Chapter 12

Kayden woke up as sunlight streamed through the panoramic window. He was on the couch, choosing not to choose at all, which was a choice in its own way. The living area was already bustling. Zlara, fully dressed, was humming in the kitchenette while packing up some leftover pastries. Clessa and Ayumi sat cross-legged on the floor amid a mountain of small electronic parts.

“No, no, you’re crossing the polarity flux. You have to feed the secondary sensor array through the primary port before you secure the resonance capacitor, or you’ll get harmonic feedback that’ll fry the whole relay!” Clessa lectured.

“I thought the energy flow required reverse sequencing on these older models,” Ayumi countered, her single eye narrowed in concentration as she fiddled with a small piece of wiring.

“You think? Don’t think, know! Look at the schematics! The data is your god now, Ayumi, not your gut!” the mechanic huffed dramatically before her expression softened, seeing the younger girl’s shoulders slump. “But good question. It means you’re actually thinking like a tech, not just parts-swapper. Try it again, but add an inhibitor to the power line first.” Rina emerged from the master bedroom, tits out, swim trunks on. She didn’t say a word to anyone, just walked onto the balcony with her coffee, silhouetting herself against the morning view. Zynphoria floated near her, the Phanso girl also staring at the horizon, a silent witness to another dawn. Alexa stood by the door, her posture impeccably straight. “The Port Authority main data center will be open in one hour and fifteen minutes. It is a fifteen minute walk. A window of forty-five minutes has been established for accessing, copying, and exiting the station without triggering suspicion or biometric log inconsistencies. My plan accounts for three potential security patrol routes, two probable system maintenance windows, and one ‘unfortunate incident’ where I will appear lost and require assistance, creating a 92-second opening for data extraction. And--” The elevator dinged, the doors opening to reveal the small robot, 2102. A single, glowing optical sensor on its chrome dome blinked. It held a portable data slate in one of its small claws.

“This is the log data you requested when you arrived exactly sixty-one hours and thirty-eight minutes ago. To summerize, the Obsidian Serpent landed here for a brief time, they had a gas leak on board causing the crew to be rendered unconscious. The ship auto-piloted here and the crew was revived and sent on their way. We gave the ship a full systems diagnostic and it was back in full working order after we repaired the faulty valve.

“That’s it?” Zlara said. “Nothing happened to Ayumi here at all, it was just a simple medical issue on their ship?”

“That is what the log says.” The small, efficient little bot said. “They left here and moved to our sister planet, Peptos 3. They only place they were before that was Sloo-gata, this is accurate since we had full access to their flight data logs.”

“You know, that actually makes sense.” Kayden said. “Sloo-gata is one big planet of multiple dance clubs and brothels. If you wanted to hide a base that recruits young girls like Ayumi and Lira that would be the best place. No background checks, no ID required, no questions asked, it’s a lawless planet.” He looked at Ayumi who was looking down and fidgeting with the piece of wire in her hands. “Ayumi, after your parents ... kicked you to the curb, did you join any dance clubs to earn money? The kind without much clothing ... maybe in the ‘private’ rooms...?”

“I needed to make money ... So I joined a dance club on Neo-Olamen. The ‘Satin Pocket’. A lot of men paid to watch a teen girl from a good family ... dance.” Her cheeks flushed red. “They paid even better to do other things ... in the private rooms upstairs. After doing a good job, a man told me he had a better paying job for me on another planet, I guess that was Sloo-gata, but I didn’t know that. He took me there and I only danced and had sex for a bit before the SGC recruiter found me.” She looked down, ashamed. “I was good at it. The dancing, I mean ... and ... other things.”

“And that’s when they sent you out ill-prepared and you got that scar.” Zlara said, putting her arm around Ayumi’s now small and trembling body. “It wasn’t your fault, honey.” Zlara hugged her as she started to whimper.

“So we go to Sloo-gata, find the SGC base, bust it up, rescue kids like Ayumi.” Rina said simply and with a newfound sense of anger and rage in her voice she walked over and put a hand Ayumi’s shoulder. “And then we burn the whole damn planet to the ground.”

“I concur,” Alexa stated flatly. “Strategic destruction of Sloo-gata’s infrastructure would likely dismantle a significant portion of SGC’s local recruitment pipeline for the next five to seven years.”

“Don’t forget about your medallion.” Zlara said reminding Kayden. “We need to find Kimmy as well and take back what she stole from you.”

“Sloo-gata it is,” Kayden declared, his gaze sweeping over his crew. “Let’s get back to the ship, get changed, get this pink sand out of my ass, and set a course for the seediest rock in this sector.”

“Yes, Captain!” Clessa chirped, snapping off a crisp salute before grabbing her tools. “I’ll prep the engines for maximum assholery!” The return to the Stardust Drifter was a flurry of activity. Beach towels and abandoned swimsuits were left behind, their carefree vacation mood instantly evaporating, replaced by a familiar, razor-edged focus. Back in the cool, metallic confines of their ship, the lingering scent of Rosalia’s flowers and sunscreen was quickly replaced by the sharp tang of recycled air and hot electronics. An hour later they all stood in their positions in the Stardust Drifter. Kayden was in the Captain’s chair, with Rina in her pilot’s chair, Ayumi sitting in the co-pilot chair by her side. Clessa was down in her engine room ready for commands over the ship comms. Alexa was standing at the ready behind Kayden’s chair, as Zynphoria shimmered beside her. Zlara was in the med-bay, ensureing the P-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-P was functioning and working as intended, ensuring none of the girls could get pregnant.

“Ready when you are, Captain.” Rina said looking back to him while her fingers danced across the console of controls.

“Clessa? Warm up the hyperdrive.” Kayden commanded.

“You got it, my big-dicked space pirate,” Clessa’s slightly tinny voice replied over the comms. “Spooling up to full power in three, two, one ... We’re hot to go.” The ship shuddered to life around them.

“Are you ready for this kid?” Rina asked without even turning. “This could be emotional for you ... going back.”

“My only emotions will be rage and excitement to bring this place down,” Ayumi’s said her face stern.

“Ayumi’s readings indicate a 78% probability of rage and 22% probability of excitement with no detectable emotional response related to fear or PTSD returning based on a recent deep scan,” Alexa stated.

“Rina,” Kayden said leaning forward “Take her out”

“Your command is my wish.” She gave him a little smirk as she skillfully navigated the ship through traffic and clear of the orbital path of Rosalia, “The coordinates for Sloo-gata are locked. ETA 30 hours.”

They were immediately side-tracked when a shopping center space station was directly in the path between them and Sloo-gata after only an hour at light speed. The station, known as the ‘Titanium Interchange for Temptation and Stimulation’, was the biggest shopping station in the galaxy, also known as T.I.T.S. It was known in nearly all space traveler circles as being the galaxy’s single best and largest station full of every brand, every store, and every pleasure that a buyer of any species could imagine.

“It would be a good idea to get some fresh clothes for the crew to blend in with our soon-to-be ‘raunchy’ destination.” Kayden explained as he pointed out the large rotating station. “Plus, we are running low on some supplies.”

“The crew also requires a restock of various personal lubricants, stimulants, and other sensual implements. My own internal reserves of heated synth-slick are at 16%.” Alexa said. “The station is not out of our way, just a small detour.”

“That sounds fun.” Ayumi added in.

“The Stardust Drifter has been through a lot and needs some new parts.” Clessa’s staticy voice piped up over the comms. “This is a good opportunity to hit half the galaxy’s top vendors without having to pay shipping. Let’s dock! Let’s dock!” Kayden laughed and turned to look at Rina. “Pilot take us in.”

“With pleasure, Captain,” Rina said, the thrusters kicking in smoothly as she guided the ship towards a blinking docking bay. “Let’s go buy some trashy clothes.”

“This is ... overwhelming.” Ayumi said softly, as they walked through the massive sliding doors from their docking bay and into the main promenade of T.I.T.S. “It’s so ... big.” The station was a universe itself. The promenade they were on, stretched for kilometers ahead of them, its vaulted ceiling so high it was lost in a swirl of holographic nebulae and simulated constellations. Moving walkways crisscrossed on different levels, filled with a chaotic tapestry of species. The air itself felt thick, a heady cocktail of perfumes, exotic cooking spices from a hundred different worlds, and the low-pitched hum of a billion transactions. Sudden jingles of advertisements shot past them in streaks of neon light. Ayumi instinctively moved closer to Zlara, whose tall cerulean frame offered a small island of calm. Even Rina looked slightly daunted, her usual cynical shield wavering for a moment in the face of this sheer, chaotic magnitude. Clessa was vibrating with an energy that was almost visible.

“I think it would be best if I am the one who picks out what each of you wear.” Kayden stated A chorus of complaints.

“I’m capable of dressing myself,” Rina shot back, crossing her arms. “And I have my own style.”

“I’ve been dressing myself for decades.” Zlara added her voice calm but firm.

“I am proficient in selecting appropriate attire.” Alexa said flatly.

“My pussy is sensitive. I need to find materials that won’t cause chaffing.” Clessa chirped in, as if this made perfect sense.

“Kayden can pick my clothes!” Ayumi said brightly. “I want to wear what he thinks is pretty.”

“He wants you in scraps of sparkle and sheer fabric designed for maximum accessibility and ease of removal.” Rina mumbled.

“That sounds fun!” Ayumi replied with a giggle. “It feels like I will get to be pretty, sexy AND comfortable all at once!”

“Alright then.” Kayden clapped his hands together decisively before he turned to his crew. “I’ll go with each of you one at a time. The rest of you can find things you need, but wait for me in your clothing choices. Meet back here every two hours. Communicate over the comms if there’s an issue.” He looked around, his gaze settling on a pulsating sign with ‘Holo-Harlot Hosiery & More’ in glowing pink letters. “Ayumi, you’re up.”

“Let’s see here...” Kayden murmured, scanning the racks of barely-there fabric, his focus on how the shimmer and cut would complement Ayumi’s small frame and her unique history with clothing meant for enticement. “Not ... a schoolgirl costume, as fun as that might be.” he stated picking up a plaid-skirted micro-outfit with a ‘Headmaster’s Naughty Favorite’ tag. The store was a sensory explosion, with neon lights and throbbing music. Holographic models of various species Sashayed down catwalks that projected from the floors, showing off daring outfits. One moment a towering, four-armed reptilian woman wore a complex series of interconnected leather straps, the next a petite, furry alien modeled a translucent robe that shimmered with each movement.

“Need some help shopping for your kid?” a youthful, confident voice cut through the thumping bass. A young woman, likely only a few years older than Ayumi herself, leaned against a nearby pillar made of glowing pink chrome. Her name tag, pinned precariously to a scrap of vinyl that barely passed as a top, read ‘Vesper’. Her skin was the color of rich honey, spray-flecked with what looked like real glitter that caught the holographic lights. Her hair was a chaotic masterpiece of neon pink and black, long and flowing down her back. A heavy, black studded collar rested around her neck, from which a chain leash hung between her breasts. Her body was lean and athletic, her B-cup breasts covered by two strategically placed star-shaped pasties that matched the glitter on her skin. Below them, her midriff was bare, showcasing a silver stud in her navel. A skirt made of fishnet, showing off a simple black thong underneath, and a cute pair of heels with a chrome stiletto on each foot completed the look. She chewed her gum loudly, blowing a small, pink bubble that popped with a snap. Vesper pushed herself off the pillar. her hips had a natural sway as she sauntered over, the fishnet of her skirt offering teasing glimpses of the thong with every step. She popped her gum again, looking Kayden up and down, her gaze lingering on him for a second too long, before turning her attention to Ayumi. She tapped the schoolgirl outfit Kayden was holding with one long, chrome-painted fingernail.

“You’re really out to make your little girl into a schoolgirl slut, hmm?” Vesper asked, blowing a another bubble then popping it, her sparkling eyes locking with Kayden’s. “Nothing wrong with that. A lot of parents want their kids to look good in slutty clothes. Some people say ‘parents shouldn’t be letting their kids dress this way’,” she gestured at a rack where holographic children, that seemed to look only a touch older than Ayumi, were all modeling various slut outfits. “I say let them express themselves.” Her gaze took in Ayumi’s small frame, her single visible eye, and the scarred portion of her face. “Especially the ones with stories to tell.” Ayumi instinctively shrank back slightly, positioning herself partially behind Kayden, her small fingers gripping the back of his shirt. She said nothing, her gaze dropping to the floor.

“It’a a bit too on-the-nose,” Kayden replied calmly, draping the discarded schoolgirl outfit over a nearby mannequin that had bright orange skin and three breasts. “Looking for something a little more ... club-crawler for Sloo-gata.”

“Sloo-gata? Now that place has a ‘unique’ dress code.” Vesper’s smile widened, a flicker of genuine interest in her eyes. “You can’t just wear slutty clothes there, you have to look the part.” She turned her glittery self and started weaving through displays with surprising agility. “It needs to be something that says... ‘I’m here because I choose to be, not because I have nowhere else to go, even though I might not ... and also please want to touch me because my body is for the taking... ‘ A hard line to walk, but we have the right things for it.”