Meeting an old friend in space, dinner invitation
Part 1
A large scientific research and exploratory FTL vessel, with warp capability, hung in space just off the port bow.
“I recognise that ship,” said Zemo warmly. “It’s The Serendipity.” He looked around at everyone, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes that made everyone excited with a strange sense of fun and anticipation. “Open hailing frequencies, please Ione.”
The view screen changed to show the bridge area of The Serendipity. A female Andorian was seated in the Captain’s chair, with a tall Castithan female next to her. Behind them could be seen a gleaming array of computer screens, blinking consoles and detailed holographic monitors, at which were seated various female crew members of many diverse races.
Zemo could see a Vulcan, a Naga, an Orion, and a Drow within sight, and felt it when Jamie and Muzzy yipped at seeing a glimpse of a Cathar female wandering in and out of the frame.
The crew members were dressed in smart comfortable clothing, not easily recognisable as any kind of uniform. The Captain herself was wearing a dark blue collared jacket and trousers. The jacket was zipped up halfway, revealing a dark pink top that complimented her blue skin tone and ice-white hair. Two slightly curved antennae, which ended in little flared knobs, adorned her head. These were her listening organs: no ears were in evidence. Her right antenna had a small gold band encircling the base, and she wore a complex metal bracelet with definite holographic circuitry.
The Castithan beside her was stunning. Tall and ethereal, with pale pearlescent skin and long shining silvery hair, falling to her waist in elegant curls and held back from her face with a diamond and silver tiara. She was wearing a cream coloured suit with loose fitting trousers and wide sleeves. It had a subtle inlaid pattern of leaves and vines; and a high collar, closed at the neck, over which she wore several intricate long necklaces of silver, pearl, and smokey grey crystal. She also bore a complex metal bracelet just like the Captain. In fact, everyone in sight seemed to have this particular bracelet in common.
The Andorian looked out from the screen and smiled. “Zemo, you old devil. What are you doing out here?” she said, in perfect English, albeit with a slight accent.
“Captain Shiorin, I could ask the same of you,” replied Zemo, warmly.
“We’re hosting some intergalactic artists at the moment,” said the Captain. “They have a keen interest in your ringed planets, and the aesthetics of Jupiter and Neptune.” She paused for a moment to tap onto a pad that an athletic Tiefling - clothed in a red and orange tabard - presented to her. She dismissed her with a smile and turned back to Zemo. “We’re also taking the opportunity to do a bit of scientific research while we are here.”
“That sounds wonderful. I’d be delighted if you could spare a few minutes to come aboard my ship and catch up with an old friend.”
“I’d love to. Give me half an hour.” She turned to speak to a Trill in a purple jumpsuit as the view screen faded to black.
“Are there no men aboard?” asked Sebastián.
“It’s a female dominant ship,” Zemo answered philosophically. “The males on board are just for pleasure. But it’s something they apply for. They help out with domestic duties and live in a sort of collective harem. I once spent a year on their ship as the Captain’s personal fucktoy. She was quite generous with me. It was nice to have no responsibilities. She was also not in the least possessive, so I was lucky enough to spend time with many of the females aboard, and also some of the male members of the collective harem.” He paused, looked around. “All different kinds of species. There was a particular humanoid kangaroo species endowed with twin penii. Most diverting.” He smiled at the memory. “She will probably ask if you want to join them for a while.” He nodded encouragingly. “If it is something you would like to take advantage of, I would thoroughly recommend it!!”
A quick furtive glance passed between everyone.
Zemo’s lips quirked again into a small smile. He continued. “I would very much like to catch up with Cpt Shiorin, but I feel it may be a trifle boring for you. After introductions, I propose taking her on a tour around the ship. I’m hoping that she’ll then invite us over for dinner.”
Jamie cocked his head and then looked over at Muzzy. They both flicked their ears.
“Would any of you like to join us on our tour?” continued Zemo.
“Not really,” said Bucky, watching Muzz.
“I suspected as much.” Zemo looked at Jamie.
“Half an hour?” mused Jamie.
“Hmmm? Yes,” said Zemo. “What of it?”
Jamie smirked and leapt straight into Zemo’s lap. He put his arms around Zemo’s neck. “I’m feeling very horny.”
Muzzy leapt onto Bucky, grinning. “Me too.”
“It has been 24 hours,” said Daniil, moving over to stand behind Muzz. Muzzy twisted round on Bucky’s lap and threw his legs around Dani. “Hi,” he purred.
“Exactly,” said Sebastián, moving to stand behind Jamie. Jamie released Zemo and leaned back against Seb, moving his arms up and behind him to encircle Seb’s neck. He kissed Seb’s cheek. “Mmmmrrrow. Let’s play,” he murmured against Seb’s face, gyrating his hips on Zemo’s lap. “I want to fuck Seb and be filled by Mo.” He looked sultrily at Zemo, his eyes lidded, his lips reddened.
Muzzy mmmrrrowed an agreement. He pulled Dani close, with his legs round the back of Dani’s calves as he leaned back against Bucky. He turned his face to rub his sideburns against Bucky’s cheek, his eyes closing slightly. “I want to fuck you, my James, while Dani fucks me.”
“I think that can be arranged,” whispered Zemo huskily as he pulled Jamie towards him for a kiss.
Exactly half an hour later, right on cue, Ione spoke.
“Incoming teleportation signal, Captain. Should I allow it?”
“By all means,” said Zemo, smiling around at his crew, all suited and booted, and seated nonchalantly on their central command chairs. To look at them, you would have no idea of the rapturous hedonistic orgy they’d all just enjoyed. Jamie and Muzzy’s newly ridged cocks were amazing. A tactile marvel which just increased the pleasure for all parties. Zemo had asked Ione to scrub the air in the bridge, while they all took a quick shower. All those sex pheromones. It wouldn’t do to have those percolating around when their guest arrived.
Just then, there was a shimmer on the bridge, and an almost undetectable ‘pop’ - undetectable to Zemo and Dani, but quite noticeable to the rest. Cpt Shiorin materialised in front of the viewport, along with a delicious fragrance combining the scent of Andorian, plus several other races that nobody - except Zemo - could identify as yet, along with the distinct smells of an alien ship: warm metal alloys, plastics, and fabrics.
“Welcome aboard,” said Zemo in perfect Andorian. Ione surreptitiously translated the phrase quietly in everyone else’s comm button.
Cpt Shiorin inclined her head. “Thank you,” she replied in flawless English, looking around. “Nice ship.”
Zemo smiled and stood, crossing to greet her, and turning to present her to the others. He too switched to English. “Please let me introduce you to my travelling companions.” He gestured around his squad. “This is James, Jamie, Muzzy, Daniil and Sebastián.”
“A pleasure,” said Cpt Shiorin, meeting everyone’s gaze with her warm smile. Her eyes were remarkably dark, almost navy blue, and her antennae curved forward attentively. Up close, her jacket was shot though with tiny metallic azure threads, and the hint of a silver chain peeked out from beneath her collar. Her boots were flat-soled and made from some kind of leather: a dark fiery red. “And, please, enough of the formalities. It’s Threllia.”
Zemo inclined his head. “Threllia. It is so nice to see you again. And please, call me Helmut.”
“Helmut. Do you remember any more of your Andorian, other than just ‘Welcome aboard’?”
“A little.” Zemo smirked. “Thal-jar shav tuvun-vel'la, Threllia. Keth zhian?"
‘I am most pleased to make your acquaintance once again, Threllia. Are you well?’
Captain Shiorin smiled widely. “Aah. Keth ushnar, thirish. Cha, shav vethik ti'rama-shar tal-shar." She nudged him in the ribs.
‘Aah. Well done, my friend. Although, your accent is just as terrestrial as ever.’
Zemo laughed pleasantly. He turned to his squad. “Please excuse us, while I show Threllia around.” He linked arms with the Andorian, turned to her and tilted his head in her direction. “We have some catching up to do, I think.”
As Zemo walked Threllia out of the bridge, Jamie turned to Muzzy and grinned. They stood and Muzzy moved to pull Bucky and Sebastián up out of their chairs, while Jamie took hold of Daniil, then grabbed Muzzy.
“We also have some catching up to do,” Jamie said.
*
Part 2
After showing Threllia around his ship, and showing off a little in the bargain, Zemo brought them to one of the gardens. He chose the one that had been made to look like a bluebell wood, with space above for towering trees and slanting golden afternoon sunlight.
A little table of afternoon tea was waiting for them and they sat and refreshed themselves. Threllia had to stop herself from holding out Zemo’s chair for him.
“Habits,” she shrugged.
“I don’t mind in the least,” smiled Zemo.
“I must say, I like your companions,” said Threllia, crossing her long legs and putting a napkin on her lap. “Would any of them like to stay with us a while, do you think?”
“How long were you thinking?” asked Zemo, pouring tea.
“Six months, a year?”
“I’ll ask them.” He handed over the cup and saucer.
“They would have pride of place in our harem.” Threllia said, taking a sip and sighing with pleasure.
“Of that, I am certain,” said Zemo, sipping from his own cup. “Six months may be too long for them, but we will discuss it and get back to you.”
“Of course. We’ll be in your Sol System for the next couple of weeks.” She took something small and shiny out of her pocket and handed it across the table to Zemo. “Here’s a comm set with which to contact me personally on subspace.”
“Thank you,” he said, smiling. It was light and metallic, thin like a playing card, with a holographic sheen. He placed it in his inside jacket pocket.
“I also noticed your space suits. I don’t mean to interfere, but they are quite cumbersome. I’d like to gift you a set made from our latest tech. Here, try mine for a demonstration.” She stood and moved round to stand in front of him.
He looked up at her quizzically.
She smiled and pushed up the cuff of her jacket slightly to reach for the clasp on her bangle.
“Your bracelet?” Zemo raised an enquiring eyebrow.
“Patience,” she said lightly. She gestured for him to stand, and when he did, she said “Let’s put it on.”
She unclipped the bracelet and moved close to wrap it around Zemo’s wrist.
It was slimmer than he first suspected, made of a cool metal alloy with soft, blinking lights and small buttons.
She moved even closer to him, her antennae curling forward in his direction.
She placed one hand lightly on the top of his forearm as she tapped the different parts of the bracelet with the long blue fingers of her other hand. Her nails were perfectly manicured and opalescent.
Zemo looked at her owlishly. He’d forgotten just how wonderful her scent was and the way her hair gleamed softly. It had been a while, but he saw her now with new eyes. Her skin was the colour of James’ irises.
She interrupted his train of thought.
“This is the comm button here.” She indicated a small depression. “Here is the scanner.” She tapped the buttons in turn. “This is teleportation, this is self diagnostic, this is a laser, this is the holographic projector, and this one is the suit. I have it synced to my biometrics and to my AI, Ikkoneth, at present, but we can personalise yours for you and your travelling companions.” She said that last bit all too knowingly.
She pressed the suit button for him, and a sheen of translucent metallic material began to emerge from the bangle, flow across his arm, enveloping his forearm, shoulders, neck - growing and morphing to cover his entire body in a form fitting and snug suit, complete with gloves, boots and helmet. The helmet had a transparent face, similar to his Earth space suit, but much more streamlined. The suit solidified quickly into ice-white and azure blue.
“My colours suit you,” Threllia said huskily.
“Where’s all the machinery?” Zemo asked, bewildered. He flexed his fingers, tipped with a textured azure fabric, and then turned his arms over, wonderingly. He felt across his torso and inspected his front and back.
“It’s all inlaid,” she said, matter-of-factly, running her hands up his arms. “The suit utilises special nanotech and quantum mechanics for oxygen manufacture and CO2 removal, maintains your humidity and temperature, and protects you from any radiation. It’s quite a marvellous piece of kit.”
“Indeed.”
“I can have one made for each of you by tomorrow. Colour-coded and attuned your AI, Ione, if you wish.”
Zemo nodded. “It’s certainly a marvel that I would like to have. What can I do for you in return?”
“I’m sure we can think of something.” She smiled flirtatiously. Zemo couldn’t help but smile back.
She tapped the button again, and the suit seamlessly dissolved and flowed back into the bracelet, leaving no trace. She unclasped it from his wrist and he felt a momentary loss. She snapped it back onto her own wrist, and looked up at him appraisingly.
“You know, you must all come over to the ship for dinner. Our replicator still has details of your favourite foods.”
“I’m sure we would all love that. When would be convenient?”
“How about tomorrow evening?”
“Perfect.”
“Now, Helmut, about what you can do for me for some nifty new bracelet tech…”
“Yes, Lia?”
“My Ikkoneth and your Ione have been talking, so I now know the layout of your lovely ship.” She wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close. “Your room or mine?”
Zemo didn’t miss a beat. “My master suite, I think,” he answered huskily, putting an arm around her shoulder.
“Ikkoneth, two to ‘port to Helmut’s master suite, please.”
There was a shimmer, and they were gone. The table, still laden with afternoon tea, stood forlornly in the bluebell wood, steam rising gently from the cups.
*
Threllia’s Journal entry
🌿🍃🌳💧✨
I don’t know how he did it, but he seduced me all over again. That man is dangerous.
A bluebell wood. A fricking bluebell wood in the middle of his ship. But, Shen sha! (My God!), it was exquisite.
It was fashioned as a bluebell wood, drenched in golden afternoon sun, after a light rain. It was a truly magical sight, I have to say, with a hazy glamour that took my breath away. Not that I let on. The delicate bluebells seemed to glow in the soft light, their colours intensified by the moisture in the air. The entire woodland was enveloped in a misty, dreamlike atmosphere, with a faint scent of damp earth and flowers filling the air. I was mesmerised.
As we walked through the woodland, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional chirp of a bird provide a soothing soundtrack to the surrounding loveliness. How he got those sounds, I’ll never know, but they were just like that little island on Veridia Prime. Rays of sunlight pierced through the trees, (Cha'dich! (Wow!) Fricking trees!! Inside!! ) casting dappled shadows on the ground below, as if a spotlight were highlighting the allure of the bluebells. Not that they needed it.
The bluebells themselves were a true marvel, with delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, violet, and purple. The flowers seem to float on the slender stems, swaying gently in the breeze. Their scent was subtle, yet distinct, adding to the overall sensory experience of the woodland. The smell was just like Khione’s hair. How could he know? How the fuck could he replicate that? Thyrin'nh! (He’s dangerous!).
The rain had left droplets of water on the leaves and petals of the bluebells, creating a glistening effect that just added to the ethereal charm of the woodland. It was as if the entire forest had been washed clean by the rain, and the bluebells were the stars of the show, shining brightly against the backdrop of green leaves and brown earth. I must get some of those blooms. Khione would die for them.
He knows just what he’s doing. It was a true feast for the senses, a serene and enchanting world that invited me to lose myself in its beauty and magic. And then there was this little white table and chairs. Just there in the middle of the wood. Stacked high with the typical afternoon food that he likes, and his ubiquitous ‘tea’. As soon as I took a sip, I knew I had to have him again.
🌿🍃🌳💧✨
*
Part 3
The next day.
In Cpt Shiorin’s quarters on The Serendipity.
Threllia looked upon the sleeping form of the female Nebari next to her. Khione’s light grey skin was gleaming in the soft light. The curves of her body casting limpid shade. Her hair was black at the roots, turning to white with an almost lilac sheen. Threllia moved a strand away from her impeccable cheekbones. Khione twitched her dark lips - lips as black as sin - into a soft smile. She murmured against Threllia’s hand, waking, and opened up her gloriously dark eyes, framed by the whitest eyelashes, like snow on her soft grey cheeks.
Khione stretched lazily, like a cat. Threllia sighed wistfully and sat up, pushing her fingers through her own long hair, tangled by sleep, and the activities before sleep.
Khione placed a warm hand on Threllia’s back.
“Do you have to get up just yet?” she murmured, sleepily. “Come back to bed. Your guests won’t be arriving for a couple of hours.”
“I do, I’m afraid, salen ra’veth (my treasure),” said Threllia. “You know how long it takes me to get dressed, and Helmut, their Captain - sweet boy that he is - is always punctual, if not slightly early.”
“Mmmm.” Khione’s hand slipped lower. “Okay. I’ll help you do your hair.”
“Thank you, varr ishru’kai (my ice cave),” whispered Threllia, turning her upper body to look at Khione, who was looking back at her with those black hypnotic eyes. Threllia felt she could just fall into them, and lose herself. She lay back down beside her and stroked her hand up Khione’s arm.
“Maybe just a half an hour more.”
Khione smiled.
*
Over on The Pomegranate Frog.
The boys decided to coordinate their look.
They each wore a classic black tuxedo, with wide-legged trousers sporting a satin stripe down the sides. The jacket was loose, and single-breasted. The shirt was crisp and white. The bow-tie and cummerbund were in their spacesuit accent colours: Zemo - gold; Bucky - blue; Jamie - purple; Muzzy - green; Daniil - red; Sebastián - black.
Zemo took them over to The Serendipity in Polywhirl, and Cpt Shiorin was waiting for them as they disembarked. She had 2 female ensigns in tow: a half-orc and a minotaur.
Threllia was wearing a sheer floor length silver gown, flowing and multilayered. It was sleeveless and backless: with a bateau neckline; and a wide sky blue sash, tied in a low bow at the back. She complimented it with heaps of amethyst and opal necklaces of varying lengths worn backwards so they bunched at her throat like a sparkling choker, and cascaded down her back. A dozen or so slim amethyst bangles adorned her non-braceleted arm. Her hair was piled up in soft curls, held in place with opal-tipped hairpins, a few curling tendrils falling fetchingly at her temples. Strappy silver sandals finished the look.
“Welcome aboard, my friends,” she said. “My, don’t you all look handsome.” She smiled winningly.
Zemo stepped forward and kissed her on both cheeks. “We are as nothing compared to you, my gracious hostess. You look divine.”
Threllia smiled self-depreciatingly. “You always did have a silver tongue.” She peered around him. “Are those for us?”
“Of course,” said Zemo, indicating the presents they had brought:
Bucky was hugging a huge peony plant in a terracotta pot. It had several gorgeous coral-coloured flowers in full bloom.
Daniil was holding a fine bottle of Burgundy.
Sebastián carried a large box of Belgian chocolates, wrapped with an extravagant golden bow.
“Some fripperies to say thank you for the invitation.”
“No thanks are needed, Helmut.”
“I know, Lia. But still…” He smiled.
She smiled back and indicated to the ensigns to relieve the guests of their burdens. The half-orc took the plant from Bucky, and the minotaur carried the wine and chocolates.
Threllia took Zemo by the arm, and walked him out of the bay and down the corridor. The others followed and the ensigns brought up the rear. Sebastián smiled at the half-orc as he walked past her, and said “How you doing?” in his best flirty voice. Not so much as a flicker of a response was seen on her tusked face.
Daniil nudged him playfully. “Losing your touch?” he whispered.
“There’s time yet,” he whispered back.
The dining room was dazzlingly decadent. Even though the lighting was soft, the furnishings glowed. There was a grand table set for 12, with 6 attendant males of various species, dressed in low slung loose trousers, and nothing else.
A group of 5 beautiful female officers of varying species was standing by a side table to the right of the entrance, each one dressed to the nines.
Threllia stepped inside, making room for the others to come in behind her. The ensigns stepped in to place the gifts on the side table, then removed themselves outside. Sebastián risked a cheeky wink at his half-orc friend before she closed the door on him. But did he glimpse a little smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye? Yes, yes he did.
Threllia let go of Zemo’s arm to step towards her group of officers. The guys came to stand by Zemo.
Zemo gestured for Bucky to step forward and Threllia indicated a stunning Castithan, with wide grey eyes: the one they had seen on the view screen seated next to the Captain.
She was a vision in a dark grey bustier over a smoke-coloured dress with long sleeves and a slim skirt. The bustier was studded with delicate seed pearls in a pinstripe pattern. Her silver hair was straightened, centre-parted and tucked behind her ears, which bore tiny diamond studs. She wore no other jewellery. High-heeled stiletto boots in dark grey peeked out from beneath her tight ankle-sweeping skirt.
“Cpt.” said Zemo. “May I present Sgt James Buchanan Barnes.”
“James,” said Threllia warmly. “This is my second in command: Tamitano Puráyan.”
Bucky stepped forward, proferring his arm. “Pleased to meet you. Call me Bucky.”
Puráyan smiled. “Likewise. Please call me Puráyan.” Her voice was low and soft. She linked her arm through his and, as she lead him to the table, she lifted his left hand in her own. “Are you some kind of Android?” she asked, wonderingly.
“Nah,” said Bucky, flexing his bicep.
“How far does it go up?”
“All the way, Doll,” he said. “All the way.”
Zemo gestured to Jamie next, while Threllia indicated a lithe Tabaxi with pale blue eyes. Her tiger-striped fur was dusted with gold glitter, and she wore a pair of tight brown leather trousers, laced all the way down the sides. Her strappy top was also of leather, laced at the sides, low-cut and short, showing her toned midriff. She wore flat brown pointy-toed boots and no jewellery - except her bracelet, and a filigree gold band at the end of her stripey tail.
“This is Jamie,” said Zemo. Jamie stepped forward and smiled, showing his newly lengthened sharp white canines.
“Jamie, may I present Lirien Serethi, my communications officer.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ma’am,” he said.
“You too, babe.” Lirien sashayed upto him smiling, and took his arm. “Call me Lirrri.”
Jamie threw a glance back at Zemo as she lead him away. He was grinning like an idiot.
Then it was Muzzy, and Threllia had chosen a drop-dead gorgeous Felinetta to be his dining companion.
“This is Muzzy,” said Zemo.
“Muzzy. May I present to you Ayesha, my sub space pilot.”
Muzzy was speechless.
Ayesha’s short fur was jet black, and her bright green eyes were dazzling. Her ears were short and rounded and she displayed no jewels. She wore a long green suede form-fitting dress, sleeveless, with wide green straps. It was backless, showing off her lyre-like ribcage, and dipping underneath her long expressive tail. She chose dark green jewelled stiletto sandals with laces that wrapped around her calves.
“Hi,” he managed when she took his arm. “I’m Muzzy.”
“Hi,” she purred. “I’m Ayesha. Call me Shaa. Come and sit next to me. I like your tie. It matches my dress.”
Muzzy could not take his eyes off her as she lead him to his seat.
Daniil stepped forward and Zemo introduced him next.
A tall Zehoberei came to meet him. Her green skin was complimented by a wonderful dark pink ensemble: an asymmetrical figure-hugging dress, clasped in place at one shoulder, and with a jagged hemline that fell to mid calf. It was split to expose one thigh. Her short red hair was side-parted and the ends brushed her jawline. She had long chandelier earrings that swung down to her shoulders, made of delicate gold filigree with tiny pink diamonds. Her shoes were delicate gold sandals, high-heeled, with pink diamonds studding the soles.
“This is Narilla Rethik, my medical officer.”
She stepped up to take Dani’s arm. “Hi. Are you psychic? Your bow tie matches my hair.”
Last, but not least, Zemo introduced Sebastián, and a beautiful Togruta stepped forward to take him to table.
“This is Shokan Tika, my chief of security.”
Shokan was wearing a stunning long black silk dress, with thin silk straps that looked like they would break if you even looked at them the wrong way. The dress was sleeveless and backless, serving to accentuate Shokan’s slender athletic build and characteristic Togruta features. She had two large cone-like horns (montrals) on her head, and three downward pointing head tails (lekku). Her skin was beautifully patterned in wide stripes of orange and yellow, with white facial pigments. She wore calf length boots of black leather with silver buckles on the sides.
“A pleasure,” said Sebastián, bowing over her hand.
“The pleasure is mine,” said Shokan sultrily, sending a little thrill up Seb’s spine. “Call me Shoka,” she added, as she took his arm.
“Call me anything you like,” whispered Seb, as she lead him to his seat.
The evening was a brilliant success, full of light flirty conversation, wonderful food and drink, and soft music. The male servitors were unobtrusive yet attentive. At the end, Threllia cracked open the Burgundy for them all to sample, and opened the box of chocolates, draping the gold ribbon around Zemo’s neck because it “matched his bow tie so well.” The chocolates were a greater success than the wine, and Zemo had to promise to send over more, plus the replicator recipe.
Furtive conversations concluded the evening, all ending with each guest making their way to their dining companion’s quarters.
Lirrri and Shaa took Jamie and Muzzy down the same corridor towards a turbo lift. Once inside, they immediately pounced on the Cats, pushing them up against the wall and kissing them ferociously. Tails entwined and hands roamed. They broke off the kiss too soon, much to the Cats’ disappointment.
“Wha-?” began Jamie, but before he could finish the thought, let alone the sentence, he was suddenly being kissed by Shaa, and Lirrri was kissing Muzzy.
Shaa broke off the kiss and gazed at him with those big green eyes. “You don’t mind sharing, do you?” she purred.
Lirrri rubbed up against Muzz, and between kisses said “We like to share.”
“So do we,” said Muzzy, kissing her back.
“We share everything,” grinned Jamie.
*
Jamie’s Love Poem to Lirrri:
Blue eyes like crystal pools, sparkling with mischief.
A tiger’s stripes, a Tabaxi’s grace,
My heart is caught in your wild embrace.
I’m covered in your glitter and drunk on the scent of you.
You are the huntress of my heart.
*
Part 4
Zemo was asleep when Threllia woke. She didn’t disturb him as she got up, showered and dressed. She left a box of 6 colour-coded bracelets on the pillow next to his head before she left. She’d wrapped it in the golden ribbon from the chocolate box.
Bucky was treated to not one, but several, indulgent baths while with Puráyan. The Castithan officer had a penchant for elaborate bathing. Her personal bathtub was almost as big as Zemo’s. Bucky was cleansed with rose petals before sex, moisturisers and aromatics after sex, and a sonic shower before he left. And sex in the tub with Puráyan was a memory he didn’t think he would soon forget. She showed him a few tricks he was dying to try out on Zemo.
Jamie, Muzzy, Lirrri and Shaa slept cuddled up together in a large hammock suspended from the ceiling in Lirrri’s quarters. Purring fit to burst throughout the night. Occasionally waking each other up for sex.
“Don’t go yet,” murmured Lirrri in the morning, wrapping her arms around Jamie’s torso.
“Stay with us,” added Shaa, rubbing her cheek against Muzzy’s side burns.
“We’re only in your system for 3 weeks,” said Lirrri forlornly.
“You can stay for 3 weeks, can’t you?” asked Shaa plaintively.
“Last night was perfect,” whispered Narilla as she lay draped across Daniil’s chest. “Does your species do morning sex as well?”
Daniil stroked his fingers lightly up and down her arm. “I could probably manage it, for you,” he whispered.
She smiled, turned her face up to him and kissed him softly.
Sebastián woke up early. Shoka was lying on her stomach, snoring softly. He gently kissed along her shoulder. “Good morning,” he whispered against her skin.
She opened up one eye. “Oh. It’s you.” She closed her eyes again.
Sebastián rubbed his lips softly against her shoulder blade. “Are you awake?”
“No.” She turned over.
“OK, then,” he whispered and he moved away.
“Out,” she mumbled. “I’m on the late shift. I want to sleep in. Keep the noise down when you leave.”
“OK,” said Seb again, taking the hint and getting out of bed. “Do you have any food in here? I’m starving. Really worked up up an appetite last night.”
She groaned into her pillow. “Quiet.” He got the feeling she was not a morning person. “There’s a cafeteria just down the next corridor,” she mumbled. “Go have breakfast there.”
“Thanks, Sunshine,” he said, dressing quickly and moving out into the corridor. He made sure to close the door quietly behind him. No one wanted to see an angry sleep-deprived Togruta.
He stuffed his tie and cummerbund into his inside jacket pocket, then slung the jacket over his shoulder as he sauntered down to the cafeteria. It was pretty empty, but there was a Hawkman having breakfast at the table next to one of the windows.
He grabbed some food and wandered over to him.
“Mind if I join?” he asked.
The Hawkman looked up and smiled. “Sure. Take a seat.”
Sebastián pulled out a chair and sat down opposite him. He was a handsome fellow, with feathers, instead of hair, covering his head and down the sides and back of his neck, where they disappeared beneath his top. He had a crest of rich brown, white and cream feathers atop his head, and his eyebrows were also feathered. A hooked nose and prominent rounded eyes made him look intimidating and predatory, until he smiled. He was a pussycat.
“Hi, I’m Thom,” he said, around a mouthful of food. “I haven’t seen you in the harem. Have you just come on board from Earth?”
“Well, yes and no. I’m Sebastián. I’m not part of the harem. The Captain invited an old friend to dinner, and we tagged along.” He took a drink, then added “So, what’s this harem like then?”
Thom thought for a minute, his wide golden eyes looking off to the right. “Not bad,” he said. “I actually love this job.” His crest rose a little as he spoke. “It’s light work. Lots of sex.” He shrugged, grinned. “Back home I’m an architect. I took a year off to do this. Perfectly acceptable in our culture. There’s pretty much no responsibility and excellent pay, which I send back home. It lets my little sister follow her dream to also take a year off and be an artist up in the mountains. I’m actually thinking of signing on for another year.”
“It sounds perfect,” said Seb, thinking.
They chatted away quite amiably until Thom had to leave.
“I gotta go,” he said, standing. “I have a rendezvous with a Wood Elf geneticist. I’ve promised to be her ‘alarm clock’ this week, and she’s on shift in an hour.” He grinned.
Seb looked at him quizzically.
Thom collected his plates. “She likes to wake up to morning sex. What can I say?” He shrugged. “Nice to meet you, Sebastián,” he said, moving away. “Hope to see you soon.”
“Likewise,” said Seb.
After his hearty breakfast, as he was walking down the corridor outside the cafeteria, Sebastián saw the half-orc ensign walking towards him and the café. She noticed him and gave a big tusky grin.
“Kuk’gruk, shaluk. (Hello big boy.) Golgush nok? (Remember me?)”
Seb was glad of his translator comm. “How could I forget,” he answered, in English. “Flower girl.”
“Chocolate box dude.” She stopped by him, circling him.
“You’re talking to me now, then.” He grinned and circled her.
“Off shift.” She moved closer, her green skin and almond shaped eyes quite bewitching.
“Ok.” Seb stopped, breathed easy.
“I fancy finding out if you taste as good as those chocolates you were carrying,” she said, placing a warm hand on his chest.
“Go ahead,” he said.
She moved in to kiss him, slow and soft. Her tusks were a delicious friction against his mouth.
She broke off the kiss, looked at him with those wide brown eyes. “You busy at the moment?”
“Not really.”
“Fancy a quickie before breakfast?”
“I’ve just had my breakfast.”
“I haven’t.”
She grinned and pulled him into a nearby store room. Seb didn’t have time to tell the others he might be a tad late meeting them in the shuttle bay.
*
Part 5
Jamie, Muzzy, Daniil and Sebastián decided to stay onboard for the 3 weeks that The Serendipity was in the Sol System.
Zemo asked if Bucky wanted to join them. His face took on that haunted look he sometimes had, and he demurred, saying “I’ve had enough sex with random people to last me several lifetimes.”
Zemo’s heart clenched. He swore to himself that he would make the next 3 weeks a virtual heaven for his James.
So, it was just the two of them, Zemo & Bucky, for 3 blissful weeks on board ship. With nothing special to do, and nowhere special to go. Needless to say, they ‘christened’ every room, gym, garden, lab, storage space on board.
After 3 weeks, Jamie and Muzzy came home, bursting with tales of their adventures.
Daniil and Sebastián decided to stay on for another 6 months. They didn’t want payment, obviously, but Threllia insisted, and so all funds were set up to be donated anonymously to various global charities.
***