Project Prometheus

Astaria Taran'konthak stood there, flabbergasted by what she had just heard. Her mouth fell open as she processed this new information, blinking and pinching herself to be sure she wasn't dreaming. Her rational mind told her that this was impossible, that there was no cure for the reproductive disease. But... a part of her couldn't help but hope that a cure for Dahkrel's Syndrome was possible!

"How... how do you know this?" Astaria questioned, her voice barely a whisper.

"I was speaking with Princess Korsa only a few minutes ago, and I was close enough to her where I could smell the pheromones coming from her body. I left nothing to chance and used a portable scanner I keep on my person to confirm this. She is with child, your grace," Liralee stated as she tapped her wrist and booted up the scan of the princess.

The empress stared at the scan of her daughter, and her eyes widened even more when she saw the results. Not only was Korsa with child, there were none of the markers that would result in a miscarriage due to the disease! Her daughter was not only pregnant, but if the scan was correct in its projection, she would carry the pregnancy to term!

"She's... she's done it!" Astaria exulted, as tears of happiness flooded her eyes.

"That she has, your grace!" Liralee replied, as her voice broke over this news.

"Were... were you the only one to confirm this?" Astaria queried.

"No, Your Grace. My wife, Felora, was there with me when I made this discovery. She could smell the pheromones as well, and asked me about when we had a moment to ourselves," Liralee stated, gesturing to her wife.

"As the wife of the ambassador to the Naucturi, I am certain you are aware of how things work?" Astaria asked.

"I am, your grace! I know that this is sensitive information and must be kept quiet until you deign to make it public knowledge," Felora responded, keeping her head bowed.

"Good! As far as my daughter is concerned, she must be sent home immediately! If we learn of what exactly she has done to cure herself, then we may yet replicate it! If we can do that, then we can distribute the cure to the many who suffer from this disease," Astaria stated, as hope shone in her eyes.

"Yes, Your Majesty! The way Princess Korsa was carrying herself makes me think she does not know she has been cured yet. Should we speak to her about this? Or did you wish to tell her?" Liralee offered.

"I will be the one to tell her! She must know so that she does not jeopardize her condition! I only pray to the ancestors and the spirits that this isn't a false positive!" Astaria breathed, scarcely believing what she was seeing.

"Very well, Your Grace. But... if I may, how are we going to convince the princess to come home? We are all aware that she is a bit... rebellious in matters of state. It's not like she would willingly obey any orders from us, even if they came from you, your majesty," Liralee put forward.

"I will send the girl a message, both as her empress and as her mother. There is no way she will ignore me as both," Astaria chuckled.

"Very good, Your Grace!" Liralee giggled, knowing that orders that came from your mother often had more weight to them. Especially in Khontaran society, as being a benevolent matriarchy, it was women who held the power. If something came from your mother, you damn well listened and if it was sensible, you did what you were told!

"By your leave, Your Grace, we should be getting back to the party. We do not wish to give your daughter any idea that we may be speaking to you," Felora said out loud.

"Indeed. Whenever I wish to just speak to her, she always vanishes," Astaria huffed, annoyed that her daughter still did that.

"Hopefully, she listens to the message you send to her," Liralee said, to which Astaria nodded. The empress then waved her hand and dismissed the women, letting them get back to it. Liralee quickly shut the machine down and reset everything as it had been, so no one was the wiser. They then schooled their faces as they left the office and headed back downstairs to the party.

"You know, everyone knows why she eschews being back home on Khontara. Why she does not wish to be among her family and the luxuries of palace life," Felora commented as they reached the stairs.

"She has much of her father in her. The adventures he's had among the stars were probably the very things Korsa always wished to experience," Liralee agreed.

"Why the empress doesn't understand this is beyond me," Felora sighed.

"Probably because the empress is of a different generation than we are. Remember the stories my old gran would tell us? Of how things were in the bunkers before we were able to emerge back onto the surface of the homeworld?" Liralee asked.

Felora nodded, familiar with their people's history, as it was drilled into every Khontaran during their formative years. About how they were a peaceful and just race, until the Xuul'khan came, slaughtering their people, no matter how innocent. How their people had constructed great underground bunker habitats to hide from the Xuul'khani. Just so they could survive the genocidal onslaught.

To ensure that the Xuul'khan did not go looking for these bunkers, a phalanx of nuclear weapons was detonated on the surface of Khontara. The resulting firestorm annihilated the surface, killing every invader who sought to end their race. Many of their finest warriors, many of whom were volunteers, were also lost, holding back the Xuul'khani advance.

In the centuries since, the Khontaran people survived, but in underground bunkers under martial law. Felora knew of the conditions in which they had lived, as Liralee's grandmother had grown up and lived in such a society. Their generation was among the first to know what life was like outside the bunkers. Thus, how they saw things and how the empress' generation saw things were very different.

"Still, I do hope that the empress does at least try to understand why Korsa does what she does," Felora stated.

"One can only hope," Liralee agreed as they descended the stairs to rejoin the party and their guests.

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

Empress Astaria was still shocked at the news she had received as she found her way back to her bed. The news of Korsa being pregnant was more than a little dizzying, as the royal physician, her sister, Nahn'tera, had said it was impossible! Korsa was infected with one of the worst variants of Dahkrel's Syndrome. The environment of her womb was too toxic for sperm to survive, and her eggs were also shielded by some organic carapace.

It had been a foregone conclusion that Korsa would never bear children of her own, and it broke her heart to hear this. Astaria remembered just how devastated and forlorn Korsa had been when she heard the news. It had driven the poor girl into a depression so deep that almost nothing could bring her out of it. That was until she saw and heard of the myriad of medical advancements that were happening in the wider galaxy.

Galactic broadcasters had announced that the Rondathan people were now able to move about and do things like ordinary beings could. Such a thing was a medical miracle, as the Rondathan people had been physically weak for centuries. Thanks to genetic engineering and a whole host of therapies that could be introduced into the womb, Rondathans would not need cybernetics of any kind to move anymore!

Sure, such things would take a couple of generations before it became a more permanent thing for their race. But the fact of the matter was that it had been done, when every other race had thought it impossible! Yet, it had happened because of the sheer determination of two doctors: Doctor Isthari Lohraat and Doctor William Kurljic. Both of the physicians were heralded as heroes for their work.

Seeing this had lit a fire inside Korsa that Astaria had never seen in the girl before. It was as if seeing that broadcast had given her the drive and desire to solve the problem of Dahkrel's Syndrome. It wasn't long after that when Korsa announced her intention to become a doctor and follow in her aunt's footsteps. While it wasn't what Astaria had planned for the girl, she respected Korsa's wishes and let her study.

Korsa had soon started making a name for herself in the medical community, first among the students, then among her teachers. How she had such a bright and sharp mind, able to recall anything she learned easily. There were times her ability to grasp a subject exceeded even that of seasoned professionals! This alone was enough to garner the attention of the medical community, on Khontara and beyond!

She made no secret of her desire to find a cure for Dahkrel's Syndrome. That alone generated no small amount of chatter, with some professionals believing she might do it one day. Some had thought her foolish or living a pipe dream, but that didn't stop Korsa in the least. Whenever anyone said she was deluding herself into finding a cure, that just made her work that much harder to find it.

She had spent years at home, studying everything the Khontaran people knew about medicine. Once every avenue of research on Khontara was exhausted, Korsa decided it was time to step out into the wider galaxy. Astaria didn't approve, but she eventually relented when her husband, Prince Consort Vorahlon, talked her down.

Astaria had been adamant that Korsa stay at home, so she would stay safe and find her way through life there. But Vorahlon convinced her it would just make their daughter rebel. They both agreed the last thing either of them wanted was a rebellious daughter. Though it hurt to do so, Astaria let their daughter go out into the wider galaxy, hoping to find a cure.

At first, Korsa had taken the safe route and studied at several other universities out in the UCW. She had branched out from being a general practitioner and had studied several specialties in medicine. The accolades Korsa had earned from her studies and work was enough to ensure that her name was known among the best of them. That her daughter was there, on the forefront of groundbreaking medical discoveries, made the woman swell with pride.

But afterwards, she had vanished, heading off in directions unknown, and often making the woman worry incessantly. Thankfully, Astaria received messages from her daughter, informing her of her progress. The messages also had video clips and soundbytes that were heartening to watch and hear. They had stopped coming some months ago, and the empress hadn't stopped worrying since.

Thankfully, hearing that her daughter was there, on Drahl'tothen station, put her mind at ease. She could finally relax, and news of Korsa's condition not only gave her a sense of hope, but she was excited! Astaria was already a grandmother, thanks to her elder daughters having married and birthed many children. But knowing that Korsa would be bringing her own children into the galaxy was enough to make her lose her mind!

Astaria then felt warm, feverish... even a bit lustful and shivered for a moment before grinning ferally. She quickly padded back to her bedchamber, where her husband, Vorahlon, was sleeping. As she closed the door behind her, the woman let her robe drop to the floor, sauntered over to the bed, and crawled onto it.

The man stirred slightly, not awake, but he'd come around to it soon enough. Astaria couldn't help but giggle as she looked at her husband's muscular form, licking her lips in anticipation. Since they'd married centuries ago, neither of them had lost their desire for one another, and this made the empress sigh happily. She was going to rock his world, and once he was fully awake; she was going to ride him until they both saw stars!

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

Back on Drahl'tothen station, the party was carrying on as Liralee had hoped. The guests she had invited were enjoying themselves and were impressed by their newfound heroes. Even Dagan Min had found himself a small fan base forming among the elites there, as they listened to him recount their boarding action, per their request.

A few of the snobbier elites were icked out by the presence of Dagan and even some of theDarkstridercrew. They wisely held their tongues, as none of them wished to offend Princess Korsa or her dates. Especially Alexander Dragic, who to them looked like a warrior in disguise, ready to explode into action at her word. Not to mention how he had cowed an accomplished warrior like Aruusha with but a single encounter!

Everyone realized there that while this band of unlikely heroes wasn't what they expected, they had stepped up when it mattered the most. Because of this, many of those who had gone missing over the years would soon be coming home. Everyone there owed these crews a great debt that could never be truly repaid. So them biting their tongues seemed a small price to pay.

There was also the fact that many of the people who had been invited to the celebration were charmed by the ragtag crews. Especially that older beauty among them, Gloria, who had caught the eye of many a man and woman there. In fact, quite a few of them were all jockeying for a moment to speak to her, but she rebuffed the advances of most of them.

That wasn't to say she didn't enjoy the attention though, as it had been quite a few years since she'd had someone look at her like that. It was more that she was waiting for a man or woman who could make her feel like Jonathan had. Not that she would turn down a night with any of the potentials here, especially Lohrgan, Dagan's Rondathan quartermaster. It had been years, and Gloria needed herself a little something to help take the edge off.

The dancing had continued well into the evening, with everyone getting their groove on. Everyone got some time on the dance floor, especially Alex and Korsa, whom everyone watched as they danced. They also took note of whenever Natalya or Kasumi were out on the floor, as natural beauties like them were rare. Natalya especially had caught the attention of some Naucturi men, all of them eyeing her hungrily.

If it hadn't been for Alex's display earlier, a few of them might have been emboldened to try stealing her away. But when a man of his stature makes a Khontaran woman like Aruusha back down, you did not fuck with him. Unless you had a death wish. So, they all kept their distance, despite their desire for Natalya and the other women with Alex.

Korsa had been very chatty with the people at the party, even more so with her own people. She seemed to be very happy to be around her own kind again and was genuinely enjoying herself. The other crews noticed this and let her be, knowing that she was likely a bit homesick. When you've been away from your home cluster for several decades, it was a given that she'd be that way.

The food was beyond spectacular, and everyone ate their fill, especially Korsa, who appeared to be ravenous. TheDarkstridercrew had a good chuckle at this, as they'd never seen Korsa with such an appetite.

"Take it easy, mama! It's not like you've never had Khontaran cuisine when we're out in the galaxy," Natalya joked.

"Young lady, do you know how long it has been since I had food made with ingredients that come straight from home? Do you remember how much hassle it was just to get our hands on authentic ingredients?" Korsa asked as she took another bite of what looked like chicken.

"Oh, I remember! That one vendor giving you a hard time about some of that pastry flour you wanted? I never saw someone so arrogant or rude!" Natalya replied, as her memory was jogged about the incident. "How did you get him to back down? You never told me."

"I... pulled the auntie card. Told him I was talking with her on the regular and he switched gears pretty fast!" Korsa fibbed with a giggle.

"I'll say! That guy was a bright orange and I swear he went white!" Natalya laughed as she remembered the childhood memory fondly.

"Excuse me, if I may have everyone's attention for a moment?" Liralee called out, using her fingers to make her crystal champagne flute ring. All the chatter and music stopped as everyone focused their attention on the Khontaran ambassador.

"Now, I know that this party was a little sudden and unorthodox, but given what has happened in the last several days, I felt such a celebration was warranted. The success of the operation that brought the Sahr'othka smuggling cartel down in a single day merited such an occasion. Of course, such a level of success would not have been possible if it weren't for a select group of individuals who are here with us tonight."

"The crews of theDarkstrider, The Steadfast, Bonny, SparrowandSilverare the ones who have helped make this happen! It is because of them we are seeing many of our loved ones returned to us! I know that many of you here have suffered under the notion of where they have vanished to and where they could have been. Thanks to the help of these crews, we now know where they are, and they will all be coming home!" Liralee exulted.

"Not only have they assisted in finding those we have lost, but they have also helped shut down the main arm of the Sahr'othka cartel! Many of those who have been working in the shadows for them can hide no longer!" Liralee went on, which earned a rousing cheer and applause from all the guests assembled.

There was nothing but smiles and approving nods for the help that the crews had rendered during the operation. Their help was instrumental in making it all happen, as this was far more than the Khontarans had initially bargained for. Liralee waited for the applause to die down before continuing.

"Because of their actions, it had led us to finding the empress' missing goddaughter! As their actions have affected the empress personally, they are all now honored guests of the empire, should they wish to visit!" Liralee finished, with much in the manner of congratulations and applause following.

"Honored guests of the empire? What does that mean?" Dagan queried, wondering about the term.

"Basically, should we decide to go to the Khontaran Empire, we will be extended the same level of hospitality, deference, and protection that is given to visiting dignitaries," Korsa explained.

"Damn! I didn't know that Khontarans could be that friendly!" Matthias commented.

"When you have their back, they have yours. Show us loyalty and you will have ours. It is that simple," Korsa stated matter-of-factly.

"I can attest to that as a fact!" Inari said with a grin, smiling up at her friend and shipmate of several years.

"As can I!" Alex said with a smirk as he snuggled up to Korsa.

The big woman smiled down at her friends, happier than she had been in a long time. They all continued to dance, eat, drink and just be merry, as this was a great night. Slowly, the partygoers started to leave, as they all had pressing business to attend to in the morning. This included the crews, as they were all just about ready to leave the station to carry on with their journeys.

"Do we really have to go? It's been a lot of fun just having a proper party like this!" Priya whined.

"Don't be too sad. Besides, I rigged up a surprise for everyone here! Yes, that includes you and your crew members, Dagan!" Alex told him.

"What kind of surprise is it?" Shazza asked, her eyes glittering in anticipation.

"No spoilers! Just know that once we leave is when the surprise will be happening," Alex told them all cryptically.

"In that case, maybe we should be going? I know we have some time to rest while traveling, but we should all be getting ourselves some sleep," Zuzanna stated, as they were all looking a bit beat.

"Sounds like a plan! Let's get ready to be off then," Alex agreed. The rest of the crews got a few more drinks and desserts in before moving to the security station they had passed through. The ambassador, her wife and husband were there, ready to see them off. As everyone gathered their coats, Korsa stepped up and spoke directly to Liralee.