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Three Square Meals Ch 73 - Complete! (Patreon)

Published:
2017-03-21 15:44:59
Edited:
2017-03-21 22:46:42
Imported:
2021-01

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Content

Trouble's brewing at Genthalas Station!

Editing took a while as I had quite a few minor changes to make, and I'll do a final grammar pass before publishing it to the free sites.

I hope you enjoy the chapter! 

Tefler

Comments

Anonymous

Yyyyeeeessss!!!!!

Amathew2

Finally!

Anonymous

Woohoo!

Anonymous

You really don't want us to sleep do you Tefler? Haha

Anonymous

Boobies! I mean... urmmm.... I'm just gonna go read. ..

Anonymous

Damn, still got 1.5 hrs left at work.

Mkrayn

Cool! I'm in before the spoilers! And I've got 8.0 hours of work. I might have to take the rest of the day off...

Anonymous

Ahhh, perfect timing. I needed some late night reading tonight. :)

Anonymous

Thank you Tefler

Anonymous

the chapter's good Tef. spoiler alert:wish tashana n the maliri strand was resolved already but still good. ur more verbose than most writers so it wasn't that much of a surprise that it wasn't

Malthe Mørk Mejlby

No offense, but sometimes a serial format is really annoying. nothing gets truly resolved... I'm happy to have read the chapter and I think it's great but now I have to wait 10 more days to hopefully resolve some of the outstanding story arcs. Being an addict is hard.

Terra_Lupis

Just finished reading it and to be as unspoilery as possible I only have two statements for this chapter. 1: Tashana has really painted herself into a corner. 2: Can't believe that my comments about the weakness of the ship's superstructure were addressed.

Anonymous

Leaving work now

Anonymous
>>4358331

it's not an addict thing. don't think so. it's a writing thing. in these kinds of stories... adventure. it's problem, resolution n so on... while the scope builds. except for the wasteland sequence which was written weird and not that huge a resolution. we haven't had a major storyline resolved for a while and the buildup, continuation and more story setup is what might make u feel annoying. It's why novel writers edit books. to prevent that feeling from occurring and why open ended tv shows face this the most. midseason.

Evan

[Spoiler] REALLY Enjoyable Chapter! (Okay, so not such a spoiler!) Seriously, Tefler, you've written a very good chapter bringing together a lot of threads from previous chapters. I figure one or two more chapters, and they should be out of Genthalas Station and on their way to get upgraded Brimorian shields... and speaking of which... since the girls know that that was planned, did they take that into account in the planned refit? The Invictus should make a fabulous vessel for local usage after they build their replacement ship, down the road, which should hold the upgraded Invictus nicely in her own berth.

Sid1712

Loved the chapter Tefler. Can't wait for Ch. 74 already. Though i always wanted to ask you what happened to the last Terran Dreadnought (which was Norwood's) after it defected. Wouldn't the Terran Federation want it back considering they defeated the Kintark ?

Tefler
>>4358241

Yeah, there was quite a bit that needed setting up in this chapter, as well as Edraele's surprise throwing a spanner in the works!

Tefler
>>4358560

Glad you enjoyed it Evan! Yeah, Dana built in a certain amount of future proofing in her modified Invictus plans. :-)

Anonymous

Great chapter, but can we kill Tashana now, in a cool voice ( she's really harshing my buzz) lol.

Amathew2

Great chapter as always.

Jim lynch
>>4357819

Don't look if you don't want to read people's opinions on the chapter the only person to Blair is yourself

DemonHunterCole

Tashana makes a good point, when will John get to the soldiers and everyday civilians?

Amathew2

Kinda wish Tashana would get over herself already.

Anonymous

Tashana needs to trip into John at some point. I think her head would literally explode... On a more serious note, another good chapter Tefler. Hoping tadhana doesn't muck everything up toooooooo badly.

Anonymous

Great chapter - I especially liked the way you resolved Edraele's surprise. Regarding John's Kingship conundrum, for any Brit there is an obvious solution, is there not?

Anonymous

Damn, although not a cliff hanger, we need a quick 120k words to get through the next several story weeks. So many things going on, so many threads interleaving - and this is only the Maliri sub-plot.

Anonymous

Not really... Tashana is not going to try to steal the Raptor is she? Not with all the upgraded security that they put in place.

Old Salt

Jeff, it sure looks like she has her eye on the Raptor, but remember she has no idea how secure it is. She may be able to hack the airlock and maybe get the engines started. Imagine how surprised she'll be when Faye pop up and asks her, "What are you doing."

Grimlakin

You do realize Tashana is a caged animal abused for years. There is going to be a very emotional very fearful moment when she manages to soldier her fear and lash out at Jon with all of her power... Probably burning an arm off or something to that effect only to have him wrap her in his arm and protect her from the others. She will faint and her mind open... Finally that Jon isn't like the others... Then she can get on the path to healing.. And so can Jon while the ship is finishing its refitting. (and size upgrade.)

Old Salt

Another great chapter, Tefler. You've got me hanging on how much discord Tashana can sow and how that will impact the budding Alliance, all while John is working through his potential Kingship. Your writing skill has really grown to be able to interweave multiple threads and keep them all consistent with both the main plot and the individual characters . Very nicely done!

Anonymous

that was absolutely a perfect read today... i will lift many a beer tonight to you Tefler.... but now for the selfish question.. can i please have chapter 74 now =)

Jim lynch

Is there a part 2 to chapter 73 ?

Malthe Mørk Mejlby

About Tashana, I really love/hate her. I felt the same way about the Acem mercenaries' view on fatherhood and how babies are made in Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicles. I think it's when a conflict arises between characters because they refuse to talk, Or listen to the helpful camera footage they have been provided. I know couldn't be any other way but it's still triggering me. I really hope she comes around on her own, spying something that makes her rethink what she thinks she knows.

Evan
>>4360051

Imagine how surprised she'd be if her sister did that, too!

Evan
>>4360158

I'm not at all sure that it's possible for Tashana to harm John. Maybe we'll see.

Anonymous

GREAT CHAPTER!

Chefy

Anyone having trouble opening the file? First time this happened on the app for me.

Wookey

A few points: 1. Tashana is probably not aware that Raptor is DNA security locked. So, no John sperm = no take-off! 2. Maybe you should run a poll Tefler: to kill or not kill off Tashana? I vote for killing her ASAP. 3. Surprised about the tone of Edreale's orders to Cederan. Thought she had overcome that style of behaviour. 4. So the Assassin vs Sakura looks as though it is delayed till at least ch 75. 5. Another poll idea: should other Maliri Matriachs be under control of Edreale or separate Matriachs to John

Anonymous

SPOILER ALERT! WARNING! There are no spoilers in this message. --- message ends ---

PLRus--Founding member of the TSM F5 club.

Tefler: I loved this installment! Everything I expected and hoped for!... I did catch a few grammatical issues for you. Hope you are not upset as I offer them with the intent of helping you improve the chapter: They leaned into him, and sighed with contentment as he gave each of them each a kiss. Perhaps you meant “as he gave them each a kiss”? Hours later, when Edraele's stomach was warmed by his the heat of his cum Thinking one to many his there? Feeling the tension in his arms, Rachel voice was reassuring as Rachel's ? time, but when all our tasks are complete she'll be a formidable ship." Not sure, but thinking it should be another comma there “time, but when all our tasks are complete, she'll be a formidable ship." Nodding exuberantly, Valani replied, "They're been absolutely wonderful! Should it be They've been?

PLRus--Founding member of the TSM F5 club.
>>4359626

Not a Brit, but I am thinking you are talking about something along the lines of the house of Lords and House of Commoners? Thinking John could feel more comfortable with that as well.

Wookey

Be interesting to see how many from Literotica convert to Patrons over the next week.

Anonymous

And then: another cliffhanger at the end of raising chapter. Would you mind telling how long the story is supposed do be approximately at the end? 100 chapters? 150? I hope it doesn't end soon! I love your work!!

Anonymous

I am sad. That was soo nice, but then, tragically it ended so soon, and now my addiction is flaring up again already! I deduce that we're going to see some serious future drama with Tashana if she can't get a clue on her own first. HAS NOBODY THOUGHT OF WRITING HER SOME UNTHREATENING TEXT MESSAGES OR A FREAKING LETTER!?? (OR, how about this thought: someone actually _Asking her_ what information on Progenitors/Mael'Nerak she has actually seen? Actually, Faye may actually have access to the answer to that question in her historical log files from the previous AI incarnations from the visor/hacking-deck-thingie.) -- ok that may be a wee bit of a spoiler. Nice chapter, as always Tefler. Only, like all addicts, I want MORE now! (or is that I want more - NOW! -- ?? I can never keep that straight.)

Grimlakin
>>4362193

I can't get it through the app and must go through the website every time. This app is not the best.

Tefler
>>4362605

Awesome! Thanks for those, I've made the changes. Those were some of the bits I just edited, so they haven't been proofread properly. Thanks for pointing them out. :-)

Anonymous

A very nice suspense building chapter! I think any comments about killing Tashana is slightly harsh - it's difficult to fault her strong belief in John being bad when all the evidence she's seen would point to that (she's probably the only living external expert on Progenitor history in the galaxy). We can only hope she sees the error of her ways before lasting damage is done! I'm intrigued about Edraele's plan for Ceraden... she was clearly acting her traditional role in the call.

Grimlakin
>>4362978

I actually thought it was Tashana doing a clever communications hack to seem like her.

Wookey
>>4362748

With you there GPM, its another 2 week wait till we get Ch 74... Boo hoo. Who is starting work on the 3SM website and other paraphernalia to keep us interested over that period? C'mon Jedi Khan and Crazy, we need some creative input about how we are going to wait / waste the period.

Anonymous

How I wish that Tashana and John could have a discussion about whats depressing him right now

Anonymous

The elegant solution would be for Tashana to collapse into a coma from her blinding headaches and the tumor and John will be the only one to save her because of the tumors rapid growth. Doesn't really matter though, Tefler has all that figured out and we will have to wait an see when it happens. Please hurry, I need more to read.

Anonymous

I would like some of they tech and ideas to be added to the progenitor ship like grav tubes a deck for hospital for Rachel a big ass reactor for Dana the do her elements in plus a 1km long pool for jade

Anonymous
>>4362527

I was also intrigued by point 3, but have a couple of thoughts. Edraele is a goal-oriented personality built on an shell of memories, which presents the same potential dangers as AIs do (at least in-universe). Although she is no longer compelled to obey, she wants to. She knows she disappointed John with her big surprise, but he told her that smaller surprises were okay, so she wants to make amends. What he has not yet told her is that good ends do not justify all means, and by her knowledge/memories she is very skilled at achieving any given end by the most dubious of means. Touching upon issues like this is the hallmark of great literature, and I think this is what Tefler is trying to achieve.

PLRus--Founding member of the TSM F5 club.

Ceraden is about to be named the sole distributor of "Lioness Age Defying Skin Rejuvination Cream"....talk about turning around profits....lol.

Anonymous

Another thrilling chapter, with some fascinating titbits hinting towards later plots. anyone know how many plot threads we've got to wrap up now?!? Additionally, I'd be interested to see if Tefler was to go another route with Tashana, having her become an antagonist through an underground rebellion against John. I realise that she eventually has to become a member of the crew for "twins" reasons, but it could be a different story element.

Wookey
>>4364358

So Roci, are you suggesting that Tefler could write a "Sliding Doors" storyline with Ch 74A and Ch 74B? However, I think that Dennis Hannigan's view of blinding headaches and near death experience causing sperm consumption on behalf of Tashana is teh more likely option. Just don't know how many chapters till we get there.

Anonymous

Tefler Is there any chance that you would quite your job at $1,284 today UK time and start writing full time so we can all get our next fix sooner.

Anonymous

@David.... now... you're just being greedy here for more story! (not that I can't relate totally to that feeling myself too!) BUT... we have to let Tefler make that call...and he would be wiser to delay that until he has more than doubled his day job income before making that move (and this part pains me to say)...no matter how long that may take. Think of it this way: what if Tafler finishes 3SM and any sequels in the next 2 years - what does he do for income 3 years form now? He's got to cover his bases thoroughly before burning ANY bridges. You wouldn't want him and his to starve 3years from now - now, would you?

Anonymous

I think Tashana is suffering some serious Cognitive Dissonance. She believes John is enslaving the Maliri, but they all seem happy. Will her brain eventually realize that everyone is far happier regardless of why. Wouldn't a happy and cooperative society of slaves be better than the twisted "free" society she was banished from. Slowly she'll wake up to the fact that John is not quite the Tyrant she thinks he is.

Wookey

Am bored now...... How many words are you up to Tefler on Ch 74?

Anonymous

Great chapter can't wait for 74, dank it guess I'll have to!!! Thanks Tefler

Anonymous

Great chapter Tefler. After reading the second time I will post my speculations.

Anonymous

awesome chapter Tef! Brilliant.

Anonymous

Oh come on.......Tefler as always great chapter and it was just getting interesting. I am waiting to see how John learns more about what he is from Tashana. I feel for John about his ship, it is like restoring your favorite car. Again Tefler your writing is spectacular and improving. Great Work.

Anonamoose

Absolutely awesome as always!

Anonymous

I'm waiting to see what happens when the raptor is, confiscated, by Tashana. If Faye's backup Comm array has the range to really go far, or if the Raptor is able to temporarily host an Avatar. It will be interesting either way. addictive read, of course. Glad I've got a lot of homework to do. keeps me distracted from the desire to re-read the story. Again. or rather, 3SM keeps me distracted from homework.

Anonymous
>>4362727

I think I remember him saying that he wanted to stop it at 80, originally. I believe that has since changed?

Anonymous

Would anybody tell me what this 3SM is about?

Wookey
>>4368725

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away....

Terra_Lupis
>>4359420

Funny thing is that was basically the response when Irilllith was introduced, now we can't imagine the Invictus without her.

Jedi Khan

Well, that certainly took a lot longer to get through than I would have liked. First, I ended up going to bed just before Tefler posts the chapter, then darn work kept me busy for most of the first half of my shift. So now that I've read it, time for some quick review and speculation. Tashana, girl, you need some serious help and don't even know it. It's like you're in your own little B horror flick, watching as your world is turned upside down and everyone around you is "enslaved" without them ever knowing, and you believe you're the only one who knows what's really going on, but yet you really have no clue. Everything you think you know about John is wrong but you're too mentally unstable to think rationally and see the truth that's practically trying to slap you in the face. You're probably the type of person who would look at a world of sunshine, rainbows, and puppies as inherently wrong and needs to burn in the fires of your rage. Granted, I might find such a world to be a bit creepy and nauseating if it was nothing but that, but come on, Maliri society was downright toxic before; how is a little sunshine and rainbows not an improvement? Okay, that little rant out of the way, when Tashana had her little moment of “I can torch everyone and everything here with impunity,” my thought was “Yeah, until Alyssa shows up and bitch slaps your ass.” I would kinda like to see some sort of fight between the psychics, but I imagine it would be grossly unfair for anyone going up against Alyssa, unless it turns out that the psychic shields Alyssa creates can’t block fire. As for Tashana and Irillith, I’m thinking that as long as Tashana doesn’t see Irillith’s face, they can probably hold some semblance of a conversation. It’s only when Tashana lays eyes on Irillith’s unblemished face, which would have been identical to Tashana’s had not the last 13 years happened, that she goes into a blind rage. Same goes for her fear of John, although that one is a little more severe; the very thought of being in his presence causes her to panic. If the team can’t figure out a way to get Tashana and John in the same room without her realizing or perhaps forgetting that John is there, then they need to figure out a way for them to talk without her having to look at his face. On another note, anyone else wondering how the team can be so blasé about manufacturing all this new tech with the Maliri when they are so cagey about sharing with the Terrans? Doesn’t the fact that the Maliri are making this stuff mean that the schematics had to be shared with them to enable the construction? What’s to keep the Maliri from recreating this stuff later for their own use? What sort of security is in place to keep the schematics from being leaked to or swiped by a rival house? Perhaps Irillith needs to do a dive into Genthalas’ network and go trawling for spyware. Finally (for now), anyone else notice Ceraden’s little comment when he tried to explain why his profits were down? The Terran-Kintark war we know about and understand, but what’s this about turmoil among the Ashanath? What’s happening in Ashanath space? I foresee a trip back to Ashana immediately following the refit.

Anonymous
>>4369356

Following Paragraph is from chapter 70 "I have seen your statue in the Trader's Emporium on Ashana, and heard the story of your victory against the Drakkar," Cadanari said, focusing his black-eyed stare on John once more. "Unfortunately the Drakkar have become more aggressive of late, although I had not expected to see them in Terran Federation territory." I think after repair they will go to ashna.

Anonymous

Showing tech to maliri not a problem as most of it is shaped by john and alyssa and heatsinks done in dana workshop so they only get elements and poor armour copys and weak guns unless they have psi powers

Anonymous
>>4365095

@VycronDyz... Tashana has far larger issues than mere cognitive dissonance. She's had one or more fairly severe psychotic breaks due to her PTSD and repeated rapes and tortures. Her breakthrough acquisition of her psychic flame powers is a direct result of a psychotic rage break along with a survival instinctive grasp for anything at all to help her. The girl has HUGE mental issues to be overcome before any trace of a real, rational mind can emerge from her inner turmoil. I think the real problem here is that those best suited to help her are the very ones she's angriest with (with just cause, which only makes it even worse)...or the most afraid of (again with perceived just cause).

Tefler
>>4365515

I've written about 5k so far. I'll get stuck into some more now! :-)

Anonymous

I think Tashana actually makes perfect sense. Her only mistake is one she can't really be blamed for. She doesn't know that a progenitor can be so un-progenitor-y. (Yes, that's a word.) I also can't help but bow to this little sheme from a writer's perspective. It's as easy as it is brilliant to make the readers gnaw at the table edge in frustration, because they know something the character in question doesn't. And aren't those moments you wanna grab a completely fictional character and yell some sense into them among the best? Dunno how many others have already speculated, but from my point of view this the whole Tashana mess mght have to be untangled by a forceful confrontation between her and either her sister or John himself. I gotta say that the gang is awfully short-sighted regarding her, though. At least if everything is as it seems. They have quite some experience in dealing with unstable girls. This lack of attempts to break through her blockades is a bit curious to me.

Amathew2

I think it is going to take a neutral party to talk some sense into Tashana. As much as I'd like to see Irillith or Alyssa bitch slap some rationality back into her I don't think either would be able to get through. Maby Ceradin could have a sit down and talk about how he knew John way back when before he (John) knew what he was. I think Irillith was trying to show Tashana some video archives of proof that John isn't evil. Only problem is Tashana will assume that since it came from her thrall sister then she can't trust what she is seeing. I can see there being some sort of confrontation where Tashana becomes injured but John will still feel reluctant about "forcing" her to take his progenator cure-all. Unfortunately that may be the only way to seriously change her perspective.

Anonymous

A couple of observations and speculation. I believe Edraele ordered Ceraden the way she did to keep in character with her known behavior. I expect she will get him to the station and then put him in a room to meet with John as a surprise for John. As for Tashana I think she is beginning to notice everything isn't exactly as she thinks it should be. Maybe that will help to open her mind when the eventual confrontation happens. It could be she tries to steal the raptor or she tries to remove the tracking device or even when Edraele tries to meet with her maybe she does some spirit walking to help her understand. If she ends up attacking someone I expect that Alyssa or John will have to forcefully take control of the situation due to her psychic powers. I was hoping it would be resolved in this chapter but I was disappointed again. I really enjoyed the chapter, but I am really curious how Tefler will resolve this story arc. I guess this impatience we all feel demonstrates how much we are enjoying his work. The way he foreshadows events really invites speculation. It may be time for me to reread the chapter to make sure I didn't miss any clues.

Anonymous

Are you alright Tefler. I saw on TV that Uk parliament area is on lockdown due to possible terrorist attack

Tefler
>>4371967

Yeah, I'm fine. Parliament is in London, and I live about twenty miles from there.

DCM

I can see Alyssa doing another one of her wonderfully creative psychic moves. I loved the sudden event at the underworld where she hits the ground and the story instantly changes from everything we imagined. She could put a shield between everyone and Tashana.

Anonymous

After a second read through it to am a little puzzled as to why the other house rulers, previously so capable of getting assassin's, and pilots into the floating ship yard haven't ripped off some of the tech and rushed it back... a minor house that got a hold of reactor, thruster, power, weapons, armour tech of any kind would quickly be able to wrap up there little rivals... and maybe form a power block that could give pause to the John empire... enough that he'll have to respond/take the leadership mantle. Could even happen after they head out and get embroiled in something else... then the first they'd know is a telepathic mayday as his blue skinned voice suddenly got some pushback... it's not like an other house would have any quams pushing there workers to breaking to oppose the evil progenitor and his thrills... could even be miss twin until she got quad-verted to the John side... just another random what if that when barreling though my brain (that's what running out of chapters to read does :p ) [wounder if spin off stories or fan fic would be inappropriate. . . ]

Tefler (edited)

Comment edits

2022-10-30 16:40:10 What a beautiful girlfriend! I love how she is wearing her boyfriend's shirt even when it's too small for her belly. Has she ever tried to put her uniform back on?
2017-03-22 20:06:04 I'm glad you liked that one. :-) Those little burst of power are the most fun scenes to write. I have to restrain myself from going hogwild with them to avoid massive power creep!
>>4372546

I'm glad you liked that one. :-) Those little burst of power are the most fun scenes to write. I have to restrain myself from going hogwild with them to avoid massive power creep!

Tefler
>>4374204

Dana and co haven't trusted the Maliri on Genthalas with anything yet, except the enhanced engine schematics that John gave to Edraele. All the Maliri have been working with has been enhanced materials, but the formulas for Crystal Allysium is useless without a psyker to forge it. The Beam Lasers, Pulse Cannons, and Nova Lances are all Maliri tech, but they've been hugely upgraded by Kintark heatsinks and strengthened barrels, allowing more power to be channeled into them. Any Maliri brought onto "team John" as wards of Edraele, can be considered fanatically loyal, and would never dream of selling out tech secrets, even if they were able to get their hands on any! :-)

Patrick Briley

I have a creeping feeling that Tashana's complete distrust of John is going to make her easy pickings for the other progenitor. It would be as easy as having him offer to help her break Johns hold on the Malari. Something needs to be done about her, and quickly. Sometimes I feel like John is trying too hard to be a nice guy and it makes him blind to more subtle threats. He needs to just take Tashana and then worry about fixing things afterwards.

Lord Winter
>>4374850

To be honest, it's starting to become a tedious character flaw that detracts from the story. After his time in the military, plus what he's already been through, he should be a little less resistant to some of these ideas. A man of his life experience just shouldn't be quite THAT naive.

Anonymous

Awesome Sauce!!!!!!!!! Amazing job as always. And not as boring as the last visit after the PJ incident was resolved so far!!

Grimlakin

I think it's time for Alyssa to man up and put a reign on Tashana as well. I think she's pushed the good will of the team and there is simply no way they don't know her every move. If not thought. You don't think Fae is already monitoring her tracker and every movement as well as heart rate blood pressure and other physical reactions that show mental instability. I still think she is going to run, get picked up by the other progenitor. Be made into a real thrall. And then at some point killed or rescued by irrilith. But that's just me.

Wookey

So many different Tashana thoughtlines: 1. Joins other Progenitor 2. debilitating headaches force her to seek help 3. steals Raptor 4. Tries to steal Raptor but DNA lock stops her 5. Alyssa gives her a psychic bitch slap 6. John gets sick of her and pounds her full of the Maliri hair bleach 7. Sisterly showdown then reconciliation 8. Tefler's Patrons vote her off the island 9. There is never a word written about her again 10. Jade turns into a sexy She Hulk then seduces her 11. Jedi Khan and Crazy make a guest appearance and tag team her till she submits 12. She joins the Assassin in a John revenge story Any other suggestions?

Anonymous

Steals raptor, identical DNA to Irrilith as its been made pretty clear they are identical twins and she sees her face looking at Irrilith. Irrilith interfaces directly to Raptor from outside without needing comms link. Possibly riding on the back of Alyssa's psychic carrier. Could be interesting face off between electric/technomancy and Fire.

Anonymous
>>4369879

And really them not having psi powers so can't make stuff... I call foul... we know as a race there are a good amount of psi possibly floating about. Any defendant of original blood line would carry the trip please helix of doom and could be in other houses. Would only take a semi bright spy to see the magic psi shaping (or even over hear it from the babbling bleach blond bimbo thrills that seem to like talking and being nice) a computer worm could steal plans and video files and the like and with not to much skill at least get better than they have but poorer than the pimp-mobel is packing... which would still cleanup against just about anything else. ... take over the badlands... conqured the minor houses... go to war with a neighbor... kick up a stink with earth vs Maliri would make John and his tripping though earth space/allegiance to each a strain... not to mention might make him just swing to the god-emperor of blue tail way of thinking...

Anonymous

Why would she nick raptor ? She won't know it has ftl drive or is she just trying go down to her home world to steal another ship with ftl as she needs to get help from other houses ?

Muledrvr

I hope part 2 was in here..... LOL

Grimlakin

The raptor is as big as or bigger than Jons first vessel. Just with less cargo space and more engine and guns.

Hinterlands Man

Enjoyed this very sexy chapter. One part that impressed me: Descrptions of Dana's new element creation process. I was a little disappointed in how Tashana was allowed to roam around. She could do serious damage and I hope she comes around soon. Anxiously waiting for the next chapter to drop.

Anonymous

[sound of a penny dropping!] I get it! Tashana TRIES to steal the Raptor...and gets caught - by John! (and/or Alyssa/girls/Faye) perhaps they even let her do so...and Faye promptly shuts down the engines and they let her sit alone in a ship outside the station until they finally get her to TALK to them (may take a while). She can't harm Faye with her flames, and burning up the ship will only get her killed herself.... so yeah - n effective prison ship with comms she can't shut off... and engines she can't turn on.

Jedi Khan
>>4379014

And hopefully doors she can't open. She might decide to go for a walk outside rather than cooperate. If she was feeling particularly vindictive, she'd kill two birds with one fire blast by torching the ship and killing herself.

Jedi Khan
>>4378938

She's not a prisoner, and considering her past, they probably want to do everything they can to avoid making her feel like she's a prisoner (even though she feels like that anyways). So it makes sense that she's given free roam of the place. As long as she continues to act "normal" and not show signs of mental instability that could lead to her being a danger, there really isn't much cause from the perspective of the others to lock her up.

Muledrvr
>>4363289

Instead only an "extra large" pool for Jade, maybe water filled tubes like in "Seaquest DSV? " Then Jade could swim all over the ship lol

Muledrvr
>>4378017

The Raptor is just "sitting there", and she needs a ship to get off the station. She might think it "poetic justice" if she ran off with their ship. FTL and other stuff can come later. She wants "away" at the moment. "ANY" ship will serve her purpose right now. Step one, get off the station. Step two, find someone who will listen to her story of doom.... Etc....

Jedi Khan

Okay, let's start a list of people that Tashana might trust and/or that can get through her psychosis to make her see reason. Also include a reason why you think that person can do it. 1. Ceraden - he's male and therefore cannot be made into a thrall 2. Valani - she's not yet a thrall, and she's a Matriarch. However, now that Tashana knows that Valani is likely Edraele's puppet, the chances of Tashana trusting her have gone down. But, we have seen a slight glimmer of protectiveness from Tashana with regards to Valani, in the form of Tashana warning Valani to keep clear of John and flee ASAP. Perhaps Valani can make use of that as a pretense to get close, i.e. make Tashana think that she needs saving, and if Tashana can pull a "white knight" routine, Valani can use her power as a Matriarch to help. 3. Alyssa - bitch, she's got skills. 4. John - magical healing spooge, anyone? Okay, I'm tapped. Your turn.

Anonymous
>>4381551

Though we where all calling it "Maliri Hair Bleach" now. 😃

Anonymous

Now THAT'S a chapter. From my mild disappointment with the last one, this one's back up there with the best 3SM chapters that we all love. I'm loving all the comments that this chapter has generated too (as well as all the previous ones - fascinating stuff). I won't add much more as I don't think I could keep up (still LOLing about "Maliri Hair Bleach" tho) but I did want to mention how pleased I am that, despite the ever increasing crew, John's strengthening powers and the addition of a second Matriarch, Alyssa is still such a vital part of John's new life. Somehow you've managed to subtly continue this right from the very start of this epic tale, even with everything else going on. Whilst it's not necessarily "in your face" all the time, it's clear that without Alyssa, John would be fornicated. Can't wait to see the full-blown Progenitor Alyssa once she inevitably merges with Athena.

Malthe Mørk Mejlby
>>4382010

I think John will find a way to make Athena a 'real' person, I don't know how, or if, similar to the current evolution of Faye, They will only be able to interact with her in the astral world.

Anonymous

Been thinking about "Maliri Hair Bleach" - that sounds like something Dana would say. C'mon, Tefler, you have to get that into one of the new chapters! :-D

Jedi Khan
>>4382416

Remember the Fulmanax (the mushroom critters) behemoth that PJ fought and the sight of him (PJ) scared the living daylights out of Irillith? I called that thing "Shroomzilla" in the comments on Lit and got a good lol out of Tefler. Too bad it got killed. Probably would have seen "Shroomzilla" actually show up in the story.

Anonymous

So after a day or so of thinking about it, I am asking myself "if my reality is different than everybody else's reality, then whose reality is real?" If Tashana believe that John is enthralling the Maliri against their will in order to dominate their whole species - because she has proof of something similar happening 10,000 years ago, and she knows that Progenitors are evil conquerors - but all other Maliri believe that John is a great guy and is going to save their species from anhilating each other, then whose reality is the true one? Should Tashana continue her fight because she believes she is saving her people (1 against Billions), or is Tashana a heretic because she believes something nobody else believes? Tashana is obviously suffering because she has some knowledge that she believes makes her reality the right one, and is at odds with all other Maliri reality. (Admittedly those Maliri who have not met John yet still believe yet a different reality - but lets assume for this argument, that over time all Maliri will come to believe John's reality.) Would anything in the argument change if the Maliri were not genetically modified already, or would the same questions still be applicable if John were the first Progenitor to modify their DNA? Would the argument be easier to make one way or the other if John were not a benevolent? Or if John was a despot (did not share his power with his thralls)? From a purely logical perspective, if everybody but person 1 belives reality A, does that make reality A "right" and person 1 a heretic? If some average looking person walking in the desert suddenly pops up and says "I am your saviour - follow me", then do we not label them a heretic because they do not believe what the majority "knows" to be true? If some person "with a crazy look in their eye" suddenly starts telling people that the earth is not flat and that it revolves around a sun, do we not need to purge society of this lunatic, just in case they mislead some weak people away from "what we know is true" (that the earth is flat and only heaven is above it.) I don't really want to give any even darker examples, but I am sure that it is not hard to imagine what may be accomplished by people who believe one "reality" against others who believe a different "reality". I just find it interesting that Tashana is definitely right in her own eyes, but definitely wrong in everybody elses eyes. And yet both sides are "right". I am not saying that this is the first time that this conundrum has ever popped up in sci-fi literature, but I think that it is because of this level of thoughfulness and robustness that 3SM is so fulfilling to consume. I have read several comments here where some people are suggesting that Tashana needs to be stopped, while others believe that Tashana needs to be "educated" with the new reality. I find these points of view so very interesting, because they are both right - and of course both wrong. There have been other instances of this sort of complex multi-dimensional thoughtfulness throughout 3SM - in fact the more times that I re-read it, the more that I see, some examples of which are: Kirrix of course don't believe that they themsevles are monsters, but species do, Progenitors probably do believe that they are gods and in many ways they are, but "not my god" The Terran Federation is supposed to be "the good guys", but are rife with corruption and politcal motivations and want to take John's tech in order to continue their domination and expansion of space, And probably the biggest instance - if John rewrites his thralls DNA, then are the girls really still themselves, or are they simply beautiful and brilliant but misguided zombies? There are so many more examples, and I know that Tefler has said that he just writes linearly and poof there it is, and that he gets ideas from the science fiction that is all around us, and that may be so, but even then he has to apply the ideas in a meaningful way to the characters and settings in our story - which is not easy. I really do think that this is a big part of what makes Tefler's drug so addictive. I liken our story to many great animated films, the content can appeal to 5 year olds, and 50 year olds simultaneously. Kids get the fart jokes, slap stick and basic feelings like fear, and love. Adults get the more sophisticated hidden jokes in the dialog, the moral conundrums and social commentatary (two of my favourites are Flushed Away and Wall-e.) Sure 3SM has scintillating sex scenes, and powerful fight scenes, and immersive adventure scenes, and interesting tech build and discovery scenes, all of which combines to make it a good story. But underlying (or overarching) all of these is the fabric of complex and thoughful character development, social norm and psychological questioning, and as mentioned here multiple simultaneous realities, and these are what make our story great. Just something that I was thinking about.

Jedi Khan
>>4383817

Man, and I thought I was prone to putting up walls of text. You went deep, way deep. Like philosophy deep. Good job! ;-)

Anonymous

This is the tale that never ends, it just goes on and on my friend, some people started reading it not knowing what it was , And they'll continue reading it forever just because, It is the tale that never ends...... where are Shari Lewis and Lambchop when you need them? So the Invictus is back in the shop — again (Had a Triumph Spitfire like that once) ....then back to see the Ashanna — again . Maybe they kind find some great old technology while they root through their wreckers yard for spare parts.... then back to Oceanus — again for another beach holiday — then probably back to see Charles at the Olympus Shipyard — again while you are at it. To make matters worse you open up a couple new plot lines - a new race of villains who for some reason are allowed to reactivate ancient but ominous technology at Underworld because for the first time in the entire story Dana isn't curious about alien technology; plus an obviously deeply mentally disturbed, highly dangerous Tashanna is allowed to foment a rebellion among the Maliri. Why? Because for some strange reason the crew and Madame Machiavelli herself, Edraele, decided to allow a crazy woman with superpowers, who has every reason to hate them, to roam freely among them. Meanwhile nothing further has happened along the main plot line with the escalating conflict between the progenitors in a half million words and you keep on tossing in a bewildering array of new characters with vaguely elvish names to clutter up the story more. So yes I'm really starting to believe that — This is the tale that never ends....

Anonymous
>>4384314

Isn't it great? I think that this is a difference between mainstream historical writing - where stories generally had to be bite-sized crisp and efficient executions of a plot, or else your average reader wouldn't even pick it up because the book is too big. Nor would publishers allow very many long books to be published - that's what editors do right, strip it to the bones while (hopefully) keeping the story similar. With digital literature we don't have to worry so much about that - especially if the story is delivered over time. I think that 3SM, like a lot of newer literature, might be viewed more as a video game than a tv-show if I can use that metaphor. We are immersed in the story at ground level, where we have to (in many cases) micro-manage the characters to achieve our goals, and yes, sometimes we have to go back over the same levels because things have changed (and there are only so many locations that you want to introduce.) With a tv show everything has to tie off nicely in one 1/2 hour with a one hour special at the end of every year. In my metaphor John and the crew are levelling up, while they complete storyline tasks and optional tasks. While I can totally see how this story can be seen as a never ending story, I can also appreciate that it is providing a level of depth that I personally like (but not everybody will I am sure.) I actually like to revisit locations and characters to see what has changed now that time has passed and the characters have levelled up. For instance even if they go back to see Charles, things will be different. I am sure that Tefler could have broken the story up into timelines, removed some redundant or less important content (but possibly have left out some 'fan favourite' scenes,) and packaged it up into a sci-fi trilogy or two. But I sort of like the immersion that you get when you live (literally) for years with the characters and see it all unfold as if you were there with them. Yes if not written well, that could easily become lame filler that gets skipped. I am not saying one way or the other whether the story is too long, or redundant, each reader will have to decide for themselves on that. I know that it is not for everybody, but this level of depth is what I have always craved in my escapism - and historically never gotten - until recently. The downside of course, as some other people have commented, is that the author may stop before completion - which has happended to me in other stories. But even so, I would not give those "experiences" back even though uncompleted. Its not for everyone I know, but if this is a sci-fi soap opera, then I am in for a box of tide.

Anonymous

Yeah I agree Mike Stone!

Anonymous

What Jeff, you mean you didn't like the Dr. Jeckyll and Mr Hyde go cruising the space lanes for hot chicks and galactic conquest subplot?

Anonymous
>>4399489

You interrupted my (as usual) long winded ressponse, so I made my response even longer :) So to answer your last question. Of course I like the whole "cruising for hot chicks" subplot. You could feel the evil trickling to the surface (trickling is the wrong word but nevertheless,) but when the evil was released and our connection to the light was removed... well it was intense. On a side note it is the same reason that I cannot watch Schindler's List ever again - even though I thought it was one of the best movies ever made (on so many levels.) I am not saying anything political at all. That is not my thing. I just have a limit of drama that I feel comfortable with. Otherwise my "escapism" turns into reality - and I get enough of that already thank you very much :) My wife just loves to wallow in every drama on the tv, and I just shake my head... Now what I wanted to say was that while I am totally old enough for Babylon 5 (and then some), I actually never got in it. Can't say why, I guess that I never gave it a chance. I think at that time, I just preferred most of my science fiction in book form maybe. In fact I never even watched a single episode of Doctor Who after Tom Baker left. Somehow my viewing centered around Sarah Jane Smith and a little of Leela. Hmmm... Anyway... I totally get where you are coming from. You make valid points, and some chapters can feel like filler because the "event" chapters are so explosive. Most mainstream writers would leave these chapters out, or skinny them down to a paragraph or two - and that is fine. But in my view, that removes us from the narrative. Thankfully Tefler does not force us to read every minute of the day - about how everybody's bowel movements are, etc., but in a sort of reality-tv sort of way he makes sure that we are not left having to put everything together in our minds based on one wrapup paragraph every time we get a new chapter. It is a huge difference, and perhaps so much so that some people can't "slow it down" enough for that level of pacing. I can think one analogy might be when you have to fly across a galaxy in a video game every time you need to get somewhere, instead of having stargates appear when you have uncovered the area, so that you don't "waste your time" going through the same space over and over. But when you are flying across the galaxy every time, you are still immmersed in it - still enjoying it even if you are just enjoying the art and being in the world still. If you watch every episode of just about any science fiction tv show back to back (binge watching) you would be surprised how disconnected they are and how often you are pulled out of the world. And somehow you have to to put yourself back into the world. And this is worse with movie sequels because the actors usually age several years between episodes. What I am saying is that there are two completely separate ways of approaching the journey - and very much depend upon the type of personality of the viewer, as to which they prefer. There seems to be a rhythm to 3SM where something important happens, then there are a few chapters of feedback and setup for the next important thing. This usually happens because they are off to a new location and even though they are fast - they are not "that" fast. But to me that is actually a good thing. Yes it is a slower pacing and in some ways repetitive, but (again to me) that emphasizes the event chapters even more. Sort of like the briefing and debriefing surrounding a mission (again in a video game metaphor.) It gives you time to relax and regroup (and have a coffee or whatever) for the next mission. It totally fits in the whole soap-opera verbose format, but it does not fit into episodic content - so I get where you are coming from. I am just so happy that there are works like this where you can "stay in the game" longer. And having a new chapter every week or two fits this very nicely. It will be up to each reader to decide what is right for them of course.

Anonymous

What a self grandiosingdiatribe

Old Salt

Malcolm, interesting, but not very informative, comment. The guideline that have evolved in this support group encourage wide ranging discussions on all aspects of the 3SM universe. Your comment is,to be polite, not in keeping with those guidelines. Why not explain, courteously, your views. If others don't agree,fine. They can explain their views. Much more pleasant for everyone.

Jedi Khan
>>4407117

Welcome to the Internet, Malcolm. Self-guided tours are available 24/7. Have a nice day.

Anonymous

Why is it 4:00 ahead of Terra?  The planets have different length days and years and it happens to be exactly 4 hours ahead? How about "It is currently 3:57 ahead of Terra"? Implying it changes gradually. Or "It is nearly 4 hours ahead of Terra"

Jedi Khan
>>4421566

If you want to get even more technical, is the Maliri "hour" even the same amount of time as a Terran "hour"? How about a Maliri "minute" or "second"? Is there an exchange rate between Terran and Maliri time, i.e. one Terran minute equals x Maliri minute(s)?

Anonymous

What is Faye doing during the refit? Exploring the digital network of the station and planet? Looking for signals, devices, etc that would compromise the security of the station? Running robots to assist with the upgrades? Writing the code for the upgrade?

Anonymous

If all of John's crew are now psychic, could they establish links to themselves without going through Alyssa?  Will it require her to be knocked out to find out?  This is another area where John might have an advantage.

Anonymous
>>4436475

In one of the chapters I believe that Tefler wrote that they would go through the Matriarch, or through John if there is no Matriarch (until a new Matriarch is "appointed")

Anonymous
>>4436475

Yes... That is my point, what if that was no longer a limit.

Anonymous
>>4436475

I can't be sure, but my interpretation of some of the early chapters is that the Matriarch structure is put in place to remove the limit of going directly to the progenitor. It allows John to focus on the key elements (making the key decisions) and his matriarchs to handle the thralls to execute his decisions. Although historically a progenitor has only one matriarch, John already has two, and I am more apt to think that he could have a matriarch for every species that he is going to rule or command. Tefler has not led us to believe that that is the case, but in any organization the only way to scale is to have an organizational structure of managers - freeing up higher level persons to do their job instead of micromanaging those executing to the higher plan. That is just my interpretation based on what I read.

Wookey
>>4436468

A few options for Faye 1. watching re-runs of the John and girls porn shows? 2. practicing her kissing in the mirror 3. Trying to encourage Alyssa to come back to digital realm for another round of hide and seek 4. considering the effect of Mailiri Hair Bleach on AI 5. practising flying the Raptor 6. Undertaking further research on everything - well there are 12 of her

Wookey
>>4436475

Does that mean there is potential for Faye to become a Matriarch?

Anonymous
>>4436475

She is the mechanical matriarch. Send forth the minions!

Jedi Khan
>>4436475

I'm thinking that the girls will all become sub-Matriarchs in their own right, managing their own departments full of specialized thralls like them, i.e. Rachel is the Medical Matriarch, Dana is Grand Engineering Overlord, Clara is Fleet Commander, Sakura is Spec Ops Supervisor, and Jade is the Den Mother, with Alyssa being the Grand Matron (yeah, makes her sound old, but give her a few hundred years, it'll fit).

Wookey
>>4436475

what about the other Maliri Matriarchs?

Wookey
>>4436475

John could end up having : - one Progenitor Matriarch with 6-7 sub-Matriarch; and - one Maliri Matriarch with 4 sub-Matriarchs Beat that BSP. John's chick power wins over his Dad's every day.

Anonymous
>>4436475

And the matriarchs and sub matriarchs scheme totally makes sense when we finally get green babies (and other babies). Or is that what you mean by den mother? Sort of like Jade's daycare and progenitor child rearing service?

Jedi Khan
>>4436475

lol yeah, pretty much. Jade acts so maternal with the other girls, especially during feeding time, hence the Den Mother title. Of course, it might be kinda awkward if John indoctrinated his own offspring, so sub-Matriarchs would be connected to thralls who aren't their offspring. Their offspring could still work in the various departments, just not getting doses of super juice from John.

Anonymous
>>4436475

My first thoughts are that any progenitor progeny are progenitors and so don't require super juice. I wonder however if that works for Jade's species. But we really know so little about progenitor lifecycle.

Wookey
>>4436475

JK, may be your idea of Den Mother could be part of Chapter 80. With all the kids her is going to have John will need his own Family Services bureaucracy. Jade is the "natural choice" to head it as she can sympathise (and become) with every race.

Wookey

Chapter 74 has the answer. Looks as though Tefler has decided that there are going to be two Matriarchs. With their mental bonding, both decided that adding another one was too muh. And John agreed. Was a little disappointed. Jeff's idea of one Matriarch per species had merit.

Jedi Khan
>>4469666

It can still happen. Both Edraele and Alyssa are still relatively new to the role. Since they both experienced some pain from bonding like that, they probably weren't quite ready for it, however given the fact that the pain was relatively minor (they got over it quickly), they probably could have done it with ease at a later point. Kinda like how Irillith wasn't ready for the eye projection ability when Athena first made use of it, but later had no issue when Dana revealed the Progenitor ship schematics. Give Edraele and Alyssa about a few years to get stronger and bonding with another Matriarch will be no problem.

Wookey
>>4469666

We will see who is crazy on this one in 10 chapters time..... LOL

bigdawguw65
>>4469666

not really hot on the idea of the other races Matriarchs but they wouldn't HAVE to be linked with Alyssa or Edraele to provide John with power . I think they just wanted the closer tie to better support John & each other .

Anonymous
>>4411778

"The guideline that have evolved in this support group"???? Reeellly is this what this is?? BTW Old Salt if there is a guideline anywhere i'D LIKE TA SEE IT, 4 REELS!!!!!!!

Anonymous
>>4436475

Somewhere Jade says, to Alyssa I think , "you just see me as a green Terran", or to that effect. My point is we this "Support Group" as has the same view of Jade!!!