The Sora II was a magnificent ship, but it still fit easily within the loading bay of the Moz Lidule. Bethon was in human form wearing his military uniform and looking quite proud of his handiwork. All the elders on board the Moz Lidule were present for the formal ceremony. Receiving a fully equipped Tor Galaxy vessel was a high honor.

"It is with great pleasure that I present the Sora II to Tajlon Castonea," Bethon announced. "Tajlon and his crew will soon be leaving on their quest for a genetic match and key to resolving our problem. Our very existence is in jeopardy until we have destroyed the demon orbiting at the center of our galaxy. May the ancients bless your voyage and keep you safe."

Tajlon stepped forward to formally receive his certificate of ownership. "I'm very grateful to be honored here today. Thanks to Admirlal Bethon for the new Sora. She is a vast improvement over the original ship which carried us from Beldora, a marvel of engineering and design."

Anakron took the floor, "Tajlon is far too modest. The fact that he and his father, Jejliard, with the help of their friends, were able to escape the bounds of mortality and rebuild a ship capable of sustaining them in space is a remarkable feat. It was accomplished without elder magiton assistance or intervention. I applaud their ingenuity."

"I appreciate your words, Lord Anakron." Tajlon responded. "It's a joy to hear my father mentioned beyond the context of demon. It's how I should like him to be remembered, a man of genius and vision. I'll miss the company of the many friends we've made. I must give credit to Widhbo for both our troubles and our successes, without whom none of this would have come about. I hope to find others to join us on this adventure. The magnitude of the job before us is overwhelming, but vital. We won't rest until it's done."

A round of applause followed and Anakron prompted Tajlon, " I believe there is the matter of a wedding."

"Yes," Tajlon said. "The BakoNaat are hosting wedding of Greyla and Hal on Erizza tomorrow, The guest list is limited as we do not wish to impose on their hospitality, It will be broadcast live on the Moz Lidule. Special invitations have been sent to Lord Anakron, Admiral Bethon, Colonel Munaci, Lieutenant Cratus, and Yoeke since they dedicated so much of their time and energy to our care and education."

"It would not be wise for all officers to leave the ship unattended," Munaci said. "I'll volunteer to stay on the Moz Lidule, Admiral."

"Nonsense, Munaci. I've been to Erizza. It's quite an experience and I insist that you and Cratus go," Bethon replied. "I'll stay here. Greyla will understand."

Munaci grumbled something under his breath and walked away. Bethon left the elders with some parting words.

"For the present it appears Etaine has managed to hold the demon in check, Let's not become complacent about it. They are both still capable of changing and evolving. Both are unpredictable. We must be forever on our guard least the demon breaks loose or overcome Etaine."

"As we adjourn, I would like to open the Sora II to any who care to come aboard and have a tour," Tajlon said in closing.

"I'd certainly like to look her over," Anakron said.

"Come on then," Tajlon said leading the way. "I can't wait to show you."

Widhbo had already teleported to the bridge of the Sora II in his magiton body and was perched at his new station when they arrived.

"Whose ship is this again?" Anakron asked. “There’s a name plate on the bridge for 'Widhbo, Tor Galaxy Star Captain'."

Tajlon laughed. "I have to wonder the same thing. You should see Nova's room. We've installed his BakoNaat throne and a wine rack for him."

"What about my room?" Nova asked dropping down from the spiral staircase passing through the room.

"You're spoiled, Nova," Tajlon said.

"It's the bare minimum of necessities in my opinion. I'll be living here for an eternity. It’s not too much to expect a few creature comforts.”

Yoeke strolled up to the bridge and climbed onto one of the chairs. "This ship is divine, Widhbo. I wish I were going too."

"I don't see why the admiral wouldn't want to be rid of you," Widhbo said. "You should ask him for a leave of absence, duration not specified. Nobody would care how long you're gone."

"I think I will. May I come with you, Tajlon?"

"It's fine with me. Glad to have you."

Yoeke scampered off to find Bethon who was last seen showing some other elders around.

"Fat chance of Bethon allowing it," Nova said. "Oh curses, if he comes I'll have to share my wine with that dog."

"I like the idea," Widhbo said. "The two of you could go at each other's throats all the time and I could have some rest from the both of you."

Anakron laughed. "I can tell it's going to be boring around here when the Sora’s gone. I asked Bethon to transfer copies of all your master files to the Sora along with your new magiton bodies. Balvendro has sent a quantum communication hub to be installed before you leave. That way you’ll be able to stay in touch with us and your friends from the Academy."

"Excellent. I hope to send back good some news for a change," Tajlon said.

"I pray that you will. Something tells me Etaine cannot hold the demon at bay forever."

* * *

Munaci walked into Bethon’s private quarters on the Moz Lidule to retrieve some files he had left from their last meeting. He assumed that Bethon would still be touring the Sora with the other elders. In truth, he was jealous of Tajlon getting his own ship and was not in the mood for festivities. Now he was angry that Bethon wanted him to go to Erizza for something as ridiculous as a wedding.

He was taken by surprise to see Bethon with the two companions in a three-way sexual position. The girls were completely naked and a very human Bethon was in a state of undress, his large male member prominently displayed. A voluptuous brunette with ivory skin lay across the sofa, her buttocks propped up on pillows to accommodate Bethon who stood at the end of the sofa and was penetrating her with powerful strokes that elicited moans of pleasure from his willing playmate. His right hand was squeezing her breasts and tugging on her nipples until she sobbed with pleasure bordering on pain.

A luscious redhead with her back to Munaci was perched on Bethons other hand. His fingers were buried deep in her female opening and he thrust his fingers rhythmically into her soft yielding body. Her skin was like honey, a few shades darker than the other girl and her hair a deep crimson. It cascaded halfway down her back in thick untamed curls, tossing about seductively, accenting her tiny waist as she bounced on Bethon’s palm.

Munaci was dumbstruck. He had never witnessed human sexual behavior before and was so distracted he bumped into a chair. Bethon was lost in the moment, but the noise caught the redhead’s attention. She turned halfway around at the sound. Her eyes widened and she screamed out involuntarily. When she tried to get free of Bethon’s hand he turned to secure his hold on her and saw Munaci.

“You might have knocked,” Bethon said casually, releasing the girl. “It’s alright, Cerra. Just my first officer, Colonel Munaci.” The girl grabbed her clothing and backed away.

“No need to stop on my account,” Munaci said, but his mouth had gone dry with arousal and his voice hoarse. “I just came to pick up some things.”

He eyed the redhead hungrily. He could smell the sweet juices that trickled down her thighs below her full hips and it excited him, causing an erection to poke out of his hairy loins.

“Well, Munaci. I didn’t know you were attracted to human females.

“Neither did I.”

“I could let you finish what I started with Cerra. There’s plenty right in front of me.”

“I might consider it,” Munaci said as his heart raced and his breath quickened.

The girl backed further away shaking her head with a look of concern growing on her face.

“I should probably slip into my human form first.”

“That goes without saying, Munaci,” Bethon said. “Don’t be frightened, Cerra. He’s much more appealing in his human interface.”

Munaci forced a file change and before Cerra’s eyes the hairy mass of the aranga transformed into a magnificent human male with brawny arms and shoulders on a powerful frame that exceeded Bethon’s in size and strength. His erection matched the rest of his body. Cerra riveted her eyes on the ruggedly handsome man now in front of her.

“You see. He’s just a man now,” Bethon said. “A rather large man, but you two should be a good match.”

He reached into her mind, soothing her emotions, and transferring the adrenalin rush of fear over to sexual pathways, enhancing her libido and making her breasts flush.

“You won't need your clothes," Bethon said.

She dropped her clothes to the floor obediently and smiled. Bethon could perceive that Cerra found Munaci’s human form attractive. It wasn’t necessary to cultivate her desire beyond that point. The two of them were connecting and feeding off the others sexual energy. Bethon evidently decided Munaci needed a little more encouragement to get past his aversion to humans.

“You’re welcome to couple with Cerra. She’s warmed up nicely for you and you'll find her quite talented. Good stamina too," Bethon said.

“Good. She appears receptive," Munaci said.

“She’s not an ape, Munaci, she’s a human. They're always potentially receptive," Bethon said. "You’ll need some instructions since this isn’t your strongest subject.”

Bethon transferred the necessary information on human sexual behavior to Munaci’s files including the tactile functions he was missing. Munaci felt a strange flood of sensations spread across his human interface. He had never accessed the complete sensory files of a human before, only taking on the physical attributes for appearances sake. Now he felt his integument tingling as his skin came to life and experienced the tactile sensations of his human body in a state of arousal.

“It really isn’t difficult. Experiment a little and find you what like best,” Bethon added.

“I’ll take her to the other room if you don’t mind," Munaci said.

“Shy?” Bethon laughed. He had not stopped stroking the other girl and she was nearing climax, oblivious to the conversation.

“I like my privacy.”

"Go ahead then," Bethon said and turned his attention to his partner. “Just the two of us, my dear Madelene. You’ll get all of my attentions for the rest of this evening.” He increased the speed of his strokes to send her over the top into a screaming orgasm. Munaci couldn’t tear his eyes from the scene before him as Bethon worked toward his own release.

Munaci crossed the room, picked up Cerra and carried her to Bethon’s bedroom. She was breathless with anticipation and Munaci awkwardly cradled her in his arms and tried to kiss her. She caught on that he was new to the game and took his lower lip in her teeth. She gently nipped it before pushing her tongue past his lips while grasping his male member in one hand. He took control of her mouth, thrust back with his tongue and probed her mouth, playing over her teeth and lips in a heated burst of passion.

Munaci explored her naked body with his strong hands and watched as she responded to his touch, quivering and yielding, pressing into his caresses and begging for more stimulation. He enjoyed her tender embrace as she admired his well-muscled torso and ran her silky hands over his large frame. He sucked her nipples and ran his tongue over her entire body, enjoying the musky smell of all the secret places he had never seen or experienced before. He tasted her feminine juices that had so excited him and buried his face in her hidden cleft between swollen labia.

The files indicated the clitoris was a source of pleasure. He searched with his tongue, found it, then nibbled and licked her to orgasm, lapping up the warm sweet fluids that flowed from her trembling loins. It was the beginning of a long night of pleasure for both. He was thrilled by her willingness to submit to his every desire. Female arangas only allowed the males sexual access for procreation. It was fast and efficient in keeping with their survival needs. Munaci was enchanted with Cerra. By morning he was in love. In love with a gorgeous human female and didn’t care who knew it.