Max Intel: Melinoe - Chapter 18

Samava farmstead was a small complex of buildings and structures. The Dauzakai who worked and lived there numbered in the dozens but the Chazi who worked there numbered in the hundreds. Less informed the Crew of the Deirdre that no Chazi actually lived there, they returned to the hive when they needed rest. Less quickly amended her statement saying that Tizzi stayed with her all the time, however.

Joon smiled at the sometimes shy Dauzakai guide.

The Deirde received clearance to land at a small built-up pad on the edge of the farmstead and when the corvette made touchdown Samira got up to stand by Astrid while Agatha went through shutdown procedures. Astrid looked up at the dusky cyborg and smiled.

"We seem to have a welcoming committee." Agatha reported.

Joon nodded to Agatha then turned to Less, "Shall we go meet with them?"

Less smiled, "Yess, M'lady."

Max held out her arm to her Lady-wife and Joon laced hers into it. Samira held out her hand to Astrid, who smiled and blinked at the gesture as she placed hers into the cybernetic one. Samira drew Astrid up from navigation, watching her expressions.

Astrid smooched Samira still holding her hand as they followed Max, Joon and Less. Agatha observed all of these interactions as the group went down to the cargo hold where Max thumbed the DNA lock on the cargo door.

Lyra Kepler was well above the northern horizon, and even though it's rays were not as strong as Max had been used to on other worlds, it didn't move: It's continuous energy would eventually bake anything unprotected. Three Dauzakai waited patiently at the edge of the rural landing pad and they waved a greeting which Less returned, waving and running towards them. Tizzi launched off her shoulder and flew around the group, the Chazi's wings humming in the air.

Now in full flight, Agatha could see why the Chazi dominated the North. With the outstanding flight capability of a dragonfly, the highly effective weapons of a mantis and the unrivaled vision of both, not to mention the Chazi were a communal species, working in concert on tasks; Agatha was hard pressed to imagine a more successful predator.

She returned her attention to Less and the welcoming committee. Less hugged all three of them; musical chirps punctuated whistling hisses as they expressed pleasantries. Max and Joon slowly walked towards the group both smiling at their over exuberance.

Less switched to Terran for introductions…"Theese fine ladiess are Mona, Jenni and Paz!" Less beamed a smile. "I introduce The Exquissite Lady Jooniper, Dame Max, Agatha, Asstrid and Ssamira." The Dauzakai bowed to Joon and Max.

"Oh, goodness…" Joon's cheeks colored, "That isn't necessary." Joon walked right up to the three introduced Dauzakai and shook every one of their hands. Max did likewise, following her example the crew did as well.

"Let me sshow you around…" Less gestured. The three Dauzakai waved and entered a long, low building. Less began a walking tour of Samava Farmstead. The drying sheds found in some of the larger shade trees, the drone stables, open access watersheds, and the expansive groves of dozens of types of fruit trees were all carefully laid out for efficiency and necessity. The different structures intermixed to provide maximum protection from nutrient loss due to the constant sun.

Every one of the tens of thousands of trees were monitored and maintained. Well over half of the labor was performed by Chazi; who received an equal share of the product. The remaining labor was performed by Dauzakai with drones, and on occasion by hand.

When Less mentioned Chazi, Agatha wondered where Tizzi had flown off to but didn't mention it, thinking she would ask at a later time. The short tour ended at the long low building the three Dauzakai had entered earlier. It was the residence building of the farm. It didn't look like much from the outside but as they entered, Less explained the original surface building hadn't changed in hundreds of years.

Inside was neat and tidy, with ancient adobe-like walls and dark beams, and the residence felt cozy and welcoming. It seemed like an old happy home with comfortable furniture and south facing windows. A large kitchen and dining area were the main attractions. The only thing that seemed out of place was a pair of bright bronze double doors.

Less beckoned her guests to those doors which slid apart into the wall at her approach.

It was a very large elevator… sort of.

The residence had twelve levels underground… as did most of the buildings on the Samava Farmstead. Samava was mostly underground, leaving the greatest amount of land reserved for growing as possible. Less led the tour below utilizing the remarkable elevator style conveyance, it's clear resin windows allowing the crew to gawk during the tour.

The crew looked upon huge warehouse stores, vast water storage, and enough habitation capacity for many times the current population. "We can processs our productss and package and sstore our foodsstuffss all on ssite without worry." Less continued, "Ussing droness to fill orderss anywhere in Dau sspace."

"This is amazing!" Joon said in awe, "Just from what could be seen on the surface, I did not expect an operation this massive." Less beamed, "Dau philossophy encouragess putting great effort into low environmental impact… even if the effort sseemss like a wasste at the time.

Joon yawned… she couldn't help it, and she blushed in embarrassment. The Dauzakai adopted a compassionate look, "You have had a rough cycle, sshould I return you to your sship for resst?"

Max hugged her petite wife, "That might be a good idea."

"I am so sorry Less, I want to continue, but I want to be awake to enjoy it." Joon said quickly, smiling softly.

Less directed the 'multi-vator' to return to the residence. The group returned to the Deirdre, Less saw them to the cargo ramp and waved as the separated. The crew were all kind of dragging, with their sleep schedule so skewed.

"Call me when you are ready to continue…" Less smiled.

Agatha hugged her, "I have your contact info, I'll call you when they are ready."

"You don't sseem tired…" Less responded.

Agatha smiled, "I don't need quite as much rest… not to change the subject, but where is Tizzi?

"Oh…" Less smiled, "Sshe is reporting to her hive."

Agatha blinked, "Reporting?"

Less nodded, "It wass part of the agreement, sshe iss the Queen'ss obsserver.

Agatha gawked… "Oh… I hope the report is favorable."

Less smiled, "I don't ssee why it wouldn't be…"

Agatha hugged her again, and they parted ways, Agatha closed the cargo door. Less waved and went into the long low residence.

Samira stood nude staring at herself in the mirror… she looked incredible…

Her tattoos flowed perfectly into the laser etched designs decorating her cybernetic limbs. The four sylvan arms were elegant, her legs were curvy yet delicate. Perky b-cup breasts were framed in glorious black floral and spiderweb tattoos. Her smooth, ink embellished groin was everything she could have wanted, now that her scars were but a memory.

Yet when she looked at herself… something was missing.

The rest of her family were going into the steamy showers except Agatha who stepped up behind her and laid her chin on Samira's shoulder.

"Whatcha thinking, Samira?" The exotic woman raised an inquiring eyebrow.

Samira looked at Agatha's pale perfect reflection… and it came to her…

"Can…" Samira paused, "Can you change my eyes?"

Agatha smiled… "Tell me what you want…"

After the delicious and relaxing shower, the day crew crawled into soft, clean, and fresh bedding. It was Astrid's turn in the queue for a nightcap from Max. It wasn't rushed but Astrid was tired, too. Afterwards she crawled up next to Samira and kissed her, surprising Samira with a mouthful of vanilla heaven.

As she swallowed her eyes dilated. Astrid whispered, "Agatha said you needed that…"

Samira continued kissing the platinum-blonde, "I love you, Astrid."

The Engineer smiled, "It makes my heart race every time you say that."

Max was spooning a drowsy Joon and having a quiet conversation with Agatha.

"I'm not sure Ag's, I assume you follow the Lieutenant's lead, she just needs back-up, right?" Max softly commented.

Agatha pursed her lips, "But what if there needs to be a 'Diplomatic' decision?"

Before Max could think of a reply Joon muttered while her eyes were closed, "I hereby elevate you to first secretary… 'ting' magical cat-girl…

Max and Agatha blinked.

"Does that count?" Agatha asked with a raised eyebrow.

Max nodded, "I think it does… congratulations?"

Agatha smirked, "Heh… thank you."

"Is Vika okay?" Max whispered her question.

Agatha nodded, "She is holding me in her sleep, and I want to try something…"

Max nodded, "Okay, just nothing that might be dangerous…"

"Of course not, my beloved." Agatha kissed Max.

They settled in and slowly slipped into their comunal slumber where a diminutive redhead was waiting for them…

The soft alarm sounded…That particular sound had roused Lieutenant Paula Gonzalez for decades. She slowly levered herself up from the very comfortable mattress. Tapping the alarm in her portfolio data pad off, she opened the pad fully, and started her day. She checked her mail, Teffa had forwarded a few items, and Agatha had sent her an ETA for the 'help' from her Ambassador. They were due to arrive in a few hours.

Paula remembered the holo-conversation with her Ambassador, She was still shocked by how much deference Ambassador Jooniper Smith had shown her. In her long career with the Foreign Office she had only one Ambassador treat her with such courtesy, Trankaren Ambassador Gamrik. The Trankaren was famous for his patience and amiable attitude.

Paula always loved working with his office, as they took their cues from him.

First Lieutenant Gonzalez did not have the same experience with Terran Federation Diplomatic Officials…Most never bothered to learn her name, and expected to be waited on, hand and foot. She never complained or did one gram less than her duty, they just never got more than they asked for.

Paula had seen a number of missteps made, most likely she could have prevented them. She had also seen belligerent domineering officers run afoul of just plain bad luck…Like what happened to Commander Tavistock's immediate predecessor. Paula smiled deviously as she recalled what happened after he had been on station for only six weeks…using his position to take advantage of and abuse two servicewomen.

Karma did seem to find him though. It was such a shame… losing one's footing on a ramp like that…it was like all the luck in his life had been pulled from him. Though, luckily he didn't suffer, it was by all accounts quick and painless…His victims attended his funeral without shedding a tear.

Paula shook her head to clear her thoughts; but thoughts soon found their way to her early memories and the love she lost.

Paula never recovered from that loss…

In fact, she ran from the life her wicked family had intended for her. It was logical for her to disappear into the Navy and she threw herself into work; away from the loss, the heart-ache, the past. Her first few years were very hard: boarding school did not prepare her for military service.

The Academy was harder than anything she had ever done. Her savior was her roommate… Paula was in awe of her. With her advice and help, Paula was able to succeed and graduate.

She never knew a more capable officer…

Paula was very proud of how far she went, and was tempted to send her congratulations on her latest promotion. But, she decided against it. After three decades, it didn't seem right: it felt like currying favor and Paula wasn't like that.

She inhaled deeply and let out a cleansing breath. Paula got up off her new comfortable bed and went to her new bathroom for a cleansing wash.

Joon stretched and peeked up at her handsome wife, the formidable Captain looked so sweet in repose. She wanted to take advantage of the nipple just inches from her nose, but decided to just gaze at her amazing first wife. It took more than a few minutes to think of everything that had transpired in the last month.

Now Joon was a senior wife, in what could be seen as a kind of harem. With the recent addition Max now possessed Joon had never been so sexually fulfilled. If Agatha wasn't enough of a boost to Joon's reality the quality of her intimate family was beyond her wildest dreams.

Joon didn't know what she did to deserve such a family, but she knew she would do it again without a second thought.

Max yawned herself awake.

"Hey beautiful." Joon whispered.

Max's soft-brown eyes gazed into hers. "Good morning, my Love." Max responded in a quiet voice.

Joon beamed a smile, "I want to do some holo-vid shots today."

Max nodded, "I think that sounds marvelous."

"I'm going to use the Harp-guitar." Joon nodded.

Max smiled, "That makes me happy, If you think it works for this song."

Joon kissed a caramel breast, "I do, my love… I think it's perfect for this song."

Max thought for a moment, "What did you think of the trans-stellar dream party?"

Joon responded in barely a whisper, "That was fan-fucking-tastic!"

Max giggled very softly, "I kinda hate to admit it, but I am happy about it."

"Why do you hate to admit it?" Joon blinked.

"Because, it almost felt like she didn't leave…" Max bit her lip.

Joon nodded in understanding, "And you don't want to give even tentative ground on her not being here."

Max nodded, "Yea, basically…"

"You don't feel the same way about Agatha?" Joon whispered her inquiry.

Max shrugged, "Agatha 'is' here though, I just worry about her health being so… 'separated'."

Joon nodded, "She did say she felt no ill effects, we have to trust her judgment."

"Yea… I know, I just worry." Max sighed.

At that moment Agatha looked over Joon's shoulder, "I really am so very lucky to have such caring wives to worry so much about me."

Joon grabbed Agatha's face in between her hands and, in a gentle vice, gave her a deep and passionate kiss.

*I love you so much, you have given me so much joy and made my amazing life possible.*

Joon thought to Agatha during the kiss, hoping she would hear her.

*Jooniper, my love for you and my family gives me purpose, I will always be with you.*

Joon gasped as she pulled back from the kiss.

"I heard you!" Joon squealed.

Astrid looked up immediately and peered with squinty eyes across Max's modest breasts, "Whatsgoingonwhatimissnow?"

Joon giggled and Agatha smiled as they embraced. Agatha was purring loudly as Max turned to Astrid, "I think Joon and Agatha were able to connect telepathically." Astrid appeared to be contemplating that: "No good, I need tea to think right now."

More giggling erupted.

Samira rolled up on both of her left elbows, with a right hand she combed her thick hair back and opened her eyes.

Max stopped giggling and stared, "Oh wow…"

Everyone looked at Max, then turned to see what she was looking at: Eyes of deep amber gilded in gold. Astrid gasped, and practically threw herself at the cyborg…"OHMYFUCKINGODYOURGORGEOUS!" Astrid stated loudly around a kiss with Samira.

Joon looked at Agatha, "You do good work, Ag's."

She beamed, "Thank you, Mistress!"

"Wait… Astr… I havn't… seen… them yet…" Samira was 'barely' fighting off kisses from her platinum-blonde wife. Then Astrid rolled off Samira and literally dragged her to the edge of the huge triple sized bed and into the bathroom.

Joon giggled and the remaining spouses slowly got up and followed them.

Paula stretched out… she stretched just a bit, not too much. She switched sides and stretched again. "Okay, old lady… let's see how bad yesterday really was."

Paula's normal daily routine was ten push-ups and twenty sit-ups. She was never an athlete, or even really active… her figure had the appropriate amount of padding for her age: and she hated it. When she was twenty-two she was svelte, shapely, but svelte. Nowadays she had an excess of shapely.

She wanted to work her way back to the old her… but she really didn't have that kind of time. Pushing data didn't make for a dynamite figure…She envied Mary, who was a dedicated gym enthusiast. After ten push-ups, she couldn't get past sit-up number twelve.

She lay on her back… contemplating the self-inflicted torture. "Okay, fuck-it, I'm done for today… time to get to work." Paula took a hot shower in the giant bathtub, got herself ship-shape in her dress greys…Slung her folding-chair's carry strap over her shoulder, grabbed her portfolio datapad and walked out of her apartment.

Right into a mouth-watering aroma in the common area.

Paula winced, "Fuck!"

It smelled pretty damn amazing…Paula wondered what it was. No, If you go and look you'll want a taste; then it will be downhill from there…

Yet, she couldn't walk away.

Paula knew it was Teffa cooking in the kitchen, and she was Paula's co-worker. It was kind of her place to show some appreciation she reasoned. She checked her datapad. The Ambassadors 'help' would be here in about an hour, how much damage could Teffa do in an hour?

Samira stared at her own eyes in the mirror: deep amber gilded in gold--not just yellow, but metallic gold. The cyborg was beside herself. People spent tens of thousands of credits for cybernetic eyes that looked like garbage but these were her real eyes and she looked like she stepped out of a billion-credit budget holo-epic!

Then she just started crying…

Astrid's eyes got huge, "What's the matter, baby-cakes, what's wrong?"

Samira looked up at the tall Engineer… "It's everything! I got everything I wanted!"

Astrid wrapped her arms around her Paladin, "You've completed your quest, which is wonderful; now we work on the next one."

Samira sniffed, nodding, "You're right. I'm being silly; there is always another quest, isn't there?"

Astrid looked into the incredibly attractive eyes of her devastatingly hot cyborg wife, "You better believe it."

"Oh and Astrid?" Samira looked into Astrid's almond shaped lavender eyes.

"Mmm?" she responded.

"If you ever call me 'baby-cakes' again, I'm throwing you out an airlock." Samira's neutral expression did not change, though her playful meaning was obvious.

"Understood Sam." Astrid bit her lip as she suppressed a smile. Then Samira kissed her deeply and they melted into each other's arms. Max, Joon and Agatha had witnessed the entire exchange with open-mouthed stares while sitting on the toilet. They were commenting to each other telepathically in a play by play style of conversation.

Agatha managed to relay from Max to Joon and back again, in near real time. Samira and Astrid stopped kissing and turned to look at their spouses. The entire bathroom erupted in giggles and awwws.

The mirth continued all during the rest of the wash up, not stopping until the five managed to make their way into the cargo bay. Two additional Hands patiently waited for them to settle down.

Agatha bowed.

Everyone bowed.

The kata began…

What seemed like months since the last morning kata was beaten slowly back into shape. Max could feel the routine coalesce around her and she let it take her. The crew slipped into step, finding themselves tuning the chords as well. Holding that feeling made everyone smile.

Finishing the third rotation, they bowed together in perfect synchronicity. They came together for a hug, and made their way back to the showers.

Max thought to Agatha,

*How is the ship routine… still manageable with two out of system?*

*It's not too bad, but when we leave Dau, and I suspect we will at some point, leaving two here for another 'Consulate' might be a good idea.*

Agatha responded.

Max blinked in surprise,

*Wow, Ag's you're really thinking ahead, well done!*

*I try honey, I try.*

Agatha giggled a little mentally.

It was Samira's turn in the queue, but she insisted on sharing with Astrid. Max had an idea so she, as Captain, sat on a corner bench and pulled her XO onto her lap. Max was face to face with Joon and whispered, "Let's see how this works." Max smiled and Joon felt herself grow wet as Samira and Astrid took turns sucking Max and licking Joon.

Joon felt her wife moving the head of her hard cock to Joon's slick entrance so Joon impaled herself on the erection. The petite XO really loved the way her Captain filled her completely. She was at just the right angle to rub the top of her vagina crouched on the bench as she was while holding the railing.

Joon climaxed in minutes. After she was done gasping, she stood up and Max deeply kissed her sensitive pussy. Meanwhile, Astrid and Samira shared a Jooniper flavored cock. They licked Max clean and for a reward Max gave them each three mouthfuls of her vanilla Creme' Brulee. Astrid watched as Samira's golden eyes dilated and thought she'd never seen anything so beautiful in her life.

Three Agatha soaked in the sensations, the lust and love was wonderfully delicious and satisfying.

The day crew finished showering, dried, and dressed in some of their most comfortable adventuring clothes. Joon was very specific about her outfit: this time she wouldn't be in a fancy dress, she would be comfortable and show that she was.

The ensemble included a mahogany skirt, her forest green jumper that brought out her eyes, matching knee-socks, and her hiking boots (better to be safe with terrain). Joon pulled out her armored harp-guitar case and winked at Agatha who nodded knowingly.

Blintzes!

Teffa made blueberry fucking blintzes…

How the fuck does a Slarmian on Staverka know how to make blueberry fucking blintzes? So Paula asked her.

"Oh! Agatah had makit 'kan-oh-lee' annit gotten Teffa ta like Terran cookins, so Teffa looket up ressa-peez…Teffa findet Blinzi… den goes lookin fer in-greed-antz inna bazaar an buys dem…" Teffa smiled with the cutest expression Paula had ever seen on a Slarmian.

Paula blinked… her plans to slim down were being all shot to hell with Teffa as a co-worker. And Fucking hell, Teffa is setting the table again and putting the blintzes out to share; and there is a huge pile of them. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Then plop as she sat down.

Maybe, just maybe she wouldn't strangle Agatha when she met her. Paula's thoughts never reached her face, she was always unfailingly polite.

Teffa looked at the Terran, being as friendly as she wanted to be treated herself. "Agata said 'Terrans coms in all flavors, juz like Slarmians'".

Paula unslung and opened her chair.

Fuck. Nom. Fuck. Nom. Fuck. Nom.

Joon leaned her harp-guitar case against the galley bulkhead and sat in her usual spot. Max sat next to her while Astrid and Samira occupied their usual spots across from the senior wives. Three cups of tea, and one coffee appeared. The galley of the Deirdre had become mostly Agatha's domain, though she would happily assist anyone interested in making a meal. Agatha insisted on taking care of the crew… her family.

The 'breakfast' meal today was a sausage and veggie scramble with optional waffles…Everyone opted for the waffles. Joon set her fork down after consuming everything on her plate, she picked up her tea cup and took a sip. Max did the same.

"Do you know where you want to do the first shoot?" Astrid Inquired.

Joon smiled, "I'm going to ask the local expert about locations."

Astrid nodded, "Good call. Were you thinking of multi-locations, like the Staverka Holo-vid."

Joon grinned in a sneaky expression. "Kind of, I have an idea; but it's going to take some work to set up."

Astrid's eyes widened a bit, suddenly cautious of her senior wife. Samira and Max shared a look, happy they were not directly involved in production. Joon glanced at Max who blinked and looked at her petite wife.

"I would like to do a shoot in the Samava residence." Joon said. "There is this comfortable looking chair." Joon smiled.

A Diplomatic-courier class shuttle slipped out of hyper-warp at the edge of the Mu-Cygni system. It's forty meter hull enjoyed a number of capabilities usually not found in such a small ship. For example: it had a very robust shield generator, but no weapons. Relying a great deal on it's diplomatic status to keep it safe. Agatha set her cruise at a sedate pace and waited around the seventh orbital for the hail.

Vika smiled, kneeling between the two couches, she had changed her clothes now and was wearing a short pleated skirt and tank top. She took a moment to pull the hem of her tank top into a knot above her hip, it had the effect of making the shirt skin tight, and showing off her ripped abs.

Agatha raised an eyebrow, "You look… very sexy, Vika."

Vika winked, and smiled.

The Hail from Staverka ATC was brief, Agatha responded to it in Slarmian. Not only was the officer on the hail completely impressed, he saluted her. Agatha got clearance and a flight path directly to the new Terran Consulate on Staverka.

When Paula's datapad beeped, she had finished her fifth scrumptious blintz…Teffa had just refilled the Lieutenants water glass and the Terran Diplomatic Attache glanced at her device. "They're early." She said calmly.

Fuck! "They have a direct flight path here!"

Fuck Fuck Fuck!

Paula took a good swig of her water, wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood. She folded her chair and put it just inside her apartment. First Lieutenant Paula Gonzalez straightened her uniform, picked up her portfolio data pad and started a slow walk to the Consulate landing pad. By the time she had reached the ramp well, Teffa was slithering next to her, she seemed a little out of breath.

"Teffa putted everating aways, Lootennit." The Slarmian smiled.

Paula smiled back and nodded, "Well done, Tef."

The two ascended, opening the doors to the pad. Teffa had parked the luxury transport so as to not block the entrance.

They stood together in the morning light as a soft mist slowly fell. Waiting with anticipation.

Less greeted the day crew as the large cargo bay door had opened and the ramp descended.

"Hello again, Sweetheart!" Joon beamed the Dauzakai a cheerful smile.

Less smiled back, "Did you have a good nap, M'lady?"

"I sure did!" Joon nodded; she carried her guitar case with her.

Less's eyes went wide, "Oh! Are you going to play?"

Astrid walked next to Joon wearing the HD Holo remote station backpack. Less recognized it from the cooking show.

"Oh, you're recording the mussic holo-vid!" Less amended her conjecture.

Joon reached out to hold the Dauzakai's hand, "I wanted to talk with you about that."

Less blinked.

"Let's visit your lovely home again." Joon smiled.

Everyone made their way into the long low building. Less invited everyone to sit, asking if anyone was hungry or thirsty. Max smiled, explaining they had all just eaten. Joon spotted the little chair again… It was made of pretty banded grain wood, and had a kind of woven rush seat.

"Can you tell me about this chair, Less?" Joon inquired.

Less blinked, a little confused but complied. The chair didn't have any notable history, it was part of the residential furniture and was probably quite old.

"May I sit on it?" Joon asked, with a little smile.

Less nodded, "Of coursse you can, M'lady."

Max held the guitar case as Joon gathered her skirt and sat on the shair… it made a little squeak as her weight was distributed by the woven seat.

"This is very comfortable…" Joon smiled at Max.

Less looked a little apprehensive, "If you want it, I am ssure you can have it, I can assk Vess or Ness."

Joon smiled at Less, "Thank you, but I must refuse."

Less tilted her head slightly.

"I don't want to own it," Joon explained, "But I do want to use it."

Less blinked again, then nodded, "M'lady, you may usse that chair to your heartss content… it iss a typical Dauzakai chair, very dependable."

Joon nodded, then smiled broadly… "That, my dear Less, is exactly what I wanted to hear; this is what I had in mind…"

The ship came in just like any ship going to the bazaar but it then angled a little to the north, separating itself from the normal traffic patterns. Instead of descending into the dry hardpack of the crater, it floated through the mists. The descent was unrushed and very well executed, Teffa commented to Paula that it was very smart flying.

The ship was not of Terran design, it's white enamel trimmed in metallic bronze gave the unique craft a decidedly ornamental quality. It was also much smaller than Paula had first assumed it was.

The ship landed like a feather without bounce or slide. The door on the side opened and a very pale skinned woman wearing a tinted visor with a jet-black braid emerged. "Agatah!" Teffa beamed a smile and waved, the woman waved back.

Paula tried to hold Teffa back until someone exited whom she recognized. Paula soon let Teffa go and the Slarmian slithered at speed: the woman embraced Teffa with a smile. She got a better look at Agatha and decided she was barely out of her teens.

Agatha walked over to the pad entrance, chatting with Teffa. Paula could hear snippets of it and realized the language wasn't Terran or trade speech…It was Slarmian. Agatha was wearing TFN BDU's with no rank insignia or unit patches, not even a name tag.

Paula had seen personnel in BDU's without ID before and seeing it now raised her hackles. Agatha stopped a few yards away from her as Teffa slithered beside Paula.

"Hello." Agatha greeted the Terran.

Paula didn't let her feelings show, "I am First Lieutenant Gonzalez."

She forced herself to walk forward with her hand out.

"Miss O'Neira, I presume?"

Agatha shook the offered hand, "Please, call me Agatha."

Paula felt something, like a gentle massage. "Ah, I'm Paula." She heard herself say. She had never offered her first name to anyone she'd just met. It was very odd. Then Paula noticed movement at the ship. She looked over Agatha's shoulder and saw… someone who looked just like her.

"Una and I brought some gear, I should go help her." With that Agatha trotted back to the ship. The twins were wrestling a medium sized crate out of the craft. Then with one in the front and one in the back they carried it towards the entrance.

Agatha asked Teffa something in Slarmian.

Teffa turned to Paula and asked, "Teffa gonna showna Agatah, is okies?"

Paula felt a little dazed and didn't know exactly why, "Yes, Teffa, that's fine."

The Lieutenant observed the two women closely as they walked by with the crate between them and noted they were completely identical from tinted visors to tac-boots and walking in unison.

Paula's eyes followed them, but she didn't move. She turned back, noticing more movement at the small ship. A figure emerged with soft luggage and walked towards her.

Paula thought it might be a girl. She was very short, wearing a tiny blue plaid pleated skirt and a skin tight grey tank-top. There was nothing on her feet…Her physique was unreal, she was built like a marine.

Paula glanced at thighs, abs and arms. holding duffle straps in one hand, and a rucksack in the other. The damp misty air made her skin shine in the morning sun. Her skin was covered in freckles. Paula glanced at her face and saw the color of her eyes.

Her heart stopped.

Joon sat in the chair. This chair was special and she appreciated its comfort as she tuned her iridescent green harp-guitar which happened to be the same color as Dauzakai eyes. Joon had Astrid take a number of stills of the slightly canted chair in front of the window then Joon had Astrid make some very specific remote positioning and alignment changes. A single remote would be stationed to view a fixed point on the back of the chair; Joon even picked out a knot in the wood.

Joon wanted the exact distance and angle to be recorded, so no matter where the chair was, the remote could find the exact position again. Astrid nodded starting to understand where Joon was going.

Then Joon had the four other remotes hold a cross formation on the center remote, each one holding a different angle and focus. The remote up high would be a wide shot with the chair centered, showing the area around the chair. Low positioned remote was also set wide and would look up at the chair at the bottom edge, to show whatever sky or background. Now the left remote would center on the neck of the guitar. The right remote would center on the body of the guitar.

Astrid thought it was brilliant.

Joon smiled, "Let's give it a try."

Less watched and listened as Jooniper Smith, The Exquisite Lady, played a haunting yet beautiful melody in her home; it was mesmerizing.

In between heartbeats Paula was transported back through time. When Paula Gonzalez was Sofia Ramirez.

Sofia was twelve when she went to boarding school, though at the time she did not understand how exclusive it was. She was miserable with Arithmetic so she was assigned a student tutor: a willowy girl with pale-blonde hair, heavily freckled, and the deepest blue eyes Sofia had ever seen.

"I am Anna. I am here to help you." The girl smiled kindly at her and Sofia's life changed. Anna became Sofia's world, the friendship between them seemed magical. They shared everything even the dark histories of their families.

All the great families had gifts: Anna was a Petrov, they held the gift of Portent. Sofia was a Ramirez, her family held the gift of Fortune.

Anna was still waiting to get the dreams she was told her Grandmother had…Sofia could already push and pull fortune as seemingly random events became more certain. As the two grew older, every year the friendship became closer.

Between terms was torture to them, so much so that they stayed at the school when the breaks were short enough to allow it. When Sofia was with Anna she felt complete, and nothing else mattered. They knew that they were soulmates and loved each other with open hearts.

Then that fateful day arrived: Anna had never acquired the gift. She was not greatly valued and Anna would be married off to create an alliance for her family.

Sofia was shattered but it soon became worse… The Ramirez demanded Sofia forget her friendship and dedicate herself to growing the power her Family desired.

Sofia asked why Anna couldn't marry her but her family ridiculed her for such thoughts: if Anna couldn't wield her gift she would birth children who could. Only the family mattered, you were told who to love and marriage was a tool for building power.

Familia Ramirez had plans for Sofia as well so Sofia Ramirez disappeared and Paula Gonzalez joined the Navy. A meticulously crafted background created through ruthless use of her gift buried any traces she might have left behind.

Never again would she have the love she'd had with Anna. But she would never be caged.

A heartbeat later…

The girl stood before Lieutenant Gonzalez. "I am Vika. I am here to help you." The girl smiled kindly at her.

Joon placed her harp-guitar in its case, "Now we find the next beautiful location."

She looked up, and three additional Dauzakai had appeared at the edge of the 'living room'.

"Hello." Joon waved to the spectators. Mona, Jenni and Paz beamed a smile.

"That wass enchanting, Lady Jooniper…" Mona spoke up.

Less beamed a smile.

"I hope you don't mind me borrowing your home." Joon bit her lip.

Paz responded, "Anytime you wissh, Maesstro."

Joon's cheeks colored slightly.

Less hugged the three Dauzakai, and they waved goodbye going to the 'Multi-vator'.

Max smooched Joon while Astrid shouldered the remote's station pack, smiling at Joon.

"We looked up your catalogue and binge watched it…" Less said after the bright bronze doors closed. Less fidgeted cutely, "I'm afraid we are all your adoring fanss now…"

"I can't let down my fans." Joon smiled softly.

Less smiled.

Samira gingerly picked up and carried the 'special chair' across her back with two of her hands then with a third she held Astrid's.

"So… is there a spot you think is beautiful or special?" Joon asked Less.

Less's face brightened, "I know of many."

Joon smiled, "I would love you to show them to me."

Paula couldn't remember what she said, but she kind of remembered walking down the ramp well with Vika: her daze was scaring her. Paula was at odds with her feelings; her heart was racing and old memories were pounding on her calm facade.

Agatha and Una passed her in the corridor. Vika nodded to them, and they nodded back. Vika glanced up at Paula as they walked. Paula's eyes looked her way and Vika smiled. Paula carefully studied the short woman who so hauntingly resembled the love of her life.

Her hair was a mass of coppery red dreadlocks bound with a wrap of some sort. Freckled muscular arms were pronounced while carrying her luggage. Paula began wondering who Vika really was… could she be?

Her thoughts were interrupted as they entered the common area whereTeffa had set out her water pitcher and five glasses.

Vika eyed the door nearest the common area, then looked at Paula. Paula's lips thinned and she nodded, she was far too curious about the shorter woman to rebuff the idea. Vika nodded slowly, a soft smile forming on her lips. Paula opened the door to her apartment showing Vika the bathroom and the other bedroom.

"Thank you." Vika nodded.

Vika strode into her new bedroom. Paula stood in the foyer… just watching… unable to leave.

Vika did not close the door.

She dropped her luggage on the bed, immediately opening the duffel. Vika pulled out the pillow from the Deirde, she fluffed it and reached over the low bed, leaning across her duffel to place the pillow at the far end.

Paula's jaw dropped open…

Vika was bent over her legs spread, not wearing anything under the skirt. Her pussy was on full display. The tiny skirt did nothing but frame the muscled thighs and sculpted butt… satin lips tantalizingly revealed.

Something deep in Paula's soul, long buried… awoke.

Vika eased back up and returned to her duffel, not even glancing at the open doorway and the paralyzed Lieutenant. The redhead was unpacking and placing things around her new room, flashing herself to the Lieutenant several more times.

She folded up the empty duffel and put it in the closet.

Vika stepped out of her skirt, and pulled off her top, she turned and walked right out of her room and past Paula. Paula didn't know what to do, she just stood there staring at the now completely nude woman. Every curve of muscle tantalized Paula's repressed desires.

Vika opened the bathroom and went inside… leaving the door wide open. The Lieutenant had an unobstructed view of Vika, noting her bright, coppery-colored, and heart shaped carpet. Vika proceeded to do her business, wash, rinse, dry, wash her hands and walk right back out.

She walked back into her room and opened her rucksack: pulling out a pair of baggy denim shorts, and a blue flannel shirt, and got dressed.

Paula was still processing everything she had just witnessed, and Vika's total lack of modesty. The short, brazen woman walked up to Paula, reached out and took her hand, interlacing her fingers with Paula's, and walked the Lieutenant back to the common area.

Paula did nothing to object, she just went along with it…She really didn't know why.

Less led the group to the drone stable… an interesting mix between a parking garage and repair shop. She flipped a tarp off a huge drone looking thing. It resembled a picnic table with a hover bike mounted on each end.

Astrid's eyes grew huge, "What is that?"

Max shared a smile with Joon and Samira let go of Astrid's hand and she predictably moved directly to the object in question.

"I call it a sskiff," the Dauzakai replied, "I dessigned it so Chazi could usse it with easse."

Astrid blinked, "You designed this for Chazi?"

Less smiled, "Yea… I wanted to help them move thingss in bulk."

"They were flying thingss around a little at a time, only what one could carry."

"So why is it here, did they not like it?" Astrid asked.

Less smiled, "Thiss iss the prototype, they have a dozen of the improved modelss."

With Astrid's assistance the Dauzakai folded the tarp, and initiated the skiffs' cyclics.

Less eased the vehicle out of the stable and she went through a checklist before nodding with satisfaction. She had everyone mount up; and after she gauged the balance she smiled. Joon beamed a smile in anticipation and sat on the left side pilot seat before Less brought the skiff up to twenty meters and eased the vehicle forward.

Less activated the wind shield and increased their airspeed to 30 meters per second, gently banking the skiff along the ridge line. The crew of the Deirdre enjoyed the amazing view, seeing kilometers of well tended fruit tree groves interspersed with broad wild hedgerows. The hedgerows acted as a shelter for wildlife and a wind break along with helping to keep the soil enriched.

As for the wildlife, anything that was truly destructive to the groves were hunted by the Chazi. The Samava accord with the Chazi was extremely prosperous for both sides.

Less reduced the airspeed of the skiff and began slowly descending. Max saw where they were heading, a hilltop at the end of the ridge. Samira pointed it out to Astrid and Joon's eyes grew large as they approached three massive carved stones with thousands of smaller stones laid out in a colossal mosaic.

Vika led Paula out to the common area where she hopped on the table sitting with her legs wrapped around the Lieutenants thighs. Vika looked up into the miss-matched eyes of the older woman. "What is your next move for the Consulate?" Vika asked, adopting a serious look considering her proximity.

Paula blinked, but thought about it; her unruly emotions calmed and her analytical side took over. Even with Vika holding her she managed to rattle off a list of objectives. Vika nodded and smiled in appreciation, "Let's gather the others and start some tasks."

Paula swallowed, then nodded. Agatha, Una and Teffa were within earshot and it was decided that preparing an area on the first floor for receiving was imperative, as other steps included interviews.

Teffa and Una would start with that. Agatha and Paula would draft an advertisement to be placed on the employment site Teffa recommended. Vika would be shopping for furniture. Agatha smirked, "Do you know what we need?"

"I do: I can also haggle down the ridiculous offers they are going to set." Vika glanced at Agatha.

Una giggled, "She's got you there."

Vika shared a look with Agatha and mouthed silently, "Do not fear the Queen."

Agatha blinked and nodded. The team got to work and Paula sat on her folding chair with her portfolio data pad, Agatha knelt next to her.

"Do you have any experience with data or media?" The Lieutenant asked.

Agatha looked up, "A little…"

Paula wasn't quite sure if Agatha was joking. So Agatha reached over with one hand and, with speed and accuracy, navigated through the Staverka Government holo-site. Paula was surprised and relieved at the same time…

They started chatting about operating systems and in a matter of minutes Paula felt more relaxed and confident with her new co-worker.

The ancient stones had been there before the written histories of the Dauzakai. Each stone depicted a caricature of Dau. One was Dauzakai, one was Chazi and the last Joon did not recognize. Less described some of the stories regarding the last: the Razu.

"Many of our mythss were insspired by thesse stoness…" Less concluded.

The huge stones had hundreds of detailed illustrations of each species. Max shared a look with Agatha who then telepathically relayed, verbatim, the debrief from the Ambassador to Joon. Joon surveyed the Razu stone while listening then she nodded to Agatha and made herself relax so she could play.

Joon chose a spot where all three stones could be seen in fair detail and the light was just right. Samira placed the 'special chair' exactly where Joon wanted, receiving a smile from Joon. Astrid deployed the remotes and ran the preset configuration before recording a number of stills of just the chair.

The Exquisite Lady Jooniper sat and played the beautiful and haunting tune to the stones. Every time she played she concluded with her iconic gentle elfin smile. Joon placed her harp-guitar in its case and closed it when she was finished.

A buzz filled the air and Tizzi landed on Less's shoulder. Less beamed and smiled, "Tizzi!"

Everyone smiled. But the buzzing continued…and it wasn't Tizzi. Max looked around. Three very large Chazi hovered in landing less than fifty meters away.

Less's eyes were huge. "Warriorss."

Agatha peered at Tizzi. A single small scythe-like claw was extended to Agatha. "We have an invitation." Agatha said.

Teffa and Una had their work cut out for them, but Teffa was determined to get the job done. The dusty, disheveled mess on the first floor was set upon with great prejudice. They decided the entrance, the reception area, an interview room and an office would be the goals.

It was going to be a battle.

Una examined the front entrance, she noticed there were actually an additional set of doors. They were set into the walls on the outside of the regular entrance and they looked like armored blast doors.

The front entrance split into an east and west wing. Teffa and Una were cleaning only a few of the rooms on the east wing. Most of the first floor was open offices, but the holding cells were of particular note. Eight cells of equal quality were separated by impressively thick and soundproof double walls. Bare basic amenities pointedly illustrating any potential occupant's situation.

Teffa and Una were making good progress.

Max eyed Agatha,

*Are we in danger Ag's?*

Joon stared intently at Agatha, Max guessed she just asked the same thing.

*Those three are not enemies, Max…*

Agatha soothed,

*They are escorts.*

Less was confused, but she was relaxed. Tizzi crouched on her shoulder without agitation. Astrid and Samira were not in the same information loop as Max, Joon and Agatha.

"It's okay Sam." Max smiled, "We're just going to have a little side trip, maybe even another holo-vid shoot.

Joon blinked, "Oh! Hey yea! That's a good idea!"

Samira still looked uneasy, but she slowly picked up the chair and carried it on her back.

"Are we all going?" Astrid asked, her lips thin.

Agatha hugged Astrid, "It's going to be fine Asa-chan."

Less got up in the pilot's saddle. The day crew settled into their spots on the skiff. The prototype skiff rose slowly into the air, it's cyclics lifting the weight without complaint. Less eased the vehicle forward after activating the wind shield, the slow increase in forward momentum controlled by the technician who built it. A deep hum could be heard as the three Chazi warriors took flight, moving into positions on either side and behind the skiff.

Agatha studied the impressive Chazi.

While having the exact same anatomy as the diminutive Tizzi, the warrior's proportions were very different. Colored yellow with a mottled orange and green and thick chitinous plates covered most of their bodies.

While their eyes were still huge, they were a much smaller target for their size.

Long armored legs folded up along a sleek abdomen and four mechanically efficient wings held the impressive figures aloft. Then the pair of massive scythe-like deadly front legs were currently held in repose, folded for flight. The Chazi Agatha was studying turned its head briefly. Agatha got the impression it nodded to her.

She nodded in return.

Paula was watching Agatha's face while they chatted. The tinted visor hid her eyes and Paula was wondering why.

"Agatha?" Paula began…

"Yes, Paula?" Agatha smiled.

Paula's lips thinned, "Would you take off your visor?"

Agatha smiled, "Sure."

She removed them and Paula was confronted with steel grey gilded with silver cat-eyes. Paula didn't flinch or even inhale sharply, but Agatha read her emotions as if she did. Agatha had been feeling the roller-coaster ride of emotional turmoil from Paula since landing and she was already deeply emotionally invested in this woman, especially after feeling her reactions to Vika.

The Lieutenant was gathering her thoughts and forming a question.

"I'm not Human." Agatha confessed.

Paula still didn't react openly.

"Yes, Lady Jooniper is aware." Agatha smiled softly.

Paula looked down.

"We are on the same team, the 'Lady' is my boss." Agatha laid her hand on Paula's.

Paula looked up, and searched Agatha's eyes, "Since you've landed, I have felt off…not myself."

Agatha nodded, "I'm afraid that is my fault."

Paula didn't blink or look away though Agatha felt her reaction.

"I have never met a human with such control over her reactions, you're amazing."

Paula blinked.

"I cheat Paula, I can feel your emotions." Agatha bit her lip, "I can project emotions too."

A single tear escaped the implacable Lieutenant.

"You don't need that wall with us. We already love you."

Paula's face slightly creased and another tear escaped.

Agatha opened her arms and Paula rolled out of her chair into Agatha's arms: and for the first time, Paula Gonzalez broke down and cried in someone's arms.

Thousands of permanent shops lined the ancient impact crater. Vika walked into a furniture shop on the 'Edge row' of the bazaar and started looking around. Some of the pieces on display looked very nice and the prices were actually pretty good.

She was wearing her tooled leather coat, and had her blades at the small of her back. The diminutive redhead stopped and peered at a small ottoman. A long thin Slarmian glanced over his counter, unsure what to make of the tiny Terran.

He decided to investigate so he uncoiled and slithered over to the potential customer.

"Haloo der hoomins, mebbe inna wan gud furcha ferin dat keepa?"

His delivery was a little high, but he didn't think much of a human without the clothes they usually had on those lower limbs.

Vika glanced at the tall thin Slarmian.

"I think this is a very nice shop, but I don't need to be treated like a tourist. Good day." Vika said in perfect Slarmian. She turned and walked towards the entrance.

The Shopkeeper's eyes bulged, "Oh, wait! I am so sorry, please allow me to show you something that might fit your size."

Vika tilted her head slightly as if she was contemplating it.

"I'll give you a discount!" The Slarmian offered, sounding desperate for the sale.

Vika stopped and glanced over her shoulder, "How much?"

"Five percent off!" He said…

Vika scowled "Bah!" She started walking away again.

"Ten percent…"

Vika didn't even slow down.

"Twenty-five percent!"

Vika stopped. "Fifty percent."

"Are you trying to rob me?" The Slarmian replied.

Vika started walking again.

"Thirty percent!" The Slarmian wanted to sell something today.

Vika stopped again, without turning around she smiled, "Forty-five percent."

"Thirty-five!"

"Forty." Vika looked over her shoulder.

The Slarmains jaw clenched. "Forty."

Vika slowly turned around and walked right up to the Slarmian; he felt oddly intimidated by the small Terran.

"Forty percent off my purchase." Vika clarified.

The Slamian nodded, "Yes, my valued customer."

Vika had a feeling he was expecting her to buy a single piece of furniture.

"I will agree to that 'recorded' business." Vika smiled.

The Slarmian momentarily thought he might make a profit today.

Max watched as the top of a spire appeared on the horizon and soon all of the crew were looking at it. They had truly entered the Chazi domain. It was rocky and barren with spindly dark trees finding rare purchase in shaded crevices.

Every depression with any shade held pockets of green.

Without exception, the Chazi Spire's shadow held more life than the surrounding land. More detail of the spire was revealed as they flew closer and the dark side of the spire itself was also covered in green. Max wondered just how much work it took to maintain it.

Joon looked at Her, "It's incredible."

Max nodded, "It's bigger than I expected."

Less commented, "Thiss iss the largesst Sspire on Dau… it'ss twice ass large than the next.

"Thiss hive iss alsso twice ass large than the next."

Max looked at Less, "Why is it so big?"

Less responded, "It iss because of the alliance. We help each other a great deal."

The Dauzakai looked worried.

Max laid her hand on Less's back as she smiled at her and nodded.

Teffa scrubbed the baseboards of the interview room.

Una laid her hand on her shoulder, "Teffa… don't go overboard, sweetheart."

"Everything looks great, you've worked so hard, I am very proud of you." Una said in Slarmian.

Teffa coiled up and smiled at Una, "Thank you, Una, I really want to impress the Lieutenent, she is such a hard worker and is so stoic."

Una nodded, then her data pad beeped. She pulled it out and accepted a call from Vika.

The screen showed Vika in some kind of vehicle.

"Hey, Una? Would you mind opening up the freight door on the pad?"

Una blinked… "Sure, okay, what's your ETA?"

Vika smirked… "Oh, I dunno, thirty, maybe forty seconds?"

Una giggled, "Okay, We're on our way."

Teffa and Una slithered and jogged around to the freight elevator, the only elevator in the building. It tied all three stories together and allowed for moving heavy and bulky items between floors. It was also situated not far from the cells and the two interrogation rooms.

Teffa opened the two heavy doors and they moved inside. Una tapped the access code and the destination she wanted and the huge elevator rose up through the floors. Una noted the elevator was also most likely used for prisoner movement between floors.

At Pad level the entire frame of the elevator gondola rose up from the level surface. Heavy plates split up and apart to allow access to the landing pad. The floor of the gondola kept ascending until it was even with the pad level.

A substantial open-backed transport circled slowly it's contents covered in quilted shipping tarps.

Una could hardly wait to see what Vika had gotten them.

Paula felt better than she had in years, like a mountain had been lifted off of her. She was sitting on the floor of the common room in an incredibly compromising position with an unknown alien species.

And Paula didn't care.

Soothing waves of comfort radiated through her; she could feel Agatha's influence. "You are very sensitive." Agatha whispered, "I will never do anything to hurt you or try to control you." Agatha reassured, "I want you to be happy and healthy."

Paula gazed again into those cat-like eyes, "Thank you. I'm not sure where to go from here."

Agatha smiled softly, "There is no rush, we can figure it out at our own pace."

Paula nodded. She was a messy crier and she was sure she looked like a wreck.

"Just to let you know, there are a great number of revelations in your future." Agatha informed her. "I don't want any misunderstandings, so please ask questions. I will try to answer them." Agatha concluded.

Paula swallowed and wiped her face.

"Who is Vika?" The Lieutenant asked.

Agatha smiled, "Vika is a talented, strong and brave young woman with a mysterious past full of pain and sorrow. She is, if anything, a survivor. More than that, you should probably ask her." Agatha nodded.

Paula nodded, then paused. "She… calls to me."

"I know." Agatha responded, "I can feel it."

The ramshackle open-backed transport managed to land without incident. An ancient Slarmian, who was under contract from the furniture shop, slithered out of the transport. He immediately started untying ropes and releasing the ratchet straps that kept the purchases in place.

Vika padded around and greeted Una and Teffa.

"That's a lot of furniture, Vika." Una gawked, commenting in Slarmian. "How much did you spend?"

Vika smirked, "Less than seven thousand."

Una blinked. "Really! That's not even half of the budget!"

Vika winked at Una.

The old Slarmian pulled off the padded quilts, then lowered the ramp.

Vika smirked, "We will have to unload the furniture; the old fellow just pilots."

To illustrate, the old Slarmian got back into the cockpit of the transport and seemed to be scrolling through his data pad. The ladies all peeked at the Slarmian who was completely unaware as he watched a holo-drama.

They gathered together at the ramp and Teffa said in Slarmian, "If we take our time and are careful, we can do it."

The team got to work.

Less reduced the airspeed of the skiff. She adjusted the trajectory, aiming to set down near the entrance she knew best.

"How many times have you been here, Less?" Joon asked.

Less kept her eyes on her slow maneuvering , "Thiss will be my fourth visit."

Max nodded, "Who did you talk to?"

Less answered without turning, "Not much talking. the Queen gave me her thoughtss."

"Did you talk to her?" Joon asked.

"I just sspoke out loud… Sshe undersstandss Dauzakai." Less replied.

Less started bearing down on the cyclics, and the skiff drifted to a halt as she reduced elevation.

The three warrior escorts landed and one went into the nearby entrance to the spire. The Chazi Spire looked like it was made of sand glued together with some kind of resin. Less explained the Chazi can produce a type of bio-epoxy and use it to make and reinforce their structures.

Agatha saw a number of smaller Chazi, a fraction of the size of the warriors but still two to three times larger than Tizzi. Agatha asked Less about them.

"Thosse are worker Chazi, they make up mosst of the hive and they do everything but fight."

Less led the way into the hive. Max was expecting a dark, hot and claustrophobic environment. She soon realized she was mistaken: the tunnels were cool, illuminated, and comfortably roomy.

Less explained that Chazi had difficulty with darkness and, being vision based, they found illumination a handy thing. The Chazi lined the ceilings of the tunnels with a bio-luminescent mold. Less commented that the Dauzakai actually had much better low light vision then the Chazi did.

Astrid gripped Samira's cybernetic hand… Samira knew exactly how much pressure the Engineer was exerting. She shifted the chair on her back, worried for the platinum-blonde. The Spire was over three hundred meters tall, broader across to give as much shade as possible.

Less commented that the spire contained hundreds of tunnels for airflow pulling heat from the depths of the hive. The underground hive itself was many times the volume of the spire. Again, the Dauzakai took inspiration from Chazi practices.

Less led them deeper into the hive: the passage had a slight decline. On occasion they saw the warrior ahead of them diverting all other Chazi from the corridor.

Less said again, "The Chazi have their own wayss, I don't alwayss undersstand why they do ssome thingss."

Agatha poured a tall glass of water and handed it to the Terran Lieutenant.

"Thank you." Paula said while accepting it, she drank deeply and drained the glass.

Agatha smiled, "More?"

"No, that was perfect." The Lieutenant replied, she looked like she was going to ask a question.

Agatha nodded, "Go ahead, I'm sure you're brimming with questions."

Paula's face was still a mask of calm.

Agatha realized it might take a long time for her to relax around them.

"Your sister Una." Paula started, but Agatha interrupted her.

"We are the same person."

Paula's eyes went a little wide, "Ah! Okay, that changes things."

Agatha tilted her head, "What does it change?"

"I have one less person to get to know!" Paula almost smiled.

Agatha smiled, "Yea, once you have gotten used to me, you can be confident with all of my Hands."

Paula's eyes went to Agatha, "You have…others?"

Agatha smiled and nodded, "Yes, enough to help my family."

Paula's hackles rose at the word Family.

Agatha's eyes went wide, "What's wrong, what got you upset?"

Paula blinked. "The term 'Family', is one I have had bad experiences with."

Agatha bit her lip, "I am sorry, I can assure you there is nothing my family would do to harm you."

Paula nodded, "I'm sure; but the word itself makes me uncomfortable."

Agatha felt the emotions, "I hope you will come to see us as the best version of that word."

The Lieutenant nodded.

"I am a refugee from my past. I have been someone else for a very long time." Paula's lips thinned.

"We will accept you as you accept us. If you want us to know, tell us."Agatha smiled.

Paula nodded, "Thank you. I will consider it."

Less and the crew of the Dierdre stepped into a huge chamber. A magnificent dome covered in thousands of crystals which illuminated it. Within the chamber, lining the edge, were warriors; scores of them. At the very center, sitting on a form fitting dais, was the Chazi Queen. She didn't make a sound; but beckoned them forward.

As the group drew closer they felt something touching their minds.

It was a gentle greeting, a courteous welcome.

The group stopped only meters away from the magnificent being. She was twice the size of a warrior, but proportioned without the heavy chitinous plates. Her long elegant form was very similar to Tizzi. The Queen's abdomen was fully seventy five percent of her body.

It was very clear she was responsible for the lives of her entire hive. On the opposite side of the dais, a worker Chazi was waiting. They were there to attend to the egg that the Queen would produce.

The Queen tilted her head to one side while looking at Agatha.

*The Queen wants to have a moment with me.*

Agatha thought to Max and Joon.

They both looked at Agatha, and nodded. Agatha walked up to her, and the Chazi Queen held out her elegant, lithe claw.

They touched: for ten seconds there was no movement in the chamber and there was an odd quality to the air for just a moment. Max and Joon shared a look.

Agatha stepped back and bowed to the Queen who nodded in return.

"Okay." Agatha spoke out loudly, glancing at Joon "Did you want to do the shoot?"

The ramshackle transport departed after a word of appreciation from Vika. The team moved the furniture to the different floors: mostly chairs for the offices and interview rooms. Vika did pick up a few comfortable couches. With Una and Teffa at one end of the large couch and Vika at the other, they walked and slithered it into the common room.

"Hey Vika." Agatha smiled.

Vika set her end down and she glanced at Una.

Una smirked, "She knows."

Vika nodded, then narrowed her eyes, "Tell Teffa also, please."

Una turned to Teffa who had heard the exchange and blinked in confusion.

"Let's go have a little chat." Una reached out for one of Teffa's hands and led her down the corridor.

Vika looked at Paula and smiled, "We need to talk also."

Paula nodded.

Vika put out her hand. and Paula placed her hand in it.

The diminutive redhead walked the Lieutenant into their shared apartment. Paula closed the door as Vika went into her bedroom and stripped.

Paula bit her lip and turned away.

"I am taking a bath. You should join me." Vika said walking out of her bedroom.

Paula blinked. Vika went into the bathroom turned on the water to fill the tub. Paula went into her bedroom, her mind going a thousand meters per second. She stepped out of her boots while contemplating what she was doing with the removal of every article of clothing.

When she was nude she wrapped herself in a huge bath towel. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she opened her bedroom door and walked into the foyer.

Vika was filling the tub, pouring some kind of liquid into it from a bottle. Paula saw the foam forming on the water.

"Bubbles," Vika smiled at her.

Paula couldn't help but smile back.

Vika hopped up and straddled the tub edge, her toes in the rising water. Paula looked at Vika's body: the freckles and muscles did something amazing to her insides. She couldn't help but focus in on the redhead's bright-coppery heart and rosy satin labia minora.

Vika undid the wrap binding her dreads, tossing it to the bathroom counter. When the water was a couple hands from the edge Vika shut off the water and slipped into the tub. She submerged completely and surfaced in the corner a few seconds later.

Her small hand appeared from the foam and she crooked a finger at Paula, enticing her into the tub. Paula bit her lip and turned around, removing the towel and putting it on a hook nearby. She slowly turned back around with her arm covering her breasts. Paula gently eased her hip on the edge, and lifted her leg. She pivoted and lifted her other leg: With Vika's cobalt-blue eyes watching every move.

Paula gently slipped into the very warm water, slowly sinking into the bubbles. The two women both sighed in unison, then smiled at each other.

Joon blinked, "What?"

"The Queen would be delighted to experience a Jooniper Smith performance and doesn't mind the idea of a holo-vid." Agatha explained.

Everyone blinked in surprise.

"In fact she would love to provide an audience in this chamber, if you're okay with recording in here."

Less glanced at the Queen

Agatha beamed a smile, "Her Majesty and I had a lovely conversation."

Max looked at Agatha and thought to her,

*Are you okay Ag's?*

Agatha nodded, and responded,

*I'm fine, honey. I received a truly massive amount of information.*

Max nodded,

*Okay, it looked kinda weird.*

*She'd never done that before. There was a lot and she was excited.*

Agatha winked.

Max thought,

*What was the information?*

*Oh Max, if I started telling you now it would be three decades before I finished.*

Max's jaw dropped open.

Agatha nodded.

Joon looked around then asked, "Would her Majesty want to be 'in' the Holo-vid or not?"

The Chazi Queen tilted her head slightly.

Agatha spoke, "Her Majesty would be delighted."

Joon beamed a smile and waved Samira closer. Samira gave the 'special chair' to Joon, who placed it slightly canted in front of the Chazi Queen.

"She says you can come closer, she doesn't bite." Agatha smiled.

Joon smiled and bit her lip, then put the chair less than a meter from the Queen. She nodded to Astrid, who still looked nervous. Astrid deployed her remotes, and they arranged themselves automatically. Astrid nodded after she finished the stills.

Max knelt down before Joon and opened the harp-guitar case across her knee. Joon smiled at her as she lifted the Iridescent green harp-guitar. The crew and Less backed away from the shot.

Joon checked her tuning, and she smiled at the Queen. With consummate professionalism Joon positioned herself in the exact position she always did with this instrument. She began to play and found the massive chamber had excellent acoustics.

The Queen swayed gently to the melody.

The crew and Less watched the performance in awe: they knew this was something that had never happened before…And it would be seen by millions in known space.

"Who are you?" Paula asked in a soft voice. She was of two minds when she asked that question. Paula was dying to know if Vika was who she thought she might be. The daughter of her long-lost soul mate Anna. But what then: how would that change her life? Would it lead her back into Anna's arms?

Deep inside Paula, Sofia was screaming.

So she asked.

"I am Viktoria Yavikovitch." The diminutive redhead replied.

Paula blinked and shook her head, "That's not quite right."

Vika raised her eyebrows. "Not right?"

"Yavikovitch would be your father." Paula paused, "You are Yavikova."

Vika thought about that for a moment and then smiled brightly, "Thank you, I will amend that."

A few minutes passed.

"Tell me about your mother?" Paula regretted asking the moment she did, but she needed to know.

Vika pushed away from the corner and moved to right in front of the older woman. Paula's eyes went wide; she couldn't help it.

"My mother was Anna Petrova, she and my father were killed by Largath over twenty years ago. I know you knew her and I know you loved her." Paula's jaw dropped, tears erupting; but Vika's tiny, strong hands gently held her head along her jawline below her ears. "I cannot replace her: we are different. But I can, and will, love you with every ounce of my being."

Vika kissed her deeply and with immense passion: Paula's life changed. When the kiss finished Paula gazed deeply into Vika's eyes, their naked bodies entwined.

"We were destined to find each other at this time." Vika whispered, kissing Paula's lips lightly.

Paula's mis-mached eyes were half-lidded as she enjoyed the closeness of their bodies.

"Am I betraying Anna's memory, by being with you?" Paula asked, her eyes focusing on Vika.

Vika smiled softly, "Or do you honor the love you had for her, by sharing it with me?"

Paula nodded, "You said destined: you have the gift of Portent.

"If those are the dreams I have, then yes." Vika smiled, "You have a gift also."

Paula looked down but Vika lifted her chin, "I see many things, but I cannot dictate events. I know you can tip the scales," Vika gazed into the mis-matched eyes.

"Fortune." Paula whispered, "I can push or pull it to bring about unlikely events."

Vika nodded, "I want you to be my wife."

Paula inhaled suddenly.

Vika smiled, "But you need to know, you will not be alone."

Paula blinked, "What?"

Vika steadied Paula by gently wrapping strong arms around her. "We need you, all of us, and we love you." Vika said softly, but with absolute conviction.

Paula's mind felt a subtle touch as Agatha agreed with Vika.

"You are with Agatha." Paula stated matter of factly.

Vika nodded, "And others."

Paula blinked, "Others?"

Lady Jooniper Smith finished the last chords of the song for the Dauzakai holo-vid. She looked up and softly smiled in her elfin way. Agatha was next to her immediately after Astrid cleared the shoot.

"Oh, M'lady, Her Majesty is beside herself with joy. She is so very taken with your music."

Agatha beamed a smile at the Chazi Queen.

Joon stood next to the chair, with harp-guitar in hand, giving the Chazi Queen a deep curtsy. The rest of the group also bowed and curtsied.

Joon gazed up at the magnificent being, "Please accept my heartfelt thanks, your Majesty, if I can be of service to you, in any capacity, please let me know."

Agatha voiced the Chazi Queens response,

"Dear Exquisite Lady, your path is well earned, your talent is exceptional, as we have so named Lessamavanissojesamurivellawemissana, we name you Dauchazi-friend."

Less's eyes were wide when she heard her full name, and the term Dauchazi.

Paula peered into Vika's cobalt-blue eyes. "H…how many?" Paula was way beyond her safe calm facade.

Vika counted them off on her fingers: "Max, Joon, Agatha, Astrid and Samira."

Paula blinked. "They are, together, w-w-with you?"

Vika's smile could have been called mischievous, but Paula saw it as naughty.

"Oh my!" Paula blinked, "A-and you want me to, join you?"

Vika leveled her eyes at Paula in a truly paramount way, her damp dreadlocks framed her face, the solemnity was unmistakable. "There is no doubt in my mind, you are magnificent, my heart is yours."

Paula's mind raced, she had run from any relationship since Anna. Thirty years she was alone, not allowing anyone to hurt her in that way ever again. Now she was confronted with an unavoidable attraction and an offer to belong to something far greater: a caring and loving family, a pure and opposing idea of what she knew from her youth.

Paula looked again into Vika's eyes: there was immeasurable promise there, she only needed to take that chance and let down her walls for her, for them.

"Alright. I'll do it." Paula said.

Vika pulled her into a kiss she got lost in…for a long time.

Max found herself on the skiff riding the cyclics at thirty meters per second and forty meters above the broken arid landscape. Being face to face with a 'Dau'chazi Queen and watching Jooniper play perfectly for her was still resonating in her heart.

The mysterious information Agatha received from her and the honor Joon received had Max contemplative, trying to see things with a bigger lens.

She concluded the doors opening for Joon far outweighed the benefits of the other strategies they had for gathering intelligence. It also garnered a massive influx of good relationships: Staverka, Dauzakai and now Dauchazi. The benefits of a diplomat, Max supposed, she hoped Melinoe was still viable. It was still important, but it might be relegated to a secondary priority.

Max was in command of the TFNI mission, but Joon now had a mission also and they must invariably help each other succeed in both at the same time.

No pressure.

Vika pulled back from the kiss: Paula's hands had wandered all over the diminutive redhead's body exploring every muscle and crevice. The older woman was quite beside herself in lust, which Vika could understand.

"I want you in the corner." Vika's eyes narrowed and she pointed to the slightly extended edges of the tub with solid walls behind.

Paula bit her lip and moved. The Lieutenant wasn't thinking about anything but sex at the moment so she was happy to comply with Vika's request. Paula eased up on the ledge, Vika spread the woman's legs and placing her feet along the ninety degrees and giving her an unobstructed view of her sex.

Vika gazed up into those mis-matched eyes filled with longing.

She got a good look at Paula now… She wasn't overweight, but she wasn't fit either. Paula had a very curvy frame, soft sensual flesh. She was completely natural and her labia minora were parted, the hood only half covering her clitoris.

Vika threaded her muscular arms under Paula's thighs, her hands held the woman at the small of her back. Paula was already panting and Vika could smell her arousal: it called to her. The short freckled redhead knew she must give this woman the joy she was craving.

Vika leaned into the splayed sex with a deep kiss and didn't break away from that kiss until Paula had climaxed.

Paula was unbound.

Her soul was released.

She gripped the dreadlocks, feeling both of her legs trembling. Her body shuttered over and over and Paula's vision was completely unfocused as her lover fulfilled her desires.

Vika stood up after Paula came and gently pulled her legs together, easing the larger woman back into the water. Paula tried to focus her eyes but It took a few minutes. "That is but a small sample of what you can look forward to, moya zayka." Vika said with a soft loving voice.

Paula beamed, unable or unwilling to respond verbally. They spent another ten minutes together while Paula recovered.

"What do we do now?" Paula asked.

Vika smirked, "I understand Teffa is making a meal; and even though I just had dessert, I could eat."

Paula giggled, it was music to Vika's ears.

Vika hit the drain, and they both got out of the huge tub. They toweled each other dry, and went to redress.

Paula felt amazing as she got back into her greys, she thought she could get used to feeling this way. She stepped into the foyer as Vika came out of her room.

Vika was wearing a knee-length floral print dress and adorable little sandal-boots on her feet. Paula was completely taken off guard, assuming Vika would return to her shorts and flannel.

"You look so pretty." Paula said with a smile.

Vika smirked and nodded, "Not my personal favorite, but I have a role to play."

Paula blinked, "Role?"

Vika nodded, "I am going to play 'Receptionist' this afternoon."

"Oh!" Paula nodded, "I can see that now; I think you'll be wonderful."

Vika reached out her hand and Paula took it, their fingers interlaced as they walked out together into the common area.

Less brought the skiff into the Samava farmstead and parked it next to the drone stable. The crew of Dierdre dismounted and stretched their legs.

Less looked at Agatha, "Can you sspeak for Tizzi alsso?"

Agatha nodded, "What would you like to know?"

"Tizzi, I have been thinking the whole way back. I want to make a ssmall data pad for you and teach you how to usse it sso we can communicate better." Less nodded.

Tizzi tilted her head at Agatha.

Agatha smiled, "Tizzi says she is very happy you are thinking of her, she will happily work with you on the design."

Less nodded, "The moment I heard Agatha ssay Dauchazi, I realized I had undervalued what you and the otherss are."

"You are truly of Dau, and desserve to be recognized."

Tizzi rubbed Less's snout affectionately.

Agatha spoke for her, "Mother said you would get there eventually.

Less blinked, "You call the Queen mother?"

Tizzi tilted her head and Agatha spoke, "Of course I do, what else should I call her?"

Less grinned, "I am going to do some ssketchess immediately, I have got to get you talking."

The excited Dauzakai and her newfound goal walked into the residence. Agatha glanced at her family who had witnessed the interplay.

"Best. Agatha." Max smiled, and everyone agreed.

Agatha curtsied, "Lunch will be ready in a few minutes."

"Oh!" Astrid said, "That sounds lovely."

The crew walked back to the Deirdre. Samira left the 'special chair' in the cargo bay and everyone went to the galley. Joon leaned her harp-guitar case against the galley bulkhead.

A large pitcher of punch with glasses adorned the galley table and was immediately set upon. Agatha produced a light lunch of Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Max wanted Agatha to also join them and she happily complied.

"I am dying to hear about the information." Max peered at Agatha.

"Information?" Asked Astrid, who looked curious.

Joon and Samira also looked interested.

Agatha pursed her lips.

"Well," She started, "I will explain it this way."

"I now know what Dau is, why it's so different with really rare and improbable things about it occurring simultaneously."

Max stared at Agatha.

"It was set up this way."

The family blinked in disbelief.

Agatha nodded, "Dau was, or is, an experiment: practice even."

Joon's jaw dropped, "How? By whom?"

Agatha smirked. "My twisted sister."

Agatha and Una had put four chairs around the common room table. Teffa was putting out a tray of something vaguely resembling pigs in a blanket.

"Oh, there's a pretty dress!" Una beamed.

Vika blushed just a little as she and Paula sat themselves down.

Teffa poured the water for her team, Paula thanked her and smiled.

As the Slarmian returned to the kitchen and Vika asked, "Did you tell her?"

Agatha was about to answer but Teffa answered from the kitchen. "Teffa, izinna loop!"

Vika giggled, Paula smirked.

Teffa slithered back out with another tray, this time it looked like nachos with various toppings.

Paula glanced at Teffa.

"Teffa iza happigud bein trusst, Teffa wan be gud ferin Leddy Joonippa wiffa." Teffa concluded with a nod to Paula.

Agatha smiled, "You are good for us, Teffa… We value you very much."

Teffa beamed.

"So." Vika glanced at Paula, then looked at Agatha, "How are we looking for this afternoon?"

Una nodded, "Very good. We have twelve applicants so we can start scheduling interviews immediately."

Vika looked at Paula, "Are you ready to interview Consulate Employee's?"

Paula nodded, and smiled, "I am; but I would like to propose a position immediately."

Agatha and Una stopped eating nachos and listened.

"I would like to appoint Teffa to the position of major-domo." Paula announced. "Can I get a second?"

Teffa's eyes went wide.

Three hands rose.

"Motion carried, appointment approved." Paula smiled.

"Your what?" The entire galley table asked and Agatha looked chagrined.

"Well, it's kind of embarrassing." Agatha commented looking down.

Joon and Max shared a look.

Sarmira looked intrigued

Astrid looked confused.

Max raised an eyebrow, "Please, go on Agatha."

Agatha nodded, "I will try."

"The Starchild the Bolon revered was definitely one of my species, maybe even a sibling."

"She multiplied and grew very powerful, and decided to do something with that power, so she made Dau."

Everyone's eyes grew wide as they listened.

"She made it as an experiment, with things built in to record data and answer questions."

"There are two separate recording systems in place, and one of them is the Dauchazi."

Joon blinked at Agatha, "How did you find this out?"

"Well," Agatha started again, "That's the embarrassing part, the system thought that I was her, so it called me over and boom, gave me all the information."

Everyone stared again.

Joon squinted at Agatha, "The system thought you were the Starchild."

Samira muttered. "Mistaken identity: God level."

Agatha shrugged and nodded. "I have a ridiculous amount of information about Dau."

"You said there was another system in place." Astrid commented.

Joon peered at Agatha.

Agatha nodded, "Yup. The Daurazu."

"Oh come on, Teffa, it's easy, just keep doing what you've been doing!" Vika said in Slarmian.

Teffa shook her head, replying in Slarmian "You don't understand Mistress, Major-Domo is a serious position in Slarmian society.

The job has social standing. I am at best a pilot or a cook, I don't have the skills for it."

Agatha replied, "What skills do you need?"

Paula couldn't follow the conversation when Teffa broke into Slarmian but she guessed it was serious.

Teffa went through what she knew of it. "Managerial and financial accounting, etiquette, a working knowledge of society, who's who of the nobility, not to mention dealing with politics."

Vika crossed her arms and retorted, "The fact that you are able to rattle that list off means you're halfway there. We just need to help you get the rest of the way.

Agatha smirked, "It's not like we would throw you into the deep end of the pool, Teffa. I will be here to help you.

Teffa stopped and thought about it, "So, it would be like 'on the job' training?"

Both Hands of Agatha and Vika nodded.

Teffa scratched her head, "Okay, I will give it my best effort."

Vika and Agatha's Hands smiled.

Paula realized some conclusion was reached, "Anyone care to explain all that to me?"

Vika snorted, "Yea, I can do that."

"What do you want to do?" Max asked Agatha.

Agatha blinked, "Do?"

Joon nodded, "You have a good idea what you're capable of now, Ag's. What are you going to do?"

Agatha smiled, "I'm going to be there for my family and help them."

Everyone just sat silent for a minute.

"I don't want the kind of power my twisted sister had when she made Dau. I think it made her a little nuts." Agatha smirked.

Joon smiled, "I don't know what to say Agatha. You have the potential to…"

Agatha shook her head, "Nope. I'd rather be loved and cared for by my family."

The family gazed at Agatha with adoring eyes and Max stood up and pulled Agatha into a hug, followed by the rest.

"I think it's safe to say we all want you to stay who you are." Max said softly.

"What about the Daurazu?" Joon inquired.

Agatha looked at Joon, "What about them, Mistress?"

Joon's lips thinned, "Are you going to contact them?"

Agatha blinked.

"If you already have half the information…" Joon didn't finish.

Agatha thought about it, "I am now aware of an island that might make a nice place for a holo-vid shoot"

Joon's eyebrow raised as her interest piqued.

The Slarmian opened the door and slithered in. It was just the old precinct and it didn't look any different. Of course the Terran behind the elevated reception counter was new. The Slarmian slithered closer to the desk.

"Greetings, can I help you?" The smallish Terran with the red coloring asked in Slarmian.

The Slarmian blinked, "Ah, yes, I have an appointment to see Lew Gonzah for an interview."

The receptionist smiled, "Very good, I need to see your Staverka Identification."

The Slarmian nodded and showed the Terran his Identi-medallion which was recorded by her data pad.

"Thank you, Mr. Vrix. If you would follow me, please." The smallish Terran turned and hopped down off a tall stool behind the counter. Vrix was surprised at the small size of the receptionist in the pretty dress but slithered behind regardless.

The receptionist opened the door to a room, "If you would please wait in here."

Vrix nodded and slithered in.

The room was clean and smelled of disinfectant, the walls were of the old style of construction and very solid.

Vrix was a low level engineer, but wanted more, seeing this job as a way to advance.

There was a large table, and a chair and Vrix assumed the chair would be for the interviewer. He didn't have long to wait before the door opened and two Terrans came in. Vrix recognized the TFN dress uniform but the other was in a plain uniform without markings and wearing a tinted visor.

The one in the visor spoke, "I will be interpreting."

Vrix nodded.

"Hello, Mr. Vrix. I am Lieutenant Gonzalez, I will be interviewing you today."

The Lieutenant sat in the chair, inviting the Slarmian to coil down.

The Terrans were very polite and patient. The Terran asked a number of questions about Vrix's occupation, what qualifications he had, and what skill sets he could bring to the Consulate. They said they would be in touch whether or not they would be interested in continuing with him.

Vrix felt confident when the interview was concluded.

The door opened and the small receptionist escorted him back to the entrance.

Vrix had a positive experience and was encouraged by their professionalism.

"That was pretty good." Paula remarked.

"Knowing what emotions are in play makes a huge difference." Agatha smiled, "I don't actually need to be in the room, but translation is important, unless you want to try this in trade speak?"

Paula shook her head, "My trade speak isn't fluent enough to use in interviews."

"Then we keep this as is." Agatha nodded, "We had twelve interviews scheduled, one down, eleven to go."

Paula inhaled and nodded.

The next interview was about to begin and Agatha had a Hand in the office with Teffa scouring the local holo-net for information on the applicants. Agatha used her reputation to tap into Dynasty databases as well as Agatha providing emotional insights through the earbuds; coordinating a delicate dance with Vika and Paula.

Joon sat at her desk in medical where she'd just finished chatting with Ambassador Zess. After small talk concerning Miku and the sisters, Joon inquired about the island Agatha had mentioned. Zess assured her she could visit it for the holo-vid, the Ambassador would clear it through channels.

Joon contemplated the paradigm Agatha found herself in: Starchild had enough power to make Dau and everything on it. Starchild was also the same species as Agatha.

At that moment, Jooniper felt a soft mental hug.

*You know how I worry about you.*

Joon thought to her wonderfully unique wife.

Agatha response was awash with affection,

*You and Max instilled your values in me. I am as much a collection of your influence as I am anything else.*

*I don't think that was our intention.*

Joon responded.

Agatha giggled,

*No, I suppose it was a more organic process; but because your values shaped your interactions with me I adopted them.*

*Are you going to grow up to be a ruthless goddess of chaos?*

Joon asked half in jest.

Agatha responded,

*Goodness! I hope not! That sounds miserable and lonely.*

Joon was satisfied with that answer and changed the subject,

*Would you check with Max and then plot a course to Jherish-Milas?*

*Yes, Mistress.*

Joon again felt the now familiar mental hug.

The second and third interviews went much like the first. A small number of applicants had gathered in reception, but Vika wasn't a shy flower. She would not allow talking and if they left they couldn't come back.

They took her at her word and remained silent and the interviews soon began to gain a rhythm. Also, Paula was starting to get a good feel for Slarmian body language.

But the fourth interview just felt off…

The Slarmian said his name was Hyux, and the Identi-medallion he flashed supported that statement. His biometrics however did not quite match the registered Hyux who, incidentally, was listed as local. Teffa also noted his accent had odd bits that were not local.

Some of his word pronunciations were from a province on the other side of the planet. Agatha looked up the province and noted it belonged to a noble who did not support the Dynasty in Parliament. Agatha smooched Teffa and informed Paula.

The Slarmian in question was coiled down in front of Paula with Agatha translated her questions. He knew his profession, but seemed less remarkable then any of the other applicants. Agatha thought he was trying to be as bland as possible, playing down his real personality.

The ear bug softly crackled in Paula's ear, "He is definitely working hard to be dumb, lets try to get him out as smoothly as possible." Paula thanked the Slarmian for his time and that they would be in touch whether or not they would be interested in continuing with him. The Slarmian blinked and nodded. Vika escorted him out.

The door closed and Paula glanced at Agatha, "Mole?"

Agatha nodded, "Pretty sure…"

Paula sighed, "Who's next?"

Less cleared them for departure and bid them a safe flight to the island. Max sat on the command couch, Astrid and Samira were 'involved' elsewhere.

Joon walked onto the bridge and slid up next to Max. "Hi, sweetheart." Joon smiled nervously at her handsome Captain.

"Hello there." Max responded with a comforting smile.

"Agatha might be meeting a Daurazu there." Joon said as she gazed up at Max.

Max nodded, "She said she might."

"Needless to say, I'm apprehensive." Joon confessed.

"It goes without saying." Max agreed.

Joon turned back to the helm, "Can you think of an excuse I can give you not to let you go and talk to a vampire squid?"

Agatha sitting at navigation turned on her couch, and made a thoughtful face.

"Nothing comes to mind, Mistress."

Joon sighed… "How long until we get there?"

"About three hours, Mistress." Agatha stated, understanding.

Astrid's lavender almond-shaped eyes watched very closely, her face only inches away. Her first two fingers pushed slowly between the delicate dark lips and into the slick tunnel of her dusky lover. Astrid watched with fascination as Samira's muscles gripped her fingers. Samira was in heaven, feeling Astrid explore her body, her breath on her skin. Hearing Astrid gently voice her soft words, Samira knew she was being gently but thoroughly used.

Astrid was completely devoted to her exotic cyborg wife. Samira felt Astrid's talented fingers inside her, as they gently pulled the threads of a climax. She gasped as her golden eyes rolled back. Astrid rubbed the ridges again; and Samira bucked.

Samira moaned between her heavy breaths as her body shook as her orgasm slammed into her. Astrid watched the sopping wet muscles pulse around her fingers: she loved everything about this. Samira glanced at the platinum-blonde, "Are you obsessed with my pussy?"

Astrid pulled her fingers out, and slipped them into her mouth, her eyes half-lidded while she moaned.

Samira bit her lip, " Now I need you to kiss me."

Astrid straddled the currently limbless woman and gave her a deep and passionate kiss.

"So, did I do it right?" Astrid asked with a soft, innocent voice.

Samira smiled softly, "It was fucking perfect."

Astrid bit her lip, "I was very nervous when you asked me to do this."

"I get it: it's a weird kink, but I have it." Samira smirked.

"I'm not going to judge. I will do anything you want me to if you enjoy it." Astrid smiled.

"Thank you, Asa-chan. " Samira bit her lip while fluttering her golden eyes.

Astrid smirked, "No pain though."

"No pain. I don't do that." Samira nodded.

"Shall I 'rearm' the lovely Security Chief?" The Engineer inquired.

Samira smiled, "Yes, please."

Paula drained the glass of water, refilled it, and drained it again.

Vika raised her eyebrow, "Hydration is important."

Paula nodded, "Next time… I'll let Agatha do the interviews."

Agatha smirked, "I'm not here to take over, Paula."

Paula nodded… "I know, But now I think I stepped in it by saying I would do all the interviews."

"Well, to be fair, it is your show." Agatha smiled.

"Thank you for humoring me." Paula nodded.

Vika leaned back in her chair and surveyed the remains of a very good dinner just as Teffa slithered in from the kitchen, "Desertin?"

Paula blinked, "Oh god! You're killing me Tef!"

Teffa slithered to Paula's side and coiled down, "Poolah, I wan makin happenis."

Vika snarked and giggled.

Agatha turned to Vika and smiled, "You have no room to laugh…"

Vika nodded while giggling, "I know, I know. It was just funny."

Paula bit her lip and put her arm around Teffa, "I appreciate that Tef, you're a sweetheart."

Teffa smiled, "Dennum nunda desertin?"

Paula sighed, "What do you have?"

"Peeche koblurr." Teffa smiled.

Paula's eyes went half-lidded.

"Mit eyscream, viniller eyscream" Teffa looked hopeful.

Paula nodded in resignation, "I adore vanilla. It's my favorite."

Vika and Agatha shared a smile while watching Teffa enter into the kitchen.

"She's gonna kill me." Paula said.

Agatha looked over the data pad again. 'Una' glanced at Paula, "Do we want to set up more interviews for tomorrow?"

"I wouldn't," Vika said quietly.

Paula raised an eyebrow at Vika, "Ohhh Kayyyy, let's not."

'Una' looked to Vika, "Can you give me a heads up?"

Vika lips thinned. "If I say 'action stations' I mean it."

Paula's eyes went wide, "Fuck it! Interviews can wait!"

The Lieutenant turned to Agatha, "You brought gear." It wasn't a question.

"I did." Agatha turned towards Vika.

Paula eyed Vika, "I know the rules; but I'm here, too and I can help."

Vika tilted her head, weighing her choices.

"Okay. I will try to set this up so that we don't lose anyone."