15

Max Intel: Melinoe

Chapter 11 - Downtime

Joon ran out from behind the column before the lorry had hit the ground. It crashed, seemingly out of control, in a slow spin as it dropped like a rock.

She was screaming her wife's name at the top of her lungs.

Agatha left the Ambassadors with 'Una' and ran to keep up with Joon.

Joon looked into the wreck of the lorry seeing a flash of silver. She dove in.

She gasped at what she saw. Max was laying in an unnatural position. She was missing her right leg almost at the hip, and her left arm at the shoulder.

Joon felt for Max's vitals but she wasn't finding any. She immediately went to work. Her training screaming at her emotions... Do the job! Do the job! Do the job!

Agatha appeared at her side and Joon began working frantically. Counting off out loud the timing of the first response procedure.

Agatha assisted where she could, but Joon would not give up. She kept going, and going...

Then, three minutes of stubborn diligence payed off.

"I have a pulse!" Agatha looked at Joon.

Joon exhaled and nodded. She started checking for other injuries.

Astrid and Vika ran up then... Vika saw the scene and paled. Astrid just crumpled to her knees. She cried so hard she could barely breathe.

Authorities began arriving five minutes later...

Joon eyed Vika with a glare as Agatha held Joon in her arms.

Vika comforted Astrid, who was cried out, but seemed catatonic.

Slarmian medical personnel arrived and Joon soundly took charge. She would not take no for an answer as she insisted on riding along as primary medical provider and wife. Agatha joined her.

Teffa flew the rest of the crew to the urgent care hospital in Staverka, thirty minutes away.

Later... the authorities had found what remained of the two charred limbs Max had lost and called in the find. Sadly, there was no need to preserve them.

0o0

"I don't care!" Joon glared. "She set this up!"

Agatha knew Joon was tired and upset, but those seemed like pale descriptions at the moment.

"She did not set this up. THIS was going to happen no matter what she did. She was doing damage control. Keeping us alive." Agatha retorted.

Joon and Agatha stood in front of each other in the CQ. Joon's arms were crossed under her breasts and her feet were planted. She was standing firm.

Astrid sat on the bed listening, unsure how she felt. Her face still stained with tears as Joon and Agatha argued over Vika's fate. Which currently did not look good.

"She stays in the brig until I figure out what to do with her, or we bring Max home."

"Okay Joon, that's fair." Agatha nodded. "I will take care of her. Just please don't attack her like that again."

Joon clenched her jaw and nodded in agreement.

It was twelve hours after the event massacre and Vika had been with them at the hospital the entire time. Teffa had ferried them back and forth from the Deirdre to the hospital.

Agatha had two armed 'hands' there to guard Max. Joon wasn't taking any chances. Then Joon turned her attention to Vika and verbally assaulted her. Threatening to abandon her in Staverka.

That's when Agatha drew the line. Joon momentarily evaluated Agatha's position. Astrid just shook her head in disbelief, so Joon relented. The argument was a natural conclusion, but the outcome was still a loss for everyone.

Until Max regained consciousness... If Max regained... Vika's fate was the brig.

Agatha already knew Vika would accept it without a word. She wouldn't argue for herself. She had already taken every cruel barb and hateful word from Joon, never saying a word in her own defense. She just shed silent tears.

0o0

Later that evening critical information reached them... The Brimorians had attacked T-Fed forces and there had been a terrorist attack on Olympus. The first was crippling, the other thwarted with significant casualties.

Agatha informed her family of the grave news and held all of them in her arms simultaneously... even Max.

The Deirdre started receiving official diplomatic communicae from the Grand Slarmian Dynasty. They offered any financial assistance required. They just dismissed any medical bills for Max out right and extended access to advanced prosthetics from the Dauzakai government.

The next day Ambassadors Crinx and Zess visited the still comatose Max. They both gave personal and heartfelt thanks to Joon who could only nod to them, her eyes overflowing.

The following morning, Max woke up.

0o0

Max opened her eyes.

She didn't know where she was, but almost immediately Agatha was there with her face pressed gently to her Captain's.

"Wha... happened?" Max managed to get out.

Agatha nodded, "Terrorists... at the Ambassador's event."

"Joon?" Max asked.

"Alive, upset, and on her way..." Agatha responded.

Max closed her eyes, then opened them again, "She blames Vika..."

Agatha nodded.

"How are you and Astrid?"

"I am here for my family." Agatha responded. "Astrid fell apart initially, but she is better than Joon is now."

"And Vika?"

Agatha hesitated, "I'm not entirely sure, she just takes it, with little or no reaction, it blunts attacks and comfort alike."

"Attacks?" Max looked worried...

Agatha winced, "Joon did not react... well."

"Is Vika... okay?"

Agatha nodded, "She will be much better now you are awake."

Max was about to ask something, but didn't...

"Ask..." Agatha said, knowing it was coming.

"How bad..." Max was unable to finish.

"You lost your left arm, and right leg. If you had been hit by anything besides a laser you would have bled out in seconds." Agatha reported without emotion, but she could feel Max's heart sink.

Max nodded, tears pooling in her eyes.

"But I'm alive..." Max choked.

"You ARE alive... My Captain, my wife, my friend... I will always be here for you... Always"

Max heard that and settled down; her fears allayed for a while.

Agatha dutifully reported all that had transpired while Max was unconscious, including the news from Terran space.

Agatha paused, "Joon will be here in a minute... "

Less than a minute later the door flung open and Joon was next to Max with tears in her eyes.

Max held her with her good arm and Joon climbed into the bed with Max, careful not to put pressure on her injuries.

Joon lay her head on Max's right shoulder, and they stared into each other's eyes.

Agatha smiled for the first time in days...

0o0

Staverka Police Investigators requested access to interview Max. The ministries of State and Trade both separately forewarned those investigators that such an interview would be granted with the understanding that Captain Max Anders had saved the lives of two Ambassadors as well as many scores of influential citizens.

Her actions were officially endorsed and proclaimed as heroic and any insinuation of wrongdoing would not be well received by the Majestic Potentate.

Max was interviewed in her bed while under sedation for pain. She requested Vika as her interpreter.

The Staverka Police Inspector Yzix introduced himself and was very courteous, recognizing the delicacy of the interview and the Interstellar implications of the attack and her actions.

Vika translated.

The long thin Slarmian had a handheld recorder and activated it with permission.

"Please, state your name, title, and occupation."

"Captain Max Anders, Manager to Jooniper Smith."

"The Exquisite Lady Jooniper is also your wife?"

"She is..."

"You usually don't mention that?"

"It doesn't look as good as you'd think on a resume."

The inspector chuckled his bright eyes registering amusement and understanding.

"Captain Anders, your tactics and actions during the assault beg me to question: At any time were you a member of the Terran Federation Military?"

"Ten years TFMC. I retired after the Battle for Terra."

"So, would you say the skills you displayed at the event are typical for a Terran Federation Marine?"

"I would say so, yes."

"After the initial attack, why did you not break open the doors and escape?"

"Because innocent people were in danger, and many were being summarily butchered."

"I am pleased you consider Slarmians people. We have had some of your race suggest otherwise."

"There are idiots in every culture, I am sure. Terrans are no exception."

"Did you know anyone at the event?"

"My wife was invited to the event by Ambassador Crinx, I was her plus one."

"Why did your wife's bodyguards not engage the attackers?"

"Agatha and Una's job was to keep Joon from harm... and they did their job as I ordered them to. I also collected the Ambassadors who were in the line of fire and had Agatha and Una protect them as well...while I created a small diversion."

Inspector Yzix's facial features showed mild amazement as he said, "Captain, if you call that a small diversion, I would be hesitant to witness a major one... as, you lost two limbs..."

"I didn't have bodyguards."

"The organization behind this attack is called 'Blackdawn'... Have you ever heard of it?"

"No, never heard of it."

"Have you ever visited Staverka before?"

"Yes, Inspector, my ship stopped in the bazaar... last week, I guess..."

"You don't remember?"

"It's been a busy week."

"Joon and I greatly admired your people, planet and culture. My wife asked if we could do a holo-vid with your people with cultural icons in the background. I felt it was a wonderful idea and supported her efforts. So, we returned with that in mind."

"I believe that concludes this interview, Thank you for your time."

"Captain Anders: Our Majestic Potentate has declared you a national hero for your efforts. I am sure the powers that be will be wanting to speak with you personally. They are very grateful for your selfless actions and phenomenal courage."

The police inspector stopped the recording.

"And Captain Anders, off the record: I saw the autopsy report on the six Slarmians in the converted lorry-gunship. I would have never believed a single Terran capable of such accuracy while under direct fire from an anti-ship rotary laser cannon. I am very sure I never want to be up against a Terran Marine in a desperate situation."

Max chuckled, "Take care, Inspector."

After the inspector left, Max pulled Vika onto the bed next to her, cuddling with her.

"So, I heard Joon went ballistic on you..." Max muttered softly.

Vika softly answered, "Yes..."

Max looked into Vika's eyes, "Please, don't hold it against her, she was scared out of her mind, and she only acts that way when she is scared."

"I love her too, Max." Vika gave a slight smile, "I am glad this part is over, I love my family so much."

"I know you won't talk about it. And you always say you do your best to keep everyone alive. But, if anyone can help you, you only need to ask. We won't question it."

Max was about to keep going but Vika put her finger on Max's lips. "I know, Max. It will be easier now."

Max smiled a crooked grin, "Fuck, I hope so. I don't know how much more I can get shot off and still be around."

Vika's face crumpled, and she grabbed Max's head and kissed her deeply.

0o0

Staverka Police investigators kindly requested copies of Astrid's documentary and paparazzi footage. She sent them copies immediately.

She received official thanks... and later compliments from the Staverka Police media department along with a couple of questions on filter algorithms.

Astrid smiled at the professional courtesy. It turned out she felt good being able to help and the kindness was infectious.

There was a knock behind her and Astrid turned and saw Agatha at the door of engineering.

"Hey, Ag's, what's up?" Astrid asked with a smile.

"I'm checking up on you..." Agatha smiled.

Astrid blinked, "So what do you think? Am I okay?"

Agatha walked into the room, and closer to Astrid. She was wearing her deadly schoolgirl uniform.

Astrid swiveled on her shop stool to face her wife and one of her best friends.

Astrid wore BDU's while in her workshop. They were comfortable; Agatha had a ton of them and didn't mind sharing.

Astrid spread her knees and pulled Agatha in between them.

The married couple stared deeply into each other's eyes.

Agatha felt all of the nervous stress in Astrid, but none of it felt overwhelming.

Astrid's almond-shaped lavender eyes drank in the metallic grays of Agatha's slitted cat-like orbs.

"I think you're doing very well." Agatha smiled, "Our other spouses are having a tougher time with this situation and I wish I could help them more."

"But they have to be ready to accept that help." Astrid finished, and nodded.

Agatha smiled. Her long jet-black hair and pale skin gave her an exotic appearance that did something nice to Astrid's insides.

"I noticed a surprising amount of communication with Staverka authorities. Is everything okay?" Agatha had never stopped gazing into Astrid's enchanting eyes.

Astrid smiled, "I think I have some tech-fans of my work, and I was happy to give them some tips and advice on techniques." Her face was slowly getting closer to Agatha's

Their lips met, eyes now closed, hands and arms holding soft curves. It was comforting, and gently passionate. Astrid pulled back from the kiss and looked at Agatha.

"Would you consider doing something I have been fantasizing about?" Astrid asked hopefully.

Agatha beamed a smile, "I am always happy to fulfill your fantasies, cutie."

Within moments Agatha was sitting on the workbench leaning back, legs spread, her eyes shut, with Astrid's sucking and licking at her vulva while holding her g-string to one side.

Agatha was getting both her own physical stimulation and that of Astrid's lust.

Astrid was fulfilling an ongoing fantasy that involved her workspace and her exotic alien wife, it was the combination of sex and tech environs that satisfied her desires...

Agatha was also quite tasty.

0o0

Max was laying on the hospital bed of the private room. Two hands of Agatha were still stationed outside the door. Both were armed to the teeth and both hyper vigilant.

Both Joon and Vika were in the room with her... they seemed nervous and agitated.

Max needed to fix this. "I want both of you on the bed with me."

"There isn't room, my love, and we might hurt you if we crowded on." Joon was certain of her appraisal.

Max smiled, "I'm pretty sure I will be okay, and I think this is more important."

Joon pursed her lips.

Vika nodded.

Max waived her hand gently and raised her arm. Joon looked at Vika, then looked at Max... then she climbed on the bed and settled in. Vika climbed up very carefully, across from Joon and looked at Max.

Max smiled, "Lay your head gently on the bandage."

Vika followed instruction.

"I know neither of you are comfortable at this moment; and I also know why." Max spoke quietly.

Joon's lower lip quivered...

"When we became a family, I was aware that it wasn't going to be perfect all the time. I am not going to demand you two shape up because I know that no matter how scared and frustrated you were... you both love each other... and I love you both."

Tears on both sides of Max fell while she was softly speaking. Vika looked into Joon's grass-green eyes; her elfin features marred with stress. Joon saw the deep sadness in Vika's cobalt-blue eyes, her freckled forehead creased in pain.

"But I will tell you what I have been dreaming of... Seeing my two beautiful wives, kiss and make up." Max smiled at them, "I would really appreciate more than kisses... So I have sweet dreams tonight."

Joon smirked slightly, "You really are a naughty girl, my love."

Vika bit her lower lip and glanced at Joon.

Max smiled softly.

Joon slowly reached out and gently caressed Vika's cheek. "I am very sorry I said those terrible things to you Vika. I am sorry I threatened to throw you off the ship. I don't want to be upset with you."

Vika covered Joon's hand with her own, her eyes pleading, "I am very sorry I could not do more to protect Max. I wish I could have spared all of us from this. But trying to change big things always makes it much worse while small changes can make things better. I will try to put more faith in my family."

Joon nodded and sat up next to Max. "Come here please, Vika."

Vika also sat up and over Max, the two lovers kissed... and kept kissing... and Max moaned happily. Joon glanced at Max, their eyes met, and Joon nodded in silent understanding. Max pulled her leg up. Joon and Vika moved down and started undressing for Max.

Vika was panting with Joon while they were stripping down. When they were both naked, they returned to kissing and Max was enjoying every second.

Joon lay Vika down at the foot of the bed with her head resting on Max's foot. Joon then mounted Vika's torso looking down the bed. Her little round ass in full view of Max's hungry eyes.

Joon lifted Vika's freckled legs and pulled them back and apart. She leaned forward and her large soft breasts were sandwiched between Vika's muscled thighs and resting on her abdomen. Vika's velvety lips spread a little. Joon noticed the smaller woman was sopping wet... then she remembered how sweet she was and dove in.

Vika reacted with a gasp then a soft moan, then Joon wiggled her butt and Max reached down and lay her hand on herself. Half of her pussy was covered in dressing, but she rubbed herself anyways.

Max watched Joon lower her dampening pussy on to Vika's waiting mouth. Max gently raised Vika's head with her foot. It was just comfortable enough to hold it up, feeling she was a part of the experience.

Vika was grateful not to have to strain herself while servicing Joon, she would have to remember to thank Max afterwards.

Vika came twice. Joon soaked Vika's face. Then Max finally came... the effort in Max's climax was obvious. Vika and Joon cuddled back up with Max and they napped together for a while.

An hour later, Joon and Vika both awoke together one on each side of Max who was still sleeping. Joon carefully got up, making sure not to disturb Max and Vika did likewise.

Joon stared at her sleeping first wife as she lay quietly in the ICU. Agatha placed a comforting arm over her shoulders. "I wish I was buddies with Dr. Voss. She could mend Max easily..." Joon said, softly under her breath.

Agatha kissed her on the cheek, "I am sure she would, but the Lioness has many people to heal, and we are very far away from her."

Max woke many hours later and Agatha was quickly at her side in response to her emotions.

"How long did I sleep?" Max inquired.

Agatha smirked, "Fifteen hours."

"Ouch... I guess I needed it." Max nodded.

"The regen therapy is also supposed to take a lot out of you... the few times the doctors stopped by they seemed disappointed." Agatha reported.

"Did Joon approve?" Max looked curious.

Agatha smiled, "She said something like a Terran facility would have had better equipment, but she didn't disparage the procedure."

Max chuckled, "She did work in one of the highest rated T-Fed hospitals... I think she is a little spoiled."

The regen procedure used the natural healing of the patient's body and increased it. But results did vary by species. Max knew this. So, her limbs were not going to be grown back as it would have with a Slarmian.

Agatha kissed Max on her cheek, "It looks like you will be discharged tomorrow. The crew is looking forward to it."

Max smiled, "I am so lucky to have all of you. I can't imagine what it would be like if I were here alone."

Agatha gave Max a hug. Max's injuries were no longer throbbing, and her missing limbs were no longer sending her odd feedback or phantom pain.

0o0

The crew of the Deirdre were together for supper and Max's return was the main topic of discussion. A close second was the shoot schedule of the music video. Joon had been practicing and working out her technique while discussing the cinematography with Astrid.