Three Square Meals Ch. 094

Edraele's eyes softened to see his anguish and she brushed her fingers against his cheek. "Being in command means you often have to make difficult choices, which I'm sure you remember from your time as a Marine officer. Now you're effectively leading an entire empire, which means making impossibly hard decisions on a daily basis! You made exactly the right decision and I'm proud of you for doing so, John." She gave him a quick kiss and added, "I would've been disappointed if you'd ignored your wider responsibilities to rush to my aid... touched, but still disappointed."

"Actually, I thought you'd feel something like that, which is one of the reasons I made that choice," John admitted with a wry smile.

"I'm delighted to hear I was able to offer you sage counsel even while unconscious," Edraele, said looking pleased. Her purple eyes searched his face and she continued, "So tell me what I missed!"

John rolled onto his back and looked up at the ceiling to gather his thoughts. "There was so much, I'm not sure where to start..."

The Maliri woman turned onto her side, moving carefully with the heavy weight of cum in her stomach. "I haven't felt this huge since I was carrying the twins," she said with a light laugh.

"I didn't want to take any chances, you were badly hurt," John said shifting to face her and placing a hand on her tummy. "And I like seeing you full of my cum..."

"I wasn't complaining," she replied, leaning forward and brushing his lips with hers. "I know you want to wait until we have children, but I yearn for that moment."

They kissed again and when they parted, John said quietly, "We need to discuss the Young Matriarchs too..."

Edraele shook her head, giving him a look filled with sympathy. "There's no need, Alyssa's explained everything to me already. Everything..." When John looked at her in surprise, she put her arms around him and held him close. "Don't worry about a thing, we'll take care of you, okay?"

John enjoyed the physical affection, her maternal hug reminding him of the caring embrace he'd received from Maria Fernandez. As Edraele brushed her fingers through his hair and stroked his head, he mused that it shouldn't be that much of a surprise, considering how much of Edraele's behaviour and personality he'd modelled on Calara's mother.

"Maria sounds like a fascinating woman," Edraele murmured in his ear. "Considering you could have chosen to remake my personality in any way you saw fit, she must have made quite the impression, if you chose to make me emulate her."

He winced, having forgotten to guard certain thoughts from Edraele in the way he normally would have done, having got out of practice in the last week. Sitting upright, he gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I had no idea what I was doing back then, and with your mind wiped I was left with a completely blank slate. Maria's a lovely woman and a doting mother to her daughter and three sons... I've seen how much Calara loves her and just thought Irillith deserved to have someone like that in her life."

"That was a lovely thought, there was no need to keep it from me," Edraele said with a gentle smile, her angular eyes full of emotion. "I really hope that one day I can have that kind of relationship with my daughters too."

"I hope so. They both really want that as well," John replied, reclining on the bed again and brushing a lock of hair from her face. "While we're talking about your daughters' future happiness, I'm sure they'll tell you soon, but I proposed to Irillith and Tashana two days ago."

Edraele's face lit up with joy. "Oh congratulations! I assume they both agreed?"

"They did, quite enthusiastically. I'll let them fill you in on all the details," he replied, returning her happy smile. It faded a second later as he continued, "I would've preferred to speak to you in person beforehand to get your blessing, but unfortunately circumstances were working against me. I'm sorry. I hope you aren't disappointed?"

She laughed then, the light carefree sound making his heart soar. "Oh, John... don't be so silly! Of course you had my blessing, you must have known that before you even thought of asking?"

"I hoped so, but I didn't want to make any rash assumptions," John said with a self-conscious grin.

Edraele paused for a moment and frowned. "Actually, if I had turned you down, then I could have kept you for myself..."

"Well if you were so unkind as to exclude your daughters, then you and fourteen others at present..." John said with a chuckle, knowing she was joking.

"You know I only jest. I'm delighted for them and for you too."

He looked into her eyes and said, "I proposed to all the girls on my ship, but there's someone else who I can't live without either, a woman who is going to play a big part in my future." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the rich purple amethyst ring, the colour exactly matching her enchanting orbs.

"Oh John, it's beautiful," Edraele murmured breathlessly, gazing at the ring in awe.

"Edraele Valaden, will you do me the honour of being my wife?" he asked, a broad grin on his face.

Edraele managed to tear her eyes from the ring to look at his face instead. She looked ecstatic, but the overjoyed expression shifted into a thoughtful one. "Not yet, I haven't earned it," she told him firmly.

John stared at her in shock. "What do you mean you haven't earned it? You've dedicated your life to being my Matriarch! Not that you needed to 'earn it', but that alone would be more than reason enough!"

She shook her head, an enigmatic look on her face. Her playful expression was quite reminiscent of Alyssa's teasing smiles, also reminding him that it wasn't just Maria's personality he'd modelled hers on.

"I'll explain later and you'll understand. Trust me, I promise you'll approve," she said, giving him a sultry look.

"Okay... I do trust you," John said, putting the ring back in his pocket again.

Edraele watched it disappear from sight with a tinge of regret on her face, but she brightened again and asked eagerly, "What other exciting events did I miss? Those Astral monsters have a lot to answer for, making me sleep through my daughters' engagement!"

"Yeah, we'll find a way to start hitting back," John agreed, his eyes narrowing. "I'm sick of running and hiding from those bastards." After a moment's pause, he continued, "We stopped at Jericho to see Maria, which is probably why I was reminded of her when you hugged me."

"You two hugged?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

John gave her a look of amusement. "It was strictly platonic and that's all it'll ever be between us. Yes, I find her a very attractive and intriguing woman, but I'd never do anything to break up her marriage. Maria might be playfully flirtatious, but she's loyal too, she wouldn't stray from Jack."

"Ah, the choice for my new personality becomes all the clearer. Now I'm even more intrigued about Maria," Edraele murmured, tracing a finger along the muscles in his arm. "What could be more alluring than the unattainable?"

John couldn't help flushing and shook his head, "That's not why..."

"Ah yes, you wanted me to be the perfect mother for my daughters," she said seriously, but with a smile teasing at her lips. "No one could find fault with such selfless motives..."

He laughed and rolled his eyes. "I don't think there's any way I can respond to that without getting myself in trouble. Anyway, Calara and I told her everything. We brought everything out in the open so that there wouldn't be any secrets between them."

"If Maria hugged you, I assume she took it well?" Edraele asked, watching him in fascination.

"She was amazing," John replied, giving her a wistful smile. "She just took everything in her stride and was so supportive and understanding. I hadn't realised how much I needed to just feel... accepted and... cared for... I suppose." He hastily added, "Not that it's a reflection on any of you three! Our relationship is just different."

"Three?" Edraele asked in surprise.

"I've been getting closer to the girls on the Invictus. Jade's been growing more powerful and was able to set up a permanent telepathic connection with me," John explained as the Nymph and Alyssa both contacted him to say they weren't offended.

"Jade is a remarkable girl," the Maliri woman said with a thoughtful look on her face. She shook that off a moment later and continued, "If you'd prefer me to adopt a 'different' kind of role with you in our relationship, I'm sure that could be arranged." Tracing a finger along his jawline, she murmured, "After all, I am 112 years your senior. I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to slip into a more... maternal role."

John shook his head firmly. "I appreciate the offer, but I like our relationship exactly the way it is." He slid a hand between one of the slashes in her long dress and brushed his fingertips over the taut skin of her curved midriff. "I have firm plans for you, Tashana, and Irillith. Just focus on taking care of your daughters and the Maliri girls in your care and I'll be very pleased with you."

"I very much enjoy pleasing you, My Lord," Edraele purred, snuggling into him.

"I know you do. You're a wonderful Matriarch," he agreed, enjoying the tremor of excitement he felt pass through her luscious body. He gave her a look of longing then shook his head, "Later. We've got all the girls waiting for us."

She glanced at the door. "Should we go and join them?"

John nodded and sat up, then offered her a hand. "I can tell you the rest on the way, or give you an overview at least."

"An overview?" she asked curiously, climbing off the bed.

"Of the battle with the Kirrix," John replied, helping steady her. "I hadn't realised how much the Glowing Queen's rebellion had destabilised the Trankaran Republic... they were still paralysed with indecision months later, leaving them exposed to a massive Kirrix invasion."

"I really did miss a lot," Edraele said quietly, shaking her head as they walked from the bedroom. "The Glowing Queen was the other Progenitor's puppet wasn't she?"

John looked at her in surprise for a moment. "Ah, that's right; that all happened before you joined me."

"If I recall, I was planning to turn you into my obedient lapdog at the time," Edraele said, arching an eyebrow and adopting a cold aloof expression. She rolled her eyes at herself and murmured, "God, I used to be such a malignant bitch!"

He laughed and kissed her hand. "Fortunately, you had quite the epiphany."

"I certainly did," she replied with a smile. "So what happened in the battle? I hope no one was injured?"

"We took cam-footage of the entire battle, so you can see for yourself," John said, walking hand-in-hand with her through the plush quarters. "Basically Chancellor Niskera had arranged a meeting with a dozen ambassadors from the minor empires, but the planet she'd chosen was invaded by the Kirrix."

Edraele pursed her lips thoughtfully. "A dozen of them? She must have the patience of a saint."

John chuckled and nodded his agreement. "That she does." He glanced at the Maliri Matriarch out of the corner of his eye and continued, "Maliri Space is huge, are there any minor empires within the Protectorate?"

She looked uncomfortable and after a long moment, shook her head. "Do you remember the Fulmanax?"

He stopped and turned to look at her. "I could hardly forget... especially after what happened to them."

"They were the last," Edraele said bluntly, unable to meet his gaze, a look of deep remorse crossing her beautiful face. "I personally oversaw the genocide of three other alien species on the outskirts of Valaden territory. Rampant Xenophobia has been a very unfortunate consequence of Valada's decision to withdraw from intergalactic affairs."

John was appalled by what the old Edraele had done, but he could see how plagued with guilt his Maliri Matriarch was. He gently lifted her chin so she had no choice but to look at him. "What have I told you before about feeling guilty about the old Edraele's actions?"

"I know, but she did such terrible things..." Edraele replied, struggling to meet his gaze.

He stepped closer and cupped her face in his hands. "This is important Edraele. Tashana and Irillith have been through a lot, but they're both putting the past behind them, hoping for a happy future with you and me. I don't hold you personally responsible for anything the old Edraele did, but if you really want to atone for her crimes, do so by being the best leader for your people you can be. No more guilt... okay? It doesn't help anyone and it will harm your relationship with your daughters. I don't want to see them get hurt again, they've both suffered through enough for two lifetimes..."

Edraele looked shocked at his blunt words, then her expression softened. "You're right, moping about the past isn't achieving anything." There was a firm resolve in her eyes as she continued, "I want to be there for my girls and give them the loving mother they always deserved. I won't risk doing anything to put that in jeopardy!"

"Good girl," John said quietly, pulling her in for a hug. He stroked her back and whispered in her ear, "They really do love you. Just give them a chance to show you how much."

She clung to him for a while, until finally pulling back with a look of gratitude on her face. "I can see why me trying to play the maternal role with you would never work, I need your support too much!"

"That's quite alright, I like our relationship just as it is," John replied, giving her a warm smile.

Edraele squeezed his hand and then continued walking out of the opulent quarters. "So where were you with your story? You told me that Niskera had chosen a planet for a conference?"

"Yes, a planet called Khalgron near the Kirrix invasion corridor," he replied.

The Maliri Matriarch frowned and asked, "Wasn't that asking for trouble?"

"There was method in her madness," John replied with a wry smile. "Khalgron has a mix of climates and terrain, which are roughly similar to each of the ambassadors' homeworlds. Niskera was hoping it would make the delegates empathise with the planet's plight and get them to pull together to fight against the Kirrix invaders..."

Edraele nodded thoughtfully. "It does make sense, but it was a real gamble to host an event like that so close to danger. Niskera sounds quite reckless..."

"It's probably fairer to say that she's optimistic and a little naive," John corrected her.

"It sounds like you admire her?" Edraele asked, giving him a knowing look.

"I do," he replied with a shrug. "She's compassionate, very driven, one of the most selfless people I've ever met..."

*And a handy person to have around in a power cut...* Alyssa interjected with a telepathic grin.

John rolled his eyes at the blonde. *I'm not sure you're exactly in a position to be making jokes about what happened with Niskera, young lady...*

Edraele studied him curiously for a moment, then her eyes widened in shock. "You turned Niskera into your own Glowing Queen!" she exclaimed looking astonished.

"It sounds like you don't approve?" John asked with a grimace.

"On the contrary, I think it was inspired!" Edraele replied her face lighting up in elation. "If Niskera has as dramatic an effect on the Trankarans as white-haired Maliri do on our dark-haired sisters, she should be able to unify them immediately." She gave him a look of sincere admiration. "And united under your banner too!"

John could feel how delighted Alyssa was at Edraele's glowing praise, but she was definitely trying her hardest not to be too smug about it. *You get a B for effort,* he told the blonde with amusement.

Edraele studied John in fascination. "That was a very bold, proactive move for you. You really have changed while I was asleep!"

He paused and slowly shook his head. "Actually, I didn't want that for her."

"You didn't?" Edraele asked in confusion. "But it's a perfect solution for everyone involved! The Trankarans can unite under a strong leader rather than that farcical republic nonsense and actually accomplish something for once. While you now have a strong and loyal ally in the Trankarans, who can help in the fight against the other Progenitor!"

Seeing that they still had things to talk about, John guided Edraele through the lounge to a sofa. He sat down beside her and said quietly, "But what about the personal cost to Niskera?"

"Personal cost? What do you mean?" Edraele asked, looking bewildered.

"She'll never be like a normal Trankaran again," John said quietly. He reached for the Maliri woman's long hair and brushed his fingers through the silky strands. "The transformation into the Glowing Queen is far more profound than simply giving you white hair." He could see Edraele about to object and headed off her protests. "I know there's negative implications about women who have long hair amongst the Maliri, but trust me when I say it's very different with a Trankaran. Do you know what the Trankarans look like?"

"I've spoken to their ambassadors over holo-comm," Edraele replied. "Tall, blocky, look like they're made from rock, with rather coarse brutish features?"

John nodded. "Yes, that's right." He traced his finger along her slender blue arm, making curved patterns that gave her goosebumps. "Imagine one of them with swirling lines over their whole body and those patterns glowing with an inner light, which pulses like a heartbeat. That's what the Glowing Queen looks like and any Trankaran who sets eyes on her worships her like she's some kind of goddess."

"I can see why Niskera might have had reservations," Edraele said, looking down at her arm and trying to imagine what that would be like.

He shook his head. "Alyssa suggested the idea to her, but once Niskera realised how effectively she'd be able to rally her people, there was no convincing her otherwise. Like I said before, she's very selfless." Leaning back on the sofa, he continued, "She had no regrets after the change was complete and loved her new appearance, but I do worry about her future. I think it'll be difficult for her to find long-term happiness amongst the Trankarans after changing so much, but I suppose we'll have to see how it pans out."

Edraele gave him an affectionate smile. "Your concern for her is very admirable..."

"But...?" John said, realising it was coming.

She inclined her head. "Like I said, sometimes in your position, you'll be faced with impossibly hard choices. Do you sacrifice one person to save billions?"

John chuckled as he rose from his chair and said, "It's quite ironic that you're giving me that advice."

"Ironic? How so?" Edraele asked, looking up at him curiously.

John offered her a hand. "Let's rejoin the others and I'll get Faye to send us the footage of the battle against the Kirrix. I said almost the exact same thing to Sakura after the fight; you'll see why when you've seen it."

*Head back to the Invictus. We're all in the Officers' Lounge at the moment,* Alyssa informed them both.

Edraele appeared to be suitably intrigued as they left the suite and took the lift down to Deck Twelve. After crossing into the Invictus, they headed up to Deck Two and found the girls from his crew, the Young Matriarchs and Edraele's three bodyguards sitting together on the sofas. The conversation came to a screeching halt as soon as John and Edraele entered, which he normally would've taken as a very ominous sign. However, the eight Maliri girls linked to Edraele all rushed over to see her, finally getting a chance to give her a hug and tell her how relieved they were that she was alright.

The affection between the Matriarch and her girls was obvious to all, and John glanced at Irillith and Tashana who were watching their mother being doted on by her wards. He could see the look of... not envy as such, but more hope and longing on both of their beautiful faces. Irillith glanced his way, then nudged her twin and they both smiled in his direction when they saw he was focused on them.