Three Square Meals Ch. 129

Jade's huge feline head bobbed up and down, her emerald eyes sparkling as they caught the light.

"Show Jack the dragon!" Leylira exclaimed, a feral grin on her face.

Irillith rolled her eyes. "You're stealing my thunder..."

"I thought you could make as much lightning as you wanted?" the tigress asked in confusion. "Surely you have unlimited thunder?"

The Maliri sighed and hit another icon, activating video footage of a colossal green dragon shielding four small female figures from a destroyer's gauss cannon barrage.

Jack leaned forward, stunned by what he was seeing. "But that-... I just-..." he stammered, before turning to stare at Jade in disbelief.

She shimmered in a green haze, reverting to her regular form. "Yes, I can shapeshift into a 50 ton dragon," she said, slipping on her dress. "Given enough love and attention, my sisters will be able to as well."

He turned to look at John, who was leaning against the bar, nursing a fresh glass of whiskey as he watched the presentation. "How is that possible?"

"Why don't you watch the rest of the presentation, then you can ask me any questions you like," John suggested, looking at the bewildered man with sympathy. "I think the twins are next..."

Irillith's dark tale of betrayal by her mother left Jack looking appalled, his expression shifting to horrified revulsion when he saw Tashana's savagely mutilated features. He stared at the enchanting Maliri girl as she glided around the coffee table to sit beside him.

"Your daughter helped avert a Maliri civil war," the azure beauty said, focusing her violet-eyed gaze on Jack. "Millions of lives would have been lost if not for her. In preventing that catastrophe, she was able to help save me from the horrible nightmare my life had become. You've seen how lethal she can be towards our foes, but she's also one of the kindest and most loving people I've ever met. John healed my mind and body, but Calara helped restore my spirit. I love your daughter deeply and I'm so very sorry that our feelings for her have damaged your relationship."

Jack swallowed around the lump in his throat. "I didn't understand what you'd all been through... I just thought-... I'm sorry."

"There's still more to go, dad," Calara said softly.

"I don't think I can watch anymore," he said, his voice cracking. "How did any of you survive all this?"

Calara stroked his arm. "Sakura's next. I think you need to see what condition she was in when we found her."

He reluctantly nodded, bracing himself for the next horrifying images, then let out a strangled gasp when he saw the hideous surgical scars that criss-crossed Sakura's sickly body. When the Asian girl rose from her chair to speak, Jack stood too, and wrapped her up in a big hug. Sakura whispered in his ear and they could all see his shoulders shuddering as his heart broke for her all over again.

To lose her virginity to rapists, then be imprisoned within her own mind as Shinatobe murdered hundreds at Mikaboshi's request... the details of Sakura's past were utterly horrifying. Jack squeezed her tight when she told him how her parents had died of old age before she was freed, robbing them of a chance to say a final goodbye.

When they separated, Jack let out a ragged sigh, before turning to look at his own daughter with profound regret. "I'm sorry, Callie. Will you forgive me?"

She got up and hugged him, tears in her eyes. "I love you, dad. But I love John and all the girls too... and it was tearing me apart to keep this secret. I never wanted to disappoint you; that's why I never told you the truth until now."

"I was never disappointed in you," he said, rubbing her back. "I was just trying to protect you, but I had no idea how much these girls had all suffered... and how much they love you for saving them."

"I love them too," she said, letting out a huge sigh of relief. "I'm so glad you understand."

John and the girls watched them quietly, unwilling to disrupt the poignant moment between father and daughter. Alyssa returned before the two separated, sharing a fond smile with John as she walked over to join him at the bar.

When Jack and Calara finally pulled apart, John said to the girls, "It's getting quite late, ladies. Why don't you head off to bed?"

They rose obediently, smiling and waving goodbye as they departed, leaving behind John, Alyssa, Calara, and her father.

"I was going to bring you up to speed on the Progenitor War tonight," John said to Jack as he returned to the sofa, bringing his guest a fresh drink. "But I think you've had more than enough to deal with for one evening."

Jack chuckled and nodded, before taking a hefty gulp of the whiskey. "That was harrowing... seeing what those poor girls had been through." His eyes fell on Alyssa, a question appearing there for a second, before being suppressed.

"It's only natural to be curious about something so unbelievable," she said, reaching out to touch his hand. "I was the first girl to join John... and we had no idea what was involved in the Change until I'd been through it."

Calara leaned forward to activate the final image in the presentation... of Alyssa on the Fool's Gold. The emaciated waif stood before them, her cerulean eyes the only feature shared with the stunningly beautiful woman she was now.

"Alyssa became my Matriarch," John said, putting his arm around the blonde. "Every Progenitor has one. She has a telepathic connection with me, as well as every girl connected to us."

"I browbeat John into recruiting Calara," Alyssa admitted, smiling lovingly at the brunette. "The two of us became friends after the rescue and I could tell she was struggling to cope with the nightmares. I wanted John to heal her, just like he'd healed me... but neither of us anticipated what an incredible tactician and gunner Calara would eventually become."

"The Change brings out your best qualities," Calara explained, looking into her father's eyes and silently pleading for him to understand. "Physically I'm taller, stronger, fitter, and more agile than I ever was before. That was how I was able to beat Mateo and Eduardo in those sparring matches."

"It was also down to skill, Callie," he said, gently squeezing her hand. "And you managed to defeat me too."

"Only because I caught you by surprise," she admitted with a bashful smile.

He considered that for a moment, then asked tentatively, "Perhaps we could have a rematch sometime? No holding back this time?"

"Oh I'd love that, dad... thank you!" she gushed, her eyes sparkling at the prospect.

Jack gave her an affectionate look, then sat back in his chair, his gaze flicking to the door. "I can see how much you all care about each other... but isn't there constant fighting and jealousy between all those girls? I just can't see how this will work out in the long term."

"We can't get jealous of each other," Calara explained. "It's a side-effect we noticed early on."

Turning to look at John, her father raised an eyebrow dubiously. "No jealousy... at all?"

John swilled his whiskey in the tumbler, while considering how to frame his reply. "The Change doesn't just enhance the girls physically, they've all been enhanced mentally too. Calara was already an exceptionally bright woman... but she's reached her full potential now."

She blushed at the praise, then said quietly, "Dad, you saw me assume tactical command of the Federation forces in the Battle of Terra. I was micromanaging multiple fleet engagements simultaneously... there's no way any normal person could have managed that."

"We all work together, to protect and care for each other," Alyssa explained, patting Calara's thigh. "If we could still be jealous, I'd be constantly breaking up catfights... and not just between the Nymphs."

Jack allowed himself a wry smile, then his expression turned serious as he looked at John. "I still feel like I'm missing something important. How did you enhance Calara... and all the rest of these women?"

John downed the rest of his drink, then toyed with the empty glass. "Calara told you that I was a Progenitor, didn't she?"

"Yes," Jack replied, nodding in confirmation.

"Progenitors are a species of galactic tyrants, that have waged constant warfare with each other for hundreds-of-thousands of years. They each enslave a thrall race... like the Maliri... then recruit vast armies of women to fight against each other. Trillions have died in their never-ending wars."

"Only women fight?" Jack asked in a hushed voice. "Why?"

"Because their species were genetically engineered to have twenty females to every male. They're bred to fight for a Progenitor and physically they're all almost identical; the perfect interchangeable soldier," John replied, his voice tinged with sadness.

Alyssa and Calara rose from their chair and stood side-by-side. It was obvious that their statuesque bodies shared exactly the same proportions.

"A Progenitor called Mael'nerak created Terrans as an experiment in genetic mutation... but we're not a thrall species, so Terran women are all shapes and sizes," Alyssa explained, meeting Jack's stunned gaze. "But being with John transforms any Terran woman to give her a thrall's incredible body."

"So you've been turned into a perfect soldier?" Jack asked Calara, looking deeply unsettled now.

"Yes," she replied honestly.

"I didn't do it intentionally, Jack... I promise," John said meeting the older man's accusatory stare. "I knew nothing about Progenitors, or my abilities, until very recently."

Calara sat close to her father and said in an earnest voice, "I know it sounds bad... but that's just because we've explained it in cold harsh terms. Progenitors are monsters and don't care about the millions of women they enslave. John is nothing like that! He loves us and we love him... emotions that are alien and repellent to Progenitors."

"You saw the pictures of how we each looked before the Change," Alyssa said quietly. "John wanted to heal all the torment we'd suffered and changed us out of concern and compassion. We became incredibly powerful as a side-effect."

"And that's how the Lionesses were created. You already know what we've managed to accomplish fighting side-by-side," Calara said with a proud smile directed at John. She locked eyes with her father and continued, "If this hadn't happened to me, Mateo would have been worked to death in a Kintark sulphur mine, Eduardo would have been killed in the Battle of Terra, and you never would have survived Regulus."

Jack took a heavy drink from his glass, his expression conflicted as he studied John. "I don't know if I should feel outraged at what you've done to Calara... or be incredibly grateful."

"I've tortured myself with guilt over the changes I accidentally made to the girls," John admitted, his expression reflecting his conflicted feelings. "But they recently pointed out to me that if they hadn't joined me, they all would have died. If I hadn't enhanced Alyssa, I wouldn't have been able to rescue your daughter. If Calara had been killed by pirates, then Dana would have died too... and so on."

"It basically comes down to accepting me as the woman I am now, or effectively wishing that I was dead," Calara said bluntly. "The fact that John changed all of us girls is the only reason I'm still alive today."

Alyssa nodded and hugged the brunette. "And if we lost Calara, the entire Terran Federation would have been decimated... billions would now be enslaved by the Kintark, or raped by the Kirrix."

Jack ran his fingers through his hair and let out his breath in a heavy sigh.

"Yeah, that's kind of how I feel," John said with a wry smile.

Nodding his agreement, Jack turned to look intently at Calara, his face a pensive mask.

"What is it, dad?" Calara asked. "What are you worried about?"

"It's just... I can't help wondering if you're still my little girl?" he asked in a choked voice.

"I am, daddy... I promise!" she blurted out, falling into his arms with tears streaming down her cheeks.

John looked away, unable to watch the emotional moment. He knew he was solely responsible for the anguish Jack was feeling, but Calara was right; if she hadn't joined the crew, she would've been killed... they all would.

Alyssa knelt down on the floor next to their sofa and slowly rubbed their backs. "She's still your Callie, Jack. You never even suspected any of this before we told you, because Calara's the same lovely girl she always was. She might be even brighter and more confident than before, but she still loves her family and desperately wants her father to be proud of her."

He nodded and hugged Calara tighter. "Seeing you receive the Stellar Cluster... it was the highlight of my life. I felt like my heart was going to burst, I was so proud that you were my daughter."

Calara cried with relief, her tears soaking his shirt. "I've been worrying for months that you'd reject me if you found out the truth... I was so scared."

"I love you, sweetheart... I'd never turn my back on you," he whispered in her ear.

Smiling at the pair, Alyssa got up and walked over to sit by John. *You were on the right lines earlier,* she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. *If it wasn't for you, neither of them would still be alive today. I think you did a good thing saving that lovely family.*

*Thanks, honey,* John said gratefully, slipping his arm around her and holding Alyssa tight.

After a long moment spent in their quiet embrace, Jack and Calara gently eased apart, and he brushed the tears from her cheek.

"Are you still worried now?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

She smiled shyly. "No... not anymore. Thanks, dad."

"You're welcome," he said, rubbing her arm.

"I'm sorry we put you through the emotional wringer today," John apologised with a frown. "I've been trying to come up with ways to explain this to you without it being upsetting... but you know what they say about the best-laid plans."

"John! I don't think Jack wants to hear about his daughter getting laid," Alyssa said, leaning over to kiss the flustered brunette.

Jack looked shocked for a moment, then he couldn't help laughing. "Let's end that discussion right there... please!"

Calara blushed and shook her head at her girlfriend. "You're so bad... I can't believe you said that!"

"Just lightening the mood," Alyssa replied, turning to grin at Jack. "I think your father understands how much we love you."

"I do," he conceded, giving John and the two girls a look of apology. "I am sorry for reacting badly."

"You were just being protective of your daughter," John said with a smile. "There's no need to apologise for that."

"Yes, but after everything you've done for my family..." Jack faltered, suddenly thinking just how much he would have lost if not for John and the girls.

John shook his head. "I don't blame you for reacting that way, any father would. Considering all the galaxy-spanning events we're having to deal with, it's always a welcome relief to spend time with your family... just for a much-needed dose of reality."

Smiling with relief, Jack relaxed, the tension finally going out of his shoulders. "So what are you dealing with at the moment? I know you suggested leaving further discussion until tomorrow, but I'm too keyed-up to sleep."

"Sure, we can bring you up to speed," John agreed with a nod. He glanced at the two girls. "What should we start with first?"

Alyssa turned to face him. "I think we need to discuss the imminent rebellion in the Outer Rim."

"Was that the interesting part of the trip to Tasmaris Prime?" John asked with a weary sigh.

"I spoke to the governor, a guy called Bryce Hansen. I liked him... but he was fishing for information about the Kirrix and wanted to know if he could rely on us to protect them from future invasions."

Calara frowned. "Why would he ask that when there's a Terran fleet in orbit?"

"Exactly! That's what I said," Alyssa replied, nodding to the brunette. "I quizzed him... and he's worried about T-Fed reprisals."

"Because they're thinking about splitting from the Federation..." John muttered in exasperation. "Surely they can see that they'll be better off staying where they are?"

"They're fucking pissed, John!" Alyssa said vehemently. "Thousands of them just had their kids chopped to bits... and most of the survivors got raped by hive lords. Would you want to trust High Command to have your back after they let that happen to you? If it was me, I'd tell the Admiralty to go fuck themselves!"

"It's not as simple as that though," Calara said, with a worried frown. "If a small cluster of colonies secedes from the Federation, they won't have the military resources to defend themselves against future Kirrix aggression."

John nodded. "They'll be an all-you-can-eat buffet for the Kirrix."

"I... kind of promised Bryce that we'd protect them from the bugs... and anyone else that fucked with them," Alyssa confessed, shooting a guilty glance at John.

He chuckled in disbelief and shook his head. "Why am I not surprised? You didn't think it might be a good idea to discuss this with me first?"

"I know you, John." Alyssa cupped his face in her hand and gently stroked his cheek. "Would you stand by and allow another Galen Prime massacre?"

A shadow of pain crossed his face, but Alyssa stopped him from looking away in shame.

"No," he finally replied, his expression grim. "If they want out... we'll back them up."

"Thank you," she said softly, before leaning in to give him a tender kiss.

Calara grimaced at the idea of a rebellion. "Have you warned Lynette about this yet?"

"Yeah, we definitely need to keep her informed," John agreed. "She might still be able to avert this before it goes too far."

Alyssa looked at John and said quietly, "I thought it might be wise to discuss this with Lynette in person. I don't think the Outer Rim is going to declare their independence immediately... but I can feel it brewing. Every governor I've spoken to is incensed at the way they've been treated. Abandoning them to the Kirrix was like throwing a flare into a cave full of blasting charges."

"Agreed... but this is one mess we can't clean up," John said, glancing at Calara. "We've got far more important things to deal with."

The Latina nodded, her opinion in lockstep with his. "An Outer Rim rebellion has to take a backseat at the moment."

"How can you be so blasé about this?" Jack blurted out, looking at his daughter in disbelief. "We're talking about colonies breaking away from Federation control! An insurrection would be a disaster!"

She frowned and shook her head. "I'd love to mediate and peacefully resolve their grievances, but we've got higher priorities."

"We're preparing for the Progenitor War, Jack," John reminded him. "If we don't... everyone will die. The Terran Federation is powerless to stop a thrall fleet."

"So are the Maliri, unless we can get our hands on those ships," Calara muttered, the worry plain to see on her face.

"What ships? And why would the Maliri need them?" Jack asked in confusion. "Their battleships are already incredibly powerful."

John gave him a look of apology. "Sorry, we should have given you some background first. Do you remember Calara saying that we were preparing to fight the Progenitor that instigated the Kintark conflict?"

"Yes, and I gather that he tried to kidnap you, but you managed to kill him instead," Jack said quietly.

"We fought him in a protracted battle and eventually managed to wear him down," John explained, his eyes cold and hard. "Larn'kelnar was more powerful than any of us individually, but we were stronger as a group... and had more psychic energy. Progenitors get their power from all the girls in their network of thralls and Larn'kelnar wiped out his network fighting us."