Pioneers

Submitted by Admin on 2006, September 16 - 1:00am

Pioneers
By: Lorraine B.
© 2006 Lorraine Bank

The sky was gray with the air filled with a fine watery mist. Not a sound was heard from the furry inhabitants in the wooded area. There was no rustle of leaves from the numerous plants due to there not being any wind to stir them, just the constant drip of water droplets. The grasses were long and the trees green with droplets of water refracting the available light. This was open country surrounded by gently rolling hills, forests, pasture land, and small lakes with a smattering of towns and villages thrown into the foray of civilization. This was the year 1890 AD in the state known as Wisconsin, the middle part of it in North America.

The stillness was broken by a soft humming sound and a large triangular shadow appeared. It appeared to hover parallel to the hill and then it seemed to disappear behind the hill or into it. Silence was once again the norm although inside and below the hill it was very active.

Red recessed lighting gave way to soft white lighting illuminating seven large triangular vessels. If measured they would be one thousand yards in length and over one hundred feet deep tapering down to the outside, at the aft section of the ship was at least six hundred feet wide. The bridge was amidship at the top of the ship that rose fifty feet above the hull. The wings and apex were blunted to give the ships the pleasing to the eye look. The outer skin was flat black that was changing to a mirrored matte black finish. Three landing pedestals extended, the humming stopped, a hatchway opened amidship and a boarding ramp lowered to the floor silently. Fifteen male and female humans descended from the ship dressed in period dress of the 1890’s. A tall, thin man dressed in black, leather like, flight pressure suit, approached the lead male descending from the ship.

The man dressed in leather brought his right forearm to his chest with the other man nodding his head saying, “I gave orders for all personnel to be in local period dress and speak the local language Navigator.”

“Commander, the Planetary Systems Alliance is in jeopardy by the Gal’brith. Their representatives walked out on the council when the Plenerytes levied piracy charges against them. After the walkout, the Premier has ordered all Starbases to wartime status. It doesn’t look at all good since Gal’brith attacked the Pleneryte and Broo’th Confederations. All of the exploratory bases are to be sealed with equipment in standby maintenance mode but personnel are to be picked up by Ultra Heavy Star Cruiser. We have sixty Earth minutes to be on the Western slope of the hill with a personal short range transponder transmitting at two Gigacycles per second, wide band, with a steady tone.”

“My crew and I will go below and change clothes, place the base into standby Navigator. Since we are going onto a cruiser, I suggest taking only the necessities. I don’t understand why we don’t take our ships because the shields, speeds and weapons far surpass anything the Gal’brith has available to them.”

“Sorry sir but the orders are we are to take nothing; all personal items will be returned after the conflict is over when we return, if we return.”

“What! That’s absurd! What about our Comms?”

“Nothing Sir, not even comm. bijous.”

In thirty minutes, the base was placed into standby. All one hundred and forty personnel were on the hill after taking the elevator up. All records from the base were transmitted to the nearest Starbase with the originals still in the computer.

The Commander took the passenger lift up to the top of the hill and reset the entry codes to open with a simple one, two, three, and four. Once the access plate closed, dirt covered it and an oak wood tree sapling, was planted denoting the spot of entry.

Just as the Commander joined the other personnel, they all heard the humming sound, which meant one of their ships was making an approach. On looking up, he saw the shadow of the large triangular shaped ship as it lowered five times the length of one of the ships inside of the base

Once the ship was about three feet off the ground Port side forward and aft hatches opened followed by the boarding ramps with the visitors hurrying inside the craft.

The ramps withdrew and the hatches closed, with the ship going straight up to the awaiting stars.

Chapter 2

The year was 2020. It was raining when the electric car pulled up to the house after driving a mile off a county road, down the paved farm road.

A man of about twenty-five years old, five foot nine inches tall with a slight frame, and blond hair in a ponytail, exited the car. With his deep blue eyes, he looked in every direction taking in the sights of the house, orchard, domed farmhouse, storage sheds, and equipment sheds. After walking to the front porch, using a keypad he entered a code, with the front door sliding letting him in. Taking off his jacket, he hung it up on a peg set into the wall and went into the kitchen.

After searching, he found some coffee grounds and prepared coffee then sitting down at the table with a portable viewer/Visiscreen. He pressed some of the buttons of the Visiscreen and was rewarded by seeing a pretty receptionist with him saying, “Mr. Saunders please, Leslie Blake calling.”

“Hello Les, I see you got inside okay.” Mr. Saunders said.

“Yes I did, this place is huge compared to my student apartment in Madison at the university. Money is kind of a scarce thing being a Graduate Student in Anthropology and CompSci.” Leslie said.

“I understand but now you have one thousand acres of land with a spring fed lake on five hundred acres plus forest, three hundred acres of orchard with plum, pear and apple trees, new farm equipment, an AirCar and of course one million credits in the bank. My fees and all transfers were taken care of by Joe before he died, which included the taxes for five years. It was fortunate we met at his funeral. ”

“Still I’m at a loss for words…”

“Joe had no family and you always remembered him even when your parents died. He knew he wasn’t in the best of health.”

“I was on the Visiscreen with him when he had his Stroke, I called for help and met him at the hospital, but he died on the way there. We were making our plans for meeting in Madison like we always did twice a month. I had no idea the farm was this modern or even knowing about the AirCar.”

“He was a wiley old cuss, and he loved new gadgets. Suppose we meet in two hours at the farm, I need your signature on some documents.”

“That’s fine it’ll give me time to drive to the grocery store to stock up.”

“Drive, drive, you have an AirCar at your disposal kid!”

Fifteen minutes after I disconnected my Visiscreen call, I was airborne. The machine I was in was very responsive to the touch but I used the autopilot and GPS. The craft was huge being forty feet long, fifteen feet wide and six foot high with 6 Gull Wing doors. I found out later one little switch controls the cargo and passenger feature. While in flight, I pressed this switch and I had seats up in the back for twenty people. The top speed was over seven hundred miles per hour with cruising speed of over five hundred mph. In no time, I was at the grocery store, stocked up and returned back to the farm. I was in Heaven with this type of vehicle.

The time really passed quickly as I restocked the pantry, fridge, and freezer when the attorney arrived. After fifteen minutes of pleasantries and signing my life away, I owned everything legally.

Once Mr. Saunders left I was left to explore the house and explore I did, noticing the house was furnished with the top of the line furniture and electronics all built in a futuristic theme. Somehow, I made it to the fourth bedroom that was used as a den and office.

Sitting at the desk, I fired up the computer noticing that it was new with holographic capabilities. First, I saw that the entire farm was networked and harvesting could be done from here with various pieces of machinery doing the actual work. I then found a letter addressed to me from Joe that I opened immediately.

Hi Squirt;

If you’re reading this, I’m with the Maker.

This farm has been in the family since the late 1800s, 1895 to be exact, and passed down to the oldest child. Since I don’t have any blood family, I decided to leave it to you, as you’re the only family I have.

Anything you need to know is in the computer, it controls the farm, either ask it from any room your in or use the input devices. Yeah, the entire farm is wired.

Thank you for being a good friend to an old man.

My love to you always and I’ll be watching over you.

Joe

Drying my tears after several minutes, I said a prayer for Joe and went back to the computer. One icon was blinking urgently saying it needed to be opened. On opening, I saw it was a severe weather warning for this area with severe thunderstorms, strong rain, and strong winds. Oh well, so much for weather control I thought.

I secured the house for the night and went to the 20’x20’ master bedroom. Checking for clean linens on the King sized bed; I then got ready for bed and fell asleep very quickly.

Chapter 3

My dreams were far and few when I awoke feeling disoriented until I remembered where I was. Quickly I removed myself from the bed, made it up and went to the bathroom. Going into the attached overly large bathroom, I heard a chiming but an overfull bladder came first.

I rapidly donned a pair of jeans nearly running to the front door. On opening the door, there was no one there but the chiming was incessant. The sound seemed to be everywhere until I realized it might be the computer calling me.

“Yes computer, if the chiming is you, what is the problem?” I said as I went into the kitchen to brew coffee

“Your voice patterns are not Joe, you are an unknown.”

“I am Leslie, I own the farm now, Joe ceases to exist please delete his sound files.”

“It is done, files are deleted, and Leslie is now primary voice. There is one status alert, do you wish a report?”

“Yes computer, report please.”

“Very little damage was done to the orchard; robots are in the process of cleaning up storm and wind damage. There is no damage to the house or buildings. There is a tree fatality from the wind, an oak wood tree over one hundred years old.”

“Where is the location?”

“The large hill before the lake, it is on its side, would you like it to be recycled?”

“No, prepare the tree for firewood, place the cut wood by the driveway in cords.”

“It will be done.” The computer replied as I poured a cup of coffee, walked toward the front door and out onto the porch. Once I was outside, I looked toward the hill seeing that indeed, there was a tree down and it was a big one in girth and length.

Going inside I went to the Visiscreen and dialed a number committed to memory. It was to Gary “Mongoose” Avers, my best friend at school. The Visiscreen rang twice and was picked up by him with me saying, “Mongoose, I need a favor.”

“Sure Les, when do we get to party out there?”

“I need you to empty out my room and bring my stuff here, leave the furniture. The next item of business is I had a tree fall last night so you get the wood for Prof. Wilson.”

“Done that on the packing, so there are no worries there, Wayne and I are coming anyway. Is the tree a big one?”

“Yep over a hundred years old, you better get Wayne to hire a big truck.”

“Will do buddy, hey, we’ll bring the food.”

“I have food here; I’ll see you when you get here.” I said and disconnected. Going back into the house and placing the coffee cup into the sink, I decided to finish getting dressed and passed on the shower until after I checked out where the tree fell for myself.

Grabbing a comm. unit from the recharger to communicate with the computer and answer the Visiscreen, I made my way to the hill and the fallen tree. As I walked, I heard the robot crew busy with the chore of stripping down the branches and leaves.

On arriving at the site, I felt saddened that this tree was so majestic in life and all it took was a strong storm to kill it. I thought of all the storms it withstood and the nasty winters it had seen it resisted that was when I looked at the root area.

I am not a forester but the roots including the feeder root looked wrong to me. They all were to the sides of the tree it was as if they curved around an enormous rock and they were not straight down. It was then I decided to look at the hole that the tree came from. Looking down into the hole with the sun reflecting off a crystalline and opaque area of perhaps a square foot, I was intrigued. Due to the fact, it looked as if something long ago was buried here.

Making my way cautiously down into the hole watching out for the remains of the roots, I finally stood on the surface I had seen. It felt like rock with no giving, even when I jumped on it. The rock sounded and felt solid. Using my hands, I moved more of the dirt away seeing more of that smooth rock formation. It must have been during my movements that I triggered a covering, which slid away in the dirt. With the covering gone it exposed a key pad and what looked like to me like a palm reader. By this time, I was really excited.

Managing to get my comm. unit from a pocket I said, “House Computer, can you scan…”

“The device is alien to me but the code is 1,2,3,4, starting at the top left.” The computer said with me pressing the code in as it told me to do so with the keys lighting up.

Nothing happened for several seconds except for the lights came on the keypad as I pressed the numbers into the pad. Suddenly I felt movement and tried to jump to safety but my feet would not move and I was being slowly lowered into what I thought was a gigantic cave. What in the hell had me?

Lighting suddenly went on, bright recessed lighting and I saw seven Triangular objects that I just knew were UFOs. The objects were huge in length, height, depth, and width with matte black finishes. I was in total, startled surprise and awe in this find, not even realizing the elevator or whatever I was on had stopped.

My mind reeled confusedly from what I saw that was hidden below the hill. Eventually questions began to formulate themselves but the answers were not forthcoming. Once I realized my feet were movable, I walked slowly toward the first Triangular object, cautiously. I expected the occupants of this mystery to make themselves known, with them and I wondering, whom is this stranger is and what was I doing in their domain, but there was not a sound except my almost silent footsteps.

After looking around the exterior of all the ships, I found what appeared to be a computer data halo screen that had the words HELLO and SPEAK TO ME on it near a ship with the ramp down. I was still rattled and was ready to run from fear, and I did. I ran so blindly and quickly I didn’t realize I had run into one of the ships, up the ramp along many ramps. I began to calm down and immediately was inundated with voices, and pictures that only I had in my mind. For some unknown reason I concentrated and not knowing why I wound up in what I could call the command center of the ship or what I thought was the command center.

I seemed to relax and followed the directions of the voices. I lay upon a lounger after I found what looked like a simple wire metallic crown that settled upon the crown of my head, next to another lounger. After placing the crown onto my head, I fell asleep or passed out.

Visions began to clarify showing me a planet covered with cities and technological wonders. The inhabitants of this planet were human like and they considered themselves pioneers, meeting all types of lifeforms both peaceful and aggressive. They were an old race, called the Pharth that when the primordial ooze was being formed on Earth, they were traveling the stars of space.

Slowly I awoke checking my watch, which seemed unusually large, seeing that only fifteen minutes of time passed I thought. I heard a voice saying, “You are the commander.”

My eyes snapped wide open, I was confused at first were I was, and then I relaxed because somehow I felt that I was home.

Chapter 4

Taking an inventory as I regained consciousness, I just felt different. I remembered my childhood and the people I shared it with. I remembered my parents along with both the good and bad times, their deaths, schooling and so on, even Joe that I missed so badly. Everything was there in my brain including where I was and how I got here, but who or what in the hell was Beta.

I knew what the mission to Earth was, to study it, along with seeing this base being built and the former crews of it. I knew why I was called Commander; it was because I was the first to enter the base since it was closed off and I was the first person to enter it by entering the code after a century.

Moving to get comfortable in the Pilot’s Chair my shoes fell off of my feet and they didn’t look like my feet, they looked too small. I swore softly and said, “Beta, what did you do to me?”

“You were enhanced Commander”

“Elaborate enhanced Beta.” I said as I stood up.

“Unknown to this Psionic AI, but you went into Cardiac Arrest as your brain was being rewired, so to speak. Your DNA, once it was scanned, showed a major heart defect and other defects you would have had later in life. Since you are the Commander, you could not cease to exist. On scanning my records, I found DNA similar to yours but it was a fertile female and I reconstructed it in you to keep you alive. My program is to keep you healthy.”

“Change me back to a male!”

“Your DNA, it was flawed.”

“I don’t care! Change me back!”

“You must stabilize…”

“Stabilize my ass! You didn’t save the matrix, did you? I’m sorry but I need clothes first, then we’ll think of another way. Whose DNA did you use? The first rule as an AI to me, is never try to lie to me, which is a human frailty.” I yelled.

“I used Sub Lieutenant Dra’na Kirra’s DNA model for you since you were so similar physically and anatomically, it is perfect. Your mental abilities far surpass any living human today. You now use over ninety percent of your brain. You now have telepathy and know all things the previous crews knew. You even know how I function as your AI.”

“Have you been keeping track on the events on this planet?”

“Negative, but now I am updating since this is the year 2020 on Earth. I am aware of those who plunder technology in the name of national security. I need to contact homeworld to update also, since I am ten of your years behind.”

“Okay, but about the homeworld, I don’t know, you have been updating? We need another entrance, preferably underground, from here to the basement of the house. Can you join with the computer in the house?”

”I must update fully from homeworld, as I’ve been doing it since the base was built for the last one hundred years. It was then done every ten of your years to give the base status along with updating equipment. As directed, the tunnel will be completed in 2.5 hours. I am now upgrading that which you call the house computer and adding the farm to my program. Your clothing is in Kirra’s locker in the resting chamber.”

“Then by all means check in but, do not tell that homeworld computer I am here!”

It will be done commander.”

On standing, I felt really different, things jiggled that never jiggled before, and I was more padded in the hips along with my butt. My waist was thinner but my jeans stayed on, yet they were tight due to my hips being bigger. Let’s face facts whatever bulges I had before were now gone. I was now shorter, somewhat smaller, had curves and bulges where I didn’t have them before. I was a female now, yet that didn’t disturb me as much as I thought it might but I could do without my male form. As a matter of fact I was getting used to this form and I was comfortable in it.

Walking to the resting area apartments with Beta’s help, I realized I was somewhat glad that the computer had found the defects in my DNA; perhaps that was why I was concerned about my sexuality and demanded I be changed back earlier.

Entering the bedroom area was spooky as I saw clothing that was in fashion at the turn of the century on the bed along with lingerie of the period. I remembered I saw in a magazine, a model wearing clothes like these, and she didn’t look the least bit comfortable.

Looking around the room, I found the bathroom that looked similar to the one in the house; you know bath/shower, sink, bidet, and commode. I found a closet with more period dresses and some very slick looking leather like clothes.

Since there was a shower I decided to head for it, since I didn’t have one that morning. I quickly removed my ill-fitting clothes and climbed into the shower not finding any water control valves, and then I thought I needed to contact the computer.

“Beta, please turn on the water in the shower; make it hot but not scalding. Also scan the New Internet for women’s fashions and put together wardrobes for me here and in the house to wear.” I said with the water coming on and it being hot.

While the water converged on my body, I felt the tingles that I never had before, as wave after wave of pleasure racked my body. This was the first of many orgasms I had and I loved every second of it. I remembered being male and masturbating, the orgasm was quick and forceful, but now being female, I really enjoyed the orgasmic pleasures more.

Stepping from the shower a heat lamp and fan started blowing air on my body similar to that of a hair blow drier. While I dried off, I looked into the mirror seeing a reflection of a pretty, young woman, 16 or 18 years old. She has curly honey blond hair that went to the middle of her back, a small nose, cute ears, full red lips, tanned skin, deep blue eyes, possibly five foot seven inches tall with a slight build with B+ sized pert breasts. Her waist was small but her hips and butt were perfect, I was my own wet dream. Going out into the main room, I got the clothes laid out I was going to wear.

“Commander?” the computer said to me with me acknowledging it.

“I have a status report, the tunnel is complete as well as a teleportation station that I added, you have a complete up to date wardrobe in the house, I am tied into the farm network, and that computer is compatible with me, still it is old technology. I have completed updating it.”

“That was quick; did your minions do it? I assume that the clothes I have are new also?”

“They are, as the other clothes were over one hundred of your Earth years old they were recycled. I hope you are pleased.”

“Not really, but I have to wear something. From now on you will call me Leslie and your name will be Mercury.”

“Yes Leslie, I am now Mercury, thank you for the name. What is Mercury? A heavy metal? I have also sent you a modified comm. pad, Visicomm, and jewelry. All maintenance droids have been reactivated. ”

“Very well. According to Earth’s Roman mythology Mercury was the messenger of Jupiter. Now let me get dressed.”

I was still angry with Mercury for what that damn computer did to me. Quite simply, there was nothing I could do to change things. I had to live with what was done.

Grabbing the panties seeing it was a tiny wisp of black satin fabric, I slid them up my legs covering my vagina and nothing more. While putting on my black bra and settling my breasts into the satin and lace cups I thought of what Mongoose and Wayne were going to say. I really didn’t care, but I needed to tell them the truth, I thought, as I put on the suntanned bodystocking. It was then my brain started telling me of the wondrous sensations my body was feeling.

Then I pulled on over my head a deep red colored, silk, sleeveless blouse that was cut out with a deep vee and buttoned at the neck. Stepping into soft black, leather with waffling areas in the thighs and waist, I fastened the zipper and button at the rear of my waist of the high waisted, cargo pocket, leather pants. Next, I almost choked seeing the leather, calf length boots with a three-inch stiletto heel in the same color as the blouse I was wearing. Managing to get the boots onto my feet, up my legs to my calves, and zippering the side zipper on top of the leather pants, I stood up. After walking a few steps, I had no problem maneuvering in the boots.

At this point, my mind was starting to bring forth my old maleness saying it was wrong to be putting on this female attire. As quickly, as the thoughts arrived in my brain other thoughts took over saying it was alright, as I was female now. I was in a mental turmoil until like an electric switch turned on and the current flowed through the circuit giving it life to operate.

Calming myself I realized that I was now a female and from what I gathered, a fertile human female. I was chronologically sixteen Earth years old with a lifetime expectancy of three hundred to four hundred Earth years. I was a teenager again. Oh, those hormones were raging.

It was at this time I actualized that I spoke and read many languages of the universe besides the languages of Earth, along with the various societies, cultures, and customs. I knew the names and locations of star systems, I had never seen. I knew where all of our ships were along with each starbase. I realized the amounts of the personnel and their weapons available, if needed.

I then thought about the specifications of the ships, along with the Operational Guidelines. The information was available to me instantaneously.

These ships of the Pharth are called loosely Predators; she was of the Star Chaser Class, a cruiser type ship. It has active camouflage and all emission control capabilities; it is what’s called stealth or cloaking mode to and by other vessels, systems, or planets. All sensors for navigation and ranging are passive, mounted into the skin of the ships, which can be activated to active if need be. The weapons if needed are all energy/chemical based from what is called Hellstorm (To us it’s a chemical Laser) to Gas Plasma generators (Planet Annihilator). Beyond light speed conversion in space are due to the Starlight Drives and the fusion generators with a maximum velocity of one hundred times the speed of light. Gravitronic magnetic drives propel the ship at sub light speeds, all the way from one hundred eighty six thousand two hundred eighty two point three, nine, seven miles per second to zero mph, and they are used for maneuvering the ship. All of these miracles are accomplished without the use of Cryogenic Sleep Systems or Nuclear Fusion that which Earth still uses for sub-light voyages. The pilot and the Commander along with the crew control all systems. There is but one true Commander per base/ship wing or squadron but Sub Commanders per ship. All other personnel (twenty members) are cross-trained in ship system operations, excluding the marine assault troops of which there are one hundred and fifty men and women when stationed aboard.

The ship shielding is partially impenetrable from weapons from warships, radiation, or foreign objects such as meteorites to protect the ship systems and its crew. I was further skilled in navigation, electronics/communications (faster than light), tactics, insertion and deception, evasion, damage control, and ship operations, I knew just about everything from sleeping, using the head, sonic shower or even how to use the food Synthesizer. I was skilled in Marine Assault Tactics and deployments. How I managed to retain all this knowledge was still a mystery to me.

What were next brought to bear in my mind are sanitation, grooming, and wellness of my new body. I found out what was expected from me as a female of the human species along with their tools.

Without thinking, I went over to the dresser and placed what appeared to be a translucent bag over my head with an umbilical cord attached to it. I placed my hands into two box like receptacles and sat upon a chair next to the gadgets. I felt things happening to my head and face that can only be described as relaxing fingers. My hands were surrounded by warmth with the feeling of other hands touching mine, fingers touching fingers. What woke me from my feelings of serenity was the stinging sensation at the lobes of my ears. It was then I heard a soft ringing sound and removed my hands from the enclosures, removing the hood from my head.

Glancing down at my hands, I saw my nails were now longer, pear shaped and were now red. I hurried to the mirror and saw that my face was adorned with Earth style makeup, my ears pierced with little studs in the holes and my hair was braided. It was then I realized what the bag and boxes did. My mind screamed! It was all wrong!

Another soothing voice eventually took over for my screaming male voice and this one was female. The female voice told me to relax as she soothed my mental receptors, which I did. The voices stopped! I had managed to go back to Kirra’s…now my locker and put on the black, below waist, quilted padded leather like jacket. I noticed extra fittings in the jacket and called out saying, “Mercury, what are all of these extra fittings on the jacket? What in the Hell is in my hip pocket?”

“Those fittings are a part of the self sealing Space Survival Suit such as pants, boots, jacket, helmet (which is part of the hood), and gloves; it is designed for working in a vacuum like space for short periods of 200 hours. It is also projectile and small energy hand weapon proof. The gloves are in the left hand hip pocket of the jacket. In your right hip pocket is a personal stunner to protect yourself, all personnel do carry them. This weapon stuns only, with five energy settings. On your dresser is a comm. bijous or badge, which is linked to me, it is worn on the left breast in the shape of three starbursts interlinked to denote you are the commander. You will also find a necklace and earring set. The necklace and earrings appear decorative but in fact, they are a crystalline telepathy long range amplifier. The earrings are transmitter amplifiers and the necklace is the receiver.”

While Mercury spoke, I put on the gold and silver bijous into the holes on my jacket at my right breast. After completing placing the communication badge on, I took the necklace into my hands putting it around my neck allowing the crystal to rest at my cleavage and placing the earrings into the holes in my ears after removing the studs. It felt weird, but not disquieting, especially when I moved my head.

Walking out of the room, I took a passageway out into the hangar area marveling at how deep the hangar really is from the top of the hill to below sea level. The entire installation was several hundred feet below ground. I was in gadget heaven, as I gazed around the inside of the base.

Chapter 5

Hurriedly I found the transporter carousel, when I noticed the time. Anytime now, Wayne and Mongoose would arrive. I was a bit apprehensive at seeing them, as they both knew the old me. I had no idea if I should tell them both about what happened to me, or pretend to be someone else. I decided to tell them the truth!

Stepping onto the Carousel I had found, I told Mercury to send me over to the house. I briefly thought about all the old Sci-Fi films I had watched and read about, as I blinked out of the base and into the house basement. In just a few brief seconds, I went from one location to the house. Damn what a ride that was! For a few brief seconds I was disoriented and then I recovered seeing my basement in the house.

Springing from the Carousel, I bounded up the stairs to the main floor going to the front door, seeing that they had not arrived yet. I pulled on my hood, put on my gloves, and went outside seeing the cut and stacked wood about forty feet from the house. I was outside about fifteen minutes and never felt the cold or dampness through the clothes I was wearing, except for my face. Pulling at my right hand glove, I saw seeing the seal between the glove and the jacket. I then checked the jacket zipper area and where the pants ended, these also were sealed. I thought that this leather like material, whatever it was, was worth a fortune here on Earth.

Suddenly I was thirsty, going into the house walking into the kitchen area. Washing out the cup I had used before my change and poured another cup of coffee. It was hot and good for this type of chilly day. I knew just then that winter was almost here. While I was drinking the coffee, I heard the unmistakable sound of fanjets and knew my guests had arrived.

The doorbell rang just as soon as I heard the fanjets wind down and began stopping it. It was time to face both Mongoose and Wayne. Laying my coffee cup down I went to answer the door.

On answering the door Mongoose said, “Hi, is Leslie in? He sure works fast, seeing you here.”

“Come on in Mongoose, you too Wayne. The droids will load you up Wayne. Mercury, please have the droids load the heavy AirCarrier. “, I said as I took them back to the kitchen and they both smiled as I poured coffee for them, handing them the full mugs.

“Leslie, the Wing is ready.”

“Leslie? Wing is ready?” The both said in unison with me saying barely audible, “Oh shit! Me and that Damn computer are going to have words later.”

Wayne then said, “So your name is Leslie too…Okay…Wings are on birds but I have a suspicion your computer wasn’t talking about birds, was it? Where is Leslie? He’s not here and we find you waiting for us. Please don’t say he took the AirCar or his car, because they're still here. Things just don’t add up!”

Mongoose agreed with Wayne when I said, “Wayne, you have a very suspicious mind and yes I am Leslie. I can prove it! Up until about six or seven years ago you worked for NASA as a pilot, training for a deep space probe, you flew shuttles before that. They offered you an instructor’s position after your getting sick and you told them no along with the Navy that was it for your career. You never married because of NASA being your life, although, you are now living with Jessica Patel. Mongoose, I took Angie Randleman to the homecoming game against Drake last year because she didn’t have a date for it. And the answer is no I am not a transgenderist, this is all me.”

By this time both of their jaws were onto the ground and I explained everything that happened as the end I said, “Mercury, have I spoken the truth?”

“You have indeed Leslie, but your friends seem to be a bit perplexed, if I read their Bio signs correctly.”

“Guys, I can prove everything that I said and there are no little gray men here, all that’s here is me and my Psionic AI, Mercury.”

Leading them both downstairs, after I took off my jacket and hung it up by the front door, I felt their excitement. Once we stepped onto the carousel, I mentally called to Mercury to transfer us to the base.

In seconds, we arrived at the base in total darkness. There was that feeling of disorientation was evident and passed quickly. I contacted Mercury mentally and told the AI to bring up the lights to full intensity.

The lights came on in unison and I saw the looks on Gary and Wayne’s faces. The lights brilliantly lit up the ships and the entire base. Wayne was the first to get his vocal chords and saying, “Do you know what this means? It means you have unequivocal proof that this planet is not alone in the universe. Please accept my sincerest apologies for doubting you.”

“Mercury, could you make available a medium that can be read on Earth computers? If so, make available in English, all diagrams, schematics, maintenance, and specifications of the Star Cruisers and associated Base Wing equipment. Place the medium into Star Chaser One.”

“Affirmative Leslie, it will take twenty minutes.”

“Good, I’ll be in ship one. Mongoose, why are you so quiet?”

“I’m just overwhelmed and I’m on sensory overload…”

“You’re on overload! What about me? With the enhancements to my body and this new body, I’m a mess mentally. I have new toys to play with, so what? So don’t start your shit with me Mongoose!”

“She’s right Mongoose and so are you, however, I look at this as an opportunity. C’mon, our ships are too slow, below light speed. We freeze people for transit, which is barbaric. Then there’s radiation. We don’t have any manned deep space probes. I, myself have dreamed about going into space, getting Cancer disqualified me for it. I want to see what’s up there.” Wayne said as we walked to the ship that was open and up the Port side-boarding ramp.

While we walked through the vessel, I was simply astonished at the engineering to construct this ship. I also knew where everything was and how to operate the equipment surprising both Wayne and Gary with Wayne saying, “ I was trained on equipment from the Dark Ages next to what I’ve seen here, what do you intend to do with everything?”

“I haven’t thought very much about it, after all I just found these ships and the Base, possibly I would like to explore the known cosmos, under the international law possession is nine tenths of the law and I have one hundred percent…”

“Of course there are those that that would claim National Security of course there’s also NASA, JPL, ESA, United Nations Office of Space Affairs, and RSSI and I know people at all of those agencies that would salivate getting copies of what you have. The primary is to keep the so called intelligence agencies away.” Wayne said, all hyped up as we made our way to the Bridge.

‘The military will be sniffing the goods.” Gary said with Wayne saying, “So let them, if it’s for defense of the human race against aggressors especially if we go exploring then they need the new technology, but it needs to be controlled from the onset from not being aggressively used anywhere on this planet.”

“Plus some of the peaceful technology will be used for the world and emerging third world countries given freely to those countries.” I said with the two guys agreeing.

While we walked around the Bridge, I was communicating with Mercury mentally:

<Mercury, could Wayne and Mongoose be enhanced and their Matrix saved?>

“Look guys, I know you like my toys, however, I need both of you to help me. What I’m asking is if you want to be enhanced…”

“Oh, Hell yes, as long as I remain a male.” Wayne said with Mongoose agreeing to what Wayne said.

They both went immediately to the loungers and lay down placing the wire crown onto their heads. I watched them both and in seconds, they were asleep. A very bright white and red light scanned both their bodies stopping every few seconds at different locations. I watched as they physically regressed in age with Wayne in his early twenties and Mongoose about my age of sixteen. Body fat disappeared, so did gray hair, facial and body hair vanished and muscles thickened.

The light went off with Mercury saying, “It is complete Leslie, they will awaken shortly. They are enhanced, longevity increased, and tissue regenerated.”

“They will be called by their names but they are also sub commanders.” I said.

“It has been noted into memory.”

I went into the Captain’s Stateroom on the Bridge walking directly into the lounge area, conference room, galley, and finally into the master bedroom. I looked into the storage spaces under the bed and the closets seeing that I had a complete wardrobe of not only uniforms but also other clothing and shoes. Going into the bathroom everything seemed just like what I had on the base earlier.

I went back to the lounge area, sat on a lounger and looked at my surroundings. I looked around seeing Impressionistic, Seascape, and Landscape wall art of what I assumed were other planets. The more I looked at them the more I liked them.

“Mercury, make certain Mongoose and Wayne have new clothing.”

“They do and they are getting dressed in their quarters in the Base next to your new quarters. Everything has been moved into it.”

“Alright I guess, are my new quarters near Kirra’s old room?”

“Yes Leslie.” Mercury said with me speculating where that room was located when it flashed into my mind along with directions.

Making my way into the conference room, I found the recorded media I had requested and decided to leave it there and went from the stateroom to the bridge were I called Mercury saying, “Are we prepared to liftoff?”

“Yes Leslie, all system are green, the tanks are full of water and are in standby where are we going?”

“Water? Oh, I forgot about the hydrogen. Once we liftoff we’re headed probably to Cape Canaveral Florida, but that depends on Wayne. Download all air charts and we’ll be cloaked and Stealthed so figure the right flight plan for us to take.”

“Done Leslie, everything is prepared for this flight.” Mercury said with me thanking the AI. Taking one last look around the ship, I walked down the Boarding Ramp directly to my room.

I was pleasantly shocked when I walked in through the sliding door that opened automatically as soon as I stopped in front of it; the room was triple the size of Kirra’s old room, it was the same layout as the ship.

Mentally I visioned Wayne and Mongoose to come to my suite, as I sat into a lounger. I was getting comfortable when I heard an incessant chime, mentally telling Mercury to open the door.

The door opened with Wayne and Mongoose coming in with Wayne in their Flightsuits saying, “We both heard you Les; I haven’t figured how to use the telepathy yet. Damn, this suite is just like ours.”

“My, you two certainly look good, has the ship’s operations kicked in yet?”

“Mine have, hey mom can I have the ship for a date?” Mongoose said smiling with me saying, “Dear, you can use the ship but you have to have it back by ten PM or you’re grounded.” I said and then giggled.

“Oh Lord, I have two juvenile delinquents. Anyway, to answer your question, mine are kicking in now, thanks for the ring and watch by the way.”

“Mercury, how come they got rings and watches and I didn’t?” I said pouting then I smiled with Mongoose saying, “You didn’t get any because you were a bad little girl.”

“You know where you can put your…”

“Leslie, they are in your sleeping chamber in your jewelry box, this AI must have forgotten.” Mercury said almost humanly with me saying, “Oh Great! I have an absent-minded computer. No driving for you buddy!”

I walked into the sleeping chamber and almost fainted, it was as big as the house bedroom, and the bathroom was bigger. I found the large jewelry case on the dressing table and opened it. Inside it was a Ladies, Digital, Chrono style watch, and a platinum ring with an exact copy of the ship detailed in gold into a massive marquis cut blue Sapphire.

Taking my old watch off, I placed the new watch on my wrist and the ring onto my right hand ring finger. Then I saw an enormous collection of every piece of feminine jewelry I could think of.

It was then I thought of the closet and dresser. I opened drawer after drawer finding it packed with all manner of silk, nylon, and lace. Then I walked to the huge closet, opening the door finding uniforms, flightsuits, skirts, dresses, blouses, sweaters, blazers, suits (both Pant and Skirts), and shoes. Pair after pair of shoes all different styles, colors, fabrics, leather and heel heights from flats to four-inch heels lined the floor.

As a male student, I was lucky to have several pairs of jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, and a pair of sneakers. Now I had more clothes and jewelry than any one woman could use. If this closet was indicative of the one in the house and the ship, I was in big trouble.

Moving my head in disbelief, I walked out into the lounge area and said, “Just wait until you see your closets later, they’ll be packed with clothes. Look at those monster rings your wearing, the ship is on the stone, and it’s a real stone.” When I said that they both looked at the rings in surprise seeing the ship on the largest sapphires I had ever seen set into gold.

“Wayne, when you’re done staring at your ring get on the Visicomm that Mercury gave you and start making your calls. I would like the meeting in one of the empty hangars at Cape Canaveral tomorrow. Try to keep them guessing by not disclosing too much. Oh and call Jessica, she can come also.”

“While Wayne is making those screen calls here, Mongoose you and I are going to check out the loading of the wood cords.” I said as I grabbed his arm and pulled him from the suite to the carousel.

Chapter 6

My disorientation this time was minimal, but poor Gary was discombobulated badly. It took him several minutes to be normal again but for him I pose this question, what’s normal?

We went upstairs where I got my coat, put it on, checked my seal, and put on my gloves. All the while, I explained to Mongoose what I was doing and why I was doing it. He then checked his suit complaining about his boots and the long johns he was wearing. Maybe he should try wearing pantyhose or a bodystocking? Anyway, we went outside noticing that the temperature had dropped. We checked the load of wood over and made sure it was secure.

In no time, we were back inside, took off our coats, and went to the coffee pot in the kitchen. We each took a mug and went to the table with Mongoose saying as we sat down, “Les, are you okay with what happened to you? I mean if it was me I sure as hell would be ready to freak.”

I looked at him seriously saying, “Oh I did freak, not once but twice, I was a mess for awhile then the programming of the AI kicked in and it helped me a great deal in accepting my new form. Now I feel more or less okay and I feel as a woman should, I guess. I mean, I feel as if I was born this way and I’m beginning to love all the different sensations I get. Damn, I even had an orgasm when I took a shower.”

“I’m satisfied you’re adjusting, but at first I felt a loss at losing my best bud. Now, it’s as if you never changed, I still have my best bud. You’re different but you’re not different. By the way, I had the AI put your stuff into the den.”

“So when are you moving in? There’s four bedrooms in the house and you have a suite in the Base, and I need company.”

“Are you kidding? I guess you’re not; I have about the same amount of stuff in my one room student hovel. I think I can do it all today. Mom, may I use the AirCar, I promise I’ll be gentle with it.”

“What’s with this mom stuff? Sure you can use it, but one scratch and you won’t ever fly my ship.”

“Whenever I needed the car I always asked my mom so you’re a female without children, thank the Lord, I needed to use the AirCar since my car went bust so…”

“Mongoose please promise me you’ll never change, you’re as nutty as ever. You know something, I really love you, you moron.”

“Might we go to bed together and play with each other under the sheets?”

“Honey, I really don’t think I’m ready for that yet but maybe in a few days we might.” I said mischievously as I smiled at him just as Wayne flew up the stairs with him saying, “Damn it’s good to be younger and fully fit. Anyway Jessie says hi and she thinks we’re taking a commercial flight, she said she’ll go.”

Wayne grabbed a mug of coffee and joined us at the table saying, “The Cape is ours, NASA, JPL, ESA, United Nations Office of Space Affairs, and RSSI, have all agreed to meet there. All I had to say was Faster Then Light Drives and if they could be there today, they would. Be prepared because each group is bringing five additional people. Okay and I specified no military or spook types are to come as we’ll know who they are and exclude them from the meeting.”

“That sounds excellent, Mercury, I want an agreement made up in the form of a non-disclosure to the intelligence and military communities. Nothing they get can be used for war on Earth, ten copies each with eight blank spaces for signatures for download. Also have two droids go with Mongoose in the AirCar to unload Wayne’s wood.”

“It is done Leslie and on the conference room table on the ship. The droids are on the way to the AirCar.” Mercury said with me thanking it.

We each had sandwiches that I made and several mugs of coffee while we spoke of trivial things. I could see by looking at the two of them that they were excited about tomorrow and to be honest so was I. yet I needed to relax and get some sleep.

After we ate and cleared the dishes, Wayne and Mongoose were ready to leave. They would return later and get settled into their new home. In the meantime, I was going to change into something to lounge in.

Once they left I headed straight to my bedroom.

Chapter 7

On entering the bedroom, I went directly to the twelve-drawer dresser checking each of the drawer’s contents. Then I went over to the two lingerie chests opening all of the drawers, every drawer was almost beyond full.

Next were the closets, yes there are two of them, and they were crammed full. Shoes, hell I could outfit an army with the amount I had. Then there were the purses and scarves on the shelves, not even a JAP (Jewish American Princess) could come close to my inventory.

After that was the bathroom, with additions of a vanity table, chair, my magic makeup sack for my head, and the boxes for my hands and feet. I had more powders, lotions and crèmes than a drugstore has.

While I was reading the various tubes, jars and bottles, the call of nature called me. I undid the seals and zipper of my pants and boots, gently pushing my clothing downward to eventually sit-down to urinate. I did my business and it was certainly different than I did it as a male but it was a welcomed relief. I removed all of my clothes placing them all into the dirty clothes and walked into the bedroom.

In the bedroom, I found hanging several négligé sets and picked out a black set. I slid the panties up my legs, pulled the négligé on over my head, and adjusted my breasts into the lacey cups. Putting on the filmy black colored robe, I went to the closet.

In the first closet, I found a pair of silk covered bedroom mules in black and placed them onto my bare feet. They slid right on and I stood up noticing the mirror seeing myself. Lord, I could give a dead man an erection when I looked at myself. I smiled minx like, walked to the living room, and turned on the Hologram TV. After trying several channels, I found one program about UFOs that I immersed myself in, telling Mercury, to place the program into memory record and for the AI to comment on it once it was ended.

I was surely amazed as I relaxed and watched the Hologram about the misconceptions it portrayed about the triangular ships., especially when they called them warships after someone saw a battle in our atmosphere. The battle took place on the east coast. Three Circular ships attacked a Triangular one like the seven I had in the base. For some reason I knew the Circular ships were Gal’brith and the Triangular ship was a Pharth ship. Even though the dogfight was three against one, the Pharth ship destroyed the three Gal’brith ships with uncommon ease. The war was still on I assumed.

“Mercury is the war still ongoing?”

“According to my knowledge base the war was ended seven decades ago with the planet of the Gal’brith being destroyed because of the hostilities. The ships you see, I believe, were scouting for a planet to conquer which means they have a mothership or ships looking for a new home. This AI scanned the records and found this film to be one decade old and as an emerging planet the Planetary Alliance has vowed to protect the Earth until such time as they can defend themselves.”

“That’s logical! Make a note on that piece from the HTV. I take it the Gal’brith motherships are still roaming out there?”

“By all indications they are or they’ve been destroyed, whatever the case we seem to be the Earth’s best defense. Please be advised those Gal’brith motherships, if out in space will be very hard to kill with what there is in the base. Those may be Star Cruisers and the technology is better, however the Gal’brith motherships have larger weapons and stronger shields.”

“I seem to remember that, may we call on the Planetary Alliance for help or join it as a member?”

“Yes Leslie, to both questions but an ambassador is needed.”

“Access NASA, JPL, ESA, United Nations Office of Space Affairs, the UN, and RSSI for such a person and pick out a staff. Also, tap into the personnel records and find us the necessary people to staff the base and the ships. For our Marines, choose those from discharged and retired personnel, get only the best people, use the Bureau of Naval Personnel files for Marine recon, Russian‘s Spesnatz, Navy SEALs, Air Force Security, Army Rangers, Army Special Forces and the English Special Air Services and Special Boat Services I want both men and women. However be aware for any traps set for hackers.”

“It has been done covertly as you said Leslie. I am making media copies as we speak for the meeting tomorrow. The people I have chosen fit the criteria that the Pharth use to select crews, including couples whatever the sexual persuasion might be. I have even assigned them berthing in the ships and for the base security. I will display my finds on your Visicomm pad located in the bedroom where you left it.”

“Damn I was just getting comfortable, do I have to get up?”

“No Leslie, I will teleport it to you.” Mercury said and in seconds, the Visicomm pad was in my lap loaded with the information that Mercury had obtained.

As I perused the information, I saw no problem with the personnel that were chosen other than some language barriers that would be lost on the enhancement they needed to go through. The major problem was going to be how to get them all here and to train them all.

While I read, Mongoose returned with both Wayne and Jessica. When the three of them saw me, the guys drooled and Jessica smiled saying, “Les you look marvelous, are you waiting for Mongoose to get into those new panties the way you’re dressed?”

“That was very uncouth of you to say that Jessie, although I did think of it…briefly.” I said with Mongoose grinning and then frowning with all of us laughing. I had Wayne take Jessica to the base for a brief tour and enhancement, which meant that Mongoose and I were alone.

“What took you so long?” I said to Mongoose with him saying, “If I knew you were going to be dressed like that I would have been faster.”

“That’s a cheap shot! So what happened?”

“We picked up Jessie and took the wood to the faculty woodpile. While the droids worked, we told Jessie what happened while we were here. She of course thought we were taking drugs and hallucinated everything until Wayne mentioned the meeting at the Cape, then she started to believe us. She didn’t even bother to look directly at us to see how we regressed in age.”

“Leslie I have the person called Jessica on Star Cruiser One, she requests enhancement, and do I have permission to commence the process?” Mercury interrupted with me saying, “Yes Mercury, but listen to her requests please if she has any, and give her anything she wants or needs. Okay Mongoose, so give, what else?”

“We dropped off the Air Hauler, went to pack my stuff, went back to their condo, closed it down, and came directly back here. The entire time all we did was talk about this place and the spectacular sights we saw, we made sure no one could overhear us.”

I handed over the Visicomm pad to Mongoose with me telling him what I had done with him saying, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts, what I meant was, here we are coming to give this planet of ours all this technology and we want them to give us all of these people and believe us. They are going to be skeptical as hell. “

“Mercury, display what you recorded earlier for Mongoose and then brief him afterwards please.” I said as the recorded battle was displayed for Mongoose. After the clip was over Mercury briefed Mongoose with him saying, “Shit! There are bigger ships out there that might want to kill us?”

“Oh yes my dear, and we’re right in the middle of an interstellar war. These Gal’brith are the enemies of the Planetary Alliance, they’ve been here on Earth, and the Pharth blew their socks off.”

“What’s with this dear crap? Keep it up, and you’ll be losing those knickers real fast, as I take my way with you, on your back.”

“Lord I haven’t been a woman for a full day yet and you want to screw me, did I drop the soap or something? Damn, your hormones must be raging boy.”

“Hey girl, I like what I see, besides you look and smell delicious, so shoot me. You are a man’s wet dream come true.”

Before I could say anything Jessica and Wayne walked into the living room with her saying, “Mongoose layoff Leslie, so you haven’t been Laid in a while, who cares? Grow up! Now to change the subject, Mercury is a surgeons dream, mass-produce that AI, it did things I always wanted done to my body.”

Jessica was correct, she was the same age as Wayne, her nose was smaller, her breasts were at least a C cup, and she had curves where there weren’t any before.

“I’m glad you’re pleased but wait for the enhancements to really kick in, man what a trip that was for me.” I said with Wayne and Mongoose agreeing with Wayne saying, “It was even worse for Les, but that part is over, she seems well adjusted now.”

“I’m so excited, I get a new wardrobe, and I get to be in on this adventure from the very beginning. I just love this house, the farm, and the base as you call it.” Jessica said excitedly using her hands like semaphore flags, as she talked.

“Jessie, just wait until you see the amount of clothes, shoes, purses, lingerie, plus all the uniforms you’ll get. Poor Wayne will be living out of a trunk.” I said laughingly.

“I don’t think so, because Mercury said it expanded all the bedrooms, the baths, the closets, the beds, bedding, and added some furniture.” Jessica said whimsically with Mongoose saying, “Great! There go the taxes!”

“I can afford them, besides with the four of us; we need a little more room. Damn, I knew my room looked larger! Oh well I’m going to bed.”

“Mom, can I sleep with you, I can’t stand sleeping alone.” Mongoose said with a smile, with Jessica saying, “You just want to get into her knickers…”

“No, that’s not true…”

“Yes it is Mongoose, you just told me so, but the answer is…yes. Why do I feel naked? ”

“No, you aren’t yet, but you will be soon, honey.” Jessica said laughing as she and Wayne went to their bedroom. I then took Mongoose into my bedroom.

Did we sleep or make love? Let’s just say that Jessie was right. Did I regret the act? Hell no!

Chapter 8

The alarm sounded, waking me up at five AM. I disentangled myself from Mongoose and made my way to the bathroom. I used the commode, made my way to the larger bathtub, and had Mercury draw the water for me at the temperature I wanted. I added bath oils and climbed into the tub.

Damn, it was relaxing and for the life of me, I cannot understand why I didn’t like baths before my change. While I lay in the tub, I almost panicked when I thought about the possibility of conception.

<Yes, they were panic, I just thought about the possibility of conception.>

I saw a bright red light focus on my abdomen and then go out. <It is done, are you and Mongoose compatible?>

<Good, I will move his things into your rooms, if you wish.”

The tension I had felt dissipated and I got back to my bath. When the water started getting cold, I got out, found my towel, and dried off. Going back to the bedroom, I saw that Mongoose was gone and I proceeded to get dressed in my Flightsuit. I used my magic makeup bag, added my jewelry, and was on my way to the kitchen coffee.

I had made coffee, poured a cup, and sat at the table. Sipping the strong, dark brew, I hoped today would go well with no adherent difficulties. I was brought out of my thoughts when Mongoose came in the room and kissed me, longly and lovingly.

When the kiss was broken, I noticed my body was starting to respond to him. I was out of breath, warm, my nipples tingled, I shook some, and I was wet between the legs. Damnit I wanted him, now.

He went for a mug of coffee and joined me after kissing me again with me saying, “Mongoose, I am about ready to take you back to my bed if you keep up the passionate kisses.”

“I just wanted to let you know I appreciated you by doing that. To be quite truthful with you, you’re the first woman that made me feel the passion you had for me. I was in a state of sexual bliss. You know, I think I would fall for you even if you were male, but having my best buddy as a woman is even better. You’ve known about every woman I have ever had and you are the best.”

Blushing, I looked at Mongoose in a different light; he was funny, intelligent, caring, gentle, and loving. Could I love him as a mate? I guess I could at that, but I decided to test the waters instead. I thanked him for the complements when both Wayne and Jessica came into the kitchen for coffee.

I had Mercury do the pre-flight when I felt a strange feeling as if someone was knocking at the door in my mind. I answered it with it being Jessica. She got her coffee and sat down at the table smiling.

<And it was more than once, I mean we both just clicked

<Congratulations! Do I get to be a bridesmaid?>

We smiled at each other, when Wayne said, “Uh-oh, I’ve seen those looks before and I’d say our bachelor days are numbered, Mongoose.”

“Hell, if I can be with Leslie forever, than let it happen now.” Mongoose said and he kissed me again.

We all finished our coffee, washed the mugs, and went to the Carousel. In no time, we were in the hangar area, suffering little disorientation as we hopped down from the carousel. We proceeded up the Boarding Ramp and into the ship, to go eventually to the Bridge.

“Mercury, retract the ramp, seal the airlocks, and retract the skids.” I said as the ramp retracted and the door shut with the two operations concluding silently.

“Prepare Mag-Drive and Starlight, initiate three hundred and sixty degree view.” I said as the ship began to hum softly.

“Scan for traffic horizontal and vertical, if there isn’t any, open the hangar door, and proceed.” I said as I saw the hangar door retracting into the hill and the ship began to move toward it.

“Continue scanning for traffic, move outside at hover, cloak the ship, and close the hangar door. Proceed with flight plan for Cape Canaveral and secure the base and farm.” I said when the ship took off like a bat out of hell, going straight up to the ionosphere then into space itself.

I looked at everyone seeing smiles on their faces, especially Wayne’s face as he held Jessica close to him with him saying, “I never thought I’d fly like this again.”

“If this meeting goes well we’ll be even deeper into space where Earthers have never been before.” I said with everyone nodding agreement as we traveled.

While we watched the view screens, we went into a glide path that took us over the Atlantic Ocean, then directly to the Cape. I saw its gantries and hangars becoming larger with one hangar having its doors wide open and a group of people nearby.

Slowly we made our way to the hangar so as not to cause air currents. When we entered the hangar, the landing skids extracted and we settled to the ground. That was when I told Mercury to disengage the cloak, open the airlock, and extend the ramp, after turning the ship to nose out or turn the ship one hundred and eighty degrees. The sub-light engine was killed, the port side ramp was extended, and we all made our way to the airlock.

I could feel the amazement of those gathered and heard the thoughts of the men and women; I also felt the fear in the crowd. Eventually those people gathered, walked around the ship just as we were coming down the Boarding Ramp. The crowd silenced again and gathered at the Boarding Ramp.

We made our way downward until we reached the amassed people when I said smiling, “I know we’re early but we had to miss rush hour. Before we get started, we’ll mingle with all of you to allow everyone to assemble that was invited today. We’d like to thank NASA for being the host for this prestigious group of scientists and leaders.”

<Mercury, continually scan this group of people for spies from the intelligence and military communities. Please keep scanning new arrivals.>

<That was a good idea, Les. If I heard you, the others did too.> Jessica smiled and nodded.

We all mingled among the VIPs but when the introductions were over, they all tried to get information about the ship, which we decline to answer until everyone was assembled for the meeting.

Finally the hour had arrived and Matt Preston from NASA started by introducing all of us meeting, with Wayne speaking for us first. Wayne gained their trust as a former astronaut of NASA with several shuttle missions under his belt to the space station. I had Mercury transfer the various media to the delegates when it was my turn to speak.

I gave a brief synopsis of what technology and the Synthetic materials were in the media and what it might accomplish for humankind.

“Now to put a damper on your joy to the gifts I gave you all. Since we of Earth have these kinds of ships available to us, I propose that we join the Planetary Alliance, as we are in a war of survival. The main reason you will see in just a moment, this film footage was taken ten years ago by a commercial TV station and our AI, Mercury recorded it last night on the HTV. You all have a copy of this on your media and it is a matter of public record. “I said as Mercury let the film be viewed.

When the film concluded after Mercury’s running commentary there was absolute silence with the woman from the UN saying, “I am Melissa Brun of Germany. What we have seen stuns me. Are these Gal’brith still active?”

“Mercury, please answer.”

“By all indication and intelligence from the Pharth, they are. The saucers, as you call them, operate in conjunction with motherships, whereas the Star Cruisers do not. They are looking for bases to operate their piracy acts from or to conquer the planet. They are a belligerent race. Once conquered, the planet is stripped and reformed. They believe they are the masters of the universe.”

“What happens to all the humans?” Melissa asked with Mercury saying,”They are eradicated along with any other plant and wildlife, they are destroyers of planets.”

There was a stirring of anger amongst the gathering when I said, “You heard the words from the AI, and they do not lie, we are in danger from the Gal’brith, not just one nation, but the entire planet we all call home. I assume you all have comp pads or Visiscreens? Mercury, download all information to those devices so our group can look over what we gave them all.”

I told them exactly what materials were download to them and about the agreement that came with the materials. Without any hesitation after reading the agreement, they signed it. Jessica then collected the signed agreements in her Visicomm.

“Since all of you have signed for the materials, I asked you to read, what requirements I am requesting? Those people that our AI has selected will further be enhanced and trained for flight ops.”

A man waved his hand at me and I nodded with him saying, “I am Victor Jovanovich of RSSI, please tell me what this enhancement is?”

I nodded and spoke to him in Russian and then every language that was represented at the meeting. I saw the smiles on the team from NASA and JPL with another hand waving at me from the JPL group with the man saying, “I am Walter Banion of JPL, How can you operate at ninety-five percent when we only use a portion of our brain or so it was said.”

“With everyone present giving their permission I will allow the Enhancement Procedure, it is painless and non-invasive, performed by Mercury.” I said as they all nodded yes with me further saying, “We were going to take you inside to show you around but just remember it might take awhile for the Enhancement to pop in, so don’t feel badly if it takes a few minutes.”

We took the group inside Star Cruiser One enmasse, giving them the tour of the ship. I mentally told Mercury to enhance the group while I took them into the Marine’s Quarters. I had them all lay onto the racks (bunks) while Mercury did the process. On average the ages ranged from thirty-five to sixty, they lost anywhere from thirty to fifteen years of age. Any DNA defects were corrected and their clothes sometimes didn’t fit correctly, but there were no complaints when Mercury gave each one a set of clothes, underwear, and shoes. The tour concluded on the Bridge with refreshments being made by Mercury in the forms of sandwiches, cake, coffee, tea, milk, and soda pop.

Many of the people that were on the Bridge were reading our requirements when a tall man came over to me saying, “I’m Jeff Carson, Flight Director at NASA, I’ve talked to most of the people here, what we’ve seen I don’t foresee any problems with the crews you asked for. The technology is way beyond anything we have, we can release the technology, but have you patented these processes?”

“Well Mercury?”

“That is an affirmative under Pharth Enterprises; I will submit all patents both International and Domestic, via your Visicomms or Comp Pads.”

I was mildly in shock by this revelation, but then I realized the commercial and legal ramifications with the processes we possessed, so I said, “Mercury simply amazes me each time we talk. The most important things are those patents are to benefit humanity. We aren’t seeking profit from them, as the Pharth way is to share.”

“Okay, then let the agencies share with you, you have to pay your people initially. You’ll need raw materials eventually for Mercury to fabricate for you all.”

“That is logical.” Mercury said, on his own, with me saying, “You heard, my AI, it agrees with you.”

“Good, now the next step is personnel, you need a central spot to have your personnel to meet due to your security; I suggest either here or Houston?”

“I need the pilots, co-pilots, and Base Security first, then the flight crews, lastly will be our Marines.”

“The militaries are really going to scream losing their personnel, but we all will do our best in getting your personnel. Perhaps the UN will help out on the Marine aspect...”

“Did I hear you talking about the UN, Jeff?” Melissa Brun said with Jeff saying, “They need Marines…”

“I remember that compiled list along with the Ambassador and staff. I just spoke to Assistant Secretary General Anjermanni over there; we’ll get Gregory White for you. He’s the perfect choice, although he is in his seventies. But for a chance for a longer life, I think he’ll sign on. Do we tell him everything about the situation?”

“I should say so, he has to know what he’s getting into. One thing I wish to stress is that at no time will I accept active duty, married (unless we take a specific couple), or Intelligence personnel from the Intelligence Agencies for our Marines or crews. We are not obligated to any country but we are obligated to the Earth to survive. We owe it to everyone and every living thing on this planet. There is a war going on up there and we should do our part for peace in the universe by helping get getting rid of the Gal’brith or to tame them.” I said with everyone stopping and listening with them all concurring to what I said.

“How do we contact you, shoot a flare into the sky?” Melissa said with a smile and with me laughing saying, “Mercury will provide you all with Visicomm numbers, mailing address, and email addresses. Please be aware that all are secure to use, except for the mail of course to contact us. Mercury, download that information, please and perform a preflight for base.”

With that, the meeting concluded and we escorted everyone from the ship. I gave control of the ship to Wayne.

Many light years away on a far off distant planet, a woman with olive skin stood by a darkened window; she was approximately five foot six inches tall, wearing silk, black palazzo pants with a floral print, a black and floral print swing jacket, and a black sleeveless shell. On her dainty feet were black strappy sandals with a four inch spiked heel. Her long blond hair was held in a ponytail, her makeup and nails were perfect. Her blue eyes were deep blue pools that you could get lost in. As she gazed out of her window, an annunciator chimed announcing a visitor. The door slid soundlessly revealing a man dressed in a flightsuit of the Pharth that came into the large room saying,” Calliffe Dra’na Nerra I have some distressing news for you.”

“Come in and sit Fleet Commander, what can the problem be?” The woman said to the man as he sat down into a couch lounger while she remained standing.

“We have received communications from Beta/30025 on the planet called Earth. A base was once built there for planetary observation many decades of their time there. It was closed down with the base intact when the war started with the unspeakable ones.”

“I know that, so what is the problem? We all forgot about that base. I see no reason…”

“Madam Calliffe, the Earthlings are in possession of this Base and our technology. They are now Enhanced but the good news is that the commander is showing a need to protect their world from the pirates. They plan to join the Alliance.”

“Has their planet progressed that much to be able to use our equipment?”

“It has Madam Calliffe to the degree that they opened the base, they know what a computer is and what it does. They have visual documents on our ships; they now have an AI plus AIs on those ships.”

“Why didn’t you mention the ships?”

“They have seven Star Cruisers, which we left behind but considering the past history of the planet they may use them to obliterate themselves. Should we destroy the Base and bring the ships home?”

“No, they are a young planet however with the Enhancement process I doubt there will be any problems. I believe that logic will rule over emotions except in all matters of the heart.”

“Yes Calliffe, we shall obey.” The man said as he stood up, saluted his leader, and left the room while she stood tall and contemplated her words.

The Calliffe went to her desk, sat down and said, “Aphrodite, did I make the right decision”

“Yes Nerra, as your AI I believe you did. After all, you were a part of the Mission to Earth to their North America. This AI has been in contact with the hive on Earth, the people chosen from among their genetic stock have strict ethics to do no wrong.” The light feminine voice said with Nerra saying, “Continue to help the hive, and I intend to join my mate and children. “ She then got up, made her way to the door, and left the office.

Chapter 9

It seemed to me it took less time to get home than it took to get to the Cape, however we were home, that’s all that counted. Mercury did an excellent job as usual with him taking over the controls to get us home safe and secure.

Once we were safe inside of the base with the ship secured, we went back to the house, I wanted out of the Flightsuit and into something more comfortable.

As soon as we entered the house, Jessica and I went to our bedrooms to change into different clothes. I found what I wanted almost immediately blue jeans, red sweatshirt, knee-highs and brown, flat heeled, loafers.

Taking off the flightsuit, blouse, boots, and pantyhose, leaving my lingerie on, I sighed in relief as I put on the clothes I selected. I checked myself over, touched up my lipstick; I put my stunner and Visicomm into my belt purse I had found in the closet. Satisfied with my appearance I left the room.

Just as I walked from the room, Jessica came from her room wearing almost identical clothing. We both giggled when we saw each other because neither of us had told the other what we intended to wear or do.

We were still giggling when we entered the kitchen and made coffee as the guys went to change clothes next. We both discussed the day’s events seeing that everything was of a positive nature when the guys came out demanding food. Now mind you we had just eaten about two hours ago and they were hungry after pigging out on the buffet.

Jessie helped me in the kitchen preparing a beef roast with veggies. While it was in the convection oven Mercury announced I had a Visicomm call from Jeff and Melissa Brun.

“Sorry to bother you Leslie but we have some excellent news for you.” Jeff said with Melissa smiling also.

“I was just preparing our meal since the guys are hungry, again.” I said with Melissa saying, “You’re cooking and you have all that wonderful technology? I sure as hell wouldn’t.”

“Mercury worked hard today and I’m letting him rest a bit.” I said laughing with Jeff saying, ”Anyway, I spoke to the flight crews you requested and they jumped at the chance to be with you, as far as base security, I’m still working on that, now it’s Melissa’s turn.”

“Hi Leslie, Gregory White has agreed to be the ambassador to the Planetary Alliance after some gentle coaxing from me and the Secretary General. I think he thought it was a joke at first until we downloaded the information you supplied us. He already picked out his staff and will be ready for transport in three days with his staff of ten both men and women. I suggest we transport them and your flight crews at the same time.”

“I agree with that, how about at Two AM, in four days at the same location?”

“That’ll work for us! Do you require anything?” Jeff asked with me saying, “Just the warm bodies for now, but don’t be surprised if Mercury screens either of you for materials.”

“We’ll gladly help, one other thing, rumors are already floating about the cruiser. We decided with a cover story about you being a secret experimental craft to replace all of our shuttles eventually. I was swamped with screens from the military and all the spooks about it.” Jeff said with me saying, “That cover story works for us, as far as the Brass Hats, politicians and the Spooks go, it’s no information for them, only disinformation. We’ll have Mercury work on that problem for you. How’s the Enhancement Working?”

“We both are learning about it, but what Mercury gave us all was quite a gift. Victor is your slave for life he said.” Melissa said laughing, more like a giggle.

“Okay then we’ll see you in four days, one further item; have all people take only photos or items of a personal nature, nothing else except the clothes on their backs.”

“Gotcha on that, we’ll let you go for now.” Jeff said disconnecting us.

“Mercury, you heard the screen?” I said with Mercury answering it did and was working on the problem for us.

Jessie and I walked into the Living Room where Mongoose and Wayne were glued to the HTV watching some action flick. I interrupted them to tell them about the food being cooked and about the Visicomm screen when I dropped the bomb on them saying, “You two are going by yourselves to pick up the crews in Star Cruiser Two while Jessie and I remain home at the base to help prepare the rooms for the crews, staff and the ambassador.”

“Mom, may I drive?” Mongoose said in a little boy voice with me saying, “Only if Wayne lets you. Before you lift off with the personnel, have Mercury check them out, you know the drill already. If one of them is a Spook, do a Mindwipe and leave them behind, also tell Melissa and Jeff why by telepathy. Enhance everyone before liftoff and issue them flightsuits.”

“That’s logical; I suggest just the minimums at the base.” Wayne said with Jessie saying, “Mercury, could you expand the base, going down and out toward the house and in front of it? We need more space with larger rooms.”

“Yes Jessica, it can be done, this AI suggests a training area also for the Marines with comfortable living spaces for all personnel. The land is rich with raw materials for us to use.” Mercury said with me saying, “Do it Mercury, okay guys back to your program, we’re finished.”

Jessie and I went back to the kitchen, made coffee, poured us mugs of the brew and went to the kitchen table to sit-down when Jessica said, “Are you sure you weren’t born a girl? I mean everything I’ve seen about you yesterday and today screams girl at me. You know how to handle guys both roughly and with feminine wiles, I mean you’re really self-assured in everything you do.”

“Jessie, I swear to you I was male once upon a time and you know it. Apparently, I died from a cardiac problem, was brought back to life and my DNA was flawed. Of course, our dear AI didn’t save my matrix and used a former crewmembers matrix. I had a tough time at first until everything was wired right. Then last night with Mongoose, was the pinnacle of my femininity. I never want to go back being a male, I feel complete now.”

“It sounds to me as if you were a latent Transgendered person. I’m just happy you’re happy with yourself.”

“I am and I’m glad you’re here too. I mean it’s good having another woman to speak with.”

“I came for several reasons; one was Wayne, because I do love the fool. The second is, he’s yearned to go back to space, and I decided I want to be with him wherever he goes. Thirdly, I was growing stagnate in academia and I wanted adventure. So you’re stuck with me now.”

“I’m pleased that you decided to join the party.”

Our discussion then turned to other matters as we drank our coffee. We checked on the roast and we discussed the events of the day further. My major concern was how to keep the secrecy of the base intact with the advent of so many personnel coming. They all will have to leave at some point for recreation or shore leaves, after all this wasn’t a prison. Then we have strangers in the area, what do we do about them? The final point is, what about the neighbors? Eventually someone is going to see something they shouldn’t have and broadcast it to others before our time to disclose the base. Before we could discuss those points, the buzzer buzzed to signify that dinner was ready.

Jessica set the table while I got the roast and veggies ready. In minutes, we all were sitting down to eat. The conversation was light, with no talk about the ships or the base. The one thing I noticed that with this new body, I ate less than before, but I seemed to always want to snack. After dinner, we all cleared the dishes, placing the dishes and pans into the dishwasher, and the leftovers into the fridge.

Mongoose took my hand and drew me into his arms, at first holding me, and then he kissed me, thanking me for feeding him. We then walked hand in hand to the hallway when I told him to go relax in the living room, while I went to the office for a book to read. Jessica and Wayne were right behind Mongoose.

In the office, I finally decided on a book from the many stocked shelves of readers, a mystery and went to the living room. Jessica and Wayne were sharing a lounger together and Mongoose was seated on the couch. I made my way over to the couch and lay down on it with my head in Mongoose’s lap. I loved his warmth, the smell of him and his tenderness. The only thing wrong was his erection kept banging into my head. Damnit that Thingy had a mind of its own, but it was mine, all mine and I intended to have it that night. I am content, I am loved, I was relaxed, I am warm and I was well fed, life was good to me.

As time went, I began to get sleepy and my eyes closed. I know I dreamed but those dreams evaded me, I woke up in Gary’s arms, as he carried me to the bedroom. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. By the time we were in the bedroom with the door closed I seduced him. I took his clothes off, I then took mine off and we kissed very passionately, with me taking his hand and leading him to the bed. Lying on the bed, we kissed as Gary gently kneaded my breasts while I took his engorged penis into my hand slowly moving my hand down to his testicles. I could feel the fire of our passions together. My fire was growing in intensity as I rubbed him, gently cradling his testicles in my hands. Damn I was ready and I wanted him in me now, but that wasn’t about to happen, not yet any way.

We broke our kiss with him working his tongue to my breast as my nipples hardened, then my stomach, thighs, inner thighs, finally to my vaginal lips, and lastly my clitoris. He played with it with his tongue. He was driving me wild, when suddenly my fire got out of control into the most intense orgasm I had since the last night. Orgasmic bliss made my body shudder, I wanted him in me, and I wanted his seed to warm me. Hell, I just wanted him in me now!

I had climaxed repeatedly but it was his turn now, as I broke free of him in a quivering heap of jelly until I found his penis with my hands and later my mouth. I stroked his penis from the tip down to his testicles finally taking his testicles into my mouth and sucking on them. Rolling my tongue up his penis to lay my mouth entirely over the glans down the shaft, I sucked and sucked, until he orgasmed into my awaiting mouth. His penis pumped load after load into my mouth as I swallowed and sucked to get every drop of his nectar.

The man is worth keeping I tell you, he was ready for more after that, and I was ready to give him more. Lying upon my back, I spread my legs and allowed free access to my vagina. Slowly he entered me while I wrapped my legs around him and he was pumping away. My Lord, he was good, my fires were lit, and I wanted him deeper. He drove so deep, with the help from my hips rising in tempo to his thrusts, we both orgasmed together. We kissed, as I was still orgasming with him still in me when he went flaccid and withdrew. He rolled over, brought me to him, and held me close to him, all the while kissing me. I had that deep loving glow of satisfaction in me. I was in a state of bliss and fell asleep in his arms contented.

Chapter 10

The next days getting ready for the crews went by in a whirlwind of activity from grocery shopping (because I wanted out of the house) to checking on the quarters for the crews. It was also a first for me wearing a skirt and heels. I know it made Mongoose very happy. I had Mercury make two skirts for me, a calf length and knee length uniform leather skirt. Did we make Love? Oh, yes! And it was glorious; I’ve never been so pleased, it just gets better and better. Did I want to return as a male? Never!

It was during this time that I realized we needed a medical staff and through my own fault, I forgot to tell Jeff and Melissa. I had to screen them and beg for the additional staff. Somehow, they had found thirty-one Medics and seven Doctors that we needed for the ship excluding the medics for the Marines. Mercury was great in modifying the base and ships to accommodate the added staff. The Marine barracks, equipment rooms, armory, and training areas are nearly completed.

On the third day, Jessica and I sent the guys to bed early by themselves, which they protested. All was in readiness for greeting our new crews and getting them settled.

The pre-flight and refueling was completed on Star Cruiser Two. We awoke Mongoose and Wayne at ten PM, fed them and they were on their way to the Cape. Meanwhile Jessica and I made our ways to our beds for a nap, or so I thought. I tossed and turned in the bed, finally falling asleep. I missed Mongoose so very much.

Instead of a short nap, I slept soundly until about Nine AM; I then went to the bathroom. I took a long, hot shower and dried off. Making my way back to the bedroom naked, I gathered up my uniform and lingerie for the day.

Picking up the black, g-string panties, and then drawing them up my legs to nestle at my hips and vagina. In seconds, I had my black, lace bra on and fastened it settling my breasts into the laced mugs. In no time at all, I had on my black pantyhose and black lacy half-slip. I stepped into my leather like skirt and drew it up my nylon-encased legs, leaving it unfastened. That was when I noticed a golden yellow cable knit, long sleeved sweater that I put on tucking it into my skirt, and fastening it with the side zipper and button. I adjusted the skirt so that it was three inches above my knees.

Walking to my closet, I pulled out a pair of black, patent pumps with three-inch heels and put them onto my feet. I reached up onto the shelving pulling out a matching silk scarf to my sweater and placed it onto the bed.

Quickly walking into the bathroom, I placed my makeup bag over my head, feeling its magic fingers at my face, neck and my hair. When it stopped, I took it off seeing my makeup was perfect and my hair was in French braids.

Moving back to the bedroom, I put on my jewelry, which included a gold anklet with an engraved Star Cruiser on it. I added the scarf around my neck and picked up my leather jacket noticing the length was shorter, an embroidered patch showing the star system with the body of an angry Lynx. Around the edge was United Nations of Earth Naval Ships. On the right breast of the jacket was the Earth that was engraved with four-star clusters above it. I was about to query Mercury but my stomach over ruled me. While I was eating Mongoose and Wayne returned with us kissing them both and telling them to go to bed.

I went down to the carousel in the basement. Once activated, I was in the base with no feeling of disorientation. I then walked to Ambassador White’s stateroom. When I arrived there, I asked Mercury to announce me, if the ambassador was up.

I finally heard the door sliding open with a tall, distinguished man in his thirties; he had short red hair and blue eyes, standing at the door. I was warmly greeted and brought into the suite and seated in the lounger.

“Thank you for coming to see me and for choosing me for this assignment madam, I’m honored.” Said Ambassador White with me saying, “Well it was Mercury who did the actual choosing, and I have full faith in my AIs choices, although his decisions can be a bit lopsided.”

“Mercury is quite a remarkable chap, isn’t it? I have read everything you gave Melissa and the Secretary General including the briefing about the Planetary Alliance. I have also utilized Mercury to get further information on the Alliance and the Gal’brith.”

“On finding this base, I didn’t really know what I was going to do with those ships except possibly explore the universe. That was before I saw the film of that confrontation with Mercury’s running commentary. I knew the Earth was in danger, yet with the technology of the Pharth, I knew we could defend ourselves. However, I needed help and manpower, so I had Wayne Screen NASA and the rest is history.”

“I understand, that reminds me I have a package for you from the UN that I brought with me.”

I was handed several computer media disks for my Visicomm that I downloaded immediately. The first document was the creation of a naval space force by the UN with me being promoted to Admiral (Four Stars) in command of these ships and all others as they are built. The United Nations Naval Ships (UNNS) were named, Lynx (My Command Ship), Cougar (Wayne’s Ship), Jaguar (Three), Tiger (Four), Ocelot (Five), Leopard (Six), and Cheetah (Seven).

Also, I had a copy of the ships seals and the Wing drawing that I was wearing on my jacket.

Thinking ahead of time, I called out to Mercury saying, “Mercury, please manufacture units like you, AIs for NASA, JPL, ESA, United Nations Office of Space Affairs, the UN, and RSSI. Check them out to ensure they aren’t flawed, once they are manufactured, configure them for secure communications and email at FTL. Place them all into Cougar for transport to NASA.”

“It will be done. Estimated time is four hours to complete the projects.” Mercury said with me going back to my reading.

My instructions were simple and to the point. I was to take all ships to the planet Malikce V in the Euphrates Star Cluster, make First Contact, and help the Ambassador and his staff in any way I could and return home to Earth.

“Gregory, you’ll get one also when we get you to your destination. Until then use Mercury for your needs.”

“I will indeed, if I have any questions we’ll be in touch. Would it be alright to walk outside and the base?”

“The base is fine but outside is a little touchy, oh what the hell, yes it’ll be alright take someone from security with you. I’d better leave you to your work as I have an indoctrination to do yet.” I said as I got up and went to the door leaving a very happy man behind me.

Outside of the room there were people milling about in their flightsuits with some of them wearing red shirts and some wearing blue shirts. Red shirts signified ship’s crews, Blue shirts were security, Burgundy was medical, and dark Gray shirts were a command color for the ship’s captains and executive officers. Gold was for admiralty and staff, which I was wearing.

“Wake up everyone in the house Mercury.” I said with Mercury saying, “They are awake Leslie, They are eating.”

“Good, I want everyone in the hanger in thirty minutes for a briefing.”

“It will be taken care of Leslie; also I put the names of the ships on them.”

‘Have the new captains join me in my stateroom on Lynx have new comm. badges and nameplates ready for them. Thank you Mercury.” I said as I headed toward the hangar toward Lynx.

Arriving at my stateroom, I saw what I requested on my conference table. There was also coffee, tea and soda pop with cookies and pastries. I smiled knowing that Mercury knew I was pleased, by its sensors and so was my sweet tooth.

I seated myself at the head of the conference table when Mercury notified me Melissa was Screening me on the Visicomm that I answered saying, “Hi Melissa, I hope you’re Screening me with good news?”

“Congratulations on the promotion Admiral…”

“Melissa, I’m just plain old Leslie, now what’s the news?”

“We’re getting a better response for your Marines then I thought we’d get, we’re trying to comply with what Mercury had wanted.”

“That’s good, but why do I sense reservations from you?”

“Several of those people are serving prison terms for different offenses.”

“Except for murder, offer them pardons and release them to me on probation or on a condition of their parole. The murderers can be done on a case by case basis.”

“You’ve handed me a bomb to defuse, you do know that, I hope?”

“Tell the politicians you want them for Peace Keepers or something, because of their training.”

“I imagine that can be done, I’ll contact the Secretary General. If all goes well you’ll be fully manned next week sometime.” Melissa said as we disconnected our calls.

I heard the door as it slid open with Gary coming into the room, walking to me; he kissed me, and sat down near me saying, “I see Mercury gave you our orders?”

“Yes along with a call from Melissa.” I said as I told him what had transpired with him saying, “Congratulations Admiral!”

“The same to you Captain, we have a meeting soon with the new ship Captains and Mercury is building more computers for the space agencies. When they’re ready, they’ll be put into Wayne’s ship for transport. Did you or Wayne have any problems with our new people?”

While Mongoose and I spoke, Jessica and Wayne showed up along with Gregory White the Ambassador, Samantha Jennings CO of Jaguar, Mike Prescott CO of Tiger, Otto Stein CO of Ocelot, Gail McPherson CO of Leopard, Sean Scott CO of Cheetah, and Mariah Weinstein of Base Security.

Ambassador White first gave the Officers Commissioning Oath to all of us once the meeting started with him also reading the commissioning decree of the new United Nations Naval Ships or UNNS. Each of us had been given the French blue berets and flash or badge with the UN symbol that matched our comm. badges. We were also given DNA trace, indestructible Dog Tags and Identification packs that could be read by computer or human.

“Mercury, assemble all ship and base crews in the hangar please.” I said ending the meeting with us leaving and going out to the hanger area.

Chapter 11

Hearing the voices, the hangar bay seemed alive to me. Seeing the movements of the people that were gathering I didn’t seem alone. All personnel were dressed in flightsuits leathers with some of the women wearing skirts, like the one I was wearing. There was a sea of color with the blue berets and the greater majority of the shirts being red. Once I stood still on the Boarding Ramp, there was a great silence.

Ambassador White stood before everyone and read the Commissioning Decree of our units from the United Nations Secretary General. He next read the oath of Commissioning, since all of our personnel were commissioned with a few others that were not. The enlisted personnel became Warrant Officers even if they were a Sergeant Major, Private, Petty Officer, or Chief Petty Officer. The main difference was going to be the Marines and that ranking system will be up to the commanding officer Maj. Markham Boyd, formerly of HM Royal Marines, SBS M Branch, when he arrives.

Once the ceremonies were complete, it was my turn to address the assembly saying, “Welcome to Star Chaser Base, and a new era for the human race. I will not bore you about the history of the base as that can be done by querying Mercury with that request. All of you have trained for space flight or have flown to space in primitive craft called rockets, shuttles, or deep space probes. Forget what you’ve learned and rely on the information given to you when you were Enhanced. Our medical staff is to rely on our AIs. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, unfortunately, we are a part of an interstellar war, and thanks to the Pharth, we have the means of protecting ourselves and we will do just that. All crews are dismissed to acclimate yourselves to the base, your ships and your quarters for the next three days after that you will all be a part of the simulators to prepare you for what’s ahead. If you need anything contact Mercury, Dismissed.”

I felt somewhat good as I saw everyone going into different areas in groups of six or more. I felt an excitement and wonderment in the air from these people, which was very good. Fielding a few question from the crews I answered them giving them the information they required about Mercury.

Leaving the boarding ramp, I went to the Carousal and climbed on it by myself telling Mercury to activate it to the house. I was not in the least disorientated as I arrived home, in my house.

Grabbing a mug of coffee when I entered the kitchen, sitting at the table and crossed my legs, I sipped my coffee in silence being in a maudlin mood. I thought about my deceased parents, Joe, school chums and so called friends about what they would say after my sexchange. I know my parents would have still loved me no matter what sex I was especially if there was a baby. School chums, what can I say? Some would accept me and some wouldn’t, the same with some friends.

Essentially I was alone that was when Jessica came into the room. She put her hands on her hips, spread her legs to a deep inverted V, and tilted her head saying, “Honey, I felt the depression in the hanger from you. What gives doll?”

“I don’t know! I mean my parents and Joe would have accepted me for what I am, a woman. Friends would be kind of iffy…”

“Sweetie, your parents would have been very proud of you so would’ve Joe if he was alive. We’re your friends both Wayne and me. Plus, you have a boyfriend in Mongoose that loves you very much. We have a big job to do and you’re needed to run this operation. Wayne said you’ve done one hell of a job so far and I dear one, agree with him.”

“And I agree with Jessie, I need to take you out on a date, bring you home to bed, and curl your toes.” Mongoose said as he came over to me kissing me on the lips and holding my hand in his.

This simple act of his made the dark clouds dissipate. With him staying close to me, I felt his love for me. I just wanted to be held and loved, but not in a sexual way. It was something I needed and wanted from him and I got it.

By this time, Jessica had softened and approved of what Mongoose was doing and she left us alone with Mongoose kissing me again and getting coffee for the both of us.

As he handed me the mug of brew I said, “Were you serious about a date with me.”

“Damn right, I was and am, go get ready and we’ll go to Martino’s for Italian and then maybe some dancing at the Vision Club.”

I drank my coffee, uncrossed my legs, stood up, and kissed Mongoose with everything I had. When we separated, I dragged him with me to the bedroom, undressed each other, and we made love several times.

Joining Gary in the shower, we dried off together going into the bedroom where he powdered me sensuously. Okay so I was ready to take him back to bed and have my way with him, with him showing restraint and with me close to begging him for more of our sexual interlude. Thank goodness, he left the room after the shower.

Before I knew it I was in my panties and underwire bra, both were black see through material with the panties being a lace thong. Next were my sheer black pantyhose with sheer toes and a black, lace half-slip. Slipping into my shoes, which were black patent, strappy sandals with a three-inch heel, buckling the ankle straps. It was then I reminded myself about the pedicure I had given myself seeing that my toenails were the same color as my fingernails. I added my gold anklet to my right ankle, placed my ship’s ring onto my finger, diamond studs to my ears, and solitaire diamond on a gold chain to my neck. I appraised myself in the mirror after I put on my black dress that was cut to enhance my décolletage and settled five inches above my knees. I was dressed for sex I thought thinking then about Gary. The dress showed off my curves, as it should.

Breaking myself from the mirror, I placed the translucent bag over my head specifying night makeup and long, flowing, curly hair. I felt the fingers move around my face and head when they suddenly stopped and I knew I was finished. Taking the bag off I surveyed myself and I was very pleased with what I saw. I was a striking young woman ready for an evening of fun and possibly sex. My blush was perfect, my eye shadow was dark accentuating my eyes, and my lips were deep red and pouty. My hair was coiffed perfectly in a mass of curls going from my crown to my back. I was more than satisfied leaving the bedroom for the kitchen after grabbing a small evening bag I had stocked earlier.

I almost died seeing that both guys were in black tuxedos and Jessica was wearing a black silk print with flowers, called a cheongsam. The dress was an excellent choice to accentuate her lithe body as it ended above her knees and split up the sides showing her long, nylon encased legs. Her shoes were like mine but her jewelry was all in gold and jade. Jessica’s hair was piled elegantly on top of her head. She was the epitome of style and grace.

On my entering the kitchen, Gary smiled at me saying, “Damnit but you are hot, both you girls look good.”

“I have to agree with you Mongoose, hell man we even look good.” Wayne said with me smiling and saying, “I have to admit, with you guys in a tux, it was a pleasant surprise.”

“That’s because we saw how you girls were getting dressed, all formally like.” Wayne said with Jessica saying,”I thought we’d dress nice for you guys instead of uniforms, sweatshirts, jeans, or sneaks. I had no idea Les was getting dressed to the nines…”

“Well I had no idea you were either or for that matter the guys either. All I can say is, we look really good, all of us do.”

I was fretting on about not having a coat when Mongoose brought in the most gorgeous ankle length, sable coat, with a wide collar and black kid leather gloves. Wayne then brought into the room with him an ankle length, silver mink coat with wide collar and white leather gloves for Jessica. The guys wore black, wool, top coats with white scarves and black gloves. We loved our coats and they fit perfectly. I could have cared less if these coats were made of the real thing or manufactured by Mercury, all I know is my senses were ablaze with the feel of this decadent garment of femininity.

I took Gary’s arm that he held out for me when we left the house. I thought about the walk to the garage but was shocked to see an AirCar Limousine with the driver standing at the gull wing door that beckoned into the dimly lighted interior. We all got in and watched as the door closed silently.

In seconds, we were airborne when I remembered I forgot my Visicomm and stunner. I was in a near panic until Gary showed me his Visicomm and stunner. Then I worried because I didn’t tell Mercury we were going out, Gary then kissed me, telling me to relax and enjoy the evening.

Okay I did enjoy the evening, especially the meal. After the meal, we had coffee and both Wayne and Gary proposed to Jessica and me. All I could say was “Oh Yes, I love you darling!” Then I got the ring and oh, what a rock it was! Two carats of a round cut diamond set with several beget diamonds in a platinum setting. My mother would have cried, I did cry, and Jessica cried too. The guys just smiled dumbly at us, kissing our tear stained faces.

The rest of the night was a celebration for all of us. I danced with Gary like a mad woman nearly every dance. On the slow dances, I was held close to Gary and I was in peace. The night soon ended for us and we went home to the farm.

We hung up our coats in the office closet, I wasn’t about to recycle it. Gary then picked me up into his arms with me wrapping my arms around his neck, going into our room.

Once in our room, he closed the door, placed my feet down onto the floor, and kissed me passionately with my arms wrapped around his neck. We undressed each other slowly until we were naked and got into the bed. We shared our bodies that night and morning, many times over. Each time he surprised me by taking me to heights I never knew before. We fell asleep in each other’s arms with me basking in the glow of sexual satisfaction.

Chapter 12

I awoke about nine AM with Mongoose gone from our bed. I used the commode, took a shower, and got ready for the day. I wore a pink nylon bra and panty set, jeans, pink sweatshirt and white sneaks. I grabbed a purse, placed my stunner and Visicomm into it with some makeup, and went out into the kitchen.

Placing my purse onto the table I then went to get myself some coffee and whole-wheat toast. I munched on my toast and drank my coffee when the front door opened and shut with Mongoose yelling, “Darling, I’m so glad you finally got up.”

“You could have woken me.” I said as I munched on my toast.

“I did try but you ignored me and rolled over, continuing to snore softly.”

“I do not snore!” I said indignantly with him saying, “Oh but yes you do and don’t you dare pout or stamp your foot missy. Besides, dear one, I love you.”

He then went and got his coffee, sitting next to me saying, “We need to rest up today and tomorrow. I guess I had better tell you, we made a modification to the ships, two modifications actually.”

“Do I want to hear this?”

“Wayne suggested we have manual controls added in case Mercury gets destroyed or incapacitated. We added four assault craft to the ships, two on the topside, and two below for the Marines and for ships crew use. They will have full weapons, stealth, and shield capabilities just like the cruisers.”

“So far I like those changes, their a bit redundant, but I like them. Did Mercury try to talk you out of it?”

“No not at all, the AI liked the idea. It was logical it said.”

“Mercury did my future husband and Wayne coerce you into the decision of the mini ships and the manual controls?”

“If you are speaking about Mongoose the answer is no, it was logical Admiral Blake”

“Admiral Blake huh, okay I see your point but only in front of the crew am I Admiral Blake, the rest of the time I’m Leslie. That goes for my friends and that includes you too.”

“Thank you Leslie but Captain Avers said…”

“That figures! Screw protocol, I’m Leslie to you except what I just told you. Also please have Ambassador White come to the house in Civilian clothes.”

“I have a status report Leslie. The Marine Barracks are complete for habitation. All ships will be complete in five hours. The simulator programs are ready for tomorrow. I suggest those chosen for pilots also know the manual controls with actual flight time. All sickbays are ready. The spare computers have been assembled, tested, programmed, and loaded into Cougar. The new Assault Crafts will be ready and installed by tomorrow for further testing later, this AI will have Sims ready for them for the new coxswains.”

“Very good! Have there been any problems with any of the crews?”

“Not since more civilian clothing was made for them and a few other things for the women. All, I think are in good forms with no other complaints.”

“Contact Jeff at NASA and let him know I wish to speak to him, also call Melissa at the UN.” I said with Mongoose saying, “Is it about the Marines?”
“No, I want to tell him about the computers being ready. If we have any of the Marines there we’ll take them with us.”

Mongoose and I talked about our imminent marriage when I said, “You’re going to think I’m foolish but I had a dream last night about my parents and Joe. They gave us their blessings on the marriage, asking me if I was more adjusted to my situation from the change. I said I was and that I loved you very much, which I do. They said you are good for me and they loved you too. I was to protect you just as you protected me.”

“This AI apologizes for interrupting but I have both of your parties, may I tie them both into you?”

Breaking off the conversation, I pulled out my Visicomm from my purse telling Mercury to patch through the calls. In seconds, they were on my haloscreen with me saying, “I’m going to need a few planes from you.”

“What for, may I ask?” Jeff said apprehensively with me saying, “Why your Christmas presents are coming early this year. I have AIs for everyone that was at the meeting. They’re all primed with info and ready to start working.”

“Bless you my child, so why this change of heart? Does this mean I need to get my tube of anal lubricant out?”

“Because both Melissa and you have been sweethearts, doing all my dirty work, while I train my crews for the mission coming up.”

“When I see you again all seven ships will be with me.”

“That’s all we need! Wait a minute! How about a private airstrip with no tower and it’s normally closed at night? I can have the AirHaulers waiting for you.”

“No good, no security, we’ll go to Cape Canaveral. We’ll use standard navigational lights on the approach and landing. Do we have any additional personnel?”

“I’ll say, almost a full complement over a thousand, the other fifty will be here in a few days. They’ve all been on good behavior so far.” Melissa said with me saying, “I guess you can start shipping them off to the Cape, use them for added security, place Major Boyd in charge of them, stand back, and let them work. I could send you a ship or two to process them.”

“That’ll work, and then you could bring the others in. We’ll even lock down the facilities for you, with a news blackout but think about a press pool for releases.” Jeff said with Melissa agreeing.

At the conclusion of the meeting, I looked at Mongoose with him saying, “You want me to go, don’t you?”

“Yes both you and Wayne, take full crews, let them experience flight in those ships. We’ll be there about two days after you guys. Start Enhancing our Marines and be aware that Mercury is going to be asking you both for answers if it encounters a problem. Damn I’m going to miss you.”

“Mercury, I’m calling for a captains meeting here in two hours, dress is civilian casual for this meeting. Tell the Ambassador he’s to be a part of this meeting instead of it being now, as I planned, also plan out the courses for the Cape.”

Mercury had passed the word that I called a meeting in two hours with no dissenters.

Chapter 13

The meeting convened in two hours in the living room. I briefed them all of the imminent flight with full crews. They were to have weapons ready, ship Shields up, and Stealthed, as a just in case.

I gave the captains permission for them to pick their own Executive Officer (XOs). Until we had qualified pilots, their ship’s AIs were to fly the ships. Each ship computer was to be re-designated according to the ship’s name with the base AI still designated as Mercury.

Once we had landed, I would grant Liberty to all crews except those on duty on board the ships. Our Marines would provide security; I would allow two, possibly three members of the press correspondents to pool their press releases.

Mongoose and Wayne were going to leave after sunset in Lynx and Cougar after the preflight and refueling was completed, Jessie would remain with me. Both crews were already on standby and in their flightsuits according to Mercury.

Once again, I reiterated to all of them that technically we were at war, the survivability of the ships and crews were paramount. If attacked they had the option to stay and fight if the odds were with them to win or run like hell if the odds didn’t seem to be in their favor, whatever the case was they were to call for help immediately.

The meeting broke up with all of us making our way to the self-serve buffet in the kitchen that Mercury had prepared for us.

While we all ate the food, Ambassador White caught me saying, “I’d like very much to go with the first two ships back to the Cape.”

“I don’t see a problem with that, have your needs been met with?”

“Yes, yes they have, Mercury has placed me in contact with the Alliance, and I have the necessary applications for membership from their president. They are looking forward to our joining the Alliance. I need the Secretary General to go over them since they are now complete. He said he would meet me at the Cape.”

“The Alliance huh, I’d be going too, but I want to be here for training. Please convey to the Secretary General that the AIs we’re giving them must be well secured.”

“That I will gladly do, thank you for the ride.”

Very few questions were asked but I sensed everyone was relaxed and appreciated being away from the base. They seemed to be anxious to commence the training, even if it was going to be broken up by a short trip to Florida.

Curiosity getting in the way, one Captain by the name of Gail McPherson of UNNS Leopard said, “What are the Limpet Gigs for, since we have the Carousels?”

“We can only transport six people at a time but with the Gigs we can transport twenty-five to thirty Marines in each Assault Gig plus the crew of three. That’s one hundred Marines per ship plus six for Recon duties by Carousel. Another duty for the Assault Gigs are for ship personnel and material transfers in the case you lose your AI. Those gigs have all of the toys the ships do only on a smaller, a compacter scale.”

“I can live with the modifications, I’m sure we all can and will.” Said Mike Prescott of UNNS Tiger

“We just thought about the idea and Mercury built the gigs and installed them after a careful evaluation,” Mongoose said with Wayne then saying, “Yeah, it was logical, I meant the project.” After that, no mention was made about the smaller ships or the larger ships.

I felt a great deal of tension for a while but as soon as we stopped talking shop, it was replaced with a relaxed atmosphere. Wayne started telling about his exploits in space followed by all of the others except Jessica, Mongoose and myself. I had to admit some of the stories were funny.

Before we knew it, darkness was upon us. I had Wayne and Mongoose go ahead and change into their flightsuits, had the pre-flights done on the ships, the ships refueled and the crews of Lynx and Cougar report to their ships.

Mercury made a status report to me and I had it scan for air traffic. I had the red lighting turned on in the hanger to dim just as the guys came back into the room.

We all took the tunnel from the house to the hanger; while we walked, I gave the okay to Mercury to open the hanger door. Deep within me, I longed to go with Mongoose but they both, Wayne and he, knew what they had to do without me being in the way.

We entered the base with me hearing the low, distinctive humming of the ships; the two ships were now ready. Lynx and Cougar stood ready, being in the soft red glow of the lights making their ominous presence known.

Wayne, Ambassador White, and Mongoose climbed the Boarding Ramps of their ships, to eventually leave our sight. The Ramp went deep into the ship with the airlock closing and sealing. The Landing skids retracted into the ships silently, the ships slowly turned toward the hanger door, and they began to move.

Slowly and surely, they made their way outside when they suddenly disappeared from our sight with the humming still evident to finally disappear. The outside hanger door closed with the lights returning to white lighting, and the remaining personnel in the hanger returning to what they were doing, wishing that they could have gone too. Jessica and I used the Carousel, returning back to the house.

Once back in the house we cleaned the kitchen and sat down to go over what we had to do with the crews left behind. We went to bed early missing the guys very much.

At three AM Mercury awakened me with it saying, “An AI, a Pharth AI is in trouble in this solar system near your moon, they were attacked by the Gal’brith.”

“Sound General Quarters and Flight Quarters! Preflight and refuel all ships have them ready to launch as soon as I arrive at Ocelot.”

“Yes Leslie.”

Jessica and I were dressed in our flightsuits in record time, running to the carousel. We transported directly to Ocelot and ran to the Bridge. Otto Stein was already there waiting for us when I said, “The Pharth are in trouble near the moon. The only info I have is that an AI is in trouble and the Gal’brith are behind the deed.”

“With your permission Admiral I will assume the deck.” I nodded as Otto went through the liftoff procedures. In seconds, our five ships were in space and hurtling toward our moon. We formed a circular screen with four ships with ours in the center.

“Ocelot, form two wedges off of our wings with us in the center. Charge all weapons Captain, Shields up full and prepare to de-Cloak.”

“Aye, Aye Admiral.”

“Ocelot, prepare a message from me to the Gal’brith. You are ordered to stand down, cease hostilities or you will face the ships and weapons from Earth. Ocelot, target their ships and try to protect those Pharth ships from further damage.”

“Your message was ignored.”

“Commence firing all weapons when in range.”

I watched on the viewer screen, as we got extremely closer to the flashes of coherent light of the battle raging. I watched the viewer screen until I could make out the ships in trouble and the Gal’brith ships, which were attacking.

I felt Ocelot shudder as the combined firepower of our five ships destroyed ship after ship of the Gal’brith until none was left. Those ships seemed to go nova and then disappeared in the blink of an eye.

I felt a nudge in my brain with a voice saying in Stellar Basic, <We owe you a debt for assisting us. Our ships are light corsairs not made for the overwhelming odds that we encountered.>

<Ocelot, Carousel the personnel from the Pharth ships to our ships and any personnel in space, have the medical teams standing by. Commence circular screen with our tows in the center, take command of those damaged ships.>

“Captain you have the Conn, I’m going below to see our guests.”

Hurrying off the bridge to Sickbay I went below decks. The sight of perhaps forty personnel of the Pharth ships in various forms of injury; most of the injuries were broken bones. I noticed one man standing with the rank badge of a sub commander.

I was going over toward him when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around quickly seeing another man smiling at me. He saluted me or what I thought was a salute saying, “Thank you Admiral for your assistance and hospitality, I am Commander Ler’ale Shabez of the Good Fortune with Serenity. We were on a routine patrol when the Gal’brith attacked us. We had no idea about the Earth’s capabilities.”

“We are a young planet but these ships once belonged to the Pharth. It was by mistake that they were found in a base in Wisconsin after over one hundred years of Earth’s time.”

“So I was told by your AI, Ocelot, I believe your ships are named after Earth Jungle Cats.”

“That’s true, Ocelot, can we use the Star Drives for short jumps with the vessels in tow?”

“Yes Admiral.”

“Notify the Captain, then do so, we can get home sooner.” I said when Jessica joined me

I introduced Jessica to Shabez who in turn introduced us to those of his crew that were in sickbay. We told them all to relax and to heal, as we should be back at the base soon. That was when I found out Shabez was his given name and Ler’ale was his family name.

Jessica and I went back to the Bridge when I spoke to the AI asking for a secure link to speak to the Pharth home planet, to their leader the Calliffe.

In seconds, I was rewarded with the Hologram display of a woman in her late thirties, with blond hair and blue eyes with fine features of her face that said to me, “Admiral Blake, thank you for coming to the assistance of our destroyers. I am Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe of the Pharth”

“It was the least we could do; we are indebted to the Pharth for helping protect our young planet. We will be taking your ships to Kennedy Space Center for repairs, and then they can come home to you.” I said with the Calliffe saying, “I had not realized those ships were buried on your planet still, as long as they were. We are further pleased that Earth will join the Alliance we are awaiting your arrival. Were there any hull breeches?”

“Several, I’m afraid, but your crews were saved by their flightsuits. One AI is severely damaged, your crews fought well even though they were overwhelmed, out gunned and out numbered by the Gal’brith ships, two against over forty ships was not fair duel.” I said with the Nerra saying, “Not hardly, but at least the crews survived. A grateful and heartfelt thanks to you and your people for the assistance even though you are not formerly a member of the Planetary Alliance, you will be touted as heroes by our people, again my thanks, I must go and notify the families of the crews they are safe. We trust we will see you at the assembly.” With those words, the connection was disconnected and I turned to the Captain saying, “I assume all of the craft did what you did Captain?”

“I beg your pardon ma’am?”

“I saw you take control of the ship in that skirmish we just had.”

“It was second nature I guess after being a Fighter Jock. I had to do something; the ship was easy to control compared to a shuttle, besides the computer had fire control. As to the other ships, yes they did take control.”

”Okay Captain I trust your judgment, but I expect all of the crews to do extra time in the Sims once we land. No liberty until three PM for all crews, I want everyone to be a qualified pilot on these crafts and that also includes the Assault Gigs, everyone Captain.”

“Yes ma’am I’ll see to it that the other ships know.”

“Ocelot, get Jeff and Melissa on the Visicomm for me, top priority and scrambled.”

“Yes Admiral, Captain all the other ships have been advised in regards to the Admiral’s orders.”

The faces of both Melissa and Jeff appeared on the HS display Visicomm with Jeff saying angrily, “What in the hell did you do? The Air Force and Navy including the Canadians scrambled everything that could fly.” Jeff said with me saying, “Well now, considering we just won a fight with the Gal’brith…”

“You did what? Those crews are not trained…”

“Our recruits are now bloodied in battle, hell; the Captains were even flying the birds. Also, we have two Pharth crews and two Pharth ships in tow and we’re coming to you at the Cape. The ships need repairs and I don’t want to disclose the location of the base just yet.

“Great, that’s all I need! Okay, we’ll ask for airspace to be cleared for you since I assume you aren’t cloaked, are you?”

“Very perceptive of you, we aren’t. Tell Ambassador White that Ocelot will be sending to you a recording of the conversation I had with the Pharth.”

“Do they want their technology back?”

“No they do not, they know we are responsible and we saved two of their crews.”

“Well I guess we have to disclose your existence today I have the three press people you requested and your Marines are almost ready.”

“Just to let you know we’re coming straight in to you at the Cape on an eastern to westward track. We’ll notify GCA (Ground Control Approach) at the Cape as soon as we reach atmosphere.”

“WE just received your recording of the battle and from Pharth we’ll screen you back after we review it.”

“Okay, that’s fair enough, we’ll speak later.” I said disconnecting.

“Ocelot, take us right into the base from the Oceanside. Make sure our running lights conform to Earth aircraft our ID is United Nations Naval Ships Task Force enroute to the Kennedy Space Center.”

“Yes Admiral, Atmosphere in five minutes, I have a lock on the location of Lynx and Cougar, do you want to go to their location?”

“Affirmative, at maximum speed please.”

We broke the atmosphere for a straight in approach confusing the poor Air Traffic Controllers as to our identities and totally messing with their computers and Radar. GCA tried to vector us in but Ocelot had its own flight plan in mind. Several times military aircraft tried to pursue us and failed miserably, I just knew the shit was going to hit the proverbial fan.

Chapter 14

We came straight down from the sky like a building elevator to eventually hover several feet above the ground with our Navigational Lights on. Our landing skids deployed and we settled gently to the tarmac. Once we landed, our new Marines took positions to encircle our ships.

I had to admit our Marine security crews looked professional as I came down the Boarding Ramp with Shabez and Jessica to be greeted by Major Markham Boyd, formerly of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Special Boat Services, and Counter Terrorist Team.

Boyd was about twenty-five (after enhancement), five foot ten inches tall; with brown hair and the most piercing blue eyes, I had ever seen. He was all muscle everywhere, with a finely crafted face of jolliness that belied his cunning and deadly nature. I for one, didn’t want to cross the man, at least not for now.

He stood at rigid attention perplexed if he should salute or not, finally doing a Pharth salute saying, “Welcome home Admiral, I am Major Boyd your new Commanding Officer of your Marines, my people are ready for action ma’am. Ms. Brun and Mr. Carson have asked me to escort you all to them at the administration building.”

I introduced him to Shabez and Jessica, we then went with the Major to an awaiting AirLimo with an armed Marine pilot for our chauffeur. Once we were settle the chauffeur drove at a leisurely pace.

“Markham, since I assume you’ve spoken to and read the records of your people, do you foresee any problems?”

“No Ma’am, My lot seems to like this new assignment; it’s something new and refreshing to them both the males and females. They cannot wait to go on the ships.”

“I assumed that all the Marines were male? Oh Shit, that damned computer struck again. I’ll explain some other time Markham.” I said almost giggling, I just hope the new transformees had adapted better than I did.

We arrived at the Administration building with my entourage and me going into the building being greeted by the receptionist and the Security Officer. The Security Officer than took us to our meeting room. Shabez, Jessica, Markham, and I entered into the room with our chauffeur posting himself at the door in the hallway.

On entering the meeting room, we saw Jeff, Melissa, Wayne, Mongoose, the Ambassador, The Secretary General of the UN Vladimir Shotechevski, and the Vice President of the US, Richard (Rick) Wade. Near the end of the table sat three men, Pat Sommers of Associated Press, Ted Jablonsky of Reuters and Dale Evers of CNNI News that we were introduced to by Melissa.

We took our seats with me saying, “I assumed you all saw the recorded record of the battle?”

“We did, you gave them a chance to break off, run, and they didn’t. I’m sorry to say that we have entered into a new war.” Rick Wade said with me saying, “Sir with all due respects you’re a horse’s ass. We’ve been at war for decades only we didn’t know it. Shabez and his planet have been fighting the war for us for those decades. We weren’t aware of those battles because we were too busy fighting each other. Your spy agencies and scientists of the agencies have failed in every task given them with every ship that has crash landed on Earth. You covered that up, now that the technology is being made available to every nation except for weapon technology, which the UN will control, you want control over it.”

“I resent the insinuation of being a Horse’s Ass…”

“Are you one of those politicians with balls of steel or the kiss ass type or perhaps the save my ass kind? No matter as I intend to brief the Press of what is to happen with the Planetary Alliance, the war, and what type of screw-ups our politicians and spy agencies really are. Lynx download all that information to the pads in this room.” I said after I touched my comm. badge as everyone stared at their comm. pads in disbelief with me saying, “The documents you see, are of every crash where the various spy agencies were involved in, what they did and their recommendations for the last seven decades. Instead of making contact with other forms of life, we feared them just as we do to the other people on Earth that are different. These Agencies have used the term National Security far too often. This is our planet, it’s the only one we have, and I think it’s worth saving.”

“I had no idea, but I tend to agree with you, the planet is worth saving. I can see why you went to the space agencies and UN first. When you can’t trust your own government we are in trouble.”

Shabez then spoke saying, “We have studied Earth cultures, and societies for several hundred of your centuries, we have seen the infant grow to a child, then to an adult. Our ships and crews were indeed fortunate that the Admiral came to our assistance, if the technology you possess now had been given to the government we would have not survived.”

“I agree with Shabez and the Admiral, Rick. We must join the Alliance and do our share to contain the Gal’brith. With the advent of this technology, there is no need to make war to get the other guys goods.” Ambassador White said with the Secretary General nodding agreement saying, “The body of the UN agrees since they were briefed by the Security Council, every world leader has been briefed that we are in a war, a space war, for our very existence. They were also the ones to vote yes to us joining the Planetary Alliance and that includes your ambassador to the UN.”

“I was not informed that the President knew, I was played for a chump.”

“My Marines might be mercenaries by your standards, but they are loyal to this planet and not to just any one government.” Markham said, that made me smile internally.

“I can now see why you made the decisions that you made, I will support you and your mission Admiral.” The Vice President said extremely angry with his president.

We got back to business, first was Shabez and his crews. We would escort those ships, after their repairs, to the planet of the Planetary Alliance called; Malikce V or a Mothership, whatever comes first. The Ambassador and I would present his credentials to their Barteth (Secretary General).

The new AIs would be operational in the next day or two. It was requested we not leave for Malikce V or the base until the AIs are operational. I agreed because we needed the added communications for deep space comms.

We spoke of the new fleet of Star Cruisers that was to be built briefly, that project would be coming online within the next few months, possibly sooner. A new era in manned space flight was beginning for the planet Earth.

I glanced over at the Press people noticing they were taking in everything we said. I was glad in a way that they were here. My fears about the Press were without merit, I could tell we made a wise decision to include these people in our travels and day-to-day operations.

One further item was said in regards to our base and that was no spooks or military were allowed near it or be severely dealt with by our security people. I declared the farm as being a United Nations Stellar Base with all the acreage involved and surrounding it.

The meeting concluded with all of our people leaving which left the Vice-President, Ambassador White, The Secretary General, Jeff, and Melissa. We all went back to the ships preferring to walk instead of using the AirLimo.

Mongoose and Wayne were silent for the entire walk to the ships as we walked I contacted Lynx.

<I’ll get right on it; see you when you get back.>

I then stopped dead in my tracks looked at Mongoose and Wayne saying, “Alright what’s the problem?”

“If you must know, you were kind of ruthless with the VP…” Mongoose was saying when I cut him off from speaking saying, “Yes I was, he was prepared to take charge of the meeting, and I sure as hell didn’t invite the pompous ass. We work for the benefit of the planet and not the Feds. I did something I shouldn’t have done but now I’m glad I did it.”

“Oh Lord you read his thoughts didn’t you?” Mongoose said with me saying, “Weeeell, okay I did, but just a little bit. He was giving me all types of empathic readings; all I did was learn the truth and give him the real answers.”

“Still you violated him, it’s too late now to tell him but don’t ever do it again.” Mongoose said and drew me closer to him and kissed me with Shabez saying, “My what a strange world, I was close to doing the same thing, even though it’s considered impolite.”

“You read his mind? But how can that be done?” Dale Evers of CNNI News said with Wayne saying, “Earth humans use only a small part of their brain but once you’re Enhanced, you use over ninety percent. One of the benefits is telepathic and empathic powers along with long life and age regression. Genetic sicknesses are nearly eradicated due to DNA repair.”

“You can do that? I want some!”

“Hey, take a number, that’s unbelievable.” said Ted Jablonsky of Reuters News Service, with Mongoose saying, “The Pharth Technology is light years in front of our own technology. Basically we need to thank them, thank you Shabez for leaving the base and our wonderful ships.”

“Your thanks is appreciated, but you saved our lives, for that we all thank you.”

Pat Sommers of the Associated Press said, “I wish we could’ve been with you to report on the action.”

“We weren’t pleased about taking many lives but we had no choice. Shabez was out numbered and out gunned twenty to one, those are not equitable odds to me. His ships took a great deal of damage and he lost several crewmembers to space that we retrieved besides his computer core.” Jessica said with Dale Evers of CNNI News saying, “Could we have access to the computer record footage?”

“I suppose so,” I said as hit my comm. badge with Lynx answering and me saying, “Lynx allow access to the record of the footage of the battle against the Gal’brith that Ocelot has for Dale, Pat, and Ted. They are our guests, treat then nicely.”

“Will they be Enhanced?”

“Only if they want the procedure, Lynx.”

“Are you kidding? Oh, hell yes!” Ted said for all of the Press people with them agreeing with him.

“It is a pleasurable experience, even though it takes a great deal to frighten me, I was shaken up before it happened, then it was all over and I’m as gorgeous as ever.” Markham said smiling hedonistically making us all laugh.

As we got closer to the ships, I saw our Marines and the Base Police keeping back a crowd of base workers that had congregated to see the ships.

Chapter 15

As we got closer, the crowd became more vocal. They appeared to be angry but they all held it within themselves. I felt their emotions then I attempted to sample a few of their minds. What I sampled was worry about their jobs, families, and the space program.

I notified Jeff and Melissa by telepathy as to what was going on, and they told the Vice-President and Secretary General. They all arrived in minutes, which seemed to calm the crowd.

It was explained to them by Jeff that no jobs were in jeopardy, but the space program was going to grow with more hirings, although many people would be retrained for jobs that are more technical.

The very mention of no job cuts to these people made them feel better. I felt the veil of doubt and mistrust lift with the crowd breaking up to going back from where they came from.

Since the guests of the meeting we just had were here, we took them on a tour of Lynx. It was then decided that they could be Enhanced with the Press people. We gave them all the choice, which they all accepted gladly with Jeff and Melissa taking them to Sickbay.

While our guests were being Enhanced, Jessica, Wayne, and Mongoose went with me to my Stateroom aboard Lynx, where we all sat in the sitting area and relaxed. Mongoose sat next to me saying, “Damnit Les, I was so worried about you when Lynx advised us what was happening at the base and up in space.”

“My concerns were for Shabez and his ships; they were taking a real pounding. I had no idea our ships were that powerful.” I said with Shabez saying, “That indeed they are, only one other ship is more powerful, and that is the Galactic Star class. They are what you call Motherships or as we think of them, repair ships. They carry ten wings of seven cruisers like the ones you have and thirty wings of my type of ship, the Corsairs. Yours and my ships are indeed no match to them in size and armaments.”

“Why wasn’t one based in this solar system?” Mongoose asked with Shabez saying, “They have been tracking the Gal’brith, now that we know they are here or nearby I think one or two will be moved closer. They are under the Alliance Command Infrastructure.”

“I was beginning to worry about taking all of you to Malikce V because that would leave the planet without any defenses.” Ambassador White said with Shabez saying, “Now that we know their target is Earth, they will rethink their strategy since they now know there are Star Cruisers present, piloted by Earth crews. Essentially, they prey on those that are weak and Earth is not weak any longer, but they are now committed, so they will fight.”

“As Mercury said, we are at war when it showed me the film clips of the Pharth ship destroying the Gal’brith ships.” I said with Markham saying, “My Marines will be ready as soon as we can be. They need practice on the Assault Gigs and other operations.”

“Our pilots need training on them also.” I said with Shabez saying, “I take it those are the smaller ships below and above the Cruisers? That was a logical thought as we don’t have those on our ships.”

“We carry Marines and on Earth they are used for many purposes. One purpose is Boarding Parties on other ships, to take the fight directly to the hostile craft.” Markham said with Shabez saying, “I assume they are much the same as the cruisers as far as weapons, stealth, and shields? I do wish our Corsairs were!”

“They are, except the components that make them work are smaller in size. They’ll be a nasty surprise for any pirate.” Wayne said just as the Marine guard at the door notified us we had more guests.

I had the Marine allow them entry to our stateroom with Jeff, Melissa, Rick Wade, Vladimir Shotechevski, Ted Jablonsky of Reuters, Dale Evers of CNNI News and a young, dazzling female I had never seen before. It was then I realized it was Pat Sommers of the Associated Press.

All of the male persons were years younger, svelte of body, and spry once again. Their bodies from what I could see rippled with bulging muscles and oozed strength. Their middle-aged spread was gone and their weight was in proportion to their height.

Now Pat was another matter, she exudated sex appeal; she was five foot nine, with long, curly dark red hair, green eyes, light skinned but could tan. Her waist was small, her hips rounded, her legs were shapely, her breasts were rounded, and what I assumed firm, in a C cup. She moved with a feline grace that the unattached men (including Shabez) watched fixedly. She wore a simple black skirt cut four inches above the knees, a sleeveless v-necked blouse in lilac that showed her cleavage and had on her tiny feet black leather pumps with three-inch heels.

I watched as she sashayed over to Shabez, sitting next to him daintily and crossed her long, shapely, suntanned, nylon-encased legs. Poor Shabez looked as if he was near pleading to get inside her panties. I expected him to drop on his knees and beg from her, her sexual favors.

“Damnit boy, you look like you’re about ready to eat her up.” Rick said laughing with Jeff chortling and saying, “Perhaps he will later, one never knows. Just make sure she’s on birth control besides having a job to do.

“I never expected this at all, I knew I had a problem and hoped it would go away.” Pat said with Shabez saying, “The AI finds out everything there is wrong in your body and corrects it.”

“The problem is I’m so comfortable in this body, it’s like I was born this way.”

“Wait until your assignment desk sees you, they are going to shit green bricks. As a matter of fact they’re gonna have a cow over all of us at the news pool. ” Dale said with Ted then saying, “They’ll be jealous as hell but at least I don’t have headaches from the brain tumor I didn’t know I had and will never have a tumor again.”

“I feel like a kid again.” Vladimir Shotechevski said in Russian with Rick saying, “As do I old friend, since we’re widowers’ maybe it’s time to find some good women that would put up with us.”

After about an hour, everyone left leaving Mongoose and I alone. We had a meal together under candle light and were relaxing in each other’s arms when I was notified of a Visicomm screen from Mariah Weinstein, head of Security with her saying, “Everything is set up now, and thanks to Mercury I got the Governor’s direct number. At first, he didn’t believe who I was and what I wanted, he wanted to screen the UN for verification. I gave the number for here and of UN Security and disconnected. He screened, they told him something, and he screened me right back. We got everything we wanted plus we put up the No Trespassing signs.”

“We should be back in a few days with guests and two more ships. Please ensure their quarters are ready for them, they number seventeen.”

“Will do, screen if you need me.” Mariah said as we disconnected with me getting comfortable on the couch laying my head on Mongoose’s lap.

Spending the evening with Mongoose, we finally adjourned to our bedroom. It felt so perfect to be with him, it wasn’t a sexual thing but I felt safe and secure as we lay together on the bed. He held me close to him with his scent lulling me to sleep. This is what I needed, just to be held and loved.

When I awoke the next morning, I was alone in the bed we shared together. It took me awhile to realize where I was, however I gradually became lucid and prepared myself for the day. Once I had showered, dressed in my uniform without the jacket, and had my war paint on, I felt like a new woman. What was I thinking, I am a new woman.

Anyway, I had a light breakfast and went out onto the Bridge seeing Mongoose in a pilot’s couch and another crewmember in the other couch; both of them were busy on the simulator.

I left them to their Sims and went down the passageway to the Boarding Ramp. Once outside of the ship I felt the humidity and heat, I said good morning to the Marines and continued to walk out of the hangar toward the other ships.

The sun felt warm on my upper body on my exposed skin where the Gold Halter Top I was wearing stopped. I surely wished I had a pair of shorts and sandals on. That wasn’t the case as I was on duty, so I persevered onward.

As I walked toward Shabez’s ships, I saw a flurry of activity. That was when I called upon Lynx asking how the repairs were going on the Light destroyers.

I acknowledged Lynx walking the short distance to the Good Fortune. Walking up the Boarding Ramp I stopped at the Hatchway just as Shabez was heading for the ramp. When he saw me, he saluted and said, “I received new orders from the homeworld today. It seems that I am no longer in command of these ships; however I am to join your crews and help them in any way I can.” Shabez said sadly with me saying, “Did those orders come from Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe?”

“Yes they did, I’m shocked that your AI didn’t tell you. Fer’non Gree is now the Commander.” Shabez answered with me saying, “Shabez, don’t be so despondent, at least you can now spend more time with Pat.” I saw him blush deeply when I mentioned her name.

“Yes I do like her, we spent the night talking, she is very interesting, and I’m interested in her.”

“Sweetie, I think you need to speak to Wayne and Mongoose, let them take you out tonight to a club or bar to talk about Earth females.”

“As you command Admiral, I will go with them after I move into new quarters aboard Lynx.”

<Mongoose, Shabez has been assigned to us, put him in Pat’s stateroom. Tonight I want you and Wayne to take him to a bar to talk and ply him with drinks.>

<Gotcha! Now let me get back to learning how to fly this tub, I love you.>

“We’re short on space so you’ll be sharing a stateroom with Pat.”

“Is that wise…Pardon me, yes ma’am I will comply.”

I allowed Shabez to gather his personal effects while I surveyed our other ships that were parked on the tarmac in a circular screen formation still being guarded by the Marines.

Looking at the clean lines of the ships, I saw the accumulated dew droplets on the skins of the ships. Praying to myself, I then looked over the ships seeing the new Assault Gigs affixed to their ships. I noticed how deadly they looked and thought perhaps that they would give us an edge against the Gal’brith, if we met their big ships. After thinking about it, we went from seven ships to thirty-five with the Gigs. If they were used properly, we had a formidable task force in a combat situation. I heard footsteps behind me; they were a woman’s footsteps wearing heels.

Turning slightly I saw Melissa coming toward me smiling then saying loudly, “The AIs are almost all fully installed Leslie.”

“That certainly is good news, and then we can leave tomorrow?” I said as we began to walk toward Lynx.

“Possibly, poor Jeff is having a time with his system. Security for the AI wasn’t good enough or so he said, he’s driving the IT department crazy.”

“Set up the AI and tell it to maintain its own security.”

“That’s it! He is going to be pissed but I see the common sense behind that statement.” Melissa said as we walked to the Boarding Ramp of Lynx.

We climbed the ramp eventually to enter the ship and went directly to my stateroom. Melissa sat down on a couch in the living room area and I went for coffee. Once I had a tray with mugs and the coffee I poured the steaming brew into the mugs and sat down on another couch after handing a mug to Melissa.

Melissa used her Visicomm and notified Jeff of what I said about the security of the AI. He said he would get right on it and she disconnected.

While we both relaxed, we spoke of the orders that Shabez had received from the homeworld and what I did to the poor guy. All she did was giggle heartily saying I was devious. That of course was correct and I had many more tricks up my sleeve.

We discussed my plans with me telling her that I wanted to have my people trained first. That was when I called Lynx saying, “Are all the ships training?”

“That is an affirmative; all Captains and their XO’s are flight certified now, the crews are just beginning. They can now handle the ship with the AI or on manual.”

“Were the courses difficult for them?”

“Yes Admiral, next are the Gigs, Damage Control, Space Survival, Weapons, Engineering and Tactics.”

“Are you telling me Mongoose is flight certified?”

“Affirmative, Captain Avers is flight certified.”

“Lynx make up a device to be worn on the breast, on the other side of the comm. badge, with our ships and the cat striked to kill in the center of a set of wings. This device is to be given to all of those that become pilots.”

“It will be done; you have proven yourself as a leader so you should wear the device too.”

“I agree with Lynx Leslie, you deserve it. You can always do the Sims later if you want to do so.” Melissa said agreeing with the AI.

We were speaking of other matters when Mongoose came into the stateroom smiling with his new wings on his chest. He beamed his smile to me, came over, and kissed me saying, “Honey, for the first time I feel like I really accomplished something, and it’s all because of you.”

“You Bonehead, you achieved that feat all by yourself. Other than flying an AirCar you’ve had no prior flight experience, so I think you’ve achieved something only our crews can share with you.”

“I guess you’re right but you found these ships and gave me a chance…”

“Yeah and look what happened to me? If it weren’t for Jessica, Wayne, and you, I’d be ripping my hair out. Do I miss the old me, not hardly; because I have you forever now Darling.”

“She’s right and you know it Mongoose! Because of the technology, humankind is going to benefit from it. This technology is the foundation for further research, if we survive the Gal’brith.” Melissa said with me agreeing with her saying, “I agree with what you said but we’ve got to get the Ambassador to his posting first, join the Alliance, then we can concentrate on the Gal’brith. Jeff and you have the hardest jobs, by keeping the politicians focused on the oncoming threat.”

“Do you think the Alliance will help us?” Mongoose asked with Melissa saying, “By you going to assist the Pharth ships, I’m sure they’ll help us in any way they can.”

“I’m sure they will especially since Leslie put her butt on the line for them. I just wish I had been there with her; still the job was well done.” Mongoose said with me saying, “You had a job to do, which you did, to prepare for the journey we’ll be taking off very shortly. We needed the Marines and now we have them. We’re partially prepared, once we all finish the training we’ll be ready to go.”

”We need to resupply the ships; however that can be done when we get back to the base.” Mongoose said with Melissa saying, “Have Lynx tell me what you need and we’ll get it for you. I’d better get back to the office so I’ll see you later, also say hello to Shabez for me. Oh I forgot to tell you your correspondents were out and about, talking to the crews.”

Melissa stood up with me saying, “Well they are the Press representatives, they should know the do’s, and don’ts of what they write. Before I forget, Lynx submit to Melissa what supplies the fleet needs.”

“The list has been submitted to her Visicomm for her disposition.” Lynx said with Melissa saying,” It’ll all be here tomorrow Lynx; I’ll try to have it sorted according to ship. Now I really must leave you, I can see myself out.” Melissa hurriedly left the stateroom like a woman with a mission.

Mongoose looked at me saying, “Okay so what were you going to tell me about Shabez and Pat?”

“Did you know they spent the night together?” I said looking at him with him saying, “I had an empathic feeling they did when I spoke to Shabez earlier, is that why you had me put them together?”

“Of course Dear, but that’s our secret. As long as those two are happy together I don’t anticipate any problems.”

We spoke of other matters for a brief time it was then that I became the aggressor in our relationship. I was deeply in love and very lustful, okay so I was a loose woman. I took and ravaged my lover into a state of sexual bliss. I was enthralled by the man, I was positive I wanted him as my mate, lover and husband. I wanted to have our babies! Did I just say babies? Well not yet anyway, maybe in a few years when we get married.

We slept for a few hours, showered together and then it was time for Mongoose to get dressed, get Wayne, and take Shabez out to a bar. We kissed one final time and then I was left alone. I dressed in gold silk pajamas, gold mules and went into the living area.

Allowing myself a bottle of Cabaret Sauvignon I poured a glass of the wine into a glass and sat on the couch to watch the HTV. Tuning into CNNI channel, I just managed to catch Ambassador White start to explain the ships presence. What we were going to do and where we were going. While he spoke, my picture flashed up on the screen with the caption of Admiral of the Fleet. Oh well, I have the job so I guess anonymity is pointless, besides only Mongoose, Wayne and Jessica know the full story about me.

Engrossed with the HTV I barely heard the Marine guard announce that Jessica wanted entry. I allowed her entry, and she came in wearing pink shorts, pink halter-top, and white sandals that showed her red painted toes. Her makeup was flawless and her hair was in French braids. She was the epitome of tanned, healthy, feminine loveliness as she took a seat on the other couch saying, “I was lonely so I came over to bother you.”

“I’m glad you came over, I was just watching the newscast. From what I gather, our secret is out of the bag. The only thing missing was the mentioning of the Gal’brith and where our base is. I was mentioned, as were the captains, the XO’s, the Marine CO, and Security CO.”

“I think I know where they got some of the information from. Lynx, has Pat Sommers, Ted Jablonsky or Dale Evers asked you for personnel information?”

“Yes Admiral, shall I restrict that information?”

“Yes along with tactics and ship operations along with ship engineering and weapon characteristics. All Press Releases must be cleared by security, Melissa, Jessica or I.”

“This AI has made a note of that information; the hive also knows to restrict the information flow to them.”

“That takes care of the security issue Jessie. Please see to it that all female crewmembers and passengers cannot get pregnant for the duration of the mission.”

For some unknown reason I told Jessica the reasons why I gave the last order to the AI with her saying, “I can understand why, the ships are no place to have a child. I want children but I can’t abandon the mission to have them, this is the escapade of a lifetime.”

We sat, watched the HTV, and spoke for several hours as she joined me with the consuming of the wine, with us having several glasses. About 11 PM both Wayne and Mongoose arrived back, they stunk from all the booze they had consumed. The guys sat next to us with them both almost falling asleep. Due to that fact, we called it a night with Wayne and Jessica leaving for their ship.

I took Gary into our bedroom, undressed him, and put him to bed. When he hit the pillows, he was fast asleep, snoring softly. I got into the bed and curled myself into him falling asleep.

My dreams were uneasy ones as I slept dreaming of our confrontation with the Gal’brith to come. The worst dream was of me meeting Mongoose’s parents with neither of them accepting me as their future daughter-in-law since I was a changeling. I awoke with a start finally to get back to sleep.
Thank the Lord my dreams ended and I went back to a dreamless sleep to awakening several hours later lying next to Gary.

My body curved into his, I felt his heat and smelled his wonderful manly scent. I felt my own heat grow between my legs; I was more than ready to receive him in me. Slowly I grabbed him and massaged him into a full erection, which woke him up.

Gary rolled over, brought me to him, and we kissed, it lasted forever it seemed. I began to moan while he stoked my fires by massaging my breasts. Damnit I wanted him now! It was then he prepared me for the insertion of his tool by placing me gently on my back with spread legs.

Slowly he mounted me inserting his penis into me and began to thrust in a rhythm. First, the rhythm was slow, and then he speeded up going deeper within me. Lord my fires were burning getting brighter and brighter as my orgasm grew taking me to untold heights. I moaned, I cried and writhed then I orgasmed not once, but several times. I was in heaven!

We lay together in the afterglow of our lovemaking just hugging each other, telling each other how much we loved each other. Gary softly kissed me with me responding to the kiss. I was totally satiated while we lay together in the bed with me falling back to sleep.

I woke up several hours later to find out Mongoose was gone from our bed. Slowly I made my way from the bed to the bathroom. Relieving myself, I then took a shower and prepared for my day. This was going to be a busy day for us since we were going home to our base. I missed the cold clean air and snow of Wisconsin in the late Fall season along with the peacefulness of the farm.

Dressing in my black flightsuit with the gold blouse, I then proceeded with my makeup, placing the bag over my head. In seconds, it seemed that my makeup, my hair in braids, was done to perfection, with me taking the bag off my head. Donning my Beret I looked at myself in the mirror seeing a blond, blue-eyed teenage girl with a great, hourglass figure. I smiled at myself, turned on my heels, and left the room.

Walking to the kitchenette, I had a light breakfast of cereal and toast with jam. While I was eating, Mongoose came into the Stateroom, gave me a kiss, and brought us both coffees with him sitting down and saying, “I Visicommed mom and dad this morning. First off, I was grilled about my youthful appearance, and then it was where was I? Next, I told them about you and that we planned to get married. Damnit, anyway I said we’d be there this weekend. The entire family is going to be there, all twelve of the siblings.”

This was not a good thing! I was in a state of denial until I looked at his face and saw he wasn’t joking with me saying softly, “Family huh? This Weekend huh? Twelve of your siblings, plus your mom and dad huh? I imagine that there are going to be nieces and nephews, huh? “I was so angry I could spit bullets at Mongoose when he took up my shaking hand into his saying, “Honey, I know you’re angry but mom…”

“Not only am I angry, but my knees are knocking from fright at the prospect of meeting your parents. Then you hit me with the rest of the family, not even mentioning your nieces and nephews.” I was saying when the Marine guard announced Major Boyd wanted to see me. I told the guard to let Markham in but I really didn’t want to talk to anyone now.

The hatch slid silently allowing Markham into the stateroom with him saying, “Did I come at a bad time? It could wait…”

“No Markham, what’s the problem?”

“All ships are prepared for liftoff. I would like to bring my Marines onto their respective ships.”

“I agree with you, also I will be going to near Superior Wisconsin this weekend so Wayne and Jessica are in command, we’ll be taking the AirCar.”

“Admiral, as a matter of fleet security, along with your and Captain Avers own safety, four Marines will be going with you. You are a General Officer of high rank and deserve my Marine’s fullest attention.”

“Mongoose, see what you’ve done; now I’m saddled with Marines. Now what in the hell are your parents going to think?” I said almost in tears with Mongoose taking both my hands saying, “They’ll say to bring them, there’s plenty of room in the house.”

“Madam, I will select four of my best people for you. Wherever you go, one of them will be with you both. I also suggest that you take one of the Assault Gigs.”

“So much for a low profile, why do I have a feeling I’m going to lose this argument? Okay Markham, I concede, on the condition that those Marines get seventy-two hours of Liberty as soon as we get back.”

“Very well, I assume there will be Liberty for all hands this coming weekend?”

“Yes there will, contact Mariah and make arrangements for transportation to and from the base, uniforms and civvies are authorized. Have Wayne or Jessica arrange a Payday for the crews with Melissa before we leave, she has all the financial information. When our crews are on the Beach, I want security to be maintained. Liberty is restricted to a five hundred mile radius. Liberty expires at 0600 on Monday, training is to commence at 0800 until 2000 hrs. Those are ten hour working days for all of us, excluding meals.”

“Our crews are good at the Sims but we all need flight time, especially with the AGs.” Wayne said with Markham saying, “My Marines need time in Zero Gs, EVA, planetfall, ship assaults, the armor, and the AGs themselves.”

The meeting concluded with us agreeing that we would spend time in space during the second week of training. Mongoose left with Markham, to get the okay to pay the crews from Melissa and Markham went to collect his Marines and brief them on the current training schedule.

I however packed two large bags for us with clothing and essentials for the trip to Mongoose’s parent’s house. I was not happy about meeting his parents or his family for that matter but I knew it had to be done. I had Lynx Carousel our bags to Lynx one while I went and tidied up around the stateroom.

After completing my chores, I went out on the Bridge seeing Shabez on the Pilot’s couch doing the Sims in manual mode. He was making the Sim dance his way. Since the other couch was empty I sat in the couch and began my flight training. Lynx showed me no mercy as I manipulated the controls until I had finished the last scenario. I had earned my wings at last, and I was jubilant at my accomplishment, as I saw my wings appear on my chest.

Leaving the couch I went down to the crew’s quarters stopping at Pat’s stateroom. I pressed the comm. panel and asked for admittance. The door slid open with me seeing she was in the lounging area. I went into the stateroom to where she stood in her flightsuit when I said, “I wanted to check in on you. That was some going over I got on CNNI with the Ambassador.”

“We helped spread the truth and break the public in gently, no information was fabricated either.” Pat said with me unsmiling and saying, “I just didn’t expect it that’s all.”

“Is that why we have to get our stories approved now by Wayne, Jessica, and Gary or by you? That’s really censorship; we do have First Amendment rights you know.”

“Granted that you do have rights by the Constitution, but not on my ships my ships are run by UN Charter. when you cause an Ambassador to become uncomfortable and infringe upon my crews for any reason, then we shall take it up further. I placed those restraints upon you; we are part of the military that is training to forestall an invasion of our planet. We have equipment that is technically new and foreign to us. We have given the Earth a fighting chance with this new technology, if our blood is spilled it was spilled for the protection of the Earth.”

“How eloquent of a speech, I must say I don’t like your rules, however we will comply. Did you tell Shabez to avoid me?”

“No I didn’t, in fact I had him placed in this stateroom to be with you.”

“Maybe he has a wife or girlfriend or something, I just don’t know, he’s just so cold toward me.”

“Perhaps you’re too aggressive, he might not be used to females that are or he’s shy.”

“Being passive is going to be hard since I’ve always been assertive. Oh crap, it’s so hard being a woman but I’ll try to be more passive.”

I told her all she had to do was try and quite possibly her problem might disappear. We finished our conversation and I passed on the word to Lynx to pass on to all of the ships to do a pre-flight of all systems in preparation to leaving the Cape.

I passed the word that lift-off was in one hour and Lynx needed to file a flight plan for Wisconsin, to our base. Making my way to the Bridge two lieutenants were currently working on the Sims with Mongoose keeping a watchful eye on them. That was when I made my decision that the lieutenants would fly us home.

Telling the AI I wanted our ships placed into a circular screen with the ships placed every fifty-one degrees starting at 000 degrees at three thousand yards from the center of the screen. The two light Corsairs would be in the center. It would comply, seeing that I wanted maximum protection for the Pharth ships once we were underway.

Hearing the ship coming to life was music to my ears. I took up my Visicomm and screened Jeff and Melissa. Once they accepted my screen, I told them we were nearly ready to leave. I thanked them for the fuel (water), supplies, and the advance pay for the crews. I disconnected with then screening Ambassador White seeing if he was ready, he was well prepared to go.

I looked around the Bridge seeing all of the Pilots standing around watching everything as I said, “Lynx, retract all Boarding Ramps, Seal all hatches, Lynx and Cougar retract the landing Skids, come about 180 degrees, Pressurize the ships. Take positions, all view screens on showing the ship with the center screen showing the flight plan. Turn on Earth standard navigational lights and anti-collision lights. ”

I could see in the view screens a gathering of people waving to us as we moved into position having Lynx blink our lights several times in salute to these people.

Once the ships were all in position we accelerated straight up into space.

Chapter 16

Before going to the base, we gave each pilot an opportunity to feel the ship’s responsiveness under manual control. I had to admit they all surprised me controlling the monumental ships. The selected pilots of each of the Assault Gigs had their chance too with full Marine complements. All of the crew’s spirits were lifted after that unplanned for training flight.

We landed at the Base after spending over eight hours in space. Mongoose and I saw all of the smiles on the people we commanded, with them talking with members of other crews. Deep down I was happy too, in giving them the opportunity to achieve their dreams by going out into space, not as passengers but as pilots.

We, Mongoose and I, made our way down the Boarding Ramp seeing that Mariah was waiting with a smile on her face. As we walked toward her Jessica and Wayne joined her with her saying loudly, “Welcome back boss, we received the credits from the UN for our pay. My people can’t wait to get to town to spend it.”

“Good Lord, they don’t need to spend it considering Mercury can make them anything they want.” I said in surprise.

“I know that and so do they, it’s just the idea of getting away that intrigues them. I noticed quite a few new faces in the crowd.”

“We have all the Marines we needed plus three Press Correspondents. They know the do’s and don’ts but refresh them on policy and security anyway. Show all the new people where they are bunking please.” I said with Mariah quickly making her way and gathering the new people with her.

Jessica, Wayne, Mongoose, and I went to the Carousel, engaging it to take us to the house. I must have sighed in relief that we were intact or perhaps because we were just home.

We were all silent as we climbed the stairs into the kitchen. They all sat at the kitchen table while I brewed a fresh pot of coffee. I turned around to them saying, “Did you hear I get to meet Mongoose’s family this weekend? Guess who’s going to be in charge?”

“So when are you leaving?” Jessica said smiling with Mongoose saying, “We’ll leave Thursday and come back Sunday.”

“Shit, do you mean that we’re going to be there that long?” I said dubiously with Mongoose saying, “It won’t be so bad besides, I’ll be with you.”

“Yeah and neither was the Spanish Inquisition from what I read. Promise me you’ll be close if I need you. I just know I’ll be grilled by your mom and sisters, and then it’ll be by your dad and brothers. After that they’ll all gang up on me.”

“Is that paranoia I hear? Is this the same woman that defeated all those Gal’brith ships and saved the Pharth crews?” Wayne said laughing with me saying, “Up your ass! I am not paranoid; I’m just plain scared of meeting his family.”

“You’ll have Marines with you to protect you…” Mongoose said with Jessica saying, “Marines with you, but why on earth do you need Marines to visit his family?”

“Because of security and because of the Gal’brith, I didn’t want them.” I said with Mongoose smiling and saying, “Personally I think every Captain and XO needs them in their company no matter where they go, except here of course.”

“That is not funny at all. I don’t want some big, burly Marine standing by my door as I make love to Wayne. Just think of the stories they’ll tell back at the Base or the ship.” Jessica said pouting with me laughing and saying, “I suppose you didn’t see the Marine standing outside of your door on the ship?”

“That’s different!”

“I beg to differ, my Dear; they’re there for security and detachment, so guess what? You have just lost the argument and so has the fleet.” I said as I got my coffee letting everyone else get their own.

Sitting down at the table I Visicommed Markham telling him about my decision to have the Marines guard the entire fleet’s COs and XOs that leave the Base no matter where they go. Markham was ecstatic with my decision and said he’d get right on it. I disconnected and looked directly at the still pouting Jessica and smiled. The guys cracked up with Wayne saying, “Never, I repeat, never piss Leslie off. Why do you think we didn’t say a word? You would have won, possibly, but I doubt it, it’s better to be quiet at certain times.” Even though Jessica learned a valuable lesson, I refused to rescind the order, even when she begged that I do.

The evening went by quickly with Jessica barely saying anything to anyone and the guys still chuckling at her. I nearly fell asleep on the couch when Mongoose picked me up and carried me to our bedroom. I was in bed in nothing flat and asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next morning arrived too soon for me. We would leave this dreaded day for his parent’s home. I did everything from a bath, to getting dressed in a flightsuit, to my makeup. I perked up a bit by telling myself that this was only a trip to meet his mom and dad and not all those siblings he had mentioned.

I had a light breakfast after seeing there was no one in the house. After cleaning up after myself, I put on my beret, went down to the Carousel, and transported to the hangar.

Once in the hangar bay I saw Mongoose going over a smaller version of Lynx with no others around. When he saw me, he walked over to me saying, “Are you ready to leave?”

“I suppose so, I’m still scared, but I know it has to be done.” I said smiling with Mongoose taking my hand and saying, “They just want to meet you, that’s all they want to do. I had Lynx do a flight plan it’s cleared by ATC (Air Traffic Control) and a pre-flight was done. We’re all fueled up and ready to go.”

I was not in the least bit happy, thinking it was better to meet a Gal’brith Mothership, do battle, and die, compared to meeting Mongoose’s family. I felt Mongoose reach out and touch my mind to help me relax with his reassuring thoughts. He is slick, I’ll grant you that, but I held him in my hand anyway and relaxed.

We made it to the Boarding Ramp, climbed it, and went inside the ship. Inside were two males about thirty years old and over six feet tall, with shaved heads and muscles everywhere. Next to the men were two females both appeared to be in their early twenties. One blonde-haired girl and one girl with brown hair, both wore their hair in braids. Both were at least five foot eight, generously curved and with substantial breasts of a B or C cup. My Lord these people were lovely, as I looked them over, they were prime physical specimens.

I noticed their rank with one male being a captain and the other three being lieutenants with the captain saying, “I’m Marine Captain Isaac Bloomberg, the officer in charge of your team.” Pointing at the other male he said,” That’s Lieutenant Brian Hunt. The Blond woman is Lieutenant Ashley Caruthers and the Brunette is Lieutenant Luella McTavish. Our mission is quite simple, to keep the both of you alive.”

We welcomed them aboard, insuring that their gear was stowed properly and took our own couches up forward with Mongoose saying, “Lynx one, secure the hatch and Boarding Ramp, Set normal aircraft navigational lights, Lower the hangar door, get permission for liftoff from ATC or GCA.”

“Permission Granted, Captain.”

“Lynx one, assume the helm, turn on main viewer, and follow our flight plan.”

Without any feeling of movement, the ship made its way out of the hangar. Once it was out into the weather, we shot straightaway to 90,000 feet and followed a straight-line, gradual trajectory, heading toward Superior, Wisconsin.

Settling back into my flight couch I began to read my messages on my Visicomm when I noticed a message from Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe of Pharth welcoming us to the Planetary Alliance. She was also sending three Galactic Star class ships to our star system as a precaution.

Reading the rest of the messages, I sent it on to Ambassador White and the Captains of our ships. That message was good news seeing that we were not alone in this fight for our survival.

I had just finished reading the messages when I looked at the view screen seeing a farming area that I assumed we were going to. Finally, the viewer settled on a farmhouse that was immense in size and very modern with AirCars parked in rows near the house.

Looking at Mongoose I said, “I suppose that’s the house?”

“Yep, along with five thousand acres tended by bots, along with various barns and outbuildings. Dad’s a gadget freak and believes in technology that he passed on to all of us kids.”

“I see, so that’s why you’re so comfortable with the ships and the base.”

He nodded his head in agreement then telling the ship to level off at one thousand feet and to land at the back of the house in the courtyard. They were to land with the hatch facing the house. Suddenly we were several feet above the ground and settled gently onto the landing skids.

The snow was deep with the ship making an indentation into it. The hatch opened with the Boarding Ramp extending out instantly melting the snow. We collected our bags with three of the Marines heading out of the hatch seemingly to disappear after they strapped on their sidearms, the Disrupters as I called them. The fourth Marine, Lieutenant Luella McTavish, followed Mongoose and I out of the ship into the awaiting arms of his family. One by one, following the parents, I was hugged and kissed then we were almost dragged into the sprawling modern house.

In the house, we removed our flight jackets, gloves, Berets and placed our bags down with his dad saying, “That ship was some surprise son.”

“That’s one of the small ones Dad, I sent you pictures of the others from Florida.”

“Somehow I never envisaged you as being in the military or for that matter finding a good woman. I was hoping you’d take over the farm, meet a good woman, settle down, and raise a passel of children for us to spoil.” George senior said.

“I know but things change, however I did find a good woman. As to the farm give it to James he’s the next oldest boy. He has a wife and babies already and he knows the farm better than I ever did. Are you thinking of retiring?”

“You made some good points son, as to retiring that’s a possibility. Let’s go into the office and hash it out. Your girl can stay with your mom and the girls to better acquaint themselves with each other.” With those words, Mongoose and his dad left to go into the office while I was left with his mom and eight of his sisters, who varied in age from twenty years old to eleven years old, along with four Marines that just came inside.

We all were given coffee and sat at the biggest table I’ve ever seen, though I imagined they needed the table space with all of the family here. I was interrogated unmercifully by the girls from what was space like, to if their brother was good to me. My Marine guards kept chuckling until I said to them to just wait until they went home for a visit, then they would be on the receiving end of the questions. While there I noticed, Mongoose’s mother kept mostly silent letting the kids do all the talking. She kept looking at all of us as if she was expecting monsters in her home. Another thing I noticed was a yellow tinge to her pale skin.

Now here was a woman with brown streaked with gray hair, possibly in her fifties she stood about five foot six, was thin as a rail, and looked very tired. I contacted Lynx one and had the AI do a medical scan of her.

<Admiral, the human has a cancer and reduced bladder control from the tumor. She needs to be repaired now>

<Affirmative, with Enhancement, which this AI can do.>

I then told Mongoose about his mother and the Marines mentally about the woman seated at the table. Mentally I suggested we take his parents for a flight, which turned into the entire family present, the others could be Enhanced as they came over to the house.

I stared at mom saying, “Look all of you wonder what space is like, grab your coats and we’ll take you all for a ride.”

“I’ll stay home you take everyone else…”

“Nonsense Mom, you’re going too, there’s plenty of room, and Dad’s going.” I said smiling disarming the poor woman when finally she agreed to go with us.

While everyone was getting ready for the flight, I contacted the AI and lied about everyone giving their permission for Enhancement. My reasons were simple: 1) She is a proud woman and mother, but death was knocking at her door. 2) After meeting them all, they couldn’t wait for the Enhancement process to filter down to them through the government or universities if the cancer was hereditary. 3) I wanted to do this to help Mongoose’s family.

Putting on my flight coat, gloves and Beret I lead them all to the ship. The hatch was open to allow them entry. They were all seated when the hatch closed and the Boarding Ramp was brought in. They all watched the view screens as Mongoose took control of the ship and it rose with no effort at all. I looked at the Marines seeing that they were watching me and winked.

Sitting in my couch, I contacted Lynx one by mindlink: <Commence Enhancement.>

I watched as mom’s hair went from salt and pepper brown to a lustrous brunette, her wrinkles faded with the skin tightening, and her skin was now a healthy olive cast. She was the picture of health while she slept.

Looking at his dad while he slept, I saw the tiredness of age leave him, with his pure white hair changing to brown, his wrinkled skin gave way to a skin toughness, and I saw his age lines regress. His skin had a suntanned look that said health and youth.

Mom and dad looked to be in their early thirties and they were a gorgeous couple when I said to them as they woke up, “Mom and Dad I hope you enjoy this gift of long life we gave you. Mom, I saw the pallor of your skin and had our AI run a medical scan of you, you had cancer and reduced Bladder control from it. The prognosis was you were going to die. However due to this alien technology, all of the Earth will benefit as you just did and we all did.”

“Enhancement complete, Admiral.”

“Thank you Lynx one.”

“I’m a little confused by this…what did you call it Enhancement dear?” Mom said with dad saying, “Muriel, they knew you had cancer and you were going to die on us. We’re young again, so are the kids, we’re all healthy plus there are other benefits that our son told me about. All of which I’ll tell you about later.”

I looked at Mongoose who only shrugged his shoulders and shined a smile at me. Mongoose told his dad and his dad clammed up about what was going to happen that told me he could be trusted about anything.

Abigail, the youngest of the daughters was the one who was pissed the most as she was just starting to get a feminine body and in just a few minutes lost it all. Mentally I told Lynx one to help her out a little, which it did. She was most pleased with the results. I also had the AI adjust their biochemistry to ward off pregnancy until they were ready to conceive mentally.

Mom looked at me saying, “No more children? Damn, I’m ready for that! Twelve children were enough for any woman.” That remark made everyone smile and laugh heartily.

“Damnit Muriel, they all helped in turning my hair gray, but this science I only dreamed about. I never thought I’d see it.” Dad said with Gary saying, “Dad, we’re all up in space just sit back and enjoy the ride.” We traveled out to where the space station was, circled it, and went back to the farm.

Once we landed Dad, Mom and the kids complained about their clothes not fitting. Mom wanted to go shopping, as did all of the girls, me I just wanted to vegetate but that would not be the case.

Gary and I were shown to our room where I began to unpack and dress immediately. What I wore were simple togs of jeans, a gold cableknit sweater, and my boots. I placed my jewelry on that looked like crystals, a few rings, redid my makeup, and was out of the room before Gary could grab me and fling me onto the bed. I heard him grumbling all the way to the kitchen, which made me giggle at his antics.

Mom was just finishing Dad with taking his measurements as I entered the large kitchen. My Marine guards were already in civvies and teasing both mom and dad unmercifully. Mom had to borrow a pair of jeans and an oversized red sweatshirt from someone, possibly Isaac. She had mukluks on her feet and looked ready to go.

Mongoose came into the kitchen, gave me a kiss, and proceeded to tease his parents. He was relentless in teasing them and then started on his sisters as they arrived. It was so bad that Abigail kicked him in the right shin and then he stopped after getting the hint. I just knew I had to remember that!

We were about to leave out the door when all the Marines stood up except Isaac with Luella saying in a Scottish burr, “Sorry Admiral but we be goin’ too. Isaac be stayin’ with tae Captain and his Da.”

“Sorry my ass, how are we all going to fit into the AirCar?”

“We aren’t gonna, we be takin’ tae Lynx.”

“But, but the ship…”

Ashley looked apologetic and said, “Sorry Ma’am but Major Boyd said we are to protect you wherever you go and wherever you go so does Lynx one. Brian is staying with Lynx one to monitor us. That’s our orders that we intend to follow because Major Boyd is one mean sonofabitch.”

“Damnit, this is getting hard to get used to, all right let’s go.” I said angrily as I grabbed my jacket and gloves. Everyone knew I was pissed off but they all laughed as I went out of the door. I realized I could order them to stay at home but Markham made it clear that we were to remain safe.

The hatch opened on Lynx one just as we stepped onto the Boarding Ramp with me feeling the heat coming from the ship. Entering the cabin I took a seat on my couch saying to mom, “Where to? We could go anywhere you want Mom.”

“There’s Super Target or Wal-Mart in Duluth both are okay with us.”

“Okay, Lynx one find the nearest Wal-Mart, plot a course to it, maintain altitude at one thousand feet, you are in full control, activate all view screens with the terrain showing in real-time.” I said as the ship gently rose to five thousand feet and leveled off. It seemed as if we were only in the air for a few minutes, the next thing we knew we were on the ground. The Boarding Ramp was in place and the hatch opened.

On walking out of the ship, I wasn’t prepared for the crowd of people we attracted. Then I heard the sirens and saw the lights of the police as they made their way toward us. The crowd was silent until the police started moving toward us.

Luella and Ashley were right behind me as I made my way to the first of many officers. As I got closer to the crowd, they made way for me allowing the officers to come toward me quicker.

Reaching into my pocket for my identification was a bad idea when I saw the officers pull their guns free and my protectors pulled their Disrupters free, unfortunately, I was in the middle of everyone. The minds I sampled were mixed as to whom we were and fear.

Pulling my ID out of my pocket I said, “Put your weapons away, I’m UN Admiral Blake and these are my Marine Security Detail. We brought my mother in law and sisters in laws to do some shopping.” I said as I heard a collective sigh of relief as the cops put their weapons away.

A State Trooper came forward, looked at my ID and said, “Admiral, you scared the hell out of us when we saw your ship.”

“This is the baby, wait until you see the mother.” I said jokingly with the cop saying, “You have bigger toys than this one? Please don’t bring them here. Now that we’ve established who you are and what you’re going to do, we’ll keep the crowds at bay.” Thanking the officer, I collected everyone and went into the store very quickly.

I’ve seen power shoppers before, however these women beat them all. Mom had six overloaded carts and the girls had three overloaded carts apiece. I felt guilty and paid for everything at four different cashiers and used a Magic Marker to mark the bags to their owners placing them into the carts.

We finally left the store with all of their booty with mom being angry with me for paying for their purchases. Noticing their Press badges I avoided the Press and TV cameras giving them to Ashley to deal with. In twenty minutes, we were loaded, and were in the air heading for their home, the farm.

I used my Visicomm to call Mongoose to let him know we were nearly at the farm and we needed all the help we could get to unload the ship. He seemed a bit put out however they all would help in unloading.

We arrived at the farm; as soon as the Boarding Ramp was out and the hatch opened, Mongoose entered the ship. He took one look at all the bags and decided that we all would unload the bags of goods. It was during this time his brothers, their wives along with their children showed up. I think their jaws dropped once they saw mom and dad yet they didn’t say a word until Jason’s wife, Veronica said that mom and dad looked great since she saw them last.

I mentally pushed at Mongoose thinking, <Do I sense some jealousy?>

We finished with the bags, and then the girls took them to the various bedrooms to be put away later. Having taken our coats off, I sat with Mongoose at the table having coffee that his mom insisted we have while our Marines relaxed nearby.

It was then I was introduced to Charles and his wife Mary with their two babies Claire and George, Frank and his wife Cheryl with their three babies Florence, David and Michael, and of course Jason and Veronica with their baby Michelle. To be honest I liked them all, including Veronica who somehow had calmed down and became normal. There was no mistaking that that they were all brothers, as they looked similar to each other.

As we spoke, it was finally mentioned about what happened to their mom and what the AI did to correct the problem. When asked if they wanted the Enhancement there was no hesitation on any of their parts. Mongoose took them all including the children to the ship after it was explained that the Enhancement was down to the DNA level and it corrected any flaws in DNA, without telling them of my change in sex.

While they went with Mongoose, I stayed seated with our Marines at the table when Mom came into the kitchen wondering where everyone was. I explained they were in the ship with Mongoose and would be back soon.

Sometime later, they returned with me seeing very little change in the toddlers or babies, however, the greatest changes were in the adults. The guys were younger and built up like Mongoose. The women were younger, with less weight not that they were fat (just some added poundage left over from their pregnancies.) with curves to make normal men cry for desire of their bodies. I saw the pride they had for themselves now and the love their husbands had for them.

Mom gathered everyone and gave them jobs to do to help prepare the evening meal. In no time at all, we were all seated and eating a super home cooked meal of venison stew. After a delicious desert of apple pie, we cleaned up the kitchen and the dishes.

While the children went on their various ways, we sat at the table enjoying our coffee. Suddenly Mongoose’s parents had a strange look on their faces with Mom saying, “My head is full of voices, am I going psychotic?”

“You too, I thought it was just me that was hearing them.” Dad said grabbing his head.

“Your telepathy just kicked in along with other things Mom and dad; you’ll learn to control those other voices and the other gifts. Just imagine a wall separating you from those voices or thoughts.” I said softly with Mongoose saying, “Listen to her, she helped me out, and with practice you’ll be able to focus on just one voice or a group of them.”

“This so very new to us but we’ll try what you suggested.” Dad said with Mongoose saying, “It works dad, it takes a little while to get used to the changes.”

The evening ended about 10 PM with Mongoose and I going to our room and with our Marines going to their rooms very close by. We just lay together in each other’s arms and drifted off to sleep, sleeping soundly.

I had dreams all through the night with me remembering just two of them. The first dream was of my wedding day, as I stood before the minister dressed in a white, very long, lace, and satin gown with Mongoose at my side. My Maid of Honor was Jessica and the bridesmaids were Mongoose’s sisters, all of them. We said our vows to each other and were married. I remembered the reception along with how much I danced and how bad my feet hurt afterward in our hotel suite. Even though my feet hurt, we made Love the entire time when we were on our Honeymoon. It faded with more dreams then the second one that I remembered. I was in a hospital being taken to another room and I was in pain. The next thing I knew I was put basically into a seated position with my legs spread apart. Then it dawned on me that I was giving birth. I had twins that day with a boy and a girl they looked identical to me. I held one baby as I cried and Mongoose held the other smiling with us just gazing at our little miracles.

I awoke with a start with tears in my eyes. I must have woken Mongoose because he wrapped his arms around me bringing me to him. I buried my face into his chest and cried, but why was I crying? I decided not to have children for several years having a job to do. Was it my hormones acting up? I had no idea yet this was new to me.

Finally I calmed down telling Mongoose of my dreams with him saying, “Personally I think your Maternal Instincts just kicked in but I agree with you we should wait to have our children.”

“Do you think we should wait to get married? I mean we still have the mission and everything else.”

“Honey, you don’t have any family so why not get married out here? We can tell the family over breakfast.”

“Dear, I have to get a dress and everything that goes with it. Oh hell, I’ll have Mercury do it after we get back. I guess we could get married out here. However, I get to tell your mom and dad. I need to speak to your mom first; she keeps giving me strange looks after she found out my name.”

“Well I might have had a hand in that matter, because I always told her what Leslie Blake and I were always doing, from studying to going out on dates.”

“Oh Shit! She knows I was a guy! Damnit to hell, now I have to really talk to her and tell her what happened.” I said as I hurriedly got from the bed and got dressed with Mongoose staying in bed grinning.

I almost ran into the door when it finally opened to let me pass. Walking quickly down the hallway and into the kitchen, I saw mom. No one else was in the kitchen when I poured coffee for myself and I said, “Mom we need to talk, yes I was the male Leslie Blake but because of an AI foul up, I am Leslie Blake the girl and I love your son.” I stood still waiting for the wall to fall on me from Muriel shoving it over, yet nothing happened except her coming over to me and hugging me to her.

There were tears in her eyes as she said partially laughing, “So where and when is the wedding?” I broke out laughing wiping my tears and said, “Mom, when we get back from the mission and we want to get married out here.”

“Out here, why not, we can all help you plan the wedding. “ Mom said with me being amazed at how receptive she was to me without me going into long drawn out explanations. I was close to crying for joy but I didn’t, however I did see the woman’s strength as she held me.

Mom was like a whirlwind in the kitchen while I sipped my coffee, getting breakfast ready for the kids. While she cooked, we spoke about the wedding and about the costs involved. It was then that Mongoose came from the hallway, kissed his mother and me.

He handed me my Visicomm and I went through my messages. Most of the messages could wait until later for responses. However their was one for me from Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe or Pharth Leader saying they had dispatched
three, Galactic Star class ships in or near our solar system, its ship squadrons would maintain patrols for us while we were on our flight to Malikce V. I handed the Visicomm to Mongoose and let him read the message with him saying, “At least we’re covered when we leave for the Planetary Alliance.”

Mongoose handed me back the Visicomm and I finished reading the messages. One of the messages was from Jeff and Melissa stating that all AIs were fully functional and more were to be made that are to be placed in various cities in educational institutions utilizing strict security. They were also making the plans for the creation of the space fleet. Several of the class of destroyer we had at the base were being assembled down in Florida. Their estimated time of completion was in a month.

Mom was sipping her coffee by the stove when our Marines came into the kitchen. They each took a mug of coffee and sat down just as the girls and dad walked in. He gave mom a kiss and each of the girls when I told dad that Mongoose and I were getting married. After a great deal of discussion, Dad agreed to our marriage with Mongoose and I smiling at each other.

During the next few days, I was brought closer into the family with Mongoose being more attentive to me.

Sunday had come; it was the day we went back to the Base. We said our goodbyes, loaded the ship, and took off. It was while we were flying back that I began to miss those we left behind in Superior, Wisconsin.

Chapter 17

Landing at the Base, in the hangar we left the ship with Mongoose and I going to the house.

We Carouseled to the house, went up the stairs to be greeted by Wayne and Jessica. We told them everything that happened while we visited Mongoose’s parents, while I poured coffee for Mongoose and myself.

While we sat at the table relaxing, I had Mercury replace Lynx one back on board Lynx, carousel our luggage to our stateroom on Lynx, and I wanted all the ships checked over.

It felt good to be home in my own kitchen losing my thoughts of what transpired over the past several days. It also felt good to be without my protectors and people all over the place. I relished having this quiet time to myself that was until Mercury notified me of a screen Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe, or Pharth Leader.

I quickly answered the screen saying in Basic, “Yes Calliffe Dra’na, I’m just amazed you can screen me, please call me Leslie.”

I could see the tension drain from her with her saying, “Of course Leslie and you must call me Nerra, my dear. Yes, we can communicate thanks to our FTL capabilities. We only have a few seconds, of your time measurement, of a delay with the help of yours and our AIs.”

“Thank you for sending the Galactic Stars to help protect Earth…”

“That is the reason I’ve screened you, they need refueling and supplies, I mean the Wings do.”

“Then send them to Earth, we have lakes, rivers and oceans as a matter of fact the Base will be empty of our ships and there is Cape Canaveral, I’m sure they’ll help out. As for the Galactic Stars there are the oceans and the Great Lakes.”

“I am greatly indebted to you and your planet for the hospitality you are showing us.”

“You have fought and died for the Earth when we couldn’t defend ourselves so you deserve the hospitality. I will tell my security to expect your ships and for her to make all of the arrangements for the Wings.”

“Now to change the subject, please forgive me but you look like one of my aides and sister, Dra’na Kirra. We both served together at your Earth Base many of your years ago.”

“The AI…”

“Say no more, I understand you had no control, you must have died for the AI to make you a copy of her. I imagine your DNA was flawed but why wasn’t your Matrix saved?”

“The AI said it forgot or we have one kinky machine. Anyway I love this body and myself for the first time in years, tell Kirra thank you for everything for me. Since my parents are dead, at least I now have a mother to confide in. Do I have a daddy also or at least her mate?”

Nerra giggled which turned into a light laugh saying, “Oh yes indeed little one, Dra’na Kirra and Nor’tau Pattu will be pleased to have you as a daughter, as well as a Fleet Commander of Earth. Kirra loved the Earth and its people so did Pattu, they wish to return there to study it more. Did anyone else have a problem with the Enhancement?”

“Please send them as soon as possible as my guests. No one else, just me but that isn’t to say there won’t be more once the population becomes enhanced.”

“We shall see, that is true but not as many as you think. The AIs are a true wonder; they are a blessing and a curse with their logic. One thing is your AI submitted to the Hive is your plans of the new Assault Gigs as you call them. Our cruisers now carry them, thank you for the information. I must go now please feel free to Visicomm me at any time since we are related now.” Nerra said smiling with me saying, “As a form of honor you are my Aunt or my Mother’s sister, I thank you for screening me Aunt Nerra. We will see each other soon.” I said as the circuit disconnected.

I screened Mariah telling her to make the arrangements for our visitors. I then placed screens to Melissa and Jeff telling them what was needed. At the same time, I called for a meeting with the Captains, Markham, Mariah, Ambassador White, Shabez, and our Press Crew at the house in five minutes.

Nearing the appointed time, I placed an order in for food and beverages with Mercury, just as it started to arrive so did Mongoose, Wayne, and Jessica. I briefed them before the arrival of everyone; of course, Mongoose was catching the brunt of Wayne’s joking when they heard I shared the family DNA of the Calliffe’s sister. So I guess my DNA was a good thing.

While we spoke, our people began to arrive. However as it was the Press that was the first to see and attack the food Mongoose got everyone into the kitchen and had them fill their plates. Finally, everyone was here and seated in the Living Room as I told them what was going to happen to this planet.

For the first time ever, I seemed to grab the attention of the Press. Pat Sommers of the Associated Electronic Press asked, “They’re really here? Or they’ll be here as soon as we leave?”

“They’ll be here at my guess by later today; I just made the arrangements for their landing at the Cape, Houston, California, Virginia, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, France, Russia, and Hawaii.“

“Holy Shit! Are those Galactic whatchamacallits coming too?” Ted Jablonsky of the New Reuters group asked with me laughing and saying, “Yes Ted but only in the middle of the oceans for water.”

“I assumed they could gather up the hydrogen as they flew through space.”
Dale Evers of CNNI News said with Wayne saying, “Those ships can at sublight speeds but these ships are coming straight for us and we’re moving our Wing out to allow the visitors in. We’ll act as the new lawn ornaments to the house as long as they are here.”

“Our guests will be treated with the utmost courtesy; their ships are identical to ours in every ways so there is no need to go onboard their ships unless you are asked. There are no language problems but the customs may be different, that’s why Shabez is here. Now comes the good part, security. Security of our property falls under Mariah and her crews. The ships fall under the Marine CO and I want them all protected well, am I understood Markham?”

“Yes Ma’am and they will be as will all the Captains and Admiral be.”

“I think I just stepped into the dog crap, didn’t I Markham?”

“Aye ma’am and it was a large, smelly, fresh pile tae boot.” Markham said smiling making everyone laugh, including me.

“Our Marine commander is correct each of you will have a Marine guard no matter where you go, except to the Head and sleeping. I don’t care what anyone says your guard stays, that’s an order.”

I had Shabez run us through the various cultural differences with us finding out there were a great deal of similarities. The major problem that we all had were problems with was their military rank structures and ceremonies. Their social structure was similar to our own so I saw no problems at all. I dismissed everyone to allow them to move their ships from the hangar to the outside.

Just as Mariah was leaving, I called her back and said, “Mariah, contact the Sheriff I want extra patrols and the road into the farm sealed off. Keep in contact with your patrols and use Mercury to keep the farm sealed off from prying eyes. Work together with Markham, if we get an intruder let his boys and girls play with them for a bit then pull the trap closed.”

“You are devious Les; do you want a message sent to their bosses?”

“Oh yes! We don’t tolerate snoops, also find their base of operations, and close them down permanently; you have my permission to scan their minds. That is a standing order for your crew.”

“With pleasure Les.” Mariah said smiling evilly as I let her back to do her job.

Managing to sit down I brought up my messages on the HTV and settled in. Most of the correspondence was informational to the Base until I saw one from Dra’na Kirra addressed to me.

I had Mercury play the message while I gazed at the holographic image. I had to admit I did look like her, only younger, when Mongoose, Wayne, and Jessica came into the front door.

“So that’s your mom huh? Damn, she is a looker!” Wayne said with Jessica jabbing him in the ribs making Mongoose laugh very hard. He laughed so hard he ran to the bathroom causing me to laugh also.

“For someone over a hundred years old, I should say not. That’s what we’ll look forward to, if I let you live that long Darling.” Jessica said devilishly smiling at Wayne then grabbing him at the crotch and taking him to their bedroom. The look on Wayne’s face was priceless.

Mongoose finally returned and sat next to me on the lounger with me saying, “Honey, just how in the hell can I have two mothers? Oh, my other mother is from a different planet, we share the same DNA, but I was born on Earth to another woman. I’ll sound like a UFO nutcase. Your parents will flip out…they’ll forbid us to mar…”

“Calm down Les, so technically Kirra is your mom, you aren’t a nutcase, and my parents won’t forbid us from getting married. They both love you as much as I do.” Mongoose said as he drew me into him and kissed me. Mmm…he tasted good and took the vocal ramblings of the madwoman away from me. I was in a state of blissfulness with him just being near me.

I was about to tell Mongoose that I loved him when Mercury gave an ETA of one hour for the wing to arrive. We both got up, went to our bedroom to freshen up and change clothes. I changed from my slacks to a leather like skirt that rested four inches above the knees; a gold colored cable knit sweater, black, calf length boots with a three-inch stiletto heel and a black leather blazer. Redoing my hair and makeup, I was ready to meet the Wing.

Spraying on some perfume Mongoose came behind me and nuzzled my neck hitting all the right buttons. I was ready to strip off my clothes and his and have my way with him in bed.

I forced myself to calm down and explained to him what I intended to do later to him. When I finished he had a look on his face that dared me to do what I had described to him that I would do. So what if my bluff was called, he’ll find out later. I had to admit he looked spiffy in his new gold colored sweater, I was hoping that Jessica and Wayne looked just as good.

We went into the living room as a couple when I saw Jessica and Wayne, both of them in gold sweaters and leather blazers with Jessica wearing a leather skirt and boots. Smiling at me Jessica said, “Gold huh! I thought the admiral only wore gold.”

“You’re my staff and I decided on gold.” I said with Wayne saying, “Does that mean I lose command of Cougar?”

“Not yet anyway but eventually yes. We have a mission yet to do, I trust you all with my life, and I’m not taking any chances. Your decisions and thoughts always help me. ” I said as Mongoose and I sat onto the couch.

Mongoose was driving me crazy while we sat together as he made little circles on my knee that made me concentrate on the conversation. Several times, I was ready to rip his pants off and take him by force into me. He made me so Horney I was squirming while I sat.

“Mongoose, Stop that! You guys are making me Horney.” Jessica said with Mongoose smiling brightly, knowing what he was doing to me, as I felt an orgasm coming and had it. I felt like a limp dishrag and I was ready to hit him in the ribs when Mercury announced the ships were on glide path to the Base. I was so weak I had to be helped from the couch to the Carousel.

We arrived in the hangar just as the first ship arrived then the others arrived one by one to rest within the hangar. The ships were identical from ours by appearance. The humming stopped with the ramps extending and the airlock door opening. While this was happening, Shabez and Ambassador White moved forward toward the ramp and stopped, standing at attention.

Following his lead, we all proceeded forward and stopped several feet behind Shabez. Looking around I saw that our Ship’s Companies had formed ranks without me saying a word to them.

Finally two women and a man made their way down the ramp just as Shabez brought his right arm to his chest giving a salute. I heard the ship’s sub-commanders call their ship’s companies to attention as the captains joined us along with our marines manning the flanks of the ramp. I was so very proud of all these people and made a note mentally to tell them so. The lead woman saluted Shabez in a like manner that was when I saw Kirra, my DNA mother. For a woman over one hundred Earth years old, she looked to be in her late twenties, she was a looker, and we were nearly identical. The way the man held her hand, I assumed he was Nor’tau Pattu. Pattu was older than but not much more than Kirra, about six-foot tall, lean, with blue/black hair, and kindly brown eyes.

Shabez and Ambassador White said a few words of welcome and escorted our visitors to me. I returned the visitor’s salutes and welcomed them to Earth in the formal Pharth language. It was then I noticed the crews of the other ships had joined us standing in ranks like our people. Nothing political or militaristic was said just a general greeting to our planet and thanking them for protecting us.

I felt a tapping at my mind so I answered it finding out it was both Kirra and Pattu. They both smiled at me that I returned with Kirra thinking, < Our daughter is a diplomat too, besides being a warrior.>

I glanced at Kirra who only smiled at me and turned the welcoming ceremony over to Mongoose, Wayne, and Jessica. Just then, Kirra and Pattu came closer toward me with Pattu saying in English, “Little one, we need a private place to talk, let your staff handle the Wing.” Motioning them toward the Carousel, we used it arriving at the house in seconds.

Going up to the kitchen I had them seated at the kitchen table and poured steaming mugs of coffee for them. I started to prepare a meal after I served the coffee when Kirra spoke saying, “Sweetie, We both share the same DNA and by Pharth law you are our daughter. We are aware that you are an orphan and have been for a number of your years. What I am trying to say is that Pattu and I would love for you to join our family. We realize that Earth is your homeworld…”

“This must be very hard for you, but Kirra and I want you to be a part of our family unit. We have made studies of this world and we do understand how important family ties are. In our culture, it is the same.

Your three brothers are pleased to have you as a sister to them. They and their wives are looking forward to meeting you along with their children.” Pattu said with me getting up to check on the meal I was preparing.

As I crossed the kitchen, I thought about having family again, yes I did so want family again finally I said, “Are you sure you want me? I mean I’m an Earther and I used to be a guy and I was still a student…”

Before we left Pharth it was decided by the family to accept a daughter and that is what you are, our daughter. You are a girl that is of two worlds and you will always be a student of life. Do I make myself clear Leslie?” Kirra said unwavering with me saying, “Yes ma’am, but if it wasn’t for Jessica, Wayne and Mongoose, I mean Gary, I’d be dead I think.”

“Our beliefs do not consider terminating life when the person is productive such as we all are, including our parents, grandparents and so on. I have been told that Mongoose is very important to you, is that true?”

“Yes it is we are going through a joining ceremony called a marriage. We are mated to each other even now.” I said as I checked on the food when Jessica, Wayne, and Mongoose came into the kitchen.

Mongoose came to me and kissed me, wow what a kiss it was. I blushed looking at Kirra and Pattu who were both smiling with them joining their hands together and Pattu saying, “I really do enjoy these Earth customs I am so happy we adopted them into our society.”

“We are the teachers of the universe.” Mongoose said and then laughed making Wayne, Jessica, Kirra, Pattu and I laugh.

We sat around after we ate the meal I had prepared when I noticed both Kirra and I were twirling our hair. We both giggled making everyone laugh when they saw what we were doing. I even commented by saying like mother like daughter breaking the ice even further.

I hated to do it but I had Mercury clean the dishes and the kitchen while we went into the living room. The Mercury’s of the future on Earth will be a blessing to every housewife and child doing chores in the kitchen.

While everyone went into the living room, I went into the spare bedroom and checked it over for cleanliness. Everything was in order and I told Mercury to stock up on clothes for Kirra and Pattu along with giving them whatever else they needed.

Going to the living room, I noticed that Kirra was paired off with Pattu and Jessica was with Wayne on the loungers. Poor Mongoose was seated on the couch where I joined him and he brightened immediately.

<He loves you little one.> Kirra thought to me.

<No! I will not have my relatives sleep on the ship when there is room here. The argument is finished mother.>

It seemed strange to call Kirra mother but she got the message. Then I saw her smile with her saying, “You truly are my daughter as I would have done the same thing. Now we must talk about our mission, we are to be the representatives of the Alliance to your United Nations so we are to remain on the Earth. With your permission, we would prefer to remain here at the Base and commute to the United Nations if we are needed by Assault Gig.” Kirra said as she smiled at all of us.

“That’s great! Then Pattu can give Leslie away when we get married when we come back from Malikce V.” Mongoose said smiling with Pattu saying, “I assume you mean like a couples joining ceremony?”

“You must forgive Mongoose saying in the inarticulate way of his asking you to give me away at the ceremony but on this planet the father gives the bride away to the groom and…”

“Oh my, it would be an honor to do that, but on Pharth both the mother and father walk with the bride down the aisle, the ceremony is done during the evening when the sun is down.” Pattu said with Kirra strongly saying, “This is Earth; we will follow their customs Pattu.

“I kinda like that custom of both parents taking the bride down the aisle along with the ceremony being at the evening.” Jessica said looking at me; in fact, everyone was looking at me. The evening hours for the wedding and with both parents giving me away appealed to me so I said okay.

We managed to speak of many things that evening but it was mostly about the up and coming wedding. I also found out I had three brothers and three sisters-in-laws with eight nieces and nephews of various ages. They were all wishing I would come and visit them on Pharth or them to come visit me since they had never been to Earth.

It seemed strange that suddenly I had family again, I mean having a mother and father now with having brothers and nieces and nephews. Now I also had siblings that I never had before and it felt just right.

It took me a little bit until I brought myself to call Kirra mother and Pattu father but I did. This little act of kindness seemed to bring them closer to me however; I would not forget my birth parents and they didn’t want me to do so.

Wayne, Mongoose, and Pattu decided to do a tour of the base and to show Pattu around the farm leaving Jessica, Kirra and myself at the house.

In the meantime, we three decided to get out of our uniforms and into peignoirs sets, and mules; we all walked out of the bedrooms in different colors. Kirra was in pink, Jessica was in black, and I wore Lilac. Damn, but we looked hot! None of us knew how we were going to be dressed so nearly alike.

We all giggled when we saw each other as we left our bedrooms and went back to the living room with Kirra saying, “The boys don’t have a chance tonight, they will be ravaged by us.” With Leslie and Jessica handily agreeing with her.

Just as we sat down the guys came home. When they saw us the first thing they thought about was sex, and they weren’t disappointed.

Chapter 18

Several days later I was brought out of a fitful sleep, in the arms of Gary, by an incessant chiming. When I realized it was Mercury doing the chiming.

I answered the chime saying,”What is the problem Mercury?”

“Our guest wing requests liftoff in two hours.”

“Fine, notify our captains to be prepared to bring our ships inside the hangar. Do a complete maintenance check on them all. Notify me when Kirra is awake; get Melissa on the Visicomm in an hour if Kirra is awake.” I said as I woke up Mongoose with Mercury saying, “Kirra is in the kitchen. Melissa is online.”

“Melissa, our visitors are leaving.” I said with Melissa saying, “I spoke to their leader and all ships have been refueled and re-supplied. Is Kirra with you?”

“No, she’s in the kitchen but I can get her.” I said as I left the bedroom dressed in a robe and little else. I walked to the kitchen where Kirra sat having coffee.

I handed the Visicomm to Kirra and went to the coffee. I grabbed a mug and sat with Kirra that was still talking to Melissa. I sipped my coffee ignoring the conversation when Kirra disconnected.

She looked at me saying,”Melissa wants you to leave for Malikce V in a few days. I need Mercury to make an AG for me and the ships left me Security personnel, I’ve spoken to your Maj. Boyd.”

“Mercury, please make an Assault gig for my mother and father to use while I am away. And please do as mother and father ask of you.”

“Very well, it will be done today Leslie.”

“There you have your AG, at least you spoke to Markham and he’ll speak to your security officer as well as brief you both with Mariah.”

“Maj. Boyd requests liftoff for all AGs for training with Capt. Avers’ permission” I looked at Kirra and shrugged my shoulders saying, “Permission granted, I guess he’ll brief you later after the training exercise. Mercury, connect me to Maj. Boyd Please.”

As soon as I had him on the Visicomm I said, “Nice of you to tell me about your little exercise Major.”

“Admiral, my Marines were getting restless…”

“They’re going to be more restless being on the ships, give them a good workout but maintain safety margins. Next time clear your exercises with me. I’ll clear it with NASA…”

“No need Admiral, the Commander of the group that just left us said we can practice on them.”

“Very well then Markham, but I want a direct feed of what is going on by Lynx one.”

“Aye, Aye Admiral, Lynx one, send a video feed to Mercury for the Admiral.”

As if by magic I had a HTV Video feed on my Visicomm that I had transferred to the HTV in the living room. I moved into the room and watched as my AGs converged on the seven ships blinked out of existence and disappeared from the display.

The AGs went further out into the Solar System, turned around and headed directly to the seven ships that was their target. Once there, they sent the first wave of the Boarding Crew by Carousel inside the ships after noting the Shields were down on the ships.

Once inside the Boarding Crew released a short termed gas on all three decks that was to incapacitate the crew and take over the computer while the other AGs breeched the hull to help out the boarders.

Once inside the ship the gas dissipated to awaken the crews where their Marines tried to repel boarders to no avail.

On my screen the next thing I knew all of the AGs had breeched the target ships and then Markham was calling me with me saying, “Go ahead Major!”

“We are in control of all ships plus have neutralized the marines and the crews. Losses were light to us but heavy to them.”

“Well done major, give your people an EVA and come home. Also repair any damages done to the Pharth ships and assist their crews on how you breeched them so quickly. Download to their Commander what you did so that they can use it later.”

I smiled at Kirra with her saying, “Apparently our crews have a great deal to learn form you, it was scant minutes that they had our ships. I would like a video copy of the exercise so I might alert Nerra about our lackluster performance in fleet readiness. Mercury, send a copy of the video to Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe. There is no need to respond.”

“Sure, but Markham Boyd is out to win, no matter the cost involved, he trains his people hard and his people love him for it. Personally I think his people are all a little Sado-Masochistic, they love pain, but this exercise proves they can do the job.”

Chapter 18

We took off a few days later enroute to Malikce V and the Planetary Alliance. All of the ship’s systems were green, as well as all of us in the ships for this long of a flight.

After a single day we were out of our Solar System when Lynx reported a large ship. We dropped out of Star Drive and held our station when Lynx showed us the ship. I had the Bridge and saw the largest sphere of a massive ship I had never seen before.

It was a Gal’brith Mothership! It wasn’t as big as a planet but it was huge to me. I made sure that Lynx reported the sighting to the Pharth Motherships and ensured that all our shields and stealth capabilities were functioning. Nerra and Kirra were also notified. As a just in case I went to General Quarters when Markham arrived on the Bridge saying, “I see we have company out here.”

“Their shields are down and they seem to be limping along according to the display. Lynx is what we’re seeing normal?” Mongoose said as he joined me

“Not at all Admiral and Captain, it seems they are waiting for another ship for parts.”

“I do believe the ship is right for the pickings Admiral.” Markham said as he entered the Bridge area.

“Go ahead and submit a plan to me for getting that ship. We’ll have to cover for you if another ship comes.”

“I suggest the bridge, engineering, their flight bays and computer core first, that way the ship is ours. We gas them first, as we send in shock crews with more of the gas we used in the exercise and then we’ll go in. I’ll take in sixteen ships with the rest as cover for us.”

“Okay, do it! I want my ships back and all my people in one piece including you, take Shabez also. Use Stealth and your Shields for this maneuver. Lynx, what is the ETA for help?” I said as Markham went below to prepare his people and I queried Lynx.

“One hour Admiral possibly less depending on their speed of urgency.”

I felt the AGs unclamp themselves and watched the display as they went to our prey slowly and with caution. I watched as four ships broke away and attached themselves to the hull of the behemoth, then giving our AI permission to scan the area after the ship was taken.

Slowly the rest of the AGs made their way to the Landing Bay entering the ship, several minutes later Markham notified me the ship was ours and I began to breathe again. I was taken aback that this ploy of Markham’s worked it was then I considered the environmental systems must not have been working properly.

I had Lynx continue to scan the area passively while the rest of the ships maintained a defensive posture in a wedge formation. Our Marines were very busy in rounding up the Gal’brith with me getting status reports every twenty minutes.

“All AGs prepare for insertion, you all know what to do from the briefing” Markham told Lynx one

Lynx one-two-three and four proceed to your points, attach to the hull. Get Alpha Teams ready for Carousel insertion.” Markham said as he checked over the three people going onto the Gal’brith ship and to get rid of their gas canisters as soon as they’re inside the ship.

While this was going on, I had Lynx one cutting the hull so that the rest of the people on the AGs could breach into the interior. The other four ships would go directly to the landing bay, secure it and start their sweep for Gal’brith personnel to be taken into custody for disposition and trial.

“Lynx one have you breached the hull yet? Send in the Alpha Troops!”

“It is nearing completion; Alpha Troops are in position but taking heavy fire. Fire has stopped, I believe the enemy has been neutralized. The Breach was successful the Boarding tube has been pressurized.”

I was the first off of the AG but was not had prepared to see the mess they had walked into. Litter, crates both empty and full of parts, and spoiling food was dominating in the passageways of the ship. Bodies were another matter as they decayed in living compartments adding to the foul stench in the precious air. Paint was peeling along with fungus growing everywhere. The passageways smelled terrible so much so that the flight suits were sealed to keep from vomiting. Once on the Flight Deck I helped secure the prisoners and promised to himself to take a long hot shower after the operation/capture of this Garbage Scow.

Once the ship was secured by my people, who did an excellent job by the way, I walked around and was called down below by my Gunnery Sergeant that I had to experience what he was experiencing. Once there in the caves we called them (Engine Reactor Room and drive Spaces), I could see a gathering of perhaps several hundred human and non human people. I had found out they were all from a luxury liner ship and had been captured by the Gal’brith and they were all on the main course for food for the Trolls. After I had heard some of the tales by the Captain and crew of the ship, I was beyond angry, however there was nothing I could do except throw out the Trolls from the nearest airlock. I notified the Admiral in my report check in about the atrocities we uncovered and her decision was to take the ship and the Trolls to Malikce V for trial.

I arrived at the Bridge finally after I cooled off and saw there were only five Trolls there plus my Bridge people from the AGs. I noticed one Troll always watching me with anger coming from his body and eyes, so I took a chance saying in Pharth, “Well Captain you’ll be going back to Malikce V and then for trial at Pharth.”

“You’re not Pharth! Who are you? You help Gal’brith…”

“We will certainly not help the Gal’brith. Now to answer your questions we are not Pharth we are from Earth and the Sol Galaxy. Your ships seem to enjoy playing war with the Pharth in our atmosphere. You have been caught by us and we’re turning you over to the Planetary Alliance to be adjudged for crimes your race has committed.”

“They will kill us! We did nothing wrong!”

“How about piracy for a start and eating sentient people for more, plus all of your murderous plans for Earth, I think you’d better call on your Maker to help you since I sure as Hell will not and neither will the Pharth or my people. Jamison, please take these…Ah… people to the Brig and keep them out of my sight!” I said angrily just barely keeping my composure and sanity.

As the prisoner left my sight I began to calm down and noticed my crews were all cleaning up the ship and brought the Liner people to the crew’s quarters after it was cleaned up. My people even disposed of the corpses and the rotting food and then we were notified that the Pharth were sending a Prize Crew.

Once the rotting stuff was cast adrift in space the scrubbers of the air purifying plant began to work better and the air became breathable. I was able to give the command to relax our Flight Suits. Off came the hood and gloves to expose a part of my body that was when the Admiral Visicommed me.
____________________________________________________________

While relaxing a bit Lynx notified us that it had sensed thirty small hyper footprints going toward the Gal’brith Mothership.

“Lynx one, you have company enroute to you. Split the Squadron and take the defensive with Shields and Stealth. Shoot to kill!”

“Roger Lynx, we’ll leave the rest of the Squadron on stand-by incase we have to leave quickly. I presumed the ships coming are scouts?”

“By their signatures I’d say so and they are hostiles remember that. Those ships will do anything to destroy us, be cautious but alert. Relay to Maj. Boyd to disable all of the Scouts on the Mothership.”

“That has been done Admiral plus we have many prisoners that are extremely pissed, along with many former prisoners. Get at least the enviro controls working when we are finished we’ll deal with the rest. But I want the hostiles taken care of first.”

“Aye, aye Admiral Ma'am, the word has been passed to Maj. Boyd.”

“Good now get out of there! I want those ships crippled!”

In seconds fourteen ships were on station to greet our arrivals when they emerged from Hyper Space along with seven Star Cruisers. One by one the Scouts were disabled as they came out of Hyper Space and taken in Tow by us into the Mothership where they joined the crew of it in irons as they were dragged by Markham’s men from their Scout vessels. Their communications were useless with the help of Lynx jamming them all.

Just as we completed getting the Scouts bedded down, one of the Pharth Mothership’s arrived to take over the scene we had established. Their Commander, Commander Thor’ak and I had a nice long talk but they were amazed at what we accomplished.

Just as the Prize Crew was sent to the Mothership of the Gal’brith their mother ship showed up. I was told to back down and I did, as both Motherships engaged in a show of lights.

I watched closely as energy weapons of the Pharth started to dissect the Gal’brith ship as soon as it lost its Shields. Section after section was opened to space. I saw debris of parts, cargo and people begin to drift out into space as the craft vented. Several times the Gal’brith were asked to surrender with them answering with return fire until one last bolt of energy made the ship go nova and disintegrate.

For several days we all tried to help the Prize Crew get the Mothership of the Gal’brith get the systems working. The systems were a hodge-podge of pieced together systems of the technology that was stolen.

The surviving Gal’brith was a nightmare conglomeration of old Earth fairytale stories about Trolls with personalities to match those stories of both sexes and yes there were two. The Trolls as we called them averaged being five foot tall and shorter, with stocky bodies, large heads (with little brains) and a face only mothers could love (large noses, large eyes, large ears, large lips, crooked teeth and warts all over the place combined with stringy unkempt hair.). The Gal’brith in general were the things that children’s nightmares were made of. The people in general had no manners and were all slobs. Somehow I couldn’t picture this race in space and piloting a star ship, but they did as well as murdering sentient beings in acts of piracy.

Our Press people were having a Field Day as they sent their dispatches back to Earth, boring trip huh. Ambassador White and I have been to the Pharth Mothership many times, with each time we were treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. Thank goodness for Shabez as he ironed out the kinks in the protocols we had to endure. All in all we didn’t embarrass anyone or create a faux pas which I was happy that happened.

After a nearly complete overhaul of the Gal’brith Mothership my ships escorted it to Malikce V that took about six weeks. I had to admit it was a hub of government, commerce, industry and military. Ambassador White was getting antsy for his new Posting and our Press people decided to remain when we go back to Earth. There was no evidence that the Gal’brith had anymore ships but the Pharth Motherships remained in our Solar System on station, with their crews enjoying the richness of our planet on Liberty. We landed at the main Spaceport Malikce V to be greeted by Dra’na Nerra, the Calliffe of the Pharth. We at once felt welcome by all the speeches and the receptions in our honor.

At one reception I and Mongoose were pulled away into a side room where we were met by Nerra without my bodyguards in tow. She came to us and hugged us saying, “These receptions are getting boring, aren’t they.”

“It seems to us they are non-stop.” Mongoose said with me saying, “It seems that there is just one reception after the other with no rest in sight.”

“There are over ten thousand worlds represented here and you are heroes to them all for the capture of the Gal’brith Mothership and the destruction of a second one.”

“Of course we helped but the Pharth Mothership killed the Gal’brith Mothership…”

“The Pharth Mothership deserves the credit not us, we probably would be dead now without them being there. I am thankful their Commander came when he did.” I said calmly after interrupting Mongoose that agreed with me

“By capturing the Gal’brith Mothership it showed everyone that you are ready for membership in the Alliance, you will fight for them if necessary. I understand Major Boyd has been asked to teach Tactics to the fleets.”

“He has, I believe, and declined, instead he will go through your Tactics and revise them which will include small ship operations, and of which he is a master of.” I said with Mongoose saying,” There won’t be a pirate now or in the future that will not feel his sting, that’s why his people call him the Scorpion, a deadly arachnid native to Earth. ”

“The Barteth (Secretary General) has awarded all of you with the approval of the Alliance the Crogin Star for heroism named after a decisive victory of the Alliance in that region 600 of your Earth years ago.”

“I think that means we kept our cool and did the job.” Mongoose said smiling with Nerra saying, “I do believe that’s what it means Mongoose.”

“My Marines and Gig Crews did all the work we just took on the Scouts…”

“Those people get an added award of the Barteth’s Star with Diamond after seeing the video of the assault and the action inside of the Gal’brith Mothership.

Now I have a further gift for you since you are to be joined in a ceremony.” Nerra went to the table and retrieved a box approximately 12”x12” weighing a pound or two and handed it to me with her saying, “Inside is what we call the Orb of Serenity for your family. It is to be placed in your domicile where you reside. The one I give you has been in our family for generations and we want you to have it. Never will you argue nor have biting words in your home.”

“We thank you Aunt Nerra for the gift and tell the entire family we’ll be back to visit for a lot longer then this without the Matters of State taking precedence.” I said as Mongoose and I hugged her with her tears running down her face and mine.

“Aw Crap! Don’t cry Damnit! There’ll be ships coming to Earth now and you’ll get to see the entire family Les.” Mongoose said as I dried my eyes as we both composed ourselves with Nerra saying and sniffling, “

“Mongoose is right, besides Kirra and Pattu are on Earth but the family will be there for your Joining if we are invited.”

“Of course they are but how many will be coming and how will they arrive?”

“I have made arrangements with one of our Liners, which will land in Chicago at the airport and we will be transported to the hotel and for further transport to the Joining in Chicago on Earth. Kirra gave me all of the information since she has been in contact with Mongoose’s mother.”

I was taken aback that I was to have family again after all of these years and they really did care about me. I began to cry once again and this time Mongoose held me close to him and said to Nerra, “It’s been so long for her not having any real family except Joe, Wayne, Jessie and me, now Joe is deceased so there’s only Wayne, Jessie and me.”

Nerra came to me and embraced me as a mother would do, with her saying softly, “My AI told me all about you after Mercury rejoined the Hive followed by other AIs. Now come and let us be bored to tears at this reception, then you can go back to Lynx and say you had a wonderful time even though you did not.” We laughed some and I was taken to the Powder Room and refreshed my makeup with us all going back to the Reception.

On returning I handed the box to my Marine Guard telling her not to drop the box and I rejoined the festivities.

Chapter 19

I needed this break from all of the Receptions that we attended. Ambassador White and his staff were quite pleased with the accommodations that they had along with the Embassy Mansion. I was pleased he supplied his own Embassy staff and guard detail as I didn’t want to lose any people.

The Alliance was in Chambers on the day the Ambassador took his oath after all of the paperwork was provided and there were was a large data dump of everything that had to be checked.

Lynx provided another AI to him and made all the necessary sub terminals that my people happily installed on their days off. I was pleased as this was one more AI for the FTL link beside the satellites we laid out on our course to Malikce V.

My COs where on time with their reports and I read them over and sent them off to Melissa Braun neglecting my own reports due to busyness, however I did get the reports plus action reports done finally.

I did manage to meet some of my family as they flew in from Pharth to visit with Aunt Nerra and it was a pleasure to finally meet my brothers, their wives and all of the children including the babies. I was in heaven with all of those kids being around me.

My crews of the ships were never happier as morale was high and they were enjoying themselves tremendously. People loved them that lived on the planet and they weren’t treated as an oddity, as they went about the planet sightseeing. They shopped, walked around, ate fine exotic foods and explored the planet during their days off from the ships.

The day arrived that we were to lift off after getting Ambassador White ready for his debut in the Planetary Alliance chambers.

We were getting our ships ready at the Spaceport for take off when Aunt Nerra and the Barteth (Secretary General) of the Alliance showed up with their entourages.

The Barteth named Lu’csh of the Tor’gafh came forward to me since I was doing a walk around the outside of the ships with Mongoose. We froze as they came closer to us and saluted in Pharth fashion out of respect.

I felt the familiar pressure as if there was a knocking on a door and I answered thinking <Can we be of assistance>

<Admiral it appears our intelligence was flawed and there are two more Motherships of the Gal’brith in Earth Space. A total of four ships and one has been refitted with a weapon stronger than our Annihilator that was stolen from the Lerkne cruiser taken several of your months ago.

They, the Gal’brith, got only the prototype, but that was bad enough and the Alliance wasn’t told about it until today about the fiasco. The Hive knows and will make suitable adjustments to the weapons but the real reason we are here is we want you to escort a fleet of freighters and several Liners to your home planet, a total of forty ships without the escorts.

The Freighters contain goods you do not have and minerals not found on your planet. The Liners have guests on them from other planets in the Alliance that wish to visit Earth or for technical assistance.>

<You’ve made me a target and that I don’t like. My crews are bloodied by battle that’s true, but we know nothing about the other ships and capabilities we’ll be traveling with so Shabez will know that information. There are many risks involved, too many unknowns for us. The safety of my crews is paramount to anything going to Earth.>

<The Gal’brith would have to be insane to attack over one hundred and five ships of war to get to the fleet.> I thought when Nerra thought <Perhaps! They do have spies on the planet and a trap can be set for them.>

It was then that a plan of action was put into place to draw out the Gal’brith and their minions so that they may not destroy any more worlds or get the necessary supplies to do so. I agreed with the makeshift plan and we lifted off to proceed to the rendezvous point for the ships after Shabez reported aboard the Lynx.

We met the ships at the outer rim of the galaxy and placed the escorts around the ships we were to escort and used the AGs as ferries to the ships to relay messages maintaining strict silence by our AIs with no Data Link which Lynx tried to logic me out of. For all intents and purposes we couldn’t be seen but our hearing was undaunted.

After nearly six weeks of travel and rest we finally arrived at the rim of our Solar System with no other ships that we could hear of. We drew parallel to Pluto and Neptune as we traveled on passing all of their satellites. We hit Uranus and all of its satellites but our fleet wasn’t there so we plodded onward toward the Earth.

It was at Saturn that we got two really big contacts with there being a great deal of communication being passed from ship to ship. I sent Lynx Two and Three to check on the contacts with them returning to tell me it was the Gal’brith.

I had Lynx run a scan of the area for battle debris which perplexed me more since there wasn’t any. I stopped the Convoy where we were and had the captains over to my ship so we could come up with a plan.

The plan we came up with was to hit the Gal’brith from in front and behind them with a third wing going for the sides in a hit and run tactic. While the AGs (All 84 of them) were doing their thing we would all engage our Star Drives and hope we’d get to Earth on one jump into Hyper Space and tell the Earth we had big company, very big company behind us.

The time had come as we released our AGs, the battle plan was laid out and our ships joined the pack. Our AGs were going to be a pack of gnats to the Gal’brith I only prayed softly that they would survive and rejoin us. We were now in a countdown and zero hour was approaching.

As the hours, minutes and seconds ticked off, I became more nervous until the clock showed zero and the Fleet was off and running, running for our very lives with just our AGs taking up our slack. Once we hit our Star Drives there was no turning back. We took off; kicking in the Star Drive once we had hit all zeros on the clock.

As we sped across the galaxy I had Lynx send out the word Mayday that we were being pursued and we sure as hell were. I passed on to the ships that they were to go to various locations while the Squadrons stood by to fight near the moon.

The clock ticked by as the Grav Drives kicked in slowing us to a stop. Mongoose ordered new scans of the area when we saw the Gal’brith ships follow us when Lynx said, “I am reading more Hyper footprints besides the Gal’brith and they are an unknown to this AI but very large.”

Continue to scan and track all footprints, Shabez give the word to scatter the convoy and for our ships to form a line abreast on us, charge all weapons, General Quarters!”

Shabez gave the prearranged code word for our convoy to split up and head to the Earth at max speed while the Alliance, us, stood our ground. We formed a triple line at the disturbance and waited.

Lynx was the first ship near the exit point and the first ship to get fired upon as the Gal’brith ship emerged into our space. We took hit after hit as the other ships fired on the Mothership and saw the damage first hand we were wreaking. Lynx too had battle damage and it was getting worse.

It was then the second Gal’brith arrived followed by the AGs and was she scarred up! The ship had gaping wounds where compartments once were and you could see the inside of the ship in some areas near the Landing Bays that were kept away from us.

The AGs were relentless making the Mothership back away from us while the Cruisers poured on fire to the first Mothership. It was then I noticed we had structural cracks and I gave the order to Lynx to shutdown all systems and to open the emergency airlocks.

It hurt me to pass the word to the crew saying, “All Hands, Abandon ship!” And that’s what we did just before the ship was destroyed while we all swam in space in our flightsuits. I checked the suit over for leaks and saw the other ships still in battle and saw a shadow, a very large shadow.

One shadow became two and so one until there were eight shadows edging toward the battle. Suddenly a blinding ray of light pierced the blackness and one of the Motherships was vaporized. In the meantime our AGs returned to their ships while Lynx One through Four was picking up survivors of Lynx and taking them to the other ships.

I heard the Comms as Otto Stein took command of the task group while we floated in space. Mongoose and the Shabez were tethering the crew so we could drift together.

As we drifted I saw eight of the biggest Cruisers I had ever seen (They were over four times the size of Lynx) come into view. They took everything the Gal’brith gave and gave it right back to them in spades. I heard the Captain issue an order saying, “On the Gal’brith ship, Stand Down, heave to and prepare to be boarded by my Marines. You will be my prisoners but if you resist, you will be dead.”

Four AGs from each ship plus our own Fleet went to the Gal’brith Mothership breeching the hull and Landing Bays until they had control of the ship.

Several AGs that looked like Corsairs picked up my crew and took us to the larger ship where we were taken into a bay. As I removed my hood I looked at Mongoose when I saw the immense size of the ship just as a doorway opened. I left the AG first and was piped aboard the ship and I asked the Captain saying, “Request permission to come aboard?’

“Aye, aye Admiral! Are you ready to inspect your new ship ma’am?”

“What new ship?”

“The USNS Raptor, first of the ultra heavy cruisers, this is your flagship ma’am and I’m Captain Willie Anderson your Captain of the ship. We were waiting for you to get back before surprising you.” He said as he saluted me, with me noticing his bronzed skin and flashing white smile, broad shoulders and standing tall at six foot and 190 lbs as I returned the salute.

It then dawned on me what Nerra said about new weapons when Capt. Anderson said, “We carry as much firepower, plus some, as the Galactic Star class does ma’am. We were on a shakedown cruise when our AI said help was needed by y’all so we all came to help y’all out.”

“Get my crew situated and take us to the Bridge, I want a status report from Major Markham Boyd, please.”

“I said as I was lead away by the Captain to the Bridge. As we move I noticed how large and spacious this ship was compared to Lynx but I would sorely miss Lynx, as Gary held onto me as we walked onward.

We took the ramp up to the Bridge with me first noticing just how much larger the Bridge really was. I was then led into a room off of the Bridge seeing a ready and planning room, then through another door to the conference room and then into a spacious living quarters.

“There must be some mistake here…”

“There’s been no mistake ma’am; these here are your Quarters along with your conference room and Flag Plot, Admiral. You are also requested to Visicomm Melissa Braun.”

“Have Major Boyd report to me here and please see that my old crew is assimilated with your crew. Since these are our quarters I need to change clothes and shower. I also want that Gal’brith crew in irons and the ship cleaned and repaired. I want a message sent to the Pharth Mothership sent to it to go home but keep the Task Force together. ”

I dismissed the Captain and took Gary into the bath after I told the AI to make us new clothes and stock up the room for us.

I literally was shaking from fear as I undressed and Mongoose undressed. He held me close to him when he saw I was shaking and comforted me as I then began to cry heavily. We came so very close to dying, not just me but everyone, but the ship was the one that died. I grieved the death of the ship!

Mongoose got me calmed down enough and we took our shower together as he held and caressed me to him. I loved this man and he loved me along with being my strength, I never wanted him to leave me for any reason.

I finally got my mental faculties back from whatever place it was hiding. I got dressed in my new uniform noting that Raptor had replicated all of the badges I had on the old uniform.

<Raptor, Visicomm Kirra, Nerra, Melissa into the lounge in five minutes after we get some coffee and something to eat.>

<Has the core from Lynx been found?”

<Affirmative, it is intact Admiral and aboard Lynx one.>

Mongoose and I went to the kitchenette and grabbed coffee and pastries when Markham entered the room. I told him to do the same as what we were doing and retreated to the lounge area.

“Raptor have Cougar’s CO and XO report to me aboard this vessel by Carousel and notify Captain Anderson they’re coming..”

“It will be done.”

“Markham you’re a bit out of uniform aren’t you?”

“Not in the least Ma’am, why?”

“I want my Colonels in the correct uniform Colonel and I want silver birds on it.”

“But ma’am…”

“Markham no arguments you have a great deal of Marines under your command and when I call my staff together I expect you wherever I am. Raptor please change the rank marking on Colonel Boyd’s uniform.” In seconds Markham was wearing the silver Eagles of a Colonel and I led them into the lounge.

I made myself comfortable with the others following suit following my example and I had the Visicomm call placed. In seconds I was connected and speaking to them all.

“Did my charges get through? My report is the loss of one of our ships Lynx, the destruction of a Gal’brith Mothership and the capture of another one plus the crew. And if it wasn’t for the Heavy Cruisers led by Captain Anderson we might have been all been destroyed.

“Yes they did Leslie and we put them all to work and they’re unloading as we speak.” Melissa said

“Were on Geal‘le, was the Pharth Mothership during all of this?” Nerra asked keeping her cool with me saying, “I have no idea but it wasn’t in this Galaxy or we would have found it as we were running silent. If you follow our flight plan, there was no way we couldn’t have found them.”

Nerra was looking around her office when I heard from someone was in the room say that the orders where to remain in that Galaxy and render all assistance necessary.

“I believe you heard the Fleet Commander.”

“My crew and I almost got our asses roasted, that person in command of that ship should be brought up on charges. I would never tolerate a gross negligence of duty that, that person has done.”

“Call up the… Perseverance, I want the High Commander to hear why he’s getting relieved of command.” The Fleet Commander said with Nerra nodding her head in agreement.

Perhaps two seconds later a forth person was added to the Hologram with the Fleet Commander saying, “High Commander Ro’erra why were you not on station near the planet Earth?”

“We were right on the rim sir…”

“Do not lie to me, Earth ships were attacked and they lost one of then. They have no reason to lie, as you were nowhere around when they scanned the area but they did find the Gal’brith ships that were laying in wait. As Fleet Commander I relieve you of duty and place you under arrest for dereliction of duty and disobeying orders which a Military Tribunal will hear your case however I will recommend dismissal and banishment for cowardice. You are also reduced in rank to Sub-Lieutenant and placed into Brig confinement with Commander Oll’era taking command.” The Fleet Commander said being totally angry at the young politician.

“We’re also keeping the Prize ship but you’ll take the crew back to Malikce V for trial Commander Oll’era that ship will be my new Command ship after refitting.”

“I agree with you Admiral and the crews of the Cruisers need time to stand down after the battle.” Kirra said with me saying, “I agree, Commander Oll’era?”

“Yes ma’am, I am listening.”

I hope your Brig is quite large for the Gal’brith we have. See Commander Ler’ale Shabez when you arrive for the prisoner transport as he took upon himself to help with the repairs to the ship. He’s my Pharth liaison and will help you.”

“I will Admiral and Fleet Commander I will not disappoint you but be aware of the politics High Commander Ro’erra was involved in.”

“I am aware of his family ties and the military is no place for them and I will not tolerate it within my ranks. I thank you for that bit of advice.”

“Admiral, my ship will be at your moon in thirty of your minutes, your AI will know of our arrival.”

“Raptor, have Shabez contact me, now I thank you all for the support on this matter…”

“I expect my officers to follow my orders…” The Fleet Commander was saying when Kirra cut him off by saying, “Nal’loo Verta’ige, this had to be handled by you and no one else. That man was arrogant perhaps due to his family ties, but we have new allies and the Alliance must be kept strong as the Gal’brith, have shown us.”

“I agree Madam Dra’na Kirra and so does the peacemakers of the Alliance. We the military are your peacemakers.”

“Why are you so quiet Melissa? Did I overstep my…” I said with Melissa saying, “Not in the least, I was thinking about how close we came to losing you because of that man. We need you, so don’t go getting killed on us.”

“I have no intentions of dying; besides I have a great deal of things to do with my life and my husband.”

There was an announcement over the intercom about Shabez being outside the door. I acknowledged the Marine and Shabez came in and I waved him to a seat saying, “I have Shabez with me now and I am asking that you promote him to High Commander for his courage under fire and his command over all of the AGs.”

“I agree, High Commander Ler’ale Shabez as liaison to the planet Earth you’ve proved yourself many times over and have made Pharth proud of you. I award you your new rank of High Commander…

“And I award you and Colonel Boyd the Pharth Cross of Valor. Raptor make both awards for the High Commander.” Nerra said smiling as Shabez and Colonel Boyd were speechless by the honor bestowed on them when Melissa said, “And I award Shabez and Markham the Earth Star for helping protect the Earth by order of the Secretary General and General Assembly of the United Nations which all of you also deserve in the fleet, Raptor has the drawing of the award.”

I saw that Shabez and Markham were in a state of shock then they both saluted us and I made them both sit down when I said to Melissa, “We now have a Mothership but I need to make a few modifications to it to bring Heavy Cruisers into it.”

“Pardon me Admiral, but it’ll take all of these brutes plus the Star Cruisers or at least several wings of them.” Shabez said softly with Markham saying, “The Marine and the AG crews have the ship almost clean and the Lynx computer core is almost in.

“Draw what you need of manpower from the Task Force; Captain Avers will assist you in whatever you or Lynx need. Notify Lynx that the new ship’s name will be Earth’s Star, a Galaxy Class Starship and let the Hive know about my decision. Is that okay with you Melissa?”

“I think the General Assembly will go for it. I can see you have everything in hand so I’ll get back to what I was doing.” Melissa said as she disconnected with Kirra saying, “Nerra and Fleet Admiral Nal’loo Verta’ige you may leave if you wish, though now I may speak to my daughter.”

“As Leslie’s Aunt, I want to stay and I’m sure Shabez wishes to go and get back to his computer work.”

“Thank you, all of you, for an excuse of getting rid of some dead weight.” Verta’ige said with Shabez saying, “Perhaps people were afraid of him, at least I was being the low man before, but things do change for the better.”

“Shabez, our doors are always open to you and the Earth’s fleet needs you more than ever, there’s always a spot for you on my staff.”

“Thank you Admiral but I had better get back to the Mothership and help seat that core.”

“That’s a good idea; I’ll be there soon to help out.” Mongoose said with Kirra saying,”When will you be homeward bound Little One?”

“Soon mother, we have to get some projects finished on the Mothership. You’d better find room for Raptor, perhaps the next hill over near the lake.”

“It’s taken care of and that was the spot I told Mercury to start building at.” Kirra said with Nerra saying, “That prize ship is bigger than ours so I suggest it land at your Cape Canaveral.”

“I agree and I think Shabez can handle the job, I’ll send the Pharth ships home with your Mothership then.”

“That would be fine with everyone here, even the Fleet Admiral agrees with you.” Nerra said as we all said our good-byes and disconnected with my turning back to Markham saying, “And what were all of the Marines doing on the AGs when you took off?”

“That was our duty station and I figured we’d be needed.”

“I thank our lords above that none of you were killed by those monsters but I saw were all the AGs really left their marks on the hulls. Markham you’re assigned to my staff and you promote your Marines accordingly and if I let you go on another mission it will be far and few, do you read me Colonel?”

“Yes madam but…”

“No buts sir, we all need you, now make sure I have my bodyguards.” I said as Markham cringed and left the stateroom with Mongoose smiling and then laughing out loud with me saying, “I know I was harsh on him but…”

“Naw Les, he bet me before you were going to ream him out and he won.”

Oh and you said I wasn’t going to ream him out?”

“Yep, but you were right and he knows it, I don’t think he expected the promotion and then the reaming now, what about that crew in the Brig?”

“When the Pharth Mothership arrive get rid of them all, let the Pharth deal with them, all I want is for the Mothership to be ready for our next operation.”

I went over to Mongoose and I kissed him, I was so happy to have him with me and I was happy we were all alive.

Chapter 20

It took several weeks for me to shift my flag to the Earth’s Star after the hull was repaired. Lynx was now called Star and seemed like its old self, (What can you say it’s an AI?). We’re finally rid of our prisoners and they were not at all happy about leaving us. My priorities were to get the Mothership ready to enter the atmosphere and not prisoners, but they were treated well by the crew. I had the task group go back to the base and used the crews of the heavy cruisers to get us ready and that worked out wonderfully. I spoke to Melissa several times and received more crewmembers with each material run our Heavy Cruisers made for us and that was a great deal of runs from various areas of the planet.

Our planet wide Aircraft Wings were growing and I placed all of my experienced Captains in charge of those Wings. I also promoted them to Commodores of their own Wings. My staff also had promotions to that of Rear Admiral for Wayne and Mongoose and in Jessica’s case to Captain that she was more than happy with.

Colonel Markham Boyd was stealing personnel from all over the planet that wanted to join with us. I had heard some of the people from Earth wanted to go AWOL (Absent Without Leave) to join us on any possible adventure we were to have but then I put the rule in that they had to be discharged from their services honorably to join us. I have to say that Markham kept his Marines busy and never let me down.

The day finally arrived for the Mothership to leave the Earth’s moon orbit and I watched as Mongoose and Shabez took the ship into the new base at NASA, Cape Canaveral Space Center.

I was pleased as I watched our descent and finally to land at the Florida base being followed by Raptor to take some of us back to Wisconsin. We were greeted by Melissa and Jeff along with Rick Wade, the VP and the Secretary General of the UN as we left the ship. I sent Jessie and Wayne over to the Raptor to prepare it for our arrival.

Jeff was the first to speak saying, “Everytime we see you, you get more toys. This one is the best yet!”

I laughed and said, “But it was a shit to get and it cost me a ship, my own. I was pissed so I sent the big boys after it. I was thankful they were around to save our butts or I would have had a burial in space. Those new weapons worked well and this ship needs the works. Do you want a tour of the ship?” They all agreed so we took them on a tour of the ship, which included the staterooms and engine rooms to see the drives first hand. At the conclusion of the tour in Flag Plot, I had Star get us refreshments and we went into the lounge when Rick Wade said, “I’m amazed by everything in this ship.”

“I’m just amazed that we’re alive. This ship could have creamed us but the previous crew didn’t have the Planet Buster fully installed to maximum efficiency. We made a few modifications to the weapons, cleaned up the ship, repaired some holes and put the Lynx’s computer core into it.”

‘”Yeah, and it works really well! Well in theory anyway.” Mongoose said with Melissa saying, “We all read the reports you sent back…”

“The Admiral needed to be prodded to send them. She was worried that she overstepped her authority.” Markham said with Rick Wade saying, “I think none of us feel that way. Admiral, you did your job in protecting the Earth. You were fired upon, lost a ship but the crew was saved and Colonel Boyd and his people fought like demons, of course so did the Fleet. Are we by ourselves now, I mean in space?”

“Yes sir we are, but if we need help the Alliance will be here in force. I know we made many enemies but you of all people know what betrayal is.” I said with the Vice President saying, “Oh yes I do and he heard about our little talk and he apologized too.”

“I hope the spy agencies realize we are not our own enemy on Earth, we are for the Earth and the preservation of our planet.” Mongoose said with everyone agreeing including the Secretary General that said, “It was nothing short of miraculous what you’ve done and you’ve brought us all closer together into a cohesive planet, no matter where we are from.”

“That I would say is good I hope the goods from the Alliance along with the Techs helped out.” I said with Jeff saying, “Those teams are working hard to revitalize the planet and to kick start us into an Alliance economy which has Wall Street screaming because there isn’t any profit to be made.”

“Oh well, more enemies and the end of capitalism, maybe it’ll help the world.” I said with Melissa saying, “I guess! Greed has always been a problem, but now everyone has a chance to prosper and they will.”

“As long as we can manufacture the AIs until everyone has one which will be soon.” The Secretary General said with Rick Wade saying, “The only problem I see is distribution, them making their own ships and more weapons.”

“Let the AIs handle it and the problem is solved, they can put restrictions on the building of the ships, along with the Social Workers we brought with us for a peaceful planet.” Mongoose said with everyone agreeing to his logic.

I found out that Earth was granted entry into the Alliance unanimously and the Press people loved Malikce V to the point they were going out to the other planets and showing the Earth how the Alliance planets had prospered.

Our own Hive was getting larger everyday and our scholars were learning the Humanities, Languages and Engineering on a Galactic level and we were teaching our Humanities, Languages, and Engineering on the same level for study by other Galactic scholars.

We eventually wound down the meeting and let the Tech crews follow the directions of Star and walked to where the Raptor was waiting for us.

The Marines and Side Boys were waiting at the ramp. We said goodbye to everyone and walked onboard to the tune of the Bo’sun’s pipe telling everyone the Admiral and her Staff was coming. I asked the Captain for permission to come aboard and saluted being then escorted by him to our accommodations. Once in my stateroom lounge I told the Captain to get underway for the Base while I filled in Jessie and Wayne on what they missed out on.

In no time we were home once again leaving the ship in Willie’s hands. We utilized the Carousel on the ship to get in the house to be greeted by Kirra and Pattu with Kirra saying, “It’s good to have you all back and in one piece.”

“It’s great to be back, now I want to relax and change clothes. Mercury hold all my screens.” I said as I ran to the bedroom to change into jeans and a sweater. I then went back to the kitchen

In the kitchen I made coffee and sandwiches for us when Jessie, Mongoose and Wayne arrived and helped me. Soon after we were sitting down to eat. As we ate we spoke about many things and finally about my upcoming wedding, that was when Kirra and Pattu came from the living room.

Kirra and Pattu gave each of us a hug saying, “I received all of your emails and saved them or shared them with Nerra. Now I bet you were talking about the wedding?”

“We were mother, and I’m not looking forward to it, especially with it becoming a media zoo.”

“You’re a public person just as we all are and the Press wants everyone to see you getting married. You are the savior of the Earth, a real hero to the eyes of everyone.” Jessie said with me saying, “I hate being a public figure, but you’re right and I also want legitimacy, so I guess we’ll go through it.”

While the women spoke together I noticed that Pattu took Mongoose and Wayne down to the Carousel. I found out that Mongoose’s parents received an AI from Kirra and Pattu, and hooked it up for them. Both Mom and Dad were using the AI for everything from running the farm, to planning the wedding, helping her cook and making new clothes for the family, Muriel loves the AI calling it Claire.

Since Mom and Dad had the AI, I had Mercury screen them with Mom answering and saying, “We didn’t want to bother you but we sure are happy you’re back. We heard about your exploits from your mom, she sure is proud of you just as we all are.”

“We just returned Mom, Gary is with his father-in-law in the Base doing something, doing what I don’t know. Did my mom tell you that there are going to be more family coming from way out of town?”

“Yes she did along with your grandparents, great-grandparents and your brothers and their families, I got their rooms in order in Chicago along with all of our rooms.”

That sounds fine to me but, why Chicago?”

“Alright, but who’s paying for this and what about a gown?”

“Don’t worry about payment that will be taken care of, as for the gowns have a look at what we picked for you.” Muriel said as five gowns came on line and I picked the wedding dress that has a detailed scoop neck, illusion long sleeves of lace, a satin bodice with beaded lace floral appliqués with metallic threading in fine silver and a pleated organza skirt with V-back, and detachable cathedral train in white.

My lingerie was a white satin and lace halter bra and panties, white embroidered hose and white leather, round toe pumps with a three inch heel with dainty leather flowers at the toes. I also picked out a full veil with a tiara.

Apparently I chose correctly as Kirra and Muriel said that’s what they would have chosen for me. I let Jessie and the girls pick the style of dress and the color by themselves with Muriel being very pleased.

I said good bye to Muriel and disconnected and looked at Kirra saying, “So what are you hiding from me?”

“Is it that obvious?” Kirra said with Jessie and I saying yes to the question with Kirra saying, “If you must know it’s being paid for by the UN. I was asked to oversee the arrangements being made. The UN membership wanted to give you something for everything you’ve given them so they knew you wanted to get married and the rest shall we say is history.”

“Well as your Maid of Honor, I think that was a very generous of the assembly now the next thing is how we’re going to get there?”

“I guess by Raptor and park her at the airport, Willie will love it. We’ll take an AG into the city. As for security turn Colonel Boyd and Mariah loose of the city.” I said as Jessie called Markham and Mariah to the house.

After about twenty minutes they both arrived together coming from the basement to the upstairs kitchen with Markham saying, “Sorry we took so long but we were going over the security arrangements for the wedding.”

“We’re taking all of our Marines using all of the ships, there on but we’ve had some unusual requests.” Markham said with me telling him to go ahead and ask.

“We have been asked by all of the crews to have an Open House on the ships. I’ve spoken to the Liner’s Captain and he’s agreed to do the same.”

“It sounds wonderful to me since there is a certain percentage of the population that has some worries about us. Jessie, tell all of the Wings to open their ships up to the public but maintain security. Ask Melissa to schedule the ships to different locations of the globe for people to see them on the ground and in the air. Have the AIs check everyone for weapons, explosives, or unsavory dealings as they’re waiting to come aboard the ships. Have the Marines on standby. ” I said as Jessie went into the Living Room to make preparations.

“I thought you weren’t going to go for our suggestion.” Mariah said with me saying, “Why not? We have crewmembers from all over the Earth. Let this planet see what they are offered to better their lives, have those ships carry more AIs as extra for the Universities. Now let’s get back to the wedding.”

As I was briefed I became aware of the complexities of the security involved from the Liaisoning of our personnel to them being at the wedding and reception. Finally they were finished briefing me and went back to the base.

“That was done very well dear, I think Nerra would approve.” Kirra said with me saying, “We still have some strange people on this planet but eventually people will understand that we are just a small part of the Universe.” Kirra smiled just as Mongoose, Wayne and Pattu came into the kitchen from the living room.

They got coffee and sat at the table with Mongoose saying, “We went for a walk and then took out the aircar. I took Pattu to the Grocery store and a few shops.”

“I much prefer the AGs at least they are faster. Are all of the plans acceptable?” Pattu said just as Jessie came into the kitchen to get coffee with her saying, “It’s all planned out Les for the day after your wedding.”

“The plans are acceptable Dad but why the day after Jessie?” I said with Jessie saying, “The Commodores gave the ships your wedding day to stand down for the day with the Marines getting the next day off to celebrate the event.”

“Next time have them clear it with us, let it slide this time.” I said not being very happy.

I went through the messages and didn’t see a status report from Earth’s Star. I Visicommed Shabez with him answering saying, “I was just finishing the status report for you. We’re almost to full strength on manpower. All power is at 100%. We’re taking on supplies as we speak.”

“Have you had any problems with the AI?”

“No, none, but the ship needs to be test flown and the systems checked even though the AI says all systems are green.”

“I agree, did the new Captain report on board?”

“Yes and his accent is worse than Captain Anderson’s southern gentleman’s accent, he’s from New York City. His name is Maury Mitchell and we get along together as a team.”

“Oh Lord, has the crew been trained for flight and operations?”

“We’re at 75% in all training and in a few days we’ll be at 100%. Our crew will be able to fly anything we have aboard Star.”

“Good, we’ll see you at the wedding then. We’re all looking forward to seeing you again.”

“I’ll be there!” Shabez said smiling as we disconnected.

“Mercury I want to speak to Captain Mitchell.”

In seconds I was connected to the Captain saying, “Why didn’t you report to me?”

“Admiral? Well it’s like dis, Shabez needed da help…”

“No excuses sir, you were chosen for command Earth’s Star for many reasons by Melissa Brun and Jeff Carson because of your experience in Space. Everything you’ve learned about flight is out the window now as you’ll be learning too. You’re ship is the first defense in protecting the Earth from anything hostile. You must know that ship from Stem to Stern plus some. If Star goes down, the safety of the crew and ship comes first and that’s in your hands, you have a great responsibility.”

“I realize dat Admiral so do da crew dats why I scheduled drills and Sims for dis week and a shakedown cruise for next week. I’ll pit my crew against all your crews in the fleet, dey are da best.” Captain Mitchell said almost angrily but regained his composure.

“Very well Captain, just remember you have a long way to go to prove yourself to me, we must always be at a high level of readiness to do whatever the job requires. Your crew might be tested by the Marines in the future and I for one want the ship to pass the test. ” I said as I disconnected with Jessica saying, “You were a bit hard on the guy…”

“He’ll do, he kept his cool even though he was angry as hell.”

“You set him up!” Jessie said.

“I sure did!” I said with Pattu saying, “Was that wise?”

“Our daughter wanted to see if he had nuts, darling.” Kirra said smiling with Mongoose saying, “The term is balls and the guy sure has them.”

“I want him to push the crew to see if we have any weak links. I want Markham’s devious mind to test all of the Marines on this exercise.” I said as I smiled at everyone. Everyone knew I was right as there couldn’t be any weak links not in the cold confines of space. I Visicommed Markham for him to prepare the exercise for Star that he was happy to do. We then ate our meal with us going into the living room to relax.

While we relaxed I thought of the day’s events. I felt Mongoose’s closeness to me that made me very happy inside. As the HTV droned on I thought of how far I had progressed. I no longer had the screaming in my mind telling my I was a male. I accepted myself as a female and I was very happy. I was so happy in fact I willingly gave myself to Mongoose and we pleased ourselves regularly since the first night of my change. I learned the joys of being a woman and I reveled in those joys. I was now and forever a woman and I loved being one as I snuggled into Mongoose with him hugging me back.

What could I say; I loved him so much and proved my love to him that night.

Chapter 21

Four days prior to our flight I Carouseled my gown and trousseau aboard Raptor, did an inspection of our ships. I was quite pleased they were ready to greet visitors; however I knew they were ready because of the AIs and all taking good care of the ships along with the crews. I was proud of the ships just as I was proud of the crews.

The days quickly went onward until the day of our flight I awoke that morning to the snoring sounds of Mongoose. I gradually disentangled myself and went into the bathroom.

I decided on a bath and had the water run into the tub while I did my ablutions. Walking to the tub I climbed into it and let the water and fragrant bath oil caress my body as I sat back with the water up to my chin.

I was totally relaxed when Mercury interrupted my blank thoughts by saying, “Leslie there appears to be a major problem on the International Space Station. They have seemed to have been hit by a meteor.”

“Contact Maury Mitchell for me.” I said as I got from the tub and was drying off.

“Captain Mitchell here.”

“Maury, Is the Star ready?” I said as I covered myself with a robe with him saying, “Yes Admiral, get Star ready to assist the Alpha she has been hit with a meteor, they’re losing their air out the hole.

Repair the hole, give them any assistance needed and re-supply them or bring them back to Earth.” I said with Captain Mitchell saying, “We’ve lifted off, and on our way Admiral. We’ll contact the space station to let them know help is on the way.”

“Thank you Maury, if you need help just ask for it.” I said as I disconnected. I quickly was dressed in a Flightsuit, noticing that Mongoose was still asleep, and went into the kitchen and made breakfast.

Kirra came from her bedroom and joined me saying, “You look worried Dear?”

“I am but Shabez is on the ship. I had to send Star on a rescue mission to the space station; they got hit with a meteor.”

“Who got a meteor?” Mongoose said as he walked into the kitchen in shorts and barefooted without a t-shirt. I looked at his tousled hair and disheveled appearance in general and shook my head in disbelief. He got his coffee and satdown with us.

“Your space station got hit by a meteor.” Kirra said with me saying, “I told Star to Repair the hole, give them any assistance needed and re-supply them or bring them back to Earth. We should hear something from Maury soon. And Mr. Avers, why are you in your shorts with no shirt or shoes?”

“Aw Les, I just wanted to relax, that’s all.” Mongoose said with me snapping back at him saying, “Just remember we’re leaving today and I want my future husband to be a gentleman and not a slob.”

“Okay, I get the message. Mercury, do a preflight of Raptor.”

“”This AI is in the process of doing one now that was ordered by Captain Anderson.”

“Very good, at least he’s on the ball. This guy is a keeper.” Mon goose said as Jessie, Wayne and Pattu came into the kitchen when I had Mercury Comm. Willie.

In seconds he replied saying, “Raptors ready to go Admiral, and the flight plan has been filed. I heard from the AI about Star. I’ve known Maury for years, he’s good.”

“That name just dawned on me; he did regular runs to the space station and built a lot of it too. He had a problem with a flight computer awhile back and likes to fly manual.”

“That’s him sir, that computer almost cost the crew their lives but he still believes in them.”

“That’s good to know Willie; I would like you to come over to the house so you can brief us and bring Markham. We’ll even have breakfast ready for you.”

“It’d be a pleasure; our departure is for 1100 hrs with an arrival at 1115 hrs. I want to give Liberty by noon.” Captain Anderson said as Kirra and Jessie got up from the table and started to prepare breakfast. Mongoose headed for our bedroom quickly as I disconnected.

About twenty minutes later we heard two sets of feet walk up the stairs with Kirra quickly setting the table as Jessie and I cooked. Kirra had just finished the table when we heard Willie say, “Whatever y’all makin’ smells mighty fine.” After I had them sit with everyone else I introduced everyone again with him becoming one of us.

After we ate Maury Visicommed me saying, “Admiral we pulled the crew off and took an AI over with supplies to upgrade Alpha. That poor AI has a lot of work to do along with our people. I instructed Star to give it any help the new AI needed. Our ETC is eighteen hours.”

“Re-design Alpha if you have to do so. Also enhance Alpha’s crew…” I was saying when Mercury interrupted telling me Maria and Jeff wanted to speak to Maury and myself.

Melissa was the first to be connected followed by Jeff with him saying, “You scared the hell out of the techs Maury by lifting off the way you did.”

“Sorry Jeff but Alpha has fifty souls on board and dey needed help fast.” Maury said without being apologetic.

Melissa was next saying, “Is the crew alright?”

“They’re just fine; we got to dem just in time and applied a patch over the holes.” Maury said when Willie said, “Hey Maury, turn that sorry excuse for a space station into an orbiting control station, sort of an ATC for ships entering space and entering the Earth.”

It was true that the space station was a sorry excuse due to countries always complaining about costs and lack of money. Now there was no reason that something majestic couldn’t be built as a tribute to mankind and his endeavors to travel in space.

“Return the scientists to Earth after Enhancement, leave the commander and crew to man the station after they’re Enhanced Maury, they’ll get new Mission Parameters via an uplink.” Jeff said with Maury saying, “That’s what I’d thought you’d say Raptor already did as you asked about Enhancement. The scientists are coming home after we make repairs. I’ve got people doing EVAs now on da repairs; Shabez is teaching dem what space is all about and about Alpha.”

“Can the new Alpha unit handle the station?” Jeff asked with Maury saying, “Shabez says it can and will handle the station, I trust Shabez and Raptor dat built da Alpha unit.”

“Now I can see why the Pharth calls those ships Repair Ships.” Melissa said with everyone disconnecting wishing Earth’s Star a safe journey home to the Cape. I must have looked worried when Mongoose draped his arm around me.

Willie looked at me saying, “They’ll be alright Admiral, Maury is very capable.”

“I guess so; I just wish I could share my wedding day with the fleet other than just giving them a day off.” I said with everyone just smiling at me strangely.

“The fleet knows and the crews appreciate the day off then they’re off to their missions to let the Earth know about its new beginnings ma’am.”

“Willie when we’re like this the name is Leslie to you.”

“Thank you Leslie, I’m mighty beholdin’ to ya. I never thought I be up in space again.” Willie said with Wayne saying, “That’s what I thought too and then came Leslie with those wonderful machines.”

“Thank the Pharth for leaving them behind all I did was find them. Now are you comfortable with the base and ship quarters?” I asked with Willie smiling and saying, “Oh yes indeed! The crew is comfortable and my quarters along with the XOs and quite spacious. The crew thinks they died and went to heaven with all the room they have and the conveniences.”

“Plus they have Raptor and Mercury for anything they want. Those AIs are amazing!” Kirra added.”

“Markham has been training the Marines in crowd control as well as security. Raptor and the wings go to ORD to stay with the Space Liner. Your AG is ready and prepped.” Willie said smiling showing his white teeth with Kirra saying, “You’d better prep all the AGs for the guests from the Liner. Have them close by as the hotels don’t have AIs and the might need a few especially Nerra.”

“We’ll use the available heliports, roofs and garage roofs for the AGs staging areas Markham said. The Liner said Nerra was bringing her AI with her and her staff.” Willie said with Kirra nodding her head.

“Kirra everything will be fine, everything seems to be in order. Our AG is ready when all of you are ready to leave. The Wing will follow us Kirra followed by Raptor. We will go directly to the hotel, check in and await the guests and Leslie to arrive. Willie, please join the other men and I for Mongoose’s bachelor party tomorrow.”

“I would be honored Pattu, I never realized that the AIs could make smaller units of themselves, I know about the Visicomms but…”

“They can but the core is needed and Nerra never leaves Aphrodite behind, it ties into one of the other AIs for her.” Pattu said with Kirra agreeing with Pattu.

“Willie we’ll be ready to leave as soon as Mongoose changes into a Flightsuit.” I said as I got a dirty look from Mongoose making everyone laugh by his facial expression and saying, “okay I got the hint, I gotta shower first.”

“I was wondering what it was that I smelled.” I said evilly and I refused to kiss him sending Mongoose to the shower making everyone laugh. Willie excused himself to make all preparations to get underway while we all spoke.

Finally Mongoose joined us with us going down to the basement to either take the Carousel or the tunnel to the ready deck where the ships were located.

Once we were on the bridge of Raptor Willie said, “We have a straight in flight since it’s a VIP/ UN flight otherwise we’d be in a Holding Pattern. We should be on the ground in ten minutes. I’ll launch Raptor One before we land.”

“That’s fine and we’ll be on it so we can go directly Downtown and follow mother in.” I said as my staff and I went to the Carousel followed by my Marine escorts.

Once there we Carouseled to Raptor One to be greeted by Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Bloomberg, Captain Brian Hunt, Captain Ashley Caruthers, Captain Luella McTavish.

While we flew I made note of how much larger this AG was in comparison to the other AGs on the cruisers since it was close to size of the Corsairs. The Flight Crew was very attentive to us and soon we were flying alone to downtown Chicago. As we looked at the view screen we were amazed at how pretty the Skyline and Lake Michigan was at this magnificent city.

We finally landed at the heliport that was atop of the hotel next to Kirra and Pattu’s AG. By all appearances there was still more room for more AGs. We all gathered or bags and were met by the hotel staff that took our bags to our rooms. I could see Mc Cormick Place nearby with the Arie Crown theatre where the wedding would be.

Mongoose, Wayne and Pattu went to the lobby to check us in while Kirra, Jessica and I followed our bags to our rooms. As the days got closer to the wedding my anxiety grew with me shoving it down and controlling it.

I must have looked a bit scared when Kirra said, “Don’t be afraid, after all of the adventures you’ve on, this is a walk in the park.”

“I know mother but I’m still a bit apprehensive…”

“To being married? I think we all get that way ask Nerra and Pattu how bad I was or ask them what was going through their minds. I was a wreck! Until your grand mother said the apprehensiveness was normal.” Kirra said just as we got to our rooms. I had the Honeymoon Suite and Kirra and Pattu where next to me. Nerra was going into the Presidential Suite nearby with the Attorney General taking the Vice Presidential suite. I silently thanked the powers that be for the hotel having all suites for rooms as most of hotels did today.

I went into the rooms of the suite and took over the larger of the two bedrooms off of the sitting area. I noticed there were flowers everywhere and I enjoyed them visually along with their delicious aromatic smells.

The bellhop had delivered our belongings and placed mine including my dress and trousseau into the larger bedroom, as the bellhop was leaving I had visitors. Kirra, Pattu, Mongoose, Muriel George, Wayne and Jessie entered the room with me noticing my Marine Guard in the hallway on the job. Everyone took a seat in the living room after kissing me and Mongoose.

Muriel looked well with her saying, “We just got in and wanted to see if everything is alright.”

“I think I’m fine, I just have the jitters.” I said with Jessie saying, “Don’t give us that! After all the crap you went through this is nothing.”

“Okay so I’ve got Cold Feet and I’m scared of making a fool of myself.” I said with Kirra saying, “You’ve always been in the Public’s eye, people want to see the hero of the Earth, so let them see the gorgeous woman you are.”

“But Mom…” I was saying when Kirra cut me off saying, “No buts! The Earth and the Alliance are in celebration, they are celebrating with you and they will again when you are pregnant and give birth. You are a hero to the entire Alliance, be strong my daughter let the Press see how strong you are.

Mongoose came to me seeing I was visibly shaking, holding me close to him and saying, “I love you and I’ve always told you that. We’ve bonded that’s true but now it’s for the legalities. I want you for my wife and my mate forever.” I began to cry and I was very touched by his words with him kissing me.

As I was being held my tears stopped and I told him I loved him too, that was when I was dragged into the bedroom by Muriel, Kirra and Jessie. I was made to wash my face and re-apply my makeup. My body no longer shook and I was starting to feel better, re-entering the living room.

As I left the bedroom to rejoin everyone I saw there was and added couple namely my Aunt Nerra and her husband Klig’tau Briese. Uncle Briese was a very impressive man built like Mongoose with long blond hair in a ponytail and fair skin with blue eyes.

I hugged and kissed them both with Nerra taking my hands into hers saying, “I understand you had an episode? Just don’t be like me, I ran away until Briese found me and carried me back, was your grandmother ever angry at me for that stunt.” Kirra agreed and we all laughed.

Chapter 22

The day of my marriage was finally here. After all of the rehearsals, parties and dinners I was ready. My depression and moodiness was gone at last, I was just plain scared.

Poor Mongoose had a Bachelor Party the night before the wedding with all of the men, including Shabez, providing him drinks along with taking him to various nightspots and bringing him back to the hotel. They threw him into the spare bedroom and left him. At 8 AM the men woke us and took Mongoose to get ready for the ceremony with him looking like death warmed over, while I was converged upon by all the ladies and we all were worked on by the hairstylists. Two hours later we were all finished with us all being dressed and ready for the ceremony.

We all made our way to my AG, took our seats with my Marines taking their seats. The Hatch closed and we were on our way. In seconds we were had landed with the Hatch opened and we were outside the AG being greeted by the Manager and his staff. We were taken to a suite and I and everyone else waited. As the minutes ticked by I became more of a nervous wreck until I heard the music being played over the speakers of the room it was then I began to relax slightly. While the music grew the more I relaxed until my Marines said it was time.

We all made our way to the foyer where I was stopped by Markham with him saying, “Pattu will be coming in about a few minutes.”

“I’m so nervous I think I’d rather do battle with a Gal’brith Mothership.” I said to no one in particular when Pattu arrived at my right side and Kirra on my left side with Kirra softly saying, “Smile pretty, the known universe is smiling on this day.”

I was about to say something when I heard Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s Wedding March being played. Mom and Dad took my elbows and led the way after Jessica, while the Bride’s Maids followed and then my protectors.

As I entered the theatre I noticed it was jammed packed by friendly faces with the friendliest face being Mongoose’s as he stood on the stage waiting for me.

I was amazed to see a complete orchestra in the pit as I walked down the aisle and up the ramp to my husband. I had no idea what was being said all I saw was Mongoose and thought of him until the minister grabbed my attention by saying, “I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.” We kissed each other and were introduced to the assembly with the applause being thunderous in our joining.

If I sound a little out of it I was as this was a part of a dream that came true, now all there was, was for me to have our children that I looked forward to doing.

Things were going pretty fast for me as we were taken into the reception area and formed a reception line with our parents and family. We greeted many people from everywhere it seemed with many being from the Alliance with the Barteth, the UN with the Secretary General, and the US with Rick Wade leading the delegation.

After the reception line was finished Wayne and Jessica announced we were to have some special visitor and we needed to be outside to greet them.

I was in a slight quandary as there seemed to be anyone that was anyone here but I followed Wayne and Jessica outside to see wave after wave of our ships with them all flashing their lights in a salute with finally Earth’s Star making an appearance and giving us all a light show.

Epilogue:

That was over five years ago that we were married, my staff and I are living Dirtside now. Our fleets are now ten times their size as when I was married with six Motherships in the fleet.

The Earth has prospered with the help of the Pharth and the Alliance to the point of Space Exploration once again in a peaceful Universe. Along with the Pharth we have started twelve new colonies on Earth like planets and discovered many more planets to colonize.

Mongoose and I now have our house by itself for awhile until Kirra and Pattu return from New York. Our home has grown just as our family has grown with the addition of four children with two boys and two girls that are spoiled rotten by both sets of grandparents and their aunts and uncles including Nerra.

Wayne and Jessica got some land from down the road and now have their own family after they were married with a boy and a girl. Our children play together while we all work together to make the Universe somewhat safe. Wayne and Jessica are the most diligent of parents.

Markham and Mariah both shocked all of us with them getting married to each other with them living near the base. They both still protect us and the families from harm.

We have proven that the nations of Earth can live in harmony and once the children have grown we might just become Pioneers.

Notes:

Kirra and Pattu, Mother and Father Figures
Malikce V/Planetary Alliance planet
Leslie Blake/ Commander/UNNF Admiral
Gary “Mongoose” Avers/ Friend/Lynx/fiancé
Parents Muriel and George
Wayne Wilson/ Professor, ex-NASA Pilot/CO Cougar
Jessica Patel/ Wayne’s girlfriend/Cougar’s XO
Mr. Saunders/Lawyer
Melissa Brun/ UN
Jeff Carson/NASA
Gregory White/Ambassador
Samantha Jennings/ Jaguar
Mike Prescott/Tiger
Otto Stein/Ocelot
Gail McPherson/Leopard
Sean Scott/Cheetah
Maj. Markham Boyd, HM Royal Marines, SBS M/ Marine CO
Mariah Weinstein/Security/ Major
Cmdr. Brian Fields/ Flight Surgeon
Commander Ler’ale Shabez /Pharth commander/ Good Fortune
Dra’na Nerra/ the Calliffe/ Pharth Leader/ Klig’tau Briese/ Husband
Dra’na Kirra/ Nor’tau Pattu/ Genetic Parents of Leslie
Vladimir Shotechevski/ Secretary General of the UN
Richard (Rick) Wade/ Vice President of the US
Pat Sommers/ Associated Electronic Press
Ted Jablonsky/ New Reuters Group
Dale Evers/ CNNI News
Marine Security Team/ Captain Isaac Bloomberg, Lieutenant Brian Hunt, Lieutenant Ashley Caruthers, Lieutenant Luella McTavish.
Colors: Black shirts and red trim/Marines-Blue shirts/security-burgundy/medical-red/ship’s crews-dark gray/command-green/ Press Correspondents- Gold/ Admiral and staff-white/Ambassador and staff
Orb of Serenity
Barteth (Secretary General)
Maury Mitchell / Captain of Earth’s Star
Willie Anderson, Captain of Raptor
Fleet Admiral Tak’krez

Ships names: Lynx (My Ship), Cougar (Wayne’s Ship), Jaguar (Three), Tiger (Four), Ocelot (Five), Leopard (Six), and Cheetah (Seven)the Heavy Cruisers are named Raptor, Eagle, Osprey, Falcon, Hawk, Harrier, Kestrel, Owl

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Submitted by ackack on 2006, November 1 - 6:52am.

I have had this saved to read for some time now, and last night I started, expecting something in the 1890's. I was very surprised and delighted when it suddenly flipped forward 120 years and I had to stay up late to finish it.

Wonderful story, well told, and it had elements that reminded me of the Lensmen series at times, another bonus.

Nicely told, and as there are some sideline characters, there is the possibility of short tales as a spin off.

Thankyou for writing and sharing.

Andrew.

StardustR.US

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