Three Square Meals Ch. 116

Dana strolled over to join them, carrying the chrome sub-machinegun in a leather shoulder harness. "You left this behind in Perl's room."

He paused and looked at the SMG, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "That's yours, Sparks."

The redhead handed it to him. "Nah, you keep it. Forget about paying me back, it's a gift." She darted a meaningful glance at Kelli and Perl. "The Outer Rim's a rough place, you need something for protection."

Tony slipped the jacket off his shoulder and fastened the harness in place. "Thanks a lot." He hesitated and looked her in the eyes. "Are we cool?"

"Yeah, totally," Dana replied with an amiable smile. "Thanks for apologising, that meant a lot."

He relaxed and gave her a grateful nod.

Turning to the blonde and brunette, Dana pulled them into a hug. "You two take care, okay?"

"We will, I promise," Perl said, returning it fiercely.

The brunette joined their embrace. "Have fun with John. Remember, if he's not begging you for more, you're doing it wrong!"

Dana laughed and nodded. "I can't wait!"

She gave them both a quick kiss, then waved goodbye and left in the grav-tube.

Faye turned to the three Karron survivors. "Alright, if you'd like to grab your bags, I'll show you out."

They collected their luggage and followed her over to the grav-tube, carefully stepping into the red field and floating down in silence. Faye darted a glance at her three companions and saw they were all lost in thought, Tony's expression somewhat pensive as he pondered their future plans. Upon reaching Deck Nine, they walked out into the corridor and turned left through the double-doors into the Secondary Hangar. There were two people waiting for them in the shadow of the stealth shuttle, an older blonde and a stocky man with a beard.

Faye turned to Tony and beckoned him to follow. "Come on, I'd like you to meet someone."

They walked over to the pair in the hangar, who turned to face the new arrivals.

The older blonde looked Tony over with an appraising eye. "So this is the fella you were telling me about, Faye?"

The purple sprite nodded exuberantly. "That's right! Tony, I'd like you to meet Valia Gate's Governor, Lucyna Novitsky."

"Nah, just call me Luce," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. Not waiting for a reply, she glanced at the man beside her. "What do you reckon, Pete? He looks like he can take care of himself, despite the fancy suit."

Pete scratched at his beard and nodded. "I hear you've got a bit of a shady past... but you want to turn over a new leaf?"

"That's right," Tony replied, not sure what was happening. "We're lookin' for a fresh start."

"You any good at spotting liars and cheats?" Luce asked, narrowing her eyes. "Don't much care what you did on Karron, but Pete's looking for help."

The bearded man nodded, studying the big ganger. "Job's not too hard, I can show you the ropes. Mostly we're here to keep the peace in the colony, but we get a few merchants trying to dodge trade duties or smugglers landing outside the starport. I need a reliable man, someone who can handle himself in a fight and I can trust to have my back." He frowned, his eyes shadowing with grief. "I lost one of my deputies to the bugs... Ray got shot up real bad and the bastards killed him."

"Wait... you want me to be a lawman?!" Tony asked them incredulously.

"That's right, son," the man replied with an infectious smile. "The name's Marshal Pete Coburn and I want you to work for me as my deputy."

Luce nodded, her expression sombre. "We heard how you saved these girls from the Kirrix invasion... only you three made it out of the whole damned colony. A fella with the moxie to pull off a rescue like that is the kind of man we want at Valia Gate. We're offering you a salary to keep a roof over your heads, a clean slate, and a friendly place to set up home. What do you reckon?"

Tony looked astonished, his eyes flicking from Luce to Pete. "Yeah, sounds amazin'..." He hesitated and colouring with embarrassment, he quietly admitted, "But I outta be straight with you... I've got no education... I can't read for shit."

"We can teach him!" Kelli blurted out.

Perl nodded eagerly. "Tony's really smart, he'll pick it up in no time!"

Luce and Pete exchanged a furtive smile.

"Sounds like that settles it then," the Governor said, patting Tony on the arm. "Welcome to Valia Gate, Deputy."

Pete offered Tony his hand and nodded in approval when the ganger matched his iron grip. "I got a good feeling about this, son. Report to the Marshal's office tomorrow and I'll get you started."

Tony looked shocked, but he quickly relaxed and returned the Marshal's smile.

"Can you two ladies use computers? Know your way around the Holonet?" Luce asked, studying the girls. When they both nodded, she continued, "Dealing with all the insurance and compensation claims after the invasion is gonna be a fucking nightmare. I need more people on my admin staff to deal with the damn T-Fed bureaucracy... I could really use your help, if you're interested?"

They eagerly accepted, agreeing to meet with her the following morning. With the job offers made and directions given to the hotel in town, the Governor and Marshal took their leave.

Tony watched them go, shaking his head in amazement. He turned to Faye and blurted out, "You did all that?"

She looked up at him with her big luminous eyes. "I know I should have asked you first, but you were really worried about your future and I thought if I explained how resourceful you were to the Governor, she might be able to-"

He dropped to one knee and pulled her into a bear hug. "No one's ever done anythin' like that for me before..."

Faye leaned into the embrace and whispered in his ear, "Just give those lovely girls a good life and I'll consider us even."

He looked in her eyes and nodded, then moved out the way so that Kelli and Perl could hug the sprite too. They both kissed Faye, tearfully thanking her for looking after them and being so wonderful. Faye smiled as she returned their embrace, until she saw movement by the door leading into the Primary Hangar.

"I really hope everything works out for you on Valia Gate," she said with a smile. She deliberately looked past them towards the door. "Now, there's someone else who wants to speak with you before you go..."

They turned to see Alyssa leaning against the doorframe, her arms folded across her chest as she watched them.

Perl saw Tony tense and she slipped a hand into his as she whispered, "I was wrong about her. Alyssa's really nice, she isn't going to hurt you."

He walked across the hangar to the blonde Lioness, who made no move to approach them, her eyes flicking between Tony and the two girls.

Alyssa opened her mouth to speak, but Tony dropped his suitcase and held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I just wanna say somethin', okay?"

She nodded and waited with a curious look on her face.

Tony took a deep breath, then said quietly, "I know you weren't bluffin' yesterday; you were gonna fuck me up and I couldn't do shit to stop you. I guess... well, I finally know what it must've been like for you, feelin' powerless when I hit you and stole your stuff." His eyes were deeply troubled as he continued, "You never deserved that... and I just want to say that I'm real sorry I hurt you."

"If the girls hadn't intervened, you'd be dead," Alyssa stated without malice, locking eyes with Tony. "But not because of what you did to me."

"Yeah, I know," he said quietly, his voice full of remorse. "And the truth is... I woulda deserved it for all the nasty shit I've done. But I want you to know that I'm gonna do what's right from now on... try and make up for my past, even if it takes me the rest of my life."

She studied him for a long moment before replying, "I've killed a lot of bad guys over the last six months, I've actually lost count how many. Out of the thousands I've flagged with a red aura, only three are still alive today... and just one of them was innocent. The woman had an abortion when she was young, then blamed herself for letting her parents and boyfriend pressure her into it. The second survivor is now in prison awaiting execution for a double murder... and then there's you."

Tony hung his head, knowing his long history of violent crimes.

Alyssa fixed him with a steady stare. "You know what you've done, so there's no point in me listing everything." Her eyes flicked to Kelli and Perl then back to him. "You earned your second chance by saving the girls, so I really hope you make the most of it. I'm putting a lot of trust in you, Tony... please don't let me down."

Meeting her pensive gaze he nodded gratefully. "I'll be good, I promise." A faint smile appeared on his face as he added, "And I'm a lawman now, so I better start keepin' my promises."

For the first time, Alyssa broke into a smile too. "Yeah, I heard about that. Congratulations on the new job..." She pulled out an identity card and offered it to him. "Deputy Anthony Phoenix from Valia Gate."

He glanced at the card and chuckled. "'Anthony Phoenix'? I thought I was goin' legit and you're givin' me a fake ID."

"Luce added you to Valia Gate's list of registered colonists, so as far as T-Fed records show, you've lived here all your life and have no criminal record." She glanced at Kelli and Perl. "If you two want new identities as well, just ask Luce about it tomorrow."

Kelli nodded and hooked her arm around Tony's. "We might as well all start over."

Perl darted a nervous glance through the hangar door out into the colony. "I think it's amazing that we've got new jobs lined up here, but is it safe staying on the Outer Rim? We're really close to the Bugs..."

Alyssa paused before answering her question. "The Kirrix are in the middle of a vicious civil war at the moment. They've taken huge losses, so it'll probably be decades before they try another invasion. Even if they did, the T-Fed forces have returned to the border and there's reinforcements on the way, so the Kirrix won't be able to just sweep into Terran territory like last time." She looked into Perl's eyes and added, "But it's still riskier living here than the Core Worlds."

Tony put his arm around Perl and gave the petite blonde a reassuring squeeze. "Let's give this place a try for a while. Luce and Pete both seem alright. If we hate it, I'll save up some creds, buy us a berth on a freighter goin' coreward. At least if we stick around for a bit, I can get some experience as a deputy, then I could maybe get a security job in the Core."

"Sure, I guess we can give it a few months," she agreed, looking more relaxed.

Alyssa opened her arms for the girls and gave each of them a lingering hug, which they returned just as affectionately. "Please stay in touch," she whispered in Perl's ear. "I want to hear all about your new lives and how you're getting on."

The petite blonde nodded, giving her a grateful squeeze as she whispered back, "Thank you so much for everything you've done. I actually feel like we've got a good shot at a great future now; that's the first time I've ever felt that way."

They separated and Alyssa gave them a warm smile. "Good luck."

Tony, Perl, and Kelli collected their suitcases, then headed for the huge hangar door, pausing to wave goodbye before walking down the ramp and out into their new home.

Calara had been watching from afar and she walked up to her lover, slipping an arm around Alyssa's shoulder. *I'm proud of you, my love.*

*Letting her go is the hardest thing I've ever had to do,* Alyssa said mournfully, unable to take her eyes off Perl. She leaned into the Latina and let out a melancholy sigh. *Just imagine how much John would have loved getting me and my cousin pregnant at the same time. I've never wanted to recruit someone so badly.*

The Latina turned to watch the pale-skinned blonde leaving the docking bay. *I think you were right not to tell her you were related; Perl would be a huge target for anyone wanting revenge against you or John.* She stroked her girlfriend's arm and continued, *But I'm so sorry you had to let her go, I know how important family is to you.*

Alyssa turned to gaze into Calara's gentle brown eyes. *The most important thing in the world,* she agreed, pulling the brunette into a tender loving kiss.

***

John looked away from the Sector Map and rubbed at his tired eyes. "Damn... I forgot what a drag it was having to keep watch on the Bridge."

Jade stretched languidly, uncurling in the pilot's chair. "Faye does a huge amount we take for granted," the Nymph agreed, then closed the distance between them to sit sideways across his lap. "But I'm loving the company..."

He brushed his fingers over her thigh, fascinated by the faint viridian lines marking the contours of her voluptuous green body. "I couldn't imagine anyone I'd rather be here with."

She arched an eyebrow and gave him a knowing smile. "Now... that's not strictly true, Master."

John frowned and turned to face her. "I love spending time with you, Jade. I always have."

"I know," she said with a fond smile, planting a loving kiss on his cheek. She gazed into his eyes and continued, "But I must admit I've been disappointed by your lack of imagination. I had hoped you'd start to take advantage of certain special abilities."

He looked at her quizzically, confused by her apparent shift in conversation topic. "I thought I'd been doing better recently? Your advice about believing in my psychic powers was really helpful."

She giggled and shook her head. "I'm not talking about your abilities... we're discussing my shapeshifting abilities."

"Your dragon form is extremely impressive," John said, nodding in admiration. "I still struggle to believe that a cute little Nymph like you can become something so... formidable."

Jade rolled her eyes affectionately. "Master... I'm not talking about turning into a dragon either! Since you removed my constraints, I can turn into any woman that you desire..." She traced her finger along his jawline and whispered breathily, "Now, let your imagination run wild and let's see if we can have a little fun..."

John started stiffening as a series of erotic thoughts flashed through his mind, much to the Nymph's delight.

"Oh, what a wonderful choice!" Jade gushed, her body shimmering before his eyes.

He'd never held her while she was shapeshifting before and beneath that verdant glow, he could feel Jade's body undulating on his lap as she altered her form. Her dark-green skin lightened in tone, becoming a beautiful shade of blue that he knew only too well.

"I've missed you so much, John!" Edraele exclaimed, throwing her arms around him and pressing her wonderfully firm breasts against his chest. "Please don't stay away from the Protectorate for so long, I can't bear being apart from you!"

John gaped at Edraele in surprise as the Maliri matriarch showered his face in kisses.

She pulled back, a smouldering look in her beguiling purple eyes. "Perhaps we should retire to the cabin and celebrate being reunited, my Lord?" Without waiting for a reply, Edraele leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Shall I ask my beautiful daughters to join us? I'm sure Irillith and Tashana could be persuaded to help me indulge your naughtiest fantasies..."

Trying to ignore his rapidly-stiffening cock, John shook his head. "Jade, you know the reason why we haven't... gone there."

The Nymph pouted playfully. "But I'm not really related to the twins, it doesn't count!"

John shifted in his seat and coughed. "Yes, but you still look exactly like Edraele. I want the twins to rebuild their relationship with their mother, not... confuse the issue."

"Boo, you're no fun," Jade objected, her full lips turning down into a disapproving frown. Her expression brightened an instant later as she continued, "I know! If I can't interest you in the taboo, what about the forbidden fruit?"

Before he could object, she started to shift again, engulfed in a shimmering green haze. Her body felt lighter on his lap as she lost a few inches in height and John couldn't help wondering who she was changing into now. The verdant aura faded, revealing a lovely olive-toned brunette who gazed at him with deep brown eyes.

"Oh my... I appear to be naked," Maria purred, rubbing her soft thigh against his cock. "But it feels like you don't seem to mind one bit, Mr. Blake..." She glanced down and her eyes widened. "John! I had no idea you were so... impressive!"

His mouth went dry and he had to swallow the lump in his throat. "J-Jade..." he stammered, never feeling more conflicted.

"I've seen the way you look at me, John," she breathed, her face inches from his. "I noticed of course... and was very flattered that such a handsome hero might have taken an interest."

"Maria... I-I," he gasped, not sure where to put his hands as he was drawn in by the Nymph's flawless reproduction of the lovely Latina.

"Just think... a chance to slake those unrequited lusts..." she murmured, moving closer, but not letting her lips touch his skin. "But perhaps unrequited is the wrong word? After all, it implies a lack of interest on my part... which couldn't be further from the truth. Would it shock you to know that I'm just as intrigued?"

Shaking his head, he gulped. "You're married..."

"And you're engaged to my daughter," she whispered, her fingertips caressing his muscular chest. "But you can't deny the intensity of the connection between us. No one would ever know... it could just be our naughty little secret."

John blinked then turned his head away, using his hand to block his peripheral vision, so he wouldn't be distracted by her alluring figure. "Maria would never cheat on Jack and I'd lose all respect for her if she did," he said firmly as the spell was broken. Softening his stern tone, he continued, "Please turn back to normal, Jade."

Her shapely form blurred as Jade reverted to her usual appearance. "It's just a harmless fantasy, Master!"

"If I had sex with you looking like Maria, I'd never be able to look her in the eyes again," he said, shaking his head. A wistful smile appeared on his face as he continued, "It's no secret that I'm strongly attracted to her and I enjoy our relatively innocent flirting... but I'd never push for more, not while she's with Jack."

Jade groaned in frustration. "Okay, forget Maria... but there has to be someone else! I'm a Nymph... fulfilling your ultimate desires is my reason for being!"

"It used to be," he corrected her, giving Jade a sympathetic smile.

"Just because I don't have to satisfy your sexiest fantasies doesn't mean I don't want to!" Jade protested, before giving him a lingering kiss. Her face fell as she continued, "Even when I've turned into Alyssa and we've had sex, it's only been because you wanted to make me happy, not because it's what you really wanted... I feel like I've let you down, John."

Looking at her with concern, he shook his head. "You should never think that! I love you just the way y-"

She silenced his protestations with a kiss, then frowned and wagged a finger at him. "No, don't say it! We've had sex countless times with me looking like this; I refuse to believe that there isn't someone in the galaxy you'd like to have a meaningless one-night stand with!"

He looked at her in surprise, then laughed. "You're actually serious, aren't you?"

Jade cupped his face in her hands and said softly, "I've never felt like I'm truly satisfying one of your wildest fantasies and I long to experience that feeling. If you really want to rock my world, just pick a girl you want me to be, then use me shamelessly..."

The cabin door slid open behind them and Tashana called out cheerfully, "Dinner's ready!"

The Nymph groaned and sagged against him. "Perfect timing..."