Chapter 16

Frederick paced around the small room, impatiently waiting for someone to pick him up from the space hub. It was outrageous the way he was treated by those inferior Talian guards; he was convinced they had no right to ban him from Bishojo. His father always fixed the situation no matter what happened. The filthy slut had gone too far, discrediting the Cavendish family in such a stupid way. He was sure his father’s lawyers would sue her and everything would be fine again.

He jumped as the door opened with a loud clank and turned around to see who had entered the room without asking. He decided to bite his tongue as soon as he saw an ugly giant standing there holding a few items in his massive hands.

One of them was a rolled-up mattress which the Talian guard promptly tossed into the corner of the room. In his other hand was a large tray that he roughly put down on the small table. Without saying a word, the giant fished out a tablet from a pocket and handed it to him.

Totally flabbergasted Frederick took the flat device from the guard and couldn’t believe his eyes when the Talian closed the door. He shuddered when he heard the heavy clunking noises, when he realized he was locked up again.

With trembling fingers, he looked at the tablet that was used for standard low security messages. There was only one message recorded and as soon as he tapped the icon the screen flickered, and showed his father’s face.

“My dear Frederick,” said his father with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “You are receiving this message because I can’t address you personally at the moment.”

Frederick rolled his eyes because it had been months since he had seen his father.

“This is because I am traveling to Sirius of all fucking places!” his father suddenly fumed. “The whole fucking Galactic Alliance is talking about your little tantrum, especially because you punched the slut! How many times have I warned you to behave in public? You idiot!”

It was not the first time he had seen his father get angry, but it was the first time his father’s wrath was addressed at him. He slowly came to the realization his father had no intention of rescuing him from his precarious situation.

“Most of the time you can fix certain issues with a little bit of money, or you can crush them with some dirt, but your stupid behavior will have major impact on our plan. In Sirius is the old tart, who likes to be called Queen of Bishojo and I’m going to donate to her your pied-à-terre and the guest residence on the coast. I hope that will be enough to calm down this upheaval.”

He wanted to throw the tablet against the wall, but his father said, “Now, use your fucking brain and don’t throw the tablet against the wall because I’m not done with you, son.”

“We are at the brink of getting Bishojo in our hands which will be the biggest milk cow ever. I’m sorry son, but you’re staying where you are for the moment because I can’t trust you. Those dumb giants promised me they would provide you with the means necessary to stay alive.”

“NOOOOO!” screamed Frederick as he threw the thin tablet against the wall, hoping it would smash into pieces. It was ironic when the damaged tablet kept on functioning. The sound was distorted when his father continued saying, “Use your head son. Now is not a good time to lose your temper. Trust me, a smile will get you further along than anything else.”

He hated his father’s belittling speech and crushed the broken tablet with his heavy boot. A few sparks scattered over the metal floor when the tablet’s power cell fused into a little hot ball.

He knew he was doomed to be stuck at the space hub for a very long time. With one glance at the tray, Frederick knew he was being limited to Nutri bars. His shoulders slumped because he knew the bars tasted disgusting but they would have all the necessary ingredients to keep him alive. Only then did he discover the small door that opened to a tiny restroom. The sewer stink was unbearable because it hadn’t been used for a long time. His nose wasn’t used to such foul smells and with a heaving stomach he tried the water taps, hoping he could fill the drain’s water trap.

“Fuck you!” he screamed, cursing his father. With brute force he slammed the small door shut, frantically trying to think of a way to get out of this horrific situation.

I woke up with soft lips pressed onto mine. I had trouble focusing my eyes, but I smiled as soon as I saw Silvy’s pretty face beaming at me. “Good morning sleepyheads,” she said upbeat, “I’m off to the restaurant. I’ll have breakfast ready in thirty minutes for the three of you.”

I nodded slowly when I realized my other bed partners were snuggled up to me. It was funny to see the two different colors of hair next to each other. Only then did I realize Esgal’s body was as lean as Cirin. The girl must have changed back to a Neutaria during her sleep.

Silvy nodded when she saw my shocked expression while I had a closer look at Esgal’s slender figure. “Your pheromones must be extremely potent.”

“Oh, by Bisha,” groaned Esgal, “I feel so strangely different.”

I gently rubbed her back as I replied soothingly, “Your body decided to return back to a Neutaria.”

She sighed deeply and said somewhat undaunted when she snuggled closer, “I guess most of my bruises are gone as well because I feel wonderful.”

“I really have to go,” Silvy remarked a little stressed as she climbed off the bed, “See you at the restaurant.”

Cirin yawned loudly as she blinked her eyes. “What’s all the fuss about?” she grumbled, “It’s still early.”

My hand was comfortably resting on her bottom, and I slapped it softly as I said, “I didn’t know that Neutarian girls were so lazy.”

“Girls?” she huffed. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m a Neutaria again, Matriarch,” answered Esgal meekly.

“I can’t believe it!” exclaimed Cirin as she sat up instantly, “Come, sit up Esgalnordes. I want to see your bruises.”

I was interested as well, and I clumsily tried to get myself into a cross-legged position. I lazily leaned against the headboard, watching the two Neutarian women interact with each other. Cirin’s posture was almost regal while Esgal displayed a humble demeanor. It was captivating how the teal haired woman showed her affection, truly caring about the well-being of her fellow Neutaria.

“It’s remarkable,” murmured Cirin while her fingers slid over Esgal’s unblemished skin. “It’s all gone! The bruises must have been in the tissue that dissolved the moment you turned back into a Neutaria.

“I know,” the brunette responded meekly. “It’s too bad I’m going to miss your wonderful massages, Paul.”

I laughed. “Don’t worry I like gliding my fingers over oily skin.”

Esgal giggled, “Oh, I would like that!”

Cirin huffed and I reached for her bruises that were still there although they were getting smaller by the day. As I rubbed her thigh I said soothingly, “You’re healing, Cirin. Most of them are really small.”

“I know,” she responded with a sigh, “but it takes so long.”

I pulled the sad girl into my arms and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips. “Let’s take a quick shower. Silvy is cooking breakfast for us at the restaurant.”

While I enjoyed my freshly brewed cup of coffee, I looked at the friendly faces of the women who were sitting at the table. Mitta was sitting opposite me, staring at me as if she wanted to ask me something, privately. I nodded slowly when I caught her eye. The corners of her lips moved up slightly, enough for me to know she’d understood.

The other girls were chatting happily about Esgal’s heroic performance and about the massive number of views the viral postings had gotten. But that all died down instantly when Pac twisted his body through the door.

“Pac!” said Cirin enthusiastically as she stood to greet the giant. “What news do you bring us?”

His face frowned as he handed her a tablet, “A recording for your eyes only.”

She looked at him for a long moment. “Did someone give you this?”

He shook his head, “Is from space hub.”

“Priority?”

The Talian guard silently raised one finger. Cirin nodded.

I wondered what had happened at the space hub that was so important. I watched her walk towards the corner of the room where she played the recording. I strained my ears, in vain hope I might hear something, but the sound level was too low. I had hoped I could see Cirin’s face, but she was hidden behind the tablet. Suddenly she gasped loudly and then looked at the Talian guard with big eyes. “How is it possible you recorded this?”

Pac’s smile was crooked as he mumbled, “Father asked to bring the message to son, but forgot to secure it.”

“By Bisha,” she gushed, “We need to act fast.”

I concluded Cirin had seen a recording of Frederick’s father addressing his son. It made sense because I believed I had heard the boy’s voice.

Cirin came to the table and said, clearly shaken by what she had seen, “Silvynorien and Esgalnordes, I’m sorry but I have to ask you to leave the room.”

The two women nodded and as they walked meekly towards the door, they looked at me because I wasn’t asked to leave. I felt a little unsure about what was going on. “Are you sure you want me to stay?”

“You are an Earthling,” she said calmly as she locked the door, “and I need your opinion.”

“And you, mom,” she continued as she looked at Mitta, “you know Charles Cavendish as one of your partners.”

Mitta’s face hardened as she realized who Cirin was talking about and growled, “What by Bisha has he done now?”