This is the final installment of the Male Jumper series. What was originally planned as a single story of a princess being ravaged by a bunch of space pirates that morphed in this 6 part extravaganza. The original was published a year ago and after much gnashing of teeth, this revised edition has been finished.
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On a cold blustery night in the capital city, an auto car made its way along a major thoroughfare. It passed buildings that had been damaged, others just piles of rubble. Some had been cleared away and there signs of construction going on everywhere. The car continued to the suburbs of the city finally stopping at the gates of an estate. The actual gates were in the process of being replaced, so two guards stood there instead. The window of the car opened and the guards chatted with the occupants before waving them on. The estate had tall trees, a stream running through and countless gardens that the passengers marveled as they passed. The vehicle drove up a slight incline and stopped in front of a large mansion.
Two servants wearing the Gold Clan livery trotted to the car and opened the door. Hamlish and Horatio wearing very expensive suits emerged followed by two gorgeous red heads each with battle tats on their arms. The doors were opened and they entered to be greeted by more servants who took their coats and led them to their destination. They entered a large sitting room that had a roaring fireplace. People were sitting around chatting and watching a large screen monitor hanging on the wall. A young petite woman was chasing a giggling toddler about the room when Horatio called out. "Hey Tina, I see you got your 7th tat."
"Yup, got it this morning." She said as she made funny faces at the child.
"Finally made it I see. The speech is about to begin." Fed said looking back from the display. Cook came over and greeted the brothers and their dates.
"Where's Karch and Melinda?" Hamlish asked.
"Melinda's here. Karch I'm not sure." Cook answered.
The brothers took up seats and sampled snacks offered by the staff.
"MAMA! The little boy yelled and ran to Melinda who had just arrived. Her belly was large indicating a new addition to the family was coming soon. Cook fussed over her and made sure she was comfortable before turning to watch the speech.
On the screen was an image of the new Sororan republic flag. A patriotic song started and all the guests quieted down. President Wind Jumper appeared sitting at a desk looking quite solemn. She was dressed in a business suit favored by galactic politicians. "Damn she looks good in that. Karch would love to see this outfit." Fed thought to himself.
"Fellow citizens and honored Galactics." She paused for a second.
She went on to summarize the rebel victory over the usurpers and the establishment of the new Sororan republic along with the abolishment of the old aristocratic privileges and equality of the sexes.
"Cook, isn't she wearing that pendant you bought at the starbase?" Melinda pointed at the screen.
"Karch described it to me and paid for it. I guess she liked it." Cook smiled.
"Our list of heroes is long and will be recorded in a monument located in this capital city." She paused again as if catching her breath.
"I'd especially like to thank the galactic citizens who helped like Melinda Archer and Harald Smithlin for their work in supply and logistics."
"Your name is Harald?" Tina asked Cook.
"Only judges, presidents, and my mother call me that. Just call my Cook please." Cook answered.
"Captain Federico for his work in intelligence." Wind Jumper continued.
"Horatio and Hamlish Fallash for their work establishing a military hospital that saved countless fighters lives." Another pause as if she were distracted by something.
"Captain Karch Koppler for his work establishing our first space academy and training the first all Sororan crew of the Sisterhood ship Swordfish."
Another pause.
"The final thank you is for Oorlyn Laffin whose extraordinary skills and bravery in most unpleasant conditions has made her the youngest Colonel in the history of the Sororan military."
Everyone turned to congratulate Tina who suddenly felt very self-conscious. Wind Jumper had asked all the crew what they wanted as reward. Tina's initial request was to bring her family to Sororus. On reflection she upped the ante by asking that any Weglia refugee be allowed to immigrate. Wind Jumper also added a provision that allowed for religious freedom.
The speech ended with an announcement that this day, the one year anniversary of the final capitulation, would be a national holiday.
Wind Jumper's speech only mentioned half of Tina's achievements. For that she was glad the whole truth would be buried until long after her death.
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Tina lay in bed enjoying every second of the warm soft sheets. Her whole body was relaxed and content after a good fuck with Sgt. Smitz who was sleeping next to her. She rolled over and ran her fingers along his muscled back wondering how much longer she had to wait before asking for another. The console next to the bed chose that time to beep indicating a high priority message from military HQ.
"Can I get dressed first?" She asked.
"Why?" Fed's voice questioned.
"Funny. Call back in five, I'll be ready."
Fed reluctantly cut the connection allowing Tina to dress in the new civilian outfit she bought yesterday. She keyed in Fed's number.
"Glad to see you enjoying yourself." Fed said.
"Nice hotel you put us in Fed, What is your evil mind planning?"
"Me? I'm just recognizing your hard work and sacrifice, that's all." Fed said with mock outrage.
"You told me that when people start acting nice, it's time to watch out." Tina said.
At that moment the sergeant decided to get up and walk to the bathroom, giving Fed quite an eyeful. "Whoa buns of steel. No way can I compete with that!"
"Be quiet my dear FRIEND." She said with extra emphasis.
"Ouch back to square one I go. Anyway this actually is important. I want to in my office at 0800 tomorrow."
"Leave is over?"
"Not quite. You'll have another week before there's any heavy lifting."
The next day Tina showed up at Fed's basement office. He was sitting at his desk with a look of intensity she only saw when she was his favorite at the spa.
"Watching porn?" She joked.
"Yes I am." He looked at her with a flat expression.
"This is important?"
"Yes it is. What I'm viewing has yielded some important intelligence." Fed answered.
Tina sat down.
"I see you got your 3rd tattoo, congratulations." Fed said.