Spark the Runner Ch. 05

Spark the Runner Ch. 05

The Continuing Adventures of Spark, Tonya and Okami

Author's note: This is a continuation of previous years' Geek Pride event Spark the Runner stories (1 thru 4). It isn't necessary to read the previous ones to enjoy this one, but you might find it entertaining...

Okay, so despite Real Life interfering for the last two years, I just couldn't leave this one alone. In the spirit of fair warning, this picks up where the last one left off and continues both the physical and metaphysical adventures, the nonhuman relations and so forth, with more attention to Tonya's evolution.

The Geek Pride event isn't a contest. That being said, voting and comments are how I know how well I am pleasing you, the reader. Enjoy.

*~ *~ *~ *~ *

"Lizzie, I've got no idea about labor and delivery! Call Erliss! Or Saelass! Their biology is close to human! Or contact the Professor and get him to recommend an Ob-Gyn..."

Spark was feeling particularly helpless as he lay next to his very pregnant wife. They had decided, given the circumstances, to go ahead and make it official. They held the wedding on Mars, at the Crescian embassy, with both a human and Crescian priest co-officiating and select friends and acquaintances in attendance. Professor Lenox had been the only one -- besides the trio of Spark, Tonya and Okami -- to know that it wasn't just a reaffirmation of vows because of Tonya's pregnancy, but an actual, legitimate marriage.

One that pushed the boundaries of human law, in that Tonya was a construct. But no construct had ever become pregnant before, and therefore the argument could be made -- and was, in private -- that she was no longer a construct, but had evolved into a metahuman. All of which was being hidden from those who already thought she'd been a metahuman all along.

"I am simply concerned, husband..." -- the smile was just below the surface as it always had been -- "that when the time comes, I will not know what I am doing. There is very little useful data available regarding the experience of labor. Quite a bit of speculation and reminiscence, and a plethora of pedantic academic dissembling disguising incompetence, but nothing I can use to judge where in the process I am and what I should be doing about it."

"Lizzie, you're eight months pregnant. Isn't it a little late to be worrying about this?"

"Not at all. It is exactly the right time, in that I have run out of useful information." Spark regarded Tonya with a bit of amazement. She had her own way of doing things and they almost always worked out. He wasn't about to argue. Much.

"When does Okami get back?" he asked her, changing the subject. Or so he hoped.

"Twenty-two hundred," she answered. "She is bringing Professor Lenox back with her, and Miriam. We will, of course, accommodate them here, in our Embassy quarters."

"Miriam? Miriam who?"

"Miriam Fitzgerald. Chief Financial Officer of the First Crescian Consortium and Bank, Earth Division," Tonya offered. "You might remember her from the wedding. The Professor has been spending quite a bit of time with her, since the seawater extraction project is nearing operational startup. I believe she wants to meet with our hosts. Again"

Spark let out a breath. He was glad the Professor was handling most of the Earth-side dealings. Spark did much better with the Xenos than with the humans.

"Perhaps I will ask her about an O.B.G.Y.N.," Tonya mused. "She has had children."

Spark decided discretion was the better part of valor and kept his mouth shut. It had been a long, strange trip getting here, and it was probably going to get a lot stranger.

* * * * *

Seven months ago, when Tonya had announced her pregnancy, life had become a whirlwind -- or more accurately, a maelstrom -- starting with meeting the Succubae. Or at least, that was Spark's impression.

The Arcasians -- from Arcas in Ursa Minor -- essentially lived off libido. Or the functionally equivalent metaphysical energy common to most multisex life-forms. It didn't help Spark's impression any that they were also two meter humanoids, with dark skin, tails, talons and wings. And had glowing eyes, ranging from red through yellow. As a race, they were hermaphroditic. And opportunistic. Very opportunistic.

Leeanni had arranged for two of the Arcasian Trade Representatives attending the Meet to visit Tonya in their Crescian apartments. Spark was having just as much trouble with his libido as he did with the Crescians'.

Greetings, Mrs. Elizabeth McLeod, one of the Arcasians thought to the entire group as Leeanni escorted them in. It is our understanding that you wish to speak with us, alone, before the Meet? Rather direct from Spark's point of view.

Jamie, Lizzie, Okami, Leeanni interrupted in a hurry. May I introduce Quint and Septi, Trade Representatives from Arcas? I have explained to them your desire to meet with them. Quint, Septi... may I introduce Mr. Jamie McLeod, usually known as Jamie, Mrs. Elizabeth McLeod, Jamie's wife and usually known as Lizzie, and Ms. Okami, a Solarian Canilupe? They will be the new Solarian Trade Representatives after the Meet.

An honor to meet you, Spark thought to them, again realizing he needed to assert his position as de facto leader of the trio. We are woefully ignorant of extraterrestrial customs. What would be an appropriate manner of greeting?

We are aware that Solarians usually use handgrips, Quint replied. And that is certainly acceptable to us. Among ourselves and others who are comfortable with the practice, we usually embrace.

I can go with that, Spark thought, stepping forward and trying to ignore the large tits and hefty cock on the creature before him. In turn, Quint spread his (her?) arms to receive the embrace and as Spark stepped into it, folded his (her?) wings around them both. Spark damn near came from the jolt of libido-charged energy that shot through him. Thankfully, Tonya had pre-conditioned him.

Wow! Spark thought as they broke the embrace. That is some greeting!

And you are quite tasty, Quint commented. I can see why the King and Queen are impressed with you.

Wait until you try Lizzie, Spark thought with a smile, knowing full well she was aware of the conversation. By the way, I'm used to dividing pronouns into three categories... 'he', 'she' and 'it'. Do you have a preferred mode of address?

Quint made a low, thrumming sound. Spark presumed it was a laugh.

In our language, your 'he' or 'she' or 'it' would be 'ish', as would 'him' or 'her'. The possessive 'his' or 'hers' or 'its' would be 'isht'. The Solarian defaults of 'he', 'him' and 'his' are fine by us. Or you can use the feminine. We will not be offended, especially since it sometimes depends on whose penis is inserted where. And I believe Septi is anxious to sample your energy, Quint smiled. And it was a smile, by human standards, despite the glistening ivory fangs.

As Spark moved to embrace Septi, Tonya moved up to Quint.

Septi was just as sensual and overloading to Spark's senses as Quint had been.

Mmmm... Septi thought as they broke the hug. Well met, indeed. We should explore these feelings further, at a more convenient time.

Right with you, Spark answered, wondering for a moment just how strange life was going to get.

Here, hold my beer... Tonya thought to him over their implanted microband transceivers.

Lord! Where does she get these idioms??? Spark thought as he realized what Tonya was about to do.

"AHHH!!! Tháhnmàucuávutru!!!" That was Quint and that was vocalized, not thought. Spark risked a look over.

Quint was holding Tonya and his rather impressive cock was straight up and spurting copious fluids while he shook and steadied himself on her. Who, for the record, was looking quite innocent. Septi, on the other hand, was staring in amazement. Spark also noted Okami was trying very hard not to laugh.

Did I discomfort you? Tonya asked, all wide-eyed innocent as Quint's shaking subsided. If so, I apologize. We are not yet well versed in the protocols for sharing among races.

That was... phenomenal, Quint thought in return, still a bit shaken. I believe the Solarian phrase would be 'that was one hell of an introduction!'...

Then you are not offended? Tonya asked, picking up a napkin from the table and beginning to dab the fluids off her breasts. The three of them had adopted the Crescian habit of wearing as little clothing as practicable, and here in their apartments they tended to go nude.

Not at all, Quint answered, then paused a moment before asking, Can you do that... uh, create that effect... at will?

Mostly, yes, Tonya acknowledged. Although Jamie, Okami and I are usually considered a symbiote. We operate best as a team, whether conducting business or sharing pleasure.

Spark suddenly began to see the machinations of Tonya's mind unwinding, and smiled. She's good at getting what she wants, that's for damn sure, he thought to himself.

Quint looked over at his partner. Septi, would you please come over here for a moment? There appeared to be an eagerness in his body language.

Am I sure I want to? Septi answered, even as he moved over towards Tonya and Quint.

Oh, yes... you are very sure you want to, Quint smiled, then turned to Tonya. Could you please share with Septi that which you so graciously shared with me?

It will be my pleasure, she smiled.

More likely isht, Quint thought. I mean, his.

As Septi walked up to Tonya, she opened her arms for the embrace. Septi stepped into it and was a matter of seconds before he, too, was ejaculating like a fountain and moaning in what Tonya presumed was his native language.

When Septi's reactions began to subside, Tonya just stood there, smiling and being quiet.

That is an amazing amount of power, Septi commented when he could think straight. And especially for someone in your position.

My position? Tonya echoed.

You are with child, Quint interrupted.

Oh! Yes... yes, I am, Tonya answered as she understood his comment. It is recent news to me and I have not completely taken it in.

Leeanni had been following along with a slightly amused look on her face. Until Tonya confirmed being pregnant. That appeared to surprise the young Crescian and she gave a sharp look towards Tonya, breaking it after a moment to interrupt.

Introductions made, she thought to the others. Perhaps, when the Arcasians have recovered from Lizzie, we could move to the table where we can determine appropriate refreshments and get to the reason for the requested meeting?

We can, Okami rejoined, but if you don't mind, I would like to share the welcoming hugs as well. Though I think I will keep the effects dialed way back, in deference to our new friends.

Certainly, we would love to welcome you by embrace, Quint told her, then moved to do exactly that. When they broke the hug, his comment was simply, you have a most intriguing feel to your skin.

Fur is rare among our friends, Leeanni hastened to point out. Not unknown... just rare.

Septi stepped in for his hug and on breaking it, added, Agreed. Very silky and sensuous. Tantalizing.

The table? Leeanni prompted and soon everyone was sitting around, sipping the libations of their choice from the selection Okami made available.

In the Crescian spirit of straight to the point, Quint addressed the Solarians, why did you want to meet with us?

There is a subject of great interest to Lizzie, Spark jumped in, about which you appear to have expansive knowledge. She would like to discuss it with you.

Lizzie? Quint turned to Tonya.

In the Crescian spirit of straight to the answer, Tonya smiled, I understand you have a technology which, when applied to Solarian biophysics, could extend the life of a Solarian humanoid to about two thousand years. I am interested in acquiring it.

To use, or sell? Septi asked.

To use, Tonya replied.

You wish to live two thousand years? Quint asked, apparently in confirmation.

Not for me. Tonya could see the slightly confused expressions on the Arcasians. My meta capabilities may, if properly and rigorously applied, provide me that lifespan already. I ask because I am interested in it for Jamie and Okami, that the three of us might live and work together comfortably for my future.

Ahhh... Quint nodded. You wish to continue the existence of the symbiote as long as possible. I presume there would be an exchange of services involved, or similar?

Of course, Tonya smiled. And there can be many kinds of services. For now, I would like to confirm that such technology is in existence and available, and that we might be able to come to some form of quid pro quo.

'Something for something'... yes, I believe that is quite possible, Quint nodded.

As you might imagine, we are very busy getting up to speed on all the different races and representatives we will be meeting, Tonya pointed out. However, we are very happy to have had this chance to meet, and I can assure you -- on behalf of all of us -- that you will always be welcome, should you desire to visit again. If there is anything we can do to help you be more comfortable, please let us know -- we will do our best to help out.

You are very gracious, Septi answered. I am sure we will have a chance to get to know each other very much better, not only during the Meet, but in our future business dealings.

Since we appear at the end of this visit, Quint thought, we will take our leave and see you around as chance may have it. As the Crescians say, may Good Fortune lead your way and Happiness surround you.

Live long and prosper, Spark answered. He figured, hey -- it had worked for the King and Queen, why not just go with it?

Leeanni rose from the table to escort the Arcasians to the door. When they assured her that they knew their way back and didn't need an escort, she bid them farewell and returned to the table after they'd left.

Now the fun begins, she thought to the Solarians.

What do you mean? Tonya asked, obviously curious.

Well, by tomorrow, either their interactions with you will be considered Trade Secrets and highly protected, or the entire planet will know that we are being visited by Deities. Spark was sure he could see a bit of a smile. In either case, I suspect the other Exalted on planet will be agitating to be able to experience your sort of welcome.

Other Exalted? Tonya asked.

That's who they are, Leeanni explained. Quint and Septi are from the group of politicians and representatives they call the Exalted. In one of your old languages, Quint would be Quintus Exaltatus...

The Fifth Exalted, Tonya interrupted. And Septi would be Septimus Exaltatus -- the Seventh Exalted.

Correct, Leeanni confirmed. There are currently six Exalted here for the Meet, along with their staff. I'm pretty sure they're numbers One, Three, Five, Six, Seven and Nine, or Primo, Tertius, Quintus, Sextus, Septimus and Nonus. All of them Exaltatus, of course. In some ways, it is easier to deal with Solarians and your customs by thinking in terms of your history. You have been studied for quite a long time, you know. We don't make Xeno-contacts unless we have a very good reason to, and are fairly sure of our success.

And in the Crescian spirit of Straight to the Point, Leeanni smiled, I have to leave soon to attend to other duties... but I am... um...

Hornier than a... whatever an appropriate simile would be? Okami offered.

Two peckered Billy goat, Spark supplied.

Yes, that one, Leeanni nodded.

Lizzie, dear... would you accommodate our young friend here? Spark thought to them all. I have some studying I have to do.

Of course, husband, Tonya smiled as she walked over to Leeanni, who simply held her four arms open for the hug.

* * * * *

"Okay, so sex sells," Spark commented to Tonya and Okami as they sat at dinner. "We have an eclectic mess of aliens to deal with, and they have some items in common, chief among them is sex, of some kind."

"We know we are compatible with the Crescians, Sirians and Denebites," Tonya added. "And have already won a couple of them over. We are also, apparently, compatible with the Arcasians, though we have not really had sexual relations with them."

"Lizzie, what you did to them was sexual relations," Spark pointed out. "It just didn't involve intercourse."

"Fair enough," Tonya answered. "Following that train of thought, relations with the Regulans, being humanoid Felines, and the Callistians, being small humanoids like the Earth Pygmies, should be straightforward. Probably the Antarians as well, since they are also humanoid, though in appearance more like corpses or skeletons."

"Leaving the big headache of the non-humanoids," Okami interjected. "And a fairly wide range of non-humanoid at that."

"So we have to find out what trips the others' triggers," Spark acknowledged. "We've got the Altairians, like two-meter salamanders, the Vegans, like... who knows what? They're blobs of dense energy floating around in those e-suit orbs... the Betelites, with three tentacles for arms and three legs on an egg-shaped body - no clue how to figure that one out... and the Rigelians, who are like supersized, flattened eggs, sunny side up. No clue whether they actually have sex.

"If Lizzie can connect to them with her meta, we have a chance. Unless, of course, any of them are asexual. Then that's a whole different can of worms."

"They will all have some form of libido, husband," Tonya told him. "It is the Crescians' stock in trade. Why would they establish relations with an asexual race?"

"Money," Sparke answered her, honestly. "They are intergalactic merchants. They wouldn't pass up an opportunity to make a huge profit if a way could be found to relate to their victims. I mean, partners. We don't know if any of the remaining partners respond to sex."

"We will," Tonya reassured him. "I will be probing and monitoring during the entire set of meetings. We may need to invite some of them back here to experience our symbiote. However, that is hardly a dissuasion."

"Then let's go after the low-hanging fruit," Spark suggested. "While we figure out the tougher ones."

"Low-hanging fruit," Tonya iterated. "The ones most likely to be susceptible to us, and therefore easier."

"Exactly," Spark agreed.

"In which case," Okami spoke up, "all we're waiting for is the meetings to start and Leeanni's guidance."

The others looked at her and nodded.

"So... who wants to fuck?"

* * * * *

It was less than twenty-four hours later, Ship's Normal Time, that Leeanni was sitting at the trio's table, handing them sheets of paper.

This is the agenda for the meetings, she explained. I have been trying to find the Crescian equivalent of the Earth P-Com and am being largely unsuccessful. It appears to be one area where our Researchers blew it. We did not realize the degree to which Solarians ran their lives by the little handheld devices. We will need to develop one which can translate between the various languages used by the Trade Representatives, to be able to manage messages and calendars and so forth. It is rather embarrassing, actually, for a people who pride themselves on being prepared.

Would it help your Researchers any if we were to provide detailed schematics, plus the rough-in for a Universal Translator? Tonya asked.