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A New Beginning Ch. 01

By: kandie



Deana had a good life, a great career, two beautiful teenagers, and an ideal marriage. At least she thought so, but unfortunately, life often throws us a curve ball. Her marriage began to disintegrate after they celebrated their 20th anniversary. She struggled for a couple more years

to repair the marriage, but finally realized it could not be salvaged. She just turned 45; her children were now in college. She knew if she left things the way they were, her life would soon be over.

She decided to go back to college and get her nursing degree, that way she could live on her own. During this time, she bought a computer for her schoolwork. Not only would it help her with college, but also she could use it to communicate with her children. Never in her wildest dreams did she think it would change her life.

Deana used the computer for her studies, and soon found other ways to utilize it. The internet was a virtual walking encyclopedia, with websites and chatrooms. She found the chatrooms unique,a place where people could communicate from anywhere on the globe. Most of the people she met were friendly. They gave her the understanding and emotional support she needed in her life. 

One of her favorite areas of the chat was the romance rooms. It was in one of these rooms she met a man named Wes. They were almost the same age, had similar dislikes and desires and soon became close friends. After a while, their online relationship turned intimate. They also agreed that no matter what happened in their lives, they would not let it mess up their friendship. 

Wes’s cheerful-loving characteristics drew her to him like a moth to a flame. One night, Wes asked her if they could exchange phone numbers. He wanted to make sure they had a way to communicate if they could not get online. She agreed giving him her home and cell phone numbers, and he gave her his. 

Deana was studying when the phone rang. When checked the caller ID, she was overwhelmed to see Wes’s name. She had not expected him to call her so soon. She picked up the phone and said, “Hello Wes, how are you?”

Wes replied saying, “I’m fine, but I was beginning to worry about you. I have not seen you online for two days and called to see if you were OK.” 

She assured him she was safe, but was so involved with midterm exams that she had forgotten to drop him an email. She was so unhappy in her marriage.

She tried showing her husband a good time by making love in the usual manner. In addition, she even tried a few things Wes had suggested, all to no avail. No matter how she tried to please her husband nothing seemed to satisfy him. 

She felt the blunt of all his anger now, not just his verbal attacks and temper tantrums, but emotional--physical abuse. She knew she should leave him, but was too afraid of him right now. 

Wes spoke with alarm in his voice, into the phone saying, “Oh my god, Deana, you should not have to endure abuse of any kind! Honey, you know I am just a phone call away, please do not hesitate to cal if you need me. I love you very much baby, and I do not want him to harm you.” 

Wes paused for a moment then continued saying, 

“Deana you need some time away from all that stress so you can relax and think clearly. May I suggest we spent a night together--no strings attached. It will do you a world of good honey.”

Deana hesitated for a moment then said, “Let me think about it for awhile. I do love you Wes, but this will be a big step for me. For now, I need to go focus on my upcoming exams. I wish you were holding me, but then again if you were--I would not be studying--good-bye.”

Wes uttered, “Good-bye love,” and made a kissing noise on the phone before he hung up.

Later on that week when they were chatting, Wes asked, “Deana, what would happen if we spent one night alone, just the two of us?” 

Deana thought for a moment then said, “I am not sure, but I probably would not even meet you. Oh Wes, you know I love you, but that’s not a good idea I am still married.”

Around 10 pm one evening, Deana’s husband was again yelling at her and telling her she stupid and worthless she was. Then stepped forward and began to slap her across the face several times. Even though she was afraid of him, she knew she had to do something now.

Deana stepped back grabbed the phone, dialed 911. She yelled, “My address is 1445 W. Omaha drive, before she could finish he grabbed the phone and hung it up. Then drew back his fist and hit her so hard it knocked her off her feet.

Then her straddled her and continued beating her saying, “You god dam bitch, why in the hell did you do that? You think they will come and help you. I hate to tell you, but they won’t believe your words--Deana you’re so fucking stupid!”

Deana cringed, he drew his hand back and was about to hit her one more time when the doorbell rang. Oh God, let it be the police please! He hit her hard in her arm then quickly got off her saying, “Answer the door bitch and don’t say a fucking word, YOU-HEAR-ME, if you do, you’ll be sorry!”

She shook so bad she could barely open the door when she looked their stood a police officer. 

“Hello, did someone here call for help,” he said. 

Deana blinked and swallowed hard and with a quivering voice said, “Y-e-s, I called, come in.” Then she pointed at her husband then told the police officer, “He’s beating me up, a-a-and I’m tired of it,” then fainted. 

When she came, too the officer asked her, “Are you alright mam? “ 

She sat up and looked at her husband; the cop’s partner was talking to her husband. She sat up shakily and said, “No, I’m not alright I want him arrested for beating me! I’m pressing charges, 

p-l-e-a-s-e take him away!” 

After some discussion, one officer put the handcuff on her husband and led him to the squad car. The other officer got her a cup of water and asks her if she had someone that could come over and stay with her. 

Deana replied, “Yes, “then picked up the phone and called her friend Jeanne to come over and stay with her. 

The officer waited until her friend showed up. Then told her to come to the station in the morning and file the proper papers. 

Deana grabbed Jeanne’s hand and said, “Thanks for coming over will you stay with me tonight? 

Jeanne pulled Deana close and said, “I’m happy to be here. I am glad you called I have been so worried about you dear. I am here for you to lean on, let it out, you’ll feel better.”

Deana held her hand and with a cry in her voice told Jeanne, I just couldn’t take it anymore, I’m tired of his jealousy-anger-threats-and brutality.

He did not respect me and our sex life was virtually nonexistent. I made up my mind today, things needed to change, and I no longer needed him in my life.” 

Deana finally realized she was not the cause his problems. She felt Jeanne’s arms go around her and let all her bottled up tears flow--and let go of everything and felt like a 100-pound weight was lifted from her shoulders.

Before going to bed, she sat down at the computer for the first time in her life as a woman with a free will of her own,god it felt good. She emailed

Wes saying, “Meet me online tonight at 12 am. I have made a big decision in my life and I need to tell you about it. Oh darling, I may need you now more then ever--I love you!” 

That night when she chatted when Wes, she told him about her decision saying, “I’ve had my husband arrested; I’m pressing charges for spousal abuse and filing for divorce. I have had enough of his dam bullshit! Oh love, I need to get out of the house, it is driving me crazy! Can we meet somewhere darling? I need you--I want to feel your warm embrace as your lips kiss mine. I want to feel your fingers caressing me. Ooh God Wes, I want to make love to you---all night long.”

Wes and she continued to chat and decided to meet in a large town half way between them. Deana made up her mind; she needed this time for herself to rebuild her shattered life. Deana wanted to spent the night in Wes’s arms--and feel like a real woman again--even if was for only one night. She also wanted to meet him face to face and thank him for all the things he had done for her. Her life was changing a completely new world was opening for her.

Their first rendezvous two weeks from that Friday at 7 pm, at a popular hotel they both knew about.

Wes paused for a moment then seductively asks her, “Darling do you want me to treat you like a lover or sexy toy?” 

Deana replied, “I want you to treat me like a lady and your lover. I‘ll treat you like “my” sex toy! I’m going to make that night--something we’ll both never forget.” Deana signed off their chat typing--“Kandikiss loves you!” 

A week before they were to meet Deana emailed Wes some pictures of things she would be bringing with her for their first date. She could see him downloading the photos and drooling from both heads. 

On Monday, she sent him a picture of a short seductive black dress with matching hose and heels that she planned to wear on Friday. 

On Tuesday, Wes sent her the sweetest little gift package to her post office box. The box had a little basket that contained tubes of lubrication,

scented gels, bath oils and other fragrant personal sexy items along with a note. The note read, “Just a few sexy things we might need for our rendezvous.”

On Wednesday, Deana emailed him a picture of this eye-catching lavender negligee. Saying, “I might be wearing this hot number--that’s if I get a chance to. She never saw such a pretty thing to wear to bed--to hell with sleeping. 

On Thursday, Wes sent her 11 roses with a note attached. The note read, “If you want the entire dozen, you’ll have to “CUM” and get it!” Everything is a go for 7:00 pm Friday night.

Deana woke up on that Friday morning feeling euphoric, and a little nervous, she had never done this before. She called her sister telling her she would be gone Friday and left a phone number where she could be reached. Jane teased her saying, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t--let your hair down and have some fun for a change!”

Deana started getting ready around 2 pm and took her time getting dressed. She had to travel for about an hour and wanted to looks dazzling when she arrived. As she got ready, she put everything she needed into the bag she would take with her.

While she was putting on her earrings the phone rang, it was Wes. He said, “Hi sexy, hope I caught you naked. I called to remind you not to forget the basket of goodies I sent you. I will call you around seven. Drive carefully--see you soon-- I love you darling!” 

Deana chuckled and replied, “I’m one step ahead of you sweety, and I already packed them. No, you did not catch me naked, you‘ll have to wait for that! Oh love, I can‘t wait--see you soon.”

Soon she was on the road, put some good music on and drove to meet Wes. In a matter of time, she was there with 15 minutes to spare before meeting him. She checked in, then found her room and stepped into the bathroom to check her hair and makeup. Then sat down on the bed and took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. Deana looked in the mirror and with a Mae West voice said, “Hello gorgeous--you look delicious darling!” 

Deana was startled when her cell phone rang, Wes told her he was a mile away and would be there soon. She told him what the room number was. She felt her nerves climb again while she waited for him to arrive. She jumped with the knock on the door. She opened it to find a well-dressed man with a rose in his hand. She felt her heart skipped a beat. She covered her mouth with her hand uttered, “Oooooh Wow--Wes--you’re so handsome.”

He handed her the rose--now she had a dozen. Wes took her in his arms and kissed her hello. After they kissed, he took her cheeks in his hands and said, “Soon Deana,I will make your sweet lips and the rest of your beautiful body happy.” 

However, it would have to wait; he had planned a romantic dinner for two. He led her down to his car then drove to a quaint dinner club that had separate tables hidden by booths located on the edge of a beautiful lake. Soft candles along with the serenade of soft music illuminated each table.

Wes told her to order anything she wanted, and then ordered a steak well done along with some fine wine. 

Deana sipped at her wine, but could not keep her eyes off him; she did not want to wait until we were in their room to turn Wes on. She took off her shoe then placed her foot in his lap, and began rubbing his cock. Soon his cock was hard--ooooh mmm just the way she liked it to be. In the darkened booth, Deana got up and sat on his lap, then gave him a passionate after dinner kiss.

Wes could not wait any longer, he paid the bill and they left for the hotel room. When his car got back to the hotel room, she slide across the seat, jumped out of the driver’s side, and put her arms around his neck. He took her in his arms and kissed her then walked hand in hand towards their room.

Wes opened the door, escorted Deana to the bed, and started to undress her. She stopped him for a moment telling him she needed to go to the bathroom and change into something more comfortable. 

She opened her bag and handed him the little basket telling him to put it on the bedside table.

“We just might need something out of it before this night is over,” she said. 

As she walked toward the bathroom Wes ogled her sexy ass then undressed himself and lay naked on the bed--god, his cock was already hard and seemed to be telling him--“I want her pussy too!”

Deana strolled toward the bed wearing they sexy nightie. Wes whistled and ran his fingers across the silky fabric and said, “Oh Wow honey you’re so beautiful--come here I want to make love to my baby.” He gently laid her gently on the bed and started kissing her face, neck, and ears, but when he found her lips, his kiss lit the fire of passion within her. 

Deana thought to herself--oh my--wow--what a good kisser. Her mouth was watering as his tongue explored it. His fingers began foundling her breast and nipples through the sheer fabric they were the size of pencil erasers. 

While Wes was giving her nipples attention, she reached down and took hold of his cock and balls. His cock was as hard as a rock--god--he must have taken VIAGRA that morning. Deana exclaimed, “Ooooh baby let me go I need to taste your cock--now! “

She stood up and he removed her negligee and cupped each breast in his hands, kissed them and said, “Hello, my pretties.” Then watched Deana dropped to her knees, staring at his cock, he muttered, “Oooooh--please--suck my cock! “ 

She started licking and kissing the head of his cock then sucked his cock in her mouth up to his balls. His pubic hair tickled her lips as she bobbed up and down on his shaft making him weak in the knees. Wes was under her power and could not help himself, he yelled, “Fuck--oh--I’m going to cum!” 

Wes held her head and pumped a big load of cum in her mouth. Then breathlessly said, “Oh fuck, woman you sure know how to give head!” To his surprise, she swallowed every delicious drop. 

Wes laid her on the bed and said, “The best is yet to come darling.” He spread her legs and began eating her vigorously lapping and nibbling every inch of her pussy. 

Deana arched her back and rolled her head side to side then screamed, “Ooooh Wes--eat me--oooh yesss--do that again--oh my god--harder--aaaaaah--I‘m getting close! 

He shoved two fingers inside her with hard fucking

motion then bit her clit gently. She felt the wave of climax overtake her as she filled his mouth with her sweet nectar. He moved up to her face and kissed her mixing a bit of each other’s cum in their mouths. 

Wes’s cock was rock hard once more and he told Deana, “I’m going to fuck like you’ve never had been fucked before!” 

She replied, “Come on big boy, make it happen! “ She wanted to feel his hands cock stretching her pussy to the limits. 

Wes reached over and picked up a small tube out of the basket, the gel got warm when massaged into the skin. He rubbed it into her pussy, it only added to the fire already there. He rose up and slid his cock from her clit to her vagina making her hips buck wildly. She screamed, “Oh--god--hurry--lover--fuck me--or I’m going to cum before your cock is in me!” 

Wes shoved his cock into her then rolled over until she was on top of him, and yelled, “Take control lover--ride--me--hard!” She rose up on her knees staring into his face, rocking back and forth on his cock, giving him one hell of a ride. Wes exclaimed, “Fuck---I’m going to cum again--honey--cum with me.” He felt her skin trembling, she too was about ready to climax and with a little effort, and they both came together. 

Wes then said. “Deana I want to show you something

that you may not have done before. Remember one thing--I will go slowly and never make it hurt--I want it be a good experience for you. First sweetheart, you needed to relax. “He drew a tub of warm water adding some fragrant oil to the water then helped her get in. 

Then handed her a glass of Captain Morgan and Coke and said, “Enjoy your drink.” By the time, Deana finished the drink, she was so relaxed, and she did not have a care in the world. 

Wes helped her out of the tub and gently dried her off. Then he laid her on the bed and even though she was dry, the oil left a silky sheen on her skin. Deana rolled over on her side and Wes crawled into bed behind her snuggling like a set of spoons. He stroked and petted all over her body, each caress exciting her more and she said, “Oh darling, are you ready for round 3!”

He then spoke to her softly and said, “Deana, place all the pillows on the bed in one big pile near the center of the bed--then lay on your stomach and put your ass in the air.“ 

Deana did what he told her, but was just a little worried and asked him, “Will it hurt at all?”

He replied, “No darling--I will go slow and follow your lead and I have some numbing cream for your ass.” Then he reached into the basket for the balm put some on his finger and rubbed it on her asshole. Then teased her hole with his finger slowly until his finger was in her to the first knuckle and paused. She jumped when his finger slid into her asshole and he whispered, “Relax honey.”

Then started fucking her ass with one finger, she nodded yes then gradually added another one. God, he was stretching her asshole and it did not hurt, the cream did its job. 

Deana smiled at Wes; she was starting pushing her ass onto his fingers. She glanced at him and said, “I like it honey! Keep going.” 

Wes removed his fingers, added more cream to the entrance to her ass, and gently slid his cock head inside. At first, she did not think she could take it, but soon was moving in unison with him. It actually felt good and soon she was rocking back and forth with him in perfect timing. 

Wes said, “Oh, god you are so fucking tight--it feels so dam good! I love to fuck a woman in the ass.” 

She was really getting into having my ass fucked and shouted, “Fuck my ass--harder--ooooooh I am going to cum!” It did not take long for her too cum and he fills her bowels with his jism.

As Wes was cleaning, Deana told him, “You sure know how to fuck baby, but you’re wearing me out, I she needed some rest. “ They soon fell asleep in each other’s arms. For the first time, in a long while, she slept with out anything to worry about--but what they would do-------tomorrow.

Wes (hubby) said it was a masterpiece, but then again he thinks the all are…lol--bye!

A New Beginning Ch. 01



This story is called 'A New Beginning'. It is a story about a man who feels he is jinxed when it comes to women. It is in two parts and will be posted a day apart. I hope you enjoy it. 

Edited by LadyCibelle.

Jennie

My name is Alex Martin Sanford, named after my mother's father. When I was sixteen and a junior in high school, my mom got very sick. I didn't know it until later but she had advanced lung cancer and didn't respond to treatment. It happened very quickly and before I even realized that she was so sick, she was taken to the hospital and never returned home. She died before I was seventeen and I was devastated. Dad took it like everything else I could remember: without emotion. It was almost as if he didn't care very much. I realized later that he always reacted like that and that mom's death hit him very hard, but at the time he would never allow me to see that and I became convinced he didn't care. I'm sorry to say that I took all my anger out on him and life at our place was brutal. What had once been a wonderful home turned into a hell on earth for both of us.

He was aware of my feelings about him; the two of us hardly spoke and we didn't get along at all when he was home. I resented him and he just stayed at work to avoid my displeasure. Things deteriorated from there until my grandmother and grandfather took me in to stay with them while dad continued to work long hours at his shop. He had a shop in town where he imported fine pieces of art and sold them to others who hired him to obtain them for him. It was a strange business and the few times he took me in to work with him, I learned very little. I did meet some very strange individuals and a lot of what he did happened behind closed doors, but I was too young to care much. After I moved out, he began to travel more and more and I saw him less and less. 

Grandma told me that if I wanted to go, there was money for college. She said it was put aside for me by my mother, so I went to college and majored in architecture. I wanted to be outside and build things like bridges, dams, huge complex buildings; exotic things. Maybe that was to move in a direction away from my father's closet operations, a rebellion of sorts. I had no idea what he really did but, when he took the time to ask, he seemed to approve of what I chose and never voiced any reservations. He paid my bills without comment and always seemed to listen carefully as I described my comings and goings in college when I came home on holidays. He wanted to know who I knew and if there were any special girls in my life. He seemed disappointed when I told him I had no one I really cared about. He would always seem sad then and I knew he was thinking about mom. He had loved her very much. I knew that later as I remembered them together. 

I graduated and found a job in a small architectural firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Nothing like my goal yet but I was young and I had time. I still came home on holidays and spent the time with my dad and grandmother and grandfather. They were the major part of my life then since I had few friends. I had been a loner most of my life but more so after mom died. 

But as time passed and I got more social, I began to look at girls more seriously. I usually went out with Carl, a good friend that I made at work. There was one girl, Jennie Grandville, that I really liked. She worked in a bank as a loan officer and I met her when I went in to apply for a car loan. She helped me apply and made sure I got the loan and when it went through, I asked her out to take a ride in my brand new Mustang convertible. We began dating and she moved in with me after six months. We seemed to hit it off and we began talking about marriage. 

I took her home to meet dad and grandma and grandpa. They all loved her and soon after that, I proposed and she accepted. We married and moved into her bungalow in the suburbs. We began our life as a married couple and started to entertain. We each had friends that we shared and life was good. We partied a lot, met even more people and always seemed to have someplace to go every weekend. Our sex life had always been just OK, but it seemed to be better when we were partying and things were wild. Jennie liked it that way and I enjoyed the sex so I was fine with that too. After a while we realized that we were going out so much and accomplishing so little that we sat down one evening and decided that we were going to start a family and settle down. It was a mutual agreement and Jennie went off her birth control. We settled down then and began to spend more time together at home or with one or two of our closest friends. 

After six months of frequent sex that ended in futility, Jennie convinced me that we should go to see a fertility expert. We did, and I found out that I was going to be a problem. I had sperm, but they were few and not very active. I could still fertilize Jennie's eggs but it was a long shot: possible but not likely. We discussed possible remedies and the doctor gave me a shot of something once a month and told me some other things to do. We discussed in-vitro fertilization and some other means of using what sperm I did produce to fertilize her eggs but Jennie had little enthusiasm with those methods so we continued to try. 

It was not too long after that when Jennie began to spend one or two evenings each week with Sherry Lederman, one of the girls she worked at the bank with. She told me that she needed the time out to take the stress of trying away. She reasoned that when she was relaxed and happier, it might be better for our chances. She never stayed out late and she did seem happier when she came home so I accepted it as a necessary evil. I had some serious reservations about her going out with Sherry who was single and a little wild, and I would rather she be home with me, but if she needed this time, who was I to deny her.

This continued for the next two months before she finally announced that she was pregnant. Finally, after over a year of trying, we were going to have a baby. I was ecstatic at the prospect of becoming a father. Jennie however, seemed more reserved but I put that down to hormones. When I mentioned it to grandma, she told me that some women were very superstitious early in their pregnancies. She told me to let Jennie set the pace. 

Jennie's pregnancy was going well but when we were in the second trimester, Jennie wanted a amniocentesis test done. She was worried that the baby would carry a particular gene that caused Down's Syndrome, something that had occurred in her family before. I didn't think it was necessary since I wouldn't do anything about it if it were to be present, but she wanted to know to make plans if necessary. I agreed, but wondered if the knowledge was worth the risk. Her doctor agreed with her and the test was scheduled. 

The day of the test, I was talking with her doctor after the fluid was drawn. I asked about other things amniocentesis could reveal and the doctor told me several. One was paternity and for some reason, I asked her to run that as well but not to tell Jennie. She raised an eyebrow, questioning my motives but I simply told her that I wanted to have the information for my own reasons. She agreed but reluctantly. Since the fluid was already being taken, it involved nothing more than an extra $500 and a sample from me. I arranged for it to be done then and there. As I gave my blood sample, I thought about her nights out with Sherry and her somewhat reserved reaction when she told me she was pregnant. Well, $500 was little enough for peace of mind. 

The doctor called Jennie at home to tell her there was no sign of the gene for Down's Syndrome and that seemed to make her happy. I didn't expect the doctor to tell her anything about the paternity since I had made the request in confidence. The results would be sent to me at my place of work. I assumed they were in the mail since the results were in. Jennie was in a good mood after the call and she asked me for a backrub to ease the pains. I agreed but she was not satisfied with that. She wanted to play and we ended up in bed, her giving me a blow job that was one of the best I had in a long time. I asked her what she wanted and made love to her with my mouth. She came with a loud scream, then pulled me up to nestle my face in her new, larger breasts. We ended up spooning, my cock buried inside her but neither of us moving. She just wanted to feel me there as I held her against my body. We fell asleep that way.

We spent the weekend in bed, enjoying each other while we still had the chance to do the things we enjoyed. Soon she would be too big for some of those things so sex was high on our list of priorities. It was strange that now that she was pregnant, our sex life improved. Perhaps it was because she was home now more and more and her nights out had stopped for the time being. I wondered which was the main reason. Either way, I didn't care. 

At work, I was so busy that I didn't have time for the mail until late in the afternoon. It was about three weeks after the amnio that I found the envelope from the genetics testing lab and set it aside as I got myself a cup of coffee and closed my office door. It was almost time to shut down for the day so I opened the envelope and took out the letter. I read the results, stared at the letter for what seemed hours then folded it and put it back in the envelope. It was not good news. As I sat there, I was surprised at the lack of emotion I felt. I was almost numb: paralyzed by the news and completely at a loss as to what to do or feel. Was I going crazy? Was I losing my grip on reality? Why couldn't I feel more? 

As I sat there, my mind spinning without finding an anchor to stop it, my door opened and my best friend Carl stuck his head inside and asked, "Want to grab a beer before you head home buddy? You look like you could use one." He waited, watching me closely. Carl was my best friend and we had been close since the day I started and he had been assigned to start me out. He was about me age and we had so many things in common. He was my best man at my wedding and he was the first person I told about Jennie being pregnant. Carl was someone I trusted.

I looked up, his presence registering finally as his words made their way into my conscious thoughts. A beer? Did I want a beer? Why not? Why the hell not? I shoved the envelope into my briefcase, snapped it shut and stood. "Let's go. Maybe I'll have two, or even three. You're buying." He backed out, I followed and we went down to the lot. I followed him to a watering hole we used often and went inside to find a table. I wanted someone to talk to and Carl was elected. He wanted a beer; I wanted a friend. We both were going to get what we wanted. 

An hour later and several more than two beers, Carl was looking me in the face and asking the million dollar question: "What are you going to do, good buddy?" The answer to that was not yet clear in my mind. I decided to have another beer and think about it. As I was getting our beers, Carl was getting a couple more of our friends over to the table to talk about my options. I objected weakly that it wasn't something I wanted everyone to know but Carl insisted that they were all my friends and that they were trustworthy. I finally gave in and by nine o'clock that evening, we had made some decisions. The first being that we would have one more round before heading home. That decision was unanimously approved by all. 

Even though we were all pretty well under the influence, we did make some progress. It was decided by unanimous vote that I had no choice but to divorce her and let the father of the baby support her from now on. After all, I hadn't even seen the baby yet so I had no attachment to it. That was a weak argument but one in my anger I accepted. One of the guys at the table knew a good divorce lawyer. He gave me his name and told me to call him the next morning. He would pave the way for me. The rest of the guys swore on their fresh bottles of beer to keep their mouths shut about what we talked about. I expected most to keep their word and was surprised when I found later that they all did. Carl was the best, keeping his thoughts to himself even during the workday. 

We had coffee sent to the table and within an hour, I felt able to drive myself home without killing someone else. The others were in similar state and I once again pledged all of them to silence. Each swore to keep my secret. Carl was good to go and as we walked to the cars, he put an arm around my shoulders and said,

"Look Alex, this night seemed like a lot of fun but it's damned serious for you, I understand that. You need to call that lawyer tomorrow and make arrangements with him. Don't say anything to Jennie yet, not until the lawyer tells you what to do. We'll keep our mouths shut, you can count on that."

"Yeah, OK Carl. But you know it's going to be damn hard to divorce Jennie. I really do love her you know. Why did she have to do this to us? Why did she have to go out and fuck around on me? Why couldn't she just have told me she wanted out? I don't understand that. God, I really do love her, but the thought of her carrying another man's baby is so damn hard to accept."

"I know Alex, but go home and forget it for now. Be patient." 

He opened the door to my car and I got in. Twenty minutes later I arrived home, the lights were out and Jennie was sound asleep. I stripped and slid into bed, thankful that she was asleep and I didn't have to talk to her and pretend to care. 

The next day, I drove over to talk with my father. I told him what happened and he listened with patience and understanding. He let me purge myself of all of the anger and sadness I felt without judgment or question. When I was done, he closed his shop, drove me to grandma and grandpa's house and we all sat together talking about what I should do. They all asked me my desire and I told them of my plan for divorce. Dad nodded in understanding and so did grandpa. 

Grandma asked me if I still loved Jennie and I honestly told her I asked myself the same question. I told her the answer was no, and that the betrayal was too much for me to accept and forgive. She bowed her head in thought for a few seconds and then patted my shoulder. "You have your answer son and you must do what you have to. Go with my blessing." I felt terrible when she said that because it was one of the only times in my life I had lied to my grandma.

The next two days were difficult but I managed to pull myself together long enough to talk to the attorney. As far as the child was concerned, I had no claim to it and no responsibilities to it since once I learned that I was not the father, I initiated divorce proceedings, making it clear to the law that I did not approve and would not accept responsibility. If I had allowed her to carry the child without making this move, I would have been responsible, even if I hadn't known the truth. 

We both worked and our salaries were not too different so there would likely be no alimony involved. I also learned that I would have little choice but to split everything right down the middle. With my decision to divorce before the baby was born and my proof that I had no knowledge of the baby's conception, there would be no court ordered child support. We talked about that and agreed on a minimum payment to be deposited in a trust fund for the baby's future. He said the court would look favorably on that move. No fault divorces were just that: no one was at fault and everyone divided the assets and went their separate ways. Once he had frozen all the assets I listed, he told me to talk to Jennie and get things started. 

I drove home that night, the idea of what I had to do making it a burden that I had to shoulder. Jennie was unaware that I knew so she was not likely to have been able to make any plans to plead her case so it was going to be a one sided slam dunk, and I had the ball. I walked into the house, noticing that there was no dinner ready or on the stove. I guess this was one of her 'bad days'. Well, I was going to make it worse very quickly. 

I found her sitting in her overstuffed chair in the family room, the TV on and her with her feet up on an ottoman. She saw me, waved weakly and turned back to whatever she had been watching. I picked up the remote and turned it off.

"What are you doing? I was watching that. Put it back on. I'm sorry that there's no dinner ready but I've really been sick all day." A touch of anger, her hormones probably out of whack again. 

"We have to talk Jennie. Please give me your attention." I stood in front of her, looking down on her as she sat there, a pout on her face and her belly just beginning to stick out when she was sitting. Four months and two weeks along at last count. That was the estimate she gave me, using the last time she and I made love. I guess she expected me to believe I was the father.

She pushed herself up in the chair and looked at me with a touch of impatience. She had been doing that more and more lately. I was sure she also had a bit of contempt for me in that look but she obviously kept that one for when my back was turned. Contempt! After all, that was all she had for me wasn't it? Contempt for the man she married who couldn't get her pregnant? So she took care of that for me? 

Instead of saying anything at that minute, I pulled out the paternity test results and gave her the copy I made at work. The samples were identified as 'A' and 'B'. In the key on the bottom of the page, A was identified as my DNA and B was the fetus'. The results were in the outlined box, the one with the dark lines around it. It simply said, "A is eliminated as a parent of B.

Jennie looked at the letter with impatience and was about to say something when she realized the implication. She shut her mouth, read the entire thing slowly and carefully. I watched as the realization of what she held in her hand registered. Her face slowly drained of blood, her fingers holding the paper turned white with the intensity of her grip and her eyes closed in pain. I saw the tears begin and squeeze out between her closed lashes. She said nothing for the longest time. I turned and walked away, my own eyes smarting with the pain of reality. Now it was done. Now it was over. 

I was sitting in the kitchen, a glass of water sitting on the table in front of me when she walked in. She sat down across from me and looked at me, waiting for me to acknowledge her presence. I took a sip, swallowed once, then looked up. Her face was pinched and she seemed to be in severe distress. I was amazed at that. What did she have to be sad about? The loss of her patsy husband? The man she held in such contempt? I think not! She could go find the macho bastard who planted the seed for her child to comfort her now. How could this woman go out and screw someone else and then come home and try to pass off his baby as mine? God, how cold was this bitch?

"What do you intend to do now that you know? Aren't you going to yell at me? Call me names? I know you have to be angry with me but can't we talk about it? I know you have questions. Please Alex, talk to me." No denial, not even an attempt to deny it. Even though she was clearly upset and on the verge of tears, that was all she said. So, this was no surprise to her, a fact that I was certain about but it was good to hear it confirmed from her own mouth.

"The divorce papers are complete and you will be served tomorrow either here or at work, whichever you chose. I have made it as simple as possible for you so there should be no problem." 

I looked at her as the words slapped into her, her face and body jolting with each one.  Each word hurt her, I could see that and for a second, I wanted to reach out to comfort her but the memory of what she did stopped me. The look of pain on her face was almost too much for me and the way she moved her hands, trying to reach toward me then pulling back was difficult to watch.




A New Beginning Ch. 01



"Oh, Alex, please! Isn't there some way to work this out? A chance for me to explain? What about the baby? What do you plan to do about the baby?" She waited for my response to this, hope in her eyes and on her face, the blow from her one weapon. A weapon she failed to see had no power against me.

"I make no claim on the child and will take no responsibility for it. That is on you. Since I moved to terminate the marriage as soon as I knew the baby was not mine, I will have no legal responsibility for it. You will have to turn to the biological father for support. That is if you even know who he is." That last was the anger talking. It felt good: a low blow but a blow nevertheless.

Jennie simply sat there, staring off into space, the tears now falling freely. I really would like to know why she did this but I would be damned if I would ask her. On the other hand, the marriage was over, so why the hell not.

"Why did you do this Jennie? Why would you do something so cold, so heartless? Why?"

"Because I wanted a baby. Why else would you think I would do that? I wanted a baby so bad and when they told us it was probably not going to happen, I couldn't stand it. I thought if I got pregnant, you would accept that it was yours and never question it. You weren't able to get me pregnant so I found someone who could. Why is that so hard for you to understand? It had nothing to do with you and I and he meant nothing to me. I love you and I want to raise this baby with you as its father. Why can't you accept this baby as ours and we can start our family as we wanted to. The other man was nobody. I don't love him and I don't even know his name. He doesn't know and I haven't seen him since and have no intention of ever seeing him again."

I listened to this woman who I thought I knew as she calmly told me that she went out and fucked another man to give her a baby. Now she wanted me to stay with her to raise her child as my own. How could I have not known this woman better? I held my anger in check as I replied to this amazing statement of planned infidelity.

"There were other ways. You and I talked about them and I was willing to do anything to have our child. But not this! We never talked about this. You betrayed me for your own reasons. I could have forgiven an affair, a mistake. But not this. This was intentional and I can't forgive you."

Now that my words finally penetrated her bubble of stupidity, she began to understand that it was really over. She must have been planning on carrying this baby to term and never telling me I wasn't the father. Now she knew and suddenly she saw the fruits of her plans rotting away. She began to cry very softly, saying over and over in a soft choked voice, "I love you, I love you, I do!" I walked away, not being able or willing to offer sympathy. 

I searched for and found an apartment in a small development and moved in right away. Jennie stayed at the house which I agreed to keep until she delivered the baby. She called me at least once or twice a day for the first few months, asking me to reconsider. I never bothered to return her calls and saw her only when absolutely necessary for routine maintenance. I agreed to continue our marriage until the baby was born before severing our relationship, but also to safeguard my position. I immediately filed papers with the court along with an affidavit from Jennie agreeing to the divorce but allowing a period of time to elapse to protect the welfare of the child. All other assets we owned together were converted to cash. We split the resulting proceeds and the divorce was approved by the courts. It would take thirty days once the baby was born to finalize it. 

The only thing that happened during that time was that Jenny's lawyer called mine to tell me she insisted on one short meeting with me before agreeing to the final disposition. He insisted I meet with her to keep things moving so I agreed. After all, I had spoken to her several times before. I went to the specified meeting room in my lawyer's office and waited for her to arrive.

Jenny walked in, looking very large and very uncomfortable. She was due in less than two months at that time and she looked it. She sat down, after some almost comical moves and let out a huge sigh. I was not as repulsed by the sight as I expected. She met my eyes without saying anything.

"This is your meeting Jenny, so why don't you get started? I have to get back to work as soon as I can." Actually, I had taken the morning off so I was in no hurry. Carl was covering for me.

"This won't take long Alex so just be patient. After all, I haven't asked you for much else. I know you just want to get away from me." She shifted a few times, comfort hard to find I assumed. "OK, where to start?

"First, I want you to know I signed all the required paperwork so this really isn't a bribe to make you stay. I just wanted to see you and say a few things to you so I used that as a method to get you here. If you want to leave now without hearing me, you're free to do so, but I wish you'd stay." She looked at me, waiting for some response but I simply nodded and motioned for her to continue. She looked at me for a few seconds, then began.

"I love you Alex and I always have. What I'm going to tell you is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but. It's important to me that you know what happened so that you'll know that love had everything to do with what I did. The baby's father was no one to me, just someone I met at a bar. I had never met him before that night but he was the right size and color, he looked a lot like you and was fairly good looking so I picked him. All I know about him is that his first name was John.

"I made up my mind that I was going to do this thing. I hated the idea of artificial insemination, surrogates, all of it. Artificial! The idea made me ill. So, one night when we were out, I had several stiff drinks which I needed to give me the courage to do what I was about to do. Once Sherry saw that I had made up my mind to go through with it, she left me alone with him when I signaled her and I seduced him right there. He took me out to the parking lot and we did it in the back seat of his car. It was quick, without foreplay or kissing and I felt nothing. All I cared about was getting his sperm inside me. The problem was that as soon as it was over, I knew deep inside that I had made a terrible mistake. I knew it Alex! I knew then that you would never accept me doing what I had done. 

"I went home that night, convinced that I had done something terrible and that I had woken up in time to know that it was wrong and that I would never do anything like that again. Maybe we wouldn't have children. That was a possibility that I accepted then, knowing that there were worse things to lose. I swore that I would never do anything like that again and I prayed to God that you would never find out. 

"But the joke was on me. Would you believe, it only took that one time? Just one time for me to become pregnant? I don't know whether you think that was a good thing but you have to understand that it was wonderful news to me. You see, after that first time, and swearing that I would never do it again, regardless of how much I wanted a baby, it was all for nothing. I was already pregnant. 

"You'll never know how long I agonized about an abortion, Alex. I was afraid that I was going to lose you over my pregnancy and that scared me to death. But I just couldn't do it! That's when I determined you would never find out. If I could carry it off without you finding out what I had done, I would be able to have both you and the baby!

"Think about it Alex, just one time to give me what we both wanted so badly. Just one time with someone I don't even remember, to do something I didn't care about. To me it was nothing, but that once was enough to drive you away from me, just as I had feared."

I was getting angry at her words. What did I care about what she did and how she did it? What did I care that she didn't even know the damned guy? What did I care? In spite of my anger, I did care, and I rejoiced at the words she said. She didn't love him! She didn't make love with him! She used him for her own purposes and to give us a baby and it only happened one time. Maybe I did on some level understand her but on the conscious level, I could never forgive her. Deep down, something stirred, something I thought was dead, but she continued without giving me a chance to say anything.

"I'm going to raise my child by myself. He is going to know that you are his father. He'll never hear different from me Alex. He will be named after you and you will be the only father he'll ever know about. I'll tell him everything about you and he'll know that his father was a kind and decent man, and that I loved him more than life itself. I'll let him know when he's older that I was the one that drove you away."

She stood then and prepared to leave. She held up a hand when I began to speak. "I don't want you to say anything Alex. It makes no difference how you feel about this child. I will raise him as I said and you have nothing to say about that. You gave up that right and I understand why. But you did give it up so please, don't say anything."

She left and I didn't see her again until the baby was born. I know that somewhere deep inside, I still felt something for Jennie and I always would. But it was over now. Both of us accepted it and we determined to move on. 

Other than the phone calls and the routine stuff, Jennie and I had no further contact for that period of time so it was almost a surprise when Sherry called me to tell me that Jennie was in the hospital and the baby was coming. She asked me if I wanted to be there and I told her no. She seemed surprised but let it go. I hung up and tried to forget about it and the pain that I had almost put behind me. Her phone call opened old scabs and I tried not to pick at them. Let it go! 

Over the next day, I thought about it off and on and told myself I had no interest in the baby. I almost convinced myself but suddenly found myself driving toward the hospital. I pulled into the parking lot and sat in my car once I arrived before going inside. I checked with the information lady who told me Jennie had delivered a baby boy. I got the room number and went up.

I stood in the hallway, looking in the room as Jennie sat in a large chair, a baby in her arms. It appeared she was breast feeding and the look on her face almost made me forget what she had done. The love for her I still had almost overwhelmed me at that instant. Almost, but not quite. I walked in as she looked up. Her face lit up in a smile when she saw me then she looked back down to her child. I followed her gaze and saw a small face, lips pressed to one breast as it suckled. 

"Isn't he beautiful? I named him Alex Martin Sanford, Junior. She moved the robe aside to allow me a better view. I looked down on him and marveled at the perfection. I felt a surge of love before I remembered. He had my name but he carried no part of me. Suddenly the lie of another man's baby carrying my name hit me. It hit me hard and before I could react or say something painful and harsh, I turned and walked out of the room. I heard her call to me as I walked down the hall but I didn't stop. I had to get out of there! I almost collided with Sherry as she came toward the room.

"Alex? Did you see the baby? Do you. . . . . . ." I continued without responding, finally pushing through the door to the stairwell, shutting off her words, and almost running down and out to my car. I drove home without remembering what I was doing and sat there most of the afternoon, my mind whirling in confusion. By evening I had finished my musing and come again to the conclusion that what Jennie did to me was not something I could forgive so the baby made it no different. I was done and I made up my mind that night that the divorce was final and I would do nothing to stop it. 

Nichole

When the final papers came through, I didn't bother looking at them. I put them in a small lock box I kept all my important papers in and put my divorce and Jennie out of my mind. I was now a free man to do as I chose. It's funny but until that final decree came in the mail, I still considered myself married and not free to date. I saw Jennie in various places around town from time to time, usually with the baby in a stroller, but never stopped to speak to her or learn anything about how she was doing. In time, I forgot about her.

A year after my divorce became final, my grandmother died and I took time to be with dad and my grandfather. My father and I dealt with the arrangements, letting grandpa deal with his grief. They had been married fifty four years and life without her was something grandpa was going to have to learn. He was strong however and I didn't much worry about him. The funeral was a solemn affair, most of the visitors older friends of my grandmother and grandfather. I knew most of them, having met them off and on over the years I lived with them. One time I saw Jenny, standing with my father and talking quietly to him. He seemed to be very comfortable with her but I had to turn away. This funeral was far too emotional for me and to see her there just made it worse.

I was surprised when I found grandma had included me in her will. I was more surprised when I found out how much she left me. The total was a healthy seven figures, more than I ever suspected she had. Grandpa explained it later when he told me she was from money and over the years, she became the last one left. All of her family's money came down to her and she never did anything with it except leave it in an investment account run by one of her friend's husband. He hastened to assure me he was in no trouble when it came to money, and that she had also been generous with my father. He had his own, and while not as much as grandma had, it was more than sufficient to carry him till his own passing. 

I put the money in a holding account and forgot I had it. I wanted to continue working and doing what I enjoyed for a while longer and I had been doing just fine without it. I never had much desire to be rich and now that I was, I found it to be less interesting than a blueprint of a new skyscraper. Besides, I was doing well, Jennie and my divorce now well in the past, and I was looking forward to my freedom. I was dating a little and while it was fun, I didn't meet anyone who kept my interest. Not until I met Rick. He was a new fund manager at my bank and had the responsibility for my money. I received a letter from him asking me to come in and make some decisions about my investment portfolio.

I made an appointment and met Rick Harris. We hit it off right from the start and I asked his advice on investing my funds. He had several suggestions that sounded fine to me and I let him make them for me. He promised that he would keep an eye on my accounts and make additional suggestions when he felt it was warranted. We talked, then made plans to get together later for a drink. He was single, about my age and we had a lot in common. As we got to know each other better we became friends and went out together a lot. It was when I was with Rick one night at a sports bar we frequented that I met Nichole Richards. Rick pointed her out to me and mentioned that she seemed to be alone. I watched as she refused several invitations for dancing or drinks and decided that I had no chance. But with Rick's urging I gave it a shot.

I walked up to the bar with an empty pitcher, stopping beside her to give the empty to the barkeep with indications to refill it. I looked sideways at her and made my opening move.

"Hi, my name's Alex. I don't think I've seen you here before." Not cool, but then neither was I. Just an average guy who struck out more often than not and even more often with girls who looked like this one. She was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She was a brunette, hair worn straight and down to her shoulders, with smoky brown eyes and a striking face. She was almost 5'9" with narrow hips and long legs. She could be a model with that face and body but here she was, alone in a bar, avoiding most of the guys here. As a man, I noticed that she wore no ring but still expected to be one of the eager beavers shot down in flames. 

To my great surprise, she looked at me with a smile and answered. "Hi yourself. I'm Nichole. I've been here a few times but not many. I haven't seen you before either." 

Just then the barkeep put a fresh pitcher in front of me, swiped my cash from the bar and moved away. I took the pitcher, started to back away when I thought to myself 'What the hell.' I held up the pitcher and asked, "Would you like to join my friend and me?"

She looked at me, turned her head to see Rick sitting there smiling and said she would be happy to. She followed me over to our table where I introduced her to Rick. He stood, took her hand in his and told her that she was certainly welcome at our table. I was afraid he was going to scare her away but she just smiled back and took a seat. I poured three glasses and we started talking. The evening passed quickly and we all got to know each other better. But the amazing part was when Rick stood up to say he was leaving since he had an early morning meeting. Nichole didn't seem to mind at all and remained sitting as he left.

That night we exchanged numbers and addresses and I promised to call for a date. She assured me she would be delighted to go out with me and I walked her to her car. I opened the door for her, stopped her as she moved to get in and kissed her. She returned the kiss and held it for longer than I hoped. I felt her tongue and quickly opened my mouth but she just touched my lips and broke away.

"Call me. I'll wait to hear from you." She slid into her car and then she was gone.

I tried to be cool and wait for the obligatory three days but lost count the very next day. All I could think about was Nichole and those long legs and that beautiful face. It had been some time and hell, I was a normal, healthy guy and I was horny. So, just before I left work, I called her. When she answered I almost lost my nerve and hung up but I didn't.

"Hi, Nichole. You might not remember me but we met last night at Jerry's Bar?"

"I remember you Alex. I was hoping you'd call."

"Wow! I'm surprised you would remember me but I'm grateful. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?"

"I'm sorry, but tonight I have other plans. I could meet you for dinner tomorrow night if that's convenient."

It was and we made the date. She couldn't stay on the phone for long since she had to leave but I was pleased and looked forward to meeting her again. She was an absolutely gorgeous woman and I was damned lucky she agreed to go out with me.

The first date went well and we talked together long past the desert. When it was time to leave, she took my hand as we walked to her car. When we reached it, she looked at me and said, "Do you live far from here?"

As luck would have it, I didn't live far and she agreed to come with me for a nightcap. I was excited and my thoughts were in a whirl as we drove to my apartment. Once inside, she wasted no time in making sure I knew she was ready to do more than have a nightcap. I was nervous, having been celibate since my divorce but she seemed not to care. We undressed each other and fell onto the bed in each other's arms. Foreplay was short but nice and when my fingers found her opening, she was wet and ready. 

I moved between her legs and before going further, I looked into her eyes and saw the permission to go ahead clearly shining. I kissed her once more before rising up to take myself in hand and search for her opening. Her hand quickly took mine and directed it to the appropriate spot. Once in place, I stopped, looked deep into her eyes and pushed hard. I slid in easily and with virtually no resistance. I began a slow and steady stroke designed to allow me to last as long as possible. As I got into a steady rhythm, her legs came up and wrapped around me and her arms went behind my neck pulling my face down to hers. We kissed, slow and deep. 




A New Beginning Ch. 01



As the sensation washed over me, I began to feel the tightening of my balls telling me I wasn't going to last much longer. I broke the kiss, telling her the same, and she nodded her understanding. I began to increase my strokes, each one now driving harder into her. She met each stroke with her hips bucking back against me as I withdrew. Our joint rhythm continued until I felt the onset on my climax. She moaned and her legs tightened around me at the same time and I began to really pound into her. She stiffened her entire body as I hammered into her and then I came. All at once it was there! She let out a small sound of intense pleasure at the same instant and the inner walls of her vagina gripped my cock, milking it. We held that position for several more seconds before collapsing against each other. 

"You're incredible Nichole. That was just awesome. I hope you weren't disappointed. I certainly wasn't!"

"You didn't disappoint me at all Alex. It was incredible for me as well." She snuggled against me and I felt so relaxed I think I dozed off. I was awakened later with a warm, wet feeling around the area of my body that normally didn't feel that way. I opened my eyes and looked down to see a blond head bobbing up and down and knew I had died and gone to heaven. Several minutes later, heaven exploded into stars as I came with a vengeance. She never stopped until I grabbed her head, telling her I was too sensitive for her to continue. She smiled as she moved up my body and pulled my lips to hers in a passionate kiss. Heaven was a wonderful place to be.

"We have to go now." I wasn't sure I heard her correctly so I asked her to repeat what she said.

"I said, we have to go now. I have to get ready for work and it takes me over an hour and a half to drive to where I have to be. It'll take me almost as long to get ready since I have that 'just fucked' look. You should know since you put it there."

I sat up, looked at her to be sure she was not kidding and then, when I saw she was serious, I stood and began to look for my clothes. I found most of them and quickly got dressed. Once my shoes were on, I was ready to take her back to her car. She was already dressed and looked like she had just stepped out of a beauty parlor to me. We left together and I drove her back to the restaurant where her car waited.

"I know so little about what you do and where you work or live. Can you tell me anything more before you have to go?"

"Not this morning. Call me next week and we'll get together again. I have to work most of this week and during the weekend. But I'll keep next Wednesday free for certain. Call me!" With that she got into her car and left. I watched her go, confused but satisfied inside. It had been some time since I had been with a woman and this woman was just short of a miracle. I definitely wanted to see her again. 

I did call her and we made plans for dinner the following Wednesday. That date went almost identically to the first one and it ended the same way. I tried to talk to her about her work and who she worked for but she just sort of avoided it as much as possible. When I did press her once, she told me she was a Personal Secretary to a very important man and was pretty much at his beck and call. She said he was always traveling somewhere and that the people he met were very important and needed their privacy. That's all she would tell me so I had to be content with that.

On one of our dates, I suggested we go back to her place to save us the time of traveling from my place to hers. She said that wouldn't work since she had three other girls as roommates. At least one or two of them were there at all times. 

On another, I asked about her moving in with me but she declined saying her schedule was too hectic and she wouldn't be around much. I had to accept that as well since she convinced me that we had better things to do than talk. Since I found myself beginning to fall in love with Nichole, I accepted the things she told me just to continue to see her and make love as we had been. I reasoned with myself that as long as she continued to see me and to treat me the way she did, she must love me as much as I loved her.

Things sort of remained the same after that and for the next several months. I was becoming more and more frustrated that we shared so little time together but she continued to refuse to expand our meetings. She did tell me once that she loved me and that she wanted to wait for a while before quitting her job. She said once she did that we could be together all the time. I accepted the promise and told myself that it was what I wanted. I had a fleeting thought about Jennie, but told myself that it wasn't the same thing. Nichole wasn't cheating on me: she was working. I did a great job of convincing myself that things were good.

That was until I heard her talking on her cell phone one evening when I was supposed to be sleeping after we had a mind bending sexual bout. We had both fallen asleep or so I supposed. As I was awakened by some movement or sound, I felt her quietly leave the bed, turn once to be sure I was sleeping and then walk out of the bedroom and into the bathroom where she shut the door. From the faint light from the window, I saw she had her cell phone with her. 

I moved quickly to the door and pressed my ear to it. I could just make out a few words. What I heard was a discussion of why she had to be somewhere tomorrow as soon as she could. I heard something about three men and who else was going to be there and then a comment about her being the best. She laughed once and indicated she was going to hang up so I ran back to the bed and sat down. When she opened the door, I was just rubbing my face as if I had just woken up.

Nichole smiled at me and sat down beside me. "Well, well, look who's awake. It seems like you're ready to play again." With that, she took me in hand and within a few seconds, I had forgotten the phone call and remembered what she could do to me. I reached for her and soon we were wrapped around each other and making love. As we made love a second time, I made some plans, and if you don't think that was a feat in itself, you've never seen Nichole make love. But I succeeded and when it was time to take her back to her car, I had decided to follow her when she left. I had a plan and it should work.

When I dropped her off, I waited until she was in her car as I always did and then pulled away. But this time, once I was out of sight, I turned off my lights and waited just outside the parking lot. It was almost five minutes before she came out, waiting to be sure I was long gone I assumed. She turned away from where I was parked and I slowly pulled out behind her, my lights still off. Once she turned the first corner, I flipped them on and followed her at a good distance. Since there was little traffic, I could stay a block or more behind her. 

She continued on, apparently unaware of me behind her and drove to a very nice area of town. She slowed as she approached a three story building and pulled into a parking space clearly marked with assigned spaces. I drove past, turned a corner and pulled over to the curb. I ran back just in time to see her enter a glass door. I watched until she was inside and then ran towards it in time to see her enter an elevator. I watched the indicator and saw it stop on the third floor. I walked into the foyer and looked at the mailboxes. I saw the third floor had three apartments. One had her name: Apartment 3B.

I drove home, showered and changed into some casual clothes. I called my office and reported off sick and then drove down to rent a car. Once I was set, I drove back to her building and parked on the street where I could see her car. I settled down for a long wait.

It was just after one o'clock when she came out. Since she told me she worked all the time when she wasn't with me, I was surprised that she had spent the entire morning in her apartment. Strange behavior for a workaholic! I watched as she got in her car and drove away. I followed her to the Stratfordshire Hotel, a very upscale place that catered to out of town guests. She pulled in, a valet took her car and she walked into the lobby. I parked in the guest parking lot, ran toward the lobby and slipped inside. As I entered, I spotted her standing by the concierge's desk, chatting with a tall Hispanic man. Fortunately she was facing away from the entrance and didn't see me.

I found a spot where I could see her but she wouldn't notice me. As I waited, I saw a man dressed in very expensive suit, walk over to Nichole. She smiled at him as he took her hand to give it a kiss. Very suave! They moved away together to the elevator and waited. As they stood there, I watched the man move his hand down to Nichole's waist and then subtly to her ass. She smiled at him but didn't make any move to remove his hand. When the elevator door opened, they entered, and before the door closed, I saw his face drop to hers and they kissed. He had one hand on her breasts the entire time and they remained that way until the closing door cut off any further view. I watched as the indicator moved around the dial toward the penthouse. It stopped there.

What I saw confused me and made me angry of course, but I wondered what else she was doing. Could she simply be acting in her capacity as a private secretary working with her boss? The way his hands were all over her argued against that but I decided to wait and see what happened. 

It was about an hour later when the two of them came down; Nichole now dressed entirely differently in a cocktail dress and elegant jewelry. The two of them still together walked over to the lounge and entered. I wanted to move closer to observe them but as I was considering my options, Nichole reappeared with her companion, but now accompanied by two more men dressed in what appeared to be very expensive clothes. Nichole was walking between the two gentlemen and they seemed to be as familiar with her anatomy as the first man. I watched in disgust as they put their arms around her and bumped hips as they moved toward the elevators. Again, I watched as she was sandwiched between the two newcomers as they entered the elevator. Her hands were between their legs while they fondled her breasts and ass. It was clear now that she was servicing all three of them tonight.

I went out to my car, confused and angry, but deep inside, my mind was working. I knew now that Nichole was not a secretary or personal assistant. My best guess was that she was a call girl; working as a high class prostitute who went with very wealthy gentlemen when they were in town. I imagined she had a regular stable of clients that called her. She kept one or two days a week open for me and that was the only thing I couldn't get through my head. Why? She must lose a lot of money being with me. And I met her at a bar! Why would a high class hooker go to a place like that? Too many questions mixed with anger and a slowly growing pain of betrayal once again. 

I drove home, wanting no more of disappointment. Nichole was a hooker, pure and simple. Why she came to me and didn't let me know what she did for a living was more surprising and confusing but it made little difference. I couldn't stand what she did and I wanted no part of it anymore. She had intimated that she would quit if things worked out between us but I no longer had any desire for that. I was not going to share my wife, my girlfriend, whatever she wanted from me. The fact that I had been doing it all along didn't change that. Nichole was far worse than Jennie, who claimed she made one mistake, even if it was intentional. But I couldn't accept Jennie, so how could I ever accept Nichole. I couldn't!

It was two days later that Nichole called to tell me she could meet me at my apartment for dinner. She said she would bring a takeout as she often did and then we could spend the evening together just being with each other. I listened, made the correct responses, but inwardly I was burning with anger. I hung up, sat at the table and cried. I was so tired of being stabbed in the gut by women who claimed to love me. First Jennie and now Nichole. Both were beautiful women, women any man would lust after. Jennie had been my wife but she betrayed me for the sake of a child. Nichole betrayed me for her own reasons. Tonight I intended to find out what they were.

I dried my tears, washed my face and waited. When she arrived, I was still sitting at the table, my thoughts wandering with no goal in sight. Nichole busied herself setting out the dishes she brought, acting the perfect host. I watched her, marveling at the beauty she carried. Long dark hair, brushed to a deep shine; eyes, dark and smoky, promising unknown pleasures; a body that promised everything, dressed to entice. Nichole was everything any man would want, and she provided a service that met those wants.

As we ate together, Nichole talking about nothing important and me listening with my mind elsewhere, the thought entered my head that maybe I shouldn't rock the boat. I had the girl of my dreams once or twice a week with no other commitments. So she went out with other men the rest of the time. So what? Wasn't that what she was doing with me? And she wasn't charging me a dime. She had never asked me for a thing. As a matter of fact, she had given me a beautiful watch, one that had to have cost her a good amount of money as a gift for being so understanding of her time away. What did I have to complain about? But then a picture of Nichole, writhing away under an old man, her legs wrapped around his hairy ass came to me. I shook my head to dislodge it but that only made it worse. I saw more men come into the room while Nichole reached out her hands, welcoming them. I wasn't in that picture. 

Nichole had been talking to me and I hadn't heard a word she said. I decided that it was time to confront her and end this abortion of a relationship.

"Alex! Where did you go? I asked you three times if you wanted to do anything tomorrow. I have a whole day off to do anything you want." She was smiling, one hand resting on mine as it lay on the table.

I swallowed, trying to find the spit to lubricate my dry mouth and throat. "How did you get the time off? Did you tell your clients that you wanted to spend a day with your boyfriend? It must cost you a great deal of money to do that. I guess I should be grateful, even feel privileged. Should I, Nichole?"

Nichole looked as if I had slapped her across the face. Her eyes grew wide, her mouth opened in a surprised 'O' and one hand came up to cover it. I watched coldly as tears welled up in those beautiful smoky eyes and began to run down her cheek. There was a tiny line of dark where they passed.

"How did you find out? Oh, please Alex, let me explain. Please don't say any more until I explain. Please? Please?"

Nichole stood, walked around the table and knelt by my chair, her hands gripping mine and her face pressed against my thigh as she looked up at me. She seemed so desperate and distressed that I gave in. "Say what you need to say. I'll listen but it won't make any difference. I know what you are."

"I love you Alex! I really do love you. It happened so quickly that it took me by surprise. I hadn't thought about what to tell you. I couldn't tell you what I did for a living and I needed some time to end my contact with my 'manager'. He holds my debts Alex. When he recruited me, he paid off all my outstanding loans and paid for a new wardrobe and jewelry and my car. I was so deeply in debt when he came to me that I had no choice. He promised me that I could make enough to buy my way free of him within a year. It's been more than two years now and I'm trying to pay him back but I still owe a lot of money. 

"I came to the bar that night to meet my sister Jane. One of her kids was sick so she called to cancel. I had just finished talking with her when you came up to the bar. I had planned to leave right then but something about you attracted me and I thought 'what the hell'. Maybe you would be fun and we could have some fun together. When I saw two of you, I began to think about a free-lance evening. No charge, just some fun on my own terms. But you weren't that kind of guy and neither was Rick. I had fun just being with you and when we parted, I wanted to see you again. I gave you my private number, the one that only you and my family and friends have."

She was talking fast and I listened in fascination. While I had already made up my mind, I wanted to know how this happened and what was her goal. I was beginning to see now.

"I fell in love with you Alex, but it happened before I was ready. I went to Ramon and told him about you but he just laughed at me. He told me I was still too deep in hock to let me go but he would set me up with multiple partners to make more money. I've been working longer hours and meeting more men to try to get out from under him as quickly as I could. I prayed I could pay him off before you found out what I did, but now you know."

Yes, I did know and I couldn't accept it. She had to know this. I had already told her about Jennie and what she did. How could Nichole think that being a professional call girl while she dated me was going to be OK? How could she think like that? I asked her that.

"You know about Jennie and what she did. She only did it one time, just to have a baby. I couldn't accept that; I told you that! Why would you think I could accept what you're doing?"

"I hoped you would never find out! Never know what I did! I just loved you too much to believe it could be over."

"Don't you understand that wherever we go, there's a good chance you'll see someone who you've had sex with? Didn't you think that I would find out when someone saw us together? Wouldn't they tell me what you were? Like, "Hey Alex, who's the hooker?" It makes no sense to me Nichole."

Nichole was unable to answer; her whole body slumped in defeat. She had played a game, taking a chance, and now she had lost. She never considered the possibility that she could find someone to love while she was fucking strange men on a regular basis. 

"You said you had no choice when he approached you Nichole. But you did; you always had a choice and you made yours, just like Jennie made hers. Both of you chose to screw other men for your own reasons. For me, it's a choice I can't live with. I want you to go now and forget about me. I want nothing more to do with you. I can't understand how you could do this to me, knowing about Jennie and how much she hurt me."

As I sat there, my own heart breaking, Nichole stood, looked once more at me and then, with slumping shoulders, walked out of my apartment. I never talked to her again.

After she left, I sat there wondering if I would ever meet anyone again to fill the emptiness I felt inside. First Jennie, and now Nichole. Was I doomed to meet women who were destined to betray me? It appeared that was the case. 

To be continued:



A New Beginning Ch. 01



This series is a continuation of "The Divorce Chronicles". While it is not essential that you read the entire "Chronicles" to understand the new series, at the very least, I recommend that you read the last submission. As always, I hope you enjoy, and welcome feedback.

*

After our first night together, Elke and I started making up for lost time. Either I was spending the night at her place, or she was at mine. Most of the time, we were in varying stages of nudity.

We did what most couples do at the beginning of a new relationship, even at our age. We had sex. Lots and lots of sex. We had made love, we fucked like animals, we went out, got drunk and came home and had sloppy, drunken sex. We were quite happy having rediscovered our friendship, and taking it to a new level.

One night, we decided to go out for dinner and a movie. When I picked her up, she was wearing a short skirt that buttoned down the front, a halter blouse, and a pair of sandals. She told me, as we were on our way to the restaurant, that she wanted to pick out the movie. Knowing that she wasn't the "chick flick" type of woman, I didn't mind.

All through dinner, Elke had a smile on her face that made me wonder what she was up to. We had a couple of drinks after dinner, and then went to the theater, which was just down the street from the restaurant. When we got there, she bought tickets for a movie that wasn't very popular, which stoked my curiosity even further.

As we walked in and started looking for seats, she took my hand and began walking up to the last row. I looked at her with raised eyebrows, and, trying to play innocent, she asked, "What?"

"What are you up to?" I asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she protested, rather unconvincingly. "Let's just sit down and enjoy the movie." 

By the time that the previews started, the theater was maybe a third full. The closest people to us was an older couple two rows in front of us.

Elke leaned in close to me and laid her head on my shoulder. I went to put my arm around her shoulder, but she took my hand in hers and placed it on her leg.

As the movie started, I began stroking Elke's bare leg, just inside her knee. I knew already that this was a sensitive spot, and kept my hand there for a few minutes. 

Soon, she slid down just a bit in her seat, causing my hand to slide a little higher. As I started to stroke her long, lean thigh, she reached down and opened a couple of buttons at the bottom of her skirt. She then wrapped both of her hands around my arm, and nestled her head in a little more.

Now that I had a better idea of what she had planned, I continued stroking her leg as we watched the movie, my hand sliding a little higher every couple of minutes.

"That feels nice," she whispered in my ear as my hand reached mid-thigh, and she opened her legs a little more.

As my hand slid higher, it was soon underneath her skirt. I was able to touch the insides of both of her firm, luscious thighs as I glided my fingertips higher.

"Mmm," she moaned as I could start to feel the heat radiating from her mound. She slid down a little more, to give me easier access, and opened her legs even further.

As my hand got closer to Elke's crotch, I spread my fingers wide. My hand pulled her skirt up higher as I inched my way to her pussy.

Elke wiggled in her seat as my little finger reached the very top of her thigh. When stretched my hand to glide it over her panties, I received a shock. She wasn't wearing any! Not only that, she had shaved her pussy bare.

Elke whimpered loudly as I passed my fingertips over her wet slit, and the lady that was a couple of rows in front of us turned around.

I glanced down at her, and looked back up, as nothing had happened, and went back to teasing Elke. I dipped a fingertip into her hot pussy and spread her juices around her bare slit, paying special attention to her clit, which was standing out proud. 

As I slid a fingertip into her wet pussy, Elke gasped and grabbed a hold of my arm. I fucked her with the fingertip as the heel of my hand rubbed against her clit, and she started moving her hips in rhythm with me.

I heard her hiss as I slid my finger in deeper, and I started pressing on the top wall of her wet hole.

It didn't take long before Elke's body started to stiffen and shake, and she let out a low moan as she squeezed my arm tight.

"Oh yesss!" she hissed as her pussy started to clamp down on my finger. 

Her hips bucked up and buried my finger deeper, and she let out another moan as her orgasm overtook her.

The lady in front of us turned around again, and I smiled at her as I slid my wet finger out of Elke's pussy. The ladies' eyes widened as I brought the finger to my mouth and stuck it in my mouth. As she turned back around, I saw a smile on her face, and she leaned in and said something to the man that she was with.

The rest of the movie was uneventful, as Elke and I just teased each other, but on the way to the bar for an after-movie drink, she pulled me into an alley, pushed me up against a wall, and gave me an incredibly inspired, heart stopping blow-job.

As she stood, swallowing my cum and licking her lips, she said, "Let's go have that drink now." Weak-kneed, I could only nod my head and follow her as she took my hand and started walking.

As we sat in the bar, Elke reminded me about the Grand Opening party that they were throwing at her work, as a thank you to their investors that was scheduled for the following weekend. They had reserved the entire restaurant across the way from her spa for the evening, and had planned an open bar, along with a band.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I told her. "In fact, as a reward for getting the job done under budget, my boss has asked me to go to represent the shop."

"That's great!" she responded. "Now, I just have to decide what I am going to wear."

"That makes two of us," I told her. "I haven't worn a suit in years, so I'm sure that the one that I own doesn't fit me anymore. You know how closets like to shrink my clothes."

"Yes, so you've told me," she answered, laughing. "Why don't we go out tomorrow and see what we can find?"

After a very interesting shopping excursion the next day, during which she snuck into the fitting room with me a couple of times, we found a suit for me, but Elke still couldn't find a dress that she liked, despite how good I told her that she looked in some of the ones she tried on.

"Yeah, but none of them are what I am looking for," she explained as we had dinner that night. "I think that I will have to go out during the week, to a couple of shops that I like. I will probably have better luck there."

Finally, a couple of days later, she told me that she found "The PERFECT dress", so we were both ready for the big night.

I had arranged for a limo to take us to the party, so that we didn't have to worry about one of us not drinking. The night before the party, Elke told me that her sister, Erika, was going also, and wanted to ride with us. Since Erika was an investor, I couldn't refuse, even though she and I never got along when we were all younger. Elke also mentioned that her sister's divorce was just finalized, and she was kind of depressed.

That night, I drove to Elke's, and told the limo pick us up there. When I got there, Erika was already there, and ready to go. Elke, however, was putting on the final touches, so her sister and I had to make small talk while we waited.

"You look very good," I told her as we sat on the balcony. Erika looked a lot like Elke, only a little older. She was slightly taller and thinner, and her chest seemed a little smaller. You could definitely see the family resemblance, though. You could tell, looking in her eyes, that the divorce had taken a lot out of her, however.

"And you look quite different with short hair and a trimmed beard," she commented, referring to my days in the band, when I sported a Jerry Garcia/Jesus look. "You look much better now."

Before I could respond, Elke walked out and told us that she was ready. Erika and I were both speechless, looking at Elke in her short black party dress. The dress showed just the right amount of cleavage to be enticing, but yet be conservative enough for this party, and plenty of long leg. With her heels on, she was a couple of inches taller than me. She looked simply gorgeous.

We had a couple of minutes before the limo picked us up, so Erika ran to the bathroom one last time. I gave Elke a once over, and commented on her dress. "I thought you didn't like pantyhose," I said, looking at her lovely legs.

"I don't," she responded, with her naughty smile. "These are thigh-highs." She lifted her dress just enough to show me the lace tops of her nylons, and I smiled. 

"Nice!" I said as I licked my lips. "I can't wait to feel them over my shoulders!"

Elke just smiled as her sister joined us, and we then all went downstairs to the limo.

The party was a raving success, with all of the investors having a good time, excellent food, great music, and a lot of beautiful women. Elke enjoyed herself by spending a good part of the evening teasing me and flirting with me, knowing that I couldn't do anything to her.

"Just wait until we get home," I whispered in her ear at one point. "You WILL pay for this!"

"Promises, promises," she laughed, walking away. 

The only down part of the evening was when the boyfriend of the receptionist, Anita, became loud and belligerent after having too much to drink. 

He was mad that Anita was spending time talking to me, and not paying attention to him, so he started making a scene. After I escorted him off of the property, things calmed down and Elke and I consoled Anita.

At the end of the evening, we all had a good buzz going. Anita was in the worst shape, having downed a few drinks after the incident with her boyfriend, but Erika wasn't too far behind, slurring her words. It was, I knew, the first time that she could really go out and let loose since her divorce, so I really couldn't blame her.

Elke wound up offering to let Anita and Erika crash at her place, instead of having to drive home. As we all piled into the limo, I pulled Elke aside and asked how we were going to have any alone time, with her sister and Anita there.

"Don't worry," she whispered in my ear. "Wait about an hour, until everybody is asleep, and sneak in to see me. I'll be waiting for you, and if I'm asleep, you know how to wake me."

"Sounds good to me," I told her. "You'll have to try to keep quiet, though. And, remember, you ARE going to pay for teasing me like that earlier."

"Promises, promises," she repeated, kissing me on the cheek, and then getting into the limo. "I'll do my best to keep quiet, though." 

On the way back to Elke's, it was decided that I would sleep in her office, Erika would be in the spare bedroom, and Anita would sleep on the couch. Elke smiled and winked at me as she ran her tongue across her full lips.

After we got to Elke's, and everybody was settled in, I lay back and waited. After what seemed like the longest hour in my life, I silently made my way to her bedroom.

Elke liked to keep her bedroom as dark as possible, using heavy blackout curtains on her windows. As I quickly opened the door and slipped in, I saw the long blonde hair, firm, thin legs, and tight ass wrapped in a pair of lace boy-cut panties, all lying on the bed with her back to me as I walked in the room. I quickly and quietly closed the door behind me and walked towards the bed. The room was immediately plunged back into almost complete darkness.

"Damn," I thought to myself. "She already took off her stockings. Oh, well. I'm sure she'll wear them again."

I slipped off my boxers and climbed in the bed. As I settled my body behind hers, I wrapped my arms around hers and softly ran my fingertips across her nipples. I heard her gasp and she started to roll over and say something.

I held her there and whispered in her ear. "Shh," I said softly. "Someone may hear us. You have to be quiet, remember?"

She nodded and I cupped her breast. It seemed a little smaller than I remembered, but I knew that Elke had been losing some weight.

I started to kiss the back of her neck, and I heard her sigh as my fingertips continued to glide over her smooth skin. I slid them over her hardened nipples, and softly squeezed her tits, lightly pinching her stiff nipples, as I worked my lips across her neck. 

I started to slide my hand down her belly, and she moaned as I passed over her navel and lightly covered the lace at the top of her mound.

She opened her legs as I moved my hand down a little more, and pressed her ass against my crotch when my hand cupped her pussy.

When she felt my rising cock rubbing against her lace covered ass, she gasped again, louder this time. 

I could feel the heat and dampness radiating from her pussy as I stroked it through the lace, and I pressed my stiff cock against her ass harder.

She moaned as I slid my hand under the waistband of her panties and she wiggled her ass against my cock. When I slid a finger down her wet slit, I could feel her clit standing out, and the juices seeping from her hot little hole. 

I was surprised at how wet she was as I dipped just the tip of my finger into her steamy pussy. She groaned again, this time louder.

"You're gonna have to try harder to keep your noises down," I whispered in her ear. "Use the pillow to muffle yourself if you have to. Your sister is in the next room. You don't want her to hear us, do you?"

I heard her gasp, and she shook her head and turned so that she was face down in the pillow. I started slipping my fingertip into her wet opening and then sliding it out to flick her stiff clit. Every time that I made contact with her hard little bud, her body jumped and she thrust her firm ass back against my cock. 

I rolled her on to her belly and started to kiss her, from her neck all the way down to the small of her back, following the curve of her spine. When I reached the waistband of her lace panties, I slowly dragged them down the length of her long legs, with my lips following closely.

She was gasping and moaning as I kissed my way back up her legs, and when I reached her ass, I gently opened her legs and lifted her hips off of the mattress.

I continued kissing the back of her long, lean body, working my lips around her tight asscheeks. I made my way to her center, and slowly slid my tongue down the crack of her ass.

She yelped into the pillow as my tongue flicked over her puckered rosebud, and then she groaned and pushed back slightly.

I slowly licked my way down the crease towards her pussy, and she jumped and then sighed as my tongue flicked across her clit from behind. She spread her legs a little wider, and wiggled her ass back and forth as I slowly slid my tongue around her stiff little bud and wet slit.

I heard her breathing deepen, and she started to push her ass back against my face as her orgasm approached. When I heard her start to moan louder into the pillow, I pulled my face away and sat back.

As I heard her groan in disappointment, I told her, "You were a naughty girl tonight, teasing me the way that you did. I don't think that you deserve to cum yet. I want you to suck my cock and show me how much you want to cum, first."

I sat back on the pillows and took her head in my hand. She crawled in between my legs and took my hard cock in her hand. She started stroking it, flicking her tongue across the head, until I gently pushed her head down. I moaned as I felt my cock slide into her hot mouth and she started sucking on it.

Even with my eyes adjusting to the dark, there was so little light I could barely make out the nice round shape of her ass, but I was able to see her move it in a rhythm matching her sucking on my cock. I also was able to see that she had slid one hand underneath her body, and was playing with her pussy while she worked on my shaft.

She sucked on my rigid pole with a drunken enthusiasm and stroked it with her free hand, for a few minutes, until she let it drop from her mouth and turned around and presented me with her ass.

"Ok," I told her softly as I got on my knees behind her. "I guess you deserve to cum now."

She dropped her head to the bed as I slid the head of my cock along her wet slit. She showed her impatience when she pushed back against me as I lined my cock up with her wet hole, and forced the head inside her hot, tight pussy.

She sighed long and low into the mattress as I slowly slid the rest of my thick rod into her wet depths. I was reminded again about how much weight she must have lost when her hips felt thinner than usual as I grabbed them and pulled her all the way back to me.

As I buried my thick, hard cock deep into her wet pussy, I had to sigh as I felt her tight muscles squeeze around me.

"Oh yeah, baby," I moaned. "You feel so good! So tight and wet!"

I started to fall into a rhythm as I slid my shaft in and out of her clasping hole, and I soon felt her slide her hand between her legs again. She started rubbing her clit as I continued to fuck her, and she began pushing back against me more.

Slowing down my pace, I softly pushed her hips down to the mattress. She kept her hand where it was as I straddled her legs, and she gasped loudly as I positioned myself so that my cock was rubbing against her pubic bone as I slid in and out of her.

With my cock deep in her pussy, I lowered myself to my elbows and softly kissed and nibbled on her upper back and neck as I softly bucked my hips against her ass. She moaned into the bed as I worked on what I knew to be one of her most sensitive and pleasurable spots.

When she started to breathe heavier and push back into me again, I raised my body just a bit and started to take deeper strokes in and out of her increasingly wetter pussy. 

It wasn't long before she was moaning louder into the bed, and I felt her body begin to shake. I then began to slide the entire length of my shaft in and out of her pussy, knowing that would set her off, and hopefully me at the same time.

"Oh my god! Yesss!" I heard her moan into the bed, trying her hardest not to be heard, as her orgasm overtook her body in waves. I felt her pussy walls clamp down on my cock, and a gush of pussy juice surge from her when I slammed my rod deep inside her.

The massage that her muscles was giving my shaft, along with her ass bucking back against me started to set me off. Leaning forward again, I kissed the soft skin just below her ear and moaned.

"Oh damn baby! You're making me cum!" I whispered.

She nodded her head and gasped, "Uh-huh! Uh-huh! Uh-huh!"

Finally, I felt my balls contract, and then my cock exploded deep into her pussy.

"Oh yes!" I moaned as my body shook. "Oh my god!"

As I felt the last of my sticky cum spurt from my still hard cock, my body collapsed onto her back. I felt her body start to relax, and we fell into a breathing pattern while our bodies came down from our orgasmic highs.

After a couple of minutes, as my softening cock slid from her body, I rolled off of her and dropped to the mattress. 

"My god, baby," I whispered, "we've got to have your sister come over more often and sleep in the next room. You were as inspired as I can ever remember you being tonight!"

She gasped softly, and then laughed quietly, almost sounding nervous, as she climbed out of bed and stood. I could see her keep her back to me as she slid a pair of pajamas on, and then left the room.

A couple of minutes later, after I repositioned myself on the bed, the door opened again, and Elke came back in. As she always did, she took a warm, wet washcloth and wiped off my now soft cock and balls.

As she climbed into bed with me, I wrapped my arm around her and she lay her head on my shoulder. 




A New Beginning Ch. 01



I want to record this now before time causes me to forget the details. So, while it is still fresh in my mind, I, Antoinette Marie, first officer of the Spaceship James Cook, begin this account of what happened. At least this is how I remember it.

The first thing I should mention is that from the moment I arrived at my duty station on the bridge, I did everything by the book. I followed standard procedure mainly for reasons of safety but also because this is what I was trained to do in emergencies. But by then it didn't make much difference; we only had a few minutes left before we lost half of our crew.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. At the time, all I knew was that Captain Butler woke me from a beautiful, wet dream; he didn't elaborate upon the damage to the spaceship when he woke me up.

There I was swimming with a bronze athlete of a man in a small lagoon of a tropical island in the middle of the South Pacific. Lush vegetation surrounded the pond while a picturesque golden sunset bathed our bodies. The cool water caressed my pubic mound as he slowly removed my bikini bottom. He smiled wickedly, untied the strings of my top and stroked my left nipple. Ecstasy surged through my flesh; my skin tingled. I was getting ready to take his swim trunks off for some great sex . . .

"Toni, wake up. We got trouble." Butler touched my shoulder and shook it.

Captain Butler is a great captain, one of the best I've ever served under, but there ought to be a law which prevents your commanding officer from waking you up if you're about to have sex in your dreams.

I groggily leaned up on my elbows. The sheet fell to my waist exposing my naked breasts. I didn't bother covering myself. But he'd seen me naked before. The last time was just a couple of hours earlier.

"It better be serious," I said glancing at my alarm clock. "I just got to sleep a couple of hours ago. Unless of course you just want to make love with me again. But if that's the case then you're breaking your own rule of no sex while on duty."

"It is serious. We lost the communication antennae with MC3."

"So what? You woke me up just to tell me that. Use the backup . . ."

"Toni, we've lost all communications. Remember that electrical storm we've been monitoring between Jupiter and its satellites, Io, Ganymede and Europa?"

What he said didn't fully register; sleep still had my brain wrapped in a fog. It wasn't only that, the first lightening bolt that struck our ship earlier still had some influence over my thoughts. It hadn't done any damage. It only put everyone on pins and needles for a few minutes. I remember thinking when he woke me up that the lightening hadn't caused any damage then so why should anyone be concerned with it now.

"What about the storm? What did you wake me for? I'm going back to sleep." I turned over, covering my head with a pillow.

"A second bolt of lightening shot out from Jupiter and hit our long range antennae," Butler continued. "I sent a team outside to make repairs but another bolt of lightening hit them. It killed two and two more are seriously burned. I called all six of them back in immediately." He touched my bare shoulder again and then slid his hand to the nape of my neck, gently massaging it.

I moaned softly. Thoughts of the fuck session we had just a few hours earlier swirled through my mind.

Butler could mold me like putty with just a loving word or gentle touch. All he had to do was hint that he wanted to make love and I would submit to his hedonistic demands. We were lovers once . . . a long time ago, during college. But we lost contact with each other while attending different graduate schools. We didn't hook up again until just before the trip to Jupiter and Europa began.

We were a colony of settlers sent to build and colonize a space station to orbit above Europa. There was originally supposed to be 160 men and women assigned to go. But the day before we launched, one of the construction laborers working on the moon's surface was killed when a steel girder fell on him and crushed him to death. I guess you could say that his death was a bad omen.

But more importantly, Europa's surface is covered with ice and just below that ice is water, lots of water. Good old fashion H2O. Something that is in short supply on every space colony and something every space colony desperately needs.

In preparation for our mission, in the twelve years preceding our launch, seven unmanned spacecraft had been sent to Jupiter and Europa, gathering information and preparing for our arrival. Of those seven, two abruptly stopped sending back information, the first one just as it approached Jupiter and the other soon after it put itself in orbit around Europa.

But the other five satellites that were sent provided enough information to help the powers that be of the United Earth Space Agency to make the appropriate decision for our trip. That was UNESA's dream.

Our mission was to build an observatory space station above Europa. Then at least one third of the junior officers from each section, one third of the living section's crew members and about half of the laborers were scheduled to remain with the space station and study the satellite's surface close up.

It was hoped that those we left behind could provide more information about Europa and find a landing site so that future explorations could land on the surface, build a colony and begin collecting the water for further transport to the other colonies situated around the solar system.

In fact, eight days before everything went berserk we received a deep space radio and TV transmission from Moon Station Copernicus Three that Spaceship Resolution was beginning to load up supplies for its trip out here.

I hope they make it.

Base MC3 thus put us on notice. From then on we were on a fixed schedule and our clock was counting down. We had to have everything ready for when the Resolution arrived. But we weren't worried.

We knew that it would take another nine or ten months to fill its cargo hold with everything to build a colony on Europa. Next it would take another two or three months to load provisions for the colonists, most of whom will be construction laborers. Then God only know how long before Resolution launches.

That was UNESA's plan.

A few days after we received UNESA's announcement, Butler ordered our chief navigation officer to use the telescopic camera attached to the outside of the James Cook to begin studying Europa's surface. Connie and her assistants were to collect data so that they could chart a course to set us in orbit around the satellite in order to get the best pictures of the surface and find the best place to build a colony there.

When they began collecting data we were still five days away from parking ourselves in orbit around the satellite. Jupiter loomed large in our "sky," as did Io, Europa and Ganymede. All three Galilean satellites were passing each other in conjunction and at perihelion with Jupiter.

Anyway, multi-colored lightening bolts were shooting out of Jupiter and between the three moons, giving us a beautiful light show. One even hit the James Cook the day before but it didn't cause any damage. I guess you could call that another bad omen.

Our recreation officer televised the show over channel six of our onboard television. Louis is the program director for stations two, four and six. Station eight is reserved for UNESA, when they want to broadcast something to us. But no one watches it. In fact, the only TV that I know of that ever tuned into channel eight is on the lower flight deck; UNESA's orders.

But everyone was excited. There was something to watch instead of old movie reruns, stale situation comedies, unrealistic crime dramas and stereotype westerns. Also, now we were finally going to get to work, to do something other than sit around, read, play cards, play video games, watch television or do whatever kept us from becoming totally board to tears.

We had been traveling through space for a little over one and a half years. Actually 11 days shy of one year and seven months from blastoff from above MC3 in January 2147.

Since 2025, when mankind decided to colonize space, a total of six colonies have been built on the Moon and Mars, one space station orbiting around Venus and two more circling around the sun -- all of them in serious need of water, especially Space Station Venus One.

The only space station -- actually space city because of its size -- that didn't need water was Nuda Earth, in orbit around Earth. At least everyone who didn't live there claimed it didn't need water.

It was supposed to be an observatory but it eventually evolved into kind of a weigh station for businessmen, tourists and others traveling to different space stations. Then it soon turned into a vacation resort with an Olympic size pool -- the only space station to have a pool. I guess that's why everyone said it didn't need water.

Its official name is Nova Earth -- it was the first space colony built. But soon after the pool was added 89.5% of the people living there voted to allow anyone living there or visiting there to go completely nude. Their argument was that one did not need clothing living in a climate controlled environment. Then a retired professor of Latin language studies moved there and renamed it. Its unofficial name has been Nuda Earth ever since.

I've visited there twice with Chantelle Dawn. My lesbian lover and I immediately fell in love with it while vacation there. On our first visit we just went naked like some of the inhabitants; most have their bodies painted with scenes from nature, still life or of pictures of loved ones. We didn't want our bodies painted. Then we found out that the nontoxic paint wears off after a few days. On our second visit there we both had our bodies painted with scenes from nature.

Clothing optional living has attracted wide attention and the space station has grown in size to become the largest space station to date. They're still adding to its size.

Nuda Earth even has its own mayor, city council, laws and ordinances and a long waiting list of people who want to live there. I guess a lot of people like to go naked.

"Are you getting up Toni?" he asked.

"Butler do you realize that this is the second time you've awakened me from a deep sleep in the last twenty-four hours?" I still had the pillow over my head.

"Yeah, but I need you to take over my watch on the bridge for about an hour."

My thoughts were labored; I was still groggy with sleep and not thinking clearly. "Get someone else. I've only had a couple of hours sleep within the last two days and I have to go on duty again in a couple of hours."

I had the watch at twenty-four hundred hours. The only thing I was thinking about was getting some sleep before I went on duty. Exhaustion filled my soul; I hadn't gotten much sleep the night before.

Someone had broken into the cafeteria and vandalized a couple of the food lockers. It wasn't anything serious but security had to be called. Chantelle, our security chief, reported it to Captain Butler but he was on duty on the bridge without a backup so he sent me to look into it. I was up from about zero two hundred till zero four hundred and then up again at zero six hundred for my six hour watch on the bridge.

I didn't get to lay back down for some much needed rest until almost fourteen hundred. Then no sooner had I laid down when Butler came into my cabin; he wanted to make love. He was due to go on watch at eighteen hundred but wanted to fuck me before doing so. We made love twice and then he ate my pussy. It left me totally exhausted but completely satisfied. After, it felt like I had just fallen to sleep when Captain Butler interrupted a great dream.

I know what you're thinking and you're right. Having your own private living quarters onboard an overcrowded spaceship makes it easy to have as much sex as you want, especially if you've got nothing else to do. So for the past year and seven months the four of us with a private cabin have had a lot of sex, with each other and with other members of the crew.

I'm sure the other 139 crew members had sex too; there were sixteen prostitutes onboard. But I don't think it was as easy for them as it was for us. Every one of them shared their living quarters with at least one other person for officers and junior officers, three other persons for ship's crew, while construction laborers had from four to six people to a cabin.

I don't believe any of these quarters were bisexual. If there were any cabins that were mixed male and female I never knew about it. I didn't visit them all. In fact, I rarely made it into the rear section of the ship, where the construction laborers slept. Not that I'm insensitive or didn't care about them. It's just that I rarely had a need to go back there. The only thing there was their sleeping quarters.

Captain Butler showed me my cabin right after he selected me as his first officer.

"Your berth is on the second floor of the living section, right next to the elevator to the belly of the James Cook. Mine is on the other side of the elevator and your friend Chantelle's berth is right next to yours."

Butler paused to get my reaction. But my attention was riveted on the view before me through the shuttle window. We were approaching the James Cook and her entourage docked 350 kilometers above the moon's surface. The mission I was about to embark on was also upper most in my mind.

Not only was I about to be a part of the first manned mission beyond the planet Mars but in the window before me was the largest and most luxurious spaceship ever assembled to date. I was in awe.

The living section looked like a huge can of vegetables, the middle of which was rotating. The James Cook was perched on one end of the lip of the can looking much like a giant dragonfly. On the other end was the tail section, the laborer's sleeping section. It looked like smaller can of vegetables only it wasn't rotating. Also connected to the other end was an immense boxcar-like cargo hold. Even the James Cook's engines were titanic, extending past the end of the living section and beyond the laborer's sleeping quarters.

We weren't due to leave for Jupiter for another six weeks; crews were still loading supplies that we would need for the trip. But the captain wanted to give me a tour of the newly built spaceship and show me my living quarters.

"Why doesn't the laborer's sleeping section rotate?" I asked him absentmindedly. My attention was still focused on the James Cook and the launch pad from which all spaceships have launched from for the past 110 years.

"Money," is all he said. Then he continued, "The three of us and the ship's doctor are the only ones to have a private berth."

"Thanks, but as the second in command and Chantelle as chief of security, don't we rate such a cabin?"

"Yes you do. After I show you your berth I thought I'd introduce you to the bridge and lower flight deck."

A metallic female voice broke in on our conversation, "The shuttle will be docking in five minutes. Please remain seated with your seat belts buckled until the go ahead green light comes on."

I turned to face him. "I'm really not interested in seeing any of that at this time. You can show me that later. Right now . . ."

"Are you sure you don't want to see the James Cook's flight decks?" Butler interrupted me. "Everything is state-of-the art technology. Unlike other long voyage spaceships, the upper and lower flight decks are separated by an airlock and can operate independently of each other."

"I read a brochure about all the new innovations that the James Cook has before I contacted you about a position onboard. I hope we can keep that airlock open. If not it will make going from the bridge to the lower flight deck a lot more difficult."

"Yes we will; it's mainly there for emergencies. The lower flight deck is three times the size of any flight deck I've ever seen and it has a center navigation table that is as large as a ping pong table."

I didn't want to discuss the James Cook's flight decks. I wanted to inspect the living section. "Right now I just want to see the cafeteria, the gymnasium, the hair salon, the laundry and the other living accommodations. That's where I'll be doing most of my living for the next several years."

Butler continued, "The lower flight deck has TV view of the entire universe but the bridge has three large windows that wrap around the nose of the ship, three smaller ones below these and three smaller ones above them. Together the nine windows give anyone on the bridge a 2600 port to starboard view of everything and about a 2100 view of anything from just below the front of the ship to just above the ship."

I did my best to control my annoyance with his insistence that I inspect the bridge first, "You can show me the flight deck after I look over the living quarters."

"OK, OK you win. We have two movie theaters, three TV lounges and five games rooms in the living section. All designed to give everyone onboard some respite from boredom and the laborers relief from weightlessness."

"I guess UNESA wants to make sure we are all healthy, happy campers," I answered him sarcastically but glad that he had seen to do it my way.

"We don't have an Olympic size pool or any hot tubs, just a half dozen saunas." It was his turn to be sarcastic; he knew why I volunteered for the mission. Then teasingly, "You sure you don't want to see the ship first?"

"Butler!" I whispered forcefully; I didn't want the shuttle pilot to hear me. "Yes, I want to see the James Cook. I've been told that no other long range spaceship can compare with her. But before I see her I want to see what the accommodations are like where I'll be living."

"If you insist my love."

I glanced skeptically at him. He only called me his love when he wanted to have sex. We hadn't had made love since we were at college together. I didn't want to go down that road, at least not right now.

"Besides, don't you think it'll be easier to check out the rest of the living section first since we won't have to change shoes?" I was still wearing my service boots; my Velcro shoes were in my hip pocket.

He raised his leg. "I never take my ballerina slippers off. They're so comfortable; I wear them whether I'm walking around in the artificial gravity of the living section or the weightlessness of the bridge and tail section."

The same metallic female voice again intruded in on our conversation, "The shuttle will be docking in two minutes. Please remain seated with your seat belts buckled until the go ahead green light comes on."

"I hate it when someone refers to Velcro shoes as ballerina slippers."

Butler ignored my comment and asked, "After you see the living section, which will you want to inspect first, the tail section or the bridge?"

"Isn't the tail section just the construction crew's sleeping quarters? There isn't anything else there to see is there?"

He pointed toward the window of the shuttle, "No, as you can see the rear part of the ship is just several long interconnected dormitories connected to the end of the living section. The only convenience the tail section has is ice and water dispensing refrigerators located throughout the structure."

I looked up to where he was pointing. I'd inspected construction crew's sleeping quarters before; you've seen one and you've seen them all. "Then let's dispense with visiting that section for now. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to look it over later. After I've seen the living quarters you can show me the bridge and lower flight deck."

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

I turned back towards Butler and rubbed my eyes open. He was sitting on the edge of my bed, just watching me. I don't know how long he had been sitting there after he entered my quarters and before he woke me up. Once, after we made love, he told me that he liked to watch me sleep. He said that he liked to watch my chest rise and fall as I breathed. I believed he just like to look at my naked C-cup tits.




A New Beginning Ch. 01



He sometimes did that to me. He would come in while I was sleeping and just watch me while I slept. That didn't bother me. That was his hang up, his dream, not mine. I had other things to worry about. Besides, I trusted him. He was one of the three or four people onboard that I did trust.

I want to point out that for emergencies and security, the two of us, the ship's doctor and the chief of security each had an override code to unlock the door to each other's cabin as well as any other hatch onboard ship. I didn't mind them having the ability to open my door. It made it easier for the four of us to quietly slip into each other's berth and have sex.

As for the rest of the crew and sex, well they were on their own to make do the best way they could. I'm sure they managed.

A lot of people enjoy sex in weightlessness. They say it's more fun. I tried it twice, didn't like it one bit. The second time was just to confirm my first impression of weightless sex. There was too much bouncing around. For every thrust forward there was a push in the opposite direction. After that I did my lovemaking in the artificial gravity of the living section, usually in the privacy of my own cabin.

"Toni, I've got to go to sickbay to check on the burned victims and make a report on the two dead crewmen. Then I have to make arrangements to get their bodies put into cold storage in the cargo hold. I want you on the bridge while I'm gone."

I sat up on my elbows again. "Get George to do it. He's the second officer."

He misunderstood me. He thought I was talking about putting George in charge of the bridge but I was talking about having George bring the bodies to cold storage -- although he's never been there. I've only been in the cargo hold twice; once just after we left MC3 and the second time about six months ago. But then I had no need to go there; the only thing there were our extra supplies and the materials that would be needed to build the space station.

"I don't trust him. With this electrical storm and everything I don't want to leave him in command of the ship while I'm in the cargo hold. Come on Toni. I want you at the controls. I need you there. Besides, you know as well as I do that George is not going to give up his off time . . . assuming anyone can find him."

The two of us had decided before launch that all officers and junior officers would each stand six hour shifts followed by twelve hours off. The one thing George could be counted on was his ability to get lost during his off time. He liked zero G sex. So I'm sure he spent a lot of time back with the laborers.

I was never able to ascertain if that's where he was when these most recent lightening bolts struck the ship. I don't believe he was there when the fourth one hit us and I know he wasn't there when the fifth one got us.

How he got chosen for this mission was simple: he knew the right person.

For all long range missions the captain gets to pick his or her own flight crew. When I found out that the mission to Europa was looking for officers I approached Butler.

Don't get cocky. I'm not here for the sex or to do any heroic deed for my country or any other thing you may be thinking of. Sure I like the sex but I'm here because of the money. A seven or eight year mission in space and I'm set for life. I'll be able to invest my pay and retire in my early forties, spending my days living naked on Nuda Earth. That was my dream and Butler knew it.

So I guess you could say that I knew the right person too. But at least I'm qualified for my position. I've had flight experience.

But George was another story. Rumor had it that he was at one time the President's lover, before the President became the President of the United Earth Republic. Then after he won the election, or so the rumor went, he dumped George for a younger congressional male page. When word went out that the James Cook was looking for officers George called in his chip to his homosexual lover. The rest is history.

Not that I'm against homosexual love; I'm bisexual. But I'm sure you've guessed that by now. I'm against someone using sex to further their career, which is exactly what George did -- or so the rumor went.

"What about Joshua?" I asked. But I knew the answer before I asked the question. Our flight officer had been working with our navigation officers on the lower flight deck, charting paths to put us in orbit around Europa for two days prior to this.

Connie and her crew had finished collecting the necessary data on Europa's surface the day before Joshua had begun working with them. I know that sounds kind of in the extreme -- two days just to plot a course. But that's what Butler wanted and Joshua was working one-on-one on the lower flight deck with Connie and her two junior officers, Aleks Michelle and Constansia.

As per Butler's orders, they were using the data Connie and her crew collected and were busy plotting several different orbits around Europa's equator, around the poles, as well as other trajectories around the satellite. That's our meticulous captain for you, always wanting things done in triplicate, checking, rechecking and then checking again.

Anyway, working with each navigation officer on their own shift on the lower flight deck didn't leave a lot of free time for Joshua. At the time of the catastrophe our flight officer was working on the lower flight deck with Aleks; Connie and Constansia were off duty.

"You know I can't use Joshua. Come on Toni help me out here. Right now Juan is at the controls but he's a junior officer. I want you there. I trust you more."

I threw the covers off myself and put my feet over the side of my bed. I opened my legs considerably so that Butler could have a better view of my vagina. I knew that this would arouse him. I also knew that he couldn't do anything about it . . . at least not at that time. I guess I was trying to punish him for waking me up and interrupting my dream. I don't know, maybe I was trying to stimulate him into doing something. I know just being naked with him got me hot and wanting to fuck.

"I want compensation for this," I replied. I was thinking of some extra time in the sack with him.

"OK, you can take off early next Friday afternoon and go swimming in the pool on Nuda Earth."

"Very funny only I'm not laughing." I got up and walked naked across my cabin toward my closet, again punishing him for waking me from a beautiful dream, or punishing myself, whichever. Because there was nothing I could do about it . . . at least not at that time.

He came up behind me, grabbed my shoulders, pressing his groin against my naked ass, and kissed me on the nape of my neck. Then, "After, I'll give you a nice massage and eat your pussy again. How's that sound?"

I turned around and put my arms over his shoulders. He put his hands on my waist and pulled me into himself. I could feel him pressing against me; he was erect. We kissed, our tongues danced together.

After we broke the kiss I said, "I'm going to hold you to that."

He didn't answer me. He just gave me a sexy smile, smacked my naked ass once and then walked out of my cabin. He didn't have to answer me. He knew I would be on the bridge before he left sickbay. But I never saw him again after that.

I got dressed, slipped on my Velcro shoes and headed for the elevator room. As I pressed the up elevator button I looked up towards the display to see what floor it was on. It was on the first floor, where sickbay, the doctor's berth and some other accommodations were located. It would take a minute or two to come back to me. I frowned.

It has always puzzled and annoyed me that the rear laborer's entrance to the living section has two elevators and the officer's only have one elevator. I can only surmise that since the only way to get to the James Cook's flight deck or bridge is through the forward elevator, when they built the living section they figured that there would only be a few of individuals using this elevator.

For security, except for a few select custodians and some of the flight crews, only the officers are allowed on the lower flight deck or the bridge. Even then you have to enter your security code to open the rear door of the forward elevator.

But they figured wrong; everyone uses both the forward elevator and the rear elevators. Nor did they take emergencies into consideration.

As soon as the elevator arrived at my floor I entered and pressed the button to go up to the lower flight deck. This particular button slid the hatch closed and then disengaged the electrical magnets holding the elevator onto the elevator room. Immediately I was weightless and started to float around. You'd think that after nineteen months aboard a spaceship I would have learned to grab onto the railings running around the elevator before pressing that button. I guess it's because I was not accustomed to pressing that button; I only entered the James Cook when I had duty there or was called there.

Just as I got to the top of the spiral stairs leading to the bridge another bolt of lightening hit the James Cook. This was the fourth hit and it did more than just knock out an antenna. If you can imagine being on an ocean liner and taking a thirty degree list to starboard after being struck by a torpedo, then you would have a good idea of what happened after this last lightening bolt hit us.

It fried most of our electrical circuits and knocked out our lights. Also, the entire Spaceship James Cook, including the cargo hold, immediately began to rotate clockwise. Pandemonium was everywhere. We suddenly had gravity. Only it was to the wrong part of the ship! The centrifugal force threw everyone to the ceiling of the bridge and flight deck.

It took me a good three minutes to finally get back to the floor of the bridge. Some of the crew were already at their stations, trying to hold on so as not to be thrown back toward the ceiling. Others were still heading, crawling if you will, to their stations.

I immediately ordered a switch to emergency power. With the return of power the lights were restored but that is about all. Only about half of our control panels were restored. Worse than that, we were still spinning.

I knew that the James Cook was not built to withstand the pressure she was now under if we didn't stop the rotation soon. The mass of the cargo hold would tear her apart or in the very least tear off the tail section. I called over to our chief engineer, "Joseph, try to determine what is causing the rotation and stop it."

Next I called to our chief computer officer, "Natalie check our computer for any damage and get it back online."

Then I used the ship's intercom, "Attention all section chiefs, report any damage to the bridge immediately."

I glanced across the bridge. Victoria Rose was still trying to get back to her communication station. "Vickie use the backup antenna and send a report to MC3 as soon as you can." She started to say something but I told her to hold it for later. I didn't have time to listen to her complaining. I was still unaware that we had lost all communications with MC3.

Natalie Amiee was able to report that somehow the lightening didn't touch our computer. Miracles still happen. I watched her tap in a few commands at her keyboard -- how she managed to hold onto her desk and type in the commands without falling back toward the ceiling is a credit to her ability to do her job. Within a minute or two we had control of the flight deck. But we were still spinning.

After about four minutes the chief engineer reported that one of the five huge liquid oxygen tanks attached to the top of the cargo hold had ruptured a valve and was leaking oxygen into space. It was shooting out fast enough to cause us to rotate. He was able to have the computer shut the valve off and stop the spinning but by that time the damage had been done, although we didn't know it at the time.

Then for the next five minutes or so I received reports from various sections of the James Cook's upper and lower flight decks. Everyone reported back that everything was OK. At least their readouts were reporting that everything was alright. I never received any reports of damage from the other sections of the spaceship; it didn't stay in one piece long enough.

After the rotation stopped I radioed down to sickbay to try and locate Captain Butler. Nurse Rebecca told me that he and nurse Brenda left for the airlock in the rear elevator room with the two dead workers just moments earlier. Doc Yves was still busy with the two injured men.

I knew that with Butler on the way to the airlock and the ship's cargo hold, he wouldn't return to the flight deck for another hour or two. I needed him now and I wanted to get in touch with him before he suited up -- unlike the flight decks, the living section and the laborer's sleeping section the cargo hold was not pressurized.

In the meantime I wanted George close by. As bad as George was, I thought it would be better to have someone else of authority alongside me or nearby for appearances if for nothing else -- and for my eventual report to UNESA.

Butler was on his way to the cargo hold, Joshua was below and Juan, although sitting next to me, was just a junior officer. This was his first flight into outer space and he had no experience with emergency situations.

George didn't have any emergency experience either but he was the second officer and I'm sure UNESA would have wanted him on the bridge, if only for appearances sake. Also, like Butler, I wanted him where I knew where he was and what he was doing.

Who should I call first, George or Captain Butler?

At that time I believed the situation was that bad and I was hoping it wouldn't get worse. I didn't think George would answer my call. I figured he would have some kind of lame excuse or another. But I also thought I would at least give it a try. Maybe the James Cook's rotation would have jarred him and he would put his duty over sex. Besides, it would look good on my report to UNESA that I at least tried to get in touch with him.

I also figured it would be easier to put George on alert than to have Butler return to the bridge. I would have to actually talk to Captain Butler and explain what had happened.

But to put George on alert all I had to do was to send a message to his cell TV-phone that we were now in condition red. That way even if he had his cell TV-phone turned off he would receive the message as soon as he turned it on. Then he would have to report to the flight deck, at the very least, in order to receive his orders.

I immediately sent a standard text message out to all twenty-six senior and junior officers to report to their duty stations. To do that all I had to do was to press a button on my own cell TV-phone that we were now in condition red, which took precedence over their off time.

All the officers were issued special cell TV-phones that they were supposed keep with themselves and turned on at all times, especially when they were off duty. George was the only officer who consistently turned his off. He claimed that it was defective and that it shut itself off. No one believed him.

When he finally did report to the bridge, after all the damage had been done, he claimed that he was in his cabin and that he hit his head when the lights were off, temporarily knocking him unconscious. I didn't believe him.

After putting the emergency call in to everyone I then tried to call Butler on his cell TV-phone. I was hoping that I would be able to catch him before he got suited up so that he could abort his trip to the cargo hold until later. But like I said earlier, I never spoke to him again after he left my berth.

As soon as I pushed the send button on my cell TV-phone for my call to Captain Butler a fifth lightening bolt hit us. This one hurt. Instantly, the whole ship shuddered, knocking all of us to the floor. A loud warning bell sounded indicating that the ship's outer hull had a hole in it. We were losing pressure but where?

This continued for about fifteen seconds until the ship's onboard computer slid the proper hatches closed and we were safe -- the airtight hatch on the bridge was locked open. The bells stopped but there was a look of fear in everyone's eyes. Where had the hull been breached?

I called to our chief engineer, "Joseph try and find out what that warning bell was about."

"I'm on it," he called back.

I didn't have to wait long. Natalie reported that the onboard computer indicated that the laborer's sleeping quarters and the cargo hold, along with the five huge liquid oxygen tanks and the five huge liquid hydrogen tanks, were no longer attached to the living section.

This confused me. My first thought was that we had lost our computer and this would allow Jupiter's immense gravitational pull to capture us and we would eventually crash into the planet.

I radioed below for either Elizabeth Dee or Kerri to use the outside telescopic camera to get me a visual on the rear of the James Cook. Joshua answered me that neither the engineer's first mate nor the engineer's second mate had reported in yet.

"Joseph, neither Beth nor Kerri have reported in yet. Go below and get me a visual on the rear of the living section."

He didn't answer me. He was already on his way to the lower flight deck.

I couldn't radio the construction crew's sleeping quarters because it didn't have a two way intercom and I figured Joseph could get me a visual faster than actually sending someone to the rear of the ship.

Nor could I use my override code for control of the camera because the image I would receive on my monitor depended on the ship's computer, which at that time I didn't trust. Whereas the image a person got on the lower flight deck came from the telescopic camera's own computer.

A very tense two minutes later our chief engineer radioed up to me that the latest lightening strike had exploded one of the huge liquid oxygen tanks attached to the top of the cargo hold. The cargo hold and the tail section were torn away, leaving a gaping hole in the rear of the living section.

Later Joseph told me that when he did the visual he also took some pictures of the rear of the living section and what was left of the tail section as it fell away from the James Cook.

After examining the pictures he came to the conclusion that the spinning had probably loosened the connections holding the rear elevator room onto the living section. Then when the lightening bolt exploded the oxygen tank, the elevator room just broke off taking the construction crew's sleeping quarters, the cargo hold, the liquid oxygen tanks and liquid hydrogen tanks with it.

We were lucky. It could have broken apart where the James Cook's forward elevator room is connected to the living section. Then everyone would have died.

Instantly, we lost eighty-nine souls or almost 56% of our compliment of men and women, sixty of whom were construction laborers. At that time I didn't know the actual number of personnel; I got the number later.

The only construction laborers to survive were those who were in the living section at the time of the explosion. Even some of them didn't live because two of the three TV lounges, four of the five games rooms, the gymnasium and both movie theaters lost all their oxygen and pressurization. Everyone using those facilities at that time died when the tail section broke away from the living section.

The cargo hold and James Cook's tail section were now an independent satellite of Jupiter, a satellite that would someday crash into the behemoth. They had no power, no lights, no radio, nothing. Nor did the tail section have any airtight hatches -- a design flaw.

As soon as it tore away from the James Cook all the men and women living there died. Now the James Cook's tail section was just a lifeless hulk attached to an immense boxcar-like cargo hold. Captain Butler was among them. I tried to reach him on his suit's radio but got no response. I assumed that he was already dead or that the explosion broke his radio and he would soon be dead when the oxygen in his suit gave out.




A New Beginning Ch. 01



Nevertheless, I knew that the only way the situation could get worse was if another lightening bolt struck us. I didn't want that to happen as I was sure the James Cook couldn't withstand another lightening strike. I didn't need Joseph the chief engineer, Beth the engineer's first mate or even Kerri the engineer's second mate, to tell me that the lightening was causing all our problems.

I quickly glanced across the bridge. The chief navigation officer was not at her station. I radioed below to the flight officer, "Joshua has Connie reported in yet?"

"No ma'am," he radioed back. "Neither she nor her assistant Constansia are here. Aleks is the only navigation officer on duty at present."

"Then work with her and the two of you plot me a course away from the electrical storm now."

I didn't wait for him to answer me; I radioed the chief engineer, "Joseph, throttle up the engines to one third power."

"One third power, roger that," he answered.

Next I looked over to Juan sitting to my right, "Juan turn her hard to port and steer us away from the storm now! I'll give you some coordinates later. For now just turn us away from the storm."

"Yes ma'am."

I had to assume that Connie and Constansia were among the dead. That's why I told Joshua to stay below and to work with Aleks to plot us a course. I needed someone to work with whatever navigation officer we had to chart us course away from Jupiter as soon as possible.

In case you're wondering why the navigation first officer couldn't plot a course by herself is again due to Butler's orders. He wanted all navigational courses checked by either me or Joshua. He didn't trust Juan because he was just a junior flight officer. Nor he did he trust George because he felt George was incompetent. Captain Butler was not alone in that belief.

It was just Butler's way of making sure we didn't stray off course or something worse. Plotting a course in outer space is a lot more difficult than charting a course across a lake on Earth. I didn't bother changing his rule.

All the senior officers had two assistants, except Joshua, Tom and Louis. These assistants were junior grade officers who were onboard mainly to get experience. Joshua and Tom each had only one assistant and Louis didn't have any. Butler made the decision before we left MC3 that the flight officer and the supply officer only needed one assistant each and the recreation officer didn't need any assistant.

During emergency situations all senior flight officers except navigation were to report to the upper flight deck and their assistants were to report to the lower flight deck; unless they were already on duty on the bridge, in which case they were to just remain where they were until relieved. All navigation officers were to report to the lower flight deck.

George was to report to the bridge because Butler wanted him where he could watch him. Juan, who was Joshua's assistant, and I were to report to the lower flight deck during emergencies.

Since I knew the captain was dead, I stayed where I was on the bridge. Juan was also on the upper flight deck right next to me; I told him just to stay where he was. With Joshua on the lower flight deck and George still not reporting in -- at that time I thought he might be among the dead -- I thought it better if Juan just stayed where he was.

He was taking everything in with extreme calm for someone who had never been in this type of emergency. I was proud of him.

Joshua was the only senior flight officer who did not have a regular watch to stand or a particular duty station. He was really just an extra first officer but he didn't out rank me. He and Butler were close friends and the captain originally wanted him to be the second officer. But George used his political influence and took that away from him. He outranked Joshua by several months of service.

So Joshua came on as a reserve officer, a spare captain if you will. Butler told Joshua that during emergencies he was to use his own judgment to determine where he should go, to the bridge or to lower flight deck.

My first concern was to get us as far away as possible from Jupiter as fast as possible. That's why I ordered him to remain below and to work with Aleks and work up a flight plan.

On another more personal note, I was glad to have Joshua on board. Frequently, Butler would send me a text message on my cell TV-phone ordering me to meet him in his cabin. It was always about something important that he wanted to discuss with me.

Sometimes it was actually about some onboard problem that he needed to talk about. But other times, after I would get there he and Joshua would strip me and then take turns screwing me, sometimes one at a time and at other times both at the same time. They made me feel like I was a shish kabob with one man in my mouth and another man in my vagina.

I didn't mind. In fact, I enjoyed the two of them humping me. As for the text messaging, I also enjoyed the mystery. I never knew whether I was going to his berth to recommend a solution to some onboard problem or for some great sex.

About two or three minutes lapsed from the time of the explosion to the time I ordered the chief to boost up the engines and for Juan to turn the ship to port. It may seem as though I was negligent in waiting so long to issue my orders, but not so.

You have to understand that right after I set foot on the bridge, the fourth bolt of lightening hit us and caused us to spin and for the next fifteen minutes or so everyone was in total confusion. Then no sooner had we gotten control of the ship back when the fifth lightening bolt hit us. It was like a one, two punch.

Not only that, because I could not rely on what the ship's computer was telling us, I also had to wait for a visual confirmation -- the two or three minutes -- before I could make a decision on what to do after the explosion tore the ship in half.

But as soon as I had that confirmation, I gave orders to get the James Cook away from Jupiter. It took me all of five seconds to make that decision.

I didn't make a decision to get us away from Jupiter after the fourth lightening strike because I wanted to inform Captain Butler about what was happening, what I thought we should do and to get his opinion on what he thought we should do. But as I stated, I never got through to him.

Within a few seconds after issuing my orders I felt the vibration of the James Cook's engines. I momentarily glanced up from the monitor and the controls in front of me to look through the windows of the flight deck and watched Jupiter begin to slowly move to the right as the nose of our spaceship turned to port. I said a silent prayer that the lightening would not strike us again.

Then it hit me . . . like a ton of bricks. With more than half of our officers, crew members and laborers dead -- I figured that at least that many had died when the ship broke apart -- and the cargo hold gone, the mission was over. Before we could even get started we were finished. I knew then and there that the only thing left to do was to head back to Earth. I was heartsick. I wanted to cry but I knew better.

I called over to our chief communication officer, "Vickie send a report to MC3 informing them as to what happened and tell them that the captain is dead. Tell them that I'll send a detailed report later."

She stared at me with a bewildered look on her face, "We don't have communication with anyone Toni. I tried to tell you earlier that both our main and backup antennae were out, but you shut me up."

It was another shock to my already frazzled nerves. "What about the short range antenna?" I vainly asked her; I already knew the answer.

"There's no way to tell if it's working until we're near Mars or some other space station. Until then the only communication we have is within the ship itself."

I momentarily closed my eyes in expiration. I knew that there was no way to inform MC3 of our damage, the lost cargo hold or of our dead crew members. There was no way to tell UNESA that we had to abort the mission.

After several minutes I radioed down to security and ordered Chantelle to get with her two assistants and to make a detailed inspection of the ship -- what was left of it. She radioed back that her second security officer had not reported in. I told her to work with what she had. I needed to know exactly what damage we had sustained.

The security officer was about the only officer I could spare at that time who had enough knowledge of the James Cook and the living section to make such an inspection. I didn't want to send Joseph the chief engineer or Beth his first mate because I needed them at their duty stations in case another lightening bolt hit us.

Beth had reported in just moments before and Joseph made a decision to remain below and sent her to the bridge. Kerri, Joseph's second mate, had not reported in at that time. I presumed her to be dead.

Next I called Louis on his cell TV-phone and ordered him to get a printout from the computer of all personnel onboard. Then go through the living section with Father Ray, the Catholic priest, count the live bodies and check off the names of everyone who was still living.

I needed a list of both of the living and of the dead. I knew that if we ever did get communications restored with MC3 then I would need their names for my report. Since the recreation officer was about the only person who did not have any assigned duty, I got him to make up the lists for me.

After about an hour Louis was able to get back with me.

From our original compliment of 159, we had 70 souls onboard, 19 officers counting myself, 22 crew members, 4 prostitutes and 25 construction laborers -- Father Ray was listed as a crew member. Of the survivors, only two of the laborers were injured -- the two men who had been struck by the bolt of lightening. Doc Yves reported that neither of them was expected to live.

The dead included Captain Butler, Connie the chief navigation officer, Constanisia the second navigation officer, Kerri the engineer's second mate, Brian the second security officer, Tom the supply officer and Nurse Brenda.

Of these seven individuals Butler, Connie and Tom were senior officers the others were junior officers. There were twelve prostitutes, ten crew members and sixty construction laborers among the dead.

Since the James Cook was on her maiden voyage and this was the first manned flight to Jupiter, I felt something akin to being one of the first class survivors of the RMS Titanic. Many of the Titanic's first and second class passengers made out OK; it was the third class passengers who took the brunt of the catastrophe. It was the same here. It was most of the construction crews who had their dreams destroyed.

As for my dream, I didn't know it at the time but my nightmare was about to begin.

To be continued . . . 



A New Beginning Ch. 01



Raven lowered the infant seat to the ground next to the marble headstone and sat down in front of the stone. "Hi Jimmy. I needed to come see you. I know it's been a while since I've been here, but things have been crazy. Our daughter is beautiful. I've named her Jenny. She's six months old today. I wish you were here with us, especially today." Raven sniffled and made no effort to wipe at the tears that poured down her cheeks. Jenny, sensing her mother's distress, let out a troubled cry. "Do you hear her Jimmy? She misses her daddy too. I'll take good care of her, I promise." Raven kissed the headstone, pushed herself up, lifted the car seat and walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"That isn't how we do things!" Mage exclaimed as she attempted to correct Beth's new chef's mistake.

"This is my kitchen bitch and you will step off!" the chef growled.

"Your name is Gary isn't it?" Mage asked.

"Yes, so what?" Gary asked. He watched as Mage pulled the new dishes off of the rack and set them on the counter.

"Well Gary, I happen to know that Beth would never authorize the purchase of dishes that color to be used in her restaurant," Mage said. She reached for a pasta bowl and winced when Gary's hand curled around her wrist.

"Touch that bowl and I'll break your arm," Gary threatened.

"What is going on in here?" Beth demanded to know as she stepped into the kitchen, Cole following right behind.

"This fucking cunt is trying to remove my dishes!" Gary snarled.

"Take your hand off of her," Cole warned, his voice low. When Gary hesitated, Cole let out a low, menacing growl. Gary quickly let go of Mage's arm and she pulled the pasta bowl from it's spot and handed it to Beth.

"Are you alright Mage?" Beth asked.

"I'll live, I've been injured worse," Mage said lightly, trying to hide her anger. Beth chuckled and shook her head as she watched Mage's eyes flash once before returning to their normal color. Beth took the pasta bowl from Mage and turned back to Gary. 

"I like the shape and the size of the bowls, they would be perfect if not for the color," Beth told him.

"What's wrong with the color?" Gary demanded. 

"Nobody wants to eat off of plates that are puke green," Beth informed him. She flipped the bowl over and studied the initials scratched into the bottom. "Did you make these?" Beth wanted to know. Gary nodded.

"I make a set for every restaurant I work at, I chose green because of how earthy Gambit looks," Gary answered.

"Can they be repainted?" Beth asked. Gary nodded. "I have no problem with the color green, just not puke green. Make it look a little brighter, maybe moss green, but a glossy moss green," Beth suggested. Gary nodded again. "And from now on, if Mage or Raven or any of my family tells you something, listen to them," Beth told him firmly, her tone left no room for argument. 

"Yes Ma'am," Gary said.

"Now put all the white dishes back up until yours are repainted and dry," Beth instructed. Gary nodded and began pulling dishes down.

Beth, Cole and Mage walked back into the dining room and Beth waved at Xavier who was sitting at a table with his sisters Rogue and Sydney and his twin brother Charles. Xavier waved back and turned his attention back to his nephew Joey, who was demanding the teething bagel that Xavier was dangling in front of him.

"Don't tease him Xave," Cole warned as his infant son lunged forward and scratched at Xavier. Xavier dropped the bagel to the table and Joey picked up the bagel and began gumming at it.

"That child is always eating," Raven said from the doorway. Beth turned towards her cousin, walked over to and gave her a tight hug as Raven and Jenny joined the group.

"How are you?" Beth asked.

"I just came from the cemetery," Raven murmured. Beth and Mage exchanged worried glances. "Today was supposed to be our wedding day," Raven reminded them.

"I'm sorry Rave," Mage told her sister. She joined Beth and Raven and the three girls hugged each other.

"Mamamamama!" Beth looked up and grinned when she saw one of her girls reaching for her.

"Which one is that?" Raven asked.

"Marissa. Mel is still sleeping," Beth answered, taking the small girl from her father. The look Cole gave Beth could have melted the iceberg that sunk the Titanic and she blushed. 

"Busy today," Raven commented.

"Yes. The whole mess with Joe seems to have finally blown over," Beth said softly. Tears of anger at what her cousin had done filled Raven's eyes and Beth gave her another sympathetic smile. Xavier handed Joey over to Cole, stood up and walked over to Raven.

"How are you?" Xavier asked Raven softly.

"I'm okay considering," Raven murmured. Before another word could be said, a cold and dark chill filled the dining room.

"Now what?" Mage snarled as she and Beth looked around.

"Death to witches!" a deep, raspy voice shouted. Mage, Beth and Raven exchanged glances; Raven passed Jenny off to Xavier before joining Beth and Mage in a circle.

"Where dark spirits dwell, take us out of this hell. Light the way, shine bright and reveal to us, this spirit's sight!" Beth, Raven and Mage chanted together. Light shined from the center of the circle and shined outwards to the corners of the restaurant. Above the door, a mark in the shape of a skull wearing a pointed hat next to a scythe was revealed by the beams of light.

"Oh fuck!" Raven spat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What now?" Xavier asked, as he followed Raven out of Gambit.

"Not now Xavier, please," Raven murmured. She unlocked her car and dropped the infant seat into the base. 

"What's going on Rave?" Xavier asked, eyes wide as a large, dark funnel cloud barreled towards them.

"I don't know," Raven said softly. Xavier quickly grabbed the car seat and pushed Raven out of the way of the sudden storm. The storm dissipated as quickly as it formed and Raven found herself pressed against Xavier's hard body. His erection was impossible to miss and her cheeks flushed, Raven pushed herself away from Xavier's embrace. "I should go," Raven murmured as she reached for Jenny's car seat with shaking hands.

"Let me take you home," Xavier said in a tone that left no room for argument. He carried the car seat back to Raven's Kia Sorento and slid it into the base before opening the passenger door.

"What about your car?" Raven asked.

"I'll call Cole and ask him to take it back to the house," Xavier answered. Raven got into the car and Xavier closed the door behind her.

~~~~~~~~~

"Raven, you okay in there?" Xavier asked. When Raven didn't answer, Xavier cautiously opened the door and swallowed hard when he saw Raven sitting naked on the bed. "Rave?" Xavier asked again. He stepped inside the room and closed the door with a frown when Raven still didn't answer. "Raven?" Xavier placed his hand on her shoulder and Raven jumped. "You okay? You've been in here for over an hour," Xavier looked at her in concern; his frown deepened when he saw the large dark circles below Raven's brown eyes.

"I'm fine," Raven said softly.

"Bull shit," Xavier growled.

"What?" Raven asked, startled.

"You aren't fine. I've been watching you since Jimmy died. You're walking around like a zombie. The only thing keeping you going is Jenny! From the looks of things, you hardly sleep and according to Beth, you're hardly eating enough to keep a bird alive!" Xavier exclaimed.

"Is it so hard to believe that I miss Jimmy?" Raven snapped, standing up and walking over to the fire place.

"Of course not! We know you miss Jimmy, but you're forgetting everyone and everything else except for Jenny! Jimmy might be physically gone, but he's still here! He's here because of the love you shared, the love and relationship he shared with Mage and Beth and more importantly, Jimmy is in Jenny! You're withering away Rave! And for what? So you can leave your beautiful daughter to be with your fiancee?" Xavier exclaimed. 

"Get out Xavier," Raven said, her voice low, angry.

"No," Xavier told her. Raven's eyes widened. "I'm not leaving you here to wallow in self pity," he added. Raven twirled her finger in the air before pointing it at Xavier; a large crystal vase flew off of the bookshelf and towards Xavier. He deflected it easily and the vase landed in this hands instead of on the wall behind him. "I only saved the vase because Jimmy made it for you and I know what it means to you," Xavier told her. Raven grabbed a large paper weight and threw it at him; Xavier let the weight hit the wall behind him with a loud thud. "You're lucky that Mage and Logan came and took Jenny for the night," Xavier said. Raven growled.

"Who gave you the right to let anyone take my daughter?!" Raven shouted.

"Mage told me you'd given her permission to take Jenny for the night," Xavier answered. He took the few steps needed to cross the space between them and pulled Raven into his arms. "You need some sleep Rave, you can't keep going like this," Xavier said gently, his eyes full of compassion. "I've been where you are babe, and it isn't a good place, I know. But you need to let go and allow yourself to live. Jimmy will understand," Xavier told her.

"What the fuck do you know about what I'm going through?" Raven shouted, pushed Xavier away from her. 

"My mate died three years ago, giving birth to our first set of cubs," Xavier answered. Raven stared at Xavier, the pain in his eyes made it obvious that he was not lying. "If it weren't for the stubborn personalities of Cole and Charles, I wouldn't be here right now," he added, holding out both of his wrists. Raven could see the scars. "I took a bottle full of Vicodin and used a silver plated letter opener. Cole found me just in time," Xavier murmured. 

"I'm sorry," Raven whispered.

"I thought it was my fault. She was human, and she didn't want to be turned. Her body couldn't handle giving birth to a half were and it killed her," Xavier added. Raven winced at the pain and regret she saw in Xavier's eyes.

"It wasn't your fault," Raven murmured.

"It was and yet, it wasn't," Xavier said. "I should have convinced her to turn, but I can't change the past any more than you can," Xavier added. Raven walked back over to Xavier and gave him a hug. Xavier wrapped his arms around Raven's petite frame and held her close, his eyes closed as he inhaled the smell of her body wash. "You smell like spring." Raven pulled back a little, a small smile on her face.

"That's because my body wash is called spring rain," she murmured. Xavier stared into Raven's eyes for several moments before he lowered his head and kissed her.

"God you're beautiful," Xavier groaned as he pulled away. Raven shook her head and gasped as Xavier got down on his knees and began suckling from her left breast while kneading the other one with his hand.

"Xavier," Raven whimpered. He looked up at her through mischievous eyes as he continued to suckle her breast. Xavier slid his free hand slowly down Raven's body until his fingers brushed the patch of hair between her legs. Raven gasped and tried to move away. Xavier removed the hand from Raven's breast to hold her in place while his fingers dipped up inside her. Raven closed her eyes and moaned. "We shouldn't do this," Raven protested.

"Why not?" Xavier asked, nibbling on her neck.

"It's too soon!" Raven exclaimed.

"It's been over a year Rave, let yourself go, just for tonight," Xavier reminded her. He kissed her neck again before kissing her lower and lower. He suckled her left breast then the right before working his way down her body while his fingers ignited a fire within her.

"Oh God!" Raven panted as she felt Xavier's lips against her belly button.

"Beautiful," he whispered, sliding a third finger up into her pussy.

"Xavier, please," Raven whimpered.

"Please what?" Xavier asked as he kissed the inside of her thigh.

"No," Raven moaned.

"No what?" Xavier asked. Raven sucked in a breath when she felt Xavier's lips connect with her pussy.

"Oh God!" Raven moaned as streaks of desire pulsed through her. Xavier chuckled, sending vibrations through her. Xavier slipped his hand back up her body and cupped her breast.

"Why ... are ... you ... doing ... this?" Raven asked with a groan.

"We need each other," Xavier answered before he assaulted her clit with his tongue. Raven grabbed Xavier's shoulders as sensations long forgotten rushed through her. Xavier, taking notice of the fact that Raven had gone almost completely limp, removed his hand from her breast and wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her. Without removing his fingers, Xavier inched Raven backwards until the back of her legs hit the bed. Once Xavier was satisfied that Raven wasn't going to fall over, he continued his attack on her clit, groaning at the noises coming from Raven's throat. The wolf in him was impatient; he wanted Raven and he wanted her now. Xavier jumped as he felt Raven's small hands on the clasp of his jeans and he groaned as his pants fell down past his knees and pooled at his ankles. The cool breeze blowing over his stiffening cock told him that Raven had managed to get his boxers down his legs as well.

"Take her now!" his wolf screamed. Xavier muttered a quiet apology to Raven as he pulled his fingers out of her and pressed his cock into her. Raven gasped in surprise, but her gasp quickly turned into a moan. She felt so full, more full than she'd ever been with Jimmy and Raven felt ashamed that she was comparing Jimmy and Xavier. Xavier began thrusting hard and fast within her and Raven met him thrust for thrust, whimpers tore from her throat as he drove her higher and higher. Xavier tried to get control of the wolf, but his wolf was having none of it. Xavier thrust once more, deeper than his previous thrusts had gone and Raven screamed as he drove her over the edge, her body was shaking with the force of her orgasm and Xavier, whose wolf was in control, bit Raven's shoulder, making the orgasm more intense. Raven's eyes snapped open as the orgasm faded as she recognized what was happening. Xavier's wolf was connecting with her, mating with her. Raven tried to push Xavier off of her, but it was too late; she winced as she felt his cock embed itself with in her as his cum spewed into her.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't control my wolf." Raven looked at Xavier in surprise, he hadn't spoken a word and he gave a crooked grin.

"We're mated Raven. The wolf equivalent to being married; you can hear my thoughts and I can hear yours," Xavier explained.

"Oh yeah?" Raven asked. Xavier nodded. "Then what the fuck am I thinking?" Raven wanted to know. The small smile on Xavier's face faded when he heard her thoughts: "I want a divorce."



A New Beginning Ch. 01



Disclaimer...this is the start of a series of chapters and it starts slow, if mind blowing sex and instant Domination is your bag, come back later, if not read on, its my first attempt at writing and all comments will be greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy.

*****

"You have arrived at your destination" the sickly sweet voice of my sat nav informed me.

I went through the usual routine, switching the damn thing off, opening my glove box and all but throwing it in, locking the glove box and cleaning the screen. 

A routine I followed every time I used it, yet today I was taking far longer, my movements slower, more deliberate, time wasting I suppose.

I glanced down at the clock and saw I had 10 minutes, a quick look up the drive brought home to me that I had better get moving else I would be late, not a prospect I relished.

Swinging my legs out the drivers seat, I subconsciously tugged down on my skirt, adjusted my top and started walking towards the large iron gates that framed the entrance to the drive. 

As I neared them, I took in the beautiful scroll work, the shining gold spikes that donned the top, the initials MA entwined together that created a seal in the middle.

I looked round for an intercom, seeing nothing. 

It was the right place, it had to be, I had followed instructions to the letter. I'm good at following instructions, its in my nature.

I suppose at this point I should introduce myself. My name is Alannah, Irish Gaelic for Darling Child, or daring child as my mammie used to say.

I'm indeed from Eire, the Emerald Isle I now live away from, but shall always be home. 

I'm 36 years old, 5' 5" and weight about 8 stone soaking wet.

My breasts are a neat 32C but my nipples are my crowning glory, large, sensitive and a beautiful pink colour, oh and I'm submissive. 

In everyday life I have a great job, I am in charge of a reasonably large group of people and deal with issues and problems all day long. 

When I get home from work however my true self takes off my clothes the minute I walk through the door, puts on my collar, wrist restraints, ankle restraints and inserts a dildo into my cunt, kneels and waits for my One to get home,.

Or rather I did, until 9 months ago when it all went wrong, but that's another story.

This story is the start of my returning to the life I cannot live without, I tried, I really did, but after 3 months I found myself browsing internet sites again, reading stories, chatting with people.

I even ventured back to the club I had spent so many happy years at with my One. 

It was here I met MA, a mysterious figure who rarely came to the club, but was one of the founding members. 

The stories were legendary and re told over and over, yet he was known to few, who said little. I had heard about him previously but I was so content with my One, he failed to even register in my mind. 

It started 3 months ago when I was at the club one night, wearing the red wristband that declared I was not playing, just socialising, my safety net.

I was at the bar claiming my second and final allowed alcoholic drink, a neat Bushmills malt whiskey, no ice, when the room seemed to stop.

Silence so quiet it was eerie, seconds earlier the room had been filled with the sounds of people chatting, whips whistling through the air, cries of pain and pleasure stimulating the senses, then nothing. 

Just the sound of footsteps clicking across the stone floor. 

I turned to look, as I think everyone who was not restrained did, what I saw caused me to catch my breath, my heart pounding as I saw Him. MA himself, here in the club.

Imposing is the only word that sprang to mind, 6' 4", toned with shoulders to die for.

I am a shoulders girl through and through, from the front or back a strong pair of toned shoulders is enough to make me gasp in pleasure. 

Dark hair, and piercing grey eyes that seemed to see everything, through everything, a bolt of lighting seemed to jolt my whole body as they locked on mine.

I could not breath, could not blink, I sat there as if frozen in time as I watched Him walk towards me, glance down at the red band round my wrist, sat down next to me.

His eyes still locked on mine, as if He could see into my soul. "neat whiskey , things must be bad." 

I just stared at Him, words forming in my brain but not quite reaching my mouth. 

"I don't bite little one" a slight chuckle then "well not always anyway." 

I felt a smile tug at the corners of my mouth at this cheesy comment, making Him seem more human, more real. 

I managed to stammer an introduction. 

I remember Him laughing and saying "ah the whisky is explained, you are Irish, I could listen to you talk all evening." 

Which is what we did, much to the surprise of pretty much everyone in the club.

I ignored the dirty looks I was getting, the whispered comments barely registering as we spent the evening chatting about everything and anything, everything except the lifestyle.

Funny really, sitting in a BDSM club talking about football, rugby, the price of shopping whilst people were involved in bondage activities all around us. 

Our drinks now non alcoholic being served by a beautiful blonde wearing nothing but a few leather straps, leaving little to the imagination, yet not once did the subject of S&M arise. 

That evening flew by, before I knew it the club had wound down, the barmaid ringing the bell for last orders and realisation I had stayed far longer than I had planned hit home.

I was going to be a wreck in the morning. He saw me glance at my watch and held out His hand, in it a card, "not now Alannah, but when you get home , have a read, let me know." 

I took the card, a slight tremor in my hand as I stuffed it, without looking into my handbag.

I stood as He did, and not quite knowing what to do I held out my hand, He took it in His and I felt that jolt of lightning again, my eyes widened.

He chuckled softly and merely said "I hope you get in touch, My evening has been greatly enhanced by your company." 

He turned and walked off before I could say a word.

I walked home that night in record time, the card burning a hole in my handbag,.

I had barely opened my door when I tipped the contents of my handbag unceremoniously on the hall table. 

My hands shaking as I rummaged through the junk I find necessary to carry around with me, till my fingers found the now crumbled business card. 

I paused for a minute, suddenly unsure of myself, questions running amok through my mind. 

I took a deep breath and through caution to the wind, looking down I saw the script writing, bold and black almost jumping off the white card. 

2 sentences that would change my life: MA and underneath a yahoo messenger address. 

I should have gone straight to bed there and then, but curiosity got the better of me, why me? 

I hadn't dressed for the club, just black leggings and a bustier, I wasn't what you would call beautiful, not ugly.

Just girl next door, red hair, freckles and greeny blue eyes that seemed to change colour depending on my mood, hell I was even wearing the red band, the stay away band as it was nicknamed!

So why had the illusive MA spent more time with me than anyone else in the club, in its history? 

I hated unanswered questions, a trait that frequently gets me into trouble. 

So I found myself firing up my ancient lap top, swore at it lots till it finally cranked into life enough for me to open my Yahoo messenger.

With my hands trembling I typed in the user name He had given me and sent a request. 

I figured I would hear back in the morning so went to log out, when a message binged, my request had been accepted and a chat window appeared.

To cut a long 3 months short, from that first night we chatted at every available moment, Him learning a lot about me, and me learning a little about Him. 

All leading to this moment now, me standing wondering, just how to get through these gates separating me from the man I was about to give myself to. 

We had not met again since that night in the club, or even spoken, our communication limited to instant messages, yet I knew in my heart that this was where I belonged, where I needed to be. 

I reached into my handbag to pull out my phone. 

The last IM had given me a postcode, a date, time and phone number to be used if necessary.

I figured since I was meant to present myself at His door, which I had no way of reaching unless I clambered over 8' iron spiked gates in 6" heels, it was classed as a necessary use of the number.

I found my phone just as I heard the clanking sounds of gates opening, looking up I saw the initials MA separate as the two sides of the gates swung apart from each other. 

This was it, this was the moment I had been waiting for, so why would my legs not move?

Looking up the drive I willed myself to move, slowly I started towards the open gates.

The gravel crunching under my feet, having to concentrate in my heels not to stumble, my steps tentative, each move deliberate, my mind blank as I focused on the door coming into view, closer with each step to the start of my new life.

After what seemed to be an age I finally reached the massive, oversized wooden door, varnished to within an inch of its life, an equally oversized wrought iron door knocker cast with the initials MA sat proud in the middle of the door.

I reached up and knocked once, the sound echoing across the courtyard. 

The door swung open and I dropped to my knees and looked up into the piercing grey eyes that had haunted me since that night in the club. 

The smile playing on His lips reaching His eyes, as he took in my outfit, a mid thigh length black pencil skirt, and the bustier I had been wearing the night we met, the matt black high heeled shoes hidden under my bottom. 

The simple silver St Christopher pendant I never took off hanging just above my cleavage. 

He knew without looking I was naked underneath, I had followed his instructions to the letter, down to the subtle make up , a hint of blusher, the green eyeshadow, and a smear of clear lip gloss. 

As I said following instructions is what I do best. 

"Good girl, you please Me greatly, now come." 

His accent deep and rumbling , commanding yet subtle, melting my insides. 

A man of few words I thought to myself yet every word seemed laced with meaning.

They did however pose me with my first dilemma, did I stand? crawl?

How was I meant to go to Him, instinctively I dropped from my kneel position into a crawl and started to crawl towards Him.

His smile telling me that I had made the right decision. He backed into the hallway, never taking his eyes off me as I crawled my way into His home, my home possibly, the thought making me shiver visibly. 

He stopped, held up His hand in a stop position and walked back past me to close the door.

The thud as it shut seemed to vibrate right through every inch of my body.

The noise sounding so final, my way out had gone. I didn't want a way out and I am sure if I asked to leave, the door would again be opened and I could walk away back to my life. 

However for a split second panic rose through my chest, my body shook, and I almost missed the warmth of His touch gently on my back.

That simple touch, a flat palm resting at the base of my spine seemed to radiate heat, love, appreciation far more than any words could have. 

It calmed me instantly, a sigh escaping my lips as the tension seemed to transfer away from my body through His hand. 

"It's late My precious gem and as much as I want to give you the tour and spend all night enjoying your company, I need you fresh and ready in the morning, we have a lot of talking to do, important details to make sure you are comfy with the decision you have made by knocking on My door tonight, do you understand?"

I blinked for what seemed like the first time since entering the house, and found my mouth was dry, licking my lips and swallowing a few times I could only reply, croaking,

"Yes Sir, I understand." 

We had agreed early on in our IM conversations that I would call Him Sir, till we found out if I was ready to accept a new Master, and indeed if I was suited to being His submissive. 

He had used several terms of affection for me in that time, usually using little one or precious gem. 

A token towards my coming from the Emerald Isle, I was His treasure He had said, and gems were the most precious of all. 

A tug on a corded gold coloured rope brought a beautiful girl scurrying from one of the rooms off the long wide hallway, she was stunning, my breath caught in my throat as she approached. 

She was dressed in a floaty black sheer dress, glints of silver catching the light, she was obviously naked underneath and I couldn't work out where the silver shimmering was coming from.

I suddenly realised I was kneeling on the floor in a strange house being approached by a vision of perfection. 

The panic I had felt dissolve moments ago returning in force, I looked round wildly, making an attempt to rise from my knees, the hand returning to my back keeping me gently in position.

A soft breath on my neck as He whispered in my ear; 

"Calm down little one, its ok this is Silky, she is going to look after you tonight, you are safe with her, trust me, remember all the chats we have had, all the moments that have brought us here, tonight, together, you trusted Me enough to be here, trust Me now to stay here." 

I nodded slowly, his words breaking through my panic, it had been my decision to come, my hand that had lifted the knocker, my knees that had propelled me into His home.

My breathing slowed, my shaking slowly settled and I felt that calmness that seemed to radiate from Him seep into my pores. 

"Say it little one, I need to hear you want to be here." Whispered the voice in my ear again.

"Yes Sir, I want to stay, I'm sor..." 

I didn't get any further before he cut me off.

"Shhhh there are no apologises needed, I would have been a little worried if you just crawled in and accepted all this straight away, but tonight is not the time for serious conversation. Treat it as a night in a hotel, before a next day meeting. Get some sleep and in the morning when emotions have settled a little you will be in a better frame of mind to decide where we go from here." 

My voice stronger now as his words permeated my brain,

"Yes Sir, thank you Sir." I found myself saying. 

The vision I now knew to be Silky had dropped to her knees at His feet whilst I had been busy panicking, an action in itself that seemed to calm me further.

He bent and whispered in her ear, words I couldn't hear, before returning His attention to me, bending to plant the softest of kisses on my forehead.

"Sleep well My gem, we will talk in the morning, obey silky like you would obey Me this evening." 

Closing my eyes softly and drinking in the velvet tones of his voice I replied " Yes Sir, good night Sir."

Silky rose from her position once He had disappeared from sight, beckoning me to do the same. 

"Come, follow me. I will show you to your room for tonight, Master has given you the guest room, you are very lucky you know, its been 3 years since He has allowed anyone else into His home." 

Her voice was a shock compared to her looks, in my mind I had imagined a soft sing song voice, gentle edged, yet when she spoke she had the nasal twang that comes from growing up in Newcastle. 

A place I had spent a few years early on in my career and a place I always looked forward to going back to.

I smiled warmly and went to speak, she cut me off before I started with a raised hand.

"I am to show you to your room and make sure you have everything you need, but I am not allowed to talk to you tonight. Master wants you to sleep and let the emotions that led you here to settle before we discuss anything with you, He wants you to make any decisions with your head, not your heart." 

"or your cunt." She added laughing quietly.

"Its not that I don't want to talk to you, but I remember my first night here, I would have agreed to anything and its not the best way to make a life changing decision!, tomorrow all your questions will be answered."

I nodded my head.

"I understand," I said, "you are right, you share His wisdom and I thank you." 

This brought a tinge of a blush to her cheeks as she bowed her head slightly and continued to walk along the seemingly endless maze of corridors till we reached a door.

Opening the door she stood to one side and ushered me forwards. 

Not for the first time that night I gasped, this time as the luxury of the room made me open my eyes in awe. 

It was better than most of the 5 star hotels I had stayed in. 

The carpet thick and fluffy, the wallpaper a glorious shade of wild green, the curtains draped over gold poles, the bed a huge king sized four poster with sheer draped fabric, the bedding complimenting the colour of the walls, a bedside cabinet of walnut topped with a huge vase filled with daffodils, my favourite flower. 

That simple vase of flowers affected me more than the rest of the room.

He had remembered. I smiled, my eyes shining with unshed tears as the mixed emotions raged through my mind. 

The last time I had bought Daffs was to put on the final resting place of my One, yet here I was looking at them blooming in the house of a man I was about to take the first steps towards my future.

I had a feeling wherever Dietmar was now, he would be proud of me, and that one thought had my smile beating the tears. 

Silkys voice roused me from my thoughts, I turned to face her, hearing her tell me she would leave me now and would wake me in the morning. 

"Night silky, thank you again." I murmured softly as she turned and walked out the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I stood for a minute, just turning on the spot, taking in every inch of the room.

It wasn't what I expected for my first night as a new submissive, but as I reminded myself I wasn't yet.

I wouldn't be until we had both had the chance to make sure face to face it was what we wanted. 

Yes, over the past 3 months we had gotten to know one another.

He knew about Dietmar, I knew that something similar had affected His life and that He understood.

I knew He had hard limits as did I, but we had left these as bare facts till we met again.

In short we knew enough to know we had a connection and I was here to see if it was a connection to build on or walk away from.

I stripped and folded my clothes neatly and placed them on a old fashioned antique chair in the corner of the room. 

Wandering back over to the bed, the fluffy carpet caressing my feet as I walked the few steps over to the bed. 

Throwing back the duvet I sank onto the mattress that seemed to wrap itself around me in a comforting hug, reached down pulled the covers right up to my chin, cocooning myself in a safe haven, closed my eyes and my last thoughts before I drifted off were just what was that silver shimmering... 

*****

Shall I continue, or just go back to being a reader? Please vote, comment and if there is anyone who could help me editing the story please drop me a line. Thank you in advance.



A New Beginning Ch. 02



Wes woke up then glanced over at Deana to make sure she was still sleeping. He wanted to order something extra special for breakfast. He called room service and said, “Is John there?” 

“This is John,” the person replied. “How I can help you, “he said.

Wes whispered into the phone, “Do you remember our plans? Ok good, make sure you deliver our breakfast in 30 minutes. Yes, she is with me now, but sleeping. “

He propped his pillow up and leaned back thinking about the plans he made with John. He wondered if Deana would do a threesome. She always told him that she fantasized about it all the time. 

He jumped when Deana caressed his arm saying, “Good morning lover, isn‘t it a beautiful day? Can we order breakfast? I‘m so hungry I could eat my slippers. “

Wes grinned, kissed her, and said, “I already ordered it honey, hope you don’t mind. Deana, lets spend the whole weekend together. I know it would do us both good to spend this time together. Call your sister and tell her you will not be home until late Sunday, please. “

She replied, “Oooh darling, yes I would love to spend the weekend with you. You were so wonderful last night. h baby, I cannot get enough of you. Let me call her now.”

Deana spoke briefly on the phone then turned to Wes and giggled. She said, “Wes, I am yours for the whole weekend. My oh my, what shall we do?“ She kissed him, running her fingers through his hairy chest. 

A knock on the door broke their kiss. Wes yelled, “Just a minute,” then put his robe on and walked over to the door. He looked through the peephole then opened the door and said, “Hello John, you’re just in time, she was threatening to eat her slippers.” 

Deana was already sitting at the table when the man sat the tray down on the table. She looked at his nametag it read John. She said, “Good morning.” Then recalled a conversation she had with Wes online, he was telling her his best friend’s name was John. She wondered if he was the same person.

She looked over at Wes. He was standing near the door talking to John. She could not make out what they were saying, but noticed John ogling her as he spoke. When their eyes met, he smiled and said, “Hello, I need to go to my cart and bring in the coffee.”

When John left, Wes sat down at the table and said, “Deana, would you like to fuck John?”

Deana blushed; she just knew that Wes had more fun planned for her. Several times in their chats, she had told him she fantasized about having sex with two men at the same time. She wanted to make Wes happy and she really liked John’s looks.

John was not as handsome as Wes, but they both looked great to her. As she thought about fucking the two of them, she trembled and felt her nipples hardened and her pussy dampen with moisture. She looked at Wes and said, “Yes, I want to fuck the both of you.”

John knocked on the door and Wes let him in. When John entered the room, he almost dropped the coffee. Deana was naked lying on the bed. Deana looked at John and said, “Wes said he would like me to tip you?”

She was so jittery; this weekend was the first time she made love to Wes. It was also the first time anyone fucked her ass. Now this was the first time she would be with two men at the same time. She could not believe it--she was letting a man she just met--fuck her. 

John laughed loudly and said, “Well baby, Wes said I could do anything I wanted except for one thing--kiss you!” 

John climbed onto the bed and spread her legs wide. He took his index finger and rubbed it up and down her slit. He then separated her lips and rubbed his cock across her clit feeling her quiver with anticipation. Grabbed her hips and shoved his cock deep into her pussy. Oh god, her pussy was so tight, it seemed to suck him deeper inside with each thrust.

Wes uttered to himself, "Oh God, she is so fucking hot! He ran his tongue over his lips. He grabbed his hard cock and stoked it a few time then moved toward her wanting lips. He rubbed the head of his cock on her lips, smearing them with precum. 

Deana opened her mouth and engulfed Wes’s hard member. “Oh fuck, this feels so good, I have never been so turned on,” she told herself. “Oooh yes,” she was really enjoying it. While John fucked her pussy, Wes was getting a blowjob. 

John could not believe his eyes. She was so fucking gorgeous. He fucked her hard, his breathing quickened and he shouted, “Ooooh fuck, I’m cumming!”

As soon as John screamed, Wes filled her mouth with his sweet nectar. Deana began to shake hard as the climax overtook her body and screamed, “Oh god, I’m cumming! “ Cuming for what seemed like the eighth time in fourteen hours.

John hugged Deana close and said, “Thanks honey--and if you ever you need some fun--please call me.” He wrote his phone number and email address down on the back of their bill and handed it to her. Then told them both goodbye and left the room.

Wes kissed her then asked, “Well did you enjoy it darling?”

Deana winked and said, “Ooooh yes, baby, I loved you!”

Deana squealed, “I have an idea, let’s take a shower together.” She walked into the bathroom, closed the shower curtain, and turned on the water adjusting the temperature until it was just right.

Wes came up from behind her and nuzzled her neck, then turned her around and kissed her deeply. Then uttered, “Deana we are so good for each other. I love you baby.”

They climbed into the shower together. Wes said, “Hand me the soap, love, and turn around. I’m going to wash you till you’re squeaky clean.” He slowly washed her making sure he caressed every sexy crevice she had. Then he handed her another washcloth and said, “Your turn honey.”

Deana began to wash his back and when she came to his buttocks she chirped, “Ooooh your ass is sexy.” She slapped it softly saying, “I’m jealous, your ass is flatter then mine.” She continued washing him lingering on his cock and balls and said, “That’s a nice package you’ve got there darling, and just think, its all mine now….mmm! “ 

Wes helped her out of the shower. He dried her back then she did his. Then scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. 

Then reached for the scented massage oil and delicately rubbed it all over her body and said, “Oh Deana, your skin is as soft as a baby’s behind.”

Deana turned over and told Wes to lie down. Then took the same oil and gingerly massaged it all over his body. She worked his skin with her magic fingers and said, “Honey, I love your strong and masculine body. I am glad I agreed to meet you. This has been the best day I have ever had for a long time. 

They spend the rest of the day snuggled in each other arms. Talking about their future, their dreams, and their new-found love. 

Wes kissed her cheek and said, “Just think my love; we have our whole life ahead of us. We can make our dreams come true, and explore our love. It will be a new beginning for both of us, as friends and lovers.



A New Beginning Ch. 02



A New Beginning-Part 2. Alex meets Marci and her daughter Mandy. He's very happy, but Fate had other ideas.

Edited by LadyCibelle

Marci

Over the next two years, Carl and I worked on several projects that took us out of town for extended periods of time. I liked it because it took me away and gave me something else to think about, but it was beginning to be hard on Carl since he had been dating a girl he seemed to be falling for hard. He said he had known her for some time but that lately, they seemed to be getting along so much better. He said all he wanted to do was be with her, and she seemed to feel the same about him. They had been sleeping together for a few months and Carl was ready to take the next step. He jokingly said that with my experience, he was being especially careful. But he swore his Carrie was the type of girl who would be faithful and he trusted her. I hoped he was right.

After Nichole, I just dated any girl who caught my fancy. I dated all kinds: loose, shy, prim and proper, and plain Jane's. Any girl that looked like she would be fun or just a challenge: I wasn't picky. Most were one time dates, some maybe two and all were possible sleepovers. I was careful, using protection and motels rather than my apartment. Nothing serious and nothing permanent! That way, I couldn't get hurt. 

My typical date would start with me picking her up at her place. We would drive to an out of the way restaurant and have dinner or just a burger, depending on the girl. Then we would drive around, maybe park somewhere and make out or if she was ready and willing, I would find a cheap motel for the night. Usually took them home before dawn with a fake promise to call them. None seemed to really care and none seemed disappointed when I didn't call. I got what I wanted and so did they. One thing I did know was how to satisfy the ladies. Or so they told me. Nichole and Jennie both agreed on that, but wasn't it funny how they both decided to use other men for their own purposes, much as I was doing now with other women. There was no love in what I did now just as there was no love in what they did then. Something to think about.

I was asked to go on a double date with Carl and Carrie, my date being Carrie's maid of honor. Her name was Marci Wallace and she was a divorcé with a four year old daughter. I agreed to go out and when I met her, I was pleased I did. She was a short woman, with long brown hair worn in soft waves that framed her beautiful face. Her eyes were blue, a blue so deep I assumed it was enhanced with contacts; her breasts were full; and the rest of her figure from what I could see was pretty damned great! We shook hands, and I held hers as long as I could until, smiling, she pulled hers back. 

The meal went great, we ended up back at the lounge where I first met Nichole and we danced, sharing partners. It was fun, I liked Carrie and I was delighted with Marci and the evening flew by. When it was time to end it, I took Marci aside and asked for her number and address. She gave it to me and reached up on her toes to give me a kiss that curled my toes. She whispered into my ear, "Call me soon, OK?" I nodded as I watched her leave with Carl and Carrie. 

As soon as I was able, I called Marci and asked her out on a date. I suggested we go somewhere we could go with her daughter Mandy, since I wanted to meet her and I wanted Marci to know her daughter was not something I worried about. She was delighted and we made plans to go to the park on Saturday morning. I thought about her all week and by that Saturday I was ready to bust I was so eager. 

I picked them up at ten that morning and we drove over to the city park where I got a picnic basket from the trunk along with a cooler full of fried chicken and macaroni salad I got from the local Deli. I had them fix the basket and the cooler, leaving it up to them what to fill it with and they did an outstanding job. We found a nice spot, set up our folding chairs and then took Mandy over to the play area and found a nice spot to sit and watch. 

I spent the time getting to know more about Marci and Mandy. She was working as a paralegal in a law firm in town and liked her job. One of the senior partners was also her Uncle and that gave her some protection from all the young lawyers who continually hit on her. She said she would never date a lawyer for reasons better left unsaid. She told me her husband was killed in Afghanistan three years ago and she and Mandy had been trying to get over his loss. She said I was the first man that she had gone out with more than once and that Mandy was still shy and withdrawn around any man. She hoped that I could get her to respond and I promised to try.

Marci's parents were both dead and she had a sister who lived in California. They talked together on the phone but hadn't seen each other in several years. She wanted Marci to move to California to be with her but Marci was happy where she was. Her uncle was all the family she had now and she lived with Mandy in a small apartment. She did well enough to have all she and Mandy needed and that was all she cared about.

Over the next several months, we dated as often as possible and I got along very well with Mandy. She came out of her shell with me and soon began to run to me when I came over. She called me uncle Alex and I called her my little pumpkin and she seemed to like that. I have to admit that I grew to love that little girl more than I ever expected. I guess, knowing that it was unlikely that I could have my own children; she became the child I wanted but couldn't conceive. That evoked a fleeting memory of another child, but I brutally stamped that one down. I tried never to think of that time. 

As the three of us spent more time together, things got very relaxed and comfortable for me. We got on great and I began to consider Marci with more interest as a possible companion and maybe something more. She was a beautiful woman who seemed to return my affections and I knew she was someone I could trust not to do to me what the other women in my life had done. Maybe I was being foolish but I didn't think so.

We had been dating steady for six months when I finally asked her to marry me. I gave her an engagement ring which she loved and, gazing lovingly at me, she accepted. We made plans to marry in the fall but I asked her to move in with me right away. When I considered a future with Nichole, I had moved into a small house in the suburbs that was large enough for a family, one I hoped to have with Nichole. Marci had been there and knew it was large enough but she hesitated. She finally agreed when I assured her that Mandy would have her own room and I would fence in the back yard so she would have a place to play where she could be free to run and do whatever she wanted. 

That was the beginning of a time of healing and love for me. Marci was all I wanted and Mandy was a delight every day. I looked forward to coming home after work and I wanted nothing more than to be with my 'family'. Marci and I married in my church with my Dad and Grandpa there to welcome her into our family. While I was unaware of it, Jennie came and sat with dad during the service. She must have left before the reception because I never saw her. Dad mentioned her to me and I felt the old pang of pain when he did but it was far less now that I was happy again. 

We went on our honeymoon to Australia, someplace Marci always wanted to visit. I got us tickets first class all the way, a deluxe suite in Australia and we did everything she could think of to do. We had exciting days and wonderful nights, learning all there was to know about each other. Marci turned out to be quite willing to try almost anything in the bedroom and we learned what each other enjoyed. I woke each morning satisfied and relaxed and Marci seemed to have a smile all the time. I was satisfied I had made the right choice finally. Marci was all the woman I wanted or needed and she assured me she was happier than at any time in her life. 

Back in the states, I continued to work at my job as an architect. Carl and I were the top men in the company now and I considered buying the company outright. No one knew about my inheritance and I had never bothered to explain it to Nichole or Marci. Jennie was gone before Grandma died so she would never have known about it. But I did take Carl aside and mentioned to him that I thought I could come up with enough to buy the company. He wanted to know why I would do that and I told him that I just wanted stability in my life. Since he knew about Jennie and Nichole, he understood but talked me out of it. After all, he said I didn't need to work so I didn't have to worry about being fired. We were their best anyway, so why mess with success.

It was some time later when I was watching Marci and Mandy as they walked around the yard and it seemed to me that Marci was limping a little. Mandy was pulling her by the hand and it was clear that Marci was in some distress. I walked out, picked Mandy up to whirl her around my head while Marci recovered. I nodded at her legs and she just grimaced, pretending it was nothing. I wasn't going to let it drop so I promised myself we would discuss it later. 

After I put Mandy down for the night, I sat in her room, rocking in the big rocker we bought and thought back to my past. The day I saw Marci limping, I had begun to think seriously about my life and the things that had happened to me. Seeing her in pain had hit me hard and it reminded me of all I had lost. I remembered losing Jennie and my first marriage and all the promises we made to each other. That pain had dimmed over the years but had not disappeared completely. I doubted it ever would. I thought of her now with less anger and more sorrow. I had loved her with all my heart and I still missed her and probably always would. A love like that can't just go away, but it had been six years since we parted, so her baby must be close to six now. Alex Jr.

As I watched Mandy suck on her thumb, I remembered Nichole. I had loved her, but never as much as I loved Jennie or Marci. I had her only a short time before it fell apart.  Nichole was beautiful and fascinating but we never got close enough to forge the kind of bond that I had with the other two, and while Nichole was the most beautiful of the three, she was also the easiest to walk away from. Just then, I had the strangest thought: It was too bad Marci and Jennie couldn't be friends. They had so much in common and would probably like each other. Strange for me to think that. 

I stood up, pulled the covers over Mandy and walked out of the room, wiping a few stray tears from my eyes. I loved this little girl with all my heart, the little girl I always hoped to have. I was glad I made the move to adopt her and Marci was delighted when I proposed it to her. Mandy called me daddy now. 

I spoke with Marci about the limp but she assured me it was nothing. She said she tripped on one of the stairs at work and twisted her ankle. She said she was going to soak it in the tub and that would do the trick. We sat together and made some plans for the coming summer break. Marci always took a month off in the summer and I was going to match it. We planned on taking Mandy to the mountains. I had a cabin I bought several years earlier and we were going to spend two weeks there, swimming and hiking and enjoying ourselves. I had hired a full time nanny some time ago and she would go with us to keep Mandy occupied.

Just before we were scheduled to leave, Marci asked me to take a walk with her after dinner. Just the two of us. She seemed so serious when she asked me and I felt a little tremor of fear run up my back. Why so serious? I kissed her forehead telling her I would be delighted to take a walk with my wife. She did smile at that, but it was a brief one. I was uneasy through dinner and up till the time we had the nanny put Mandy to bed. She agreed to stay until we returned. 

That walk was the worst time in my life. As we walked down the street between the lovely little houses that formed our block, she told me she was dying. The limp was just a reaction to the pain from the cancer that was eating at her pancreas. It was one of the most aggressive and virulent strains and it had metastasized. After having a PET scan, the doctors told her the cancer had spread to several of the other organs and compromised the lymph nodes in several places. She was told she had only six months to live. She had kept this from me as long as possible to spare me the pain of knowing she was going to die. As if that pain could be delayed! 

I stopped dead in the middle of the street when she told me the news. I was stunned, the thought that I could lose my wife and the woman I loved was devastating. I couldn't; I wouldn't believe it! The first thought that came into my mind was that I had money: money I could spend to assure that the woman I loved didn't die. I shook my head in denial, telling Marci that I wouldn't accept this. We would fight it until we could fight no more. I told her than that I had more money than she knew about. I would use it all to save her life.

Marci watched me as I told her of my plans to save her. She listened carefully as I told her about the money I had and that it was there to save her. She smiled at me as I told her we were going to beat this cancer and she was going to live a long life as my wife and Mandy's mother. She listened until I finally wound down and stopped. She did all of that without a word, then she took my hand, raised it to her lips and kissed it.

"All the money in the world can't stop this from happening Alex. I love you for trying, for being willing to do anything to save me, but it's not possible. By the time I went to the doctor and he was able to diagnose me, it was already too late to do anything. He's spoken to all of the experts, all of the best doctors in this field. There's nothing he can do to stop it. All he can do is give me medicine to stop the worst of the pain.

"You have to accept it now my love. We have plans to make and things to arrange. I need your strength now more than ever. Your love is all I need to carry me through till the end. I know you'll be there for me, and afterwards, for Mandy. She's the one I worry most about. She's so young to lose her mother. You have to be strong for her and see her through the worst of it. I think God every day that I found you. I know you will be the rock I need and the father Mandy will need."

I listened to her as she had listened to me, but not with the strength she showed. I stood there, her rock, her strength, her trust clear on her face and cried like a baby. I was a broken man; the woman I loved and needed, dying. How could this be? How many times must my heart be broken before God would stop making me pay for something I must have done to offend him? Why did he have to make Marci pay so dearly for my transgressions? Why destroy her life to punish me?

All of this went through my head as I stood there in the middle of the street in that subdivision that meant safety and security to so many people. I looked at those houses where my neighbors, like Marci and I, lived our simple lives and wondered how we were supposed to deal with so much pain in our simple lives. I wondered and found an answer in the eyes of my wife. So trusting, so accepting, so sure I could be there for her and Mandy. Suddenly I knew I had no choice. This was my answer! We had no choice! We did what we did because we had no choice but to do so. 

I dried my tears, took my wife's hand, nodded once to her, and we continued our walk around the neighborhood where we lived our simple life. I knew now that I could do and be what she needed. 

We took our trip to the cabin and spent the time together without reference to her illness. She was able to do all she normally did so long as she took the pain medicine, and we put as much into the time as we could. Mandy was happy, spending her time in the water and exploring the woods and trails with her nanny. In the evening, we would grill outside and sit in peace while the sun went down and the fireflies lit the surrounding fields. It was a magical time for Marci and me, understanding that it was the last time we would do this together.  

Back home, we began to make plans. Marci quit her job after talking to her Uncle. He was heartbroken and wanted to know what he could do to help, but Marci assured him we had it under control. We called Helga, our nanny and told her we had to let her go. We thanked her for her excellent service and I gave her a month's severance and a promise of recommendations. She was sad to leave our daughter but she was sure to find other work. 

We were going to need a nurse eventually but for the time being, Marci wanted to spend all her free time with Mandy. I agreed and worried that her strength would be compromised but she assured me she felt fine still. I had little choice but to agree. I wanted to quit work myself but Marci would have none of it. She knew how much I loved my work and she knew that I would need the sanity of my job in the future. So wise was my wife.

I met with dad and Grandpa and told them of the news. Both were of great comfort to me, dad with his strength and wisdom and grandpa with his sage advice. Both had lost their mates and both knew what I was going through. Dad surprised me when he said that he would be glad to take some time off to care for Mandy. I knew he loved her as much as I did but I was surprised that he would do this. Marci and I spent a lot of time with dad and grandpa and Mandy loved both of them but this was still a surprise. I promised to take him up on it.

Needless to say, the next few weeks and months came and went much too quickly. Marci was doing all she could to keep up her spirits and to make me believe she wasn't in much pain, but I knew better. I held her at night, fearful to do too much, but she wanted to be held and loved and I did all I could to convince her that she was loved by me. We made physical love but only occasionally and then, very gently. It was real love, rather than sex. But it was all I wanted or needed and she felt the same.

When it got too much for Marci to stay up and care for Mandy, I began to let the nurse do more of the care giving. It made Marci sad when I had, so I pretended to be busy a lot. Mandy was not aware of much except that her mommy was not feeling good. I knew Marci had tried to explain to her that she would be going away soon but Mandy wouldn't accept it. To help in the transition to come, I began to take her to my dad's place more and more. He was willing and ready and together with grandpa, they made Mandy happy and willing to stay there more and more. I never asked how he did it, I simply accepted it happily. It gave me more time to spend with Marci.

So it was that Marci went to sleep one night, cuddled in my arms, and when I woke early the following morning, I could tell immediately that she had passed away. I still held her but she was no longer warm and relaxed. I lay her gently down on the pillow, kissed her forehead one last time and got out of bed to do what had to be done. I won't go into any detail of the last days and weeks. That was private and I'm not willing to share those precious times with anyone but my daughter. When she's older and able to understand it, I'll tell her. But not till then. 

Fortunately, that night Mandy was with dad and grandpa and had been for the last two days at Marci's request. I called over to let them know and to tell Mandy I would be over later to get her. Dad told me not to bother that she was fine and could stay as long as necessary. I'm sorry to say I agreed with him to let her stay there. I couldn't face her now. Instead I began to make the calls I had listed as necessary and enlisted those people I needed. Marci had insisted I do all that prep work ahead of time, knowing how I fell apart at times like these. She laughed and told me she would never get buried right if I waited until the last minute. I laughed then; not now.




A New Beginning Ch. 02



The funeral was held at the church were we were married and the service was packed with our friends. We had many as most people loved Marci. She was one of those people who you just liked on sight. I was blind to most of them, my grief still overwhelming to me. I did look for my daughter and spotted her sitting with dad and someone else. Whoever she was had her back to me when I saw them but I did see Mandy sitting with another little boy who I didn't know. They were talking as though they knew each other very well. I thought briefly that it was nice she had a friend now. I turned back to the front and willed the service to be over. Thankfully, it soon was.

I stayed by the casket as people filed past, heads bowed and some speaking words that I didn't hear. As the crowd finally dispersed, dad came up to me and said a few words. I thanked him for taking such good care of Mandy and he clapped me on the shoulder, saying it was no bother. He walked away and I glanced back at him, thinking of the time he had lost my mother, and saw him go to the woman with him. When he spoke to her, she nodded her head and looked toward me. I saw with a shock that it was Jennie. She saw me looking, mouthed the words "I'm sorry", then turned and followed dad, Mandy and the little boy. By the time it registered on me that the little boy was hers and that she was with dad and Mandy, they were gone. I was about to follow when the reverend called me. 

The rest of the day passed without me remembering much about it. I do remember going somewhere after the burial to eat and talk to endless people who said the same things to me but that was about all. I stood around, my mind wandering back over the too short time I had with Marci and trying not to break down. It was so hard, trying to be cordial and listening to endless words of compassion, but I knew it had to be done. These people cared, and that was what kept me going. But finally it was over and the last of the well wishers left, closing the door behind them. I was left, alone and feeling like I was adrift in a small boat in the middle of the ocean. I was at the mercy of whatever fates happened to throw my way. I finally gave up and went upstairs to bed, to try to sleep and forget. 

Within a week I was back at work. I had hired a caretaker to care for our home, fix meals for Mandy and I and to be available as we needed her. She was older, free to come and go as necessary and she was very capable, both with the home and with Mandy, who was six years old now and already doing well in school. Although I didn't need to work any more as the investments I had with Rick were doing so well, I chose to stay and do the work I loved. My boss knew of my background and gave me free reign to do pretty much as I please. I was good, he and I both knew it, so we got along well that way. Carl was still my best friend and we spent a lot of time together, me at his home with him and his wife Carrie. They had married and were expecting. 

Dad was retired now, grandpa was in a home because of the early stages of Alzheimer's and we were unable to properly care for him alone. He was at that stage where he recognized us sometimes, but at other times was completely gone into his own world. It hurt, but we understood there was nothing we could do about it. Dad still loved when Mandy and I visited, which we did as often as we could and I often left her there with him to just visit while I traveled or worked late. She enjoyed exploring the house he still lived in and I know he let her stay up late to watch TV. I usually called ahead to let him know we were coming over, as he requested, something which I never understood. Since he was alone, hardly ever left the house and was always up and dressed early, I had no idea why I had to call in advance. When I did, he never said he didn't want us to come and every time we did come, he always asked us to make it more often. 

Things settled into a routine with me working, coming home in the evening to spend the time with Mandy and then to bed. On weekends, we would try to do something together but Mandy was getting older and didn't want to spend the time only with me. She had friends from school and she often wanted me to take her to someone's house to play with them. I didn't mind but it was lonely. I didn't date anyone seriously and had only a perfunctory interest in women now. Maybe it was because it was less than a year since Marci died, or maybe it was my track record which wasn't the best that stopped me. Whatever, I just wasn't interested. Actually, truth be told, I wasn't interested in much of anything now. Even work had become more of a chore than a pleasure.

It had been over a year since Marci died and Mandy was now seven and I had just turned thirty seven when I decided that I wanted to take some time and travel around the world. I was alone now except for Mandy and I had no one I cared about other than her and dad. Grandpa was gone more and more so he was out of the picture as far as caring was concerned. He was cared for, certainly, but the grandpa I knew and loved was already gone. I would have no worries about leaving him. 

At work, I had discussed it with Carl and with my boss and they agreed. I was just going through the motions now at work: it no longer gave me the same rewards as before. I gave it some more thought, considered a few of the bigger contracts but none interested me. I worked for a few more weeks before I finally resigned, making it official. 

Carl and Carrie insisted on giving me a big send off party. I didn't really mind as I had made a few friends at work and I would like to be able to say goodbye to them. It was held at the office and I did enjoy the afternoon. I said my goodbyes, promised to keep in touch and told everyone I had yet to make a decision as to where I wanted to go. That was the truth anyway. I hadn't decided. And, more important, I hadn't decided whether to take Mandy with me. I wanted to be close to her but at the same time, I felt I needed the time away to clear my head and my heart.

I had yet to tell dad since I wanted to be certain in my own mind about what I was going to do. I was watching Mandy play with one of the children in our block when I decided it was time. I knew he would not judge me and that I would go with his blessing, but I did want to give him time to accept it and to make whatever arrangements he wanted. I was going to ask him to move into my home and stay with Mandy while I did what I had to do. He had volunteered and I expected he would do it for us so that wasn't a worry. My more immediate worry was how Mandy would take it. The loss of her mother was hard on Mandy but Marci had prepared her well for it and it took Mandy only a few weeks to get over her loss.  She still missed her and talked of her often but she knew that she was gone forever and she accepted it as children do.  

That evening, I decided to talk first to Mandy and see what her thoughts were on the subject. I told her that I wanted to do some traveling and that it would be difficult for her since there wouldn't be anyone for her to play with or do things with. I wanted to make sure she would be OK so I told her I wanted her grandpa to move in and stay here with her so she could still go to school and play with her friends. I promised her I could call her every night and we could talk so I wouldn't seem to be too far away.  Mandy listened to all of this with a serious face and when I was finished, I waited for her response. I was not sure what to expect but I was taken by surprise by it.

"It's OK daddy. I know you miss mommy and you need to be somewhere so you can cry where I can't see you. Grandpa told me so I know all about it and I don't think its silly or anything. He told me that grownups have to cry sometimes, just like us kids, but that you have to pretend to be strong for us. So, see? I'm pretty smart."

She patted my cheek with her little hand and that almost made me break down right then and there. But I choked back the tears, swallowed hard and licked my lips to wet them again. I just looked at this little thing that was all I had left of Marci and thanked God that she was with me. 

"I can stay with grandpa for awhile so long as you call to let me know you're OK. And maybe little Alex can come stay here too when you're gone. Would that be OK daddy?"

"Of course he can come if he's allowed. That would be fine with me. How well do you know little Alex?"

"Oh, I see him when I visit with grandpa. His mommy is sometimes there so he comes when she does. She and grandpa are friends and she's nice. Sometimes, she stays and cooks dinner for us when you're late or going to be gone for a day or so. He's older than me but he's real nice to me. He doesn't treat me like a baby or anything."

I digested this bit of information, knowing that she was talking about Alex Jr. And I had seen Jennie with dad a few times so that made sense. But I was surprised by the fact that she was there so often. That part I didn't understand. It left me puzzled but I didn't worry too much about it. I just knew that dad liked Jennie and she liked him so they remained friends. 

I decided to drive over to talk to dad and make the arrangements now that Mandy was OK with it. I got the housekeeper to sit with Mandy while I made the trip. I decided to forget calling ahead this time just to see what would happen. Maybe she would be there; that would be a real jolt to them if I just showed up. But as I drove towards dad's place, I wondered what I would do if she was there. I hadn't talked to her in, what, close to seven years now? Not since that day in the hospital when Alex Jr. was born and even then, I didn't say anything. I just looked and then ran. Well, we would soon know,

I pulled into dad's driveway, a minivan already there. Since dad drove a Lincoln, I knew that Jennie was probably there. I got out of my car, stood beside it examining my feelings, and was surprised at what I found. First, I found no anger; it had disappeared with the years. Next, I felt a thrill of interest in seeing her again. Finally, there was a knot in my stomach; tension and what else? I walked to the door, hesitated a second, than raised my hand and knocked.

As I stood there waiting, she opened the door. I was lit by the light from the open door so my face was clear to her immediately. The light was behind her so her face was shadowed, but I could tell she was surprised by the way she gasped. I waited for her to say something, then when she remained silent, I asked if I could come in. She moved immediately away from the door, making way for me.  I entered and turned toward her as she shut the door.

"Hello Jennie. I guessed you might be here." I was proud of the fact my voice was in control.

"Hello Alex. It's, ah, it's good to see you. It's been a long time. Well, not really I guess. I've seen you and you've seen me but we haven't spoken for some time. But it's not really been that long I guess." Jennie was clearly nervous and babbling, and she was twisting her hands together in confusion. 

"Yes it has been some time. I think it was when little Alex was born. I'm sorry I ran out on you that day. That was rude of me. I apologize for that." I remembered that day and it was not one of my best.

Jennie was still looking at me with eyes wide and her hands still clasped tightly together. She had stopped talking and now was just watching me. For my part, I was examining my feelings and I was surprised to find there was no anger now, just a small twinge of embarrassment and a large amount of pleasure in just looking at her. 

"Well, I came to talk to dad but you might want to listen in as well. I think you might be involved in what I want, more than I knew before I spoke with Mandy."

She motioned toward the hallway and said dad was in the kitchen. She walked away and I followed, taking the time to admire the view. I noted to myself that she still had a great figure. I found that she was as beautiful as ever, the years adding to her looks rather than detracting. I could tell she was confused as I followed her into the kitchen where dad normally stayed. 

When we walked into the kitchen, dad was surprised to see me and said something about me not calling first. I just smiled at him and motioned toward Jennie.

"Too late dad. I know Jennie comes to see you. Mandy told me about her and little Alex and that she was here from time to time." I looked around and asked "Where is little Alex anyway?"

"He's home with the sitter tonight. I just had some business to talk over with dad." Jennie looked at me with embarrassment at her use of the term 'dad'. Somehow it didn't seem out of place here tonight. 

"Well, I just have a couple of things to say and I want both of you to hear them since it seems that if one of you is involved, the other will probably be as well." I looked at both of them at that statement of fact and the expression on dad's face was one of embarrassment but on Jennie's face, it was more amusement than anything. 

"I've quit my job and I've decided to take some time to try to get my life in order." I stopped at the unintended comment from dad and the gasp of surprise from Jennie. After a pause, I continued. "I'm taking some time to travel and go to some of the places I've always wanted to see. I'd like to leave Mandy at home so that she doesn't miss school. She's already agreed if I call her every night and she's looking forward to seeing more of little Alex.

Dad was now interested and still a little shocked but again, Jennie seemed more amused than anything. I couldn't figure that out but I continued anyway.

"Dad, you can come over to the house and stay and Sadie will take care of most everything. That way, nothing much changes for Mandy. Can you do it for me?"

Dad nodded as I finished and when he spoke, it was simply to answer in the affirmative. Jennie was watching me as I explained and also nodded. I knew she would be over there as often as she was here.

Dad stood, said he was going to check on a few things and walked out to leave Jennie and me alone. I waited till he was gone and than asked, "How long have you been coming over to see dad? I know it's been some time since Mandy seems to know little Alex pretty well."

"Ever since your grandma died. I don't know whether you knew it or not but she left me some money in her will. Enough to allow me to stop working and still take care of Alex. We bought back the house and we live there now. It's where he was born."

That was a shock to me. Grandma never hinted that she was considering leaving anything to Jennie. But then I didn't even know she had anything to leave until after she died. Grandma was full of surprises, none so surprising as those that she left behind. I guess my little lie to her didn't get past her. I should have known.

"I didn't know. But it doesn't surprise me. She always did like you. More than I knew I guess." 

I was still trying to absorb all of this when Jennie asked me a question that rocked my world. She was standing there, looking at me with that amused look on her face when she put one hand on my arm and asked, "Would you like some company on your trip to all those places?" 

I looked at her in incomprehension for a few heartbeats before the words she spoke became clear. What had she asked me? Did I want company? Did she mean her company? How could she ask that? How could she. . . . . . I stopped in surprise when I realized that although the question had come as a complete shock, inside I was actually considering it! 

My stupid heart was hammering in my chest and my breathing became labored. I must have appeared to be having a heart attack because she put her hand on my arm again and this time, shook me.

"I was just kidding Alex! I know better. Please, calm down and don't be angry. Honestly, I was just kidding. It was a stupid thing to say, I guess. I'm so sorry."

I looked at her; the look of sadness on her face tore at me. I wasn't angry at her. I was just surprised at the effect her question had on me. And the fact that I was not rejecting it out of hand was more of a shock than anything else.

I shook my head to let her know that wasn't it. I looked back at her and said, "I'm not angry Jennie. I was just surprised that I was actually considering it. I still am."

Now the look on her face matched mine. Shock; surprise; anticipation, mixed with sadness and joy; and most of all, hope.  It lasted only a few seconds but then the thought of what we had just said to each other must have gotten through. She clapped one hand over her mouth and almost ran from the room. I watched in surprise as she opened the door and ran out. I heard the car start up seconds later and then she was gone.

Dad was standing in the doorway, having watched the whole thing transpire. He was smiling when he spoke. "Neither of you has ever accepted the truth. She still loves you son, and it's clear that you still love her. Time has passed for both of you and you have both had your share of heartbreak, but this is now. And now you are both here and both free and both still in love with each other. The only question left is: what are you going to do about it?"

I didn't answer dad because I had nothing to say to that. I was confused, disoriented and too damned aware of how Jennie had looked and talked and. . . . . oh, shit! I was in trouble and I knew it. I just waved at dad as I walked out to the car and drove home, my mind spinning out of control most of the way. But as I got closer to home and Mandy, and memories of Marci, things began to quiet down. By the time I got there, I was calm and in control once more. I went in, greeted my daughter, told her I met Jennie and talked to dad and that things were all set. She seemed to be unconcerned and went back to the game she was playing. Oh, how simple life was to children.

For the next two weeks, I made plans, reservations and arrangements. Mandy was taken care of, dad was moving in this weekend, Sonia was set to manage the house for him and I had my tickets and schedule all worked out. I was as ready as I would ever be for this. By the time I was ready to leave, things were all set and the house was running as if I had never been there. I guess that should have made me happy but all it did was remind me of how dispensable I seemed to be. Not a good thought for one in my situation,

I left on a Monday morning and flew to the Bahamas. I had rented a small bungalow in a resort advertised for couples. I didn't care about that but the brochure indicated that there was room service, guided tours, taxis available by the day, and guides, both male and female, for special services for the single persons. I was curious as to what the special services were. After I had checked in and unpacked in my bungalow, I went out to explore the surroundings. It was as advertised: beautiful and exotic. I met a few of my cabin mates and most were couples. Only three besides myself were single and two of those were males. The lone female was at least fifteen years older than me. And she wasn't the least bit pretty. Probably rich. 

Three days later, I was ready to check out and proceed to my next destination. The guides were available all right but only as that: as guides! I hadn't met a single woman in three days and I was frustrated and alone. It was not what I expected. I checked out, paid a small penalty and moved my flight reservations up two days and flew next to Aruba. 

Aruba was very much like the Bahamas, but there was gambling available to the masses. I hated gambling. I had terrible luck, no skill at all, and I was averse to giving my money away for nothing. I tried it since I was there but gave it up, spent my days by the pool and nights in the lounge. I did meet several nice ladies and I spent the night with some of them but it was clear that they were there for the excitement and the fun and nothing else. They were truly one night stands and that's the way they wanted it. Not bad, and I enjoyed both them and the lack of commitment involved.




A New Beginning Ch. 02



I stayed in Aruba for two weeks and at the end of that time, I was unable to maintain interest in sex any longer. None of the women looked inviting or the least bit interesting and I wanted nothing to do with any of them. I just wanted to be left alone. While I found sex to be fun for a while, after ten consecutive days and nights of fucking beautiful woman after beautiful woman, I was truly sated. Never would have believed it, but it was true.

I gave myself a day to recover, then rented a helicopter to take me to Key Largo, landing in the parking lot of the Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina, on Caribbean Drive in Key Largo, just off Route 1. It was a first class resort but not very big and not very formal. I rented a boat and spent a few days just touring the area with a guide recommended by the resort. He was good and showed me things most people wouldn't see. I really loved this place and settled in for a long stay. Maybe a month or more. It was summer and the hurricane season was in full swing but reports showed nothing even remotely likely to hit this area. I was ready to rest and relax.

Ten days later, as I was sitting on my lanai watching the light disappear from the ocean as the sun set in the West, I made a decision that was going to change my life forever. It was a decision I had been thinking about for the last few weeks. It started in the Bahamas, continued in Aruba, although at a reduced stress level, then resurfaced as the days and nights in Key Largo drained all of the tension and the resistance out of me. My mind was made up that evening and I decided to do something about it the following day. I went to bed that night, excited for the first time in at least a year. Longer than that since I truly cared about anything other than Mandy, if I was honest with myself. It probably began soon after Marci left me so alone. I fell asleep thinking of Marci and believing I heard her voice telling me that it was OK, and the right thing to do. 

I went down for breakfast, took the boat out on the water for several hours, searching my consciousness to be certain. I found only peace now when I thought about it. No reservations, no hang-ups, just a calm assurance that it would be OK. I headed back to the marina and docked the boat. I went up to my room, grabbed a cold beer from the small refrigerator in my room and picked up my phone. I pulled out the number dad had given me and made my call.

The phone rang twice, three times, then a fourth time and I was ready to hang up and try later when she answered.

"Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Damn! I missed it again." She was about to hang up, thinking she was too late when I shouted into the receiver.

"No! Jennie! I'm here. It's me, Alex. Hi."

"Alex? Is it really you? Where in the world are you? Where are you calling from? Is everything OK?" She sounded so concerned. I listened to her voice and felt a peace settle over me.

"I'm fine Jennie. I'm calling from Key Largo, in the Keys of Florida. I've been here since last Monday. Everything's fine."

"Oh, that's good then. I was afraid something bad had happened. Everything here is fine too. Mandy is good and she and Alex have been playing together a lot. He really likes her. So, what's going on? Was that why you called, to check on her?"

Now it was time. Now I was going to do something that I swore I would never do. I hoped it was the right thing. If not, I would soon know.

"Jennie, I have something to ask you." I paused, licking my now suddenly dry lips.

"Of course, Alex, anything. Just ask? Do you need me to do something?"

"Yes. I mean, no. I mean, yes I want you to do something for me." It was now or never! "I want you to fly down here and join me in Key Largo. Just make arrangements for little Alex and Mandy and dad and then just by yourself, come down here and be with me. Will you do that?"

Silence. Not a sound from her end. I held the phone tightly in one hand while I wiped the sweat from my brow with the other. Suddenly, I wondered if I was doing the right thing. Maybe she had moved on with her life. Maybe she no longer wanted to be with me. Maybe she had found someone else. Why the hell had I never bothered to ask about her or what she was doing? I knew nothing about her, her life or her situation. I never bothered to ask dad, even once I found out that he saw her from time to time. Stupid!

"Why Alex? Why would you want me to do something like that? I don't understand what you're asking me Alex." Her voice was strange, almost angry. I now knew how stupid I had been. I had to give her an out, a way to refuse without making her feel guilty. This was all my fault!

"I'm sorry Jennie. I never stopped to think of you or your life. I realize you must have someone else by now. Please, forget I asked. It was stupid of me to do that and I didn't mean to put you in a bad position. I understand."

"No, you don't understand. You don't know how long I waited for you to ask me to come to you. You don't know how long I prayed that you would ask me what you just did, but the thing I need to know, Alex, is why you asked me to come down to where you are. You have to tell me Alex. I have to know why you want me there."

"Because, . . . . ."  I stopped to ask myself exactly that. Why did I want her to come down here? Because I wanted her beside me. I wanted her with me. I wanted her to be where she was always supposed to be; beside me. With me. As part of me. I finally knew what I wanted. 

"Because I want you, Jennie. I never stopped loving you and now that I'm alone and have the time to try to understand, it's clear to me. I love you Jennie and I want you here with me."

"I'm on my way Alex. I'll be there as soon as I can be. Please wait for me my love. I love you, I love you, I love you!"

Epilogue

It's been almost a year since that phone call and I'm home again. I mean really home. Jennie and I are living together in the house we shared when we were married the first time, and I have two wonderful children sharing that home with me. Children I would never have been able to father, but children I had grown to love as much as if they were my own. One came at a terrible price and one came with a new love, followed by a terrible loss. Both are precious to me because they came at such a high cost, but I guess I had to pay that price to reach this point in my life. I don't question it any more. I simply accept it and move on with my life. 

I've asked Jennie to marry me and she accepted. We have agreed that the two children are all we want. Jennie is the one that suggested that, and I agreed, understanding what she was saying. We never speak of little Alex's origin and as far as he knows, I am his father, Mandy is his sister, and she calls him her brother. We'll tell both the truth when they're older.

I loved Marci with all my heart and she left me with wonderful memories and a daughter who I love. I will never forget her and I will make sure Mandy doesn't either. Even while I loved Marci, I never stopped loving Jennie and she is with me now. My life has been a good one, blessed with two wonderful loves. I wonder why I was picked to enjoy such bounty. I'm thankful.



A New Beginning Ch. 02



I shifted over, so my cock was rubbing on the front wall of her pussy as I slid in and out. "Oh yeah!" she whimpered. "That is SO GOOOOD!"

It wasn't long before her breathing changed, and she started grabbing onto the sheets. "Oh, baby, I'm gonna cum!" she told me. "Fuck me baby, make me cum! I wanna cum soo gooood!"

I rolled her over a little more as I reached to the table and grabbed the bottle of lube. I dripped a little bit of lube onto her asshole and started rubbing it in with my thumb as I continued fucking her pussy.

"Ohhh!" she yelped, as she felt my thumb at her tight ass. "Ohh yesss! That's it! Fuck meee! I'm gonna cum!"

I started applying a little more pressure with my thumb as I increased my speed and started thrusting my cock in farther and harder.

"Oh, yeahhh!" she whined, her body beginning to glow with perspiration. She started to move her hips, rubbing her ass against my thumb.

"Oh my goddd!" she let out in a long, low moan. I knew that was the sign that her orgasm was building. I pushed a little harder with my thumb, and I felt it pop past the ring surrounding her tight hole.

"Oh yeah!" she exclaimed. "Oh yeah! Oh fuck, I'm cumming! Oh my god!"

I could feel her pussy and her ass tightening as I slammed my thumb and my cock into her, burying both as deep as possible.

"Oh baby! Yeahhh!" she moaned as her body started to shake. "Oh my god! I'm cumming so gooddddd!" I could feel her juices gushing from her tightening hole and flow out over my balls and her leg.

I slowly slipped my thumb from her ass, but kept my cock buried inside her pussy, as I let her body come down from her orgasm.

Soon, Elke turned her head and looked up at me. "I want you in my ass," she said with a husky voice.

"Are you sure?" I asked her, as I slowly slid my stiff cock from her wet pussy.

"Yes," she whispered. "Just please be gentle."

"You know I will, baby," I told her. I poured the lube into my hand and started stroking my cock, mixing it with her juices as I coated my shaft. 

When I knew that I was lubed up enough, I slid my hand to her ass and started to slide a finger into her tight hole.

Elke closed her eyes when she felt my finger slip into her ass, and she held her breath for a second. I started sliding my finger in and out, and soon added a second one. 

"Mmmm," she moaned, as she began getting used to the new sensations. I opened my fingers just a bit, trying to stretch her muscles, and she moaned more.

"That's nice," she whispered.

"Do you think you're ready for something a little bigger?" I asked, as I started fingering her ass a bit faster.

"No," she replied, reaching down for my slick cock. "I'm ready for something a LOT bigger."

"Good," I responded. "Do you want to try it on your back first, or on your belly?"

"I wanna be on my back," she told me. "I wanna look into your eyes when you take my cherry."

"Ok," I said, smiling at her. I slipped my fingers out of her ass, and she rolled onto her back, raising her legs and holding them against her chest.

I took my cock and started sliding up and down the crack of her ass, paying special attention to her tight hole. 

Her breathing quickened, and then I held my cock firmly against her virgin ass. Looking me in the eyes, she slowly nodded her head, and I leaned in, pressing my head harder against her hole.

"I know that it's gonna hurt at first, but you've got to relax a little," I told her. "Why don't you play with your clit?"

Taking my suggestion, Elke let her legs go and slid her hand between her legs and started rubbing her button, which was bigger and harder than I had ever seen it. Soon, she was moving her hips and pushing into me.

With one hand on her hips and the other holding my cock, I pushed a little harder into her ass. I felt her muscles tighten for a second, and then relax again. 

My cockhead slid into her tight ass, and her body tightened. Elke gasped, her eyes getting big. "Don't worry, baby," I told her, "I'm going nice and slow."

"Ok," she breathed, and continued rubbing her clit. I felt her muscles relax again, and I slowly leaned in a little more. 

"Ohhh," she moaned as I slid a little more of my cock into her ass. "My god, that feels so big!"

"Do you want me to stop?" I asked her.

"No!" she replied. "I wanna feel your big, hard cock deep inside my tight little asshole!"

Smiling at her determination, I leaned in again and pushed, sliding a little more into her. Looking down, I saw that I had only pushed in about an inch and a half so far, and still had plenty to go.

I stopped as I watched her playing with her clit, and she slid a finger into her pussy. As she slid that finger, now coated with her juice, back up to her clit, I started sliding my cock back, and then pushing forward again, fucking her with very short strokes.

"Mmmm," she moaned loudly, as she moved her hand faster. 

As I continued to slide my shaft back and forth, I pushed in a little deeper each time. Soon, I had a little more than half of my cock in her ass. Elke's breathing was getting heavier, and her hand was moving faster, one finger on each side of her clit now.

"Are you ok?" I asked.

"Oh, yeah," she assured me. "This is nice. I feel so full!"

"Good," I replied, and started pushing forward again.

I soon had about two more inches to go, and was moving a little faster, when she suddenly moaned loudly.

"Oh my goddd!" she wailed, and her body shook slightly. I stopped pushing, and let her relax again.

A couple of seconds later, she looked up at me. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed. "I just had a little orgasm!"

"That's good," I told her.

"Oh, yeah!" she replied. "That's real good! Are you all the way in?"

Looking down, I told her, "I have a little more to go yet."

"Do it," she told me. "Give it to me."

I slid my cock back a little, and then pushed hard, until my cock was buried deep inside her ass.

"Ohhhh!" she yelped, as my pubes brushed against her asscheeks. 

I stayed still, and told her, "That's it baby. You've got all of it."

"Oh my god! I feel so full!" she breathed. "Your cock feels so big in my ass!"

"Your ass is so tight on my cock," I told her.

She reached her hands out to mine and held on to them, as I started sliding my cock in and out again.

I pulled on her arms as I pushed my cock into her ass, and soon she started moaning and moving her hips up and down.

"Ohhhh!" she groaned, as I buried my cock into her again. "That's so good!"

"You like having your ass fucked?" I asked her.

"Oh yeah!" she told me. "Fuck my ass, baby! Make me cum with your cock in my tight ass!"

I started fucking her faster, taking long strokes. She let go of one of my hands and started sliding her fingers over her clit again. 

"Oh, yeah! That's SO GOOD!" she exclaimed as I began moving faster. She slid two fingers into her pussy, which was flowing with her juices, and rubbed her clit with the heel of her hand.

After a couple of minutes, she planted her feet on the bed and was raising her hips to meet my thrusts. As we built up a rhythm, she started moaning louder.

"Oh my goddd!" she wailed. "I'm gonna cum! Oh, yeah baby! I'm gonna cum with your cock in my ass!"

"Yeah, baby," I encouraged her. "Cum for me. I wanna feel your tight little ass squeeze my cock as you cum!"  

"Oh my god! Yes!" she exclaimed seconds later, her body starting to shake. "I'm cumming! Oh my god! I'm cumming! Yes!"

I held still as her orgasm shook her body, and I saw a gush of pussy juice squirt out of her, soaking my pubes, flowing over my shaft and down her asscheeks.

Soon, after her body stopped shaking, Elke opened her eyes and looked at me. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed. "That was intense! I don't think I've ever cum like that!"

"Do you want to roll over?" I asked, still holding her hips.

"Oh yeah!" she responded.

I pulled my hard cock out of her ass with a "pop", and she immediately rolled over. "Do you want me on my knees, or my belly?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.

"However you want it," I told her.

She lay flat on her stomach and reached around to spread open her cheeks. "Ok, baby, give me that big cock of yours again."

I climbed on behind her, straddling her legs, and lined my cock back up with her opened ass. I squirted a little more lube onto her hole, and she moaned at the feeling. As I pressed forward, my cock slid right back in, and I was soon buried dep in her ass, with my pubes brushing against her asscheeks.

"Oh yes!" she hissed, as I moved my hips sideways. 

I leaned into her, and softly kissed the back of her neck. "You like this?" I asked softly into her ear.

"Oh yeah!" she told me. "I want you to fuck me now. Fuck my ass!"

I pushed my body away from hers, and started sliding my cock in and out of her tight backdoor.

"Ohhh!" she moaned, as I started picking up a little speed.

It wasn't long before she started raising her hips, meeting my thrusts. On one push back, she slid her hand underneath her body, and started rubbing her clit again.

"Oh fuck me, baby!" she moaned. "Fuck my tight ass!"

"Oh yeah!" I moaned back, as I felt her hand slide further underneath her body and brush against my balls. "Your ass feels so good!"

I felt her fingers slide into her pussy as we continued matching thrusts, and her moaning increased.

"Oh yeah! This feels SO GOOD!" she gasped as she buried her fingers deep inside her wet pussy and I pushed my cock as far in as I could.

I could feel her fingers wiggle around in her pussy through the thin wall as I stroked my cock in and out. Elke kept moaning and gasping as I fucked her tight ass, and soon her body started to shake again.

"Ohhh yeahhh! I'mm cummming againnn!" she started moaning.

I could feel her as muscles clamping down on my cock, and I thrust forward, burying myself deep as she came again.

The spasming muscles almost felt like they were milking my cock as Elke's orgasm swept over her body.

"Oh baby!" I moaned. "You're gonna make me cum, too!"

Elke started thrusting her ass back at me, and exclaimed, "Oh yeah! Cum in my ass! Come on baby! Cum in me!"

I started taking full strokes with my cock again, thrusting forward as I felt my own orgasm speeding towards me. Finally, I couldn't hold back anymore, and my balls started to tighten.

"Oh yeah!" I yelled, as I slammed forward, and felt my cock explode deep into her ass.

"Ohhh!" she exclaimed. "Ohh yesssss!"

Her body shook again, and both hands grabbed onto the sheets. "Oh my goddd!" she moaned as another orgasm raked her body.

I stopped moving, keeping my cock buried in her ass, as I felt it continue to spurt out the remains of my load. Finally, my shaft started to soften, and I slid it from her still tight ass as I collapsed onto her back.

"Holy shit!" I breathed into her ear as I caught my breath. "That was fucking incredible!"

As I rolled off of her back, Elke moaned and whispered, "That was better than I ever could have imagined!"

"I'm glad you liked it," I told her as I leaned in to kiss her.

"Oh yeah!" she said as she kissed me. "Now I wanna see how it is when I'm not drunk!"

"I can't wait to see how my other fantasies come true!" she whispered as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, and we drifted off to sleep. 



A New Beginning Ch. 02



About an hour after the explosion our recreation officer gave me a list of the living and the dead; George was among the living. I asked Louis where he was. Our recreation officer told me he was in his cabin. After looking over the list I dismissed Louis with an order to find an appropriate movie or some other suitable program to put on over stations four and six of our onboard television stations. I wanted station two left off air in case I needed it.

As he was leaving the bridge Chantelle Dawn sent me a short text message over my cell TV-phone; she and Anthony had finished their detailed inspection of the damage to the spaceship.

I thought about calling her back but I didn't want those on the bridge to hear my conversation with her. I wanted to meet with her in private in case the damage to the spaceship was more extensive than I had anticipated. If it was then I would give the crew only the bad news they needed to know; I didn't want to alarm them any more than necessary.

I sent a text message to her to meet me in my cabin.

I looked around the bridge. Juan was at the helm closely watching the monitor in front of him. Natalie Amiee, sitting behind him, was typing something in on the computer. Behind her, Elizabeth Dee was just sitting at the engineer's station. Both she and Victoria Rose, sitting behind me, were watching me intently. The three remaining seats in the rear were occupied only by the ghosts of the dead.

"Vickie, I'm going to my cabin for a few minutes, if anyone needs me call me over my cell TV-phone. Juan, maintain present course and speed. I'll give you a course correction later, after Aleks gives me one. Beth, Natalie, the two of you just stay at your stations."

As I entered the lower flight deck everyone's eyes focused on me; they all expected me to say something. I paused at the top of the stairs leading to the elevator room, "Joseph, I'm going to my cabin for a few minutes; you're in charge. If George shows up call me on my cell TV-phone immediately. I've put Juan in charge of the helm until I return. Joshua will you accompany me. The rest of y'all remain at your stations for now."

Chantelle and her first security officer were waiting for me outside my berth when we got there. I told Anthony to return to his station next to the brig.

As soon as the hatch slid close, "Chantelle, Butler is dead along with about half of our crew. I'll give you a copy of the list later."

I saw the look of sympathy for me on her face; my lesbian lover knows how I feel about Butler. But I didn't have time for her empathy just now, maybe later. I waved her off with a diminutive shake of my head.

I turned to our flight officer, "Joshua, you're second in command as of now. I'll inform the rest of the crew later."

"Thank you," he answered me. "I wish it were under better circumstances. What about George? You know he's . . ."

"Fuck George! I'll deal with him later myself. Right now I need someone who is qualified to help me fly the James Cook and that person is you." Then in a much calmer voice I said, "Besides, he only outranks you by a couple of months. Under the present circumstances I'm sure UNESA would want someone with flight experience as second in command."

I paused and took a breath. "Before we get to your damage report Chantelle I want to inform you both that I'm going to start a journal of everything that has happened."

"Isn't that what the ship's log is for?" Joshua asked.

"The ship's log is the official journal. I want mine to be an unofficial record of what has happened under my command. Butler had an unofficial journal and he advised me to keep one if I ever got command of a spaceship. He said that such a record would come in handy if I ever went before a review board on how I managed a spaceship."

"What about UNESA, don't they frown on things like personal logs?" Chantelle asked.

"I'm not worried about that. I'm sure UNESA is going to meticulously examine everything that has happened onboard the James Cook over the last several days. They're going to interview survivors, go over the ship's log, study what's left of the James Cook and that sort of thing."

I paused to let the information sink in. Then, "I'm also sure that they're going to hang someone out to dry too. It will probably be Butler. He's dead and won't be able to defend himself."

"That's the way things are done. Blame the weak and defenseless," Joshua added.

I continued, "I can't help Butler; his life is over. But I can defend myself and my crew. I won't allow any of us to be made a scapegoat. With my journal, I'm going to do my best to make sure none of us are going to get crucified by some whitewash review board seeking to cover-up design flaws in the James Cook."

"You know they're going to try to exonerate the construction companies," Joshua bitterly interjected.

"And the politicians for allowing them to do so," I added.

Chantelle asked, "Do you think you'll have enough time to keep a personal log, with running the James Cook and everything?"

"Unlike the ship's log, my journal won't be a daily record. I don't have enough free time to record in it everyday. I will enter information in it whenever I have the opportunity and any information I believe to be significant."

"How is your record going to be different than the official ship's log?" Chantelle inquired.

"Much of what I put there will be an elaboration of the James Cook's log and will be able to be verified through the official record. For the most part, this will be facts that wouldn't normally be entered in a ship's log but should be able to be confirmed by questioning the members of the crew."

"Sounds OK by me," Joshua said.

"Me too," Chantelle added.

Next the three of us discussed the reason why so many of the officers and crew members lived as opposed to losing over 70% of the construction laborers.

Together we came to the conclusion that the reason 73% of the officers lived was because they were all called to return to their duty stations within a few minutes of the fourth lightening strike, the one that caused us to spin like a top.

Also, nearly 69% of the crew members survived because most of them never left the living section of the spaceship. Except for a few of the custodians, the crew members were not allowed on the flight decks and there was no need for them to go into the construction crew's sleeping quarters.

"Now what about the damage to the spaceship," I nodded to Chantelle.

"Everything forward of the cafeteria seems to be OK. The computer wouldn't let me open any of the hatches to about one third of the living section, all those behind the cafeteria."

"When the tail section broke off, the computer closed all the airtight passages in the living section. You have to have a special override code to open any hatch the computer has closed in emergencies. Butler and I are the only ones to have that code."

"I don't think it's necessary to open those hatches," Joshua cut in, shaking his head in disgust. "We all know what happens when a spaceship looses all its air pressure."

I continued, "Joseph used the telescopic camera and took some pictures of the rear of the living section right after the explosion. I haven't seen them yet but he said that there was a large gapping hole there and that the bulkhead was ripped open in several places."

"Damn construction companies cutting corners just to save money," Joshua added. "There was no excuse not to have airtight doors in the tail section. It was just numerous dormitories connected to one another with open hatches spaced along the passageways."

"That's where I usually found myself looking for someone," the security chief said. "I hated going back there. The custodians kept it pretty clean but there were always drops of water and small bits of trash floating throughout the rear section."

Another reason I seldom went to the tail section. But I didn't tell them that. Instead, "Having airtight hatches in the rear sleeping section wouldn't have done any good Joshua. I'm sure most of those who died were in the movie theaters at the time. Both of them were playing that new science fiction thriller No Time Zone that UNESA sent us two days ago."

"Are you making excuses for the construction companies," Joshua asked incredulously.

"No, I'm just stating a fact. I'm sure that the reason the construction worker's sleeping section and the cargo hold broke away is because they were connected to the James Cook only at the rear of the living section. There were no steel girders connecting the cargo hold to the front part of the living section or a passageway leading from the front part of the living section to the cargo hold."

"There should have been." He tightened his lips and shook his head in anger.

"You're right Joshua. If the front part of the living section had had steel girders connecting it to the cargo hold and had there been a passageway leading from the forward elevator room below the flight deck to the cargo hold, this would have added strength to the connections holding the cargo hold onto the tail section."

"Then maybe the tail section would not have broken off," Chantelle interjected.

I added, "The Spaceship James Cook was built just like the RMS Titanic. They both had design flaws in their construction and in both construction companies cut corners to save money -- both were constructed improperly."

Once I had a list of the dead and the damage report I knew I had to make a decision. But I also knew what that decision was going to be.

I dismissed them both. I told Chantelle to return to her duty station on the third floor next to the brig. I ordered Joshua to go to the bridge but to let Joseph remain in charge until I got there.

After they left I was alone with my thoughts.

Those accommodations that the officers and ship's crew used, like sickbay, supply, the salon, the ship's laundry, one of the games rooms and one of the TV lounges were all located towards the front of the living section.

The cafeteria was on the second floor dividing the living section in half. Behind it were all those accommodations used mainly by the construction laborers. Everything behind the cafeteria lost all oxygen and pressure, which is where everyone who died was located. I knew that there was one laborer -- an electrician can you believe it -- in the brig at the time; that's why he lived.

I came to the conclusion that most of the laborers who survived were either in the forward TV lounge or the forward games room at the time of the explosion.

Then the thought hit me . . . like a sludge hammer. The kitchen closes at eighteen hundred. At the time of the fifth lightening strike, the kitchen had just closed. The waiters and waitresses were just starting to clean up from the evening meal. There were probably only a few stragglers still eating dinner.

I looked at the desktop picture of Stonehenge that I keep on my computer monitor and then to the picture of my mother taped in the corner of the screen. I said to her, "It's too bad the cafeteria wasn't serving dinner when the fifth lightening bolt hit us. If it had hit a few minutes earlier maybe more people would have survived."

As to why 12 of the original 16 prostitutes died, I'm sure is a matter of where they were when the James Cook broke in half.

They were all berthed together in the forward part of the living section, four to a cabin. But they each had their own "rest areas" for their trade.

There are numerous pigeonhole storage areas situated in various parts of the living section. Sixteen of these cubicles were outfitted with cots, mattresses, sinks and toilets, one for each of the prostitutes. I guess you could say that they too had their own private berth; they often used them as a private berth. All but four of these rest areas were behind the cafeteria.

I later found out that two of the prostitutes, Alicia and Terri, were in their cabins at the time. Veronica Anne and Josephine Jasmine, the other two prostitutes who lived, were in the forward TV lounge at the time of the explosion. I assume the prostitutes who died were either in their rest areas or one of the rear TV lounges when the James Cook broke up. I guess they were trying to pick up a john, although it was a little early for that. It was about 18:45 hours.

All missions lasting longer than three months have prostitutes onboard to offer some relief to the crew. About a week before we left MC3 Captain Butler and I sat down and discussed some of the onboard rules everyone would have to obey concerning them and some other sensitive issues.

"What about the services the prostitutes offer?" I asked him. "I believe that there ought to be a limit on when they are available to everyone, if only to give them some relief."

"I agree with you on that Toni. I was thinking that we limit their services and have them available only between nineteen hundred and zero seven hundred."

"That sounds good to me."

"I'm going to leave it up to each girl to decide when she wants to work within that time frame and exactly what services she offers and how much she charges for those services."

"What about male prostitutes, will there be any onboard?" I inquired.

"No." He paused. He could see the apprehension on my face. "I'm not trying to be insensitive Toni. It's just that there just isn't enough of a demand for male prostitutes. I figure that the any male homosexual who wants sex can rent one of the prostitute's rest areas for their private use."

"OK, OK, you're right," I reluctantly agreed.

"I'm also going to leave it up to each girl to decide for herself what form of birth control she will use."

We then got sidetracked and started discussing the religious right and the social conservatives. He was still upset over an incident he had with an extreme sect of them a few days earlier.

They call themselves the Chaste Children for Christ. With the exception of Nuda Earth, they can be found on every space colony demonstrating against birth control, planned parenthood, nudity, the legalization of prostitution, homosexuality, bondage and discipline sex, and nearly any sex act other than the missionary position. They are socially ostracized on Nuda Earth.

When advancements in medicine finally wiped out the last of the sexual transmitted diseases -- genital warts -- they condemned that as a blasphemy. These self righteous individuals claimed that STDs were God's punishment for those who live in lust and that to do away with these diseases, according to them, was a sacrilege. They also claimed that the universal legalization of prostitution back in December 2053 was also a blasphemy and prophesied warnings of dire consequences. But nothing catastrophic ever happened.

Anyway, Butler and I were on MC3 preparing to board the shuttle to the James Cook. One of them, carrying a large sign condemning prostitution, approached us and verbally assaulted us. He said that we were children of evil and that we were going to hell.

We ignored him but the sign hit Butler in the forehead, giving him a small cut. Butler had just left from meeting with some UNESA officials and had on his dress uniform. He got blood all over his jacket. There are no dry cleaning services on MC3. The closest is on space station Earth II and he knew he wouldn't have the time to get back there until the mission is over. He threw the jacket away in disgust.

The only other restriction Butler had was on the purchase of alcohol. He restricted its purchase to between eighteen hundred and zero two hundred and only through the TV lounge rooms.

A person could also buy beer, whisky, wine or soft drinks for consumption in their own berth with their credits. But the captain issued orders that no one could purchase more than one half liter of alcohol for their private consumption in any 48 hour period; the bartender would log their purchase into the ship's computer.

Further, he told everyone onboard the day we left MC3 and posted a sign in each TV lounge stating that anyone caught drunk would spend two days in the ship's brig with a lost of two day's pay and any alcohol in their berth would be confiscated. There was always at least one person in one of the brig's five cells.

All personal onboard were paid by debiting their onboard bank account. Everyone had an ATM card with their picture ID and left thumb print on it. They used their ATM card to pay for entrance to the movie theaters, bought booze or soft drinks, snacks, rented movies -- adult movies or other kinds -- to play on the DVD players in their cabins and paid for their prostitutes.

With the exception of the prostitute's services, theater tickets and the snacks purchased in the theaters -- which only showed current movies, none of which were adult -- all these extras were purchased through the TV lounge. Each john paid their prostitute directly. The young lady would credit the john's onboard account and then debit her onboard account the same amount.

Those who didn't want to indulge in any of these things played pool, cards or whatever. Each TV lounge had six pool tables and twelve card tables; the latter could be used for playing cards or whatever those sitting there wanted to do. The forward TV lounge also had a library of over three million books on disk.

There was always someone playing on the tables, bridge, pinochle, hearts, poker, checkers, chess, monopoly, you name it. Decks of cards had to be purchased but you rented a rack of billiard balls by the hour. You also rented board games by the hour but some people had their own.

For money games, a person bought his or her chips from the bartender and cashed them in when they finished playing, just like a casino except that the house didn't take a percentage of your winnings. Also, there were no slot machines, video poker machines or roulette wheels onboard.

There is one type of poker that I particularly enjoy. It's called Hole Poker and is played just like regular five card Draw Poker except that two decks are used. There are no wild cards but the second deck, called the Hole Deck, has all the threes through the nines removed. The remaining 24 cards are shuffled and placed face down on the table.

Then the top card is turned face up on the table by the dealer before each deal begins. If a player is dealt a match for the Hole Card -- regardless of the suit -- then he or she automatically has the winning hand and can bet accordingly. If two people have the same Hole Card then the player with the five best cards wins. After all four aces are overturned the Hole Deck is reshuffled.

What I like about it is that you can have a rotten hand but if you have the Hole Card then you can even beat a royal flush. Of course, the down side of it is that you can have a great hand, say four kings, but if someone else has the Hole Card then your four kings doesn't amount to anything. I know because I had four kings during one game but Joshua had the Hole Card. I lost a lot of money on that particular hand.

On our third month out Ronald, one of the waiters from the kitchen, was caught cheating during a Hole Poker game in one of the rear TV lounges; he palmed a Hole Card. Some threats were made and there was a fight. Things got out of hand and Steven, the bartender, had to call security. Brian answered the call.

Two people sitting at the table claimed that they saw the waiter put the palmed Hole Card on the top of the Hole Deck. The other two players said that they were looking at their cards at the time and didn't see anything. Of course, Ronald denied it. But everyone thought it was suspicious that he kept getting dealt a match for the Hole Card.

But all four players wanted the waiter to reimburse them their losses. Brian put the three who were fighting -- Ronald and the two who saw him cheat -- into the brig until everything could be sorted out.




A New Beginning Ch. 02



Chantelle then did some good old fashion detective work and found out that Ronald repeatedly won at Hole Poker. He frequently seemed to have a match for the Hole Card dealt to him, more often than the law of averages would allow. Chantelle gave this information to Butler.

Butler told Ronald that there was going to be a trial. He told Ronald that some evidence surfaced which seemed to incriminate him and that he should get someone with a little knowledge of the law to help him out.

We had no lawyers onboard so Butler asked Ronald how he wanted to defend himself at the hearing. Ronald didn't know. Butler suggested Vickie because he knew the communication officer had at one time worked as a paralegal for a law firm.

Butler wrote my name, Joseph's name and Joshua's name on slips of paper. He put the slips into a can and drew out my name. I had to be the judge. He ordered me to go to the ship's library and read some of the law books on disk.

For twenty-five days I did nothing but study law. Butler even ordered me not to stand watch so that I could devote all my time to learning the law -- he had Joshua fill my watch for me. I got some advice from Vickie on where to begin and what direction to go and then spent the next three weeks plus in the James Cook's library.

Butler then convened a trial and acted as prosecutor.

Butler, Vickie and I then selected seven officers to act as jurors. Vickie put on a good defense. While I was studying the law, she was busy gathering evidence, talking with Ronald's roommates, friends and acquaintances. She called several character witnesses, all of whom claimed that Ronald would never cheat at poker, that he was one of the most honest persons they knew. Even Father Ray came to his defense.

But in the end, she couldn't overcome the two men who claimed that they suspected him of cheating, were watching him and actually saw him put the Hole Card on the top of the deck.

Nor could she get around the law of averages which says that you're lucky if you get the Hole Card dealt to you more often than two or three times during a couple hours of play. Butler called eleven witnesses -- some who won and some who lost -- but all of whom said that they were at Hole Poker games where Ronald won more often than seemed possible. Ronald seemed to get the Hole Card at least six or seven times every time he played.

The seven officers found Ronald guilty. After a recommendation from Butler and Chantelle, I sentenced him to three months in the brig with a loss of three month's pay and forbid him to play poker again while onboard the James Cook.

But I don't think the latter was really necessary. The trial was held in the cafeteria. It was packed to overflowing with spectators. There wasn't an empty seat there. After Ronald was found guilty I don't think anyone would have played poker with him anyway.

But either way, he lost a lot of money both from the fine and from lost poker money. I don't believe he ever forgave Butler, me or the seven officers who acted as jurors and found him guilty.

I was told that someone from among the laborers invented Hole Poker. I don't know if that is true. I never heard of it before I came aboard the James Cook. It did become one the most popular card games onboard the spaceship. If it was invented onboard then that is one foreboding invention. Little did I or anyone know how ominous a hole would become.

Butler told me that one of the good things to come out of the trial was that if the need ever arose he would use the same method for dispensing justice onboard. Also, Vickie volunteered her services free of charge for legal advice to anyone who wanted it. Luckily no one needed it after the incident with Ronald.

Another good to come out of it was that after the trial, Butler used the cafeteria as sort of an auditorium to give general information to everyone. He disliked using the ship's intercom -- he said it was too impersonal -- and he didn't use the onboard television stations to send a message to everyone because there were many crew members who just didn't watch television; I myself seldom watched it.

So, a few days before he wanted to give everyone some general information, he would post a notice on the menu board of the cafeteria stating the date and times of the next general announcement. Along with the notice, he advised everyone to attend the meeting. He always called three meetings, spaced eight hours apart so that everyone would be able to come.

Then after the meetings he would post a written note on the menu board of what he said. It worked. Several times he had some junior officers take a census of those attending. Almost everyone onboard attended at least one of the meetings.

I can only recall Butler making three calls over the ship's intercom after that. In each case, Chantelle was looking for a particular person who was involved in a fistfight. They were not in their berth when she went looking for them and she didn't want to search the entire ship looking for them. She had the captain call them over the intercom. He ordered them to report to the brig or suffer even worse consequences. They reported without incident.

Besides Vickie's services, other free services included laundry services, medical services, gym services, library books and cafeteria food and drink. Although many individuals claimed that they should be paid for having to eat the ship's food. I personally didn't think it was all that bad. True, it was not as good as mom's home cooked meals but for processed food it wasn't too bad.

There was one other free service -- listening to the radio. Each day Sam, one of the forward TV lounge bartenders, would program up enough easy listening music to run about 24 hours and pipe this over the ship's intercom. After getting permission from Butler, he had Natalie write him a program so that he could play the music through the spaceship's computer. For those who liked this type of music it was always available in their cabin.

He even made commercials that reported that the music was brought to them compliments of the forward TV lounge, WTVL he called it. Most of his commercials were redneck jokes, lawyer jokes, dumb blonde jokes and the like. Other commercials were just plain WTVL announcements that he made up -- this music brought to you compliments of WTVL and Sam the Man -- but everyone loved them regardless.

Each person had a speaker at the head of his or her bunk with a volume control. You could put it on standby, which meant that you could not turn off announcements from the bridge but you didn't have to listen to the music. But, like I said, the captain rarely made any announcements over the intercom after Ronald's trail.

But all these statistics were mute. It didn't make any difference what people did for entertainment, how justice was served onboard, how many people lived or died or what caused their deaths. Without the cargo hold the missions was a failure. Without the materials to build a space station, we had no mission.

This is what was running through my mind since, a little over an hour earlier, I issued the order to get us away from Jupiter. I don't know what the rest of the crew was thinking. But if they were thinking differently, then they were not facing up to reality.

I returned to the bridge and ordered Joshua to go below.

I thought about maybe sticking around and getting some photographs of Europa's surface using our onboard telescopic camera. But I vetoed that almost immediately. We were too far away from the satellite and the telescopic camera isn't powerful enough for the detailed pictures that MC3 would need without getting closer.

I wasn't about to return into the chaos we just left; I didn't think James Cook would survive. So, after an hour of just heading away from Jupiter and the electrical storm, I radioed below and ordered Joshua to work with Aleks Michelle and chart us a course back to Earth instead of just away from Jupiter. He immediately queried that order.

"Captain Antoinette you sure you want to do that?" he radioed back. "Shouldn't we stay out here and get some more info on Europa, get some pictures of its surface or something?"

"Joshua, do you want to go back into that maelstrom we just left? Do you want to subject what's left of the James Cook to more lightening strikes?" By this time the lightening had stopped hitting us. Thankfully.

"No, you're right. Aleks and I'll get on it now."

"Thanks." Then I whispered into my microphone. "Has George reported to the lower flight deck yet? He's not up here and Louis told me earlier that he was in his cabin when he was checking for survivors."

"No . . . and Toni?"

"What?"

"I'm with you on this. You're right. I think we should go back, no sense subjecting the James Cook and the crew to more catastrophes. I wasn't questioning your orders a moment ago, just making sure that that's what we should be doing."

"Thanks Joshua I need that, your support I mean. Give me the new course headings as soon as you and Aleks get them. Then I want you to go to sickbay and check on those two injured laborers, see how they're doing. Get back with me on that will you?"

"Sure thing."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

It sounds like I issued the order to return to Earth as the "man" in charge; as though I had just assumed command of the James Cook and made that decision without consulting anyone. That's because I was in charge; it was my decision to make. I didn't have to consult anyone.

Before we left MC3 we were given written orders that if anything should happed to Butler then I would assume command of the James Cook and if anything should happen to me then Joshua was to assume command, then George after him. This was orders from UNESA and MC3 because Joshua had flight experience, George didn't. No one said who was to become captain if anything should happen to George. I guess it would fall to Juan.

This was confirmed about ten months out from MC3. I had to assume command when Butler had an abscess tooth pulled and was out for two days. One day for the operation and one day to recuperate. The day of recuperation was on the orders of Doc Yves -- he also served as our dentist.

But no sooner had Yves given Butler a local anesthetic when George issued an order to turn the James Cook 12 degrees to port. He didn't tell anyone why. He just waited until he knew that Butler was under anesthesia then he went to the lower flight deck and issued his orders.

I was on the upper deck at the time with Juan our junior flight officer. As soon as I realized that the James Cook was turning I radioed below to ascertain what was going on. Aleks and Beth were on duty at the time. Aleks told me about the order and Beth told me that George was acting like another Napoleon Bonaparte, saying that he was in command of the ship now and that everyone would have to obey him.

I put Juan -- who I trust more than I do George -- in charge of the upper flight deck and went below. I told George in no uncertain terms was he to issue any orders without first consulting me or Joshua. Then I ordered Aleks to put us back on our original course.

George balked but I told him to consult his flight orders. I was in charge of the James Cook when Captain Butler was incapacitated in any way. George just glared at me and stormed off the deck. He then spent the next two days in his bed. He claimed he had a stomach ache. I didn't care. I, as well as almost everyone else, was glad to be rid of him. I had Joshua fill his watch for him.

I didn't tell Butler about the incident. I didn't think it was important enough. I just registered it in the ship's log and forgot about it. Besides, the whole incident was over in about two minutes. But a week later Butler and I were in his berth. We had just finished showering together and were drying each other off. We were massaging each other's naked bodies and bringing ourselves to a higher level of sexual arousal.

He put his right hand in the small of my back. He cupped my right breast and kissed my nipple. I put my hands on his shoulders and raised my right leg up around his waist. Then I pressed my pussy against his dick. He let go of my breast and grabbed both my ass cheeks, pulling me into himself.

He was very erect; I was very hot. I threw my head back. He kissed me on my neck and then on my lips, pushing his tongue deep into my mouth. I sucked it hungrily. It was a long, passionate kiss, during which I reached down between our bodies with my right hand and began to stroke him.

"Are we going to make love or play around?" I asked in a very sensuous voice after we broke the kiss.

"Yeah, but first I'm going to have to spank you all's ass."

"You spanked me yesterday when we role played. Now you want to do it again?" I again rubbed my vagina against his cock.

"Well that was for fun. But now I have to discipline you all. I have to spank you all for being a naughty little girl."

"Ohhhhh," I pouted, ignoring his vain attempt to mimic my New Orleans accent. "What have I done to displease my noble Captain, Sir?"

Every now and then we did a bondage and discipline role play scene. I would pretend to be his sex slave, his student, his nurse or some other subservient role and he would be my Master, my teacher, my doctor or some other dominant role.

Sometimes he would tie me up and spank my ass; other times he would just put me over his knee and spank me. Still other times he would order me to just stand in the middle of his cabin with my hands behind my neck and my tits thrust out. Then he would proceed to beat my thighs, my ass, my pubic mound, my stomach and my breast with either his belt or his flogger.

But it didn't matter what position I was in or whether he used his hand, his belt, his flogger or whatever, I loved the sex. I looked forward to it.

"You all didn't tell me about George changing the course of my ship last week."

"Ohhhhh, Master Captain Sir, I forgot all about it," I purred. "It was such a little incident. I didn't think you'd want to be bothered with it Sir."

"Well slave, I want to know whenever he screws around with my ship. You all didn't tell me of his attempted mutiny so now I'm going to have to punish you all. I'm going to have to beat you all's ass."

"Ohhhhh, Captain Sir, I'm sorry. Please don't beat me. I'll do better next time. I promise." The role playing was going great, except of course for Butler's futile attempt to mimic my southern accent. But I was ignoring that.

"That's not enough slave. I want to make sure that if George ever tries to assume command of my ship again then you all will let me know about it immediately. Now you all go stand in the middle of my cabin."

"Yes Master," I said in the most demure voice I could muster. I knew that this role play scene was his way of telling me in a friendly, sexual sort of way that he wanted me to inform him every time George got out of hand while on my watch. I was getting hotter just thinking about what he was going to do to my ass.

Using a length of rope, Butler next tied my wrists to some pipes running across the ceiling of his cabin. All the berths have exposed pipes and none of the berths are more than about two meters high.

He then proceeded to beat my thighs, my ass, my pussy, my navel and my breasts with a leather belt. He beat me until my whole body was crimson and stinging. I looked like a boiled crawfish. But I was so hot when he finally stopped that I thought my Venus mound was going to erupt without any input from his cock. When we made love after, I had one of the most rewarding orgasms of my life.

Oh by the way, he also told Joshua and Juan to let him know if George ever did something stupid again. But his order to them was not nearly as sexual. He also asked Joshua to try and be on duty whenever George was on duty.

After about five minutes, Aleks radioed up the new trajectory coordinates. I asked her if Joshua had gone to sickbay. She told me that he left just seconds before she radioed up the info to me. I thanked her and gave the new trajectory information to Juan and ordered him to head us back to Earth. Then I radioed below and told Joseph to increase the engines to half power.

I was heartbroken. Not only because of the failed mission but also because I had lost a great friend and lover just a few hours earlier.

But seconds later I breathed a sigh of relief when I felt the ship's engines revving up a notch. Another twenty months, twenty-one months max, and I would be able to retire on Nuda Earth and spend my days living naked and making love by the poolside.

But just when you think it's safe to go back into the water . . .

The James Cook began to shudder . . . violently. Which was odd; that shouldn't have been happening. Vibrate a little, yes.

The ship has some powerful thrusters attached to her rear. When these are turned on -- as we had to do several times for minor course corrections during our trip out to Europa -- the whole ship can feel the surge in power. But the way James Cook was shuddering, I thought that she was going to be torn apart.

I was about to call Joseph to ask him if our engines had been damaged by the lightening strikes, maybe something Chantelle might have overlooked during her inspection, when I just happened to look out James Cook's upper starboard window. I hadn't looked earlier because I was too busy watching readouts on the monitor in front of me.

I noticed a piece of rock about as big as a house streak by the ship. It was moving quite fast and heading for the area above Jupiter's north pole. That too seemed odd; it shouldn't have been happening. Then I looked out the main window. I noticed that although the James Cook was facing the right direction -- away from Jupiter and towards the Sun -- she wasn't heading towards Earth.

We were moving backwards and upwards towards Jupiter's north pole! How could I tell this, I do not know. A flight officer just gets to know the ship he or she is commanding is the only answer I can give.

My first thought was that Joseph had thrown the engines in reverse by mistake. But I knew that he was too good of an officer to do that. So, I curiously crossed the two meter distance to the very nose of the ship and looked up through the upper starboard window.

Have you ever seen a bullet hole through a plate glass window? There's a little black hole surrounded by shattered glass with cracks going out from the hole in every direction. That's what was above Jupiter's north pole. There was a hole in space!

We were being sucked toward it along with everything nearby it, rocks, debris, small pockets of liquid oxygen from the exploded tanks, wreckage from the explosion and the destroyed tail section of the James Cook.

For several seconds I was totally immobile. I was frozen. I had never seen anything like that in my life. The only thing I could think of was that the explosion or possibly the lightening together with the explosion must have somehow punctured the universe.

I remember when I was a little girl a bolt of lightening struck the utility pole in front of our house. It knocked out the electricity on the whole block. It also, somehow, put a small hole in the windshield of my father's car. That I could understand. But a hole in space was beyond my comprehension.

A hole in space is absurd thinking, I know. But I didn't have time to devote to rational thoughts. I didn't know what we were being sucked into and I didn't want to stay around to find out. As soon as I came to my senses I immediately returned to my station and ordered Joseph to throttle up to full power.

"Joseph I want full emergency power now!" I radioed to him. Yes, I was worried about the ship's vibration and what full throttle might do to her. But I was more worried about going through that hole.




A New Beginning Ch. 02



He immediately radioed back. "Full power is not necessary Captain Antoinette. Besides with the way the ship is shuddering now I don't think we should go to full power until I can determine what's causing the vibration."

"Don't question my orders Joseph!" I yelled into the radio. "Just bring us to full emergency power. Do it now and then get up here. I'll send Beth below. I want you up here to see something."

"Captain Antoinette, I strongly . . ."

"Do it now! Then get your ass up here on the double!"

"Full throttle, you're the captain."

"Beth, get to your duty station below. I want Joseph up here now."

"Yes ma'am," she answered me.

Within seconds the vibrations increased as the James Cook went to full power. The whole spaceship was shaking like a stop sign in a hurricane. I sprang to the nose of the ship and looked through the upper starboard window again. We were still being sucked into the hole!

Unbelievable! Even with the ship's engines going full blast we were still being drawn into the hole . . . along with everything else.

I watched as James Cook's tail section closed in on the hole. By now it was a good 25 to 30 kilometers behind us and only about 50 kilometers away from the hole. It was closing that distance fast. In fact, as it drew closer to the opening its speed toward it seemed to increase -- it didn't have any thrusters to slow it down.

Then I noticed something even more peculiar. The opening was closing up; the cracks were disappearing and the hole was getting smaller. Mother Nature was repairing the hole in space.

As I watched it, my hope was that maybe the hole would completely close before we got to it. But I judged the distance we were from it and compared this with the speed with which the hole appeared to be closing up. The hole looked too big and we were approaching it too fast, even with the thrusters going full blast.

Then the James Cook's tail section hit the edge of the hole. It broke apart; the tail section going one direction into the hole and the liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks along with the cargo hold taking another route through the hole.

The two pieces disappeared into the blackness on the other side as soon as they entered through. The last thing I saw of them was the tail section spinning like a top. Then it was gone.

I didn't want us to hit the edge and break apart too. I did another quick calculation. I figured we had two, maybe two and a half minutes before we would be sucked through the hole.

I didn't waste any time. I noticed Joseph coming through the open airlock from below. He started to come toward me but I ordered him to go to his station and reduce engines to one quarter power. He looked at me questioningly. I just ordered him to follow my orders and reduce engines to one quarter power.

I'm sure he thought that I was crazy -- issuing two contradictory orders. But reducing to one quarter power would give us just enough thrust to control the pitch and yaw of the ship through the hole, which at the time was all I wanted to do.

Then I ordered Juan to bring the nose of the James Cook about 180 degrees. I didn't want to go through the hole but neither did I want the James Cook to hit the edge of it and break apart. Since the thrusters -- even going full blast -- couldn't prevent the James Cook from being sucked into the hole, I figured going through it was the lesser of the two evils.

The shuddering stopped immediately as the ship came about. Joseph then came and stood next to me. We were both looking out James Cook's main window, as was everyone else on the upper flight deck.

"What's that?" Joseph asked of no one in particular.

"I don't know; a hole of some kind," I answered him. "It just swallowed up what was left of the tail section and the cargo hold. We're next."

He was just standing next to me with his mouth agape.

I continued. "Even with the engines going full throttle we were still being sucked toward it. I watched the tail section hit the edge of the hole and break apart. That's why I ordered us to come about and reduce power. I didn't want us to hit the edge of it too."

Turning, I said to the junior flight officer, "Juan, I want you to guide us right through the middle of that . . . whatever it is. Can you do it? We only got about a minute before we go through it."

"Yes ma'am I can," is all he said. But then that's all I wanted to hear.

Joseph then left me and returned to his station. I stayed where I was and watched our progress toward the rapidly closing hole. I knew it was going to be close. I crossed my fingers and said a silent prayer that we would make it through OK.

I didn't know what was on the other side of the hole but judging from what we had been going through the last few hours I didn't think it could be good.

To be continued . . .



A New Beginning Ch. 02



"Can you believe him?" Raven snapped, taking a sip of her coffee.

"You'll wake up the kids," Beth warned as she pulled a plastic covered tray from the refrigerator.

"How long will those take?" Mage asked, licking her lips at the sight of the cinnamon rolls as Beth pulled back the plastic.

"About twenty minutes or so," Beth answered, popping the tray into the oven. She pulled out a mixing bowl and carefully measured out some powdered sugar, dumped it into the bowl and added a softened block of cream cheese. "What exactly are you talking about?" Beth wanted to know.

"Xavier! He mated with me! He didn't even ask my permission!" Raven exclaimed.

"You had sex with Xavier?" Beth asked, eyes wide.

"How was it?" Mage wanted to know. 

Beth gave her cousin a grin. "If he's anything like his brother, Raven's lucky to be able to walk," Beth said. 

"It was amazing," Raven admitted.

"So what's the problem?" Mage asked.

"Jimmy has only been gone a year. And I hardly know him," Raven protested.

"Do you like him?" Beth inquired.

"As a friend, yes," Raven answered.

"So what's the big deal? Jimmy wouldn't want you to be alone," Mage murmured.

"I'm not ready for a relationship! He had no right to mate with me without my consent!" Raven shouted.

"What is going on in here?" Cole asked, walking into the kitchen and pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"Xavier mated with Raven last night," Beth answered.

"Without my permission," Raven added, giving Cole a look of disdain.

"What'd I do?" Cole asked, eyes wide.

"You're related to him, so right now, that's enough," Raven answered. Cole grumbled, kissed Beth on the cheek and walked out of the kitchen, coffee in hand.

"What are we going to do about the latest demon mark?" Mage wanted to know, changing the subject.

"For that discussion, we'll need Parker," Beth announced, grabbing her cell phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What the fuck is your problem man?" Xavier shouted, looking up after Cole shoved him hard to the ground.

"You mated with Raven!" Cole exclaimed. Dominic pulled Cole away from Xavier.

"What is wrong with Xavier mating with Raven?" Dominic asked.

"He did it without her permission!" Cole answered.

"Xavier!" Marie exclaimed.

"I couldn't help it, my wolf took over," Xavier protested.

"You know how to control your wolf, I know I thought you how," Dominic snapped.

"I couldn't control my wolf last night. Not around Raven," Xavier admitted.

"None of this bickering is going to help. Let's go inside, have a cup of tea and we'll discuss this," Marie insisted, pushing Xavier towards the house.

"What has Raven said about you mating with her?" Marie asked Xavier. Xavier took a long draw of his tea. "I told her the mating was essentially a were wedding and she said she wants a divorce," Xavier answered.

"This is why we don't mate unless both parties are willing!" Charles exclaimed, giving his twin a dark look.

"Thanks Charles for taking my side," Xavier said grumpily.

"We have a bigger issue than your forced mating," Cole said.

"And what's that?" Xavier wanted to know.

"Raven hasn't been on birth control," Cole answered. Xavier swallowed hard and paled visibly. 

"An attractive girl like Raven not on birth control?" Dominic sounded incredulous.

"Her fiancee is dead and she wasn't looking for a date," Cole reminded his father. Dominic conceded and gave Xavier a look of disappointment.

"What will you do if Raven gets pregnant?" Dominic asked his son.

"I don't know," Xavier admitted.

"You'd better figure it out, just in case," Cole suggested. He downed the last of his tea and stalked out of the house.

-2 weeks later-

"C'mon Beth, where is she?" Xavier pleaded with his sister. Beth turned to face him, hands on her hips.

"Why should I tell you?" Beth wanted to know, her eyes flashing in anger.

"She's my mate!" Xavier snarled.

"You mated to her without her permission!" Beth reminded him.

"Where is she Beth?" Xavier asked again, his eyes going hard.

"I am not going to tell you," Beth said calmly. Xavier growled low in his throat.

"Where is my mate?" Xavier asked through gritted teeth.

"A forced mating can be reversed!" Beth reminded him.

"What did you do?!" Xavier shouted, lunging for Beth. Beth side stepped him easily and Xavier went flying over the kitchen counter.

"I haven't done anything and you'll want to watch your anger before Cole gets home," Beth warned.

"Too late," Cole rumbled from the doorway. Xavier's anger dissipated when he saw the look on his brother's face.

"I need to know where Raven is," Xavier told his brother.

"Raven needed to get away so she and Jenny went away with Mage and Logan. She'll be back soon and I will not tell you where they are. Rave needs time to think without more stress then she's already under," Beth answered.

"Damn it Beth!" Xavier exclaimed.

"Cool it," Cole warned.

"Is she pregnant?" Xavier asked. Beth, who was taking a sip of juice, choked. "Is she?" Xavier demanded to know.

"I have no idea. If she is, it's too soon to tell," Beth answered.

"Have her call me?" Xavier asked.

"I'll tell her," Beth promised. Xavier nodded, glanced at his brother and walked out of the house.

"What was that all about?" Cole wanted to know.

"Your brother is obsessed with my cousin," Beth answered.

"He mated with her. He has the right to know where she is," Cole pointed out.

"He mated with her without her consent! Something you and your father has made perfectly clear that it is not allowed!" Beth exclaimed. Cole sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't want to fight again Beth," Cole said wearily.

"Then stop trying to push my cousin into this! Raven doesn't want this! She wants to mourn Jimmy," Beth told Cole.

"I know that, but it will be very difficult to get the mating reversed," Cole said.

"Figure out a way Cole," Beth warned.

"Raven and Xavier look good together, and it's obvious that they like each other, let them be," Cole told Beth.

"Raven does not want to be mated to Xavier, Cole and it isn't fair to push her into this!" Beth argued.

"It's done Beth and having it undone could take years," Cole said wearily.

"Figure out how to undo it Cole," Beth retorted before stalking out of the room. 

"And what if I can't figure out how to undo it?" Cole asked, following Beth out of the room. Beth turned around and gave Cole a look that could scald a grease fire.

"Until you manage to undo the mating ritual between Xavier and Raven, you can stay at your parent's," Beth said, her voice low and full of anger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You've really fucked up Xavier!" Cole snapped. He threw an over-sized duffel bag at Xavier.

"What did I do?" Xavier wanted to know.

"You couldn't control your wolf and now Beth has thrown me out. I can't go home until I've found a way to reverse the mating ritual," Cole told him.

"It's not my fault your mate is easily angered," Xavier grumbled.

"It's your fault that Beth is pissed at me! You are more than old enough to be able to control your wolf! You should have stopped the moment you realized your wolf wanted to claim Raven as your own!" Cole exclaimed.

"That is enough boys," Dominic said from the doorway. Xavier and Cole looked at their father and Xavier swallowed hard; the look on his father's face was somewhere between amused and pissed.

"Dad, please tell me there is a way to reverse the mating," Cole pleaded.

"Beth will take you back into the house soon," Dominic said.

"Dad, can it be undone?" Cole asked.

"Yes," Dominic answered hesitantly. 

"I refuse to allow it to be undone!" Xavier exclaimed.

"This isn't your decision anymore! Raven never wanted to be mated!" Cole growled. Xavier growled loudly and lunged for his older brother. Dominic stepped in and grabbed the collar of Xavier's shirt.

"That is enough! Stop it both of you! Now!" Dominic shouted. Xavier stopped in mid lunge and looked at his father.

"How can you have the mating undone?" Cole asked. Xavier growled again.

"Call Beth and Raven. I will only discuss this once," Dominic told Cole.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"So can it be reversed?" Raven asked quietly as she rocked Jenny in the wicker rocking chair.

"Maybe. There is a way for forced matings, however, most matings usually result in pregnancy," Dominic said hesitantly. Raven's face lost all color and Beth shot Xavier a dirty look.

"And if Raven's pregnant?" Xavier asked, the possibility making him feel light headed.

"Then the mating cannot be undone," Dominic answered.

"I don't want to be mated to Xavier," Raven said, her voice just above a whisper. Beth gave her cousin's hand a squeeze and looked up when one of the quadruplets cried out in their sleep.

"They're alright," Marie said quietly from the doorway. Beth nodded and squeezed Raven's hand as she turned her expression back to her father.

"The healer is here," Sydney said from behind her mother. Xavier swallowed again. He wasn't ready to be a father, yet the wolf in him was unwilling to lose his mate. Charles sat in a chair and put his hand on his twin's shoulder.

Beth followed Raven and the healer into a large bedroom before giving her cousin's hand a reassuring squeeze. Beth never left her cousin's side as the healer began her exam and after nearly a half an hour, the three women left the bedroom.

"Well?" Dominic asked.

"There's no pregnancy," the healer reported.

"So the mating can be reversed?" Raven asked.

"Well, it can, but it will come at a price," the healer began.

"I'll pay it!" Raven exclaimed.

"The price will not be yours to pay," the healer said, glancing at Dominic. 

"You can't expect me to banish my own son!" Dominic roared.

"Forgive me Alpha, but pack law states that any time there is a forced mating, the one who forced the mating is banished from the pack. If we make an exception for your son, then pack law would fall apart," the healer told him gently. Dominic gave Xavier an annoyed expression.

"What does that mean?" Raven asked Cole softly.

"It means that Xavier will be cast out of the pack and that none of us will be allowed to talk to him or acknowledge him again. If we see him in town, we have to turn and walk the other way," Cole told her, an unreadable expression on his face. Beth slipped her hand in Cole's and gave it a gentle squeeze. He glanced at her and offered a small smile; he was angry with her for what she had said to him earlier, but he knew it was only said out of concern for her cousin and her anger at Xavier for putting them all in this position.

"It is Raven's decision," Dominic said finally.

"You mean I don't have a say in if I'm banished or not?" Xavier asked. Dominic turned to his son, his eyes calm, despite how he felt about the prospect of losing a son. 

"You brought this upon yourself Xavier, when you failed to control your wolf," Dominic told him. 

"What are the other options?" Raven asked softly.

"You can remain mated," the healer answered. Raven blanched, not ready for a long term relationship.

"Works for me," Xavier said. Cole and Beth shot him a look of anger.

"Raven should not have to be tethered to you because you couldn't control your wolf," Cole reminded his brother.

"Can we make a compromise?" Raven asked.

"How so?" Dominic asked.

"I will stay mated to Xavier for a trial period of six months. At no time will sex be part of the relationship, unless I decide other wise. After six months, if we are not capable of living together as mates, then the mating is reversed and Xavier does not have to be banished. He can stay in the pack," Raven said. Dominic rubbed his chin thoughtfully and nodded.

"It is a good suggestion. It is done. Raven, you and Jenny will move to the compound," Dominic agreed.

"Cole doesn't have to live at the compound!" Raven protested.

"No, however, if you and Xavier don't work out, it would be easier for you to leave him at the house he has here on the compound," Dominic pointed out. Raven nodded and turned to Beth.

"Can you take me home to pack?" Raven asked.

"I'll take you. We might as well get this arrangement started," Xavier told Raven. Raven nodded again and followed Xavier to his truck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Cole?" Beth asked after the kids were in bed and asleep.

"Yeah Beth?" Cole looked from the papers on his desk.

"I'm sorry about earlier. About kicking you out. I know it wasn't your fault that Xavier was not in control," Beth murmured. Cole gave her a smile and reached a hand out for her.

"It's okay Beth. You were angry with Xavier and by proxy, any one related to him by blood. I was angry with him. I still am angry with him. And I'm sorry for acting like a jerk trying to take his side," Cole apologized. He pulled Beth into his lap and kissed her passionately. "Are you done with the books for Gambit?" Cole wanted to know.

"For tonight anyway," Beth answered. Cole stood up, Beth still in his arms and headed towards the bedroom.

"Good. You're all mine tonight," Cole said, his voice a husky rumble.



A New Beginning Ch. 02



I awoke the next morning startled at the sound of the front door shutting. I looked over to Sherry who was sound asleep. She looked so sweet like a goddess that I knew I was meant to worship and obey. I quietly got out of bed and tip toed through the house naked. I glanced around the living room and heard a car start outside. I peeked out of the curtain just in time to see Brad driving away. As I was bent over looking out a smile crossed my lips as my hand slowly reached around and my fingers glided between my ass cheeks. My finger easily slipped into my worn little hole and instantly got slick with used cum. 

I brought my hand up to my face and could see the glistening cum glazed on my fingers. I smelled the creamy substance before wiping it on my tight belly. I made my way into the den and stripped the sofa bed of it sheets and folded it back up. I threw the sheets in with the laundry and started the washer. The glow from the fucking I had received the night before was fresh on my face and my nipples tingled in the crisp morning air. I wanted to show Sherry my appreciation for the night before so I decided I would fix her a nice breakfast after I showered.

I went to my closet and picked out a sexy layered blouse with a silver clasp in the middle and lace sleeves. I decided to go with my patterned black tights and mid thigh length flowing black skirt with lace trim. I got a matching black bra and panties out and made my way to the bathroom. As I hung my clothes on the hanger I couldn't help but notice my perky breasts in the mirror. My puffy nipples pointed out begging for attention. I softly massaged them and teased my nipples to get their full attention.

My body was responding with tingling sensations that spread through me and warm precum began oozing from the tip. I gathered the juice up and spread it across my lips before licking and sucking my finger clean. I shook my head and fought off the urge to keep going so I could get Sherry's breakfast done. I started a warm shower and stepped in, letting the hot water caress my sensitive breasts as I soaked my long hair down. 

After washing my hair I soaped my smooth body down paying special attention to my sticky used hole. I couldn't help but slide in a finger as the jets of hot water tickled my nipples making me squirm. Then another finger slid in, then another. I was bent over with one hand on the shower wall and the other plunging three fingers into my hungry hole. The water cascaded down on me as my breathing quickened and my whimpers got louder. I was thinking of Brad's huge cock fucking me as Sherry held me tight. My limp cock was streaming precum now and I could feel an orgasm building inside me without it being touched.

Just then something hit my fingers and pushed them out of my hole and slid along my crack. I gasped and spun my head around, wiping the water from my face. Sherry was standing behind me with a lustful look in her eyes. My eyes dropped down her naked body to her magnificent breasts then down to an enormous strap on. Her small hand grasped the huge tool and rubbed it as she looked into my eyes. She grabbed my hips tightly and turned me away from her and pulled my ass back to her.

"I have to have you." She said in a raspy voice before stepping closer. The tip of the dildo aimed at my ass she easily pushed it inside of me. I groaned and fell forward. My hands and breasts pushed into the wet shower tiles as her feet urged mine apart and she stepped between my spread legs. With one smooth motion she pushed all the way into me making my eyes widen as I gasped for air. She put her hand on the middle of my back and forcefully pushed me down. Her fingers came around and painfully gripped my hard nipple as she tugged and pulled on my breasts. 

"You want my cock don't you Crystal?" She asked slamming into me hard making my knees buckle. "Yes!" I cried out feeling her other hand on my hip holding me in place.

"You're going to be my little slut aren't you baby? You're going to do whatever I say aren't you?" She teased, after each question she slammed into me harder making my boobs quake beneath me.

"Oh god yes! I'm yours! Oh fuck I love you so much Sherry!" I cried out as her hand fell down to my little limp cock as squeezed the head making me squirm more.

"That's a good girl!" Sherry said with a hint of giggling. Her other hand left my breast and gripped my hip tightly. She began slamming into me over and over as hard and as fast as she could. The water was pouring down on my head and streaming over my face and I moaned and begged for her to fuck me. 

As she fucked me her small hand was rolling the head of my cock in her slippery palm making me dizzy with excitement. Very quickly my legs began to shake as I cried out loudly and one of the most powerful orgasms I had ever imagined rocked my body. Her hand stayed around my limp cock and caught all the cum. She pushed me forward until her huge dildo plopped out of me and told me to turn around and get on my knees. As I did she rinsed her dildo off and stepped backward away from the streams of water. 

She looked down at me and smiled as she applied all of my hot cum to the glistening dildo. She made sure to leave as much as she could on the mushroom shaped head then used her finger to make a come here motion. I scooted forward and kept my eyes glued to hers as I opened my mouth and slowly lick the cum from her cock. She wrapped her fingers in my long wet hair and pulled my mouth onto her strap on. With a firm grip on my head she began fucking my throat in long slow motions. 

"Oh my! You are so good at this! Let's see what you learned last night." She said pulling the cock from my mouth and turning around. She squatted over my mouth placing her wet juicy pussy against my lips. I eagerly licked and sucked at her hole and clit while she rode my mouth. Her breathing got louder and her hips bucked faster until she slammed her pussy down onto my mouth and began grinding it against me. Her slippery hot juices flooded my tongue until her rocking slowed and she stepped away from me.

I stood up and turned her to me, kissing her passionately as we shared a combination of our juices. Our breasts mashed together tightly and her hot pussy began grinding against my soft cock making it begin to harden. We fondled each other lovingly under the hot streams of water until I was fully erect. A full erection was rare considering the estrogen hormones I was taking but I finally got there. Sherry smiled and turned around as I slid into her hot pussy. It felt so good I felt like my cock would melt off inside of her. 

We fucked for a few minutes then she pulled off of me and took my cock in her hand. She guided my tip to her tight asshole and slowly began to push back as she bit her lower lip. My head was spinning, she had never let me fuck her ass before but I wasn't about to argue and slowly pushed into her. Taking my time allowing her to get used to it.

"Fuck it! If you can do it, so can I! You aren't going to outdo me!" She cried as she slammed her hips back against me taking it all inside her tight ass. We both let out feminine moans as her muscles contracted against my hard cock. I dug my long purple painted nails into her soft hips and began thrusting in and out of her tight ass. After only a few minutes I exploded deep inside of her. Her tight muscles milked my cock dry then I pulled out and quickly went to my knees again. I spread her ass cheeks and buried my mouth inside her hole eating my hot cum from her. She reached down and furiously began rubbing her clit as I ate her ass until she came again. This time was harder than before and I greedily lapped up all her sweet juices. She turned toward me and dropped to her knees. We hugged tightly again as we caught our breath. Without saying a word we soaped each other and gently washed each other off. She quietly left the bathroom as I dried myself and dressed.

I couldn't wipe the smile from my face as I slowly dressed. I had never been so satisfied and happy and I had a strong feeling she hadn't either. I admired my body in the mirror when I was done. My long red hair really set the outfit alive and I couldn't help but run my hands over my tight body through the sexy clothes. 

I left the bathroom and looked into the bedroom and living room before finding Sherry in the dining room sitting at the table. She had set out toast, apple slices and orange juice for our breakfast. I gratefully thanked her as we sat down to eat.

"So what did you think of Brad?" Sherry asked with a wicked smile.

"He seemed ok I guess, I didn't really talk to him." I replied feeling my cheeks turning red. Sherry stared at me and I knew she could read the guilt on my face.

"No, you didn't talk, your mouth was kind of full of cock wasn't it?" She said smiling so hard she was close to laughing.

"Oh hush! Like your mouth hasn't been full of his cock before!" I joked back with her.

"Nope." She said seriously taking a drink of juice. "We haven't done anything. I was planning on it last night but some little slut beat me to it. Have you done anything like that before?" She asked as her foot reached across from under the table and ran up my stocking clad leg making me twitch.

"Only with toys. I had never really thought about it. I didn't mean to last night. He fell on me getting into bed and things just kind of took off from there, I was scared to stop him." I felt ashamed of myself for what I had done with him. Not because I had done it, because he was supposed to be with her. How's that for messed up? I felt bad for getting fucked by my wife's lover before she had the chance to fuck him!

"Well, don't feel bad. Things seemed to have worked out for the best anyway. I have a feeling we are going to have a lot of fun with our new situation." Sherry said taking the dished into the kitchen and putting them in the dishwasher.

I swallowed hard, I wanted to ask but was afraid of the answer. "What does this mean for us? I mean, are we ok? Are we exclusive again?" I so wanted her to come leaping into my arms and declare her love for me and only me. I know that's selfish considering I had just been fucked and creampied by her boyfriend but I've never been one to think logically.

"Well." She turned the dishwasher on then walked back to me and sat on my lap. "We are ok, but, things have changed." She gently squeezed my full breasts to emphasize her point. "You know that I care for you deeply. You haven't exactly been open with me about all this. Although I've had more orgasms with you since last night than every before!" She lovingly brushed my long hair away from my face and traced the outline of my full lips with her fingernail. "Right now I think it's wise if we just go with it and have some fun and see where it leads us. Is that something you can handle, Crystal?" She paused before saying my female name and put emphasis on it as she smiled at me.

Oh I can handle that and more! I just hope you can handle it!" I said running my hand up her red dress and pressing against her clit through her silk panties making her jump. It wasn't the answer I had hoped for but considering the circumstances it was more than the best I was going to get.

"Oh you're such a dirty girl!" Sherry said giggling as she kissed me softly. Her kiss became more as she kissed me repeatedly and playfully bit my lip. Her hand went to my breast and roughly began pawing at it. "Oh god! Look at what you do to me!" She said standing up and straightening her dress. "Jesus, I'm fucking wet again!" She said giggling as she looked down at me with a glow I had never seen before. "Come on, let's go get prettied up. I think we need to go have some fun!" She said grabbing my hand and pulling me to the bedroom. We sat on the bed doing our makeup and hair. She gave me some tips on the best looks for me that I was very grateful for. She handed me her favorite earrings and matching necklace and bracelet to complete my look while she picked out some for herself.

"Here, give me your purse. I know you've got one somewhere." She said while she stood at the dresser digging in hers. I went to the back of the closet and got mine out and handed it to her. She smiled as she went through it. "Wow, you've got everything you could possibly need in here. Well, almost everything." She said as she reached into her purse. She looked at me with that wicked smile of hers and winked as she brought out a handful of condoms and dropped them into my bag. "There! All set for a day with my girlie girl!" She exclaimed tossing the purse to me. 

Dumbfounded by the condoms I fumbled with catching it and almost dropped it. She sprayed me with some of the sexiest perfume I had ever smelled and grabbed my hand and took me out of the house. 

"Where are we going Sherry?" I asked as I we strolled out to the car. The crisp air caressed my stocking covered legs sending tingles all over my body. Across the street I noticed our neighbor Tom glaring at us with his mouth slightly open. 

"Out. Does it matter where we go? I want to explore the world with you." She said smiling.

"No, it doesn't matter. I was just curious." I replied nervously. Just then I heard a clank of something hitting the driveway.

"Oh damn, I dropped the keys! You mind picking them up baby?" Sherry asked in a sweet voice.

"No, of course not." I replied bending at my knees.

"No, not like that. Bend at the waist, for me sweety." Sherry said teasingly.

I shrugged and did as I was told not thinking about it. Then I felt a sudden breeze on my ass as my skirt rose as I bent. I glanced behind me while I was bent over and saw Tom's mouth drop open even more. 

"Good girl!" Sherry giggled happily.

I straightened up and smoothed my skirt down. I could feel my cheeks redden as I handed her the keys. "Thanks a lot, now he's going to gawk at me everytime I see him." I said joking.

"Better get used to it! You're fucking cute baby, guys are always going to be staring at you, wanting you, craving you!" She said stepping against me, her warm breath teasing my neck. She put a hand on my shoulder and kissed me like she had in the dining room. I melted and wrapped my arms around her neck.

"Woe girl!" Sherry giggled backing away. We can give him a glimps but he doesn't get the entire show for free!" She opened the passenger door and motioned for me to get in. I got in, taking care in smoothing my skirt beneath me as I did and she shut the door and went to the drivers side and got in. We backed out of the driveway and Tom was still staring at us. "Blow him a little kiss and a wave." Sherry said teasingly.

I did as she said and Tom slowly waved back. Sherry giggled as we drove away. "Damn, I have a feeling your going to break some hearts along the way." She said making me blush again.

She pulled into a convenience store at the end of the block and instructed me to go in and buy us each something cold to drink. "What? Here? I can't go in here! I know these people!" I said scared.

"Yes here! If we are doing this, we are doing it all the way. No half assing it! Now get that cute little ass out of the car and get us something to drink." She said patting my thigh and giving me a stern look.

I sighed and looked around. The store was packed full of people I recognized. Neighbors, coworkers, friends. I took a deep breath and got out of the car and tried to casually walk to the door without drawing attention. Just then Sherry began honking the car horn. "Shit!" I whispered then turned toward her. "You forgot your purse Crystal!" Sherry yelled out as she held my purse up in the air with a wicked smile on her lips.

I saw people looking and my cheeks reddened again as I walked back to her side of the car. The heels on my ankle high slouch boots clanked loudly on the parking lot with each step I took. 

"Thanks." I said dully as I took the purse. 

"You're welcome sweetie!" Sherry said winking.

She whistled a cat call at me as I walked back inside. A tall young man held the door open for me and smiled as he looked down my blouse at my cleavage. I thanked him and walked through the crowded store. I was nervouse but I knew with the clicking heels and the way I was dressed I was going to attract a lot of attention. I let out my breath and just let myself go with it. I began swishing my hips as I walked and twisting my butt. Every guy I walked by gave me a smile or a wink. When I got to the long cashier line everyone was eager to allow me to cut in front of them. I paid for the drinks after fumbling through my purse to find the money then shook my ass all the way out the door. 

On my way to the car I heard a man saying excuse me and I heard footsteps coming after me. I turned and it was the guy that had opened the door for me.

"Hi there, I'm Rick." He said with a beaming smile and holding out his hand for me to shake.

I looked down at his hand then back up to his eyes. I held out my small hand which he eagerly took inside his huge hand and gripped me. "I'm Crystal" I replied nervously.

"Wow, pretty name for a pretty girl." He said with a sly wink. "Listen, some buddies and I just moved in down the road and we are having a party tonight. Would you and your friend like to come?" He asked glancing at Sherry in the car.

"Umm I don't know, we may be busy." I replied hoping to just get in the car and leave. A sudden look of disappointment crossed his face making me feel sorry for him.

"Don't be silly Crystal! Get his number and address and we'll be there!" Sherry yelled out from the car window. Rick's face lit up with excitment. He wrote his number and address on a piece of paper and handed it to me.

"I really hope to see you there!" He said letting his fingers glide over my painted nails.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she comes!" Sherry shouted, putting a little emphasis on "comes" making me blush and look down at the ground.

"Great! I'll see you around 7 tonight then?" He said caressing my fingers one last time.

"Ok, I'll see you then." I said as I walked toward the car. Sherry's face with beaming with giddiness as I got in. 

"Wow, first stop and you already have a date! How fucking awesome is this!" She said taking his number from me and putting it in her purse. "I'll hang on to that, wouldn't want you to loose it!" She said winking and starting the car. She looked at Rick walking away then smiled at me. "He's a big strong guy, bet he has a big cock!" Sherry said playfully grabbing my nipple making me squirm in my seat.

Sherry turned up the music as we drove across town. There was a girly pop song playing and soon she had me singing along with her. I had to admit this was a lot more fun than I ever dreamed of. She put on her blinker and turned into a rather poor section of town. I had been by here but never had a reason to turn in.

"What are we doing here?" I asked nervously. 

"I just want to see something." She said turning down another road.

She pulled into a small parking area in front of a basketball court. It was run down with trash on the ground and a small set of bleachers that looked like they should be condemned. The court had a dozen or more people playing a game on it. Sherry turned off the car and got out.

"What the hell are you doing?" I asked leaning over to her window.

"Come on, get out. Bring our drinks." She said before walking over to the bleachers and sitting down.

"This isn't going to end well." I mumbled as I got our drinks and walked over to join her on the bleachers.

In no time the guys playing stopped and walked over to us. The way we were dressed it was way to obvious we didn't belong here, I was getting really nervous. They were all at least twice my size, maybe more. Most of them were black and very muscular and there were a few white guys.

"Come on, let's get the hell out of here Sherry!" I whispered taking her hand in mine and pulling on her. She gripped my hand tight and wouldn't move letting me know we weren't leaving.




A New Beginning Ch. 02



Thank you to all who commented on my last chapter, it meant a lot to see how many people had taken the time to read and comment.

This is the second part in a story and can be read as a stand alone, but would make far more sense if you read chapter 1 first.

A huge thank you to my new editor without whom I would not have managed. I want to run away to Alaska with him and his paddle; It's amazing how much a paddle can influence a writer!

A little note for North200...see the lengths I had to go to, to get a Jets Jersey in a story!!

*****

The room swam into view as my eyes opened, groggy from sleep I couldn't quite place where I was. Closing them again I took a deep breath, letting out a long sigh as I recalled last night. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to bury my head under the duvet or get my clothes and run for the hills.

It was then I realised that last night was the first time in 9 months I had slept peacefully, not once had I woken bathed in sweat trying to clear the images of a nightmare from my sleep fogged brain. Maybe there was another option other than hiding or running away. Just as this thought ran through my mind, I heard a gentle tap tap on the door. This time the choice was easy, I tugged the duvet up to my chin! I may have been ready to stay, but being seen naked this early in the morning, by relative strangers was not a comforting thought.

"Alannah, wakey wakey time." Came the nasal twangs of Silky "it's time to get up pet, breakfast will be ready soon."

"Erm, how long have I got Silky?" I managed to stutter, my throat dry, my nerves getting the better of me. I needed some time to try and look at least half decent, I'm sadly not one of those people who can get up looking fabulous, I look like I have been dragged through a hedge backwards, and I was pretty sure Silky would look amazing even if she had been dragged through said hedge.

"Half an hour sweetie, do you need any help?" came the reply

"Oh god no... I mean no thanks." I uttered quickly, I had no desire at all to let her see me like this, part of my submissive nature thrives on humiliation, but not before breakfast...

A slight chuckle emanated from behind the door, before she replied, "I meant with finding your way to the breakfast room." The laughter in her voice evident and making me smile to myself, how daft did I feel at that moment?!

"Oh, yes, sorry, that would be grand thanks." The words coming out like bullet fire as I struggled to make sense of the myriad of emotions I was feeling.

I didn't hear her footsteps but assumed that if the carpet outside my room was anywhere near the thick luxurious pile I had in my bedroom, a herd of fairy elephants could have trotted past and I would have been none the wiser. I eased my own legs out of the bed and shakily made my way to the en-suite.

A happy half hour later I was showered, dressed and not looking half bad. I realised as I was getting dressed I had left my suitcase that contained my spare clothes, in the boot of my car last night. At least I didn't have the 'what to wear' dilemma! Opening my bedroom door, I glanced around looking for Silky, jumping slightly as she appeared by my side, evidently she had been kneeling beside the door waiting for me.

I followed her down the maze of corridors and down the stairs til we reached the breakfast room, the farmhouse table in the centre of the room reminding me of my parent's kitchen back home. I smiled to myself as I saw the amount of food laid out, everything from cereals to cut meats; the table groaning under the weight.

My smile widened as I saw Him, MA come into the room bearing a pot of coffee and a tea pot, placing them in the only space left on the table. He looked directly at me, again those piercing grey eyes seeming to see into the depths of my soul.

"Good Morning precious, did you sleep well?" He asked as He sat himself down at the head of the table, gesturing as He spoke for Silky and I to take our seats.

"Yes Sir, Thank you, I slept wonderfully."I managed to croak out. Why oh why did I lose the ability to speak in rational sentences around this man? I felt like a silly school girl with her first crush.

"I'm very glad to hear that." He knew about the nightmares and the half raised eyebrow along with a look that seemed to question my statement, gave me the courage to speak up,

"No Sir, really that room was beautiful, and I had the best night's sleep in a long time."

The urge to please this man was so strong inside me, a feeling I had not felt for a while, but an all consuming feeling that I would do anything for Him, just for a glimpse of that smile.

The pleasure in his voice was evident as he instructed Silky to serve the drinks, He had coffee as did Silky, me, I'm a tea girl, no matter where I have lived or how bad the tea was, I've never really appreciated the taste of coffee!

"Now usually there are 3 topics I won't allow at the breakfast table, and I am going to break that rule this morning, Alannah, do you wish to say grace?"

A wry smile curved at my mouth as I shook my head, not trusting myself to answer, I was raised a good Catholic girl. Church every Sunday, every Saints Day, confession before Mass etc, yet since that day when I answered the door to two Policeman, with that look in their eyes that told me immediately that they weren't there to tell me the tax on my car had expired, I had questioned my beliefs inside out. I guess some people use that faith to get them through the grief, me, I lost mine. I still go to church every Sunday, still go through the motions but in my heart I don't have the same necessity to complete the rituals.

"Right then, let's eat, I wasn't sure what you liked the best, so this morning I thought the safest way was to empty the contents of the supermarket on the table."

I couldn't help but laugh as we all started to tuck in, I favoured the continental style breakfast, a hang-over from my years in Germany. I found myself hungry despite my nerves and ate heartily, listening to the chatter between MA and Silky. The contented feeling of a good meal gave me the courage to join in the conversation, asking the question that had been on my mind since early on in the meal, "Sir, you said there were 3 topics that are not allowed at the table, Religion I get, but what are the other 2?"

"Curious to the last aren't you little one, but a good question. I really should have set out table rules before eating. Rule 1 is no elbows on the table, Rule 2. No Religion, politics or football talk. Rule 3. No food fights." This last rule was said through laughter as He glanced over at Silky with a glint in his eye.

I must have looked confused at this point, as Silky smiled and just murmured "ignore him He's just being silly." The look of adoration on her face belying her words.

Smiling and lost in the moment I found myself saying "So rugby is ok then Sir or is it all ball sports that's not allowed, as I can limit myself to talking about ice hockey if that's the case?"

A smile tugged at the corners of His mouth as he swapped his gaze to me, a gleam in his eye that managed to both glue me to my seat and arouse me in equal parts.

"I think I may need to change that rule to NO smart ass comments at the breakfast table, don't you agree little one?"

Gulping I managed to respond "So I'm guessing you don't know the Jet's result from last night then?" I really must learn to think more before I speak.

The look on his face changed in an instant from amusement to something I couldn't quite place. A glance and a slight nod of His head at Silky sent her scurrying from the table. Returning his gaze to me, the simple instruction "Kneel now!" had me out of my seat and on my knees.

"Hmmm I had hoped to get through our chat before needing to punish you, but I see that a slight taste may be a good idea."

I wasn't sure good idea was what I would have called it at that moment, I felt rotten, ashamed, that I had let him down. My eyes downcast, unable to look up and see the disappointment I was sure I would see.

"Look at me little one," and as much as I didn't want to see that look, it was undoubtedly a command, and I couldn't not do as I was told. Raising my eyes slowly to meet His, I was shocked to discover that it wasn't disappointment I could see, it was a mix of pride, arousal and lust, my tummy flip flopped as I drank in the emotions so plainly written on His face. I remember thinking earlier that I would have done anything to see His smile, wow, I would have done more than anything to see that look He had right now.

"Turn round and position yourself as if you were about to crawl, then lift your skirt. I want to see that fine bottom of yours before I turn it the same colour as your cheeks are now."

He was half stern, half chuckling as the blush at being on my knees spread, the impact of his words hitting home. I was naked beneath my skirt, and I knew that I was wet, the moisture seeping between my thighs as the combination of his words and the picture I was painting in my mind caused my tummy to somersault and a tingly feeling to radiate through my cunt. (I should explain at this point, I hate that word, I much prefer pussy, but Dietmar had explained early on in my journey into submission that a submissive had a cunt, a Mistress a Pussy, plus he liked the fact I blushed and stammered every time I had to say it!)

Somehow whilst lost in these thoughts I had managed to turn myself round, drop down to my hands and knees, lifting my skirt so my ass was exposed. I guess following instructions was deeper ingrained in me than even I knew.

I couldn't see His face from my current position, but His words did little to hide his arousal, a sigh escaped his lips as he told me to crawl round the table and stop in front of him. I started my crawl, conscious of the air on my bare cunt, my ass in the air, the tops of my thighs that must surely be glistening with moisture, all in plain sight. I came to a stop in front of Him, embarrassment oozing from my every pore, only serving to heighten my arousal.

"Nicely done little one, I see you are enjoying this as much as I am!" I cringed at this statement, knowing that He had indeed noticed just how wet I was getting.

My attention was distracted at that moment, by Silky's reappearance, my eyes straying to her hands, seeing a large tray, that in my youth I would have given my left arm for; It was perfect for sledging down the snowy hills that surrounded my parent's farm. Funny where you mind goes when you're half naked on your knees.

Silently she passed me a cushion and gestured to my knees; The look on my face must have spoken volumes. I had never been so grateful for something so mundane, as the coldness of the hard tiles was already starting to seep into my joints. As I placed the plump velvet cushion under my knees, the thought hit me, if she had brought me a cushion, I was going to be here for a while yet.

I saw her pick up one last item from the tray. A wooden shiny object, which in my fuddled mind looked like a cross between a shrunken flattened cricket bat and a ten pin bowling pin that had been run over by a steamroller, and hand it to Him.

He moved slowly and deliberately until He was standing in front of me, slapping the highly polished object against His palm, the object which I now recognised as a paddle, once the sound of wood hitting flesh was unmistakable and echoed around the room. My cunt clenched involuntarily, my clit hardened, my juices ran freely as I imagined what was about to happen.

"The table Silky if you please, this little one here can wait a while since you were kind enough to make sure she was comfy." His words directed at Silky, yet his gaze not once leaving me.

Smiling, He moved behind me, still talking to Silky. "Have you seen just how wet this little one is getting, and her ass is just perfect. Smooth and soft with just the right amount of flesh that it will wobble nicely and her skin so pale that the slightest of taps will cause a glow to be behold."

Every word he spoke seemed to parade around in my head, this was the first time He had seen me in any state other than fully clothed, and here I was in front of not only Him, but Silky as well. On my knees awaiting punishment for my smart assed mouth running away with me, being talked about in the most intimate way as if I wasn't even in the room.

That moment seemed to bring home to me more than any over the last 2 days, that this was indeed where I belonged; on my knees at the feet of my Master. I knew then, I had indeed come home.

Silky carried on loading the huge tray till the table was cleared, carrying the tray from the room, a small smile playing on her lips as she glanced down at me.

My heart was pounding. All I could hear in my ears was the thudding of my heartbeat, vague words in the background not quite making sense. A gentle tap on my ass brought me back to my senses, the words clearer now. "Up on the table little one and bring your cushion. I want a better view. Kneel as you are now with your ass up and facing me...NOW!"

I swallowed hard, and using my hands hoisted myself up on the table, spreading my knees slightly on the padding and leant forward my elbows and forearms against the smooth wood, clasping my hands together. I could feel the coldness of the surface against my skin, in sharp contrast to the heat that was building inside me, my cheeks flushed, my stomach turning over, every inch of my body ready for the first blow.

"Eager are we precious? I think that you are judging by this." The words spoken as I felt a finger run slowly and steadily across my outer lips. "What do you think Silky, is she ready?"

I hadn't even heard Silky return, her soft gliding style of movement had disguised her entrance.

"I'm not sure Master, have you asked her?"

I closed my eyes. I was sure this couldn't get any worse, yet with that one simple sentence Silky had found a way to make it so. Not only was I semi-naked and displayed on a table in front of 2 people, I was now going to have to ask to stay this way.

So why was I going to do just that, because something inside me craved this, wanted this, needed this. My body was on fire, my mind buzzing with excitement. MA had read me so well, I thrived on embarrassment and humiliation, and between the pair of them they had found the perfect way to ease me back into the lifestyle.

　

"Good question Silky love. So precious, are you ready, do you accept that you deserve a punishment?"

"Yes Sir, I accept your decision to punish me." My words though shaky were strong, thick with need.

"Oh I think you can do better than that, I want to know what you think I should do to punish you, and before you start, none of this 'whatever pleases you Sir' cop out. I want to hear in your own words." A slight pause had me clearing my throat to answer but He continued before I could form the words into a sentence.

"You are half naked on my kitchen table, your ass up in the air, your cunt at both mine and Silky's eye-level, what on earth wouldn't please me!"

I had to smile at this, his words making me hyper aware of how I must look, yet the feeling I was pleasing Him seemed to ease my discomfort at the same time as heightening my arousal.

"Please Sir, will you spank my ass, so every time I sit today I will remember to think before I let my smart ass mouth speak; spank me till my pale skin is glowing red...oh please Sir."

I failed at this point to continue, I just couldn't get the words out, couldn't express the feelings that were crowding my mind. I guess my body was giving away its own tell tale signs. My breathing was slow and deliberate, my nipples hard, grazing against the fabric of my top, the tops of my thighs were moist and I dreaded to think just how my cunt looked at this point. My hands were gripping themselves tightly and I could feel my legs shaking slightly.

"That was well put little one, and as it happens nothing would please me more than to see your gorgeous ass glowing, so I will deliver the spanking you asked for so nicely. The only question now is just how many? Since the punishment started with football, I'm going to go with 5 spanks to each side, I expect you to count them."

I started to smile at this comment when suddenly I heard the woosh of wood being propelled through the air, at the same time feeling the first blow hit my ass, a firm yet gentle strike that made me gasp more in shock than in actual pain.

"One Sir." I managed to remember to stammer just before the second strike hit its target, my flesh wobbling at the impact, slightly harder this time.

"Two Sir." My ass feeling the warmth start to spread as another "smack" echoed round the room.

"All my submissives are issued with a safe-word, and yours will be red for this session. Later we will have a proper conversation in regard to limits and we will then agree a permanent safe word for you."

" Thank you Sir, Three Sir," as I felt a different sensation, a soft touch rubbing across my now warm ass cheek, caressing gently. I raised my hips slightly, wiggling to try and get the touch to continue towards my cunt.

"OOH four Sir!" I gasped as the next blow landed, harder this time, such a contrast between the soft touch I had felt seconds earlier.

WHEEESH

"Five Sir." I stammered as the last blow to my left cheek hit its target; it felt like every nerve ending in my body was dancing a jig, the hardest stroke in the set, yet it had made my body feel more alive than it had in months.

"Good girl, you are half way through, and your ass is looking a stunning shade of red; a touch lop sided but I can fix that." He chuckled as I heard the sound once again of wood passing through the air.

"Six Sir." The first blow to my right cheek much more gentle that the last strike on my left. This man can really use a paddle I thought briefly as the next blow landed.

"Seven Sir." Again the soft touch returned, this time rubbing closer to my cunt, fingers rubbing ever so softly, gliding across my now slick lips, stopping just before my clit. A sigh escaped my mouth just as the eighth blow caused my body to jerk forward.

"Eight Sir!" I all but cried out. I hadn't been given permission to cum and as it was a punishment I guessed no amount of pleading would get me that permission.

"Nine Sir, oh please Sir may I cum? Please I'm so close." Rational thought has never been a strong point of mine, especially not when being spanked. The ninth stroke had ignited a fire in my stomach, and I knew from experience that that fire would spread to my cunt very quickly.

"No you may not." Was the clipped response as the tenth stroke landed, the slap of the wood against my skin seemed to bounce of every wall in the room, my body shook and my legs gave way, my knees starting to slide across the wooden surface, aided by the cushion.

The strike had been no more firmer than the final strike to my other cheek, yet at that moment my mind had been concentrating so hard on not cumming, I had forgotten where I was.

The blow hitting had shocked me from my inner thoughts just enough to stammer "Ten Sir, Thank you Sir."

I felt a strong pair of hands raise me back up into the kneeling position, firmer caresses across the burning skin of my ass, not the hands that had caressed me so gently during the spanking. I realised then it had been Silky's fingers I had been so desperate for. I had never been touched that way by a woman before, and suddenly I wanted to be touched again by her, much more than I had ever dreamed possible.

"Good girl, oh I wish you could see your ass now, it was beautiful before, but now, glowing red, and radiating heat it is a sight to behold. You pleased me greatly My precious gem."

His words meant so much to me, I could feel the tears well up in my eyes, blinking hard I tried to hold them back, but the flood-gates opened and all the pent up emotions flowed freely, my sobs catching in my throat and my cheeks wet with tears.




A New Beginning Ch. 02



Suddenly I was being held tightly by two sets of arms, one strong and muscular, the other dainty and cuddly, yet both touches conveyed the same feeling, one of love and comforting. I stayed that way for what seemed like hours, yet was only minutes, being held til my tears ran dry and my body relaxed. I felt safe and secure and I knew then I had found my place to grow. Looking up, my eyes as red as my ass, into the grey piercing eyes that mirrored the love I was sure shone in mine, I uttered the simple words, "Thank you Master."

A huge smile broke across His face, his words softly spoken as he looked deep into my gaze. "Thank you my precious little subbie. Welcome Home!"

Silky's yell of delight rang through the air as she jumped up and down, looking graceful even then as she waved her arms around wildly, half dancing in pure happiness.

"Well little one, you seem to have made 2 people very happy today, I hope we can continue to make you as happy and comfortable here as you so obviously make us, although I will myself refrain from dancing." His words themselves dancing with humour.

His arms returned to me, and lifted me gently from the table, carrying me out of the room and down yet another corridor until we entered a sitting room, what my parents would have called a parlour. I hoped at this point that I would be supplied with a map at some stage, as I was bound to get myself lost on a regular basis, however I was learning fast, as this one smart ass thought stayed firmly in my brain.

Placing me carefully down on the couch, the fabric against my butt reminding me that smart ass comments were indeed best left unsaid. I squirmed slightly and felt the couch mould itself around me. I hadn't been awake long but I felt like I could sleep for a week, my eyes closing for longer and longer with each blink.

"Silky, can you go fetch Alannah's bag from the vestibule please, I think a change of clothes and a nap is in order right now."

"Yes Master," came the response as she glided serenely from the room.

She returned carrying the over-night bag I had packed just the day before, yet if you had asked me at the moment what was in it, I couldn't have told you for all the tea in China.

I was struggling hard to stay awake, my body drained of energy. I felt the hooks of my bustier being undone, but hadn't the energy to help, I sat there whilst Silky's gentle touch removed my top, barely hearing the gasp of adoration as my breasts were released.

"Lift your arms pet, I'm going to slip this top on, make you far comfier so you can nap awhile."

I found the strength to lift my arms just above my head, as she carefully slipped my beloved Jets Jersey on; it is two sizes too large and my lounging around comfort top. In no way sexy, but as I looked up to thank her, I saw what can only be described as lust in her eyes.

My last conscious thought before sleep overcame me was how beautiful she was.



A New Beginning Ch. 03



We made it through! Juan was able to guide us right through the center of the hole. I knew he could do it. I have the greatest confidence in him. He's going to make a great spaceship captain someday.

The only thing though, as we passed through the hole one of the four solar panels attached to the James Cook's wings scraped its edge. A warning light on the desk at Natalie Amiee's station immediately flicked on. Luckily, the computer indicated that the damage was not bad enough to completely destroy the panel, just enough to reduce its output by about forty percent.

True, solar panels way out by Jupiter didn't do much good. But they were not there to provide us with electricity. Their main function was an experiment.

United Earth Space Agency supposedly developed a new type of solar panel. They were designed to collect even the remotest energy coming from the sun and possibly charge our batteries. The people at UNESA were hoping that the new solar panels would be a source of energy for space stations far removed from the sun.

The panels didn't work. The amount of solar energy they collected as we approached the asteroid belt was almost zero. In fact, they didn't even work very well once we passed Mars. The farther out we got the less effective they became. We recharged our batteries with a generator when the James Cook's engines were turned on.

I'm just glad we didn't have to depend on the solar panels as a source of energy. We would have been better served by rubbing two sticks together like our ancestors did in the stone ages.

Just to be safe, I asked Natalie to tell me what the computer was telling her about the batteries stored in the central, weightless area of the living section. She reported back a moment later that their output was OK.

Anyway, by now my faith in the ship's computer had been restored, so as soon as we passed through the hole I returned to my seat and radioed down to the navigation officer on the lower flight deck. "Aleks I'm using my override code to take control of the James Cook's telescopic camera."

I didn't wait for a reply from her; I wanted to point it toward the rear of the ship and focus it on the hole. I just wanted to see if it was still closing up.

Don't ask me why I wanted to see that because I don't know why I wanted it. I just wanted to watch the hole close up. I watched on the monitor at my station. Sure enough, I observed the hole close up and then there was nothing. The opening was gone! It was as if there was never a hole in the universe.

I then advised our navigation officer that I was returning control of the camera to her. "Aleks, I'm returning control of the camera to you. I want you to scan the sky and try to locate the tail section or the cargo hold. Let me know what they look like, will you? I'll need it for my report to UNESA."

"Yes ma'am," she radioed back.

Suddenly my attention was drawn to James Cook's main window. The background stars of the universe had unexpectedly changed. Not only that, the sun seemed larger . . . much larger. It no longer appeared as a small dot of light in a black sky. It now appeared to be about four times larger, about sixteen millimeters in diameter, not the four millimeters we had been accustomed to seeing the last couple of weeks as we approached Jupiter.

Curious, I got up out of my seat and again went to the nose of the ship. I looked out the starboard window toward the rear of the ship. There was nothing there! No electrical storm, no Europa, no Ganymede or Io. Jupiter wasn't even there!

That was odd, real odd.

Then I heard Aleks Michelle over the radio saying that she thought that there must be something wrong with the ship's telescopic camera. She was complaining that she couldn't locate Jupiter or its satellites. Her comments were a form of confirmation. I wasn't the only one seeing something weird.

Not being able to see Jupiter when one is only a few days journey from it is akin to not being able to see a 4.5 to 5 meters high giant Apatosaurus dinosaur in your backyard. These creatures were 27 meters long, 15 of those meters were just tail. A person would have to be blind not to see one in their back yard, even a large back yard.

A movement by Victoria Rose then caught my eye. I looked back at her. The communication officer was just standing up at her station looking out the port window. The look on her face was one of bewilderment.

Fear filled my gut. I slowly turned around and almost fell over with astonishment.

There in front of me in the port window was the red planet Mars. It was still quite distant from us. I judged from its apparent size -- about the size of a cherry -- that it was maybe half a million kilometers away. But it was there all the same.

I couldn't think straight. Just seconds before we were only a few days journey from Jupiter and now were within a few days journey of Mars. We crossed over 550 million kilometers of space in the blink of an eye.

I wanted someone from navigation up here to see this. I was still standing in the nose of the ship. Vickie was closer to a radio mike than I was. I knew that Joshua was on his way to sickbay. So I told Vickie to tell Aleks that I said to come up to the bridge. Maybe she could figure out how we got here.

Vickie was still in a trance and spoke robot-like into the mike, keeping her eyes focused on the view outside the port window. By now everyone else on the upper flight deck also had their eyes glued to the port window.

Within a minute Aleks was standing next to me, on my right. She too was in awe.

"Is that Mars?" she asked incredulously.

"Yeah and it's only got one satellite. There's no Phobos and it's got a debris field orbiting around it, something Mars hasn't had for about 50 million years."

We were above the planet's north pole and I could see its entire equatorial plane. The only satellite visible was Deimos, the smaller of the two satellites. At least the only satellite I could see appeared to be Deimos. It wasn't moving fast enough to be Phobos, which as I understand orbits Mars relatively close to the planet and circles around it twice daily.

The satellite I saw wasn't moving nearly as fast as I thought it should be, nor was it the size I thought it should be to be Phobos. That's why I assumed it was Deimos. But I really didn't know which satellite it was that I saw. I could only see one satellite.

"How did we get here?" Aleks asked me. "Weren't we approaching Jupiter?"

"I don't know how we got here," I answered. "All I know is that we got sucked into a hole in space above Jupiter and now were above Mars."

"A hole?" she asked puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll explain later."

I suddenly realized that when I took control of the telescopic camera to watch the hole close up, this prevented those on the lower flight deck from seeing it. Neither Aleks nor anyone else on the lower flight deck had seen the hole. The only people who actually saw the hole were the five of us on the bridge when we went through it.

I decided that I wanted Joshua to view this too, so that both he and Aleks could work on figuring out how we got here. I didn't know what kind of answer they could give me but I figured something was better than nothing.

I turned around. Vickie was still in a trance, staring out the port window. "Vickie, snap out of it," I yelled at her. She blinked and looked at me. "I just sent Joshua to sickbay. Call down there and see if he's there. If he is, tell him I said to get back here on the double. If he's not, then leave a message that I want him on the bridge as soon as possible."

"Call sickbay roger that," is all she said. She sat down and started to call sickbay. I was relieved to see she was back to reality, even if reality wasn't real any more.

"I've received reports from around James Cook," it was Joseph. He was now standing next to me, on my left. "Everything seems to be OK. I sent Beth to the living section with an order to get with Chantelle and to check for any damage we may have sustained there when going through that hole or whatever it was. I told her to get back with either me or you within the hour. I knew you'd want that."

"Thanks Joseph," I answered him, glad that someone else was thinking level headed.

"Got any idea as to how we got here?" he asked.

"No I don't." I turned around and asked the communication officer, "Vickie are we close enough to Mars to pick up any of the space stations there with our short range antenna?"

She paused a second before she answered, "Yes, ma'am, I'll give it a try."

"Good. When you get us patched through to them ask them what happened to the other satellite that is supposed to be orbiting around Mars and where that debris field came from. Then tell them that I need to talk to MC3. Tell them we lost both our long range antenna and our backup antenna. Could they possibly relay an urgent message for me?"

She was never able to raise them. She tried for over an hour on several different frequencies but got nothing except static. Her lack of ability to raise anyone left me feeling uncomfortable. It gave me an eerie sensation that there were no space stations on Mars, that there was nothing there.

Meanwhile, neither Joshua nor Aleks could come up with a reasonable answer as to how we flew across over a half a billion kilometers of space in less time than it takes a supersonic jet to travel from one time zone to another time zone on Earth.

I then asked Joshua and Joseph to accompany me to my cabin. I wanted to discuss the situation in private with them and I didn't want the others to get the impression that we didn't know what to do. I left Juan in charge of the bridge with orders to let me know immediately if George showed up.

Once we got to my cabin, we debated among ourselves what could have happened. Besides discussing how we got here, we also discussed some other things too, like what exactly to tell the crew about the explosion and the hole.

Not having seen the hole, Joshua could only offer conjecture. But the three of us came to the conclusion that the hole we encountered above Jupiter was somehow created by the shockwave of the exploding liquid oxygen tanks or maybe by the explosion together with the lightening bolts. The hole must have been some kind of wormhole that sucked us toward Mars. Mother Nature cannot stand anomalies so she closed the hole up.

I have heard about weird events taking place in space, particularly on long voyages, stories that are as strange as science fiction.

There were rumors of baseball and basketball size meteors passing completely through spaceships without causing any damage. There were legends of unmanned satellites that would be swallowed up by the vacuum of space. There were tales of people seeing long dead relatives. Then there were incidents where people whose spacesuits were supposedly torn open in space but lived by holding their breath.

Most of these types of events were chalked up to myth, space fatigue or just plan misinterpretation.

But a wormhole that allows a spaceship to instantly travel across hundreds of millions of kilometers of space was totally beyond anything anyone had ever encountered . . . except in science fiction stories. In fact, I'm calling it a wormhole only because I don't know what else to call it. I got the term from science fiction stories that I have read.

It made us all contemplate on just how much reality there is in science fiction.

Joshua speculated, "Since we've traveled across hundreds of millions of kilometers of space in the blink of an eye and Mars and its entourage of satellite and debris field appear as they did millions of years ago, then maybe we haven't just encountered a wormhole across space. I'm wondering if maybe there isn't also a time element included."

Both Joseph and I reminded him that time travel only happened in science fiction stories. However, his observation did give me a whole new perspective on the space-time continuum.

We came to the conclusion that the rest of the crew needed some kind of explanation as to what had happened to the James Cook over the last several hours. We also came to a consensus on what to tell the crew about the hole in space.

It was getting late; arrangements had to be made to give the laborers someplace to sleep. The three of us returned to the bridge.

I decided that it would be easier to call a general assembly of everyone into the cafeteria. I used the ship's intercom to make a general announcement. I wanted everyone in the cafeteria within the next 20 minutes, no exceptions.

After I made the announcement I looked around the bridge. Juan, Natalie, Vickie, Joseph and I were the only ones who actually saw the hole. Joshua and Aleks were told about it; they were below and hadn't seen it. By this time, Vickie and Natalie had given Aleks a fairly accurate description of the hole we had gone through.

I was glad that there were only a few people who actually knew about it. I didn't want anyone spreading false and ridiculous rumors about something that none of us knew anything about. So I strictly ordered everyone present on the bridge not to discuss the hole we had just gone through with anyone.

I was also thankful that Gerald was on the lower flight deck and had not seen us go through the hole. I knew there was no way he could be prevented from discussing it with George his homosexual lover.

I then told my new second in command, "Joshua to go to George's berth and drag him to the cafeteria if you have to. What I have to say I need to say it to everyone and I don't want to say it twice."

Just as I said that George stepped onto the bridge. He was holding a damp cloth to his head and complaining about the lights having been knocked out.

I looked over to Joshua standing by Natalie's computer station. I was about to tell him to ignore my last order. He just shook his head. I asked him to go close the games room and the TV lounge and to get anyone who may be in the laundry, the showers or the three remaining saunas and have them all go to the cafeteria.

George demanded, "What happened? Where's Captain Butler? And why are you issuing orders and calling a general assembly?"

"George just go to the cafeteria for now. I'll answer your questions as soon as I get there."

"I demand to be told immediately!"

I momentarily closed my eyes in exasperation, took a breath to compose myself and decided to give in to his whining.

"There's been an explosion, George. Captain Butler is dead along with half of the crew. We've lost the tail section of the ship along with the cargo hold."

The bizarre look he gave me caused me to wonder whether or not he understood what I just said.

I continued, "I'm in charge now and if you don't follow my orders I will put you in the brig. Now will you please go to the cafeteria?"

"My head hurts," he complained. He then left for the cafeteria.

It was a few minutes shy of twenty-one hundred, just over two hours since the explosion. There had been no further mishaps since Chantelle Dawn reported that everything in front of the cafeteria was OK. The ship's computer would not allow anyone to open any of the hatches beyond the cafeteria without an override code which only Butler and I knew.

"Juan, take us off condition red and put the ship on condition yellow. Y'all can go about your everyday business as usual but just be on alert for anything unusual."

"Yes ma'am," he answered me.

I thought about putting us on condition green but decided that it could wait until after my explanation to everyone in the cafeteria. After I talked to everyone in the cafeteria, then those who were not scheduled to be on watch could return to whatever they were doing before we went to condition red.

I put Juan in charge of the bridge. I also wanted one person from navigation, communication, computer and engineering to stay with him as a skeleton crew to manage the James Cook. So I asked Aleks to remain on the upper flight deck; she was the only one left alive from navigation. Next I called Akira Carissa, Vickie's communication assistant, Ralph, Natalie's assistant, and Elizabeth Dee, the engineer's first mate up from the lower flight deck.

Once the junior officers were at their stations, I jotted down some notes of what I wanted to say to the crew.

Next I called the four surviving prostitutes over the intercom to meet me in my berth. I called them individually by their names. I wanted to talk to them in private before I talked to the rest of the crew.

After all four of them got there, I informed them that until further notice their services were canceled. I also told them that I didn't want them to let anyone know that I suspended their services, at least for the time being.

The four of them complained about not being able to offer their services but I emphasized to them that it would only be for a few hours. I revealed to them that I had already closed the games room and the TV lounge for now, which is where they usually picked up their johns. Since it would be almost impossible to pick up a client, not allowing them to offer their services was a moot point.

Then I told them that I had to get everyone squared away, new rest areas for the four of them, new sleeping quarters for those construction crews who were not killed and new assignments for some of the crew members. I didn't want anyone not getting their correct orders or living arrangements because they were indulging their sexual fantasies or some other desire.

Josephine Jasmine, Veronica Anne and Terri readily accepted the situation. Alicia balked but also accepted it.

I asked them where their cabins were. Terri and Josephine shared a cabin but Veronica and Alicia now had their cabins to themselves; their roommates were all dead. I told Terri, Josephine and Alicia that I wanted them to move their belongings into Veronica's cabin -- it was closer to the TV lounge and the games room. Then I told them that after the meeting they were to stay there until further notice.

I asked if one of them would collect the other girl's belongings and bring them to my berth. Terri and Veronica volunteered to do it. I thanked them and then asked them all to accompany me to the cafeteria.

When I got to the cafeteria everyone except Chantelle was there. I knew that the brig had one man in it for drunkenness; maybe that's why she wasn't there. I thought I might need her. I asked Joshua to go get her and to release him; I wanted him in the cafeteria too.

While I waited for Chantelle to arrive I went over my notes.

As soon as everyone was assembled in the cafeteria, except the skeleton crew I left on the bridge and the two injured construction workers, I revealed to them that Captain Butler was dead and that I was now in command of the James Cook. I then officially made Joshua my second in command.

George didn't like that one bit and complained bitterly. He said he outranked Joshua and should be second in command. I told him we were under an emergency situation and that I was only following UNESA orders.

He then promised to report me for insubordination and mutiny as soon as we got back to MC3. His disrespectful comment was the last straw. I ordered him to sit down and be quiet. Then I told him that if he questioned another order of mine he would spend the remainder of the trip in the brig.

I saw Chantelle out of the corner of my eye. She didn't like George one bit and was grinning from ear to ear.

The first thing I did was to inform the officers attending the meeting that Joshua and I would make up a new list of who would be on watch and when. I still intended to keep the six hours on and twelve hours off shifts for them that had been in use before the explosion.

Since Aleks was the only navigation officer still alive, Joshua volunteered to rotate with her. Later, the two of them made up a watch rotation of eight hours on and eight hours off for themselves. Joshua and I also figured up the watch whereby either he or I would always be on duty when George was on duty.




A New Beginning Ch. 03-04



I apologize for how long it's taken to get an update in awhile, finals are coming up and classes are kicking my ass. Updates should come more quickly after the 26th of April.

Thanks for reading and being patient!

Ashira

CHAPTER THREE

Raven looked up at the knock on the door to find Xavier standing there with a nervous smile. "I brought in the rest of Jenny's things," Xavier said quietly. Raven nodded and glanced over at the crib where her daughter was sleeping quietly. Xavier set the last box down just inside the door and watched in silence as Jenny opened the box.

"Oh good, the rest of the bedding," Raven murmured. 

"Can I help?" Xavier asked.

"If you want." Raven picked up a pile of folded cloth diapers and handed them to Xavier. "You can put these in the closet." Xavier walked over to the closet and placed the diapers next to the other stack. They worked quietly until all of the boxes were unpacked before they returned to the living room, dropped to the couch.

"She's such a good baby," Xavier observed. Raven smiled and nodded.

"She could sleep through a pile of bricks being dropped right in front of her crib," Raven said with a laugh.

"Wow," Xavier commented. He sat there, quietly observing Raven, aware of her eying him nervously. Xavier leaned into her and kissed her gently, his hand moved to cup her breast. Raven moaned, closed her eyes and kissed him back. Jenny's shrill cry pulled them apart and Raven looked guilty before hurrying back to the nursery. 

"Do you need me to do anything?" Xavier asked from the doorway. Raven said nothing as she concentrated on changing Jenny's diaper. "Rave?" Xavier asked. Raven finally looked up, her eyes full of guilt. "Do you need me to do anything?" Xavier asked again.

"Just leave me alone," Raven pleaded, her voice just above a whisper. Xavier nodded, backed up and headed for a room at the end of the hall that was locked. He slid the key out of his pocket, unlocked the door and slipped inside his sanctuary. Xavier locked the door behind him and sank to his knees on a plush chocolate covered cushion that rested in front of an old wood and metal trunk. On the top of the trunk sat a faded picture of a woman with chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes. Xavier grabbed the photo and clutched it to his chest. "I miss you Tara," Xavier said softly, his eyes filled with tears as he thought back to when life had been simple.

 Xavier walked up the driveway, a stack of mail in his hands and came to a stop just in front of the flower garden. Tara looked up at him and smiled as Xavier knelt down next to her. "Mail's here," Xavier commented, handing Tara an envelope. Tara brushed back a strand of fallen hair, leaving a streak of dirt across her high cheek bone before taking the envelope from Xavier.

"It's from Doctor Holland's office," Tara said softly, ripping it open eagerly. 

"What does it say? Has he figured out what's been making you sick?" Xavier asked. Tara held up her index finger while she read the paper she pulled out of the envelope. "Tare?" Xavier asked impatiently. Tara looked at him and gave a soft smile.

"I have the flu," Tara said.

"The flu. Seriously?" Xavier asked in disbelief.

"The nine month flu," Tara murmured. 

"The nine month flu? I've never heard of the nine month flu," Xavier told her. Tara rolled her eyes.

"I'm pregnant you dork," Tara said, laughing. Xavier's jaw dropped and he stared at Tara in surprise. "Why so shocked Xavier? We've been married for two years, it was bound to happen some time," Tara reminded him.

"We've been careful. You told me you weren't ready for children. You wanted to keep your career going," Xavier said. Tara shrugged.

"Well, I can still keep my career, things will just be more difficult," Tara murmured. 

"I love you," Xavier said, softly kissing her on the lips.

"I love you too," Tara murmured.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xavier walked into the kitchen a few hours after the near miss with Raven to start dinner and stopped short just inside the doorway and quietly observed her dancing around the kitchen, music playing softly from a compact yellow boom box. 

"Smells good," Xavier commented; Raven jumped and shrieked loudly as she turned around, startled. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," Xavier apologized.

"It's okay." Raven turned around long enough to scoop something off of the cutting board and put it into a frying pan.

"You didn't have to cook," Xavier told her.

"It's getting late, I figured you'd be hungry," Raven shrugged.

"What about you?" Xavier asked.

"I don't have much of an appetite these days," Raven admitted.

"It smells good. You'll eat meals here Raven," Xavier told her. Raven nodded and turned back around to the stove. "What is for dinner?" Xavier asked.

"Oven roasted chicken with sauteed vegetables. I have some peppers, some onion and some mushrooms. I'll be making a gravy too with the drippings of the chicken," Raven answered, stirring the vegetables with the wooden spoon. Xavier watched quietly as Raven added some Kosher salt and black pepper and a few cloves of chopped garlic.

Xavier took the large chicken filled platter from Raven and set it on the table, who smiled and put the bowl of vegetables and gravy down next to them. "I just have to get the bread and potatoes," Raven said, turning back towards the counter. Just as Raven began slicing the sourdough bread, Jenny began crying; Raven sighed and set the bread knife on the edge of the cutting board.

"I'll get her Rave," Xavier offered, heading for the nursery before Raven could protest. When Xavier returned to the kitchen a few moments later, he was carrying a giggling Jenny who was tugging on his hair. "I must say, it's a relief to only have one of these around instead of four. I love my nieces and nephews, but holy cow do I crash after we've gotten together," Xavier said as he expertly fastened Jenny into her high chair. Raven smiled and nodded.

"They are a handful. I don't even want to think about what will happen when they potty train or turn into teenagers," Raven agreed.

"The teenage years will be hard for them. That's when they'll begin changing, or at least, learning to," Xavier said. Raven winced. "It's not so bad," Xavier shrugged.

"Dinner's ready," Raven murmured. Xavier sat down and held the plate up when Raven picked up a few slices of chicken with the tongs before helping himself to the vegetables, potatoes and gravy. "Where's the drinks?" Raven asked.

"There's soda and beer in the fridge, and there should be some juice in there too for Jenny," Xavier answered. Raven nodded and opened up the fridge. 

"Do you want something?" Raven asked.

"Just grab me a bottle of beer, any kind will do," Xavier answered. Raven grabbed two bottles of Killian Red and returned to the table before pouring some white grape juice into a sippy cup for Jenny. "What does Miss Jenny eat?" Xavier wanted to know.

"Small pieces of what I eat. She won't touch baby food," Raven told him, cutting up a slice of chicken into very small pieces before doing the same to some of the vegetables. She put two spoonfuls of potatoes on the plate and mixed the vegetables into the potatoes. "She won't eat the potatoes otherwise," Raven told Xavier, catching him looking at her oddly.

"Strange child," Xavier said with a chuckle.

"It's a texture thing," Raven said with a shrug. Jenny babbled happily and smashed her hands into her potatoes making Xavier laugh.

"She's a beautiful little girl Raven," Xavier told her.

"Thank you," Raven beamed. 

"And this chicken is amazing. Have you ever considered working with Beth?" Xavier wanted to know.

"I do work with Beth, in a matter of speaking. I handle the catering aspect of Gambit," Raven answered.

"Good choice," Xavier agreed.

By the time the meal was over, Raven and Xavier were talking and laughing like old friends, the awkwardness was, for the moment, gone and forgotten. They did the dishes together while Jenny played in her high chair, her babbling them laughing as they made small talk and when they were done with the dishes, Raven scrubbed out the sink and rinsed it before she filled it with warm water while Xavier went and got the baby shampoo out of the closet in the nursery. 

Xavier wrinkled his nose as Jenny slapped the water causing some to splash up into his face.

"It's just water," Raven said with a chuckle.

"I know," Xavier said, grinning. He lightly splashed water back at Jenny and she giggled with delight before smacking both of her hands back down onto the water.

"That's enough splashing Jenny," Raven murmured, taking a small plastic cup and dipping it into the water. Jenny sat in the water, blinking as water poured slowly over her head as Raven washed Jenny's hair with a gentle touch. Raven glanced up at Xavier. "Can you hand me that towel?" she asked softly. Xavier nodded and picked the towel up from where it rested over the back of a chair. Raven took it from him and held it with one hand while she helped Jenny stand with her other hand and lifted Jenny carefully and wrapped her quickly in the towel. "Let's go dry you off princess," Raven cooed. 

When Raven tip toed out of the nursery nearly a half hour later, Xavier had packed up all of the shampoo and baby soap into the basket and was ringing out the wash cloth used to wash Jenny.

"You didn't have to do that," Raven told him.

"We're mates Raven. At least for now. It's my duty to help you whenever I can," Xavier reminded her. Raven's eyes clouded and her whole body stiffened at the reminder. "I'm sorry. I wish I could change things, but I can't," Xavier said softly.

"Where am I sleeping?" Raven asked.

"In the master bedroom with me," Xavier answered.

"Hell no!" Raven exclaimed.

"Raven, we need to give this a try, a real try. I can't promise that I won't touch you or kiss you, because God knows I want to do you and with you, but the only other bedroom I have clean is the nursery. The other bedroom is used as an office," Xavier told her. Raven studied his face, blushed at the look she saw in his eyes but nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I wonder how Raven and Xavier are getting along," Beth murmured after she had gotten the last of the quadruplets down for the night.

"I'm sure they're fine. If they'd kill each other, my father would have called us by now," Cole joked. Beth growled at him but laughed.

-Five weeks later-

"How was your first month with Xavier?" Beth asked. 

"Did you have sex with him?" Mage chimed in.

"What in the world is up with the sudden fascination with my sex life?" Raven wanted to know.

"Yeah really. What, isn't Logan towing the line?" Beth teased.

"He's on assignment," Mage moaned. Beth laughed.

"The first month has been interesting, and no, I haven't had sex with him," Raven answered.

"Why not?" Mage and Beth asked together. They both laughed and ducked when Raven threw chunks of bread from her dinner roll at them.

"I didn't want another relationship guys. I still miss Jimmy," Raven murmured. "But at least it's Xavier. He's been great with Jenny and he's been very understanding," she added. Beth gave Raven an encouraging smile.

"He hasn't had an easy time lately either Rave so please, go easy on him," Beth murmured.

"What do you know about Xavier's mate?" Raven wanted to know. Beth hesitated. "C'mon Beth, we tell each other everything!" Raven prodded.

"I know, but I probably shouldn't talk about this. Especially since I don't really know what happened," Beth said quietly.

"Beth, please," Raven murmured.

"All I know is that they were high school sweethearts. Dominic let the kids go to a public high school. They got married in a human civil ceremony right after they graduated from high school and they moved to Boston; he went to Boston University and she went to Harvard, she was in the premed program. About two years into their marriage, she got pregnant. I know she didn't survive childbirth, but other than that, I don't know what else happened," Beth told them.

"That's so sad," Mage murmured. Beth nodded and took a long sip of her lemonade.

"That was just a few years ago, two and a half, three years ago maybe. He dropped out of college and moved back to the compound. He hasn't looked or dated or even been interested in women since then, until you," Beth added. Raven nibbled on her dinner roll thoughtfully as she digested the new information.

As the girls started towards the doorway of Gambit, Cole and Xavier appeared in front of them.

"Where are the kids?" Beth asked.

"With my parents. They have Jenny too, and they're all fine," Cole answered. 

"We thought we'd double date," Xavier added. Beth and Raven looked at each other and glanced over at Mage who grinned.

"I have to get going, Logan will be calling me in about an hour," Mage told the girls. 

"So how about that double date?" Cole asked.

"Sure," Beth answered for both of them. She linked her arm through Raven's and slipped her other hand into Cole's. Xavier, unsure of what to do as far as Raven was concerned, walked just behind Raven as she and Beth talked about the kids. After a few moments, Cole fell back and walked next to his brother.

"How are you doing Xave?" Cole asked, giving his brother a concerned glance.

"I'm okay. Jenny's such a sweetheart," Xavier answered.

"And how are you doing with Raven?" Cole wanted to know.

"We're getting along okay. We have to share the master suite and she isn't thrilled with that but anytime she falls asleep on the couch, which I know is deliberate on her part, I carry her into the bedroom," Xavier answered.

"And you haven't tried anything else with Raven?" Cole asked.

"No. I gave her my word that unless she wanted to, I wouldn't force the issue of sex," Xavier said. Cole searched his brother's face for signs of a lie and nodded, relieved when he found none.

"C'mon you slow pokes!" Beth exclaimed from several feet away. Cole laughed as he and Xavier caught up with the girls.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well that was interesting," Xavier commented from the doorway of the nursery.

"Your brother and my cousin are too damn nosy," Raven grumbled.

"Agreed." Xavier sighed quietly to himself as he watch Raven change Jenny's diaper and put her in a pair of pale yellow fuzzy footed pajamas while Jenny babbled and sucked on her fist. He smiled at the look on Raven's face; when she held Jenny, Raven looked completely at peace. 

"Good night pumpkin," Raven murmured before planting a gentle kiss on the top of Jenny's head. Raven lay Jenny gently in her crib before leaving the nursery and closing the door behind her.

"So what do you want to do now?" Raven asked as she followed Xavier to the couch.

"Why don't we just watch a movie?" Xavier suggested. "I'll make some popcorn," he added.

"Sounds like fun," Raven said with a genuine smile. Xavier pointed to the large oak cabinet on the wall next to his fifty four inch plasma television. "Blu-ray are on the right, standard discs are on the left. I'll be back in a minute," Xavier told her, heading for the kitchen. When he returned a few moments later, he was carrying a tray with a bowl heaped full of popcorn and two tall glasses of soda. "What'd you pick?" Xavier wanted to know. Raven held up the case for Batman Begins.

"I like an action flick when my family gets nosy, it helps relieve the tension," Raven said in way of explanation.

"It's an awesome movie," Xavier agreed as they settled back against the couch cushions. About a half hour into the movie, Xavier looked over at Raven and smiled; her body was snuggled against his, her head rested on his shoulder and her eyes were closed. The peaceful look on Raven's face, as well as the gentle rhythmic breathing told Xavier that she was sound asleep. He picked up the remote which rested on the couch next to him, paused the movie, swept Raven into his arms carefully and carried her to the bedroom.

CHAPTER FOUR

"What are you doing?" Xavier asked, trying to avoid laughing at the look on Raven's face.

"I'm trying to pull the weeds out of this flower garden so they have some room to breathe! When is the last time anything happened to this garden?" Raven demanded to know.

"Not since the last time Tara and I stayed here when she was pregnant," Xavier answered. Raven blushed, suddenly feeling guilty. 

"I'm sorry," Raven murmured. Xavier shrugged and sat down on the ground next to her.

"Where's Jenny?" Xavier asked.

"Napping," Raven answered as she turned her attention back to the stubborn weed. She gave it one more firm tug and pulled the weed from the garden. The force that she used to pull the weed had Raven falling backwards into Xavier whose arms went around her instantly to steady her. "Thanks," Raven murmured as she began sitting up. Xavier pulled her back against him, tilted her face towards his and kissed her gently. Raven moaned and gave into the kiss. She arched against him when he gently pulled at a nipple. 

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" a deep voice taunted from behind them. Raven gasped and pulled away from Xavier, her face was pink with embarrassment that she'd been caught making out where anyone could see them.

"What do you want?" Xavier asked when he could stand.

"I heard you married again and wanted to see for myself. You swore when Tara died that you'd never get married again," the man said, his voice full of hatred and anger.

"Griffin, it isn't like I planned to find someone else, it just happened," Xavier said.

"Right. Your wolf got the better of you, just like it did when you killed my sister," Griffin spat.

"I did not kill your sister," Xavier protested.

"You knocked her up with puppies! Isn't that the same thing?" Griffin shouted. The look on Xavier's face made Raven nervous and she took a few steps back.

"I love Tara Griff. I never meant her any harm. I'm sorry she died. If I could change it, I would. I've never felt anything like what I felt when I was with Tara!" Xavier exclaimed. Raven picked up the baby monitor and her gardening rake and headed for the house.

"Where do you think you're going bitch?" Griffin snarled, reaching out and grabbing hold of Raven's pony-tail.

"Let her go Griff, before I have to explain to your mother why she lost another child," Xavier warned, a growl escaped behind his words and Raven gasped when she noticed the color of Xavier's eyes. They had gone from their usual brown to almost a goldenrod color.

"What are you going to do Xavier? You know if you charge me, you'll hurt the girl," Griffin taunted. Xavier growled again as he began to shift; Raven gasped and new that Xavier was quickly losing control.

"Light to dark, dark to light, remove from here this evil sight," Raven chanted. Suddenly, Griffin was propelled backwards and hit a large tree that knocked the wind out of him.

"Get inside Raven," Xavier growled. Raven shook her head and just barely managed to suppress the scream that wanted to tear out of her throat when Xavier lunged for Griffin. When Griffin pushed away from the tree, Raven recited a chant quickly that kept the two men from making contact. Griffin's eyes widened as he weighed the risks of continuing his attack on Xavier and he turned and ran to his car before speeding away.

"Xavier?" Raven asked gently, seeing the feral look on his face. Xavier said nothing, he just scooped Raven into his arms and carried her quickly to the bedroom. "Xavier, stop it!" Raven exclaimed as he began tearing at her clothes. A low growl tore from his throat as Raven's jean shorts and panties fell away. Raven pushed against Xavier, and managed to break free when he unfastened his jeans but he was faster and grabbed her again, pulled her to him then pushed her towards the bed. "Xavier, I said no!" Raven exclaimed as he bent her over the foot of the bed. She tried to push back against him to gain control but he secured her hands in one of his and held her firm. Raven swallowed as she felt the head of Xavier's cock hard against her, trying to gain entrance. "Xavier stop now!" Raven exclaimed, beginning to panic. She knew that Xavier was stronger than she was and that his mind was made up and he was going to force her to have sex with him, sealing them together, forever. Hot tears pricked her eyes and her head came up when she heard Jenny's cries coming from the room next door. "Xavier, let me up," Raven pleaded. Xavier stopped suddenly, his cock nearly buried halfway within her. "Please stop," Raven said shakily. Disgusted with himself and ashamed at how he behaved, Xavier pulled away from her quickly and yanked his pants up as he walked away. With shaky hands, Raven pulled her own clothing back on and hurried towards the nursery, alarmed that Jenny was no longer crying. She stopped short in the doorway when she saw Xavier changing Jenny's diaper and cradling her gently.




A New Beginning Ch. 03-04



"I'm such an idiot Jenny girl and I hope your momma can forgive me," Xavier whispered. Jenny gave him a grin and cooed as she snuggled her head in the crook of his arm.



A New Beginning Ch. 03



The next morning, I woke to an empty bed and the smell of fresh coffee, and ham and eggs being cooked. I forced myself out of bed and stumbled into the kitchen to see Elke standing at the stove, wearing only an apron, cooking breakfast. Both of my dogs were lying on the floor at her feet, tails wagging.

"Hi honey," she said happily, when she saw me standing in the doorway, watching her. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving! I hope you don't mind, but I decided to fix us a little something to eat."

"No problem," I replied. The dogs looked up at me, wagged their tails some more, but didn't move. "My house is your house."

"Good, because it's too late to stop now," she laughed as she laid out the food onto the plates.

I watched, still amazed at my luck, as she put the plates on the table and then untied the apron, showing me her naked body. As we sat and started to eat, Elke smiled at me. Both dogs moved over and lay down by her.

"Why are you smiling so bright?" I asked, between bites.

"Why not?" she replied. "I've got a great man, who gave me one of my best fantasies last night."

"I'm glad you enjoyed," I told her. "I can't wait to start working on the next one, now"

Elke chuckled lightly, and we finished our food. After we were done, I told her we could spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool. 

"That sounds great!" she replied. "But I think we both need to shower, after last night."

When I suggested that we shower together, so I could get to those "hard to reach places", she lightly pushed me away and laughed.

"As nice as that sounds, you had enough time with those 'hard to reach places' last night. I think we should shower separately. You go and make sure the pool is ready," she told me.

"Oh, alright. You go clean up, and then I'll go shower...alone ," I replied, playing up my disappointment.

Laughing, Elke ran into the master bath and started up the shower. The dogs looked up at me, seeming disappointed that she was gone, and I shook my head, chuckling to myself.

A few minutes later, she came out, still nude and dripping wet, and said simply, "Your turn," as she walked onto the patio towards the pool.

I watched as her tight, firm ass, the one that less than twelve hours earlier had taken my cock deep inside for the very first time, moved away from me, and shook my head, smiling.

By the time that I finished my shower, Elke was laying on a lounge chair, taking in the late morning rays, as the dogs lay in the shade under their favorite tree. I saw that she had one hand slowly moving between her legs.

I gave her a soft kiss on the forehead, and she smiled, moaning softly, keeping her eyes closed. 

As I sat in the chair next to her, I watched her open her legs and slide a finger into her wet pussy. I heard her moan as she started to slide her finger in and out of her hot little hole, and her hips soon started moving in rhythm with her hand.

She brought her other hand up to her chest and started softly squeezing her breast. As she began pinching her nipple, she slid her wet fingers out of her pussy, and started to slide them across her stiff clit, slowly at first, then quickly picking up speed.

It only took a couple of minutes before her breath became shallow and her hips started moving up and down. Shortly after that, she slid her other hand down her body and slipped two fingers deep into her wet pussy.

Elke let out a loud, low moan as she stroked her clit and fucked herself, and she dropped her legs, her feet hitting the patio pavement.

"Ohhh goddddd!" she groaned, as she planted her feet and raised her hips.

Soon, she collapsed back onto the lounge chair as her orgasm swept over her body.

I sat and watched, slowly stroking my now hard cock as she shook in climactic bliss, moaning and gasping. 

As she started coming down from her orgasmic high, she slid her wet fingers from her pussy and started licking her fingers clean.

When she finally opened her eyes, she looked at me and licked her lips as she looked at my hard cock, encircled by my fingers.

Before I could say anything, Elke slid out of her chair, crawled over to me, and wrapped her fingers around my shaft.

"Oh yeah!" I softly moaned, as she slowly lowered her mouth over my hard cock, looking me in the eyes.

Elke raised her head just enough to keep the head of my cock between her lips, and started sucking firmly while she stroked the length of my shaft, the whole time maintaining eye contact. 

She began to quickly bob her head a couple of inches, never going any deeper, and I could feel her tongue flicking along the bottom rim of my cockhead.

"Oh my god! That's so good!" I moaned, as I reached down and grabbed a handful of her hair, placing my other hand at the back of her head.

At one point, she stopped bobbing and started to slowly lower her head, taking my cock deep into her mouth. 

"Mmm," she moaned, when she had the head of my cock pressed against her throat. She bobbed her head again, trying to push the tip even further.

"Oh my god, baby!" I gasped. "I'm gonna cum!"

Suddenly, Elke released my cock from her warm mouth and jumped up. "No, you're not," she said.

I sat back, gasping, and said, "Huh?"

"You heard me," she said, grabbing my stiff shaft and pulling me up. "You're not going to cum, yet. You're going to fuck me first."

She reached down to her chair and grabbed her towel, and then led me by my cock over to the diving board.

I stood and watched as she climbed up onto the diving board and spread her towel over the end. She got down on her hands and knees and looked over her shoulder at me. 

"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to join me?" she asked, wiggling her ass at me. 

Now, I may not be the smartest man on the planet, but when a beautiful woman is right in front of me, on her elbows and knees, waving her naked backside at me, I know what to do, even IF my "little head" is doing the thinking for me!

I climbed on to join her, and Elke sighed. "It's about time," she said. "I was starting to think that I was going to have to finish myself off."

Her last word came out more as a grunt, as I shoved my hard cock deep inside her pussy, burying it in one stroke.

"Oh yeah!" she moaned. "THAT'S what I'm talking about! Now fuck me!"

I held on tight to her hips as I ground my pelvis against her ass, and started thrusting forward.

"Oh shit!" she moaned, dropping her head to the board, which lifted her ass higher.

I started sliding my cock in and out of her wet hole, trying to maintain my balance as the diving board bounced with my movements. 

After a couple of minutes, I pulled my shaft out of Elke's tight pussy and had her lay flat on her belly on the board. As I crawled behind her and slid the wet head of my cock up and down her slit, she slipped her hand underneath her body and started rubbing her fingers along her clit.

I placed my cock at her hot opening, and thrust forward, bottoming out again. We both grunted as I filled her pussy, and the board shook again.

"Oh yeah, baby! Fuck me good!" I heard her moan as I slowly slid in and out of her.

I felt her fingertips graze across my shaft as she continued to tease her clit, and I knew that both of us were getting close to the end.

Soon, Elke started pushing her ass back at me, and her breathing was getting shorter. I could hear her pussy sloshing as I fucked her.

"Oh baby! I'm gonna cum!!" she moaned loudly.

"Oh yeah!" I replied. "You feel so good!"

"Yeah baby! Cum with me!" she gasped.

"Oh, yeah!" I bellowed, as I slammed forward and my cock started spurting my load deep inside her pussy.

"Oh yeah! I'm cumming! Oh baby, I'm cumming!" she exclaimed, as she pushed back at me, with her hips shaking.

As my shaft spewed it's final drops into her wet hole, I collapsed onto her back, and we both lay there for a minute, catching our breath.

After a couple of minutes, I held tight to her hips, and rolled over, taking both of us into the cool water.

As I came up, Elke was laughing and yelling at me. 

"That was mean!" she whined. "You could've at least warned me!"

"Yeah," I replied. "I could have."

She swam up to me and wrapped her arms around my neck. Pulling our bodies together, she brought her lips to mine, and we kissed passionately.

After we separated, I climbed out of the pool and got a large inflatable raft, and we both climbed on.

"So, what are you going to do with the guest house?" she asked, after a while, her fingers stroking my inner thigh.

"Well, I'd like to find someone that I know, and trust, to rent it to," I told her. "That way, I know everything is safe, and I can spend more time at your place."

"Well," she started, with a sly grin on her face, "I just happen to know that Anita is looking for a place."

"You 'just happen' to know this do you?" I asked, chuckling.

"I think that this place would be perfect for her," she replied, ignoring my taunt. "It's close to the train, so it'd be easy for her to get to work and school, and you'd have someone here on a regular basis."

"This is true," I said, thinking about the arrangement.

"Plus," Elke added, "she's still living at home with her parents, and she really wants to get out. And, having her here would make seducing her a LOT easier...for BOTH of us."

"Aha," I replied. "Your infamous 'ulterior motives'"

"Who, me?" she retorted, her long eyelashes fluttering. "I'm sure I don't know WHAT you're talking about!"

I laughed and laid back as I felt her fingers wrap around my soft cock, coaxing it back to life.

Later that evening, as I was driving her home, Elke told me that I should drop in to the spa Tuesday night, to talk to Anita.

"I'm not going to be there, so she'll probably be a lot more comfortable talking to you about it that way," she said.

"Ok," I replied. "That sounds good."

As I walked in the spa Tuesday night, just before closing time, Anita greeted me and gave me a tight hug. "Elke's not working tonight," she told me.

"I know," I replied. "I wanted to talk to you." 

"Me?" she asked, sounding surprised. 

"Yes, you," I answered, chuckling. "Are you doing anything after work?"

"No, not really."

"Good. Let's go out for a drink, and we can talk for a couple of minutes," I told her.

"Ok, that sounds nice," she said excitedly.

A half hour later, Anita joined me outside, where I was waiting for her, and we walked to the pub/grill at the opposite end of the mall. Excuse me, I mean "Life-style Center."

As we sat down at a table, I noticed that Anita had obviously spent some time freshening up and re-doing her make-up. 

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" she asked, after we ordered our drinks.

I told her about my coach house, and made her the offer to live there, cheaply, in exchange for doing some of the yard work and pool maintenance.

"That sounds great!" she exclaimed. 

I went on to tell her about the area, how easy it would be for her to get to school and work, and all of the other perks that would come with staying there, and she was very excited. 

"There's just one thing that bothers me," she told me as we worked our way through our second drink. "What about Elke?"

"What about her?" I asked.

"Well, I don't want to...interfere...with your relationship. I like her, and I like working for her," she explained.

"Elke and I are friends," I told her. "Granted, we're very good friends, with very good benefits, but we're friends. There is no way that you can 'interfere' with our relationship."

"I don't know," she replied. "I just..."

"Look," I interrupted, "before you make a decision, come out and look around, and then talk to Elke tomorrow."

She sat and thought about that for a minute. "Ok, I guess that sounds fair," she finally responded.

"Good. Do you want to come out tonight, before it gets too dark?"

"Ok," she replied. "Let me call home, first, and let my parents know what's going on."

"Sounds good," I told her. "Tell them that I'll drive you home, too."

A few minutes later, after we finished our second drinks, we were in my truck, and on our way to my place. On the drive, we were able to talk, and I found out some more about Anita. 

She told me that she was 23 and going to college to get her degree in American History, and after that she wanted to teach.

She also told me that she was raised in a strict, conservative, Italian-Catholic family, and was the only daughter. She was a gymnast in High School, and it was considered a great triumph that her father let her compete, despite his feeling that sports, especially something like gymnastics, was not the proper thing for a young lady.

Her parents had met Elke, and really liked her, and after they heard about what had happened at the party with her now ex boyfriend, Billy, they liked me, too, even though they'd never met me.

"So they didn't like him?" I asked.

"No," she replied meekly. "After I got to know him better, I understood why. I was ready to break up with him after the party, but he just made it so much easier that night."

"I can imagine," I chuckled.

"Besides, he was lousy in bed. He was too selfish," she told me. 

"Oh my gosh!" she gasped. "I can't believe that I said that! It must have been the wine! I'm sorry!"

"That's not a problem," I assured her, as I turned into my driveway.

As I pulled up to the house, the sun was setting, but Anita still looked around wide-eyed. 

"This is all yours?" she asked.

"Yes, I inherited this place from my uncle," I explained. "He designed and built the entire place."

"Wow! This is nice!" she exclaimed, as we walked to the coach house.

As we walked through, Anita was in awe. I was in awe, too, as I watched her tight, young body. She was maybe 5'3", and couldn't be more than 115 lbs. She had a tight little ass and nice, firm, perky breasts on her frame, and it was obvious that she continued to stay in shape. 

"This is where I'll be living?" she asked, breaking my train of thought, after we went through the entire house.

"This is the coach house, yes," I replied. "You'll also have access to the pool."

"This is bigger than my parent's house!" she exclaimed.

We then walked over to my house, and I introduced her to my dogs. They all took to each other, and I knew that we would have a deal. 

As we walked back to my truck, so I could take her home, Anita stopped and looked at me.

"I'm really sorry that I said what I said before," she told me. "I swear, it must have ben the wine."

"And I told you, it's not a problem," I re-assured her. "There's an old Roman saying, 'In Vino, Veritas.' In wine, there is truth."

"I guess so," she said. "Too much truth"

"Don't worry about it!" I told her. "You're not the first person to spill their guts under the influence."

"Well, thank you for being so understanding," she said, as she hugged me tightly. I could feel her breasts poke me in the top of my stomach as she held me.

As we finally pulled away from each other, we made eye contact, and I could see by the look in her eyes that Elke was right. It wouldn't be difficult at all to seduce Anita.

When I brought her home, I went into her house with her and met her parents, in order to explain my offer to them, knowing that would help seal the deal.

When I explained all of the duties that would be expected of her, in exchange for living there and the use of an old car of mine, her father was agreeable, especially when I explained that I would be there at night for protection, along with the two dogs. 

"It will be good for her, the extra responsibilities," he told me as we shook hands over the deal. "Plus, with you and her boss, the German girl, Elke, we know that she'll be safe."

"Yes, sir," I told him. "Between the two of us, we'll take very good care of her."

"Good!" he exclaimed. "Anita, you start packing, and we move you next weekend."

"Sir," I told him, "moving her won't be a problem. I'll get a couple of apprentices, and they'll do all of the heavy lifting for us."

After a couple of glasses of wine, I left for home, and called Elke to tell her the news.

The day that she moved in, Elke was there, and it was the first time that Anita got to see all of the property in the full daylight. She marveled at the pool, and I told her that the way it was laid out, the pool was completely private.

"That means that if you want to get an all-over tan, no one will see you," Elke told her.

"Oh," Anita giggled. "I couldn't do that!" 

"Sure you can," Elke assured her. "You'll be surprised at how sensuous it feels, with the sun warming up your entire body like that."

"Oh, I don't know," Anita said softly, blushing at the thought. Elke looked at me and winked.

After my guys had moved everything in, Elke announced that she had to leave, telling us that she was going to her sister's for the weekend, and told Anita to "take good care" of me while she was gone. 

Anita blushed and laughed as she walked back to the guest house to start unpacking, and Elke hugged me to say good-bye.

"She's all yours," she whispered in my ear. "Have fun, and I'll try to stop by later, after I'm done abusing my vibrators, thinking about what you're doing with her."

A couple of hours later, I stopped in on Anita and told her that I was going to cook out that night, and when she was done, she should come over and eat and take a dip in the pool.

Just as I was firing up the grill, Anita walked over wearing a pair of flip-flops and a cover up. I could see a cute, firm pair of legs sticking out from under her wrap, and started wondering what else she was hiding.

I poured her a glass of wine, and told her to take advantage of the pool while I got the food ready. Out of the corner of my eyes, I watched as she dropped her cover-up to the deck and started walking towards the edge of the pool.

"Wow! You look great!" I told her, as my eyes took in the sight of her firm, petite body in the bikini that she was wearing. It showed off a pair of firm breasts that were bigger than I had expected, and a nice, tight little ass.

"I'm sorry," she replied. "I hope this is ok. It's really the only swim suit that I have. I wore it last year, when a few girls from school and I went to Jamaica for spring break."

"It's fine," I assured her. "If you wore that on spring break, you must have gotten a lot of attention from all the drunk college boys."

"Yeah, a little," she replied, blushing. I continued to watch as she dove into the pool, and I started cooking a couple of steaks.

A few minutes later, Anita climbed out of the pool and put her wrap back on, not tying it, and walked over to the table where I was setting out dinner.

"On my god!" she exclaimed as she sat down. "That felt SO good! I may have to come over and use this pool all the time!"

"I told you, you're welcome to use it whenever you want," I said as I took in the sight of her wet body finishing her glass of wine.

"Well, I don't know if I could come over when Elke is here," she said, taking another glass of wine from me.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Well, she's so tall, and beautiful, and, well, I just wouldn't want to do anything to be in the way," she answered.

"I guarantee you that Elke won't mind, and I'm certainly not going to complain about having TWO beautiful women running around my pool," I joked. " Especially when I'm the only man here!"

She blushed again as she sipped her wine, and then started cutting into her steak.

We talked some more as we ate, and she helped me clear the table when we were through. As we walked towards my house with the dirty dishes, she complained about how sore she was from the move.

"Do you have a hot tub?" she asked as we walked back towards the pool. "I could use a good soak."




A New Beginning Ch. 03



A New Beginning Chapter 3

*****Thank you for all the comments on the previous 2 chapters, they really do bring a me smile that lasts all day.
Once again a huge Thank you to my Editor and his crop, the paddle sadly didn’t make it through Customs.
This chapter contains sex..yay I hear you say and some girl on girl action.*****
We left our heroine beginning her stay with her prospective new Dom MA and his lovely lady Silky. This chapter continues to follow on her journey as a strong willed part time submissive returning to the lifestyle after the death of her former master.

I woke up for the second time that morning, my eyes opening slowly, sleepily looking round. I was still on the couch in the parlour, curled up in the foetal position, my ass still warm and glowing from the punishment earlier. My hand absentmindedly stroking the soft fabric of the covering as I took in the beauty of the room.

A huge fireplace dominated the far wall, wood stacked either side of an oversized mantle, the hearth a stunning polished piece of grey slate. On top of the mantelpiece nothing but two huge church candles sat on simple glass plates. A large ornate gilded mirror hung just above. The opulence of the room was breathtaking.

A small niggle of self doubt started to gnaw its way in to my mind, why had He chosen me?  Master obviously appreciated beautiful things judging by his home, and especially by his companion Silky. I shook this thought away, He HAD chosen me, and to question His reasons would have been a sign of disrespect, slowly I had to learn  how to trust again and regain the self confidence that I had had in abundance, here seemed to be the best place for me to be able to do that.  I did find however that I could not stop thinking about Silky.

I had seen plenty of beautiful women, both in my working life and my time with Dietmar, many of them half naked in compromising positions during the latter, yet none had ever affected me the same way Silky did. It wasn’t so much her looks, it was her whole demeanor, every inch of her near 6’ body oozed sex appeal. The way she walked, the way she looked, her every emotion showing so clearly in every move she made. I realised with a jolt, that she had near to the same effect on me as MA did, a realisation that I wasn’t sure I wanted to make sense of.

Since Dietmar died, there I said it, died, not moved on, or left me, died, dead, gone forever from me in this life, I had experienced no desires, no cravings for anyone. Yes I had started to chat with people on the net, visited sites and read stories; hell I had even tormented myself by going back to the club,half expecting Him to walk through the door with that casual stroll He had, but not once until that night when MA joined me at the bar, had I made any connection with anyone, or even really wanted to..

My thoughts distracted once again as I saw Silky’s reflection in the mirror as she swept serenely into view.
“I’m sorry I wanted to be here when you woke. Sleep well?”

“I did yes thanks.” And it wasn’t just platitude, I really had. I was getting more sleep here in this strange house than I had in a long time at home.

The smile on her face lit up her features, serving only to make her more beautiful. “Good, you looked so peaceful. I should have woken you a while ago, but I didn’t have the heart. MA will be back in a minute, you pair really do need to have a talk. Then I can give you a guided tour of the house if you like?” She seemed to bounce up and down at this last suggestion, her eyes sparkling. Even if I hadn’t been desperate to explore my new home, I would have agreed, not wanting to be the one to put out that sparkle. If anything I wanted to be the one to cause it.

“Oh that would be great Silky, I’d love that. Thank you.” I guess the need to please people was as ingrained in me as following orders.

My thoughts were interrupted by MA striding into the room, carrying a smaller version of the tray that hours ago Silky had used to clear the kitchen table. I felt a blush start to rise up my neck, the warmth on my ass cheeks seeming to deepen as I remembered exactly why she was clearing the table.

“Teas up, get it while its hot!” Chuckled MA as He placed the tray down on a side table that Silky had placed in front of the couch, how did she do that? I swear I hadn’t even noticed her move.

I smiled as I saw a teapot complete with a wooly sheep tea cosy and a plate filled with buttered crumpets, the rich yellow butter oozing out onto the plate below, and a small stack of napkins folded neatly by the side. My mammie would be impressed! Silky effortlessly poured 3 cups of tea and using the silver tongs placed a crumpet on each plate. MA sat beside me on the couch, loosely draping His arm over my shoulder, this slight contact sending bolts of lightning through every nerve in my body.

“Don’t go getting used to this little one,” He growled softly in my ear, His warm breath against my neck making me shiver, I could almost feel the goosebumps rise up one by one. “I like to cook, but I like seeing my lovely ladies tending to MY needs so much more.”

The grin on His face was almost evil in a tender way, a look that I added to my ‘need to see list’ which at this stage was actually more of a book than a mere list. I managed to sip my tea, and eat the lusciously buttered crumpet, despite my nerves. Usually nerves stop me from eating, here however they seemed to have the opposite effect. I’d have to watch what I ate and discuss a workout routine if I wanted to keep my trim figure.

“Now Alannah my precious gem, all joking and fun aside, we really do need to talk.”

I nodded my head, we did, I knew this talk was coming. I wasn't sure I was completely prepared for it, but it was a necessity if this relationship was to progress, and that was the one thing I was 100% sure on. I wanted this, needed it even, the last day had thrown up so many conflicting emotions in me, but for the first time since Dietmar’s death I had actually wanted to face them, rather than run away and hide. I was actually experiencing happiness again and I knew that, here in this place with these two people, I could learn to love and trust again.

“Yes Sir, we do Sir, I… I’m just not sure where to start Sir.” I’ve always been better at answering questions that asking them, guess its just another level of how deep my submissive nature goes.

“I shall start then. Firstly the most important of all is a safe word, I know this morning we used part of the traffic light system but I prefer that you have one of your own, makes you less likely to forget it, in the heat of the moment.”

“Snowdrop.” I blurted out, not even pausing to think, only when I heard my voice say it out loud did I realise the last time I had heard it said was with Dietmar. I didn’t have time to take that trip down memory lane as I heard MA clear his throat and ask the next question.

“Limits next little one, I have them, Silky has them and I am sure you do too. I want to know your hard limits first, then we can move on to soft limits. I will also briefly outline the main rules when we are through with limits. I know that mouth of yours will always get you into trouble, but at least if you know the rules, there will be a few less opportunities to get yourself in lumber with me!!”      

I breathed a sigh of relief, this was easy as well. “No breath play Sir, no cutting/knives, no animals, no scat and no public humiliation that would involve ‘innocents’ or get anyone arrested Sir.”

I noticed as I was listing my hard limits He was nodding His head with every one of them; Silky too, perched on a cushion at  the side of the couch listening, seemed to nod her head slightly. A sigh of relief escaping my lips, at least we all seemed to be on the same page so far!

My soft limits were slightly harder to voice, it seemed strange to say them out loud in front of people, rather like laying down your fantasies for all to hear. A big soft limit for me resolved around what had been a hard limit of Dietmar’s, and I couldn’t help but think I was about to betray Him.

“My soft limits Sir, oh, I...well...erm…. ANAL !” I all but shouted in the end, the word coming out of my mouth before I had time to think too much, my cheeks flushing as I realised how loud I had uttered it.

“Anal, in what way is it a soft limit little one?” asked MA with a slight raise of his eyebrows.

“Erm well Sir, I have never done it Sir, never had anything, well you know, up there, kind of one way str..”

A raised hand and a whoah there look silenced me mid sentence, “Yes, I get where you're going little one, no need for pictures.” Silky was biting her lip at this point, suppressing a giggle and the look on her face had me creasing my eyes and barely holding back my own laughter.

“Yes Sir. Sorry Sir.” I concentrated on saying.

“So precious is it something you want to try? I will tell you now, I love anal play and the thought of sliding My cock into a tight virgin ass is well, an appealing thought shall we say.”

On hearing these words my ass seemed to clench itself tightly closed, as if to make my mind up for me, yet I could also feel my arousal start to seep from my cunt, confusion running amok in my mind.

“Sir, may I add something please?” MA and myself both turned to Silky, kneeling gracefully on her cushion, her words almost whispered.

“Yes Sweetie of course you may, I would like Alannah to hear your point of view on how things work in this house, its always good to hear the opinion of someone who knows their prospective new Master.”

“I had only ever had one experience of anal before coming here Alannah, and it wasn't pleasant and not something I wanted to do again, but Mistress taught me the pleasures anal play could bring, without just shoving a cock up there and banging away.”
I saw a look I recognised so well flash across her face as she paused, one of loss and sadness, glancing up at MA I saw the same look, quickly shaken away, and I knew better than to pry at this point, there is nothing worse than 20 questions. I knew it would be explained to me at a later date, the Mistress comment had me slightly confused, but before I had a chance to process the thought Silky was speaking again.

“Master took over and he guided me and made anal sex something that I crave and enjoy nearly as much as when Sir guides his thick hard shaft into my cunt and fu..”

This time His raised hand was directed at Silky, “Yes sweetie whilst I appreciate your lovely description, I’m sure Alannah gets the picture.”

“Yes Sir, sorry Sir, its just I do so love your..”

“ENOUGH!!! Silky, that’s quite enough!” His tone a mix of authority and amusement as He turned back towards me.

“So Alannah did that help any? There is no rush to decide, although I would like an idea of how you feel about it before I start your inspection.”

His tone softer than it had been with Silky moments earlier, the word inspection the only one I heard, inspection…..inspection...oh god I thought. It had been so long since anyone had seen me fully naked, and whilst I didn’t have any major issues with my body, that moment when you are first on full display is a spine tingling, clit hardening, cunt soaking moment all laced with anxiety and a hint of fear.

“Did you hear what I said little one?”

“Yes Sir, No Sir, Sorry Sir, I caught the word inspection.” I blushed

“Eager again precious!” He chuckled, making me drop my eyes, wanting to hide my embarrassment, I was indeed eager but anxious at the same time.

“Mmmm as intrigued as I am by whats under that baggy jersey you seem so fond of, I need to know about your soft limits, I want you to always feel safe and secure with Silky and me. I am sure as we go along, we will all learn more about each other, but certain things need to be laid out in advance, your safe word and your limits top that list.”

“Yes Sir, I appreciate that, limits are so important and I find myself honestly confused by anal play Sir. I know thats not an answer, but at this moment, I really don’t know how I feel. I brought it up as a soft limit not a hard one so part of me must want to explore that avenue, but I can’t guarantee I will like it or want it to continue Sir. I’m Sorry Sir.”  I knew I was rambling but I needed to be as honest with Him, as He had been with me. Honesty was at the heart of every relationship and the first quality that I needed to see in people before I would even enter them into my phone book.

“Hush little one, never, EVER apologise for being honest, I will never chastise you for being truthful with me. We can see how we go and take it from there. Starting gently would seem to be the best solution. I will add though, please don't feel that you have to do it to please me, It would bring me no pleasure if I knew you were not enjoying it. Now, have you any other soft limits?”

His words permeating my soul, I knew then without doubt I had made the right decision coming here and giving myself to Him. I would never find another Dietmar and I knew that I would never forget Him. The memories we shared etched on my heart like a tattoo; there forever, but I had that strange feeling again that if Dietmar could see me now, He would be smiling that lopsided smile of His and wishing me well.  



“Pain Sir, sort of. I mean I like it, but I am not a pain slut, I am more likely to pass out from intense pain than cum from it Sir.”

“I am not a Sadist precious, pain will feature in both play and punishment, but at a level we will find together. That’s the importance of a safe word; another never ever spiel would be ‘never be afraid to use your safe word’, ok?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Good, Have you any other soft limits precious?”

“No Sir, I don’t think so Sir.” My mind whirring now, “I am sure as we go along You will introduce me to new experiences, a prospect I truly relish Sir, yet I can’t say I will like everything we try.”

A huge smile lit up His face at my answer, His words lightly spoken, filling me once again with trust, His every word making me feel safe and secure. “Nicely answered little one, I suggest that we let things flow, and at any point you wish to add or even take away soft limits, you tell me. Communication is key in any relationship, and I would hope that you never to fear talking to me.”

“Thank you Sir, I appreciate your understanding, and I can tell you now, I will always talk you to over any concerns.”  

“Finally the rules little one, I will outline them very basically now, and later Silky will go through them more thoroughly with you. I expect loyalty and honesty always; I expect you to follow my commands when I issue them; I expect you to keep that humour and sass and be you, however they have a time and place and in the middle of a flogging may not be the best time to tell me a joke. Finally I expect you to learn the positions I like my subs to adopt and be ready and waiting when these designated times are outlined. Are you with me so far?”

“Yes Sir.”  I nodded, thinking I would get some alone time with Silky that evening and finding I rather liked the thought of that.

“Good, now I have no desire for a 24/7 Master/slave relationship, I do however want your expertise in my business. I know you have previously worked in security and with training dogs, and that knowledge will be invaluable to me. Whilst at work you are still my submissive when we are alone, when we have company you are my right hand woman. The staff have been informed of your impending arrival as if nothing else I hoped you would take me up on the job offer. They will answer to you in the same way they answer to me. Any Questions?”

“No Sir, not at the moment Sir. I am sure there are plenty but if I may have a little time to think and talk with Silky, I would appreciate it. Regarding the job offer, I will need a few days to go through the systems you use, your paperwork and talk with your staff, especially the trainers.”

“I see no problem with that, it's Tuesday today, have the rest of the week as a holiday and next Monday we can address the business in more detail and get you out and about meeting the staff. Talk with Silky as much as you like, and Silky, I mean talk ok!?”

“Yes Sir” we both said at once, only I had to go and add - “would that be a paid holiday Sir?”
Guess I don't learn that quickly.

“Oh Alannah, you really don't learn do you?” He chuckled echoing my thoughts. “Why do I have the feeling you are going to be trouble? Fun but trouble.”

“Sorry Sir, I am trying Sir.”

“That you are little one, that you are.” He half whispered almost to himself, before his voice changed tone again. “I think I can overlook that minor discretion as it actually was a very savvy business question. I like that in my staff, and yes, it will be a paid holiday, I’m not a slave driver you know!” This last statement eliciting a small giggle from Silky’s direction.

I had enough time to breath a small sigh of relief that my poor paddled ass wasn’t going to take another spanking so soon, before I heard the words, “inspection time now I think, that beautiful body has been hidden from me long enough.”

I moved off the couch, not sure if I should wait for further instructions but wanting to get this started before I lost what nerve I had left and bolted. I moved to the centre of the room…..

***

MA:

Alannah stood , moved to the centre of the room and slowly peeled  the over large shirt from her body, and faced me with a lovely lust filled, but slightly apprehensive look on her face. God she was just adorable with that expression.

“Feet shoulder width apart, head up, shoulders back and hands clasped firmly behind your back just above your bottom.”

“Good girl” I purred as she complied. “Alannah, I have never seen you fully naked. I am now going to intimately inspect every inch of your body. You will stand perfectly still while I do this. One rule I forgot to mention is during this inspection you will NOT have permission to cum. Do you understand?”

“Yes Sir.”
Alannah nodded her understanding yet I could see her breathing quicken and her heartbeat flutter at the base of her throat and could see moisture starting to seep from her cunt. It seemed she was both afraid and excited by the thought.

I stood in front of her and slowly looked her over from head to toe. She was about 5’5” tall with a thin, almost skinny build. Her reddy brown shoulder length hair hung loosely and would make a perfect ponytail in sessions to come. I do so love a woman’s hair and hers was perfect. Her breasts looked perky and full for her frame and I was looking forward to inspecting them in detail shortly. A small barbell piercing was through her navel and I smiled quietly to myself. Now I knew she wasn’t afraid of the needle I had ideas for a couple of discreet additions to her body, sometime in the future.

Her smoothly shaven mound was full and plump, the outer lips being split by two very aroused looking inner lips, one side slightly longer than the other, which were fighting for attention as they peeked from between her thighs. Long graceful legs led down to her tiny, almost child sized, feet.

I had her turn around and the view from the rear was equally exquisite. Straight back with a lovely smattering of freckles across the shoulders, went all the way down to a very full, slightly reddened and oh so spankable bottom. My cock twitched in anticipation of delving between those cheeks and playing with that virgin asshole.

I moved up close so I was standing almost touching her back and swept her hair to one side to examine the delicate neck beneath, careful not to catch the simple silver chain that held the St. Christopher that dangled just above her cleavage. Her earlobes with small stud earrings just begged to be nipped between my teeth and my cock swelled even further as it tented the front of my trousers against her bum. The temptation to rub myself against her was almost overwhelming, but patience I have a plenty.




A New Beginning Ch. 03



Turning to her face I looked deep into her alluring greeny blue eyes, which seemed to change colour under my gaze, and saw nothing but lust, the apprehension now gone and only longing remained. Her open lips beckoned for my finger and I gently inserted it, running the pad along her teeth before gently pulling down on the lower jaw to open her wider. The moist pink tongue, its tip just resting on her lips, gave another involuntary twitch to my cock as the thoughts of her fellating me shot to my brain.

“Stand on that coffee table and face the window. Keep the same position.”

Alannah:
His words brought my thoughts back to the moment, my mouth still slightly open, as if pleading silently for his finger to return. I can’t place the moment when fear vanished and longing took its place, but the minute his finger entered my mouth all I could think of was sucking and swirling my tongue around it. In my mind it was no longer his finger, but his cock.

“Yes Sir, the table Sir, right Sir.”

Shaking the thought of tasting him away, I glanced at the table, framed by a large sash window, the slatted blinds at their highest position. Oh God, he wanted me facing the window…..anyone would be able to see me. They couldn’t, I knew that, the house was at the top of a long driveway with conifers lining the perimeter of the property, but in that split second rational thought was the furthest away from what I was feeling. What I was feeling I can’t describe, so many different emotions were flitting around, strangely if I was pressed to choose one, it would have been arousal.


MA:

“Yes little one, the table!”

Alannah gracefully climbed onto the top and spread her legs as before, head up and breasts thrust forward, the light from the window shining directly onto her body and highlighting her skin.

My eyes were now level with her chest and I moved to within arms’ reach for a close look. The first thing I noticed were her nipples. They were a light pink in colour and as I watched, they grew in front of my eyes to the size of an unshelled peanut with the same hard, tight wrinkled appearance as the nut itself, The imagery they presented as I imagined them clamped and pierced was enough to start my bell end tingling and I just knew that I was going to have to cum soon. Taking them gently between my fingers I slowly rubbed the tips, watching them swell even further. The involuntary gasp which escaped her lips told me how sensitive they were.

“Silky, make a mental note and remind me to buy some ornamental clamps to decorate these lovely nipples.”

“Yes Master” replied Silky in her no nonsense Geordie twang.


Alannah:

His fingers felt electrified as they slowly circled my nipples, every soft rub sending signals down to my clit, as if the two were linked by invisible wire. I adored my nipples being played with, and His touch was pure heaven, a picture of Him placing clamps on the sensitive area around my breasts formed in my mind, closing my eyes briefly to capture the image, a gasping sigh escaped my lips.


MA:

My attention then returned to the actual breast flesh itself and I lifted each tit in turn with my upturned palm. Their full weight was a delight to my hands, the soft silky skin goose pimpled to my touch. A glance at her face showed her in rapt concentration trying not to be further aroused or break position. Leaning forward I took a nipple between my teeth, licked the end with my tongue before nipping down onto the wrinkled flesh. A sharp hiss rewarded me and this time I smiled openly before standing to look her in the eye.

“Good girl.” I said before lightly kissing her lips.


Alannah:

The words ‘good girl’ nearly became my downfall, I was concentrating so hard on not moving as his hands continued to examine me in the most intimate of ways, causing feelings I thought were long gone to reawaken in my very core. Those two simple words however seemed to permeate deeper into my very being than any of his touches could have, so much so I barely registered the gentle kiss upon my lips.

“Silky, a chair if you please.”

I was saved from breaking position or falling over the edge of the arousal precipice I was on by Silky’s movement. A chair, what on earth did He want a chair for?


MA:

Silky immediately went and retrieved a kitchen chair and on my instruction placed it directly in front of Alannah. Sitting of course put me in direct eyeline with her cunt and with deliberate slowness I did just that.Two things hit me almost simultaneously. The sight of two now very wet protruding inner lips and the smell of her arousal. The lips themselves were thick, wet and extended about a half inch on the left hand side beyond the outer labia and slightly less on the other, a small but noticeable difference.  

As I watched a slow wet trickle of her juice bubbled onto the bottom of her cunt before starting to pear drop down between her legs, and hang suspended below her perineum. I was fascinated just watching this droplet slowly growing in size and length. Just at the point it was going to depart from her body, I extended a finger and captured it before bringing it to my nose. The aroma was the intoxicating smell of one very aroused woman and I gently licked the nectar from my finger, savouring its tangy taste.

The mound itself was completely bare and a further inspection with my fingers proved it to be silky smooth, not a hair or bit of stubble in sight. A smooth cunt is a joy for me and I made a mental note to see if she would like to be lasered clean.

Scooting forward on my chair I gently took both hands and with my fingers spread her wide, exposing a very pink and wet interior, the internal ridges of her cunt clearly visible. I slid her rubbery lips between my thumb and forefinger, relishing in their elasticity and softness. Pulling both of her folds apart to cause her vagina to open completely and make a beautiful oval shaped hole, I stared deep into the pink tunnel, seeing up close the ridges and folds that made up the inside of her deepest treasure.

My cock strained at the leash to be released, but my eyes were too engrossed in her womanhood to even care. The sight was just too intoxicating to even think about moving. Mentally shaking myself I slowly inserted the index finger of my right hand. I was rewarded with both a groan and the tightening of her muscles around my finger as I slowly rotated it until my palm was up, facing her mound. A second finger followed and both reached up to massage her G spot with slow and firm strokes.

Her clit was of normal size and by now highly visible from beneath its hood, the head glistening in the light from the window. With my free hand I pulled back firmly on her clit hood, exposing the button completely and making it show even further from her body. With infuriating slowness the tip of my right thumb inched forward until finally it caressed the swollen flesh of her clit in one firm swipe.

Alannah:

My body was straining now, I had resisted the urge to move so far, even as he inserted a finger into my most private of places; well so far anyway I thought briefly, I had remained in position. I had wanted to push my hips forward as I felt the second finger stretch the entrance to my tight cunt, my muscles tightening around them involuntarily yet I had held my concentration long enough not to give in to my primal urges.

That one slow swipe of His thumb, finally making contact with my clit though, had me moaning loudly and bucking my hips forward. The tingling sensation that had been present since the start of the inspection was now almost painful, the need for release all consuming. The minute I moved my hips the fingers were agonisingly removed, I was just about to start to plead for their return when his next words had me near frozen in fear, my body still on the point of arousal but my mind wandering to what was about to happen next, my sphincter contracting involuntarily.


MA:

“Turn around, face away from me and touch your toes.”

I kept my voice deep and commanding. She complied immediately, probably hoping for some form of orgasmic relief by being good. Little did she know that I was in tease and deny mode… what fun!

The sight of her reddened, half mooned, full cheeked bottom blatantly displayed just inches from my eyes nearly undid me. Reaching down I grasped my cock and squeezed firmly in an attempt to reduce the unbearable tingling that was threatening to seize my brain. Ahhh, the relieve that brought, but I knew it would only be temporary.

I knew that because I am going to let you into a secret. I am an ass man, through and through. The sight of the naked female from behind, bent over with rosebud and wet fleshy cunt so prominently displayed sends my brain into a tailspin every time. It is truly the most erotic sight in the world. I defy any red blooded, heterosexual, dominant male to deny that the visual of that position is not the most blatant of female come on signals. It screams that ‘I am here, mount me, take me hard, I am yours’… And I usually do.

For this exercise though restraint was needed. I again inserted a finger into her cunt to lubricate it before gently circling the dark pink crinkled whorl of her virgin anus and pushing in to the bottom knuckle. Her deep groan of arousal as a finger penetrated her for the first time told me all I needed to know about whether she would like anal or not and I removed my finger.

“Silky, mental note again to buy an anal starter kit. She needs some stretching before she will be able to safely accommodate a cock.”

“Yes Master.” Silky replied softly.


Alannah:

As I turned and bent over I felt his finger return to my cunt, and breathed a sigh of relief, I had expected in this position that it would be my ass that would be inspected.That breath had quickly caught mid throat as I had felt his well lubricated finger circle the outer skin around my anus.Time seemed to stand still, the only thing I became aware of  was His finger slowly pushing into to my super tight hole and I tried my hardest to relax to allow him entry, having been told years ago that that was the best thing to do.   

“Ohhhhhhhhh mmmmmmm” the deep moan escaped my lips without me really knowing much about it, and I was completely helpless to stop it. The feeling was like nothing I had ever known. It wasn’t the same sensation as something entering my cunt, but the nerve endings in my anus shot a bolt of lightning to my clit and combined with the totally overwhelming feeling of surrender and decadence, I melted. I knew  then that anal was not something to fear, more something to explore.

His words to Silky made my cunt juices flow freely, my ass now empty, the void seeming far emptier than it had previously. The thought of an anal stretching kit was close to tipping me over the edge. My body trembling, my breasts bouncing slightly as my heart threatened to pound its way out my chest.

The realisation that not only had MA been somewhere no one else had ever been but Silky had seen His finger slowly disappear up my ass hit me as hard as a slap, a mixture of delicious embarrassment and complete humiliation flooding my senses.



“Oh God, please Sir, please May I cum, I need to cum, God please Sir!!”

“Oh not yet little one, not just yet. First things first.” His tone firm but laced thick with need as He continued. “You seem to have had a somewhat hardening effect on my cock and I think I need to see if that sassy little mouth of yours is good for more than getting you into trouble.”

I almost leaped off the table to throw myself at his feet, the thought of not only seeing His cock, that Silky had tried to describe in detail earlier, but having it in my mouth was nearly too much for me. I wanted to please Him, show him without words just how much I wanted to be here, to belong to Him.
Just before I took the plunge He beckoned Silky over from her kneeling position, bending to whisper softly in her ear, a smile that stretched from ear to ear appearing on her face.

“Yes Sir, wow Sir, thank You Sir.” her response exuberant, her smile widening more than one would think possible.

Turning back to the table where I stood holding myself rigid desperately resisting the urge to pounce, the simple command; “Down” had me all but jumping clumsily off my perch and positioning myself at His feet. Raising my eyes slowly to the top of his thighs I saw His cock straining at the fabric of His trousers, a small longing sigh emanating from deep in my throat escaped my lips. My hands twitched from their position behind my back, the slight movement in my shoulders giving away my intentions.

“Mmmm I love how eager you are precious, makes my ego grow nearly as much as my cock, but patience little one. All good things come to those who wait!”

Slowly His hands moved to His belt. His fingers moving slowly, pulling the brown leather end through the loop at His side, easing the metal hook through the hole and looping it back so it fell free of the buckle. Agonisingly slowly His fingers pried the button undone and tugged down on the zip.

“So little one, what is you want?” His hands leaving his groin and grabbing my hair gently at the back of the neck.

Swallowing to save the drool that had been forming in my mouth I managed to stammer “You Sir, I want you.”

“You have me my precious little gem, or was there something more specific?”

“Your cock Sir.” I blurted .

“Anywhere in particular?” Was the rapid comeback, said with the hint of a smirk.

What a question, where didn’t I want it? “My mouth Sir, please Sir, I would love to suck your cock Sir, I want to explore every ridge with my tongue, feel it against the inside of my cheeks, hit the back of my throat Sir. Pleeeease let me suck you!”

“My darling little one, you plead so well.” came the almost offhanded reply.

I leaned forward, my hands coming round from behind my back as I looped my fingers through his waistband and with a firm tug pulled His trousers down to his ankles,repeating the process quickly with his boxers. His cock sprung towards me, my eyes widened as I Iooked at the first cock I had seen other than Dietmar’s in 9 years.

I pushed that thought straight out my head, I had said to myself I wouldn’t compare my two Masters in any way. MA was my fresh start and I couldn’t do that if I kept thinking about my old life.

Drinking in the sight before me, my clit tingled with anticipation. I parted my lips and took a first tentative lick around the smooth silky head of His cock, my tongue swirling across and around. Gently easing the tip of my tongue into His urethra and darting it slowly in and out. A guttural moan of pleasure told me I was on the right track, the salty taste of precum just registering on my taste buds, a sudden urge to taste Him flooded my senses. Opening my mouth further I edged the swollen now nearly purple head into my mouth, leaving my lips apart far enough to twirl my tongue around the tip as I sucked gently.

“Now Silky.” I vaguely heard, as I was concentrating closely on the sensations of having His cock in my mouth.

I felt His hands tighten in my hair, tugging firmly, pulling me closer to Him at the same time as I felt a soft finger trail up the inside of my thigh. My soft moan muffled by His cock sliding deeper inside my mouth, vibrations travelling through His hard thick shaft. I tilted my head back slightly, flattening my tongue against the bottom of my mouth, the surface sliding alonged the ridged underside of his cock. Silky’s fingers gliding across my cunt lips, pulling on my protruding inner labia, my hips bucking and my juices running freely.

Hollowing my cheeks to try and stop the screams of need, wanting to feel as full of His cock as I could, sucking hard on the down thrust and loosening my mouths grip on the up stroke. His hands in my hair guiding the tempo, slow upward strokes before plunging down hard and fast. The thought striking me that I was no longer giving him a blow job, more just being  a receptacle to be fucked, coupled with Silky’s slender fingers teasing my cunt I was in heaven.
Just as I felt the tell tale sign He was about to explode, His hands gripped either side of my head and pushed me off His cock, my mouth gaping, the empty feeling I had experienced earlier when his finger left my ass, nothing compared to the empty feeling I had now. It wasn't just my mouth that felt empty but my soul, what had I done wrong? Had I displeased him? I was so sure He had been about to cum but it had been a while and maybe I had read it wrong?

I glanced up at His face, needing to see any expression, to make sense of the confusion that was plaguing me. What I saw wasn’t displeasure, far from it, it was lust in its rawest form.

“Turn round NOW, crawl position!” He barked at me.

I immediately spun round on my knees, my ass raised high as I lowered my arms onto the soft pile of the carpet beneath me, His slightly rough hands grasping my knees and pulling them to either side, my face almost hitting the floor as I steadied myself. I felt his hand slide under my tummy and raise me higher, at the same moment I gasped as His cock slid easily into my soaking wet pussy, thrusting straight to its hilt. Here he paused, his balls resting against my aching clit, his pubic hair just brushing against my still tender ass. Unbeknown to me he had nodded to Silky at this point, gesturing her to move in front of me.

Silky crawled round so she was facing me; her finger still wet from the teasing of my pussy, brushed across my lips before trailing across my cheek, down my neck, dancing lightly across my collar bone. I tilted my head to the side allowing her better access to the spot which never failed to send shivers down my spine, my moans increasing in volume as the sensation of her soft touch and the hardness of his cock sent me spiralling towards the orgasm that had been building since I had heard the word inspection.

“No! No! little one, you do NOT have permission to cum, remember that.”

I concentrated on my breathing, slowing the ragged rasping gasps to a slower controlled pattern, managing to push the feeling away, just as I felt Silky’s soft tongue flick at my nipples. The feeling returned in force, my cunt clenching and gripping at His cock, squeezing so hard I was amazed it didn’t snap it, then I really wouldn’t be allowed to cum I thought! My sassy mind saved me this time, this one daft thought pushing the impending orgasm further back than I could have done intentionally. I also knew it wouldn’t stay away for long.

“Please Sir, please fuck me, ooh god I need you.”

“My pleasure little one.”

The words spoken as he took what was his, owning me, thrusting deep and hard, fucking my sweet tight wet cunt, His hands gripping my body as every powerful thrust made it shake. Silky’s gentle sucking of my nipples a delicious contrast to the pounding strokes. My moans of pleasure drowned out by the sound of flesh hitting flesh as his Hips slammed against my ass, His growls of passion echoing around the room as I used my PC muscles to grip his cock as he pumped, feeling every throb that coursed through his shaft against my pussy walls.

“Cum for me little one, NOW!! Give yourself to me.”

My cunt exploded as I felt every nerve ending just fire into release as if a rocket fuse had been lit, and my tight almost virginal hole spasmed hard around his cock increasing the waves of pleasure even further.

“AGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH fucking holy Christ.” screamed Master, temporarily losing his control, as the grip of her sheath released his pent up orgasm.

His hands gripping my sides hard as wave after wave of cum pumped inside me. My own contractions milking His cock till we both slid to the floor, hearts pounding, breathing fast and ragged.

“Howay man that was hot.” laughed Silky in her broad best Newcastle twang and all three of us just burst out laughing at the release of a days sexual tension.  




A New Beginning Ch. 03



“I’m guessing the tour will have to wait for tomorrow” half whined Silky, going from laughter to pouting in an instant.

“Oh sweetie, yes I do think tonight we should just relax and enjoy each others company, but later after tea, maybe you could show Alannah the master bathroom and help her find her way round that huge bath you are so fond of? And since you have been so patient and helpful today, a night in My room would please you? Tomorrow after I have taken Alannah to pick up the rest of her stuff, we can show her the house together.”

“Ohhhh! Yes Sir, I can do that Sir, with pleasure Sir.” Her smile beamed wider than I had seen it as she almost burst with happiness, her words filled with pure joy and a smattering of lust!. Looking up at Master with a slightly cheeky grin she added, “would that be a whole night in your room Sir?”

“I see smart assed mouth syndrome is catching,” He sighed with a small glance in my direction, turning back to Silky, His lips forming a wide smile and nodding. The look on Her face was priceless, her happiness contagious and once again we all laughed in unison.

Spent and tired we sat on the couch together, Silky’s head nestled on His lap, mine resting on His shoulder, His arms wrapped around us both, a gesture that made me feel protected and cared for. We were watching a programme on the huge widescreen television mounted on the wall, I wasn’t sure what the programme was, not really sure I cared, all I knew was I was happy, the journey was just beginning and I couldn't wait to see where it led me tomorrow.



A New Beginning Ch. 03



After his attempt to take control of the ship when Butler had his abscess and with the situation we were then under, neither I nor Joshua trusted him to be on the bridge by himself.

I then asked for volunteers to help Sam manage the TV lounge. A construction crew woman named Judith and a cafeteria waitress named Carli volunteered. They both had worked in a bar before signing on the James Cook. So far everything was going fine. I knew the rest wasn't going to be so easy.

"Doctor Yves, how are the two burned men?"

"I have them sedated for now. They're not doing so good. The lightening bolt that hit them went right through their suits, causing their clothing to catch on fire. Their suits were filled with oxygen. They're both burned over 90% of their bodies. I will be very surprised if they live more than 24 hours."

I closed my eyes and thought of Butler. I wondered where he was when the fifth lightening bolt hit us. Was he in the cargo hold or just suiting up? I said a silent prayer that he died without much pain.

Then I said ominously, "By now y'all know that there was an explosion and that we've lost the tail section of the James Cook along with the cargo hold. But there are a couple of things that y'all don't know. That's why I've called y'all here."

I paused and looked at Joshua. He nodded as if to say that he was behind me.

"First of all, we've lost both our main and backup long range antennae. There is no way to contact MC3 until at least one of them is repaired. Captain Butler had a crew outside attempting to repair one of them when a lightening bolt hit them. I understand two men were killed and another two were badly burned. That's what Doc Yves and I were alluding to just now."

I looked around the cafeteria. Some were just staring blankly at me; others were obviously shaken by this news. I dreaded going on.

"Secondly, with the exception of a few officers remaining on the flight deck, what y'all see among yourselves here make up the entire crew of the James Cook. We lost 89 souls when the ship broke apart. We've got nothing with which to build a space observatory . . . The mission is over. We're going home."

Immediately there was a murmur among the crew. I paused again. I heard someone say something about their pay.

"Don't worry about getting paid. Y'all will get your full pay. Your contract requires that."

Everyone except the prostitutes was paid an amount each month according to what he or she asked to be paid from what they were going to receive when they returned home. But not so with the prostitutes, they were given a small bonus when they signed on. After that they only got what they earned from their johns. If they didn't work, then they got nothing. Everyone else hired on at a base pay, depending upon what kind of work they would perform.

Then each month Valarie, the bursar, did her thing on the computer and, except for the prostitutes, credited everyone's account the amount that they agreed upon before leaving MC3. An equal amount was debited to each person's onboard bank account. At the end of the voyage each person would be paid the balance of his or her account plus any remaining amount in their onboard bank account.

Every time someone used their picture ATM card to purchase something, their onboard account was automatically credited with the proper bank balance.

I had to get everyone thinking positive. I turned to the ship's master chef.

"William, correct me if I'm wrong. Didn't you just fill up all the food lockers a few days ago?"

"Yes ma'am, I figured that once we got into orbit around Europa, if I went with a team down there then, then we would probably just be in everyone's way. Everyone would be busy unloading the cargo hold with the stuff needed to build the space station. So me and a couple of my waiters went down there a couple of shifts ago. All our food lockers are full right now."

"We got 68 men and women onboard right now, not counting the two burned victims. Can you give me an estimate on how long that food will last us?"

I was thinking and hoping we had enough food to last us until we got back to Earth and MC3. Five or six months was what we would need for a return trip from Mars. I was pretty sure we had enough food but I wanted those present to hear it from our master chef.

William stood up and looked around the cafeteria. "I'd say we have enough food in our lockers right now to last us about nine months, a year if we ration it out."

That was the first good news I received since before Butler woke me up several hours earlier. Our master chef did his calculations believing that we were still in the vicinity of Jupiter. I assume that's why he mentioned that we could stretch the food out to a year if we rationed it out.

What William and most of the others didn't know was that we were now only a few days away from Mars. Nine month's supply would be plenty enough food to get us home. Unless, of course, more problems arose onboard, then even a year's supply of food might not be enough.

"On another note, you construction workers don't have a place to sleep. Y'all lost your sleeping quarters when the tail section broke off. But I don't want y'all to worry about that either."

I looked down at the notes I jotted down earlier.

"We lost 29 officers and crew members. There are 25 construction crew members among y'all. That means we have enough living quarters for all of you . . ."

"What about all my stuff?" a construction worker called out, interrupting me. "I lost everything I had when the ship broke up. Are you telling me that I'm not going to get my stuff back?"

"I'm sorry about y'all losing your belongings. But the contract each of you signed says that UNESA is not responsible for your personal belongings. When we get back to MC3 you can take that up with your representative."

I paused to let the information sink in. Chantelle got up out of her seat and moved to stand near me. She put her hand on the taser gun strapped to her hip, as if to remind them that there would be repercussions if anyone tried anything stupid.

"I have already asked Terri, Josephine and Alicia to move their belongings into Veronica's cabin. The rest of you will be assigned new berths as soon as the personal belongings of the dead crew members can be cleared out of their cabins."

I looked over at the recreation officer and the supply officer's mate. "Louis, Konrad, I'm asking you two to select a couple of crew members and take care of that for me. Konrad get some boxes from supply and put all the personal belongings of those who died in those boxes. Then put the person's name on the box. Y'all don't have any objections do you?"

"No ma'am I don't," Konrad responded.

"When do you want us to do it?" Louis asked.

"I would like y'all to get started on it as soon as I finish here. Chantelle will open the hatch for y'all and assign a new password to it using her override code. As you clear out a berth assign a construction crew member to it. OK?"

"Fine by me," Louis answered.

"Me too," Konrad added.

"Then give Chantelle and Father Ray each a list of who is living where. Finally, I want you to bring the clothing of the dead crew members to the cafeteria and let the construction crew members sort through it. Just their clothing, put their personal stuff in a box and give that to Father Ray." I looked over at Father Ray; he just nodded.

Then turning back to my audience I continued, "Those of you who lost everything will be able to sort through the clothing of those who perished. This may sound inhumane but it is either that or y'all wear dirty clothing or go naked. Take your choice. As for tooth brushes, tooth paste and other toiletries . . . Konrad I want you to issue some from supply at no charge."

"Yes ma'am," he answered.

Turning again to the rest of the crew members, "I'm asking y'all to please be patient and work with me, Konrad and Louis on this. We've had a major catastrophe and we all have to deal with it."

No one seemed to object. I looked again at my notes.

"We lost most of our water. That means that we have to ration what's left. So I'm going to close the rear showers, the ones near the cafeteria. The front showers are closer to where y'all will be living anyway. Also, I'm restricting the number of showers one person may take. There are sixteen faucets in the front showers and 64 of y'all onboard."

I did a quick mental calculation.

"If y'all are divided into two groups then everyone should be able to shower within two days. No one gets really all that dirty here and the air conditioners keep us all from sweating too much. Again, I'm asking y'all to be patient and work with me on this."

"What about brushing our teeth and shaving?" One of the cafeteria waiters asked.

"The showers and sinks will be turned on from nineteen hundred hours until twenty-two hundred hours and the sinks will be turned on from zero seven hundred hours until ten hundred. That should be plenty enough time for everyone to take care of their toiletries. As for those of you who like to take a morning shower, well y'all will just have to get accustomed to taking one in the evening instead."

I glanced at my second in command. "Joshua, I'm assigning that to you. I want you to make up two lists of who can shower and when. Give one copy to Chantelle and post another copy outside the showers where it won't get wet."

"What about washing up after we use the toilet?" It was the same cafeteria worker.

"Use a handy-wipe," I answered him.

"Will us women have to shower with the men?" a construction female asked.

"What's your name?" I was disappointed with myself for not knowing her name. There were about thirty or forty of the original 85 construction laborers who I recognized but I didn't know their names. Nor did I know the names of all the other crew members.

I knew the names of all the officers. That's because the officers wore uniforms with their name and rank on the left breast whereas everyone else wore their civilian clothes. Besides, there were only 26 officers onboard whose name I could to connect with a face but 133 laborers and crew members.

"Laci Bianca."

"Have you ever been in the forward showers before Laci?"

"No ma'am. I've never been to the forward section but a couple of times. I was in the cafeteria when the ship broke in half."

"Well, they're divided in half just like the rear showers, except that they only have eight faucets on one side for the women and eight faucets on the other side for the men, instead of sixteen to each side like the larger showers by the cafeteria."

"Thank you," Laci answered.

"You're welcome Laci," I responded. "Any more questions about the showers?"

"Are you telling me that I will only be able to brush my teeth every other day?" The chef's assistant asked.

"No Mark. Everyone will be able to use the sinks to wash up in the morning and the evening. I'm just restricting use of the showers."

Norton, one of the custodians, asked about when the prostitutes were going to get new rest areas for their services.

I told them all that we were going to reassign the four remaining rest areas to the four surviving prostitutes. That brought smiles to the faces of several of the men.

So far everything was going easier than I expected. But I knew the rest of the information I was going to have to give them wasn't going to be as easy.

When I informed them that I was closing the saunas, the games room and the TV lounge until everyone was reassigned you would have thought I had committed some kind of unpardonable sin. But I didn't want Louis reassigning someone to a room and then having to go hunt that person down in order to give him or her the code to open the hatch of that berth. I wanted everyone somewhere where Louis could easily find them. Most of them seemed to accept this.

I told them that if everyone cooperated then they could all get back to doing their own thing a lot sooner and that they shouldn't complain. Most of them were going to get full pay for doing absolutely nothing. Everyone seemed to like that.

Then everyone had a laugh when Regina Aurora, a construction laborer, called out that she was tired of sleeping in the weightlessness of the tail section. She was happy that for the first time in over a year and a half she was going to get to sleep in a gravity controlled environment.

Lastly, I pointed out to them that we were no longer in the vicinity of Jupiter and its satellites, that we were now only about a half million kilometers from Mars. I told them that somehow the explosion threw us 550 million kilometers across space. I didn't know how it happened; it just happened. I said that it was one of those mysteries of space flight that we have all heard about, that it was nothing to get worried about. The ship was in great shape.

I informed them that Vickie and her crew had been trying to raise Mars for over an hour, but so far had gotten nothing but static over the radio. I would let them know immediately when she or any of the communication officers raised Mars.

I didn't tell those present about the hole we went through. In hindsight I guess I should have mentioned something about it because a number of the crew members did not believe me when I told them we were instantly thrown across millions of kilometers of space.

I took a chance that my silence on it wouldn't be the source of rumors later on. But when Joshua, Joseph and I discussed it in my quarters earlier, we all agreed that it would be better if no one except the officers knew about the hole. The three of us figured that it would be better if we didn't tell them about something that not even we knew what it was.

Instead, I asked if anyone had any questions.

Father Ray asked if he could address the crew. I nodded and he informed everyone that he was going to offer a mass in the morning for those who died. He said mass everyday but very few attended. I wondered how many would attend his next daily mass. I made a promise to myself to attend it.

Leonard, one of the cafeteria waiters, then asked if those who were not going to be moved could go to the games room or TV lounge. I looked over at Louis for his input since he was going to be the person in charge of that. I wanted everyone to remain in the cafeteria but I thought I would let him answer the question.

He told everyone present that he didn't know who was going to be moved and who wasn't going to be moved. He said that he didn't want to have to go looking all over the James Cook's living section for anyone; he wanted everyone where he could easily find them.

He added that he was going to try to keep as many as possible where they were and at the same time keep officers with officers, crew members with crew members and construction crew with construction crew, just as I had done earlier with the prostitutes.

Then Ronald, the same guy caught cheating at Hole Poker, dropped the first bomb.

"How do we know you're telling us the truth? How do we know we haven't been orbiting around Mars for a year and a half?"

"Excuse me but I don't understand your question Ronald," I answered him.

I couldn't imagine why he would ask such a question. Because if it were true that we had been orbiting around Mars for over a year and a half, just telling everyone that we were on a mission to Europa, then it would have to be a conspiracy that would involve about a third of the leaders of the United Earth Republic, over half of the United Earth Space Agency and all the officers of the James Cook, totaling thousands of people.

That is to say nothing of the fact that Louis had televised the lightening show between Jupiter and its satellites over our onboard television, a show which everyone had watched.

But I suspected that the real reason he asked it was just to stir up trouble. I still didn't know whether or not he ever forgave me or Butler for finding him guilty, even thou I only acted as judge in the proceedings and Butler as the prosecutor. It was a jury of seven officers who found him guilty based upon the evidence.

"Well how do we know all this isn't some trick of yours to take over command of the James Cook?" he continued.

"Ronald are you insinuating that I killed Captain Butler, 88 more crew members and destroyed the . . ."

"That's enough," Chantelle interrupted me. "We don't need any wiseass questions from someone who is just trying to get revenge for his own problems."

"No Chantelle, I want to answer him and anyone else who may be thinking that I or any other officer onboard the James Cook is the cause of this." I knew that the chief of security was only thinking of me but I wanted to clear the air. I wanted to stop the rumors before they got started. Unfortunately, I didn't silence them. I only delayed their surfacing.

"Y'all saw the pictures of Jupiter and its satellites and the lightening show," I continued. "No one onboard faked that, which is what we would have had to do if we were really orbiting Mars."

"Those could have been movies," another construction worker said.

"They weren't. They were real and everyone onboard knows that," I countered. Now I was angry. "For two years before the launch there were advertisements all over Earth, the moon and on every space station asking for construction workers and crew members for this mission. No one onboard the James Cook faked that."

I paused to let that sink in.

"If anyone of y'all believes that I murdered Captain Butler . . ." I didn't finish the sentence. I just closed my eyes and shook my head. Ronald's question left me speechless. I had nothing to hang onto.

At that point Chantelle came up to me and put her arm around my waist. She was in love with me and hoped to live with me as my sex slave on Nuda Earth after the mission. I hadn't committed myself to that yet but I was contemplating it. However, I did enjoy the sex with her.

"That's enough," she said. "Louis, Konrad would you two get to reassigning berths? Call me on my cell TV-phone when you need me to open a cabin. The rest of you just sit down and wait until you're called to move your belongings and to be shown to your new living quarters. If everyone cooperates we should be able to finish this up in a couple of hours."

Then she looked straight at Ronald as if to defy him to open his mouth again. He didn't. I guess he figured he'd gotten even.

The meeting was over. I told Josephine, Alicia and Terri to move their things into Veronica's cabin and asked them to give me the other's girl's personal things as soon as they collected them. I then headed for the door.

There are two sets of sliding double hatches on opposite sides of the cafeteria leading into it. Chantelle posted herself at one set and ordered Anthony, her first security officer, to post himself at the other. I told her I didn't think that was necessary. She shrugged and told me she was just being overly cautious.

At that point I didn't care anymore. I was heartsick and just wanted to get out of there. All I could think of was that there were members of the ship's personnel who believed that I engineered the murder of Captain Butler.

As I was walking toward the exit I heard someone ask if they could play cards while they were waiting. I turned around and looked around the cafeteria for Sam, the bartender for the forward TV lounge. I saw him in the back.

"Sam could you get a few decks of cards, poker chips or whatever else the crew might want from the TV lounge and distribute it among those here who might want it? Would you do that for me?"

"Sure thing, Toni," he answered me. The two of us were seldom formal. I guess that's because we spent so much time in bed together. Next to Butler and Chantelle I probably had more sex with him than any other member of the James Cook. Maybe not, I don't know. I didn't keep a list of everyone I went to bed with or a score card or anything.




A New Beginning Ch. 03



But between me and Sam it was just pure sex. That man has more physical stamina than anyone I know. He would hump me nonstop until I was totally exhausted, both of us having numerous orgasms. Then he would go put in his eight hour shift at the bar.

Oh, he is also a great listener.

After leaving the cafeteria I went straight to Butler's cabin. I collected his stuff and brought it to my berth. I felt that it would be almost sacrilegious for someone else to do it. I also wanted to make sure he didn't have anything written down about me among his belongings, particularly his personal journal. He didn't.

After I emptied Butler's cabin of his personal things, I then called Joshua on his cell TV-phone and told him that he could berth there. I also gave him Butler's override code.

I later heard a rumor that George wanted Butler's cabin but he never said anything to me about it. I would not have given it to him anyway. I was too close to Butler to allow someone like George to live there. Besides, Joshua was second in command and I thought his position as such deserved a private cabin.

However, George did end up with a private berth of sorts. His one roommate was killed in the explosion and neither Konrad nor Louis assigned anyone else to live there.

Once I was alone in my berth with Butler's things I broke down. Just sitting on my bed -- the bed where just a few hours earlier we had made love together -- and holding a box of his stuff was too much for me.

I knew that my shift was due to start in about two hours. I used my personal cell TV-phone and called up to the bridge and asked Juan if he wouldn't mind if I was a little late taking over from him. I lied and told him that I had some reports to fill out on the damage to the ship and the dead crew members. But the real reason was that I just wanted to be alone for a little while. I just wanted to rest for a while before taking over command of the James Cook.

Juan was real gracious and understanding. He told me to take as long as I liked. I thanked him. Then I stripped down and stepped into my shower -- one of the privileges of having a private berth -- and cried again.

I reported to the bridge about ninety minutes late. I immediately asked Juan what our heading was. He told me that we were still heading toward Mars. I then asked Akira if she or any other communication officer had been able to raise any of the space stations on Mars. She answered me no, that every fifteen minutes she tried to reach them but got no response, only static.

I silently debated with myself whether or not to have her continue. I decided to let her continue. It wasn't going to hurt anything and it would give her something to do. But I did tell her that she could cut down on her attempts, that she should try every half hour or so.

Next I asked Aleks to go below and plot us a course back to Earth. She asked who I wanted to get to check her figures but I told her to dispense with it for now. She was charting us a trajectory home, not trying to put us into orbit around a planet.

As soon as Aleks gave me the figures I ordered Beth to give the engines a boost and then I steered us toward Earth and home.

Everything was quiet. Nothing was amiss. No one was talking conspiracy or mutiny or anything sinister. There was no indication that anything was out of place. But the damage was done. I'm sure there were others in the cafeteria besides Ronald who was thinking conspiracy but he's the one who opened his mouth. He's the one who opened Pandora's Box and let the cat out of the bag.

Except for Father Ray, within a couple of days everyone onboard divided into two opposing groups. Most of the construction workers and over half of the crew members believed that it was all a huge conspiracy, although George and a couple of junior officers joined their ranks. Most of them believed that I was the ringleader of some vicious plot to take over command of the James Cook.

On the other side were those who did not believe in any kind of conspiracy. They included most of the officers and the rest of the crew members. Although there were a few construction workers who accepted the fact that it was an explosion that put an end to our mission. Nor was the split evenly divided. I never got an exact count but we were outnumbered by over two to one.

The Catholic priest was about the only person onboard who remained somewhat neutral. I talked to him. He didn't believe in any conspiracy but he told me he could understand how ignorance and a lack of faith could give birth to illogical, unfounded beliefs.

I was glad that Father Ray was there. He had compassion for everyone. It was partially through his efforts that civil war didn't break out onboard.

To be continued . . . 



A New Beginning Ch. 04



The first sign that we had of unrest onboard the spaceship came three days after the explosion. Two construction workers got in a fistfight while eating breakfast in the cafeteria. One of them was explaining to a couple of his buddies at his table how there wasn't an explosion. He was claiming that the James Cook was still in one piece.

He told his buddies that the officers had sealed off the rear of the ship and that those crew members who were there were being used as human guinea pigs. He believed that the cargo hold was really just a giant space lab monitored by UNESA. He said that in time everyone onboard except the officers were going to be sent to the lab and used as specimens in different kinds of experiments.

Another construction worker sitting at the table next to him called him a foolish idiot for believing in myths and following the delusions of a troublemaker. The first man didn't like being called an idiot and threw a glass of orange juice in the second man's face.

The two of them got to hitting each other. Security was called and they both spent three days in the brig with the loss of three day's wages -- the penalty for fighting.

Under normal circumstances it would have ended there but Chantelle Dawn did some investigating into the cause of the fight and wisely thought I should know about it.

I had just gotten off watch and was in my cabin reading a science fiction story about a scientist who invented a time machine and used it to go back in time to study the dinosaurs. It's a subject I like reading about from time to time. She let herself in using her override code.

I looked up from my reading. "Hi Chantelle, what's up?"

She had a look of lost love on her face. At first I thought she wanted to have sex with me as we hadn't been together for several days.

She told me once that Victoria Rose and Josephine Jasmine were the only other persons onboard she would have sex with. She also told me that it was just lesbian sex between them. She didn't love them like she loved me. Whereas sex with me . . . well she wanted to be my lover and sex slave.

In the public's eye she was very dominant and aggressive; her job demanded it. But when we were alone together she became very docile and submissive. I guess I was her release, her safety valve. She could let her hair down with me. But like I said earlier, I wasn't ready for a commitment to a permanent relationship with anyone, especially a lesbian relationship. I enjoyed sex with men too much. Chantelle accepted my bisexuality.

I don't know what kind of dominant, submissive role she had with Vickie and Josephine. I never asked her; it was none of my business.

I stood up and she touched my cheek with her left hand. I kissed her palm and pressed her hand to my face. I smiled at her.

"We got trouble Toni," she said gloomily, pulling her hand away.

"What do you mean?"

"There was a fistfight in the cafeteria this morning. I put the two men involved in the brig. But later when I questioned them about what started it I discovered that it was more than a simple fight over nothing."

"Don't tell me we got another card cheat among our crew," I answered her half jokingly. I sat down at my desk.

"I wish it were that simple." She sat down on the edge of my bed and put her hands between her knees. I resisted the urge to sit with her.

"Come on Chantelle. What could possibly be more involved than finding a card cheat 410,000 kilometers from Mars?" By this time we had had an accurate distance on how far we were from the red planet. But we still had not contacted them over the radio. That was beginning to worry me.

"After talking to them I questioned some of the crew members. It seems that there's . . ." she didn't finish.

"There's what?" It was a mute question. I was pretty sure I knew what she was going to say.

"There's a division among the crew."

"Go on . . ." I said but something inside me made my blood run cold. I knew there were rumors floating about among the crew but I was suddenly frightened of what I anticipated she was going to say.

"I didn't question everyone. But of those I've talked to . . . more than half the crew believes in some form of conspiracy engineered by UNESA to use them as human guinea pigs. There are a couple different versions of the same conspiracy theory."

"Is Ronald the source of this?" I asked her.

"He may have been. I can't prove anything. But he does seem to have become their unofficial leader. Most believe UNESA is behind some bizarre conspiracy and that you're just helping them along. But there are quite a number of individuals who also believe that you've got some kind of plan to take over the ship."

"Oh come on Chantelle. You don't believe . . ."

"Ronald hates you enough to use them and lead them against you. That is, if he ever gets them organized." She sat back with her hands on the bed.

"And do what? Got any ideas as to what he plans to do?" Again I was afraid to hear her answer.

"No, sorry my love."

But I knew what she was thinking, the same thing I was thinking. Mutiny! If over half the crew was thinking that there was some form of conspiracy against them, then it wouldn't take much to ignite them into a frenzy; something I was terrified of. Like she said, Ronald hates me, Butler and the seven officers who acted as jurors enough to start something, just to get even with us.

A little over a half a century ago there was a mutiny aboard a routine supply ship bringing much needed supplies to Venus One. It wasn't much of a mutiny. A few extreme fanatics from among the Chaste Children for Christ snuck some guns aboard and took over the ship. It seems they wanted to start their own space colony orbiting around the sun.

It had no hope of ever succeeding. They held the captain and his crew hostage for about a month until UNESA was able to sneak some commandos aboard. These elite troops retook the ship and that was the end of it, or so everyone thought.

Several things made it famous. First of all, all guns and ammunition were outlawed back in 2063. The only people allowed to have guns since then were those who collected antique guns. No one was allowed to have live ammunition and all these collectors had to have their guns registered and made completely non-operational; in most cases the firing pin was removed and a few drops of hot led was poured down the barrel.

A lot of people complained and hid their guns from the authorities, particularly gun enthusiasts. For the next ten or fifteen years there were still a lot of guns floating around. But eventually the number of guns began to dwindle. Today it is extremely rare to find a gun that works or ammunition for one.

But the second and biggest thing that made the mutiny famous was the ship's name. It was the Spaceship Bountiful and the mutiny took place in April 2089, exactly three hundred years after the famous mutiny on the HMS Bounty, which was bringing a supply of breadfruit trees to the West Indies.

Although both mutinies took place on different days in April, both mutinies happened 24 days out of port, MC3 for the Bountiful and Tahiti for the Bounty. There were 44 men and women aboard the Bountiful and 44 officers and seamen aboard the HMS Bounty.

The mutineers executed six crew members of the Bountiful and there were six midshipmen aboard the Bounty. There were 18 mutineers aboard the Bountiful and 18 men set adrift by the Bounty's mutineers.

The first officer aboard the Bountiful was Lieutenant William Blunt. The captain of the Bounty was Lieutenant William Bligh. The captain of the Bountiful was Captain Peter Christian. The Master's Mate aboard the Bounty was Fletcher Christian. There are other similarities and paradoxes between the two ships but these are the ones that I remember.

Ever since the mutiny aboard the Bountiful historians have searched for the similarities and paradoxes between the two mutinies. One ingenious researcher claimed to have found exactly fifty similarities and paradoxes between the two ships. But from what I can remember he exaggerated his figures a little bit.

But the most glaring paradox between the two ships was their fate. The Bounty's mutineers destroyed the ship by burning it after landing on Pitcairn Island. The mutineers aboard the Bountiful vowed they would not be taken alive. They rigged the bridge with explosives. When the commandos boarded the ship they blew themselves up, totally destroying the Bountiful's bridge.

The only mutineers who survived were those who were guarding the hostages in the ship's cafeteria. These three mutineers eventually went to prison -- three of the Bounty's mutineers were eventually executed -- and what was left of the Bountiful was cut up for scrap metal.

Ever since the mutiny aboard the Bountiful captains have dreaded mutiny aboard a spaceship. In order to prevent it anyone who boards a spaceship has his or her luggage x-rayed before it is loaded and they are carefully searched. Everyone aboard the James Cook and their luggage were also carefully searched. There wasn't supposed to be any weapons onboard.

But that didn't calm my fears. Someone could have snuck a gun onboard, someone not properly searched, a piece of luggage improperly x-rayed, a suitcase overlooked or they could just steal some knives from the cafeteria.

If the numbers that Chantelle was giving me were correct then there was no telling what they could do to us. They could overpower us, kill us all and just dump our bodies outside the ship. Then make up any story they wished. That's what I was afraid of.

I told Chantelle to quietly inform the senior and junior officers over their personal cell TV-phones that I wanted to meet with all of them in the lower flight deck in 20 minutes. She advised against having Ralph and Gerald attending. The two junior communication officers both thought that I was behind the UNESA conspiracy. I followed her advice. I also didn't want George there so I asked Chantelle not to inform him of the meeting.

In order to insure that the three of them wouldn't accidentally walk in on us, I sent them to the cafeteria to make an inventory of the ship's meat supply. I called Ralph and Gerald on their cell TV phones and told them to meet George in the cafeteria; he was on duty on the bridge. I relieved him. He was more than happy to relinquish his watch.

I told all three of them that I wanted an accurate count of how much meat we had, that earlier the master chef had only given me an estimate. I told them that I wanted to make sure we had enough meat without having to ration it like we did the water.

It was a short meeting, lasting only about 20 minutes. Everyone was fearful of what could happen. None of us wanted another Bountiful. Unfortunately, the officers and I came to the conclusion that there wasn't much we could do. But what we could do I intended to inform the crew of. I decided to hold another general assembly in the cafeteria.

After everyone was assembled -- including Gerald, Ralph and George -- I asked Chantelle to ask for volunteers to act as security guards. She needed one to replace Brian who had been killed when the James Cook broke apart and two others to augment her crew due to the onboard unrest.

"Ladies and gentlemen I'm asking for volunteers from among you guys to act as security guards. If you think that you'd like to become a security guard please raise your hand. I will review your personnel files and interview each of you. If you're selected you will be paid extra."

While she was writing their names down, I informed everyone that the five security officers -- Chantelle, Anthony and the three volunteers -- would watch and make sure everyone turned in a knife, fork and spoon when they finished eating their meal.

I continued, "Anyone of y'all not turning in all your utensils will automatically be docked five days pay and whatever cabin you are berthed in will be stripped searched." I wanted to make the price for stealing a knife extremely high.

I had no idea what I was going to do about any knives or other weapons that might already be in the cabins. But I didn't tell them this.

A construction laborer asked why the extra guards and why we were doing this.

"It's for everyone's safety. I'm well aware of the division among y'all and I don't want someone else getting hurt."

"What if I don't take a knife or spoon, how am I going to turn in one if I don't take one?" another construction laborer asked.

"There will be a guard handing out the utensils and the guard will give everyone one knife, one fork and one spoon," I answered him.

While Chantelle was still taking names, I pulled the master chef to the side and whispered to him to inventory the knives he and the cooks used for cooking and then put them under lock and key.

William smiled and told me he had already done that as soon as the rumors began to circulate among the crew. I thanked him for his wisdom and his foresight. He shrugged his shoulders and told me knew exactly what to do. He got his experience as a civilian cook in a military prison.

I turned back to the assembly, "That's all I have to say. Except that any future disturbances or fights will result in ten days in the brig with a loss of ten days pay."

There were some murmurs and whisperings among the crew.

But Chantelle silenced them immediately. "If any of you would like to start your ten days now, I will gladly lock you up."

You could have heard a pin drop after that.

I then dismissed everyone. For what good I was hoping it would do, as they were walking out, I told them that there was no conspiracy, that it was all a figment of their imaginations.

It didn't do any good. Another fight broke out the next day in the TV lounge. The two men involved were arguing about political differences but I'm sure the tension caused by the division among the crew and the talk of conspiracy helped out. One crew member started beating another crew member with a cue stick. The second guy plunged a knife into his heart killing him instantly.

Anthony recorded statements from those present, while Chantelle put the pocket knife and the cue stick in evidence bags and took some photographs of the scene. She also took some photographs of the murderer's face and arms where the victim had been beating him. She put the dead man in a body bag in the meat locker alongside the other two crew members who died from their burns.

Chantelle then escorted the killer to the infirmary and Doc Yves examined him. After, she put him in the brig pending an investigation by United Earth Republic officials upon return to Earth. At which time UER could deal with his illegal knife and decide how to discipline him.

I immediately decided to take advantage of their fight.

I called everyone into the cafeteria again. Quite a number of the crew complained about this second meeting but Chantelle quieted them down by banging the butt of her taser gun on a table. Then, "as I said yesterday, if any of you guys want to do ten days in the brig, I will gladly lock you up."

As soon as everyone was quiet I began. "I guess by now everyone's heard about the fight and murder in the TV lounge. I'm also sure the tension that exists among y'all helped instigate it."

I paused and looked around the cafeteria. People were nodding their heads and whispering to each other.

"In order to help relieve the tension, I'm going to relax somewhat the regulations of who can and can not come upon the flight deck. We're only a few months away from Earth and home. Anyone who doesn't believe that we are heading toward Earth is welcome to come to the bridge and see for themselves where we're heading. Earth is clearly visible as a small blue dot and getting bigger everyday."

I paused again to let that information sink in. Then I gave them the bad news.

"In order to prevent any further deaths I'm going to search everyone's cabin for weapons."

Immediately, there were complaints about searching without a warrant or probable cause and that it was a violation of their rights. But I told them they could take it up with UER government officials when we got back to Earth.

"I remind y'all that we're aboard a spaceship where slightly different laws prevail, not on Earth where all your rights are guaranteed. I'm looking out for the safety of everyone onboard. I don't want another explosion aboard the James Cook nor do I want anyone else murdered."

Chantelle guarded one hatch and Anthony guarded the other hatch. Each had a taser gun, supposedly the only guns aboard the ship.

Then Joshua and I got with Craig, Adam and Tommy -- the three new security officers -- and went into each cabin searching for weapons. It took the five of us about three hours.

We found numerous steak knives stolen from the kitchen and pocket knives with blades longer than five centimeters -- five cm is the UNESA limit. We also confiscated three serrated hunting knives with 15 cm blades and one butterfly knife with a 10 cm blade.

But most importantly, we found a standard military M1911 .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol and holster along with two boxes of ammunition totaling 100 rounds. Joshua, who inherited a rather expensive antique gun collection from his grandfather and knows guns, checked out the nickel plated pistol. Melted led has not been poured down the barrel and it has a firing pin that works!

While we were searching the other berths asked him how he knew the pistol worked. He confessed that he also inherited from his grandfather a functional .357 magnum revolver along with all the other guns that didn't work. When I gave him a surprised look he just smiled. He told me that he built a special shooting range in the basement of his house. Then he used up all the ammunition for it target shooting when he was a younger man. It helped him to become an excellent shot.

Each of the cabins where the knives and gun were found had more than one occupant living in them. Further, all the weapons were found in areas within each berth that was accessible to more than one occupant. The gun was found in an air vent in one of the cabins; it could have belonged to anyone. Therefore we couldn't charge anyone.

But I did inform Chantelle as to which berths the hunting knives and gun were found in so that she could watch those who lived there more closely.

As I was re-entering the cafeteria after we finished searching the cabins, I held the gun high above my head. I was hoping the owner would complain about having their gun confiscated or in the very least give them self away in some other fashion. No one owned up to owning it.

Although I didn't mention them, there were three more reasons I showed the gun to the crew. First of all, I wanted its owner -- whoever he or she was -- to know that I had their gun.

Secondly, I wanted everyone onboard to know that I was taking this conspiracy bullshit and division among the crew members seriously and that I wasn't going to stand by and let it destroy the James Cook.

Finally, I wanted them to know that they might have us outnumbered but now we had them outgunned -- security's two taser guns, the hunting knives and the .45 caliber.

I know I couldn't shoot the pistol. I wasn't that good of a shot and I might pierce the outer hull. But at least I had it.

"Before I dismiss y'all I want to inform y'all that any more fights will result in thirty days in the brig with a subsequent thirty days loss of pay. If I have to I'll have Chantelle handcuff malcontents to the exposed pipes running up the middle of the living section once the five brig cells there fill up."

No one answered me. I again reminded them that we were only a few months away from Earth. Once we were home again then they could air their grievances to anyone and everyone they wanted to.

The steak knives were returned to the kitchen. Chantelle took charge of the other knives, the .45 and the ammunition. I made a note in the ship's log of the knives and gun and another note to myself to inform UNESA officials to be more diligent in searching future spaceships for weapons.




A New Beginning Ch. 04



When my balls had emptied themselves, I collapsed onto Anita's back and slowly rolled off, landing on the bed next to her.

"Oh my god! That was amazing!" she moaned, as she rolled into my arms a couple of minutes later. "I have never felt anything like that before!"

"That was incredible," I said, agreeing with her.

"And it looked damn hot, too," we heard exclaimed from the doorway.

"Oh my god!" yelled Anita, jumping up and trying to pull a sheet around her.

Elke laughed as she walked into the room. "It's a little late for that, honey. I've already seen everything."

"Oh, shit!" Anita moaned. "I'm so sorry! I don't..."

"Stop," Elke told her, placing a finger on Anita's lips. "It's ok. I liked watching you."

Anita looked at Elke shocked and confused. "You don't mind that I was just..."

"Just what? Fucking my boyfriend?" Elke asked, smiling.

Anita just hung her head and nodded meekly.

Elke smiled and said, "Not only don't I mind, I wanted it to happen. Granted, I didn't expect it to happen THIS soon, but I'm glad that it did. In fact, I'm VERY turned on right now, after watching you two."

I sat up and watched as Elke moved closer to Anita, and gently pulled down the sheet that Anita was trying to use to cover herself with.

"However," she continued, her voice getting softer and her eyes taking in Anita's body, "if you REALLY feel guilty, I think that we can come up with a couple of ways for you to make it up to me."

"How?" Anita asked, her voice quivering as Elke gently slid her fingertips across Anita's body.

"Get up on your knees," Elke told her.

As Anita started to rise, Elke began to unbutton her blouse. She reached out her arm and took Anita's hand in hers. 

"Come here," she told her, firmly but softly.

Anita knee-walked to the edge of the bed, where Elke was standing. Releasing Anita's hand, Elke took Anita in her arms and gently kissed her. I heard Anita whimper softly as their lips met, and she wrapped her arms around Elke.

As I sat back and watched, I could feel the blood start to migrate back down to my cock. I'd been lucky enough to have been with a two women at the same time twice before, but neither time was as erotic, and exciting, as what I was watching this time.

Elke's arms started to slide across Anita's back, until she had one hand cupping her ass. Pulling Anita in closer, Elke grabbed a handful of her hair and started to kiss her harder.

Anita moaned again and returned Elke's kiss, holding on tight to her body.

I continued to watch as Elke's hand slid further down Anita's ass, and then stretched further, trying to reach her pussy.

Elke then pulled back an Anita's hair and looked over at me. "So, did she tell you anything good while you were fucking her little pussy?" she asked me.

"Oh, yeah," I replied, smiling while Anita gasped softly. "She told me lots of juicy stuff."

"Like what?" she asked, leaning in to kiss Anita's neck.

Anita moaned as Elke's lips touched her neck, and her body melted into Elke's.

"Well, not only did she tell me that she thinks that you're sexy," I said, "but she also told me that she's been with a woman before."

Elke pulled back slightly and looked at me in surprise. "Oh really?!?" she asked, as her hand squeezed Anita's ass.

"You've been with a girl before?" she asked the younger girl, whispering loudly in her ear.

"Yesss," Anita whispered. "Once."

"Did you kiss her?" Elke asked.

"Yes," was the whispered response.

"Did you suck and lick her tits?"

"Yes."

Elke pulled Anita's hair back and looked her in the eyes. "Did you lick her pussy?" she asked.

"Yes," Anita whimpered.

"And did you like it?" Elke continued.

"Oh, yes," Anita admitted.

"Good," Elke told her. "I like to lick pussy, too."

Anita moaned long and soft as Elke pulled her in and kissed her firmly. The younger, smaller girl's body almost melted into Elke's as she gave up control.

Elke looked at me as her hands held tightly onto Anita's body, and I could see the smile in her eyes. 

After a couple of minutes, Elke pulled her lips away from Anita's. "Undress me," she told the younger girl.

Anita didn't waste a second as she started to unbutton Elke's blouse. When her blouse was fully undone, Elke shrugged it from her shoulders as Anita reached around her back.

"It's in front," she told Anita.

Anita's hands flew to the front clasp and opened Elke's bra. Elke pulled her in close and Anita started to kiss her chest as she peeled the bra from Elke's shoulders. 

This time, it was Elke's turn to sigh, as Anita held her large tits in her hands and leaned in to kiss her stiff nipples.

While the young girl started sucking her stiff nipples, Elke looked at me and smiled.

"Honey, I think that Anita and I need some time alone. Would you mind?" she asked.

Reluctantly, I nodded my head and started out of my own bedroom, knowing that when I did join them, Elke would make it well worth my time.

As I left the women, Elke was laying back on my bed, pulling Anita down with her. 

I went to the kitchen, still naked, and took a beer from the refrigerator. As I walked out onto the patio to enjoy the night breeze, I realized that I could hear the sounds of contentment coming from my bedroom. I laid down in my hammock, and listened while I drank my beer.

I soon finished my beer and set the glass on the ground, closing my eyes and enjoying the night air, along with the sounds coming from my room.

I must have dozed off in the chair, because the next thing that I knew, the sun was coming up, and Elke was sitting next to the hammock with my hard cock in her mouth.

"Good morning," she said, letting my shaft fall from her lips. "You were so nice, leaving us to play last night, I thought I'd reward you this morning."

"Not a problem," I muttered as she stroked my rod. "Where's our little friend?"

"I think we wore her out," Elke replied. "She hasn't moved since we both fell asleep."

"I'd ask if you had fun, but I could hear everything down here," I told her. 

Elke chuckled as she took my hard cock back into her mouth. I lay back, moaning softly, and enjoyed the best way that I could think of to wake up in the morning.

Soon, Elke had me ready to blow, and that I did. When she was done swallowing down my morning load, she let my softening shaft pop from her lips, and then rose from the chair.

"Well, now that I've had my cream, it's time for some coffee," she said, smiling at me as she started walking into the house.

A few minutes later, I walked into the house and was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of a naked Elke.

She handed me a full cup and we went back outside. We were both still naked, enjoying the cool morning breeze along with our coffee. We had almost finished with our first cup when Anita walked into the kitchen with the sheet from the bed wrapped around her.

"Good morning!" Elke and I said, as Anita walked towards the patio.

"Hi," she replied softly. 

"Oh, honey, you can drop the sheet," Elke told her. "After last night, there's really no point in modesty."

Anita blushed, looking at Elke and I sitting naked. "Where are my clothes?" she asked.

"Your bikini is right where we left it," I told her, nodding my head towards the chair that we started in.

Elke and I looked at each other as Anita walked over to pick up her clothes, not looking at either of us.

"Anita, sit down for a minute, and join us," Elke told her.

Anita looked first at Elke, and then at me. Wordlessly, she gathered her clothes and sat a few feet from us, trying to cover herself with the clothes in her lap.

"Are you alright?" Elke asked.

Anita just nodded, looking down at the ground. 

"Look at me," Elke told her.

"Talk to us, sweetie. We can tell that something is bothering you," she continued.

Anita looked up at Elke. "I'm a little embarrassed about last night," she said softly. "I've never done anything like that."

"Either have we," Elke assured her as I sat next to her silently. "Did you enjoy yourself, though?"

"Yes," Anita replied.

"That's what's important," Elke told her. "No one was hurt, and everyone enjoyed themselves, and each other."

"But wasn't it kind of weird?" Anita asked her. "Watching me with your boyfriend?"

"I'll admit, it was a little weird, at first," Elke said. "But that only lasted a couple of minutes. You two were so hot together, I just got too horny, too fast. I wanted to join you, but I decided to just watch this time."

"This time?" Anita asked.

"Yes, this time," Elke replied. "At some point, all three of us will be having some playtime together. At least, I hope we will."

"Kurt and I had a talk a while ago," she continued. "I told him that he is the best man that I've ever been with, the most patient and understanding lover, and while I have no desire for any other man, I do like to play with a woman once and a while."

"I also understand that if I get to play with someone else, it's not fair to him, if he can't also. Since he doesn't want to play with another man, it's going to be another woman. As long as I know about it, and get to chose her, I don't have a problem with that."

"And you chose me for him?" Anita asked.

"Yes," came the reply. "I knew that you had the hots for him, and needed to know what it's like to be with a man who knows what he's doing, and he thought you were pretty hot, so..."

Anita sat there silently for a couple of seconds, looking at the ground. Finally, she started giggling.

"What's so funny?" Elke asked.

Looking up at both of us, Anita smiled and answered, "My parents were the ones who talked me into moving in here. If they only knew!"

Elke stood and walked over to Anita and took the younger girl's face in her hands. "So, are you ok with everything?" she asked her.

Anita looked at Elke for a second before responding. "Yes," she replied softly. "It'll take some getting used to, but if last night was any indication of what I'm in store for, I think I can get used to it pretty quickly."

"Good," Elke said, leaning in to kiss her.

I sat and watched as the two naked beauties kissed, until Elke finally pulled away. 

"Do you need any help unpacking?" she asked Anita.

"Sure," replied Anita. "I'm not going to turn down ANY offers of help!"

"Good. C'mon, then," Elke told her, helping Anita out of her chair. 

As I watched the two naked asses walk towards the coach house, Elke looked over her shoulder at me. "We may be busy all day," she said. "Is that ok with you?"

"I'll be fine," I told her, realizing that those were the first words that I'd spoken since Anita walked out of the house.

"Ok. Bye!" she replied. 

I spent the rest of the warm, late summer day cutting the grass and catching up on the landscaping, before I finally relaxed pool side with a beer.

Later in the afternoon, as I was switching back and forth between channels, watching both my beloved Cubs AND the White Sox blow yet another ninth inning lead, Elke finally came back.

"Hi honey!" she said, beaming as she walked up and kissed me. "Didja miss me?"

"Of course I did," I told her. "Did you have fun helping Anita get unpacked?"

"Yes, I did, as a matter of fact," she replied. "She really is a sweet girl."

"Yeah? And just how much did you get accomplished, with both of you walking around naked all day?" I teased her.

"Just the unpacking, mister dirty-mind," she chided me. "I think that we're both too tired to do much else, after last night!"

"I bet!" I chuckled. 

"I told her that I'd take her shopping," Elke said, getting up and going to the bedroom. "She doesn't have any groceries, so I said that I'd show her where the store is."

"That's fine," I replied, but if you're both too tired, we could always order in, and all eat here."

"I'd love that, and maybe we can do that, but I think that she wants to spend a little time by herself tonight," Elke said. "I think that she's still a little freaked out about last night, and needs to gather it all in."

"Is she going to be ok with it all?"

"Oh, yeah," she replied. "But after the way that she was raised, she just needs to get it into her head that it's all alright, and that we're both alright with it, and with her."

"Well, I'll take your word for it," I told her. "You're the expert in these matters around here."

"Yes, I am," she reminded me, as she ducked into the bedroom. A few minutes later, she came out fully dressed and kissed me. "We'll be back in a little bit," she told me.

-----

The next week went by quickly, between work and showing Anita what her duties were around the property. Elke and I talked every day, and I saw Anita almost daily, but I didn't get a chance to spend any "quality" time with either woman.

Friday, Elke called me at work and told me that Anita was giving her a ride to my place that night, and that I should count on dinner for all of us.

I made a simple meal of grilled chicken, and as we ate, Elke asked if we had any plans for the next day.

"Not that I'm aware of," I told her. "Why?"

"Well, tomorrow is Anita's birthday," Elke stated, "and we are taking her shopping, and then out to dinner."

"Ok," I replied, looking over at Anita. "What are we going shopping for, and where?"

"Well, this poor girl is turning 23 tomorrow, and she doesn't have a little black dress, or really anything for a night on the town," Elke explained. "So, I thought we'd go into the city and do a little shopping at the Water Tower Place, and on Michigan Ave." 

"Tomorrow's your birthday?" I asked Anita. "Well, happy birthday!"

"That sounds like fun," I continued. "Spending a beautiful day downtown, with two even more beautiful women? Celebrating a birthday? I don't see a downside there!"

"Where do you want to go for your birthday dinner?" I asked Anita.

"I don't know," she replied. "I haven't really had anytime to think about it!"

"Well," I told her, "you've got until tomorrow to decide. You at least have to decide what type of cuisine you want."

"Ok, Anita replied, smiling.

The next morning, Elke told me that she had to run out for a bit, so I let her take my car. About an hour later, she came back driving her sister's mini-van. When I asked her about it, she replied, "I just think that this would be nicer than your old car, and roomier than your truck."

Knowing Elke and her famous ulterior motives, I let the issue rest. It was a nice mini-van, with swivel captain's chairs in the front, an excellent stereo system, and tinted windows, so I really didn't have much to complain about anyway.

By early afternoon, we were on the road, heading into the city. Elke and I were already dressed for a nice dinner, Elke had helped Anita do her hair properly, so our first goal was finding something for Anita to wear.

I went to a nice indoor, four-story garage just off Michigan Ave. that I knew about, and parked there. 

I followed in amusement as the two women dragged me from store to store, looking for "the perfect little black dress" for Anita. 

Finally, they hit the jackpot at the women's shop where Elke found the dress that she wore to her store's party. There, they found a dress AND shoes to match, along with some "appropriate" lingerie.

When Anita walked out of the dressing room, I had to admit to being stunned. They picked out a halter dress, cut low enough to show a tantalizing amount of cleavage without being too daring, and the skirt was mid-thigh, showing off her firm legs. I could tell by the cut of the top that she wasn't going to be able to wear a bra, which just made it even hotter for me.

The shoes that they found had a heel that showed off her legs and ass very nicely. She was beautiful, almost giving Elke a run for her money. Elke talked her into going bare-legged, like herself, telling her that I loved the look.

"This may take some getting used to," she said, as she looked at herself in the mirrors. "I've never dressed like this before, unless it was for something special."

Elke walked up behind her as she appraised the younger woman. "Well, get used to it," she told Anita. "Besides. This IS something special."

Anita smiled at Elke in the mirror. "Ok," she said softly, as she looked herself over.

Elke walked into the dressing room and picked up all of the clothes that Anita wore there, and handed them to the saleslady. "Will you bag these, please? She'll wear the new clothes now," she said.

As I paid for the clothes, I heard my two women talking softly behind me, and I wondered what they were up to. 

Walking out of the store, I had one woman on each arm, and I almost felt like it was my birthday, with the looks that I was getting from some of the men that we passed.

"Ok," I said, turning towards Anita. "Now that we've found you a dress, have you decided what you want for your birthday dinner?"

Before she could reply, Elke spoke up. "I think that we should drop her old clothes off at the car, before we go anywhere," she said. "Unless you want to lug this bag around with us."

"No, that's a good idea," I replied, leading the way to the parking lot.

As we got to the van, I opened the side door and tossed the bag in back. Before I could turn around, I felt a pair of hands on my ass, gently pushing me into the van.

I turned around and saw Anita standing right in front of me, with Elke just behind her. Anita put her hands on my chest, and gently pushed me again.

I looked at Elke, and she just smiled and nodded, so I got into the van. The two women followed me inside, and Elke closed the door behind her as Anita directed me to the bench seat in the middle.

"Anita wants to thank you for buying her the dress, and the shoes," Elke explained, as she sat in the passenger's seat and turned it, facing the middle, as Anita knelt between my legs.

Anita smiled up at me as she slowly unbuckled my pants and then lowered my zipper. "Ok," I said, simply. "I won't argue."

As I lifted my ass, letting Anita pull my pants and boxers down to my ankles, Elke smiled and started sliding her hands inside her dress.

Anita wrapped her small hand around my quickly thickening shaft, still smiling up at me from her knees. My cock was almost at full strength when she leaned in and lowered her mouth over the head, sliding her lips down the length of my pole.

"Oh, yeah," I moaned softly, as I felt Anita's soft, warm lips take in as much of my cock as she could manage.

I watched as she began to slowly slide her head up and down in my lap, her lips and tongue caressing my hard shaft.

"Oh my god!" I moaned, feeling the back of her throat pressing against the tip of my cock as she tried to swallow it.

"Does that feel good, baby?" I heard Elke ask.

When I looked up at her, I saw that Elke had one hand inside the top of her dress, teasing her nipple, and the other hand was under her skirt, obviously playing with her pussy.

"Oh yeah!" I replied, both to her question, and to the sight that she presented. "Very nice!"

Anita, encouraged by my response, began to work on my cock with even more enthusiasm, quickening her pace and intensity as she stroked and sucked it.

Elke leaned in to Anita and took a handful of the younger girl's hair. "Do you like sucking his cock?" Elke asked her.

"MmHhmm!" replied Anita, nodding her head and sliding her lips back until just the tip of my cock remained in her mouth.

I watched as Elke slid both hands out of her dress and pulled a hair scrunchie out of a pocket on the side of the seat. Leaning in, she handed it to Anita, and said, "Put this on, so her can see your beautiful face as you suck his cock." 

Releasing my shaft from her warm mouth and tight grip, Anita quickly pulled her hair up and tied it back. 

Wrapping her fingers back around the shiny shaft, Anita looked back up at me. "You've got such a beautiful cock," she said, just before she plunged her face back down as far as she could, engulfing me.




A New Beginning Ch. 04



*********Thank you to everyone who commented on the last chapter.

A huge thank you to my editor and his cane. (Garden centres can be dangerous places.) Sadly confiscating his crop did not have the desired effect.

This is the 4th chapter in a series and can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the previous chapters first. It will make far more sense!!!

This chapter contains some girl on girl action.************




The programme had finished and I was trying hard to stifle my yawns, I was beyond tired and looking forward to another good nights sleep. I still needed to learn the positions that Master had outlined briefly that morning, some alone time with Silky sounded good yet I found myself worried that I would take very little in tonight. 

"Alannah precious are you ready for your bath yet?" His voice soft, yet rousing me from my daydreams. 

"Mmm yes please Master, that sounds wonderful." I replied sleepily, my only doubt was whether I would reach the bathroom unaided.

""A nice soak will do you the world of good. We have a busy day tomorrow. Silky, will you show Alannah to the master bathroom, and remember no touching!" His eyes were sparkling as he grinned knowingly at her.

Silky led me to the Master bathroom, my bones felt weary,my steps slow. A longing to sink myself into a nice hot bath and relax after a whirlwind of a day foremost on my mind. I was a bath girl through and through, liking nothing better than sinking into a tub filled with hot water, adding copious amounts of bubble bath and settling myself in with a good book and a glass of wine.

The view of the master bathroom took my breath clean away; a huge gleaming white corner bath was the first thing to greet my eyes. Looking round I saw matching side by side sinks with shiny chrome taps that mirrored the ones on the bath. The tiled floor was all but covered by the fluffiest of rugs, the sort you could lose sight of your feet in! A corner unit was filled with every imaginable type of toiletries, I've never been fussy what I use as long as it creates a volcanic eruption of bubbles, but I knew enough to know that these were the best and most expensive on the market. I was itching now to turn the taps and lower myself into the tub.

Silky had obviously sensed my impatience and swept past me, her graceful style of moving still had me mesmerized. I watched her as she started to run the water, sitting on the edge of the bath as she swirled a wonderful scented oil into the water. 

"Nearly ready pet, i'm guessing you like it hot?" Her words laced with double meaning.

"Oh yes please Silky, can never be too hot for me." I laughed back.

"Well unless you intend to get in dressed, it may be a good time to lose that robe." came her quick reply, less humour in her words, more of a longing this time.

I felt slightly awkward as Silky's gaze never wavered whilst I dropped my dressing gown, daft really as a few hours ago she had seen me inspected and fucked, right in front of her. This seemed far more intimate though, more as though I was undressing in front of a lover. 

My train of thought made me smile, Silky as a lover didn't seem a bad idea actually, her smile mirrored mine, almost as she could read my thoughts. 

"I so wanted to come to your room last night, I was positive when I fell asleep I would sleep walk right to you." Her voice husky, the look in her eyes devouring every inch of my now naked body.

"I wish you had." I heard myself say.

A wistful smile tugged at her lips. "Since Mistress died, I haven't wanted to touch another woman, I didn't even want Master's touch at first, not that he was in a rush to give it. When he came home from the club that night and told me about you, I was determined to hate you on sight. Yet when I saw you kneeling in the hall looking half scared and half excited, I knew you were the right person to join our family. I saw the look of trepidation in your eyes and recognised the sadness that was so prominent beneath your nervous smile."

I felt my eyes well up at her softly spoken words, the anger inside me rising, directed fully at myself, when would I not want to cry when I thought of Dietmar. People always said time healed, but how much time I wanted to know, months, years? I had experienced so many happy times with Him, why could I only remember the bad time?

Looking up at Silky I saw the tears flowing down her cheeks, her sobs quiet but the sense of sadness permeating the room, my self anger disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, the need to comfort her was intense. Instinctively I found myself perching on the edge of the bath next to her, reaching out to wipe the tears from her cheeks. The softness of her skin beneath my fingers was like stroking pure silk. The need in me building again, I lent forward wrapping my arms around her trim waist, pulling her body towards mine, kissing her lips gently. 

A soft moan escaped as our kiss deepened, our tongues entwining, my hands roaming across her back. Trailing my palm across the floaty fabric of her dress, caressing towards her shoulders needing to press her body against mine. All thoughts of a soak in the tub gone, all I could think of now was her hard nipples rubbing against mine. The tingling ache in my clit had returned in force, my cunt against the cold porcelain of the tub was starting to moisten. I wanted her and I wanted her badly.

A clearing of the throat cough emanated from the hallway outside had me nearly slipping ass first into the tub. Breaking the kiss Silky and I looked up startled, MA was standing at the doorway, casually leaning against the frame. I didn't know where to look, I was still in shock at kissing another woman and finding I rather liked it, but shame filled me that I had done it without His permission. the apology already forming on my lips.

"I don't know, I leave you two girls alone for a minute..."

"I'm sorry Sir, really Sir it was my fault, I kissed her Sir." I interrupted quickly. I didn't want Silky to get into trouble for my lack of self control.

Walking over to where we were both perched on the bath, he slowly dipped His hand into the water. "Well you did at least manage to draw the water, so I assume this is a recent development!" His eyes looking deep into Silky's face. "You've been crying Sweetie?" His tone changing from one of amusement to one of concern in a split second.

"Yes Master, I... I was... its just that... "

"Sweetie love, spit it out lass, I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong."

"I was telling Alannah about Mistress and how much I didn't want another person in our lives until you brought her here last night and I just couldn't help but remember and....." A single stream of words bursting forth, her accent so much stronger with the depth of emotion running through it.

"Shhhh sweetie, it's ok." His arms wrapped round her, picking her up in one swift movement and holding her close to him. Her head resting on his broad shoulder, her sobs heart wrenching.

Turning back to where I was still perched precariously, His look soft and tender matching His words, "I assume, Alannah that you wanted to comfort my little sweetness and things spiralled from there?"

"Yes Sir, I hated seeing her upset Sir, but when I touched her I got aroused Sir, I wanted to kiss her Sir. Very much so..... I have no excuse Sir."

"Your honesty is refreshing little one, and the mere fact you wanted to comfort someone in pain tells me more about you than anything you could say. It has been a long tough road since My wife, Silky's Mistress passed, a road you understand more than most. It has been extra hard on Silky, she is reluctant to talk to me about it in case she upsets me."



I understood where Silky was coming from, I had kept in touch with Dietmar's family but instead of sharing our grief we had skirted round the subject for months, each one of us afraid to mention it, lest we upset one another. I realised now this was not the most constructive way to deal with things and I made a promise to address this issue at the soonest possible moment.

"So whilst I am glad Silky has found a friend who can talk to her, I cannot overlook that you both disobeyed my orders."

Oh fuck I thought, I was in real trouble now, but I needed to take full responsibility for my actions.

"Master, please don't punish Silky for my lack of self control Sir. I was to blame, I should be the one to receive the punishment."

His eyes seemed to sparkle as He switched his gaze from me to Silky, who was still clinging to Him. "Do you agree sweetie, should Alannah take the blame?" His words seemed full of humour, yet I couldn't work out why. 

"No Master, not at all Sir, I wanted to kiss her too Sir. I'm sorry Sir."

"Then I think a joint punishment is in order, although I am loathed to call it a true punishment!" He added with that smirking smile which made my knees buckle every time I saw it.



"So since the water is still hot and it seems My two lovely ladies are equally so, it would be a shame to waste a bubble filled bath." Releasing Silky from His arms as He spoke, placing her in the middle of the bathroom floor with the care one takes with a newborn baby. "Would you like to join Alannah in the bath sweetie?"

"Yes Master, Oh Yes, very very much, please Master!" She all but purred, her excitement making my heart thump., her eyes still red and slightly puffy from her recent tears, yet she still looked beautiful. The idea that being in a bath with me excited her so much, made me feel really quite special, although I couldn't see how this was a punishment in any way.

"Alannah, I take it you have no problem with getting a bath with Silky?"

"Hell no, I mean no Master not in the slightest." Failing miserably in my attempt not to sound desperate and eager.

"Right then," He chuckled, "as I am in a good mood you may continue your mutual explorations in the comfort of a warm bath. However...you may only use fingers and lips above the waist. Absolutely no touching of your pretty pussies. Is that clear?"

"Yes Master," we both chimed together.



I sat mesmerized as Silky stood in front of me, nothing else registering but the view I was seeing. Gracefully she slipped out the floaty dress that had covered her body from me; I could only stare open mouthed as I drank in every inch of her body.

"Beautiful isn't she?" MA's voice filled with pride had me nodding silently, no words could describe what I was feeling.

She was beautiful, her neck long and slender just begging for my lips to kiss and nip at, my eyes straying down towards her breasts, wow, her breasts. Goodness they were impressive, full and firm looking, with prominent nipples that seemed to draw me in. The silver shimmering that had confused me so much that first night was explained; each nipple was pierced by the smallest of silver rings, a thin silver link chain connected the two. In the middle of that chain that swung hypnotically just above her trim stomach was another fine chain that my eyes followed downwards, till they rested on her smooth shaven mound. Here the chain seemed to disappear between the soft flesh of her thighs. 

"Want to see where it goes?" she laughed, as if sensing my curiosity. 

"Please Silky, I would love to." I managed to utter, still staring at her body not wanting to take my eyes from her lest she disappeared. I was still struggling with the 'is this real' feeling, so much had happened over the last few months, resulting in me standing here watching a stunning woman undress, with my new Master overseeing the whole scene. I wanted to pinch myself but held out in case someone else would do it for me. 

I couldn't look away as she walked over to the toilet, flipping the lid down and lowering herself onto the seat, a sharp gasp as her warm flesh touched the cold porcelain. Slowly and deliberately she parted her legs, reaching down and using her hands to spread her outer lips.

The memory of my inspection loomed large in my memory, the sight so erotic knowing that this is how Master and Silky had seen me earlier. I started to move forward, the desire to reach out and touch her was all consuming. 

"Not yet little one, remember the rules Alannah!" His stern tone stopping me in my tracks, "Just watch precious, and all will be revealed." He continued, the humour mixed with the stern was a melty combination.

Silky looked straight into my eyes as she moved her hands to give me a better view, using her thumb she pushed back on her outer labia, stretching her slender fingers she used her index finger to push the other side against her thigh. The silver shimmering stood out like lights on a christmas tree, 4 silver rings identical to the ones that pierced her nipples were located 2 a side to her inner labia, the chain attached to either side. A single short strand of chain hung free, a questioning look flash through my eyes, smiling in response Silky took the chain and clipped it neatly to another slightly larger ring that pierced her clitoral hood. This caused the links to tighten and pull her lips tauter. A low guttural moan left her lips. 

I had always loved piercings, since I had first had my ears pierced at the ripe old age of 19 (what can I say. I was a late bloomer!), I had craved more. I made a quick mental note to ask Master if I could have some more done. I hadn't the courage to go alone, or rather if I am completely honest, I liked the idea of someone 'making me do it'. Most people would take this the wrong way, especially when body modifications were thrown into the equation, but I knew that Master would understand. It wasn't that I didn't want to be pierced, I just wanted to be humiliated at the same time. Go figure, i'm still trying!!

Silky's voice pulled me from my inner thoughts, "The chains are attached with the little clasps that you would find at the end of a necklace, they can be hooked to any of the rings in any order, Mistress was devious and deliciously evil!" she chuckled.

My eyes widened as I took in the implications of the ingenious set up, it could work like a chastity belt, I found my pussy clenching and juices start to flow, putting an urgent addition to the mental note I had made minutes earlier.

"Sir, may I remove the chains please to get in the bath?" Her pleading statement made to MA as He moved across to stand in front of her. 

"Yes precious, you may, however since I know exactly what you are like, and the fact the bath is so full of bubbles I wont be able to see you hands, I am going to make a small adaptation before you bathe"

"Yes Sir." came her reply, a slight look of what I can only describe as dammit flitted through her eyes. I had to suppress a chuckle, I had been on the same wavelength, those bubbles may have hidden wandering hands. I also knew that neither of us would have disobeyed His rules, no matter how large the temptation was.

"Keep your legs spread sweetie, hold your lips apart and don't move." Laughing quietly, He turned to me and said with a look of pure deviousness, "actually little one, I think it would be far more fun if you did this."

I moved towards Him as He beckoned me forwards, holding out His hand, His palm upwards, a small object resting in the centre. The sight making me moan, glancing down as I imagined I could see the arousal dripping from my pussy.

His eyes following my gaze, the smile tugging at His lips. "Oh yes little one, I can see how aroused you are, nearly as much as this sweetie here." His words accompanied by His finger swiping along the length of her slit, stopping just before her clit. "I'm guessing you know what I want you to do with this then?" as He gestured towards the tiny plastic padlock that lay in the middle of His palm.

I nodded, I couldn't speak, if I opened my mouth now I would plead for Him to forget the bath and take me straight to the nearest piercing parlour! I took the lock from Him and positioned myself at eye-level with Silky's cunt. I had never been this close to a womans bits before but I had spent a fair few hours looking in a mirror at my own, (I'm assuming this is normal behaviour for a woman, if its not, please don't tell me, I'm perfectly happy in my assumption!) but faced with another woman's cunt, splayed open in front of me, I was in awe and I wanted to explore it with my tongue.

"No little one, the padlock NOW!" I swear He could read my mind!

"Yes Master, which rings Sir?" I sounded trepidatious even to my own ears, but I had never padlocked anyones cunt before and I had no desire to hurt Silky.

"Sorry little one, I forgot for a moment," with a slight shake of His head He continued, " take one of the left inner labia rings and link it with the lock to its counterpart. Ok?"

"Yes Master, I understand." Needing to make it clear that I did for Silky's sake as much as His. She had sat quietly through the exchange, bar an occasional moan from time to time.

I took one of the rings between my fingers, tugging slightly to get a better angle to thread the hook of the lock through, a gasp emanating from her lips made me glance up to check it was arousal that had caused the noise, a quick look in her eyes confirmed it and I returned my focus to her cunt lips. Pulling the ring on the opposite side I repeated the maneuver and heard the lock click into place. It was loose enough that she could still complete any bodily functions but would make sliding a finger inside awkward. 

"Bath time my beautiful little subbies!" came the now husky voice of our Master. I felt a strong pang of envy that Silky was going to spend the night with Him, but I quickly shook it away. She deserved it and I couldn't begrudge her the happiness she had shown earlier at the prospect.

The sight of Silky standing, the padlock just peeking from her lips was quite possibly the most erotic thing I had ever seen, if you discount the times Dietmar would place a mirror in front of me whilst he 'played' with me. Her movement was slightly less graceful as she climbed into the bath, the slight weight of the lock tugging softly. 

I stood and walked over, lowering myself into the water so that I was sitting facing her, out the corner of my eye I saw Master take a seat on the toilet. A perfect position for watching what was about to happen.

Almost in perfect synchronicity Silky and I leaned towards each other, our lips meeting and locking in a gentle kiss, that had goosebumps erupting along my skin despite the warmth of the water. I pulled back slightly, letting my tongue glide across her lower lip before sucking it into my mouth. Her moans and sighs encouraging me, as I sucked harder grazing my teeth across her flesh. My hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they trailed down her neck, dancing across her collarbone towards the dip that led to her breasts. My moans joining hers as the feelings and sensations washed over me. 

I felt her hands following a similar path across my skin, every hair on my arms seemed to pop up one by one as the light pressure from her fingers transferred through me. I had been touched in the same places many times before, yet I had never felt such intensity. It was as if she could go beneath the outer layer of skin and touch me deep inside. I wondered briefly if it was because it was a new experience, a somewhat naughty forbidden touch that made it seem so much more wonderful?.

I was saved from a rather pointless internal debate by a short sharp tug on my nipple, a long sigh of utter pleasure left my lips. Lightening bolts of pleasure shot through my nerves, ending up pulsing through my clit. My hands had found their own way to her luscious breasts and I stroked a finger lightly across her now very hard nipples. The small silver rings beckoning me towards them. Taking them between my thumb and forefinger I pulled slightly, twisting them side to side at the same time as exerting a tiny forwards movement. The small whimpers vibrating through my lips from hers told me she was enjoying this, and I slowly increased the pressure. 




A New Beginning Ch. 04



I broke the kiss and gently pushed her back, dipping my head I leant forwards, flicking my tongue across her nipples, nipping at the silver ring with my teeth and tugging it slightly. I swirled my tongue around as her hand moved to underneath her breast and pushed it further towards my hungry mouth. I blew softly, a breeze of cooler air hitting where the moisture off my tongue had left her nipple wet, a slight shiver ran through her body.

"Suck it please Alannah." Her voice breathless.

I swirled my tongue around, brushing my lips across with feather light touches, the more she moaned and shivered the more I wanted her. I parted my lips and clamped them together, sucking firmly I felt the ring bump my tongue as it flicked at the nub now inside my mouth. Her hands flew to the back of my head as she held my hair in her hands, her cries of longing were arousing me so much.

My cunt was contracting and pulsing, the ache in my clit bordering on painful, I desperately wanted to lower my hands into the water and rub myself to ease the sensations, and maybe accidentally stray to where her beautiful lips were joined together and touch the super smooth skin that covered her mound. I was super aware of MA's eyes watching us, the bulge in His trousers indicating He was as aroused as we were. I had no desire to disobey His orders but it was taking every ounce of willpower I possessed. 

"Right My two precious little subbies, I think its wash time now." His words causing a bubble of hope to rise up through my chest, wash time, surely this meant a chance to touch below the waist.

I reluctantly removed my mouth from her nipple for as much as touching below the waist sounded good It was the first time I had had this close a contact with a womans breast and I was having fun exploring!

I saw Him stand, readjust his trousers as He grinned and shrugged at the pair of us. Silky and I glanced at each other and we all burst out laughing. I had honestly smiled and laughed more this past 48 hours than I could remember in months.

"Right you pair, Silky scoot that sexy ass of yours up to the top end of the tub, Alannah you shimmy down the other end." 

We both did as we were told rather quickly, our rapid movement sending the water swirling and threatening to slosh over the sides.

"Such eagerness! My ego is going to render my head too big to fit through the door if you both carry on like this" His voice warm and filled with laughter. "Right Siky, you first I think, pass me the flannel sweetie."

MA

The sight of two beautiful women, naked and covered in bubbles while kissing and playing with each others breasts, was as erotic a sight as I can remember seeing. Taking the flannel from Silky, I liberally coated it in suds and gently started to wash her back causing her luscious breasts to gently sway back and forth. Her gentle sigh of contentment as I continued pleased me after her recent bout of tears in memory of her Mistress. Bringing the flannel across her rib cage her breasts neatly fell into my hands and I gently soaped her soft flesh ensure the cloth caught her erect nipples. I glanced up and caught Alannah staring in rapt concentration at my hands as they worked their magic on Silky's breasts.

"You next my pet," I said as I shuffled along the length of the bath and started to repeat my earlier actions with the cloth. This time however I had an ulterior motive in arousing her at the same time as I washed her. She was still due a punishment for snogging Silky without permission while the bath was being prepared, and I had decided what it was going to be.

"Stand up pet," I whispered in her ear as I simultaneously tweaked her nipple. The little eek of surprised pain sent another jolt of electricity to my cock and I knew Silky was in for some serious luvin' later.

Alannah managed to haul herself upright using the bath sides as levers and stood naked and dripping in the water, her cunt on an exact eye level with me. Chuckling to myself I realised I had got rather good at manipulating my willing victims into giving me a cunt's eye view without straining myself.

Again I drank my fill of her luscious prominent lips before reaching out and inserting two fingers.

"Silky, wash her legs while I attend to her more intimate parts. Alannah, I am extremely disappointed with you. I am going to edge you now and you will NOT cum. Your punishment for being too familiar with Silky earlier is to go to bed horny and frustrated, so let that be a lesson to you. Do you understand?" I said this in my gruffest possible voice, but I think the twinkle in my eye may have just given the game away.

"Yes master," they both intoned and I had to try desperately not to laugh when I realised Silky was replying to my order to wash her.

"Good girls," and with that I started to slowly pump two fingers in and out of Alannah's wet hole while Silky leant forward with the cloth and began washing her legs.

After about a minute I could hear Alannah's breath start to hitch and I knew she was getting close. I stopped the pumping and rotated my fingers so they were under the clit and started to massage her g spot, while at the same time rubbing her clit with my thumb. The sharp intake of breath accompanied by slight tremors in her legs told me she was ready to blow. "Dont you dare cum. Do you hear me?"

"N N NO Master" came a very ragged reply and the pleading look in her eyes was absolutely ball clenching. Just as she was about to explode I sharply withdrew my fingers and slapped her hard on her wet bottom.

"Right, out the pair of you. Silky dry her and don't you dare touch her cunt. I want you 

both naked and presented in my bedroom. 5 minutes."

ALANNAH:

I groaned as I felt His fingers withdraw, I was so close.That was the point though I reminded myself. I couldn't stop a small smile flitting across my lips as I recalled the kiss that had earned me my 'punishment'.I may be going to bed frustrated but the image of Silky's face and the taste of her lips against mine was more than enough to guarantee me sweet dreams.

The softness of the towel against my skin was not helping dampen my arousal. Silky was slowly and methodically rubbing and patting me. Part of me wanted her touches to continue, the other half needed her to hurry up and get on with it, finally she was satisfied I was nice and dry, well most of me anyway!

After drying herself quickly she emptied the bath water and hung the towels on the heated rails. I was going to have to get used to being tidy again, since I had lived on my own, my apathy had affected more than my desire to socialize. I had needed a good kick up the ass; here I had had a good hand to the ass, so maybe learning wouldn't take long.

"Come on Alannah, Master will be waiting." Silky was halfway out the room as she hurried me along.

"Coming Silky." I replied as I hastened to catch her. 

The two of us scurrying naked down the corridor was surely a sight to be seen! Masters door was closed and Silky knocked once then dropped to her knees. I copied her stance, kneeling with my ass not touching my legs, my hands behind my back and my chin resting on my chest.

The urge to look up as I heard the door open was so strong, but I had no desire to get into anymore trouble tonight.

"What a lovely sight!" The joy in His words was plain to hear. "Silky sweetie you may stand and resume that position by the side of My bed. Alannah precious, you may crawl to the end of the hall before you stand and continue to your bedroom."

"Yes Sir." Our voices so very different replying in unison. 

I turned and lowered myself into a crawl position, now knowing why the carpet was so thick and luxurious. Carpet burns are so not an attractive look! I was aware of His eyes watching me wiggle my way down the hall, knowing my ass and cunt were on view. I was destined to go to bed very horny.

Reaching the end of the corridor I raised myself and tried to remember the way back to my room.

"Turn right then 3rd door on the left precious. Sleep well!" His words laced with humour.

"Thank you Master." 

I finally reached my room, chuckling to myself at my terrible sense of direction and threw back the covers, climbing in and smiling to myself. Today had been amazing and tomorrow held the promise of being another memory making day. I was still aroused but as I lowered my head to the pillow my eyes started to close. Arousal forgotten in an instant as sleep overcame me.



A New Beginning Ch. 04



Chantelle locked up the handgun in her berth, which is only a few meters away from the hatch to my cabin. She gave me the code to open the locker where she stowed the pistol. Either she or I could get at it very easily.

But I told her that if ever a situation arose whereby the gun had to be used, I was going to give it to Joshua and let him use it. I've never fired a pistol in my life, virtual or real. But I had no reason to doubt that Joshua could shoot the pistol properly. I believed that he would make sure of his background before firing the gun and not put a bullet through the hull.

That's because I believed him when he said he built a shooting range in the basement of his house for his .357 magnum revolver. I believed him because he's the best shot onboard the James Cook using a virtual gun on a computer. He nearly always won the onboard shooting contests that were held from time to time in the games room -- Chantelle is also a good shot.

A little over a week later Chantelle and I were showering together in my berth. I held onto the nozzle coming out of the wall while she fucked my pussy from behind with her strap-on dildo. After, while the warm water sprayed over our bodies, she revealed to me that she found out that one of the hunting knives we found had been Ronald's but she couldn't prove it.

I turned around and put my arms over her shoulders. I kissed her long and passionately on the mouth. Our tongues wrapped around each other.

After we broke the kiss she continued, "He had been quietly trying to organize the construction workers against the officers. He might have succeeded. It was only a stroke of his bad luck that the fights broke out and caused you to search the cabins. Then when he saw that we had a .45 caliber pistol and the other hunting knives to use against him he decided that mutiny wasn't in his best interest."

"Well, my earlier fears of a potential mutiny are diminished somewhat now that we have their weapons. The handgun will come into use either as a threat or actual use, as protection from anyone with less brains than a dinosaur who resorts to violence."

"That's about half of the laborers." She said dryly.

"Don't be so negative Chantelle." I paused. Then, "I'm not due to go on watch again until zero six hundred. Stay the night with me?"

She smiled and kissed me lightly on the lips. We got out of the shower, dried each other off and then crawled into bed.

The division among the crew members abated somewhat. There was still a lot of talk of conspiracy but it was mostly in the form of whispers and hushed comments in the showers, the laundry, the cafeteria, the games room and the like. I imagine that those who believed in a conspiracy figured that if they tried anything then we had enough weaponry to put a stop to it.

Also, Father Ray went around and talked to the crew members two and three at a time. In fact, it was his little talks, more than anything else I believe, that calmed everyone down.

He talked to them in their berths, in the TV lounge, in the games room, in the cafeteria. Wherever and whenever he found two or three individuals gathered together talking about the explosion, he would join in their conversation.

Without taking sides, he told everyone that it was to everyone's best interest not to resort to violence. He reminded them of what happened to the Spaceship Bountiful. He told them that further violence could possibly destroy what was left of the James Cook and then everyone would die.

The crew took what he said to heart. Anxieties were lowered and, for the most part, it appeared that the rest of the trip home would be uneventful.

Another thing that I'm sure helped calm everyone's fears was my allowing them to come to the bridge to view the Earth. For the first few days there was a constant line of crew members waiting to see it -- I stationed an officer in the forward elevator room to enter the code to go to the bridge. Some of the officers complained, especially George. But I reminded them that it was helping to reduce the onboard gossip and tension.

For the next several weeks everything went smoothly. We thought that we could no longer go outside the James Cook as there were no spacesuits. They were all in the lost tail section. But Joseph found five extra spacesuits while searching though a couple of the mini-storage bins that are located throughout the living section. I immediately sent him outside with a crew to try to repair the long range antennae.

He used the emergency airlock on the bridge. Everyone cleared out of the upper level and the airlock hatch between the upper and lower levels was sealed. While they were outside the ship was piloted from the lower level.

To be truthful there really isn't much piloting to do in space once you've set your course. The computer keeps the ship going the way she is supposed to be going. Mainly you're just watching the instruments to make sure everything is going alright. Occasionally there is a minor course correction, stirring the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks attached under the ship's wings. But other than that it's a rather boring six hour shift.

You read a lot, play cards, crossword puzzles, write up reports, listen to music or do whatever. Sometimes those on duty on the lower flight deck use the center navigation table to play weightless ping pong -- a nearly impossible task. Movie and television watching was banned by Butler on the bridge and the lower flight deck. I saw no reason to lift the ban. No one watched channel eight, which now was only a blank screen anyway.

The only other thing to do was to compose e-mails for later sending home and wait until the antennae were repaired. We couldn't send e-mails until they were repaired.

Before the explosion and breakup, every eight hours, starting at twelve hundred hours, the communication officer on watch sent reports and e-mails to MC3. Then every eight hours, but starting at twenty-four hundred hours, the communication officer on watch received reports and e-mails from MC3. That way every four hours the James Cook was either sending or receiving reports and e-mails to and from MC3. They would also send us current movies about once every week.

Everyone onboard was allowed to send and receive e-mails and they were all anxious to start sending and receiving e-mails again. The construction laborers and crew members used computers located in the games rooms. The officers were especially concerned so that we could completely put to rest the conspiracy theories.

Joseph reported that both antennae were fried something terrible. He ended up having to cannibalize the backup antenna in order to repair the main antenna. The ship's computer registered that it was working properly after he finished the repairs. But we still got nothing but static when we tried to raise MC3.

I even had the communication officers try to raise one of the other orbital stations, Nuda Earth, Lunar One, Sol Two and the others. But they still got nothing but static no matter whom they tried to reach. I was getting really worried. We only had the short range antenna and were getting farther away from Mars -- we had no communication with them either. But soon we wouldn't be able to communicate with anyone until we got closer to Earth.

I questioned whether the repairs were complete. I thought that maybe Joseph had overlooked something. I sent another crew outside to double check the repairs. Although in my heart I knew what they were going to report because of what the computer was telling us. I guess I really sent them to satisfy the diehard skeptics.

The second crew couldn't find anything wrong with the main antenna.

Joshua, Joseph, Vickie and I sat down for a meeting in my quarters. We discussed the situation for over an hour. The only thing we could conclude was that the lightening bolt had done something to both antennae, that it damaged them in some way that neither we nor the ship's computer could find.

It was either believe that or believe that there was no human with whom we could communicate on Earth, Mars or anywhere else in the solar system.

I, along with most of the officers, was totally puzzled. Even using our short range antenna we were still close enough to Mars for them to pick up our radio transmissions and for us to pick up theirs. But whether we used the short range or the long range antenna we got nothing but static.

Also, using the telescopic camera attached to the outside of the James Cook, we were able to confirm that Mars only had one satellite, Deimos. No one could figure out what happened to Phobos or why there was ring of rock debris orbiting the planet.

I checked with the ship's computer and found out that cosmologists figured out that Phobos was captured by Mars over sixty million years ago but it was no where in sight. It also told me that the last of debris field orbiting Mars crashed into the planet at least forty-five million years ago.

Then there were the background stars. The constellations didn't look anything like they should. It was like the whole solar system had suddenly changed. We were all completely baffled.

I told everyone not to let it bother them. We would find out the answers once we got back home. But silently I was worried. I knew that we went through some kind of wormhole or stargate when we went through the hole in space. I was beginning to wonder where -- and when -- the hole sent us. Were we somehow sent back in time or some other galaxy? Were we in some kind of Twilight Zone universe now?

Anyway, two days later I told Vickie to stop trying to raise Mars over the radio. We were too far away from any bases there to pick them up with our short range antenna and our long range antennae weren't working. After I gave her the order I went to my berth and took a shower. I needed some time alone.

That was a hard order to issue. I knew it would be a couple of months minimum before we would be able to pick up Earth, Nuda Earth, MC3 or anyone else with our short range radios. Another 60 to 75 days without contact with anyone.

Two days after I told Vickie and her crew to let up on trying to contact Mars Sam came to me with an idea.

He buzzed my door. I pressed the view button to see who was outside my cabin. Every berth, indeed every hatch, has a mini-camera directly above it so that those inside can see who is outside before they open the hatch to them. What no one knew except me, Joshua, Chantelle, Anthony and now the three volunteers to security was that security could use these cameras to watch all the passageways.

In fact, security made a betting game among themselves using the computer station in their department to view the passageways. They would find someone walking down a hatchway. When that person got out of camera range they would take bets among themselves as to which camera he or she would show up on next.

Of course, if that person was walking straight down a hatchway there was no bet. But if he or she was heading toward a connecting passageway, then there was one of three to five screens he or she would come up on, depending on the passageway.

They did it mainly for amusement and to break the monotony; the betting just made it more interesting. But I'm sure that if the construction crew members knew this it would have increased their conspiracy fears, which thankfully were lessening everyday.

By now it had been over a month since the explosion, I'm certain that's what was also helping to quiet the conspiracy fears. No one else had mysteriously disappeared, there had been no more deaths and everything was running smoothly.

It was as if nothing had happened. It was like the James Cook went on an extended cruise and was now returning home. The construction workers were happy that they were going to get full pay without having to do any work.

The only black spot, Chantelle told me that the ship's gossip now was that my negligence had somehow caused the explosion. She said that it was Ronald who was behind that rumor, doing his best to keep the conspiracy theories alive. But I didn't care as long as it didn't go any further than rumor.

I opened the hatch. "Hi Sam, come on in. What can I do for you?"

"Since you found those spacesuits I've been thinking. I got an idea for you with using them."

I wasn't thinking along the same lines as Sam. "Sam, I would love to accommodate you but we can't use them to make love outside. If that's what you're thinking."

He gave me one of his bodacious smiles. "Darling, I would love to screw you in weightlessness again but that's not what I had in mind."

Sam was a large man, measuring right at two meters high. He had a narrow waist, six pack abs, broad chest and shoulders with big strong arms. He weighed almost 100 kilograms and most of that was pure muscle. When he humped me I felt every thrust.

"If you remember Sam, I didn't like it; especially having to use a storage bin in the laborer's sleeping section like we did before. What did you have in mind?"

"Yeah, I remember. But I was thinking, do you think it's possible to retrieve the liquor and soft drinks and stuff from the other two TV lounges?"

"Hey, you know Sam, it just might be possible. The ship's computer won't let us open the hatches leading into them but . . ."

"Don't you have an override code?"

"Yeah, but those hatches aren't airlock hatches. We can't open them but there's nothing stopping us from entering the rear of the living section from the outside."

"So, what do you think? Do you think we could get the stuff from back there?"

"Yes, I believe we could. That's right smart thinking on your part Sam. I wish I had thought of it. I'll have someone look into it and get back with you on it."

Then we made love. It was the best heterosexual love making I had had since Butler screwed me just before he died.

The next day I had Joshua and Leonard, a cafeteria waiter, suit up and go into the section of the James Cook behind the cafeteria and retrieve booze, soft drinks, food and other necessities from the mini-storage bins there. It took them and a couple other volunteers four weeks but they emptied the two TV lounges and every spare storage bin they could find.

Once a spaceship is on its way there is no "refueling" station or turning back if someone forgot to bring their toothbrush. Consequently, there are no areas larger than a footlocker onboard long range space flights that are not used for storage. There are storage bins in every passageway and they contain everything and anything someone might use in their everyday living.

Joshua, Leonard and a couple of volunteers emptied almost a hundred bins, augmenting our supplies considerably. I had them store most of the stuff in the kitchen and the TV lounge but some of it was put in some empty cabins.

While they were getting the extra supplies they also encountered numerous dead crew members who had died from being exposed to zero pressure, their bodies literally exploding. Most of the dead were totally unrecognizable.

Joshua asked me what I thought should be done with them. I told him to leave them alone and try to avoid touching them as much as possible. Even then each time they returned from a trip to the rear their spacesuits had droplets of blood all over them. I had someone waiting on the bridge with a couple of buckets of water to wipe them down before they took off their suits.

The day after they finished emptying the last of the storage bins Joshua came to me to inform me of a new problem that had risen among the crew, again dividing them. It was still more or less officers on one side and construction crews on the other side. But this time it was more spiritual in nature.

I was in my cabin. He had just gotten off watch. I asked him where George was but he answered me by saying that Juan was at the helm. Then he put his arms around me and kissed me. It was a long, passionate kiss. We were both half naked by the time we broke apart. We finished stripping each other in my bed. We made love and then he ate my pussy.

After, we were lying in bed together. I was lying on my back; he was leaning over me, caressing my breast. I was stroking his cock.

"I got some bad news love. We got us another division brewing," he said.

"Why does everyone either fuck me and then tell me about some problem or tell me about some problem and then fuck me?" I answered him, pretending to be upset.

"Because you're so fuckable," he smiled. Then he kissed me again pushing his tongue deep into my mouth. I pulled him down towards me eagerly sucking his tongue into my orifice. He reached down and groped my vagina. I felt his finger enter me and pushed my hips up to meet his probing. I moaned as he broke the kiss.

"Mmmmmmm, hurry up and tell me what the problem is so we can make love again," I begged him.

He sat up but kept his hand on my pubic mound, running his fingers through my pubic hair. "You read science fiction, don't you?"

"Yeah sure, I read it all the time. What about it?" I put my hands on his chest and opened my legs to give him easier access to my pussy.

"Ever read anything by Arthur C. Clarke? He's a Twentieth Century science fiction writer."

"Yeah, in fact there's a copy of his 2001: A Space Odyssey and several of his other stories on disc in the library. Two Thousand One is one of my favorite science fiction stories; I've read it a couple of times."

Joshua let go of my vagina and cupped my right breast with his left hand. He flicked my nipple with his thumb. "I am. Have you ever read 2010: Odyssey Two, the sequel he wrote to 2001?"

"No. Would you get to the point?" I was enjoying the sensations running through my nipple as Joshua flicked it with his thumb and I was anxious to return to our love making.

"Clarke ends 2010 by having astronaut Bowman return to his old spaceship Discovery."

"You mean the same Bowman from 2001, the astronaut who was transformed into some kind of energy life form at the end of the story?"

"Yeah that Bowman. Anyway, Bowman then orders the Hal 9000 computer on Discovery to repeatedly broadcast the same message over and over again."

"What was the message?" Intrigue now, I sat up on one elbow.

Joshua made a sweeping gesture with his hand. "ALL THESE WORLDS ARE YOURS EXCEPT EUROPA. ATTEMPT NO LANDINGS THERE."

"Don't tell me the crew believes that that was some form of prophetic warning. I know there are still rumors floating around the ship. But I thought they were about the explosion, not some prophetic warning from some imaginary deity."

"It's worse than that." Joshua paused. He put his hand down on my navel. He rubbed my stomach. "In the book 2010 Jupiter becomes a nova, turning into a mini-star which the people of Earth name Lucifer. Also, there is supposedly a monolith, again from 2001, on Europa preventing humans from landing there."

"Lucifer?" I knew exactly what he was thinking, what the crew was thinking. "Did you go to Father Ray with this yet?"

"No, I thought I'd come to you first, see what you wanted to do."

"I think we need to have Father Ray talk to the crew about it. That's what I think. I mean Lucifer, Prince of darkness, Beelzebub or what ever you want to call him. It has no power over this world. The devil has no power to blow up spaceships. The explosion was caused by a bolt of lightening."

"I know that but there are some construction laborers who believe that it was Satan who threw the lightening bolts at the ship. They believe that the James Cook is now jinxed because we tried to land on Europa and they're spreading their heresy to other members of the crew."

"How bad is it?" I had to ask Joshua that question. But I knew the answer.

"About the same as before. Most of the officers on one side and the construction laborers on the other side with the ship's crew a little less than evenly split."




A New Beginning Ch. 04



"Is Ronald behind this?"

"No, I talked to him. For once he's innocent. He doesn't believe that the ship is doomed or anything like that."

"Have you talked with Chantelle about this yet?"

"Yeah a few minutes ago, she suggested I come to you with it." He stroked my breast again.

"OK, I'll talk to Father Ray and have him talk to the crew."

"Are you going to call another general assembly?"

"No Joshua I don't think that's necessary. I'll have Father talk to them in small groups like he did last month. His method of quiet diplomacy seems to work."

I paused.

"You got any more problems?" I asked.

"No darling I don't." He smiled. He knew what I was thinking.

"Good because I'm hungry. Lay down." I then sucked him until he exploded in my mouth. Next we showered together. While I held on to the shower nozzle, he pummeled my pussy from behind.

I love to make love in the shower. I love the feel of the hot water flowing over my naked body while my passions are rising to a boiling point. There's nothing like the sensation of an intense orgasm running rampant under my skin while hot water is flowing over my body.

I know I issued orders that no one was allowed more than one shower every two days. I stuck to that order myself. Every time I had sex with someone in my shower -- which wasn't very often I might add -- I waited two days before I showered again. I only broke that order once and that was with Sam. I had had sex with Chanatelle just one day earlier with her in her shower.

I do not know if Joshua, Chantelle and Yves were sticking to the two days between showers. I just assumed that they were.

Also, it might seem as though I was uninformed as to what was going on onboard my ship. But that's not true. I was well aware of everything that happened onboard my ship; it was my duty to know what went on onboard.

But every time I entered into the cafeteria or laundry or wherever a few crew members were gathered, they would suddenly change their conversations and talk in hushed voices.

I just assumed that they were still talking about the explosion and conspiracy and that they didn't want to get caught talking about it. I ignored them. In that I plead guilty. I guess I should have been more diligent. I will in the future.

As for the games room and the TV lounge, I seldom entered the games room, while Sam, Judith and Carli didn't allow that kind of talk in the TV lounge.

After Joshua left my quarters I hunted up Father Ray. I told him what Joshua had told me. I also told him to contact Chantelle and Joshua if he thought he needed more information. He said he had already heard about the rumor that Satan had caused the explosion and that he had been quietly talking to the crew about it -- again in small groups. He told me that it was nothing to get alarmed about.

When I mentioned to him that the crew was again divided into two groups, he just smiled. But that was his way of coping with a bad situation. He never let disappointment or a deficient state of affairs get the better of him.

Father Ray came through again. He was able to divert a potentially explosive issue into mild disagreements among the crew. I was glad to have him aboard. We only had about six or seven weeks to go and with the crew now calmed down somewhat I didn't think Ronald could cause much trouble.

To be continued . . .



A New Beginning Ch. 05



We were about four, maybe five weeks from Earth and MC3 when I was startled by someone buzzing the door of my berth. It was just after twenty hundred hours. I was in my shower and getting ready to lie down for some much needed sleep; I was due to go on watch in another four hours.

I stepped out of the shower and checked the monitor to see who was there. I was surprised to see Ronald standing there looking sheepish.

At first I didn't know whether or not to answer him. I thought about just ignoring him and pretending I wasn't in. I figured he could catch me when I was on watch later on or tomorrow when I went on watch again at eighteen hundred hours. I was tired and wanted to get some rest before I went on duty. Besides, there hadn't been any trouble for the past couple of weeks.

I have to give Father Ray the credit for that. First, he convinced everyone that Satan was not trying to destroy the James Cook and that they should ignore fabricated rumors that the ship was jinxed. Then he pulled Ronald aside and had a nice long talk with him.

Using his quiet diplomacy, he persuaded Ronald to cooperate with the officers. He told him that if he really wanted to show those who found him guilty that he was in fact innocent, then he would stop trying to get revenge against them. He would work with the officers to try and convince the others that the ship was no danger -- from anyone or anything. This way although it couldn't change the guilty verdict, at least the officers might rethink their ideas of him always being the bad guy.

I wondered if that was why Ronald was buzzing my cabin.

I decided that as the captain of the ship it was my duty to talk to the crew whenever they requested an audience. I quickly slipped on some pants and a shirt. Then I glanced into my mirror to make sure I was at least somewhat presentable. I frowned. It was obvious that I wasn't wearing a bra. I reluctantly opened the hatch but I didn't close it once he entered. I don't trust him.

"Good evening Ronald. Come on in. What can I do for you?"

"Good evening Antoinette."

I overlooked his refusal to address me as an officer. We weren't on the bridge or anywhere where someone could overhear us. Besides he had come to my berth in the evening when I was not on duty. I figured that maybe it was something personal that he wanted to talk about.

He looked at the open door and fidgeted slightly.

"I can't close the hatch Ronald both for your safety as well as mine."

"Yeah, I understand."

I could see that he was nervous so I offered him my chair. I sat on the edge of my bed.

He glanced around the room. "Your berth is a lot smaller than I expected."

"Yes, Joshua, Chantelle, Yves and I might have our own private cabins but they are very small. I've seen larger walk-in closets back on Earth. But I'm sure that's not what you've come here to talk about. How can I help you?"

"Some of the crew asked me to come and talk to you."

He paused.

"About what?" I was trying to make him feel comfortable.

"Look, I know there ain't any good feelings between us . . . between you and me but I . . . that is, some of us figure that maybe if we heard it straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak, then maybe we would know the truth."

My first thought was that Ronald was up to some kind of trick and that I better be careful about what I say to him. My second thought was that he was tactfully admitting that I never lied to him or the crew about the explosion.

I mean, here he was asking me to tell him the truth about whatever it was that was on his mind and it sounded like he was going to accept that whatever I told him would be the truth. At least I half figured it was something about the explosion.

"Go on," I encouraged him. I wanted him to feel at ease and to tell me what it was that was bothering him.

"Since you've allowed the crew to view the Earth, I've been on the upper and lower flight decks a few of times to look at it and so has some of the crew. I was there just a couple of hours ago. It looks about the size of my thumbnail, like a little blue marble. It looks real pretty through the telescopic camera monitor." He laughed nervously.

"Yes, I know you've been on the flight deck. For security, the officer in charge of the bridge keeps a log of every unauthorized person who comes on the bridge or the lower flight deck, when he or she was there and the purpose of the visit."

"Well, some of the crew has come to the conclusion that that ain't Earth we're heading for. I ain't stupid. I believe it is Earth; I can see the continents through the monitor and I recognize them. But something has changed about it. We were hoping you'd tell us about what's going on."

"You know Ronald; I was discussing this very issue with Joshua, Joseph and Chantelle this morning at breakfast. We have no idea what the problem is. We cannot raise anyone on the long range antenna and the computer tells us that it's working properly."

"What about the short range antenna?" he asked.

"We are still too far away from Earth and MC3 to use the short range antenna. It will be at least another week to ten days or more before we are within range for the short range antenna to be able to pick up anything."

"Yeah, some of us have heard about you're not being able to raise anyone on the radios and that channel eight has nothing but snow. There's gossip that the lightening bolt damaged all the antennas."

He paused. He wanted to say something but didn't quite know how to word it. He gave another nervous laugh.

Then, "Some are even saying that we're in some other solar system, some other galaxy or something. I don't believe that either but . . . well the whole sky has changed. The rumor is that there are no space colonies on Mars or anywhere. Mars has a ring of debris surrounding it. Phobos is gone. The background constellations and stars are all different. What the hell gives Antoinette?"

"To be totally honest Ronald I do not know. No one onboard knows what the problem is. I can only tell you the facts and hope that you and everyone else believe me."

I too paused, wondering whether or not to tell him about the hole in space that we encountered and went through. To my knowledge only a few officers knew about it and none of them were talking. They were under strict orders from me not to discuss conjecture and science fiction with the crew.

I decided against telling him. No sense in telling him about something that I myself didn't understand. Besides, if I told him about something that sounds like it came from fantasyland or some science fiction story it would only increase his distrust of me and the officers.

"As you know Ronald, we were in an electrical storm between Jupiter and its satellites. A bolt of lightening knocked out our long range antennae and maybe even our short range antenna too for all I know. Then another bolt exploded one of the liquid oxygen tanks breaking the James Cook in half. The explosion also threw us across the solar system in the vicinity of Mars. That's it Ronald. That is all I or any other officer knows. If you don't believe me then there is nothing I can do to change that."

"Well like I said, I believe that. But some of the crew ain't so well educated and they're into believing all kinds of superstitious nonsense. I'm not all that educated myself; I dropped out of school when I was in the tenth grade. But it's hard telling them the facts when all they believe in is science fiction and fantasy. I guess I was just hoping you had something else to tell me, something I could tell them."

I finally had it; straight from the horse's mouth, to use his own words. Ronald didn't believe in any conspiracy bullshit.

"You can tell them that I will give them the whole truth as soon as I myself know the answers. Until then, we are only a few weeks away from home. Tell them to be patient. Then they can air their gripes and grievances to whomever will listen to them."

Suddenly Chantelle appeared at my door.

"Good evening Chantelle," I said with a smile.

"Good evening Captain Antoinette," she answered me formally. "I'm sorry I thought you were alone. I'll come back."

"That's alright," Ronald cut in. "I was just leaving. Thank you Captain Antoinette. I appreciate your talking with me. I'll pass on what you said to the rest of the crew."

"I promise you Ronald. You'll be the first person I talk to as soon as I know anything." I wondered if his addressing me properly was because Chantelle was present or because he was actually thankful for our little chat.

"Thank you ma'am. Is it alright if I go to the flight deck and have another look at the Earth through the telescopic camera monitor? I sure do like looking at it."

"Sure Ronald. You can go as often as you like and stay as long as you like. Just tell the officer of the deck that I said it was OK and be sure he logs you in and out."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you again ma'am."

He squeezed past Chantelle and went toward the elevator. I pressed the close button and the hatch slid close.

"What did he want?" Chantelle asked. There was contempt in her voice.

"Seeing that we are close to home, I'm not sure if he was trying to mend fences or if he was genuinely seeking information. He admitted that there wasn't any conspiracy and that the explosion was caused by a bolt of lightening."

"So What! I don't trust him." The contempt was still there. "I was in the brig HQ watching my monitor and saw him come here. So I thought I'd come and make sure you're alright."

"I don't trust him either but he seemed genuinely friendly for a change. I think he just wanted to dispel for himself some of the rumors that are floating around the ship."

"Toni, he's usually the one who starts them. You better be careful. He's up to something, believe me."

"Will you quit worrying about me Chantelle? I'm Ok."

"I wouldn't want him to hurt you or anything." She put her hand on the side of my head, cupping my ear. She ran her fingers through my hair. "I would die if he did something to you."

"Chantelle! He's a snake I know. But he's not a murderer. He's a con artist."

"Still, I don't think it's wise for you to see him alone in your cabin. There's no telling what he might do." She caressed my cheek with her hand. I pressed her hand to my face. Then I kissed her palm.

We met twelve years ago. I was a junior flight officer and she was a low grade policewoman. We were stationed on MC3 together, both just starting out in our chosen profession. We became instant lovers and have flown several missions together ever since.

When Butler selected me as his first officer I asked him if Chantelle could be the chief of security. He offered the position to her without even interviewing her, solely on my recommendation.

"Are you on duty?" I asked. I was lonely and wanted to make love with her.

"No. Since we've got the extra security I haven't taken a watch. But I make sure to check in at least once with every watch. So I'm up pretty much around the clock. I guess you could say that I'm on duty all the time. I catch catnaps whenever I can."

She ran her fingers through my hair and down the back of my neck. I could tell that she wanted to make love too.

"Yes, I know. Both Craig and Anthony told me that you're always checking in. When did you decide not to cover a watch?"

She was scratching the back of my neck with her right hand; her left hand was on my waist. Goose bumps were rising up my back. I closed my eyes and let the feelings running up my spine take control of my body.

"A couple of days after the extra security was added. I just left security a few moments ago. I won't have to go back there again for several hours." She paused. Then, "I want to make love with you Toni. I need you. We haven't made love for almost a week."

I opened my eyes and put my hands on the sides of her face and drew her to me. We kissed; our tongues danced together. Our arms wrapped around each other. We fell back on the bed and made love like there was no tomorrow. Then we slept together in the nude.

I love Chantelle. I really do and I'll probably end up living with her someday. But I want to have a little more freedom before I settle down. I would also like to have a man around, a man who won't mind sharing me with my lesbian lover.

I guess that's what I'm really searching for, some warm, passionate man who won't get jealous if I happen to have an affair with another woman. So until he comes along, I'll remain the way I am.

My alarm went off a few minutes before twenty-four hundred. It woke Chantelle too. She started to get up. But I asked her to stay till I got off watch in six hours. She said that she would have to make her rounds but she would be back before I got off watch.

She was. When I came into my berth just after zero six hundred the next morning she was naked and sleeping in my bed. I quietly took off my clothes and then woke her up. We made love again with a strap-on dildo.

We didn't get up until just after nine o'clock. By the time we got dressed, brushed our teeth and got cleaned up it was ten hundred. She asked me to accompany her to the cafeteria. We both knew that they had stopped serving breakfast at zero nine hundred and lunch wouldn't start for another hour and a half. But all she wanted was for me to be with her for a little while longer, before she took on the weight of her job. We went together and she had a cup of coffee. I settled for a glass of orange juice; I don't like coffee.

Father Ray was sitting at one of the tables reading, having just finished saying Sunday Mass. Every day he said Mass at ten hundred hours. He used the cafeteria because it was the single, largest room onboard. Very few people attended but I did when I didn't have duty or the late night watch.

I once asked him about missing Sunday Mass on those mornings I had the graveyard shift. True, I could set my alarm and get up. But I would have to set it for zero nine thirty and that would only give me about three hours sleep. Then I would be dragging the rest of the day unless I somehow got back to sleep.

But as captain of the James Cook, once I was up and out of my berth there was almost always someone with a problem or something needing my attention that would prevent me from getting back to my cabin for some more sleep.

Whenever that happened, then when I went on watch again at eighteen hundred it would be almost impossible to continue six hours on duty without nodding off, especially a duty where you sat and did nothing except watch the stars for six hours.

I know I only have about three hours sleep in me now but after making love with Chantelle . . . well just being with her gives me a boost of energy. I'll be OK for my next shift at eighteen hundred.

Anyway, I once asked Father Ray about missing Sunday Mass. He told me that as he saw it I had a choice between the lesser of two evils.

I could sleep in and miss Mass but receive Holy Communion later, privately in the cabin he shared with Juan, who incidentally served as alter server for Father. Or, I could get up, attend Mass and then risk the lives of everyone onboard if I fell asleep on watch and something dangerous happened that required my full attention. I didn't let it bother me after that.

Father Ray is like that. He has his way of helping you see the better course of action between two or more choices facing you. He frequently said that life more often than not gives us the choice between the lesser of two evils. He said that God made it that way in order to get us to use our logic and work together to solve our problems.

Chantelle and I joined Father at his table. We had been sitting there chatting about ten minutes when Adam came in.

Chantelle noticed her volunteer security guard looking around the cafeteria and waved him over. He reported to her that he had just put Ronald in the brig for refusing to leave the flight deck when ordered to do so.

Chantelle wanted to let him stay there for the rest of the day but I reminded her that I had given him permission to go whenever he wanted to and that he could stay as long as he liked.

Chantelle, Adam and I went to the brig together. I asked Ronald if he informed the officer on deck about what I told him yesterday, about going as often as he wanted to and staying as long as he liked. He said he had but that George didn't believe him and after a few minutes of looking at the Earth through the monitor George ordered him off the flight deck.

I shook my head in disbelief and asked him if there were any other senior officers on deck. He answered me that moments before all the ruckus started Joshua came down from the bridge to use to the zero G toilet booth located on the lower flight deck.

He said that as soon as Joshua entered the booth, George ordered him off the flight deck. I gave Chantelle a knowing smile. I was sure it was George up to his old tricks of playing at being captain of the ship again.

I apologized to Ronald for George's actions and asked him if he wanted to return to looking at the Earth again. He answered me no.

I then told him that as of now I was issuing a formal, written order that anyone who wanted to go on the lower flight deck and look at the Earth through telescopic camera monitor or to the bridge to look at it through the window, they could do so. Further, he or she could stay as long as they liked as long as they were properly logged in and did not disrupt the men and women on duty there.

I also told him I would post the order on the cafeteria bulletin board. He thanked me and went to the games room.

After he left I turned to Chantelle. The look on her face told me that she was angry. The two people onboard she disliked the most and who had caused the most problems had had an altercation.

"I ought to lock them both up and keep them locked up until we return to Earth," she said through her teeth.

"Calm down Chantelle. Joshua and I will handle George." I then excused myself and went to the bridge.

When I got there Father Ray, Joshua and George were gathered around the telescopic camera monitor. I really felt like berating George right in front of everyone. I was glad that Father Ray was there. His mere presence helped me see the better course of action. He has an uncanny ability to show up in potentially explosive situations before they erupt.

For example, just a few days earlier, two female construction workers were getting ready to go at it in the TV lounge. They were both seeking the affections of another male construction worker. Both had been drinking and the air was starting to heat up. Judith, one of the volunteer bartenders, was about to call security when in walks Father Ray.

He sizes up the threatening situation and sits down between the two jealous women. He orders a scotch and water -- which he does not drink -- and begins to talk to them. About ten minutes later all is forgiven, they are the best of friends and the male construction worker is history.

As for the scotch and water that he didn't drink, he once told me he doesn't drink that "rot gut" they sell in the TV lounge. So I assume he just ordered it in order to fit in, "to be one with the crowd."

As far as I know, he's the only person onboard to have his own private stock of 12 year old scotch in his cabin. But I doubt that he's an alcoholic. He started the mission with ten bottles of wine for mass and seven bottles of scotch of which he indulges himself in the evening hours. He still has three bottles of each.

"George, could I talk to you in my cabin please," I said as calmly as I could.

Father Ray looked up from the monitor. "Could I talk to you first Captain Antoinette?"

I immediately knew that Father Ray had already defused the problem. I couldn't refuse him. "Sure Father."

"Why don't we go to my cabin," he said as soon as we entered the elevator room. "It's a double and little larger than yours. We'll have more room to relax."




A New Beginning Ch. 05-06



CHAPTER FIVE

"He did what?" Beth asked, dropping her coffee mug onto the kitchen counter, her eyes wide with shock.

"Xavier nearly raped me," Raven repeated.

"My brother has never forced anyone to have sex with, he's never needed to. Why would he start now?" Charles asked from the end of the breakfast nook. Cole said nothing as he pondered what Raven had announced.

"Raven wouldn't lie about something like that!" Beth defended her cousin.

"Xavier wouldn't force anyone!" Charles exclaimed.

"We had a visitor that pissed Xavier off," Raven said.

"Who?" Raven looked surprised that it was Rogue who had spoken up. 

"Some guy named Griffin," Raven answered. Charles and Cole stared at each other, their eyes narrowing. "I'm not lying Charles," Raven added.

"I believe you. Griffin always had the ability to piss Xavier off beyond reason," Charles spat. The look of fury on Cole's, Charles' and Rogue's faces made Raven and Beth look at each other, worried.

"Who is he?" Raven asked.

"Tara's brother," Rogue answered. 

"Tara was his mate?" Raven wanted to know. Charles nodded.

"He loved her with every fiber of his being. When she died, he swore of dating and wouldn't even talk to a woman that wasn't family or already mated," Cole said.

"That's why when he mated with you, we were so surprised. We've been worried about Xavier for years. You've helped bring him back out of his shell, back to the man he used to be," Rogue added.

"Have you guys talked about what happened?" Beth wanted to know.

"He won't talk to me. He helps out with Jenny but he seems like he's just checked out. He sleeps on the couch and won't come anywhere near me if I'm not with Jenny," Raven answered. Cole frowned at that.

"Give him some time," Cole suggested.

"I feel like I've done something wrong," Raven whispered.

"You didn't do a damn thing wrong! Trust Griffin to fuck things up for Xavier more than it already is," Charles snapped.

"Enough Charlie," Rogue chastised. Raven glanced at the clock on the microwave.

"I have to go guys, I need to go get Jenny from Jimmy's parents before I go home and start dinner," Raven sighed. Beth gave her cousin a tight hug.

"Be careful Rave. From what I've heard, this Griffin character isn't one to mess around with," Beth warned. Raven nodded.

"I'll be careful," she promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hair on the back of Raven's neck stood straight up on end as she climbed out of her vintage mustang that was once Jimmy's. Before Raven could look around to see what was up, she felt a searing pain and the world went black around her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hello?" Beth asked, answering the phone while juggling a cranky toddler and a sippy cup of water.

"It's Xavier. Have you seen Raven? She and Jenny haven't made it home yet," Xavier wanted to know. Beth passed Joey off to his father and handed Marissa her sippy cup.

"She left nearly three hours ago but it's only a half hour drive to Jimmy's parent's house from your place so she should be home by now," Beth answered.

"I'm going to go out searching for her," Xavier said.

"No, Xavier, wait. Let Mage and I try to get a hold of her, she might have needed some time alone to think about what happened last night between you guys," Beth told him.

"She told you?" Xavier asked.

"Yes. I'll call you back in an hour," Beth answered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Xavier, it's Beth. Mage and I couldn't get a hold of Raven, so we scryed for her. I've showed the address she's at to Cole and it isn't good. She's at Griffin's," Beth told Xavier. "Mage and I are going after her, meet us there in an hour," she added before hanging up the phone. Xavier pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it before he let out a bellow of anger and threw the receiver against the wall. Xavier grabbed his leather jacket and stormed out the front door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Why are you doing this?" Raven wanted to know, her eyes red and puffy. She was scared, damned scared and Griffin could see it when he looked at her. 

"That damned were bastard fucked my sister until he knocked her up and his damned spawn killed my sister! Now he's got another girl and he's going to do the same damn thing to you!" Griffin exclaimed.

"But why have you kidnapped me?" Raven asked, her eyes wide as saucers. 

"He loves you, I can tell. I saw the way he looked at you yesterday. He loves you more than he ever loved Tara, he just doesn't know it yet," Griffin sneered.

"What are you going to do?" Raven was hysterical now. Griffin took a step back, a wicked grin on his face. 

"I'm going to make you mine," Griffin said as he began to change. Raven fought against the restraints that kept her tied to the table but it was no use, there was no escaping her fate.

"What are you?" Raven gasped as Griffin stood before her, a giant black panther.

"I was bit by a were panther last year." Griffin patted her legs, which, thank to the restraints were splayed open.

"What are you doing?" Raven's mouth was so dry she could nearly form words as Griffin ran his paw over her pussy.

"I'm going to knock you up Raven," Griffin told her. He pushed on the edge of the table, turning it around so that Raven was facing the floor. He pushed on another spot which raised her ass up in the air.

"No!" Raven exclaimed as she felt Griffin mount her from behind.

"Yes!" Griffin growled, as he bit her neck as he thrust into her hard and fast, the spines on his cock hurt going in and made Raven scream. "That's it baby, scream for me! Xavier will just love that!" Griffin's hot breath was on her ear before he returned to biting her neck as he pumped in and out of her.

"Stop!" Raven begged.

"Not until I know you're pregnant! Nobody will ever find out that you're here, it's too remote," Griffin sneered.

"Please!" Raven whimpered. She closed her eyes and tried to block out what was happening to her, the pain she was feeling and the helplessness. Raven could feel his cock, hard and wide moving in and out of her, the pain of it had her hyperventilating and wishing Xavier was there to save her. "Stop!" Raven gasped, trying to get her arms free so she could stop him, but all she succeeded in doing was chafing the skin at her wrists as Griffin continued his rough treatment. With a roar of satisfaction, Griffin came deep within her, spurt after spurt. Hot tears streamed down Raven's face, making her wince as they dripped into the cuts and scratches on her cheek from where the stone of Griffin's fraternity ring had cut her when he smacked her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I thought you said she was here?" Xavier asked Beth when he met them out front of an abandoned building.

"That's what the scrying showed," Beth answered, barely holding her panic in check.

"Where the fuck is she Beth? Griffin is so bitter about Tara's death that he would do anything to get back at me for it!" Xavier exclaimed.

"I don't know Xave. Tara's death wasn't your fault!" Beth reminded her brother.

"Beth, I found something!" Mage's voice was full of panic as she held up a piece of bloody fabric. Beth and Xavier hurried towards her. Beth's eyes met Raven's, her face was pale.

"It's Raven's. She was wearing it today," Beth whispered. Xavier's roar of anger bellowed through the night.

"We'll find her," Mage promised, placing a hand on Xavier's shoulder.

"I can't lose another mate," Xavier's voice was hollow and full of anger as they left the property.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Raven woke up with a groan. Her head throbbed, her mouth was dry and her thighs were sticky. She shivered when she felt something brushing gently along the inside of her pussy.

"It's about time you woke up."

"Please let me go!" Raven pleaded.

"I can't do that. Not until I'm sure you're pregnant. Then I'm going to return you to your mate and make him watch you carry my children. Maybe you'll die the same way Tara died!" Griffin snapped.

"I'm not a weak person," Raven retorted.

"Physically, maybe not, but emotionally, you're a train wreck!" Griffin said with a laugh. "I can see why Xavier was attracted to you, you are a beautiful woman," he added. Raven tensed as she felt the head of his cock enter her slowly.

"Stop!" Raven begged.

"No way!" Griffin said with an evil grin. His grin widened as Raven began screaming in pain as the barbs on his cock began piercing into her still tender flesh. "Go ahead and scream, it turns me on!" Griffin added. 

-Meanwhile-

"Xavier, stop fidgeting," Beth scolded, smacking his hand away when he started to run it through his hair. 

"I can't help it. What if they won't give me Jenny?" Xavier asked. They began the walk up the driveway.

"They will. I've already spoken to them. They just wanted me or Mage to come because they've never met you. Jimmy's parents know what your family is and Raven has kept them in the loop as far as what's been happening in her life, and you're no exception. They've wanted to meet you for awhile," Beth assured him as she knocked on the door.

"Hi Beth," Jimmy's mother greeted them with a smile.

"Hi Gloria. How's Jenny?" Beth asked.

"She misses Raven. Have you found her yet?" Gloria asked.

"No, she's still missing. All we found when we got to the property is a bloody shirt," Beth answered. Gloria let them in and closed the door behind them. "Gloria, this is Xavier," Beth introduced.

"It's nice to meet you Xavier. I just wish it was under better circumstances," Gloria told Xavier, giving him a kind smile.

"Jimmy was a nice guy. I'm sorry you lost him," Xavier said. Gloria nodded as she studied Xavier closely.

"You love Raven," Gloria observed.

"Yes, I do," Xavier admitted.

"When you find her, take care of her," Gloria instructed. Xavier nodded and followed Gloria and Beth into the living room. "Xavier, this is Jacob, my husband," Gloria said.

"You want to take my Jenny back with you," Jacob accused.

"No disrespect intended sir, but I'm her step-father and when I find Raven, she's going to want her daughter back," Xavier said, his voice curtious but firm. Jacob and Xavier sized each other up while Beth and Gloria stood back, their faces both showed the concern and anxiousness they felt.

"Find Raven and bring her home," Jacob instructed.

"I will," Xavier promised. He and Beth left ten minutes later with Jenny and all of her stuff.

Beth helped Xavier get Jenny ready for bed. "I'll call you in the morning Xavier. I need to get back before the kids kill Cole," Beth promised.

"I'll be fine Beth, go home," Xavier said. Xavier's eyes followed Beth to the door. "Beth," Xavier called. Beth turned. "Thanks for the help."

"No problem. Call me if you need anything," Beth told him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Raven winced as she turned her wrists, free of her bonds for the first time in days. Griffin had gone out for supplies and warned Raven that she wouldn't be able to get away, but she knew she had to try. She had no idea how long she had been there, but she was hungry, thirsty, and she hurt like crazy. Raven wrapped the only thing she could find, a sheet, around her. "Darkness deepen, hide my flight, give me the power of sight at night," Raven chanted as she slipped out of the cabin. 

Raven paused next to a large tree and caught her breath. Her lungs were burning and every bone in her body hurt. Her muscles screamed and pleaded with her to stop; Raven took a sip of water from one of the bottles she had snagged from the cabin. She wouldn't allow herself to linger and as soon as she had caught her breath, Raven was on the move again. After several more minutes, Raven reached the road, her chest heaving with exhaustion; days, possibly even weeks without being able to move had taken it's toll on her body and the only thing keeping her moving were thoughts of Jenny and Xavier. "God, please help me get home," Raven thought, lifting her head towards the sky. The moon was full so she was able to see fairly well and as a car headed towards her, Raven hid behind a tree; once she was positive it wasn't Griffin, she darted back out into the road, the car stopped, just inches from hitting her. The driver put the car in park and got out of the car. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" the driver demanded to know.

"Please help me sir! I've been kidnapped, kept in the cabin just over that rise. I need to get out of here!" Raven pleaded. The driver looked over Raven carefully before ushering her into the car.

"This is Xavier." 

"It's Raven. I'm at Mercy Memorial. Please come get me," Raven's voice shook as her body reacted to the sound of Xavier's voice.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes," Xavier promised.

"Raven!" Xavier's eyes were full of anger when he saw the cuts and bruises on her face.

"I'm okay Xavier," Raven's voice was soft, shaky. "Where's Jenny?" she wanted to know, anxious to hold her precious daughter.

"With Beth and Mage. They're out in the waiting room," Xavier answered.

"I want to go home," Raven whispered. Xavier smiled at that and brushed back a stray strand of hair; his smile faded and a low growl. "Xavier?" Raven was nervous now, the look on Xavier's face made her nervous and reminded her of an angry wolf chasing its prey.

"I'm not mad at you, Rave, but I can smell that bastard on you," Xavier said, the look in his eyes softening. Xavier sat down on the side of the bed. "What did he do?" Xavier wanted to know, dreading the answer.

"He raped me over and over. He said he wasn't going to let me go until I was pregnant with his child," Raven whispered. Xavier's fingers clenched into his hands, forming a fist with each one as anger and fear coursed through him. Before he could say anything else, two doctors walked into the room; Xavier recognized one of the doctors as Doctor Lewis, the woman who had delivered his nieces and nephews.

"This is Doctor Slate. He's new to my practice and when I heard that Raven was here, we came right over," Doctor Lewis said. She turned from Xavier to Raven. "What happened Raven?" she asked gently. Slowly, quietly, Raven told her tale and her voice trembled when she talked about the repeated rape, her fear grew as she felt Xavier's anger growing.

"How long was I with him?" Raven asked.

"Today is the eighteenth of July," Doctor Lewis said gently.

"I was missing for three weeks?" Raven asked, her eyes wide.

"I'm afraid so." The doctor turned to Xavier. "I know you're worried, but you're also angry and you have every right to be, but I need you to step out," she added.

"Like hell I will," Xavier growled. A hand dropped to his shoulder and Xavier whirled around and nearly beat the shit out of Cole.

"Xavier, Raven can't be hurt here. Doctor Lewis just needs to look Raven over and given how understandably angry you are, you're making Raven nervous," Cole told his brother. Xavier glanced at Raven and felt his anger flair again when he saw the bruises on her beautiful face.

"I'm okay Xavier. Go with Cole, please," Raven's voice was just slightly above a whisper and Xavier reluctantly followed his brother out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Xavier was allowed back in the room, Beth and Mage were sitting in chairs surrounding Raven's bed and Raven was holding a sleeping Jenny. The sight made Xavier smile.

"How are you doing?" he asked, feeling awkward. He was still angry at Griffin, but he knew he had to keep is calm.

"I'm better," Raven answered, a small smile on her face. Everyone looked up as Doctor Lewis walked back into the room.

"I have the results of your pregnancy test," Doctor Lewis began. Raven swallowed hard. "Raven, when did you go on birth control?" she wanted to know.

"Right after I took the plan B birth control," Raven answered. "Why?"

"I ran the test three times and they all came back negative. You're not pregnant," Doctor Lewis said with a smile. Tears of relief filled Raven's eyes as she let out the breath she was holding.

"That's great," Xavier said, some of his anger melting away; Griffin had taken what was his, but he had failed in his objective.

"When can I go home?" Raven wanted to know.

"I would prefer you to stay at least over night, but if you go back to the compound, I can get your discharge papers," Doctor Lewis answered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Griffin sensed something was off the moment he stepped out of his truck and it had him hurrying towards the cabin. "Hello Griffin. I hear you like to kidnap innocent women." 

"Hello Dominic. Charles," Griffin greeted.

"She isn't here Griffin. And you will leave her alone," Charles told the man. He let Griffin open the door and see for himself.

"Where is she? Griffin wanted to know.

"Home with her mate and her child," Dominic answered.

"And she isn't pregnant," Charles added.

"I've had her here for three weeks! I could smell her body ovulate!" Griffin shouted. Charles held up a small yellow packet. 

"Birth control. Raven doesn't want another child right now," Charles answered.

"Now you will leave my daughter alone," Dominic said.

"Or what?" Griffin shifted, Dominic followed suit.

"I'm larger and stronger than you boy. You leave my son and my daughter alone or I will tear your throat out," Dominic threatened.

"He deserves to suffer for killing my sister!" Griffin bellowed.

"It isn't Xavier's fault that Tara couldn't handle delivery Griffin, deep down, I think you know that," Charles said. He left bad for Griffin that his sister had died in child birth, but Griffin had crossed the line the minute he took Raven and forced her.

"I'll have my revenge Dominic. Mark my words, I'll have my revenge," Griffin promised. Dominic growled and gave one swipe with his large paw,slicing Griffin's face open.

"Come near my family again and I'll kill you," Dominic promised before he shifted back to human form and he and Charles got in their car and drove away.

CHAPTER SIX

"Great party," Raven commented as Mage came up to her.

"You look great Rave!" Mage exclaimed, giving her cousin a tight hug.

"Thanks," Raven said with a shy smile.

"How are things with Xavier?" Mage wanted to know.

"Things are good. He's been so patient and treating me like I'm going to break or something. Its actually a bit annoying," Raven answered. Mage laughed. "I actually think I'm falling in love with him, but then I feel guilty because I feel like I'm betraying Jimmy," Raven added.

"Jimmy would want you to be happy. I've seen Xavier with Jenny and I have seen how you look at him. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time and Xavier was clearly meant to be a father," Mage told her cousin gently. Raven nodded, her eyes searched the room until she saw Xavier standing with Cole and Rogue and her stomach clenched as desire flooded her. "Don't let him get away," Mage advised.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Morning," Xavier said as he carried a tray of food into the bedroom.

"What's all this?" Raven wanted to know, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"Breakfast. I want you to just relax for awhile. I promise I won't rush you to do anything," Xavier answered. Raven gave him a small smile as Xavier placed the tray over her legs.

"I'm not going to break Xavier. I've been home for almost two months. The bruises are gone, and so are the cuts. I'm healing. You've been so amazing," Raven murmured. "I know you still want to have sex with me," she added.

"I thought I was hiding my lust better," Xavier said with a slight grin.

"You should stop spooning with me if you want to hide that," Raven suggested. Xavier grinned sheepishly as he reached out to tuck a curl behind her ear.

"Sorry." Xavier started to stand up but Raven reached for his hand, stopping him.

"Stay," Raven murmured. Xavier nodded and sat back down, watched as Raven nibbled on her toast. When she finished eating, she moved the tray to the floor. "Is Jenny still with Gloria?" she asked.




A New Beginning Ch. 05-06



"Until tonight after dinner," Xavier confirmed. "Why?" he wanted to know.

"Just curious," Raven murmured. "I think I'm going to take a shower," she added. Xavier groaned softly. Raven tilted her head a little and smiled slightly. "Would you like to help me?" she asked, an innocent look on her face.

"Are you sure?" Xavier asked. Raven smiled and nodded before walking towards the bathroom.

Raven let out a small squeak when she felt Xavier's arms wrap around her. "It's just me," he murmured.

"I know. You just move so quietly," Raven's voice was soft. Xavier chuckled and reached around her to turn on the water; warm water cascaded over both of them. Raven shivered as Xavier placed his hands on her shoulders before sliding them slowly down her arms. 

"Turn around," Xavier's voice rumbled huskily in her ear. Raven turned to face him and gasped as Xavier's hands cupped her breasts gently. "If I move too fast for you, let me know," he told her. Raven nodded and closed her eyes with a moan as Xavier began playing lightly with her nipples, turning them into hard points. "God Raven, you're so beautiful," Xavier groaned before he dipped his head and sucked lightly on one of her nipples. Raven made a mewling noise and arched against him. He slid his now free hand down her flat stomach, past her hips and to her soft opening.

"Please," Raven whispered, squirming against him. Xavier chuckled against her breast as he dipped two fingers gently inside her. Raven whimpered and squirmed against him. Xavier chuckled again and pushed his fingers deeper while he stroked her clit with his thumb. Her body felt like it was on fire as Xavier pulled her closer to him. Raven slipped her hand between them and took his achingly hard cock in her hand; he groaned against her breast and closed his eyes as she began stroking him. "More," Raven begged. Xavier slid a third finger inside her and slowly, using only one finger at a time made the 'come here' gesture. Raven cried out as the sensations built within her. There was a warning going on in the back of her mind but she ignored it, only wanting to burn. Xavier pulled his mouth away from her breast and kissed her hard, his tongue delved between her lips and met with hers. Raven whimpered in protest as Xavier pulled his fingers out of her sopping pussy. He grinned and kissed her again before lifting her up and setting her on the ledge. "What are you doing?" Raven asked. Xavier chuckled, changed the flow type on the shower head to massage and tilted it so that the water poured gently over Raven's very sensitive nipples. She whimpered and looked at him pleadingly. Xavier grinned at her and gently pulled her legs apart, knelt between them, pressed his lip against her pussy and thrust his tongue within her. Raven cried out and her bottom came off of the ledge. Xavier laughed against her pussy, the vibration of his laugh assaulted her clit causing her to moan loudly. "Xavier!" Raven gasped, quickly becoming overwhelmed by the sensations flooding her body. It had been too long and she knew she wouldn't last long. She closed her eyes as his tongue delved inside her, retreated, licked her clit and delved inside her again. Raven's hand found is cock and began pumping it.

"Raven," Xavier rumbled.

"Please Xavier," Raven whimpered. Xavier grinned as he continued his teasing and had to think of his parents having sex to keep from cumming as Raven came loudly.

"Are you okay?" Xavier asked as stood up. Raven nodded, her face flushed, her eyes sparkling.

"More," Raven demanded.

"What?" Xavier asked with a teasing smile. Raven pulled her towards him until his cock rested at her opening. "Rave, are you sure?" Xavier asked in concern.

"I need you Xavier, please," Raven's voice was breathless, like she had run a marathon.

"Are you absolutely sure?" Xavier wanted to know.

"I love you Xavier," Raven's voice shook and Xavier studied her carefully, his grin widened when he realized Raven was telling the truth. "Please make love to me," Raven whispered. Xavier pulled her towards him until her ass rested on the edge of the shelf and plunged deep within her. Raven tensed as Xavier made a few thrusts. 

"It's too soon," Xavier said, beginning to pull out.

"NO!" Raven exclaimed, wrapping her legs around his waist.

"Rave," Xavier began.

"Just go slow, please," Raven murmured, pleading with her eyes. Xavier kissed her gently and brushed his thumb across her cheek before cupping her breast again and toying with her nipple gently. 

Slowly, gently, Xavier began thrusting inside her while his tongue dueled with hers. Raven moaned loudly as his balls brushed by her clit, sending pleasure through her. Xavier took that as a sign to thrust faster and Raven arched against him with a loud cry as he brushed her g-spot. "Oh God!" Raven wailed. Xavier grinned, lowered his head to her breast and sucked on her already hard nipple, increasing the sensations being caused by the feeling of him sliding in and out of her. Xavier moaned as the walls of her pussy clenched around him; Raven tightened the grip her legs had on his waist, her nails dug into the skin on his upper back as she felt her orgasm barreling towards her. Xavier could feel his knot growing, and couldn't help the feeling of intense satisfaction rush through him. He pulled his mouth off of her breast and looked at her. "Rave, this may be uncomfortable," he warned, feeling his knot attach itself to her walls. Raven's eyes widened as her mind flashed back to how it felt when Griffin had raped her and she began to struggle against Xavier. "Raven! Relax! You need to relax or it will hurt more!" Xavier exclaimed. He held her head still and waited until she looked him in the eyes. "Listen to me Raven. It's okay love. It's the only trait of the werewolf that transcends to when I'm a human. It's a knot that keeps us together. It's nature's way of ensuring that I get my mate pregnant. It will stop hurting in a minute, I promise, but you have to stop fighting me," Xavier said gently. Raven stopped struggling and Xavier returned to sucking on her breast as he thrust gently within her. When Raven began moaning again, he increased the speed and intensity of his thrusts until she was writhing against him. 

"Harder!" Raven gasped, pulling him closer, her legs still wrapped around his waist. Her eyes closed as he hit her g-spot continuously with each thrust. Raven could feel it building with in her, Xavier's wolf could sense that she was close and without thinking, he did what came naturally to him; he began to shift to his hybrid. Raven gasped as his cock swelled more than she imagined it could within her. It hurt, but it was a delicious hurt, she'd never felt as full as she did in that exact moment and she couldn't get enough. Xavier growled loudly as he began thrusting harder and deeper within her. Raven's breaths were coming in pants, her eyes were closed and her nails were digging once more into his shoulder. 

"Cum for me Rave," Xavier's deep voice rumbled in her ear as he gave one more strong thrust. The dam broke and Raven screamed loudly as she came; the muscles of her pussy clamped down on his cock, he groaned as he felt her body convulse around him and he bit down on her shoulder, savoring the taste of her blood as it flowed into her mouth. Raven's eyes widened as her orgasm intensified; the octave of her scream increased as Xavier came in hot and heavy spurts within her. Xavier lifted his head and felt guilty at biting her. His thoughts troubled him as he sealed the bite marks closed. "Are you okay?" Xavier asked her. Raven blinked once and she just smiled at him. "Raven? Say something. Did I hurt you?" he wanted to know. Raven shook her head. "Are you okay?" Xavier was growing more worried by the minute that he'd hurt her. "Say something," Xavier repeated.

Raven smiled at him and said, "Wow."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How was it?" Beth asked the next day when she saw the look on Raven's face. Raven blushed.

"Amazing," Raven's answer was soft, just above a whisper.

"What happened?" Mage asked, looking from one girl to the other.

"Xavier and I made love last night," Raven answered.

"Ohh," Mage said with a grin. The three girls stopped talking as Cole and Xavier walked into the room, their parents behind them.

"What's going on?" Beth wanted to know.

"Xavier said that the two of you have agreed to stay mated," Dominic began. Raven nodded.

"I don't know what I was so afraid of," Raven admitted. Dominic smiled at his newest daughter.

"He also told me that he bit you," Dominic gave his son a disapproving smile.

"Yes," Raven answered, glancing at Xavier. The look on his face was unreadable but he gave her a reassuring smile. "What's the big deal?" Raven wanted to know.

"Xavier is one of the few men in our family that can change someone with his bite," Dominic told Raven. The blood drained from Raven's face.

"You mean I'm going to turn into a werewolf?" Raven whispered.

"Yes," Marie said gently. Raven turned to Xavier and she instantly recognized the look on his face; he was afraid she would regret her decision to stay mated to him and that she would hate him. Marie motioned for Beth, Cole and Dominic to leave the living room.

"I'm sorry Rave. I didn't mean for things to go that far," Xavier said, watching Raven as she stood up and walked next to him.

"I meant it when I said I love you. I love all of you, not just your human half. I'm glad that this wasn't something you had planned, but it's okay Xavier," Raven murmured. Xavier gave a sigh of relief and Raven kissed him.

"There's something else you should know," Xavier said when they pulled apart.

"What's that?" Raven asked.

"Birth control doesn't work on the mated. You are, most likely given how hot and heavy things were last night, pregnant with one or more of my children," Xavier told her. Raven paled at that but after a moment, she shrugged.

"What's one or two more? Just as long as it isn't four," Raven said with a grin.



A New Beginning Ch. 05



*******A big thank you to everyone who read and commented on the previous chapter.
This is the 5th chapter in Alannah’s journey with a new Dom and His female companion, it can be read as a stand alone, but will make far more sense if the previous chapters are read first.
A huge thank you to my editor. Alaska is a much warmer place since I found some firewood…..I just hope he doesn't ask me where his canes are….  
This chapter contains bondage.***********


I woke the next morning feeling refreshed and energetic, my sleep had been dreamless and deep. I had a cats lick and a promise and threw on my leggings and Jets jersey for lack of anything else; I really did need some more clothes. I heard Silky knocking on my door, thankful she was going to guide me back to the kitchen. I followed her down the maze of corridors, looking forward to the guided tour later in the day, if only so I could find my way to the kitchen on my own!

Breakfast was a repeat of yesterdays, with a couple of subtle differences, the table was not so full now that MA knew my preferences and I managed to keep my tongue in check and my elbows off the table. I was joining in the conversation yet my mind kept drifting off to the prospect of heading back to my home, or rather my old home.

.
“Alannah precious, do you want to go back to your place and pick up the rest of your gear? As much as I like you wandering round in just a jersey, you really do need more variety!” Once again it seemed as though he could see into my thoughts.

I paused, this was the moment, the time to commit myself fully to living here with Him and Silky. To close the door on my old life and start the tentative steps to a new happier future.
I realised with a jolt that I had answered my own concerns.

“Yes Master, I’m ready Sir.” I smiled and I meant it with all my heart, I was ready for the next chapter in my life to begin.

“Come on then little one, I drive you navigate. Ok?”

I suddenly remembered leaving my car outside his house the other evening, wondering if by chance someone had stolen it. I had taken to leaving the keys in it at one point but it seems even  car thieves have standards!

“I took the liberty of moving your car to one of my garages.” He smirked, “easily done since the keys were still in the ignition!”

Ah it seems I still had that bad habit, looking sheepish I glanced up at Him. “Thank you Sir, I really must stop doing that, and I appreciate you driving Sir.” Apart from the fact His car was bound to be a damn sight nicer than mine, I knew that returning to the house that held the last links to Dietmar would invariably bring up emotions that probably wouldn’t be sensible to drive under the influence of.

“Ah but there was an ulterior motive to me offering to drive.” He chuckled, “I must admit  I wasn’t looking forward to a trip in your car!”

“No Master, I never look forward to a trip in my car either Sir!”

“Come on then precious, lets get the day started, if we delay the guided tour much longer Silky will have my head on a plate.”

I grinned as we said our goodbyes to Silky and headed for the garage. I whistled slowly as the garage door opened; sat inside was a brand new reg plate Skoda Octavia VRS. I can almost hear you scoffing now...Skoda??? But trust me since they were bought by Audi they no longer use elastic bands. It was the most gorgeous azure blue colour and I knew the 1.8 turbo petrol engine was more than sufficient to beat most other family sized hatchbacks off the line and surprise the heck out of the majority of boy racers.

“I thought we would use Betsy today, as you can fit a fair amount in her boot, we could use the DB9 if you like, as long as you promise not to pack more than one bag!” He finished with a chuckle!

A DB9!!!…. again I found my mouth dropping open, now I had a tough decision did I vote for the luxury of the Aston or the practicality of the VRS. Normally I am the least practical person when it comes to cars, actually when it comes to most things, but something in the back of my mind was niggling away. Closing my eyes to try and pull the thought to the front, I blurted out “Betsy Sir, please.”
Shoes! That had been the thought, if I had gone for beauty over practicality I would only have been able to fill one bag with shoes, and I had enough pairs to float a battleship, there was no way I was going to leave any behind!

Walking behind Him as He wandered over to the passenger door I couldn’t help but look at His bum, His jeans fitting perfectly, a lovely taut touchable ass. I tilted my head just as He opened the passenger door for me. He didn’t say a word as a blush spread across my cheeks, but from the look in His eye I knew I had been caught in the act!

“Jump in my little insatiable one, let’s get this show on the road!”

Grinning to myself I hopped in, the cold leather of the seat permeating through my thin leggings; oh good, something to cool me down I thought. I couldn’t look at Master without feeling the tell tale signs of arousal and longing streak through my very being.

The journey was short and uneventful, the satnav programmed and the radio station in the background playing songs from the 70’s and 80’s. Now normally I would have been singing along full pelt, with the windows up so I didn’t scare the local wildlife, but today I was silent. I was confused. Here I was sitting next to the handsome MA, my new Master and my body was aroused to the point of distraction, yet I wasn’t distracted enough take away the knowledge that in the next hour I would be walking away from a house that had been home for many years. A happy home filled with love and desire and the sound of a crop hitting flesh. I smiled to myself, guess the arousal was more integrated with the confusion than I thought.

“Here we are precious.” His words bringing my head up and glancing out the window.

Yep here we were, now all I had to do was calmly get out the car, walk up the path and decide which bits of my past I wanted to take to my future.

“This is your house isn’t it little one?”

I failed at the first hurdle; the getting out the car part suddenly seemed like an impossible task, let alone doing it calmly.

“Yes Master, it is.” My voice sounded like it was coming from far away, like a distant echo.

“Would you like Me to come in with you, or is it something you need to do alone. I am happy with whatever choice you make.” He hesitated at this point, “ I wasn’t going to tell you till afterwards, but I have arranged for everything you leave today to be placed in storage, and I have paid the rent on the property for  the next 3 months.”

“Master?” One word loaded with all the questions going through my mind, a look of sadness flitted across my face.

“Shit, sorry little one, I put that badly didn’t I?” Smacking the front of His head with His hand as if to chastise himself, a wry smile on His lips. “I wanted you to have the knowledge that if at any point in the next 3 months you want to leave, you have an out, a familiar place to go. I sincerely hope you don’t feel the need to escape from us, but I didn’t want you to feel trapped with nowhere to run to. I also don’t want you to worry about leaving the stuff you don't need to bring, being left in an uninhabited house.”

His words calming my fears instantly, He hadn’t said it because He didn’t think I would fit it to His home. He had been thinking of me.
I had never moved in with anyone before. Dietmar had moved in with me, so I always had the knowledge that if everything went wrong I would always have a roof over my head. The hardest part of the decision to present myself at His door the other night had been leaving my home. Now I had 3 months to decide if this relationship would stand the tests of time. I felt the tension leave my body, giving me the courage and confidence to raise my head and look into His eyes.

“Thank you Master, that means a great deal to me, and I would prefer to pack my gear on my own.” Confident as I felt, I was still aware this task was not going to be easy.
I reached to pull the door handle and pushed the door open, swinging my legs out I gently placed them on the ground; they felt like I had just stolen them from Bambi! Slow, steady, deliberate movements saw me walking up the path to my front door, taking a long deep breath I slotted the key in the lock and entered what had been my home in the UK  for the past 10 years. I had only been gone 2 days, yet it seemed a lifetime ago.

I knew what I wanted to take with me, and quickly threw half my wardrobe into a suitcase and all my shoes into two large bags! I filled a couple of boxes with miscellaneous junk and choose  which books I wanted to take.  I paused as I got to the bedside cabinet at the side of our bed, the top drawer seemed to call to me, almost daring me to open it. I am and always have been a sucker for a bet. I moved to place my hand on the handle and wrenched it open before I had a chance to change my mind. My hand shaking as I delved into the open drawer and felt the frame beneath my fingers, lifting it out I turned it over and found myself staring into the dark brown eyes of my dead Master. The tears started flowing, my legs gave way without warning and I slumped to the ground. I sat there staring at the photo unaware of time passing.

“Hey little one, hush baby” His words barely audible and His touch so soft as He sat down next to me. His hand resting gently on my arm in an attempt to stop the tremors that seemed to have taken hold of my entire body.

I couldn’t speak, nor could I take my eyes from the picture. It was like I could see the whole of that day as clear as watching a movie at the pictures. We had been on holiday in America and on our last day we had gone to one of the large Disney water parks and reverted to our childhood. I must have smiled as I remembered how silly and daft we had been, going on all the slides, floating round the lazy river on oversized rubber rings and generally splashing about like 5 year olds.

“That’s better precious, all too often we forget the good times, focus on those sweetheart. I am positive Dietmar would rather you think of Him and smile as opposed to cry.”

I nodded still not trusting myself to speak, but His words made sense. Dietmar would be the last person in the world who would want to make me cry, well not in sadness anyway! Our lives had been filled with laughter and fun, I owed it to Him to try and move on. I took a last look at the photograph and placed it with care in my case. I knew it would be a while before I was ready to put it out on display, but there was no way I could leave it behind.

MA stood and held out his hand to me, I clasped it  in mine, the warmth flooding through my body. As I stood His arms held me steady, His lips brushed my forehead a simple gesture, but one that meant more to me than any words could have. I pulled away from the caress suddenly eager to get home. The word home was not lost on me, a small smile played on my lips as I looked him directly in His gorgeous grey eyes.

“Take me home please Sir.”

The word was not lost on Him either as he picked up my belongings, smiling the biggest smile and retook my hand leading me out the door and into the brightness of the fresh day outside.
I stopped halfway down the drive and looked back towards the garage. Today was not the right time but there was one last thing I needed to take with me.

“Sir, Would it be possible for you to bring me back tomorrow please? There is something else I need but it won't fit in your car Sir.”

“Yes sure precious, you going to enlighten me or keep me in suspense?” His words curious as he waggled His eyebrows comically at me.

“I will give you a clue Sir.” I managed to mumble through my laughter as I turned and ran back to the front door.

I quickly ran up the stairs to the cupboard that held the clue that would no doubt give the game away. Grabbing the suit-carrier and blue bag that lived in there I made my way back down to where Master was still stood in the middle of the path. His eyes lit up as He immediately recognised what was in my hands.

“Well well little one, you are full of surprises! Tomorrow it is precious and I may even get my own back! Now lets get the car loaded and get back to Silky, patience isn't one of her strong point either.”

Silky was waiting for us as we pulled up outside the house, Master jumped out retrieving my belongings from the boot and placing them inside the vestibule. I was still smiling as Silky gathered me into a huge snuggle, the pair of us jumping up and down with excitement.

“Silky I think now may be a good time to give Alannah the guided tour, you can start by helping her with her cases to her bedroom and start from there. I will meet you in the kitchen in half an hour and take over the tour from there.”

I caught the wink He gave her but was too caught up in my happiness to wonder what it meant.

“Come on then pet, let’s get started.” Her words few but filled with impatient exuberance.

“Lead on Silky.” I laughed, following her along the hall and up the stairs, dragging my case behind me wondering just why I had thought it necessary to bring all my shoes with me.  

The way Silky moved betrayed her feelings, she was transparent in her excitement, every step she took, every word she spoke, her joy oozed from every pore. She obviously loved this house and the pride shone through as we flitted from room to room.
I was still convinced that I would need a map, or a trail of breadcrumbs but I couldn't help but be caught up in her enthusiasm.
I must admit thought that many of her detailed descriptions of the rooms didn't permeate  my brain, I was too consumed by committing the routes to memory.

“And this is Master’s bedroom.”

This snapped me from my map making, as I looked round the room, that Silky had been so eager to spend the evening in last night.
The room itself was very masculine with cream walls with the fire breast wall painted in a deep rich red. There was a noticeable absence of pictures or knick knacks around. A single bedside lamp sat on a cabinet beside a metal frame bed with scroll work head and foot boards. I took a last look round the room sensing Silky’s eagerness to move on with  the tour. An image of being tied spread eagled and helpless to the corners of the bed passed quickly through my mind and I shook my head to clear the thought.

“Right then, next is my bedroom.” Silky smiled, “Howay pet lets go!”

I followed her footsteps down the landing till we reached yet another door, she swung it open with gusto and stood aside. I looked round the room in awe, it was as far from Masters bedroom as Pluto from the sun! The best way to describe it was pink and fluffy with enough trinkets to open a gift shop.

“So what do you think?” Her words unsure, her voice hesitant as if seeking my approval.

Now pink and fluffy is so not my thing, but it was pretty and tastefully done, well as tasteful as anyone can make feather boas and strings of beads look.

“Its breathtaking Silky and so very you, I think its perfect.” I wasn’t lying, it really was. “I hope I get to spend some time in here with you.”

“Oh I hope so too.” she beamed at me. “Well we have just enough time left to see the garden then we must meet Master so He can show you the basement.”

The basement! In mine and Dietmar’s home the basement had been converted into the playroom, a mini dungeon if you like. The cheeky grin that accompanied Silky’s words confirmed my suspicions. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up one by one and tiny shivers danced down my spine.

“Come on! Stop daydreaming or we will be late.”

“I’m sorry Silky I was just….”

“I know what you were just...and I don't blame you but we really shouldn't be late not when the next port of call is the playroom!”

Laughing we wandered quickly along yet another corridor that led to a set of stairs, a few twists and turns later we entered a room with a set of double patio doors that led out into a large garden.

“That building over there is the gym, I usually go every morning before breakfast, so once you have settled in and our routine goes back to normal, you can join me if you want.”

“Oh yes please Silky, that would be great.” I had been meaning to ask about an exercise routine. I was used to training daily and had missed the satisfaction of a good workout the past two days. I corrected myself quickly a good non-sexual workout that was.

The garden itself was magnificent, conifers lined the entire area affording a private open space. The lawn was lush and green with stunning borders filled with cottage garden style planting. Silky drew my attention to a kitchen garden that was filled with different varieties of vegetables and herbs.

“Master looks after the lawned areas and I tend to the flowers, I found I had green fingers and a talent for growing our dinner.” She was laughing as she said this, but it was obvious she was proud of herself.

“Its just beautiful Silky, you are very clever, I can kill a cactus so I envy you your talent.”

She blushed and carried on with the running commentary, pointing out a summer house, a large BBQ and decked area. I caught sight of two stainless steel dog bowls set out on the decking. I had always had dogs as a child growing up on a farm, when I left home I no longer had the time to commit to the care a dog required but working with them had made up for not being able to have one as a pet. I was pretty sure Master didn’t have a pet dog, as I had seen no sign that a canine lived in the house.


“Are you two finished yet?” Came the deep rich tones of Master hailing from the patio doors.

“Yes Master, we were just on our way back to meet you Sir.” Silky replied. I forgot about the mystery of the out of place dog bowls, thoughts of the playroom flooding my mind.


The three of us walked back to the kitchen. I was pretty sure I could now find my way from the garden to the kitchen if nowhere else. I loved the Kitchen the most out of all the rooms in the house, It was warm, cosy and a place for family to gather.

“Right then, Silky a light lunch today if you please. I’m going to finish the tour with the basement so we should be back in about ½ hour.”

“Yes Master, I will have lunch ready for us by then.” she was already bustling round opening cupboards and arranging plates on the countertop.

“Follow me then little one, I think you will like the next room a lot!” The mischievous smile was matched by the twinkling in his eyes.

He led me over to a door that was just off the kitchen, and swung it open with a flourish, pulling a cord and the bare stone steps down were immersed in light.The walls were made from brick and made everything look stark and barren.

“You first little one.” A hint of humour laced the stern command.

I carefully held the banister rail as I walked down the stairs, my eyes almost popping out their sockets as I scanned the room before me. The floor was made from the same grey stone that made up the staircase, although there was a pile of cushions, beanbags and kneeling mats stacked in the corner nearest the entrance. Chains and U shaped securing points were evident in strategic places all around. It was a huge space that must have stretched under the whole of the house.

There was so much equipment, I was sure He had just ordered everything in a do it yourself dungeon catalogue. A wooden St Andrews cross dominated one corner, various benches and stocks were dotted around the expanse. Large wooden cupboards that were no doubt filled with unseen goodies loomed large in the background; racks on the walls held crops, paddles, whips, floggers and canes of various lengths and widths.
A tall cage sat next to a smaller cage in another corner, with a bondage chair and medical table looking very much at home next to them. A wooden pony sat in pride of place in the centre of the room facing an oversized clock that hung on the wall. It had a bright white face and black minute and hour hands with a vivid red second hand. The tick tock echoed through the room. It was placed so it could be seen from every piece of equipment in the dungeon.




A New Beginning Ch. 05



“OH MY GOD! Sir!” I all but hollered, “WOW Master, its.. its..its amazing!” I finally managed to stammer semi coherently.

My cunt had started to pulse and throb the minute I had stepped off the last stair, and my imagination had pictured me on every piece of equipment as I had spotted them. I had not seen such a well stocked dungeon since well ever. Even the one in the club was nowhere near as full as this.

“I’m glad you approve little one, as I think you will get to spend a fair amount of time in here!” He chuckled. “In fact I think you should have a hands on demo this afternoon.”

“Oh, erm, well grand, dandy thanks Master.” I gulped, sod being coherent I was too excited at the prospect of being able to please him in the playroom to worry about that!

His laugh was accompanied by his hand resting on my arm leading me gently back up the stairs to the kitchen. Silky took one look at the pair of us and laughed.

“I’m guessing you liked what you saw Alannah!?”

“Mmmmm yeah.” I was still down in the basement in my thoughts, wondering what was going to happen after lunch.

“I don't think we are going to get much sense out of her at the moment Silky sweetie! Lets eat though as that looks wonderful and a bit of food may well bring her back to the present!”

As we took our seats at the table the conversation was barely registering, I answered questions with the briefest of answers and ate the lunch Silky had prepared. The excitement was mingling with a hint of fear which is what to me made submission so alluring. The venture into the great unknown, the relinquishing of power over your body to someone you trusted enough to value that gift. I trusted Master, but it would be our first real scene and I briefly wondered if I was ready for it.

“Thank you Silky, that was a wonderful lunch, I think an hour relaxing in the garden is in order before this afternoon's session begins. I never like to play on a full stomach.”

My heart sank further into my chest, it had been sitting in my throat since returning from the basement. I knew it was sensible to let my lunch go down but I just wanted to get the session started.

“Silky leave the cleaning up till afterwards, you can do that whilst me and Alannah are otherwise occupied.” I could here the teasing in his voice.

The next hour was quite possibly the longest hour of my life, time seemed to go backwards every time I looked at my watch. Master and I were sat on a matched pair of reclining sun loungers in their upright position as Silky demonstrated the various positions that she was meant to have shown me yesterday, before our bath got slightly out of hand. Thankfully they were the same positions as Dietmar had taught me all those years ago, so I had more of a chance of remembering them in my distracted state. When she had finished she joined us on the deck, kneeling on a cushion beside Masters seat, His hand stroking her hair softly.

“So Alannah, before we head down to the playroom, I want you to feel comfortable with what's going to happen. I want you to be sure that you are ready to take that step.”

“Yes Master, I am ready Sir. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a touch nervous but I am ready Sir.”

“Good girl.” He smiled back at me. “I am going to push you a little today, we both need to find each others levels and what we enjoy. I want you to tell me your safe word again so you are in no doubt I know what it is.”

“Snowdrop Master.” I replied my voice strong and confident. My safe word was my safety net and saying out it loud had a calming effect on me.

“Right then, now all you have to do is remember it will stop the session with no consequences, understand?”

“Yes Maser. I will use it if I need to Sir.”

“Good, then I think its time to begin. Follow me! Silky once you have finished the dishes, your time is your own until we are through.”

I walked behind Him as He made His way back towards the kitchen, His steps steady and determined, mine a little shaky and slower. As we reached the door to the basement, I could feel my heart slamming against my chest and butterflies dancing a jig in my stomach.

“After you precious, mind your step.” His words lost in the haze that had consumed my mind.

I opened the door and set out down the staircase for the second time that day. My footsteps on the staircase seemed so loud as I descended towards the basement and what awaited me. I felt his hand resting gently on my back, His touch so gentle and full of care. My nerves were returning in force as I glanced around the room again, wondering what piece of equipment was to be used on me. I loved that phrase, ‘used on me’ a reminder that I was about to give control over my body to someone else. a spine tingling thought that had me clenching my thighs together to ease the ache that had suddenly taken over the area.

“ STRIP!” One word said in that distinct commanding tone a Dom saves for specific orders had me all but a puddle on the floor.

“Yes Sir” My hands already tugging at my clothes,I was all fingers and thumbs as I struggled to remove them. I was trained enough though to fold them and pile them neatly on a wooden chair situated near the bottom of the stairs, without really thinking what I was doing.



“I was thinking a nice little pony ride for this afternoons fun, don’t you agree little one?”  


I inhaled the largest breath my lungs could cope with as my eyes settled on the pony. My favourite piece of equipment ever! I half smiled as I remembered my first ride, Dietmar had set it up as a punishment. He soon found a better deterrent!  From that day onwards  it had become a large part of our scenes. One year as a birthday treat He had arranged for me to ride a metal pony at the club, centre stage, star act of the night. The best birthday present I had ever received.
Although Masters words had been framed as a question, I knew I wasn’t required to answer, He had chosen the pony and the ride would take place unless I safe worded and I was far from taking that step just yet.

Masters hands on my wrists brought me back to the moment as He fastened a pair of soft leather cuffs round each one in turn, my arms in front of me, the metal chain linking the two swaying gracefully.

“Ok so far little one?” A genuine concern in His words, settling any nerves I had instantly.

“Yes Sir.” I was on the verge of my first play session for almost a year, and a few misgivings had been flitting through my mind. The knowledge that He knew this had calmed them leaving only excitement behind.

“Good, now lets get this ride underway. I am so looking forward to seeing you enjoy yourself.”

I followed Him over to the Pony, a devious contraption made of several pieces of wood. I have seen many different types over the years, and this one was of a design I had not encountered before. I can only describe it as looking like a letter H with feet! The bar in the middle was made from two pieces of wooden slanted at the top edge. A closer look showed the bar to be sanded smooth and ever so slightly curved. It sat in a recess that travelled from around a foot from the bottom of the framework to about 6” from the top. Small chrome wing nuts seemed to secure it in position.

“Step on then precious and we will get you comfy.“ His chuckles leaving me in no doubt that His idea of comfortable was very different to mine.

Stepping over the middle bar I watched as He slipped a ring through the middle of the chain, taking my hands and raising them above my head. His arms reaching above me, I heard the tell tale clinking sound of metal as a further link of chain came into my view. The chains tautened as the ring was linked to the ceiling chain, my arms being pulled high above my head. I was standing on near tip toe by the time He finished making his adjustments.

“Still Ok precious?”

“Yes Sir” The tension in my arms and legs was noticeable but all I could focus on was the feelings of anticipation and desire that were building inside me.

“Good girl, next step is positioning the bar under than lovely cunt of yours, and then we are nearly ready for the fun to begin.”

A soft moan was all I could manage, as I felt the bar being raised until it pressed lightly against my lips.  A further adjustment increased the pressure as it nestled closer to my exposed sex.

“Oh My little gem, you look stunning, all stretched and almost ready.”

I wished I could see how I looked. It felt amazing, every part of my body felt like it was where it belonged. I jumped slightly as I felt his fingers parting my lips, the juices I had been leaking sticking them together. A small chuckle as he prised them apart made me blush slightly.

“Enjoying this so far I see, I wonder just how long that will last?” Another rhetorical question that I knew I need not answer.

A sharp tug on my outer labia caused me to gasp out loud, the unmistakable brief burning sensation as a clamp was snapped closed, flooded through my veins, followed by the same feeling as the other side was clamped. His fingers prying and adjusting as He made sure my lips sat either side of the bar. The wood now resting against the inside of my cunt, not deep enough to penetrate the entrance, but enough for my clit to feel every slight movement I made. I knew from experience I would be making a lot of movements soon enough.

“In the olden days weights were added to the victims ankles, me, now I much prefer to add them elsewhere. Any guesses where Alannah?”

“My..my..oh..my lips Sir.?”

“Which lips precious?, you really do need to learn to be more specific!”

“My cunt lips Sir, my outer labia Sir.” I was struggling to speak now, the added humiliation was sending my senses into overdrive, my breathing was quick and deep and I could feel the wood beneath me getting coated in my juices.

“Well done little one, that's exactly where I am going to add them, I love the way nice plump cunt lips look  when they are stretched, seeing the trickle of juice trail down them. Pure bliss my lovely little one.”

His fingers held my thick lips as He added the weights to both clamps, I held my breath as I waited for the release, a sharp quick jolt as His fingers released their grip and the weights hung free, swaying slightly. They were not heavy weights but enough for me to know they were there.

“Mmmmm oh you look beautiful little one, absolutely gorgeous. Are you still OK? This is the last time I will ask, from here on the only chance for you to stop the ride will be your safeword.”

“Yes Master ,I understand and Yes Sir I am Ok, thank You Sir.” I was babbling now, anxious and eager for the ride to begin.

I could feel the dull ache start to wash over the whole area that had contact with the bar, raising myself on top tiptoe helped, but had the side effect of making the weights swing, the clamps on my lips tugging with each motion. I watched the oversized clock on the wall of the playroom slowly tick round, the red seconds hand seeming to make jerky movements as it made its way round the face.

I pride myself on keeping fit, boxing  keeps me limber and toned, but standing on tiptoe for any length of time made me think I needed to up my training routine significantly. I was 5 minutes into the ride and I had to lower myself down onto the bar. The pressure returning as I did, the weights resuming their pendulum effect. My clit was hard and exposed and the wood felt like it was resting solely on that small part of my anatomy.

This relief was short lived and the discomfort soon returned. For the next 30 long minutes I followed the same pattern of standing on tiptoe till my legs shook from the effort and lowering myself as gently back down as I could manage. I was moaning and sighing in a mix of pain and pleasure, but from the amount of dampness I could feel coating the bar and the tops of my thighs the pleasure was still surpassing the pain.

“Ready to up the stakes little one, or should I say raise the bar?” His tone full of lust and amusement, a delicious mix that had my cunt leaking yet more moisture.

“Yes Master, mmmmm please Sir.” I babbled through my own lust and desire, I needed more, wanted to be pushed further. The urge to lose myself in the moment overtaking rational thought.

“Good Girl, remember Safe word will stop the session with no consequences, DO NOT be afraid to use it.”

“No Master, I wont be afraid Sir.” My voice deep and husky and not sounding like my own.

He moved from his vantage point to the side of the pony and grabbed the chain above my head, that metallic clinking sound filled me with a tummy tightening, cunt contracting sensation. I have always been a sucker for certain sounds and smells in a playroom, the scent of leather and the noise of metal being moved would be at the top of that list.

The aching in my arms returned, I had been so focused on the feelings in my legs and cunt that I had managed to ‘forget’ the arm pump, having them raised higher intensified that feeling and I wondered if I could manage to keep them there  much longer.
The next adjustment to my position had me switching my concern back to my cunt, my arms forgotten as  the bar was raised until it was securely buried between my lips. I was standing on tiptoe from the adjustment to my arms as it was, I had nowhere to go. The option to give myself relief, however brief had been taken away from me.
Master then undid the chain holding my arms aloft leaving me completely free standing, so I couldn’t even use my arms to pull myself up and relieve some of the tension. To stop me then using my hands to support my weight on the bar He cuffed them behind my back, leaving me naturally bent forward slightly and putting even more of my weight on my clit.

I wiggled my hips, transferring the weight of my body to the soft fleshy tissue of my perineum, breathing a sigh as the weight of the bar was removed from my super sensitive clit. The pressure was building again and I shifted and strained trying to find some comfort from the hard wood, either digging into my soft flesh or resting on the harder bony area of my clit. I was all but humping the bar by this point constantly moving and adjusting. The ache was now more pain than pleasure. My whole cunt area felt bruised and tender, my lips felt like they had swollen in size and well as length. Wherever I moved I could get no relief. My whole cunt from arsehole to clit felt as if it was on fire, the pain now completely in control. Sweat was stinging my eyes as it ran down from my forehead and my throat felt dry and hoarse with all the silent screaming and groaning that I was doing. This was now complete purgatory and I wondered how much longer He was going to keep me here. A glance at the clock through blurred eyes showed it had been three minutes, three poxy, fecking, measly minutes and I knew I was nearly at the point of collapse. I gritted my teeth and tried mentally to block the agonising shafts of hell going through my cunt and instead focused on the wall in front of me.

I watched the clock fingers tick tock their way around the face, trying to focus my thoughts on anything other than the pain surging through my tired, exhausted body. Every minute seeming like 5. It had been 10 minutes since Master had removed my ability to give myself some respite and I knew I couldn’t last another 10. The pain was intensifying by the second, every nerve ending had a life of its own, and none of them were happy. I wanted to please Him so much, wanted to prove I could last the session and make Him proud of me, but I could no longer deal with the pain that was ravaging my body.

“SNOWDROP!!” I heard my own voice scream out.

Before I had even completed the word, Master had jumped from His seat and was releasing my hands as He lifted me off the bar with his other arm tucked beneath my breasts. His breath on my neck as He whispered soothing sounds. I couldn’t make out individual words, the pain in my cunt all consuming.

Placing me on a soft bean bag on the floor, my ass sinking into the cool fabric, I felt my thighs being parted and the light pressure of Masters fingers removing  the clamps from my now puffy labia. The intense pain that comes when clamps are released brought me back to my senses, howling loudly and closing my legs. As soon as I clamped my legs together I realised my mistake, the whole area throbbed and pulsed. Masters hands quickly moved back to my legs pulling them gently apart, rubbing softly at my lips, the flow of blood that had rushed back to the area was settling down with the gentle caresses.

“Thank you Master, I’m sorry Sir.” Looking up into His eyes, I managed to utter breathlessly, needing to apologise for letting Him down.

“Shhhhh little one, you have absolutely nothing to apologise for. I told you I wanted to push you in this session and I needed to know that you are prepared to safe word. I cannot and will not ‘play’ with a sub who won’t. So not only did you look stunning on your ride, you proved to me that you trust Me, and hopefully I have proven that I deserve that trust.”

“Yes Master, you have Sir. I… I was never in any doubt that you deserved my trust Sir, and today has only intensified that Sir.” I wasn’t sure my words made sense, I just wanted to curl up and go to sleep.

He scooped me into his arms, careful to avoid any more pressure on my cunt area and carried me from the room. I closed my eyes, my head slumping against His shoulder. His steps seemed to send tiny vibrations through me, every pace causing me to moan softly.

“Nearly there precious.” His words soothing and filled with pride.

I felt myself being lowered and opened my eyes, finding myself in my bedroom. The memory foam mattress moulding to my body, I snuggled down feeling like I was wrapped in a giant hug, my eyelids fluttering as I tried to pay attention to what He was saying.

“I’m going to rub some soothing cream into your poor cunt, it may be a bit cold but it will help sweetheart.”

Once again I felt his fingers clasp my legs and spread them apart, the coolness of the air welcome on my hot cunt. I jumped as the first of the cream was applied to my outer labia, the cold making me shiver. His fingers continued to apply the cream, stroking all around the bruised swollen area. Small circular motions soothed the ache, the cold cream reducing the heat around my battered sex, but the sensations of His touch were causing a build-up of heat deep in my stomach. Conflicting emotions as His fingers continued to soothe and caress the now very tender area between my small tight hole and my still damp cunt. His fingers edging further and further into the area, parting my inner labia and continuing to stroke softly. I felt my body start to respond, squirming and wriggling under His touches. The pain that had been so intense was changing, numbing to a level that aroused me greatly. I needed to cum. I needed His agile fingers to touch my clit and allow me the release my whole body was craving.

“Please Master, please.” I managed to utter

“Please what little one? Tell Me what it is you want.”

“My clit Master, please touch my clit allow me to cum for You Sir, please.” My words desperate half spoken half sobbed, my eyes pleading. My hips were writhing trying to get His fingers closer to my tingling hard nub of pleasure.

“Like this little one?” As He swiped his thumb lightly over my exposed clit, stroking it back and forth with butterfly soft swipes.

“OHHHHHHH MYYYY GODDDDDD YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ….SIR.” I managed to scream.

“CUM for me pretty one, coat me with your desire NOW!”

“FECCCCCCKKKKKKKIINNNNGGGG HHHHOOOLLLLLYYY MMMMMMMMMM.” My body exploded, bright lights flashed before my eyes. My cunt muscles were clenching so hard intensifying the pain from the ride but adding to the waves of pleasure that overcame my body. I was tossing and shifting, bucking and trying to close my legs as He held them apart. I could feel the juices run down past my ass and seep onto the sheets below me, His eyes looking intently at my spread open pulsing cunt, His finger still resting on my clit.




A New Beginning Ch. 05



“Thank you Sir!” I managed to squeak, breathless and trembling.

“My pleasure little one, my pleasure.”

My heart was racing, my eyesight blurred and all I could do was smile back happily. I felt his hands leave my thighs, His finger no longer on my sensitive clit. I tucked my legs up to my tummy as I rolled onto my side, my eyes closing as He lay on the bed next to me. The feel of His arms around me was the last thing I felt before sleep overcame me.




A New Beginning Ch. 05



"Anything you say Father."

When we got there he offered me a drink from his stock. I accepted of course. I believe it would have been insulting not to.

"I know you were about to lay it into George for what he did to Ronald. But try to see this from George's point of view." He poured me a generous amount of scotch into a large glass and handed it to me. "Would you like some water with that? How many ice cubes would you like?"

"Yes, two cubes please but not too much water. Father, I . . ."

"Let me finish please." He paused as he got some of ice cubes for our drinks from his mini refrigerator. He poured some bottled water into my glass and then poured himself an equal amount of scotch and water.

"Up until now Ronald has been somewhat of a trouble maker. Right?"

"Yes Father but I don't see how that gives George the right to order Ronald off the flight deck after I said he could stay as long as he liked."

"I talked to George; he was not aware of that. According to him, Ronald never told anyone that. As far as George knew, Ronald was up there on his own, up to his old tricks."

"Ronald told me that he told George that I gave him permission to stay but that George didn't believe him."

"Well one of them isn't telling the truth."

"True." Father was helping me see another side to the issue. One that is hard to see when your own prejudices cloud the picture. Lord knows I disliked liked George and Ronald. I tried to be fair when dealing with them. For the most part, I'm sure I was. But they made it hard. I wondered who was telling the truth, George or Ronald. I didn't trust either one of them.

"How long does someone normally stay up there viewing the Earth?"

"I don't know Father. About 10 or 15 minutes I guess."

"And Ronald had been up there almost twice that amount today as well as yesterday. So, giving both George's and Ronald's past and their propensity to make themselves look innocent in all situations, what would you expect them to say? What would you expect George to do?"

"Thank you Father. You're a real fence mender and I'm glad to have you onboard."

"Thank you Toni. Now why don't we listen to some music? Would you like to listen to some Beethoven, his Symphony Number 5, or maybe Tchaikovsky, his Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy or Waltz of the Flowers?"

"Either one will do Father. I love classical music. I just wish I had the time to listen to it."

"Take the time now. That's an order." He smiled and put on Beethoven.

I knew what Father was doing. He was giving me time to cool off, time to calm down. Classical music has that effect on some people, me for instance. He knew that if I were calmed down then it would be easier for me to see both sides of the issue and I would be less inclined to berate George for something that he may not have been guilty of.

We sat and listened to classical music for over an hour and talked about a variety of subjects but mostly about Earth and how everyone is gradually abandoning it to live a space colony; life in a space city is more livable plus there is no pollution. Father Ray revealed that he hopes to live in Sol Two. Then he asked me where I intended to live; I momentarily got embarrassed and was hesitant to answer him. He smiled and said that there was no need to be ashamed for wanting to live in the nude. He added that there is nothing wrong with going naked. It's what a person does with their nudity that causes evil to enter into their soul.

I don't know if I was the first one to start talking about the science fiction story 2001: A Space Odyssey or if Father Ray just steered me in that direction in order to help me see the better course of action on another problem facing me. I have my suspicions but there good ones.

After listening to Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky, he asked me, "Would you like to listen to Richard Strauss, Also Sprach Zarathustra? I'm kind of partial to that particular piece."

"Sure Father. Do you have that on disc too?"

"Toni, I have almost any composer you can think of on disc. Did you know that it's the theme song for the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey? That's a science fiction movie I like."

"I've never seen the movie but I've read the book several times. Aren't there some differences between the book and the movie in the planet that the astronauts visit?"

"Yes, I'm familiar with the movie and the book and their differences. On a similar note, wouldn't you say that we're in sort of a space odyssey of our own with the odd background stars, no Phobos and a different Earth?" He put on the sound tract from the movie.

Father Ray is no fool. Besides helping me calm down, he was also tactfully soliciting information from me about our situation. He knew as well as I did that the Earth that was viewed in the telescopic camera was not the same Earth it was when we left MC3.

The continents were shaped somewhat different, the Atlantic Ocean was much smaller and the Indian subcontinent was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, not rammed up into the belly of Asia. The Earth a person saw when he or she looked at it in the telescopic camera monitor was more like the Earth of 60 or 70 million years ago. It had us all perplexed.

I admitted none of this to Ronald of course. But Father Ray was a very educated man, probably the most educated person onboard.

That's why he chose to come on this mission. It gave him plenty of leisure time which he spent studying, theology, philosophy, science, history, literature and I don't know what other subjects. He could frequently be found researching something in the library section of the forward TV lounge.

Anyway, I couldn't get away with a simple statement that I would let him know as soon as I knew something. He was too well educated to be dismissed with a wave of my hand.

I told him about the hole in space, our being deposited near Mars after passing through it and how everything was different immediately after it closed. When I finished I begged him not to tell anyone.

He smiled that curious smile of his. Then he leaned over, lightly touched my knee and said, "Don't worry Toni, I 'absolve' you of your 'sin' of omission," giving the quote sign with his fingers; his way of telling me that he wouldn't repeat what I told him.

I asked him what he thought of it all.

He didn't answer me but swiveled in his chair. He typed in something on his laptop computer and did a search; I was too far away to read what he typed in. He turned back to face me. He shook his head and took a sip of his scotch. I did the same. The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss was playing.

"Toni have you ever read any Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?"

"Not much," I answered.

"How about Sherlock Holmes, The Sign of the Four, ever read it?"

"No Father, I'm afraid not."

"In it is one of his famous quotes. That's what I was searching for just now. I wanted to make sure I had the right story. 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth,' ever hear of it?"

"Yes, I have heard of it. Father are you telling me that we should be searching for some impossible solution to our problem?"

"Before I answer your question I want you to answer one for me."

"Sure Father, whatever you say."

"In the science fiction story 2001: A Space Odyssey, as Bowman was about to land on the Monolith his last words were 'It's full of stars,' then he went through a stargate to another world. What do you think happened to astronaut Bowman?"

"Father, are you saying that the hole we went through is the same as the Monolith in Arthur Clarke's story? Are you saying that that hole we went through was some kind of stargate?"

"That's exactly what I'm telling you. I've heard the rumors from the crew. They're saying that the explosion threw us into some kind of unfathomable, bewitching world. I'm sure you've heard that too Toni. Are you aware that Clarke's story is still very popular among the crew?"

"Yes and it's been bothering me too."

"I consider myself an educated man and I don't normally listen to gossip or rumors. But sometimes science fiction isn't fiction. I have come to only two conclusions."

"Which are?"

He took another sip of his scotch. I knew whatever Father gave me for an answer was one he thought out and meditated over several times. I also knew that I would have to consider his answer to my question as probable, however improbable.

"Either we are in another solar system, maybe even some other galaxy, or we have somehow been thrown back in time, back 60 or 70 million years to the time when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth. I'm inclined to believe the latter."

"I've thought of those alternatives too Father. But I've always dismissed them as too far fetched."

"Can you think of any other explanation?"

"No I can't Father."

"Then once you've eliminated all possible explanations, the only thing left is the impossible."

"What do you suggest I do Father?"

"I suggest you tell the crew the truth. Believe me they'll accept it. Telling them about a hole that we went through which changed everything is a whole lot better than keeping them guessing. The truth, even if it does sound like science fiction, is always better than conjecture, gossip or lies."

"I guess you're right Father. But I think I'll wait until next week when we are a little closer to Earth. Then the continents will be more discernable and we will be close enough for radio contact."

"But Toni if either of my hunches are correct there won't be any radio contact, especially if we've been thrown back in time 70 million years."

"Right Father but if we cannot make contact by next week then that will confirm your improbable explanations. Then I'll be forced to tell the crew something."

"Just don't put it off too long. In the meantime I'll go amongst the crew and tell them about Sherlock's little proverb. I'll also drop little hints that I believe we are returning to the Earth at a time when the dinosaurs ruled."

Once that was out of the way, we talked about some other onboard gossip. But I was thankful that Father Ray was understanding and helped me see the right course of action once we got nearer to Earth.

While we were talking Father Ray revealed that he is a widower. His wife and his five year old son were killed in a fire two years before he joined the mission to Europa.

He told me that that was the main reason he joined the mission, the second being it gave him plenty of free time to study. He showed me a picture of his family. She was a beautiful woman and his son looked just like him.

I also learned that Father Ray was from New Orleans, my and Sam's home town. We were practically neighbors. He was from the Carrollton section and I was from the Lakeview area. Sam is actually from Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.

But Father told me he wasn't born there. He said that his mother brought him and his three siblings there when he was nine, after his father had been murdered in a mugging.

Then less than a year after coming to the Crescent City his older brother drowned while trying to save their younger sister; she also drowned. It was all too much for his mother; she never got over it. After that she just sat around the house, carrying pictures of her husband and dead children. Father Ray and his younger brother practically raised themselves.

He met his wife while they were in high school. He revealed to me that he was thankful that during the early part of the 21st Century the Catholic Church finally allowed priests to get married and women to be priests, as then it gave both he and Teresa the opportunity to serve God together.

They planed on getting married during their first year at Notre Dame Seminary but his mother died suddenly of a heart attack.

They put off the marriage until after they both graduated from the seminary. In the meantime, his brother and only surviving relative was reported missing when he and a friend of his went sailing in Lake Pontchartrain. Their sailing boat was found floating not far from the Bonnabel Street boat launch. The two high school seniors were found a couple of days later.

I am amazed that someone who has lived through so much tragedy as a child could still have a bright outlook on life. He is truly a wonderful man.

After I left Father Ray, I went to my cabin and asked the ship's computer to give me a projection of what the background constellations and stars would have looked like 60, 70 and 80 million years ago. The picture I got for 70 million years almost exactly matched the stars one could see through the James Cook's windows.

I then asked the computer to project what the continents would have look like 70 million years ago. Again there was almost an exact match. I kept the information to myself.

Father was true to his word. He worked his quiet diplomacy and talked to the crew in small groups. Within a week he had everyone believing that I was only waiting for the right moment to tell them what had happened, where we were and what I was going to do about it.

He told them that the only reason why they were never told earlier was because some of them could not take the sudden shock. They were like little children who have to be gently guided along. But letting the information come out a little at a time would soften the blow for them and for everyone.

When I asked him how he could lie to the crew like that, he told me that he didn't lie. He said that there are some crew members who couldn't be told the truth straight out, that they had to have it broken to them gently. Then he smiled that curious smile of his and shrugged his shoulders.

I was true to my word to Father Ray. Eight days after our little talk I held a general assembly in the cafeteria and told the crew what I believed had happened. With Father Ray standing at my side I apologized for not telling them about the hole in space. But I took a cue from Father and told them that the reason I hadn't told them earlier was because I wanted to break it to them gently.

I reminded them of the talks they all had with Father Ray over the past several days. If my and Father's suspicions were correct, as well as the beliefs of some of the other officers, then we were not returning to the Earth we left. That Earth was gone. We were either in another solar system, maybe even in another galaxy, or we were somehow 70 million years back in time to the time when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

"Which do you think it is Captain Antoinette?" Ruth one of the ship's beauticians asked.

"I've talked about this with Father Ray, Joshua and some of the other officers. It is highly unlikely to have two solar systems with the same make up of planets and with one of those planets exactly like earth. We all agree that we have some how been thrown back in time."

"Are you sure?" Ruth continued.

"None of us has ruled out anything. For all we know, that is the same old Earth we are all familiar with but it somehow got changed since we left it. True, we can't raise them up on either the short range or the long range radios. Nor are we receiving anything on channel eight."

Regina Aurora, a construction worker, called out, "But what about our . . ."

"Let me finish Regina." I cut her off. "We won't know anything for certain until next week when we are hovering above the Atlantic Ocean and watching spaceships go to and from Nuda Earth, or not watching them if in fact we've been thrown back in time 70 million years. Which, as I said, is what most of us believe."

I paused. Then, "If we are 70 million years back in time then the Earth we will be returning to will be full of dinosaurs, not human beings."

"But what about our pay? If we've been thrown back in time 70 million years and there ain't anything on Earth except dinosaurs then how are we going to get paid?"

"Did you do any work Regina?"

"No, but some of these others did, the cooks, the waiters and some of the others."

"You let me worry about . . ."

"Captain Antoinette are you telling me that I'm not going to get paid anything after letting all these men fuck me?" asked Terri.

"Apparently not Terri. Sorry."

"Well then I'm quitting prostitution as of now. No one else is going to fuck me unless he can come up with the cash first."

Veronica Anne, Josephine Jasmine and Alicia also quit offering their services. The crew didn't like that one bit. But I couldn't blame the girls. Had I been in their shoes I would have quit prostitution myself.

On another note though, I know that Chantelle and Josephine continued to have sex. Chantelle also continued to have sex with me and Victoria Rose.

The Earth at this time appeared almost as large as a golf ball. The continents were clearly visible to the naked eye. They were obviously different from what they were when we left. The Atlantic Ocean was also much smaller and the Indian subcontinent was clearly in the middle of what would someday be the Indian Ocean.

But the thing that affected me the most was that there was no Nuda Earth orbiting around the Earth. I wasn't going to be able to retire and live out my days in the nude in the naked city.

To be continued . . . 



A New Beginning Ch. 06



For the next two days I continually heard annoying gripes from some of the crew members about their not getting paid, although most of them accepted it. Some even seemed to take it good heartedly. Then on the evening of the second day I entered the TV lounge to get some nachos and cheese for an evening snack and watched in awe as a construction worker left with a can of beer and an arm full of chips, pretzels and some other munchies. I had a gut feeling for what he was doing.

I approached the bar and I asked Judith what the man was doing with all those snacks. She cheerlessly complained that some of the crew members were using their ID cards to obtain whatever they wanted because they knew in the end they wouldn't have to pay for it. She revealed to me that they were taking all that they could as fast as they could.

I was immediately infuriated.

I stormed out without my nachos and hunted down Sam. I found him with Carli in the games room. They were playing the latest version of some alien killer video game. I didn't want to interrupt their competition but I needed to talk to them somewhere where there was a little less background noise and a little more privacy. I reluctantly asked them to accompany me back to the TV lounge for a few minutes.

Once there I quietly inquired of the three of them about the snacks, booze and soft drinks the average person was consuming since the bad news of no pay. I also asked them their opinion on what they thought I should do. As soon as I had their view I then consulted with Chantelle Dawn and Joshua about what they thought should be done to curb the extra drinking and buying of snacks. We all came to a consensus.

After breakfast I called another general assembly with Chantelle and Father Ray standing next to me. I asked them to be there as sort of a reminder to the crew that we were still civilized humans with rules and consequences for breaking those rules.

"For the past several days a number of y'all have bitterly complained to me about not getting paid."

I shook my head; I knew that this wasn't going to be easy. "Ladies and gentlemen, the fact that y'all aren't going to get paid is beyond my control. It's just one of those setbacks we all experience in life. I advise y'all to do as Father Ray suggested y'all do in his talks with y'all . . . just accept it and get on with your lives."

Ruth stood up and asked, "Captain Antoinette is there any chance that we haven't been thrown back in time? I mean, maybe the telescopic camera is just giving us a bad picture of earth and everything is normal."

"All the evidence we have thus far indicates that we have somehow been thrown back in time 70 million years. If that's the case, then there won't be any UNESA or UER or MC3 to disembark to, nor family or friends to greet us once we get home. The only things alive to meet us will be monstrous dinosaurs, giant insects and small, unobtrusive mammals."

Completely ignoring what I just reiterated, Ramon, one of the custodians, stood up and very angrily said that he was going to consult a lawyer as soon as he got home. He said that if UNESA didn't pay him then he was going to sue them. He made it quite clear that he "didn't take no long voyage into space and clean up after everyone for nothing." He wanted his full pay and he was going to get it.

Chantelle turned her back so that he couldn't see her suppressing a laugh; she pretended to cough. I wasn't so fortunate. I had to tell him -- with a straight face -- that there was no one on Earth to sue, that we were the only humans alive. He answered me with a very subdued, "Oh, I hadn't thought of that." Then he started to laugh at himself and tell those sitting at the tables around him that there's no one to sue. Then everyone began to laugh.

I was suddenly glad for Ramon's hollow threat because I knew they wouldn't like what else I had to say.

I continued, "As of now there is going to be a limit of six alcoholic drinks one person can buy in a six hour period. All alcohol will be consumed in the TV lounge. No one is allowed to take alcohol to their own cabins."

Surprisingly no one commented or even stirred.

I didn't put any limit on the snacks and soft drinks. But I cautioned them that if they were smart they'd consume them conservatively or they'd be gone in no time. I further warned them that if they hid extra snacks or soft drinks in their own berth, it would only be a matter of time before the rest of the crew found out about it and then insist that they share the goodies with everyone. I would join in that demand.

"As for renting billiard balls, board games and other such things, I'm limiting those to one per day per person. Decks of cards can be bought one deck a day until all of them are gone. In order to obtain these items all y'all have to do is present your ID card to Sam, Carli or Judith. The bartender will swipe your card and the computer will keep track of what you get."

Still no one commented on these restrictions. But Leonard asked if I was going to put any restrictions on the video games and other amusements in the games room.

"It doesn't cost anything to play there," I answered him. "Y'all only need your ID cards to keep track of the games you've played and to record the points you've scored."

Suddenly there were murmurs by some individuals that they shouldn't have to work if they were not going to get paid. Some also pointed out that the construction crew members weren't working at all. I glanced at Chantelle. She warned me that several crew members would voice that opinion.

"First, what do y'all think would happen if we all quit work? Who would cook our food? Who would clean up after us? Who would fly the James Cook?" No one answered me. Next I asked them if the construction workers were working before the accident. No one answered that question either.

"The construction workers will soon have plenty of work to do. We have to prepare the James Cook for separation from the living section in order to land on Earth. Under the direction of Joseph, the construction workers will have to do that."

I paused momentarily to let the information sink in.

I continued, "I talked with Joshua and Chantelle at breakfast this morning. We all have come to a conclusion about what to do with those who refuse to work. Their employee number will be locked out of the computer and they will not be allowed any extras, including laundry services."

I paused again and glanced around the cafeteria.

Then, "Further, those who refuse to work will be given cold oatmeal for breakfast and plain baloney sandwiches, instant mashed potatoes and water for lunch and supper. The only free service they will enjoy is their bath."

Surprisingly, there were nods of acceptance from several of the crew.

"As for those who break the law or in some way disrupt the peace we have onboard, they will be put in the brig. If the brig becomes filled then I'll have Chantelle cuff them to the pipes running up the center of the living section."

Chantelle nodded her head as if to say she concurred with my order.

Norton asked about Valarie, what kind of work was she going to do now that there was no bursar. At first I didn't understand why he asked that -- it was none of his business what kind of work she did -- but I told him that she had been working with Aleks Michelle and Joshua in navigation for the past several days.

He then looked to the rear of the gathering to where the four prostitutes were sitting with Sam and asked about what kind of work they were going to do.

Terri stood up and started to say something but I waved her down.

I knew why he asked the first question; it was just a precursor to this one. My guess was that he was vainly hoping that at least one of them would again offer her services. Of all the men onboard, he used their services the most. The rumor was that he owed almost his entire pay to them. I smiled.

"Terri and Alicia have already agreed to help out Sam, Carli and Judith in the TV lounge," I answered him. "As for Veronica and Josephine, to be totally honest I don't know what they are going to do. I've talked to both of them. They each told me that they would let me know in a day or two what they want to do to help out. Does that answer your question Norton?"

"Yes ma'am, thank you Captain Antoinette."

"Does anyone else have any questions?" I asked.

Ralph, one of the computer assistants asked, "Where do you intend to land Captain Antoinette? I mean are you going to land in North America or Europe or Asia or where?"

"I don't know yet. We'll land wherever we can find a suitable flat surface."

"Yeah but what if you don't find a suitable surface? How are we going to land without an airport of any kind?"

"Don't let that worry you Ralph. I'm sure we'll find a stretch of beach or dried up lake bed somewhere."

There was some mumbling and murmurs by several of the crew members. I immediately got the impression that his questions were a forewarning of another lopsided split brewing among the crew members. I said a silent prayer that I was wrong.

Then Ronald stood up. Chantelle tensed up and was about to order him to sit down but I put my hand on her arm. She looked at me with alarm. I just nodded in Ronald's direction.

He looked around the cafeteria. "Hey you guys. I've been thinking. We are in a situation where we all have to pull together or we'll all die together. It's that simple. I don't like it one bit that I'm not going to get paid anything. But I'm accepting it. I'm moving on with my life just like Father Ray advised each of us. You guys should all do the same."

Suddenly, Father Ray thrust himself into the discussion and reminded them all that he talked to each of them, telling them the same thing that Ronald just mentioned. He reiterated to them that in order for anyone of us to make it we all had to pull together as a unit.

He also reminded them that it was going to be even harder after we landed as there were no homes to go to. We would have to build our own houses, make our own tools and catch our own food. We would have to do everything ourselves.

After his little speech everyone seemed to find something to do. There was no more griping about the loss of pay or the construction crew not working or anything. In fact, everyone seemed to take their not getting paid good naturedly.

At breakfast a few days later I overheard a couple of crew members talking about how they couldn't wait to land back on Earth so that they could see some real live dinosaurs close up. Then at lunch the same day I overheard a construction worker talking to his buddies at his table. He wanted to make himself a bow and arrow and do some dinosaur hunting. He said he couldn't wait to kill himself a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

It was talk like that that gave me hope for our future.

Another good that came out of Father Ray's speech was that Sam reported that the amount of drinking had dropped considerably and Chantelle informed me that the number of disturbance calls she or her crew had to make were down. The brig was empty of drunks for the first time since we left MC3.

Within a week, I started to assign construction crew members various duties in preparation to separating the James Cook from the living section.

A couple of days after I began to assign separation duties, George and Gerald came to me with a request to stay onboard the living section after the separation. They informed me that several of the construction workers and crew members wanted to do the same.

I was on the bridge working on some weight figures for landing the James Cook. "That's suicide George. It's only a matter of time before the food gives out and then y'all will starve to death."

They told me that they and several others believed that the James Cook would either burn up on re-entry or crash on landing since there was no landing strip. They way they saw it they would live longer if they stayed onboard.

I advised them I would get back with them. Then I went around the ship and talked to a few of the laborers and crew members. Many of them -- a lot more than I had imagined -- voiced the same opinion. I was mildly shocked. I found it hard to believe that they actually believed that the James Cook would be destroyed upon returning to Earth.

I held another general assembly. I was getting tired of holding these but I wanted to find out just how many individuals wanted to stay onboard.

I asked for a show of hands of all those who wanted to stay onboard.

Again, there was a lopsided split among the crew. Most of the construction workers, about half of the ship's crew and only a few officers wanted to stay with the living section. While the majority of the officers, about half of the ship's crew and only a few construction laborers wanted to land with the James Cook.

Many also said that they hadn't made up their minds yet or that they might change their minds.

But either way, I was appalled to learn that almost 2/3 of the crew wanted to stay onboard. I didn't think that that many actually believed that the James Cook would be destroyed upon re-entry.

Abraham, another custodian, asked if the flight deck could hold everyone. I reminded him that there were only 67 men and women left alive onboard and that the upper and lower flight decks could hold everyone. Although with everyone's personnel gear and some emergency supplies we all would be crammed in like sardines.

Josephine Jasmine asked if that would make landing more dangerous. I told her, no that that would actually make landing safer as then there would be little to no juggling around of unrestrained bodies during re-entry.

I was disgusted and heartbroken. I felt like I was watching ignorant dinosaurs rule the day instead of intelligent mammals. I dismissed everyone.

For a while I thought that Ronald was up to his old tricks again, just trying to divide the crew. But when I questioned him later he told me that he had nothing to do with it. I believed him. What I found hard to believe was that so many men and women actually believed that they had a better chance if they stayed with the living section.

Next I asked Father Ray to talk to them and to work his magic diplomacy on them and get them to change their minds. He gave it the old college try but in the end, he only managed to convince Walter and Xavier, a couple of laborers, to see that they had a better chance if they returned to Earth. But they still refused to change their minds and land with the James Cook.

Then I sat down one evening with Joshua, Dr. Yves, Chantelle and Joseph to get their view. The five of us gathered around a table in the rear of the cafeteria drinking coffee and tea. I asked them if they thought we could force the reluctant crew members to return with us.

"Just how are you going to do that?" Chantelle asked.

"I don't know. That's why I asked y'all to meet with me. I guess I'm hoping that one of y'all would have an idea."

Chantelle smiled. I knew that she was smiling at my New Orleans accent. She said that it turned her on sexually and she tried to emulate it every now and then but to no avail. I once told her that if she really wanted to get it right then she would have to go live in New Orleans for a couple of years.

"Toni," Joseph said, "if they're determined to stay with the living section and die then there is nothing you or I or anyone can do about it."

"You can't make them to go," Joshua interjected.

"I talked . . ." I started to say.

"I don't understand," Dr. Yves said to no one in particular. "Don't the fools realize that if they stay onboard then they'll starve to death when the food gives out?"

"I don't think they're even considering that," Joseph added.

"I talked to Father," I continued. "He managed to convince a couple of them that they'll have a chance of surviving if they land with the James Cook but they face certain death if they stay. Most of them believe that the ship will be destroyed when we try to land without a landing strip. They somehow got the idea that since there is no airport then the James Cook will crash."

"What are the odds of that?" Chantelle asked.

"The odds are good that we'll make it back in one piece Chantelle," I answered her. "The James Cook is strong; she has a solid heat shield. She'll withstand the re-entry. Of that I'm sure. The only thing we have to worry about is finding a stretch of flat sand a couple of kilometers long to land on. That shouldn't be too hard."

She then asked me another, more probing question; one that I'm sure was on everyone's mind. "I don't want to sound like Ralph or some other pessimist but is there such a spot on the Earth? I mean, you're attempting to land on an Earth that is 70 million years before our time."

"We'll know by next week; when we get closer to Earth. Then we can make out the land forms a lot better. But I'm not worried. I'm confident Mother Nature has a stretch of beach or dried up lake bed somewhere that's long enough. That's all I need to land this bucket of nuts and bolts." I smiled at her and she smiled back.

In the end, the five of us could come to no conclusion as to how to convince the fear filled crew members to stay with the James Cook and land on Earth.

The decision I now faced was just how to divide up the ship's supplies. What to leave here for those who decide to remain and what to take with us back to Earth. It was not an easy decision. Some supplies, such as the water, soft drinks and the liquor I knew that I had to leave all of it here as there would be no way of keeping the beer and soft drinks cold on Earth and we'd have plenty of fresh water after we landed.

Other things, such as some kitchen and cooking utensils, the taser guns, the hunting knives, the .45 caliber pistol along with its ammunition, I knew I had to bring with us to Earth. I was now extremely glad that someone had snuck the pistol aboard the spaceship. I knew it would come in handy for protection against the dinosaurs.

But how much food should I take? What about medical supplies? Extra clothing? Sleeping pads, blankets and cots? I soon discovered that I would have to have an exact count of how many individuals were going and how many were staying.

The problem was that I couldn't get that count as a number of crew members would change their minds daily. One day they were going to land on Earth and the next day they were going to stay onboard. I was troubled over that.

Four days after the meeting Joseph buzzed my door. I was reading a book about how the mammals managed to coexist with the dinosaurs. I thought the knowledge I would gain from it would help those of us who would land on Earth. I let him in and offered him my chair. I sat on my bed.

"I know you're concerned over the amount of supplies we should take with us."

"I'm just worried that we'll take too much. I don't want to unnecessarily deplete the supplies of those who will be staying here.

"I don't think you should let that worry you. You only want to take enough food to last us a couple of weeks, until we can establish ourselves and all. Right?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Well, I've been talking to the crew members and doing some calculations on my own. There are about 2/3 of the diehards who want to remain onboard the James Cook. That leaves only about 22 of us who will be returning to Earth. I think we ought to take just enough supplies for about 24 people. That way even if we're off by one or two we'd have enough food to last us until we could get settled."

"I've been thinking the same thing Joseph and that's what I'll probably end up doing. I'm just worried about those who'll be staying onboard after we land."

"Don't let those fools concern you Toni. You can't help them. They don't want any help. You need to focus on those who'll be returning to Earth."




A New Beginning Ch. 06



******A big thank you to all who read and commented on the last chapter.

A huge thank you to my editor, although I did have to type this chapter standing up...He just had to ask where the damn cane was. I did however get a good book from amazon on the art of making cane baskets...

This is the 6th chapter in Alannah's journey and I would recommend you read the entire series for the story to make sense.

This chapter contains anal play *********

*****

"Wakey wakey sleepyhead!" came the shout through the bedroom door rousing me from my sleepy state.

"Morning Silky, I'm awake." I mumbled back, rubbing my eyes trying to focus.

"Breakfast in ½ hour pet. You need any help this morning?" Her words full of humour, no doubt remembering my first morning's sharp refusal.

"Yes please Silky, I'm going to jump in the shower and I may need a hand washing my back." I laughed back.

"Oh don't I wish but Master would have a fit if we got caught twice in two days!! I will wait here for you and we can go down together."

"Thanks Silky love, I wont be long, well not as long as I would be if you were joining me!"

Smiling to myself I turned on the shower, stepping in I closed my eyes and let the hot jets of water cascade over my body. I reached for the shower gel, squirting a liberal amount on to a sponge and started to wash myself. As I rubbed up a lather, my hands became Silky's as they trailed across my shoulders, cupping my breasts and squeezing as the sponge glided over the smooth toned flesh. My nipples were rock hard little nubs as my fingers teased and twisted, low moans escaping my mouth. I opened my eyes suddenly, I had lost myself in my daydreams almost forgetting that after 9 months my orgasms were not my own once more.

I quickly finished my morning ablutions without distracting myself further and got dressed. I had more of a choice now since Master had taken me to collect my gear from my old home, and it brought with it the age old dilemma of just what to wear?! I settled on a pair of yoga pants and a gym top made from stretchy material that helped enhance my curves.

Silky was waiting for me outside my bedroom door again, rising from her kneeling position as I stepped out onto the landing. I followed her down to the kitchen, more sure of myself this morning as to where I was going, but the view from behind her was far more appealing than showing off my new found sense of direction.

As we entered the kitchen my eyes were distracted by a package sitting on the middle of the farmhouse table, looking out of place surrounded by the breakfast foods. A simple square shaped box wrapped in brown paper, with a stark white address label stuck to the top. Master sat in his usual position looking up from his morning paper, his eyes resting on the package then glancing up at me with a smile that sent chills dancing down my spine.

"Good Morning Alannah. I trust you slept well."

"Yes Master, I slept soundly thank you." My eyebrow raised slightly in question as I looked at the package, but from the teasing look in his eyes I was not going to get any answers just yet.

Silky stood to the side, watching silently. A light blush crossing her cheeks and a small smile playing on her lips. She obviously knew what was in the parcel, and this made me all the more curious. Whats that saying? Curiosity killed the cat, well I was about to use one of my nine lives.

"Sir, may I ask..."

"NO precious you may not, you may however sit your pretty ass down and eat breakfast." The emphasis on the word ass was clear to hear. I was unsure however if it was in response to the fact I had already had one spanking whilst situated on the table, not too far away from where the package now sat funnily enough, or whether it was to do with what was hidden inside the box that seemed to grow before my eyes. My imagination was running wild, all kinds of thoughts were flitting through my mind. "SIT DOWN! and get some breakfast NOW, little one." The stern tone of his voice snapped me out of my thoughts and had me pulling out a chair, sitting quickly.

Breakfast seemed to last forever, Silky sitting smiling into her cornflakes, Master smirking as he ate his buttered crumpets and I sat staring and picking at the array of cooked meats and pastries in front of me. My appetite had deserted me completely. I hate surprises, always have! Birthdays and Christmas were my idea of Hell; for weeks before Dietmar would be dropping hints and hiding things. I earned more than one punishment for going rooting in search of packages.

Finally just before I self combusted with the building curiosity, Master stood and took hold of the mystery box and passed it to me. Perversely now that I had it in my hands I didn't want to know what was inside, I was trembling as I looked round for someone to pass it to, rather like a childs game of pass the parcel, only this time I had no desire to be the one left holding it.

"Open it Alannah." The use of my name along with the single command struck deep in my submissive nature and I found myself tearing the paper away. Not an easy task when your fingers are shaking so much they rival a vibrator on full power. I ripped off the brown paper revealing a white box with no writing or even a picture on it, this was torture! I didn't have to look up to see the grin on Masters face, if the package hadn't looked like it had just come through the post, I would have been convinced he had set it up like one of those Russian dolls. A large container filled with little ones and nothing inside!!

"Keep going precious, there is something inside honest!" He chuckled.

"Yes Sir, I was beginning to wonder Sir." My voice shaking nearly as much as my hands.

I tore open the next box, any dexterity I had failing me when faced with the little stiff paper tabs. As the flimsy cardboard gave way the contents were revealed in all their glory. I gasped and almost dropped the box, my ass clenching as my eyes took in the picture. A set of anal plugs in varying sizes seemed to leap out of the image and dance in front of me. The only thing in their favour was they were black and not pink. I couldn't imagine any of them being able to fit inside me.

"It's Ok precious we will take it nice and slow. I want you to enjoy it as much as I do. Silky will take you and clean you up and then we will make a start getting that pretty little ass ready to accommodate something much more fun than those plastic toys."

"I had a shower this morning Sir, I am already clean." I replied somewhat indignantly, half sniffing to check I had indeed used deodorant. 

"Ah yes precious I know, but I am sure you didn't clean the area I am about to delve into!"

Realisation dawned as a blaze of heat spread across my chest and up my neck, my cheeks burning. "Oh well Sir, No Sir. Sorry Sir, I..."

"Stop babbling little one, I know you are nervous but neither Silky or myself want to harm you in any way, quite the opposite in fact. Off you go with Silky and I will come find you in a little while."

I stood as Silky came to my side, her hand reaching for mine and giving it a quick squeeze before she led me to the basement door. My heart was in my mouth, the sound of my heart beat louder than my footsteps on the stone stairs. As we reached the bottom of the staircase, Silky swept me into her arms and kissed me softly.

"It will be fine pet, I am guessing you may even enjoy this!" Her hushed tones soothing and her kiss changed the chills running down my back to little jolts of electricity sparking their way through my veins.

I followed as she led me to the far area of the playroom, opening a door I had not seen before. I must have missed it on the guided tour, possibly because my mind was far too busy taking in all the wonderful equipment! My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as I took in the sight in front of me. It was a wet room, tiled from floor to ceiling in small mosaic sized tiles in varying shades of blue. A bath was situated against one wall, a shower area opposite , a sink nestled in a corner and a partitioned area that I guessed hid a toilet. If it hadn't been for the restraint hooks screwed to the wall and a padded kneeling bench it would have looked like a normal bathroom.

I had dabbled in watersports with Dietmar and whilst they were not a limit of mine, they had not been a big part of our play. I glanced up a Silky who was watching my reactions with a small smile playing on her lips.

"Mistress loved this room. We had so much fun in here and I intend to make sure you do to! Master rarely uses it except for enema scenes." Her words were wistful, the look in her eyes one I recognised.

I had witnessed enemas being given in the past, the club we used to frequent in Germany had a room similar to this one and some of the sights I had witnessed there were high on my list of erotic moments.Watching and having it done to you are two totally separate things though! I knew enough to know there were two types, ones designed to clean and the other to punish. I had no doubts that this mornings experience would be for cleaning but this knowledge did little to alleviate the stark cold fear that was coursing through my veins.

I just stared at her, the words going through my mind, but not filtering to my mouth. Unusual for me, I usually speak without thinking not the other way round.

I wanted to experience anal sex, I wanted to be able to give Master something I had never given anyone before. He had given me so much over the last few months, even before coming here to his home he had helped me through the bad days and showed me there was light at the end of the long dark tunnel. I was however scared witless.

" Lets get started pet, take off your clothes and come lay down here in the bath sweetie, rest your head on the pillow and get yourself comfy." Silky's words were full of reassurance and I found myself stripping and walking over to the bath a little unsteadily.

"I find it easier to lay on my back, but some people prefer to lay on their side, lets start with you on your back and see what works best. If at any point you wish me to stop just use your safeword and I will cease immediately." Silky smiled as she mentioned my safeword, and I returned the smile, one sub to another talking about safewords was strange! I knew however she was being sensible, it was the one word that was guaranteed to mean stop!

I tugged at my pants and slipped my top over my head, again folding them neatly and placing them on the bench. Standing naked in front of Silky no longer seemed daunting and I could feel the tell tale aches of arousal starting to build. My legs were still trembling as I stepped into the bath, gasping as the coldness of the porcelain made contact with my skin. I leant back and rested my head on the bath pillow Silky had placed at the top of the tub.

"Good pet, that's grand. Now pull your knees up to your tummy and hook your arms under the back of them."

I followed her instructions, knowing that in this position my ass and cunt were open to her gaze, goosebumps erupted across my arms as the thought of being on view stimulated my senses. I loved being on display, the shame and embarrassment never failed to put me at ease.

"This may feel a touch cold, its only lube and my finger so don't panic. I will talk you through what I am doing so try and relax please pet." Her words were like a soft song, calming and easing my fears.

I heard the unmistakable sound of a latex glove being snapped on and felt a small trickle escape from my cunt lips. I loved medical play, the sounds and smells taking me back to places I have been the happiest.

Looking down between my thighs I could see Silky kneeling at the end of the bath and leaning over, her finger glistening as it disappeared from sight. I jumped slightly as I felt the smooth material of her gloved finger swirl around my anus, stroking softly as it glided over the area. A low guttural moan escaped as I felt it move back and forth slowly along the tight skin between my ass hole and my cunt entrance. A gasp took over the moans as her lubed finger circled round my almost virgin hole, gently putting pressure against my tight rosebud. Instinctively I jumped and pulled my ass away from the probing.

"I'm sorry Silky." I murmured as I moved back into position.

"It's ok pet, I should have warned you. Im going to ease my finger inside slowly and open you up a touch. I won't go past my knuckle so just try and relax. Are you ok for me to carry on?"

"Yes Silky." My answer short and to the point, words still failing me at this point in time.

"Just a light pressure now sweetie, that should be all you feel." Her voice was so gentle and held so much love, I couldn't help but relax as I felt her finger return to circling my ass hole. The steady gentle pressure mounted as she edged her dainty slim finger past the opening of my ass hole, I clenched instinctively then quickly un-clenched at the discomfort tightening my muscles brought me. As I relaxed I felt her digit slip inside past the first sphincter muscles.

"Mmm Silky that feels odd, strange but good at the same time." I meant it as well, she could only have been ½" into me but I felt so full. At the same time I wanted to feel fuller, I needed to feel her finger slide in further. One of Dietmar's favourite sessions was stretching my cunt to the point I was begging and screaming for more at the same time as pleading with him to stop! Speculums, random objects (all clean and sanitised obviously!) and best of all his fist had been used to open and fill me but never had I expected to experience the same feeling when it came to my off limits hole.

"Good girl Alannah. You look so erotic laying there, and your ass is so tight its squeezing my finger so hard. I almost wish I had a cock that could feel that sensation. Master is going to be so lucky when you are ready to take him up there. I'm going to push in a little further now and just turn my finger around slightly, to open you up a little more so when I insert the nozzle it won't be too uncomfortable."

"Yes please Silky." I was still nervous but the feelings radiating from my ass were doing a great job at alleviating that anxiety.

A low moan escaped my lips as I felt the pressure build as her finger slide in and start to turn slightly, eased by the liberal amounts of natural lube that were now oozing slowly from my cunt and dripping down to my ass. The nerve endings in that entire area seemed to be pulsing with pleasure. I felt the sensations change, her finger was moving in and out my tight passage almost to the point of coming out before slowly pushing back down. My clit felt like it was on fire, the ache was building, the realisation that I was being finger fucked by a beautiful woman in the most forbidden of holes was enough to start the slow spiral I knew was going to lead to me cumming hard.

"I'm going to cum Silky, if you don't stop, Oh god please don't stop!" I cried out, the desperation echoing around the room.

"So cum then pet. Focus on my finger, picture it gliding in and out of your ass, let the feelings sweep over you and cum for me." Her words spoken as she increased the tempo of her thrusts.

"OH SILKY that feels so good." I managed to whimper as the waves of orgasm hit, it wasn't like any I had felt before. I lay back and closed my eyes losing myself in the contractions that were pulsing through my ass and cunt. The length and tiny width of her digit inside my rectum was holding my hole open intensifying the sensations.

"Oh my god! That is so hot Alannah, fuck!" Silky gasped as I felt my ass clench and unclench around her finger.

As the contractions started to taper off, I felt her finger slowly withdraw. I was left with an overwhelming sense of emptiness. I could feel the wetness spreading from my cunt and seeping down my thighs. I was so turned on, any feelings of doubt were slowly dissipating leaving only ones of pleasure and need behind.

"Thank you Silky." I managed to croak. My mouth was so dry, in sharp contrast to the puddle of wetness that was forming under my ass.

"My pleasure pet, seriously that was unbelievably hot!! Now I am going to prepare the enema, and give you the boring but necessary safety talk!." She paused to take off the gloves and throw them in a medical style bin by the sink; the type you can open without touching with your hands. "NOTHING that has contact with your ass goes anywhere near your cunt without being cleaned thoroughly, this also applies for your mouth in this house." 

"Oh ack Silky, urggghhh!" I shuddered, the very thought was enough to bring my arousal level from the 12 out of 10 to a minus number pretty quickly.

"I know, but it is some peoples kink and each to their own eh? Right are you ready for the next step lovely?"

"I, well no, oh possibly, YES!" I spluttered.

"Ok, I will talk you through what I am doing. First I'm going to squeeze some more lube round your hole, the more the merrier when it comes to anal!!" Her light easy manner again managed to quell my fears. "Then I will set up the bag and tube and slide the nozzle in, its going to go in further than my finger but its about the same thickness so shouldn't cause you any problems. At any point your safe word will stop the session instantly ok?."

As she was talking she was bustling around with what looked like a hot water bottle attached to a length of pipe. A twist of a little white clamp released a small trickle of fluid which was obviously good as she smiled and looked back at me, as if waiting for my answer whilst turning the clip back to stop the leakage.

"Yes I understand. Thank you Silky, now please ,please just get on with it!!" I laughed, my nerves making me giggle. I just wanted to get it over and done with.

"Hark at little miss impatient here!" She laughed back as she took advantage of my distracted state and squeezed a large dollop of cold lube round my ass and slide the nozzle inside.

I gripped the sides of the bath, my knees now supporting themselves against my breasts as I felt the tube slip up inside me, breathing slow deep breaths as I tried to force myself to relax. I had the sudden image of giving birth in my head, with someone standing by my side saying breath in...and out!! I burst out laughing, I had never been through the birthing process myself but had been the one issuing breathing instructions when my sister had gone into labour back at the farm. The irony that I was trying to relax to let something inside me rather than to try and push something out wasn't lost on me.

"Good girl, thats it. Relax and just breath, its all the way in now. How does it feel?"

How did it feel? I had actually missed most of the sensations lost in my daft thoughts. I concentrated on how it felt to be laying splayed open in a bath, being watched by a vision of beauty with a miniature hose pipe sticking out my ass.

"Damn Silky, it feels fucking amazing!" I was so turned on in that instant any chance of sounding eloquent was beyond impossible!

"Next step is the water, it will flow in gently. Its warm distilled water, not too hot or cold and there is nothing added. It feels weird to start with but its actually a really nice feeling once you get used to it. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I will ever be!" I chuckled nervously.

Silky moved the bag from level with the bath rim, to a small hook set in the tile above the bath and again fiddled with the clamp that I had worked out controlled the flow of water. I felt nothing for a few seconds whilst the fluid slowly made its way down the clear tube. I watched intently, waiting for the moment I would feel it enter my bowels.

Once the bag had been placed Silky sat on a chair at the end of the tub and watched me watching the bag. In other circumstances it would have been hilarious but right now my entire focus was on the length of pipe.




A New Beginning Ch. 06



The first trickle of water felt strange as it entered, more a change in temperature sensation. It wasn't unpleasant but I wouldn't have called it earth shattering really. I lay back and let my mind wander to this afternoon, and Master taking me back to collect the last item I wanted to bring here with me. I was desperately trying not to think about why I was getting cleaned out. The image of those butt plugs was swimming around my subconscious and thats pretty much where I wanted them to stay.

I suddenly felt a tightening feeling in my lower abdomen as the water began to worm deeper and deeper inside my rectum. Glancing down at my tummy I could see it had expanded, I couldn't tear my eyes away as it seemed to grow beneath my gaze. It was such an erotic vision, the warm feeling around my colon was spreading through me. I could feel my cunt muscles starting to clench as the arousal flooded through me as fast as the water was slow.

"How are you feeling now pet?"

"Hmmm feels so good love." I managed to say, I was too busy enjoying yet another sensation to form words into sentences.

"Good! Nearly done now, a few more minutes and I will get you over to the toilet." Her smile was huge and a look of pride shone deep in her eyes. I smiled back trying to show her just how much I appreciated the guidance, help and support she had given me from the moment I stepped into the house.

Her last words wiped the smile from my face, I hadn't processed the need to get rid of the fluid, and what goes in must come out right? I didn't relish the thought that all this water had to be expelled whilst Silky was with me. I could only imagine that it wasn't going to look, sound or smell pretty.

"Its ok, I will help you over to the loo and leave you in peace for a while!" I could barely make out her words through the peals of laughter. "Right then, I'm going to release the bag from the hook, I would advise you to put some pressure on the nozzle to keep it in place till you reach the toilet. I will follow with the bag and then leave you alone. Expel what you can but don't strain, if you feel the flow stop just sit for a little while and relax."

"Thanks Silky." I gulped, as I moved feeling the water slosh around in my stomach. The short walk to the toilet was going to be interesting I summised.

We walked side by side to the partitioned toilet area, where I noticed a pile of books by the loo and an ipod dock.

"Well you may as well be comfy and relaxed when your expelling right?" Silky laughed catching my questioning look as my eyes rested on the literature and music system!

"I guess so." I chuckled back.

"Sit down before you pull the nozzle out and pop it in the bin by the side of the toilet, all the enema supplies are one use only.There are some sanitising wipes just to the side of you, use one after you've disposed of the equipment. We will tidy up properly when you are done. If you need anything just pull that red cord and I will be right back." She pointed out the long red cord to the left hand side of the cistern, turned on her heels and glode from the room.

I'm sure anyone who has ever had an enema has no desire to read what happened next, nor do I really want to describe it in any detail! I settled myself down with the latest Robert B Parker and hit random play on the music system, while nature and gravity did their thing.

I replaced the book and switched off the Ipod. I felt empty and strangely cleaner than I ever had. Then again I've never had my insides cleaned before!! I returned to the wet room and jumped in the shower for the second time that day and washed quickly. As I rinsed the soap off my body I tried to remember what happened to my clothes earlier. Stepping out of the shower and wrapping myself in a towel I looked round the room. Just as I located my knickers, Silky returned looking rather pleased with herself accompanied by Master.

"Don't worry about getting dressed little one, I want to see that beautiful ass bent over in the playroom, trousers, however figure hugging they are, will only get in the way." He smiled as he took hold of my hand in his and led me into the main dungeon area.

"Sir, is Silky coming too?" I questioned, I wanted her with me. Her calming nature had helped me get this far and I couldn't imagine the next step without her.

"Not at this very minute, but I have promised her some serious playtime when we get back from our little errand later. I'm sure then she will be cumming lots!!" He chuckled.

I could barely speak for laughing, shaking my head trying to compose myself. Letting go of his hand as I brushed the tears from chuckling so hard, away from my eye.

"I should have said, 'Is Silky coming with us into the dungeon Sir?'"

"No sweetie, this moment is between you and I, Silky is going to clean up while I get to play with that squeaky clean little ass hole of yours."

"Oh, I see, yes. That sounds like a plan Sir, yep for sure..." Heavens ,I know English isn't my first language but I doubt I could have made any more sense in my native tongue. This was the moment that the whole morning had been leading up to and although everything so far had been far better than I could have hoped for, I still had reservations.

"Take a moment." Master whispered, putting a comforting hand over mine. "There is nothing to fear little one."

I knew I was trembling, I was perfectly sure I wanted to further my experiences with this wonderful man standing beside me,but my mind was a riot of emotions. I was nervous, excited and slightly daunted by what was going to happen next.

As I closed my eyes a fleeting image of Dietmar appeared in my mind, he was standing there looking proud and happy.His hand raised as he gave me the thumbs up. A sign we had used to signify that all was good. An simple sign that worked no matter where we were; in play or out in the vanilla world.

"I know Master, and I am ready Sir." I smiled, a tentative smile but it reached my eyes and conveyed the trust I had in him.

"Good girl, now, let's get this show on the road."

MA

The sight of her stood naked, trembling in trepidation and anticipation, had me rock hard. God was she beautiful. I Gently took her hand and led her over to the spanking bench which I had previously moved to centre stage in the middle of the room, before bending her over, fitting her wrist and anklets and securing each of her hands and feet to the legs of the bench. She was now firmly secured to the padded top with minimal room to move except for some minor squiggling.

Her head was resting cheek down on the top, her breasts squashed beneath her, but more importantly her ass and sex were raised and open to my gaze. Close inspection showed that her pussy was gaping slightly open due to the position and it was immediately clear that she was completely aroused. Obviously being tied down was one of the things she loved. Her pink rosebud was also clearly visible and clamped firmly shut. I chuckled inwardly and thought about how I would soon rectify that state of affairs.

"Beautiful little one, absolutely beautiful. You have no idea what the sight of you bound and presented on the bench does to my arousal levels. Did you know that if I look closely I can see your tonsils from this end?", the latter being said as I carefully pulled apart her pussy lips and took one long swipe up her slit with my tongue. Her answering chuckle told me exactly what she thought of my idiocy, but it had done the trick though in removing the last of any fear she may have had.

"Ok dear Alannah, I am now going to lube you little bottom hole with my fingers before fitting you with the butt plug. Any major discomfort then don't hesitate to safeword, but I want you to breathe through any minor pain and accept it. Understand my lovely?"

Her confirmation was all I needed to hear. Reaching to the side table where all the goodies had been pre prepared, I took the tube of back door silicone based lube and squirted a generous dollop onto her little star, before gently massaging it around the surface area.

"This particular gel has both a mild form of sting relief as well as a muscle relaxant. I am going to carefully rub it around your ring before working it inside with one finger. You can wiggle your bum if you like, I enjoy the view," I chuckled. Surprisingly, after a few circles with my finger, she did just that and I saw her cheeks lose their muscle tenseness as she subtly tried to move her hole back onto my finger.

"Good girl, now just relax your hole and bear down slightly as if you are going to the toilet," and with that my index finger popped into her anus straight upto the second knuckle. I immediately stopped all movement and felt her muscles grip my finger tightly before relaxing again with a soft sigh. My precious gem was enjoying this and I couldn't have been happier. My philosophy in life is that things should be fun and I sooo wanted her to enjoy this too. It opened up so many possibilities for the future.

Slowly I started to pump the finger in and out while drizzling more lube onto her star. Within a minute it was freely pistoning the full length with no resistance so without further ado and with another drizzle, I pulled her anus further apart with the thumb and forefinger of my other hand, pulled down with the inserted index finger and gently placed the middle finger of my business hand alongside the buried digit. A soft grunt and a slight tensing again had me stopped, but after a few seconds she relaxed allowing me to carefully pump both fingers the full length of their reach. More lube had me twisting the fingers at the same time as pumping them, the entire episode with me giving words of praise and encouragement.

It's at this point that I have to be careful not to daydream. The visual of my fingers pumping in and out of her anus, her pussy opening and shutting in time to my hand like a little goldfish, usually has me thinking of what I plan to do next; imagining the tight feel of her ring as it gives to my cockhead. But today was all about Alannah and her feelings, so I resolutely pushed that thought down into my subconscious.

"Well done my dear. You've taken two fingers like a trooper. I am now going to fit you for the buttplug." With that I removed my fingers and showed her the training plug which had a maximum circumference of about three inches, before tapering back down to a more comfortable size. In time to come I would introduce her into a varied routine I had for injecting some humour into these scenarios; namely pretending to take a run up or throwing it like a javelin, but today was not a time for jesting.

Instead I liberally coated the plug with the silicone and began to gently work it into her butt, in and out, millimetres deeper at a time. Her sighs and grunts were becoming increasingly more breathy as she relaxed into the exquisite feelings I knew she was experiencing.

"Only a few more millimetres to go and we're in. So so beautiful my darling," and with that I gave one last gentle push and with a faint plop, the plug passed the widest part and her ring gave to fully accept the intrusion.

"IT'S THE BULLSEYE" I crowed as it sank into place.

"ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY" She cried back, and we both burst into a fit of the giggles.

"Oh so well done my lovely, hold still," and I grabbed the camera to take some shots for her album...ok...my album too if truth be told, but I was so proud of her right this minute I just wanted her to look back on this day with pride and fond memories.

Going round to the top end, I took her head in my hands and kissed her deeply to which she reciprocated with abandon.

"Now for your reward my lovely." Taking a vibrator from the table I gently worked her pussy and clit until she had an ear-shattering orgasm. She can sure make a noise when she comes can my lovely Alannah.

ALANNAH:

I slumped as much as the restraints would let me as the orgasm finally stopped flowing through my body. I realised I was still biting my bottom lip in an attempt to stem the moans and cries from the orgasmic sensations that had overcome me. I was noisy, always had been. Dietmar loved it, he had said he would rather hear my pleasure rather than wonder if I was liking what he was doing, but I knew many Dominants expected silence. The only way I was likely to be silent was if I was gagged!

I smiled and sighed happily as I felt Masters fingers gently undoing the bindings that had held me in place. I adored the feeling that being bound brought me, adding to the delightful helpless feeling that being submissive brings me. He really had made the fitting of the plug an experience I had enjoyed far more than I had thought possible.

"Right then my precious gem, are you ready to stand up?" His voice still full of pride, widening my smile further.

"Yes Sir. Thank you Sir, I really enjoyed this morning. I can't believe that thing fitted Sir!"

"Oh I had no doubt it would fit precious, and trust me 'that thing' will become a good friend of yours I'm sure." He chuckled as he helped me off the bench.

"I think you may be right Sir." I blushed as I stood waiting for my legs to steady themselves before I attempted to walk.

"Right then, I want you to try and keep the plug in while we have lunch, no more than ½ hour for the first time though. So you had best eat fast little one!" 

We walked hand in hand to the stairs that would lead us back to the kitchen and Silky, every step seemed to vibrate through the plug and I was conscious I was walking like I had just got off a horse. The sensation was a touch uncomfortable but far from unpleasant, a fact confirmed by the moisture that was starting to seep from between my legs again. I was suddenly aware I was still naked, in all the excitement I hadn't noticed my lack of clothing!

"Erm, Sir. I need to get my clothes on before lunch, only I can't remember where I left them?"

"Oh no little one, I think Silky is very much looking forward to seeing that lovely addition to your squeezable bum. You don't want to disappoint her now do you?" The smile on his face telling me it wasn't only Silky that wanted me naked for a wee while longer.

"No Sir, you know I wouldn't disappoint Silky for anything Sir. I just hope the kitchen's warm, I'm terribly nesh Sir." I chuckled back at him.

"I'm sure you will warm things up if its not already hot enough!" His laughter echoed up the stone stairs.

Silky was laying the table as we stepped through the door, the wonderful aromas surrounding my senses and making me realise just how hungry I was.

"Mmmm Silky that smells grand indeed!" I murmured as I tottered further into the room.

"Hello pet! How are you feeling? Did you enjoy it? Can I see?" Her voice rising with every question, her excitement flowing through her words.

"Hello silky! I'm feeling dandy thanks, yes I enjoyed it." I looked over at Master before answering her last enquiry, a slight nod answered my unspoken question. "Yes Silky you can see!" I giggled as I bent over the chair raising my ass in the air and wiggling slightly. The room was filled with laughter as Silky swept over and knelt by my side.

"Oh that looks lovely pet, I will have to show you mine later..." Her words interrupted by a small cough from Master.

I stood back up as the exchange was taking place, looking between the two of them as I wondered what Silkys plug was like.

"Good idea sweetie, but lets keep it a surprise eh? Now lets eat, Alannah and I have a mission this afternoon plus I don't want her to keep the plug in too long for the first time.

"Yes Sir." She replied happily ushering us to our places and dishing out lunch.

I sat gingerly as the plug made contact with the wooden chair, seeming to nudge it further up inside me. The banter at the table and the delicious food soon took my mind of it and we settled down to a lovely lunch.

I ate listening and half joining in with the various conversations, but my mind was filled with the knowledge for the first time in a long while I had so much to look forward to.



A New Beginning Ch. 06



I thought a moment. Then, "You're right Joseph. Thanks."

I was glad for his input. I knew I could now figure up how much of what we should take without any feelings of guilt.

After, we had sex. It was the first time I had sex with Joseph in over two months. I normally only had sex with those whom I had strong emotions and feelings for, Joshua, Chantelle and Butler before he died. But every now and then I would indulge my sexual appetite and have sex just for the pure enjoyment of the orgasm, especially with Sam.

I had some very intense orgasms when I had sex with Sam or Joseph. But we were just friends. There was never going to be any deep love between us; we knew that. So when we made love it was just for the sex.

The only other people I had sex with onboard were Doc Yves, Victoria Rose and Josephine before she quit prostitution. I paid for Josephine's services, so did Chantelle. Except for Chantelle, I don't know if the others who had a private berth ever used the services of the prostitutes. I never asked them; it was none of my business.

I only had sex with Doc Yves when he came to me. It was the same between me and Vickie. I only had sex with her when she wanted to have sex with me, when she sought me out. She never told me why she wanted to have sex with me. But I suspect it was when she was depressed over some problem that she didn't want to share with anyone else. Whenever we did have sex she would unburden herself. I didn't mind, that's what I'm here for; to help people with their problems.

To prepare the ship for separation and to divide the ship's supplies took a lot of work from those who were staying as well as those who were returning to Earth. The James Cook soon turned into a busy little beehive. I was thankful as the extra work kept everyone's mind off the fact that the Earth we were returning to is 70 million years before our time and filled with dinosaurs. It also kept everyone's mind off the fact that now we were all "orphans" working without pay.

One of the first things I did was to have Joseph section off an area of the lower flight deck for the supplies we would be taking with us. That was easy. Next, I had him take a crew outside to attach the liquid oxygen tanks, the liquid hydrogen tanks and the solar panels to the living section. They had to be cut from the James Cook's wings and welded onto the end of the living section. After that, wires and tubing had to be routed into the living section. This latter proved to be quite difficult.

It took Joseph, Elizabeth Dee and a volunteer crew nineteen days to accomplish everything. We were in orbit 320 km above the ancient Earth by then. It looked real pretty.

Joseph couldn't fix the damaged solar panel. He was outside and I was watching him through the monitor on the lower flight deck. He was just about ready to pitch it toward Earth but luckily I stopped him before he did so. I warily asked him if he thought he could repair it once we were back on Earth. He shrugged his shoulders. I lightheartedly told him to put it in the lower flight deck. He nodded and answered that he would work on it after we landed.

After Joseph, Beth and their crew finished re-attaching the panels, I had him quietly take the three dead crew members out of the meat locker. Father Ray said a prayer while Joseph, Juan and I carried them out through the emergency airlock on the bridge and jettisoned them toward Earth.

After the service was over Father Ray told me that it was the only time in his life that he had ever been suited up. I told him that suited up or not God still heard his prayers. He smiled at me and said "God hears everyone's prayers Toni, especially those who are overworked and those who carry a heavy burden." I knew he was talking about me. I thanked him and gave him a hug.

I then took his suggestion and had Chantelle release the murderer from the brig. "After all," Father Ray reminded me, "he was only defending himself and there is no UNESA or UER to investigate the incident."

The next morning I met Joseph in the cafeteria. It was originally built to accommodate 100 crew members at any one time but with less than half of that number staying onboard I knew it had room to spare. As we stood together in front of the serving line I pointed this fact out to him and, with a mischievous smile, asked him to assign a crew to section off a small area for transferring the ships computer and communication equipment there.

Joseph looked at me in astonishment. He balked that he didn't have anyone available; everyone was busy working on some other project I dreamed up. I answered him that I had faith in him, that somehow he would find someone to do it. As soon as he finished eating breakfast he assigned a couple of crew members to assist Ralph and Gerald.

The rest of the officers were busy stowing food and gear on the lower flight deck, which ended up taking up about half of it. By the time we separated from the living section, both the lower flight deck and the bridge were crammed to capacity with gear.

Moving the computer put a cramp in my work. Before, every evening when everyone finished their work I would go to the lower flight deck and look up information on the ship's mainframe that I thought we might need once we landed. Then I downloaded it to Natalie Amiee's laptop.

I also downloaded several thousand songs from Sam's music library, music I figured the crew would enjoy listening to once we were back home. I copied some of Father Ray's classical music for myself.

Over the next several days I could see that not only was the transfer of equipment coming along better than I had expected, but the cafeteria was also rapidly becoming the staging and meeting area for those staying behind. I was extremely happy with the way everything was progressing.

But after Ralph and Gerald moved the computer, I had to spend my evenings in the cafeteria downloading information and music.

After we put ourselves in orbit above the Earth we stopped using the lower flight deck for navigation. In fact, once we were in orbit I put Natalie, Aleks and Valarie to work on the lower flight deck looking for a suitable landing strip for us. They daily used the ship's telescopic camera to search the terrain for a flat landing site. They took pictures whenever they thought they found a possible site so that Joshua and I could later study them.

Everyone said that they had the best job. That's because they also got a lot of great pictures of some of the dinosaurs roaming across the land. Akira came up with the idea of putting the pictures on disc and setting up a large screen in the cafeteria so that the rest of the crew could view the dinosaurs.

I really liked her idea and passed it by Louis and Father Ray to get their opinions. They both thought it was a great idea too to help boost morale.

I had Louis and Natalie setup a wide screen computer monitor in the cafeteria. Viewing dinosaur pictures -- both still and action shots -- soon turned into the most popular pastime onboard. Frequently, whenever a crew member wasn't working or sleeping, he or she could be found in the cafeteria. There were always 20 to 25 people at a minimum gathered in front of the screen.

There was even a "dinosaur picture of the day" voted on by the crew. The fossils of many of these creatures have never been found. The dinosaurs were truly amazing animals.

Yes, dinosaur watching put a further restriction in my downloading of information and music. But I didn't mind. I enjoyed watching the crew enjoy themselves. Besides, by this time I was almost finished downloading information. Then I went to the TV lounge and downloaded several thousand books from the library there onto the laptop's hard drive.

Ronald soon turned into sort of a MC of the show. He told me that before he signed onboard he used to study dinosaurs, dinosaur fossils and related dinosaur information as a hobby. His knowledge of dinosaurs was exceeded only by that of Ralph and Anthony. Between the three of them they were able to give a name to every picture taken of a known dinosaur.

As for the newer ones -- the ones fossils of which have not been found -- the crew members gave them Latin sounding names. But I must admit the names they gave these newer creatures were often not very scientific. They usually named them after friends and relatives they left on the former Earth or they named them based upon what the animal looked like.

For example, they named one theropod dinosaur Mother-In-Lawosaurus because, as one laborer said, it reminded him of his mother . . . mean and ugly. Then Laci Bianca, commenting on a small olive drab quadruped dinosaur with brown stripes on its back that just sat in a mud hole all day, said that it reminded her of her lazy ass ex-husband and named it Lazyassosaurus.

However, they named three dinosaurs that particularly touched my heart.

They named one particularly vicious biped carnivore Chantelleosaurus. This beast, which resembled a T-Rex but stood only about two meters high and had a rather long neck, seemed to delight in torturing its victims before eating them. It would pounce on the back of its prey and tear off large pieces of its flesh and drop them on the ground for its children to eat. It would repeatedly bite its prey until it was way past dead.

My lesbian lover loved it, especially its coloring. Its body was black but its head, neck and tail resembled a coral snake with red, yellow and black bands. Chantelle even printed a large picture of it and posted the picture outside the entrance to security HQ.

That night we slept together. She ate me three times before finally letting me blissfully fall to sleep. But it was one of the most restful sleeps I had had in a long time.

Another one they fondly named Antoinetteosaurus. This one reminded everyone of a sheep dog. It was a small, green and yellow feathered biped that followed a herd of duckbill hadrosaurs. It was a little over a meter high at the hips with a long feathered tail. It vaguely resembled a Bambiraptor.

We saw several herds of hadrosaurs and each herd had several of these "feathered friends" creatures amongst them. They would run all around the herd -- just like a sheep dog -- and keep the herd together. Whenever a baby would fall behind or stray out of the herd, these feathered animals would flap their arms, jump up and down and scare the baby back into the herd.

The Antoinetteosaurus also acted as watchdogs. Whenever a carnivore was in the area they would gather together in the area from which the beast was approaching, flap their feathered arms, jump up and down and attempt to scare off the beast. They had no effect on the larger carnivores -- only the smaller ones -- but they did help warn the duckbills of approaching danger.

We were never able to discover what these small carnivores got out of their symbiotic relationship with the hadrosaurs. Natalie took some shots of some Antoinetteosaurus eating a dead hadrosaur but they seemed to feed mainly on a small black and brown bird that fed off of dung beetles.

The bird used dinosaur dung to lure beetles into their nest. The crew aptly named this avian a Shitbird.

Anthony said their relationship with the hadrosaurs probably had something to do with rearing their young. Whenever a large carnivore attacked them, the hadrosaurs would form in a circle with their babies toward the center. The baby Antoinetteosaurus would join the baby hadrosaurs for protection.

But my favorite dinosaur was first seen and photographed on Father Ray's birthday. This was a strange looking Ceratoptian type dinosaur but much smaller than them; about a meter and a half high at their shoulders.

The dark khaki creature had small, white crescent moons on its back and tail. It roamed in a herd of about 30 or 40 animals. Ronald, Ralph and Anthony all said that they had never seen a fossil of it.

It had a frill behind its head like the other Ceratoptian dinosaurs I've seen fossils of -- the frill also had white crescents on it. But instead of horns above the eyes, it had a small frill extending from the rear one and running down to its nose.

This second, spiked frill looked more like the sail that I've seen on the back of Dimetrodons, the predatory Synapsids of the Permian Period. The two frills together looked like a large cross on its head. I guess that's another reason why the crew named it FatherRayius.

While I'm on the subject of Ceratoptian dinosaurs, Valarie got some great movie clips of a pack of seven Deinonychus -- a relative of my favorite dinosaur the Velociraptor -- attacking a small herd of Triceratops. So good was the movie that we were able to actually count the number of animals.

There were 13 adults, 8 juveniles and 12 babies. The babies stayed toward the middle of the herd while the herd moved around. But the juveniles sometimes ventured out, sometime sparing with each other and at other times just trying to discover the world around them.

The Dromaeosaurids stalked the Triceratops for half an hour before they made their move. Their pursuit was so skillful and subtle that the herd did not even know the carnivores were there until they started their attack. But as soon as the raptors did start, the Triceratops "circled their wagons." The adults formed around the pack with their horns pointing out while the juveniles and babies moved toward the center.

However, the Deinonychus were able to single out one of the juveniles before it got into the circle; it had strayed a little too far out from the herd. While several of the carnivores drew the attention of the adult Triceratops, two of them attacked the juvenile at the same time -- one from its right and one from its left.

When the juvenile Triceratops snapped its jaws at the one attacking from the left the one from the right placed a well-aimed kick at its neck, cutting its carotid artery.

An adult chased the two raptors away but the damage was already done. The juvenile bled to death a few moments later. Except for one adult -- presumably its mother -- the herd moved away from the carcass, while the carnivores bided their time hiding in the nearby bushes.

But after about half an hour even this one Triceratops moved on. The Deinonychus then voraciously fell on the dead juvenile and devoured it.

All the while the Deinonychus were feasting on the dead Triceratops several small vulture-type birds were circling above them. Some even landed and attempted to eat along side the carnivores but the raptors chased them off each time. When the Deinonychus finished chewing on the carcass these black birds with orange wing tips flew down and picked the bones clean.

The crew named the birds Daffyducktus after the cartoon character because these dim-witted birds didn't seem to learn that they couldn't eat while the Deinonychus were eating.

Much to the disappointment of the crew, we never did see a Tyrannosaurs Rex. But other than that, the crew really enjoyed watching the movies and snap shots of the dinosaurs. It even took their minds off sex. No one complained about not having any prostitutes. But Terri, Alicia, Josephine and Veronica Anne were the gladdest of all.

One afternoon while Ronald was on the lower flight deck viewing the Earth through the telescopic camera monitor he confided in me that he was apprehensive about returning to Earth to see the dinosaurs in real life.

Speculating on another less significant gossip that I discovered was circulating among those who didn't want to land, I jokingly asked him if he was afraid of getting eaten by a Tyrannosaurs Rex.

He answered me by asking me if I was afraid of getting eaten by a bear when I went into the forest on Earth. He then immediately asked me what the odds were of the James Cook being destroyed in the landing.

I informed him that the odds were almost nonexistent. He thought about my answer for a moment, nodded and then left the flight deck. He was one of those who were vacillating about returning. I said a silent prayer that my answer helped him make the decision to land with the rest of us.

He has become a changed man since we parked ourselves in orbit above the Earth. Gone is the sneaky, conniving, always-looking-out-for-himself person that he used to be. I'm not exactly sure what changed him but whatever it was I'm glad that it did.

Doc Yves said it has something to do with being cooped up onboard an overcrowded spaceship. He said that frequently a person's personality will change on extended space voyages, going from a Dr. Jekyll to a Mr. Hyde. Then when they return to Earth or even get close to Earth on the return trip they revert back to their original selves. I hope that's the case with Ronald.

After my conversation with Ronald I quietly went around and talked with several crew members who I knew were undecided about landing on Earth. I was happy to discover that many were thinking about landing with us instead of staying onboard. Although some of them still believed that there was a possibility that the James Cook would be destroyed on re-entry, they were now willing to take that chance.

I was just happy that their desire to return to Earth was greater than their fear of dying on re-entry or getting eaten by a dinosaur. I was glad because I knew that staying onboard the living section was inevitable suicide by starvation when the food gives out. Whereas there is only a very small chance that the James Cook will crash during landing and the possibility of it burning up on re-entry is almost nonexistent.

Since their numbers seemed to be increasing with each passing day, after about ten days I went around again and talked to the crew individually and in small groups. I was overjoyed to learn that over 3/4 of the crew members were either returning to Earth or thinking about returning to Earth.

After thinking about it, I became convinced that it was the dinosaur watching that influenced many of them to change their minds. Seventy million years BC is a paleontologist's paradise. We've seen so many new and interesting animals that it's impossible not to want to see them close up in real life.

Then Joseph took a crew outside to mount the telescopic camera onto the end of the living section. We were leaving it behind so that those diehards who wanted to stay could continue to view the Earth from the cafeteria.

While they were outside, he discovered a crack 120 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide at it's widest in the heat shield in the belly of the James Cook.

I was immediately alarmed when he told me about it but he told me not to worry about it. He could patch it. Without thinking I asked him how he intended to repair such a rather large crack. He told me "with superglue and duct tape, what else." Then he smiled.

A little over a century ago a high school chemistry teacher invented a mixture of liquid Teflon and fiberglass for cracks just like the one we had. After it was applied duct tape was put over it to prevent it from leaking into space while the goo dried.

The duct tape would burn off during re-entry but the patch held. It was jokingly referred to as superglue and duct tape by the more cynical. But it worked. Every time a returning ship had to patch up a crack, it returned to Earth without any mishap.

Anyway, I had forgotten that when we were transferring supplies from the rear Joseph found a couple of cans of Teflon and a roll of fiberglass in one of the little storage bins. It appears some UNESA supply officer put it onboard just in case we might need it. I was thankful for his thoroughness in storing necessary materials onboard.

The day after he found the crack Joseph went out and repaired it.

But that didn't stop news of the crack from spreading through the ship like wildfire. Before this, I had had hopes that Father Ray could convince the rest of the crew to come with us and return to Earth; there were only about 15 diehards.




A New Beginning Ch. 06



But the crack changed that. It caused many of those who had changed their minds to change their minds again. We were back to around thirty percent of the crew positive about returning to Earth. Again, most of those were the officers -- those with the education to know that the patch would hold.

The crack was also the mitigating factor that caused Ronald to decide to stay onboard the living section. He approached me one day while I was watching some action pictures that Natalie took of a flock of carnivorous birds with bright red feathers and white tails attacking a giant Pterodactyl.

The birds would swoop down on the Pterodactyl and peck it with their beaks. Everyone said it reminded them of a bunch of Twentieth Century World War II fighters attacking a lone bomber.

The Pterodactyl didn't stand a chance against the birds, which a construction crew member named RedBaronibus after the Red Baron of World War I -- he mistakenly believed that the Baron Manfred Von Richthofen was a World War II pilot.

"Can I talk to you Captain Antoinette?" Ronald asked me in a guarded whisper. Prior to parking ourselves in orbit above the Earth he never referred to me as captain except in the presence of Chantelle or another officer. But lately, even when he would meet me in one of the passageways he always had a nice word to say.

I wondered whether it was because he finally came to terms with his crime and forgave those who found him guilty, or if it was because he knew that he would have to spend the rest of his life with us in a camp on Earth.

I never found out but I would like to think it was because he finally came to terms with his own guilt. At least I hope that was the reason.

"Sure Ronald, what's up?" I too whispered. I didn't want to disturb the others who were watching the aerial combat between the Pterodactyl and the red birds. I don't know why everyone whispered while they were watching dinosaur movies. There was no sound. I guess it's just force of habit from watching regular movies.

"I'd rather not talk here if you don't mind," he again whispered.

He had me puzzled so I suggested we talk in my cabin. On the way there we encountered George. He angrily complained that Sam would not let him take a half liter bottle of bourbon to his berth. I reminded George that no one could take liquor to their cabin.

He countered that he thought that that was meant only for the crew, not the officers. I asked him if he thought he was a privileged character and reminded him that there were no privileged people onboard. He didn't answer me but stormed away in a huff.

I punched in the code to slide open the hatch to my berth.

"Come on in Ronald. I don't have any booze but how would you like some tea. It's better than that stuff they serve in the cafeteria. I heat up the water in my microwave oven and brew it myself from some I brought onboard before we left MC3."

"No thank you Captain Antoinette."

He paused.

"This is your show Ronald. What's on your mind?"

He fidgeted a little. Then, "I'm not returning to Earth. I don't want to die on re-entry."

"Ronald, I hope you're not listening to the latest rumor. The patch will work. It will hold."

Twenty-two years ago a spaceship returning to Earth developed a crack in it. The crew repaired it with Teflon and fiberglass; just like they were supposed to. But it still burned up during re-entry. It was later determined that the crew probably did not put the patch on correctly.

But that didn't stop the rumors. There were several different rumors, depending on who you listened to. Some claimed that the Teflon was from a bad batch, others believed that the fiberglass was bad, still others thought that it was sabotage, that no one even put a patch on the doomed spacecraft. The best rumor claimed that the crew actually used superglue and duct tape to repair the crack. 

But it didn't matter. The end result was that ever since then, many individuals refused to return to Earth if a crack was found in the spaceship's heat shield; choosing instead to be transferred to a space station and wait for another spaceship.

For those who didn't live on Earth there was no problem. They just transferred to a shuttle going to whatever space station they lived at.

But for those who still lived on Earth there was a huge financial problem. For the past century everyone has been gradually leaving the Earth to live in space stations. The prediction is that someday all mankind will be living in domed cities on the moon and Mars or in space cities orbiting the sun or some planet. The Earth will then be left for the animals to inhabit with only a few tourist cities and scientific labs for use by humans.

The trouble with those who still lived on Earth is that a returning crew member frequently had to wait for a month or two or longer -- at his or her own expense -- in order to get seating onboard a ship returning to Earth.

The rumor we had floating around the James Cook was that the Teflon Joseph used to repair the crack was bad, that it was expired. Coupled with this was a new rumor someone started. Many believed that the officers were trying to get as many onboard the James Cook as they could so that when it burned up or crashed on re-entry they would be saved from death by starvation.

How they came up with the idea that we officers believed that burning to death is more merciful than starving to death is beyond me. But such is how the mind of the superstitious and the uneducated thinks.

The officers and I tried to dispel the rumors by informing everyone that Teflon does not expire, that the patch will hold. But they wouldn't listen to us. Nor did they listen to Father Ray. He tried to work his magic diplomacy on them but they wouldn't listen. They choose to stay onboard when we separated.

"No I'm not Captain Antoinette. But the rumors have caused me to rethink my decision about returning to Earth." He paused again. He gave me an apologetic look and then continued. "Look, even if the patch holds . . . and there is a chance that it won't, right?"

"There's a small chance, yes. There's always that chance. But . . ."

"Even if it holds," he cut me off, "there's also a chance that we'll crash. I mean . . . there's no airport or landing strip of any kind down there. I don't want to die in an explosion when we touch down. There's also the possibility that I won't die but will be injured, crippled maybe. I don't want to be eaten alive by a dinosaur."

I'm sure it was this latter belief that caused some of the crew members to decide to stay onboard the living section. Whether we landed safely or not, they didn't want to get eaten by a dinosaur. They were afraid that monstrous beasts would chase them down, kill them and eat them.

I countered, "Ronald we're going to find a landing site. I have a couple of potential sites I'm looking at now. I can land the James Cook, believe me."

"But they say that you've never landed on Earth before, only on the Moon."

"That's not true. I've landed on Earth once before and Joshua has landed there several times. The two of us will be piloting the James Cook together. Even so, landing on the Earth is the same as landing on the Moon."

"But without an airport you can't guarantee that we'll land safely."

I knew he was right. We talked for a few more minutes then he returned to watching the fighters take down the giant Pterodactyl. I caught the rerun later.

I was disheartened by Ronald's change of mind but I was totally devastated the next day after talking with Father Ray.

He too decided to stay onboard the living section with the majority of the crew. We talked about it extensively. I wanted him to return with us to the Earth. I told him that everyone who stayed would be dead within 10 to 11 months when the food runs out. But that those who returned to Earth would be able to live long and healthy lives.

"Fighting dinosaurs and getting eaten by them," he sarcastically reminded me. "Provided of course you don't burn up on re-entry or die when the ship crashes into the ground."

"None of those things are going to happen," I countered. "Joshua and I are excellent pilots, too good to allow that to happen. Those scenarios you mentioned are the gossip of superstitious, ignorant crew members and laborers."

"I believe you Toni. But even so, I must stay where I'm most needed. I wish I could return to Earth with you. But since the majority of the crew is staying with the living section then so must I."

The majority of those who are staying onboard the James Cook are doing so because they fear dieing upon re-entry or getting eaten by a dinosaur. They are not looking at the fact that by choosing to stay they are choosing to die. They are ignorant of the facts and refuse to look beyond their fears to see the truth.

But Father Ray is not ignorant. He knows that we will not burn up or crash. He knows that the odds of us getting eaten by a dinosaur are slim. Still, he insists upon staying -- to serve the needs of the many. He is truly a remarkable man.

For the second time in my life I'm losing a man that I love. I don't love Father Ray like I loved Captain Butler or even like I love Chantelle. The love that I have for Father Ray is more like the love one has for a parent or a sibling. Still in all, it hurts.

But I couldn't dwell on my pain. I had to get the James Cook ready for separation from the living section. I had to make sure that those of us who would be landing on Earth would be able to do so safely and that we would have enough supplies with us to prevent us from starving to death until we could build ourselves a little community and learn how to fight the dinosaurs. That was only a few days away.

To be continued . . .



A New Beginning Ch. 07



We were ready to separate the James Cook from the living section two days after Father Ray broke the news to me that he was not landing with us. The solar panels, the liquid oxygen tanks and liquid hydrogen tanks were all in place and providing plenty of power to the living section.

I didn't know how long the James Cook's batteries would last or if Joseph could repair the one damaged solar panel. I didn't want to drain them too much, so the James Cook was also drawing power from the living section's batteries and would continue to do so until the day we would separate.

The far corner of the cafeteria was setup as a command post with the computer, telescopic camera and television all working properly. Those staying behind could watch dinosaurs all they wanted.

I was glad that Sam suggested getting the extra food and supplies from the mini-storage bins behind the cafeteria. Without it there would only be enough food to last those staying onboard about seven or eight months.

I had told William to have the cooks move the extra food into the cafeteria's food lockers. I was worried that once the food started to run low there would be fights over it. I thought that it would be easier to control the distribution of food if it was all stored in one place. He apologetically told me that the reason he was staying onboard was because once on Earth he would be out of a job; a cook would not be needed. But I knew that he said that only because he didn't want to reveal that he was afraid of getting eaten by a dinosaur.

The number of individuals who would be landing on Earth turned out to be quite close to the actual number that Joseph and I had originally figured. There were eight officers, six junior officers, two prostitutes, four ship's crew members and three laborers who would be returning to Earth.

Forty-four men and women chose to remain with the living section; almost every one of them because they feared that the James Cook would either burn up on re-entry or crash when we landed. I was heartsick. But there was nothing I could do.

I still thought about ordering them all into the James Cook, using the taser guns to back me up. But Chantelle Dawn, Joshua and Father Ray were against that. They all warned me that if I forced them into the James Cook then there might be a riot. Then the ship surely would crash land and we would all be killed. I resigned myself to the fact that I was losing most of my crew.

The afternoon before we separated Gerald called me on my cell TV-phone. He asked me -- practically begged me -- to meet him in his cabin. He sounded like he was real upset. At the time, I was in the brig's HQ office visiting with Chantelle; we were discussing some last minute details of the separation.

She gave me a look of exasperation. I just shrugged my shoulders and reminded her that "duty calls." She smiled sardonically and wished me luck.

When I got to his berth Gerald told me that he called me on my personal cell TV-phone because he couldn't find me. He complained that since I canceled most of the watches the officers had to stand, he never knew where to look for me.

I must confess that he was right. Once we parked ourselves in orbit above the Earth I informed the officers that they didn't have to stand watch any longer.

There was no need to. Besides they were all too busy working on various assignments that Joseph and I had placed them on in preparation to separating the James Cook from the living section. As for me, I was busy running around the spaceship and living section checking on the projects, making sure everything was running smoothly.

I asked Gerald what his problem was and he complained about a dinosaur that the crew had named Queerosaurus. I had seen it earlier in the day, before any of the crew members chose a name for it. It appeared to be from the family Pachycephalosauridae.

It had the dome on its head like other Pachycephalosaurs but it also had short spikes on its neck, sides and on the end of its tail. It was black and indigo blue with red bumps all over its back. Its stomach was pale yellow. The animal was biped except when it foraged for food. Then it walked on all four legs digging in the ground and poking around bushes.

Gerald demanded that I have them rename the animal. I could tell from looking at it that the crew named it because it looked so bizarre, not because of its sexual orientation. But Gerald took it personal. I really couldn't blame him.

I went to the cafeteria and ordered the crew to rename the dinosaur. They called it Weirdosaurus.

Later that evening Gerald buzzed my cabin. It was late, just past twenty-two hundred. I didn't let him in; Chantelle and I were preparing to take a shower together. We were both naked. I wrapped a towel around myself and opened the hatch; Chantelle stayed in the shower. I stood in the doorway and asked him what he wanted. He apologized for disturbing me and said that he just wanted to thank me.

I advised him that the crew didn't name the creature with him in mind. He said he knew that but he still wanted it renamed. He said he took it personal. I told him that I would have taken it personal too and in fact did because of my bisexuality.

I surprised him when I revealed that to him. He said that he always thought that I was straight. That surprised me because I thought everyone onboard knew that I was bisexual.

After he left Chantelle and I did our thing together in the shower with a strap-on dildo. Then we crawled into bed and performed cunnilingus on other before going to sleep.

The morning we were to separate I held one last general assembly in the cafeteria. I again encouraged everyone to come aboard the James Cook. I told them that if need be I would even delay the return for anyone who changed his or her mind about staying and wanted to get some of their personal supplies onboard. No one budged. It was like I was talking to marble statues.

George stood up. "Captain Antoinette, I'm in charge here now. You and your officers go burn yourselves up on re-entry. We don't . . ."

"No! You're not in charge here George," Konrad, the supply officer called out, interrupting him.

"George, there is no way that I'm living out my final days under your misguidance," Alicia also interrupted him.

Nurse Rebecca added her own comment. "Alicia, don't worry about George. Master Chef William and I already have it all figured out. We're going to slip a sedative in his food and keep him sedated . . ."

"This is mutiny!" George yelled. "I'll have you all put in the brig."

"And just who's going to help you," interjected Craig. "Not me, Adam or Tommy." The two of them nodded in agreement.

Ralph called out, "We don't want you in charge of us after the James Cook separates from us. I know I don't."

"I don't either," added Terri.

Numerous crew members and laborers then began calling out that they did not want George in charge after the separation. Indeed, except for Father Ray and Ronald -- the latter being exceptionally quiet the whole time -- everyone who was staying seemed to have an opinion about George assuming command of the spaceship. Most of them were against him.

I didn't know why Father Ray was so quiet. I assumed it was because he was being his normal humble self. But I was suspicious of Ronald's quiet attitude. He had changed these last few weeks but I still didn't trust him.

"Wait! Wait!" I hollered out holding up my hand for quiet. I glanced over to Chantelle for back up. She slammed the butt of a taser gun down on a table, making a loud banging noise.

"Captain Antoinette is still in charge here," she yelled out. "I'll put every one of you in brig if you don't quiet down right now." She wasn't bluffing. The crew didn't name the particularly vicious theropod carnivore Chantelleosaurus for nothing.

"Thank you Chantelle," I said to her. Then to the crew, "And just who do y'all expect to be in charge? What rules do y'all intend to follow?"

Mark, the chef's assistant, stood up. He was another person who was very well educated. Rumor had it that he had degrees in philosophy, history, accounting and sociology.

He once confided in me that his personnel file did not indicate his true education. But I figured that out. He seemed to be too well educated for an assistant chef. I also know that he too spent a lot of his spare time in the ship's library reading.

Like Father Ray, he signed on because it gave him a lot of free time to read and continue his studies. Unlike most of the others, he was staying so that he could continue his studies and play chess with Father Ray. "We prefer someone who knows what he is doing to be in charge of us Captain Antoinette."

"Who for instance?" I asked him.

"We were hoping that Father Ray would take control of everything after you're gone, Captain Antoinette. I mean, I can't think of anyone better."

"Yeah, that's who," a couple of crew members called out.

I glanced over at George. The hurt was evident on his face. Here was his last chance to be captain and no one wanted him. He looked around the cafeteria at the crew members for some measure of support. Some of them stared back but most of them just ignored him.

Then he quietly, almost inaudibly said to me, "I'll be in my cabin Captain Antoinette. Will you let me know who they choose as their leader? You have my assurances that I'll follow who ever they select?"

Having said that, he quickly left the cafeteria before I could answer him. He was a broken man and I felt sorry for him. But then he brought it on himself with the way he conducted himself earlier in the voyage. Gerald, his homosexual lover, started to leave with him but then thought better of it and sat back down.

As soon as George was out of the room Judith called for a vote. Catherine then nominated Father Ray and Terri seconded his nomination. Next Abraham nominated Mark; Konrad seconded his nomination. Finally, Ralph nominated Nurse Rebecca and Ronald seconded it.

To make it fair, I suggested that only those who were staying behind vote. Everyone agreed. Catherine, Marilyn, Ruth, Alicia and Norton passed out slips of paper to everyone and they all just wrote down who they wanted to lead them.

It was a close vote. Father Ray received 16 votes, Rebecca got 15 and Mark got 11. Gerald didn't vote. I saw him put his slip of paper in his pocket. As soon as the votes were totaled he walked out of the cafeteria. I presumed he was headed for George's room. I know the two of them often slept together there.

After the vote everyone called for Father Ray to give a victory speech but he only thanked them for having faith in him. He then told them that he had no intention of changing any of the rules and regulations that I had made. He reminded them that it was going to be hard for those who were staying behind and that the only way they were going to make the best of it was to pull together as a unit. He then called for everyone to join him in a prayer for the James Cook's safe return to Earth.

But Ralph mumbled, "Yeah but even if they make a safe landing, they'll all be dead in a couple of weeks. They'll all end up as food for a T-Rex or some other dinosaur."

I wanted to strangle him. It was people like him who had caused so many to change their minds, getting them to fear landing or be eaten alive. Here was a man who was supposedly well educated -- he has a master's degree in computer science. But what does he do; he spreads stupid lies and unfounded beliefs. Then the less educated fall for his irresponsibility hook, line and sinker.

Ignoring him, Father Ray started the prayer. "Let us remember that we are in the presence of God." He paused and looked around. Then, "Our Father, who art in heaven . . ."

Everyone then joined him in the Lord's Prayer, even Sam who is a Muslim.

I once asked Sam how he orientates himself to offer prayers in space. He told me that he just faces the sun. While we were reciting the Lord's Prayer I quickly glanced up and saw him turn and face the rear of the ship. It was still morning. We were over what will someday be the Pacific Ocean and the Sun was to our rear. I smiled.

With the exception of Father Ray, I often wondered if there was anyone onboard who had a greater faith in God than Sam.

After the prayer there were hugs and tearful good-byes by everyone. I asked the 22 who were returning to the Earth to stay for a couple of minutes for some last minute instructions. Everyone else dispersed to their own berths, the TV lounge, the games room or to the far corner of the cafeteria to watch dinosaurs.

I reminded those who were returning to Earth that once we landed we could very easily be without electricity or any conveniences. The ship's batteries would only last a couple of days and then we would be on our own until -- and if -- Joseph could get the damaged solar panel repaired.

I advised them that any electrical toothbrushes, shavers, massagers, heating pads or anything that required electricity to run would be better left here. If Joseph couldn't fix the panel, it might not put out enough electricity for them to use their electrical devices.

I didn't inspect anyone's gear to determine whether or not they followed my advice -- it wasn't an order. I didn't follow it; I brought my electric shaver. I left it up to each person to make their own decision on what to bring with themselves. But I was sure that other than some extra clothing and some personal items most of them were only bringing photographs of loved ones and a souvenir or two with them. I'm also sure that some of them were bringing electric shavers.

I then told them that we would be separating from the living section in about three hours, reminded them to remove their Velcro shoes and make sure they put on regular shoes before launch and then dismissed them. After they all left I went to my berth to get the photos of the landing site I had chosen.

About a week ago Joshua and I picked two landing sites next to two lakes, the real one and a false one.

"So what do you think Toni? Which do you like better the North American site or the African site?"

We were on the lower flight deck looking over pictures of potential landing sites that Natalie and her crew had taken. The center navigation table had pictures of several potential sites strewn all over it; each held in place with a piece of tape. I picked up the pictures of the two sites in question, "Joshua will you accompany me to my berth for a moment?"

Once there I spread all the pictures out on my desk. Looking them over I stated matter-of-factly, "I like the African site Joshua. It's closer to a lake than the American one."

"Yeah me too. It's also offers us a longer landing strip than the American site."

He paused and gave me a worried look. Then, "I know you enjoy studying anthropology and would love to see first hand the Cradle of Mankind where many fossils of Australopithecus and Homo habilis have been found. But do you like the site where Olduvai Gorge and the Great Rift Valley will someday be located because it's a better site or because you're partial to landing in Africa?"

Without looking up I answered him, "It will be interesting to land near the eastern edge of what will someday be the Serengeti Plains and see first hand what the ancient ancestors of the monkeys and apes looked like Joshua. But all prejudice aside, I believe that the African site offers us a better chance for our survival than the American site."

"OK, I believe you. But why bring me down here just to give me your opinion? Unless of course you want to . . ." He gave me a wicked smile.

I turned to him and unemotionally said, "I haven't got time for sex right now Joshua. Maybe tonight. I asked you to accompany me to my berth because I wanted to ask you your opinion on revealing the site to the rest of the crew."

"Like I said, I like the African site."

"Well, what do you think we ought to tell those who are staying here? I mean, if we tell them where we're landing and they look for us with the telescope, they'll see that we've landed safely. They'll know that they've made the wrong choice."

"I see what you mean. Then I suggest we don't tell them where we're landing."

"I'm glad you agree with me on that. But I think we ought to tell everyone that we're landing in what will someday be the Badlands of South Dakota in the North American site."

He answered me, "Good idea." But I knew what was on his mind.

I put my hands on his chest and provocatively said, "Now about tonight, why don't you meet me here around twenty hundred? We can shower together."

He smiled, "Sounds great."

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have to use the toilet."

He left and I picked up all the pictures, telling myself that I would make a decision on what to do with them later.

The next three hours for me passed by rapidly checking on a few last minute details. I almost didn't get to say good-bye to Father Ray. On my way to his cabin I met Juan, Father Ray's roommate. He asked if there were any last minute chores to do. I handed him the pictures of the landing site and asked him to get a hand axe from supply and put them in a plastic bag next to my seat on the bridge.

Father Ray was alone in his berth. He was reading.

Father Ray and I talked for a few minutes. He offered me a glass of scotch but I declined. I then "confessed" to Father Ray about my deception. I told him about the real site.

"Father, we're not really landing in North America; we're landing in Eastern Africa."

"I looked at the photographs of some of the sites you and Joshua were considering as landing spots and I figured that's where you're heading. I'm also pretty sure I know why you told everyone that you're landing in America."

"It's not easy to fool you is it Father?"

"Well, I don't know about that. But the site in Africa looks more promising. It's within walking distance to a lake, it's on the edge of a forest and it has a longer landing field than the American one. It also looks smoother. Isn't that what you want, long and smooth?"

"Yes Father, that's what we need. The African site has more potential than the American one or any of the other sites we've looked at. But I need to tell you . . ."

"Don't Toni," he held up his hand and stopped me. "You've told me too much already. You don't have to reveal to me why you told everyone that you're landing in America. It's none of my business. It's none of the business of those who have chosen to stay onboard."

"But I just can't leave without telling you Father. I cannot lie to you. You've been too good to me . . . to everyone."

"I'm sure you have your reasons. I'm also sure your reasons are valid. But since you're 'confessing' to me," he gave the quote sign with his fingers. "Let me confess something to you."

It was his way of changing the subject.

"Last week I went around and sort of told everyone that I thought that we should elect a new leader after you and the other officers are gone. I didn't come right out and say it but . . ."

"Father Ray!" I interrupted him. "You mean to tell me that you engineered George's dethronement?"

"I'm afraid so. Toni, after you and the others are gone, we're going to need a strong leader, someone who the crew trusts and respects. George just doesn't measure up. Don't get me wrong. I believe George is a nice guy and all. He's got his problems . . . we all do. But he's not a leader."

He frowned. Then, "The crew doesn't trust or respect him. But I was hoping they would elect Nurse Rebecca or Mark. At least that's the bug I put into everyone's ear last week. I didn't think it would backfire on me. I didn't think they would elect me."

"Father, the crew couldn't have chosen a better person for the job. Everyone loves you and trusts you."

"Tell you what. I'll let your little deception be my secret if you let my little deception be your secret." He smiled.




A New Beginning Ch. 07-08



CHAPTER SEVEN

"So any word on who's after us now?" Raven asked Mage as she set a large mug of coffee in front of her and in front of Beth.

"No. Logan hasn't been able to find anything out. "He has Parker doing some more research," Mage answered.

"Nothing on my end either, but I've been really busy lately," Beth added. 

"I got this in the mail. I haven't shown it to Xavier yet," Raven told them, setting a large envelope on the kitchen table. Beth picked up the envelope and opened it, her eyes widening when she saw the contents. 

"You need to tell Xavier," Beth told her.

"I know, and I will. I wanted to get your take on it first," Raven said.

"We're going to your house right now to do a protection spell," Mage insisted. Beth nodded as she quickly drained her coffee before following her cousins out.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"How was your day?" Xavier asked as Raven climbed into bed next to him. She smiled and wrapped her arms around Xavier, rested her head on his shoulder.

"It was alright. Mage, Beth and I cast a protection spell earlier," Raven answered.

"What's going on?" Xavier wanted to know. Raven pulled the envelope out of the drawer of the nightstand. "I'm going to kill him!" Xavier growled. Raven placed a hand on Xavier's arm.

"Don't Xave. He's not worth it," Raven murmured.

"He should know better than to threaten what's mine!" Xavier reminded her.

"I'm fine Xavier. Really. Beth and Mage and you and your family will make sure of that," Raven reminded him.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Raven, what's wrong?" Beth asked when she saw her cousin hunched over, clutching her abdomen.

"I, I don't know!" Raven's voice was filled with pain, and her eyes were wide with panic. Beth fumbled for her cell phone.

"Cole, it's me. Get Xavier, something's wrong with Raven," Beth said before hanging up. 

Xavier was nearly in a panic when he and Charles got to Gambit and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw them. "What's happening?" Raven asked, her eyes full of tears.

"You're changing," Xavier said gently.

"It hurts!" Raven gasped. Xavier nodded and knelt down in front of her.

"I know baby. "It's going to be okay," Xavier's voice was gentle as he stroked her hair.

"What can I do?" Beth wanted to know.

"I need to get her some place with lots of room," Xavier answered. "And not the compound," he added.

"My house is pretty private," Beth suggested.

"Are Cole and the kids there?" Xavier wanted to know.

"No. They're at the fair," Beth told him.

"Good. Charles is out front, go direct him to the back door," Xavier said. His voice was shaking, revealing his nervousness; he'd never turned anyone before. 

"Do you need me to call your dad?" Beth asked as Xavier scooped Raven into his arms and headed for the back entrance.

"Please," Xavier said as the door swung shut behind him.

"Xavier, make it stop," Raven pleaded, writhing in pain.

"It'll stop soon," Xavier soothed, rubbing her back gently after he set her in the van.

Xavier looked up as his father and the healer walked into Beth's house. "I don't know what to do," Xavier told his father, his eyes wide.

"Just leave everything to the healer," Dominic told his son before he and the healer walked past Xavier and into the bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Any word on Raven?" Cole asked when he picked Beth up from Gambit, later that night.

"Xavier called an hour ago. Apparently the healer has sedated her," Beth answered. "Where are the kids?" she wanted to know.

"With Mage and Logan," Cole told her. The drive back to the house was quiet and when they walked inside, Xavier looked worn out and distressed. "How is she?" Cole wanted to know.

"The change is done. Raven's sleeping now," Xavier answered. 

"It's a miracle that she didn't have a worse time of it," the healer told Xavier after he had returned to the living room.

"What do you mean?" Xavier wanted to know.

"She is still recovering from her kidnapping and rape," the healer answered. Xavier blanched at that and glanced guiltily at Beth.

"She wanted this Xavier," Beth reminded him.

"I know," Xavier mumbled.

"Things will be different now," Dominic told Beth.

"I know," Beth said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

"More different that you would think. Raven's powers as a witch may be off until she has learned to control her shifting into a wolf," Dominic warned.

"Perfect timing," Beth said dryly. A squeaking noise from the stairs had Beth looking up. "Raven, shouldn't you be resting?" Beth asked her cousin.

"I'm restless," Raven admitted as she finished descending the stairs.

"You need to run," Cole observed. Xavier nodded in agreement.

"Take Raven to the compound," Dominic instructed his son.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-2 weeks later-

"Damn it, not again!" Raven shouted in annoyance.

"What's wrong?" Beth asked, coming to a stop next to her cousin.

"I screwed up this potion for the fourth time," Raven's voice was almost a snarl. 

"Take a deep breath Rave, it's okay," Beth attempted to calm her.

"No it isn't okay! After Mage's attack last week, we need to be more prepared than ever," Raven grumbled.

"We don't know what to prepare for and won't until Mage wakes up," Beth reminded Raven gently.

"It's driving me crazy, not knowing what happened. Has Logan found anything else out?" Raven asked.

"No, but he's going to work until he finds the truth," Beth answered. "Now, what potion were you trying to make?" Beth asked, eager to help her cousin get back on track. Raven turned the large book of shadows towards Beth and Beth sighed. "Rave, that spell takes the three of us and Parker. No wonder you couldn't get it on your own," Beth said gently.

"What about a protection spell? We could protect charms and wear them so that we can't be hurt again," Raven suggested. Beth grinned.

"Perfect. It has to be something that none of us will take off and it can't be something that looks out of place," Beth agreed. 

"We can charm our necklaces," Raven told Beth with a grin. Beth nodded, smiled and picked up the cordless phone.

"Hello, Parker?" Beth asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thanks for calling me to help you with this," Parker commented a few hours later.

"We need the help Park. With Mage in a coma, we're one witch short," Beth said with a sigh.

"Have the police found the guy?" Parker wanted to know.

"Not yet," Raven answered, her lips set in a thin line, anger all over her face.

"Focus Rave or you'll blow the house up," Beth warned. She and Parker watched as Raven took a few deep breaths and calmed down.

"What are you guys doing now?" Xavier asked when he and Cole walked into the kitchen.

"We're doing a protection spell and dipping a charm into it," Raven answered.

"Why?" Xavier wanted to know. Cole wisely kept his mouth shut and wished his brother had too; especially when he saw the look on Raven's face.

"With Mage in a coma, it's obvious that whoever we're dealing with knows a lot about witch craft. We're going to dip our necklaces into the potion and it will act as a charm to ward off any harm that could befall us," Beth answered. Cole and Xavier watched as the girls and Parker finished the chant required to make the potion work.

"How did you get Mage's?" Cole wanted to know.

"They sent home all of Mage's jewelry that she was wearing with Logan in case they had to rush Mage into surgery again. We managed to convince the doctors to let us put the necklace back on her as a good luck charm," Raven answered.

"Brilliant," Cole said with a grin.

"We thought so," Beth said, grinning back at him. She looked at Raven. "You ready to do this?" Beth asked her cousin.

"Do what?" Xavier asked, looking from Raven to Beth and back to Raven nervously.

"Hell yes," Raven answered. Beth smiled at Xavier before turning back to the circle that she, Raven and Parker stood in. "Light to dark, dark to light, together we seek, we implore, we command," Raven began.

"Protect us in the light, protect us in the dark. Keep evil at bay," Beth continued.

"We seek protection from what may harm, guidance to defend the innocent," Parker added.

"We implore, we command, we decree, dark to light, light to dark, together we seek, together we command. Guard us well, so we command," Raven finished the spell and the three of them dropped the necklace they were holding into the cauldron. Xavier and Cole took a step back when a bright green light shot up from the pot and dissipated into the air. Beth grabbed a pair of barbed tongs and fished out the necklaces and dropped them into the heavy towel in Parker's hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Any change?" Beth asked Logan as she, Raven, Parker, Cole and Xavier walked into Mage's hospital room.

"None," Logan answered. "Where are the kids?" he wanted to know.

"Daycare at Auntie Rogue's," Beth said.

"Since when does Rogue have a daycare?" Logan asked.

"She set one up when Raven and Xavier mated so that she and Beth could leave the kids with someone who was familiar with weres," Cole told him. 

"What's this?" Logan asked as Beth handed him Mage's now charmed necklace.

"We put a protection spell on it. Mage won't be able to be harmed anymore," Beth told him. Logan kissed Beth on the cheek before quickly fastening it around his wife's neck. 

"What's the prognosis?" Raven asked quietly.

"She's still in a coma. If she doesn't come out by the end of the week, her chance of recovery is minimal," Logan's voice caught as he relayed the doctor's words to his family. "And the police won't even come anymore, they've stopped looking," he added. 

"What?" Beth's voice was sharp.

"There weren't witnesses, and interviewing Mage is impossible while she's in the coma," Logan said bitterly.

"I could try a merge," Beth suggested.

"No way Beth, that's way too dangerous!" Raven protested.

"It may be the only thing that wakes Mage up," Beth said stubbornly.

"You'll need an anchor," Raven said after a few moments.

"I'll do it." Parker stepped forward. "Raven, you're still not steady enough for it," he added.

"I'll need some belladonna and toad stool," Beth said quietly. 

"I'll get it," Raven volunteered, leaving the room quickly.

"A merge?" Cole asked.

"It's where I let my mind go into Mage's. It can unlock things hidden away and sometimes, wake up coma patients," Beth told him.

"No way are you doing this," Logan protested. "I know what happens to witches when the merge fails," he added.

"Logan, do you want your wife back?" Beth asked pointedly.

"Yes, but not at the expense of your sanity and life," Logan answered.

"Mage would do the same for anyone in this room, I'm not giving up on her," Beth said firmly.

"I think you need to pull the Alpha card," Xavier said to Cole. Cole and Beth stared at each other and Cole shook his head.

"No, I'd better not. When this works and when we get home, if I pull the Alpha card, she'll unman me," Cole said. Beth gave a wicked grin and turned back to her cousin.

"Logan, Parker, I need your help," Beth said.

Cole, Xavier, Logan and Raven stood back against the wall and door nervously as Parker and Beth began the chant that would merge Beth's mind with Raven's.

"Black fade black, three, two one. Light disappear, one, two, three," Parker and Beth chanted softly. Beth slumped in her chair, her eyes closed, her breathing shallow; Cole started to move towards her but Raven stopped him.

"She's alright. We have to stay out of the circle or we could lose both Beth and Mage," Raven said quietly so she didn't disturb the quiet too much.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 "Mage, are you here?" Beth called, looking around a familiar house, but unsure of where she'd seen it before or why Mage would be there.

"Beth?" Mage asked, peeking out from her hiding spot under a table cloth covered dining room table.

"Where are we?" Beth wanted to know.

"This is Grandma Malloy's house," Mage answered. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in classes," she added.

"Mage, I'm here with you because I merged my mind with yours," Beth said.

"Why would you do that? It's dangerous!" Mage exclaimed. As the oldest of the three girls, she had the habit of acting like an older, wiser, bossy sister.

"You were attacked and you've been in a coma for almost a week," Beth told her gently.

"It's safe here," Mage said, after several minutes.

"I know sweetie, but Logan's worried about you," Beth murmured. She reached out and took Mage's hand in hers. Beth's eyes widened as her cousin's thoughts blasted into her brain. "You need to wake up," she added. "Logan needs you," Beth said softly. She could feel Parker pulling her back into her own body and Beth's eyes popped open with a loud gasp.

"What did you see?" Raven wanted to know.

"In her mind, Mage is at Grandma Malloy's," Beth told Raven who smiled. 

"What happened to her?" Logan wanted to know. A noise from behind Beth had everyone looking past her.

"I was attacked by a very large cat," Mage's voice was scratchy, from over four days of not using it.

"A large cat?" Raven asked, her voice shaky.

"It was a bobcat, not uncommon for the area I was in, but this cat had a keeper," Mage answered.

"A keeper? Bobcats are wild animals!" Beth exclaimed.

"Yes, a keeper. A tall man, white with a very deep tan. Black pants, a starch white shirt. His eyes were dark and he had a staff. The staff had a very large green stone at the top. He used a stunning spell on me then used the staff to attack me," Mage said after she'd had a drink of water. Parker began sketching a figure on a pad of drawing paper he'd pulled from his bag the moment Mage had woken up.

"Is this him?" he asked gently.

"Pretty close. His hair was more red than brown," Mage replied.

"I'll go call Detective Barlow and let her know you're awake," Logan said after a few moments.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rave?" Xavier asked, walking through the house. It had been two weeks since Beth and Parker had dipped the girls' necklaces into the protection potion; six long days since Xavier had been called away from his mate on pack business. It was quiet, too quiet, he didn't even hear Jenny playing quietly anywhere in the house. After searching the entire house, Xavier stepped out on the back porch; his mouth dropped open and went dry when he saw Raven standing there completely naked. "Rave, what in the world?" Xavier was beyond shocked.

"I thought I'd surprise you," Raven said with a smile. She turned around and began unbuckling his belt and the button of his jeans. "Do you like your surprise?" Raven asked, with a wicked grin.

"Fuck yes!" Xavier groaned. He pushed her hands away and finished pulling his pants off before he pulled his shirt over his head. "You're amazing," Xavier ground out as he pushed Raven against the rail of the deck. Raven shivered at the feel of his cock hard against her while Xavier bent his head and sucked on a nipple as he teased the other one with his tongue. She moaned and writhed against him; her wriggling caused the head of his cock to slip just inside her pussy and she moaned again as she tried to take him deeper.

"Shift," Xavier sent the thought to Raven's brain. She grinned and began to shift. Once she was fully in wolf form, Xavier took a moment to appreciate the beauty of her. Her fur was a golden brown with chestnut streaks. "You're beautiful Rave," Xavier groaned before he shifted. Using his massive paws, Xavier turned Raven around so that her front paws were dangling over the lower rung of the deck and moved between her legs. Raven whimpered as Xavier teasingly slid the head of his cock in and out of her, letting it brush against her clit slowly.

"Xavier!" Raven whimpered. Xavier gave a wolfish grin and nuzzled her neck. "Take me now damn it!" Raven pleaded, pushing back against him. Xavier mounted her carefully and pushed his now massive cock, both in length and diameter inside her dripping pussy. Raven moaned as he began thrusting hard and fast within her. Raven panted as she pushed against him in her attempt to drive him deeper into her. She cried out loudly when his knot dug into her as his seed splashed within her. Xavier gently eased Raven down to the floor and they lay there, wrapped together and fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You okay Rave?" Beth asked, looking up from the picnic basket in time to see the kids take off from the blanket.

"I just have this feeling that someone is watching us," Raven answered. She followed Beth's gaze until the quads got to their uncles.

"Should I get Xavier?" Beth asked. Raven shook her head and turned her attention back to the basket that was overstuffed with food.

"You didn't have to make so much you know," Raven pointed out. Beth stuck her tongue out at her cousin as she pulled out a large Tupperware container and a slightly smaller one. "What's that for?" she wanted to know. Beth opened the large container. "Ice?" Raven asked. Beth grinned and opened the second container, which was full of Raven's all time favorite picnic food, Deviled eggs. "Nice," Raven said with a grin. Beth held the container out to Raven; Raven reached for one and wrinkled her nose and shook her head.

"What's wrong?" Beth asked, bringing the container to her own nose and smelling the eggs.

"I don't know, they just turned my stomach by the smell," Raven answered. Beth studied her cousin carefully. Before she could say anything, Xavier and Charles sat down on the blanket.

"Looks good Beth," Charles told his sister.

"Thanks. Help yourself guys, Raven and I will be right back. We forgot to grab something. When you're done with the eggs, just close them up and set them in the bowl with the ice before closing that up too," Beth rambled as she stood up. Beth grabbed Raven's hand and pulled her away from the picnic blanket.

"What's going on?" Raven asked her cousin.

"When's the last time you turned down my deviled eggs?" Beth retorted. Raven thought back and stopped, stunned. "Yeah, c'mon," Beth added, giving her cousin a gentle tug. Wordlessly, Raven followed her cousin to the car.

"What do you mean you don't want to say anything?" Beth asked.

"Xavier will just worry. After what happened with Tara, he won't be able to handle this," Raven said.

"Yeah, but you won't be able to hide it forever and when he senses the change in you, he'll be pissed that you didn't tell him. You don't want to have a pissed were on your hands," Beth warned.

"I'm were too," Raven reminded her cousin. Raven stared down at her hands until she heard Beth gasp and the tires squeal. Raven looked up and braced her hands on the sides of her seat as Beth tried to avoid hitting the man standing in the road. Beth got the car under control, put it in park, got out and walked towards the man, a look of anger on her face.

"What the fuck were you thinking!?" Beth shouted.

"Hello Bethany." Beth stopped short and studied the face of the man she had nearly hit.

"Beth, get back in the car!" Raven exclaimed, her eyes widened as she recognized him.

"What's wrong?" Beth asked.

"Just get back in the car!" Raven shouted. Beth looked up in time to see the man shift into a large, black, menacing panther.

"You're Griffin," Beth said.

"Yes. I know I failed to make Raven pregnant with my child once, but I won't do it again. And, I think, just for fun, I'll knock you up too and show the Black clan exactly what I think of them!" Griffin said with an evil grin.

"Two problems with that master plan," Beth said.

"And what's that?" Griffin asked.

"For one, I can't get pregnant and two." Beth paused for dramatic effect. "Xavier and Raven are full mates now," Beth answered as Raven got out of the car and began shifting. Griffin howled his rage, and not wanting to tangle with an angry wolf, slinked back into the darkness. Raven took a few deep breaths and returned to human form. "Let's get back to that picnic, shall we?" Beth suggested. Raven nodded and both girls got into Beth's jeep and drove away.




A New Beginning Ch. 07-08



~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rogue gasped as she bumped into a hard body. "I'm sorry!" Rogue apologized as she bent down to help the young man pick up the papers he'd been carrying.

"It's my fault," he said with a strange smile. "I've been meaning to bump into you," he added. Rogue took a closer look at his face and gasped.

"Griffin?" she asked softly. He nodded. "My brothers will kill you for what you did to Raven," Rogue warned.

"I need help," Griffin said, his eyes dark, as if he were struggling to keep something at bay.

"Let's go into Gambit," he added.

"Are you kidding me? My sister owns Gambit and Cole hangs out there a lot when he isn't working," Rogue told him.

"Then how about the coffee shop next to it," Griffin suggested. Rogue nodded, picked up her discarded book bag and followed Griffin to the coffee shop.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Where did you and Beth go today?" Xavier wanted to know after Raven had gotten Jenny settled down for the night.

"To talk to Doctor Lewis," Raven said after a moment's hesitation.

"What's wrong?" Xavier asked, instantly concerned and alert. "Does this have anything to do with Griffin?" he wanted to know.

"It has nothing to do with Griffin or what he did to me. It has everything to do with us and our family," Raven told him.

"What's wrong?" Xavier asked again.

"Nothing's wrong," Raven insisted.

"Then why would you need to talk to Doctor Lewis?" Xavier wanted to know. Raven took a deep breathe and let it out. "Rave?" Xavier was growing impatient.

"We're having a baby," Raven announced.

CHAPTER EIGHT

-3 weeks later-

"What's going on Rogue?" Beth wanted to know.

"I need some help Beth and you absolutely can not tell any of my brothers," Rogue spun a strand of hair around her finger nervously as she waited for her sister to follow her to her mustang coupe. 

"What in the world are you into that you don't want your brothers to know?" Beth asked as Rogue sped out of the parking lot.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Beth exclaimed when she saw Griffin sitting on Rogue's couch.

"He needs help Beth!" Rogue stood in front of the front door.

"Unless you give me one good reason not to, I'm calling the police and then I'm calling Cole and Xavier," Beth threatened.

"I've known Griffin for years! That's how Xavier met Tara! The four of us always hung out together. What he did to Raven, despite being angry about Tara's death, that wasn't Griffin. There has to be something wrong with him!" Rogue told Beth. There was an urgency in her voice that made Beth nervous. "Please Beth, just try to help," she pleaded. Beth sighed.

"I can check and see if a spell has been placed on him, but I'll need help from another witch, and quite frankly, I won't ask Raven and Mage will likely try to kill him," Beth said.

"What about Parker?" Rogue asked. Beth sighed again, pulled out her cell phone and dialed Parker's number.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Where did you go tonight?" Cole asked when Beth slid into bed next to him.

"Rogue needed help figuring out what to wear on a date. She wanted to really impress him," Beth lied.

"Is he good enough for my sister?" Cole wanted to know.

"That is to be determined," Beth said with a shrug.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do you think Beth will keep all of this to herself?" Griffin asked Rogue.

"I hope so," Rogue murmured.

"Xavier and Cole will never forgive me for what I did to Raven. Hell, I don't even forgive myself for it," Griffin muttered. Rogue placed her hand on his cheek.

"Listen to me Griffin. What you did was beyond your control. It doesn't change how I feel about you," Rogue said softly.

"Rogue, we've only been dating for three weeks," Griffin reminded her.

"I've been in love with you since I was fifteen," Rogue murmured. Griffin rolled his eyes.

"Fifteen is too young to know what love is," Griffin scoffed.

"I have been in love with you since I was fifteen!" Before Griffin could say anything else, Rogue pressed her lips to his as her fingers quickly undid the button of his jeans.

"Rogue," Griffin warned, pulling his lips away from hers.

"Don't think," Rogue murmured, kissing him again as she undid the zipper. Griffin groaned as she slid her hands under his pants and boxers and fondled his cock.

"Rogue, I won't be able to control myself if you keep doing that," Griffin pushed her away again. Rogue pouted, stood up and just when Griffin thought she was going to leave him alone, she pulled her shirt over her head and pushed her skirt and panties down her legs, let them drop to the floor. "Rogue," Griffin warned again. His cock was sticking out of the top of his jeans and hardened more at the sight of her standing before him, wearing nothing but the necklace around her neck.

"Stop thinking and make love to me," Rogue whispered, her eyes wide, showing him just how far aroused she was. Griffin swallowed hard, knowing he should say no, that he should fix his clothes and leave. Rogue stepped up to him and rubbed up against him before climbing into his lap. The tip of his cock brushed against the dampness of her pussy causing Griffin to harden more. A thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead. "I need you Grif," Rogue murmured, nibbling on his earlobe as she pushed at his pants.

"Rogue, there will be no turning back," Griffin warned.

"I know," Rogue whispered. Griffin pushed Rogue off of his lap, stood up and yanked his jeans and boxers down his legs. As he stepped out of them, Griffin reached for Rogue and carried her into the bedroom.

"You're beautiful," Griffin told her, kissing her hard. Rogue whimpered and arched into him as she silently pleaded with him to let her feel his body. Griffin grinned against her mouth when he felt her hand wrap around him, her thumb brushed against the spines.

"I hate how some of the were traits follow us into human form," Rogue murmured. Griffin gently pulled her hand away from his cock and positioned himself so that he was directly above her; his cock. "Griffin, please," Rogue whispered.

"I mean it Rogue, there's no going back after this," Griffin warned.

"I know," Rogue murmured. She lifted her hips slightly off of the bed. "I need you Griffin," Rogue whispered.

"No, you don't," Griffin said sadly as he pushed her hips back onto the bed before he surged into her. Rogue gasped loudly and tears came to her eyes when he pushed past her hymen. Griffin swore under his breath. "Why didn't you tell me?" Griffin wanted to know.

"Because I wanted you to make love to me," Rogue whispered, shifting slightly under him.

"I'm hurting you," Griffin stated, starting to pull out from her.

"You aren't!" Rogue wrapped her legs around him and held him firm against her. Griffin groaned and began thrusting in and out of her gently, hoping the spines wouldn't cause too much pain. When Rogue moaned and began meeting him thrust for thrust, Griffin quickened the pace as he leaned down to suck on her breasts. Rogue moaned again as the sensations rushed through her. 

"Harder!" Rogue cried, digging her hands into his hair. Griffin growled as he pounded into her, harder, and faster with every thrust. The mixture of pleasure and pain that coursed through her caused Rogue to shift to her hybrid form and Griffin pulled out of her causing her to growl unhappily until Griffin turned her around.

"Get on your hands and knees," Griffin instructed, his voice gruff. Raven slid onto her hands and knees. Griffin's fingers brushed her sensitive pussy as he lifted her ass higher into the air, making her whimper. She gasped as he began to fill her again, his cock brushed places he couldn't reach from missionary and Rogue moaned loudly. Her body stilled as she felt him shift, his cock growing wider and longer within her. Her pussy stretched, not painlessly to accommodate him.

"Griffin!" Rogue whimpered. He let out a sound that reminded Rogue of both a purr and a growl as he began thrusting hard and fast into her, his hand/paws on her hips, helping her to thrust with him. She let out a startled cry as the head of his cock mashed against her g-spot over and over again, sending pleasure through her.

"You said to stop thinking, so let go," Griffin commanded as he slid one of his hands up to cup her breast. As he tweaked the alright hard nipple with his thumb and index finger, he pounded his cock into her. Rogue pushed against him, eager for more and screamed loudly as she came. Her orgasm sparked his and with a loud roar, his seed spewed within her. Rogue's knees went out from under and she collapsed onto the bed; Griffin carefully lowered himself on top of her, not wanting to leave her warmth. Despite the fact that he had just cum within her, he was still painfully hard. Griffin pulled out of her, turned Rogue over and slid inside her again making her hiss and moan in both pain and pleasure. 

"I love you!" Rogue cried out as she came again. Her hair was soaked and plastered to her face as he brought her to orgasm for the third time in an hour and a half. His cock quivered with in her as his seed rushed from him and into her. Finally sated, Griffin pulled out of her and lay beside her on the bed.

"I love you too Rogue," Griffin said. She reached for his hand as sleep over took her. Griffin pulled a blanket over her then walked into the bathroom to clean up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Damn girl, what the hell is your problem tonight?" Mage asked Beth, ducking when the glass that had been in Beth's hand connected with the wall.

"The kids are coming into their powers," Beth said through gritted teeth. Mage's eyes widened.

"So soon?" Mage asked. Beth nodded. "What have they done?" Mage wanted to know. Before Beth could answer, a ceramic plate floated off of the counter and into the air before hitting the wall at nearly the exact same spot as the glass had. 

"The girls are worse than the boys," Beth said with a sigh.

"I bet," Mage snorted as Cole came down the stairs with Marissa in his arms.

"This is the only one still awake," Cole told Beth. 

"We'll need to bind their powers until they can control them," Mage said softly.

"I know," Beth murmured with a sigh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Months later-

Beth watched Rogue as she sat nervously at the table talking to Sydney and Rachel while their parents entertained their guests. "This is some party," Raven commented.

"Thanks. I'm glad everyone is enjoying the food," Beth murmured.

"What's up with Rogue?" Xavier asked from behind Raven. Jenny yawned and laid her head on Xavier's shoulder, making Beth smile.

"Who knows. She's nineteen, probably some guy," Beth answered. She gave Raven a grin. "You look great," she added.

"She isn't old enough to be dating," Xavier growled.

"Oh please," Raven snorted. Beth giggled before she pulled Raven away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rogue." Rogue jumped and turned around to see her mother walking towards her.

"Hi mom. Happy anniversary," Rogue said with a smile.

"Where did you meet him and how long have you been seeing him?" Marie wanted to know.

"What?" Rogue asked.

"You have a different smell about you. Your father mentioned it earlier. I chalked it up to you using a new body wash or perfume, but I know you're dating someone. I can smell him on you. Who is he?" Marie asked.

"He's just a guy I met in classes. Please don't push this now," Rogue pleaded. Marie nodded slowly.

"Alright Rogue, I'll keep this to myself for now, but we will want to meet this young man," Marie said. Rogue gave her mom a tight hug.

"Thanks mom. I love you," Rogue said softly.

"I love you too baby. Go, have fun," Marie told Rogue with an amused smile on her face.

"How was the party?" Griffin asked when Rogue returned home later that evening.

"It was nice. The food was great and the kids are getting huge," Rogue said with a smile.

"Any problems?" Griffin wanted to know.

"Dad smelled the change and mom asked me about who I was seeing and how long I've been seeing you," Rogue answered.

"What did you say?" Griffin asked, suddenly on guard.

"Not to push it. I have to find a way to convince Xavier and my father that you aren't a threat," Rogue told him.

"But you will tell them?" Griffin inquired.

"Yes, I will tell them," Rogue promised. Griffin smiled, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hard.

"Good," Griffin growled. Rogue returned the kiss and began unbuttoning his shirt. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh Raven, look at this!" Mage squealed, holding up a stuffed yellow duck. Raven smiled and took it from her cousin.

"It's soo soft," Raven murmured.

"Do you know if you're having one or multiples?" Beth asked. 

"Doctor Lewis said there were only two heart beats which I can handle. Two at once beats four at once," Raven answered. Beth nodded.

"No doubt there," Beth agreed. "How much longer do you have to go?" she wanted to know.

"Three and a half months," Raven answered. "But Doctor Lewis told us that I will probably go into labor sooner than my due date," she added. Beth nodded again and picked up a green receiving blanket and handed it to Raven.

As the girls left the mall, a strong wind rushed the parking lot, sending blast after blast of cold air swirling around them. "What the hell?" Raven asked, glancing from Beth to Mage. The girls came to a complete stop when a a tall, goulish figure sailed down in front of them.

"What are you?" Mage demanded to know.

"The person that causes your death." He shot at them with some kind of gun; Beth pushed Raven out of the way as she muttered a spell under her breath, formed a protective circle around Raven before turning to face their attacker.

"I don't think so," Beth said, her voice even, calm, with a hint of unmistakable anger. She and Mage linked arms and chanted loudly. With a roar of fury, their attacker vanished into thin air.

"Raven, are you okay?" Mage asked as the girls turned their attention back to her. Raven nodded and turned to Beth.

"The next time you direct my attention away from a battle, I'll take you down," Raven growled.



A New Beginning Ch. 07



Thank you for all the votes and comments on the last chapter. A huge thank you to my wonderful editor and his slipper. He now has to hop a lot, but we do have lots of lovely rattan products for sale.

A shout out as well to Ham_sandwich who helped pick me up when I was feeling down and made me smile. Thanks my friend, your input has been greatly appreciated. And now you have to read every chapter to see just what I have done with your suggestions!!

This chapter contains outdoor sex and pet play.

*****

I ran up the stairs taking them two at a time to my room, excitement coursing through my veins. Master was going to take me to my old house to pick up the last item I wanted to bring here and I couldn't contain my joy.

I entered my bedroom and opened the wardrobe, pulling the suit carrier I had picked up yesterday and laying it on the bed with the care one would take with a newborn baby. I was still naked from this mornings activities, my ass still feeling empty. After lunch Silky had helped me remove and clean the plug that had nestled in my rear passage, an equally strange feeling to having it inserted in the first place!

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I returned my concentration to getting myself dressed. Slowly unzipping the side of the opaque suit carrier, I began the ritual of preparing myself for today's outing.

When I was finally ready I slipped a shiny penny down the front of my outfit and headed for the door. Clumping down the stairs, my arrival in the kitchen caused Silky to sigh deeply and bang her head on the table.

"Haddaway and shite hinny, divvin' tell me ye one of them an all!" Her words thick and muffled by the fact she was now holding her head in her hands.

"What? Who? Where? When?" I looked baffled, not completely sure what she had just said to me. I had never heard Silky lapse into such a broad accent 

"She said "Oh for fucks sake love, don't tell me you are one of them as well. Roughly anyway!! I think shes referring to the way you are dressed little one, and the implications of that!" Master had strode into the room dressed similarly to myself and was chuckling softly.

I turned to face him as he was translating Silky's outburst and nearly fell over in shock, my eyes drinking in every inch of his now leather clad body. The implications were slowly sinking in. I had expected to have a trip in the DB9 today and it seemed that Master had indeed surprised me.

"WOW Sir! You look stunning, I mean...I didn't know, that is to say I assumed, well gosh they are the new Arlen Ness Roo leathers are they not?" My words were jumbled and making less sense than I usually manage.

"Oh Alannah, you're so sweet when you get flustered. The blush that rises up your neck is a sight to behold. I said yesterday I may very well surprise you and It looks like I just have." His smile was cheeky and his eyes sparkling.

"Erm yes Sir, surprise me you did Sir. I...I oh don't know what to say." I mumbled still trying to process the fact that Sir had a bike as well.

"Speechless little one? That must be a first!" He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Yes Sir, a rare occurrence I will give you that! I take it Silky won't be joining us?" I stole a quick glance at where Silky was sitting, raising my eyes in question.

"No bloody chance! I get to sit here and worry myself daft about the pair of you instead!" Silky spluttered, but at least I could understand her this time!

"Silky doesn't approve and no amount of gentle cajoling has gotten her to change her mind."

"NO and it won't work from you either Alannah so don't even go there!!"

I looked at Silky, trying to figure out from her tone of voice if she was indeed as angry at me as I thought she was.

"I'm sorry Silky, if it means that much to you love then I won't go. Please don't be upset with me."

"I'm not upset with you pet, just I worry enough when Master is out there on that...that..damn machine" She spat, looking down before she carried on, " I suppose I will just have to worry twice as much now, but I would never tell him not to go, nor will I you. Now get gone so I can fret in peace!"

"We have a saying back in Eire, 'safe home' and we will make it back home Silky, how could we not when we have you here waiting for us?" The irony of my words not lost on me, I said those words to Dietmar everytime he went somewhere and look where that got me.

Silky's look told me she too had seen right through my attempts to console her but as she stood and walked over to me, I knew she had seen something else as well. She tilted her head down to meet me and brushed her lips across mine with the softest of touches.

"Safe home Alannah pet, safe home." She whispered, "Now fuck off the pair of you and let me wallow in misery." The gentle teasing laughter in her voice making me feel better immediately

I turned to Master who bend down to give Silky a light kiss before catching hold of my hand and making for the kitchen door.

Trailing behind him, admiring his leather clad behind thinking to myself I was getting to be a right perv since coming here, also frowning as I realised even the best bum looked huge in leathers.

A press of a button started the garage doors on their journey upwards, revealing from the tyre up a large sports bike, gleaming silver as the light hit the fairings.

"Nice Sir, very very nice. Thats the special edition GSXR 1000 K3 is it not?"

"I'm impressed little one, it is indeed. Its a K3 on an K5 plate, as it was sent back to the factory for a limited paint job. Not many people know that!" He smirked waggling his eyebrows in his signature goofy way. "Ready for a ride then precious?" The silly smirk still there at his double meaning words.

"Yes Sir, ready as I shall ever be Sir." I was impatient to get back to my old home, but still had a feeling of trepidation at riding pillion.

"Right then, jump on and hold on to my waist and we can get this show on the road. I must admit I'm looking forward to this almost as much as I was at sinking that plug slowly into your beautiful ass earlier."

The now familiar ache in my clit was returning with force at the memories of this mornings activities, serving to quell any nerves and distracting my thoughts from those of trepidation, to ones of wanting to experience another new feeling.

I pulled on my helmet and climbed carefully on to the passenger seat behind Master, resting my feet on the footpegs and resisting the urge to try and find first gear.

I admit I don't remember much about the ride from that point on, I let my mind drift off and relaxed into the sway of the machine beneath me. I came back to the present just in time to glance up and see that we had arrived at my previous address. I waited till he patted my leg and gestured for me to swing myself off the bike, before setting foot on the driveway.

Once my feet touched the floor I was off up the path to the garage like a bee drawn to honey, or in this case Harry.

Walking into the garage my heart was leaping and the butterflies in my stomach were working overtime. The smile broke across my face as I set eyes on Harry, all chained up and snug in the corner, covered with his winter blanket, well bike cover but it was a nice fluffy one!

I all but ran over and whipped the cover off, my eyes lighting up with joy as I revealed the shiny black and white paintwork of my pride and joy.

Harry is a CBR 600RR the first of the injection models and has given me more intense moments than most men have, which considering my lifestyle says a lot! I glanced up to see Master standing in the doorway laughing, the expression on his face convincing me he could indeed read my mind.

"Come on then little one, lets get this show on the road. I have a special place I want to take you to, and the roads leading there are made for bikes."

"Yes Sir, I'm ready." I replied as I turned back to Harry undid the myriad of chains that kept him safe and slotted the key in the ignition, pausing slightly as I pulled in the clutch and turned the key.

The noise of the engine starting up echoed round the garage, the aftermarket exhaust thumping loudly. I bent down and picked up my helmet pulling it over my head and flicking the dark visor down. That sense of aloneness flowed through my body, every nerve jangled with excitement. I threw my leg over the seat, kicked up the side stand and heard the loud click that signified I had knocked it into first gear. Feathering the clutch I edged the throbbing machine beneath me towards the driveway.

Master had returned to his bike and followed the same ritual I had and was waiting at the end of the path for me. A brief nod of the head signified I was ready and after checking the road was clear we pulled out and set off.

The first few minutes of any ride was always nerve racking, getting the feel for the bike again and conscious that cold tyres are not good when you only have two in contact with the road. By the time I had entered the second corner my mind was solely on the journey, reading the twists and turns instinctively. Its just you and the tarmac , nothing else matters, the freedom is unparalleled. A cliche maybe but bar subspace it was the one time I felt completely at peace with myself.

The roads were indeed made for bikes, lovely twisty corners interspersed with a few decent long straights, the bike flip flopping from one bend into the next. I was riding like I was on rails, everything felt right.The wind whistling through the vents in my helmet like the thoughts swirling round in my mind.

When I first started my lessons all those years ago, Dietmar had given me one piece of advice that had stuck with me; The bike is better than you ever will be, listen to it and you will be fine. I'm sure he mentioned something about the throttle going both ways as well!!

As I was unaware of our final destination I was content to follow Master as he swung his GSXR into the corners at a reasonable speed, I assumed he was taking it easy to make sure I was comfortable. I sent a silent thank you to him, as once again he had shown me I was right to put my trust in him.

I saw his left indicator start to blink as we approached a smaller lane entrance coming up ahead, knocking down the gears I clicked my flasher and followed him down a narrow country lane. My right foot hovering above the rear brake as the tyres bumped across the rougher road surface. Just as my heart was making its way up to my throat, Master pulled his bike to a halt in front of a large metal barred gate with a sign telling me I was about to enter private property and to watch out for guard dogs roaming free. In smaller writing underneath was written 'Beware of the pooches but be more careful of the owner and his shot gun!!'

I chuckled to myself behind my dark visor, the mystery suddenly becoming clear, it could only be Master's private property with a warning sign quite like that one.

I took off my lid and placed it on the handlebars, and turned towards where Master had parked his bike, opening the gate with a key in one quick movement. He strode towards me, pulling my leather clad body into his as his lips met mine, my whole body seemed to melt as the kiss deepened, our lips crushing against one another, tongues entwining and exploring. My legs began to tremble as my knees buckled under me, before I could lose my balance I found myself swept into his arms as he carried me across the field. On reaching the densely wooded area he sat me gently down beneath a large silver birch tree, the mass of fallen leaves shimmering white on the forest floor resembling a silken blanket. Master had obviously set this up as under me was a soft thick blanket, cushioned by the moss and foliage below.

His hands moved to the zip that went from my neck to just above my groin area and tugged slowly but firmly till the front of the leather parted, the noise of the metal clicking against metal seeming so much louder in the quiet peaceful surroundings. Shrugging my shoulders to help release my arms from suit as he pulled at the cuffs. He moved to kneel by my feet, gently parting the velcro fastening at the side of my boots and unzipping them. His fingers worked nimbly pulling the outfit off my body.

"Bloody hell Alannah, how many layers are you wearing?!" His laughter mingled with exasperation. 

"Erm a few Sir, it gets a wee bit chilly at times and I don't 'do' cold Sir! Besides I wasn't expecting to have to take them off in a hurry in the middle of the woods Sir!"

His eyes locked on mine as he muttered under his breath something about spontaneous sex being out the question with a nesh woman biker. I stood up and started to peel the various layers off, all thoughts of folding them nicely gone and just throwing them on the ground before me. When the final base layer was lying on the floor, I stood there and shivered slightly.

"Are you cold little one? Put your arms around me, hold me Alannah- hold me as tightly as you can." His voice thick with lust as he placed his arms round my back.

Obediently I clung to him, I curled my arms around his toned muscular body as he lowered me down onto the soft blanket beneath us. His hard cock nudging against my thigh as I felt the weight of his body press down on mine. I knew he was about to enter me, instinctively my ass raised off the ground,pushing my cunt to meet him, tightening my legs around his hips as he thrust deep inside me. An exquisite feeling swept over me, the warm moist sensation spreading from between my legs. I was dripping wet, the sounds of the birds in the trees serving to remind me exactly where I was; outside in a forest being fucked by the man I had fallen in love with so quickly.

I had no time to process that revelation. I was once again lost in the moment as his lips locked against mine to muffle the moans and soft sighs of pleasure as he moved in and out with the slowest of thrusts, penetrating deep inside me. Time seemed to stand still as I surrendered myself to the sensations. My hands were gripping his ass, pushing him down as I arched my back, wanting to feel as much of him inside me as possible.

"Hands above your head little one." A single command that made my cunt clench around his thick shaft and tingles run down my spine.

Moving my hands somewhat reluctantly from his ass, I lifted them above my head, feeling them rest against the silver bark of the tree. His hands moving from beside my shoulders,where he had been bracing himself ,to grip my wrists and pin me down. I felt my whole body relax, as his weight shifted on top of me. His thrust becoming faster and harder as I tightened the grip of my thighs around him.

"No Sir please, oh please!" I pleaded as I felt his cock slide out of my cunt fully, leaving me open and empty.

"Stand up little one, I want you bent over that log with that beautiful ass raised high in invitation. I want to see that pretty little cunt of yours begging me to enter it." He growled the words, his voice filled with urgent need and desire.

His hand reached for mine as he helped me to my feet, rather unsteadily I swayed to the fallen log of an old beech tree. The silver white of the bark smooth and shimmering in the shafts of light that penetrated the forest canopy. Just as I was about to lower myself down over the thick trunk, Sir threw the blanket I had previously been laying on over the surface.

"Splinters are no fun precious, and as much as I like a bit of needle play, not of the wooden variety, now bend over and tell me again just what it is you want."

"urhh mhmm oh feck!" I stammered as I lowered myself onto the soft blanket, clasping my hands together in front of me and wiggling so my ass was presented in a willing pose. My cunt was throbbing and pulsing as I thought about his last words...needle play...a dozen memories came flooding back and the juices seeping from my splayed open cunt did nothing to hide my arousal.

"I'm sorry little one, I don't speak that language! Try again precious." As he was speaking he was slowly rubbing the head of his cock across my ass cheeks, gently stroking down towards my enlarged outer labia.

"OH GOD SIR PLEASE FUCK ME, TAKE ME HARD PLEASE!" I screamed, startling a few members of the local wildlife.

"With pl..." His sentence drowned out by my squeal of excitement as he pushed deep into me with a single long thrust.

"Oh that's soooooo gooooood Sir, please Sir fuck me, mmmmmmm." I moaned loudly as I felt his shaft settle deep inside me, bottoming out against the entrance to my cervix.

His hands clasped around my front, grabbing a handful of my breasts as he squeezed hard enough to make me hiss in discomfort, my cunt contracting around his cock as the waves of pain turned into the delightful sensations of pleasure. His grip increasing as he started to draw back out of me slowly, before slamming back down hard.

My heart was thudding as he increased the tempo of his strokes, my breathing quickening almost in time to the hard fast pounding sensations as his cock slammed into my soaking wet cunt again and again.

He moved his hand from my breasts and took my hand in his, moving it to the soft fleshy area under my tummy and just above my mound. Pressing my fingers down into my flesh with the palm of his hand he continued to move in and out in rhythm with my wiggling hips. I could feel his cock under my skin with each thrust, his low deep moans telling me he could in turn feel the pressure from my dainty fingers against his shaft. His grip on my hand tightened as I felt the tell tale signs of his impending orgasm ripple through me. I groaned out loud as his shaft seemed to swell inside me, minute spasms pulsed against the inner walls of my cunt . I clenched my PC muscles to intensify the feelings, the gentle tingling swept over me as the fire in the pit of my tummy grew as he started to thrust faster and deeper.

"Sir, please I'm going to cum. Fuck!" I screamed.

"Cum... for... me... Precious, NOW!" His words iterated by a set of hard, deliberate deep thrusts as his fingers moved from my tummy to my clit. The sensations of the strokes across my swollen sensitive bud sent me reeling over the edge.

As my sex pulsed and spasmed against his cock he continued his thrusts, speeding up as he edged closer to his own release. Moving his hand from my clit to my legs as his nails dug into my thighs as he pulled me back against him as he thrust forward.

"FUCK NOW!!" He hollered as he stilled against me, his body pressed tight against my back, pushing my breasts hard against the blanket covering the tree trunk enough for me to feel the contours of the bark beneath me. His shaft seemed to swell and contract as I felt every pump of his semen fill my now sensitive cunt.

A soft kiss on my neck sent shivers down my spine and broke me from my reverie, I had been so lost in the moment, I hadn't noticed the spots of rain that were breaking through the natural umbrella of the trees canopy.

"Come on my precious little one, for as much as I'd like to stay here and enjoy you some more, I think we should be getting back. Silky worries enough when the weather is good!"

"Yes Sir, grand idea! I don't find riding in the rain the best fun, I admit!"

His hands gently circled my waist and lifted me back onto my feet, well I think they were my feet but from the jelly like qualities my legs seemed to have acquired in the last half hour, I wasn't quite sure! A small chuckle from behind me told me that he knew just how hard I was trying to get my legs to obey the signals from my brain.

"Left, right, left..." He uttered not even trying to hid the mirth behind the words.

"I don't know what your laughing about, its your fault! If you are not careful you shall have to carry me back to the bikes." I smiled as I spun round to face him, looking up into his eyes and melting as I saw the look of deep contentment reflected in them.




A New Beginning Ch. 07



"Or I could just leave you here, naked and walking like a newborn giraffe!" He spluttered as we both collapsed against each other in a fit of giggles.

Somehow we managed to stumble our way to where we had left the bikes without too many chuckle stops, although every time we came to a halt due to excess mirth he would take me into his arms and kiss me deeply. I soon figured out this pattern and laughed far more than the situation required.

The few drops of rain that had threatened had not turned into the deluge that I had expected and the sun had broken through the clouds, I looked up towards the heavens and inclined my head in a slight nod. Dietmar knew my dislike of riding in the wet, and in my contented haze I half imagined he had managed to convince whatever powers that be to stop the impending downpour just for me. Smiling a wry smile, I retrieved my helmet and manouvered my bike round to face the entrance. Master was ahead of me and I took a moment to watch him effortlessly throw his leg over his bike and edge slowly down the lane.

I followed suit as he glanced over his shoulder to check I was with him, retracing our path down the main road and starting the journey back home, and back to Silky.

Silky must have heard the throb of the bikes powerful engines as they pulled up the driveway as she was waiting just outside the front door, waving wildly yet still keeping the graceful demeanour that defined her. I tipped my head and smiled through my visor as I inched forward to the garage doors, flicking down the side stand and swinging my leg off the bike. Tugging impatiently at my helmet I finally managed to prise it off and tuck it under my arm as I was enveloped in a giant hug, and smothered with soft kisses.

"Master, Alannah!!" She cried as she ran between us, both of us being kissed and cuddled frantically.

"Nice to see you too Sweetie, now if you detach yourself from the pair of us it's playtime for you I seem to remember!" Chuckled Master looking comical as he added; "Unless you would rather stand here and greet us like we had been away for days not hours!"

"Noooooo Sir, playtime Sir please." She squeaked in excitement, her eyes sparkling in joy.

I smiled to myself, she looked so beautiful, so happy. I doubt Silky could hide her feelings if she wanted to. A large part of her charm was her transparent emotions, you were never in any doubt what she was feeling, and right now I sensed she was about to burst with happiness.

"I thought that may be your prefered option, so go get yourself ready and I shall meet you in the garden in 10 minutes. As much as leather is a good Dom look, I much prefer jeans and a t-shirt!" His voice filled with dry humour, his eyes dancing as he looked affectionately at the bouncing vision of a happy Silky.

"There goes your invite to the Dom's Christmas ball Sir!" I laughed as Silky turned away giggling, sweeping back into the house in her haste to 'get herself ready'.

"Careful little one, I had plans for you to watch this afternoon but maybe I should adjust them to having you bound and gagged in the corner whilst Silky gets her fun!"

My eyes widened, trying to work out just how that would be a punishment. A mental picture of myself restrained with a ball gag stretching my mouth open, drool seeping from my lips down my chin popped into my head and I moaned slightly.

"I see that appeals to you little one, well if Silky is agreeable to you watching her play then I think it can be arranged. Now go get yourself ready as well and be in the garden in 10."

"Yes Sir." I managed to mumble, not trusting my voice. Turning back towards the huge wooden doors I stopped. "Ready Sir?"

"Well unless you want to be bound whilst wearing 49 layers, I suggest you change into something far more comfortable, like maybe changing your leather suit for your birthday one!" His mouth turning up slightly at the corners as he raised his eyes at me.

"Oh that kind of get ready Sir, yes Sir, I can do that Sir." I blushed, stammering as I felt the heat rise from my neck to my cheeks.

I tried to emulate Silky's gracefulness as I hurried back to the house, but one; I'm not blessed with graceful movements and two;leathers and clumpy bike boots are not the easiest to walk in, let alone look feminine in! I rushed through the corridors to my room, and stripped off as quickly as I could. Even in my excitement I still meticulously put my riding gear away with care, finding the shiny penny in my sock and wondering just how it found its way there!! Laughing as I realised that it could have ended up anywhere after my woodland adventure, as I tucked it back into the little pouch that it lived in and hanging it from the suit carriers hanger.

I skipped my way down the stairs, wondering what was in store for Silky this afternoon. She had obviously had Master to herself for some time and my presence in the house must have depleted her playtime, but she had never once complained and I was desperate to see her really enjoying herself.

I made it to the kitchen dwelling on these thoughts before Master stopped me as I was about to step out into the garden.

"Very nice precious, you do look lovely for getting ready!" he chuckled.

"Thank you Sir!" I blushed looking down at my naked body and seeing the rose tinge spread down towards my breasts.

"In all seriousness now little one, Silky has a specific kink that she enjoys greatly and this afternoon she is willing to let you see and partake should you desire. If you don't then that is fine and dandy; you are more than welcome to just watch or even disappear back to your room and spend the time as you please."

"Yes Sir, I understand, but I would never judge Silky at all Sir!" I replied knowing I sounded indignant but the thought that he would think I would judge her riled me.

"Oh Alannah, thats what I find so endearing about you! You never fail to show your emotions and the fact you care so much for Silky makes me so proud of you. I should really have explained better but I can obviously be as bad as you for speaking English!" His tone teasing and calming me at the same time.

"Silky was as you know my wifes submissive, and was a very mixed up lady when my wife stepped in and 'rescued' her. I won't go into too much detail as that's a story in itself and one that Silky should really tell you if she wants, but she has certain tastes and needs that my wife was happy to fulfill for her that I am not. This afternoons activity is one which whilst it wasn't in my handbook of Dom's needs, is one that I have come to love and enjoy as much as Silky does."

I nodded my head, smiling at the fact that for once my lack of control of my emotions hadn't got me into trouble, and remembering the wistful look on Silky's face when she was in the wet room with me that morning. I had a fair idea of one of her now unfulfilled kinks was and was really glad that whatever this afternoons session was, it was going to be one that she revelled in. I made up my mind that whatever it was, I would be supportive of and make her feel as happy as I could.

"Thank you Sir, I appreciate the heads up and will do all that I can to support her." I spoke echoing the thoughts that were spinning round my head.

"Good girl, now shall we go and put Silky out of her misery and get the show on the road?!" His eyes sparkling with the good humour that surrounded him.

"Yes Sir, lets!" My voice full of eagerness to see Silky enjoy herself.

I trailed behind Master as he led the way out into the seclusion of the back garden, pausing as I saw Silky kneeling on the grass facing away from the door. She was naked bar a shiny black collar, her long blonde hair swept up in the most elaborate roll, leaving her neck and back on full display. Her bum was resting on her heels, the whole pose and way she carried herself was a picture of complete submission. My breath caught in my throat as I drank in the sight in front of me; she was stunningly beautiful and I wished I could run over and see her face, touch my fingers across her cheek and kiss her soft lips. Whatever her kink was didn't matter in the least, the mere fact she had allowed me to watch and join in her special playtime was enough to bring tears of joy to my eyes.

"Good Girl!" Master spoke, encompassing both of us in his remark, he had obviously read the expressions on my face correctly and was rewarding the pair of us with the one phrase guaranteed to reduce a submissive to a melty puddle. "Alannah, sit yourself down please." Speaking as he gestured to a kitchen chair that had been placed on the patio in front of the lawned area.

I looked down at the chair and my eyes lit upon the black soft shibari rope that had been tied round the legs and arm rests. Taking a deep breath and trying to ignore the first telltale sounds of arousal, I sat myself down on the smooth cool wooden seat.

"Legs apart and arms on the rests please little one." His smirk sending little shivers of pleasure through my veins.

I watched as his hands made light work of winding the rope round my ankles and wrists, the intricate knots not only aesthetically beautiful but served the purpose of rendering me unable to move. A sensation I adored, the feeling of helplessness sweeping over me and increasing the warm dampness that was seeping slowly from my cunt.

His hands went to a bag that I had not noticed sitting besides the chair and pulled out a small bright red ball gag, and an object I couldn't see.

I felt his finger trace slowly up my neck he tilted my face up to his chest level, leaning himself forward and running his finger lightly across my lower lip. Instinctively I open my mouth to try and tease his finger further inside, and as I did he brought his other hand forwards and in one quick movement inserted the gag, his hands sliding back down to my neck as he carefully bent my head forwards, his agile digits making short work of the gags fastenings.

My soft moan muffled by the circular rubber ball but still loud enough to make him smile as he placed a small, very cold object into my left hand.

"There now you look just perfect, if at any point you wish to be released just drop the bell and I will untie you, ok?" The raw lust reflected in his eyes reflected in his voice and served to make me shudder in delight.

"mth Snr I undthsand ." I managed to mumble through my own arousal, nodding to emphasis that I was indeed far more than just OK. My eyes lifting as I watched him turn and walk away towards the vision of beauty sitting patiently on the grass.

"UP!" I heard master order in what I could only describe as a barking tone, as he got closer to where Silky was sitting in wait.

A moment later I nearly choked as Silky brought herself up onto her hands and feet, my eyeballs close to popping out as I saw a thick bushy tail nestling between her pert ass cheeks. It took me a moment for the realisation to sink it that it was obviously attached by a plug similar to the one that had graced my rear entrance earlier in the day. It was glorious, and looked so pretty against her pale, delicate looking skin.

I smothered a stifled giggle, thankful that the gag had stopped my snort of laughter, not at the tail but at the fact I had thought his order was barked, heavens how close to the mark had I been I thought to myself.

"Nicely done pet, I hope my little puppy is going to be good today and not show off in front of our audience." His voice was calm and authoritative, as he slowly walked round and round her, tapping a crop lightly against his thigh as he tweaked her position slightly, till he was satisfied with her stance. "Now I think you should turn round and face Alannah and show her just how a good puppy is attired and how well they have learnt to follow commands."

Silky trotted round in a circle, her bum wiggling causing the tail to sway from side to side, as she rotated half circle I could see the patent black collar shimmering around her neck, a small heart shaped silver disc hanging an inch or so from the thin leather strap that made up the neck piece. Her mouth was open slightly and a clear plastic coated section of a leash was tucked neatly between her lips. She looked stunning and the happiness seemed to radiate around her in an aura of light.

My grunted muffled noises of appreciation were still loud enough to bring a twinkle to Master's eye and an almost imperceptible curve to the corners of Silky's mouth.

SILKY:

I was trying hard not to smile at Alannah's reactions, she looked so content and vulnerable at the same time. Her legs were splayed wide open and her cunt lips had reddened visibly,her inner labia had puffed up accentuating the fact one was slightly longer than the other. I wanted to scamper over and bury my tongue in her aroused, soaked cunt right there and then. A small string of drool had started to drip from the front of the gag, her eyes were shining with a look of pure lust. I was torn between wanting this play time to involve just me and Master and letting Alannah join in.

"Good puppy! That was a lovely move, and what do good doggies get?" His voice breaking into my thoughts causing my attention to return to the present.

I shimmied my ass from side to side, the motion making my tail wag as I whimpered a high pitched whine.

"Very good pet, but today I think my little pup can use her human voice as Alannah as yet doesn't speak dog! Ok pet?" 

"Yes Sir, thank you Sir." I paused trying to remember what question he had asked. "Treats Sir?" I asked in my best pleading voice as I cleared the fog of arousal from my mind.

"Yes Pet, treats indeed!" His hand stroking my head, patting softly and rubbing my hair.

I tilted my head towards his leg, caressing my face along the slightly rough denim of his jeans as his hands on my hair caused small goosebumps to erupt down my arms. As quick as my cheek rested on his thigh, he stopped the petting and softly brushed my head away from his leg.

"Roll over." A short sharp command that left no doubt that it was meant to be obeyed.

I dropped to my side and rolled over onto my back, my hands and feet up in the air, my knees bent so my thighs fell open exposing my sopping wet cunt. I whined and whimpered as Master positioned the leash down the centre of my breasts, gasping as the exposed metal links made contact with the delicate skin just above my clit. The leather handle hung down between my sex, Master's fingers tucking it between the moist folds of my labia. My nipples were standing prominent, a mixture of the mild chill in the air and the excitement that was flowing through my veins. I felt his fingers dance across my mound and up my tummy, light soft touches increasing in intensity as they slid round to my sides. I lost the internal battle not to wriggle and squirm as his nimble digits tickled every inch of my tummy.

A short sharp slap to my clit had me uttering a guttural ruff deep from the depths of my throat, the moisture dripping from my cunt seeping down towards my ass.

"Naughty puppy, no moving!" I heard as the crop continued tapping the links of the leash bumping them against the swollen flesh of my clitoral hood.

I struggled to restrain myself as the gentle rhythm of the crop tap tapping against my hyper sensitive nub threatened to tip me over the edge.My hands balled into fists, my toes curling as every inch of my body fought against the increasing arousal. The drip from my cunt had become a steady stream, coating the entire area with a slick wetness, I was so close so quickly.

"I think my little puppy is in heat today, isn't she?!" Master chuckled. "You shall have your reward if you are a good little bitch, but not just yet pet! I think it is time for a little demonstration. Up and beg!" The humour leaving his voice as the command was issued, the constant slapping from the crop stopped as he moved the now soaked leather strap from between my lips and draped it down my back, giving me a few precious second to gather my wits.

The beg position is one of my favourites, I rolled over and sat myself in the classic sit position, the soft fur of my tail between legs, my heels pressing up against my bum. Resting the back of my palms against my chest with my fingers straight and bending from the wrist so they pointed down towards my stomach, the quiet clink of the leashes metal links seemed to echo off the surrounding trees. I let out a small whimpering whine, impatient to get Masters attention as while I was assuming the position he had sauntered over to where Alannah sat wide eyed watching the spectacle unfolding before her.

He stood in front of her, hiding her from my view as he dipped his head and whispered into her ear. I heard the moan that escaped her lips, whatever he had said obviously appealed. I increased the volume of my whining, throwing in a mournful woof for good measure.

A further groan from the patio had me panting and whimpering as Master turned and walked back towards me, shielding the chair from my eyes, I tilted my head in an attempt to see what had brought such a deep sound of lust from Alannah but Master was too quick and moved to make sure my view was totally obstructed.

"Impatient puppies don't get treats do they pet?, Careful now else poor Alannah won't get a treat either." His words lightly spoken as with an expert flick of the wrist he brought the crop down just under my fingers, catching the tip of my nipple.

"Noooo Master, Sorry Sir." My voice trembling as the heat of the sting flooded from my nipple warming the whole breast.

"I thought a nice game of fetch would be a nice reward, but i'm not so sure now my little pup deserves to play." He glanced down looking intensely into my eyes, I couldn't read the expression fully but I saw a glint of lust and the beginning of a cheeky smile tugged at his lips.

Fetch was a common game we played when in puppy play but from the signals he was giving off I knew this was not going to be an ordinary version.

"Please Master, puppy is sorry for misbehaving, puppy wants to chase sticks for you Sir."

"Well since puppy pleads so nicely, and the small matter I that like seeing puppy's bum wiggle and jiggle, I shall be gracious and let you play." His voice teasing as he delved once again into his little bag of tricks.

I sat in the prone position waiting and watching intently as he brought my favourite toy out of the bag. It is a long stretched rubber parrot and it is most definitely dead, deceased, no more! I chuckled to myself and tried to keep my face straight as He looked down at me, the look in his eyes told me he was also remembering the evenings spent on the couch with Mistress and me watching movies till we fell asleep.

"Fetch!" One word laced with authority as I brought myself back to the moment. His hand hurling the parrot towards the deck area of the garden where I had spread out plastic sheeting earlier.

I launched myself on to all fours, my hands and feet becoming paws as I broke into a run. My tail swaying from side to side. The soft hairs brushing across my ass at every bounce, my cunt was dripping a steady stream and every nerve ending in my body felt alive. I pounced on the toy with eager enthusiasm, clamping my teeth around its soft surface and biting together. The bird let out a loud squeak as my mouth found the noise maker inside and before turning I chomped my lips together a few times.

I bounded back to Master and dropped the toy at his feet, panting and letting my tongue loll out of my mouth,waiting for my reward.

"Well done Pet, who's a clever puppy?"

I let out a high pitched wruff and wagged my tail at his praise, basking in his praise. He was still blocking my view of Alannah but from the grunts and groans coming from her direction I could tell that she was enjoying herself as much as I was. I dared to hope that maybe, just maybe after today I would have a puppy companion who could share in my fun. A picture of us both playing tug of war with my rope toys sprang to mind and I felt another gush of liquid flow across the tender area leading from my cunt to my ass hole.




A New Beginning Ch. 07



I startled as I felt Masters finger slide across my clit and dip into my warm wet entrance, whining as it was withdrawn as quickly as it was entered.

"My little pup is losing a bit of fluid today, I think you should get a drink before we continue." He chuckled.

I barked my agreement as I trotted over to the stainless steel water bowl I had filled before the session had started, reaching it I assumed the crouched position and ducked my head down, lapping the cold clear water with my tongue. This act had taken the longest to get right out of all the positions and tricks Mistress had taught me, but practise made perfect and I no longer ended up face down in the liquid!.

A low deep growl from Master almost put me off balance as I imagined his cock swelling at the sight in front of him, I quickly lapped up the remainder of the water and made my way back to him.

"Excellent pet, we have time for one last game before dusk descends and I have no desire to add gnat bites to that beautiful skin of yours. I've devised a new trick I want you to learn, its called seek. The rules are simple, I have hidden a toy in the vicinity and I require you to seek it out. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sir, I ruffed and barked, wagging my tail as fast as I could in excitement. I was slightly confused though, I had played retrieve before, and this game sounded the same.

"Good Girl, now SEEK!" He ordered.

I set off with a determined swagger, lowering my nose to the ground as I had seen Master's working dogs doing as they sniffed out their target.

"Lovely posture, excellent!" Came Master's voice, filling me with pride and encouraging me to continue in my search with enthusiasm.

I methodically searched the garden, feeling the textures change under my paws as I crossed the lawn onto the plastic covered decking, pushing my nose and head between the bushes in the borders. I checked everywhere but couldn't pick up the scent of any of my toys. Mistress had taught me to recognize various smells for retrieval games and all of my play things were heavily scented.

I turned back to face Master feeling dejected that I had let him down when I spotted Alannah in her chair, although still gagged I could see the sparkle in her eyes and a look that begged me to head over to her.

"Thats it pet, getting warmer!" Master spoke with a gleam in his eye.

I bounded over to the patio, still nose down, ass up sniffing thoroughly as I went. The closer I got to Alannah the more I could smell but I still couldn't pick up the scent of my toy. I could smell the casserole simmering away in the oven, the aftershave Master favoured drifting across from where he stood and the overwhelming smell of arousal wafting from the gorgeous bound girl tied to a chair not far from me.

I let my eyes drift to that sight, drinking in the beauty of the pale, freckled Irish girl who had found her way into my heart so quickly, my breath hitching in my throat as I noticed a object protruding from her wide open cunt. I howled and whimpered with lust as I processed the picture in front of me. There wedged in her beautiful pussy was a new toy, a rolled up plastic newspaper about 2" in diameter with enough of it emerging from her for me to grab hold of with my teeth.

I did just that, dropping to the sit position with my head level with the hairless mound of her sex, rubbing my nose across the smooth skin and bumping lightly across her swollen nub. I eased my lips round the newspaper and started to tug.

"NO!" The word coming simultaneously with a stinging blow of the crop to my bum cheek.

I whimpered as the smack sounded out, wagging my tail as sorrowfully as I could, while trying not to moan out in pleasure. The action causing me to push the toy back into Alannah's cunt eliciting a low growl from her mouth.

"I said Seek, not retrieve didn't I pet? You did well finding it but when I want it brought to me I will ask you to retrieve." His tone was hard but the look in his eyes as he stood behind the chair and looked at me was soft and full of pride. "Besides I'm not sure Alannah is in a hurry to have it removed! Lets try and see how quick you can obey orders instead pet!" A devious look spreading across his face, a look that had me aching and trembling all at once.

He moved to behind me again, stroking the crop lightly along my butt cheeks sending shivers down my spine and causing my ass to wiggle slightly from side to side, desperate for the feel of the super soft leather against my skin.

"Retrieve!" He ordered, as I wrapped my mouth around the plastic toy and began to pull it from her sodden cunt.

"Halt!" Came the next order stopping me in my tracks.

"Nudge back!" He barked, before uttering a small chuckle. "No hands still pet, and I know its not a typical doggystyle order but before either of my two sassy subbies say anything, its the best I could come up with!!"

I pushed the toy back into her til she moaned and writhed as much as the bonds would allow, my nose bumping against her clit. Master continued with the 'retrieve and nudge' commands till Alannah was a quivering mess, her juices flowing liberally onto the chair beneath her, my face soaked and my own cunt leaking profusely. I wanted to tear the toy from her and bury my tongue deep into her hole, my own cunt desperate to be filled by the man standing behind me.

Almost as though Master could read my mind I heard his voice break into my erotic thoughts.

"Retrieve and present." The words echoing between my ears as I gave one final tug and the newspaper shot out of her well lubricated cunt, her scream only barely muffled by the gag between her lips.

I turned with a twirl and a jiggle and placed the toy at Masters feet, his cock tenting the front of his trousers in an impressive display. I looked up silently pleading with him, I was so hot and horny that I could only whimper and hope he understood my incomprehensive moans, mingled with the muffled begs coming from the direction of Alannah.

"It seems that I have two bitches in heat, and I'm not going to pass that opportunity up!" He laughed. "Silky, sweetie you clean up the garden and put the toys and your bowls in to sterilise and I shall see about releasing my precious gem here. My bedroom in ten!" The final command the best one of the session.

I nodded excitedly and set about tidying up the garden as quickly as I could, eager for the evening ahead.



A New Beginning Ch. 07



"Sure Father, whatever you say." I knew his heart was hurting, probably more than mine. I also knew he wanted to return to Earth but his duty called for him to remain with the living section.

Then he gave me a crucifix. He told me that it was the crucifix from his mother's coffin. I objected but he reminded me that once we landed we wouldn't have anything to remind us of our religious beliefs. I told him that I would keep it with my mother's rosary.

We hugged and he kissed me on my cheek. Then he put his hand in the small of my back and ushered me toward the hatch. It was his way of saying good-bye. I knew he wanted to be alone. I choked back a tear and walked down the passageway toward the elevator room.

As I was walking away he said, "Make sure you camouflage the James Cook real good. We wouldn't want any of those RedBaronibus dive-bomber birds we saw to think that you're just another Pterodactyl and attack you."

I turned around for one last look at my friend.

Then he said, "Don't call us after you've landed. You'll have too many other things to worry about. Let me call you later this evening." It was his way of telling me that he didn't want me to report to him after we landed and tell him that we landed safely. He smiled and waved bye. Then he ducked back into his cabin.

Earlier we made plans to keep in radio touch, to keep each other informed of our progress and what was going on in the living section and on Earth. Those were plans I had no intention of keeping. But his last statements made me wonder if he had plans similar to mine to "fix" the onboard radio. Either way, he was gone and I cried all the way to the elevator room.

On another note I was happy. I knew that with Father Ray in charge, with Mark as sort of a second in command, with Craig, Adam and Tommy in charge of security and with Nurse Rebecca in sickbay then the living section would be a tight ship. Also, William was an excellent chef. He would dole out the food equitably while it lasted.

As I stepped into the elevator room I wiped my eyes with the shirttail of my shirt. Then I took my Velcro shoes out of my hip pocket and dropped them on the floor; I wouldn't need them any longer. Its difficult moving around in weightlessness with hiking boots on but I managed.

Entering the bridge I said to Juan as I glided past him to my seat, "Where's that hand axe I asked for?"

"Tied to the captain's chair, Captain Antoinette, right where you told me to put it," he answered me.

"And the photographs of the landing site, do I have all of them too?"

"Yes ma'am, they're in a plastic bag tied to the axe." He reached over, grabbed the bag and lifted it up so that I could see.

"Thanks Juan. Is everything ready?"

"We're just waiting for your orders Captain."

"Raise the steps and close the hatch Joseph," I ordered the chief engineer over the radio as I buckled myself into my seat next to Juan.

"Raising the steps and closing the hatch, roger," he answered me over the radio.

Sitting behind me, Victoria Rose asked, "What's the hand axe for Toni?"

"She wants to make sure she's protected against any Tyrannosaurs that may attack us," Joshua answered her. He was looking over her shoulder at me with a weird smirk on his face.

I wondered if he too guessed what my intentions were. The only one I told was Chantelle but after the conversation I just had with Father Ray I'm sure he guessed what they were; maybe Joshua did too. Well, they would all find out what they were as soon as we landed.

I untied the axe and photos and put them and Father's crucifix in a pouch attached to my seat. Then, looking down at the junior communication officer sitting on the floor next of Vickie, I said to him, "David, go downstairs and check to make sure everyone is in their seats and buckled up or holding onto something. Then stay down there with Akira. She may need you when we land."

"Yes ma'am," he answered me. I knew Akira Carissa wouldn't need any help but I didn't want David anywhere near the radio when we landed. The lower flight deck's radio was in the cafeteria. I wasn't worried about that one. It was the one on the upper flight deck I was worried about. The fewer people around it the better.

I then got on the ship's radio and took a roll check. Everyone was in his or her seat or sitting on the floor holding onto something; we didn't have enough seats for all 23 of us. Our window for re-entry was still about 11 minutes away so I had everyone recheck the instruments in front of them. I didn't want any screw ups. We would only get one shot at this.

Lastly, I asked Vickie to recheck to make sure we had radio contact with the cafeteria. She checked and we did. Mark was on duty there with the camera watching us. I couldn't do anything about that radio or the camera but at least it would look like we were trying to keep in radio contact with them. That was part of my deception.

We were over what would one day be China. There was a thick cloud cover. I was glad of that; it would help cover my deception. What Mark and the rest of those who were staying with the living section didn't know was that as soon as we got below the clouds I was going to do a hard left, turn away from America and head toward Africa.

When they got over America later this afternoon they wouldn't be able to find us. That's what I wanted. I didn't want them to know where we landed.

After the recheck, over the radio I said to Joshua. "Joshua, how much time we got before we reach our window?"

Although he was only a few meters away, sitting behind Vickie, I used the radio with Joshua because I wanted everyone to know how much time we had left and I wanted them all to be prepared. Whereas Joseph was on the lower flight deck; I had to use the radio in order to communicate with him.

"Three minutes, thirty-five seconds and counting," he answered me over the radio.

"Good, let me know when we got about sixty seconds."

Without waiting for him to answer I then said to everyone, "Listen y'all I'm not worried about burning up on re-entry because we're not going to do that. But there is a slight chance that that stretch of sand we're going to land on is softer than it appears. If that's the case then . . . well things are just liable to get real bumpy. But in any case, please remain seated and buckled in until I give the order."

I knew that that last order wasn't necessary. But I gave it mainly for the crew members below on the lower flight deck, not the officers. I wasn't worried about the officers. I knew they knew better.

It was Leonard, Sam and Carli and some of the other crew members I was concerned with. I didn't want them to go running around before we came to a complete stop. I didn't think they would but there was no telling what we were going to encounter down there and I wanted everyone to proceed with caution.

I knew that last order wasn't necessary because I knew the sand was hard packed; it was a dried up lake bed.

About two weeks ago Valarie took some pictures of a Tyrannosaur type beast following -- chasing actually -- a lone sauropod across the landing site. The latter was similar to a small Apatosaurus but it had bony plates sticking out of its back like a Stegosaurus. It was bleeding from several bite marks on its neck and shoulder.

The carnivore wasn't quite as large as a Tyrannosaurus Rex, it stood about 3 maybe 3.5 meters high at the hip and it had larger forearms and a smaller head than a T-Rex. It also had a small horn on the tip of its nose and some kind of small bony frill projections above its eyes, almost as if it was trying to imitate a Triceratops. Anyway, neither animal left tracks in the sand.

Anthony and Joseph studied some still shots from the movie clip and concluded that both animals were large enough and probably heavy enough to leave tracks but since they didn't, then it was probably because the sand was hard packed. It was their conclusion that helped Joshua and I make our final choice of where we were going to land.

As for the theropod, the crew aptly named it Triceratops Rex and the sauropod they named Deadmeatosaurus. Like I said before, sometimes the Latinized names they choose were not all that scientific.

The next three minutes were the longest of my life. I wanted to go into the cafeteria; I knew many of the crew were there watching us. I wanted to make one last speech to them and somehow convince them all to get onboard the James Cook, especially Father Ray.

But I knew there wasn't time. If we didn't make our window, then we would have to wait another 48 hours before we were in position to land again. I didn't want to do that. I was anxious to return to Earth. I just closed my eyes and said a silent prayer to God to help me guide the James Cook to a safe landing.

"Ninety seconds Captain Antoinette," Joshua broke into my prayer over the radio.

"Thanks Joshua," I answered him. Then, "Everybody get ready. Joseph, disconnect the James Cook from the living section and jettison the engines on my command."

"Disconnect on your command, roger that," he came back on the radio.

I reached down and felt for the axe in the pouch next to my seat. I wondered how many were going to object to what I was about to do. I talked it over with Chantelle and she completely agreed with me. She even hinted that she thought of doing it herself. I'm also sure Father Ray would agree with it too. His last comment to me told me so.

"Twenty seconds Captain Antoinette," Joshua again broke into my thoughts.

"Thanks." I looked at the digital clock on the panel in front of me. I watched the seconds tick down. We still had time to stop, to get the rest of the crew onboard.

I felt an ache in my heart. Forty-three souls were choosing to die in their ignorance and another was staying with them so that he could help them in their last hours. Forty-three lost sheep and one shepherd.

"Five . . . four . . . three . . . two . . . one," Joshua said over the radio.

"Disconnect us Joseph," I issued the order to the chief engineer. He didn't answer me but I felt a small jerk when the James Cook separated from the living section. Then a moment later another jerk when Joseph jettisoned the engines.

It was done. There was no going back now. I said a silent prayer for those we left behind and hoped their last days would be peaceful.

We landed without any problems. The sand was hard packed just as Joshua and I had thought. I let the James Cook continue to roll. I didn't pull the parachutes because I wanted to get us as close to the edge of the dried up lake bed as I could.

We came to a rest with about half of the James Cook entangled in some vines and tree branches at the end of the dried up lake bed. In fact, if it hadn't been for the tree we probably would have continued to roll for another 5 or 10 meters. But there was no damage to the ship. I was glad for the vines and branches because it would make camouflaging the James Cook a whole lot easier.

Everyone onboard immediately began to yell and scream. I quietly thanked God and then grabbed the axe. I stood up and quickly leaned over Vickie's console. I got to her radio just in time. She was about to radio the living section that we made a safe landing when I chopped the microphone wire coming out of the console to her headset. Next I chopped the speakers and then for good measure I hit the radio as hard as I could.

Vickie looked at me in complete surprise. The rest of those on the bridge just stared at me like I was crazy or something. They were all suddenly speechless. We could still hear those on the lower flight deck celebrating our safe return.

"What'd you do that for Toni," Aleks Michelle finally yelled at me.

I hit the radio again with the axe and then, "Who among you wants to tell those up there that we've landed safely and that we're all looking forward to long and healthy lives." I paused and looked around. No one answered me. "It's better that they believe that we either burned up on re-entry or crashed into the Earth."

I thought of Father Ray and wondered if he was going to fix the radio in the cafeteria so that they couldn't communicate with us -- for the same reason I smashed our radio. But I had to literally destroy our radio; I couldn't just disconnect a wire or two. The living section had numerous cell TV-phone transmitter/receivers located throughout the structure. Although it probably wouldn't happen, I didn't want to risk them picking up any stray cell TV-phone or radio transmissions from Earth.

The only way to do that was to destroy our radio so that it couldn't transmit or receive anything. Yes, destroying our radio would prevent our own cell TV-phones from being able to transmit or receive -- the radio was a central router for the cell TV-phones. But Chantelle and I talked it over. We figured the loss of the cell TV-phones here on Earth outweighed the danger of the living section picking up our transmissions. Besides, there were no cell towers on Earth and the phones would totally useless beyond a few kilometers.

Joshua then added, "She's right. I know I don't want to be the one to tell them the bad news that they all made the wrong choice, that they'll all be dead within a year while we are all alive and well on planet Earth."

I thought about what Father Ray would say to them, or rather wouldn't say to them. Now I knew why he didn't want me to reveal to him why I told everyone we were landing in America. He could honestly say that he believed we were going to either Africa or America.

But since I had all the photographs of the African landing site, no one would know where in Africa we had landed. After we camouflage the James Cook and they can't find it, he would allow them to believe that we never made it back safely.

He wouldn't try to change their beliefs. He would protect them from themselves. The truth about our fate would be another cross he would silently carry to his death. My cross is that I would not be able to tell those here what I knew about Father Ray, that he wouldn't tell the crew members up there what he knew.

Chantelle came up from below, breaking into my thoughts. I looked over at her. "Did you break the news to them?" I asked her. I had asked her earlier to inform the crew as soon as we landed that there would be no radio contact with those who remained with the living section.

"Yes Captain Antoinette I did. Everyone's waiting for your OK to go outside."

"Thanks Chantelle." I then asked, "Will everyone please go to the lower flight deck?"

Standing on the bottom rung of the spiral stairs, I looked over the 22 crew members standing before me. With all the gear we had stowed they were packed in like sardines. I continued, "First of all, I think we should all say a prayer of thanks to God for our safe return."

I waited a moment while everyone said a silent prayer of thanksgiving.

Then, "I want to thank all of y'all for your cooperation. If it wasn't for your efforts we would not all be here right now." There was a murmur of appreciation among those crammed together on the lower flight deck.

"I'm making Joseph the new supply officer as of now. He and I talked about this earlier. We don't know what awaits us outside. For now, he is going to issue everyone a pocketknife or a hunting knife along with a hand axe."

I paused a moment to let them think about this. Then, "Joseph, I want you to select from among those pocketknives we confiscated, ones that have blades that are least 8 to 10 centimeters long. Make sure you give one of the knives and a hand axe to everyone. Y'all try not to lose them. Josephine, you once told me that you were handy with a switchblade. For now I want you to have the butterfly knife."

"Thank you Captain Antoinette," she answered me.

"You're welcome," I answered her. Then to the rest of my crew, "Listen up y'all, for your own protection, it is my advice, as well as the advice of several other officers, that no one go anywhere without your knife and axe."

Valarie asked, "Captain Antoinette, do you really believe that a lousy hand axe or hunting knife is going to help us against a T-Rex or some of those other giant monsters we've seen?"

"Not against those, no but against the smaller ones, yes. Also, it is our advice that no one go out alone. If you go somewhere always go in groups of three or more. Maybe one person by him or her self isn't enough to scare off a Tyrannosaurs Rex or one of those other monsters but three persons working together might be able to help each other survive."

"Just how can three people do that Captain Antoinette?" Regina Aurora asked.

"Yeah, how can two people help me if I'm being chased by a hungry beast?" Leonard, a construction laborer added.

"While the rest of you have been enjoying watching these beasts devour each other, Joshua, Anthony, Doctor Yves and I have been studying these animals and how they react to threats from other beasts, especially the mammals. It doesn't take much to fool them or confuse them."

"What do you mean?" Laci Bianca asked.

"Remember those large rat-like mammals, the ones with the immense orange teeth that the crew named BuckToothus?"

Natalie Amiee butted in, "Yeah I remember those. I still think we should have named them EggStealers, they way they stole those eggs from that Oviraptor."

I continued, "Right, one of them distracted the mother while another one raided her nest. The two of them managed to steal three or four eggs before the Oviraptor finally caught on as to what was happening."

"It was four," Natalie continued.

"Thank you for the clarification Natalie. If y'all recall, the same thing happened when those Deinonychus distracted the Triceratops while another Deinonychus attacked the juvenile. Joshua, Anthony, Doctor Yves and I have seen that same diversion among numerous dinosaurs. One or two will distract the parent while another attacks the young."

I paused to let the information sink in.

Then, "Well, the four of us have come to the conclusion that if y'all are attacked by a large carnivore, three people working together can distract it, confuse it and then all three of you can get away."

"You really think that will work?" Josephine Jasmine asked.

"It's better than being eaten," I answered her. "Anyway, I have some actions scenes of dinosaurs being distracted by other dinosaurs, birds and mammals. While we still have power, I want each of you to watch them on Natalie's laptop computer. Joseph, how long do you think the James Cook's batteries will last?"

"Two, three days max, Captain Antoinette. That is, if we turn off the air conditioner."

"Would you please see to that as soon as I finish here? We all have to get used to living without air conditioning sooner or later. We might as well do it now. The rest of y'all, you have two or three days to familiarize yourself with how to distract, deceive and confuse a dinosaur. It just might save your life. I suggest y'all watch it as soon as possible."

I looked around the room. Everyone seemed to be in agreement with what I said thus far. I hoped they would agree with my next idea.

"The first thing I would like to do is camouflage the James Cook. I don't want those who chose to stay onboard the living section to know that we've made it home safe and sound. I would rather have them believe that we either burned up on re-entry or crashed upon landing."

"Why do we have to do that, Captain Antoinette," Veronica Anne asked. "They chose to stay. They could have come with us."

Louis answered for me. "Everyone who stayed up there is going to be dead within a year, probably less than that. Everyone knows that. If they're led to believe that they made the better choice, their deaths will not seem in vain to them. I agree with the captain. We should camouflage the James Cook as soon as possible so that they cannot see it and know that they made the wrong choice."




A New Beginning Ch. 07



Everyone nodded in agreement.

"OK we got that settled," I continued. "Chantelle, give the .45 and the ammunition to Joshua. Joshua, you're the best shot among us. You're in charge of the gun until further notice."

"Sure thing Captain Antoinette, but who should I give the taser guns to?"

"You're still security. You take one and give the other to your assistant. Then I want you and Anthony to form two groups to cut some foliage to camouflage any part of the James Cook that might be seen by those up there. Later we'll plant some trees and stuff around it. Right now we'll have to settle for some tree branches and such."

"How many should we take?" Anthony asked.

"As many individuals as you think necessary, five or six extras I guess," I answered him. "Are there any volunteers to help Chantelle and Anthony?" Juan, Leonard, Thomas, Veronica, Regina and David immediately raised their hands. I told Anthony to get two of the hunting knives from Joseph for their group.

Next I turned to Yves. "Doc, I want you to choose a couple of bodies to help you remove the seats from the upper flight deck."

Then to the rest of the crew, "Folks, we're going to lose our electricity soon and Doc and I figure that below the windows will be the cleanest, safest place for him to do his thing. If Joseph can't fix the solar panel, it will be the only place with light that's for sure. So we're converting the front section of the bridge into an infirmary."

Doc nodded. Laci, Vickie and Josephine volunteered to help him.

"Joshua, get with Joseph and Louis and go scout the area. Joseph, you and Louis make sure y'all have your knives and axes with you. Joshua, make sure to bring the .45 with you. There should be a small lake about a half a kilometer east of here. See if there are any nearby streams that feed into it."

"Yes ma'am," Joshua answered me.

"Also, see if you can get us something to eat, dino eggs or bird eggs or something. We only got enough food to last us a couple of weeks and I would like to stretch it out as long as possible."

"Yes ma'am. Sounds like a great idea."

"The rest of y'all, Natalie, Aleks, Beth, Akira, I want y'all to help me remove all the gear and supplies and the center navigation table and the seats from the lower flight deck so we can eventually convert it into sleeping quarters."

"Yes ma'am," Beth and Aleks answered. Natalie and Akira just nodded.

"Sam, get the third hunting knife from Joseph. Then I want you, Carli and Valarie to pull the parachutes from the rear of the James Cook and rip them into sheets. We can use them for curtains between everyone's sleeping areas once we clear the lower flight deck of all the gear. After, y'all can help us in the lower flight deck."

The three of them just nodded.

"Where are we going to set up our kitchen?" Natalie asked.

Before I could answer her "under the wings right below us," there was a loud thump from above. Everyone froze. It was immediately followed by another loud thump. Then several more thumps. I glanced apprehensively at Joshua. He pulled the .45 from the holster strapped to his hip.

"Joseph open the hatch and lower the stairs," I cautiously ordered him.

To be continued . . .



A New Beginning Ch. 08



The James Cook has two entrances, the emergency airlock on the bridge and the other in the lower flight deck. This latter entrance has steps that fold down from the underbelly of the ship and is the one that was used for going to and from the living section.

With the steps and landing gear down, the James Cook sits a little under three meters off the ground. This is plenty of room for us to work around under but it is also enough room for a small, vicious carnivore to maneuver in -- I have plans to enclose the ship with timbers like an old west fort. But that is the future.

We were preparing to go outside to greet the Cretaceous Period for the first time when something began pounding on our spaceship. I, as well as everyone else, was wondering what was trying to break into our ship. I'm sure everyone was also thinking that maybe our first adventure into Shangri La was going to end us all up as dino dinner. I know that's what I was thinking.

"Wait!" yelled Anthony our dinosaur expert. "Don't open the hatch yet. Listen!"

We all stopped and listened. It was faint but you could definitely hear the chatter of what sounded like monkeys. We all smiled and began to laugh.

"Joseph, open the hatch and lower the stairs," I again ordered him. "But to be on the safe side, Joshua you go first. Chantelle, Anthony . . ."

"Why do I have to be the first one to die," he joked as he replaced the .45 caliber pistol in its holster.

I wasn't impressed with his wise crack. "Because you have the gun. Chantelle, Anthony, you two have the taser guns you go second."

I followed Joshua, Anthony and Chantelle Dawn down the steps, firmly gripping my hand axe.

The monkey chatter was quite a bit louder outside. The air was a lot cooler than I expected; there was a slight breeze blowing off the dried up lake bed to our rear. The forest was lush with greenery. As I reached the bottom step I noticed a strange plant near the foot of the steps with what appeared to be large orange buttercups for flowers. There were dead insects sticking to the inside of the cups.

I saw a small silver and black bird-like animal with a red head fly off as I stepped off the stairs. Instead of a beak, it had a short, narrow jaw with teeth sticking out the side of its mouth similar to that of a crocodile. I didn't get a good look at it and wondered whether it was a bird or a small flying dinosaur.

We all walked out from underneath the James Cook and looked up. There, crawling all over the James Cook and in the tree branches, were about 35 or 40 proto-primates. It seems the tree we came to a rest under was their home.

As soon as they saw us their chatter stopped. For about five seconds we just looked at each other, neither group moving. Then one of the larger ones shrieked loudly and all of them scampered to top of the tree.

They were cute little animals, a little larger than a squirrel. They were black with a white stomach and a red nose, reminiscent of a male mandrill baboon. Their eyes were large and black. They were arboreal quadrupeds but sat up on their haunches like baboons. They had five long, clawed digits on each of their feet and hands but did not have the primate opposable thumb. They had long slender tails. The babies clung to their mother's back.

Anthony, our dinosaur expert, said they were probably related to the Plesiadapids or possibly the Prosimians or some other Cretaceous primate. I don't know about that but these creatures reminded me of small white capuchin monkeys except for their coloring -- they didn't have white faces. Their faces looked more like a kitten's face than a monkey's face.

Joshua asked, "Think I should shoot a few of them for our supper?"

"No!" yelled Anthony. "Let them be. As long as they're chattering we're safe. Their chatter means that there are no predators in the area. It's when they stop chattering and scamper to the tops of the trees, that's when a predator is close by."

He was right. These proto-monkeys or whatever they were had all climbed to the top of the tree and were deathly silent; all of them intently watching us.

"Then what should we do about them," Laci Bianca asked, looking at me.

But Anthony answered her. "We let them be. They can be an alarm system for us. Like I said, as long as they're chattering there is no danger."

"Yeah but all that chatter is going to keep us awake all night," she continued.

"No it won't. They go to sleep at night just like we do," Anthony continued.

Akira Carissa butted in, "And who made you an expert on monkeys?"

"I'm not an expert on monkeys. But these are forerunners of the monkeys and apes. I know a little about dinosaurs. While studying dinosaurs I also studied the early primates."

"Anthony's right," Doc Yves added. "I've studied anthropology and man's origins. These Plesiadapids or Prosimians or whatever they are, will warn us if any beast comes in the area."

"But what should we do about them?" Laci asked again.

Doc continued, "My advice is that we work around them. We should disturb them as little as possible or they might move to another tree. But if they perceive that we're not a threat to them, then they'll probably stick around for a while."

Sensing that we were not a danger, a few of the creatures had begun to chatter again.

"If they're not Plesiadapids or Prosimians, what do we call them?" Veronica Anne asked.

"Let's call them PrimusPrimates," Juan answered her. "Since they're the first primates we've encountered."

"I'll buy that," Akira added.

"So what do we do, Captain Antoinette?" Joshua asked.

I wondered whether he asked because he was anxious to shoot one or what his intentions were. He once told me that he did some deer hunting with a crossbow, but has never shot a real gun at a living animal. To my knowledge the only animal he's ever "shot" was virtual hunting on a computer.

Nor was I worried about him missing his target and wasting ammunition. He was the best shot onboard the James Cook using a virtual gun. Thomas and Chantelle were the only persons who could come close to out shooting him.

"We follow the advice of our two experts and we leave the PrimusPrimates alone." I looked around, "Any questions?" There were none. By now all the PrimusPrimates were chattering once again. But they still hadn't come down from the top of the tree.

"OK, y'all have your jobs to do; let's get to it. Joshua, could I talk to you a minute before you and your crew go scout out the area?"

"Sure Toni, what's up?"

We walked up the steps. Once at the top I turned and faced him, "We only got 100 rounds of ammunition. I prefer we use it for protection against large predators if it's possible. Am I going to have to worry about you using it all up on every animal you see?"

He put his head down and tightened his lips. Then he looked up. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that I have never shot a real gun at an animal before and I was kind of excited . . ." He paused a moment and, slapping the gun strapped to his hip, he continued, "You have my assurances that I'll be very prudent when shooting this thing. I won't use it unless it's absolutely necessary."

"Thanks Joshua. I knew I could count on you. I just wanted to make sure."

"Thank you," he answered me.

He then went with Joseph and Louis to check out the nearby lake. Akira, Aleks Michelle, Elizabeth Dee, Natalie Amiee and I started removing the seats and the center navigation table from the lower flight deck to make room for cots for everyone to sleep on.

Joseph and I had figured earlier that once everything was removed from the lower flight deck there would be enough room for about 20 of us to sleep there comfortably; the rest could sleep on the bridge. That was the plan until we could build a wall around the James Cook. Then those who wanted to could sleep outside under the protection of the ship.

The five of us had been working for about an hour when I noticed that Sam, Carli and Valarie hadn't brought up the parachutes. I told Aleks, Beth, Akira and Natalie to continue working and went downstairs to search for them.

I found the parachutes at the bottom of the steps still in their packs. But Sam, Carli and Valarie were nowhere around. Thomas was handing some branches with leaves the size of an elephant's ear up to Veronica, who was standing on the wing. I asked him if he had seen the three of them. He answered me that they went to check out the lake.

I shook my head in disbelief and whispered to myself, "How can they possibly think of playing around when there was so much work to be done?" I made a mental note to talk to everyone later about goofing off, at least until we got settled. I was about to go back upstairs when Joseph came running from the lake.

"Quick, where's Doc Yves?" he screamed. "It's Sam. He's been attacked by a dinosaur."

"What?" I screamed myself.

He ran past me to the top of the steps and hollered. "Doc, come quick. It's Sam. He's bleeding something bad."

I hollered up to Joseph, "Where is he? I'm going there!"

He looked down at me and pointed. "Follow that little trail off to the left there. It leads straight to the lake. I'll bring Doc Yves along in a second."

I looked back toward Thomas. He was helping Veronica down from the wing. "Thomas, follow me! Veronica, tell everyone I said to get under the James Cook or in it until further notice."

Thomas pulled an axe from his belt and handed it to me. Then he pulled his hunting knife out from its sheath. The two of us took off running toward the lake.

When we got there, one look told me that Sam wasn't going to make it. He was deathly white through loss of blood. Both his legs had been bitten off just above the knees and most of his left arm was gone. Joshua had ripped some strips of cloth from his shirt and tied them around Sam's thighs to act as tourniquets. He was in the process of putting a tourniquet on the nub of his left arm when we arrived.

Louis was standing over the two of them with the .45 in his hand. He was real nervous and kept looking from Sam into the shrubbery and then back at Sam again. I could tell by the way he was acting that if a dinosaur showed up the gun would be better in Joshua's hands.

I glanced around but there was no dinosaur in sight. I saw some bloody tracks going off into the surrounding shrubbery. I knelt down next to Sam. He looked at me and smiled.

"I guess we won't get that first night on Earth in bed together like we planned, Toni."

"Don't worry about that Sam. Where are Valarie and Carli?"

He interrupted me, "It may have gotten my legs but I got it." He winced in pain.

"Where are Valarie and Carli?" I asked again.

"We were just observing the scenery when it came out behind us from nowhere. It swooped down and bit Valarie. Her head and chest just disappeared into its mouth. It picked her up, chomped down on her a couple of times and then swallowed her whole. Next it started to come after Carli. I stabbed it in its left leg but . . ."

"Don't talk now Sam." I said to him. I didn't need for him to give me details about their deaths. "Doc's coming and he'll . . ."

"No, I've got to tell you," he interrupted me again. "I tried to distract it by stabbing it but it still bit Carli. Cut her in half with one bite. I stabbed it again in its left leg. Then it bit me on my legs. Picked me up and started to limp off with me in its mouth. It was about to swallow me when I stabbed it in its left eye. It dropped me and limped off."

He gritted his teeth. Then, "I don't know what happened to Carli. I think what's left of her is over there behind those bushes." He pointed to his right and then winced in pain again.

"OK Sam, Doc's coming. He'll be here in a minute."

Doc Yves arrived and immediately began working on Sam. I ordered Louis to go back to the ship and return with something we could use for a stretcher. He handed the pistol to Joshua and took off running.

We managed to get Sam back to the ship but he died within the hour. Doc said it was a combination of loss of blood and shock. I asked for volunteers to dig a grave for him -- we had four shovels.

Why UNESA would have stored shovels on a spaceship going to Europa is beyond me but I was glad to have them. David, Leonard, Joseph and Louis volunteered to dig the grave. Next I ordered Joshua to get with Thomas, Juan and Anthony and follow the bloody tracts, hunt the beast down and kill it. Chantelle volunteered to go with them.

While they were gone, Josephine Jasmine, Laci, Beth, Natalie, Akira and I searched for what may have been left of Carli so we could bury her too. We didn't find anything.

They returned from their hunt just as we were finishing a prayer service for Sam. Anthony said that a pack of five Dromeaosaur raptors, probably Utahraptors or cousins of them, attacked the wounded dinosaur, killed it and were in the process of eating it when they happened upon the scene.

They could see Sam's hunting knife still sticking out its left eye socket. Joshua told us that he was pretty sure that the beast these carnivores were devouring was the same Triceratops Rex that Valarie took a movie of chasing the Deadmeatasaurus.

According to them, Joshua, Chantelle and Anthony snuck up on the grey skin beasts, which stood a little less than two meters high and about five meters from their heads to the tip of their tails. Thomas and Juan were standing back with the taser guns, ready to distract them if necessary.

Joshua shot two of them dead while they were feasting on the Triceratops Rex dinosaur. They were immediately confused never having seen humans or fought against a .45 caliber pistol before.

Then another two of the beasts charged the group. Joshua shot one right in the heart. The other one was about to get Anthony when Chantelle jumped on its back and, grabbing and holding onto some feathers around its neck like a cowgirl riding a broncobuster, hit it in its left eye with an axe and then in its right eye, blinding it. It screamed out and threw her off its back; she landed in some nearby bushes unhurt. The beast then stopped in its tracks, sat down and began to gobble like a turkey.

Meanwhile the fifth one, which they said seemed to be younger than the other four began circling around them. They momentarily lost sight of it in the bushes, which was very terrifying for the five of them. Then it too charged them.

They said I would have been proud of Joshua. He stood and let the lone dinosaur come at him full of fury. When it was about 15 or 20 meters from him he raised the pistol with both hands firmly gripping it, took aim and shot it right between the eyes. It came to a rest just two meters from him.

Then Thomas, Juan and Anthony took to hacking the blinded carnivore to death with their axes.

It was late afternoon and no one felt like working. We were all too disheartened over the deaths of our friends. I told everyone to just relax for the rest of the day; we would pick up where we left off in the morning. I said a silent prayer that the death of our friends was not a forewarning of our future here in Shangri La. The one thought that kept running through my mind and I'm sure the minds of everyone was that those who chose to stay with the living section had made the right choice after all and that we would all be dead in a week or two.

Laci started a fire just beyond the bottom of the steps with a butane candle lighter; an object that was worth its weight in gold until someone learned how to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together. That night we had our first taste of Utahraptor; David and Josephine cooked it.

While we were feasting on the dino steaks I revealed to everyone that it tasted something like alligator; none of them had ever eaten the delicacy. They teased me over that, about living among the Cajuns in the swamps. I jokingly retorted back that New Orleans was not in the swamps, that as far as I was concerned it was the finest city in the South.

Regina Aurora said that she believed that her home town of Boston was a much better city, while Leonard preferred Atlanta and Akira liked Tokyo. We ended up agreeing that everyone thinks their own home town is better.

As we were finishing up eating our dinosaur diner, I told Joshua that I was not proud of him. He should have been more cautious.

"Supposed you missed?" I scolded him. "Then we would have had to bury you too."

"Toni, I was not going to miss. I knew that. Shooting a real .45 is not much different than shooting a virtual .45. In fact, after the first shot I discovered that the kick of the virtual gun is more than that of the real one. That surprised me. I thought the real one would kick more."

"Well still in all, please be more careful in the future. That goes for all of y'all. We can't afford to lose anyone else."

"If you all insist," he tried to mimic my Southern drawl. I smiled sardonically at him.

After we all finished eating, I informed everyone that as soon as we got things set up here we were going to hunt down every large carnivore within a kilometer or two of here and kill it. I wanted these beasts to know that humans were now on the scene and if any of them wanted to attack us then we would attack them back with ferocity.

Everyone cheered to that. We then sat around the campfire and reminisced over Sam, Carli and Valarie. Before we turned in for the night, we all observed a moment of silence for our three dead companions. I said a silent prayer to God to help us protect ourselves from further dinosaur attacks.

Later, after everyone went upstairs to sleep, I pulled Chantelle to the side. When we were alone I was about to scold her too for her foolish act. But before I could say anything she put her head on my shoulder and began to cry.

She said she didn't know what came over her. She just saw that Anthony was about to be killed by the raptor. The next thing she realized was that she was on its back holding onto the black and white feathers around its neck, shoulders and upper arms.

She said a thought flashed through her mind of Sam stabbing the Triceratops Rex in the eye with his knife. That's when she hit the Utahraptor in its eyes with the axe she had in her hand.

She then begged me to forgive her. Through tears that she had been holding back since the incident, she promised that she would never do anything like that again.

I felt sorry for her and was embarrassed for myself. Here I was about to reprimand her and she was begging me to forgive her for her act of bravery. I just hugged her and consoled her. That night we tried to sleep together but we didn't have sex. There wasn't any privacy.

I'm pretty sure that most of us didn't sleep that first night. I got up several times and went outside. Every time I noticed at least two or three others just sitting up, listening to the sounds of the night.

Once during the night I went upstairs to the nose of the ship and stood below the windows. I looked up through the trees at the stars. Aleks was already there, looking at the sky. Neither of us spoke, we just smiled at each other. I thought about Father Ray and what he would have to say about eating dinosaur meat. I wondered if he would he agree with me that it tasted like alligator. I didn't know. I don't know if he has ever eaten alligator or not.

I don't think it was the heat that kept us awake; it wasn't all that hot. Besides, we kept both the stairway hatch and the airlock hatch open; the latter was open just a crack. Plus we had several small desk fans turned on keeping the air circulating. Nor do I think that was it mosquitoes that kept us awake; there wasn't that many that found their way through the open hatches . . . yet.

But if I know my crew like I think I do, we were all thinking of Sam, Carli and Valarie and wondering if we too were going to get eaten by dinosaurs. I'm sure that's what kept everyone awake. It's what kept me awake.




A New Beginning Ch. 08



The next morning at breakfast I decided to hold meeting. I wanted to discuss safety measures and possibly a re-deployment of the weapons. The first thing I did was to ask Joseph to get the list of the weaponry and tools we brought with us.

While he was upstairs getting the list an odd looking marsupial wandered into our camp. It looked somewhat like a forest green armadillo with a black face and knob on its tail, reminiscent of a miniature Ankylosaurus. It also had some small spikes sticking out of its side; these were a darker shade of green in color. The cabbage size knob was also darker green.

The creature was a little larger than a Cocker Spaniel, measuring about a meter long from its head to its tail. The tail swung from side to side as it wobbled along presumably looking for food. It looked at us, stood up on its hind legs and sniffed the air in our direction. We saw a baby's head sticking out of its stomach pouch when it reared up. Then, ignoring us, it proceeded to sniff around in the surrounding foliage.

The PrimusPrimates didn't seem to be bothered by the animal so I knew it wasn't any danger to us.

Thomas asked me if I thought he should kill it for our supper. I just shrugged my shoulders. David handed him a meat cleaver and he was about to chop its head off it when it charged him. He jumped out of its way just as it swung its tail at him. Then the beast hissed at Thomas, presented its flank to him and continued to viciously swing its tail back and forth. Juan got up to help Thomas kill the marsupial but it backed away from us and scampered off into the bushes.

Thomas was lucky. I'm sure had it hit him with its tail it would have done some serious damage to him.

Joseph came down the stairs with the list and asked, "What's all the ruckus about?"

"Nothing," Laci answered him. "Thomas just tried to get some supper for us but the little beast proved to be more than he could handle."

"Yeah, well the next time it comes around here I'll be ready for it and its knobby tail. Then it won't be so lucky. I'll blow its head off with the .45."

"That's exactly what I want to talk about y'all," I interrupted their banter. Then to Joseph, "Joseph, will you hand me that list please."

I silently read over the list. Then, "Ok y'all, our arsenal includes 50 steak knives; these only have 6 centimeter blades. But we also have 3 serrated hunting knives with 15 centimeter blades, 14 pocket knives with blades longer than 8 centimeters and one butterfly knife with a 10 centimeter blade. You still have that don't you Josephine?"

"Yes Captain Antoinette," she answered. "I hope you let me keep it. I've grown kind of accustomed to it."

"Yeah, I noticed you cutting up your Utahraptor steak with it last night. Keep it; I don't think anyone else wants it." Then to the rest of my crew, "We have 25 hand axes and Chef William gave us 6 each French knives, boning knives, butcher knives and meat cleavers from the kitchen. That's what we have in the way of cutlery."

I looked around to everyone. Using one hand, Josephine was flicking her butterfly knife open and closed like a pro. How she did it without cutting a finger off is beyond me. I know if I tried it I would need the services of Doc Yves.

I continued, "We also have 2 taser guns -- each with 3 cartridges -- 15 cans of pepper spray and the .45 caliber pistol with 96 rounds of ammunition. But these items are non-reusable. Once we use them they're gone. I would like to conserve their use as much as possible. I believe we should use them only for defense, particularly the .45 ammunition. I hope to use it only against the larger dinosaurs and then only for defense, if that is possible."

I paused and again looked around at everyone. No one seemed opposed to my suggestion that we use the guns and pepper spray for defense.

"We have other disposable items, candles, paper towels, paper plates, garbage bags, three canisters of butane. I'm not going to read the entire list to y'all. But again, I would like to use these kinds of items conservatively because once they're gone they're gone for good."

"How much toilet paper did you bring?" Regina asked.

"I don't know. Joseph how much did you pack"?

"We got eight cases with 48 rolls in each case. For you ladies, I got 500 tampons stored with the toilet paper."

"Thank you, Joseph. Does that answer your question Regina?"

"Yes ma'am, thank you."

"Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday we lost three good crew members. I hope that was a wakeup call to the rest of y'all to be more diligent. I don't want to loose any more. This is an unforgiving land. If you're not careful y'all could end up dead too."

I paused again to let the information sink in. Then, "Don't go wandering around sightseeing. There'll be plenty of time for that once we get to know the place and establish ourselves. We're going to be here the rest of our lives. Hopefully that will be a long, long time for all of us."

Suddenly a large blue bird with a green head flew down from the tree, startling us all. It landed on the ground between me and my crew. It squawked at us as if to say we were intruding into its life. Then immediately flew back into the tree. It squawked again and then flew away.

"What do you think it wanted?" Josephine asked.

"I don't know," I answered her. "Maybe it just wanted to remind us that we're the aliens here, not the dinosaurs." Then to the others, "If you're not constantly on the alert for carnivores; if you treat our stay here like it was some kind of Sunday afternoon picnic . . . well I don't think I need to elaborate any further on what could happen to y'all."

There were nods of approval from everyone. Joshua made a suggestion that no one stray too far from the James Cook until he and Joseph could make us all some crossbows. But I reminded him that we would have to keep the five, 100 liter barrels we brought filled with water.

I told them that this would probably require daily trips to the lake by groups of people carrying the water cans we brought. We would also have to go out on hunting trips and food foraging parties almost immediately. I revealed to them that except for the toilet paper and tampons, we only brought enough food and supplies to last 24 people about two weeks.

Joseph and I sat down a couple of weeks ago and figured exactly what we would need once we landed and compared this to the extra weight added to the James Cook for landing. We figured that we could have brought more supplies. But I didn't want to deplete the supplies of those who decided to stay onboard the living section any more than we had to. When we calculated for personal supplies, we were both in agreement that everyone should keep their personal gear to a maximum of 25 kilograms.

Except for David and a couple of the others, no one followed my advice about electric shavers. I personally know that David uses a barber's straight razor while the others use regular safety razors. The rest of us are gambling that Joseph can get the solar panel repaired so that we can use our shavers.

There's a possibility that he can't fix it to put out 100 percent. If that's the case then it will probably only provide enough electricity to turn on a few lights and desk fans. This latter is why Joseph and I decided not to bring a microwave oven, electric tools or electric utensils of any kind and why I advised against bringing personal electrical devices. I didn't follow my own advice; I too brought my electric shaver. But if Joseph can't fix the solar panel then we will all have to use safety razors.

The twenty of us continued to discuss our supplies and how we would use them until late in the morning. While we were talking one rather curious PrimusPrimate came down and started to snoop around our camp area. It even came up to Beth and sniffed at her leg. When Beth tried to pet it, it ran off. But it continued to explore around us until one of the larger PrimusPrimates chased it back up into the tree. This larger PrimusPrimate seemed to be their leader.

Aleks asked whether we were going to allow "these creatures" to run all over the place getting into things and eating our food. Doc Yves answered her that if we just let them be, then in time they would learn what they could and could not do with regards to our presence. I also informed her that we would keep all food enclosed to prevent any animal from getting into it.

Everyone agreed to use the parachutes as mosquito netting to line the stairway, the entrance to the James Cook and the airlock hatch. If we had any left over then those who wanted to could use it to enclose their sleeping areas. We were lucky the night before, very few insects found a way into our home. We also decided to raise the steps 30 centimeters off the ground in order to ensure that some undesirable bug won't enter while we are sleeping. The roaches here are huge, averaging 15 to 18 centimeters long.

After yesterday's tragedy I ask them if they thought that going in groups of three is enough. Everyone agreed that three is enough. I then made a rule that no one was to leave camp by him or her self. Nor was anyone to leave camp without letting at least two people know where they were going and how long they intended to stay. I didn't know how I was going to enforce the rule, or what I was going to do if anyone broke it. But I would think of something.

"Who's going to fill the water barrels?" Louis asked. "Will we need to fill all five barrels everyday?"

"The toilet onboard the James Cook needs a little less than three liters of water to operate," I answered him. "Also, we need water for cooking and everyone needs water to wash up. Joseph and I calculated that that could be as much as five hundred liters everyday."

Joseph interjected, "I have plans to strip some conduit from the James Cook and lay it from the lake to our camp. Then use a water pump to pump the water back to our camp."

"Until that's done the only way we can get water is to transport it from the lake in the cans we brought. Does that answer your question Louis?"

We then formed morning water duties consisting of two groups of ten people who would fill water cans each morning. Joshua was to lead one group and Thomas the other group the next day. Each of them was to bring the .45 with them. Everyone was to make sure they carried a hand axe with themselves and a can of pepper spray plus as many empty twenty liter and ten liter cans that were in camp.

Then we discussed a list of other priorities of things to be done.

Joseph said we would have to dig a trench about a half meter deep in which to lay the conduit but after that it would be a breeze to lay the conduit down.

Digging the trench and laying the conduit was the one priority everyone decided had to be first. No one wanted to carry water every other day if he or she didn't have to. I asked the men who among them wanted to volunteer to dig the trench.

No one moved. I had to remind them that although it was hard work, it was something that had to be done. Anthony, Juan and Leonard finally volunteered to do it. David, Louis and Joshua agreed to relieve them after about an hour.

We all decided that electricity was also a high priority. I told Joseph that except for his water duties, I wanted him to work on repairing the one solar panel we had. Beth was to help him. Everyone agreed with me on that.

Next I asked if there were any good cooks among us. David and Josephine both said that they were cooks while they were in college. Since the two of them did pretty well with the Utahraptor and our breakfast of pancakes we all decided to let them be the cooks.

We also decided to let the men do the hunting while the women gather eggs and whatever other edibles we could find. Akira asked what kind of edibles but Doc Yves answered her that whatever the PrimusPrimates and the other mammals ate would probably be alright for us to eat too.

Everyone would pitch in to keep the camp clean and we would burn as much of our garbage as we could. We didn't want it to draw any carnivores to our camp.

The waste from the James Cook's toilet would have to be emptied about every two days. We decided to burn that away from camp too. We all agreed that we would rotate the duty; two people for the waste and two for the garbage. Joshua said he would make up a duty roster for it. We would choose a spot to burn it later.

Next on my list of priorities was fire. "There isn't an animal alive that's not afraid of fire. If we keep a fire burning that could help keep the beasts away. Not only that but it is only a matter of time before Laci's butane candle lighter runs out of fuel. So it is my suggestion that we keep a fire burning at all times."

"I have a magnifying glass," Beth interrupted me.

I stopped dead in my tracks. Father Ray had one. He told me that he had had it since he was a boy. I'm sure he would have given it to us if I had asked him but I didn't even think about it.

"Father Ray gave it to me," she continued, "right after that last meeting you held in the cafeteria."

"Well thank him and God for small favors," Veronica said.

"Deo gratias," echoed Juan in Latin.

I also said a silent prayer of thanks to God. Then, "Thank you Beth. As I was starting to say, we are going to need someone to make sure the fire does not die; if only to keep the beasts away. We don't need a bonfire; just a small fire to cook our food and keep the monsters away."

"How are we going to keep it burning at night?" Aleks asked.

"I suggest we rotate a nightly fire watch of at least two people on watch at all times in the evening hours. There are enough of us here that once you stood your fire watch you wouldn't have to stand it again for several days. The persons who stand watch would also act as security guards and warn the rest of us if any large monsters approach the camp at night. Do y'all agree to that?"

Beth asked, "If we have a magnifying glass, then why do we have to keep a fire burning at night?"

"A smoky fire at night will help keep the bugs away, for one. Two, what if there is a cloudy, rainy morning? And three, we have to have someone up at night to watch for giant carnivores that may be roaming about. They might as well keep the fire going as well. Does that answer your question?"

"Yeah, I guess so. But we didn't have anyone watching last night."

"After what happened I didn't think anyone was in the mood to stand watch. I know I wasn't. Besides, I don't believe anyone slept very much anyway."

A murmur of acceptance then ran through the group.

"No other objections?" I asked. "OK, Chantelle would you make up a watch list whereby there will always be at least two people standing fire watch at all times at night? Coordinate this with Joshua's list so that whoever has fire watch won't also have garbage detail or shit detail. I'll take the first watch with someone."

"Sure thing, Captain Antoinette."

"Thank you. Also, we are going to need someone to gather firewood everyday. So, either those who have the morning water duty do that too or the other group gathers firewood. It is my suggestion that the water duty people do it then they can have the rest of the day off. My reasoning is that for safety reasons I don't want the camp to be totally without anyone in it. We won't need a whole lot of wood, just enough to keep a small fire going. Do y'all agree to that?"

There was another murmur of acceptance.

"Ok then the morning water duty people will gather firewood when they finish their water chores. Then they will have the rest of the day off. David, Josephine, y'all are our cooks. Dig a hole for a fire pit and line it with rocks over there under the wing. That's where we'll set up our kitchen. Thomas will you help them gather some rocks?"

After that we set priorities on building a shower stall, setting up the kitchen, constructing an infirmary, fixing up sleeping areas for each of us on the lower flight deck, finish camouflaging the ship with planted trees and then building a wall around the James Cook. We made these latter two tasks last.

No one wanted to risk bathing in the lake as there was no telling whether there was a dinosaur sized crocodile lurking there. Everyone agreed that we should build the shower stall while Anthony and his team were digging the trench. For our shower we decided to use one of the 100 liter barrels and a spigot and knobs Joseph had taken from the living section's shower.

Earlier he had drawn a rough sketch of the planned shower on paper; it looked like a miniature water tower with a spigot sticking out the bottom. I described it to them and then pointed out that each person would have to lug at least two, 20 liter cans of water up a latter -- that's the minimum amount we figured would be needed to bathe -- and pour it in the top of the barrel. Several of the crew griped about that but I ignored them.

Victoria Alisa, Chantelle and Natalie volunteered to build it. Thomas said that he would help out after our fire pit was built. Beth, Akira and I elected to help Doc Yves with the infirmary, while Regina, Aleks, Laci, Josephine and Veronica chose to finish removing the seats and other stuff from the lower flight deck.

I continued, "We don't have any nails y'all. But Joseph figured we could notch the tree branches we will have to cut and wire them together with wire stripped from the James Cook. As for hot showers, those of you who can't brave cold showers can just heat your water over the fire using a 20 liter can."

We then decided that the weapons would remain in the James Cook on the lower flight deck; they were all presently in a storage bin near the entrance where we left them the night before. Whenever any group left the camp they could choose the weapons they wanted to take with them. Everyone leaving camp would also carry a can of pepper spray.

But Josephine held onto the butterfly knife and everyone agreed that Joshua and Thomas should be in charge of the .45 caliber pistol.

Suddenly in the middle of our discussion one of the PrimusPrimates shrieked loudly and they all scampered to the top of their tree. They became deathly quiet.

We all looked around into the surrounding shrubbery but no one saw anything. Joshua cautiously pulled the .45 from its holster; David picked up a boning knife that was lying next to the camp fire. Thomas stood up; he still had the meat cleaver in his hand.

I was about to order everyone into the James Cook when Regina called our attention to the bushes about sixty meters to our north. Five sauropods were casually heading toward the lake. They stood approximately 4 meters at the shoulder and were about 20 meters from their heads to their tails; almost half of their length was tail. They had small horns sticking out of the sides of their heads right above their eyes. They were dark green in color with various size light green and blue green spots scattered all over their bodies.

One of them paused momentarily, looked in our direction and then continued its trek toward the lake. They were beautiful animals. I've never seen an animal so big. It was like watching five houses go by. The ground even shook slightly as they walked past. I could only imagine what it would be like if a whole herd of them were passing.

"I don't think we have anything to fear from those green giants," Joshua said as he put the .45 back into the holster strapped to his hip.

"Is that what we're going to call them, Green Giants," Vickie asked.

"That sounds like an appropriate name," Aleks added.

"I think we have something more important to discuss," I interrupted them.

I paused and thought about how to proceed.

Then, "We're going to be here the rest of our lives ladies and gentlemen. I'm pretty sure I'm correct when I say that there isn't a person among us who wants to remain celibate the rest of his or her life here."




A New Beginning Ch. 08



I looked around at everyone. Again, there were nods of agreement.

"Now think about this," I continued. "You and your partner, who ever he or she may be, are off in the bushes doing your thing when all of a sudden a Triceratops Rex or Utahraptor comes along and bites your head off."

Leonard stood up, grabbed his crotch and yelled out, "Oh, that hurts!" Then everyone laughed.

"Nice joke Leonard, only I'm not talking about the head of your dick."

I paused a moment. Then, "Now let's get serious. "Is there anyone of you that wants to have sex right here in front of everyone?"

No one answered me.

"Then I'm open to suggestions. Anyone got any ideas as to where we could do our love making." I had already discussed this with Joshua and Doc Yves before we separated from the living section. The three of us came to a consensus on where we could do our thing.

I know exactly what you're thinking. Yes, I talked it over with them after I had sex with each of them. We pretty well figured that there was only one solution. But I wanted it to come from the crew, not us. That way it wouldn't look like the senior officers were dictating every policy we would be following.

"How about if those who want sex just fix themselves up a cot or something under the James Cook at night and . . ."

"You can do that if you want to Vickie," Josephine cut her off, "but I'm not going to fight bugs, dinosaurs and God only know what else all night long just for sex."

"Me neither," added Aleks.

"What about . . . never mind."

"What Louis?" I answered him. "We would all like to hear it. Who knows, maybe it's a better idea than you think."

"I was going to suggest on top of the James Cook's wings but that would be just as bad as the ground under it. Plus you'd have the PrimusPrimates to put up with."

"Yeah you're right. OK, anyone else?" I asked.

Veronica cautiously raised her hand. "Why don't we use the upper flight deck as sort of a love nest, like we when we were in space? We could section off a couple of areas and whenever someone wanted to make love they could just go there."

"Or we could build little huts for ourselves," Anthony interjected.

"That would take several weeks, maybe months for everyone to have their own hut," added Natalie. "I like Veronica's idea."

"Me too," both David and Regina called out at the same time.

I added, "Sounds like a great idea Veronica." I knew someone would come up with the idea eventually. "Joseph, if we leave the forward section under the windows for an infirmary for Doc, how many love nests could be built up there?"

"I don't know. Maybe four or five I guess. It would depend on how big you wanted each area."

"Just big enough to lay a small mattress pad in, for two people to lie down on, like we had before when we were flying around out in space."

"I'm pretty sure I could build five love nests up there."

"OK, then it's settled. Laci, Josephine, why don't you help Joseph in building some little rooms on the bridge for love nests?"

"What about the solar panel. I can't do both?" Joseph asked.

"You're right. Sorry. Work on the panel." Before I could go further Doc Yves said that with Laci and Josephine helping him, his crew could do that after they finish sectioning off an area for the infirmary. He said that he would just need a little guidance from Joseph from time to time.

I paused again and thought about how to proceed. Then I cautiously said, "There's one other thing I think we need to discuss with regards to sex, ladies and gentlemen."

Everyone looked at me questioningly.

"Captain Antoinette if you're thinking about how we decide who gets to use the love nest . . ." Akira started to say.

"No it's not about that," I cut her off. I looked around at the faces. "I think we should all think about making ourselves sexually available to everyone, including you Chantelle."

Josephine gave me an astonished look. "You mean I should let all the men fuck me whenever they want to? Toni I became a prostitute for the money. There's no money in it now."

"No that's not what I mean."

"Then please explain yourself. I'll do anything I can to help us all make a go of it here in our little Shangri La," she answered me.

"I mean I think we should all think about living together as one large extended family. No one person should claim another person for their own private sexual gratification. In other words, I don't think two people should pair off for sex solely with each other and exclude all others, even if it's a mutual relationship."

I paused and looked around at everyone gathered in front of me.

"Think about it y'all. If we all pair off then there will be two women without partners. They'll want sex and the next thing you know our little Shangri La will be destroyed."

Laci asked, "You mean no one pairs off with another person like they were married or something. We all just live as single adults sharing sex with each other?"

"That's exactly what I mean Laci," I answered her. "We're all mature adults. We have to be pragmatic about this . . ."

"What about children?" Regina interrupted me. "How are we going to tell who the father is?"

"If we're all living together as one large extended family, will it really matter? I know I for one will treat anyone's child the same as I would treat mine. I don't think that there is anyone here that would do differently."

There were nods of approval from everyone.

"Think about it y'all. If we start to form little groups it will only be a matter of time before we become divided. If we can't live together then we'll die."

Beth then made a good point. "Suppose I don't like having sex with a particular person. Do I have to have sex with him?"

I started to answer but Doc Yves beat me to it. "There are nine men and eleven women here. I think it's possible for us to be a little selective. If you don't want to have sex with someone just tell him or her so. I don't think there is anyone here demanding to have sex with everyone. I know I'm not."

"Me neither," echoed Natalie.

Louis then spoke up. "Toni's right everybody. We all have to live in the James Cook. It's pretty cramped in there. The only way we're going to make it is if we all share what little we got. That includes not only food, tools and supplies but sex as well."

Joshua added, "Unless you prefer to live in celibacy the rest of your life and I know I don't want to do that. As for going off by yourself, anyone who goes off by him or her self to live will be dead in a week."

There were nods of agreement from everyone.

"Thank you, Louis, Joshua," I said. "Anyone got anything else they want to add?"

Doc Yves asked, "What about children? Do you think it's safe to bring children into this world at this time or do you think we should wait until we're settled first?"

Beth, Vickie and Chantelle all immediately said that we should wait until we are settled. The rest of us echoed their opinion.

"Anything else," I asked. No one had anything else to add. "OK, we all got chores to do to get this place in shape. Joseph where did you put those shower sketches you made?"

"There with my personal gear. I'll get them."

"Thanks." While waiting for Joseph, I watched everyone spring into action. From the responses I got at this, our first meeting, I was enthusiastic. Our future looked good. The only thing we had to worry about was an attack by a Triceratops Rex or Utahraptor or some other large dinosaur. I said a silent prayer that that wouldn't happen until Joshua and Joseph could make us some crossbows and we could learn how to use them.

To be continued . . .



A New Beginning Ch. 09



While I was waiting for Joseph to bring me the drawings for the shower Thomas nonchalantly approached me and warily asked me who was going to cut the trees we would need for all the construction.

I momentarily shut my eyes in frustration. I had forgotten to assign a crew to do that. Without logs there would be no frame for our shower or tables for our kitchen or wall for the infirmary. There would be nothing. Worse than that, I realized that it would take several days to cut enough straight logs for all the construction we needed done. Until then everything else would have to be put on standby. I was disheartened by the setback.

I called everyone back. With the exception of getting water, digging the trench and Joseph fixing the solar panel, all other projects were put on hold until enough logs were cut. I asked for volunteers. But no one wanted to leave camp without the protection of the .45 pistol. After what happened to Sam, Valarie and Carli I couldn't blame them.

We discussed it and decided that a second crew would go out with the .45 after those who hauled water back to camp finished their chores. This second crew would cut down the trees, haul them back and deposit them in a woodpile. After, those who needed logs could then choose what they wanted from the woodpile.

While Joshua's group was getting water the rest of us cleared out the weeds and bushes from under and around the James Cook to form a partially covered patio under the James Cook's right wing. We used the seats from the James Cook as lawn chairs and the center navigation table from the lower flight deck for our dinning table. Although it wasn't big enough and there weren't enough chairs for all twenty of us, what we had would have to do for now, at least until we could construct another table and some chairs.

When we finished that we then emptied the lower and upper flight decks of the supplies we had brought with us. We placed the plastic containers of supplies around our makeshift patio and our kitchen area under the other wing. We formed the containers into a temporary two meter high crescent wall around our dining and kitchen area until we could build one of logs.

When Joshua's team finished hauling water I asked if any of them would volunteer to help cut and haul trees. But it didn't work out quite like I hoped it would. Victoria Rose and Laci Bianca were the only ones who volunteered to help. David and Doc Yves also volunteered. Joshua gave the .45 to Thomas and his team. As they were leaving, I reminded them to cut only those logs that were long and straight.

Meanwhile, the rest of us cut up the parachute and used duck tape to attach it across the airlock hatch opening and to the underbelly of the James Cook. By letting it hang down along the sides of the stairs we had some protection at night from the mosquitoes and other flying insects. Then we taped what was leftover near the top of the stairs in front of the entrance into the James Cook, giving us added protection.

No sooner had we finished when Thomas and his crew returned with a bonanza of what resembles bamboo stalks; Anthony said that it's an ancestor to bamboo. They found a large groove of these plants about three quarters of a kilometer just north of us. There was enough bamboo there to build everything we needed with enough left over for other things we may need.

Everyone then spent the rest of the day sectioning off the infirmary area, fixing up the lower and upper flight decks as sleeping areas and love nests, or digging the trench. David and Josephine Jasmine started work on the fire pit we would need while the rest of us helped them fix up a kitchen area under the James Cook's left wing.

By the time the sun set on our first full day home our camp was almost complete. I was a lot happier than the night before; all the work kept everyone's mind off the deaths of our three friends. Our future looked very promising.

Anthony and Akira Carissa stood fire watch from twenty-two hundred to twenty-four hundred; Doc Yves and I stood watch until zero two hundred; Leonard and Aleks Michelle took it the next two hours; and David and Veronica Anne took it from zero four hundred until zero six hundred. After that we all decided that we would depend on the PrimusPrimates to warn us of approaching danger with their chatter.

For convenience we voted to keep Greenwich Meridian time just like we had when we were in space for keeping track of watch times.

Chantelle Dawn had originally had Doc and Vickie posted for the second watch. But I reminded her that it was my duty to set an example for everyone to follow and ordered her to schedule me for the twenty-four hundred to zero two hundred watch. Besides, I could see that Vickie was exhausted; she and Laci had spent the entire day hauling either water or bamboo back to camp.

Another reason I had Chantelle schedule me for the twenty-four hundred watch was because I wanted to talk with Doc about what his plans were when his medical supplies ran out. Before we separated from the living section I told him to figure for about two dozen people when he decided on what kind of supplies he would need once we landed. He told me he didn't have any contingency plans for when the medical supplies ran out.

Doc and I made love together under the James Cook's wings on top of the navigation table. Josephine was right. Making love and fighting off insects at the same time is no fun, especially the monstrous bugs of the Cretaceous Period.

After breakfast Doc approached me and asked if I could help him construct a ladder so that he could reach the James Cook's windows. All nine of them were smeared with PrimusPrimate dung and he wanted to clean them off. We had been here less than 40 hours and one of the smaller windows was so filthy that light barely penetrated through it.

Doc can't work without light and the ship's batteries would only last another day or two at most. Then the only light he would get would be from the windows until Joseph could get the solar panel repaired. Doc Yves couldn't afford to have them darkened with PrimusPrimate dung. So the two of us built two ladders out of bamboo; one for each side of the James Cook. Doc said he would make it his duty to periodically clean the nine windows.

If yesterday was any indication, then Doc's services would be greatly needed. Quite a number of people got some kind of small cut, bruise or abrasion that required his attention. Natalie Amiee was bit on her hand by some kind of insect, swelling her hand up like a balloon.

But her insect bite was nothing compared to Veronica's injuries.

Later in the afternoon, Doc Yves, Joshua, Veronica, Leonard, Anthony and I went in search of some small trees that we could cut down to use for the shower. No one cut any down yesterday and the bamboo isn't strong enough.

Anyway, while we were out we came upon a small herd of hadrosaurs with an accompaniment of several Antoinetteosaurus with them. We watched them from on top of a hill as they fed in a small meadow just about five kilometers from our camp.

Although this particular species of hadrosaur seemed to be mainly biped, they had three ways of walking. They sometimes walked on four legs, sometimes they were bipedal and sometimes they hopped like a kangaroo. But this latter method was only a hop or two then they would resort to either bipedal or quadruped locomotion.

They had narrow green and yellow stripes on their heads, necks and tails but their bodies had broader stripes. The insides of their legs and stomachs were white. It also had a prehensile spiked thumb similar to the Iguanodon.

We were watching them for about 10 or 15 minutes when Joshua noticed a rather large theropod carnivore sneaking up on them. Nature had cleverly disguised the beast. It looked like the camouflage military personnel wear in combat. It legs resembled tree trunks and the rest of its body was colored to resemble leaves and branches. It also had a light sprinkling of green and brown feathers on its body that aided it in its disguise; its legs and arms were completely featherless.

It stood about 3.5 to 4 meters high at the hip and about 9 or 10 meters long from its head to its tail. It was a real vicious looking monster with huge dagger-like teeth. It was so well disguised that the Antoinetteosaurus didn't even know that it was stalking the hadrosaurs. In fact, when Joshua first pointed it out to us my immediate thought was that he was wrong and that it was just a tree or large bush.

"Think I should sneak up on it and shoot it," Joshua asked no one in particular. "There's enough meat on that creature to last us a couple of weeks if we smoke it."

"No!" Was my immediate reply. I tried to whisper but I spoke just a little too loud; the dinosaurs heard me too. The Antoinetteosaurus creatures began to jump up and down while the hadrosaurs began to form in a large circle. The young went to the middle of the group just like we watched the Triceratops do when they were attacked by the raptors.

But the theropod, which Leonard named Marineosaurus because it looked like a marine dressed for combat, wasn't intimidated in the least.

It attacked the hadrosaurs with tenacity, scattering them along with the Antoinetteosaurus. It bit one adult hadrosaur on its neck, nearly severing its head with one bite. Next it attacked a juvenile, biting it on its back. We heard the snap of the juvenile's backbone as the Marineosaurus picked the helpless creature up in its jaws and shook its head back and forth. It threw the hadrosaur on the ground as though it were a discarded, broken ragdoll. It then ripped off one of the legs of the still living dinosaur and swallowed it.

"Let's back out of here quietly," Doc whispered. "I don't want to be dino dinner today."

"Me neither," whispered Veronica.

As we began to back down the hill we were suddenly surrounded by nine little creatures that looked somewhat like turkeys with a small sack of red skin hanging down from their hooked beaks. But these carnivores weren't gobbling; they were screeching like hawks.

Their beaks reminded me of a falcon's or hawk's beak, only larger, much larger. They had three, very sharp, pointy claws on each of their hands and their feet resembled that of a Velociraptor with the large sickle-shaped claw.

They were really beautiful creatures except that they were preparing to attack us. Their thighs, bodies, upper arms and necks were covered with royal blue and blood red feathers. Their tails had the same color feathers but had many more feathers, resembling a rooster. Their heads, hands and lower legs were yellowish orange and featherless. They stood about a meter high at the hip and about two meters from their head to their tail.

Leonard hit one in its head with his axe, killing it instantly. Two of the beasts forgot about us and jumped on the dead animal and began to eat it. Doc Yves and I followed Leonard's example and each of us hit one of the creatures with our hand axes, killing them. A fourth beast kicked viciously at Veronica with its sickle-shaped claw completely extended. Luckily Veronica was able to dodge the kick. But it jumped on her back and bit her on her neck and shoulder.

Anthony began to hit it with a club. Joshua didn't waste any time; he shot it dead with the .45. The five remaining carnivores then forgot about us and began to devour the carcasses of their four dead companions.

We didn't know just how many were still in the area; we thought there might be a few younger ones in the bushes. Yves and I helped Veronica to her feet and the two of us then carried her off, following the others down the hill.

Once we were safely away from the carnivores I ripped up my shirt so that Doc could use it as a temporary bandage on Veronica's neck, back and shoulder; Veronica's shirt was so badly torn to threads that it was unusable for anything.

I was without a bra. Veronica, Leonard and Anthony had never seen me naked before and were at first astonished at my unabashed exposure. But I told them not to let it worry them. "Think about it y'all. There are no shopping centers around where we can buy new clothes. It's only a matter of time before we all see each other completely naked."

They didn't answer me.

When we got back to camp Doc put better bandages on her. She needed five stitches in the back of her neck, a total of fourteen in three places on her back and nine in her left shoulder. After watching the Marineosaurus, Doc said that she was lucky the Hawkosaur didn't bite her head off too.

But I'm sure what helped save her was that while it was attacking her, Anthony was beating on it with a club he made earlier from a small tree branch. He said that the reason he didn't shoot it with his taser gun was because he was afraid that Veronica might get shocked along with the beast.

It was Leonard again who named these animals. Although they had beaks, they weren't birds. They were small, vicious carnivorous theropods.

After that, we decided to increase the number of people in any group leaving camp to a minimum of four individuals. We put Anthony and Akira to work making clubs and spears for all of us. We also decided to have both women and men go out together on foraging and hunting parties.

I am determined to stay ahead of the monsters.

I remember from an anthropology course that I once took. The college professor referred to the Australopithecus as a lean, mean fighting machine. Well, if these beasts were going to attack us, then they would soon learn that they weren't fooling around with just another brainless dinosaur or dimwitted primate.

I wanted them to know that they had finally met their match. They were now attacking something meaner than an australopithecine. I wanted them to know that they were now up against large brained humans who could fight back with weapons.

A red light is blinking on Natalie's laptop telling me that the battery is low. I took control of the laptop computer about a month before we separated. I have been using it for my journal since I downloaded the encyclopedia of information and all the music and books from the ship's computer.

Last night I plugged it into its re-charger but I don't think I'm going to be able to do that again until Joseph gets the solar panel fixed. I hope he does so soon because I want to record what Doc Yves thinks about the meadow the hadrosaurs were eating in. He believes it could be an ancestor to wheat and he wants to return there and inspect it close up.

I hope it is wheat because if it is then we will have found a great source of food. Anyway, this will be my last entry until -- and if -- Joseph gets the solar panel fixed.

**********************************

It is! It's wheat or at least an ancestor of it. David and Josephine managed to make us some fresh bread out of it. Without yeast the bread was unleavened but that's right up David's alley; he's Jewish.

It took both Joseph and Elizabeth Dee working together over a month but they had some success repairing the one solar panel. They got it partially repaired; it's putting out about 90% now. They mounted it on the tail of the James Cook. It provides enough electricity to run some desk fans, a couple of rechargeable devices, a light in the infirmary and some lights on the lower flight deck. I'm glad because now I don't have to worry about using a razor blade to shave my legs and under my arms.

But we are all extremely happy. We won't have to sleep in the heat anymore, although amazingly it's not that hot, averaging around 25 or 26 degrees centigrade.

Not only that but we can now watch movies in the evenings with the laptop; we use a larger auxiliary screen. Doc Yves has over 700 classic movies on disc. I asked him why he took the chance that Joseph could get the solar panel fixed and brought them. He told me that it was a hobby of his to collect classic films and he didn't have the heart to part with them. We are all glad for his hobby for now we have something to do in the evening hours. I only wish he had brought some popcorn too.

I have more great news. We have all been busy little beavers this past month. Both our trench and shower are finished and the plastic conduit is laid down. The trench and conduit extend past the tail of the James Cook out onto dried up lake bed into a small pool we dug there. The shower is under the tail where the water can drain into the pool. We keep the water cans at the back of the fire pit; everyone is responsible for filling a water can when he or she empties one.

But we have plans to increase the size of the shower and use three of the 100 liter barrels so more people can bathe at the same time; it takes forever for all twenty of us to bathe.

Joseph attached a pump to the conduit. We use it to fill the barrels and we draw drinking water from one of them. We've also dug a small area about two meters in diameter next to the shower and lined it with smooth rocks to make another small pool. The PrimusPrimates love to play there; we use it to wash our laundry and wash our dishes.

The only bad news is that we cannot keep the door on the shower. No one thought to bring any hinges so we had to improvise. At first we used some torn up rags but that only lasted a couple of days. Then we tried using rope for hinges but that only lasted about a week.

Most of the crew just lean the bamboo door against the stall and bathe that way. But some of us -- including me -- just bathe in front of everyone. I'm not modest and I'm not worried if someone sees me naked.

Thanks to Leonard, Doc Yves, Laci and Chantelle we have a bamboo and thatch covered patio attached to the James Cook's wing flaps. They also made some bamboo chairs and four bamboo picnic tables. Jasmine and David use two to prepare our meals and the other two we use along with the center navigation table to eat on.

Everyone's sleeping area and the five love nests are finished. Each person's sleeping area is framed out with bamboo stalks with sheets tied to the bamboo, offering some privacy. We have parachutes covering the sides of the steps and the entrance leading into the James Cook. Between the parachutes, the sheets, desk fans and keeping the stairs off the ground we manage to stay cool and keep the bugs off us at night.

However, the love nests have bamboo for walls and insulation from the James Cook -- they look like pigeon holes. With a sheet hanging in front of each cubicle and the insulation we have more privacy. But it also causes it to get pretty warm in each stall. Each love nest also has a small desk fan in it. This helps out some. But then I don't mind. I enjoy sweating it up when I'm making love.

At least three and sometimes all five of the love nests are in use almost every night and sometimes during the day. I have used them myself with Joshua, Doc Yves and Chantelle when I don't have fire watch. We all came to an agreement that those who have fire watch don't use the love nests that night.

I have been drawn close emotionally to Doc lately. When I have sex with him we use the infirmary. It too has a bamboo wall with a sheet for a door. But it has a larger desk fan. It's also a little larger than the other love nests and a bamboo table with a mattress to sleep on. The love nests only have a mattress.

I guess you could say that he has his own love nest. But when he's not using it to bandage someone or for sex, someone else is sure to use it for sex -- if they don't mind having sex with the all PrimusPrimates watching them. So, we actually have six love nests which can accommodate as many as six couples at any one time.

We are also winning the war with the dinosaurs. The day after we did battle with the Hawkosaurs we went back to the site to examine the meadow. As I said, Doc Yves wanted to examine the grass growing there to see what it was. Veronica was still recuperating from her wounds so Vickie went with us instead. When we got there we found three Hawkosaurs still lurking in the area.




A New Beginning Ch. 09-10



*Anything in italics is either a letter or a flash back. Thanks for reading; I hope this is a little less jumbled.

Ashira

CHAPTER NINE

"What is she so pissed about?" Xavier asked as Raven stormed past where he and Cole were working on breaking down a tree that had crashed during a storm in the night. Beth sighed and came to a stop next to Cole.

"We were attacked as we were leaving the mall. Mage and I made sure that Raven was kept away from the action," Beth answered.

"So? She should be grateful that you care enough to protect her and the twins," Xavier said. Beth laughed dryly.

"You should know by now that Raven hates being away from the action. She loves being able to do magic and feels helpless when she isn't allowed to help vanquish evil," Beth reminded Xavier. Xavier nodded. "I'll talk to her," he promised.

"I hear Beth and Mage kept you out of the line of fire," Xavier said, later that night while they were preparing dinner.

"We're stronger together. They should have let me help!" Raven exclaimed.

"Rave, you're pregnant, you shouldn't be out on the battle field," Xavier reminded her.

"I'm well aware of the fact that I'm pregnant damn it!" Raven pulled the wooden spoon out of the big cookie jar she used to store all of her cooking spoons and tongs hard enough to send it flying back wards. It landed on the table and Xavier calmly picked it up, rinsed it, dried it and handed it back to Raven.

"Why don't you go rest," Xavier suggested.

"I'm not a fucking invalid!" Raven shouted, stirring the spaghetti sauce quickly. She let out a strangled hiss as sauce splattered up onto her shirt. Xavier pulled the spoon gently from Raven's hand. 

"Raven, I know you aren't an invalid. I'll finish dinner, you go relax before Jenny wakes up," Xavier said.

"I'm fine Xavier," Raven snapped.

"It isn't a suggestion. Go change and relax in the bedroom," Xavier said firmly. Raven grumbled but stalked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Xavier?" Raven asked, walking into the living room after putting Jenny down for the night.

"Feeling better?" Xavier looked up from the book he was reading. 

"Yes. I'm sorry for snapping earlier. I hate feeling useless and I know that I have to protect the babies, but I wanted to help my cousins stop this crazy maniac," Raven said with a sigh.

"I understand Rave, believe me I do. Just try to keep in mind that you aren't invincible," Xavier murmured. He stood up, crossed the room in three long strides and gave her a tight hug. "I love you Rave, so do Beth and Mage," he added.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Raven asked as she and Xavier walked up to the front door of Rogue's apartment building.

"Mom hasn't heard from Rogue in three days and asked me to check on her," Xavier said with a shrug. He glanced at Raven, smiled at the sight of her swollen with child and squeezed her hand. "I'm sure Rogue is fine, but you know how my mother worries. Especially since dad got a call from the Alpha in Atlantic City," he added. He stepped aside to let a young man leave the building, who, in turn, held the door open for Xavier and Raven. They walked down the hall in silence and came to a stop outside of Rogue's apartment. Xavier tried the knob, it was locked so he pulled out the key his mother had given him.

"You have a key to Rogue's apartment?" Raven asked.

"My parents have a key to every home that a pack member lives in. It's for emergency purposes," Xavier explained as he unlocked the door. 

"Wow, someone got lucky," Raven said with a wry smile. Xavier growled.

"My sister knows better than to fuck some random guy." "Rogue!" he shouted loudly. Rogue appeared in the small hallway between the living room and her bedroom.

"What do you want Xavier?" Rogue asked, tugging her bathrobe tighter around her, her cheeks pink.

"Mom sent me. She hasn't seen or heard from you in three days," Xavier said.

"I'm fine. I just went on a trip," Rogue answered.

"You're supposed to inform mom or dad first," Xavier reminded her.

"I'm nineteen years old Xavier, I don't need a hall monitor," Rogue retorted.

"It's protocol!" Xavier said, his eyes flashing. Something in the air made him stop and look around. "Tara?" he asked, incredulously.

"Tara's dead Xave," Rogue said softly. 

"Then how do I smell ..." Xavier's voice trailed off as Griffin stepped up behind Rogue. A loud growl tore from Xavier's throat as he shifted and lunged at Griffin. 

"Stop it Xavier!" Rogue shouted, getting in her brother's face. Despite Xavier's attempts at getting around Rogue, she stayed with him and refused to give him an inch of ground. 

"What is he doing here Rogue?" Raven asked softly, her voice trembled.

"We'll discuss this at the compound," Xavier said, shifting back into human form. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. "Dad, it's Xavier. Yes, Rogue's here and no, she doesn't appear to be injured, but, she isn't here alone." Xavier waited, and Rogue groaned softly, hearing her father's voice from the other end of the line. "She's here with Griffin," Xavier added. Rogue winced when her father yelled loudly enough for Xavier to have to pull the phone away from his ear. Xavier hung up the phone and turned to his sister, a look of anger mixed with disbelief on his face. "We are wanted at the compound, right now. All of us. Including Griffin," Xavier announced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Wait here with Raven," Xavier told Rogue as they climbed out of the SUV. He turned to Griffin and growled, "Stay away from my mate and sister," before he stalked inside the main house.

"Is Rogue hurt?" Dominic asked when Xavier came to a stop just inside his study.

"Not that I could tell," Xavier answered. He hesitated.

"What is it Xavier?" Dominic wanted to know.

"She's had sex recently," Xavier said finally. The anger in his father's eyes and the loud roar that came from Dominic had Xavier backing away nervously. "Father, maybe you should calm down," Xavier suggested as Dominic began to shift. Wisely, Xavier got out of Dominic's way as he stormed from the office.

"Rogue Elizabeth Black, what the hell were you thinking?" Dominic roared, coming to a stop in front of his daughter.

"Dad, I ..." Dominic turned to Griffin.

"I told you that if you came near anyone in my family, I would kill you!" Dominic shouted, baring his teeth. Griffin resisted the urge to shift, his panther was telling him to defend himself, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

"I know," Griffin sighed. "I know what I did to Raven and I hate myself for it, but it wasn't my fault," Griffin said.

"And whose fault was it?" Xavier asked. Dominic's anger fueled Xaiver's and he began to shift.

"Xavier, Dad, stop! Griffin is telling the truth! Griffin was possessed!" Rogue exclaimed, stepping forward. Griffin gently pushed Rogue back behind him, aware of the fact that Dominic's and Xavier's anger could get out of control and Rogue could be hurt by accident.

"Possessed. Very likely," Dominic sneered. Rogue turned to Raven, pleaded with her eyes.

"It's possible, but only a witch would know," Raven said finally, resting her arms on her swollen abdomen. Raven glanced at her sister. "You didn't come to me, so who did you come to?" Raven wanted to know.

"Beth," Rogue said, glancing at Beth as she and Cole stepped out of their car and over to the group. Xavier and Dominic turned to Beth, their eyes contained twin looks of fury.

"Was he possessed?" Xavier asked.

"Yes," Beth answered.

"How long have you known?" Cole asked. His expression was guarded, making it difficult for Beth to know how Cole was taking all of this.

"Since just after Raven found out she was pregnant," Beth admitted.

"You've known about Rogue and Griffin for six months and you didn't say anything?" Cole asked, raising an eye brow in surprise.

"I made her promise," Rogue told Cole.

"Why would you keep that promise?" Dominic asked.

"Because I made the promise," Beth answered.

"Why'd you make it?" Xavier wanted to know.

"Because Rogue needed someone in her corner. I knew you wouldn't believe her or Griffin. I didn't want to keep it from anyone, and when she first called me, I almost walked back out, but as a witch, I couldn't," Beth said.

"We're required to help an innocent. A possessed man is an innocent and not responsible for anything he does while possessed," Raven whispered.

"He still kidnapped and raped you," Xavier said harshly. Raven winced and glanced at Griffin

"I am so sorry Raven. I couldn't stop and I wanted to, God knows I did," Griffin's voice was soft and filled with regret.

"Who told you that you could speak to her?" Xavier roared, turning his attention back to Griffin.

"I just wanted to apologize," Griffin told Xavier, raising his hands in front of him. Raven placed her hand on Xavier's arm, it would have been a fatal move if it had been anyone else but Raven; Xavier glanced back at Raven, his eyes searched hers. Raven gave a small smile and directed her attention back at Griffin. Griffin stood there, waiting for Raven to strike out at him and was surprised instead, when she murmured a spell under her breath; Cole recognized the spell as the same one that Beth had cast when Chloe's father had claimed Cole had gotten Chloe pregnant; that spell exposed the truth to everyone. Beth gasped when a shadowy figure was revealed, standing over a chained Griffin. 

"He wasn't to blame for what happened," Raven said, her voice shaky. 

"I don't believe he could completely not know what was going on," Dominic grumbled.

"I was there the entire time and there were times I had control, and one of those times, I reached out to Rogue. We were friends when we were younger and I knew about Beth and Raven being witches. The man that put the spell on me made it clear he wanted to hurt the witches. He used my anger about Tara's death to his advantage," Griffin explained.

"When a possession spell has been used, the consciousness of the person being taken over is still there, it's like being in a coma. You hear, and feel everything, but you can't do anything about it. The evil in control of the host body has to let the host's consciousness come out for a few hours once a week or the body and mind will lose connection and eventually, if the possession lasts long enough, the mind can break down and without the mind, it doesn't matter how powerful the possessor is, the body will die," Raven added. She gave Beth a dirty look.

"I know I should have said something, and I'm sorry I didn't, but I keep my promises Rave, you know that!" Beth exclaimed.

"We can hash that out later, right now, we need to figure out who wants us dead now," Raven told Beth. 

"Griffin and I are just going to go now," Rogue stammered, tugging on Griffin's hand as she inched towards her car.

"I don't think so Rogue Elizabeth." Rogue looked up to find her mother, Marie and her brother Charles blocking their way. "We need to have a little talk," Marie added, pulling both Rogue and Griffin by the arm into the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You alright?" Xavier asked Raven as she slid into bed that night after putting Jenny down.

"I'm fine. And no, I don't want to talk about it right now," Raven answered.

"You should talk about it; Beth betrayed you," Xavier said.

"She didn't betray me Xave. She made a promise to help Rogue without telling anyone about it," Raven murmured.

"She helped the man that raped you," Xavier reminded her.

"But he couldn't control what was happening," Raven argued.

"Rave ..."

"Stop it Xavier, please, just stop it. It's bad enough that Beth was told by Cole not to come home until this was all settled. I don't need the stress right now," Raven's voice was just an octave below a scream. The loudness woke Jenny up and Raven slid out of bed with a sigh. "I'm done talking about this right now Xavier and tell Cole to let Beth go home," she added before walking out of the bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What do you want?" Rogue sat in the chair her father held out for her and glanced at Griffin who hadn't been allowed to leave the compound. He looked awful, his hair was all over the place and his face was pale. 

"We need to finish our discussion of last night," Dominic answered.

"I think we said all we needed to say last night," Rogue said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well, I think there is more to be said, so we will discuss this further," Dominic eased the chair into the back of Rogue's legs causing her to fall back against it. Griffin started out of his chair but the look on Dominic's face stopped him.

"Rogue, we realize that you're nineteen and that you're testing out how far you can push the boundaries of the pack, but this isn't the way to do it. Not with Griffin," Marie's voice was gentle, sympathetic.

"I love Griffin," Rogue protested.

"I know you think you love Griffin Rogue, but you're young," Marie said softly.

"You're being mated Rogue," Dominic interrupted.

"What?" Rogue turned her to her father, a stunned look on her face.

"At the next full moon, you're going to be mated to Thomas' son Davis," Dominic told Rogue.

"No!" Rogue exclaimed.

"I'm your father and you will do as I command," Dominic said. Everyone looked up as Thomas and Davis walked into the house, a young boy trailing behind.

"When did Davis become a father?" Rogue wanted to know, surprised.

"This is Chloe's son Patrick. Before Chloe attacked after Joe died, she had the baby and left him with Tech. Tech was killed in a raid last month," Thomas answered.

"So not only are you marrying me off, but you're making me be a mother to a child of a traitor?" Rogue asked.

"It isn't the child's fault Rogue," Marie scolded.

"I will not mate with Davis," Rogue said.

"Yes, you will. If I have to lock you up in the basement, I will," Dominic threatened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cole swallowed hard and knocked on the open door of Beth's office. She looked up from her paper work and gave a small smile. "Can we talk?" Cole asked.

"Your father is forcing Rogue to mate with someone she doesn't love," Beth said, glancing back at her paperwork.

"How do you know about that?" Cole wanted to know.

"Where do you think I've been staying?" Beth countered. Cole winced at the hurt in her voice. "What do you want Cole? I'm busy," Beth said with a sigh.

"I wanted to apologize. I was being an ass," Cole began.

"Understatement," Beth grumbled.

"What did you expect Beth? You kept something huge from the family. From me," Cole growled.

"She asked for my help, you couldn't expect me to turn her down!" Beth's voice was rather shrill. 

"No. I'm glad you helped my sister and I'm glad you helped get the evil out of Griffin which is great, because an evil were is a dangerous were. But you should have told us why Griffin took and raped Raven," Cole told her.

"I know Cole, but I promised Rogue that I wouldn't tell anyone. If I can't keep my promise, how can I be someone that people can trust?" Beth asked. Cole sighed at that. "What do you really want Cole?" Beth wanted to know.

"To apologize for over reacting. Raven told me she's forgiven you and read me the riot act for kicking you out in the first place," Cole answered.

"It took my cousin scolding you for you to come apologize? Unbelievable. I thought you loved me," Beth said, her voice shaking.

"I do love you Beth. I was just hurt and angry that you wouldn't tell me something that important," Cole murmured.

"Keeping a promise isimportant!" Beth exclaimed.

"Yes, it is," Cole agreed. Before anything else could be said, Raven and Xavier burst into the office.

"Where's Jenny?" Beth wanted to know.

"With Mage and Logan. We're needed at the compound, now. All of us," Xavier answered.

"I have work to do," Beth protested.

"It's a Code Red," Xavier said. Beth glanced at Cole before following her family to the dining room.

"What's going on boss?" Parker asked.

"I have to go to the compound. You're in charge Parker," Beth answered. Parker nodded and gave a mock salute as Beth followed Cole out of the restaurant.

"What's going on?" Cole asked once his father had joined them in the den.

"As you know, to get Rogue away from Griffin, I ordered her to mate with Davis at the next full moon," Dominic began. 

"Where is Rogue?" Beth interrupted. Dominic gave her a look that, for the first time in over a year, made her fear for her life. 

"She left," Dominic said, his voice lined with anger.

"Left? Why?" Raven wanted to know.

"She's refusing to mate with Davis," Dominic growled. Everyone looked up when Marie walked into the den, her face pale. She was carrying a large envelope. "What is that?" Dominic wanted to know.

"Do you remember when Raven left for a few days and went to Atlantic City?" Marie asked. 

"Yes. You sent Xavier to her apartment to investigate. What's your point?" Dominic wanted to know. Marie handed him the envelope.

"While in Atlantic City, Rogue and Griffin eloped. There's a note," Marie answered. 

 By now, I'm sure you and the rest of the family are aware that I am gone. I know you love me and want the best for me, but I cannot mate with Davis, I don't love him, I love Griffin. I know you believe I am too young to know what real love is, but I love Griffin and don't know if I could live without him. As the documentation shows, we were married at one of the chapels in Atlantic City, which while isn't a mating ceremony, is legal nonetheless. I hope that soon, we will be gifting you with more grandchildren and I hope that in time, you forgive me for leaving like this and disobeying your order. I love you all.

Rogue

"This is unacceptable!" Dominic shouted.

"What are you going to do?" Charles asked his father.

"Call Thomas and Davis. We'll form a hunting party and go after her," Dominic said after a moment.

"Dom, a marriage will extend to weres, especially if the judge that married them was were," Marie said hesitantly.

"Did a were sign off on it?" Dominic asked. Marie handed Dominic another piece of paper.

"A note of congratulations from the Alpha of Atlantic City," Marie said softly. Dominic would have crushed the note in his fist if it wouldn't be a sign of disrespect; such signs could start a war between the packs which would never do.

"She is banished then. If she chooses to come back to the compound, she will have to offer penance before being allowed back into the family." Dominic turned and looked at each of his children sternly. "Nobody is to have any contact with Rogue from this day forward. If she calls, inform her of her status and hang up on her. Report any calls or letters she sends," Dominic announced, letting his gaze linger on Beth for a moment before looking at Sydney, who was the closest to Rogue of anyone else in the family before storming out of the house.

CHAPTER TEN

"This is crazy!" Raven exclaimed as she, Beth and Mage stood inside the dining room at Gambit while Parker closed it up.

"Why are we trying to get his attention now?" Beth agreed with Raven.

"Because he's been taking pot shots and I'm sick of it!" Mage exclaimed. Beth nodded and glanced at Raven.

"Do you need to sit Rave?" Beth asked her cousin. Raven nodded and sat down in the chair next to her. 

"You shouldn't be doing this now," Xavier said from behind the bar where he, Cole and Logan had been forced to stay behind.

"We can handle this," Raven reminded Xavier.

"You still have a month left Rave," Xavier muttered.

"Believe me, I know," Raven groaned. Beth laughed. 

"You're almost there," Beth said quietly. 

"Almost doesn't count," Raven grumbled. Beth laughed and added the herbs in her hands to the potion bubbling in the cauldron. 

"Alright you guys, enough. Let's finish this potion and get this over with," Mage chided. Beth and Raven glanced at each other, rolled their eyes and chimed in with Mage and began the incantation. Cole and Xavier watched as a tall, dark figure was dropped inside of the crystal circle.




A New Beginning Ch. 09-10



"I recognize him!" Beth exclaimed.

"How?" Cole asked.

"He's the one that turned Griffin," Raven answered.

"And he possessed Griffin so that he tried to hurt Raven and drive her to ground," Beth added.

"To stop us," Mage finished the summary. Beth nodded, glad her cousin was a quick study; it came in handy if you were a witch to be quick and clever.

"I can't believe he's the one that started all of this," Xavier said.

"I would not have had to resorted to kidnapping and rape and possession had Joe not failed me," the man in the circle grumbled. 

"You turned my brother into the monster he became!" Beth exclaimed. 

"Your brother was already resentful of your power not being bound. All it took was a nudge," the man answered with a smirk. Cole walked to the opening of the bar, ready to intercept Beth if she lunged towards him.

"You're going to fail," Raven said in a deadly tone.

"How's that?" the man snickered.

"First, Beth cleansed the evil out of him," Raven announced.

"That's impossible! I would have sensed it!" the man growled.

I'm a competent enough witch to make it seem to whoever was the puppet master would think that Griffin was still possessed. You'll never take hold of Griffin again," Beth said with a satisfied grin. She muttered something under her breath and waved her hand in the air causing the man's cloak to fall off of his head, revealing his identity. The girls' eyes widened and they looked at each other in shock.

"Marcus?" Raven whispered.

"Is he possessed?" Mage asked, glancing at Beth. The three girls clasped their hands together and chanted one of the most powerful spells they knew.

"He isn't possessed!" Raven gasped.

"Who do you think killed your grandparents and your parents?" Marcus sneered. Beth went pale at that and lowered herself to the floor as her knees began to buckle. Cole's eyes widened and he glanced at Logan and Xavier. The mysterious deaths of the girls' parents caused them to be sent to the only family left; the girls' grandparents. It was not something Beth liked to talk about, but Cole had managed to get her to open up. 

"I don't see why we have to talk about this Cole," Beth grumbled.

"Because it's important Beth," Cole said patiently as he closed the room to the nursery before following Beth down the stairs and into the kitchen. He watched Beth punched down the bread dough. 

"What do you want to know Cole?" Beth asked with a sigh.

"I need to know how you, Raven and Mage all ended up living with your grandparents," Cole answered.

"Our parents often went out together, we were all very close. Our mothers were triplets. Grandma Baylor, our mother's mom often called mom, aunt Jessica and aunt Tess chosen. The night they died, they were on their way to see a play. The breaks failed while they were on their way to the theater. The police said it had been tampered with. We knew they were murdered because after the van crashed, it was doused with acetone and set on fire." Beth paused and took a sip of water. Cole swallowed when he saw how shaky Beth's hands were, hated himself for bringing up the past, but he needed to know. Cole knew, in his heart, that despite Joe being gone, the danger wasn't over. "Mage was fifteen, I was thirteen and Raven was twelve. Joe had just turned eighteen and was in his second semester at college, but Mage and Raven and I were sent to live with Grandpa and Grandma Baylor. Grandma Baylor trained us all in witch craft; taught us how to control our powers and told us about how we would be required to defeat evil." Beth paused again and shaped the dough into loafs before depositing them into the bread pans and covering them with a cloth towel. "The day that Raven graduated from high school, the three of us stayed at Mage's apartment to celebrate after we had dinner with our grandparents. On their way home, our grandparents were in a car accident. The police said that grandpa Baylor was drunk and hit a telephone pole. Grandma Baylor never wore a seat belt unless we were with them, she didn't like being restrained. She was thrown from the car twenty feet. Doctors say she died instantly. Grandpa wasn't that lucky. He recovered from the crash, but when he was stable enough for us to tell him about Grandma, it was too much for him and he had a massive heart attack which the doctors were unable to save him from," Beth finished. Cole handed her a glass of scotch and Beth drank it gladly.

"You cut our parents break line," Raven said.

"And then doused the car and set it on fire," Marcus confirmed.

"What about our grandparents?" Mage wanted to know.

"I caused their accident too. I slipped a little something into your grandfather's glass of wine that made it seem like he was drunk. He acted all woozy after that. Don't you remember Beth? You tried to convince him to let you drive home," Marcus answered.

"And he refused," Beth whispered.

"Enough!" Cole shouted, unwilling to see his mate and her family to be in any more pain. In his haste to get to Beth, he nudged one of the crystals with his foot; a surge of energy released from Marcus had Cole sailing across the room. He crashed into an oil painting on the wall before falling to the floor.

"This isn't over girls!" Marcus bellowed before disappearing into thin air.



A New Beginning Ch. 09



Doc and I clubbed one to death with our axes while Anthony and Vickie each hit the other two. They didn't kill theirs; the beasts ran off into the forest. We brought the dead one back to camp for dinner that night. I can't quite place how they taste, maybe rabbit but it's been a long time since I've eaten rabbit.

David and Josephine smoke most of the meat we kill. We needed some way to preserve our meat so they built a small smokehouse near the edge of the kitchen fire pit. It's not very large. I figure it's about twice the size of a normal oven. But it is large enough for now. If we have to enlarge it, there is plenty of room under the James Cook's wing.

We had our first argument, Vickie and Beth. Vickie has been a changed person since we landed. She's not the whining, complaining, hypochondriac she was while we were traveling in space. Now she's always the first to volunteer and always lending a helping hand. She never seems to tire.

Anyway, Beth left a dirty cup and plate on one of the bamboo tables. Vickie had just finished cleaning up and she let Beth have it. She called Beth a lazy, spoiled brat among other choice words. Naturally, Beth took offense and began to holler right back.

David and Doc Yves broke them up before their argument went beyond hollering at each other. Beth cleaned up her mess and Doc took Vickie upstairs to his infirmary to have a chat with her.

Come to find out, Vickie still had the jitters over the Hawkosaurs that we encountered earlier. But Yves pointed out to her how easily these monsters are intimidated. The slightest threat from us causes them to run away. He also pointed out that the dinosaurs cannot possibly compete with our superior intelligence.

Vickie cheered up; she apologized to Beth and the two of them then went with Anthony, Natalie and Aleks on a food forage. They returned about two hours later with two baskets full of something resembling strawberries in color and shape but tasting like cherries. They picked them off some bushes growing along the edge of the dried up lake bed just west of camp. We called them cherry-berries.

A Marineosaurus came into our camp two days later. I'm pretty sure it's the same one we saw in the meadow earlier. Those who weren't still sleeping were eating a Cretaceous breakfast.

I'm calling it a Cretaceous breakfast because none of the food came from our supplies. The breakfast consisted of Oviraptor eggs -- they taste like duck eggs -- fried Hawkosaur strips, biscuits and honey and a mint we use as tea. David found a honey bee nest and Regina Aurora found the mint.

We are using less and less of our supplies, which is good. I don't want to depend on the food we brought with us. I want us to depend on food gotten from nature. It's the only way we will ever become self sufficient.

Suddenly the PrimusPrimates scampered to the top of their tree -- it's an oak tree -- and became deathly quiet. The PrimusPrimates act not only as our watchdogs but they have also become as pets to us. They are very friendly and often eat right out of our hands; they are omnivorous. At least they eat anything we give them.

They also love the shower. So much so, that Aleks demanded that we fix the door and put a lock on it. She was taking a shower with the door leaning against the stall when a PrimusPrimate climbed in with her. She was not expecting it and it frightened her. In the middle of our evening movie she ran out of the shower stark naked hollering, "get that monster out of there."

The night before we had watched Psycho, a 1960 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, in which a woman is murdered while taking a shower. I'm sure the movie is probably what was on her mind when the PrimusPrimate climbed in with her.

To make a long story short, Natalie consoled her and told her it was only a PrimusPrimate. She came back, "I don't give a fuck what it is. I don't want to shower with it. Joshua where's your gun? I'm going to shoot it." It took several of us about thirty minutes to calm her down enough so that she stopped demanding the death of the malefactor. Then she finished her shower and we finished watching our movie; Casablanca, 1942 love story set in the Moroccan city of Casablanca during World War II, staring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

But getting back to the Marineosaurus, it was a little before zero eight hundred when suddenly the PrimusPrimates ran to the top of their tree. We knew something was approaching. The monster appeared unexpectedly from out of the bushes near the nose of the James Cook.

We all froze and watched it sniff the air several times. I mouthed to Joshua, 'where's the gun?' He pointed up with his finger, letting me know that it was upstairs in the James Cook. There were 11 of us eating breakfast and I knew that there was no way all of us were going to get up the stairs into safety. I thought for sure that someone was going to die as dino dinner that morning.

Then out of the corner of my eye I saw Thomas creeping down the stairs with the .45 in his hand; it was cocked. Doc Yves was right behind him with a taser gun and an axe. The two of them were in the infirmary when they saw it through the window.

Just as Thomas reached the bottom step the monster saw us. It stomped around the kitchen wing, heading for us. Thomas raised the gun and fired, hitting it in its heart. The beast stopped, gave Thomas a puzzled look, wobbled slightly and then fell over on its side.

The giant was breathing laboriously. Thomas aimed again for its head but Joshua stopped him, telling him to save the bullets. It died a few moments later. Then we butchered it up.

We saved some of it to make steaks for our evening supper -- it tastes like pork chops. We smoked some of it and threw the rest out onto the dried up lake bed, saving the teeth to make weapons. The PrimusPrimates didn't come down out of the tree until the last of the beast was gone.

About 500 meters out on the lake bed is where we burn all our garbage and our refuse. After discussing it over, we decided that that was the safest and easiest place to do it, in order to keep it away from our camp. The Daffyducktus vultures are frequently there eating it.

I just hope that those who remained with the living section won't see the smoke from it or if they do they'll think it's from a small volcano or brush fire or something.

Aleks and I used the laptop and did some calculations to try and figure when and if they would come over us. We discovered that when they fly over this hemisphere, they are over what will someday be North Africa. So maybe they won't even see the fire. I've watched for them at night a couple of times, looking up through the windows through the tree leaves, but I haven't seen them.

A silver and black bird-like animal with a red head -- similar to the one that I saw on our first day -- gave David a scare the day after the Marineosaurus incident. There are a lot of these Blackraptors all around the place -- that's what David named these beasts.

He was cooking some Marineosaurus steaks. He had just put one in a plate on the side of the grill when it flew down from a nearby tree, landed on the table next to him, scooped up the steak and flew off with it before David could react.

While it was perched in the tree eating its stolen steak, Louis shot it with a crossbow. It was the first animal to be killed with this type of weapon.

We've also had two more incidents with the Hawkosaurs. Two days after the Blackraptor incident Regina, Laci, Anthony, Thomas and Aleks were out searching for food. They came upon seven Hawkosaurs feasting on the carcass of an animal they had just killed. Anthony and Regina each shot one with a taser gun. The five of them then proceeded to attack the remaining carnivores with their axes and clubs.

They figured it would be easy -- five against five. But they didn't count on the tenacity of these small but vicious carnivores.

Regina, Thomas and Anthony killed their targets with ease. But Laci and Aleks both had trouble. The one Laci attacked bit her on her forearm; she required seven stitches. It was about to bite her again but Anthony hit it in the head with his axe, killing it immediately.

Aleks swung at her target but missed. She fell over. It was on top of her in an instant and bit both of her arms and her left shoulder; she needed a total of 15 stitches.

Thomas hit it on its head with his club. It stopped attacking Aleks and came after him. It knocked him over and was on top of him when Regina hit it with an axe, nearly severing its head. It fell onto his chest; its blood squirting all over his chest, neck and face. There was so much blood that for a moment everyone thought the animal bit Thomas on his carotid artery. Luckily, he only had a few small cuts on his chest and left arm.

Then Anthony and Regina killed the two they shot with the taser guns.

At supper that evening I didn't know whether to admonish them or thank them. I wanted to save the taser guns and use them as defensive weapons for when we are attacked. I didn't want to use them to kill our food. However, they did manage to rid the surrounding area of several more Hawkosaurs -- they too are all over the place -- and bring home some food.

In the end I just decided to casually mention that the .45 and taser guns should be used as defensive weapons if at all possible.

The second Hawkosaur incident was a little more harrowing. It was just after sunrise a few days later. Joseph and Josephine had just gone upstairs from the zero four hundred to zero six hundred fire watch. Juan, David and Chantelle were downstairs lounging in the patio. I had spent the night in the infirmary with Doc Yves and we were still there.

Five Hawkosaurs crept into our camp, presumably looking for food. Chantelle noticed them first and grabbed a meat cleaver. She signaled Juan and David. Juan grabbed a taser gun and David picked up a spear. Ever since the Marineosaurus incident we've kept several weapons at various spots around the patio.

As our three friends slowly backed toward the stairs the five dinosaurs screeched and formed a semicircle around them. Chantelle hollered up the stairs for help just as the beasts attacked them. She and David were able to fend off their attackers but Juan wasn't so lucky. In his excitement he forgot to take the taser gun off safety.

Two Hawkosaurs hit him at the same time. They knocked him down and were on top of him when Joseph came down the stairs with a hand axe and a hunting knife.

Had it not been for Joseph I'm sure the two Hawkosaurs would have killed Juan. As it was he was bitten up pretty bad. He had bite marks and claw marks all over his arms, legs and body. Joseph managed to kill one of two the beasts; the other one ran off with its companions.

So, we have four wounded warriors, Veronica, Laci, Aleks and Juan. But they're not the only ones who have needed Doc's services. More that half of us has some kind of cut or injury.

Both Vickie and Akira have cuts from mishandling their knives. Vickie's cut is on her hand and Akira's cut is on her forearm; thankfully neither is very serious.

An Oviraptor bit me on my back and the back of my neck when I tried to steal some of its eggs. I needed a total of seven stitches. Josephine was playing around with her butterfly knife and cut her thumb. Joseph broke a finger when he hit it with a hammer. Beth is laid up with a broken right ankle; she tripped over a PrimusPrimate that was running around camp. Finally, David burned his hand and forearm the other day when he spilled a bowl of lizard soup he was cooking.

But as I said, we are winning the war against the beasts. We have managed to kill several of them, including one that was almost as large as a T-Rex. The score is monsters 3 and humans somewhere between 35 and 40. I haven't kept an exact count, nor have I recounted them all here.

The PrimusPrimates are all over our camp. They seem to sense that we can protect them from the carnivores.

About a month after we arrived, a PrimusPrimate fell out of the tree and broke her neck. Its baby continued to cling to its dead mother. Every few moments it would cry out but none of the other PrimusPrimates seemed to care. David tried to go near it but it ran away into the nearby bushes. When David backed off it returned to its dead mother.

Next a RedBaronibus swooped down and tried to scoop it up but missed. That's when Beth stepped in and tried to coax the baby with some food.

Then as the RedBaronibus swooped in for a second attempt, the baby ran to Beth and clung to her leg for protection. It refused to let go of her leg. Only after David chased off the RedBaronibus did it let go of Beth's leg, climbed up her back and sat on her shoulder, hiding in her long hair.

Beth began to feed it. Now it won't leave her. It thinks Beth is its mother. Of course, we all tease Beth about her motherhood.

It has become like one of the family. We all feed it and play with it. Beth named the little creature Fur Ball because he looks like a little ball of fur when he's sleeping; it sleeps with Beth and recognizes its name.

In fact, Fur Ball is the only PrimusPrimate that will enter the James Cook. They will come up the stairs, look inside but stop short of entering. I think that's because it's dark inside. We keep the lights off during the day and the PrimusPrimates sleep at night when we have the lights on. David claims to have seen Curious go inside once but none of us has seen that.

Yes, we have started to name a few of them. Their leader we named Boss Hog because he hogs all the food and pretty well bosses all the others around. He's another reason the PrimusPrimates won't go inside; he won't let them. Whenever he sees one of his troop go near the stairs he chases it up into the tree.

Another one we've named Picky because she is particular about what she eats. A third we named Chatter Box because he is constantly chattering and a fourth we named Goofy after the Disney character because it is always getting itself in precarious situations. They are very intelligent animals. Of the ones we've name, some of them recognize their names.

It was because of Goofy that Beth broke her ankle. Goofy is a juvenile. One day he was playing around with Fur Ball. After a while Fur Ball decided that he didn't want to play any more. But Goofy wouldn't take no for an answer; he insisted upon playing around some more. Fur Ball ran to Beth, who at the time was coming down the steps with an arm full of dirty laundry -- each person is responsible for cleaning his or her own laundry in the pool near the James Cook's tail.

Anyway, Beth did not see Fur Ball and tripped over him and down the steps, breaking her right ankle. After fixing up a makeshift cast for her ankle, Doc Yves made a pair of crutches for her out of bamboo. Beth cursed Goofy.

Joshua, Louis and Thomas have made eight crossbows using wire stripped from the James Cook for bow strings. After Joshua made the first one, Thomas and Louis begged him to teach them how to make them too. Although it was originally Joseph and Joshua who planned to make the bows, Joseph has never gotten around to making any; he has been too busy with other projects.

We all want Joshua, Louis and Thomas to make a crossbow for each of us. They have us all making bolts in the evening, using either bamboo or tubing from the James Cook. Sharp carnivore teeth make excellent arrowheads. Using the bolt cutters, we also make arrowheads from metal cut from the James Cook.

Yes, we are stripping the James Cook of whatever we need to make our home safe and comfortable. We are taking everything we can use off her but we are careful to keep the outside hull in tack.

Every time someone takes some wire from her or cuts a piece of her inner wall out or removes anything from her, Joseph pretends to complain. He warns us that if we continue to strip her of her vital parts then she'll never fly again. We tell him to take it up with his UNESA representative at the next UER meeting.

David also asked Joshua's team if they could make two smaller pistol crossbows, something that could be held in one hand. He wants them for him and Josephine to keep in the kitchen. Louis is working on that now and says that he should have them finished in about a week.

Also, everyone has either a meter long club or a spear that they carry with them everywhere they go. Anthony and Akira finished the last of them last week. Doc Yves also made some spear throwers for us.

Some of us have decorated our spears with feathers reminiscent of Native American Indians. I have some aqua and forest green feathers dangling from mine. They are from a Velociraptor that I killed. I keep one of its sickle-shaped claws in my belt; Doc has the other one.

The clubs and spears make great weapons, both for offense and defense. Joshua, Thomas and Anthony each say that a spear, a crossbow and a hunting knife or hand axe is all they need. Chantelle and I are of the same opinion. When we go out on a hunting party that is all we carry.

There is not an animal under a meter high that doesn't flee from us. The monsters are learning to fear us humans!

We know the crossbows will kill some of the smaller creatures. As I said, Louis killed a Blackraptor with a crossbow. A Blackraptor is about the same size as a duck. Also, I used a crossbow to kill the Velociraptor last week and we have all used our crossbows to kill large lizards, some of the smaller dinosaurs and other animals.

But some of us are not so sure if they'll kill a Triceratops Rex or a Marineosaurus or one of the larger beasts, although both Anthony and Thomas swear that they will. Joshua is reserving his opinion until he shoots one. He is sure that the bolts will pierce their skin. It's how deep into their bodies the bolt will go is what he is not sure of. I just got my fingers crossed.

Beth has drawn some pictures of many of the animals we have seen -- she tapes them to the plastic containers we use for the wall around our kitchen and patio area. The pictures make nice decorations for our home.

She has proven to be an excellent artist, seeing that is about all she can do with her broken ankle. She drew a life size picture of a Marineosaurus head and a Triceratops Rex head and taped them to a tree outside of camp.

We practice shooting at them, aiming for the eye. Most of us are becoming fairly good shots. We figure if we can't kill it, at least we can blind it. Joshua thinks that by shooting one in its eye the bolt might even continue on into its brain. Again, I have my fingers crossed.

Although the food we took from the cafeteria is almost all gone, I'm not worried about us going hungry. Yes, we originally only had enough to last us a couple of weeks but we have been able to really stretch our budget, so to speak. Ever since our first day here we have been able to supplement our food supply. What canned food we haven't already eaten is stacked near the kitchen.

We have found a wide variety of foods, including five different kinds of fruits, three different types of nuts and three kinds of vegetables along with something resembling the potato that grows along the ground like miniature melons. Then there is the wheat David uses to make bread. We have hopes of finding more nuts, berries and other edibles on future food forages.

But none of us are nearly as lucky in the clothing department. No one has more than three or four changes of clothes. Also, every one of us has at least two or three articles of clothing that are torn. But more importantly, no one thought to bring any sewing kits! At the rate we are going, we will all be running around naked within a few months. Nothing even remotely resembling what I had planned living naked on Nuda Earth.

To counter this Juan and I tried to tan a BuckToothus skin. But our first attempt wasn't much of a success. We looked up curing and tanning animal hide on the laptop in the encyclopedia's worth of information that I copied from the James Cook's mainframe. We followed all the steps -- skinning, fleshing and smoking. But we did something wrong; the hide came out stiff as a board.




A New Beginning Ch. 09



Thomas, Anthony, Regina, Josephine and Juan are going out on a food hunt tomorrow. We're going to try and tan the skin of whatever animal they bring back. I wish we had skinned the Marineosaurus after we killed it but no one thought about it.

We have more or less divided ourselves into four groups for hunting and food foraging. Joshua leads one party, consisting of myself, him, Natalie, Leonard, and Laci. Thomas leads another group, consisting of him, Juan, Regina and Josephine; Anthony sometimes goes out with them. Anthony leads a hunting and foraging party of Joseph, Chantelle, Aleks and Veronica. Louis, David, Vickie and Akira make up the fourth hunting party but Anthony frequently goes out with them too.

Although I must point out that sometimes Joshua, Thomas and Anthony go out hunting by themselves. They are our best hunters. But it doesn't matter which hunting party goes out, each group takes the .45 pistol with them when they do.

We've had several intense discussions over that. Some of the crew wanted to keep the pistol in camp now that we have crossbows and spears. Others of us wanted the gun to go out with the hunting parties. Both groups were claiming that they wanted it for protection against the large carnivores.

The debate came to a head the evening after the Thomasclub green marsupial returned to our camp one morning. Anthony's team was out hunting; Joshua was with them. The rest of us were busy at various chores. The animal just wandered in from the bushes. Again, it sniffed the air in our direction and, ignoring us, proceeded to snoop around our camp.

As soon as Laci saw it she called out to Thomas that his knobby friend had returned. Thomas picked up a hand crossbow and shot it. David made a stew out of it. Laci named it that evening while we were eating it. That's when the discussion started. The Thomasclub was the first animal that had come into our camp in several weeks. But it raised questions about our safety here without the .45 pistol.

We argued it among ourselves long into the night, even forgoing our movie. In the end, we decided to keep the pistol with the hunting parties. The winning argument was that those who were here had numerous weapons scattered around the patio and kitchen area. They could use these to fend off any beast and then run inside the James Cook for protection.

We've all decided that Doc Yves is too valuable to go out on hunting parties. First of all, he's not a very good shot with a crossbow. The only person worst than him is Beth. Secondly, besides keeping us all healthy, he has to clean the James Cook's windows off almost every other day.

Doc also helps out with the cooking and keeping the camp clean. Some think he's a better cook than David but I prefer Josephine's cooking. She grew up in Paris, France but her mother was from Houma, Louisiana -- a small city not far from New Orleans. Her mother taught her how to cook Cajun style. Need I say more?

Beth stays in camp with her broken ankle. Right now she's acting as Doc's nurse. If she learns enough I'm thinking about suggesting to the others that she stay in camp too; he needs the help. Besides, she is a terrible hunter and the worst shot among us with the crossbow. She even needs help cocking and loading a crossbow.

All the hunting parties and food forages bring back firewood and bone along with any food they get; dinosaur bones can be found all over the place. When we go out we are well armed. Each group brings crossbows with them. The men carry the .45 pistol and the women the two taser guns. Everyone carries either a hunting knife or a hand axe along with a can pepper spray and their club or spear.

Joshua's group goes out on Monday and the next day Thomas and his party go out. No one goes out Wednesday -- we use that day to do things around camp. Some of us use that day to go spear fishing in our lake. But we are careful to post a guard with the .45 to watch out for crocodiles.

Thursday Anthony's hunting party goes out followed the next day by Louis and his hunting and foraging party. Then Saturday we work in the camp again or go fishing. That way once a group has gone out they can look forward to the next several days in camp. Everyone usually relaxes on Sunday, although Joshua, Thomas and Anthony sometimes go out by themselves on Saturday or Sunday.

We've been here almost four months now. Our camp is pretty well set up. We have a small vegetable garden growing just off our kitchen area. Animal hunts and food forages along with gathering firewood and dinosaur bone are our main concerns now.

Juan and I are getting better at tanning animal skin. Both Natalie and Leonard have also learned how to do it too. The four of us usually work on our hides in the evening or sew and repair clothing using strips of animal hide. We use fish bones for needles.

While we do that Anthony and Akira make spears and Doc makes spear throwers; the others make crossbow bolts. Joshua, Louis and Thomas have made 15 crossbows so far, with plans to make at least three more -- that way all of us who go hunting will have one. They also plan to make two more small ones that will be left in the kitchen for protection against any large lizards, small dinosaurs or carnivorous birds that may come around.

We've added two more barrels to the shower, enlarging it to an area about two meters square with three spigots. Everyone is happy about that. But we still haven't solved our door problem. Most of us -- particularly Aleks -- just bathe with the door open. After the shower incident she had with the PrimusPrimate Orange Nose -- it has a dark orange nose -- she refuses to shower with the door closed.

Laci is just the opposite. She takes special care to make sure the shower door is leaning securely against the shower frame. She jokingly calls us all perverts for showering in front of everyone. But then someone will teasingly ask her, why she has no objections to showering with a man -- we all take showers with each other -- she ignores them and walks naked from the shower to her sleeping area with a smirk on her face.

She's very promiscuous. Except for Doc Yves, I don't think there is any man she hasn't slept with.

Some are complaining that we need another toilet. With twenty of us using the one toilet in the James Cook's lower flight deck, sometimes someone has to wait in line. No one likes that but then neither does anyone like garbage or shit detail.

About every two days two people have to empty the ship's toilet. Then they team up with two more people and the four of them carry our waste and our other garbage out to our garbage dump on the dried up lake bed.

We've stopped burning it. Between the Daffyducktus, the dung beetles and the rats it's all eaten up within a day or two. Yes, we have large rats and mice; at least they look like the little varmints.

It's a major chore to carry all the garbage and waste out to the site. It will be even more of a chore if we have two toilets to empty. So, I'm reluctant to assign a team to build an outhouse for another toilet. Besides, we all use the bushes when there is an urgent situation.

Except for the one Marineosaurus, no large carnivores have entered our camp or even come near it. Nor have any more Hawkosaurs come around looking for food. In fact, there are no more Hawkosaurs within a kilometer or two of camp -- I'm pretty sure we killed them all -- and virtually no more Blackraptors. We see one in a tree every now and then but they too stay away from us.

As I said earlier, the dinosaurs have learned that there is a meaner, tougher kid on the block and they fear us. That is exactly what I want.

However there was an incident last week that I think I should mention. Anthony's group was out on a hunting and food forage. They were returning with two baskets of some mushrooms and that potato looking vegetable -- they even taste like potatoes.

They were about two kilometers from camp when they came upon a Chantelleosaurus theropod, the two meter high dinosaur that looks like a coral snake that swallowed something too big to digest.

She was guarding her nest of eggs. She started to make a cawing sound at them and then she attacked Chantelle, knocking her down. But Aleks and Veronica each shot it with their crossbows. It didn't die right away so Anthony hit it with an axe, chopping its head off.

Then they gathered up her 15 eggs, which Josephine made into a potato and egg omelet the next morning. We ate the Chantelleosaurus the next evening as David had already prepared a lizard stew for our supper that evening.

Everyone teased Chanatelle and said that the Chantelleosaurus attacked her because that was its way of getting even with our security chief. But Chantelle said that she did not believe in such superstitious nonsense. She said that the dinosaur attacked her because she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just smiled at my lesbian lover.

Later that night we made love and she confessed to me that she hadn't been that scared since she rode on the back of the Dromeaosaur raptor our first day back on Earth.

We are living completely on our own now. With the exception of toilet paper and tampons -- we are almost out of those -- we have used up all the supplies we took from the cafeteria. Josephine cooked our last can of beans yesterday.

I'm not counting one, four liter can of candid sweet potatoes, one, four liter can of peas and one, four liter can of candid apples we still have. We all voted to save them for our Christmas diner, which is a little over two months away.

But we cannot decide what meat we will eat. Some want to eat baked Daffyducktus but others want to feast on pigmy hippopotamus. There are several of them living in burrows near our lake. The problem is that the hippopotami are nocturnal and it is hard to catch them. Joshua, Thomas and Anthony went out in the evening last month and shot one with a crossbow. They're delicious and taste just like pork. The Daffyducktus taste like chicken.

Joshua, Thomas and Anthony are about the only ones who go out hunting at night. Sometimes Louis or David or one of the other men will go out with them. But none of them go out very often or too far away; it's too dangerous. We have five rechargeable flashlights that they use. That helps a little bit but it is very easy for some nocturnal beast to hide in the undergrowth and catch them unawares. Enough said.

We've started to relax and enjoy our selves. Louis brought a football; a souvenir from a winning touchdown he made in college. He said he didn't have the heart to leave it with the living section. Anthony made a baseball bat. Leonard made a baseball of sorts out of some left over Teflon and fiberglass and Beth and Aleks made some gloves out of dino hide.

Some of us often team up and play touch football or baseball; others just watch. But we only use two bases and a home plate; I forgot to download the exact dimensions of a baseball infield. Besides, unless everyone plays -- which has yet to happen -- we don't have enough players for three bases.

We also play soccer. We use a ball that Josephine made by wiring some bamboo stalks in a somewhat spherical shape and covering it with animal skin. The problem is, is that if you kick it too hard it breaks and we have to stop our game until she or someone fixes it.

Everyone still pretty much looks to me as their leader. But everything we do, every major undertaking is voted on by all of us. If a problem arises we all sit around after supper and discuss it. Everyone has a say so in what he or she thinks the solution ought to be and then we decide what to do.

I would rather have it that way. It makes me feel like we are living in a democracy instead of a dictatorship. We are no longer traveling through space. There is no more UNESA or UER to report to. We alone are responsible for our actions. So, why have a specific leader.

Bedsides, I look to Doc Yves for support. He's become my refuge and my strength as I've been Chantelle's refuge and strength. I often find myself turning to him and unloading myself on him, especially in the evening after everyone goes to sleep.

I may not get to live out my final days lying naked next to the pool on Nuda Earth but I believe this is better.

To be continued . . .