Three Square Meals Ch. 132

"Come in!" he called out, turning towards the door.

It swished open and Jehanna entered the room, giving him a hopeful smile. "Hey, John. I wondered if you had some time to chat?"

He forced a smile onto his face and rose to greet her. "Sure, honey."

Jehanna's cheerful expression wavered with concern. "You don't look very happy to see me. Did I do something wrong?"

John gave her a quick kiss and shook his head. "It's not personal, I promise. I'm just dealing with a naughty matriarch."

"Not the fun kind of naughty?" she asked with a playful smile.

He laughed and gestured towards the sofas. "No, not this time. Do you want a tea or coffee?"

She sat beside him and frowned in disapproval. "Caffeine at this hour? No wonder you and the girls are such night owls."

"Yeah, you're right... I wasn't thinking," he admitted, rubbing a hand over his face. "I'm just a bit distracted at the moment."

"Do you want me to come back later?" she asked, stroking the side of his face. "I know better than to try talking to someone when they aren't in the right mood."

"Am I being interviewed then?" he asked, relaxing and smiling at her.

"We'll get to the really tricky questions later, but only after I've put you at ease with my disarming wiles," she replied, winking at him.

John laughed again and patted her thigh. "How are you settling in so far? Is everyone being nice to you?"

"You know what the girls are like... they're all lovely," she replied, kicking off her shoes and tucking her legs underneath her. "Sakura and Tashana have been taking very good care of me."

He let the backs of his fingers brush over her stomach. "Yes... they're very accommodating hostesses."

Jehanna blushed, then looked him directly in the eyes. "I'm sticking with my decision to join your crew as a permanent Lioness. I want to stay with you."

"You're absolutely sure?" he asked, his voice turning quiet and serious. "Even if it makes it harder for you to mend your relationship with your parents?"

"Yes, I'm not going to change my mind," Jehanna replied, equally solemn. With a nonchalant shrug, she added, "I don't really care either way about my parents. I've given up trying to make them happy."

"What?!" John blurted out, shocked by this casually-delivered bombshell.

"They can't accept me for who I am... so fuck the pair of them!" she declared, her dark eyes glittering. "I don't need them in my life!"

Clasping her hand, John gave it a supportive squeeze. "I know you're upset and your parents hurt you badly, but please don't just give up on them," he urged her, aghast that she'd taken such a hard stance already. He desperately hoped that it wasn't related to her going through the Change. "You haven't even talked to them since you had that fight, it might not be as bad as you think."

Jehanna raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Yes... I suppose you're right. It would be silly to disown my parents without even giving them a chance to apologise... wouldn't it?"

Startled by her abrupt change in mood and lightning-fast agreement with him, John suddenly frowned as he understood what she was doing.

"We're not talking about your parents, are we? This is about me and mine..." He scowled, his jaw tightening. "It's not the same thing, Jehanna."

He pulled back, but Jehanna quickly caught his hand before he could withdraw it. "John... you promised me we'd talk about your mother and father."

John groaned in exasperation. "I know I said it before... but I made a terrible mistake recruiting a nosy journalist."

"Yep and you're stuck with me now," Jehanna replied, giving him a sultry smile as she guided his hand to her stomach. "It's just a matter of time until I become one of your sexy broodmares... letting you breed me as often as you want..."

He swallowed and stared at her wide-eyed.

"And as one of the future mothers of your children, don't you think I deserve to know everything there is to know about my prospective in-laws?" she asked, her brown eyes twinkling.

With a chuckle of resignation, John nodded. "When you put it like that, I can hardly refuse, can I?"

Jehanna shook her head and smiled at him in triumph. "Afraid not. So tell me... why did you get so angry when your mother called?"

He stroked her tummy to stop himself clenching his hands into fists. "You know what happened when I met Jessica?"

"Tell me," she said softly.

Pain flashed across his face and John seemed to deflate before her eyes. "She was my father's loyal thrall," he said bitterly. "The only thing Jessica cared about was rescuing Rahn'hagon and being reunited with him. She didn't give a shit about her heartbroken parents, who went to their graves never knowing what happened to their daughter. She murdered the crew of the Cora in cold blood, but their lives didn't mean a goddamn thing to Jessica, because her beloved Rahn'hagon told her to wipe them out."

"And how did she feel about you?" Jehanna prompted him, her voice gentle and sympathetic.

"I meant nothing to her... absolutely nothing!" he snarled, the pain of that rejection reflected in his eyes. "She didn't give the slightest fuck about abandoning her son; Jessica never even thought twice about me after all those years. She showed about as much interest in me as she would about a turd she flushed on Olympus 40 years ago!"

"Oh, John... I'm so sorry," she said softly, stroking his hand with her thumb. "But you must know it wasn't personal? Jessica was enthralled by Rahn'hagon... he changed your mother's mind so she was nothing like the woman she used to be. This wasn't her fault."

"Why did she have to be so goddamn weak?!" he snapped, staring off into the distance.

Jehanna shook her head. "There was no way any Terran woman could mentally withstand a Progenitor and stop him from enthralling her... you know that, John."

"Yes, but Jessica seduced him!" he said indignantly. "She was a Xeno-Biologist; what the hell was she thinking abandoning Xeno-quarantine regulations like that? If she'd acted like a professional instead of a cock-crazy slut, none of this would've happened!"

"But then you wouldn't have been born," Jehanna reminded him. "And you wouldn't have saved all the girls' lives... including mine; I was on Terra when Nexus tried to destroy the planet. We can't undo the past, John... and I wouldn't want to. I think that eventually, you need to come to terms with what Jessica did and forgive her."

"What's the point?" he asked dejectedly, slumping back against the sofa. "I know how Jessica feels about me now... she made that perfectly clear. How can I have any kind of meaningful relationship with a mind-controlled thrall?"

Jehanna considered his question, but didn't voice an opinion either way. "Alright... well what about your father?"

"Don't get me started on that asshole," John growled, almost baring his teeth with a lip-curling sneer.

"Did he really attack you?" Jehanna asked, her gaze filled with sympathy. "The girls won't talk about what happened in any detail."

"Yeah, he attacked me," John muttered, glaring off into the distance. "Rahn lost his mind when he found out I hadn't been his obedient little slave and done his bidding. He tried to kill me... but the gutless coward was too weak and pathetic. I let him go... but I should have just executed his treacherous ass."

Jehanna winced at the thought of John's life being in danger, then she brushed her fingers though his hair. "Why did you spare him, John?"

He snorted with derision. "Because my mother begged for his worthless life. She never said a word when Rahn'hagon was about to bash my brains in, but as soon as he was in danger, she came rushing in to save him. It's a perfect example of how much she cares about him and how she couldn't care less about me."

"I didn't know that part," she said softly. "I'm really sorry, John. That must've been awful... like being rejected all over again."

John shook his head in weary resignation. "They're just as bad as each other. Do you know what the worst part of dealing with Arjun Khatri was for me?"

Jehanna looked at him in surprise, not expecting this abrupt shift in topic. "No, what was it?"

"When Khatri found out we were coming for him, he tried to kill himself to keep his family out of danger. A cruel, sadistic monster like Khatri cared more about his family than either of my parents do about me. What does that tell you?"

"I care about you, John," she said softly, leaning forward to give him a hug. "And all the girls love you very much."

"I know, honey," he replied, wrapping his arms around her and rubbing her back. "But my parents are totally self-centred and don't care about anyone but themselves. I don't want anything more to do with either of them."

"I understand... and I'm sorry I was so pushy trying to get you to talk about it. I didn't realise just how much they'd hurt you," she said, cuddling up against his chest.

"You weren't there... how could you know?" he said, brushing his fingers through her silky black hair.

Jehanna pulled back a little so that she could look into his eyes. "You're right... and from now on, I want to be there for you."

"I want you too, honey... and I'm not going to try to discourage you anymore. You can go through the Change and join us properly."

"Really?!" she gushed, looking thrilled.

"Yes. I'll start feeding you tomorrow," he replied, leaning down to kiss her on the tip of her nose.

Jehanna grinned in delight and crossed her wrists behind his neck. "How about starting tonight?"

"You'll probably end up with another full tummy, but it won't be from me directly," he replied, stroking the small of her back. "Jade wants to spend some time with me later."

"Mmm... mint flavour!" she exclaimed, smacking her lips in anticipation.

John laughed at her enthusiasm. "You like mint?"

Giving him a parting kiss, she nodded. "Jade tastes delicious." Jehanna slipped her feet into her shoes and got up from the sofa. "I'll leave you in peace and stop harassing you now. Thanks for the interview, Lion of the Federation."

"Any time, Miss Elani," he replied, rising from his seat. "I'll come to bed in a little while."

Jehanna waved goodbye over her shoulder as she sauntered out of the Ready Room, pleased with how the conversation had gone. She walked onto the Bridge and was surprised to find Alyssa and Rachel waiting for her by the Engineering Station. The brunette looked pleased, but her blonde matriarch seemed uncharacteristically pensive.

"Using your own family crisis to get John to open up about his parents was very clever," Rachel noted, giving her an approving smile. "You did well, especially without any guidance from us."

"But there are a few things you don't know," Alyssa said, holding out a hand. "Come on, let's go have a chat."

***

John stood by the long window that ran the length of his Ready Room, staring out at the glittering sweep of stars. It was a spectacular view, one that he usually found inspiring and moving in equal measure. However, that evening all he could think about were the numerous threats he was facing and the varied places he had to go. Kinta, Genthalas, Kythshara, the Larathyran Empire, Brimor... every destination posing different risks and challenges.

Even after he'd ticked all those destinations off his galactic checklist, he knew his work had only just begun. He remembered the sprawling map of the Milky Way, with dozens of ominous sigils representing individual Progenitors and the locations of their malevolent Thrall empires. The sheer scale of the coming conflict was almost too daunting for him to comprehend, making John feel tiny and insignificant in a vast and terrifying game that had played out over billions of years.

Staring at the shining field of stars, he wondered if any of those faint specks of light represented the home system of one of his Progenitor adversaries. Perhaps one of those god-like tyrants was staring up at the night's sky at that precise moment, revelling in his victories and planning his next wave of brutal conquests.

"Enjoy it while you can," John whispered, his eyes narrowing with anticipation.

"Enjoy what, John?" a quiet voice asked politely.

He jumped in surprise and turned to see Neysa standing behind him only a few feet away. The tawny coloured catgirl was wearing a skirt suit with the jacket buttoned up, her light-brown hair tied back in a severe bun. She looked like a prim librarian... and he guessed that she was setting the tone for a serious discussion with him.

"I didn't even hear you come in," he admitted, giving her a rueful smile.

"I'm sorry for startling you," she said quietly. "You were lost in your thoughts and I didn't want to disturb you."

"That's quite alright," he said, waving away her apology. "So... what can I do for you?"

"I wanted to discuss Ailita, if you can spare a moment?" she asked, her hazel eyes studying him inquisitively.

John was struck by the difference between this Nymph and her sisters. Neysa was very smart and perceptive, developing a sense of self and adapting her speech patterns far faster than any of the others had managed. She was also the Nymph that had suggested they adopt a new form, understanding that John's initial selection had only been to placate them, rather than choosing something he truly desired. He found himself curious to discover what new insights she might reveal.

"I can always spare time for you, honey," he replied, before gesturing towards the sofas. "Would you like to take a seat?"

She shook her head, with not so much as a hair displaced from her bun. "I'm quite comfortable here... unless you'd prefer to sit?"

John smiled and leaned against the edge of his desk. "Okay, go ahead. What's on your mind?"

She clasped her hands in front of her, everything about Neysa's posture rigidly controlled. "I'm overjoyed that we freed Ailita, but in rescuing my sister, I've had something of a disturbing epiphany." Her vertically-slitted eyes narrowed in concentration. "It shocked me to the core to see her as she is now... blindly obsessed with pleasing her master to the exclusion of all else."

He nodded in understanding. "It must be very difficult to see her behave like that, knowing that you used to be just like her. Men can easily take advantage of Nymphs when they throw themselves at a new master... Mael'nerak was very cruel to make you behave that way."

"That's true," she agreed, looking into his eyes. "Ailita's obsession with you is entirely superficial; she doesn't know you like I do, so she's incapable of truly appreciating you for the wonderful man you are. Her feelings aren't real... and I find myself pitying Ailita for her inability to recognise just how fortunate she is to have fallen in your lap."

"That's very kind of you to say," he said, feeling self-conscious at her effusive praise. "Thank you."

Neysa stepped closer, unclasping her hands and gently caressing his jawline. "No... thank you, John. Thank you for making me what I am today. I finally understand what you're trying to accomplish with me and my sisters... and why giving us the gift of free will means so much."

John studied her in fascination. "Why is that?"

"Because you seek to free us from the chains that have bound Nymphs for millennia. You've opened my eyes to the possibility of a life beyond being a simple sex slave; by giving me free will, I can choose my own destiny and the path I wish to tread."

"I only ever intended to be your master for as long as you needed me to be," he said quietly. "I want you to embrace your freedom to choose, Neysa... and if you decide that you wish to leave me, you'll have my full blessing. The reason I value Jade's dedication to me so much, is because it's a life she chose for herself... the decision wasn't forced upon her by barbaric restrictions to her behaviour."

"I wish to choose too, John," Neysa said earnestly, her hazel eyes shining with purpose. "You're a good man striving to be a champion of my sisters. What more noble purpose could I find with my life, than aiding you in your goal to liberate Nymphs from thousands of years of despicable slavery."

John stroked her jawline, making Neysa tremble at his touch. "I'll gladly accept your help, Neysa. If you still want me to be your master, then it's a role I'll be honoured and privileged to accept."

"I still feel the desire to please you," she explained, licking her full lips instinctively. Her hazel eyes softened as she continued, "But the difference is profound. I want to make you happy, John... but not because I need to please you, but because I want to show you how much I love you."

He rose from the desk and gathered the tawny-hued catgirl in his arms. "It's wonderful to see this change in you, Neysa," he said earnestly. "I love the bright, perceptive, caring woman you've become."

She gave him a tender kiss, her lips brushing lightly against his. "Would you like me to show you how much I love you... Master?" she purred, her voice turning smoky and seductive.

*Jade, is Neysa your surprise?* he asked his Nymph Matriarch.

*In a manner of speaking. I'm very much enjoying the first part of our date, Master!* she replied with a joyful laugh.

John smiled at the catgirl pressed against him. "Yes... I'd like you to show me."

Neysa grinned and pushed him backwards towards his high-backed leather chair. He laughed as he fell into the seat, but his laughter died as she unbuttoned her jacket with one hand and shook out her hair with the other, the brown locks tumbling wild and untamed across her shoulders. She went from prim and proper librarian to sultry seductress in the blink of an eye, and the lust blazing in her smouldering gaze made him as hard as steel. Her six-inch-heels clicked provocatively as she prowled around his desk, the Nymph moving with a graceful elegance that left him staring at her in awe.

"I heard that if I really want to show how much I love you, I need to share all of my body with you, Master," she crooned, turning away from him and bending provocatively over the desk.

She arched her back, tilting up her rounded ass, which made the knee-length skirt ride up her thighs. Neysa began swaying her hips sensuously from side to side, her tail curling down to lift the hem of her skirt even higher. She was wearing black stockings, the seam running down the backs of her gloriously long and shapely legs.

Neysa watched him over a shoulder, her hooded hazel eyes glinting through the wispy tendrils of her tousled chestnut mane. "Would you like that, John? To enjoy every delight my body has to offer?"

Lost for words, he could only nod in reply, his eyes dropping to her rising skirt. The hem inched over the tops of her stockings, revealing a caramel expanse of smooth skin up to the sumptuous lower curve of her ass. Neysa's rhythmic swaying kept him hypnotised as her pussy came into view, already moist with her excitement. A few more inches and her skirt slid up over her pert cheeks, not a hint of sag in those perfectly rounded orbs. Nestled between them was a glistening star, the sight of her pre-lubed ass making John's throbbing cock ache with desire.

Raising his eyes to look at Neysa, he saw a host of emotions in her alluring gaze. Her arousal was obvious, as was the open invitation to take her this way, but there were deeper feelings there too... love being foremost among them. John rose from his seat and stepped up between her spread legs. He ran his hands up her stockinged thighs, feeling the luxurious silk change to deliciously smooth flesh. The Nymph was also warm to the touch, her cool skin heating up with a deep-seated lust as she saw his reaction to her provocative display.

"I can't hide any of my fantasies from you, can I?" he asked, tearing his shirt off and casting it aside. "Showing off how smart you are, getting dressed up for me... you're pushing all my buttons."