Max Intel: Melinoe
Chapter 4 - Home
Max opened her eyes: for a moment she didn't know where she was and felt very disoriented. Her first thought was she was home, with Joon asleep next to her. But that didn't feel right: then it all came flooding back.
Max looked over at the exotic beauty sleeping beside her cuddled up into her side. Smooth alabaster skin, a generous black lipped mouth, and delicately pointed ears greeted her along with a set of eyelids with black outlines that slowly faded into smokey shadows.
Agatha turned around in her chair and smiled at Max as her other self opened her eyes and smiled a crooked grin.
"Good morning, Max." Agatha sitting at the coms desk greeted.
The Agatha next to Max stretched, closing her eyes again, made a purrmeow noise. Max watched her stretch, admiring her lithe form; noting how much healthier she looked.
"How did you sleep?" asked Max, to the Agatha laying next to her.
"It's different than both of me sleeping at the same time," Agatha murmured working around a yawn, "It's similar to having just one body."
Max yawned also in response, then asked. "How is it different?"
"Now that I am all awake, I feel like there's more room to work with." Agatha looked at her other body now facing the holo and monitoring the ships progress, "I feel more expansive, I guess. It isn't unpleasent or anything; while this body was recharging it is like it shut down in my mind but my mind was still awake." Agatha explained.
Max nodded, getting up out of the bed. "Do you think it's okay to have you staggering your sleep like that?"
Agatha thought about that, "I don't know, Max."
Heading into the bathroom both Max and Agatha continued their conversation while taking turns using the toilet and having a wash at the sink.
"I just don't want you doing anything that would hurt you," Max voiced her concern.
After Agatha's turn on the toilet she flushed; she washed up and she accompanied Max as they both stepped back into the bedroom of the cabin.
"How tired is this Agatha?" Max asked while kissing the seated girl on the forehead.
"Not too bad," she responded, "I imagine I could be okay for another six hours without difficulty."
Max smiled, "Are you up for a workout?"
Both Agathas nodded, then as the seated girl stood she said, "It may reduce my energy for this body, but it's worth it, I really enjoy workouts with you."
"Will the ship be okay while we work out?" Max looked concerned, not being familiar with starship handling and piloting."
Both Agathas smiled then one spoke, "I did a thorough review of ship handling and navigation and the charts are very well documented this close to the core." Agatha layed her hand on her twins shoulder and leaned against her, "We were probably quite safe if we all slept at the same time, but I realized you didn't know that and would have been uncomfortable with it."
Max stared at the floor, looking chagrined. "I'm a marine, I've never done this before."
"It's okay Max, I've never done this before either." one of the Agathas replied with a smirk as both Agathas and Max start off to the cargo hold.
It took Max a moment to realize Agatha was poking fun and she lidded her eyes and smiled in an uh huh body language. Along the way Max asked, "What was the vehicle you used like when you were captured?"
The three of them entered the cargo hold as one Agatha answered. "That was something my parents made."
Max blinked in shock, "Your parents?"
"Yes Max." Both Agathas giggled, "I didn't just appear spontaneously out of nothing."
Max stood dumbfounded, "Where are they, who are they?"
Both Agathas tilted her heads, then one of them spoke, "I really don't know them Max: they came together and made me and thousands of my siblings and sent us off out into the universe to find our way."
"Oh..." Max stood there as she slowly digested the implications of Agatha's origins.
Agatha waited patiently for Max, smiling sweetly.
"You're not even close to human, are you?" Max asked with her crooked grin.
"I wasn't until I looked in on your dreams, Max." the left Agatha responded.
The right Agatha concluded, "You helped me shape myself, helped me adapt to your reality."
She nodded, re-absorbing those facts, the depth of meaning there now more apparent.
Max straitened, stretched a moment, then began the slow elegant kata she used in the mornings: both Agathas followed her precise movements with an unerring precision of their own.
Completing the kata, Max bowed.
Max then did several strikes into air, followed by a snap kick.
A moment later Agatha mimicked in minute detail as they repeated the actions; in unison.
"The kata focuses your control and balance." Max instructed.
Max leaped into a spinning hook kick followed by three strikes and finishing with a scissor kick, landing gracefully still in balance ready for another strike.
A moment later Agatha accurately and simultaneously emulated the strikes and kicks.
Max watched them, "If you hold that kind of form, you are going to be devastating if you are ever in a situation where you need to defend yourself."
Agatha smiled at the praise
"Howard, is my sensei." Max declared, "He is a ninth dan of this art, a master. I think you should meet him," Max smiled, "He would really enjoy witnessing an exhibition with such precision and symmetry."
Agatha then bowed to Max in unison. Max bowed in response.
Max dropped and began a calisthenics routine and Agatha joined in immediately. About fifteen minutes later Max was covered in a sheen of sweat but, being in as good shape as she was, her breathing was still measured. After putting everyone through a cool down phase in their activities, she waved her crew towards the shower.
The hot water felt good for all the occupants of the shower and, after a brief moment to savor the water, they took turns soaping each other up and rinsing off; toweling each other dry and then dressing in the cabin.
One Agatha took a couple minutes to check everything at the coms desk then nodded her approval to Max.
The three then finished up the last of the mac and cheese, while Max contemplated what else she could make for the crew.
"Max?" asked Agatha, "Would it be okay if I made something for our next meal?"
Max nodded encouragingly, glad to have the out and said, "Absolutely Ags!"
The other Agatha then had a totally uncontrolled yawn so Max took her to the bedroom and tucked her into bed while the first was washing dishes.
As one Agatha was cuddling into the duvet, the other Agatha leaned in the doorway watching Max kiss her other self on the forehead.
She was holding a data pad she got from the engineering bay in one hand as she stepped up to the coms desk and tapped out a long series of commands then tapped out a shorter series on the data pad.
While as Agatha was finishing, Max stood up and joined her next to the coms desk giving her a inquisitive look.
Agatha smiled at Max, leading her out of the cabin as they both slowly walked to the bridge.
"Whats that Ags?" Max peered at her.
Agatha tapped the data pad and a holo screen projected the sensor display.
"How did you do that?" Max's eyes grew wide in wonder.
Walking onto the bridge Agatha explained, "While we were sleeping, I learned how to mirror the sensor station from the coms desk to this data pad."
"So we did all that work for nothing?" Max looked upset.
Agatha blinked.
"Oh no, Max!," Agatha exclaimed, "Not at all! We still needed to have all of that hardware put together and up and running," Agatha explained. "This is a slave to that system and is not capable of doing all the calculations and holding the programs the main system can. But, with this data pad, we can interface with the station anywhere on the ship. Please trust me when I say we did nothing superfluous Max."
Max looked into those steel grey, gilded with silver eyes, "Thank you Ags, I was worried for a second."
Max sat at the commander's station as Agatha sat in her seat at the pilot's station.
Agatha turned her chair and tilted her head slightly looking at Max.
Max returned her look, "Whats up Ags?"
"Can you tell me about make-up?" Agatha asked with a curious look.
Max drew a blank, "Make-up?"
"Yes," Agatha explained, "I have seen advertisements on the holonet for make-up; it seems to be something humans spend a lot of time using."
"Ah,.." Max finally understood, "Yes, it goes back to attracting sexual partners again." Max continued, "It has also become something of a personal expression, and sometimes it's just nice to feel attractive."
Agatha looked off into thin air in thought. Max had never seen her do that before and realized Agatha was learning other habits and body language from the holonet.
Max liked the changes: learning body language was a good thing as humans use it extensively, often without even realizing it. And any being that didn't would immediately stand out in a crowd. Joon, Max mused, was a magician at reading body language and could probably explain it to Agatha with more clarity and detail.
Agatha looked back to Max with an expression like she wanted ask another question.
Max smiled and nodded to her to ask.
"Am I attractive?" Agatha asked completely without ego.
Max blinked, "I... would have to emphatically say yes, but I am biased as you did get your appearance from my dreams."
Agatha nodded then continued, "I don't really look very human, do I?"
"Not completely," Max conceded, "That doesn't mean you aren't attractive, though."
Then Agatha asked, "Would you be upset if I altered myself to look more human?"
Max tilted her head, "Are you able to change your appearance that easily?"
Agatha nodded, "I think so, but I won't know for sure until I perform another mitosis."
Max replied with concern, "That's not a quick or easy process, though."
"No, it isn't," Agatha shook her head, "But it will be easier next time now that I know what to expect and have time to plan ahead."
Max nodded again in understanding, "You don't need my permission to change your appearance, I want you to be happy with how you look."
Agatha smiled at Max, then turned around and tapped a few buttons on the com.
A holonet projection showing a pale skinned human woman with very long glossy black hair appeared on the bridge. It was a very detailed holographic rendering and the woman still retained some of the exotic sharp features of Agatha but the monochromatic effect was greatly reduced.
Her lips and skin had a slight pinkish cast, her fingernails and toenails were pale translucent without claw-like points. The model's lithe form was adorned with the same feminine hips and b-cup breasts Agatha currently enjoyed.
Max took in the alluring model nodding in approval and appreciation, "Where did you get this rendering program?"
"Honor's Call: Kirrix purge." Agatha reponded, "It is a battle simulation war game, this is the character creator."
Max looked at it again, "Oh wow, nice job."
Max glanced at Agatha for a moment with regret.
Agatha felt the emotion and immediately turned to look her, "What is it, Max?"
Max looked embarrassed, "I have one small request for you, but it's kind of selfish."
"Ask me." Agatha said with look of curiosity.
"Would you,.." Max faltered, "Would you keep your eyes as they are?"
Agatha nodded slowly with a compassionate stare, "Of course Max, I will keep them exactly the same."
Max stood up walked over to Agatha and promptly kissed her on the lips: she made a purrmeow is response.
Max glanced down at her, "Oh... you can keep doing that too." Max said as they smiled at each other.
Max settled into the holonet news feeds; attempting to gather clues as to the reason for the total TFN warship recall.
Max found herself spending many hours lurking on a dozen different TFN work boards and service sites: no one was saying anything specifically; but there was a miasma of tension that Max had never felt before.
Max really wished she could consult with Joon, her better half was far more adept at this kind of behavioral scrutiny. Max used firearms and blew shit up, she was not good at detecting subtle anthropological nuances in chat rooms.
Then Max's attention turned elsewhere. Something smelled good, really good.
Max glanced at Ags who was scrolling through multiple streams of all kinds of information at her station; the sensor feeds on the data pad next to her faithfully reporting eal time sensor data.
"Something sure smells good" Max spoke to no one in particular.
Agatha giggled.
Max smirked a crooked grin, "Can I assume it's going to taste as good as it smells?"
"You're just going to have to trust me, Max," Agatha glanced over her shoulder; her glossy black lips pulled back in a teasing smile.
Max scrolled through a few more posts on less important sites; no words even mentioning the recall. On one site she spotted a WTF post from a patrol way out on the Kirrix periphery. Max realized that this recall order was having a massive ripple effect throughout the TFN.
Agatha turned around with a look of concern: the emotions she felt from Max were disturbing. "Do you think the Lion is also being recalled?" asked Agatha.
Max thought about that, "I'm not sure where Vice Admiral Blake falls in the big picture, He is supposedly retired. At the same time though, he does seem have an inside track on what is going on." Max shrugged, "I really don't know."
Agatha got up from the pilot couch and walked over to Max. "Lets go eat," Agatha smiled softly, holding out her hand for Max to take.
The pair walked to the galley and Max stopped at the doorway. Her eyes went wide as she took in the beautifully set table.
Agatha had been busy as four different dishes of colorful and delicious smelling food had been placed on the table. Seating herself at the table, Max was very impressed at the presentation.
Agatha, working in tandem, continued to adorn the table; she even put out a basket of fresh baked rolls.
Max looked at both of them as they sat across from her, a huge smile on her face.
Agatha named the dishes in turn. Enchiladas Verdes, with a homemade roasted tomatillo sauce, Cheesy Squash Casserole, Garlic Buttered Mushroom Pasta, and finally...One-Pot Creamy Chicken with Potatoes and Spinach.
When Agatha was finished naming the dishes Max was on the edge of her seat. The aromas were incredibly seductive and she slowly reached for a utensil.
Agatha nodded, "Go ahead Max, tuck in."
Max did so with gusto! She literally heaped food on her plate while Agatha assisted.
The flavors were incredible, everything was prepared wonderfully. Large cups of water and fruit juice helped wash down the veritable feast. Max definitely over ate and at the end of it all began to groan.
After eating more than her fill, Max helped clear the table while Agatha put left overs into containers for refrigeration. Max washed dishes.
"That was absolutely delicious! I am surprised you could put together something of that quality in a galley this size."
Both Agatha hugged Max, "I wanted to see what I could do, and see you enjoy the result."
After everything had been cleaned up and put away, Max and both Agathas walked out to the bridge together.
Max checked the progress of the corvette on the charts; they had traveled well over half the distance. Max estimated they would arrive in Jericho orbit at 09:30 Terra standard.
That meant Max would actually have to give some thought as to how to contact Joon without actually contacting her.
Max had an idea.
Howard Smith puttered around in his greenhouse, he loved the heat and smell of it. The growing of green things gave him a deep sense of peace and tranquility.
The back yard of the Smith home was modest, with a dojo in one corner and a greenhouse in the other it was decidedly Howard's domain.
Howard was not a "little guy" and where he was only five foot seven, his extremely broad and deep chest gave the impression he was as wide as he was tall.
His thickly muscled body had gained some softer spots during the years of his retirement but he was by no means "out of shape" and he still practiced his martial art many hours each day.
The Smith dojo was not large, or expensively decorated. It was, in fact, very plain but exceptionally well built. Much like the master of the dojo, it did not rely on opulence.
Howard looked at the tomato plant in a starter pot that was lost in his massive hands. He'd finally gotten this strain to sprout for him and he was very happy. This particular tomato plant was from Terra and it was a delicious hybrid; the flavor was one that 'Des really enjoyed and that was all the excuse Howard needed.
Howard's wife, Dr. Mercedes Smith, had somehow fallen in love with the quiet brick wall that was her husband.
She was a professional, socially adept, and incredibly beautiful. 'Des also had a soft spot for lost puppies, which was how she met Howard.
His watch beeped.
Howard glanced at his service coms watch: one unread message. His curiosity piqued, Howard carefully put the seedling on the shelf. Tapping the menu on his coms watch, the message was text: very unusual.
Howard opened the message:
Nippers,
Storm forecast, bad day for hawks, shed in the morning.
Bowman
Howard just stood there, his mind racing.
He tapped his coms watch and made an audio only call to Joon, his biological daughter.
"Hi daddy," Joon's voice answered the call.
Joon immediately knew there was something up with the call, her father never connected audio only.
"Oh hey, sweetheart, are you busy tonight?" asked Howard, "I'd like you over for dinner."
Joon heard the code words: 'busy' meant something serious and 'over for dinner' meant Joon herself was needed.
"Sure daddy, see you tonight."
Howard knew she would be there in five minutes, so he walked to the house to wash up and make some tea.
Less than five minutes later Joon came into the kitchen and gave her massive father a hug: Howard showed her the message.
Joon's eyes went wide, "Oh god! it's Max," Joon whispered, "She is still on mission but there is something very serious going on; and we may be under surveillance."
Howard nodded speaking softly, "She's a smart girl, I'm sure she will be fine; but lets make sure we stay fine, too."
Joon nodded an affirmative to Howard then she looked up and around the breakfast nook like a twitcher looking for hawks.
"I don't know; but it's safer to think we are under surveillance," Howard softly spoke. He then raised an eye brow at his daughter, "Shed?"
Joon whispered, "Archery range out in the forest: Max signed it with Bowman; so that's where she will be tomorrow morning."
Howard smiled at his daughter, "Nice bit there, Nippers."
Joon looked worried
"Yer mum won't like it, but when you go meet Mixie, take the pressy I gave you last year." Howard quietly spoke, "Jus ta be on tha safe side."
Joon's father had given her the nickname when she was a toddler.
When Max was taken in she too received a nickname, so Mixie and Nippers were what he called them at home and never outside family.
Her pressy was a light caliber SMG that folded up into a small purse. It was made of a bright green composite and decorated with pretty applique flowers: and a fifty round magazine.
Joon nodded to her father, "I will daddy."
Howard had made sure Joon knew how to protect herself, her petite stature did not prevent her from learning martial arts, or how to handle a firearm.
Max read the message board and frowned, no one would say it, but the hints were everywhere. Some people were oblivious, but others were terrified.
"Max..." Agatha spoke her name, bringing a newscast up on the holo. It concerned an incident in a Unity City downtown parking garage. Speculation was that Jehanna Elani had been abducted.
Max just stared at the picture of the journalist; another piece of the puzzle just floating in her mind. Something here had to make sense, so many oddly shaped pieces, Max was missing too many threads.
Max brought up a list of Jehanna Elani's news stories and lined them up. Out of the past ten stories, seven of them concerned John Blake. The latest one was about... nymphs.
Max looked over at Agatha, "See what you can find out about Nymphs."
"I watched the Admiral Blake appeal for the Lenarrens," Agatha tilted her head a little, "They have been subjected to untold cruelty as slaves to human masters for hundreds of years."
Max's eyes grew cold and hard: like frozen agates.
"I hope you understand why I am so worried for you?" Max asked Agatha, her feelings amplifying her words.
Both Agathas very softly said "Yes."
Thinking again about chat rooms, Max considered a dangerous alternative. Trying to get into 'Dark Corners' on the TFN data network was illegal and she could be shot for it, but, she was getting desperate.
Dark corners was a "black" network under the TFN cyber framework: the only reason she even knew about it was because of her job. There was no guarantee she would find anything useful taking this risk.
Opening Commander Yance's go bag, Max retrieved the tiny moleskin note book. The pass codes and particulars allowed her to check private servers with dark corner access. The account Max was using was Commander Yance's: Ms_Muffit. Max centered her resolve and logged into dark corners
Chaos.
Hundreds of users talking about battle plans, Kintark force strength, Sol system defenses, Fleet tactics, and strategy. So many users logged in and out that no one paid any attention to Ms_Muffit's lurking. The large chat room was overflowing with classified data.
Max recognized no user name so she just watched. Continuous readiness reports rattled off the current fleet's status. Ten users were orchestrating a command net. Various users were correlating supply chain data. In the center were a core of Admirals discussing who was going to command the defenses.
Max slipped out of the chatroom, and logged off Dark Corners.
Max sat quietly in her chair: stunned.
Agatha got up from navigation and crawled into Max's lap, curled up, and began nuzzling her neck for comfort.
Max wrapped her arms around the smaller girl. "It's a madhouse," Max whispered.
The Terran Federation was being invaded by the Kintark Empire.
Holding Agatha in her lap, Max was trying to analyze what she had just witnessed.
She sub-consciously started running her fingers through Agatha's hair, gently scratching her scalp.
Agatha just laid her head against Max's shoulder and started purring. Max was so deep in thought, she didn't even notice.
Max sat there with her 'lap cat' for about an hour. She was terribly conflicted.
She wanted to fight for the Federation, but she didn't want to risk Agathas freedom.
Max desperately missed Joon. She yearned for her touch. She also missed the sage council of her diminutive wife.
Joon knew how to look at things so they made sense.
Max looked down at Agatha's feet, they were on the arm of the command chair.
Max realized she had a half naked girl in her lap, giving her head skritchens just like she did with the old Agatha.
Max felt better because of it.
The purring, the closeness, her thoughts wandering all over.
Max looked at the other Agatha, scrolling through two different screens, still absorbing data.
The sensor mirror on the data pad next to her.
She seemed perfectly happy being petted, the low purring more felt than heard.
Max yawned.
Agatha rubbed her cheek on Max's chin, "We should get some rest, Max."
Max nodded, "We should also set an alarm for before we arrive at Epsilon Eridani."
Agatha slipped out of Max's lap, her jumper rode up to her waist momentarily exposing her small exquisite heart shaped ass.
Max couldn't help but stare. She then quickly covered her actions, stood up, and walked to the command cabin.
Agatha did not have that ass this morning: Max wondered how else she was going to keep filling out.
Max stripped down and went into the shower. A few moments later two more joined her for a group shower.
Agatha peered curiously at her with two sets of steel grey eyes.
"Did I upset you Max?" Agatha asked under the warm spray?
Max fumbled her words, "N-no, n-not at all, I just..."
Max sighed and then confessed to Agatha that she thought she was becoming very attractive and Max couldn't help thinking of her sexually.
She also said that she needed to discuss everything with Joon before she would even think of pursuing anything with Agatha.
Agatha just nodded in understanding: she understood it was imperative that she try her best to ally herself with Joon.
Max smiled, explaining to Agatha that being honest with Joon was the only way this was going to work out for everyone.
They finished their shower, toweled dry, and stepped back into the cabin.
Max lay down, gazing at the two beautiful young women.
Agatha carefully cuddled up to Max on either side pulling up the duvet and falling asleep.
Max thought about Joon, and hoped tomorrow would go well.
Max was sitting in her chair, Joon was on her lap, wearing a white lace baby doll negligee.
They were watching one of Joon's favorite holovid historical drama programs, sipping wine.
Joon turned her head and kissed Max on the cheek, Max turned her head and deeply kissed her wife in response.
Max could feel her tummy heat up as Joon wrapped her arm around and held the back of Max's head with her gentle but firm right hand.
Max squeezed Joons little round ass with her right hand while groping her wife's ample breast with her left.
Their kiss was pure magic, warm and soft, with a slow swirling dance of tongues.
When the kiss subsided, the holovid was all but forgotten, Joon splayed out across Max's lap.
Her legs spread wide she gasped as Max layed her long fingered hand over her sweet wife's very warm mound and gently rubbed up and down until her lace panties became completely soaked.
Joon turned to Max, "Tell me about Agatha."
Max woke as the alarm sounded loudly in the cabin.
Both Agathas immediately got out of bed; making room for Max.
Agatha tapped off the alarm, "We should be in the Epsilon Eridani system in one hour."
Max nodded to her and they all took turns at the toilet then started stretching.
The daily kata in the cargo hold was followed by some running in place and push-ups.
One hot shower later, they were in the galley.
Reheating leftovers from Agatha's amazing dinner made for an excellent breakfast.
There was very little conversation as they took to stations on the bridge.
Agatha would occasionally glance at Max, but not say anything. Max noticed her glances, but was unsure what to even say. Max had to assume Agatha was watching her dreams and knew how it unfolded.
Agatha at navigation got up from her station and walked over to stand next to Max; looking uncomfortable. "Should we talk about it?" Agatha asked softly but clearly.
Max gazed at her and nodded.
"Can I sit in your lap?" Agatha asked with a hopeful look.
Max smirked and motioned to her with her arms
Agatha climbed into her lap, and nuzzled into her neck.
Max relaxed, the alien girl's weight was comforting to her.
Agatha soon settled down and whispered her question, "So what upset you so much, Max?"
"I don't want to lose Joon," Max's chin quivered as she softly spoke.
Agatha reached around Max's neck and hugged her, "I'll do what ever I can to make sure that doesn't happen."
"I know in my heart Joon is a smart, pragmatic, and loving person." Max began, "Yet, I fear that this situation will cause her to be completely and irrationally done with me."
"Max, please don't let your fears turn your trust in Joon's love to darkness," Agatha spoke softly but sincerely, as she looked into Max's eyes.
Max nodded with conviction, "Okay Ags."
Agatha nodded in return, "Three minutes until Epsilon Eridani." she quietly said.
Max gently held Agatha with both arms as Agatha lay her head on Max's shoulder.
An unlisted TFN stealth corvette slips out of hyper warp as it's sensor-baffle suite engages. The corvette easily avoiding the two massive asteroid belts that encircled the system.
Max, with Agatha on her lap, watch the holo of the system's layout: the single planet Jericho orbiting a bright yellow star.
Agatha watched the powerful passive sensors track the local traffic as she watched for any interception. She adjusted the approach vector to Jericho to avoid inbound and outbound lanes; carefully staying away from a potential visual observation as she calculated entry into the atmosphere of the planet
Agatha carefully unfolded off of Max's lap.
Max smiled at her careful dismount and went to the cabin, stripped down and climbing into her black body sleeve. She pulled on her tactical boots and then made her way to the armory.
Max pulled on ballistic armor, a HUD helm with com link, combat webbing, a heavy pistol, and her personal XR75 with its suppressor and extended magazines.
Max then carefully donned the nanoweave coveralls with hood and poncho.
Agatha carefully assisted Max at every step, learning all the while.
Max performed a gear check and weapons check as a last item on her pre-deployment checklist. She felt confident she was ready.
Max pinpointed the location and alignment she wanted on the local hologrid in the briefing room just forward of the troop compartment and the armory; showing Agatha right where and how she wanted the corvette to set down...just behind the long short hill that served as a backstop for the archery range where she and Joon had spent hundreds of hours together.
Agatha received no instructions from air traffic control because they were completely unaware of her existence. The corvette was one of the smaller FTL capable ships, which meant it was quite spry in atmosphere.
Agatha flew the corvette at subsonic speeds just above treetop level; coming in from the east where there was only wilderness for hundreds of miles. The hull was a charcoal grey with no flashing or insignia. She set the corvette down right where Max wanted her to.
Max engaged her nanoweave and dropped out the breaching boom airlock, she rolled as she landed and scurried right up to the crest of the hill, then dropped and froze.
Listening and slowly scanning the archery range, she saw no movement...nothing out of place.
Slowly she crept to an old familiar spot.
Max settled in, not making a move or a sound.
An hour or so later the forest resumed it's natural sounds and activity.
Max's com crackled softly, "Vehicle approaching from Northwest." quietly reported Agatha in Max's ear.
Max watched and waited, then she saw a familiar unremarkable, older-model, dark-green, mid sized, utility hover car.
Her heart sang.
She increased the magnification of her HUD zooming in on the cabin of the vehicle.
She could just make out the french braid Joon had her hair up in.
Max's heart was pounding in her chest.
Her com crackled again, "Take it easy Max, I can feel you from here." Max silently thanked Ags for the steadying hand.
Joon parked her old hover car, and slowly looked around. She scrutinized the facility, looking for any tale tell signs that this was any kind of ambush. She knew if Max was near by she would wait until she thought it safe to approach and not before. Joon slipped the shoulder strap of her 'purse' over her head and got out wearing faded denims and one of Max's old BDU jackets. She slowly walked across the marginally maintained parking lot. The sheltered range was rarely used during the work week.
Joon looked at the old picnic tables and benches with a heartfelt nostalgia. She'd spent almost as many hours out here as Max; playing her guitar as Max hammered wooden shafts into defenseless paper targets.
She thought about the soft, quiet, secret place up on the low ridge that she and Max frequented on amorous trysts. Then it dawned on her, Max must be there now.
Joon had worn her most practical footwear, a pair of sturdy hiking boots she had bought a decade ago so she walked down to the last forty yard target lane...it was Max's favorite.
She slowly made her way downrange along the overgrown path to a target and she then went around the back of the target and started a slow climb up the incline of the ridge.
It was slow going; but Joon just had a feeling.
Max just watched as Jooniper slowly worked her way up the ridge and when she reached the top she went right to the quiet spot where Max lay in wait.
Joon froze seeing a blurry outline in the underbrush next to her.
"Max?" Joon whispered
"Hello my love," Max deactivated the nanoweave and pulled off her hood and helm, revealing herself.
Joon lept into her arms, her lips finding Max's like a heat seaking missile.
Max held her wife as Joon's legs wrapped around her bulky combat gear.
Max's face was sweaty from the multiple layers, and heat but Joon was oblivious.
After many long minutes, Joon pulled back from the kiss and she gazed into Max's soft brown eyes.
Joon untangled herself from Max and her bulky gear and Max set her down.
They both sat together in their quiet spot.
Max began her tale: she no longer felt constrained by the official secrets act and left nothing out of the telling. After twenty minutes, she paused where she had checked Commander Yance's pulse.
Joon sat there wide eyed. Max pulled out her canteen and offered Joon some water. She took a long sip and handed it back. Max took a sip and put it away while she continued her tale.
Max got to the part about opening the container and Joon was completely entranced.
Max began to describe Agatha, what she is, and who she is trying to become. Joon new immediately who the inspiration was for the Alien, as if its name wasn't a big enough clue on its own.
Continuing the tale, Max dutifully described every hour to Joon.
Joon interrupted Max, "So did you fuck her?"
Max looked down, "Not exactly, I was trying to teach her." Joon raised an eye brow, "Did you teach her again?"
Max shook her head, "No I didn't, I only held her, I told her exactly how I feel about you."
Joons eyes softened, "It's okay Max, you still have my trust."
Max was immediately relieved.
Joon saw that look on Max's face and said, "But I still want to meet her, maybe I can teach her a thing or two."
Max gasped at her wife.
She smiled at Max, "Alien pussy just might be too hard to pass up, love of my life."
Then Max smiled with a lustful gleam, "I'm not yet finished with my tale."
Max continued her detailed account of the past week.
"Twins?" Joon exclaimed her hands clenched into fists, "I have got to meet this girl!" Joon tilted her head to the side, "Or is it girls?"
Max clarified using Agatha's own self-definition "multi-sapient"
Joon had her cute little smile as she looked at nothing specific but had naughty thoughts.
"And she's been only wearing your knit jumper the whole time, no panties?"
Max nodded sagely, "She is... filling out."
Joon blinked, "When can I meet her?"
They both giggled.
"Lets go ahead and walk to the corvette, so you can meet Agatha."
Max slowly stood up, picking up her helmet and nanoweave hood.
She shouldered her weapon and held out her hand to her diminutive better half.
Joon slipped her hand into Max's
Max spotted the 'pressy' her dad gave her last year. "Did you think to bring that, or did Howard suggest it?"
"Daddy rather insisted." Joon replied, "I think he was honestly worried about you."
Max grew sober.
Joon's situational antennae pinged loudly, "What is it?"
Max slowly shifted her downcast gaze to Joon's eyes.
Max spoke as though death itself would be a relief.
"The Federation is being invaded by the Kintark Empire."
Joon lost herself in Max's soft brown eyes, "Oh, Max..." conveying everything to her wife in that moment.
Max finished her tale as the walked slowly and carefully down the other side of the ridge.
Joon took in the unmarked charcoal grey ship as she processed the information Max had told her about what she had discovered.
Joon shook off her daze
Max could only admire her mental flexibility as Joon easily shifted to 'meet the new alien mode'. Max and Joon approached the ship and Max thumbed the DNA lock at the Cargo hatch.
The cargo bay door started to open as the hydraulics whined up into place and the boarding ramp came out and eased to the ground.
Joon froze.
A slight figure appeared deep in the cargo bay just visible through the door.
Stark white skin glowing from the reflected noon day sun.
Wearing an over sized black jumper that stopped at mid-thigh Agatha slowly stepped forward.
Agatha's eyes were huge with barely discernible vertical slits. Steel grey irises gilded in silver on incredible display. The reflection of their beloved cat was obvious to anyone who knew her.
Agatha gawked at the arboreal paradise visible beyond the open cargo bay door; the vast green environment was overwhelming.
Agatha saw Max and assumed the smaller human next to her was Joon.
It was extremely difficult for her not to ignore them and just observe those surroundings.
"She's gorgeous!" Joon exclaimed.
The petite woman walked right up the loading ramp to stand in front of the alien girl.
Max followed behind her wife standing beside her.
"Jooniper, allow me to introduce Agatha, my crew." Max smiled fondly at Agatha.
"It is my honor to make your acquaintance," Agatha said with a soft unsteady voice, obviously nervous meeting Joon.
Agatha was a full head taller than Joon but felt somehow smaller than the petite buxom woman.
Joon's grass-green eyes surveyed the alien girl. Joon looked up into Agatha's eyes, "I have heard a great deal about you today, but I want to talk with you myself, care to sit with me?"
Max rubbed Agatha's back in reassurance and smiled, "She won't bite... much."
Joon poked her towering wife with a finger, "Go... patrol the perimeter or something useful."
Everyone laughed at that, easing the tension
Max replaced her helmet and nanoweave hood with Agatha's assistance.
Max headed down the ramp, activating her nanoweave and fading away as the optical camouflage bent light around her.
Joon stared into thin air, "That's so cool!"
Agatha glanced at Joon in surprise, "You've never seen her do that?"
"No, not at all! She's never even told me about it." Joon turned and smiled at Agatha, "I have a feeling a lot of things are going to be changing for us."
Joon turned and sat down at the cargo bay door opening, her thin legs stretched out on the ramp, and glanced up a Agatha while patting the spot next to her.
Agatha was distracted with the verdant environs while sitting down next to Joon; her black jumper riding up and flashing Joon in the process.
Joon's eyes danced and her smile grew.
"I think you and I are going to go clothes shopping in the near future, or no one's going to get anything productive done."
Agatha looked confused for a moment then gasped as she felt Joon's emotions.
"My apologies, that was not intentional." Agatha explained as she pulled at the hem of the jumper.
Joon giggled, "You never have to apologies for giving me a nice look, sweetheart."
Joon turned her body slightly and leaned back against the edge of the doorway.
"Okay," Joon smiled again at Agatha, "Max told me she trusts you completely."
"She told me what she saw and felt, her mission, and meeting/rescuing you." Joon continued, "Now I'd like to hear your side of it and I want you to be honest with me and leave nothing out."
Agatha listened closely to only her second human contact, then nodded in agreement.
She told Joon everything she could remember, every detail.
Max moved along the ridge. "You okay Ags?" She asked over her com.
"Yes Max, I am fine, I love this planet, it smells so good." Agatha's voice responded.
Max recalled, "It's pretty spectacular, I remember my first time too."
"Are you doing ok with Joon?" Max asked while descending down the the ridge side facing the archery range.
"I am giving her a detailed account of my experiences over the past few weeks."
Max stopped, "From before the Quinton also?"
Agatha responded, "Yes Max, I don't know who it was that discovered and sequestered me, I did not spend enough time around any one individual to get a detailed impression."
Max continued moving, checking the range shelter. "How is Joon reacting?"
"Your wife is listening attentively, she is quite perceptive, Max." Agatha commented.
"Of that I am very aware, sweetheart," Max walked across the parking area.
Max quietly approached her and Joon's hover car, she did a walk around and even checked beneath it.
Max then did a full slow and meticulous visual scan of the area.
Satisfied there was no TFMC kill squad ready to strike, Max calmly walked to the pilot side door thumbing the DNA lock on the door open.
The pilots seat automatically went from the furthest forward position to the furthest back position.
Max hated how slow the seat adjustment took, it was a familiar annoyance though and she cherished it. She slid into the seat and felt it travel and lock ino the last bit which it would no longer do on it's own.
With her weapon across her lap, Max started up the hover car, she listened to the cyclics, noting they sounded like they needed maintenance again. Max found the observation amusing.
"Okay Ags, I'm moving the hover car: don't freak out and shoot me out of the sky."
"I'll try not to, Max." Agatha said with a giggle.
Max put the hover car in flight mode and brought it up to about forty feet before easing the car forward and gently banking around.
Following the tree line, Max gently threaded the old hover car through the openings in the trees.
Max coasted up to the corvette and tucked in behind the ridge.
She parked the hover car a few yards from the corvette.
Joon and Agatha were sitting in the cargo doorway. Joon was completely focused on Agatha, even as they both glanced at the hover car.
Max got out and stretched, feeling very grubby from sweating in her mission gear.
Walking up to the ramp she disengaged the nanoweave.
Joon reflected that Agatha was precise and detail oriented. Her story was filled with emotional context and her impressions were amazing.
Agatha was only able to examine Max in detail while she was dreaming and within a few days decided to pattern herself on beings that Max held with the greatest emotional value.
Unfortunately now she was in trouble, the container she was in would kill her in only a short time in this form.
She did the only thing left open to her, ask Max for help.
Having an imperfect lexicon and no practical experience in verbal communication, Agatha put all her strength into her native communication.
She somehow was able to summon Max to her; then Agatha realized her mistake.
Max felt she was under assault and Agatha knew she had badly miss-stepped.
She apologized to Max for the offense then Agatha resigned herself to suffocation and death.
Then a miracle: Max agreed to release Agatha from her prison.
Smelling that air for the first time in a new form was overwhelming: learning to articulate unfamiliar limbs was difficult.
Pushing up and changing her perspective was exhilarating.
And then opening her ocular receptors gave her visual input for the very first time.
Tragedy! Max made an intuitive leap, but misinterpreted my intent.
Max was going to destroy me! I had to explain to her, I had to use her language.
I did my best, and Max listened.
She kindly listened to my explanation and we came to an agreement.
The hover car landing next to the ship had distracted Joon momentarily from the detailed account Agatha was giving her.
Shortly Max appeared out of thin air, Joon blinked. "That is so awesome Max."
Agatha immediately stood up.
Max removed her hood and helmet, her face covered in sweat.
Agatha helped Max with the nanoweave
Joon smirked, "Are you satisfied that we are safe?"
Max nodded, "Yea, it's deserted, I think we may be completely under the radar."
"I want to take Agatha clothes shopping," Joon declared watching Max's reaction closely.
Agatha glanced at Joon with wide eyes.
Max's face was thoughtful, "She's going to stand out, I don't want her to suffer."
Agatha looked down at herself, only wearing the black knit jumper.
Joon replied, "I think she looks just fine, there are plenty of people who look more outrageous, especially in the entertainment industry."
Max seemed to weigh the options, looking at Agatha. "Is she dressed enough to go out shopping?"
Joon knew then, she and Agatha were going out: "She'll have a whole new outfit at the first shop."
Max blinked, "First?"
Glancing at Max, Agatha looked hopeful.
"Oh, sweetheart," Joon beamed, "I'm going to blow my clothes budget for the year."
Max covered her face with her hand. "Ok, my love, just: please be safe."
Agatha's second self walked into the cargo bay.
Joon eyes grew huge, "Oh wow!" She stood and looked from one Agatha to the other several times.
"It's one thing to know intellectually that there are two of you, but seeing it in the flesh is very impressive."
The two Agathas closed ranks and put arms around each other's waist.
Both smiling at Joon, one Agatha spoke, "Max really likes seeing me like this, She even suggested I learn how to act independently and pretend to be twin sisters."
Joons face lit up, "Yes!, that's inspired Max, good job!"
Max shifted side to side, spreading her legs a little at a time until she was standing in an "A" configuration.
Standing like that was an obvious invitation.
Joon beamed and immediately walked right up to her, face to face.
"Hello beautiful," Joon said less than an inch from Max's nose: they kissed deeply.
Agatha smiled at the display of affection and feeling the immensely strong emotions, she both closed her eyes as she began reveling in them.
Joon stepped away from Max, adoration clearly visible on her face. "Okay my love, I'll be careful, I'm going to get some groceries also, any requests?"
Max slowly recovered from the kiss with a lazy smile and stood back up to her full height. She gave the question some thought, "Have Agatha choose, she is an aspiring chef."
Joon beamed at the two Agathas still standing together. "That's fantastic, I can hardly wait to sample your cooking!"
Joon reached out a hand to both Agathas. They untangled and one put her hand in Joon's.
Max grinned as Joon and Agatha walked down the cargo ramp as the remaining Agatha walked over to her and Max put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in.
Joon thumbed the door open, the seat adjusting to allow the smaller pilot ease of control, Joon snarked a giggle.
Agatha waited at the other door, having seen enough holo feeds to know it was customary. Agatha just kept looking around at all the sights the forest had to offer.
The passenger door opened and Agatha climbed in.
Both occupants of the hover car glanced at each other.
Joon just grinned: looking like a little girl finding a full cookie jar.
She started up the hover car and gently backed away from the grounded corvette.
Max waved to her wife and thumbed the cargo door closed.
Joon waved back and the hover car began to rise in altitude.
Once above the treeline, Joon tapped the nav-com to life, reoriented her trajectory, and tapped in the proposed destination.
"Oh I think Stacy's is going to be our first stop, they will have something nice for you to wear immediately."
Agatha's hands were in her lap, her eyes scanning the green landscape around her.
Cruising at a moderate velocity, the old model hover car held it's course as Joon glanced at her passenger.
"So continue your story, I am very curious how you have learned so much," She raised her eye brow, "And how well someone taught you."
Agatha immediately looked at Joon, feeling a spike in her emotions.
"Yes, of course." Agatha calmly replied, still enjoying the feel of Joon's thoughts.
Returning to the story, Agatha recalled the first moments Max had shown such understanding and kindness, cooking for Agatha, feeding her the cinnamon spiced oatmeal with cream cheese, bathing her, showing her the toilet and how to use it.
Joon listened while piloting and giggled at some of the situations: she was courtious and commented on why she did and explained the humor.
Agatha then told Joon about Max's recommendation of refraining from projecting emotion and to adhere to verbal communication instead.
Joon stopped her, and asked for an example of the emotional projection.
Agatha obliged and gently gave her some of the feeling Agatha had for Max.
In less than a moment tears were streaming down Joons face, she just stared wide eyed at Agatha and wordlessly began pulling her closer into a hug.
"Oh fuck, Ags," Joon said, while holding the alien in her arms, "I completely understand why Max reacted the way she did, if that's how you normally communicate, it is very different and very powerful."
"Max was right, you can't just do that all the time," Joon sniffed, "save it to when you're safe and only with us."
Agatha nodded in understanding as she left the affectionate hug.
Agatha continued her story, accurately describing Max's instructions on human interactions and basic human pleasure.
During Agatha's detailed account of Max demonstrating physical pleasure, Joon's emotions were so strong Agatha had to stop and explain to Joon she was distracting, to the point where it was difficult to think.
The flight to Stacy's was coming to an end as Joon parked near by the shop and took her Agatha by the hand and walked in.
Stacy's was one of many shops in an area known for commerce and humans were everywhere.
Joon said it was actually mostly deserted and most shoppers were still at lunch.
The shop was brightly lit and there were scores of clothes racks completely full showing off a kaleidoscope of colors.
Joon steered Agatha to the left side of the entrance; pulling out bright print frocks and frilly dresses. Her face scrunched up in scrutiny and Joon quickly went to the next rack.
A few minutes went by and eventually a young woman with brilliant blue hair and dark blue eyeliner approached Joon and Agatha.
"Good afternoon my name is Megan, can I help you or your friend find anything?" The store attendant offered politely.
"Hi Megan," Joon smiled, "This is Agatha, and she needs clothes right now."
"I'd like to get her into something practical, but her coloring is making it difficult," Joon asked, "Any suggestions?"
In less than ten minutes Megan had half a dozen complimentary outfits for Agatha's stark skin tone.
Joon gathered them all up and had Agatha carry them. "Thank you Megan, we're going over to lingerie next: think we can rely on your expertise there as well?"
Megan beamed a smile, "Kim might be upset; but if you insist, I would be delighted to help you."
Joon nodded, "I'm afraid I must Megan; you seem to know exactly what Agatha needs to look and feel her best."
Agatha just blinked, looking from Joon to Megan and back.
Joon glanced at Agatha and gave her a wink.
Max and Agatha walked to the armory where she racked her unfired XR75 and divested her cache of munitions.
Agatha helped her properly remove and store the nanoweave apparel; strip out of the armor, and return it to the storage area with the other suits.
Max and Agatha went up to the command cabin and Agatha helped Max step out of her tactical boots and strip out of the body sleeve.
Pulling off her jumper, Agatha headed to the bathroom and turned on the hot water.
Max followed right behind her stopping briefly at the toilet; she flushed and joined Agatha under the delicious, hot spray.
Max glanced at Agatha, "How are you doing?"
Agatha nodded, "I am good, Max, thank you."
"Any problems with distance?" Max asked with a raised eyebrow.
Agatha blinked, "Oh, that's what you meant. No, I feel no discomfort."
Max thought about that answer, "Is there a distance where you might feel discomfort?"
"I'm not really sure Max; but I am having no problems with this current separation."
Agatha smiled, "I have to admit, the different locations and interactions are stimulating."
Max nodded, "Let me know if you have any questions."
They finished up showering and went back into the cabin, Agatha put her jumper back on.
Max dressed, and Agatha took a particular interest in Max's underwear.
Max favored a light grey sports bra style top and matching "boy shorts" style panties. Practical, utilitarian, and comfortable.
Max modeled her underwear for Agatha before she put on her soft BDU's
Agatha thanked Max and they both went to the bridge.
Settling down in their chairs, they both started in with holonet news feeds.
Agatha on another screen scrolled though butt shapes and panty styles.
Joon's blessing and curse was her breasts, she knew she got them honestly from her mother who's bust was even larger. With a 40e and her stature, her breasts were literally larger than she was.
She was forever thankful for the advances in technology that allowed women with large breasts some manner of comfort.
Joon loved her tits, she knew Max enjoyed them, too; but sometimes they were more trouble then they were worth.
Agatha showed interest in a racer back bra style which was an easy win.
Agatha's breasts were not large; but they did accentuate her figure.
Joon looked over the variety of panties as she glanced at Agatha.
"I don't know what style you would be most comfortable with," Joon whispered to Agatha.
Agatha, with her arms full of outfits to try on, looked over the selection.
"Max likes 'boy shorts' what do you prefer?" inquired the white skinned girl.
Joon smirked, "I'm a bikini girl, but everyone is different."
"Can I try them all?" Agatha asked
Joon knew the answer and knew she needed to explain some of the hygienic implications to Agatha.
Agatha took the explanation well, and nodded her understanding.
Agatha then declared she would like the g-string or thong.
Both of Joons eyebrows rose with Agatha's choice. "We can do that sweetheart."
Joon grabbed a sealed tube of black thongs in Agatha's size.
"Lets go try on some clothes." Joon said with a wicked smile.
Joon closed the door behind them as Agatha went into the small room with the full length mirrors on two sides ninety degrees from each other.
Joon took the clothes on hangers out of Agatha's hand one at a time and hung then on a rod attached to the wall.
Joon popped open the tube of thongs and pulled one out.
Agatha pulled off her jumper and Joon smiled as she got to see what she was working with.
Other than her stark white skin, Agatha looked like a fit and very attractive young human woman.
Joon gazed at her toned thighs, pert b-cup breasts and devastating heart shaped ass.
Wavering between jealousy and lust, Joon handed her the thong.
Agatha slipped it on and turned around looking into the mirrors
Joon nodded, "Are they comfortable?"
"I barely feel them." replied Agatha.
Joon presented Agatha the bra she chose, also in black, Joon noted.
Agatha slipped her arms through the straps and pulled the cups to the front adjusting them around her breasts and then secured them in the front.
Agatha raised her arms up and turned for Joon's inspection.
"Comfy?" Joon asked.
"Yes, very." Agatha smiled.
They spent the next thirty minutes trying on clothes. Agatha decided she liked skirts and loose tops. Joon nodded agreement as comfort was her top concern; but looking good should also be considered.
Joon peered at Agatha, "Underwear still comfortable?"
Agatha nodded, "They feel fine, I barely notice them."
"Good, I am happy for you." Joon smiled, "Lets get you a pair of flats and go look at some shoes."
Joon bought Agatha a pile of black underwear and clothes along with a pair of cheap flats. Joon had Max's knit jumper over her shoulder as she watched Megan's eyes light up over the purchases.
Joon and Agatha walked together and Joon saw the white skinned girl looking glorious with a new, more confident stride.
They found a shoe store and wandered in and were immediately helped by a blonde woman in a conservative pantsuit.
Joon watched as Agatha tried on pumps, boots of all styles, and canvas deck shoes.
Agatha looked like she was having fun.
Eventually though, Agatha settled on four pairs of black canvas deck shoes.
Joon was puzzled.
She recalled the clothes purchases, eight thongs, four bra's, four pleated skirts, four blouses eight plain t-shirts. All in black.
Nothing expensive: the pattern and reasoning being quite obvious.
Agatha was trying to acquire for all of her current and future selves and making her choices without knowledge of Joons budget.
Joon went over to the store clerk and had her check if there were four of the chunky style boots Agatha was drooling over in stock.
The clerk said there were; so along with sixteen pairs of thick knee high socks the deck shoes, Joon also purchased four pairs of the fashionable boots.
Agatha's beautiful eyes just stared at Joon while she made the purchase.
As they walked together to the hover car, Agatha looked embarrassed.
Joon looked up at her, "Tell me what you're feeling, Ags?"
"You knew all along, and even got me those expensive boots." Agatha peered at Joon.
Agatha looked confused, "I would do anything for you and Max, you have to know that."
Joon's grass-green eyes looked into Agatha's, "I prefer the idea that we are a family, and not keep anything like a score."
Agatha's black lower lip quivered.
Joon leaned forward, "Stop that, silly." and kissed her. And she kept kissing her.
They kissed in the parking lot next to the old model hover car with their purchases surrounding them for over ten minutes.
Agatha looked at Max, then back at her screens, then back at Max.
Max looked over with an eyebrow raised.
"Joon is kissing me." Confessed Agatha.
Max nodded, "Good!" returning to her screen.
Agatha returned to her own screens with a smile forming on her face.
Joon and Agatha put all the parcels into the hover car, got in, and flew to Joon's favorite market.
"Tell me about your mitosis." Joon requested.
Agatha described the feeling that she needed a certain amount of raw material to perform the mitosis as well as energy. She had devoured the case of protein bars and that seemed to fulfill the criteria.
Joon made a face, "Basic protein bars are pretty bad: I bet I could make you at least something more palatable to gorge on."
Agatha glances at Joon, "You would do that for me?"
Joon smiled nodding her head, "Max told me you were planning your next mitosis and I am more than happy to help."
The pair of them walked into the market and Joon was greeted by one of the managers as she fetched a shopping cart.
Joon pushed the huge cart in front of her as she and Agatha walked the aisles.
Joon's com beeped.
She answered it with full holo on.
Howard Smith was in his greenhouse looking concerned, "Hi pumpkin, how are you?"
"Hi daddy, I'm at the market with Agatha." Joon looked on the shelf to her left and started putting a number of containers into the cart.
"Agatha?" Howard looked confused.
Agatha stepped into the holo's range at that moment, "Hello Mr. Smith." she gave a little wave.
Howard's eyes grew large and he gave a little wave back.
"Are you going to stop by today, sweetheart?" Howard asked, just only slightly out of step.
"Tomorrow daddy, Max and I will bring Agatha and her sister." Joon glanced at Agatha who whispered and Joon said, "Una."
"Ah," Howard nodded, looking a little confused, "See you tomorrow."
"Bye daddy." Joon ended the call.
Joon and Agatha both broke out in laughter as they continued filling the cart; but every few minutes one would giggle and set them off laughing again.
Agatha wiped her eyes, "This is terribly infectious; delightful, but infectious."
They spent nearly an hour at the market and had a great time.
Joon and Ags made their way back out to the hover car and loaded the groceries into the back.
Joon sat in the pilots seat looked over at Agatha, "Lets go make you a ton of food."
Agatha nodded, and smiled.
Joon took the hover car up to altitude and set the target destination to the archery range. Then she turns to Agatha and gives her a serious look.
Agatha blinked, then returned a questioning look.
"I want to watch." Joon said matter-of-factly.
Agatha blinked again.
"I want to observe your mitosis, I want to watch." Joon's excited eyes speaking volumes.
Agatha giggled, "Of course you can! I would be honored."
"Where do you want to do it?' Joon asked.
"Um, someplace easy to clean like the shower I used last time." Agatha thought about it. "The flight quarters have a two person shower, that should be enough room."
Joon asked, "Are you going to do all of you?"
"I was planning on it: I want to change my appearance to look more human."
Joon nodded, "I understand, I can tell you want to keep what you are close to the chest."
Agatha adopted a naughty expression and bit her lip.
Joon peered at her, "Say it."
Agatha blurted it out, "I want to keep what I am close to your chest."
Joon squealed happily, and they both dissolve into giggles.
Joon pulled Agitha into a kiss and they snogged the whole rest of the flight.
"Joon wants to clean up and use the flight crew quarters for me" Agatha says, "She wants to watch me during mitosis."
Max nodded, "Yea, I had a feeling she would."
Agatha glanced at Max, "We're kissing again."
Max smirked, "Let me know if it escalates."
"The hover car is full of groceries, and clothes." Agatha reported.
"E.T.A.?" Max glanced at Agatha.
"Four minutes." Agatha answered.
Max hopped up and headed down to the cargo bay with Agatha in her wake.
Max thumbed open the cargo bay door and as the hydraulics whine she hears the hover car turn into a descending maneuver.
The hover car gently touches down and then pulls in closer to the ramp.
The rear hatch opens and the hover car shuts down.
both doors open and Max hears giggles emanating from within.
Joon rolled out on to her feet, still giggling.
She saw Max's face and begins to laugh harder.
Max leans back against the hover car and pulls her wife into her arms and hugs her.
"Oh Max, what a great day!" Joon's fair skin was flushed and she waved her palm to cool her face down.
Max gazes fondly at her elfin face and patiently waits for her to finish her review.
"Agatha is delightful,.. can we keep her?" Joon's half joking question resonates a serious consideration.
Max nods immediately, "Yes, we can, as long as she is okay with being with us."
Joon stared into the soft brown eyes. "I hope she is because I'd miss her terribly if she isn't."
Agatha reached into the opened back hatch and pulled out a pair of the black canvas deck shoes and tossed them to her other self who easily plucked them from the air.
She immediately sat down on the ramp and put the shoes on.
Agatha's eyes catch Max's look, and she motions for her twin to join Max and Joon next to the pilot side door.
Both Agathas come around the side and Joon looks up and reaches out with her arm.
Max and Joon pull the girls into a group hug.
"Ags," Max begins... but Joon immediately steps on her words. "Would you like to be with us?"
Max glances down and smiles, "Yea what she said."
Agatha just leaned into both of them and in stereo responded with "Oh yes! Please, I would love to."
Joon pulled one Agatha into a kiss, and Max pulled in the other.
The two couples completed their kisses and all four hugged.
Max, Joon and Agatha spent the next twenty minutes ferrying groceries and purchases to their appropriate locations.
At the same time they went through the flight crew quarters moving go bags and previous crew personal items into the troop compartment.
Surveying the flight crew cabin and bathroom they determine it is an ideal size for Agatha to mitosis.
Max happily points out a washer/dryer in the the quarters as well as a wallcom and coms desk.
Max shows Joon medical, and happily bequeaths it's environs to her capable hands.
Joon comments that it might be a fine ambition to live on the corvette permanently
Max, Joon, and Agatha cook a massive amount of food, Stroganoff.
Sitting together in the galley the four of them chat amiably as Agatha continues to eat. Several hours later after gorging herself Agatha, with the help of Max and Joon, slowly make their way to the flight crew bathroom.
She striped down and as Max and Joon looked on, the two Agathas lay together on the shower floor and they soon begin to exhibit a soft pearlescent glow. Joon never leaves the event but Max goes and returns with the sensor mirrored data pad.
In three hours the mitosis event was complete and four exhausted Agathas lay together.
Max and Joon gently bathe the alien girls.
Agatha is delighted that her planned appearance was a complete success and she now appears much more human with pale skin and long black hair.
Max and Joon tuck three Agathas into bunks in the flight crew cabin and one with them in the command cabin.
Everyone is tired and extremely happy. Max smiles as she finds herself in the middle of the long bed with her wife and their new girlfriend.
Together they begin a long quiet sleep full of sweet dreams.