Max Intel: Melinoe - Chapter 14

"I know you..." Samira said weakly.

Agatha was cuddled very close with the limbless woman in the guest cabin bed. They were together under the soft duvet, Agatha's arm was supporting her head and neck under the pillow.

"Where do you know me from, beautiful?" Agatha asked in a soft whisper.

Samira swallowed, then replied in a soft voice, "Security... Recording... Supply depot... Megara."

Agatha saw Samira's eyes lose focus, "Oh, sweetheart, don't push yourself. "I won't go anywhere, you'll be safe here, I promise." Agatha reassured her.

Samira smiled softly, her dark brown eyes focused again, looking at Agatha's exoticly sharp features. "Twin..." Samira said softly.

A few moments later another hand of Agatha came into the guest cabin. She climbed very carefully onto the bed, above the duvet. She lay her head on her twin's hip looking up into Samira's eyes.

"Amazing..." Samira murmured as she closed her eyes.

Agatha and her twin stayed there, listening to Samira breathe and to her heartbeat. The two hands could be spared for Agatha's new friend, for as long as she needed them.

"Are you thirsty, Samira?" The whispered question as soft as a feather.

Samria opened her eyes, "Yes... Please."

Her voice was a little stronger. The twin got up carefully to get her something to drink. When she returned, Samira was elevated slightly, she sipped and swallowed a few times.

"Mmm... Thank you." Samira smiled.

She turned to Agatha, and asked in a soft voice, "W...What is your sisters name?"

Agatha smirked in response, "Well... We sometimes refer to her as 'Una' but, she isn't my sister."

Samira's confusion was expected.

"I will explain." Said 'Una' in a soft voice, "We are one person..."

Agatha continued, in the same tone, "With two bodies..."

They continued together in a quiet stereo, "Or as many bodies as I need to make."

Again Samira's reaction was not unexpected, she gazed at them in wonder.

"That must be..." Samira paused, "A lot of fun." The limbless woman smiled.

Agatha smiled together, then one said, "I am able to get a lot done, and help keep my family safe."

Thinking about that... Samira stared at the entrance to the bathroom. Samira then looked around the room, "This is a nice cabin..."

"It used to be the Captains quarters." Agatha responded.

Samira glanced at Agatha, "Captain Anders?"

Agatha nodded, "Yes... Max."

Samira looked into thin air, "That was who we... I... was tracing from Megara."

Agatha nodded, "If you can, please tell me what happened..."

Samira's lips thinned an expression of worry on her face.

"You are in absolutely no danger, you are safe and well cared for." Agatha said softly, gently pushing feelings of safety and wellbeing to Samira.

Samira swallowed again, "My partner, Liam, had brought in all his friends for this job. The job came from a woman named Ingrid Bjorkstrom-Komatzu to rescue her daughter from abduction by the vile tramp-ship's Captain, Captain Anders."

"Our course was directed to Port Megara with a hit on the alert 'mommy-dearest' issued. There were twenty three of us on the Coldtracks... We departed for Megara. When we got there, I was able to bribe the trade-depot manager to get a peek at his security recordings."

"I traced Captain Anders to Mu Cygni... But when we arrived in system, we lost all signs of the target. I told Liam it was going to take time to find Anders again, but he didn't want to wait."

"Jacob said he could hack into the civic system and find them. I said, 'breaking into the civic data system of a sovereign state was moronic and criminal. That if they were going to break laws of foreign nations, I would quit.'"

"Before I realized it, they all had their sidearms out, trained on me...Liam said I was useless to him, and had me brigged."

A silent tear rolled down Samira's cheek.

"I was in there for three hours when we went to hyper-warp. Not long in hyper, twenty minutes. Then maybe an hour later...Something changed, I could hear an alarm. I could hear Liam completely freaking out and he opened my cell. He begged me to 'Fix it' for him."

"I think I broke his jaw... I was so angry."

"I went straight to the armory...I suited up for heavy combat...I don't... remember what happened, I was going to..."

Samira was visibly upset, tears now streaming down her face.

Agatha cuddled her from both sides, sending calming emotions into her.

She crooned softly in Samira's ear, "It's okay, you're safe, nothing bad will happen now."

"I was really mad... I was going to do awful things to them." Samira whimpered. Samira closed her eyes, "I'm not that kind of person, I'm not a criminal."

Agatha gently held Samira... in minutes she was asleep... bathed in gentle dreams and soothing thoughts.

Max and Miku tired themselves out launching bits of wood and fletching at targets for a few hours. The pair talked about all manner of things in Dauzakai culture.

Max was impressed how there was no poverty, absolute literacy and crime was practically unknown.

Data was the only area where Dauzakai had some difficulty with theft. There was a serious rash of intellectual thefts for a while, but new laws were emplaced. Data-Theft outside Dauzakai territory was still a possible problem. Intellectual property acquired outside Dauzakai borders without permission was punishable with banishment.

In Dau culture, that was very serious.

Max wondered if the Deirdre was at risk.

Miku doubted it was a concern, the moment Ambassador Zess invited The Exquisite Lady Jooniper... Deirdre was off limits. Dauzakai would not incur foreign ire... if they could help it.

The two archers packed up their bows and walked back down to the Ambassador's residence.

Zess had taken her guests into the large professional quality kitchen and put them all to work helping to make dinner. Max and Miku beamed smiles witnessing them all busy and chatting together, laughing and having a ball. It appeared that 'cooking dinner' included imbibing alcohol, so the kitchen had some very happy cooks.

Max got the Ambassadors attention and smiled, "Your Excellency, I understand your government offered access to advanced prosthetics, I am asking for a friend.

Zess gasped, "Oh, no! I am sso ssorry, I have badly misssteped there..."

"It's quite alright, your excellency, I just wanted you to know, I am very interested." Max smiled.

"I can sshow you where th..." Zess gasped again... "Oh, sshit... I really fucked up..."

Joon looked up at her towering first wife, "What are you doing to our host?"

Vika climbed up on a stool to watch the fireworks. Astrid stood next to Vika and sipped on a drink in her hand.

Zess turned to Joon, "Oh, Exquissite Lady, If I had let you go through the normal channels. You would have been given the tourist package, it includess all the media codes and access to our holo-net and cyber-net." Zess pouted.

Joon walked right up to the Dauzakai Ambassador and gave her a big Terran hug. "I wouldn't change a thing... we have had a wonderful time."

Zess smiled and sighed, "You are too forgiving, Joon."

"Nonsense," Joon replied, "You are a good friend, you get the first fuck-up free of charge."

The room erupted into giggles.

Agatha updated the Deirdre with a 'diplomatic media package' supplied to them by Zess. That changed everything... Agatha started a three hand session in the com-hub immediately. The access coding opened over ninety-two percent of the encrypted transmissions.

The Dauzakai socio-cultural dynamic bloomed in front of Agatha's senses like a florist's wet dream. Agatha asked Joon if 'Una' was absolutely necessary for bodyguard duty.

Joon smiled, "No, I think we are as safe as we can get, you can go do some laundry."

Agatha giggled, "Yes, m'lady."

'Una's fiction wasn't necessary for Zess... but just how many of Agatha's bodies were currently in existence was still held in reserve.

Agatha found the cyber-net... there was holo-net access to it, but it was an imperfect interface. The Dau cyber-space was a fully-immersive virtual reality, Agatha was simultaneously in awe and envious. Agatha suspected that near every single citizen of Dau had direct access to cyberspace, it was unprecedented.

Agatha began gathering data and intel on cybernetic requirements for Dau cyberspace.

Dinner was absolutely delicious, Dauzakai cuisine was a carnival of flavors and textures. It was easy to see why they rated so high in hospitality. The variety of food types could please a number of preferences, Vegetarian, Fungivore, pescetarian, insectivore.

With imported dairy products or substitutions from Terran and other suppliers, they had even mastered many Terran dishes.

Local potables were also delightful, sweet and fruity, or sharp, dry and cleansing. Zess made five different dishes, two were Dauzakai takes on Terran cuisine. A delicate and flavorful shrimp scampi with hints of paprika and coconut. Grilled and spiced Dauzakai vegetables, a delectable mix of flavors and textures. Dauzakai green stew, heavy with tart cress and earthy greens, cooked with a spicy sausage.

The sausage in the green stew was rich Azuki meat with seven types of spice.

Large brazed Thymaka steaks were dripping with citrus and legume oil, the slabs of meat were tender and delicious. Zess also made Dim sum, to be fair most everyone sitting at the table had a hand in making them. with a variety of local fillings.

The Terran dish was hugely popular in local cuisine had been happily adopted by the Dauzakai. Everyone seated at the table enjoyed Zess' efforts.

The crew of the Deidre took their time to savor the new flavors and textures, commenting and giving verbal praise to their hostess.

Miku was fully swept into the experience, visibly relaxed and openly engaging. Joon winked at Max, who responded with a beaming smile.

The dinner started evolving into discussion, as it does.

The crew was delighted with the dinner, the residence, and everything they had experienced so far. Zess would try to be a good hostess, but could not take any time off, and was apologetic. Joon and Max completely understood, and would be able to fend for themselves for a while.

Astrid reached across her plate for her water glass, still adjusting to her slightly altered proportions. Her arm knocked into her plate, sending her two eating utensils across the table in a wobbling spin.

Vika calmly plucked them out of the air, abruptly bringing the awkward moment to a close.

Miku stared at her, Vika smiled.

"Nice reflexes, cute stuff." Max commented.

Vika smiled at Max, her eyes then turned to Miku. During the conversation Miku's eyes kept returning to the diminutive Terran.

Astrid Inquired about access to examples of Dauzakai tech, even off the shelf products.

Agatha answered that they now had access to a dozen tech outlets on the local holo-net. Astrid beamed a smile and did a silent cheer, the table chuckled...

Max and Agatha started clearing the table, Miku helped. In the kitchen Miku very quietly asked Max about Vika.

"What is she, Dame Max?" Miku asked in barely a whisper.

Max blinked, "What do you mean?"

Miku glanced over Max's shoulder and quietly whispered in Max's ear, "Vika's hands were already in the exact place those utensils went... I know what I saw."

Max gently laid a hand on Miku's shoulder and quietly responded, "Every member of my crew is very talented, some in surprising ways."

Miku's eyes grew wide, and then she nodded.

Agatha pulled out a porcelain ramekin from the cabinet, "Do you have a minute, Captain?"

Miku returned to the dining room as Max and Agatha remained in the kitchen.

The conversation had never stopped while the table was cleared, Zess and Joon got up together and walked into the living room. Zess poured Joon and herself a glass of light green Dauzakai wine and Max joined them a few minutes later slightly flushed. Agatha seamlessly walked out of the foyer as 'Una' walked in.

The exchange was most likely unnoticed.

Zess offered everyone else a glass, Astrid took her up on it. It was a balanced wine, nice for sipping during conversation.

"Your Excellency," Joon stated, "I am very much looking forward to seeing the northern regions."

Zess nodded, "I sshall have one of our besst guidess give you a private tour, I want you to ssee everything, giving you a complete impresssion of Dau.

"I really appreciate that, I can hardly wait to see it all." Joon smiled.

"I really love my world, and my people." Zess gazed at Miku momentarily.

Miku's eyes dilated. Joon glanced at Max, who smiled at her.

"Dame Max," Zess shifted her gaze, "Tell me how you met your Exquisite Lady."

Max beamed a huge smile, "We met in school..."

Samira yawned and squinted her eyes.

"Hello there, beautiful, how do you feel?" Agatha asked in a cheerful soft voice.

Samira smiled, "I'm a little peckish."

"I am so glad to hear you say that." Agatha smiled.

Agatha began spoon feeding Samira a delicious sweet vanilla custard. Samira moaned softly, her eyes dilated with every spoonful.

"Oh, that is amazing..." Samira said after Agatha scraped the porcelain ramekin with the spoon.

"It's a family recipe." Agatha commented, "I understand it's better fresh and warm, but needs must prevail."

"Can I ask you a question?" Samira peered.

Agatha nodded, "Of course."

"You removed my limbs out of security concerns, I understand that... what do I need to do to gain the trust to... get an arm?" Samira asked with a hopeful face. Samira blushed, "My... nose itches."

Agatha held her hand close to Samira's face... She rubbed her hawk-like nose against the offered hand. Samira thought about requesting a hand to where she really itched... but changed her mind.

Agatha smiled, "I want you to meet everyone first, and you're wrong, I trust you completely."

Samira smiled softly, then licked her lips. "Damn, that was tasty."

"I will let the chef know you enjoyed it." Agatha smirked.

Agatha tilted her head to the side, "What kind of limbs do you prefer?"

"Hmmm." Samira thought about the question.

"I had two sets... one for everyday, one for combat. I always wanted to get a set for cosplay... I love dressing up in fantasy costumes."

Agatha looked intrigued, "Tell me about it."

"I have been going to Fanta-Con in Unity City for years...I can show you holos on my social site." Samira was brimming with enthusiasm.

Agatha smiled, "Can you tell me the site address?"

"Sami-Faun at Fanta-Con.UC.Terra.zim." Samira immediately rattled off.

Agatha brought up the site and sent it to the com-desk in the guest cabin. Sam beamed as Agatha slowly scrolled through the images. Agatha felt the joy and happiness flowing off the limbless woman.

Seeing Samira in full cosplay regalia wearing her armored 'digilegs' and dark metal 'everyday' arms, dressed in a fantasy costume; she looked so happy and relaxed, enjoying her fellow cosplayers and convention goers.

"You love this life." Agatha commented.

Samira smiled crookedly, "It was a place I could... Fit in... and some Cozzies actually found me attractive. I wouldn't have had a sex life without it."

Agatha stared at Samira, "But you're gorgeous!"

"Maybe... but no one buys a broken toy, no matter how much fun they have playing with it." Samira commented with thin lips.

"I wouldn't hesitate a moment..." Agatha said, still staring at Samira, who was watching the scrolling holograms.

Samira slowly shifted her gaze to Agatha, a sad, lost look on her face...Prove it..." She whispered.

Agatha leaned into Samira, their lips met...

Then the kiss deepend...

Their tongues gently introduced themselves, and began a slow sensual dance. They explored each other in that kiss and did not rush to conclude it.

When the kiss finally ended, Samira was panting heavily, "Is your tongue... as long... as I think... it is?"

Agatha made a soft purrmeow, then pushed her tongue out slowly... until all nine inches were on display for Samira to see.

"Holy Fuck..." Samira's eyes were huge, "Can I assume you know how to use that thing?"

Agatha retracted her length answering with a beaming smile, "I have four wives... and other selves if I need to practice..."

Samira just stared and whimpered.

Agatha did not want to make any mistakes, or assumptions, so she redirected the moment. "Tell me exactly what limbs you would love to have for cosplay." Agatha asked with a seductive smile."

Samira blinked, still breathing heavily, she thought for a few minutes "I want delicate sexy faun legs...Four sexy human arms, that look good in negligee...and I want them all to match my coloring."

While Samira was describing her 'wish-list cosplay look' Agatha was gently removing catheters and cleaning her. A second hand came in to assist... Both Agatha lifted Samira and carried her into the bathroom. Samira had Agatha to do everything she needed done... Agatha's gentle touch was everywhere.

After a standing shower supported by the thorough and attentive exotic alien, Samira was dried, her shoulder length dark brown hair brushed out. Samira found herself back in the guest cabin bed, the sheets had been changed out and it smelled fresh and clean.

Several scented candles had been lit and placed on the com-desk. Samira was between the two Agatha, looking nervous but feeling aroused.

"Would you like one, or two of me?" Agatha asked in a soft gentle voice.

Samira's eyes dilated, "I... I think just one for now... I've never been with... more than...

"As you desire, my sweet Samira." Agatha's second 'hand' gently kissed Samira's forehead and left the cabin.

"I'm sorry, I'm a little overwhelmed." Samira confessed.

Agatha smiled softly, "If you feel anything is too much, I will stop the moment you ask."

Samira's expression softened, "I believe you..."

Agatha leaned in and kissed her... Samira's dark nipples instantly became two hard pebbles on her breasts.

Agatha laid her hand on Samira's torso, her breasts were devoid of ink, but they were beautifully framed in tattoos of intricate flowers and spiderwebs. Samira moaned in Agatha's mouth, so she pulled back from it.

"Please..." Samira started, her lust was a soft gentle burn, like the embers of a fantasy tavern's hearth. She didn't need to say more, so Agatha moved down and laid on her tummy before Samira's sex, her musky scent declaring her desire.

Agatha started soft and slow, tasting Samira's wet arousal, it was strong but in no way unpleasant. Gentle fingers teased lovingly at Samira's nipples and breasts. Samira moans were interspersed with endearments and soft expletives, "Yes, baby." "Fuck yea, just like that." "So, good." "Oh, Fuck me." "I love your mouth."

By the time Agatha had pushed her tongue inside Samira, she was a roaring blacksmiths forge of lust.

Her endearments were continuous.

Without a way to reciprocate with touch, her words were always encouraging and complimentary. Samira writhed through her orgasms, begging Agatha to continue saying, "It's been so long."

Agatha gave Samira four orgasms of varied strengths, all of them were given with gentle and loving applications of her lips and tongue. Samira's verbal encouragements became incomprehensible, her erotic babbling was rather endearing.

Remembering what Max had said about overdoing exercise, Agatha did not want Samira to suffer in any way. Cuddling with her afterwards, punctuated with soft kisses, Samira was still glowing with emotion.

"I really hope this doesn't ruin things." Samira said softly.

Agatha inquired, "Why would it ruin anything?"

"Last time I had a... friend... I jumped the gun and scared him off..." Samira confessed. "I never got that again... hell, I didn't even have sex again until my second Fanta-Con...I don't want to... lose my heart..."

Agatha peered deep into Samira's emotions, long years of deserts, with only a few days of oasis.

"I will be with you as long as you desire...But I am part of a package deal, so you have to meet the package." Agatha remarked.

Samira looked crestfallen.

"Hey, now." Agatha crooned, "They know what kind of person you are. They are as accepting of you, as you are of them..."

Samira's spirits rose, she smiled softly. "I hope I really like them, and they like me..."

Agatha hugged her close...

...Agatha in the coms room tapped the final approval of configuration and designs and submitted the order, tapping in the diplomatic priority code Zess had supplied... and hit enter.

Joon gave Zess a hug, "I'll talk with you tomorrow." then quietly added, "Have a really good night, lucky girl"

Zess beamed a nervous smile.

Miku bowed deeply to Joon and Max, "It hass been an honor and a privilege."

Astrid wrapped her arms around Vika from behind, both smiling at Miku.

Max offered her hand to Miku, "It was a pleasure, Miku."

Miku accepted the offered hand, smiling.

The crew of the Deirdre walked through the foyer and up the grand spiraling stairs. Joon glanced at Max, as the ornate doors closed behind them. "You made a real impression on Miku."

"I like Miku, I hope good things for her." Max commented softly.

Joon responded, "There is a lot of pressure on her..."

Max nodded, "I am aware... we talked it out on the range."

"I remember having long conversations on the range," Joon smiled.

Max nodded, "I greatly respect Miku, she is a very good archer and deeply committed to her people."

Agatha cleared her throat, "I don't mean to interrupt, but I'd like to discuss our guest before we return to the ship."

Astrid stopped, "Is she okay?"

Joon sat down on the top step of the beautiful stone stairwell, "Impromptu meeting." Everyone nodded and took a seat.

Agatha answered Astrid, "Samira is just fine, she is awake, healthy and affectionate."

Max blinked, "Affectionate... already?"

Agatha smiled, "She really liked the vanilla treat."

Joon giggled, "Ag's does good work."

Astrid dove into it, "Did she mention my mother?"

"We didn't get too far into that, but she didn't believe Ingrid's pitch." Agatha responded.

Max nodded, "I didn't abduct anyone..."

Joon glanced at Max.

"...I don't do that anymore." Max finished with a nod.

Astrid laid her head on Max's shoulder.

Vika peered at Agatha, "How affectionate?"

Agatha smiled, "Quite affectionate, her litany of lovely compliments and reactions made being with her very satisfying."

Vika nodded with a smile.

"I would like her 're-armed' so to speak," Max commented.

"I agree, it was painful doing that, I don't know how she can stand being without..." Joon winced.

Astrid bit her lip, "Can we do that immediately, I want to meet her, and help her as much as possible."

Max nodded, "I think Agatha should coordinate our introductions."

Agatha smiled, "I would be happy to."

"Samira is much more than she appears, she is very creative and passionate." Agatha nodded.

Vika and Agatha exchanged looks. Vika nodded, and they both smiled. The day crew headed into the Deirdre.

Samira was in and out of blissful repose, her sex was still humming in tingles.

"Samira?" Agatha whispered softly.

The limbless woman turned her head towards Agatha smiling softly, "Mmm?"

"I want to introduce you to my family, now." Agatha spoke.

Agatha could feel Samira's anxiety begin to ratchet up.

"Shhh... Be at ease, Beautiful." Agatha reassured, as she gently pushed confidence into her.

She added, "One at a time, no pressure..."

Samira nodded looking at the cabin door.

A moment later, a tall platinum-blonde came through the door, she was wearing an office skirt-suit in a dark-grey with a dove-grey blouse under the conservative tailored jacket. She was carrying a familiar cybernetic arm.

"Hi... I'm Astrid." She said.

The woman put the arm on the end of the bed, then knelt next to it, folding her arms on the bed. Astrid smiled softly, "Just so we get started on the right foot, I am here of my own free will, and I was not abducted."

Samira bit her lip, "I got that impression from your wife." She glanced at Agatha who was still cuddled up with her.

"I adore Agatha, and everyone in my family... I really hope you might eventually feel the same way." Astrid's lavender almond-shaped eyes looked hopeful.

Samira's heart was thumping hard at those words.

"I would like to attach your arm, if you would let me, I am very interested in your cybernetics." Astrid continued, "I am the Deirdre's engineer so it's also a professional curiosity."

Samira nodded, Agatha helped her to emerge from the duvet.

"Oh, would you like me to get you some clothes?" Astrid asked.

"That is a very kind offer, but I haven't been embarrassed by nudity for a long time." Samira smiled.

Astrid reached out and pulled over the cybernetic arm lifting it up and aligning it into Samira's right shoulder well.

Samira cycled through the locks with her wetware as the limb was accepted into her isolated system. Her hand flexed, she rolled her fingers into and out of a fist. Samira reached back with her arm and gently lifted herself up into a sitting position. She closed her eyes in reaction to the pressure now on her pleasantly sensitive nethers.

"Are you okay?" Astrid looked concerned.

Samira's dark-brown eyes opened, She smiled, "Oh yes, I am very good... it's just been a while, and I was being greedy."

Astrid beamed a knowing smile, "I have been there, If we all get along... you will never go without again."

Samira looked surprised, "You seem very confident of that."

"I can only speak for myself, but you had me at sexy cyborg." Astrid giggled.

Samira blinked, "Really?"

Astrid nodded, "I really like it... it's a kink I didn't know I had."

Samira beamed.

Astrid sat back on her knees, "We're introducing ourselves one at a time, Agatha didn't want to overwhelm you."

"That is very considerate..." Samira glanced at Agatha, her face showed affection.

Astrid glanced at Agatha who smiled. "Okay... that makes sense." Astrid nodded to Agatha.

Samira looked confused, looking at Agatha then back at Astrid.

"My apologies." Agatha commented, "All of my family have tiny earbuds, so I can whisper to them, I wasn't trying to be rude, I will happily do the same for you."

Samira smirked, "I have a device that can receive transmissions in my head."

Astrid beamed, "That's brilliant."

The blonde sat up and stood from her kneel with practiced ease. Astrid stepped out of her conservative heels. She then took off her tailored jacket, placing it on the end of the bed. Her fingers slowly unbuttoned her blouse, she was watching Samira's dark-brown eyes.

Samira watched Astrid's hands, she was mesmerized.

Astrid removed her blouse revealing a floral scallop violet-lace demi-brassiere.

Samira's eyes grew a little larger.

Astrid then unzipped and stepped out of her knee-length pencil skirt. Underneath the skirt Astrid was wearing matching floral scallop violet-lace crotchless panties that framed the blonde lightning bolt shape adorning her pubis.

"Wow..." Samira stared.

Astrid slowly turned around, giving Samira the full picture.

She then walked back around the bed picking up her discarded clothing and dropping them on the com-desk.

Leaning over and spreading her legs, Astrid looked over her shoulder and smiled at Samira. "Do you mind if I stay, while the others come in?" Astrid asked in a sweet innocent voice.

Samira was staring at Astrid's heart-shaped ass, "I don't mind..."

Astrid beamed, walking back around the bed laying across it next to Samira and Agatha.

Joon walked into the guest cabin, she carried the left cybernetic arm... she was also completely nude. Samira tried really hard, but couldn't help looking at Joon's breasts. Joon walked slowly, adding just a little bounce in her steps, watching Samira's face.

"Hello there, my name is Joon." She walked over to the bed nice and slow.

Samira forced her eyes up to Joon's grass-green orbs, "It is my pleasure, Ms. Smith."

She swallowed visibly not expecting to see 'THE Jooniper Smith' naked in front of her.

Joon glanced at Astrid, "Help me with this, please, Chief."

The petite strawberry-blonde hefted the cybernetic arm, turning it around.

Astrid and Agatha lined up the arm to Samira's shoulder well, sliding it into place. Samira cycled through the locks with her wetware as the limb was accepted into her isolated system.

Samira looked into grass-green eyes, "Thank you... for your trust."

Joon smiled, "I want you to feel welcome..."

"My dear... Agatha heard your soul, and we felt obligated to save a just and pure spirit."

A silent tear escaped Samira's eye at hearing those words.

Joon kissed her gently on her cheek, then hopped up on the end of the bed.

"I am the Medical and Executive Officer of the Deirdre, you are under my care, and consideration." Joon smiled at Samira's reaction.

"I greatly appreciate your expertise... Doctor, Ma'am." Samira said solemnly.

Joon smiled her elfin grin.

Samira turned her head as the guest cabin door opened again.

A completely nude diminutive woman stood just outside.

She had a familiar sleek dark-metal cybernetic leg balanced across her shoulder held in place with a casual grip of her hand. The tiny figure was an amazing physical specimen, her well muscled body covered in freckles. She wore her bright-coppery hair in a mass of dreads tied back hanging down behind her. As she advanced into the cabin with the confidence of an apex predator.

At complete odds with her aura of lethality was her bright-coppery heart-shaped escutcheon. She stopped before Samira, and simply said, "I am Vika." Her pretty face was devoid of emotion, her large cobalt-blue eyes seemed to look through Samira.

Then she smiled softly, "You will be loved here."

Samira could only blink.

Vika lifted the cybernetic leg off her shoulder, with no effort at all. She held the leg at just the right angle, which surprised Samira.

"That's perfect." Samira glanced at Vika, still wearing her soft smile.

Samira cycled through the locks with her wetware as the limb was accepted into her isolated system.

Vika nodded to Samira, her unnerving stare now gone, her approval apparent on her face.

Their eyes met again... Samira felt an instant alliance forged, it was the most profound first impression she'd ever had in her life.

The tiny woman leapt on to the bed, and situated herself behind Samira, her muscled arms held around her.

Agatha whispered, "Almost there, Beautiful, how are you doing?"

Samira turned her gaze to the exotic woman, her eyes watery in inexplainable emotion.

"I think she'll pull through, she is a tough chick." Joon said as she smiled broadly at Samira.

"I approve of tough chicks." Said a voice from the doorway.

Samria heard that voice and knew it was the Captain and reluctantly she slowly turned to look at the doorway. She saw a very tall athletic frame, long limbs and torso, toned muscle covered in caramel.

The fact that the woman was nude did not diminish Samira's impression of her one iota. Her tightly curled dirty-blonde locks were worn marine short, her soft-brown veteran's eyes gazed across the room.

Samira knew instinctively she was now being weighed and measured by a professional soldier. The Captain held the remaining dark-metal cybernetic leg cradled in her arms like an assault rifle.

With three long strides she was standing next to the bed, angling the cybernetic leg in, with Astrid and Agatha assisting.

Samira cycled through the locks with her wetware as the limb was accepted into her isolated system. Then Samira's peripheral noticed something odd... So she looked toward the discrepancy.

She just stared...

Samira couldn't help it...

It was something she was totally not expecting to see.

"I'm Max Anders..."

...

"But, you seem a bit preoccupied." Her voice tinged with humor.

Samira couldn't tear her eyes away from it... The Captain did indeed...

Have a penis.

Agatha whispered in her ear... "Welcome aboard."

Then the next few hours was spent talking and laughing, and taking a naked tour of the ship and its capabilities. The day concluded with this delightfully diverse team in the massive bed outlining Operation: Melinoe for Samira.

Samira had never felt this comfortable with other women before, in a group or individually. She had been with a few Cozzie girls over the years, but they were just fleeting hook-ups like their male counterparts.

Samira had very few female peers as a skip-tracer, in fact she couldn't think of one. There were a large number of female Police Officers of course, but she didn't really have an opportunity then...

But on the Deirdre... every single person here treated her like a dearly loved friend. Samira was still catching up emotionally when the mission brief started. Then something just clicked in Samira's beleaguered brain.

"Wait... we're spies?"

Multiple giggles rose from the bed.

"I really appreciate that she said 'we're' spies." Joon laid the back of her fingers along Samira's cheek.

Samira smiled at her new XO.

"I don't even know what my job is going to be." Samira confessed.

Max responded, "I can think of a few roles you can fill, Security Chief, Cyber Specialist..."

Agatha added, "Cosplay Convention Expert."

More giggles.

"I can hardly wait to get a first hand Fanta-Con experience with a professional prowess." Astrid replied.

Samira added, "I would love to show you all the good places, I am already thinking about costume ideas."

"Oh yea!" Astrid sounded very enthusiastic.

Vika nuzzled closer under Samira's heavy cybernetic arm.

Samira yawned, "Oh, excuse me."

Vika looked up, "You're exhausted... Hey Ag's can we continue this in a quiet lagoon or something?"

"Are you going to try to join us?" Agatha peeked over Samira's arm at Vika.

Vika nodded, "I will try... for a little while at least."

Samira glanced at Agatha, "What does that mean?"

Joon scooted closer to Samira, "You remember Agatha in your dreams?"

Samira's eyes got bigger shifting them to Joon, "Yeeeaaah?"

"Agatha can bring us all together in dreams..." Joon concluded.

Samira blinked, "Whoa."

Max layed back on her pillow, "Who is next up for a treat?"

Joon responded, "I am... but I am willing to share."

Vika and Astrid both looked over.

Astrid peered at Joon, "Is Samira in the queue?"

Joon responded, "There is no pressure Astrid, If she wants to have some she is welcome."

"Now what am I missing?" Samira glanced at Agatha.

"Vanilla custard." Agatha beamed a smile.

Samira smiled, "Oh, that was fantastic... "

Everyone agreed with Samira.

Samira noticed no one was leaving the bed. Joon crawled over to Max and kissed her. Samria watched the couple, she had to admit they looked really good together. Joon glanced at Samira with an adorably naughty look on her face. She spun around and straddled the Captain's face.

Samira knew exactly who Joon was.

Jooniper Smith was a minor holo-net celebrity that remained moderately popular and highly respected for years. The holo-net was finicky and very unforgiving, having that kind of low-level popularity for so long made her an anomaly.

Seeing her nude would have been enough to send her fans off the deep end. Jooniper Smith having sex with her 'Futanari' wife would have caused outright bedlam. Watching her petite frame grinding on the Captain's mouth was completely arousing, then she took it to the next level.

Samira watched, mesmerized as Joon began fellating Max.

Vika sat up and pulled Samira up with her, closer to Joon.

Samira wasn't fighting it at all, the excitement in her eyes grew.

Joon watched Samira's eyes, while sucking her wife's cock.

The cyborg was now watching from only inches away.

Joon reached out and gently pulled Samira closer.

She pulled her little mouth off the glistening erect member and kissed Samira's soft lips.

Joon pulled gently away from the kiss, leaning Max's cock in Samira's direction. She didn't hesitate a moment and she leaned in and wrapped her full lips around the head. Joon was kissing her cheek while she sucked.

Samira moaned around the twitching cock, She leaned further forward and took more of it deeper into her mouth as Joon sat up and began pushing her sopping sex into Max's mouth.

While watching the elfin beauty writhe in ecstasy, Samira began bobbing on the Captains erect member. Max grunted and began pumping warm sweet vanilla cum into Samira's mouth.

Samira was suddenly confronted with a familiar taste.

Her eyes dilated, senses reeling she moaned automatically. Every comment she heard throughout the day... it all clicked...

And she just didn't care... Samira swallowed mouthful after mouthful. About a ramekin full, she thought to herself.

It was indeed much better... fresh and warm.

Joon leaned forward at the last throbbing moments and Samira let slip the cock from her lips.

They kissed deeply.

Samria felt Joon's tongue swirl in her last mouthful of sweet cum. Joon swallowed half, but did not pull away.

The kiss continued.

Samira swallowed her half... and the kiss still continued.

She didn't really know how it happened. Somehow she blacked out in the middle of a nightmare on the Coldtracks. Waking up in a soft gentle dream... that turned into the most erotic sexual fantasy she could imagine.

Samira didn't want to wake up... ever.

The kiss eventually concluded.

Samira was now face to face with Joon.

"Are you okay, Sweetheart?" Joon smiled.

Samira still had her mouth open... then realized it, so she closed her mouth. "Yes... very okay... the most okay I have ever been."

Joon dismounted her longest wife.

Max and Samira were now face to face, and Samira suddenly looked very awkward.

"Hello there..." Max smiled.

Samira's eyes grew wide.

"Hi..." She squeaked.

Max crooked her finger at the dusky brunette cyborg, coaxing her closer. Samira bit her lip and climbed up the caramel colored athletic woman. When she was straddling Max's waist, the Captain gently pulled Samira down on top of her.

Max cupped Samira's face, "You have nothing to worry about, we will be here for you in any way you need."

Samira sighed softly, "I don't want to wake from this amazing dream."

"I know... and you don't have to." Max smiled.

Samira leaned into Max... Their lips met for the first time..."I bet you're an amazing Captain..." Samira whispered after the kiss concluded.

Max smiled, "Do you want to find out?"

"I do." Samira said... giving answers to more than the question asked.

Astrid cuddled up with Vika right next to Max. On the other side of Max... Joon was being spooned by Agatha.

Samira felt something thump gently against her butt. She looked at Max, "Wow... fast recovery."

Max smiled crookedly, "Agatha made it so I do."

Samira gazed into Max's eyes while she reached down between her dark-metal cybernetic legs. With her dark-metal hands she very carefully held Max's cock steady, while she eased herself on to it. The swallowtail labia minora Samira possessed were spread with her sensor-pad covered fingers while she slowly impaled herself on her Captain.

"Oh yea... That's what I needed." Samira muttered under her breath with her eyes screwed shut.

Max smiled.

Samira began a rhythm, her hips bounced gently, the momentum beginning slowly. She laid her head on Max's chest, her eyes still closed.

Max cradled Samira's torso and head with her arms.

Samira was doing all the work, so Max just held her erection for the dusky woman to ride. The beautiful cyborg was tireless... understandably so. She simply put her cybernetics to cycle, her legs and hips moving in concatenation.

Turning herself into a literal sex machine.

"Oh fuck!","Yes, oh yes!","Shit, Shit, Shit, Fuck!","Fuck yes!" Samira cried.

Soon she was incomprehensible...

Max counted Samira's orgasms as she went along.

Max was starting to worry around Samira's fifth...At eight, Max was holding Samira's hair, "Okay, Sweetheart... You need to bring it back, I don't want you to hurt us.

Samira stopped, unfocused eyes staring at Max, "Oh, no... I am so sorry! Why didn't you cum?" Samira asked, worry painted across her face.

"Oh, um..." Max looked chagrined.

Joon commented, "Agatha gave Max complete control of her penis."

Samira smirked, "Complete control?"

Max nodded, "Pretty much."

"Can you cum again?" She asked.

Max smirked.

Samira scooted back down to where she was initially, between her new Captain's legs, putting the rock hard penis in her mouth. Max came as Samira's lips locked around the shaft.

Samira milked the sweet vanilla cum from Max. Her eyes dilated and her senses reeled. The throbbing cock twitched in her mouth, she loved that feeling. There wasn't as much cum this time, but it was still uniquely delicious.

Joon glanced at Agatha,whispering. "So a contact euphoriant?"

Agatha bit her lip and nodded.

"Addictive?" Joon raised an eyebrow.

"No, I learned my lesson." Agatha smooched Joon.

The day crew of the Deirdre cuddled up together.

Samira was first to drift off, then Max and Astrid... soon all of them were sleeping soundly.

Agatha gathered them together in the requested lagoon, to chat and be with each other.

Max opened her eyes, she felt refreshed. The bed was quite full. She noticed several Agatha dotted through various examples of female humanity in the crew. The newest member of the family was an example of an extreme Terran subculture that Max had very little first hand knowledge of.

Samira was quite attractive, her dusky-sandalwood complexion was darker than Max's own caramel. The beautiful symmetrical black-ink floral tattoos interspaced with fine lines of spiderwebs added yet another level of cultural significance.

Her dark-metal cybernetic limbs could easily be taken as a severe drawback to her beauty by the short sighted or narrow minded.

Max didn't see her that way, her physical beauty overshadowed her status as a cyborg. Her current limbs didn't bother Max, the spider arms she was wearing when Max first saw her were a little off-putting though. Mistaking a person's prosthetics for their identity was something Max was now personally aware of.

Thinking of them as just another interface lessened their impact on her attractiveness.

Agatha raised her head from the small of Samira's back, the ornate tattoos meant to hide her extensive scarring.

They now adorned smooth flawless skin, Agatha smiled at the change.

Agatha turned to see Max looking at her as Agatha's smile grew.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Max whispered.

Agatha gently rose up and carefully climbed over the newest crew member to her Captain-wife. Max welcomed the exotic alien into her arms. Agatha laid her head on Max's chest, cupping a small breast in her hand.

"That was a nice dream-scape, very good night." Max whispered softly.

Agatha kissed Max's fingers, "I love spending time with my family, no matter where."

"How are we doing with Intel?" Max asked quietly.

"Almost an hour's worth." She replied at the same volume.

Agatha whispered an outline of Dauzakai socio-cultural trends, the Dau communication network was inspiring. The leadership had access to the pulse of the Dauzakai and topics ran the full gambit of interstellar relations to Terran holo-drama's and from favorite dinner recipes to reproductive scores.

Max blinked, "Reproductive scores?"

Agatha smiled, "Reproduction isn't an automatic right on Dau... you must score well to earn the right to reproduce."

The status of "Breeder" was a badge of honor on Dau, that meant your score was in the top ten percent of the populace. "Breeders reproduce, are elected to leadership, and often guide popular trends."

Agatha concluded, "Miku is a very hot topic right now, probably the most controversial figure on Dau... maybe even in their history."

Max listened in mild shock. "The fact the entire planet knows about her is one thing, but if they have social-media threads about her that can be... daunting."

"There is an overall positive reaction to the program, 96% approval of Miku, and what she represents."

Agatha pursed her lips, "But the remaining 4% are occasionally verbose, they call themselves, "Traditionalists."

"A fringe sub-sect, how not-surprising." Max frowned.

Agatha smirked, "Every culture has them, I am surprised Dau has so few of them."

Max peered at the steel grey gilded in silver cat-like eyes, "Are the Traditionalists dangerous?"

"Difficult to say, some of them are quite vociferous, but nothing I have seen confirms intent of violence."

Agatha made a funny face.

Max blinked, "What's wrong?"

"My observations of Dau are imperfect, I cannot "dive" into the cyber-space, so I am only able to see a fraction of that data." Agatha explained.

Max nodded, "What can I do to help?"

Agatha shrugged, "Other than me getting wetware for the interface, I can't think of anything."

Max glanced at Samira, "Think Samira would be up for that?"

Agatha thought about that, "I haven't asked, but it would be very helpful, I just don't know if she is up for that."

Max nodded, "I think her abilities are more than welcome, I won't pressure her, that's not how I do things."

Agatha smiled, "I know... you lead from the front."

Joon leaned over, "Good morning, my loves, don't move." Joon slid quietly down Max's length, she gently parted Agatha's legs revealing Max's half-hard penis. She spent a few moments licking Max and Agatha's pussies while Max grew more erect. Joon then laid her forehead onto Agatha's ass, while enveloping Max's cock in her mouth.

Her head bobbed gently, Max's breath began to grow deeper. Max closed her eyes as Joon stopped bobbing and swallowed heavily for a bit. The entire quiet morning blowjob took less than five minutes.

"Were we too loud?" Max whispered as Joon kissed her cheek when she moved back.

Joon laid her head on Max's chest as Agatha rested her hand on Joon's shoulder.

"Not at all." Joon whispered raggedly, her eyes still dilated, "I caught just a little of that last bit..."

"Samira does have capabilities we can use to expand our quiver, to use a familiar metaphor. Joon continued after licking her lips, "I also think she will be interested, she has a skillset that is a difficult sell in civilian life."

Max thought about that, "Agatha mentioned she is very lawful, we are not exactly law-abiding."

"That is true," Joon pursed her lips, "However, since our government has sanctioned this operation, she might be empowered by that.

Max looked next to her, Samira and Astrid were still snuggled together.

"Let's hope she is..." Max softly replied.

On the other side of Astrid, Vika's head rose... she yawned and turned her head to the small conversation.

Vika slipped off the edge of the bed, walked around to the other side and climbed back on.

She cuddled in with Joon and smooched her, "Gud mernin."

She smiled at Max, whispering "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Agatha and Max smiled, Joon whispered, "Not at all, we are discussing Samira's capabilities."

Vika nodded, "Very tough, strong melee, good shot too."

Max blinked, "Oh... I will take that to heart."

Vika smirked.

Joon looked at Vika, "I wish you could meet daddy, he would love you."

Vika blinked, "Can't we call him?"

Joon looked at Max.

"I don't have a problem with that." Max whispered.

"Open channel?" Joon whispered.

"That's fine, I don't think we need to be worried." Max replied quietly.

Joon smiled, putting her arm around Vika. Astrid woke up and looked up bleary eyed.

"Whatsgoingon?" She babbled the question.

"I'm going to call Mum and Daddy today." Joon said quietly.

Astrid blinked, "We can do that?"

Max smirked, "Sure, why not, we're just here shooting a music video..."

Astrid smiled still waking up, "I'd love to call my Aunt Yumi, tell her I got married."

Max and Joon smiled then looked at each other.

Max nodded, "That works for me..."

Samira rolled over, her hair in her face.

Astrid gingerly ran her fingers through Samira's hair, combing it back.

Samira smiled, "That was so much fun..."

"I know, right?" Astrid giggled.

Joon smiled, "Agatha knows how to throw a party."

Vika scooted back to the edge of the bed, deftly slipping off and heading to the bathroom. Everyone followed Vika's lead.

Samira was a little startled at the lack of privacy.

"If you'd prefer to use the guest cabin, we don't mind." Joon commented, seeing the look on Samira's face.

"I think I'm okay, just realizing you are all very, um, close..." Samira went to a free toilet.

Vika was already on the fold out step, washing up at the sink.

Samira looked at the step, nodding approval. "That is brilliant."

Astrid was sitting on the adjacent toilet, "Thank you, I try to accommodate."

Samira smiled, "You are all so... nice."

Max leaned forward looking past Astrid, "Is that okay?"

"Oh, yea... This group marriage thing you guys have... what are the downsides?" Samira asked.

The bathroom echoed in giggles.

"We have had a few... tense moments," Joon commented, stepping up next to Vika.

Vika and Joon kissed, then Vika stepped down heading out as Max and Astrid flushed and went to the sinks.

Samira flushed and joined them.

Joon dried her face, "We make an effort, and we really care for each other."

Astrid nodded in the mirror.

Samira washed her face while thinking about this ship and it's preposterous crew. Joon went out followed by Astrid. Samira dried her face.

Max seemed to be waiting for her.

"Every morning we do three rotations of the kata together."

Samira raised an eyebrow, "Are you ranked?"

Max nodded, "Sandan."

Samira smiled, "Yondan"

Max's eyes widened.

"Who is your Sensei?" Samira asked curiously.

"Howard Smith of Jericho." Max replied.

Samira stood stunned... "Solomoriah."

"I think he was called that a long time ago... " Max pursed her lips in thought.

"The sigil he chose... is called Solomoriah... He taught my sensei in UCPD." Samira commented. "Solomoriah is a fucking legend!" She exclaimed.

Max nodded in understanding, "He is Joon's father."

Samira's jaw dropped.

"What is with you people?" She asked with an incredulous look on her face incredulously.

Max blinked, "What?"

Samira just shook her head, "Can I just say, your crew... you... your family here."

Max raised an eyebrow.

"Absolutely incredible..." Samira paused.

She concluded softly, "And I desperately want to be a part of it."

Max smiled with genuine affection, her soft-brown eyes gazing fondly into Samira's dark-brown.

"I think we can give that a try."

Max's hand reached out to Samira's dark-metal one, and they walked out of the bathroom together.

The cargo hold was full of naked ladies, small talk, and giggles when Max and Samira walked in.

Vika smiled and nodded sagely as Everyone spread out equally distanced.

Agatha stood at the aft. Samira saw the single exotic alien stand to attention and bow. The hold bowed in return. Samira followed the kata as she had been taught and there was little variation from what she and the rest of the crew did...

Samira was adept enough to read the skill levels on display through the kata. Astrid and Vika were still learning confidence with the forms. Joon was confident, yet did not display advanced techniques. Max was solid and most likely her equal.

Samira was decidedly awestruck with Agatha, her form was flawless, she was well beyond Samira's skill.

With the third rotation the kata was concluded with a bow.

Everyone came together, Max smiled at Samira as she chatted with the crew on form and technique. Agatha commented on Samira's form, she actually blushed at the compliment.

As the crew walked to the showers, Samira asked how long Agatha had been a practitioner. Samira walked the rest of the way in a daze after hearing the answer.

Agatha explained that Howard had finished her education personally.

Samira let slip a little squeak.

Max kissed Samira's forehead recognizing a fangirl reaction when she saw it. "We'll probably be giving the folks a call after breakfast, would you like to meet Howard?"

Max saw Samira's eyes glaze over, she reflected it might have been too much for her. The gentle warm showers brought the crew to happy conversations, everyone got a good scrubbing. After the dry off, the crew began dressing for a casual day.

Agatha offered Samira BDU's to wear, including g-string panties and an altered racer-back bra. Samira happily accepted, she liked g-strings.

Astrid wore a set of Max's BDU's, only a little large, but very comfy. Joon and Vika mix and matched, most of their clothing fitting the other. Joon had bought several new bras for her new cup size, they felt delicious. Joon was wearing the off-white soft linen shirt from Vika, along with a simple forest-green skirt and her beloved chunky trainers.

Vika now ignored all forms of underwear, glancing at her old sling style support contemptuously. Vika was in her denim shorts today, one of Joon's tank tops, a soft grey flannel, and absolutely nothing on her bare little feet.

Max dressed out in one of her midnight-black uniforms, they were wonderfully tailored and she felt good wearing it.

Agatha made the now traditional first breakfast with a new crew member.

Howard Smith's Pain Perdu.

Samira called it french toast, but was delighted with her breakfast. She ate happily humming to herself. Vika sat next to her, she was looking at her tiny black heart tattoo, just under her left eye.

Samira glanced at the diminutive red-head.

She swallowed, "Do I have food on my face?"

"I am looking at your tattoo." Vika looked a little sad.

Samira nodded, "I just got it... for my parents."

Vika nodded, "I want to get one, too."

Astrid glanced at Joon. Joon got up, walked around and hugged both Vika and Samira.

Max reflected softly, "I think in a way, I was very lucky. Even though I know my birth-mother was murdered. I got to know and love Deirdre as my adopted mom. Losing her led to being accepted into the Smith family."

"Tragedy followed by love and acceptance..." Max swallowed.

Samira nodded, "I understand... I am so tired of bad things happening, but the universe isn't fair."

Vika brushed the back of her tiny hand on Samira's cheek, "I will do my best to keep you safe."

Agatha nodded in agreement, "As will I."

Max smiled, "I guess you're stuck with us."

Samira smiled, "Oh... Darn."

Max nodded, "Let's talk about what we would like you to do..."

Astrid dragged Samira into engineering to run diagnostics on her power usage, and sys-com wetware. Astrid started her scans and programs. Samira leaned back against the workbench.

"Do you do a lot of dives into cyberspace?" Astrid asked.

Samira nodded, "Sure, all the time, there are lots of thriving cyber-net communities in the T-Fed."

Astrid pursed her lips, "Do you like them?"

Samira shrugged, "It's okay... lots of cliques though."

"It's just social-media in virtual... and I hate assholes and bullies."

"Ah..." Said Astrid. "But isn't there usually a price for mouthing off in cyber."

Samira smirked, "True... but assholes usually travel in packs."

Astrid shook her head, "Nasty fuckers."

Samira shrugged.

"So the grades of wetware is how tough, strong or agile you are in cyber?" asked Astrid.

Samira nodded.

"All your wetware is Maliri... very expensive." Astrid stated.

"It is..." Samira nodded, "But I didn't get it to lord over people in cyberspace."

Astrid looked into Samira's dark-brown eyes, "I believe you."

"The Maliri make the best, no contest." Samira replied. "That's why I blew my pension to get it."

Astrid blinked in surprise, "I can understand it... but, I don't think I could do that."

Samira peered at Astrid, "Isn't that exactly what you did... to be here?"

Astrid blinked thinking about that... "Okay, yea... you're right... I did."

Samira pulled Astrid into a hug, "I am thrilled to be here, I will proudly kick ass for you guys."

Astrid smirked and nodded, "Sweet!" She sobered, "I would hate to be the bully to run into you in a dark cyber-alley."

"Actually, my old job was hunting down bullies and assholes." Samira smiled dangerously.

Astrid thought a bit, "Did cyberspace help with your old job?"

Samira nodded, "It was instrumental."

"Skip-tracing?" Astrid eyebrows rose high.

Samira nodded, "Tracing RL in cyber is tricky, but I have the knack for it."

"In meat-space" Astrid smirked.

"Don't call it that, it's inflammatory." Samira replied.

"People who live on the cyber-net can grow very resentful of life outside of it. They usually grow elitist, bigoted, and hateful." Samira concluded.

Astrid listened closely, her eyes watching Samira's face. Astrid smirked at Samira, changing the subject slightly, "What does your 'Avatar' look like?"

Samira blushed, "...A Mecha-Faun."

"Can I see?" Astrid beamed.

Samira reached behind her, a single data-jack snaked out of the back of her dark-metal hand.

It connected to the wall-com in the workshop.

The holo-screen came up and showed a dark metallic bipedal avatar.

The figure looked very similar to Samira, except with four arms, hooves, a tail and slight curved horns. A long intimidating Nagamaki was worn across her back between her shoulders. A pair of Wakizashi rested crossed at the small of her back.

"Oh wow, she's a total badass!" Astrid gasped.

Samira, still blushing, said, "As you can see, I have something of an obsession with Fauns."

"There is nothing wrong with that... you're amazing." Astrid beamed brightly.

Samira smiled softly at Astrid, "Thank you. I really like my avatar and I tried to perfect her design based on my cosplay."

Astrid looked deeply into Samira's eyes, "I really, really like you and I would totally be your cosplay lover."

Samira eyes dilated, "...Would you be my cosplay wife?"

"Can I be a high-elf?" Astrid raised her eyebrow.

Samira leaned closer, "Absolutely..."

Just as their lips were about to touch they both received a message from Agatha

They looked into each other's eyes, "Later..." They both said.

"Jinx!" they both said.

"Double jinx!" they both said.

They stopped, and just stared at each other. They threw their arms around each other in a kissing embrace.

The kiss finished after a long moment...

Astrid swallowed, "We should go to the bridge."

Samira nodded, "Yea..."

Max sat on the command couch, looking at the local holo-net. Joon was sitting next to Max and was doing the same thing.

Agatha was sitting at navigation and Vika was sitting on her lap.

"So we can use the public connection, route our signal through Trankaren relays, into Terran space, and to Max and Joon's parents?" Vika asked curiously.

Agatha nodded, "That is exactly correct."

Vika pursed her lips, "Now, why are we not worried about being on an open channel?"

Agatha smiled at her tiny athletic wife, "Oh, the Smith family have developed their own system of codewords, it's very interesting.

Astrid and Samira walked onto the bridge. Joon glanced at them with a smile... "Must have been quite a diagnostic."

Astrid giggled, "Oh you know... nothing unusual... I was only proposed to."

Joon and Max both shifted their full attention to Astrid.

"Wow!" Max blinked.

"Nice!" Joon exclaimed.

Samira's face was dark with a blush, "I have a question concerning that..."

Joon tilted her head as Astrid and Samira sat down on the expansive command couch.

"What question is that dear?" Joon smiled at the lovely cyborg.

Samira looked a little nervous, "I'm not sure about the group marriage... situation..."

"Do I attempt to date one of you, or all of you?" Samira's eyes looked desperate.

Joon smiled, "I'm afraid, it's all or nothing my dear... But don't worry, we'll go easy on you."

The bridge echoed in giggles and Samira's were the loudest. "Okay, I earned that..." Samira smiled, "I want to spend quality time with each of you."

"Oh, good." Joon replied, "I look forward to it. Astrid, I'm going to call my folks first, then we'll call your Aunt."

The platinum-blonde nodded with a smile. Joon pointed a finger at Agatha anf Agatha sent the holo-com request. It was a few minutes until the connection was made. No one said a word, but there were a few nervous smiles. Vika had slid off Agatha's lap and sat next to Max on the command couch.

There was just enough room for Agatha next to Vika.

Howard's face appeared on the holo-screen as he blinked a few times. "My daughters!" The holo was obviously in the kitchen, right at the breakfast nook.

Joon beamed, smiled and exclaimed, "Hi Daddy!"

Max smiled.

"It is so good to see you, it seems your crew has grown!" Howard smiled but his smile did not reach his eyes as he scanned the bridge of the Deirdre.

"Absolutely, Daddy, Let me introduce Vika and Samira!" Joon beamed a smile.

The two named crewmembers waved silently. Howard visibly relaxed, hearing the code word for 'safe and sound'. "Let me fetch yer Mum, she will be very happy to see you!" Howard smiled, his eyes shared the sentiment this time.

A few minutes passed then Mercedes appeared at the breakfast nook, she was wearing her housecoat. "Darlings!" She beamed a smile, "Oh, you look so wonderful!"

Howard seated next to his wife.

"Oh, Max, you look so nice in that uniform!" Mercedes smiled.

"Thank you, 'Des." Max watched her face, "How are you?"

Mercedes nodded, "We are absolutely fine, but the hawks have been fighting in the garden."

Max glanced at Joon... 'Hawks' were ISD, the 'Garden' was Jericho.

Joon asked calmly, "What are the hawks fighting about."

"There was a dove, it seems the one hawk didn't like it's song." Mercedes recounted.

'Dove' was a citizen, 'Song' was code for freedom or life.

"Then an eagle came and killed that hawk, it was very exciting... the dove survived."

'Eagle' was the Navy.

Joon listened carefully, "And the defending hawk?"

Mercedes pouted, "We haven't seen it, but we saw no feathers."

'Feathers' were corpses.

Joon nodded, "Well, no feathers is a good sign."

"Indeed my Darling... your crew has grown..." Mercedes smiled.

Max smiled and Joon reintroduced Vika and Samira. "You are both so lovely, I hope my girls are treating you well." Mercedes commented.

"Astrid, Vika and Samira are now full crewmembers, Mum." Joon replied with a naughty smile.

"We are all together, and we will always be there for each other." Joon stated, Max nodded in affirmation, followed by all the other women.

"Oh..." Mercedes smiled and nodded knowingly, "I am elated for all of you."

"Hello, Agatha... I hope everything is well with you?" Mercedes inquired from her alien adopted daughter.

"I am very well, Mother... Thank you so very much for asking." Agatha smiled softly.

"Astrid, I look forward to seeing you here at our home." The Smith family Matriarch grinned.

The platinum blonde beamed a smile, "Thank you, Mercedes, I can hardly wait."

"We welcome Vika and Samira to our family." Mercedes and Howard both smiled.

"We will bring you souvenirs from our trip, which reminds me..." Joon paused.

Joon tapped up a holo file and sent it to the Smiths. Joon looked a little serious "I need you to contact Eddie Simmons and see if he can market that."

Mercedes pursed her lips, "Mr. Edwick Simmons is a snake, dear." 'Snake' wasn't an actual codeword, Mercedes just despised the man.

"I don't have an alternative Mum." Joon shrugged.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow, "Let me give it a try..."

Joon and Max blinked then glanced at each other.

"I believe I have far more contacts than Mr. Simmons... and most of them actually like me." Mercedes grinned.

Joon giggled, "Alright Mum, you're hired. You are now my Publicist."

"There's a good girl. I will review it and send you a critique." Mercedes smiled.

"You can look at it now if you wish while we wait." Max smiled. "We would love to see your initial reactions."

"Oh, I guess that will work too." Mercedes started the holo on a side screen.

Mercedes and Howard watched the Slarmian music holo-vid, while the crew of the Deirdre watched them and the holo-vid. Samira hadn't seen it yet and she was wonder struck.

Mercedes shed tears, Howard was visibly moved. At the conclusion of the holo-vid Mercedes turned to her biological daughter.

"That was pure magic... my very talented Jooniper." Mercedes continued while drying her eyes. "I have a feeling this will increase your following by quite a margin."

Joon smiled at Mercedes, "Thank you Mum, It was a labor of love by my family."

"In that case, I would like to welcome them anytime for dinner." The attractive older woman declared.

Howard added, "I will bake!"

Max and Joon's eyes grew wide. "We will let you know when we are on the way home!" Max beamed a smile. Joon nodded happily.

Mercedes smiled, "Is there anything else my Darlings?"

"I have one thing for Howard," Max smiled at Samira who's eyes grew massive. Max continued, "Samira was UCPD and her Sensei was one of your students."

Howard smiled at Samira, "Please tell me who is your Sensei my new daughter."

Samira looked a little panicked, "Sensei MacQuarrie, Sensei." she said with a respectful bow.

Howard raised his huge hands calming Samira down, "I remember Raul, he was very dedicated and talented. I am pleased he found a home with UCPD."

Samira's eyes were slightly glazed, "Sensei always spoke of Solomoriah with great reverence Sensei."

"Solomoriah: Now that's a name I've not heard in a long time. Please! Call me Howard." The massive Master spoke softly with a gentle smile.

"Oh-okay... H-howard." Samira gave an endearing starstruck smile.

Howard shared a smile with Max.

"We will let you go, honored parents." Max smiled.

"Love you Mum, love you Daddy! Joon beamed.

"Take care, Darlings!" Mercedes waved.

The hologram dissipated as the connection was closed. Joon sighed happily, "I miss them..."

Max nodded, "Me, too." Max turned to Astrid with a smile on her face, "Would you like to do the honors?"

Astrid nodded with a grin, "I would love to." She called up a holo-interface and tapped in a long address. It was one she had memorized for decades. The moments dragged by, everyone was anxious.

Agatha pushed a gentle wave of calm across the bridge.

The connection took hold and a hologram coalesced. The image of a middle aged woman appeared with coal-black hair with a single white streak.

She had delicate Asian features and porcelain skin. She looked tired. "Thank you for calling 'Tiger-Tiger-Teahouse'. May I help you?" The woman looked at the callers with blinking eyes, not sure what she was seeing.

"Obasan!" Astrid exclaimed, her face bright and cheery.

The woman's jaw dropped, "Asa-chan... You're alive!"

"I am alive Obasan, I was not abducted! I eloped!" Astrid said through a beaming smile.

The woman's face went from tired, to astonished, then immediately to exuberance. "Oh, Asa-chan, oh Astrid!... I am so relieved and happy for you!" The woman exclaimed with a joyous demeanor.

Astrid smiled broadly, "Thank you, Obasan. I would like you to meet my wives."

The woman blinked, "Wives?"

Astrid giggled, "Yes. Wives: I have five of them."

The woman's eyes grew huge.

"Obasan, these beautiful women are, "Max, Joon, Agatha, Vika and Samira. Ladies allow me to introduce my Honored Aunt, Yumi Komatzu. Obasan."

Astrid's wives smiled broadly and they bowed in their seats as Yumi bowed to them. Yumi bit her lower lip, tears flowing down her cheeks, "I am so happy for you, Asa-chan! The last that I had heard your Okaasan said you were abducted and she issued a Federal-Alert." Yumi reported.

"I have never gotten along with her, but she seemed very genuine."

Astrid scoffed, "Ingrid, lost 'her' possession, of course she was genuine."

A flash of pain crossed Yumi's face, "Your Okaasan cares for you, in her own way."

"That's rubbish, Yumi, and you know it." Astrid retorted, "The farther I am from her, the more I see just how little she actually cared."

Yumi lips thinned, "I am always on your side, you are my brother's daughter, my only family."

Astrid stopped, and nodded, "I am sorry Obasan, I know you are. Ingrid twists things with her words, she is a sociopath and lives by the letter of the law."

Yumi heard that and nodded, "Let us not ruin this memory with talk of her then. I am so delighted for you! I hope your beautiful wives love you as much as you deserve!" Astrid's Aunt smiled joyfully.

"Thank you, Obasan." Astrid replied.

Yumi glanced at Joon, then peered at her. "Please, forgive me, you look very familiar."

Joon smiled at Astrid.

Astrid elaborated on Joon's introduction. "I am proud to be married to Jooniper Smith."

Yumi's jaw dropped again, "Oh yes! I love your music!"

Astrid beamed at Joon. "Astrid is a very clever lady. She is one of my producers and we are touring the Minor Empires." Joon smiled.

Yumi beamed a smile, "I was wondering, I had never heard of 'Dau' on the incoming address."

"Would you like to see some of Astrid's work?" Joon asked Yumi.

Astrid blushed, "It's my first try, but I did my best."

Yumi smiled, "I would be honored, Ms. Smith."

"You have to call me Joon, so I can call you Yumi." Joon smiled.

Yumi bowed, "I would love that, Joon-san."

Joon giggled, as she brought up a copy of the Slarmian music holo-vid and sent it to Yumi. The entire bridge concentrated on Yumi's reaction. Yumi queued it up and started watching.

Her face showed surprise and very quickly she was absorbed into the holo-vid. Yumi's expressions were very similar to Astrid's so it was easy for the crew to read her. During the holo-vid a single tear rolled down her cheek, there couldn't be a more honest review. The Jooniper Smith music holo-vid 'Staverka-Zeralyst Fuge' came to a close with Joon's soft smile.

Yumi looked back to her holo-screen, "I loved it, it was amazing."

She turned to look at Astrid, "I am so proud of you Asa-chan.

Astrid smiled as she did a short bow, "Thank you Obasan, your approval is very important to me."

Yumi smiled at her with matronly pride.

"I need to go Obasan, please keep my elopement on the quiet." Astrid asked with some humor.

Yumi nodded with understanding, "Ingrid will not learn of it from me."

"Thank you Obasan. I love you! Be well and stay safe." Astrid said with emotion.

Yumi raised her hand and waved as the hologram dissipated and the connection ended.

"Aunt Yumi is fantastic!" Joon exclaimed.

The bridge erupted in giggles and agreement. The crew got up and stretched.

"I'm going to my office, I want to gossip with Zess." Joon announced.

Max smirked, "Well, at least it's something important."

Joon winked at Max, "Damn straight."

More giggles on the bridge.

Vika eyed Max... "Up for some sparring?"

Max smirked again, "Damn straight."

Joon, Max and Vika departed the bridge.

Astrid glanced at Samira.

Their eyes met, then Samira smiled slightly. She reached out and took Astrid's hand in her own and Astrid's expression grew to a naughty smile. "Chief, Would you have a few minutes to examine... my tail?" Samira asked with a serious face.

Astrid bit her lip holding back a giggle.

Agatha raised a finger in front of Samira, "I'm afraid I am going to have to redirect your attention, Samira. Though the incorrigibly punny invitation to tryst with our lovely engineer is something I would otherwise fully encourage."

"I need you to dive into the local cyber-net, as I am unable." Agatha finished her interception.

Samira's look of regret morphed into a stolid expression of fulfilling her duty.

"I will examine your tail... without you, my sexy cyborg." Astrid smooched her on the lips and skipped away down the corridor.

"Agatha?" Samira asked, watching Astrid's BDU covered ass walk away.

"Yes, Samira?" Agatha looked from Astrid's butt to Samira's lovely face.

"I hope you appreciate how very difficult it is to concentrate on one's job around here." Samira stated.

Agatha pouted, "I am afraid I don't appreciate that... I've never really lived anywhere else."

Samira thought about that as they both walked up to the Com-Hub. "Well let me tell you, all of our wives are very, very distracting." Samira smiled.

Agatha nodded, "I am indeed fortunate I can accomplish so much simultaneously."

"Exactly... You can flirt with all of us without missing a beat." Samira ruminated aloud.

They entered the Com-Hub where there were three Agatha accessing two com-stations each. "Hard to believe you can do all of this non-stop. Like: forever." Samira commented as she sat in an open chair.

Agatha smiled, "Just a little something to pass the time."

Samira chuckled, "Yea... sure..."

"How far can you go in cyber?" Agatha asked, her head tilted slightly.

Samira blinked, "Just the local net. Theoretically you can use the relays but bad things happen if you do."

Agatha blinked, "Bad things?"

Samira nodded, "Hyperlinks can send data and normal communications; but not cyber."

"Why is that? What happens?" Agatha asked curiously.

"Anyone one that sends their consciousness through a hyperlink in cyberspace," Samira looked very serious, "Well, they go brain dead."

Agatha's eyes grew large.

Samira nodded, "That's why every local system has their own cyberspace."

Then she thought for a moment, "Supposedly AI don't have that restriction. And 'The Storm Goddess'" Samira fiddled with the back of her hand.

Agatha peered at Samira. "Storm Goddess?"

Samira nodded, "Thousands of people say they have seen her. Her avatar looks like a storm writhing inside a woman's body.

"She can destroy nodes, travel through any device at will and dives across the relays." Samira looked into Agatha's eyes.

"Her power is off the charts. No one has ever even slowed her down."

"Are you just making that up?" Agatha asked.

Samira shook her head, "I wish I were. Some of the T-Fed cyber-nets call her Astra."

Samira laid her dark-metal hand on the console, two data jacks snaked out of the back of her hand. "Be back in a bit." Samira smiled then her head lolled back, and she was gone.