Chapter 12

The crew enjoyed the feast that Natalya had prepared for them, relishing each morsel they ate. The taste and texture of each dish enthralled Shazza and Luminia, unaware that such rapture could come from food. With everyone there, it wasn’t long before everything was consumed and everyone was content and full. Alex then called everyone’s attention, addressing an issue that was on his mind.

“All right. I know that we all have a lot to do and there is a fair amount of work to be done, but there is a mission that both Commander McKenzie and I need to complete,” he started.

“What mission would that be sir?” Inari asked.

“The proper and successful settlement of the colonists aboard this ship. It has been centuries since our mission began and we still have yet to complete it. The overall mission for the Perseus has changed, but that aspect has not,” Alex continued.

“We have been sidetracked and set off course by a great deal of things, but some of which are most fortunate,” he said with a glance at Natalya.

“I am a man of my word though, and we will stay on to help the Artucian with bettering their position. But the colonists won’t survive in cryo sleep forever. And I have not forgotten about the repairs that are to be made to the Darkstrider, which will be done. I’d truly be an ungrateful asshole if I left you ladies stranded here,” Alex finished with a smile.

“Thank you, sir! I truly appreciate the effort you are making to make us feel more at home here aboard the Perseus. Which brings me to a topic I have been meaning to discuss with you for the last couple of days,” Inari said.

“Oh? Do tell Commander.”

“Ever since Priya and I were discharged from the Federation Navy, we swore to not get involved in the goings on of the galaxy. That we would only look after ourselves and other wayward souls who needed help. But since we wound up here, after being chased by pirates no less, things have changed,” Inari stated.

“Finding the Perseus was something that I knew would our lives entirely, but our original plans were ... less than altruistic,” she admitted. We had initially planned to scrap the ship and sell it piece by piece to the highest bidder. We didn’t expect to find any survivors aboard and those who were good people. Ever since we met Commander McKenzie, yourself and the Artucian people, I found my faith in something greater than myself again.”

“After I was disgraced and betrayed in the worst way imaginable, I no longer could believe in something beyond myself. I thought believing in something was foolish, because I would find nothing but betrayal in the end. But now, having served with you for this brief time, has swayed me. Captain Alexander Tomisic, I, Inari Zafira Sunara, do formally request to join the Human Systems Alliance, under your command,” Inari finished, before standing up and saluting the man.

Priya looked at her lover with a profound sense of wonder and awe, never having heard such an impassioned speech from her! Inari was right, on how they had both sworn to be their own bosses, never serving anyone else, or anyone else’s ideals. Now, here she was, ready to throw in with Captain Tomisic and his mission, along with Commander McKenzie. Pree knew from the look on Inari’s face, that she wasn’t joking and stood with her lover.

“I would also like to join Inari in that request sir. Wherever she goes, I go, and that is final,” Priya stated in a voice as resolute as iron.

“Sir, I stand with my friends and shipmates,” Natalya told him, standing to attention. “The Perseus is need of repairs and unless you can find a more talented engineer to repair and maintain him, I would like to be the one who does it.”

“Natalya may not be my flesh and blood she is still my daughter. It’s a mother’s duty to protect her children, however she can. That and your crew are in serious lack of a proper medical officer, to which I would offer my services, in a more permanent capacity,” Korsa voiced. “I too, request entry into the Human Systems Alliance, sir.”

“As do I, sir. Since the crew of the Darkstrider rescued me, I have every intention of staying with my new family. And, as advanced as Jaesa is, you are lacking a cyber systems specialist that can help ensure that she’s running at peak efficiency. If you will have me as well, I would like to join my crew,” Taal’ani told him with a dead serious look on her face.

“Since I have come awake from the Spock, you have treated me as a proper sentient being, despite the fact that I tried to kill you all. You granted me mercy when I expected to be executed for my crimes against you and the crew. I owe you all a life debt, one which I would happily spend my life trying to repay. I humbly submit myself to you, to be assigned and ordered as you see fit ... sir,” Shazza said solemnly, as she knelt before Alex.

“I too wish to join with your ... crew. I have already done much that has helped them and want to continue doing so. Though I may not be a chief and can offer little in assurances, as it is not my place, I can say that my people would jump at the chance of becoming, how you say ... allies? They would wish that very much, I can say that with certainty,” Luminia told Alex and Kasumi before bowing.

Alex and Kas were completely stumped at this new offer! They had been certain that the crew of the Darkstrider would soon part ways with them, once they had both ships repaired. The entire crew offering to put themselves at his command?!? This was something he was completely new to! Kas looked at him with an equally surprised face, but it was mixed with acceptance, almost like she was glad for this.

If he was being honest with himself, Alex was glad of this outcome as well! Before he had left Earth and taken this position on the Perseus, he didn’t focus on finding anyone at home for himself. Something that his adoptive father had grilled into him, was that he needed to focus on his career first and romantic relationships second. Though wise advice, it was now something he was calling into question, as the career he intended to pursue was now gone.

That and the beautiful dark-skinned woman who had shared his bed for the last week now, had started to make a place in his heart. Alex could feel himself falling in love with Natalya and was feeling that she felt the same way about him. He couldn’t bear the thought of her having to leave, feeling as he did. And now, if this request was to be believed, she would be staying right there, with him!

Though his heart hammered at this, Alex knew that he had to be a proper captain and be detached when making decisions. The fate of thousands of colonists depended on his every move, and if he made any mistakes, their deaths would be on his head. He mulled over the offer the Darkstrider crew was making and could find no discernable cons. It looked like a win-win in his eyes, but he still had a job to do.

“I appreciate what you are all offering and with everything that has happened, I am inclined to accept your proposal right now. But, in the spirit of and traditions of the Human Systems Alliance as it was, I implore you all to take the night to think and sleep on what you are offering,” he said to them. The crew looked as though it would protest, but he held his hand up, to indicate that he had more to say. The women quieted as he continued.

“If in the morning, you are feeling the same way as you are now, then report to the bridge at 0800, in a set of dress blues. Or in what whatever constitutes formal clothing for your people,” he amended, nodding towards Luminia and Shazza.

“Jaesa, set the fabricators to craft proper uniforms for each woman here who does not have them,” Alex called out.

“As you wish, sir. The fabricators have begun production,” Jaesa responded.

“Wait a sec. Don’t you need measurements of us in order to do so?” Inari called out.

“I already have them Lt. Commander, via the video feeds of everyone aboard the ship. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that everything fits properly,” the AI responded gently.

“Oh. Well, all right then. We agree to these terms, sir. We will sleep on it, but the odds of us changing our minds on this are slim to none,” Inari informed the big man.

“Understood, Lt. Commander. Though I would still advise everyone to take the night to think things through, to ensure that you’re all doing this for the right reasons,” he stated.

“Yes, sir,” Inari responded with a salute. The rest of the crew was maybe a few seconds behind her, with Shazza and Luminia doing their best to mimic their salute. Alex saluted them back, coming to attention as he did so. With that, he broke his pose first and the rest of them followed his movement a heartbeat later. With that, they all dispersed, except Kas and Nats.

“Sir, I understand your reasoning behind giving the crew some time to think over their decisions, but why not accept them outright?” Kasumi asked. Nats nodded vehemently, wondering what her lover was up to.

“It’s not that I don’t want to accept them into the crew of the Perseus. It’s that I want to be sure that they will commit to the mission that the Perseus was created to carry out. I would rather have a crew that is all in, rather than half-assing their commitment. It’s all in or not at all, because partway commitment will not be enough to complete it,” Alex explained.

“That makes sense. I appreciate you giving the rest of the crew time to think it over. But I’m sure you know where I stand on the matter,” Nats said with a smoldering look. Alex smiled at her and drew both women into a long hug. He could feel their hands roaming around his back and travelling lower, when he backed away.

“As much as I appreciate the thought ladies, I am going to need to be able to think straight tonight,” he said with a chuckle. “I have a lot on my plate, and I need to figure things out, from a lot of perspectives.”

“We understand sir, just as long as...” Kas began.

“ ... we get to finish what we started just now,” Nats finished.

“That’s a promise that I can keep. Tomorrow, after everything has been finalized, I have every intention of pillaging you both until you walk funny for a week,” Alex said with a lustful growl.

“You had better!” Natalya said as she turned and left with Kasumi, teasing him with their bouncing assets.

Alex had half a mind to chase after them and bend them both over every console on the bridge, but he had a job to do. He had been honest with the ladies about that, as he needed to be sure of everyone’s commitment. He couldn’t have anyone being halfway about this, as anything less than full commitment to the mission was liable to get people killed.

Once he was alone on the bridge, Alex walked back over to the captain’s chair. He pressed a few buttons, activating the recording device he used for his logs.

“Captain’s Log of the Perseus, Captain Alexander Tomisic speaking. So much has changed in these last few days, since waking up out of cryo sleep. Things have transpired in ways I have not even imagined, and I am now at a loss of what needs to be done,” he began. He kept going with his thoughts and ruminations, until an idea came to him. The more he thought about it, the more he was sure that this was the way to go.

Kasumi and Natalya were chattering away about what had just happened on the bridge, as they made their way to the Officer’s lounge. Nats had suggested a nightcap, to help them sleep and Kas was of a similar mind, the both of them far too excited to sleep. They walked in and found Taal’ani, Inari, Priya and Korsa there, all talking quietly in a small group. The moment they walked in, Korsa waved both women over.

“Hey mama. What’s up? Can’t sleep either?” Natalya asked.

“Nope. So, we decided to all sit down here and have an honest chat about why we all want to join the Human Systems Alliance. Even though the whole movement has been long dead for centuries,” Korsa told her daughter.

“It’s not dead anymore, not with Ale ... Captain Tomisic and myself still alive,” Kasumi stated nervously.

“It’s all right Kas. You can call him by his name here. We’re all women and we all know that both you and Nats here are taking him to bed most nights,” Pree stated with a smirk. Kasumi blushed as she was put on the spot, but smiled, as she remembered the captain’s promise to both him and Natalya.

“Speaking of which, is that offer still open Nats? I’ve been a bit high and dry for a while now and I need some release!” Taal’ani griped.

“What is she talking about Nats?” Kasumi wondered.

“Well, I did make an offer to Talon here, about letting her jump in with Alex, if he was amenable to it. She more or less found out about how Alex and I spent our first night together and the way she was staring at him, it was kind of obvious what she wanted,” Natalya explained.

“What?!?” Kasumi yelped, shocked at the brazen attitude that Natalya had.

“Hey! This was before you entered the picture with Alex and I, becoming our third,” Nats told her, which had Kasumi back off.

“Yeah! Besides, it’s not like I want to steal the man away or upstage either of you ladies. I just want ... a little bit of what you two have been getting,” Taal’ani admitted. “It’s not like was just going to throw myself at the man without either of your consent.”

“What?” Kasumi said, confused at this line of thinking.

“Since both you and I are in a relationship with the man Kas, if any of these ladies here want some time with him, like that, they have to ask us first. Provided we say yes, they will then see about if he’s receptive to their advances. If not, then they back off and leave it be,” Natalya told her.

“Your whole crew is open like this?” Kas asked, flummoxed at just how open-minded they all were.

“Yup. It is the twenty-eighth century after all, so folks are more open than back in your day. Honestly, we wouldn’t mind getting ourselves some as well, provided you give us the OK, Commander,” Inari stated, while looking at a blushing Priya, who nodded.

“Do all of you share your men like this?” Kasumi wondered.

“Only if the guy is really worth it or if we have gone without for some time,” Korsa said, startling the redhead.

“How long has it been for you?” Kas asked the big woman, feeling a bit of pity for her.

“Seven months. And the last guy was with didn’t even know how to make me cum, so it’s been at least ten without someone else making me orgasm,” Korsa stated with no shame. Kas then looked to Talon, who also responded.

“Fourteen months with no male contact.”

“Really? What happened with that Fel’caan male that you had been talking to?” Natalya asked her friend.

“Bad attitude and even worse manners. Five minutes into the date, I knew that he was a conceited and arrogant jerk. I left his ass and haven’t talked to him since,” Talon stated bitterly.

“And I thought you two were lesbians,” Kas said, directing her attention to the dusky-skinned women next to Korsa.

“Like we told Talon, we’re not complete lesbians. We prefer each other’s company, sure, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t like a good hard cock to share, if it’s available. So, is it?” Priya asked.

“Is it what?” Kas asked, stumped.

“Alex’s cock. Is it available to share? Or are you just going to share with Nats? It’s cool if that’s your thing, to just keep him to yourself. But if you’re open to the idea, we would like to have a sampling of the man, if it’s cool with you,” Inari stated.

“Well ... I’ve ... never considered the ... possibility of this. I didn’t think that ... everyone would be so ... progressive in their thinking,” Kasumi stuttered. The way the other women looked disappointed, until she spoke her next line of thinking.

“But ... after watching Alex and Natalya ... I have to admit ... the thought of it ... makes me ... hot!” she finally admitted.

“So, is that a yes?” Talon asked, her eyes lighting up.

“It is, but ... how are you all going to ... make it happen?” Kas wondered.

“I have an idea about that,” Korsa said, drawing everyone’s attention.

“What did you have in mind?” Inari and Kasumi asked at the same time, before looking at each other and giggling.

“Nats, you and Kas come with me to the hospital wing. I want to make sure we have everything we need for what I have planned,” Korsa said as she stood. Curious, both Natalya and Kasumi hurried along in her wake, eager to hear the big woman’s plan.

“What do you have planned?” Talon called out to her as the trio left.

“On getting every woman’s itch scratched properly!” Korsa called back. Taal’ani, Priya and Inari couldn’t help but smile at this. They all knew, that if Korsa had a plan, then they were in good hands, as anything she wanted to do, often surpassed what anyone could predict.

“Well, I’m off to bed. I probably shouldn’t have had that much tequila,” Talon groaned softly.

“Are you kidding? You’ll sleep like a baby! Remember how fast the last bottle you downed went through your system?” Inari asked.

“Oh yeah!” Taal’ani grinned sheepishly, before ambling off towards her quarters. She left Inari and Priya alone, as Shazza and Luminia had adjourned to their quarters almost immediately.

“So, I’m still wide awake. You?” Pree asked her lover.

“Yup. Though I could use a few more drinks,” Inari admitted.

“Touche!” Priya agreed. She poured several more shots of the maple whiskey that Alex had shown them, and she had to admit, it tasted nice. Both women downed each shot, getting progressively drunker with each one. Though they took their time with the last shot and started discussing things between each other. Mainly, why Inari had offered her services to Captain Tomisic like that.

“Sure, we agreed to be merchants and occasionally smuggle a few things here and there and didn’t do too shabby for ourselves. But remember what we discussed, right before we applied for our merchant licenses? About how we would follow someone who was worth following, if we felt the cause was right?” Inari asked her girlfriend.

“I remember. About how if there was someone who was about getting things done and not letting politicians and their own interests bar the way. With the Human Systems Alliance all but gone, I am starting to see your point of view on this,” Priya went on.

“With them being the only ones in full control of the Perseus, they are the ones who now command it. No one else does and no one else will. They aren’t political, except to the ideals which they hold themselves to, which is rare these days. If we were to join them, we could start to make a real difference in people’s lives! Like we always talked about back in our academy days!” Priya mused, as she put things together.

“Exactly so. Of all the opportunities we’ve had to do some good, this is by far, the best one we’ve found! Or will ever find, for that matter,” Inari replied.

“You’re damn right!” Priya enthused, feeling hopeful for the first time in years.

She looked at her captain, whom she left the Federation Navy for, and was amazed at how far they’d gone with their endeavor. She couldn’t help but marvel at everything they did together and at the life they shared. At this point in time though, there was only one thing she wanted to do with Inari, to show how much she appreciated the life she had given her, outside the Federation.

She leaned into her lover and kissed her, letting her lips meet Inari’s in a torrid embrace. Priya’s arms wrapped around the older woman, drawing her into her space, letting her know what she needed. Inari responded in kind, knowing that her girlfriend wanted more than just a kiss. The two of them had been lovers long enough for her to know when Pree wanted a proper dyke out, just the two of them.

Inari then slipped out of Pree’s grasp, making her groan in frustration at the lack of bodily warmth. She then cocked her eyebrow and laughed as she took off to her quarters, shaking her ass at Priya all the while. Pree growled as she charged right after her, insistent on having her way with Persian woman. Inari ran for all she was worth, trying to stay ahead of Priya, which was becoming difficult.

Mere meters before her quarters, she felt her lover’s hand snatch the waistband of her pants and haul her backwards. Screeching in alarm, Inari quickly found herself being pasted to the nearby wall, panting heavily. She looked down at Priya and noted how she wasn’t even breathing hard. That was impossible! Pree had always kept fit, but she was no runner! Inari had always beaten her anytime they took a run, despite Pree being much younger.

Inari had no idea what had suddenly given her the stamina and speed to catch her, but here she was, now at Priya’s mercy! Her lover looked at her with outright lust, but there was something ... more, about how she was looking at her. Almost as though something within the woman had been awoken and was in need of being satiated. Priya then grabbed Inari by the front of her shirt, fisting her bra in the process, drawing her close.

“That was very naughty of you Inari. How shall I punish you for that?” she said, before she mashed her mouth to hers. The kiss was hard, fierce and utterly domineering. Now this was something new! Priya was never dominant in any way when it came to sex! Inari thought about asking where this had come from but was mentally swept away by the how hot the kiss was! She felt herself getting wet from it and that almost never happened!

Priya then broke away and walked over to the door, dragging Inari right behind her by the shirt. Inari breathed heavily at this display of dominance, getting increasingly turned on by her girlfriend’s new alpha attitude. She was then thrown towards the bed, to which she stumbled and fell onto it, lying on her back.

Inari stared up at Pree, who stood there with her hands on her hips, which were cocked in a way that she found adorably sexy. Priya looked down at her, licking her lips as the lust burned hotly in her eyes. She then put her hands on Inari’s thighs, sliding them up to her hefty rack, squeezing her breasts gently, before moving her hands back down. They settled right on Inari’s pelvis, resting just above her pussy.

“Well? Are you going to get out of these pesky clothes, or do I have to tear them off you?” Priya queried. Gulping slowly, Inari removed the shirt she was wearing, soon followed by her pants, leaving her in her skivvies. She undid her bra, letting her large melons come free of their confines. She moved her hands to her panties but Pree stopped her.

“After. Right now, you have only one job; making me cum until I beg for you to stop,” Priya told her. While Inari had been taking her clothes off, Pree had been busy with her own. She stood completely naked, her trimmed pussy on display for her lover to see, leaking a modest amount of fluid. It seemed to Inari that Priya was as turned on as she was, but not letting on about it.

Inari then shot up, her mouth and hands latching onto Priya’s tits, fondling them gently. Inari knew that Pree loved having her boobs played with as much as she did and didn’t let up. She licked, sucked, nipped and bit every sensitive point she could find, making her lover squeak with joy. After a bit of play like this, Pree then shoved Inari back, eager to get herself an orgasm or two.

Inari didn’t mind the rough handling in the least, as she took in her lover’s rejuvenated body, drinking in every detail. How her thighs now rippled with muscles was something that she found a new feature to admire, licking her lips as Pree straddled her. She crawled up Inari’s body, bringing her pussy to her lover’s mouth. Inari salivated at the anticipation that was building, wanting nothing more than to feel her love writhe atop her.

Pree lowered her pussy to Inari’s mouth, who lapped at her moistened lips hungrily. Priya moaned in delight as she could feel her lover put that wagging tongue of hers to good use. She felt each movement along her outer lips, which slowly moved to her inner slit. Licking her teeth at the sensation of it, Priya knew that it wouldn’t take long before the first one hit.

Ever since she’d come out of the Regen pod, a lot had changed for her physically. She felt stronger, energized, powerful even. She hadn’t felt this good in as long as she could remember. That, and her libido had skyrocketed into a level previously unknown to her. It felt as though she hadn’t been fucked in years, despite having quite a few fun sessions with Inari before and after they had found the Perseus.

For all intents and purposes, she felt like she could fuck for days, weeks even! If this is what the Regen pod had done for her, then she would need to have Inari step into it as well! She would have to have a word with Korsa about it, when she figured out the ins and outs of it. But that would have to wait, until later, when she was satisfied.

She could feel her pulse quicken, as the familiar surge of endorphins raced through her system. The high of orgasm hit her and she trembled with its tidal wave of bliss. Pree shivered as she enjoyed the feeling of it and as she continued to hit additional peaks on her way down. She looked down and saw that Inari hadn’t stopped licking or eating her and she growled happily.

“Use ... your ... fingers,” she groaned.

Hearing her lover perfectly, Inari removed one of the hands that was clutching Priya’s ass and slid it towards her mouth. Pree lifted herself up a little, to give her lover room to move. Inari nodded once in acceptance, thanking her before licking her digits. Maybe a minute later, Inari slid one finger into Priya’s tight little tunnel. Pree sighed happily as she felt her insides stretching a little but wanted more.

“Three,” she commanded.

Without questioning her girlfriend, Inari added two more digits to the one inside her, opening Priya’s cunt even more. Inari then moved her head to where she could get at the top of her slit, where her clit was coming out of its hood. Pree knew that Inari would taunt and tease her, avoiding her clit until she saw fit to make her cum. Shifting gears, Priya grabbed the back of Inari’s head, forcing her to inhale her clit.

“Make ... me ... cum!” Priya ground out.

Inari squealed in surprise as she was forced to go straight for the prize. But she did as she was told, using her mouth and tongue to go straight for Pree’s clit. She sucked and played with it, using her tongue creatively to draw every yip and moan out of Priya. Pree did exactly that, feeling the liquid fire of ecstasy run through her. Her breath hitched, as she could feel the rise of another wave within her.

Pree normally was one for a lot of sexy play and a build to orgasm, but not tonight. Tonight, it was all about reaching that high as quickly as possible and staying there for as long as she could. Inari seemed to have caught onto that fact, as her tongue’s rough treatment of her lover’s clit, sent sparks dancing across Pree’s eyes.

Priya could feel the rush slam into her and couldn’t contain it. She screamed her guts out, letting her lover know just how well she’d done in bringing her to bliss. Her wails reached a crescendo, one which Inari had never heard before, but knew as something good. Pree was slowly turning into a puddle of quivering jelly in her hands, but she remembered her demand and did not stop.

An idea came to Inari, and she removed her fingers from Priya’s clenching quim, before knocking her over. Pree fell onto her side and was about to demand what Inari was doing, when she felt her lover’s mouth paste itself to her cunt. The blissful feeling soothed her rage and then her trembling intensified, as she then felt Inari’s tongue questing to her ass.

Lifting her leg to grant her lover better access, Pree then threw her head back and moaned. She felt Inari’s tongue probing her taint, licking and basting it in her juices. She then felt several fingers rubbing themselves up and down her juicy slit, before they moved onwards to her asshole. Priya’s eyes widened as she felt those fingers probe her anus, before pushing slowly on that puckered knot.

She resisted for a moment, before allowing Inari to drive her fingers into her ass. She hadn’t had her ass probed or fucked in a long while. It was an old taboo that she’d clung onto, but one that she now, had no issue discarding. Not only was she feeling far more bold and adventurous than usual, but it felt far too good to tell Inari to stop now. Plus, with Inari doing it, she knew that she wouldn’t be too rough with her.

She could feel the throbbing need of her pussy, wanting to be filled, but also enjoying the unique sensation of her ass being plundered. It was hitting spots that she’d never known she had before, setting off a small chain of minigasms through her. Each little high was something new, but something that she was truly enjoying. It was riling her further, until she felt Inari’s other hand clasp her pussy lips and start rubbing them.

“OOooooooooohhhhhhhh!” Priya cooed as the additional stimulation sent shockwaves of pleasure through her.

“Slap it! Slap my pussy!” Priya cried out, the high she was enjoying, sending her racing back to the peak. She felt Inari’s hand lift off her quim, then come down on it, smacking it gently. Despite its gentleness, it stung slightly, sending a lightning bolt through her, arcing along every nerve ending she had.