Max Intel: Melinoe
Chapter 9 - Tourist
A soft kiss partially woke Max. The tongue of her senior wife gently wormed it's way into her mouth and Max moaned as the deep kiss brought her to consciousness.
Joon sat up from the kiss as Max opened her eyes. "Hi." Joon said softly, her grass-green eyes gazing fondly at Max.
Max smiled at her, returning the affectionate look, "Hi."
"Would you like to walk around the port and stretch your lovely legs today?" Joon inquired.
Max nodded, "That was the plan."
"Good, because as you know, I've never seen a frontier port before." Joon declared.
Max giggled, "There will be a number of different species for you to ogle, just don't be rude."
Joon dragged Max into the bathroom, Astrid and a few Agathas followed.
Joon smooched the Agathas present and then kissed Astrid on the lips.
"Bodyguard today?" Agatha inquired from Joon.
Joon turned to her and smiled, "Yes, please."
Max finished her business and washed up before they walked through the CQ down to the cargo bay. Only four Agathas were in attendance for the morning kata, Max wasn't disappointed... much.
Amazing as it was to see all of her performing the kata, Max knew some of Agatha was dedicated elsewhere, keeping the family safe.
Agatha was working her own shift schedule. Max was confident she would perform efficiently and effectively.
The Deirdre was docked on one of the high rings of Port Megara and they were considered low traffic areas; but Agatha would remain vigilant.
Astrid had the basic kata down now and was able to enjoy the dance. Joon grinned at her junior wife's progress, noting Astrid's smile. After the kata's closing bow, Max dropped into a few reps, for a quick burn as Astrid hungrily watched her. Joon put an arm around Astrids waist, "Yea... she does that to me too."
"We might have to double team her sometime." Astrid said quietly.
Joon grinned a naughty look, "Oh, I'm sure that can be arranged."
The crew enjoyed the post kata hot shower and toweled dry with everyone dressing in civvies. Max wore her denims, a tight sleeveless black tee, and a large grey flannel shirt. Tac boots were the most comfortable footwear she owned, and she wanted comfort for walking. Joon wore her mahogany skirt, green jumper, her favorite chunky trainers with knee-high socks. Astrid slipped into a dark grey skirt-suit with black office pumps. Agatha wore her bodyguard uniform, Joon began calling it the 'deadly schoolgirl' outfit. Max thought the moniker fit.
Double checking everyone had their T-Fed IDs, Joon nodded to Max. Thumbing open the rarely used airlock Deirdre's crew entered the utilitarian dock gantry. Max took lead, her long slow strides set an even pace that Joon would be comfortable with. Joon followed her towering wife at a comfortable distance, knowing Max was following protocols from years of training.
Ports were strictly weapons-free environments for civilians, this policy did not dissuade Agatha from 'acting' like she carried an arsenal. With black visors in place Agatha and 'Una' were in full bodyguard mode just behind and either side of Joon. Astrid brought up the rear, walking with easy grace with her portfolio data pad cradled in her arm.
The docking gantry led to the elevator down to the Port Authority level, most trade and customs depots could be found on this level. Port Megara was an impressively large installation but still only a fraction of Olympus shipyard's titanic size. The entrance to the stations public areas were only accessible after passing through the Port Authority.
There always seemed to be someone manning the desk here, one lone customs officer and two armed marines were at stations this morning. One by one the crew presented their T-Fed IDs, Agatha got a couple double takes, as she and 'Una' were processed through.
Then, as Astrid had her ID Scanned, the TFN customs officer's eyebrows shot up. "I'm sorry miss, but there is currently an alert concerning your welfare and liberty." The officer courteously told her.
Astrid's eyes narrowed, "Mother f..."
The officer stepped back away from the counter, "There is no origin listed for the alert, miss."
"I am a rational, adult citizen of the Terran Federation, and unless you have a warrant for my arrest, I am going to continue with my business." Astrid smiled politely.
"Yes, miss, of course, miss." The officer indicated with his hand that she was free to continue.
Astrid walked away from the counter to join her mates, who gave her concerned expressions.
Astrid grimaced, "Apparently my health and freedom were in doubt, and a T-Fed alert was issued."
Max blinked.
Joon looked worried.
Agatha just looked at herself, "I am confused, did you not resign from Voss Technologies with courtesy?"
"I am quite certain this had nothing to do with my previous employer," Astrid drew a deep cleansing breath.
Joon hugged her, "I'm sorry, you don't deserve that."
Astrid smiled fondly at her diminutive senior wife, "My mother liked me right where she could keep an eye on me."
"Heh," Joon smiled, "that's going to be hard to do, way out here."
"I have a feeling she isn't going to stop trying." Astrid's lips pursed in annoyance.
Max gazed around, there were several trading depots, "Let's get our re-supply out of the way."
Astrid and Joon nodded the affirmative and the group gravitated to the first depot. The process was simple enough, all purchased items would be delivered to the gantry where The Deirdre was docked.
The five women were able to fill the stores in a matter of minutes with only a few substitutions.
Agatha could relay the current stores inventory in real time.
Joon spotted an Ornalith working in the depot, she had seen many of them on holovids, it was still fascinating see one up close in person. Max gently nudged her, Joon glanced up, then nodded with a slight blush and with a bit more decorum Joon watched the alien species from the corner of her eye.
After finishing the re-supply task, the crew went to a small cafe the next level up. They were seated together at a corner table which overlooked the open-air spaces of the step-tiered trade plaza and the crew sat and ate 'breakfast' wraps and sandwiches with tea and coffee.
Agatha and 'Una' had the coffee, claiming she enjoyed the bitter drink with just a touch of sweetener. Max saved such forlorn experiences for times when tea was unavailable. Joon and Astrid both chose tea but agreed Agatha's preference was a sure sign of her independence and had their full approval.
Max mentioned the merchant Zuri, Astrid opened her portfolio data pad and tapped into the Port residence listing, Zuri had a contact number. Max smiled at the efficient engineer, "Can we schedule a meeting, concerning 'solar energy heating elements for food preparation'?"
Agatha nodded in recognition of the code phrase included in the intelligence brief. Astrid tapped in a request message and only seconds after sending the message got a response.
"That was very fast." muttered Astrid as she opened the message.
Astrid pursed her lips, "There is a residential lounge on level R-12, Zuri will meet us there in twenty minutes."
"Maybe they don't have anything better to do?" Joon remarked.
Max brought a knuckle to her chin, "Our brief listed Zuri as a rumor merchant, we should be cautious. Astrid and I will go in first, then Joon and her intimidating bodyguard will follow after."
Joon raised a hand, "If I may suggest, Ags and I go in first, so I can observe the room?"
Max thought about that, "Hmmm, I would like you to tell Ags your assessment, before Astrid and I come in."
Joon smiled and tapped her ear, "Yes, Captain." Joon smooched her tall wife while she was still seated.
Max and Astrid waited down the hallway while Joon and Ags got into position. The spy-tech earbuds crackled softly, "We are set up, there are only a few people here, Joon and I are at the bar."
"There are a couple non-human patrons," Agatha reported.
The lounge was called 'The Rocks' which could be interpreted a few different ways considering how close Port Megara was to Trankaran space. Max and Astrid wandered in and found Joon leaning back against the bar, looking delicious. Max couldn't help but notice her, but Astrid was busy tapping her data pad and immediately got a response.
A smallish yellow scaled Dauzakai waved to them from a partitioned booth along the far wall.
Max and Astrid walked slowly over. "Zuri?" Max asked quietly.
"Yusss, tall human, pleasse have a sseat." The sibilant Dauzakai gestured.
Around it's head was a halo of implants, some looked like data jacks, but others were unrecognizable.
Max could never tell the sex of a Dauzakai and was unsure how to address the merchant.
Before Max could say anything Zuri spoke, "I am female, if you were wondering, pray you never meet a male of my sspecies, they are not... Sssociable."
Max's eyes narrowed, "Alright, I'll remember that."
Zuri's green, vertically slit eyes glanced from Max to Astrid and back again, "So what ssolar energy heating elementsss do you care to discusss?"
The merchant looked like every other Dauzakai Max had seen, small, yellowish scales. Three fingered long-boned hands ending in exaggerated pads, showing small claws at the tips. Zuri was wearing dark blue shorts that made allowances for her long tail and a strappy top with a few pouches. The species seemed to favor cybernetics; their physiology adapted to them with ease.
Max smiled, "I am heading into the Minor Empires, and I was hoping I might get a merchant's perspective."
Zuri seemed to weigh Max's words, studying her intently with large iridescent eyes. "The merchant'ss persspective is not a good one; too much work. Might I ssuggesst tourissst?" Zuri blinked slowly.
Max thought about that, "Is there a central tourism authority in the Minor Empires?"
Zuri chuckled in a soft hissing manner, "No, of course not, I would highly recommend getting a tourisst vissa from Trankaran conssulate here on this ssstation."
Astrid began looking it up on her data pad, she turned to Max and nodded.
Max thought about asking where a good place would be to start their 'tour'.
Zuri's eyes narrowed, "I would ssay you sshould vissit the Grand Ssslarmian Dynassty firsst, they have... a lot to ssee... asss a tourissst.
Max's eyes grew wider, realizing that was twice now the conversation followed her thoughts.
Sitting at the bar Agatha could feel some very odd things, and not just from Max. She could taste someone nearby but not in view.
Agatha quietly reported on her suspicions as 'Una' then slipped off her bar stool and walked down to the very end of the long bar splitting the horseshoe shaped room.
Just beyond the last booth was a door marked 'employees only' but her curiosity would not be dissuaded by the sign. So, she went through it, finding a washroom with mop buckets with a short drain grate, also a long dim access hallway that aligned with the lounge. Agatha's visor immediately picked out an entity, a dark green gelatinous being. She approached it in a slow steady stride, and it began to change color to a purple-ish tint.
The fear from it was palpable, Agatha did not want it to do anything desperate.
"I have no intention of harming you in any way," Agatha stated, while simultaneously reporting her discovery to the crew.
Zuri's eyes grew very large as Max gazed down into them, "Would you care to explain, or would you like me to assume the worst-case scenario?" said Max
"I... Don't know what you're referring to," the now nervous Dauzakai looked around.
Max raised an eyebrow, "Why don't we invite your friend out and we can all have a pleasant conversation."
"Yesss, fine, just don't hurt them, pleasse." Zuri looked down at the table.
Agatha and Joon waited for 'Una' to reappear escorting a now blue-ish Bolon.
Max nodded to the gelatinous being, "what's your friends name, Zuri?"
Zuri was now far less confident about her situation, "This is Hrrssh, I can sspeak for them."
"It's a pleasure, Hrrsh," Max turned her gaze back to Zuri, "I'm going to assume you'd like to keep this relationship quiet."
Zuri looked at Hrrsh and then nodded to Max, "That would be very kind, thank you."
Joon glanced at Max, "I didn't see this coming."
Max smirked at her wife's comment, "I think that was the point."
Zuri stared at Hrrsh, "What are you babbling about, what ssstarchild?"
Agatha tilted her head while looking at Hrrsh, "Please, explain through Zuri."
Zuri's jaw dropped, "a cryptid, Hrrssh, I don't understand."
Max glanced at the Bolon then back to Zuri with interest. Joon raised an eyebrow.
Zuri nodded at Hrrsh, "Your friendss here are ssomething called sstarchild, ssome obsscure legend from an ancient time."
"I know little about this, Hrrsh, do you know anyone who would have more information?" Agatha asked.
Zuri blinked at Hrrsh "Okay, I'm doing it."
Astrid's data pad received a file, she looked down at it in surprise.
"That's contact information for Bolon expert on cryptidss." Zuri nodded.
The Bolon seemed to radiate blue when near Agatha.
"Okay, I'll tell them..." Zuri looked at Max, "John Blake offered an alliance with all of the Minor Empiress, they have all accepted without exception."
The crew of the Deirdre was stunned.
"I hasss a headache now, I'm going to need lay down." Zuri slid out of the booth and slowly walked off, followed closely by Hrrsh.
Max and Joon just stared at each other. Astrid tapped on her data pad, Agatha and 'Una' joined them sitting in the booth.
"How does a full Admiral of the Terran Federation have his own alliance with other nations?" Agatha asked.
Max blinked, "You mean Vice Admiral."
Agatha shook her head, "He is listed as a sitting Admiral as of two days ago."
"Day after Devereux was elected," Joon realized, staring into nothing.
Astrid looked up, "I made an appointment with the Trankaran consulate for a tourist visa, we can go anytime.
Joon peered at Astrid, "You're not surprised by the Lions elevation?"
"I'm surprised he wasn't crowned Emperor," Astrid continued, "I was on Olympus during the siege."
"Everyone was absolutely certain we were all going to die; and within minutes of his appearance it was all over and we were still alive. Honestly? John Blake can be whatever he wants in my book." Astrid nodded without further comment.
Max glanced at Joon, "Get your fill of aliens yet?"
Joon laughed.
Everyone stood and left 'The Rocks' heading back up to the Port authority level.
The Consulate to the Trankaran Republic was on the administration wing, just opposite of the T-Fed offices. Max and Astrid had both seen Trankarans up close before, so they knew what to expect. Joon had only seen holographs and was duly impressed. They were more than just large humans painted like rocks, Trankarans were solid, stolid and stoic.
The consulate was tastefully decorated in a minimalist aesthetic. The striking soft grey striated with dark grey colored female Trankaran receptionist greeted them, and efficiently directed them to the tourism office. When passing a Trankaran in the hall, on the way to the office they were directed to, it almost felt like he had his own gravity well.
He wore heavy brown robes. His face was a dark grey with lighter flecks highlighting his skin and he looked like he'd been carved from solid granite. He was bald, and his hefty looking skull was covered in rippling striations that were embedded in his skin. His most striking feature was the one he shared with his race, the amber colored eyes of a Trankaran.
He nodded to them in greeting and they all nodded back in kind.
They entered the tourism office and submitted their IDs, in minutes they had tourist status in the Trankaran Republic. As such they were made well aware of the Kirrix incursions and given data on all tourist attractions in the Republic and the Minor Empires.
Astrid noted there were quite a few... hundred.
Joon blinked, and Max smirked.
The consulate's tourism official also warned them their protective tourist status did not extend beyond the outlying borders of the Republic, it was apparently a common misconception made by Terrans.
They thanked the official for his time and departed the consulate.
As they departed the Republic consulate, they saw a TFN Commander walk out of the T-Fed offices, making her way over to the TFN gymnasium. Joon glanced at Max, "Why don't you ask about a treadmill."
Max blinked, "Yea, you're right, couldn't hurt to ask."
Joon looked up above them to the open-air section of the trade levels: "I'm hungry, meet us up there when you're done."
Max chuckled, "Okay, sweetheart." and gave her a smooch.
Max walked slowly into the huge TFN gymnasium and then over to the service counter.
Max inquired as to the probability of a treadmill purchase and the fit brunette corporal at the counter had no idea and she would go ask. Max looked across the gym, it was a large facility befitting a battleship. At that moment she saw the same Commander emerging from the locker rooms looking completely different in skintight workout apparel and not in a bad way at all.
She was an attractive green-eyed blonde in her early forties, who wore her hair tied up in a ponytail. She was exceptionally fit, with nice breasts maybe 36-C and a heart-shaped butt: and now Max could see the other side of her face where a rakish jagged scar splayed prominently on her right cheek.
The corporal had returned without Max realizing and was watching her stare at the Port Commander. The corporal cleared her throat and Max spun around.
She apologized that a treadmill was not available for resale... but she was available for dinner tonight.
Max blinked twice then turned bright red. Still blushing, Max very kindly conveyed to the brunette she was immensely flattered but unavailable. The corporal pouted but said Max could drop by when she was available.
Max took that opportunity to depart without finding herself in dire straits. Working her way up in the station, she found the cafe Joon had chosen for lunch. Joon gave her a lustful glance, "Was she Deirdre crew material?"
Joon was working on a green salad, with olives and cucumber.
Max burned hot again, as she seated herself with her crew, "She was very pleasant, but I'm afraid we are not hurting for a fitness trainer." Astrid and Agatha giggled. All three were devouring salad wraps.
Joon slid two salad wraps to Max and a tall chilled bottle of juice. "Oh, I and thought it might have been that blonde Commander." Joon teased.
Max blinked at Joon, "Oh, you noticed her, too did you?"
Astrid tapped up a holo and data on Port Megara's Commander, "Commander Mary Tavistock."
Joon smiled, "Mmmm, very nice."
Max leaned in close to Joon, "She looked amazing in Lycra."
Joon's eyes went half-lidded, "I may need a brief on those observations... later."
Agatha and 'Una' glanced at each other; Agatha put her arm around her 'sister'. Max and Joon immediately picked up on Agatha's body language. Astrid looked up as it got suddenly quiet.
Agatha smiled at 'Una' then at Max and Joon, "I would like to bring up what Zuri and Hrrsh said about me."
Max nodded, "Yes, absolutely."
Astrid tapped up the information that Zuri had forwarded to her. Joon gazed into Agatha's visor, she removed it so their eyes could meet.
Joon smiled, "Talk to me, beautiful."
"I'm really interested in finding out what I can about myself," Agatha smiled weakly. "I don't know if it will help the ship, or the crew, but I feel a strong desire to know."
"Oh, yes, sweetheart, and we support you, we will help you find out everything you can." Joon nodded with compassion.
Astrid put her hand on 'Una's hand.
Max held Agatha's hand.
Agatha smiled at her wonderful wives, "Thank you, I really appreciate it."
Joon's focus drifted slightly staring off into thin air. Agatha smirked, replacing her visor and Astrid looked at Joon, and nodded while Max just leaned back in her chair; waiting for Joon to figure out whatever she was chewing on.
Joon blinked a few minutes later, and smiled, "Zuri and Hrrsh are spies for the Minor Empires."
Max stared at Joon.
Astrid thought about it, then nodded, "Makes sense."
Agatha pursed her lips, "So... they are spying on the T-Fed?"
Joon nodded, "Yes... They may have been placed here before the Lion's Alliance."
"But, now I'm pretty sure they are going to be watching the Terran Federation very closely."
Max nodded, "That makes sense, especially after the Kintark invasion."
Joon peered at Max, "Why would The Lion want to keep tabs on the Terrans?"
Max clenched her jaw, then sighed.
"Admirals... or more specifically, ones who don't like what he has done," Max answered.
Astrid started tapping on her data pad.
Astrid sighed, "There were a number of Admirals who stepped down after the Kintark invasion."
Agatha bit her lip, "Is he in danger?"
Max shook her head, "I doubt they could harm him personally, but he can't keep those he cares about safe all the time, unless they are on the Invictus with him. I completely understand that viewpoint: that is the way I lost Deirdre..."
Joon held Max's hand.
Max's jaw set, "I wish The Lion and his Lionesses every success, but we have our own job to do."
Joon, Agatha and Astrid all nodded together in silent agreement.
"There is a rather large collection of supplies in our gantry" Agatha smirked.
A collective moan emanated from the table, as the crew of the Deirdre got to their feet and Max held Joon's hand all the way back to gantry 18
Astrid watched them together and smiled at the love they shared and Agatha, tasting her emotions, smooched her cheek.
The crew spent forty-five minutes stowing the supplies and afterwards Max glanced at Astrid "Up for a small arms primer?"
Astrid nodded with a smile, so Max and Astrid spent a few hours in the armory where Astrid learned all the basics, range and mission safety, and proper ways to carry and use small arms. Max showed Astrid every weapon, every munition and even broke out the explosives. Astrid listened to Max with rapt attention as the Sergeant Max Anders, Demo Specialist persona took over for a while.
Max showed off her singular expertise to someone who could truly appreciate the professionalism. Astrid gazed at Max with new eyes, "Thank you very much, sharing your knowledge and experience with me was a most excellent pleasure."
"It was my pleasure, I may not be able to build stuff, but I do know how to take things apart." Max grinned.
Astrid and Max wandered to the galley together where Agatha had just started making dinner.
Max blinked, "I need to check in with Goat."
Slipping into the command couch on the bridge, Max tapped open the dark corners account she now claimed as her own.
Ms_Muffit has entered dark corners.
Seeing no one in the chat room with her, Max waited.
Almost fifteen minutes passed.
BG_Gruff has entered dark corners.
Ms_Muffit: On Megara, preparing to depart for the ME.
BG_Gruff: ETA?
Ms_Muffit: 24-36... what about this alert on Astrid?
BG_Gruff: That alert was filed before I got Ms. Komatzu's paperwork in.
BG_Gruff: Filed by an Ingrid Bjorkstrom-Komatzu Esq.
BG_Gruff: G-S squashed it; however, litigation was filed in response.
BG_Gruff: Agent Komatzu is now under the protection of the TFNI Official Secrets Act.
BG_Gruff: Now that she is on the job, none of those legal stunts will work.
Ms_Muffit: Thank you, she will be relieved.
BG_Gruff: Anything else?
Ms_Muffit: Strong indications that contact, Zuri, and a Bolon accomplice are actually spies for the minor empires and are spying on T-Fed. Port Authorities should be advised through secure diplomatic channels. Will start uploads asap.
BG_Gruff: Make us proud Anders.
BG_Gruff has left dark corners.
Ms_Muffit has left dark corners.
Max stretched on the command couch.
Agatha stepped on to the bridge, "Dinner should be ready in twenty minutes."
"I'd like to be underway before then." Max stated.
Agatha nodded, heading to the piloting couch, a moment later another Agatha skipped onto the bridge and took her station at navigation.
"Mu Cygni system is where our brief places the Grand Slarmian Dynasty's power base." Max said, with a knuckle to her chin.
Agatha tapped in the route, "Estimated thirty hours Captain."
Max nodded, "Let's go there."
Agatha requested departure from Port Megara ATC, clearance was immediate. Max was sure Agatha had kept everyone advised as the Deirdre uncoupled from the docking collar and gracefully moved away on thrusters. Properly aligned, the tiny warship in merchants clothing kept her speed low as she approached the hyper-limit then slipped away into the void.
Max made her way to the galley where her crew gathered for the evening meal just as Agatha began serving the crew Golumpki with an Egg and Spinach Salad.
Joon smiled, "Thirty hours isn't that bad, what do you think we'll find when we get there?"
"Well, according to the brief," Max began, "The GSD is a Constitutional Monarchy."
Joon pursed her lips, "They may call it that, but my interpretation differs."
Max nodded for her to elaborate.
"The Dynasty is a point of contention, dozens of factions with varying levels of success try to sway the royal house."
Joon smirked, "It remains to be seen how they are reacting to the Kirrix threat."
Max nodded, then smiled "That's our job."
Max cut some Go?umpki with her fork and put the bite sized portion into her mouth. As she chewed, she slowly closed her eyes enjoying the flavor. Astrid worked on her salad and nodded to Agatha.
"Goat said the alert on you has been squashed, Astrid." Max commented casually.
Astrid screwed her lips in distaste, "I doubt that will dissuade her. Ingrid doesn't take 'no' for an answer." Astrid continued, "she has been a prosecutor longer than I have been alive."
Max smiled and said, "Well, she already filed litigation when she was rebuffed; but T-Fed enacted the TFNI Official Secrets Act and that, as they say, is that. There is nothing she can do to get around that brick wall."
Astrid just smirked and a small giggle escaped her mouth as she said, "I would have loved to have been able to watch her face when that happened."
"What about your father?" Joon asked, watching Astrid's reaction.
Astrid pouted, "He died shortly after my birth, I never knew him."
"My father was a very successful corporate attorney," Astrid smiled, "mother said she'd never met a more intelligent man."
Joon saw a brief spark in Astrid's eyes and followed it.
"What did your mother think of your career choice?" Joon inquired.
"She... did not approve, she would rather I had followed her path." Astrid nodded, "I just can't argue like she can."
Joon reached out and held Astrid's hand, "I think your path is just perfect."
Max inquired, "Any other family?"
Astrid nodded, "My aunt Yumi, she told me everything about my father that my mother wouldn't."
Astrid smiled easily, "Yumi is very different than my mother, so being around her helped me a lot growing up."
"What does she do?" Joon leaned in to listen.
Astrid smiled again, "Yumi has a tea shop."
Astrid tapped out on her ever-present portfolio data pad, laid it down and a holo appeared.
Joon saw an adorable little tea shop that could be in a small trade district anywhere.
Max and Agatha both smiled at the holo.
"Maybe we can visit someday." Joon gazed into Astrid's almond-shaped lavender eyes.
Astrid smiled hopefully, "I would really love that, Yumi would welcome all of you."
Max and Agatha cleaned up dinner and put everything away, everyone wandered off to work on different projects. Astrid went to look at the spy tech trying to learn as much about it and how she could to best utilize it. Joon was "messing" around with her harp guitar; practicing a variety of techniques on the exotic instrument.
Max went over the data priorities for operation: Melinoe and looked for anything specifically requested concerning the Grand Slarmian Dynasty.
Agatha did a little of everything, including learning the Slarmian language, and updating her understanding of the many cultures found in the Minor Empires.
Vika awoke, she reviewed what she had experienced in her dream, just as she had always done.
Nothing new or different was revealed to her which meant she was as prepared as she could be at this point; she would just have to let everything unfold and react accordingly.
This was how reality was for her and she had accepted it long ago; even before she lost her parents. Her current family members were still all asleep: Logo and the three chosen Does... Tazini, Muri and Lakita.
Vika had helped him choose those three as they were the smartest and most adaptable Does of Logo's herd and they would be able to support him with logical solutions to problems that might arise. As a Terran, Vika had her work cut out for herself training the three Does, but changing an alien society from the inside was never going to be easy... especially as a pet.
Vika smiled at the thought, she was indeed still, just a pet. She would never hold official status, or wield political power, but through Logo, Vika had influenced quite a lot of the future of Largath society.
Vika reviewed it in her mind.
She was unclear when she had started paying attention to her dreams, but she knew some scenarios would play over and over; showing her new things with every choice and re-choice.
When she was about six, she saw her mother fall and shatter her wrist, passing out from the pain. It took Vika weeks to discover the correct sequence to summon medical aid. So, when the actual event occurred, it was easy to follow the correct path, saving her mother from pain and a possible fatal outcome.
Vika learned that sometimes several outcomes could be enhanced, by doing subtle things. This education became more and more important as a new dream began to unfold... A nightmare.
Vika's father was a very successful corporate executive and was planning the family vacation of a lifetime. He made all the arrangements, including a private yacht with a full crew. With the kind of wealth and power he had he felt safe, having no indication anything could possibly go wrong.
But it could, and it did.
Vika's father did not heed warnings from the Trankaren official about planets beyond the outlying boarders of the Republic. He was of the opinion anything he saw was open to him. When the yacht landed on a glorious world of plateau's and woodlands, Gregori Yavikovich was positive it was perfectly safe.
Larga was far from perfectly safe.
Vika remembered how the yacht was set upon from all sides, disabled in moments as the human crew was torn to pieces. She followed the path her dreams had helped her find... to survive. The freckled red-haired human child who ran fearlessly to the biggest Largath and wrapped her tiny arms around it's massive leg.
He would not allow any other to touch her.
Unusually brave behavior for prey, he reasoned, perhaps it would make a good pet. After that day, Vika was a pet, but she was alive. Vika learned every day and verbal commands were taught to her, then more language.
She was well cared for, well fed, allowed to scurry about and exercise. Sometimes another Largath would be curious about her, but her dreams allowed her to parse the dangerous encounters with the merely curious. Her master was Logo, he was an elder bull.
Logo was one of largest bulls of this lodge, a group of males not yet blessed with herds. Largath were different from Humans in many ways, but one was their life cycle. Largath never stopped growing, eventually growing so large that their internal systems would fail to keep up with demand and that overgrowth would seal their fate.
The three stages of the Largath were: young, adolescent and adult. Young, or calves, were infants up to their puberty at around twenty years. Adolescents were called bucks or does during puberty, between twenty to forty years. Adults were called bulls or cows and were post pubescent, forty years and older.
An inexperienced buck could be very erratic and dangerous, older lodge bulls would either help them learn, or if they were ineducable, kill them.
Logo was highly respected by the lodge and was considered wise beyond his years. Vika quickly became a status symbol to Logo who became the fire haired pet that sat on his shoulder.
Then Logo made a petition to a small group of cows and does and was rejected. Logo was devastated: then to his surprise, his pet calmed him and started talking to him. Vika spoke with Logo for hours and until that time he had no idea how smart she was. She was much more than just a clever pet.
For months Logo did things separate from the lodge with only Vika as company. He taught Vika hunting and trapping. He showed her as much as he could, and she became more companion than pet.
Vika saw the next big step for them in her dreams for weeks, working out how to use it the very best she could. When it occurred, Logo took her every advice, knowing just how clever she was, and he was wise enough to see they had a symbiotic relationship. He had standing and strength, she had an uncanny way of knowing what to do, and when to do it.
Logo was hired onto a massive Bract merchant ship as "security" and at first, they forbid "pets". It was then Logo informed them Vika was his partner. The Bract merchant guild Captain was nervous about having a "slave" aboard the ship, but Vika informed them, she was no slave and would be with Logo as additional security for free.
Bract rarely rejected free.
Logo and Vika were now a set and he soon developed a positive reputation as a top security agent in Bract circles. Nothing got past his (her) watchful eye. His professional reputation slowly expanded to other races in the Minor Empires and Vika learned ship work and handling; guiding them along their way.
Logo was viewed as the best example of what an asset a Largath could be, with the tiny freckled fire-haired girl at his side or more often on his shoulder. She was never "Officially" recognized as more than a pet and it was only when a Trankaran Customs officer made an inquiry did Logo find out about "Humans" and the vast and powerful Federation.
Vika declared Logo was her "Father" and she was exempt, according to Largath law, from carrying official papers while in his company. Not surprisingly the Trankaran officer would not interfere with Largath law, even though he was unaware Vika had made up that particular statute on the spot.
Logo was again not surprised as his clever pet seemed to thread them through a maze of impossible situations.
This is when Vika told Logo about her dreams. Logo was more than willing to trust her ability, He wanted to see where it would lead them and heartily agreed to do as she advised. Together they traveled all over the Minor Empires, taking odd jobs to get specific things which then would be used months later.
Logo helped her find a lone Ca'tagri warrior, who agreed to train her for a specific item; one that she then presented to him immediately. He was so empowered by the mystical exchange, Vika was taught everything he knew.
Vika now carried the Ca'tagri fighting knives of a warrior. Logo helped her find an infamous rogue Skerawk blade singer. For an item she again presented immediately after request, she learned the ancient techniques of the wind-blades; gaining a full set of seventy deadly throwing weapons.
Vika now wore long coat covered in Skerawk wind-blades. Logo, with Vika's guidance, continued improving his reputation and wealth.
Eventually purchasing an old Trankaran freighter, they became merchants themselves and for the last five years they plied the Minor Empires and followed Vika's dreams. Logo was now very wealthy with a towering reputation when they returned to Largath.
He was petitioned by scores of Cows and Does to join his herd. Vika then told her "Master" of the dream wives that awaited her in the future. As Logo was successful beyond his wildest dreams, he would help her in any way he could. Her plan was to solidify his power base and train the very best of his Does to learn how everything was done.
Logo accepted, but he first fertilized all of his Cows, any advantage for the future of this herd would be welcome. For the following months she tested, chose, and trained three Does: they were informed by Logo that Vika had his authority over them. While they were surprised, they did not dispute it.
Soon the three realized how much Vika could teach them, with their young agile minds they learned well. Now the day had arrived: Vika could feel it...they had parked in the chosen spot at the Slarmian Bazaar the week before and waited.
Vika had accrued things over many months and they were all lined up in a line against the bulkhead of the old freighter. Logo's freighter had three storage levels, the lowest level was a magnificent shop, able to be accessed by customers when the doors were opened.
Vika said it was the best way for Logo and his herd, as it would give them the most money for the least amount of risk.
So Vika looked down from her high perch above the sleeping Logo and his three Does. They slept together in a heap. Vika longed to join them but being crushed under a sleeping Largath was a real concern.
Often her dreams only showed her major events and she was often surprised at times how trivial things made it all work out in the end.
Vika held on to the edge of her perch and thought back to when she first met Logo. At the ripe young age of 8: she had to learn quickly. It wasn't until she was 18 that she and Logo had become close, and in those years after, she had vastly improved his standing amongst his people.
Vika smiled and flipped down. For her size she was very strong, and she could climb and run for hours. Her little feet touched the pallet as she easily gained footing around the sleeping pile of Largaths.
She caressed Logo's head and smiled, he wasn't pretty, but he was good. She noticed his morning glory and smiled.
Logo had never asked for that kind of attention; but soon after they had grown closer together in their friendship, she found she could calm him with it.
She was able to wrap her arm around his girth and hold him in place next to her body.
His massive member began to stiffen further with being handled and she could hear his breath quicken. Logo's cock was longer and thicker than her arm and she could not encircle it with both hands. She wrapped both her arms around it now, leaning into it and pulling away, squeezing with her arms against her body.
Logo began to moan, waking Muri, who was a light sleeper. Muri's four eyes widened as she saw Vika working Logo's massive cock.
"Yoos gud gerl, lemme hep." Muri spoke in the trade tongue as Vika had instructed them all to learn and speak. Muri came around to kneel between Logo's legs, her own massive body's incredible proportions dwarfing Vika.
Muri had found Vika, the tiny freckled human aligning herself so closely with Logo, fascinating. Often, she would pester Vika with questions and very close inspections of Vika's tiny body; sometimes gently exploring what things made Vika happy.
Vika didn't mind Muri's questions and soft attentions at all. Logo had never and would never take Vika like he took the rest of his herd. He would have killed her, of course, so it was never even a consideration.
Logo was getting close so Vika nodded to Muri and she bent down and took the head of that giant cock into her wide mouth. With her teeth sheathed by generous lips, she wantonly sucked on him.
Vika kept working back and forth and soon felt the massive pulse when Logo throbbed into Muri's mouth; her eyes fluttered as she swallowed his release.
The first time Vika had pulled Logo off, some years earlier, she thought she might drown in the amount of seed he produced. She had tasted it, and found she didn't care for the salty, bitter flavor; but all three Does found it tasted like ambrosia.
Logo moaned the entire time he came, waking Tazini and Lakita. They also got a draw or two at his cock, Logo would not tolerate discourtesy in his herd.
Vika climbed up on his chest, and he blinked his four eyes at her, with a smile, "Gud mernin, pet." his deep voice rumbled.
"Gud mernin, Logo." Vika rubbed his face affectionately, "yoo slep wellin, ya?"
Logo chuckled softly, looking past Vika at his three attentive Does, "Ah, waekin betrin dat slep."
Vika giggled, it was true, Logo was quite spoiled by his usual wake up call.
Logo sobered, "Yern wiffa metsa t'dey, ya?"
Vika's lip quivered a little as she nodded.
"Ohya, pet, ahm gon missa yoo, fur-row-shuss." Logo winked two of his eyes.
Ferocious was his word this week, and he liked it.
Vika wrapped her tiny muscular arms around his big old boney skull and kissed him on his cheek.
"Mah wiffa gon parka jus neks porta sai, mebbe affernun." Vika spoke softly next to Logo's head.
He nodded softly, "Am lets yoo werkin dat, ah baks yoo ehp, ef yoo neddin et.
Vika smooched him again, and squeeked as he rolled up to his feet holding her in his arms.
The three Does got up and made ready the bath, something Vika had insisted they all do once a day.
With massive wet bodies soaping up, Vika stayed safe in the corner, keeping out from under feet.
Logo was just over eleven feet tall, and easily weighed a ton. He had probably another sixty years before he succumbed to overgrowth. Muri was the smallest of the Does at just under seven feet while Vika was perhaps four and a half feet tall with heavily freckled skin and her long dreaded locks of coppery-fire gave her the exotic look Logo adored.
Logo's crew was soon bathed, and they dressed in traditional but clean clothing.
Vika wore her Skerawk long coat over the same Largath style support for her breasts that the Does did. Vika had a small pouch on a cord she wore around her neck. Largath favored kilt-style apparel, Logo also had on a vest edged with embroidery; it was very fancy.
The four of them lined up and Vika inspected them. Vika saw four respectable merchants: civilized, sociable, and willing to make a deal.
"Yoo lukin gud, vera gud." Vika smiled, "Am vera prowd."
The four Largath cheered quietly, being made aware of just how loud they could be. Vika hadn't made them change to suit her; she only made them aware of how they could change. They chose this change; taking the effort to become part of the trading community in the Minor Empires.
The Deirdre slipped out of hyper-warp at the edge of the Mu Cygni system and Agatha glanced one last time at her Captain, "Tourist?"
Max giggled, "Tourist, Ags."
Mu Cygni was a large white star and the system had eight planets, a massive asteroid belt, and dozens of space stations. The Deirdre was hailed as they approached the seventh orbital ring.
The holo showed a yellow eyed Slarmian in a very official looking uniform, "Haloo der shippa dem berin to Staverka, be gudly an tellin us hooyas be and whatche wan?"
Joon's jaw dropped open.
Max replied to the Slarmian, "I am Max Anders on the Deirdre, we are tourists."
The Slarmian's eyes lit up, "Vera gud, Ah kin rekamond dey visitin die-nasty palliss, mebbe Ba-zarr tew den."
Max blinked, "Bazaar sounds great, can we get a flight path?"
"Ya surin, havin dat gud wun." The Slarmian nodded and closed the connection.
Joon glanced at Max, "I didn't understand half of that."
Max nodded, "Trade speak in the Minor Empires is... a little eclectic.
Agatha turned from navigation, "Metinkey dat spekkin arol isa gudly forin sum dat spekkin odder wit hissin an barkin."
Joon's eyes went wide, "Whoa, I think I'm going to leave the price haggling to you, Ags."
Chuckles sounded across the bridge
Astrid interjected, "The Slarmian Bazaar is the main trading hub of all the Minor Empires, even most of the Trankaran Republic merchants use it."
"So, what's the drawback?" Max glanced at Astrid.
"The royal house gets zero point one percent, off the top, on every exchange in the Bazaar." Astrid smirked.
Max blinks, "Is that good?"
"That isn't a tax for the Slarmian government, it's pure profit for the royal house." Astrid nods.
Joon glanced at Max, "We need to watch ourselves when it comes to learning how this place works, fiscal ties are one of the strongest and most fiercely defended.
Max looked at Agatha, "Can we keep a steady intel record while we are here?"
Agatha nodded, "No problem, I have two on com stations in eight hour shifts indefinitely."
"Will that be enough?" Max looked worried.
"We'll find out, and if I need to increase, I'll do it." Agatha nodded.
Agatha blinked, "Oh... almost no encryptions, this is going to be fun."
Max smirked.
The tiny warship followed the flight path to the planet Staverka.
Agatha was hailed by something called the Bazaar Parking Authority.
They added the Deirdre to the parking queue and when it was their turn, they were given the coordinates for a spot in the incredibly massive grid of the Bazaar.
Astrid looked at it, "It's like an open-air market, on a truly titanic scale!"
The Bazaar of Staverka was easily the largest free market in the Minor Empires.
The Deirdre made a textbook descent and landing, they found themselves in a long row of merchant ships, most of them open and with customers.
"Wow," Joon commented, "This place is busy."
Agatha reacted, "According to the brief, half a million merchants on average."
Max stared, "That's insane."
"It's a very impressive operation, I see why the Dynasty is so wealthy," Astrid commented.
Agatha stared off for a second, her eyebrows rose.
Joon saw her expression, "Are you okay, Ags?"
"I... I'm not sure," Agatha blinked, "I will monitor the situation."
Max peered at Agatha, "We just got here, how do we already have a situation?"
"I'm sorry, Max, but there seems to be a small mountain of emotion directed at us," Agatha winced.
Joon's eyebrow raised, "Did we land on someone's foot?"
Agatha shook her head, "No, it's not anger, it's nervous anticipation."
"How are you able to sense them so accurately?" Max inquired.
Agatha winced again, "I don't know... It's like this person knows us."
"What?" Joon and Max both asked with alarm.
Agatha pouted her face crumbling in anxiety.
"Oh, Ags, sorry..." Joon got up and hugged Agatha.
Max narrowed her eyes, "Maybe we need to investigate this personally."
"Uh, Max?" Astrid raised her hand.
Max shifted her focus to Astrid, "Yes?"
"There are... no actual weapon policies in the Bazaar. If anyone opens fire, everyone does." Astrid looked worried.
Max blinked, "Oh... Let's be very polite then."
Vika stood at the edge of the open bay of Logo's ship, staring at the corvette parked next to them.
Logo walked up behind her and kneeled down, "Dat dem?" he asked quietly.
"Yus... dat dem." Vika smiled, glancing at him.
Logo's mouth turned up in a silly smirk, "Smol shippa."
Vika gasped in feigned indignity, she hit his leg playfully, "Dunna shamin smol, meeno!"
Logo chuckled, "Yoo werri et wellin, yer drems sayit ya?"
Vika nodded, while still staring at the corvette.
The cargo bay door of the Deirdre slowly opened.
Logo watched as five humans emerged from the smaller ship.
Vika felt her heart sing, she knew every one of them.
Logo got to his feet as the humans approached, he gave them a friendly, well coached smile.
Vika's heart was beating incredibly fast as she also smiled.
"Aloo, wekem kotomerz," Logo bowed and motioned with his hands.
Logo moved deeper into the shop level of his ship, his three Does looked as excited as he felt.
Vika guided the five anxious and confused humans into the shop proper.
Max thumbed the DNA lock to open the cargo bay and she was immediately slammed by the dry heat of the Bazaar, which was imposing. Max, Joon, Astrid and two Agatha walked down the ramp.
Agatha's voice was whispering in their earbuds, "The girl next to the Largath is practically floating in emotion over us."
Joon muttered quietly, "How is that possible?"
Agatha responded through the earbud, "I don't know, but in a way, it is a similar feeling that Admiral Garbert-Smythe had for you, Joon."
Max glanced at Agatha, "She's our fan?"
Agatha responded again through the earbud, "But on a completely different level, and for all of us."
Max muttered, "That's the biggest Largath I have ever seen."
"He looks friendly," Joon quietly responded.
The crew of the Deirdre walked closer to the Trankaran built freighter.
The Largath welcomed them into the shop front of his freighter with a friendly smile.
Max got a good look at the human girl. She had a cute face with cobalt-blue eyes. She was around four and half feet tall and her skin was heavily freckled. She had long bright-copper dreaded hair that was bound together with a braided leather strap. Max noted the girl was barefoot; her freckled legs emerged from a dark blue belted kilt. She wore an elaborately tooled leather coat covered in metal inserts and she had some kind of chest wrap under the coat. Max could see her muscled and freckled abs, and with a quick glance she confirmed well-muscled calves.
Agatha updated the crew via earbud there were a total of four Largath in the shop.
Max watched the girl's body language, she was definitely anxious, but the smile on her face was anything but feigned. Joon put her arm around Max's waist and observed the girl's reaction.
She beamed.
Max spoke up, "Hello, this is our first time to the Bazaar, do you know us?"
"Ayam Vika." The tiny red head thrust out her hand to Max, her face showing pure adoration.
"Very nice to meet you, Vika." Max took the tiny hand into hers.
Max continued, "My name is..." before she finished Vika interrupted.
"Macks!" Vika beamed, then turned to the others, "Jun an Aztread an Agatah!"
The crew of the Deirdre was stunned.
"How do you know us?" Max asked wide eyed, staring at Vika.
Vika walked over to small black cloth covered table, she removed the small pouch on a cord from around her neck.
She spilled the contents of the small pouch.
The crew looked at the contents... four stones and a silver ring.
Vika lined up three of the stones with the ring.
Vika pointed at the smokey quartz, "Macks."
Then the peridot, "Jun."
Then the lavender quartz "Aztread."
Then the silver ring, "Agatah."
Vika picked up the ring, and pulled it apart then placed it back, it was a puzzle ring, with eight separate rings interlaced.
Joon nodded with her jaw slack, "The stones match our eyes..."
Astrid looked closely at the silver ring, "That is a beautiful work of art."
Agatha glanced at Max, "The last stone, it matches Vika's eyes."
Max's eyebrows rose, staring at the items on display.
"What is going on here?" Joon glanced at her crew mates.
Astrid pursed her lips, "I have a theory."
Vika looked at the tall thin platinum-blonde, with a hopeful smile.
"Somehow, you know us, and you want to join us?" Astrid gazed into Vika's cobalt-blues eyes.
Vika beamed, "Ayam noes yoo, ya."
The tiny red-head turned to the massive Largath, "Logo, tete maki dem wiffa gif awl atta tiem plez?"
The Largath nodded, turned and went to the huge lift.
Agatha blinked. Max caught some of that too.
Joon looked at Max's expression, "What... what did she say?"
One of the other Largath walked around from behind a counter, "Vika, yoo wan wiffa et denna nom, er yoo wan mebbe gettin tek ewai?"
The tiny red-head pursed her lips in thought, "Ya, Muri, det tek ewai, gud tink, lemme aks."
Agatha followed the conversation, "Eat in or take away, for dinner tonight?"
Vika almost exploded in happiness, "Agatah, yoo am ned tew lernit hoomis spek tew meyas."
"Yana wes kinna dozit lernum hoomis spek, Vika" Agatha smiled at her, "dozit allet yoo wan."
Agatha turned to the crew, "Do we want to try Largath cuisine, or something from the Bazaar?"
Joon and Max looked at each other.
Astrid smiled, "I've had Ca'tagri barbecue, I can recommend that."
Vika nodded with enthusiasm, "Bashra gud Ca'tag babakoo esa truzit Larget nomzit."
Agatha looked at Muri, smiled and nodded. "Yasa, Ca'tag babakoo denna vera gud."
Vika skipped over to the Largath, "Tanku Muri, des watta gud tinka, ferin wiffa."
The tiny human and the Largath hugged, then Muri went to an old com behind the counter and made an order.
The huge cargo lift descended and the massive Largath carried large items from the lift one at a time and with great care.
The first item brought a sharp intake from the crew. A TFN surplus treadmill, still in the translucent shipping dust cover.
Max glanced at Joon, at the same time she glanced at Max.
"How?" Max peered at Vika.
Vika nodded, "Ayam espleyn, bet yoo haf noe... ayam luf yoo."
Agatha's chin quivered.
Max nodded, getting most of what she said.
Joon looked at Agatha.
"Vika will explain, she wants us to know... she loves us." Agatha smiled.
Joon blinked at Vika, "Oh."
Joon enjoyed the novelty of looking 'down' into Vika's cobalt-blue eyes.
She nodded, "Go ahead, sweetheart."
Vika took a deep breath, and stood up straight. "Ayam hol lyf, ayam haf drems, drems dat lemme seyin tins noyet hapens."
Joon and Max looked at Agatha
Agatha translates, "My whole life, I have dreams, dreams that let me see things that have not happened yet."
Max and Joon slowly turn their heads and look at Vika.
"And you want to join us..." Joon softly concluded.
"Yus, Jun... Ayam wan te wiffa yoo." Vika smiled softly, "wiffa wit allem yoo."
Agatha was about to translate, but Joon held up her hand.
Joon walked around the table, to stand in front of the shorter woman.
Grass-green eyes looked deeply into cobalt-blue.
A silent tear rolled down Vika's cheek.
"Vika." Joon began, "Will you be my wife?"
Max stood there watching her best friend and senior wife propose marriage to a perfect stranger, and though it sounded quite mad, couldn't be happier about it.
The massive Largath knelt down, and waved his Does to his side, they quickly knelt with him to witness Vika's new family accept her.
Astrid was the next to walk over to Vika, "Will you marry me, Vika?"
Agatha glanced at Max, who nodded to her.
"Vika, I would like you to be my wife." Agatha said as she laid a hand on Vika's shoulder.
Max walked forward around the table, and kneeled. "I don't know you yet, but I know I want you to be ours, Vika, will you marry us?"
Tears flowing freely down her face, the tiny freckled redhead spoke in a clear voice. "Yes."
There were no dry eyes on the freighter when the Ca'tagri barbecue delivery arrived, the very confused Slarmian was surprised to see a teary-eyed Max and Logo fight over paying the bill, eventually they agreed to split it, and Max gave the driver a tip.
The four Largath, four humans and Agatha ate three hundred pounds of a variety of delicious smoked meats with gallons of spicy and mild sauce.
Logo opened one of his Trankaran lager kegs. The two families celebrated and got to know one another.
The opening of wedding gifts continued, a table-top hobbyist fabricator for Astrid.
Joon received a seventeen stringed Qiat koto and medical data from all of the Minor Empires.
Agatha received a crate of Yelneg war blades, fourteen of them.
Max received a solid Matsubara Z-750 hoverbike with an irregular shaped slab of Trankaran ablative plating welded to the front.
After the celebration died down, both of Vika's families helped move the gifts and Vika's possessions over to the Deirdre.
Everyone hugged, then Vika said goodbye to the Largath, giving Logo a smooch.
Both Max and Logo agreed they would depart, as the parking in the Bazaar was hourly.
Less than thirty minutes later the Deirdre was leaving the planet Staverka.
Agatha had devised a plan to appear to "depart" the Mu Cygni system. Only engage the sensor-baffles instead and then stay in system to continue to gather intel.
Max approved, then suggested the wedding party retire to the hot showers and enjoy the rest of the night in bed with their new bride.
Vika was suddenly apprehensive, she confessed, she had actually never been with anyone who was even remotely compatible.
Vika's wives were faced with daunting fact that Vika was personally inexperienced with lovemaking. So, they asked her what she wanted on her wedding night.
Vika really wanted to sleep in a group, her wives happily agreed to her wishes.
She slept between Max and Joon, with Astrid and four Agatha and for the first time in many years she had no prophetic dreams at all.