Three Square Meals Ch. 138

"Nah, I'm still stuffed after that yummy breakfast. Thanks though."

Rachel smiled and kissed her hand. "See... vacations aren't so dreadful, are they?"

"This place is pretty awesome," Dana grudgingly conceded.

"How are you coping being away from the Engineering Bay?" the tawny-haired brunette asked. "Are you having any trouble switching off from your research?"

"No. I'm totally fine," the redhead replied a little too hastily. She glanced down at her gorgeous sun-kissed body. "It does feel weird wearing a bikini without John here to drool over us."

"Nice attempt at deflection, babes," Rachel purred, putting down her glass and rolling over to seductively caress her girlfriend. "It sounds like I need to distract that brilliant mind of yours..."

Dana tried to protest, but the words died on her lips as the brunette untied the bows on her hips and parted her supple thighs.

Irillith twisted on her divan to study the majestic architecture of the palace. "Mother's made a significant number of changes to Saelihn Immanthe recently."

Tashana smiled as the redhead's soft moans echoed around the pool. "Yes, changes for the better..."

Her sister smirked. "That's not quite what I meant."

Rolling onto her side, Tashana gazed into her twin's angular eyes. "The last time I visited the Summer House was with father."

Irillith's breath caught and she embraced her sister. "Our last trip with him. Oh, Shan..."

Alyssa watched the twins with concern, making a mental note to speak with John. She turned to face the rocky pool as Sakura crested into the inlet, riding on Marika's back. "How was the lake?"

"It's incredible under there!" the Asian girl gushed, sliding off the Nymph's back and giving her a grateful hug. "You should take a look for yourself when you get the chance. There's so many colourful tropical fish and the coral reef is gorgeous!"

"Maybe later," the blonde replied, still not entirely comfortable with the idea of being under all that water.

"Alyssa?" Marika asked, drawing her attention. "How much longer will Helene be asleep? We'd love to show the lake to her."

The other Nymphs bobbed up in the water, their gills rippling as they awaited Alyssa's answer.

*Based on her level of fatigue, I estimate she'll need at least another fourteen hours to recuperate fully,* Rachel informed Alyssa telepathically, her mouth pre-occupied at that moment.

"We think she's going to wake up later this evening," Alyssa informed the concerned Nymph. "If Helene still hasn't stirred by then, I'll ask John for help waking her."

"How is Master doing?" Neysa asked, folding her arms on the edge of the pool and resting her chin on them. "We know he thoroughly enjoyed himself last night and again this morning."

"You know John. He's working diligently to give the Maliri all the attention they deserve," Alyssa replied, winking at the Nymphs.

***

John sat behind Edraele's desk with the Maliri Queen on his lap, stroking her swollen tummy as she reviewed the incoming messages on the comms interface.

"That feels divine, but you're making it very hard to concentrate," Edraele murmured distractedly.

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, slipping his hand inside a slash in her dress and circling her navel with a fingertip.

She shivered with pleasure, but managed to shake her head. "No... please continue."

As he absentmindedly caressed her, Edraele found the relevant message and expanded the attached document. The holographic display projected a map of the Maliri Protectorate, showing the most probable invasion vectors overlaid with defensive countermeasures.

"Incredible..." Edraele murmured, gazing at the sector defences in fascination. "If I didn't know otherwise, I'd assume that Calara had been developing these plans for years. The way she uses these stellar hazards to funnel prospective enemies into concentrated defensive strong points is inspired."

"She's very gifted," John agreed, eyeing the materiel Calara had requested and her prioritised build order. "Will you have any trouble ramping up production on Genthalas to build everything she needs?"

The Maliri Queen quickly scanned through the list. "We can begin fabrication immediately... but the sheer volume of components Calara has requested will likely take months to complete. Are you sure you want to cease all new ship production, even for vessels that are already half-constructed?"

John paused to consider it for a moment. "Calara's adamant that we must locate and capture Larn'kelnar's marooned fleets as our highest priority. If we are able to locate a hyper-warp gate and bring back those ships, then focusing Genthalas' manufacturing facilities on constructing mines and gravity-well generators will give us our best shot at decisively defeating a Progenitor invasion."

"And if you're unable to acquire those thrall vessels, what then?" Edraele asked with a worried frown. "Wouldn't it be sensible to construct as many warships as possible, just as a precaution?"

He grimaced and shook his head. "If we're forced to engage in a war of attrition against a thrall armada while fighting at a huge technical disadvantage, our casualties will be horrific. We'll take so many fleet losses, we'd never be able to hold off another Progenitor attack... if we even manage to survive the first one."

"We can't just place all our hope in recovering Larn'kelnar's fleets," Edraele protested, her frown deepening.

"I'm not," John said, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "My primary objective is to support Dana in finding a way to mass-produce warships that are more powerful than thrall vessels. When we have the tech advantage, the Progenitor War will take a very different course. Until she's had a chance to develop that research and we can start building those ships, we're just going to have to cobble together the best defences we can muster."

*Calara thinks it would be a wise precaution to recall all the Maliri fleets,* Alyssa advised them. *She wants the fleet personnel on standby to crew captured thrall ships as quickly as possible.*

John drummed his fingers on the desk. "Can you give me a status update on all the Maliri fleets that are outside the boundaries of the Protectorate?"

"Of course," Edraele replied. "The four fleets we dispatched to intercept the Brimorian invasion have destroyed their targets and are already on their way back to Genthalas. House Valaden's first fleet under Lilyana is en route to the Brimorian border, where we were planning to intercept the last Kirrix dreadnought and liberate the Abandoned prisoners from the Brimorian slavers."

He shook his head. "We can't afford to wait for the Kirrix fleet to show up. I want Lilyana to launch an immediate attack against the Brimorians as soon as she arrives at the border. Free the Abandoned prisoners, then bring them back to Maliri territory."

Edraele paused for a moment, then inclined her head as if listening to another conversation. "I've given Lilyana your orders. Almari is asking if they should take steps to shut down Brimorian comms along the border before they initiate an assault?"

"To keep Maliri involvement in the attack a secret?" John surmised, his question quickly answered by a nod. He thought about it for a few seconds, weighing the benefits of diplomatic deniability. "I know we could crush the Enclave, but I don't want to deal with the Brimorians right now. Ask Lilyana to proceed with a covert attack, as long as it doesn't cause excessive delays, or put her fleet at undue risk."

"Orders acknowledged," the Maliri Queen confirmed with a smile. "My second fleet under Fleet Commander Amlaril should be fully refitted with crystal Alyssium plating by now and patrolling the Ashanath border with the Drakkar."

"We need those ships back here as well... but I don't want to leave the Ashanath undefended. Do you know how the Collective's fleet repairs are progressing?"

Edraele ruefully shook her head. "I can send telepathic orders to Amlaril, but she's unable to respond in kind. The only way to receive a status update from her is over the comms network."

"Dana's already reverse-engineered the Vulkat psychic comms device," John said, tapping a finger on his chin. "We should send that schematic to the Ashanath over standard comms and start constructing one on Genthalas. By the time the Ashanath have built one for themselves, Dana will have had time to complete her new ship designs, and we can transmit those along with any new tech we want to give them."

*I could just pop into the Ashanath Command Network and say hello,* Alyssa volunteered. *It'd be nice to see Senior Councillor Ularean again and I can find out how they're getting on with repairs.*

*That's a good idea, but I still want you to rest,* John said in a tone that brooked no argument. "I'll give Ularean a call right now and find out how the Ashanath are doing. Edraele, would you mind putting me through?"

His Maliri matriarch initiated the secure call, then snuggled into him as the comms broadcast was routed across the Terran Federation to the Ashanath Collective. When the call was finally acknowledged, Edraele slid gracefully off his lap to move out of view. Senior Councillor Ularean appeared on the screen, his large grey head filling most of the display. Black eyes stared at John, the Ashanath leader blinking rapidly.

"JohnBlake, this is a pleasant surprise," Ularean said in his eerie, whispering voice. "I hope that all is well with you and your lovely associates."

"We're all fine thanks," John replied, smiling at the startled Ashanath. "How are your people faring? Are you fully recovered after the recent trouble with the Drakkar?"

"We are indeed. Our fleets have been repaired and the losses replaced. The heroes that sacrificed themselves to defend Ashana have been honoured, their likenesses standing in the Park of Remembrance."

"They fought very bravely," John agreed, inclining his head with respect.

Ularean nodded, then looked at him quizzically. "I assume that you did not contact me to ask after our rebuilding efforts. Is there another purpose to this call, JohnBlake?"

"There is," he admitted. "The one responsible for instigating the Drakkar attack has been defeated."

Eyes widening in astonishment, Ularean's tiny mouth fell open. "You were victorious?! That is marvellous news!"

"He's paid for his crimes," John said quietly. "But there are dozens more just like him."

Ularean's elation crashed to despair an instant later. "Dozens more?!"

"I'm afraid so," John said, his expression bleak. "Have you finished assisting your guests with their refit?"

The Ashanath Senior Councillor was silent for a long moment, digesting the dreadful revelation that there were many more Progenitors posing a threat to the Collective. He telepathically informed the High Council, sparking a frantic burst of panicked conversation.

"Ularean?" John prompted him.

"I a-apologise, JohnBlake. I am just o-overwhelmed," Ularean replied, his voice modulator warbling as it tried to interpret his terrified thoughts. "Yes, we have c-completed the work for our honoured guests."

John leaned forward and said quietly, "I originally planned for them to patrol your territory while we rotated out more... guests... to the Ashanath Collective for further assistance. With the battlefield broadening, we've had to change our plans, and I need to recall Amlaril to help with our next campaign. We'll be sending you schematics for a psychic comms device, and once it's up and running, Dana will be able to transmit new ship designs and tech blueprints. I want you to use the materials we sent to begin construction of those vessels as quickly as possible."

"The Collective greatly appreciates your generosity and benevolence," Ularean replied, giving him a respectful bow.

"We know the Drakkar already threw everything they had at Ashana, so we shouldn't be leaving you exposed to further raids," John said, with a pensive frown. "You should also be safe from the... wider conflict... but there are no guarantees. I'd advise you to treat the new shipbuilding program with the utmost urgency, just in case."

"I understand, JohnBlake," the Senior Councillor said, looking suitably sombre. "We will make the appropriate preparations."

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news," John said with regret. "Take care, Ularean."

"There is no need to apologise. On the contrary, I greatly appreciate your warning," Ularean said inclining his head in gratitude. "Goodbye my friend... and good luck."

They ended the call and John slumped back in his chair. "That went well... but I feel bad about scaring him like that."

Edraele brushed her fingers through his hair, gently comforting him. "Ularean knows what we're facing and understands what's at stake. At least now the Ashanath are forewarned so that they can defend themselves to the best of their ability."

John closed his eyes and let the tension drain out of him with Edraele's soothing touch. "True."

"I've contacted Fleet Commander Almaril and ordered her to return to Genthalas," the Maliri Queen added. "She should arrive in approximately four days time."

*I've updated Dana,* Alyssa informed him. *She'll send out the schematics immediately, then discuss advanced warship design with Calara. Between the two of them, they should be able to come up with some huge upgrades over the current Ashanath saucers.*

"Thanks, ladies. It feels like we're making the right move recalling all the fleets," John noted, before rising from his chair. "With that out the way, I can focus on the matriarch situation. I think it's time I visited Sarinia Baelora."

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Edraele asked, standing beside him.

John stroked her rounded stomach and smiled. "I think you might give her a bit of a shock if you turn up looking like this. It's probably better if I speak to Sarinia alone."

Edraele slipped her arm around his and they walked back to their bedroom to get changed. He paused by the racks of clothes, struck with indecision about what to wear.

"I thought I'd put the Mael'nerak suit on for the Council of Matriarchs, just to add a bit of grandeur to the occasion, but it seems like overkill for meeting Sarinia," he mused aloud, looking towards Edraele for some guidance.

She reached for the jacket and handed it to him. "Wearing that will be a fitting reminder that you're the ultimate authority in the Maliri Protectorate and her fate rests in your hands. I don't think you can be overdressed under those circumstances."

"Yeah, good point," he agreed, stripping off his casual clothes. He brushed his hand across her stomach and added, "You can keep the shirt. It looks much better on you anyway."

"I had no intention of returning it," she replied, her eyes twinkling as she passed him a spare dress shirt.

John chuckled as he dressed, slipping on the shirt, then fastening up the trousers and jacket. Edraele smoothed out the collar and nodded with satisfaction at his appearance.

"You look like a man who's claimed the Maliri for his own," she said, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

He paused and clasped her hand. "Thanks for this morning. You and your girls did a wonderful job of making me feel completely at ease in your company. I thought it might take me a few days to settle in, but it really has felt like being welcomed back to a loving home."

"Everyone's reaction has been completely genuine. We're all overjoyed to have you back again," she replied, giving him a fond kiss. "Luna is waiting for you outside my quarters; she'll lead you to the suite where Sarinia is being confined."

"Brilliant, thank you," John said, returning Edraele's wave as he left her bedroom.

Luna greeted John with a smile as he emerged from Edraele's quarters. "It's this way," she said, gesturing towards one end of the corridor.

"Thanks," he replied, the two falling into step with each other.

They walked together in silence, their long strides eating up the distance as they headed towards the luxurious guest suites where the new matriarchs were all residing.

John studied the enigmatic assassin. "You were very quiet during breakfast this morning. I don't think you said a word."

Luna's yellow eyes flicked his way and she met his curious gaze. "You were discussing pregnancies with the Young Matriarchs, then asked for their views on the old matriarchs being murdered by their daughters. I didn't feel comfortable contributing to either conversation, not when their opinions were more valid than mine."

John came to a halt, reaching out for Luna's hand to stop her too. "I want you to stop thinking that way, Luna," he said firmly. "I'm always interested in your opinion... and coming from a different perspective it's just as valuable to me as theirs."

"But... they're all matriarchs and I'm just-"

"No," John interrupted. "You're all Maliri that I've pledged to start a family with... and that makes you equals in my eyes."

He saw the scepticism in her gaze and knew that Luna still wasn't quite convinced.

"Still don't believe me? Alright, close your eyes and tell me who do you think I care more deeply about: you or the new matriarchs?" John placed his hand over her heart and saw Luna inhale sharply, a contented smile appearing on her face as their connection resonated deep inside.

"Me," she replied, slowly reopening her eyes.

"Are you sure?" John teased her. "They lead Noble Houses and you're 'just an assassin'. Surely the fact that you and I have been intimate wouldn't make any difference to how I feel about you?"

Luna blushed and bit her lip. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to doubt you."

John leaned in to give her a reassuring kiss. "You, Edraele, the Young Matriarchs... you're all striving to help me make the Protectorate a better place. You have different roles, but you're all equally important. The only reason that you're not expecting yet is because I couldn't bear the thought of you losing our child if you were injured in combat. That's why I haven't got the Invictus crew pregnant yet either, so if it helps, think of yourself as being equal to them."

Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Really?!"

"Of course. You're very important to me, Luna, and not just as a prospective mother of my children. Rumour has it that you're the finest swordswoman in the Maliri Protectorate... so I'm hoping that you'll agree to be my new instructor."

Luna's face lit up with excitement. "I'd love to spar with you, John!"

"First session tomorrow morning?" he suggested, sharing an eager grin with her.

"Yes, definitely!" she gushed, throwing her arms around him.

When they set off again, Luna seemed to bounce along at his side, an extra spring in her step. It was lovely to see how happy she was now, buoyed up with confidence and a new sense of purpose. Distracted as he was by the assassin, John didn't realise they'd reached Sarinia's quarters until his guide came to an abrupt halt.

"The suite assigned to House Baelora," Luna said in her rich melodic voice. "I'll wait for you here."

John nodded to her in gratitude, then pressed his hand to the rune beside the door, triggering a soft chime within.

"You may enter," a female voice intoned.

The crystal doors spiralled open, giving John his first look at the mastermind behind the slaughter of two-thirds of the Maliri nobility. Sarinia Baelora was a striking woman, her beautiful face complimented by her unusual golden-tinted eyes, the first he'd seen in that exotic shade. She held herself with the confident bearing of someone born to rule, radiating authority in her matriarchal robes.

"Baen'thelas!" Sarinia gasped, her refined composure shattered in an instant, the Maliri staring at him in open-mouthed astonishment.

John entered the suite, moving at an unhurried pace. "And you must be Matriarch Sarinia Baelora?"