Three Square Meals Ch. 105

He nodded thoughtfully. "Actually, that's a great idea! I'd much prefer to be able to speak to you in person rather than trying to schedule holo-meetings. I suspected you'd want daily progress reports anyway."

*A nice compliment to boost his ego and you made it seem like you're only moving to Olympus to help him... You're a natural at this!* Alyssa enthused, suppressing a grin.

"I'd like to be kept well-informed, but I don't want you to feel like I'm burdening you with unnecessary meetings. Perhaps we could meet daily for lunch?" Lynette suggested, her tone accommodating. "That way you can keep me updated on anything important and if there's no news... well, we still have to eat."

"That sounds perfect," Charles replied, visibly relaxing. He smiled warmly at her as he continued, "Besides, the Citadel is in a right mess after the Kintark assault. I'm sure we can make you quite comfortable here at Olympus until you decide to return."

"Thank you for being so understanding, Charles," Lynette replied appreciatively. "We'll be working closely together for the foreseeable future, so I don't want us to start off on the wrong foot."

"No problem at all," he said, his eyes flicking to John then back to her. "I'm actually looking forward to having someone else around who knows what we're facing. Henry Voss has been a huge benefit to the refit program, but... he's a little eccentric."

Lynette raised her glass in toast. "To close friends..."

John, Alyssa, and Charles all clinked glasses then sipped their drinks.

Alyssa smiled benignly at Charles, while speaking telepathically to Lynette, *You handled that perfectly! Now you two can relax over a meal on a daily basis... and you've established yourself as his confidant!*

Lynette masked her grin by taking another drink, making eye-contact with the blonde over the rim of her glass.

"Speaking of Henry Voss, Rachel wanted a quick word... she's in her quarters," Alyssa said, while idly tousling John's hair.

He looked at her in surprise, then nodded and turned to smile at Charles and Lynette. "Sorry, duty calls... If you'll excuse me for a few minutes."

Charles waved away his apology. "It's quite alright. I'll just finish this drink then I need to get going; Admiral Van Den Broeck asked to meet for dinner tonight so we could discuss her new role."

"The redhead?" John said with a broad smile. "Charles, you old rascal... she's very attractive."

The admiral laughed and shook his head. "I know... her interest in me is quite mystifying. Still, I'm hardly going to object if a pretty woman wants to buy me dinner."

The two men finished their drinks and stood, missing Alyssa's scowl of frustration and Lynette's dejected frown.

"Thanks for the pleasant company, ladies," Charles said, inclining his head politely to their companions as they quickly masked their expressions. He smiled at Lynette and added, "I'll arrange a new office and quarters for you here on Olympus."

"Much appreciated, Charles," she replied, nodding gratefully. "Thank you."

The two men headed out of the Officers' Lounge, leaving Alyssa and Lynette on the sofas.

"Shit!" Alyssa swore with a grimace. "Lina's a fast worker."

"Never a good deed goes unpunished..." Lynette muttered, her brow creasing with worry. When she saw the blonde's look of confusion, she continued, "I actually felt sorry for Lina after eliminating all the divisions she was overseeing; that was why I assigned her to oversee the Olympus trade-hub expansion."

Alyssa got up, then sat next to Lynette and put her arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry. I doubt she'll sleep with him after their first date." She paused with a frown of concern. "Unless she's a really fast worker..." Seeing Lynette's look of alarm, she quickly continued, "That means we've got one more day to make plans, then you'll have to start your charm offensive!"

"Another day?" Lynette asked in confusion.

The blonde reached over to pat the curve of Lynette's cum-filled belly, her hand disrupting the holographic projection. "We'll be leaving tomorrow night... that means you've got another day of being stuffed full of John's cum while he changes you. After that you'll be a single girl and can start seducing Charles!"

The older woman blushed and nodded, a smile of anticipation spreading across her face.

***

John waved goodbye to Charles as the admiral left through the Invictus' airlock. *Okay, Edraele, I'm all yours...* he said as he turned and headed for the grav-tubes. *So what's bothering you?*

The Maliri Matriarch hesitated for a moment, then let out a rueful sigh. *I was just thinking that I'd always considered the Maliri's long lifespan a gift and the short-lived life of a Terran to be a curse, but now I see that there's a certain... agency... that Terrans possess and we Maliri lack.*

*The whiskey's probably making me a bit slower than usual,* John said with a smile. *Would you mind explaining that for me?*

*In the four hours that Lynette has been Fleet Admiral, she's already completely revamped the Terran Federation interplanetary budget, given High Command a dramatic feeling of new purpose, all while inspiring and uniting the admirals behind her,* Edraele explained, sounding slightly awed. *I realised that with living shorter lives, the Terran willingness to embrace change and their sense of urgency is a profound strength.*

*There's more to it than that,* he said intuitively. *I can tell that you feel ashamed about something... You wouldn't feel that way about the cultural differences you just mentioned, so what is it?*

*Lynette's so focused on helping Federation citizens. Her plans to improve colony development will make a major difference to the lives of people in the Outer Rim systems.* She faltered as she continued, *I-I should be doing a lot more to help the Maliri... I'm ashamed that I've been so singularly obsessed with Fleet refits at Genthalas that I've barely considered my people.*

John paused for a second as he considered his reply. *You've told me before that you lack experience with that kind of positive governance, so it's not surprising that you've overlooked that aspect of your rule. You also need to remember that you and Lynette are facing very different challenges. She needs to rebuild her fleet strength to defend Federation space against potential attacks, but you're making preparations for a war you know is coming... a war where I'm pushing the Maliri to shoulder the burden of the fighting.*

*Yes, that's true but-* she attempted to protest.

*I do hope you aren't interrupting your Progenitor, my devoted Matriarch?* John asked, keeping his tone light as he stepped out of the grav-tube on Deck Two.

*Of course not, my Lord. Please continue,* she replied contritely, a hint of amusement in her voice.

*You need to bear in mind that the Protectorate and Federation are at very different stages of development. The Federation is a relatively new civilisation that has gone through an unprecedented amount of growth in the last few centuries; all the outlying systems are severely lacking in infrastructure, so it's obvious what needs doing to improve the lives of citizens there. By contrast, from what I've seen of the Maliri worlds, they have excellent infrastructure and beautifully designed cities in place... you're just lacking the population to fill them.* He hesitated before adding, *In that regard, Lynette has a much easier job than you. Fixing the biggest problem affecting your people will take time... decades in fact.*

*Thank you for always trying to make me feel better about myself,* Edraele said quietly. *I'm not sure I deserve it, but you do... every time.*

*I love you, Edraele, I don't want you getting upset, especially when you haven't done anything wrong,* John said as he walked towards Rachel's quarters. *You've worked hard to support me in every way you can and I promise I truly appreciate everything you've done for me. I'll do my best to show you that when we return to Genthalas.*

*It feels like so long since I last saw you,* she said wistfully. *It's only been a week, but it seems like a lifetime...*

He couldn't help chuckling at that. *Honey, I know exactly what you mean...* John paused outside the door to Rachel's room. *Will you give your girls a kiss and tell them I love them.*

Edraele's playfully seductive tone came through loud and clear. *Just a kiss?*

*To start with...* he replied, smiling as he imagined it.

*I will do as My Lord commands,* she purred, sounding happy and contented once more.

John hesitated at the door, considering knocking for a moment, then smiled when he remembered that they were long past the need for that. Pressing the button on the wall, the door swished open, revealing Rachel in a matching set of black underwear holding up long dresses in front of a mirror. She turned to look his way, a dazzling smile on her face, her obvious delight at seeing him filling him with happiness.

"Hey gorgeous," he said, returning her smile. "Getting ready for a night out?"

Rachel glided over to give him a sizzling kiss. "Actually, that's exactly what I'm doing! My dad asked me to meet him for dinner." Her grey eyes glinted as she added, "Dana's coming... would you like to join us?"

He hesitated for a moment, torn between his desire to build a relationship with his future father-in-law, and his need to address some other important business.

She was surprised to see him pause and asked, "What's wrong?"

He grimaced as he replied, "I need to talk to Jade. There are some things I have to sort out with her before we add her sisters to the group and I'm on a strict deadline... I'm sorry for letting you down."

"Hey, there's no need to feel bad, I understand," the brunette said, her soft fingers smoothing out his worry lines. She smiled at him, then walked back to her dresses. "Having dinner with just Dana and my father might actually be a nice opportunity. I'd like him to see just how wonderful she is, and if you were there too, I know you'd be the focus of my father's attention."

She picked up the red and green dresses and held them against her chest, trying to decide which to wear. John glanced into her wardrobe and pulled out a mid-length sky-blue dress. "Try this... it'll subconsciously reinforce you're a couple to your father."

Rachel turned to look at him quizzically, then her smile widened. "Oh John, that's a lovely idea! I got that one to match her eyes."

She slipped it on, draping the silky material over her curves, then turned to check her reflection.

"You look stunning," he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. One hand was drawn to her toned stomach and he gently caressed her as their eyes met in the mirror. Her gaze softened, showing nothing but love as she watched him. "Now you look truly beautiful..."

Rachel turned to face him, her expression shifting with a flood of emotions. "Thank you... for everything. I was a lost soul when you rescued me all those months ago... but you managed to make life wonderful again." She bit her lip and those gentle grey eyes welled up. "I never thought I'd get my father back, but he's so different now. He really loves me, I can see how much he cares... he was never that open with me before, even when my mother was still with us."

"I'm so glad that you're rebuilding your relationship with him," John said, carefully brushing his thumb across her cheek and catching a tear. "You're a lovely girl, Rachel, you deserve this."

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tight, while John smiled and rubbed her back.

"Can I share the love?" Dana asked with a warm smile as she glided into the room.

John beckoned her to join them, "Get over here, gorgeous."

She embraced her girlfriend from behind and John repositioned his arms so he was encircling them both. They stood quietly for a long moment, relishing that shared intimacy while Rachel got her emotions under control again.

When they broke up the hug, Rachel turned to look at Dana, her eyes widening in surprise and delight when she saw the smoky-grey dress the redhead was wearing. "You had the same idea as John!" She glanced at him over her shoulder. "You're both so in tune!"

Dana blushed and admitted, "Actually, blondie just told me what John had picked out for you. I was going to wear the green..."

The three of them laughed together, then Rachel quickly put on some makeup and high heels. She gave John a brilliant smile, then stood beside her lover. "What do you think?"

"You both look incredible and it's obvious you belong to each other..." he said earnestly, admiring the two visions of loveliness standing before him.

Dana frowned and shook her head. "We belong to you..."

John reached out to caress them both, smiling as they leaned into his hands. "That goes without saying."

They rewarded him with tender kisses, then accompanied him out into the corridor.

"Who's on guard duty tonight?" John asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tashana stepped out of the grav-tube in a Paragon suit. "That would be me."

"I thought you and Irillith had plans for Jehanna this evening?" John asked, greeting the Maliri girl with a smile.

"We're going to postpone that until tomorrow," she replied, strolling down the corridor to join them. "You've got a busy schedule tonight and there's no better way to finish off some girl-on-girl loving than having your belly stuffed full of cum. We're trying to convince Jehanna to retire with us, so we want this to be something she'll never forget!"

John leaned in to give Tashana a quick kiss when she removed her Paragon helmet. "So, you like her too?"

She nodded enthusiastically, then smiled at Dana and Rachel. "We've both got a thing for Terran girls. You're all so exotic!"

They walked back to the grav-tube, with the three girls chatting animatedly about dinner that evening.

*Jade, would you meet me down in the Cargo Bay please?* John requested as he followed his nubile companions into the red anti-gravity field.

*Give me ten minutes and I'll be right there!* the Nymph readily agreed.

"Have a great time tonight," he said to the girls, when they reached Deck Nine.

"I'm sure you will!" Dana said with a cheeky grin. "You're breaking in the Nymphs, right?"

He laughed and shook his head at her choice of phrase. "I wouldn't have put it quite like that... you know I'm just trying to help them."

Rachel smiled at him and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "They're lucky girls... I wish I could see their faces when they realise you're genetically compatible with them."

Tashana put her helmet back on and said, "We won't be out too late; Alyssa wants us to have a nap before the big showdown tonight."

John parted ways with them at the Cargo Bay doors, waving goodbye to Dana, Rachel, and Tashana as they headed for the airlock. Striding across the huge room to the large crates full of refined metals, he removed the lids from several marked with a silvery-white icon. Concentrating on the shiny blocks of refined metal within, he beckoned them out, then merged them into a massive roiling orb. It was easy to lose himself in the steady rhythm of shaping then melting down the malleable metal, strengthening it each time until he was able to start creating deca-shaped plates. John found that he was comfortably able to create four at a time without overly taxing himself, so he quickly started building up an impressive stack of Crystal Alyssium armour.

He felt a light touch on his arm, rousing him from his methodical work, having not heard Jade's quiet footsteps across the Cargo Bay deck. "I brought you some dinner, John."

Turning her way, he grinned when he saw the big plate with two steak sandwiches she was holding. "Those look amazing, thank you!" he exclaimed, giving her a grateful peck on the cheek.

She grinned at him, delighted to see him so happy. They sat cross-legged on the deck with the plate between them, as Jade put down a couple of bottles of water that she'd kept tucked under her arm. John nodded his approval as he took a big bite, the food tasting as good as it looked.

"You'll need lots of energy for later," Jade said with a coy smile, before picking up the second sandwich and taking a bite.

They sat together in comfortable silence, watching each other eat. John took his time admiring the gorgeous verdant girl sitting before him, meeting her curious gaze as she studied him in return.

*So what am I going to do with you, my naughty little Nymph?* he asked, giving her a level look as he took another bite of his sandwich.

Jade flushed with shame, her skin darkening with a beautiful lustre. *I'm willing to submit to any punishment you deem appropriate, Master.*

*This is the problem I'm facing: You ran off on a whim, right before one of the most intense battles we've ever fought in.* He paused for a moment to let her process that. *You put Calara, Irillith, and Faye at huge risk, leaving the Invictus without our best pilot when we really needed you.*

Her emerald eyes were filled with sorrow, and she was no longer able to meet his gaze. *I'm so sorry, Master... I have no excuse, I was just overcome with the need to protect my sisters. I still can't believe that I effectively disobeyed you, it goes against everything I hold dear.*

John finished the final bite of his sandwich, then took a big drink from the bottled water. When he was done, he pushed the plate and bottle out the way, then beckoned her over. "Come here, Jade."

She sat in his lap, curling her arms and legs around him and hugging him tight. "How can I make it up to you?" she whispered remorsefully, resting her head on his shoulder.

John was quiet for a long moment, just stroking her back as she stayed wrapped around him. He leaned back a little so that he could tilt up her chin and look into her eyes. "Jade, do you respect my judgement as our leader?"

The Nymph looked mortified that he would think otherwise and nodded frantically. "Of course! You've steered us to safety through so many disasters! There is nobody in the galaxy I respect more than you, John, I swear it!"

"I understand it was an exceptional set of circumstances and that the Nymphs were in real danger. I'm also certain that you saved Jehanna's and Lynette's lives, as well as those of your four sisters, and you even helped bring Weber to justice. However, I can't have you running around doing whatever you like, not if it puts the rest of the team in danger," he said quietly. "You need to promise me that you won't just go off-mission like that again, not without at least warning me first."

"I promise," Jade said earnestly. "I really mean it, John."

John brushed his fingers through her hair and cupped her head in his hands. "I believe you... You're forgiven, Jade."

Like bright sunshine chasing away stormy clouds, a radiant smile lit up her sorrowful face and she hugged him fiercely. "Thank you, Master!"

He returned her enthusiastic embrace, smiling at her when she finally pulled back. "Now, shall we review you in action on Tartarus?"

She blushed, obviously embarrassed about her solo rampage. "If you want..."

Brushing his thumb across her cool cheek, he said gently, "I said you were forgiven, Jade. I'm not suggesting we look at it to make you feel guilty, I'm just curious to see how you handled yourself in combat. I saw the aftermath when I visited Tartarus and it was... impressive."

The Nymph sat up straighter, her expression lifting. "Okay then!"

Glancing up at the ceiling where he knew hidden cameras were located, John called out, "Faye, can you project the Tartarus footage in here?"

The purple sprite popped into existence, her gossamer wings fluttering as she bounced over to join them. "Sure! That's no problem!"

"I'm guessing you've compiled the relevant video into something we can watch?" John asked with a knowing smile.