by Marcus Sloss
Willis slurped forward. “Going underground will be no different than being above ground by the time we are done. We will create something so grand, you would expect it to be in one of your movies. I have no doubt, given time, both Aspen and Mansion would fall. Just like they would have already, if you had not had the assistance of the Divine-Apes. Without their help, you would be dead, enslaved, and most assuredly defeated. The bonus is that we can move before the next blue gate season,” Willis finished.
“Which may bring a cataclysmic foe your way,” chimed in Sally, “which now includes us, that you have not managed to engage yet.”
Perci grumbled, “Eric, we may need to dial this back a bit and have a meeting without -”
“Let’s get through the briefing,” I scolded my lovely lady, who was on the verge of tears. “Perci,” I gently chided, “we need to do what is best for everyone.”
This was Perci’s first true home, the first place not dominated by her mother. I knew her pains and this one, at least, I understood. My footsteps echoed across the hardwood floors. She batted at my hands as I plucked her firmly out of her chair. She folded into my chest before we even sat back in my rocking chair.
“I will conclude this briefing by giving you a choice. Mount Moran is smaller than Banff. With time and supplies, however, we can grow either location into a Mega-City. Banff, though larger, has more Xgates nearby; Calgary and Edmonton have three each. Though relatively close to Mount Moran, you have not established a close trading partnership with Teton Fortress. Remember, though, we now have air capabilities. In both cases, you are going further north. We may be able to control the climate inside our fortress, but the nearest Xgates will be snowed out in both places on the surface.”
I had an epiphany. “This is their plan.”
“Whose plan?” Willow asked.
Longoria chimed in, nodding, “Those who confine us. If you are under the ground, afraid of the surface, but dwelling comfortably, then we can expand much like a species here on Earth … I believe you call them ants. Communities will rationalize that there is little value in reaching for the stars. When you're underground is sufficiently developed, you may move to the surface. From there, you can claim a defeated desolate world for your expansion. Many species conclude that this is a large part of the plan, not the whole plan, but a significant element. Stage one is acknowledging you must adapt to survive.”
I leaned forward, pointing at Longoria from behind Perci, and said, “You have eluded to being wise—having survived for eons, Longoria. Please give us your unbiased opinion, based on your experience.”
The beautiful Fairy gave me a sad smile. “I have lived in worse than what we have now. Every time, it was defeated. I have lived on the surface near an Xgate in better strongholds than these. Defeated. The sky cities did well and were fantastic to live in. They can outrun most threats and as long as they remain in your planet’s atmosphere, they are not bothered by the Motherships. I dream of living in a sky city again. The problem is that, yes, tragically, they can be knocked down. When that happens … it is no…” She paused, wiping a tear that streaked down her cheek. “When that has happened, I am grateful for my wings. Sky cities also require immense investments of both time and resources. The best ones would land unless threatened and utilized homes on the surface for a multitude of reasons.” She choked up again.
Willow got up to rub the Longoria’s back.
“Oh, look at me getting all emotional,” she smiled at Willow. “My advice is to move under Mount Moran. For the children, for the civilians, and for our future. Then, once established underground, we can build a sky city so our community can rotate between the two to please those unhappy with life underground. I know the skills the Sluggeros possess. They will turn Bastion’s new home into a veritable wonder—an underground city with daylight. You will never notice you are underground, in time. I have already grown fond of your ethos and people. I would rather not be sold in hard times or see you defeated and me forced to agree to a new owner.” She shuddered. “Oh … one more thing.”
Willow smiled and encouraged her, “Please share.”
“We have purchased some of the best weapons for sale.” Longoria paused. “There are better weapons built privately that are not for sale at the market. This can only be done from a stable manufacturing base. If you want to be the best, you require a sanctuary—a home that you can defend and not fret over. This Mount Moran or Banff can take us to a new level with the Sluggeros advancing our cause and Bastion Community delving into manufacturing. We need to do this sooner rather than later—there are many other monster species capable of defeating our market-purchased technology with ease. I do not want to see yet another community erased from existence. None of us do.”
There was a sad pause when she finished. Everly raised a hand and I nodded.
“Can we grow trees under -”
Sally interrupted. “Yes! Massive trees. There will be a whole protected forest that will feel just like the surface. Trust me, you will not know you are underground.”
I could see that Sally had secured the Crixxis’ and the Faeries’ vote, siding with the move. I would have to be the hammer to pound the humans into line.
“How will we get to our outposts? I thought the underways did not stretch that far?” I asked, my face twisted with concern.
“The tunneling machines will be transported to the insertion dig site via AC1. Eventually, we will dig down and build a corridor of underways. It’ll take sixteen stops to get from there to here—these can be combined, with effort and time. Total travel time between Aspen and Mount Moran would be an hour plus, all underground. That is, if I don’t build something custom, which I may. The distance between these locations is approximately a half hour’s aircraft flight, but those introduce significantly more risks.” Sally gave the Sluggero equivalent of a shrug, “I can build all sorts of things with more resources.”
“Right now, you're sitting on some zinc and minimal mineral reserves,” Willis said with a grunt. He folded his short arms across his round belly. “To take advantage of this opportunity, we need to get back to looting as soon as possible. Shifting Bastion Community underground is going to require a mountain of resources—far more than simple zinc from your current mining efforts. Boulder should be your prime target.” He tapped at his Gpad. “The Koovorin Council will not raid a portal with a powerful army guarding its Xgate. You should have been looting for the past eighteen hours.”
“We also require proper data on the worlds connected to Xgate 201,” Sally chimed in.
My Gpad pinged, but before I could read the message, Sally said, “Have fun in Koor, obey the rules and you should be fine. Never leave the vault. They will love to trade directly for zinc. The competitions could earn us a lot, because they rarely compete against humans operating synthetics. There is almost no downside if you engage in the trial of spouses.” She frowned and tapped at her translator, “The word is odd to translate.”
“I have no idea what you just said,” I muttered, then chuckled. “Before this meeting is adjourned, we need to have a vote.” All eyes turned to me. “All in favor of building a secret underground base away from blood, battle, and the constant threat posed by these Xgates?”
I raised my hand. Sarah, Bonnet, Ulanda, and Norm kept theirs down. Everyone else’s hands joined mine in the air. Yikes. Hardly unanimous.
“We will not force those who do not want to go to a new home to leave their existing communities, if they so choose. They will retain their items and back pay,” I said with a deflated sigh. “Alright, my Gpad is telling me I am needed to meet with this Koorian representative.” I stood up. “The motion to establish a third stronghold is approved for Mount Moran. The motion to reduce the Bastion footprint in Colorado to two outposts, dug primarily into the mountains, is approved. The motion to shift all building priorities to our new base is approved. As of this moment, the Bastion Community is retreating for safety below ground. For the community!”
“For the community!” those in attendance echoed back.
I went to set Perci down but she refused to let go of me. While she was determined not to cry or show weakness in front of the others, I could see she was still upset.
“It is going to be so much grander than Mansion, you will think back on your disappointment this day and laugh. We will call it Stronghold Castle and use lots of glass and design a city you can always be proud of,” I said quietly to her.
Willow gave me a kiss, followed by Everly next. They were off to go loot. Nancy rubbed Perci’s back and murmured, “Our children will thank you. I agree with our soon to be husband. We will ensure it is something we can cherish.”
“I want to meet this delegation. My desire to do what is best for us all will win the day,” Perci twisted her face from a smile to a hesitant smile, then gave me a full, long kiss. “We have been living in an RV on a single bed for weeks. If we can have a stable home and a happy family there, we can do it anywhere. Of course, not dying or becoming some asshole’s servant is a boon.” She straightened up and squared her shoulders, “Now set me down so we can go meet this representative.”
I smiled down at my amazing Perci. I knew without a doubt, my family would get through this transition and become stronger in the process.
CHAPTER 16
AH1 flew us toward Objective Rubble at a steady speed. The bright sun fought to crash through the scattered clouds, but it was losing that battle. Rain was in the forecast for this evening; I realized that would not be an issue in our new home. Would the Sluggeros create weather patterns? I let the thoughts drift in my mind while watching out the front of the ship.
The rear of my army peeled out of formation to head to their prospective Mansion or Aspen homes. I had ordered looting be resumed, for now, which meant it was time for most of our units to pick up trailers and empty sleds. When I sent the order out, I added non-combatants to the looting teams.
Those designated to go find and secure electronic components were hopping into acrium vats. Each of them would receive a peeblenator and a personal anti-grav sled to pile loot on while they worked. There was a little pushback from the Crixxi, Mounamine, and Pandarin—they insisted they were not contracted to be warriors, and I agreed. I still told them to get out, grab some loot, earn their keep, and only shoot something if they absolutely had to. They didn’t need to be ‘Fobbits’ all the time; it was relatively safe to leave the base. I sighed, remembering the derogative term from the Middle East for those who refused to leave the Forward Operating Bases, or FOBs. Military people could be so cruel to each other.
While our looting endeavors prepared to hit Boulder, my eyes drifted to a group not far away from AC1. This group emptied the big carrier of its post battle contents in an Aspen parking lot. I wanted the carrier to provide oversight and assist with looting operations, which meant it was prepping for flight.
I saw our prisoners were inside an electric pen, not far from where I had conversed with Ralph, yesterday. They seemed calm and bored, which was exactly how I wanted them.
AH2 caught my eye as it glided into an open spot not far from where I saw Jevon, Ralph, Linda, Ryan, and a triple-eyed sloth with two legs.
“A Certhian, huh,” Longoria muttered. I walked behind her, gently guiding a wing out of my way to let me get closer so I could check things out over her shoulder. “Careful stud. You enter my bubble and you’re likely to get pounced on.”
“Oh,” I grinned at the beautiful Fairy who eyed me like a piece of bacon, “I was going to view your screen, but I do enjoy seeing you naked,” I said, blowing her a kiss. “Now, tell me about these Certhians.”
“Men, a fine Fairy like me offers you the key to her chastity belt and you jump right back to business,” Longoria said with a scoff. “Much better for us all if you’d jump me, instead.”
Perci gave a deep belly laugh.
“I thought you would enjoy hearing that, my queen,” Longoria smirked.
“Right, even I have been missing out on my Eric love,” Perci said with a smirk that I caught from the corner of my eye. “She is only going to wait so long to carry your children Eric,” my diminutive lover nudged me with an elbow, “You need to pick her or Setaria.”
I chuckled, yanking the Fairy’s tight ass into my crotch. Her pert ass twirled a circle around my growing cock as she winked playfully over her shoulder. She may enjoy teasing me, but this was definitely a two way street. There was no acrium armor on either of us, and she groaned as my rapidly rising girth pressed against her lips. I pulled my straining manhood off her booty before I lost control and poked a hole in my pants or her skirt. Longoria playfully pouted until I grinned and said, “Tonight work for you? Both of you? For all the three of us?”
“An assertive man does wonders. Yes. We agree,” Longoria said and Perci nodded with a wide grin.
“Not to kill the vibe, but would it even work?” I asked and the Fairy gave me an ‘are you stupid’ look. I realized that was worded poorly. “Ah, not the sex, I have seen you naked and know men are already joining with Faeries. I meant would we be able to have babies, silly.”
“Ah, yes, we’re compatible. Generally speaking, two species create a hybrid. Our children would most likely be a majority Fairy, our gene is very strong in winning that fight. Your Human genes will make them bigger, probably. That is about it. Maybe shorten their ears? So, minimally hybrid; they will still blend in with the dominant species fairly well.”
“And the Mounamine?” I asked; Sammie blushed a deep crimson.
“Your union would produce a Human with mouse-ears. Sammie’s bunny tail would probably vanish, but maybe not on every child,” Longoria said, eyeing Sammie with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Look at her … embarrassment, discomfort and excitement all packed into one delicious little bundle.”
“Alright, don’t tease the poor girl,” Nancy said, momming over Sammie. “The Certhians,” Nancy got us back on track, “tell us about them, Longoria.”
“A Certhian may bear characteristics you attribute to a slow forest creature, sloths, with their long, thin fingers and thick nails, a distinct head shape, but with three instead of just two eyes, and long, shaggy fur. Trust me, they are both lethal and proficient with technology. This Koor city probably has layer on top of layers of defenses, all within an underground bunker. They would be hard pressed to beat you in the field, however, without egregious losses. But be warned, they could defeat us, if they felt the victory worth the cost.”
“What was Sally talking about with these ‘trials’?” I asked, returning to the comfy leather couch to plop down beside Perci.
“Probably just what it sounds like. There is more to living than simply surviving, you know. Imagine what will happen if Bastion’s new base lasts for a hundred years, peacefully. There will be gambling, gaming, gorging on delightful foods, and group events like sporting. You’ve probably gleaned that Koor and the Koovorin Empire have all this, already,” Longoria said, setting the aircraft down on the ground. “I will be back after I return Mistress Nancy to Mansion.”
“You sure you don’t want to assist with the diplomacy?” I asked Nancy.
She shook her head no. My lovely lady flung a knee over my waist to straddle my lap. I was given a deep kiss and a warm snuggle.
“I have a lot to prepare for. Our future starts today. The virum have opened my heart to a degree I never thought possible. Our children will be blessed in the sanctuary that our hard work will provide them,” Nancy said, another kiss ground against my lips, this one hungrier than the first. Certain parts of me started to take notice.
“Now,” Nancy grinned, as she ground on my crotch teasingly, “I am the Mistress of the Mounamine; they answer to me, right Sammie?”
Sammie fired back a response instantly, “Yes, Mistress.”
“Nancy, I am proud of you,” I said and then grinned as I held her down in my lap and nipped at the hollow of her neck. She released a long shuddering
sigh and ground against me. I stood up, dislodging her from my lap with a heartfelt groan. “I will miss you today,” I said, sitting her back on the couch. I held out a hand that Perci accepted. “Just you and I, babe.”
“Just the two of us,” Perci agreed.
“What?!” Sammie let out an indignant squeak, “I do exist, you know.” We shared a laugh before scratching her ears affectionately. “Okay,” she sighed, “thank you for making me feel special.”
“You’re my squire, Sammie. A warlord always needs help,” I grinned, “okay, we’re off. Good luck, Nancy. Come back ASAP without AH1, Longoria,” I said as we exited the control room. “The siblings need this machine for their crazy plan.”
We walked across the hangar bay and down the ramp to the paved parking area that used to be a plaza. A few seconds after we cleared the ramp, AH1 was gone. The takeoff smooth, with minimal turbulence. I watched the aircraft fade into the distance before linking arms with Perci. My acrium protectors rested comfortably in their vat. I did not mind too much, it kept me out of any direct fighting—which I caught hell from both Nancy and Perci about doing much too much of. I understood their concern, so I let myself be dragged away from the fight; though, I still had on sleeved armor under my dual empowered shielding. I may not have acrium on, but I wasn’t going anywhere without wearing some form of protection.
Perci wore a simple gown; it reminded me of a dress from some fantasy movie. The light blues and yellow suited her lightly tanned complexion and hazel eyes. Sammie had suited up in basic combat fatigues, from which her bunny tail protruded through a cutout. Both had the smallest version of the fanny-pack power plants with protective shield generating pucks strategically placed over their bodies.
