
<1>  
 <TO LEAVE EARTH>

     Mark is working on the control system of the air handling
system of one of the college buildings. He enjoys working on his
own and often talks to the equipment he's working on. The others
in his department know he can handle his assignments and will
call for assistance if he needs help. The controls are in need of
a complete overhaul but he knows he'll be told that it worked
fine yesterday, so he tries to replace a worn module along with
the failed one. 
     He is in the final stages of testing when he hears a voice
behind him.
     "Mark, I'd like to talk with you, if I may."
     "Go ahead," he responds, catching a slight accent, but not
recognizing it. "I'm down to the final tests and we can talk
while I finish up."
     "I know that you have an insight into machines that the
others don't understand. We've been looking for some one like you
and we'd like to talk about it."
     Mark continues watching the test program run. "I've been
here for enough years that I'm cautious about leaving. The pay
may not be the greatest, but the job security is and I'm able to
be proud of my work." The test finishes and he put the controls
to run. "What type of equipment would I be working on if I was
interested?" he asks as he secures the panel.
     "I can promise you that it's the type of equipment you've
dreamed of. We understand how you can almost think with the
equipment you've worked with. Our systems were designed for
someone of your talents and will help you develop them to your
wildest fantasies."
     Mark laughs, pockets his tools and stands up. "How can you
know of my fantas... Where are you?" he asks as he looks around.
     "My apologies Mark. I"m speaking to you through a device
that let's me see and hear without being there. Sit down and I'll
tell you more. That is, if you're interested?"
     Yes, of course," Mark responds in amazement bordering on
excitement. He sits down and stares in the direction of the
voice. 
     "First, my name is Kadoon, I am from a planet approximately
7 light years from here. The space transport I am on is in
geosynchronous orbit south of your location. We have a device
that absorbs energy so that we do not reflect transmitted
signals. This helps our communication and makes us invisible to
your radar network. Why we came and how we found you, I won't go
into unless you decide to join us. This ship was originally
designed to function with a technician that could think and feel
with the ship. You have the ability hidden within you and we can
help you find it." Kadoon pauses.
     "So what you're asking me to do is leave my home world and
travel with you?" Mark asks in astonishment.


<2>
     "Our race has been forced into slavery and we need help. I
know you have no reason to help us and all we can offer is to
awaken you inner talents. Are you at all interested in our
plight?" Kadoon ask in a concerned voice.
     Mark thinks about how his life is here. He has a job he is
somewhat satisfied in, but not the joy he would feel in being
able to be one with a spaceship and other machines. He doesn't
have a family of his own and the few friends that he has are not
the ones he can talk with about his dreams and ideas. "The only
thing that really stops me from jumping at the your offer is
everything I've put in my house. They won't miss me here until
something breaks"
     Kadoon's amusement can be heard in his voice. "We can use
the gravity field generator in the cargo bay to pick up your
house and bring it with us. There are two of us with the ability
to manipulate matter. We can modify the structure of your house
so it can function as a portable living unit. We'll install a
power module so that it will be able to function completely on
it's own."  
     Mark has been smiling to himself while Kadoon solved the
only reason he had to not except the offer. "When do we start?"
he asks as his face breaks into a wide smile.
     Kadoon laughs, his accent has been sounding more normal for
Mark while he talked. "Today is Thursday. If we plan on Saturday
night, that will give you time to say goodbye to your friends. If
you don't mind, I'll keep this monitor system linked to you so we
can change plans if something happens."
     Mark agrees, and since it is quitting time, he heads for the
shop to check out for the day.
     That night he prepares his house so that nothing is damaged
in the move.
     The next day goes quickly at work, Mark is so busy that he
misses both breaks.
     Kadoon asks him about this. "You're given two breaks and you
worked through both of them?"
     Mark smiles, "When I'm busy doing what I like," he says as
he closes up his fifth and last system of the day, "I'm happy.
Besides, by Monday morning I'll be working on a system I only
dreamed about."
     They both laugh about this as Mark cleans up and heads for
the shop.
     That night Mark had invited his friends for a pizza party.
He had asked Kadoon to made a recording of this, so he could
remember them. After the party, Mark talks with Kadoon while he
cleans up. "Now that I've said my goodbyes to them," he pauses as
he glances out a window.
     "You're wondering if there's any reason we can't bring you
aboard tonight?" Kadoon replies. The understanding can be felt in
his voice.


<3>
     Mark smiles as he goes outside. He walks to the main breaker
on the side of the house and pushes it to the off position. He
then opens it and disconnects the main feeds to the house.
Walking over to the front he opens the control for the water and
closes the valve. He smiles as he reenters his home and sits
down. "All outside systems are shut down." He says with a wishful
smile.
     Kadoon responds with a touch of laughter in his voice. "Then
sit back and enjoy the tallest elevator ride you've ever had."
     Mark feels a slight jerk as his house is separated from the
ground. He then feels the slight shift in gravity, like elevator
starting up. "Space, here I come." he says with a smile.
     "How's the ride?" Kadoon asks. "You'll be on board in 12
minutes. The ship has adjusted it's time displays to match
Earth's."
     Mark smiles, "I'm leaving Earth so I better get used to your
time system."
     "Our hour is one percent of one revolution of the planet.
Our minute is one percent of that. Our planet revolves in just
over 27 of your hours so you shouldn't have any trouble
adjusting." He pauses, "You'll be here in 10 of our minutes."
     Mark relaxes and then opens his eyes wide. "I never thought
to ask what you look like!"
     Kadoon laughs, "Even though there are differences, I don"t
think you'll be shocked. Actually, there more in common with us
than with the Dalookans." As Kadoon says this name, Mark can feel
the anger he tries to restrain.
     Mark looks out the window and sees the blackness of space
with the stars shinning as solid points of light, not twinkling
as when he looked at them before he left the surface.
     "You're almost here", Kadoon informs him, his voice now
calmed. "If you look out the left side window, you should be able
to see the ship."
     Mark cautiously stands and steps over to the window. Looking
up as far as he can, he only sees stars. Suddenly a wall of
darkness descends. 
     "I should have warned you that we have all the lights turned
off so that no one will see us." Kadoon tells him.
     Total darkness surrounds him as he stares at the doors and
walls of the cargo bay. He feels the down shift of gravity as the
gravity beam stops his accent.
     "You're inside the cargo bay and the doors are closing now.
The ship generates it's own gravity and the force field keeping
an atmosphere around your house will keep working until we
pressurize the cargo bay."
     Mark feels a gentle bump, followed by the sound of the bay
pressurizing. The lights are switched on and he sees the black
walls of the cargo bay. "Well, it looks like I've arrived."
     Kadoon laughs, "The bay's almost pressurized now. Why don't
you wait and I'll come to meet you."
     Mark sits back down and smiles. "What do you say to an alien
that's asked for your help?" he thinks.

<4> 
     Mark almost jumps out of his chair when he hears a knock at
the door. He rushes to the door, pulls it open and gets his first
look at a Jharaken.
     "I'm Kadoon, it's good to meet you." he says, offering his
hand. 
     Mark smiles and grasps his hand in friendship. "It's good to
meet you. Come on inside."
     Kadoon enters and then slowly turns completely around, so
that Mark can get a complete view of him. His appearance is
similar to a centaur with several differences. His lower body is
similar to a very large wolf, except the tail having quad white
stripes down it's length and the fore paws have fingers that are
double jointed at pad/wrist junction so that they bend back when
on all fours. The human torso and head are almost identical to
his own, except with slightly pointed, mobile ears. His hair is a
medium brown with dual blond stripes. Mark estimates his height
to be about 5'. Kadoon sits back and shows how his lower fingers
unbend and function as a second pair of hands.
     "The others are preparing the ship to leave orbit, so I
guess it's time to tell you about our plight." Kadoon comments as
he lowers his forepaws to the ground, his fingers folding back as
the pads touch the ground. He turns his upper body as another
knock is heard at the door. "That will be Zhila, I asked her to
give us a few minutes before joining us." He stands and opens the
door.
     A female Jharaken enters, similar in appearance except in
height and color. "I am Zhila," she  says with a heavy accent. "I
haven't studied your language as much as Kadoon, but I hope you
can understand this."
     Mark stands and offers his hand to her. She runs her palm
over the top of his and halfway up his fore arm.
     Kadoon smiles, "Our ways of greeting are similar, yet
different. Zhila is a healer. She can also touch your mind with
her's and open your hidden talents."
     Zhila motions for Mark to sit down. "Close your eyes and
relax," her voice is gentle, almost sing, songish and he doesn't
notice her accent as much as before. "We must go into your mind,
into the recesses that have never been opened." While she is
talking, her hands begin to gently caress his face and head,
touching lightly yet he feels the caress deeper than he thought
possible. "Think of the machines you have worked on, think of how
you felt they were almost alive."
     Mark thinks of the equipment he worked on today. He begins
to drift into the system. Feeling the power flow within the
circuits. He suddenly realizes how all the systems he has worked
on truly function. He knows how to become one with them and how
to feel and repair the breakdowns, that took hours and many
replacement parts, by thinking of how the system should be.
     "Now think of how you talk," Zhila's gentle voice sings to
him. "Think of how your thoughts become words and sentences."


<5>
     Mark feels as if he is surrounded by phantom books. All
shifting constantly as his thoughts hunt for the right ones to
express himself.
     "Now share how my thoughts become words and sentences," This
comes to him more as a thoughts, than words.
     Mark looks around and sees an opening in the direction of
where her thoughts seem to come from. He moves toward it and
enters another phantom library.
     "I share my thoughts of language with you. What is mine, is
yours. What is yours, is mine." Her thoughts sing in his mind.
caressing him, almost as gentle as a lover.
     Mark stand at the point where both languages meet. He feels
his thoughts acquire a double meaning. One thought, with two
explanations. Slowly the books reorganize themselves and he can
translate his thought into English or Jharaken as if he has
always known them.
     "Now it is time to come back to your conscience self. This
way will always be open to you, now that you know the way." Her
voice caresses his mind and he begins to feel her loving caress
once more. "You are becoming more alert to what is around you.
There is no hurry, nothing demands that you awaken, but you know
that you are ready."
     Mark snuggles slightly under her touch. As he opens his
eyes, he realizes that he is hearing her speaking in Jharaken. "I
know," he whispers in Jharaken. "I know how the systems feel and
how to feel with them."
     <Jharaken spoken from here on.>
     Kadoon smiles, "And we can now speak much easier. I know you
want to link up with the ship, but first I feel I should tell you
of the reason we need you."
     Mark sits more erect. "Yes, your problem has given reason
for you to awaken my hidden talents. Now I must know how I can
help you."
     Zhila slumps slightly against the couch and Mark jumps up to
catch her. "It's normal for me to feel drained after what I've
helped you through," she whisper as he helps he onto the couch.
     Mark smiles, "I know a bit about sharing energy myself." He
sits down beside her and cradles her head in his lap. He strokes
her long red with brown stripes hair and she relaxes. He turns
his face to Kadoon, "Now tell me about your plight."
     Kadoon rises, "Before I start, I'd like to try some of this
Classic Coke you seem to enjoy." He gets a bottle from the
refrigerator and three glasses. He sits down and fills two of
them. "The other is for Zhila when she wakes."
     Mark takes his and shows Kadoon the simple ceremony of a
toast. "To times that were and times that shall be. May we
remember best those that were good, and seek only for those that
will be better." They clink glasses and drink. "I'm going to miss
this when it's gone." Mark comments as he savors the taste.


<6>
     "No need to worry,"  Kadoon assures him. "Our food processor
can duplicate anything you have." He refills his and Mark's
glasses. "Now I must tell you of our plight." He leans back and
sips thoughtfully. "First I think I should explain how we
selected you. One of us onboard is what we call a Seeker. Jakan
has the ability to 'know' where something or someone is. We
needed someone with your talents, and with few ties to prevent
you from joining us."
     Mark smiles and sips his drink. "If my talent with machines
is as good as her's," he looks around the room and smiles.
     Kadoon looks at Zhila, resting in Mark's arms. "She thinks
so." He looks back at Mark. "I'm putting off what you must know."
He leans back and closes his eyes. 
     "On our planet lives two races. Ours, the Jharaken and the
Dalookans. The Dalookans were aggressive. Not in action, but they
were undefeated experts when trading. They often insisted that we
should feel thankful that our goods were not simply taken by
force. Even with this attitude, our races worked together. We
made what was needed on our planet and what was desired by
offworlders, and they traded for what was difficult for us to
make."
     "Almost eight solar orbits ago, approximately seven of your
years, the Dalookans discovered a deposit of rare elements that
they sold off world. With this they acquired three interstellar
transports. With these ships they were able to travel to a system
where they acquired high tech weapons to force our race to work
for them as slaves. Interstellar laws has no jurisdiction on
individual planets and we had no way to contact them if they
did."
     "My crew and I were trained to fly the transports with the
belief that we wouldn't rebel because of what they threatened to
do to our family and friends. We felt that freedom was worth the
chance, so we managed to get this transport crewed by only our
race and went in search of help. We knew that none of the worlds
we traded with would help because of the demand for the elements
the Dalookans supplied them with. We had smuggled on board a few
of our race with what you would call psychic abilities. Jakan has
the ability to seek out beings with whatever talents that are
needed. Zhila's abilities, of course, you know. Your world is the
closest one that has not been contacted, so we came here and
found you."
     Mark puts down his coke and helps Zhila up. "You used your
energies to help me, so I used mine to recharge you." He smiles
as he fills her glass.
     Zhila cautiously takes a sip, before deciding she likes the
flavor. "Now that you know of our situation, do you have any
ideas?"
      Mark frowns, "How much do the Dalookans understand their
machines?"


<7>
     Kadoon smiles, "They have a deal where one of the
technicians, from where the equipment was made, comes four times
an orbit. The technician knows how to repair the mining machines
and most of the other gear, but doesn't have the ability to think
into them."
     Zhila looks around Mark's house, "Shouldn't we get his house
modified and have Mark learn how to use his powers before trying
to decide how to achieve our freedom?"
     Kadoon shakes his head and laughs. "You're right. We have a
limited amount of time before we get to our home planet." He
stands and motions for Mark to follow. "Let's introduce you to
some more of our crew and, of course, the ship."
     The three of them step through the door and into the cargo
bay. A male and female are studying a display screen and take no
notice of them. Kadoon approaches them. "This is Chireek."
    The brown furred female turns from the screen and greets Mark
in the same manner Zhila had. "Darosh and I have been making
plans of how best to modify your house," she comments in a quiet
voice. "When he's deep into his work he doesn't like to be asked
questions. But we can look at the display without bothering him."
     Mark studies the display for several minutes before stepping
back. "It looks like the two of you know what you're doing."
     Chireek smiles, "We'll go over the final plans with you
before we start. Once we get started, we really get going."
     Mark thanks her and asks her to relay his thanks to Darosh.
He rejoins Kadoon and Zhila.
     "Santosh and Tireeka should be in the control room." Kadoon
comments as he opens the door leading out of the cargo bay. They
walk down a long corridor with several passage ways branching off
at regular intervals. "I'd give you a tour, but with your
talents, the ship can do a much better job. This is a cargo ship
and the lack of intership vehicles is so that the crew will be
kept in shape."
     After several more minutes and ramp-ways leading to higher
levels, they enter the control room. The pilot is about the same
height as Kadoon but with black fur, offset by white stripes.
     Another male, with a slightly heavier build, blond fur and
brown stripes, turns from a display panel and approaches them.
"I'm Tireeka, and you must be Mark." He makes the Jharaken
greeting and shows Mark the display console. "This display shows
how the engines are preforming, individual field coil status.."
     As he began speaking, Mark felt the desire to put his hand
on an unmarked, textured plate. He feels himself drawn into the
display and yet still standing in front of it.
     <Finally,> a unusual voice sounds in his head, <a tech that
I can talk too. I am Interstellar Transport Class 4 #342, but you
can call me 342.>
     Mark smiles, and the others know what is happening. <My name
is Mark, and it's time to link up with you.> For the next several
hours, 342 tells Mark about it's self and how they can link up
with out physical contact. 342 explains that this can only be
done with one ship or device. This special link can be
transferred to another device when it becomes necessary.
<8>
     When Mark releases his physical contact with the ship, he
still feels it nearby and is pleased to reestablish contact
instantly. He releases contact so that he can more easily talk
with the others. "Completely fascinating," he says with a sigh.
"I only dreamed of this being possible, and now it"s happened."
     Mark sits down on the copilot's bench. Santosh glances at
him and smiles, "These benches were designed for us," he jokes.
"Either we get a special one made for you, or you find a way to
strap yourself onto one of these."
     Chireek laughs, "I'm sure we can have that solved before
your next shift."
     Mark turns at the sound of her voice. "I take it you'd like
me to come down and look at the plans you've made for my house?"
     She laughs, "I know how you feel about linking up with the
ship. I can still remember the first time I modified a table into
a bench." She turns and trots out the door.
     Mark jumps up and quickly catches up with her. He keeps up
with her for several minutes before she realizes, to keep up with
her casual trot, Mark is almost running.
     "You should have said I was going too fast," she comments as
she slows to a walk.
     Mark shakes his head and takes a deep breath. "I know, but I
was hoping I could keep up with you. I guess that with four legs
you can travel faster than I can with two."
     She tells him of some of the ideas they've worked out for
modifying his house. "I've looked at your furniture and I can
easily make a chair for you on the bridge."  
     They enter the cargo bay where his house is. Darosh come
from around the side and greets him. "Sorry I was concentrating
too much to meet you earlier." 
     Mark smiles, "I've done the same thing myself." He looks at
the design display and they spend a couple of hours going over
the designs before they decide on the final plans. 
     Mark sits down on the porch and almost collapses. Darosh
catches him before he falls over. "I've been so excited about all
this that I haven't realized that I've been awake for more than
an entire day." He stands and steps into his house. "Is there any
chance you can hook up power soon? I've got some food that needs
to stay cool."
     Chireek steps past him and turns on the lights.  "We had a
portable power unit on line a few minutes after you went to the
control room."
     Mark thanks them and staggers to bed. He falls asleep,
feeling the mental contact of 342 as he drifts to sleep.


<9>
<DAY 2 / SUMMER 3>
     Mark awakens to the sound of the engines. He tosses his
clothes on and allows his link to activate. <We are beyond the
orbit of Mars and are shifting our course to miss the asteroid
belt,> 342 informs him through their mind-link.
     <Thanks, I'll come to the control room after I get something
to eat.> he responds.
     He opens the door and looks into the cargo bay. Darosh is
working on a complex device that is resting on a wheeled cart.
"What's that for?" Mark asks.
     Darosh gets up and looks at the device in frustration. "It's
supposed to be a recycle device that converts wastes fluids and
solids into water. It was in the store room but it looks like it
should have been sent in for repairs."     
     Mark steps off the porch and studies the device. "Can't the
engineers fix it?" he asks.
     Darosh laughs, "They were trained how to operate the
controls and keep the ship in flight. The ships have self
repairing systems and backups in case of a major failure. Repair
technicians came to our planet several times a year and did the
repairs and maintenance on everything."
     Mark is only half hearing him as he runs he hands over the
control panel. "Could you open this panel for me?" he asks.
     Darosh pulls a device that looks like a power screwdriver,
except that the head is much different. "I have Chireek looking
for another one." He steps back as Mark continues his touching
the recycler. "She should be able to find one in the other
storage room."
     Mark vaguely hears this as he thinks into the plasma
converter and thinks the failed coil into factory fresh
condition. He continues his linkup and renews several components
before stepping back. "That should do it," he comments as he
almost collapses onto the porch.
     Darosh doesn't notice Mark's condition as he checks out the
unit. He is pouring debris into it as Zhila enters. She watches
Darosh for a moment, before she notices Mark's condition. "Darosh
you Rofweg! Don't you know that when someone uses that much of
himself, he needs help." She rushes to Mark's side as Darosh
turns and looks in surprise.
     "I didn't know he used his ability. He just seemed to make
an adjustment and it started working."
     Zhila gets down beside Mark. She sits him up and leans him
against her full bosom. "You should have called me when he
started. We'll have to pay more attention to him until he gets
used to his energy drain." Her voice starts harsh, but fades into
a whisper as she helps Mark recover.
     Darosh stands dejected for a moment before deciding to
finish the tests of the recycler. His com unit beeps and he keys
it. "Darosh here."
     "This is Chireek, I think I found one, but it's bigger than
we need."


<10>
     "Mark's fixed this one." Darosh informs her. "Did you find a
food processor? Remember Kadoon said we can't try any of Mark's
food until we can replace it." 
     "It's on the cart," she replies. "I want to find out if that
Classic Coke is as great as Kadoon says it is."
      Darosh keys off and finishes the final test. He turns as he
hears Mark and Zhila starting to move. "Are you alright?" he
asks.
     Mark smiles, "There's no reason to upset yourself." He
responds as he helps Zhila to her feet. "I was so excited that I
was able to use my ability that I didn't think it would drain
me." 
     Zhila picks up the case she had been carrying. "I was
bringing you something to eat. I didn't think you'd want to eat
from what you have until we get it programmed into the food
processor." She smiles at Darosh. "Sorry I jumped at you. When
Chireek gets here, why don't you join us?"
     Darosh finally smiles, "It checks out like it just came from
the factory."
     Mark smiles as he opens the door. "It's good to know that I
wasn't imagining it." He leaves the door open after Zhila enters.
     She put the case on the table while Mark puts a couple of
blankets on the floor. "I saw the pads in the control room," he
explains. "I hope the table isn't too high for you."
     Zhila smiles as she lowers herself onto the blanket beside
Mark's chair. Her chin is several inches above the table top. "I
think I can manage," she replies.
     Mark smiles, "I think I'll talk with Darosh and Chireek
about lowering this table and designing a chair so we can eat and
talk in comfort."
     "How low do you want it?" Chireek asks as she enters. "I
didn't have much when I got up, so I could use something to eat."
She drops herself onto one of the other blankets. "I found a food
processor for you," she comments as she accepts a container from
Zhila. "We can mount the processor on the cabinet and put the
memory unit in the cabinet."
     Mark opens his package and looks at it's contents. He picks
it up and cautiously takes a bite. "I'm not sure what it is," he
comments, "but it tastes good."
     Zhila giggles, "I was afraid that you'd want to live on only
the foods you have here."
     Mark shakes his head and smiles, "I never have a lot of food
in the house. I'm sure I'd get tired of the same things and force
myself to learn to enjoy yours." He take a normal bite and they
talk about what modifications they are planning to make to Mark's
house.
     After they eat, Zhila hands Mark a com unit. "Before you use
your powers again." She commands him. "Make sure some one knows
what you're doing." She bumps her shoulder against his side and
jogs down the corridor.
     Mark watches her leave and then turns to Chireek. "I'm not
sure how it is on your world. But on Earth, I would suspect that
she is making a play for me."
<11>
     Chireek gives him a puzzled look. "What do you mean by
'play.'"
     Mark thinks for a second. "It's like she desires me for more
than just talk."
     Chireek rolls the cart with the processor on it toward the
door. "Darosh, I think it would be best if I talk with Mark
alone."
     Darosh smiles, "I better give our designs a final inspection
before we get started. It should take me awhile so don't hurry."
He walks over to the design display while Chireek and Mark carry
the processor into the house and closes the door.
     "She was showing her interest in you," Chireek begins as
they uncrate it. "Those who have special talent, sometimes see
the talents of some one, before that person sees it."
     Mark thinks on this while she secures the processor to the
counter. "I know I've left my home world behind and that means
females of my kind." He checks out the memory unit and then
begins emptying a self. "I guess I don't want to turn her
completely down. Actually, her human portion is rather
attractive. I just need time to get used to all of this."
     They mount the memory unit and Chireek forms a hole in the
cabinet so they can make the final connections. "Does the type of
affection she's giving you now, bother you?" Chireek asks.
     Mark smiles, "If you promise not to tell, I actually enjoyed
it. But I never thought of it as anything but close friendship."
     Chireek smiles, "I could tell her that you don't want to get
involved with anyone until you've become more adapted to your
abilities. You aren't sure if it's her or just the feeling you
get when she recharges you."
     Mark smiles, "And tell her I appreciate what she does. It's
just that I want to feel more at home here before I get that
close to anyone." He pauses before making the final connection.
"And I don't want to worry about anyone special until we free the
rest of your people."
     Chireek gives him a warm kiss on the cheek. "That's for
caring about our people before yourself." She smiles at his
surprise. "We watched some of your video broadcasts and were
surprised that your race also shows male- female friendship by
kissing."
     Mark smiles and gives her a hug. "Just as long as Darosh
understands."
     She smiles as she takes a bottle of coke from the
refrigerator. "You pour liquids into this port and put solid
foods into the main chamber." She turns the unit on and selects
new food from the list. As she pours a small amount the display
changes. She stops and the display asks for the name to be
assigned.


<12>
     Mark keys in the closest symbols he can. He then requests
two containers of it. In a few seconds, the display signals
completion and he opens the door. "Now let's see how this
technology and Earth classics mix." He removes both containers
and hands one to Chireek. He cautiously sips his, savoring the
flavor for a moment. "Just like downtown, I'll worry about
encoding the other foods later."
     Chireek has been cautiously tasting her drink. "It does have
an interesting flavor." They finish their drinks, then roll the
cart out and check on the design changes.
     It doesn't take Mark long to agree with their designs. "I
better get up to the control room before Kadoon wonders where I
am."
     Darosh shakes his head. "He wanted you to work with us until
you're satisfied with our plans."
     Mark smiles and heads down the corridor. He opens his link
with the ship, <342, what's our status?>
     <342 replying. We are passing over the asteroid belt and on
course for slingshotting with Jupiter. All systems are well
within required parameters.>
     <I acknowledge. I'm on my way to the control room. I'll keep
the link open unless I tell you.> Mark thinks to himself as he
walks. A short time ago I only dreamed of getting into space. Now
I'm going to another solar system and using telepathy with the
computers.
      He arrives in the control room. Only Santoosh and Tireeka
are there.
     "How is the work going on your house?" Tireeka asks.
     "They've finished the designs and were getting started when
I left." Mark replies as he sits down on the chair. "I take it
Chireek made this?"
     Santoosh laughs. "We all have custom built benches." He
presses a button and sides spring up, securing him. "If we lose
our inertial baffles you can really get tossed around."
     <342, can you give me a quick lesson on our systems?> Mark
thinks.
     <System list on line. All systems are within standard
parameters. Jupiter slingshot in two hours.>
     Mark sees the list in his mind and decides to study the ones
referring to the gravity field generators. After a few minutes,
he understands them and watches Santoosh. 
     Santosh glances at Tireeka, "Could you get me something to
drink?" he asks.
     Tireeka glances at Mark, "When you get your Classic Coke
processed, you'll have to put a sample in the ship's processor."
     Mark smiles and links his home's processor to the ship's. He
transfers the file and instructs that all future foods be stored
in both systems. "Transfer is completed," he says to a startled
Tireeka. He goes to the processor, gets three cokes and passes
them out. "I'm going to have to find what foods of yours taste
good to me."
     Tireeka smiles as she taste her drink. "It does have
something special."
<13>
     Mark smiles and spends the next several hours linked into
the ship.
     At midday, Mark eases his link with the ship. He turns as he
hears Kadoon talking to him. "What were you saying?" he asks.
     Kadoon smiles, "You seem to be getting used to your
abilities. What I wanted to tell you is we're going to have a
discussion about how we can keep them from learning we have
returned and what our motives are."
     Mark agrees, "I should take a break. I can see how some
techs can get so involved with their ships they almost forget
that they have a body of their own." He pauses when he sees the
concern in Kadoon's face. "You don't have to worry. 342 told me
of this happening and promised to break our link if it started
happening to me."
     They promise to tell Santosh and Tireeka what they discuss
in the meeting. Kadoon leads Mark from the control room and down
the corridor. They enter the crew's dinning/meeting room. Jakan,
Zhila, Chireek and Darosh are there along with several others.
     "For those of you who haven't met him," Kadoon begins, "this
is Mark. Mark," he indicates the others as he identifies them,
"this is our other pilot, Aluta." A mature female with reddish
brown fur nods to him. "Her mate and our second engineer,
Meleina."
     The male beside her stands, His fur appears to be a light
brown, but also appears to have several burn scars. "I was a
slave in the mines before they found that I could handle the
mining machines. When they tested us for more complex systems, I
was the only one who showed the ability to handle this ship's
systems. These burns are from the pain device they use to make us
work." He sits down and drinks from the mug beside him.
     Kadoon looks at Mark, "He can tell you what the rest of us
can't. He's been in the mines. He knows how the Dalookans
control the others." He turns to the others, "Thoon is our
navigator. He can work out interplanetary maneuvers in his head."
     Thoon laughs, He's blonde with almost white stripes and
appears to be more carefree than the others. "That not completely
true."
     Kadoon laughs, "And he can do this while drinking you to
your forearms." He smiles at Mark's confusion. "When we drink in
celebration, If you're forearms are on the ground, you stop
drinking." He nods to the final member of the crew. "This is
Nikiya. She was at the spaceport when we left and we decided to
bring her along. She was what you might call a housekeeper for
the Dalookans."


<14>
     She smiles as Mark studies her appearance. Her fur is a
glossy light brown and her stripes are only slightly lighter, so
that the colors flow into each other. But what catches his
attention is her size. "The Dalookans I kept house for decided
that if they fattened me up, I be grateful to them." She smiles
as she struggles to her feet, causing her overly abundant flesh
to billow. "So I decided to eat as much as I could. Since I did
the shopping, they didn't know they were fattening me on the
richest, most expensive foods, and I was using the food processor
for their meals. For most foods it does a good job, but some
foods lose their flavor." She walks over to the food processor
and her flesh flows.
      Kadoon motions Mark to the only chair and they both sit
down. "In a few days we will pass the gort cloud of this system
and make the jump back to our home system. When we get there we
must find a way to conceal ourselves from the Dalookans. Then we
must learn what has happened since we left. After that point I
don't know what we can do." He turns to Mark. "I know you are
just getting comfortable with the ship and are still not
completely able to comprehend our situation."
     Mark sips the drink beside him and is not surprised when he
discovers it is Coke. "Actually I understand more than I thought
I would and I can give you some good news." His hand touches the
com unit on the table and he establishes a solid link with the
ship. "We will pass the gort cloud two days from now at 43:40 by
your clocks. When we jump space, 342 will tell the others about
my linking with him. They won't tell the Dalookans because, in
their own way, they are also slaves. I don't know how this can
help us on the planet, but it's more than I first hoped for." He
smiles at those around the table. "And gives us time to work out
our next step."
     Darosh reports on how the work on Mark's house is
progressing. "We've started on modifying the foundation and have
installed levelers for uneven terrain. We should have this work
done, and be almost done with the framework and walls before we
jump space."
    Nikiya finishes serving the meal and sits down. "I've put
some of my best dishes in our system so I hope you enjoy it," she
tells Mark.
     Mark smiles and tastes some of the foods. "Even though I've
never had anything like it," he comments, "I do like it."
     They talk about how things were on Darnarius when they left
and explain anything that Mark asks to be described in more
detail.
     After dinner, Mark accompanies Chireek and Darosh to the
cargo bay. "Do you mind if I talk to Chireek alone?" he asks
Darosh.
     Darosh smiles, "She told me about Zhila. I know you aren't
after her for anything more than advice. Maybe it's because you
feel safer talking to a mated Jharaken and a female is often
easier to talk with because they don't think the way males do."


<15>
    Chireek tackles him and then runs into Mark's house. Mark
scrambles after her and closes the door. "He never mentions we're
mated unless it's to some one who already knows," she laughs. She
relaxes against the couch and looks at Mark. "Do you want me to
guess what you want to talk about?"
     Mark smiles and sits on the floor in front of her. "While I
was communing with the ship, he asked me if I had a mate or was
close to some one. I told him I didn't and he said if I started
using my system repair ability I might have trouble. You know
this morning I almost collapsed after I repaired the recycler.
Zhila's physical contact is what I needed to get myself going
again.
     Chireek smiles and tousles his hair. "Why do you think
Darosh and I work so well together? When he works, I meditate so
I can give him energy when he's drained. When I work, he does the
same for me. The reason he didn't know you were drained is that
he didn't know you used any power to repair the unit."
     Mark sits back and looks around his house. "So I need
someone to recharge me when I repair devices." He thinks about
this for a few minutes.
     Chireek looks into his eyes. "I know that you're worried
about Zhila getting too close to you, and if she recharges you, I
can almost assure you you'll be getting closer than you are now."
     Mark returns her concentration. "I'm going to need my
talents if we're going to free your people. Maybe it's just that
I'm worried about her and myself falling together because I need
her, rather than I really care for her."
     Chireek gently takes his head in her hands and puts her
forehead against his. "I know that a male/ female pairing is best
for Darosh and myself."
     Mark smiles, "It's best for me too. Do you think any of the
unmated females might be interested, or do you think Zhila would
be upset?"
     Chireek releases him. "I talked with Zhila and she
understands. Remember when she opened your mind and you helped
replenish her energies? That's when she thought you might want to
be close to her. She won't mind if you find someone else. But if
you continue helping each other, you'll find that you need her."
     Mark shakes his head, "I feel something for her but it's not
like I think I should. It feels almost like needing her without
desiring her."
     Chireek nods her head. "She doesn't have anyone. Her mate
was taken to a Dalookan prison and is most likely dead. Kadoon,
Thoon and Meleina have been sharing energies with her and Jakan
so that they won't form a one on one bond."
     Mark looks at her concerned face. "what if I shared myself
with her and Jakan?"
     Chireek smiles, "For what I'm afraid you're going to be
doing. You'll need to have a complete one on one bond." 
     Mark mentally lists the rest of the crew. "What about
Nikiya? What ability does she have?"


<16>
     Chireek is shocked for a moment. "I don't know why I didn't
think of her before. She sort of jumped on board at the last
minute. All she has been doing is keeping the crew quarters clean
and preparing our meals. Jakan has talked with her a lot while we
were coming to find you."
     Mark smiles, "I don't know if we should talk with Jakan or
go straight to Nikiya."
     Chireek grabs her com unit, "Jakan, could we see you in
Mark's house?"
     "I'll be there straight away. Is there anything you'd like
me to bring?" she responds.
     "Just yourself will be fine," Chireek answers. She keys off
her unit and looks at Mark. "There's something else on your mind,
isn't there?"
     Mark smiles sheepishly. "I was thinking that since I'm not
planning to return to earth," his voice falters.
     Chireek looks at him in confusion for a few seconds. "Are
you thinking of what physical bonding with a Jharaken might be
like?" She asks in surprise and amusement.
     Mark tosses a pillow at her, "No, I was thinking of how to
order a pizza from earth." He gives a laugh of relief. "I never
thought of it till now. I'm going to be the only human on your
planet. While we're freeing your people I'll have plenty to keep
my mind occupied. But once they're free..." He leaves the
sentence unfinished.
      Chireek looks at him and controls her laughter. "And I
thought you were one of your kind that didn't desire close
physical action." She pauses and then whispers to him. "If you
had any of the available females to choose from, who would it
be?"
     Mark thinks for a moment. "It wouldn't be Zhila. I don't
know why, but there something in her that wants me and pushes me
away at the same time."
     Chireek sadly responds to this, "She still thinks there's a
chance her mate may be alive."
     Mark nods in understanding. "I don't know Jakan or Nikiya
enough to make an opinion on them." He jumps up as someone knocks
on the door.
     "I think you can find out how you feel about Jakan right
now," Chireek says with a laugh.
     He smiles and opens the door. "Come on in Jakan." He says as
she steps in. "We're talking some thing over and Chireek thought
you might want to give your opinions."
     Jakan walks over to the couch and jumps onto it. Curling up
and leaning her human portion against the back. "I don't have
anything that really needs me until we get home. Is there
something special we're talking about?"
     Chireek explains to her what they have been talking about,
while Mark gets them each a Coke.


<17>
     Jakan sips her drink thoughtfully as Chireek tells of part
of their conversation. "So what you need immediately is someone
to recharge you after you use your talent? Once we get home,
Zhila will need her energy to heal, so it's best if she doesn't
have to give anyone her energy. I don't know how much my skill
will be needed but I could give you what ever I'll be able too."
She looks at Mark through half opened eyes. "There's an old
legend that the larger Jharakens have more energy."
     Chireek laughs and almost falls over. "That's the real
reason we called you," she gasps. "You know her better than
anyone else on board. How do you think she'd feel if Mark asked
her?"
     Jakan takes a long drink and smiles, "I know she'd jump at
the chance." Her voice takes a more concerned tone. "There is one
very important thing I must tell you. You saw how plump she is?"
Mark nods and she continues. "She told me that she is proud of
her size. The Dalookans that kept her, thought it was a joke when
they decided to fatten her up. They never knew that she was
gorging on the delicacies they ordered and she was feeding them
food from the processor. She feels that her weight is sort of a
reward that shows her victory over them." 
     Mark thinks about this. "I can understand how she feels. She
took the best food they had and was showing it off right in front
of them."
     Jakan pauses, "The next question is, does her plumpness
bother you?"
     Mark tries to conceal his smile, and succeeds until Chireek
throws the pillow at him. "We're all adults here. If there's
something about her size that you like. We won't tell anyone
else." Chireek promises.
     Mark looks at both of them for a moment. "Ok. I admit that
on earth I found buxom women the most attractive. And I preferred
it when they had enough flesh elsewhere so that they didn't look
like they were going to fall over."
     Jakan jumps off the couch and tackles him while Chireek
helps pin him. "You've been thinking about her since we ate and
made us drag it out of you?" Chireek laughs. Jakan whispers
something in her ear and they both collapse in laughter.
     Mark struggles out from under them. "Are you going to tell
me what's so funny?" he gasps.
     Jakan giggles, "It's a private joke." She regains control of
her laughter, while Chireek remains giggling on the floor. "I
think it would be best if you and I went and talked with her
now." She looks at Chireek, "Laughing bird there won't be much
help."
     This puts Chireek into another fit of laughter and they
leave her, gasping on the floor. When they get outside, Jakan
tells Darosh why Chireek isn't with them. He glances at Mark,
"Now I can get even with her for the last joke she played on me."
Darosh says with a devious grin.
     "We won't be back for awhile. And if I don't see you out
here, I'll knock." Mark promises and Darosh enters the house.

<18>
     Mark and Jakan go to the crew's dinning room. "It might be
best if you waited while I talk with her," Jakan suggests.
     Mark agrees and studies a four level board game while
waiting for them to return.
     In less then ten minutes, Jakan returns. "Nikiya thinks it
sounds like a good idea and is more than willing to try. She
feels she hasn't been doing as much as she should but doesn't
have the talents to help out on the ship any more than she has."
She turns and leads Mark into the crew quarters. "We each have a
private room," She explains. "This ship was designed for a crew
of fifty so we have plenty of space."
     Mark smiles, "When we free your people, I'm sure you won't
have any problems finding crews for all the ships." He follows
her as she turns into a side room.
     Nikiya is standing beside a table. "Jakan told me what the
three of you talked about." She moves to her sleeping pad and
lays down. "I'm sorry I don't have anywhere for you to sit," she
comments as she relaxes, her soft flesh quivering as she does.
     Mark sits on the floor and leans against the wall. "I'm the
one who needs to adapt to your ways. How much did Jakan tell
you?" he asks.
     Nikiya smiles, "I've know about how Kadoon and the others
share their energies with Zhila and Jakan. My talent is slow
enough and affects only me. So I don't feel drained when I use
it."
     Jakan is still standing and touches Mark's shoulder. "I
think the two of you should talk by yourselves. If you need me,
Nikiya knows where my room is." They agree and she leaves them.
     Nikiya smiles, "Do you want anything to eat or drink?" she
asks.
     Mark smiles, "Not unless you do. We had something to drink
while the three of us were talking."
     Nikiya gets up and her plump flesh jiggles. "I'm not trying
to put any weight on you," she explains as she uses the
processor, "It's just that I got used to eating a lot and my
weight reminds me what fools I made of the Dalookans." She
removes a plate filled with something similar to cookies and two
glasses of a clear liquid. "I thought you might like some water,"
she comments as she hands a glass to him. "These are made of
grain, sweet nuts, and a few spices. We call them sweet disks."
She takes a large bite of one. "Go ahead and try a bite. If you
don't like it, I'll finish it."
     Mark leans over and picks a small one off the plate. As he
does, she shifts herself and her partially exposed breasts
quivers. He wonders if she did this on purpose as he tastes the
treat. "It's pretty good," he responds. 


<19>
     Nikiya smiles, finishes the one she was eating and gets
another one. "I've never shared my energy very often, and never
with the same person for more than once or twice." She finishes
her sweet disk and takes a drink. "Jakan told me of what was
starting to happen between you and Zhila. I know she still feels
the loss of her mate and may have been thinking of you as someone
to make her forget him." She pauses and gets a sweet disk, "I
don't have the loss she has but I can't swear that if we work
together, I won't be closely drawn to you."
     Mark takes a slow, thoughtful drink. "I thank you for your
honesty. I don't know if I won't be drawn to you myself or what.
This is all new to me but I'm adapting faster than I thought I
would. I need all of you to help me become familiar with your
customs and habits. If I say something out of place or whatever,
don't worry about hurting my feelings by telling me."
     Nikiya senses the hidden pain in what he says. She reaches
out and strokes his forearm. "I'll try and teach you all that I
can about our customs. On your world, others wonder what went on
when two people are alone for several hours. In our world, we
don't attempt to guess what happened. With us alone, the others
will think that we talked about my helping you recharge, and
possibly about ourselves. No one will try and insist that
something else happened."
     Mark now strokes her soft forearm. "I think your race is
more advanced than my own. Tell me more about yourself and I'll
tell you about my old life."
     Nikiya smiles and nibbles on the sweet disks. "You refer to
it as your old life. Right now we should worry about your new
life. When we free 'our' people, we can talk of your old life."
     Mark smiles and refills their glasses with Coke. "Here's to
freedom and the downfall of the Dalookans."
     Nikiya smiles as she drinks. "Kadoon told you of how I was a
housekeeper for them. They came to my village and had the females
stand in a line. Several of their guards kept weapons aimed at us
while the others asked us questions. We had heard of them going
to other villages and knew they were looking for house keepers
and servants. The food to our village had been severely rationed,
since we did little that they could exploit, so all of us were
thin. They separated us into groups and asked us what we did and
what, if any, talents we had." She begins eating another sweet
disk. "They hadn't gotten a good look at me, since I had been
standing near the end of the line. I asked the ones on each side
of me to go along with whatever I said and they agreed. We were
put in a group of seven and they asked each one of us about how
good we were at cooking. I concentrated at making myself look in
better condition than I was. My two friends stepped back when I
motioned them to and the ones interviewing us noticed this."
     "The Dalookan who controlled our village approached me and
demanded where I was getting extra rations. I told him that I
made the best use of what I was given. One of them in a higher
rank uniform laughed and told the guard that I was obviously a
great cook and to have me sent to his home."

<20>
     She finishes her Coke and Mark refills her glass. "They told
me to get on board the transport truck and I knew better than to
refuse them. The ride was rough and uncomfortable. But I knew I
had a better chance to do something where I was going."
     "When I arrived, the Jharaken manservant showed me to the
dinning room. The official and his wife were seated and she
ordered me to turn around slowly. As I did, I heard her tell her
mate that their neighbor's cook was in much better condition when
they got her. The one thing I clearly heard her say was, 'Our
cook should be heavier. After all, you are controller of this
district!' The controller stood up and stepped toward me. 'You
know that you are very fortunate to be selected to work for me?'
I went down on my foreknees to fake the respect that I didn't
have. 'Even though you are reported to be a good cook, my mate
has something she wants you to also do.' His mate leaned forward
in her chair. 'You may consider this my first order,' she told me
with a voice of great satisfaction. 'I want you to begin gaining
weight immediately.' She leaned back in her chair and smiled.
     I bowed my head so they would not see the laughter in my
eyes. 'How much do you wish me to gain ma'am?' I asked in the
best servant voice I could fake. She jumped up and smiled. 'I
want you to gain weight fast enough for me to notice.' A devious
smile crossed her face. 'And I don't want you to stop until I
tell you to. If you ask me if you're fat enough before I tell
you.' She glances at the manservant, 'I'll have him tie you down
and pour syrup from the sugar tree into you every night when you
go to bed.' She turned to her mate, 'I'll show them who has the
best cook.' She looked at me and motioned me to go. 'I'll check
in on you and your belly later,' she promised as I left."
     Nikiya pats her plush flank and smiles. "As you can see, I
did what she wanted, but not the way she thought I would. The
food processors can duplicate most foods, but not truly complex
ones. For those that took special ingredients, she often sent me
to the market. When I returned I used my skill with the processor
to prepare what she wanted. I then prepared the meal with the
true foods and spices and gave the processed meal to them. While
they were eating I gorged myself on the delicious meal they
thought they were eating. I was at the market when Kadoon saw me
and offered me a place on the ship."
      Mark smiles and finishes his glass. "Did she ever find out
what you were doing?"
     Nikiya laughs for a moment. "She never had an idea I was
feeding them food from the processor." She pauses, "The only time
she was mad at me was about ten or so days after I started
cooking for them. They came home late from a dinner at another
Dalookan house. I heard the door slam as I was drifting to sleep
and heard her scream my name. I tossed on a robe and ran to the
main hall. Maybe I shouldn't have run but I did. When I entered,
she looked at me in disgust. 'Look at her,' she said to her
husband while pointing at me. 'Their cook is plump from the food
she prepares for them, while you can almost see the ribs of
ours.'"

<21>
     "He tried to reason with her that theirs had been with them
for almost a year. 'I don't care,' she said in anger. She stared
at me and I went to my foreknees. 'I invited them to dinner in
twenty days and I want you to be showing how good of a cook you
are. In fact, I'm going to order a barrel of syrup and I want you
to drink all of it by then.' I started to rise but she wasn't
finished. 'And I want you to also eat more than you have been.'
The first few days, I really had to push myself to eat that much.
I was secretly proud of the expense of the sweet tree syrup every
time I stretched my stomach with it." Nikiya gets up and slowly
turns around, modeling her plumpness for Mark. "And that's why I
feel it's an honor for me to be this heavy." 
     Mark smiles and offers her a sweet disk. "Also," he
cautiously comments as she lays down, "I think you enjoy your
size."
     Nikiya smiles, "I don't know why, but as I was filling out,
I started enjoying what was happening to me." She strokes her
round lower shoulder and soft torso. "It's like the weight and
the softness is something I was always meant to have." She shakes
her head. "Enough about me, we need to find out how well we can
work together."
     She finishes her drink and Mark puts their glasses in the
processor. He keys his com unit. "Darosh?" he asks quietly.
     "Darosh here," he responds. "We've got the primary power
unit installed in your house, but we could use your help with the
backup one."
     "And I'm here to help you if you need it." Chireek adds.
"Unless you have other plans worked out."
     "You might want to stand by in case I don't have enough
energy," Nikiya responds. She laughs and they go to Mark's house.
     As they walk, Mark occasionally glances at her and finds he
admires the way her flesh billows. Since she is shorter than him,
he can see her flesh billow on her rump and lower shoulders. He
catches an occasional glimpse of her large breasts surging
against her halter and each other. She knows he is watching her
and decides that it's best if he decides for himself, if he is
attracted to her for both her appearance and her energy.
     When they arrive, Darosh shows him a obviously worn power
unit. "I know it's the same size as your primary one, but they
didn't leave much in the way of extra equipment when they sold
this ship."
     Mark touches it and begins to probe it's functions. Darosh
had already opened the panels and he renews the unit until it
might have just come off the assembly line. In fact, it is
better, because Mark has learned to completely remove all
impurities and built in faults from the unit.
     While he is working, Chireek spreads several blankets on the
floor behind him. Nikiya lies down and waits.
     Mark finishes and starts to stand, Chireek and Darosh catch
him and help him onto the blankets. They lay him down beside
Nikiya and she uses her upper and lower arms to pull him close to
her. She closes her eyes concentrates, opening her energy
reserves to him.
<22>
     After several minutes Mark begins to stir. At first it is
just an adjustment to her four arm embrace. As the energy flow
from her continues, he unconsciously nuzzles her plump full
bosom. She smiles and pulls his face between them. He puts his
arms around her and hugs her for several minutes, massaging her
soft back as he does. As he begins to drift back into
consciousness, Chireek takes Mark's arms from around Nikiya.
Nikiya eases him away from her bosom, so he won't know how
physically close they had been. 
     Mark's eyelids flutter as he returns to conscienceness. "Why
do I feel like one, or both of you, set this up?" he asks Darosh.
     Darosh smiles, "Don't blame me. It was Jakan and Chireek's
idea."
     Chireek almost laughs, "Jakan thought it would be a great
way to find out how well Nikiya could help you, rather than wait
until your abilities were really needed."
     Mark stands up and brushes himself off. "Is that what you
were laughing about?" he casually asks.
     "What I was laughing about was you had never been hugged by
four arms at once." she explains as she controls her amusement.
     "So how did you like it?" Jakan asks. She has been leaning
against the corridor hatchway. She pushes herself upright and
walks toward them. "It looks like the two of you work fairly well
as a team."
     Nikiya gets to her feet. "It's the first time I really felt
needed since I came on board," she comments. "I know I gave Mark
some of my energy, but I feel fine."
     Jakan smiles and jokingly pokes Nikiya's round side. "I
guess that must prove the saying about larger Jharakens having
more energy."
     Nikiya smiles, "We also have larger appetites." She glances
at Mark, "Now that I've recharged you, can I prepare the evening
meal for us?"
     Mark smiles and leads her into his house. "I've linked my
processor to the ship's so you can prepare whatever you want to."
     Nikiya smiles and bumps her soft upper shoulder into his
side. "I stored some of earth's foods in the ship's memory unit.
I think in your house, we should enjoy your foods." She swishes
her tail in front of him. "Now you go outside with the others,
I'll call you when it's ready."
     Mark goes out and joins the others. They have been talking
of how well Nikiya was at recharging Mark. "I said she would be
excellent for you." Jakan reminds him.
     Mark agrees, "I have to admit you were right about that." He
smiles mischievously, "Or are you playing ship's matchmaker." He
has positioned himself so that he is between the two females. As
Jakan starts to pounce at him, he vaults over Chireek. She spins
to grab him and collides with Jakan. Darosh jumps on Chireek
before she can get up. Mark jumps on Jakan's lower back, grabs
her wrists, and pulls her arms behind her upper back.


<23>
     Jakan struggles for a minute before she sees what Mark is
doing. She begins laughing and Darosh has to struggle to hold
Chireek down. "Only two arms and he manages to get a hold on
you," she gasps between laughing spasms.
     Jakan tries to break free, but realizes she can't. "Ok, I
admit you've caught me."
     Mark maintains his grip. "I want you to tell me exactly what
you whispered to Chireek before we saw Nikiya."
     "I told her to find something that needed to be repaired, so
we could find out how well Nikiya could recharge you." She
struggles as he pulls her arms back slightly. "And I said it's
only a matter of time before the two of you end up on the same
mat." 
     He jumps off and she rubs her wrists. "I hope I didn't hurt
you," he apologizes, "But I needed to know."
     Jakan looks at Chireek as Darosh helps her to her feet.
"You've been doing too good of a job at teaching him our
customs." She smiles, "And teaching him trick moves." She jumps
and tackles Chireek. Darosh is standing too close and falls with
them. They struggle with each other, laughing hysterically.
     Mark smiles to himself. "It never was like this on Earth.
And I'm not going to miss it now," he yells as he dives into the
intertwined Jharakens. 
     They are quickly unable to wrestle because they are laughing
so hard. Nikiya comes to the door and almost falls down as she
sees them trying to untangle themselves. "And we worried he
wouldn't feel like he belonged," She giggles.
     She quickly joins in the laughing wrestlers by trying to
pull them apart. They stop laughing long enough to pull her into
their tangled mess of arms and legs. Finally they are all
defeated by their own laughter.
     Nikiya struggles to regain control of herself. "It's time to
eat," she gasps. They all become a tumbling mass as they pry
themselves away from each other and head for the house.
     Nikiya moves quicker than her plumpness would indicate and
is third through the doorway. She has already put the food on the
table.
     Darosh looks at the multi-colored wedge on his plate. "What
is it?" he asks suspiciously.
     Mark takes a bite of his and smiles. "I don't know what
foods that machine can't duplicate," he comments, "But it makes a
great Chicago style pizza." The others taste it and agree. There
is a large pitcher of Coke, from which Mark keeps their glasses
filled.
     Nikiya makes a second pizza when they finish the first. "You
do have some unusual foods," she mumbles with her mouth half
full, "In spite of this, you seem to be adapting to our ways
faster than any of us could have to yours."
     Mark smiles and washes a mouthful of pizza down with a large
gulp of Coke. "I had help," he glances at Chireek and she shakes
her head to signify it wasn't her.


<24>
     Jakan stares at her, "I owe you one," she jokingly sneers.
"Someday when you need me to find..." her voice fades as she
hears Mark snickering.
     "None of you told me that you open wrestle to relieve
tensions and have fun," Mark giggles. "This morning, while 342
was teaching me about himself and how to link myself to him. He
taught me a lot about your customs." Marks takes a drink and
becomes more serious. "The last being he linked up with, got so
into the link that he forgot about being a living, flesh and
blood being. They had to force him to break the link. When that
happens the being goes into shock. If he recovers he can't link
up with anything or he'll want to keep the link again. 342 is
helping me feel like I belong with you, so that I'll remember
that our link can never replace being with others."
     The others are silent for a moment, until Chireek starts
giggling. "If you ever try and keep the link when you shouldn't,"
she takes a gulp of air, "I know we'll be more than willing to
tackle you all at once." She completes her comment in laughter as
she bounces her head against the table.
     Nikiya had been moving behind Chireek and holds her head
against the table. "And I have the softness to prevent him from
hitting the floor too hard." 
     Chireek struggles for a second and then collapses to the
floor in hysterics. She tries to say something but all that can
be understood is something about a soft sleeping mat.
     Finally she regains her self and they finish the pizza. They
tell Mark a few of their jokes, and explain them when he doesn't
understand. Mark tries some of his and they understand about as
many as he did of theirs.
     After they eat and clean up, Nikiya suggests that she and
Jakan go back to their rooms while the others talk about
tomorrow's work on Mark's house.
     Jakan hesitates and then agrees. They all go outside and say
their goodnights. The two of them leave as Darosh shows Mark what
has been done, and what they should finish by tomorrow night.
     After he finishes, Chireek gently puts her hand on Mark's
shoulder. "I think there's some things Mark may want to ask me."
she informs them.
     Mark looks at Darosh, "If you don't mind. I'll try not to
make her laugh too much," he calls over his shoulder as they
enter his house.
     Once inside Chireek jumps on the couch and pats the clear
space beside her. As Mark sits down she starts, "How much do you
remember of her recharging you?'
     Mark closes his eyes for a moment. "I don't remember
anything definite. After I repaired the unit, I felt cold and
weak. I remember you and Darosh helping me to the floor." He
pauses as he struggles to remember. "Then I started to feel, I
don't really know how to describe it. It was like a warm embrace,
except that I felt it all the way through me. I remember a warm,
soft feeling and wanting to burrow myself into it. I felt my
energy being recharged and then I regained conscienceness."

<25>
     Chireek smiles and speaks quietly, "How do you feel about
Nikiya, now that you know her better?"
     Mark sighs deeply. "Maybe it's because of my never having a
true love on Earth. Or maybe it's because I know it's going to be
a struggle to free your people and I just don't want to worry
about some one until they are free." He pauses for a moment. "I
just can't really open myself up until then." He looks into
Chireek's concerned eyes. "If she thinks I might care about her.
I hope she can understand." He looks down at the floor. "I just
have to keep my mind free so I can do whatever has to be done."
     Chireek takes his head and pulls him into her breast. "I can
only imagine what you're going through," she whispers. "We came
to find you and bring you back." She strokes his hair. "We're
going home to free our people and you're leaving yours."
     Mark smiles and closes his eyes. "I truth, I feel like I've
found my people and I'm going home." 
     Chireek kisses his head, "Nikiya understands." She continues
to hold him close until he is sleeping soundly. She gently lowers
him onto the couch and tucks a blanket around him. She silently
steps outside and quietly closes the door. When Darosh approaches
her, she motions for him to be silent and they go to the crew
quarters.
     Darosh goes into their's while Chireek goes to talk with
Nikiya. The door is open and Nikiya is looking at a display of
her food processor. "I'm looking at what we have that might taste
good on pizza," she explains.
     Chireek lies down on a pad. "Mark says he can't care for you
until we free our people."
     Nikiya lies down on her sleep pad. "What else did he say?"
she asks with concern.
     Chireek smiles, "He says he feels more at home with us, than
when he was on Earth. He just doesn't want to worry about anyone
until our people are free." She pauses for a moment. "I don't
understand why, but I feel like he is one of us. Maybe it's
because of his linking with the ship, but I think it's much
deeper than that." She lets her head droop.
     Nikiya reaches out and lifts Chireek's head. "He is one of
us," she says firmly. "He joined us because he wanted to. If it
was because he didn't feel at home on Earth and he feels at home
with us. Then he is one of us."
     Chireek smiles, "We must tell the rest of the crew and warn
them not to let on to him."
     Nikiya nods in agreement. "Now that we've decided he's one
of us," she smiles and bats her eyelashes. "What do you think he
really feels about me?"
     Chireek laughs and gets them each a glass of water. "He
doesn't remember much of the energy transfer." She pauses to take
a drink. "All he remembers is a soft warmth and wanting to burrow
into it."
     Nikiya giggles and watches her extra plump breasts quiver.
"And we know where he was trying to get." She looks at the rest
of her overfull body. "Did you tell him that I'm still gaining
flesh?"
<26>
     Chireek shakes her head. "I didn't think it would matter. If
he notices and asks. I think you should tell him."
     Nikiya laughs and her fleshy body billows everywhere. "The
question isn't 'if' he'll notice, but when." She smiles to
herself. "Zhila joked that she could help me control where some
of my new flesh would end up. And we both know where Mark would
like it."
     They both laugh quietly and agree this won't go beyond them
and Zhila. They finish their drinks and Chireek returns to her
room. Nikiya goes to sleep, thinking of how she feels about Mark
and how he, inside, might feel about her. 

==========================================
<DAY 3 / SUMMER 4>

     Mark wakes and rolls off the couch, tangled in the blankets.
"What the..," he thinks as he pulls them off. He smiles as he
remembers the events of last night. He showers, tosses on some
clothes, and grabs a glass of Juice before he steps outside. No
one is there, so he jogs to the control room.
     Aluta and Meleina are the only ones there. "Tomorrow we'll
pass the Gort cloud," Aluta mentions to him. "Are you ready to
find out what jump space is like?"
     Mark smiles as he straps himself into his chair. "I haven't
had a chance to think about it." He turns his chair to face her
and looks out the forward viewport. "What is it like?" He asks
tentatively.
     Meleina nods to her, She unstraps herself and goes to the
bench nearer to Mark. She restraps herself in and looks at the
stars. "There's no good way to describe it." She begins with a
voice of awe. "It's like you're experiencing more than three
dimensions at once." She pauses for a moment. "The real worry is
if something breaks while in jump, you suddenly are in normal
space, but you're between stars. If you're too far from one with
a com-net." She stares at the stars.
     "By the time anyone hears you, it could be years." Mark
finishes what she couldn't. He laughs and they both look at him
in suspicion. "But I can work with the ship and repair it," he
explains.
     They all laugh and Aluta moves back to her pilot bench. Mark
smiles as he establishes a solid link with 342. <Give me a
systems report, please,> he asks.
     <All systems are within standard parameters. Present time is
25:32. Gort cloud arrival still at 43:40 tomorrow.> 342 informs
him. For the next 10 hours(Jharaken time), 342 acquaints Mark
with the sections of the ship they hadn't discussed yesterday. 
     Mark smiles to himself as he mentally jumps around the ship,
checking systems and energy levels as he does. He closely
examines the jump drive system and realizes there are some minor
faults within it. <Do you know of these defects?> he asks.


<27>
     342 acknowledges. <They are within normal limits. It is
impossible for all systems to be exactly as the designer wanted
them for a myriad of reasons and it is too time consuming to keep
replacing slightly worn components.>
     Mark frowns, <Do the others that are able to link with your
kind, have my ability?>
     <Negative.> 342 responds. <Anyone with your ability can
demand a pay scale that only the rich can afford. It is more
profitable to lose an occasional ship than to hire one. Also
there are not enough of them for the rich yachts as it is.>
     Mark smiles, <Then I've just promoted you to yacht status.
Run a comparison of the jump drive's present status and it's
optimum status.>
     <Comparison running. It will take two hours for a complete
examination.> 342 reports. 
     Mark thinks to himself for a moment. <How much information
do you have on Nikiya?> he asks.
     342 replies, <She was born in the village of Northvale, in
District NT7, which was formerly know as Grand Valley. On Spri
24, which was 60 days ago, she was selected by the controller of
that district to be his cook. Kadoon saw her at the spaceport and
asked if she desired to join him on this mission. Jakan had
suggested that she might be useful if he could get her to join
the crew. There is nothing else in my memory bank.>
     Mark thinks for a moment, <Was there anything unusual
happening with the controller's household while she was with
them?>
     <I have no information on what happened within the house.
The only information I have is what was ordered through the
market computers.> 342 responds. <There is one order that is
unusual for a controller's household. One dose of Genhorm 2587
was ordered on Spring 35.>
     Mark is interested, <What is Genhorm 2587, and why is it
unusual for them to order it?>     
     342 replies, <Genhorm 2587 is a genetically modified hormone
that promotes extensive weigh gain in meat animals. Their house
has no meat animals so they should have no need of it.>
     Mark is shocked at this, <Is there any way you can learn who
ordered it?>
     <It was ordered by the controller's wife.> 342 begins, <The
day before, she had requested information from the agri system on
various ways to promote weight gain. If you want more
information. I suggest that you make your inquiries of Zhila.
With her medical knowledge, she will be able to explain it in
more detail.>
     Mark agrees and dissolves his solid link. He sees that
Santosh and Tireeka are now piloting the ship. "Everything is
fine with the ship," he tells them. "I have some modifications to
make that might make jump space a bit safer." He turns and goes
to the Medical compartment.


<28>
     Mark enters the compartment and Zhila turns away from her
display. "Jakan told me how well Nikiya was able to recharge
you," she begins. "I hope you can accept that I understand and
agree it's best for you. I"m going to need my abilities and
you'll need to use yours so it's all for the better."
     Mark strokes her forearm, "There's always hope your mate is
still alive. As soon as I can establish a link with the prison
computers, I'll find out the truth."
     She smiles and motions for him to sit down. "When you do, I
want to know the truth." She leans back and relaxes. "But that
isn't the real reason you came to see me, is it?"
     Mark smiles and shakes his head. "What do you know about the
effects of Genhorm 2587?"
     Zhila is obviously shocked by this. "Where did you hear of
this?" she asks in surprise.
     "I was trying to learn more about Nikiya," he begins. "The
only unusual thing the computer could find was that the
controller's wife ordered a dose of it. Now will you tell me what
you know about it?"
     Zhila turns to her display and calls up a file. "2587 is a
genetically altered hormone. It is used to promote weight gain in
meat animals and causes their bodies to behave as if they are
starving. This causes them to consume much more food than they
have been, with the expected increase in weight. When properly
used an animal in good condition can more than double or triple
it's weight within a year. We like a large amount of fat in our
meat. Unlike your food animals, the fat in our's is very
nutritious to us."
     Mark continues to look at the display. "And she gave it to
Nikiya, didn't she?"
     Zhila releases a suppressed sigh. "She made me promise not
to tell anyone. Since you found out, I'll tell you, if you don't
let her know I did."
     Mark agrees and she explains what they expect to happen to
Nikiya. "The dose is administered as a spray. She was probably
given it at night and never realized it until I gave her a med
scan. The hormones are now part of her and should remain active
for about a year. She is not allowing herself to eat as much as
her body demands, despite the amount you see her eat. I am using
my ability on her so that her body adapts to her extra flesh.
Even if she more than triples her weight, it will be completely
normal for her."
     Mark sits in contemplation for a moment. "I don't want to
get emotionally involved with anyone until we free your people.
But when I'm close to her, I feel more for her than I want to."
     Zhila takes his hands. "I knew we could never feel like
that," she whispers. "I understand your desire not to be too
close because of what might happen." She pauses and forces a
smile. "I know most of the males on Earth prefer thin females. Is
the concern over how much she might gain worrying you?"


<29>
     Mark smiles and relaxes somewhat. "I actually found plump,
buxom women more attractive. I'm not sure how I'll feel when she
finally stops gaining, anymore than you can be sure of her final
weight." He stands and smiles, "I hate to put you in the middle,
but I'd prefer if you didn't tell her I know of her condition.
I'm going to need her energies and I don't want this information
to cause more problems."
     Zhila laughs, "Why is it I'm stuck keeping secrets about
this? Are you sure it wouldn't be better if she knew you knew?"
     Mark thinks for a moment. "If she did, do you think it would
make it easier for her? You've said that she is constantly
fighting her desires to eat."
     Zhila agrees, "Can I at least tell her about your preference
in Earth females?"
     Mark agrees, "I'm going to see her now. I want to do some
improvements in the jump drive and I'll need to be recharged." He
leaves her and walks to Nikiya's cabin.
     Nikiya's door is open and she sees him before he can push
the signaler. "I was wondering if I'd see you today," she jokes. 
     Mark smiles as he enters, "I was checking the ship out and
I'd like to do some improvements on the jump drive if you're up
to it?"
     Nikiya laughs and pats her plump torso, "Like Zhila says,
I've go lots of energy." She glances at the food she had just
prepared. "Do we have time for lunch before we go?"
     Mark smiles and gently pokes her soft flank. "I'd prefer you
to have lots of extra energy. If you think you're up to it." He
forces a laugh. "I have no idea how much I'm going to have to do
when we get to Darnarius."
     Nikiya gives him a puzzled look as she prepares lunch for
him. "Maybe I should admit that I haven't been eating as much as
my stomach wants me to," she says hesitatingly as she puts Mark's
lunch on the table. She walks to the door and quietly closes it.
She thinks for a moment before returning to the table. "I know
that I was really pushing myself to eat all that the Dalookan
female ordered me to." She lays down, adverting her eyes from 
Mark. "I'm worried that if I eat as much as my stretched out
stomach wants me too..." she buries her head in her hands and
quietly sobs.
     Mark goes to her and kneels beside her. He puts his arm
around her soft upper shoulder and pulls her close. "I asked 342
about you," he begins. "He didn't tell me anything you hadn't
except the name of your village." He smiles slightly as she turns
her head and looks at him. "I bet Chireek told you that I
preferred plump, buxom women?" he says with a laugh.  Nikiya
smiles and he dries her eyes. "Now let's eat and then I can
improve the jump drive," he says as he gives her a firm hug.
     Nikiya smiles as he sits down. "Chireek told me about what
you like in women." Nikiya comments as she begins eating. "And I
hope you'll like how much more of me there might be."
     Mark smiles as he picks up a slice of something like bread.
"The more, the merrier," he jokes as he begins eating.

<30>
     Nikiya laughs and digs into her meal with a sense of relief.
When she finish, she gets up and creates another meal for
herself. "I hope you know what you've told me," she comments as
she sits down and her plump flesh billows.
     Mark smiles and takes a drink, "I just want to make sure
that my power unit is happy and has plenty of reserve fuel."
     She looks at him in confusion, but laughs when she sees the
broad smile on his face. "Then I better make sure my tank is full
before we improve the jump drive." She finishes her second meal
and struggles to her feet. "I think I'll get something to top off
my tanks we can take with us." She goes to the food processor
while Mark cleans up the table. She removes a container from a
lower shelf and fills it with sweet disks. She then creates a
large, liquid filled container and gets two glasses.
     "I bet I know what's in there," Mark laughs. "Some caffeine
to get me going afterwards?"
     She laughs and her full breasts jiggle within her halter.
"With all the energy I've just filled myself with, do you really
think you'll need any?" She picks up a large, folded blanket.
     Mark laughs and leads the way to the main engine room. They
walk past all seven sections of the quad cargo bays before they
reach a closed door with a complex keypad beside the door.
     Mark looks at the door and opens his link with 342. The door
opens and they enter a room with complex devices mounted on the
floor, walls and ceilings. There are catwalks so that all devices
can be reached. He approaches a large unit that appears to be
inactive. "When the jump-drive is functional, no one could be in
this room without a complete loss of reality."
     He begins to run his hands over the controls. "Why don't you
spread the blanket out and I'll get started." His voice is almost
trance-like and Nikiya does as he asked. He stands relaxed, yet
unmoving for many minutes before she begins to worry. She quietly
steps to his side and looks at him. The only motion she can see
is the rapid eye movement beneath his closed eyelids. She looks
around the room, not knowing what to do or how long Mark will be
working on the engines.
     After almost an hour she becomes worried. She reaches out to
touch him but decides against it. She munches on some of the
sweet disks while she waits.
     Mark's knees start to buckle and she rushes to him. "Release
your link with the engine!" she yells at him. Mark nods and his
hands fall to his sides. She helps him to the blanket and pulls
him into her soft body with all four arms. He almost feels cold
because of the energy he has used and is barely breathing.
     It is almost half an hour before he begins moving.  He
snuggles against her full breasts and she smiles as she feels him
becoming 'warmer'. He reaches his arms around her plump torso and
tries to pull himself closer. His hands massage her soft back as
she gives him the same attention with her upper hands.
     For the next half hour they continue holding each other.
Finally she feels he is recharged and doesn't hold him as
tightly. 

<31>
     His eyes begin to flutter open and she completely releases
her hold on him. "I really put a lot of myself into the drive,"
he mumbles. He opens his eyes and realizes how close to her he
is. 
     She smiles at his surprise. "You really did and it's a good
thing I've got plenty to recharge you with." He starts to stand
and almost falls on her. "You better relax until you feel
stronger," she laughs as she catches him.
     Mark smiles and manages to sit up. "I knew I was pushing
myself," he says with a smile, "but we shouldn't have to worry
about any problem with the drive." He reaches out and pats the
it. "It's better than when it was first installed."
     Nikiya ruffles his hair. "I was really worried at how long
you were working on it. Is there someway I can know how you're
doing?"
     Mark thinks for a moment, "We might ask Zhila if she has
some scanner that can monitor my energy."
     Nikiya reaches for the food and drink containers but they
are too far. Mark half crawls and returns with them. "With all
the energy you gave me," he says as he hands her the sweet disks
and fills the glasses, "I bet you're really hungry."
      She smiles and quickly eats one of the disks. "I've got
plenty to give you," she says laughingly." But I'll use that as
an excuse." She accepts the glass and drinks. 
     Mark watches her eat for a few minutes. He takes one of the
disks and thoughtfully eats it. "I know we were physically very
close just now," he hesitates before continuing. "How close did
we get in the cargo bay?"
     Nikiya smiles and finishes the disk she is eating. "You
didn't use as much energy then. We were just about as close, but
it was only for a few minutes. I was giving you energy for about
an hour, just now."
     Mark finally smiles, "I guess my need to be recharged shows
that I do find you attractive." She looks at him in surprise. He
takes a sweet disk and puts it in her mouth. "Do I have to refuel
you myself?" he says with a laugh.
     Nikiya eats it as she thinks about what he has just said.
"You know I'm going to get more than just plump?" She finally
asks.
     Mark nods his head. "That will just mean you have more
energy for me when I need it," he jokes. When he sees the
confusion in her eyes, he moves beside her and pulls her close.
"Actually, it's more than that. I didn't want to get close to
anyone until I free your people. I have no idea what may happen
and I didn't want to be worrying about someone."
      Nikiya smiles and pulls his head against her breasts. "I
won't tell any one," she whispers. "All they need to know is that
we work great as a team. With you sleeping in your house and me
in my room, They'll have no reason to think anything is going on
between us." She raises his head and gives him a quick kiss. "I
don't think that you've left Earth has hit you yet. So if you
ever need some one to talk with, I'll be waiting. Anything you
tell me will go no further unless you want it to."
<32>
     Mark smiles and returns her kiss. "Thanks, I can talk with
Chireek and Darosh about a lot of things. But I don't know how
they could understand what it's like to leave their home world."
He gives her a hug. "Even though you probably can't feel what
it's like, I know you'll be able to give me what I need."
     Nikiya smiles at this. "Now that we can be more open," she
pauses. "I want you to tell me how you really feel about me
gaining weight. Before you answer, I should tell you that Zhila
thinks I might double in size before I stop."
     Mark allows himself a few minutes to think. "I'm able to say
truthfully that I find you attractive, not that I find you
attractive as a Jharaken. I enjoy your present plumpness and
believe that I'll still enjoy you as you fill out." He pauses,
"But until you get that big, I can't promise how I'll feel."
     Nikiya smiles and gives him a passionate hug. "I can't ask
any more than that."
     They fold up the blanket, get the food containers and then
go to see how Mark's house is coming.

     When they enter the cargo bay, Chireek is recharging Darosh.
"He's almost back to normal," she whispers to them.
     Darosh opens his eyes a slit and smiles at Mark. Suddenly he
turns and tackles Chireek. They both laugh as they fall over each
other.
     Nikiya looks at Mark. "Didn't we just go through this last
night?" Mark laughs as he joins the melee, with Nikiya right
behind him.
     After a few minutes they collapse in laughter. "After
recharging him and a good wrestle," Chireek gasps, "I'm hungry."
     Nikiya struggles out of the intertwined limbs and gets up.
"You show Mark how his house is going and I'll call you when it's
ready," she comments as she goes inside.      
     They separate themselves and show Mark how the work is
going. When they're finished, Chireek stares at him. "I can't
believe that a few days ago, you never knew we existed."
     Mark laughs as he grabs both of their shoulders and pulls
them close. "I don't know why," he laughs. "It's just that you
seem more like friends than most of the people I knew." They
laugh at this and enter the house as Nikiya calls to them. 
     When they are seated at the table, Mark tells her what
Chireek had said, and what his reply was. "So now I feel like I'm
really trying to free my own kind from slavery."
     They all smile at this. "I'm sure the counsel will accept
you as one of us," Darosh comments between bites. "If there's
anything we can do to help, all you have to do is ask."
     Mark thinks for a moment. "I think I'd like to talk with
Meleina. Knowing how the Dalookans control them might be of some
use."
     Darosh glances at his Timepiece. "He's off duty but he might
be asleep." He touches his com-unit, "Meleina, this is Darosh."
     "What's the situation?" he responds. "We aren't going to
jump until tomorrow."

<33>
     Darosh laughs, "Mark would like to ask you about the mine
operations, if you have time."
     "Let me grab a couple things from my cabin and I'll be right
with you." he responds.
     Mark keys his com-unit, "Why don't I come to your room? Then
you won't have to worry about needing something you didn't  
bring."
     "Come on up," Meleina answers. "I'll wait for you in the
dinning room."
     "On my way," Mark responds and keys off. "You take your time
and finish eating." He gets up and heads out of the cargo bay.
     Chireek watches him leave and then looks at Nikiya. "How did
it go?" she asks expectantly.
     Nikiya smiles and then glances at Darosh. "I know when it's
time to leave," he comments as he grabs a last bite. "I want to
go over the work we want to get done before we jump space." He
steps outside and closes the door.
     Chireek watches the door close and then looks back at
Nikiya. "Well?" she asks.
     Nikiya takes a slow drink before she answers. "It was
wonderful," she finally answers, a smile stretching across her
face. "When we were in my room, I told him that I was fighting my
stomach not to eat as much as it wanted. He told me not to worry
about it and eat what I wanted. He 'said' he needs my energy and
didn't  want me being hungry." She smiles, "But he also admitted
that he preferred plump, buxom women."
     Chireek tries not to laugh. "Jakan and I got him to admit
it..." She breaks up in a laughing fit and it is several minutes
before she regains control of herself. "Jakan told me that since
you are going to gain weight you should talk to Zhila and see if
she can help you put more pounds in that portion of you than you
otherwise would." She breaks up again and struggles to speak,
"Then you'll have to worry about smothering him." She completely
collapses in laughter and is unable to defend herself as Nikiya
tackles her.
     "How many know of this besides the two of you?" Nikiya
demands while keeping Chireek completely held down.
     "Just the two of us and you," she gasps between laughs. "Of
course Zhila will have to know." She tries to get free but
collapses in laughter.
     Nikiya gets up and goes outside while Chireek regains
control of herself. "She's all yours," she tells Darosh. He looks
inside and laughs while she goes to her room. 'As full busted as
I am now,' She thinks to herself as she hefts her breasts.

     Mark enters the dining room and Meleina is waiting for him.
He motions for Mark to follow and leads him to his room.
     "I don't like talk about those times," Meleina comments as
he closes the door. "But I'll go into any detail you want."
     "If you can tell me how they kept you under control I might
be able to find a weakness," Mark asks.


<34>
     Meleina lies down on his mat. "It's easy to control others
when you have a stun weapon. The stun weapon doesn't do any
damage at low settings, but.." he points at his scars. "After the
first time, most do as told."
     Mark makes a few notes on a pad he brought from his house.
"How do they control the general population?" 
     Meleina sits up, "By fear! They can control the shipment of
food and supplies to outlying villages. Everyone had family
members taken to these villages so if a village is chosen to be
punished, you don't know if anyone you know lives there."
     "So they don't have enough weapons to control the entire
population." Mark comments. "Do you have any idea how many
Dalookans there are?"
     Meleina smiles, "I don't know how many of them there are in
control, most are just accepting the easy life. I know that there
are only 5,000 stun guns. They got them through a dealer and
didn't feel they needed any more. I don't know how many bursts
they can fire with out recharging."
     Mark smiles and links with 342, <What can you tell me of the
stun guns the Dalookans have?>
     342 responds, <They are a standard weapon used to control
prisoners or slaves. They are powered through a power repeater in
the guard's com-unit. This is done so if any prisoner gains
control of one, the gun will have no power.> 
     Mark smiles as an idea forms, <How is power transmitted to
the com-unit?>
     342 answers immediately, <There is a power transmitter
located at each mine, prison and guard area. These are powered
from the local power system.>
     <Then if power is stopped from the local system, the
prisoners and slaves could take over the guards?.> Mark asks.
     342 responds, <That would depend on informing them when to
attack. You should have no problem linking up with the power grid
and ordering certain lines to be cut. You should also be able to
keep them from reestablishing power.>
     <Thanks for the information,> he tells 342 as he dissolves
the link. He looks at Meleina, "Is there a way to get a message
to all the miners and prisoners?"
     Meleina thinks for a moment, "I don't know about the
prisoners, but I could get a message to the miners within two
days of you asking me."
     Mark relaxes, "Then we'll have to worry about the prisoners
later. I don't think the guards will be able to do anything
against them without their guns. How do they control the supplies
sent to the villages?"
     Meleina begins to smile, "They have a computer system only
the Dalookans have access to." By the end of this sentence, he is
smiling broadly.
     Mark smiles and sets the food processor for two Coke and
Rum. "This has a little more kick than plain Coke." He explains
as he hands one to Meleina. 


<35>
     He takes a gulp and smacks his lips with glee. "Then I
better let you taste some of our drinks. By the third drink, Mark
is teaching him 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport', and Meleina is
teaching 'Down Underground, On Our Way To the Sky.'
     Thoon enters and doesn't say a word until his third drink.
For the next few hours, a mixture of badly sung Earth and
Darnarian folk songs are heard from the room.
     There is a consistent knock on the door before Meleina
responds. "Come in and fall down."
     Zhila enters, with Jakan close behind her. "I didn't want to
believe it when you told me Mark was in here." She looks sternly
at Mark, "What the Zarook is a Kangaroo?"
     Mark tries to put on a straight face. "What the Kangaroo is
a Zarook." This puts the three of them into uncontrollable
laughter.
     Jakan hands Mark a small glass and then one each of to the
others. "It's time you were in the control room," she tells
Meleina.
     They all drink and Mark looks at Zhila, "Try a Coke and
rum," he says as he tries to stand.
     Zhila catches him, "I just gave you an antidote to clear the
alcohol from your blood system." She helps him sit down. "Darosh
told me you were coming to see Meleina and I was afraid he'd
introduce you to some of his drinks."
     Mark's mind is clearing remarkably fast. "Don't blame him,"
he says with his mouth tasting like cotton, "I gave him a Coke
and rum.'
     Zhila shakes her head, "If it wasn't for Jakan, Kadoon and
myself, this ship would be lost already."
     Mark struggles to his feet. "I just realized that I haven't
seen him since the meeting."
     "That's because he takes being a commander too seriously,"
she responds. "He doesn't want to be familiar with anyone. He
feels that by not knowing anyone, he won't have to think of
friendships before he makes a decision."
     Mark looks at her sadly, "Every war creates people like
that. After it's over, your kind must do what you can to free him
of that way of thinking."
     Zhila smiles, "And he'll need friends to give him support
then, and not question his orders now."
     They all agree and leave the room. Zhila takes Mark to the
Medical room to assure herself that the antidote causes no side
effects with humans. After she's convinced, they join some of the
others for the evening meal.
     Mark tells them only that he has some ideas and feels that
freeing their people will be easier than he first thought. After
eating, he returns to his house and reviews his notes before
going to sleep.


<36>
========================================================
<DAY 4 SUM 5>
============================================================
     Mark wakes to the sound of his com-unit. He falls out of bed
as he attempts to answer it. His feet are tangled in the blankets
and his head is on the floor as he keys it. "What ever it is, I
hope it's worth it," he mumbles.
     Meleina laughs, "We jump-space in ten hours and I thought
you'd like to get up here."
     "On my way," Mark keys off the unit and pulls himself out of
the blankets. He showers and tosses his clothes on. "I can't
believe that I'm feeling this good," he thinks while running to
the control room. When he enters, he sees Kadoon on the command
bench. "Did I miss something?" he asks as he straps himself in.
     Kadoon smiles slightly, "You probably have guessed that I'm
in charge of this mission. When I was given this command, I
decided that it would be best if I didn't associate with anyone."
He turns to study his displays.
     Mark looks around and sees Meleina and Aulta. He turns to
his display and establishes his link. <Report on Jump-Dive
systems please.>
     342 replies, <All systems are above design specification.
Power levels are well in excess of requirements.>
     Mark smiles and links to Meleina's display and has it
display, <Tan me hide when I'm dead Fred. Tan me hide when I'm
dead. So we tanned his hide when he died Clyde. And that's it
hanging on the shed.>
     By the time he finishes sending it, Meleina is laughing
uncontrollably and the only thing keeping him from ending up on
the floor is his harness. Kadoon somehow manages to ignore this,
but Aluta is trying to run a complete test of all control systems
to keep herself under control.
     Meleina finally regains control of himself and tightens his
harness.
     Kadoon keys the ship com-unit. "All Jharakens, It is 35:00
hours. At 43:40 we will pass the gort cloud. At 43:50 we will
jump space. Everyone mast prepare themselves for jump space." He
keys it off and resumes studying his display.
     For the next seven hours, Mark runs through Jump-space
sequences and possible system failures that may arrive.
     <It is 42:00,> 342 reminds him. <You wanted to run a full
checkout of the jump-drive and Navigation systems at this time.
Thoon is at his station.>
     Mark transmits to his display, <Are you ready for simulated
Jump?>
     Thoon responds on his console, <Ready when you are Sport.
How many jumps would a 'roo need to do what we'll do in one?>
     <More than there are down under,> Mark replies. <Aluta, are
you ready for simulated jump?>
     <Switching to simulated display now. Display ready and I'm
ready,> she replies.


<37>
     <Meleina, Are you strapped in tight or should I have Aluta
tighten them?> Mark jokes.
     <If you try something like that in jump-space, I hope you
forgot to eat.> Meleina replies.
     Before Mark can ask what he means, Thoon begins prejump
checks. <All read outs are go. Guidance programs are on standby.
Drive on standby. Standard engines off.> There is a pause. 
     <Drive on line,> Mark informs them. <Jump field stabilizing.
Power availability is maximum. Field stabilized. Jump in five.
four. three. two. one. Jump initiated.>
     <All systems read go,> Aluta responds. <Jump completed and
location is correct. End simulation and return to standard
displays.> "Jump simulation completed and successful," she
reports to Kadoon.
     "Excellent," he replies. He looks at the time on his display
and keys the ship com-unit. "One hour to jump-space. One hour to
jump-space." He keys it off and concentrates on his display.
     Mark makes a final check of all systems and then monitors
the standard drive until they pass the gort cloud. He begins
warming up the jump drive field.
     Thoon begins prejump checks. This time it is for real and
everyone feels the tension, except for Mark. <All read outs are
go. Guidance programs are on standby. Drive on standby. Standard
engines off.> 
     <Drive up and on line,> Mark informs them. <Jump field
stabilizing. Power availability is at maximum. Jump-field
stabilized. Jump-space is in five. four. three. two. one. Jump
initiated.>
     Mark suddenly feels as if his body is simultaneously
collapsing and exploding. He tightens his link with the jump-
drive and feels the ship almost flowing around him. He
concentrates on the functions of the jump drive and feels less
physical confusion. The jump is concluded and Mark feels weak as
the drive closes down the field and shuts down. He loses his link
with the drive, 342, and himself.

     Mark feels himself floating, and a soft voice calling to
him. He relaxes as her voice becomes closer. As he feels her
breath on his neck he opens his eyes. "Did we make it?" he asks
Nikiya.
     "You can be sure we did," Meleina laughs. I never had a
smoother jump."
     Mark tries to struggle to his feet but Nikiya keeps him in
her grasp. "You call that a smooth jump? I," he starts to argue
as his strength leaves him.
     Nikiya and Zhila pick him up and put him on a wheeled table.
"You just save that argument until you're strong enough to win
it." Zhila insists.
     Mark lays back and watches the ceiling go past as they take
him to the med-unit. Once there, they help him onto a raised
sleeping pad. "You didn't have anything to eat this morning, did
you?" Zhila knowingly asks.

<38>
     "Why should that matter so much?" he replies. I had enough
last night and I wasn't hungry this morning."
     Nikiya brings a meal and sits down beside him. "If you don't
have anything to eat before you go into jump-space," she informs
him as she helps him eat. "Your mind and body argue about which
way is in or out. With food, your body knows which way is in. You
did a great job controlling the engines, but you linked yourself
so close that when they shut down, you shut down." She gives him
his plate and he eats while she gets her own food.
     Mark smiles as she begins eating. "I bet you had less
trouble than anyone," he jokes.
     Nikiya pats her round belly and smiles. "Now that I know
you'll accept more of me." She sits down and finishes her large
meal before he finishes his. She smiles as she strokes his arm.
"We should be in Darnarius orbit in two day," she whispers.
     Mark smiles as he finishes and gives her a gentle hug. "I
wish I could give you a better answer. But I promised myself that
I wouldn't get close to anyone until your people are free." He
strokes her arm, "And you wouldn't want me to go back on my word,
would you?"
     Nikiya smiles, "Just remember that I'm your power source and
I'm keeping my fuel tank full so you don't have to worry about
recharging." She gives him a slight kiss and helps him to his
feet.
     Mark smiles as he catches his balance. "I better find out
how 342 is." He steps to a display and establishes contact.
<Report on standard and jump drives please.>
     <All system are within design specifications.> 342 reports,
<We should be able to establish orbit within two days.>
     <Thanks, I'll check in with you latter today.> He dissolves
his link. "Now I think I should see how Chireek and Darosh are
doing." He goes into the corridor and walks toward his house. 
     Nikiya smiles and stays to talk with Zhila. They talk about
Mark's need of her. "What do you think of Mark not allowing
himself to show his feelings."
     Zhila smiles and touches her shoulder to show she
understands. "I think you should try and accept the amount of
affection he's showing you. He's left his home world to save our
people. I think just being there when he needs your energy is the
best thing you can do. When our people are free, then he'll be
free."
     Nikiya thinks for a few minutes. "He says he's accepted my
gaining weight and he doesn't think I'll get too big for him."
She pauses, thinking of the right words to say. "Chireek told me
that he found plump and full breasted women on Earth attractive.
And he admitted his preference." She struggles with her thoughts.
     Zhila squeezes her shoulder again. "What you're trying so
hard not to ask is, will Mark find you more attractive if you
become more full busted than if you just get fuller over-all?"
She pauses while Nikiya thinks. "I can't give you a sure answer,
but I can help modify your natural fat storage if you want." She
smiles and releases her. "Just think about it until we achieve
orbit."
<39>
     Nikiya smiles, "Thanks, If I decide to, will you tell
Chireek not to make her wild jokes about my filling out?"
     Zhila laughs, "You know she cares about you, and I'm sure
she can keep it a secret. She'll love watching Mark's eyes pop
out." They both laugh and Nikiya goes to her quarters.

     Mark enters the cargo bay as Darosh is helping Chireek to
her feet. 
     "How do you like it?" She asks, "It's all ready for whatever
you want to do."
     Darosh smiles and they show Mark what they have done. Almost
two hours later, they finish and Mark insists on having a party.
"Get a hold of every one off duty and we can celebrate my house
being finished and a successful Jump."
     Darosh's smile fades. "We've been keeping ourselves busy so
we wouldn't have time to remember our friends and families."
     Mark grabs their upper shoulders with his hands. "I've
learned enough from Meleina to have a plan I feel confident of. I
can't say how long it will take, but I know we can free them." He
smiles, "Now how 'bout a party to cheer us up and I'll tell the
others."
     Chireek smiles and breaks loose. "If they won't come," she
smiles as she starts to the cargo bay door, "I'll drag them
here." Her laughter can be heard as she runs up the passageway.
     Darosh smiles, "We better get the food processor working on
some crunchies and Coke." He throws an arm around Mark and they
prepare for the others.
     They have the food and drinks ready by the time Meleina and
Aluta arrive. Meleina tastes one of the drinks. "Not like we had
in my cabin," he jokes. Aluta roughly bumps against him and he
barely manages to keep his drink from spilling.
     Aluta gives Mark a concerned look. "Do you really feel you
can free our friends?"
     Mark smiles and hands her a Coke. "If I didn't believe my
plan would work, I wouldn't tell you it would."
     Chireek arrives with Jakan, and Thoon. "Nikiya and Zhila are
coming," she laughs as she takes a drink and grabs a couple of
crunchies. "You better get some more made for them."
     Mark laughs and prepares more snacks. "I've got this one
programmed with some of my munchies," he comments, "these are
pretzels."
     "Let's see how good they really are,"  Nikiya jokes as she
enters. She takes several and a Coke. "I hope you'll tell the
ship's processors how to make them?" She says with a smile. 
     Zhila sips her drink, "Chireek says you've got a plan? Do
you mind telling us about it," she asks sorrowfully.
     Mark smiles and refills her glass. "I don't have it all
worked out but I have a good idea on how to defeat them. I'd like
to take a few days to better understand how they're keeping your
friends under control. Once I know, I can complete my plans and
free them."


<40>
     It takes a few minutes to for his news to sink in. Then the
party really gets going. For the next couple of hours, Mark hears
stories of the better times and how the Dalookans gained control
of them.
     Mark turns to the display he had installed and links with
the ship. <342, do you have contact with 355 and 358?>
     <Affirmative,> he replies. <I have informed them that you
are onboard. They had told the Dalookans it appeared we had a
jump drive failure and are probably lost between systems.. We
have a clear flight path and will land one of our cargo modules
with theirs. The spaceport computer will recognize it as coming
from the others. Once down it will be up to you.>
     Mark smiles, <When will we reach orbit and at what time will
we launch the cargo module?>
     <Orbit will be obtained on Sum 7 at 67:53. Launch of cargo
modules will be at 68:50,> he responds.
     <Thank you, I request a printout of all supplies we have on
board in the morning. Disoloving link.> Mark opens his eyes and
smiles to those gathered around him. "In two days we will be in
orbit."
     They cheer and salute each other. Meleina starts them in a
Jhakaren folksong about the gentle hills, thick forest and deep
valleys of a fabled land of friendship and peace.
     When they finish, most of them decide to return to their
rooms. Darosh, Chireek and Nikiya choose to stay.
     "We've only known you for a few days," Darosh begins. "But I
feel I know you better than that time would allow." 
     Mark smiles, "I feel more relaxed with all of you, than I
have with most people. I also feel that I must free your people.
That may not be the right way to put it."
     Chireek laughs, "That's because you're more like us then any
of us could have dreamed."
     She smiles for a moment, and then charges and jumps at him.
Mark tries to dodge but fails. Nikiya and Darosh join in to this
wrestling and they continue, until they are all out of breath
from laughter. Darosh pulls Chireek close and they embrace with
all eight arms. Mark grabs Nikiya and they also snuggle close.
For many minutes they relax in comfort and silence.
     They finally separate and rise. "You're right Chireek,"
Darosh laughs. "He not only knows when to get crazy with us, but
when," he kisses her, "By the time we're celebrating the
liberation of our families and friends," He grabs Mark's shoulder
and pulls him close. "The only difference between us will be in
appearance only."
      Mark smiles as they all embrace in a mutual hug. "To my
newest and truest friends." He finally says with tears in his
eyes. "In two days we arrive home." His voice becomes very firm.
"And then the Dalookans will learn what it is like to truly feel
fear."
     Darosh looks at him in surprise. "I hope we can do this with
as little bloodshed as possible. You seemed to think that could
be done."

<41>
     Mark smiles, "I hope that no blood will flow. But we must be
prepared for the worst, then the best will seem all that
sweeter."
     They release each other. Darosh and Chireek say goodnight
and leave. Nikiya watches them go before she turns to Mark. "Do
you really think it might go that easily?"
     Mark gives her a reassuring grin. "It's possible. If the
Dalookans realize they have no chance, it might."
     Nikiya stands on her rear feet and wraps all four arms
around him. "Do you think you feel like one of us?" she whispers.
     Mark laughs as he pulls her close. "I don't know if I feel
like one of you," he smiles. "But I like the feel of one of you."
They both laugh at this.
     They release each other. Nikiya drops to all fours and
struggles to speak. "I understand how you don't want to get too
close until our people are free." She thinks for a moment.
     Mark smiles and gently pokes her soft body. "I know you're
going to fill out a good bit more," he whispers. "I told you my
preference for human females so you don't have to worry." He
smiles when she looks into his eyes. "By then there'll be more of
you to get close to." He laughs and in a moment she joins him.
     "I better get going," she says. "With everything you're
going to do, we'll both need our sleep." They gently kiss before
she leaves. 
     Mark thinks to himself as he prepares for bed. "I left Earth
because I didn't feel needed." He smiles to himself. "And once we
free them, I have a wonderful woman waiting for me." He closes
his eyes and drifts into a relaxed sleep.

==============================
<DAY 5 SUM 6>
==============================

     Mark wakes, dresses, grabs a quick bite and heads for the
control room. Santosh, Tireeka and Thoon are at their stations.
After he straps himself in, Thoon joins him.
     "We're on course and time," he comments as he sits down at
the next station. "Is there anything I can do to help with your
plan?"
     Mark smiles as he touches his control console. "Just keep an
eye on me for the next half hour. I'm going to try and link with
the other ships. I need to find out what has been happening and
why they are both here at the same time."
     Mark relaxes and establishes his link with 342. <Are you in
contact with your brother ships?> he asks.
     <Affirmative,> 342 replies. <355's cargo modules will be on
board by 50 hours tomorrow. 358 will have his onboard by 40 hours
the next day.>
     <I would like to see if I can link with them over your com-
frequency,> Mark asks. <I will need to find out how capable of
this I am, so I can plan how to bring the planet computers to our
side.>

<42>
     <I have informed them of what you wish to attempt and they
are ready,> 342 replies after a moment.
     Mark thinks into the com-circuits and then to 355 and 358.
<My name is Mark. 342 has told you about myself and our mission
to free the Jharakens from the Dalookan rule.>
     <I am 355,> a voice similar yet different from 342 replies.
<we understand and agree. 342 has not told you that, in our own
way, we are sentient beings. We may be built by others, but we
have developed our own thoughts. We know we must obey what our
owners tell us to exist. The Dalookans treat us the same as they
treat the Jharakens. When we told them 342 had failed in jump
space, they were mad about losing the ship and said that they
could have executed the crew much cheaper. They ordered us that
if others took control, we were to depressurize ourselves. We
told them that our basic commands do not allow us to harm living
beings.>
     <Thank you for joining us,> Mark comments. <I doubt I will
be able to do much before you will be asked to leave. If this
happens, do you agree that you should carry out their orders?>
     358 responds, <You are the first being since we were sold
who cared about our opinion. We agree that would be the best
choice of options at this time.>
     Mark smiles to himself, <Will you each allow me to check out
your system like I have with 342. I wish to do this so I may
assure that you have no unknown faults. Also I intend to use this
method to take control of the planet's computers.>
     355 responds, <Since I am numerically the next one to 342. I
offer my systems for your inspection.>
     Mark thinks himself into the com circuits and then into 355.
He feels more detached from his body, but still feels it is
functioning. With 355's assistance, he gives it's systems a
through check and finds only a few faults different than 342's.
All of them are minor and Mark promises to bring him up to design
specs as soon as the Jharakens are free. He then shifts his
thoughts to 358 and preforms the same procedure. He finds a fault
in the oxygen recycling system and surprises all four of them
when he is able to repair it without being there. He feels
something happening with his body and thanks them again for
joining the Jharaken side. He brings his thought back into the
com-circuits and then back to himself.
     He opens his eyes for a second as he releases his link. His
first thoughts are who turned the air conditioner to freeze. As
he passes out, he feels himself falling against a warm soft
pillow.
     Thoon had noticed that Mark was succeeding in what he was
attempting to do. As Mark continued, Thoon felt his pulse and
skin temperature. When his temperature started to drop, Thoon
called Nikiya and Zhila. Zhila arrived first and monitored his
vitals. When Nikiya arrived, she spread a blanket she brought,
and waited. Zhila gave Mark a gentle shake as his skin
temperature continued to drop. This is what he felt, that caused
him to break the link.

<43>
     For many minutes Mark remains unresponsive in Nikiya arms.
She is deep in her own trance, pushing her energies into him.
More than an hour passes before he stirs. She continues to pour
energy into him for almost half an hour more before he regains
conscienceness.
     Mark opens his eyes and sees the concern in her face. "I can
do it," he whispers. I'm going to wait until we land before I
link with the computers on the planet but.." he stops when he
realizes her exhaustion. He helps her lie against the wall. "I
didn't think I used that much." he apologizes.
     Nikiya smiles, "When Thoon called me, I was just getting my
breakfast ready."
     Mark laughs and rushes to a food processor. In a matter of
minutes, he returns with a large glass of loften juice and a
plate loaded with breakfast cakes covered in syrup. "When we get
this in you," he jokes as he feeds her, "you can go and eat what
you were going to eat."
     Nikiya smiles as she opens her mouth for the breakfast
cakes. She finishes eating and Mark starts to help her to her
room.
     "Kadoon wants me to tell him of how your plans are
progressing," Thoon says as they reach the doorway.
     Mark turns and smiles, "Tell him I'm more confident than
last night. There's still a number of things I need to work out
and if I need any help I'll be sure to ask."
     After they leave, Thoon reports to Kadoon on Mark's
accomplishment. "He was able to link up with the other ships. He
must have done some work on one of them because of the time it
took and the drain on him. Nikiya was able to recharge him and
he's helping her recover now."
     "Excellent," Kadoon replies. "Tell him I'm pleased with his
progress and will get him anything he needs."
     Thoon promises he will and keys off. After a moment he calls
Zhila. "I thought you should know that Mark helped Nikiya to her
room."
     Zhila responds. "I know she completely recharged him, but
how did she appear?"
     "She was weak," Thoon answers. "But she said that I had
called her when she was preparing to have breakfast."
     "I better check on them," Zhila replies. "And I'm going to
have to fix her a nutrient liquid she can drink so this won't
happen again." She keys off and goes to Nikiya's room.
     When she arrives, the door is open and she sees them at the
table. Mark is explaining what he was able to accomplish while
she eats the food she had already prepared.
     Zhila enters, "It looks like the two of you are recovering
well." She gets some juice before joining them. "I'm going to mix
up a drink for you in case this happens again."
     Nikiya smiles, "I think it would also help if Mark would
warn me when he's going to try some thing like that."
     Mark smiles and looks at Zhila. "With what I may have to do
soon, is there some thing you can do to help her?" He jokes as he
leaves.
<44>
     Nikiya giggles as he leaves. She gets up and closes the
door. "Do you remember what you wanted me to think about until we
achieved orbit?"
     Zhila smiles, "Do I take it that you've decided you'd like
me to help your future appearance?" They both laugh about this.
"Why don't we go to the med-room and I'll see what I can do."
     They walk to the med-room and Zhila uses her equipment and
abilities to examine and begin modifying where Nikiya's future
fat will accumulate. "I can't do it all at once. But once more
today and twice tomorrow should do it."
     Nikiya looks at her plump breasts and smiles. "Mark probably
won't notice until after we've freed everyone."
     Zhila smiles as she gets a large glass of clear liquid from
her processor. "Drink this," she says, handing it to Nikiya. As
Nikiya drinks, she continues. "It's the nutrient I told you
about. It has all the vitamins, minerals and is loaded with
calories."
     Nikiya empties the glass and smiles. "How long until it
shows up where I want it?" She jokes as she puts the glass down.
They both laugh at this.
     
     Mark requests Darosh, Chireek, Nikiya, Zhila and Meleina
join him for lunch. As they start eating, Mark begins, "I wanted
to talk with you about what we might happen on the planet. 355
and 358 will leave orbit the day after we arrive. There should be
no problem in getting this cargo module down to the planet and
keeping the spaceport computers from informing any one of where
we came from. The computers are set up for modules to return and
not to inquire where it came from. They are only set up to land
and launch them. Once we are down and they have left, the cargo
computer will know nothing of us. We will be on our own so I want
you to think of anything we may need and try and get two."
     Darosh thinks for a moment. "Since our abilities are matter
manipulation, there's not much we'll need."
     Mark smiles, "It could easily take me several months before
I'm ready to do anything. If there's nothing you need for the
mission, think on this. We won't be able to leave this module for
possibly the entire time. Think of what you might want to make
life more comfortable. I checked the supplies and there are four
collapsible dwelling units. I have requested that all of them be
brought to this module so we won't all have to live in my house."
     Zhila agrees, "As well as we are getting along now, After a
few weeks of the tension of the mission and having no privacy, we
may not be able to keep going."
     Nikiya thinks for a moment. She looks at Meleina, "Are you
planning to bring Aluta with you?"
     He shakes his head. "We already talked about it and she
agrees. If we fail, Kadoon will need everyone he has to find help
again."
     Mark agrees, "I have some equipment that I want to get. I
can install it after we land. It shouldn't take me more than a
couple of hours. Then I'll be glad to help any of you.

<45>
     Zhila smiles, "I won't even have all my supplies packed by
then. I should be able to load them on a couple of wheeled pads
and you can roll them down here."
     Meleina shakes his head. "I've got two travel cases with all
my personal gear. I can have them here in less than an hour."
     Chireek smiles, "I'll take care of our stuff, While Darosh
and Meleina move the living units in here."
     Nikiya realizes it's her turn. "I didn't have anything when
I came on board so I can help Zhila."
     Mark smiles as they finish eating. "I'd like everyone to get
moved in tonight." He glances at Meleina, "with one exception of
course." They all laugh at this proceed as they have decided.
     Within four hours, everything is moved in. The largest of
the living units is assembled and secured. Zhila and Nikiya are
setting it up as Zhila's and the med-unit. Before they stop for
the evening meal, the others are finished. 
     After they eat, Mark and Darosh install food processors and
separate power units in each one. Darosh and Chireek take one of
them while Nikiya and Meleina each take one of the remaining two.
     Aluta joins them for supper. "Santosh and Tireeka have moved
sleeping pads into the control room and are taking turns keeping
checks on the ship. Tomorrow I'm going to have Thoon taking
Meleina's place as engineer."
     The meal is subdued as everyone has their own thought of
what is to come. When they finish eating, Aluta and Meleina go
into his living unit. Zhila goes into hers and soft music can be
heard from the open door. 
     Chireek glances at Darosh, "I'd like to talk with Nikiya
alone." The two females go into Nikiya's unit.
     Darosh smiles at Mark, "Do you want me to find out what
they're talking about?"
     Mark smiles, "I can link into the com system and hear every
word they're saying. But I think we can guess."
     Darosh smiles, "I think they're setting a trap for you, or
have you already been snared?"
     Mark laughs quietly. "It's too late for me to even be
rescued." He thinks for a moment, "Is there anything you think I
should know about Jharaken courting rituals?"
     Darosh is barely able to control his own laughter. "You're
at a disadvantage with only two arms. I think that your needing
her energy and finding her expanding figure attractive will make
it work out real easily."
     Mark smiles, "If not, I'll be asking you what I'm supposed
to be doing."
     Darosh smiles and goes into his unit before Chireek leaves
Nikiya's.
     Chireek follows Nikiya into her unit. "Now that we're alone,
what is it you want to talk about?" she says with a laugh.
     Nikiya smiles, I've been talking with Zhila about how I'm
going to fill out more. You know the women Mark said he was
attracted to were plump and buxom?"


<46>
     Chireek manages to close the door before she starts
laughing. "Is Zhila going to help you become extra buxom?" she
gasps when she catches her breath.
     "She didn't exactly say that." Nikiya hefts her already
large breasts. "What she said was by the time the hormones stop
causing me to gain weight, I'll probably be super buxom or even
bigger." 
     Chireek is on the floor laughing for several minutes. "So
what can I do to help," she says with tears of joy in her eyes.
     Nikiya pulls her almost snug halter away from her plump
bosom. "Can you use your manipulation to keep my clothes able to
contain me?"
     Chireek gives her a friendly hug. "We won't tell Mark what's
happening and I'll try and modify your clothes to conceal some of
your expansion." 
     Nikiya agrees and they decide not to let anyone but Zhila in
on their joke. 
     Chireek leaves and all becomes quiet as they prepare for
their last night before landing on Darnarius.

==========================================
<DAY 6 SUM 7>
===============================================

     Mark wakes and goes over his plans while he showers and
dresses. He thinks over everything he might need and decides that
he is as well prepared as he can be. There is a knock at the door
and he opens it. "Chireek, are the two of you ready." He comments
as she steps inside and closes the door.
     "Everyone is anxious to get going," she responds. The others
are conferring with Kadoon and I thought this might be the last
time I could get you alone."
     Mark offers her some juice and joins her at the table. "I
take it this is more personal then mission related?"
     Chireek smiles, "I know you don't want to allow yourself to
get too close to Nikiya until after our people are free." She
takes a drink. "I'm not sure how much I can say without breaking
her trust.."
     Mark interrupts her, "First, let me tell you what I have
learned about her and her condition." He explains what he learned
through the computers and what Zhila verified while he fixes
breakfast for them. "I know I care for her more than I can show
at this time and I'm almost certain she knows this." He pauses
and smiles, "Is there anything else you can tell me without
breaking your vow of silence?"
     Chireek begins to smile as she stands up. "I'm not going to
repeat what she said," she whispers while slowly moving her arms
away from her lower sides. She moves them as if following the
contours of a fatter figure than hers. When Mark nods in
understanding she fights to control her laughter as she move her
hands forward and up her torso. She lightly grips her blouse and,
using her ability, pulls it almost as far in front of her as her
arms can reach, before she collapses in laughter.
<47>
     Mark smiles as he jokingly tackles her, but in her laughing
condition, it's not much of a struggle. "Is there anything else
you want to warn me about," he gasps from his own laughter,
"beside her plan to smother me?"
     Chireek had almost regained control of herself, but this
puts her into another laughing fit. 
     After several minutes, they are both exhausted enough to
stop and compose themselves. "Since she hasn't told me, I'll know
to ignore it."
     Chireek nudges him, "She wants me to modify her clothes as
she grows, so it won't be as obvious as it otherwise would have."
     "Thanks Chireek," Mark whispers. "Now I better check with
the ships and see if they've heard anything we should know."
     He steps outside and touches the console he installed. He
establishes his link, <Status report, please.>
     342 responds, <All systems within design parameter. Orbit is
still at 67:53. Our module launch will correspond with one from
358. He will inform spaceport computers that two modules are
landing. He will transfer another one to me so he wil have room
for the two that will be sent to him.>
     <Thank you,> Mark replies. He mentally reaches out and forms
a link with 358. <342 has informed me of how you will conceal our
module, thank you.>
     <It should allow you to reach the planet and conceal
yourselves with no one knowing,> 358 replies. <If you can think
of anything else we can do to help, please ask.>
     <Do you know of any changes in security or population
control since 342 left?> Mark asks.
     <Negative,> 358 answers. <When we informed them that 342 had
been lost in jump, they informed everyone and this resulted in a
drop of rebellious action. It appears that their mission was
their last hope.>
     <I agree and this is actually good news.> Mark smiles, <The
Dalookans will have dropped their guard and will not be expecting
us. I need to dissolve contact now.> 
     Mark breaks his link and looks at Chireek. "The news is
good. I don't feel like going into it now."
     She glances at the door. "Let's check out our equipment
while we wait for the others." They go out and make sure
everything in fastened securely. 
     Daroosh and Nikiya arrive around 50:00 hours. "Kadoon wishes
us good luck. Meleina is saying good bye to Aluta and Zhila is
giving the others a final med-check."
     The four of them finish checking the equipment, moments
before the ship's com-unit announces that they have achieved
orbit at 67:53. "We are beside 355 and 358. The others join them
moments afterward."
      "Kadoon feels we should launch as soon as we can." Meleina
reports.
     Mark smiles and walks to the module's control panel. Meleina
straps himself into the engineer's seat. "All systems switched to
independent. Power links with 342 disengaged. Ready to be
released."
<48>
     Mark taps the release control and they feel a gentle shift
as he nudges them away from the ship. He links with 358. <We are
in orbit and have separated from 342. Are you still scheduled
with spaceport for two modules to break orbit at 68:58?>
     <Affirmative,> 358 replies. <We will be in the correct orbit
at that time. Are you ready for flight coordinates to be
transferred to your navigation system?>
     <Navigation ready for transmission,> Mark responds. It takes
less than a second for the data to be received. <Data on-line,
Ready to leave orbit on time.>
     <Good luck,> 358 tells him. <We are scheduled to return in
62 days on Sum 69.>
     <I hope to have completed my mission by then.> Mark pauses.
<Keep communications as the Dalookans have instructed you to. If
we have succeeded by then. I'll inform you when you return.> He
dissolves his link and looks at Meleina. 
     "40 minutes until we break orbit," Meleina informs him.
"Spaceport computer has accessed our nav system. 358 reset our
code to match one of his modules."
     For the next 40 minutes Meleina runs his checks on the
module's systems. Mark keeps his link with the module's computer
and becomes familiar with the space-port computer by 'listening
in'. The maneuvering systems function properly and the negate-
grav decelerates them into a safe re-entry. Mark sits in
fascination as he watches the planet on his view-screen. As they
approach the space-port, he notices it is some distance from the
nearest city. There is a gentle bump as the set down and the
constant hum of the module's power system shut down.
     "We have touch-down at 70:10," Meleina informs the others.
"Space-port computer has us registered for repairs. Repair team
will not arrive for approximately 80 days. Space-port computer
has released contact with us." He looks at Mark.
     Mark takes a deep breath. "I believe it's time for me to get
started."
     Nikiya sits down beside him. "Then it's time I got started
too." She gives him a grin of confidence as she firmly yet gently
puts her arms around him. 
     Mark relaxes and links with the module's computers. It
doesn't have the artificial intelligence of 342 and he finds it
surprisingly easy to set up a priority level above all others. He
makes access to this level available only to himself. He opens a
communication frequency to the space-port computer. He modifies
numerous circuits to prevent anyone from finding his priority
level. He then establishes a link with the communication
computer, modifies it's circuits and installs his priority level.
He then down loads information on all main computer systems into
the customized computer system in his house. Finally he dissolves
his link and collapses.


<49>
     Nikiya has been transferring what energy she can as Mark had
been modifying the computers. Zhila helps him off his chair and
onto Nikiya's blanket. Nikiya concentrates as she lays down
beside him and wraps all four of her arms around him. For almost
half an hour they remain unmoving. Finally Mark begins to move.
He snuggles into her plump bosom and wraps his arms around her
cushy torso. For many minutes, they gently caress each other as
his energy levels return to normal.
     Mark smiles as he opens his eyes and helps her to sit up.
"The farther I get into the systems, the more energy it's going
to take."
     Zhila brings a large platter of sweet disks, a glass, and a
large pitcher of her nutrient drink. 
     Mark thanks her and begins feeding Nikiya. "I could use
something myself," he tells her.
     Zhila smiles and gets a plate and glass from the table
behind her. "We've already eaten, so I prepared food for both of
you," she comments as she puts it beside him. "We're talking of
friends we've known, so take your time." She turns and goes to
her unit.
     Mark smiles as he continues to feed and keep Nikiya's glass
full. He nibbles at his own dinner and feeds her some of his when
she finishes her's. "Do you feel recharged?" he asks as he rubs
her plump abdomen.
     Nikiya smiles, "I'm ok, but I don't know if you should do
much more tonight."
     Mark helps her sit beside his console seat. "I have
something that shouldn't take too much." He touches the panel and
relaxes. Nikiya steadies herself beside him and hugs him with all
four arms.
     Mark quickly establishes his link with the communication
computer and contacts the main security system. He is very
careful in this system and it takes him awhile to modify the
circuits and programs to install his priority level. Once he has
control, he inquires about Zhila's mate. Mark learns his name is
Kayloc and is alive in the district's prison. He smiles as he
instruct a number of standard prisoner moves. He also gives
instructions to the computerized transport vehicles that Kayloc's
vehicle is to enter this module.
     He waits while the instructions are carried out. After
Kayloc is in the vehicle and it has entered the spaceport, Mark
removes all information on Kayloc and the vehicle that is
bringing him. He dissolves his link with the outside systems and
instructs his module to allow the transport to enter. After it
enters, he closes the door. The others rush in surprise to the
arriving vehicle as Mark collapses into Nikiya's arms and onto
the blanket.
     After almost two hours, Mark drift into consciousness. He
nuzzles her and realizes that something is different. He opens
his eyes and sees Chireek's smiling face.
     "I guess I'm not as soft a bed as she is," she jokes. She
weakly laughs as he helps her sit up. "Nikiya didn't have enough
to do the whole job so I jumped in."
<50>
     Mark smiles as he takes a sweet disk from the refilled
plate. "Are you going to take her place at the table?" he laughs.
     Chireek eats a couple of the disks before she gets up. "I
was only recharging you for a few minutes, so I only need to eat
for a few minutes." She smiles as Mark looks around. "She's in
her unit and Darosh is taking care of her."
     Mark tries to beat her to the door but her four feet are
faster than his two. He follows her in and watches Darosh give
Nikiya a glassful of nutrient drink. "I think I can take over
now." Mark offers.
    Darosh smiles as he gets up. "I think she prefers it if you
feed her anyways." He walks to the door and pulls, the laughing
out of control, Chireek with him.
     Mark smiles as he joins Nikiya on her sleeping pad. He
refills her glass and feeds her a sweet disk. "What did Zhila do
when Kayloc got out of the vehicle?"
     Nikiya smiles and swallows a mouthful. "First she almost
collapsed and then she ran and tackled him. He couldn't struggle
too much because they hadn't been feeding him enough. Meleina
helped them into her unit." She takes a long drink before
continuing. "After that, I was too involved in trying to get your
energies back up."
     Mark massages her lower back and abdomen as she eats. "I
know I shouldn't have tried it that soon. But I felt it was the
best thing I could do to get our spirits up."
     Nikiya smiles weakly, "I know what you did was a great idea.
I guess I just don't have enough power," she smiles, "yet."
     Mark wonders about this but ignores it as she opens her
mouth wide. When he finishes feeding her the sweet disks and
drink, he prepares a large meal for her and she relaxes as he
slowly feeds her. 
     Finally she motions him to stop. "I'm so full," she groans
happily. "I don't think I'll be able to move until morning."  She
lies down, "But I'll have plenty of energy." She closes her eyes
and relaxes.
     Mark stays with her, gently massaging her swollen stomach
and caressing her soft body.
     Zhila joins him after Nikiya is fast asleep. "I want to
thank you for freeing Kayloc," she says. "I was almost certain
that they had killed him, rather than feed him."
     Mark smiles, "I found out that the guards didn't kill very
many, even though they were told to. I'd like to believe that
most of them just couldn't do it. They had to stretch the rations
because of this. Most of the prisoners will be in a similar
condition, but it's better than if they had been killed."
     Zhila smiles as she checks out Nikiya. "She's doing ok. In
fact her energy is almost back up to normal." She smiles, "I
think what's making her sleep so deeply is how stuffed she is."
She glances at Mark, "Did she eat that much on her own?"
     Mark smiles, "She kept eating and I just kept handing her
the food. I was starting to wonder if she was forcing more in
than usual when she asked me to stop."

<51>
     Zhila smiles, "I think you're enjoying how plump she is and
you're looking forward to how big she's going to get."
     Mark smiles, "I have to admit I'm finding her extra
plumpness more appealing every time she recharges me."
     Zhila smiles, "When I check her out in the morning, I'll be
sure to remember to keep her body modified for more flesh." She
smiles and squeezes Mark's shoulder before she leaves.
     For a few minutes longer, Mark continues to massage her.
Finally he realizes how exhausted he is and falls asleep beside
her.
=================================================================
<DAY 7  SUM 8>
=================================================================
     Mark drifts awake and realizes he isn't alone. He opens his
eyes as he remembers where he is. Nikiya has two of her arms
drapped over him. He eases himself out of her grasp and prepares
breakfast.
     Nikiya wakes and quickly gets to her feet. "Did you stay
here all night?" She asks in a voice that he can't tell if she's
joking or not.
     "I thought you might still be drained," he answers, "so I
thought you wouldn't mind if I prepared breakfast." 
     Nikiya laughs as she sits down. "If you keep taking care of
me like this," she gives him a quick kiss as he puts a large
plate of breakfast cakes in front of her. "I'm going to have more
stored energy than you can imagine." She begins eating and he
fills her glass with loften juice.
     "I'm not trying to see how much you can eat," he comments as
he sits down to his food. "It's just that Zhila told me that food
was the best thing I could give you."
     Nikiya smiles and tries to talk with a mouthful. She's
forced to swallow it before she can. "I'll have to see if there's
something else you can do for me," she jokes.
     They finish eating and go outside. The others have set up
some tables and spread out maps of the surrounding area. Meleina,
Darosh and Kayloc are arguing the advantages of freeing the
miners or the prisoners first. 
     Mark studies the regional maps for a few minutes. He goes
into his house and returns with a large map of his own. "Here's
my plan," he informs them as he unrolls his map. "This map shows
the way the computer systems are interlinked with the
communication and power systems. I've learned that the Dalookan's
weapons are linked to their com units and powered from
transmitters in their sector. I'll have to control enough of the
systems that I'll be able to shut down their weapons, vehicles
and whatever else we need to."
     Meleina smiles, "Then our assignment is to find a way to
inform our people when to attack."
     Kayloc shakes his head, "The guards prevented the execution
of I don't know how many of us. They were only supplied with
enough food for the ones they were not told to kill. The other
prisoners may be as starved as I am, but there's more of us alive
then their leaders would like if they knew."
<52>
     Mark agrees with Kayloc, "There are probably only a limited
number of them that are our true enemies. What would be best is
to shut down power to their weapons and use the communications
systems to inform the Jharakens what is happening. We don't want
them to attack the innocent Dalookans. I think the ones we need
to capture are the mine guards and the ones who are controlling
everything."
     The others talk this over and agree with him. "The miners
can take care of their guards and can keep them in the mines
until they can be transported to a prison," Meleina comments.
     Mark laughs, "And maybe get some ore mined while they're
waiting. The ones in control will be the main problem. They're
spread out all over."
     Nikiya smiles at this. "Every day there is a vid
transmission that they all watch and also instruct the household
workers to watch. If you can take control of transmissions and
tell everyone that they've lost, the servants can take care of
anyone who is at home."
     Mark smiles, "Without their weapons, what else is there they
can do?"
     Nikiya stops smiling, "You know that they took me from a
village that had severe food restrictions. They never allow more
than a few days worth of supplies to be there at a time. They
search the villages often enough so that we can't hide much
reserve food. If we shut down their weapons..." she is unable to
finish.
     Mark tries to keep from laughing. "If I can get Kayloc out
of prison and erase all trace of him and the vehicle. In a few
days, I'll have complete control of all transport vehicles and
supply deliveries. On the day I shut down their weapons, I'm
going to send enough food to the villages to throw a real party."
     Zhila had been watching. "Why don't the four of you work out
the details. I need to talk with Chireek and Nikiya about helping
me with those that'll need my help." She walks to her unit with
the other two close behind.
     Mark looks at Darosh but all he can do is indicate he has no
idea what is going on. "Meleina, what do you need to get in touch
with all the miners?"
     Meleina smiles, "There's a mine report that is constantly
displayed at all break rooms. There's a mine that was closed
because only a small amount of ore was found. When ever a report
from that mine is displayed it is a signal for the miners."
     Mark crosses to his console. He accesses his level of the
com system and the mine display is on his monitor in minutes.
"All we have to do is decide on when." He pauses, "I'm going to
need to gain control of many more systems before we can really
decide. Right now I need all of you to think if there's anything
we've forgotten."
     They return to the maps and discuss ideas and possible
reactions the Dalookans might give them.
     Meanwhile, Zhila has been talking with the other females.
"I'm almost afraid of what Mark is talking about."

<53>
     Chireek stares at her, "How can you say that? He's going to
free us from the Dalookans!"
     Zhila shakes her head and looks at Nikiya. "You know what
I'm talking about, don't you?"
     Nikiya smiles, "Is there anything you can do to help me be
able to recharge him from all he has to do?"
     Zhila looks at Chireek, "I need to ask you a question that
won't go beyond this room. How do you think Mark really feels
about Nikiya gaining weight, how big does he think she's going to
get, and does he like her appearance."
     Chireek tries not to laugh. "I've joked with him about her
and he admitted things he probably hasn't told Nikiya."
     Nikiya takes the hint with a laugh. "I wonder if it would be
easier if I asked him and we didn't have so many secrets." She
giggles as she steps outside, careful to remain out of sight of
the males.
     Chireek waits until the door closes. "Mark has found out
about the hormone and that it's going to make her at least double
her weight. He likes her appearance and is excited that you're
helping her control where she's going to put a lot of extra
flesh."
     Zhila laughs, "I think the only one who doesn't know
everything is Nikiya. Oops," she says as Chireek falls down
laughing.
     In a moment Chireek recovers. "I think there's something on
your mind that you're hesitating about."
     Zhila shakes her head. "Now I need to talk with Nikiya.
Alone!" she says as Chireek begins to lay down.
     Chireek jumps up and goes out. In a moment, Nikiya enters
and closes the door behind her. "I take it you might have a way
for me to be able to keep Mark recharged," she asks. "But there's
something about it that makes you hesitate about telling me."
     Zhila searches for the words. "He knows you're going to
double your weight. I don't know an easy way for you to be able
to keep up with the energy he'll need at your present mass."
     Nikiya smiles, "With the way he was feeding me last night
and this morning, my mass must be more than when we left the
ship." She pauses when she sees the concern on Zhila's face.
     "I'm afraid," Zhila begins, "That you're going to need at
least 50 percent more mass than you have now."
     Nikiya thinks for a moment and then smiles. "So how do I
gain that much overnight?"
     Zhila finally smiles, "I don't think you can do any more
than you are now. If I could get access to the research library,
there might be something that could help."
     Nikiya smiles and goes outside. Within a few minutes she
returns with Mark.
     "She says you need a link with some medical systems?" Mark
inquires.
     Zhila smiles, "I'm doing some research and was wondering if
you could give me a link with the med system?"
     Mark smiles and looks at Chireek peeking around the door. "I
need a data cable run from my console to her system."
<54>
     Chireek smiles and trots over to the storage area. Within
minutes she hands the end of a cable to Mark. While he attaches
it to Zhila's system, she unreels the rest to Mark's console.
     Mark looks at Nikiya. "Are you charged up enough to get to
work?" he asks with a laugh.
     She smiles and follows him out. "You better get some energy
ready for me," she tells Zhila as she leaves.
     Chireek is standing beside the console and hands Mark the
cable. While he makes the connections, she quietly steps away.
     Mark sits down and smiles as Nikiya puts one of her upper
arms around his shoulder. "I'll try and remember to only link up
to the med systems." He tells her. "But if I come across
something that might help..."
     Nikiya gives him a reassuring hug. "If I get drained,
Chireek can take over."
     Mark takes her hand and gives it a understanding squeeze. He
returns his attention to the console and concentrates. His
thoughts flow into the com system computers and then reach out to
the Med system. He is not surprised when he finds that it is
several separate systems, linked by com-lines, but separate
security access. 'I hope I can tell when I'm getting drained,' he
thinks as he approaches the nearest one. The systems are almost
identical and after the first one, the task becomes almost easy.
He installs his access level and then Zhila's between his and the
existing ones. He finally finishes and does a quick check of his
work. Satisfied that everything is correct, he dissolves his
link, stage by stage. He releases his final link and accesses
Zhila's system to the Med-systems. He then collapses into
Nikiya's affectionate arms.
    While Mark is being recharged, Zhila accesses all research on
energy transference and on Genhorm 2587. "It appears some one has
done a few experiments since the ship's files were updated," she
muses as she reads. She prints out this experiment and a few
others before she remembers to check on Mark and Nikiya.
     Mark starts to drift into conscienceness and is pleased when
he feels the softness of Nikiya against him. He opens his eyes
and helps her sit up. "I hope I didn't do too much" he asks.
     Nikiya smiles and glances at Chireek who is holding a large
glass of nutrient drink. "Yesterday you were really pushing it
when you went for a second time." She answers before drinking the
contents of the glass.
     Mark smiles and holds the glass for Chireek to refill. "The
problem is, after you recharge me, I feel ready to do it again."
He hands the refilled glass to her and she slowly drinks. "I need
to ask if you're up to it." He looks at her sternly. "And if
you're not, I want you to tell me."
     Nikiya smiles, "Chireek can help you if I run low." She puts
her hand in front of his mouth as he starts to argue. "The best
chance for your plan to work is if you can get everything set up
before any one has a chance to suspect a thing."


<55>
     "I have to agree with her," Zhila comments as she approaches
with a plateful of disks. "I've adjusted the sweet disks in my
processor to have a higher concentration of vitamins and
minerals." She hands one to Nikiya. "I think I may be on to
something to help her have more energy available for you."
     Nikiya looks at her while she eats. "Is this what we talked
about?" she asks while taking another disk.
     "I'm not sure yet." Zhila hands the plate to Mark. "I'm
going to study the reports and I should be able to tell you
something in a couple of hours." She returns to her unit.
     Mark helps Nikiya for several minutes. Darosh and Meleina
approach them. "How are your link ups with the systems going?"
Meleina asks.
     Mark smiles, "It's going to take awhile to get everything
ready, but it's going better than I thought."
     Meleina frowns, "There's a message that the Dalookans are
going to demand each miner produce more ore. They aren't
replacing the injured as fast as they're getting hurt and they
have orders that they want to fill." He glances at Nikiya, "I
know you're doing the best you can." He turns and walks away.
     Darosh watches him leave. "He has a brother and some cousins
in the mines. He has no idea if one of them has been injured
or.."
     Nikiya reaches up and takes his hand. "We all have friends
and relatives." She looks at Mark and struggles to her feet. "I'm
ready for another recharge."
     Mark shakes his head. "I want to get this over with as much
as the rest of you. But if we rush things and get sloppy. We may
fail and then think what they'll do." He smiles, "Why don't you
see how Zhila's work is going." He goes with Darosh to discuss
the plans while Nikiya goes to the med unit.
     Once inside, Nikiya stands behind Zhila and tries to read
over her shoulder. 
     "I heard what Meleina was yelling about," Zhila comments
while she reads. "He was already in here demanding that I find
some was to keep the two of you going." She makes some notes
before getting up. "I think I've found an experiment that might
help, but I must remind you that it was only an experiment."
     Nikiya relaxes on a pad and nibbles a disk. "I can tell
you're not sure of the results, so tell me everything and then
I'll decide."
     Zhila gets herself a glass of water. "It's not the results
I'm worried about." She reclines on her pad. "The Dalookans know
that some of us have abilities but don't know who and decided
that it wouldn't be worth the trouble to force us to reveal who
had what.


<56>
     "One of their security men accidently saw one of us levitate
supplies from a transport and arrested him. The officials
transferred him to a research station and they experimented on
how much he could lift and how often. They knew of how we
recharge each other and they arrested his wife. The two of them
did as they were told and the Dalookans seemed satisfied that our
abilities are of little threat to them. One of the researchers
found the legend of about larger Jharakens having more energy. He
managed to get them assigned to him and his team. They ordered
several doses of Genhorm 2587 and gave it to her. They also kept
a table loaded with food. After a few days, the aromas drove her
to where she couldn't resist and began gorging. She became able
to recharge him more often and they kept searching for way to
increase her recharging. They finally found a derivative of 2587
causes massive increase in appetite and that she could eat while
recharging him. Using this they were able to double the times per
day she could recharge him."
     Nikiya waits while Zhila pauses. "There's something that you
don't think I'll want to hear and it's probably about how much
she gained."
     Zhila quietly continues, "By the end of a year, She weighed
more than six times her previous weight."
     Nikiya thinks for only a few seconds. "You said that they
used this on her daily and continued for a year." She smiles as
Zhila nods. "Mark believes that he can free our people in 50 to
100 days." She pats her plump sides, "I'm going to double my
weight anyways and with that increase I might triple. If I can
give Mark more energy, he might be able to free our friends
sooner." She puts her hand on Zhila's shoulder. "If that's what I
need to do, then get the data and mix up a batch."
     Zhila smiles, "Don't you think you should tell Mark? He
might be able to handle twice your weight, but.."
     Nikiya cuts her off, "If this is what it's going to take to
free our people, let me worry about afterwards."
     Zhila smiles as she gets an oddly colored and extra thick
nutrient disk from a cabinet. "I already made a few so I was sure
I could." She hands it to Nikiya, "The next time Mark links up
eat this. In a few minutes you'll get really hungry, you might
almost feel like you're starving. I'm going to tell Chireek so
she can make sure you have plenty of food. The effect only lasts
for an hour or so, but in that time you'll eat an incredible
amount."
     Nikiya glances down and then back up and smiles. "How bout
another kind of treatment before I leave?" She laughs with a
twinkle in her eyes.
     Zhila smiles and shakes her head. "With all these are going
to fill out," She whispers as she begins using her healing
ability, "He probably won't notice how much the rest of you is
filling out." 
     Nikiya enjoys the warm comforting feeling flowing through
her as Zhila works. After a few minutes, she stops and Nikiya
goes to Mark.

<57>
     She see's Chireek and motions for her to see Zhila. She
stands beside Mark for a few minutes and watches his display
screen. "Zhila's found a way for me to be able to recharge you
more often," she tells him.
     Mark looks at her and smiles, "I'm hopeful we can get this
done before the other ships return." He puts his hands on the
console and relaxes.
     Nikiya glances when she hears Chireek coming. She looks at
her and devours the disk before she can be stopped. 
     Chireek looks at her in shock. "With what I was just told, I
can't believe that you're really doing it?"
     Nikiya smiles and pokes her soft abdomen. "I hope  you
agreed to feed me because I'm going to be really hungry in a few
minutes."
     Chireek is stunned and then runs into her unit. Before she
returns, Nikiya is hit by hunger pains more intense than she can
believe. 
     Chireek returns with a plate full of various sweets. Nikiya
grabs it and begins eating rapidly. Chireek runs back and is a
little longer before she returns with several plates loaded with
vegetables and meats. Nikiya had almost finished the sweets and
gulps the rest down. "I didn't think it was possible to feel this
hungry," she mumbles. "It's like my stomach is an empty vacuum."
     Chireek smiles as she turns to get more. "Then I'm going to
stuff you till you're ready to burst," she laughs.
     Chireek spends the next hour keeping her supplied with food.
By the end of the hour, Nikiya is slowing down and finally stops.
Chireek helps her lay down, then stands beside Mark to help him.
     Mark has linked up with the Transportation computer system
and is awed at how many different systems there are. He modifies
and puts his level into several of them before he realizes he is
weak. When he releases his link, Chireek helps him into Nikiya's
grasp.
     After more than an hour, he becomes conscience and pats her
plump form. She remains in a light sleep and he adjusts her
pillow. "Did you put the sleeping pad here?" he asks Chireek.
     She smiles, "It's an extra one and the two of you seem to
need it here as much as in your units."
     Darosh approaches, "I think I've got Meleina calmed down. He
understands it's going to take time and we need to free everyone
at once for the plan to work." He gently grabs Mark's shoulder.
"If there was something he could do, I think it would help."
     Mark thinks for a moment. "Why don't the two of you give the
security vehicle a complete work over. I've removed it from the
security computers and can install it's codes as assigned to a
high level official."
     Darosh gladly agrees, "It'll give us all something to do. By
the time we get finished, no one will recognize it." He signals
for Meleina and they begin plans for what they can do with it.
     Mark smiles as Nikiya wakes. "What did Zhila find out that's
going to help you recharge me?"


<58>
     Nikiya smiles and struggles to her feet. "I don't think
we're going to let you in on our secret yet. She said that I
should be able to recharge you several times a day though."
     Mark smiles and joins some of the others for lunch. Twice
more that day, he links up. He instructs the com system to have a
substation installed beside their module. He also instructs
supply to have a master interface system and other equipment
he'll need, to be delivered.
     For many days he has equipment delivered and installed by
the others. He continues his work on gaining control of the
systems.
     Nikiya continues to consume much more and becomes much
plumper. But this isn't as noticeable as the increased fullness
of her swollen breasts.

=================================================================
DAY 39 SUM 40
=================================================================

     In thirty some days, Mark has gained complete control of all
the systems. He has a complex interlink system that he has
installed and modified in the module.
     Mark calls a meeting. "I'm virtually ready to shut down
their weapon systems, take control of supplies systems and every
thing else we need to. We need to inform as many as we can so
they can take action."
     Meleina smiles. "I can inform the miners within twenty four
hours."
     Kayloc nods his head. "There is a way I should be able to
inform many of the prisons. Where the guards have protected us, I
don't believe there will be any problems."
     Mark thinks for a few minutes. "I need to set up special
deliveries for the villages. I believe I can have everything
ready in four days. If I send the supplies out early on the
evening of the 44th, the supplies should arrive in the morning. I
can have everything ready to shut down their weapons and com
systems at 50: hours."
     The others look at him in surprise. Finally, Darosh speaks,
"We've been waiting so long that we're all speechless. I think we
all have our own thought of seeing our friends and family freed."
     Mark laughs, "I'd like to do a full check out of my links
with the systems. I'm planing on having a minor power failure in
a sector tonight for a few minutes. By the time they realize the
shutdown, I'll have it back up."
     Meleina smiles for the first time since Kayloc arrived. "I
should get a message sent to the.."
     Mark keys into his complex link-up console and motions to
Meleina. "You're on-line with the mining system. Let the miners
know at 50: hours on the 45th, the mines will belong to them."
     Meleina smiles and send a report from mine 42. He waits
until the message is acknowledged. "Within a few hours every
miner will be alerted."

<59>
     Mark smiles and links up to the security and gives control
over to Kayloc.
     He smiles as he keys his message in. "I could probably send
this to all the guard rooms, but there's no need to chance it."
He finishes keying and stands back.
     "I know you're all anxious to get this over with," Mark
comments, "and in a few days it will be. But we must remember
your two races lived together in peace for many years. The
Dalookans who did this are few and they are the ones who should
be punished." He walks to Chireek's quarters while the others
talk about their future.
     Chireek is reading beside the door and starts to get up as
he approaches. Mark motions for her not to and sits down. "It
sounds like everything is going as well as you had planned," she
says.
     Mark leans back and closes his eyes, "Everything about the
plan is." He takes a slow deep breath. "The only thing that
concerns me is Nikiya's weight gain."
     Chireek waits a minute before asking, "You knew that she was
going to fill out a good bit more." She pauses before continuing,
"Is she getting too big for you to find attractive?" she asks
with concern.
     Mark almost laughs, "Somehow I'm finding her more
attractive, the more of her there is." He pauses for a moment.
"Are you adjusting her clothes to conceal how extra-full busted
she's getting?" he asks with a smile.
     Chireek controls herself, "She knows what you appreciate and
wanted to keep it a surprise."
     Mark smiles, "How can she hope to keep somethings that big a
surprise when she pulls me into her several times a day?"
     This finally send Chireek into uncontrollable laughter.
After a few minutes she regains herself. "Then what are you
concerned about?" she gasps.
     Mark takes a breath before speaking, "From what I've learned
about 2587, she shouldn't be gaining weight this fast."
     Chireek sombers up, "When we first got here, Zhila asked me
about what you found physically attractive in females. After I
told her, she talked with Nikiya alone. Then Nikiya asked me
about adjusting her clothes to conceal her extra bust expansion.
I made an inner blouse to help disguise their size. You'd have to
ask Zhila about her extra gain."
     Mark shakes his head. "If they've decided to keep it a
secret, I probably shouldn't ask. They'll probably tell me after
we free the others." He smiles at Chireek, "I'd prefer it if you
didn't tell them I was worried."
     Chireek smiles and almost laughs, "Then I'm going to tell
them that you're impressed with Nikiya's special expansion." She
barely manages to contain her laughter and loses control when
Mark tackles her.
     After a few minutes they get up. "I better see if she's
ready to recharge me," Mark comments. "I want to set up for a
small power failure and see how well I can cover up the cause."
He goes to Nikiya's unit and knocks."
<60>
     "I'll be out in a moment," she calls out. After a few
minutes she opens the door. "Mark, I take it we're needed again?"
she jokes.
     "That we are," he responds. "In a few more days we can take
a break from this and beyond that I'm not going to think or worry
about until we're there."
     She steps out and he watches her new flesh jiggle where her
loose clothes fail to cover. The back of her lower body virtually
jiggles as she walks. He glances into the opening of her blouse
and sees her two mounds of flesh almost sloshing against each
other and the inner blouse which Chireek made to conceal their
size.
     Mark sits at his modified console and begins link-up
sequences. With his modifications, his console can make all the
connections into what ever system he needs to access. He glances
down as Nikiya relaxes and nibbles on an unusually colored disk.
He renews his attention to what he has planned and mentally
enters the power grid systems. After deciding that two
independent failures will be more of a test, he alters the
programs so that at 78:06 hours one grid will fail. Ten minutes
later power will be restored and another grid will fail for 8
minutes.
     As soon as Chireek saw Nikiya eating one of her special
disks, she prepared two large meals for her. She takes the first
one out and returns for the second.
     Nikiya is gulping the first down and thanks her for the
second between gulps. "I hope he likes the female I'm becoming.
If I get too big for him, I'm going to tell him that I was always
afraid that I wouldn't feel right with another species."
     Chireek smiles and strokes her fleshy back. "He's noticed
that you're filling out faster than he thought you would. He said
he finds you more attractive the more of you there is and
wondered how you could think he wouldn't notice where you're
packing in some extra flesh."
     Nikiya smiles and ravenously finishes the meals. Chireek has
a plate of sweet disks and a large pitcher of Coke waiting for
her desert.
     Mark checks out other power grids and decides that all will
respond to his commands. He starts to dissolve the link, but then
gives in to his curiosity about Zhila's request for a link-up. He
accesses the med system and asks what reports Zhila had
requested. He down loads them to his console so he can look at
them without Nikiya having to be there.
     After the reports are in his system, he dissolves his link
and opens his eyes. "I didn't do as much as I have been. Over the
next three days I hope I can set up enough things so that I won't
have to really over do it on the two important days."
     Chireek smiles and helps him onto Nikiya's pad. Mark could
easily have moved himself, but he decided to not reveal he is
strong enough. Nikiya wraps her arms around him and pulls him
close. She waits until Chireek has left. "You didn't use your
energy that much, did you?"

<61>
     Mark conceals his smile in her blouse. "I know you'd notice,
but there's no reason for anyone else to." She whispers as he
snuggles into her plumpness and she hugs him close as he drifts
off. 
     Mark is conscious in less than half an hour but continues to
relax in her soft embrace for another half hour. He finally gets
up and helps her to her feet, catching a good impression of how
much her breasts have expanded. "Are you ready for supper?" he
asks.
     Nikiya doesn't want to admit what she and Chireek do while
he's linked up, "I guess I am. Why don't you invite the others
and we'll have a prefreedom party."
     Mark agrees, but while he's inviting them, he wonders if
there's something she's hiding.
     In a short time, Meleina and Darosh have arranged a couple
of tables and benches.  "You know," Meleina comments as they sit
down, "Maybe we should be eating as a group. We all have our
special concerns, but we still must work as a team."
     Zhila has been helping Nikiya bring the food and sits down.
"He has a good point. Kayloc and I have been finding out the
medical and prison status, Meleina the mines, Darosh and Chireek
have been checking on villages and locations of officials. Even
though we've had meetings to keep everyone informed, we've lost
the feeling of being a close group."
      Chireek jumps to her feet and steps away from the table. "I
think we're a very close group."
     Almost everyone looks at her in surprise. Darosh manages not
to smile as Mark slips around behind her. "Zhila's right," Darosh
insists as he steps toward her. "I think you're closer to Nikiya
than you are to me and..." He doesn't finish his sentence as he
starts to jump at her. Unfortunately for him. Nikiya is already
on him and Mark jumps Chireek as she starts to laugh. The others
join in the fracas and soon they are all a tangled laughing mass.
     Mark regains his voice, "What was Zhila saying about us not
being close?" Zhila and Chireek respond to this by team wrestling
him.
     Finally they are all out of breath and stumble back to the
table. They enjoy the meal and a few tales of the wonderful times
before. Mark insists on a toast, "To the good old times and the
good times to come. May we remember them all, when the next times
come!"
     They all cheer to this and they finish eating. Chireek and
Darosh help Nikiya clean up while the others go to their units or
work on projects.
     Mark walks toward his console and Meleina joins him. "There
was a report from mine 42. All the miners are ready for the fun." 
    Mark smiles, "I just hope we can keep the bloodshed down on
both sides. I know they have been cruel but that's no reason you
should lower yourselves to their level." 
     Meleina agrees, "My message told them that it would be more
satisfying to watch them work." He turns and heads for the
vehicle he has been working on.

<62>
     Mark is serious as he sits down at his console and displays
the reports. He reads them quickly, carefully listening for
anyone's approach. After he reads and clears his display, he
thinks about them and Nikiya. "A modified 2587 that she takes
while I'm linked and then Chireek keeps her supplied with food so
she can recharge me. This is causing her to gain much faster than
she would have, but the effects seem to be very short term." He
smiles to himself. "If she didn't, I'd be about half as far as I
am. And I have to admit I do find her more attractive." He almost
laughs to himself. "If they don't want to tell me, why let them
know I know." He stores the reports. He waits for and watches the
power failures. When he sees the Dalookans react only during the
outages and dismiss them as temporary glitches, he is more
satisfied that they don't know what is happening except what
their systems tell them.
     He returns to his house. Moments later the music of YES can
be heard though the insulated walls.
     For the next three days everyone runs through variations of
what could happen and how to solve the problems they find. Mark
links up with all the systems and tests his console's and his
ability to keep track of everything he needs to and his ability
to adjust other commands. He has quietly created extra food
supplies at the various depots and issued commands at his level
for these to be sent to all the villages on the evening of Sum
44.

=================================================================
DAY 43  SUM 44
=================================================================
 
     They have been eating all their meals together but this
evening meal has no talk of how it had been. Throughout the meal
and for a short time afterwards, they take turns explaining how
they hope tomorrow will go and what concerns they have.
     Finally Zhila calls a halt. "We've discussed the plans until
we're putting the smallest fears on the same level as complete
failure. I think we should all relax and get a good sleep."
     Mark smiles, "I have a few system I'd like to make sure are
carrying out my orders." He walks to his console.
     Nikiya and Chireek follow him. "I've just eaten so I've got
plenty of energy," Nikiya comments as Mark sits down.
     Mark smiles and pokes her plump torso. "All I have to do is
have my system access a couple of the others." He puts his arm
around her soft shoulder and pulls her against him. "But the two
of you can keep me company."
     Nikiya smiles and massages his shoulders while he begins to
access supply and transport systems.
     Mark relaxes to her caresses while he works. Within half an
hour he has verified that the deliveries are either being made or
are in the process of being shipped. Nikiya smiles and massages a
shoulder and arm while Chireek does the other, trying to make him
think it is just Nikiya.

<63>
     "Everything's being delivered as ordered," he says with a
smile as he keys off. His expression changes to one of shock as
the two of them pull him over the back of his chair.
     They try to pin him except that Darosh had seen what was
going to happen and snuck up behind them. The four of them become
tangled in each others arms and collapse in laughter.
     When they are completely out of breath, they pull themselves
apart. "I think we're all going to sleep well tonight," Mark
gasps.
     Darosh looks at him and smiles. "Unless laughing bird here
loses control again." He starts to grab her, but she slips away
and runs to their unit. He smiles and jogs after her.
     Mark looks around and it appears that everyone is preparing
for sleep. "I hope you're going to be able to keep me recharged
tomorrow," he whispers as he hugs Nikiya. "I know I've been
asking for you to have a lot of energy ready for me and I'm
afraid that I'm going to need even more tomorrow."
     Nikiya grabs him with all four arms and pulls him into her
flesh swollen body. "I'll make sure I have as much as you can
possibly want."
     Mark smiles as he hugs her tight. "After tomorrow, I'll
allow myself to think about what I've ignored for too long." They
release each other and Mark goes to his house.
     Nikiya starts to go to hers, but then goes to Zhila's. She
quietly knocks and Zhila lets her in immediately.
     "I thought you might want to talk tonight," Zhila comments
as they sit down.
     Nikiya smiles, "I'm only worrying about having enough energy
for Mark tomorrow. He just told me that after tomorrow he'll
think about things he's ignored and I'm almost certain I'm one of
those things."
     Zhila controls her smile. "He also isn't thinking about the
home world he's left. But I agree that he'll be thinking of you
more." She uses her ability on Nikiya, "When he sees how big you
are up top, he won't be able to think of much else." She stops
and smiles, "You're body is adapting to your increase in weight
as if you should have always been this big."
     Nikiya sternly looks at her. "Why do I think you're trying
to work around a way for me to have as much energy as he might
need?"
     Zhila shakes her head and stands. "You've used only two 2587
disks a day. The experiment indicated that more than that might
have a side effect."
     Nikiya gets up, "Tell me what it might be and I'll decide if
I want to chance it."
     Zhila opens a cabinet and removes a small box. "Here are the
last six disks. I know that you've already decided to take the
chance." She hands the box to her. "The side effect is that your
weight gain may be increased more than it is."


<64>
     Nikiya looks seriously at her. "I've already decided that
I'm not going to be the one who didn't do as much as I could. I'd
like you to tell Chireek because I'm planning on being with Mark
from the time he starts until we're finished." 
     Zhila agrees and Nikiya goes to her unit. As Nikiya
undresses, she imagines how much fuller she might get. She
quickly falls asleep and dreams of being so large that a smiling
Mark is almost engulfed in her billowing flesh.
      
=================================================================
DAY 44 SUM 45
=================================================================

     Mark has had a somewhat restless night and wakes before he
planned to. He dresses and steps outside. Meleina is walking
around and he joins him. "You couldn't sleep much either?" he
asks.
     Meleina smiles, "There'll be plenty of time to sleep once
everyone is free. Do you mind if we go over the plans once more?"
     Mark laughs, "I was thinking of that before I saw you were
up." They discuss what they hope will happen until Chireek and
Darosh joins them.
     Darosh shakes his head, "I knew you'd be here and I bet you
haven't eaten yet."
     Mark smiles as he looks at the time. "I guess we should have
something." He follows them to the dinning table and enjoys a
relaxing meal. The others join them as they wake.
     Meleina stands and looks at them. "My friends. Today we are
hoping to free our families and friends. If we don't, I hope we
will learn what we need, to succeed at a later date."
     Mark stands, he slowly looks at each one of them. "When
Kadoon asked me to help you, I felt it was something that needed
to be done and that I'd only be missed at work. I only thought
that this is something I can really get into. But now," he
smiles, "I'm doing it for a better reason. I'm doing it for my
friends. Now that the sentimental take is over. It's time to show
those Dalookans that they've created a fools paradise, and it's
time for us to Rock 'n Roll them to where fools belong." He gets
up and runs to his console. Once there, he begins to link his
customized system to the planet's main control systems.
     Nikiya cautiously walks over and Chireek joins her before
she gets halfway. "Zhila told me what you're prepared to do." she
whispers. "I can't do much but make sure there's plenty of food
for you."
     Nikiya smiles, "You can also modify some of my clothes
because there's a good chance these are going to be rather snug
before today's over." The seriousness of this keeps Chireek from
laughing but they are both smiling as they separate.
     Chireek goes into her unit as Nikiya stands beside Mark. She
puts one of her soft upper arms around his shoulder. "Zhila
assured me that I can give you more energy today than I have in
two or maybe three days." She smiles at the concern in his face.
"Since we won't have to do as much tomorrow."
<65>
     Mark reaches up and gently squeezes her hand. "Today we free
the Jharaken race from slavery. There is no maybe in my mind.
Today is the day." He closes his eyes and starts to link up. 
     Once he is linked up, Nikiya eats one of the disks. Before
she finishes, Chireek is placing a large platter filled with
delicious smelling foods. Chireek smiles, "I talked with Zhila
and we're going to prepare different foods each time you use one
of the disks."
     Nikiya is already gorging on the assortment. "I know she
told you that over doing it like this may make me pack it on even
faster, but I'm doing it for our freedom."
     Chireek strokes her arm in understanding. "Don't worry about
out growing your clothes. I've modified some for the next couple
of sizes and Darosh will make sure everyone else is busy when you
have to change."
     Nikiya smiles, "If I finish this before Mark is done, it
might be a good idea to change or he'll notice how tight these
are and maybe not do as much as he should." She empties a glass
of Coke while Chireek runs to her unit.
     In a few minutes she comes running back with some folded
clothes. "Darosh is talking with the others," she gasps, "So if
you can stop eating for a moment." She unfolds the clothes as
Nikiya stands up. They quickly pull her snug clothes off and gets
her into the larger ones.
     Nikiya plops down and her flesh billows under the cloth.
"The only thing that bothers me with these disks is that I'm so
hungry I can't take time to enjoy the food."
     Chireek almost laughs, "You're just getting yourself in
shape for the celebration feast." She shakes as she keeps from
laughing out loud. She runs back to her unit and returns with a
large plate of sweet disks, more Coke and extra glasses.
     Nikiya smiles, she finishes the rest of the food and most of
the sweet disks before she slows. "I hope I don't eat too much
more with the extra disks," she whispers as she rubs her swelling
abdomen.
     Chireek smiles and nibbles on a sweet disk. "I've got larger
clothes ready, if you do."

     Mark has linked into the supply and transportation system to
verify the extra deliveries have been made. He's surprised that
the Dalookans managed to take over the planet and don't have
anyone keeping track of supplies. 'I guess they don't think
anyone will try and do anything because of the minerals they've
been selling,' he muses to himself. He links into one of the
power grids and verifies the unit powering the weapons will shut
down by blowing a module that can't be quickly replaced. 
     He links into several other systems before he begins to feel
drained. He releases his link-up and almost collapses in his
chair. Chireek jumps up and helps him into Nikiya's arms. She
cuddles him as she begins to recharge him.
     Within an hour he is recovered enough to accept a Coke from
Chireek. "How are the plans going?" she asks.

<66>
     Mark smiles and hugs Nikiya, "Better than I hoped. Those
fool Dalookans don't worry about anything except the ore going
out and the cash coming in." He gets up and stretches, "I'd like
to talk to Zhila about how fast she can be ready for another go."
     Chireek nods and runs off. In a few moments, she returns
with Zhila close behind. "She'll need a longer break after each
time," she gasps out of breath. "I'll keep checking on her so you
won't have to worry about her pushing herself too hard." She
examines Nikiya and smiles, "She's doing fine. In fact if you
need to link up, she'll be ready by the time you need her."
     Mark smiles and sits down. "After today, I'm going to be
needed to repair the systems I'm taking off line." He finishes
his drink and smiles. "But we can take our time with those." He
begins his link-up procedures.
     After a few minutes, Nikiya opens her eyes. "I heard what
you were saying." She takes her second disk and looks at Zhila.
     Zhila forces a smile, "You know what might happen and I'm
going to make sure you don't give him more energy than you can
spare. Now it's my turn to get your food." She turns and heads
for her unit as Nikiya eats the disk.
     When she returns, Nikiya has finished the sweet disks and
ravenously attacks the food.

     Mark links up with the main communication system and
verifies that it will initiate main module failures in areas of
the mines and Dalookan offices. He checks out several of the
power grids and is pleased that everything is ready. When he
feels weak he dissolves his link.
     Zhila and Chireek help him off his seat and into Nikiya's
waiting arms. She smiles as he snuggles deeply into her soft
flesh. She hugs him close and begins recharging him.
     Over an hour later he begins to regain conscienceness.
Chireek helps him sit up. "How are you doing?"
     He smiles and brushes Nikiya's hair out of her eyes. "I need
to go once more before the main event," he whispers as he looks
at his clock. "43: hours, If I can go at 45: hours I'll be able
to wait till 49:50." He looks at Nikiya, "You know her better
than I do." He looks back at Chireek. "I know if she tries to
recharge me while I'm linked up she can't do it as well." He
pauses and takes a few swallows of Coke. "I'm afraid that I'm
going to have to do more in that one linkup than I usually do in
two."
     Chireek smiles, "You take care of her when she wakes. I'm
going to check on a couple of ideas."
     She runs off while Mark supports Nikiya and massages her
soft abdomen. "I don't know what she's planning," he whispers,
"but she seems confident." He nuzzles her round neck.
     Almost half an hour later, Chireek and Darosh approach with
a modified sleeping pad. They set it up on the other side of
Mark's chair. After a few adjustments they stand back. "Now
she'll be at the right level to charge you while you're linked-
up." Darosh comments with a smile. The two of them jog back to
their unit.
<67>
     Nikiya smiles, "I'll be able to keep you going as long as
you need." She smiles and gives him a quick kiss.
     They return in a moment with another pad and lay it down
behind Nikiya. "This one is for you," Chireek says with a smile.
"We made it extra sturdy," she almost laughs, "so it'll hold both
of you."    
     Mark looks at the other pad and then Chireek. "I take it the
other one is for you?"
     Darosh smiles and grabs Mark's shoulder. "It was her idea
and I have to agree. She does a good job with me so she'll know
how to handle you and she told me how to handle Nikiya." Chireek
is already on the floor laughing.
     Mark glances at Nikiya, "While they talk about it. I need
one more time to program the last systems with my instructions."
He smiles as he begins his link-up procedures. 
     Nikiya waits a few moments until the other two realize what
is happening. She smiles as she begins eating a 2587 disk and
Chireek rushes to her unit.
     Chireek returns in minutes with an assortment of nutritious
foods. "I know this isn't enough," she jokes as Nikiya begins,
"but I'll be back with the rest before you're through." She
returns to her unit and presently returns with a platter loaded
with breads and small cakes. Darosh follows her with a large
pitcher of juice.
     Mark reaches out to the final power systems that supply the
com units and the weapons. He smiles to himself as they
acknowledge his level of command and that no order will over-ride
his. He then programs all system controlled vehicles to shut down
for all Dalookan operators. 'Now they won't be able to run and
this should keep the fighting down to a minimum,' he thinks. He
runs a few checks with other systems and is pleased that all is
ready. When he begins to feel drained, he dissolves his contact
and relaxes.
     Nikiya is just finishing a large glass of juice and is
feeling full as her accelerated appetite is satisfied. She gulps
the last of it down as Mark drifts into conscienceness. Chireek
helps him onto Nikiya's pad. She wraps her arms around him and
pulls him into her billowing flesh. He drifts into the warmth of
her body and energy, and snuggles in her embrace.
     After more than an hour, he drifts into conscienceness.
"What time is it?" he asks Darosh.
     Darosh glances at the clock. "47:34, You have more than two
hours to relax before your big number." 
     Mark sighs and caresses Nikiya's long hair. "I only hope
that I won't have to do much afterward." He looks concerned as he
turns to Darosh. "You have more experience with recharging
someone..."
     Darosh interrupts him, "If Zhila thinks it's dangerous,
she'll stop her. With Chireek to help out, you don't have to
worry about enough energy."
     Nikiya starts to stir and Mark helps her sit up. "How are
you feeling?" he asks.

<68>
     Nikiya smiles and does a good job at showing her confidence.
"You don't have to worry about me," She says as she gets up and
stretches. Her plump flesh billows as she does. "All you have to
worry about is all the Jharakens being freed and the Dalookans in
control being captured." She wraps her arms around him and he
hugs her.
     After a moment, they release each other and join the others.
Meleina has his modified vehicle on it's own power module. "I
haven't been able to test it outside but I know it'll go where
ever we need to."
     Mark smiles and grasps his shoulder. "As soon as I'm sure
it's safe, go and find your brother and cousins. You've given me
enough knowledge of the mine system to assure their freedom." He
turns and watches Zhila and Kayloc putting a meal on the table.
     "We better eat before you get started," Zhila informs him.
"If we don't eat now, it might be late tonight before we get
another chance to." She gets beside Nikiya and whispers. "I know
you just ate. But if you plan on using two disks without a break,
you're going to need as much food as you can hold before you
start." 
     Nikiya smiles and begins eating. They all joke and try to
keep a humorous atmosphere while they eat. 
     After they finish, the atmosphere instantly becomes serious.
Mark and Zhila talk about where her healing may be needed. "I'm
certain that Meleina will be glad to take you before he goes to
the mine."
     Zhila glances toward Meleina, "He's extremely obsessed with
finding his family. If I'm needed at the mine he'll be glad to
take me, however.."
     Mark smiles and hands her three electronic cards. "I have
already summoned three vehicles and they are in the lot beside
us. Once it is safe, you can have one and give the other cards to
whoever needs them."
     Zhila throws her arms around him and gives a thankful hug.
"What are you planning to do afterward?"
     Mark looks toward his console and smiles, "I'm afraid I'll
have some systems to put back on line. None of them are really
important, but I don't like to leave equipment broken down."
     Zhila's face takes a concerned look. "You don't have to
answer, but what do you feel about Nikiya?"
     Mark slightly smiles, "I think she feels warm and soft," he
almost laughs. "I know what you mean. I keep telling myself that
I'm not going to allow any feelings to bother me. But I have to
admit that when I let my mind wander, she's filling it more as
she fills out more."
     Zhila looks around and doesn't see Nikiya. "I promised not
to tell you this..."
     Mark interrupts her, "If it's about her filling out more
because of the modified 2587 disks." 
     Zhila looks at him without surprise. "Did you also read the
experiment about it being used more than twice a day?"
     Mark smiles, "I've linked-up three times today and I expect
that she's used one each time. How many did you give her?"
<69>
     Zhila forces a smile, "I told her that she might triple her
weight or more, instead of double as I gave her the last six
disks I had prepared."
     Mark glances as he hears a door open and sees Chireek and
Nikiya come out. "You didn't tell me anything she asked you not
to. Keep an eye on her in case Darosh doesn't know how much
she'll want to eat." 
     He walks to his console and studies it for several minutes.
Nikiya, Chireek and Darosh stop a few feet behind him. Finally he
turns and smiles, "Do you think you have enough energy for me to
complete what must be done?" He gently pokes her plump torso.
     Nikiya smiles and moves forward so that Mark's finger is
deeper in her softness. "And some extra in case you haven't
thought of everything."
     Chireek jumps up on her raised pad. "I've got enough to keep
you going if she needs to take a break."
     Nikiya surprises every one as she also jumps onto her pad.
It shifts a little but is otherwise very stable. Her flesh
jiggles as she lies down and prepares herself.
     Mark smiles and begins his link-up. "In half an hour, The
Jharaken race will rise from their slavery and the Dalookans will
be humbled." He reaches out with his mind and begins to verify
that all is ready.
     Darosh runs to his unit as Nikiya begins to eat one of her
special disks. Within minutes he returns with a platter loaded
with cakes and sweets. "Zhila suggested that high calorie foods
for what you're planning to do would be best." He sets the food
and a large pitcher of Coke beside her.
     Chireek frowns at him, "Don't I get any, or should I ask for
one of her disks?" She broadly smiles and almost laughs.
     Darosh smiles as he gets food and drinks for both of them.
They watch Mark in his trance-like state and Nikiya eating. As
she gets near finishing the food given to her, Darosh rushes off
to get her another extra large portion.
     Mark is pleased as he checks numerous systems and watches
the new hour approach. As it is reached, He is deluged with
systems reporting they have carried out his instructions. For the
next half hour he is constantly verifying that all systems are
preforming as he had instructed. He monitors the disrupted com
systems from the mines and smiles as the Dalookan call for help
is replaced by the Jharaken cheers of freedom. There is no call
for help from the prisons but the almost immediate cheer tells
him all is going as well as he could have hoped.
     At the same time, Nikiya gently wraps her arms around him
and begins to send her energy into him. She can feel that he has
used much and immediately feels her power flowing into him.
Darosh is in front of her and feeds her while her energy flows.
     Mark monitors scattered calls for help from main control
buildings and official housing. As reports of freedom come in, he
reestablishes the com systems in those areas.


<70> 
     He braces himself as reports of violent Dalookan defense
occurring at their main control complex. Mark links up to the
security system of the complex and is shocked as he observes the
monitors. The weapons in this complex are not the stun weapons
found elsewhere. These are a type of laser, both hand and scoped
rifle. They have waited until a mob of Jharakens had entered the
inner courtyard and are now shooting a few of them to keep the
others in fear.
      The Dalookan leader's voice blares over the loud speakers,
"You believe that you can break our control of you. Trash like
you is only good enough to work under our control. If you do not
surrender to us immediately, you will all die and the others of
your worthless breed will suffer our wrath." With two blasts, two
more Jharakens fall, "You have three minutes."
     Mark is barely able to control his anger. He links to the
environmental controls and puts all the energy he can into
changing the air purification system. In less than a minute, an
colorless odorless gas flows through the duct-work. The Dalookans
on the top floors are the first to fall but Mark knows it won't
reach the lower floors for several minutes. With much mental
hesitation he links with the backup power units in the
underground chambers. 'If only there were a better way', he
thinks. 'But they have drawn blood and the best way to keep these
peaceful beings from becoming like them is'.. 
     "On your foreknees," the Dalookan leader shouts, "or die in
ten, nine, eight, seven, six.."
     Mark strains against his desire not to shed their blood and
detonates the power units. Because of the construction of the
complex and the power units being located in underground rooms,
the blast causes the buildings to collapse inward. The Jharaken
are almost overcome by the dust but the only injuries are minor
cuts and bruises. Mark sends a message to Zhila where she is
needed. He also asks her to tell Meleina, good luck and thanks.
     Nikiya felt that something major has just happened.
"Chireek," she calls out in concern, "I don't know what's going
on, but I think he needs both of us. Darosh, I'm going to need
another disk and you better get me a lot more food." She gulps
down the remaining food as fast as she can and washes the disk
down with large gulps of Coke.
     As Darosh runs to their unit, Chireek wraps her arms around
Mark and feels the inner turmoil that is raging within him. "I
don't know what he just did," she tells Nikiya. "But it's
definitely something he didn't want to. He's pushing his energy
out as fast as he can, in an effort to convince himself that
there was no other way." They both feel his emotional pain and
feel him drawing their energies as he uses his at an frightening
rate.
    Darosh returns and Chireek tells him, "Get Zhila now. Don't
ask why, just GET HER!" He turns and runs toward the med-unit.
She is carrying a case with her and is just stepping through the
door way as he approaches. "Chireek needs you now!" He shouts. "I
don't know what's happening but she told me to get you!"

<71>
     Zhila puts her case down and runs as fast as she can. She
sees the strain on Chireek's face but before she can ask, Chireek
tells her. 
     "I don't know what happened. He did something he had to and
doesn't want to believe he did it. Right now he's using energy as
fast as we can give it to him."
     Zhila looks at Mark in shock. "If you run out before he
accepts what happened, he might completely drain himself."
     Chireek nods in understanding. "Nikiya has one disk left. I
don't know if she can keep him going when I run out." Darosh puts
his hand on her side as he comprehends what she is thinking.
"Make more of them for both of us." she almost shouts.
     Zhila looks at Darosh and he smiles. "You have the easy
job." He resumes feeding Nikiya, "I'm going to have to try and
feed both of them."
     Zhila runs to the med-unit and returns in a few minutes with
five disks. "I told Kayloc the code for them," she gasps. "He's
preparing more food and will be glad to help feed them."
     Darosh takes a disk and tosses it to Chireek. She catches it
and gulps it down. "He better get here soon," she says as she
grabs a small cake from the plate in front of her.
     Zhila seems anxious, "I wish I could stay, but Mark sent a
message over my display that I was needed. I'm almost certain it
has something to do with his actions."
     Nikiya mumbles with her mouth full of cake. "You get going,
Darosh and Kayloc can take care of us."
     Zhila turns and runs back to her unit. She goes in for a
moment and then goes toward the loading door of the module. She
opens it and runs out.
     Meleina starts up his vehicle and follows her. Once outside,
he stops and closes the door behind him.
     Kayloc comes out of the med unit with a large platter loaded
with sweet disks and a large liquid container. He puts the
platter in front of Chireek, "Zhila told me to get a lot of food
to you fast," he gasps as he catches his breath.
     Darosh looks over while he is feed Nikiya. "I'd like to take
care of her, if you don't mind?"
     Kayloc smiles, "I have no idea of what I'm supposed to get
them. I thought Nikiya was the one who took the 2587 disks."
     Darosh nods as they switch places and they resume feeding
the females. "Something happened with Mark and it's going to take
both of them. Chireek knows Nikiya won't be able to keep up with
him on her own." He smiles as he fills a large glass with Coke,
"And I know better than to argue with her once she's made up her
mind."
     "Ok," Kayloc agrees as he feeds Nikiya some rich breads, "I
just prepared the sweet disks and Coke because it was the first
thing I could think of. What should I fix Nikiya next?"
     Nikiya tries to mumble but has to swallow first. "With 2587
in my system. I don't care what it is, as long as there's a lot
of it." She takes several slices of bread and continues to eat
and drink.

<72>
     Darosh laughs, "I've helped to keep her supplied with food
before. Why don't you try and keep feeding them while I go and
prepare their next load of food?"
     Kayloc agrees, "I don't think it will be too hard to feed
them both for a short while."
     Darosh smiles, "Nikiya's getting low so I'll get the food
processor going." He pats Chireek's arm and runs to their unit.

     All the monitors went down when Mark destroyed the complex.
He taps into the nearest com system and listens to the calls for
help. Reestablishing the lines to the med stations, he is
relieved that the Jharaken injuries appear to be minor. He begins
to check in with all security systems and finds that the fighting
is limited to numerous minor brawls that are ending almost as
fast as they are started. Once the Dalookans realize that there
is no help coming, they surrender.
     There is only one prison where the jailers had carried out
their orders and they are now prisoners. Mark sends a message
that the Jharakens are not to lower themselves to that of their
former captors. He is relieved when a reply is sent that the
request will be followed.
      Mark begins checking one sector at a time in detail. As he
finds that the Jharakens are free and the Dalookans are no longer
in control, he restores power, communication and transportation.
Between work in each sector, he runs a fast check of any trouble
in the other sectors. He continues to find some active areas, but
the Jharakens are handling it with as little bloodshed as
possible. Mark decides that restoring the systems in the free
sectors is of high priority.

     Nikiya is starting to slow down her eating. "Darosh, I need
a disk. I don't think Chireek can keep him from draining himself
on her own."
     Darosh tosses a disk to her and she rapidly swallows it.
"It's 51:40, How much longer do you think you can keep this up?"
     Chireek nudges him while she swallows, "Mark has just freed
our world," She drains a glass of juice. "If we have to gorge
ourselves until we're ready to explode." She grabs a loaf of rich
bread and eats it as fast as she can. She slows and Darosh hands
her a full glass of Coke and her second disk.
     Darosh smiles as he pats her swelling stomach. "Tell me when
you're that stuffed and I'll wrap myself around you so you can
keep eating and keep him charged up."
     In a short time, Darosh is preparing more food. He brings
both of them a large platter of vegetables, one of sweets and
large pitchers of Juice and Coke.


<73>
     Mark has changed his repair sequence and is concentrating on
the com systems. As he repairs them, he monitors and is grateful
that the casualties on both sides are very low. What he did hits
him again when a report estimates that the Dalookans killed in
the complex, are more than all others killed. Mark goes deep into
the com system, not only repairing what he caused to happen, but
also repairing units that had broken through normal wear. He only
allows himself to hear how the Jharakens are regaining control
and refuses to hear about losses.
     Once he has repaired the com systems, He sends messages to
the villages on what has happened and to report their supply
condition. While the reports are coming in, he proceeds to the
power systems. He knows this could take awhile and is glad that
the work will keep his mind busy.

     Nikiya pauses eating and struggles to her feet. "If I eat
much more, I don't think I'll be able to stand." She forces a
laugh as she stretches before carefully lying down on her side
rather than swollen belly. "I'm ready for my 7th disk," she says
with a groan.
     Kayloc hands it to her and fills her large glass as she eats
it. "Zhila told me about the possible side effects. And you don't
seem to be the least bit worried."
     Nikiya empties the glass in two huge gulps. "Darosh, how
bout some pizzas for the next food?" She resumes gorging on the
remaining sweets.
     Darosh looks at Chireek and smiles, "A dozen large pizzas
with everything."
    He starts to run and almost falls down laughing when Chireek
calls out. "That's a dozen for each of us." It takes him several
minutes before he returns with two large pizzas. "I'm going to
get a wheeled pad from the med unit so I can carry the rest in
one trip. He sets one in front of each of them and runs off.
     He returns before Nikiya starts on her last piece. "It's a
good thing you didn't take any longer," she mumbles. "If I ran
out I was going to tell Kayloc to get me some of Chireek's."
     Chireek tries to stuff more into her already full mouth.
"mmh mmgh mmhh," She manages to swallow. "He better not try." She
smiles as she puts two pieces together and resumes eating.
     Darosh smiles as he puts half the pizzas and several
containers of Coke beside Nikiya. "It's a good thing you didn't,"
he laughs, "Because I know where she put your larger clothes and
she can modify her's as she grows."
     Chireek smiles and her snug clothes expand until they are
hanging on her. 
     Kayloc smiles and gets a blanket from the lower shelf of the
wheeled pad. Her puts it beside Nikiya. "This will do until one
of you have time."
     Darosh smiles and steps beside Nikiya. He smiles as he
watches her soft flesh billow under her skin tight clothes. He
puts his hands on her and concentrates. Within a few minutes,
even though she was rounder before they started eating, her
clothes are as loose as Chireek's.
<74>
     Mark has reactivated much of the power grids. He
concentrates on repairs and improvements so he won't have time to
think of what he did. He listens to some of the reports of
districts being surrendered. There are several houses where the
Dalookans refuse to give up. The Jharakens have surrounded these
holdouts and are asking them to give in to the inevitable. Mark
makes sure to keep these places off the power grid. He allows
them access to the com system because there is no where they can
call for help.
     The main cities are completely back on line and he continues
on to the smaller cities and then to the villages, even though
most of them have their own emergency units, This reassures them
that freedom has been obtained. He continues repairing the power
systems while he monitors more reports of Dalookans giving up.

     Halfway through her third pizza, Chireek begins to slow
down. "I need another disk," she tells Darosh.
     Darosh gets it and pauses before handing it to her." "Do you
realize how much you've stuffed yourself?"
     Chireek struggles to her feet and looks at her expanded
abdomen in shock and then amazement. "So I look like I'm
pregnant," she smiles as she gently lies back down and takes the
disk. "By the time this one wears off," she gulps it down with a
large gulp of Coke, "I'll look like I'm way overdue." She resumes
gorging on her pizzas.
     Kayloc looks at the time in shock. "It's 52:75. Mark has
been linked up for over three hours."
     Nikiya concentrates on her energy link to him for a moment.
"He's keeping all his attention on whatever he's working on.
Zhila said we have to keep him going or he'll drain himself
before he realizes it." She grabs some more pizza and gulps it
down.

     Mark finally finishes repairing and restoring the power
systems. He is almost accepting what he had to do but decides he
must repair all that he shut down before he can forgive himself.
He checks the transportation system and smiles at the work before
him. He brings up the service vehicles first and then proceeds to
supply and personal systems.

     Nikiya finishes her pizzas and begins on the assortment
Darosh had just prepared. She pauses and swallows her last disk.
"You better get some more disks made." she tells Kayloc.
     Chireek stops him, "I think Mark is finally slowing down.
What ever he's doing is taking less energy. I think he can make
it on what we're going to eat before the disks wears off."
     Nikiya smiles. "You just don't want to admit that you're
enjoying all this food."
     Chireek grabs her last four pieces and stacks them together.
"I'm enjoying this as much as you are." She begins chewing and
washes it down with a full glass of Coke.


<75>
     Mark smiles as he brings the last system, he shut down, back
on line. He monitors the reports and is finally able to admit to
himself, if he hadn't acted, the Dalookans would be roaming the
streets with their lasers and unguessed numbers of Jharakens
would already be dead.

     Chireek's enhanced appetite has finally quit. She stops
eating and senses what is happening with Mark. "I think he's
starting to come back," she tells them. She releases Mark and
relaxes on her side. "Nikiya can take care of him now," she
groans. 
     Darosh gently climbs onto her pad and gently massages her
overly-pregnant looking abdomen. "I think you were right," he
comments. "You look like the kid decided he wants to stay in." He
continues to caress her tremendously stretched stomach as she
falls into a gorged induced sleep.
     
     Suddenly Mark realizes he is feeling his energy levels
dropping. He has gotten so linked into the systems that it takes
him awhile to disengage. He still feels a flow of energy, but it
is less than it had been. He finally manages to completely
dissolve his link and collapses in his chair.
     Kayloc helps him into Nikiya's fleshy arms. "54:10, Over
four hours, I'm not surprised he's exhausted.
     Nikiya smiles, "I've eaten more than I want to think about
and the disk hasn't worn off," she tells Kayloc as she tries to
hold Mark in three of her arms while she eats.
     He smiles and holds some cake in front of her mouth. She
smiles and allows him to feed her by hand while she holds Mark
close. Finally the effect wears off. "I think I'm full," she
groans as she shifts herself and Mark. She is so full she passes
out as soon as she is laying down with him wrapped in her plump
arms. Her last thought, as she drifts to sleep, is of surrounding
him in her love, energy, and soft billowing flesh.

     Chireek drifts awake and smiles as she realizes Darosh is
sleeping with his head nestled against her now-plump tummy. She
looks at the other two.
     As extra plump as she was, Nikiya has now become definitely
fat. Her plump upper arms hold Mark so that his head is pillowed
by one of her flesh bloated breasts and the other one flows over
and onto his fore-head. Her lower arms pull him into the
billowing softness of her torso and abdomen. Her spongy fat
billows as they breath.
     Chireek glances at the clock. "64:35," she thinks. "I wonder
how things outside are going?" She looks at Darosh, wraps her
arms around him and pulls him into her new softness. He smiles in
his sleep and nuzzles deeper into her warmth. Chireek closes her
eyes, "We've done our work and now we deserve our rest." She
relaxes and joins the others in sleep.


<76>
     Kayloc had been watching the monitors in the med-unit when
he heard one of them move. He glanced out the door and watched
Chireek as she resumed sleeping. He returned to the monitors and
continued watching. He looks at his notes, "There are only two
houses that still refuse to surrender. Most of the Dalookans that
were not involved with the slavery are being allowed to remain
free. The prison guards that protected those chosen for death
will be given rewards. There are no more reports of fighting.
Supplies are being sent to the villages and families are getting
in touch with each other." He closes his eyes, "A short time ago
I was facing death, now our race is free." He resumes watching
and taking notes.

     Mark starts to wake and snuggles into Nikiya's massive
bosom. He stops when he realizes how much of her there is and
slowly opens his eyes. All he can see is her billowing flesh, he
eases his head back and is shocked at how much fuller she is. He
turns his head and looks at her fat swollen body. Moving as
gently as he can, he looks at the clock. "71:20," he thinks,
"Almost twenty two hours and I have no idea how much of that I
was linked into the system." He looks back at Nikiya's inflated
body. "She must have taken all the disks while I was working," He
lays back down and wraps his arms around as much of her as he
can. "How can I not have strong affection for someone who'd do
this with my telling her that I can't promise her anything." He
gently snuggles into her velvety softness and relaxes. He smiles
as she almost purrs and he drifts back to sleep.

     Hours later, Darosh wakes. He tries to get up without waking
Chireek, but she suddenly grabs him and pulls his face into her
billowing bosom. "I don't want you to wake them," she whispers.
"Think about how much you fed me and then I'll let you see where
it is now." Darosh nods in understanding and she releases him.
     He rolls off the pad and looks at her swollen form. His eyes
bulge in shock, although there is something in her roundness he
finds appealing. "How much have you gained," he whispers.
     Chireek rolls off the other side and almost falls down. "I
guess it'll take me a couple of days to get used to my new size,"
she whispers with a smile. She looks herself over, casually
running her hands over her accentuated curves and enjoying her
new fullness. "I guess I have put on a little weight. She looks
at Darosh and flutters her long eyelashes, "What do you think? Or
are you afraid that I'll win all our wrestling?"
     Darosh smiles as he steps back to take her more abundant
figure in. She smiles as she slowly turns around, occasionally
making a quick motion so that her ample flesh quivers. "Your
extra softness might make me want to lose," he finally answers.
"But don't think that I'm going to give up easily."
     Chireek barely manages to control her laughter, even so, her
fat swollen body quivers as she does. "It looks like my new flesh
enjoys a good laugh. I wonder how long they'll sleep?" she
whispers as they look at the other couple.

<77>
     Mark opens his eyes and smiles. "It's a good thing I was
listening in before I looked," he whispers.
     They quietly walk over to him so they can be as quiet as
possible. Chireek whispers, "I know something happened that you
didn't like.."
     Mark stops her, "I'll explain it when Nikiya's awake. Let's
just say that I had to push myself to exhaustion and forgot that
the more I pushed, the more energy I'd be drawing from her." He
pauses as he looks at how swollen with food and fat she is. "I
thought Nikiya had the disks?"
     Chireek smiles, "We'll talk about that later. Can you tell
us the good things?"
     Mark is almost covered in flesh as Nikiya moves. She opens
her eyes and looks at Mark. "I think I've got you trapped," she
jokes as she rolls back. "I can't believe it myself," she
comments as Mark gets off the pad. "But I"m actually hungry."
     Mark smiles, "It's been a few hours. I haven't eaten since
this morning and I bet Darosh didn't get much while he was taking
care of you two."
     Darosh laughs, "I'll get something ready while the two of
you see if Nikiya has gotten too heavy to move." He runs to the
med unit.
     Mark looks at Nikiya and then takes a couple of steps back
in shock. "Chireek looks like she put on about twenty percent,"
he gasps in surprise, "but you look like you put on as much as
she weighs."
     Nikiya struggles to the edge of her pad and it almost falls
over. She shifts her new massiveness and almost falls. She smiles
as she steadies herself and takes a few steps, her amply bloated
skin billowing as she does. "I may not have put on that much,"
she jokes as they slowly walk, "But there's a lot more of me than
there was this morning." They laugh and Mark is buffeted by the
two billowing females on each side of him. They both laugh and he
has to struggle to keep his balance.
      They enter the med-unit and Kayloc behaves as if nothing
has happened. He motions to the table where Darosh is eating. "I
had something while I was watching the monitors," he tells them
while he places platters stacked with food on the table. While
they eat, he informs them of what has happened. They are all
pleased that there has been almost no fighting and that only a
few of the Dalookans were involved. "The prisoners and miners are
going to hold separate trials for their captors. The guards who
showed sympathy have already been released. It seems that the
worst ones were at the mines."
     He pauses as Zhila enters. She looks exhausted and collapses
on a bench. "I've done as much as I can for one day," she says in
a voice that demonstrates how tired she is. "Our leaders know of
you and what you've done," she tells Mark. "But I asked them to
give us a few days before they come to thank you."
     Mark smiles and tries to puts his arms around Nikiya and
Chireek, "Without them, I couldn't have done a fraction of what I
did."

<78>
     Nikiya smiles and puts her flesh bloated arm around his
shoulders. "We did it for our people, you did it because.." she
doesn't know how to finish.
     Mark nuzzles into her flesh inflated breast. "I was doing it
for my new friends and the people I feel at home with."
     Zhila looks at Nikiya and then Chireek, "I warned you what
those disks could do," she jokes. She stands up and motions for
Chireek to join her. "I know I'm tired, but this won't take much
energy." She slowly begins to explore Chireek's expanded body.
Her healing energies flow as Chireek's body is modified to it's
new plumpness. 
     As Chireek steps back, Nikiya exaggerates her heavy waddle.
"I hope your abilities can keep up with me!" she jokes.
     Zhila takes longer helping Nikiya's body adapt to her
ponderous increase in weight. Finally she stops and pats Nikiya's
wide back, causing her fur covered skin to quiver. "As long as
you don't have to do a repeat of today, we shouldn't have any
problems."
     Kayloc rushes up and catches Zhila as she almost falls. "It
looks like it's my turn to play healer," he says with a laugh. He
helps her into their sleeping area. The others finish eating and
then go outside.
     They walk over to Mark's console and he uses the com systems
to learn what has happened since he stopped. There were scattered
resistance of the Dalookans but the Jharakens chose to wait them
out. There are only two housing complexes where the siege
continues. He tries to skip pass any information regarding the
Dalookan main complex, but Chireek stops his hand. He closes his
eyes until she squeezes his shoulder in sympathy. "I wish they
wouldn't have opened fire," he almost whispers.
     Nikiya wraps a plump arm around him. "You took the best
choice you had. If you hadn't, they'd be in other complexes and
we'd have a full war where peace would be bought with the dead."
     "I can't say I know how you feel, Darosh says, "but if
there's anything I can do?"
     Mark reaches up and firmly grasps his hand. "Chireek has
done more than I wish she had to. Weight gained with 2587 is
almost permanent. To lose any, she'd have to stay on a starvation
diet, and that would be worst."
     Chireek nudges her plump lower-shoulder against him. "On
Earth, most hefty people are put down for no good reason. There
are many on Darnarius that are much heavier than myself or
Nikiya. Some may not find them physically attractive, but that
doesn't stop them from enjoying each other's company."
     Mark looks into her concerned eyes. "Earth is a major part
of my history." He touches the console, "But can I accept what I
have done in my recent history?"
     Nikiya gives him a firm hug. "Think of all the members of
your new race that would have died, if you hadn't." She smiles as
he looks into her eyes. "And about being concerned with how much
we've filled out today," she pats her bounteous bosom and watches
her skin ripple. "With what we've done, we might even start a
trend for plump females."
<79>
     Mark strokes the soft arm that holds him. "I know that I did
the only thing I could." He pauses, "I just need to come to grips
with it before I'll be able to tell you..." he fades out and she
holds him in her reassuring hug.
     Darosh gently taps Mark's shoulder, "You may not believe
this, but for some reason I think Chireek looks better with her
extra weight." He breaks into a wide grin, "And her billowing
when she's controlling her laughter gives me an advantage." He
tries to run, but Nikiya swings her ponderous rump in his way and
he almost falls over her. 
     Mark's melancholy attitude is finally broken as he jumps.
Since she is already off balance, because of Darosh's collision,
he easily topples her over. Darosh was trying to push against her
to regain his balance and also falls. Chireek had just gotten
around Mark's command chair and dives in with a laugh. They
wrestle until they are a laughing mass of tangled friends.
     Nikiya grabs Mark with all four arms and pulls him into her
jiggling flesh. "And I was worried you were thinking of doing
something foolish."
     Mark tries to laugh, but his face is mashed into her spongy
breasts. She eases her grip and he catches his breath. "And you
think trying to out wrestle someone who is many times my weight
is intelligent?" They all are quickly reduced to a laughing mass,
gasping for breath.
     Darosh finally struggles out. "I don't think we need to
worry about Mark doing anything dumber than this." He starts
running to his unit as Chireek struggles to her feet and runs
after him, her bloated body billowing under her velvety fur as
she does.    
     Mark stands and helps Nikiya to her feet. "I'm afraid all
this extra flesh is going to make it easy for you to win a race."
she says laughingly.
     Mark smiles and pats her broad, spongy back. "And you won't
be able to run away from me." She turns in surprise and he gently
takes her head in his hands. He gives her a long passionate kiss.
At first she doesn't know what to do, but then she puts her soft,
full upper arms around him and pulls him into her swollen body so
that he is nestled in her bloated flesh and silky fur.
     After several minutes, they release each other, but their
lips touch for a moment longer. Mark starts to talk but Nikiya
puts her hand to his mouth. "You don't have to say a thing," she
whispers. "Every time I was recharging you, I could feel how much
you wanted to be with me." She starts to walk to her unit and
then stops. She looks at Mark, standing in confusion and winks
her long eyelashes. He pauses before he takes a step. Nikiya
laughs and does a combination of run and waddle as Mark follows
her billowing body into her unit.


<80>
=================================================================
 DAY 45 SUM 46
=================================================================

     Mark slowly drifts awake. He tries to roll over when he
feels a soft, furry roundness blocking him. He opens his eyes and
all he can see is Nikiya's overly abundant torso. He tries to
think, "Didn't she recharge me earlier..." Suddenly he remembers
where he is, the events of yesterday and especially last night.
Smiling, he nuzzles deeper into her billowing warmth. 
     Nikiya hugs him closer for a moment before she opens her
eyes. "Did you sleep as well as I did?"
     Mark pulls his head back and looks into her smiling face. "I
can't remember sleeping better. Of course," he fondles her
expanded abdomen as if he's fluffy up a pillow, "I never had a
bed this comfortable."
     She laughs and partway rolls on top of him. "Then I better
make sure it stays that way." She struggles to her feet and goes
to the food processor. "While I get breakfast ready, why don't
you see if anyone else is up."
     Mark steps into the cargo module and looks around. He
finally feels free of all the concerns he kept about his plans
for freeing the Jharakens and can accept what he had to do was
the only choice. He walks toward the med-unit and Kayloc comes
out before he reaches it.
     "Zhila would like to talk with you," he says. "I checked the
reports and everything is better than I could have hoped," he
says while they go in.
     Zhila is at her display, watching the reports while sipping
a glass of juice. "I know I promised not to tell Nikiya about
your true feeling." She turns and gives him a concerned look.
"But with the number of disks she took and the amount of food she
ate. I'm afraid she's going to be gaining a lot of weight. If you
really care for her I know it would really help if you told her,
and if you don't.." she stops as Mark and Kayloc begin laughing.
"Or am I missing something.
     "Not a thing," Mark laughs, "I just had a good night's sleep
and I feel completely relaxed now that freedom has been
obtained."
     Kayloc tries to wrestle him to the floor. "Are you going to
tell her the other reason you had a good night's sleep?"
     Mark shifts his weight and catches Kayloc unprepared. He
twists around and breaks free. "You wouldn't be thinking about
the most comfortable mattress I ever had, would you?"
     Kayloc steps back laughing, while Zhila stares at him in
surprise. "Are you trying not to tell me that you already told
her how you feel?"
     Certainly," Mark smiles, "since I already knew she feels
soft and warm.." He runs for the door with both of them
scrambling after him.
     Once outside, they all slow down and walk to the dinning
table. They sit down as Nikiya places the last of the food she
had prepared, on the table.
<81>
     Just as they begin eating, Chireek comes over in a rolling
run. "All the recharging I did for you," she jokes as she sits
down, "And you didn't even call me for breakfast?"
     She begins eating as Darosh sits down. "Don't let her kid
you," he says as Mark fills her plate, "she insisted we wait
until everyone else started."
     Nikiya smiles and swallows her mouthful before she tries to
speak. "But there's a good chance the disks will have the last
laugh." She resumes eating and Mark notices that she is eating
more than she has been. He watches Chireek but isn't sure about
her.
     Nikiya smiles as she takes her fourth helping of breakfast
cakes. "You know the possible side effects of my using the
disks," she says before filling her mouth.
     Mark smiles as he fondles her wide, bulging back. "Then I
guess I'll be looking forward to seeing more of you." He glances
at Chireek, "Do you think you're having any side effects?"
     Chireek had stopped after a large second helping and slaps
her lower body. "Yes, I have more side than I did yesterday
morning." She looks at Nikiya, "It looks like the two of us are
going to have a lot of weight to throw around." She keeps from
laughing, but her plump flesh jiggles with her amusement.
     Darosh just smiles, "I can't say anything because she
probably means throw her weight into me." Chireek finally loses
herself and ends up on the floor laughing. "But we all know her
weakness," he reminds them.
     After they finish and clear the dishes, Zhila suggests a
meeting on what they should do today, or if they want to just do
nothing?
     Mark realizes they are waiting for him. "I plan to check in
with the systems and 342. I can do this through the console so
that frees these two." He glances at Nikiya.
     "Since all of you know about the 2587 disks," Nikiya starts,
"I thought it might be a good idea for Zhila to tell the two of
us all she knows."
     Zhila pauses, "I think all of us should have a discussion on
that. Why don't we plan a lunch time meeting? That will give
Kayloc and myself enough time to access all we can and make
copies of the reports for everyone."
     They all agree on this. Darosh looks at Mark and hesitates.
"Are you planning to keep living in your house?" he finally asks.
     Mark laughs at this. "My place having an open room design
will make your modifications easy. All you have to do is put in
double doors."
     Nikiya grabs him. "Are you suggesting that I move in with
you?"
     Mark twists and hugs her extra plump body. "Unless you want
to keep living in your emergency shelter unit."
     They all laugh at this. Zhila suggests that they wait for
the modifications until she has completed her research. "I found
reference to an experiment that might help determine how much
they'll gain."

<82>
     Darosh asks if he can watch Mark. "I'd like to know what's
going on outside. I agree we should stay here until we really
decide on our long term plans."
     Mark grabs his shoulder. "Earth is behind me. If I have my
choice, I'd like to stay with your kind."
     Chireek smiles as the four of them walk to Mark's console.
"You're as much one of our kind as any of us are."
     Mark sits down and activates his console while the others
make themselves comfortable. The first thing he does is establish
contact with 342 and the crew. "Everything went well," he
reports.
     "We've been monitoring the reports," Kadoon replies. "We're
preparing a module to come down as soon as we are in orbit."
     "We'll see you when you arrive," Mark replies. He opens his
mind to 342. <Everything is fine here. How are your systems?>
     <All systems are within design parameters,> he responds. <I
monitored your activities and couldn't have done anything better
myself.>
     Mark thinks on this for a moment, <I get this feeling that
there is something in your main processor you aren't telling me/>
     342 takes several second to respond. <I enjoyed working with
you on our way here. Now that you've arrived, there will be no
reason for us to work together.>
     Mark sighs, <I didn't want to think of that until you
mentioned it. Let's talk about it when I check in with you
tomorrow morning.>
     342 agrees, <The pleasure of working with you and improving
my, 355 and 358 systems has been wonderful.>
     Mark agrees, <Everything else has worked out so well that I
won't accept our not working together again. I'll contact you
tomorrow.> He uses his console to check in with all planetary
systems.
     Halfway through the morning, Chireek and Nikiya brings a
large snack. Nikiya smiles, "You didn't think we could wait till
lunch, did you?"
     They enjoy the snack while Mark continues checking systems.
He finishes shortly before lunch. 
     Mark stands up and stretches. "All systems are on-line and
operating as well as expected."
     Chireek pokes Nikiya's plump flank. "I can't wait for the
full report. Let's get lunch ready." She and Nikiya go into her
unit to prepare lunch.
     Darosh watches them leave and smiles, "I didn't want to
admit it before," he turns to Mark. "Watching Nikiya fill out, I
was starting to wonder how Chireek would look like a little bit
heavier.
     Mark smiles, "I hope you're happy when she finally stops
filling out."
     Darosh smiles as they walk to the table. "I'll let you know
when she gets there."
     Mark laughs. "I hope we can keep from going into shock when
Zhila tells us what they might weigh."

<83>
     Zhila and Kayloc have a small pile of papers at each place,
"Let's wait until they get here," she suggests. "The Jharaken
leaders contacted me. They accept that you want to wait but
they'd like to talk with you about where you'd like to live. They
want to find a house complex for you and will supply you with
whatever you want."
     Mark looks at Darosh. "I guess that makes it official for me
to stay. I just don't know what I'll do after I move in."
     Darosh smiles, "Maybe you can have 342 re-outfitted for
exploration?"
     Zhila interrupts, "If you have an idea of where you'd like
to live, they'd like to give you a tour. I promised I'd contact
them after lunch, if you'd agree to it."
     Mark smiles, "I think somewhere near here would be good.
Let's not ask them about 342 until we think about it more."
Darosh agrees and they talk about the few things known of the
other planets in this system.
     Chireek begins bringing out platters of assorted foods. "We
decided that we'd have a feast of our own to celebrate." The two
of them bring out a feast, big enough for ten. They bring out the
last platter and sit down.
     As they start eating, Zhila begins telling them what she has
learned. "The original dose would have caused Nikiya to double
her weight in about a year. The disks she's been taking will
cause her to add a bit more," she pauses for a moment.
     Chireek smiles, "I take it that I'm not going to gain as
much as she will?"
     Zhila forces a smile, "there's no reports on someone being
given the modified 2587 without an original dose. However my best
guess is that you'll stop with a total weight of between one and
a half to twice your original weight."
     Nikiya laughs, "You said that in the experiment where they
gave the modified to her twice a day, she weighed six times her
original weight. I've only taken them for about forty days, but I
bet yesterday did something."
     Zhila takes a deep breath. "I'd like you to read the last
two reports before we talk about it."
     They all read while they eat, Nikiya and Chireek hardly slow
down their feasting until they are well into the second report.
Darosh finishes first and gives a look of concern to Nikiya.
Chireek and Mark finish at the same time and also look at her.
Nikiya rereads the last page before she looks at Zhila.
     "It's only my calculated guess, but at least four to six
times your original weight is very likely. There's no problem in
adjusting your organs, skeleton, and muscles to this extra
weight. I can keep using my ability on both of you so that what
ever you weigh, it will be as if you were born for it."
     Mark smiles and jumps on her broad, spongy back and wraps
his arms around her plump torso. "It sounds like I'm going to
have a lot more of you to enjoy then I thought I would."


<84>
     Nikiya pats his clasped hands with one of hers. "When you
can't get a good grip like this, I won't have much trouble in
winning a match." She giggles and Mark feels her swollen body
jiggling under him.
     Chireek takes a large piece of sweetened bread and tries to
force it into her mouth. "If I reach twice my weight," she
mumbles, "we'll be able to get our males to do whatever we want
them to." Nikiya laughs and they resume gorging, with the others
watching them in shock.
     Mark climbs off Nikiya and Darosh motions to him. "While
they eat," Darosh whispers, "I think we need to talk." They walk
over to Mark's console. "Have you thought about what you'd like
to do, now that we're free?"
     Mark sits down and smiles, "That a pleasure I now feel I
deserve. Let me ask what you and Chireek plan on doing?"
     Darosh smiles as they watch the females feast. "I think this
gorging streak will fade in a couple of days. Both of us enjoyed
space travel and thought of seeing if we could get assigned to
one of the freighters."
     Mark runs his hands over the console. "If I can get one, I'd
really like it if the two of you would help me explore your, I
mean our, system. I know they'll be others who want to come and
they're welcome, but I'd like some good friends.."
     Darosh laughs, "Of course we'd love to come. Besides, I
think the two of us will need each other's help with them." He
glances and sees that Chireek is slowing down. "Of course, you'll
probably need more help..." He is cut short as Mark pounces on
him. Within moments they are doing their best to control their
laughter.
     Mark gets up and offers his hand. Darosh smiles and allows
himself to be pulled to his feet. "As long as you can get the
jump, my money is on you."
     Mark activates his display and brings up a map of the land
surrounding the spaceport. "What do you know of this area?"
     Darosh shrugs both sets of his shoulders. "There not much
except open land. We could ask for good size area. Chireek and I
can build a place and make sure there's plenty of width in the
doorways." He turns as he hears some one approach.
     Zhila smiles, "I didn't want to bother you, but the leaders
are sending a passenger vehicle to give you a tour of the
surrounding lands. I heard the last part of what Darosh said and
that sounds like a great idea." She pauses, "I know that the two
of them are trying to and possibly really enjoying the idea of
how big they're going to get. As they continue to expand, it'll
take a lot of care and understanding from both of you.
Complementing them on their size is good, but don't forget about
all the other things they are."
     Mark thanks her for the advice. "We've decided that the four
of us are going to stay together. I don't think they'll argue
about it." He looks at them eating and Chireek is only nibbling.
"If we live near here, where are you planning to be?"


<85>
     Zhila shakes her head. "For the next several weeks, I'll
almost be living at the local med-unit. There's a lot of our race
suffering from malnutrition and other weaknesses. I can come and
see them every few days. After then, I'd like to go somewhere
where I can relax." She looks at Darosh and then back to Mark.
"If you have room for me, I can take really good care of them."
     Darosh smiles, "We'll make sure to have an extra suite just
for you." He glances at Mark, "We were talking of modifying a
freighter to explore our system."
     Zhila smiles, "I don't think you'll have any problem in
getting a spacecraft." She turns as Chireek and Nikiya slowly
walk toward them. 
     Chireek tries to laugh as she waddles. "I have to remember
that she's had more 2587 and that I can't eat as much as she
does."
     Nikiya smiles and pats her bulging torso, "I'm just getting
ready for all the food that's going to fill me out." She laughs
and Mark runs his hand along her round abdomen.
    The panel beeps and Mark opens the cargo module's hatch. Two
Jharakens in official looking garb enter. "I am Muwena and this
is Chulen. We are honored to meet the human and his companions
who saved our people."
     Mark stands and puts his palm against Muwena's in greeting.
"I did what my heart told me I should. I thank you for the offer
of a place to live."
     Muwena smiles and motions them to accompany him. "We are
here to show you the lands nearby and see if there is a place you
would like to live."
     Mark motions toward the door, "There's no time like the
present to get going." They all walk and Kayloc joins them.
     Outside, Muwena guides them to a personnel transport
vehicle. "We have other things to take care of," he winks at
Zhila. "Fawona knows the surrounding lands and is most capable of
helping you feel at home." He and Chulen climb into a smaller
vehicle and drive toward the spaceport control building.
     As Chireek climbs in, she giggles. "It looks like we've got
some competition, Nikiya." The rest of them enter and sit down.
     A extremely full bodied female introduces herself. "I am
Fawona, I'm pleased to be allowed to help you and hope you will
tell me if there's anything I can do to help you feel
comfortable."
     Chireek controls her laughter, "Am I right in guessing that
someone was told about Nikiya and myself?"


<86>
     Fawona laughs and her bulging flesh quivers. "Yes, they
asked for a female who is definitely fat." She pats her swollen
sides and her skin billows beneath her thick fur. "I'm about
twice the weight I'd be in average condition, and if you want to
talk to someone who's already there, please call me." She climbs
onto the driver's pad and starts the vehicle. "Below each window
is a map of this area. There are three large homes circled the
Dalookans owned and you can have your choice. If you'd like to
build your own, the green areas are undeveloped and can be yours
if you want."
     Mark glances at the map. "Let's check out the undeveloped
places. The four of us have chosen to live together and we'd
enjoy designing and building our own home."
     Fawona laughs, her fat body jiggles as they drive out of the
spaceport and down the road. Within minutes she pulls to the side
and points west, to the grassy field beside them. "If you want a
home with a large area, this would be my choice." They all get
out and walk while she indicates the size of the lot.
     They walk up the small hill and look at the surrounding
country. "The back of the lot is across the stream and halfway
into the woods. The North is just past the top of the rise. South
is just past the woods, and east is the road."
     Mark looks the land over and estimates it to be almost two
miles square. He looks at Darosh, "We're close to the spaceport
and it feels good to me."
     Darosh looks at the stream. "Chireek and I can make a
swimming area and maybe a wet slide from here into it." 
     Chireek smiles, "A very wide, deep slide. If we build the
house up here, we can watch liftoffs and get a com-line to the
control building." 
     Nikiya agrees, "I don't think there's any reason to look at
other lots."
     Fawona smiles, "When you design your place, I have a credit
number you can buy everything with. This number is for
everything, food, clothes, and anything else."
     Mark smiles, "Tell the leaders that we're incredibly happy
and if they gave us nothing, the freedom of our people would be
worth it."
     Fawona motions to the vehicle, "There's something the
Dalookans bought that almost no one wants." They climb back in.
"There are a few that might want to use it occasionally, but I
think you'd enjoy sharing it."
     They drive back to the spaceport and past the control
building. The transport stops and Fawona leads them out. "They
bought a space yacht and all of Darnarius would be pleased if
you'd accept it as yours. There are many who would come with you
and explore the rest of our system."


<87>
     They let Mark walk up to the Yacht on his own. He marvels at
it's size and estimates it to be almost 500 meters in length. He
enters it and goes to the control room. Sitting down he forms a
light link-up and is amazed at the power he has available. It is
obvious that she is brand new. He opens his mind to the computer
and is disappointed that it has no thoughts of it's own, like
342.
     He goes outside to the others, smiling. "She's a dream. With
a few modifications, we can reach any of your planets in a day."
     Darosh frowns, "But she doesn't have a personality of her
own, does she?"
     Mark starts to frown, but suddenly smiles. "Come on in," he
says as he goes back in. They all, including Fawona, follow him.
He runs back to the control room and begins preflighting the
ship. He touches the com switch, "Spaceport control, This is
WHK327, requesting permission to launch and match orbit with
IST342."
     "Darnarius control to WHK327, you are cleared to launch at
your discretion. Good flight and thank you."
     Mark touches the controls, "I'll see how smooth I can make
this," he calls out as the grav-drive starts up. Everyone jumps
for a bench or something to hold onto.
     Fawona laughs as she just lays down. "I've got enough of my
own padding, so let's do it."
     Mark smiles as he mentally monitors the ship and they rise
off the ground. Once airborne, he programs a flight that will
bring them beside 342. He establishes a com-link, <342, I'm
onboard the yacht heading toward you.>
     <This is 342.> Mark can sense a touch of sadness. <It looks
like you've got a ship that doesn't need to be refitted for
exploration.>
     Mark controls his laughter. <When we match your orbit, I'd
like you to extend the docking tube. Then I'll tell you what
we're going to do.>
     <Understood and will comply,> there is curiosity in it's
voice, <342 standing by.>
     Before they reach orbit, they can see the bulky shape of the
freighter. Mark maneuvers beside it and the docking tube bumps
against their boarding hatch. "Everyone but Nikiya can wait, or
go onboard." He heads for the airlock with almost everyone close
behind. At the airlock he takes the end of a cable reel and pulls
it into the freighter.
     Kadoon and the others are waiting. "Mark, you did it, and
you've got yourself a yacht to explore with."
     Mark smiles and accepts the congratulations of the crew. "I
have one more modification to make to your ship." He says as he
connects the cable into a data connector. "I know that 342 has
been making some decisions without you telling him to. I'm going
to give you full control and he won't bother you anymore."
     Santosh stares at him. "We can get used to it." he stammers.
"There's no need for you to silence him."


<88>
     Mark smiles as he links with 342. <What do you know about
space yachts like mine?>
     342 pauses while he checks it out through the data-link.
<Yours has top of the line drive and jump systems. With your
ability, there's nothing that could keep up with you.>
     Mark feels his sadness. <I know your computer system and
I've checked out the yacht's. I can easily modify this ship's to
function without you, and can transfer your central unit into the
yacht, if you'd like me to.>
     All the displays flash with light from his excitement. <How
soon do you want to begin?>
     Mark sits down, Nikiya sits beside him and puts her fleshy
arm around him. "If you just keep a little energy flowing," Mark
asks, "I'll be fine and we can get this done in a matter of
minutes." He links-up and makes the few circuit modifications so
that the ship no longer needs it's central computer unit.
      Mark smiles as he gets up and they walk to the computer
vault. He opens it and disconnects a module almost one meter
cube. The lights continue to flash as Darosh helps him put it on
a cart. They roll it to the boarding tube and into the yacht. 
      Mark instructs Darosh on how to modify the yacht's computer
vault. Once he finishes, and Chireek is holding him in her soft
embrace, Mark connects the module. "How do you feel?" He asks out
loud.
     "You've installed a voice interface," 342 answers. "This is
wonderful. It's going to take me a few minutes to establish this
ships systems to my interaction circuits. Also, I'd like you to
find a name for this ship. As the thinking part of a yacht, I
don't think recognition numbers are what I'd like to be called."
     Mark smiles as he watches the displays. "Since we can go
anywhere faster than anyone else, how 'bout iIon Storm?" He looks
around and everyone nods in agreement. 
     Mark touches the com unit, "Ion Storm to 342, request
permission to undock and head planet-side."
     Kadoon answers, "342 to Ion Storm. Docking tube withdrawing.
It's been good to work with you and I hope we do it again."
     "Just as long as it isn't a disaster." He rekeys to the
spaceport. "WHK327, Ion Storm to Darnarius spaceport. Permission
to break orbit and land."
     "Darnarius spaceport to Ion Storm. You are clear for landing
sequence two."
     "Ion Storm to Darnarius spaceport, Breaking orbit. See you
within three hours." Mark looks at the others, "I'd like to head
out right now. But I think we should have a home to come back to.
Also, your bright boys might feel upset if we started exploring
without them."  
     Nikiya is beside him and she pounces before he can move.
Chireek laughs as she lays the weakened Darosh down and joins in.
Fawona moves faster than her size would indicate and adds her
considerable mass to their mass.


<89>
     Darosh leans up against a wall and smiles. "Jakan said there
was something about Mark that made him different. She should have
guessed he had some Jharaken blood in him."
     The wrestlers become a laughing, tangled mess and finally
pull themselves apart. Chireek returns to recharging Darosh.
"Next time," he tells her, "I hope I get the chance to leave you
watching the fun."
     Chireek smiles and hugs him tight with all four arms. "If
you try, you'll have to take me."
     Nikiya steps to the food processor and Fawona joins her.
"Zhila told me all about the two of you and 2587," she comments
as they prepare a meal.
     Nikiya smiles, "We have the two best males in the system and
they seem to like the idea of us filling out."
     Fawona smiles, "Chireek is going to fill out to about my
weight, but even Zhila isn't sure how much you might weigh."
     Nikiya gives a true smile, "I know they'll help keep my
spirits up. Mark says that he's always found plump, buxom females
more attractive and I'm going to be the plumpest, and with
Zhila's help, most buxom he's ever seen."
     Fawona glances at Mark as they fill platters. "I think I'd
like to talk with him." They serve food to every one and clean up
as the spaceport comes into view.
     Ion Storm lands and powers down. Mark turns to the others.
"We can use the cargo module to take my house and your living
unit to our new place. Then I can program it to return here."
     They all agree and enter the module. Within minutes, they
have clearance and are flying the short distance to their future
home. Mark holds the module above the ground and grav-lifts their
living module while Darosh moves Mark's console into his house.
Mark then levitates his house beside theirs on a level area near
the stream. He lowers the module and programs it to return to the
spaceport after they leave. They step out and it flies off.
     They walk to the stream and talk about how they can build a
swimming pool into it. 
     Fawona steps beside Mark, "I'd like to ask you a few things,
if you don't mind?"
     Mark smiles, "Why don't we talk while I summon your vehicle
and the one I apppropriated." They walk into his house and he
catches a few glimpses of how much she billows as she moves.
     When they enter his house, she smiles, "Do you like what you
see?" She takes a few steps that cause her soft bulk to roll and
bounce more than she was. "Have you thought of how much bigger
Nikiya is going to get?"
     "I don't think I want to," he answers. He smiles at her
disappointed look. "I want to enjoy watching her fill out and not
concern myself with how much she might gain." He sits down at his
console, establishes control of her vehicle and instructs it to
come to their location. "I know she's going to be a lot bigger
than you, but I care about her and my main concern is her not
being upset as she grows." He contacts the vehicle in the cargo
module and also instructs it to come.

<90>
     Fawona takes his hand and pushes it into her plushy abdomen.
"Just tell her you enjoy how much her body is filling out and
don't remind her that she's going to keep fattening, unless she
asks. I don't think any of you will have problems you can't work
out," she releases his hand, "but if you do, give me a call."
They walk outside as her transport arrives and she waves goodbye
to the others.
     Nikiya catches up to her as she opens the door. "What did
you talk about?" she asks.
     Fawona smiles and strokes her arm. "He's the perfect male
for you." She steps into her vehicle and closes the door.
"There's more Jharaken in him then some of the ones I've known."
She waves and drives off.
     Nikiya walks over to Mark, her fleshy body jiggles as she
does. "So, what did the two of you talk about," she jokingly
demands.
     Mark looks at her and smiles, "She just wanted to be sure I
had some idea of what I have gotten myself into with you."
     Nikiya frowns, "So what did you do to convince her, or what
did she do to give you an idea?"
     Mark laughs and throws his arms around her. "I told her that
my main worry about how much you might gain, is how you'll feel
about it."
     She wraps her soft arms around him and pulls him into her
spongy flesh. "Zhila's adapting my body so that what ever I weigh
will be what my body is built for. I know you were watching how
much she jiggled, so just remember that I'm going to be two or
maybe three times the female she is."
     They release each other and Mark looks out a window. "Why
don't you get supper ready while I talk with them about the plans
for our house?"
     She agrees, "Tell Chireek to come and give me a hand. She
can tell me about the house while we process some food."
     Mark promises and jogs up the hill. When he tells them,
Chireek goes to help Nikiya.
     "I think our main problem in designing the house," Darosh
begins as he watches Chireek walk with a slight jiggle. "Is
making sure the doors are wide enough." He shows Mark a rough
sketch of a open designed building. "There are two separate areas
connected to the main room. I added a third room that is about
half the size of those areas. We can use it for guests or if some
one wants to meditate alone." He looks at Mark, "What did Fawona
talk about?"
     Mark looks toward the stream. "She just wanted to assure
herself that I had an idea of what was going to happen to Nikiya
and if I would be able to help her if she got depressed about
it?"
     Darosh smiles, "With Chireek filling out as she does, I
think our worry should be if we can handle them." They both laugh
about this before returning to the drawings.


<91>
     They work on minor changes to the drawings for awhile. When
they are satisfied, they walk to Mark's house to show the
drawings to Nikiya and Chireek.
     "The food is on the table and we were just about to call
you," Chireek jokes as she sits down.
     They all sit and talk about the drawings while they eat.
Mark and Darosh finish first and make some final notes while the
females continue eating.
     Darosh looks at the notes on the drawing. "I think we can
get the final prints done in the morning and get the ground
prepared by tomorrow night."
     Chireek had finished eating and begins helping Mark clean
up. "With our abilities and the ease of the designs, we should
have it finished in less than 50 days."
     Nikiya struggles to her feet. She faces the door and puts
her upper hands on her round abdomen. She then holds her hands in
front of her and gages the extra width of the doorway. "I don't
think I'll be too wide by then," she laughs.
     Chireek laughs, "With the way you're eating," she pokes
Nikiya's spongy flank, "you'll be getting stuck before we get the
roof on." She tries to run out the door, but Mark leaps at her
and they tumble outside. Nikiya is closer to the door and follows
them. She suddenly stops and Darosh collides into her. She jumps
forward and he virtually falls out the door and joins them in
their physical discussion. Within a minute, they are laying on
each other, unable to do anything but laugh.
     Mark is the first to pull himself out of the tangle. "We're
going to have to put in an area for this." Chireek tries to grab
him, but collapses in laughter. 
     Finally they all get up and decide to call it a day. Nikiya
glances around before looking at Mark with a sly smile. "You
forgot my living unit."
     Mark slaps his forehead, "I'll summon the cargo module
immediately." He runs inside as the others stare at him in
surprise. 
     Nikiya smiles as they hear rock 'n roll coming from inside.
"It looks like he's fooled us again." She smiles and walks
inside, closing the door as she does.
     Darosh smiles, "Do you think she can take care of him?" He
turns and runs toward his unit as Chireek jumps at him with a
yell of faked anger. As he reaches it, he dives to the side of
the doorway. She is unable to stop and stumbles inside. Darosh
laughs as he dives in after her, the door closing behind him.
      Mark is sitting on the floor with his eyes closed. He has
taken the cushions off the couch and is sitting on one. Nikiya
quietly lays down beside him with her human portion leaning
against the couch. After a moment, Mark opens his eyes partway.
There is a smile of satisfaction on his face as he reaches out
and gently squeezes her hand. "We actually did it," he whispers.
"I never allowed myself to think of anything beyond freeing
everyone."


<92>
     Nikiya waits for him to continue. "I can't say I know what
it's like to leave your home-world." She shifts herself closer to
him and puts her arm around his shoulder. "If you wanted to take
Star Roamer and go to Earth, no one would try to stop you." She
smiles as he looks at her, "But I might try and sneak on board
and go with you."
     Mark throws his arms around her swelling torso and they pull
each other close. "I've only known you a short time," he begins.
"But I feel like I've been searching for you all my life." He
gives her a long passionate kiss.
     Nikiya pulls him into her extra buxom body. "I think we were
destined for each other." She tries to stop herself, but she
yawns.
     Mark pulls back and smiles, "I'm surprised I'm not yawning
myself." He gets up and she follows him into his sleeping area.
"I don't think my bed is big enough for you," he says with a
frown. He pulls the mattress onto the floor and out to the couch.
He moves it beside the cushions on the floor. "I hope this is big
enough for you."
     She smiles as she lays down. "We can have a large enough pad
delivered tomorrow." She frowns as Mark lays down on the floor.
"There's enough room for both of us," she says with a trace of
tenderness.
     Mark smiles and gets on the cushions. "I was just thinking
that before you finally stop growing, there won't be any room for
me."
     Nikiya quietly laughs and uses all four arms to pull him
snugly into her warm yielding flesh. "When I get that big," She
rolls so that he is on top of her. "I'll be the softest, most
comfortable sleeping pad you could dream of." She gives him a
long kiss.
     Mark smiles and snuggles into her, "And I was worried about
where I was going to sleep."
     They both drift into the sleep of two beings who have found
their place in the universe.


=====================================================

 design house
   order parts and build house

             don't want to be thought of as heros, the heros
should be the miners, prisoners and others who suffered

<trials etc>
          miners capture guards and put them in mines to work
           many miners keep working but now it is for themselves
          most guards surrender to prisoners
        high officials try and hide in their houses, but servants
        arrest them and take them to prisons.
          Most Jharakens know who was keeping them slaves and who
          was just enjoying what they were told to.
    they decide mine guards should work for twice as long as they
have.
     prison guards who refused to carry out executions are freed
and given reward
      those who ordered or carried out orders against the
Jharaken are put in prison
       those who just enjoyed the situation are not tried
        slave owners are judged by their servants
         Nikiya is to decide what should be done with the wife of
the high official
          Makes her work as waitress in Nikiya's former village
and to eat only when, and as much as the villagers tell her to.


==========================================================
It's like fragments of messages from home.

 
Jakan, and Chireek's joke about Mark liking Nikiya extra buxom.
(only they and Zhila know about genetically altered hormone the
female Dalookans used on Nikiya that makes it normal to gain
weight, and almost impossible, not to) they tell Nikiya and she
agrees that she'd love to pack on some more pounds in that
portion of her. they go to Zhila and even though Nikiya is extra
buxom she modifies Nikiya's fat storage so that her breast fills
out more than it would have with the same gain in flesh so that
she becomes super buxom.
===================================================

Interstellar Transport Class 4 #342 and the other two are #355
and #358)  

=============================
Personnel items to be shuffled in or discarded:
Jharaken crew get into Rock 'n Roll
====================================================

names and abilities:
description:
   lower body-grey to back wolf, tail with quad white stripes,
fore paws have fingers that are double jointed at pad/wrist
junction so that they bend back when on all fours, 
   human torso, slightly pointed mobile ears, human face, hair is
various colors with dual off color stripes. they can stand on
rear legs and walk some but usually are on all fours
Tells of their seeker and how he believes Mark can help them:

Planet - Darnarius
 three moons-Larren Motarra Curruta
Earth  Darnarius
60 min/hr  100 min/hr
24 hr/day  100 hr/day  =27 earth hrs
365 da/yr  320 da/yr  =.9 earth yr

Kadoon-the Jharaken who first contacts Mark
       grey body, medium brown hair, blond dual stripe, 5' on all 
       fours
Jakan-seeker(female)
Santosh-pilot black fur and hair, white stripes.
Aluta-pilot(female)<Meleina's mate> reddish fur, brown stripe
Meleina-engineer lt brown fur, burn scars from mine work
Tireeka-engineer<blonde fur, brown stripes
Zhila-nurse(female) red hair, brown stripes
Thoon-navigator blonde fur, white stripes
       carefree, drinks others to their forearms
Nikiya-other(female)<former Dalookan housekeeper
          glossy lt brown, stripes lighter,
          well fattened, extra buxom
            former master-controller of a district
             Northvale, district NT7 formerlly Grand Valley
Chireek-matter manipulator(female)<Darosh's mate>
Darosh-matter manipulator
Kayloc-male(Zhila's mate) former prisoner

Muwena-male official
Chulen- Muwena's assistant
Fawona- fat female guide

loften juice-Jharaken orange juice
sweet disk- Jharaken cookie
genhorm 2587
mine 42
You Rofweg! - insult
what the Zarook

Interstellar Transport Class 4 #342- the Jharaken ship
#355-
#358-
Day 4  43:40 pass Gort cloud.

