Three Square Meals Ch. 104

"Is Faye helping too?" Jehanna asked, glancing at the corrupted data fragment on the screen.

The purple sprite flashed into existence beside them, her holographic image shaking her head. "I can't even access the data!" she exclaimed, pouting in frustration. "My data ports are totally incompatible with whatever format the Vulkat use. We were very lucky that Irillith's data crystal was even able to store the archive dump... that's actually a very positive sign."

"Sorry, computers aren't really my forte," Jehanna admitted, as she tried to understand what they were saying. "So, the problem is that you don't know how to read the Vulkat language?"

Irillith sighed and shook her head. "Unfortunately, it's more complicated than that. I'm good at learning new languages, so it won't take me long to translate the Vulkat's once I've identified how it's structured, but I can't even read what's been written yet." When she saw the blank look of incomprehension on Jehanna's face, she paused for a moment to think of a suitable metaphor. "Imagine for a moment that we're looking at a book full of Vulkat writing..."

"Okay, I can do that," Jehanna replied with a smile.

"Well I'm still stuck trying to figure out how to open the book," Irillith muttered, giving the screen an angry glare. "The Vulkat have a completely different approach to programming than we do."

The journalist nodded, finally understanding. "So you're using your psychic abilities to try to... What was it you said? To think like a spider... so you can open the archive." Shaking her head in admiration, she added, "It must be amazing to do the things all of you can do. When you stepped out of the screen on Weber's ship, I must admit that I-"

Her voice trailed off when she saw Irillith blush a dark indigo, the Maliri cringing with embarrassment.

"Did I say something wrong?" Jehanna asked in alarm.

"No, it wasn't you," Irillith mumbled, then tapped her temple. "Tashana's laughing at me and calling me an idiot."

Jehanna frowned and shook her head. "You're not an idiot," she said firmly, reaching out to stroke the Maliri's toned blue arm. "I think you're amazing."

Irillith placed a hand on hers and gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, but Tash is absolutely right... I was being a block-headed fool." She chuckled with embarrassment and continued, "I was so eager to get started on the data decryption, I just handled this as I would any other job, like I've done thousands of times before." Her eyes began to glow with a fierce violet light. "My sister was just reminding me that I need to stretch myself..."

Immersing her mind in the cyber-realm, Irillith was suddenly surrounded by brightly coloured streams of data arcing across the Bridge. She poured her spirit form into the data jack on the console in front of her, then found herself standing on a silver-etched platform that she knew represented the Int-Ops Station. She ignored the glowing data towers rising from the floor, instead making a beeline for the port where the data-crystal with the Vulkat archive was currently inserted.

In a flicker of purple light, Faye zipped onto the platform and skidded to a halt beside her. "What're you going to do, Creator?" she asked in a hushed voice, staring at the bewildering array of indecipherable code that swirled around the data port.

Irillith took a deep breath, her glowing spirit form's chest rising and falling as she exhaled. She didn't have to breathe here, it was simply a reflexive way of clearing her mind so that she could focus. "I'm going to think like a spider," she replied, violet light spiralling down her arms and pouring into the data port.

She could feel her consciousness shift, fragmenting and becoming oddly discordant, her view splitting into eight separate sections that merged to provide a panoramic view of her surroundings. After that profound shift in perspective, she focused on the jumbled mass of Vulkat code, using her psychic connection instead of a bespoke program to attempt the translation.

The haphazard strings of data began to twist before her eyes, or more accurately, her mind began to shift, viewing the bizarre code in an altogether alien way. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, she began to make sense of the Vulkat data. In a sudden epiphany, Irillith realised that the Vulkat segmented their code into eighths, each part divided by a bewilderingly complicated index. Now that she could see the pattern, she realised it was eerily reminiscent of a spider's web, each data-read like a trapped fly tugging on the sprawl of code strands. By splitting her vision into eight distinct parts, her brain was now able to view the segments as one coherent, integrated piece of code.

She let her mind flow out of the Cyber-realm and back to her body, closing her eyes for a moment to shrug off the momentary surge of dizziness. As soon as it passed, Irillith stood and flung her arms around Jehanna, hugging her tight. "You're a genius! Thank you so much!"

"What just happened? Did you work out how to open it?" the smaller girl asked in surprise, the Maliri hacker having only been distracted for what seemed like a few seconds.

Irillith laughed and nodded enthusiastically. "I figured it out thanks to you! Now that I understand how their code is written, I just need to write an application that can read the Vulkat data. You just saved me untold hours of frustration!"

Jehanna grinned, delighted she'd been able to inadvertently help the gorgeous alien girl. "It was my pleasure!"

The Maliri nodded, her violet eyes sparkling with desire. "It will be..."

***

Dana carefully angled her body as she soared through the air, the anti-grav generators built into the Paragon suit letting her control her ascent. She swept up the flank of the Invictus, her sky-blue eyes darting over the horrific damage to the aft of the battlecruiser.

"Damn... that's one fucked up ship," she muttered, frowning as she surveyed the charred remains of the engines.

"I'm really sorry I wrecked it," Faye said, her tiny holographic face looking chagrined.

Dana gave her a supportive smile. "It wasn't your fault, Faye, no one blames you. It was those Kintark bastards that shot it up." Her broad smile faded and she winced as she saw the extent of the damage caused by the plasma fire. "But the damage to the superstructure is worse than I thought. We'll need to chop out sections F429 to H472 and replace all the melted support stanchions with new ones. Do you think your boys can handle that?"

"Of course!" Faye chirped, grinning at the prospect. "I'll start writing a custom program to handle the repairs."

Dana nodded, eyes roaming over the incinerated superstructure. "Awesome, thanks. That'll save me a ton of time."

"Should I start configuring the Mass Fabricators to create the replacement sub-frame?" the purple sprite asked.

"Nah, we can ask Charles for the replacements, they're just regular Heavy-grade type-D stanchions," the redhead replied, floating above the melted section of the hull. "They must have shitloads of spares at Olympus."

Faye perked up and said, "I'll submit a request for the 87 we need!"

"Thanks," Dana murmured distractedly, glancing down the length of the Invictus' pockmarked hull. "We better check out that busted power regulator. I couldn't tell from the Damage Status display just how bad the damage was to all the nearby power couplings."

"The production run for the last Trankaran engine will be complete in 2 hours 36 minutes," Faye informed her friend, checking the status of the Mass Fabricators. "The replacement parts for the power regulator are queued up next."

Dana engaged the thruster on her back and soared over the starboard side of the hull. "We're slightly ahead of schedule on the repairs, so losing a bit of time rebuilding that section of the aft hull shouldn't be a problem." She glanced at the gleaming section of brand new armour plates on the topdeck. "We just need to make sure John and Alyssa don't slack off with making all the armour plating we need."

*I'll make some more after lunch,* Alyssa grumbled, her telepathic voice echoing through Dana's mind. *Speaking of which, it'll be the first time all the new girls will be joining us, so don't get distracted and pitch up late!*

*Yes, Mom,* Dana said, smirking at the blonde.

She heard the familiar roar of retro-thrusters firing up and turned around to watch the Raptor glide out of the Invictus' Secondary Hangar. The gunship gained some altitude, the nose dipping as it slowly approached her. Dana spotted Calara and Sakura through the cockpit canopy, both girls grinning and waving at her, before the Raptor swung around and raced out of the docking bay.

Faye's luminous eyes followed the departing ship as it left Olympus. "I would've liked to have seen Maria again. Watching her interact with Calara has been absolutely fascinating; the bond between a loving mother and daughter is truly wonderful to observe." She looked wistful as she added, "I just wish I could experience that personally."

"Yeah, me too," Dana said softly, watching the gunship soar away into space.

***

John greeted Irillith and Jehanna with a wave as he strolled down the ramp to his Ready Room. It was strange not to see Faye on the Bridge, her secondary avatar was usually a constant presence, but he knew she was very busy with managing the repairs and tutoring Helene. When the door slid open into his Ready Room, he found the aquatic girl sitting on the high-backed leather chair behind his desk. She was listening spellbound as Faye chattered away, the purple sprite pointing animatedly at a holographic Empire Map.

"And all this territory used to be called the Maliri Regency, but the Matriarchs changed the name to the Maliri Protectorate when John befriended them." Faye exclaimed, gesturing towards the huge expanse of stars that were overlaid in blue.

"He leads all those people?" Helene gasped, her eyes flickering across the hundreds of sparkling lights that represented the systems in Maliri Space.

"Yep!" Faye said proudly. "He calls himself their Protector, but he's really their-" Her eyes darted to John and she grinned at him. "Hey, John!"

"Hello, ladies," he said with a smile. "Are you two having fun?"

Helene sprang from her chair and ran over to hug him, a beaming smile on her face. "Faye knows everything!" she exclaimed, darting a look of sincere gratitude at the elfin girl. "I've learned so much already!"

"It seems you were learning all about the Maliri," he said, stroking her back. "Did Faye show you where Irillith and Tashana are originally from?"

She nodded enthusiastically, turning to point at a yellow star deep in Maliri Space. "They come from a world called Valaden in the... Epsilon Aquarii system?"

"That's right, well done," he said, giving her an encouraging smile when Helene glowed with pride at his praise. "We'll be visiting Valaden in a couple of weeks, so you'll be able to see it for yourself soon."

Faye hopped off the desk and bounded over to them. "I'll leave you guys to chat, unless you need me for anything else?"

"Thanks for looking after Helene," John said, pulling her close for a peck on the cheek.

"I really enjoyed it. She's a good listener and a quick learner," she replied, flashing a grin at Helene. "Any time you want to know more, just come and find me, okay?"

"I will, thank you so much!" Helene gushed, with an appreciative smile.

Faye waved goodbye and the couple watched her leave the room, before turning to face one another.

"I'm sorry I interrupted your lesson," John apologised, leading the aquatic girl over to the sofas and gesturing for her to sit. "I wanted to catch up with you and see how you were doing."

Helene sat beside him for a second, then quickly changed her mind and threw a toned thigh over his legs, straddling his lap.

"How am I doing? I've been having an incredible adventure and experiencing so many wonderful new things," she breathed, her baby-blue eyes gazing intently into his. "Thanks to you..."

John smiled at her and ran his hands over her hips. "I'm really glad you decided to come with us. It's only been a couple of days, but it feels like you're already part of the family-"

Helene leaned forward to kiss him, silencing him as she moaned into his mouth. She entwined her fingers in his hair and pressed herself against his chest, deepening the kiss and flickering her tongue against his. John responded in kind, holding her close and enjoying the feel of her athletic figure as she writhed against him.

"I can't wait to join you, John," she gasped breathlessly, when they finally parted.

"Are you absolutely sure? This is your last chance to change your mind," he asked, studying her reaction.

She laughed gaily and hugged him tight. "How can you even ask me that? I've never wanted anything more in my entire life!" She gave him an adoring smile. "You welcomed me into your home with open arms, then your family made me feel accepted and loved. When I woke this morning in the communal bed, I felt truly at peace for the first time in years; I'd given up hope of ever feeling that way again. If you'll have me, I promise I'll love you to the end of my days..."

John remembered Alyssa's cautionary warning that Helene was not a Terran girl and had grown up with entirely different customs. He decided to throw caution to the wind and reciprocate her earnest pledge. "And I promise to love you too. I'll take care of you and keep you safe, giving you the kind of life you've only dreamed of."

"And lots of babies?" she asked insistently, her blue eyes searching his.

"As many as you want," he replied, smiling back at her.

Helene melted against him with a soft sigh, her lips seeking his for another kiss. John encircled her with his arms, holding her close and savouring the feelings of protectiveness she stirred up in him. The teal-skinned beauty was a girl of simple needs, wanting only to please her man and give him many strong, healthy children. He found her wide-eyed naivety quite endearing, as was her eagerness to please and her open sincerity. In only this short time, he'd been impressed by the sweet-natured young woman, whose curiosity about the galaxy was only matched by her willingness to work and learn.

She pulled back and her hand slid down between them to feel his thickening length. Staring intently into his eyes, she whispered, "I want you to feed me again; remind me what it was like to carry that comforting weight in my belly..."

"I want you," John said simply, making her flush with excitement at the intensity in his gaze. "I'll do anything I can to make you happy."

As they started to strip off, the door slid open and Alyssa rushed into the room, a look of eager anticipation on her face. "Is it alright if I watch, Helene?" she asked, striding over to join the teal-skinned beauty. "I love seeing this part..."

"Of course, Alyssa," the aquatic girl replied, smiling at her warmly. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you and Jade."

John sat down again, watching Helene drop to her knees and lick her lips as she eyed his throbbing length. Alyssa shimmied out of her dress, then patted John on the shoulder. "Move forward a bit, I'll snuggle in behind you."

John did as she asked, moving forward enough for her to hop over the back of the sofa and cuddle into him. Shuffling closer to Helene made his bobbing cock bump into her delicate nose and she giggled then reached for him with a teal-hued hand. The difference in their skin tones was readily apparent as she carefully wrapped her fingers around his shaft, highlighting her exotic alien nature. John could feel Alyssa's big breasts pressed into his back as she leaned against him, her chin resting on his shoulder as they both gazed down at the girl kneeling before him.

"Please take it nice and slow," Alyssa said to the aquatic girl, her voice catching with excitement. "I want to enjoy every second of this..."

Helene glanced up at John for confirmation, and he nodded his approval, sharing a smile with her. "I'd like that too."

When she parted her lips and slowly approached the swollen head of his cock, he could feel his anticipation building, senses heightened as he longed for that initial contact. That first touch of her mouth against his skin was electrifying and he saw her lips quirk into a smile when Helene heard him respond with a moan.

"This is it," Alyssa purred in John's ear, loud enough for Helene to hear too. "The final moment before she chooses to become part of our family."

He watched those bluish-green lips start to inch down his shaft, her tongue gently caressing the underside of his cock as she crept down his length. Helene's soft blue eyes were gazing up at him, an enchanting look of excitement and longing clear for him to see.

"She's making that choice, John," the blonde whispered, kissing his earlobe. "Helene knows that she's putting her old lonely life behind her and choosing a future with all of us. The girls and I will love her like a sister and do everything we can to make her happy... but it's only you that can give her what she really needs."

"You're such a beautiful girl," John murmured, brushing his fingers through Helen's luxuriously soft mane of light-green hair. The colour reminded him of their dive on Oceanus, when bright sunlight had shone through delicate kelp fronds. "You're going to give me gorgeous children, aren't you?"

Helene moaned with desire, her throat vibrating around his cock, as she eased all the way down his length. She paused for a moment when she reached the base, her lips tightening as she sucked on him for a few seconds, before easing back until only the head was in her mouth. Her blue eyes flashed with lust when she made eye contact with him, before she sank back down, repeating her previous journey.

Alyssa hugged John tight, her breathing quickening to match his. "That's it handsome. You just relax and let Helene show you just how much she wants this..."

John did as she asked, leaning back into the nude blonde's loving embrace. He watched Helene sliding up and down his cock, feeling his arousal building, as she put her heart and soul into making this as good for him as she possibly could. There was no guilt or worry nagging at him this time, as he could clearly see how willing Helene was. Her eyes flickered to Alyssa and the two girls shared an affectionate smile, or at least Helene tried her best with her lips stretched wide by his girth.

The smooth rhythmic stroking felt incredible and it didn't take long for Helene to bring John to climax. He groaned as he came, his quad flexing as it pumped the first blast of cum straight down her throat. Helene's eyes widened as she felt it, then immediately glazed over, her long eyelashes drooping as she went into a daze. John heard Alyssa's sexy moan in his ear, the blonde quivering as she joined him in a sympathetic orgasm.

"I can feel her!" she panted, clinging tight to him. "She's thrilled, John... she wanted this so much."

Helene shrugged off the daze, her eyes sharp and focused once more. John brushed his fingers through her hair, holding her gently as his cock throbbed in her throat, pulsating to a steady beat as long jets of cum shot down into her stomach. Their eyes met and locked onto each other, a wealth of intimacy in that wordless communication, both of them understanding that their fates were now intertwined.

When he was done, Helene eased back, letting his softening cock slide out of her throat and past her lips. She had a look of profound satisfaction on her face, which changed to awe when she glanced down at her heavily rounded belly. Her slender fingers tentatively explored her cum-packed curves and her expression shifted again, turning poignant as she remembered the last time her tummy was this size.