"What’s up Valerica?" I asked and began repositioning.

Valerica took the opportunity to sit next to me and cuddle up. "So, I know you are going to be fine, but as a precaution I have called in a favour from my little sister, Serena. To cut a long story short, she has positioned around her troops, called in a few favours of her own and by the time you get to Lleon T1, she should be the commander in charge of all forces.

To cut another long story short. She doesn’t like you. She thinks you have weaselled your way into the centre of this family, but she doesn’t know the truth. About how perfect my son is~

She isn’t petty though and I doubt any political drama will come up. Plus I also doubt you will have any interaction with her during your time on the expedition, well depending on how long it will take, but she is, I will begrudgingly admit, an amazing tactician. I might beat her physically, especially now I have your super technique, but in the art of tactics? I doubt you would find anyone better in this empire."

"Oooh! I get to meet my auntie? I wonder if she is a milf?- Hey oww! Valerica, stop swatting me!" I begged, my joke clearly not landing

"No hanky panky with the relatives, young man! Not until you give me at least six more grandchildren with what’s her name? Kathrine! Speaking of, when do you think that will be? As you know, our technique keeps our uterus nice and ripe so the fruit won’t expire, but I would like more grandbabies sooner rather than later. Ones not tainted with fat fucks DNA would be a great present."

Not wanting to explain the deal with Jewel about seed sowing, I used a cleaver ruse to make my escape. I pointed to the wall and said.

"Oh! look at the time, I am late for that thing I need to attend to. Come along Nerissa, let’s go!" I then rushed out of the house, leaving the duo behind.

Hailey looked at the wall I had just pointed at and asked Valerica. "Do you think he is aware he pointed at the only wall in the room without a clock on it?"

Valerica sat back and shrugged her shoulders. "Meh, If he was any more perfect it would be trouble. It’s good he has his flaws, as cute and miniscule as they may be.; They keep him humble."

...

"So, a combat expedition. It will be nothing like our little fauna documentation the other Month, are you excited?" Yacob asked as he sat back and enjoyed the steamy goodness of the ’enclosure.’

As the snakes began to slither over, I watched them for a moment in thought before replying. "Yes and no. Yes because I get to use what I have learnt so far. Test my progress etcetera. No, because it’s war. People I know are likely going to die."

Yacob nodded his head. "Hmm. I understand. I was lucky enough never to be drafted into war. I got research grants and scholarships at an early age. Some would call it a disgrace, but I see my mind as a greater tool to Spartari than my corpse buried six feet under on Euc 5. But I do understand the hardship of losing those you call friends and family. That pain sticks with you..."

Yacob’s mood turned sour for a moment before addressing the third in the room. "How about you, Pretorian Nerissa? I assume you will be going to the frontlines? Are you excited to be back in action?

Nerissa, in her full gear, turned to Yacob and nodded. "Yes, I am excited to see what my friend is capable of. Also killing Drakoshi leaders is somewhat of a challenge, so I look forward to killing some."

"I see, I see..." Yacob said, seemingly uninterested in the point Nerissa just said before continuing. "Pretorian, forgive my questioning. I mean not to insult you, but would you not be more comfortable removing your helmet in here? I imagine you are incredibly hot right now?"

Nerissa stared at yacob for a moment before replying. "My armour has thermal regulators. I am not hot. But if it eases your worry, I shall remove my helmet."

Nerissa then fiddled around for a moment before her helmet came off, Yacob gasped in surprise. He then gasped again, realising how rude he was and explained. "Forgive me, Pretorian, I was momentarily stunned by your beauty. Though I will admit, for a person who always wears her helmet, your skin is a much darker complexion than I expected."

I smirked cheekily as I looked at Nerissa. "you know. I often feel the same way. Olive coloured skin... For some reason I always picture you much different Ness. I wonder why that is?"

Nerissa was nearing the end of her bloom cycle it seemed. From the snow white complexion the other month, she had then gone from cherry blossom pink to peach and now olive, the last two making her easily pass for human.

Nerissa smirked at me with her too perfect smile. "Because you are very overimaginative, Apollo, that is why- No snake, I don’t want licks." Nerissa then turned her attention to a snake that began slithering up her leg. She then bopped the snake’s snoot and it turned in the other direction and slithered away.

"Fascinating." Yacob muttered as he watched the snake slink away.

A few minutes passed and all the snakes made me think of something. "Oh hey, where is Sithrik? She hasn’t shown herself since the first time I was here." I asked Yacob, curiosly

Yacob then sighed. "I know. It’s tragic. I haven’t seen her either. I mean I give her free reign like Jim. She can go where she pleases, but she won’t leave her den. She is so majestic. Honestly, she could just be ill. It happens to even the most beautiful of creatures."

I frowned upon hearing that.That was saddening news "Well, that is a shame. I would have liked to see the cute snek one more time before I left. Oh well."

’Snek? I like it. It makes snake sound cute.’ Yacob thought to himself before smiling as he repeated the work. ’Snek’

Another few minutes passed before I stood up. "Well, thanks for all your help, Yacob. I am sure our research will prove beneficial in the war."

Yacob then stood up as well. "The pleasure is all mine, You kick ass in the name of our empire, son. I best get out too. It’s really steamy in here today.

...

As the royal grounds were removed from bipeds, a large serpentine head arose from the waters.

Sithrik looked to the exit and flicked her tongue, a curse. ’Curses! My plan has been foiled. The king is leaving. This iz not how I saw things happening.’

Sithrik thought of her options. Although she was regal, she was in a position where she had to lower her standards for a moment and do what needed to be done.

It was time for plan B.

...

As I arrived in front of the dispensation building, two figures were waiting for me "Morning Myu." I declare. The guards then let us right through without question. "Morning Apollo, you are looking mighty dashing this morning." Myu declared as she passed by the guards without issue.

As I was about to do the same and greet Myu, I was stopped. "Mr Lambdason, the person you are with isn’t registered. She needs identifying.

Turning to the person in question, Orchid, I then looked past the guards to Myu and suppressed the urge to smack them silly for their incompetence. "This is my sister, Orchid Lambdason. She will be taking over the dispensation while I am away. She can have a guest pass today, but going forward, make it so she has the same authority as I do."

The guard then began writing something down on his data pad before giving me a nod. "Very well. That will take two weeks to process. For now, here is the guest pass. Make sure she wears it at all times."

The three of us were then let inside after Myu and the moment the doors shut behind us, Nerissa spoke up. "Wow, Apollo. You are more than correct. That was negligence. I should bring this up to my order the next time I see them."

I had told Nerissa about my Sepiida plan to make sure I wouldn’t get into trouble for doing it. She saw no problem with it on the surface level, but could understand how serious this could become. But considering I was her friend and until it became obvious to the empire, she would keep her lips sealed on the matter.

It was after all something most Archons did, but just with human spies instead. The only major issue with it is aliens getting into a position of power in the empire, but at the same time it would be Sepiidae. No one would take it seriously.

And if the guards’ negligence was anything to go by, I was in the clear.

After entering the lab, I spoke up. "Orchid, why don’t you help Myu with the samples. You should have no problem opening the biometric lock. Myu, lead her to where I gave it to you last time. It’s in the same spot."

Myu nodded and replied.

"Ok! It will give Orchid and I more girly time, let’s go!" She said and dragged Orchid along, innocently, while Orchid gave me a pleading look that loosely translated to.

’Please let me eat this insufferable creature.’