Chapter 117: Progenitor ascendant...

Alyssa let Helene cry against her shoulder, rubbing the aquatic girl’s back as she wept. Whispering soothing words in her ear, she waited until Helene had cried herself out, then said quietly, “Let’s go have a lie down.”

Helene nodded and let the blonde lead her out of the Officers’ Lounge into the corridor beyond. The door to Faye’s room slid aside after Alyssa opened it with a telekinetic touch. They walked inside then sat on the bed, with Alyssa pulling the weary teal-skinned girl down into a comforting hug.

“I’m sorry...” Helene murmured, sounding self-conscious.

“What for?” Alyssa asked, her voice kind and reassuring. “Everyone needs a good cry now and then. Besides, you’re worn out ... I should be the one apologising for letting you push yourself this hard.”

“They were all so hurt and upset. I had to do something to help them...”

“You did ... and you were amazing!” Alyssa gushed, her voice full of admiration. “Many of those colonists would never have fully recovered after everything the Kirrix did to them, especially the parents that lost their children ... but you helped them live again.”

The aquatic girl looked dubious. “Rachel was the one that healed those people; I just helped to ease their suffering.”

“Theo was on the verge of a breakdown,” Alyssa said emphatically, looking into those trusting baby-blue eyes. “You helped him put all the shame and humiliation behind him ... and gave him his life back. Luce was terrified that she’d lost him forever, that she’d never get her husband back again, but you managed to save him. She’ll never forget you, Helene ... you saved the person that woman cared about most in the galaxy.”

“I was just trying to do the right thing,” she said, blushing at the blonde’s effusive praise.

“You really did,” Alyssa said with an encouraging smile. “The trauma all those people suffered from the Kirrix would have given them flashbacks and haunted their nightmares for the rest of their lives ... until some of them couldn’t take it anymore. Suicides would have killed hundreds if not thousands of them in the end, but you prevented all that. I wasn’t exaggerating earlier; they needed you and you were there for them.”

Helene let out a wistful sigh. “I’ve never been needed like that before, not really. Back at Neptra village they let me look after children in the nursery sometimes ... but it was done out of pity and the mothers would soon ask me to leave.” Her eyes were downcast as she continued, “And ... I realise now, that when I thought I was helping defend the village ... they were actually hoping that I ... wouldn’t come back.”

Alyssa brushed her fingers through Helene’s light-green hair. “They were awful for treating you that way, but you don’t have to put up with that superstitious nonsense any more, Helene. You’ve grown so much since we first met and not just your new psychic powers ... you’re blossoming into an incredible woman.”

“That’s a lovely thing to say, but I don’t think I’m all that special ... not compared to you,” Helene said with a grateful smile. She wiped her eyes and propped herself up on an elbow. “You knew John would be furious when Jade brought me back to the ship, but you asked her to bring me anyway ... and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for that.”

“I can’t take all the credit. Jade told me she’d met a very kind, beautiful, but sad girl ... and she wanted to help. You belong with us, Helene, you always have.” Alyssa winked at her and added, “John just needed a bit of gentle encouragement to see it.”

Helene laughed, the tension easing from her body. “I don’t know how you can wilfully defy him like that. I can’t even imagine doing something that I knew might displease him.”

The blonde looked troubled for a moment and nodded. “It can be very hard sometimes ... What John says and what he really wants can be quite different.” She shook that thought away and smiled at Helene affectionately. “You just continue being a good girl and you can’t go wrong.”

“That’s fortunate ... I very much enjoy that,” Helene said, licking her lips and smiling back.

Now it was Alyssa’s turn to laugh. “I didn’t just mean giving John blowjobs ... but yeah, keep doing that too.”

“How is he doing at the moment?” Helene asked, a frown appearing on her lovely face. “I’ve been missing him.”

“He’s having a fine old time with the twins,” the blonde replied with a smirk. She looked up at her bedmate and brushed her fingers over her teal cheek. “We’ll catch up with him tomorrow. You should get some sleep now ... you really pushed yourself today and you need to rest.”

Helene nodded, then settled down on the bed again, sighing contentedly as Alyssa slipped her arms around her. She glanced up at her matriarch and frowned. “I thought you were going to have some fun with the girls?”

“I can do that any time,” Alyssa said, patting her on the back. “You need a nice cuddle.”

The mermaid stifled a yawn, then kissed Alyssa on the cheek, her lips soft and warm. “I’m grateful that you want to stay and take care of me, but please be with Calara tonight. I would hate to think that I kept two lovers apart ... and Faye already offered to keep me company in bed.” Before the blonde could object, Helene turned and called out loudly, “Faye, would you still like to join me?”

A winged sprite popped into existence beside them. “Of course! I’m on my way!”

Alyssa rolled Helene over so she was on her back, then leaned down to give her a deep kiss, making the aquatic girl moan. They only parted when the door opened and Faye bounded inside, the petite pixie flopping down on the bed beside them.

“Do you want to take over, Faye?” Alyssa asked with a sultry grin, caressing the blushing mermaid.

Faye nodded exuberantly, draping herself over Helene. “As long as you’re not too tired for a goodnight kiss?”

Helene smiled and shook her head, then caught Alyssa’s hand as the blonde moved aside. “Thank you...”

Alyssa kissed her fingertips. “Sleep tight...”

She left the two of them entwined on the bed and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her. Excited giggling echoed down the corridor from the Commander’s Quarters and Alyssa grinned with anticipation as she hurried to join the rest of the girls in the bedroom.

“No more snoozing, your breakfast’s ready!” Charles called out from the dining room.

Lynette Devereux stretched like a cat, then smiled as she smelled a tantalising aroma wafting into the bedroom. She threw back the covers and grabbed a silk robe, slipping it on as she climbed out of bed and padded into the dining room just as Charles walked in from the kitchen, carrying a plate of mangled yellowish-brown toast.

She smiled at him affectionately. “That looks ... intriguing.”

“The first bite is with the eye,” he said with mock sincerity, presenting the misshapen concoction to her with a flourish.

She took the plate and sat down at the table. “And what’s the name of this wondrous gastronomic delight?”

“It’s Eggy bread of course,” he replied, as if it wasn’t obvious. He glanced down at the plate and added, “Although with your background, perhaps I should be calling it French toast?”

“My family called it Pain perdu,” she replied as she picked up her cutlery. Taking an experimental bite, she looked at him in amazement. “This is delicious!”

Charles laughed as he returned to the Kitchen. “You don’t have to sound quite so surprised.”

“I want your recipe; it tastes better than my version,” she readily conceded, then grinned at him when he reappeared with a plate for himself and two steaming mugs. “Although, I might just be able to beat you on presentation.”

He frowned and looked at the egg and bread catastrophe. “It’s supposed to look like the aftermath of a missile strike isn’t it?”

Lynette giggled and gave him a loving kiss, then the couple enjoyed their breakfast together.

“Busy day today?” he asked, sipping his coffee.

“I’m visiting the Firing Range with Jehanna this morning,” she replied, looking excited. “It’s been at least thirty years since I last fired a handgun, I’m quite looking forward to getting some practice!”

Charles watched her with amusement, shaking his head.

“What?” she asked, looking at him quizzically.

“It’s difficult enough trying to remember you’re my age when you look the way you do,” he replied, eyeing her flawlessly smooth skin and youthful face. “But it’s even harder when you act so-”

“Perky?” Lynette suggested, giving him a coy smile. She let her robe slip open, revealing her gravity-defying breasts. “You certainly weren’t complaining about my perkiness this morning...”

“I never said I was complaining...” he murmured, trying hard not to stare at her spectacular figure.

She finished her breakfast and leaned back on the chair, crossing her slender legs. “It’s a good point. I’ll have to try to rein in my enthusiasm a little when we’re in public.”

Charles toyed with his mug and it was obvious he had something on his mind as he studied the brunette. “Lynette ... how long do you plan on serving as Fleet Admiral?”

“At least ten years,” she replied without hesitation. “I suppose it depends on events, but I’d like to stay in the post for as long as possible.”

“You’re going to need to maintain this ... illusion ... for over a decade,” he said, watching her carefully. “And we both want a family, but how are you planning to handle having children while still pretending to be the old Lynette?”

She shrugged. “Getting pregnant at 52 isn’t impossible, especially with medical intervention ... it shouldn’t be too hard to convince everyone.” Her hazel eyes softened as she continued, “We can start trying whenever you want, but I think the sooner the better. I would like to be married first, but we can plan a quick wedding...”

“I really want that too, but I was thinking further into the future. What happens when our children start getting older? We’ll have to teach them to lie to everyone about your true appearance,” he said quietly.

Lynette paused and looked unsettled. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead,” she admitted with a worried frown. “Are you saying that I should give up being Fleet Admiral if I want to have a family?”

“Absolutely not,” he replied, shaking his head. Reaching out to clasp her hand, he gave her a gentle squeeze. “I just ... want you to consider all the possible difficulties ahead. At the very least you need to prepare contingency plans for if your secret ever gets out.”

“You’re right ... there’s a lot I hadn’t considered,” she murmured, lost in thought. Shaking off her daze, Lynette smiled at her fiancé. “Thank you for being so supportive, I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. I understand how much being Fleet Admiral means to you.”

She made eye contact with him and said earnestly, “If you asked me to give up my job for us to have a family, I would.”

“You really mean it, don’t you?” he asked in astonishment. “What about being a secret Lioness?”

Lynette rose from her chair and sat across his lap. “John could replace me with someone else if I asked him to; the most important thing is that someone we can trust is holding the position. I don’t want you to ever feel you’re taking second place to my role as Fleet Admiral ... I’m fully committed to us, Charles.”

“I’d never ask you to give up your dream of being Fleet Admiral,” he said emphatically. “But ... thank you for offering.”

They enjoyed an intimate kiss, then Lynette gave him a seductive look under her long lashes. “Do you want to give me three breakfasts this morning?”

He smiled and shook his head. “As impossible as it is to imagine, I’m going to have to turn you down. I need to expedite the refit of the advanced fleet ... there’s been some problems with fabricating the new Brimorian Shield Generators.”

“Want to meet for lunch later?” she offered with a grin.

He laughed and nodded. “Of course.”

“Thanks for breakfast this morning.” Lynette slid off his lap and collected the plates and mugs. “I’ll tidy up, you better get started.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he agreed, giving her a parting kiss.

Charles waved goodbye as he left her quarters, leaving Lynette alone in the apartment. It didn’t take her long to clean the kitchen, then she headed into the bathroom to freshen up for the day.

“Olympus, play classical music,” she called out to the voice-activated entertainment system. A lilting violin piece echoed through the room and after listening to it for a moment, Lynette frowned at the slow and boring pace. “Olympus, play ... something fun!”

An upbeat pop tune blasted into the bathroom and Lynette bobbed her head in time with the beat, a happy grin quickly spreading across her face. She soon found herself singing along to the cheerful music as she soaped down her lithe figure. The physical changes she’d undergone hadn’t just rejuvenated her 52-year-old body into that of a nubile 18-year-old; they were accompanied by a heady rush of hormones. Dealing with the mood swings had been very stressful, especially the fierce feelings of jealousy she’d experienced during her romance with Charles. However, the upside of that was that every morning filled her with a heady rush of elation at simply being alive. No more trouble sleeping, or aches and pains when she climbed out of bed ... now she was bright, alert, and raring to go.

Drying herself off, Lynette danced out of the bathroom and over to her wardrobe. She briefly considered asking Charles to go clubbing, then giggled at the absurdity of the Fleet Admiral of the Terran Federation busting some moves. Dressing in her uniform, she glanced at the mirror and was struck by the incredible beauty of the face staring back at her. Activating her holo-disguise, she returned to her original homely appearance and the only feature she could recognise were her hazel eyes. Raising her fingers to her cheek, she stared at her reflection and felt a surge of profound gratitude towards the Lion.

Charles was right; her new life would present some difficulties, but they were hardly insurmountable. With careful planning, Lynette was confident she could maintain her disguise for however long it was needed, letting her juggle a family and being Fleet Admiral. She smiled at the older woman gazing back at her. Given the Lion’s offer again, she knew she would make exactly the same choice without a moment’s hesitation.

Now her thoughts had turned to John, they inevitably flicked to her matriarch. Alyssa, are you awake?

Mmm, hey beautiful, Alyssa purred, sounding drowsy.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you, Lynette apologised, glancing at the chronometer and seeing it was 8:09 am. Were you up late last night?

Don’t worry about it. We had a wild girls’ night yesterday, so I slept like the dead, the blonde said with a hint of a smile in her telepathic voice. I’m glad you called. We all need to get moving this morning ... we’ve got a bunch of stuff to do before the shit hits the fan.

Are you in trouble? the Fleet Admiral asked with concern.

John took Jade and the twins with him on the Raptor to check on Menganus IV, while the rest of us finished treating the Valia Gate citizens for egg infestation. Now we’re on our way to rendezvous with him in Kirrix Space as we think the Kirrix have taken Menganus IV’s colonists to one of their worlds. She paused, then continued ominously, He’s planning to scout the planet until we arrive...

That sounds quite sensible to me, Lynette said, confused by her friend’s foreboding tone. He’ll be able to locate the colonists, identify the Kirrix strong points and plan the attack for when the Invictus arrives.

Yeah ... I’m sure that’s exactly how it’ll go down, Alyssa replied wryly. Anyway, I’ve got some good news for you: the Maliri engaged a big Kirrix fleet in Trankaran Space and wiped them out to a bug. Any bad Kirrix out there will know the Maliri are gunning for them now.

Oh, that’s excellent! Lynette gushed, sounding elated. That was actually the reason I contacted you, to find out how the war in the Trankaran Republic was progressing.

Not because you wanted a chat? I’m hurt... Alyssa said with a mock pout.

Lynette smiled at the blonde’s teasing. You know I always enjoy speaking with you. Best of luck with rescuing the Menganus IV colonists, I hope the fight goes smoothly.

Thanks, Alyssa replied. Oh ... one last thing. The worlds on the Outer Rim are really pissed off at High Command. Although we rescued the colonists on Valia Gate, the Kirrix still murdered all their children ... they won’t be getting over this anytime soon. There’s a massive amount of resentment out here, Lynette.

The Fleet Admiral’s good mood evaporated and she couldn’t help grimacing. Thank you for letting me know. We’ll do whatever we can to make amends to those people.

Good luck, Alyssa said softly, her voice full of sympathy.

The upbeat music filling the bedroom suddenly felt wildly inappropriate, so Lynette turned off the entertainment system with a rueful frown. She strode over to the lounge and sat on the sofa, activating the comms interface built into the armrest. It took a minute for her first call to go through, the winged sword icon fading away when she was routed through to the dreadnought Heimdall.

Admiral Anthony Kester’s face appeared, the man greeting her with a broad grin. “Ah, Lynette, I was hoping to hear from you this morning.”

“I hope you’re well, Tony?” she enquired, returning his greeting with a smile.

“Bored of twiddling my thumbs,” he replied with an exasperated sigh. “We haven’t seen a Kirrix ship in days.”

“I’ve been informed that the Maliri have started sweeping through Trankaran territory liberating worlds. I expect the Kirrix will be in full retreat shortly, if they aren’t already,” Lynette explained. “Which means we can safely move you from the Trankaran border.”

“Where next? The Brimorian border?” he asked, with an eager gleam in his eyes. “I’ve heard there’s been fleet movement throughout the Enclave.”

She nodded. “I want you to relocate to the border, then sweep up towards the Callopean Shoals to reinforce Morgan. As soon as Dacres’ advanced fleet has been refitted, I plan to dispatch him to join you and he should arrive by the end of the week. The fleets that fought at the Battle of Terra are all being repaired and upgraded at Olympus, so as soon as they start coming online, I’ll send more reinforcements to the Brimorian border. You’ll probably be on border patrol for a month, then I’ll rotate you back to Olympus so your fleet can undergo a refit.”

“That’s great news,” he said, looking delighted. “I’ve been reviewing footage from the Battle of Terra; the firepower the advanced fleet was able to put out was astounding.”

Lynette leaned back in her chair. “The new shield generators should make a huge difference to your defensive capabilities as well. Don’t worry, we’ll get you upgraded as soon as possible.”

He nodded, giving her an approving smile. “I’m glad you got the top job, Lynette. Everything feels very different with you as Fleet Admiral.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” she replied gratefully. Making eye contact with him, she continued, “Be careful on the border. I don’t trust the Brimorians ... they’re up to something, I can feel it.”

“I will,” he replied with a solemn nod.

They ended the call and Lynette initiated the next one as soon as the Federation insignia appeared on the holo-screen. After waiting for a few moments for the call to be routed through to the battleship Momus, Admiral Alexander Morgan appeared on the holo-screen.

“Good morning, Alex,” Lynette said with a smile.

“Fleet Admiral,” he replied with a weary nod.

Her happy expression wavered and turned to concern. “You look like hell! What happened?”

“Personnel issues,” he muttered, running a hand over his face. “More next of kin notifications ... you know what they’re like.”

Lynette gave him a sympathetic look, having had the terrible duty of informing more than one devastated spouse that they would never see their loved one’s again. “I’m sorry ... we can speak later.”

Admiral Morgan shook his head. “It’s alright, I could use a distraction. I imagine you were calling for an update on the border status?” He paused to gather his thoughts then continued, “The Brimorian fleet hasn’t been reinforced since half their ships left and they haven’t moved in days. If they are planning some kind of imminent attack, it’s not in the Callopean Shoals...”

“I’ve just dispatched Kester to join you there,” Lynette said, steepling her fingers together. “Should I position him elsewhere?”

He considered that for a moment, then replied, “Perhaps along the Taxarran Straights?”

She thought about the strip of space along the Enclave border, which was the closest to any colonised Terran Federation worlds. If the Brimorians were planning an invasion rather than reclaiming lost territory, it was the logical point to make the border crossing. They could be harassing Terran systems within as little as twelve hours and while there were defensive forces in place, the T-Fed forces didn’t have the numbers to defend against a full-scale invasion.

“It’s a good suggestion, thank you,” she said appreciatively.

“I know us occupying part of the Shoals sticks in their craw, but the Brimorians are slippery bastards...” Morgan said, sitting back in his chair. “If they can’t force us out of here, they might conquer Terran worlds to pressure us into a system exchange.”

Lynette nodded her agreement. “I’ve seen their countless diplomatic demands that we return their ‘rightful territory’. The latest was a claim that the Callopean Shoals are of spiritual significance to the Brimorian people and that we’re committing deep emotional suffering on their citizens with our presence there.”

Morgan snorted derisively. “The Brimorians are the least spiritual people I’ve ever met ... and that includes the Drakkar. These systems are packed full of resources and colonisable worlds; that’s what has the Brimorians thrashing in their tanks to get them back.”

“Just hang in there for a few more weeks. Dacres will be with you shortly, then I’ll be sending upgraded fleets to take your position and rotate you back for a refit.” She gave him a confident smile and added, “The Lion has bad blood with the Brimorians ... I doubt we’ll have to worry about them for too much longer.”

“Not with the Maliri doing him personal favours,” Morgan said with a disbelieving laugh. His laughter died as a shiver ran down the admiral’s spine. “I know the Lion is your creation, Lynette ... but are you sure you’re not playing with fire letting him make alliances with the Regency? The Maliri aren’t like any other aliens I know; we’re like impudent kids to them ... and they could turn and give us a spanking any time they please.”

“They’re certainly very powerful,” she conceded, her tone cautious. “But they seem intent on helping us and we’re not in any position to turn down any aid ... not after the mess Buckingham left behind.”

He nodded, a haunted look in his eyes. “How could Vincent just abandon the Outer Rim like that?” Morgan asked in a hushed voice. “The other day I had to tell a good man that the Kirrix wiped out his whole family. They chopped up his three kids and raped his wife ... then she blew her brains out after she was rescued. When I told him they were gone, it was like watching the light go out in his eyes...”

“I really am sorry, Alex,” she said, her voice full of compassion. “Maybe you should get some rest? I know exactly how distressing those notifications can be.”

He slumped in his chair, making no attempt to hide his fatigue. “I might take a few hours to pull myself together...” Morgan gave her a grateful look. “Thank you for being so understanding, Lynette. I know I wasn’t your greatest supporter when you were vying to be Fleet Admiral, but I freely admit I was wrong about you.”

“Much appreciated,” she said with a grateful smile. “I’m not looking for personal glory, I just want to do the right thing by the Terran Federation ... and that means making sure my admirals are fighting fit. Take the rest of the day as leave, Alex, that’s an order.”

Morgan saluted, his mouth twitching upwards. “Acknowledged, Fleet Admiral.”

Lynette returned the salute then ended the call with a heavy sigh. As her fingers were lifting for the comms interface again, Alyssa’s concerned telepathic voice cut through her mind and stayed her hand.

Jehanna’s getting pretty angry. What’s up? Isn’t she supposed to be with you this morning?

Glancing at the chronometer, Lynette was startled to see that it was 8:32am and that the reporter was running late. I’ll look into it, Alyssa. Thanks for letting me know.

Jumping up from the sofa, the Fleet Admiral rushed into her bedroom and pressed her hand to the secure lockbox on her dresser. The DNA reader flashed green and the lid opened, revealing the elegant laser pistol and shield that Dana had given her. She holstered the weapon and attached the miniaturised shield generator to her belt, then jogged through her quarters to the exit.

Forcing herself to slow down, Lynette took a deep breath and opened the door, only to be met by raised voices.

“You’re a civilian! You will not walk around my high-security zone armed! Now hand it over!” Colonel Fiske barked, his authoritative tone one that was seldom disobeyed.

“This is ridiculous!” Jehanna snapped, her patience pushed to the limit. “I’m going to the firing range with her! If I wanted to assassinate the Fleet Admiral, I could just turn around and blow her brains out!”

Lynette hurried out into the corridor as the security officer turned to the four guards who were watching the showdown in uncomfortable silence.

“Arrest Miss Elani!” Fiske snarled, bristling with fury.

Coleridge hesitated and asked, “On what charge, Sir?”

Before Fiske could continue, Lynette cut-in, saying sharply, “Belay that order.”

Red-faced, the colonel whirled around and looked like he was about to make a heated comment, but he managed to keep his jaw clamped shut. Taking a deep breath, he strode over to Lynette and said under his breath, “Might I have a word in private, Fleet Admiral?”

She nodded and reopened the door to her quarters to usher him inside, leaving an exasperated Jehanna and the four uncomfortable guards standing in the corridor.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Lynette faced the fuming officer who towered over her. “Alright, let’s have this out, Colonel Fiske ... You have my permission to speak freely.”

“You’re taking ridiculous risks with your personal security!” he snapped, jabbing a finger at her. “It’s my job to protect the Fleet Admiral and you seem to be trying your damnedest to make that task impossible!” Lip-curling with disgust, he continued, “I don’t know what kind of operation you’re used to running, but flouting long-established protocols out of sheer vanity is the kind of amateur mistake I’d expect from a junior officer, not the goddamn Fleet Admiral!”

Her eyes narrowed as she stared back at him, not the least bit intimidated by his imposing height. “You and I both know that as Fleet Admiral I have almost limitless autonomy. I filed an executive order granting Jehanna Elani the right to bear firearms throughout the station and that specifically meant in my presence. I don’t know what kind of Mickey Mouse operation you’re used to operating under, but you will respect the chain of command. You can bluster all you like, Colonel, but you will obey my orders.”

Fiske glared at her, his eyes glittering with fury. “But you’re granting admiralty privileges to a civilian! Elani’s a huge threat to your safety! It would be ridiculously easy to compromise her with threats to her family, then you’re standing next to a ready-made assassin ... and you put the gun in her hand!”

“I trust Jehanna Elani more than anyone else on this station!” Lynette snapped. “There are no circumstances in which she would ever betray me!”

He looked at her incredulously, having not missed the fact that the Fleet Admiral just stated she trusted a TFNN reporter more than her fiancé, a decorated member of High Command. “What are you keeping from me?!” he blurted out, his stare turning suspicious. “As the man charged with ensuring your safety, I have the right to-”

“You have no right to question me!” Lynette snarled. She pulled the imposing laser pistol out of her holster and brandished the sleek weapon under his nose. “Does that look like a standard-issue firearm to you?! Jehanna’s been given a matching one! You’re demanding answers to something that’s five pay-grades above your clearance level! I give you an order and you obey it, that’s what you have a right to do, Fiske!”