Alyssa slipped her arm around John's and admired his reflection in the mirror. "I have to hand it to Mael'nerak, the man really knew how to make an impression. You look magnificent."
John glanced down at the beautifully tailored suit, with its high neck and stylish lines, then gave her a self-conscious smile. "There's certainly no fading into the background wearing this... but are you sure it says 'benevolent protector' not 'tyrannical overlord'?"
She turned to face him and stroked his cheek. "It's your smile that makes all the difference. I think it says 'handsome prince'... but I freely admit to being more than a little biased."
He laughed and gave her an affectionate kiss, then gestured towards the door. "We better head up to the Bridge."
"It's okay, Dana volunteered to land us on Genthalas," Alyssa said, accompanying him through the bedroom and into the Deck Two corridor. "We can go straight to the airlock and disembark as soon as the Invictus touches down. I know you don't want to keep Edraele and her girls waiting a minute longer than you have to."
"That was very thoughtful, thank you," John replied, as they walked towards the grav-tubes. "I can't believe it's been a month since we last saw them. So much has happened since then; saving Terra, the Kirrix campaign, defeating Larn'kelnar, rescuing the Kintark from the Brimorians... the list seems endless."
Alyssa nodded and gave his hand a supportive squeeze. "Don't forget you also met your parents, found out the truth about Kyth'vindathys, and finally confronted your guide. You've been through a hell of a lot personally, John... you're not the same man who left Maliri Space four weeks ago."
He nodded in agreement as they stepped into the red anti-gravity field. "I know... and it's a huge relief to finally be back home. With a bit of luck, we can avoid any trouble for the next few weeks and take a well-earned breather."
"You probably need a vacation more than the rest of us combined," Alyssa said softly. "I know you want to help Edraele deal with the new matriarchs, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you took some time off too."
John considered it, then shook his head. "I know I should be reeling after everything we've just been through, but I actually feel better than ever. Getting rid of my guide seems to have given me a new lease on life. First I want to focus on stabilising the Maliri Protectorate, then we need to start making preparations for the Progenitor War."
"I'll make sure the girls get a good rest, so we're all raring to go," Alyssa said, leaning into him. "We'll need to be on top form when we start hunting for Kythshara and the hyper-warp gate."
Slipping an arm around her shoulder, he asked with concern, "Are you sure you're okay being separated from me until then? I don't want you feeling like you've been abandoned."
She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "I'd love it if you joined us on vacation, but I understand that you've got some important stuff to take care of. Besides, the last few weeks have been incredibly stressful and I could really use some time to unwind. I'm actually looking forward to just kicking back and relaxing with Calara and the girls... it should be good fun."
"I thought I'd spend a couple of days with the Maliri, then I'll come visit you," John explained, as they reached Deck Nine. "I'd also like to talk to Helene when she wakes up and I've promised Jade some time alone with her sisters."
Alyssa gave him a fond smile. "That would be lovely, but there's no pressure. Me and Jade have been hogging you all to ourselves; now it's Edraele's turn to get some TLC."
*I agree, Master,* Jade chimed in. *I want you to focus on enjoying your time with the Maliri without worrying about us. You've done so much for me and my sisters this past month... please believe me when I tell you that we're all feeling extremely satisfied.*
"And my girls are all loved up after your orgy, so we're good too," Alyssa agreed as they walked along the corridor to the airlock.
John placed his hand on the DNA scanner next to the inner airlock door, then watched it flash green as the device recognised his genetic code. "Thanks, both of you. With Genthalas becoming our new base of operations, we'll be seeing a lot more of Edraele and the Maliri. I'm concerned about being able to give all of you the time you deserve... so please bear with me while we try to find a happy medium."
The blonde leaned in to give him a reassuring kiss. "You don't have to worry about a thing. Your trio of faithful matriarchs will be in constant communication, helping to smooth out any teething problems. If any of our girls needs some special attention, we'll just let you know!"
"Alright, sounds good," he agreed, hugging her gratefully.
A flash of movement caught John's attention as he looked over Alyssa's shoulder, the view through the airlock's porthole changing from the blackness of space to the gleaming gold of Genthalas station. The Invictus glided into a huge docking bay, retro-thrusters flaring brightly along its hull as Dana slowed their speed. John felt a slight tremor beneath his feet as the battlecruiser touched down, the warship coming to rest in what would be its new base of operations for the foreseeable future.
Alyssa pulled back and gave him a dazzling smile. "They're eagerly awaiting your grand entrance, Baen'thelas."
John reached out to activate the outer airlock door, which spiralled open at his touch. He stepped out into the hangar and froze when he saw the vast crowd assembled to witness his triumphant return to Genthalas. As soon as he appeared there was a collective intake of breath, the endless sea of Maliri women gazing at him in starry-eyed wonder. His gaze swept over the adoring faces and John spotted many of the white-haired engineers amongst them, all equally entranced by the man that had made such a profound impact on their lives.
The thousands of Maliri gathered in the hangar stood as still as statues, all except for one, who stepped forward as soon as she laid eyes on him. The Maliri Queen glided forwards, her regal pace steadily increasing until Edraele threw decorum aside and broke into a run.
"John!" she gasped, throwing herself into his open arms.
He twirled Edraele around, thrilled to be reunited with her once again. "I've missed you so much!" he exclaimed, holding her tight.
Edraele trembled as she clung to him, returning the hug just as fiercely. "Oh, John... being apart from you has been awful! Please don't leave me for so long again!"
"I won't, honey," he said, rubbing his matriarch's back to soothe her. "I'm here to stay now."