“You ladies felt that too?” I asked.

Persia and Rhia both nodded.

“It felt like someone was watching me,” said Persia, shuddering as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Yeah,” said Rhia. “It was pretty intense, but curious, if that makes any sense.”

I nodded. That’s exactly what it felt like to me. I stretched out with my life sight, focusing on the asteroid ship. Before it was filled with smoky and gray forms moving about, keeping their distance from the silverish form at the center, but not this time. Now I saw earthy colors. Greens and browns mostly, and a silver beacon that pulsed gold in a steady beat at the center. As I watched, I saw the asteroid ship slow even further, then stop completely before it started rotating until it faced the moon. Our home.

“Uh, well, whoever’s driving that thing knows we’re here,” I said, canceling my sight. Looking over I saw Rhia and Persia blinking and shaking their heads.

“So that’s what you see,” said Persia.

“It certainly takes some getting used to,” Rhia added.

Isabella already had Petra in her lap. She’d pulled the plate of pancakes over so she could keep happily eating and feeding Ryo. Lily had reached out and grabbed Persia’s hand, a worried look on her face. Linda and Hannah looked ready for a fight, while Su and Shu calmly looked on, waiting for my next decision. I looked at the four human women and the little girl, considering my options before deciding to err on the side of caution.

“Ladies, I want to send you home for now.”

Isabella looked relieved and hugged Petra close to her. Lily looked conflicted. Shu nodded in understanding while Linda, her polar opposite and lover, leapt out of her chair.

“Like hell you will!” Linda yelled. “You’re not gonna face them without me at your side!”

Shu reached up and took her hand, attempting to calm her down as I walked over to her. I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked into the storm brewing in her eyes.

“Linda, there’s nothing you can do to help if they get violent. They’re the same race as Persia, remember? If they’re as strong as she is, or worse, stronger, it’ll be a bad day for you. And you don’t want to do that to Shu and me, do you?”

She slammed a fist into my chest. “Then give me power like you gave Rhia and Persia!”

I shook my head. “I still don’t exactly know how it works, but I know it’s not that easy. Please, just let me send you and Shu home. I love both of you, and I don’t know what I’d do if something were to happen to you.”

Shu stood up and hugged Linda from behind. “He’s right. There’s nothing we can do. Maybe someday, but not today. Please, come with me. I haven’t shown you my hometown yet.”

Conflict raged within Linda’s eyes before she deflated and sagged back into Shu’s arms. “Fine. This time. Next time I expect to be by your side.”

“I pray there isn’t a next time. Now, where to?”

“My apartment,” Linda said before Shu could open her mouth. Shu gave her a questioning look, but Linda only gave her a small smile. “I want to see your hometown, baby, but I won’t be able to enjoy it while everyone up here may be in danger.” She grabbed me by my shirt and pulled me close. “Don’t you die on me, mister. I’m nowhere near done with you yet.” Then she kissed me, displaying an aggression that caught me off-guard. She then passed me off to Shu, whose goodbye was less aggressive, but no less passionate. I was going to have to spoil these two when this was all said and done. Between the asteroid ship, the Oracle search, and Persia, I’d been neglecting them for too long. Shu released me and then nodded that she was ready, her arms wrapped around Linda’s stomach again.

“I love you both. I’ll see you soon, I promise.” With a snap of my fingers, they were gone.

I turned to Isabella. “I’m sorry about all of this. I brought you up here, neglected you and Petra, and now I have to send home again.”

She waved off the apology. “I imagine the life of a god is a busy one. It was nice to be pampered by your ladies, and Petra was spoiled rotten by everyone. Thank you for the break.”

I smiled. “You’re a saint, Isabella. Once this is all settled, would you like to visit again? Or perhaps even move here? I know my girls up here all adore Petra, and Ryo hasn’t had this much fun in a while.” I gestured at the puppy in question, who sat at Isabella’s feet staring up at Petra, tail wagging with a big doggy grin waiting for the next delivery of pancakes.

“I would love to visit again. I’ll think on your other offer, as well.” She smiled gratefully. I didn’t imagine being a single mother was easy, and any help I could give her I would be happy to. Rhia walked up beside her.

“May I escort you home?”

Isabella nodded, and, after telling me she’d be right back, Rhia took hold of her hand and they vanished in a golden shower of sparks. I chuckled, then reached down to pet Ryo’s head as she looked around in confusion, since her meal ticket just disappeared.

“And she gives me grief about showboating.” I turned to Lily, who was talking with Persia.

“Please stop apologizing. I said it was okay. I really didn’t notice most of it, so I’m not put out at all,” she was saying. Persia was holding on to her hands, eyes watering.

“I just feel so bad. Even though you hadn’t done anything wrong, I was so rude! I don’t want you to go home with a bad impression of me. I’ll even help you hook up with him if you want! I really don’t mind anymore! If he’s happy, I’m happy.”

“I, um… He.. uh,” Lily had turned scarlet by this point, stammering out half words and sounds, clearly embarrassed by the whole thing.

“Persia,” I said softly, getting her attention. “That’s enough sweetheart. She’s fine. She doesn’t hate you, and she isn’t holding anything against you, but if you keep pushing, you’re going to make her even more uncomfortable. Why don’t you escort her home like Rhia did Isabella and Petra and call it even?”

Lily nodded at that, grateful for the lifeline. “Yeah! That will work. Take me home, and all is good, ok? Just let me say bye first.” Persia nodded in agreement, finally seeming to get the point. Lily stepped over to me. “Is that same offer you made Isabella available to me?”

“You heard that?”

“Yeah. Visit or even move in?”

“Yep, you’re welcome to visit anytime you want, or you can move up here-”

“I accept!” she said before I even finished speaking. Then she blushed, even started digging her toe into the floor. It was kind of adorable. “I’d like to move up here with you, if it’s not too much trouble, and if your wives don’t mind.” She glanced around as she said that. Su smiled and nodded. Hannah gave her two thumbs up. Persia started nodding her head vigorously. I laughed.

“Well, three out of six don’t mind,” I looked her in the eye. “And I’m okay with it as well. For now, however, I’d really like to get you home. Don’t you worry you’re pretty pink head off about this. There’s always a place for you here.”

Silver eyes sparkling, she stood up on her toes and planted a kiss on my cheek, whispering in my ear as she did. “Thank you, My Lord.” She backed up, gave me a wink, then grabbed Persia’s hand. They briefly whispered back and forth, looked back at me, giggled, and disappeared in a shower of pink sparks.

I flopped down into my seat before the sparks dissipated. I heard Su and Hannah approach my chair from behind and craned my neck back to watch them. Su was calm and collected, which was her default state when she wasn’t being overly flirtatious. Hannah was grinning broadly. I held my hands out and pulled them both on to my lap, wrapping my arms around their waists. As my blue and tan beauties got comfortable on a leg, Hannah started giggling.

“You trying for one for every day of the week, My Lord? I call Tuesdays.” The little blonde was full of energy as usual as she nibbled at my ear.

“That’s something we can discuss at another time, Hannah,” Su said, sounding all business for once even as the redhead cuddled up against my chest. “You’re planning on heading over there, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Getting them out of here is just a failsafe. If something were to happen to me, they’d stand a better chance on Earth.”

“Us, you mean.” I looked over and saw Rhia and Persia walking over. “You’re not going over there without the two of us.”

“Back already? That was fast.”

“Don’t ignore what I just said, John,” said Rhia. I knew that look. She wasn’t messing around.

I sighed. “I just-”

“No, My John, Sister is right,” said Persia.

“Still going with ‘My John,’ are you?” I asked. Hannah chose that moment to stick her tongue in my ear, and I squeezed a large handful of her ass as a warning. Su was right. Now wasn’t the time, disappointingly enough.

“Only because I want to now, not because I have to,” Persia remarked. “Back on topic, dear, you need me to go with you. You know nothing about Junaians or their beliefs. My memory may be rusty, but I still know more than you.”

Rhia nodded. “And you already know I won’t let you go alone.”

Sighing, I looked at Su. “Looks like the fort is yours while we’re away.” She nodded. “If it’s still standing when we get back, I’ll be sure to slip you a small treat when no one’s looking.”

Smiling, she gave me a lingering kiss, working her practiced tongue around mine before releasing me. “My Lord, your treat could never be described as ‘small.’ I made sure of that, remember?” Three other heads nodded in agreement around me. “Don’t worry. Our home will be safe and secure and eagerly awaiting your return.” I smiled gratefully at her.

“What about me, My Lord? Do I get a treat as well?” Hannah asked, purple eyes sparkling.

“You, my little scamp, have been far too distracting these last couple minutes,” I said as I rubbed the ass cheek I’d pinched earlier. Noting the lack of pantyline under my grip, I slid my hand around, brushing across her lips as a wet spot formed on her dress. She sucked in her breath at my touch. “When I return, I believe some disciplinary training will be necessary.” I quirked an eyebrow at her as I said this. Her breathing got heavier as her tan cheeks turned red.

“Yes, My Lord. I have forgotten my place. Please show me the error of my ways when you return.” She stared at me hungrily, and I brought a hand up to pull her face to mine. When we separated from our kiss, I patted both of them on the ass and had them stand up. Time to get to work.

“Su, Hannah, red alert. Get your girls ready.”

““Yes, My Lord,”” they both said. Bowing, they made to leave, their eyes lingering on mine for a second before they marched out the door.

Rhia watched them leave with a smile on her face. “For you, those two would fight off half the galaxy to keep our home safe.”

I nodded. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” I slapped my hands together. “So, do you two want an emotional moment before we set off, as well, or should we just get to it?”

Persia stepped forward. “I’ll never turn down an opportunity for a moment with you, John.” I smiled, pulling her close. As our lips touched, a spark of energy passed between us, and when we parted her golden eyes were luminescent. That’s not a metaphor. Her eyes were actually glowing.

“John, your eyes!” Persia said. “They’re glowing.”

“So are yours,” I said. “Maybe it’s a god and his goddesses thing?” I looked at Rhia. “Care to assist in an experiment, my dear?” She smiled and stepped into my arms. The same spark occurred as our lips met, and when we separated, her eyes were glowing as well. “Neat. Wonder what it means.”

Rhia shrugged. “This is all new to me as well. However, now is not the time.” She looked over her shoulder in the direction of the asteroid ship. “It’s started moving this way, but not very quickly. How are we doing this? Are we just going to pop over there?”

I shook my head. “No. I don’t want to scare them into something that can’t be reversed, like attacking. I’m still thinking of Isabella’s painting. I think we might be able to solve this peacefully. At least, I hope we can. I think we should fly out to them.”

Persia’s eyes widened. “Fly? I’ve never flown before.”

“Good a time as any to learn, right? Just listen to Rhia. You’re a goddess now, Persia. It’s time to show those assholes who chased you off planet what you’ve become.”

A grin spread across her face and she punched one hand into the other. “You’re right. I’m done hiding in shadows.”

“Easy there, tiger. We’re just going to say hi for now. Now let’s a get a move on. That thing is only getting closer the longer we stand here.”

Rhia and Persia vanished in a puff of gold and pink sparks. I followed, without the theatrics for once.

-

Standing on the moon’s surface, I looked around, then up at the Earth hanging overhead. The sight never failed to awe me.

Over here, John, I heard Rhia in my head. I looked over and saw my two ladies hovering in the vacuum. Persia had changed from her summer dress to a pink catsuit, if you’ll pardon the nomenclature. Over her left breast was the stylized Z that seemed to have become my personal symbol. Rhia gave her a look, shrugged and was soon wearing the same thing, only white. Floating there with their golden wings spread and shining in the unfiltered sunlight, they really were the vision of angels. The tails were an interesting touch, but I liked them. Made my girls unique. I kicked off the surface and flew over to meet them, feeling like Superman as I easily steered my way through the heavens. For a second I debated wearing the suit, with a Z where the S would be, but that seemed tacky even to me, so I stuck with my standard business suit. Greeting aliens in jeans and a t-shirt just seemed too insulting, even for me.

The supersuit would’ve been a bit much, yeah, Rhia thought to me.

I think it would’ve been fun, thought Persia with a grin.

Maybe some other time, I thought back. We can fly around in our supersuits and play superhero. Persia laughed and clapped her hands at the idea, although naturally no sound reached our ears. Come on, let’s go.

No experience can ever capture the feeling of flying through space. Dead silence. Infinity surrounding you. Not even a sensation of speed. If it wasn’t for the rapidly shrinking moon behind us, I wouldn’t have thought we were moving at all. Looking at my girls flanking me, I could see pink and gold trails behind them. I sensed that was something they did for effect, as I didn’t have that behind me. I activated my life sight to see the asteroid ship better, and realized it was closer to us than I thought. Between our approach and its movement towards the moon, we’d closed the distance quickly. As I watched, it finally came out from the shadow of Earth and I got my first real look at it. It really was just a big egg shaped rock in space. The surface was covered in craters from smaller rocks hitting it. I didn’t see anything like external weapons or windows. Just the soft blue glow of its propulsion that it eclipsed. I looked over at Rhia. She made eye contact and nodded. I looked over at Persia. There was a determined look on her face. I could understand that look. For me, this ship was a trespasser. For her, this ship was a reminder of her suffering. She stared steadfastly ahead but sent me a warm feeling through our link.

There was a brief flare from behind the ship before the blue glow faded away. Then it appeared to come to a stop.

Looks like we’ve been noticed, I thought to the girls.

Now let’s see what they decide to do, responded Rhia.

Persia remained silent, watching the ship as we continued closer. Suddenly a light appeared slightly left of off-center. I felt the girls tense up next to me, as I’m sure they felt the same from me. I stared at the pinpoint of light until I could make out the details more. It was less of a spotlight, and more light spilling out. It appeared to be coming from a cleverly hidden hatchway.

Think that’s an invitation?

Rhia shrugged when I looked over at her. Could be. Or it could be a trap.

Suddenly that feeling of being watched hit us again. It had an air of curiosity about it, but I sensed no malice. Then again, we were talking about an alien species. Perhaps they didn’t feel things the same way we did. They could be curious about us the same way a little boy is curious about ants before he kicks over their hill.

It’s no trap, thought Persia. I raised an eyebrow at her. I think they want to meet us first.

I pondered that for a moment, then said fuck it. It couldn’t hurt to meet them. It’s what I came here for anyway. I angled myself towards the hatch and led the girls in. We’d barely touched our feet to the deck when the hatch closed behind us. As soon as it locked in place, we began to hear air being pumped in. At the same time a wave of dizziness overtook me and I dropped to one knee.

“John!” I heard as the pressure started to equalize and two sets of hands were grabbing my shoulders. I shook my head a little and focused on one spot. Slowly everything came back into focus and I was able to stand again.

“Sorry about that, ladies. Just got dizzy there for a second. Not sure what happened. You guys alright?”

They nodded.

“Vertigo, maybe? You went from flying in space to standing in a tiny room,” suggested Rhia.

I shook my head. “I don’t think so. I think it’s the ship. I feel weaker. Not a lot, but noticeable.”

“It’s the concentration of Kamiki worshippers,” said Persia. I looked over and saw that determined look on her face again. Rhia almost smacked her hand to her forehead.

“Of course. We talked about this, remember? Your influence over the ship won’t be as great since it’s not of this system.”

“Right,” I said, recalling the conversation. “You guys seem fine though.”

“We’re anomalies. If I had to guess, I’d say we get our strength from you, but you collapsed and we didn’t, so I can’t be sure. Like I’ve said, I’ve never heard of this happening before.”

Before we could discuss anymore, the inner hatch slid open and large figure stepped forward. Easily topping seven feet, the large cat-man sported a black fur coat with random tan markings. He was dressed in a black body suit that had armor plates shielding its vital areas. I suddenly felt out of place in my business suit. The big guy looked us over, sniffing at Rhia and myself, but his teeth pulled back in a snarl when he saw Persia. She was essentially unrecognizable as a Junaian these days, but I guess enough traits remained the elicit a reaction. Persia, for her part, merely stared back at him as his fur started to rise.

“Ahem,” I coughed, getting his attention. He looked back at me, tail flicking in agitation behind him. “Take me to your leader?” Unable to help herself, Rhia rolled her eyes. Persia maintained her passive face but did send me a giggle through our link. The big guy snarled briefly, then turned around and started walking away.

“Come,” he said, and didn’t wait to see if we were following. We were, naturally, because what other choice did we have? I wanted this to end peacefully, so going off on our own or leaving wasn’t an option.

Are all the males that big? I asked Persia. She shrugged.

I was a child when I left. Everyone was huge to me. I couldn’t argue with that.

Yes, thought Rhia. They’re rarely seen outside of Kamiki’s region of space, but enough have been seen to know that he’s average for a Junaian male. Persia, incidentally, is average for a Junaian female.

I looked over at the slender and formerly much shorter Persia, then at the lumbering giant in front of us, then back to Persia again. My eyes started to widen before she shot me a dirty look.

Don’t. Even. Imagine. It.

I quickly put my hands up in surrender and contented myself with observing our surroundings. Despite the rocky exterior, the inside was surprisingly comfortable. Well lit with carpeted floors. Cushioned seats in the common areas we passed. Not at all resembling the military sparseness I had been expecting. We passed other cat people as we walked down the huge hallways, most the size of our taciturn friend, others smaller and more feminine looking. Everyone we passed stared at us as we made our way deeper into the ship. Some ogled Rhia, not that I could blame them. Others stared at me suspiciously. Most glared at Persia, who ignored it, but I could feel the resentment roiling within her. She never let it show on her face though. She simply stared straight ahead and kept walking.

After countless turns and a ride up some freaky lift tube with no floor, we arrived at an ornate hatch at the end of a hall. Embossed on the metal door was the image of a cat lady. Catgirl didn’t quite feel right to describe the image. She stood in flowing robes, her hair long and wavy, a regal and pompous look on her face. Kamiki, Persia thought to us. Before her knelt countless figures. All I could make out were butts and tails sticking in to the air. I assumed that meant they were supposed to be prostrating themselves before her. My examination of the hatch ended when our massive feline tour guide gave it three sharp knocks. The door started to slowly open. As it did, the big guy turned to us.

“Enter. Kneel. Speak when spoken to,” he said haltingly. He gave Rhia and I hard looks, then snarled at Persia before turning and taking a position at the end of the hall. I looked at the ladies and shrugged before entering the room. As the girls followed me through, the door started to close behind us. The room was surprisingly bare. There was a bed at the back of the room across from the hatch, a door off to our left, and a chair placed in the center of the room on a circular rug. Neither the bed or the chair looked comfortable in any way, yet that didn’t stop someone from sitting in that chair. Silver eyes watched us approach from above a veil not too dissimilar from the niqab worn by Muslim women on Earth. Aside from the eyes, I couldn’t make out any hint of fur. The Oracle, as I assumed them to be, was swaddled in robes that covered every trace of their body. They remained silent as we approached to the edge of the rug, and watched their eyes examine the three of us. If they had any reaction towards Persia like the others on the ship did, they didn’t show it in their eyes. Coming to a stop at the edge of the rug, I smiled.

“Howdy,” I said, then took great delight in watching those eyes get wide at my obvious breach of protocol. A small movement was made under those robes, and the hatch behind us suddenly flew open and our large friend from before came racing in. Before Rhia and Persia could react, I already had him restrained and floating behind me. My powers may be weaker in the ship, but we were still in my solar system, and I had the homefield advantage.

“Listen, if we’re gonna talk, let’s talk. If we’re gonna fight, let’s fight. I’m not going to play your little games though.”

The figure stood up from the chair. They were roughly my height, I could now tell, but the wealth of robes still did an excellent job of hiding everything about them

“Release him and pay the respects due an Oracle of Kamiki,” boomed a voice that seemed to come from everywhere at once. Without taking my eyes off the Oracle, I tossed the guard back through the door behind me, smirking as I heard him hit the far wall with an “Ooomph” as the air got knocked out of him. Rhia and Persia returned to flanking me as I stared down the Oracle.

“We’re already getting off on the wrong foot here. I came here to talk,” I said amiably.

“I will not engage in discussion with one who shows obvious disrespect for Kamiki’s Chosen Oracle and travels with such filth,” the Oracle said, turning their glaring eyes on Persia, who bristled and started working her hands open and closed. Even Rhia tensed at that.

“Okay, I’m done being nice,” I said through clenched teeth. It took a lot of effort, and it felt like I was fighting against a similar power to my own, but I managed to grab the Oracle like I had the guard and lifted them off the ground as I stalked forward. “I came here to find a peaceful solution. You fly into my system, you have your eyes on my planet, your man tries to attack me, and, worst of all, you insulted my wife! You want to discuss who’s disrespecting whom?! Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t crush you like a bug right here and now!” I really didn’t know if I could crush them, since we were in their seat of power, but I was pissed. I’d do it with my bare hands if I hand to.

“Kamiki (gasp) is a (gasp) goddess. You, ugh, cannot (gasp) defeat her,” the Oracle struggled to get out as my anger increased the hold I had on them.

“Goddess? I have two of my own right here!” I gestured to Rhia and Persia. The Oracle’s eyes went wide. “As for me, since you never bothered to check before expecting me to demean myself, I am Zekken! God of Earth and her mother system! When you come to my home, YOU bow before ME!” My last words came out with as much power as I could find to put in them, reverberating around the room and likely the ship. I wasn’t sure if their eyes could get any wider, but the puddle forming under their floating form told me just how much I’d gotten through to them.

“If you’d be so kind as to let my Oracle down?” a melodic voice asked. It didn’t seem to come from any one direction, but all directions simultaneously.

“Kamiki, I assume?” I asked.

“Indeed, Zekken,” came the reply.

I set the Oracle down gently, giving them a divine cleaning as I did. It didn’t hurt to be civil.

“I’m guessing you’re not actually here, or we’d be speaking face to face?”

“You guess correctly. My Oracle is my conduit, which is how we can speak now, although how you can speak our tongue is a mystery to me. It is also how I detected you on this planet’s satellite. A sliver of my power caught my attention.”

“So that was you we felt, then? What do you mean ‘a sliver of your power?’”

“It is as I said. I do not know the how, nor the why, only that it was there. Now explain to me why you are here abusing my Oracle.”

“Your children have wandered into my yard, Kamiki. I’m happy to entertain guests, but not when they look like they want to move in without paying rent.” The Oracle stirred a little, a soft grunt coming from beneath the robes.

“You have my apologies. I will take the blame for that. I was not aware of your presence in that system.”

There was a gasp behind me, followed by a muffled thump.

“Could you please have your companion remove herself from that guard. Oh.” The voice took on an understanding tone. “It’s a Lost One. So that’s how you can speak our tongue. You have mated with one of mine, and granted her some access to your local power while taking some of mine. Very interesting.”

I turned around to find Persia on top of the same guard from earlier, her knee in the small of his back and his arm twisted behind him. His snout seemed a little flatter than it had moments ago. I motioned for her to release him. She stood up, turning her back on him and joining me at my side. Rhia was also at my side but angled so that she could keep an eye on both the Oracle and the hatch where the guard lay prone.

“What is your name, Lost One.”

“I am no Lost One. I am Persia. Mate of Zekken,” she stated proudly.

“Persia… your rebirth name. I see. You were Bridgette, daughter of Lizain and Erethra.”

“That woman is dead,” Persia said. “Bridgette died in her travels. Only I remain.”

Kamiki was silent for a moment. The Oracle slowly crawled back into their chair, a soft sigh escaping their lips as they settled in. For the briefest of seconds, I caught a glimpse of a green finger before it was snatched back into the robes. I looked up and saw silver eyes staring back at me.

“So be it,” Kamiki said. “Bridgette is dead. It is unfortunate, but her family will be notified.”

Persia nodded. “Thank you.”

“So,” I said. “What do we need to do to convince you to bring your little raiding party back home?”

“Home? These travelers will never see home again.”

“What?” I asked.

“They do not have the fuel or supplies for a return trip. They were supposed to land and prepare the world for my colonization fleet. They were never meant to return.”

I looked at the Oracle, who immediately lowered their gaze to the floor. I looked over at the guard, but he was still unconscious, so he wasn’t any help. Rhia and Persia both stared at me, eyes as wide as I’m sure mine were.

“You sent them on a one way trip to a planet you didn’t even know you could conquer?” I asked incredulously.

“It is of no consequence. They volunteered. One hundred soldiers and a single Oracle is no great loss in the scheme of things. Simply send them off into space. We will collect the ship for use at a later time.”

I shook my head. “You are one cold blooded bitch, aren’t you?”

“Soldiers who fail in their mission are of no use to me. Send them on their way to die. I will leave your system alone per the Accords.”

I bit back the urge to ask what Accords she spoke of, in case my ignorance came back to bite me in the ass later. I couldn’t get over her tossing her own people aside like that though. Living beings aren’t fodder.

“There has to be another solution besides sending them off to die of starvation or suffocation,” I said. The Oracle was staring at me now, unblinkingly.

“Fine, if it means that much to you, you take them. As I’ve said, I have no use for soldiers who can’t complete their mission, nor an Oracle who’s careless enough to let outsiders glimpse skin.”

Persia’s eyes shot wide and stared at the Oracle.

“NO! My Goddess! It was an accident! Please!” A feminine voice cried out from the bundle of robes as it, she, fell to her knees.

“Enough! If you were careless enough to let something so small as a finger slip out, what else might you screw up in the future? No second chances, Oracle. You know my ways better than most. I grow tired of this. Zekken, the cats and the nitwit are yours to do with as you please. Send my ship out of your system at your earliest convenience or I shall send a fleet to retrieve it.”

Abruptly the weakness that I’d been feeling since I entered the ship vanished and the bundle of fabric on the floor let out a mournful wail.

“Uh…” was all I could think to say. Kamiki’s voice had gone silent. The only sound to be heard was the former oracle weeping on the floor at my feet. I turned and looked at Rhia and Persia.

“What the fuck just happened?”