Author's notes: Apologies to my readers. I realize it's been far too long since my last posting. Real life tends to get in the way of my writing. The love of my life finally lost her six year battle with cancer and that has really taken the wind out of my sails.
In addition to that, I seem to have lost contact with my editor and haven't been able to find a replacement. I'm actually looking for a female editor because I feel that adding a woman's perspective to the story helps strike a better balance.
I've tried to proof-read this chapter several times but I'm sure I've missed a few things so I apologize in advance for any errors.
**********
Amanda pulled a surprised Lyssa in for a hug while giving her a kiss on the cheek. She stepped back taking Lyssa's hand and said, "come on. Let's get back to the picnic table. We've still got an alliance to forge yet."
Upon reaching the picnic table Amanda sat in the middle between Lyssa and Jacobia. Amanda looked at Lyssa and said, "Master tells me that the psionic shield over New Atlantis has been deactivated. Your link to your Personal AI should be active and your psionic powers restored. Also the Seeker is in orbit above Neuveia and in the spirit of cooperation and friendship we'd like to invite you to allow any of her crew who wishes it to take some shore-leave provided they follow a few basic rules. No clothing, no weapons, and until your diplomatic staff is up to speed, all personnel are restricted to Neuveia only. Once your embassy is operational your people will be free to visit any planet they wish. You might also wanna keep the nudity requirement in mind when selecting your diplomatic staff."
Lyssa laughed then said, "the nudity around here is so casual that I'd almost forgotten that Jacobia and I don't have any clothes on. I can't believe just how liberating that actually feels." She looked at Jacobia then continued, "I don't have any problem with your crew spending some time planetside. But you're their captain so it's totally up to you."
Jacobia giggled then said, "I don't have any objections to the crew having some R and R, but I can picture the look on Ron Sullivan's face when I tell him the ground rules." She grinned then said, "this is gonna be sooo much fun! Bob, can you patch me through to my ship? Just keep the view from my shoulders up for now please."
Bob created a small vidscreen in front of Jacobia. He nodded to Cailin and she connected it to Neuveia's main communication system then said, "I've narrowed the focus of the camera as you requested. Don't move around too much when you're talking to him though. Because if you do, he'll get a good look at your boobs." Cailin then opened a channel to the Seeker and Ron Sullivan's face appeared on the viewscreen.
"Captain McDonald are you okay? We were allowed to hear Defense Minister Sullivan order the surrender of Atlantian forces and we've been really worried about you and Queen Lyssa."
"Both Queen Lyssa and I are perfectly fine Ron. We haven't been harmed in any way. In fact we're currently working out the preliminary terms of an alliance with the Neuveian Federation. I think you'll find that all shipboard systems other than weapons have been fully restored. I've decided to allow any crew member who wants it some time on the ground. But like any port of call there are some rules to follow." It was all Jacobia could do to keep a straight face as she recited the groundrules. She grinned as she said, "nudity and no weapons are cultural norms for this society at the present time. The non-interference directive is in full force. The crew are to wear their COMS bracelet and nothing else. Are we clear on that Commander?"
"Yes Ma'am," a shocked Ron Sullivan responded.
"Oh and one final thing Commander. The crew may purchase anything they want while on leave. In the spirit of friendship, the Guardian will cover all their purchases as well as meals and hotel rooms. Enjoy yourself Ron; it's not often you get a freebie like this!"
"Okay I'm sold on the idea Captain. But what about keeping watches aboard ship?"
"Keeping a watch crew aboard ship isn't necessary Ron. The Seeker's AI is quite capable of maintaining a stable orbit around a planet without any Atlantian assistance and Queen Lyssa is using her personal authority to suspend that regulation for the duration of our stay here. I'll port myself up to the ship and transport the first group back aboard when the time comes for us to leave. If anyone doesn't want to come down, that's fine too. They'll be the ones missing out on the opportunity to explore a new planet and meet a new civilization. I'm sending you the transport coordinates to Tranquility City. Make sure everyone transports there. This continent is off limits to all ship's personnel other than Queen Lyssa and myself. Any more questions Commander?"
"No Ma'am. No more questions. I'm due on the control deck in a few minutes. I'll brief the crew and send down anyone that's interested in a little exploration."
Just as Cailin closed the channel, Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera groaned in unison. Aphrodite looked down at the liquid pouring from between her legs and giggled as she said, "oops, sorry to interrupt, but it's that time, Master."
,