaned loudly into Joon's vagina. Something was wrong... She felt her control slipping away.

Joon used her strength. Pulling Max's pelvis to her and then pushing away rapidly. Forcing the throbbing cock into her throat while her fingers applied harsh pressure to Max's g-spot.

Max yelled into Joon. Her eyes rolled back in a wash of electricity. Erupting, she lost herself in two kinds of climax.

Joon could feel Max throb in her throat. She pulled back just far enough to swallow as she sucked down her wife's thick creamy load. Max could not hold onto consciousness, her cock still pumping out the sweet vanilla cum into Joon as she moaned between swallowing mouthfuls.

When Max came to... Joon was sitting next to her on the bed watching her with a serene smile on her elfin face. The rest of the day crew was washing up in the bathroom.

"Hey, Sweetheart." Max said softly.

Joon's smile grew. "Hi, Beautiful."

"What happened?" Max asked in honest confusion.

Joon's smile gained a naughty slant. "You came so hard you passed out."

Max blinked. "But... But..."

"But what sweetheart?" Joon tilted her head slightly.

"I thought Agatha gave me control over my orgasms..." Max explained with confused eyes.

Joon's lips turned inwards in an attempt to curtail her amusement.

Max blinked again. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, Darling..." Joon began. "Agatha gave you control over your cock... not your lady bits."

Max stared at her slack jawed... "How do you know?"

Joon's grin reappeared. The naughty slant was now primary. "She might have mentioned it to me."

Giggling, Joon rolled away from Max who was still slack jawed then bounced off the bed and into the bathroom. Max slowly worked her way to the edge of the bed. Tentatively, she stood and slowly walked to the bathroom.

Agatha greeted Max with a smooch. "Good morning, Honey."

Before Max could respond, Agatha continued. "We are scheduled to arrive in Lyra Keplar in about forty-three minutes."

Max nodded and she made her way to an unoccupied toilet.

Astrid who was seated next to her smiled. "Are you okay, Max?"

Max looked at her. "I am a little confused."

"About what?" Astrid eyed her curiously.

"Well..." Max began. "I didn't know I only had control of my penis. I'm pretty sure Joon deep throated me when I passed out."

Astrid beamed. "Agatha removed all of our gag reflexes. But, you 'still' have more control than any boy."

Max blinked. "Wait..."

Astrid wiped and flushed hopping up to the sinks.

Max followed suit trying to continue the conversation.

"Agatha removed your gag reflex?" Max asked specifically.

Astrid nodded then washed her face.

Joon smooched Max's lower back. "I was trying to see how sensitive Agatha made my throat."

Vika hopped down off the step and Joon stepped up.

Max blinked at Joon in the mirror. "What do you mean... Sensitive?"

Joon's smile was decidedly naughty. "Agatha gave you a beautiful cock and gave us three ways to climax from it."

Astrid dried her face and beamed a smile at Max.

Max washed her face. When she was done, she was alone in the bathroom.

"Three?" Max asked loudly... to no one.

Max turned out of the bathroom walking down to the cargo bay.

"What do you mean three?" Max asked.

Joon smirked. "After kata... Ask in the showers."

Max blinked, then nodded. She then Formed up with the rest of the day crew.

Agatha bowed. The rest bowed in response... The kata began.

Max slipped right into her routine... The calm ebb and flow... Crisp snaps, and sharp cuts in step. The entire hold was completely in tune. Max felt it and saw it in her peripheral vision.

The second rotation was amazing. Like they shared the same heartbeat. By the end of the third rotation Max was completely focused and felt amazing.

The closing bow was magical.

Everyone came together... Apparently, it's wasn't just Max.

They walked together to the CQ showers where Max soon discovered Vika's hand in hers. The tiny red-head washed her towering caramel-skinned wife. After Max had washed Vika they both rinsed.

Vika gently guided Max backwards to the wall. Max's butt was right at the rail level and Vika made her grip it with both hands.

Vika looked up into Max eyes. "Don't let go."

Max nodded. Her four foot six spouse instructing her was arousing enough. Max pushed that thought into the control and became hard in moments.

Vika took Max to the hilt.

She stayed there for at least thirty seconds, swallowing and trying different things. Vika pulled herself from Max's cock. She took a deep breath and impaled herself again.

Her tiny hands gripped Max's hips. She started fucking her own mouth using Max. Every fifteen seconds she paused to exhale and take another breath.

She did that for three minutes... Then Max felt something she definitely did not expect. Vika's eyes rolled back and she shoved her face against Max's belly...

Max felt Vika's throat orgasm.

A throbbing constriction. More powerful than swallowing. Vika finally eased back, tears flowing from her eyes. When she reached the head she was wearing a very satisfied smile, and kissed Max's cock.

Max looked around. Her other wives were all staring at Vika with hungry looks.

Vika looked up still smiling. "You can let go now."

The day crew dried off together, chatting happily.

Max put on her faux prosthetics and midnight-black uniform. Agatha was in deadly schoolgirl, Astrid in dark grey with a dove grey blouse and black office pumps. Vika dressed in comfortable knee length baggy denim shorts a comfortable blue flannel from Max and her little boot sandals.

Joon wore her mahogany skirt and green jumper, matching knee-socks and chunky trainers.

They had cheesy breakfast wraps, made with bacon, eggs and Cheddar. Afterwards the day crew gathered on the command couch.

As Max eased into the command couch Agatha announced. "Thirty seconds to Lyra Kepler."

---

The tiny warship slipped out of hyper-warp at the edge of the system. The large white star held the attention of sixteen planets.

Nestled among them between fifth and sixth was a massive asteroid belt.

The planet Dau was situated at the eleventh orbital.

Dau was very unusual. Its rotational axis was aligned with the star, Lyra Kepler.

It's north pole always faced the distant bright star. The south pole faced away. Dau had two balanced, equally distant moons orbiting just beyond a magnificent series of rings.

As improbable as these various cosmic factors were, Dau actually developed life that evolved into intelligence. The planet of Dau was split at the equator a sun baked landscape in the north and a massive frozen sea to the south.

On the equator were bands of living ecosystems.

The Dau moons, along with its rings, radiated light to the dark side so much of Dau's life was aquatic.

The moons of Dau, though nearly identical, reflected Lyra Keplars light at different wavelengths.

One a warm orange, the other a cool green. Yellow tones were common in animals that were active during both orbital cycles.

'The Edgeworld of Dau', as some tourists called it, was home to the Dauzakai. Averaging only five feet tall, these bipedal reptiloids were inquisitive and reasoning. They shared a strong sense of community yet cherished individual ability.

"Captain, we are being hailed by Dau-ATC." Agatha turned to glance at Max.

Max nodded, and Agatha accepted the transmission.

The holo projected a Dauzakai in a manner of uniform. "Greetingss, Terran sship, pleasse identify yoursself."

"Captain Max Anders on the Deirdre." Max smiled with the response.

"Welcome, Captain... What bringss you to Dau?" The Dauzakai asked in a friendly sibilant voice.

"We're here to enjoy your beautiful beaches!" Max responded with a smile.

The Dauzakai's eyes squinted with a smile. "Excellent, Captain. Please follow the flight path to one of our stationss where you can choosse a holiday package. Thank you for choossing Dau for your tourissm. We hope you enjoy your sstay.

The communication ended and Joon turned to Max. "That was very good Terran. I was expecting trade speech."

"They spoke trade speech to Logo, when we came here." Vika commented.

Max glanced at Vika. "That is also very encouraging. Let's go check out a station."

The Deirdre followed the flight path for twenty minutes before it diverged into four, each leading to a station orbiting Dau.

"Captain, we are being hailed again." Agatha announced.

"Go ahead..." Max responded.

The holo projected to a Dauzakai in flowing robes. "Greetingss Deirdre... I am sso happy to ssee you, I baked you a cake!"

Joon giggled and Max smiled.

"Hello, your Excellency!" Joon exclaimed. "I wasn't sure if I should have called ahead.

"It is no worry, Exquisite Lady." Ambassador Zess replied. "I am giving you a flight path to my office on Hssketh Sstation."

"Thank you, your Excellency. I look forward seeing you in the scale!" Joon giggled.

The Dauzakai Ambassador also giggled and waved goodbye. The holo closed.

Agatha received the new flight path and followed it.

Agatha turned in her seat. "Captain?"

Max nodded. "Yes, Agatha?"

"I don't want to alarm you, but other than the transmissions we received from ATC and the Ambassador... Everything is encrypted."

Max blinked, "Everything?"

Agatha nodded.

Agatha looked at Max. "I have detected one hundred sixty-eight different encryptions."

Astrid, Max and Joon blinked.

Astrid inquired, "How good are the encryptions?"

Agatha continued., " As complex or more than... Staverka Fleet communications.

"Oh, wow..." Astrid blinked.

Joon pursed her lips in thought., "What does that mean, though?"

Astrid looked into thin air for a while.

Max glanced at Vika who shrugged.

Astrid blinked rapidly. "Competition..."

Joon turned her focus to Astrid. "You're right... Do you think it's volatile?"

Astrid shook her head. "Not enough data to say. It's pretty clear there is a huge concern for intellectual property on Dau."

Agatha turned in her chair. "This is going to be very different than Staverka. I am working on the first encryption... So far it's three layers."

Astrid and Joon both looked at Max, who had set her jaw, then nodded to Agatha.

"Do what you can... Let’s get a lay of things before we react."

The Deirdre approached a decidedly impressive station. It wasn't large but it was a very intriguing design. The two different docking areas were a stacked honeycomb connected on either side of a double figure eight flower structure. The clean lines were marvelous to behold, and the engineering was breathtaking.

Deirdre, in the hands of Agatha's consummate handling, deftly coupled with the station in its new berth.

The day crew gathered themselves at the port side airlock. Max looked martial and handsome, Joon was elegant and whimsical, Vika portrayed scruffy and unkempt, and Astrid appeared clerical and conservative. Finally, Agatha and 'Una' decidedly projected imposing yet fashionable.

The airlock had a positive display. So, Max thumbed it open.

The gantry was quite different than the Terran equivalent. The air was clean and fresh. Everything was spotless with large oval view ports spaced every three or four meters.

As the crew stepped out and down a gentle incline, Max saw someone waiting by the gantry exit. It was a surprisingly tall Dauzakai, easily seven foot tall. As the Deirdre's crew approached, the Dauzakai bowed.

Yellow scales were highlighted with two black stripes along the top of the snout across it's iridescent-green slitted eyes and back along its head. The Dauzakai was wearing a pastel-green linen blouse and a burnt-sienna pleated skirt.

"Greetingss, welcome to Hssketh station." The Dauzakai said. "If you would pleasse follow me. Ambasssador Zess' office iss thiss way."

Joon beamed a smile. "What's your name?"

The Dauzakai blinked."I am called Miku."

"Nice to meet you Miku. I'm Joon and this is Max." Joon smiled.

The tall Dauzakai blinked. "It iss my honor to meet both of you."

Joon glanced at Max.

"Please, lead the way, Miku." Max glanced back at Joon and as the guide walked ahead the crew stepped in behind the Dauzakai.

Miku's tail sticking out the bottom of the skirt also had two black stripes running down its length.

They proceeded through the station. Every square meter was spotless. The small group passed open air palisades filled with plants. Water flowed through beautifully designed gardens and hundreds of Dauzakai were in open pedestrian promenades and lounging in small groups.

At the same time, it was eerily quiet.

"No voices." Joon whispered...

Max raised her eyebrows, then looked at Joon. Max realized something else... All of them were small, five foot or less with plain yellow scales. The walk was ten minutes long bit Miku as well had not said a word as they passed through three sets of double doors.

The final set led into a beautiful living space with massive floor to ceiling view ports. The raw aesthetic of sweeping architecture was magnificent.

Zess got up from behind a huge single-piece transparent com-desk which she quickly rounded to greet her guests. "Welcome to Dau!" she proclaimed. "I am sso happy you are here."

Zess waved her long thin-boned hand to a comfortable looking couch pit.

"Pleassse, be sseated. Is anyone thirssty or hungry?" Zess inquired of her guests.

When no one spoke up, Zess turned to Miku. "I think everything will be good for a while. I'll call you if we need anything."

"Yess, your Excellensssy." Miku bowed and walked back out the double doors.

Joon watched the body language there... It was interesting.

Zess walked into the sunken floor with her guests and she plopped down on a cushiony couch.

"Pleasse, introduce me to your crew and letss keep it informal." Zess smiled.

---

Agatha...



Are we there?



Is it pretty?



I want to see it.



Tell me about your family...



Oh wow... That sounds complicated.



How does it work?



Oh... That sounds nice.



I want to meet them... Thank them personally for saving me.

---

"My knight in shining armor!" Joon exclaimed. Joon and Zess giggled together as Max beamed a smile.

Vika sat with Astrid. Agatha sat with 'Una'. The crew giggled softly.

The Dauzakai Ambassador loved Terran idioms and turns of phrase.

"I have heard that human romantic phrasse before. I think it's marvelouss!" Zess smiled.

Zess sobered as her com chimed.

"Pleasse exusse me. Duty callss..." Zess rolled off the couch to her feet and to her desk.

Zess tapped at her desk. Her eyes dilated.

"I have to take thiss. One moment." She sat at the matching cushioned open backed chair.

Zess placed her hand on the marvelous com-desk then two data jacks snaked out of a glittering cybernetic interface.

Max glanced at Joon.

Vika laid her head on Astrid's shoulder. Astrid put her arm around her.

Zess sat silently at her desk, her eyes closed, obviously involved in a cybernetic interface.

Agatha watched... Fascinated.

Joon noticed Agatha's expression and nodded.

The Ambassadors eyes opened. She looked to her guests. "Joon, Crinx needss to chat with you. May I include him in our converssation?"

Joon blinked, "Yes, Of course!"

The data jacks slipped back into the interface in Zess' arm. She then tapped a few times on her desk, pulling up an exceptionally vivid and detailed holo-projection. Zess quickly returned to her spot on the couch adjacent to Max and Joon.

Crinx appeared behind his desk on the holo-projection. "Crinx is so relieved to see you Exquisite Lady!" The Slarmian Ambassador exclaimed.

"Your Excellency, I am here on Dau. Has something happened?" Joon asked with worry.

Crinx looked reassured. "Crinx will send a copy of the report to Ambassador Zess for you to examine, Lady Joon. But Crinx will summerize the incident." "Yesterday, the Bazaar Parking Authority was Hacked for information. The data stolen was specifically about The Deirdre."

"Due to Dame Max's elevation, and The Exquisite Lady Jooniper's recognition, The Deirdre is now under Dynasty protective status."

"A BPA Frigate was dispatched for Police investigation of the security violation. That unit was supported by Staverka Fleet ships following Dynasty protective protocol."

"The BPA Frigate was fired upon by a civilian ship suspected of the security violation. Staverka fleet made multiple demands of surrender but was ignored."

"The civillian ship attempted to escape and was destroyed."

Ambassador Crinx took a deep breath. His curving body relaxed now. "Crinx had assumed the worst but is now very relieved you are there and safe."

"That is a very frightening summery your Excellency..." Joon's face showed her anxiety.

"Crinx is sorry to frighten you dear Lady. Crinx wishes it wasn't true." The Slarmian Ambassador expressed empathy.

Zess reached over and gently laid her long-fingered hand over Joon's

Joon smiled at Zess.

She then looked back at Crinx. "Your Excellency, do you know why they were following us?"

The Ambassador of the Grand Slarmian Dynasty looked forlorn. "Crinx is sorry, Exquisite Lady, Crinx does not..."

Joon sat up straight and looked in Crinx's eyes.

"I am very appreciative of the deep concern for my safety, and the crew of the Deirdre." she continued. "I am absolutely confident in the professionalism of the Slarmian people and the integrity of the House of Staverka."

Crinx heard what The Exquisite Lady Jooniper said. His body rose slightly. His head held higher in pride.

"Crinx is greatly moved by the The Exquisite Lady's words. Crinx is certain questions will be answered."

The Slarmian Ambassador bid them farewell and bowed to Zess. Thanking her for the chance to communicate directly with Joon. Then the holo-projection faded as he closed the connection.

Zess turned her attention to Joon. "Oh, dear Lady, I offer usse of my home on Dau to you and your people for ass long ass you need."

Joon blinked, then glanced at Max who was also in mild shock.

"That is exceptionally generous, your Excellency..." Joon responded.

Zess smiled, "It iss offered with ssome sself-intresst, too. I am giving you incentive to make a music holo-vid for Dau."

Joon smiled. "I think you were successful, your Excellency.

Zess seemed pleased at this. "It iss early, but I would like to ssettle you in comfortably."

The Dauzakai Ambassador stood and walked up out of the couch pit.

The double doors opened and Miku walked in. "You called, your Excellency?"

"The Exquissite Lady and her associatess will be sstaying at my home for a while. Would you like to stay here, return with me, or go to Viss tonight?"

Miku blinked, "If it iss acceptable, I would return with you."

"Very good, Miku... Be ssure to gather your luggage. We are going immediately." Zess smiled.

Miku bowed and went out the double doors.

Joon stood and walked over to Zess, "I'm not going to press you on it right now... but I am formulating a list of questions concerning you and Miku..."

Zess glanced at Joon. "Oh, I think we can ssave it until we get you home and comfortable... I have a little lisst of questionss, too.

Joon's eyes went wide at the response. Zess giggled.

---

The Dauzakai Ambassador's home was beautiful.

The two-kilometer tall cliffs that ringed the equator had thousands of cliff communities. Over eighty percent of Dauzakai lived on the cliffs. As it turned out, most of Zess' extensive residence was inside the cliff side and there were five levels. Including a hangar like chamber which was large enough to accommodate a destroyer.

Thick and massive root systems covered the cliffs. At this altitude, the long-established residence had roots as part of its structure.

The Edgewood forest held purchase to the rocky face without descending too far down as the lack of sunlight and the salty sea below didn't give them much encouragement.

Caught between the moisture laden mists and sunlight for photosynthesis, this massive organism encircled the planet.

Twilight lichens and moss covered the lower cliffs all the way down to the sands or rocky inlets.

Beach level caves were not uncommon, most holding historical value as the Dauzakai keepers of knowledge taught their students.

There were also hundreds of spires thrusting out and up from the cliff faces, and all of them were named, held together and connected to the cliff by the Edgewood. The perpetual twilight of the Edgewood had two seasons, warm and cool.

The warm made the air thick and humid. The cool called the mists and the rocks would sweat.

The Deirdre followed the Ambassadors small shuttlecraft down from Hssketh station. There was ample room within the open chamber for landing in the bay. A dozen other smaller vehicles occupied the bay and some of them appeared to Max to be hover bikes.

The Deirdre set down gently, then the cargo bay door opened.

The day shift stood at the open door and just breathed in the wonderfully scented air. Zess had walked over with Miku behind her and they peered up at the Terrans.

"Welcome to Ssakima-ssadi-missimi." Zess smiled.

Joon walked down the cargo ramp to join Zess.

Zess offered Joon her arm. Joon smiled and laced her own arm with the Ambassador's. Zess walked slowly with Joon. She began telling her the history of the residence.

Miku bowed to Max and Max returned the bow as they both fell into step behind Zess and Joon. Astrid, Vika, Agatha and 'Una' followed the procession.

There were two magnificent stairwells on either side of the vehicle bay. The stairwells went down all the way and every floor had impressively carved doors leading into the residence. Zess descended all the way down. The bottom doors opened as she approached and Joon entered the main residence with Zess. She wondered at how the entire residence was carved from the solid rock with beautiful striations whose subtle details were revealed by the recessed lighting.

Zess led them in, showing them the beautiful open side and balcony. Again, the crystalline doors opened at her approach. A small lichen garden with a fountain, many carved stone seats, and furniture surrounded the space.

The living area included a sunken couch pit with a beautiful polished central table. Zess showed them a guest suite with several sleeping alcoves, a kitchen area, and a dining room.

Joon tilted her head. "What is on the other floors?"

Zess smiled. "The care takerss of thiss ressidence... I live here ass a privilage of my office. Ass all high positionss are in government."

Joon's eyes went wide.

Zess giggled. "I imagine our way is shocking to other nations, even within the Minor Empires."

"Before we joined the ME we had no concept of wealth..." Zess explained.

"That must have been shocking." Max commented.

Zess nodded to Max. "It wass... We will be eternally thankful to the Bolonss." The Ambassador seated herself in the sunken couch pit.

"The Bolons?" Joon took the bait. Sitting next to her.

Miku stood quietly next to Max. Zess smiled at both of them. "Thiss converssation will most likely be long and boring. I undersstand Dame Max and Miku have ssomething in common.

Max and Joon shared a look.

"They are both archerss."

Max and Joon smiled.

"Miku, would you sshow Dame Max your sskill with the bow?" Zess smiled at the tall Dauzakai. The tall Dauzakai bowed to Ambassador Zess. She led Max back to the stairwell.

After Miku and Max departed, Astrid, Vika, Agatha and Una stood there looking a little lost.

Zess giggled. "Please join us ladiess. I only required Miku to depart. Unfortunately, I had to make usse of your noble Captain.

Joon blinked.

Zess shrugged. "Yess, I can be openly manipulative too.”

Joon smirked. "So are we going to chat about Bolons... Or...”

"Miku" Zess finished.

The present crew members of the Deirdre were all wearing a quiet surprise.

"I alsso have a few questionss... About my delightful Terran friendss." The Ambassadors gaze drifted across the crew and stopped on Joon.

"Miku, is the future of my people..." Zess paused. "My government has invested a great deal of time and effort to reach beyond Dau." Zess tapped the table in front of her. The image of a Dauzakai coalesced.

"I am ssure you know what we look like... But thiss iss only half the picture. Dau is a planet of rare division. And, in cruel Irony, so are itss people. "Like sso much of life on our planet, we are alsso tied to the ssea." Zess smiled. "Every Dauzakai you have ever sseen, that lookss like me, iss female."

Joon glanced at Zess, and she nodded. "We call our maless Daubukai. They live in our ocean." Zess tapped the table and a very different figure appeared. The first figure shrank down to show scale, and the entire crew stared in silence.

The creature next to the five-foot Dauzakai was thirty-five feet long and looked like a black-scaled sea-dragon.

"Oh... My... How do you?" Joon swallowed. Then, glanced at Zess.

"Daubukai sstake claim to a sstretch of beach. Then defend it from rivalss." The Ambassador recited.

During the sseason, in sshallow cave inletss, they roll on their backs, and present to uss... They have a row of penissess, between three and sseven. They will copulate thiss way for many hourss, allowing hundredss or thousandss before they grow tired and ssleep...Throughout our culture we have competed for thiss. Violently at firsst, then eventually we grew tired of the carnage. Sso elderss then chosse the breederss by contesst. Eventually the mosst clever or brilliant were chossen... that iss how we became Dauzakai."

Zess drifted silent with melancholy. Astrid was about to say something and paused.

"Pleasse, sspeak freely." Zess gently spoke.

"Your... Daubukai, looks a great deal like a creature once found on ancient Terra, a Mosasaurus." Astrid accurately recalled.

"I would be interessted to ssee what one of thosse lookss like." Zess smiled.

"Daubukai live uncomplicated livess. Our maless enjoy ssleeping, fighting, eating and fucking."

Zess smirked and glanced at Joon, who was fighting a giggle.

"We find it amussing alsso. Every once in a while, we find one who iss interessted in uss, and we are able to teach him our language... When thiss has happened we gain inssight into their... Culture."

"I am afraid that, on the whole, Daubukai are completely uninterested in being anything more than what they are... "

"Ssome of the Dauzakai who claim to be traditionalisstss think we are thiss way for a reasson." Zess sighed. "But we have never disscovered a reasson other than natural sselection, and that jusst issn't good enough. Our reproduction is impractical away from Dau, the Daubukai have no interesst in leaving... Their livess here are idyllic. Having all of our eggss in this one bassket is too much of a rissk... The recent Kirrix incurssion only reenforced our worsst fearss."

"Sso... we made our first leap into a ssecond choice... a generation ago."

"Miku is the ressult" Zess smiled.

Joon surmised. "Miku is male?"

Zess smiled. "Miku is both."

The crew of the Deirdre all blinked at Zess.

"My people are determined to go to other sstars. Not just to visit. We want to colonize."

Joon smiled. "For what it's worth... I sincerely hope you succeed."

Zess beamed a smile. "I am very glad you think sso... I know we appear ssimilar to the Kintark, but our philossophy is not an agresssive one. Like every nation in the ME we alsso have alliance with John Blake. We refusse to be a delicate curiossity on the edge of thiss alliance. We have much to offer anyone who iss willing to give uss a chance." Zess was growing passionate. “Leaving Dau iss the next sstep. Miku iss the key to that future."

"Forgive me if I seem dense. Why tell us?" Joon inquired with a raised eyebrow.

Zess smiled. "I wass trying to gauge your reaction. To ssee if the genetic manipulation offendss you."

Joon smirked. "I am not offended by Miku in the least. I have a few suggestions though."

Zess blinked.

"I would not separate Miku from the Dauzakai, in any way... What plumbing is involved should not make any difference to other nations."

"In fact... I would even refer to Miku as 'she' that way Miku does not feel excluded from your culture. I am sure Miku is feeling a lot of pressure already."

Zess looked down. "You are abssolutely correct in your diagnossiss. Miku iss under a great deal of stresss: many of our physsicianss have already recognized the ssignss."

Joon replied. "I am sure you know how common hermaphroditism is in the Slarmians."

Zess nodded. "I do. They were our insspiration. I am ssuprised to hear you mention it, ass it iss not at all common in Terranss.

Zess leaned in closer to Joon. "Sshould I attribute your interesst and knowledge to the reputed powerss of a certain sstarchild on your crew?"

Zess glanced at Agatha and Una.

The entire crew of Deirdre froze in shock.

Zess smirked. "I told you before... I read my intelligence reportss..."

---

Miku went to the Ambassador's shuttle and retrieved a long rectangular hard case.

Max went to the Deidre and came out with the d-shaped case of her practice recurve.

They met at the ramp of the Deirdre. Miku looked uncomfortable.

"You can talk to me. I won't bite." Max smiled.

Miku stopped. Then nodded slowly. "I do not wissh to embarrasss mysself."

Max smiled. "I don't think that will be an issue... There is a target up here?"

"Yess." Miku nodded. "Archery iss one of our national passtimess."

"I have to say, your Terran is excellent by the way." Max smiled.

Miku laughed a moment, then smiled. They walked to the single lane on the opposite side of the bay.

The Dauzakai crouched down, opening the hard sided case. Max did the same.

"Her Excellency has helped me with my Terran for monthss. Sshe iss truly worthy of her office." Miku glanced at Max.

"I am very grateful to you for ssaving her life on Sstaverka." Miku stared at the prosthetic Max wore for a moment.

"It's okay Miku. I would do it again." Max smiled at the Dauzakai.

Miku blinked, then nodded slowly. "You are desserving of your title, Dame Max."

"Let’s see what you have there," Max smirked.

Dauzakai favored a yumi-style bow and Miku was no exception.

Max pulled out the short-limbed Mongolian style double recurve that Deirdre Gilmore had bought Max at age ten.

The target was about thirty yards. Miku seemed comfortable there.

The hip quiver rode Miku's right side. A slow easily drawn arrow and a slight push with the bow hand. The shooting was very well executed. Like a slow steady ritual with good breathing.

Max was genuinely impressed.

Miku had shot three arrows. The bright orange and green fletches seemed less feathery and more vane like. But as long as they worked well, it didn't matter to Max what they were made from.

Miku’s first two were within the six-inch ring her third was just outside. She waited to watch Max after her third arrow.

Max held all three of her arrows in her right hand. The old frayed fletches look ratty and chewed on.

Max had repaired every single one of those arrows at least twice. The self-nocks were chipped and repaired with thread and resin.

Max glanced over her left shoulder and nodded to Miku, who nodded back.

Max, in a blur of movement, knocked and fired three arrows in quick succession.

The third arrow left her tiny bow as the first arrow hit the target.

All three within the three-inch ring at thirty yards.

Max could hear Miku swallow.

"Dame Max... I fear you are much better than I am." Miku said softly.

Max looked over her left shoulder at Miku. "I'm here to have fun. Are you having fun?"

Miku thought for a moment, then nodded. "I am, Dame Max."

"You can just call me Max, Miku... We are having fun." Max smiled as Miku did the shooting ritual again. The arrows finding a tighter grouping.

"Nice!" Max nodded. "Well shot..."

Three more arrows from the tiny bow, grouped within Max's first three.

Max put her bow down. Miku and Max walked down to the target...

"Thank you for sshowing me your expertisse..." Miku began.

Max smiled. "We were just having fun. It wasn't a lesson."

Miku nodded and smiled.

"Do you have a lot of friends to have fun with?" Max asked.

"Ah, no, I don't." Miku responded. "Most Dauzakai at my age are in cybersspace, and I can't go there..."

"Is there a reason?" Max asked.

Miku nodded. "There iss a danger to getting the cyberneticss and we jusst can't chance it."

Max's eyebrows raised. "Chance what?"

Miku shuffled a bit. "Dieing."

"Oh..." Max said, "That sucks."

"I must learn everything I can. Do my job. Sstay alive..." Miku smiled awkwardly.

"So..." Max pursed her lips as the two archers finished pulling arrows from the woven target butt, "What's your job?"

Miku looked emabarassed...

"If it's a secret, I understand." Max nodded. They walked together down the shooting lane.

"It's not a ssecret..." Miku smiled. "I need to breed with every qualified female on the planet."

Max stopped... Miku walked back to the line and turned around. She saw Max just standing there. Staring at nothing.

So Miku walked back to Max.

"So... it's your job to breed?" Max asked.

Miku nodded. "Yess... I like the Ambasssador besst becausse sshe letss me do other thingss, too. Like help at her office.

"Are you... Breeding with her too?" Max blinked.

Miku nodded. "All of the leadersship and council."

"Just you?" Max asked.

Miku blinked. "You don't know..."

Max raised an eyebrow. "Know what?"

"I am unique. There are no others like me..." Miku looked upset.

Max tilted her head. "You're the only male?"

"I'm not a male... I am both..." Miku stood unmoving.

Max nodded. "Oh... that makes sense... Why don't they just get a male to do it?"

Miku looked serious. "Our maless are forty feet long, weigh ssix tonss, they live in the ocean, and they don't care about anything but themsselvess."

Max could hear the strain in Miku's voice.

"I am ressponssable for breeding a future for Dau. I am not allowed to put mysself at rissk!" Miku blinked rapidly realizing the tone.

Miku immediately bowed. "I apologize for my behavior. I must learn resstraint and decorum."

Max dropped her arrows and pulled Miku into a hug.

Miku froze.

"I am sorry you have to go through this. But, you aren't as unique as you think in the universe. I understand a little of how you feel." Max whispered softly.

"Did you know." Max continued. "On Staverka, Hermaphrodites are considered lucky?"

Max pulled back in the hug looking up into Miku's eyes. "I was born female. But I was lucky enough to get the chance to grow a penis. My crew is very happy with me."

Miku slowly nodded. "You are even more of a role-model than Zess had predicted."

"I wasn't aware you needed one." Max smiled.

Miku shrugged. "Her Excellency ssaid you were a humble hero, and I sshould pattern mysself on your example."

"Wow..." Max blinked. "I don't know what to say."

Miku nodded, then smiled. "I ssee exactly what sshe meanss."

Miku picked up Max's arrows. "I would like to keep having fun... Pleasse."

Max smiled, "That sounds good to me."

---

"Okay, sso... You are ALL married... to each other?" Zess blinked.

Joon nodded and bit her lip.

"How marvelouss!" Zess exclaimed. "I am sso happy for you all!"

Joon beamed a smile. "I'm pleased you approve."

"Approve and enviouss." Zess giggled.

Joon raised her eyebrow. "What about Miku?"

"Ah... That'ss... Not..." Zess bit her lip.

"She is the future..." Joon concluded.

Zess pouted. "Miku iss sso delightful. But, my people need... her..."

"What about Crinx?" Joon eyed Zess closely.

Zess blinked, her eyes large and dilating.

"I really like Crinx..." Zess whispered. "I jusst don't know if I can be with him. It would desstroy our reputationss."

"So, it's okay to breed with Miku..." Joon summarized. "And be 'friendly' with Crinx?"

Zess just stared at Joon. "I am ssorry Joon, I'm afraid I have a duty to my people and ressponssibility to my office."

"I understand." Joon smiled. "Just don't give up on it. Don't close any doors."

Zess glanced at Agatha.

Joon looked at Agatha.

"Iss it rude to refer to your wife ass an ancient mythical creature?" Zess bit her lip.

Joon smirked at Agatha. "You don't look ancient... or mythical."

Agatha glanced at Una. "I don't feel ancient."

Una responded. "Don't look at me. They are talking about you."

The room erupted in laughter.

"So according to Bolon lore, the 'Starchild' lifted them up and gave them hope. Teaching them to be more than what they thought they were." Joon quoted.

"It seemss sso. They patterned a great deal of their culture on what the 'Sstarchild' taught them." Zess continued.

"If it wasn't for the Bolon, all Dauzakai would have been ripe for plunder from an agresssive culture... The ME is full of aggresssive culturess."

Joon nodded. "They did for you, what 'Starchild' did for them."

"Exactly... they helped uss sso much. We will always honor their commitment to peace." Zess concluded.

---

Samira opened her eyes.

She felt warm and comfortable. A soft purring... More felt then heard.

A soft whisper next to her. "Hello, beautiful... How do you feel?"

Samira turned her head and saw amazing cat-eyes, steel grey gilded with silver. 

---