“Tomb of the Panther, Part One: a pirate raid!”
“I still can’t believe you of all people did that,” Athena murmured, not without a grain of respect. She had invited herself to the clinic shortly after Rose and her crew got settled in, and along with Fuuka, was the first to interview Dr. Miracle about the events that transpired not long ago. A small, rare smile creased her lips and she unfolded her arms. “You never struck me as the type to perform such a mindless stunt.”
“Try ‘reckless’ stunt, dear,” Fujiwara said as she cured Amy’s wounds. Aside from the obvious damage done to her foot when Miracle put so much weight on it, there were also a few minor burns and bits of shrapnel to deal with. Amy was flushed for inconveniencing the good doctor with her battle-injuries, but she was also proud and glowing from the aftermath of victory. Not even her foot could totally eradicate that high sensation.
“I know I don’t need to say this to you,” Fuuka pointed evenly, “but you really should be more careful. Putting so much pressure on an injury like that will only make it worse. I’m surprised you didn’t even faint from blood loss—and thank goodness it’s not infected! Well, the good news is that you’re otherwise healing quite nicely. It’s remarkable how stubborn that one injury is, though. I’ve been able to patch the rest up so well…”
“I’ve heard this speech before,” Amy said, smiling very faintly. “You really don’t need to worry so much, Fuji-san. I know the limits of my own body quite well. What surprises me is that I was able to get away with so much.”
“Regardless, be careful in the future. There—those bandages should hold you for a few hours, and I’ve applied painkillers as well.” Amy thanked her and reached for her cane, but she didn’t seem keen on exercising more caution than necessary. Athena crossed her arms again and hung her head; Fuuka could tell she was weighed down by something. “Um, Theena-chan, what is it?”
“What I don’t get is how she appeared so suddenly on the Bloody Dove, and how did you know that Rose’s group had their cannons rigged like that?”
“You need to start paying attention!” Amy giggled. “I just asked Rachel to take me there. I wanted my words to reach everyone around us, and I wanted to show those pirates that we could be strong too. As for the cannons, well…” She trailed off quietly and stared at the ground for so long that Athena became impatient.
“Yeah?” She raised her head as if coming from a dream; her eyes appeared clouded.
“Huh? I’m sorry, what were we talking about? Anyway, I’m much better now, so I think I’ll go say hello to Rose’s crew. You two should come along as well.” She hobbled out casually, leaving the two lovers to stare quizzically.
“Did she just space out on us? Or is there a secret she just doesn’t want to tell us?”
“It must not be our business,” Fuuka sighed. “Ugh, secrets, crazy girls, space pirates, galaxy police…this is just like the Tenchi series.”
“Does that make me Ryo-ohki?” Athena said with a smirk.
……
At first the Dead Roses were concerned that the Dauntless could not hold their entire company, and even if it could, there would not be enough room for everyone to mingle about freely. But somehow it all worked out; the ship seemed to expand and grow large enough to accommodate them all, and with room to spare. What each woman saw as she explored the vessel and familiarized herself with its alien surroundings is unknown, nor should any discovery be reported in the first place, for this was a vessel that showed one’s innermost desires, and so “to each her own”. Several of Rose’s girls were already becoming very familiar with their new allies—VERY familiar.
Rose’s helmswoman and main communications officer was a beautiful feminine creature nicknamed Duchess, for she once led a life of nobility and grandeur before the call of the wild regions summoned her. She represented the population of the Bloody Dove that Rose kidnapped or spirited away; she was in the habit of taking wealthy, well to-do social elitists away from their homes and either ransoming them off (if she didn’t like them) or seducing them into her service. Duchess didn’t quite go through with this barbaric process, though: she joined Rose of her own free will and was quite happy to abandon her dreary, meaningless life.
The chief technician aboard Rose’s ship was given the name Juniper at birth, but everyone dubbed her “Torch”, due to her unnatural penchant for carrying a blowtorch into battle (she and Kyrie hit it off beautifully). Demented pyromania aside, Torch was fairly gifted with technology and cobbling pieces of machinery together, and if it weren’t for her fair skin (marked with its share of burn scars) and yellowy hair, she would’ve easily passed as a Red. She didn’t quite have Kyrie’s zeal, though, since her mind was fairly on the level, and she preferred working on computers rather than the latest gizmo. Even so, it was hard tearing her apart from lady Lastgear.
The girl in charge of ammunition and firearms was a sweet, spunky, carefree tomboy who was very easy to befriend, so long as everyone got her name right. Her left leg was severed from the knee down, and she had a machine gun grafted in its place, earning her the demeaning nickname Peggy—short for “peg leg”. Those addressing her as such were introduced to the business end of her legendary artificial limb, but on the rare chance someone actually called her Henrietta, she showered them with affection. She was a favorite sexual partner aboard the Bloody Dove, but lately Henrietta had been gravitating towards Mink. Mink seemed to enjoy the company, even though she still kept an emotionless mask on.
There were at least fifty other girls that Rose brought with her: mostly runaways, former hostages, orphans, brothel girls, and the occasional relative. Few of them had such outstanding quirks as Torch or Henrietta; most could almost pass as normal women in regular society (if it weren’t for the murder, theft, and indiscriminate sex they all committed). There were two sisters onboard that, except for their choice of outfit, fell into this broad category: Patches Patty, who only wore eyepatches (usually three or four, depending on how much she wanted to cover up), and Naked Natalie, who literally spent most of her days in the nude (as Amy could attest, she even fought in the buff). Chandra naturally befriended them very quickly.
Rose herself spent most of her time engaged in strategy meetings with Miracle, the Acheron sisters, and Rebecca Hill. She was obviously drawn to the humble doctor and respected her as a commander and even a rival, but it was clear she was totally smitten with Kayleigh and Teleah, and made no effort to hide it. The Acheron sisters were used to negative attention—growing up with a second head on your shoulders was traumatizing, to say the least—so when Rose made a pass at them, they didn’t know how to handle it. Only Chandra bothered to flirt
with them, but she had been programmed to; she had no other choice. Rose carted around a whole harem of beautiful women, and yet her eyes were focused on the pilots.
It really wasn’t such an unusual thing once you put a bit of thought into it. Physically, the twins were actually very attractive in their own right, once you got over the fact that they were conjoined so closely. They had an average height and weight for their age and dyed their sunlit hair black and turquoise so that others could tell them apart. Kayleigh, the black-haired one, was much more soft-spoken, and between the two, was more recessive and submissive, unless some problem forced her to lash out emotionally. She hated crowds and insisted that the two spend most of their time isolated in the cockpit controlling the ship’s movements, but she also didn’t like being bossed around, even by her sister. She only followed Amy out of respect—and because Miracle never forced her to do anything, and never made any unreasonable request. She even had a crush on the older woman, but was smart enough to know it could never work out.
Teleah was definitely the verbose one, and everyone assumed her thoughts were the thoughts of both girls. Unlike her sister, she didn’t spare any words or feelings, and if somebody needed to be told something, she would say it loud and clear. She loved being in the middle of crowds and used to milk her “freakish” appearance for all it was worth, even going so far as to consider joining a circus. If there was a pun to be made about their looks, you can guarantee she’d make it and laugh while doing it, which made Kayleigh horribly uncomfortable every time. She would flip her long turquoise hair proudly and throw as much of her weight around as she could until she got her way, which made her a little unpopular. Rose adored the sharp contrast and treated them as individuals, which is the way they liked it.
“So just how far away from New London are we?” she asked.
“It’s some light-years away,” Kay sighed. Not even Bibliopolis had a complete map of the entire known Milky Way; there were so many discoveries and additions being made year round that it was challenging and expensive just trying to keep up. Combining the knowledge of everyone onboard, including the pirates, gave everyone at the meeting a rough idea of how the galaxy was situated and where everything was, but they couldn’t rely on accuracy.
“We’re around this area,” Kay said, tracing a broad circle on the monitor with a laser pointer. “These are the frontier areas. The Ozmund Company has been trying to expand their enterprise in this region, but their progress is slow. This is Saigrim, the last registered planet we visited before running into your group. We outfitted the ship here, and the Bloody Dove is here. Right now, we’re just outside the Grinma system. Alpha Centauri, which is where New London is, is way…” She drew a long line that almost dragged over a quarter of the known galaxy, until finally resting on a spot close to the Helios system. “Over here. It’s a long journey.”
“No kidding,” Rebecca murmured. Her face paled and she nervously played with her white hair: home had never seemed so far away before. Somewhere on that planet’s satellite colony, her mother was working hard to make ends meet, oblivious to the adventures her daughter was having. It had been over two months since she left home, but it seemed like days; the time passed quickly and she rarely had time to rest and reflect on it all. “But there are plenty of shortcuts if you know where to look for them,” she added. Rose nodded and took the pointer for herself.
“Yeah, the Bold Drive here, and the Ether Highway along this stretch. Some of the less upstanding citizens of the world use the Pheriffa Net, but that’ll take us close to a black hole and some asteroids, and there’s also the Way of the Serpent if you don’t mind cozying up to UCM Dreadnoughts.”
“I was thinking we could use Shandra’s Curves,” Rebecca murmured. Rose gazed in bemusement.
“Kid, I’ve flown from one side of this galaxy to the next, and I’ve ridden on just about every shortcut and highway there is, but I’ve never heard of Shandra’s Curves. I had a lover named Shandra once, but she wasn’t what I’d call curvy.”
“No, it’s there, trust me. It loops and swerves around a lot, and sometimes the path changes, but it’s there. My aunt discovered it.” Rose frowned gravely and shook her head.
“She must’ve kept the secret for herself, cuz’ if it’s where you say it is, I’ve never heard of it or seen a way into it. But if you’ll swear on it…”
“I’ve ridden through it before,” Rebecca said firmly. “Kay, Tee, you think I could navigate you through it? I promise I know exactly what I’m doing.” The twins were unsure, wanting to trust Rose’s experience over Rebecca’s, but the young woman had such conviction in her voice and eyes that they decided to believe her. Rose shrugged and let out a deep breath.
“Let it not be said I was afraid of uncharted waters. While these two beauties are off setting the coordinates, why don’t you tell us more about New London? I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been there.”
“It’s not very special,” she murmured. “Most of it’s been overrun by a jungle. There are a few small towns, but nothing that would really register. There was a huge environmental disaster there a long time ago, and the colonists put laws into effect that would protect what was left. It’s done pretty well on its own, though, but we can’t land there without special permission.”
“Since when have I cared about getting permission?” Rose snickered. Rebecca stared at her grimly and shook her head.
“No, you really need permission to land there or you will be shot down. All incoming traffic lands on the Marlin Colony, be they peasant or emperor, and the ships are grounded until they’re cleared for their next destination. In other words, you can’t leave until the authorities know where you’re going next.”
“Bullshit!”
“It’s true,” Rebecca answered. “The good news is that they’re fairly lenient when it comes to letting people visit NL. People go there on vacations or honeymoons all the time. It’s just that nobody will allow any unauthorized visits. They really take those preservation laws seriously.”
“Mother fucker!” Rose exclaimed in shock. “Talk about being a tight-assed hippie! So what if an honest upstanding criminal such as myself makes the scene?” Rebecca shrugged.
“As long as you don’t cause trouble while you’re on the colony, you should be fine. Even a deranged butcher with a billion-gold bounty could squeak through if he kept his nose clean.”
“We should be fine,” Amy assured her. “After all, Rose, you’re my guest. So once we make our way to New London, where do we go next?”
“Well, if this map has any truth behind it, it’ll be buried deep on a small isolated continent. From what Torch was able to decipher, it’s protected by a chain of active volcanoes, some lakes infested with all kinds of nameless monstrosities, and a primordial jungle teeming with the unspoken horrors of a time long forgotten. It should be a cakewalk.” Rebecca glared at Rose for a moment and shook her head. It was nice hearing how fearless she was, but too much bravery could be lethal. Fear was nature’s way of telling her children to beware of danger, and those foolish enough to ignore the signs oftentimes paid very dearly for their errors.
“Before we all risk our lives for what may very well be a wild goose chase, I’d like some time to visit my mother. I haven’t been keeping in touch with her very often, and I’m a little worried.”
“We probably should prepare ourselves for the task,” Amy added. “I have faith that everyone will perform well, but we can’t just throw ourselves at it. Let’s say…one day or two?”
“One day is all I need,” Rebecca said. “And in the meantime, I’ll be in the cockpit. Rose, please kindly refrain from seducing our pilots, at least until we’re out of my aunt’s passage.”
“All the best stuff is worth waiting for,” she replied smoothly.
……
Thanks to the ingenuity of Rebecca’s aunt Shandra, for whom the secret path was named, the crew of the Dauntless made it to New London and the Marlin colony in just three days, as opposed to the three weeks it would’ve taken them if they didn’t use any of the shortcuts. Even with the fastest boosters and the most powerful engines, traveling through the broad stretches of space was time-consuming and tedious, so people took hyperspace or Lennethium-drive shortcuts, and many of these were commercial lanes used by the Ozmund Company. For those who wanted to hide from public eyes, more dangerous routes became necessary, and sometimes, like in Shandra’s case, they were stumbled upon quite accidentally. Vimmy’s species bought several and sold their traveling rights, but unfortunately, this one was not for sale.
“A pity, too, and so many people could benefit, why it’s one of the fastest lanes I’ve seen, and it’s hardly dangerous, I wonder why Miss Hill said her aunt wouldn’t take the money, it’s not like it’s an issue with me, the investment would be practical and wise, and I heard her family needs the money, urgh, why are humans so stubborn and unpredictable, or else so greedy they’d make ME turn colors, I can’t understand, but oh bother, where did that confounded Mink go, it’s nearly lunchtime and I’m starved, I’ll shrivel away to nothing if I’m not fed, do I have to rely on Chandra now?”
Mink had been slowly integrating herself into the crew ever since the adventure on Bibliopolis, but since her tastes were so simple and her emotions were so dulled, it was difficult making friends. She positively fell in love with Shana, though, and spent most of her time with the young artist, quietly looking over her work and commenting on its beauty. Most Yuns have very little creativity and can hardly make anything for themselves, except for the occasional primitive tool, and they produce very little art, but they are unmatched when it comes to appreciating the finer things in life. Shana’s hobby was painting and sketching all the worlds she had visited (and all the places her companions explored), and Mink’s hobby was sitting and staring at these pieces. Henrietta was with her, of course, and she fell hopelessly in love with Mink’s pastime.
“It looks just like the real thing,” she whispered as Mink pulled out another easel. This one depicted Amazonia almost perfectly: you could nearly hear the cry of birds, the roar of rivers, the breath of wind, and the song of the mountains. The trees were so lush and vibrant that Henrietta reached out to touch them, expecting to feel rough bark and silky leaves. The majestic lizard king and the saber-cats they had fought looked so realistic, she honestly expected to touch fur and scales, not canvas.
“She’s quite good,” Mink answered, her face clear and deep in thought. She wasn’t smiling, but Henrietta could tell the taller woman was overflowing with quiet, humble joy, and she snuggled a little closer as the next piece was drawn out. Mink had a permanent scent of wildflowers and honey-speckled clover about her, even in the middle of this technological marvel, and her presence was as inviting and warm as a blanket and hot cocoa on a winter’s night. Mink was so beautiful and pure that it seemed blasphemous to think of her in a sexual light, but Henrietta couldn’t help herself: she lingered as much on Mink’s figure as she did on the art. But there was no way she could make a move now: the moment felt sacred.
During the three days it took to reach New London and its colony, Torch and Kyrie also became close, but that was inevitable from the beginning. The capricious Pyrosian seemed to have recovered from losing Vimmy and soon became very friendly with the human—maybe too friendly at times; they nearly burnt down several rooms. Of course, it was difficult when Torch wanted to take a bath or a shower with her new friend, because all Pyrosians are averse to water, even when it’s boiling hot (they usually wash themselves in oil), but Kyrie was so excited to finally meet someone who shared her interest that she made the ultimate sacrifice, and put up with it. The payoff was worth it.
Not even Duchess was immune to sexual desires, and was consumed with lust whenever Allegra walked by. They were both ladies in the truest sense of the word, and normally restrained themselves when it came to that kind of passion, but for Allegra, it was considerably easier to avoid her urges. She liked Duchess, but wasn’t even sure if she could call her a friend: she was going through a rough phase where her memories of the past decided to catch up with her. She only seemed to relax whenever Kate was around, probably because she believed the muscular woman could understand her pain, whereas Duchess, who had basically led an easy life, could not. That certainly didn’t stop her from trying.
“Great breasts,” she grinned. Allegra rolled her eyes and scrambled away.
“Time to leave the bath.”
“Great posterior, too.”
“Kyrie’s is better,” Torch said, drawing the poor waterlogged Red close.
Out of all the pirates, Patty and Natalie received the most stares, but they brought it upon themselves. They were perfectly at ease with their bodies and were perfectly happy flaunting them, both to their enemies and their comrades—and now to all these total strangers. Riene was careful about where her eyes wandered whenever she was in their vicinity, but she was only human; she stared too. Herut decided to bunk them in the same category as Chandra (who naturally hogged the sisters to herself for most of the voyage); Lyara gazed at them with fondness, however, since they reminded her of some women from her old gang.
“You mean they ran around naked, or mostly naked anyway?” Patty grinned.
“No,” Lyara murmured thoughtfully. “They were just…very close. Well, they did dress provocatively, but they were also very sweet.”
“That’s us all the way!” Natalie exclaimed. Lyara smiled faintly and decided to go check on Rebecca. She felt guilty for using her psychic powers to “spy” on other people’s feelings, but she had developed an interest in the white-haired maiden and couldn’t contain her curiosity any more.
She has desire…and fear…and so much inquisitiveness. There’s hope as well, and excitement, and apprehension. She’s awhirl with thought and I know for a fact that I play a small part in that maelstrom. But who else? I know she’s also thinking about her mother, but there’s another person in her mind. It’s too bad I can only read emotions and not thoughts.
“Or maybe it’s a good thing,” she said as she knocked on the cockpit door. The Acheron sisters were alone, their thoughts centered on making it through the shortcut and planetary customs, two voices in perfect synchronization. It was very entrancing, but not what Lyara was looking for. They told her she had just missed their navigator, and that they would be arriving soon. Next time, perhaps.
……
Sometimes it takes a kick in the teeth to make somebody change. For Rebecca, she was forced to suddenly leave her home three years ago when she was accused of attempted murder. Rebecca knew for a fact that she was innocent: she had been going back home after a long shift at the restaurant her mother worked at when she was approached by the manager of a big company. He told her he could provide better business opportunities for her if she would agree to be his wife, and when Rebecca refused, things turned ugly and she was forced to defend herself. The wound he received was not very serious, but it confined him to a wheelchair and he put forth all his power to arrest her. Rebecca knew that the court would side with whoever had the most money and influence—after all, she was just some lowly waitress going up against an important man—and so, with barely enough money to eat off, she escaped her home in search of her destiny. Thinking about this jarring event worried her, but she found support in an unlikely place.
“What an asshole,” Lil sighed as she escorted Rebecca onto the colony. “He deserved it. You should’ve blown his balls off, too. This is proof that the human judiciary system doesn’t work.”
“I’ve tried not to let it annoy me,” she sighed. “I’ve spent the last three years trying to eke out a life for myself. Right now I’m more worried about my mother than meeting up with that guy.” The beautiful warrior-archaeologist placed a supportive hand on Rebecca’s shoulder and grinned.
“That’s the spirit! You humans do surprise me now and then. Your independence and devotion is pretty admirable. I think I’d benefit from your company.”
“Aren’t you human?” she asked. Lil shook her head.
“I’m from the lost world of Mu, so I’m a Mun. That Dr. Fuuka calls me a Mulian, but that’s just insulting. It’d be like if I called you a shaved ape.”
“Yeah, but if you go around saying you’re a Mun, people will think you’re just crazy. You do realize it’s pronounced exactly the same as moon, as in ‘the moon of New London is a tiny rock’. And isn’t Mu a fictional world anyway?”
“It’s definitely real,” Lil snorted. “I almost died on that world. I guess it doesn’t matter if you believe me, as long as Aseria does.”
“Hmm. So what sort of relationship do you two have? I know it’s sexual, and you seem pretty close, but I get the feeling you don’t really love each other.”
“She’s a sexy, powerful woman I respect,” Lil shrugged as they leaned over a railing. The city where Rebecca’s mother lived, Wayneport, was typical as cities go, but it was smaller and the sky wasn’t as cluttered with imposing buildings. It was the type of city that could breathe easily and put people at ease—not amazing, but certainly charming. Lillianne wasn’t impressed, but she didn’t seem bored, either. “Aseria feels the same way towards me. I…guess
you could say she cares about me, but I think the one she’s really in love with is that psycho sister of hers. Erm, half-sister.” Rebecca made a face.
“She’s in love with her sister? That’s a little disturbing.”
“Not for a Sindar,” she replied coolly. “They practice incest and homosexuality fairly often. I guess the species is ‘pure’ enough to allow that sort of thing. It’s not like you humans never did that—I know we Mun did that sort of thing all the time. My parents were actually mother and son.”
“That might explain something,” Rebecca grumbled. Lil just grinned and drew Rebecca into an act of pseudo-affection.
“I told you we’re cool with it. Hell, if they hadn’t chosen me as their sacrificial maiden, I probably would’ve been engaged to my little brother! But now I’ve said too much. I guess what I meant to say is that I’m not really in love with Aseria, but I sure as hell like her, and I like being with her. I trust her too, y’know? And sometimes trusting someone completely is a whole lot better than loving them.”
“But you act so possessive.”
“I just hate seeing filthy lower species clawing at her with their greasy hands. I’m cool with her fucking her dumb-ass sister. Hell, I’ve fucked that bitch myself, and I hate her rotten guts! You know, if you want, you could fuck me. You may be a human, but you’re sure as hell gorgeous.”
“No thanks,” she whispered darkly, prying herself out of Lil’s embrace. “I think I’ll go visit my mother now. There’s her restaurant. Thanks for taking me all this way.”
“Oh, sure, no problem. You need me to wait out here?”
“That would be nice. You’re a great bodyguard,” she grinned at last, “but way too twisted for my taste. Later.”
“Sure, bye.” Then, moping to herself, “But I like being twisted.”
……
Kaylee Hill had a bounce to her step for once as she walked back to her small home. Getting the occasional letter from her daughter was nice, but nothing could compare to the real thing. She had tried not to act too emotional as she hugged the young woman and studied her face. If anything, her dear Rebecca was prettier and more outgoing than ever, and it was clear she had improved in general as a person—all those experiences and adventures had been good for her. Kaylee had been sick with worry during that first year, especially with that bounty on her daughter’s head, but now things had calmed down and most people forgot about the incident. She herself had been brought into the police station several times, along with her sister-in-law Shandra, and they both vouched for Rebecca’s character. The authorities were quick to point out that an innocent person wouldn’t have run in the first place, but the cunning mother responded by pointing out Rebecca had already been declared guilty by the court; it was only a matter of performing a “trial”.
“At least it’s mostly blown over,” she sighed as she unlocked her front door. “There’s been several investigations and there’s some new light being shed. At least Becky’s fine, and she seems to have made some good friends. That lady that waited outside for her seemed nice.” Kaylee wasn’t yet aware of Rebecca’s growing attraction towards other women, but then again,
perhaps even Rebecca herself was unaware of the development. As Kaylee struggled to balance her luggage, her keys, and the door, someone came up to her and offered to help.
“That looks like quite a load. I’ve got a hand or two to spare; let me help.”
“You’re very kind,” Kaylee said as she handed a few bags over. She froze quietly as she opened the door and got a good look at her helpful assistant, and stood petrified as a flood of memories washed over her—an entire history surging back into her mind.
“Hiya,” said the other woman. “Long time no see.”
“It has been awhile, Valti,” she mumbled softly. “I…I’m sorry, do you want to come in?”
“Sure, I can spare a few hours. How else are you gonna stock all this food?”
“What a surprise,” Kaylee said, sighing with relief and unexpected joy. “I didn’t think I’d see you again so quickly. I know you couldn’t have escaped on good behavior alone…”
“Oh, I know how to play politics,” Valti replied slyly. “Let’s just say there were several contributors for my freedom. There’s still a price on my head, of course, but it’s nothing big. You know, that’s how I first met your daughter.” Kaylee grinned softly.
“I hope she wasn’t too thoughtless or rough.”
“No, she’s a great woman. You really raised her well. All this time,” she grunted, stretching her eight limbs, “I figured we’d meet eventually. The Hills and Professor Brignor are intertwined together; it was only a matter of where, when, and what circumstances. How are you holding up?”
“I’m doing well, considering everything that’s happened. Becky and Shandra help out whenever they can.”
“Oh, really? I’m glad. Yeah, you’ve been through Hell and back, haven’t you?”
“It’s nothing,” she grinned. “You got the bad end of the bargain.”
“What, these?” She flexed and flapped her extra arms, her face beaming beautifully. “This is probably the best thing that’s happened to me since I got my degree! I mean, sure, it hurt like hell, and it was hard to adjust to at first, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. And let me tell you, they’re fantastic for sex!”
“Still the same old Valti,” Kaylee chuckled.
“I’m not that old,” she coughed. “Remember, Kay, I’m only six years Becky’s senior. If I wasn’t so uncomfortable with the idea, I could be her girlfriend! Bwahahahahahahaaaa!!”
“Yes, about that,” she blushed. “Do you…know anything? I’m afraid you’ve spent more time with her recently than I have, and…she’s never felt comfortable around men.”
“You can’t blame the lady,” Valti sighed somberly. “She didn’t have any good male role models. At least she remembers her daddy, though. Would it really be so bad if you found out she liked girls?” Kaylee smiled warmly and shook her head.
“I just want her to be happy and safe. So how long are you staying here?”
“Not long. I gotta hop on over to NL so I can keep an eye on that angel of yours.”
“Why are you going to New London? Taking a breather?”
“Nah, I wish. We ran into Dead Rose the pirate, and after a few exciting space battles, we called a truce and came over here to celebrate. I think she knows where the Panther’s Tomb is.”
“So does everyone else,” Kaylee chuckled.
“I dunno,” Valti shrugged, “she seems really certain. I’m more worried about it existing in the first place than what we might find in there.”
“I know what you mean. So you won’t stay for long…” She smiled sadly, rubbing her finger against her cup; Valti squealed and leaned in close.
“Aww, do you miss me already? Come on, admit it: you were happy when they put me away!”
“I most certainly was not! I cried. I was worried. I mean, I knew you’d get out, but…it really scared me. And now that you’re here, it all seems so unreal. It’s staggering.”
“You want me to leave so you can rest?” Genuine concern and love radiated out of Valti Brignor, and for that, Kaylee glowed with gratitude.
“No, please stay as long as you can. I get letters from Becky every now and then, but this is the first time we’ve spoken in ages. Val…may I ask one final serious question? It’s about Baker.” Valti nodded solemnly.
“I haven’t seen him since. My guess is that he’s up to his usual mischief. Please don’t assume I’m any better than he is, Kay. There is no line that separates us. He experiments on humans,” she groaned, lifting all her arms, “and I experiment on animals. Neither one of us ever keeps in touch with you. Hell, Baker wasn’t even locked up. If anything, you should…”
Kaylee leaned in and kissed her quietly. Valti agreed to stay for a little while longer.
……
True to her word, Rebecca was ready to leave the next day, and in spite of Rose’s doubts, the crew was given permission to visit New London. There was tension and excitement everywhere: Kyrie and Torch held hands and bounced with fiery happiness; Henrietta drew a little closer to Mink and quietly held her arm; Rebecca felt stronger and surer of herself after visiting with her mother, and Valti smiled silently to herself. Her eyes were on the young white-haired maiden she promised to watch over, and her thoughts drifted to the two people she was connected to, and had loved deeper than words can say.
“Land ho!” Duchess exclaimed. She winked at Allegra, who grumbled and shouldered her rifle.
“Hi-ho Silver.”
Preview of next chapter
Kyrie: Wheeeeee, I have a sexy new girlfriend! Yippee!!
Mink: So is there love in store for me as well?
Allegra: Hey, I dunno about y’all, but I am not succumbing to these wicked Sapphic urges!
Kate: (Darn!)
Kyrie: In the next chapter, Torch and I cuddle! Yeeee! We snuggle! Heeheehee! We wrestle each other in the nude! Squee! And, uh…oh yeah, something about landing on a planet.
Mink: We arrive on New London and make our way to the Panther’s Tomb. Hmm, does it really exist?
Allegra: Who cares? I hear we get to fight the Fog Ninjas again! Yee-haw!! I can’t wait to let loose!
Kyrie: All this and more super happy Kyrie/Torch loving in the next chapter, “Tomb of the Panther, Part Two: forbidden secrets await our brave heroines!”
Mink: That’s a long title.
Allegra: I will admit your new girlfriend has good taste in weaponry!
Mink: Hmm. (faint smile)
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