Three Square Meals Ch. 133

Stroking his arm, Helene said quietly, "Your mother does care about you, John. Jessica got very upset when she realised just how much she hurt you and her parents."

"She's not the same woman you met on Arcadia," Rachel said sincerely, looking into his eyes. "Jessica was filled with remorse and desperate to atone for abandoning you. I really liked her, John. She's a lovely woman... and really wants to be part of your life."

"Jessica also knows you're engaged to all of us and that she's about to become a grandmother several times over," Alyssa said with a soft smile. "She wants to be friends with all of her future daughters-in-law and was thrilled at the prospect of seeing her grandchildren."

"Really?" John asked, swallowing around the big lump in his throat. "She actually said that?"

Alyssa nodded eagerly, then her radiant smile turned into an angry scowl. "But then your father attacked you and it all went to shit. We ran back to help you and arrived just as you were about to execute Rahn'hagon. Jessica panicked and rushed to save him... but she wasn't choosing your father over you. If we'd got there in time, she'd have rushed to stop him from trying to kill you... I know she would."

Rachel gently squeezed John's hand. "I looked back at Jessica when we left... she was so upset. Your mother was devastated by what Rahn'hagon had done, especially as it happened just as she was trying to apologise for having hurt you."

John could see she was being completely honest with him and he felt a soaring sense of hope... until he remembered the last interaction he'd had with his mother.

"Oh no..." he groaned in horror. John leaned forward and held his head in his hands. "When she tried to contact me after the wedding, I told Jessica I'd talk to her when Rahn's dead!"

"I know," Alyssa said quietly, her expression troubled. "That would've really hurt."

"Why didn't you tell me all this beforehand?!" John exclaimed, looking at her in anguish.

"Because it's only been a week since your father tried to kill you," Alyssa replied, her cerulean eyes reflecting his regret and frustration. "I wanted to tell you... but you hated Rahn'hagon for what he did to you and bitterly resented your mother for abandoning you on Olympus."

John shook his head and objected, "But that wasn't her fault... Rahn ordered her to do it!"

"Logically you know that's true, but emotionally you still felt rejected," she said quietly. "Ask Jehanna and Rachel if you don't believe me... you've discussed it with both of them and they'll tell you exactly the same thing."

He glanced at the two girls, who slowly nodded in confirmation. Shoulders slumping, he said, "I can get past that... I know I can."

Alyssa got up and sat directly in front of him. "I believe you... but until you bury the hatchet with your father, you're not going to be able to have a meaningful relationship with your mother. Jessica feels terrible about abandoning her only son and is grieving for her parents... but she still loves Rahn. She's never going to leave him."

John shook his head in weary resignation. "What a fucked-up mess. Even if I forgive my father... and I don't know if I can, because I still hate the bastard... he's now furious at me for destroying the Kyth'faren fortress. Not that I could even find my parents anyway, because they could be hiding right under my nose in a cloaked Progenitor dreadnought."

She nodded, then gave him a wry smile. "At least we're all immortal, so you've got plenty of time to get over what they did to you. Your parents will still be waiting somewhere under the Shroud when you are ready to talk to them."

"Yeah, she's right," Dana chipped in. "And by that time, I'll have figured out how to track cloaked Progenitor ships! We'll just fly right up to them, everyone can say they're sorry, then you'll be able to give your mom a big hug!"

John laughed, then pulled Alyssa into his arms and beckoned Dana over. "That sounds like just what I need right now."

He was soon surrounded by the girls in a group hug, all of them eager to comfort him. John felt different about his parents now, especially Jessica, who had apparently changed from the indifferent woman he'd met on Arcadia. As much as he wanted to meet with his mother again and see if the girls were right about the miraculous transformation she'd undergone, he still had horribly conflicted feelings about his father.

*It'll take time, John,* Alyssa said softly, gazing into his eyes. *I believe you'll be reunited with your parents one day... and we're all here to support you until that happens.*

*And what about afterwards?* he asked, smiling back.

*We're with you forever...* she murmured, leaning in to give him a tender kiss.

***

Edraele sighed with relief at the happy end to the discussion. She'd been deeply worried that John would be incensed at Alyssa for tampering with his mother's mind, but the blonde had managed to diffuse his anger with consummate ease.

*Well done, Alyssa,* she said with admiration as she rose from the chair in her study. *I'm glad you told John the truth about his mother and I'm delighted that he isn't upset with you.*

*Thanks!* the jubilant teenager gushed in reply. *All I did was turn Jessica back into the woman she used to be before she was enthralled... that's what John wanted all along.*

*You know him far better than I do,* the Maliri Queen said with a wistful note to her voice as she left her study. *I never would've dared risk his ire by doing what you did to Jessica.*

*Yeah, I know,* Alyssa said affectionately. *But he's very fond of you, Edraele. At least one of his matriarchs needs to be a good girl all the time.*

The phalanx of House Valaden guards assumed a protective formation around their leader as Edraele exited her quarters. She greeted them with a grateful smile, which many of them warmly returned, before they set off down the corridors of Genthalas. They hadn't been walking for long when a lithe figure slipped into the passageway ahead of them, moving with the calm assurance of a lethal killer.

Luna prowled towards the group, exchanging nods with the security detail as she fell into step with the Maliri Queen. *The new matriarch from House Romenor will be the first to arrive; she's scheduled to reach Genthalas late this evening. There's still been no word from House Waephyra.*

*I can sense Vestele in my mind,* Edraele said with a puzzled frown. *She's in a considerable amount of pain, but I know she's still alive. I asked that she contact me at the earliest opportunity, but Vestele isn't acknowledging my telepathic communications.*

*I didn't realise you'd bonded with her?* the assassin asked, her yellow eyes studying the queen curiously.

Edraele answered with a slight shake of her head. *I haven't... but whenever I send a telepathic message to one of my wards, it always evokes some form of empathic response. Vestele isn't responding in any fashion.*

*Perhaps she's been drugged?* Luna suggested. *That would explain the lack of acknowledgement, even if she is alive.*

*That implies one of Vestele's daughters was the victor,* Edraele mused. *I wonder why she didn't simply kill her mother and claim leadership of House Waephyra?*

The assassin shrugged. *Maybe the daughter hasn't finished torturing her yet?*

Grimacing at the thought, Edraele murmured, *I certainly hope that isn't the case. It won't endear the victor with John and will leave him in a moral quandary over who to choose to lead the House.*

*Would you like me to visit Waephyra territory and deal with the situation?* Luna offered.

Edraele considered it for a moment, then reached out to brush her fingers against the assassin's. *I appreciate the kind offer, but I'd better not intervene with House succession again. I'll discuss the matter with John when he returns and see how he wants to address the issue.*

*As you wish, my Queen,* Luna replied, a playful twinkle in her eyes. *I am your obedient servant... in and out of the bedroom.*

*And a dreadful tease as well, apparently,* Edraele noted with a loving smile. *I hope you don't attempt to torment John when he returns... he endures quite enough from Alyssa.*

*I wouldn't dream of it!* Luna exclaimed, looking shocked at the thought. The assassin relaxed when she realised her regal girlfriend was teasing her in return. *I suppose I deserved that.*

*You know that I consider you an equal, my love,* Edraele said, pausing outside the doors in the guest quarters. *Save your obedience for Baen'thelas.*

Suppressing a laugh at Luna's sudden flush of embarrassment, Edraele nodded towards one of her guards who unlocked the suite. When the crystal door rotated up into the ceiling, she followed her bodyguards inside and saw Sarinia Baelora rise from her chair.

"I'm pleased to see you're well, Matriarch," Edraele said in greeting, acknowledging the leader of House Baelora with an inclination of her head.

"Queen Edraele, what brings you to my prison?" Sarinia enquired, maintaining her noble demeanour despite her fall from grace.

"I wanted to inform you that Baen'thelas has been delayed and will be arriving at Genthalas tomorrow evening," Edraele said as she crossed the room. "He's been fully informed about the events that have transpired in his absence and will discuss the matter with you upon his return."

Sarinia's calm composure cracked and she stepped towards the queen, holding her hand out in a plaintive gesture. "Edraele... what are his plans for me? Am I to be executed?"

Edraele glanced at Luna, whose hand had gone to her sword when Sarinia approached. The assassin relaxed slightly but was still watching the House Baelora matriarch like a hawk.

"I do not know, although that is a distinct possibility," Edraele admitted with a rueful frown. "However, Baen'thelas makes a concerted effort to be just in his dealings with the Maliri. You need not fear a cruel or vindictive punishment."

"What should I say to him?" Sarinia asked, fidgeting nervously with her hair. "I've been studying his picture... to try to get a measure of the man."

Raising an eyebrow, Edraele gave the noblewoman a knowing look. "If you're planning an attempt at seduction, I'd strongly advise against it. The unfortunate reality is that you murdered your sisters and mother, then incited matricide and sororicide in thirteen Houses. The edict to ban assassinations came from Baen'thelas himself, so to say that he is less than impressed with the slaughter you instigated would be a colossal understatement."

The noblewoman's shoulders slumped in resignation.

Edraele hesitated, then said softly, "He values honesty, so make no attempt to deceive or manipulate him. Simply explain the reasoning behind your actions and why you felt it was necessary to do what you did."

Blinking in surprise, Sarinia said, "I'll do that... thank you for the advice."

The Maliri Queen looked at her with sympathy. "If I were in your position, I would have almost certainly taken similar steps to rid myself of my own mother. I understand why you encouraged the rest of the noble daughters to emulate your actions, but at least sixty noblewomen were slaughtered as a result, including eleven matriarchs. I have never known bloodshed within the nobility on that scale and a massacre of so many high-profile figures will have repercussions. To have planned something like this, you're obviously extremely intelligent, but to use an apt Terran expression... you overplayed your hand."

"So it would seem," Sarinia murmured, her golden eyes filled with a host of regrets.

Edraele stepped closer and whispered, "Now that I no longer have to deal with recalcitrant matriarchs, running the Protectorate will be considerably easier... and for that you have my gratitude. I shall request clemency on your behalf when Baen'thelas returns."

Sarinia looked up and gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, my Queen."

Inclining her head in acknowledgement, Edraele turned and left Sarinia's quarters, with Luna following close behind.

Luna glanced at her girlfriend as they walked away. *You like her, don't you?*

*I do,* Edraele replied with a troubled frown. *But I don't trust her.*

***

Shoal Master Kaelotegh watched the Sector Map, his black eyes tracking the Enclave fleets as they swept through Kintark territory. The Brimorian warships were arrayed into seven distinct fleets, which had been split up to advance across a broad front and encircle the Imperial homeworld. So far their rapid penetration of Kintark Space had been completely unopposed, but he knew that Empress Tamolith still had a token force ready to make a last stand.

"Any sign of their fleets?" he called across the Command Deck.

The Wave-Squire studying tactical reports turned to address the leader of the Brimorian armada. "There have been no sighting so far, Shoal Master. Our advance scouts have been clearing the path towards Kinta and are nearing their capital system. They have reported a number of hastily constructed hazards along our route, but they proved to be only a minor setback."

"Excellent, just as I expected," Kaelotegh noted, nodding his approval.

"We shall dine in the Imperial palace tonight, Shoal Master," the officer standing beside him stated with a predatory smile. "I might do so while seated on the Imperial throne... unless you've already made a reservation?"

Kaelotegh's fins rippled in anticipation. "I have indeed, Libtegh... but if rumours about the size of the Empress' posterior are not exaggerated, I believe there will plenty of room to go around."

The Shoal-Commander made a gurgling noise in his throat as he chuckled at his leader's joke. Turning towards the holographic map before them, he expanded the view of the central fleet and focused on his formidable flagship, the Retribution from the Depths. Surrounded by no less than ten battleships, this fleet possessed unstoppable firepower and would be able to deal with the Kintark defenders almost single-handed.

"Have you decided on an order of battle for our final elimination of the Imperial forces?" he asked his commanding officer.

"Our victory is guaranteed, but I see no reason to risk taking casualties," Shoal Master Kaelotegh replied. "While the rest of our forces proceed with the encirclement, our fleet will engage the Kintark defenders at maximum range to ensure their Plasma Cannons inflict negligible damage. The rest of the fleets shall then close the net and hit the opposing force from the flanks and the rear."

"I can find no fault in your plan, Shoal Master," Libtegh noted with a respectful bow. "It's unfortunate that the Kintark will not be able to offer any real sport, but safely securing our prize for the glory of the Enclave is all that matters."

Kaelotegh saw no need to acknowledge the Shoal-Commander when Libtegh was stating the obvious. However, he did allow himself a confident smile, his lips peeling back to reveal rows of razor-sharp teeth.

***

The group hug that signified the end of the debriefing broke up and John gave the girls a grateful smile. "I really needed that, thank you."

"You're welcome!" they all replied at once, then broke into laughter at the unified chorus.

Calara was the first to rise to her feet. "I'm going to head up to the Bridge and check the latest updates from the Kintark. If the Brimorians look like they have changed their invasion plans, I'll need to make some rapid adjustments to compensate."

"I know I'm not in your league with fleet tactics, but let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"Don't sell yourself short," she said with a disapproving frown. "I won't hear a bad word said about the man who defused the Maliri civil war without a single shot fired in anger. You can't teach someone that level of subtle cunning."

He gave her a self-conscious smile. "Thanks, honey."

She leaned over and gave him a kiss. "If I do need to revise my plans, I'll definitely want your help."

"You only have to ask."

Calara strode out of the Observatory and the rest of the group began to follow her out. Rather than making any move to leave, Jade edged closer to John and gently traced his jawline with a fingertip.

"Are you really feeling better now, Master?" she asked with concern. "I know you find discussions about your parents deeply distressing."

"Yeah, much better thanks," he replied, before glancing at Alyssa and smiling at her in gratitude. "I'm actually looking forward to meeting Jessica again now... and I'd given up hope of ever establishing a relationship with her."

Alyssa dipped down to give him a parting kiss. "I got to spend quite a bit of time talking to Jessica while you were with Rahn'hagon and I really liked her too."

John raised an eyebrow as he gave the blonde a knowing look.

"I didn't do anything inappropriate, I swear!" she protested, blushing in response. Her cerulean eyes twinkled as she added, "But I was tempted..."

He tried to grab the mischievous blonde to tickle her, but Alyssa saw it coming and danced out of the way.

"I'm going to go make lunch," Alyssa said with a grin, wiggling her fingertips at him as she flounced out of the Observatory. "Anyone want to be my Sous-chef?"

Several of the girls offered to help between their laughter at her outrageous behaviour and soon only John and Jade were left sitting on the oval bed.

"John..." the Nymph began, gazing at him with concern. "I didn't want to say anything earlier in case my fears were unfounded... but something about the spirit in the Kyth'faren citadel felt very wrong."

"What do you mean, honey?" he asked, stroking her arm.

"I'm not sure exactly," she murmured, looking deeply unsettled. "Sorry... I know that isn't very helpful."

"I didn't sense anything while I was there... but I know it freaked out Alyssa," he said, recalling her adverse reaction to the ancient castle. *Do you still feel the same way, beautiful?*

Alyssa hesitated for a second before replying. *Yes, definitely.*

"Alright... well thanks for letting me know," John said to Jade, leaning over to kiss her in gratitude. "If either of you think of anything else, keep me informed, alright?"

"I will, I promise," Jade said earnestly.

John gave her a hug, then rose to his feet and offered the Nymph matriarch a hand. "I think I'll go give Alyssa a hand getting lunch ready. I need to unwind after that debrief."

"Actually... I had something else planned to help you relax, Master," she murmured, a twinkle in her eyes.

Just then, the door to the Observatory opened and Marika padded inside. The black and silver-striped catgirl greeted John with a warm smile as she sauntered over to join them.

He gathered the raven-haired beauty in his arms and gazed into her soft brown eyes. "And what did you have in mind, honey?"

She nuzzled into his neck and gently kissed his throat, her movements languid and seductive. When John let his hands slide down from Marika's hips to her gloriously firm bottom, she began to purr... and pressed herself against him.

"Have you had the same epiphany as Neysa?" he asked, feeling himself rising to the occasion.

Marika nodded but didn't reply, her fluttering kisses following his jawline.

Jade caressed her sister's shoulder affectionately, then smiled at John. *Have fun, Master.*

As she left the Observatory, John tilted up Marika's chin and gently kissed her. "Talk afterwards?"

She bit her lip and nodded, her warm chocolate eyes shining with adoration. They sank down to the oval bed, with Marika helping John quickly remove his clothes, and it didn't take long for him to be as naked as the sultry Nymph. When they were lying together on the soft sheets, Marika rolled over onto her tummy and glanced back at him over her shoulder. John's eyes were inevitably drawn to her gorgeous rump, the two cheeks so perfectly rounded that they'd give an Ashanath a stroke. She swayed her hips seductively, making her intentions perfectly clear, the invitation matching the gleam in her eyes.