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Commander Zesta stood in the station’s docking bay, waiting for the Captain’s Dropship to arrive. Once she had secured two guards for the Terran male, Zesta made her way with them and several station command personnel. Due to the size of Border Station Five, Cruiser class ships were too large to land, so everyone onboard the Pride of the Matriarchy had to use Dropships. As Zesta waited, she looked around and saw that two Destroyers had docked since the small fleet, commanded by Captain Ema, had entered the system.

Both ships sat next to each other. A dozen or so pipes and cables had been attached to their respective hulls, and their purpose was to refuel and charge each ship. The streamlined grey hulls of the two Destroyers shined in the light of the hangar, and Zesta could see that the armoured bays of their Vortex engines had been opened. The station’s engineers were performing routine maintenance checks. She watched as a nearby engineer ignited their Jump Pack, the two jets on either side of the boxy device launching her up in the low gravity of the hangar.

Something moved within her peripheral vision, and Zesta turned away from the Destroyers and watched as a large, dark grey Dropship pushed itself through the docking bay's thin, light blue shield. Beyond it was the airless vacuum of the Arroganza system. The Dropship’s four engines, located on each corner of the boxy craft, activated and then rotated so that they pointed down, their combined thrust slowing the craft as it descended onto its designated landing pad. When the Dropship was about six feet above the pad, four sets of landing gear, one near each corner, lowered and with a metallic crunch, it landed.

Zesta and her entourage walked up to the Dropship and waited for the side door to open. With a hiss and a mechanical clanking, the door unlocked and slowly began to open. An automated ramp lowered from the craft, and Zesta was bathed in red light from inside the Dropship. Standing at the top of the ramp was Captain Ema, the light of the hangar shining off her obsidian black scales. Zesta could also see how bright the Captain’s bioluminescence was as it glowed a lovely, warm purple.

“Captain Ema,” Zesta said, stepping forward and slamming her right fist against her chest, “May I be the first to welcome you to Border Station Five.” She retracted her hood and bowed. Her entourage copied the salute and bow.

“Thank you for your warm welcome, Commander,” Ema replied. Zesta heard her descend the ramp, the clink of her Uniform’s claws tapping on the ramp as she walked down it. Standing up again, Zesta noticed that Matriarch Theka had appeared.

“On behalf of the entire station crew, may I also welcome you, Matriarch Theka,” she said, and again, Zesta saluted, retracted her hood and bowed deeply. Zesta heard her entourage copy her movements once more.

“There is no need to be so formal, Zesta,” Theka replied warmly. She, too, made her way down the ramp. Zesta stood up straight again and saw an unknown figure appear in the doorway of the Dropship.

“Are you sure the pilot knew what they were doing?” the person asked.

Zesta recognised them as a Terran Male and was surprised by how much she found him attractive. Granted, he had no scales, a tail, or bioluminescence. However, the Terran had lovely smooth skin and was taller than the Viper males. He smiled at Zesta as he walked down the ramp. She was surprised by how friendly he was with the Matriarch.

“May I present to you, Captain John Lawrence,” Theka said, pointing with her right hand at the Terran. Zesta and her entourage saluted him.

“Were they meant to do that?” John asked, looking a bit confused.

“While you are not part of the Matriarchy,” Zesta said, “you are a Captain. I thought it best to treat you with the appropriate respect,” she then smiled at John when she finished talking.

“Commander,” Ema said as she stepped forward, “I assume you have made available a Primary Male Suite for John?” she asked.

“Yes, Captain,” Zesta nodded. “It is located in the VIP section of the station’s living quarters, and I have also assigned these two to guard him,” she then gestured towards two female Vipers standing close by.

*****

John looked to Zesta’s left and watched as the two guards stepped forward. They were both wearing Nanosuits, which appeared to be black, but as the light of the hangar reflected off of them, John realised that they were a dark purple. He also noticed that their primary and secondary scale colours were opposites. The primary scale colour for the guard on the left was white, while the secondary colour was charcoal grey. The secondary scales started from the top of her blunt nose, up their head and down the back of her hood. They were also located on the softer inner part of her hood. The colours were the other way around for the guard on the right. John liked how they both had the same bright, neon blue bioluminescence, which made their eyes, mouth, and tongue glow blue.

“This is Nisku and Etsala,” Zesta said, gesturing to the Viper on the left and right. “Both of them are the Station’s finest guards,” Zesta boasted. “You can normally find them working in the station's best Brothel. They are very experienced with preventing females from getting too close to the males we have on board,” she finished and then made eye contact with John.

“Thanks, although,” John looked up at Zesta, “am I in so much danger that I need two guards?” he inquired.

“We are treating you as a VIP,” Theka chimed in, “while I am sure none of the crew on this station would break our laws,” she said, “the presence of both Nisku and Etsala will help to prevent any incidents,” Theka gave John a reassuring smile when she finished talking.

“Matriarch Theka is correct,” Zesta agreed, “you are the first Terran to visit Matriarchy space, and so it was decided to treat you as a visiting dignitary,” she said and then looked up at Ema, “we have also made a VIP suite available to you Captain,” Zesta said with a curt nod.

“Thank you, Commander,” Ema replied.

“If it is okay with you, I will be heading to my quarters,” Theka said as Uszu walked down the ramp, carrying what John thought was a suitcase. Theka took hold of her steward’s free arm and pulled him alongside her as the Matriarch headed for the nearby doors leading into the station proper.

“I assume you have received the docking requests from the fleet and the Pride’s Dropships?” Ema inquired.

“Yes, Captain,” she nodded, “as you can see,” Zesta then gestured towards the vessels nearby, “we have received two of your Destroyers, and we expect the other ships to dock soon,” Zesta then looked back at John, “if you would follow your guards, they will take you to your suite,” she said, smiling when John looked up at her.

“Okay, sure,” he said, walking up to the Nisku and Etsala, both Vipers smiling at John when he stopped before them. “Hello,” he said, looking up at them.

“Hello,” Nisku replied, “Captain,” Etsala said with a curt nod, “I will lead the way,” Nisku said and then turned about and walked towards the exit.

“Before I forget,” Zesta called out as John followed behind Nisku, “your guards are also acting as stewards. Feel free to enjoy them, as they will be staying with you in your suite,” she then watched as they left the hangar. Turning to face Ema, Zesta looked up at her “Will the Terran be okay?” she asked.

“Oh, John will be fine,” Ema replied, “he managed to survive an encounter with Officer Thissa,” she said. Zesta hissed at the mention of the Officer’s name.

“You still owe me for the last time she came on board,” the Commander said.

*****

Etsala watched John as she walked behind him. The first thing she noticed was that he was taller than the average Viper male. His body also appeared to have a slightly muscular physique, just noticeable under the dark grey Nanosuit he wore. When John approached Nisku and herself, Etsala picked up a whiff of pheromones. Following behind him while Nisku led the way, she took a deep breath. Rubbing her forked tongue against the roof of her mouth, Etsala was able to ascertain that John was both unsure about his current situation and aroused.

“What do you think of our station?” Nisku asked as she turned her head and looked back at John. Etsala guessed he was lost in thought as he seemed surprised by the question.

“From what I’ve seen so far, it looks nice,” he replied.

“Perhaps you would like a tour after you have rested?” Etsala asked. She watched as John turned around and started to walk backwards. She smiled at him when he looked up.

“That would be nice,” he answered with a smile. John then turned back around and continued to follow close behind Nisku.

After about ten minutes of walking along the corridor, Nisku stopped before a pair of doors. She placed her right hand against the palm reader, and after a few beeps, the two doors slid open.

“This is the VIP section of the station,” Etsala said as the three of them walked through the now-open doors.

From where they were standing, Etsala saw the three matching corridors, one to their left, one to their right, and the last was directly in front of them. Each corridor's floor, walls, and ceiling were padded, similar to the standard quarters of the station or a Matriarchy vessel. However, what made them different was the quality of the material used and the softness. Hanging from the ceiling, at set intervals, were simple chandeliers, gold in colour, and they emitted a pleasant and warm glow.

“This was not what I was expecting,” John said as he looked around. Etsala watched as John removed his pad from his right thigh and deactivated the Nanos from around his feet. After a flash of neon blue, she cocked her head to one side as she looked at his feet.

“They look weird,” Etsala said. John turned to look up at her and then down at his feet. Nisku turned around and also looked down.

“No claws, how weird,” she said.

“Hey, no foot shaming,” John complained and went to reactivate the Nanos. Etsala stepped forward and placed her large right hand on John’s.

“Sorry,” she said, looking down at him, “you did it for a reason,” Etsala stepped back, removing her hand.

“I was curious to see what it felt like,” John said, smiling at her. She returned the smile. “It does feel nice,” Etsala stated.

“That’s what I was going to say,” John replied, then started to scrunch his odd-looking feet as he took a few paces.

“I like it too,” Nisku chimed in.

“Where are we going now?” John asked as he continued to enjoy the softness of the padded floor.

“Let me get my map,” Etsala’s sister replied, “believe it or not, but we do not get to walk around the VIP section that often,” Nisku said as she tapped away at her pad. “Ah, found it,” she announced, “if we go down that corridor,” Nisku pointed to the one on their left, “we will go past several doors and then enter a large square room. That will be the communal eating area,” she then started to walk down the corridor. Etsala fell in behind John as he hurried to catch up with Nisku. “Once we get to the eating area, we take the corridor marked with the green light, and your suite is the third door on the right,” Nisku then turned around and walked backwards, looking down at John. “I hear you like the smell of our musk,” she said, and John laughed while scratching his neck.

“Er yeah,” he said, “I kinda told about fifty of the crew when I was in the canteen,” John then looked back at Etsala.

“I hope you like it strong,” she said, “both my sister and I have the smelliest musk on the station,” Etsala then winked at John.

“To be honest,” he said, looking forward again as Nisku turned back around, “I find it distracting. Sometimes I have to concentrate on what I’m doing,” John admitted. A few minutes later, they arrived at the communal eating area.

“It looks a bit like a posh restaurant,” John said as he looked around the room.

“Restaurant?” Etsala asked as Nisku looked for the corridor with the green light above it. She half watched John walk around the room, her sister staying close to him.

“It’s a bit like a canteen, but individual seating and much smaller tables,” he replied.

“Oh, yeah, I guess it does,” Etsala said.

“Found it,” Nisku called out as she headed to the new corridor. She heard John and her sister catch up behind her, “So, your suite is the third door on the right,” Nisku said.

“How many VIPs do you have on board?” John asked as he walked alongside her.

“At this moment, just you,” Nisku replied, looking down at him.

“Me? What about Matriarch Theka,” John asked.

“Matriarchs are different,” Etsala replied from behind, “they come and go as they please all the time, but you are different,” she said.

“I suppose so,” John said while looking back at her.

“Here we are,” Nisku called out as they approached a door.

*****

John watched as the guard named Nisku placed her right hand on the palm scanner to the right of an ornate-looking door. After a few seconds, it chimed, and the door opened with a gentle hiss. The corridor they were standing in was bathed in a warm yellow glow as the door revealed the suite's interior. Nisku stepped to one side, gesturing for him to enter first.

Entering the suite, John looked around and saw that it was similar in shape and design to Milsi’s and Thissa’s quarters. The main difference was that everything was bigger. The nest looked like it could fit three or even four Vipers inside it, John guessing that amongst those Vipers would also be one of their males. He walked up to it and picked up one of the pillows.

“Wow, this is soft,” he said, turning around to see the two guards entering the suite. The door closed just as silently as when it had first opened.

“Huh, this room looks to be as big as one of our orgy rooms,” Etsala said as she looked around the room.

“Orgy room?” John asked and the Viper smiled at him.

“Very expensive to rent, but you can imagine how much sex goes on in there,” Etsala winked at John.

“Although,” Nisku said, “we do not allow them to happen too often. We have had a few females get pregnant in the past,” she then walked over to a nearby curved couch and sat down, stretching her legs. Nisku smiled at John when she noticed he was watching.

“I bet that caused a few problems,” John said as he tried to distract himself. He dropped the pillow he was holding and walked over to a different door. It chimed as he approached and then opened.

“Yeah, a few complaints from the Matriarchy,” Etsala said, “that is why it is so expensive,” she then walked up to the same door and stopped behind John.

“A bath, shower, and a toilet,” he said as he looked inside. He hadn’t noticed Etsala had stopped behind him.

“Big enough for at least two Vipers and a Terran male, I reckon,” Etsala said, making John jump. He spun around and stepped into the bathroom.

“Don’t do that,” he complained, looking up at her. She smiled when he made eye contact with her, “anyway,” John said after clearing his throat, “if you’ll excuse me, I need a whizz,” he said and then turned to his left and walked further into the bathroom. The door chimed again and started to close.

“What is a whizz?” Etsala asked, turning around to face her sister.

“No idea,” Nisku replied with a shrug.

*****

“Cheer up, Milsi,” Thissa said, “I’m sure there will be plenty of males when we get to a brothel,” she nudged the sullen Viper with her right elbow while smiling at her.

“I know,” Milsi replied, “I just wish I could see John again,” she sighed, returning Thissa’s smile.

The Dropship they were currently seated in lurched, and there was a collective gasp from the ten Vipers inside it. Shortly afterwards, they all felt the landing gear descend and heard the Dropship land. The side door opened, and the warm red light was replaced by the bright light of the station’s docking bay. Hitting the release of their harnesses, Milsi and Thissa stood up, along with the other Vipers and headed towards the now open door. The Security Chief was waiting for them at the bottom of the ramp.

“Form up, ladies,” Yutsi called out. She watched as all ten formed a line. “You all know the drill,” she said, pacing down the line, “you have been assigned a nest while we are stationed in orbit, and I expect to see you all there each morning,” Yutsi stopped in front of Thissa, “I know most of you are itching to get to the station’s brothels, however, that does not mean you can spend the night there.” The Chief continued walking past the Vipers, “I also do not want any reports of horny females misbehaving,” Yutsi spun on the spot when she reached the end, “Is that clear?” she asked.

“Yes, Chief,” came the reply.

“Dismissed,” Yutsi watched as they headed toward the nearest exit.

“She’s good,” Commander Zesta said as the Security Chief approached the next Dropship.

“One of the best,” Captain Ema replied.

The Captain was currently standing inside the command centre for Border Station Five. It was a circular room, around forty feet in diameter with a twelve-foot ceiling. Stood next to Ema was Zesta, and the two Vipers were watching a projected image of the station’s hangar. Dropships from the Pride of the Matriarchy were ferrying the crew onto the station.

“So many Vipers,” Zesta said, “you’d think we were prepping for another border war with the Empire,” the Lieutenant then looked up at the Captain.

“The fleet’s size was due to the location of the Vortex exit,” Ema replied, “before I forget,” she said and looked down at Zesta, “Ambassador Zorna will be visiting the station,” Ema watched as the Lieutenant physically recoiled at the mention of the Ambassador’s name.

“You invited a Lupine to visit my station,” Zesta said with an obvious tone of disgust, “My Station?” she repeated, stepping back from Ema. Ema turned to face the Lieutenant and stepped forward, she puffed out her hood and made eye contact with Zesta. The glow of her purple eyes appeared to get stronger.

“Do not mistake my friendly demeanour as anything other than that, Lieutenant,” the Captain hissed. She watched as Zesta flattened her hood and bowed, lower than she had when the Lieutenant had welcomed the Matriarch, “Matriarch Theka and I took the decision to invite her, and you will extend every courtesy, do I make myself clear?” Ema asked.

“Yes, Captain,” the Zesta replied, still bowing.

“Has my steward arrived?” Ema asked as she turned to face the projection. The Lieutenant, realising that she had been forgiven, stood up.

“He has, Captain,” she replied, “he is waiting for you in your VIP Suite,” Zesta wanted to approach Ema but chose not to.

“I think I will introduce myself,” Ema said, then turned around and headed for the exit. Zesta waited for the Captain to leave the command centre before dropping to her knees.

*****

“One yellow bowl, one bowl of black and white, and two Stargazers,” Thissa said to the waitress. She watched as the brightly coloured Viper tapped at her pad and then walked away.

“Urgh, Stargazers,” Milsi said while watching a group of engineers walk past.

“It will get John off your mind,” Thissa replied, gently squeezing Milsi’s right hand.

Milsi and Thissa had gone to one of the popular bars available on the station. The bar was located within the commercial sector of Border Station Five, just off the main concourse. Currently, it was filled with Vipers who had recently boarded the station. The Security Officer had suggested the bar as a way to relax, plus Thissa wanted to get the sulking Quartermaster out of the barracks.

“Cheer up Milsi,” she said and nudged her sulking compatriot.

“As I said before,” Milsi looked up from the table, “I just wanted to see him again,” she then turned her head and watched as the waitress appeared with their order.

“One bowl of yellow,” she said and placed it next to Thissa, “one bowl of black and white,” the waitress stepped closer as a small group of Vipers walked past, “and two Stargazers,” she placed two glass flutes down onto the table, the liquid inside glowed a vibrant mix of colours.

Thissa watched the brightly coloured waitress head back to the bar, “I think I might try and get a female tonight,” she said and then smiled at Milsi. She followed Thissa’s gaze and looked at the waitress who had served them.

“She seems your type,” Milsi replied, then used her tail to pass her bowl to her waiting hands. Thissa watched as Milsi’s yellow tongue snaked itself out of her mouth and pulled a small piece of paste into her mouth.

“Despite its lack of length, I enjoyed John’s tongue,” Thissa said and then winked at Milsi when she made eye contact. She watched Milsi pick up her Stargazer and drink some glowing liquid.

“I enjoyed kissing him,” Milsi replied as she picked up her Stargazer and drank some of the glowing liquid, “fuck,” she said after swallowing a mouthful, “I loved how hot his cum was,” Milsi then laughed when she looked at Thissa. “You have got some paste on your nose,” she said.

“I know,” Thissa replied and then licked her blunt nose clean, “you looked like you needed a laugh,” she said.

“Thanks,” Milsi smiled again at Thissa and licked some of the paste from her bowl. “What do you think he is doing?” she asked. Thissa leaned closer to Milsi and lowered her voice.

“I heard the station’s Commander assigned her best guards to protect him,” she said, “apparently they’re the best, however,” Thissa stopped when three familiar-looking Vipers entered the bar, “damn,” she then tried to look away when a call came out.

“Thissa!” one of the new Vipers called out. Milsi watched as the three Vipers approached their table, recognising them as Security Officers from the Cruiser.

“Hello, Noltlie,” Thissa said when the trio of Officers stopped at the table.

“We thought you might be here,” Noltlie replied, “with you banned from all but one of the brothels, Ozhu reckoned you would be out drinking,” she said and then looked at Milsi, “but, we thought you would be alone, and not with company,” Noltlie then smiled at Milsi.

“Thissa wanted to cheer me up,” she chimed in.

“Oh, rumour has it you slept with the Terran we rescued,” one of the other Vipers said, “where is he?” she then asked. Milsi noticed the annoyed look on Noltlie’s face.

“Neither of us know where he is,” Thissa replied and the trio of Officers looked at her, “you hoping to fuck him?” she asked. The Security Officers behind Noltlie smiled and nodded. Noltlie rolled her eyes and turned around, “as if he would go for you two, my scales are shinier,” Thissa and Milsi watched as an argument started between the three Vipers. They saw it as their chance to leave the bar. Once outside, Thissa took Milsi by the arm and led her down the station's main concourse.

“Where do you think he is?” Milsi asked.

“John is probably in the VIP section of the station,” Thissa replied, “if the information I have on his guards is accurate, then despite their dedication to the job, they might be trying to fuck him,” Thissa said with a sigh.

“I’m not sure if I should be jealous or worried,” Milsi said, smiling at Thissa.

“Considering how sore my arse is, I’m going to pick jealous,” she replied, returning the smile.

*****

The door to her VIP suite chimed as Ema placed her hand against the palm scanner. The door slid open with a gentle hiss, and she was bathed in the warm, purple glow of the interior. Stepping inside, Ema looked around and saw a black-scaled male Viper who stood up from the couch on her left. He saluted by slamming his right fist against his chest.

“Captain Ema,” he said, “my name is Hisi, and I have been chosen to be your steward,” the male announced.

Ema looked at Hisi and saw how the room's light reflected off his obsidian black scales. She turned to face him and noticed a line of purple scales, which started just below his blunt nose, along the top of his head, past his eyes, and down the back of his head. His uniform was dark green.

“Mother has sent you,” Ema said in response. Hisi bowed, flattened his hood and then stood up straight.

“That is correct,” he replied, “I have been chosen by your Mother and Family to be your steward and your mate,” Hisi then detached something from his waist. He stepped forward and dropped it in front of Ema. Before it hit the ground, it stopped, hovered briefly, and floated upwards. Once it reached eye level with Ema, it projected a familiar image in front of her.

“Hello, daughter,” came a voice from the device, “as I’m sure you have now figured out, it is time for you to return home and continue the family line,” Ema frowned as the holo-projection of her Mother continued to speak. “Hisi has been trained to be the best steward, and most importantly, his bloodline is perfect for our family,” Ema noticed that her new steward was standing to attention. “You are to begin mating with him once this recording ends, and we expect you to return home to the family hatchery once you are pregnant,” the recording paused for a few seconds and then continued, “Feel free to enjoy Hisi, he has been trained to please you in every way,” her Mother smiled as Ema’s tail whipped back and forth. “I’m sure you will be angry about this decision, but you left us no choice with your refusal to take any leave,” Ema rolled her eyes at the recording. “Your steward is of good stock, and I am reliably informed that he set new records at the Academy, so I’m sure he will do well performing his duties,” Ema had now placed her hands on her hips, “your Sisters all send their love, your Father too, and we all look forward to your return,” as the recording ended, the device dropped to the padded floor.

Hisi went to pick it up but stopped when he noticed Ema glaring at him. “Leave it there,” she ordered, and Hisi stood up. He went to deactivate his collar but was prevented when Ema grabbed his arm, “stop,” she said, “I’m not in the mood, go fetch me a drink,” Ema ordered. Hisi bowed and went to leave the VIP Suite, he looked back at Ema as the door opened, saw that she had picked up the device, and then sat on the large couch.

*****

Milsi watched as Thissa burst through a wall, fired her rifle at the holographic enemies nearby and then rolled to her left. She grabbed a nearby railing and used the momentum to push herself into the air. Turning to her right as she went up, Thissa fired her rifle again at a group of enemies. Each shot found its mark as the Jump Pack attached to her armoured Nanosuit ignited. It sent her towards the ceiling of the station’s Combat Arena as two other Vipers covered her accent.

Milsi was sitting in one of the viewing booths along the edges of the Combat Arena and cheered as Thissa showed off her abilities. She watched as Thissa grabbed onto a ceiling light, wrapped her tail around it and then hung upside down. With typical precision, Thissa hit dead centre on each nearby target, scoring a perfect hit on one of the furthest and larger targets. The rifle’s scope descended back into her rifle as she let go of the light. Thissa ignited her Jump Pack as she reached halfway and used the low gravity of the Combat Arena to fly herself over to the next objective. As she flew, a series of targets appeared, and the Arena was filled with the sound of each one being hit in sequence. A large holographic enemy appeared in front of her, and Thissa swung her legs forward, activating the landing thrusters on the soles of her feet. She brought her rifle up and fired a couple of bursts. Each one hit the weak points on the hologram, and it exploded.

Another cheer echoed through the Combat Arena as the other two Vipers flew past her, hitting their targets in quick succession. Not to be outdone by her fellow Security Officers, Thissa ignited her Jump Pack, and with a quick burst from her landing thrusters, she leapt up into the air and flew after them. As her objective came into view, Thissa flipped a switch on her rifle, and the end of the barrel changed shape. With the rifle now set to split-fire mode, Thissa adjusted her course and fired once at the targets as she flew by.

Milsi cheered again as Thissa flew past her booth, and the Security Officer saluted her as she went by. Two Vipers sat nearby also cheered. “Do you know her?” one asked, and Milsi nodded.

“We’re from the same ship,” she replied.

“You’re lucky,” the Viper replied, “We only get to see these displays when military ships dock,” she then smiled at Milsi.

“I don’t know how long we’ll be here, but I’ll let Thissa know,” Milsi said, “I’m sure she’ll be happy to do another,” Milsi then laughed as the two Vipers squealed with excitement. Looking back at the Combat Arena, she could see that Thissa and her fellow Security Officers were nearing the end of their combat exercise.

All three Vipers had landed on the main square of the Arena. Thissa ran up to a nearby wall and put her back against it. The other two Vipers had split up, and both were approaching the Primary target. Standing in a defensive position was a pack of Lupine. Each one was equipped with arms and armour matching the last recorded contact The Matriarchy had with the Empire. The holograms were programmed to act as though they were real, and noticing the advancing Vipers, the pack howled and then charged forward. Thissa tapped into her rifle’s camera, the feed displayed just above her right eye and then aimed her rifle around the side of the wall. She saw the Lupine pack as they started their charge, and when they were close enough, she opened fire.

One of the holograms was hit in the chest and fell backwards. Another called out but was silenced by a shot from Thissa’s right as a HE round went off, the explosion taking out half of the pack. The Viper to her right dived out of cover as a Lupine Heavy fired its rocket launcher. The rocket flew straight and exploded against the now vacant cover. Activating her scope, Thissa stepped out of cover, braced herself and fired an AP round at the Heavy. It punched straight through the Lupine’s head, and then Thissa leapt backwards as the remaining pack members got too close. Activating her Jump Pack, she dodged the incoming fire as Thissa flew up to a nearby floating platform. Hiding behind it, she heard the impacts against the platform. A siren went off shortly after the second Viper had managed to get behind the pack of Lupine and set off a Demo Charge, which she had thrown at the Lupine.

Landing back down onto the floor of the Combat Arena, Thissa deactivated her helmet. The Nanos of her helmet retreated across her head and hood, storing themselves inside the reservoir of her collar. She heard the cheering from the viewing booths and watched as her fellow Security Officers walked up to her.

“I forgot Lupine’s had heavies,” one of them said, “damn rocket almost took me out,” she then deactivated her helmet, and Thissa saw the light of the arena shine off her golden yellow scales.

“I thought you got hit,” said the other Viper. Her blue scales seemed to be glowing.

“Once they’ve processed the data, let’s see where we can improve,” Thissa said to the two Vipers.

Twenty minutes later, Milsi watched as Thissa emerged from the Combat Arena’s locker room. “That was fun to watch,” she said.

“We were off on a few parts, but overall, I’d say we did good,” Thissa replied.

“Well, I certainly would not have been able to do any of it,” Milsi said confidently, “shall we head to the barracks?” she asked.

Thissa nodded, “I need the rest,” she replied. The two Vipers then headed off.

*****

Hisi entered the open door with the drink he had brought for Ema. He found her sitting in the room’s nest, naked and facing the nearby mirror. The light barely reflected off her obsidian black scales, and Hisi noticed the dullness of her purple bioluminescence.

“Bring that here,” she ordered. With the door closing behind him, Hisi stepped forward and knelt. He placed the glass into Ema’s left hand and then stood up. He watched as Ema drank the contents and placed the glass on the floor next to where she was sitting. “Take your collar off and get into the nest,” Ema said, still looking at herself in the mirror.

Her steward did as he was told and deactivated his collar. A bright neon blue light was emitted as the Nanos retreated into the collar’s reservoir. Placing the collar onto the large couch, Hisi walked back to the nest, recessed into the floor, and stepped in. As he sank to his knees, Hisi watched Ema turn around.

“I’m not in the best of moods,” she said while looking up at him, “I just want someone to cuddle while I sleep,” Ema then moved forward and laid down, stretching herself out. Hisi laid down himself and yelped when Ema pulled him closer. She positioned him so that her large breasts fell over his shoulders. He then felt her lower jaw rest on the top of his head as her arms were wrapped around his torso.

“Captain,” Hisi said.

“Don’t talk,” she replied and then her steward felt Ema’s tail wrap around his legs as she pulled him closer. Ema reached behind her with her right arm and pulled the oversized blanket over herself and Hisi. Once she was comfortable, she loosened her grip. “Three years I waited,” Ema sighed, “why did she have to interfere,” Ema closed her eyes, and after a few minutes, she fell asleep.

Hisi lay there for a few hours as he listened to his Captain sleep. Occasionally, she would mutter something or tighten her grip on him. While he had expected some resistance from her, Hisi had expected his first night with the Captain to end differently.

*****

John stumbled out of the bathroom as he tried to free himself from Nisku’s tail. After having sex with both Vipers, John had just about managed to get himself into his suite’s shower. Shortly after turning the water on, Etsala and her sister joined him. Granted, the shower was large enough for at least three female Vipers, but John had hoped for some privacy while he cleaned himself of the evening’s activities. He had mentioned to both that sleep was the only thing on his mind once he was clean, and they had reluctantly agreed to do just that once they were done in the shower.

While John had enjoyed what had just happened, he realised that his stamina needed improvement. “Perhaps,” John thought to himself, “there’s a gym on this station,” he mused. Thinking back to his conversation in the bathroom, and with what he had learnt of Matriarchy society and laws, John guessed his use of the word “No” had the same meaning for Vipers as it did with Terrans.

John made his way over to the large nest and stepped into it. He called out in surprise as he fell forward, and his foot sank into the surprisingly comfortable nest. John turned around and sat down, crossed his legs, and watched as Nisku and Etsala emerged from the bathroom.

“So, who’s cuddling and who wants to be cuddled?” John inquired.

“What?” Nisku asked, looking a bit confused.

“In the nest,” John replied, “I was thinking one of you could cuddle me from behind while I cuddle the other, with their back to me,” he said. John watched as his two guards looked at each other and then back at him.

“We thought you might want to lay on your back as we cuddle you?” Etsala suggested.

“I guess that might work,” John said while looking at the nest. “However, with what Milsi and Thissa told me,“ John turned back and looked up at the two Vipers, “you two might want to be as close as possible,” he then thought about how else they might sleep together.

“What if,” Nisku interrupted, “one of us cuddles you from behind while the other cuddles you from the front?” she suggested. John nodded.

“That might be a better idea,” he admitted. “So,” John said, looking up at them as they stopped in front of the nest, “who wants my face in their boobs?” he asked with a smile.

*****

“Come here,” Theka said as she pulled Uszu closer, “you're so fidgety tonight,” she wound her long tail around his legs and then wrapped her arms around his torso. “Considering how much sex we’ve had since arriving, I thought you wouldn’t have enough strength to fight me,” Theka then giggled as Uszu again tried to free himself.

“You’re so grabby after sex,” her steward replied, “I just want to rest without you cuddling for once,” Uszu complained. Theka held onto him for a bit more and then released him.

“Fine, just don’t take too long,” she said, moving away from him. Theka used her tail to pick up the nearby blanket and covered herself with it.

“I’ll go cold if you hog that,” Uszu complained, and Theka laughed.

“That’s the point,” she replied, “you’ll have to get closer if you want to stay warm, then you’ll be mine,” Theka giggled when Uszu frowned at her.

After a few minutes of looking up at the ceiling, Uszu sighed and approached his Matriarch. She lifted her right arm and made a hole big enough for him to climb inside. When Uszu was close enough, Theka wrapped her tail around his torso and pulled him into her warm embrace.

“I knew you wouldn’t last long,” she said.

“How long do you think I can stay with you,” Uszu asked while resting his head on Theka’s left arm.

“We can go on a short holiday once the other Matriarchs have arrived and we deal with the Terran,” she replied, “after that, you’ll have to go,” Theka then tightened her grip on Uszu. She heard him sigh.

“I love you,” he said.

“I know,” Theka then loosened her grip so that Uszu could get comfortable.

*****

Milsi rolled into the nest shortly after she had taken her collar off. While the Nanos never bothered her, it always felt nice to be naked. She looked over to where Thissa was standing and watched as she deactivated her collar. Milsi’s eyes played over the lithe form of the Security Officer, and she liked how the light from above was reflected off her scales.

“I’d love to have your body,” Milsi said.

“What’s wrong with yours?” Thissa asked.

“It’s too big,” Milsi replied, “but yours, well, you can move so fast,” she said. Thissa looked down to where her friend was lying.

“There’s nothing wrong with your size,” she said while smiling, “besides, I like a girl with plenty of scales to grab hold of,” Thissa then stepped into the nest. Once she sank to her knees, she lay down beside Milsi. “If I wasn’t so tired..” Thissa said with a yawn.

“You’d fuck me,” Milsi finished her sentence, and her friend laughed.

“Perhaps in the morning,” she said, then rolled into Milsi’s arms.

“If we have time,” Milsi said, pulling the blanket over them.

*****

At the edge of the Arroganza system, a shining star was born as the Vortex opened. A small fleet of irregularly shaped ships re-entered normal space. Nearby monitor satellites and patrol vessels detected the energy discharge. The satellites sent alert signals towards the system's centre while the nearby patrol vessels charged their shields and activated their weapon systems. Two Cerastes class patrol vessels activated their engines and burned at full speed towards the exit point. When their sensors identified the ships as belonging to the Lupine Empire, both Captains prepared to fight.

“Hail the patrol vessels,” said a gruff and vaguely feminine voice. A few moments later, an image of a female Viper appeared.

“Who are you, and why are you here?” the Captain of the Patrol vessel asked.

“I am Ambassador Zorna of the Lupine Empire,” the gruff voice replied, “Matriarch Theka has invited me to visit your station,” she said.

“Wait here while I check this,” the Viper Captain ordered and then closed the link.

“She’s friendly,” said a guttural voice. This one was deeper than Zorna’s.

“They can be,” she replied. After a few more minutes, the Ambassador’s ship received a hail from one of the patrol vessels. The image of a female Viper appeared again. This time they looked pissed off.

“We are to escort you into the system, and your ship has been given clearance to dock when we arrive at Border Station Five,” the Viper Captain said, closing the link.

“Very friendly,” said the guttural voice and Zorna laughed.