Scerior

by Jilly Bowling

  Chapter 47

  Because of their size the star ships couldn’t all dock at the same place, so were scattered all over the planet at docks that were kept for each star ship. The ship that Jo was on was Acorus’s flag ship so docked at the main wharf in the city. Jo was allowed off first and Andea, Pensus and Ileya were there to meet her. Andea and Ileya hugged her and Pensus bowed saying “Welcome home Lady Jo-Anna” then he kissed her on both cheeks.

  Jo replied “Thank you all, it’s lovely to be home”.

  Ileya patted her shoulder and said “It is so nice that you think of Scerior as home”.

  Smiling Jo thought how different this arrival was to her last. Now she was a member of a family. Liked and admired by many and loved by one, the most important one, Lord General Acorus.

  “Let’s get you home, you must be weary so far into your pregnancy” Ileya said.

  “What about the girls?”

  “There are plenty to deal with them. Now you must think of yourself and your daughter” Ileya said firmly.

  “Oh dear”, Jo thought “Back to being a broodmare, I’d better bide my time until this child is born!”

  So saying sweetly “Yes Ileya, it is time for me to rest. I know you have the best interest of all these girls in hand”.

  Then joining Andea, Jo walked to their transport, with Tchu in attendance.

  Driving home through the beautiful Sceriae scenery for once Jo felt completely at ease. For the next few weeks she would do as she was told, then once the baby was born she would reassert herself. Acorus’s damaged ship had docked with the two others, which held the prostitutes, on the far side of the planet. It was night on that side so once they docked he decided to leave them on the ships until daylight. This side of the planet was where all industry was located and where star ships and fighters were built and maintained. Even though it was an industrial area, it was beautifully clean with no emissions from any of the factories. Deciding to stay with the damaged ship he sent a message to Jo that he would be with her when his duty was done. Settling down to read all the reports that were waiting for him he realised that there was a lot for him to get up to date with.

  Meanwhile Jo had arrived home and was delighted to find Kylie waiting for her. After they’d hugged, Kylie asked about Belain, saying that Julie had rushed to the other side of the planet to be with him. Settled on a sofa Jo filled her in on the Xenorii attack, and how Belain was when she last saw him. Kylie wanted to know all about her adventures on Earth, as did Andea, Ileya and Pensus. They decided that they’d all eat together so they spent a jolly evening, listening to and questioning Jo. When Acorus’s message was delivered, Jo was disappointed that he wasn’t rushing to be with her, then she sternly told herself not to be so silly, he was an important person with great responsibilities.

  Kylie was thrilled to hear that Jo had taken lots of books, films and music on her visit to Earth, now the females at the nursery could learn about Earth and humans. Ileya wasn’t so keen on that idea but Andea backed Kylie up. Jo did too but said that not all of the books would be suitable for them. She had taken some infants and children’s books and hopefully more would be brought back in the future. Since Kylie had been living at the nursery she had been teaching them nursery rhymes and human games. And she’d been teaching the older girls pop songs from her youth.

  Jo had started to yawn and Tchu stepped in and said that she needed to rest. Ileya agreed and said that Jo needed to be left in peace, so the party broke up with promises to meet again soon. Jo could see that Ileya was looking frailer and moving very slowly, so asked after her health. Ileya smiled and said that she was as well as possible, but that she was glad Acorus had Jo to look after him. Patting Jo’s hand she said she was glad that he had a strong female as his mate, and that he talked to Jo in the way that he had always spoken to her. She knew that Jo was his friend as she had always been, but she was so much more to him than that. He craved Jo’s body not just any female body, and Ileya wanted to know if that was what humans called love.

  “I hope it is love, because I love him with my whole being” Jo whispered.

  “Good, now I must go. Rest Jo and don’t worry about the human females I will make sure that they are well looked after. Nothing will be done with them until you say so”.

  Seeing Ileya out, Jo hugged her and said “I’ll be fine tomorrow, but thank you for your care. Going into her bedroom, Jo was pleased to see that the bed was turned down and the book she had been reading was on the bedside table. After the usual shower and massage she climbed into bed, and too tired to read was asleep in minutes.

  Chapter 48

  Over the next two weeks Jo was confined to her quarters. Acorus had visited her the day after their return to Scerior. He was kind and loving but would not be alone with her, and when he told her that he would be busy until their daughter was born, Jo was plunged into a deep depression. She begged him to be with her but he stood away from her and told that he was unable to be with her, she needed to rest for the sake of her health.

  Seeing Ileya’s hand in Acorus’s decision Jo was furious, but deciding to play the game, she swallowed her temper and smiled sweetly as she bowed to his decision. The one thing she asked was that she be kept up to date about what was happening with the girls, especially the Americans and the children. He told her that the children were already at the nursery and seemed to be happy.

  The large houses that had been set up for the girls to live in, had amazed and pleased the girls from the slavers, and even the Americans had been pleasantly surprised at their accommodation. The prostitutes were already in houses all over Scerior and soon they would be in business. Most seemed to be resigned to their fate and Acorus was hopeful that once all the females realised how good life was on Scerior they would be happy. Fuming at her ‘house arrest’ Jo asked that the Escorii responsible for each house visit her frequently. Knowing that she was being very reasonable, Acorus agreed to her request. Taking his leave of her, he tilted her chin up and kissed her gently saying “Be good, Jo” and then he was gone.

  Venting her temper Jo threw cushions, books and some ornaments round the room and cursing she kicked chairs and stamped her feet. Tchu and Tjai came running, telling her to calm down, and when she burst into tears of anger didn’t know what to do.

  Then Kylie popped her head round the door and seeing the state Jo was in, promptly took charge, sending Tchu and Tjai for something to drink, and getting Jo to tell her what was wrong. When Jo told her about her ‘house arrest’ Kylie played devil’s advocate. Acorus was concerned about her health. The Sceriae thought that sex with a pregnant female caused problems for the baby. When Jo threw scorn on that idea, Kylie told her that the Sceriae doctors knew more about having half breeds than Jo did. After all it was unusual for ‘alien’ species to have young together, look at how quickly the babies grew.

  When Jo said that she’d be lonely, Kylie offered to move back in while Acorus was away and when Jo said what about Anna, Kylie told her that she was happy at nursery with her sisters. It would be a holiday for her “We’ll have fun, sorting out the new girls and thinking about how to introduce them to young males”.

  Tchu and Tjai came back with drinks and were pleased to find Jo calmer. Suddenly Jo realised that Kylie had no Escorii with her and asked why?

  “Oh I’m not important enough to be watched all the time”.

  Telling Tchu and Tjai that she was fine now, she dismissed them. Once they were gone she asked Kylie if that meant she could go wherever she wanted to.

  “Well yes I suppose so. Why?” Kylie grinned at Jo “You’re up to no good aren’t you?”

  “You could go and visit the girls in their houses and report to me”.

  “Have you any idea how big this planet is?” Kylie asked.

  “I know but surely we could arrange transport? Surely somebody will help?”

/>   “The only one I can think of is Ileya”.

  “Oh no, it’s her fault Acorus is staying away” Jo said quickly “But I do know someone don’t I? What about Andea, she can order anything and I think she’s on my side. I’ll send her a message asking her to visit me”.

  Jo’s message brought Andea to visit them immediately. As Jo had hoped she was all for Kylie visiting the girls, and suggested that another human female who was happy on Scerior might go with her. Kylie thought about her friend Alexis who Jo had met when she went to the gallery with her.

  Alexis was only too pleased to help. Her mate was pleased that she had something useful to do and as she was only three weeks pregnant, she was full of energy. Over the next two weeks Kylie and Alexis visited all the human females and reported back to Jo. The three of them had come to the conclusion that the only way to allocate a mate was to find out the girl’s personalities and try to match them to a compatible male. A committee was formed with Andea heading it and Ileya, Jeksa, Kylie, Jo and Alexis as committee members.

  They held the meetings in one of Acorus’s reception rooms, for as Andea pointed out to Jo’s guards she was still in the house.

  Jo spent the mornings practising Sceria and telepathy, rested for two hours after lunch, and sat on the committee in the afternoon, and sometimes into the early evening. Then after dinner she sat with Kylie and watched films or listened to music that she had brought back from Earth. Messages had come from Acorus but he hadn’t been to see her.

  Each of the girls they had brought back from Earth were listed and a number allotted to them. Four hundred males in their twenties, who had put their names on a waiting list, were assessed. Their personalities, temper and ambitions were already noted on their army records, even their visits to the Ghorans were recorded.

  “Gosh” Jo thought “It is like big brother 1984! But it seems to be a benevolent system”.

  None of the young men had been judged, just allowed to work and play as they wanted, while being able to go to an older Sceriae if they had any problems. Because everyone from Andea and Acorus down had the same standard of living, there were no pressures from outside, just the personal desire to get as far as each individual wanted to.

  Some were ambitious, others weren’t, but all were content and valued. Kylie and Alexis along with Ileya, when she felt well enough, had spoken in depth to all the girls, and there were copious notes on their personalities. On paper it seemed to be quite easy to partner male and female. Only time would tell if they had got it right. They all agreed that each of the young males chosen must be tested by one of the call girls, especially the ones chosen for the American girls. These had been allotted to the most ambitious young males, whether in the army, full time or part time. Some were doctors, engineers, farmers, or teachers as well as part time soldiers, so that was taken into account as well.

  Jo, Kylie and Alexis were pleased with what had been achieved. Hopefully, there would be no raped, injured or dead girls. They had done their best, now it was up to each of the girls to be sensible. Then one morning while Jo was being massaged, her first labour pain hit her. Tchu took a pain control machine out of a cupboard and it was placed in the small of Jo’s back. She had no more pain and carried on with her Sceria lessons, ate lunch and sent a message to Acorus. When her waters broke she felt surprisingly calm but wished Acorus would come. Ileya arrived and examined her and was surprised how advanced her labour was. Calling for a chair Ileya escorted her to the labour ward. Jo was encouraged to walk around and when a contraction came just leant over a trolley. After a couple of hours Ileya declared that the baby was ready to be born.

  During another heavy contraction there was a disturbance at the door and Acorus hurried in. He was dressed in armour and looked decidedly grubby, but Jo was thrilled that he had come. Rushing to her side, he took her hand and asked if she was alright, laughing she said that she was fine now that he was by her side. Another enormous contraction caused her to roar with the strength of it, she would never admit it but she was exhausted. What it must be like without pain relief she never wanted to find out. Ileya asked her if she wanted to lie down or stay standing and she opted to stay standing so Ileya’s nurse knelt on the floor ready to catch the baby. Two more contractions and the baby’s head was out, then with Jo gathering all her strength and one enormous push her daughter was born. Jo collapsed over the trolley as the nurse clamped the cord and cut it, then the baby was taken to be cleaned up and Acorus lifted Jo onto the trolley. Ileya brought their daughter to them, commenting how big and strong she was.

  She had a mass of jet black hair, sapphire blue eyes and Jo’s beautifully shaped face.

  Acorus said “She is going to be as beautiful as her mother”.

  Jo looked at her daughter in amazement, she was so big, where had she been hiding?

  “What shall we call her?” Acorus asked.

  “I have thought about that and I’d like to call her Jacki. Your name and mine mixed” Jo told him.

  “Yes, I like that”.

  Then Ileya said that they must clean Jo up so she chased him out.

  “Don’t go away from me please” Jo begged.

  “Don’t worry my love, I’ll go and have a shower and I’ll be there when you return to our quarters”.

  Tchu and Tjai helped the nurse with Jo and once she was ready they took her and Jacki back to Jo’s room. As he had promised, Acorus was waiting for her. Food was being laid out and a crib had been brought in for Jacki. Tchu told Jo that she should try to feed her as the first milk was important so Jo put her to her breast. Everyone was astonished when she latched on straight away and suckled happily.

  As her baby suckled Jo felt the maternal pull that Kylie had told her about and vowed to make Jacki’s life as happy and fulfilled as possible. Once Jacki had been fed Tchu changed her and put her in her crib, where she immediately fell into a deep sleep. Jo and Acorus helped themselves to food and curled up on a sofa.

  Asking why she hadn’t seen him for weeks, Jo tried hard not to moan about it, but to just appear interested in what he had been doing. He told her that he had been on the trail of the Wracki who had bought the girls from Bezra. They now knew where that band of Wracki were and Acorus was organising a raiding party to catch them. If any girls were with that band they might be rescuable, so he would only be with Jo for this night. Thrilled that he had searched for those girls when he had so many more responsibilities, Jo threw herself at him, covering his face with kisses.

  “Jo, be careful, you’ve just given birth” he said holding her carefully.

  “I’ve missed you so much, and I feel fine. Actually better than I’ve felt for weeks” Jo said “Cuddle me, I need to feel loved”.

  “You are loved” Acorus told her as he pulled her into his arms, breathing in the scent of her”. I’ve missed you too. Once Jacki goes to nursery, you will be with me always. I have many children but I need you to be by my side, I’ve missed talking to you as much as I’ve missed having sex with you, which is strange for me”.

  Snuffling into him, Jo breathed in his scent and wanted him, thank god she had the contraceptive pills. All she had to do was not get pregnant before the pills had worked!

  They sat and talked for hours. Jo was very tired but she wasn’t going to waste her time with him sleeping. He was pleased with what the committee had done telling Jo that the chosen males were now visiting the call girls and reports were good. None of the males had disgraced themselves. Laughing Jo said that the women must have enjoyed themselves and Acorus grinned and said that he thought they had. Evidently they were all talking about needing a holiday.

  Laughing together Acorus suddenly became serious and tipping Jo’s chin up, kissed her sensuously, leaving her breathless.

  “It’s just as well I’ll be away for a couple of months” he said “Or I may have to pay them a visit too!”
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  Pulling away Jo looked at him in consternation, she looked so upset that he pulled her back to him and said “Jo after you, no other female could satisfy me”.

  “It would kill me if you had sex with one of those women” she told him.

  Hugging her tight he laughed and said “I’ve never had to pay to mate before and I’m not starting now”.

  Jo slapped him “Pig, I’m being serious”.

  “I know, but you must trust me. You know I wouldn’t hurt you”.

  Jacki woke up and Jo fed her again, she sucked so strongly that it didn’t take long for her to be satisfied. Once she was settled Acorus carried her crib into the bedroom and they got into bed and fell asleep cuddled together. The next time Jacki woke up Acorus was gone and Tchu and Tjai were bustling about tidying up.

  Chapter 49

  Acorus. The search for the Wracki.

  When he left Jo that morning Acorus headed straight to his star ship. It had been made ready and was fully manned and provisioned. He was taking two other star ships with him because of the threat of the Xenorii. Not really knowing where this expedition would take him, he was prepared for anything.

  Sorry to have left Jo, but realising that he was better away from her until their daughter was old enough for nursery, and Jo was safe from an unwanted pregnancy, he was pleased that the girls the Wracki had bought were an excellent excuse. Once on board his ship he gave the order for the other ships to take off and join him above Scerior. His spies had told him that a group of Wracki, who had humans with them were camped on a planet called Terra, the home of the tall thin people Jo had seen on her visit to the courtyard. Their planet was mostly covered in water.