Three Square Meals Ch. 119

"You sound... sorry for them?" John asked, surprised by her reaction.

"I horribly abused their trust and lied to them relentlessly," she admitted, her face flickering with remorse. "I explained that the Kirrix controlled vessels were threatening me and asked the drone carriers to help... then I cut off their external comms to anyone but me. After my capital ships wiped out the loyal drone carriers, I turned my fleet on the hive ships. I left one ship intact for the colonists, then when the rest of the Kirrix forces were destroyed, I sent what was left of my fleet on a suicide mission to attack Kirr-Inax..."

John put the half-full wine bottle down on the table, then gently massaged her shoulders. "Are you alright?"

"It kind of hit me afterwards..." Irillith replied, glancing up at him. "It was different with the Kintark; I had fun tormenting Melkadian, because that monster deserved it. The drone carriers were only simple constructs, but they were... innocent... it wasn't their fault that the Kirrix were using them to commit terrible atrocities."

He leaned down to give her a reassuring kiss. "We're done with the Kirrix now, I won't put you in that position again."

She gave him a grateful smile, then relaxed as John continued to massage her shoulders.

Calara watched the Maliri for a moment, then asked hesitantly. "If you don't mind me asking, how many were you controlling at once?"

"I started communicating directly with four at a time to start, but pushed it to five near the end." While I was doing that, I also had to keep an eye on the ships on my side to make sure they weren't changing their minds... I managed to control twelve simultaneously, but-"

The Latina gaped at her in shock. "Twelve?!"

Irillith shook her head. "It's not like hacking and controlling a Kintark ship. When I was doing that during the Battle of Terra, I had to activate the relevant subsystems myself, like firing guns, or powering up engines. With the Kirrix vessels, I just told them their mission and left them to handle the offensive and defensive details themselves. Even so, monitoring twelve was a real strain." She glanced at Alyssa and added, "I have no idea how you do it..."

"It's always been... effortless," the blonde matriarch remarked in surprise.

Rachel thought about that for a moment. "Perhaps it's because you've gradually expanded your connections over months, speaking with us all day every day? With that much telepathic exposure, your subconscious must have adapted to deal with the sheer volume of simultaneous dialogue."

"A bit like being at a party and ignoring the background chatter to tune into a specific conversation?" Calara suggested.

"Yes, exactly... but instead of just participating in one conversation, she can be actively involved in them all," Rachel agreed, studying Alyssa in fascination.

"I'll just have to keep practicing," Irillith said, mulling that over. "The more vessels I can hack at the same time, the bigger the difference I can make." She glanced up at John and added, "Especially when it comes to fighting Thralls..."

"You'll be one of our best offensive options against them," Calara said, looking thoughtful. "Because if you can hack them, you'll be able to bring that technological advantage to bear on our side."

"I just wish we knew what level of cyber security they have," the Maliri said, brow furrowing in frustration. "The sentinel defences on the Progenitor server are formidable..."

"Could you hack a Progenitor server?" John asked, squatting down beside her.

Irillith recalled the legion of sinister hunter-killer Data Sentinels in Faye's server and shivered involuntarily. "I honestly don't know..." Squaring her shoulders she gazed into his eyes. "Perhaps Faye can revoke my security access and I could try practicing against her server? It would be a relatively safe way of training."

"I wouldn't want you to get hurt," Faye said softly, watching her creator with concern. "No one has tried to hack the ship since we installed our Gateway server. We don't know exactly what those defences are capable of..."

John frowned in confusion. "If we built and installed the server, surely we must know what it can do?"

"I just followed the schematics," Dana explained with a hesitant shrug. "I've been able to understand the tech behind everything else we've built, but not the server... Mael'nerak was an absolute genius with computers."

Irillith nodded in agreement, looking equally unsure of herself. "The defensive subsystems are fully integrated with the hardware. We were able to create the necessary code as per the blueprints, but I've no idea what half of it does."

"The attack routine for the Data Sentinels is listed as 'Neutralise hostiles'..." Faye said ominously. "That's why I'm not keen on Irillith taking any chances."

John clasped the Maliri's hand in both of his. "Focus on translating the Vulkat technology archives for now. If Dana's right and there are schematics for a psychic communication device in there, we need to find it as quickly as possible. Being able to share plans between us, the Maliri, and the Ashanath will make a huge difference for upgrading our fleets. After that, then you can start practicing hacking a Progenitor server... once we've figured out how to make it safe for you to try."

She smiled and caressed his fingers with her thumb. "Thank you for being so protective. I know you worry it comes across as overbearing, but I don't mind... it shows just how much you care."

They shared a tender embrace, then John returned to his seat, aware that the rest of the girls were watching him affectionately. "Unless there's anything else anyone wants to discuss... why don't you ladies relax on the sofas and I'll clean up?"

"We're able to grow Eternity Crystals now," Alyssa mentioned conversationally.

He looked at her in surprise. "That's fantastic! How?"

She pointed at Dana. "Sparks, want to give him the details?"

"I got a bit stuck designing the Psi-communicator, so I decided to build our own crystal cultivation bed while I had a bit of free time," the redhead explained. "Alyssa's started growing our first batch already."

Nodding his approval, John turned to look at his matriarch. "Is it hard?"

"No, not really... the psychic gel stuff just requires constant telepathic guidance to form the crystals. It would have been a real drain a few months ago, but now I can keep it going indefinitely." She paused to think of the best way to describe it. "Remember how you learned how to shape armour plates automatically, without having to consciously think about it? It's kind of like that, but far less intense."

"Can I help too?" he asked, looking at the two Karron girls in turn.

"I've got this," Alyssa replied, stroking his forearm. "Honestly, it's not taxing at all."

"Both of you using the same cultivation bed probably wouldn't be a good idea anyway," Dana said, looking dubious. "It'd be like both of you trying to paint a picture and sharing the paintbrush. If you want, I can build you your own?"

"If I can get it to work, we'd double the number of Eternity Crystals we can produce," John agreed, nodding in reply. "We're using them for our personal equipment as well as the Invictus' guns and shields, so I think it makes sense to stock up."

"No problem, I'll build another tomorrow!" she offered, smiling at the thought of doubling crystal production.

"You might be a bit busy tomorrow..." he reminded her, enjoying seeing the resulting flash of excitement in her face.

Before they started leaving the table, Rachel glanced at Alyssa and said, "Did you share my findings on the ancient hive queen?"

The blonde shook her head. "I didn't want to steal your thunder..."

When everyone perked up and looked curiously at the tawny-haired brunette, Rachel laughed and held her hands up in a placating gesture. "Alyssa's overselling my results, it's not that exciting!"

"What did you find out?" John asked, relaxing in his chair.

"Not much beyond the initial autopsy of the Hive Queen you defeated on Carolus III. It seems that under the right conditions, they will continue to grow, up to the point where they probably aren't able to carry the weight of their own exoskeleton anymore."

"Ah, so that tracked cart wasn't just because Kirzuxa was so old and needed the life support systems?"

Rachel shook her head. "The technology the Kirrix use to extend their life is horrific. A mixture of toxic chemicals caused all sorts of damage to the hive queen's body, atrophying muscles and inhibiting her strength."

"They pickled her?" Dana asked, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

Tilting her head to one side, the brunette replied, "Partially embalmed would probably be a better term. I wouldn't wish that procedure on my worst enemy; the accompanying pain would be horrendous without a constant cocktail of anaesthetics. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about people abusing that technology in the Terran Federation, as it will only work on a creature with an exoskeleton, like the Kirrix."

"And the Vulkat," Alyssa quietly reminded them.

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Nkkrrit," John said with a reassuring smile. "She's helped us a lot... I want to repay the favour."

Sakura raised an eyebrow and mimed a curved tummy with her hand.

After a pause, John nodded. "If that's what she wants..."

Rachel's expression brightened and she said enthusiastically, "That would be fascinating! I'd love to see what would happen to such an alien creature when it underwent the Change! Would she transform into humanoid shape? Would she retain her exoskeleton? I've got so many questions..."

Alyssa shook her head and said softly, "No, we can't do that to her. Nkkrrit's life has been one long tragedy. She still grieves for her mate after all these years... and had to watch all of Ixxttranao's children suffer and die." When the room went silent, she continued, "Just imagine how terrible it would be to lose a child... Now imagine losing thousands of children and being surrounded by their reanimated corpses for millennia..."

"Oh my god..." Dana muttered, her face falling.

Alyssa nodded sombrely. "She's desperate for her nightmare to end... The only thing keeping her going is her sense of duty to the Vulkat Empire. She doesn't want her people's graveyard being picked apart by scavengers... like the Brimorians."

"Once we've dealt with the Enclave, we'll find a way to end Nkkrrit's suffering," John said, patting the blonde on the arm.

She gave him a grateful smile, then looked around the table. "Sorry for bringing down the mood."

Calara got up and walked around the table to give her a hug. "You really empathise with her, don't you?"

Alyssa let out a heavy sigh. "Her life has been horrendous. Nkkrrit's a telepath, so when she shared her past with me, I really got to feel the pain she's suffered through. When I shared what we all have together, she was overwhelmingly grateful to experience that sense of family and friendship again... it just made me so glad I had all of you in my life."

"And that's worth celebrating," Calara agreed, reaching over the table for her drink. "Come on, let's have a good time tonight... I feel like letting my hair down after the week we just had."

"I'll drink to that!" John said, raising his glass, then finishing the last of his whiskey. He started stacking up the plates. "You ladies go and relax, I'll join you in a few minutes."

The girls didn't take much convincing and they followed Calara to the bar, where she started mixing drinks for everyone. John noticed Alyssa dart a glance at Helene and the aquatic girl stayed behind to help him with the clean-up. He smiled at her in gratitude and it didn't take long for them to have all the crockery and cutlery loaded up in the kitchen sanitizer, ready to be cleaned.

"So... I hear you're one of Alyssa's inner circle now?" John asked, quirking an eyebrow playfully, as he slotted in the last wine glass.

Helene leaned against a counter-top and nodded, her beautiful face lighting up with joy. "It feels so wonderful to be a full member of your family. Alyssa speaks to me all the time..."

"Sorry about that," John said, feigning a frown. "I'm sure you'll get used to all the teasing eventually."

She laughed and shook her head. "Alyssa's never like that when she speaks to me telepathically; she's very kind and thoughtful. I've discussed it with the other girls and she's that way with them too."

"I guess she saves it all up for me then," he said with a groan, before activating the sanitizer.

"She does... but I don't understand why..." Helene wondered aloud.

John paused, expecting the blonde to chip in with some witty comment, but the silence was deafening. Turning to Helene, he leaned against the counter beside her. "Anyway, I'm glad you stayed behind."

She blushed and admitted, "Alyssa said you wished to speak with me. Is everything okay?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing. I saw how you reacted when you watched me fighting the Kirrix..."

Helene leaned into him and rested her head against his chest. "I knew you were a powerful warrior, but there was so much blood..."

John rubbed her back, his fingers brushing over her soft teal skin. "I was worried that it might shock you." He tilted his head to one side to see her reaction, but from this angle, Helene's face was obscured by a wave of green hair. "Do you feel differently about me now?"

After pausing for a moment, Helene slowly nodded. When she felt John tense, she pulled back a little and made eye contact with him. "Seeing you fight made me realise that you're capable of inflicting acts of incredible destruction..." Clasping his free hand, she caressed it and continued quietly, "But you're always so gentle with me and the girls. It made me appreciate that tenderness more than ever."

He interlaced his fingers with hers and sighed with relief. "I didn't want you to see that. I've been trying to keep you sheltered from all the violence... but I'm very glad I didn't scare you away."

"Never... not for one moment," she said adamantly. Leaning closer, she brushed her lips against his. "You should know how I feel... I shared everything with you earlier."

"Old habits die hard," he admitted with a smile, before kissing her back. "I just wanted to check."

"Well, now you're reassured, I think we should start celebrating!" she gushed. "I've never been drunk before... I can't wait to see what it's like!"

John and Helene left the kitchen hand-in-hand, then walked over to join the girls, who were waiting with drinks at the ready. Gratefully accepting a tumbler of whiskey from Dana, he smiled and took a seat next to her.

"Don't forget... from midnight you're mine!" the redhead whispered, a gleam of anticipation in her eyes.

"I thought I was supposed to be using you shamelessly, not the other way around?" he asked, putting an arm around her as he relaxed on the sofa.

Dana gave him a smouldering look. "That's exactly what I meant..."

"I'll drink to that!" John said cheerfully, clinking his tumbler with her cocktail glass. "Bottoms up!"

She giggled, those lovely blue eyes full of promise.

***

Oliver Petran drummed his fingers on his desk, waiting for his mistress to pick up. He darted a quick glance at the clock, knowing he had to leave in a few minutes, but he'd been trying to get in touch with his young lover all afternoon. Kaylie might have been an airheaded bimbo, but this was the first time she'd failed to appear for one of their lunchtime trysts.

The screen chimed as the call finally got through, the connecting message fading away to be replaced by a gorgeous blonde. She smiled and waved at him, her impressive breasts threatened to burst out of the skin-tight sports top she was wearing.

"Hey, Oli!" she gushed, giving him a dazzling smile.

Trying to bite back his anger, Oliver gave her a thin-lipped smile in return. "Kaylie... where were you this afternoon? I waited at the hotel for three damned hours!"

Her eyebrows climbed in surprise. "Oh! Were we supposed to be meeting today? Silly me... I forgot. I'm soooo sorry!"

"You forgot?!" he balked looking at her in disbelief. "We've been meeting every week for the last three years!"

She shrugged. "I was just working out, trying to look my best... I guess I lost track of time."

Oliver gaped at her, hurt by her complete indifference. "But... you always said meeting with me was the highlight of your week."

Kaylie sighed and curled a strand of her long blonde around her finger. "You know how it is, Oli. We've been seeing each other a while now... maybe the excitement wore off a bit..."

"You deliberately stood me up!" he exclaimed, looking at her in shock.

"Sometimes people change... then feelings change... that's not my fault," she said, refusing to make eye contact. "We had a lot of fun together... but it was bound to end eventually."

"Wait... you're breaking up with me?!" he protested, amazed at her dramatic change in attitude. Kaylie had been all over him only two weeks earlier, like a wildcat in bed and begging him for more. Suddenly, he knew exactly why she was dumping him like yesterday's trash. "I've still got money, baby... I'll still be able to take care of you."

"There's plenty of rich guys out there, Oli. This was never about money," she said quietly, looking at him with regret. "You were a very powerful man and that was really hot... but now? Not so much..."

"I left my wife for you..." He slumped back in his chair. "You fucking bitch..."

"There's no need to be mean," Kaylie said with a pout. Her expression turned to pity. "Why don't you try getting back together with her? Then you two can enjoy your retirement together..."

"Fuck you..." he growled, ending the call.

He ran his hand through his grey-flecked hair, suddenly feeling very old and foolish. Kaylie had been a waitress working at one of the Admiralty bars when they'd met, and despite her being half his age, she'd been very flirtatious from the outset. Being seduced by a beautiful young woman had done wonders for his ego and when he'd used his rank to help her out of a few... sticky situations... she'd been extremely appreciative in bed. Disposing of her stalker ex-boyfriend had cast aside the last of Kaylie's inhibitions, granting him unrestricted access to her delectable body. He'd actually convinced himself that they might have a future together, but now it was obvious to him that for Kaylie, power had been an aphrodisiac... and as she'd just said, now he had none.

Clenching his fists in anger, he lurched out of the chair, sending it crashing backwards. This was yet another way that bastard Blake had fucked up his life. Oliver had loved being one of the elite few who ran the Terran Federation, feeling like a god and lording it over the hapless citizenry. As an admiral, he'd been practically untouchable, able to ruin lives at a whim... and that sense of power had been intoxicating. Having to resign his position in the Admiralty had been the hardest thing Oliver Petran had ever had to do, but he'd seen Carl Weber's horrific fate and wasn't going to take any chances.

Grabbing the keys to his hovercar, he stormed out of his luxury apartment and entered the underground carpark. Pressing the keyfob, there was a beep and his deluxe sedan unlocked, the driver's door swinging open as he approached.

"Riverfront park," he snapped at the automatic navigation system, closing the door behind him.

The holo interface displayed the selected route, then the hovercar lifted off the ground with the whir of anti-grav cyclics. Oliver normally loved to drive, but he was far too angry to do so at the moment; the last thing he needed was to be pulled over and delayed by some moronic traffic cop. Only weeks before, he could have flashed his Admiralty identification at the police and literally got away with murder. To think that he'd been reduced to a powerless peon was almost more than he could stand.