Chapter 1

The combined household of Bob Minter and Ellen Waters tumbled off the transporter pad, down a corridor and into the living unit. Bob, who had arrived first, had to step out of the way as eleven-year-old Travis Minter and ten-year-old Daniel Ferelli raced off the pad and around a corner. Becky Minter, eight, and Morgan Ferelli, seven, followed. They were nearly as exuberant as their brothers but their excitement was somewhat more contained.

Nicole Brown stepped off, followed by her five-year-old Emily and three-year-old Kyle. Nicole's sister Tiffany Grant led her three-year-old Tyler and carried one-year-old Vickie. Bob gently shooed them deeper into the living room. A very upset Laura Ferelli stepped off the pad. Mickey Miller stepped off and wrapped Laura in a comforting embrace. They joined Nicole and Tiffany. Giggling teens Sandy Minter, Kelly Williams and the twins Mindy and Mandy Miller stepped off, one after the other. Steven Constantine and Eric Konig arrived and tried to wrap the four girls into a big hug. Kelly's swelling belly made that somewhat difficult. The six teens moved out of the way.

Ellen Waters arrived, but stayed close to the pad. A very rattled Julie latched onto Ellen. Kathy Minter brought up the rear. She too comforted Julie. Bob and the three women joined the rest of the new family.

"Welcome to Copernicus Base in the moon," said a soothing female voice. "I am the AI, the artificial intelligence responsible for this living unit. Please find seating on the sofas. Important information will be communicated to you. It is recommended that the children be present. The recitation can be heard anywhere in the living unit. However, the undivided attention of each of you is required. The young men can explore later.

"Two adjacent living units have been combined for your large family," the AI informed them as they found seats for themselves. "On the upper level, there are many bedrooms, a very large bathroom on each side and rooms for entertainment of children and adults. Sponsors may request modifications to the unit, from the color of walls and flooring to removal or relocation of walls."

Two sofas and a love seat formed two 'U' shaped arrangements, one group on either side of the large room. Twenty-two people found seats for themselves. Not every place was taken. The four youngest children tried to climb onto their two mothers' laps. Emily and Tyler, the oldest of each pair, were collected by the neighboring concubine. All four children found that naked breasts and the concubines' red collars were irresistible, and began tactile and visual investigations.

Bob made a point of seating the two oldest boys, Travis and Daniel, on both sides of him, wrapping his arms over the boys' shoulders. It took some effort to settle the boys. Laura, face tear-streaked but no longer crying, did the same with Becky and Morgan, the two older girls, who seemed to suddenly realize that there were ten sets of bare breasts in the room. They looked but did not try to touch. After catching Ellen's glare, the teens became quiet.

"Thank you," resumed the AI. "You were extracted in the middle of a sunny Sunday afternoon. Edgar, Washington keeps Pacific Daylight Time. Copernicus Base keeps Greenwich Mean Time. The time on Copernicus Base is eight hours later than your body clocks tell you. The colony transport that you will board on Tuesday also keeps Greenwich Mean Time. In order to adjust your internal clock, it is recommended that you go to sleep tonight as early as you can, rise tomorrow at seven o'clock, and take an afternoon nap.

"Orientation and training sessions will be conducted over the coming days. For now, you are reminded that concubines are the property of sponsors and have absolutely no rights unless specifically granted by the sponsor. Sponsors are responsible for all actions of concubines and dependents. Concubines will remain naked at all times in Copernicus Base. Dependents must be fully dressed when outside the living unit, unless a recreational activity indicates otherwise. Dependents, in their sole discretion, may undress in the living unit.

"The AIs are omnipresent, seeing and recording everything. There are numerous rules, which you must learn. For tonight, know this: if a concubine attacks or strikes a sponsor, the concubine is immediately recycled -- executed. There is no appeal. The sponsor has no say in the matter. Secondly, absolutely no sexual activity is allowed with those under age thirteen. Willing dependents age thirteen may engage in any sexual activity except fornication. Forcing any sexual activity upon an unwilling thirteen-year-old is a serious offense."

A hologram appeared in the middle of the area. The hologram depicted the family room, in miniature, with the entire family sitting together. The hologram was three dimensional and remarkably sharp. Steven could not resist -- he stood up. The hologram was a real-time reflection of the room. The Steven image also stood up.

The AI continued, "The sponsors may observe anywhere in their living unit, in real time or as previously recorded. It is considered bad manners to observe within the living unit of another sponsor. However, Confederacy representatives will review recordings of any serious trouble. Children, you should keep in mind that you are being watched at all times, even when you think you are alone. There will be no 'he said, she said' because the act in question will be instantly available for review. Please act like you are under close supervision at all times."

The hologram instantly changed and became a nude, full-size representation of Kathy. The holo image rotated slowly. "Extraction is a traumatic event, and families often seek safety alone in the living unit. However, tonight would be a good time to plan the famous body modifications. You may call for a holographic representation to see whether modifications meet with the approval of the sponsors. To illustrate, the concubine Kathy with age rolled back to twenty would look like this." The image changed over a brief time, to the oohs and aahs of the family.

"Immediately before you arrived in this living unit," the AI continued, "a brief medical examination was conducted upon each of you. As part of that examination, medical nanites were introduced into your bodies."

"What are nanites?" blurted Travis.

"Nanites are microscopic machines," explained the AI. "They are so small that each can perform only one function. The nanites aid in many ways, not least in causing increased libido and relaxed inhibitions. These changes may not be noticeable for a day or so. Intimacy is an important factor in bonding. This very large group must gel into a family as soon as possible. Nanites will also alter the pelvic region of the concubine Kelly, making the birth of her child easier for her and for the baby. As you will learn, nanites perform many other functions.

"It is recommended that the children now be brought to the upper level. The AI will entertain the children, as a group or individually. The AI will notify you if any of the children needs parental attention. The adults can then focus upon themselves."

A chipmunk appeared on the floor where the 'Kathy' hologram had been. Giggles and surprised chirps erupted. The lifelike chipmunk hopped along just beyond everyone's feet, stopping occasionally to examine the person in front of it. When it had completed its circuit, it returned to the middle and briefly chased its tail. It ran to a corner of the room and stopped, looking back at the people. A large circular area under the chipmunk glowed blue and then quickly shot the chipmunk to the upper level. The blue lift appeared to have no thickness, and some wondered whether that was a hologram as well. The glowing blue circle reappeared on the floor, as if beckoning riders.

The boys raced to the lift and it immediately carried them up. The blue circle re-appeared on the floor, apparently without having come down from the upper level. The older girls were next. "Come on," Bob said as he got up from the sofa, "let's explore a bit and go see what the AI has planned for entertainment." Tiffany and Nicole led their smaller children toward the lift.

Julie was still trying to recover from what, for her, had been a very harrowing day. Mickey wrapped her in a comforting embrace. "We'll stay here for now," Mickey said softly, "if you don't mind." Ellen nodded.

When Tiffany stepped onto the glowing blue circle, nothing happened. "What do I have to do to get the lift to work?" she asked.

The question hung in the air. The group waited for an answer. "Did you hear me?" asked Tiffany. Silence.

"AI?" said Bob.

"Yes, Bob Minter?" responded the AI.

"Why didn't you answer Tiffany's question?"

"You have not granted any rights to your concubines. Ellen Waters has not granted any rights to her concubines. If you wish, you may temporarily grant rights to use the facilities within the living unit."

"That's what I want," said Bob.

"Acknowledged, Bob Minter."

"Me, too," added Ellen.

"Acknowledged, Ellen Waters. It is recommended that you elaborate upon the rights granted when the adults reconvene."

With that, the lift carried Tiffany and her two children to the upper level. The rest of the adults followed.

They found the boys in a room that had an enormous, real hamster run. Parts of the tubes were clear and other parts opaque. There were a lot of entrances to the run. The lifelike holographic chipmunk would periodically show itself in a section of clear tubing or by poking its head out of an entrance. The boys raced over, trying to catch it, to squeals and laughter.

"Keep exploring," the AI encouraged.

Across the hall, they found the girls in a playhouse, looking through all of the grownup dresses hanging on a rack. There were high-heeled shoes, hats, gloves, scarves and makeup. The girls were so excited about their discovery that they did not notice the adults observing from the hallway.

As they continued, the adults passed several bedrooms containing twin beds. One bedroom contained a crib. The next room had a child-height table and four small chairs. On the table were the makings of a finger-painting session. White rectangles marked the 'paper.' Three colored dots about two inches across were located along the side of each paper. "When the child touches one of the colored circles," the AI explained, "its fingers will 'paint' that color onto the paper image. There is no paint to make a mess. The child can start a new painting at any time."

"When they start a new one," asked Kathy, "is the old drawing lost?"

"Nothing is lost. The work can grace any wall." Nicole and Tiffany seated their four children and showed them how to start. Emily thought she was too big for finger painting.

"Turn on yer lights, ya moron!" echoed down the hall.

"Lightning McQueen!" Emily was out of the room in an instant. When the adults caught up with her, they found the title screen for the well-known animated movie projected on the wall. Emily sat on a sofa, waiting for the movie to begin. The boys burst into the room.

"I thought you were chasing the chipmunk!" laughed Kathy.

"The AI told us the movie was about to start," said Travis. "Can we watch it?" Kathy nodded and the boys seated themselves.

"Now you know," the AI said softly, "that your children are safe and entertained while you do adult things. The AI can entertain and educate children with an inexhaustible array of interesting things. If you wish to put boundaries on the food and drink available to the children, please say so."

"Don't you think the kids will make a mess?" asked Laura.

"The living unit cleans itself," answered the AI. "If a drink is spilled, the liquid will be absorbed and recycled, leaving no mess, no stain, no sticky surfaces."

A light went on in Travis' brain and his facial expression showed it. "Don't even think about throwing food," his mother threatened.

Ellen supplied, "How about we limit the food and drink to fruit juices, milk or water for the beverages; and pizza, simple sandwiches and finger foods to eat. No more than two cookies each for dessert, and no cookies before something substantial for dinner."

"Acknowledged," responded the AI.

The adults made their way to the first level. All of the concubines were nude. Ellen quickly but quietly undressed. Bob saw what she was doing and followed suit. The fourteen adults found seats on the sofas on one end of the room. "Our minds and bodies think it's about five o'clock," said Bob. "The time on Copernicus Base is about one in the morning. I for one don't think I can get to sleep before our eight o'clock. How about we plan on all going to bed -- going to sleep -- at eight, which will be four in the morning local time. The AI can wake us at eight o'clock local tomorrow morning. Those of us who can get right to sleep will have had four hours' sleep. We can take naps tomorrow afternoon -- an hour or so of sleeping."

"That sounds like a good plan," agreed Ellen.

"What shall we do in the meantime?" asked Kathy.

"We know what we want to do," chuckled Mindy. A twin sat on either side of Eric. Each had one hand wrapped around his erect cock. Eric had one hand in each of the twins' crotches. They would not let his hands go and he blushed crimson. Sandy and Kelly bracketed Steven. Sandy had her hand on his cock and his hand was in her crotch. Kelly on the other side was not participating but seemed content.

Laura was somewhat distressed at the open displays of sexuality by the teens. Kathy noticed and moved close to Laura. "Come here," Kathy said softly and wrapped Laura in a hug. "You haven't had much chance to become part of our family. There are fourteen adults in our tribe, counting those six hooligans. All of them, man and woman, girl and boy, will be your lover." Laura began to quietly sob. "Your children are going to have all the love they can handle. You are going to be loved and liked and respected and trusted. Fear and shame are not going to be part of our lives, Laura." Kathy continued to hold Laura, who now had a death grip on Kathy as she silently sobbed.

Satisfied that Laura was getting the attention she needed, Ellen regarded the six youngest concubines. "I don't see why the teens shouldn't burn off some energy," she chuckled. "Kelly, please do only what you want to do. I know the rest of you are sensitive to each other's vulnerabilities. Go find a room -- two rooms, if you want -- and have some fun."

Off they went. The first room they reached had a bed more than large enough to accommodate the six of them. They piled on, laughing and giggling before getting down to some serious fucking.

"I think I would like a scotch and water," said Bob. "Who would like a glass of white wine? Something else, perhaps? I'll fetch."

The women were silent for just a moment, deciding. "AI," said Ellen, "am I pregnant?"

"You are," the AI responded.

"Is Kathy pregnant?"

"She is."

"Is anyone else, besides Kelly?"

"No."

There was joy on every face in the room. Ellen and Kathy were beaming. Laura gave a wan smile. Julie's smile was somewhat vacant. She clung to Mickey. "I think I'd like to find out how the water tastes," said Ellen. "May I have some ice water?"

"That sounds good to me," echoed Kathy. "I would have iced tea, but then there would be no way I could get to sleep in three hours."

Laura spoke to Bob. "May I have what you're having, please? I'm not much of a drinker, but tonight I feel the need."

"I'll have white wine," chirped Nicole.

"Me, too," added Tiffany.

"Mickey? Julie?" Bob asked.

"I think me and Julie will have scotch and water, too," Mickey said softly.

As Bob rose, he asked, "AI, where will I find our beverages?"

"In the kitchen area on the right," replied the AI, "on the counter, you will find an appliance-sized replicator. Your beverages will be ready in sixty-seven seconds."

To fill the lull while Bob was away, Ellen with a big smile looked at Nicole and said, "That was quite a show you two put on at the picnic."

"We need a gang bang every now and again," chuckled Nicole. "Keeps us in fighting trim, don't it, Tiff?"

At least Tiffany blushed. "It sure does," she giggled. "That one was pretty good, as gang bangs go. It's been a while since we had an audience of strangers."

"I must say," said Ellen, "I've never before carried on a conversation with a woman getting gang banged." Nicole laughed. Tiffany giggled. The other women had not witnessed the episode and were all ears.

"By the time you came over," smiled Nicole, "the guys was runnin' out of steam. Most of the guys did one of us and then the other when his turn came again. A couple of guys got it up three or four times."

"Your partners were not careful and entered your vaginas after having been in a rectum," the AI added. "The contamination issue was attended to in the medical tubes earlier this evening."

Bob returned and stopped in front of each, letting her take her drink from a tray he carried.

"After you get fucked for that long," said Tiffany, "your puss gets numb. The guys complain about it being so loose, and about the jism running everywhere. Some like to plow new territory."

"I guess I really missed something," said a blushing Laura. "I've never seen anybody having sex, much less a gang bang."

Bob laughed. "Nicole stopped talking in the middle of a sentence when a guy bellowed his orgasm. Then she finished that same sentence. It was bizarre."

"I didn't want no trouble with my old man. I told him I'd take on all his friends if he let me get extracted without no fuss. Tiff's old man thought that was a great idea. He volunteered her to help me out. They found a table and we laid out on our backs, head to head. The bang ended when we went a whole minute unused, so to speak."

"The guys kept their word," added Tiffany. "Still, I was a little worried, letting us go forever." Nicole nodded agreement.

Mickey cackled. "Does that mean you two have had enough dick to last a week or so?"

"NO WAY!" laughed Nicole. "I'm about the horniest bitch I ever heard of. If they juiced my sex drive, all y'all are in trouble." That brought laughter from most of them. Even Julie smiled at that one.

Bob leaned forward, his drink held high. "I want to propose a toast: to a new family in a new life on a new world. May our lives be filled with love, joy and contentment."

"Hear, hear," they all responded. They clinked glasses as far around as they could reach.

"This is..." Bob looked quizzically at his glass, "really... awful scotch."

Tiffany gently returned her mouthful back into her wine glass. "There is a kind of Greek wine that tastes like turpentine. This stuff just tastes like paint thinner. What's up with that, I wonder?"

"AI?" asked Bob.

"Humans have complained since the beginning," the AI responded, "that the alcoholic beverages are of poor quality. We AI cannot fathom these concerns, as the products are replicated faithfully from templates presented."

"That sounds like the company line to me," said Bob. "There is a BIG difference between bad scotch and awful scotch."

"I'll bet the Darjee -- or some do-gooder human -- thought that there would be fewer problems with alcohol if it tasted truly bad," Ellen pronounced. There were nods of agreement around the room but the AI declined to reply.

Bob sat back and took in each of the others. When he got to Julie, he said, "It looks like some of us are fragile tonight."

"She put up a good front at the picnic," Mickey supplied, "but I knew it was fake. She kind of fell apart towards the end." Julie gave Bob a wan smile. She took a sip of her scotch.

"Julie knows her home and her family are safe for her," said Ellen. "She was out in a crowd for hours today. This is a new place. We'll be moving again in two days. Julie will need some time to be comfortable, but she'll be all right."

"What about you, Laura?" Bob asked. "Are you feeling fragile, too?"

Laura sighed. She would not look anyone in the eye. "I know what I have to do. I will do anything you tell me to do."

"I'm not planning on telling you what to do," said Bob softly. "We want you to feel free in this family."

Now it was Ellen's turn to sigh. "Bob, Laura's problem wasn't that Bart controlled her. Laura's problem was that Bart was vicious, mean and self-centered. Laura is seriously submissive, Bob. Laura wants -- Laura NEEDS -- us to be dominant over her." Laura was blushing crimson and kept gazing into her lap. Ellen captured the eyes of each of the rest of the concubines. "Laura understands her position better than any of the rest of you." Turning to Laura, she said, "I own you, Laura. I own your every fiber. Look at me, Laura." Laura looked up at her sponsor, a glimmer of hope in her expression. A tiny smile appeared on her lips.

"Laura knows she will do what I tell her," Ellen said as she held Laura's eyes. "Whatever it is, Laura has no choice but to do as I bid. Laura will obey Bob as completely as she obeys me." Ellen turned her attention to Bob. "If Bart hadn't been such a butt-hole, Laura would have been fine. Bart didn't know how to manage a submissive. Bart began demanding a lot from Laura. When she didn't resist, he wanted more. There was no reason for him to control himself. He went totally overboard."

Ellen sighed. "Bob, what I want from you is, make demands of Laura. The farther outside her comfort zone, the more exciting it is for her. She loves being forced to do things that she would never have courage to do by herself. Make your demands, but let her know with words and deeds that you are thankful to have her and you appreciate what she has just done for you." Bob weighed her words and then nodded understanding.

Ellen turned back to Laura. To the room, she said, "Laura is okay with having sex with any of us. She doesn't think about it, but she'll have no trouble when the time comes. She has no choice, and she will obey. On the other hand, Laura is more uncomfortable about being naked than any of us. Laura, scoot your butt toward the front of the sofa." Laura obeyed, never breaking eye contact with Ellen. "Lean back and rest against the back of the sofa." When Laura was in position, Ellen told her, "Part your knees." Laura, her eyes still locked onto Ellen's, expressed shame and sexual excitement. She let her knees fall open, still looking at no one but Ellen. Her breathing became ragged.

With an evil grin, Ellen leaned forward and in a stage whisper said, "Laura... masturbate."

Laura flinched in surprise but gained control of herself. Eyes still locked on Ellen's, she did not get up and leave, she did not change her posture, she did not shake her head, she did not look to anyone else for protection. She maintained a neutral expression on her face. She had been holding her breath. The rest of the room heard the sound when she let it out.

You could have heard a pin drop.

Laura rested her hands on her tummy as she seemed to gather her resolve. Finally, she brought both hands up, leaving only her fingertips on her skin. These she slowly moved up and out, around her breasts until they met in the middle, almost to the hollow of her neck. Feather light, they slowly continued down the middle, between her breasts and over her bellybutton, until they reached her thatch. There, they parted and glided down the tops of her thighs. When her arms were fully extended, her fingertips slowly started back up, now on the inside of her parted thighs. At the top of her legs, her fingertips traced the creases where her legs joined her body.

Up, slowly up, hands no longer together, this time through thick coarse hair, up her abdomen. Her hands reached the base of her breasts and continued straight up, stopping at her nipples. One finger on each hand traced the edge of her areolae. She repeatedly rolled her nipples between finger and thumb, then pulled them away and let them snap back.

"Laura," Ellen said softly, "I don't want you to get a nice little cum out of this. I want you to get a shrieking, convulsing, make-you-boneless orgasm. So you hold yourself back as long as you must."

Laura's fingers made their way to her crotch, found wetness for lubrication and started in earnest. An explosive ending needed a long, slow build-up.

Ellen looked to Bob, who nodded. She waved her arm to him in a gesture meant to say 'It's all yours.' "Our time tonight is precious. The finale is a half an hour away," chuckled Ellen as she cocked her head at Laura.

"Well then, let's talk about permissions, and rights, and duties," began Bob. "AI, is there a customary set of permissions that can be granted? What are they? What are important privileges not granted? Things like that."

"As you have seen," replied the AI, "the granting or withdrawal of rights gets down to matters that humans regard as fundamental. The rights you granted are temporary. You have not granted any concubine the right to exit the living unit, nor to enter from the corridor. The environmental controls are maintained as long as the concubines belong to you, the sponsors. There have been cases where the sponsor was killed in action. The concubines of the sponsor died in the habitat pod because no one remembered their plight. The Confederacy is in a state of war. It is important that you always have a plan of disposition of your concubines in the event that you are killed.

"Over the years since the beginning of extractions, a customary set of permissions has evolved. Some sponsors add more permissions to the standard set; some allow less than the standard. The standard set of permissions allows concubines full use of the living unit and all of its features. Concubines are allowed to have sex with each other on condition that all parties consent. Concubines are not allowed to modify the shape or appearance of the living unit. Concubines are allowed to enter the living unit. Concubines are allowed to exit the living unit, unescorted by a sponsor, upon guidelines that the sponsor establishes from time to time. The use of facilities outside the living unit by concubines is in accordance with guidelines set by the sponsor. Likewise, concubines may engage with others outside the living unit only as specified by the sponsor."

"You said these have evolved over time," said Bob. "What would be the purpose of restricting entry or exit from the living unit?"

"There is no indication that any of your own concubines fear you, or hate you, or any of myriad other negative emotions. This is not so in many cases. Your concubines have not grasped how profoundly vulnerable they are, how complete your ownership of them is." Many in the room gasped. "Many concubines discover that they have made a grievous mistake in accepting their sponsor and would take any opportunity to flee. Ex-wives are in an especially perilous position. Marriage is a union of more-or-less equals. Many ex-wives have great difficulty adapting to the new reality. On almost every passage, at least one ex-wife is recycled.

"This is not to suggest that sponsors are cruel and concubines suffer for the rest of their lives. In the vast majority of cases, sponsors and their concubines live in harmony and contentment, raising healthy, happy, well-adjusted children."

All of the color had drained from Kathy's face. Her hand covered her mouth, preventing a wail from escaping. Bob stood and offered his hands to Kathy. Accepting his hands, she rose and let him envelop her in a fierce embrace. "Thank you, AI," he said over her shoulder. "I will grant to my concubines the standard permissions. My concubines may enter and exit the unit at any time. My concubines may engage with anyone within or without the living unit without limitation. My concubines may use, without limitation, facilities outside the living unit that are available to sponsors. My concubines may communicate with me, or with Ellen, at any time. My concubines have the responsibility and authority to care for and discipline the children. Kathy is our Number One. All of the other concubines are required to obey and cooperate with Kathy."

"Acknowledged," answered the AI.

Bob pulled his face away from her so that they could see each other. His smile reflected all the love he had for her. "You know I love you madly, Mrs. Minter, my ex-wife. I will love you for the rest of our lives. You have great responsibility for the welfare of our entire family. You are also growing our child in your womb."

"Your children," interjected the AI.

"What?" exclaimed Kathy. "I'm having twins?"

"Your destination is a breeder colony," the AI answered. "The primary objective of the breeder colonies is to produce children. Gestation one at a time is deemed inefficient. Unless the sponsor objects, all of the children in the entire colony will be twins. It is expected and hoped that you will be pregnant as much of the time as possible. After the birth of your children, you will emerge from the med tube completely restored, fit and trim."